Name/Title
Letter from Sarah Smith to Lydia CahoonEntry/Object ID
2000.FIC.02.229Scope and Content
Letter to Lydia Cahoon from Sarah Smith concerning her desire to see Lydia. She also relates the fact that she has received a letter from a doctor that her room is ready. She took the train from Toledo that Monday. She further relates her experiences in the hospital. She discusses the reasons for her non appointment as a teacher. She also reports on friends and family members.
2000.FIC.02.229A
Corning. July 14th 1875
Wednesday A.M.
Dear Miss Cahoon
It is almost absurd for me to commence a letter this morning, for I am not feeling very well. If the letter is like me, it will be a very cold, chilly, disagreeable affair. But I hope it will not. Perhaps a chat with you by letter will have as good an influence on me as talking with you used to have. Anyway I feel like doing so. I wish you were here to take a walk with me this morning through these woods. It is
[p. 2]
delightful here. But I guess I will first go back where we left off, so tired and hurried. Friday P.M. How it rained that evening, but we all went notwithstanding. I enjoyed the exercises very much. The house was crowded and many went away who could not get in. See, I am supposing that the storm kept you from attending.
During the evening, I wondered if you were there. My ticket never came. I guess the supply gave out. I was awake Saturday morning very early so as to start for home. You know little children waken so early if they are going visiting, or it is Fourth of July or Christmas. I am just that way, It always reminds me of a silly child. I think I heard you laughing, at
[p. 3]
Martha was it not, for running after the train and jumping on after it had started? Well, I did the same thing myself Saturday morning. I had to run lively. The way my valise, basket, and shawl strap, all full, went flying down the depot was very amusing to all eye-witnesses. It was a success. I caught the train. Arrived home safely, found the family well and exceedingly glad to see me. Also found something else not quite so pleasant. A letter from the Dr. telling me my room was ready and waiting for me here. I felt as if I must come immediately, as there are so many invalids who are anxious to come all of the time. I therefore took the morning train
[p. 4]
for Toledo, Monday. Imagine how surprised our folks were to see me. Five o'clock in the evening. I started for Corning. You can see that I must have been very, very tired. Consequently I did not enjoy the journey very much, was quite faint before I reached here. It is very pleasant here. The house is built right in the pine woods on the side of a mountain. Five feet from the door you can gather ferns, wild flowers, beautiful ones, huckle berries winter greens etc. We spend much of our time outdoors. I have a retreat off in the woods where I go once in a while and practice reading. One of the patients here is an Eluctionist. She recited some of her pieces the evening I came, and has been confined to her bed most
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Please direct to S. Smith care of Dr. Ingersoll Corning Steuben Co. NY
With much love to Martha and yourself. I remain Aff. [affectionate] Friend Sarah Smith
2000.FIC.02.229B
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of the time since. I would not enjoy having her hear me practice. The children would have me put the names of those who contributed towards getting your knife, and just at the last minute I scribbled them off for them. I find I omitted two. Katie Brinkes and Delia Gibbs. Now let me recall unpleasant recollections long enough to tell you what Uncle Edward said when he learned you were not reappointed. Said he "I am very sorry, very sorry, and very much surprised. I think she did remarkably well there. When he was told that no one seemed to know the reason, he immediately exclaimed "In that school Bound like everything else. There are so many wheels working within wheels.
[p. 6]
that it is most likely that some one wanted to get some one else in that place. That too without any knowledge of existing circumstances. Do tell me whether your sisters who teach in Cleveland received their appointments. You remember telling me something about it. I do so hope they did. And also do hope you will receive a good appointment before Fall. How is Martha's health? There are some very pleasant people here. Some from all parts of the country. Uncle's family are settled for the summer at Orange Co., having a very pleasant time. I received a letter from Fred, yesterday. He had already written to Willie Grah. The boys are having fine sport catching white fish and turtles. Very affectionately S. Smith
2000.FIC.02.229C: Envelope addressed to Lydia Cahoon handwritten in black ink: Miss Lydia Cahoon / North Dover / Cuyahoga Co. / Ohio.
Postmark has partially faded leaving some of it legible.
Postmark stamped in black ink: CORNING / JUL / 1?Collection
Early Family Papers: CahoonRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Brinker, KatiePerson or Organization
Cahoon, FredPerson or Organization
Cahoon, LydiaPerson or Organization
Cahoon, MarthaPerson or Organization
Gibbs, DeliaPerson or Organization
Ingersoll, Dr.Person or Organization
Smith, SarahPerson or Organization
Grah, Willie
