Letter: Anna Jones Borroff to Gertrude Seiberling

Letter

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Name/Title

Entry/Object ID

A 2025.12.b1.f7.5ab

Description

[a] The writer starts by thanking Gertrude for an idea that will help her husband related to his work. He writes articles about musicians and the vocal arts and also makes recital programs. She mentions being surprised at herself for sending a telegram, possibly about not coming to Akron. She says seeing Gertrude and family is what Akron means to her. She then expresses hope that the dangers of scarlet fever are passed and that the cook is well. She mentions Fred and hoping that he will gain strength and thinks he will in a few years. She says she wants to talk over Miss Elandi's methods with Gertrude. She describes Gertrude as an "advanced pilgrim on the road to art". The writer asks about a Rachel Fease Green. She mentions hoping Penfield comes out of his difficulty nicely. She says when she visits with Gertrude, she'll tell her about Mr. Boroff's children. Then she tells Gertrude that Mr. Boroff will be reaching out about his terms and that she hopes they could visit together. She ends the letter, by explaining that they are going to mail some letter and that they are house sitting for friends who are traveling in Waterloo with their daughter and newborn grandson. [b] There are multiple messages written in pencil on the front and back of the envelope.

Subject Person/Organization

Borroff, Anna Jones Rankin, Seiberling, Gertrude Penfield, Seiberling, James Penfield, Seiberling, John Frederick

Context

Anna refers to Albert Boroff throughout the letter. Albert became her second husband in 1912.

Collection

PERMANENT COLLECTION

Cataloged By

Katrina Neff

Acquisition

Accession

A 2025.12

Source or Donor

Unknown

Acquisition Method

Found

Letter Details

Letter Date

Sep 30, 1912 - Oct 1, 1912

Postmark

Date and Time of Postmark

October 1, 1912 at 1:30PM

Postmark Place

City

Chicago

State/Province

Illinois

Country

United States of America

Continent

North America

Stamp

Red, depicts George Washington, and cost 2 cents

Sender

Name

Anna Jones Borroff

Address

4822 Madison Ave

Addressee

Name

Mrs Frank A. Seiberling

Address

158 East Market Street Akron, Ohio

Primary Language

English

Transcription

4822 Madison Ave. My dear G.A. You surely are that for who else would have suggested the idea which is to solve my husbands problem. He is not a heavy bass and while his oratio [sic] style is fine and satisfying to musicians, he is not popular when a big roaring man is wanted. As is true in so many of these western towns. He has written and in fact writes all the time articles of musical subjects and on vocal art. Has been wondering for a long time what branch or line of work to use as a drawing advertisement. Has specialized in recital programmes [sic] of which he has great numbers- Your suggestion was like a flash of light - for he has material all prepared and would enjoy that work - I cant [sic] thank you enough - We are so glad and feel that this idea will be a great success - and I’m so happy to think I can see you and have a really visit. I was so surprised at myself in the afternoon after I had sent the telegramme [sic]. I suddenly thought that there might be some reason for my not wanting to go to Akron. Up to that time it had only been how happy I’d be to see you and all the dear family- That is what Akron means to me now. Albert said that is why he advised waiting until morning to send the message. He is so full of insight as to how people feel and suffer. I’m hoping that the danger from Scarlet fevs [sic] is passed and that the cook is well and happy or at least on the road- Your letters have been as they always are to me the emblem of a hope and cheerful effort to be or do something better. I love the blue- The picture of your family all under the roof and yet bobbing out and in made me think of a little cantata called The Old Woman in the Shoe- and now I remember that you gave it in Akron- wasn’t it fine to have them all there? I hope Frederick will gain strength and think he will in a few years- I’ll be anxious to talk over Miss Elandi and her methods with you. You are a very advanced pilgrim on the road to art- I hope you find happiness in the work for it surely is time that each hour is all in honor of life and to be happy by the hour is our sure way. I am learning that more and more- Have you heard anything of Rachel Fease Green? I had a letter from Mrs Smith saying that she was going back to Berlin- I do hope Penfield will come out of his difficulty nicely and know [illegible] enjoyed being with him- When I have a visit with you I’ll tell you about Mr Boroffs [sic] children - They are nice children- He will write you about his tennis and I wish that you and he could have a visit It would be a blessing to him to know you as it has been to me- We are going out to mail some letters so will close this- Mr + Mrs Hogans are in Waterloo Iowa with a daughter who has just given birth to a son. So Albert and I are keeping house it is mighty nice. Your loving friend— Anna - Sept 30th 1912.

Transcriber

Roberta Searle, Barb Vargo

Language

English

Created By

[email protected]

Create Date

February 20, 2026

Updated By

[email protected]

Update Date

September 16, 2026