Letter: Anna Jones Rankin to Gertrude Seiberling

Letter

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Name/Title

Entry/Object ID

A 2025.12.b1.f7.2ab

Description

Letter begins with "Dear Guardian Angel". The writer starts the letter by talking about a Christian Science healer pounding on her door to wake her. The healer also brought her kids and the writer let them visit. She mentions seeing a little girl that reminded her of Gertrude. She marvels that Gertrude's ability to accomplish things, mentioning keeping a big house clean and welcoming so many people to stay. She mentions Gertrude leaving on a trip. She begins talking about a concert. She mentions a family of musicians from New Concord and suggests them for a Club event. The writer mentions asking her father to send a picture to Gertrude since Gertrude asked for one. She briefly mentions a Mrs. Riggs and how she has annoyed the church by constantly moving. She mention's her brother's poor golfing and that her and George are planning to go out to Hinsdale. She asks if there is anything she can do to Gertrude prepare for her trip. The writer asks about F.A.'s knee. Then wishes Gertrude a successful trip.

Subject Person/Organization

Borroff, Anna Jones Rankin, Seiberling, Gertrude Penfield

Collection

PERMANENT COLLECTION

Cataloged By

Katrina Neff

Acquisition

Accession

A 2025.12

Source or Donor

Unknown

Acquisition Method

Found

Letter Details

Letter Date

May 19, 1907 - May 21, 1907

Postmark

Date and Time of Postmark

May 20, 1907 at 1PM

Postmark Place

City

Chicago

State/Province

Illinois

Country

United States of America

Continent

North America

Date and Time of Postmark

May 21, 1907 at 7:30PM

Postmark Place

City

Akron

State/Province

Ohio

Country

United States of America

Continent

North America

Stamp

Red and depicts George Washington; cost 2 cents

Sender

Name

Anna Allison Jones R.

Address

3200 Beacon St.

Addressee

Name

Mrs. Frank A Seiberling

Address

158 East Market St. Akron, Ohio

Primary Language

English

Transcription

Dear Guardian Angel- [Illegible] you doing something for me when you sent a Christian Science Healer who lives next door to waken me from my sleep this afternoon? She did pound on the door and came in and her two daughters came after so I had a visit They played the pianolo [sic] and ate candy and had a good time although the [illegible] left. All the [illegible] I have thought of you and yesterday I saw a little child who looked at me with your same eyes and expression. also the color of the hair and skin. It was lovely. How do you keep that look? As if you did not really belong here and as if nothing on this earth could really bring you down to the level of it. I don’t see that look in the eyes of many people- When I see it I think “Child of God.” You were more than good to write me and my thought was that I should write you- It was fine to know you were there when I could see you and feel the help of your kind heart- and then those pansies. They were so fresh and bright in [illegible] that I had the joy of giving them to some other people- So you see how many people thanked you in their hearts- You certainly do accomplish things in a wonderful way. Just the thought of cleaning that big house and on top it having all those people there would have [illegible] me down. Yet you had 1000 other things on you and wrote me a letter It will be fine for you to have this trip instead of having to think of feeding and caring for a whole [illegible] of people as you are always doing- Do you know that you represent what I so wanted to be a mother of several children and head of a home that gave itself to numbers of people. I didn’t want to go into a musical life but I guess I’ll have to learn that then and lots of real mothers who never had children of their own and yet give [sic] every body with whom they came in touch-and so I’ll sing and progress. Maybe you’ll hear me singing well yet and learning to be sensible. I am so delighted with the reports of the last concert- That the chorus did so well. Was mighty sorry to hear that Mr Williams had a cold. He sings that “Swan” so well. I do hope he has had another chance to show what he can do. Does he ever sing in Chicago or would he like to. I may have a chance to suggest him for something- Also I wanted to tell you of a family of musicians in New Concord who would do well in the afternoon programme [sic] in the Club and would not cost much- a Mrs Ira Hiell and her son and daughter. Play the violin cello and piano. I am anxious to hear how the Club has been arranged for the next year and if your troubles are over- I wrote Papa to send you a photo if there were any left. I am glad you want one. The one of you which is mine is where I can see it often- and gives me comfort lots of times. Isn’t it too bad that Mrs Riggs has been unable to change her ways in changing her place of abode- She has caused dislike in the church which she has joined, the minister told me- We are just enjoying the green leaves and a few warm days. How has it been with you? And how is Mrs. Bruot? I do hope getting well and strong and that she will be better able to earn her living than before. She has had more than her share of trouble. I have intended writing to her but have had troubles of my own. Had a wisdom tooth which had grown in lying down cut out. They cut the jaw bone and I have been not the most cheerful thing. That is why I have not written you before. Have to go every day to the dentist and have it treated. could not sing- and lived on soup for awhile. My brother is feeling blue because he is playing such poor golf- I feel sorry for him, but still I have to laugh- The little German has beaten him and becomes so puffed up that George is more worried than ever- We are talking of going out to Hinsdale to spend the summer. It is a little town about 18 mile [sic] from Chicago and George belongs to the Club there. Is there anything that I can do for you to help you in your preparation for your trip? I would be so happy to do so. How are all the family and is Mr. Seiberling well in his knee? I hope that the trip will be a great success and know that you feel prepared with the house clean- With love and thanks always. I am- Your devoted friend Anna Allison Jones - R. 3200 Beacon St. May 19th

Transcriber

Cindi Roke

Language

English

Created By

[email protected]

Create Date

February 4, 2026

Updated By

[email protected]

Update Date

July 8, 2026