Transcription
Akron, Ohio August 24, 1939
Dear Mrs. Seiberling:-
Last evenung [sic] we went for an hour’s drive and returned about 9 Pm. We were sitting at 9:30 in the Pine Room (Babcox family center) when our maid brought in a LETTER--special delivery, air mail. In the dim light I could not readily see where it wasf rom [sic], but Mrs. Babcox at once said--“It is from Mrs Seiberling, I know her stationery”--- and as usual SHE was right. I read your most welcome words twice to the family there and to say that we weredelighted [sic] to have so full and complete a message from you puts in mildly. We all think you are rare to take time and energy to write to us at all andwe [sic] are espceially [sic] happy to hear that the arm is better, that you will soon be back to Cedar Lodge and thereafter, soon back to Stan Hywett [sic].
About four years ago this fall, Mrs B fell down stairs [sic] at home and broke a bone in her elbow. At Midnight [sic] I took her to the Peoples Hosptal [sic] for emergency treatment. The next morning an operation was performed and a sliver of bone at the tip end of the elbow was removed--it had chipped entirely looseand [sic] the XRays showed it had to berenoved [sic] It was a pianful [sic] and bothersome experience for her and when she heard of your accident her thoughts went back to her own trials at that time. We do not know details of your break or fracture-butwe [sic] are hopeful that it is not as bad as perhaps you first thought.
For the first timein [sic] my life I brought a small radio to my office this morning and have just completed an hour listening to Kaltenborn and others in London repeating Prime Minister Chamberlain’s address to Parliamnet [sic] on the awr war situation. I presume you heard it also and will also hear the POPE at 2 pM [sic] toda [sic] and Lord Halifax at 4:30 PM. Radios full of news on the European fracas now--same a sa [sic] year ago.
If all we hear and read is true, it looks like there is no alternative to war now. Russia perpetrated the greatestdouble [sic] cross in all history it seems, when she signed her pact with Germany yesterda [sic] and left the British and French missions--who had been in Moscow four months negotiating a three nation pact-- cooling their heels, while Molotoff signed with Hitler and bounced that bomb into the international maelstrom.
I see FDR is in Washington and s ays [sic] nobody need lo look to him for any sensational news-because his first interest in helping Americans get home from Europe. His mother, son, daughterin law[sic], Secys. Morgenthau and Farley are all there now--and some 45000 other Americans, including Dr and Mrs Elderkin, our minister and his wife. They sailed two wks[sic] ago on the Aquitania. Some of Anne’s teachers at Lake Erie are in Germany this summer and I preume [sic] everybody has some friends abroad now.
The world has come to a pretty pass when it can not resolve its troubles without a hideous war and we all hope and pray of c ourse [sic] that this one, imminent now, may be averted.
Is aw [sic] Mr Manton in the bank the other day and he told me how he fell into the water at Hessell dock. It was fortunate that he was not seriously hurt. He looks fine, better than I have seen him in a long time, tanned, lean, active. I wonder if you may have heard that Mrs H S Firestone fell in her home seven weeks ago and fractured a vertebrae. Walter Tunks told me at Rotary Tuesday that he had just heard it and called on her the day before. He felt it strange that no one had notified him earlier. He overheard the news accidentally and called. She will be in bed a long time--should be in a cast but she agreed to follow certain orders rigidly IF Dr. Hoyt would NOT order the cast. I guess after us oldsters get by fiftywe [sic] must be more careful in our stepping--especially in poorly lighted places.
John Frederick was over Sunday for a couple hours. He looks fine, s aid [sic] they had a wonderful month at Cedar Lodge and especially was he enthusiastic about a tri [sic] in the boat to Georgian Bay where they saw huge mts. [sic] right down to the water’s edge, with alake [sic] almost suspended half way up one of the hills---a great area owned by some NY artists where they hibernate in summers for work etc. John has a fine mind, a keen appreciation of good things--will, we think, go far in the world. He is getting a fine experience at Harvard and loves it. Edward says Harvard is the ONLY college. HE became so imbued with study and reseacrch [sic] there that he now misses it greatly. Says thathe [sic] may take up a law course nights this winter in Akron Law School.
I do not know your homecoming plans--but I wrote Mr Seiberling the other day that IF he wanted a car up there that was GUARANTEED to make the whole trip WITHOUT breakdowns--I would gladly drive my Cadillac up and bring you and him to Stan Hywett [sic]. I heard yesterday that Albert was going up soon--so I figure my offer is no good. On second thought I recall that your big Chrysler is a larger car than ours anyway and no doubt more comfortable--especially now, for you.
We find it very hard to picture you injured and in any condition except that of perpetual activity. It is a grand thing to have your philosophy of life. Not only do YOU have it--but you reflect it to others so that your life and your letters are an inspiration to all who know you.
The SOO is a\very [sic] dear spot to me. It was there in August (30) 1903 that I went with my father for his hay fever. After a few wks [sic] fishing, I had to return alone on the boat for school. I boarded the boat at midnight and the first person I saw was a young lady who captivated me--ever since. Next morning I breakfasted at her table, found shewasalsofrom [sic] Cleveland, talked to her 20 hours a day for all the voyage, met her family at the Cleveland dock, was a constant visitor at her h ome [sic] for several years and finally induced her to share her life with me.
That was on the old ship CHINA when they ran three on that route-CHINA, JAPAN, and the INDIA--succeeded later by Tionesta, et al.
So the SOO is a garnd [sic] place I always thought and every time we go to Hessel, we always have to go to the Soo to “Shop” and visit the dock etc etc--as a sort of shrine--where many things started.
I have no business writing burdening you with so long a letter about things like this--but we was were so happy to have your letter last night--and the whole family enjoyed it so much that I felt I must let you know immediately that your effort to write was deeply apprecaited [sic]. Your letter goes into the Babcox archives and amon g [sic] our treasures. Thank you again and again for it--and do get well soon.
If at any time or place there is ANYTHING I, or any Babcox--can do to assist you or any of your family--do please let us know.
From all the Babcoxes [sic] to you and yours our kindest wishes and always our deepest appreciation for the happy hours we have spent because you and your family were so very kind-and thoughtful. The HIGH-SPOT of all our summers was the one at Hessel. For this and for many , many occasions, we are in your deep debt.
Sincerely, ever
Esb
Edw S. Babcox
For years Marie has had t rouble [sic] writing, stifffingers [sic] etc. She writes little but will bewriting [sic] YOU one of these days when fingers limber a bit. She sends you her love and earnest wishes for fast recovery -----esbTranscriber
Barb Vargo, Roberta SearleLanguage
English
