Name/Title
Letter: Grandpa Bragdon to Gertrude SeiberlingEntry/Object ID
A 2025.12.b1.f3.9abDescription
[a] Paper is lined like notebook paper but is thick and folded like typical letter-writing paper.
Letter starts with writer apologizing for the letter's delay. The writer mentions Gertrude needing to decline an invitation. The writer thanks Gertrude for her previous letter and describes her as a "born letter-writer". He mentions the presidential inauguration. The writer mentions Gertrude is having a good time traveling in Washington D.C. and New York but wishes she could have visited Boston. The writer discusses a "Mallie Cae's" marriage, alluding to it going poorly. The writer then discusses the importance of good health and the challenges of making the "girls" care for their "physique". The writer mentions liking the German language. They then end the letter wishing Gertrude and the family well and a good summer at the lake.
[b] There is a return address stamped in purple ink in the top left corner of the envelope which reads "Lasell Seminary, Auburndale, Mass." The postage stamp has been torn off the envelope.Subject Person/Organization
Seiberling, Gertrude Penfield, Firey, Katherine Seiberling, Pflueger, Julia (Ruth) Seiberling, Chase, Grace SeiberlingCollection
PERMANENT COLLECTIONCataloged By
Katrina NeffAcquisition
Accession
A 2025.12Source or Donor
UnknownAcquisition Method
FoundLetter Details
Letter Date
Mar 27, 1901Postmark
Date and Time of Postmark
March 28, 1901 at 12:30 PMPostmark Place
Village
AuburndaleState/Province
MassachusettsCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaDate and Time of Postmark
March 29, 1901 at 3:30 PMPostmark Place
City
AkronState/Province
OhioCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaSender
Name
Grandpa Boydon (?)Address
Lasell Seminary
Auburndale, Mass.Addressee
Name
Mrs. Frank A. SeiberlingAddress
524 East Market St.
Akron, OhioPrimary Language
EnglishTranscription
Transcription
Dear Gertrude
I began a letter on the 23rd that it had gone but find it “pushed under the pile”! Pardon delay.
I congratulate you on the cause of your declining our most hearty invitation – How I have longed for a large family no one will ever know. On our account I am – so is Miss Carpenter – very sorry. I had counted on that as a very acceptable part of our celebration. Such singing and by one of our own “girls”! It would be like Mrs. Bonjeurreau’s [sic] picture! Too bad for us – very nice for you!
Thank you for your good letter! You are a born letter-writer! full of news – interest and cordiality yet not effusive. I like your style.
You are right about Mar. 4 for Inauguration – one would think they had inaugurated enough
pneumonia to make them change that awful date. I was there once myself!
But you two are having a good time! Wash. and N.Y. I wish you had made it Boston – But you seem to find more in N.Y. Isn’t Boston the Hub anymore for music?
Sorry for Mollie Cae. [sic] Marriage does not seem to agree with her! Maybe if she had kept up with her friends + interest in things she would not have been nervously prostrated. Too bad! Mrs. B. has heard once or twice I believe but no reply to her last letter – We do not deserve it – We treated her well in Cal. [sic] [illegible] Sorry, anyhow!
Glad to know definitely about Grace + Ruth. The word about G. [sic] I got from someone – about Ruth + Kittie it was my own mixing-
I thank God it is so well with you all. What a blessing is good health. Do you wonder that I am so anxious for all as girls here to make good + better the physique? But, alas! most of them don’t understand the need and don’t help us as much as they might + ought in their own behalf— when you write to Grace “dear Grace” she always is to us + to Kittie remember me. And to the others nearer my regards. You are all near to my heart –
German is splendid. I like it best of all languages – I’m glad you like it – You are a good worker + shame many –
You will have a good summer at the Lake. And we shall remember your kind offer for a future time.
With regards to Mr. Frank + to the children a kiss each from their old
Grandpa Broydon
3/27 ’01 -Transcriber
Roberta Searle, Barb VargoLanguage
EnglishResearch Notes
Research Type
Content ResearchPerson
Katrina NeffDate
Jan 15, 2026Notes
Unsure who "Grandpa Boydon" is. They write with familiarity, so it appears they were very close to the family. Possibly an old teacher of Gertrude's at Lasell Seminary. They mention Grace Seiberling, Ruth Seiberling, and Kittie Seiberling in the letter. They also mention liking German, possible that they taught it.Research Type
Content ResearchPerson
Katrina NeffDate
May 29, 2026Notes
Writer of the letter mentions an Inauguration on March 4. Likely that he is referring to the Presidential inauguration of William Mckinley on March 4, 1901. In the next line, he references the fact that Gertrude is traveling in Washington and New York, so it is likely that Gertrude attended or was at least in Washington D.C. during the inauguration.Research Type
Content ResearchPerson
Barb WelchDate
Sep 16, 2026Notes
An internet query found the 71st Annual Catalog of Lasell Seminary for Young Women 1921-1922. (see URL) Page 2 lists Charles C. Bragdon, LL.D. as a Trustee. Page 6 lists him as and Principal Emeritus adding an A.M. suffix. Page 12 states he was principal for 34 years, beginning in 1874. Page 13 states that residence Bragdon Hall was renamed to honor him.Create Date
December 30, 2025Update Date
September 16, 2026
