A compilation of personal correspondence consisting mostly of letters exchanged between members of the Sommer family, and occasionally their friends, in Canada or Germany. These letters are interspersed with details of family life and contain observations about the Sommer family’s immigration to Canada, educational pursuits, health and well-being, relationships, finances, businesses and careers, and more. Additionally, these letters contain commentary on contemporary social and political events including the aftermath of World War II, Quebec separatism, and German politics during the 1970s and 1980s. The fonds also incudes photographs, greeting cards, postcards, pamphlets and related ephemera likely exchanged alongside the letters between family members and friends.
Sommer familyCollection of etchings from the 16th to 20th centuries covering a variety of formats and topics.
- [Copper?] coin - Albert Edward Prince of Wales Visited Canada and Inaugurated the Victoria Bridge 1860.
- 2 [Silver?] coins - The Victoria Bridge Medal Grand Trunk Railway of Canada 1860.
- 2 [Silver?] coins - H.R.H. The Prince of Wales To Commemorate the Visit of Albert Edward Prince of Wales to Canada 1860.
Materials published by Stark Brothers Nurseries for the purposes of advertising and selling their fruit trees, particularly apple trees.
Stark Brothers NurseriesFile consists of 4 sheets of notes on the boundaries of the polling districts of Annapolis County, Nova Scotia.
Annapolis CountyOne autograph album kept by an unknown person. The album spans from 1825-1854 and features biblical and literary passages written by those in England and Scotland. Locations include Glasgow, York, London, Newark, Rotherham and more. In the back of the volume is the Lord's prayer written in Malay by a Mr. Trout, Baptist missionary in Batavia, Java.
One printed broadside printed at the Vancouver Vocational Institute of the prologue to Bertrand Russell's autobiography.
Vancouver Vocational InstituteFonds consists of one indenture dated May 17, 1669 between Charles Bickerstaffe and his brother William, and Norman Atwood and his brother John.
Bickerstaffe, CharlesContains one holograph letter from James Hoyes Panton to Drinkwater (C.P.R.) requesting a pass to travel free during the summer in order to do geological research, dated April 16, 1884.
Panton, James HoyesAdvertisements and price lists for Nicolas wines.
NicolasDay books maintained by Samuel Franklin French. Includes five account books and one book listing missionary and religious activities.
French, Samuel FranklinOne travel diary written by an unknown person. The diary recounts a trip to France and Switzerland, with a particular emphasis on mountain climbing in the Swiss Alps. An accompanying item of correspondence addressed to George from Vivian de Sola Pinto of Nottingham University indicates that the traveler saw a woman he presumed to by Mary Shelley in Berne, possibly dating the diary to when Shelley was living in Geneva.
One notebook kept by Auna Krems with passages from the Bible. The notebook is almost entirely in German with the exception of the last page which is the English lyrics to the gospel song "Room Among the Angels." It is possible that Auna was living in Austria, as the surname Krems comes from the town of the same name.
Collection consists of six British legal instruments, on vellum used by R.A. Haney when teaching law courses. Includes:
- 1. Richard Knight and Elizabeth Collyer to John Hilde, assignment of lease of land, July 20, 1738;
- 2. John Ball and Elizabeth Ball to John Hyde, partitioning of land, Dec. 23, 1754;
- John Ball and wife to John Hyde, assignment of land, Mar 14, 1757;
- George Elwes and John Elwes to Mr. George Lockett, reassignment of land, Apr 28, 1801;
- Benjamin Wall and Joseph Malden, lease, May 31, 1852;
- George Lockett to George Winter, reassignment of land, July 3, 1862 and George Winter to John Wright reassignment of land and John Wright to John Hyde reassignment of land.
One handbill advertising a concert of the Boston Rivals. The Boston Rivals were made up of Miss Hamlin, Mrs. Southwick, Mr. Winternitz, and Mr. Conant.
Fonds consists of one print of a work by Thomas Austen Brown. The drawing shows ships in the water at night underneath a moon. Signed by the artist.
Brown, Thomas AustenCollection consists of seven caricature prints of "men of the day" from the British weekly magazine Vanity Fair. Includes images of Mr. R. Richardson-Gardner; Mr. Herbert Spencer; Marquis of Winchester; Admiral Sir H.R. Yelverton; Mr. Joseph Ernest Renan; The Reverend Arthur Tooth; Lord H.F. Thynne.
One handwritten letter from William Ralph Inge addressed to "Dear Sir."
One print of the library of All Souls College. Original drawing by A. Pugin.
Pugin, A.Collection consists of three manuscript German prayer books dating from 1783 to the late 19th century. Each book contains a series of prayers such as communion, confession, morning, and evening prayers, in addition to examples of Fraktur (folk) art in ink and watercolour.
Three items of correspondence addressed to George Charles Williamson. The first is from Charles Walter Berry (of Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine and Spirit Merchants) and discusses Charles sending a bottle of Tokay for Williamson's wife and the fact that Charles read Williamson's article "Behind my Library Door" in the Spectator. The second and third are from the same unknown correspondent and mentions an article on wine and Monastic cellars.
One manuscript copy (1 vol. 299 pp.) of the 1839 edition of John Clare's "Shepherd's calendar with village stories and other poems" transcribed by G. Silverlock and presented to his son Orestes Silverlock. The text includes an introduction from "Village minstrel" as well as poems from other works by Clare. The work is written in fine calligraphy and includes a hand drawn frontispiece, title page, and publishers advertisements. Accompanying the manuscript is one item of correspondence from E. Blunden to Mrs. Wrangham discussing the text.
One unfolded and uncut printing of Fireside Conversations in the Time of Queen Elizabeth, or '1601' a fragment by Mark Twain. This was privately printed in 1920.
Collection consists of two prints of Sir Robert Peel and Lord Nelson. They are printed by George Baxter as an oil colour picture print, the first commercially viable colour printing.
One document on vellum: a grant of land in Hastings County, Upper Canada to Frederick Keller, heir of the original grantee, his brother David Keller, deceased, dated Feb. 10, 1835.
One handbill advertising the publication of James Redpath's "The Public Life of Capt John Brown." Redpath and Brown were contemporaries and abolitionists and Redpath wrote this work the year after Brown's execution.
Thayer and ElridgeOne autograph album signed by former members of the Poets Club on the occasion of club's twenty-fifth anniversary. The book is full Morocco leather with raised spine bands.
Poets ClubOne bound manuscript volume of sermons by Reverend Joseph Irons for the year 1828. The book appears to have been written by his son William Josiah Irons (note on p. 26 reads taken by W.J.I.)
Victorian friendship album kept by Pearlie (Alice Margaret) Bishop from the years 1896-1900. Album was given to Pearlie on her 20th birthday by her Aunt Edith. The album is comprised of 40 leaves of coloured paper in a handmade embroidered linen cover. Most pages have ink inscriptions from friends and family along with tipped in drawings and watercolours. Also included is one photograph of Pearlie in her Red Cross nurses uniform with other nurses and medical staff, presumably from the First World War.
Bishop, PearlieTwo millinery design portfolios created by G. Stommel and Doris Schnelder, possibly as part of a sewing course in junior college or high school. Portfolios show a comprehensive display of different fashions and styles in headcover making, including manufacturing materials, techniques, and methods.
One broadside legal document for the recapture of an enslaved woman in Memphis, Tennessee. The writ of replevin and penal bond is by Sarah A. Hawthorn, by her next friend John Hawthorn. Next friend is a legal term for someone who appears in court in place of one who is not considered competent to do so. In this case, Sarah's husband John appeared on her behalf as Sarah, being a married woman, could not bring actions in Tennessee. The writ of replevin is filed against George W. Fisher who the Hawthorns claim was illegally holding an enslaved woman named Mary An. The writ also states that if the Hawthorns are found to be unlawful in their re-capture of Mary Ann they would pay a penal bond of $1,600.
One scrapbook kept by an unknown theatre goer. The book is specially made for theatre performances and features in index of the plays, and a two page spread devoted to each play. The left hand side of the page allows for written comments on the title, date and location of the play as well as impressions, and criticisms of the actors and performance. The right hand side of the page is intended to be used to paste in the playbill. In many entries newspaper clippings about the performance are also present. All of the productions were held at the Castle Square Theatre in Boston by the Boston Stage Society in 1904 and 1905. There are records for 80 plays. Some of the playbills also include advertisements.
Typescript play written by Royde-Smith titled "Mafro: A Comedy in Three Acts." The play is dated March 1929 and was apparently unpublished. An inscription on the cover page reads "To W. Graham Robertson from Naomi Royde-Smith."
Royde-Smith, NaomiCollection of coins ranging from the Persian Empire of the 6th century BCE to 19th century Britain. The coins reflect the development of the monetary systems, art, religion and shifting borders of the world. Also included are a coin weight and various electrotype coin reproductions.
Pyke, Edgar WilliamConsists of material relating to the research for, writing and publication of two volumes relating to the Petworth Emigration Scheme: Assisting Emigration to Upper Canada : the Petworth Project, 1832-1837 / by Wendy Cameron and Mary McDougall Maude, and English immigrant voices : labourers letters from Upper Canada in the 1830's, both of which were published by McGill-Queen's University Press in 2000.
The files retained by the Project fall into three broad categories :
1) the "results of genealogical research in England and the family history files used in creating the list in Part 2 of Assisting emigration;
2) files relating to research in Canadian genealogical resources;
3) files dealing with the process and creation of the books."
Included are correspondence among the primary researchers and to and from individuals relating to families and individual emigrants, data sheets and electronic databases relating to Petworth emigrants and sponsors, photocopies of original correspondence and documents, research notes, drafts and working papers relating to the editing of the final manuscripts.
The Jackman FoundationTwo scrapbooks containing newspaper and magazine clippings which trace the lives of the Dionne quintuplets from 1934-1970.
Crnko, YvonneFonds consists of nineteen diaries kept by the Rev. J. H. Shoults for the period 1870-1884. It also includes printed materials and a publication by Udelle Wood entitled Our Christian Heritage, both of which focus on the history of the Christian Church in Canada.
Shoults, J.H., Rev.Records of the Kent County Home Economics Association. Includes meeting notices and minutes, correspondence, and information on programmes.
Kent County Home Economics AssociationOne ration book for the Second World War kept by Thérèse O'Neill. Some stamps have been used.
Account book kept by William Henderson during the period 1841-1880. Some personal diary entries are also written, including a reference to William's 74th birthday and losing his sister's spectacles. William Henderson likely lived in Dover, New Hampshire and makes references to the Piscataque RIver, Wolfeboro New Hampshire, and Nottingham New Hampshire.
Fonds contains two scrapbooks created by Sir Percival Hartley dating from 1921 to 1939. Both contain newspaper clippings and handwritten notes relating to a variety of topics in areas such as theology, physicians, poetry, and the history of England.
Hartley, Sir Percival Horton-SmithOne theatre contract between Asa Steele and Robert B. Mantell for Asa to work beginning on August 31, 1896. Robert agrees to pay Asa $50 per week for her services at a theatre, opera house, or hall. The contact outlines the expectations for both parties as well as rules and regulations for the actor and how their pay may be docked if they break them.
Mantell, Robert B.Fonds documents various memorial exhibits on display after the passing of Homer Ransford Watson, and the administration of Watson's estate by Ross Hamilton. Fonds predominately consists of correspondence addressed to Ross Hamilton regarding the management or purchase of Watson's paintings. Other textual records include pamphlets, leaflets, and two scrapbooks of clippings about memorial exhibitions about his works and life. Typescripts in the fonds cover speeches and tributes to Watson during memorial exhibitions, as well as a biography of him written by Ross Hamilton.
Hamilton, RossScrapbook of manuscript notes, clippings, leaflets, handbills and other ephemera concerning the local government in London, England, from 1886 to 1892. Some of the clippings are accompanied by handwritten annotations. The scrapbook has a front pocket that holds several loose-leaf notes, clippings, and pamphlets.
Clippings cover a wide range of topics concerning the London County Council and Kensington Parliament such as meetings, motions, tax reforms, public addresses, as well as news about the law and parliamentary committees.
Consists of a single holograph letter from Patrick Foley to G.S. Payson dated April 23, 1898 and addressed to Boston, Massachusetts. The contents of the letter focuses on Nathaniel Hawthorne's book, "Doctor Grimshawe's Secret".
Documents and published poems written by William Wilfred Campbell, dating to the late 19th century. Some of the poems are autographed while others have written annotations and corrections. Also a letter by J.S. McCuaig, dated May 17, 1886, about a request for the Crown's recognition of John A. Macdonald. The letter came with attached resolutions about a meeting of the Liberal Conservative Association at Town Hall Cherry Valley in 1886. Photocopy of pamphlet titled “The Dominion Campaign!: Sir John Macdonald on the Questions at Issue Before the People: The Premier's Great Speech Before the Workingmen of Toronto”.
Correspondence:
1. to My Dear Sir from J. S. McCuaig re recognition by Crown of Sir John A. Macdonald. May 17, 1886
Poems:
2. Untitled [part of "The Last Ride"]
3. "An August Reverie"
4. "The Children of the Light"
5. "A Day in June" [autographed]
6. "The Dread Voyage"
7. "Life"
8. "The Were-Wolves"[autographed, unpublished?]
9. "Winter"
10. "The Cloud Maiden" [autographed], 1892
Published material:
11. "Premonitions"
12. "The Dead Leader", June 10, 1891
Leaflet:
13. Resolutions [Came attached to correspondence 1]
Pamphlet:
14. "The Dominion Campaign. Sir John MacDonald on the Question at Issue before the People. The Premier's Great Speech before the Working men of Toronto"
Letter to Sir Oswald Stoll from Cyril Joad regarding Stoll's book "The Grand Survival" dated February 16, 1928 and addressed to Stroll at Hampstead in London, England.
Collection consists of one undated typescript letter to Joseph Jefferson from Jan Larue in Iberia Parish, Louisiana. The letter requests Jefferson put in a good word for Larue. Also included is an undated photograph card of Joseph Jefferson, taken by Gilbert & Bacon studios in Philadelphia.
Fonds consists of correspondence to Lester Paige Breckenridge from Anson Stokes, William H. Taft, A.T. Hadley and Hiram Bingham, dating from 1912 to 1921. Three of the letters have a Yale University header and are addressed to Breckenridge in New Haven, Connecticut.
List of correspondence:
- Anson Stokes, New Haven, Conn. - November 1912
- William H. Taft, New Haven, Conn. - March 19, 1918
- A. T. Hadley, Yale University - May 16, 1918
- Hiram Bingham, New Haven Conn. - December 1, 1921
Collection consists of two plaques. One of is oval shaped with text that reads "Whaler Sailing 2nd Town of Dartmouth incorporated 1873 Bicentenary". The back of the plaque has an inscription stating it was made by the Atlantic Pattern Works. The second is a rectangular plaque with a metal etched portrait of a man in a suit and tie. On the back is a clipping that depicts the same image as on the front of with the name "Fred A. Hodgson" underneath.
Atlantic Pattern WorksContains one letter dated January 21, 1963 and addressed to "My Dear Jean" from Dion Calthrop Clayton regarding his book. Underneath the body of the letter is a drawing in black ink of a person blowing on a trumpet. There is also a separate, folded leaflet included with the letter titled, "In Memoriam 1881-1937". Inside the leaflet is a black and white profile shot of Calthrop.
Calthrop, Dion William Palgrave ClaytonTwo letters thanking Thompson Waldo for providing a copy of his book, "Swampscott: historical sketches of the town". One letter is from C.B. Tillinghast, Acting Librarian at Boston, dated August 18, 1884 and the other is from Howard B. Nicholson, a librarian at Bodleian at the University of Oxford, dated November 19, 1889.
Thompson, Waldo