Transcript of Letter written in 1950 from Beatrix Carlson to Margaret (Williams?)
"SHERWOOD
KINDRED OF AMERICA"
1634 - 1940
HONORARY
PRESIDENT GENERAL: WILLIAM OSBORNE
BURR
HISTORIAN GENERAL: FRANKLIN HEMMENWAY HALLOCK
PRESIDENT
GENERAL: COL. EDWARD LEGGETT SHERWOOD
REGISTRAR GENERAL: MRS. JOHN LIVERMORE CHRISTIE
VICE PRESIDENTS GENERAL:
POET LAUREATE: MISS JULIA EDNA PARKER
SECRETARY-TREASURER
GENERAL & GENEALOGIST: MRS. M. BEATRIX CARLSON
PARLIAMENTARIAN
GENERAL: MRS.
WM. FREDERICK BOILER
RECORDING SECRETARY GENERAL: MRS. MARGARET T. WILLIAMS
CHAPLAIN GENERAL: STARR SANFORD SHERWOOD CORRESPONDING SECRETARY GENERAL: MRS. ADA BROWN ENSMINGER
New Rochelle, New York,
6 April 1950.
Dear Cousin Margaret:
Have been trying for sometime to get this letter off to
you, but I know you will forgive my seeming remissness when I
tell you that I have been very ill, with streptococcuc throat
and bronchitic, bordering on pneumonia, due to lack of heat
in the house. Was in bed five weeks. The Dr. gave me three
shots of penicillin, to bring down the fever - 1O4 1/2 for four
days, Neomycin and phenacetine and codeine to stop the cough-
ing and rest my muscles which were very sore. Well I am now
much better and the warm days are coming. I feel pretty weak
and exhausted from the siege, but I will be o. k. soon.
Have so much to tell you I hardly know where to start.
Yesterday the representative of the Monument Co., called on me
and we had a very satisfactory talk. The Gorham Co., in New
York is starting the bronze tablet for the Memorial Monu-
ment, with the lovely inscription on it. Then May 13th they
will break the ground and place the 8ft. cement foundation in
order it will be thoroughly dry before placing the monument.
We hope to have it erected the latter part of August, with a
ceremony at the Church, then a pilgrimage to the Cemetery
and to the Probate Court, where the beautiful Memorial Scroll
will hang. We want to get some of the members to dress in
Puritan costume and they like the idea, sort of pageant idea.
I wish you could be with us when the unveiling takes place
for it will be quite an event. I believe I told you that at
the Annual Meeting they decided against the tentative monument
and decided to have a much better one, which will cost about
$750.00. The draughtsman of the Monument Co., made me a
beautiful drawing of the monument which I am presenting to the
Fairfield Historical Society, to hang in a prominent place
there and possibly create enthusiasm.
Before giving it to them I am, expecting to have a cut made
of it and have an 11 x 8 1/2 circular with the pictures at top
and a description of the monument to send out and see what I
can do about raising some more money. This will cost about
$35.00 for a thousand copies I believe the printer said. There
are a number much in favor of that. In addition I have started
the "Sherwoodiana," which I am sending you tomorrow, and the pro-
ceeds, over the cost, I expect to make my contribution, for myself,
son and grandson. This has been beautifully gotten together and I
know you will enjoy it. Two installments are in the folder and
another will soon be ready. I am placing in it a Sherwood Coat of
Arms, and some poetry which I believe you will enjoy. Tell me
what you think of Julia Parker’s poem.
Now the Annual Meeting, which will be at "Fraunces Tavern,"
April (Saturday) 29, 1950. I wish you could be with us for the
occasion. Tomorrow I shall have to go into the city to make the
arrangements for it. It is always such a very pleasant and de-
lightful affair. Then I have the annual reports to make out and
which take so much time. Have had twelve subscribers for the
"Sherwoodiana." Let me know your opinion of it. Tomorrow I have
an appointment with a publisher in New York. Mr. Carlton Sher-
wood is the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee for that. Had
a nice letter from him yesterday and he is quite enthusiastic. I I
surely did get myself in business this year, but after the Annual
Meeting will be coming up smiling.
Now the time has come for the Annual Dues and this year we are
asking the members to send in their checks for the amount of $5.0O,
to cover the cost of the "Robin Hood," folder and postage, which has
been a great liability this past year, what with postage going up.
The "Robin Hood," costs us about $1.00, so we will appreciate you
subscribing that amount. Your cooperation has been one of my great-
est incentives. If you would want to help out with this Monument
circular and would want to send me $5.00 toward it I cannot tell
you how much I would be indebted to you. In the past year I have
advanced more than $200.00 toward the work and now have a very
beautiful steel file and a table model file, with pendaflex folders
and all in splendid shape, which is a great comfort to me. I had
been using apple-boxes before and it was a task to find things, now
I can put my hands on everything, which is a great relief. Pretty
soon I will have to have an office if this keeps up. Next winter
I expect to go into New York, where I can be better able to handle
things.
Now have all the dues letters to get out and acknowledge receipt
of dues, which takes a lot of time, but I am doing very well as it
is. Will you be so good as to send me your check as soon as poss-
ible after receipt of this letter as I want all the members in
good standing at the time of our fiscal year, 10 April 1950. Make
your check payable to me, as usual, and if you want to help,with
the monument circular I would greatly appreciate it if you could
send an additional $5.00 toward that. Several have thought it
a good idea and have contributed. There will be some postage for
that end if I can get some more interested I can make it. I am
sure it will help with the monument fund. What do you think of
the idea?
Must get out a lot of letters now, but will close with much
love to my "dear Kinswoman," and best of all good wishes to Miss
Shackford, who is one of the most charming persons I have ever
met. By the way, Marie Cooper Adams, a pupil of yours at Welles-
lay sends you her love. She is now Mrs. John Gilman Ballord. Have
you heard from her? Affectionately,
[signed] M. Beatrix Carlson