Letters to Abby Howe Turner 1896, 1930-1948

[Envelope]

History

Abby Turner corresponded with many of her colleagues, classmates, and students. This particular set of letters (and postcards, and photos) are mostly from students that worked overseas, or other professors who were on vacation.

The Images

All letters have at least their first page or a portion of the first page scanned, and comments about their contents are included below.

A Postcard Written on Feb 13, 1930, from Caroline Ransom Williams
front Real photo of Bast statue in profile.
back Divided back. AZO stamp box. "The Toledo Museum of Art founded by Edward Drummond Libbey / Egyptian Bronze Cat - XXII Dynasty 945-745 B.C. / Gift of Henry W. Wilhelm" Postally unused, but inscribed: "February 13, 1930 Dear Abby:- Thank you so much for the telegram which you were so kind and considerate as to send recently. I was away in New York when it came but it did much to cheer my aunt and relieve her fears, and we all think it was lovely of you to go to this trouble for us. How good that the actual damage done was so little! With much appreciation, affectionately yours, Caroline Ransom Williams"

Three Snapshots mailed on May 4, 1930, from Betsy
envelope Addressed to Miss Abby H. Turner at Mount Holyoke College. Postmarked Feb 4, 1930 12noon in New Haven, Conn.
snapshot 1 Inscription on the reverse: "8 weeks"
snapshot 2 Inscription on the reverse: "8 weeks"
snapshot 3 Inscription on the reverse: "3 weeks"

A Letter written on Sep 22, 1930, from S. Munch-Kielland
page 1 No envelope survives. Full contents of letter, though only the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Letter Written on Nov 29, 1930, from Violet Marshall
page 1 No envelope survives. Full contents of letter, though only part of the first page is scanned.

A Letter Written on Dec 17, 1930, from Francis Benedict
page 1 No envelope survives. Full contents of letter, though only part of the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Letter Written on Dec 19, 1930, from Mary Woolley
page 1 No envelope survives. Full contents of letter.

A Letter written on Feb 23, 1931, from J. Nielsen
page 1 No envelope survives. Full contents of letter.

A Letter written on May 29, 1931, from Charlotte Haywood
page 1 No envelope survives. Full contents of letter, though only a portion of the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Letter written on Sep 18, 1931, from Myra Sampson
envelope Addressed to Miss Abby H. Turner at Mount Holyoke College. Postmark and stamps ripped off envelope.
page 1 Full contents of letter, though only part of the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Postcard written on Nov 15, 1931, from Hazeltene Stedman
front Untitled real photo postcard. Two margin markings: "Over other card(s)" and label for "Farco Bay" [?]
back "Napoli - Villa Comunale - Stazione Zoologica (Acquario)." Divided back, postmarked Nov 18, 1931 in Naples, Italy. "Nov 15 '31 We've been here a week and love it. I am sure its going to be a fine winter - we are beautifully situated (see Charl's card.) Of course you have seen this picture many times. From our Pensione we walk along the bay & thru this park. We were so glad to see Florence & Rome en route here - but didn't have half time enough. Physiol. meetings have now been placed last of August, so Dr. Dolen says. Best love Hazeltene."

A Letter written around Nov 30, 1931, from Myra Sampson
envelope Addressed to Miss Abby H. Turner at Mount Holyoke College. Postmarked Nov 30, 1931 3:45pm in London.
page 1 Full contents of letter, though only the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Card written on Dec 3, 1931, from Karen Johnsen
envelope Addressed to Miss Abby Howe Turner at Mount Holyoke College. Postmarked Dec 3, 1931 4:40pm in Copenhagen, Denmark.
front Black and white drawing of a snowy scene.
back "3/12-31. Taarbaek Strandvej 30. Klampenborg. Dear Miss Turner, I wish you a very happy X-mas and a lucky New Year! I suppose you are glad to celebrate it at home this year for a change! We talked of you the other day at the Executive of the Federation of University Women, and we all agreed that your lecture had been a great success. I hope you are well and send my kindest regards. Yours affectionately Karen Johnsen."

A Photograph taken around 1931, from Charlotte Ferguson
snapshot Photograph of two young boys. Inscription on the reverse: "David Lewis - 1 yr. 6 mos / John Ferguson - 2 yrs. 8 mos." These are the children of Charlotte Eleanor Ferguson 1923.

A Postcard written around Jan 3, 1932, from Myra Sampson
front Real photo of skier on snowy mountain.
back "10738 Jungfraujoch, unterhalb dem Rottalhorn" "J. Gaberell, Photograph. Anstalt, Thalwil-Zürich" Postmarked "-3.1.32.20" (Jan 3, 1932?) in Bern, Switzerland. Addressed to Miss Abby Turner at Mount Holyoke College. Inscription: "Dear Miss Turner, I wish you were here, too, as you'd like it as well in winter as in summer. There is skiing, "luging" (sliding on high sleds) and good skating. I'm enjoying the two latter, the sun, and the scenery. The hotel guests area a friendly lot and I'm glad I came back for this vacation. Happy New Year to you. Myra Sampson"

A Letter written on Feb 2, 1932, from Dagmar Fosberg
envelope Addressed to Dr. A. Howe Turner at Mount "Holy oak" College, with return address for D. Forsberg, Holbæk, Denmark. The envelope flap is sealed with red wax, with the impression "Landinspektør E. Forsberg Holbæk". A landinspektør is a scholar/analyst. Postmarked Feb 11, 1932 6am in Holbæk.
page 1 Full contents of letter, though only part of the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Letter written around Mar 27, 1932, from Myra Sampson
envelope Addressed to Professor Abby H. Turner at Mount Holyoke College via the Aquetania, on Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine, London letterhead. Postmarked Mar 27, 1932 2:30pm in Chelsea WC3, London.
page 1 Full contents of letter, though only part of the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Postcard written on Mar 30, 1932[?], from Caroline H.
front A scene of a building near a sea cliff. Inscription: "The colors in this picture are wonderfully true to life, though you would not think it."
back Postmarked in Naples. Addressed to Miss Abby Turner at Mount Holyoke College. Inscription: "Capri, Mar. 30. Dear Abby, This is one place you just must not miss. There just can't be a more beautiful place on earth. We are here for a week only I am sorry to say. Grace is better but not well yet. We expect to go on to Rome and the hill towns last of next week. My stay at the Station was a delight and I think profitable. Much love, Caroline H."

A Postcard written around Apr 1, 1932, from Myra Sampson
front "No. 24. Salisbury Cathedral, N.W."
back Postmarked Apr 1, 1932 11:45pm in Chelsea WC3, London. Addressed to Miss Abby Turner at Mount Holyoke College. Inscription: "Dear Miss Turner, You should have been with me to-day to see this beautifully situated cathedral. I've been spending a week with Dr. Chick at her country home in Branscombe in Devonshire on Lyme Bay. It has been a most enjoyable vacation. I'll write to you soon. Myra Sampson"

A Letter written on Apr 3, 1932, from August Krogh
envelope Addressed to Dr. Abby H. Turner at Mount Holyoke College, with return address for Universitetets Zoofysiologiske Laboratorium on the reverse flap. Postmarked Apr 4, 1932 7:55pm in Copenhagen, Denmark.
page 1 Full contents of letter, though only the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Letter written on Apr 5, 1932, from Caroline H.
envelope Postmarked Apr 4, 1932 in Capri, Napoli (Naples, Italy). Addressed to Miss Abby Turner at Mount Holyoke College.
page 1 Full contents of letter, though only the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Postcard written around Apr 22, 1932, from Myra Sampson
front "Details from the borders of the Romance of Alexander, a MS. written and illuminated c. 1340. (MS. Bodl. 264, ff. 62v, 81v.) Man shooting hares, and hare shooting men Bodelian Library(39) Printed at the Oxford University Press."
back Divided back, postmarked Apr 22, 1932 1:15pm in Chelsea WC3, London. Addressed to Miss Abby Turner at Mount Holyoke College. Inscription: "Dear Miss Turner, I really have become the worst correspondent because I did not know where to begin I'll write you a long letter soon. Before I know it you'll be back here. It has been a busy and such an interesting year. Thank you for the reprints. I've just met the Keyes at Oxford. With love, Myra Sampson"

A Letter written on Apr 27, 1932, from Gerda Begtrup-Hansen et. al.
envelope Addressed to Dr. Abby H. Turner at Mount Holyoke College, with return address for Universitetets Zoofysiologiske Laboratorium on the reverse flap. Postmarked Apr 28, 1932 7:55pm in Copenhagen, Denmark.
page 1 Full contents of letter, though only part of the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Postcard written on May 14, 1932, from Caroline H.
front A scene of wildflowers in the mountains.
back Postmarked May 16, 1932 in Lucerne. Addressed to Miss Abby Turner at Mount Holyoke College. Inscription: "Lucerne, May 14. Dear Abby - I think of all my flower and mountain loving friends these heavenly days. How I wish I could send you some of all the lovely things which carpet the earth just at present! Hate to think we have to leave it so soon! Love, Caroline"

A Letter written on May 26, 1932, from Marie Krogh
envelope Addressed to Dr. Abby H. Turner at Mount Holyoke College, with return address for Dr. Med. M. Krogh on reverse flap. Postmarked May 26, 1932 7pm in Copenhagen, Denmark.
page 1 Full contents of letter, though only the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Letter written on Jun 3, 1932, from Betsy
envelope Addressed to Miss Abby H. Turner at Mount Holyoke College. Postmarked Jun 4, 1932 2:30pm in New Haven, Conn.
page 1 Full contents of letter, though only part of the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Postcard written around Aug 2, 1932, from Myra Sampson
front "Elmley Castle" #9
back Postmarked Aug 2, 1932 in Caernarvon. Addressed to Miss Abbey Turner in Germany. Inscription: "Dear Miss Turner, We are thoroughly enjoying motoring. From Gloucester we drove out to the Cotswolds where the houses look like this. Yesterday we drove down the Wye Valley, then started into Wales. The country here is very beautiful. I liked Gloucester Cathedral especially. I can't be too thankful for your taking me to Speyes, Maine etc last summer. Best wishes to all the Ceiges [?], to Charlotte and yourself. Love, Myra Sampson"

A Letter written on Nov 23, 1932, from Harriette Chick
envelope Addressed to Miss A. H. Turner at Mount Holyoke College. Postmarked Nov 23, 1932 1pm in Boston, Mass.
page 1 Full contents of letter, though only the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Letter written on Nov 29, 1932, from Harriette Chick
page 1 No envelope survives. Full contents of letter, though only the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Postcard written on Dec 21, 1932, from C. Frank [?]
front German: "Warm Christmas Greetings sent"
back Divided back, postmarked Dec 22, 1932 in Freiburg, Germany. Addressed to Prof. Turner at Mount Holyoke College. Translated from the German by Steven Schuyler: "Many thanks for the beautiful speech about which we were very pleased and our best wishes for the new year. First Lieutenant C. Frank and wife Freiburg iBr. 21.12.32 Eggstr.20"

A Letter written on Feb 17, 1935, from Mary Oliver
page 1 No envelope survives. Full contents of letter, though only part of the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Postcard written on Oct 12, 1935, from Martha Hackett
front "The Restored Edifice of 'Asakusa Kwanon,' Great Tokyo"
back Divided back, postmarked Oct 11, 1935 in Tientsin, China. Addressed to Miss Abbie Turner at the College. Inscription: "The Yellow Sea - Oct 12th / Dear Miss Turner: I have just had three days at Matsuyama in Olive Hoyt's school. You and your life work received honorary mention. Matsuyama is a very interesting place and the school is on a lovely hill side. Miss Hoyt has done a fine piece of work. I wish I could have stayed longer and seen more of it. Did you have a fine trip last summer? I hope things are going well with you this year. Lovingly Martha Hackett"

A Letter written on Feb 8, 1937, from Aug Brinkmann
page 1 No envelope survives. Full contents of letter, though only part of the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Photo dated Feb, 1937
image Inscription on the reverse: "This is a coolie woman carrying brick up a bamboo ladder to the masons who are building the clock tower which Miss MacDugall's brother is giving in her honor. She is carrying 12 lone bricks piled on a pod on her head, and turned to look at me when I took the picture. Feb. 1937. Madras."

A Postcard written on Jun 30, 1937, from Robert Balk
front "Kvinesdal."
back Divided back, postmarked Jun 30, 1937 1in Flekkefjord, Norway and Jul 1, 1937 12:30pm in South Hadley, Mass. Addressed to Miss Abby H. Turner at Mount Holyoke College and forwarded to Marine Biological Lab in Woods Hole, Mass. "Flekkefjord, Norway, June 30. Dear Miss Turner:- At last I have seen, and am enjoying immensely, the beautiful coast of Norway. I am about 150 miles SE of Bergen, and altho' it rains every day, the rocks grow very well, and seem to increase in masses daily. We are 3 in our party, working by car, motorboat, or on foot, and hope to reach Stevanger in the end. - With kindest regards, and good wishes for a pleasant summer, sincerely yours, Robert Balk_"

A Postcard written around Sep 8, 1937, from Jessee Giddings
front Untitled
back "Mt. Blue from Phillips, Maine" Divided back, postmarked Sep 8, 1937 12noon at Phillips, ME. Addressed to Miss Abby H. Turner at Mount Holyoke College. "Dear Abby: Have just received word from Lizzie. She plans to leave Nashua next Monday for Phillips unless it rains hard. That will be Sept 13". She has never stayed over but the one day but may wait till Thursday the 16th. It will probably be Wednesday the 15th we return. I do so want to see you. Hope it will work out so you can come up soon. You can stay all night for I have plenty of room. Lots of love Jessee."

A Letter written on Oct 30, 1937, from William Adolph
envelope Addressed to Dr. A. B. [sic] Turner at the College "via Siberia"
page 1 Full contents of letter, though only a portion of the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Letter written on Dec 7, 1937, from Mary Budd
envelope Addressed to Miss Abby Howe Turner at Mount Holyoke College, from Ginling College, 150 Fifth Ave Suite 903, New York NY (on back flap). Postmarked Dec 7, 1937 6pm in Boston, Mass. Stamp missing.
page 1 Full contents of letter.
map A map of Nanking, China included with the letter.
page 1 Full contents of a second letter enclosed with the first.
page 1 Full contents of the first letter group, although only part of the first page is scanned.
page 1 Full contents of the second letter group, although only part of the first page is scanned.

A Letter written on May 28, 1945, from Paul Swain Havens
page 1 No envelope survives. Full contents of letter.

A Letter written on Oct 1, 1946, from Alice Boring
page 1 No envelope survives. Full contents of letter, though only a portion of the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Letter written on May 18, 1947, from Alice Boring
page 1 No envelope survives. Full contents of letter, though only a portion of the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Letter written on August, 1948, from Florice King Herrington
page 1 No envelope survives. Full contents of letter, though only a portion of the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Undated Card
outside Plain gray envelope. Front of the card says "Easter Greetings."
inside A photo of an unidentified woman in a garden, and a poem by Longfellow.