From Harry Bare to Clara Walmer

01 / 10
  1. Philadelphia
  2. Mr. T is unidentified. Possibly Harry’s boss, Mr. George N. Torrence.
  3. Emma Ballur is unidentified. She is described as one of Harry’s previous love interests.
  4. Mr. Cook is unidentified. He is described as Emma Ballur’s fiancé.
  5. Grofe Fox is unidentified.
  6. Henry is Harry, the author of the letter. His full name is Henry “Harry” Bare.
  7. Hummelstown.
  8. Sam Baer is unidentified.
  9. Captain Nissley is Christian Nissley, Captain of Co. I, 127th Pennsylvania in the Civil War.
  10. Mame is unidentified. She is possibly Clara’s sister, Maria who is often referred to by nicknames.
  11. Mrs. Witmers is unidentified. She is described as a dressmaker.
  12. John Kurr is unidentified. He is described as Mame’s fiancé.
  13. Cye is unidentified.
  14. Mr. Stuart is unidentified. He is described as a man who Mame was previously romantically involved with.
  15. Jimmy is a nickname for John Kurr.
  16. Josie is unidentified.
  17. Hornes is presumably the name of the store where Josie is sitting in the window.
  18. Minnie is Maria Walmer. Maria Walmer is Clara’s sister.
  19. Likely in reference to P.T. Barnum’s Circus.
  20. Bethlehem Times is a newspaper. He likely pulled this blurb from a more local newspaper, potentially The Star that he mentions later in the letter.
  21. The Star is a local newspaper.
  22. May 15 (Monday), May 16 (Tuesday) and he is writing on May 17 (Wednesday). He could be referring to the May Festival, similar to May day -- or something concerning German unification.
    Office of

    Geo. N. Torrence & Co. 

    No. 1924 North Fourth Street 

    Philadelphia, July 3rd, 1871 

    My darling Clara 

    I had a letter for you written yesterday but when I arrived at the factory this morning I could not find It. I either left it lying in my room or lost it in the cars coming down. if I find it on my return this evening I will send it to you “post haste” but do not think it anything like the one you sent me for that was a lovely one. 

          I would be pleased to spend the Fourth with you and will do so yet if it continues raining. should it clear up do not look for me for I have made an engagement to go fishing with Mr. Torrence[1] and there will be no getting out of it unless it does rain. I have been praying all day for it to keep on raining for I know the time with you would be spent more pleasantly than with anyone else. If you do not see me tomorrow, look for a letter the day following.  

    ever your own Harry with much love 

1. Mr. Torrence was Harry Bare’s employer.

    Office of

    Geo. N. Torrence & Co. 

    No. 1924 North Fourth Street 

    Philadelphia, July 5th, 1871 

    My dear Clara

    My pies are all dough now, I expected to spend tomorrow eve with you but now I start for Pittsburg tomorrow noon. I have not found the lost letter so think I must have dropped it in the cars.[1]

    Do not be disappointed for not receiving the promised letter for on the strength of expecting to visit you I put it off. I will be with you saturday eve. will either come on the 4 o’clk train from Harrisburg or the 8 o’clk from Philada.[2]  

    If Mollie[3] can possibly come with me tell her to be ready by 2 o’clk Sunday afternoon. will come home on that train.

          Love to all –  

    As ever your own

    Harry

  1. Train cars
  2. Philadelphia
  3. Mollie is unidentified
    Office of the  

    Honey-Comb Petroleum Company

    Of Pennsylvania,

    43 South Fourth Street,

    Philadelphia, July 19th 1871[1]

    My Darling Clara

    In reply to yours of yesterday, in regards to going to Pottsville I shall be most happy to go, but do not think I can leave before Saturday afternoon on the ½ past 3 train. Let me know immediately whether I can expect to meet you at Reading[2] or if you intend going on the early train from H town.[3] write as soon as you receive this. 

    I wrote you a letter from Atlantic City[4] last night. but doubt whether you will receive it for I left lying at the office at Congress Hall[5] without being stamped. I intended stamping it but in my hurry to get on the train forgot to do so & came away leaving it there. well no matter, nothing lost should you not receive but should it reach you & you take as one quarter with pleasure in reading it as I did in writing it, I shall consider myself doubly paid.  

    Good Bye little girl  

    From Your

    Harry

  1. 1861 is written over to say 1871.
  2. Reading, Pennsylvania is located in the southeastern part of the state, approximately halfway between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, the state capital.
  3. Is meant to take place of Hummelstown Pennsylvania.
  4. Atlantic City in New Jersey
  5. Harry may be referring to Congress Hall, Cape May, New Jersey. Congress Hall was constructed in 1816 as a seaside resort not far from Atlantic City.

  1. It is not clear to what Harry was referring to here.
  2. Sallee Tolman
  3. Moyamensing Prison was a prison in Philadelphia. It opened in 1835 and was in use until 1963.
  4. Clara Walmer.
  5. George N. Torrence. The section in italics seems to have been written by Torrence himself.
  6. Pottsville, Pennsylvania is the county seat of Schuylkill County.
  7. It is not clear what "Broad Mountain" is.

City July 27th 1871- 

    My own dear Clara  

    This is another disappointment to you, but all I have to say in reply to your dear letter of yesterday is that tonight I think I can write without fail for G.N T[1]- will not be there and there will be no one to prevent me from writing. have just a little more patience and I will soon make up for all. Until then good Bye. 

    Forever yours as ever

    And only yours,

    Harry

    Excuse Haste

  1. George N. Torrence

    July 28/71 

    Darling Clara

    Do not look for me tomorrow. Cannot come xxxx xxxx[1] unless I go by way of H. burg[2] sunday morning. will write you so you can receive letter monday.

    will see you next week[3]

    Lovingly your own

    Harry

  1. Crossed out words
  2. Harrisburg
  3. Written vertically on letter