• Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About
  • 44 Park Ave

Hold'er Newt

~ Old Northern Dutchess Life

Hold'er Newt

Tag Archives: Losee

Who first said “Hold’er Newt”?

15 Tuesday Mar 2022

Posted by SKH in 20th Century

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

1920s, ennis, hold'er newt, Lee Staley, Losee, The Old Home Town

Short answer: it’s rather hard to tell. 

However, though my (armchair) research cannot determine where the phrase first originated, I believe I have figured out why it’s so hard to find.

I didn’t find the phrase “Hold’er Newt!” (either on its own or followed by a subsequent phrase such as “she’s headed for the pea patch!”) printed in the newspapers I can search online earlier than 1922. This could mean that it’s a 20th century invention, however, vernacular turns-of-phrase are hard to find in official publications from over 100 years ago in general.

On an episode of the podcast A Way With Words they speculated that soldiers participating in WWI may have spread the phrase from its point of origin around the country, but this theory is unsourced. According to a woman who called in to their program, “Hold’er Newt, we’re goin’ round the corner” was a phrase regarding reckless driving used by a woman she knew from Cincinnati who was born in 1922. This woman also lived in Eastern NY State. The hosts noted that per a “dictionary of catchphrases” from 1922 “newt” was perhaps slang for dolt or idiot.

I believe that “Hold’er Newt” was 1) something one said when things were getting a little out of hand and needed to be reigned in, 2) spread around the country, obscuring its geographic origin, and 3) Newt, possibly a dumb-dumb, is the one being admonished to get a handle on “‘er.”

One evening in 2008 when I visited my late cousin Ron Losee at his home in Ennis, Montana we went outside and the screen door was about to bang closed behind us. I went to grab it, spontaneously calling out “Hold’er, Newt!.” This 93 year old man stopped in his tracks, looked at me and cried “now there’s an old Dutchess County saying I haven’t heard in a while!” He had relocated to Montana in the 1950s from the northeast and grew up in Upper Red Hook where he was born in 1919. 

Tim Sample, a humorist born in 1951, wrote about how he was familiar with the phrase from growing up in Maine in the Boothbay Register:

“Loosely translated it meant: “Just hang on awhile until we can get this situation under control.” If a gang of men was lifting a heavy load and it suddenly began to shift dangerously to one side, somebody would yell, “Hold ‘er Newt!” signaling the crew to stop and maintain a steady pressure (hold her) until help arrived.”

On searching through the newspaper archive website Old Fulton New York Post Cards, I found the phrase repeated hundreds of times in dozens of newspapers between 1922 and the 1930s and sporadically as late as 1983. In the body or in advertisements, I found it appearing mostly as a headline or tagline in the 1930s and a few times decades later. 

“Hold ‘er Newt.”—Newton P. Klemann had quite an experience last night near Olmito when his car plunged into the ditch and he found himself gliding through the air with nothing but the steering wheel in his hands. The car was not injured and after fixing the steering wheel Newt “reared” for home.  – Brownsville Texas Daily Herald, 16 Dec 1922

WHEN YOU’RE CASEY DRESSED YOU LOOK YOUR BEST… jackets, toppers, neckwear, handkerchiefs, but HOLD ‘ER NEWT, you’ve got to VISIT OUR EMPORIUM… – Penn Yan, NY Chronicle-Express 2 Aug 1951

The place it was most frequently repeated was as a line delivered in a comic called The Old Home Town by Lee Stanley. The comic (as far as my search can tell) began in 1921 and the phrase was first seen in 1922 and throughout the 1920s, and occasionally in later comics. This one-panel comic always presented a busy Richard-Scarry-esque scene from the titular Home Town where some silliness or other was befalling its residents. Often in the background one can spy a horse or mule behaving badly, rearing up and kicking, while a man with a tuft of curly hair atop his head attempts to rein it in and someone shouts at him “Hold’er Newt, she’s a rearin’!”

The Old Home Town by Lee Stanley, Niagara Falls Gazette, 17 Jul 1922

This was repeated in dozens of individual comics between 1922 and 1944 that I found online and was printed in newspapers in Niagara Falls, NY, Brownsville, TX, Athens, GA, and Perth Amboy, NJ and probably all over the country wherever it was syndicated. According to Stanely’s obituary in the Chicago Tribune of February 13, 1970 it was printed in over 400 publications. Newspaper readers in this time would surely have had this phrase compounded into their lexicon by The Old Home Town if it wasn’t there already.

In 1932, country recording artist (and two-time governor of Louisiana known for his recording of “You Are My Sunshine”) Jimmie Davis recorded a goofy little song called “Hold’er Newt.” The phrase “Hold’er Newt, she’s rarin’!” is called out because “that old grey mule” is misbehaving. 

The phrase and variants of it were used to advertise used cars, menswear, and in one instance for a welder in newspapers of the 40s and 50s. 

Hold ’Er Newt was also the title of a long-forgotten short-lived 1950’s children’s puppet TV show that ran opposite Howdy Doody in some northeast markets. According to Tim Hollis in his 2010 book Hi There, Boys and Girls! America’s Local Children’s TV Programs, the plot “took place in the Figg Center general store, where a group of old geezers gathered to swap whoppers with the owner, Newt Figg.” In one episode, a character called Mr. Nosegay tried to buy a cravat from a puzzled Newt who didn’t know what he was after. It would seem 1950s kids didn’t get the reference, either. It had a very brief run on ABC at 5:30 PM in 1950. The title and subject matter are lifted straight from Stanley’s The Old Home Town comic.

I could not find video or even still images of the TV show and it’s doubtful any are extant, but you can go to YouTube and listen to this goofy song. The chorus is the best part.  

Hold’er Newt, hold’er! Hold’er Newt, I say!

Hold’er Newt, hold’er! Don’t let her get away.

Hold’er Newt, she’s rarin’ Hold’er rar’, she’s newtin’!

Hold’er, hold’er, hold’er, hold’er!

Woop woop woop woop woop!

Poughkeepsie Female Academy – 2

03 Saturday Jun 2017

Posted by SKH in 19th Century, Education

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

19th Century, education, Losee, poughkeepsie, tivoli

Back in 2015 I published letters to my 2nd great-grandmother Mary Elizabeth Knickerbocker of Madalin (Tivoli), Dutchess County, NY from her classmates at the Poughkeepsie Female Academy sent between 1853 and 1855.

The first article about the school is here.

Recently, I found a brochure and a sort of program tucked in with things belonging to her (then future) husband Dr. John E Losee of Upper Red Hook.  Below are the pages from the “program”, and below that are three pages from the “brochure” which is undated, but is definitely of the same period.

Poughkeepsie Female Academy program 1853
Poughkeepsie Female Academy program 1853
There is no page “2” and “3”, the page count starts at the title page and is followed by two blank pages






Poughkeepsie Female Academy "brochure" c.1853
Poughkeepsie Female Academy “brochure” c.1853

From Mollie Harris of Stanford, NY, 24 Oct 1855

12 Thursday Mar 2015

Posted by SKH in 19th Century Letters, Education, Genealogy

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

Beckwith, Harris, Knickerbocker, letters, Losee, Sharpe, stanford, tivoli, victoriana

Envelope addressed to “Miss Mary E Knickerbocker Tivoli, Dutchess Co. NY.

Envelope addressed to “Miss Mary E Knickerbocker Tivoli, Dutchess Co. NY.

This is the last letter in this series of posts. I do not know why my great-great-grandmother kept just these six, surely she received many more if the contents (and jibing for more frequent communication as in this example are any indication!). Perhaps each had a special sentiment that she treasured in some way. I have two favorite odd things about this letter, myself – the catty comments about the “Pine Plains make believe” and the bit about the stolen night gown. I would love to know the context!

Attempts to figure out who Mollie Harris from Town of Stanford, Dutchess County NY in 1855 was have been fruitless. It is likely that she married before 1860 and that “Mollie” is short for something like Margaret. If anyone has any clues, please comment!


Stanford Oct 24th 1855

My dear Mary Libbie

The apparent neglect of your kind and most welcome letter received nearly three weeks since, I assume my dear friend has not been intentional. You have to I admit had reason to think me another of your pretend friends, but I assure you my silence was not caused by forgetfulness of my promise much less from indifference, but now that I have an opportunity of writing I will not fill the sheet with excuses, ‘tho I might and reasonable ones too. When I received yours I was very busy making over my minno[?] dress. On Friday of the same week I went to North east, Cousin Mary Pulver closed her school on that day, that evening we were invited to the Edgar Clarks you recolect[sic] the new house we passed Mr. C’s Daughters have a Piano and we had the pleasure of having Miss Louisa play. Saturday evening Cousin Mary Clark invited company. Sabbath day attended Church and spent Monday evening with Louisa. Tuesday went home with Mary to Hillsdale and spent several days we went to Hudson and had our hats trimmed for fall, every day which I was there I thought I would write to you for Mary wished to write with me she wished to send many kind messages, she “hoped you would consider her a true friend not one of the Pine Plains make believe and would like very much to correspond with you” I went from there to Amenia, and returned here last Saturday. Sunday it rained and it is raining very hard today if it had been pleasant I should have went to Cousin Jordan’s I do want to see Cousin Libbie so much to have not seen her in three weeks she was expecting your Pa & Ma* out that week, did they come? I regretted not seeing them I have heard so much of your Ma I know I should love her.

I have not seen Laura yet nor none of the Pine Plains Ladies Laura’s youngest Brother died while I was away, her sister is very felle[?] the fever has left with a cough I am informed they are fearful she will not recover I would like very much to call there and I intend to the first opportunity.

I have heard Mary Eno studies at home and recites to Miss Allerton.

And now to answering the charge of taking your night-gown it is rather a severe charge but as the said article was found in my possession I must plead guilty I presume you would not have suspected me if I had not previously taken articles such as shoes etc., if your Ma has been out I supposed the property is restored and I am clear.

You were very kind to send me the pattern so I will write you when I get a hand worked like it.

How are those eyes? have you been to New York if not when do you expect to? I suppose you are enjoying the society of your friends Jennie & Mahallia? [Mahala Clarke, see her letter] Do forgive this time and set me an example of promptness.

[written upside down on top of page 1 very tight spacing] Friday afternoon, I came to Cousin Jordan’s last night found them all very well, we are going to the village as soon as we can get ready – how we wish you were here to go with us, Cousin Libbie sends her love to you all. Do write very soon my dear girl to your sincere friend Mollie

[written on top of page 4 upside down] It is such a dark rainy day I am almost homesick. Do write very soon to your Affectionate friend Mollie Harris


*this is MEK’s father Edwin Knickerbocker 1808-1875 and step-mother Catherine Sharpe 1821-1893. Her own mother, Eliza Ann Beckwith died in 1843.

Click each thumbnail to see the full page.

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3

Page 4

From Kate Roosa from Hurley, NY, 24 Sep 1855

05 Thursday Mar 2015

Posted by SKH in 19th Century Letters, Education, Genealogy

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

hurley, Knickerbocker, letters, Losee, Roosa, victoriana

If this is the Kate Rosa mentioned in Almira Culver’s letter, she is Catherine Persen Roosa daughter of Garrett M Roosa and Catherine Post from Hurley, NY. Kate was born 13 May 1836, married Abraham Houseman Hasbrouck and died 26 Jan 1906. They had six children, three of which were still living in 1900 including an unmarried dressmaker daughter Jane who was 37 (the same age as the author as of this writing).

Paid Hurley NY 26 Sept 55 Paid 3” on the top, addressed to “Miss Mary E Knickerbocker Tivoli Dutchess Co N.Y.” sealed with red wax and what looks like an F

Paid Hurley NY 26 Sept 55 Paid 3” on the top, addressed to “Miss Mary E Knickerbocker Tivoli Dutchess Co N.Y.” sealed with red wax and what looks like an F


Hurley, Sept 24th, 1855

My Sweet friend,

It is always a source of happiness to me to hear from my friends, although I sometimes feel as though they had all forgotten me and not without cause for I like my correspondents to be punctual about answering letters.

I looked for one from you so long that I became discouraged thinking you had found some dearer friend to occupy all your time & thoughts, but I was agreeably disappointed not too long since by recieving[sic] a letter from you-

It is so long since I have had the pleasure of writing to you that I do not know where to begin to tell you what has occurred during that time.

I have had a very pleasant visit from Libbie Hulse the week before school closed she looks as natural as ever her health is better than it used to be while at school she has been teaching at home and now she thought of taking a school about 15 miles from home. She went from here to Pough to the examination. I should so much have liked to gone with her but I could not leave home. My friend Mary Robison graduated this summer. She is now living in Kingston so I have the opportunity of seeing her often.

Saturday afternoon two couple of us went out to Saugerties so I was very near you and you may feel assured I thought of you nearly all the time. I could see Tivoli and the boat crossing but I could no go. Had it been any other day than Sunday I should certainly have called to see you we came home in the evening by moonlight.

What lovely evenings we have now. To morrow evening there is a society given in the village. Do come down and go with me. We expect Mr. Schemerhorn to spend the day with us to morrow. I presume you have heard that name before. he is on his way to college. Rutgers in New Brunswick.

I almost forgot to tell you who I saw in church Sunday in Saugerties, Gus Packer from Poughkeepsie. I had a bow, that was all I could not speak to her. I wonder if she is teaching there, or if she is visiting wherever I go I am sure to meet some schoolmate. I wish the fates would let us meet too. Where is Edith Hayes, have you spoken to her? or does she not stay in Tivoli? I am getting sleepy now and must close for I am writing a very long letter. I fear it will weary your patience to read it and such writing too. Please excuse it and answer me soon Come and see me soon, will you?

Yours al’s Kate

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3

From Almira Culver, Rose Hill, NY, 15 Sep 1855

26 Thursday Feb 2015

Posted by SKH in 19th Century Letters, Education, Genealogy

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

Culver, Knickerbocker, letters, Losee, pleasant valley, victoriana

Almira Culver was born 9 Aug 1835 to John A Culver and Catherine Skidmore of Pleasant Valley. She married John Allen Marshall and they had three children, Nellie, Edwin, and John. She died 22 Nov 1916, two years before Mary. The John DeLafield she mentions had died two years before in 1853 and was a big-wig in New York State agriculture.


Postmark torn, addressed to Miss Mary E Knickerbocker Tivoli, Dutchess Co New York

Postmark torn, addressed to Miss Mary E Knickerbocker Tivoli, Dutchess Co New York

 

Oaklands Sept. 15th, 1855

Dear Mary

It has been a long time since I have heard from you but I thought I would write to you and inform you of my whereabouts. Mr. Fuller last April, changed his place of residence from Conesus to three miles from Geneva. You have doubtless heard of the fine country about Geneva so I need only tell you I have seen some of it and proved to be all that has been or can said about it. Although it is three miles from here to Geneva, we have a fine view of the village and also of the lake a beautiful drive along the lake-shore as one would like to take.

I have just received your letter which was forwarded to me from Conesus and cannot wonder why you think I did not deserve it but I had thought a long time of writing and at last began when I received yours so you can give me credit for that. I did not receive your letter until a week after it was written so I will address your letter as usual, fearing that you might not be at Pine Plains when it arrives.

It is now Monday evening. During the day the “young ideas have to be taught how to shoot”* and so the evenings are at my disposal for letter-writing, reading, etc. I practice nearly two hours every day I think I have improved in music, considerably since I left school – and suppose you have too. Do you take lessons now> or have you since you left Mr. Tookers? I like teaching very much, much better than I expected, particularly when I see my scholars daily progress in their studies and taking so much interest and delight in them. I have only four, and the eldest but twelve, but they all are the smartest children I ever saw. I am going to leave the 1st of December so shall hate to part with my little pupils.

I was at the home five weeks this summer and thought about visiting you, but my time was so very limited that I did not visit near all my relatives. I think perhaps you known how soon the weeks pass when you have only a few to spend hone. I dare say you remember how homesick you was at school and how short the vacations seemed to be.

I saw Mr. & Mrs. Tooker – they were very well. I think their school is not as flourishing as it has been. Abbie Watson has become teacher, Miss Noyer & Miss Reynolds continue there still but Miss Dixson did not expect to return after the summer term.

Mrs. Tooker thinks that Hattie Watson is engaged to be married to Mr. Graham, you know he used to call at the school frequently, also that Louisa Palmer is not far from it to a gentleman in New York, I do not know the name. Martha Norton one of the expectant graduates died last spring – perhaps you remember her. I saw Louisa Van Vliet – she is desirous of becoming a teacher. I wonder if she will make a good one, as she was a scholar & you ask if I have seen or heard from Emma Robinson. I have not. I was in Syracuse an hour or more when I was going home and thought then if I only know where she lived I would make her a little call. How is Emma Timmons. I suppose you must see her quite often. I heard that she thought of being a parlor boarder this term at Mr. Tooker’s only sturting French, music, and painting. I was not at the examination as I did not know when it was to be and had been home but a few days before it occurred.

Do you correspond with Lizzie Jessop or Kate Rosa? If so how are they? I almost forgot to tell you that when home I saw Geo. Lockwood, A. Barnes, & E. Bagley at church in Pleasant Valley. E. Bagley has grown to be very handsome and much improved in appearance, she attends school at Dr. McLellans.

I think I have written a long letter enough to atone for my past silence, yet I will endeavor to be more punctual in future for I dearly love to hear from my school-mate and room-mate oftener than once or twice in six months. (hearing from her and not writing to her is out of the question altogether)

I must now close bidding you good night hoping to hear from you soon. Address Rose Hill P. V. Seneca Co N.Y. The farm is honored by the name Oaklands and was the state premium farm [she ran out of space and continued top of page 1 upside down] owned by Mr. John DeLafield a former resident of Poughkeepsie. I think the farm and post office names are quite romantic but it is a delightful country out here and no mistake.

Yours sincerely, Almira Culver


*This is paraphrased from lines 1152-3 of a very long poem called Spring by James Thompson: “Delightful task! To rear the tender thought, / To teach the young idea how to shoot.” something they were surely taught at the Poughkeepsie Female Academy.

Click to enlarge and see each whole page:

P1 From Almira Culver, Rose Hill, NY, 15 Sep 1855
Page 1
P2 From Almira Culver, Rose Hill, NY, 15 Sep 1855
Page 2
P3 From Almira Culver, Rose Hill, NY, 15 Sep 1855
Page 3

P4 From Almira Culver, Rose Hill, NY, 15 Sep 1855
Page 4

From Emma Robinson, Elbridge NY, 26 Nov 1854

19 Thursday Feb 2015

Posted by SKH in 19th Century Letters, Education, Genealogy

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

elbridge, Knickerbocker, letters, Losee, Robinson, victoriana

This letter to Mary Elizabeth Knickerbocker is from Mary Emma Robinson born 14 Apr 1838 in Canandaigua, NY to Horatio Nelson Robinson and Emma Rogers Tyler. She married Howell Cowles Merriman and died 4 Jul 1921 in Jordan, NY leaving one son, Paul Rossiter Merriman. She was 16 (SIXTEEN!!!) when she wrote this letter. Elbridge is in Onondaga County, NY, west of Syracuse.

Stamped "...RIDGE..." addressed to Mary E Knickerbocker, Tivoli, Dutchess Co N.Y.

Stamped “…RIDGE…” addressed to Mary E Knickerbocker, Tivoli, Dutchess Co N.Y.


Elbridge, Nov 26th, 1854

My Dearest Mary,

You can imagine my surprise and delight when your dear letter was brought to me last Monday eve. I suppose of course that you had forgotten that there was such a being in existence as myself, but I was very happily disappointed. I suppose you have received my token of forgiveness on this. I mailed it almost immediately after receiving your epistle. Now I want to see you dear Lizzie you must certainly next summer come and pass a few weeks with me I should enjoy it so much and am very sure you would too.

You would enjoy it so much more in the summer than winter we could have such delightful walks and rides. I have thought so much of you during the past summer, and so wished to see you. I am very much occupied this winter in finishing up my studies we have a fine Academy here most beautiful new building in the Gothic style; we go into it a week from next monday; and next summer I expect to be through with going to school, not that my education will be at all complete, but I shall be through with the drudgery of committing daily lessons. That will be grand won’t it? Oh Lizzie how much I should like to see your new piano when it comes, you must be very much pleased at the idea of having one all to yourself. We have not one yet, I practice at the Academy two hours every day. Next Thursday, Thanksgiving day how I shall think of the girls at school and Cart[?] Thanksgiving day, but I believe you were not there then were you? You know Mrs. Tooker had a sociable in the evening.

You can’t know how much I thank you for the news you gave me of the girls at school, I have so wanted to hear how the old school goes along, so the next time you write you must tell me all you can think of about them.

Are Miss Dickson and Miss Reynolds there still? Miss Noges[?] is still there I infer from your letter. You ask if I like piano music better than I used, I do a great deal better since I have taken times[?], I was so very homesick I did not like anything or anyone excepting you. Do you known how many graduated and who they were this last July?

My dear Lizzie, you urge me to give the subject of religion my serious consideration. I am now doing so and have already made up my mind to join the church (the Episcopal) the first opportunity, which I trust will be soon. There is no Episcopal Church in this village, but there is one two miles from here at Jordan. I know that in this world we cannot be happy truly unless we are Christians and certainly in the world to come we will be miserable unless we have been meek and humble followers of the lowly Jesus. Will you tell me in your next darling Lizzie how old you are? I have forgotten who is the oldest. I was 16 last April.

Give my best, best love to Mary Pulver and tell her I wrote last. Lizzie Jessup has not written me and I do not care much now. Oh! Nellie Titus how I should like to see her! I wonder if she has forgotten me. Does Louise Palmer teach at Mr. Tooker’s Academy? What in the world has become of Mary Platt? Marcellus is only about 6 miles from here. Lizzie do you remember the evening in my room in the wing that you and I and Lizzie Jessup drew our profiles on paper from the shadows on the wall, I have them yet and shall always keep them, they are very beautiful indeed, particularly mine.

When you come to see me you shall have the pleasure of looking at them.

Lizzie I cannot bear to think that I shall never see you again in this world I trust and hope it will not be so, but if it should I pray that we may meet in the bright land beyond the skies, where those that have “lived and loved together here shall meet to go no more out forever.”

Truly and affectionately, Emma

[PS on top of page 1 as she ran out of space] Write me very, very soon dear Lizzie and answer a few of my many questions it if is possible. Truly your loving Em.

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3

Page 4

From Emma Robinson, Syracuse, 18 Feb 1854

12 Thursday Feb 2015

Posted by SKH in 19th Century Letters, Education, Genealogy

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

Knickerbocker, letters, Losee, Robinson, syracuse, victoriana

C

Postmark Syracuse, addressed to Mary E Knickerbocker, Tooker’s Female Academy, Poughkeepsie N. York, Care of J. C. Tooker

This letter is written in pencil, which is unusual and Emma excuses herself for doing so. She closes with a cryptic post-script, signed with another name but in the same handwriting. There do not appear to be any traces of invisible ink, rather, a reference to Immanuel Kant’s idea that if you wear green glasses, you think the whole world is green – that what you perceive is not necessarily what is true (my apologies to philosophy majors for probably getting that wrong). As Emma and Mary were both well-educated at the Poughkeepsie Female Academy it’s not unreasonably to expect that they would have learned of Kant.

Her full name is derived from the fourth letter in this series from Almira Culver


Syracuse Feb 18th [probably 1854]

My dearest Mary,

1 know that you have reason for being displeased at my negligence but “not having time” must be my plea again, a rather poor one I suppose you think but were you in my place you would think differently.

Poor dear Nelli how unfortunate she is to be ill so many times away from home but I presume she had the best of care. I feel rejoiced that it did not prove fatal as I feared it would when I received your dear acceptable letter.

Maria’s letter I received this morning I will answer it in a day or two, meanwhile give her my best love.

Is Miss Platt still there and does she act just as usual? Is Mary Pulver there? and did she receive my letter?

How is your dear brother I hope better if not we will rely on the promises of our Heavenly Father “who doeth all things well.”

Has Miss Jessop returned home? I am sorry that I could not find time to write her before she returned, but it was impossible I suppose she is much “hurt” (?) as she terms it.

Do not forget to give my very best love to Misses Noyes and Dickson Culver & all that inquire for me.

Dear Lizzie on the first of April we are going to remove to Elbridge 15 miles west of this place, and next summer you must come and make me a visit.

I have been there visiting for a long time.

I think you must be very much surprised that I write with a pencil, but it is twilight and it is so much more handy so pray, excuse me for being so impolite. The library must now be a source of comfort to you girls, but I don’t think it got any more than it needed. Now Lizzie write directly and then I will answer it as soon as I get it, so that we can hear often from each other and send me your home direction please.

Yours true,

Emma

Perhaps you cannot read all of this but you must put on your green glasses.

Minnie Marvin

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3

Page 4

From Mahala Clarke, Tivoli, 22 Jun 1853

05 Thursday Feb 2015

Posted by SKH in 19th Century Letters, 19th Century Photos, Education, Genealogy

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

Clarke, Knickerbocker, letters, Losee, tivoli, victoriana

Embossed envelope stamped “TIVOLI N.Y. JUN” and “22” written by hand inside the stamp. Also stamped “PAID” addressed to Miss Mary E Knickerbocker Care of Jacob C Tooker Po’keepsie N.Y.

Embossed envelope stamped “TIVOLI N.Y. JUN” and “22” written by hand inside the stamp. Also stamped “PAID” addressed to Miss Mary E Knickerbocker Care of Jacob C Tooker Po’keepsie N.Y.

Mahala Clarke b. c. 1835 was daughter of Consider (b. c. 1808 in MA) and Mahala (b. c. 1806 in MA) Clarke. Pa lived to at least 1880 and Ma died 26 Mar 1879. The girl who wrote this letter died 17 Jul 1856 at 21 years old. Her sister Sarah (b. c. 1842) married Rev. Edward Tompkins (1830-1905) and did not have any children that survived to adulthood. They are buried at the Old Red Church cemetery in Tivoli. She was about 18 years old when she wrote this letter.


Tivoli June   /53 [seems there’s a space for the date, envelope is marked 22]

My dear Mary,

You must excuse my writing and everything else, for my pen is very poor, and the weather very warm; It is Sunday afternoon and I have just returned from the Methodist church, and thought that I would employ my time in writing to you. I can not think of anything that will be very interesting to you notwithstanding I suppose I must fulfil my promise to you. On Thursday evening I had a call from Henry Arthur, Sarah & Jane Nelson together with two ladies from Po’keepsie Mrs. Moore & Nicholas. I returned with them to Mrs. Moore’s and partook of ice cream and when we were coming home we discovered a small snake in the road.

We went to Po’keepsie according to our intentions when you were home but as Pa’ was with us and had to returned with the 11 o’clock train and we had accomplished our shopping Ma’ chose to return with him and of course I had nothing to do but submit and come home. I was very sorry, for I had intended to have called and seen you and Mrs. Blum[?]

Probably I may be down again in the course of the summer and if I should again have that pleasure, intend calling to see you

Will you be home on the fourth of July or not? I suppose you have given up the idea of being homesick and perhaps nearly forgotten Tivoli friends by this time, your time being occupied with studies and law students across the way.

Your Aunt Emeline and Miss Amanda Lasher called here yesterday afternoon and your Aunt was saying that they had heard from Elizabeth Chapman and she expected Sarah and her uncle & Aunt there Saturday that was yesterday and home Wednesday.

Obituary of Mrs. Mahala Clarke, this girl's mother

Obituary of Mrs. Mahala Clarke, this girl’s mother – click to enlarge

I had to hear your Tuesday letter Sunday afternoon and prepare for evening service. Mr. Thompson preached for us yesterday and today has been uncomfortably warm so much so that we hardly knew what to do with ourselves. How has it been with you?

Ma’ was over to your house yesterday and your Ma’* wished me to say to you that they were all well and that she should omit writing to you for a day or two as I was writing to you, Libby & Emily called here a few moments last evening and Libby said that she should write you as soon as Sarah returned and then she might have more interesting reason[?]

We have a Ticket master from Barrytown a Mr. De Groot, Mr. Roose has left.

I think I have exhausted my budget of news tonight as Sarah would say

Pray excuse all imperfections (for they are many) and destroy it as soon as possible

I remain yours faithfully

Mahala Clarke

To Mary E Knickerbacker

PS Please answer as soon as convenient M Clarke


*This is MEK’s step-mother Catherine Sharpe 1821-1893. Her own mother, Eliza Ann Beckwith died in 1843.

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3

Poughkeepsie Female Academy

29 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by SKH in 19th Century Photos, 20th Century, Education, Genealogy, Urban Renewal

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

education, Knickerbocker, Losee, poughkeepsie, poughkeepsie female academy, tivoli

My great-great grandmother Mary Elizabeth Knickerbocker of Madelin (Tivoli) NY (later Mrs. Dr. John E Losee of Upper Red Hook) attended the Poughkeepsie Female Academy, graduating probably in 1855 at 18. At the time, most children received an “8th grade education” which was not something to look down upon. Those who cared to and could afford to would send their children on to academies and colleges which were often also boarding schools.

I have a half-dozen letters sent to her from her academy friends Mahala Clarke, Emma Robinson, Almira Culver, Kate Roosa, and Mollie Harris that I have transcribed and will begin a series of posts for each in February and March, but thought a little context and background might be handy, first.

Poughkeepsie Female Academy

Poughkeepsie Female Academy (New York Public Library)

When Mary Elizabeth Knickerbocker attended the Poughkeepsie Female Academy, the principal was Jacob C. Tooker. He was born c. 1800 and when he died in 1856 his widow Caroline Warring ran the Academy in his stead until 1859. They may have had two daughters, Sarah b. c. 1836 who appears in the 1850 census with them, and Ada b. c. 1851 who married John Warnick (they are buried in the same plot with her parents). Caroline died in 1891.

Jacob got a Masters from Union College in 1826. He was from Goshen and resided Montgomery, Orange Co in 1830 and 1840. In the early 1840’s he was a superintendent of Orange County public schools. From 1846-48 he was principal of Brockport Collegiate Institute, an academy west of Rochester (today, SUNY Brockport) where he…

“…was the outsider who was hired as the permanent principal. …There are contradictory remarks about the type of man he was, ranging from “fussy and difficult” to “jovial and well liked.” Principal Tooker and Mrs. Bates, who still ran the boarding establishment after her husband’s death, did not get along. The Trustee Board had to step in on several occasions to settle their battles. Principal Tooker also clashed with the students and was a strong disciplinarian. By the end of the school term in 1848, the board of Trustees had tired of Principal Tooker’s demands and complaints and terminated his relationship with the Institution.” – College at Brockport website

In the 1850 census he was the principal of the Female Academy in Poughkeepsie.  He, along with 60 men like Vassar, Hooker, and Adriance, loaned $300 each in 1853 to the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery Association and “were given the option of either being paid back once the cemetery began to sell plots, or using the investment to pay for a family plot.” “A Brief History of The Cemetery”

The Female Academy building was a “fine brick structure on Cannon street, near Market” with “heavy Doric columns” built when the school opened in 1837 per The History of Duchess Co NY, J. H. Smith. It does not exist today, not having survived urban renewal (search this blog/use the tags for posts regarding this topic).

Illustrated Poughkeepsie p.37

Building used as “Women’s Christian Temperance Union” in 1906

Hinky Dinky Indeed!

08 Tuesday Jan 2013

Posted by SKH in 20th Century, WWI

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

Losee, Ron Losee, WWI

I just had a great conversation on the phone with my 93 year old cousin. This was part of that conversation after I mentioned I have my grandfather’s drawings from when he was a kid of the allies fighting the Kaiser.

R: I remember a terrible naughty song… Maybe I shouldn’t…

S: PLEASE DO!

R: (Laughing) Scotch marine went over the top, parlez-vous, Scotch marine went over the top, parlez-vous, Scotch marine went over the top because he heard a penny drop, hinky dinky parlez-vous. (laughs). First marines went over the top, parlez-vous, First marines went over the top, parlez-vous, First marine went over the top to shoot the hairs off the Kaiser’s c*ck, hinky dinky parlez-vous! (laughs harder) Ok, one more. Mademoiselle from Armentiers, parlez-vous, Mademoiselle from Armentiers, parlez-vous, Mademoiselle from Armentiers hasn’t been screwed in forty years, hinky dinky parlez-vous!!

Below are three choice pics from said collection of children’s drawings.

Good For you, Darn Germans!
Ze Bomb
Kaiser in Hell

← Older posts

♣ Search

19th Century 20th Century 1920s apples asylums bicycle books doctors Earl W Baker education ennis farming fiber arts Fraleigh genealogy Harris Hermans hold'er newt hunting jackson corners John Losee Knickerbocker kodachrome Lee Staley letters Losee methodist cemetery milan movies mystery photography poughkeepsie quilt red hook revolutionary war Robinson signature quilt Smith The Old Home Town tivoli upper red hook urban renewal victoriana WWI WWII

♣ Archives

♣ Categories

  • 19th Century (4)
  • 19th Century Letters (7)
  • 19th Century Photos (14)
  • 20th Century (53)
  • Apple Farming (4)
  • Art (1)
  • Books (2)
  • Civil War (1)
  • Color Slides (16)
  • Education (9)
  • Fiber Arts (3)
  • Genealogy (28)
  • Revolutionary War (1)
  • Urban Renewal (6)
  • WWI (12)

♣ Articles

  • Four New Posts
  • The 1903 Jackson Corners Signature Quilt Book
  • Who first said “Hold’er Newt”?
  • Books, Books, Books…
  • The Mystery of Amnesiac Dr. H.H. Cate

♣ Comments

  • SKH on Books, Books, Books…
  • SKH on Books, Books, Books…
  • SKH on Subscribe
  • SKH on Subscribe
  • SKH on Subscribe

Proudly powered by WordPress Theme: Chateau by Ignacio Ricci.