Correspondence, 1892-1894

The Shoemaker papers comprise thirty-six boxes of correspondence, notes, telegrams, receipts, lists, recipes and ephemera. Printed material, such as charitable organization reports, appear interspersed. Hand-drawn floor plans to the family home Burnside and an unidentified residence are also featured.

This collection spans from the early 19th century to 1954. The material is arranged in chronological order. A limited attempt to categorize some miscellaneous items by subject has been made. Refer to the container list for featured categories.

These papers provide a detailed overview into the everyday life of a wealthy and socially prominent Baltimore family. While aspects of Samuel Shoemaker's business career are noted, domestic and family concerns dominate. Shoemaker frequently wrote home during his travels; his letters contain inquiries about his family, as well as brief comments on politics and society. Adam's Express related items are generally concentrated in the 1870-80's era.

Correspondence between Samuel Shoemaker and the politician Schuyler Colfax (Indiana U.S. Representative; Speaker of the House, 1863-65; Vice-president under Grant, 1869-73) reveal a Warm friendship between the men. The Colfax letters, approximately twenty in total (ca. 1864-1884), mention national political campaigns and issues, as well as personal concerns and daily activities. A ca. 1864 letter mentions Colfax's visit to Lincoln's White House; an 1874 note mentions James G. Blaine's presidential campaign.

Letters written by Mrs. Ellen Colfax (the politician's second wife) to Mrs. Augusta Shoemaker also appear. One of the Shoemaker's daughters apparently visited the congressman's home in South Bend, Indiana; both families vacationed together at Chautaugua, New York.

Diverse aspects of local social and domestic life are featured within this collection. Areas discussed include attitudes regarding religion, benevolence, death, and mourning. References to the Civil War also occur. Travel letters, from the 1870-80's, detail experiences in European cities such as London, Paris, Bern and Amsterdam. Comments regarding the 19th century United States business climate can be found in the letters directed to S. M. Shoemaker, Sr. from David Kenner, an Adams Express local executive. Samuel Eccleston Harper penned his reaction to the outbreak of World War I. Aspects of missionary work in 1917-8 China are discussed in Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker, III's letters.

Miscellaneous items detail aspects of daily life. Household management papers include grocery, packing, and invitation lists (one features invitees such as General and Mrs. Grant, J.G. Blaine and Schuyler Colfax receipts for items purchased (including toys for the Orphans Home), and recipes for both food and home health remedies. Word games, acrostics and poetry are also featured, as well as documents reflecting religious sentiments.

The collection also provides insight into women's lives. A number of letters directed to Mrs. Shoemaker (Ellen Ward Whitridge) describe the struggles of Louise Lottman, a young single woman, seeking employment in 1906. Lottman describes a workday in a sewing factory. Random correspondence from Elizabeth Patton to Cousin Nellie describes mission work in Batesville, Virginia; one contains a listing of items Patton needed.

Correspondence from family servants appears. Upon the Shoemaker's absence, Miss Isabella Smith or Miss Hanna Miller would write to describe household affairs and report on the health of their children. As part of their daily duties, the women appeared to assemble and sew garments for the family. In addition, inquiries from individuals seeking a domestic employment can be found.

Charitable appeals and reports, from individuals and on behalf of organizations, appear interspersed. They represent both local and national endeavors. A sample of associations include: Baltimore Throat Dispensary, Newsboy's Christmas Eve Festival (1880), The Society for the Protection of Children from Cruelty and Immorality (1883); Friendly Inn Association (1894); Home for Colored Girls (1903); Mrs. Osler's Tuberculosis Nurse Report, The Society for the Relief of Disabled Ministers, The Utica Normal ; Industrial Institute (for African-Americans located in Utica, Mississippi (1906), Baltimore General Dispensary (1907), Commission for Relief in Belgium (1915), Mission of Our Savior in Tanana, Alaska (1916), Church League for Industrial Democracy, Princeton University Center in China (1921) and others.

Commentary on World War I appears. An August 2, 1915 letter from Moore Sater to Shoemaker describes Paris and the war wounded. A September 6, 1917 note from F.E. Carey, an Englishman, comments that an unexploded bomb fell through his roof. Samuel E. Harper reacted to the Kaiser's abdication in November 1918.

The 20th century portion of this collection mostly concern the life and literary work of J. Eccleston) Harper. Harper was a writer and playwright in fin de siecle Paris. Original manuscripts for a number of his works, including the play "The Red Sphinx," exist. Harper penned numerous children's stories and pieces of short poetry. In addition, he translated various works from French to English.

Harper's letters predominate the portion of the collection from approximately 1912 to the early twenties. His insights regarding World War I, religion and society provide an overview to the times.