Abbie Bartlett Shapleigh correspondence
Collection Scope and Content
This collection consists entirely of correspondence as original letters and their typed transcriptions. The more than 200 letters cover the years between 1860 and 1892. Almost all of the letters were written by Abbie Shapleigh and directed to her children, her daughter receiving the large majority of them, her siblings, her husband, and Mrs. Thorpe. Abbie Shapleigh traveled extensively--her letters from the Poland Spring House in Poland Spring, Maine reference the curative powers of the spring water and the hotel's setting, for example. The letters offer an exceptional opportunity to experience the period through the words and sentiments of a sensitive and worldly woman and devoted mother.
Dates
- 1860-1902
Creator
- Shapleigh, Abbie Bartlett (Person)
Access
Collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Curator of the Maine Women Writers Collection.
Biographical/Historical Note
Abbie Bartlett Shapleigh was born in North New Portland, Maine in 1838, the last of twelve children. Abbie Shapleigh became the companion to Mrs. Joseph Thorpe ("Meme" in the Shapleigh correspondence), helping with the Thorpe children, and after the collapse of her marriage, devoted most of her life to that work. Abbie Shapleigh had two children with Joseph Shapleigh.
Extent
.5 linear foot (18 folders)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
This collection is organized as a single series. Arranged chronologically, by type.
- Correspondence Subject Source: TGM II, Genre and physical characteristic terms
- Maine -- Description and travel Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Maine -- History Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- New England -- Social life and customs Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Shapleigh, Abbie Bartlett
- Title
- Guide to the Abbie Bartlett Shapleigh correspondence, 1860-1902
- Status
- Completed
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Maine Women Writers Collection Repository
Abplanalp Library
University of New England
716 Stevens Avenue
Portland Maine 04103 United States
mwwc@une.edu