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Abbie Bartlett Shapleigh correspondence

 Collection
Identifier: 0316

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

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.

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

Contact:
Abplanalp Library
University of New England
716 Stevens Avenue
Portland Maine 04103 United States