baby James
James Gorham Armstead was born to Marion (Gorham) Armstead and George Brooks Armstead in Grace Hospital, New Haven, August
9, 1903. They had established their first home at No. 38 Avon St, New Haven. In 1910 George moved his home to Lynn, MA, where
George became editor of the Lynn Evening News. His earlier contacts had served him well, as James Bolton had bought the
paper and hired George for $35/week. The paper's circulation grew steadily, and it took a lead role in elections to change the
city government and to make Lynn into a prohibition town.
Work often kept George away from home. Here Marion writes him:
Dear George:
How are things going now? We are getting along very nicely here. It takes most all of Grandma's and my time to do the work and take care of baby, so you can see why some things were overlooked when I was doing the work alone.
would never wear them again, as they have been hanging around a long time.
I didn't go down to Mother's today. We'll probably do tomorrow.
You ought to see how Jim can kick now when his clothes are off. Even more than he could when you saw him last. When I woke up at quarter of four this morning he had kicked himself half off his crib onto the couch, and lay there sucking his thumb. Grandma says she never saw such an active baby at three months old. I shall have to watch him very closely now. Have you found a room yet? I'll be glad to live anywhere where you could be happy. I don't think I would find any place too lonesome, as I should have my baby with me all day and my hubby at night. Some time before I go home to Brooklyn I should like to get Fannie's wedding present and take it out to her mother's. I think I shall get a vinegar cruet somewhat like the one we gave Mattie. That cost $2.98, and I'll try to save out that much Fannie's present next week. I am coming along with my finances and bookkeeping. How are you coming along?
Must close and take this out to the box. It is after supper now, and I am going to bed early. Take care of yourself for the sake of your little wifey who just adores you and wouldn't have anything happen to you for the world. Good night my own darling husband.
Ever your own, Marian"
Bsby James certainly stole the hearts of his clan, as seen in this undated letter:
"My dear daughter Marian
It is Sunday morning and my new boys are late to breakfast. As I have been dreaming all night of my darling grandson I will begin a letter to you and hope to finish before the day is over and also to write to George. I have not heard from him this week but as the news comes regularly I feel that its editor must be well and 'up and doing'. How I wish I could see you and Jamie today. Everybody is asking for his highness and sending kisses and love to him. The little thief has stolen lots of love since he came to us. Come to reason though. I guess he has just made all our hearts larger and taken a corner for his big, little self. How I wish George's father could have lived to see him then he could have loved him - and how proud he would be of George [indecipherable - 'success'?]
and he would have loved you so much.
All well here. I am very busy and hope in a few weeks to get straightened out financially. Now dear, when is the wedding? When, probably, will you be home? How about Christmas? I can not do much this year but shall do a few little things. Will George be able to be with you? Shall I send my little things to you there?
I am glad baby keeps well, and that you are seeing so many of your friends. Have you seen Miss Marte? Can you go to Sea Gate?
I am feeling better than in the early fall. Well, I don't enjoy sleeping on the lounger, but it means a little more money.
Boys ready for breakfast, so no more this morning.
Much of love, Mother Lou."
This letter reports that George's widowed mother was taking in boarders in order to help make ends meet.
The story continues here. Here is the previous page.
Work often kept George away from home. Here Marion writes him:
Dear George:
How are things going now? We are getting along very nicely here. It takes most all of Grandma's and my time to do the work and take care of baby, so you can see why some things were overlooked when I was doing the work alone.
|
Baby and I had a fine walk this afternoon. We went in the Orange St. entrance of East Rock Park, along Riverside Path. I thought
if I stuck to that roadway I would come out the Whitney Ave. gate, but when I kept getting higher and higher, and finally found
myself at that little summer house overlooking the lake, I thought I had gone far enough for one day, so we turned around and
came home. A few blocks from home Toodles decided he had waited long enough for his meal (and it was considerably past time for
him to eat), so he began to yell, so Mama carried her little boy for 2 ½ blocks, pushing the carriage along with one hand.
I was pretty tired when I got in. Grandma has just left for East Haven. Auntie is also going out there after work to get more of their clothes, etc. They will probably be back by seven o'clock. I made 59¢ today from the Rag Man. He only took a few of those papers down in the cellar. I guess I'll burn up the rest of that rubbish. I'll have a bonfire in the yard. There's a place there where Mrs. B. burns stuff. I sold that bue coat without buttons + the vest to match for 50¢. I know you |  Jimmie at 20 months |
I didn't go down to Mother's today. We'll probably do tomorrow.
You ought to see how Jim can kick now when his clothes are off. Even more than he could when you saw him last. When I woke up at quarter of four this morning he had kicked himself half off his crib onto the couch, and lay there sucking his thumb. Grandma says she never saw such an active baby at three months old. I shall have to watch him very closely now. Have you found a room yet? I'll be glad to live anywhere where you could be happy. I don't think I would find any place too lonesome, as I should have my baby with me all day and my hubby at night. Some time before I go home to Brooklyn I should like to get Fannie's wedding present and take it out to her mother's. I think I shall get a vinegar cruet somewhat like the one we gave Mattie. That cost $2.98, and I'll try to save out that much Fannie's present next week. I am coming along with my finances and bookkeeping. How are you coming along?
Must close and take this out to the box. It is after supper now, and I am going to bed early. Take care of yourself for the sake of your little wifey who just adores you and wouldn't have anything happen to you for the world. Good night my own darling husband.
Ever your own, Marian"
Bsby James certainly stole the hearts of his clan, as seen in this undated letter:
"My dear daughter Marian
It is Sunday morning and my new boys are late to breakfast. As I have been dreaming all night of my darling grandson I will begin a letter to you and hope to finish before the day is over and also to write to George. I have not heard from him this week but as the news comes regularly I feel that its editor must be well and 'up and doing'. How I wish I could see you and Jamie today. Everybody is asking for his highness and sending kisses and love to him. The little thief has stolen lots of love since he came to us. Come to reason though. I guess he has just made all our hearts larger and taken a corner for his big, little self. How I wish George's father could have lived to see him then he could have loved him - and how proud he would be of George [indecipherable - 'success'?]
and he would have loved you so much.
All well here. I am very busy and hope in a few weeks to get straightened out financially. Now dear, when is the wedding? When, probably, will you be home? How about Christmas? I can not do much this year but shall do a few little things. Will George be able to be with you? Shall I send my little things to you there?
I am glad baby keeps well, and that you are seeing so many of your friends. Have you seen Miss Marte? Can you go to Sea Gate?
I am feeling better than in the early fall. Well, I don't enjoy sleeping on the lounger, but it means a little more money.
Boys ready for breakfast, so no more this morning.
Much of love, Mother Lou."
This letter reports that George's widowed mother was taking in boarders in order to help make ends meet.
The story continues here. Here is the previous page.
