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Dreer, Henry A., 1818-1873. Letters, 1847-1848, 1868-1869.

Title: Letters, 1847-1848, 1868-1869.

Consists of two sets of letters. The first five, dated 1847 and 1848, where written from Henry Dreer to Mary Leavenworth during their courtship and first year of marriage. Dreer was working and trying to find a house in Philadelphia for his family, while Mary remained in Reading. He described plays and concerts he attended and sent his affection. Dreer also sent a letter to his sister in 1848, announcing an unexpected arrival in Reading and his intention of taking a house on Union St. in Philadelphia. Also included in the collection is a letter written by Henry and Mary to "the loved ones at home" when they were traveling in Germany in 1869. They described a trip down the Rhine River, castles, and other historic sites.

ArchivalResource: 16 items.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/84665643 View

Greble, Edwin, 1806-1883. Letters, 1877-1883.

Title: Letters, 1877-1883.

Consists of eleven letters from Greble to his son, also Edwin Greble, in Europe. In addition to relaying family news, the letters record Greble's stone work, construction ventures, and income from rental properties. He wrote about "monumental work," which included making tombs, statues, mantels, vestibules for houses at Spruce and 21st, and cemetery ornaments for local customers and individuals in Virginia and Venezuela. The letters further document a gradual shift in preference during the period for granite over marble monuments. At times, Greble complained of his inability to get rid of stock. He also noted that work at some cemeteries was hard to obtain as it was "in the hands of Superintendents who are either in partnership or get commissions from stone cutters - this I cannot nor will not do, the consequence is I receive no work from these persons." Greble did, however, work closely with builder, Charles W. Budd, in constructing houses on Sansom St. The building of these houses, using greenstone as the finishing material, is described in detail. Greble also informed his son about his social activities. He often mentions doing things with members of the Dreer family and having relatives, in particular Edwin St. John Greble, to visit. One letter gives information on problems in William F. Dreer's partnership with Henry Smith. As his son travels through Europe, Greble relays past experiences in the places his son is staying. He also requested and received photographs of buildings from his son.

ArchivalResource: 11 items.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/122641136 View