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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Unknown to Frank Van Valkenburgh

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00686.30 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1900-1929 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 32.2 cm, Width: 20.3 cm Order a Copy

Illegible signature at end of letter. Pencil note at the bottom of the letter says it is Garrit [likely Gerrit] S. Van Valkenburgh, but it is too obscure to be certain. Pokes fun at his brother for such a bad letter to him. Says it is cold and that they are clustered around a rousing fire in the store. A dust storm is obscuring the day. Says mother is well and that their father is with Ed (another brother). Says Carrie Van Singer, probably a relative, gave birth to a son. Reports that there is peace in Europe and plenty in America. Mentions that crops are good. Gives update on family and friends including "Dick Elliot [who] was married 4 weeks ago to day & his wife had a baby last night - beat that in Wisconsin if you can." Says streets are being graded and improved. Author underlined his signature and continued the line and drew an image of a person. Author is unknown as the signature is illegible.

Van Valkenburgh, Gerrit, fl. 1850-1905
Van Valkenburgh, Franklin Butler, 1835-1924
Van Singer, Carrie, fl. 1900
Elliot, Dick, fl. 1900
Van Valkenburgh, Edward P., 1837-1913
Van Valkenburgh, Gerrit S., 1835-1885

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