Here is a collection of letters written by Annie Thompson Chase in chronological order.
For more information, see "Family Tree of Annie Thompson Chase" from the April 2016 post.
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Letter to Master Hamilton Chase, 908 Topeka Avenue, Topeka, Kansas
From Annie T. Chase (his mother)(out of town at the time)
September 1910
My dear Little Son,
Your letter which came this morning was very much appreciated. I am going to answer it this morning hoping you will receive it on your birthday.
I wish you many many happy returns of the day and I hope each year will find you a bigger, wiser and better boy. I am so glad you told me what you would like for a present. Aunty was going to try to find something for me; but I could not think of anything half as nice as the chain and lock for your wheel. You ask Papa to take you down town and get it for you, just what you want.
I am glad you got your money that Chester owed to you. Don’t spend your pennies for candy and things that will make you sick. You had better put your money into the big Jack.
Your bank book is in the right hand little drawer of Papa’s writing desk at home.
Who do you play with now Lindsay has moved away? Do you know where he lives ? I wish you would write me very often and tell me what you do and where you play. Don’t go off without asking Aunty. Well I can not realize my baby will be nine years old so soon. I am sorry I can not be with you, but I wish you a happy day and send you ten kisses to grow on.
Your very loving Mother
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Letter to Master Hamilton Chase, Camp Choconut, Friendsville, PA
From Annie T. Chase, Topeka, Kansas
July 16, 1916
My dearest Boy,
Oh, but this has been a hot day, 99 degrees yesterday and well over a hundred today, so glad you are out of it. Did your trunk reach you safely and when? How many boys are in your camp this year ?
We have been out riding with Mr. and Mrs. Hammatt and Abe and Ethel was in with Dick. He is just taking his departure now. I will send you the Sunday paper, in it you will see a picture of the car Dick drove from Flint Mich. to Buffalo.
The Hammatts mobilized to K.C. yesterday and finalized Abe’s engine, etc. for his car. He will probably write you about it later.
Father and I sent you a box of nuts (as you don’t eat candy). I hope they will reach you safely and in good condition.
What a fine trip Uncle Sam and Aunt Fan will have. Uncle Henry promises to keep a Fatherly eye on you in their absence. Do tell me how you are and if you are gaining flesh ? Frances Hammatt is thoroughly enjoying her camp but her mother is worried because there are sixty girls there instead of forty as they expected. We are looking for Aunt Lizzie and (...) tomorrow. I hope they will not be overcome with the heat. Mrs. Hammatt said they just suffered with it and the dust on Saturday.
All join in love and kisses to our boy.
Write often to Mother.
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| Annie T Chase's letters to her son, Hamilton, at camp in 1916 |
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Letter to Mr Hamilton Chase, Camp Choconut, Friendsville, Susquehanna, County, PA
From Annie T. Chase, Topeka, Kansas
July 23, 1916
Dear Hampie,
This has been another hot Sunday. I am so thankful you are not in this awful heat.
Aunt Lizzie and Uncle Joe took dinner with us and are coming to take us to the farm very soon.
We had one cool day last week and since then our evenings and nights have been comfortable. We usually ride with some of our friends and so cool off before going to bed. I do hope the worst of it is over. Aunty and Uncle Jo go back to Los Angeles next week. We will certainly miss them, but I will be glad to have them near Grandma. She is getting along about as usual. I know she would love to hear from you. Her address is Las Encinas, Pasadina, Cal.
Poor Abram broke his wrist cranking his new engine for his car. It happened last Tuesday and he wanted me to tell you he received your letter, but would be unable to answer it and would love to hear again from you. Father wishes me to send you this check for twelve ($12.00) dollars to use for riding lessons if you wish to take them. If not, take good care of it and don’t cash it till you want to use your money.
Do you know where your return ticket from Chicago to Topeka is ? Did you leave it with Aunt Fan?
Ethel took her finals in (...) yesterday and we feel quite sure she passed.
All send love to our boy. So glad you can have such a nice Summer.
Write dearest Love from Mother
(Do be careful in the water …)
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Letter to Master Hamilton Chase, Camp Choconut, Friendsville, Susquehanna, County, PA
From Annie T. Chase, Topeka, Kansas
August 6, 1916
My dearest Hamilton,
Another hot Sunday, a little better (.....) than some of the days last week. Two days it was 102 degrees and no rain for over 40 days. So you see what you have to be thankful for. Aunty and Uncle Jo got off Thursday night. We dreaded to see Aunty go except for the fact that Grandma is out there. She let Walter out entirely this time, he became so worthless.
The Hammatts are all going to Colorado for two weeks as soon as Frances comes from camp. She is still enjoying it all very much. Dick was here to dinner and took us down to the farm afterward. Abram is getting along fine with his arm, he was so pleased to get your second letter. Aunty Lang says if she gets a letter from you soon she may send you another box of snacks. Ethel is almost (....) with her summer’s work, the terrible heat has made it so hard, she was sick two days last week.
There is really no news to write. Mr. Merriman came home Friday and brought Chester with him. They had a delightful time at Cape Cod, though much rain and fog. Isn’t it a pity we can’t have some of the rain they don’t want in the East. How is George Jones now? I hope he is well again. Remember me to him also to Mrs. Winlock
With love and kisses from Mother
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Letter to Master Hamilton Chase, Camp Choconut, Friendsville, Susquehanna, County, PA
From Annie T. Chase, Topeka, Kansas
August 17, 1916
My dear Hampy Boy,
I hope your hike is a great success as long as you had to give up the canoe trip. We were all so interested in your account of the water sports and so glad to hear Mariana was there.
They will probably invite you over to see the new baby while you are East. I could not write yesterday, as it being Mr. Hammatt’s birthday we had them all here for dinner last evening, so was busy all day. I still have my nineteen year old girl (just Sister’s age). She is doing very well but requires considerable help from your Mother. I am so glad we will have you home soon. I have missed you all summer. You ought to see how badly the walks look. I swept them myself the other day. Did Father tell you Ethel and I will not take the Lake trip (we get too sea-sick) but will meet your (...) in Chicago where you and Dad will stay a few days and I will stay with Ethel till she starts for Wells, which opens the 20th.
Washburn opens the 12th this year.
How much have you gained this summer? Frances has gained 12 lbs.
I hate to hear that you have not been feeling well as you wrote twice.
You must come home in good condition for your winter’s work.
All send hugs and love with a kiss from Mother.
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| Annie Thompson Chase |
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Letter to Hamilton Chase, Camp Choconut, Friendsville, Susquehanna, County, PA
From Annie T. Chase, Topeka, Kansas
August 25, 1916
My dear Boy,
I feel that it will not be so long now till I see you again. Father left a five this PM. I hope you will be able to meet him in Buffalo as he plans. You will both enjoy the Lake trip together.
Ethel and I are pretty lonesome here but (...) we can stand it for ten days. My plan is to leave here Sept. 4th and reach Chicago the day after. Dick has promised to look after us during Father’s absence. He is here now on the porch with Ethel. I will be so thankful to get you further away from the eastern states where the awful Infantile paralysis is so bad. There have only been three or four cases in Kansas this entire summer.
Monday we had a few drops of rain and it turned quite cool. This afternoon we had another small shower just as Father left. It is quite (...) so perhaps it will rain tonight. The paper said today this was the 60th day of the drought. Frances Hammatt gets home the 2nd or 3rd of Sept. She has gained 14 lbs. according to last reports. I hope you have done well in lbs. too.
At any rate I know it has been a fine summer for you and I only hope you will come back feeling well set up for your winter’s work. Bill Drexel came home a few days ago. He looks splendid after his long visit. Father said to be sure to tell you to put your warm sweater in your bag. You had better wear your rain-coat. Also have warm underwear as it will be very cold on the boat. Don’t forget. Be sure to put things in your suit-case you will need on your trip. Love and hugs to my boy from Mother.
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Letter to Mr. Hamilton Chase, 1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas
From Annie T. Chase, Los Angeles on vacation
March 20, 1917
My dear Hampy Boy,
Aunty and I are feeling quite lonesome as Uncle Ayres and Aunt Mary have just left for San Francisco. They kindly invited me to go too, but my ticket would not bring me back this way and I thought they would enjoy being alone with Stu Carasseo. I have already had such a wonderful time I must save something to visit with Father when he and I come out together sometime later. This is the Lord’s country Hamp. You must all see it someday. Of course, I realize I have seen California under the hot conditions. It has been so pleasant to be with the two Aunties and having Uncle Joe’s car has made it possible to see so much. You don’t know how much I enjoyed your letter. I hope you have entirely recovered from your little sick spell - You had better be somewhat careful of your diet when your Mother is away.
Is your work very hard at Craaley Bud ?
Tell Father I wish he would give you a dollar to pay Miss Komitz -- I will refund it on my return -- it must not go longer unpaid. Are you doing good work at school? Do your best deary, it will mean so much to you later in life. Glad to hear the chickens are doing well and also that the puss old here “is no more”. She looked so sick when I left home. You and sister seem to be having very pleasant weekends. How are your socks holding out? If your toes are out, go and get some new socks. How does it seem to be without a Mother? If you get along real well, I may run off again.
Aunty joins me in love to you both dear ones. Be sure to write again. I am having a fine visit but I miss you very much.
Love and kisses from Mother
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Letter to Mr. Hamilton Chase, Mount Princeton Hotel, Buena Vista, Colorado
From Annie T. Chase, Topeka, Kansas
August 14, 1919
My dear Boy,
Your letters sound as if you are having a good old time out in cool Colorado. You are a lucky boy to have been out of this heat, though the last few days have been better, it is still hot.
You will be surprised to hear you are not going to Staunton. Aunt Fan and Uncle Sam heard some stories they did not like about the treatment of the boys at Staunton, so telegraphed Dad they now entering you at Laurenceville, New Jersey. You know the school which the Stubbs boys went. It is not fully settled as yet but more than likely that is where you will go -- that school opens Sept. 16th. Will write you more about it as soon as we know (....).
Father and I think it is very expensive and the supplies they ask you to bring, bedding, towels etc. is enough to bankrupt us.
Ethel says your “hope box” will be full. She went to a luncheon at the Morris’, a little party Cynthia Morse is going today. Last evening we had Miss Connell (Edith is in Chicago) over for a game -- Ethel is quite interested in bridge -- there is so little doing for her. It is so hot and everybody out of town. Dick sent her the grandest big box of Los Angeles candy yesterday which we are all enjoying. At last I have your watch repaired so will try to get the box off tomorrow. Your grey suit looks quite well since it has been (...)
(...) did not use the vest to mend it.
All join in (...) love to you, Aunty and Uncle Joe.
Mother
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To Hamilton Chase
To Hamilton Chase
524 N. Henry Street, Madison, Wisconsin
From Annie Chase, 1257 Western Ave, Topeka, KS
June 27, 1923
My dear Boy --
I had such nice letters from both Aunty and Sister and (_____).
I will have one this afternoon from you telling about your trip to Chicago. I’m sure glad you went but sorry it was so hot while you were there. How long did you stay ? I sent your old summer (boating?) hat etc. thinking you might find them cooler than the ones you are wearing to school.
When did your summer school begin? Ethel says she and Dave had a dreadfully hot trip. I am delaying my trip some what till this hot spell is over. I know how awful it is in Chicago when it is hot. (We are quite … ) 99 degrees on Monday but yesterday and today has been lovely. We had a big storm last night. Uncle Jo returned yesterday and wants to start with Aunty and Grace late this afternoon -- it looks doubtful to me on account of the weather -- the rain does not seem to be over. Did I tell you your names was on our invitation to _______ (Leonard Kline) wedding invitation? He is to marry a Kansas City girl -- she is very attractive looking and has a rich father so I hear.
I have about decided to leave the evening of the 4th. Father plans to come up the last of July and we will probably all come home together when your school term is over -- so let us know the date. I sent your box on Sunday so you probably have it now. Take good care of yourself dear and write often.
Love and hugs,
Mother
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December 31, 1924
To Hamilton Chase
From Mrs. Harold T. Chase
To my Beloved Son --
This is such an important year I must take my pen in hand to wish you “God’s speed.”
I can scarcely realize that the little boy who came to us twenty-three years ago is now ready to take his place alone in the world. I wish you all the success in life possible. But the thing I long for more than any is that you will pass along this good name your Father has given you as clean and untarnished as it came to you. You were blessed with a fine heritage from Father and your Grandfathers. And you know the sins of the Fathers are visited upon the children.
So this is my wish for 1925.
Your loving
Mother
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February 8, 1925
To Hamilton Chase
530 N. Puishney Street, Madison, Wisconsin
From Mrs. Harold T. Chase
1257 Western Ave, Topeka Kansas
My dear Son,
This is probably your last Sunday in Madison for some time -- as I am sure you got through with all your examinations. However, we will soon know.
You will find a warm welcome awaiting you when you come home to live. I can scarcely believe your school days are (____) you have been away so many years. Was the “Prom” all you expected dear? I do hope you enjoyed it and Mildred too. It was a long trip for her to take to attend it so I hope she enjoyed it thoroughly.
Aunt Mary, Uncle Ayres and Betty arrived last Wednesday and leave next Wednesday for California. I always enjoy having Aunt Mary but so many in the house is too much for my poor nerves so I am glad it is only a week. We have had wonderful weather until today, it has been horrid: first rain and tonight a wet snow. (__) had to behave this way as we planned to go to Leavenworth for the day. Perhaps we can go after you get home.
You have to bring all your possessions home with you this time -- bedding, clothing, etc. -- take plenty of time for packing.
I (_______) Ethel and David are looking for you(_____) make (_____) a nice little visit so you can tell us all about the Baby. Give them my love and hug little (Dear) for me. We will expect great things of you now you are coming home all grown up and ready for a man’s job.
Good-night -- with dearest love from Mother
P.S. Aunt Mary sends her love and congratulations.
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| Ethel Chase with her mother, Annie T. Chase around 1923 |
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| Uncle Ayers (Ayers D. Lundy of Chicago) with Annie T. Chase around 1923 |
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To Mrs. Hamilton Chase, St. Mary’s Hospital, Winfield, Kansas
From Annie T. Chase, 1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas
Sunday, January 18, 1931
My dear Lieuween,
We are so happy to hear of your good progress and hope you will keep right on improving -- It was quite a shock when Hamilton told us of your operation. I was so sorry you had to have (stood suffaring ?) -- but it is good to think it is gone to trouble you no more -- I telephoned Katherine who was quite as surprised as we were -- She said she had just written you a letter the evening before.
She was telling me how wonderfully quickly she got over her operation of the same kind -- But she did not have a small baby to care for -- You will have to be very careful not to overdue at first. How fortunate you have your Mother to help you out -- it must be quite an undertaking for her though I know how she loves little Frances. Hamilton says the Baby is fine -- she will soon be having more teeth I suppose. Father Chase is about as usual though none too strong since his last sick spell. We are looking forward to a visit of a day from Aunt Mary and Uncle Ayres this week.
I have a few household things for you and Hamp which we will bring down when next we visit Winfield --
With love and best wishes for a speedy recovery --- Mother Chase
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| Ethel Nethercot with Marianne N; Annie T Chase holding Frances Chase August 1936 in Michigan at Ethel's home |
To Mrs. Anna Lawson Tonkinson, State Orphans Home, Atchinson, Kansas
From Annie T Chase, 1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas
March 22, 1934
My dear Mrs. Tonkinson,
I have invited Hamilton and Lieuween to bring Frances here to be baptised in her Great - Grandmother’s font at the First Presbyterian Church Easter service, four o’clock in the afternoon. We would be so happy to have you here also, and to take dinner with us at one o’clock. If you let Lieuween or Hamilton know your plans, I am sure they will be glad to meet you if you come by either bus or train, as they will probably get here Saturday.
Hoping for good Easter weather and that you can be with us -- I am very sincerely yours --
Hoping for good Easter weather and that you can be with us -- I am very sincerely yours --
Annie T. Chase
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To Hamilton Chase, 1609 Sixth Avenue, Dodge City, Kansas
From Annie T Chase, 1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas
November 21, 1943
My dear Son,
Have been wanting to write you all week but have been down with a bad cold. Nancy had one and of course I had to take it. I was so sick with fever etc. last Thursday I called Dr. Slvo and his medicine worked like magic. Yesterday was so mild and bright I was out in my car for an hour. Today is much cooler so I will remain indoors as I wish to go to Mrs. Merrick’s to our whist club tomorrow. Mrs. Endsley who (shares?) my car was with me on Thursday while Nancy was away. She (Mrs. Endsley) is a very kindly person and as you know lives in the in the next block south. Hazel, as usual, has invited me for Thanksgiving with them, but I do dread the holidays -- as well as the cold weather this year. So far, it has been mild and lovely.
Ethel writes young David is very miserable with his feet and back still -- She is hoping to have him home for Xmas.
I will enclose her last letter and trust the $ 25.00 (maid came?) so she can enjoy Christmas with her family.
Give my dearest love to Lieuween and Frances -- I should love to hear from them and see them again soon --
Your loving Mother.
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To Hamilton Chase
1609 Sixth Avenue, Dodge City, Kansas (1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas)
From Frances Brooks Chase, 76 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
January 12, 1944
My dear Hamilton,
I am anxiously awaiting word of Annie’s illness and know as soon as you have recovered somewhat from the shock of its suddenness I shall hear. Ethel’s telegram came Sunday am when she and Dave were on their way to Topeka. I imagine you arrived there before them and I have thought so often of what a blow it was not to be welcomed by your dear mother. You meant so much to her always. She wrote me of her happiness in having you with her last summer. There are so few of us left now. I appreciate your letters so much, and you must keep more in touch than ever now, with me.
Please thank Lieuween for her splendid letter, and thanks for the book of A. Galcott. I am looking forward to reading it.
I wondered if you motored to Topeka and if the snow interfered at all. We’ve had no snow as yet to speak of, an open unhealthy winter thus far. Plenty of Grippe about, which my good maid and I have escaped.
I think Lieuween is working too hard. The “willing worker” gets imposed on as she was at the U.S.O. Christmas. I have told many people of the soldier boys experiences in trying to get telephone messages through to their families; they all realize they should not use the telephone for long-distance calls at night.
I find in the Wilkes-Barre Record a notice of your mother’s death. So many new friends she made in her visits, besides the old ones. They all talk of her friendliness and how much they liked her.
Write, you or Lieuween, when you can.
Your loving, Aunt Fan
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To Hamilton Chase, c/o Annie T. Chase, 1257 Western Ave, Topeka, Kansas
From George Newcomb, Speedway Manufacturing Company, 1834 South 52nd Ave, Cicero, Illinois.
George was Annie’s nephew, who married Esther Lundy, daughter of Ayres and
Mary T. Lundy (Mary was Annie’s sister). George was writing just after Annie T. Chase died in January 1944
January 12, 1944
Dear Hamilton,
I think it was swell of you to have written me as you did yours of the 11th - and while, of course, the news therein was not good, I was most interested.
…..
Lee is most happily married, to a swell gal, whom we are in hope of making us a visit again shortly. He is out again on his destroyer, on routine convoy and sub-hunting activities. Betty is well and happy with her three nice children. Phil is in the midst of things in the S.W. Pacific -- much a misnomer -- and reports daily raids, with the flack now only “interesting” and only a sunburn from a 32 hour stretch on a life raft.
Sure do hope you and yours, and Ethel and hers, are well and contented -- and I want you to know that I greatly sympathize in your loss.
Sincerely,
George Newcomb
