Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers

Maria S. Eaton to F. A. Canfield
Professor Eaton thanks Canfield for mineral specimens and asks for information concernning Anomalite., Maria S. Eaton to F. A. Canfield, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Invitation to the wedding of Martha A. Luther to Charles A. Lane
Invitation to the wedding of Martha A. Luther to Charles A. Lane, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, October 11, 1882
From Providence, Rhode Island. 9 p.m. Gilman jests with Lane about her newly married state (Martha Luther married Charles A. Lane on, October 5, 1882), and describes her own relations with Charles Walter Stetson and his family., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, October 11, 1882, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, December 11, 1882
From Providence, Rhode Island. Includes on pages 5-6, "...Work presses, of course. It grows rather tiresome too. You see I have got to where I have ideas, and think of lots of pretty things that I might be making now instead of this ceaseless copying of little studies. Last year it was well enough, but now I want to originate. I'm getting real handy with oils too .", Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, December 11, 1882, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, January 3, 1883
From Providence, Rhode Island. Composed partly in rhyme. Illustration of woman with umbrella on page 5. Gilman writes of her relationship with Walter Stetson and of her work, including, on page 4, a reference to receiving $5 from Tiffany for dinner cards. AO and, on page 7, "...I feel happy. Not only on account of my love for my lover and my lover's love for me, but because I begin to see the first fruits of a slender little reputation which will grow steadily and be worth more every year...", Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, January 3, 1883, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, April 9, 1883
From Providence, Rhode Island. 6:30-35 p.m. Gilman reflects on work: "I couldn't do the Harper thing, dear. I can't draw yet" (page 3) and on mutual friends (including their engagements), and on her own marriage plans: "...You ask when I am going to be married. Not for a year at least. I am going away. Going to work as some sort of teacher or companion as far off as possible for the coming fall and winter. Beyond that my plans will depend on circumstances...", Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, April 9, 1883, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, May 20, 1883
From Providence, Rhode Island. "... Dear, I am coming to Boston Monday, June 4th...mean to stay...for a week... I want to call on Dr. Keller ..." Possibly a reference to Dr. Elizabeth C. Keller., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, May 20, 1883, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 16, 1883
From 207 Angell St., Providence, Rhode Island. 9:20-25 p.m. Features two illustrations of Lane's baby Charles: the first shows him "plump in the extreme" with a mace in hand; the other on a pedestal with an endless line of worshipers lying prostrate before him., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 16, 1883, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 17, 1883
From 207 Angell St., Providence, Rhode Island. "7:30 or near it." Gilman describes a tea party at which she and friends played a game variously known as The Ten Birds or A Good Fat Hen which begins "A good fat hen. Two ducks and a good fat hen. Three screaming wild geese, two ducks, and a good fat hen..." Gilman includes her own alliterative verse for the game. Page 4 features an illustration of a female angel., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 17, 1883, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, October 27-28, 1883
From Providence, Rhode Island. "8.5 p.m." Gilman acknowledges Lane's satisfaction as a wife and mother before relaying that she has an "…ever growing sense of the wrong and wild unhappiness in the world about [her] ..." Gilman cites instances of social and economic disparity. She states that she earns $3 for teaching a gymnastics class to 6 girls three times a week at "Mrs. Drinan's." In closing, Gilman writes, "Would you not leave everything else in the world for your husband? Yes, I am happy.", Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, October 27-28, 1883, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, November 3, 8, 1883
From Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman continues to reflect on the issues raised in her letter of, October 27-28, and Lane's response. "You widely misunderstand me if you think by misery I mean poverty. Poverty is both an effect and a cause of evil, and it is poverty that makes and keeps many men worse than beasts ... But horrible as Poverty is, it is not that that wrings my heart. It is the – O for words strong enough to say what I mean! – the hideous folly, the selfishness that lives only for its own delight...Emerson is right in what he says ..." (pages 3-4) "I'm not a pessimist, Martha, I believe in God and Evolution; but I believe in Preventabile [sic] Misery too." (page 6) Gilman writes, too, of her French lessons as well as her work and recent earnings., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, November 3, 8, 1883, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, December 11, 14, 1883
From Providence, Rhode Island. "December 11, 9:30 p.m." Small (1 cm.) illustration of a woman, page 1. "December 14, 10:20 or so p.m." Gilman plans to visit Lane on, December 26, staying on a day or two as she must return for a Sunday School festival. She will "…drop the social reform question (or rather the social horror question, for I broached no theories of reformation,) for the present ..." but she intends to "write more bye and bye. A kind of Learned Female Argument by correspondence ..." (page 4)On page 6, Gilman reports that an 1881 poem beginning "In duty, bound. A life hemmed in whichever way the spirit turns to look…" has been accepted for publication by "The Woman's Journal." "... It's a good paper, organ of a cause I believe in; and appropriate setting to the verses. No pay, but that's no matter; I'm glad to begin to find a voice...I do not hope ever to make much by writing, for I shan't write "saleable articles.". I mean to write only hot truths bravely spoken; to write for the sake of saying something worth while, not for the pay. And some time far away maybe I shall be heard…" Mentions of good friends Retta Clark and Carrie Hazard close the letter along with acknowledgment that [Charles] Walter Stetson continues to love her despite her "changefulness.", Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, December 11, 14, 1883, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, January 24, 1884
From Providence, Rhode Island. "9:10 p.m. Thurs." Gilman reports that she and Walter Stetson plan to marry in, May and that her "various pomes [sic]" have been printed in the, January 12 issue of Woman's Journal., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, January 24, 1884, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, February 11, 1884
From Providence, Rhode Island. "9:15 nearly p.m." Notes mother and aunt playing cards. Announces that her wedding is to be, May 2 (page 4) and includes a drawing of the location of the "upper tenement of a house" where they hope to live. Two small drawings, of the attic and as a suggestion for an affordable wedding gift, "a Japanese matchbox," appear on page 5. Pages 6-8 include details of her pupils, including Blanche Westcott., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, February 11, 1884, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, March 21-22, 1884
From Providence, Rhode Island. Written in several installments over 2 days. Gilman reports that her new home is being readied before her marriage. A small illustration of a newly purchased butter pot is on page 3. The couple are buying china, with modest funds generated from Walter Stetson's recent exhibition. Lane has been writing and Gilman, on page 7, says " I've had three poems in print!!!", Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, March 21-22, 1884, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, April 11, 1884
"After 10 p.m." Lane was unable to visit. More details about wedding preparations.., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, April 11, 1884, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, May 5, 1884
From " Home. emph>" First letter with the signature "Charlotte Anna Perkins Stetson." Gilman gives a detailed description of her new home, its furnishings and decorations (a small drawing of a chest is on page 3)and of her happiness. She details her wedding dress, shown in a drawing on page 5, and the wedding party. Page 7 features a drawing of, Mary and Ray Phelan who "stuck their heads out of the bay window and congratulated us warmly as we passed." She reports her pleasure at being addressed as 'Mrs. Stetson.' The last line indicates that she had enclosed a poem from a new book: that poem is not a part of the collection and its title is unknown., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, May 5, 1884, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, June 8, 1884
From Wayland Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman describes the interior and exterior of her home and how she and her husband often spend their time. One pastime is making "combination pictures." Although Gilman notes that one of these pictures is enclosed, it is not present here. Children in the apartment below have scarletina., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, June 8, 1884, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, July 21-22, 1884
On, July 21, Gilman writes from "within an hour of Red Bridge" and on, July 22 from Wayland. She reports that she has subscribed to the Century, Nation, and Harper's Weekly with "her own money" and that her uncle, Unitarian minister Edward Everett Hale, had recently visited., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, July 21-22, 1884, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 7, 1884
From Wayland Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman hopes to plan a visit to see Lane, and Dr. Keller--possibly a reference to Dr. Elizabeth C. Keller. She describes early morning walks and recent visitors., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 7, 1884, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 12, 1884
From Wayland Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman writes of her upcoming visit to Lane; her husband will not accompany her as he is working on a painting for the Mechanics Fair., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 12, 1884, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to A. Fanny Alden, November 17, 1884
From Wayland Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman read ancient history under Alden's direction for two years and the women became friends. Here Gilman discusses her pregnancy and her current reading on free trade and political economy., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to A. Fanny Alden, November 17, 1884, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, November 20, 1884
From Wayland Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman writes of Harry Manchester's health and of how her own pregnancy is affecting her health. Page 3 features a small drawing of an collar, page 4 a drawing of "Alpha" long underwear. Pages 6-8 are largely concerned with her study of free trade and political economy., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, November 20, 1884, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, January 13-14, 1885
From Wayland Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Page 1 dated, January 13, page 13 continues on, January 14.. Gilman is preparing for the birth of her child. She also writes of her work, the 1884 election "...the world spectacle of a nation like this – Men – Christian, Civilized, Intelligent Men by the million; being reduced to the helpless and pitiful alternative of 'a choice between two evils' as an instance of popular government..." Gilman suggests works Lane might use in an upcoming English poetry course for young people including several by Robert Browning and agrees to loan books by Lewis Carroll and others., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, January 13-14, 1885, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, March 19, 1885
From Wayland Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman jests about the impending birth of her child (her child was born on, March 23) but also relates her "eager expectation.", Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, March 19, 1885, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Charles Walter Stetson to Lane
Gilman's husband announces the birth of his daughter. "My first letter shall be to you, her dearest friend, to tell you that Charlotte has passed safely through her trial. A girl was born this morning at five minutes of nine, - as healthy and every-way-well conditioned a little piece of humanity as one could possibly see...", Charles Walter Stetson to Lane, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, April 26-29,1885
From Wayland Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Written about a month after Gilman's daughter Katherine, was born. "... Walter and I have found the baby – well, engrossing ...Seems to me there ought to be a "course" for all girls meaning to marry, whereby they might gain some knowledge of how to treat wee infants. At this late date (28th) I begin to feel that there are some things I don't know ... " Details of the child follow., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, April 26-29,1885, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, July 8, 15, 1885
From Wayland Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman writes of her depression. "...I feel as though I were drifting open eyed into insanity...What seems most suspicious to me is that I no longer care much about whether I live or die, do much or little, cause pain or pleasure..." She reports that Dr. Keller had advised going out, including to the gymnasium. When the letter moves to, July 15, Gilman laments that her memory is not what is was and that she has been reading a lot of novels and stories, including those by Charles Victor Cherbuliez., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, July 8, 15, 1885, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 11, 18, 1885
From 26 Humboldt Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman responds in detail to Lane's attempts to help her overcome her depression. On, July 18, she reports that due to her worsening condition, Dr. Knight, a homeopath, had been summoned and put in charge of her care and a serving maid been hired. The letter closes with an illustration of a boxer., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 11, 18, 1885, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 22, 1885
Gilman addresses her depression and the importance of being able to work, that is, to write. "...I believe myself able to write things worthy the world should hear. Time will show whether that be true or not...I am glad marriage is to you all you tell me...But it is not to me. I am glad you love me. I am glad my husband loves me. But no amount of love can keep me happy while I am hindered from my work." Page 4: "When Dr. Knight spoke...about my present duties ... I admitted all that he said and simply asked him if he would like to give up his business, his education, his ambition, etc. and do the same thing? Being an honest man he laughed and said no. Being a reasonable being (!) he did not say that as I was a woman the case was different ..." Gilman closes by saying that she believes she will get better, but that it will be a slow process., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 22, 1885, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 28, 1885
From 26 Humboldt Aveune, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman recounts at length the misgivings she had about marriage and the guilt she feels for having gone forward and causing both parties pain. The homeopath Dr. Knight is visiting once or twice a week. [page 11] "I'm getting better. I dare say if I get really well I may live some time." On page 12, she compares herself to a sapling being held down, "It didn't get any stronger by persevering pressure. It is down now, fastened down. Either it snaps back tearing everything that held it, learns to grow as it is, or – dies." An illustration of a sapling fastened down follows. The letter closes with a nonsense rhyme Gilman wrote for Eddie Jackson, a boy she cared for as a governess in 1883: "There was a young man in high boots / Who gave all his attention to fruits. / He tried to raise pears / In triangles and squares, / And make apple trees grow / without roots.", Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 28, 1885, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 30, 1885
While Gilman agrees with the doctor that she is improving, she writes: "I feel that soon I shall lose this keen sense of what I have lost and what I must bear, and settle for very life's sake into the same half-life most people live..." The letter further catalogs her difficulty in being a writer, a wife, and a mother. At its close, Gilman refers to enclosures which are not present here., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, August 30, 1885, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, September 5, 1885
From 26 Humboldt Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island. "...Be assured that as health and strength return I shall endure and work as of old. Be assured that when next power and control fade from me and I suffer again as I so foolishly tried to show you, that you will not hear of it ...", Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, September 5, 1885, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, September 12, 1885
From 26 Humboldt Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman writes of her relationships with her mother and husband during her illness. "...my work will be hindered by an unhappy home life instead of helped by a happy one. Right or wrong, normal or abnormal, my work is not at home.", Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, September 12, 1885, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, October 8, 1885
From 26 Humboldt Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman is weaning her child and planning "in desperation, or rather in emotionless discouragement" to go west, to visit Thomas, presumably her brother. On page 6, a drawing illustrates how she feels torn between two people (her mother and husband), who do not get along., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, October 8, 1885, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, April 17, 22, 1886
From 26 Humboldt Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman expresses appreciation of Lane's friendship. She and her daughter Katherine are ill with bronchitis. Page 4: "I've lost my idea of my own importance. I no longer feel it as any loss to the world.", Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, April 17, 22, 1886, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, April 30, 1886
From 24 Humboldt Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman writes that she is enclosing "the Alpha circular"--it is not present here. She reports that her mother has left the household to return to housekeeping on Manning Street and "being a sort of second nurse." Gilman's daughter Katherine has cut two upper teeth., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, April 30, 1886, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, May 4, 7,1886
From 26 Humboldt Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman writes of her continuing depression: "I've past the agony stage by months, past the wild weeping and the immediate danger of insanity; it's just a flat dry waste of hopeless melancholy now..." [page 5] and of her husband's love., Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, May 4, 7,1886, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, September 26, 1886
From 26 Humboldt Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman's daughter Katherine is flourishing and her own health improving. She went to Boston to see Dr. Keller for a diagnosis: "She [Keller] said the trouble was not mental, but nervous...she gave me no advice... Then my dear Walter said that I should go and live my life, that it was right...but first I must take courage and work and help get some money to make the change...I braced up, and set to work. Wrote a ghost story and divers poems. Did some note paper..." Her husband also brought home the medicine 'Essence of Oats' which she has found helpful. Page 10: "I have had one poem accepted by the Prov. Journal, price three dollars...have had one poem almost accepted by the Atlantic ...and have had one poem accepted by the Woman's Journal ." She also reports on paid work painting or inking note paper and dinner cards along with tutoring a pupil. Page 12: "...I am keeping my journal again... in a kind of dreary imitation, I am myself again.", Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, September 26, 1886, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, October 28, 1886
From 26 Humboldt Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island. Gilman comments on the birth of Lane's daughter, Margaret and on her own work painting dinner cards and textiles. She has had a poem published in Woman's Journal and reprinted by the Boston Sunday Herald. "Truly this is fame!" On page 3: "Mr. Gillette [William Hooker Gillette] was here to tea last night; and afterward I read him the play..." Gilman also reports on the, October 3 death of "Julia.", Correspondence from Charlotte Perkins Gilman to Martha Allen Luther Lane, October 28, 1886, Charlotte Perkins Gilman Papers, D.513, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.