Wilson | May 7, 2008
These prescriptions belonged to Mrs Mary H. Means, and were copies from a Richmond pharmacy. I suppose Mrs. Means was relocating and would need them in her new location. I would appreciate feedback on what these compounds might be and what they may be used for.
Wilson | May 4, 2008
This photo is reminiscent of Gainsborough’s famous “Blueboy” I don’t know who this poor boy is but he doesn’t look happy to be there at all. The photos Roanoke origin leads me to believe it is a Means.
Wilson | May 4, 2008
In her letter of recommendation, presumably written by this same Col. Palmer, we learn that Mrs. Means was the executor of an estate. We have several letters dealing with her administration of same. This one is written on “The Southern Fertilizing Company” letterhead while others are written on Bank of Richmond paper. Richmond May 21, [...]
Wilson | May 4, 2008
A letter to “Mary” from her cousin “Jane C. Mott”, if I can read her signature correctly. In this letter Cousin Jane discusses her health and the lengths to which she goes to find relief- mostly by traveling to several popular areas with mineral springs. In a familiar manner, she describes her favorite water as [...]
Wilson | May 4, 2008
Here is a letter of reference written by Col. Wm. H. Palmer on Behalf of Mary H. Means to Mary Cloyd College in Wytheville, Virginia. I believe the pencil marks are revisions Ms. Means made as suggestions for new letters. At this time I don’t know if she received the Principals postition. Richmond, Va July [...]
Wilson | May 4, 2008
Here is a letter to Miss Hattie Means from her cousin written on State letterhead. I don’t find the envelope and so can’t tell if the State picked up the postage. The references to the crowds and confusion of Fair Week are interesting. I wonder if she attended. Columbia, Sc Nov. 2, 1899 Miss Hattie [...]
Wilson | May 1, 2008
This attractive young woman is Elva Means, and the back of the photograph is dated 12-31-25. The photographers stamp gives the studio location “Montgomery- Dallas”, and the 1920 U.S. Census lists an Elva Means in Dallas, and gives her birthdate as abt 1904. This is likely a niece of Harriet “Hattie” Preston Means Smith.
Wilson | April 29, 2008
To Mary Goodwyn from “Cousin Hattie” March, 1895 I believe this is Harriet Preston Means, wife of Ralph the Dandy. This connection to the Goodwyns gets more complicated in time, resulting in an orphaned piano that we will discuss at a later date.
