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a.
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Note: REFN39 In a letter to Richard H. Porritt, Jr., date November 26, 1978, she
writes," My mind goes back --oh so many years--to my childhood
Christmases. Sometimes I wish I didn't have such an active memory.
Christmas Eve was a big event in our church--with a big tree--a Santa
Claus and a present for every child. Then mother would take us to a candy
store where they always gave children a little box of chocolate
peppermints. Big Deal. My grandfather (your great g.) was alive then and
living with us. I loved him very much and he always saved his money through the year to buy me a doll and carriage. He died in his 98th year.
He came to U.S. in a sailing ship from England. Took 2 months to cross
and he had to furnish his own bedding and food. When he landed in New York there was just one boarding house to stay in. This was about the
time of the Civil War. He later sent for his family and settled in Newport, R.I. But your greatgrandmother was born in R. I.
Snow came before Xmas and stayed on the ground all winter. All
deliveries were made by sleigh and of course--no telephones--no elec. lights--no autos--no nothing. The Breakers in Newport (you have been
there) was completed the year I was born--1894."
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