Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Martha Usher Osgood (1823-1893), who had been widowed for about four years, described in a letter to "Annie" a three-week visit to Portland to accompany a sick friend.
She describes parties she attended as "too expensive and showy." She wrote that she found, "the rooms too crowded, the gas light too powerful, the dancing too jerky, the tables too loaded with ... candy, temples and corucopia of bon-bons, reminiscing of a confectionary shop.
Osgood believed "Bon-bons are too childish and to see grown up people feasting on candy temples ... too heathenish and perverted a taste."
Osgood was friends with Annie Fields, Sarah Orne Jewett and other literary and cultural figures of the day.
She also described the women present and what they were wearing as well as the home of Charles Q. Clapp, where one of the parties was held. She also mentions the sculptor Benjamin Akers, a friend of her family.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: Martha Osgood letter on Portland parties, Hollis, 1853
- Creator: Martha Usher Osgood
- Creation Date: 1853-04-11
- Subject Date: 1853
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Locations:
- Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- Hollis, York County, ME
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 20.2 cm x 16.2 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 9, Box 1/1
- Collection: Rebecca Usher papers
- Object Type: Text
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Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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