Snow on the Mountain

As seen from Conway, the Presidential Range is still crowned in white. However, things are afoot to prepare for another summer of exploration and adventure there according to the website of the Mount Washington Auto Road. The history section of their website and the historical displays at their base museum and at the summit provide a great introduction and overview to any visit there.

Another "uncovering" in our collection of Bemis papers is this letter.  It was referenced in an article about Joseph Seavey Hall posted on the White Mountain History website. Here you can see it in all its detail. (click on the images to enlarge them).

The letter is written in brown ink on light blue wove paper with no watermark. It is written in a clear consistent hand and addressed to Dr. S. A. Bemis Boston. Written upside down in pencil on page 2 is Rec'd April 20. It is interesting to think of the different ways that structures were conceived during the period, including the use of "Indian rubber."

According to Kilbourne’s Chronicles of the White Mountains, p. 230, Joseph S. Hall was one of three men how directed the building of the “Summit House” the first hotel on Mount Washington, that was built and opened to the public in 1852. See this link for details.

We are happy to provide digital access to the entire letter and as time goes on, many more papers in this vast archives. If you are interested in volunteering to help scan and share this collection, please comment us below.