FRR Bookshelf
Letters of Frances Reed Rideout to Cecily Reed Rideout
[Gemini] This is a collection of letters written by Frances Reed Rideout to her daughter Cecily in 1937, documenting a trip around the world taken by Frances and her daughter Clara. The letters are both a record of their adventures and a window into the world of the 1930s, touching on major events such as the Nazi regime in Europe, the Coronation of George VI, and the rise of air travel. Frances's letters provide intimate details of their travel experiences in places like Panama, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, India, Ceylon, Egypt, and France, including the sights, the people, and the challenges they encountered. The letters reveal Frances's adventurous spirit, her love for her daughter, and her deep yearning to see the world. Ultimately, the letters are a captivating record of a mother and daughter's journey of discovery and a testament to the enduring power of family.
Motivations for a Trip Around the World
● Frances's daughter Clara had recently recovered from a serious illness. The author explains that 'Clara had to learn to walk all over again' after her recovery.
● Frances felt a 'deep need to celebrate' her daughter's recovery and 'do something wonderful for her oldest daughter.'
● She may have also believed that a sea voyage would be restorative for Clara's health.
● Additionally, the author suggests that Frances may have been motivated by a desire to retrace the steps of her late husband, Henry Milner Rideout, who had taken a similar trip to the Far East in 1906. This idea was 'surely close to Frances's heart,' according to the author.
● The author also describes her mother as an 'adventurous soul' who 'missed little of the color and drama of the passing scene.' This suggests that Frances may have simply been drawn to the excitement and novelty of a trip around the world.
● The author notes that Frances's deafness, which she had had since childhood, may have also contributed to her desire to travel. Because her 'eyes compensated for the missing faculty of hearing,' she was able to experience the world in a unique and visually-rich way. This is evident in her detailed and vivid descriptions of the places she visited, which the author considers 'always well worth reading.'
● The author notes that Frances was a talented writer, and that some people considered her to be even more gifted than her husband. This suggests that Frances may have also been motivated by a desire to use her writing skills to document her experiences and share them with others.
● Finally, the author acknowledges the historical context of her mother's trip, noting that 'the world was burdened at the time with the Nazis and the Fascisti in Europe.' While she does not explicitly state that this played a role in Frances's decision to travel, it is possible that the political climate of the time may have contributed to her desire to see the world and experience different cultures.
Mother's Omnibus
Stanbery and Avery Families
Volume I focuses on the Stanbery family, particularly Henry Stanbery, a prominent lawyer and Attorney General of the United States. The text provides a detailed account of his ancestry, tracing the Stanbery lineage back to Josiah Stanborough, an English emigrant who settled in Massachusetts and later Long Island in the 17th century.
Henry Stanbery's father, Jonas Stanbury, was a physician and real estate investor who moved his family from New York to Ohio in the early 19th century. Henry Stanbery was born in New York City in 1803 and later moved to Ohio with his family. He pursued a legal career, studying under Charles B. Goddard and forming a close professional relationship with Thomas Ewing, a prominent Ohio lawyer.
The narrative also delves into the social and family life of the Stanberys, highlighting their connections with other prominent families in Lancaster, Ohio, such as the Beechers and the Ewings. It describes the lively social scene in Lancaster, with gatherings and conversations at the Beecher home.
Henry Stanbery's personal life is also touched upon, including his marriages and children. The text mentions his first wife, Frances Beecher, with whom he had several children. After her death, he married Cecilia Bond, who became a stepmother to his children. The text also recounts the religious affiliations of the family members, including the influence of Catholicism through Maria Ewing, and the subsequent baptisms of the Stanbery children in both Catholic and Episcopal churches.
The latter part of the text focuses on the Stanbery family's travels, including their journeys to Mackinac Island and other destinations. It provides a glimpse into their experiences and observations during these trips. Overall, Volume I offers a rich and detailed account of the Stanbery family history, focusing on the life and career of Henry Stanbery, as well as the social and cultural context in which he lived.
The second volume deals with the Avery ancestors.