Description
Description: These ten genial, handwritten letters (19 pages total) written between May 10th and August 3rd, 1912 to Smith’s lawyer, Neile F. Towner, concern the sale of Turtle Island, Lake George, to a prospective New York party. Smith discusses the deed, insurance papers, plans for cottages, and sends four photographs [not included] with “fresh views” of the island. He asks Towner to invest the proceeds “so as to give [him] a living wage.” A couple of letters hint at the owner’s financial struggle: “the mortgage will be home this month will manage all right.” Smith is glad to have Towner “look after the interest of Turtle Island.” The letters are signed “Yours Very Truly, E. Corning Smith”. Included is a receipt from photographer, J. A. Thatcher, Lake George.
Written in pencil on ivory paper of varying sizes, the largest being 6 ½ x 9½; seven letters are on “Pearl Point on Lake George” stationery.
Erastus Corning Smith (1845-1925) was a prominent Albanian and the proprietor of Turtle Island, Lake George, NY. His summer place was named “Green Oaks”, northeast of Montcalm Point.
Item #AM00274
Condition: Scattered soil, short tears, a few folds, generally very good condition
