This early 20th century letter was written in West Windham by a now unknown author. By examining the handwriting, and the content of the letter itself, it is very possible the letter was written by the same person who had penned a letter to Thomas Waterhouse, which I previously posted. This letter even refers to the same property that was being sold by the author. It is possible that this letter was even written to Mr. Waterhouse. Unfortunately, the letter is not complete, and it cannot be known if the people referred to in the letter resided in Windham. However, there is the mention of a Campbell, which is likely one of the Campbell's of Windham. Despite the lack of information about the letter itself, the letter provides an interesting look at life in Windham at the turn of the 20th century.
...through the nagging of a nuisance by name of Campbell pacing off my grounds and at the same time was informed I was placcarded[sic] in front for (sale) by a man sitting on my porch being put there by Braybrook Walsh. Finally Walsh called one evening + while sitting on the big sofa, he asked what I would sell my house or home for. My reply was not one cent less than twenty four thousand, he sitting in front of me in a chair[,] immediately got up[,] knocked over his chair running around the chimney to get into the hall and over to the front door[,] slamming it that I felt all the glass was broken with the rattling. I have not seen him since and suppose he is still running a race with Campbell to keep warm. Finally Mr. Harrington called one morning, Miss Miller my friend and housekeeper opened the door who previously had rented a room in one of his buildings. Finally asked if would sell by Mr. Harrington, my reply was...
What Mr. Harrington's reply was to the price is lost along with the remainder of the letter; we can hope that his reply was less spirited than that of Mr. Walsh. In 1900, the average price of a home was $5,000, it is likely the property included a significant amount of acreage, especially being located in the then rural community of West Windham.
