A. M. Thackara, Memorabilia, 1854-1893
Scope and Contents
The collection contains family papers and correspondences and covers the period from 1854 to 1897. The correspondence contains many letters from Eleanor to her father, General Sherman, and makes frequent references to public events and personalities. Another feature of the correspondence that calls for special attention is the local color and references to many individuals, events and institutions of Philadelphia and the Main Line in the 1880’s and 1890’s. A unique part of the collection is A. M. Thackara’s correspondence, photographs and memorabilia relating to his years at Annapolis up until his marriage. Here can be found an unusual first-hand picture of Navy life in the post-Civil War period.
Also included is an in-depth sketch of life in the United States Navy after the Civil War based on Mont's diary from 1872-1873, correspondences, and memorabilia from his time at Annapolis and at sea; an intimate look at Victorian courtship practices through Ellie and Mont's relationship; and a portrait of the social customs and manners of a middle class Victorian family. Specific highlights of the Sherman Thackara collection are Ellie's love letters to Mont, Thomas Ewing Sherman's notebook from St. Louis University, first-hand accounts of Lincoln's funeral procession in Chicago and Philadelphia, and a large collection of Japanese and Javanese photographs acquired during Mont's time spent stationed in the Pacific.
Dates
- Creation: 1854-1893
Language of Materials
English
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Extent
From the Collection: 4 Linear Feet (9 manuscript boxes, 1 trench coat)
- Steward Certificate, Franklin Lodge No. 134, for Benjamin Thackara, 1861
- Certificate, Franklin Lodge No. 134, for A. M. Thackara, 1877.
- Certificate, Gran Logia de Escocia for A. M. Thackara, November 30, 1877.
- Invitation for the Ida McLellan and Charles Thackara Wedding To: A. M. Thackara, May 29, 1873
- Rhyming Rules of Whist [N.D. - Transcribed by A. M. Thackara.]
- Prologue. Read at the first performance given in the Nagasaki Theatre, Wednesday April 9th, 1876
- Print of "D.G. Farragut".
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania membership certificate, To: Benjamin Thackara, March 8, 1869.
- Print, "Your affectionate brother [Kavah Watron?].
- Tidket, World's Columbian Exposition, To: A.M. Thackara From: W.T. Baker, President, [1893].
- Invitation, Military Historical Society of Massachusetts Meeting, To: A.M. Thackara, February 14, 1881.
- Invitation, "The Captain and Wardroom Officers of the U.S.R.S. Wabash..." February 21, [1881?].
- Invitation for the W. Penn Buck, M.D. and Julia E. Thackara Wedding To: A. M. Thackara, November 7, [1872?].
- Invitation, To: A.M. Thackara From: Club Central, October 9, 1877.
- Invitation, To: A.M. Thackara From: Club De La Union, November 16, 1877.
- Advertisement, Club Hipico de Santiago, To: A.M. Thackara, October 21, 1877.
- Newspaper article, "Forgotten Philadelphia James Thackara," June 11, 1961.
- History of Orrin Pierce written for the American Sunday-School Union, and revised by the Committee of Publication.
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Repository
Falvey Library
800 E Lancaster Ave
Villanova PA