Rockaway / Lawrence, L.I. NY c1850-60's Jennings / Conklin Family ALS

Description

Rockaway / Lawrence, L.I. NY c1850-60's Jennings / Conklin Family ALS. A best-effort 📜 Transcription: Lawrence, L.I. My dear & most worthy friend, I was made happy by hearing such good accounts of my best friend at Rockaway. The dear little boy was exhausted, he was so very tired, sincerely do I wish & trust every I think he is better in his health & I think in suffering. No major issues to note. Overall, in good condition. You will receive the exact sheet shown in the photos - please have a good look at the photos to access condition. Unfolded, it measures approx. 7" x 8 3/4" A best-effort 📜 Transcription: Lawrence, L.I. My dear & most worthy friend, I was made happy by hearing such good accounts of my best friend at Rockaway. Mrs. Conklin brought Dearest to see me last Wednesday, it is a sorrowful sight. The dear little boy was exhausted, he was so very tired, sincerely do I wish & trust every I think he is better in his health & I think in suffering. Mrs. Conklin said he had not been very well lately, the dear little boy told me that when the Doctor removed him he lay in the snow & hurt him very much. The dear little boy is to be visited, but well do I know that this world is nothing but sorrow, trials, vexes, and disappointments. Every fine day I have wished that that day would induce you and my dear Mrs. Jennings to come and see me, and well I ever have to see that pleasure nor will I urge it, fearing that by giving me the greatest pleasure might only make you sick, but if life is spared to me I shall come to see you both before I go to East Hampton for the summer, my income is so very much reduced that I cannot go to such an expensive place as Rockaway is. Mrs. Jennings is a noble minded woman with qualities that were I to set them I should be a coffer, but of course I have got to pay for all those dainties which make board come too high now, for my means, no one shall ever have it to say I hope that I am an ungrateful woman to deal with. You have both shared my lonely thoughts, this will show how much I have thought of you, sleep has left me, I have been such along since since I parted with you. I only wish I knew what to say you do let me know if it is to be had you my most attentive friend shall have it Go & bless you both tell we hold conversation until together, this letter is for both, tell your wife not to forget her ever sincere friend Mary Hyde P.S. I could not get going in time to take it before me. January 26th 🧠 Notable / Stand-Out Content 💔 1. Illness and suffering of a child A central theme is the condition of a “dear little boy”: Described as exhausted and very tired Reference to a doctor “removing him” Mentions exposure (“lay in the snow”) and suffering 👉 This suggests: A serious illness or injury Possibly relocation for treatment or care Reflects the fragility of childhood health in the 19th century 👩 👩 👧 2. Strong personal network (Rockaway ↔ Lawrence ↔ East Hampton) Locations mentioned: Rockaway Lawrence, Long Island East Hampton 👉 Indicates: A coastal Long Island social network Movement between communities for: Health Seasonal residence (“for the summer”) 💰 3. Cost of living at Rockaway “I cannot go to such an expensive place as Rockaway is” “board come too high now, for my means” 👉 This is significant: By this time, Rockaway is already seen as: A costly place to stay Likely tied to its early resort development 👥 4. Jennings and Conklin families Mentions Mrs. Jennings Mentions Mrs. Conklin 👉 These names appear repeatedly in Rockaway-related material: Suggests prominent or well-connected local families Reinforces a tight-knit community structure 🧠 5. Emotional tone and isolation “sleep has left me” “lonely thoughts” “such along since I parted with you” 👉 The letter is deeply: Emotional and reflective Indicates isolation, anxiety, and concern for loved ones ✉️ 6. Social etiquette and communication Careful phrasing, formal tone Apology for not visiting Instructions to “tell your wife…” 👉 Reflects: Mid-19th century letter-writing conventions Communication serving as the primary means of maintaining relationships over distance 📌 Overall Interpretation This is a mid-19th century personal letter from Lawrence, Long Island, addressed to contacts in Rockaway, centered on: Concern for a seriously ill child Ongoing relationships between coastal Long Island communities The rising cost and reputation of Rockaway as a destination Personal hardship, isolation, and emotional dependence on correspondence It provides a vivid and human glimpse into health, social ties, and daily life concerns in the pre–Civil War Long Island coastal region. ================================================================ In the 1830s, Rockaway was a remote and lightly inhabited area, characterized by sand dunes, salt marshes, and scattered fishing and farming families. Small communities such as Far Rockaway existed, but access from New York City and Brooklyn was difficult, typically requiring a combination of boat travel and rough wagon roads. The local economy centered on fishing, shellfishing, and limited agriculture. 1850s: Early resort development begins By the 1850s, Rockaway’s long ocean beach began attracting attention as a summer retreat. Entrepreneurs recognized its potential as a seaside resort and began establishing modest boarding houses and hotels. Wealthier New Yorkers started visiting during the summer months, drawn by ocean bathing and the relative coolness of the Atlantic coast. However, growth remained constrained by poor transportation, and the area was still considered somewhat isolated. 1860s–1870s: Railroads transform Rockaway The real turning point came with the expansion of rail service: The Long Island Rail Road and associated lines began extending service toward the peninsula in the 1860s By the 1870s, improved rail connections made Rockaway far more accessible from Brooklyn and New York City This new access triggered rapid development: Large seaside hotels were constructed along the beachfront Bathhouses, pavilions, and entertainment venues appeared Seasonal crowds increased significantly Rockaway became one of the region’s most popular beach destinations, often compared to other emerging seaside resorts of the era. 1870s–1880s: Peak of the early resort era By the late 19th century, Rockaway had fully emerged as a thriving resort district: Grand hotels lined portions of the beach, catering to middle- and upper-class visitors Excursion trains brought day-trippers in large numbers Supporting businesses—restaurants, shops, and amusements—developed alongside the hotels At the same time, permanent residential communities continued to grow inland from the beachfront, creating a mix of seasonal and year-round populations. **Shipped securely in a new poly bag, sandwiched in chipboard, inside a new rigid mailer via USPS Ground Advantage service w/ tracking** Click HERE to see matchbooks I have available. 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