Manuscript Collections held at the Nantucket Historical Association Research Library

Manuscript Collections of the
Nantucket Historical Association Research Library

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MS452 - Ames-West Collection

Finding aid prepared by Emma Tramposch

Collection Overview:
Letters, receipts, business records and financial documents relating primarily to John E. West and other members of his family, primarily Elizabeth B. West, Tobias West, John R. West, Elizabeth H. West, Gertrude W. Ames, Almira W. Williams, Charles Williams, Mabel West and Carlton West. The letters contain family news and formal business correspondence. Receipts and business documents relate chiefly to family run operations including a laundrette, hairdresser/barber and West’s Taxi. Also included in the collection are household and property deeds, school exercise books, family recipes and newspaper clippings.

Individual items are listed by folder and box and categorized by person/family member. Each item is in chronological order within each folder.

Gift of Adele Ames.

Folder 1 (Box 1)
John E. West Correspondence.
Personal letters written to John E., chiefly from family members.

Contents:

June 5, 1855: Letter from Tobias to son John E. Personal letter describing illness, apologizing for not writing sooner and saying farewell should they not meet again “prepare to meet me in heaven” Attached: Typed version of the same letter
November 27, 1876: Letter from W.R.S. to John E. Requesting money be sent to him in Philadelphia and mentions a conflict that needs to be settled.
June 21, 1876: Letter from sister Eloise Jackson to John E. Personal letter apologizing for not writing sooner but was too busy.
May 12, 1877: Letter from Florence to father John E. Personal letter saying she will try and come home this summer and that she is busy preparing for her exhibition.
August 15, 1877: Letter from Joseph B. West to brother John E. Personal letter saying he will not have time to visit this summer. From Water Gap, PA.
August 23, 1877: Letter from Edith Ann to father John E. Personal letter saying that she hopes he is doing well.
March 6, 1878: Letter from Evan Modiste to John E. Personal letter writing to say that he has returned home safe to Boston.
April 9, 1878: Letter from Evan Modiste to John E. Personal letter wishing his family well and mentioning that Mary is still sick.
May 20, 1878: Letter from Thomas Francis to John E. Letter regarding his transfer of “all my right title and interest of every name, nature and description” to John E. West. Attached are other letters pertaining to this transfer.
June 11, 1878: Letter from Edward Marrioto to John E. Writing on behalf of a Mrs. Crowley who will be unable to provide financial help to her mother.
December 14, 1878: Letter from A.W. Harris to John E. Personal letter describing that his trip was very pleasant.
August 2, 1883: Letter from Cornelius to John E. Personal letter requesting contact and details on Florence, John and Edith are doing.
May 8, 1886: Letter from Joseph B. to brother John E. Personal letter saying that he is well, Eloise is getting better slowly and that he is glad John E’s trip home was pleasant.
June 14, 1886: Letter from William McGeorge to John E. Formal letter regarding no interesting being paid on the Barley Street property for thirty-five years. Siblings Cornelius, Josephus, Eloise and Loretta have signed a petition asking that John E. be ordered to “sue out the mortgage” and it is recommended he get a lawyer.
June 18, 1886: Letter from Mr. Wilson. Letter regarding the equity case of John E. West.
April 21, 1890: Letter from William Kidder to John E. Letter announcing that he would like the premises to be vacated because he is leasing the property. No date: Letter from A.W. Harris to John E. Difficult to read, written in pencil.

Folder 2 (Box 1)
John E. West Documents
Documents pertaining to Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance, Quincy, MA

Folder 3 (Box 1)
John E. West Documents
Warranty deeds and receipts of payment, documents pertaining to family cemetery plot.

Contents:

1837-1851: Summary of Deed Bond and mortgage between John E. West and Tobias West.
November 10, 1847: Deed from Benjamin Howland to John E. West
1863-1921: New Bedford Cemetery Documents Papers pertaining to the maintenance of the family plot.
1851: Bill to John E. West and Martin Wheeler Regarding the removing of a building. June 7, 1854: Warranty Deed between Anne Murphy to John E. West
June 15, 1855: Deed from Samuel Paine to John E. West. Regarding the Dance Hall near Orange Street
August 5, 1862: Warranty Deed from John E. West to Edward E. West For South Water Street property.
December 24, 1864: Warranty Deed to John E.
August 13, 1875: Bill of Sale of Personal Property From Anna Simmons to John E. West
June, 22, 1876: Receipt of Payment, Gifford and Allen, Brass Founders and Copper Smiths, New Bedford.
June 20, 1877: Receipt of Payment, Silvester and Wing, New Bedford, MA.
February 27, 1878: Invoice from B.G. Wilson Undertaker for Mr. John E. West Lists casket, box, hearse and gravestone for $83.75, unclear who the invoice is about. Attached to a piece of paper from November 18, 1878: Receipt from Cemetery in New Bedford signed by John E. West.
March 3, 1878: Receipt of Payment, SF Perry and Son, New Bedford, MA. March 6,1878: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Probate Court Will of Elizabeth West leaving property to husband John E.
May 3, 1878: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Probate court Legal document appointing John E. to be executor of the last will and testament of Elizabeth W. West.
August 23, 1878: Receipt of Payment, Jireh Sherman, Gas Fitter and Plumber, New Bedford, MA.
1878-1881: Robert E. Taxes for 235 South Water Street.
1881: Receipt of Payment, Hart and Akin, Commission Merchants, New Bedford, MA.
November 26, 1881: Will of Fanny Moseby to John E. West
March 16, 1882: Record of Payment for purchase of Barber chairs for $20
March 16, 1882: Receipt of Payment, New Bedford Water Works, New Bedford, MA.
May 13, 1882: Receipt of Payment from Josiah Holmes Coal and Wood, New Bedford, MA.
May 5, 1884: Quit Claim between John R. West to John E. West Regarding New Bedford property.
October 3, 1884: Quit Claim Edith Ann on the Estate of John E. West
November 24, 1885: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Legal contract granting John E. West land with dwelling house bounded north by New Street.
June 24, 1886: Power of Attorney: John E. West in New Bedford to James B. Roney in Philadelphia.
August 22, 1893: Receipt of Payment, George A. Barrett, Nantucket, MA.
September 6, 1902: Salem Mutual Fire Insurance Policy for John E. Protects property on First St, New Bedford against loss or damage by fire or lightening to the amount of $550.
June 20, 1904: Mortgage of Personal Property From John E. West to Morris Woodhull
October, 1, 1909: Receipt of Payment, Citizen’s Gas, Electric and Power Company, Nantucket.
June 16, 1911: Certificate of Operation, District Police, MA. For operation of Vertical Fire Boiler located at laundry business, New St, Nantucket. Special License for Vertical Boiler
May 31, 1921. Bill from New England Telephone and Telegraph Company Duplicate Bill for John E. for $3.25 No date: Bill for Labor John E. West and Charles Grapo for 37 ½ hours work at .25 per hour.

Folder 4 (Box 1)
Elizabeth Brown West Correspondence
Letters written to Elizabeth B. West, chiefly from family members.

Contents:
March 30, 1856: Letter from parents in Edgartown to Elizabeth B. West. Personal letter explaining that her mother has been unwell since they returned home and that he (father) caught “800 of herren Thursday night.”
March 30, 1856: Typed version of same letter.
March 11, 1857: Letter from Trilonia in Edgartown to sister Elizabeth West. Personal letter wishing her well, explaining that the boat ride home was rough and that Aunt Pagey was buried the previous week.
March 11, 1857: Same letter typed with spelling and punctuation as written.
May 31, 1858: Letter from John E. West in Chappaquiddick to Elizabeth West. Personal letter saying that Ann is sick and telling Elizabeth that if she gets money from the Griffin Street property to buy Florence some new shoes and a ribbon for her bonnet.
November 13, 1887: Letter from New Bedford, author unknown. Discusses Lizzie and the children and wishes them well.

Folder 5 (Box 1)
Elizabeth Brown West Documents
Deeds for Barley St. property, Philadephia, divorce papers and funeral announcements.

Contents:

April 14, 1932: Judgment Docket from Court of Common Pleas Document for clear title, no unsatisfied judgments against Henry Bond for property on Barley St, Philadelphia.
May, 1832: Deed Wm. Knight and wife Elizabeth grantee received $650 Dollars from Henry Bond and were granted a three story brick tenement on Barley St, Philadephia. Knight is subject to $19 dollars annual rent. Typed version of deed.
February 4, 1835: Deed Between Wm. Knight and Elizabeth for three story tenement on Barley St, Philadelphia.
November 2, 1852: Divorce Papers for George Gardiner and Betsy Brown Gardiner (later Elizabeth B. West)
August 1, 1862: Warrantee Deed from Elizabeth B. West and John E. West to Edwin L. Brown regarding land in New Bedford.
August 6, 1862: Warrantee Deed from Edwin L. Brown to Elizabeth W. West
October 26, 1889: Warrantee Deed from Lucy S. Gardiner to Elizabeth B. West Regarding property on Nantucket on Atlantic Avenue. Photocopy of the same document.
February 13, 1920: Piece of paper announcing High Mass for Nellie (Elizabeth) West, Will take place at the St Lawrence Church in New Bedford on Saturday at 7:30.
February 14, 1920: Funeral Announcement for Elizabeth B. West “Nellie” Signed by the Attleboro Sanitarium committee on Resolutions

Folder 6 (Box 1)
Tobias West Correspondence

Contents:

April 15, 1837: Memorandum between Harry Bond and Ladewyk Sharpe Regarding the payment of a property, an agreement that Tobias West will pay the balance and interest within a particular time period.

Folder 7 (Box 1)
Tobias West Documents
Rent bills, bonds and Tobias West’s will.

Contents:

September 1, 1837: Rent bill from Mary West to Tobias West
August 10, 1846: Bond of Tobias West to Henry Bond for $1,200.00 Handwritten summary of bond Photocopy of Bond
March, 1852: Tobias West bill payable to Attorneys of Elizabeth Burd Regarding John Nutt
August 26, 1855: Will of Tobias West Photocopy of will from Historical Society of Pennsylvania Typed version of written parts of will October 2, 1886: Mortgage Bond between Tobias West and Henry Bond.

Folder 8 (Box 1)
Tobias West Documents Account Book
Account book of Receipts signed by Tobias West, Philadelphia

Folder 9 (Box 1)
John R. West Correspondence.
Personal letters written to John R. West mainly from family members—siblings and children.

Contents:

July 5, 1854: Letter from John E. West to son John R. Personal letter saying that he has been unwell.
August 13, 1877: Letter from Loretta Gomett to John R. (Brother) Personal letter saying that she sends her love, 1837 Lombard street.
August 15, 1883: Letter from Evan Modeste to John R. in Nantucket. Passing on the name of a friend who works at Fisher and Fairbanks, Joseph Augustin.
June 6, 1886: Letter from Cornelius in Philadelphia to John R. Personal letter saying that he is sorry to hear John R. is feeling unwell.
January 13, 1889: Letter from Marshall Smith in Providence, R.I. to John R. West Regarding the Philadelphia property.
April 17, 1911: Card from Mabel West to father John R. She would like to have him send Sadie’s address.
May 6, 1927: Letter from E. Anthony in Jamestown, R.I. Stating that the late Hannah E. Champlin did not leave and will and requests information about Florence.

Folder 10 (Box 1)
John R. West Correspondence from Lemuel Willcox
Letters from Lemuel Willcox, lawyer in Philadelphia, to John R. West regarding the sale of the property.

Contents:

June 28, 1887: Lemuel is writing to say he proceeding with John R.’s insurance business as soon as possible.
August 17, 1888: Letter regarding the case with Mrs. Harris.
February 4, 1889: Mrs. West (Florence) has brought a suit against John E. West’s estate.
June 10, 1889: Letter regarding the case of Mrs. Harris
July 3, 1889: Letter regarding the sale of property and Mrs. Morris, New Bedford.
July 17, 1889: Letter written on the paper of Frank Hadley Druggist and Chemist in New Bedford saying that Edith and Florence were in that day.
December 18, 1889: Asking John R. to come and sign the papers regarding the Philadelphia property.
April 1, 1890: Letter regarding rent on the property paid after John E.’s death.
May 7, 1890: Letter regarding some money offered related to the signing of deeds.
May 29, 1890: Letter written on William McGeorger , lawyer stationary from Lemuel.
June 3, 1890: Letter regarding George McGeorge, lawywer in Philadelphia.
September 4, 1890: Letter saying that he will send the papers to Mr. Coffin in Nantucket
September 5, 1890: Typed memorandum: Letter to Lemuel T. Willcox from William McGeorge regarding the obtaining of signatures with a handwritten note from Lemuel Willcox on back.
October 1, 1890: Letter from Lemuel Willcox to John R. Letter sent with $25 enclosed, please sign and return.

Folder 11 (Box 1)
John R. West Documents
Life insurance documents, receipts and business letters.

Contents:

November 4, 1904: Receipt for return premium, The Hartford Fire Insurance Co, Hartford, CT. Regarding the dwelling house for $500.00
February 12, 1907: Receipt of payment, Mary E. Crosby Coal and Wood, Nantucket.
October 31, 1911: Letter from J.C. Cottle in Edgartown, MA to John R. Wishes to purchase Chappaquidick land
September 1920-December 1927: Town, Country and State Tax receipts
October 1, 1920: Receipt of payment, Milford Small received $4.00 from John R. for rent of building for month of September.
March 7, 1921: Receipt of payment for $22 in full payment of burial bill (?)
September 1, 1921: Receipt of payment, Joseph Larkin, Painting and Paper Hanging, Nantucket.
1922: Account Book, New Bedford Institution for Savings for John R. West
May-July 1922: Receipts of payment, Island Service Company, Nantucket.
October 1925-June 1934: Receipt of payment, Wannacomet Water Co., Nantucket. For property on 21 Main Street.
June 1927-August 1934: Receipt of payment from Nantucket Institution for Savings.
November 5, 1928, Record of will drawn for John R. West, William Freitas, Attorney, New Bedford, MA.
November-December 1928: Receipt of bill paid, St. Luke’s Hospital, New Bedford, MA.
March 11, 1929: Life Insurance form, Metropolitan Life Insurance Co, New York, NY. Statement of policy for John West and Elizabeth West.
April 2-October 1, 1931: Statement of unpaid premiums, The Albert B. Brock Insurance (Nantucket) for items related to dwelling and furniture.
September 11, 1935: Receipt of payment, The Inquirer and Mirror for $10.69 No date: Receipt of payment, Belmont Company, Boston.
No date: List of heirs to estate of Hannah Champlain, Jamestown, R.I. Lists Elizabeth West and John R. West.
No date: Business cards John E. West “West’s Livery Stable” Nantucket.

Folder 12 (Box 1)
Elizabeth Howard West Correspondence
Letter written on behalf of Elizabeth West in New Bedford regarding a letter Elmore sent to Florence Williams (her daughter) about money owed.

Contents:

December 12, 1939: Letter to Elmore Swain, Nantucket.

Folder 13 (Box 1)
Elizabeth Howard West Documents
Receipts, leases, marriage certificate and death notice for Elizabeth H. West.

Contents:

April 2, 1878: Marriage Certificate for John R. West and Elizabeth Howard (West), New Bedford, MA.
August 1, 1891: Lease, The Singer Manufacturing Company, for one Singer sewing machine.
July 1921-June 1922: Receipt of payment, Island Service Company, Lumber Department, Nantucket.
October 1923-December 1927: Town, Country and State Tax Statements.
August 22, 1939: Insurance Balance, Howard W. Hull Agency, Nantucket.
No date: Typed death notice in envelope for Elizabeth West.

Folder 14 (Box 1)
Cornelius West Correspondence
Personal letters.

Contents:

March 10, 1848: Letter from Eloise Jackson (sister) Personal letter sent from Brooklyn, NY wishing her brother well. J
anuary 26, 1876: Letter from Marsha West (mother) Personal letter written from Philadelphia saying that she is unwell but getting on slowly.

Folder 15 (Box 1)
Cornelius West Documents
West verses West Dispute

Contents:

June, 1886-September, 1886: Documents from court of Common Pleas, Philadephia. Regarding the argument of Cornelius, Jospephus, Eloise and Loretta against John E. West and the property on Barley Street.

Folder 16 (Box 1)
Gertrude West Ames Correspondence
Personal letters to Gertrude.

Contents:

February 3, 1898: Letter from Grace Brown Gardiner to Gertrude West Personal letter regarding the High School graduation Newspaper clipping about Grace Brown Gardiner attached from February 24, 1957.
April 1, 1919: Letter from Gertrude McAmish to Gertrude Ames Personal letter saying she wishes to hear from Gertrude and wishes the family well.
January 15, 1924: Re: Estate Horatio P. Howard
1964: Letters from Carlton (brother) to Gertrude. Personal letters sent from Carlton in Nantucket and later from East Orange, New Jersey

Folder 17 (Box 1)
Gertrude West Ames Documents
Vital records, graduation brochure, bills of sale, deeds and mortgage statement.

Contents:

August 1, 1878: Birth Abstract for Gertrude West from Records in City Clerk’s Office, New Bedford, MA.
January 20, 1880: Birth Memorandum of James Ames, New Bedford, MA.
January 28, 1898: Graduation Pamphlet for Gertrude’s graduation from Nantucket High School.
July 16, 1904: Handwritten receipt of payment from Gertrude to J. Wesley Fountain
July 16, 1904: Bill of Sale for Personal Property from J. Wesley Fountain to Gertrude West. For the purchase of a horse named “Billy”.
July 21, 1904: Mortgage of Personal Property between Gertrude E. West and J. Wesley Fountain.
September 26, 1914: Registry of Deed Gertrude promises to pay Catherine A. Byrne $500 dollars. Andover, MA.
October 14, 1914: Mortgage Signed document between Catherine A. Byrne and Gertrude West. Andover, MA.

Folder 18 (Box 1)
Gertrude West Ames Documents
Personal materials including wedding announcements and certificates.

Contents:

July 1, 1909: “Wedding Blossoms” wedding book Two newspaper clippings announcing the wedding inside
November 28, 1918: Thanksgiving Dinner Menu, The U.S. Naval Hospital, Norfolk, VA.
1922-1935: Certification of Educational Fulfillment from Department of Education, Division of Vocational Education, MA. Additional photocopies of wedding book and newspaper clippings

Folder 19 (Box 1)
Gertrude West Ames Documents
Vital records, receipts, certificates and death notice.

Contents:

August 21, 1925: Check from The Pacific National Bank, from Carlton West to Gertrude for $300. 00
June, 18, 1930: Certification from the American National Red Cross. For Gertrude West’s completion of the Food and Nutrition Course in New Bedford, MA.
September 4, 1930: Receipt for Telegraphic Money Order, Nantucket, MA.
November 2, 1948: Receipt of Credit, between Gertrude and Mrs. Alexis Bernard.
Friday, January 21, 1966: Visitors Registrar for the Funeral of James Ames, Onely Funeral Home, New Bedford, MA. Includes personal handwritten cards and “Sincere Sympathy” cards in envelope.
December 21, 1977: Certificate of Death for Gertrude West Ames.
December 27, 1977: Photocopy of Birth Memorandum, Gertrude West Ames, Issued from City Clerk’s Office, New Bedford, MA. Also on page: Memo of Marriage for James Ames and Gertrude West on July 1, 1909.
No date: Laminated Lord’s Prayer and newspaper clipping of James Ames.
No date: Receipt of payment, Mason McGarvey, Contractor, Nantucket For repair of fountain on 18 New Street.
No date: Written information on small piece of paper regarding the land value of 18 New Street.
No date: Business card for Ames and West Nantucket Steam Laundry, Nantucket. Attached are blank forms for laundry orders from Steam Laundry Business.

Folder 20 (Box 1)
Ruth West Coombs Documents
Deeds, tax forms and newspaper clippings.

Contents:

April 22, 1921: Registry of Deeds, Nantucket County, MA For drawing deed from Lewis to Coombs.
November 7, 1925: Town, Country and State Tax, Nantucket For $32.62.
No date: Bill, Nantucket Gas and Electric Co., Federal Street, Nantucket. To Ruth Coombs on York Street.
No date: Newspaper clipping announcing the death of Mrs. Ruth Coombs.

Folder 21 (Box 2)
Almira “Flossie” West Williams Correspondence

Contents:

April 17, 1920: Letter from H.V. Greene, Copley Square, Boston. Formal letter acknowledging the receipt of a contract.
April 20, 1920: Letter from First People’s Trust, Boston. Formal letter acknowledging receipt of payment.
April 21, 1920: Letter from H.V. Greene Regarding Common Shares of the First People’s Trust.
September 15, 1920: Letter from H.V. Greene Formal invitation to meeting at Duff’s Hall in New Bedford. MA.
June 15, 1936: Letter from M. Sears to Almira Personal letter requesting that Almira write to her soon.
June 16, 1936: Letter from M. Sears to Almira Personal letter saying that they will see each other soon.
September 23, 1952: Letter from James K. Glidden, Nantucket, MA. Formal letter about a petition by Lydia Bernard regarding land on New St.
January 15, 1953: Letter from James K. Glidden, Nantucket, MA. Formal letter regarding the land court petition of Lydia Bernard. Notification that this matter will be taken to court.
March 21, 1959 Letter from Rita and Mary in Florida to Almira Letter of condolence about the death of Charles Williams
March 24, 1959: Letter from John C. Minkins to “Flossie” Regarding the death of her husband Charles H. Williams
No date: Empty envelope addressed to Mrs. Charles Williams, 84 Roach Street, New Bedford with return to sender as C.H. West (Carlton) Nantucket, MA.

Folder 22 (Box 2)
Almira “Flossie” West Williams Documents

Contents:

May 23, 1919: Record of work completed, Pettingell- Andrews Company Boston
1920: First Annual Report of the Trustees of the First People’s Trust, Boston, MA.
August 1920: The Financial Bulletin, Published Quarterly of H.V. Greene.
April, 1921: H.V. Greene Company’s Financial Bulletin, Boston.
December 31, 1921: Annual Statement of Clover Realty Association, New Bedford, MA.
1923: Fourth Annual Report of the Trustees of the First People’s Trust, Boston.
November 24, 1945: Receipt of payment, Lassow’s Fur Shop, Union St, Nantucket.
May-October 1955: Receipt of rent paid for 50 Union Street to Mr. Thomas Gibbs on 18 New Street.
January 30, 1957: Fuel Surcharge, Nantucket Gas and Electric Co., Nantucket, MA
July 7, 1969: Bill for labor and materials, Allen S. Norcross Plumbing and Heating, Nantucket, MA.
August 20, 1973: Receipt of payment for Manuel Araujo, Nantucket, For materials including paint, pains and doors.
May 24, 1974: Letter from the Town of Massachusetts, Office of Assessors. Returning Almira’s bill for payment on the upstairs apartment.
November 1, 1976: Receipt of payment from Douglass B. Lawrence, Contractor and Builder, Nantucket.
June 28, 1977: Receipt of payment, Lemieux the Piano and Furniture Mover. Delivery to 16 New Street.

Folder 23 (Box 2)
Charles Williams Correspondence
Personal letter apologizing for not writing sooner and asking to give his love to Flossy.

Contents:

October 10, 1910: Letter from John R. West to Charles in New Bedford.

Folder 24 (Box 2)
Charles Williams Documents
Receipts mainly from New Bedford building supply businesses

Folder 25 (Box 2)
Gertrude and Almira Ames Documents
Pertaining to property on 16 New St.

Contents:

1950-Collection of receipts and bills in envelopes addressed to Mrs. Charles Williams (Almira) and held together by string. Documents pertaining to laundry business (?)
July 29, 1975: Proposal of services, Nantucket Carpenters.
November 11, 1975: Letter from Mr. Edgar F. Orpin to Mr. Norman Day, Nantucket. Notification that work is to cease until Spring of 1976 when Almira and Gertrude are on the property.
1976-1977: Receipt of payment, Douglas B. Lawrence Contractor and Builder, Cliff Road, Nantucket.

Folder 26 (Box 2)
Mabel West Correspondence
Letter from Elizabeth West to daughter Mabel. Personal letter saying to give her love to everyone. No Date

Folder 27 (Box 2)
Mabel West Documents
School related documents.

Contents:

March 18, 1908: Mabel West, school exercise book, Nantucket. Notebook of example letters for learning format and content and pretend checks, all handwritten by Mabel.
April 8, 1908: Mabel West, school exercise book, Nantucket. Notebook of example letters for learning format and content and pretend checks, all handwritten by Mabel.
1925 (Copyright): Typists’ Guide from Sight to Touch by Charles E. Smith. Underwood Typewriter Company, New York.
June 8, 1937: MIT Graduation Exercises, Class of 1937.
No date: Mabel West, Account Book, New Bedford Institution for Savings.
No date: Schedule of classes for four years of study (MIT?)

Folder 28 (Box 2)
Mabel West Sewing Book
Sewing Book, Models with Instructions, made by Mabel West, Coffin School, Nantucket.

Folder 29 (Box 2)
Edith West Documents
November 18, 1922: Wedding Invitation for the wedding of Edith West to William Stanley Reynolds, Duff’s Small Hall, New Bedford, MA.

Folder 30 (Box 2)
Mary West Documents
March 25, 1863: Bill, Department for Supplying the City with Water. Bill for the year of 1863, for property on 257 Currant Alley, $2.50.

Folder 31 (Box 2)
Loretta West Correspondence
May 23, 1877: Letter from Loretta to brother Personal letter saying that mother and Nealy are sick. She does not know what to do should mother die.

Folder 32 (Box 2)
Alice Ames Documents
December 22, 1919: Duplicate Lease For $1.50 per week for property on 325 Middle Street

Folder 33 (Box 3)
Carlton “Grit” West Correspondence
Letters from acquaintances and family of personal and business subject matter.

Contents:

January 15, 1953: Letter from James K. Glidden to Mrs. Almira Williams and copied to Carlton. Copy version of typed letter asking if she (Almira) wishes to proceed further with the Land Court petition of Lydia Bernard.
January 28, 1953: Letter from Flossie to Carlton. Personal letter saying that she has received another letter from James K. Glidden. She is angry that Carlton had not passed on the message to Glidden about the property.
May 5, 1955: Letter from Roy Sanguinetti (Attorney) Nantucket to Carl West, Nantucket. Formal letter stating that Carlton has interest in Lot 44 of the Indian Lands on the Island of Chappaquidick and came under the will of John R. West (father).
November 18, 1956: Postcard from Mrs. Henry Meyer in Brienz to Carlton on Nantucket. Trip through Italy and head to Germany tomorrow.
December 27, 1958: Typed statement by Carlton explaining the details of an incident with a plane that he witnessed.
September 12, 1964: Letters from Carlton West to Mr. Phillip C. Scott in New York. In reference to the property “Sea View Farm”. He is telling Scott that Mr. Samuel C. Dunlap is interested in selling the property.
May 17, 1967: letter from Nantucket Chamber of Commerce to Carlton. Welcomes Carlton to the Chamber of Commerce and that he will be the only taxi company listed in the 1967 brochure.
March 22, 1969: Letter from W. Ripley Nelson in Nantucket to Carlton Personal letter saying that the annual gam was a success.
March 23, 1969: Postcard from Madeline in Nantucket to Carlton in New Bedford. Postcard is an image of the old mill, she says that the gam was a success and it was wonderful to see him.
March 30, 1969: Letter from Fred McCleave to Carlton in New Bedford. Personal letter saying he spoke to Gertrude and saw the article about Carlton in the Inquirer and Mirror.
April 28, 1969: Postcard from Peg at The Cock-Eyed Dove in Nantucket to “Grit” in New Bedford. Note says that spring has arrived and she is doing gardening.
No date: Postcard address to Carlton. Announcing the next Sportsman’s Club meeting June 11 at 7:45 at the Legion Hall.
No date: piece of paper with address for Carlton West, 543 North Grove Street, East Orange, New Jersey, c/o Stiller.
No date: Typed card from Peg to Grit. Personal letter saying she would really like to get in touch with him.
No year: November, 18: Letter from Gladys Tibbletts in Concord to Carlton in Nantucket. Personal letter saying that she hopes he will still come to visit and there is an extra room in case he wants to bring a friend.

Folder 34 (Box 3)
Carlton West Correspondence from Edward Aleshire
These letters refer to a cottage on island owned by Aleshire that Carlton appears to have taken care of from time to time. They are in reference to particular tasks he would like Carlton to carry out including: changing of locks, fixing the water heater, painting windows, and replanting of plating of plants in yard and window boxes. Carlton’s wife, Pearl, regularly cleaned the cottage before the families arrival. The letters state dates and times that the Aleshire’s will arrive to the island, implying that Carlton would meet them to pick them up.

Contents:

April 1962-May1964: Typed letters addressed to Carlton, New Street, Nantucket from Edward Aleshire 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY.

Folder 35 (Box 3)
Carlton West documents Racetrack Box
Contains materials kept in Carlton’s Racetrack box including receipts related to his horse, newspaper clippings and one reproduced image of Carlton and his horse “Ella Hal”.

Folder 36 (Box 3)
Carlton West Documents
Vital documents, school papers, documents pertaining to US Navy, receipts, land deeds, account books, newspaper clippings, a cardboard sign for “West’s Taxi”.

Contents:

September 29, 1896: Certificate of Birth from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Carlton H. West.
1909: School papers, Carlton West Christmas tree story, math and vocabulary lists.
March 31, 1918-November 11, 1918: War Service Certificate US Coast Guard for Carlton H. West, Seamen.
January 14, 1919: Letter from Commanding Officer to Carlton granting him permission to wear a War Service Chevron as prescribed in General Order by US Navy.
April 16, 1919: Statement of Honorable Discharge for Carlton Howard West, Norfolk, VA.
June 23, 1922: Deed, Robert K. Appleton to Carlton H. West. Regarding land on New St.
August 26, 1922: Warranty Deed Carlton West to Elizabeth C. West.
June 10, 1925: Veteran ’s Bureau, Information about Adjusted Service Credit for Carlton West.
January 25, 1926: List of Auction Sale of Household Furnishings of Harry A. Tobey. Carl was paid $629.71 from the total sales.
March 27 1930-April 4, 1931: Dog License, Town of Nantucket License of registration for a Beagle and a St. Bernard Carlton H. West. Beagle was previously owned by Ralph E. Ellis.
July 7, 1936: Receipt of payment from Carlton West to Arthur Collins for $14.62.
June 19, 1939: Receipt of payment, for $25.00 1939 carriage berth dues.
June 1, 1941: Agreement between the New England Steamship Company and Carlton West.For use of carriage stand at Nantucket Wharf.
July 25, 1941: Receipt of payment from New Bedford, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamboat Line. Carlton West paid $40.00 for carriage stand privilege at Nantucket Wharf for the season of 1940.
1944: Promise of payment from Carlton to Almira and Gertrude for $50.00.
August 11, 1967: Proprietors of Prospect Hill Library, Acknowledgment of payment for lot of land for $75.00
June 28, 1969: Laminated Memorial Obituary for Carlton West in the Standard Times, New Bedford, MA.
June, 1969: Newspaper clippings regarding the death of Carlton West from the Inquirer and Mirror (Nantucket) and The Standard-Times (New Bedford, MA.)
No Date: Certificate from the United States of America for Carlton H. West. Honoring his service to the country in his time in the Armed Services, signed by Richard Nixon.
No Date: Cardboard Sign “West’s Taxi” No Date: Account books for Carlton West from Pacific National Bank (Nantucket) New Bedford Savings Bank and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.
No Date: Newspaper Clipping “Most Popular Cabby Home After Surgery” Saying that his operation went well (removal of his gall bladder) and that he spent three weeks in the Nantucket Cottage Hospital. He received many letters and postcards from all parts of the country and Paris.

Folder 37-39 (Box 3)
Carlton West documents, financial
Receipts and Bills

Contents:

Folder 37: 1930’s Receipts of payment including Town of Nantucket statement of taxis, New England Town and Telegraph Company Bills and The Citizen’s Gas and Electric Co. bills.
Folder 38: 1930’s-1950’s. Receipts and Bills pertaining to West’s Taxi, including Nantucket Auto Service, Pacific National Bank, Inquirer and Mirror ads, Prentice Garage and Sherburne Oil Co.
Folder 39: Receipts of payment for Island Service Company during the late 1920’s and early 1930’s. *These are not in chronological order.

Folder 40 and 41 (Box 3)
Carlton West Miscellaneous Receipts
These folders include receipts of payment pertaining to West’s Taxi. They are not in chronological order or grouped by type.

Folder 42
West Family Recipes
Recipes handwritten on pieces of paper and in a small black book. Recipes include oyster stew, picalli and wine and sickness remedies for cholera and the common cold. The black book lists recipes for Eau de Cologne and Hair Tonic probably related to the West family barber business.

Folder 43 (Box 4)
West Family, miscellaneous correspondence
1943-1946: Mainly correspondence from Taylor, Alpert and Thurman Attorneys at Law in Boston pertaining to Bessie Doyle’s divorce. Attorney’s Business card and x-ray examination card from City of Boston Health Department.

Folder 44 (Box 4)
West Family, Miscellaneous documents
Includes anonymous ledgers from the 1940’s and 1950’s and letters and deeds with names not recognized.

Folder 45 (Box 4)
West Family Genealogical Information
Copies of genealogical information and research notes.

Contents:

Genealogical charts
Census records from New Bedford
Booklet "A self-made man Capt. Paul Cuffee"
3 p. from family bible showing some births, deaths, and marriages.

Folder 46 (Box 4)
West family photocopies of documents
Includes some photocopies of materials in the collection.

Folder 47-50 (Box 4)
Unspecified ledgers, of unknown business.

Folder 51 & 52 (Box 4)
Donor’s Notes and Additional Reading/Research Notes
Additional research material added to the collection after donation and before accessioning.

Contents:

Folder 51: Donor’s Notes Typed descriptions for each item donated by Adele Ames prepared by Francis Karttunen.
Folder 52: Additional Reading/Research Notes Research notes and additional reading prepared by Francis Karttunen.

Box 5
Certificates

Contents:

Nantucket High School, John Edward West 1899
Nantucket High School graduation certificate, Almira Floretta West, 1899
New Bedford Elementary School, James B. Ames, 1929
Marriage certificate between John E. West and Elizabeth Bridges, 1930
Military training certificate for reserve officers, James B. Ames, 1932
New Bedford High School graduation certificate, James Bradford Ames, 1933
Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, James B. Ames, 1936