Paul David Irwin Maier (1874-1936) and Anna Shinn Maier (1874-1941): correspondence, 1929 August-September

Letters written while P.D.I.M. was vacationing with W.M.M. (J.S.M. was in Europe at the time) at Back Log Quaker Camp near Jackman, Maine.

Some highlights include:

Harriton, 1929 8/1. [A.S.M. encloses a post card from “Anne B” who writes from Northeast Harbor, ME]

Back Log Camp, 1929 8/1. [P.D.I.M. remarks that “Cousin Tom” appears better following his apparent stroke: “He seemed much better for his mind and speech seem quite clear.” Nonetheless, a nurse is being sent for and he needs “considerable looking after”]

Harriton, 1929 8/2. [A.S.M. attends a wedding, noting that she “gave the bride and groom my blessing this afternoon”]

Back Log Camp, 1929 8/2. [P.D.I.M. writes that the nurse for "Cousin Tom" has arrived and appears to be taking good care of him. In addition, his condition seems to be improving overall as he is speaking and interacting with clarity]

Back Log Camp, 1929 8/3. [P.D.I.M. comments that W.M.M.’s hip injury has improved. He also proceeds to describe Cousin Tom’s seemingly worsening condition—openly questioning how much longer he will live: “I feel sorry for him, for he seems to have so little to live for. I think the family feels the he has lived his life and there would be little sorrow at his departure”]

Back Log Camp, 1929 8/4. [P.D.I.M. remarks that Cousin Tom is “not well” as his blood pressure has worsened. “There is not much to go on”]

Back Log Camp, 1929 8/5. [P.D.I.M. begins the letter expressing pessimistic feelings about Cousin Tom’s condition, noting that he is in and out of a coma and that it is only a "question of hours. "One of the last things he did was to catch a large pickerel and now his end is coming in the woods which he so much loved.” By the end of the letter, however, P.D.I.M. revises his earlier prediction, noting a slight improvement in Cousin Tom’s state]

Back Log Camp, 1929 8/6. [P.D.I.M. reports that Tom is a “trifle better” and that “Richard and the rest of his family” is expected to arrive at the camp]

Back Log Camp, 1929 8/7. [P.D.I.M. now reports that, once again, it is only a matter of time with Tom, reflecting on the situation with a very specific philosophy: “Thee knows the old story—‘first they were afraid he would die and then afraid he wouldn’t.’ I shall be glad to get away before the end comes”]

Harriton, 1929 8/21. [P.D.I.M. writes just after returning to Harriton from his stay at the Back Log Camp. At present, A.S.M. is at Cliff House, in Ogunquit, Maine, where she is receiving her letters care of Mary Rhoades (Garrett) Williams ("Mrs. Henry S. Williams"). P.D.I.M. also encloses a letter from W.M.M., who remained at Back Log Camp]

Harriton, 1929 8/22. [P.D.I.M. mentions that he received an “enthusiastic” letter from J.S.M., who is just leaving Paris for England. P.D.I.M. also encloses a post card from Mary J. Elliot who is writing from Griscom Hall in Buck Hill Falls, PA]

Law Offices of Cahall and Maier. 1929 8/23. [P.D.I.M. discusses a phone call he had with Fred Sharpless]

Harriton, 1929 8/27. [P.D.I.M. encloses a letter from W.M.M. who remains at Back Log Camp]

Harriton, 1929 8/28. [P.D.I.M. encloses a letter from Jamie H. Pork (sp), writing from Echo Lake, PA, and a post card from “Ed,” who, along with Ann Scattergood, is visiting the Pocono Lake Preserve]