11-12-201711-12-2017
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
3040BBoston
November 12, 2017 11:00 AMCalender
5

Alcott, Louisa May (1832-1888) Unpublished Manuscript Poem, To Constance , Concord, c. 1882.

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$3,198$2,600
Auction: Books & Manuscripts - 3040BLocation: BostonDate / Time: November 12, 2017 11:00AM

Description:

Alcott, Louisa May (1832-1888) Unpublished Manuscript Poem, To Constance, Concord, c. 1882. Single leaf of wove paper, originally folded in two, inscribed over three pages, to Constance Emery Ellis, old folds, evenly toned, slight browning around the edges, 10 x 8 in.
[Together with] a photo-copy of Constance Emery's typed recollections of her time in Concord.
Constance Emery Ellis moved with her family to the Alcott's Orchard House in the summer of 1879. Her father, Samuel H. Emery Jr., of Quincy, Illinois, was to run the Concord Summer School of Philosophy from 1879 to 1888.
"To Constance
Our little song tonight shall be
In praise of modest worth.
In honor of the sweetest thing
That beautifies the earth.
'Tis not a rare or lovely flower
A diamond bright or pearl,
It is the household treasure called
A good old fashioned girl
A gentle girl
A simple girl
A real old fashioned girl.
She has not lost docile respect
For friends or parents' wishes
She does not scorn domestic arts
But sweeps and washes dishes
She does not gossip, flirt, and romp
Nor try with envious strife
To far outshine her youth mates
In the small games of life.
The duteous girl
The honest girl
The good old fashioned girl

She dresses like a modest maid
Enjoys both work & [struck out]
Simplicity the honest beauty,
She makes her life a pleasant round
Of happiness and duty
Beloved by many tender hearts
Who watch her day by day
Rosy & fair she blooms for them
A human Daisy by the way.
The simple girl
The charming girl
The dear old fashioned girl. [...]"

Provenance: From Samuel H. Emery Jr. by family descent.
Estimate $2,000-3,000


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

Samuel H. Emery Jr., Constance Emery Ellis, Constance Emery, Louisa May, Quincy