1893 Suwanee Sulphur Springs Florida Advertising Cover and letter

This item is a historical business letterhead and handwritten letter dated April 17, 1893, originating from the Suwanee Sulphur Springs resort in Suwannee, Florida. The highly detailed letterhead promotes “Nature’s Sanitarium”, situated on the main line of the S. F. & W. Ry. (Savannah, Florida & Western Railway) between Savannah, Georgia, and Gainesville, Florida. It functions as an advertisement for a 19th-century health resort, boasting an “Infallible Cure” for ailments such as rheumatism, dyspepsia, and liver, kidney, skin, and blood diseases. The document lists Andrew Hanley as the proprietor and Jno. S. Bowen.

The letter itself is written in cursive ink and addressed to a recipient named Wade. It discusses various personal and logistical business matters, including real estate transactions, local individuals, and planned travel itineraries to cities like Atlanta and Pittsburgh via the B. & O. railroad lines. The underlying text provides insights into everyday commerce, communication challenges, and transportation arrangements during late 19th-century Florida.

Based out of Gulich Township / Beccaria in Clearfield County, PA, the Hegarty family ran a highly self-sufficient merchant and manufacturing operation. At the time of this correspondence, they were coordinating the industrial output of their local foundry (“say to the men in the Foundry…”) while traveling down the East Coast and through the South (stopping at landmarks like the Brown House in Macon and the Aragon Hotel in Atlanta) to source materials and secure trade routes.

Suwanee, Fla. April 17 – 93

Dear Wade,

Your letter of the 14th came to hand late last evening, was glad to hear from local point, not having heard from there for some time past. Sorry to hear the coal business is so dull but all that can be done is to do the best possible and leave the balance go. – Buel’s letter was also received here but not yet answered it – hardly know what to say to him. I think it would be best to accept the offer he say can be had – as you implicitly posted I will wait a day or two and think the matter over. – I hope Hanley will be better satisfied. [illegible]. Glad you got through with Smith is getting his timber out very fast he will get disgusted soon as to getting money to Phila(delphia). I have figured over the matter some and think we will leave here about Thursday morning and run to Macon wait & stop there to interview some real estate men will be there one day or probably two depending upon how long it will take me to get what information I may want. Will then go on to Atlanta where we will likely reach by Saturday evening 22nd or Sunday 24th from postal road from [illegible] he is likely to stay there to rest for a few days will likely stay at least one day will then start for Pitts. – I think I can reach Phila by the 26 or 27 if we delay Pitts. I will go from there by the B. & O. railroad and your mother will go direct home from Pitts.

I think it would be wise for you to arrange to go to Phila(delphia) on or about the 25th you can be picking up some things and making some purchases until I get there which can assist with the dues for the next year, and by the time you are finishing up other things—until being back we will not want a large stock—have as complete a list of the goods on hand you can with the prices—bring with you a few blank checks, had better say to the men in the Foundry that if we should not be back until the 2nd that they will have to wait for their pay until we return. I will write you as soon as we reach there and if make any change time of reaching Phila, will notify. When at Macon will stop at the “Brown House” in Atlanta (will stop at the” Aragon (Hotel). you had better write when you receive this and say if you will be in Phila about the time spoken of. think of nothing more to write at present.

As ever your affct, Father, Samuel Hegarty.