1846 Cazenovia Seminary Student Letters Helen & William Garton NY Pair# 1424

Original 1846 Cazenovia, New York stampless folded letter written by documented Cazenovia Seminary students William M. Garton and Hellen (Helen) M. Garton to their father, William Garton, in Vernon, Oneida County, New York. The letter is postmarked in red “CAZENOVIA N.Y. / APR 29” and carries an early red 5-cent rate marking, dating it to the pre-stamp era before the first general-issue U.S. postage stamps of 1847. The handwritten contents discuss the students’ life and studies, including Sunday School, a school of approximately 100 scholars, Helen attending Bible class, William serving as an assistant librarian, clothing and personal needs, and their general progress at school. Research in the official 1877 history and general catalogue of Cazenovia Seminary documents William M. Garton of Vernon, New York as a student in 1845. The same catalogue lists Helen M. under the variant spelling “Gaston,” also of Vernon, as a student in 1846, strongly matching the Hellen M. Garton who signs this letter alongside William. A very appealing piece of early New York educational, family, postal and Cazenovia Seminary history. Condition: Original folds from mailing and storage, age toning, scattered light staining, loss/tear at the upper edge, and remains of the original red wax seal with opening damage. Handwriting remains strong and highly legible. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition. A scarce opportunity to acquire an original 1846 student letter with a documented connection to Cazenovia Seminary and identifiable writers.