Pemigewasset Hotel Letter – Plymouth, New Hampshire – White Mountains Tourism Era

Autograph letter signed “Will,” written on illustrated stationery of The Pemigewasset Hotel, Plymouth, New Hampshire, prominently featuring the hotel’s distinctive stag-head letterhead and slogan, “Gateway to the White Mountains.” This engaging personal letter offers a vivid glimpse into seasonal employment and resort life in New England’s White Mountains, likely during the height of the region’s early tourism era. The writer, a young man working at the hotel, describes his experience with notable candor and charm—commenting on the quality of food, social atmosphere, and presence of Dartmouth men among the guests and staff. The correspondence provides insight into: Life and labor at a prominent New Hampshire resort hotel The culture of summer employment among young people Personal financial concerns, including saving for clothing and education Considerations of postponing college to pursue work or business education Family circumstances and health concerns influencing life decisions Particularly appealing is the lively tone, including humorous references to “good grub” and social life, along with the evocative closing written as the author hears an approaching train—capturing a fleeting, candid moment in time. | Translation: | Next year, if I don’t get fired from here now, I will have a good job, with good grub and fairly good grub. Of course you know I eat in the main hall and when I say fairly good grub, I mean the best grub that the Pemigewasset can give. Then I’m enjoying myself. There are a nice crowd of fellows and girls here (especially the latter) and three of the fellows are Dartmouth men. Don’t know what I shall do this fall. This summer I shall have earned but little more than enough to pay for my suit which I got hung up for last spring. Dad is not feeling well and taking all in all I don’t believe but that it would be better to remain out of college one year and earn a little money. It is different from remaining out the first year. The second is the year which should be omitted if any. I shall hang on to this job as long as she lasts and then go home and probably go to business college. Well, I believe I have written enough and since I hear the train coming I will close. Your Grandson Will Sept. 3 ’04