Harry E. Jarvis Letters, MSS.2547

Abstract: The family and friends of Harry E. Jarvis write to him from Glendale and Los Angeles, California, regarding an orchard and farm struggling to make a profit from fruit sales and chickens. Twenty-four of the thirty letters are from Mr. Jarvis's wife, Cece, who is very homesick and describes the hard work of trying to keep the farm afloat, as well as her anxiety over child-rearing decisions made alone.Scope and Content Note: Contains incoming correspondence to Harry E. Jarvis from his wife and children, as well as friends in California, regarding an orchard and farm currently tended by his wife and children, who await him there. Employment and money matters appear to prevent Mr. Jarvis from joining his family. Twenty-four of the thirty letters are from Mr. Jarvis's wife, Cece, three are written by his children and enclosed in envelopes with Cece's letters, and three are from friends in California with references to the farmland and employment prospects.One letter includes a hand-drawn map of some of the farmland. Many letters include discussion of costs and profits, written in solid figures, and other topics include social life, religious life, school, and talking to children about sexuality. One letter, from W.R. Sellon, is typewritten.Biographical/Historical Note: Harry E. Jarvis is residing in Burlington, Iowa, at the time of the letters, while his wife and children tend an orchard and farm in Glendale, California. Postmarks on the letters originate in Glendale, Tropico, Los Angeles and Riverside, California