MGJ Postal History

The Phillips Packing Company began in Cambridge, Maryland in 1902 with a single plant and went on to become one of the most recognized names in seafood. As the company expanded so did its legacy on the Eastern Shore through buildings and stories. Cover franked with meter postage.

Brief note addressed to John P. Knowlton, Wendell Harbor, NH, postmaster regarding a debt of $1,000. A representative of Knowlton apparently tried to collect the money from the writer, Peter Sargent, but to no avail and Sargent is writing to say he hopes to have money soon and "you can have it". Light but full Newport NH postmark along with large red numeral 5. Very good condition.  Wendell Harbor is an rare and interesting address since it was an early name for what is now Sunapee Harbor. According to historical records: "Like many other towns, Sunapee one went through name changes before its incorporation in 1781: Saville in 1768, Corey's Town, and then Wendell, for one of the Masonian Proprietors, John Wendell. The marsh near Sunapee Middle High School still bears Wendell's name. The name Sunapee was substituted for Wendell by the legislature in 1850."  Captain John P. Knowlton, a retired merchant of Sunapee, was born in that town, October 10, 1821, son of Samuel and Betsey (Pike) Knowlton. The grandfather, Robert Knowlton, was one of the pioneer settlers of New London, N.H. Samuel Knowlton was a farmer in Sunapee. He was also engaged in hewing lumber.  John P. Knowlton, at six feet, six inches, was one of the tallest men in the area. He received his education in town schools and took up farming. Subsequently he became interested in a mercantile business, and entered into partnership with his brother in 1844. He bought out his brother’s interest, and went on as sole proprietor. In 1862, he retired. In 1870, he erected Knowlton Block. He was a Director of the First National Bank of Newport, N.H., for several years. He was first Postmaster of Sunapee and held the office for 11 years. On January 4, 1848, Governor Jared B. Williams created him Captain of the militia company called the Sunapee Guards. For four years he was Town Clerk, and for one year Town Treasurer. In 1856-57 he served as State Representative, and he was a Justice of the Peace. Captain Knowlton was married October 23, 1848, to Abby S. Morgan.

Clean first flight cover with double circle postmarks. Unusual for this cover as roller postmarks were used for most covers.

Four-page letter from Maud Shutt to her children asking them to come home due to their father's severe illness. It also addresses a problem her son is having with his thumb. Osbourne Bridge is located in the middle of Great Sacandaga Lake in New York State. Doubt there is a lot of correspondence from this location.

The letter reads in part: "Your father is worse than he has ever been since I knew him. His leg is so helpless that he cant get off nor on the bed nor off his chair without help. So you may tell Dick and Phebe that you have made up your minds to come home and help take care of him." "I am sorry Miles that you have got a sore thumb. If it is bellon I am afraid you will have a bard time. Dont let it be to long before you have it cut open. If you dont (it) will affect the bone to much. Have it cut open as soon as it will worsen. Now if you are coming home you had better get ready and come as soon as you can. If you have any good tools, you had better fetch them along. Perhaps you may get some work here this winter if you want."

The letter continues telling the children to sell their store and most of their possessions, but pack up a set of dishes if they have them. The letter concludes: "I dont want to schare you but your father is growing worse all the time. He is very weak and feels bad. Our love to you..."

Excellent view into lifestyle and vernacular of the time.