Albert Hafner Letters
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 29, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner updates her on his cold, which he believes is almost cured. He tells Chandler he received news from home: one of his uncles whom he respected and looked up to has died. He closes by sending Chandler clippings about his uncle's passing and a copy of an old Switzerland state document.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 25, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner informs her that he is sick with a severe cold. He tells her how severe the cold weather has been in Tarpon Springs. Hafner then responds to Chandler's previous comments about how romantic it is for a couple to only meet once and not see one another again until their wedding day. Hafner ponders the sacredness of Betrothal versus wedding ceremonies. He then recounts a story from when he was a boy, and the priest told his class only Catholics went to heaven, and Protestants go to hell. Hafner, whose mother is Protestant, approached the priest, who told him all of Christ's words cannot be documented, and good people will find a spot reserved for them. Hafner then goes on to talk about his troubles with the bank and describes his reasoning for not backing the governor entirely. Hafner asks Chandler to send him seeds from her favorite pumpkins so he can grow them in his garden and offers to bring her more news clippings from Switzerland.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 22, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He responds to Chandler's previous letter, which included a letter written by her great-grandmother. Hafner offers his support regarding Chandler's brother, Nat, who has made poor choices. He tells Chandler she holds no responsibility over his actions. Hafner ends the letter answering Chandler's belief that her grandfather is "unbalanced," saying all people are unbalanced or insane in some way.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 21, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He tells her that one of his cats climbed into Jack's — his owl's — cage and stole a piece of meat from him. This incident made him realize how much work he has to do in Tarpon Springs before he can finally leave. Hafner thanks Chandler for regularly writing to him and thanks her for making him happy. He responds to an uplifting comment Chandler made about a sad-looking sea-calf, saying he repeated the sentiment to Mr. Turnpaw, who was disappointed at the birth of his daughter instead of a son. After hearing her comments, Hafner said Mr. Turnpaw is now very proud of his daughter. Hafner thanks Chandler for some clippings she sent him about the cigar industry. He then recounts a conversation with Mr. Muniz, who told him about the difference between a marriage that benefits a man's business and one that diminishes it. He closes with a joke made at the dinner table about how large their future home should be.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 18, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner recounts his dinner with the Safford Family, including a wardrobe malfunction that took place before. They discussed Canoes and canoeing, his engagement to Elizabeth, and Hafner's Family. The governor then asks about Mr. Muñiz and his Business, inquiring about the large stacks of cigars he keeps at the factory. Hafner responds that he can't comprehend all of the man's business dealings, but that he knows Mr. Muñiz refuses to do anything but ship cigars out of the state.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 16, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner admits disgruntledly that he despises how many people come up to him to chat and invite him to events, including the governor's wife, who invited him over for dinner. While he doesn't want to go, he agrees and tells Chandler he will update her later.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 13, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner updates her on his cigar business and recounts a conversation with Governor Stafford, who pointed out Elizabeth and her aunt during their stay in Tarpon Springs. Hafner announces his engagement, and the governor congratulates him while also asking that he remain in Tarpon because the town has become so fond of him.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 11, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. In a continuation of his letter from October 10, Hafner updates Chandler on himself and other former hotel guests who left the hotel for better meals. He tells Chandler she probably can't impress his father more than she already has, but that is just how the man is. Hafner discusses his love for Chandler's authenticity, saying he would not love her the same if she tried to be anyone else for him but herself.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 10, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He discusses the words used in German to describe Elizabeth between Hafner and his parents, all of which indicate his father is very fond of his new fiancée and fills Hafner with pride. He interprets that his father would only be happier if Hafner found great success in his Business, and Hafner indicates he wishes the same thing.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 9, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner answers a letter from Chandler in which she expressed concern that she'd shared too much about their plans with other people. Hafner elaborates that it is better to withhold information about his future move out of the small town because the knowledge will eliminate any appropriately priced offers for his home. However, he consoles Chandler and assures she has no reason to beat herself up.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 7-8, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He recounts a sailing trip with his friend Joe Patten, who eats meals with him, and informs Chandler of Patten's poor table manners. When Patten insisted Hafner wait on him and serve him a glass of water during their trip, Hafner handed him a glass of saltwater and reminded him to say, "Please." Responding to Chandler's question about including antique furniture in their future home, Hafner says he leaves all choices in her hands and will enjoy anything she chooses. Hafner discusses his suspicious outlook on vegetarianism and what the tobacco industry looks like in Massachusetts, where Chandler lives. He updates her on the state of his garden and points out an ironic and romantic overlap of their letters; at the same time Hafner sent Chandler a letter about the benefits of courting via writing, Chandler sent him a letter describing how useful it was to write thoughts immediately from her heart. He then encourages Chandler to send her unfiltered commentary, even though she often feels the need to exclude things he probably should not read.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 6, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He recounts a trip to Anclote Key on the Ellen with his friend Joe Patten, who has recently returned from vacation. He also describes Tarpon Springs' spongers and their way of life. He closes by mentioning green-goods-men, or people who perform the green goods scam. This fraud scheme involves luring people to purchase counterfeit money but replacing any currency with sawdust or paper that holds no worth.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 2, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner, in response to Chandler's previous letter, ponders whether the couple is disadvantaged by their distance. He then argues that their relationship might be even stronger because people can be so much more candid on paper. He reflects on three women called Misses Otis, saying he remembers them very well, and they were very likeable. Hafner closes by updating Chandler on the status of the Tarpon Springs residents.
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Summary of October 1891 Letters, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 1891
Elizabeth H. Chandler
A summary of letters sent in October 1891 by Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth H. Chandler in Massachusetts.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 1, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner explains the circumstances that require the cigar factory to be in Tarpon; tobacco grows best in South Florida, and Mr. Muñiz only wishes to sell cigars he would smoke himself, not ones of poor quality. He reaffirms his decision to leave his name off of the factory's sign. Hafner recounts some of the history of Tarpon Springs to describe how Mr. Muniz ended up in the town and Hafner began working with him. Hafner is very close with his business partner; after Mr. Muñiz's wife died, he had few people who understood him. Hafner looks down on the practice of husbands sending their wives away when it is "in style." He also argues that cigar salesmen are the most free employees in the world.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 30, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner admits he is glad his father lives so far from Chandler so she won't be subjected to his scrutinous company. He then expresses his disappointment that the postmaster did not mail one of his letters on time as promised. He discusses smugglers who come to the area to steal fruits and chickens to trade for whiskey and cigarettes. Some stole his peaches to trade for aguardiente, a spirit made from sugarcane. People ask Hafner to interpret for them with the Spanish traders, but he refuses. He tells Chandler about a new player, a friend of Mr. Muñiz who is building a large, extravagant hotel that will hold the cigar firm's sales rooms. They wait for months for this man to come to Florida and finish building, but they refuse to rush a man of his status. In response to Chandler's question about where their home will be, Hafner says she may make all of the decisions, as home is wherever she is.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 29, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner confesses he has not yet sent Chandler's kind letters for his parents. He confides that his father understands little about his children and is a stern judge of women and horses; Hafner refuses to hear judgment of Chandler, so he waits until her words will land more welcomely. Upon receiving his father's reply to Chandler's picture, Hafner writes out his father's response in German for her to read. He is amazed and pleased to read that his father approves highly of Chandler, despite his tendency for criticism.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 28, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner left the Tarpon Springs Hotel and traded it for the Fernald Cottage. Mr. Purcell from the Occidental Land Co. approached him in hopes of making it right, but Hafner did not return. He admits that his sewing is coming out poorly, and though he asked his laundress to sew the buttons for him, she refused. He can't sew with a thimble; finishing a sewing task, especially if he pricks himself, fills him with pride. Chandler advises him to treat his water barrels to repel mosquitoes. He discusses his tendency to be combative.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 24, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. After Chandler asked him if he designed a futuristic garment that could replace trousers, Hafner delivers his complaints about long pants again. He envisions a pair of pants that do not go below the knee and believes women could also benefit from bottoms/skirts that are knee-length. He reflects on his ability to sleep throughout his travels by train and boat in his youth. He enters a discussion about his high opinion of women; he believes women stand morally higher than men even though men are believed to be the stronger sex. Hafner says once women come together and refuse to marry "puppets" and the government pays them what they deserve, the male puppets will fall out of existence. He then expresses his gratitude that Chandler's letters to him are unlike those she sends to anyone else. Hafner updates her on the canoes; the white one needs repainting, and Chandler has no need to be jealous of the few girls who have been passengers in them. The managers of the hotel are well again.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 23, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner recounts a visit with his friend Joe Patten, telling Chandler he received the fruitcake she sent him and the two friends enjoyed it very much. Hafner tells her how busy he is with opening the cigar factory and recounts his experience painting the business's sign outside of the building. He also tells Chandler he will have to taste some of the cigars soon, but he assures her he will not pick up his previous smoking habit.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 20, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Chandler has announced that she feels neglected by Hafner between his constant workload and his short letters. Hafner insists that he wants nothing more than to be with her and write to her in great detail, but his work prevents him. Hafner goes on to explain that the cigar factory feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him, and he must take it, but that doesn't diminish his love for her.
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Summary of September 17 Letter, Albert Hafner's Parents to Albert Hafner, September 17, 1891
Elizabeth H. Chandler
A summary of a letter sent in German to Albert Hafner from his mother and father in Switzerland. In a translation by Elizabeth Chandler, his fiancée, Hafner's parents express their congratulations on Hafner's engagement and tell him Chandler looks like a beautiful, kind woman in her picture. Hafner's parents close their message by saying they would love to have Hafner visit them soon.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 17, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He announces that his cigar firm, Fabrica de Tabacos de B. Muñiz will be featured in an issue of Truth magazine. He sends Chandler the full copy he has written to represent the firm with the owner Don Benefacio's approval. Hafner decided to withhold his name from the cigar factory because the tobacco industry is still not considered legitimate in parts of New England, and he doesn't want to face disapproval from his friends there.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 17, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He tells her how little rest he's gotten recently and confides that he thinks they understand each other perfectly. He recounts a conversation with Mr. Clapp during a busy day at work and updates Chandler on the big business changes taking place in Tarpon Springs.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 11, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Chandler has a fascination with fortune-telling and is disappointed to have turned down a basket peddler offering her future, but Hafner says it wouldn't be in her nature to look to fortune-telling instead of real, improbable futures. He recounts his encounter with Mr. Joe Patten, who recently returned from a vacation to Boston. He said he looked for Hafner in the Northeast because he assumed Hafner would've taken off the moment he had a chance to leave Tarpon Springs. Hafner laments that he has spent so much time without Elizabeth, as he wished to be with her and ask her parents for their blessing to marry. However, Hafner concludes that this time was for the best, and soon he will be able to see her again.
