The following letter was written by Charles Henry Palmer, builder and architect of Urbanna Baptist Church and other structures in Urbanna. It was addressed to Charley Major, a plasterer.
Palmer was a charter member of Urbanna Lodge No. 83 A.F. & A.M. and builder of the old three-story lodge building, once located on the corner of Watling and Cross streets in Urbanna. The lodge was founded in 1872 and he was the main contractor of the building that was completed circa 1877. Major was a subcontractor who did the plaster work inside the lodge.
The lodge building was torn down circa 1918 after the lodge membership moved to the third floor of the old bank building on Cross Street. The letter was obviously written on Palmer’s death bed as masonic records state that a masonic funeral was conducted for him on Dec. 16, 1904. The letter, written on Dec. 13, 1904, was found years later in Palmer’s Bible stamped and ready for the post office. It was never mailed.
Dear Charley,
Doubtless you will be somewhat surprised to have a note from me, but this is just what I have neglected to do for years. I want to carry you back in memory to the times when you finished plastering our Masonic Hall, and I think you left the county.
Well, when I had finished my work and gathered up my tools, I found a new Disston No. 7 handsaw, and carried it to my shop supposing, as I thought, it was yours, and from that day to this when ever I see it, I have reproached myself for not having tried to get it to you. I had thought for a long time that you were living at Newport News, until sometime ago I saw Lucious and he said you were in King William.
If you can put me on any plan by which I can get it to you I would be glad to do so, unless you might find it convenient to come to the county again and make us a visit. It is time you were coming back to the old town, and see what progress has been made and the many changes that have come to us in the last 23 or 24 years. You would hardly recognize the location of T.E. Sutton’s old store and others, especially down on the lower creek.
Well I did not intend to write a letter this time, so I will be glad if you will help me find the owner. It (the saw) is as new as when it was left in the Hall.
With Kindest Regards
C.H. Palmer
* Note: Thomas E. Sutton general merchandise store building was located on the site of the current 51 Cross St. building in Urbanna in what was once the Taylor Hardware building. Sutton’s store building was torn down to make way for the current structure.
It Happened Here in Rivah Country!
