Virtual Exhibit:
“The Call of Carew”
In 1911, when local lumber baron, John Carew, sent out an invitation for a “keg” party, he sent it in rhyme. What’s more, the replies he received were also in rhyme. We were fortunate to receive this collection from John’s descendant, Sheila Carew, last year, and thought this would be perfect to share for National Poetry Month.
(It’s interesting to note “The Call of Carew” was sent in the month of April, but National Poetry Month has only been around since 1996.)
2019.06 “The Call of Carew” book of correspondence.
The collection contains a copy of the invitation and 21 replies.
Some of the responses were type-written, while others were penned by hand. Various types of paper were used from thick woven stationary to pages torn from ledgers. Most replies were affirmative, but even the “sorry, I cannot attend” reply was in rhyme.
Invitation Responses:
[Click to expand each note]
