This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal begins with a heading 1. Pressing the escape key or X button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Small Treasures

Much like others in the family, Gib was an avid letter-writer from a very young age. A number of his letters still survive, which confirm his charming precociousness. One such letter reads,

“Dear Mamma
I don’t want to come down in the rain this noon. Ple[a]se send papas and my dinner up.
Send all you can.”

Inside the desk a number of Gib’s objects were found, including several pencils, a perforated paper with a small American flag embroidered on it, a little wallet, two printed tickets, and an 1882 Indian head penny with a hole and ribbon. Gib’s writing desk serves as a time capsule for a late 19th-century boy’s interests, but the idea of collecting childhood treasures remains timeless.

Gilbert Dickinson to Susan Dickinson, Martha Dickinson Bianchi Collection, Brown University.

Connie Ann. Kirk,“‘Open the Door, They Are Waiting for Me’: An Introduction to The Evergreens Nursery.” Emily Dickinson International Society Bulletin 16, no. 1 (May/June 2004): 6.

Children’s cardboard writing desk in the shape of a book. A banner with the words “Writing Desk” decorates the lid.