When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Listing Description
Offered here is a fascinating 1897 group of two handwritten Bostoniana Club letters with original mailed envelope, addressed to Professor J. Jay Watson of Boston, a noted 19th-century American violinist, composer, teacher, and musical director closely associated with the legendary Norwegian virtuoso Ole Bull.
The correspondence documents Watson and his daughter performing for the Bostoniana Club, an important Boston cultural and historical organization founded to study the history and development of the city.
Included
Handwritten Bostoniana Club letter to Prof. J. Jay Watson, thanking him personally for a musical performance
Second handwritten Bostoniana Club letter dated April 7, 1897, thanking Watson and his daughter for the “delightful musical entertainment” furnished at the club meeting of April 6
Original envelope addressed to:
Prof. J. Jay Watson
360 Columbus Ave.
Boston, Mass.
with Boston postmark dated March 22, 1897
J. Jay Watson
John Jay Watson (1830–1902) was a prominent American violinist, composer, arranger, teacher, and musical director. Born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Watson became known for his association with the celebrated Norwegian violin virtuoso Ole Bull and was described in period sources as Bull’s pupil or protégé.
Watson later became a well-known figure in Boston musical circles and was sometimes referred to as the “Ole Bull of America.” He performed extensively, taught music, composed and arranged works, and remained active in Boston musical life into the late 19th century.
The letters are especially interesting because they specifically mention musical performances by Watson and his daughter, preserving direct contemporary evidence of their joint appearances.
Mrs. L. A. Phillips and the Bostoniana Club
The principal letter is signed:
“(Mrs.) L. A. Phillips
Pres. Bostoniana Club”
Mrs. Phillips was the wife of Dr. Leslie Alva Phillips, a Boston physician. Contemporary newspaper reporting shows that the Bostoniana Club was organized at the Phillips residence at 229 Berkeley Street, with Mrs. Phillips elected president and Dr. Phillips serving on the executive committee.
The club’s stated purpose was:
“the study of the history and development of Boston.”
Among the notable figures reported as having joined or expressed an intention to join the organization were:
Rev. Edward Everett Hale, D.D. — prominent author, minister, reformer, and Harvard graduate, best known for The Man Without a Country
Rev. Minot J. Savage — influential Unitarian minister and author
Hon. C. J. Noyes — listed as vice president of the club
This places the Watson correspondence within a distinguished late-19th-century Boston cultural and intellectual circle.
Historical Interest
These letters are more than ordinary social correspondence. They document:
J. Jay Watson’s active musical career in Boston
A performance involving Watson and his daughter
The cultural activities of the Bostoniana Club
Mrs. L. A. Phillips in her role as club president
The social circle surrounding Dr. Leslie Alva Boston music, society, and club culture
The original envelope provides strong provenance directly identifying Watson at his 360 Columbus Avenue, Boston address.
Condition
Original period documents with expected age toning, handling wear, folds, and minor edge wear. The letters retain old metal fasteners/staples with associated small punctures and localized wear. The envelope has noticeable edge loss and tears, particularly along the left side. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition.
An appealing original archival group for collectors of 19th-century Boston history, American music, Ole Bull, violin history, Boston cultural organizations, or historical correspondence.
