Collection: Grace Lykens correspondence | Special Collections & Archives

Scope and Contents

This collection primarily contains the courtship letters of Ira Keagy and Grace Lykens dating from 1908 to 1913 when they were married. During this time, Ira worked in Altoona, Pennsylvania, at the U.S. Postal Office. Each week he traveled to Newry, Pennsylvania, to visit Grace. Both are avid Republicans. In 1909, the subject of war with Japan is covered. They also write about Coca-Cola, new automobiles, and the installation of a telephone.

There are several other letters to Grace from a variety of correspondents.

Dates

1905-1945
1908-1913

Biographical / Historical

Grace Lykens, daughter of Archibald McAllister and Henrietta Nepper Lykens, was born on March 3, 1890, in Newry, Pennsylvania. Ira Keagy was born January 21, 1887, in Woodbury, Pennsylvania. Grace and Ira were married on February 27, 1913, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and had one son Jay Lyken Keagy.

Ira was a lifetime resident of Altoona, Pennsylvania, and served as an employee of the United States Postal Office during the time the letters were written.

Ira died on October 23, 1967, in Altoona. Grace died in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on January 24, 1975.

Extent

1.6 Linear Feet (495 letters)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

Courtship letters between Ira Keagy and Grace Lykens of Pennsylvania. There are also letters to Grace from several other pen pals.

Provenance

Gift of Wade Hall, 2010

General

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