THE FIRST HALF CENTURY OF THE INSTITUTE. 67 



Newton Centre, 



Feb. 23, 1898. 

 Mr. Henry M. Brooks, 



Secretary. 

 Dear Sih : — 



I thank you for your courteous invitation to the 

 half-century commemoration of the Essex Institute. But at this season 

 of the year my regular duties demand what time and strength are 

 at my command. Hoping the occasion will be full of interest to all 

 concerned, I am, dear sir, 



Yours very sincerely, 



Alvah Hovey. 



Homestead, 



No. Andover, Mass. 

 Henry M. Brooks, Esq., 



Secretary of the Essex Institute, 



Salem. 

 Dear Sir : — 



I duly received, through you, the courteous invitation 

 of the Essex Institute to attend the ceremonies of the fiftieth anni- 

 versary of its foundation. Circumstances beyond my control compel 

 me to decline the invitation so pleasantly tendered. With thanks and 

 kindest good wishes, 



Very sincerely yours, 



Wm. J. Dale. 



Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 



No. 101 Tremont Street, 



Boston, Feb. 23, 1898. 

 Dear Sir : — 



Your card of invitation to attend the celebration of 

 the fiftieth anniversary of the Essex Institute was duly received, as 

 was also a ticket of admission to Academy Hall and Plummer Hall. 

 The occasion will be of much interest to me, not only as the Secretary 

 of a Society kindred to one of the departments of the Institute, but 

 as even present at the meeting when the Institute was organized. 

 I thank you for the invitation and, health and strength permitting, 

 hope to attend. 



Yours truly, 



Robert Manning, 



Secretary M.H.S. 



