Fountain, Clara Letters

Contributing Institution: Sacramento Public Library

email: sacroom@saclibrary.org

phone: (916) 264-2795

Title: Guide to the Clara Fountain Letters

Identifier/Call Number: MC 122

Physical Description: .1 Linear Feet single archival folder

Date (inclusive): 1881 to 1916

Abstract: Collection is composed of 18 handwritten letters, created and sent to Sacramento resident Clara Fountain between 1881 and 1916. Senders include future husband Charles Hoeckel, admirer John H. McCaughin, father William A. Fountain, stepmother Helen Powers, friends Josie Stone and Lena Brink, and sisters Henrietta "Etta" and Grace "Gracie" Fountain.

Language of Material: English .

Clara Fountain was born on July 7, 1864, in Sacramento, California, to William and Abbie (nee Brewster) Fountain. William operated Fountain Brothers Brickyard, located on Y Street (today, Broadway) between Fifteenth and Sixteenth streets, which was responsible for cobbling and paving various streets throughout Sacramento. With Abbie's death in 1879, William married Helen Powers. Clara attended Primary School Number 5 at Sixteenth and N streets and was active in the performing arts, both as a vocalist and instrumentalist. She is listed as a housekeeper in the 1880 Census. Based on the collection's content, Fountain left Sacramento in the early 1880s to study, but it is not clear where or what for outside of music education, as Fountain did give lessons in piano and organ in the mid-1880s in Oroville. Fountain married Charles Hoeckel (1861-1922) in 1888. The couple went on to operate a grocery store, Hoeckel and Company, at 1001 J Street. Charles was also employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company and, for a while, with the Thomson-Diggs Company. The Hoeckels lived in the Oak Park neighborhood of Sacramento at 3036 Sixth Avenue. They had three children, son Carl, and daughters Edna and Gladys. Charles died in 1922, Clara in 1853.

[Identification of item], Clara Fountain Letters, MC 122, Sacramento Room, Sacramento Public Library, Sacramento, California

Letters are arranged chronologically in a single Mylar sleeve. Notable topics relate to Clara's absence from Sacramento and lack of communication with friends and family members; family dynamics relating to William Fountain's recent remarriage to Powers; and Charles Hoeckel's courting of Clara Fountain. Each letter is described in further detail as follows:

1. Letter written on October 10, 1881, was sent from Sacramento County's Brighton Township by John "Johnnie" McCaughin to Clara. The nature of the letter is one of adoration and the desire for the former to call on the latter. There is also a reference to Fountain possibly attending "boarding school." Born in 1860 in Pennsylvania, McCaughin was a harness maker and firefighter who eventually left the Sacramento area, moving to Butte County. He died in the city of Thermalito, California, in October 1896. The return address is listed as "Brighton, Sacto" in the care of George C. McMullen.

2. Letter written on October 15, 1881, was sent from Sacramento by sister Henrietta. The letter relates to the sensitive matter of divorce and Henrietta's desire to gain as much from husband Charles Henry Lowell. Etta demands that Clara destroy the letter after reading.

3. Letter written on October 17, 1881, was sent from Sacramento by father William A. Fountain. Included is news regarding the burning of a large brick kiln, the presence of "bad colds" and curiosity over how Clara's studies are progressing.

4. Letter written on October 30, 1881, was sent from Sacramento by father William A. Fountain, stepmother Helen Powers, and sister Etta. Etta addresses the lack of communication from Clara. Other mentions relate to the prevalence of church activities and chores; Helen speaks to the recent arrival of a letter from Clara and the gladness that Clara was "in love with the school." William mentions sending off tuition to cover his daughter's studies.

5. Letter written on February 5, 1882, was sent from Georgetown, California, by sister Etta.

6. Letter written on February 8, 1882, was sent from Sacramento, by father William and stepmother Helen. Father writes about the prevalence of sickness in Sacramento and both stepmother and father write words that anticipate Clara's return to Sacramento.

7. Letter written in December 15, 1882, was sent from Georgetown, California, by sister Etta. Wishes for a successful trip home for the holidays and the idea of Clara getting a toy doll for Etta's daughter, Mabel.

8. Letter dated February 25 was sent from Biggs Station, California, by friend Lena Brink. Notable portions relate to the effort that goes into writing and a reference to John "Johnnie" McCaughin ("working in Oroville") and his asking about Clara. It is documented in area newspapers that Fountain had visited Brink in Biggs Station in 1884. On the back of the letter is a note dated March 21, 1887, to professor Otto Fleissner, a music educator in northern California who is known to have spent time in Sacramento. It is not clear as to whether Brink or Fountain wrote the note.

9. Letter dated August 3, 1884, from Biggs Station, California, by friend Josie Stone. Stone writes about life in Biggs Station and time with acquaintances. She then encourages Clara to visit from Sacramento and to write after a long period without communication.

10. Letter dated September 2, 1884, from Biggs Station, California, by friend Josie Stone. Stone expresses gratitude for receiving a letter. She then writes in anticipation of the California State Fair and the hope that Clara will meet her at the train depot near September 13.

11. Letter dated November 27, 1884, from Sacramento, California, by Charles Hoeckel. He writes of someone asking about the possibility of the two getting married on Christmas Day. He also apologizes for his poor hand writing and mechanics.

12. Letter dated December 25, 1884, from Sacramento, California, by Charles Hoeckel. He writes of the possibility of Clara visiting Sacramento for New Years from Biggs Station where she may be studying music. On the other side of the letter are the words, "A Kiss."

13. Letter dated February 3, 1885, from Sacramento, California by Charles Hoeckel. Writes that Clara is treating him and her family "very cold" since she went off the school and that she was not to be found in Biggs Station or Oroville. He then writes about his "honorable intentions towards Grace," Clara's sister.

14. Letter dated March 20, 1885, from Sacramento, California, by Charles Hoeckel. Apologizes for demanding her to write more in previous letter. Accuses Clara's sister Grace of lying "faster than a horse can trot" and Grace's discovery of a new love interest.

15. Letter dated January 12, 1885, from Sacramento, California, by sister Grace. Mentions of running into Charlie Hoeckel and his frustration over Clara not returning. She writes about a "Eureka Ball" taking place at the Sacramento Armory.

16. Letter dated March 19, 1885, from Sacramento, California, by sister Grace. Grace writes about tensions with her stepmother, Helen, and thoughts about working in a box factory over the summer.

17. Letter dated July 12, 1885, from Biggs Station, California, by friend Josie Stone. Writes about visiting Chico for Independence Day activities and the expectation that Clara and Charles will marry soon.

18. Letter dated July 30, 1916, from Castella, California, By Charles Hoeckel. Letter is written to Clara and family, and tells of Shasta County scenery, camping along the Sacramento River and hiking to the Castle Crags.

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Guide to the Clara Fountain Letters MC 122