Description
A collection of fourteen (14) letters from George Howlett (1853-1907) to his wife Adeline Martha (1859-?) while he was staying
at The Fenton Hotel, Mt. Clemens, Michigan, in February, 1902. Howlett visited the Clementine Bath House there for a series
of hot baths as treatment for rheumatism. The letters include information on the baths and personal notes as well as local
weather, social activities and references. Many letters discuss his walking in the afternoon and the daily activities at the
hotel. The first letter, which lacks its first sheet, describes the bathing process and assistance by attendants. Howlett
describes feeling "lame" when he arrives and begins treatment for his rheumatism. The weather outside was very cold, dipping
as low as zero degrees at night, contrasting with the 110 degree F. temperature of the baths. One letter (February 9) includes
a printed, extensive daily menu for the Fenton, marked with Howlett's selections. By February 17th, Fenton has had his 18th
therapeutic bath. The final letter (February 19) does not indicate if he continued treatment or went home.