Annie's Diary 1906 August 17th

August 17 – Friday

After much excitement, we left New York about 12:05 PM for Hartford, Conn. To visit Mr. and Mrs. Frederick V. Bronk. When we reached the depot neither were to be seen and on reaching the house, no one was in sight. We had just missed each other, so nothing left to be done but sit on the front porch and wait. Finally we saw them coming, so ran and hid, but some grew tired of this, so went in where we received a very warm welcome.

Spent part of the afternoon up town and for dinner we went out to Luna Park, which is very much like our Ponce de Leon and sure had a big old time. On our way back, a car just ahead of us broke down and after a long wait we finally started again on our way towards town. We saw the capitol which cost about $3,000,000, all lighted up, and it was certainly perfectly beauitful.

The Atlantians in the party noticed, upon their first view of Hartford, which much regret, the lawns and yards of that city far surpassed those of their native town.

Editor’s Note:

Frederick Bronk is Uncle Willie’s son-in-law. Frederick married William and Elizabeth’s daughter Helen Newsome Pendleton in August of 1904. His full name is Frederick Van Renssalaer Bronk.

This is one of the “mysteries” of our family and I am assuming that they were divorced because I found him in the 1930 Census living by himself.

Below is an article from the Atlanta Constitution 25 August 1920 announcing Helen’s remarriage.

Mrs. Bronk to Wed Mr. McClure at Quiet Home Ceremony Today
The marriage of Mrs. Helen Pendleton Bronk, only daughter of Mrs. William Micajah Pendleton, and Mr. John Elmer McClure, of Washington, D.C., will take place quietly this morning at 11 o'clock at the residence of the bride-elect's mother, Mrs. Pendleton, on East Fifth Street. The ceremony will be performed by Rev. Walter Anthony, pastor of St. Mark's Methodist church, and will be witnessed by only the immediate relatives. Mr. McClure and his bride-to-be will leave immediately for a wedding journey in the east and afterward will reside in Washington, D.C. where he is prominently identified with a wide circle of friends.