Love Stories


Emma Verkamp (left) and David Babbitt, wedding photographs, Herbert Babbitt Collection, AHS 25-43 and AHS 25-44, Cline Library Special Collections and Archives, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona.
In 1886, Emma Verkamp and David Babbitt, one of the founders of the Babbitt Brothers Trading Post and other businesses in Flagstaff, Arizona, exchanged a series of letters. In most of the letters, David describes getting land and other proceedings in order in Flagstaff, and Emma details her family affairs from Cincinnati, Ohio. They both elegantly professed their love to each other, adding a personal element to larger stories of early settlers in the West. The distinctive language of the period and their passion remains preserved in the Gertrude Babbitt Collection. Archivists digitized many of the original letters for easy access. They also transcribed them into typescript. Although not yet available online, the transcriptions reside next to the original letters in the archives. Patrons, particularly those unskilled in deciphering handwriting and researchers facing deadlines, appreciate the enhanced accessibility.
"Oh Dearest! How I would like to spend the day with you + talk to you as my own Dearly Beloved."
"Good bye sweetest with an affectionate kiss I am ever your own beloved."
Next Back"Who I hope will you bring you back ere long Dave I don't mean to hurry you up so, but I am very anxious to see only dear soon again. Oh, I often think if only for one minute I could put my arms about your neck + give you one sweet kiss � but � Patience is a virtue + I'll try + practice it."
The love story, however, ended rather tragically and abruptly. David Babbitt and Emma Verkamp married and lived in Flagstaff, but Emma died in Los Angeles in 1899 after seeking better health in a warmer climate.
David Babbitt's residence on the corner of Dale Street and Beaver Street, Flagstaff, Arizona, 1890.
Digitized Letters
David to Emma, February 26, 1886
Emma to David, March 28, 1886
Emma to David, April 26, 1886
Emma to David, April 27, 1886
Emma to David, May 3, 1886
David to Emma, May 17, 1886
David to Emma, May 22, 1886
David to Emma, June 10, 1886
Emma to David, July 20, 1886
Emma to David, August 5, 1886
David to Emma, August 18, 1886
David to Emma, August 23, 1886