Recollections of Estelle

"My mother used the word 'aristocratic' when talking to us about Estelle Julia Hoban. Mother said that EJH talked very little, if at all, about her background, other than to mention a mother Stevens who had somehow figured in EJH's life in the United States. Perhaps you know who Mother Stevens was? I do not.

When EJH was living with us, the room we called the Library was hers exclusively, and I am told that ... and I were not allowed in that room except by invitation. When we were invited, she served tea, I am told. The Library was where she received callers, and it was her custom to dress in the afternoons and be ready for any guests that might call. She had a small brass teapot that hung from its own wrought iron stand with an alcohol (?) burner underneath that she used to prepare tea. ...

I note that the lineage book refers to 'Julia Estelle Hoban'. We always knew her as Estelle Julia ... The old deed records at the Winnebago County courthouse, Rockford, Illinois, which are now on microfilm, show 'Estelle Julia Palmer' as grantee in a number of quit-claim deeds from her children in 1901 & 1902 after GHP died. Well, its no matter, really. We all know who are grandmother was." [Ref]

"To me, our Grandmother Julia Estelle Hoban remains an enigma. It is a great pity that your mother and Aunt Ruth were apparently never even able to find out from her who her mother and father and grandparents were. All that I have concerning her is a scrap of paper -- a note she sent once long ago to Uncle Guy. All it says is: 'My home was in Clairmorris, in County Mayo (Connaught) where they spoke pure Gallic. Read a good history of Ireland sometime. Mama'". [Ref]