Sweet Roses of Life!

"Gusta" Otto's autograph book to the right with leaves on cover.1883.



Here is another look into my collection of autograph books, diaries, and scrapbooks. Augusta Otto, or "Gusta" as she was affectionately referred to throughout the book lived in Tripoli, Bremer county, Iowa. Her parents were from Prussia as so the census of 1870 says. They were farmers. Her mothers name was Catherine but I was unable to make out the fathers name, perhaps Gerrard but I can't be sure. Augusta was born in 1869 in Iowa. This album must have been a Christmas gift because the date inscribed in the cover is Dec.25th 1883 and she would have been around 14 years old. The autographs  and sentiments within span many years.
 
           Miss Otto-
                            Every  action of our lives touches some chord which vibrates in eternity.
                                                                                      Dubuque Oct.27,1887


                                       Dear Gusta,
                 
                                       May time never
                                      sever the golden chain of our friendship
                                       May your life have few
                                     shadows and may you prove
                                       true to your womanhood.
                                 
                                                      Your friend and schoolmate, Susie
                                                              Tripoli, May 10, 1884


To Gusta,

Roses of Life! Sweet Roses of Life!
Strew them wherever you go.
Give them to friends. Give them to foe.
They'll lighten the burden of woe.
                    Your friend-Hessie Bennett
                     Tripoli Jan.28, 1884

                                                                               May You Never Change Except in Name!
                                                                                     Your friend, Nevada Reeder
                                                                                                          Madisonville, Ohio
                                                                                                          Dec.2, 1887
   One by one the sands are flowing,
One by one the moments fall;
   Some are coming some are going,
Do not strive to grasp them all.
           Your Friend and schoolmate,
                                 Rosa Bennett
            Tripoli, Jan. 15,1884
Tripoli High School
     Remember me Ever
                                                                 Dear Gusta-
                                                                The rough road we trust, Gusta
                                                                 Stretches far behind,
                                                                 And bright and thornless flowers
                                                                 Open to your mind
                                                                 As you ever think of others
                                                                 With a heart so kind and true,
                                                                  May the just eternal Father
                                                                  And the angels think of you.
                                                                  Is the wish of your schoolmate
                                                                             Dellie Bennett
                                                                             Tripoli, Feb.4,1889  

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