Saturday, June 30, 2012
Kick a Tree for Me
Mrs. R. Clipston Sturgis, Random Reflections of a Grandmother (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1917), pp. 53-54:
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The most charming and witty woman in Boston once remarked to a friend: "Going to the country, are you? Well, just kick a tree for me, will you?" — upon which remark was promptly formed the "Kickatree Club," of which I am an unknown and humble, but most enthusiastic member.The charming and witty woman was Helen Bell, née Choate. See also Paulina Cony Drown, Mrs. Bell (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1931), p. 13:
Many sayings of hers are quoted bearing on her hatred of Nature and the country. 'Slap Nature's green face for me.' 'Talk of the carpet of Nature! Give me a three-ply in a Chestnut Street garret.'Hat tip: Ian Jackson.
