Rev. Asahel Augustus Stevens, Peoria, Illinois, ca. November 1896, to Blanchard Pettengill, Worcester, Massachusetts. Page 4 of handwritten letter.

Peoria has grown surprisingly, residences have increased fourfold, with paved streets and parks. Mrs. Bradley’s large plans for the Polytechnic Institute with endowment give another impulse. He hopes the liquor interest will finallly get submerged. Blanchard’s steadfast loyalty to the church is the best news of all.