Knapp Family Financial Records

We know much about the George J. Knapp Dairy due to the excellent article by Peter O'Brien, published by the Jamaica Plain Historical Society in 2005.

Recently, the Jamaica Plain Historical Society was contacted by Keith Hammitte, who owns the house at 24 John A. Andrews St. in Jamaica Plain. Keith had found an old toolbox in his basement containing hundreds of financial records of Robert F. Knapp, who had previously lived in the house. 

The papers document the everyday payments of bills for rent, gas, groceries, and business items and provide a glimpse into the lives of Knapp family members. You will see many familiar Jamaica Plain addresses perhaps even the house where you currently live!

A few of the records found in the collection are shown below. You can view the entire collection here.

February 8, 1910
Jordan Marsh Company invoice to Mrs. R. Knapp, 10 Custer St., Jamaica Plain.
Table $10
Chair $10.50
Bureau $39
Chair $4
Rocker $5.50
Delivery $4

April 13, 1911
Forest Hills Cemetery receipt to Robert T. Knapp. $40 for graves #1911 and #1912.

March 11, 1911
J.D. Fallon Undertakers, 728 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, billed to Robert F. Knapp for the burial of Robert L. Knapp.
Casket $25
Casket box $3
Chairs $1
4 Carriages $20
Grave $28
and other items, totaling $86.35

August 21, 1919
Stock certificate issued to George J. Knapp by the New Safety Paper Company, established 1916. 100 shares.

July 29, 1920
G.J. Knapp purchased a number of livery products for the dairy from E. Teel & Co.,132 Main St., Medford, MA. The most expensive item was a "9 1/2 can milk wagon" for $192.50.

June 4, 1922
James Forgie's Sons, Harness and Horse Supplies, 17 Merchants Row, Boston and 776 Albany St., Roxbury. 
Repair collar $2.75
Repair bridle $1.25
Repair saddle $6.50

November 15, 1922
Received from Mrs. R. Knapp, wages in full for one week. $18.
Signed by J.T. Creshing

January 19, 1926
Invoice to Mr. George Knapp, 82 Carolina St., Jamaica Plain. From Metropolitan Life Insurance Company quarterly payment for life insurance policy. $11.57

August 15, 1932
Invoice to Mr. Robert F. Knapp, 87 Sedgwick St., Jamaica Plain from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company quarterly payment for life insurance policy. $43.65

March 5, 1934
Jamaica Plain Cooperative Bank share statement. Robert F. Knapp held ten shares valued at $20,005.00.

November 1, 1936
Ferrone & Co., 703 Centre St., Telephone JA 3860. Bill to Mrs. Robert Knapp, 15 Holbrook St., Jamaica Plain. Dye dress blue. $2.75

June 8, 1937
Travelers Auto Insurance policy for Mr. George Knapp. Previously insured was a 1935 Chevy Coupe. Car has been replaced by 1937 Oldsmobile Business Coupe. Premium adjusted $1.70. [overall price of policy not indicated]

August 2, 1937
O.W. Billingham DMD of 685 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, sent Mr. George Knapp a $32.00 invoice for “treatments, 12 fillings, extractions, and Novocain".

April 6, 1937
Sales slips from Centre Street Public Market, Jamaica Plain. Telephone JA-3705
6 Oranges .25
1/2 pound spinach .15
1 can peas .15
1 lb. oysters .35
Pot Roast .97
1 can tomato .15
1 loaf bread .11
2 onions .12

April 9, 1937
Estimate for funeral of Isabelle Daisy Knapp to Robert F. Knapp, 24 John A. Andrews St., Jamaica Plain. 
Casket $2150
Casket box $100
Car $25
Flowers $15

Undated
Letter from W.H. Clark, Rt. 202, Shelbourne Falls, MA.
Dear Mr. Knapp, after July 31 I won't be sending you any more milk.