The Collected Crane Archives: Hart Crane

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110 Columbia Heights,
Brooklyn N.Y.
Tuesday – Oct. 27th, ‘25

Dear Bill:

My hair almost stood on end with suprise [sic]; what! a letter from Bill? I could scarcely believe it, but it was even more welcome than I express, and I hope you keep up the lively work and let me hear from you again – and often.

I have been back in town for about two weeks now, looking around for a job for the winter. This is the pleasantest time of the year in New York, but I was worry to have to leave the fields and woods and my cosy friends, Sue and Bill, and their delightful abode with open fireplaces, cider and free life. There are only about two places in America (sifting them all down) where I care to live. One of them is here, back in the room I told you about, overlooking the terrific N.Y. skyline, bay, etc. and the other is out there near Patterson, N.Y. in the lower valleys of the Berkshires. And even though I haven’t a cent now and am on other’s charity, it feels good to know that I have secured 20 acres out there for my very own. On top of a hill with a wonderful view over two valleys, and mostly covered with splendid woodland, etc. Next spring I plan to go back there and put up a small cabin. From that time onward, even though I may have to live elsewhere for my living, I’ll at least feel that I have “headquarters” -- a place to keep my books and pictures without worrying about land-lords and rent and moving, and a place to come to – no matter how poor I am – to think, read and create. For it costs almost nothing to live there if you have your own garden.

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