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Idealia, a Utopian Dream; or, Resthaven cover

Idealia, a Utopian Dream; or, Resthaven

Chapter 1: IDEALIA, A UTOPIA DREAM or RESTHAVEN
By H. Alfarata Chapman Thompson
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About This Book

A traveler pauses in the countryside and discovers an idealized retreat where carefully arranged grounds, comfortable leisure spaces, and communal conveniences frame portraits of the inhabitants and their gentle routines. Through descriptive scenes and reflective commentary, the narrative examines cooperative living, hospitality, small moral gestures, and practical ideals for personal and social improvement. The text moves between detailed atmosphere, character sketches, and short lessons intended to encourage readers to adopt modest, compassionate practices in everyday life.

IDEALIA, A UTOPIA DREAM
or
RESTHAVEN

This interesting and beautiful story, within a few lines of its finish, was written by Miss H. Alfarata Chapman, Stenographer for many years in charge of the catalogue department, University of the State of New York, New York State Library.

Miss Chapman and John W. Thompson were married by Rev. J. Hill Johnson, Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Catskill, N. Y., September 10, 1921.

Miss Helena R. Goines, a life-long friend, was the Maid of Honor. William A. Chapman, brother of the Bride, was best man. The other two friends present were Mrs. John Butler, Mother of the Maid of Honor and Mrs. Clarissa Mims. Mrs. H. Alfarata Chapman Thompson was a brilliant young woman, highly educated, having graduated with honors from the Albany High School and the Albany Business College, and a gifted and graceful writer. Her demise while visiting her dearly beloved brother in Cambridge, Mass., June 9, 1922, was a sad and dreadful shock to her many friends all over the country. Many of the most intimate friends appealed to me, her husband, to publish the story of the Utopia Dream, which so beautifully brings the portrayal of the characters of those within the Resthaven with characteristic sweetness and grace.

To the many friends who may read this little book should remember that it is published by request and dedicated to the memory of my devoted Wife, one of the best types of American Womanhood, true to her parents, friends and relatives.

John W. Thompson.

Harriet Alfarata Chapman, wife of John W. Thompson, died at her brother’s home, No. 7 West Street, Cambridge, Mass., June 9, 1922.

Remains reached her late residence, No. 436 Orange Street, June 11th, where the funeral took place at 2:30 o’clock, June 12th. Interment—Rural Cemetery, Albany, N. Y.

Noted educator lauds her as an example of the universally high regard in which she was held. Melvil Dewey, one of the State’s leading educators and President of the Lake Placid Club, sent the following to the bereaved husband:

“June 22, 1922.
J. W. Thompson:—
Albany, N. Y.
Dear Mr. Thompson:—

I have learned with keen regret of your great loss. Your wife was one of the best stenographers, most loyal assistants, I have ever had. I have said hundreds of times that Harriet Chapman was rarely equalled. Pray accept my sincere sympathy in your loss and this testimony which I am so glad to bear to a woman of unusual ability and character, who always commanded my utmost respect and confidence.

Melvil Dewey.”

Education Building, Albany, N. Y., where Mrs. H. Alfarata Chapman
Thompson was stenographer for many years in Catalogue Department,
University of the State of New York.