Former Longfellow’s Wayside Inn Innkeeper, Frank Koppeis (1959-1989), created the Secret Drawer Society (SDS) to entertain visiting children. He told them stories about hidden drawers found in many of the Inn's antique desks and often tucked away small candies as treats for his young guests to find. Even Koppeis’s grandchildren got involved in the fun by leaving behind letters of their own for visitors to find.

In the years that followed, guests of all ages began to leave written accounts of their visits in the drawers of desks, dressers, and cabinets of the guest rooms leaving The Wayside Inn with a fascinating collection of guest accounts and experiences, along with poetry, drawings, and small trinkets. Some letters even make mention of paranormal experiences. Today, many notes are written to Jerusha herself and are regularly tucked into the drawers and rafters of Jerusha’s room #9. The SDS and spirit of Jerusha Howe have become inextricably linked with one another as guests feel a kinship to her.

The SDS has provided countless hours of enjoyment for guests who report staying up late into the night reading the letters, and then writing their own. It has also encouraged a deep fondness for Jerusha Howe and an interest in her life as a woman, historical figure, and legend.

Below: A note written by Stephanie Koppeis in 1988, and a response to Stephanie's letter in 1990.