A Guide to
Women's Diaries
in the Manuscript Collection of the
Rhode Island Historical Society Library
Edited by
Rick Stattler
Originally compiled for a University of Rhode Island seminar in women's history with Dr. Sharon Strom, April 1997. Greatly expanded with the help of Rhode Island Historical Society staff and volunteers, June 2004.
Since the publication of Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's award-winning A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812, there has been increased recognition of the value of women's diaries as an important building block of our nation's history. This guide represents an effort to simplify the work of all researchers who are interested in using this wonderful resource for writing Rhode Island history. Diary research can be frustrating because of the time required to evaluate the source. Who was the author? Where was she writing from? What was her place in society? How old was she? What did she have to say? Now, it should be possible to answer these questions in moments. This guide will certainly not replace the use of the originals, but it will allow researchers to select the diaries best suited to their needs.
For researchers looking for a particular sort of woman (age, location, class, ethnicity, time period), the numerous lists in the front of this guide may be of use. For researchers looking for a specific sort of content, it might be best to browse through the records for individual diaries. All of the diaries have at least been skimmed for various categories of content and particularly interesting or representative passages have been transcribed. The guide is organized alphabetically by author. For organizational purposes, the woman’s name at her death was used.
The original diary guide had 79 entries, all by Rick Stattler in 1997. The following persons compiled a total of 61 additional entries, mostly between 2001 and 2004: Robin Alario, Michael Cardin, Karen Eberhart, Andrew Kerr, Greg McGurin, Lori Salotto and Rick Stattler. The style and format varies depending on the cataloger and the editing process was not as careful as it should have been. However, we hope that this guide will still be of value for researching the history of the women of Rhode Island.
Page Author Dates of Diaries
30 Aldrich, Abby Pearce (Chapman) (Greene) From 1910 to 1911
34 Aldrich, Harriet (Alexander) From 1902 to 1970
37 Aldrich, Lucy Truman From 1885 to 1919
34 Alexander, Harriet See: Aldrich, Harriet (Alexander)
39 Allen, Eliza H. (Arnold) From 1837 to 1841
42 Allen, Elizabeth G. (Lawrence) From 1936 to 1938
44 Armington, Edith Amelia From 1911 to 1929
50 Armington, Theodora G. (Bowen) From 1886 to 1900
39 Arnold, Eliza Harriet See: Allen, Eliza H. (Arnold)
53 Babbitt, Sophia C. (Harris) From 1871 to 1892
414 Babcock, Valena W. See: Watkins, Valena W. (Babcock)
56 Bacon, Ellen From 1846 to 1855
59 Baker, Betsey (Metcalf) From 1798 to 1804
62 Barker, Mary H. (Riley) From 1935 to 1935
64 Barstow, Emeline M. (Eames) From 1836 to 1839
340 Barstow, Grace E. See: Murphy, Grace E. (Barstow)
67 Barstow, Grace M. (Palmer) From 1873 to 1907
69 Battey, Miriam G. (Macomber) From 1932 to 1932
73 Bayles, Julia (Rider) From 1869 to 1870
76 Bengston, Madeline From 1931 to 1944
286 Bennett, Harriet Frances "Hattie" See: Jencks, Harriet F. (Bennett)
100 Binney, Avis See: Brown, Avis (Binney)
79 Blaine, Rowena (MacLellan) From 1905 to 1965
83 Blaine, Signe Adina (Hallborg) From 1897 to 1912
87 Blake, Mary Saunders (Johnson) (Mosher) From 1863 to 1863
310 Bowen, Julia See: Martin, Julia (Bowen)
50 Bowen, Theodora Greene See: Armington, Theodora G. (Bowen)
90 Bray, Gertrude C. From 1918 to 1919
92 Brayton, Celia G. (Clarke) From 1829 to 1829
411 Brayton, Lydia F. See: Walker, Lydia F. (Brayton)
357 Bridgham, Eliza Williams See: Patten, Eliza W. (Bridgham)
95 Brockelman, Flora M. (McGimsey) From 1938 to 1938
98 Brougham, Augusta P. (Webster) From 1944 to 1948
191 Brown, Abby See: Francis, Abby (Brown)
194 Brown, Ann Carter See: Francis, Ann C. (Brown)
100 Brown, Avis (Binney) From 1793 to 1804
103 Brown, Isabel B. See: Brunschwig, Isabel B. (Brown)
263 Brown, Sarah See: Herreshoff, Sarah (Brown)
281 Brownell, Henrietta See: Jenckes, Henrietta (Brownell)
103 Brunschwig, Isabel B. (Brown) From 1922 to 1927
105 Bullock, Sarah Bartlett From 1864 to 1921
109 Burge, Marie Louise From 1886 to 1907
111 Burgess, Marion M. (Walling) From 1882 to 1899
114 Butterworth, Eleonora T. (Thornlimb) From 1930 to 1930
377 Calder, Mary E. See: Robertson, Mary E. (Calder)
154 Carpenter, Lucy Daniels See: Cushman, Lucy D. (Carpenter)
117 Carrington, Candace C. (Dorr) From 1862 to 1886
160 Carstein, Mary Remington (Congdon) See: Dearstyne, Mary R. (Congdon)
283 Carter, Rebecca See: Jenckes, Rebecca (Carter)
119 Chace, Anna H. From 1904 to 1921
121 Chace, Elizabeth M. From 1904 to 1921
123 Chace, Jane C. (Moon) From 1904 to 1911
210 Chace, Sarah Anna See: Greene, Sarah A. (Chace)
125 Chafee, Mary D. (Sharpe) From 1889 to 1889
30 Chapman, Abby Pearce See: Aldrich, Abby Pearce (Chapman)
128 Chapman, Zerviah (Sanger) From 1775 to 1783
131 Chesebrough, Caroline L. (Herreshoff) From 1853 to 1855
391 Clarke, Abby Morton See: Stimson, Abby M. (Clarke)
92 Clarke, Celia Greene See: Brayton, Celia G. (Clarke)
216 Clarke, Helen See: Grimes, Helen (Clarke)
133 Clarke, Ida M. From 1869 to 1879
136 Collins, Caroline Updike (Eddy) From 1904 to 1904
366 Collins, Elizabeth "Betsy" See: Purinton, Elizabeth "Betsy" (Collins)
375 Colt, Ethel See: Ritchie, Ethel (Colt)
138 Comstock, Alice (Greene) From 1897 to 1897
141 Congdon, Cynthia A. (Sprague) From 1841 to 1854
160 Congdon, Mary Remington See: Dearstyne, Mary R. (Congdon)
146 Cook, Lucia G. (Moses) From 1898 to 1920
439 Cook, Maria Louisa See: Wing, Maria Louisa (Cook)
149 Cook, Sarah Crawford From 1809 to 1817
152 Cornelius, Laura Gertrude (Smith) From 1926 to 1926
154 Cushman, Lucy D. (Carpenter) From 1883 to 1883
157 Dauchy, Maria (Lefferts) From 1836 to 1836
372 Dawley, Mary Matilda See: Reynolds, Mary M. (Dawley)
160 Dearstyne, Mary R. (Congdon) (Carstein) From 1854 to 1916
164 DeCoppet, Beatrice From 1916 to 1928
167 DeCoppet, Gertrude From 1920 to 1924
169 DeCoppet, Laura (Fawcett) From 1874 to 1921
406 DeWolf, Katherine Kilton (Herreshoff) See: Tubbs, Katherine K. (Herreshoff)
171 DeWolf, Mary J. (Merchant) From 1910 to 1946
174 Diman, Louise From 1880 to 1954
117 Dorr, Candace C. See: Carrington, Candace C. (Dorr)
177 Duncan, Susanna (Lear) From 1788 to 1788
64 Eames, Emeline M. See: Barstow, Emeline M. (Eames)
181 Eaton, Sarah B. (Mason) (Ruggles) From 1830 to 1856
136 Eddy, Caroline (Updike) See: Collins, Caroline Updike (Eddy)
169 Fawcett, Laura See: DeCoppet, Laura (Fawcett)
185 Fearney, Hester From 1873 to 1874
187 Fitts, Helen L. From 1904 to 1904
189 Flaxman, Esther (Saslaw) From 1968 to 1968
191 Francis, Abby (Brown) From 1792 to 1820
194 Francis, Ann C. (Brown) From 1823 to 1828
448 Francis, Anne Brown See: Woods, Anne Brown (Francis)
196 Gammell, Elizabeth A. (Ives) From 1851 to 1852
198 Gibbs, Ann DeWolf (Lovett) From 1852 to 1853
347 Gladding, Sarah Cary See: Ormsbee, Sarah C. (Gladding)
201 Goff, Almira W. (Thornton) From 1903 to 1903
442 Goff, Elizabeth Lee See: Wood, Elizabeth L. (Goff)
203 Grant, Abby Florence (Pirce) From 1896? to 1911
205 Green, Edith (Jackson) From 1910 to 1911
30 Greene, Abby Pearce (Chapman) See: Aldrich, Abby Pearce (Chapman)
138 Greene, Alice See: Comstock, Alice (Greene)
208 Greene, Mary L. From 1836 to 1836
210 Greene, Sarah A. (Chace) From 1843 to 1854
213 Griffin, Abbie (Hoxsie) From 1879 to 1879
216 Grimes, Helen (Clarke) From 1920 to 1945
221 Grinnell, Elizabeth Frances From 1904 to 1904
83 Hallborg, Signe Adina See: Blaine, Signe Adina (Hallborg)
224 Harbach, Agnes Sophia From 1948 to 1948
227 Harris, Alice Frances From 1886 to 1887
230 Harris, Sarah G. From 1861 to 1865
235 Harris, Sarah H. (Hawes) From 1867 to 1890
53 Harris, Sophia C. See: Babbitt, Sophia C. (Harris)
235 Hawes, Sarah H. See: Harris, Sarah H.
241 Hazard, Caroline From 1897 to 1917
243 Hazard, Caroline (Newbold) From 1827 to 1827
245 Hazard, Margaret Anna (Rood) From 1860 to 1860
248 Hazard, Mary P. (Peace) From 1787 to 1788
251 Henley, Frances Evelyn From 1922 to 1954
255 Herreshoff, Agnes From 1821 to 1848
258 Herreshoff, Anna Francis From 1817 to 1884
131 Herreshoff, Caroline Louisa See: Chesebrough, Caroline L. (Herreshoff)
406 Herreshoff, Katherine Kilton See: Tubbs, Katherine K. (Herreshoff)
260 Herreshoff, Sally Brown From 1888 to 1888
263 Herreshoff, Sarah (Brown) From 1796 to 1796
266 Herreshoff, Sarah L. (Kilton) From 1881 to 1885
321 Himes, Rosabelle ("Belle") See: Matteson, Rosabelle (Himes)
213 Hoxsie, Abbie See: Griffin, Abbie (Hoxsie)
269 Hunt, Alice Winsor From 1905 to 1906
271 Ingall, Marjorie From 1977 to 1979
196 Ives, Elizabeth Amory See: Gammell, Elizabeth A. (Ives)
272 Ives, Harriet Bowen From 1858 to 1860
205 Jackson, Edith See: Green, Edith (Jackson)
274 Jacobs, Anne From 1864 to 1865
278 Janvier, Emma (Newbold) From 1828 to 1828
327 Jaques, Grace E. See: McNamara, Grace E. (Jaques)
281 Jenckes, Henrietta (Brownell) From 1883 to 1883
283 Jenckes, Rebecca (Carter) From 1794 to 1828
286 Jencks, Harriet F. (Bennett) From 1872 to 1872
87 Johnson, Mary Saunders See: Blake, Mary Saunders (Johnson)
266 Kilton, Sarah Lucas "Sadie" See: Herreshoff, Sarah L. (Kilton)
290 Knowlton, Marion From 1937 to 1938
294 Kroener, Edna L. From 1908 to 1921
298 LaFarge, Florence Bayard (Lockwood) From 1901 to 1938
303 Latham, Mehitable (Pearce) From 1831 to 1833
42 Lawrence, Elizabeth Grinnell See: Allen, Elizabeth G. (Lawrence)
177 Lear, Susanna See: Duncan, Susanna (Lear)
157 Lefferts, Maria See: Dauchy, Maria (Lefferts)
305 Lewis, Harriette S. (Watson) From 1886 to 1950
421 Lippitt, Jeanie See: Weeden, Jeanie (Lippitt)
380 Locher, Lila See: Roland, Lila (Locher) (McVay)
298 Lockwood, Florence Bayard See: LaFarge, Florence Bayard (Lockwood)
198 Lovett, Ann DeWolf See: Gibbs, Ann DeWolf (Lovett)
79 MacLellan, Rowena See: Blaine, Rowena (MacLellan)
69 Macomber, Miriam G. See: Battey, Miriam G. (Macomber)
315 Madison, Celia Maria See: Mathewson, Celia M. (Madison)
308 Madison, Louise From 1931 to 1932
445 Marshall, Almira See: Woods, Almira (Marshall)
310 Martin, Julia (Bowen) From 1799 to 1799
181 Mason, Sarah Brown See: Eaton, Sarah B. (Mason) (Ruggles)
315 Mathewson, Celia M. (Madison) From 1907 to 1907
317 Matteson, Ella J. From 1905 to 1913
321 Matteson, Rosabelle (Himes) From 1890 to 1918
95 McGimsey, Flora M. See: Brockelman, Flora M. (McGimsey)
327 McNamara, Grace E. (Jaques) From 1924 to 1924
393 McVay, Lila See: Swan, Lila (McVay)
380 McVay, Lila (Locher) See: Roland, Lila (Locher) (McVay)
171 Merchant, Mary J. See: DeWolf, Mary J. (Merchant)
332 Merriman, Helen Abbe (Pearce) From 1893 to 1893
382 Messinger, Shirley Canfield See: Round, Shirley C. (Messinger)
59 Metcalf, Betsey See: Baker, Betsey (Metcalf)
123 Moon, Jane C. See: Chace, Jane C. (Moon)
335 Moore, Louise K. (Winsor) From 1992 to 1992
337 Moran, Madeleine F. From 1948 to 1983
146 Moses, Lucia Gray See: Cook, Lucia G. (Moses)
87 Mosher, Mary Saunders (Johnson) See: Blake, Mary Saunders (Johnson)
398 Mowry, Jeanette See: Tiffany, Jeanette (Mowry)
340 Murphy, Grace E. (Barstow) From 1907 to 1907
243 Newbold, Caroline See: Hazard, Caroline (Newbold)
278 Newbold, Emma See: Janvier, Emma (Newbold)
342 Newton, Bessie Cahoone From 1929 to 1931
428 Nicholson, Elizabeth See: White, Elizabeth (Nicholson)
345 Nightingale, Abby From 1811 to 1812
347 Ormsbee, Sarah C. (Gladding) From 1843 to 1855
350 Paine, Bessie Rose From 1906 to 1940
353 Paine, Emily Hester From 1903 to 1974
67 Palmer, Grace Mason See: Barstow, Grace M. (Palmer)
357 Patten, Eliza W. (Bridgham) From 1818 to 1818
248 Peace, Mary P. See: Hazard, Mary P. (Peace)
395 Pearce, Adelyn Betsey See: Thurber, Adelyn B. (Pearce)
332 Pearce, Helen Abbe See: Merriman, Helen Abbe (Pearce)
303 Pearce, Mehitable See: Latham, Mehitable (Pearce)
435 Phelon, Alice Greene See: Wilcox, Alice G. (Phelon) (Poland)
203 Pirce, Abby Florence See: Grant, Abby Florence (Pirce)
435 Poland, Alice Greene (Phelon) See: Wilcox, Alice G. (Phelon) (Poland)
361 Potter, Mary Elizabeth From 1864 to 1865
363 Powers, Sarah From 1873 to 1873
435 Prew, Alice Greene (Phelon) (Poland) See: Wilcox, Alice G. (Phelon) (Poland)
366 Purinton, Elizabeth "Betsy" (Collins) From 1819 to 1824
372 Reynolds, Mary M. (Dawley) From 1856 to 1864
403 Richmond, Lusanna See: Tillinghast, Lusanna (Richmond)
73 Rider, Julia A. See: Bayles, Julia (Rider)
62 Riley, Mary Henchliffe See: Barker, Mary H. (Riley)
375 Ritchie, Ethel (Colt) From 1931 to 1931
377 Robertson, Mary E. (Calder) From 1874 to 1874
380 Roland, Lila (Locher) (McVay) From 1960 to 1963
245 Rood, Margaret Anna See: Hazard, Margaret Anna (Rood)
382 Round, Shirley C. (Messinger) From 1935 to 1944
181 Ruggles, Sarah Brown (Mason) See: Eaton, Sarah B. (Mason) (Ruggles)
128 Sanger, Zerviah See: Chapman, Zerviah (Sanger)
189 Saslaw, Esther See: Flaxman, Esther (Saslaw)
125 Sharpe, Mary Dexter See: Chafee, Mary D. (Sharpe)
388 Slade, Mary From 1840 to 1840
152 Smith, Laura Gertrude See: Cornelius, Laura Gertrude (Smith)
141 Sprague, Cynthia Anthony See: Congdon, Cynthia A. (Sprague)
417 Stewart, Cora Baxter See: Watson, Cora B. (Stewart)
391 Stimson, Abby M. (Clarke) From 1850 to 1867
451 Sutcliffe, Evelyn Estella See: Wosko, Evelyn E. (Sutcliffe)
393 Swan, Lila (McVay) From 1960 to 1960
424 Sweet, Julia See: Weir, Julia (Sweet)
114 Thornlimb, Eleonora T. See: Butterworth, Eleonora T. (Thornlimb)
201 Thornton, Almira Wheaton See: Goff, Almira W. (Thornton)
395 Thurber, Adelyn B. (Pearce) From 1937 to 1937
398 Tiffany, Jeanette (Mowry) From 1907 to 1907
403 Tillinghast, Lusanna (Richmond) From 1816 to 1819
406 Tubbs, Katherine K. (Herreshoff) (deWolf) From 1887 to 1887
409 Updike, Aritis From 1830 to 1830
411 Walker, Lydia F. (Brayton) From 1877 to 1899
111 Walling, Marion Melissa See: Burgess, Marion M. (Walling)
414 Watkins, Valena W. (Babcock) From 1915 to 1915
417 Watson, Cora B. (Stewart) From 1894 to 1932
305 Watson, Harriette Sprague See: Lewis, Harriette S. (Watson)
98 Webster, Augusta P. See: Brougham, Augusta P. (Webster)
421 Weeden, Jeanie (Lippitt) From 1882 to 1882
424 Weir, Julia (Sweet) From 1837 to 1839
428 White, Elizabeth (Nicholson) From 1928 to 1928
430 Whiting, Nellie (Woolhouse) From 1986 to 1991
435 Wilcox, Alice G. (Phelon) (Poland) (Prew) From 1896 to 1896
439 Wing, Maria Louisa (Cook) From 1881 to 1892
335 Winsor, Louise King See: Moore, Louise K. (Winsor)
442 Wood, Elizabeth L. (Goff) From 1884 to 1934
445 Woods, Almira (Marshall) From 1830 to 1833
448 Woods, Anne Brown (Francis) From 1848 to 1852
430 Woolhouse, Nellie See: Whiting, Nellie (Woolhouse)
451 Wosko, Evelyn E. (Sutcliffe) From 1915 to 1916
Diary dates Author
1775-1783 Chapman, Zerviah (Sanger) (1718-1812)
1787-1788 Hazard, Mary P. (Peace) (1775-1852)
1788-1788 Duncan, Susanna (Lear) (b.1770)
1792-1820 Francis, Abby (Brown) (1766-1821)
1793-1804 Brown, Avis (Binney) (1748-1807)
1794-1828 Jenckes, Rebecca (Carter) (1778-1837)
1796-1796 Herreshoff, Sarah (Brown) (1773-1846)
1798-1804 Baker, Betsey (Metcalf) (1786-1867)
1799-1799 Martin, Julia (Bowen) (1779-1805)
1809-1817 Cook, Sarah Crawford (1796-1882)
1811-1812 Nightingale, Abby (1768-1853)
1816-1819 Tillinghast, Lusanna (Richmond) (1800-1862)
1817-1884 Herreshoff, Anna Francis (1802-1887)
1818-1818 Patten, Eliza W. (Bridgham) (1799-1882)
1819-1824 Purinton, Elizabeth "Betsy" (Collins) (1769-1839)
1821-1848 Herreshoff, Agnes (1807-1849)
1823-1828 Francis, Ann C. (Brown) (1795-1828)
1827-1827 Hazard, Caroline (Newbold) (1807-1866)
1828-1828 Janvier, Emma (Newbold) (1811-1889)
1829-1829 Brayton, Celia G. (Clarke) (1808-1880)
1830-1830 Updike, Aritis (1819-1875)
1830-1833 Woods, Almira (Marshall) (1804-1863)
1830-1856 Eaton, Sarah B. (Mason) (Ruggles) (1804-1864)
1831-1833 Latham, Mehitable (Pearce) (1770-1843)
1836-1836 Greene, Mary L. (1821-1836)
1836-1836 Dauchy, Maria (Lefferts) (1797-1881)
1836-1839 Barstow, Emeline M. (Eames) (1813-1900)
1837-1839 Weir, Julia (Sweet) (1820-1900)
1837-1841 Allen, Eliza H. (Arnold) (1796-1873)
1840-1840 Slade, Mary (1822-1850)
1841-1854 Congdon, Cynthia A. (Sprague) (1820-1880)
1843-1854 Greene, Sarah A. (Chace) (1818-1904)
1843-1855 Ormsbee, Sarah C. (Gladding) (1800-1873)
1846-1855 Bacon, Ellen (1827-1857)
1848-1852 Woods, Anne Brown (Francis) (1828-1896)
1850-1867 Stimson, Abby M. (Clarke) (1798-1882)
1851-1852 Gammell, Elizabeth A. (Ives) (1830-1897)
1852-1853 Gibbs, Ann DeWolf (Lovett) (b.1839)
1853-1855 Chesebrough, Caroline L. (Herreshoff) (1837-1924)
1854-1916 Dearstyne, Mary R. (Congdon) (Carstein) (1842-1916)
1856-1864 Reynolds, Mary M. (Dawley) (1841-1918)
1858-1860 Ives, Harriet Bowen (1832-1860)
1860-1860 Hazard, Margaret Anna (Rood) (1834-1895)
1861-1865 Harris, Sarah G. (1844-1865)
1862-1886 Carrington, Candace C. (Dorr) (1815-1886)
1863-1863 Blake, Mary Saunders (Johnson) (Mosher) (1805-1888)
1864-1865 Potter, Mary Elizabeth (1820-1901)
1864-1865 Jacobs, Anne (1822-a1880)
1864-1921 Bullock, Sarah Bartlett (1840-1921)
1867-1890 Harris, Sarah H. (Hawes) (1812-1890)
1869-1870 Bayles, Julia (Rider) (1848-b1880)
1869-1879 Clarke, Ida M. (1853-1886)
1871-1892 Babbitt, Sophia C. (Harris) (1854-1928)
1872-1872 Jencks, Harriet F. (Bennett) (1835-1919)
1873-1873 Powers, Sarah (c1842 - ?)
1873-1874 Fearney, Hester (1851-1880)
1873-1907 Barstow, Grace M. (Palmer) (1850-1933)
1874-1874 Robertson, Mary E. (Calder) (1858-1924)
1874-1921 DeCoppet, Laura (Fawcett) (ca.1850-1923)
1877-1899 Walker, Lydia F. (Brayton) (1848-1903)
1879-1879 Griffin, Abbie (Hoxsie) (1816-1898)
1880-1954 Diman, Louise (1869-1954)
1881-1885 Herreshoff, Sarah L. (Kilton) (1836-1906)
1881-1892 Wing, Maria Louisa (Cook) (1835-a.1900)
1882-1882 Weeden, Jeanie (Lippitt) (1852-1940)
1882-1899 Burgess, Marion M. (Walling) (1844-1902)
1883-1883 Jenckes, Henrietta (Brownell) (1860-1917)
1883-1883 Cushman, Lucy D. (Carpenter) (1861-1942)
1884-1934 Wood, Elizabeth L. (Goff) (1869-1948)
1885-1919 Aldrich, Lucy Truman (1871-1955)
1886-1887 Harris, Alice Frances (1843-1887 )
1886-1900 Armington, Theodora G. (Bowen) (1877-1967)
1886-1907 Burge, Marie Louise (1865-1952)
1886-1950 Lewis, Harriette S. (Watson) (1874-1958)
1887-1887 Tubbs, Katherine K. (Herreshoff) (deWolf) (1871-1954)
1888-1888 Herreshoff, Sally Brown (1845-)
1889-1889 Chafee, Mary D. (Sharpe) (1860-1932)
1890-1918 Matteson, Rosabelle (Himes) (1852-1920)
1893-1893 Merriman, Helen Abbe (Pearce) (1876-1971)
1894-1932 Watson, Cora B. (Stewart) (1866-1936)
1896-1896 Wilcox, Alice G. (Phelon) (Poland) (Prew) (1878-1959)
1896?-1911 Grant, Abby Florence (Pirce) (1877-1957)
1897-1897 Comstock, Alice (Greene) (1857-1938)
1897-1912 Blaine, Signe Adina (Hallborg) (1881-1912)
1897-1917 Hazard, Caroline (1856-1945)
1898-1920 Cook, Lucia G. (Moses) (c1854-c1924)
1901-1938 LaFarge, Florence Bayard (Lockwood) (1864-1944)
1902-1970 Aldrich, Harriet (Alexander) (1888-1972)
1903-1903 Goff, Almira W. (Thornton) (1842-1921)
1903-1974 Paine, Emily Hester (1884-1974)
1904-1904 Collins, Caroline Updike (Eddy) (1884-1969)
1904-1904 Grinnell, Elizabeth Frances (1852-1906)
1904-1904 Fitts, Helen L. (1894-1971)
1904-1911 Chace, Jane C. (Moon) (1831-1914)
1904-1921 Chace, Anna H. (1856-1945)
1904-1921 Chace, Elizabeth M. (1868-1955)
1905-1906 Hunt, Alice Winsor (1892-1968)
1905-1913 Matteson, Ella J. (1905-1913)
1905-1965 Blaine, Rowena (MacLellan) (1886-1965)
1906-1940 Paine, Bessie Rose (1891-1971)
1907-1907 Tiffany, Jeanette (Mowry) (1871-1972)
1907-1907 Murphy, Grace E. (Barstow) (1888-1975)
1907-1907 Mathewson, Celia M. (Madison) (b.1857)
1908-1921 Kroener, Edna L. (1890-1983)
1910-1911 Green, Edith (Jackson) (1876-1971)
1910-1911 Aldrich, Abby Pearce (Chapman) (Greene) (1844-1917)
1910-1946 DeWolf, Mary J. (Merchant) (1870-ca.1946)
1911-1929 Armington, Edith Amelia (1861-1937)
1915-1915 Watkins, Valena W. (Babcock) (1875 - after 1956)
1915-1916 Wosko, Evelyn E. (Sutcliffe) (1897-1995)
1916-1928 DeCoppet, Beatrice (1878-a.1955)
1918-1919 Bray, Gertrude C. (1888-1975)
1920-1924 DeCoppet, Gertrude (1880-a.1955)
1920-1945 Grimes, Helen (Clarke) (1905-1989)
1922-1927 Brunschwig, Isabel B. (Brown) (1881-1952)
1922-1954 Henley, Frances Evelyn (1873-1955)
1924-1924 McNamara, Grace E. (Jaques) (1885-1983)
1926-1926 Cornelius, Laura Gertrude (Smith) (1882-1954)
1928-1928 White, Elizabeth (Nicholson) (1877-1961)
1929-1931 Newton, Bessie Cahoone (1878)
1930-1930 Butterworth, Eleonora T. (Thornlimb) (1901-ca.1981)
1931-1931 Ritchie, Ethel (Colt) (1888-1973)
1931-1932 Madison, Louise (1882-a.1932)
1931-1944 Bengston, Madeline (1907-1996)
1932-1932 Battey, Miriam G. (Macomber) (1910-1996)
1935-1944 Round, Shirley C. (Messinger) (1922-1978)
1935-1935 Barker, Mary H. (Riley) (c1880-1959)
1936-1938 Allen, Elizabeth G. (Lawrence) (1907-1985)
1937-1937 Thurber, Adelyn B. (Pearce) (1899-a.1961)
1937-1938 Knowlton, Marion (1906-2002)
1938-1938 Brockelman, Flora M. (McGimsey) (1892-1976)
1944-1948 Brougham, Augusta P. (Webster) (1880-1967)
1948-1948 Harbach, Agnes Sophia (1878-a.1958)
1948-1983 Moran, Madeleine F. (1901-1999)
1960-1960 Swan, Lila (McVay) (1907-1965)
1960-1963 Roland, Lila (Locher) (McVay) (1883-)
1968-1968 Flaxman, Esther (Saslaw) (1914-2000)
1977-1979 Ingall, Marjorie (1967-)
1986-1991 Whiting, Nellie (Woolhouse) (1910-1996)
1992-1992 Moore, Louise K. (Winsor) (1913-1992)
Travel outside the U.S. (this list is certainly incomplete)
Bahamas, London, etc. Aldrich, Harriet (Alexander)
Japan Aldrich, Lucy Truman
England, France Babbitt, Sophia C. (Harris)
Europe Barstow, Grace M. (Palmer)
France and Germany. Bray, Gertrude C.
Europe, Cuba Brunschwig, Isabel B. (Brown)
Europe Burgess, Marion M. (Walling)
England and France Chafee, Mary D. (Sharpe)
Digby, Nova Scotia. Cook, Lucia G. (Moses)
Paris, Peru, Valencia Spain and at sea Dearstyne, Mary R. (Congdon) (Carstein)
Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Germany Flaxman, Esther (Saslaw)
Europe Gammell, Elizabeth A. (Ives)
Europe and Middle East Goff, Almira W. (Thornton)
Holland, Belgium, England Grant, Abby Florence (Pirce)
Great Britain, France Grinnell, Elizabeth Frances
Europe Hazard, Margaret Anna (Rood)
England Hazard, Mary P. (Peace)
London, Scotland Herreshoff, Sarah L. (Kilton)
Europe Hunt, Alice Winsor
Canada: Montreal, Chicoutimi, Quebec Kroener, Edna L.
Europe Lewis, Harriette S. (Watson)
Asia, Canada, Carribean, Europe Matteson, Ella J.
England Moore, Louise K. (Winsor)
Switzerland Murphy, Grace E. (Barstow)
France, Italy Newton, Bessie Cahoone
Montreal Paine, Emily Hester
At sea, Canary Islands, Morocco Watson, Cora B. (Stewart)
Europe Weeden, Jeanie (Lippitt)
Italy, France Weir, Julia (Sweet)
Atlantic Ocean White, Elizabeth (Nicholson)
Europe Wing, Maria Louisa (Cook)
Europe and Middle East Wood, Elizabeth L. (Goff)
France, Italy Woods, Anne Brown (Francis)
United States outside Rhode Island
New York City Aldrich, Abby Pearce (Chapman) (Greene)
New York City, etc. Aldrich, Harriet (Alexander)
Washington, DC Aldrich, Lucy Truman
Savannah, GA; NY, etc. Allen, Eliza H. (Arnold)
Pittsfield, NH Armington, Edith Amelia
New Haven, CT Bacon, Ellen
Dedham, MA Baker, Betsey (Metcalf)
Old Orchard Beach, ME; New York City Battey, Miriam G. (Macomber)
Cape Cod, MA Bayles, Julia (Rider)
Hartford, CT; Massachusetts; Maine; NYC Blaine, Signe Adina (Hallborg)
Connecticut Brockelman, Flora M. (McGimsey)
Hawaii Brunschwig, Isabel B. (Brown)
Brooklyn, NY Burge, Marie Louise
Jacksonville, FL Butterworth, Eleonora T. (Thornlimb)
Philadelphia Chace, Anna H.
Philadelphia Chace, Elizabeth M.
Philadelphia Chace, Jane C. (Moon)
Chicago and Evansville, IL Cornelius, Laura Gertrude (Smith)
Worcester, MA Cushman, Lucy D. (Carpenter)
Troy, NY; Massachusetts Dauchy, Maria (Lefferts)
Albany NY; North Carolina; New Orleans...
... Georgia; Alabama; San Francisco; Maine Dearstyne, Mary R. (Congdon) (Carstein)
New York City DeCoppet, Beatrice
New York City DeCoppet, Gertrude
New York City DeCoppet, Laura (Fawcett)
Cambridge, MA; Colorado Springs; Paris, Maine Diman, Louise
New York City; Boston Duncan, Susanna (Lear)
Boston Gibbs, Ann DeWolf (Lovett)
New York, near Albany Grant, Abby Florence (Pirce)
Texas, near Houston Green, Edith (Jackson)
Massachusetts; Marietta, GA Greene, Sarah A. (Chace)
New York; Connecticut and Maine Grimes, Helen (Clarke)
Taunton; New York City; Boston Harris, Sarah H. (Hawes)
Wellesley, MA; Santa Barbara, CA Hazard, Caroline
New York; Hoboken, NJ Hazard, Caroline (Newbold)
Charleston. SC Hazard, Mary P. (Peace)
New York; Michigan; Jaffrey, NH Herreshoff, Sarah L. (Kilton)
Cambridge, MA Jacobs, Anne
Delaware Janvier, Emma (Newbold)
New York City Jenckes, Rebecca (Carter)
Florida; New York City Knowlton, Marion
Poughkeepsie; Lake George, NY; Franklin, NH Kroener, Edna L.
Moosup, Connecticut Martin, Julia (Bowen)
Carmel, California Newton, Bessie Cahoone
New Jersey; Boston; Albany; New Hampshire...
...Eustis (Florida); Larchmont, NY Paine, Emily Hester
New England, New York Patten, Eliza W. (Bridgham)
Great Barrington, MA; Philadelphia, PA Powers, Sarah
New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore...
...Washington, Norfolk, VA Ritchie, Ethel (Colt)
New Holland, PA Roland, Lila (Locher) (McVay)
New Hampshire Round, Shirley C. (Messinger)
White Mountains in New Hampshire Tiffany, Jeanette (Mowry)
New York; Cleveland; Chicago; Omaha; Wyoming Watkins, Valena W. (Babcock)
Beaufort, SC Watson, Cora B. (Stewart)
Kentucky; NYC; Alabama; etc. Woods, Almira (Marshall)
Pittsfield, MA; New York Woods, Anne Brown (Francis)
Diaries written in Rhode Island towns outside of Providence:
Barrington Tiffany, Jeanette (Mowry)
Barrington Harbach, Agnes Sophia
Bristol Tubbs, Katherine K. (Herreshoff) (deWolf)
Bristol Herreshoff, Sarah L. (Kilton)
Bristol Harris, Sarah H. (Hawes)
Bristol Herreshoff, Anna Francis
Bristol Herreshoff, Agnes
Bristol Herreshoff, Sally Brown
Bristol Francis, Abby (Brown)
Bristol Chesebrough, Caroline L. (Herreshoff)
Bristol Green, Edith (Jackson)
Charlestown (Quonochontaug) Brockelman, Flora M. (McGimsey)
Cranston Knowlton, Marion
Cranston (Pawtuxet) Henley, Frances Evelyn
East Greenwich Reynolds, Mary M. (Dawley)
East Greenwich Congdon, Cynthia A. (Sprague)
East Greenwich Brayton, Celia G. (Clarke)
East Greenwich Dearstyne, Mary R. (Congdon) (Carstein)
East Greenwich Bengston, Madeline
East Providence Round, Shirley C. (Messinger)
East Providence Armington, Edith Amelia
East Providence Moran, Madeleine F.
Glocester (Chepachet) Dauchy, Maria (Lefferts)
Johnston Latham, Mehitable (Pearce)
Little Compton Tillinghast, Lusanna (Richmond)
Little Compton Comstock, Alice (Greene)
Narragansett DeCoppet, Gertrude
Narragansett DeCoppet, Laura (Fawcett)
Narragansett DeCoppet, Beatrice
Narragansett (Point Judith) Round, Shirley C. (Messinger)
Newport Brougham, Augusta P. (Webster)
Newport Blaine, Signe Adina (Hallborg)
Newport Blaine, Rowena (MacLellan)
Newport Bayles, Julia (Rider)
Newport Clarke, Ida M.
Newport Harris, Sarah H. (Hawes)
North Kingstown Madison, Louise
North Kingstown Mathewson, Celia M. (Madison)
North Kingstown (Saunderstown) LaFarge, Florence B. (Lockwood)
North Kingstown (Saunderstown) Paine, Emily Hester
North Providence Eaton, Sarah B. (Mason) (Ruggles)
North Providence Harris, Alice Frances
North Providence Harris, Sarah G.
North Providence Harris, Sarah H. (Hawes)
Pawtucket Jencks, Harriet F. (Bennett)
Pawtucket Slade, Mary
Pawtucket Barker, Mary H. (Riley)
Portsmouth (Prudence Island) Thurber, Adelyn B. (Pearce)
Scituate (Fiskeville) Walker, Lydia F. (Brayton)
Smithfield (Spragueville) Grimes, Helen (Clarke)
South Kingstown Griffin, Abbie (Hoxsie)
South Kingstown Updike, Aritis
South Kingstown (Kingston) Potter, Mary Elizabeth
South Kingstown (Peace Dale) Hazard, Caroline
South Kingstown (Wakefield) Kroener, Edna L.
South Kingstown (Wakefield) Lewis, Harriette S. (Watson)
Warren DeWolf, Mary J. (Merchant)
Warwick Francis, Ann C. (Brown)
Warwick Chapman, Zerviah (Sanger)
Warwick Whiting, Nellie (Woolhouse)
Woonsocket Powers, Sarah
Woonsocket Cook, Lucia G. (Moses)
Woonsocket McNamara, Grace E. (Jaques)
Diaries written largely in Providence
Downtown (Pine Street) Greene, Mary L.
Downtown (Richmond St.) Cushman, Lucy D. (Carpenter)
Downtown (Union St.) Tillinghast, Lusanna (Richmond)
Downtown (Washington St.) Robertson, Mary E. (Calder)
Downtown? Battey, Miriam G. (Macomber)
East Side Aldrich, Harriet(Alexander)
East Side Aldrich, Lucy Truman
East Side Allen, Elizabeth G. (Lawrence)
East Side Babbitt, Sophia C. (Harris)
East Side Baker, Betsey (Metcalf)
East Side Brown, Avis (Binney)
East Side Bullock, Sarah Bartlett
East Side Burgess, Marion M. (Walling)
East Side Carrington, Candace C. (Dorr)
East Side Chace, Anna H.
East Side Chace, Elizabeth M.
East Side Chace, Jane C. (Moon)
East Side Collins, Caroline Updike (Eddy)
East Side Comstock, Alice (Greene)
East Side Cook, Sarah Crawford
East Side Dauchy, Maria (Lefferts)
East Side Diman, Louise
East Side Duncan, Susanna (Lear)
East Side Green, Edith (Jackson)
East Side Harbach, Agnes Sophia
East Side Harris, Alice Frances
East Side Harris, Sarah H. (Hawes)
East Side Herreshoff, Agnes
East Side Herreshoff, Anna Francis
East Side Herreshoff, Sarah (Brown)
East Side Ives, Harriet Bowen
East Side Jenckes, Rebecca (Carter)
East Side Lewis, Harriette S. (Watson)
East Side Martin, Julia (Bowen)
East Side Matteson, Rosabelle (Himes)
East Side Merriman, Helen Abbe (Pearce)
East Side Nightingale, Abby
East Side Purinton, Elizabeth "Betsy" (Collins)
East Side Roland, Lila (Locher) (McVay)
East Side Slade, Mary
East Side Stimson, Abby M. (Clarke)
East Side Swan, Lila (McVay)
East Side Wilcox, Alice G. (Phelon) (Poland) (Prew)
Mount Hope (Camp St.) Fitts, Helen L.
Mount Hope (Larch/Doyle St.) Grimes, Helen (Clarke)
North Main St. Allen, Eliza H. (Arnold)
South Main St. Ormsbee, Sarah C. (Gladding)
South Providence (Broad St.) Blake, Mary Saunders (Johnson)
South Providence (Calla St.) Fearney, Hester
South Providence (Elmwood Ave.) Paine, Emily Hester
South Providence (Elmwood Ave.) Paine, Bessie Rose
South Providence (Junction St.) Butterworth, Eleonora T. (Thornlimb)
South Providence (Mawney St.) Thurber, Adelyn B. (Pearce)
South Providence (Public St.) Henley, Frances Evelyn
West Side (Greenwich St.) Jenckes, Henrietta (Brownell)
West Side (High St.) Barstow, Emeline M. (Eames)
West Side (Ortoleva Dr.) Wosko, Evelyn E. (Sutcliffe)
West Side (Sycamore St.) Armington, Theodora G. (Bowen)
For researchers looking for diaries of women from specific age groups, the following breakdowns might prove useful:
Diaries by girls aged 9 to 19:
Ages Final name Dates covered
9 - 10 Fitts, Helen L. 1904-1904
9 - 23 Armington, Theodora G. (Bowen) 1886-1900
10 - 12 Ingall, Marjorie 1977-1979
10 - 17 Diman, Louise 1880-1954
11 - 73 Dearstyne, Mary R. (Congdon) (Carstein) 1854-1916
12 - 21 Round, Shirley C. (Messinger) 1935-1944
12 - 18 Baker, Betsey (Metcalf) 1798-1804
12 - 13 Gibbs, Ann DeWolf (Lovett) 1852-1853
12 Lewis, Harriette S. (Watson) 1886-1950
12 - 13 Hazard, Mary P. (Peace) 1787-1788
13 Aldrich, Lucy Truman 1885-1919
13 - 81 Aldrich, Harriet (Alexander) 1902-1970
13 - 40 Herreshoff, Agnes 1821-1848
13 - 21 Cook, Sarah Crawford 1809-1817
14 Grimes, Helen (Clarke) 1920-1945
14 Wood, Elizabeth L. (Goff) 1884-1934
14 Greene, Mary L. 1836-1836
14 - 82 Herreshoff, Anna Francis 1817-1884
14 - 49 Paine, Bessie Rose 1906-1940
15 Tubbs, Katherine K. (Herreshoff) (deWolf) 1887-1887
15 - 16 Jenckes, Rebecca (Carter) 1794-1794
15 - 16 Clarke, Ida M. 1869-1879
15 Robertson, Mary E. (Calder) 1874-1874
15 - 18 Tillinghast, Lusanna (Richmond) 1816-1819
15 - 16 Reynolds, Mary M. (Dawley) 1856-1864
16 - 17 Merriman, Helen Abbe (Pearce) 1893-1893
16 - 31 Blaine, Signe Adina (Hallborg) 1897-1912
16 - 18 Weir, Julia (Sweet) 1837-1839
17 Wilcox, Alice G. (Phelon) (Poland) (Prew) 1896-1896
17 - 19 Wosko, Evelyn E. (Sutcliffe) 1915-1916
17 - 38 Babbitt, Sophia C. (Harris) 1871-1892
17 Janvier, Emma (Newbold) 1828-1828
17 - 20 Harris, Sarah G. 1861-1865
18 Kroener, Edna L. 1908-1921
18 Murphy, Grace E. (Barstow) 1907-1907
18 Paine, Emily Hester 1903-1974
18 Slade, Mary 1840-1840
18 - 28 Bacon, Ellen 1846-1855
18 Chesebrough, Caroline L. (Herreshoff) 1853-1855
18 Duncan, Susanna (Lear) 1788-1788
19 Martin, Julia (Bowen) 1799-1799
19 Patten, Eliza W. (Bridgham) 1818-1818
19 Hazard, Caroline (Newbold) 1827-1827
19 - 79 Blaine, Rowena (MacLellan) 1905-1965
19 - 20 Grant, Abby Florence (Pirce) 1896?-1911
Diaries by women aged 20-39:
9 - 23 Armington, Theodora G. (Bowen) 1886-1900
11 - 73 Dearstyne, Mary R. (Congdon) (Carstein) 1854-1916
12 - 21 Round, Shirley C. (Messinger) 1935-1944
13 - 81 Aldrich, Harriet (Alexander) 1902-1970
13 - 40 Herreshoff, Agnes 1821-1848
13 - 21 Cook, Sarah Crawford 1809-1817
14 - 82 Herreshoff, Anna Francis 1817-1884
14 - 49 Paine, Bessie Rose 1906-1940
16 - 31 Blaine, Signe Adina (Hallborg) 1897-1912
17 - 38 Babbitt, Sophia C. (Harris) 1871-1892
17 - 20 Harris, Sarah G. 1861-1865
18 - 28 Bacon, Ellen 1846-1855
19 - 79 Blaine, Rowena (MacLellan) 1905-1965
19 - 20 Grant, Abby Florence (Pirce) 1896?-1911
20 Aldrich, Lucy Truman 1885-1919
20 Updike, Aritis 1830-1830
20, 24 Woods, Anne Brown (Francis) 1848-1852
20 - 32 Burge, Marie Louise 1886-1907
20 - 21 Brayton, Celia G. (Clarke) 1829-1829
20 - 21 Bayles, Julia (Rider) 1869-1870
20, 25-40 Grimes, Helen (Clarke) 1920-1945
20 Collins, Caroline Updike (Eddy) 1904-1904
20 Chesebrough, Caroline L. (Herreshoff) 1853-1855
21 - 22 Battey, Miriam G. (Macomber) 1932-1932
21 - 22 Gammell, Elizabeth A. (Ives) 1851-1852
21 - 22 Cushman, Lucy D. (Carpenter) 1883-1883
21 - 34 Congdon, Cynthia A. (Sprague) 1841-1854
22 Jenckes, Henrietta (Brownell) 1883-1883
22 Herreshoff, Sarah (Brown) 1796-1796
22 Fearney, Hester 1873-1874
23 - 80 Bullock, Sarah Bartlett 1864-1921
23 - 27 Barstow, Grace M. (Palmer) 1873-1907
23 - 26 Barstow, Emeline M. (Eames) 1836-1839
23 - 37 Bengston, Madeline 1931-1944
23 - 89 Paine, Emily Hester 1903-1974
24 - 26 Lewis, Harriette S. (Watson) 1886-1950
24 - 51 Diman, Louise 1880-1954
24 - 72 DeCoppet, Laura (Fawcett) 1874-1921
25 - 36 Greene, Sarah A. (Chace) 1843-1854
25, 31 Kroener, Edna L. 1908-1921
25 - 28 Woods, Almira (Marshall) 1830-1833
25 - 51 Eaton, Sarah B. (Mason) (Ruggles) 1830-1856
26 Hazard, Margaret Anna (Rood) 1860-1860
26 - 28 Ives, Harriet Bowen 1858-1860
27 - 32 Francis, Ann C. (Brown) 1823-1828
27 Chafee, Mary D. (Sharpe) 1889-1889
28 - 51 Walker, Lydia F. (Brayton) 1877-1899
28 Watson, Cora B. (Stewart) 1894-1932
28 Butterworth, Eleonora T. (Thornlimb) 1930-1930
29 - 31 Allen, Elizabeth G. (Lawrence) 1936-1938
29 Watkins, Valena W. (Babcock) 1915-1915
29 - 31 Bray, Gertrude C. 1918-1919
30 - 53 Francis, Abby (Brown) 1792-1820
30 Weeden, Jeanie (Lippitt) 1882-1882
31 - 76 Lewis, Harriette S. (Watson) 1886-1950
31 - 32 Powers, Sarah 1873-1873
32 Knowlton, Marion 1937-1938
33 - 36 Wood, Elizabeth L. (Goff) 1884-1934
33 - 34 Hunt, Alice Winsor 1905-1906
34? Grant, Abby Florence (Pirce) 1896?-1911
34 - 35 Green, Edith (Jackson) 1910-1911
35 - 53 Chace, Elizabeth M. 1904-1921
36 - 37 Jencks, Harriet F. (Bennett) 1872-1872
36 Tiffany, Jeanette (Mowry) 1907-1907
37 - 38 Thurber, Adelyn B. (Pearce) 1937-1937
37 - 49 DeCoppet, Beatrice 1916-1928
37 - 74 LaFarge, Florence Bayard (Lockwood) 1901-1938
38 - 39 McNamara, Grace E. (Jaques) 1924-1924
38 Burgess, Marion M. (Walling) 1882-1899
38 - 66 Matteson, Rosabelle (Himes) 1890-1918
38 Dauchy, Maria (Lefferts) 1836-1836
39 - 44 DeCoppet, Gertrude 1920-1924
39 - 40 Comstock, Alice (Greene) 1897-1897
39 - 76 DeWolf, Mary J. (Merchant) 1910-1946
Diaries by women aged 40-59:
11 - 73 Dearstyne, Mary R. (Congdon) (Carstein) 1854-1916
13 - 81 Aldrich, Harriet (Alexander) 1902-1970
13 - 40 Herreshoff, Agnes 1821-1848
14 - 82 Herreshoff, Anna Francis 1817-1884
14 - 49 Paine, Bessie Rose 1906-1940
19 - 79 Blaine, Rowena (MacLellan) 1905-1965
23 - 80 Bullock, Sarah Bartlett 1864-1921
23 - 89 Paine, Emily Hester 1903-1974
24 - 51 Diman, Louise 1880-1954
24 - 72 DeCoppet, Laura (Fawcett) 1874-1921
25 - 40 Grimes, Helen (Clarke) 1920-1945
25 - 51 Eaton, Sarah B. (Mason) (Ruggles) 1830-1856
28 - 51 Walker, Lydia F. (Brayton) 1877-1899
30 - 53 Francis, Abby (Brown) 1792-1820
31 - 76 Lewis, Harriette S. (Watson) 1886-1950
35 - 53 Chace, Elizabeth M. 1904-1921
37 - 49 DeCoppet, Beatrice 1916-1928
37 - 74 LaFarge, Florence Bayard (Lockwood) 1901-1938
38 - 66 Matteson, Rosabelle (Himes) 1890-1918
39 - 44 DeCoppet, Gertrude 1920-1924
39 - 40 Comstock, Alice (Greene) 1897-1897
39 - 76 DeWolf, Mary J. (Merchant) 1910-1946
40 - 45 Brunschwig, Isabel B. (Brown) 1922-1927
40 - 45 Purinton, Elizabeth "Betsy" (Collins) 1819-1824
40, 44 Allen, Eliza H. (Arnold) 1837-1841
40 - 58 Armington, Edith Amelia 1911-1929
42 - 55 Ormsbee, Sarah C. (Gladding) 1843-1855
42 Herreshoff, Sally Brown 1888-1888
42 - 61 Hazard, Caroline 1897-1917
42 - 43 Nightingale, Abby 1811-1812
42 Jacobs, Anne 1864-1865
43 - 44 Harris, Alice Frances 1886-1887
43 - 44 Potter, Mary Elizabeth 1864-1865
43 Ritchie, Ethel (Colt) 1931-1931
44 Cornelius, Laura Gertrude (Smith) 1926-1926
44 - 48 Herreshoff, Sarah L. (Kilton) 1881-1885
44 - 65 Cook, Lucia G. (Moses) 1898-1920
45 - 56 Brown, Avis (Binney) 1793-1804
45 Brockelman, Flora M. (McGimsey) 1938-1938
45 - 48, 56 Wing, Maria Louisa (Cook) 1881-1892
46 - 81 Moran, Madeleine F. 1948-1983
46 - 70 Carrington, Candace C. (Dorr) 1862-1886
47 Aldrich, Lucy Truman 1885-1919
47 - 65 Chace, Anna H. 1904-1921
48 - 49 Madison, Louise 1931-1932
48 - 55 Burgess, Marion M. (Walling) 1882-1899
49 Jenckes, Rebecca (Carter) 1828
49 - 81 Henley, Frances Evelyn 1922-1954
49 - 50 Mathewson, Celia M. (Madison) 1907-1907
50 White, Elizabeth (Nicholson) 1928-1928
51 - 68 Stimson, Abby M. (Clarke) 1850-1867
51 - 53 Newton, Bessie Cahoone 1929-1931
52 Grinnell, Elizabeth Frances 1904-1904
53 Swan, Lila (McVay) 1960-1960
53 - 61 Matteson, Ella J. 1905-1913
54 Flaxman, Esther (Saslaw) 1968-1968
55 Barker, Mary H. (Riley) 1935-1935
56 - 65 Chapman, Zerviah (Sanger) 1775-1783
56 Barstow, Grace M. (Palmer) 1873-1907
58 Blake, Mary S. (Johnson) (Mosher) 1863-1863
59 Goff, Almira W. (Thornton) 1903-1903
Diaries by women aged 60 or over:
53 - 61 Matteson, Ella J. 1905-1913
42 - 61 Hazard, Caroline 1897-1917
62 - 63 Griffin, Abbie (Hoxsie) 1879-1879
60 - 63 Latham, Mehitable (Pearce) 1831-1833
64 - 64 Wood, Elizabeth L. (Goff) 1884-1934
47 - 65 Chace, Anna H. 1904-1921
56 - 65 Chapman, Zerviah (Sanger) 1775-1783
44 - 65 Cook, Lucia G. (Moses) 1898-1920
38 - 66 Matteson, Rosabelle (Himes) 1890-1918
66 - 66 Watson, Cora B. (Stewart) 1894-1932
66 - 67 Aldrich, Abby Pearce (Chapman) (Greene) 1910-1911
63 - 67 Brougham, Augusta P. (Webster) 1944-1948
51 - 68 Stimson, Abby M. (Clarke) 1850-1867
46 - 70 Carrington, Candace C. (Dorr) 1862-1886
69 - 70 Harbach, Agnes Sophia 1948-1948
61 - 71 Diman, Louise 1880-1954
24 - 72 DeCoppet, Laura (Fawcett) 1874-1921
11 - 73 Dearstyne, Mary R. (Congdon) (Carstein) 1854-1916
37 - 74 LaFarge, Florence Bayard (Lockwood) 1901-1938
39 - 76 DeWolf, Mary J. (Merchant) 1910-1946
31 - 76 Lewis, Harriette S. (Watson) 1886-1950
60 - 78 Harris, Sarah H. (Hawes) 1867-1890
19 - 79 Blaine, Rowena (MacLellan) 1905-1965
78 - 79 Moore, Louise K. (Winsor) 1992-1992
23 - 80 Bullock, Sarah Bartlett 1864-1921
76 - 80 Roland, Lila (Locher) (McVay) 1960-1963
72 - 80 Chace, Jane C. (Moon) 1904-1911
46 - 81 Moran, Madeleine F. 1948-1983
49 - 81 Henley, Frances Evelyn 1922-1954
13 - 81 Aldrich, Harriet (Alexander) 1902-1970
14 - 82 Herreshoff, Anna Francis 1817-1884
77 - 84 Diman, Louise 1880-1954
76 - 84 Whiting, Nellie (Woolhouse) 1986-1991
23 - 89 Paine, Emily Hester 1903-1974
There is very little ethnic diversity in this collection of diaries. Although Rhode Island is known as the most predominantly Catholic state in the union and has long been graced with large communities of Italian, Portuguese, African-American, Irish, Slavic, Native American, Jewish and French-Canadian descent, virtually none of these groups are represented among the 140 women whose diaries are in this collection. For this, we can only apologize. If anybody wishes to help rectify this situation through a gift, their generosity will be appreciated.
Only three diaries in the collection do not appear to be by Protestant women of northern European ancestry. These include two Jewish diarists, Marjorie Ingall (whose diary is closed until her death) and Esther (Saslaw) Flaxman and one Irish-American diarist, Madeleine F. Moran.
The remaining women who are represented in the collection are almost exclusively from old English settler stock dating back to the seventeenth century. The only other exceptions are several diaries by women who were probably what we could call Protestant ethnics. These include:
Three Swedish-American women: Madeline Bengston, Blaine, Signe Adina (Hallborg) Blaine, and Eleonora T. (Thornlimb) Butterworth.
One daughter of Scot immigrants: Rowena (MacLellan) Blaine.
One English immigrant (arriving as an adult in 1910): Mary H. (Riley) Barker.
One third-generation English-Scot girl: Hester Fearney.
One daughter of English immigrants: Nellie (Woolhouse) Whiting.
Two third-generation German-Americans: Edna L. Kroener and Shirley C. (Messinger) Round.
Two women of complex and partially Irish ancestry: Flora M. (McGimsey) Brockelman and Grace E. (Jaques) McNamara.
Class lines are harder to draw than ethnic ones. However, it seems fair to say that the majority of women represented here are from the social elite, ranging from the “upper-middle class” to the "upper class." A telling sign of the insularity of this group is the frequency with which these women discuss each other in their diaries. Another sign is the frequency of European vacations. Class is not always synonymous with money, however. A woman like Sarah Bartlett Bullock, who never married and spent the last years of her life in difficult circumstances, was still to some extent an honorary member of the elite. She traveled in the same circles as the town's rulers and apparently never worked for wages.
Only a few women represented here could be called “working class." Two wrote in the late nineteenth century. Ida Clarke was the semi-invalid daughter of a ropemaker who did knitting to bring in extra money to the family. Hester Fearney left school early to work as a seamstress and lived with her fish-peddler father in a raw neighborhood in South Providence. The remaining working-class diarists all wrote in the twentieth century. Mary (Riley) Barker was an English immigrant whose husband and sons were textile workers. Marion Knowlton, Madeleine Bengston and Madeleine Moran were all unmarried career secretary / stenographers. Grace (Jaques) McNamara was the wife of a Woonsocket street-car conductor. Nellie (Woolhouse) Whiting was the wife of a jewelry worker who had spent time in textile mills as a girl, though she later became a librarian. Eleonora (Thornlimb) Butterworth had worked as a telephone operator before her marriage to a warehouse manager.
Several others came from what was known in the early nineteenth century as the artisan class; their fathers were skilled tradesmen working on their own accounts. Harriet (Bennett) Jencks' father was a retired locksmith and gunsmith in Pawtucket; they seems to live simply but comfortably. Betsey (Metcalf) Baker's father was a successful tanner; Mary (Dawley) Reynolds' widowed mother actually went to work in a textile mill during a difficult period.
What follows is a very arbitrary list of women who fall somewhere on the spectrum from working to middle class.
Middle (artisan) Baker, Betsey (Metcalf) (1786-1867)
Middle - working Bengston, Madeline (1907-1996)
Working Barker, Mary H. (Riley) (c1880-1959)
Middle Battey, Miriam G. (Macomber) (1910-1996)
Middle Blaine, Rowena (MacLellan) (1886-1965)
Middle Blaine, Signe Adina (Hallborg) (1881-1912)
Middle Blake, Mary S. (Johnson) (Mosher) (1805-1888)
Middle? Bray, Gertrude C. (1888-1975)
Middle? Brockelmann, Flora McG. ()
Middle Brougham, Augusta P. (Webster) (1880-1967)
Middle (see above) Bullock, Sarah Bartlett (1840-1921)
Working Butterworth, Eleonora T. (Thornlimb) (1901-ca.1981)
Middle? Chapman, Zerviah (Sanger) (1718-1812)
Working-middle Clarke, Ida M. (1853-1886)
Middle Congdon, Cynthia A. (Sprague) (1820-1880)
Working Fearney, Hester (1851-1880)
Middle Fitts, Helen L. (1894-after 1974)
Middle Flaxman, Esther (Saslaw) (1914-2000)
Middle Greene, Mary L. (1821-1836)
Middle Greene, Sarah A. (Chace) (1818-1904)
Middle Grimes, Helen (Clarke) (1905-1989)
Middle Harbach, Agnes Sophia (1878-a1958)
Middle (artisan) Jencks, Harriet F. (Bennett) (1835-1919)
Working Knowlton, Marion (1906-2002)
Working-middle McNamara, Grace E. (Jaques) (1885-1983)
Working-middle Moran, Madeleine F. (1901-1999)
Middle Paine, Bessie Rose (1891-1971)
Middle Paine, Emily Hester (1884-1974)
Middle Powers, Sarah (c1842-c1880)
Middle Prew, Alice G. (Phelon) (Poland) (1879-a.1919)
Middle Purinton, Elizabeth "Betsy" (Collins) (1769-1839)
Middle - working Reynolds, Mary M. (Dawley) (1841-1918)
Middle Ritchie, Ethel (Colt) (1888-1973)
Middle Slade, Mary (1822-1850)
Middle Tiffany, Jeanette (Mowry) (1871-1972)
Middle Walker, Lydia F. (1848-1903)
Working-middle Whiting, Nellie (Woolhouse) (1910-1996)
Working Wosko, Evelyn E. (Sutcliffe) (1897-1995)
The provenance data is interesting when examined collectively. One might assume that something as personal as a family diary would tend to be donated at the initiative of a family, rather than through any efforts of a library. However, the following patterns suggest that collecting priorities by the Rhode Island Historical Society have strongly shaped the diary collection. The following table breaks down the gifts by decade.
1822-1899: 0
1900's: 2 (Eliza Bridgham and Eliza Allen)
1910's: 1 (Rebecca Carter)
1920's: 2 (Anne Jacobs and Henrietta Jenckes)
1930's: 0
1940's: 6 RIHS moves into new building under new management
1950's: 3
1960-1967: 4
1968-1969: 9 New librarian in 1968; Manuscripts Division founded in 1969
1970-1974: 25 Curatorship of Nathaniel Shipton
1975-1979: 14 Curatorship of Nathaniel Shipton
1980-1984: 4 Curatorship of Harold Kemble
1985-1989: 14
1990-1994: 10
1995-1999: 12
2000-2004: 21 Twelve of these were purchased, mostly via eBay.
Unknown: 12
These fluctuations are best explained by changes in the operation of the library. It is clear that prior to 1940, the library did not make a policy of collecting women's diaries and had the preservation of antiquities as its primary goal. The first woman’s diary to arrive was Eliza Brigham’s travel journal in 1904, followed by the Eliza Allen diary in 1908. Only three women's diaries arrived during librarian Howard Chapin’s long tenure from 1912 to 1940. All were considered incidental parts of the papers of their families of Great White Men (the Carter-Danforth and Jenckes papers). I have heard it said about Chapin that he was never much interested in anything past 1700.
In 1940, a new director assumed the helm of the Society and soon moved its headquarters into the more spacious John Brown House. The Society was revived from a long stupor and gifts started flowing in. We can assume that this new Director, William Roelker, considered women to be a legitimate part of history. Thirteen women’s diaries arrived from 1940 to 1967.
This was nothing, however, compared to the explosion of gifts in 1968, the year new librarian Albert Klyberg began. He started a separate manuscripts division the following year. During this period, through the tenure of the first manuscripts curator, Nat Shipton, who left in 1979, no less than 48 women's diaries arrived, tripling our holdings. This explosion coincides with the emergence of women's history as a respected academic discipline and also reflects the Society's emergence as a professionally run academic library rather than a musty reliquary.
After the departure of Shipton, however, the supply of diaries slowed up, despite a steady run of three curators interested in social history. Forty women’s diaries arrived in the next twenty years, less than Shipton hauled in over ten years. The pace quickened again after 2000, after the production of the first draft of this guide placed women’s diaries placed diaries in the spotlight. The arrival of the eBay Internet auction site also played a major role, allowing the inexpensive purchase of several great working-class diaries at a low cost.
What follows are a few very subjective lists, which might simply be termed “Curator's Favorites”. It is hoped that these lists will help bring some of the truly important diaries out of this mountain of information and into the hands of people who will appreciate them. As several different catalogers have worked with the diaries, some real jewels might still be missing from this list, but here are some good ones.
10 best for casual reading:
(handwriting is considered here):
Brockelman, Flora M. (McGimsey) (1892-1976) From 1938 to 1938
Congdon, Cynthia A. (Sprague) (1820-1880). From 1841 to 1854
Duncan, Susanna (Lear) (b.1770). From 1788 to 1788
Grimes, Helen (Clarke) (1905-1989). From 1920 to 1945
Jencks, Harriet F. (Bennett) (1835-1919). From 1872 to 1872
Matteson, Rosabelle (Himes) (1852-1920) From 1890 to 1918
Paine, Emily Hester (1884-1974). From 1903 to 1974
Watkins, Valena W. (Babcock) (1875 - after 1956). From 1915 to 1915
Woods, Almira (Marshall) (1804-1863). From 1830 to 1833
Wosko, Evelyn E. (Sutcliffe) (1897-1995) From 1915 to 1916
10 best for national significance of the authors
(quality of the actual diary aside):
Aldrich, Harriet (Alexander) (1888-1972). From 1902 to 1970
Aldrich, Lucy Truman (1871-1955). From 1885 to 1919
Bray, Gertrude C. (1888-1975). From 1918 to 1919
Chace, Anna H. (1856-1945). From 1904 to 1921
Greene, Sarah A. (Chace) (1818-1904). From 1843 to 1854
Hazard, Caroline (1856-1945). From 1897 to 1917
Henley, Frances Evelyn (1873-1955) From 1922 to 1954
Watson, Cora B. (Stewart) (1866-1936). From 1894 to 1932
Weeden, Jeanie (Lippitt) (1852-1940). From 1882 to 1882
Woods, Almira (Marshall) (1804-1863). From 1830 to 1833
10 best for representing unique perspectives:
Barker, Mary H. (Riley) (c1880-1959) English immigrant wife of factory worker
Fearney, Hester (1851-1880). Fish-peddler's daughter
Fitts, Helen L. (1894-after 1974). 9-year-old girl
Henley, Frances Evelyn (1873-1955) Rhode Island's first female architect
Herreshoff, Sally Brown (b.1845). Blind woman
Kroener, Edna L. (1890-1983). Socialist and suffragette
Moran, Madeleine F. (1901-1999) Irish-American stenographer
Paine, Emily Hester (1884-1974). Touring musician.
Tubbs, Katherine K. (Herreshoff) (1871-1954) Woman in process of divorce.
Weeden, Jeanie (Lippitt) (1852-1940). Deaf woman
10 best for the "old style" history
(insight into the great men and bygone ways of yesteryear):
Aldrich, Harriet (Alexander) (1888-1972). From 1902 to 1970
Baker, Betsey (Metcalf) (1786-1867). From 1798 to 1804
Cook, Sarah Crawford (1796-1882). From 1809 to 1817
Duncan, Susanna (Lear) (b.1770). From 1788 to 1788
Eaton, Sarah B. (Mason) (Ruggles) (1804-1864). From 1830 to 1856
Herreshoff, Anna Francis (1802-1887). From 1817 to 1884
Herreshoff, Sarah (Brown) (1773-1846). From 1796 to 1796
Jenckes, Rebecca (Carter) (1778-1837). From 1794 to 1794
Martin, Julia (Bowen) (1779-1805). From 1799 to 1799
Woods, Almira (Marshall) (1804-1863). From 1830 to 1833
10 best for the "new style" history
(insight into gender, class, and racial issues):
Congdon, Cynthia A. (Sprague) (1820-1880). From 1841 to 1854
Eaton, Sarah B. (Mason) (Ruggles) (1804-1864). From 1830 to 1856
Grimes, Helen (Clarke) (1905-1989). From 1920 to 1945
Jencks, Harriet F. (Bennett) (1835-1919). From 1872 to 1872
Kroener, Edna L. (1890-1983). From 1908 to 1921
Matteson, Rosabelle (Himes) (1852-1920) From 1890 to 1918
Paine, Emily Hester (1884-1974). From 1903 to 1974
Prew, Alice G. (Phelon) (Poland) (1879-a.1919). From 1896 to 1896
Watson, Cora B. (Stewart) (1866-1936). From 1894 to 1932
Woods, Almira (Marshall) (1804-1863). From 1830 to 1833
10 least utilized quality diaries:
Bray, Gertrude C. (1888-1975). From 1918 to 1919
Chapman, Zerviah (Sanger) (1718-1812) From 1775 to 1783
Eaton, Sarah B. (Mason) (Ruggles) (1804-1864). From 1830 to 1856
Jencks, Harriet F. (Bennett) (1835-1919). From 1872 to 1872
LaFarge, Florence Bayard (Lockwood) (1864-1944) From 1901 to 1938
Matteson, Rosabelle (Himes) (1852-1920) From 1890 to 1918
Paine, Emily Hester (1884-1974). From 1903 to 1974
Robertson, Mary E. (Calder) (1858-1924). From 1874 to 1874
Watson, Cora B. (Stewart) (1866-1936). From 1894 to 1932
Wilcox, Alice G. (Phelon) (1879-a.1919). From 1896 to 1896
10 most worthy of being published in a serious edited edition
(the next Martha Ballards), in order:
1. Grimes, Helen (Clarke) (1905-1989). From 1920 to 1945
2. Martin, Julia (Bowen) (1779-1805). From 1799 to 1799
3. Jencks, Harriet F. (Bennett) (1835-1919). From 1872 to 1872
4. Kroener, Edna L. (1890-1983). From 1908 to 1921
5. Woods, Almira (Marshall) (1804-1863). From 1830 to 1833
6. Eaton, Sarah B. (Mason) (Ruggles) (1804-1864). From 1830 to 1856
7. Congdon, Cynthia A. (Sprague) (1820-1880). From 1841 to 1854
8. Matteson, Rosabelle (Himes) (1852-1920) From 1890 to 1918
9. Watson, Cora B. (Stewart) (1866-1936). From 1894 to 1932
10. LaFarge, Florence Bayard (Lockwood) (1864-1944) From 1901 to 1938
Notes on the Abby P. Aldrich Diary
Entries dated 1910 to 1911
Biographical:
Name at birth: Chapman, Abby Pearce
Name after marriage: Aldrich, Abby Pearce (Chapman) (Greene)
Birthdate and place: April 10, 1844 Norwich, CT
Death date and place: February 17, 1917 New York City, NY
Age range during diary: 66 - 67
Residence during diary: Warwick, RI and Washington, DC
Places written: New York City, NY
Biographical note: Abby Pearce Chapman (Greene ) Aldrich was born in Norwich, CT to Robert and Amy (Morgan) Chapman. Abby was the wife of longtime US Senator Nelson W. Aldrich. She resided in Providence with her husband and they had eleven children, three of whom died young.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 2
Number of pages: Vol. 1 - 113 pages; Vol. 2 - 26 pages
Exact dates: January 1, 1910 - May 3, 1911
Frequency of entries: Daily, except for January 9-28, 1911
How was author identified?: Outside of diary says Hon. Nelson W. Aldrich. Diary written by a woman and Abby was Nelson's wife.
Brief description: This diary describes approximately a year in the life of Abby P.C. (Greene) Aldrich, wife of a U.S. Senator. The diary is not extremely detailed, rather she jots down the weather and short items about what she and her family did on a particular day, and what Washington events she attended or did not attend and people she received. She also relates events from a visit to Florida from January 18-31. Prominent individuals in Rhode Island and Washington are mentioned briefly in relation to visits between each other.
Writing quality: Readable. Not extremely descriptive, short notes on days activities.
Related papers at RIHS: Papers of her daughter Lucy Truman Aldrich, Mss 938 sg 2; papers of her husband and herself, Mss 938 sg 1; and large collection of papers mostly from 1950 onward of her son Winthrop Aldrich and daughter-in-law, Harriet (Alexander) Arnold, including her diaries.
Family members:
Father's name: Chapman, Robert
Mother's name: Chapman, Amy (Morgan)
Husband's name: Nelson Wilmarth Aldrich
Husband's dates: 1841-1915
Husband's occupation: RI General Assembly (1875-1876); US Representative (1879-1881); US Senator (1881-1911)
Marriage date and place: 1866
Father-in-law's name: Aldrich, Anan E.
Mother-in-law's name: Aldrich, Abby A. (Burgess)
Sons: Nelson Wilmarth Jr. (1867-1871); Edward Burgess (1871-1957) m. Mary Dorrance and Lora Lawson; Stuart Morgan (1876-1960) m. Martha Louise Blackwell; Robert Chapman (1878-1878); William Truman (1880-1966) m. Dorothea Davenport; Richard Steere (1884-1941); Winthrop (1885-1974) m. Harriet Alexander.
Daughters: Lucy Truman (1871-1955); Abby G. (1874-1948) m. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.; Emma Louise (1882-1884); Elsie (1888-1967) m. Stephen M. Edgell and Stuart Campbell
Other persons frequently mentioned: Theodore Roosevelt; Pres. William H. Taft
Topical content:
Events discussed: "President Taft visits Providence today." [3/21/1910] "Nelson announced to President Taft his determination to retire from the Senate at the close of his present term in 1911. He retains his position on the Monetary Commission." [4/19/1920] "Roosevelt appointed a special American Ambassador to the funeral of King Edward of England. He will ride with visiting monarchs behind the funeral car. He will also attend the burial at Windsor." [5/13/1910] "Haley's comet passes between the earth and the sun. The disturbing influences of the passing of the comet is causing earthquakes, explosions in mines, vapors, chemicals and powders, and unusual weather. Expect the Earth to be enveloped by Comet's tail tonight." [5/18/1910] "Theodore Roosevelt and family arrived today afer his 4 months visit abroad. He was met by distinguished people and escorted by a large procession up Broadway and 5th Ave." [6/18/1910]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "General Draper died today." [1/28/1910] "King Edward died at 11-45 on Friday night May 6th." [5/6/1910] "Abby's third son born Thursday May 26th 1910" [5/26/1910] On a visit in France: "We met there...Mrs. Goddard and the young Roelkers, in deep mourning for their mother who was buried on Friday the 9th" [9/12/1910]
Social life: "Mrs. Dyer came in and played poker solitaire with family." [2/6/1910] "Lucy went to a large musical at Mrs. Pattersons and dance after returning at 2 o'clock." [2/26/1910]
Family: "Lucy, Elsie, and myself went for a long automobile ride as it is a beautiful morning." [1/8/1910] "Lunched at Aby's and had a very pleasant visit with the children. Little Nelson very attractive child." [3/19/1910]
Childhood: "Abby came and took me to the Park for a drive. Then to see her four children all were looking very well. The youngest a boy 10 months old is just beginning to say words." [4/9/1910]
Marriage: "Ned's wedding cards waiting our return. Married in New Hampshire to Lorra Elsie Lawson the 29th of January, his second marriage." [2/12/1910]
Health: "Nelson woke up with a severe catarrhal cold and nose throat - sent for Dr. Richardson...said it was attack of grippe now prevailing." [1/10/1910] "Went to doctor's for treatment of inflamed mouth." [2/19/1910] "Richard [son] had been taken to the Presbyterian Hospital sick with typhoid fever. Lucy met me at the manicures and we left for New York." [6/9/1910]
Fashion: "Elsie new fur neck piece and muff." [1/1/1910] On a visit to France: "Lucy gave order for furs to be made at a store on the Rue L'Ancienne Comedie." [9/26/1910] "Went to Maison Blanc and bought six small infant slips for Dorothea." [9/27/1910] "Went with Lucy to Miss Currans to get me a hat to wear with my green velvet suit." [12/9/1910]
Race / ethnicity content: "One of Mrs. Wetmores maids has married a colored man, another one a Japanese. Unusual distinction for one house." [5/21/1910] "Jack Johnson [colored] prize fighter defeated Jim Jeffries who had never been beaten before at a place called Reno, Nevada." [7/5/1910] The white people are as indignant at the success of the colored pugilist that they are attacking blacks in N.Y." [7/7/1910]
Labor: On a visit to St. Augustine, Florida: "Senator took our Butler William James." [1/18/1910] "Leave here for New York and Warwick to day at 3 p.m. Take the cook and other secretaries." [3/18/1910] "Many buildings are being torn down and new ones put up all over the city and every day many laborers are killed falling." [7/8/1910] "Ellen our chambermaid who was a very capable and painstaking servant left us last night after a row with the housekeeper Miss Mercurean. I am very sorry." [10/17/1910]
Arts and culture: "Spent morning at the Louvre seeing its wonderful collection of pictures, tapestries, ?, furniture, and miniatures." [9/25/1910] "Nelson is having his portrait painted by a man from Sweden." [4/21/1910]
Travel: On a visit to Miami, Florida: "rode about three hours around the country seeing the grapefruit groves, and the generally desirable country around here." [1/23/1910] "Elsie left on 12-30 train for New York and tomorrow on to Boston to see about having made a dress to wear as maid of honor at Williams wedding." [3/4/1910]
Geographical and architectural: On a visit to St. Augustine, Florida: "walking about the city which contains a house said to be the oldest in America. also a Catholic church of great age." [1/19/1910] On a visit to Tarrytown, N.Y.: "The whole place [daughter Abby's home] gorgeous with spring bloom. The crew house and surrounding magnificently elaborate, especially the Japanese features. John [Rockefeller] drove us all around the six thousand acres." [4/30/1910] "Cellar of our house in Warwick begun today." [5/3/1910]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 938 sg 1
Collection title: Nelson W. and Abby P.C. (Greene) Aldrich Papers
Location within the collection: Folders 16 and 17
Size: 10 ½ " x 4 ½"
Condition: Excellent
Graphic content: None
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Bound volumes
Provenance: 1974. 33. 340. 1-, from the Winthrop W. Aldrich estate
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, May 2001
Bibliography:
Lappin, Amy. "A Guide to the Nelson W. and Abby P. Aldrich Papers in the Manuscripts Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library," 1997.
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Aldrich, Dorothea (Davenport) (1886-1977)
Aldrich, Edward (1871-1957)
Aldrich, Elsie (1888-1967)
Aldrich, Harriet C. (Alexander) (1888-1972)
Aldrich, Lora (Lawson) (1874-1931)
Aldrich, Lucy T. (1871-1955)
Aldrich, Martha L. (Blackwell) (1878-1952)
Aldrich, Nelson W. (1841-1915)
Aldrich, Stuart M. (1876-1960)
Aldrich, Richard S. (1884-1941)
Aldrich, William T. (1880-1966)
Aldrich, Winthrop W. (1885-1974)
Fishing
Rockefeller, Abby G. (Aldrich) (1874-1948)
Rockefeller, John D. Jr. (1874-1960)
Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)
Taft, William H. (1857-1930)
Notes on the Harriet (Alexander) Aldrich Diaries
Entries dated 1902 to 1970
Biographical:
Name at birth: Alexander, Harriet
Name after marriage: Aldrich, Harriet (Alexander)
Birthdate and place: July 3 1888, Seabright, N.J.
Death date and place: April 30, 1972, Greenwich, Conn.
Age range during diary: 13-81
Residence during diary: New York; 110 Benevolent St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: New York City, Providence, R.I., the Bahamas, London, and the rest of the world.
Biographical note: Raised in an affluent New York family, she attended the Spence School and was active in debutante activities in the Junior League of New York. She married Winthrop Aldrich of Providence and New York, who became president of Chase-Manhattan Bank. She was active on the boards of many organizations. From 1953 to 1956, she accompanied Winthrop during his appointment as U.S. Ambassador to England.
Ethnicity: Yankee/Scotch
Religion of diarist: Presbyterian
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 15
Number of pages: Mostly 365 each
Exact dates: March 4 1902 - April 4 1970, with no serious gaps.
Frequency of entries: Fairly regular
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: An abbreviated account of the life of a very wealthy and active woman.
Writing quality: Readable but not very descriptive
Utility for research: Although Mrs. Aldrich led a very interesting life, it is only very briefly sketched out in these diaries. They are valuable, of course, for biographical data on her and her famous relatives.
Related papers at RIHS: Large collection of Winthrop W. and Harriet A. Aldrich Papers, mostly from 1950 onward.
Family members:
Father's name: Alexander, Charles B.
Father's dates: b.1849
Father's occupation: Lawyer, New York City
Mother's name: Crocker, Harriet
Mother's dates: Of San Francisco.
Brothers: None
Sisters: Mary (Alexander) Whitehouse (b.1895); Janetta (Alexander) Whitridge (b.1890)
Husband's name: Aldrich, Winthrop W.
Husband's dates: 1885-1974
Husband's occupation: Banker and ambassador to England
Marriage date and place: December 7, 1916
Father-in-law's name: Aldrich, Nelson W.
Father-in-law's dates: 1841-1915
Father-in-law's occupation: Long-time U.S. Senator
Mother-in-law's name: Greene, Abby Pearce Chapman
Mother-in-law's dates: 1845-1917
Sons: Alexander Aldrich (b.1928); Winthrop W. Aldrich Jr. (b.1917)
Daughters: Mary (Aldrich) Homans (b.1921); Harriet (Aldrich) Bering (b.1922); Lucy (Aldrich) Devens (b.1924; Elizabeth "Liberty" (Aldrich) Redmond (b.1925)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Husband's sister Abby (Aldrich) Rockefeller (1874-1948), wife of John D. Rockefeller Jr. (1874-1960). Husband's sister Lucy T. Aldrich (1869-1955).
Topical content:
Events discussed: Very little discussion of world affairs. No mention of stock crash on 10/29/1929. Entire entry for 12/7/1941: "Lunch M Whitehouse. Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. War is on! Our silver wedding dinner, 74, lovely. Girls went back to school." only mentions briefly her extensive work in war effort.
Religious content: Churchgoer but not much religious commentary.
Social life: A dizzying array of social activities are listed in these diaries, with many of the world's most powerful people. Also world travel, horses, golf. Unfortunately, this is all presented with little comment. A few typical full entries:
"Tried saddle horse. Hospital xmas comm meeting. K to lunch. Waited for Mr. Bacon. Berkeley Lyceum. Grace Tracy. J.P. Morgan dinner dance." [12/13/1906]
"Eleanor Roosevelt to lunch. Rain. Bee Iselin to dinner." [10/20/1926]
"City Hall all a.m. Hair washed. Reception for King Peter of Yugoslavia. Drove country, dinner for Babs Whitney's wedding party." [7/7/1942]
"Hair washed. Lunch Italian Embassy. Cocktails Audrey Bouberie. Dinner of 26 here for Queen Mother. Great success." [12/10/1953]
School: Active in alumni affairs for the Spence School; sent children to elite schools.
Gender relations: long involvement with debutante activities in New York is noted.
Arts and culture: Noted patron of the arts in New York, but only sketchy documentation here.
Travel: Constantly traveling, to Europe, Caribbean and throughout U.S.
Geographical and architectural: There is undoubtedly important material here re the house in Providence, since donated to the R.I.H.S. and known as the Aldrich House.
Organizations: president, Junior League of N.Y.C., 1911-1913; On Board of Bellevue School of Nurses for thirty years; Chairman of Woman's National Advisory Committee of N.Y. World's Fair, 1939; on countless other boards and committees.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 938, sg 3
Collection title: Winthrop W. and Harriet A. Aldrich Papers
Location within the collection: Box 9
Size: Mostly about 6" x 5"
Condition: Good. Three rhinestones missing from 1967 diary...
Provenance: 1974. 33. 340. 1-, from the Winthrop W. Aldrich estate
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Only skimmed briefly
Bibliography:
Several folders of genealogical and biographical material in series 5 of the Winthrop and Harriet Aldrich Papers. There is surprisingly little documentation on the Alexander family to be found at the R.I.H.S.L.
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1902-1970
Great Britain - Social life and customs
New York City - Social life and customs
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Rockefeller family
Notes on the Lucy Truman Aldrich Diaries
Entries dated 1885 to 1919
Biographical:
Name at birth: Aldrich, Lucy Truman
Birthdate and place: September 28, 1871, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: January 12, 1955, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 13, 20, 47
Residence during diary: 110 Benevolent St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I.; in Washington D.C. April 7-19, 1892; in New York City for much of March 1919; in Japan April 1919.
Biographical note: Daughter of a longtime U.S. senator, she collected Asian textiles and was closely connected with the Rhode Island School of Design museum. She was captured by Chinese bandits and held for ransom in 1923.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 3
Number of pages: 5, 4, 23
Exact dates: July 15-16, 1885; April 2-19, 1892; February 25 - May 13, 1919
Frequency of entries: Very sporadic
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: The first diary is a detailed account of two days in the life of a wealthy teenaged girl; the second diary is a less detailed account of a month at age 20; and the third diary is a sketchy memorandum of mostly from a trip to Japan.
Writing quality: Generally very rushed; Aldrich did not devote much of her considerable energy to diary-keeping.
Utility for research: Mainly biographical, but the two days of entries made as a 13-year-old are very good, and the account of the Japan trip might help document her extensive collection of textiles since donated to the R.I.S.D. Museum.
Related papers at RIHS: Lucy T. Aldrich Papers (MSS 938, sg 2) also include extensive correspondence and accounts, mostly relating to art collection. See also papers of her father (sg 1), brother Winthrop (sg 3) and her private nurse Minnie MacFadden (sg 4).
Family members:
Father's name: Aldrich, Nelson W.
Father's dates: 1841-1915
Father's occupation: U.S. Senator
Mother's name: Greene, Abby Pierce Chapman
Mother's dates: 1845-1917
Brothers: Edward B. Aldrich (1871-1957); Stuart M. Aldrich (1876-1960); William T. Aldrich (1880-1966); Richard S. Aldrich (1884-1941); Winthrop W. Aldrich (1885-1974); 2 died young
Sisters: Abby G. (Aldrich) Rockefeller (b.1874); Elsie (Aldrich) (Edgell) Campbell (1888-1967); one died young
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Mabel "Belle" Wheeler, friend in 1885 diary. "John" in 1919 diary is brother-in-law John D. Rockefeller Jr.
Topical content:
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "I stopped at Nellie Wilbour's a friend of mine who has consumption. She looked dreadfully and I don't believe she can live but a few days." [7/16/1885]
Social life: "Tried to keep cool most of the afternoon but stopped to make that sassy Byron girl stop stealing our raspberries. Belle and I had quite a dispute with her, but after threatening her with a policeman we came into the house." [7/16/1885]
"Had our tinotypes taken. They were hideous, we left them." [4/19/1892]
Childhood: Excellent detailed account of two days in life from age 13 [1885]
Health: "I had a telegram from Papa saying that Mrs. Roelker's baby was ill and I should go around and ask after it." [4/8/1892]
Race / ethnicity content: On steamer trip to Japan, "it seemed strange to have Chinese waiting on the table and as bedroom stewards." [4/10/1919]
Arts and culture: At "the Athaneum, took out a book called Yolannde written by William Black." [7/15/1885]
"I finished Yolande tonight and I think it turned out just right." [7/16/1885]
Travel: Trip to Washington with sister Abby, April 7-18, 1892. Fairly good account of trip to Japan in 1919. Traveled overland by train from New York to Vancouver, then by steamer to Japan. Traveled extensively through Japan, seeing sights and spending loads of money. A typical entry: "Went to a private garden, Mr. Tkushima's, to see the azaleas. In the afternoon went to bank and to Yamuaka's bought 3 small screens and a Japanese print for Abby." [5/8/1919].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 938, sg 2
Collection title: Lucy T. Aldrich Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, folders 27-30
Size: Various
Condition: Fairly good; some blank pages seem to have been torn out.
Provenance: 1974. 33. 340. 1-, from the Winthrop W. Aldrich estate
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
Aldrich, Alvin James. George Aldrich Genealogy (Published by author, 1971), vol. 2, p. 23
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1885-1919
Japan - Description and travel
Notes on the Eliza H. (Arnold) Allen Diaries
Entries dated 1837 to 1841
Biographical:
Name at birth: Arnold, Eliza Harriet
Name after marriage: Allen, Eliza H. (Arnold)
Birthdate and place: October 5, 1796, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: August 30, 1873, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 40, 44
Residence during diary: 208 North Main St., Providence, R.I. (current numbering)
Places written: 1837: To a plantation near Savannah Ga. via New York, Norfolk Va. and Charleston S.C
1841: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Daughter of one of Providence's wealthiest merchants, and married another.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist?
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 90
Exact dates: March 18 - June 5, 1837; June 29 - July 31, 1841
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Identified by donor; fits known facts
Brief description: The first section of the diary describes a visit to her brother Richard Arnold's plantation near Savannah, Georgia, accompanied by a Mr. Dorrance, and joined by brother-in-law Tristam Burges. The second section is written in Providence while her husband and daughters are away on a vacation.
Writing quality: Fairly good; detailed but not very expressive.
Utility for research: The section written in Georgia gives an interesting look at plantation life; the later section is a standard account of elite social life in Providence.
Related papers at RIHS: The Zachariah Allen Papers (MSS 257) are a large collection consisting mainly of her husband's personal and business papers; it also includes Eliza's personal account book dated 1817-1833, and a few letters received from her brother-in-law Tristam Burges.
Family members:
Father's name: Arnold, Welcome
Father's dates: 1745-1798
Father's occupation: Merchant, Providence, R.I.
Mother's name: Greene, Patience
Mother's dates: 1754-1809
Brothers: Samuel G. Arnold (1778-1826); Richard J. Arnold (1796-1873)
Sisters: Mary "Polly" (Arnold) Burges (1774-1851), wife of Tristam Burges.
Husband's name: Allen, Zachariah
Husband's dates: 1795-1882
Husband's occupation: Textile manufacturer, Providence
Marriage date and place: 1817
Father-in-law's name: Allen, Zachariah
Father-in-law's dates: 1740-1801
Father-in-law's occupation: Merchant, Providence
Mother-in-law's name: Crawford, Anne
Mother-in-law's dates: 1759-1808
Sons: None
Daughters: Allen C. (Allen) Ely (1818-1888), m. William D. Ely;
Mary (Allen) Robeson (b.1819) m. Andrew Robeson
Candace Allen (1822-1901), never married
Other persons frequently mentioned: In 1837, traveling with a Mr. Dorrance, and her husband's cousin Phillip Allen Jr.
Topical content:
Events discussed: Re economic crisis: "Everyone here as elsewhere is distressed on account of the state of business and all are trembling for the failures." [4/27/1837] "The free suffrage procession formed by the court-house & when I thought they had passed I put on my bonnet and went out...There must have been many thousands of people in the street today." [7/5/1841]
Religious content: Strong spiritual content. Frequently makes visits to slaves in Georgia to read from Bible.
Social life: Both sections are detailed logs of visiting, which are sometimes amusing. "Mr. Dorr made me a call before breakfast but would not stay, thinking I could not make his tea to suit him." [7/17/1841]
Race / ethnicity content: The bulk of the 1837 section was written while visiting her brother's plantation in Georgia. Of course, there is some mention of the slaves. "I took my Bible and walked to the plantation as it is called, the rows of negro houses. Today one can see them all as they are in the field in the morning of week days and towards evening they are at work for themselves. I first read to Mam Kate an excellent old woman and as I explained to her the passages of the Bible I felt that I could learn much more from her than I could impart. She is humble, contented and cheerful, and constantly relies upon her heavenly father for every blessing & feels that she has many..." [4/16/1837]. Several visits like this are made.
Travel: The 1837 section describes a journey by sea from New York to Savannah, and then back.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 254
Collection title: Zachariah Allen Papers
Location within the collection: Series 7, box 8, folder 5
Size: 9" x 7"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1908. 20, gift of William D. Ely, a descendant
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Skimmed through most of the volume.
Bibliography:
Clarke, Louise Brownell. The Greenes of Rhode Island... (New York: 1903), pages 289-293
Rhode Island Cemetery Index
Rogers, L.E., ed. The Biographical Cyclopedia of Representative Men of Rhode Island (Providence: National Biographical Publishing, 1881), 259.
Subject headings:
Arnold, Richard J. (1796-1824)
Diaries - 1837-1841
Georgia - Description and travel
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Elizabeth G. (Lawrence) Allen Diary
Entries dated 1936 to 1938
Biographical:
Name at birth: Lawrence, Elizabeth Grinnell
Name after marriage: Allen, Elizabeth G. (Lawrence)
Birthdate and place: March 10, 1901, Hartford, Connecticut
Death date and place: March 13, 1985, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 29-31
Residence during diary: 12 Benevolent St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Raised in Hartford, but mother was a Providence native from old Rhode Island family. Married into another prominent Providence family. After the period of this diary, founded the Providence Preservation Society and was active in many other local causes.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 170
Exact dates: November 8, 1936 - April 26, 1937; November 11, 1937 - April 27, 1938
Frequency of entries: Frequent but not daily.
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Diary of upper-class young mother on east side of Providence.
Writing quality: Fairly good; sometimes opinionated (which is a good thing).
Utility for research: The most recent of the many east-side upper-class diaries here. A good account of the life of a young mother and housewife.
Related papers at RIHS: Elizabeth Allen Papers (MSS 96); Allen & Reed Papers (MSS 95)
Family members:
Father's name: Lawrence, Thomas F.
Mother's name: Weeden, Hortense
Husband's name: Allen, William S.
Husband's dates: b.1904
Husband's occupation: Industrial supplies manufacturer, in Allen & Reed
Marriage date and place: June 15, 1930, Providence, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: Allen, Phillip
Father-in-law's dates: 1869-1951
Father-in-law's occupation: Industrial supplies manufacturer. Gave Diamond Hill Reservation to the state of R.I. in 1937.
Mother-in-law's name: Reed, Helen S.
Mother-in-law's dates: 1872-1952
Sons: Zachariah Allen (b.1938); William Slater Allen Jr. (b.1930) (called "Slats" in diary).
Other persons frequently mentioned: Son's friend Tommy Greene [12/15/1936; 12/17/1936; etc]. Visit from Eleanor Washburn(daughter of diarist Elizabeth Goff Wood) [4/22/1938].
Topical content:
Events discussed: Regarding abdication of Edward VIII of England: "I am fearful of the effect this may have on the Empire. And very sad." [12/11/1936]
Religious content: Apparently only occasional churchgoer. At St. Stephen's, 2/28/1937
Social life: Kept horses; discussed riding, hunting and related activities very frequently.
Family: Some discussion of mother; mostly just the activities of her husband and young sons.
Childhood: Raising one young boy at time of diary. "Slats first real grown-up dinner party. He enjoyed himself immensely & behaved very well but seems to have cold and very tired." [11/26/1936] "He tells me he is being teased a lot in school. Gave him a long lecture on gullibillness & a few points on boxing." [12/15/1936]. Birth of a second son: "Zachariah is here! A most quick and easy labor - and he's all complete & weighs 7-14!..." [4/7/1938]
Marriage: Married woman. Odd comment: "Think I am in for domestic troubles." [1/23/1937]. On the birth of her second son, "Didn't send for Bill as I hoped to be done before he knew anything about it but he came just after I had gone downstairs & went through the usual stew but we're all O.K. now!" [4/7/1938]
Health: Careful documentation of household colds; son prone to poor health.
Labor: "Mollie Kennedy started working for us today as a cook." [1/21/1937]
Class relations: Wealthy, but apparently pinched by Depression: "Bill and I went through accounts tonight. Bad shape but will make out OK." [1/19/1937]. Still able to afford a cook, club memberships, horses.
Arts and culture: Classical music supporter. "Boston Symphony. Spalding played. He is improving with age." [11/28/1936] On the other side of the spectrum, "Went to see midget auto race at Arena." [2/2/1937]
Geographical and architectural: Moved into house at 12 Benevolent St., 1/22/1937.
Organizations: Agawam Hunt Club [11/20/1936], Hope Club [1/31/1937]. "Went to a meeting of Female Charitable Society. Most quaint." [4/7/1937]. Very active in many organizations, but all after the period of this diary.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 96
Collection title: Elizabeth G.L. Allen Papers
Location within the collection: In box 1
Size: 9" x 6"
Condition: Good; not bound.
Provenance: 1985. 72. 1-, gift of William Slater Allen
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read only 11/1936-2/1937, and 4/1938.
Bibliography:
Bendroth, Cindy. "The Papers of Elizabeth G.L. Allen" (Unpublished typescript, R.I.H.S., 1989)
Subject headings:
Allen, William S. (b.1904)
Diaries - 1936-1938
Horse sports - Rhode Island
Notes on the Edith A. Armington Diary
Entries dated 1911 to 1929
Biographical:
Name at birth: Armington, Edith Amelia
Birthdate and place: January 14, 1861; East Providence, RI
Death date and place: June 5, 1937; East Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 40 - 58
Residence during diary: East Providence, RI
Places written: East Providence, RI; Pittsfield, NH
Biographical note: Edith A. Armington was the youngest of three children born to Francis Armington and Caroline (Medbery) Armington. The Armingtons and Medberys were prominent farming families who resided in Seekonk, MA and later, East Providence, RI when the town changed states and names. Edith suffered from health problems which limited her mobility, however, she and her sister Carrie led active lives in the church and community belonging to numerous religious, social and political organizations.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 3
Number of pages: 365 each
Exact dates: January 1, 1911-December 31, 1915; January 1, 1921-December 31, 1924; January 31, 1925-December 31, 1929
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Identification written on inside cover of Vol. 2; signed inside cover vol. 3: "This is a diary of Edith A. Armington H.H.A."
Brief description: This is the diary of an upper middle-class woman written during her middle-aged years. The brief diary entries chronicle her daily activities at home, in the community and within the church.
Writing quality: The writing is not very descriptive but is neat and clear to read.
Utility for research: This diary is not very useful for studying about Rhode Island in general, however it would be excellent for studying the above mentioned organizations and committees. It could also be used to learn about the religious lives of Baptists in Rhode Island, the controversy surrounding the resignation of Dr. Frost, Edith's friend and religious leader. Also, the later years might be useful for examining radio broadcasts of the 1920's.
Related papers at RIHS: Armington Family Papers
Family members:
Father's name: Armington, Francis
Father's dates: 1820-1895
Father's occupation: Farmer turned wharf builder, East Providence, RI
Mother's name: Caroline Medbery
Mother's dates: c.1821-1904
Brothers: Arthur Herbert Armington (1853-1940). See The Armington Family in America for biographical information
Sisters: Caroline F. "Carrie" Armington (1849-1934)
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Family members: Artie (her brother, Arthur), Carrie (her sister Caroline), Eva (Arthur's wife), Arthur's children: Hal (Herbert), Earl, Edith, Hal's wife Theo (Theodora Greene Bowen), Hal and Theo's children: Francis and Richard, nephew Earl's wife Marion, niece Edith's husband Frank Adams, Edith and Frank's children: "Junior" (Frank Adams born 11/15/1917), Evelyn (born 11/12/1920), and Robbie (Robert Wicks Adams born 4/21/1922). Mrs. Holt [2/18/1911], John Medbery (cousin) [3/20/1911], Emma Bevan [3/29/1911], Jessie Pearce [12/13/1911], Mr. and Mrs. Remick [4/13/1912], Lucy [4/16/1912], Dr. Slack [5/19/1913], Mr. Beckwith [8/27/1913], Mr. and Mrs. Brunton [8/27/1913], Ella [8/31/1914], Dr. Frost [2/7/1921], The Rays [6/26/1921], Jennie [12/11/1921], Belle Horton [12/27/1922], Dr. Brackett [5/7/1923]
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Lucy took Mr. Usher to the train after which she was thrown from the wagon and injured her leg badly." [9/5/1911], "Election Day. Woodrow Wilson elected. Democrat." [11/5/1912], "Saw an airplane that went up from Crescent Park." [5/30/1913], "Electric lights in the street out last night. Very high winds last night and this morning. 70 miles per hour for ten minutes. Many telephone poles down. [1/13/1915], "One hundred years ago today was the big gale and high tide in Providence." [9/23/1915], "The church automobile was stolen sometime between 11 P.M. last night and this afternoon." [4/10/1921], "Carrie and I went to the dedication of the Holiness Temple at Broadway Baptist." [6/25/1922] "Five aeroplanes flew over. I saw them." [8/13/1923], "Worst storm in 50 years. No electric lights in house or street. Snowed and rained. Wires down. Also trees. No electric light in house or street. Telephone out of commission." [3/11/1924-3/12/1924], "Total eclipse of the sun about 9:15 AM. Not quite total here but it was in Prov." [1/24/1925], "The Shenadoah (airship) went over." [7/3/1925], "First trip by anyone. Charles Lindbergh started in an aeroplane from New York at 9:53 AM yesterday and arrived in Paris at 5:21 PM tonight." [memoranda for May 21, 1926], "Swedish prince and princess went by in an automobile." [6/17/1926], "Charles Lindbergh arrived home this morning. Had a great reception in Washington. 20,000 people. Radio broadcasting all afternoon from the celebration given in his honor." [memoranda for June 11, 1927], "Charles Lindbergh (25 years old) flew from Washington to New York where they had a larger crowd than Washington. Immense crowd." [memoranda for June 13, 1927], "Bryd landed in Europe to-night at 9:24 PM forty hours in airplane from America." [6/30/1927], "Cyclone in Rehoboth at 7:30. A man killed several persons hurt, trees uprooted. $100,000 damage." [7/31/1927], "Inauguration of President Hoover." [3/4/1929], "We saw the Zeppelin go over." [8/16/1929]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: Frequent mentions of marriages and deaths."Richard Wickes Armington born this morning at 8:15. Arthur and Eva and Edith went over to call on him and his mother." [9/17/1912], "Edith Caroline (niece) was married to Walter Mear Adams M.H. at Seven PM Marriage in the Beneficent church reception at home. Many beautiful presents and very pretty wedding. [6/17/1915], Jessie Pearce died at 5 o'clock PM" [2/25/1921] "President Harding died at seven thirty PM." [8/2/1923] "Carrie and I went down to the church in the evening for a memorial service for President Harding whose funeral was today in Marion, Ohio." [8/10/1923] "Cousin John Medbery died this AM at 8:20. Funeral at Mrs. Richardson's 69 Waterman Ave. A large number there. More than get into the house." [7/12/1923, 7/15/1923], "I got all ready to go see Mrs. Jewell when I heard she had passed away at about 1:45 PM. She fell down the stairs and fractured her skull. Lived about 2 hours." [4/2/1925], "Mrs. Maria Miller had a shock and was taken to the R.I. Hospital. Mrs. Maria Miller died." [7/14/1928-7/15/1928]
Religious content: Edith is a devout Baptist and attends church and prayer meetings regularly as well as belonging to many church related committees and other religious organizations. "I went to the Baptist State Convention at Stewart Street Church." [10/14/1913], "I went to the Sabbath School State Convention during one address at the Universalist church on Greene Street in the morning." [10/29/1913], "I went to the Congregation Conference at Barrington in the morning." [11/5/1913], "I went to a board meeting at the First Baptist Church." [1/27/1914], "(Rev.) Dr. Frost read his resignation to take effect no later than July 1, 1921. [3/3/1921], "Prayer meeting at Mr. Hall's in the evening. Has a good spiritual meeting of over an hour." [3/24/1921], "I resigned my office of Financial Secretary of the church. My resignation was not accepted, or rather was laid over for action." [3/31/1921], "Carrie and I went to Broadway Baptist in the morning. Thirty baptized in the morning. About 14 or 15 infants dedicated to the Lord." [4/16/1922] "Went before prudential committee and related Christian experience." [4/29/1923], "I joined Broadway church this evening." [5/6/1923], "I went to Central Baptist. Memorial window for Eva presented to the church." [1/1/1928]
Social life: "Carrie and I spent the day at Nellie Turnney's and went to a lecture in the evening." [3/22/1911], "I went to the city and up to Emma's to supper and Carrie and I went to Columbia's Congress in the evening. Very fine." [3/29/1911], "Bert, Maud, her husband and I went down to Sabbather heights (New Hampshire) and to Loon Pond where the men tried fishing but did not get any. Very pretty ride." [9/21/1911], "Mrs. Phillips, Jessie Pearce, Mrs. Slayton called. We served 'Japanese tea', used the Japanese dishes." [12/13/1911] "Lawn party given by the Willing Helpers at Mr. Mac Duet's." [7/1/1913], "Entertainment and supper by the Martha Washington Guild at the church. Committee Hattie Chaffee, Clara Chaffee, Jessie Shedd, and myself. Good supper and nice entertainment. Mrs. Slack singer, Mrs. Pickett reader and Mrs. Butler and son players." [2/25/1914] "Fannie and I went to Warren to the Kickemuit Grange Bake. Good dinner." [8/19/1915] "I went to Broadway to "English tea party" in the evening." [4/4/1923], "I went to see the 'Adoration' at 5 PM." [1/1/1928], "Mr. Lauden carried me to the Associated Charities. The ladies gave me (birthday) cards and presents and Mrs. Sutton greased my nose." [1/14/1929]
Family: "A Mr. Disbrow called about the Armington genealogy." [9/14/1927], "The family (except the Adams children) all came and surprised Carrie and I in honor of Arthur's birthday. They brought ice cream and candy." [8/19/1929]
Childhood: "The Calverts came and we had a Christmas tree, mostly for the children." [12/24/1926]
Health: A childhood accident has left Edith in frequent pain. "I had the pain in my foot. I went to Dr. Slack's and took an electrical treatment." [6/16/1913], She suffers from Neuritis. "I began taking 'Robinal'." [4/1/1915], "Carrie had twenty-three teeth extracted. Took ether." [10/21/1922] "Edith got her new teeth." [6/14/1923], "I was sick all night. (Too many raw eggs)" [3/20/1925], "Junior has diabetes." [11/10/1926], "Dr. Robinson carried me to Dr. Boyd's and had several X ray pictures taken." [7/11/1928], "Edith and Evelyn and Junior went to Boston to a hildren's hospital for a week or so." [1/2/1929], "The dentist took off two gold crowns besides extractions four teeth. He injected bam-o. They did not hurt at all." [8/1/1929]
Home production: Frequent mentions of cleaning, cooking and household chores."I went to Providence and I bought a new Perfection oil stove." [9/13/1915], "Carrie and I went to Hal's to keep house for Theo to go to New Orleans." [10/13/1922], "Carrie went to Hal's to keep house for Theo to go to Indianapolis." [11/8/1922]
Work outside home: "Carrie at home from work for a few days as she had nothing to do." [6/22/1911], "Carrie went to work again." [6/26/1911] "Carrie went to work at the City Hall." [6/10/1912] "I went to the food sale at our church. I acted as cashier." [6/18/1912] "I sold aprons in the evening at the Strawberry festival." [9/13/1915]
Fashion: "Miss King commenced my ripplette dress." [7/17/1913], "Carrie and I went to the city. I bought my black furs $25.79 marked down from $43.00." [1/3/1914], "Mrs. F. got her hair bobbed." [10/19/1927]
Food and drink: "Friday, November 3rd, super at the Grange 25 cents: corned beef, sweet and Irish potatoes, squash, cabbage, parsnips, beets, pichialli, catrup pickles, beans, pork, brown bread, rolls, butter, mince and pumpkin pie, Indian pudding with cream and coffee." [memoranda section] "Food sale at church. I made two apple pies and Carrie made a cake and carried besides jelly and cookies." [2/22/1912], "The Library Association of RI menu: cold ham and tongue, rolls, pickles, mashed potatoes, coffee, ice cream and cake, grapes for 50 cents." [memoranda section dated 11/11/1912] "The E.O.W. Club went to Chin Lee's restaurant for their luncheon and annual meeting. All much pleased with the place." [5/28/1915], "Carrie made walnut cake from a recipe heard over the radio this morning." [3/24/1924], "Carrie and I made 'radio candy' of dates, figs, raisins, nuts and sugar. Too sweet." [6/4/1924], "Carrie made a new kind of peanut butter candy." [4/26/1928]
Community: "Carrie and I went to the city and signed a deed for land in the Central Park plat." [4/19/1912], "Carrie and I went to the child's welfare exhibit." [1/7/1913], "I went to Watchemoket called on Miss Fraser, the District Nurse. We sent a letter to the Town Council asking for milk inspection." [5/19/1913], "Mrs. Tarbox carried me to a meeting of the Watchemoket Library. Reverend Mr. Dingwell lectured." [1/26/1921], "Carrie and I went to the special business meeting in the evening at the church. The motion to reconsider Dr. Frost's resignation was laid on the table. It was voted (illegally) to dismiss." [3/21/1921], "I went to the First Baptist church in the afternoon to the permanent council meeting in regard to Dr. Frost and the church." [6/20/1921], "Mrs. Dodge called with a petition for the Rumford P.O. We signed it." [11/7/1921], "We went to Town Hall and voted." [11/7/1922], "I went in the Women's Parade in the afternoon. Mr. Fisher carried Mrs. Bliss, Mrs. McClaren and myself. Mrs. Fisher marched." [10/25/1924], Mr. and Mrs. Smith came to watch the E.P. Automobile parade pass. About 300 autos in line." [10/30/1924], "Election Day. Mr. Lamplear carried Carrie and I down to vote . . . Coolidge and Dawes elected." [11/4/1924], "Mr. MacLean drove Carrie and I down to the town hall. We acknowledged a deed of a lot on Central Park Flat." [3/20/1925], "Mr. Lauden took Carrie and I down to the old town hall to vote. Presidential election. Hoover and Al Smith candidates. Hoover elected by a majority." [11/6/1928]
Labor: "I went to a meeting of the Welling Workers." [12/14/1912] "Strike on the electric cars. Cars run about once an hour past the house. No cars on most of the lines." [7/15/1915], "Telephone operators went on strike." [6/26/1923]
Progress: "They laid gas pipes past the house." [9/15/1912], "Carrie bought a suction vacuum sweeper." [4/5/1913] "We rode in a 'jitney'" [4/16/1915], "We cleaned rugs with an electric vacuum cleaner." [3/8/1921], "The men worked putting in additional electric lights." [5/23/1921], "Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Jewell, Mrs. Bliss and myself to Broadway Six Corners. Opening of Narragansett Electric Co. rooms (store)." [12/27/1925]
Arts and culture: "Edith and I went down the street in the afternoon and to an entertainment at the new town hall East Providence in the evening." [1/31/1911], painting lessons each week, "Mrs. Holt, Carrie and I went to the Talma Theatre to the Negro Minstrels. Edith C. took part." [2/18/1911], "Artie came out and brought me a book Scenes from Every Land as a birthday present." [½0/1912], "Jessie Pearce and I went to the Providence Opera House and saw the moving pictures of Captain Scott's expedition." [5/2/1913], "Carrie and I went to Providence to the moving pictures of Bible scenes." [3/7/1915], "Went to Broadway to see the religious drama 'The Rock'." [4/23/1922], "Arthur showed his stereoptican slides of pictures he took while abroad." [8/30/1923 notations], "We listened to President Coolidge's address in New York broadcasted by WJAR on the radio." [4/22/1924], "We listened in on the dedication of the music temple at Roger Williams Park." [9/21/1924]
Travel: Trips to Pittsfield New Hampshire 9/1/1911-10/21/1911, 4/6/1912-4/18/1912, 8/26/1913-9/30/1913, "Alice Potter and I went by trolley to Taunton and Fall River and got dinner at Dighton Rock Park." [8/29/1912], "I went to Seacommet with the Hope and Riverside Congregational Sunday Schools." [7/22/1913], "I went to Newport with the Willing Helpers. Went by trolley to Bristol ferry. Came back by boat." [7/30/1913], Edith went to visit her friend Dr. Frost and his family in the Boston area from 6/6/1922-6/16/1922, "Arthur went to New York to start tomorrow on his journey around the world." [½1/1923], "Arthur started today for Canada, Seattle and Alaska." [6/28/1925], "Charlie Brightman took me to ride. Attleboro, Taunton, Fall River, Dighton, Warren, Touissett and home. Over 60 miles." [8/15/1925], "Went to see Theo and the boys at Lakeville." [7/9/1927-7/17/1927], "Herbert came and carried Carrie and I down to Highland Beach to stay for a few days." [8/26/1928], "Hal came, took Richard, Theo and I and Jiggs to ride down to Wickford. We had ice cream at E. Greenwich." [8/29/1928]
Geographical and architectural: They began to take down Vanity Fair." [3/29/1911], "Rode partly through the 'Parkway'. A very pleasant time." [8/1/1911], "I went on an outing with the ladies of the Hope Congregational Church. We got a shore dinner at Slocum's and then to Rocky Point." [8/15/1912], "Emma Meril came out and we walked over the grove and into Vanity Fair." [8/30/1912], "Hal went to the rifle range and Theo and the boys rode as far as Hunt's Mills." [9/9/1914], "Belle Horton, Carrie, Theo, Francis, Richard, Jennie and I went to Crescent Park. I got very tired." [8/23/1921], "I went to the city to the Arcade. Got some cards and ribbons." [2/13/1924], "We drove as far as Rocky Point. We drove through it." [7/10/1927]
Organizations: Edith belongs to numerous organizations such as: E.O.W.: "Carrie and I acted as hostesses at the Pure Food Exposition for E.O.W. club." [2/28/1912], "Mr. Lauden carried Mrs. Lauden and Mrs. Bliss and I to Mrs. Adams' to the E.O.W. club. Mr. and Mrs. Collins brought us back. I arranged the program. Miss Eals spoke on Red Cross work and Mrs. L. sang." [3/30/1928], Home Missionary Society: "Carrie went to the missionary meeting at the parsonage society. They disbanded and formed a new society 'The Woman's Mission Circle'." [4/6/1911],"I have a paper to write for the Mission Circle for January 3." [12/26/1911] Federation of Churches, Needlework Guild, Associated Charities (elected Second Vice President 2/13/1928), The Martha Washington Guild: "The Martha Washington Guild had a rummage sale at Broadway and Six Corners. I went up and helped." [9/27/1912], Home Mission Board, East Providence Nursing Association: "I was at Payne's drugstore all day as it is the headquarters for the East Providence District Nursing Association Campaign." [5/17/1913], WCTU, Providence Association, Foreign Missionary Society, Local Council of Women, The Willing Helpers:
" The Willing Helpers gave a chicken pie supper in the vestry. Over 80 there probably. Chicken pie gave out." [10/13/1915], Lyon Tabernacle, Ladies' Sewing Circle, Ladies' Auxiliary, E.P.B.N.W Guild
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1128
Collection title: Armington Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, folder 13
Size: Mostly 5" x 3"
Condition: Excellent condition
Graphic content: Newspaper clipping pasted into space for August 15, 1912
Provenance: 2003. 74. 1. 1-, gift of Albert Armington
Cataloged by Robin Alario, April 2004
Bibliography:
Armington Family in America, Vol. 1
East Providence City Directories
1860 U.S. Federal Census image from Ancestry.com
Notes on the Theodora G. (Bowen) Armington Diary
Entries dated 1886 to 1900
Biographical:
Name at birth: Bowen, Theodora Greene
Name after marriage: Armington, Theodora G. (Bowen)
Birthdate and place: December 13, 1877 in Lewiston, ME
Death date and place: December 15, 1967 in Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 9 - 23
Residence during diary: 15 Sycamore Street, Providence, RI until 1889 when they move to a brand new house at 27 Sycamore Street.
Places written: Providence, RI
Biographical note: Theodora Bowen was born in Maine. Her parents were both born in Rhode Island but as her father was a Baptist minister they lived in Maine for a couple of years during the late 1870s to the early 1880s. He was serving a congregation in Lewiston, Maine. Theodora grew up primarily in Providence. She attended Miss Emerson's Boarding School in Boston for one year during 1896-1897. Theodora also attended Brown University from 1897 through at least the spring of 1900. She married Herbert Hamlin Armington and they lived in Providence for most of their lives.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Upper class
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 113
Exact dates: December 13, 1886 to December 2, 1900
Frequency of entries: Several times a year, mostly on the major holidays or for a big event in her life.
How was author identified?: Faint inscription on flyleaf "For Theodora" and on 12/2/1900 she states she has just become engaged to Herbert Hamlin Armington.
Brief description: Diary covering the early years of Theodora Bowen's life with good descriptions of holiday celebrations and her thoughts on getting older, 1886-1900.
Writing quality: Clear hand writing.
Utility for research: Very fine descriptions of Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday celebrations.
Family members:
Father's name: William H. Bowen
Father's dates: 1836-1915
Father's occupation: Baptist minister
Mother's name: Jeanette Greene
Mother's dates: 1837-1911
Brothers: Everett A. Bowen married Jennie Stetson
Husband's name: Herbert Hamlin Armington
Husband's dates: 1878-1959
Husband's occupation: Doctor
Marriage date and place: June 25, 1907
Father-in-law's name: Arthur Herbert Armington
Father-in-law's dates: 1853-1940
Father-in-law's occupation: Surveyor and tax assessor for Providence.
Mother-in-law's name: Alice Evelyn "Eva" Stone
Mother-in-law's dates: 1856-1920
Sons: Francis Bowen Armington (1908-1998) married Marion Cline Stanwood; Richard Wickes Armington (1912- ) married Isabelle Frances O'Rourke
Topical content:
Events discussed: She gives a good description every year of her birthday celebrations, Thanksgiving, and Christmas including the presents received and the people who visited. "About quarter past twelve we saw smoke, and then we heard the fire bells ring, and then a little while after mamma came home and told us the Baptist Church was on fire. . ." [1/22/1888]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: Description of the wedding of her brother Everett and Jennie Stetson. [7/2/1895] "Maurice Stetson Bowen arrived this morning at half past seven. The greatest event that has happened in the Bowen family for ages." [6/9/1896] The death of her grandmother "she said to me, 'Be a good girl, do all the good you can and love God.' This was her farewell to me altho' I knew it not then." [6/4/1899] "Became engaged to Herbert Hamlin Armington." [12/2/1900]
Social life: On her tenth birthday she had a party - "Etta had to go first, then the rest of us played we were old maids, that knit and made all sorts of things for other people." [12/13/1887] "Alice brought a book and Etta brought some fancy work so the rest of the afternoon was spent by Alice reading to us while Etta and I worked. . . That night we all slept in one bed in the guest chamber. We laughed and laughed and did not get to sleep until nearly ten." [8/27/1890] "We played Tiddely-Winks before supper and after supper we pulled candy." [12/13/1890] "A few days ago I was invited to go on a sleighing party today . . the sleigh was so full I had to hold a smaller girl on my lap and a good many others had to too. . . In going through Bridgham Street we kept up one continuous noise. Girls, Boys, Men, Women and Children would all fly to their windows, and wave whatever they happened to have in their hand." [1/9/1891]
Aging: "My twelth birthday was very quiet. I did not, to my great surprise, feel any older than I did the day before." [12/13/1889] "Nineteen years old, and what do I amount to in the world anyway? . . I think all sorts of fine thoughts and make fine resolutions but it seems to do no good and I go on doing only those things that are absolutely necessary, wasting a good deal of my time and not growing in mental or spiritual life. As far as I see I might just as well be nine instead of nineteen for all that I am good for." [12/13/1896] "My twentieth birthday. The day that I have been waiting for, for twenty years! My great age (!) or something woke me this morning so that I was able to get down in time for breakfast for the first time in a long time!" [12/13/1897]
School: "A new life has begun for me. I started for Miss Emerson's Boarding School this afternoon at 4.02." [9/30/1896]
Home production: "it snowed all day, and I celebrated the day by finshing my foot stool cover, whitch I have had commenced three years. When I was filling up the spaces with white I called it putting in the snow flakes on a snow day. Anna and I made a may basket too." [4/18/1887]
Labor: Description of their new house being built. [4/25/1889 - 8/12/1889]
Class relations: "I had a cold and therefore did not go to church, but mamma did go. Irene Sanford our girl staid at home with me." [1/22/1888] "We have a new girl and Mamma was obliged to help her get the dinner so Papa and I went to represent the family." [11/27/1890]
Gender relations: Four year old Wayland Chase - "When Mrs. Chase was making the candie Wayland said, Mamma, be sure you make enough for some of those girls have got big mouths." [8/13/1887] "Before dinner the boys played ball and the girls walked around and got flowers - but after dinner the pairing off was enough to make one sick." [5/28/1892] "Had a party of my own . . .nine girls and nine boys. . .First the boys trimmed hats while the girls watched and made fun of them. It was great sport to watch the way the boys put their needle through and the way they matched colors. . . Auntie's mistletoe served its purpose well."[12/29/1893]
Progress: "As the two girls were starting for a concert one evening Isabel said, Don't it look queerly out to-night? In what way? said Margaret. Such a queer light, answered Isabel. Oh, yes, it is the electric light, said Margaret. What are they? asked Isabel. I will show you one when we turn the corner, said Margaret. How black the shadows are, observed Isabel. Yes, said Margaret, and sometimes horse are afraid of them." [11/24/1888] "Five days ag Papa and I went to the Pope Manufacturing Co. and ordered me a Hartford wheel [bicycle]. I took three lessons in their academy and today I took a 'road lesson' at the Park. It was simply elegant and I enjoyed it to its fullest extent. A wheel is something that until lately I never expected to have; but now I have one, and I think I shall enjoy it very much." [6/24/1897]
Geographical and architectural: The family went to Warwick-Neck were they "went down to the shore to look for fossilized ferns. We found a few but not very many. While Everett and Mamma were splitting the rocks open I was running around on the rocks. . " [12/26/1888]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1128
Collection title: Armington Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, folder 14
Size: 3.5" x 6"
Condition: The cover is becoming detached from the text block which is stable but fragile.
Graphic content: none
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.):
Provenance: 2003. 74. 1. 1- , gift of Albert Armington
Cataloged by Lori Salotto
Bibliography:
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Christmas
Diaries, 1886-1900
Thanksgiving Day
Notes on the Sophia (Harris) Babbit Diary
Entries dated 1871 to 1892
Biographical:
Name at birth: Harris, Sophia C.
Name after marriage: Babbitt, Sophia C. (Harris)
Birthdate and place: December 18, 1854, North Providence, RI
Death date and place: September 20, 1928, Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 17 - 38
Residence during diary: Providence, RI
Places written: England, France, Rhode Island
Biographical note: Sophia C. (Harris) was born in North Providence, R.I. to George J. and Sarah H. (Hawes) Harris. She was one of five siblings; a brother died young and a sister died at the age of twenty.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Unknown
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 4
Number of pages: Vo1. 1 - 100; Vol. 2 - 89; Vol. 3. - 231; Vol. 4 - 188
Exact dates: August 11, 1871 - 1873; 1890 - September 26, 1892
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Inside covers of the diaries
Brief description: These four diaries chronicles different periods of time in the life of Sophia Charlotte (Harris) Babbit. Volume one details the life of an upper class seventeen year old. Volumes two and three detail an extended trip to Europe when Sophia was between the ages of seventeen and nineteen. The final volume details the life of Sophia between the ages of 36 and 38.
Writing quality: Fair. Uses no punctuation. Thoughts just run one into another.
Related papers at RIHS: Diaries kept by Sophia's sisters, Alice and Sarah and by her mother, Sarah. Found in Mss 432.
Family members:
Father's name: Harris, George J.
Father's dates: 1805-1870
Mother's name: Harris, Sarah H. (Hawes)
Mother's dates: 1812-1890
Brothers: One brother who died young.
Sisters: Abby Caroline (1837-1907); Alice Frances (1843-1887); Sarah Greene (1844-1865); and Josephine.
Husband's name: Babbitt, Edward Miles
Father-in-law's name: Babbitt, Benjamin Bosworth
Father-in-law's dates: 1827-1888
Father-in-law's occupation: Clergyman in the Episcopal; President of South Carolina State University
Mother-in-law's name: Babbitt, Mary Elizabeth (Eaton)
Mother-in-law's dates: 1831-1879
Sons: George Harris (b. 1883)
Daughters: Sarah H. (b. 1882)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Sisters Abby and Alice; mother Sarah
Topical content:
Religious content: "I went to church all day" [11/26/1871] In France:"Went to the American Church the services were long but it seem very nice to hear an English Sermon..." [9/7/1872] "Took the children to Sunday school and Church" [12/26/1891]
Social life: "played one game of croquet read until ten oclock and then retired heard the band playing this evening and made me think of Taunton" [8/14/1871] "went to Cowesett for the day we had a Clam bake and a lovely time" [7/4/1892] "Took George to Crescent Park we sat on the beach and stayed all afternoon" [8/14/1892]
Family: "I have not written any since my dear Mother went to Taunton...was there one week and three days when she was taken sick I was telegraphed...the Dr. called her trouble fatty degeneration of the heart she suffered much for over two weeks was conscious during the whole time" [10/23/1890]
Childhood: "The children played all day up stairs with their presents" [12/26/1890] "Sarah sick couldn't take her dancing lesson" [12/6/1891]
Health: On a trip to Europe, the diarist was seasick most of the time. [6/29/1872 - 7/9/1872]
School: "Went to school this morning to have our studies arranged I am going to study ? Arith French and music as mother want me to." [9/8/1871]
Home production: "Very busy all day preserved some tomatoes or pickled them" [10/28/1890] "Made George a pair of trousers" [11/11/1890] "Ella and I cleaned the parlor thoroughly before dinner" [8/5/1891] "Washed the dining room windows" [5/2/1891]
Work outside home: "after dinner Mother and I went in the buggy and collected the rent" [9/5/1871]
Fashion: "Mother and H rode in town...to get H a white dress but could not find any to suit I cut out and commenced a pair of drawers" [8/15/1871] "Mother and I went Pawtucket to the town clerks office on business then we went in to one of the stores there and I bought a pair of morning cuffs and corset." [9/6/1871]
Food and drink: In New York City: "we went in saloon got one of the most delicious sherbets that I ever tasted..." [6/28/1872] On board the 'City of Paris' bound for England: "I took some champagne and it made me sick all afternoon." [6/30/1872] "we at last landed safely at Calais took the train there bought a lunch at the station of lemonade sandwiches and oranges we ate it in the car and enjoyed it very much..." [7/26/1872] In France:"for dinner we had 1st soup 2nd delicious fried fish 3rd roast beaf potatoes and lettuce salade with egg 4th Mushrooms on toast with some kind of meat in them 5th white grapes peaches green almonds Chalotte de rouseee and Wine for every course we enjoyed our dinner very much." [8/3/1872]
Labor: "had a woman here to wash paid her $1.00" [5/12/1890] "Paid Mr. Mckay thirty dollars for repairing the house" [10/9/1891] "woman came and washed paid her 75 cents" [5/9/1891]
Gender relations: "saw quite a number of young gentlemen one of whom bowed but we did not think best to return it" [8/22/1871] "saw a splendid looking gentleman coming home he looked a us very hard as we stopped on Dorance St" [8/23/1871] "H and I rode to the ? this morning saw C M to bow to twice and several times after we tried to follow him home but he was so near and walked so slow that we could not get up the spunk to do it" [8/25/1871]
Travel: Three volumes pertaining to travel in Europe [1872-1873] "went to Jaffrey [NH?] for two weeks with the children and Miss Mosher we had a delightful time" [8/28/1891]
Geographical and architectural: "we all took a cab to the houses of Parliament went all through the different rooms the house of Lords and commons then we walked to the gardins of Buckingham Palace.." [7/20/1872] In Switzerland:"At half past eleven this morning mother Mrs. Scovill Alice and Eliza all went to the castle." [10/18/1872]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 432
Collection title: Harris-Hawes Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, folders 10-12
Size: Vol. 1 - 8 x 6 3/4; Vol.2 - 7 x 4 ½; Vol. 3 - 8 3/4 x 7; Vol. 4 - 11 1/4 x 7
Condition: Vol. 1 - Fair, binding is beginning to come apart and several pages torn out at the beginning of the diary; Vol. 2 - Good, one page is torn loose; Vol. 3 - Fair, several loose pages, binding coming undone; Vol. 4 - Poor, binding beginning to disintegrate, many pages loose, and paper brittle.
Graphic content: Vol. 2 - dried flower; Vol. 3. - dried flowers, French newspaper clipping; Vol. 4 - report card
Provenance: 1975. 73. 2. 1-, purchased from Nino D. Scotti.
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, July 2001
Bibliography:
Browne, William Bradford, compiler. The Babbitt Family History, 1643-1900, 611-612, 668. Taunton, Mass.: C.A. Hack & Son, 1912.
Hawes, Raymond Gordon. The Edward Hawes Heirs, 92, 164. Baltimore, MD: Gateway Press, Inc., 1996.
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Diaries, 1871-1873
Diaries, 1890-1892
England - description and travel
Europe - description and travel
France - description and travel
Harris, Abby Caroline (1837-1907)
Harris, Alice Frances (1843-1887)
Harris, George (b.1883)
Harris, Sarah (b. 1882)
Harris, Sarah H. (Hawes) (1812-1890)
Italy - description and travel
Providence, R.I. - social life and customs
Switzerland - description and travel
Notes on the Ellen Bacon Diary
Entries dated 1846 to 1855
Biographical:
Name at birth: Bacon, Ellen
Birthdate and place: September 8, 1827
Death date and place: March 18, 1857, New Haven, Conn.
Age range during diary: 18-28
Residence during diary: New Haven, Conn.
Places written: New Haven, Conn.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Congregationalist
Social class: Upper?
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 44
Exact dates: January 3 1847 - November 1855
Frequency of entries: Very sporadic; only four pages after 1849.
How was author identified?: Frequently refers to herself in the third person as Ellen Bacon; there is only one Ellen Bacon in the appropriate family tree of the proper age.
Writing quality: Excellent; quirky and deeply emotional.
Utility for research: Excellent resource for research on social misfits; too sporadic for any kind of systematic study. No Rhode Island content at all. Her sister's son married into the Rhode Island Hazard family, which is the only connection.
Related papers at RIHS: Bacon Family Papers (MSS 483, sg 54) relating to sister's family.
Family members:
Father's name: Bacon, Nathaniel Almoran
Father's dates: 1798-1870
Mother's name: Selden, Almira
Mother's dates: 1803-1867
Brothers: None
Sisters: Rebecca Bacon (1833-1864); Susan (Bacon) Bacon (1835-1887); others died young.
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Dr. Leonard Bacon (1802-1881), prominent Congregational minister of New Haven, and not a close relation; after Ellen's death, Leonard Bacon's son married Ellen's sister. Grandmother Phebe (Ely) Selden (1766-1853)
Topical content:
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: Death of grandfather [7/5/1849]
Religious content: Long musings on quest for spiritual purity, interspersed with strange expressions of worldliness. "One great reason why I doubt concerning my spiritual welfare is that my thoughts dwell so continually and exclusively upon myself. I am willing to make some small sacrifices for others, but I do not feel for them." [1/20/1846] Frequently mentions the ministry of prominent Congregationalist Dr. Leonard Bacon. Baptised into church 4/26/1846. Taught Sunday School [7/11/1847]
Social life: One of her weird misfit friends: "I went to see the fireworks on the green with Sam Crafts. He is now under arrest for setting a building on fire in Woodbury a year or two since. What a strange fellow he is. He seems wonderfully out with human nature and human beings in general - thinks them so corrupt, so hollow and deceitful, acting from such wrong motives, etc...He has told me some strange things of what has happened in Woodbury pretty recently. I dare not put them down in this book for fear that by some possibility some one might get hold of them someday." [4/29/1847, page 20] "Samuel Crafts is, I suppose, now on the great ocean, on his way to collect some of that great ocean of gold recently discovered in California." [1/27/1849]
Her invalid cousin John "thinks I converse very peculiarly, so very frank, and yet with such decided reserve." [7/8/1847]. Escorted home "having Mr. Montgomery for a beau who as much as acknowledged that he thought it the greatest bore in the world to be obliged to come home with me." [7/9/1847] "Is my life a useful one? Am I doing a particle of good to any living creature? Answer: doubtful, but I will try." [7/10/1847] "Again naughty, bad, discontented Ellen, always naughty and bad and almost always discontented, comes to write in her journal." [7/12/1847] "Ellen is very naughty bad. She must be and do better. Today she has dwelt less on abstractions and seems a little more like the rest of the world." [7/14/1847]
Final depressing entry, in full: "Again Ellen sat by the window writing. My youth is past." [11/1855] She died within eighteen months at the age of 29.
Gender relations: A strange case of voyeurism: "Zamora and Julio. Zamora is a Cuban Spaniard of some twenty years. Julio is a younger man, perhaps sixteen or so. Zamora is very handsome, or at least I think so. They room nearly opposite us in what used to be called the back chamber when Aunty Sarah occupied that house. I discovered Zamora there two or three days ago. We can see them quite plainly from the back parlor window. We peep at them and they know it...That I, a sober minded woman of about twenty four should take any interest in peeping from a window to watch the motions of two foreigners much younger than myself may sound somewhat strange, yet so it is." [8/31, 9/1/1851]
Arts and culture: Recounting the past several months, notes that "my first published poem has also come out during this time." [7/5/1849]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 483, sg 54
Collection title: Bacon Family Papers
Location within the collection: Series 2, box 1, folder 7
Size: 8" x 7"
Condition: Fair; some mold damage
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diaries also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. Microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 1, Reel 1.
Provenance: 1974, gift of John C. Davies or Melville Davey Jr.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety, though not extremely carefully.
Bibliography:
Baldwin, Thomas W. Michael Baldwin of Dedham, 1640, and his Descendants (Cambridge, Mass: 1915) This covers only Ellen's sister's family.
Rogers, Sophie Selden et al. Selden Ancestry: A Family History (Oil City, Penn.: 1931)
Subject headings:
New Haven, Conn. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Betsey (Metcalf) Baker Diary
Entries dated 1798 to 1804
Biographical:
Name at birth: Metcalf, Betsey
Name after marriage: Baker, Betsey (Metcalf)
Birthdate and place: March 29, 1786, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: February 24, 1867, Dedham, Mass.
Age range during diary: 12-18 (actually written at about age 24, discussing earlier events)
Residence during diary: 64 Benefit St., Providence, R.I.; West Dedham, Mass.
Places written: Providence, R.I. ; Dedham, Mass.
Biographical note: Daughter of a successful Providence artisan, she taught herself to braid straw bonnets at age 12, and gained considerable notoriety as the first in America to master this craft. She continued attending school even as she built up a substantial bonnet business. She later taught school in Dedham, Mass. briefly before marrying an man of that town.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Congregationalist [see Joel Metcalf Papers]
Social class: Middle (artisan)
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 12
Exact dates: Covering 1798-1804, but originally written circa 1810 and extracted several decades later.
Frequency of entries: One entry
How was author identified?: Identified on first page.
Brief description: This item is not exactly a diary. It is an extract from a diary, but the part extracted is really just a history of her life prior to the time the diary began. "Memoir" would be a more accurate term. The focus of the entry is mostly on the author's early education, and her early experiences in braiding straw bonnets.
Writing quality: Very good. Direct and frank.
Utility for research: This has long been known as an important resource on bonnet braiding, but could also be used to good effect in studies of education and child labor in general. It is not really a diary, though, as it was written several years after the fact.
Related papers at RIHS: Filed with this journal extract is a letter in Baker's hand dated 1858, discussing almost exclusively her early bonnet business. A small collection of Joel Metcalf Papers (MSS 9001-M) includes her father's account books as a tanner, and a deed to a pew in the Congregational Church he purchased in 1796.
Family members:
Father's name: Metcalf, Joel
Father's dates: 1755-1834
Father's occupation: Tanner and currier, of Providence
Mother's name: Gay, Lucy
Mother's dates: b.1759
Brothers: Jesse Metcalf (1790-1838, father of the prominent manufacturer Jesse Metcalf); Joel Metcalf Jr. (1792-1868); Joseph G. Metcalf (1796-1854); Whiting Metcalf (1799-1856)
Sisters: Katy Metcalf (b.1780); Sophia Metcalf (b.1784) Lucy Metcalf (b.1788); Ruth Metcalf (b.1794)
Husband's name: Baker, Obed
Husband's dates: 1783-1868
Husband's occupation: Of Dedham, Mass.
Marriage date and place: Unknown
Father-in-law's name: Unknown
Mother-in-law's name: Unknown
Sons: Timothy Baker (1813-1890); Dexter Baker (b.1816); possibly others
Daughters: Unknown
Topical content:
Religious content: "I always went to meeting if I was well enough and was learned to sit still, though I think now I did not pay much attention to the preaching or I should not be so ignorant...I used to sit with the singers in the meeting house, which made me more fond of going to public worship." [p.10]
Childhood: At age 12, became supposedly the first American to master the craft of braiding straw bonnets.
School: Retrospective account of author's early schooling: "I was then old enough to write, therefore I was sent to a Men's School, But not having patience enough to be very particular about writing, I was too neglectful and by that means never attained that art... I do not consider that I understand cyphering, for in my opinion a person might do a thousand sums, and yet be ignorant of the first rules of arithmetic..." [pages 1-2]; "My father (who was one of the town council) was always anxious to have public schools. There was great exertions made by some of the opulent citizens of the town to prevent their being established...I continued going to school until I was 17...I then began to see the value in learning and my parents were not willing I should let work take my attention from the studies of the school" [pages 6-7]
Home production: Taught herself to braid straw bonnets at age twelve by copying English work, supposedly the first American ever to master this complex craft. There is a long account of this in the extract. Encouraged by an aunt living in her home; "I never should have persevered had it not been for her, for my mother and sisters thought I was spending my time in a useless manner, though they did not say much about it... My sister then learned and we had considerable of a manufactory... for 2 or 3 years it was very profitable business. I could frequently make 1 dollar per day..." [pages 2-4]
Work outside home: Recruited as a school teacher in 1804 while visiting cousins in Dedham, Mass.: "they being in want of a school mistress persuaded me to stay and teach 4 months. I told them at first I would not undertake, as I was unacquainted with the business, but they insisted on my trying and I finally told them I would stay if my parents were willing... I had about 70 different scholars, though about 40 at a time." [p.11]
Fashion: On the influence of the industrial revolution: "instead of being dressed in the apparel of their own making, they have purchased the vanities of Europe and have brought dress more in fashion when it was quite enough so before." [p.5]
Labor: On the work of braiding bonnets: "It is very injurious to the health, especially to work very steady. We used to do a great deal of business and was always hurried making bonnets." [p. 6]
Gender relations: Ponders whether her introduction of bonnet weaving to America had destroyed the delicate gender balance: "The consequences I fear have been more of an injury than otherwise to the New England states, for girls forsook all other employments such as spinning, weaving and the care of a family, and because they could get more by it continued to persevere, by which means they have neglected a necessary part of a females employment...Gentlemen say that it is almost impossible to get a girl to do housework in the country, they are so engaged in braiding straw." [p.5]
Arts and culture: "My father willing to give us the means, bought a right in the town library. I then began to read History and have read a number of good books. Ancient history was particularly pleasing, but they gave me strange ideas of mankind." [p.9-10]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-B
Collection title: Betsey Metcalf Baker Papers
Size: 8" x 5"
Condition: Good; unbound
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): The diary was published and annotated in Rhode Island History 57:3 (August/November 1997) as part of Jane Lancaster's article, "By the Pens of Females," pages 81-86.
Provenance: Unknown; first cataloged circa 1985.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety.
Bibliography:
Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island (Chicago: J.H. Beers, 1908), vol. 2, p. 790-791. This gives an excellent short biography of Betsey and her Metcalf family.
Dedham and Providence Vital Records
Subject headings:
Handicraft - Rhode Island - Providence
Providence, R.I. - Schools
Schools - Rhode Island - Providence
Straw work - Rhode Island - Providence
Notes on the Mary H. (Riley) Barker Diary
Entries dated 1935 to 1935
Biographical:
Name at birth: Riley, Mary Henchliffe
Name after marriage: Barker, Mary H. (Riley)
Birthdate and place: Circa 1880, England
Death date and place: October 9, 1959 in Pawtucket, RI
Age range during diary: 55
Residence during diary: 46 Greenfield Street, Pawtucket, RI
Places written: Pawtucket, RI
Biographical note: Mary Henchliffe (Riley) Barker was born in England circa 1880, came to the United States in 1910, and then lived in Central Falls and then Pawtucket, RI for most of her life. She married John Godber Barker and had two sons: John Rowland and Kenneth. The family lived at 188 Woodbine in Pawtucket from 1914-1932, when they moved to 46 Greenfield where they lived the rest of their lives. John Rowland inherited the house from his parents and he lived there until his death in 1999. They all participated in the lace and textile trades. John Godber was a lace card puncher as was John Rowland; Kenneth was a weaver.
Ethnicity: English
Religion of diarist: Catholic?
Social class: Working
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 44 pages
Exact dates: April 15, 1935 - May 31, 1935
Frequency of entries: Almost daily
How was author identified?: Several items about the diary suggest that it was written by Mary Henchliffe (Riley) Barker. The diary arrived with 4 other diaries written by her son John Rowland Barker. The diary is clearly not Rowland's, as the handwriting is very different and the entries discuss primarily groceries, laundry, meal preparation and planting flowers, activities which did not interest Rowland in the least. The entries mention both of Mary's sons Kenneth and Rowland and also J.G.B. which would be her husband John Godber Barker.
Brief description: Diary covering one month with brief entries about groceries, laundry, meals and the occasional social activity.
Writing quality: Author simply jots things down in a very informal style, but her handwriting is very clear.
Utility for research: Of limited research value except for the types of food people were buying and preparing in 1935.
Related papers at RIHS: Diaries of her son John Rowland Barker in MSS 1099.
Family members:
Husband's name: John Godber Barker
Husband's dates: died circa 1966
Husband's occupation: Lace card puncher for Bodell Lace Company in Pawtucket, RI
Marriage date and place: c1910
Sons: John Rowland Barker (1914-1999); Kenneth G. Barker (1912-2000)
Daughters: None
Topical content:
Social life: "Went riding 2 oclock till 6 p.m, took Mr. Lyne along, went to Lyne's for supper, had nice time till 10.30 Paid 80¢ for gas and oil" [4/21/1935]
Family: "Kenneth and Rowland recited 'The Lion and Albert' at St. Georges Church." [4/25/1935]
Work outside home: "Another lace machine came making the second to arrive." [5/6/1935]
Food and drink: Many of the entries include what groceries she bought and how much they cost and also the items she prepared for meals. "cooked leg of lamb, turned out splendiferous, Kenneth made Junket and Kremel Had wonderful supper at Minnies pie was a wow, boiled ham a wow, chips and spinach, coffee." [4/22/1935]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1099
Collection title: John Rowland Barker (1914-1999) Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, folder 18
Size: 6" x 3.5"
Condition: good
Provenance: 2002. 85. 1, purchased from Dennis Irvine
Cataloged by Karen Eberhart, September 2002
Bibliography:
1930 U.S. Census, Rhode Island E.D. 247, page 19B
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1935
Pawtucket, RI - Social life and customs
Notes on the Emeline M. (Eames) Barstow Diary
Entries dated 1836 to 1839
Biographical:
Name at birth: Eames, Emeline M.
Name after marriage: Barstow, Emeline M. (Eames)
Birthdate and place: February 20, 1813, Dedham, Mass.
Death date and place: November 15, 1900, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 23-26
Residence during diary: 11 High St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Congregationalist
Social class: Middle - upper?
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 53
Exact dates: June 26 1836 - April 7 1839
Frequency of entries: Very sporadic
How was author identified?: Part of Barstow family papers; mentions third wedding anniversary on 5/28/1837, and 24th birthday on 2/20/1837.
Brief description: Spiritual diary of young Providence wife.
Writing quality: Very good in its own limited genre.
Utility for research: Probably of little interest except as a document of great religious faith.
Related papers at RIHS: Amos C. Barstow Family Papers include scattered correspondence of her husband and children, as well as two memoranda books filled with poems and quotations from her friends (one of these books shares space with the diary).
Family members:
Father's name: Eames, James
Father's dates: Stove manufacturer, Providence, R.I.
Father's occupation: 1788-1865
Mother's name: Mumford, Sarah
Mother's dates: 1789-1885
Brothers: Eames, James H. (1814-1877); possibly others.
Sisters: Joanna (Eames) Barstow (1822-1906); possibly others
Husband's name: Barstow, Amos C.
Husband's dates: 1813-1894
Husband's occupation: Stove manufacturer, Providence, R.I.
Marriage date and place: May 28, 1834, Providence, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: Barstow, Nathaniel
Father-in-law's dates: 1788-1849
Father-in-law's occupation: Unknown
Mother-in-law's name: Chaffee, Sophia
Mother-in-law's dates: d.1817
Sons: George E. Barstow (b.1849)
Daughters: Sarah S. (Barstow) Thomas (1839-1901); Emeline E. (Barstow) Bradford (1840-1937); Mary L. (Barstow) Cooke (1842-1919); Martha M. (Barstow) Cutler (1844-1873); Anna J. (Barstow) Bartlett (1846-1923)
Topical content:
Religious content: This diary consists almost entirety of spiritual musings on the judgement day, guilt, woe and unworthiness before the Heavenly Father. In fact, everything dealing with the material world has been extracted below.
Musings on Catholicism: "Sitting near my window I have just espied a cross on the top of a Roman Catholic church, but recently erected, which has produced solemn, and afflicting reflections in my mind. While it reminds me of the heart-rending scenes of cavalry, it causes me to feel as though in this instance it is raised in solemn mockery toward heaven by a people, who pay greater homage to the mother of my Lord than to himself, which is forbidden by the holy scriptures..." [11/12/1837]
Mentions membership in the High Street Foreign Missionary Society [12/21/1837], presumably of High Street Congregational Church.
Social life: Long description of "the mournful intelligence of the death of one of the school associates of my early childhood. Mournful indeed because she left no evidence that she was a child of God, an heir of Heaven." Friend not named, but details of her life are discussed.[2/19/1837]
Marriage: "Today is the third anniversary of my marriage. The time since that memorable eve in which my plighted vows to be a faithful, and affectionate wife were made, have fled swiftly, and imperceptibly away. O how I lament my unfaithfulness in the performance of the duties, which this sacred relation devolved upon me. Although I had a sufficient time I grieve that I entered, as I fear too many do without due consideration upon this holy relation. My cup since then like any other of human happiness has been one of alloy..." [5/28/1837]
Health: "Ill health and bad weather detain me from the house of the Lord today." [1/15/1837]. debates whether languor of spirit is due to "the diseased state of my bodily frame" or "a true record of the state of my heart." [5/21/1837]. "It is now more than three years since I enjoyed health and have been a stranger to it and the comforts it bears on its wings." [9/7/1837]. "More than six months I have been deprived the blessed privilege of visiting the house of God." [12/3/1837] Expresses gratitude for "my restoration to health (to so great a degree) which to all human appearance a year since I had not much reason to expect." [4/7/1839]
Travel: Trip up the Hudson River, N.Y. [7/14/1836-8/7/1836] with some description of river scenery. "On the eastern bank is Singsing the place where the State-prison is located. A view of this place is calculated to produce feelings of sadness in a reflecting mind." [7/15/1836]. Thence to Saratoga; "we left not supposing the springs would have any salutary effect upon my health, and if not it would not be for the glory of God to prolong the stay." [7/31/1836]. Next to Ashford, Conn., her childhood home, "the place of many of my own childish sports and amusements". [7/31/1836]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 284
Collection title: Amos C. Barstow Family Papers
Location within the collection:
Size: 8" x 7"
Condition: Poor; binding almost completely disintegrated, though pages are fair.
Provenance: 1976. 122. 1-, gift of Alison Connor, probably from estate of Grace (Barstow) Murphy, the author's granddaughter who owned the collection through at least 1964.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Skimmed carefully and extracted all non-religious content.
Bibliography:
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Providence city directories
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1836-1839
Notes on the Grace M. (Palmer) Barstow Diary
Entries dated 1873 to 1907
Biographical:
Name at birth: Palmer, Grace Mason
Name after marriage: Barstow, Grace M. (Palmer)
Birthdate and place: March 2, 1850, Newark, N.Y.
Death date and place: October 29, 1933, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 23-27 and 56
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I.; at the corner of Waterman and Cooke Streets while with parents, and at 224 Angell St. after marriage.
Places written: 1873-1875: Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Austro-Hungary, Germany.
1906-1907: Geneva, Switzerland
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper?
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 3
Number of pages: 178, 55, 38
Exact dates: July 19 1873 - February 18 1875; December 31 1906 - January 12 1907 (this last part was written in dictation to daughter)
Frequency of entries: Regular
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: 1873-1875: Travels through Europe with Aunt Amelia and "Uncle A."
Writing quality: Fairly good
Utility for research: An average travel diary, without much personal content.
Related papers at RIHS: Amos C. Barstow Family Papers include miscellaneous family correspondence and diary of daughter.
Family members:
Father's name: Palmer, John Barstow
Father's dates: 1819-1868
Father's occupation: Jeweler of Providence, R.I.; died of "insanity".
Mother's name: Mason, Mary P.
Mother's dates: 1820-1898
Brothers: Unknown
Sisters: Leila B. Palmer (1856-1904)
Husband's name: Barstow, Amos C. Jr.
Husband's dates: 1848-1903
Husband's occupation: Stove manufacturer, Providence, R.I.
Marriage date and place: June 27, 1876, Providence, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: Barstow, Amos C.
Father-in-law's dates: 1813-1894
Father-in-law's occupation: Stove manufacturer, Providence
Mother-in-law's name: Eames, Emeline M.
Mother-in-law's dates: 1813-1900
Sons: John P. Barstow (1880-1937); Amos C. Barstow III (1877-1879); possibly others
Daughters: Grace E. (Barstow) Murphy (1888-1975); Mary M. (Barstow) Guernsey (1879-1967); possibly others
Topical content:
Marriage: "Letters today! They contained the astonishing news of Harris Metcalf's elopement and Edith Burgess's marriage and divorce from James Littlefield." [1/4/1907]
Class relations: On visiting a church in Venice: "The church was full of poor people, who crowd into churches as the one place of comfort and happiness. Poor things, it is all they have. So many poor miserable people almost makes one's heart ache." [11/16/1873]
Travel: Very long European vacation with aunt and uncle. Fairly detailed description of sights, but less personal insight.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 284
Collection title: Amos C. Barstow Family Papers
Size: Various
Condition: Fair; bindings loose
Provenance: 1976. 122. 1-, gift of Alison Connor, probably from estate of Grace (Barstow) Murphy, the author's daughter who owned the collection through at least 1964.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Only skimmed.
Bibliography:
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Providence city directories
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1873-1907
Europe - Description and travel
Notes on the Miriam G. Macomber Diary
Entries dated 1932 to 1932
Biographical:
Name at birth: Macomber, Miriam G.
Name after marriage: Battey, Miriam G. (Macomber)
Birthdate and place: February 8, 1910
Death date and place: January 1996, gravestone in Coventry, RI
Age range during diary: 21 - 22
Residence during diary: Providence R.I. (address unknown)
Places written: Providence, RI; Old Orchard Beach, ME; New York City
Biographical note: Spent earliest years in Providence, moved to Attleboro, Mass. with family by 1920, and then to Maine circa 1925. By 1931, returned to Providence to attend Rhode Island School of Design, dropped out in 1932, and worked as a jewelry designer. In 1937, married Walter M. Battey, a waiter at the Majestic Spa and later the Burns-Pullman Diner in Providence. He later served in World War II and died in 1957. Miriam died in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, where her parents had run a cabin rental business.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 183
Exact dates: January 1 - December 31 1932
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed inside front cover; SSDI data matches 22nd birthday entry on February 8 1932.
Brief description: Lively account of the social and working life of a young single woman working as a jewelry designer in Providence in the early part of the Great Depression.
Writing quality: Generally good, though some entries are very short.
Related papers at RIHS: None
Family members:
Father's name: Macomber, Leonard A.
Father's dates: 1884-1943
Father's occupation: Draftsman
Mother's name: Baker, Grace L.
Mother's dates: 1888-1966
Brothers: Chester A. "Chet" Macomber (1912-)
Sisters: None known
Husband's name: Battey, Walter M.
Husband's dates: 1909-1956
Husband's occupation: Waiter
Marriage date and place: January 30, 1937 in Providence
Sons: None?
Daughters: None?
Other persons frequently mentioned: Two regular beaus were Richard "Bucky" Burgess (b.12/27, possibly the Richard P. Burgess who lived 12/27/1907-4/19/1993) and Stuart J. Jackson (12/28/1903-3/1/1995). "Went with Ev to the supper & speaker at Alumni Hall Pembroke. Mr. Rennie Smith of London (house of Commons). We received a personal invitation from him to visit there. Sat beside him at supper & entertained him no less till it was time for him to speak about Gandi in England. He was great." [2/10/1932]
Topical content:
Religious content: Rarely mentions church. "I went to church at Mathewson St. a wonderful sermon." [2/7/1932] "Went to church. Tonight Sunday School... Then we came home on the six o'clock bus. Some of the Prov. Bible Institute people were on the bus & we sang hymns all the way home. Had a fine time." [4/17/1932] "Read the last part of Genesis." [7/26/1932] "Got up , went to Pawt. to Communion, sat with Grandpa." [11/6/1932]
Social life: Detailed account of social life of busy young woman with wide circle of acquaintances. "We went to the Arcadia to dance. I can't see anything wrong with the place. I sure enjoyed it." [1/9/1932] "Went to the movies with Lill, Buck and Bob & I. Saw 'Freaks' - what a picture!" [2/19/1932] "Went canoeing with Bob Perlie and Mable up on the Ten Mile Lake." [6/28/1932] "Went up to High School with Gladys. After which we came back to Y for Style Show and dance. The very best evening I ever spent with a bunch of girls. Just loads of fun." [10/3/1932]
Family: Attended Aunt Nellie's funeral, mentions several family members. [1/17/1932] For birthday, saw grandfather and other relatives [2/8/1932] Parents and brother came to Rhode Island for Easter [3/26-27/1932] Paid surprise visit on father in Maine for his birthday, 4/30/1932. Family came down for surprise visit 11/12/1932.
Marriage: Possible reference to future husband: "Stopped at Mac's studio and saw Walter & Mac. Found out that Walter has been married a year." [7/22/1932] Her future husband Walter M. Battey was listed in the 1934 Providence directory with a wife named Bernadette.
School: "Went up to the R.I.S.D and gave up school. I feel much better already." [1/4/1932] "Gladys, Marion & I went up to night school... I think I'm going to like it." [10/10/1932] "Chemistry teacher sure is loads of fun. Here's hoping I can learn something." [10/14/1932]
Work outside home: Works, apparently as a jewelry designer. "What a day at the shop. I am tired." [1/9/1932] "Worked hard as usual." [1/11/1932] "Worked - met one of the New York buyers." [1/12/1932] "Worked. A hard day. Took charge of a Boston buyer today. I sure have enough to do." [2/25/1932] "Mr. Hendrickson told me I'd been raised to 35 cents an hour." [4/1/1932] "The surprise of my life. The boss talked to me and is going to place his faith in me & let the others go. Here's hoping I don't fall down on the job." [4/2/1932] "Informed at 5 PM that I was to go to N.Y. at 8 AM Fri. but thank goodness he changed his mind, now I'll go down Sun. night." [4/7/1932] Worked in New York 4/11-4/15/1932. "Worked in Hamm's window all day. What a job." [4/13/1932] Severe sore throat: "Stayed home from work the first time since I started." [5/11/1932] "Worked. Visited Albert Lorsch Co. this afternoon. Mr. Shepard & I had quite a talk." [8/8/1932] [Clinton E. Shepard was the manager of the Providence branch of Lorsch, a precious stones dealer] "Opened a bank account with the Old Stone Bank. I put in $2 to start. That helps to make one feel better." [9/12/1932] "Mr. Corneligia went down to see about taking out a patent on my ring. Oh boy! Here's hoping it." [10/12/1932] "Signed papers for my patent." [10/17/1932] "Had a talk with the boss. The sky sure looks rosy for me. He gave me a fifty dollar check to do with as I please." [11/2/1932] "Mr. Fife was laid off Saturday - what next." [11/28/1932] [Stanton R. Fife, the only male Fife in the 1930 Providence directory, was employed as a designer at Ostby & Barton Co., manufacturing jewelers, and was gone by 1933]
Fashion: "I bought a darling red semi-formal dress to wear at the dance next Friday night. I bought red because S[tuart] likes it on me (oh we girls)." [1/2/1932]
Food and drink: After a RISD dance, "Ken took me to the Blue Moon after for a chicken sandwich." [1/8/1932] After dance, "We went down to Childs' with Lil & Buck. I had crackers & milk. Home about 12:30" [2/17/1932] After dance, "went over to a place the boys call Steve's and we had a sandwich. The radio was going so Bob & I danced." [4/6/1932] "We went with the gang over to the little restaurant on Broad St." [4/20/1932] Went to Child's after dances, 6/9 and 6/11/1932. After dance, "we stopped at Child's & had batter cakes. He bought me the cutest little maple sugar man. Bed 1:30 A.M." [9/7/1932]
Race / ethnicity content: Near Taunton: "Herb and I, Arthur and his girlfriend went to a (I suppose you call it a road house) to dine & dance. Cheap crowd. Didn't like music (colored) but I had a good time just the same." [10/8/1932]
Community: "Wish to great guns I was a little further away from the dance music when I'm trying to sleep." [1/20/1932]
Gender relations: Begins diary in romance with Stuart J. Jackson. Several of her January entries regarding Stuart are annotated with entries like "Bunk, 3/8/1932", suggesting that she changed her mind about him. Other entries are crossed out. "Why do I just wait for Stuart to call when I know perfectly well the very best thing for me is to tell him to go right straight to the dickens?" [1/22/1932] "Stuart called just after Bob came Friday. It certainly sounded like sour grapes to me. Said he was very much pleased with my choice of his successor." [2/12/1932] "Bob hasn't called for three days. I guess he was peeved alright. I am so tired. Why can't people be decent instead of ruffling everyone up over the littlest things that don't amount to anything." [2/27/1932] Bob's 24th birthday [3/3/1932] "I still can't put J.E.H. out of my heart 4 years now. I guess I never will. It doesn't seem so long ago. What a wonderful summer that was." [3/11/1932] "The last Wednesday night dance with Bob for She comes back next Wednesday. Darn!" [4/20/1932] Beau for May was named Bill. "Decided the last time for Bill." [6/18/1932] "Bill called, wanted me to go swimming, but decided no time like the present to break off." [6/19/1932] "Bill called & asked me to go on a moonlight sail with him Wednesday night but needless to say I said no. Darn! Why was it he that should have to ask me." [7/18/1932] "Went to Taunton with Reynolds and had supper at his house... We came over to Rhodes to dance & I was perfectly horrid to him." [7/30/1932] "Stuart called me & I finely decided to go to the movies with him." [9/9/1932] "Saw a fellow who reminds me of someone. I wonder if I'll get to know him & if so will I like him as well as a certain person???" [10/25/1932]
"Called on Florence [Alden?], found her in bed. She isn't going to have her baby." [4/4/1932]
Progress: "Life is just one darn thing after another & I sometimes think after all it doesn't amount to very much." [1/15/1932] "Got in at one AM. What a life. I love it though. I really do enjoy living life." [2/11/1932] "Worked hard all day. What a life. All I want to do is sleep. I never use to like sleep better than going places but I sure do now." [7/27/1932]
Arts and culture: "We went to the Paramount and saw the Four Marx Brothers in 'Horsefeathers.' Fairly good." [8/24/1932] In NY, "went to Paramount, saw Maurice Chevalier in person." [11/13/1932]
Travel: In New York City on business trips 4/10-4/15/1932, and 11/13-11/20/1932. Old Orchard Beach, Maine 4/30/1932, 5/28-5/30/1932, 7/2-7/17/1932, 8/13-8/14/1932, 11/23-11/27/1932, 12/24-12/26/1932.
Geographical and architectural: "Ev and I got up around 1/4 of 1 AM to go up on the roof to see what the fire on the next corner looked like. We had beer up on the roof before retiring. It was great night." [7/24/1932]
Organizations: "I was initiated into the Korine Klub but I'm not crazy about it." [3/25/1932]. Involved in theater - elected assistant prop mistress of the Rehearsal Club, 6/6/1932.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-M
Collection title: Miriam G. Macomber Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 7" x 5"
Condition: Excellent
Graphic content: None
Provenance: 2002. 49, purchased from William Ayer
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, July 2002
Bibliography:
Providence directories
Rhode Island Cemetery Index
Rhode Island marriage index, 1936-1940
Social Security Death Index
1920 U.S. Census, Massachusetts E.D. 3, page 12 (Macomber family)
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1932
Jewelry trade - Rhode Island - Providence
Maine - Social life and customs
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Julia A. Rider Diary
Entries dated 1869 to 1870
Biographical:
Name at birth: Rider, Julia A.
Name after marriage: Bayles, Julia (Rider)
Birthdate and place: October 10, 1848, in Dennis, MA
Death date and place: Before 1880
Age range during diary: 20 - 21
Residence during diary: Newport RI; Dennis?, Cape Cod, MA
Places written: Newport, Cape Cod
Biographical note: Julia begins writing the diary while she is living in Newport, RI. In February she moves with the rest of the family to another home in Cape Cod. Their house in Cape Cod is somewhere near Harwich and Dennis, Massachusetts. Julia teaches at a local school and also gives private music lessons. When she is not instructing, Julia spends time sewing and visiting with friends and relatives. She married shortly after this diary was written, and had died by 1880.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 132
Exact dates: January 1, 1869 to January 1, 1870
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Diary signed by author
Brief description: Diary of a young woman living in Newport, RI and Cape Cod, MA for the year 1869.
Writing quality: Writes in terse phrases without emotion or introspection. Handwriting is fairly legible.
Utility for research: Julia mostly lists who she visits or is visited by and the things she does each day. While she touches upon many interesting topics, Julia rarely does more than name them. The shopping list at the end is interesting, and a reader certainly gets a sense of what her daily schedule might have been, but gets very little idea about what she thought or felt.
Family members:
Father's name: Herman Rider
Father's dates: September 7, 1824 to 1898
Father's occupation: Mariner
Mother's name: 1) Julia Ann Kelley 2)Sophia R. Kelley: According to one source, Julia Rider is the daughter of Julia Ann Kelley and Herman Rider. Julia Ann Kelley died one year after Julia Rider's birth, and Herman soon thereafter married Sophia Kelley. When "mother" is mentioned in the diary it most likely refers to Sophia.
Mother's dates: 1) 1831-1849. 2) 1833-1917
Sisters: Susan A. Rider b. April 29, 1857, Newport RI.
Husband's name: G. Frank Bayles
Husband's dates: c1846-a1920
Husband's occupation: Grocer
Marriage date and place: December 6 1870
Father-in-law's name: James M. Bayles
Father-in-law's dates: c1815-
Father-in-law's occupation: Shipbuilder
Daughters: Charlotte Bayles? (listed living with G. Frank Bayles in Brookhaven New York in the 1920 census, but not with him in 1880)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Mary Carr, Lizzie Sherman, Myrna Allen, Laura Mumford, Mary Baily, Mr. and Mrs. Barrows, Laura and Emma White, Sophie, Mr. Thayers, Charlie Chase, Aunt Louise, the Bakers, Mary Chapman, Aunt Olive and Uncle Edward, Uncle Evan and Aunt Ruth, Annie and Everett, Phobe and Edwin Robbins, Grandpa Rider, Grandma and Grandpa Kelly, Aunt Joanna and Uncle David. Emma Harden?
Topical content:
Events discussed: "I went up to the Aquidneck to see the velocipedes." [2/12] "Went to the Wickford Clambake." [8/11] "Went to ride to Hyannis...to the race." [9/4] "Went with Jimmie up to Harwich Center to the Temperance Convention" [10/26]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Went to Mrs. J. Bangs? funeral" [3/26] "[Keyiah's?] baby died."[4/9] "Up to Grandma's and to the funeral." [4/11] "Uncle Edward died at noon" [11/27] "Uncle Edward was buried at noon." [11/30] "Received Maria Lincoln's wedding card" [4/27]
Religious content: Julia attends church almost every Sunday and goes to Sunday school. "Went to Mr. Thayer's church in the morning." [1/24] "Went to Central Baptist church in the morning and to the chapel with Mary Carr in the afternoon" [8/8] "Went to High Mass. Catholic church with L. Mumford and M. Carr in the morning. Laura and Emma White spent evening here. Our church caught fire." [1/20].
Social life: Julia Rider's social life seems to have been pretty busy. She visited with friends and family almost daily. She participated in a sewing circle, played croquet, and enjoyed local social events. "Played croquet in the afternoon" [7/12] "Went to beach in the morning." [8/6] "Annie and I went to a social at Ocean Hall" [8/27] "Went to the Atlantic social with David Pinnigar" [2/9] "Went to sewing circle." [11/25] "Went to a chowder party." [12/10]
Family: Julia spends a lot of time with her extended family up in Cape Cod. She often visits her Grandpa Rider and Grandma and Grandpa Kelly [sic] and her many aunts and uncles. She writes to her father regularly while he is away on business. She does not mention any siblings, but records indicate that she had a sister named Susan by 1869. Julia does mention giving "Susie" a music lesson. [5/11] She seems especially close with her Grandmother Kelly [8/21] as she visits with her regularly.
Marriage: There is no mention of her husband nor are the men who call on her noted explicitly as suitors.
Health: Julia does not mention any health problems. She does note when anyone in her family takes ill. "Aunt Louise and baby came down and stayed all night. The sewing circle met here. The baby taken with sick with the croup." [12/2] "Mother taken sick." [4/21] "Was weighed - 128 lbs." [9/7] "Went to a lecture on health." [3/3]
School: Julia was a teacher although she does not mention what level of school she teaches. She also gave private music lessons. "Began teaching school." [3/29] "I went with the school on a picnic over to Bellesneck woods." [6/18] "Gave Emma a music lesson. No school." [7/5]
Home production: The last couple of pages of the diary are devoted to Julia's purchases. She records what she bought and how much it cost: "yarn and crayon - 28 cents, 1 pair boots - 3.00..." Julia was a productive sewer and was often working on clothes for herself or family members. "Finished my white dress this morning" [9/7] "Commenced mother's dress, made and cut the skirt." [1/13] "Grandma and I baked for Thanksgiving." [11/17]
Work outside home: Julia Rider was an active member of the Good Templars and attended other community meetings. "Went to Good Templars and was chosen w. secretary." [4/27] "Went to church all day, in the evening to Union meeting at Mr. Thayer's." [1/10] "Sabbath School convention held at our church." [6/23] "Went to lodge in the evening, was installed right supporter, public installation." [11/2]
Fashion: She does not discuss fashion explicitly except in relation to her sewing. "Bought black and yellow necktie for 55 cents." [1/2] "Bought 2 yds braid for plaid dress." [1/1]
Food and drink: "Went to Good Templars. Took some ice cream." [6/8] "Had our pig killed. Grandma K and K were her to dinner." [11/13]
Community: Julia seems to have been pretty involved in the church and masonic communities of which she was a part. She regularly goes to church, meeting, and lodge.
Gender relations: Julia does seem popular with the gentlemen and enjoys their company and receiving their gifts. "Sam Baker called here, gave me his picture" [7/16] "Received ring from C. Lothrup" [10/11]
Progress: "Went up and had a picture taken in the morning. 75 cents." [1/21] "Had four little pictures taken for 65 cents." [1/22] "I went up to the Aquidneck to see the velocipedes." [2/12]
Arts and culture: "Read a piece entitled 'Pleasures of the imagination.'" [11/9] "Read a piece entitled 'Meditation.'" [7/6] "Went to the Good Templars and read Shakespeare's 'Wolsey'" [4/6] "Took John Halifax's 'Gentleman' out of the library." [1/8]
Travel: Her parents traveled to New York on several occasions and her father seemed to have regular business there. "Went to Providence with Sophie and Marie Carr." [8/3]
Organizations: Good Templars, Union, lodge. "Went to Masonic installation in the evening." [1/5]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-R
Collection title: Julia A. Rider Diary
Size: 5" x 3"
Condition: Good condition. The cover is in good shape, and a few of the pages are loose. Nearly all the writing is in pencil and in a couple instances the writing is very light.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): This is a small manufactured pocket diary. It has a blank space for every day of the year 1869. The front pages include a calendar, a chart revealing distance and time by rail to various cities from New York, and rates of postage. The rest of the diary consists of 3 spaces per page, each space being a separate day.
Provenance: 2002. 13, purchased from Joellen McNamara
Cataloged by Andrew Kerr, December 2002
Bibliography:
1880 U.S. Census, New York E.D. 313, page 40
Subject headings:
Cape Cod, MA - social life and customs
Diaries - 1869
Newport, RI - social life and customs
Notes on the Madeleine Bengston Diaries
Entries dated 1931 to 1944
Biographical:
Name at birth: Bengston, Madeline
Birthdate and place: 1907
Death date and place: 1996
Age range during diary: 23-24, 27-37
Residence during diary: East Greenwich, R.I.
Places written: East Greenwich, R.I.
Biographical note: Graduated from the East Greenwich Academy in 1925, and then was employed at the Rhode Island Insurance Company for fifteen years before being laid off in 1940. She never married. Swedish-American woman, lived with parents and worked as secretary. Active in church affairs.
Ethnicity: Swedish-American
Religion of diarist: Swedish Lutheran?
Social class: Middle - working
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 3
Number of pages: 122, 365, 365
Exact dates: Complete for 1931, and 1935 to 1944.
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Donated by the executor of her estate; the content fits the known facts of her life.
Brief description: Diaries of Swedish-American secretary.
Writing quality: Very plain and unemotional.
Utility for research: Documents working women, World War II, Swedish-Americans, religious life and the Depression. Unfortunately, the writing is not very lively, but this is still a very good resource.
Related papers at RIHS: Madeline Bengston Family Papers (MSS 994)
Family members:
Father's name: Bengston, John Albert
Father's dates: 1865-1944
Mother's name: Olson, Alma K.
Mother's dates: 1871-1946
Brothers: None?
Sisters: None?
Husband's name: None
Topical content:
Events discussed: On day of attack on Pearl Harbor: "Went to Sunday School in the morning and evening. Addressed my Christmas cards in the afternoon." [12/7/1941]. Not much mention of war, except occasional excursions to U.S.O. "Went down to the Eldredge School in the evening to help register people for gasoline." [7/10/1942]. "Went down to the town hall in the evening to have our pictures taken for the Air Raid wardens." [8/13/1942]
Religious content: Very active in church. Cataloging books for church library, member of Young Peoples Meeting, etc., Sunday School teacher [1/1931]
Social life: Visits from church friends.
Family: Living with parents; occasionally sees other relatives. [See 6/5/1938]. Visit from Lars Olson and others; "Ma hasn't seen her brother in 43 years. Very nice." [7/29/1939] Father's birthdays, December 4; mother's on November 5.
Marriage: "Pa and Ma's wedding anniversary. They have been married 40 years." [5/28/1944]
Aging: Living with aging parents. Father broke hip [9/15/1944] and died soon after [10/4/1944]
School: Attending teacher training classes, presumably for Sunday School [1-2/1931]. Taking stenography course at East Greenwich Academy [3/1935]
Home production: Often notes "Helped Ma with the work" , which is never described. Family took in lodger, Long Island native and Quonset Point worker Norman Byrne. [10/29/1940] "Mr. Hauptmann, our roomer, came home tonight." [12/22/1941]
Work outside home: Worked for the Rhode Island Insurance Company for 15 years, apparently as a clerk or secretary. Diary scarcely alludes to work, other than sometimes the means of transportation home: early train, late train or bus. Apparently had one Saturday a month off, which is noted. Laid off without warning one day: "Went to work, got there on time. Received bad news, was laid off, because of reduction in force, due to merger of the Rhode Island & Merchants Ins. Cos. Worked half a day." [2/15/1940] The lay-off letter is preserved in the collection, and is a remarkable example of false corporate concern. The diaries mention the job search almost every day for the next few months. After six months, "Had a call to go to Apponaug Co. to see Mr. Williams regarding work. Got a temporary position & am starting work Monday." [8/23/1940]. Search continued. Practiced typing for three straight days and took Civil Service exam as a typist [9/18-21/1940]. Seems to have worked steadily after this date, but hard to tell where. "Had a party at the office. The company gave us $25.00 as a bonus (it included a $18.75 war bond." [12/23/1944]
Fashion: Rarely mentioned clothes. "I bought a new black winter coat with silver fox, $76.95." [11/21/1942]
Food and drink: "Went up to Carlton Restaurant in Prov at night to Young Peoples Banquet." [3/23/1935] At a hamburger roast at Goddard Park [7/24/1939]. Dinner at Shore Acres with mother and Charlie Nelson [8/9/1942].
Race / ethnicity content: Good sense of community among Swedish-American; all friends have Swedish names. Active in Swedish church affairs.
Labor: "Went in at the telephone exchange and watched the operators. Virginia Kelly asked me to come in and see them." [6/3/1938]
Arts and culture: "Went up to Providence in the morning to sing over the air (choir) (Swedish Radio Service)." [3/17/1935]. Played in church string band [5/18/1937]
Travel: Trip to Wilmington, Del., Philadelphia and Washington D.C. with friend Alice Johnson. Saw mainly Swedish church and historical sights. "Tired but have seen a lot and spent lots of money. The total trip cost $80.32." [6/25 - 7/7/1938] To church conference in Forestville, Conn. [7/1/1939]
Organizations: Spoke at the Young People's Meeting on "The Life of a Christian", presumably at her church [1/25/1931]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 994
Collection title: Madeline Bengston Family Papers
Location within the collection:
Size: 3" x 2" and 6" x 5"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1996. 73. 1. 1-, gift of Adolph N. Anderson Jr., executor of her estate.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read only 1-2/1931, 3/1935, 4/1936, 5/1937, 6/1938, 7/1939, 2/1940, 8-10/1940, 12/1941, most of 1942, 10/1944, 12/1944
Bibliography:
Evidence gleaned from diaries and other papers in collection.
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1931-1944
East Greenwich, R.I. - Social life and customs
Swedish-Americans - Rhode Island
Notes on the Rowena (MacLellan) Blaine Diary
Entries dated 1905 to 1965
Biographical:
Name at birth: MacLellan, Rowena
Name after marriage: Blaine, Rowena (MacLellan)
Birthdate and place: December 27, 1886 in Newport, RI
Death date and place: April 1965 in Newport, RI
Age range during diary: 19 - 79
Residence during diary: 3 Fowler Ave., Newport, RI and 51 Friendship St., Newport, RI
Places written: Newport, RI
Biographical note: Rowena was born and lived her whole life in Newport, RI. She was a 1909 graduate of Rhode Island Normal School and taught in the Newport school system until her marriage in 1918 and then returned to teaching in the fall of 1954. During the intervening years she was a housewife, mother and also worked in her husband's jewelry store. Joseph Blaine died in 1953 and the family sold the business. Rowena's sister Janet lived with her from 1940 until Janet's death in 1959.
Ethnicity: Scottish-American
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 17
Number of pages: 12 volumes for 1913-1965 with about 400 pages each; 1963 diary has 128; 1905 has 22; 1907 has 29; 1908 has 96
Exact dates: June 26 1905 - April 17 1965
Frequency of entries: Daily at times interspersed with sporadic gaps.
How was author identified?: Diaries signed by the author.
Brief description: Diary of a Newport, RI resident describing the events of her life from age 19 to her death at the age of 79.
Writing quality: Her penmanship is generally quite clear and easy to read.
Utility for research: Does not write at length about major social or historical events nor does she give many insights into her emotional life. The utility of her diaries are as a record of a Newport housewife and of several generations of the Blaine and MacLellan families. She keeps many notes on the births, deaths and connections between members of the extended families. She is in many ways an average woman of her generation. She teaches until she gets married and then raises a family while supporting her husband and his jewelry business. She returned to teaching after the death of her husband in 1953.
Related papers at RIHS: Joseph W. Blaine Family Papers
Family members:
Father's name: Alexander MacLellan
Father's dates: 1856-1939
Father's occupation: Gardener
Mother's name: Mary Davies
Mother's dates: 1853-1934
Brothers: Duncan MacLellan (1889-1889); Alexander Davies MacLellan (1891-1955)
Sisters: Janet (Jeanette) never married (1889-1959); Gladys (1894-1921).
Husband's name: Joseph W. Blaine
Husband's dates: 6/8/1875- 3/16/1953
Husband's occupation: Jewelry store owner
Marriage date and place: April 4, 1918
Father-in-law's name: Edwin Carlos Blaine
Father-in-law's dates: 1840-1904
Father-in-law's occupation: Jewelry store owner
Mother-in-law's name: Sarah Penelope Sophia (Carry) Blaine
Mother-in-law's dates: 1849-1879
Sons: Joseph W. Blaine Jr. (1920-1986)
Daughters: Constance Baldwin Blaine (1912-1992) the daughter of Joseph W. Blaine and his first wife Signe Hallborg Blaine (1881-1912)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Joseph (Bill) W. Blaine, Jr.; Janet (aka Jeanette or Judy) MacLellan; Joseph (Joe) W. Blaine Sr.; Florence P. (Salisbury) Dodd - a teacher at the RI Normal School; Myra [Sampson] - student at Normal School.
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Ambassador Von Bernstoff of Germany given his passport. Great excitement." [2/3/1917] "Czar of Russia abdicated throne." [3/16/1917] "All talk of war, seems imminent." [3/22/1917] "Exciting day. Pres. Wilson called extra session of Congress to discuss war - School all day - Exercises at noon outdoors around the flag. . . down st to see bulletin boards - no new news Aztec sunk." [4/2/1917] "Last day for Liberty Bonds & I didn't get mine." [6/14/1917] "Big turn out for soldiers leaving for France." [8/17/1917] "Peace Day! 3:50 A.M. Fire alarm rings as a signal that Germany has signed the armistice. We dress & take Con. down to Wash. Sq. see bonfire and join in singing America. Marseilles, Star Sp - B. & Doxology, watch hastily formed parade pass, then come home & go back to bed till 7:30. Have bkfst. without C. Great excitement in air. C. wakes at 9." [11/11/1918] "News of Japan's attack on us comes about 8:10 Everybody shocked." [12/7/1941]
Religious content: Rowena attends church regularly and sings in the choir, performing solos often. "Solo in a.m. 'Hear my cry, O Lord'" [5/13/1917] "Went to church but skipped Communion." [6/3/1917]
Social life: In 1905 many of her summer days are spent bathing at the beach. "Ma & Janet went down street in the evening & G., A.D, G.A.C., & I played tag until 9 o'clock." [7/3/1905] "In the afternoon went to Mrs Groffs and she took Vera Ackers, Mrs. Baker and I over to the training station where we went aboard the ship captured from the Spanish, and were shown around by a little red-headed fellow named W.S. Roberts. We also saw the 13 inch shot found in the side of the vessel after its capture . . ." [7/13/1905]
Family: "In the evening I ironed my petticoat and was promised when that was done that I could go to Clara's, was whipped & put to bed because I wanted to go. I hate the whole mess except Judy." [7/7/1905] Rowena gives birth to her only son on June 30, 1920. She is speculating about being pregnant in early November of 1919. "Sick with indigestion - up 3 times in night. Wonder again?" [11/4/1919] "I'm not very well in morning but feel better by noon .... Break news gently to Joe. Gone Goose!!" [11/5/1919] The day Rowena and Joe decide that she is pregnant "Retire at 10 - then Joe & I have heart to heart & decide the great event is a reality. Awake most of night. Everybody pleased." [1/11/1920] "Billy born just before 2:45. So glad he's a boy & such a big one - 9lbs. I have 7 stitches & feel fine. Ma here in eve." [6/30/1920] "I have my 1st experience in bathing Sonny. He has infinite patience with my awkwardness, Poor child! Mrs. Harris leaves at 10:30 and the responsibility's on me." [7/14/1920] "Aunt Jeanette gets lost all the time & heads off down cellar." [9/17/1948]
Health: "Jennie's eye cut by Dr. Wheatland successful - very sore yet." [1/19/1914] "
"Dr. Tisdall's at 10 of 5 where he x-rays l. upper wisdom tooth, finds it ulcerated & extracts it - Home on bus with Joe . Show Jane & Joe tooth." [5/12/1947]
Rowena's husband Joe is ill for many months before his death. She writes daily during his illness about his health and special needs and celebrates the small successes. "Joe has normal bowel movement a.m. & p.m. so we can omit enema Hurrah!!!" [10/20/1952] "I slept on couch last night. Joe still breathing, but that's about all. Miss Curran comes. Bed sores still bad. Temp 97." [3/14/1953] "Quiet night until 6 a.m. - make Joe as comfortable as possible...Have my hair done at Reagan's...Mrs. Smith, nurse comes a.m. & p.m. to check-Joe's pulse hardly detectable - she doesn't try to turn him - his breathing very labored & quick. Mrs. Smith takes me to City hall to pay tax - I pay gas bill & get my shoes - Myrt brings me home. Joe still breathing same - he passes away about 7.14 p.m. we wait & finally call Hambly who comes. I get Bill about midnight. Ian Caleb & other friends."[3/16/1953]
"Good Fri. Wake at 2.30 a.m. Wind & rain. I get up & take my pillow & bug lite & make my way down the stairs looking for couch. It is gone! I wander around but can't find anything, so lie down on floor by table & go to sleep. Mr. Z. finds me & calls Mrs. Z. he takes me up stairs & I get into bed. He nails both windows. I get dressed after bath by Elsie. Dinner, go for walks see 1st dandelion bloom & a squirrel." [4/16/1965]
School: She attends the Rhode Island Normal School to become a teacher. "Invited to become a member of Theta Phi" [11/6/907] "Got my report card & was thoroughly ashamed of it; did not show it at home." [4/3/1908]
Home production: She mentions doing some housework in nearly every entry. "Janet cold & blue all day. I do dishes 3 times, vac dining room rug, clean toilet, radiator covers, etc. After Bill Coffey comes for washing machine gets grease over everything - out by 5:30. Tea kettle shows up - Hurrah!" [10/19/1948] "Ice box leaking; pull it to pieces - leave ice out overnight." [10/22/19148] "Sewed on my kimona." [6/24/1913]
Work outside home: "Worked at the office all morning for Maysie 50¢" [7/27/1905] "This afternoon at two o'clock my life as a teacher began. It is the goal of the first twenty-one years of my life. The lesson was "Little Rosalie" by Harriet P. Spofford and I taught grade 5-B . . . I am tickled to death & am going to teach for the rest of my natural life!(?)" [2/18/1908] After Rowena graduates from the RI Normal School in 1909, she spends most of her days teaching until she marries Joseph Blaine in 1918. She does not go into detail about her work as a teacher, most of her entries merely say "School all day".
Fashion: "I went over to Emma's. On the way my red silk garter had a down fall." [7/9/1905]
Food and drink: "Was treated by Mrs. Watts to peanuts and popcorn and soda." [8/1/1905] "Mollie, Kate, Bessie Ella, Myra & I entertained Miss Salisbury. She wore a red silk dress. We had cheese & olives & peanut butter sandwiches, fruit cake, chocolate cake, fudge, & nabiscoes & chocolate with whipped cream." [11/21/1907] "Today we move! Up early trying to do everything at once. Van arrives at 8:45 before I finish breakfast & go at it madly. At 11 Mrs. Reynolds arrives with soup & biscuits. At 12:45 Tess brings hot coffee on tray." [9/15/1948] "Clean & cook broccoli." [10/16/1948] "Up late - routine - fry pork chops, cream broccoli & boil sweets - roast rest of meat." [10/17/1948] "Joe brings fried clams & French Fried potatoes." [10/22/1948]
Race / ethnicity content: "Jap fight in tea room." [9/1/1917]
Community: "We discover that Mrs. Calibani went to school to me at Calvert I (Josephine Gramolini & I taught her English! She came to Newport from Italy when 10 years old.)." [9/16/1948]
Gender relations: In 1908 while she is a student at the Rhode Island Normal School, Rowena and her friends have something of a crush on the gymnastics teacher, Florence P. Salisbury: "Someone came and put her hands over my eyes. . then I put my hand back to feel of the hair - and the hands were removed from my face. I saw Miss Salisbury. I grabbed her around the waist and gave her one swing around and then let her go. Later she begged my pardon, and said is was such a temptation!" [3/2/1908] "Finally came the parting! It was more pleasure than pain. She [Miss Salisbury] was very undignified and girlish. I never loved her more than when we stood there at the door - we three . . ." [6/13/1908] Rowena met her future husband as early as March 1914. "Received invitation fr. Mr. Blaine to attend Philharmonic Concert, Apr. 30th. Great excitement!" [4/20/1914] "Dea[con] Carr came home with me and we went down Ave. for walk. I told him he couldn't meet me or take me out any more." [7/4/1915] "Had large bunch of water lilies from the Deacon this morning - beauties!" [7/20/1915] "Mr. Blaine came home with me - went down Baton Rd. to find out where fire was - false al., came back here & he stayed till after 10. Shook hands." [2/11/1917] "Stayed a few minutes at social Mrs. M.K. wanted me to meet a Mr. Whipple - nothing doing." [6/3/1917] "Joe & I went for walk Lover's Lane. Stayed from 2-6 - Showery. Told me of his home etc. Constance's picture with mine!" [7/29/1917] "Eve. Mr. Blaine came home with me. We went to Cliffs, near Ruggles Ave. watched moon on water. Great! * Something pretty nice for my ring finger!! Home at 11:45!!! Ma wild!" [8/5/1917] "[JWB] told me about 'Signe' on way home." [8/16/1917] " . . then Joe came home with me - Mistletoe." [12/27/1917]
Travel: Description of a day trip to Providence where they shopped and went to the Roger Williams Park to see the animals [8/22/1905]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1079
Collection title: Joseph W. Blaine Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 12, folder 17; Box 13, folders 1-4
Size: 1913-1965 volumes are 4" x 5.5"; 1905 is 8.5" x 10"; 1907 is 8.5" x 5.25"; 1908 is 6" x 3.5"; 1963 is 3" x 4"
Condition: All of the volumes are in excellent condition with the exception of the 1905 diary which was written on a school tablet of poor quality paper and is fragile.
Provenance: 2002. 102. 1- gift of Patricia Walsh Rose
Cataloged by Karen Eberhart, January 2003
Subject headings:
Diaries, 1905-1965
Dodd, Florence P. (Salisbury)
Newport, RI - social life and customs
Rhode Island Normal School
x Salisbury, Florence P.
Sampson, Myra
Notes on the Signe A. (Hallborg) Blaine Diary
Entries dated 1897 to 1912
Biographical:
Name at birth: Hallborg, Signe Adina
Name after marriage: Blaine, Signe Adina (Hallborg)
Birthdate and place: July 18, 1881, Hartford, CT?
Death date and place: April 3,1912, Newport, RI
Age range during diary: 16 - 31
Residence during diary: 33 Young St., Newport, RI (1902); Boston, MA (1903); 15 Everett Street, Newport, RI (1910-12)
Places written: Newport, RI; Hartford, CT; Boston, MA; Northampton, MA; Sabbath Day Lake, ME; New York, NY
Biographical note: She was the daughter of Swedish-American parents who were themselves probably second generation Americans. Signe does not appear to speak any Swedish herself although she does participate in Swedish holidays with her family and she had at least one Swedish-speaking friend. She became a teacher and taught in schools in Newport and surrounding towns. Signe married Joseph William Blaine of Newport and had one daughter. She died a few weeks after the birth of her daughter presumably due to complications from the birth.
Ethnicity: Swedish-American
Religion of diarist: Congregational?
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 4
Number of pages: 72, 144, 25, 63
Exact dates: Dec 24, 1897 - Dec 24, 1901; Jan. 1, 1902-Dec. 31, 1902; July 6, 1903-Aug. 17, 1903; Dec. 30, 1910-Jan. 30, 1912
Frequency of entries: Daily entries except for the 1897-1901 and 1910-1912 periods where there are long gaps between entries.
How was author identified?: All diaries signed by the author.
Brief description: The diaries cover the early adulthood of Signe Hallborg. During 1902-1903 she is concerned mostly with her work as a teacher, her social relationships and her classes at the Harvard Summer School. The later diary for 1910-1912 is written during the first years of her marriage.
Writing quality: The penmanship is quite legible. The style of writing is not inspired but readable.
Family members:
Father's name: Carl Hallborg
Father's occupation: Tailor
Brothers: Henry E. Hallborg married Elizabeth "Beth" S. Babcock
Sisters: Ruth H. Hallborg
Husband's name: Joseph William Blaine
Husband's dates: 1875-1953
Husband's occupation: Jeweler
Marriage date and place: June 30, 1909, Hartford, CT
Father-in-law's name: Edwin Carlos Blaine
Father-in-law's dates: 1840-1904
Father-in-law's occupation: Jeweler
Mother-in-law's name: Sarah Penelope Sophia (Carry) Blaine
Mother-in-law's dates: 1849-1879
Daughters: Constance Baldwin Blaine (3/12/1912 - 1992)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Friends: Miss Lawton, Mylie Frank, Pauline, Nell Bacheller. Family: brother Henry Hallborg and his wife Beth (Babcock) Hallborg, sister Ruth Hallborg
Topical content:
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Telegram that auntie Thilda is dying. She died in the afternoon but we did not know it till Friday even when we get another telegram. Ruth and mother go on the one o'clock to Hartford. They do not then know auntie to be dead. I feel badly to think she had no familiar face with her at the last." [11/6 - 11/7/02] "Dr. Baldwin gives me examination and engages room at hospital for middle of March. Says I carry baby very well. I must refrain from eating candy, nuts, cakes, pies, or any starches and sugars. Live normal life!" [1/16/12]
Religious content: Signe goes to church often in the evenings and participates in the Sunday School lessons for the children of her church. "Had a quiet talk on religion - 'death but a fulfillment of our earthly longings.' " [1/9/02] "Then went to Dr. MacClelland and told him that I wish to join church. He very kind and obliging." [4/22/02]
Social life: "Lecture in High School. We girls sit in back and pass candy along and eat it. Dreadful for school teachers to behave so!" [4/21/02] "Pauline brings ping pong in evening and we play. Henry beats her. (He is expert.)" [6/30/02]
Family: "After a long stretch of peace Ruth and I again have a 'tussel' and get shaken all up about nothing. We make up and play whist later." [4/19/02] "Joe brings a 1912 diary so the events of little 'to be' must go into that." [1/25/12]
Marriage: "Nell and I go to the beach. We talk of marriage and Nell says she does not believe in love. It is infatuation merely. Men all have selfish motives." [2/14/02] "Dr. McClelland preaches on 'Divorce.' Most forceful and earnest. To be undertaken under no condition - at least for no reason but for fornication. Marriage the holiest and the awfulest thing. If you have been unfortunate and you can no longer 'confide you can hope, and if you cannot hope you can endure, endure to the grave.' " [5/18/02]
Health: "Then on our way home we went in to the Hospital. It is really so sad to go into such a place! They carried an old lady in there while we remained. I am so thankful that I have a home so that I need not think of being placed in such a position if taken sick." [12/28/1897] "Visited three of my pupils who are out with the whooping cough" [1/20/02] "I am worn out and my face is broken out shamefully." [6/13/02] "In evening Gen comes for me to go to Prof. Bailey's lecture for women. Speaks of vinereal diseases, gondera, strictures, cypales [syphilis], and of the dreadful dangers attending marriage under these conditions. It is no more necessary for a man to do these things and if he is not willing to expose his own Mother or sister to such treatment he should not be willing to practice it. . . . Gen tells me of some experiences she has had in this line." [7/30/03]
School: "Studied 'Art of Teaching' in the evening." [1/14/02] "Alone at school. Children somewhat restless. I have hysterics after supper. My head aches and I am tired out." [2/21/02] Signe attends Summer School at Harvard in Boston, MA during July and August of 1903. She takes a course in the natural world which includes lessons in geology, geography, weather, astronomy and similar scientific subjects.
Home production: Signe sews herself many shirtwaists throughout the year. "I make a shirtwaist." [10/28/02]
Work outside home: Signe works as a school teacher in an elementary school. "I have charge of school again and as Miss Fales is busy with Thanksgiving offering it is hard work for me." [11/24/02]
Food and drink: "Go to dinner of Mock Turtle Soup and fried hominy with sauce." [7/12/03] "Breakfast of trout and corn bread." [7/15/03]
Race / ethnicity content: Signe has some sort of charity relationship with some men from China. "Miss McLeish and four Chinamen out. Mine in Philadelphia." [2/2/02] "Chinese festival. Mine presented me with red rope and when it broke gave me his own." [2/3/02] "Saw Miss Lawton. Indignation meeting at Chinese. Do not like expensive supper and outside people asked. Mr. Taft walks with us. All kicking." [2/09/02] "Supper with Chinamen. Ela[?] played games with them afterwards. We are not certain about our actions." [2/10/02] "My Chinaman not at the mission." [2/23/02] "Go down and tell my Chinaman that I can come no more because I need rest. He will not go either he said. He had letter for Mr. Taft." [5/29/02]
Gender relations: "Well he loves me. I am taken almost too abruptly, can not say much. Then I became cross. Have I given any cause for such action. I do not love. I cannot think of marriage. It is abhorrable. I do not know my own heart and can not give it to another. It is horrid of you to tell me this! . . . I must see something of the world before I can decide. Will I not give him one kiss? Just one! No! I have said that once and I mean it. I will not give one." [8/30/01] "Restless and longing oh so hopelessly - Walk. Church. Dream with moon's beams shining upon me but all to no purpose. I am sad and alone oh moon!" [8/17/02] "Walk in evening and reference to our position wh. I say is unchanged and wh. I cannot see will ever be nearer for somehow I cannot love him." [8/25/02] "Mrs. Philip Stevens - our neighbor - leaves her husband and goes to Chicago to live with her mother and sister. Foolish - foolish girl to leave a good home and good influences!" [10/18/11] In the back of the 1910-1912 diary she writes out quotes and useful advice from various authors mostly on the topic of how to live an honest and fulfilling life. There is also advice on how to relate with your husband. "Think often and speak frequently to your husband of his good qualities and the things you most admire in him.. Allow no one to criticize him in your presence and do not discuss his weaknesses with other."
Progress: "Electricity first used in the U. Congregational Church, a gift of Miss Newton. Great improvement." [1/19/02]
Arts and culture: "Read Tolstoi in the evening 'Anna Karenina' - not quite satisfactory." [1/11/02]
Travel: She travels to Hartford, CT to see her aunt on July 8, 1902. Takes a trip to Maine, specifically Sabbath Day Lake, in late August of 1902. She also goes on a trip to western Massachusetts after her Harvard Summer School in 1903 where she visits Greenfield, Smith College in Northampton and the silk mills in Florence.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1079
Collection title: Joseph W. Blaine Family Papers
Location within the collection: Subgroup 2, Box 4, Folder 14
Size: 4.25" x 2.5"; 2.5' x 4'; 2.75" x 6"; 8" x 10"
Condition: Excellent condition, the 1903 diary is loose leaf paper of lower quality.
Provenance: 2001. 73. 1. 1-, gift of Patricia Walsh Rose
Cataloged by Karen Eberhart, February 2002
Subject headings:
Chinese-Americans - Rhode Island
Diaries - 1897-1912
Elementary school teachers - Rhode Island
Massachusetts - Description and travel
Newport, RI - Social life and customs
Swedish - Americans - Rhode Island
Teachers - Rhode Island
Notes on the Mary S. (Johnson) (Mosher) Blake Diary
Entries dated 1863 to 1863
Biographical:
Name at birth: Johnson, Mary Saunders
Name after marriage: Blake, Mary S. (Johnson) (Mosher)
Birthdate and place: 1805, Rhode Island
Death date and place: 1888, Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 58
Residence during diary: 334 Broad St., Providence, RI
Places written: Providence, Rhode Island
Biographical note: Married Constant Burr Mosher in 1823 and had three children: George, Abby, and Mary. Mr. Mosher died in 1833 and Mary remarried George Emerson Blake in 1835. They had six children: Emerson, Edward, John, Louise, Edna, and Lewis. She ran a large household, employing Irish help, which included some of her children and their families. She was also in charge of collecting rents from and seeing to repairs at a tenement house and shop.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Universalist?
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 26 page transcription
Exact dates: January 1 - December 31 1863
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Research done by Sheldon MacLeod
Brief description: Mary Saunders Blake's diary contains information about letters and packages she sent and received; information about her son, Johnny, who was off at war (Civil War); record of what she bought and sold and payment given or recieved; number of pies made; and information on work her household help did and how much they were paid. In the original (but not the transcription) there is also a section at the end of the diary that details all cash transactions for the year.
Writing quality: Good
Family members:
Husband's name: 1) Mosher, Constant Burr 2) Blake, George Emerson
Husband's dates: 1) d. 1833 2) 1810-1897
Husband's occupation: 1) Unknown 2) Carpenter
Marriage date and place: 1) 1823 2) 1835
Sons: George C. Mosher (b. 1824); Emerson P. Blake (1837-1908); Edward J. Blake (b. 1839); John T. Blake (b. 1841); and Lewis D. Blake (b. 1848)
Daughters: Abby F. Mosher (b. 1826); Mary E. Mosher (1830-1833); Louisa Johnson (Blake) Martin (b.1843), married Alphonso W. Martin; and Edna (b. 1845)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Emerson (son); Nellie (daughter-in-law); Ed (son); Johnny (son); Abby (daughter); Louise (daughter); Edna (daughter); Lewis (son); I. Dougan (household help); Mrs. McSorley (household help), Mr. Blake (husband); Gov. [James Y.] Smith
Topical content:
Events discussed: Home production; money received for rents; sending and receiving of letters from her daughter, Abby and son, Johnny; money received for selling eggs and from children for boarding, as well as an accounting of bills paid.
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Emerson Edward born ten minutes before twelve Sunday night May 3rd, 1863" [5/3] "Frank Baker died." [8/19]
Religious content: "Paid pew tax $4.00." [3/2] "Gave Edna 15 cts to go to 2nd Universalist Sabbath school." [5/5] "Em.& Ed gone fishing for the first time on the Sabbath and I hope the last." [2/24] "Went to church forenoon & afternoon." [10/11]
Social life: "Edna and Lewis went to hear the bell ringers yesterday." [1/25] "Thanksgiving. Em. invited company for Johnny. Carpets up and dancing until three o'clock, when the company dispersed."[11/26]
Family: "Called on Gov. Smith with Ed Burrows. He promised me a commisssion for Johnny." [6/12]"Heard of Johnny being wounded." [7/9] "Called on Gov. Smith to get a furlough for Johnny which he promised to see about getting today."
Health: "Drs. Barrows & Peck called to examine Johnny's arm." [8/1]
School: "Went to school exhibition with Edna." [5/8] "Lewis school closed today." [7/24]
Home production: "Baked 14 pumpkin pies & 4 apple pies." [1/22] "Baked 18 mince pies & fried 40 apple pies." [3/9] "I worked in garden." [4/29]
Work outside home: "Rec'd $3.00 Aborn St. rents." [1/27] "Louise commenced work with Mrs. Newell this afternoon." [9/29]
Fashion: "Bought for Edna gaiter boots $1.62, riboon, cord 34 cts. Nellie found silk & made Edna a Spanish waist." [3/26] "Bought a muslin dress for Louise 2.50 cts." [6/1]
Community: "Went to Judge Pitman's office to sign a petition for Mrs. Leonard to get her pension and back pay." [4/15]
Labor: "I. Dougan ironed. For the two days work $1.25." [3/17] "Ann Maguire cleaning house $1.00." [4/11] "McSorley ironed 62 cts." [6/17]
Arts and culture: "Em & E - gone to theatre." [4/7]
Travel: "Emerson left today for St. Louis." [2/12] "Johnny left for Falmouth this evening." [3/20]"Louise & Emerson gone to Wrentham." [3/1] "Mr. Blake went to Wrentham this morning..." [6/4]
Organizations: "Girls gone to Knitting Society at Mrs. Pond's." [2/16]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-B
Collection title: Mary Saunders (Johnson) Blake Diary
Graphic content: None
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Transcription only. Original in the possession of Donald R MacLeod of Wisconsin.
Provenance: 1998. 25, gift of Alys MacLeod
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, December 2000
Bibliography:
Notes by Alys F. MacLeod
Providence City Directories
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Blake, Edna (b. 1845)
Blake, Edward J. (b. 1839)
Blake, Emerson P. (1837-1908)
Blake, George (1810-1897)
Blake, Lewis (b. 1848)
Blake, John T. (b. 1841)
Blake, Louise (b. 1843)
Blake, Nellie
Diary, 1863
Dougan, I
McSorley, Mrs.
Mosher, Abby (b. 1826)
Providence, R.I. - social life and customs
Smith, James Y. (1809-1876)
Notes on the Gertrude C. Bray Diary
Entries dated 1918 to 1919
Biographical:
Name at birth: Bray, Gertrude C.
Birthdate and place: September 22, 1888, Pawtucket, R.I.
Death date and place: October 17, 1975, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 29-31
Residence during diary: 178 Pine St., Pawtucket, R.I. (later Providence)
Places written: France and Germany.
Biographical note: A graduate of Wheaton College, she spent over a year in the front lines during World War One as a volunteer in the American Red Cross and as a canteen worker for the Y.M.C.A. After the war, she worked as a psychiatric investigator for the Veterans Administration.
Ethnicity: Yankee?
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Middle?
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 2
Number of pages: 52, 114
Exact dates: January 15, 1918 - April 22, 1919
Frequency of entries: Sporadic; not always clearly dated
How was author identified?: Diaries were donated with other signed papers of Bray
Brief description: Diaries describing activity as a canteen worker on the French front in World War One.
Writing quality: Good, though some entries are brief and rushed, and the handwriting is difficult.
Utility for research: This is a great resource for anyone interested in womens' involvement in the first world war; it provides factual details that might be of interest to military historians, in addition to hurried bits of information on social life on the front.
Related papers at RIHS: Gertrude C. Bray Papers (MSS 303) include many letters sent and received, her passport, and other items. There is also a bound typescript titled "Copy of Letters & Diary of World War I", but it seems to include only letters, and little if any of the wonderful diaries.
Family members:
Father's name: Bray, Ferdinand
Father's dates: d.1912
Father's occupation: Hardware dealer, Pawtucket, R.I.
Mother's name: Cottrell, Mary T.
Mother's dates: d.1938
Brothers: Ferdinand Bray Jr. (1891-1977); Russell S. Bray (1903-1986)
Sisters: Florence S. Bray (1892-1973)
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: A Senator P___ is frequently mentioned in the first months of the diary; he was director of YMCA operations in France and Bray reported directly to him.
Topical content:
Events discussed: Live action from the first World War. For example, bombing raid on Paris [1/30/1918]. Attached to the 42nd (Rainbow) Division.
Social life: Frequent accounts of leisure activities on the front in World War I: ball games, concerts, general socializing.
Work outside home: Describe over a year of work working in canteens in France for the American troops in the first World War. The bulk of her work was frying doughnuts for the troops.
Food and drink: Canteen worker in France during war. Much of the diary describes cooking doughnuts for the troops, and their drinking habits.
Gender relations: A wealth of information on relations between women volunteers and the male soldiers. For example, on third day in Europe, is contacted by a soldier from her native Pawtucket, who takes her out to dinner. [1/29/1918] Spending quite a bit of time with a fellow named Harry Lane: "Lane down at 7:30 went for a long walk, moonlight night, a wonderful time!" [5/17/1918]. "Harry went up to our billet. Sure does love me much... He brought me a kit full of hot cakes..." [5/31/1918] In her final training meeting, the women in her unit "were warned to be careful about our behavior." [1/30/1918].
Travel: Not a standard travel diary; in France for the war.
Organizations: French dentist refused to charge for filling tooth after seeing her Masonic pin. [2/1/1918]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 303
Collection title: Gertrude C. Bray Papers
Size: 7" x 5"
Condition: Fair; one cover missing and the other damaged.
Graphic content: Map of battle lines [9/11/1918?]
Provenance: 1975. 54, gift of the estate of Gertrude C. Bray.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? These diaries were not read very carefully. They undoubtedly contain much worthwhile information, but the handwriting is difficult.
Bibliography:
Obituary, Providence Journal-Bulletin, October 18, 1975
Rhode Island Cemetery Index
Scrapbook of unidentified clippings in the Gertrude C. Bray Papers
Subject headings:
American Red Cross
France - Description and travel
Women in war - France
World War, 1914-1918 - Women
Young Men's Christian Association
Notes on the Celia G. Clarke Diary
Entries dated 1829 to 1829
Biographical:
Name at birth: Clarke, Celia Greene
Name after marriage: Brayton, Celia G. (Clarke)
Birthdate and place: June 4, 1808
Death date and place: August 4, 1880, East Greenwich, R.I.?
Age range during diary: 20-21
Residence during diary: Apponaug, East Greenwich, R.I.?
Places written: East Greenwich, R.I.?
Biographical note: Daughter of prominent East Greenwich family. Attended Troy Female Seminary in New York (one of the first serious schools for women in the country), and returned to help raise younger siblings when mother fell ill. Married prominent lawyer.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 15
Exact dates: May 16 - November 2, 1829
Frequency of entries: Regular; arranged more like an account book than a diary.
How was author identified?: Signed. Her mother had the same name, but as the diary refers to grandparents, it must be the younger Celia.
Brief description: Memoranda book describing daily labor by servants and other matters of financial interest.
Writing quality: Very sparse.
Utility for research: Could easily be called a memorandum book rather than a diary, but interesting how it shows a young woman assuming responsibility for a family at an early age, and also for showing the activities of her African-American farm laborers.
Related papers at RIHS: George A. Brayton Papers (MSS 305) include only account books and legal records. Clarke Family Papers include a few interesting papers from father Ray Clarke (MSS 351). A wealth of information available on extended Greene family, including grandfather and uncles.
Family members:
Father's name: Clarke, Ray
Father's dates: 1782-1847
Father's occupation: Lawyer? A college roommate of John Quincy Adams at Harvard.
Mother's name: Greene, Celia
Mother's dates: 1786-1829, niece of Gen. Nathanael Greene.
Brothers: Ethan Ray Clarke (1818-1895); Samuel Ward Clarke (b.1822) and others died young
Sisters: Anna W. (Clarke) Brayton (b.1820); Emily G. (Clarke) Buffington (b.1825); Mary E. Clarke (1827-1829); others died young.
Husband's name: Brayton, George A.
Husband's dates: d.1880
Husband's occupation: Lawyer and judge of East Greenwich
Marriage date and place: 1831
Father-in-law's name: Brayton, Charles
Father-in-law's occupation: Judge
Mother-in-law's name: Havens, Rebecca
Sons: Unknown
Daughters: Unknown
Other persons frequently mentioned: Aunt Anne (Greene) Maxwell (1776-1857); grandfather Christopher Greene (1748-1830); grandmother Deborah (Ward) Greene (1758-1835); servants John and Caesar.
Topical content:
Family: Death of mother on August 10, 1829 seems to go unmentioned. Helped raise younger children. Re her two-year-old sister, "Our little babe went to Mrs. Slater to nurse at 2$ 50 cts per week while the Child is sick and 2$ when it is better." [8/20/1829]. A later note mentions that "Our little babe died." [11/29/1829]
Home production: This diary seems to cast Celia in a central role in managing the family affairs. She is involved in supervising servants and administering finances, which one might not expect a well-heeled 20-year-old woman to do. She was the oldest surviving child by ten years, however. Her father is never mentioned, and can be presumed to be in Kentucky, where he had business. her mother was ailing and dies during the period of this diary. Thus, though Celia had a support network in her extended Greene family, she was to a large extent acting as a head of household and raising her five much younger siblings.
Race / ethnicity content: Extensive descriptions of work done by servants, who were undoubtedly Afro-American. Their names included John, Prince, Judy and Caesar.
Labor: Descriptions of work done by farm servants, and wages paid, comprise the bulk of this diary. For example, "John worked for himself all day and Caesar helped him. He had Nat's oxen in the morning and Nat came with them as he would not let us have them unless he did. In the afternoon, John had his cart and oxen and himself to get manure from the cellar." [5/20/1829]. "John came at 6 to help Cesar and worked until 9. Cesar then was made to take Prince and go to get a nurse for Grandpa and the day's work was spoilt." [6/5/1829] "Let Job have Prince all day to pay in work." [6/18/1829]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 351
Collection title: Clarke Family Collection
Location within the collection: In box 1
Size: 8" x 5"
Condition: Fair
Provenance: 1948? Appears to have arrived with a large quantity of Greene papers of unknown provenance circa 1948.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety.
Bibliography:
Clarke, Louise Brownell. The Greenes of Rhode Island... (New York: 1903), pages 211, 333.
Account, Ray Clarke with Emma Willard of Troy Female Academy, 8/8/1827 in Clarke Family Papers (MSS 351) at R.I.H.S.
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1829
East Greenwich, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Flora M. (McGimsey) Brockelmann Diary
Entries dated 1938 to 1938
Biographical:
Name at birth: McGimsey, Flora M.
Name after marriage: Brockelman, Flora M. (McGimsey)
Birthdate and place: December 13, 1892, New Jersey
Death date and place: March 20, 1976, East Hartford, Conn.
Age range during diary: 45
Residence during diary: 239 Langdon St., Mount Vernon, New York [see 7/14/1938 entry, 1930 census]
Places written: Quonochontaug, R.I. (village in town of Charlestown); also stopped briefly in many Connecticut coastal towns en route.
Biographical note: Both of her parents were raised in the southern United States, but the author was born in New Jersey and raised in Mount Vernon, N.Y. Worked as a commercial poster artist. Married a bank manager at the age of 35 and eventually settled in Stamford, Connecticut.
Ethnicity: Irish-Dutch-Southern-American. Grandparents were from American South, but father's grandfather Thomas A. McGimsey born in Ireland in 1772. Mother's father M.B. Fowler was born in New York to Dutch parents; mother's mother apparently from old southern family.
Religion of diarist: Unknown
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 120 pages
Exact dates: July 14 - July 28, 1938
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Diary kept while on vacation on the Rhode Island shore, traveling with a woman who seems to be her husband's unmarried sister. They are celebrating the tenth anniversary of a similar trip taken in August of 1928.
Writing quality: Excellent; very descriptive and amusing, often dripping with sarcasm.
Utility for research: A wonderful source for anyone interested in summer resort culture, which should be a whole sub-section of history in itself... Generally, an interesting glimpse of southern Rhode Island in the 1930s, and an amusing portrait of two independent-minded women enjoying a respite from their families.
Related papers at RIHS: None
Family members:
Father's name: McGimsey, Charles R.
Father's dates: 1860-c1925
Father's occupation: Rug wholesaler
Mother's name: Fowler, Emma
Mother's dates: 1865-a1938 [see 7/21/1938]
Brothers: Gerald F. McGimsey (b.1889), Charles R. McGimsey Jr. (b.1900)
Sisters: Marion Emily McGimsey (b.1896)
Husband's name: Brockelman, Herbert W.
Husband's dates: 1885-?
Husband's occupation: Bank manager
Marriage date and place: circa 1929
Sons: None?
Daughters: None?
Other persons frequently mentioned: Traveling with unmarried Elsie Brockelmann, possibly a sister-in-law [page 1; 7/22/1938]. Bought gift for Walter, presumably family member. [7/21/1938]. Made friends at the Inn: Miss Cassandra "Sweetie-Pie" Enos and Miss May "Big Betty" Watson of Hartford [constantly mentioned]; a complete list of fellow guests is in the entry for 7/24. Long description of the Ashaway Fish Line Factory, and the Crandalls, the Seventh-Day Baptists that run it. [7/23/1938]
Topical content:
Events discussed: "With the ocean so near we wondered if that could be different than it has been since the glacial period now that the New Deal controls it. And yes! It is all wet like everything else that F.D.R. monopolizes. But then I suppose if they could even the fish would vote for him - (such suckers as they are!)" [7/23/1938]
Religious content: Did not attend church. "Seven Day Baptists are numerous in this section, and Ashaway, a quaint little village, seems to be the center of them." [7/23/1938]
Social life: A very leisurely vacation. Bowling, swimming and aimless drives are the entertainments of choice.
Marriage: On vacation away from husband. "I'll get shot when I tell Herbert that my bed-time was 11 - 11:30 or 12 nearly every night. But then Quonnie is so gay we have to stay up late." [7/27/1938] Among guests at the inn are an octogenarian newlywed couple [7/18/1938]
Work outside home: The author worked as a commercial poster artist into her marriage, as late as 1930, but no reference to her work was noticed here.
Fashion: Describes shopping at the Richmond Lace Factory in Alton, R.I. [7/20/1938]. "Home in a hurry to dress for dinner. I changed my handkerchief & belt & shoes (to brown from blue) and Elsie took off her bandanna! Such swankiness!" [7/21/1938]
Food and drink: Eats frequently at the Quonochontaug Inn. Describes the cook there: "Even the chef won't take a drink! But he can cook without a bracer." [7/16/1938]; "The cook is a wonderful man, an American, about 40 years or so, a good-looking, agreeable man." [7/20/1938]. Complaining about the difficulty of eating lobster and mackerel, she complains "A New England shore dinner - typical of a New Englander's hospitality in more ways than one - if you understand my sentiment." [7/24/1938]. Also dines at Ye Old Tavern in Wakefield [7/21] and Miss MacLaren's Tea Shop [7/23/1938]
Gender relations: "One would never think that we had really definitely thought we'd drive in the opposite direction - to Delaware as we had planned via mail - but it's a woman's right to change her mind - and certainly when two woman can do it and agree they need medals!" [introduction].
Arts and culture: Long encounter with the world's biggest Nelson Eddy fan; "He hails from Rhode Island and naturally the domestics of this state are boosting him sky high. Me for Charlie McCarthy! [7/22/1938]. Enjoyed a movie at the United Theatre in Westerly [7/25/1938].
Travel: Travel diary, mostly of two-week stay at summer resort on Rhode Island shore.
Geographical and architectural: Describes a Connecticut park as "the Coney Island of New Haven." [7/28/1938].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-B
Collection title: Flora M. (McGimsey) Brockelmann Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 6" x 4"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1969. 75, purchased from Alfred Goodman for $30
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read carefully in entirety.
Bibliography:
1880 U.S. Census, Georgia E.D. 98, page 60 (Fowlers)
1920 U.S. Census, New York E.D. 80, page 9B
1930 U.S. Census, E.D. 233, page 22A
Ancestry World Tree
Connecticut Death Index
Social Security Death Index
Subject headings:
Charlestown, R.I. - Description and travel
Diaries - 1938
Eddy, Nelson (1901-1967)
Quonochontaug Inn (Charlestown, R.I.)
Summer resorts - Rhode Island - Charlestown
Notes on the Augusta P. (Webster) Brougham Diary
Entries dated 1944 to 1948
Biographical:
Name at birth: Webster, Augusta P.
Name after marriage: Brougham, Augusta P. (Webster)
Birthdate and place: May 13 1880, Middletown, RI
Death date and place: March 4 1967, Newport, RI
Age range during diary: 63 - 67
Residence during diary: 14 Everett Street, Newport, RI
Places written: Newport, R.I.
Biographical note: Married young to Newport grocery salesman, who died two years before diary begins. Widowed rooming-house keeper, living with single daughter.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 365
Exact dates: January 1 1944 - January 8 1948
Frequency of entries: Almost daily, some days missing
How was author identified?: Each page has printed section reading "Today is the birthday of -----". May 13 page reads "Augusta Brougham," and the day's entry for 1944 suggests it is the author's birthday. Daughter Abbie Brougham is similarly identified on February 9. Other data fits.
Brief description: Kept by widow in sixties who took in lodgers to supplement her Social Security payments.
Writing quality: Fair. Short entries and not very descriptive.
Related papers at RIHS: None
Family members:
Father's name: Webster, Benjamin J.
Father's dates: 1833-1903
Father's occupation: Farmer
Mother's name: Wilbur, Augusta B.
Mother's dates: 1844-1927
Brothers: Nathan A. Webster (1874-1886); Alfred B. Wilbur (b.1864) (half-brother?)
Sisters: Helen (b.1871)
Husband's name: Brougham, James E. Jr.
Husband's dates: 1876-1941
Husband's occupation: Wholesale grocery salesman
Marriage date and place: June 26 1897, South Kingstown, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: Brougham, James E.
Father-in-law's dates: 1849-1912
Father-in-law's occupation:
Mother-in-law's name: O'Neal, Abbie R.
Mother-in-law's dates: 1851-1876
Sons: None?
Daughters: Abbie A. Brougham (1898-1987), never married
Other persons frequently mentioned: Sister-in-law Edith Brougham (1892-1979); brother-in-law Joseph Brougham; friend Harriet "Hattie" E.P. Bauer (1880-?); friend Jean Bindon, caretaker at Chateau Sur de Mer [mentioned 4/6/1945, 9/20/1945]
Topical content:
Events discussed: Mentions current events rarely and briefly. For example: "Fair, lovely day. Jap surrender?" [8/9/1945]
Religious content: Mentions attendance at both Methodist and Christian Scientist [8/6/1944] churches. Judging from regular doctor consultations, she was not a practicing Christian Scientist.
Marriage: Only apparent mention of late husband: "Jimmies birthday he'd be 69 today." [7/21/1945]
Health: "Howard Perry sick in mind, called police for help." [4/23/1944] "Howard Perry out of his head - called police." [4/26/1944]. Apparently an old friend or neighbor; his birthday noted on 9/20/1945.
Home production: Income was derived from Social Security and from renting rooms. Most tenants seemed to be short-term vacationers, including many married couples. Some of these roomers were problems. "Sybil stole everything of value in my cedar chest and left thro the window this afternoon. Police are after her." [7/27/1944]. Frequently declares "Glad they are gone" after departure of roomers.
Food and drink: Often mentions meals prepared.
Arts and culture: Frequently attends movies, sometimes mentions reading.
Travel: Frequent visits to Portsmouth, Wakefield, Providence, Fall River. Trip to central Connecticut, August 13-15 1947.
Organizations: Active member in Masonic Order of the Eastern Star, abbreviated as Star Club or OES.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-B
Collection title: Augusta P. (Webster) Brougham Diary
Size: 7.5" x 5"
Condition: Excellent
Provenance: 2000. 60, purchased from the Yankee Book and Art Gallery
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, September 2000
Bibliography:
1880 U.S. Census, R.I. E.D. 86, page 11
Newport Daily News obituaries, October 15 1941, March 6 1967, December 10 1987
Newport directories
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1944-1948
Lodging-houses - Rhode Island - Newport
Newport, R.I. - Social life and customs
Order of the Eastern Star - Rhode Island - Newport
x Webster, Augusta P. (1880-1967)
Notes on the Avis (Binney) Brown Diary
Entries dated 1793 to 1804
Biographical:
Name at birth: Binney, Avis
Name after marriage: Brown, Avis (Binney)
Birthdate and place: August 17, 1748 Boston, MA
Death date and place: August 16, 1807 Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 45 - 56
Residence during diary: Providence, RI
Places written: Providence, Rhode Island
Biographical note: Native of Boston, Massachusetts and the second wife of Nicholas Brown of Providence, Rhode Island. She had two stepchildren, Hope and Nicholas and together, she and Nicholas had a son, John who died at the age of one.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Upper class
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 34, pages 20, 22-28, 30, and 34 are blank
Exact dates: June 14, 1793 to August 5, 1793, May 9, 1798 and May 5, 1803, and May 5, 1804
Frequency of entries: The diary consists of twelve entries. The first nine entries, the bulk of the diary, are written within a span of three months. The first four entries are written in June 1793, the next three entries are written in July 1793 and the next two in August 1793. The remaining three entries are one entry each, in May, in the years 1798, 1803, and 1804.
How was author identified?: Signed on page 19
Brief description: Avis Brown's diary consists almost exclusively of religious writings asking for forgiveness and salvation in her time of sin and temptations. She states that she wants to "keep some regular account of my religious exercises." [6/18/1793] There is brief mention of two family situations: one having to do with her husband's family and one with her sister's family.
Writing quality: Fair
Utility for research: Religious exercises
Related papers at RIHS: Short letter from Avis Brown to her nephew, James Brown, found in the James Brown Papers (Mss 310).
Family members:
Father's name: Binney, Barnabas Capt.
Father's dates: 1723-c1774
Father's occupation: Son of Deacon John and Hannah (Paine) Binney of Boston, Massachusetts. He was a merchant, as well as the master and owner of his own vessel which traded with Demerara, a county in British Guiana. Tradition has it that he was also a plantation and slave owner in Demerara.
Mother's name: Binney, Avis (Engs)
Mother's dates: 1720-c1779
Brothers: Barnabas, 1751-1787, married to Mary Woodward
Sisters: Ann, b. 1752, married to Samuel Anthony
Husband's name: Brown, Nicholas
Husband's dates: 1729-1791
Husband's occupation: Leading Providence businessman involved in maritime, manufacturing, and merchant activities. Nicholas, along with his brothers John, Joseph, and Moses, started the partnership of Nicholas Brown and Company. Nicholas was the founder of the firm of Brown & Ives.
Marriage date and place: September 9, 1785
Father-in-law's name: Brown, James Capt.
Father-in-law's dates: 1698-1739
Father-in-law's occupation: Leading Providence merchant with West Indies trade dominating his maritime business. He was involved in import, export, sales, maritime insurance, real estate, and other business ventures.
Mother-in-law's name: Brown, Hope (Power)
Mother-in-law's dates: c1701-1792
Sons: John, 1788-1789; stepson Nicholas (1769-1841), married Ann Carter and Mary Bowen Steele
Daughters: Stepdaughter Hope, 1773-1885, married Thomas Poyton Ives
Topical content:
Religious content: “I did this day on my knees solemnly engage in the strength of Christ, that I would by the assistance of His grace enter into a close and serious examination of my shocking violation of my solemn covenant engagements with the Lord - that I would His blessed spirit assisting return unto the Lord with fasting with supplication and weeping and wait seeking and sorrowing before him till He shall vouchsafe to restore my soul to heal my backsliding and to manifest His free unchangeable Love.” [6/14/1793]
Family: "Have seen so much hardness of heart, cunning and deceit in my husbands’s brother, Moses that I have for many months avoided seeing him, but he professing good will and laying blame on the children hath earnestly sought an interview...I who so need Divine forgiveness must forgive those who have injured me. I have consented to see him on Monday.”[6/28/1793] "My sister's children who I have taken into my family from pity, as their parents are not able to maintain them, are a great trial to me and while they show the depravity of human nature they show me too the kindness of my own heart...If thou hast called me to raise these children for thee let me not shrink from the service however painful it may be...grant me all the wisdom, fortitude, patience and every grace...deliver them from the bondage of sin and Satan"
Marriage: “Ever since the death of my husband I have been engaged in a most unhappy altercation with his executors and family about property." [6/28/1793]
Health: "Through the infinite Mercy of GOD I am this day alive, in health, peace and comfort after all the various scenes I have passed thro...I am a living monument of Divine Love and faithfulness, but I daily see more and more of my own weakness and inconstancy." [5/5/1803]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-B
Collection title: Avis (Binney) Brown Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 8 1/2" x 12 1/2"
Condition: Fair. Readable, but fragile. Some of the pages are torn at the edges and starting to crumble and three quarters of the binding is unattached from the pages.
Graphic content: None
Provenance: Unknown. Probably donated with the bulk of the Ives-Gammell Family Papers (MSS 508).
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, December 2000
Bibliography:
Binney, Charles J.F. (collected by), Genealogy of the Binney Family, 26-28,66-68. Albany, New York: Joel Munsell's & Sons, 1886.
Brown Family Papers Project. "A Guide to the Records of James Brown, (1698-1739) in the Manuscript Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library," John Nicholas Brown Center, Brown University, 1995.
Brown Family Papers Project. " A Guide to the Records of Nicholas Brown, (1757-1791) in the Manuscript Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library," John Nicholas Brown Center, Brown University, 1997.
Goddard, Katharine (complied by), The Chad Brown Workbook: A Continuting Family Genealogy of the Descendants of Chad Brown," 30-31. 2nd edition, Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1987.
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Brown, Moses (1636-1836)
Diaries, 1793-1804
Religion - R.I.
Notes on the Isabel B. (Brown) Brunschwig Diary
Entries dated 1922 to 1927
Biographical:
Name at birth: Brown, Isabel B.
Name after marriage: Brunschwig, Isabel B. (Brown)
Birthdate and place: October 21, 1881, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: 1952
Age range during diary: 40-45
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I.
Places written: 1922: Algiers, Italy, Greece, Egypt, France, Switzerland
1924: Cuba, Panama, Hawaii, Italy, Austria, Switzerland
1925: Spain, Italy
1927: France
Biographical note: Daughter of the Governor of R.I., she became a renowned world traveler.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Unknown
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 2
Number of pages: 45; 69
Exact dates: January 21 - September 2, 1922; January 15 1924 - September 18, 1927
Frequency of entries: Sporadic
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Very sketchy travel diaries from several trips.
Writing quality: Not very descriptive, ranging from sentence fragments to lists of stops.
Utility for research: No obvious utility; not a particularly good travel diary.
Related papers at RIHS: Daniel Russell Brown Family Papers (MSS 63) include a few related letters.
Family members:
Father's name: Brown, Daniel Russell
Father's dates: 1848-1919
Father's occupation: Hardware magnate; Governor of R.I., 1892-1895
Mother's name: Barrows, Isabel
Brothers: Milton B. Brown
Sisters: Unknown
Husband's name: Brunschwig, Edgard
Husband's occupation: Rhinestone manufacturer, born France, res. in Providence after 1912.
Marriage date and place: After 1927
Father-in-law's name: Unknown
Mother-in-law's name: Unknown
Sons: None?
Daughters: None?
Other persons frequently mentioned: 1922: accompanied by Miss Dorothy Rhodes of Pittsburg [undated news clipping tucked in at 5/13/1922].
Topical content:
Labor: Mentions "General strike on in city" in Rome [5/25/1922]
Travel: Travel diaries, without very much descriptive detail. A typical entry: "The morning in the glorious Alhambra which is being much restored. Bank for money is hard to get in Spain. P.M. Alhambra tours and gardens." [7/22/1925]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 63
Collection title: Daniel Russell Brown Family Papers
Location within the collection:
Size: 7" x 5"
Condition: Good
Graphic content: 2 pages of stamp collection in 1927 volume
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.):
Provenance: 1982. 121. 1-, gift from donor wishing to remain anonymous
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Skimmed
Bibliography:
R.I.H.S. Manuscripts Division Accession Files, 1982
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1922-1927
Notes on the Sarah Bartlett Bullock Diaries
Entries dated 1864 to 1921
Biographical:
Name at birth: Bullock, Sarah Bartlett
Birthdate and place: July 8, 1840, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: June 19, 1921
Age range during diary: 23-80
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I. (various addresses on the East Side: with family at 16 Pitman St.; in rented room by herself at 120 George St.; in rented room at 279 George St. and 53 Waterman St. with Geo. Burroughs 1891-1921)
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Never married nor held a job; lived in rented apartments, and seems to have been supported by largely by well-to-do brother, and by friend George Burroughs.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Congregationalist. First Congregationalist Church.
Social class: Middle (see above)
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 52
Number of pages: Mostly 365 each
Exact dates: January 1, 1864 - June 9, 1921; missing volumes for 1879-1881, 1888, 1909 and 1917.
Frequency of entries: Daily, but often misses short periods.
How was author identified?: Some are signed.
Brief description: 52 diaries describing a largely uneventful life.
Writing quality: Fairly good; freely expresses emotions.
Utility for research: Should be of use to somebody. Although the author's life was largely uneventful, her long cohabitation with an unmarried man might be of interest. If anyone decides to study the "socially awkward", this might be a good place to start.
Related papers at RIHS: Long letter to niece Abby (Bullock) Burgess recounting family history and her own life story (MSS 9001-B).
Family members:
Father's name: Bullock, Samuel B.
Father's dates: 1810-1889
Father's occupation: Stable keeper, Providence, R.I.
Mother's name: Bartlett, Abby E.
Mother's dates: 1815-1894
Brothers: Sam H. Bullock (1850-1939), manager of Earl Carpenter & Son, an ice company, and husband of Emma Carpenter.
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: George H. Burroughs (1851-1918) figures very prominently (see below). Anna Bradford and Annie Butterworth among her friends. George and Celia Madison (also diarists) were life-long family friends. Diarist Lucy D. (Carpenter) Cushman (1861-1942) was her brother's sister-in-law.
Topical content:
Religious content: Active in church; taught Sunday School for a period. Upset by the departure of Rev. Slicer in 1890; "George & I went to church to hear Mr. Lord our new pastor who preached for the first time. I won't criticize, only he is the opposite of Mr. Slicer." [9/28/1890].
Social life: The author seems to have trouble making friends and fitting in. A revealing entry, the second one in the diary: "Second day of same monotonous life... Resolved to think more & talk less, to live for the good of others, thus becoming truly happy. Failed, been cross all morning. Try again. 4 callers. Read 'Lost & Found', did not like it. Alone all evening and cross & fretful." [1/2/1864] "Not well, could not go out, so tried to content myself in home. What a quiet life I lead not worth keeping a diary." [1/16/1864] Actually, she seems to have had a fairly broad social circle, and the diaries are filled with accounts of calling, parties and whist games. Later entries are generally less introspective, but there are exceptions: "I know I am cross but somehow I don't help it. This long cold winter with everything else is enough to make a saint wicked." [2/3/1883]
Family: "Lost command of my temper several times, spoke disrespectfully to my dear good mother." [1/3/1864]. Argument with sister-in-law: "Not a soul thought I wanted to go to vespers, so I went down & lost my temper. I hurried to service & it did me little good, then I came home found Emma & Abby here & then I lost my head entirely and made Emma cry &c &c... I read my Bible but got very little comfort. Emma was insulting but I hardly think she meant it." [5/1/1892] "I have not seen Emma since our unpleasantness. I shall never cease to think I should have more attention from her as well as many other people. If I were only rich. I may be wrong." [5/6/1892]
Aging: Poignant account as elderly woman without any means of support. At age 78 after her long-time friend George Burroughs had died: "Oh! Oh! I have to be dependant. What's the use of thinking." "I am an old tough nut and may live twenty years more. Where will I be, and who will care for me. I am alone and yet I have my good brother and his family." [2/1, 2/2/1918]. "Somehow, folks don't seem to think of me, and yet I fear I am oversensitive." [4/24/1921]
Health: The usual trials of failing health as old age approaches.
Home production: Regular account of housework.
Food and drink: While playing whist with friends, hostess "Annie passed around wine & I left the room I was so grieved!" [11/17/1865]
Labor: While still living with parents, usually had one or two servants in the house. "Hannah was crazy and left at noon. We were thankful to get rid of such a horrid woman. It made mother sick." [1/11/1870]
Class relations: The author seems to have been born on the fringes of the upper class, but not quite in it. In later life, without any means of support, her circumstances seem to have been quite modest. When still a young woman, in back of 1864 diary, Bullock wrote a poem titled "Lines on War and ye Sociables, which did not come off, by one who does not know to which set she belongs, and is greatly distressed in consequence." Includes these verses:
"With music hired, hall engaged /
Cards to the first set sent and paid /
Some patronesses, much enraged /
Found two or three not up to grade
I'll not go! Withdraw my name!/
Scratch out my name and don't forget/
How shocking! What a crying shame/
To mix us with the second set.
There'll be a party given yet/
For all who draw this fleeting breath/
The first must meet the second set/
The dance will be the dance of death."
Gender relations: Had some sort of crush on someone named "Dandy". "Dandy went by, did not look up." [1/1/1864]; "Not seen Dandy for two days! Wonder if he ever thinks of me. Foolish to care." [1/3/1864] "Went to S. Hill's party... Dandy there, did not dance with him. Odd. C. Pearce very attentive. Had nice dream about Dandy." [1/14/1864]
Other romances followed, not all of which seemed so utterly futile, but nearly so. "Mr. Bliss came down in the eve., we played whist till eleven. I am afraid he won't come very often as he can't really get over my returning his present. Don't blame him." [1/5/1870] "Mr. Bliss came down in the evening & we played whist as usual when he comes. He was impatient & cross & went home early." [12/5/1870].
The truly puzzling case is George H. Burroughs (1851-1918). His story is difficult to piece together; he seems to have lived with the Burgess family for most of his life, and might have been raised by them, though he does not seem to have been a close relative. Neither George nor Sarah ever married. He worked for many years as an accountant at the major textile firm of B.B. & R. Knight. Sarah shared rented apartments with him from 1891 to his death in 1918; the census lists her as head of household, with him as a 'boarder'. They seemed to have been close; they went to church together, and he seemed to have helped support her financially. On her 50th birthday, "Geo. gave me $50, how good he is." [7/8/1890]. Upon his death, Sarah attended the funeral, but did not go to the chapel; "I did not dare go to have histronics." [1/19/1918] His death was a financial as well as an emotional tragedy for her: "Sam took George's will in which he left all to me which only means about nothing. They may find just enough to pay his last expenses of his sickness &c. I shall have to make a change [of apartments]. George evidently speculated in worthless stocks. Some bad man must have led him on and so now in my old age I must make a change. It is sad to think of such a pleasant substantial man to be led on. I fear he did not think of me in my old age." [1/21/1918]
Arts and culture: Avid reader, usually mentions what books she has checked out from the library.
Travel: Trip with family to visit cousin in Chatham, N.Y. [8/17 - 8/31/1865]; similar trips most summers, to New York, Vermont or "Halsey Farm" in Massachusetts.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 65
Collection title: Sarah Bartlett Bullock Diaries
Size: Various, but mostly about 5" x 3"
Condition: Good
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diaries also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 1, Reels 18 to 26.
Provenance: 1968. 60. 1-52, gift of niece Abby (Bullock) Burgess
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Skimmed a good portion of these diaries; there are still unanswered questions.
Bibliography:
1900 U.S. Census, Providence, E.D. 6, page 8.
Providence city directories.
No obituary was found for George Burroughs in the Providence Journal.
Subject headings:
Bullock, Sam H. (1850-1939)
Burroughs, George H. (1851-1918)
Diaries - 1864-1921
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Marie L. Burge Diaries
Entries dated 1886 to 1907
Biographical:
Name at birth: Burge, Marie Louise
Birthdate and place: March 10, 1865, Brooklyn N.Y.
Death date and place: April 28, 1952, South Kingstown, R.I.
Age range during diary: 20-32
Residence during diary: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Places written: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Biographical note: Raised in Brooklyn as daughter of successful physician. Never married and eventually settled in Wickford, R.I., where her grandfather Lemuel Burge had preached for many years and where many of her cousins still lived.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Episcopalian
Social class: Middle - upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 3
Number of pages: 171, 245, 184
Exact dates: January 2 1886 - December 31 1907
Frequency of entries: Regular
How was author identified?: Signed
Writing quality: Fairly good, but not generally very personal or detailed.
Utility for research: Not especially valuable. Only a few brief sections are even of local Rhode Island interest.
Related papers at RIHS: None
Family members:
Father's name: Burge, John Henry Hobart
Father's dates: 1823-1901
Father's occupation: Physician of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mother's name: Schneider, Louise
Brothers: Frederick W. Burge (1872-1949)
Sisters: Jessie Jay Burge (1867-1948, never married); half-sister Anna Shaw Burge, raised by aunt Julia Burge.
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Not all of the following are mentioned, but it might help to get the genealogy straight: the author's grandfather was Rev. Lemuel Burge (d.1864), formerly of Wickford, R.I. He had many children by his wife Elizabeth E. Shaw, including the author's uncles Samuel B. Burge (b.1841) and Dr. William Burge (b.1831), and aunts Anna S. Thomas (b.1821-1843); Elizabeth E. Burge (b.1822), Julia P. Burge (b.1825), Frances Griswold (1826-1900), and Caroline B. Mathewson Greene (1828-1900).
Topical content:
Religious content: Frequent mention of church involvement, but no long expressions of piety.
Family: "Aunt Lizzie (Miss E.E. Burge) having decided that it was best not to encumber her heirs with the estate on account of the encroachments of business on either side, Jessie secured for us the most of Commodore Perry's China." [10/15/1901]
Arts and culture: Includes lists of books read in back of 1900 diary.
Travel: Some mention of family in Rhode Island, for example: Visits to see 'Uncle' Rev. William Brenton Greene (b.1854). He is later more accurately described as a "second cousin once removed" [10/1 - 10/22/1901, and again 6/26 -7/13/1903]; "Mamma took the train for Wickford, R.I. to visit Aunt Lizzie Burge in the 'Shaw Homestead'." [8/29/1904] Wickford is a village in North Kingstown.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 320
Collection title: Marie L. Burge Diaries
Size: 11" x 9"
Condition: Good; one volume missing cover.
Provenance: 1971. 62. 1-3, purchased from Don Burnett for $50
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Skimmed.
Bibliography:
Burge, Marie L. Letter to Rhode Island Historical Society dated January 26, 1950, Wickford, R.I. and filed in the Genealogical Manuscripts collection under "Berg Family: Rev. Lemuel Burge of Wickford, R.I."
Subject headings:
Brooklyn, N.Y. - Social life and customs
Diaries - 1886-1907
North Kingstown, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Marion M. (Walling) Burgess Diaries
Entries dated 1882 to 1899
Biographical:
Name at birth: Walling, Marion Melissa
Name after marriage: Burgess, Marion M. (Walling)
Birthdate and place: Circa 1844, Burrillville, R.I.
Death date and place: April 21, 1902, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 38, 48-55
Residence during diary: 91 Prospect St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: 1) Scotland, England, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France
2) Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Wife of prominent manufacturer, active in the Providence Shelter for Colored Children
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 2
Number of pages: 108, 323
Exact dates: June 24 - September 16, 1882; November 20, 1892 - March 12, 1899
Frequency of entries: Usually weekly
How was author identified?: Signed
Writing quality: Fairly good, though mostly just short descriptive entries.
Utility for research: A decent chronicle of upper-class life on the East Side of Providence, though not very personal. This particular family is not well-documented otherwise.
Related papers at RIHS: Fourth Baptist Church Records (MSS 120); Providence Shelter for Colored Children Records (653)
Family members:
Father's name: Walling, Sayles
Father's dates: 1815-1903
Father's occupation: Of Providence, R.I.
Mother's name: Marsh, Lemanda
Mother's dates: 1823-1916
Brothers: Unknown
Sisters: Unknown
Husband's name: Burgess, Edwin A.
Husband's dates: 1842-1900
Husband's occupation: Manufacturer of pickers, belts and hoses for textile mills, in A. Burgess & Son.
Marriage date and place: September 7, 1865, Providence, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: Burgess, Alexander
Father-in-law's dates: 1810-1887
Father-in-law's occupation: Manufacturer in A. Burgess & Son
Mother-in-law's name: Simpson, Caroline
Mother-in-law's dates: Unknown
Sons: None
Daughters: Stella M. (Burgess) Harris (1866-1912), m. Frederick A.M. Harris (1864-1919); Edith Sayles Burgess (b.1879, living 1910)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Whist partners with Gov. D. Russell Brown [2/19/1899, etc.]
Topical content:
Religious content: Member of Fourth Baptist Church of Providence; regular churchgoer.
Social life: Whist is a central activity, played with regular groups at least once weekly. Also attends theater and concerts.
Family: Frequent mention of parents, who live nearby.
Childhood: Youngest daughter is 13 at start of second diary; her social activities are sometimes mentioned. Also, Harris grandchildren frequently mentioned.
Marriage: Husband a busy businessman; not much insight into their marriage.
Health: Long discussion of family illnesses in 1899, with several doctors and nurses called in to care for ailing granddaughter and other family members sick with grippe.
School: Daughter Edith in New York off to Peebles and Thompson boarding school [8/28 - 10/9/1898] Visit to school, 3/12/1899.
Fashion: Frequent discussions of shopping and dresses made.
Class relations: Occasional discussions of the help. "Such a time with girls as S[tella] has had. She engaged one and she did not show up at all so they could not move Wed., then another, and she came & told her she had changed her mind, so she could not go Thursday. Ella has been doing the cooking. At last Stella said she was going Sat. girl or no girl so she planned for Sat. At the last minute she took a green horn & I don't know how she will get along." [6/26/1897]
Travel: Travel diary from 1882 of trip to Europe is more detailed than most, and includes inscriptions from many of the Americans met on the journey.
Organizations: Vice-president of Shelter for Colored Children [city directories; 12/4/1892]. Generally just mentions that she attended the meetings, but occasionally more: "I had to go down to see Mr. Richmond today about selling the Shelters." [3/12/1899]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 979
Collection title: Marion M. Burgess Diaries
Location within the collection:
Size: 9" x 7"
Condition: Fair; both bindings becoming detached and one page loose.
Provenance: 1973. 297. 2. 1-2, gift of Harris Arnold
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read Nov. 1892 - Feb. 1893; 1899; skimmed rest.
Bibliography:
Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island (Chicago: Beers & Co., 1908), vol. 3, p. 2177.
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Providence vital records
Providence marriages (mss.), vol. 8, p. 173
Obituary of Edwin A. Burgess in Providence Journal, February 14, 1900, p.3
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1882, 1892-1899
Providence Shelter for Colored Children
Notes on the Eleonora T. (Thornlimb) Butterworth Diary
Entries dated 1930 to 1930
Biographical:
Name at birth: Thornlimb, Eleonora T.
Name after marriage: Butterworth, Eleonora T. (Thornlimb)
Birthdate and place: November 21, 1901, Rhode Island
Death date and place: After 1981, probably in Cranston, R.I.
Age range during diary: 28
Residence during diary: 7 Junction St., Providence, R.I., boarding in father-in-law's house.
Places written: Providence, R.I.; Jacksonville, Fla.
Biographical note: Worked as telephone operator before marriage, then was apparently a housewife. Moved to Cranston in 1938.
Ethnicity: Swedish-American
Religion of diarist: Baptist (Elmwood Avenue Baptist Church)
Social class: Working
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 25
Exact dates: January 5 - February 23, 1930
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed (four pages from back cover)
Brief description: Diary of working-class housewife involved in church and charitable activities; includes vacation in Florida.
Writing quality: Plain, not very personal, but clear.
Utility for research: A very short diary, but could be useful for somebody looking at working-class church involvement.
Related papers at RIHS: None
Family members:
Father's name: Thornlimb, Ernest F.
Father's dates: 1878-1939
Father's occupation: Toolmaker, in jewelry factory.
Mother's name: Lindstrom, Ellen N. Stepmother: Erika S. Anderson
Mother's dates: 1878-1901 Stepmother: b.1878
Brothers: Ernest F. Thornlimb Jr. (b.1904); Edmund Thornlimb (b.1905)
Sisters: Esther Thornlimb (1908-1917)
Husband's name: Butterworth, Wilmarth B. "Bud"
Husband's dates: 1901-1970
Husband's occupation: Traffic manager at Jones Warehouse, Providence.
Marriage date and place: June 4, 1924, Providence
Father-in-law's name: Butterworth, George W.
Father-in-law's dates: 1870-1933
Father-in-law's occupation: Real estate agent
Mother-in-law's name: Boyd, Elizabeth T.
Sons: None?
Daughters: None?
Other persons frequently mentioned: "Bud" is husband Wilmarth Butterworth. "Bartlett" is probably Thomas E. Bartlett, agent of the R.I. Bible Society.
Topical content:
Religious content: Very active church member, served on many committees.
Social life: Often visits friends. "Went to club at Mrs. Adams house, from there went to Agnes for bridge game." [1/7/1930]
Marriage: Not much insight into her marriage. Husband only mentioned 1/17, 2/7, 2/10, 2/14.
School: Taking basketry class at church [1/11/1930].
Work outside home: Butterworth seems to be a housewife. There are several entries that suggest otherwise: "Worked in afternoon" [1/10]; "Went to Bartlett's for morning" [1/11]; "Worked at Bartlett's" [1/15]; "worked at Bible Rooms" [1/24]; "Went to Bartlett's" [1/27]. However, these entries suggest a very irregular schedule. The Providence directories list several Bartletts, including a Bartlett's Hall in the northern part of town, but my guess is that she was volunteering at the Rhode Island Bible Society downtown, of which Thomas E. Bartlett was the agent.
Fashion: Went to Guild meeting... Girls gave me a lovely Beach suit." [1/31]
Race / ethnicity content: Though the author is Swedish-American, there is little to suggest her ethnicity here.
Arts and culture: Member of the 300-strong Providence Festival Chorus, which performed at Infantry Hall [1/6, 1/7]. Member of a drama club that performed in Antioch and Waltham, Mass. [1/18, 1/25].
"Went to Majestic with Mrs. Etchells to see 'Sunnyside Up'." [1/16]. "Went to Strand...to see 'Sally'". [1/28]
Travel: Trip Jacksonville, Florida for three weeks with husband, apparently to visit family.
Organizations: Butterworth belonged to a bewildering variety of committees and groups, many of which were probably related to the church. The following are mentioned: "C.E." (Christian Endeavor?) [1/5, 1/12]; Guild (Neighborhood Guild?) [1/10, 1/31]; Dramatic Club [1/12, 1/18, 1/25]; Bridge Club [1/14]; Eastern Star [1/15]; Financial Club [1/16]; Friendship Club [1/21]; Rainbow Advisory Board [1/22]; Missionary meeting [1/29]; Providence Festival Chorus [1/7].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-B
Collection title: Eleonora T. (Thornlimb) Butterworth Diary
Size: 7" x 5"
Condition: Good
Graphic content: Cover is imprinted "Shepard's, Providence, R.I. 1930 Ready Reference Diary."
Provenance: 1994. 164. 3, unknown donor
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read carefully in entirety.
Bibliography:
1920 U.S. Census, Providence, E.D. 237, page 5
Providence vital records
Providence and Cranston directories
"Festival Chorus Concert Tonight", Providence Journal, January 7, 1930.
Obituary of Wilmarth B. Butterworth in Cranston Herald, January 13, 1970
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1930
Elmwood Avenue Baptist Church (Providence, R.I.)
Florida - Description and travel
Providence Festival Chorus
Swedish-Americans - Rhode Island
Notes on the Candace C. (Dorr) Carrington Diaries
Entries dated 1862 to 1886
Biographical:
Name at birth: Dorr, Candace C.
Name after marriage: Carrington, Candace C. (Dorr)
Birthdate and place: October 5, 1815, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: February 23, 1886, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 46-70
Residence during diary: 38 Williams St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Daughter of a prominent merchant, and married the son of a prominent merchant. A common tale.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 6
Number of pages: About 150 each
Exact dates: March 20, 1862 - February 21, 1886
Frequency of entries: Mostly daily. A few scattered entries are made by her husband. He also continued after her death until 1890.
How was author identified?: Some are signed
Brief description: Very brief entries made in third person, often barely decipherable.
Writing quality: Poor; the entries are very brief and difficult to decipher due to the hurried handwriting and the heavy use of abbreviations. Written in third person.
Utility for research: There is probably quite a bit of factual information about the daily business of Providence's social elite that could be extracted with a great deal of effort, but casual reading is unlikely to be well rewarded.
Related papers at RIHS: The Carrington Papers (MSS 333) are an enormous collection of business records pertaining to Edward Carringtons I and II. the Sullivan Dorr Papers (MSS 390) relate to her father. There are undoubtedly other papers relating to the author's extended family.
Family members:
Father's name: Dorr, Sullivan
Father's dates: 1778-1858
Father's occupation: Merchant, in China trade
Mother's name: Allen, Lydia
Mother's dates: 1782-1859
Brothers: Famous fighter for truth and justice Thomas W. Dorr (1805-1858); Allen Dorr (1808-1889); Sullivan Dorr Jr. (1813-1884); Henry C. Dorr (1820-1897).
Sisters: Ann Allen (Dorr) Ives (1810-1884), wife of Moses B. Ives (1794-1853); Mary T. (Dorr) ames (1811-1869), wife of Judge Samuel Ames (1806-1865).
Husband's name: Carrington, Edward Jr.
Husband's dates: 1813-1891
Husband's occupation: Merchant and textile manufacturer
Marriage date and place: February 23 1841, Providence, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: Carrington, Edward
Father-in-law's dates: 1775-1843
Father-in-law's occupation: Pioneering merchant in China trade; textile manufacturer
Mother-in-law's name: Hoppin, Lorania
Mother-in-law's dates: 1774-1861
Sons: Edward "Ned" Carrington III (1852-1934); did not marry until 1909.
Daughters: Anne I. (Carrington) Dwight (1849-1904), wife of Gamaliel L. Dwight III (1841-1875).
Other persons frequently mentioned: Only grandchild was Margarethe L. Dwight (1871-1962), who never married. Various Ives and Ames nieces and nephews.
Topical content:
Social life: Lists daily callers, etc.
A typical entry, selected at random: "42 degrees NW clear beautiful. K Hoppin went home on 9. CC AJC M. Blodgett went to Boot (?) & former to Interest (?). GLD went down. CC bought A's skirts &c. James off all walked to street cars. EG at College in evg. All in bed early." [11/10/1870]
Another random entry: "46 degrees N.E. Ned up early to see bicycle race Wh. was not breakfast at club. CC out better calling saw Dr. Radeke. Ned down eye painful out in M dined with Jack played out without sack (?) aft. E.C. out aft. Anny has excema on hand J better Geo & Wm Hoppin & Wm Ames evg. EC at Anny's in b'g about the man in Phil. (?)" [5/4/1881]
Organizations: Directress of the Providence Children's Friend Society [10/6/1863]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 333
Collection title: Carrington Papers
Location within the collection: Box 276
Size: 8" x 7"
Condition: Fair; bindings are damaged
Provenance: 1960. 40. 1. 1-, probably arrived from Rhode Island School of Design with the rest of the Carrington Papers.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Barely skimmed
Bibliography:
Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing, 1932), volume 3, p. 196
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1862-1890
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Anna H. Chace Diaries
Entries dated 1904 to 1921
Biographical:
Name at birth: Chace, Anna H.
Birthdate and place: November 11, 1856, Pennsylvania
Death date and place: September 30, 1945, Providence
Age range during diary: 47-65
Residence during diary: Philadelphia, PA; 758 Broad St., Central Falls (to 1911); Providence, R.I. (1911-1914)
Places written: Philadelphia and Providence
Biographical note: A devout member of the Society of Friends (Quakers), and daughter of former U.S. Sen. Jonathan Chase, she never married and was very active in the international peace movement.
Religion of diarist: Quaker
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 14
Number of pages: 365 each
Exact dates: January 1, 1904 - September 5, 1921
Frequency of entries: Sporadic. Entries after 1906 alternate at random in their authorship, between Jonathan and Jane Moon Chace and their two daughters. There are also long stretches with no entries at all, or only weather. A few entries (discussing "Jane") from February 1906 appear to have certainly been done by Jonathan Chace, whose handwriting reoccurs. The handwriting is usually the only clue, as the entries are often in third person regardless of author.
How was author identified?: Internal evidence. Diary catalogued as Anna & Elizabeth Chase diary; some entries are clearly Anna's.
Brief description: These diaries were kept jointly by Jane Moon Chace, her husband Jonathan, and their two daughters Anna and Elizabeth. Each woman is given a separate entry in this index. The entries are very brief and often cease for long periods, but there are some longer entries of interest.
Family members:
Father's name: Chace, Jonathan
Father's dates: 1829-1917
Father's occupation: Textile manufacturer of Valley Falls, R.I.; U.S. congressman, 1881-1889.
Mother's name: Moon, Jane C.
Mother's dates: 1831-1914
Sisters: Elizabeth M. Chace (1868-1955)
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Uncle James H. Chace (b.1827); father's first cousin Arnold B. Chace (1845-1932); A.B. Chace's son Malcolm G. Chace (b.1875); prominent R.I. Quaker Charles Perry.
Topical content:
Religious content: For content notes, see the entry for Elizabeth M. Chace; the entries alternate and are difficult to distinguish.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 998
Collection title: Chace Family Diaries
Location within the collection: Box 1
Size: 6" x 5"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1955? Unknown but cataloged circa 1955, shortly after the last daughter's death.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
Bibliography:
Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy (New York: Lewis, 1932), vol. 4, 395-396.
Hinshaw, William W. Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1969), vol. 2 (Pennsylvania), 965-966.
Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island (Chicago: Beers & Co., 1908), p.1152-1158.
Obituaries of Anna H. Chace (10/2/1945) and Elizabeth M. Chace (9/22/1955) in Providence Journal.
Notes on the Elizabeth M. Chace Diaries
Entries dated 1904 to 1921
Biographical:
Name at birth: Chace, Elizabeth M.
Birthdate and place: November 1, 1868, Pennsylvania
Death date and place: September 21, 1955, Providence
Age range during diary: 35-53
Residence during diary: Philadelphia, PA; 758 Broad St., Central Falls (to 1911); Providence, R.I. (1911-1914)
Places written: Philadelphia and Providence
Biographical note: A devout member of the Society of Friends (Quakers), and daughter of former U.S. Sen. Jonathan Chase, she never married and was very active in the international peace movement.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Quaker (Wilburite division)
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 14
Number of pages: 365 each
Exact dates: January 1, 1904 - September 5, 1921
Frequency of entries: Sporadic. Entries after 1906 alternate at random in their authorship, between Jonathan and Jane Moon Chace and their two daughters. There are also long stretches with no entries at all, or only weather. A few entries (discussing "Jane") from February 1906 appear to have certainly been done by Jonathan Chace, whose handwriting recurs. The handwriting is usually the only clue, as the entries are often in third person regardless of author.
It appears that all of the entries from 1904 to 1906 are Jane's; 1906 to 1911 are divided mostly between Jane and Jonathan, with some by the daughters; 1911 to 1917 are mostly by Jonathan with some by Elizabeth; and 1920 to 1921 are mostly by Elizabeth with some by Anna. Volumes are missing for 1912, 1914, 1918 and 1919.
How was author identified?: Internal evidence. Diary catalogued as Anna & Elizabeth Chase diary; most of the post-1917 entries are clearly Elizabeth's, such as 8/20/1920.
Brief description: These diaries actually span from 1904 to 1920, and were kept jointly by Jane Moon Chace, her husband Jonathan, and their two daughters Anna and Elizabeth. Each woman is given a separate entry in this index. The entries are very brief and often cease for long periods, but there are some longer entries of interest.
Writing quality: Very plain and unremarkable.
Utility for research: Valuable more as an occasional record of events than as a literary artifact, though the concept of a group family diary is unusual. The Chaces all led interesting lives, though, which are partially documented here.
Related papers at RIHS: Only the records of the New England Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends (Quakers).
Family members:
Father's name: Chace, Jonathan
Father's dates: 1829-1917
Father's occupation: Textile manufacturer of Valley Falls, R.I.; U.S. congressman, 1881-1889.
Mother's name: Moon, Jane C.
Mother's dates: 1831-1914
Sisters: Anna H. Chace (1856-1945)
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Uncle James H. Chace (b.1827); father's first cousin Arnold B. Chace (1845-1932); A.B. Chace's son Malcolm G. Chace (b.1875); prominent R.I. Quaker Charles Perry.
Topical content:
Events discussed: At League of Nations conference in Geneva, Switzerland [7/7 - 9/3/1921]
Religious content: Meeting attendance often noted, but faith is mainly evidenced by simplicity of the entries.
Social life: Social visits noted.
Family: Diary kept jointly by family, in disorienting third-person style.
Marriage: Fiftieth anniversary party [10/12/1904]. No secrets between Jane and Jonathan, as Jonathan routinely wrote in the diary when Jane was unable to.
Labor: Household help is frequently discussed.
Travel: Two sisters and "J.C.R." to London and Paris [7/8 - 9/15/1920]; sisters in Geneva for League of Nations meeting [7/7 - 9/3/1921]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 998
Collection title: Chace Family Diaries
Location within the collection: Box 1
Size: 6" x 5"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1955? Unknown provenance, but cataloged circa 1955, shortly after the last daughter's death.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Skimmed most of these diaries.
Bibliography:
Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy (New York: Lewis, 1932), vol. 4, 395-396.
Hinshaw, William W. Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1969), vol. 2 (Pennsylvania), 965-966.
Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island (Chicago: Beers & Co., 1908), p.1152-1158.
Obituaries of Anna H. Chace (10/2/1945) and Elizabeth M. Chace (9/22/1955) in Providence Journal.
Subject headings:
Chace, Jonathan (1829-1917)
Diaries - 1904-1921
League of Nations
Notes on the Jane C. (Moon) Chace Diaries
Entries dated 1904 to 1911
Biographical:
Name at birth: Moon, Jane C.
Name after marriage: Chace, Jane C. (Moon)
Birthdate and place: June 12, 1831, Pennsylvania [diary entry, 6/12/1914]
Death date and place: August 15, 1914, Providence
Age range during diary: 72-80
Residence during diary: Philadelphia, PA; 758 Broad St., Central Falls (to 1911); Providence, R.I. (1911-1914)
Places written: Philadelphia and Providence
Biographical note: A devout member of the Society of Friends (Quakers), she married Jonathan Chase, who later became senator from Rhode Island.
Religion of diarist: Quaker
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 8
Number of pages: 365 each
Exact dates: January 1, 1904 - November 11, 1911 (?)
Frequency of entries: Sporadic. Entries after 1906 alternate at random in their authorship, between Jonathan and Jane Moon Chace and their two daughters. There are also long stretches with no entries at all, or only weather. A few entries (discussing "Jane") from February 1906 appear to have certainly been done by Jonathan Chace, whose handwriting reoccurs. The handwriting is usually the only clue, as the entries are often in third person regardless of author.
It appears that all of the entries from 1904 to 1906 are Jane's; 1906 to 1911 are divided mostly between Jane and Jonathan, with some by the daughters; 1911 to 1917 are mostly by Jonathan with some by Elizabeth; and 1920 to 1921 are mostly by Elizabeth with some by Anna. Volumes are missing for 1912, 1914, 1918 and 1919.
How was author identified?: Internal evidence. Diary catalogued as Anna & Elizabeth Chase diary, but entries frequently discuss both of them (6/8/1911) and place her age as too high (6/12/1911].
Brief description: These diaries actually span from 1904 to 1920, and were kept jointly by Jane Moon Chace and her two daughters Anna and Elizabeth. Each woman is given a separate entry in this index, but the content is discussed under Elizabeth' entry. The entries are very brief and often cease for long periods, but there are some longer entries of interest.
Family members:
Father's name: Moon, James
Father's dates: 1782-1855
Father's occupation: Of Pennsylvania.
Mother's name: Haines, Jane
Mother's dates: 1793-1884
Brothers: Mahlon Moon (1814-1887), Charles Moon (b.1820), James H. Moon (1830-1923)
Sisters: Eliza Moon (b.1818), Rachel (b.1823)
Husband's name: Chace, Jonathan
Husband's dates: 1829-1917
Husband's occupation: Textile manufacturer of Valley Falls, R.I.; U.S. congressman, 1881-1889.
Marriage date and place: October 12, 1854, Fallsington, PA
Father-in-law's name: Chace, Harvey
Father-in-law's dates: b.1797
Father-in-law's occupation: Textile manufacturer, Valley Falls, R.I.; nephew of Elizabeth Buffum Chace; active in Underground Railroad.
Mother-in-law's name: Wood, Hannah
Mother-in-law's dates: 1800-1833
Sons: None
Daughters: Anna H. Chace (1856-1945); Elizabeth "Bessie" M. Chace (1868-1955)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Husband's brother James H. Chace (b.1827); husband's first cousin Arnold B. Chace (1845-1932); A.B. Chace's son Malcolm G. Chace (b.1875); prominent R.I. Quaker Charles Perry.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 998
Collection title: Chace Family Diaries
Location within the collection: Box 1
Size: 6" x 5"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1955? Unknown provenance, but cataloged circa 1955, shortly after the last daughter's death.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
Bibliography:
Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy (New York: Lewis, 1932), vol. 4, 395-396.
Hinshaw, William W. Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1969), vol. 2 (Pennsylvania), 965-966.
Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island (Chicago: Beers & Co., 1908), p.1152-1158.
Obituaries of Anna H. Chace (10/2/1945) and Elizabeth M. Chace (9/22/1955) in Providence Journal.
Notes on the Mary D. (Sharpe) Chafee Diary
Entries dated 1889 to 1889
Biographical:
Name at birth: Sharpe, Mary Dexter
Name after marriage: Chafee, Mary D. (Sharpe)
Birthdate and place: January 2, 1860, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: April 27, 1934, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 27
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I.
Places written: England and France
Biographical note: Daughter of a very prominent Providence manufacturer, and married a son of another one.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 96
Exact dates: October 2 - November 29, 1889 (see note on identification)
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Identification of this diary was problematic. It had been identified as "Mary Chafee diary, 1880", but this could refer to the wives of Zechariah II or III, both of whom were named Mary and both of whom were living through 1901. Key evidence was frequent reference to the traveling companions as Zech, Alice and "Mrs. Chafee". It seems much more likely to refer to a mother-in-law as Mrs. than a daughter-in-law. Furthermore, the October 11 entry mentions "Henry Chafee's birthday", clearly referring to the son of Zechariah III, born on that date in 1887. It might seem odd for a mother to refer to her infant son by his full name, but she might have been distinguishing him from her brother Henry Sharpe. Assuming the author to be Mary (Sharpe) Chafee to be the author, and Mrs. Chafee to be her mother-in-law Mary (Buffington) Chafee, the diary must have been written between 1887 and Mrs. Chafee's death in April 1901. By checking the dates in the diary against a perpetual calendar, the year is narrowed down to 1889 or 1895. By checking the family correspondence files in the Zechariah Chafee papers for those years, 1895 can be ruled out, as there are letters from October 1895 from Mrs. Chafee in Boston. In 1889, there is a letter from Mrs. Chafee in Paris to her son, dated December 7, which is consistent with the diary. The diary seems to leave Mrs. Chafee and Alice in Europe on November 21. Also see the reference to President Carnot, who served in France from 1887 to his assassination in 1894, and to the death of the King of Portugal on the same page.
Brief description: Diary of trip to Europe with husband, his mother and his sister Alice.
Writing quality: Very good
Utility for research: A decent travel diary, perhaps most useful for its tangential reference to Brown & Sharpe business.
Related papers at RIHS: Zechariah Chafee Family Papers (MSS 340) include extensive family correspondence. Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company Records (MSS 822) document her family business.
Family members:
Father's name: Sharpe, Lucian
Father's dates: 1830-1899
Father's occupation: Founder of Browne & Sharpe Manufacturing Company, the world's largest producer of quality measuring tools.
Mother's name: Dexter, Louisa
Mother's dates: 1831-1901
Brothers: Henry D. Sharpe Sr. (1872-1954); Lucian Sharpe Jr. (1871-1931)
Sisters: Ellen D. Sharpe (1861-1953); Louisa D. (Sharpe) Metcalf (1866-1959); one other?
Husband's name: Chafee, Zechariah III
Husband's dates: Manufacturer, active in Brown & Sharpe and also in Builders Iron Foundry
Husband's occupation: 1859-1943
Marriage date and place: February 10, 1885
Father-in-law's name: Chafee, Zechariah Jr.
Father-in-law's dates: 1815-1889
Father-in-law's occupation: Manufacturer, president of Builders Iron Foundry
Mother-in-law's name: Buffington, Mary Frances
Mother-in-law's dates: 1824-1901
Sons: Zechariah Chafee IV (1885-1957); henry S. Chafee (1887-1964); John S. Chafee (1896-1984); Francis S. Chafee (1903-1980)
Daughters: Elizabeth (b.1889); Mary S. (b.1897)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Alice Chafee (1859-1933), twin sister of Zechariah III, later Alice Dunham.
Topical content:
Social life: Glamorous reception thrown by French president Sadi-Carnot for those receiving awards at a manufacturing exhibition; met "M. Eiffel, a very interesting face." [10/21, 10/28/1889] "also saw 'Buffalo Bill' coming out of the 'American Bar' at the hotel." [10/21/1889]
Food and drink: Complaints about ocean steamer food. "Tried oatmeal gruel this morning. Wretched stuff." [10/4/1889]; "Managed to dine in the saloon. A glass of beer for breakfast. very satisfactory; far superior to gruel." [10/6/1889]
Labor: The ostensible excuse for this vacation is the author's husband's official business. He met with "Mr. Neat, who sells Brown & Sharpe's tools in England." [10/15/1889] and attended an exhibition in Paris where Brown & Sharpe had an exhibit [10/19/1889]. The author's father
Lucian Sharpe seems to have attended the exhibition in Paris and accompanied them back to London briefly; the only mention of him seems to be that "London s clear and bright. Father could hardly recognize it." [10/31/1889]
Class relations: "Mr. Neat [an English salesman for Mr. Chafee's company] called with his wife. She is rather amusing. Her experience with American women has not been very encouraging, as she has encountered the class who have been unable to find anything here as good as what we have in America. She is rather bourgeoise." [11/4/1889]
Travel: Fairly good travel diary from England and Paris; not much on sights, but enjoyably peevish depiction of travel by ocean steamer. "I always did think the sea a poor place." [10/3/1889]; "I am quite lame in the back from continual 'holding on' whether I sit or lie down. Too rough to walk much." [10/7/1889]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 340
Collection title: Zechariah Chafee Family Papers
Location within the collection: In box 6
Size: 9" x 6"
Condition: Good; fragile paper
Provenance: 1978. 35. 1?, probably gift of Francis H. Chafee
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Skimmed fairly closely
Bibliography:
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Chaffee, William H. The Chaffee Genealogy... (New York: Grafton Press, 1909), pages 239 and 401
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1889
Europe - Description and travel
Notes on the Zerviah (Sanger) Chapman Diary
Entries dated 1775 to 1783
Biographical:
Name at birth: Sanger, Zerviah
Name after marriage: Chapman, Zerviah (Sanger)
Birthdate and place: December 21, 1718, Woodstock, CT
Death date and place: April 30, 1812, Warwick, RI
Age range during diary: 56 - 65
Residence during diary: Warwick, RI
Places written: Warwick, R.I.
Biographical note: Resided in Woodstock, CT through at least 1741, settled in Nova Scotia with her husband, had a total of 21 children, and moved to Warwick, R.I. after her husband's death in 1770, where she lived with her daughter Hannah (Chapman) Arnold..
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Quaker?
Social class: Middle?
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 16
Exact dates: April 16 1775 to April 1 1776, April 10 1783 to January 7 1784. Also six pages of transcibed selections dating from 1768-1787.
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: On envelope accompanying diary; fits known facts.
Brief description: Fragmentary diary dealing mostly with household work.
Writing quality: Very brief entries, with erratic spelling.
Utility for research: The earliest woman's diary at the R.I.H.S., and an excellent source on Revolutionary-era woman's work, though of little literary merit.
Related papers at RIHS: "Chapman Family: Stephen Chapman Genealogy", in RIHS Genealogical Manuscripts, has transcriptions of two of Zerviah's letters dated 1765 and 1793, transcribed selections from her diary, and a comprehensive genealogy of her descendants.
Family members:
Father's name: Sanger, Nathaniel
Father's dates: 1685-1761
Father's occupation: Of Woodstock, Conn.
Mother's name: Peake, Dorcas
Mother's dates: 1696-1785
Brothers: John (1722-1814), Nathaniel (b.1724), Isijah (b.1727), Asa (1736-1791), Amasa (b.1737)
Sisters: Mary (b.1717), Marcy (b.1720), Elizabeth (b.1725), Dorcas (b.1732)
Husband's name: Chapman, Stephen
Husband's dates: 1711-1770
Husband's occupation: Born in Connecticut, imprisoned in 1765 for debt in Newport, Nova Scotia, and died there.
Marriage date and place: May 22, 1734
Father-in-law's name: Chapman, William
Mother-in-law's name: Chapman, Anna
Sons: Stephen (b.1736), Nathaniel (1742-1820), Rufus (1744-1848), Ebenezer (b.1750), William (b.1760) and others died young.
Daughters: Zerviah Potter (1735-1803), Hannah Arnold (1737-1821), Lucia Blanchard (1739-1823), Dorcas Mathewson (1747-1842), Mary Patt (1754-1823), Anna Greene (b.1757) and others died young. 21 children in all.
Other persons frequently mentioned: Son-in-laws Simeon Arnold (1736-1820), Daniel Mathewson (1747-1824) and Reuben Blanchard (1743-1813), grandsons Lemuel Arnold (1759-1779), Ephraim Arnold (1763-1822), Ebenezer Arnold (1765-1814), Cyrus Arnold (b.1768), Uriah Arnold (b.1772), and Freelove Arnold (1775-1855); granddaughters Phebe Arnold (1761-1783), Zerviah Arnold (1770-1800), Lydia Arnold (1774-1797), Eunice Blanchard (b.1764).
Topical content:
Events discussed: "We had ye doleful news of ye fight bertween ye Regulars & Americans." [4/20/1775] "Man of war fired Prudence Island." [1/12/1776]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Zerviah put to bed with a daughter about 1 o'clock in the morn" [9/15/1775]. Ruth Potter, daughter of Ezra and Zerviah, born that date. "Went burying Westcott's wife" [8/18/1775]. "I went to Daniel Budlong's to ye birth of a daughter wd 9 lb 10 oz." [12/14/1775]. "Went with Sim[eon Arnold] to see his aunt Bates buried." [1/28/1776]. "I at John Rhodes. His wife had a daughter born." [3/17/1776]. "Phebe departed this life about one of ye clock after'n." [5/12/1783] (granddaughter Phebe Arnold). "Dinah had mare to go burying Joseph Lippit" [5/19/1783].
Religious content: Frequently mentions attending meeting in Warwick, Greenwich and Cranston, but little religious content. Apparently not a member of Society of Friends, just an attender. "Reuben to monthly meeting." [11/26/1783] - NOT the date of Greenwich Monthly Meeting.
Social life: Frequent visitors from out of town who stayed overnight, almost as if the family were running an inn. Zerviah's letter dated October 4, 1765, which appears transcribed with selections from the diary in the genealogical collection, complains that her husband was jailed on false acusations of forgery, and implores her children: "I do hereby warn you of ever trusting anything in the hands of any of the family of Westcoate which Robert belongs to for they are the falsest people that I ever knew."
Family: Constant mentions of children and grandchildren. "I went with Eben'r to Daniel Mattesons staid 4 weeks." [8/3/1783]. Refers to grandson Ebenezer Arnold age 18 and son-in-law Daniel Mathewson. "Ezra, Zer'h & I went to Woodstock, I staid with mother." [10/10/1783]. Author's 87-year-old mother still living.
Health: "I was poorly, took puke." [10/8/1783].
Home production: Constant discussion of weaving done in home by author and her family. Also discusses cooking, animals butchered, etc.
Work outside home: In transcribed portion of diary, notes "I begun to keep school" on June 4 1770 and December 6 1773.
Food and drink: Frequent mention of meals such as "Had fish for dinner" [4/26/1775] or "Baked fryed pancakes for breakfast." [4/29/1775]. "I churnd made cheese baked & brewed" [6/14/1775].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-C
Collection title: Zerviah (Sanger) Chapman Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 8 1/2" x 7"
Condition: Fair. Not bound, some entries illegible, but generally readable.
Provenance: Unknown
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, August 1999
Bibliography:
"Chapman Family: Stephen Chapman Genealogy", in RIHS Genealogical Manuscripts, under the care of the Printed Collection.
Potter, Frank Elwood. Descendants of Nicholas Potter (Baltimore: Gateway Press, 1991), 28.
Subject headings:
Arnold, Simeon (1736-1820)
Cottage industries - Rhode Island - Warwick
Diaries - 1775-1783
Textile industry - Rhode Island - Warwick
Notes on the Caroline L. (Herreshoff) Chesebrough Diary
Entries dated 1853 to 1855
Biographical:
Name at birth: Herreshoff, Caroline Louisa
Name after marriage: Chesebrough, Caroline L. (Herreshoff)
Birthdate and place: February 27, 1839, Bristol, R.I.
Death date and place: 1924
Age range during diary: 18, 20
Residence during diary: Bristol, R.I. (Point Pleasant)
Places written: Bristol, R.I.
Biographical note: Daughter of country gentleman. Married an ailing Civil War veteran who died ten years later; she lived most of her life as a widow.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist?
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 28 pages
Exact dates: 4/10 - 5/8/1853, 8/15 - 8/18/1853, 5/29/1855
Frequency of entries: Sporadic
How was author identified?: Donated with Herreshoff Papers; internal evidence suggests daughter of C.F.H. II, and Caroline is only one that fits.
Brief description: Brief diary of young Bristol woman.
Writing quality: Good, fairly descriptive.
Utility for research: Not really long enough to be of very much value.
Related papers at RIHS: Extensive collection of Herreshoff-Lewis Family Papers (MSS 487)
Family members:
Father's name: Herreshoff, Charles F. II
Father's dates: b.1809
Father's occupation: Farmer
Mother's name: Lewis, Julia Ann
Mother's dates: 1811-1901
Brothers: James B. (1834), Charles F. III (1839), John B. (1841), Lewis (1844), Nathanael G. (1848), J.B.F. (1850), Julian L. (1854)
Sisters: Sally B. (1845)
Husband's name: Chesebrough, E. Stanton
Husband's dates: 1841-1875
Husband's occupation: Disabled Civil War veteran
Marriage date and place: August 16, 1866
Father-in-law's name: Chesebrough, Albert G.
Mother-in-law's name: Cobb, Phebe E.
Sons: Albert S. Chesebrough (1868-1916)
Daughters: None
Topical content:
Religious content: Attends church
Social life: "I stayed 6 weeks in Prov where I enjoyed myself very much. Invited out 22 times, excepted 12." [5/29/1855]
Family: Frequent discussion of extended family.
Health: Brother John going blind; "Dr. Briggs has just applied leeched to John's face for his eyes, but they would not take hold." [4/10/1853]
School: Awarded "No. 1 in attendance, deportment, Latin." [4/22/1853].
Home production: Tends garden and sews own clothes.
Labor: Brother "James has been with the railroad surveyors at $1.25 per day." [5/8/1853]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 487 sg 10
Collection title: Herreshoff-Lewis Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 9, folder 19
Size: 4" x 3"
Condition: Good
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reels 24 and 25
Provenance: 1970. 122. 1. 1-, gift of Norman Herreshoff
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety.
Bibliography:
The Chad Brown Workbook: A Continuing Workbook of the Descendants of Chad Brown, 2nd ed. (R.I. Historical Society, 1987).
Subject headings:
Bristol, R.I. - Social life and customs
Diaries - 1853-1855
Notes on the Ida M. Clarke Diary
Entries dated 1869 to 1879
Biographical:
Name at birth: Clarke, Ida M.
Birthdate and place: August 25, 1853, Newport, RI
Death date and place: November 22, 1886, Newport, RI
Age range during diary: 15 - 16
Residence during diary: 13 Tew's Court, Newport, RI
Places written: Newport, RI
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Unknown
Social class: Working-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 365
Exact dates: May 18 - October 18 1869, with very sporadic entries from August 20 1873 to June 20 1879
Frequency of entries: Daily in 1869; very sporadic and out of order, 1873-1879.
How was author identified?: Signed inside cover. "Bristol, R.I." is written in a different hand, and is certainly incorrect.
Brief description: Life of a semi-invalid girl in working-class family who does knitting to bring in extra money.
Writing quality: Fair. Very little punctuation and limited vocabulary.
Related papers at RIHS: None known
Family members:
Father's name: Clarke, James
Father's dates: 1810-1886
Father's occupation: Ropemaker and watchman, of Newport, RI
Mother's name: Smith, Ann
Mother's dates: 1810-1887
Brothers: James (b.ca.1832), William (b.ca.1837), John (b.ca.1842)
Sisters: Mary C. (b.ca.1840, m. John B. Durfee, 1867?), Ann M. (mentally handicapped) (b.ca.1846)
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Uncle Joseph Smith, b.ca. 1805, who lived next door [6/10/1869]
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Well today is a day never to be forgotten and I shall call it the September Gail... Oh! The wind has blown down trees and the steeple and chimneys and there was such a time." [9/8/1869].
Religious content: Does not mention attending church; no religious meditations.
Social life: "I went to the fare [fair]. James came for me, I went, and Liz got me into a scrape the first thing and I made her get me out. She did and I went round a little while with Annie Thurston then I went with Sarah and had some candy and cake and ice cream. It was real nice." [8/4/1869] Last entry in diary: "I don't feel pleased with myself or any one else but hope I shall soon." [6/20/1879, written on 11/3/1869 page]
Family: "Mummy came up today. Oh, what a day it has been. Nothing but rows all day." [8/6/1869]
Health: "If Willie was here and I could walk, I should be very happy indeed." [6/1/1869, written on 6/3/1869 page]. "I had a letter from my old Dr. and he is coming to get me well and I hope he will." [7/3/1869] "I had a new plaster on my leg and I looked at it and there was a blue bump. Mother said it would brake. I did not know what to think." [8/15/1869] "This morning I waked up and found that my leg had broke." [8/16/1869] "Today I made the attempt and succeeded in comeing down one pair of stairs." [8/18/1869] "I have got another place on my leg that looks as if it would brake." [9/6/1869]. "Well, now I can walk, and I don't think I have, or do, or go, any more than what I earn." [5/31/1874, on first page] "I can walk and have walked 4 years." [6/20/1879, on first page.] Later died of "hip joint disease" in 1886.
Home production: "Mother West came here tonight... She said she had some work for me, I hope she has. If I can do it, she told me to come up." [5/24/1869] "Mother West was here tonight and brought me some cuffs to make. She gave me some peanuts. I love her very much." [5/26/1869] "Well I had to live up stairs today and I made almost a yard of tatting [a type of lace]." [7/1/1869] "Today I have been real smart. I have made a whole yard of tatting today and sewed too and I think that was pretty well for an invalid." [9/6/1869]
Food and drink: Recipe for spring cake entered under January 1.
Gender relations: "Joe wanted me to have some milk tonight told me to come and drink. I want to see him again. He ain't worth seeing that is I don't think so." [5/22/1869] "I have not spoken to Joe yet. It is to bad but I can't help it he might have behaved himself. I am sorry, very sorry but it can't be helped now." [5/24/1869] "I had a talk with Joe and he is ever so much better I think. He is sick he says. I am sorry he is sick but it is for some good purpose I suppose. He is going to try to be better and I think he will." [5/30/1869] "Joe moved I am sorry for that for he is gay. I guess he will come to see us some times though." [6/4/1869] "Joe is more respectful than before. Oh, if only he would be good." [6/9/1869] "I saw Tommy today and he looks beautiful. He is a very handsome boy, I think. Oh, I am so sick." [6/21/1869]. "Joe went by with a pipe in his mouth and it grieved me to the heart." [7/8/1869] "I saw Tommy a few minutes and that was very nice. He is so pleasant. I love him very much." [7/24/1869] "I saw Tommy. There is but few I like or think so much of as I do of Tommy." [8/10/1869] (note reads: "Tommy Garner on State Street) "My dearest Tommy was here today. He is so funny, he told me a dreadful story. He is a real honest boy, though, for he couldn't go without telling me it was a story. He is a dove." [8/23/1869] "Ala says she saw Tommy and he said he wasn't my fellow, but I shan't die if he ain't. I didn't expect he was. I am sure but I do know who is if he don't." [9/25/1869]
Arts and culture: "Well today is the capper. I had the one wish of my life gratified. I had a Melodian and I do take comfort with it, but I am going to have a better one." [7/29/1869]
Travel: "I had to come home in a hack, but hope I never shall again." [5/19/1869]
Geographical and architectural: "Went down the new road, it is a splendid drive." [8/21/1869]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-C
Collection title: Ida M. Clarke Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 3" x 2"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 2000. 40, purchased from Ralph Petrucci
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, July 2000
Bibliography:
Newport directories
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Rhode Island death records, 1886, page 591 and 594; and 1887, page 547
1850 U.S. Census, Newport, page 374
1865 R.I. Census, volume 14, page 267
1870 U.S. Census, Newport Ward 4, page 480
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1869
Handicapped - Employment - Rhode Island - Newport
Lace and lace making - Rhode Island - Newport
Newport, R.I. - Social life and customs
Textile crafts - Rhode Island - Newport
Notes on the Caroline (Updike) Eddy Diary
Entries dated 1904 to 1904
Biographical:
Name at birth: Eddy, Caroline (Updike)
Name after marriage: Collins, Caroline Updike (Eddy)
Birthdate and place: July 13, 1884, Providence, RI
Death date and place: 1969, Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 20
Residence during diary: 182 Bowen St., Providence, RI
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Caroline Updike Eddy was born in Providence to Wilkins and Abigail (Watson) Updike. She attended the RI School of Design and married Clarkson A. Collins, Jr. on April 27, 1910.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper class
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: approximately 200
Exact dates: Jamuary 1 - December 31 1904
Frequency of entries: Infrequently from January to May; daily through the end of July; sporadic in August; then daily again through December
How was author identified?: Name indicated on first page of diary.
Brief description: This diary describes Caroline Updike Eddy's everyday life in 1904. She details her social life, the weather, and the meeting and dating of her future husband, Clarkson A. Collins, Jr.
Writing quality: Jotting down of notes rather than full sentence passages. Handwriting can be difficult to read.
Utility for research:
Related papers at RIHS: Diary of her sister Aritis Updike (Mss 1065, box 2, folder 45).
Family members:
Father's name: Eddy, Alfred Updike
Father's dates: 1857-1937
Father's occupation: Lawyer and president of two fire insurance companies.
Mother's name: Proctor, Anne C.
Mother's dates: 1859-1936
Brothers: Lawrence (died shortly after birth, 1891)
Sisters: none
Husband's name: Collins, Clarkson A. Jr.
Husband's dates: 1884-1941
Marriage date and place: April 27, 1910
Father-in-law's name: Collins, Clarkson Abel
Father-in-law's dates: 1853-1931
Mother-in-law's name: Loomis, Letta
Mother-in-law's dates: 1853-1931
Sons: Alfred Updike (b. 1913); Clarkson A. III (1911-1972)
Daughters: none
Other persons frequently mentioned: Edith; Phillip; Martha; Florence; Clarkson Collins
Topical content:
Religious content: "Church with Edith. awful sermon. poor little preacher! He'll have a hard life." [7/3/1904] "To Chapel [West Point] in a.m. interesting sermon." [7/17/1904] "Church of the Paulist Fathers - good music and interesting sermon - man believed in an absolute - powerful devil." [10/30/1904] "C. Collins came at four - Tea - animated discussion about religion - Buddhism in particular." [11/11/1904].
Social life: "Florence stayed until 10 o'clock. Went to Mays. Missed F. In afternoon played bridge with B. Aldrich" [5/6/1904] "Sailing all the morning with the Aldriches." [7/4/1904]
Health: "Bad cold and suffering great snuffles." [6/19/1904]
School: "My first day at the School of Design." [10/17/1904]
Home production: "Sewed at Ediths in morning - too tired to do anything else." [5/10/1904]
Food and drink: "Made fudge and had tea." [9/16/1904]
Community: "Ball game with Phillip in p.m. Brown 1-0 Dartmouth. Rah!" [5/14/1904]
Gender relations: "on my way home C Collins met me - asked me to go over to Howard Ave with him on an errand - walked both ways. Like him so much." [10/24/1904] "had a date with C. Collins. C.C. at half past four. very attractive." [10/25/1904]
Arts and culture: "In evening went to first outdoor concert at college with Phillip - such a good time." [5/11/1904] "Last music lesson today:" [6/16/1904] "Cotillion in evening." [12/31/1904]
Travel: "Went to Saunderstown at 2:15 got there and sailed across to Dutch Island" [5/28/1904] "Sailed to Narragansett in a.m." [5/29/1904] "Started for Cambridge at 11.3." [6/18/1904]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1065
Collection title: Alfred U. Collins Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folder 27
Size: 3" x 5"
Condition: Excellent
Graphic content: Clipping depicting a piece of artwork that could be ordered.
Provenance: 2002. 47. 1. 1-, gift of Eliza Collins, daughter of Alfred Updike Collins.
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, February 2001
Bibliography:
Opdyke, Charles Wilson. OpDyck Genealogy, 118-124. Albany, New York: Week, Parsons & Company, 1889.
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Collins, Clarkson A Jr. (1884-1941)
Diaries, 1904
Providence, RI - Social life and customs
Notes on the Alice (Greene) Comstock Diary
Entries dated 1897 to 1897
Biographical:
Name at birth: Greene, Alice
Name after marriage: Comstock, Alice (Greene)
Birthdate and place: November 2, 1857, Providence
Death date and place: March 19, 1938, Providence
Age range during diary: 39-40
Residence during diary: 76 Humboldt Ave., Providence, R.I. (East Side).
Places written: Providence, R.I. Spent July and August in summer home in Seaconnet (Little Compton, R.I.)
Biographical note: Daughter of a prominent Brown professor, she lived in Providence, married a successful lawyer, raised three daughters and lived a quiet domestic life.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 183 pages of diary
Exact dates: 1/1/1897 - 12/31/1897
Frequency of entries: Daily (preprinted pocket diary), plus account book, address book, list of visits made, list of correspondence, and other memoranda
How was author identified?: Signed on front page.
Writing quality: Plain but very good.
Utility for research: Not very exciting, but a very competent chronicle of daily family life, health problems, clubs and leisure activity.
Related papers at RIHS: Papers of Comstock in-laws in MSS 169, the Comstock Papers, but nothing directly relevant.
Family members:
Father's name: Greene, Samuel Stillman
Father's dates: 1810-1883
Father's occupation: Professor of Mathematics and Civil Engineering, Brown University
Mother's name: Bailey, Mary Adeline
Mother's dates: 1825-1907
Brothers: John S. Greene (1860-1935) of Cleveland, Samuel Stuart Greene (1862-1894), half-brother Frank B. Greene of Pennsylvania, Percival Greene (died young)
Sisters: Unknown
Husband's name: Comstock, Richard Borden
Husband's dates: 1854-17 March 23
Husband's occupation: Corporate lawyer, president of R.I. Bar Association
Marriage date and place: July 19, 1883, Providence
Father-in-law's name: Comstock, Joseph J.
Father-in-law's dates: 1811-1868
Father-in-law's occupation: Steamboat captain
Mother-in-law's name: Comstock, Maria S. (Taber) (Cook)
Mother-in-law's dates: 1814-1911
Sons: None
Daughters: Marjorie S. Hart (1884-1939); Louise H. Alden (1886-1945); Alice May Comstock (unmarried) (1890-c.1964)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Marsden J. Perry's "entertainment for children at his house" (John Brown House?) [3/12]. Charles, Harry and Willie Aldrich were frequent visitors; not close relatives of Sen. Aldrich. "Aunty Potter" was Mrs. Eliza E. Potter, professional nurse. Nephew Percival Greene (b.1880) in house for fall college semester; son of her brother Frank. Nephew Gladding Comstock also a Brown freshman and frequent visitor at home. Cook Annie McCarty, arrived 9/16. Maria (Cook) Wing mentioned [9/25].
Topical content:
Events discussed: Major snowstorm [1/29]. Move of husband's law firm to Banigan Building [1/15]. Very little discussion of current events. Husband campaigning for William Baker as mayor [10/28].
Religious content: Regular church-goer, apparently at Union Baptist Church on East St., and occasionally others. Praises Mr. Ewer's "manly sermon" [10/17].
Social life: Accounts of visiting friends, parties, etc. Busy social schedule. Brown University commencement week a big event [6/14]. Many Providence friends summered with them in Little Compton.
Family: Visits from brother John S. Greene [5/23, most of August]
Childhood: Daily account of the activities of her three daughters, aged 6 to 13.
Marriage: Apparently happy marriage to hard-working lawyer. One unusually disheveled entry, though, reads "Dick was out very late tonight politically. In fact he did not get home until 3:00" [10/29].
Aging: Visits with aging mother and mother-in-law.
Health: "The 'grip' is raging in Providence and has been unusually severe." [2/10]; neuralgia in face [2/28]. General accounts of colds and flu. Horrifying dental work [3/20-24, 4/15, 4/26, 7/6, 10/26]. Husband injured face and hand while setting off fireworks [7/5].
School: Children in Miss Bowen's school [9/23]; nephew staying at house while attending Brown University.
Fashion: 34 visits throughout year from dressmaker Mrs. S.B. Horton; list of visits in back of book. New dressmaker, Mme. Thalman [4/13]. Intermittent discussions of clothing. Visit downtown: "In the Boston Store window there is a man dressed up as an owl to advertise the 'Owl Hooks and Eyes'. It is a very good imitation of an owl & the children have enjoyed it." [11/11]
Food and drink: Treated daughter to "ice cream at Tillinghast's" [4/12].
Race / ethnicity content: At birthday party of 11-year-old daughter, 17-year old nephew Percy Greene "dressed up as an old colored woman, came in and told their fortunes and gave out some little presents." [9/28].
Arts and culture: Reading Oliver Twist to the children [1/17], Kenilworth [2/3], etc. Children attend music and dance lessons. Alice and husband attend theater and lectures. "I am trying to make as many words as I can correctly out of the word 'Manufacturers'. There have been prizes offered for the largest lists." [2/13]. Personal reading: McLeod of the Camerons [2/14], Barnaby Rudge ("too frightful, just yet, for the children to read") [2/16], Tatterly [3/7]. Attended baseball game, Brown vs. Princeton [5/8], Brown vs. Harvard [6/16]. Daughters "took a 'wheel' down the [Blackstone] Boulevard." [6/23] Went to "see Miss Parmelee's watercolor exhibit at Mr. Slicer's" in Little Compton [8/7]. Playing tennis through summer in Little Compton, and through much of the fall in Providence. Saw tennis championship in Newport [8/26]. Golf links laid out in field by nephew [9/29 - 10/3]. Children stage a play called "Dr. Cure-all" for family [11/27].
Travel: To summer house in Little Compton for July and August 1897.
Organizations: Hope Club [1/1], Whist Club [1/4], Athletic Club [1/5], Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children [1/22], Euchre Club [2/9], Squantum Club [2/22], Providence Art Club [4/1], "our dear old Chaucer Club" [4/10], husband's college fraternity reunion [5/13-17]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 169
Collection title: Comstock Papers
Location within the collection:
Size: 5" x 3"
Condition: Very good
Provenance: 1974. 72. 1; deposited by Henry Hart Jr. in 1974, probably author's grandson; made a gift by his heirs, 1989.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Did not read in entirety
Bibliography:
Comstock, John Adams. A History and Genealogy of the Comstock Family in America (Los Angeles, 1949), p. 242, 360.
Kemble, Harold E. "Comstock Family Papers, 1837-1903" (Unpublished finding aid, 1985).
Subject headings:
Comstock, Richard B. (1854-1923)
Diaries - 1897
Greene, Percival (1880- )
Little Compton, R.I. - Description and travel
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Cynthia A. (Sprague) Congdon Diaries
Entries dated 1841 to 1854
Biographical:
Name at birth: Sprague, Cynthia Anthony
Name after marriage: Congdon, Cynthia A. (Sprague)
Birthdate and place: December 18, 1819
Death date and place: December 25, 1880, East Greenwich, R.I.
Age range during diary: 21-25, 32-34
Residence during diary: East Greenwich, R.I.
Places written: East Greenwich, R.I.
Biographical note: Her mariner father died young, and she was raised by her mother. Though she seems to have been fairly well educated, she worked as a seamstress to help support herself until her marriage to a sea captain. She sailed with her husband on at least one trip to San Francisco.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Methodist [see 3/28/1841]
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 2
Number of pages: 157, 138
Exact dates: February 8 1841 - April 19 1842 and October 27 1844 - February 21 1845; October 6 1852 - January 11 1854.
Regarding the date of the first entry: it clearly reads January, but the following days are numbered sequentially and the next month is March. The entry for the 21st reads "Never was a day in February ushered in with more beauty." Most significantly, her fiancee John Congdon left on a major journey on February 8, which seems to be described on the first page.
Frequency of entries: Almost daily for most of 1841, sporadic through 1845 and in later volume.
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: The first volume was kept at home in East Greenwich, and is largely dedicated to her fiancee/husband, who was out at sea. The second volume was kept at sea while traveling aboard her husband's ship to San Francisco. She was traveling with her young son, and addressed the volume to her daughter.
Writing quality: Very good; very personal and detailed.
Utility for research: The second diary is fairly well known as an important source on women at sea. The first diary is excellent in its own way. It is a portrait of life in a seaport town, and the shows the effects on the women left behind. It is also a very early account of a woman working for wages.
Related papers at RIHS: The Congdon Family Papers provide full supporting documentation to these diaries, including diaries of her husband and daughter, and extensive correspondence.
Family members:
Father's name: Sprague, John Jr.
Father's dates: 1784-1822
Father's occupation: Sea captain? Cynthia's gravestone reads "Daughter of Captain John Sprague"
Mother's name: Anthony, Lydia
Mother's dates: 1797-1877 (second wife of John Sprague Jr.)
Brothers: Half-brother John Sprague
Sisters: Half-sisters Polly, Hannah and Eliza Sprague
Husband's name: Congdon, John Remington
Husband's dates: 1820-1863
Husband's occupation: Sea captain
Marriage date and place: March 6, 1842
Father-in-law's name: Congdon, Peleg
Father-in-law's dates: 1784-1862
Father-in-law's occupation: Sea captain
Mother-in-law's name: Remington, Mary
Mother-in-law's dates: 1792-1820, of Warwick
Sons: George Barrell Congdon (1846-1902)
Daughters: Mary Remington (Congdon) (Carstein) Dearstyne (1842-1916). See separate entry.
Other persons frequently mentioned: Mrs. Remington, visited in Apponaug 5/20/1841, was the grandmother of her fiancee.
Topical content:
Events discussed: Interested in temperance after hearing a reformed drunkard lecture; "There is a society formed here consisting of 300 members. There are some reformed drunkards, Eldredge Sweet, Capt. Joseph Spencer John Cornell and others." [1/13/1842]
While at sea, a passing ship informed of the death of Daniel Webster. "So one after another of our great men are being called away from earth, but I trust that others will be raised up who will fill their place, and that the affairs of the nation may be conducted with wisdom and in peace.' [12/19/1852]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: The first diary would be worth scouring for vital records entries, as there are quite a few. Wedding of Harris Briggs mentioned [3/10/1841], and death of Mrs. Wheeler's baby [3/19/1841], for example. The second diary has less, but the following entry written at Valparaiso, Chile might be of interest: "John visited the burial ground and searched for Isaac Pinnegar's grave, he found it in the Episcopal yard, and in good order, he could read his name and age." The Pinnegars were friends from East Greenwich. [2/4/1853]
Religious content: Deeply religious, especially in times of trouble. "I have not enjoyed the communion with my Heavenly Friend today that I do on some days. I know the reason very well. I have neglected to pray to him as I should. I have thought too much of earth and earthly joys." [2/18/1841] Mentions attending a love feast [2/26/1841]. "I have been reading a Catholic book...there are some things with which of course I cannot say I am satisfied, but I would not by any means condemn the Catholic because he does not believe as I do." [12/26/1852]
Social life: Not much for frivolity. At age 21: "I do not enjoy myself in company as I once did... I had much rather sit down at home in the enjoyment of my thoughts than to go abroad." [2/26/1841] At sea: "Mr. Noyes one of our passengers taught me how to play chess, perhaps I have been wrong in learning, my time, I think might have been better employed. I do not appreciate those games. I think they are more harm than good." [11/30/1852]
Childhood: The sea diary includes descriptions of the activities of her six-year old son George, who was along for the voyage.
Marriage: Reflections a week after her marriage: "Let us never contend, let me always feel that I am the weaker vessel and as such yield my opinion to his. Under all circumstances let me study his happiness and as much as in my power promote it." [3/13/1842]. The first diary was written expressly for John's amusement when he returned from sea voyages. After a long gap in entries, "I am afraid dear husband you will hardly find my Journal worth reading." [2/16/1845]
Health: Troubled throughout diaries by severe headaches.
Work outside home: Worked as a seamstress before marriage, to support herself and her mother. Frequently mentions work done. "Mr. May came down this morning and asked me if I did not want to go in the Mill to warp. Well said I what will you give. He says I wish first to know if it will be an object for me to leave my work. If I was able to work in the factory I should certainly go but as I am not I must be contented with less, and work at my trade notwithstanding my dislike to tailoring. I intended to have taught a school this summer but there are more schools here in the Village now than scholars I should think. I had no one to look out for me in the country, so I shall have to give up my favorite occupation this time but never mind I shall get along well enough. My Heavenly Father will provide for me." [6/1/1841]
Even married and at sea, continued to sew. "I have finished a jacket for George today, I cut it yesterday, so you will see I do some work." [11/17/1852]
Food and drink: "This morning I was making pies in cutting the crust the knife slipped and cut a piece of my thumb it is quite sore I shall learn to be more careful next time." [2/24/1841] Mother was going on a trip and she did not feel fully trained in the kitchen: "I have been very much engaged in cooking today for I do not like to cook very well when Ma is absent I can mix well enough but I do not like to have care of the baking." [3/25/1841]. "Stuffed and baked a fish, it was very good considering it was the first I ever cooked. I had no Ma to ask how it should be done." [3/30/1841]
The sea diary includes frequent accounts of shipboard fare, which doesn't sound half bad. "We have had dinner, and it consisted of boiled beef and pork potatoes and squash, a nice pudding which we have every Sundy." [11/14/1852] "A fine Porpoise was caught last night. We had some of it cooked today for dinner. The fried liver tasted much like Hog's liver, and the meat like a wild duck." [12/27/1852]
Race / ethnicity content: "Ma went to the schoolhouse to a Negro meeting" (presumably Abolitionist) [2/27/1841]. "I am going to the Indians meeting this PM... Heard the Indians preach again, the house was crowded I do not think I seen such an assemblage since I visited the Masonic Hall. They talked extremely well and it was really wonderful to hear them speak of the Bible and bring forward their illustrations. Ignorant and unlearned as they were, one of them could not read a word he was the best speaker and one to have heard him would have supposed him well versed in the language of scripture." [3/21/1841]
Labor: While returning on ship to Rhode Island, "Our crew were all discharged at Callao [Peru] and we shiped a crew to go down to the islands for less wages." [7/12/1853]
Class relations: Describes a visit from a Mrs. Howland Greene, who "was obliged to work last spring and summer out of doors and in the house too for there was no one to do anything but herself poor woman. I pitied her very much. In their younger days when they were able to work they lived in ease and affluence, now that they have grown old they are obliged to work hard for the necessaries of life. I think I had rather work all my days than to be in the possession of such riches and then be reduced to poverty. I can almost say blessed be nothing." [2/24/1841]
Gender relations: The first diary opens with an account of intense mourning, apparently relating to the death of a friend named John. She spends several days crying almost continuously. On closer inspection, it refers to her future husband John, who had not died, but had just left as second mate on a ship bound for India. "Oh my father, preserve him from temptation... Impart to him thy strength that he may be enable to resist evil of every kind." [2/8/1841] Had an encouraging chat with the wife of a sailor, who said the loneliness is not as bad when married; "Strange! how differently people talk on this subject." [2/27/1841] First letter from John [1/29/1842].
Arts and culture: "This eve went the Lyceum... The subject was Transcendentalism. I was much interested but I have no time to comment." [1/10/1842]
Travel: The second diary is written at sea as a passenger on the bark Hannah Thornton, captained by her husband, from East Greenwich to San Francisco. Off the eastern coast of South America near the Equator, "saw a funny looking boat this morning, it made of spars lashed together with one sail. They are fishing boats... We saw four men on her and saw haul in fish very plain. I was very much amused for altogether it was the funniest looking thing I ever saw." [11/25/1852] Two sharks caught and cooked [12/15/1852]. Went ashore at Valparaiso, Chile, where the passengers and crew all got drunk, to the author's distaste. [2/4-8/1853] Arrived San Francisco 4/5/1853; good description of town. [5/1/1853]. On return trip, stopped at Callao and Pisco, Peru; long description of a picnic on the nearby barren Chincha Islands and visit to mainland towns. Apparently spent two months there. [7/17/1853] Arrived back in Rhode Island January 1854.
Geographical and architectural: "Thursday morning the store Pirce and company was burned to the ground the cry of fire alarmed me very much." [1/19/1845]. Discussion of husband's family lands and plans to build a house. [2/16/1845].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 363
Collection title: Congdon Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folders 18-19
Size: 8" x 7", 6" x 4"
Condition: Good
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diaries also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The Congdon family microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reels 1-9.
Provenance: 1964. 66. 1-, purchased as part of the Congdon Family Papers from dealer Cedric Robinson.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read February 1841; 1842-1845, all of 1852-1854.
Bibliography:
Skillkin, Rebecca C. "Calendar of the Congdon Family Papers in the Rhode Island Historical Society" (Unpublished typescript, 1966).
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1841-1854
East Greenwich, R.I. - Social life and customs
Hannah Thornton (bark)
San Francisco, Cal. - Description and travel
South America - Description and travel
Sprague, Lydia (Anthony) (1794-1877)
Textile crafts - Rhode Island - East Greenwich
Notes on the Lucia G. (Moses) Cook Diaries
Entries dated 1898 to 1920
Biographical:
Name at birth: Moses, Lucia Gray
Name after marriage: Cook, Lucia G. (Moses)
Birthdate and place: Circa 1854, at sea
Death date and place: Between 1920 and 1928
Age range during diary: 44 - 65
Residence during diary: Woonsocket, RI
Places written: Woonsocket; Digby, Nova Scotia.
Biographical note: Raised in New Hampshire, married a Woonsocket banker, and raised two children there.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 85
Exact dates: September 23 1898 to January 1 1920
Frequency of entries: Very irregular - perhaps two or three entries per year.
How was author identified?: Label on front cover
Brief description: Describes the diary herself as "My special occasions diary . . . a record, not of every day's trivial round, but the events in each year which most express the general tenor of our lives." Most entries are retrospective, covering the events of the past several months.
Writing quality: Generally good, although the handwriting is somewhat difficult.
Related papers at RIHS: Letter written by Lucia to her grandmother, 1868, inserted in diary.
Family members:
Father's name: Moses, Lucius M.
Father's occupation: Ship captain, born New Hampshire, died Chicago. Married 2nd: Adeline Gower.
Mother's name: Titcomb, Mary W.
Mother's dates: 1825-1861
Brothers: Thomas G. Moses (1856-), Frank D. Moses (1858-), Kirke W. Moses (1871-) (half-brother), Walter F. Moses (1874- ) (half-brother)
Sisters: Illinois Mary (according to genealogy)
Husband's name: Cook, Samuel P.
Husband's dates: 1852-1928
Husband's occupation: President, Producers National Bank of Woonsocket
Marriage date and place: January 31 1883, Boston
Father-in-law's name: Cook, Ariel L.
Father-in-law's dates: 1823-1886
Mother-in-law's name: Phillips, Mary H.
Mother-in-law's dates: d.1917
Sons: Theodore Phillips Cook (1884-)
Daughters: Gertrude N. Cook (1886-, m. Smith?)
Topical content:
Events discussed: "On this day the awful world war ended, peace was declared! Banks, schools, mills, shops closed, and a joyous pandemonium reigned all day! The awful strain ended. Everyone relaxed!" [11/11/1918]
Social life: On 12/31/1910, "I gave a tea, to which I invited 204 people! Every morning, I was up at five, writing my invitations, and arranging my house. I had a caterer from Providence, and Raia the harpist... People were kind enough to say the affair was a great success." [4/1910]
Family: On Christmas, "Cousin Theodore was an unexpected but welcome guest... Cousin Theodore spent a week, and left us, as he always does, the richer for the visit, for his outlook on life is broad and uplifting." [12/25/1898] "I sat before the blazing open fire and read a bundle of my mother's letter, which Tom sent me. They were written fifty years ago, and I am selfish enough to wish they were going to be mine." [1/1903] Trouble with mother-in-law: "Mrs. Cook came to make her home with us... Right after X-Mas we began doing over what was my maid's room for a room for Mrs. Cook.... The winter from then on was hell, no less. My children will know this and if this record falls into other hands I do not care... Mrs. Cook never liked me, and it is the irony of fate that she should have to end her days with me - only I am convinced that I should go first. But one lives through a great deal!" [10/1909] "Mrs. Cook spent the month with Ida Lord. For this relief, much thanks." [1/1915] Death of mother-in-law on 2/26/1917 [4/12/1917].
Childhood: "Theodore and Gertrude were the best-looking children there - the best - but if they only fulfill the promise of their youth!" [9/13/1903]
Marriage: "My twenty-fifth wedding anniversary! Does anyone who has had a happy married life ever realize how the years slip away like summer clouds!" [1/31/1908]
Health: Lengthy description of diseased glands under daughter's arm (possibly caused by vaccination) which resisted three operations and took several months to heal, interrupting her freshman year of college. [5/1905]
School: "In August Sam and I decided after grave deliberation to send Theodore to Phillips-Exeter. our chief reason being his lack of self-reliance." [11/1901] Sends daughter Gertrude to Wellesley College so she can continue her music studies with Mrs. Hamilton. [9/1904] Theodore's graduation from Exeter "the very happiest week of my life." [5/1905] Daughter graduates from Wellesley. [4/1911]
Class relations: Trouble with an inexperienced servant: "I had under my elastic roof at one time Tom and Ella, Louise Greene, Horace Holden. Then Ernest Greene and Louise visited me, and they made the welkin ring. It was very hot, and I had a green Norwegian, but I somehow managed." [6/1906] "The first of November, the axe fell. Mary Dooley, after living here three years, and serving good meals, garnished by a bad temper and lies, departed to live at the Donahoes and cook. With her went domestic peace. From the first of November until the first of June a procession of imbeciles, idiots and incompetents passed through my kitchen - seven in all. Most of the time I was my own chief cook and bottle washer." [9/1912] "In May I made my usual visit to Dover: when I returned Polish Sofie gave her notice to earn $25 a week in a factory!" [11/11/1918]
Travel: Circa May 1898, "I began to agitate the question of Sam's going to England. After his many years of faithful service in the bank he badly needed a change of thought and scene. He needed a great deal of persuasion before he could be induced to go." [9/23/1898] Visits Ogunquit Beach in Maine 8/1900 [11/1900]. Spends a few weeks in Digby, Nova Scotia at second family home called "Bleakside" late each summer.
Geographical and architectural: "We had our first X-Mas celebration in the new house." [12/25/1898] "Every year I realize more and more that, though transplanted, my roots are deep in New Hampshire soil." [7/1901] Describes minor house renovations. [5/1902]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-C
Collection title: Lucia G. (Moses) Cook Diaries
Location within the collection:
Size: 10" x 8"
Condition: Excellent
Graphic content: 1920 photograph of Nova Scotia home after final entry.
Provenance: 2002. 43. 2, gift of L.H. Strickland
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, July 2002
Bibliography:
Moses, Zebina. Historical Sketches of John Moses of Plymouth..., 219. Hartford: Casey, Lockwood & Brainard, 1890
Woonsocket directories, 1920-1928
1920 U.S. Census, Rhode Island E.D. 336, page 11
Subject headings:
Nova Scotia - Description and travel
Woonsocket, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Sarah Crawford Cook Diaries
Entries dated 1809 to 1817
Biographical:
Name at birth: Cook, Sarah Crawford
Birthdate and place: January 30, 1796
Death date and place: 1882
Age range during diary: 13-21
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I. (various locations)
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Only child of a sea captain and a mentally ill woman, she spent much of her adolescence shuttling between various homes. She never married, eventually succumbed to mental illness herself, and spent most of her long life in the care of relatives in Warwick.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Congregationalist?
Social class: Middle? Apparently the poor cousin of the social elite.
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 30
Exact dates: March 16 1809 - May 3 1817
Frequency of entries: Very sporadic
How was author identified?: Identified by transcriber.
Brief description: Brief entries detailing the nomadic life of a teenaged girl without an immediate family.
Writing quality: Brief entries, but readable.
Utility for research: Despite its sketchy nature, this diary might be valuable to someone exploring class boundaries or mental health.
Related papers at RIHS: No papers of close relatives, though many of her social acquaintances are well documented, including cousin Zachariah Allen.
Family members:
Father's name: Cook, Joseph Bernon
Father's dates: b.1765
Father's occupation: Merchant
Mother's name: Allen, Abigail
Brothers: Four, all died in infancy
Sisters: None
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Cousin Zachariah Allen: "Took dinner with cousin Candace Allen, much gratified by her kindness. Cousin Zachariah gallanted me home." [4/6/1813] Mentioned several other times, including his departure on honeymoon in "Southern W & W states" [5/3/1817].
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Embargoe of 18 months duration totally repealed - guns were fired bells rung & companies paraded in honour of the day." [6/10/1809] "The most dismal rainy day I ever saw. War declared between Great Britain & America - the bells tolled mournfully all day." [6/25/1812] Long account of the famous Great Gale of 1815; "marveled at the upright appearance of a sloop before the front door of a handsome house." [9/23/1815]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: Burial of grandfather Amos Allen. [10/1/1810] Marriage of Walter R. Danforth and Elizabeth Ann Carter [6/12/1811]. Death of Miss Balch's mother. [7/24/1811] "Miss Elizabeth Chandler daughter of Benjm J.C. born 10 minutes before 12, her cousin Mary (Lemuel's daughter) 21 hours previous." [3/25/1813] Funeral of Mrs. Patience Carpenter. [5/14/1813] Mr. Fiske's death. [9/30/1813] Mr. P. Allen married Miss Phebe Aborn" [1/4/1814] "Dr. Troop expired last night in an apolectic fit." [4/14/1814] "Aunt Troop departed this life at 6 morn."[10/12/1814] "My kind benevolent host Mr. B.J. Chandler expired. Residing in his family some time, I have become attached to his virtues." [1/23/1815] "Capt. J[enckes?] vessel was wrecked in a violent gale of wind & he & 2 others were drowned. Afflicting news to his wife and 4 children." [9/2/1815] Death of an un-named aunt. [1/13/1817]
Religious content: Occasional mention of church attendance. On witnessing her first death, noted "O the pains of the body are naught in comparison to those of a guilty mind." [7/24/1811]
Social life: Notes occasional visits and parties. "Drank tea with Miss A. Hill, engaged in a game of cards the first time in my life." [10/13/1813]
Family: "I sincerely hope that...I shall be able to assist in making our family enjoy more happiness than they lately have done. How or which way I know not at present, but will do my best endeavor in that which may be pointed out." [1/30/1812]
Childhood: Memoir of a fairly depressing childhood, though the writing is upbeat.
Health: According to penciled notes written by a relative at a much later date, after Sarah's mother became "partially deprived of her reason the family was dissolved". Sarah was partially raised by relatives in Warwick while her father was away at sea, and then placed a succession of Providence boarding schools and relative's homes. "Mother's health declining, Father carried her to Uncle Allen's." [3/5/1810] Four days later, "Mr. Richardson took possession of the house and I entered Miss Balch's family." [3/9/1810] "Dined with Mr. Benjamin J. Chandler for the first time, who took possession of he house & with whom I am to board." [8/4/1812] "Visited mother at Mr. Joel Aldriche's Smithfield." [9/16/1812] "It pleased Miss A[llen?] to give me a home until the last of May. I endeavored to assist her and conduct myself toward her with the gratitude a child shows a parent" [12/25/1815] "In Mrs. Jenckes family." [6/1816] "Mrs. Jenckes moved over the bridge & changed lodgings to Miss Balch's." [1/25/1817]
According to notes in the diary, Sarah also "became deranged in mind (like her mother)... She would not take off her bonnet, wanted to wear it in the house. Also her mitts on her hands". The notes also explain that either Sarah or her mother spent time in the care of pioneering mental health practitioner Samuel Willard of Uxbridge, who "had enough eccentricities of his own, to have some understanding of those who had gone one jump beyond him."
School: "Commenced a year's tuition at Mr. Rawson's academy." [5/7/1810] "Began two 2 yrs tuition of dancing at Mr. Guigon." [11/7/1811]
Fashion: Apparently could not afford material for fine clothing: "Miss P.A. was so kind and considerate as to present me with some muslin for a frock as I was invited to a good many parties." [1/30/1814]
Food and drink: Party at Pomham; "dined on chowder shellfish". [8/21/1813]
Labor: "Father employed in Mr. P. Allen's Factory that is to say to superintend the work people." [8/25/1813]
Gender relations: "Went to a ball at Mr. Bullock's in Rehoboth gallanted by Mr. Peter Taylor. The first and the last." [2/21/1814]
Progress: Trip to Barrington: "Visited the salt works on the shore. The water is pumped into pans of a hundred feet in length. The salt collects on the top by the action of sun & settles at night." [7/17/1813]
Geographical and architectural: "The New Light steeple so called was torn down with the intention of building a new house for Mr. Wilson who is a congregationalist." [3/16/1809] "The new church was dedicated". [6/11/1811] "1 Congre'l M. House destroyed by fire. All the furniture removed out of the house which providentially did not take fire." [6/14/1814]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-C
Collection title: Sarah Crawford Cook Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 8" x 7"
Condition: Good
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): The R.I.H.S. only has a manuscript transcription, apparently done circa 1880. The diary was published and annotated in Rhode Island History 57:3 (August/November 1997) as part of Jane Lancaster's article, "By the Pens of Females," pages 86-97.
Provenance: 1982. 116, gift of Mrs. Elizabeth Taggart.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
A family bible transcription and other notes found in the front of the diary were the only sources used to trace her family.
Subject headings:
Allen family
Chandler family
Diaries - 1809-1817
Mental illness - Rhode Island - Providence
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Laura Gertrude (Smith) Cornelius Diary
Entries dated 1926 to 1926
Biographical:
Name at birth: Smith, Laura Gertrude
Name after marriage: Cornelius, Laura Gertrude (Smith)
Birthdate and place: February 8 1882, Ponca Agency, OK
Death date and place: January 13 1954, Oklahoma City, OK
Age range during diary: 44
Residence during diary: Oklahoma
Places written: Chicago and Evansville, Ill.
Biographical note: Nearly a lifelong resident of Oklahoma, father was a federal agent on an Indian reservation. Thought to be the first white native Oklahoman to graduate from an accredited high school in Oklahoma, in 1901. Married and had two children in Wisconsin, divorced in 1910 and worked in the legal department of an Oklahoma railroad company from 1913 onward.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Episcopalian
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 29
Exact dates: June 18 to June 30 1926
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Identification only 95% certain. Found with Tilley family papers; writes of visiting "Mildred" in Chicago, which fits biography of Mildred (Cornelius) Tilley. Also visits Harvey Dever and future wife Helen Nordstrum there; Harvey was one of Gertrude's two nephews. Tone of diary sounds as though it was written by Mildred's mother. Visits Chicago Public Library to read The Oklahoman. Handwriting matches genealogical notes apparently compiled by Gertrude Cornelius around the same period (box 2, folder 12).
Brief description: Short but descriptive diary by Oklahoma woman visiting her young daughter in Chicago.
Writing quality: Excellent
Utility for research: Good for description of Chicago, but the only Rhode Island connection is that the daughter later settled in Rhode Island in 1947.
Related papers at RIHS: Lawrence & Mildred Tilley Papers include a folder of related genealogical notes, folders on Mrs. Cornelius' divorce and estate, and extensive papers of her daughter and son-in-law.
Family members:
Father's name: Smith, Kendall F.
Father's dates: 1850-1904
Father's occupation: Indian agent
Mother's name: Cline, Amanda J.
Mother's dates: 1860-
Brothers: None
Sisters: Ora May (Smith) Dever (1879-1978)
Husband's name: Cornelius, Chester P.
Husband's dates: -1933
Husband's occupation: Oil speculator?
Marriage date and place: Divorced in 1910
Sons: None
Daughters: Mildred (Cornelius) Tilley (1902-1990), then a recent graduate of the University of Kansas ("K.U.")
Other persons frequently mentioned: Nephew Harvey K. Dever, M.D., and his future wife Helen Nordstrum. Describes Evanston home of Vice President Charles G. Dawes (1865-1951) at length, 6/24/1926. "Mrs. Robbins was formerly a settlement worker & she said she had seen Jane Adams many times & has promised to take me to Hull House & if Miss Adams is in the city that I shall meet her." [6/29/1926]
Topical content:
Events discussed: Describes at great length a reception for Swedish crown prince Gustav VI Adolf, 6/25/1926
Religious content: Describes large Eucharistic Congress in Chicago, 6/23/1926.
Food and drink: Frequent mention of home and restaurant meals in Chicago, 1926.
Race / ethnicity content: Visit to "the Chinese Theater, where we heard Chinese opera. This is a rare treat. One feels as tho you are in a foreign country... We were the only white people in the audience." [6/29/1926]
Arts and culture: Frequent mention of movies and orchestras seen in Chicago, 1926.
Travel: Excellent descriptions of Chicago in 1926.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1025
Collection title: Lawrence E. and Mildred C. Tilley Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folder 28
Size: 7" x 5"
Condition: Good
Graphic content: Cover features pen sketch of a flapper
Provenance: 1998. 44. 1. 1-, gift of Lawrence Tilley
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, September 2002
Notes on the Lucy D. Carpenter Diary
Entries dated 1883 to 1883
Biographical:
Name at birth: Carpenter, Lucy Daniels
Name after marriage: Cushman, Lucy D. (Carpenter)
Birthdate and place: December 14, 1861
Death date and place: March 6, 1942, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 21-22
Residence during diary: 47 Richmond St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I. A couple of entries at summer cottage at "Halsey Farm", apparently near Worcester, Mass.
Biographical note: Unmarried singer and voice teacher until age 42, when she married the pastor of her family's Universalist Church. She also served as the superintendent of the parish Sunday School.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Universalist
Social class: Middle - upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 32
Exact dates: January 1 - December 31, 1883
Frequency of entries: In her words, "I do not expect to write every day but only when I have the opportunity or some unusual event occurs." [1/1/1883]
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Sporadic but detailed account of the life of a young singer.
Writing quality: Very good, and sometimes admirably blunt. Entries are sporadic, but attempt to catch up on the intervening events.
Utility for research: This diary is a good resource on Gilded Age vocal music, and life in Providence in general; it is not as long as we might wish, however.
Related papers at RIHS: Charles E. Carpenter Papers (MSS 331), including ice manufacturing records and 22 of her father's diaries. Sarah B. Bullock Diaries (MSS 65): 52 diaries by her brother-in-law's sister. First Universalist Church Records (MSS 420).
Family members:
Father's name: Carpenter, Charles Earl
Father's dates: 1824-1898
Father's occupation: Ice manufacturer and state legislator; not to be confused with prominent architect Charles Edmund Carpenter (b.1845)
Mother's name: Greene, Adeline F.
Mother's dates: 1830-1911
Brothers: Albert G. Carpenter (1851-1902)
Sisters: Emma C. (Carpenter) Bullock (1858-1948), wife of Sam H. Bullock
Husband's name: Cushman, Henry Irving
Husband's dates: b.1844, Orford, N.H.
Husband's occupation: Pastor, First Universalist Church. Previously married to Emily E. Gilman (1849-1895), with 3 surviving children.
Marriage date and place: July 27, 1904, Providence, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: Cushman, Hartwell C.
Father-in-law's dates: b.1809
Mother-in-law's name: Earl, Mary Ann
Mother-in-law's dates: d.1890
Sons: None
Daughters: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Niece Abby Bullock. Brother-in-law's sister Sarah Bullock [mentioned 9/13/1883]. "Mr. Cushman" was even then the pastor of her church, and the man she would marry twenty years later; Lucy's mother was involved in caring for Mr. Cushman's sick wife [1/9, 1/14/1883]. Miss Lucy Garlin was the leader of her quartet in Boston.
Topical content:
Events discussed: The adoption of standard time: "It seems rather strange to set our clocks and watches back but as almost all cities and homes are doing so it is best probably to conform." [11/20/1883]
Religious content: Very active in First Universalist Church, where her father was Sunday School Superintendent. Not much spiritual musing except for one entry expressing thanks for health of family, hoping "May we serve Him better." [12/14/1883] Also a New Year's pledge to "conquer our difficulties and be more and more patterned after our Master Jesus Christ." [12/31/1883]
Family: Apparently lives with parents, and sister's family; frequently sees brother's family.
Childhood: Helps raise niece Abby Bullock; "Abby is a constant source of interest with us and it is indeed a pleasure to have the dear good little girl developing under our eye. She is a remarkably good child and, though now cutting her eye teeth, is very little trouble..." [12/14/1883]
Health: "My teeth have seemed very crumbling for the last two or three years probably because my bones are all to soft for my age." [1/25/1883]. Serious health problems forced the end of her singing career, including "peritonitis and inflammation of the bowels." [9/13/1883]
School: Attended fourth-year reunion of Providence High School class of 1879 [10/1/1883]
Work outside home: Singer (second alto) and vocal instructor. "Today I first sang with the Euterpe quartette of Boston as a member of it." [1/1/1883] Miss Garlin the leader. Detailed account of rehearsals, performances. Sang at a women's suffrage meeting in Boston, 1/19/1883. at one show in Spencer, Mass., "The audience was not very well acquainted with good music, if the manner in which we were received was a fair standard to judge by." [2/3/1883].
Auditioned at "Mr. Lang's rooms in Boston to sing for him the Schumann quartettes which we know. He was, as he is said usually to be, very cold, snobbish and unfeeling in his manner, but he found no fault with our singing and we are in hopes to get some good result from his hearing us as he giving a series of Schumann recitals in the Bijou theatre." [3/16/1883]. The singers got the gig a week later, and Lucy had kinder words regarding Mr. Lang, whose "reputation is very great, of course." [3/24/1883] This probably refers to Benjamin J. Lang (1837-1909), a renowned organist and orchestra leader in Boston.
Eventually had to resign for health reasons; "I am very sorry to give up the Quartet as I enjoyed it and also it makes it hard for them to have to get someone else but I think it best both for me and them to do so." [9/13/1883] Did fill in for a performance at the Worcester County Music Festival, but almost fainted. [10/1/1883] The quartet had filled her place with "a Miss Davis of Boston, but was again without a second alto as she proved too conceited to be of much use to them." [12/14/1883]
Also sang with the Arion Club (?), possibly connected with her church, which performed at Infantry Hall in Providence, 1/25/1883.
Food and drink: Surprise birthday party for mother; "Ardoene catered and we had no trouble on that account." [2/23/1883]
Labor: "A week ago Monday Mary, whom we had expected to keep with us through the Winter, at least, left us after a few days notice; she said she was run down and needed a rest; this week Monday she went to work for Dr. Lockling's family. Margaret has been with us every day but Sunday since Mary left - what should we do without her?" [2/23/1883]
Gender relations: Sort of inadvertently describes herself as a couple with one George Burroughs [1/2/1883], and invites him over for family dinner on 1/14/1883.
Arts and culture: Performs in a vocal quartet doing selections from a classical repertoire.
Travel: Travels all over Massachusetts with vocal quartet.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-C
Collection title: Lucy D. Carpenter Diary
Size: 8" x 5"
Condition: Fair; front cover detached.
Provenance: 1949. 15. 3. 1-, gift of the author's estate
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety.
Bibliography:
Carpenter, Daniel Hoogland. History and Genealogy of the Carpenter Family in America... (Jamaica, N.Y.: Marion Press, 1901), 341-342.
The Chancel Window, yearbook of the First Universalist Parish. Features biography of Charles Earl Carpenter in 1899 issue, p. 4-6; and of Henry I. Cushman in 1900 issue, p. 4-10.
Providence vital records and directories.
Subject headings:
Bullock family
Carpenter, Charles E. (1824-1898)
Diaries - 1883
Euterpe Quartet
First Universalist Church (Providence, R.I.)
Lang, Benjamin J. (1837-1909)
Music - Performance - Massachusetts
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Maria (Lefferts) Dauchy Diary
Entries dated 1836 to 1836
Biographical:
Name at birth: Lefferts, Maria
Name after marriage: Dauchy, Maria (Lefferts)
Birthdate and place: August 15, 1797
Death date and place: March 14, 1881, Troy, N.Y.
Age range during diary: 38
Residence during diary: Amsterdam, N.Y.
Places written: Troy, Pittsfield, Worcester, Boston, Plymouth, Providence, Springfield.
Biographical note: Biography unknown
Ethnicity: Dutch Yankee?
Religion of diarist: Unknown
Social class: Upper?
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 41
Exact dates: July 27 - August 8, 1836
Frequency of entries: Daily? Entries not clearly dated.
How was author identified?: Identified by donor
Brief description: Travel diary of a very rapid sightseeing journey through southern New England, including a brief visit to Providence and Chepachet.
Writing quality: Excellent, though sometimes more amusing than informative. A pleasant read.
Utility for research: The account of Rhode Island's 200th anniversary celebration is important, but the rest could be considered just another good travel diary.
Related papers at RIHS: None
Family members:
Husband's name: Dauchy, Burr
Marriage date and place: September 15, 1816
Sons: At least one
Daughters: Unknown
Topical content:
Events discussed: In Providence for the 200th anniversary celebration of Roger Williams' landing.
Religious content: The following entry made while passing through Greenbush, N.Y. might be humorous: "My basket was filled with religious tracts, papers & publications, which I throwd out at each gate as we pass'd, that the inhabitants might have a drop of manna to nourish their souls in the morning. I was much gratified with this night distribution; thought it must cause some wonderment, and raise a desire to know the unknown hand that strewed them." [p.5]
Food and drink: Feast prepared for stagecoach passengers heading west from Providence, 1836: "After a long time, breakfast was prepared in Chepachet, for the Land Lady's excuse for not having it ready was that she thought all the people would stay in Providence to attend the celebration. But we were finally called out, abundance! was provided us. Coffee, Tea, Stake, Ham, Potatoes, Pickles, Whortleberries, Black beries, currant preserves, soft cake, tea cakes, wheat bread, brown bread, and the dear knows what all. I did not know but we should have to pay for breakfast & dinner and a tea too for such a variety." [p.41]
Travel: An amusing travel diary from Troy New York through New England. Re hotel vermin: "I took off my bed gown, pricked from it 7 little beasts, the vile enemy to sleep, and carefully laid them down upon the bottom of the brass candles lest the good folks of the house should lose the specia and not be able to supply the next set of travelers." [p.5]
The following is a complete transcription of Dauchy's comments on Rhode Island, found on pages 39-41: "We passed over the Pawtucket river and drove immediately down to the Steam Boat for the passengers to go aboard for New York. The cars came in at the same time from Boston with their passengers also, so that there was no little crowding for a few minutes till they got on Board. We then went up into the city to the house of entertainment call'd the Franklin House. Here in this building was one spacious room that the people were fitting up to accommodate the celebraters of Roger Williams the Baptist hero, it being the second century. The day of his landing was said to be the 5th of August 1636. Green shrubbery, paintings large and small, the bust of Washington and Franklin, had been brought there to decorate the room for the party of Gentlemen that were to dine. We were told that all the Indians in the state would be gathered, and dinner prepared of corn, beans, fish, venison and such like as was used by the natives and first English inhabitants, and another table prepared according to the modern times of feasting. Old fashion table cloths, knee and shoe buckles, were also provided for a portion of the company. Before tea we walked up a hill to see Browns University. There are 3 or 4 buildings and a new chapel reared this season. There was a man carrying into it, the library (as one room was alloted to that purpose). This institution was named after Francis Brown Esq. [actually Nicholas Brown] who gave it a legacy of 5000$. After tea we walked and walked, and walked, till one of my feet was blistered, for the purpose of seeing all we could of the city as our time was short. The next morning we started for Springfield which was 70 miles. We passed the Military Ground where the cannon had been fired about daylight and the tents were pitched soldier fashion. The morning was fine, country pleasant, roads good and company quite social. Passing Greenville, Chepachet and Cadiz we were carried into Connecticut. After a long time, breakfast was prepared in Chepachet, for the Land Lady's excuse for not having it ready was that she thought all the people would stay in Providence to attend the celebration. But we were finally called out abundance! was provided us. Coffee, Tea, Stake, Ham, Potatoes, Pickles, Whortleberries, Black beries, currant preserves, soft cake, tea cakes, wheat bread, brown bread, and the dear knows what all. I did not know but we should have to pay for breakfast & dinner and a tea too for such a variety. After we got seated again in the stage, the lady that entertained us most, said that was not so likely a house as was kept in Woodstock. We went through the corner of Connecticut..."
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-D
Collection title: Maria Dauchy Diary
Size: 8" x 7"
Condition: Good; photostat only.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): R.I.H.S. has only a photostat; original was in the possession of Mrs. Ruth Alden Church in 1946
Provenance: 1946? Apparently donated by Walter E. Dunham in 1946; no accession record found.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Only skimmed, except for pages 39-41 transcribed in full
Bibliography:
See note by donor at beginning of diary
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1836
Franklin House
Massachusetts - Description and travel
Providence, R.I. - Anniversaries, etc.
Notes on the Mary R. (Congdon) (Carstein) Dearstyne Diaries
Entries dated 1854 to 1916
Biographical:
Name at birth: Congdon, Mary Remington
Name after marriage: Dearstyne, Mary R. (Congdon) (Carstein)
Birthdate and place: December 24, 1842, East Greenwich, R.I.
Death date and place: April 16, 1916, East Greenwich, R.I.
Age range during diary: 11-73
Residence during diary: 38 Division St., East Greenwich, R.I.
Places written: East Greenwich, R.I., Albany N.Y. (1887-1892), Southern Pines N.C. (1892).
Itineraries of the four travel diaries:
1) Mostly at sea; New Orleans.
2) Rhode Island to Savannah, Ga., overland to Mobile, Ala., then sailing for Paris.
3) Sailing from New York to San Francisco.
4) From San Francisco to Peru to Valencia Spain and back to R.I.; trips to Albany and Maine.
Biographical note: Daughter of sea captain; traveled widely in youth. Married twice, but both husbands died young. Lived in East Greenwich except for the five years of her second marriage.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Methodist?
Social class: Middle - upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 39
Number of pages: Various
Exact dates: November 24, 1854 - February 7, 1916
Frequency of entries: Spotty from 1854-1871; nothing 1872-1879 or 1881-1886; regular entries for 1880 and 1887-1916.
How was author identified?: Most are signed
Brief description: Four of these diaries were written as a young girl at sea on her father's ship, from 1854, 1860 and 1861. Two others were written as a girl in East Greenwich, dated 1856-1859. The rest are brief diaries kept during adulthood. The last few entries in the 1916 diary were made by her daughter Margarethe Allen, recording Mary's illness and death.
Writing quality: The earlier diaries are well written, but after 1870 they become very sparse and unrevealing.
Utility for research: The volumes written at sea are excellent travel diaries, as she was accompanying her father on business rather than making the normal tourist stops. In general, the early diaries are good chronicles of East Greenwich life, while the later volumes are very sparsely written and of marginal value.
Related papers at RIHS: The Congdon Family Papers provide full supporting documentation to these diaries, including diaries of her parents and husband, and extensive correspondence.
Family members:
Father's name: Congdon, John R.
Father's dates: 1820-1863
Father's occupation: Sea captain
Mother's name: Sprague, Cynthia A.
Mother's dates: 1819-1880
Brothers: George B. Congdon (1846-1902)
Sisters: None
Husband's name: 1) Carstein, Asmus F. 2) Dearstyne, James V.
Husband's dates: 1) 1843-1873 2) 1849-1892
Husband's occupation: 1) Mariner 2) Hotel operator of Bath-on-Hudson, N.Y.
Marriage date and place: 1) December 22, 1870, East Greenwich 2) October 29, 1883, East Greenwich
Father-in-law's name: 1) Carstein, Claus 2) Dearstyne, James V.
Mother-in-law's name: 1) Detlefsen, Margarethe 2) Vaughn, Eliza C.
Sons: None
Daughters: Katharina Carstein (1872-1882); Margarethe (Carstein) Allen (1874-1955), wife of Col. Thomas Allen (1874-1948)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Uncle Henry R. Congdon (1819-1883) and his wife Sabra of Providence. First husband's brother Theodore Carstein, d.1879
Topical content:
Events discussed: Active interest in the 1856 presidential elections, just like her fellow East Greenwich girl Mary Dawley. Was appointed as a speaker at the Fillmore Meeting, but after two days "I have given up making my speech, there are five without me and mamma does not think best for me." [10/24/1856] "There is going to be a Fremont this week in the schoolhouse." [10/29/1856].
In San Francisco at beginning of Civil War; "Every thing is for the Union. I did not see a single secession flag." [7/5/1861] Describes an imminent revolution in Peru: "Father says there are soldiers all over the streets & about 400 fellows walking the streets with stones hurrahing & defying them." [8/15/1861]. Took note of 1864 elections: "Too bad, Lincoln elected 4 years more. I wanted McClellan but we did not get him." [11/9/1894]
"In the evening there was the most glorious display of the Aurora that has been seen in a great many years... It was awfully grand and suggested the possibility of the end of the world." [4/15/1869]
Religious content: Not very much religious content.
Family: News of father's death at sea: "My dear father, I cannot realize it." [4/20/1863] After mother's death, left alone as a widow with two children. Contemplating her brother's imminent return home after the funeral, comments "Oh dear what shall I do when I am left alone?" [12/28/1880]
Childhood: Interesting account of life as a sailor's daughter. As her mother often sailed with her father, she spent much of her time at her grandmother's. "It is just a year today since father and mother went away." [5/6/1859]
Not much on her own children; only one diary survives from before Margarethe turned 13. The following entry is, we hope, only a joke: "Margarethe went to Church with me and sang. Mr. Stanhope has previously offered 25 cts. a lb for her but after hearing her sing offers two shillings, guess I won't sell her yet." [1/11/1880]
Marriage: First wedding, to Ferd Carstein; "I have got one of the best boys ever any girl had." [12/22/1870]. Like her mother and both her grandmothers, she married a mariner. He sailed for Calcutta within a few weeks [2/1/1871] He was a German. The diary ends shortly after their marriage.
Second husband was a second cousin who operated a hotel near Albany. The diaries by this point are very sparsely written, and there is little evidence on quality of the marriage, but there is some: "Jim put me out of the room & hurt me this is not the first time my finger is badly hurt when he grabbed my hands." [5/15/1887]. He died five years into the marriage while convalescing at Southern Pines, N.C.; his death is scarcely mentioned: "J died at 8:30 at night. Mr. Clark & I alone with him. Rainy & rained all day & night." [2/25/1892]
Health: "I was measured today, I am just 4 feet 10, & weigh 98 lbs, quite sizable." [2/6/1861] Seems plagued by the same frequent headaches her mother had.
School: 1856 diary discusses school life in East Greenwich.
Work outside home: Before marriage, "I have commenced teaching French, two paying scholars, and one I took for the pleasure of seeing her often." [10/18/1868]
Race / ethnicity content: On visit to New Orleans: "Passed several sugar plantations. First you would see the sugar mill then the masters house surrounded by orange trees then the slave houses which are all built along in a row they are very nice little houses. Each has its barrel before it to catch rain... One poor slave woman came on board [the ship] wanted washing." [12/25/1854]
Married to a German. "The Carstein family arrived in Greenwich from Germany they left Hamburg 31st Aug." [9/16/1871] "Christmas day we were all together in the new house the first time the family had been all together in 13 years" (certainly meaning her in-laws) [12/25/1871]
Gender relations: On board ship as 17-year-old: "One of the passengers a young Italian has been trying to make an acquaintance with me... I did not have much to say to him, for if I speak to one I must to all." [8/3/1860] She was already involved with a boy named "Gardie" back home, who she refers to frequently.
At age 26, "Was introduced to the Carstein brothers, three nice young men." [10/26/1869] Within a few weeks, she reported that "Mr. Carstein and I are very good friends." [12/6/1869]. Within just over a year, she was married to Asmus F. "Ferd" Carstein; the romance is sketched out fairly well.
Her second husband was her second cousin James Dearstyne of New York, who shows up periodically throughout the diaries, including just before her first marriage: "Jim Dearstyne was here... his first visit to Rhode Island." [11/24/1870]
Arts and culture: List of books in library as 11-year-old [p.43 of 1854 diary]. "In the evening went to hear the Hutchinson family sing. I think the concert was very interesting." [4/15/1859]
Travel: Collection includes four diaries kept on trips at sea. Several weeks in antebellum New Orleans as 11-year-old [January 1855]. Trip to Paris [June-July 1860] and San Francisco [June 1861]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 363
Collection title: Congdon Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folders 34-40; box 3, folders 1-6
Size: Various, but mostly very small
Condition: Good; the two 1861 diaries were heavily censored by the author, and some pages torn out.
Graphic content: Several little drawings in covers of early diaries.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diaries also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The Congdon family microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reels 1-9.
Provenance: 1964. 66. 1-, purchased as part of the Congdon Family Papers from dealer Cedric Robinson.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Skimmed closely 1854-1880; barely skimmed 1887-1916.
Bibliography:
Skillkin, Rebecca C. "Calendar of the Congdon Family Papers in the Rhode Island Historical Society" (Unpublished typescript, 1966).
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Albany, N.Y. - Social life and customs
Diaries - 1854-1916
East Greenwich - Social life and customs
New Orleans - Description and travel
San Francisco, Cal. - Description and travel
South America - Description and travel
Notes on the Beatrice DeCoppet Diaries
Entries dated 1916 to 1928
Biographical:
Name at birth: DeCoppet, Beatrice
Birthdate and place: October 4, 1878, New York City
Death date and place: Living in Narragansett, 1955
Age range during diary: 37-49
Residence during diary: 22 West 17th St., Manhattan, New York City; in summer, 31 Mathewson St., Narragansett, R.I. in house called "Summerstay".
Places written: New York City; Narragansett, R.I.
Biographical note: Unmarried daughter of wealthy parents, lived with unmarried sister all her life. Worked as a nurse for Red Cross in Manhattan during World War I.
Ethnicity: Yankee/Swiss
Religion of diarist: Unknown
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 4
Number of pages: 164, 365, 365, 365 pages
Exact dates: April 26, 1916 - July 1, 1928
Frequency of entries: Almost daily
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Daily diaries describing her horses, dogs and sister, in Manhattan and summer home in Narragansett.
Writing quality: Good, though generally terse.
Utility for research: The sections on Red Cross work from 1917 to 1919 are a very good account of womens' work in wartime; the remainder do a better than normal job of documenting the usual trials of upper-class life.
Related papers at RIHS: The DeCoppet Family Papers (MSS 377) include correspondence and genealogical notes, as well as diaries by both daughters.
Family members:
Father's name: DeCoppet, Henry
Father's dates: 1843-1920
Father's occupation: Banker, of Swiss ancestry, New York City; died Narragansett Pier, 10/6/1916
Mother's name: Fawcett, Laura
Mother's dates: ca.1850-1923
Brothers: Theakston "Ted" DeCoppet (1876-1939)
Sisters: Gertrude C. "Gay" DeCoppet (b.1880)
Husband's name: None
Topical content:
Events discussed: World War I. Makes mention of news, works as nurse for Red Cross in New York. Some friends serving in army. "Awaken at 5 o'cl by horns and whistles. Of course we knew what it meant, Germany has surrendered..." [11/11/1918]
Social life: Horses and show dogs are primary hobbies.
Family: Parents, brother and sister are central to these diaries. Bad blood between unmarried middle-aged sisters, living together: "Last night G insulted me so, her usual names, degenerate, abnormality, etc. Mama never says a word to stop her, only keeps repeating you girls, you girls. Both asked to Jean's. Gertrude went without saying a word to me. I have never heard such names & low language as she used to me. She had such a fit of temper it frightened me." [4/9/1923] "G is acting like H---, I think she is overtired & of course is jealous because I am well and can do everything." [5/13/1928]. "G could not have been more mean & rotten to me." [5/14/1928].
Aging: Caring for aging parents. "Tried to stay in bed as I am under the weather but Pop takes so much waiting on it is impossible." [5/15/1920] Blames herself for her ailing mother's death: "She wanted to go to the bathroom & I foolishly let her... When she got back to bed she complained of feeling sick... There was no one with me... I had to lay Mama back on her pillows & call the doctor myself. If I had some one to help me I might have saved her." [4/21/1926]
School: Studying nursing for Red Cross [12/1917]. Continued studying while working for Red Cross in New York; "The studying is getting dreadfully hard & the rules & regulations get on my nerves so I could scream." [11/17/1918]
Home production: Helped family plant of corn, cabbage, cauliflower and potatoes in Narragansett, probably for war effort. [5/9/1917] Hardly full-time farmers; a particularly grueling day went as follows: "We rode to the Johnsons then I washed my hair. In the afternoon we planted corn for three hours... It took the two men, Ted, Howard, Gay and myself 3 hours to fertilize drop & cover an acre & a half." [5/21/1917]
Work outside home: Volunteered at home for Red Cross work, sewing surgeon's masks. [5/1917]. Later worked as nurse in Manhattan hospital. On first day, noted that " I have never seen such dirt & lack of everything, no hot water bottles, no alcohol, etc. etc. I came home inraged & disgusted" [1/21/1918]. In memorandum section of diary for that month, noted "I have not changed my opinion much of the hospital, the Dr's show the patients no consideration. We are learning really nothing but the practice of handling sick people." [1/1918] After the war, services no longer needed. "Today in class Miss Parsons told us that unless we sign up for 3 yrs we would not be needed after April 1!!! We all feel dreadfully about it & think we have been treated most unfairly..." [3/13/1919] On last day, "I am so blue about going & am almost dead & have had a lump in my throat all day." [4/3/1919].
Community: Re neighbors in Narragansett: "Ted has had trouble with the Browns. Gay & I think he looks very badly & acts queerly... The Brown's left in about an hours notice this morning. She came & told Ted she was very worried about him & she has taken him to a sanitarium." [5/23, 5/24/1917]Labor:
Class relations: There seem to be occasional tensions with the help. One was so rude to her sister he was let go. [4/8/1921]
Arts and culture: Not very involved in high culture, though occasionally attended opera or plays in Manhattan.
Organizations: American Red Cross during World War I.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 377
Collection title: DeCoppet Papers
Location within the collection:
Size: First volume 9" x 7"; others 8" x 5"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1968. 93. 1-, gift of dealer Nino D. Scotti
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read April through June 1916, May 1917, and a healthy skimming through the remainder.
Bibliography:
DeCoppet Family Papers (MSS 377), especially undated folder.
Historic and Architectural Resources of Narragansett, R.I. (Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1991), page 44.
Subject headings:
American Red Cross
Diaries - 1873-1921
Narragansett, R.I. - Social life and customs
New York City - Social life and customs
Nursing - New York
Summer resorts - Rhode Island - Narragansett
World War, 1914-1918 - War work
Notes on the Gertrude DeCoppet Diaries
Entries dated 1920 to 1924
Biographical:
Name at birth: DeCoppet, Gertrude
Birthdate and place: October 30, 1880, New York City
Death date and place: Living in Narragansett, 1955
Age range during diary: 39-44
Residence during diary: 22 West 17th St., Manhattan, New York City; in summer, 31 Mathewson St., Narragansett, R.I. in house called "Summerstay".
Places written: New York City; Narragansett, R.I.
Ethnicity: Yankee/Swiss
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 365
Exact dates: January 1, 1920 - December 31, 1924
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Spare recounting of daily events in life of upper-class unmarried woman living with sister and mother in New York and Narragansett.
Writing quality: Not very expressive; a hurried list of daily events.
Utility for research: Not of much imaginable value except in tandem with the more interesting diaries of her mother and sister; a dry account of uninteresting events.
Related papers at RIHS: The DeCoppet Family Papers (MSS 377) include correspondence and genealogical notes, as well as diaries by her mother and sisters.
Family members:
Father's name: DeCoppet, Henry
Father's dates: 1843-1920
Father's occupation: Banker, of Swiss ancestry, New York City; died Narragansett Pier, 10/6/1916
Mother's name: Fawcett, Laura
Mother's dates: ca.1850-1923
Brothers: Theakston DeCoppet (1876-1939)
Sisters: Beatrice DeCoppet (b.1878)
Husband's name: None
Topical content:
Social life: Spends most of time with friends, horses and dogs. A fairly typical entry in full: "Walk dogs. Go to Hillsdale & ride. Fool with Jilly & puppies. Home late. Errands in Wakefield. Dine with Olive & William. Play Mah Jong all eve." [10/1/1923]
Family: Often mentions sister and mother; death of father mentioned in passing 10/6/1920. The ferocious arguments described by her sister in her diary go unmentioned here.
Arts and culture: Occasionally attends plays in New York.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 377
Collection title: DeCoppet Papers
Location within the collection:
Size: 7" x 4"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1968. 93. 1-, gift of dealer Nino D. Scotti
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Skimmed.
Bibliography:
DeCoppet Family Papers (MSS 377), especially undated folder.
Historic and Architectural Resources of Narragansett, R.I. (Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1991), page 44.
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1873-1921
Narragansett, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Laura (Fawcett) DeCoppet Diaries
Entries dated 1874 to 1921
Biographical:
Name at birth: Fawcett, Laura
Name after marriage: DeCoppet, Laura (Fawcett)
Birthdate and place: Circa 1850?
Death date and place: April 21, 1926, New York City
Age range during diary: About 24-72
Residence during diary: 22 West 17th St., Manhattan, New York City; in summer, 31 Mathewson St., Narragansett, R.I. in house called "Summerstay".
Places written: New York City; Narragansett, R.I.
Biographical note: Daughter of a merchant and married to a New York banker; her wedding announcement reads that "both parties are members of the beau monde..., The church was crowded with fashionable people, many leading families being represented... and was attended by the elite in large numbers." In 1886, the DeCoppets purchased a summer home in Narragansett, R.I.
Ethnicity: Yankee?
Religion of diarist: Unknown
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 4
Number of pages: Various
Exact dates: September 6, 1874 - November 27, 1921
Frequency of entries: Very sporadic; often, the entries are only for opening up and closing the summer house.
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Diaries describing family and leisure life, and especially the growth of her three children.
Writing quality: Good, though not high in content.
Utility for research: Not of dramatic importance other than for documenting the Narragansett summer community, and for upper-class family life in general.
Related papers at RIHS: The DeCoppet Family Papers (MSS 377) include correspondence and genealogical notes, as well as diaries by both daughters.
Family members:
Father's name: Fawcett, Frederick
Father's occupation: Merchant, New York City
Mother's name: Lawrence, Sarah A.
Mother's dates: 1812-1902
Brothers: Edgar Fawcett (d.1904), author
Sisters: Mary Louise (Fawcett) Rogers (d.1923, N.Y.); Julia Fawcett (d.1894, Narragansett Pier)
Husband's name: DeCoppet, Henry
Husband's dates: 1843-1920
Husband's occupation: Banker, of Swiss ancestry, New York City; died Narragansett Pier, 10/6/1916
Marriage date and place: February 25, New York City
Father-in-law's name: DeCoppet, Casimir Louis
Father-in-law's dates: 1813-1884
Mother-in-law's name: Weston, Juliet M.
Mother-in-law's dates: b.1813
Sons: Kinloch F. DeCoppet (1874-1876); Theakston DeCoppet (1876-1937)
Daughters: Beatrice deCoppet (b.1878); Gertrude DeCoppet (b.1880)
Topical content:
Social life: Leisure life of wealthy family in resort community. Fishing, swimming, tennis, parties, etc.
Childhood: Loving account of the growth of three children, plus one who dies before his second birthday. Typical entries: "Beatrice caught her first flounder today, a little beauty. Beatrice was enchanted." [7/2/1888] "In the horse show yesterday, Gertrude won two silver cups." [9/1/1903]
Marriage: Long and apparently happy marriage; sad description of husband Henry's death, 10/6/1920.
Fashion: An undated newspaper clipping describes her daughters the Misses DeCoppet, who "appear to take the lead socially, and are most energetic in sports. They have decidedly English coloring, and wear English looking clothes, especially for tennis, riding and driving." [after entry for 5/27/1905]
Geographical and architectural: Careful account of an architecturally significant summer home in Narragansett, the "Fowler Cottage" at 31 Mathewson St., which is the focal point of these diaries.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 377
Collection title: DeCoppet Papers
Size: Various
Condition: Fair
Provenance: 1968. 93. 1-, gift of dealer Nino D. Scotti
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Only skimmed these diaries.
Bibliography:
DeCoppet Family Papers (MSS 377), especially undated folder.
Historic and Architectural Resources of Narragansett, R.I. (Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, 1991), page 44.
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1873-1921
Narragansett, R.I. - Social life and customs
Summer resorts - Rhode Island - Narragansett
Notes on the Mary J. (Merchant) DeWolf Diary
Entries dated 1910 to 1946
Biographical:
Name at birth: Merchant, Mary J.
Name after marriage: DeWolf, Mary J. (Merchant)
Birthdate and place: April 2, 1870, Warren, RI
Death date and place: Circa 1946
Age range during diary: 39 - 76
Residence during diary: 125/ 421 Main Street, Warren, RI
Places written: Warren, RI; summer home at Horse Neck on Narragansett Bay?
Biographical note: Lived in Warren for her entire life. Married a local pharmacist named Howard King DeWolf who (despite his aristocratic-sounding name) was the son of a Providence janitor. Had three daughters, and was active in suffrage movement. Was the first woman to register to vote in Rhode Island.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Episcopal
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 365
Exact dates: January 1 - April 19 1910, with very sporadic entries through 1946
Frequency of entries: Very sporadic. Entered by date into calendar-style diary, so sequence is not chronological.
How was author identified?: Clippings and correspondence inserted in diary
Brief description: Sporadic diary verging on a memorandum book, covering thirty-six years but not in chronological order.
Writing quality: Not exceptional; handwriting difficult
Utility for research: No great research potential, but some coverage of the women's suffrage movement. The most dramatic entry is "First woman in R.I. to vote register, did so at four minutes past 12." [7/1/1919]. Mrs. DeWolf was indeed the first woman to register in Rhode Island, as documented in the Warren & Barrington Times Gazette of that date.
Related papers at RIHS: One folder of clippings and other papers found tucked into the diary, including a short letter from her father dated 1889 and an obituary of her brother Marcius dated 1971.
Family members:
Father's name: Merchant, Joseph M.
Father's dates: 1834-1921
Father's occupation: Physician
Mother's name: Martin, Hannah Jane
Mother's dates: 1840-1900
Brothers: Milford S. Merchant (1864-), Dr. Marcius H. Merchant (1874-1971)
Sisters: None?
Husband's name: DeWolf, Howard King
Husband's dates: 1876-ca.1960
Husband's occupation: Pharmacist
Marriage date and place: June 26, 1902
Father-in-law's name: DeWolf, Lewis Cass
Father-in-law's dates: 1850-1928
Father-in-law's occupation: Janitor in Providence
Mother-in-law's name: 1) DeSheill, Rachel M. 2) stepmother Matilda A. Fuller
Mother-in-law's dates: 1) 1842-1890 2) 1863-1916
Sons: None
Daughters: Mary M. DeWolf (1905-1995); Jane H. (DeWolf) Dench (1910-); Rachel H. "Ray" (DeWolf) Herzig (1913- )
Topical content:
Events discussed: "News of sinking of Titanic." [4/15/1912] "W.C.T.U. at Baptist Ch. Sang Jubilee song to the tune Holy City. Celebration of Judge Vande Vanter's decision on the 18th Amendment - a favorable one." [6/10/1920] "Jane arrives home from Bermuda on Monarch of Bermuda after a lovely visit but terrible experience in witnessing burning of Morro Castle." (a cruise ship that sank, killing 134) [9/8/1934] "Great Hurricane. Took everything I had at Horse Neck, broken up in the fields and smashed it. Very few things left." [9/21/1938] "Harding & Coolidge win. Out of 647 women reg. only 45 failed to vote. First presidential campaign of women." [11/2/1920] "War declared on Japan after their assault on Hawaii & Philippines.' [12/7/1941]
Religious content: "Sam confirmed by Bishop Perry whom we afterward entertained at dinner." [3/4/1923] "Jane goes to church for first time Easter Sunday, behaves very well." [4/7/1912]
Family: Details on growth of daughters: "Jane ran away. Was found near North Cemetery." [7/9/1912] "Rachel stood up straight in her crib and also crept out to the stairs for the first time and fell down stairs, whole height." [1/21/1914] "Rachel stands up at the window first time & waves to the horses." [2/24/1914] "Papa died Apr. 15 1921 at 2:45 P.M." [4/15/1921] Long entry on daughter Rachel's wedding [6/20/1936]
Health: "Martie operated on for rupture with out anesthetics, just used cocaine. Telephoned me ½ hour after the operation." [3/21/1918] Daughter Mary sick with measles, recovers just in time to serve as flower girl at a wedding, 6/19 - 6/27/1910. "Martie has bad accident at Chalet. Tractor chain or rope broke & perforated intestine. At Lonsdale Hospital." [7/13/1939]
"Jane came down with influenza 2:30 a.m." [11/7/1918] "Mary & Rachel came down with influenza 7:30, 11:30. Jane's temp. 105.' [11/8/1918] "Bad day for children & myself. M over to help me. Every one afraid to come and every one sick." [11/10/1918] "House taken down with influenza, gone to hospital. Mrs. Hazard, new nurse, came tonight." [11/14/1918]
School: "Mary graduates from Brown University." [6/15/1927]
Work outside home: Daughter Mary attended Pembroke College, and then trained and worked as a nurse, and served as Lieutenant in WWII, which is discussed intermittently throughout the diary. "Mary tells mother she wants to be a relief worker. Mother gasps and has heart skip a few beats." [12/1/1922] "Rachel goes to work for the first time away from home at Bureau of University Travel, Newton, Mass." [9/10/1934] "Rachel receives her first pay envelope $15.00" [9/15/1934] "Ray [Rachel] leaves for Boston & Ives Modeling School." [9/20/1940]
Food and drink: "Go to Alice evening and show her how to make mayonnaise dressing." [4/11/1912] "Cooked in gas stove. too hot for coal stove." [7/27/1910]
Race / ethnicity content: Birth of daughter Jane: "Born in a veil and was as black as a little black baby." [9/22/1910] "Jane goes to a minstrel show. Her first evening out." [2/15/1917] "Rachel's first evening out at Mother's Club, Minstrel Show. Cried all the way home so tired." [2/21/1919]
Gender relations: "First woman in RI to vote register, did so at four minutes past 12." [7/1/1919]
Progress: "Took a short automobile ride out to the farm." [7/29/1910] "Aviator flies over Warren & landed in Warren River. Made trip from N.Y. in 2 hr. & 5 min." [8/1/1910] "We saw the new fire truck pass by for the first time. It has a loud bell and siren on it." [9/12/1915]
Arts and culture: Daughter Mary in play rehearsals, 4/30 - 5/3/1912. "Jane makes a great success on stage as Betsy Ross & 'My Flag & Your Flag.' " [6/11/1920]
Travel: "Came home from camp (camp Tiscomb). Sick of it." [8/13/1912] "Started in camp on Palmer's River. Three tents this year." [8/3/1917] "Broke camp today. Had a splendid time." [8/24/1917]
Geographical and architectural: "Built new fence between church and my home.' [5/25/1933] "Chas. Servant commences to paint house light gray." [5/29/1933]
Organizations: "D.A.R. at Mrs. Fielding Williams. Grand Army tea party." [2/22/1910] "W.C.T.U. at Baptist Church." [6/10/1920] "Golden Jubilee of Portsmouth Suffrage Association. Alice & I attended. Maud Howe Elliot presided... Last meeting of Newport County Woman's Suffrage League." [8/17/1920].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-D
Collection title: Mary J. (Merchant) DeWolf Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 5" x 4"
Condition: Fair. Cover almost detached, binding damaged, but most pages in good condition.
Graphic content: Pencil sketch of tank and soldiers, captioned "Chase the Germans - Buy Liberty Bonds," pasted into July 2 page.
Provenance: 2001. 87, purchased from Edward Kozlowski
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, November 2001
Bibliography:
1900 U.S. Census, R.I. E.D. 86, page 10 (Lewis C. DeWolf)
1920 U.S. Census, R.I. E.D. 9, page 19
Bristol-Warren directories, 1900-1963
Providence directories, 1880-1928
Providence Journal obituary of Lewis C. DeWolf, December 5, 1928, page 6
Rhode Island births, 1870, page 24
Rhode Island marriages, 1873, page 788 and 1900 page 501 (Lewis C. DeWolf)
Social Security Death Index
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1910-1946
Merchant, Mary J., 1870-ca.1946
Warren, RI - Social life and customs
Women - Suffrage - Rhode Island - Warren
Notes on the Louise Diman Diaries
Entries dated 1880 to 1954
Biographical:
Name at birth: Diman, Louise
Birthdate and place: December 23, 1869, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: April 7, 1954, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 10-17, 24-51, 61-71, 77-84
Residence during diary: 300 Angell St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: Mostly Providence, R.I. In Cambridge, Mass. 1886; Colorado Springs during school year 1897-1900; Paris, Me. in summers 1913-1937; "Forest Farm" (Maine?), summers 1938-1953.
Biographical note: Daughter of a Brown professor, graduated from Miss Abbott's School in Providence. Taught at Lincoln School in Providence in 1894, and at a school in Colorado Springs from 1897 to 1900.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Congregationalist
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 37
Number of pages: Mostly 183 or 365 pages each
Exact dates: 1/24/1880 - 1882; 1884; 1886; 1894-1895; 1897-1900; 1903-1918; 1920; 1931; 1933-1935; 1937-1940; 1947 - February 25 1954
Frequency of entries: Regular, except for missing years
How was author identified?: Most are signed.
Brief description: Diaries covering most of the long life of an unmarried Providence teacher and gentlewoman. The earliest diaries include account books dating back to age 10.
Writing quality: Good as a child. Only brief cursory entries 1894-1907, then gradually improved with increased leisure time.
Utility for research: A good source for work on childhood, women in education, the Providence social elite, or aging.
Related papers at RIHS: Diman Family Papers (MSS 686) include diaries of father and grandparents, some of Louise's correspondence, and her autograph book with illustrated inscription by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, 1883.
Family members:
Father's name: Diman, Jeremiah Lewis
Father's dates: 1831-1881
Father's occupation: Clergyman, and professor of history at Brown University
Mother's name: Stimson, Emily C.
Mother's dates: 1837-1901
Brothers: Rev. John B. Diman (1863-1949), headmaster of St. George's School in Newport
Sisters: Maria S. "May" Diman (1862-1881); Emily Diman (1873-1949)
Husband's name: None
Topical content:
Religious content: Daughter of a Congregationalist minister. Describes church attendance. Attended Grace Church in Providence as an adult; listed donations.
Social life: In the social circle of the Providence social elite. In a random year, Mr. and Mrs. Rowland G. Hazard II came to pass the night [2/20/1895]; Theodore F. Green called in evening [3/23/1895]; Harry Cabot visited [5/7/1895]; and Henry Sharpe, the Goddards, deWolfs, Durfees, etc, were all frequent callers [1895]
Family: Close with sister and brother throughout diaries. Frequently visited brother's St. George School in Newport.
Childhood: Includes excellent diaries kept from age ten to seventeen. Describes illness and death of father [2/3/1881] and sister [5/10/1881].
Aging: Includes diaries written shortly before death at age 84.
Health: Trouble with eyes, 1880-1881. In Lunenburg, Mass. to take "fresh air cure" at sanitarium, 1/20 - 2/26/1914.
School: Taught school.
Work outside home: Taught school at Lincoln School, Colorado Springs, and various Sunday School classes.
Race / ethnicity content: Account of "playing Indians" as a ten-year-old girl [3/17/1880]
Travel: To England and France, June - September 1895. To Italy, Switzerland, England, 10/1903 - 10/1904. To England, 4 - 7/1911. To Chicago and Colorado Springs 12/1915 - 6/1916 with sister and brother.
Organizations: Several organizations mentioned: Consumer's League [1905]; District Nursing Association [1905]; Neighborhood House [1906]; Board of trustees, Animal Rescue League [1913-1947]; American Red Cross [1917]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 386
Collection title: Diman Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, folders 30-36; box 2, folders 1-3
Size: Mostly about 5" x 4"
Condition: Mostly very good. Page for 4/29/1881 torn out, for the day her sister died.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The Diman family microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reels 9 to 16
Provenance: 1955? Provenance unknown, but probably donated as part of author's estate circa 1955.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Skimmed through most of the diaries
Bibliography:
Diman, Louise. Leaves from a Family Tree (Published by author, 1941)
Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island (Chicago: J.H. Beers, 1908), vol. 2, p. 872.
Obituary in Providence Journal-Bulletin, April 8, 1954
Subject headings:
Animal Rescue League
Colorado - Schools
Diman, John B. (b.1863)
Europe - Description and travel
Gilman, Charlotte Perkins (1860-1935)
Grace Church (Providence, R.I.)
Lincoln School (Providence, R.I.)
Maine - Social life and customs
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
St. George's School (Newport, R.I.)
Teachers - Rhode Island - Providence
Notes on the Susanna Lear Diary
Entries dated 1788 to 1788
Biographical:
Name at birth: Lear, Susanna
Name after marriage: Duncan, Susanna (Lear)
Birthdate and place: Circa 1770 (apparently based on a wild guess by the transcriber)
Death date and place: Unknown
Age range during diary: Circa 18
Residence during diary: Philadelphia, Penn.
Places written: New York City (5/8-5/15); Providence, R.I. (5/23-6/30 and 7/31-8/23); Boston, Mass. (7/1-7/30)
Biographical note: Apparently from a very affluent Philadelphia family; according to notes accompanying the diary, she married a Revolutionary War officer soon after returning to Philadelphia, and went with him to settle the wilderness of Mercer County in western Pennsylvania, where she spent the rest of her days. I am suspicious of this identification, as there is nowhere any indication she is to be married upon her return home.
Ethnicity: Yankee?
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 66
Exact dates: May 6 - August 26, 1788
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Identified by transcriber
Brief description: Diary of social trip with friends, describing the prominent persons of Providence and Boston.
Writing quality: Excellent. Witty and perceptive regarding human nature; cheerful and upbeat.
Utility for research: This diary has long been known as a great source on the men and women of Providence's ruling class. Its primary value does lie in surprisingly frank and personal descriptions of wealthy hostesses, parties and mansions. However, for the social historian, the surreal extended description of the encounter with the Indian Chief is well worth the price of admission by itself.
Related papers at RIHS: Many Brown and Francis family papers are still extant, some of which would certainly mention Miss Lear's visit; the best source would probably be the collection at the John Nicholas Brown Center for the Humanities at Brown University.
Family members:
Father's name: Unknown
Mother's name: Unknown
Husband's name: Duncan, James
Husband's dates: 1756-1844
Husband's occupation: Soldier and pioneer, of Pennsylvania
Marriage date and place: September 11 1788, Philadelphia, Penn.
Father-in-law's name: Unknown
Mother-in-law's name: Unknown
Other persons frequently mentioned: Traveling with Avis (Binney) Brown, the wife of Nicholas Brown of Providence; and Mary (Woodrow) Binney, Avis' sister-in-law and a Philadelphia native. Spends time in Providence with all of the extended Brown family: the Browns, Bensons, Francises, Binneys. Particularly vivid portraits of merchant John Brown (1736-1803) and his son gregarious son James Brown (1769-1835). Only extended mention of Moses Brown: "In the afternoon we rode up to Moses Brown's. They live about a mile and a half out of town and are very strict Quakers, but they entertained us with all the kindness and hospitality that was possible. Their house is large and elegant, and the place abounds with all the beauties of nature." [8/20/1788]
Topical content:
Events discussed: Celebration in honor of adoption of the Constitution by New Hampshire, including odd procession by the college students [6/24/1788].
Religious content: "Went to meeting twice. I hope I shall become a good Christian by the time I leave this place, tho I must confess that the prayers this evening seemed rather tedious. I was very tired and sleepy and it was so late before all the family could be assembled that I had some thoughts of giving them the slip and going to bed, but my religion got the better and I with difficulty kept awake." [6/22/1788]
Social life: Miss Lear was a consummate social butterfly. Virtually the entire diary is a rich tapestry of fast friendships formed in hours with complete strangers among the social elite.
Marriage: Describes "Mrs. Jinks and her husband who are lately married, the Bride has no pretension to beauty but a very large fortune perhaps supplies that defect." [5/26/1788]
Aging: Met Hope (Power) Brown (1702-1792), mother of the famed four Brown brothers, aged 88. "Her countenance and manner is so interesting that I loved her from the moment I saw her. The old lady is quite helpless and cannot get out of her chair without assistance of some kind arms, notwithstanding which there is such an appearance of cheerfulness and resignation in her whole behavior that it is impossible not to reverence her." [6/3/1788]. Met a similarly inspiring woman in Boston: "Mrs. Bethune is enough to reconcile one to old age, nay, make it desirable. She is 58 and has all the cheerfulness of 18." [7/27/1788]
Race / ethnicity content: Rode in a carriage from Boston with "an Indian Chief. At first I felt very much afraid of him, but he turned out to be the most agreeable of the company... After breakfast the Indian Chief played several tunes on his clarinet. He played very well. In short, he is quite accomplished. 'Tis about three years since the Marquis De la Fayette sent for him over to France and he has since been at the expense of giving him a very liberal education. He appears to have improved his time very well. His observations are just and his manners are agreeable. He entertained us with a number of anecdotes he had picked up in France. He also gave us a very entertaining account of the manners and customs of his own nation. At every place we stopped he serenaded us which made our journey quite agreeable. We arrived in Providence about sunset. He appeared very sorry when we got out of the coach and left him alone. About an hour later after he sent a letter to us informing us he loved us very much and wished to see us again... We sent an invitation to the Prince to come and dine with us. accordingly at two o'clock he came dressed in a scarlet coat trimmed with gold lace. He really made a very good figure. After dinner at the request of Mr. Brown I danced a cotillion with him. He dances by far the best of any person I ever saw attempt it. He also danced the War dance for us which was very terrible. In the evening we all went to a dance at Mr. Griffith's . The room was very much crowded as they had heard the Prince was to be there and everybody was anxious to see him there. He also danced the War Dance at the particular request of the company. In the course of the evening he came and sat by me and paid me a number of compliments, among the rest he said that I resembled the Marchioness De la F. very much. He requested me to give him my name on a paper which I did. He assured me that he would not part with it while he lived. We stayed till ten o'clock in the room, when we came away he went to the window and played till we were out of hearing." [7/31/1788]
Two days later, "We were all invited to a party out of town. The Prince rode with us in Mr. Brown's carriage and entertained us very much... The Indian Chief and Mrs. J. Brown stayed and supped with us. He regrets very much he is obliged to leave us so soon. He says he never spent his time so happily. Indeed I don't wonder for the ladies of this place are all in love with him and are striving who shall pay him the most attention." [8/2/1788]
The next day, "In the evening the Chief called on us again as he has done regularly three of four times a day ever since he has been here. He stayed to supper... He appeared very unwilling to leave us even at eleven o'clock." [8/3/1788]
Gender relations: Periodic flirting with several eligible bachelors, most notably an Indian Chief (see below).
Arts and culture: Extensive comments on production of "A School for Wives" in New York City. [5/8/1788]
Travel: This is a very good travel diary. Aside from the wonderful accounts of Providence and Boston, the author gives harrowing accounts of stormy packet journeys both to and fro New York, and many interesting encounters with random people in coaches.
Geographical and architectural: Description of Newport [5/22/1788]; regarding Providence, "Am much better pleased with this place than Newport. The houses in general are better, tho built of wood." [5/24/1788] Visit to Spring Green (the Brown summer estate in Warwick) [5/29/1788]. Visit to Rhode Island College (Brown U.) [6/4/1788]. Long visit to Boston, packed with description. [7-8/1788]. "We rode through the famous village of Lynn, which is celebrated for the number of shoes which are made there." [7/21/1788]
This diary is an excellent source on the John Brown House, currently operated as a museum: "This morning walked out to see the most elegant building in America built by Mr. John Brown." [5/27/1788] Visit to the house the next day; "spent an hour there at the forte piano." [5/28/1788]. A longer description later: "it far surpasses any idea I ever had of grandeur and elegance. The family have but just moved in and have not got it completely furnished. We were taken from the cellar to the top of the house. My eyes never beheld such a prospect as we had from the top of it... We stayed there nearly three hours and so hearty was their welcome that I wished to take up my abode there." [6/13/1788] Another visit on 8/8/1788.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-L
Collection title: Susanna Lear Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 9" x 6"
Condition: Good
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): The R.I.H.S. has only a typed annotated transcription of this diary, apparently made circa 1925 from an original in the possession of Fannie Stewart of Sharon, Penn. The transcription is also available on microfilm VA70 .N55 .I777. The Rhode Island portion of the diary, May 17 to July 3, was published and annotated in Rhode Island History 57:3 (August/November 1997) as part of Jane Lancaster's article, "By the Pens of Females," pages 61-75.
Provenance: 1970. 122. 1. 1-, gift of Norman Herreshoff
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety, though the Boston entries not all that carefully.
Bibliography:
The lengthy introductory comments in the diary, apparently composed by R.I. antiquarian D. Berkeley Updike, were assumed to be accurate.
Subject headings:
Boston, Mass. - Social life and customs
Brown family
Diaries - 1788
John Brown House
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Sarah Brown (Mason) (Ruggles) Eaton Diaries
Entries dated 1830 to 1856
Biographical:
Name at birth: Mason, Sarah Brown
Name after marriage: Eaton, Sarah B. (Mason) (Ruggles)
Birthdate and place: July 25, 1804, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: August 1, 1864
Age range during diary: 25-51
Residence during diary: North Providence, R.I. (the Oaklands estate on Smith St., now between Oakland and Hilltop Streets in Providence)
Places written: North Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Granddaughter of John Brown, the wealthiest man in Providence, she inherited substantial property. Much of this was lost during her first unhappy marriage; after her first husband's early death, she remarried a Providence lawyer. After the second husband's death, she spent three years with her children in Europe, exposing them to Culture.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist?
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 24
Number of pages: About 100 each
Exact dates: 3/30/1830 - 3/6/1856
Frequency of entries: Almost daily, but at least ten long periods are missing, covering about 10 years total. The gaps seem to coincide with dramatic events such as the birth and deaths of close relatives.
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Extensive and detailed diaries from a wealthy Providence woman, but missing several volumes.
Writing quality: Good, not generally very expressive, but sometimes beautiful.
Utility for research: These are very important diaries that have not been much used. They are among the earliest extended detailed account of the Providence social elite, and the story of her first marriage is certainly an interesting one.
Related papers at RIHS: The Grosvenor Collection (MSS 1) includes records of her family's business; the James Brown Mason Papers (MSS 2) are a small collection of her father's papers. An enormous quantity of papers relating to her Brown, Francis and Herreshoff cousins can be found.
Family members:
Father's name: Mason, James Brown
Father's dates: 1775-1819
Father's occupation: Physician
Mother's name: Brown, Alice
Mother's dates: 1777-1823, daughter of famous merchant John Brown (1736-1803)
Brothers: None
Sisters: Abby Mason Brown (1800-1822) (wife of Nicholas Brown III), Rose Anne Mason Grosvenor (1817-1872)
Husband's name: 1) Ruggles, George B. 2) Eaton, Levi C.
Husband's dates: 1) 1804-1833 2) 1811-1852
Husband's occupation: 1) Manufacturer 2) Lawyer
Marriage date and place: 1) August 23, 1825 2) October 12, 1837
Father-in-law's name: 1) Unknown 2) Eaton, Levi
Father-in-law's dates: 1) Unknown 2) 1778-1853
Father-in-law's occupation: 1) Unknown 2) Gentleman, of Framingham, Mass.
Mother-in-law's name: 1) Unknown 2) Howe, Susannah
Mother-in-law's dates: 1) Unknown 2) Died 1824
Sons: Amasa M. Eaton (1841-1914), Charles F. Eaton (1842- ), George B. Ruggles (1828-1878), plus the following died young: John M. Ruggles (1834-1836); Frank H. Eaton (1847-1852)
Daughters: All died young: Alice Elvira Ruggles (1826-1833); Sarah Harriette Ruggles (1827-1836); Harriette R. Eaton (1838-1841); Anna G. Eaton (1845-1865)
Other persons frequently mentioned: "Uncle Brown" undoubtedly refers to her mother's brother James Brown (1761-1834), who resided at what we now call the John Brown House. See entries for 4/3/1830, 4/29/1830, 5/23/1830, 6/25/1830, etc. Aunt Herreshoff was her mother's sister Sarah Brown Herreshoff (1773-1846); cousins on this side are frequent visitors. Cousins Annie and Mary Smith of Woonsocket not identified. Visit to elderly great-uncle Moses Brown (1738-1836) [2/8/1831]. "General Greene" frequently mentioned 1837, 1842, probably other times.
Topical content:
Events discussed: No mention of Dorr disturbances in 1842. [12/27/1841 - 3/31/1842 diary].
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: Although her circle was exclusively among the wealthy, this diary might still be worth abstracting for vital records. Birth of child of Mrs. Adams on 6/2/1830 [6/10/1830]. Death of Mr. Wright on 12/9/1830. Good friend Elvira gives birth to another daughter [1/20/1831]. Death of "dear friend" Mrs. Susan Greene [2/19/1831] Death of Anna E. Wright, "one I have loved very dearly." [1/7/1832].
Religious content: Regular church-goer, infrequent but deep professions of piety. "Arise with full impression of my own unworthiness. May his eye be upon me, who hears the sinner's cry. How vain to me now appear many things which have engrossed my earnest attention." [8/10/1833].
Social life: Avid gardener; trips to Dyer's Nursery for plants [7/6/1831, etc.]. Shops at the Arcade downtown [10/20/1831, etc.]. Recounts accurate fortune told by Madam Adolphe [3/26/1842].
Family: Visit from parents [6/8 - 6/10/1831]. First ever letter from sister Anna [8/21/1833]. Birth of son Frank [8/14/1847].
Marriage: Her first marriage to George B. Ruggles was apparently miserable. George seems to have brought little wealth into to marriage to add to her considerable estate. She often refers to her husband as "husband" or "Ruggles" rather than George or Mr. Ruggles; her son is "boy", not George, while her daughters are called Elvira and Harriette. [1830]. She begins calling husband "G" in 1831. "Concerning the New Hampshire land. It is to be sold with the understanding between G and myself that I am to have the proceeds for my own purposes." [12/28/1831].
After husband goes to a lecture while she nurses a dying daughter: "My days are past in useless repining & my night in sighs & tears. Oh! that I had taken the advice of friends interested in my welfare, before I gave up my happiness so entirely into the hands of one who knows so little how to appreciate my confidence. But misery is now & must be my portion thro the remainder of my sad life." [7/6/1833].
The next day: "Oh God! How different were my hours past 8 years from this time. Then I was the sole object of devotion of an apparently sincere lover. Now! the butt of scornful abuse of an estranged and exasperated husband! and why? because I promised to sign a deed under certain conditions & when I find those conditions cannot be legally complied with I surely am absolved. God give me the strength to resist such to the death, if necessary, further defrauding my innocent children their rights, to satisfy the unreasonable demands of their ill-judging father. When I married, I gave up all to him upon the faith of his written assurance that 'He would never jeopardize my property'. Already more than half of my inheritance has gone & now, when in agony I beseech him to settle upon me the paltry remainder, to secure us all from beggary, I am answered with a curse & threats of vengeance for daring to resist his will. God knows I state facts & nothing else & he, the cruel one, these lines may meet his eye when the hand that guided the pen may be cold in death, driven to the grave by his injustice & oppression, then may he feel how deeply he has wronged the trusting heart of her he once professed to love so well. But now, if now he should by any chance look over this page, how would scorn & curse me, for daring to place pen to paper in expression of my feelings, & never before have I done it." [7/7/1833]
George Ruggles died five moths later; the diary for that period is unfortunately missing. Remarried sickly but competent lawyer Levi C. Eaton four years later; "This all important day has arrived which affects so materially my future fate." [10/12/1837]
Health: Frequently bedridden with heath problems. Final illness of seven-year-old daughter, treated with blisters and leeches on temples. [7/1 -7/19/1833]
School: "Children begin to go to school today to Miss Susan Windsor." [5/30/1831] Spent three years with children in Europe, so they could attend fine schools.
Home production: Although apparently wealthy, lived on a farm and took interest in churning of butter, purchase of livestock, etc. Worked in garden and did baking.
Work outside home: Discusses husband's involvement in Mason family mills in Connecticut: "Husband goes to factory. He has taken the command again himself. I hope he may be successful in it. But I have a foreboding in this matter ... God grant, my dear little ones may never feel the stings of want." [10/14/1830]
Food and drink: Often mentions food, especially baking. "Had our first lobster this season." [4/2/1831] Makes beer [5/31/1831, etc.]
Community: A close friend named Elvira, a Quaker from Limington, Maine is mentioned frequently. "The nearer our time approaches for our anticipated meeting the more is my mind occupied by the idea of the promised enjoyment." [4/10/1830; see also 5/24/1830] "More than 5 long years have now elapsed since I have looked upon her face, and now tho, but for so short season we meet, I consider the privelege as indeed very great." [6/7/1830]. "We persuaded our husbands to retire early, & stayed up until 12 oclock, talking." [6/18/1830]. Visit to Maine, 8/20/1831, and again, 8/1833. This later visit was less happy; "I fear I shall never get pay for all I do. I have made first & last, since I have been here thirty button holes & I have worked thro heat & cold & Elvira never was the woman that has offered to pay me, or said will you take any pay for it. She always uses me well, & I cannot tell the reason, but it is true that she has never offered to pay me." [8/17/1833].
Class relations: "This eve'g a poor man & woman come for a lodging. They have been shipwrecked and are in great distress. Make up a bed for them & give them some supper" [6/18/1833] "Took up several articles for the shipwrecked couple send them on their way rejoicing." [6/19/1833].
Gender relations: Mentions visit from "Sally Noyes and her lover, Mr. Bolles." [10/14/1830]
Arts and culture: Sometimes mentions books read. "Went to the play this evening, to see Finn & Clara Fisher in 'Paul Pry'." [8/4/1830]. Attended lecture on phrenology by Dr. Barber [6/22/1833]. "Read some in Owen on Self-Knowledge. I wish I could feel more interest in books of this kind." [9/1/1833].
Travel: Trips to Limington Maine, 8/1831, 8/1833, possibly others. Honeymoon in New York and Philadelphia [10/1837].
Geographical and architectural: "I signed a lease of the factory for 5 years to Blashfield today." [4/23/1830]. "Yesterday we moved upstairs from the cellar kitchen & began to eat in the nursery." [11/11/1830] "Came in town afterwards over a new road from Olneyville." [4/10/1832]
Organizations: Member of the Infant School Society [10/27/1830]. Joined the Dorcas Society, 1/10/1842.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 555
Collection title: Sarah Brown Mason Ruggles Eaton Diaries
Location within the collection:
Size: All 8" x 7"
Condition: Good
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diaries also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reels 16 and 17
Provenance: 1969. 72. 1-26, purchased from Alfred Goodman for $270.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read 1830-1831; 4-8/1833; 9-11/1837. Somebody needs to read these diaries in full, but it would be quite a project.
Bibliography:
The Chad Brown Workbook, second edition (Rhode Island Historical Society, 1987), 59, 89.
Subject headings:
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Hester Fearney Diary
Entries dated 1873 to 1874
Biographical:
Name at birth: Fearney, Hester
Birthdate and place: September 30, 1851, New York City
Death date and place: April 7, 1880, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 22
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I. Calla Street, last house before Roger Williams Park.
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Daughter of a South Providence fish peddler, she left school early to work, and apparently died of a brain tumor at age 30.
Ethnicity: English/Scotch, third generation.
Religion of diarist: Episcopalian? See Bessie Paine genealogy.
Social class: Working
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 23 pages
Exact dates: September 30, 1873 - February 20, 1874
Frequency of entries: Very sporadic
How was author identified?: Signed "Miss Hettie Fearney"
Brief description: A short and rambling diary describing housework, freelance seamstress work, serious eye problems, and her lack of volition.
Writing quality: Very interesting, expressive and full of observations, though weak on grammar, consistency and linear thought.
Utility for research: Nearly useless as a chronicle of events, but an interesting piece of writing, bordering on the surrealistic in its stream-of-consciousness approach.
Related papers at RIHS: Marriage certificate of parents (MSS 9001-F); genealogical notes and diaries by two nieces born after her death. (Emily Paine Papers, MSS 601)
Family members:
Father's name: Fearney, Joseph
Father's dates: 1809-1882
Father's occupation: Fish peddler
Mother's name: Tuke, Rachel Ann
Mother's dates: 1827-1885
Brothers: John T. (b.1850), James E. (b.1854), George A. (b.1861)
Sisters: Nancy B. of California (b. 1837) and Josephine (1840-1915), half sisters; Eliza (b.1848), Mary (b.1853), Sarah F. Paine (1856-1934), Emily (1859-1882)
Husband's name: None
Topical content:
Religious content: Regular enthusiastic church-goer.
Social life: Description of a party at "Solon Astles" (?) [10/4/1873]; visit to friend's house to use parlor organ [10/27/1873].
Family: First letter in six years from long-lost sister Nannie in California [2/20/1874].
Health: Account of recurring headaches and increasing blindness in one eye. The advice of Doctor Sawyer, an "Optician" was "not to have anything done unless the other eye became affected and that I must not study or read too much." [2/20/1874]
School: Apparently left school at thirteen to work, at suggestion of teacher [2/20/1874]
Home production: Detailed descriptions of daily chores, and complaints about her own laziness in doing them. "I am always dreaming of what I shall do but seldom accomplish anything." [9/30/1873] "Today as on many other days I have made new resolves to be more prompt in doing what is to be done Lord help me keep them." [10/21/1873].
Work outside home: Seems to have done intermittent freelance seamstress work for local families. Also a rambling account of how when she was thirteen she had decided to go off and work as a maid for her teacher's family. Her mother was initially astonished, but "after thinking it over she concluded to go and see Mrs. S. about it. Father didn't like it and if I had asked him right out would have said I had better not but he is a quiet man and dont give his opinion untill he is asked." [2/20/1874] The entry ends here, but as it begins at age 22 after her return from Arcadia, R.I., it appears as if she really did spend several years working somewhere.
Class relations: "We went to the party but did not have a very pleasant time, as the company was not at all select. I heard a young man say in joke that it was a cigar makers ball and I must confess it seemed very much like it." [10/4/1873]
Geographical and architectural: "Tis so lonesome here on rainy Sundays we can see a few houses and get a glimpse of Broad St and that is all there are woods at the North west and south. If I had a interesting book I should not mind." [10/5/1873] The Fearneys lived on Calla Street, on the northeastern side of Roger Williams Park in South Providence, which was indeed surrounded by woods on three sides.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-F
Collection title: Hester Fearney Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 5" x 3"
Condition: Poor. Water damage, paper torn.
Provenance: 1975. 65. 4. 1-, gift of estate of Emily Paine (her niece)
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
Bessie Paine diary #1, pages 80-83 (MSS 601)
Providence city directories
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1873-1874
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Textile crafts - Rhode Island - Providence
Notes on the Helen L. Fitts Diary
Entries dated 1904 to 1904
Biographical:
Name at birth: Fitts, Helen L.
Birthdate and place: October 9, 1894, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: March 1971, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 9-10
Residence during diary: 126 Camp St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Never married and worked as a stenographer.
Ethnicity: Yankee? All four grandparents were born in New England according to the 1900 census.
Religion of diarist: Congregationalist
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 365
Exact dates: January 1 - December 31, 1904
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Complete year in the life of a middle-class girl on Camp Street in Providence.
Writing quality: Very good for her age.
Utility for research: A rare consistent and well-kept diary by a young girl, a wonderful source for any study of childhood at the turn of the century.
Related papers at RIHS: Account book in Helen Fitts papers, 1909-1915.
Family members:
Father's name: Fitts, George L.
Father's dates: 1857-after 1944
Father's occupation: Traveling salesman for Grand Union Tea Company at time of diary; also clerk, chauffeur, and baker. Probably from Woodstock, Conn.
Mother's name: ___, Loretta Sarah?
Mother's dates: 1863-1928. Born Massachusetts, 7/16/1863.
Brothers: None
Sisters: None
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Friends Florence Gardiner and Gladys Pepper. Aunts Lou, Anna, Lizzie, Cora; Uncle Henry.
Topical content:
Religious content: Regular church-goer; according to note in account book, attended Peoples Congregational Church.
Social life: Not much discussion of fun and games. A rare exception: "Gladise Goddy and Gladise Pepper and E. MacDuff and me played hopscotch. L. Smith played jacks with me." [4/30/1904]
Family: Frequent mention of aunts and uncles. Father from Connecticut; diary mentions that he has gone to Woodstock [2/20/1904]
Childhood: A year in the life of a 9-year-old girl.
Health: Bribed to go to dentist: "I went down to the dentist to have him pull three teeth. his name is Dr. Flagg. Mamma gave me 30 cents for having them pulled." [1/19/1904]
School: 9-year old girl, discusses school almost daily. "We had a spelling match in a new way at school. I had every examples right. The teacher gave our drawing out." [1/15/1904] This is mentioned as an unusual occurrence: "I went down to Doyle Ave. school."
Home production: Shoveled snow for family [2/16/1904]. "I went to the drug store to get Papa's medison." [3/3/1904]. An entry reading "Papa and I did the work this morning" should not be interpreted as meaning that Helen went on the road selling tea [2/2/1904]
Fashion: "Mama and I went down street to buy me a hat. She took five dollars. She did not think she would spent it. She got me a hat it was $5.00. Then she had to come home right away because she only had 10 cents." [5/20/1904]
Labor: Father was a traveling salesman for Grand Union Tea Company; "Papa went to Fall River to see the opening of the Grand Union Store." [5/7/1904]
Arts and culture: "Mamma read in Little Women." [1/23/1904, 3/13/1904]
Geographical and architectural: "I had a ride with Papa from Cypress St., to Forest St. and up to the barn." [4/16/1904]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-F
Collection title: Helen L. Fitts Papers
Location within the collection:
Size: 3" x 2"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1973. 277, gift of Helen L. Fitts estate
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read January through May, not the rest.
Bibliography:
Providence directories
Providence vital records
1900 U.S. Census, Providence, E.D. 17, sheet 13.
Social Security Death Index
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1904
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Esther (Saslaw) Flaxman Diary
Entries dated 1968 to 1968
Biographical:
Name at birth: Saslaw, Esther
Name after marriage: Flaxman, Esther (Saslaw)
Birthdate and place: March 1, 1914, Providence, RI
Death date and place: March 1, 2000, New London, CT
Age range during diary: 54
Residence during diary: Providence, Rhode Island
Places written: Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Germany, Luxemborg
Biographical note: Esther Saslaw was born in Providence, Rhode Island to Peter and Sadie (Sarah) Saslawsky (Saslaw). She married Max Flaxman on July 5, 1936. They had three children: Allen, Stephen, and Dorothy. Her husband died on August 15, 1995 and is buried at the Lincoln Cemetery in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Ethnicity: Jewish
Religion of diarist: Jewish
Social class: Middle class
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 18
Exact dates: August 3 - August 22, 1968
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Found in the papers of Max Flaxman
Brief description: This diary chronicles Esther and Max Flaxman's trip to Europe in 1968. The diary entries contain information on the weather, people they met, and sights they visited.
Writing quality: Fair. Entries are not very long, just brief notations of what activities where done on specific days.
Related papers at RIHS: Max H. Flaxman Papers (Mss 1041)
Family members:
Father's name: Saslaw, Peter
Father's occupation: Tailor
Mother's name: Saslaw, Sadie (Sarah)
Husband's name: Flaxman, Max
Husband's dates: 1914-1995
Husband's occupation: Math and science teacher in various junior and senior high schools from the late 1930s to the mid- 1950s and principal at several schools from the mid 1950s to the mid 1970s.
Marriage date and place: July 5, 1936
Father-in-law's name: Flaxman, Meyer
Father-in-law's dates: 1886-1954
Father-in-law's occupation: Jeweler
Mother-in-law's name: Flaxman, Anne
Mother-in-law's dates: b. 1891
Sons: Allen (b. 1937) and Stephen (b. 1939)
Daughters: Dorothy (b. 1945)
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Meet two delightful young people." [8/4] "Meet Hugh and Ruth Preston from Charlotte, N. Carolina." [8/5]
Fashion: In Holland: "Picturesque fishing village - men and women in natural costume." [8/7]
Food and drink: "Had dinner at Green Lantern...Food-excellent." [8/6]
Community: "Took tram into Amsterdam. Shopped in morning. Loads of tourist traps." [8/6]
Arts and culture: "Kroller Muller Museum - Van Gogh originals." [8/8] Utrecht -"Saw Old Cathedral built 1023. Walked up 465 steps to tower." [8/9]
Travel: "Took ferry from Amsterdam to Volendaam." [8/7] "Left Apeldoorn and drove to Utrecht." [8/8]
Geographical and architectural: "Visited 10th century Romanesque style church and museum." [8/14]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1041
Collection title: Max Flaxman Papers
Location within the collection: Box 5, folder 13.
Size: 4" x 6 1/2"
Condition: Excellent
Graphic content: None
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Bound volume
Provenance: 1999. 46. 1. 1-, gift of Dorothy Kupitz, Esther Flaxman's daughter.
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, December 2000
Bibliography:
City Directories. Providence, RI 1920-1958.
Providence Vital Records
Subject headings:
Diaries, 1968
Europe - description and travel
Notes on the Abby (Brown) Francis Diary
Entries dated 1792 to 1820
Biographical:
Name at birth: Brown, Abby
Name after marriage: Francis, Abby (Brown)
Birthdate and place: November 20, 1766, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: March 5, 1821
Age range during diary: 30 - 53
Residence during diary: Warwick, R.I.
Places written: Bristol, R.I.
Biographical note: Daughter of the richest man in Providence, mother of future governor.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 3
Number of pages: 111, 1, several
Exact dates: 1792-1815; 1807-1820; December 28 1819 - January 5 1820 (really only one entry)
Frequency of entries: Very erratic.
How was author identified?: Mentions death of brother-in-law Charles Herreshoff, who had only two sister-in-laws. Mentions letter from son; only Abby Brown Francis fits this.
Brief description: Main 1792-1815 diary kept very irregularly, with semi-regular rentries from 1/1/1797 to 1800. Accompanied by several diary entries in husband's ledger book, and a single diary entry relating to death of brother-in-law Charles Herreshoff.
Writing quality: Handwriting ranges from good to difficult.
Related papers at RIHS: Large collections of Herreshoff, Brown and Francis family papers.
Family members:
Father's name: Brown, John
Father's dates: 1736-1803
Father's occupation: Merchant
Mother's name: Smith, Sarah
Mother's dates: 1738-1825
Brothers: James Brown (1761-1834)
Sisters: Anna (Brown) Mason (1777-1823); Sarah (Brown) Herreshoff (1773-1846)
Husband's name: Francis, John
Husband's dates: 1763-1796
Husband's occupation: Merchant
Marriage date and place: January 1, 1788
Father-in-law's name: Francis, Tench
Father-in-law's dates: 1730-1801
Father-in-law's occupation:
Mother-in-law's name: Willing, Ann
Mother-in-law's dates: 1733-1812
Sons: John Brown Francis (1791-1861)
Daughters: Anne W. (1790-1798)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Brother-in-law Charles F. Herreshoff I (1763-1819), shot himself while managing Brown family estate in Boonville, Herkimer County, New York. "Mr. Jonathan Tillinghast came in the stage at New Haven. We found himgood humored & most obliging. I was & still am astonished that he is spoken of so contempuously particularly by the female sex." [3/18/1799] "After driving 3 miles to the ferry Mr. Tillinghast discovered the loss of an umbrella which his saving disposition would not admit of being left behind, he therefore encountered several vexatious circumstances in order to recover it & Mr. Hazard concluded that the necessary expenses would amount to the full worth of the treasure." [3/19/1799]
Topical content:
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Poor Nancy Smith, my mantua maker died on the 3rd of Decr 1801. A woman of remarkable powers of mind & great good sensce with unvaring sweetness of disposition." Long note on death of mother of Maria Balch, 11/18/1800
Family: Consoling sister's family in time of mourning. This is the entire "diary" in full for 1819-1820 diary page: "Tuesday the 28th. On the evg of the 28th of Decr 1819 we recd the melancholy intelligence of my brother-in-law Mr. Herreshoff's death. The followg morng I took Anne & Sarah [Herreshoff, nieces] wh me & James [brother] drove us to Pt Pl [Point Pleasant, Bristol, the Herreshoff homestead] in my old carriage. After tea Sister discovered fm the appearance of Anne that something painful had occured when, Alas, I was compelled to say that two days more only were wanted to make a fortnight since the fatal deed terminated the life of a friend who had from my 1st acquaintance been interestg to me. The 1st letter fm my son informd me that a Mr. Post was soon expected from Boon Ville who had assisted at the funeral of our friend. I remained at Pt Pl wh the afflicted family until Thursday 5th of January 1820. The boys go to Mr. Bates in Bristol. I found Mr. Post on the eveg of his departure. He appears to be a worthy man & I hope his presuming loss will eventually be made up to him. It was at Boon Ville that the remains of Mr. H. were deposited."
"My father went with his darling grandson to -- the ship up from below Prudence. He has been detain'd all night with the little adventurer. I am very desirous to know how he has acquitted himself." [5/1797] "My dear boy returned home from a jaunt in the country at Taunton where he had been with his grandpapa." Thrown from horse on the trip but unharmed. [10/17/1799] "This day my good father left his home in order to take his seat in Congress. A circumstance that I could wish otherwise." [11/23/1799] "My dear father expired on the ev'g of the 20th of sept. 1803 just one month after he attended the funeral obsequies of his much esteemed sister in law. Hismalady was first observed by us in the beginning of the preceding July & it continued most alarming at night time untill the last symptoms of a dropsy of the breast were I believe considered by his physicians to be the cause of his dissolution. Altho he had other most distressing complaints notwithstanding which his unvaring sweetness of temper was such as I never before witnessed in a sick room. His end was blessed be God without a struggle on Tuesday evg the 20th of Sept. 1803. After having past an evg with us in great harmony of spirits without bodily pain." [9/20/1803]
Childhood: Long critique of son's table manners, 7/8/1803 (near front of book). Long descriptions of her two children, 1/28/1798 and 3/29/1798. Death of daughter, 5/28/1798.
Marriage: "My beloved sister Alice is at this date ... a very unhappy woman owing to ill health as well as that her family disapproved her connection with Mr. Mason to whom she is engaged. I pray to God in case my sister marries him that all the opposition which is made may not create a lasting dissention & that real merit may triumph over every report to his disadvantage." [6/23/1800]
Health: Notes on yellow fever in Providence, 10/29/1797.
School: "My dear children went for the first time to Miss Tenty Sweet's school ... on Thursday morn'g Anne could then call her letters imperfectly but John scarce knew one in the alphabet." [circa 1795?] "My dear children first went to Miss Balch's school a few days before she celebrated her birth day" [2/27/1797] "On Monday the 13th of November [1797] my dear children went for the first time to a man's school. Having heard great commendations of this man I thought ... it as well to send 'em both as Miss Balch's school was so far off. I'm convinced it is most proper for John. But on account of his sister's sewing, a woman would be most proper for her." "My son went for the first time to Mr. Carew's school, Mr. Burges having resigned his care." [5/30/1798]
Class relations: In main diary, notes on servants Violet ---, 11/21/--; Samuel --- and his wife, 4/7/1796; In husband's ledger book, notes re servants Sarah Veney, 10/7/1812; Lilly ---, 4/1819 and undated ; Debby ---, undated; and Patience --, 7/7/1820.
Travel: Long account of trip to Philadelphia, 10/29/1798, and trip back, 3/1799..
Geographical and architectural: In husband's ledger book: "Provi. June 14th 1818 Sunday. On this day just as the bells had ceased for church they were renewed together with the cry of fire. We learn that the distillery of Mr. Jno Clarke is almost destroy'd wh all the provinder for his cattle &c &c. It is believed Mr. Carrington is an equal looser."
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 426
Collection title: Francis Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, folders 6 and 7
Size: 6" x 4"; 10" x 8"; 8.5" x 6.5"
Condition: Fair
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Main diary on R.I.H.S. microfilm number CS71.F818.
Provenance: 1987. 57, gift of John Carter Brown Washburn (main diary); other items 1970. 122. 1. 1-, gift of Norman Herreshoff
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
The Chad Brown Workbook: A Continuing Workbook of the Descendants of Chad Brown, 2nd ed. (R.I. Historical Society, 1987).
Subject headings:
Herreshoff, Charles F. (1763-1819)
Notes on the Ann C. (Brown) Francis Diary
Entries dated 1823 to 1828
Biographical:
Name at birth: Brown, Ann Carter
Name after marriage: Francis, Ann C. (Brown)
Birthdate and place: October 11, 1795, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: May 1, 1828, Warwick, R.I.?
Age range during diary: 27-32
Residence during diary: Spring Green, Warwick, R.I.
Places written: Warwick, R.I.
Biographical note: Married her second cousin John Brown Francis, who after her death became governor of R.I. She died at age 32.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 66
Exact dates: January 25, 1823 - April 20, 1828 (ten days before her death)
Frequency of entries: Very sporadic
How was author identified?: Not signed. Heads part of the journal "Extracts from a journal kept by Anne C Francis" [8/16/1827]. Mentions daughter's 2nd birthday on the right day. [9/8/1825], and also her own 32nd birthday [10/11/1827].
Brief description: Spiritual journal from a member of Rhode Island's royal family
Writing quality: Good, although not very regular or informative.
Utility for research: A good spiritual diary, but of marginal utility from any other perspective.
Related papers at RIHS: John Brown Francis Papers (MSS 427).
Family members:
Father's name: Brown, Nicholas II
Father's dates: 1769-1841
Father's occupation: Merchant; Brown University named after him.
Mother's name: Carter, Ann. Stepmother Mary B. Steele
Mother's dates: 1770-1798. Stepmother d.1836
Brothers: Nicholas Brown III (1792-1859); John Carter Brown (1797-1874), founder of the Brown University library that bears his name.
Husband's name: Francis, John Brown
Husband's dates: 1791-1864
Husband's occupation: Gentleman, politician
Marriage date and place: June 18, 1822
Father-in-law's name: Francis, John
Father-in-law's dates: 1763-1796
Father-in-law's occupation: Merchant
Mother-in-law's name: Brown, Abby
Mother-in-law's dates: 1766-1821
Sons: John Francis (1825-1826);
Daughters: Abby Francis (1823-1841); Anne Brown (Francis) Woods (1828-1896)
Topical content:
Religious content: Content is largely religious, including both spiritual musings and reflections on sermons. The pastor Mr. Crocker is frequently praised. Cheerful thoughts on Christmas Eve: "The thought of death frequently engrosses me entirely. Am I prepared for this great & fearful change. One after another of those who had as good reason as I have to expect length of days as I have fall around me on every side. Will it not be my turn next?" [12/24/1824] "I have great reason to bless the Giver of all good for his tender mercies towards me, an ungrateful worm of the dust." [1/1/1825] Closing words in weeks before death: "I feel a sweet peace of mind in life or death I pray for divine acceptance & all the gifts of my heavenly Father it is my fevered desire that He will purify and accept through the blood of my Redeemer." [4/20/1828]
Family: Re death of grandmother Sarah Smith Brown: "In the evening at seven o'clock our aged relative & kind friend fell asleep in the arms of death without a struggle or a groan. Night dews fall not more gently nor weary worn out winds expire so soft." [2/1825]
Childhood: Mother of three young children. Just after birth of first child: "What a responsibility is attached to the character & relation of a Parent & how few fulfil the duties that belong to them. I feel this responsibility more & more every day. When my head is low in the ground she may read these papers, but she can never know, half the anxiety of my heart." [2/8/1824]
Marriage: Virtually no mention of marriage.
Health: Died at age 32; the month before death, wrote that "My nurse came down the 3rd of the month but my hour has not yet come." [4/13/1828]
Geographical and architectural: Fire at Spring Green: "I have a signal instance to record of the merciful interference of our Heavenly Father in preserving us from fire during the past week. Our kitchen mantelpiece took fire on Thursday A.M. early... I did not know the extent of the danger till it was past." [4/13/1828]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 426
Collection title: Francis Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, folder 10
Size: 8" x 6"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1990. 73. 5, gift of Eleanor W. Washburn estate
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
The Chad Brown Workbook: A Continuing Workbook of the Descendants of Chad Brown, 2nd ed. (R.I. Historical Society, 1987).
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1823-1828
Spring Green (Warwick, R.I.)
Notes on the Elizabeth A. (Ives) Gammell Diary
Entries dated 1851 to 1852
Biographical:
Name at birth: Ives, Elizabeth Amory
Name after marriage: Gammell, Elizabeth A. (Ives)
Birthdate and place: April 10, 1830, in Providence, RI
Death date and place: April 1, 1897
Age range during diary: 21 - 22
Residence during diary: Providence, RI
Places written: 1) England, France, Italy, Germany, England again; 2) England, Scotland, France, Switzerland, England again
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 88
Exact dates: October 6 1851 - July 3 1852
Frequency of entries: Fairly consistent, but some gaps
How was author identified?: Diary is not signed. Attributed in Nat Shipton's handwriting to "Eleanor Jenckes," but no internal evidence can be found to support that identification. List of gifts several pages from back lists "Grandma Ives" and "Grandma Amory" as well as "Uncle M.B. Ives" and "Aunt Goddard." The genealogy of this well-known branch of the Brown family strongly suggests that the author was one of the three surviving children of Robert Hale Ives (1798-1875). In the Ives-Gammell-Safe Papers is a January 28 1852 letter from one of those children, Harriet B. Ives. Harriet, signing as "Hallie," was writing from Providence, but described receiving a January 4 letter from "Lizzie" in Genoa, which corresponds exactly with the diary narrative.
Brief description: First diary is from a nearly year-long honeymoon tour of Europe, and consists almost entirely of descriptions of art and architecture. Not much in the way of travel anecdotes, family dynamics or introspection.
Writing quality: Generally somewhat terse.
Utility for research: Limited
Related papers at RIHS: Ives-Gammell-Safe Family Papers include her papers, and papers of parents, siblings, husband, children.
Family members:
Father's name: Ives, Robert Hale
Father's dates: 1798-1868
Father's occupation: Partner in mercantile firm of Brown & Ives
Mother's name: Amory, Harriet B.
Mother's dates: 1803-1868
Brothers: Robert H. Ives Jr. (1837-1862)
Sisters: Harriet B. "Hallie" Ives (1832-1860)
Husband's name: Gammell, William
Husband's dates: 1812-1889
Husband's occupation: Professor, Brown University
Marriage date and place: 9/22/1851
Father-in-law's name: Gammell, William
Father-in-law's occupation: Clergyman
Mother-in-law's name: Slocomb, Mary
Sons: Robert I. Gammell (1852-1915), William Gammell Jr. (1857-1944), Arthur A. Gammell (1862-1887)
Daughters: Elizabeth H. (1854-?) m. John W. Slater; Harriet B. I. (1864-1932) m. Anthony S. Safe; Helen L. (1868-?) m. Sir Arthur Herbert
Other persons frequently mentioned: In Rome, "The Princess Doria is an English lady. I think her name was Talbot. I saw her. She is thought to be very handsome - is a large woman, quite stylish in her appearance, of fair complexion." [2/26/1852]
Topical content:
Religious content: In Rome: "On Sunday we went to the American church held in the house of Mr. Cass just opposite the hotel." [2/8/1852] "Passed Sunday in Ferrara, in now place in Europe have we seen the day observed more carefully." [4/19/1852]
Family: No mention of family in the first diary proper, but long lists of gift purchases planned for extended family in rear of volume.
Marriage: Written on a year-long honeymoon tour, but almost no mention of her husband. "Mr. G quite sick with cold & fever." [3/24/1852]
Race / ethnicity content: "The white German head looked very clean after the dark colored head of Italy." [4/15/1852]
Arts and culture: First diary largely consists of descriptions of European art and architecture. "Went to St. Peter's. It is not possible to describe - no work of art that I have ever seen has so much impressed me..." [2/9/1852]
Travel: Travel diary of Europe, mostly describes art and architecture, with relatively few accounts of travel or local color. Usually assesses the accommodations briefly. "Hotel Adelphi at Liverpool, very fine." [10/7/1851]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 509
Collection title: Ives-Gammell-Safe Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 5, folder 11
Size: 8" x 6"
Condition: Very good; ink badly faded on several pages in 1852
Provenance: Unknown. Probably donated with bulk of Ives-Gammell Family Papers.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, August 2001
Bibliography:
Biographical Cyclopedia of Rhode Island, 226
Katherine Goddard, The Chad Brown Workbook, second edition (unpublished typescript at RIHS, 1987), 67, 96, 142
Notes on the Ann DeWolf Lovett Diary
Entries dated 1852 to 1853
Biographical:
Name at birth: Lovett, Ann DeWolf
Name after marriage: Gibbs, Ann DeWolf (Lovett)
Birthdate and place: December 6, 1839, Boston, MA
Death date and place: Unknown
Age range during diary: 12 - 13
Residence during diary: Boston, MA
Places written: Boston, Massachusetts
Biographical note: Ann DeWolf (Lovett) Gibbs was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Charles W. and Josephine Maria (DeWolf) Lovett. She was the granddaughter of the infamous slave trader and U.S. Senator, James DeWolf.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 32
Exact dates: November 10 1852 - March 4 1853
Frequency of entries: Daily. No entries on Sundays.
How was author identified?: Inside cover of the diary
Brief description: This journal was kept by Ann DeWolf Lovett as part of an assignment for school. She discusses school, the weather, her social life, and visits by relatives. She dedicated it to her father.
Writing quality: Good
Family members:
Father's name: Lovett, Charles W.
Father's dates: 1801-1874
Father's occupation: Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Mother's name: DeWolf, Josephine Maria
Mother's dates: 1818-1901
Brothers: Charles (d. 1890) m. Alice Foster (Beck); James
Sisters: Josephine Elizabeth m. Charles DeWolf Gibson; Harriet m. Rev. John Brooks
Husband's name: Gibbs, Franklin
Husband's dates: 1838-1877
Marriage date and place: November 18, 1863
Sons: Franklin (1873-1884)
Daughters: Julia DeWolf (b. 1866) m. Rev. Daniel Dulany
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Yesterday was the day of the funeral of Daniel Webster so we had a holiday." [12/1/1852]
Religious content: "Yesterday Bessie went to church with Minnie Homes, Martha Parsons called for me to go to church with her but I had gone with father." [12/20/1852]
Social life: "This afternoon - Mary, Cushing and I are going to meet at Fanny Storer's house to go to walk." [11/15/1852] "We did not go to the painting gallery yesterday but Miriam and I went to the summer house in the Public Garden." [1/29/1853]
Family: "Yesterday when I went home from school I found cousin James and his two son's there, Raymond and Jimmie. Cousin Juliana cutting is staying at Mrs. Bauland's." [11/10/1852] "Today Aunt Phebe is coming to spend the Winter with us." [11/17/1852]
Childhood: "Today is my birthday. I have had eight presents this morning...I am 13 years old today." [12/6/1852]
Health: "Little Hattie has got quite a bad cold today but I hope it will not last her long." [11/20/1852] "Today Mother is almost crazy with a dreadful headache." [11/27/1852] "Yesterday afternoon Aunt Phebe was stooping under the marble mantlepiece and when she went to get up she cut a large hole in the side of her head!" [11/28/1853] "Yesterday aunt Nancy came down to our house and told us we had better keep away from Minnie as the doctor is fearful of scarlet fever so I did not got there to tea." [2/23/1853]
School: "Today Miss Cheever is going to read us a story while we sew." [11/12/1852] "Miss Cheever says we must have a composition in a fortnight the subject is 'The use of a day school.' " [11/18/1852]
Home production: "Today I bought some worsted to work a small mat at home mother had the pattern already." [11/18/1852] "Yesterday afternoon I bought some worsted and began to knit a scarf of blue and white." [2/22/1853]
Fashion: "at recess Martha and I got prepared with legings and gloves for a good ramble after school." [1/13/1853]
Race / ethnicity content: "Yesterday afternoon Martha Bessie and I went to the rehearsal we then went to Mrs. Bush's house (they have not been home from China but a little while and have a Chinese servant)." [11/30/1853]
Class relations: "Yesterday afternoon our cook went down to see Mrs. Barnidge she is a poor woman who lived just behind Mr. Chickering's manufacture her husband had gone to the west, her house was not burnt - but it was so filled with smoke she was obliged to dress two of her children and send them into a neighbor's house while she and her baby were in the street all night." [12/4/1852]
Arts and culture: "Yesterday afternoon Fanny, Mary and I went to Cottons to see some pictures, one of them is the portrait of Daniel Webster as large as life." [[11/16/1852] "Martha Parsons is going to the Museum to see Uncle Tom's cabin performed but I am going with Miss Cheever's to Cottons to buy some copys for Christmas presents." [11/24/1852]
Geographical and architectural: "Last night there was a large fire and this morning found that it was Mr. Chickering's pianoforte manufacture was burnt to the ground." [12/2/1852]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-L
Collection title: Ann DeWolf Lovett Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 8" x 6 3/4"
Condition: Good. Cover coming loose from the binding.
Graphic content: None
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Bound volume
Provenance: Unknown. May have been purchased by RIHS prior to the 1980s. May also have come in as part of the DeWolf Papers. James DeWolf was the diarist's grandfather and the donor of the DeWolf Papers was the daughter of the diarist.
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, July 2001
Bibliography:
Perry, Calbraith B. Rev. The DeWolfs. New York: Press of T.A. Wright, 1902.
Subject headings:
Boston, MA - social life and customs
Diaries, 1852-1853
Lovett, Charles W. (1801-1874)
Lovett, Charles (d. 1890)
Lovett, Harriet
Lovett, James
Lovett, Josephine Elizabeth
Lovett, Josephine Maria (DeWolf) (1818-1901)
Notes on the Almira W. (Thornton) Goff Diary
Entries dated 1903 to 1903
Biographical:
Name at birth: Thornton, Almira Wheaton
Name after marriage: Goff, Almira W. (Thornton)
Birthdate and place: 1842
Death date and place: 1921
Age range during diary: 59
Residence during diary: Pawtucket, R.I.
Places written: Algiers, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, France, England.
Biographical note: Wife of very prominent textile manufacturer.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 104
Exact dates: February 3 - July 10 1903
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Internal evidence. Donated with six diaries of daughter Elizabeth Goff Wood. Describes trip with husband Lyman and daughter Bessie. On March 26, mentions "Lyman's birthday, he should have been thirty five years old"; recently deceased son
Brief description: Travel diary of trip to Europe and Middle East
Writing quality: Good. Descriptive but not very personal.
Utility for research: Good account of tourist sites in Egypt, but little of general interest.
Related papers at RIHS: Six travel diaries by daughter, including one from this same trip; also scattered other related papers in Washburn Family Papers (MSS 783).
Family members:
Father's name: Thornton, Jesse S.
Father's dates: 1812-1856
Father's occupation: Coal and lumber dealer, Pawtucket, R.I.
Mother's name: Merry, Elizabeth V.
Mother's dates: 1815-1868
Brothers: George M. Thornton (b.1850), other died young
Sisters: None?
Husband's name: Goff, Lyman B.
Husband's dates: 1841-1927
Husband's occupation: Textile manufacturer
Marriage date and place: December 14, 1864
Father-in-law's name: Goff, Darius
Father-in-law's dates: 1809-1891
Father-in-law's occupation: Textile manufacturer
Mother-in-law's name: Lee, Harriet
Mother-in-law's dates:
Sons: Lyman T. Goff (1868-1900)
Daughters: Elizabeth L. (Goff) Wood (1869-1948)
Topical content:
Family: Re recently deceased son: "Lyman's birthday, he should have been thirty five years old. If he could only have lived and led a happy and good life!" [3/26/1903]
Marriage: Traveling with husband, but hardly any mention of him.
Arts and culture: Good descriptions of tourist sites in Europe and Middle East
Travel: Good travel diary; covers trip to Egypt and the Middle East. "At six took the boat across the Nile, then donkeys to the Tomb of the Rings." [3/30/1903]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 783 sg 3
Collection title: Washburn Family Papers
Location within the collection: Folder 1
Size: 6" x 4"
Condition: Good; one page loose
Provenance: 1990. 73. 2. 1-, gift of author's grand-daughter Eleanor W. Washburn's estate.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Skimmed
Bibliography:
Clegg, Margaret Goff. Anthony Goff Descendants (Typescript at R.I.H.S., 1966)
Rhode Island Cemetery Index
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1903
Europe - Description and travel
Middle East - Description and travel
Notes on the Abby F. Pirce Diary
Entries dated 1896? to 1911
Biographical:
Name at birth: Pirce, Abby Florence
Name after marriage: Grant, Abby Florence (Pirce)
Birthdate and place: June 2, 1877, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: December 17, 1957, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 19-20, 34?
Residence during diary: 297 Wayland Ave., Providence, R.I.
Places written: New York, about 15 minutes from Albany [9/30/1896]; the 1911 section is set in Holland, Belgium, England
Biographical note: Daughter of a respected manufacturer. Her first marriage was to at retired dentist when she was 52 years old.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 73 pages
Exact dates: September 30 1896 - April 1 1897, and July 21 - September 17 1911 (most of the diary is undated, but on the eighth page can be seen "Mar. 12 97", and when diary resumes in pencil it is dated “July 21 Friday - 1911")
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: The identification of both author is circumstantial but 99% certain; it was cataloged as "undated, author unknown in 1988. Page 1: “Miss Boyd met us and said 'I thought Florence was a tall girl.'” The family genealogy book included in the Aldrich Papers includes a newspaper clipping for the marriage of a Abbie Florence Pirce and Harry Linwood Grant on 12/7/1929, both of Providence, and the death of Dr. Grant on 10/1/1950 in Fall River. Other articles refer to her as Florence. The obituary of James Aldrich Pirce in the same volume, dated 8/24/1922 refers to “his sister Miss Florence A. Pirce”, making her the daughter of William Almy Pirce and Asenath Aldrich. The last identifiable item in this collection is a 1932 letter addressed to Mrs. Grant. Florence (Pirce) Grant (1877-1957) is buried with Harry L. Grant and the William A. Pirce family in Swan Point Cemetery. Of the William A. Pirce clan, only his wife Asenath, son James and daughter Florence were living in 1911. The diary makes frequent reference to Mother and Jim. If the opening pages of the diary are indeed Florence Pirce, the date must be 1896-1897, rather than 1909, as she appears to be at boarding school.
Brief description: First section is a choppy memoir of a stint in a boarding school in New York; the second section is from a trip to Europe with her mother and brother as an unmarried adult, recording many conversations with rude British shop clerks.
Writing quality: Good; 1911 section is quite amusing.
Utility for research: No Rhode Island content. Decent travel diary, but no obvious utility.
Related papers at RIHS: Aldrich Family Papers include papers of her parents, and family record book.
Family members:
Father's name: Pirce, William A.
Father's dates: 1824-1891
Father's occupation: Farmer, manufacturer, U.S. Representative (1885-1887)
Mother's name: Aldrich, Asenath "Lena"
Mother's dates: 1843-1916
Brothers: William B. "Bennie" Pirce (); James A. Pirce (1871-1922), lawyer
Sisters: Mary Elizabeth Pirce (1866-1891)
Husband's name: Grant, Harry Linwood
Husband's dates: 1952
Husband's occupation: Retired dentist
Marriage date and place: December 7, 1929, Providence
Father-in-law's name: Grant, Nathaniel
Mother-in-law's name: Richards, Elizabeth
Sons: None?
Daughters: None?
Topical content:
Family: Vacationing with brother and mother.
School: Describes year in boarding school [1896-1897]
Fashion: Fashions described intermittently, especially while at boarding school, 1896-1897
Race / ethnicity content: Saw in England "the Prince of the Sandwich Islands. I wonder if he ever ate anyone. He looked very strong. Had more manners than the English. Three cheers for the Cannibal!" [9/2/1911].
Labor: Vacation hindered by strike of some sort in London [8/16-19/1911]
Gender relations: Recounts several infatuations and flirtations in 1896-1897 section, set in boarding school.
Arts and culture: Describes tourist sites in England, Holland [1911]
Travel: Description of vacation in Belgium, Holland, England and Scotland with mother and brother.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 87
Collection title: Aldrich Family Papers
Size: 9" x 6"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1988. 59. 1-, gift of Eleanor Pearson, 1988
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Skimmed
Bibliography:
Bendroth, Cindy. "Guide to the Aldrich Family Papers at the Rhode Island Historical Society Library" (unpublished typescript, October 1988).
Rhode Island Cemetery Project database
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1896-1897
Diaries - 1911
Europe - Description and travel
Notes on the Edith (Jackson) Green Diary
Entries dated 1910 to 1911
Biographical:
Name at birth: Jackson, Edith
Name after marriage: Green, Edith (Jackson)
Birthdate and place: March 22 1876, New York
Death date and place: February 2 1971, Warwick, RI
Age range during diary: 34 - 35
Residence during diary: Texas
Places written: Mostly at home in Texas, somewhere near Houston [6/14/1910]. Staying with husband's family at John street, Providence, 6/22 - 8/6/1910, 9/3 - 9/16/1910. In Bristol, RI with parents, 8/6 - 9/3/1910.
Biographical note: Daughter of RI Lieutenant Governor; attended art school in Providence in 1900; married into Green family and became sister-in-law of Theodore Francis Green.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant?
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 365
Exact dates: March 10 1910 - August 16 1911
Frequency of entries: Writes most days through March 1911, erratic afterward.
How was author identified?: Signed on first page
Brief description: Brief entries, mostly regarding family and especially infant son.
Writing quality: Fairly good, but abbreviated.
Utility for research: Only three months written in Rhode Island. Of interest mainly for the author's prominent family connections.
Related papers at RIHS: Personal correspondence and speeches of her father in Frederick H. Jackson Papers (Mss 990). Papers of father-in-law and family in Frances Rogers Arnold Papers (Mss 862)
Family members:
Father's name: Jackson, Frederick H.
Father's dates: 1847-1915
Father's occupation: RI Lt. Governor; insurance broker and investment banker.
Mother's name: Ellis, Annie Blanchard
Mother's dates: 1848-1914
Brothers: Frederick Ellis Jackson (1879-1950)
Sisters: None
Husband's name: Green, Erik Hastings
Husband's dates: 1876-1931
Father-in-law's name: Green, Arnold
Father-in-law's dates: 1838-1903
Mother-in-law's name: Burges, Cornelia A.
Mother-in-law's dates: d.1901
Sons: Arnold Green (b.1910), Burgess Green (1912-1981), possibly others
Daughters: Unknown
Other persons frequently mentioned: Very frequent mention of Peticola family in Texas, often abbreviated as "Pet". In Providence: "To see Elizabeth Chace after lunch." [6/27/1910]. Brother-in-law Theodore Francis Green (1867-1966) mentioned often: "Mr. Washburn & Theodore had a battle of words all through dinner." [6/30/1910]. "Theodore held the baby on the piazza this afternoon." [7/7/1910]. "Theodore's family theatre party (including Hope) to Keith's a great success" [7/29/1910]. "Henry Sharpe came to lunch, & somehow escaped without being shown the baby or hearing the word about him." [7/19/1910]
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Saw Halley's comet at about four o'clock this morning." [5/7/1910]. "Watched the comet till the rising moon made it fade away." [5/25/1910]
Religious content: No religious content noted.
Social life: Apparently not well integrated into Texas social scene: "A great event! Invited out to dinner. But we have declined & invited the Fergusons here instead for Sunday. Let's hope our new silver will come in time." [10/13/1910].
Family: Green family reports news by telegram: "The family round robin came today. Herlwyn's cable address is..." [2/2/1911]. Letter from grandmother [3/2/1911]
Childhood: Primary focus of diary is the birth and first year of her son Arnold. Arnold born 3/19/1910. The next day, "Asked Erik if he slept well, and he said he couldn't go to sleep for hours he had so much to think about. He got the baby through college before he went to sleep." [3/20/1910]. "Saw the baby have his bath for the first time...I'm wondering if I shall ever learn to wash him." [4/4/1910]. "I tried to give the baby his bath but he cried so hard I turned him over to Miss Chase." [4/11/1910]. Miss Chace left next day; ""So glad to be taking care of my baby myself." [4/13].
Health: Husband Erik battling "the grip" [3/7/1911 onward]; diagnosed as typhoid fever [4/1/1911].
Race / ethnicity content: Servant problems. "Meals at all hours, for Annie is still away & M slept late." [4/17/1910] "Hannah left & have decided to try doing my own work again. Believe it is easier than bothering to teach these niggers who leave as soon as they learned to do things my way." [4/22/1910].
Class relations: "--- was taken to jail again & Erik went in to bail him out, taking A. & me with him." [1/30/1911].
Progress: "Crazy man came & wanted to borrow Erik's car to take home for his wife to try." [3/24/1910]. "Took my first auto lesson today." [10/19/1910]. "Erik gave me a short auto lesson this afternoon but & says I can go to town now any day but I don't know whether I shall try it or not." [11/2/1910]. Describes riding in automobiles [1/1/1911]. "I ran the auto all alone today." [2/7/1911]
Arts and culture: "Began to read The Crossways." [3/26/1910] "Began to read The Woman in White" [3/20/1910]. Avid gardener, frequent mention of flowers blooming. "Went with Eleanor to see portrait of Miss Doyle for Women's College." [7/9/1910]
Travel: Trip from Texas to Rhode Island, 6/14-6/22/1910.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 862
Collection title: Frances Rogers Arnold Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, folder 8a
Size: 7" x 4"
Condition: Good
Graphic content: Scribbles by infant son
Provenance: 1999. 43, purchased from Stephen Gross
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, August 1999
Bibliography:
1900 U.S. Census, R.I., E.D. 12, page 10
The Greene Family of Rhode Island
Obituary of Frederick H. Jackson, Providence Journal, July 29 1915
Notes on the Mary L. Greene Diary
Entries dated 1836 to 1836
Biographical:
Name at birth: Greene, Mary L.
Birthdate and place: July 1821 - Warwick, RI
Death date and place: April 26, 1836 - Warwick, RI
Age range during diary: 14
Residence during diary: Warwick, Rhode Island
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Born in Warwick, Rhode Island. In the winter of 1835-1836 she spent time in Providence and was the subject of a revival in the second Baptist Church on Pine Street. She died at the age of 14 years and 9 months of typhus.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 7
Exact dates: February 9 to February 22 1836
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Written at the beginning of the diary
Brief description: This is a two-week diary pertaining to Mary L. Greene's religious reflections, with personal information interspersed. Mary was part of a religious revival at the Second Baptist Church in Providence during the winter of 1836. Her religious reflections often center around death.
Family members:
Father's name: Greene, Robert Wickes
Father's dates: 1779-1842
Father's occupation: Farmer and captain in the Merchant Marine.
Mother's name: Arnold, Sarah
Mother's dates: 1787-1836
Brothers: Edgar (1807-1828); John Wickes (1809-1882); Benedict Arnold (1812-1858) m. Abigail A. Chapin; Robert Columbus (b. 1827)
Sisters: Harriett Frances (1808-1831); Sarah Potter (b. 1823); Julia Amanda (1824-1846); Harriet Frances (1831-1832)
Husband's name: None
Topical content:
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Mrs. Gorton died very suddenly another instance of the uncertainty of life." [2/13/1836] "Mrs. Gorton buried today." [2/16/1836] "Phillis Barton a coloured woman died." [2/15/1836] "Philis Barton the coloured woman buried today." [2/17/1836] "We have heard of two more deaths Rhodes Budlong and William Lippitt (a coloured man) in heaven there is no distinction." [2/19/1836]
Religious content: "How do I feel this morning O Lord search my heart and see if there be any evil there. O God root out my besetting sins and if it is pride I wilt thou by thy Holy Spirit tear it from my heart and may I live a life devoted to my Heavenly Master." [2/13/1836] "I talked some with Susan. O may she think of what has been said to her and may the time of her conversion be near." [2/15/1836]
Social life: "Greatly disappointed in not spending the eve at Mr. Barton with Waity, Maria, and Susan and, Maria Barber." [2/10/1836] "I have been down to G. Papa's had a very pleasant time with Mrs. Weaver heard the shocking news of five of my associated or rather my acquaintances lives being lost." [2/14/1836]
Family: "I expect Mother up from G. Papa's." [2/12/1836] "Ma has gone down to G. Papa's. Sarah [sister] and myself here all alone this evening. I feel very lonesome. Julia [sister] is going to stay down to G. Papa tonight. Pa is gone down street." [2/16/1836] "I went down to G. Papa's and staid all night." [2/18/1836]
Health: "had a severe toothache this morning I feel it is inflicted for some good purpose for God is so good he does not love to afflict his people." [2/16/1836]
Community: "Mrs. West came here this morning. Sarah gave her a pair of shoes for Mercy. We who have a plenty of every thing cannot imagine how much suffering there is in the world. I think we should give to the needy for we shall be rewarded for it if not in this world in the next." [2/17/1836]
Organizations: "Just returned from meeting with the Knitting Society." [2/11/1836]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-G
Collection title: John Wickes Greene Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 8" x 6 1/2"
Condition: Excellent
Graphic content: None
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Bound volume. Diary is found at the back of a journal kept by John Wickes Greene, 1836-1838. The diary is copied word for word from the original by Mary A. Greene [sister-in-law] in 1839. There are also other notations in the diary by Mary A. Greene: death of daughter Harriet; death of her brother John Waterman; birth of John Thomas Warner Waterman.
Provenance: Unknown
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, June 2001
Bibliography:
Clarke, Louise Brownell. The Greenes of Rhode Island with Historical Records of English Ancestry. New York: Knickerbocker Press, 1903.
Subject headings:
African-Americans
Barton, Philis
Diaries, 1836
Lippitt, William
Religion
Notes on the Sarah A. (Chace) Greene Diary
Entries dated 1843 to 1854
Biographical:
Name at birth: Chace, Sarah Anna
Name after marriage: Greene, Sarah A. (Chace)
Birthdate and place: June 22, 1818, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: August 24, 1904, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 25-36
Residence during diary: Various
Places written: Most entries are not specified regarding their location, and location is largely irrelevant to the content. The following roughly follows Christopher Greene's teaching career and the few specific entries: Tyngsboro, Mass. (1843-1844); Providence, R.I. (12/1844, 2/1846); Bridgewater, Mass. (1845), Boston, Mass. (1847) Milton, Mass. (1849-1851), Dorchester, Mass. (1851-1852); Marietta, Georgia (1852-1853); Providence, R.I. (1853-1854)
Biographical note: Daughter of a liberal abolitionist transcendentalist family, she married a schoolteacher of similar views, and helped him operate a school for two years before stopping to raise five children.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Transcendentalist?
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 2
Number of pages: 77, 10
Exact dates: July 23, 1843 - October 1854; also several entries in back of husband's diary dated August 2 - November 28, 1853
Frequency of entries: Sporadic, roughly five entries per year.
How was author identified?: The first volume is marked as a gift from her sister
Brief description: Diaries of a Transcendentalist woman, almost wholly a loving account of the development of her five children.
Writing quality: Excellent, very emotional, filled with love and spiritual gravity, though very narrow in focus.
Utility for research: Wonderful resource on childhood; unfortunately less of a resource on the fascinating lives of the author and her husband.
Related papers at RIHS: Christopher A. Greene Family Papers also include his diary from the last months of his life; a record book from the school in Tyngsboro; and records from his days as a student at West Point. There are also two letters written by Sarah to her granddaughter, dated 1903 and 1904, filed under Sarah A. Greene.
Family members:
Father's name: Chace, William
Father's dates: 1786-1875
Father's occupation: Leather, wool and dye dealer of 67 Broad St., R.I.
Mother's name: Drowne, Lydia Bowen
Brothers: None
Sisters: Lydia B.; Harriette; Frances "Fannie" (Chace) Clarke; Eliza (Chace) Davis
Husband's name: Greene, Christopher A. "Christy" or "Kit".
Husband's dates: 1816-1853
Husband's occupation: Schoolteacher
Marriage date and place: June 20, 1842
Father-in-law's name: Greene, Nathaniel
Father-in-law's dates: 1789-1841
Father-in-law's occupation: Sea captain, nephew of Gen. Nathanael Greene
Mother-in-law's name: Casey, Abby Sophia
Mother-in-law's dates: 1794-1838
Sons: Christopher W.C. Greene (1848-1862); William Chace Greene (1852-1928)
Daughters: Abby Sophia (Chace) Atwater (b.1844); Sarah Anna Chace (1846-1847); Eliza C. (Greene) Chace (1851-1924). Eliza Chace was the mother of Malcolm G. Chace.
Topical content:
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: Death of nephew, William, son of George and Fanny Clarke. [9/1843]
Religious content: No overt mention of church, but entire diary is suffused with respect for God.
Family: "If I was sure that my sisters Lydia and Harriette were safe I should feel that all was well round me, but anxiety for them colors all things with a despairing hue, and I weary of thinking and doing." [7/23/1843]
Childhood: This diary is almost entirely a loving and positive account of the development of the author's children. On birth of first child: "I am a Mother. Christopher my dear Husband is a Father. We are happy. Life has a new charm. Hope springs her pinion broader..." [12/11/1844] Long description of baby: "At five weeks she began to say 'Goo' and laugh..." [4/27/1845] Baby "considers all things that transpire in our room as done for her amusement." [7/6/1845] About her two-year old daughter Abby: "She is very witty exactly like her father." [4/4/1847] Very long account of death of infant daughter [5/16/1847]. Not-quite-three-year old daughter is learning to sew "and is getting to be a great deal of assistance to me in many ways." [10/25/1847] "This last week I began teaching her to read - and found it a very pleasant employment." [4/30/1848]. Re newborn son: "Baby is very cunning - a week ago he discovered he had hands and has gazed at them ever since." [12/10/1848].
Marriage: Apparently a very happy marriage; husband a schoolteacher who takes active interest in his own children. According to his biography, he was an active and fairly prominent Transcendentalist. Her reaction to his early death, leaving 4 young children: "My dearly beloved is no more on earth. I am alone! Is it possible that I can live and move and feel and he away in the body forever?" [5/1854] Christopher also kept a diary during his last months; when he was too ill to write further, Sarah continued the diary, which is largely a daily account of his decline.
Health: Husband Christopher died a long slow death from some sort of respiratory problem, which is recounted in Sarah's 1853 entries in the back of his diary.
School: Taught school with husband (see work entry)
Work outside home: Operated a school in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts with her husband, 6/1843 to fall of 1844. Three long entries allude to some sort of discord there; "after a tedious 3 months of vexatious thought and trial, we left them - left them to enjoy their selfishness and their passion as best they might." [12/1844]. Christopher went on to teach in New Hampshire. Eight-year-old daughter "is studying with me now, and elocution with her father, began this week." [3/16/1853]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1003
Collection title: Christopher A. Greene Family Papers
Location within the collection: Folders 5, 8
Size: 5" x 4"
Condition: Good
Graphic content: A very small doodle of two boys on the back page.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.):
Provenance: 1972. 60. 1-2, gift of Sarah A.G. Smith (great-granddaughter of the author) of the Atwater Archives.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read both in entirety
Bibliography:
Clarke, Louise Brownell. the Greenes of Rhode Island... (New York: Published by author, 1903), pages 334, 503, 643
Webster, Joseph R. Christopher Albert Greene: A Teacher in Milton from 1849 to 1851. (Reprinted from the Milton Record, 1915). An excellent short biography of our diarist's husband.
R.I. Cemetery Database.
Subject headings:
Children - Massachusetts
Diaries - 1843-1856
Greene, Christopher A. (1818-1853)
Teachers - Massachusetts
Transcendentalism
Notes on the Abbie (Hoxsie) Griffin Diary
Entries dated 1879 to 1879
Biographical:
Name at birth: Hoxsie, Abbie
Name after marriage: Griffin, Abbie (Hoxsie)
Birthdate and place: July 2, 1816, Lebanon, New London, CT
Death date and place: November 29, 1898
Age range during diary: 62 - 63
Residence during diary: South Kingston, RI
Places written: South Kingston, Providence
Biographical note: Born in New London, CT to descendants of the old New England families of Browning, Greene and Hazard. Married Dr. Joseph Griffin in 1834, also a descendent of the Hazard family. After her marriage, she moved to Washington County in Rhode Island.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant, married in Baptist church, mentions attending both Congregational and Baptist churches
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 188
Exact dates: June 27 to December 31 1879
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Diary entry for June 28, 1879 states the author of the diary, her husband, Joseph Griffin has died and she will be continuing his diary.
Brief description: Diary describes each day in the life of Abbie Griffin after her husband's death. She notes the weather and wind conditions; her activities from day to day. Cash accounts listed in back.
Writing quality: Fair handwriting. Not very descriptive.
Utility for research: The writing is not very detailed. Abby does not mention any world or national events.
Related papers at RIHS: Joseph Griffin Papers
Family members:
Father's name: Hoxsie, Hazard
Father's dates: June 17, 1782-December 31, 1826
Father's occupation: unknown
Mother's name: Bailey, Chloe
Mother's dates: October 15, 1789-May 23, 1870
Brothers: Benjamin Hoxsie, Gordon Hoxsie, Thomas Hoxsie, Samuel Hoxsie, twins b1823 (d. young?)
Sisters: Mary (Hoxsie) Miner, Lydia (Hoxsie) Pendleton, Sarah (Hoxsie) Hazard
Husband's name: Dr. Joseph Hazard Griffin
Husband's dates: 1810-1879
Husband's occupation: Physician
Marriage date and place: November 3, 1834, Norwich CT
Father-in-law's name: Stephen F. Griffin
Father-in-law's dates: 1777-1822
Father-in-law's occupation: Physician
Mother-in-law's name: Hannah Hazard
Mother-in-law's dates: August 1778-August 1826
Sons: Joseph Hazard Griffin, Jr., Louis P. Griffin
Daughters: Abbie A. Griffin
Other persons frequently mentioned: Jennie (wife of Hazard) [7/6], grandchildren: Joseph (Josie), Willie, Lizzie, Marmie, Hattie, [8/16, 8/29, 9/11], Isaac (son-in -law), niece Frannie [9/15], Martha Gardner, Hannah Champlin (do washing), preachers, friends and other relatives.
Topical content:
Events discussed: Captain Pike to dinner, sailed around Cape Horn with Louis. [12/17]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: death of husband Joseph [6/27], funeral of Mr. William Chapman [10/8], death of Bro. Benjamin's widow [9/15]
Religious content: Weekly church-goer, attends Wednesday prayer meetings
Social life: Frequent visits to and from friends, especially immediately after deaths of her husband and granddaughter.
Family: son Joseph married to Jennie Tucker; daughter Abbie married to Isaac Liscomb (children: Joseph Hazard Griffin, Mary Hoxsie, Harriet Lincoln, Abbie Griffin)
Health: Troubled by occasional headaches. Very lonely..
Home production: Daily mentions of chores done around house: cleaning, sewing, preparing and cooking food. "Cleaned silver and canned whortleberries" [8/8]
Work outside home: Paid bills and collected money owed to her. "Paid Mr. Garvit's bill $145. Paid Mr. Joseph Lewis's bill of $75. Paid money lent to me and store bill $15.39. Paid Samuel Gross for probate business..." [8/9], sold minor medical remedies.
Fashion: Frequent mention of sewing dresses (saque dresses) and aprons. "Abbie went down the street to see about having the balloon holes made in her dress." [12/16]
Food and drink: frequent mention of buying/selling/eating lamb, canned whortleberries [8/8], sent turkey baskets to relatives for Christmas
Community: Husband well-respected by members of the community. Large turn-out at his funeral.
Arts and culture: "Hazard and Jennie went to see the play 'Pinnefore' at Armory Hall." [9/11] "Hazard, Jennie and the children went to see bell-ringers at Armory Hall." [11/14], went to Sabbath school concert with Marmie [12/21]
Travel: frequent mentions of traveling to and from other parts of the state. Most frequently mentioned place is Carolina. Takes express train to Providence to visit with ill granddaughter.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 472
Collection title: Joseph H. Griffin Papers
Location within the collection:
Size: 3"x 5.5"
Condition: Great condition, faded ink, cover worn with torn flap.
Provenance: unknown
Cataloged by Robin Alario, July 2003
Bibliography:
1880 Census
Ancestry.com
RootsWeb family tree (source: New England Families by Earl P. Crandall), 1850 (page 389) Wright, William E. Ancestors and Descendants of William Browning and Mary Hoxsie Lewis Greene, 1993.
Subject headings:
Diaries, 1879
Notes on the Helen (Clarke) Grimes Diaries
Entries dated 1920 to 1945
Biographical:
Name at birth: Clarke, Helen
Name after marriage: Grimes, Helen (Clarke)
Birthdate and place: September 17, 1905, Mystic, Conn.
Death date and place: 1989
Age range during diary: 14, 20, 25-40
Residence during diary: Providence (86 Larch St. and then at 215 Doyle Avenue), Spragueville and Esmond, R.I.
Places written: Mostly in Providence and Spragueville, R.I., with visits to New York, Connecticut and Maine.
Biographical note: Raised in Connecticut in a proud old Yankee family; married a Providence accountant, and had no children. Retired to Florida in 1974; Dorrance Grimes still resided in Fort Myers, Florida in 1996.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 4 plus loose copies
Number of pages: About 300 each
Exact dates: January 1 1931 - December 25 1945, complete; also photocopies of selected pages: 1/1 - 1/10/1920; 5/29/1926.
Frequency of entries: Fairly regular, about two to four entries in most weeks.
How was author identified?: Signed.
Brief description: Long detailed entries on current events, family life and the generally awful state of the modern world.
Writing quality: Beautiful. The writing is literate, charged and never at a loss for words. Some parts are poetic, some are bitterly cynical, but most of it is well worth reading.
Utility for research: These diaries have many potential uses, and would be worthy of an edited published edition. Almost every aspect of the Depression and World War II eras is discussed.
Related papers at RIHS: Other diaries at Mystic River Historical Society; some published as An Account of My Life: The Childhood Journals of Helen May Clarke of Mystic, Connecticut, 1915-1926 in 1997.
Family members:
Father's name: Clarke, Asa Hoxsie
Father's dates: b.1870
Father's occupation: Of Mystic, Conn.
Mother's name: Hill, Alice B.
Mother's dates: 1878-1943
Brothers: None
Sisters: Constance (b.1912), m. Oliver Davis Clarke
Husband's name: Grimes, Dorrance H.
Husband's dates: Living, 1996
Husband's occupation: Cost accountant, Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company
Marriage date and place: May 26, 1926, Mystic, Conn.
Sons: None
Daughters: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Great-uncle Asa Hoxsie (grandmother Clarke's brother). Also Dorrance's grandmother.
Topical content:
Events discussed: Kept up an active commentary on politics and current events. Mrs. Grimes' deep distaste for President Roosevelt is a recurring theme throughout the diaries. The entry for December 7, 1941 gives three densely written pages of narrative, recorded every half hour as the awful news from Pearl Harbor came over the radio.
Religious content: Religion is one subject on which Mrs. Grimes seems to have little to say.
Social life: Does not seem to have had a broad circle of friends. Leisure time spent dining or driving in the country with husband, visiting family, attending genealogical meetings and reading. "I should like to attend at least one riotous New Year's Eve party before I grow too old to enjoy it. Sometimes I long to beat my hands together." [1/1/1931]
Family: Alternately loving and biting descriptions of most of her family members. Mother lived with her and Dorrance until her death in February of 1943. "Constance and Oliver are to be married shortly. They will meet at Reno (God knows why unless to impart an unnecessarily bad flavor to the whole proceedings), marry there and go on to California. So far as we know, Oliver has no visible means of support. To date he has thrown over every position he has held because 'none held a future'. He no longer plays the violin because he is ten years out of practice and has long since sold his violin in one of his customary dire straits. It appears he is sometimes lucky with horses, at least he recently won enough to send over a hundred dollars to Constance...Constance realizes she will have to get a job and says she is willing to do so." [9/30/1940] Oliver remains an irresponsible presence through the conclusion of the diaries.
Childhood: We have one photocopied page written at the age of 14. Contrasts the mundane adolescent misery of her friends with her own existential angst: "For instance if they can't go somewhere, or can't have a new dress, or if they get scolded for something, or have spent all their money, they are temporarily cast down. They never seem to have a deep, secret, unexplainable kind of unhappiness from which I suffer." [1/2/1920]
Marriage: One of the photocopied entries describes her wedding to Dorrance. They sought out the old town clerk at his summer cottage in Mystic, Connecticut, almost on a whim.
"He was bending over a wheel-barrow as we approached.
'What can I do for you?' he smiled, and seemed to doff a plumed hat.
'A licence', said Dorrance.
'And what kind?'
'Marriage', Dorrance replied as casually as possible.
'Well, now, ain't that too bad,' he said, rubbing his chin with an earth-stained old hand. 'You see, I'm not the town clerk any more. You want Bailey. When did you plan to get married, anyway?'
'This afternoon', replied Dorrance."
[The old gentleman went through great exertions to contact the clerk by phone, and failing that, drove Dorrance and Helen over to the assistant clerk's house.]
"All the way I waged a mental battle - afraid we couldn't get the license and feel perfect fools - and afraid we could get it. I daresay Dorrance was waging a similar battle."
After the ceremony, "'I suppose the families will raise merry hell', I said reflectively.
'Probably at first, but who cares?', Dorrance answered carelessly...
And they did. Mother was the most sensible. Uncle Ase was furious, but blessed it as a legitimate chance to rave. Grandmother, poor dear, felt eternally disgraced and accused me of having no family pride. None of my people had ever done such a thing and there would be talk. Besides I could have had such a pretty wedding. I couldn't tell her that was what I wanted to avoid, that weddings make me sick." [5/29/1926]
Dorrance and Helen went on to have what was by all appearances a long, happy and harmonious marriage, which is well documented by the diaries. "After sixteen - seventeen in May - years of married life Dorrance and I are still in love, a fact I think remarkable enough to be noted." [1/1/1943]. In one entry, Dorrance expresses his displeasure with a set of photographs. "'I'll never like any picture of you', he said, 'unless it's a moving picture. You're as impossible to photograph as a sunrise...You don't realize the steady play of expression over your features. Always when you talk and even when you read and are alone you don't hold your expression for more than a few seconds.'"[2/4/1943]
Work outside home: Worked during the war. "I went to work on Columbus Day at the Brown & Sharpe offices in the Hospital Trust Building, and have lived these past two weeks in a new world. I have been interested, entertained and sometimes disgusted, but every bit alive. I went to see Jonathan Rawson....and told him I was bored, untrained and apprehensive of the future...before I realized it I was having a blood test and pressing out finger prints at the plant where all such things are taken care of. Our office is a small one - eight girls and Helen Mylotte who is over us. It is sorting and filing of the simplest for which I get twenty dollars per week..." [10/24/1943]
Food and drink: Typical: "Sunday, we had dinner at the Park Cafe in Cranston. It was interesting in a way - juke box playing 'Pistol Packing Mamma', a high school crowd drinking highballs, a young and disconsolate sailor alone in a booth, a cheap flashy but of wartime Americana. There was no butter, the food was skimpy and none too good.' [11/1/1943]
"Dorrance and I had dinner at the Old Canteen - the tomatoes in the antipasto were not dead ripe, and evidently they have come to the end of their imported vermouth, but otherwise the meal was good and ample." [10/3/1943]
Race / ethnicity content: The author's occasional racial comments are extremely distasteful, but well express what a conservative, financially pressured Yankee woman might have felt during the Depression:
"Constance has been working for a Jew concern this past week - temporary work, of course. This morning she came upon Mr. Goldberg stripped to the waist shaving before the wash bowl in the corner of the room. Her somewhat acid comment was to the effect that there was something to be said in favor of Hitler and his purges." [8/3/1935] Once the war got rolling, however, there are no signs of Nazi sympathies.
Labor: Dorrance, though intermittently employed at Brown and Sharpe, was subject to frequent layoffs (see 10/26/1931 and 5/15/1936) and worked odd jobs to help make ends meet. "Henry D. Sharpe was not in a giving mood this year; but then, he never is. The was no sign of a bonus, no hint of a raise, no sprig of holly. They had Thursday afternoon and Christmas Day off - without pay, of course. All of which was about what I expected, but Dorrance who is inclined to be hopeful was rather blue." [12/26/1936]
Class relations: Middle class couple feeling the pinch of the Depression: "Dorrance's three days at the office bring in exactly fifteen dollars per week, and now, just before inventory, when he hoped to earn a little more with overtime, the office force has received a seven percent cut. Last night I had a dreadfully realistic dream, quite unlike my usual fantastic nightmares. I dreamed that I was selling apples on a street corner, and none would buy. It is the little things we mind the most, the things we have always taken for granted. Crowding around one lamp when we have always sat where we pleased and used so many as we liked; limiting ourselves to two tub baths a week because of the gas it takes to run the vulcan heater...eating soup and hash and meat pies week in and week out; drying our clothes indoor because they are too shabby to hang out. Small things all of them, but they spell skeleton living." [1/5/1931]
Gender relations: A discussion of body image, after visiting her cousin Barbara. "Barbara, who is a few months younger than I and has always made two and a half of me in size, has become decidedly matronly, though she has not gone in for child-bearing any more extensively than I . I suppose she is what was once known as 'a fine figger of a woman' in the days when men liked them big, highly colored and considerably more than just shapely. Beside her I look like a child, thin, white, not a woman at all." [1/16/1931] At the same dinner, Barbara's husband Ben was a problem. "In the first five minutes he made it evident that I still have a most unholy attraction, at least I presume Aunt Hannah calls it that. At dinner he seldom took his eyes from my face, though he said little and that little harmless...After dinner, a good dinner too, utterly ruined for me by that naive ass, Ben turned the radio on and, walking straight across to me asked me to dance with him. I told him my head ached, whereupon he turned it off and gave himself up to watching me. I suppose it was funny, but I couldn't see it at the time..." [1/16/1931]
Discussion of beaux at age 14: "I like Marcus quite well and the other girls are all sweet on him. He is very good looking but rather dumb. Walter is good looking too, and not quite so dumb." [1/4/1920] "Mary and Anna were shocked at me for saying I thought heathens looked better without clothes. Well, they do!" [1/10/1920]
Progress: The author was ahead of her times in discerning the frivolity of mass media. Grimes transcribes the entire text of a particularly long and inane advertisement for a new line of hats, and concludes only with "My God, but it gives one a hopeless feeling." [8/11/1935] "I have heard native music from Bombay; have listened to the striking of Big Ben; have swayed to dance music from Bermuda, I have seen nothing, done nothing, felt little and heard much. Radio!" [1/1/1936] Vacationing in Maine, saw "a fine old house with tourist sign reading 'Stumble Inn'. Whoever built that house must be turning in his grave, poor soul." [9/11/1940.
Arts and culture: Grimes was an avid reader and often commented on books and movies.
Travel: Long, very detailed account of vacation in Maine [9/11/1940]; frequently visited New York City and Connecticut.
Geographical and architectural: Good descriptions of landscapes and local features. "Dorrance and I drove aimlessly around the country this afternoon. We went to Barrington where from the Parkway we looked across at the ruins of the State Pier destroyed by fire a few days ago. The city's waterfront spread before us, clear and incisive. The wind whipped the bay into whitecaps and shook the car with its impact." [2/27/1931]. Moved from Providence to suburban Spragueville, R.I., 10/21/1940.
Organizations: Interested in genealogy, and frequently attended meetings of the Roger Williams Family Association and the Daughters of the American Revolution. "D.A.R. meeting at Carr's: pink candles, roses, ices and cakes. What is lacking in me that I cannot take these things seriously? I am either restraining a smile or feeling abysmally bored. Who the devil do I think I am? I seem to have the kind of flaccid intelligence that perceives the flaws while remaining." [1/21/1938]. Describes a visit to the Rhode Island Historical Society [4/16/1936]. Family tree sketched out, 8/19/1935.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 983
Collection title: Helen (Clarke) Grimes Diaries
Location within the collection:
Size: 10" x 8"
Condition: Good
Graphic content: Many photographs, news clippings and other items taped or glued in.
Provenance: 1994. 177. 1- and 1996. 9. 1-, gifts of Dorrance Grimes
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? The extensive notes above were gleaned by just a cursory skimming of these diaries. There is much more in there.
Bibliography:
Providence directories
Subject headings:
Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company
Diaries - 1931-1945
Grimes, Dorrance
Mystic, Conn. - Social life and customs
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Smithfield, R.I. - Social life and customs
United States - History - 1933-1945
World War, 1939-1945 - War work - U.S. - Rhode Island
Notes on the Elizabeth Frances Grinnell Diary
Entries dated 1904 to 1904
Biographical:
Name at birth: Grinnell, Elizabeth Frances
Birthdate and place: 1852 in South Dartmouth, MA
Death date and place: March 26, 1906 in Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 52
Residence during diary: various place while traveling in Europe but her home is at 112 Prospect Street, Providence, RI
Places written: aboard Steamship Bohemia; in England she visited Liverpool, London, Cambridge; Glasgow, Scotland; Wales; in Ireland she went to Dublin, Killarney, Cork, and Belfast; Paris, France.
Biographical note: Lived with the Matteson Family of Providence, RI. She never married and had no children of her own. She worked as a seamstress and probably also took care of the Matteson children.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Christian, possibly Presbyterian
Social class: Upper-middle class
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 93
Exact dates: June 16 to October 5 1904
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: The diary arrived with the Matteson family papers and was identified by the donor as written by Elizabeth Grinnell who lived with the family for many years.
Brief description: A travel diary detailing many tourist areas in Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, and France.
Writing quality: Her handwriting is fairly easy to read and her writing style includes sincere pronouncements in sometimes bland language.
Utility for research: Good to study for research in travel. Not a good source of information on Rhode Island.
Related papers at RIHS: Matteson Family Papers
Family members:
Other persons frequently mentioned: "the children", Mr and Mrs. Charles Matteson, Miss H. Chace, Miss Annie Wallace
Topical content:
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Killarney . . . Saw a funeral prosestion, 4 bearers carrying the coffin on there shoulders, the hearse behind them they were poor pesants and it was very sad. The undertaker walked ahead and had white around his hat and yards of white cloth over his shoulder and crossed with a large bow in the left side with ends reaching to the ground." [8/31] "Chester . . . Saw a funeral prosession a great many wreathes of just green + white flowers all the same size were on the top of the hearse. I should think more than a dozen." [9/3] "Just as we got to Warwick [England] a wedding party was leaving St. Marys church. Lord Percys daughter. The bells were ringing all over the place and kept it up all afternoon. I never heard wedding bells before. Street full of people." [9/15]
Religious content: "All went to a Presbyterian church very english, a wonderful sermon by Mr. Hunter . . "[6/26] Visits Religious sites and attends Mass while vacationing
Social life: Acquainted with the niceties of life, living with prominent family ". . . came by Lords Cricket grounds so stopped. Some of them wanted to see the game. As I did not know the first thing about it I did not care for it." [6/27]
Aging: Remarks that she'll never be able to return to Europe.
Home production: Seamstress
Fashion: "After church went to Hyde Park to see the show for that was what it was, a lot of fine clothes but not very good looking people." [6/26] "The most beautiful sight I ever saw on the water. The river thames was covered with boats and they were filled with people both young and old with beautiful clothes and with there bright sunshades the river looked like a flower garden." [7/6]
Food and drink: Often mentions adjusting to different meal times and having tea in the afternoon "We had lunch before we went out in the boat and after coming back we had tea and lemon squash with bread + butter + crackers on a table on the bank of the river in the shade and all green grass under our feet." [7/6] "Took bus to station for Paris. Had my first continental breakfast which consist of cold rolls and coffee." [9/20]
Race / ethnicity content: "I like the people in the north of Ireland very much, so much that I felt lonesome to leave there this noon thinking all the while that I should never see the country or the people again." [8/26] On board ship going back to America she notes "A very nice dinner was served with illumated ice cream." [10/4]
Arts and culture: She reads quite a bit and mentions Dickens and other classic English literature and loves to go to museums and art galleries. Attends Wallace collection of photographs exhibition. Attends concert of the Eton Boys Choir [7/1]
Travel: "Spent the day at Hampton Court, a beautiful place . . . but I don't want to live there with all the splender for the inside of all these buildings make me shiver. I suppose I have in mind all the time the tragedies that have been enacted in those historical places." [6/28] "A little way back we came on the under ground railway the first time I have ever been in one. Some think them very uncomfortable warm and smokey but I did not mind. It was only a little way perhaps I did not go long enough to mind it." [7/10] "Afternoon too tram car to Blarney Castle went up and up stairs and at the very top is the Blarney stone. Saw some boys kiss it but is was to much of a stunt for many to try. Glad I saw it." [8/28] "Left our baggage and went to Stonehenge 10 miles from here. A nice ride in the country all the way but rather disappointing out there nothing but some gray large stones nobody knows anything about." [9/17] "For I like Paris the very best of anything I have seen this summer . . . I was taken out of myself out of the humdrum every day living and saw beauty and charm of living in such surroundings." [9/21] "My trunk is still at the customs office and they promise over and over to send it, but don't." [9/24]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1021
Collection title: Matteson Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, Folder 1-2
Size: 6.5" x 4"
Condition: Text block still intact but no longer attached to cover.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Manuscript with typed transcription
Provenance: 1998. 193. 30. 1-3 and 1999. 58. 1. 1-33, gift of Alys MacLeod
Cataloged by Michael Cardin, January 2004
Bibliography:
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
RI Death records index Mfilm f78.a824
Subject headings:
Diaries, 1904
England - Description and travel
Europe - Description and travel
Matteson family
Notes on the Agnes Sophia Harbach Diary
Entries dated 1948 to 1948
Biographical:
Name at birth: Harbach, Agnes Sophia
Birthdate and place: February 22, 1878, Barrington, RI
Death date and place: After 1958
Age range during diary: 69 - 70
Residence during diary: Providence, RI - 16 Montague Street, on east side near corner of Hope and Doyle.
Places written: Providence, RI (mostly east side); visits to Barrington.
Biographical note: Worked as a nurse in Providence and Barrington; retired by 1948.
Ethnicity: Yankee (all four grandparents born in New England)
Religion of diarist: Protestant; attends Congregational, Baptist and Methodist churches.
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 366
Exact dates: January 1 - December 31, 1948
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed inside cover
Brief description: Detailed description of life of elderly spinster - visits with friends, family news, weather, clubs.
Writing quality: Very good; not very introspective, but detailed.
Related papers at RIHS: None
Family members:
Father's name: Harbach, Charles B.
Father's dates: 1839-1905
Father's occupation: Carpenter and farmer of Barrington, R.I. Children by previous marriage.
Mother's name: Tiffany, Mary L.
Mother's dates: 1840-1897
Brothers: Henry Franklin "Frank" Harbach (1874-1947), legal secretary to J.C.B. Woods and secretary/treasurer of Swan Point Cemetery. Half-brother Charles (1870-1939).
Sisters: None
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Floy Harbach [sic] (1880-1948) sister-in-law, wife of brother Frank. Helen F. Harbach (1910-1993), niece, daughter of Frank and Floy; nephew Sheldon Harbach. Neighbor Mabel M. Carlson, single clerk aged about 40 or 50 who also lived at 16 Montague (in Providence directories, 1926-1985). "Got two bowls, so now will have one for Miss Carlson to use when we have soup." (3/25).
Topical content:
Events discussed: Almost no mention of news. "Went to Barrington today and registered to vote this fall, for a Republican President I hope I hope." (6/22). "Truman was elected. Rhode Island as a whole Democratic. Town of Barrington Republican - thank goodness... Perhaps it is just as well that Dewey did not win, for if any thing had gone wrong they would have blamed him. Now we will see what the old dud will do." (11/3/1948)
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: Long accounts of deaths of friends and acquaintances several times per month.
Religious content: Re an obscure dispute with friend: "There's a so-called Christian for you. Do not have much faith in such Christianity. What a lie she told." (5/20).
Family: Brother had just died at beginning of diary; "Neither the rain, sleet or snowflakes will trouble Frank any more, for he is sleeping peacefully under the grey skies, he is with Father, Mother and Brother Charlie, and the cousins who loved him." (1/2/1948) His death remains the central subject for most of January. He had been beneficiary on Agnes' life insurance; switched to his daughter Helen 1/23. Visits his grave at Swan Point for first time on April 22. "Looked over some old papers that were Grandfather Harbach's. There was an old deed of property that belonged to his father. Some Confederate money that I suppose father brought home with him from the Civil War." (3/23) Family chairs handed down from Aunt Sarah (4/12, 4/20) Re disputes over Frank and Floy's estate: "Very much disappointed in Sheldon, am surprised that he is so mercenary...Oh God, look after Helen, keep her safe from all harm. Show Sheldon what selfish son and brother he is, and what a selfish woman his wife is." (6/22/1948).
Aging: "Feel lonesome, but God will comfort me in my loneliness." (1/3/1948) "If I could find something to do I would be much happier, this listening to grape-vine talk bores me to death." (6/23/1948)
Health: Sister-in-law Floy gravely ill, discussed frequently. "Floy said come down soon, don't make it so long between times. Think she realized that her time here in this world was getting shorter, that it was only a matter of time before she would pass away." (4/29). Died 6/11/1948. Mary Remington has "dementia nocturnal, will probably do herself no harm, has violent imaginings at night, drives imaginary hordes of people from her room, swinging and striking with anything that comes to hands." (1/26).
Home production: Helping with "wedding-ring quilt" (1/31, 2/10, 2/15, etc.)
Work outside home: Retired nurse; mentions former patient (1/9). Medical training seems apparent from informed discussion of ailments of herself and friends (4/17, etc.)
Fashion: Shopped frequently at the Boston Store, also on Hope Street and Wayland Square. "Went and changed my brassieres, had some I liked better and were a better fit, not so long." (4/15). Attended "Pageant of the Brides" at White Church (5/19)
Food and drink: Spends some mornings in "Community Kitchen" (as volunteer or customer?) (1/25, etc.). "Went into the Boston Store. Had lunch down in the restaurant, and while I sat there Laura came down to get some lunch." (3/18/1948). Also dined there 5/26, 5/27, 6/25. Shops at Almacs in Wayland Square (3/24). Descriptions of dinner menus at friends' homes, 3/26, 3/27, etc. "Had my supper at Mee Hong's. Vegetable salad french fries, peas and biscuit." (5/31).
Race / ethnicity content: Virtually no discussion. Mentions neighbor's "colored maid" (11/5).
Labor: Garbage trucks used for plowing during big snowstorm (1/18/1948)
Gender relations: Harold Lee "My Hal" McCauslan (former beau?), died 2/24/1947 (2/24, 3/25).
Organizations: Eastern Star: received "life membership card of Naomi Chapter #8 O.E.S." (1/22/1948); meeting 3/22, 5/24. Daughters of the American Constitution (1/29, 5/27). Discusses meeting of Swan Point Cemetery Proprietors 2/4/1948. Friend visited that R.I.H.S.: "She was going over to the John Nicholas Brown Place at the corner of Power and Benefit Street to hunt or rather look for some genealogical information." (5/5/1948)
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-H
Collection title: Agnes S. Harbach Diary
Size: 7" x 4.5"
Condition: Excellent
Provenance: 1999. 18, gift of Stephen P. Gross
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, July 1999
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Only read through June.
Bibliography:
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
1880 Census, 1-65-21-42
1900 Census, 1-85-5-100
Providence city directories
Rhode Island birth and marriage indexes
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1948
Providence, RI - Social life and customs
Notes on the Diary of Alice Frances Harris
Entries dated 1886 to 1887
Biographical:
Name at birth: Harris, Alice Frances
Birthdate and place: 1843, North Providence, RI
Death date and place: November, 18, 1887, Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 43 - 44
Residence during diary: Providence, RI
Biographical note: Alice F. Harris was born in North Providence, RI to George J. and Sarah H. (Hawes) Harris. She was one of five siblings; a brother died young and a sister died at the age of twenty. Alice died of apoplexy at the age of forty-four and is buried at the Swan Point Cemetery with other members of her family.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 210
Exact dates: January 1 1886 - November 16 1887
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Contents of diary and by looking at other family diaries and papers.
Brief description: This diary chronicles the daily life of Alice Frances Harris in 1886 and 1887.. The diary ends with the date of November 17 written in the middle of the page. That was the day that she died. She may have written it after her November 16th entry to be ready for the next day or maybe she started the entry and was never able to finish it.
Writing quality: Fair. Uses no punctuation. Thoughts just run one into another. At times entries are difficult to read due to poor hand writing.
Related papers at RIHS: Diaries kept by Alice's sisters, Sophia and Sarah and by her mother, Sarah. Found in Mss 432. Compare entries in Alice's diary with entries from her mother Sarah's diary. For example on 1/11/1886 Alice writes: "Sarah Marvel and myself went into town." Alice's mother writes: "Alice went in to town with Sarah Marvel."
Family members:
Father's name: Harris, George J.
Father's dates: 1805-1870
Mother's name: Harris, Sarah H. (Hawes)
Mother's dates: 1812-1890
Brothers: One brother who died young.
Sisters: Abby Caroline (1837-1907); Sarah Greene (1844-1865); Sophia Charlotte (1854-1928) m. Edward Miles Babbit; and Josephine.
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Sophy (sister Sophia); Sarah (niece); Sarah (mother); Sally Chase; Ellen Lincoln; Susan Marvel; Hope Goddard; Edith Church
Topical content:
Religious content: "Georgie and I went to church" [1/3/1886] "Mother Sophy & I went to Church this morning it was Confirmation Sunday the only one I knew was Miss Hope Goddard" [5/2/1886]
Social life: "I came home tonight after taking a sleigh ride with Hattie" [1/14/1886] "This evening Sophy went in a sleighing party did not get home until 2 o'clock" [1/3/1887]
Family: "This afternoon Georgie, Sophy & myself called on Ellen Lincoln we took little Sarah with us." [1/1/1886] "I went in this morning and deposited $1000 in my name in Old Providence Savings Bank and $2000 in Mother's name." [1/15/1886]
Marriage: "Edith Church was married this afternoon at 3 o'clock" [6/1/1887]
Health: "Cold so bad did not go out" [5/17/1886] "I went to Warren to Dr. Day & had 6 teeth filled & all cleaned" [3/1/1887] "Mother had a very bad night I gave her Laudanum three times" [11/4/18887]
Home production: "sewed on Mother's dress all day" [5/26/1886]
Work outside home: "I went over to Old House and collected Mrs. Gardener's rent - $18.00" [6/4/1886]
Fashion: "I bought a satin dress at Gladdings & pair? corsets" [4/5/1887]
Food and drink: "I made cake for the Friendly Society excursion" [6/18/1887]
Labor: "Tom Jones brought in mason to estimate on the cellar." [3/6/1886] "Sophy went & engaged a wash woman" [8/15/1887]
Gender relations: "This afternoon I went in to Mr. Francis and asked him out Saturday to Tea." [3/5/1886]
Arts and culture: "Georgie and I went in town this afternoon went to library and to opera house and bought tickets for Clara Morris performance" [1/26/1886] "Received note from Sarah Marvel saying she & Hattie would come over to night They came and went to see Lady of Lyons and we all went to Art Club enjoyed it very much" [1/4/1877]
Travel: "Sophy & Ammie Trip went to Boston to pass the day with Allin Barrows" [5/15/1886] "Mother Sarah Marvel Hattie & self went to Newport took the Ocean drive" [9/4/1886]
Organizations: "This evening I went up to St. Johns Chapel to the Friendly Society. It was a very pleasant evening" [10/7/1886] "I went up to Friendly Society festival [1/1/1887]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 432
Collection title: Harris-Hawes Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, folder 7
Size: 8 ½" x 6 3/4"
Condition: Fair. Front cover beginning to disengage from the binding and binding is starting to disintegrate.
Graphic content: None
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.):
Provenance: 1975. 73. 2. 1-, purchased from Nino D. Scotti.
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, July 2001
Bibliography:
Browne, William Bradford, compiler. The Babbitt Family History, 1643-1900, 611-612, 668. Taunton, Mass.: C.A. Hack & Son, 1912.
Hawes, Raymond Gordon. The Edward Hawes Heirs, 92, 164. Baltimore, MD: Gateway Press, Inc., 1996.
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Babbit, Sophia Charlotte (Harris) (1854-1928)
Chase, Sally
Church, Edith
Diaries, 1886-1887
Goddard, Hope
Harris, Sarah (Hawes) (1812-1890)
Harris, Sarah (b. 1882)
Lincoln, Ellen
Marvel, Sarah
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Sarah G. Harris Diary
Entries dated 1861 to 1865
Biographical:
Name at birth: Harris, Sarah G.
Birthdate and place: October 28, 1844, North Providence, RI
Death date and place: October 21, 1865, North Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 17 - 20
Residence during diary: Charles Street, North Providence, RI
Places written: North Providence, Rhode Island
Biographical note: Sarah Greene Harris was the daughter of Sarah H. (Hawes) Harris and George J. Harris. She was the second youngest of the four surviving Harris children and died at the age of twenty. She is buried in Swan Point Cemetery with other members of her family.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 4
Number of pages: 26; 23; 30; 136
Exact dates: November 28 1861 - June 2 1865
Frequency of entries: Infrequent- daily, weekly and monthly
How was author identified?: Vol. 1 has a message on the first page: "This is a book that contains all my private affairs and I do not want anybody to read this. If you do read this you will not get any good for yourself. Remember this and it well and when you do this to me and tell my private affairs I think you will not like it. Sarah Harris, Private Journal."; Vol. 2 and Vol. 4 name on inside front cover; Vol. 3 name inside
Brief description: Diary of an upper class teenager. This diary chronicles the daily activities of Sarah G. Harris and her thoughts on boys, friendship and family.
Writing quality: Good. Occasionally difficult to read due to sloppy handwriting.
Utility for research: Excellent for studying teenagers and courtship behavior. This diary could have been written by any teenage girl in any era. This diary could also be useful for researching the names of shops frequented by upper class families in Providence during the Victorian era. She does not mention the Civil War at all.
Related papers at RIHS: The Harris-Hawes family papers which contain diaries of Sarah's sisters Alice and Sophy; correspondence belonging to Alice, Sophy and Abby; Sarah's commonplace book. Also contains diaries of Sarah's mother Sarah H. Harris; papers of Sarah Harris' parents and grandparents Joseph and Sarah Hawes; papers belonging to the family of Edward J.C. Bullock, who married Sarah Babbitt, Sarah Harris' niece.
Family members:
Father's name: Harris, George J.
Father's dates: 1805-1870
Father's occupation: Gentleman
Mother's name: Harris, Sarah H. (Hawes)
Mother's dates: 1812-1890
Brothers: One brother who died young
Sisters: Abby Caroline (1837-1907); Alice Frances (1843-1887); Sophia Charlotte (1854-1928) m. Edward Miles Babbitt; Josephine
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Cousin Sarah Church [11/28/1861]; Aunt Charlotte [11/8/1861]; Lizzie Chase [12/19/1862]; George Arnold [12/21/1862]; Mary Phelps [11/16/1862]; Annie Houghton [8/16/1862]; her rivals: Annie Campbell and Laura Bowen [8/16/1862]; her crushes: Ben Thurston and Josiah C. [8/21/1862]; Willie Angell [9/25/1862]; George Arnold [1/8/1863]
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Somebody came up the path and knocked. Hannah went to the door and the man marched right in threw himself right on the sofa and says to Abby 'You are playing checkers. Do not let me stop you from play that is my game (I'll play you some).' Abby asked him if he was the man that brought the horse back he said 'I guess I be.' He was the man and he was drunk. Mother took hold of him and told him to go right out and she ushered him out. I was very much frightened." [8/22/1862] "It has been the warmest weather that we have had for 33 years the papers say." [6/1864] "Today is commencement, the 100th anniversary. I went with Lizzie Chase and Sallie up to the colleges. I saw the pictures. Saw the picture of my great-great grandfather Commodore (Esek) Hopkins." [9/7/1864]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "In the afternoon I went to Johanna's funeral." [8/21/1862] "I heard of Laura Joshua's death. It made me very sad." [9/21/1862] "We went to Belvolera (?) Fletcher's wedding. She married Reginald Messenger Tilley (?) of Boston." [10/7/1862] "Amelia Troop is dead. I am very sorry for she was a pleasant girl. [11/3/1863]; "Uncle Joseph died the 25th of August." [9/5/1864] "I carried Mother to Marianna Allmy's funeral." [11/13/1864]
Religious content: Weekly church goer. Attends Sunday School. "We had a very good sermon a very good one and we had a good singer too." [8/24/1862]
Social life: Goes out walking in the evening to socialize with boys. "Abby, Sarah Church and myself went out skating on the snow." [11/28/1861] "Alice and Sarah Church went out on the piazza and snowballed." [11/28/1861] "Abby and I played a game of chequers." [8/22/1862] "Today Abby and Alice went in to Cousin Sarah to a dinner party there were about 11 there. They had a pleasant time." [9/22/1862] "Alice and I went to the Fourth Baptist Sunday Schooll concert in the evening." [2/21/1864] "This afternoon I went to Sallie Chase's to go to a fair with her but did not go til evening. It was a very nice fair." [4/4/1864] "Father took Abby, Sophy and I to hear the band play." [7/4/1864]
Family: "When I came home Mother gave me such a scolding I shall never forget . . . The first thing I heard when I woke up was Mother talking about Amey's coming home and then about my staying too late at Annie's. I am not going over to Annie's near as much as I have been then I shall not get scolded as much." [8/20/1862] "Sarah Church does not like me as much as usual. I guess it is because Alice is taller and dresses nicer than I do that she likes her better. [10/10/1862] "Went over to Annie H's and Sophy tagged on, of course." [3/12/1863]
Childhood: Diary written while a teenager. "Played 'Lend Me a Bundle, Neighbor.'" [11/28/1861]; "Hattie's mother scolded her and told her if she ever had a whipping she would have one now." [9/24/1862] "In the afternoon, a little boy named Tommy Clary came and said he had no relatives no father, mother, brother or sister. We kept him." [9/28/1862] "Tommy is a very good child. He minds everything that is said to him." [9/29/1862]
Aging: "Today I am 18 years old. It does not seem so." [10/28/1862]
Health: "I am sick in bed. I ate too many whortleberry cakes last night and I have had a bad stomach ache and headache and I have been quite feverish." [8/15/1862] "Father is sick up to Aunt Sarah Greene's. One of his sick turns." [9/25/1862] "Sarah Church has been sick. She has grown very thin." [10/10/1862]; "Cousin Walter is very sick is not expected to live. It is an awful thing. I do not know what Sarah will do without him." [2/22/1863] "I have been feeling not well today and laying on the sofa. feeling quite forsaken. It will not do to feel forsaken nobody care anything for I am such a little thing. insignificant and I am such a know nothing." [1/5/1864]
School: "Sophy and I went to Sunday school. I did not get my lesson, but the others got it. I did not much care." [10/26/1862] "Went to Sunday school and what should Mr. Gladding do but take me out of my class and put me into Mr. Torrey's and he put Annie Houghton in there too but I am not going to stay in the class if he does not let me stay in my own class. I will not go to that Sunday school another Sunday." [9/11/1863] "After tea Annie came over for me to go to singing schooll. I went to and we had quite a good schooll." [2/15/1864]
Home production: "After my breakfast I sewed on my dress and I upped the waist of my dress up, the dress is red silk." [11/29/1861] "That silk muslin dress I ironed the hem of it after Annie went home." [8/16/1862] "I have washed up two collars and a handkerchief this afternoon." [8/23/1862] "I stayed home today and sewed on my flannel shirt." [1/1/1863] "I have worked all day on my worsted." [1/27/1863]
Fashion: "B has got his hair parted in the middle. He looks very funny." [8/24/1862] "When cousin Sarah was announced by Hannah, before she got into the house, Abby jumped up and ran out of the chair, flew upstairs like the winged angell, as she is, she came down and you would not know she was changed (but not in an instant like Cinderella) but in five or ten minutes. She was dressed in blue silk, white head dress and I do not believe Sarah would ever know but she was always dressed so, not but what she is always dressed nicely, today was an exception." [1/29/1863] "Eliza went home today and she went without a flannell skirt. What an idea." [10/17/1863] "I got my buttons for my dress and coat. They are quite, quite pretty." [12/10/1863]
Food and drink: "Went into the house and cracked walnuts. It was Thanksgiving dinner. we had turkey, onions, potatoes, cranberries, pickles, pudding, walnuts" [11/28/1861] "Alice made some candy. It burned." [11/9/1862] "Cousin Sarah brought some beautiful peaches. They were very large and delicious tasting." [9/25/1862] "Father brought from Edward Harris's grapery a box of grapes. They are splendid ones." [9/25/1862] "We had for dinner soup, turkey, turnip, potatoes and gravy. After dinner pudding, apple pie and raisins, nuts, cream bread, almonds, mince and coffee. [1/21/1863] "In the evening we ate Blanc Mange, strawberry and cream." [1/22/1863] "Made some caramels. They did not taste much like them." [4/1/1864]
Labor: "Sarah Rogers has been here today and made Alice's dress." [12/7/1864]
Class relations: "I wish he were of a better family. It would be so nice." [8/23/1862]
Gender relations: Sarah has multiple crushes on boys and frequently discusses their flirting tactics: ". . .we saw Ben Thurston. he bowed I bowed and we both bowed." [11/28/1861] "I saw BT riding by he waved his handkerchief and I waved mine." [12/2/1861] "I saw George Arnold as I was going into Miss Gladdings I bowed and he bowed I did not mean to bow and when I came out of Miss G's, George stood on the steps of the store on the corner of Mathewson's street he laughed and I laughed but I would not bow." [10/23/1862] "Annie Campbell and her friend Laura Bowen were flirting their handkerchiefs at a great rate at somebody." [8/18/1862] "Willie came home with me. Mother scolded me very much said I might to be ashamed of myself. do you think so." [8/19/1862] "I asked him when he had his new coat and I snitched his handkerchief he got mine after awhile." [10/6/1862] ". . .was laying on the sofa reading happened to look up and saw Annie Houghton talking to JC. when he left Annie he went for the pond I went upstairs and opened the [window] asked him if he was going skating he said yes I went out too I had a splendid time he talked and carried on and talked as if he thought everything of me he let me take his picture and said he could trust me but he could not trust Annie H. he said everything tried to kiss me too we came home and stood talking [next] to the gate for ever so long. Father was coming after me if I had stayed much longer." [3/16/1863] "When I was coming home by JCs he was coming out of his gate we met right face to face. I talked a little while then he walked home with me he was very pleasant he kxxxxxd me on the stepps that is too much to think of." [3/24/1863]
Progress: "Going to the pictures. I have seen them already. I think they are good." [8/16/1862] "We went and had some tintypes taken and she has her visitors tintypes taken too." [9/4/1864] "Alice and Eliza went up to the college to see the pictures." [9/10/1864]
Arts and culture: "I had my fortune told. I wrote it down so if it comes true I shall know. I am going to marry a rich man and am not going to care about my husband. I have got two beaux one will leave me but I shall have another in his place. And to clap the climax, I am going to have 7 children." [8/26/1862] Sarah reads a lot but does not often mention the titles of the books she is reading. "I sat up after eleven when father returned. I was reading Nathalie. [1/27/1863] "This evening I have been reading The Head of the Family. This book is very interesting." [1/27/1863] "This book was so interesting I could not put it down." [1/28/1863]
Travel: The Harris family went to Hartford to visit relatives for the day [10/22/1862] "Alice think some of going to Boston to attend the fair for the sailors." [11/7/1864]
Geographical and architectural: Skates on Leonard's Pond in the winter. Frequent patron of the Atheneum and Arnold's Library. Many mentions of visiting town and the streets she walks down and the places she shops. "Alice and I took a ride round Branch Bridge down Benefit Street up Westminster. Up and up to Benefit Street again round Branch Bridge. Home again." [4/19/1864]
Organizations: Attends prayer meeting twice a week
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 432
Collection title: Hawes-Harris Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, folders 8-9
Size: 7 ½ x 6
Condition: Very good. Some staining but entirely legible except for a few entries written in pencil.
Graphic content: Vol. 1- French poetry for first 5 ½ pages, scribbling and drawing of baby on back cover; vol. 2- French exercises for first nine pages; vol. 3- name Sarah Church scribbled on inside cover and first page, alphabet written in fancy letters, scribbles, the names Sophia and Sarah Harris written in different styles; vol. 4- list of books taken out of Christian Association library and Atheneum, names scribbled on inside back cover
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): three exercise notebooks and one bound journal
Provenance: 1975. 73. 2. 1-, purchased from Nino D. Scotti
Cataloged by Robin Alario, October 2003
Bibliography:
A Guide to the Harris-Hawes Family Papers
The Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Courtship - Rhode Island
Diaries, 1861-1865
Notes on the Sarah H. (Hawes) Harris Diary
Entries dated 1867 to 1890
Biographical:
Name at birth: Hawes, Sarah H.
Name after marriage: Harris, Sarah H. (Hawes)
Birthdate and place: July 18, 1812
Death date and place: August 29,1890, Taunton, Massachusetts
Age range during diary: 60 - 78
Residence during diary: Charles Street, North Providence; Benefit Street, Providence
Places written: North Providence, Providence, Taunton, Bristol, Newport, New York City, Boston
Biographical note: Sarah Hawes Harris was born to Joseph Hawes and Sarah Hopkins Hawes on July 18, 1812. She married George Jenckes Harris in1833. She resided at her family's home on Charles Street in North Providence with her surviving daughters until financial difficulties forced the family to move to their house on Benefit Street. She suffered a great deal of personal tragedies before her death while visiting family friends in Taunton in 1890.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant, but not an avid church goer.
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 5
Number of pages: Vol. 1 about 250; Vols. 2-5 about 950 total.
Exact dates: 1/11/1867-12/31/1867; 11/6/1873-11/6/1876; 9/11/1881-3/27/1884; 8/1/1885-3/5/1887; 1/1/1888-8/1/1890
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Vol. 1 has inscription on the inside cover: "To Mrs. Sarah Harris from her daughter Sophy." Vols. 2-5 identified by handwriting.
Brief description: These volumes chronicle the last two decades of the life of Sarah Harris. Diaries contain brief details on daily activities; brief thoughts on religion, finance, family, the help, and travel; also contains cash accounts; vol. 2 contains recipes
Writing quality: Fair. Uses little punctuation. Thoughts run into one another. Difficult to read due to poor handwriting.
Utility for research: A daily log of the accounts and activities of an upper-class family with extraordinary bad luck. Could be used for research on social culture of the era, or possible made into a TV "movie of the week" documenting the unfortunate circumstances of the Harris family. Accounts could be used for research as well.
Related papers at RIHS: The Harris-Hawes Papers (MSS 432) contain correspondence belonging to Sarah Harris, her husband George and their daughters. Also contains papers of Sarah Harris's parents Joseph and Sarah Hawes; diaries of her daughters Alice, Sophia and Sarah; papers belonging to the family of Edward J.C Bullock, who married Sarah Babbitt, Sarah Harris's granddaughter.
Family members:
Father's name: Hawes, Joseph
Father's dates: 1772-1847
Father's occupation: Cotton merchant
Mother's name: Hawes, Sarah (Hopkins)
Mother's dates: 1781-1860
Brothers: Joseph Hawes, Jr. (1804-1864); Samuel Hopkins Hawes (1818-1821)
Sisters: Amey Dorrance Hawes (1819-1865); Sophia C. (Hawes) West; Charlotte E. G. (Hawes) Branch; Harriet M. (Hawes) Coggeshall (1815-1885); Elizabeth (Hawes) Church
Husband's name: Harris, George Jenckes
Husband's dates: 1805-1870
Husband's occupation: Gentleman
Marriage date and place: June 18, 1833, Providence, Rhode Island
Father-in-law's name: Harris, Stephen
Father-in-law's dates: 1755-1817
Mother-in-law's name: Harris, Abigail (Cushing)
Mother-in-law's dates: 1769-1841
Sons: One, died young
Daughters: Abby Caroline (1837-1907); Alice Frances (1843-1887); Sarah Greene (1844-1865), Sophia Charlotte married Edward "Ned" Miles Babbitt (separated in 1887); Josephine (died young and originally buried on family's property on Charles St. and moved to Benefit St.)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Grandchildren: "Little" Sarah [8/5/1885] and "Bubber"/George; Nieces: Eliza, Hatty, Sarah Church [5/10/1874], Anna West [12/3/1873]; Nephews: Robert Harris [11/22/1873]; Paul Green; Dr. Brown [12/8/1873]; Eliza Gould, Carrie and Charles Harris; Ellen Lincoln; Sarah Marvel; Georgia Bosworth; Patrick [12/19/1873]; Cousin Nancy Sackett [10/19/1885]; Alice Francis [1/8/1888]; Abby Martin [4/24/1888]
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Today is an important day as it is to be decided whether North Providence goes into the city" [4/1/1874] "The president died last evening at ½ past 10 o'clock. Very very sad" [9/20/1881] Author describes in great detail a fire which occurred in her home in January 1884. Mrs. Harris gives a frank discussion on her son-in-law's misappropriation of the family finances and the family's subsequent move to Benefit Street in vol. 3. "The President married today" [6/2/1886] "Mr. and Mrs. Sam Ames had been very injured on the train for Florida. Very much shocked to hear it." [3/20/1888] "We went to bed this evening as usual, was awakened at 4 o'clock by finding our privy on fire a terrible feeling came to me that we were doomed to be burned. The fireman were in the spot very quickly and it was soon out but it was a shock to us and we don't know what caused it." [6/4/1888]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Aunt Abby in a stupor from which she did not come out remained so until Thursday morning when she died with very little struggle" [7/25/82] "A telegram came announcing the death of Corrie's baby. No particulars. Very sudden." [11/5/1882] "We were very much shocked to learn of the death of Mrs. Van Slyck who died Sunday morning after an illness of three hours" [11/20/1882] "Patrick's sister died at 9 o'clock" [9/29/1885] "Had a letter from Sarah Marvel informing us of the death of young Fred Gould by drowning in California. We were all very much shocked. His mother, Alice Gould and Charles Hawes [illegible] are anxious to hear the particulars." [2/25/1887] Sarah's daughter Alice died in November, 1887 and the entry for 1/1/1888 discusses Sarah's anguish at losing her daughter. "Carrie Harris died about 9 o'clock at the St. Elizabeth's Home having gone there to have an operation performed by Dr. Graham. She had not strength to rally from it. She is to be buried on Wednesday. It is very sad but if she had got to suffer it is all for the best. We all liked Carrie very much and feel very very very sad." [3/11/1889] Attended many funerals and weddings/wedding receptions. Discusses the births of her grandchildren [1/23/1882] and [7/15/1883]
Religious content: "Inspiring sermon from MH [Mr. Hawes?]. He is a powerful speaker but I cannot agree with his ideas all together." [1/27/1867] "Easter Sunday. I went to St. John's with Alice. Had a good sermon and fine music." [4/5/1874] "Went to the little church, heard a most excellent sermon. Very touching and agreeing with my ideas." [12/6/1874] "Went to hear the man on Catholicism. He has been eight years in Europe. A good discourse." [6/27/1875] "Went to the funeral of Patrick's sister. It was in the Catholic church. The ceremony was very impressive. The singing fine." [10/1/1885] "Alice and I went to St. John's church. Heard an excellent sermon from Mr. James. Far superior to Mr. Richards." [8/14/1886]
Social life: Mrs. Harris and her daughters travel frequently in the area to visit friends and relatives. "Went out to the Centennial Gaspee festival." [6/11/1875] Alice went to the coming out party of Hattie Harris, Thomas Harris's daughter." [5/27/1886] "We all went to Brighton to a clambake." [7/5/1886] "Sophy went on a sleighing party invited by Eliza Mauran and Abby Martin. They had a nice time."[9/3/1887] "Sally Francis and Alice Frances called. They had got home Saturday from being gone three weeks in Washington, Virginia, and Philadelphia both looking remarkably well. They were presented to Mrs. Cleveland, the president's wife." [4/22/1888] "This afternoon, Sophy and I went to a 5 o'clock tea to our neighbors. It was very nice. Had a pleasant time." [2/27/90] "We all went to the fair. Took the children had quite a pleasant time." [4/15/1890]
Family: Sophy writes a few entries in her mother's diary on 1/18/1867 (?), 2/11/1867, 2/24/1867, 2/28/1867, 4/5/1867, 7/26/1867; Sarah's daughter Abby appears to be mentally ill. Sarah describes her "cross spells" and behavior: "Very much dejected and discouraged. Abbys conduct is such that it takes all comfort from me, I am completely disheartened." [1/20/1867] "Today is Abby's birthday. I can hardly bear to think of it. So sad to think of her whole life, a life worse than death. . . very very dreadful." [1/18/1883] After her son-in-law misappropriates their finances, she says: "I can not call him son in law of the extent and vileness of Mis Sophys husbands actions." [10/24/1885]
Childhood: "Saw Mrs. Lippets baby 6 weeks old. Very handsome for that age." [4/21/1883] "Sophy has gone to stand sponsor for Corrie's baby." [9/24/1881] "The baby is very cunning looking and seems very strong." [1/25/1881] "Today Bubber was christened. Sally Francis stood as his godmother and Paul Green and Jacob Martin as godfathers. He was named George Harris Babbitt." [3/18/1888] "Sophy and the children went about 5 o'clock to Jacob Martin's. They had a fine party, a Christmas tree and Arthur Knight dressed up as Santa Claus and gave presents to the children." [12/25/1888] "Little George's birthday. The Spanish boys and Eliza Church came from Taunton. We had a party of 16. Had quite a nice entertainment for him." [7/15/1890]
Marriage: "It is one year since Mr. B left. I hope we shall never see his face again. I hope that Sophy will soon be free legally of him. In the short time he was in the family, he gave me more trouble than we had in all our lives before. He was the vilest man I have ever heard of." [9/18/1888]
Aging: Long eloquent passages written on her birthday describe the toll aging has on her mental health: "Today is my birthday. I am 71 years old today. I can hardly realize it and just at times it seems I have lived a long, long time." [7/18/1883] "Seems to me I have lived long enough, if I could just go to bed and never wake up it would be the best thing for me." [9/23/1885] "today I am 76 years old I feel all of that and feel that I have had many blessings which I have done nothing to be worthy of - and a great many many trials but no more than I deserve - Life is sad at the best but I have nearly through if I could only feel that sure and steady all hope that all things are rendered wisely and well and that finally we shall join the loved and lost and through the Blood of Christ be purified and pardoned for all our sins there is but one true hope. Faith and trust in our Creator as a God of Love who will not keep his anger forever but will have mercy and pardon for all." [7/18/1888] "Today I am 77 years old. It is a very solemn thought and I feel that my life is very very uncertain although my health seems good, yet I feel that life is very precarious at my age. I feel deeply grateful to my God, for his care and goodness and freedom from sickness for so long a time my earnest prayer is that when the time comes for me to leave this scene of vain desires of pleasure and pain. I may be able to pass through the dark valley supported by that infinite love of my creator. It is from him alone that strength can come. [7/18/1889]
Health: "Sophy was taken sick on Wed. 7 November with Typhoid fever" [11/22/1873] "Dr Brown lanced Sophy's gum today. It made her feel very badly." [4/1/1882] The author has frequent bowel complains [2/26/1883] "Aunt Abby very sick. Found her lying in a stupor." [7/25/1882] "Shocked to hear Miss Eliza Mauran was taken insane." [8/7/1885] "Mrs. Harris [Abby Spaulding Harris wife of Cyrus Harris, her brother-in-law] is quite sick. She is taken with partial paralysis." [7/29/1888]
School: "Sophy won a prize at school. It is the first prize she ever got." [entry made by Sophy on 4/5/1867] "Alice, Freddy and I went to the Sunday school Choral Concert in the evening. Very interesting. They did remarkably well." [7/12/1874] "Commencement. Heard a good poem by Mitchell. The students spoke finally- one on Fatalism and one on Platonism." [6/28/1875] "Attended the Phi Beta Kappa a fine oration by the ex-president Woolsy of Yale college" [6/29/1875] "Today S. Marvel, Hattie Church, Alice and Myself went to Normal school exhibition, saw the morning exercises" [7/7/1886] "Today was graduation day at Miss Abbots. Alice Peckham gave Sophy a ticket and she went to see them." [6/18/1889]
Home production: "Made cake today. Worked in the kitchen all day." [6/13/1874] "I am washing the windows in our room" [5/9/1882] "I went into the parlor and cleaned and dusted." [5/10/1882] "Working in the kitchen most of the time as help" [9/14/1882]
Work outside home: Collects rent and pays taxes and bills.
Fashion: "Paid for hoop skirt for Alice" [1/5/1867] "Sophy got her India rubber boots" [2/9/1867] "Sophy is having a new dress made to go to a party." [2/28/1867] "Class day. We all went to the college ground and saw a great deal dress and fashion" [6/25/1875] "Bought a pair of gloves. Sophy bought a pair of boots for Annie Bains's little girl" [11/21/1881]
Food and drink: grocery lists in volume 1. "We all dined at Charlotte's on roast duck" [10/30/1867] "Making catsup today." [10/13/1881] "In the kitchen making mince pies also pound cake" [12/22/1881] "Dr. Brown staid to dinner-turkey weighing 16 pounds." [3/19/1882] "Today Marshall Gould, Alice and I went down to Garland Beach and had a clam dinner." [9/4/1883]
Race / ethnicity content: "Went to town with Sophy to see about a woman to take Mary's place. Engaged a Portuguese" [9/30/81] "This morning Tom went out and brought a coloured girl, a cousin of Tom's to take Agness place wages 3 Dollars pr week" [4/12/1882] "Today a black man came and we engaged him to cut the trees at $1.30/load." [2/9/1886]
Labor: "Margaret washed today. She seems to do my will" [9/29/1885] "Very much surprised to hear of the failure of the Oriental Mill. Sorry for the Reids" [5/7/1890] "Katy and Bridget came and took their clothes and it was quite a comfort to be without them for a little while. If I was younger I should rather be without them than with them" [6/13/1890]
Class relations: "Our new girl is very impudent and is going" [8/30/1882] "Bridget got mad this morning because Sophy told her the milk was sour. She gave notice that she would leave when her week was out. She has been cross for some time" [3/14/1890] "The washerwoman came and went off drunk" [11/12/1874]
Gender relations: "Alice went to ride with Mr. Smith" [6/2/1874] "Mr. Smith sent Alice a bouquet." [12/25/1874]
Progress: "Went to New York to see the new Brooklyn Bridge" [5/11/1883] "Today the anniversary that is the 250th year since the founding of Providence" [6/23/1886]
Arts and culture: She and her family made frequent trips to the opera, "The New York Circus was here this afternoon" [5/17/1867] "Read the Scottish Chiefs. A well-written book." [1/7/1875] "Today Sophy and I went to Boston and heard a fine discourse from the Phillips brothers." [6/20/1875] "Visited today with Freddy Aggasis museum. Very much pleased and interested. A great many wonderful collections of extinct animals" [6/20/1875] "We attended a matinee at the Globe theatre. Very much pleased" [7/5/1875] "Attended a lecture on Charlotte Condery" [9/3/1875] "Bought a book for Alice. Shelley poems" [12/21/1882] "This evening we all went to the opera to see Miss Langtry liked her very well. Did not think her a great beauty" [4/13/112]"An address from Judge Dunfee-very fine" [6/23/1886] "Sophy and I went to the opera to see Mikado." [2/3/1886] "Miss Mosher called and invited us to her house on Saturday evening to hear her play and Miss Shephardson on the violin." [10/3/1886]
Travel: Visit to Saratoga Springs from 8/21/1875-9/7/1875; trip to New York from 2/9/1876-3/4/1876; "Went to Boston with Eliza and Harriet and Anna. Went to Music Hall, heard an oration from Freeman Clark, a fine discourse on the state of this country" [7/5/1875] Describes trip to New York from 2/19/1883-3/1/1883 where she visited Central Park, the museum, Grand Opera House. [4/23/1883] Went to Boston for five days in November 1881; spent a weekend in Newport from 8/30-8/31 1881; went to Martha's Vineyard with Alice [9/5/1881]; took an extended trip to visit friends in Flushing [10/1/1885-12/9/1885] went for a visit to Taunton in August 1888; one last trip to Taunton, where she died in August 1890.
Geographical and architectural: "Sailed as far as Point Judith. Had a charming time." [6/13/1867] "Went to Roger Williams Park. Very much pleased and surprised." [9/30/1875] "Margaret went down to Rocky Point" [8/18/1886] "Today S. Marvel, Hattie Church, Alice and I went to Newport for the day. We had a lovely time took the ocean drive I enjoyed it very much" [9/4/1886] "Sophy with little Sarah left for the Narragansett pier." [7/14/1888]
Organizations: Daughter Sophy belongs to a Whist club [11/6/1889] "Went to town council with Harriet" [7/28/1875] "Sophy attended the centennial meeting at Mrs. Gorham" [5/7/1879]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 432
Collection title: Hawes-Harris Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, Folders 2-6
Size: 3 ½" x 2"; 7 ½" x 10"; 12 1/4" x 7 1/4"; 12" x 7 3/4"; 11" x 7"
Condition: Fair. Bindings coming apart. Vol. 2- no cover, pages out of order chronologically, water stained. Pages torn out. Vols. 4-5 paper brittle, childish scribbling on inside covers and blank pages
Provenance: 1975. 73. 2. 1-, purchased from Nino D. Scotti
Cataloged by Robin Alario, September 2003
Bibliography:
The Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Ancestry.com (source: The Genealogy of the Cushing Family by James Stevenson Cushing)
Subject headings:
Diaries, 1867-1890
North Providence, RI - Social life and customs
Providence, RI - Social life and customs
Notes on the Caroline Hazard Diaries
Entries dated 1897 to 1917
Biographical:
Name at birth: Hazard, Caroline
Birthdate and place: June 10, 1856
Death date and place: 1945
Age range during diary: 42-61
Residence during diary: Peace Dale, R.I.
Places written: Peace Dale, R.I.; Wellesley, Mass.; Santa Barbara, Cal.; various vacations
Biographical note: President of Weelesley College.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Congregationalist
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 20
Number of pages: Mostly about 100 each.
Exact dates: August 8 1897 - December 30 1917; missing 1915.
Frequency of entries: Frequent, not daily
How was author identified?: Most are signed
Brief description: Mostly appointment books with some sketchy diary-type entries. The volumes from 1898, and from 1911 to 1917, are more like diaries.
Writing quality: Very fragmented. Hazard was a published writer, but obviously did not make her diary a priority in her busy life.
Utility for research: Of biographical interest for Hazard family researchers, but very little general value.
Related papers at RIHS: Caroline Hazard Papers include correspondence and financial records. Hazard Family Papers (MSS 483) include an enormous volume of records from her parents, grandparents, brother and other family members. Other Caroline Hazard papers can be found at Wellesley and the University of Rhode Island.
Family members:
Father's name: Hazard, Rowland II
Father's dates: 1829-1898
Father's occupation: Textile manufacturer, Peace Dale, R.I.
Mother's name: Rood, Margaret Anna
Mother's dates: d.1895
Brothers: Rowland Gibson Hazard II (1855-1918); Frederick R. Hazard (b.1858)
Sisters: Helen (Hazard) Bacon (b.1862); Margaret (Hazard) Fisher (b.1867)
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Brother-in-law Nathaniel T. "Nat" Bacon
Topical content:
Family: Frequent mention of siblings and their children, especially her brother Rowland G. Hazard II, who she seems to hold in high esteem. While debating whether to accept Wellesley position, "Rowland went to Wellesley & was favorably impressed." [2/20/1899] "Rowland made his first fair speech, very good." (re Washington County Agricultural Fair) [9/7/1899]
Aging: Most of the 1897-1898 entries detail the declining health of the author's elderly father, and his death on 8/16/1898.
Work outside home: Served as president of Wellesley College from 1899 to 1910. This is not well documented in the diaries, however. "Saw Mrs. Palmer in p.m. who asked me to be president of Wellesley." [1/12/1899] "Feb 24 Wrote to say I would accept presidency" [2/24/1899] Most of these volumes are really appointment books kept at Wellesley, interspersed with occasional past-tense entries.
Travel: Hazard was almost constantly traveling, mostly in the U.S. but also in Europe. There is rarely much more than the bare outlines of her itinerary, though occasionally she includes some description. The following entry is one of the longest in the 20 volumes: "Cambridge. Started at 10. Sketched on the Cam. Saw King, Queens & Cams. Rowed on the Cam after lunch & sketched again. Serm in Kings College Chapel. Choir very fine Brahms author." [8/20/1904]. More typical is this entry: "Luxor. Saw sun and moon over the Nile. Tooth bad." [12/29/1906]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 483, sg 11
Collection title: Caroline Hazard Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folders 29-33
Size: Mostly 4" x 3"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1985. 47. 1. 1-, gift of the Hazard family
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read 1898 in entirety, skimmed remainder.
Bibliography:
Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island (Chicago: J.H. Beers, 1908), vol. 2, p. 970.
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1898-1917
Notes on the Caroline Newbold Diary
Entries dated 1827 to 1827
Biographical:
Name at birth: Newbold, Caroline
Name after marriage: Hazard, Caroline (Newbold)
Birthdate and place: November 28, 1807, Pennsylvania
Death date and place: June 24, 1866
Age range during diary: 19
Residence during diary: Bloomsdale, near Bristol, Bucks County, Penn.
Places written: New York City, Cornwall and Newburgh, N.Y., and Hoboken, N.J.
Ethnicity: Yankee?
Religion of diarist: Quaker
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 11
Exact dates: July 17 - September 1, 1827
Frequency of entries: Sporadic
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Travel journal of trip to New York with friends and family.
Writing quality: Fairly good.
Utility for research: Not particularly useful; mainly of family interest.
Related papers at RIHS: Rowland G. Hazard Papers (MSS 483, sg 5) include a few of her papers; the Hazard Family Papers include records of many of her descendants.
Family members:
Father's name: Newbold, John
Mother's name: ____, Elizabeth L.
Brothers: William L. Newbold; john L. Newbold
Sisters: Mary Ann (Newbold) Jenks; Margaret (Newbold) Wistar; Susan L. Newbold; Elizabeth Newbold; Emily Newbold
Husband's name: Hazard, Rowland G.
Husband's dates: 1801-1888
Husband's occupation: Textile manufacturer, Peace Dale, R.I.
Marriage date and place: 9th month 25, 1828
Father-in-law's name: Hazard, Rowland
Father-in-law's dates: 1763-1835
Father-in-law's occupation: Textile manufacturer
Mother-in-law's name: Peace, Mary
Mother-in-law's dates: 1775-1852
Sons: Rowland Hazard II (1829-1898); John Newbold Hazard (1836-1900)
Daughters: None
Topical content:
Health: Long visit to ailing Aunt Newbold in Cornwall, N.Y.
Gender relations: "RGH", her future husband, is mentioned several twice [pages 3, 5].
Travel: Account of a rather aimless vacation, wandering back and forth in the greater New York area. Handy travel tip: visit "Broadway, which is really worth seeing in the evening so brilliantly illuminated with gas lights." [page 4, undated]
Geographical and architectural: In Hoboken, "Went on the wreck of the Old Philadelphia Steamboat which is going to decay over there & thought few boats had run their race so well as she had." [8/5/1827, p. 5]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 483, sg 5
Collection title: Rowland G. Hazard I Papers
Location within the collection: Box 24, folder 20
Size: 8" x 5"
Condition: Good
Graphic content: Written in notebook with engravings of boat at sea, and a cassowary, on the cover, printed by Samuel Wood & Sons, 1816.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Typescript as well as original manuscript.
Provenance: 1985. 47. 1. 1-, gift of the Hazard family
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
[Janvier, Emma Newbold] An Account of the Wedding of Rowland Gibson Hazard and Caroline Newbold... (1888)
Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island (Chicago: J.H. Beers, 1908), vol. 2, p. 970.
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1827
New York - Description and travel
Notes on the Margaret Anna (Rood) Hazard Diary
Entries dated 1860 to 1860
Biographical:
Name at birth: Rood, Margaret Anna
Name after marriage: Hazard, Margaret Anna (Rood)
Birthdate and place: 1834, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Death date and place: August 7, 1895, RI
Age range during diary: 26
Residence during diary: Peace Dale, RI
Places written: England, Scotland, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and France
Biographical note: Margaret Anna (Rood) Hazard was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She married Rowland Hazard II in1854, moved to Peacedale, Rhode Island where they raised five children. Her and her husband built the Oakwoods house in Peacedale, maintained a residence in Providence, and a vacation home in California.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Quaker
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 150 pages. Diary entries for the first 112 pages, then 20 blank pages, then 5 pages of expenses in Europe, then 9 more blank pages, and finally 4 pages of purchases.
Exact dates: June 12 - November 1, 1860
Frequency of entries: Daily. Not all entries are dated, sometimes just states the day of the week.
How was author identified?: Signed on inside page of diary.
Brief description: This diary is a journal of Margaret's six month trip to Europe between June and November 1860 in which she visited eight countries. She describes the cathedrals and museums her and her husband visited, as well as the scenery of the cities and villages they stayed in. She also kept a list of her expenses and purchases.
Writing quality: Fair. Writes well, but it takes time to decipher her handwriting.
Family members:
Father's name: Rood, Anson
Mother's name: Rood, Alida G. (Ogden)
Sisters: Helen M., m. Eli W. Blake II
Husband's name: Hazard, Rowland II
Husband's dates: 1829-1898
Husband's occupation: Businessman - Peace Dale Mfg.Company, T.R. Hyde & Company, Solvay Processing Company, Providence Saw Works, and Narragansett Pier Railroad. Also involved in the political and civil affairs in his hometown, as well as in the state in general. Often referred to as "Papa" in the diary.
Marriage date and place: 1854
Father-in-law's name: Hazard, Rowland G.
Father-in-law's dates: 1801-1888
Father-in-law's occupation: Important nationally for his financial activities and philosophical work. He was also important in Rhode Island in terms of state politics and industrialization of the southern part of the state.
Mother-in-law's name: Hazard, Caroline (Newbold)
Mother-in-law's dates: 1807-1868
Sons: Rowland G. II (1855-1918) m. Mary P. Bushnell; Frederick R. (1858-1917), m. Dora G. Sedgwick.
Daughters: Caroline (1856-1948); Helen (1861-1925) m. Nathaniel T. Bacon; and Margaret (1867-1940) m. Irving Fisher.
Other persons frequently mentioned: "We saw Prince Albert this morning as he left the train coming from London, he is a fine manly looking person and seemed very cordial and free in his manners."[Stratford on Avon pg.. 37]
Topical content:
Religious content: "The church bells ring very beautifully this morning - full chimes and two or three single bells." pg. 41] "Papa went to the cathedral this morning, where he heard the service chanted - but he didn't like it at all." [pg. 42]
Family: "I have thought a lot about my dear little children as I lay here ill! and oh! how glad I shall be to see them once more.!' [pg 41] “Yesterday I saw cousin Julia and her children.” [10/3] “I am thankful to think of getting away from cities, and to see my dear babies once again.” [11/1]
Health: "I am much better of my cold today and have been down stairs, but not outdoors." [Sunday, pg. 41] “Since my last entry up to this day, I have been confined to the house and suffering great pain from a sort of rheumatic fever.” [10/20]
Arts and culture: “Today we went to Versailles and walked through a portion of the Palace, and a little way in the grounds - I was very glad when we were through with it, I felt I had done my duty and was free to be quiet if I choose.” [10/26]
Travel: Talking about chimes she heard in Southampton, England."I heard this last chime in Buffalo where Papa and I were going to Niagra before you, little Fred, was born! [6/12]
Geographical and architectural: Discussing her visit to England: "I am constantly reminded of Canada, they cook the same and the furniture and arrangement of the ? and meals is like what I saw in St. Catherines." [6/12] "The foliage in its rich greeness make us both think of Savannah." [6/13]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 483 sg 6
Collection title: Rowland Hazard II Papers
Location within the collection: Box 16, folder 29.
Size: 3 ½" x 5 ½"
Condition: Good. A small part of the diary is starting to detach from the binding.
Graphic content: None
Provenance: 1985. 47. 1. 1-, gift of the Hazard family.
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, December 2000
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging?
Bibliography:
Stattler, Rick and Bob Bellerose, "A Guide to the Rowland Gibson Hazard I Papers in the Manuscript Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library," May 1999.
Dalpe, Steve and Rick Stattler. "A Guide to the Rowland Hazard II Papers in the Manuscript collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library," June 1996.
Subject headings:
Diaries, 1860
Hazard, Rowland II (1829-1898)
Europe - description and travel
Notes on the Mary Peace Diary
Entries dated 1787 to 1788
Biographical:
Name at birth: Peace, Mary P.
Name after marriage: Hazard, Mary P. (Peace)
Birthdate and place: March 6, 1775, Charleston, S.C.
Death date and place: June 28, 1852, Newport, R.I.
Age range during diary: 12-13
Residence during diary: Charleston, S.C.
Places written: England, Charleston. S.C.
Biographical note: Daughter of a wealthy Quaker merchant, she married pioneering Rhode Island textile manufacturer Rowland Hazard. He named his mill village, Peace Dale, after her, and together they were the founders of the "Peace Dale Hazards".
Ethnicity: English, third generation
Religion of diarist: Quaker
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 104 pages (2 for each week)
Exact dates: October 30, 1787 - December 26, 1788
Frequency of entries: Sporadic; virtually nothing after July 1788.
How was author identified?: Identified by donor, who was a descendant.
Brief description: Occasional brief memorandum entries by a girl living in England.
Writing quality: Not very expressive or articulate.
Utility for research: No particular value, although any diaries by girls from this time period are noteworthy. Possibly of most interest to Quaker historians.
Related papers at RIHS: Enormous collection of Hazard Family Papers (MSS 483), including two feet of her husband's papers, but mostly of descendants.
Family members:
Father's name: Peace, Isaac
Father's dates: 1738?-1818
Father's occupation: Merchant, of Barbados, South Carolina and Pennsylvania.
Mother's name: Gibson, Elizabeth
Mother's dates: d.1800. Of Barbados.
Brothers: Joseph Peace (1771-1826)
Sisters: Sarah Peace (1774-1795), Rebecca Peace Cole (1781-1851)
Husband's name: Hazard, Rowland I
Husband's dates: 1763-1835
Husband's occupation: Merchant and textile manufacturer, of South Kingstown, R.I., Charleston S.C. and Pleasant Valley, N.Y.
Marriage date and place: 1793, Charleston, S.C.
Father-in-law's name: Hazard, Thomas "College Tom"
Father-in-law's dates: 1720-1795
Father-in-law's occupation: Farmer
Mother-in-law's name: Robinson, Elizabeth
Mother-in-law's dates: 1725-1804
Sons: Isaac P. (1794-1879), Thomas R. "Shepard Tom" (1797-), Rowland G. (1801-1888), William R. (1803- ), Joseph P. (1807-)
Daughters: Eliza G. (1799-), Isabella R. (1809-1838), Mary P. (1814-1874), Anna (1820-1905)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Saw the royal family; "the Queen was dresst in purple & white Satten, princes Royal in white Satten" [3/9/1788].
Topical content:
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: A few England marriages mentioned, probably of prominent Quakers.
Religious content: Sometimes discusses meeting: "Walked from Wardsen to the Quarterly Meeting at Devonshire house." [1/14/1788]; recounts sermon by R. Jones [3/11/1788].
Social life: Some discussion of leisure activity in England.
Family: Mentions corresponding with mother, visiting brother in England.
Childhood: Diary by a 12-year old American girl in England. This strange entry by a 13-year old girl defies my comprehension: "I was maried to Sally Hinde today I was the man." [4/1/1788]. It may be some sort of April Fool's Day joke.
Fashion: Diary also includes account book, listing clothing purchased. Also engravings of "Ladies in the Dresses of 1787" and "Ladies of Quality in the Most Fashionable Head Dresses", apparently painted in by the diarist.
Food and drink: Diary includes account book, which includes listing of all snacks purchased: oranges, hot cross buns, etc.
Progress: It would be interesting to know what was referred to here: "Went to Tilington [?] to see Danial Letsby [?] & saw my Brothers Machene." [4/9/1788]
Travel: "Set sail from Gravesend for Charleston on board the Olive Branch Capt. Angus" [7/17/1788]; next entry is "Arived at Charleston about nine o clock in the pilot boat." [9/22/1788].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 483, sg 4
Collection title: Rowland Hazard I Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folder 38
Size: 5" x 3"
Condition: Good
Graphic content: Kept in printed copy of "The Ladies Complete Pocket-Book" (London, 1788), featuring two pages of engravings, apparently painted in by Miss Peace.
Provenance: 1945. 13, gift of Caroline Hazard (great-granddaughter)
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
Hazard, Thomas R. Recollections of Olden Times (Newport, R.I.: John Sanborn, 1879), pages 189-191.
Robinson, Caroline E. The Hazard Family of Rhode Island... (Boston, 1893), 77, 122.
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1788
Society of Friends
United Kingdom - Description and travel
Notes on the Francis Evelyn Henley Diaries
Entries dated 1922 to 1954
Biographical:
Name at birth: Henley, Frances Evelyn
Birthdate and place: 1873, Crompton (Warwick), RI
Death date and place: 1955, Pawtuxet (Cranston), RI
Age range during diary: 49 - 81
Residence during diary: 641 Public St., Providence, RI (1922-1925); 72 Sea View Ave., Pawtuxet, Cranston, R.I. (1932-1954).
Places written: Providence, Rhode Island
Biographical note: Frances Evelyn Henley was the first woman to study architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design. She graduated in 1897 and was employed as a draftsman in a Providence architectural firm. When the founder of the firm died, she took over the business and for over twenty five years was the only female architect in Rhode Island working under her own name.
Ethnicity: Yankee-English. Mother's parents were born in England.
Religion of diarist: Episcopal
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 12 volumes and sections from two other volumes.
Number of pages: approximately 3000
Exact dates: January 2, 1922 - November 23, 1954
Frequency of entries: Daily. Daily entries, 1932-1933, 1943, 1946-1952 (only until June); sporadic entries, 1922 and 1953-1954; fragments, 1944-1945.
How was author identified?: Name written on the inside page of diaries, 1922 and 1946-1952.
Brief description: This diary chronicles the daily life of Frances Evelyn Henley. Her entries include descriptions of the weather, major political events, visits and health of friends and family, her health, household chores (maintenance, improvement, repairs), gardening, letters sent to and received from various individuals, and meetings attended.
Writing quality: Good
Family members:
Father's name: Henley, Charles Augustus
Father's dates: 1845-1911
Father's occupation: Machinist
Mother's name: Booth, Mary Eliza
Mother's dates: 1848-1914
Brothers: None
Sisters: None
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Annie, "B", Aunt Lottie (Charlotte Heydon), Aunt Carrie, May Alexander, Mabel Woodward, Mabel Conant, May de Alcazar, Howard Heydon, Chandler and Esther Clarke (cousins), and Aunt Lillian (Lillian Henley).
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Wonderful victories for Mc. Arthur - destroying Japanese ships and men." [3/3/1943] "Election Day - oh! for Hoover." [11/8/1932] "Too bad!! Calamity!! Roosevelt and R.I. Democratic." [1/9/1932] "All banks closed in U.S.! Terrible state of affairs." [3/4/1933] "Banks opened for deposit of new accounts only - not Savings Banks-! no withdrawals." [3/7/1933] "Banks allowed $10.00 in script to everyone - and no more than $10.00 for payroll." [10/1933]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Mildred Plant passes away." [2/28/1922] "Ex. President Coolidge passes away." [1/5/1933] "Cora Arnold passes away." [6/26/1933] "Rachmaninoff passes away in California." [3/29/1943] "Dr. Welch passed away at 2 p.m." [9/7/1949] "Aunt Lottie and Mrs Borustein passed away." [8/4/1950] Grace Tillinghast passed away suddenly - 24 hours." [1/18/1954]
Religious content: "Go to Grace Church and leave Easter Lily in memory of Papa & Mama." [3/26/1932]. "B & I go up to Trinity to confirmation Service - Bishop Perry also preaches the Sermon - wonderful - I consider it a priviledge to have heard him & I tell so." [3/5/1944]
Social life: "Aunt Carrie gives me two tickets to Rep. Ball." [4/1/1932] "P.H.S. class reunion - at P.P.C. 26 or 27 present...splendid time reminiscing." [10/20/1933] "Anton phones & comes over for us - drives over for Louise & Ed - so we see decorations along. Then to Anne & Ted's home about 10 p.m....have tree & gifts at midnight - have a very happy time..." [12/25/1944]
Family: "Aunt Lillian - Esther - Buddy call with 2 little boys." [9/11/1933] "My dear mother had been gone 36 years today...typed first page of Mathewson ancestry - in duplicate, one for Gordon." [9/18/1950]
Health: "Operation today - as comfortable as could be expected." [2/9/1922] "Dr. Martindale...tells me that I have ring worm on my finger - must have caught in cars - dry skin is very susceptible." [7/6/1932] "Go to Dr. Martindale- hip out & back due to limping - blood pressure way up - 210-88 dizzy all day - to go again on the 14th." [3/8/1944] "Feel punk again - did not go to sleep till after 4 a.m. pain in abdomen and stomach - took 2 doses of rhubarb med." [6/18/1949]
Home production: "Make pillow" [7/9/1932] "B makes bread cups & coffee jelly." [8/14/1943] "I make 2 bed pillow protector covers." [3/13/1948] "We work on sea wall gardens - I transplant marigolds." [6/18/1952]
Work outside home: "Start speech for Monday." [10/13/1933] "Finish speech & type it...then to Montague St. School & speak to the Parent Teachers Association." [10/16/1933] "Mrs. Whipple comes to office & I have a job - hurrah." [10/27/1933] "Go to Prov - work 8 hours." [1/5/1943]
Fashion: "Put tucks in new corset." [[4/28/1944] "Wear pink cotton dress - first time this season - so warm." [5/13/1944] "Start cutting up and altering my black straw hat." [4/18/1949]
Food and drink: "Christopher Del Sisto gives talk over radio - concerning ration book #2." [2/18/1943] "Price of flour raised - crackers go up. Meats to be rationed April 1st." [2/27/1943] "B & I make 2 batches of macaroon cookies - app - 200." [12/23/1944] "We get steak and part leg of lamb - 29 & 32 pts. canned fruits - vegetable - eggs - cod fish. Eat lunch in Masons - no butter." [12/29/1944]
Community: "Receive letter & ration list from Annie. Check coupons - etc. By order of the government have to discard 45 blue coupons - (450 points) and 6 red coupons - (60 points) so have only 100 blue and 100 red points until Dec. 31." "B & I go up to Village - no meat - no butter - may have tomorrow." [12/27/1944]
Labor: "John L. Lewis causes general mine strike - government takes over coal mining (480,000 men)...President speaks over Radio - 10 p.m. requests all to ration immediately to work - for government. United Mine workers to submit to War Labor Board." [5/2/1943] "John Lewis in contempt of court - to serve summons - terrible that one man can cause such trouble & suffering." [11/22/1946] "Carpenters are now getting $2.25 an hour - or $90.00 for a 40 hour week - Masons are getting $2.77 an hour - or $110.00 for 40 hour week. Wow!!" [9/25/1950]
Progress: "3 cts. for all 1st. class mail - begins today." [7/6/1932] "B & I go to Narragansett Hotel to hear Dr. J.D. Levine on the "Human Radio' - The Eye - He is lecturing under the auspices of the Chicago School of Iriology. Use lemon juice for injuries as an antiseptic - instead of mercurochrome or iodine - iodine very dangerous." [6/13/1932]
Arts and culture: "We go to Prov. Opera House..." [3/16/1922] "Start lessons in basketry at Mathewson St. Church." [10/11/1922] "Go with Aunt Lottie etc. to see William Gillette in 'Sherlock Holmes' - his last appearance." [1/4/1932]
Travel: "Chan - Esther - children - Aunt Lillian & I leave in their car for Provincetown - go by way of Fall River - Eat in Wellfleet - on to Provincetown." [7/12/1933] "Go in with B - on 8:14 express." [9/15/1933]
Organizations: "Go to Mass Meeting at the Elks - socialism everywhere!" [2/29/1932] "Republican Club Colonial Ball at Rhodes. B & I win silver cups for most authentic & best costumes." [4/8/1932] "First meeting of the Flower Guild." [7/15/1932] "First meeting of Homemakers Committee at Scout House." [10/11/1932] "Assisted Charlotte Kenyon serving at D.A.R. - as hostess - $5.00." [3/18/1933]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 486
Collection title: Frances Evelyn Henley Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2
Size: 2 1/2" x 5 1/2" (1922 diary), 4" x 7" (1932 diary); 5 1/2" x 8 1/4" (1943, 1946-1954 diaries)
Condition: Excellent
Graphic content: None
Provenance: 1984. 70. 1-, acquired at an auction from Robert Glass Associates
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, December 2000
Bibliography:
Kemble, Harold and Robin P. Flynn, "A Guide to the Frances Evelyn Henley Papers in the Manuscripts Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library," 1984, 1997.
Subject headings:
Alexander, May
Clarke, Chandler
Clarke, Esther (Pawley)
Conant, Mabel
de Alcazar, May
Diaries, 1922-1954
Henley, Lillian (Chandler)
Heydon, Charlotte
Heydon, Howard
Rationing, Consumer - Rhode Island
Providence - Social life and customs
United States - History - WWII
World War, 1939-1945
Woodward, Mabel
Notes on the Agnes Herreshoff Diaries
Entries dated 1821 to 1848
Biographical:
Name at birth: Herreshoff, Agnes
Birthdate and place: July 6, 1807, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: March 3, 1849, Bristol, R.I.
Age range during diary: 13-40
Residence during diary: Bristol, R.I. (Point Pleasant) and Providence, R.I. (John Brown House)
Places written: Bristol and Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Granddaughter of wealthy merchant John Brown (1738-1803); her father was a less successful merchant who died before these diaries began. Agnes was a devoutly religious woman who never married; she lived with her extended family, shuttling between the family estates in Providence and Bristol.
Ethnicity: Yankee / Prussian
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 5, plus numerous loose fragments
Number of pages: Various
Exact dates: January 1, 1821 - May 20, 1848, with numerous gaps. Notably, no diary from 1825 to 1832, or 1842 to 1847.
How was author identified?: It is difficult to distinguish between the diaries of Agnes and Anna Herreshoff, as they are rarely signed, and usually refer to each other as "A", but handwriting, the occasional mention of birthdays, and references to the sister by name help.
Brief description: Five diaries and numerous fragments by pious spinster.
Writing quality: Very good; articulate and engaging, although in the author's opinion "it has been my intention to destroy these journals, as I consider them as mere rubbish to any other." [5/1839]
Utility for research: Good upper-class diaries, giving close glimpse into life of the extended Brown family, and life in the John Brown House.
Related papers at RIHS: Extensive collection of Herreshoff-Lewis Family Papers (MSS 487)
Family members:
Father's name: Herreshoff, Charles F.
Father's dates: 1763-1819
Father's occupation: Merchant and lead miner
Mother's name: Brown, Sarah
Mother's dates: 1773-1846
Brothers: Charles F. Herreshoff II (1809- ); John B. Herreshoff (1805-1861)
Sisters: Anna F. Herreshoff (1802-1887); Sarah Herreshoff (1803-1882)
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Aunt Alice (Brown) Mason (1777-1823), uncle James Brown (1761-1835). Grandmother Sarah Smith Brown(1738-1825). Various Brown, Mason and Francis cousins.
Topical content:
Events discussed: Meditation on birthday of George Washington [2/22/1823]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "There was a man shot himself this morning on the ice by the name of Munro, we have not yet heard the particulars" [2/8/1821]; "the man who was shot was a lad in his teens, he was gitting in a boat down at the point wharf & putting his gun in, it turned twords him & shot & killed, he lived however untill he reatched home." [2/9/1821].
Religious content: Many long articulate expressions of piety; "The act of celebrating the Lord's Supper not only gives a fresh token to ourselves of faith & love toward the Redeemer, but ought to impart a holy peace to the soul." [7/6/1834]
Social life: Sledding and skating popular pastimes.
Family: Gatherings of family carefully detailed. "Mama, Grandma, Uncle, Cousin John & Frederick dined at Aunt Mason. Aunt F and myself spent the day at home, very cold." [1/2/1821]
Childhood: Constant discussion of her nieces and nephews after 1834. On babysitting for her first infant nephew: "Bring James over after dinner. Had my temper tried, but came off victor. May grace produce in my conduct its best fruits & may God be fortified." [11/8/1834]. "Little Sally I think by far the loveliest little one of the flock at her age." [5/3/1848]
Health: Suffered from declining health and poor eyesight after age of 30, to the extent that it rendered journal-writing difficult. [11/10/1836, 5/1838]
School: First diary written while attending school; "I had been to Mr. Angell's school about a month." [1/8/1821].
Race / ethnicity content: "Dibby came back. She has been to an Indian doctors to get a root for her Child." [2/20/1821].
Class relations: During a brutal cold spell: "Oh! what must be the sufferings of the poor during such inclement weather." [1/25/1821].
Gender relations: "We saw standing at Chapotin's Inn the most beautiful, or to speak less enthusiastically, a very handsome fellow. His name is Lindsey Amory, but though dame nature has so indulgently decked his outward form, she has been less provident to his mind... it is a most lamentable certainty that he is extremely dissipated, poor fellow! A friend of mine shows an alarming interest in him which however I hope will prove evanescent." [1/3/1823].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 487 sg 3
Collection title: Herreshoff-Lewis Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folders 15-21
Size: Various
Condition: Fair; not all are bound.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): The 1821 portion of the diary was published and annotated in Rhode Island History 57:3 (August/November 1997) as part of Jane Lancaster's article, "By the Pens of Females," pages 105-110. Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reel 20
Provenance: 1970. 122. 1. 1-, gift of Norman Herreshoff
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read 1821 in entirety; skimmed remainder.
Bibliography:
The Chad Brown Workbook: A Continuing Workbook of the Descendants of Chad Brown, 2nd ed. (R.I. Historical Society, 1987).
Subject headings:
Bristol, R.I. - Social life and customs
Diaries - 1821-1848
John Brown House
Notes on the Anna F. Herreshoff Diaries
Entries dated 1817 to 1884
Biographical:
Name at birth: Herreshoff, Anna Francis
Birthdate and place: April 2, 1802, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: September 4, 1887, Bristol, R.I.
Age range during diary: 14-82; bulk from 14-28
Residence during diary: Bristol, R.I. (Point Pleasant) and Providence, R.I. (John Brown House)
Places written: Bristol and Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Granddaughter of wealthy merchant John Brown (1738-1803); her father was a less successful merchant who died before these diaries began. Anna never married; she lived with her extended family, shuttling between the family estates in Providence and Bristol.
Ethnicity: Yankee / Prussian
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 11, plus loose fragments
Number of pages: Various
Exact dates: January 31, 1817 - May 5, 1884, with numerous gaps. Very few entries after 1830.
Frequency of entries: Sporadic
How was author identified?: It is difficult to distinguish between the diaries of Agnes and Anna Herreshoff before 1849, as they are sometimes unsigned, and usually refer to each other as "A", but handwriting, the occasional mention of birthdays, and references to the sister by name help.
Brief description: Eleven diaries and some fragments by spinster.
Writing quality: Excellent; very emotional and expressive. Often quite gloomy.
Utility for research: Wonderful meditative diaries, although shorter on narrative detail than her sister Agnes' diaries for the life of the extended Brown family. We are warned on the cover of the 1817 diary: "Honour forbids you to meddle."
Related papers at RIHS: Extensive collection of Herreshoff-Lewis Family Papers (MSS 487)
Family members:
Father's name: Herreshoff, Charles F.
Father's dates: 1763-1819
Father's occupation: Merchant and lead miner
Mother's name: Brown, Sarah
Mother's dates: 1773-1846
Brothers: Charles F. Herreshoff II (1809- ); John B. Herreshoff (1805-1861)
Sisters: Anna F. Herreshoff (1802-1887); Sarah Herreshoff (1803-1882)
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Aunt Alice (Brown) Mason (1777-1823), uncle James Brown (1761-1835). Grandmother Sarah Smith Brown(1738-1825). Various Brown, Mason and Francis cousins. "Cousin John" is U.S. Sen. John Brown Francis (1791-1862). Encountered entrepreneur Zachariah Allen on a boat to New York: "There is only one person whom I know on board and that is Z Allen. I don't know why but I always disliked him exceedingly - all he thinks of is getting money... I told him he had a very vulgar mind!" [7/31/1822]
Topical content:
Religious content: Some periods become quite religious, especially circa 1828-1830.
Family: Gatherings of extended family carefully detailed. Soliloquy upon first visiting the John Brown Tract, a barren wasteland in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, where Anna's father shot himself after failing to make it turn a profit: "At last I have seen this place, whose bare mention has always inspired me with feelings of bitter regret... I feel I never shall overcome the deep though secret wound in my heart. Those who suppose I have recovered this loss do not know me... My unhappiness is founded on the conviction that the world is a place of suffering and misery, and that we can enjoy nothing, when the possession is uncertain and transitory... The future is presented in the blackest colors." [8/14/1822]. Similar thoughts, 7/26/1823.
Aging: Last full diary, 1883-1884, documents all the trials of aging.
Class relations: An uncharacteristically vindictive entry: "August 19th 1882... I am not much pleased with the new woman Bridget. She is too fat & disagreeable. - Got rid of her on the 24th... We had to send for Frederick to help us get rid of that woman, which he did."
Travel: Extended trip to New York City and upstate New York with four cousins, 1822.
Geographical and architectural: Description of Newport viewed from boat: "This town now presents a most melancholy spectacle, the houses unpainted and falling to decay, grass growing in the streets and wharves, the former empty and the latter tumbling down, all this is a striking evidence that Newport is going down fast." [7/31/1822] Beautiful description of the Ives estate on Potowomut [7/26/1823].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 487 sg 6
Collection title: Herreshoff-Lewis Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 4, folders 8-12
Size: Various
Condition: Good; not all are bound.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. Microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reel 21
Provenance: 1970. 122. 1. 1-, gift of Norman Herreshoff
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Only skimmed.
Bibliography:
The Chad Brown Workbook: A Continuing Workbook of the Descendants of Chad Brown, 2nd ed. (R.I. Historical Society, 1987).
Subject headings:
Bristol, R.I. - Social life and customs
Diaries - 1821-1848
John Brown House
John Brown Tract
New York - Description and travel
Notes on the Sally B. Herreshoff Diaries
Entries dated 1888 to 1888
Biographical:
Name at birth: Herreshoff, Sally Brown
Birthdate and place: December 1, 1845, Bristol, R.I.
Death date and place: After 1916
Age range during diary: 42
Residence during diary: Hope Street, Bristol, R.I.
Places written: Bristol, R.I.
Biographical note: Blind since childhood, she spent a quiet life with her parents and family in Bristol, but was involved to some extent with her local church and with efforts to raise money for the blind.
Ethnicity: Yankee/Prussian
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 7
Exact dates: January 1 - April 14, 1888
Frequency of entries: Sporadic
How was author identified?: Donated with Herreshoff Papers; Sally and Lewis Herreshoff, both blind, were the only typists in the family.
Brief description: Typed diary of a quiet life spent by a blind woman in Bristol.
Writing quality: Good; readable, but not very eventful.
Utility for research: This is a fairly typical diary of an unmarried Victorian woman, but is of particular interest because the author is blind.
Related papers at RIHS: A rich and extensive collection of Herreshoff-Lewis Family Papers (MSS 487)
Family members:
Father's name: Herreshoff, Charles F. II
Father's dates: b.1809
Father's occupation: Farmer
Mother's name: Lewis, Julia Ann
Mother's dates: 1811-1901
Brothers: James B. (1834), Charles F. III (1839), John B. (1841), Lewis (1844), Nathanael G. (1848), J.B.F. (1850), Julian L. (1854)
Sisters: Caroline (Herreshoff) Chesebrough (b.1837)
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Aunt Maria Lewis; niece Katie Herreshoff (daughter of brother John B.); nephew Albert "Bertie" Chesebrough; recently deceased aunt Anna Herreshoff;
Topical content:
Religious content: Involved with Church. On visiting church in Providence, "there is a very fine choir at St. Stephen's; but to my mind, a less elaborate style of music is better adapted to the worship of GOD: for listening to these difficult passages distracts my mind from the serious thought with which it should be engaged. I particularly object to the Creed being sung in such a way that it is impossible that any of the congregation should join in it, a thing which is their right." [4/4/1888]
Social life: Even in winter, the Herreshoffs find their leisure on the bay. On a particularly cold day, brother Nat Herreshoff "was off in his iceboat before breakfast." [1/29/1888]. "Yesterday, Nat rescued two boys who had fallen through the ice. To-day he broke through himself with his iceboat. Charlie also broke through & was a good deal bruised, as was Julia, who was also thrown out of the boat." [1/30/1888] "Today a tugboat came in, much to the disgust of the iceboaters." [2/3/1888] "Pa and I played 'backgammon', being the first time he had played for fifty-five years! It is a wonder that he had not forgotten how." [4/10/1888]
Family: Constant mention of extended family. Of particular interest is her brother John B. Herreshoff, embroiled in a nasty divorce case that is never mentioned explicitly. He shows up several times with his daughter Katie. Widowed sister Carrie "went up to John's on the 4th of this month, where she expects to stay until the last of March & try to make his home cheerful & pleasant for him." [2/14/1888]
Health: The author of this diary was blind from childhood, like three of her brothers. There is no direct reference to this fact, but she does mention being read to, and also gets confused with dates: "as I was writing from memory, I made a mistake of a week." [3/3/1888]. The diary is typed; both her and her brother Lewis used typewriters to maintain extensive correspondence.
Labor: Probably referring to a boat builder at Herreshoff Manufacturing: "A man in the shop fell to-day striking upon his head and shoulders." [3/3/1888]
Progress: "Last Monday coal was brought to the Rubber Works by rail; for they had been obliged to shut down some days for want of coal." [2/3/1888]
Arts and culture: Is read to by family members. "This afternoon we began 'The Dead Secret', which I have not heard since I was 15; but I remember it much better than if I had been 10 years older; for impressions are much more lasting at that age than at a later period." [1/23/1888] "Today we began 'Young Mrs. Jardine', which Aunt Anna liked so much." [2/14/1888] Often played piano and sang. Describes sorting and cataloging the family music collection (now at the RIHS) [2/22, 2/29/1888]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 487, sg 12
Collection title: Herreshoff-Lewis Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 11, folder 20
Size: 11" x 8"
Condition: Good; in four loose sheets.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Although this diary is typed, it appears to be the original rather than a transcription. Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reel 27
Provenance: 1970. 122. 1. 1-, gift of Norman Herreshoff
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
The Chad Brown Workbook: A Continuing Workbook of the Descendants of Chad Brown, 2nd ed. (R.I. Historical Society, 1987).
Subject headings:
Blind - Rhode Island - Bristol
Bristol, R.I. - Social life and customs
Diaries - 1888
Notes on the Sarah (Brown) Herreshoff Diary
Entries dated 1796 to 1796
Biographical:
Name at birth: Brown, Sarah
Name after marriage: Herreshoff, Sarah (Brown)
Birthdate and place: September 5, 1773, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: August 2, 1846, Bristol, R.I.
Age range during diary: 22
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I. John Brown House, Benevolent St. Later in Bristol, R.I. at Poppasquash Point.
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Daughter of one of the wealthiest men in New England, she married one of her father's young proteges, a cultured German officer, who squandered much of the family's fortune and killed himself in the desolate Adirondack Mountains. This diary was written in happier times.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 9 pages
Exact dates: April 24, 1796 - June 22 1796
Frequency of entries: Sporadic
How was author identified?: Donated with Brown papers; internal evidence suggests a daughter of John Brown, and rules out Alice and Anne.
Brief description: A brief diary by the unmarried daughter of Providence's wealthiest merchant. Discusses family affairs and the theater.
Writing quality: Good; conveys enthusiasm.
Utility for research: Very good account of the opening of the Providence Theatre; this would be a great diary if we had more of it.
Related papers at RIHS: Many related papers in the Herreshoff-Lewis Family Papers (MSS 487), the John Brown Papers (MSS 312) and others.
Family members:
Father's name: Brown, John
Father's dates: 1736-1803
Father's occupation: Very prominent merchant, Providence, R.I.
Mother's name: Smith, Sarah
Mother's dates: 1738-1825
Brothers: James Brown (1761-1834)
Sisters: Abby (Brown) Francis (1766-1821); Alice (Brown) Mason (1777-1823)
Husband's name: Herreshoff, Charles F.
Husband's dates: 1763-1819
Husband's occupation: Merchant and lead miner
Marriage date and place: July 2, 1801
Father-in-law's name: Herreshoff, Carl F.
Father-in-law's occupation: German army officer
Mother-in-law's name: Muller, Agnes
Sons: Charles F. Herreshoff (1809- ); John B. Herreshoff (1805-1861)
Daughters: Anna F. Herreshoff (1802-1887); Sarah Herreshoff (1803-1882); Agnes Herreshoff (1807-1849)
Topical content:
Events discussed: Notices of father's business affairs. "Walked to India Point. The ship G[eorge] W[ ashington] haul'd down the river." [4/25/1796]. "Papa set off for New York in the Stage." [4/28/1796]. "The dragoons and 3 other companies paraded." [4/25/1796].
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: None
Religious content: Only this entry: "Alice & myself went to Church, sat for the first time in Mrs. Chace's pew." [4/24/1796]
Social life: Frequently attends theater.
Family: Comings and goings of parents and sisters noted. Unfortunately, part of this intriguing sentence is illegible due to wear: "Our conversation at dinner turn'd on a subject is always painful, & tho' I seldom meet with very pleasant [incidents?] I am determined to go on with a [illegible] brings forth." [4/26/1796]
Home production: Sowed radish seeds [4/25/1796]; probably kept garden as a hobby.
Fashion: No discussion of fashion.
Food and drink: Notes the first asparagus of season [4/25/1796].
Arts and culture: The author was greatly interested when the Providence Theatre opened.
"The theatre opened here with the Comedy of 'A Bold Stroke for a Husband' & the Lying Valet." [6/6/1796]
"The celebrated tragedy of 'The Gamester' was presented & Spoiled Child, Chambers was excellent..." [6/8]
"Papa accompanied me & Miss Butler to see 'Everyone Has His Fault', the first time little Miss Sully appeared on our stage, an uncommon fair child." [6/10]
"Went to the theatre, 'The Jew' was performed & the Village Lawyer." [6/13]
"'Everyone Has His Fault' was repeated, & the Agreeable Surprize, for the first time." [6/15]
"I attended the theatre, with no other view than to see my favorite, Mrs. S. Powel, in the Comedy of 'First Love', every time I see this charming woman my esteem & admiration is increased." [6/17]
"Mrs. Peck went with me to the Theatre, to see 'Better Late than Never'. Mrs. S. Powel, in the Character of Augusta, appeared uncommonly interesting." [6/20]
"Mrs. P so entirely engrosses all my admiration, that I have little left for the rest of the players, instead almost all the pleasure I enjoy at the Theatre is derived from that one woman." [6/22]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 487 sg 2
Collection title: Herreshoff-Lewis Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folder 10
Size: 7" x 4"
Condition: Poor. Half of one page torn out, faded, not bound.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): The diary was published and annotated in Rhode Island History 57:3 (August/November 1997) as part of Jane Lancaster's article, "By the Pens of Females," pages 75-78. Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reels 19 and 20
Provenance: 1970. 122. 1. 1-, gift of Norman Herreshoff
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety.
Bibliography:
The Chad Brown Workbook: A Continuing Workbook of the Descendants of Chad Brown, 2nd ed. (R.I. Historical Society, 1987).
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1796
Providence Theatre
Theater - Rhode Island - Providence
Notes on the Sarah L. (Kilton) Herreshoff Diary
Entries dated 1881 to 1885
Biographical:
Name at birth: Kilton, Sarah Lucas "Sadie"
Name after marriage: Herreshoff, Sarah L. (Kilton)
Birthdate and place: November 21, 1836
Death date and place: 1906
Age range during diary: 44-48
Residence during diary: Bristol, R.I.
Places written: 1881: London, Scotland; 1882: aboard yacht up Hudson River, down Erie Canal, in Michigan; August 1884: Jaffrey, N.H.; 1884-1885: in Bristol, R.I.
Ethnicity: Yankee?
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 10
Number of pages: 136, 83, 8, 2, 5, 65, 24, 24, 24, 24
Exact dates: July 15 - December 3, 1881; August 2 - August 17, 1882; August 18 - 27, 1884; November 30 - December 14, 1884; January 9 1884 - October 15, 1885
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Dramatic account of the disintegration of a marriage in 1885. Also three travel diaries.
Writing quality: Generally lively and with an eye for detail, especially in the final months as the author began to realize she was creating important legal evidence.
Utility for research: This diary is a gold mine for anyone interested in exploring the festering underbelly of the Victorian domestic ideal.
Related papers at RIHS: Herreshoff-deWolf Family Papers contain papers on the divorce proceedings, Sadie's personal papers, letters from Katie to her father, and more. The Herreshoff-Lewis Family Papers (MSS 487) also include letters from John's siblings commenting on the divorce case.
Family members:
Father's name: Kilton, John
Father's occupation: Of Boston, Mass.
Mother's name: Bumstead, Catherine
Brothers: John F. Kilton [mentioned 8/2/1882]
Sisters: Sister, died on an August 13 before 1882.
Husband's name: Herreshoff, John B.
Husband's dates: 1841-1914
Husband's occupation: Boatbuilder of Bristol, R.I.
Marriage date and place: October 6, 1870
Father-in-law's name: Herreshoff, Charles F. II
Father-in-law's dates: b.1809
Father-in-law's occupation: Gentleman, Bristol, R.I.
Mother-in-law's name: Lewis, Julia Ann
Mother-in-law's dates: 1811-1901
Sons: None
Daughters: Katherine K. (Herreshoff) (deWolf) Tubbs (1871-1954)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Flossie= cousin Florence deWolf. James B. Herreshoff, brother of John. Nathanael G. "Nat" Herreshoff, partner and brother of John.
Topical content:
Religious content: Very religious. Her husband's disregard for the Sabbath is one of many causes of stress in their marriage [3/1/1885].
Marriage: An unusual marriage, as the husband John was blind from childhood, but was also a wealthy and successful yacht designer. He was very independent by nature, but utterly dependent on his wife to read to him and escort him in public. The diaries from 1881 through August 1884 do little to suggest a marriage in crisis, but beginning in November of 1884, Sadie records a litany of injustices. Many particularly grievous passages are underlined in red, possibly for use in divorce court at a later date. Sadie had ownership of the family's house in Bristol, a fact that seemed to enrage John; she resisted all his attempts to buy it from her. He also seemed to grow bitter about his reliance on his wife for simple tasks, and frequently exploded when his daughter expressed the slightest impertinence. The suit eventually alleged that he had been unfaithful; his countersuit alleged that she had been violently abusive.
The diaries document her side of this story in great detail. One sample will suggest the tone of the rest: "Then, standing on the threshold he spoke with more vehemence than I almost ever heard him use before - saying 'damned infernal old fool - you better sell me the house & take your brat & go to hell, yes, go to hell - just as soon as you can paddle'. This in substance was repeated over & over again. I got up from the desk for fear that he would throw something at me & so hid oil lamp by my side & went to the front cubby threshold not knowing what may come next, but he went out." [2/27/1885]. After several months of this sort of domestic bliss, John left the house for good when Sadie refused to sign over the house in his name. [7/14/1885] Sadie remained in the house in Bristol with her daughter for the ensuing months, as lawyers maneuvered and both parents competed for the affections of 13-year old Katherine.
Other papers in the collection document the nasty divorce proceedings. The house adjoined the property of John's yacht company, which kept tensions running high. This routine-looking memorandum epitomizes the tone of the proceedings:
"Dec. 9, 1887. To S.L. Herreshoff, Bristol, R.I. You are hereby requested to make new arrangements for sewerage from the house no. 9 Burnside St., as, during the ensuing week, the drain pipe from that house will be cut off from its connection to our private drain. - Herreshoff Mfg. Co."
Food and drink: While traveling, "enjoyed a fine supper" at the Monument House in Woonsocket; "our rooms very pleasant but hot as an oven." [8/18/1884]
Travel: 1881: Spent several months in London with husband and daughter, apparently on business.
1882: Cruise in the yacht Permelia with husband, daughter, father-in-law, brother John, Miss Ida Gill, and a crew of three. Delivering yacht to owner in Michigan. Traveled to New York, up Hudson River, past Detroit, and back by train.
August 1884: By carriage from Bristol to Jaffrey, N.H. and back, with husband and daughter.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 489, sg 2
Collection title: Herreshoff-deWolf Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folder 7
Size: Various, mostly around 5" x 4"
Condition: Good, but only two are bound; the rest are loose sheets or only stitched.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reels 17 and 18
Provenance: 1986. 56. 1. 1-, gift of Louise H. deWolf, the author's granddaughter
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Did not read in entirety
Bibliography:
Carter, Samuel III. The Boatbuilders of Bristol: The Story of the Amazing Herreshoff Family... (New York: Doubleday, 1970)
The Chad Brown Workbook, 2nd ed. (Rhode Island Historical Society, 1987), p. 97, 152
Subject headings:
Bristol, R.I. - Social life and customs
Diaries - 1881-1885
Divorce suits - 19th century
Great Britain - Description and travel
Permelia (yacht)
Yachts and yachting - Rhode Island - Bristol
Notes on the Alice Winsor Hunt Diaries
Entries dated 1905 to 1906
Biographical:
Name at birth: Hunt, Alice Winsor
Birthdate and place: February 16, 1892, Providence, RI
Death date and place: October 16, 1968
Age range during diary: 33 - 34
Residence during diary: Atwells Ave., Providence, RI
Places written: Boston, MA; S.S. Canadian; Liverpool, Chester, Warwick, and London, England; Paris, Nice, and Monte Carlo, France; Luxemburg; Geneva, and Brunswick, Switzerland; Florence, Pisa, Roma, Genoa, Naples and Milan, Italy.
Biographical note: In later life Hunt founded the Wellesley Institute of Social Progress; was president of the Consumer League of Rhode Island; involved with Cause and Cure of War Committee of Rhode Island; attended meetings of the League of Nations in Geneva.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Christian
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 3
Number of pages: 98,138,183
Exact dates: June 28 1905 - February 23, 1906
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Various documents, tickets and receipts within the diary
Brief description: The volumes chronicle a European trip through England, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
Writing quality: Very educated
Utility for research: Interesting look at the European travels of a prominent Rhode Island reformer
Related papers at RIHS: Letter from author to David Patten dated 1951 in David Patten Papers.
Family members:
Father's name: Hunt, Daniel
Father's dates: 1837-1914
Mother's name: Evans, Annie
Mother's dates: 1865-1919
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Mary O'Malone
Topical content:
Events discussed: Witnessed speech by Winston Churchill, and commented: "The only person who seemed perfectly satisfied with the speech was Mr. Churchill."(Vol 1, page 81). Visits Oxford (July 23). Visits Parliament (July 22). Alps sunrise (September 1).
Religious content: Visits Church of St John the Baptist (July 9); Shakespeare Church (July 11); Henry VII Chapel (July 25); speaks with Mother Superior of St. Augustine Convent, stays there (October 29); Church of the Conception, Church of the Annunciation (January 15); Franciscan Monks (August 23); soldiers quartered at Palace of the Pope (December 23)
Family: Writes to mother "Lyric for Rhode Island" (page 9), poem about Alice Hunt (page 12)
Fashion: Bought lingerie in Chantilly (October 6)
Food and drink: Ate chocolate and rolls nearly every morning while in France.
Community: Stays with various well-to-do American families based in Europe. Also stay with working class folk in other countries.
Labor: In later years, author was an advocate for fairer labor laws for children and women.
Class relations: Spends time with poor shoeless Italian peasants (August 22)
Gender relations: Traveled mainly with women, but occasionally with men. Appeared content about not being married.
Arts and culture: Visits the Louvre of the following dates :July 31, August 1,September 27, November 19, 22, and 25; December 5 and 8. Visits La Galleria de Lafayette on September 25. Views religious art of Angelico (August 24). Attends the Opera the following dates:September 18, November 25, December 3, and February 4. Sees the work of DaVinci (November 3).
Travel: Diary of European travel
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 501
Collection title: Alice W. Hunt Travel Diaries
Size: 9" x 7"
Condition: Covers worn
Graphic content: Receipts, postcards, pamphlets, leaflets
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.):
Provenance: 1983. 40. 1- , gift of Joan Sgouros
Cataloged by Michael Cardin, March 2004
Bibliography:
The Providence Journal October 17 1968
R.I. Cemetery Database
Notes on the Marjorie Ingall Diary
Entries dated 1977 to 1979
Biographical:
Name at birth: Ingall, Marjorie
Name after marriage: Ingall, Marjorie
Birthdate and place: 1967 in Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 10 - 12
Residence during diary: Providence, RI
Biographical note: Marjorie Ingall later became a writer, and has worked for or contributed articles to several magazines including Sassy, Ms., Mademoiselle, Wired and Food & Wine among others.
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 20
Exact dates: May 9, 1977 - May 11, 1977; July, 1977; November 21 and December 6, 1979
Frequency of entries: Very sporadic - only 6 entries in 3 years
How was author identified?: Diary signed by the author
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-I
Collection title: Marjorie Ingall Papers
Size: 9" x 6"
Condition: Excellent
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): THIS DIARY IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL 2062 OR THE DEATH OF THE AUTHOR.
Provenance: 2002. 103. 1-, gift of Marjorie Ingall
Notes on the Harriet Bowen Ives Diary
Entries dated 1858 to 1860
Biographical:
Name at birth: Ives, Harriet Bowen
Name after marriage: Ives, Harriet Bowen
Birthdate and place: January 4, 1832 in Providence, RI
Death date and place: August 28, 1860
Age range during diary: 26 - 28
Residence during diary: Providence, RI
Places written: Providence, RI
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 59, 180
Exact dates: 7/5/1858 - 10/8/1858; 1/1/1860 - 6/28/1860
Frequency of entries: Fairly consistent, but some gaps
How was author identified?: The 1858 diary is inscribed "E.A. Gammell from H.B. Ives, August 24, 1860." It was thus originally cataloged as an Elizabeth (Ives) Gammell diary. As the inscription was written after the close of the diary, we can assume that Ives was the author rather than her sister Gammell. Ives apparently gave her diary to her sister four days before her death. The 1860 diary bears no inscription. It was also formerly cataloged as an Elizabeth (Ives) Gammell diary, but see 1/4/1860 entry ("my birthday!"). Diary ends several weeks before the tuberculosis death of Harriet, with the last entry reading "at home all day, & much of ye time very weak." The two diaries are very consistent in style, content and handwriting.
Brief description: The first diary is from a European trip, and is more concerned with analyzing sermons than with the local sights. The second diary is written in Providence and also contains extensive biblical commentary. Both diaries are difficult to interpret because of the heavy use of abbreviations.
Writing quality: Filled with abbreviations, handwriting difficult to negotiate.
Utility for research: Limited
Related papers at RIHS: Ives-Gammell-Safe Family Papers include her papers, and papers of parents and siblings.
Family members:
Father's name: Ives, Robert Hale
Father's dates: 1798-1868
Father's occupation: Partner in mercantile firm of Brown & Ives
Mother's name: Amory, Harriet B.
Mother's dates: 1803-1868
Brothers: Robert H. Ives Jr. (1837-1862)
Sisters: Elizabeth A. "Lizzie" (Ives) Gammell (1830-1897)
Husband's name: None
Sons: None
Daughters: None
Topical content:
Events discussed: Both diaries are difficult to interpret because of the heavy use of abbreviations. "y" takes the place of "the." A typical passage, taken at random, transcribed to the best of my ability: "A very busy day - sep'y y lett to R I Ch W mtg latter not very satisfactory. 1 1/2 h wnt app S accomp'g any thg $7000 of y $9000 raised but ag'n a discuss'n of y site put a dead lock up'n our mon'y too 6 dy com'tee chosen d! Reg'th not h I a devoted more time to p for Jam.1.5 I sd at H Binney's L 9 L Geo. G. Pon. bcci C. Aldrich babe died last night I am so sorry for her decd Ad Dr Forgiven iii God bless this com'g Lent [2/21/1860]
Religious content: Detailed analysis of sermons in both diaries, such as one in Scotland [7/25/1858]
Progress: On trans-Atlantic steamship voyage, "this evg a party of us explored the engine and subterranean abodes. Truly wonderful." [7/15/1858]
Travel: First diary is a terse European travel diary, mainly concerned with analysis of sermons.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 509
Collection title: Ives-Gammell-Safe Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 4, folder 3a
Size: 5" x 3"
Condition: Very good
Provenance: Unknown
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, August 2001
Bibliography:
Biographical Cyclopedia of Rhode Island, 226
Katherine Goddard, The Chad Brown Workbook, second edition (unpublished typescript at RIHS, 1987), 67, 96
Notes on the Anne Jacobs Diary
Entries dated 1864 to 1865
Biographical:
Name at birth: Jacobs, Anne
Birthdate and place: September 22, 1822, Cambridge, MA
Death date and place: After 1880
Age range during diary: 42
Residence during diary: Cambridge, MA
Places written: Cambridge, MA
Biographical note: She seems to have lived most of her life in the same house on the same street in Cambridge, MA. According to the 1880 Census, Anne was still single and living in the family home with her mother and siblings in Cambridge. Few clues present themselves in the diary as to how she became friends with Jeannie Jenckes of Providence, RI, although she does seem to be acquainted with the Jenckes family. Perhaps they were old family friends.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 93
Exact dates: December 25, 1864 to February 19, 1865.
Frequency of entries: Author did not date every entry. In the author's words: "This time I wrote bit by bit as I had the opportunity, in a rather disjointed fashion"(p91).
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: This is a correspondence diary written by Anne Jacobs for her friend Jeannie Jenckes. Instead of writing a series of letters, she filled a journal for Jeannie over the course of almost two months as she had the opportunity. At the time, Jeannie was in Washington D.C. with her father Thomas A. Jenckes as he served in United States Congress as a Representative for Rhode Island.
Writing quality: Her writing quality is quite good. Her grammar and punctuation are meticulous. Some very elegant passages: "It was pleasant to feel the pure cleansing inspirations of the North wind this morning. All the way from the pole itself came those stormy breaths that nearly took mine away" (p60).
Utility for research: This diary is probably of most interest for researchers interested in all the literature Anne Jacobs reads and discusses. The stories of the blockade runner and the Chinese dress offer some nice personal anecdotes in connection with some larger historical contexts.
Related papers at RIHS:
Family members:
Father's name: Bela Jacobs
Father's dates: Born about 1785, Died May 22, 1836 after being thrown from a carriage.
Father's occupation: Baptist Minister
Mother's name: Sarah (Sprague) Jacobs
Mother's dates: Born December 6, 1788, Exeter, Washington Co., RI; Unsure of death date although she was still alive at the age of 91 when the 1880 Census was taken.
Brothers: Justin Allen Jacobs (b 1818), Bela F. Jacobs (b 1819); "Allen" is the only brother mentioned by name in the diary
Sisters: Sarah Sprague Jacobs (b.1813), Lydia Burr Jacobs (1815-1847); Anne Jacobs frequently mentions her sister "Augusta" who is most likely her sister in law, Justin Allen Jacobs's wife, Sarah A. Jacobs.
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Anne Bartlett, General Bartlett, Agnes Pomeroy
Topical content:
Events discussed: The Civil War and assisting a blockade runner: "I have of late been concerned...in aiding the escape of a blockade runner...Well there came to my house one morning an old friend, an Englishman, who has been doing business in New York for a few years past. He had a house - a mercantile house that is in Cuba, and made a good deal of money before the war. Since the disturbance in our country, he had been less successful. Sugars were not fortunate in his hands and he lost all. ....When my friend William made his appearance in Camb. we saw at once that he was in great trouble. As soon as he saw me alone, he confided to me that he was afraid of being arrested by his creditors...If you or your friends want any escapes planned or effected you will know where to apply" (p8-23).
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: No births mentioned. She mentions the funeral of an "old lady who lives in our street, and who has been our neighbor as long as any of us can recollect" (p29). This funeral was followed by a sadder death in the same house. "One week from the day and hour of the old lady's burial, followed that of the son with whom she lived. He scarcely seemed himself after her death, fell ill the day of her funeral and died a raving maniac before the end of the week" (p43-44). She mentions the marriage of General Bartlett and Agnes Pomeroy (p32).
Religious content: Anne Jacobs spends the first several pages of the journal discussing some of her favorite Christmas verses, the power of the Christmas Oratorio of the Messiah (p3), the four "Great Virgin Saints" (p6), the four "Great Fathers of the Latin Church" (p6), the four "Greek Fathers" (p7). While describing the funeral of her neighbor she describes the son's address: "He began by saying that they had not invited any clergymen to be present in the capacity of clergymen; he thought every child of God was a priest to God. - (This gentleman has been a Baptist minister.) He would be happy to hear any person present pray or make any remarks or read the Scriptures" (p29-30).
Social life: She often visits friends around Boston or hosts visits from friends at her home. Maintaining correspondence with several friends in other cities also occupies her time. "I want to hear again from my Philadelphia correspondent" (p70). "Your journal letters are very pleasant to us - what a good girl you are to write them, so much as you have to do and to see. Do you know that it is rather flattering to elderly people to have such youthful darlings as you are care about us when you might cultivate your young companions exclusively - I dare say the Senator feels this as I do [though much his junior]." (p82)
Family: Anne is surrounded by her family. She does not mention her father or her sister Lydia, but Allen and Sarah are mentioned. She seems particularly close with Augusta (sister in law?). She often sits with her mother and reads with her.
Childhood: The author does not frequently recall her childhood although she suggests she has lived on the same street in Cambridge her whole life. One childhood memory she recalls has to do with the French verses she had recently been dreaming: "French poetry is not a thing I much affect when I am awake, though I can remember when I cared about it. When I was twelve years old, I used to hide Racine under my pillow and draw the curtain as soon it was light in the winter morning to read him" (p42). "I will carry plenty of paper and some pens and write some simple account of my childhood. It is long enough ago, now to be very different from the way children are brought up at the present day. Why Jeannie, there were no rail-roads then, and there were no furnaces in our houses, and there were warming pans. Did you ever see one? And we played 'odd or even' with beans instead of ['bisquire'?] with cards - and we wore 'vandykes' and silk 'spencers' Will you subscribe to my Autobiography." (p83)
Aging: "My dear I recognize the fact that I grow old (I mean only older.) in this that I walk soberly and carefully up the street instead of seeking the more slippery gutter for the sake of sliding, as I observe some of the younger girls doing" (p60).
Health: "We have a stormy Sunday too cold and snowy for me to go out as I have a little threat of a sore throat" (p54). "I have not been out. My mother was in bed with a cold, and I sat beside her this morning" (p74). "They were a large family, one son and five daughters, all bright and beautiful: and as they grew up all died of consumption..."(p76).
Fashion: My sister "is gone in search of a dress for a masquerade! Mrs. Burlingame, the wife of our minister to China, sent home to her mother the complete dress of a Chinese lady of rank, and this my sister is gone to borrow. Don't be startled, your excellent friend is not going to turn herself into a Chinese princess" (p79).
Race / ethnicity content: "These are the English people I have liked most. -- But a second-rate Englishman - nobody is so disagreeable as he. Have you ever met such? he has an assurance of manner and a familiarity quite unparalleled: altogether different from the honest self-respect of a Yankee. The true Yankee character has nothing vulgar in it."(p90)
Gender relations: Anne seems to have a circle of both male and female friends and writes affectionately about them all. She recounts one friend who had an unfortunate husband: "Caroline married unhappily as I believe; her husband is a man no one speaks well of - a cold, selfish, almost brutal creature"(p77).
Arts and culture: This diary's content largely consists of Anne describing for Jeannie the literature she is reading and the lectures she attends. She mentions her propensity for Mendelssohn's music on a couple of occasions. She copy's some French verse in the journal. Some literature and authors mentioned: "lady who wrote 'Emily Chester'"(p3), "Mrs. Jameson's 'Sacred and Legendary Art'"(p4), "'History of our Lord' by Lady Eastlake"(p4), "'Diary of a Journey to the East' by Mr. Beaumont"(p24), "A reading...of some scenes from Hamlet"(p27), "Macmillan's Magazine." Anne also recounts a semi comic opera she watched called "The Pirate"(p65).
Travel: She often travels to Boston and also mentions a trip to Winthrop.
Geographical and architectural: "I have returned from the neighboring city, the metropolis of New England (Providence is but a second rate provincial town not to be mentioned in same day with "the hub") and I found the mud and water and snow very deep"(p81). "My sister brought home a great quarto volume, all about footprints in the valley of the Connecticut, supposed to be tracks of some gigantic birds before the world began. She showed me some of the plates which I innocently thought as much like branches of trees as any thing else: - in short, I turned up my nose at them, birds and all (at a safe distance of time) She told me in an injured tone 'I never had any taste for science' - and I was ignominiously dismissed.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 127
Collection title: Thomas A. Jenckes Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 24, SG 10, Folder 1
Size: 7" x 4.75"
Condition: Good, cover is intact and all pages are present and legible.
Graphic content: None
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.):
Provenance: 1929. 25. 1- or 1941. 31. 1. 1-, gift of Thomas A. and Stephen H. Jenckes.
Cataloged by Andrew Kerr, December 2002
Bibliography:
1880 United States Census as found at www.familysearch.org.
Vital Records of Cambridge Massachusetts to the Year 1850, Volume 1; Compiled by Thomas Baldwin, Boston, 1914.
Subject headings:
Bartlett, Jeannie R. (Jenckes) (1844-1907)
Boston, MA - Social life and customs
Diaries - 1864-1865
United States - History - Civil War, 1861-1865
Notes on the Emma (Newbold) Janvier Diary
Entries dated 1828 to 1828
Biographical:
Name at birth: Newbold, Emma
Name after marriage: Janvier, Emma (Newbold)
Birthdate and place: 1811, Pennsylvania
Death date and place: December 26 1889, in Philadelphia
Age range during diary: 17
Residence during diary: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New Orleans, Louisiana
Places written: Delaware
Biographical note: Emma (Newbold) Janvier was the cousin of Caroline (Newbold) Hazard. In 1840 she married Frances DeHaes Janvier, descendant of a Hugenot family. Emma was a children's author and Frances wrote verse, prose, and poetry on patriotic subjects. Their children followed in their footsteps as well. Margaret wrote juvenile literature and poetry and Thomas was an author and journalist.
Ethnicity: Yankee?
Social class: Upper?
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 28
Exact dates: May 28 - May 31, 1828
Frequency of entries: This diary is not written as dated entries, rather is set up as a summary of the trip.
How was author identified?: Front cover of the diary
Brief description: Emma Newbold Janvier's diary is a summary of her trip to Delaware with her cousin Caroline; Caroline's husband, Rowland; Rowland's sister Eliza; and her friend Ann Trotter. This diary was "presented to Caroline by her affectionate cousin Emma. 8 mo - 5th 1828." [inside front cover]
Writing quality: Excellent
Related papers at RIHS:
Family members:
Father's name: William Newbold
Father's dates: 1770-1841
Mother's name: Mary (Smith) Newbold
Mother's dates: d. 1816
Husband's name: Francs DeHaes Janvier
Husband's dates: Author of verse, prose, and poetry on patriotic subjects.
Marriage date and place: 1840
Father-in-law's name: T.A. Janvier
Sons: Thomas Allibone Janvier (1849-1913)
Daughters: Margaret Thomson Janvier (1844-1913)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Eliza Hazard, Ann Trotter, Caroline Newbold, and Rowland Hazard
Topical content:
Social life: "As it [rain] did not abate sufficiently for us to go on to the tavern, until tea time - the kind friends insisted on our taking tea with them, which in my opinion evidenced great hospitality and kindness - we refused their invitations for some time, as a part of five seemed almost too large, to sit down unexpectedly to a private table, but they would take no denial, so we staid." [typescript p. 8]
Family: "we had a warm walk over rough ground to the Hotel, where we were soon joined by cousin Wm. L who seemed very glad to see us - an we were no less pleased to meet him." [typescript p. 2]
Childhood: "When we were opposite to Wilmington, Caroline and Ann were very much interested in trying to discover the schoolhouse and garden, where they had spent many happy hours together." [typescript p. 2]
School: "We arrived at Wilimington about 11 o'clock, and after resting and partaking of refreshment, set off for the boarding-school...They were very anxious to get to the school, (rather more so than when they were placed there, I guess)...as for Miss Eliza and myself, it presented no particular attractions forus - all her associations of a 'scholastic' nature being connected with Weston, and I never having been to a boarding school in my life." [typescript p. 6]
Food and drink: "We returned to the Farm House, and partook of some refreshment of a very temperate kind - we were happily beyond the reach of temptation as far as spirituous liquors were concerned for there was not a drop of any description in this house." [typescript p. 11]
Labor: "Our path lay close to the edge of the canal, which her was not completed, but filled with men, excavating, laying stones, etc." Emma goes on to discuss how a temporary dam was put in place and wrote "The labor appeared so very difficult for the poor horses that we had no satisfaction in looking at them...It is never so painful to me to see men working as beasts." [typescript p. 4]
Gender relations: "We all enjoyed the ride for some distance in silence, (always excepting myself), until Caroline admired a hedge, covered with the most luxuriant bloom, so enthusiastically that Rowland stopped the carriage, and cut some elegant branches - when he returned to the carriage he cut the thorns from the flowers, and presented the first thornless branch to Caroline, accompanied by a wish at once appropriate and beautifully expressed." [typescript p. 6]
Travel: "After breakfast we left the place in the 'Smyrna and Del. City Post Coach' for Wiliington." [typescript p. 5] "We were to leave Chester by the early boat..." [typescript p. 12]
Geographical and architectural: "There was no scenery along the river at all interesting, until within a few miles of New Castle, where the appearance of the country is more diversified and picturesque." [typescript p. 1]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 483 sg 5
Collection title: Rowland Gibson Hazard I Papers
Location within the collection: Box 24, folder 30.
Size: 4 3/4" x 8"
Condition: Excellent
Graphic content: None
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Original diary and typescript
Provenance: 1985. 47. 1. 1-, gift of the Hazard Family
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, December 2000
Bibliography:
Stevenson, John R. Thomas Stevenson and his Descendants. New York: Hiram Edmund Deats, 1902.
Subject headings:
Delaware - description and travel
Diaries, 1828
Hazard, Eliza (1799-1882)
Hazard, Caroline (Newbold) (1807-1868)
Hazard, Rowland G. (1801-1888)
Newbold Family
Trotter, Ann
Notes on the Henrietta (Brownell) Jenckes Diary
Entries dated 1883 to 1883
Biographical:
Name at birth: Brownell, Henrietta
Name after marriage: Jenckes, Henrietta (Brownell)
Birthdate and place: August 31, 1860
Death date and place: January 9, 1917
Age range during diary: 22
Residence during diary: 182 Greenwich St., Providence R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 8
Exact dates: January 1 - January 14 1883. Also other notes, 1883-1885
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Inside cover
Brief description: Uneventful diary of social and home life in upper-class Providence.
Writing quality: Fairly good, although handwriting is very poor
Utility for research: Very limited, but mentions several of the Providence East Side elite in passing.
Related papers at RIHS: Thomas A. Jenckes Family Papers consist mainly of her father-in-law's papers, but also some personal papers of her, her husband, and her son.
Family members:
Father's name: Brownell, Stephen
Father's dates: 1822-1908
Father's occupation: Property manager
Mother's name: Hunt, Henrietta
Mother's dates: 1825-1899
Brothers: Stephen Brownell
Husband's name: Jenckes, Thomas A. II
Husband's dates: 1856-1928
Husband's occupation: Partner in Wilson & Jenckes law firm; served in R.I. General Assembly
Marriage date and place: June 11 1890, Providence, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: Jenckes, Thomas A.
Father-in-law's dates: 1818-1875
Father-in-law's occupation: Lawyer, U.S. House of Representatives 1863-1871
Mother-in-law's name: Fuller, Mary J.
Mother-in-law's dates: 1819-1872
Sons: Thomas A. Jenckes III (1891-1949), Stephen H. Jenckes (1896-1956)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Adelaide Knight (1/3/1883)
Topical content:
Social life: "Went to the Casino to see the girls play tennis, there were a great many there and the girls looked very pretty, at least some of them did." [1/3/1883] Threw big whist party 1/13/1883.
Family: "Stopped to inquire for Gra. [Grandmother?], found her ill in bed threatened with pneumonia, poor soul." [1/3/1883] Also 1/11/1883.
Home production: Crocheting discussed 1/2, 1/3/1883. Hemmed napkin, 1/4/1883.
Geographical and architectural: Family lived in stylish West Side of Providence. Walked to Sprague Street, 1/1/1883
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 127
Collection title: Thomas A. Jenckes Family Papers
Location within the collection: Subgroup 7, Box 24, Folder 2
Size: 8" x 7"
Condition: Pages have been torn out, front cover nearly torn off
Provenance: 1929. 25. 1- or 1941.31.1.1-, gift ofThomas A. and Stephen H Jenckes
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, June 2004
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety.
Bibliography:
Browne, William B. Genealogy of the Jenks Family, 338, 460-462.
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Representative Men and Families of Old Rhode Island, 2:733
1880 Providence directory
Notes on the Rebecca Carter Diary
Entries dated 1794 to 1828
Biographical:
Name at birth: Carter, Rebecca
Name after marriage: Jenckes, Rebecca (Carter)
Birthdate and place: August 22, 1778, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: June 20, 1837, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 15-16; 49
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Her father published the first newspaper in Providence; she was raised in the best social circles and married a local merchant, who died abroad.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 2
Number of pages: Vol. 1 - 43; Vol.2 - 17
Exact dates: March 23 - December 31 1794; July 4 - July 16, 1828
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Part of Carter family papers. The 1794 diary mentions her 16th birthday. The travel diary from 1828 mentions her brother, Dr. Carter and other brothers by name.
Brief description: The 1794 diary provides brief entries detailing social life and household chores. The 1828 diary was kept during a trip to New York to visit family.
Writing quality: The 1794 diary is not very informative, and her handwriting is extremely challenging. The 1828 diary contains well-written detailed descriptions. The handwriting is good.
Utility for research: The 1794 diary is somewhat useful as a chronicle of a girl's social life, but not of major importance. Other diaries cover similar territory better. The 1828 travel diary is an excellent resource for research on tourism in New York City at that time.
Related papers at RIHS: Carter-Danforth Papers (MSS 336) include extensive documentation of parents and siblings, as well as a thick folder of her papers, including the hand-written invitations to parties so central to her existence.
Family members:
Father's name: Carter, John
Father's dates: 1745-1814
Father's occupation: Printer, of Providence.
Mother's name: Crawford, Amey
Mother's dates: 1744-1806
Brothers: Benjamin B. Carter (1771-1835); John Carter Jr. (1774-1815); James Carter (1780-1812); Crawford Carter (1782-1868); William Carter (1785-1821); others died young.
Sisters: Ann (Carter) Brown (1770-1798), wife of Nicholas Brown II; Huldah Maria Carter (1787-1842); Elizabeth A. (Carter) Danforth (1790-1876)
Husband's name: Jenckes, Amos Throop
Husband's dates: 1778-1809
Husband's occupation: Merchant, died at Cuba.
Marriage date and place: September 20, 1801
Father-in-law's name: Jenckes, John
Father-in-law's dates: 1730-1791
Mother-in-law's name: Crawford, Freelove
Mother-in-law's dates: 1738-1780
Sons: Francis Carter Jenckes (b.1803), removed to Mexico; Amos T.Jenckes Jr. (1809-1882); two died young
Daughters: One died young
Other persons frequently mentioned: Mentions all of the Providence social elite, especially the Brown and Francis families. One of her closest friends seems to be Alice Brown (later Mason) (1777-1823), daughter of John Brown. Nicholas Brown II was her brother-in-law. Merchant Thomas L. Halsey?: "TLH set off for New York. I hope he will return not quite so much of a fop as he went." [5/31/1794]; Mr. Danforth, probably Walter Danforth [7/04/1828]; Traveling companion, "E", probably her sister, Elizabeth Danforth [7/04/1828]; Captain Bunker [7/04/1828]; Phillis, the ladies' attendant on board the boat to New York [7/04/1828]; Lady named Johnson or Smith of Newport returning home to Brooklyn [7/04/1828]; Brothers: "B", Benjamin B. Carter, "C", Crawford Carter [7/05/1828]; "N" possibly the same as Ned [7/05/1828]; "Mrs. B [7/05/1828]; Captain B, the elder [7/05/1828]; neighbors, Mrs. Searle, Lucy Searle, Charles Searle [7/05/1828]; Amey [7/07/1828]; Mr. Charles Lopez [7/10/1828]; Rebecca Torio [7/10/1828]; Mrs. Leeve, daughter of Mrs. Lopez [7/15/1828]; Mrs. Commodore Stuart "a very elegant looking woman in black . . . she looked somewhat haughty and singular in her manners." [7/16/1828]
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Was awakened at daylight by the alarm guns and drums, etc. likewise, 1/2 past 4, the bells rang and the salute was fired." [7/04/1828]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: Death of infant nephew Moses Brown [7/17/1794]
Religious content: Not much on religion. "Musings on 16th birthday: "still find my mind illy stord for the year but my next may I devote more to my maker and my work." [8/22/1794]. "Went with A Dexter to Quaker meeting to hear a preacher" [8/3/1794]
Social life: Lists visits and who she took tea with, and mentions attending dances. As a teenager, does not seem to have been quite in the inner circle: "No invitation to the party" [8/7/1794]; "I was angry I had no invitation to the party." [8/15/1794] "Waited all the morn in expectation of an invitation to the party but was disappointed." [9/11/1794]; "Mrs. W invited me to come and stay with her a month, and go up to Albany and see her brother-in-law who is a widower." [7/13/1828]; "Called at Mrs. Blydenburgh's Chateau Street to see C. who was out. . . . Mrs. B ushered us into her banqueting room." [7/15/1828]
Family: It is difficult to say, but Rebecca seems to have been living with her sister's family rather than with her parents. She hardly discusses her brothers or parents, but mentions her two nephews more. For example, "Rose very early with Nick he was troublesom indeed" [9/2/1794], undoubtedly referring to nephew Nicholas Brown III [1792-1859]. She mentions going "to Mamma's for tea" several times.
Childhood: "Saw a beautiful infant of Capt. B. the younger, a boy of 6 months old, the handsomest child I almost ever saw." [7/07/1828]; "There were several children on board [the steamer back home] among the children, a little girl of five years, lately from Calcutta . . . She was a sprightly sensible child." [7/16/1828]
Health: Had tooth removed by a Dr. Comstock [11/6/1794]; Writes about being seasick onboard boat to New York :" E said she was advised to stay above, as she would not be so apt to be sick - In a few moments however, I told her that I must go below, for I should not be able to stand - I grew worse - and Phillis helped us both down stairs, took off some of our clothes, and pushed us into bed - for I had not the power to help myself. In about 15 minutes I vomited considerably." [7/04/1828]; "I was so weary with walking every day since we have been here and my feet so much swollen that I am obliged half the time with my shoes down at the heel." [7/11/1828]; "I did not feel much inclination to eat - owing to headache and depression of spirits at parting with our friends." [7/16/1828]
School: "In the afternoon began to go to Mr. Larned school." [4/21/1794] Does not do more than mention her attendance each day.
Home production: Did some house work: starched, mended stockings, worked on clothes for younger sisters, etc. [see 3/1794]
Fashion: Frequent mention of clothing, though not very detailed. For example, "Made sleaves for my smock" [8/5/1794] or "Ripd up my hat and alterd it.' [10/26/1794]; "We sauntered through Broadway - stopt at the shop windows to view the astonishing display of rich goods at the windows, jewllery and dry goods. It seemed every other shop was a jewllers." [7/07/1828]; "At a little distance on the pavement [Fulton Market] there was exhibited fancy articles, such as jewlery, embroidery, ribands, pocket-books, knifes, combs, etc." [7/13/1828]
Gender relations: "Afternoon Drank Tea with R Demont a large party - 5 beaux." [3/25/1794] Nicholas Power seems to be her beaux; an otherwise uneventful entry reads "N Power passed the eve with me" and is marked with a bold ornamental 'X' [6/4/1794]. He escorts her to a party two weeks later, but she comments "disagreeable time." [6/17/1794] He continues to call regularly throughout diary. "went to see Miss Battey, found NP there...he has treated me ill...and I feel it.' [10/26/1794] "Power passd the Eve with me. Mrs. V still was here and I wishd her the Devil." [10/30/1794]; "Talked with a gentleman who was very polite (and did not know his name) on the subject of the dreadful accidents by steamboats. He spoke of the destruction of the Aetna at the Jersey Shore about 2 year since." [7/05/1828]; "N said Mrs. B's boarders were principally gentlemen (or men) and that we should not sit at the table with them." [7/15/1828]
Food and drink: "Had roast beef boiled fowls, roast turkey, tongue & ham with pease and string beans - porter, etc. Cherry and apple pies, almonds and raisins - our plates changed four times." [7/04/1828]; "Had very nice coffee, dry toast, and bread with fowls tongue beef steak and stewed oysters [for breakfast.]" [7/05/1828]; "For tea we had cake, excellent bread, crackers, and red raspberries strewn with sugar." [7/05/1828]; "N called at the bar-room and got us some lemonade." [7/11/1828]; "Sat down to an excellent dinner, consisting of a great variety such as chicken pie, roast ducks, ham tongues, lobster, quahogs fried in batter / a dish I never saw before / blackberry pudding, currant pie, raspberries and watermelon." [7/15/1828]; "N said we must not stay to breakfast - but that would stop at some "cooky-stand" and get something. It was a novel thing to go without one's breakfast, something I never did before." [7/16/1828]
Race/Ethnicity: "Saw a grand procession of the black gentry of the city who were celebrating their independence on the 5th. They had several bands of music, carried great many banners. I believe it was the first anniversary of the abolition of slavery in that state." [7/05/1828]; "One of the labourers [in the greenhouse at Lineman Gardens] happening to come in whilst we were examining the Passion flower, we asked him to explain which he did, like a good Catholic and an Irishman (as he was), very ingeniously." [7/15/1828]
Arts and culture: "Began to go to dancing school to De Forge." [4/4/1794] "Morng I went to the meeting house where an oration was delivered by George Tillinghast poor fellow he was very much agitated." [7/4/1794] Went to see "The Tragedy of Jane Shore" at the theater. [9/8/1794]; "Went to the play at the coffee house with C Olney were was performd the foundling or reward of virtue." [12/30/1794]; "We went to see the Academy of Arts in the building called the Institution, where we saw a great many portraits by eminent painters of this country." [7/08/1828]; "We went to a room in a large building on Broadway where there are handsome Public Baths which room is called the Academy of Design." [7/09/1828]; "Went to the rotunda at a little distance to see the panorama of the city of Mexico. It surpassed anything I ever saw." [7/09/1828]; "We went to the museum in the building of the Academy of Arts. Saw a great number of rats, bats, fish, etc. stuffed and in fine order. Some wax figures, the hand and arm of a celebrated pirate - and the body of an Indian, partly scalped and partly petrified." [7/09/1828]; "In another gallery upstairs there was a great number of Italian landscapes and representations of different cities in Europe, which we viewed through glasses fixed to the wall on either side of the gallery. They were very fine indeed." [7/09/1828]; "We stopt at Peale's Museum in Broadway - saw the Egyptian Mummy - the first I had ever seen." [7/12/1828]
Travel: Took a trip to Hartford and Cambridge, but doesn't say much about it. [9/25-10/3/1794]; Travel by steam boat to New York: "Arrived at the wharf at 1/2 past 10." [7/05/1828]; "We had some talk with Brother B about returning to P. he said he had some thoughts of packing up his goods and directing them to the care of Mr. D. and family himself in September." [7/16/1828]; "We asked the coach driver what his charge was and he said 75 cents. I told him 25 for each was the price we paid before and Ned added he had no right to charge more - he thought to have taken advantage of strangers. E and myself each handed him 25 cents. He said nothing." [7/16/1828]
Geographical and architectural: "All day to church. Sat in the pew the first time after it was altered." [6/15/1794]; "Saw many delightful seats on each side of us, on Long Island and the N. York side . . . We passed several lights - Lady Hock, Montauk, Likewise the Shot Tower, on a point, a little out of the city of evg, which was built to run shot in the last war." [7/05/1828]; "At dusk went to walk on the Battery, of which I had heard so much - it surpassed my expectations - commands a noble prospect of both rivers, and there is always a cool sea breeze - a bridge of considerable length leads from the walk, across to the fort and Castle Garden, which was built during the last war (1813)." [7/05/1828]; "We went to City Hall. A most magnificent building. There are various apartments in the Hall - one part for the family who have the charge of the building, and shew strangers the rooms. There are rooms where the different courts sit. We went into the splendid hall where the governor holds his levees, which hung with the portraits of many great characters, political and military with several portraits of eminent clergymen." [7/07/1828]; "Castle Garden is really fascinating by lamplight - it is circular - in one part there are a good many plants and shrubberies some growing in pots - in a circular form - There are two rows of seats and walks - one above the other, which overlook the water, and the open space below - There is quite a large building to pass through before entering the garden, in which are rooms for refreshments." [7/07/1828]; "Went into Broadway St. where the Theatre was burnt the latter part of May - the outside walls of a new one are nearly complete - It is immensely large -extending from one street to another." [7/10/1828]; "We went into a Roman Catholic Cathedral - I never saw one before. It did not altogether answer my expectations . . . The yard surrounding the church was full of graves - some of the old grave-stones, which had been taken up - were laid on the ground as pavement!" [7/10/1828]; "Fulton Market is very large - and a great quantity of meats of every kind, fowls, vegetables and fruits of the season - one part is for fish." [7/13/1828]; "The Lineman Garden in Flushing covers an extent of three acres. It was beautiful, but like everything else of which so much as been said, and of which the expectation is raised so high, it did not altogether come up to the idea I had formed of its beauties." [7/15/1828]; "The streets were brilliantly lighted with gas, and Broadway, particularly." [7/15/1828]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 336
Collection title: Carter-Danforth Family Papers
Location within the collection: Vol. 1 box 7; Vol. 2 box 2
Size: Vol. 1 - 5" x 3"; Vol. 2 - approximately 5" x 7"
Condition: Good
Graphic content:
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.):
Provenance: 1917. 14. 1-, probably part of a large gift from Crawford Carter Allen
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997; Robin Alario, July 2008
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety.
Bibliography:
Browne, William B. Genealogy of the Jenks Family of America (Concord, N.H.: Rumford Press, 1952)
Woods, John C.B. John Carter of Providence, Rhode Island and his Descendants (Reprinted from R.I.H.S. Collections, October 1918).
Subject headings:
Blake, Lucy Searle (1806-1875)
Carter, Benjamin B. (1771-1835)
Carter, Crawford (1782-1868)
Danforth, Elizabeth Carter (1790-1876)
Danforth, Walter (1787-1861)
Diaries - 1794
Diaries - 1828
Halsey, Thomas L. (d.1849)
New York (N.Y.) - Description and travel
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Searle, Charles (1807-1882)
Searle, Mary W. (1778-1832)
Notes on the Harriet F. Bennett Diary
Entries dated 1872 to 1872
Biographical:
Name at birth: Bennett, Harriet Frances "Hattie"
Name after marriage: Jencks, Harriet F. (Bennett)
Birthdate and place: March 22, 1835
Death date and place: November 18, 1919, Pawtucket, R.I.
Age range during diary: 36-37
Residence during diary: 64 Cedar St., Pawtucket, R.I.
Places written: Pawtucket, R.I.
Biographical note: Daughter of a Pawtucket artisan, taught school for many years, but quit to help keep house after mother died. Married at age 41 and had a son.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Universalist?
Social class: Middle (artisan)
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1 plus loose pages
Number of pages: 70, 59
Exact dates: January 1 - December 31 1872
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Account of middle-class life in Pawtucket.
Writing quality: Absolutely beautiful in spots. Breathtaking descriptions of local scenery, and insightful comments on her family and friends. She comes across as a profoundly decent, admirable and intelligent woman, moving in a blessed circle of hard-working but similarly likeable friends and family. She seems to have seen the world in more vivid colors than most of us.
Utility for research: This diary contains a wealth of information on virtually every facet of social history, and is invaluable as a document of old Pawtucket. As an added bonus, it is already transcribed.
Related papers at RIHS: None, except for the excellent research notes compiled by the donor and filed with the collection.
Family members:
Father's name: Bennett, Job Borden
Father's dates: 1803-1877
Father's occupation: Locksmith and gunsmith, Pawtucket, R.I. Shop at 15 Read St.
Mother's name: Jenckes, Elmira B.
Mother's dates: 1811-1869
Brothers: Benjamin Bennett (b.1834)
Sisters: Lydia A. Bennett (1841-1918), Mariette (Bennett) Earle ()
Husband's name: Jencks, George Dallas
Husband's dates: 1845-1925
Husband's occupation: Carriage painter, Central Falls, R.I.
Marriage date and place: June 4, 1876, Providence, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: Jencks, George W.
Father-in-law's dates: 1824-1890
Father-in-law's occupation: Unknown
Mother-in-law's name: Wilbur, Mary Russell
Mother-in-law's dates: 1826-1922
Sons: Gerard D. Jencks (1879-1952), who had daughter Lydia M. (Jencks) Gregory (b.1903)
Daughters: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Good friend Abbie Littlefield. Brother-in-law John Earle, Pawtucket cabinet-maker, and nieces Myra, Lottie and Ruth Earle.
Topical content:
Religious content: Deeply religious. "Praying for help to walk in the light of His countenance through every hour of my earthly pilgrimage, that I may reach at last the city wherein dwelleth no manner of unrighteousness." [1/1/1872] "Have seldom known such a day of peace and rest. All my soul is tuned to praise and prayer." [1/7/1872] "I wish that I could come out from this disgusting body and enjoy the freedom from sin I so desire. I hate and loathe myself for the earth taints that still adhere to me." [6/3/1872]. Was admonished by George and sister for visiting a friend named Cassy; "He cannot understand how my heart goes out to everybody good and holy no manner what their creed." [7/14/1872]
A visit from a cousin, "Cousin Bell, my pretty cousin who has been ten years among the Shakers. She is as winsome as can be." [9/15/1872] "Bell came...she has changed her Shaker garb for the dress of a maiden of the world." [10/11/1872] "Bell came down. She will not go back with her grandfather. After she had finished breakfast, she read me some letters from her Shaker friends which were really very excellent." [10/13/1872] Bell would not listen at all to our proposal of staying. She is determined to go back to the Shakers." [10/15/1872] Also mentioned on 10/1, 10/4, 10/12, 11/28.
Social life: Frequent visits from a mildly annoying musical friend named Henry: "He paced back and forth the sitting room while I swept and dusted, and indulged himself with a description of what he would like to be." [3/16/1872] "When I came back I found George and father quite irate over some foolish nonsense of Henry. It is strange what a boor he is sometimes." [3/28/1872].
Vivid description of wonderful evening with friend Flora B. and her daughter Charlotte, singing songs and discussing philosophy [1/23/1872]
"We have had so much company of late that we are quite worn out and I must confess to a secret feeling of annoyance.' [10/12/1872]
Aging: "Let me thank God with all my heart for making my father's old age so comfortable, so serene, and peaceful." [1/1/1872]
School: Former school teacher, constantly meeting former pupils, who drop by to visit.
Home production: Had quit position as teacher to help with housework after mother's death. Wonderful enthusiastic descriptions of housework. "Dear blessed Father, I can truly write that I am at last reconciled to the place I have been obliged to fill since mother's death." [1/1/1872]
Work outside home: Considering a return to school teaching. "Mr. Wilson called today to see if I wold like to take the school at Woodlawn. I gave him no decided answer." [2/15/1872]
Fashion: "After purchasing the dress Saturday night it seemed too young and stylish for me, so I persuaded Lydia to change her cambric of last summer for it." [6/3/1872]
Food and drink: Description of making walnut candy for father. [1/13/1872]
Race / ethnicity content: Long description of her horrified reaction when a Negro boarded her bus, and then a horrified realization of the evil of her prejudice. "Is it possible that I am so narrow, mean, and petty that I am not willing to ride in the same car as a Negro, and he a clearly well-dressed, well-mannered one?" [1/24/1872]
Class relations: "I walked in [to Providence] on the east pike. At the toll gate I was a little discomfited by a Gypsy encampment but met with no trouble." [11/11/1872]
"There came a rap on the door and before we could answer it there came in a tall thin young man and handed me a paper which read that he was a mute and could not speak English and prayed us to buy a little picture from a package which he had." Father welcomed him in and purchased one for the family. [12/16/1872]
Gender relations: Hattie spends a great deal of time with her close friend George Jencks, a man ten years younger than her, who she married four years later. He may have been her former student. He was apparently the nicest guy in the world. During a big snowstorm, he showed up to shovel the Bennett walk, but knowing it was late and the father being ill, he didn't even come inside to visit. [1/18/1872] Hattie's Aunt Mary, however, "thinks that George will not always be such a true and tender friend to me as now. By and by, she says he will marry and then the golden cords that bind us heart to heart will be broken. Well, perhaps she may be right, but if he is only happy I am sure I shall not grieve." [2/18/1872] Things did get rocky on occasion: "For almost the first time in his life [George][ has much displeased me." [4/27/1872] "Talked with George this noon... I still feel hard and bitter." [4/28/1872] "George is in ill-favor with me tonight. He frets and annoys me very much lately." [5/8/1872] They worked out their differences, and her last thoughts of the year are to wonder "How can I help to thank God with all my heart for this great blessing with which he has crowned my life. Help me, oh help me my father in heaven, to be to him ever his dearest earthly helper." [12/31/1872] They were married three years later.
"Henry was in this afternoon for a chat of an hour or more. Among other matters we discussed women friendships, and he agreed with me that they are very rare. Those usually called by the name being a sentimental illusion that any little spite or jealousy may dissolve." [1/8/1872]
"How refreshing it is in these degenerate days to meet with a woman outside of one's chosen circle whose mind is not altogether led captive by dress and fashion." [1/22/1872]
Progress: Not completely upset by the rapidly developing industrial skyline of Pawtucket. "Coming along the garden walk, I could not but notice what beautiful hues the rising smoke from the manufacturing chimneys below assumed." [1/6/1872] Attention was heavenward again, to witness the aurora borealis on 10/14/1872.
Arts and culture: Fond of church music and literature. Frequently has guests over to sing and play piano. Reads Shakespeare to father [8/8/1872]
Geographical and architectural: In general, many vivid descriptions of Pawtucket landscape. "I walked down to the new bridge. Everything is changing in this location. All the beauty that adorned it in my childhood has disappeared forever." [1/24/1872] Re bridge at Exchange Street: "I do not like the bridge across that part of the river and never shall. It has thoroughly spoiled the most beautiful hill in the world." [9/7/1872] Workmen over to build fence at house [7/8/1872]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 292
Collection title: Harriet F. Bennett Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 8" x 5"
Condition: Good, but half is disbound
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Complete typescript available with collection. Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 1, Reel 17.
Provenance: 1993. 157. 1-, gift of Elizabeth Allen
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
Browne, William B. Genealogy of the Jenks Family in America... (Concord, N.H.: Rumford Press, 1952), pages 186, 189, 310.
Rhode Island Cemetery Index
Unsigned research notes donated with collection
Subject headings:
Bennett, Job B. (1803-1877)
Diaries - 1872
Jencks, George D. (1845-1925)
Pawtucket, R.I. - Social life and customs
Shakers
Notes on the Marion Knowlton Diary
Entries dated 1937 to 1938
Biographical:
Name at birth: Knowlton, Marion
Birthdate and place: November 10, 1906 in Providence, RI
Death date and place: May 15, 2002 in Cranston, RI
Age range during diary: 32
Residence during diary: Cranston, RI
Places written: Cranston, Providence, RI; Florida; New York City
Biographical note: Marion Knowlton was born in Providence and lived there or in Cranston her entire life. She lived with her family most of her life. After their parents died she and her sister Mildred D. lived together in Cranston. Neither of the sisters married. Marion started working in 1930 as a Secretary for the Providence Council. In 1933 she is listed in the Providence City Directory as a field captain for the Providence Council, a position she maintains until about 1937. She worked for the John F. Street Co. starting in 1938 as a stenographer in the Industrial Fund Building in downtown Providence. Her leisure time as described in the diary consisted of socializing with friends and family. They played Bridge quite a bit, she sang in a choir and they attended Grace Church. The family owned a house on Cedar Tree Point which they rented. They seemed to be quite comfortable. Marion could afford to take a nice vacation to Florida for 2 weeks at the end of August. She sees a man named Jerry on Mondays at noon and they eat lunch or go to Grace Church. She does not seem to be romantically attached to him as she does not socialize with him other than on Mondays. She never married and died in Providence at the age of 95. At the time of her death she was living at a nursing home called the Scandinavian Home in Cranston, RI.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Working class
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 323
Exact dates: Dec. 31, 1937 - Dec. 31, 1938
Frequency of entries: Daily with a gap from 9/23 - 11/9
How was author identified?: The diary is not signed by the author and she never gives a hint about her family's last name. The author was identified by using her family's birth dates as recorded by Marion in the diary. It becomes clear while reading the diary that her sister is Mildred and she was 40 years old on May 13, 1938 so she was born in 1898. Using Ancestry.com I searched in the Rhode Island Births, 1636-1920 database for Mildred and the date 1898. The database gave me the names of Mildred's parents and I was able to verify the identity of everyone from that information. The inscription on the inside cover of the book refers to a woman known as Mother Margaret Diggs who lived in Elmhurst. Marion and her family visit her and another woman named Mother Farrell on July 15, 1938. The diary was originally owned by Margaret Diggs but she didn't use it so she gave it to Marion. I surmise that Diggs may be the maiden name of Marion's grandmother on her father's side but I have been unable to verify that fact.
Brief description: Diary of 32 year old unmarried working class woman living in Cranston, RI
Writing quality: The entries are short and give the very basic information about her day. She rarely expresses emotions but rather gives a factual account of her activities. The handwriting is readable but very difficult in spots.
Utility for research: This diary simply reveals the everyday activities of a young unmarried woman who works in an office and lives with her family. She does not do anything dramatic nor does she reveal any inner emotions. But, it is a great example of a comfortable working class family.
Related papers at RIHS:
Family members:
Father's name: George D. Knowlton
Father's dates: June 19, 1872 - 1952
Mother's name: Florence M. Baker
Mother's dates: May 22, 1872 - 1951
Sisters: Mildred D. Knowlton, May 13, 1898 - Dec. 1983
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Priscilla Miller, Adelaide Dillon, Mildred Knowlton
Topical content:
Events discussed: "most [?]ntiful [illegible] of northern lights . ." [1/25] "Mil[dred] & I went to First Baptist & heard Mr. HG Wells - cartoonist draw & tell of China & Japan war Predicted China would win. grand talker" [1/30/] "Eve. we all went to see and hear Helen Keller at the Metropolitan. I donated $1.00 to the Am. Ass'n for the Blind." [3/6] "Day was dark. [illegible] hurricane & tidal wave struck Providence. Mildred came in my office on 3rd floor of Industrial Fund Bldg just before 5 p.m. Mother alone at home - Dad down to Cedar Tree. Watched flood in Exchange Place until 9:45. Water receded as fast as it came up when tide turned at 7 p.m. Walked up Westminster St. [illegible] got bus on Broad & Empire. Home at 10:45 p.m. Adelaid telephoned at 11:45 all O.K." [9/21] "Reported for work but stayed only few hours - had to walk up 3 flights drove to see Dad at C.T.P. garage off foundation - tree down cooked supper on Hazel D[illegible] stove Read by candlelight Bed early" [9/22]
Religious content: "had charge of devotions at missionary guild meeting at Esther Phillips house - Theme Be doers - not hearers only." [2/11] "We all went to Peoples' Church." [2/13] "First day of lent . . . Eve. Mildred & I Esther Dunklee & father went to Grace Church" [3/2] "Eve. we all went to New Prov. Church Union Meeting - all 5 ministers took part. Pierce preached Miss Dillon was present. Pierce lovely smile not long winded."[3/31] "We all 4 went to 4th Church for Communion" [4/14]
Social life: She is often invited to parties where the women play Bridge and try to win prizes. "Eve. Mildred & I went to Miller's 2 tables of bridge - Evelyn Poyse, Mrs. Bates, Ben[?] Johnson, & Cora Newman. I won first prize - lovely white lace handkerchief." [2/12] "Mildred sent me Val. at office - small heart box of candy at supper. I didn't try to do anything for Valentines Day" [2/14] "Went to Marion Montgomery's Farewell party for Charlotte Waters - leaving March 1st for 4H Club work at Ithica, N.Y. Handkerchief shower." [2/16] "Eve. I went to Military Whist at Post House" [5/11] "Then visited Gregson's cellar - lovely - played Ping Pong. Mildred beat me 21-17." [6/10] "Went to Ted Hilton's Camp - Elm Hide Away at Moosup. Com. 75+ miles from Prov. Nice house - 5 rooms - twin bed maple finished. Turkey supper. Played Ping Pong. Went Canoeing on Salmon River. Watched dancing - Orchestra from Hartford came & played . . .about 200 in camp." [6/18] "Evening Went to Dog Races a dog track in Taunton. All 4 of us went. Pd 10¢ a piece to go in. [Mun's?] [?] between races. Lots of fun. Had no betting. Home 11:30" [7/13] "Eve. we all 4 went to visit Elmhurst 7-8 pm saw Mother Margaret Diggs who showed us all around visited with Mother Farrell. Afterward visited the Wonder Car Largest Museum on Wheels. Very good - it was in front of Sondager's free tickets to go in." [7/15]
Family: "Dad painted his room so Mildred & I slept together in my room - Dad & Mother in her room." [3/8] The family owns a house on Cedar Tree Point which they are fixing up to rent. "Rode down to C.T.P. to see Dad" [5/19] "Mother's birthday Stayed home and got dinner. Gave her curtains for kitchen - corselettes & stockings with Mildred. Belle & Cliff Knowlton stopped in for an hour - got down to C.T.Point late a late dinner for Dad." [5/22] "around 10pm planned to go to C.T. Point to see Dad. Glad we did because he was expecting us and quite lonesome & blue. We stayed until after 11." [6/8] "Finished writing rules for Tydol Safety Contest. Typed them and took mine Dad's & Mildred's to post office at midnight" [7/6] "Dad went and got lent payment of $150.00 from the Hendersons" [7/17] "Put Christmas presents under tree at midnight. Dad got mad because I found Mother present. Cried like a baby. Too bad he gets so mad!" [12/24]
Health: "Got the curse felt quite tired all day" [2/23] "Got curse!" [11/27]
Home production: She made a lot of her own clothes and she worked on those projects frequently worked in the evening in addition to her weaving. "Eve. did some weaving."[1/10] "Did quit a lot of knitting on turquoise dress."[2/5] "Hattie Mama came over & we took off my first piece of weaving" [2/14] "Started weaving again" [11/19]
Work outside home: "Work went pretty good Mr. Sherman called me in and we went over my 13 orders of Fri. He said they were good got thru at 5 p.m. for a change." [1/10] "Mr. Sherman bawled me out about Newburger[?] specifications. After everybody left I burst out crying. Priscilla & I worked until 7:00 o'clock. Brought home warp book and order balances to work on. worked until 11 pm Mildred helped me add the columns. Felt pretty bad about Mr. Sherman's call down - no real fault of my own." [2/3] "Work went better - Mr. Sherman never referred to our bad time. I had everything all figured out for him got to work at 8:15. worked until 6 pm." [2/4] "Mr. Sherman called me in his office 1. Talked too much 2. Too sure of myself - justified myself too much - answer with a question 2/3 successful - until April 1st to tell my judgement" [2/25] "talk with Mr. Sherman about [?]ling" [4/1] "Did billing & delivery letters. Little discouraged about letters." [4/12] "Started to do billing in the office all alone." [5/5] "Busy day in office for Mr. Kelley so I did nothing all day." [7/1] "Head Bookkeeper!!" [7/11] "Got Bosses who are tight and have no Christmas Spirit - Just wished us all a Merry Christmas" [12/23]
Fashion: "Mother & I sewed and finished metal blouse . ." [1/1] "Metropolitan Community Concert . . . Miss Jepson blond - wore hair in curls top of her head wore black velvet trimmed with black & white fur around bottom. Carried white muff with black tails. Wore lots of pearls." [1/4] "Metropolitan Theater first Festival Chorus Concert for me. . . Wore black satin skirt and metal blouse together for first time. Solist [sic] Josephine Antoine soprano. She was lovely - Wore royal blue net dress. Tore it going off stage." [1/9] "Lost my rabbit's wool scarf." [3/6]
Food and drink: "Mother's Day. Had breakfast in oven overnight - muffins & sausages. All went to SS school. Dinner - chicken, cranberry sauce, onions, turnips, potatoes, carrot cabbage, jellied sallad, cornstarch custard pudding with strawberry" [5/8] "Work - came home for dinner & had ice cream. Had ice cream paddle pop when I got back at work" [6/7] "Drove over to East Providence & got Paddle Pops at Kelley's spa 5¢" [6/9]
Gender relations: She goes to lunch frequently with a man named Jerry but does not seem to do anything else with him in the form of a date. They do start to go in March to Grace Church at noon on Mondays. "Mother & I went to "Tune - In" Operetta at People's Church. Jack Carroll was very good as a lover." [2/25] "Jerry & I went to Grace Church at noon." [3/14]
Arts and culture: "Read a whole book - 'The Anointed" Clyde B. Davis" [1/2]
Travel: "Mildred & I called on Louise Kelley who talked about her hostel trip in 7 different countries." [1/19] She and Mildred and some friends go on vacation to Florida 8/20 - 9/4 . They go by boat from Boston to NYC to Savannah where they get a bus to Jacksonville, FL. They visit Ocala, Silver Springs, St. Petersburg, Miami and Daytona. On the way home they take a bus back to Savannah and get on the SS Birmingham to sail back to Boston by way of NYC.
Geographical and architectural: "drove down to East Greenwich looked [th?] Model House - Chamber of Commerce 25¢ chance Easter Monday drawing $8,000 house or $6,000 cash We want the cash.." [4/10] "Visited All Electric House on Drowne Parkway $13,800 Lovely house." [4/12] "had to stay up until 11 pm to hear who won the $6,000 or house at East Greenwich." [4/18] "Eve. Brought Mr. & Mrs. Boyden over to see garden and then took them down to Cedar Tree Point and Mr. Boyden put up kitchen light." [6/1]
Organizations: "Eve 5&20 club met at Alice Desmond's Edith Browley talked on 5&20 Princesses. We were all crowned princesses. I read the scripture reading" [4/20] "5&20 club went to Dexters took supper in May Baskets" [5/1] "5&20 club at Marjorie [?] Pauline Barrow Hughes talked & showed us movies of her trip to Peru. We picked her up & took her. gave her corsage of yellow roses & lily of valley. She brought lot of things to see." [5/18] "Bought food for picnic outing at Ethel Mae Duff's & Berger Michell's [?] camp at Scituate - 5&20 club" [6/4] "Joined Red Cross" [11/24]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-K
Collection title: Marion Knowlton Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 3.5" x 5.5"
Condition: Excellent - the leather cover has some scuff marks but the binding is in good condition.
Provenance: 2003. 18, purchased from Michael G. Pistocco
Cataloged by Karen Eberhart, March 2003
Bibliography:
Ancestry.com - Database of Rhode Island Births, Deaths and Marriages, 1636-1920
Subject headings:
Diaries, 1938
Knowlton family - Rhode Island
Knowlton, Mildred D. (1898-1983)
Hurricanes - Rhode Island - 1938
Notes on the Edna L. Kroener Diaries
Entries dated 1908 to 1921
Biographical:
Name at birth: Kroener, Edna L.
Birthdate and place: March 27, 1890, New York City
Death date and place: November 8, 1983, Wakefield, R.I.
Age range during diary: 18, 25, 31
Residence during diary: Wakefield, R.I.
Places written: 1908-1909: Vassar College, Poughkipsee, N.Y.; brief vacation in Wakefield, R.I.
1915: Webster Lake, near Franklin, N.H.; and Canada: Montreal, Chicoutimi, Quebec City.
1921: Trip to Lake George, New York.
Biographical note: Daughter of a Rhode Island banker, she was a member of the Class of 1911 at Vassar College. She went on to teach German at her hometown high school for four years, then taught economics at Vassar until 1920. She later worked as a secretary in the Wakefield school department, and never married.
Ethnicity: German / Yankee
Religion of diarist: Congregationalist
Social class: Middle - upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 2
Number of pages: 101, 43 pages
Exact dates: September 17, 1908 - January 29, 1909; July 10 - July 27, 1915; July 13 - July 19, 1921
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Spirited diary of Vassar sophomore committed to suffrage movement and flirting with socialism; also travel diary from later in life.
Writing quality: Excellent; detailed, emotional, honest and expressive.
Utility for research: The Vassar diary is an important find, and would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in socialism, the suffrage movement, female friendships or life at womens' colleges at the turn of the century. The travel diary is much better than most of its genre, and its descriptions of Montreal are worthwhile reading.
Related papers at RIHS: The Edna Kroener Papers contain only these two diaries, the 1910 Vassar yearbook, and Kroener's personal annotated copy of the Communist Manifesto.
Family members:
Father's name: Kroener, George A.
Father's dates: 1861-1948
Father's occupation: Assistant treasurer, Wakefield Trust Company
Mother's name: Carpenter, Annie B.
Mother's dates: 1862-1938
Brothers: Frederick R. Kroener
Sisters: None
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: At Vassar, 1908: Kroener's closet friend was Grace (Barnet?). The central character, though is socialist firebrand / heart-throb Inez (Inez Milholland, class of 1909? See 1/16/1909). From reading this diary, one would assume that Inez went on to create a utopian feminist state somewhere. Diary also mentions German-born grandfather George A. Kroener Sr. (1829-1910) and grandmother Annie Carpenter (1830-?). In 1915, she is traveling with a friend named Helen.
Topical content:
Events discussed: While at Vassar, frequently discusses dedication to suffrage movement. Confusing but energetic account of an older student named Inez returning from England who told "perfectly thrilling" stories of her suffrage work there, and said "Two parties, Suffragists and Suffragettes. Suffragists is them what wants the vote; Suffragists is them what gets it." [10/4/1908]. Vassar held mock elections for president and was abuzz with politics [11/3, 11/4/1908]. See also 9/27/1908, 10/2/1908. "Muriel & I went up to ask Inez about woman's rights in England. She was very nice to us." (followed by a long description) [1/12/1909]. "Muriel sat up all night with Marion Crampton writing her story 'A Suffragette'... We went downtown to carry it to Miss Warren... Found her in a yellow house opposite the fountain in Market Street living with Miss Wylie, somebody else, and a little bull dog." [1/14, 1/16/1909] Long poem to fellow suffragette Inez Milholland [1/16/1909]. Lengthy description of suffrage meeting at YWCA in Poughkipsee [1/22/1908].
Less political in later diary. While on vacation in Montreal, received "a letter from home this morning telling about the Wakefield Suffrage elections" [7/15/1915] In Montreal, "those who we met were primed with war talk, and all anxious for U.S. to help. I let it be known, that such was not my hope." [7/24/1915]
Snuck in to see Hughes campaign for New York Democratic party office, got campaign material. [10/17/1908]. Saw presidential candidates William H. Taft and William J. Bryan speak; Bryan, of course, had "wonderful personality and oratory." [10/27, 10/28/1908]
Religious content: Not very religious during time of diaries. Expresses impatience with mandatory chapel at Vassar.
Social life: Active social life at Vassar, centering mainly on socialist meetings and late-night talks with friends.
Family: Not much mention of family. Father visits at Vassar, 11/1908. "Two letters from home. One in German from Grandpa - lovely." [10/22/1908]
School: Detailed account of life at Vassar College. Between passages on socialism, suffrage and her friends, there is also a great deal of more mundane information on her classes and professors.
Fashion: Fashion and hairstyles frequently discussed.
Food and drink: Ate "delicious blackberries and cream" at Nardini's Restaurant in Concord, N.H. [7/14/1915] In Providence, "A fine dinner at King Fong's" [7/19/1921]
Race / ethnicity content: On a train ride, "got in seat with a fat Italian woman who had been feasting on garlic and onions all day and who sat all over me. So I changed as soon as possible." [12/19/1908]
Class relations: Dabbles with Socialism. "Alice Cheyenne over. Trying to turn us into Socialists." [10/15/1908] "Stopped in 426 on the way back and looked over the Socialist platform. Decided not to join." [10/16/1908] "Went to Socialist meeting in Freshman parlor. Read and discussed the party platform... Asked us to come socially - ghastly pun. She argues generalities when you try to corner her. I can understand why she is a good bluffer." [10/18/1908]. "Out to Socialist rally in circle. Ruth Flainger = Debs." [10/22/1908]. "Went and signed up in 426 on general principles. The grand debate this eve. Wore my red dress and consequently was picked out..." [10/23/1908] Meeting in 426 [10/25/1908]. "Inez...is not continuing her Soc. class much longer - onto the fact that it consists largely of crushes." [10/27/1908] 50 Vassar girls voted for Debs in mock election [11/4/1908]. "Went to Socialist meeting at 2 o'clock. Took Elsa along." [11/21/1908] "Read Socialist Review" [11/27/1908]. "Mary Gaven says they are thinking of giving up the Socialist Meetings. Alice C is disgusted with them. Well! I don't think they went at it right! Of course they won't get any results!" [11/30/1908]. Article about hero Inez in Poughkipsee Sun, titled "Hail, High-brow Socialists" [1/16/1909]
On vacation in Montreal: "We went through the worst horrible slums, in leaving, that it has ever been my lot to see. Filthy, ramshackle, blinds hanging by the eyelids, glimpses of awful interiors. One building had been gutted by fire, still had families living there. Montreal impresses me as a dreadful city - such wretched homes, poor schools, except the Catholic, no child labor laws, smoky and bad. There surely is work to be done here!" [7/21/1915]
Gender relations: We finally see some of the legendary intense female friendships that are absent from the other diaries. "Discovered that Belle Davis is crushed on Grace... Belle down. Awfully rude but I did tantalize her... Called on Belle to find the answer to my question. She's crazy!" [10/10, 10/11/1908] "Have a little crush - Marion Drum. Ate some of her cake." [10/13/1908]. "Went back and staid all night with Grace... She and I are the best and dearest friends and always will be." [10/18/1908]. "Muriel persuaded Rachel to sleep with her. G & I slept together. All four talked till 12. She and I till much later." [11/6/1908] "Saw something I love in a brown dress that I love coming from the library." [11/11/1908]. "Stopped in to say hello to Grace. Found her in bed with a very immodest nightie on." [11/18/1908]. "Louise Miller told me today that she's changing her opinion of Inez and her beauty. I can't understand why it is that people don't like her at first glance, but she certainly does grow on you." [12/9/1908] "Saw Inez with her man. She evidently took him to class. Am getting horribly jealous and suspicious of the creature - the man, I mean." [12/10/1908] Told Inez "You're as beautiful as an angel and you know it - waxed quite dippy." [12/12/1908]. Quotes long poem by friend Muriel re Inez's charms and glorious feminist ideals. [1/16/1909] Finally talks with the legendary Inez at length for the first time, about feminism and socialism [1/17/1909]. "Muriel bothered the life out of me. Refused to go home. We had a good tussle. Finally I discovered my bedclothes on the floor, so I went down and slept with her. She locked me in and then forgot where the key was." [1/22/1909]
Travel: 1915: Interesting trip to New Hampshire and French Canada with friend Helen. Including long steamboat trip to Chicoutimi. 1921: Not very interesting trip to Lake George, N.Y. with "family", including Anna.
Organizations: "Fellow traveler" in Socialist Party at Vassar.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 525
Collection title: Edna L. Kroener Papers
Location within the collection:
Size: 8" x 5"
Condition: Fair; 1909 diary has some damaged fragile pages.
Graphic content: Has drawn a small flag reading "Votes for Women" [9/27/1908].
Provenance: 1991. 113. 1-, gift of Naomi Lamoreaux
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read both volumes in entirety
Bibliography:
Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing, 1932), volume 4, p. 307-308.
Vassarion XXII (Poughkipsee, N.Y.: Vassar College, 1910)
Obituary in Narragansett Times, November 10, 1983, p. 11B.
The Kroener family entry in the 1900 U.S. Census, South Kingstown, E.D. 239, p. 18 is largely at odds with all other known evidence.
Subject headings:
Canada - Description and travel
Diaries - 1908-1921
Milholland, Inez (b. circa 1888)
Socialism - New York
Suffragettes - New York
Women - Education
Vassar College
Notes on the Florence Bayard (Lockwood) LaFarge Diary
Entries dated 1901 to 1938
Biographical:
Name at birth: Lockwood, Florence Bayard
Name after marriage: LaFarge, Florence Bayard (Lockwood)
Birthdate and place: April 5, 1864 Wilmington, Delaware
Death date and place: September 18, 1944 Saunderstown, RI
Age range during diary: 37 - 74
Residence during diary: New York City and Saunderstown, RI
Places written: Saunderstown, Rhode Island
Biographical note: Native of Wilmington, Delaware, then lived for many years in New York City during her married life. Spent summers in Saunderstown, Rhode Island beginning around 1901 and settled there permanently from the mid to late 1930s until her death in 1944. Her husband was a very well-known architect and they had three sons and one daughter. She was active in many civic and charitable activities and counted Theodore Roosevelt and Owen Wister as close friends.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Episcopalian
Social class: Upper class
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 135
Exact dates: October 1 1901 - 1938
Frequency of entries: In the first few years of the diary, 1901-1912, she writes between 2 and 12 entries per year. After 1912 the structure changes. She will write two or three long dated entries and then she will write a summary of the events of that year.
How was author identified?: Signed on the cover
Brief description: LaFarge writes detailed accounts of the weather and information about her plantings. She also includes extensive information on the local life (people and events) of Saunderstown. There is also detailed description on real estate transactions. Very little written about national events. There are brief statements about how WWI is impacting the town, how the depression is affecting the town, and occasional statements about liquor smuggling and bootlegging during prohibition (early 20s).
Writing quality: Good. Very descriptive of local people and town events.
Related papers at RIHS: One can find articles and books in the reference department pertaining to LaFarge's husband, sons, and father-in-law.
Family members:
Father's name: Lockwood, Benoni
Father's dates: 1834-1909
Father's occupation: Son of a Providence East India trader, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1852 with a BA, Dept. of Arts and an A.M. in 1854. He went to war in 1861, became a major in 1863, and resigned in 1864. He then became a resident of New York and was the first non-Rhode Islander to establish a summer residence in Saunderstown. This began the influx of summer residents to the town, which then became a literary and artistic summer colony.
Mother's name: Lockwood, Florence (Bayard)
Mother's dates: b. March 4, 1842
Brothers: Benoni, 1866-1952
Sisters: Francis Willing Lockwood (b. July 17, 1869), married to Henry Wharton
Husband's name: LaFarge, Christopher Grant
Husband's dates: 1862-1938
Husband's occupation: Architect - known for his many ecclesiastical commissions. Also, drew up the plans for the Willett Library in Saunderstown. Usually referred to as Grant.
Marriage date and place: unknown
Father-in-law's name: LaFarge, John
Father-in-law's dates: 1835-1910
Father-in-law's occupation: Painter, stained glass artist, and one of America's foremost mural decorators.
Mother-in-law's name: LaFarge, Margaret Mason (Perry)
Sons: Christopher (1897-1956); Oliver (1901-1963); and Francis. Christopher and Oliver were published authors. Oliver won a Pulitzer Prize and was one of the most important American ethnologists of his time.
Daughters: Margaret, m. William Osborn in 1917
Other persons frequently mentioned: Mabel and Bancel (brother and sister-in-law); Owen Wister (friend/neighbor); Christopher Rose (employee); Thomas Artist (employee); Adolphe Borie (townsperson); John Straight (townsperson); Emma Briggs (townsperson); and Walter Green (townsperson). She mentions many other local people from time to time.
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Wharton family all go to France for War Service. Wilfred Matteson drawn in draft for National Army. West Passage closed by submarine net at South Ferry." [Events of 1917] “Has been an immense amount of rum running all winter, here and at South Ferry.” [6/3/1923] “...unveiling of the three monuments on Exeter Hill. A simple and extremely nice little ceremony with short speeches and a strange hymn impressively sung by Chief Occam who is the 6th descendant of Uncas who killed Miantonomi. Great courtesy was shown the Indians present... about 100 people present...All North Kingston people. No Hazards.” [10/28/1923]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "We are all saddened by Mrs. Sam Kelly's death at the birth of a daughter, leaving the three children, the eldest boy crippled by infantile paralysis..." [1914]. "Mrs. Joe Eaton has a daughter born after eight years of marriage" [Events of 1914]. "Joe Wright marries Nina Barber and she becomes a Catholic" [Events of 1915]. "Thomas Artist dies" [Events of 1916]. "Gardiner daughter Marian born July 2" [1917 Events]. "Harold Eaton has married Gladys Garlick but she is still living with her mother & he with his." [3/23/1921]
Religious content: Makes occasional references to religion in general. "New Baptist Church consecrated here." [8/10/1902] "I get my land, 1 3/4 acres, for 1,000 because I already bought Carpenter land, because I have not enclosed my south acre but left it free to be strolled through, because I have married a Roman Catholic, but am an Episcopalian, because all these things matter to Miss Mary Carpenter and to me for that matter." [10/9/1902] She was also active in helping to restore the Old South Ferry Church in 1927.
Social life: "Mr. and Mrs. LaFarge request the pleasure of your company at a Garden Party on Friday July the Fourth from five until six o'clock."[1911] "The LaFarges gave a dance in the stable." [Events of 1913]. "Library performance at Fireman's Hall give up because of infantile paralysis." [Events of 1916]
Family: Occasionally mentions family, however, she mostly talks about neighbors, townspeople, and local happenings. "Francis [sister] has gone home to Phila. leaving the Garlick purchase to be completed by me." [10/3/1902] "Mabel and Bancel LaFarge [brother and sister-in-law] have agreed with Mrs. Alonzo Gardner (Emily B. Watson) to buy some land on her shore." [9/21/1903] . "Grant and Kipper brought 4 nice trout from Queen's River." [3/8/1911] . "Francis LaFarge, Owen Wister and I took off the signs on the high road this year and then after enforcing the law against advertisements went to Romano's..." [Events 1926]
Marriage: Discussion of a young girl (14) who had just gotten married because she was pregnant. Florence says “...saw Mrs Sherman [mother-on-law] and arranged with Dr. Henry to look after her and said that I would pay for her confinement at the South County Hospital...The baby was born early in September and fortunately it was a girl...I have tried to have her go to the birth control clinic as it is important for her not to have another child in another year, but as Mrs. Sherman is a Catholic and intends to make Marian one they refuse to let her go and thats that.” [1935].
Aging: Discussion on the new Poor Farm in Doughnut Hollow. "A nice clean house...4 old men, 5 old women. Pretty sad really, but could be worse." [11/16/1922]
Health: "This has been a prosperous summer for S'town. Every house full, everyone busy, no infantile paralysis - hotel full." [10/7/1916] "Jamestown declares quarantine on August 1st to all children under 16 years of age. Also, Fort Greble on account of poliomyelitis." [Events 1916] Note to Nantucket Dairy patrons - “willing to service residents of Barbour Heights, Saunderstown and Bonnett Point with milk from tuberculin tested herds...any new or extra milk will come from accredited herds.” [1927]
Home production: Picked wild plums for jelly and thorn apple, the first great success...the second which I am told make a sort of Guava paste, we got too late, they were wormy and meally... all wild fruit scarce this year partly owing to the severe easterly storms..."[9/16/1903]
Work outside home: "In May drain built for hotel, which was shingled, fire escapes and new supports added. [Events of 1913] "Saw new P.O. with Thompson in charge. They held a civil service competition for 4th class P.O. last year and Thompson ran against Miss Briggs who has had it ever since there was one, 1893 - and won it." [1915]
Food and drink: "John Straight give us a ripe peach today in his hen yard. The earliest Rhode Island peach that I have seen." [7/15/1911] "Thanks to Mr. Spencer I have had some strawberries, corn, cucumbers, squash and pumpkins of my own." [Events of 1913]
Race / ethnicity content: Discussion of Thomas Artist (African-American): "The other men working here are Thomas Artist, the only coloured man in the place and the most liked and respected man in this community..." [10/23/1901] "Position in this community is so entirely that of an equal, often of a superior...He served in the Rhode Island Battery #14 in Louisiana in the close of the Civil War." [10/24/1901] "Cornerstone of the Library set. All most successful. Interracial quarrels are revealed in this notice and still rage." (9/11/1903)
Community: "Complete registration of the state - male and female Saunderstown taken by Mrs. LaFarge." [Events of 1917] "These are hard months and potato plants are beyond reach. Fortunately our community has corn meal to fall back on."[1917]
Labor: "Strike on Ferry boat for more pay successful." [Events of 1917]
Class relations: "My Swiss Gardner and his wife are working well." [4/8/1911] "This has been a most successful summer for the place. Hotel crowded, every cottage taken and good rents. It would suit us all well if it had no one here, but our own friends." [10/18/1920]
Gender relations: Discussion of her neighbor Ally Gardner: "I rather like her, which must be a case of pure personality for everything I know of her is unattractive...When about 27 she married Albert Gardner, aged 17...she never allows him to speak to any woman and when he does so locks him up or whips him. At intervals of about a year he runs away and then for from 2 to 3 months gradual rapproachment takes place..." [10/23/1901] "Bessie Watson (type French peasant wide blue eyes drives a plough and handles a team of steer like a man." [9/15/1902]
Progress: "Our one radical improvement is putting in electricity...all underground wires. Done when told it was impossible. [11/18/1922]
Arts and culture: "No Fireworks Fair this year." [Events of 1915] "Performance of "17" by Peggy and Mary." [Events of 1917] "Revival of that mid-Victorian game of croquet..." [Events of 1919]
Travel: "Arrived for the summer. Children come on the 15th." [May 16, 1905] "I came for good early in May and stayed until November." [1917] "Mrs. Biddle and her daughters travel to Europe." [Events of 1921]
Geographical and architectural: "Large addition to Mr. Deems house." [Events of 1919] "The LaFarge house trim is painted. Old part of Wharton piazza rebuilt." [Events of 1921]
Organizations: "Grange meeting in Hannah Robinson's house parlour. Mrs. LaFarge and Miss C. Biddle initiated to 1st & 2nd degrees. [Events of 1920]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 531
Collection title: Florence Bayard LaFarge Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 7 1/2" x 10"
Condition: Poor. Readable, but paper is brittle and pages are no longer attached to the binding. Use transcription.
Graphic content: Original diary contains some photos, postcards, and newspaper clippings attached to various entries. Most of the diary is handwritten (1901-1931) and the rest typed. There are also some typed summaries inserted elsewhere in the diary.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): A transcription has been provided for research purposes as the diary is too fragile to be handled.
Provenance: 1987. 35, gift of W.E.R. LaFarge
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, October, 2000
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging?
Bibliography:
Cortissoz, Royal. John LaFarge. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1911.
Holden, Frederic A. & E. Dunbar Lockwood. Genealogy of the Lockwood Family, 1630-1888, 524, 615-616. Philadelphia: printed privately by the family, 1889.
Jordy, William H. & Christopher P. Monkhouse. Buildings on Paper: RI Architectural Drawings, 1825-1945, 221. Providence: Brown University, 1982.
Obituary of Christopher Grant LaFarge, Narragansett Times (Wakefield, RI), October 14, 1938, p. 4.
Obituary of Florence B. LaFarge, Narragansett Times (Wakefield, RI), September 22, 1944, p. 5.
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Statewide Historical Preservation Report W-NK-1, 29. Providence: RI Historical Preservation Commission, 1979.
Vexler, Robert. Rhode Island: A Chronology and Documentary Handbook, 46. Dobbs Ferry, NY: Oceana Publications, 1979.
Subject headings:
African-Americans - R.I. - North Kingstown
Artist, Thomas
Depressions - 1929 - United States - Rhode Island
Diaries, 1901-1938
Gardner, Albert
Gardner, Ally
Gilbert Stuart House
Real property - R.I. - North Kingstown
Planting (Plant culture)- R.I. - North Kingstown
Poliomyelitis - R.I. - North Kingstown
Prohibition - R.I. - North Kingstown
North Kingstown, R.I. - Social life and customs
Wharton, Francis (Lockwood)
Wister, Owen
Notes on the Mehitable (Pearce) Latham Diary
Entries dated 1831 to 1833
Biographical:
Name at birth: Pearce, Mehitable
Name after marriage: Latham, Mehitable (Pearce)
Birthdate and place: April 3 1770, Johnston, RI
Death date and place: May 1 1843, North Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 60 - 63
Residence during diary: Johnston, R.I.
Places written: Johnston, R.I.
Biographical note: Apparently a widowed woman taking in boarders.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Middle?
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 24
Exact dates: January 14 to December 25 1831, and April 28 1833
Frequency of entries: Very sporadic, about one per month through 1831
How was author identified?: Identification is tentative, perhaps 75% certain. The name Sally Thornton appears on the cover, but two of the entries are signed "M Latham" (April 4 and December 28 1831). From the context of the diary, the author is likely a woman (judging by the number of female friends and correspondents mentioned), likely older (judging by comments about weather records), and probably a widow (parting ways with at least one boarder on April 4). The boarder, Nelson Rose, appears on the same page with Mehitable Latham in the 1830 Census for Johnston, page 320. This Mehitable Latham's biography seems to fit the bill. But the information in the diary is scarce enough to defy firm proof.
Brief description: Very sparse, sporadic and hastily written diary inscribed in the margins of an almanac. Identification very uncertain.
Writing quality: Nearly illegible
Utility for research: Minimal
Family members:
Father's name: Pearce, Ephraim
Mother's name: Manton, Phebe
Husband's name: Latham, Rowland
Husband's dates: Living in 1800, not in 1830
Sons: Thomas William Latham (1792-1859)
Daughters: One daughter, per 1800 census?
Topical content:
[Complete text of diary]:
Feb th8 1831 this day received a letter from Sally Lumsden
Aug [indecipherable] had a letter from Sally Lumsden
May the 29th this day heard of the [?]
Com at auction Sally Lath [?]
Decem 2 snoes lite
26 Jan Mary Haux went from hear to go to her husband
January th14 1831 3 snoes now it is the first of February it now snoes
[February] snoe in some plases is 20 feet deep the greatest quantity of snoe that has bin for many years
12 day of April 1831 snoe covered the ground very cold frose at our well
April th4 1831 this day Nelson Rose moved from my house M Latham
May th 29 and 30 the hotist days I ever knew in this month this makes [5?] days exstra hot [text gone]
29 June this day sent a letter to Sally L
April th20 1831 this day runs a brook by my door from the pond at the school house. I never new the warter so high at this time of the year before
[aug] th7 1813 this [text missing] day in the month very hot to the 20 then cool
Aug th7 1831 this day as cold a day as I ever saw in August
Aug 15th 1831 as hot a day as I ever knew
Received Sally's letter Nov th2 1831
Novem 7th 1831 this day sent a letter to Sally Lumsd[en?]
Dec th3 1831 we have had a snoes storm
Dec th25 this is the first warm day since the month cum in it is now more [indecipherable]
1833 26 28 April hard frost
28 frose ice in my home M Latham
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-L
Collection title: Mehitable (Pearce) Latham Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 7.5" x 4.5"
Condition: Fair. Margins trimmed, with some loss of text.
Graphic content: Written in margins of The Rhode Island Almanac for 1831.
Provenance: 2001. 24, purchased from Guy T. Bishop
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, June 2004
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Transcribed in full
Bibliography:
Rhode Island Cemetery Database, Swan Point Cemetery stone for Mehitable Latham
1800 U.S. Census, Johnston, page 76
1830 U.S. Census, Johnston page 320
Notes on the Harriette S. (Watson) Lewis Diaries
Entries dated 1886 to 1950
Biographical:
Name at birth: Watson, Harriette Sprague
Name after marriage: Lewis, Harriette S. (Watson)
Birthdate and place: January 25, 1874, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: September 9, 1958, Wakefield, R.I.
Age range during diary: 12, 24-26, 31-76
Residence during diary: 2 Benevolent St., Providence, R.I.; and Wakefield (a village in South Kingstown), R.I.
Places written: Generally, summers in Wakefield, R.I.; winters in Providence. Separate volumes for major trips as follows:
1886: France, Switzerland, Germany, England
1914: England, France
1923: Portugal, Algeria, Italy, France
1925: Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, England
1937: Italy, France, England
Biographical note: Wife of successful manufacturer.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 15
Number of pages: Most are 365 each
Exact dates: July 15 - September 30, 1886; January 2, 1899 - March 19, 1900; June 27, 1906 - December 31, 1950
Frequency of entries: Daily. Four apparent long interruptions are covered in separate travel diaries.
How was author identified?: Some are signed.
Brief description: Brief entries outlining daily events in life of wealthy wife and mother.
Writing quality: Spare and not particularly engaging.
Utility for research: The span of consistent daily entries makes this of potential value, but there is very little content of general interest.
Related papers at RIHS: John Lewis Mfg. Co. Records (MSS 534); diary of son John B. Lewis Jr. on trip to Argentina, 1925; scrapbook 1896-1935; and list of wedding gifts, 1899.
Family members:
Father's name: Watson, Arthur Hamilton
Father's dates: 1849-1913
Father's occupation: Investor and shoe manufacturer, Providence, R.I.
Mother's name: Sprague, Annie P. Stepmother: Helen Whipple Balch
Mother's dates: 1852-1904 Stepmother: 1863-1916
Brothers: Byron S. Watson (1876-1947) m. Isabel Loomis (1874-1960)
Sisters: Mary D. Watson (1881-1964) m. Mason F. Cocroft (1880-1918), who died in fall from Hospital Trust building. Also Annie H. Watson (b.1887) m. Charles Fletcher
Husband's name: Lewis, John Bosworth "Jack"
Husband's dates: 1874-1930
Husband's occupation: Manufacturer
Marriage date and place: January 3, 1899, Providence RI
Father-in-law's name: Lewis, John Dexter
Father-in-law's dates: 1846-1915
Father-in-law's occupation: Manufacturer, Providence, R.I.
Mother-in-law's name: Lapham, Sophie P.
Mother-in-law's dates: 1848-1901
Sons: J. Bosworth Watson Jr. (1900-1948); Arthur H. Lewis (1904-1981); Dexter L. Lewis (b.1907)
Daughters: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Helen (Pearce) Merriman (1876-1971) is the same girl who wrote a wild adolescent diary in 1892; she later served as a bridesmaid for Harriette, and appears with her husband Bruce Merriman (1872-1936) frequently after 1906.
Topical content:
Events discussed: Scarcely even noted events outside of family. WWI armistice, stock market crash noted briefly. "Bad day in stock market - boys here very worried." [10/29/1929]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned:
Social life: Hobbies include horses, cards, and driving around aimlessly with friends. Close with several of our other diarists. "Played bridge with Lucy Aldrich & Helen Merriman, won $1." [7/26/1906]
Childhood: Raising three sons.
Marriage: Very little comment on marriage, though it seemed to be generally healthy. Husband traveled frequently for business. An unusually expressive entry, in its entirety: "Long walk with children, dandy warm day. Jack came down late, very cross." [10/26/1906]. Husband's death noted briefly: "Jack died suddenly at Copely Plaza in Boston. Dr. Ewers & nurse with him, boys all here with me." The next day, noted simply that "can't realize I will never see Jack again." [12/29, 12/30/1930]
Food and drink: "Sick all day, think I ate bad clams. Bed most of the time." [3/30/1918]
Progress: Driving automobile by 1906: "Mary Cocroft & I came down in Father's Packard." [6/29/1906].
Travel: 1886: trip to Europe with mother, sister Annie and aunt Hattie.
Organizations: Volunteered with American Red Cross during WWI, at home.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 535
Collection title: Harriet Sprague Watson Lewis Diaries
Location within the collection:
Size: Most are 8" by 5"
Condition: Good
Graphic content: Nice drawing of ship at sea in 1923 travel diary.
Provenance: 1960? Unknown provenance, but probably through son Dexter Lewis circa 1960.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read through 1906, skimmed rest.
Bibliography:
Bicknell, Thomas W. The History of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (New York: American Historical Society, 1920), vol. 5, p. 324
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1886-1950
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
South Kingstown, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Louise Madison Diaries
Entries dated 1931 to 1932
Biographical:
Name at birth: Madison, Louise
Birthdate and place: October 24, 1882
Death date and place: Unknown
Age range during diary: 48-49
Residence during diary: North Kingstown, R.I. At family farm on North Quidnessett Rd.
Places written: North Kingstown, R.I.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist?
Social class: Middle upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 2
Number of pages: c.160 pages; 3 pages
Exact dates: June 30, 1931 - December 13, 1931; December 29 - 31, 1932
Frequency of entries: Almost daily; apparently writes in diary when father is unable to, but uses her own voice.
How was author identified?: Initials L.M. in father George W. Madison's diaries
Brief description: Eighty-year old George Madison, a dairy farmer, had kept a diary for many years. Beginning in June of 1931, his unmarried daughter Louise began making the entries, apparently due to her father's poor health. He would occasionally return to the diary for a day or two, or even for a whole year. When Louise kept entries (signed L.M. and clearly in a different hand), she discussed family life in plain clear language.
Writing quality: Clear, not very expressive.
Utility for research: Not a remarkable diary, but provides some glimpses of 20th century farm life, and the circumstances of keeping the diary for her father are unusual.
Related papers at RIHS: 27 volumes of father's diaries and one volume of her aunt Celia Mathewson's, in Madison Family Papers (MSS 92).
Family members:
Father's name: Madison, George W.
Father's dates: b.1851
Father's occupation: Dairy farmer
Mother's name: Spink, Fannie L.
Mother's dates: d. after 1932
Brothers: Warren B., Harold L., Ralph (1880-bef.1931), Francis S. (b.1887), Manton
Sisters: None
Husband's name: None
Topical content:
Religious content: Lost election as Superintendent of Sunday School after having held office for 11 years [11/9/1931], but was thrown surprise party on leaving office [11/27/1931]
Social life: Drives to Goddard Park [8/14/1931]. At Kingston Fair, where nephew Ralph won a blue ribbon in the Jersey cow competition [9/2/1931].
Family: Discusses comings and goings of family almost exclusively, especially health of father. "Father came downstairs for all day. It seemed so good to have him down again, and sitting in his rocking chair." [7/11/1931]. Parent's 50th anniversary [10/12/1931]. 50th anniversary of Uncle Tom and Aunt Celia [11/91/931]. Father's 80th birthday party. [11/24/1931].
Aging: Much on health of aging father. "Father sick in bed and Dr. Christy came & said for him to keep quiet." [12/31/1932]
Home production: Responsible for caring for aging father. Drives him to bank meetings in Greenwich [8/31/1931]
Food and drink: Clam dinner at Crescent Park [8/19/1931]. Clambake at Mrs. Knight, with 75 people [9/12/1931]. "Had some lunch at Lunch Diner" in Woonsocket. [10/20/1931]..
Labor: Some discussion of farm affairs; "France went after poultry at freight station 150 R.I. Reds and Rocks that came from Woonsocket." [7/28/1931] "France and Father went to E. Prov. to get ammonia for refrigerator plant in dairy." [9/7/1931]. "Hot water boiler in dairy burst; sent for new one." [11/11/1931]
Geographical and architectural: Visit to Central village, Coventry: "We went up on Shepard Hill near C. Village where Grandpa Madison lived 1847-1850." [10/12/1931].
Organizations: Daughters of American Revolution [10/1/1931, 11/5/1931].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 92
Collection title: Madison Family Papers
Size: 7" x 5"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1989. 38. 1-, gift of Manton E. Madison
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read whole diary.
Bibliography:
Bicknell, Thomas W. The History of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (New York: American Historical Society, 1920), vol. 4, pages 153-154.
Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing, 1932), vol. 4, pages 314-315.
Subject headings:
Dairy farms - Rhode Island - North Kingstown
Diaries - 1931-1932
North Kingstown, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Julia Bowen Diary
Entries dated 1799 to 1799
Biographical:
Name at birth: Bowen, Julia
Name after marriage: Martin, Julia (Bowen)
Birthdate and place: December 1, 1779, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: July 30, 1805, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 19
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I. and Moosup, Connecticut
Biographical note: Daughter of a Revolutionary officer, married to a merchant and died young.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist?
Social class: Middle - upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 80
Exact dates: April 1 - September 15, 1799 . Missing pages for July 5-10.
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: This diary was originally cataloged as "Diary kept by a female member of the Martin family". Circa 1980, the Martin Family Papers were broken up and sorted out by individuals. Somehow, this diary became the "Susannah Martin Diary,” but a careful reading of the diary uncovers no such evidence. It does make mention of "Grandpa Angell" [6/22/1799], "Grandpapa Bowen" [4/11/1799] and "Grandma Whipple" [6/5/1799], making these likely surnames to start with.
Among the many aunts and uncles mentioned was an "Uncle Halsey". Halsey was not a common name in Providence; the only prominent Halsey at this time was Thomas L. Halsey (1751-1838), who had married Sarah Bowen. This places the family exactly. Sarah Bowen had a brother, Ephraim Bowen Jr., who had married first an Angell and second a Whipple. The appropriate grandparents were all alive in 1799. Furthermore, Ephraim Jr. had a daughter named Julia of about the right age who later married into the Martin family. Her husband, John D. Martin, was the son of Silvanus Martin, and this is the family that was featured in the original Martin Papers that were broken up in the first place. It seems to be a perfect fit. As a small piece of supporting evidence, I checked for the birthdays of family members. Julia Bowen's infant half-sister Esther was born on June 6, 1797. On June 6, 1799, the author writes "This is Esther's birth Day 2 years."
There was a Susannah Martin born in 1788 to a related family, the sister of John D. Martin. The diary could not have been hers. First, it is clearly not the diary of an eleven-year-old girl. Second, this Susannah Martin did not have grandparents named Angell, Whipple and Bowen. Her sister-in-law Julia Bowen did. In summary, I don't see how there could be much doubt that this diary was kept by Julia Bowen, and not by anyone named Susannah Martin.
Brief description: Describing normal daily life of an unmarried young woman in Providence.
Writing quality: Very good; unusually descriptive for the time period.
Utility for research: An excellent resource that has been seriously underutilized. The earliest substantial diary here by a Rhode Island woman.
Related papers at RIHS: Some scattered papers of her father, mostly war-related, are in the Bowen Family Collection (MSS 301). There are also a few papers of her husband and his family; see the Silvanus Martin Papers and the John D. Martin Papers (MSS 9001-M).
Family members:
Father's name: Bowen, Ephraim Jr.
Father's dates: 1753-1841
Father's occupation: Merchant and soldier
Mother's name: Angell, Sarah Stepmother Sarah Whipple.
Mother's dates: 1758-1788 Stepmother d. 1844
Brothers: William Bradford Bowen (1777-1826); half-brother George T. Bowen (1803-1828), others died young.
Sisters: All half-sisters: Elizabeth (Bowen) Clarke (b.1787); Esther Bowen (1797-1841); Mary (Bowen) Peck (b.1815); Sally A. Bowen (d.1812); others died young.
Husband's name: Martin, John D.
Husband's dates: 1778-1835
Husband's occupation: Merchant of New York and Providence
Marriage date and place: October 1803
Father-in-law's name: Martin, Silvanus
Father-in-law's dates: 1748-1818
Father-in-law's occupation: Soldier and gentleman of East Windsor, Conn. and Providence, R.I.
Mother-in-law's name: Brown, Amey
Mother-in-law's dates: 1749-1833 (no close relation to the famous Browns of Providence)
Sons: Unknown
Daughters: Unknown
Other persons frequently mentioned: Of the many friends and family members mentioned, several could easily be identified; the rest are left the researcher. A sample date where they are mentioned is in brackets.
Grandpapa Bowen: Dr. Ephraim Bowen (1716-1812), Providence physician. [4/11]
Grandma Bowen: His wife Lydia (Mawney) Bowen (1721-1801) [7/31]
Grandpa Angell: Nathan Angell (1718-1808), Providence merchant [6/22]
Grandma Whipple: Mother of Julia's stepmother Sarah Whipple. [6/5]
Cousin Jabez: Jabez Bowen (1774-1816), son of father's brother Jabez. [8/1]
Cousin Oliver: Oliver Bowen (1767-1804), also a son of Jabez. [6/23]
Cousin Horatio: Horatio G. Bowen (1779-1848), also a son of Jabez.
Uncle Billy: William Bowen, M.D. (1747-1832), father's brother. [6/9]
Uncle Halsey: Thomas L. Halsey (1751-1838), husband of father's sister.
Cousin Tom: Thomas L. Halsey Jr. (1777-1855). [5/5]
Uncle Clark: John Innes Clark (1745-1808), husband of father's sister [6/23]
Uncle Ben: Benjamin Bowen (1759-1824), father's brother [8/13]
Lydia: Lydia Bowen (1783-1799), Uncle Ben's daughter. [8/13]
Aunt Mitchell: Ann (Bowen) Mitchell (1762-1802), father's sister. [7/21]
Uncle Ward: John Ward, husband of father's sister Betsey. [7/22]
As yet unidentified; many are probably Whipple relations:
Brother Sam, friend Rebecca, Cousin Caleb = "The Major"?, Cousin Thomas Mathewson, cousin William Smith [5/5], uncle Joseph Rogers [5/30], cousin Zylpha [7/28]. Cousin Johnny Martin [6/15] was probably her future husband, but I don't see how they're related. Circa May, started calling some friends by Greek codes names like Adonis, Phosphorus and Somnus.
Topical content:
Events discussed: "The news of the French defeat by the Austrians is confirmed - had dreadful dreams all night of the French invading us." [6/12/1799]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: Not particularly rich in vital records, and those that are mentioned seem to be recorded.
Religious content: Fairly regular church-goer, but only occasional spiritual musings. "My soul feels too large for its confinement as if striving to break loose. Teach me O God and be my guide thro this life..." [7/3/1799]
Social life: Many details of the intricate pecking order of "visiting". Invites over the richest most popular girl in town: "Invited the girls to visit me on Wednesday, among them Miss A Brown, who never honored me, but promised to do me the honor." [4/11/1799] Alice Brown (1777-1823) did indeed visit the following Wednesday. Regarding other high society girls, "it is unaccountable to me, that Sally & Betsey have not visited me... I am determined not to go there again, until they have visited me." [4/13/1799]
Attended wild drunken picnic at a local riverside location called Cold Spring. "Betsey Brown, Sophia Smith & Sarah Howell were quite tipsy. After we had dined we sung several patriotic songs..." Most of the girls ended up falling in mud, and ended up in various states of undress; "I was almost naked." [7/17/1799]
Family: Constant mention of a bewildering variety of extended family. A common them throughout the diary is the nervous anticipation of waiting for her father to return from sea.
Childhood: A couple of entries seem to refer to a difficult childhood; her mother died when Julia was 13, and she may have been sent away until her father remarried. "Tis a year today since I came from Taunton with Rebecca." [7/31/1799] "Eight years today since I arrived at Medford, at Mr. Woodbridge's board school." [8/1/1799]. The bulk of the diary, though, is clearly written in or near Providence.
Marriage: Long account of the Quaker wedding of prominent merchant and philanthropist Moses Brown (1738-1836) [5/2/1799]
Home production: Detailed accounts of housework. For example, "Rose at 8, after breakfast rubbed the handirons &c clearstarched some handkerchiefs, in the afternoon Ironed two muslin gowns & several handkerchiefs. Sat lolling out of the window after I had made my room tidy." [4/6/1799] "Thank Heavens the quilt is done & never were mortals gladder." [4/12/1799]
Fashion: Good accounts throughout of making and shopping for clothes. "In the evening made a cockade for George Washington." [4/20/1799]
Food and drink: "Made a frugal repast composed of chocolate and some crackers." [4/2/1799]. Stopped at Aborn's in Pawtuxet, apparently a tavern; "at 7 we took coffee & were joined by N Cooke - we mortified the poor fellow by paying his bill for him." [4/16]
Race / ethnicity content: Often frequented fortune tellers. Saw "Goody Moris" on Sunday, April 13 with a friend. "Now, sad to tell, Agnes came away without paying the old Hag, so she told her she should never go to have her fortune told without money, for if she did, she should loose all her good fortune." [4/13/1799] Another fortune teller in Taunton [4/19/1799]
"We all went to a famous fortune teller just arrived in town, a black man, we walked down beyond the new Presbyterian Meeting House, I found him quite on the hill, in a negro house. I was ushered up Chamber first. I was prodigously frightened at first, but my fears soon subsided. I saw a monstrous fat black man. His face from his nose up, full of notches..." This is followed by a long account of the fortune. [7/20/1799]
Gender relations: Long account of an unpleasant walk in a bad neighborhood with a friend: "On our way up there appeared before us a very genteel look man & every sailor we passed, he would look behind & see us clear of them. He went into Martin Seaman's. Thanks to thee, benevolent stranger, may good Angels ever guard thee as carefully as thou didst us... What different sensations did I feel upon returning home, when I was grossly insulted by one of my own sex, my blood was on fire, when she dared me to come nigh her. O! for someone to have resented my injury at that moment, I would have given Indies. Such an insult from one our own sex is too dreadful, from the other it is as bad as it can be, but a female must be inspired with something Infernal to degrade herself. She had with her two Angells of darkness, going about to comit devastation in the work & lure the Young & Artless youth into her snares. And will God permit such wickedness to reside on the Earth." [4/6/1799]
Another run-in with sailors: "I took Esther with me , we stopped at a Tavern to ask where a woman lived who spun for Grandmama A - we saw four sailors pass us there... as we went uptown we overtook the four sailors again, who said something to us, & hallowed... we took no notice of them till one of them got up behind the chaise. I took the whip and struck him several times. They then hallowed as loud as possible bringing all the men to their shop doors. After laughing heartily we went round the square." [5/5/1799]
Re her future husband: "Heard of Cousin Johny Martin's arrival in town... Cousin J Martin called to see me. He was never so handsome, plump & rosy as Adomis - he staid but little while." [6/15/1799] The next day, "Cousin J Martin called at 9 to bid good bye he was obliged to be on board the ship." [6/16/1799]
Was cruelly ignored by a young beau named Zylpha; "he has inflicted a wound I am afraid never will be cured. I returned home & laid down to wretchedness of an endeavor to sleep. It fled me for a great while, but I at last lost myself." [7/28/1799]
Arts and culture: Occasionally attended theater. Read three volumes of "Clermont" [4/2, 4/3/1799], and part of Hume [8/16], etc.
Travel: Trip to Taunton, Mass. [4/18 - 4/19/1799]; spent from August 4 onward in Moosup, Connecticut and its environs.
Geographical and architectural: Frequent visitor to a place called Willow Eden, probably somebody's estate.
This apparently describes flooding in the back yard at the Bowen house or something: "In the afternoon Mary going out of the South Door stepped both feet into the Jordan, which so exited our risible faculties that it rendered us for a quarter of an hour immovable. What a subject for a poet! O that some famous one had been present to hand the important event down to eternity." [4/6/1799]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 999
Collection title: Martin Family Papers
Location within the collection: Folder 6
Size: 8" x 7"
Condition: Poor; pages disbound with some water and insect damage.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): A small portion of the diary, June 17 to June 22, was published and annotated in Rhode Island History 57:3 (August/November 1997) as part of Jane Lancaster's article, "By the Pens of Females," pages 78-81.
Provenance: 1971. 72. 1-, gift of Mrs. Arthur C. Nisula, as part of Martin Family Papers.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read April through July in their entirety, skimmed August and September.
Bibliography:
Angell, Avery. Genealogy of the Descendants of Thomas Angell... (Providence: A. Crawford Greene, 1872), pages 44 and 186.
Chapin, William W. Genealogy of the Descendants of Richard Bowen (Typescript, Providence, 1911).
Martin, Henry J. Notices: Genealogical and Historical Notices of the Martin Family of New England... (Boston: Lee & Shephard, 1880), pages 125-126
Subject headings:
Bowen Family
Brown, Moses (1738-1836)
Connecticut - Social life and customs
Diaries - 1799
Fortune-tellers - Rhode Island - Providence
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Celia M. (Madison) Mathewson Diary
Entries dated 1907 to 1907
Biographical:
Name at birth: Madison, Celia Maria
Name after marriage: Mathewson, Celia M. (Madison)
Birthdate and place: March 11, 1857 [see entry for 50th birthday]
Death date and place: Died after 1931 [Louise Madison diary, 7/16/1931]]
Age range during diary: 49-50
Residence during diary: North Kingstown, R.I.
Places written: North Kingstown, R.I.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist [see biography of husband in Bicknell]
Social class: Middle - upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 365
Exact dates: 1/1/1907 - 12/31/1907
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed
Writing quality: Good
Utility for research: No obvious significance, but a solid diary of a well-off farm wife.
Related papers at RIHS: 26 diaries of brother George Madison dated 1890-1932, in Madison Family Papers (MSS 92).
Family members:
Father's name: Madison, Joseph W.
Father's dates: 1820-1900
Father's occupation: Farmer and estate manager
Mother's name: Smith, Maria
Brothers: George W. Madison (b.1851)
Sisters: None
Husband's name: Mathewson, Thomas G.
Husband's dates: 1854-a.1931
Husband's occupation: Farmer and estate manager
Marriage date and place: November 9, 1881
Father-in-law's name: Madison, Syria W.
Father-in-law's dates: 1824-1904
Father-in-law's occupation: Hotel keeper, Narragansett Pier
Mother-in-law's name: Hill, Anna Eliza
Mother-in-law's dates: 1829-1910
Sons: George H. Mathewson (1886-1904)
Daughters: Anna Maria Lawrence (married 1909)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Brother's children Warren, Harold, Ralph, Louise, Francis and Manton Madison. Uncle Lyman (not identified).
Topical content:
Religious content: Regular churchgoer
Marriage: Married woman, but little reflection on the subject.
Aging: Frequent discussion of aging mother.
Health: Frequent discussion of illness, especially of mother.
Food and drink: Often describes food.
Labor: Describes gathering ice from pond [1/28/1907] and other farm labor. Problems finding help: "I am having a new kind of experience, this girl hunting. There seems to be about one girl for every three or four women that wants one." [5/23/1907]
Organizations: Active in the Davisville Grange, and attended State Grange meeting 12/12/1907; Daughters of American Revolution
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 92
Collection title: Madison Family Papers
Location within the collection:
Size: 8" x 6"
Condition: Fair; binding loose
Provenance: 1989. 38. 1-, gift of Manton E. Madison
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Only read January, February
Bibliography:
Bicknell, Thomas W. The History of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (New York: American Historical Society, 1920), vol. 4, pages 153-154.
Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing, 1932), vol. 4, pages 314-315.
Cole, J.R. History of Washington and Kent Counties (1889), page 443.
Subject headings:
Agriculture - Rhode Island - North Kingstown
Diaries - 1907
North Kingstown, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Ella J. Matteson Diary
Entries dated 1905 to 1913
Biographical:
Name at birth: Matteson, Ella J.
Name after marriage: Matteson, Ella J.
Birthdate and place: 1852, Anthony (Coventry), RI
Death date and place: 1946, Anthony (Coventry), RI
Age range during diary: 53 - 61
Residence during diary: Anthony (Coventry), RI
Places written: Asia, Canada, Carribean, Europe, and Rhode Island
Biographical note: Ella J. Matteson was born in Anthony (Conventry), Rhode Island to Asahel Matteson and Julia M. (Johnson) Matteson. She took care of her aging parents and sickly older sister. She never married nor had any children.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 10 volumes
Number of pages: Approximately 1000
Exact dates: August 27 1905 - June1906 (missing February and half of March 1906); June to November 1908; 1910 (?) (one week in June); February to April 11 1913
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Last diary has her name written on the first inside page and the handwriting in that diary corresponds with other diaries.
Brief description: Ella J. Matteson diary pertains to her travels to Asia, the Carribean, and Europe with her brother Charles and his wife, Belle.
Writing quality: Excellent
Related papers at RIHS: Belle (Himes) Matteson diaries (Mss 1021, box 2, folders 12-23)
Family members:
Father's name: Matteson, Asahel
Father's dates: 1811-1890
Father's occupation: Banker, merchant, and state senator.
Mother's name: Johnson, Julia M .
Mother's dates: 1811-1890
Brothers: Charles (1840-1925) m. Rosabelle "Belle" Himes (1852-1920)
Sisters: Amy A. (1842-1905)
Husband's name: None
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Was greatly surprised to be met with the news of the riots in Japan, and that the principal cities had been placed under martial law; this was one of the effects of the peace measures recently concluded." [9/17/1905] Opening day of the 1908 Summer Olympics: "...their majesties and attendants entered and took their seats. This was the signal for the sports to begin, and the various contestants clothed mostly in white (one contingent was in blue) marched into the arena each party carrying their own country's flag, it was a very pretty sight." [7/13/1908]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned:
Religious content: "We spoke of attending church... I had no particular choice, and as she expressed a wish to attend a service in her home church before leaving her native land for so many years...we decided to go to the Methodist." [9/3/1905] In England: "There is a nice looking church just around the corner...Its name is Trinity Church; have not learned the name of the rector, but he gave a most interesting sermon; his was a plea for the animal world which he said had a part in the plan of redemption. This idea is most pleasing to me and to all who have lost pets to which they were greatly attached, and who of us has not had this experience."[7/12/1908]
Social life: Providence: "Also went in the afternoon to Class Day and to one of the receptions. My dress not being finished did not attend the homemade concert, but went out to see the collegians march down College St. amid blazing rockets and red fire." [6/19/1906] On the Ship Bremen on the way to Europe: "This evening a ball was given on deck, and the stewards had make it most attractive...saw very little of the dancing however as people gathered in a crowd around the dancer, and so thinking it rather stupid, I adjourned to the saloon where a young lady was entertaining with excellent piano music." [6/22/1908]
Family: "After an early breakfast, we hurried down to the station to take the seven o'clock train for Boston. Alys went with us to bid me God speed, and Archie and George both escorted me to Boston." [8/28/1905]
Childhood: Traveling in Ceylon: "Little naked children ran out from every hut, and their faces on a broad grin, showing a full set of strong white teeth, held out their hands for 'money, money' which was apparently the only English word they knew. [October 1905]
Marriage: While on ship waiting to get into Japan: "The Chinaman told us of some advanced ideas in regard to marriage on the part of the young educated Chinese; his own son who is being educated in England refused to ratify an engagement with a young lady selected by his father, and informed his parents that they need not trouble themselves about him in that matter, which he would settle for himself at some future time." [4/16/1906]
Health: "We were requested to assemble in the dining saloon for medical inspection...in this case it was only a mere form; the physician walked the length of the saloon, down one aisle and back by the others judging from our general appearance that we were free from any infectious diseases." [9/17/1905] "Captain Seleine informed me that one of the steerage passengers [Chinese woman] had shown suspicions signs...the patient was examined and her disease pronounced yellow fever. She walked down the companion way apparently with ease and did not look ill, do not believe she has yellow fever, but she might have small pox." [4/16/1905]
Fashion: "The kimonos and obis worn by the women, their very black hair elaborately dressed without other head covering, the clogs or sandals for the feet...babies dressed in the very brightest colored and gayest kimonos and tiny obis." [9/18/1905] "Here we saw veiled women for the first time, clad from had to foot in white material, in which openings were cut for the eyes, they looked uncanny and seemed like ghosts flitting about." [11/15/1905]
Food and drink: While in India: "We were seated at a tea table out on the lawn, and commanding a lovely view of the harbor; bread, butter, cake of various kinds with tea were served." [12/1/1905]
Race / ethnicity content: "Everyone is fond of the Japanese, who is brought in contact with them, they are so courteous, friendly, so obliging and gentle; everyone respects them too, especially since the misunderstandings with Russia." [9/18/1905] "The Sikh belongs to one of the few Indian tribes which has shown unfailing loyalty to England; they are largely policemen...most of those who are not in the police department, are in the army, as they are a fighting race." [10/3/1905]
Labor: In Ceylon: "The tea pickers are mostly Tamils from southern India. The men receive sixpence, and the women fourpence a day; the women and children do the picking, and the men, the carrying, weighing, cultivating, and the heavier work." [October 1905, four pages before November 1st entry] Carpet factory in India: "We were surprised to find many children of seven and nine years among the operatives, and were told that they earn four or five rupees a month." [12/20/1905]
Arts and culture: In India: "This morning we drove to the burning ghat, a place of most gruesome sights, the body of a young girl was in process of burning and the poor mother alone save for her faithful dog, sat moaning and wailing while watching the fire. Another body lay on its charpoy covered by a cloth while the funeral pyre was being prepared; still another was brought while we were there. We watched the preparation of the first body and waited until it was laid on the wood. Of course these things have been done for ages, but seeing it for the first time was something of a shock to us." [1/24/1906]
Travel: "It was with pleasure that I saw our long voyage of fourteen days drawing to an end, for I was very tired of the sea and the discomforts caused by it." [9/16/1905]
Geographical and architectural: Discussing the Ahmedabad mosque: "is of sandstone beautifully carved; on the threshold embedded in the pavement is a black slab...touching it is a white marble crescent...the roof is supported by two hundred and sixty columns."[12/4/1905]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1021
Collection title: Matteson Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folders 1-10
Size: 7 3/4" x 10 1/4" (first nine volumes); 4 ½"x7"
Condition: Excellent
Graphic content: Vol. 1 - engraving of "A View of Hong Kong From the Harbor"; Vol. 3 - newspaper clipping from the Providence Sunday Journal dated April 23, 1933 of the Himalaya mountains; Vol. 10. - brochure on Letter of Credit for Foreign Travel and stationary from the Hotel Jamaica.
Provenance: 1998. 19. 8-17, gift of Alys MacLeod
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, January 2001
Bibliography:
Stattler, Rick. "A Guide to the Matteson Family Papers in the Manuscript Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library," 1999.
Subject headings:
Asia - description and travel
Canada - description and travel
Carribean - description and travel
Ceylon - description and travel
Diaries - 1905-1913
Earthquakes - California
England - description and travel
Europe - description and travel
France - description and travel
Hawaii - description and travel
India - description and travel
Japan - description and travel
Matteson, Belle (Himes) (1852-1920)
Matteson, Charles (1840-1925)
Olympics
Panama - description and travel
Ships - disinfection
Southeast Asia - description and travel
Spain - description and travel
United States - description and travel
Yellowstone National Park
Notes on the Belle (Himes) Matteson Diary
Entries dated 1890 to 1918
Biographical:
Name at birth: Himes, Rosabelle ("Belle")
Name after marriage: Matteson, Rosabelle (Himes)
Birthdate and place: January 8, 1852, Oaklawn (Cranston), RI
Death date and place: December 20, 1920, Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 38 - 66
Residence during diary: 112 Prospect St. (1890-1910) and 32 Creighton St. (1912-1918), Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, RI
Biographical note: Rosabelle ("Belle") (Himes) Matteson was born in Cranston, RI to Paul and Sarah H. (Covill) Himes. She married Charles Matteson and they had three children.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 28
Exact dates: February 3, 1890 - December 17, 1918
Frequency of entries: Mostly daily, at times more sporadic
How was author identified?: Letter found in the 1899 diary signed by Belle Matteson to her future daughter-in-law, Alys McCreery. Also found in the 1910 diary a listing of income earned on investments for Belle Matteson.
Brief description: 28 volumes of diary by wife of Providence judge. Accompanied by full typed transcription. Outlines her life from 1890-1918, including her ailments, accomplishments, education, and travel around the world.
Writing quality: Excellent
Utility for research: Ella J. Matteson diaries (Mss 1021, box 2, folders 1-10)
Family members:
Father's name: Himes, Paul
Father's dates: Foreman in a factory.
Mother's name: Himes, Sarah H. (Covill)
Mother's dates: died c 1901
Brothers: Tom; Howard
Sisters: Louise, m. David Money
Husband's name: Matteson, Charles
Husband's dates: 1840-1925
Husband's occupation: Lawyer; Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court from 1891 to 1900.
Marriage date and place: August 22, 1872
Father-in-law's name: Matteson, Asahel
Father-in-law's dates: 1811-1890
Father-in-law's occupation: Banker, merchant, and state senator.
Mother-in-law's name: Matteson, Julia M. (Johnson)
Mother-in-law's dates: 1811-1890
Sons: Archibald C. (1873-1939) m. Alys McCreery (1878-1960), 1899; George A. (1875-c. 1942) m. Rowena Campbell; Paul (1884-1978) m. Helen Barber
Daughters: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Charles (husband); Paul (son); Archie (son); George (son); Lizzie (friend); mother (Sarah); Louise (sister); Vida (niece); Ned (friend of Archie's); Alys (daughter-in-law); Rowena (daughter-in-law)
Topical content:
Events discussed: "The Senate today passed the bill increasing the Judges salaries so now we are to have five thousand a year." [3/27/1890] "Cleveland Dem. candidate elected by great majority. Everybody surprised. R.I. is Republican." [11/9/1892] "The rumored and uncertain report of the surrender of Santiago at last confirmed also the prevalence of yellow fever among our troops. I am anxious about the men. I think it would be much better if the campaign should be discontinued until fall." [7/17/1898]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Charles' mother died suddenly at twelve o'clock to-night." [11/1/1890] "W. Thomas Himes [brother] died paralysis of the brain at 2:30 this morning." [4/16/1892] "Chas. went to the bank this a.m. and returned with the distressing news of little Charles [grandson] death which took place on Nov.14 at the RI Hospital." [12/9/1909] "My granddaughter [Elizabeth] was born today at 3-6. Fine well formed girl." [5/12/1900]"second grand daughter born." [5/9/1902] "received news of Amy's death." [8/8/1905] "Charles the second arrived. 9:46 p.m. Weights 8 1/4 lbs." 12/23/1906] "News of little Charles' death." [12/9/1909] " "George first child born at 3 A.M. Girl." [10/1/1911] "Alice's boy born 2.24 A.M., 8 1/4 lbs. All right." [2/18/1912] "Archie's third daughter born 2 this morning." [12/28/1914]
Religious content: "Went to church this morning and sat in the Chapman pew which I hope to secure eventually. Good sermon on the way to heaven being different for each man." [3/3/1895] "Went to church. Good sermon. 'Religion is faith of soul set in God.'" [10/16/1898]"Did not go to church as George Moores preached and I do not care for him." [4/29/1900]
Social life: "This evening went to the Course card parts at the Persons." [3/14/1890] "Went with Clara to the Yale-Brown game...the game was grand and to everybody's surprise Brown won after ten innings. The excitement was tremendous. They carried the men on their shoulders, had a procession, cheering and no end of a good time." [6/10/1890] "Went to Wellesley with Miss Doyle to the inauguration of Miss Caroline Hazard as President." [10/3/1899]
Family: "Chas. made himself perfectly disgusting in the dining room at breakfast honking and spitting while Ella and mother and I were trying to eat. I don't know what to do with him." [2/16/1891] "Friday, mother and I went to the Chrysanthemum show." [11/15/1891] "Archie got up and to his business at a reasonable hour this A.M. whether or not as an effect of my lashing or not I cannot tell. He hold the theory that it is my duty to see that he gets up in the morning! I most certainly do not agree to any such notion." [4/10/1899] "Poor Ella [sister-in-law] is free at last from a life devoted to sick people first her parents and for years Amy. She has been a devoted daughter and sister. The family proposed that she join us and we have wired and written her to do so." [8/8/1905]
Childhood: "Paul is perfectly unbearable. I whipped him with a hairbrush this afternoon. I hope he will behave better." [7/20/1890] Discussing her granddaughter Elizabeth viewing a Christmas tree: "It looked very pretty and she said Why! Why! Why! when she came into the parlor where it stood. She had a great many too many toys, but it was very pretty to see her." [12/25/1902]
Marriage: Discussing her husband coming on vacation: "I must say I like my ease too well to enjoy being disturbed, but matrimony is I remember 'a discipline as well as a delight.'" [8/6/1892] "Twenty years married and how tired we are of each other. Of course things might be worse but to know exactly what one is going to say and in which of several disagreeable ways one will surely say it, to be certain of having ones nerves rasped by the same old breaches of decency in personal manners that have operated during all the years, to know that the remainder of the journey be it short or long to the grave his or mine must be performed in the same dreary company the prospect is not altogether alluring." [8/22/1892]
Aging: "The last day of the year and of the century. I think just for a moment of the fact that no person now living will be alive at the end of the century which begins tonight...I am afraid of the years that are coming tho. Age illness possible misfortune and surely death. But one learns not to care too much as the years go on." [12/31/1900]
Health: Drs. visit: "Found the bunches in the breast... also that there were other enlarged glands all of which might be attributed to the same cause. Said watch them but by watching them he did not mean playing upon them like a piano. Said not feel them for a month and then if they were grown or painful let him know." [6/15/1892] "I have obeyed Dr. Gardiner's injunction in so far as not handling my breast is concerned and this morning the four weeks of his treatment having elapsed I looked to find the bunch in my breast and behold it was gone." [7/13/1892] While visiting Berlin, Germany: "Asked Fraulein Szubinsky to go with me to Dr. Rotter and we went this P.M. He examined the breast and said at once positively that it must be operated...He says it is not at all dangerous that I shall be as well as ever after it and that there is no fear of its recurrence." [12/7/1901] Drs. said: "the microscope declares that the tumor was not cancerous but an adenoid growth." [12/24/1901] Found bunches in right breast in December 1902 and had that breast removed in early 1903, was told not malignant.
School: "Ned is here and Archie with him and George...they passed their semiannuals last week." [2/3/1890] "Archie has just been in to be coached a little for a French examination. He is not at all well prepared and I do not like it at all." [3/13/1890] "Went with Louise A. as agreed to visit the Thayer school. Was very pleased indeed with some of the rooms...feel quite inclined to send Paul to Miss Hopkins next fall." [6/1/1892] "Went to U.G.S. this A.M. to see my George graduate." [6/16/1892]
Home production: "Miss Grinell here today and I have sewed with her the day through. Fixing over a blue dress so that I can wear it around the house and finish it up. Not particularly inspiring work."[5/24/1890] "Canned grapes all morning." [10/3/1890] "Made candy in the evening." [6/5/1892] "Put up peaches to-day. Tried a new process...hard day's work but had twenty nine jars in all." [9/22/1892]
Work outside home: "Went to office State Board of Charities and Corrections to find record of the Adams boy who was sent to the Reform School from the state Home and school without the knowledge of the Board...Next went to the Board meeting S.P.C.C. Was appointed Chairman of Nominating Committee." [1/11/1897] "Parliamentary Law Class at Mrs. Kenyons this morning. Motions was the subject of the lesson. Very interesting and entertaining." [11/15/1898]
Fashion: "Home all day sewing white silesia stripes on a yellow silesia dress." [4/24/1895] "I went and bought enough chicken embroidery to make three dresses...After this went all about the city trying to find a proper red necktie which finally I did find and bought." [1/25/1906]
Food and drink: Discussing a night out playing cards: "Everything nice and perfectly satisfactory to me. Sweet breads and peas with rolls. Tomatoes stuffed with mayonnaise and cheese straws. Sultana roll candies etc. pink pinks for the ladies." [1/31/1896]
Race / ethnicity content: "Fred Jones came down to write up the rehearsal and we expected to have a good notice in the Sunday paper, but when it came there was not a word. Could not understand it but Fred came up at night and said that he had prepared his article which when he gave it to the City Editor he put it on his table and said it would be printed. The City Editor is a little jew named Rosenfeld ..." [1/16/1897] Describing a visit to Cairo, Egypt: "Saw a black nurse suckling white baby. Did not like it much." [12/29/1904]
Labor: Discussion with a chambermaid in Nuremberg, Germany: "her wages are 11 marks a month not quite $2.75. Workmen have 25 to 30 pfgs per hour, 06-07 cts. She gets very little in the way of tips." [9/5/1900]
Class relations: "A party came from the Pier, evidently Irish, three women and a man, who all got drunk and were loaded into the rather fine carriage like logs and driven off." [8/18/1892]
Gender relations: "This afternoon went to the Suffrage Meeting where we heard Mrs. Conant speak delightfully." [5/12/1890] "went to see Miss Green about formulating an amendment to the law regulating distribution of property of deceased husbands and wives." [1/19/1900] Discussing the birth of her granddaughter: "She is a perfectly formed well developed baby. Of course we wanted a boy, but it is all right." [5/12/1900]
Progress: "Read my paper today at the Club. The subject for the day was Bellamy's Looking Backwards, but the subject of social reorganization naturally grew out of this book. Mrs. Frank Pratt preceded me and a Miss Rand...spoke of the work of the College Settlement Association...The talk was most inspiring and helpful leaving one inclined to believe that here is probably the greatest encouragement in the solving of the social question with which so many minds are wrestling." [5/21/1890]
Arts and culture: "Lizzie, Louise and I went to Thachers Whinshets. Very ordinary performance and a most common audience." [9/17/1892] "Frank and Rie & Chas. and I saw Minna Gale Haynes in Romeo and Juliet." [2/24/1893]
Travel: "Am to do errands later then start for N.Y. via S.S. Massachusetts. We expect to reach Buffalo Thursday night, go to Niagra Friday and sail from Buffalo Sat. at seven for Chicago. First I think I am not enthusing much about this trip. It is too hot and Chas. is not amusing as a companion." [8/6/1890] Discussing an impending trip to Europe: "I went down and took tickets for passage on the Bohemian of the Leland Line leaving Boston...prefer to sail from NY but could not get what I liked. Barbarous sails just right buy everything was taken." [5/25/1904]
Geographical and architectural: "Delaware Water Gap scenery very beautiful." [8/7/1890] "The south coast of France is one continuation of lime stone cliff" [12/14/1900]
Organizations: "A little before twelve went to the Board meeting of the Soc. for the Prev. of Cruel. to Children." [12/8/1890] "Mrs. B.E. Andrews came to know if I would take the place on the Board of Managers of the State Home and School left vacant...I did not know what to do about it but after thinking it over for twenty four hours decided to take it." [11/15/1891] "Fussed around all the morning principally getting my speech ready for my inauguration as President of the R.I. W.C." [3/6/1893]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1021
Collection title: Matteson Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folders 12-23.
Size: 2 ½" x 4" (1890-1894, 1895-1896); 3" x 5" (1897-1900,1903, 1905-1906); 3 3/4" x 5 ½" (1901-1902, 1904, 1907-1918)
Condition: Excellent. However, writing can be difficult to decipher.
Graphic content: Occasional newspaper clippings containing photographs.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): 28 bound volumes, as well as a three volume transcription.
Provenance: 1999. 58. 1. 1-33, gift of Alys MacLeod et. al.
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, January 2001
Bibliography:
Stattler, Rick. "A Guide to the Matteson Family Papers in the Manuscript Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library," 1999.
Subject headings:
Africa - description and travel
Asia - description and travel
Aldrich, Ned
Bermuda - description and travel
Bicycling
Brown University
Cancer
Caribbean - description and travel
Ceylon - description and travel
Diaries - 1890-1918
England - description and travel
Europe - description and travel
France - description and travel
Germany - description and travel
Grinell, Elizabeth (1852-1906)
Hazard, Caroline (1856-1945)
Himes, Sarah H. (Covill) (d. c.1901)
Holmes, Oliver Wendall (1809-1894)
Italy - description and travel
Japan - description and travel
Marriage
Matteson, Alys (McCreery) (1878-1960)
Matteson, Amy (1842-1905)
Matteson, Ann (b. 1911)
Matteson, Archibald (1873-1939)
Matteson, Archibald Jr. (1912-1983)
Matteson, Charles (1840-1925)
Matteson, Charles II (1906-1909)
Matteson, Elizabeth (1900-1978)
Matteson, Ella J. (1852-1946)
Matteson, Frances (1902-1977)
Matteson, George (1875-c.1942)
Matteson, Paul (1884-1978)
Matteson, Rowena (Campbell)
Middle East - description and travel
Money, Louise
Money, Vida
Olympics
Panama - description and travel
Providence, R.I. - social life and customs
Rhode Island Women's Club
Sharpe, Lucien (1830-1899)
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
Southeast Asia - description and travel
United States - description and travel
Notes on the Grace E. (Jaques) McNamara Diary
Entries dated 1924 to 1924
Biographical:
Name at birth: Jaques, Grace E.
Name after marriage: McNamara, Grace E. (Jaques)
Birthdate and place: January 29 1885, RI
Death date and place: April 6 1983, Woonsocket, RI
Age range during diary: 38 - 39
Residence during diary: Diamond Hill Road, near corner of Mendon Road
Places written: Woonsocket, RI
Biographical note: Mother died when Grace was an infant. Raised by working-class Yankee grandparents in Woonsocket. Became one of Woonsocket's first telephone operators, working from 1906 to 1916. Joined the Smithfield Monthly Meeting of Friends (Quakers) in 1910. Married a streetcar conductor in 1914, lived on a small farm that supplied additional income. Had one son who became a textile worker, never married and never left the house. Her husband died in 1953, and she lived with her son in Woonsocket for the rest of her life. Despite experiencing severe health problems as a younger woman, she lived to be 98 years old. She was cremated at Swan Point Cemetery, and buried in Slatersville Cemetery with her son Richard.
Richard remained active in the Smithfield Friends Meeting, and upon his death in January of 1991 left the bulk of his estate to the meeting, including his house and property. The contents of his house were auctioned off by Glass Auction and Realty on behalf of the meeting on May 11, 1991. Grace's 1924 diary was presumably auctioned off at this time.
Ethnicity: Yankee. In this case, her ethnicity is a bit complex, and is technically Huguenot / Yankee / Irish-American. Although Jaques is a French name, and the family was from the French-Canadian metropolis of Woonsocket, they were oddly enough not French-Canadian. The census records clearly indicate that all four of Grace's great-grandparents on the Jaques side were born in Rhode Island or New York, going back to circa 1800. Jaques is an old Rhode Island French Huguenot name. Grace's mother was Irish-American, but died before Grace was old enough to remember her, and Grace was raised by her Yankee grandparents. Further complicating matters was her marriage to an Irish-American, but she does not seem to have been drawn into an Irish-American family or social group. In fact, they rarely had any visitors at all.
Religion of diarist: Quaker
Social class: Working-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 365
Exact dates: January 18 - December 31 1924
Frequency of entries: Daily except no entries from September 10 to October 5.
How was author identified?: The diary is not signed, and nowhere does the author identify herself. However, she makes frequent notice of her neighbors (including Eugene Chipman and Eugene Crooks) and often discusses her route into downtown Woonsocket or to Cumberland, placing her residence in the northeastern corner of Woonsocket. She refers to her husband "Mac," who is apparently a uniformed transit worker; and her son Richard, who celebrates his ninth birthday on April 20 1924. She celebrates her own birthday on January 29.
With this information, the appropriate neighborhood was scanned in the 1920 census for 4-year-olds named Richard without siblings. None were found. The street cross-directory section of the 1924 Woonsocket directory was then scanned on the appropriate streets in northeastern Woonsocket. Only one possible "Mac" appeared, Patrick McNamara. He was listed as a streetcar conductor. The census showed him in a different neighborhood in 1920, but with a wife and 4-year-old son named Richard. Further research in later directories and the Social Security Death Index show Grace's birthday as April 29, and Richard's as April 21 1915. All other supporting data seems consistent.
Brief description: Describes working-class family life with an underachieving husband and a beloved but sickly nine-year-old son.
Writing quality: Excellent
Utility for research: Very direct assessment of her husband's work ethic and the quality of their marriage, and a very good general diary, though not very eventful.
Related papers at RIHS: Inserted into the diary is a single postcard received about the death of "Esther" in 1913.
Family members:
Father's name: Jacques, John T.
Father's dates: ca.1852-ca.1933?
Father's occupation: Painter and street car conductor, Woonsocket, RI
Mother's name: Burke, Katherine
Mother's dates: 1859-1882, born England to Irish parents
Brothers: Unknown, probably not
Sisters: Unknown, probably not
Husband's name: McNamara, Patrick J.
Husband's dates: 3/26/1873-1953
Husband's occupation: Streetcar conductor for United Electric Railway Company
Marriage date and place: April 16, 1914
Father-in-law's name: Unknown
Father-in-law's occupation: Born Ireland
Mother-in-law's name: Unknown
Mother-in-law's dates: Born Ireland
Sons: Richard "Buddy" (4/20/1915 - 1/5/1991)
Daughters: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Patrick's sister who lives in Pawtucket. "Mac's sisters Mrs. McG & Nell & Margaret & Ed Kelly" [11/27/1924] Thomas and Irene McGill? [12/26/1924] 1900 Census shows his sisters Nellie b.1877 and Katie b.1880. Grace's deceased uncle Herbert Jaques (1863-1923) [1/23/1924]; aunt Eleanor I. "Nellie" Jaques (1856-1928).
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Daddy paid our poll taxes today. I ought to go down and register so I can cast a vote for Calvin." [6/25/1924] "Dad's listened in to the ball game softly all aft. We've taken a bet - a dollar box of candy against a dollar's worth of tobacco, Dad rooting for the Giants and me for the Senators." [10/7/1924] Long description of Election Day excitement and Coolidge's apparent victory [11/4/1924]
Religious content: Does not mentioning attending church or meetings, but does listen approvingly to Baptist sermons on the radio [10/1924]. She became a Quaker in 1910 and remained a member for the rest of her life. Husband was buried in Catholic ceremony in 1953.
Family: "Donned my 'pants' this a.m. and son & I went sliding. Some sliding too! We went over across on Smith's land and there are a series of hills. Gee! How you go!" [2/8/1924] "This noon son & I ate dinner under the elm tree. We do enjoy ourselves so much out here. Richard said today that he never was so happy before & I'm sure I never was either." [8/7/1924]
Marriage: Husband begins coming home from work at 1 pm: "I don't like a man home in the daytime! The home is the woman's domicile & when a man's around it robs her of all her individuallity. But what are you going to do about it!" [2/4/1924] Calls husband "Daddy"? Also occasionally "Mac." "I have just been told how 'someone' has often got his own meals. I enquired if he meant when I was sick & was told yes, & lots of other times when I was away. Gee whiz! And there I never in my married life have gone without leaving his dinner all ready for him & always home to get supper. I've never gone away for weeks & left him to shift for himself like he had to before he got me." [2/19/1924] "Got dinner for the man of the house and he came home at 5 p.m. Had he tel. it would have saved me getting that meal and we could have gone over to Mrs. Crooks' & heard the Washington's Birthday programme over the radio." [2/22/1924] No present for Mother's Day [5/11/1924] "I often wonder if Daddy is well. He doesn't seem like he used to be at all. No ambition at all - just read & smoke & sleep - 16 hours of it... He has the poorest paying car of the lot & now is the time I'd like to get ahead, for at the rate he is aging he'll be on the shelf in ten years more." [6/18/1924] "It's darn lonesome. The women folks across the way used to come over often but not since he has been home afternoons, & if I go away he's real peeved. Gee, I am under britches rule instead of petticoat rule." [7/5/1924] "Talk about your silent partners! I drew a dead one, I guess." [7/16/1924] Mentions "Dad's uniform" [10/22/1924]. Apparently sleeps in a separate bed from her husband, in her son's room [11/17/1924]. After all of the year's complaints about marriage and health, writes this on New Year's Eve: "A good year on the whole for this little family.. Good-bye dear old 1924. We shall think of you with the kindest feelings and pleasant memories." [12/31/1924]
Health: "I don't feel able most of the time to do what I have to for us three. I don't believe there's a soul who realizes how dreadfully badly I feel almost every day." [3/2/1924] "Feel so dreadfully badly these days. I cry during my work because I don't feel able to drag around." [3/14/1924] "Nearly famished for a bit of gruel or something a sick person could eat & no one to fix it for me... Gee, it's simply fierce to be sick & never have a thing done for one. Well, there'll be an end to it sometime but meantime I'm hungry." [10/20/1924]
School: "Eliza McDermott, one of my favorite teachers, died this a.m." [5/16/1924] "Opened my fall session of school. We are not sending son this year, the school out here is so punk, therefore it is up to me to add teaching to my manifold duties." [9/8/1924]
Home production: Detailed account of daily chores such as cooking and cleaning. See especially 2/11/1924. Next day: "I see to be picked for ill luck and unhappiness." [2/12/1924] Sold $15 of hay and hopes to sell fruit in summer, to pay for a radio [6/23/1924] "I work about 10 hrs a day. Am going to try & rearrange my work so I can have more time to myself or I shall go bughouse... Darn the schedule that sends a man home to sit around all day so a woman has no time to herself." [10/24/1924]
Fashion: Got son his first pair of short pants [5/14/1924]
Food and drink: Visit to Providence: "Had a feed at Far East." [1/29/1924] Frequently gets take-out Chinese food: "Brought home chow mein for supper. Yum! Yum!" [4/3/1924] Ate at Far East again [5/14/1924]. In Providence, "Had dinner at Freeman's & just enjoyed ourselves." [9/3/1924] In Providence, "Had dinner at Gibson's (chicken pie, & it was great too)." [10/22/1924]. In Woonsocket, "all had dinner at Chin Fee's. Never again! as it cost us $3.50." [11/11/1924] Could not afford turkey for Thanksgiving, so bought pork roast [11/26/1924] dinner at Gibson's again before Christmas shopping [12/11/1924]
Race / ethnicity content: "When I got the dress home and tried it on, Mac said it looked like an Italian's & it really is awfully bright; so I guess I'll take it back in the a.m." [8/21/1924]. Had four cats: Whitey, Tiger, Mandy and Nigger. [11/11/1924, 11/12/1924]
Class relations: Rents house from woman named Edie [3/30/1924] Thanksgiving Day musings: "Ed Kelly arrived in his luxurious limousine. They only stayed 15 minutes. How I do wish that we could prosper but I guess we never will. Ed K. puts in more than 8 hours a day - always has. I go without everything that women all like & yet we don't any more than just 'get by'. It takes a lot of ambition and hard work & long hours to get there. Then is the time to sit back & take it easy." [11/27/1924]
Progress: "The next important event was the installation of our new radio which took place a week ago yesterday, on September 21. Since then there has been nothing done at all & I have sat up every night till 12 & 1 o'clock. It sure is great & the set is a dandy; a five tube set. I never in this world expected as nice a one as that." [9/29 or 10/6/1924] Much of the rest of the diary discusses radio programs.
Geographical and architectural: The following details were used to help establish the author's neighborhood. Lives on a farm [1/31/1924]. Took a stroll: "We walked over to Brook's Cor. & back." [2/2/1924] "Dia[mond] Hill is very pretty today." [2/6/1924] Route to "the city" (Woonsocket?): tried to catch bus at Chipman's Corner, "walked down Case Ave. way to Cumberland Street, & over to Social Street." [5/5/1924] Five miles round trip. Walked to "fields by Bungy Brook" [5/23/1924] "Took the old road over to Cumberland Hill & then Mendon Road home." [8/14/1924]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-M
Collection title: Grace E. (Jaques) McNamara Diary
Size: 7" x 4.5"
Condition: Page for June 1-2 was found to be cut out.
Graphic content: None
Provenance: 2000. 59. 1-2, purchased from Maureen McCaffrey
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, September 2000
Bibliography:
1900 U.S. Census, R.I. E.D. 169, page 7; E.D. 170, page 2; E.D. 172, page 18
1920 U.S. Census, R.I. E.D. 329, page 1
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Rhode Island deaths, 1886, page 685
Rhode Island marriages, 1882, page 568
Smithfield Monthly Meeting minutes, 4th month 30 1910 and 1991, in the Archives of New England Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends.
Social Security Death Index
Woonsocket Call obituaries, February 26 1953, April 7 1983, January 6 1991
Woonsocket directories
Subject headings:
Cumberland, R.I. - Social life and customs
Diaries - 1924
xJaques, Grace E. (1885-1983)
Marriage - Rhode Island - Woonsocket
McNamara, Patrick J. (1873-1953)
McNamara, Richard O. (1915-1991)
Railroads - Employees - Rhode Island - Woonsocket
Woonsocket, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Helen A. Pearce Diary
Entries dated 1893 to 1893
Biographical:
Name at birth: Pearce, Helen Abbe
Name after marriage: Merriman, Helen Abbe (Pearce)
Birthdate and place: November 15, 1876, Providence
Death date and place: September 16, 1971, Providence
Age range during diary: 16-17
Residence during diary: 279 Benefit St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Raised in comfortable middle-class home, and married oil executive.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Congregationalist
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 130 pages (approximate)
Exact dates: September 18, 1893 - March 30, 1894, plus one entry for unknown July 18
Frequency of entries: Sporadic
How was author identified?: Signed.
Writing quality: Entertaining, though the handwriting is difficult.
Utility for research: Excellent diary for anybody concerned with the giddy breathless activities of a well-to-do adolescent girl in the Gilded Age.
Related papers at RIHS: None located, except that Helen and Bruce Merriman are frequently mentioned in the Harriette Sprague Watson Lewis Diaries (MSS 535) from 1906 onward.
Family members:
Father's name: Pearce, Henry
Father's dates: 1839-1909
Father's occupation: Banker and stockbroker
Mother's name: Bourne, Elizabeth L.
Mother's dates: 1848-1921
Brothers: Pearce, Henry Jr. (1879-1934). Banker. According to Swan Point Cemetery records, died of "suicide by firearms".
Sisters: None
Husband's name: Merriman, Edward Bruce
Husband's dates: 1872-1936
Husband's occupation: Executive in Merriman Solidified Oil Co.
Marriage date and place: November 28, 1900, Providence (after diary)
Father-in-law's name: Merriman, Charles H.
Father-in-law's dates:
Father-in-law's occupation:
Mother-in-law's name: Thurston, Esther H.
Sons: None?
Daughters: Emily (Merriman) Weld (1908-?), and others?
Other persons frequently mentioned: Bessie Thomas, boarding school roommate in Boston. Frequently mentioned Providence friends include Marion Spaulding, Alice Tucker, Hallie Hazard.
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Papa went up to the hotel to a meeting to see about building a casino. Won't it be grand if we have one..." [9/19/1893]. Attended World's Fair (?) in Chicago [10/4 - 10/8/1893].
Religious content: While at boarding school: "In the morning I went to church, but not out of love of it, I'm afraid, but because I was made to go." [11/19/1893]
Social life: This is largely a leisure diary. Days spent at parties, riding the cable cars with friends, riding the horse out in the pasture, or in the phaeton. After November 9, in school. "Billy Dorrance and Royal Taft came to call...and we played football with an egg it was great fun." [3/24/1894]
Family: Surprisingly little discussing of brother and parents, except for getting yelled at occasionally by mother.
Childhood: Caught smoking by mother and "got it sky high. I wonder if Mama never did anything of that kind when she was young, well I just guess she did." [9/28/1893].
Health: Diptheria while on vacation in Chicago [10/12/1893].
School: Started school at Mrs. Hubbard's boarding school in Boston on November 9 1893.
Food and drink: Discussion of friend Frank P. P.'s drinking problem [9/18-20/1893]
Community: "Who ever dares read this book which is strictly private is a low dishonorable person." [front page].
Gender relations: The bulk of this diary deals with adolescent flirtations, described in giddy detail. Who danced with whom at the dance, etc. Malcolm Chace is described as "a terror, but I like him. He put his arm around me and acted like sin." On the other hand, "I hate Anthony Dyer & thank goodness didn't have to dance with him." [both 9/18/1893]. The endless procession of crushes and new loves is almost numbing. Favorite adjectives: "bully", "out of sight" and "awfully cute".
Travel: Trip to Chicago for World's Fair with mother and friends [10/4 - 10/14/1893]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-P
Collection title: Helen A. Pearce Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 8" x 7"
Condition: Poor. No front cover, back cover detached, several pages loose or torn out.
Graphic content: Several drawings of hearts. On the back cover, a heart has been sectioned into 18 initialed pieces, apparently representing suitors. The largest center piece is initialed H.A.P. (her initials)
Provenance: Unknown. Apparently cataloged circa 1971, the time of author's death.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Only through November 9 read carefully.
Bibliography:
Providence vital records; Swan Point Cemetery index; obituaries of Henry Pearce (12/6/1909) and Mrs. E.B. Merriman (9/18/1971) in the Providence Journal.
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1893-1894
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
World's Columbian Exposition (Chicago, 1893)
Notes on the Louise K. (Winsor) Moore Diary
Entries dated 1992 to 1992
Biographical:
Name at birth: Winsor, Louise King
Name after marriage: Moore, Louise K. (Winsor)
Birthdate and place: August 5, 1913
Death date and place: December 21,1992
Age range during diary: 78 - 79
Residence during diary: 73 Austin Ave., Greenville, RI
Places written: England: Richmond, Chichester, West Sussex, London
Biographical note: Attended Diller- Quale School of Music in New York. Later she went to study at the New England Conservatory of Music. She was a music instructor at such Providence schools as Moses Brown School and the Wheeler School; organist and music director at many Providence churches in including the Grace Church; and a piano instructor at Brown University from 1953 to 1977. She was president of the Shubert Club, and a trustee of the Greenville Public Library, serving as President from 1967 to 1969.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Christian
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 61
Exact dates: June 30 to August 5, 1992
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Donated by author's husband.
Brief description: A partial diary of a trip to England, with emphasis on the musical performances the author attends.
Writing quality: Penmanship and sentence structure clear and understandable.
Related papers at RIHS: Thomas K. Winsor Family Papers include two folders of author's papers, as well as papers of her father and husband.
Family members:
Father's name: Winsor, Thomas King
Father's dates: 1871-1949
Father's occupation: Farmer, fruit grower
Mother's name: Sebille, Fannie Ella
Mother's dates: 1878-1964
Husband's name: Moore, Kay Karlin
Husband's dates: 1910-1996
Husband's occupation: Librarian and genealogist
Marriage date and place: 1947
Topical content:
Aging: 79th Birthday (August 5)
Food and drink: Kay buys a bottle of Yugoslavian wine (page 33); Café Chi Chi (25)
Arts and culture: Girls Choir (page 18); talks to local organist (17); attends Minerva Theatre (31); Pallidum Theatre (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)(41); Dominion Theatre (43); critiques choral performance (5).
Travel: Itinerary dictates a flight from Boston to London July 1, and return flight Aug 13th. Travel between London and Chichester done in automobiles. Almost sees Princess Anne (page 5); Vender Festival(18); Elizabeth's 40th Anniversary on the throne, Festival Eucharist (30); vandalism at Bishops Palace(30); obscene remarks from a bus rider (51); visiting St. Martins(3); St. Janes Gardens (5); Bishops Palace (24); attending cathedral (32); Westminister Roman Catholic Church Gregorian Chants (55)
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1022
Collection title: Thomas K. Winsor Family Papers
Location within the collection: Folder 7
Size: 7" x 4"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1996. 156. 1. 1-, gift of Kay Karlin Moore estate
Cataloged by Mike Cardin, June 2004
Bibliography:
R.I. Cemetery Database
Ancestry.com
Obituary, Providence Journal Dec. 23, 1992. Section A
Notes on the Madeleine F. Moran Diary
Entries dated 1948 to 1983
Biographical:
Name at birth: Moran, Madeleine F.
Birthdate and place: December 16 1901, Providence, RI (celebrated December 15)
Death date and place: December 18 1999, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 46 - 81
Residence during diary: 187 Fenner Ave., Riverside, East Providence, R.I.
Places written: East Providence, RI
Biographical note: Lived in Providence until age 10, then moved to East Providence. Parents were apparently separated at some point, and was raised by mother. Worked as a secretary / stenographer in a variety of state offices in Providence and East Providence, such as the Probation Office (1939), Psychological Services (1949), the School for Retarded Children (1961), and State Child Welfare Services (1968). Lived with mother at 82 Oakley St. in East Providence through the late 1930s, then in rented apartments in the Fox Point neighborhood of Providence, and at 189 Fenner St. in the Riverside neighborhood of East Providence from 1944 onward. Lived alone after the death of her mother in 1956, retired circa 1969, and moved to the Waterview Villa Nursing Home at some point after 1987. She left no close relatives, and only a friend named Jeanne Elson was mentioned in her obituary.
Ethnicity: Irish-American
Religion of diarist: Catholic
Social class: Lower-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 4 plus loose page
Exact dates: 1/1/1948 - 11/2/1952, 1/1/1954 - 2/21/1955, scattered entries 1955-1964, 1/6/1969 - 12/31/1973, 1/1/1979 - 10/14/1981, scattered entries through 1/3/1983
Frequency of entries: Daily for long stretches, sporadic in others
How was author identified?: Signed two diaries
Brief description: Diary of an unmarried Irish-American woman from the Riverside neighborhood of East Providence, who worked as a secretary and stenographer at several state agencies until her retirement.
Writing quality: Plain but solid
Utility for research: One of the very few diaries by Catholic women in the collection, although Rhode Island is the most predominantly Catholic state in the union.
Related papers at RIHS: Two letters written to Moran, 1943 and 1945; a prayer card; and a newspaper clipping.
Family members:
Father's name: Moran, Michael H.
Father's dates: 1873-1958
Father's occupation: Poultry farmer and Navy sailor
Mother's name: Kiernan, Delia T.
Mother's dates: 1877-1956
Brothers: None?
Sisters: Alice A., 1900-1901
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: The "Mike" referred to in the early diaries was apparently her father Michael H. Moran. Good friend "HP" is Helen Phillips (1895-1990) [1/18/1969, 11/20/1969]
Topical content:
Events discussed: Discusses damage from Hurricane Carol, 8/31/1954 - 9/2/1954. "Kennedy made acceptance speech from Hyannisport in the afternoon. Had to wait for Nixon to concede. Amen to that chump." [11/9/1960] "Reagan elected. I voted for Carter. I'm sorry he lost. Maybe now we will have war." [11/4/1980]
Religious content: "Still not going out. I'll never get to Heaven this way - or will I?" [11/3/1957] "Hallelujah! The memorial plaque finally reads the way I want it. I sure dig the new pastor. After trying for four years to get it fixed, he did it in four days." [3/10/1973]
Social life: "I've always tried to be kind to Kathleen, because I thought she had a hard life. How could she have turned on me, for no apparent reason, I just don't know. I'll never get in her way again." [1/6/1970]
Family: All apparently re father: "Mike fell at the front door. Cannot use legs." [7/27/1954] "Mike ... transferred to Bristol Veterans Home." [7/28/1954] "Nurse not friendly tonight. Says he struck an attendant. They don't want him." [7/30/1954] "Things are just the same at Bristol. I think it's just a flophouse for stewbums." [8/1/1954] "Mother and I visited Mike. He seemed weak but not unusually so. May last a good while." [10/26/1954] "Mike says he is ready for discharge from VA. What next?" [8/12/1955] "Mike had a couple of falls. They put a restraining belt on him. Poor Mom had a lot to put up with." [10/18/1956] "Michael H. dead eleven years. I don't forget him in my prayers." [4/8/1969] "Twenty-one years ago Mike the Sailor left for parts unknown. I hope he's happy in Heaven." [4/8/1979]
Aging: "My mom gone sixteen years. I'm alone, but the neighbors have been good when I needed them. Hope God gives me health for another while." [3/9/1972]
Health: Very frequent commentary about health, especially in later diaries. "Abscessed ear. Deaf for a long time (1949)." [12/13/1949] Not entirely deaf - frequently talks on the phone.
Work outside home: Frequent brief commentary on work as secretary in RI Department of Psychological Services, 1948-1955. "Civil Service exams. What a joke!" [8/21/1948] "Civil Service Comm met today. Set up clinical psych job beginning at 41.00." [9/16/1948] "Mr. Cole going to Cleveland for his 40th Anniversary Class Reunion. Wish he would stay there." [6/3/1954]
Food and drink: "I get so tired, perspired profusely. Drank some beer to keep me going." [4/8/1981] Dines frequently at the Young China restaurant [1/6/1972, 3/17/1973, 11/15/1980, etc.]
Race / ethnicity content: "Mom died 1956. In her 83d year. She came to this country at the turn of the century; age 14, 1887. It was tough sledding for the Irish then." [3/9/1969]. Observes "the glorious feast of the great St. Patrick's" [3/17/1969, etc.] "Mailed the balance of my Christmas cards with Gaelic verse." [12/17/1969] "Took an Irish shamrock to mom's grave." [4/26/1972]
Progress: "I can't think of anything this country needs more than another load of moon rocks @ $460 M. with all the poverty that exists, and we spend it that way." [4/17/1972]
Arts and culture: "Molly and Margie went to see Liberace." [11/10/1954]
Travel: Often goes for summer vacations in Hampton Beach, NH [7/20/1954, 8/27/1955, etc.]
Geographical and architectural: "We moved out of Rehoboth for good. Wish we could have kept it, but repairs would be too costly." [8/14/1952] "Three years ago today we left our little farm. Better not to have the expense of it." [8/14/1955] "Moved to Riverside 25 years ago... Mom lived in Riverside 12 years. Never cared much about it. Power St. [Providence] neighbors nice to her." [3/18/1969]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-M
Collection title: Madeleine F. Moran Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 6" x 4"
Condition: Fair. Covers all loose or missing. Only January 1 pages from 1961-1964; January 1-5 missing for 1969-1973.
Provenance: 2003. 9, purchased from Jeffrey Chestnut
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, February, 2003
Bibliography:
1920 U.S. Census, R.I. E.D. 111, page 9
1930 U.S. Census, R.I. E.D. 212, page 21 (Madeleine, mother); Mass. E.D. 206, page 3 (father)
East Providence directories, 1930-1987
Obituary, Providence Journal, December 20 1999, page C-4
Providence directories, 1934-1949
Subject headings:
Catholics - Rhode Island - East Providence
Diaries - 1948-1983
East Providence, RI - Social life and customs
Irish Americans - Rhode Island - East Providence
Secretaries - Rhode Island - East Providence
Notes on the Grace E. Bartsow Diary
Entries dated 1907 to 1907
Biographical:
Name at birth: Barstow, Grace E.
Name after marriage: Murphy, Grace E. (Barstow)
Birthdate and place: September 23, 1888, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: May 28, 1975, Mercer Island, Washington
Age range during diary: 18
Residence during diary: 224 Angell St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: Various towns in Switzerland
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper?
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 29
Exact dates: January 13 - March 18, 1907 (the preceding portion was written in dictation from mother)
Frequency of entries: Regular
How was author identified?: Signed; see note on 1/12/1907
Brief description: Diary of trip to Switzerland and Italy with mother and "Allie".
Writing quality: Very good; lively and upbeat.
Utility for research: Better than average travel diary.
Related papers at RIHS: Amos C. Barstow Family Papers include miscellaneous family correspondence and diaries of mother and grandmother.
Family members:
Father's name: Barstow, Amos C. Jr.
Father's dates: 1848-1903
Father's occupation: Stove manufacturer, Providence, R.I.
Mother's name: Palmer, Grace M.
Mother's dates: 1850-1933
Brothers: John Palmer Barstow (1880-1937)
Sisters: Mary M. (Barstow) Guernsey (1879-1967)
Husband's name: Murphy, Robert C.
Husband's dates: 1888-1973
Husband's occupation: Of Long Island, N.Y.
Marriage date and place: February 17, 1912, Providence, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: Murphy, Robert
Mother-in-law's name: Cushman, Augusta
Sons: Unknown
Daughters: Unknown
Other persons frequently mentioned: "M" is mother.
Topical content:
Events discussed:
Social life: Frequently went sledding and lugeing in Geneva. News re death of Mrs. Bartlett, a Rhode Islander in Nice. "Mrs. B. had come to spend the winter with Mrs. Roelker, bringing Ida and Eleanor and died suddenly from heart trouble. She was a lovely woman and one of M's old friends. I wish I could half tell how badly I feel for those two girls, who so recently lost their father, and for Mrs R who needs love and care & who will miss her sister as much as the daughters." [2/26/1907]
Fashion: Mentions clothing purchases in Switzerland, including "debut dress" [1/23/1907, 2/2/1907]
Gender relations: Attended dance in Geneva: "My first German count and I succeeded in stepping all over each other's toes, & then the silly man asked me again...My last partner was a jolly German, who made me actually enthusiastic about the German fashion of dancing." [2/23/1907]
Travel: A fairly good travel diary from Italy and Switzerland.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 284
Collection title: Amos C. Barstow Family Papers
Size: 6" x 4"
Condition: Fair; bindings loose
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.):
Provenance: 1976. 122. 1-, gift of Alison Connor, probably from estate of the author, who made a note in the diary in 1970.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
Providence city directories
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1907
Switzerland - Description and travel
Notes on the Bessie Cahoone Newton Diary
Entries dated 1929 to 1931
Biographical:
Name at birth: Newton, Bessie Cahoone
Birthdate and place: December 1878, Rhode Island
Age range during diary: 51 - 53
Residence during diary: Newport, Rhode Island and Sacramento, California
Places written: France, Italy, and Carmel, California
Biographical note: Bessie Cahoone Newton was an author of poems and children's stories, and also served as governess of the children of Leonard and Martha Bacon. She lived in both Newport, Rhode Island and Sacramento, California.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 7
Number of pages: approximately 525
Exact dates: July 10 - September 22, 1929; July 31 - August 1930; June 13 - August 17, 1931
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: First page of vol. 2 says "Noo's Diary." Noo was Bessie's nickname. On the cover of vol. 7 it says that the diary is the property of B.C. Newton.
Brief description: Bessie Cahoone Newton diaries mostly pertaining to her visits with the Bacon family in Italy during the summer months of 1929 and 1931. She also details a visit that she took to Carmel, California in the summer of 1930 and a car trip from Florence, Italy [where the Bacon family was staying] to France in 1931. While in France, Bessie also took a side trip to England.
Writing quality: Excellent. Handwriting, is at times, difficult to decipher. She occassionally writes in shorthand as well.
Related papers at RIHS: Elizabeth Cahoone Newton Papers (483 sg 54, series 10)
Family members:
Father's name: Newton, Dudley
Father's dates: 1845-1907
Father's occupation: Architect
Mother's name: Newton, Mary E. (Bailey)
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Mrs. [Martha] Bacon, Alice Bacon, Helen Bacon, Martha Bacon, Mr. [Leonard] Bacon
Topical content:
Religious content: Bessie discussing her feelings about Point Lobos - "The beautiful places in this world are so beautiful that I often wonder what that land must be where eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, the wonderful things God hath prepared for those who love him. Had the author of these words ever looked on Point Lobos." [p. 25] She continues by saying "No private citizen should hold this stupendouse works of nature in his hands. It is the gift of the Creator to his whole creation. It belongs to the World." p. 26]
Social life: "Last night I took Alice to Viarregio for a 'treat' and we saw part of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin', the great desire of Alice's young life.[8/31/1929]
Family: "Of course I ran chances when I was a child and got into some pretty dangerous places - but I never cared so much about any other child [Alice Bacon] before." [7/13/1929] "The children went out to see their cousin Roland (not two years old yet ) for the fi
Childhood: Bessie discussing the Bacon children - "All children with the right environment are charming, but these children have more than that - they live in a world of music and poetry and pictures. They know nothing but the beautiful - God bless them!" [7/10/1929]
Health: "Everybody is cutting their feet. The 'boy' at the house certainly got a deep one yesterday - gauze was at a premium and Nello had to go to town for more bandages this morining." [7/25/1929]
Work outside home: "I have typed one of Mrs. Bacon's short-stories, 'Life and Death.' It's as deep as the water under the sea and yet as simple as the gospel story." [7/25/1929]
Fashion: "I went into Monterey and bought a real workman's coolie coat. It's that heavy black cottonish material that never wears out, never shows dirt or ink. (And I am always so inkey.)" [p. 26]"You can't get into an Italian church in short sleeves and a low neck.
Food and drink: "The maids brought down [to the beach] a big pot of delicious soup...then passed a ? package to everyone containing different kinds of sandwhiches. They had cold chicken, and wine, and cake and fruit and coffee..." [7/9/1929]
Race / ethnicity content: Alice Bacon writing in a letter that Bessie was sending out - "'We have a cook. He is a man and quite a fat one. He has black curls and rather brown skin.'" [7/31/1929]
Labor: Bessie commenting on an incident of seeing some men at work beating a horse -"Mr. Bacon said that the beating of the horse was simply unspeakable, but the man himself or rather the men were so overworked and underpaid and had to live such hard lives that we had no right to make them harder by going to the police who would fine him and then the families would be without macaroni. He says the men make the same amount he gives the children for pin money. He says we could beg them to be kinder and threaten to send their names to a society which protects animals." [9/9/1929]
Progress: "Mr. Bacon says that aviation has gone ahead at an unbelievable rate in America. Everybody was flying all the time." [9/5/1929] "I saw the lastest in cosmetics tonight - a pair of eyelashes - long and beautiful and a bottle of gluestick - used to attach them to your upper eyelids. Ye gods! Women are fools."
Arts and culture: "Mrs. B. is working on her picture with the frescoes - said frescoes involving a tremendous amount of thought and planning." [7/30/1929] "Mrs. Bacon is reading 'Lorna Doone' aloud to the children." [8/1/1929]
Travel: Discussing their impending trip to France: "Mr. Bacon asked me to come to the [Italian] French Consulate with the children...The children waited uneasily on their chairs while the consul pronounced us o.k. for the trip." [7/6/1931]
Geographical and architectural: "The piazza of Sienna is said to be the most beautiful in Italy. There is a great oval with a fence around it, free to all - outside of that is the wide race track - all built on the plain of an amphitheatre with the ground sloping down...the other side of the race tracks are built with a curve following the in of the tracks and every windown was festooned with brilliant drapes of colour." [7/2/1931]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 483 sg 54
Collection title: Bacon Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 7, folders 5-8.
Size: 5 3/4" x 7 3/4" (vol. 1-3); 6 3/4" x 8 1/2" (vol. 4); 6" x 8 1/4" (vol. 5-6); 6 1/4" x 8 1/2" (vol. 7)
Condition: Good. Some of the pages in volume 4 are starting to detach from the binding.
Graphic content: Occassional drawings in vol. 2 and 6.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diaries also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 1, Reel 16.
Provenance: 1974. 73. 1. 1- gift of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Davies or 1974. 74.1.1- gift of Mr. and Mrs. Melville G. Davey, Jr.
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, December 2000
Bibliography:
Stattler, Rick. "A Guide to the Bacon Family Papers in the Manuscript Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library," 1998.
1930 U.S. Census, Rhode Island E.D. 14, page 12B
Subject headings:
Bacon, Alice
Bacon, Helen
Bacon, Leonard (1887-1954)
Bacon, Martha (1891-1967)
Bacon, Martha (1917-1981)
California - description and travel
England - description and travel
Europe - description and travel
Diaries, 1929-1931
Gondolas
France - description and travel
Italy - description and travel
Venice - description and travel
Notes on the Abby Nightingale Diary
Entries dated 1811 to 1812
Biographical:
Name at birth: Nightingale, Abby
Birthdate and place: May 8, 1768
Death date and place: September 5, 1853
Age range during diary: 42-43
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Unmarried daughter of a leading Providence merchant.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 4
Exact dates: January 1, 1811; March 9 - 13, 1812
How was author identified?: Identification is very much uncertain. The fragment was found with the Nightingale-Jenckes Papers, and can be assumed to be from that family. The only family references are to a sister Mrs. M, and to an Aunt R. Jenckes; the diary gives the strong impression that its author was an unmarried woman. Careful study of the connections between the Nightingale and Jenckes families reveals that the only likely Aunt R. Jenckes in 1812 was Rebecca (Carter) Jenckes (1776-1837). However, the diary author complains of aches and pains and seems to be somewhat advanced in years, and it seems odd for her to call a 36-year-old woman "Aunt". I am assuming that it is used as a loosely applied term for a cousin, which would be more accurate if the author was a Nightingale. Samuel Nightingale II had four daughters, two of whom were unmarried: Abby (1768-1853) and Eliza (1780-1863). I am guessing the author was the elder Abby, just based on the aches and pains mentioned. The author seems more like 43 than 32. "Sister M", if this identification holds true, would be Susan (Nightingale) Megee (1771-1841). There were no unmarried Nightingales in the previous generation.
Identification of the dates is also tricky. One sheet is marked January 1, 1811. The other gives only days of the week. The Wednesday entry refers to the birthday of Mrs. W.R. Danforth. This would be Eliza (Carter) Danforth, who did not marry until June of 1811. Her birthday was March 11. The diary also refers to Gov. Jones, who served from 1811 to 1817. A look at the perpetual calendar reveals that the only Wednesday March 11 during his term was in 1812. The Friday entry certainly supports the dating of this diary in mid-March: Nature seems to ...resume the garb of spring after such a dreary winter."
Brief description: Four pages of mostly spiritual reflections, and some local social calls.
Writing quality: Good, if perhaps a bit overblown.
Utility for research: There is not enough diary here to be very useful; the most interesting parts are all quoted above.
Related papers at RIHS: Papers of her father, brother and several other relatives in Nightingale-Jenckes Family Papers (MSS 588)
Family members:
Father's name: Nightingale, Samuel II
Father's dates: 1741-1814
Father's occupation: Merchant of Providence, R.I.
Mother's name: Crawford, Susanna
Mother's dates: 1741-1790
Brothers: Samuel Nightingale III (1782-1851)
Sisters: Susan (Nightingale) Megee (1771-1841); Mary (Nightingale) Jenckes (1773-1841); Candace (Nightingale) Bowen (1778-1832); Eliza Nightingale (1780-1863).
Husband's name: None
Topical content:
Religious content: A classic expression of the Puritan ethos: "How thankful should I be for the afflictions which I am compelled to endure - no situation is so dangerous as one apparently exempt from trials - they should be received as friendly monitors to warn us from destruction." [3/12/1812?] Almost the entire 1811 entry is also along these lines.
Social life: On a visit to her sister's, "Mr. Snow made his appearance in the Evening - his conversation was as formerly hard and uninteresting not at all amusing to Ladies." [3/9/1812?]
Family: Apparently sees sister Mrs. M, who lives across the street, three times in five days.
Health: Troubled by poor health and not reluctant to tell us about it: "Personal afflictions have indeed deprived me of all levity of character which I once possessed & clouded those which would probably been devoted to youthful pleasures." [1/1/1811] "Constant ill health has almost unnerved my system." [3/10/1812?] "Various ails and aches engrossed much of my attention...I returned home at dark with a lamentable sideache." [3/11/1812?]
Arts and culture: "In the afternoon committed to memory a piece of poetry by Thompson." [1/1/1811]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS MSS 588, sg 6
Collection title: Nightingale Family Papers
Location within the collection: Folder 16
Size: 8" x 6"
Condition: Only two loose sheets torn out of a volume still survive.
Provenance: 1969. 60. 2-, part of a gift of Nightingale papers from Mrs. Norman Baker
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety several times over.
Bibliography:
Browne, William B. Genealogy of the Jenks Family of America (Concord, N.H.: Rumford Press, 1952)
Chapin, William Waterman. Genealogy of the Nightingale Family (typescript at the R.I.H.S., compiled 1912)
Woods, John C.B. John Carter of Providence, Rhode Island and his Descendants (Reprinted from R.I.H.S. Collections, October 1918).
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1811-1812
Notes on the Sarah C. (Gladding) Ormsbee Diary
Entries dated 1843 to 1855
Biographical:
Name at birth: Gladding, Sarah Cary
Name after marriage: Ormsbee, Sarah C. (Gladding)
Birthdate and place: June 21 1800, Providence, RI
Death date and place: July 1 1873, Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 42 - 55
Residence during diary: South Main Street, Providence, RI
Places written: Providence, RI
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 9, bound as 3
Number of pages: 108 pages written on (12 in each volume)
Exact dates: 1843-1850, 1855
Frequency of entries: Very irregular, with three to ten entries in most months.
How was author identified?: Name written in on first page of 1844, 1848 volumes. Mentions of family fit other known facts.
Brief description: Very brief entries written into printed almanacs, mostly re weather and payments to servants.
Writing quality: Very terse.
Utility for research: Very limited - of possible interest to family members, biographers of the author's husband, and perhaps weather historians.
Related papers at RIHS: None
Family members:
Father's name: Gladding, Allen
Father's dates: 1764-1839
Father's occupation: Grocer
Mother's name: Carpenter, Charlotte
Mother's dates: 1770-1860
Brothers: Kingsley C. Gladding (1802-1866)
Sisters: Mary S. Shaw (1805-1881); Abigail W. Giles (1811-1887); Charlotte Gladding (1818-1872)
Husband's name: Ormsbee, John H.
Husband's dates: 1779-1860
Husband's occupation: Insurance agent; former ship captain
Marriage date and place: July 15 1827
Father-in-law's name: Ormsbee, John
Father-in-law's dates: 1755-1787
Father-in-law's occupation: Carpenter
Mother-in-law's name: Holden, Barbara
Mother-in-law's dates: 1750-1786
Sons: Allen Ives Ormsbee (1834-?), stepson John S. Ormsbee (1816-1889), stepson Henry H. Ormsbee (ca.1818- )
Daughters: Charlotte B. Farnum (1832-1907)
Topical content:
Events discussed: Very little mention of pubic events (other than weather) - the following is complete: "Gordon executed." [2/14/1845] "55 waggons with turkey on the bridge at one time for Thanksgiving." [11/29/1848] "Burnt house of Mrs. Jenkins, and she & her daughter perished in the flames." [11/20/1849] "Off Conimicut on 21st, ship Narragansett upset & sunk coming from Warren." [11/21/1849] "Ship Narragansett sailed this morning on her first voyage, bound for Savannah." [12/17/1849] "Burnt the Bethel Meeting House." [12/1/1855]
Family: Occasional mentions of family members seem to match known children John, Henry, Charlotte and Allen. ""Henry started for Saratoga" [8/5/1847] "C. and A. went to the ferry." "Allen went to Barrington." [8/27/1847] "Grandmother went to Worcester." [11/24/1847] (author's mother Charlotte Gladding, d.1860?) "Henry went to New York." [4/14/1849] "Sister C. & self went to Bristol in Carrgall." [5/24/1855] "Spent the day at Charlotte's." [5/26/1855] "Allen arrived from New York." [6/22/1855] "Allen returned to N. York." [7/11/1855]
Health: "First case of cholera, Mrs. Sabin deceased this day." [6/8/1849]
Home production: Many entries apparently refer to music lessons taught or butter sold. For example, in full: "4 lb butter" [6/19/1847] or "Singing lessons" [3/29/1848]
Labor: Many entries re payments to Elizabeth, presumably a servant: "Paid Elizabeth to this date $6." [3/27/1848] "Paid balance due Elizabeth 5 dolls. She leaves this day for a better home." [10/31/1848] "Mary left us, paid balance of wages $7 on 23d." [3/13/1855] "Jane Adams commenced." [3/14/1855] "Paid Wm Burgess $12 dolls services to date one month." [2/18/1855] "Mary Kitely commenced." [3/20/1855]
Arts and culture: Sporadic references to unusual weather. Gardening entries begin in March of 1848. Perhaps the longest entry in the diaries: "Yellow crocus out of bloom today and crown imperials are one foot high." [4/2/1848]
Travel: "Started for a journey." [7/19/1847] "Arrived at the Falls at 6 p.m." [7/24/1847] "Arrived at Saratoga at 7 p.m." [7/29/1847] "Arrived home at 6 p.m." [8/4/1847] "Commenced trip to White Mountains." [8/16/1849] "In Montreal." [8/7/1850] "Returned from Quebec & Montreal via Fitchburg & Worcester." [8/22/1850] "We started for a little journey." [8/16/1855]
Geographical and architectural: "New carpet in sitting room chamber." [5/19/1855] "New carpet in parlor." [10/16/1855]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: Printed Collection
Collection title: The Providence Almanac and Business Directory.
Location within the collection:
Size: 5.5" x 3"
Condition: Very good
Provenance: Unknown. Each volume stamped "City Library, Providence, Mayor's Office," and bound with heading "Mayor's office," so probably a gift from the city.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, September 2001
Bibliography:
Carpenter, Daniel Hoagland. A Supplement to the Carpenter Genealogy, 40. Typescript in R.I.H.S. printed collection.
Pierce, Albert E. Ormsby-Ormsbee Family Descendants of Richard Ormesby..., E-118, F-156. Tulsa, Ok.: Published by author, 1962.
Providence directories, 1843-1855
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1843-1855
Gladding, Sarah C. (1800-1873)
Ormsbee, Sarah C. (Gladding) (1800-1873)
Notes on the Bessie R. Paine Diaries
Entries dated 1906 to 1940
Biographical:
Name at birth: Paine, Bessie Rose
Birthdate and place: January 7, 1891, Cranston, R.I.
Death date and place: November 27, 1971, Providence R.I.
Age range during diary: 14-49
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Lived most of life on Elmwood Avenue in Providence. Piano teacher, and co-owned property with sister and parents. Active in church and charitable activities, and in genealogy. Never married, and lived with her spinster sister until her death.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Congregational (Parkside Community Church)
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 4
Number of pages: 104 p., 122 p., 72 p., 23 p.
Exact dates: January 1, 1906 - December 25, 1940
Frequency of entries: Very sporadic; one entry from 1911 through November 1918, and then one entry from 1919 through 1925; no entries 1927 through 1929. Only fairly consistent for 1906 through 1910, and 1930 through 1938.
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Sporadic diaries, kept mostly from the ages of 14 to 18, and 39 to 45. Descriptions of church and musical activities.
Writing quality: Good; the earlier entries are very engaging in a plain way.
Utility for research: Interesting account of career as music teacher, and of middle-class life along Elmwood Avenue.
Related papers at RIHS: Extensive diaries of sister Emily Paine (MSS 601). Parkside Community Church Records (MSS 9001-P).
Family members:
Father's name: Paine, Caleb H.
Father's dates: 1847-1935
Father's occupation: Dairy farmer, of Cranston and Providence. After 1907, seems to have been exclusively a landlord. Married at Blackstone, Mass., 1883.
Mother's name: Fearney, Sarah H.
Mother's dates: 1856-1934, born Warwick.
Brothers: None
Sisters: Emily H. Paine (1884-1974)
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Aunt Annie W. Paine Wilcox (d.1922), uncle John W. Wilcox, aunt Harriet E. Paine Streeter (d.1932), uncle William B. Streeter; uncle John T. Fearney (1850-1920) and aunt Sarah (d.1931); uncle James Edward "Ed" Fearney (1854-?) and aunt Ida; uncle George A. Fearney (1861- ) and aunt Carrie. Aunt Josephine "Josie" Fearney (1840-1915) shows up a bunch.
Topical content:
Events discussed: Armistice festivities [11/7/1918]. "Election Day! We voted straight Republican ticket." [11/3/1936]. Neighbor selling house due to Depression; "we both feel very thankful for our financial condition." [2/6/1939].
Religious content: Attended camp meeting in Portsmouth for weekend [7/29/1906]. Regular church attender. Sunday School teacher [1931-], played piano or organ at many church services.
Social life: Trip to Rocky Point [8/15/1906]. Long description of circus [6/4/1907]. "I had my first ride in an auto today." [8/16/1907]. "I went to a picture puzzle party at Mr. Logee's tonight." [2/12/1909] Saw demonstration of theremin (strange electrical musical instrument) at the Armory [5/21/1930].
Family: "For the 1st time in my life mama and I will be separated at night. She and Emily have gone to No. Woodstock for a week and I am housekeeper." [8/20/1906, age 15]. First Thanksgiving alone with sister after parents' deaths [11/29/1935].
Childhood: Good diary as a precocious teenager. On 18th birthday: "It doesn't seem possible I'm so old. I feel about 15 but Em says I act as if I was 29." [1/6/1909].
Aging: After 1931, seems to have worked extensively with elderly shut-ins. Aging parents rarely mentioned. 83-year old father shoveled 3 inches of snow on 3/4/1931. Parent's 50th wedding anniversary [3/14/1933]. "Father had a bad fall and bruised and cut the front of his head. Somebody picked him up and brought him home from the vicinity of Longfellow St." [1/5/1935].
Health: Dental horror story of facial swelling and terrible pain; "it will leave a terrible scar." [11/7/1906]; continued weekly visits with Dr. Kingman [2/1/1907]; "I went to the doctor's and he cut my face way open again. It hurt a good deal although he put cocaine in." [3/29/1907]. Sister suffered hemorrhage and blindness in right eye [1/2/1933]
School: No mention of school other than music lessons.
Home production: Describes household chores. Also describes major events on father's dairy farm at Rutherglen ave., 1906-1907. Family sold farm and milk route 3/1/1907, moved to house on residential 887 Elmwood Ave. [12/26/1907]. Family owned rental houses at 49-55 Roger Williams St and 885 Elmwood ave. Bought 892-894 Elmwood Ave. [2/25/1939]
Work outside home: Giving piano lessons at age 14 [1/3/1906]. Held a recital for her pupils, apparently in her back yard, attended by 230 people, at age 15 [6/22/1906]. Week of 11/12/1910, gave 52 lessons, made $15.05, and practiced for 9 hours and 20 minutes.
Fashion: Often describes new outfits.
Food and drink: "Had a very hearty boiled dinner at the N.E. Store." [7/25/1933].
Race / ethnicity content: "Emily went to a swell Jew ball and wore her lovely dress" [1/25/1906]. Describes hearing gunshots while sitting in a drugstore, and discovering that "a colored man shot two women and killed himself." [7/1/1908] Description of "very funny" minstrel show [4/24/1931]. Played piano at the Providence Shelter for Colored Children [5/4/1935].
Community: Fire across street; fed the neighbors and firemen at her house [2/14/1936]
Gender relations: No hint of any courtship.
Progress: "The last electric cars to run on Elmwood avenue finished that way of transportation tonight. When we moved here there were many cars... Monday will begin the era of trackless trolleys." [5/23/1936].
Arts and culture: Piano teacher. Bought new piano, 6/2/1906. Describes recitals and students. Began learning pipe organ [10/1909?]. Attended Chopin Club concert [1/14/1931].
Travel: Vacation to Albany and New York [9/22/1909].
Geographical and architectural: "The old house burned down tonight at about 8:30...we watched it from the house." [3/24/1906]. Fire across street on Elmwood Ave. [2/14/1936]. Description of Nathanael Greene homestead [9/4/1936]. "The Atlantic Oil Station, opposite our house, has changed its attendants and has a new illuminated sign, which we appreciate." [2/27/1939]
Organizations: Parkside Ladies Aid Society [1926-]; on board of a chapel [1/13/1931]; Roger Williams Family Association [1/28/1931]; elected historian of RWFA 10/14/1936. Visit to the Rhode Island Historical Society; "looked at many interesting pamphlets of the Union Congregational Church and a book about the Waterman family. " [2/12/1931]; Shut-In Society [1934]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 601
Collection title: Emily Paine Papers
Size: 9" x 7"
Condition: Good
Graphic content: None
Provenance: 1975. 65. 1. 1-, gift of estate of Emily Paine
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read 1906-1930, skimmed remainder fairly closely.
Bibliography:
See genealogical notes in back of 1906-1935 diary.
Subject headings:
Dairy farming - Rhode Island - Providence
Diaries - 1906-1940
Elmwood Avenue (Providence)
Fearney family
Music teachers - Rhode Island - Providence
Paine, Caleb
Roger Williams Family Association
Shut-In Club
Notes on the Emily H. Paine Diaries
Entries dated 1903 to 1974
Biographical:
Name at birth: Paine, Emily Hester
Birthdate and place: July 22, 1884
Death date and place: 1974
Age range during diary: 18, 23-89
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I. At 55 Rutherglen Ave. to 1909, at 887 Elmwood ave. 1909-1969, rented apartment at 197 Peace St. 1969-1974.
Places written: Mostly in Providence, R.I. Had summer house in Saunderstown (North Kingstown), R.I. through 1971. Lived as a musician for extended stays in New Jersey, Boston, Albany, New Hampshire, Montreal, Eustis (Florida), Larchmont, N.Y., from 1911 to 1923.
Biographical note: Graduated Vineyard St. Grammar School, 1897, and English High School in Providence, 1901. Worked in office of jewelry factory, 1903-1911. Professional touring cellist and pianist, 1911-1923. Owned and managed several rental houses in the Elmwood Avenue area after that point.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Congregational (Parkside Community Church)
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 40
Number of pages: Various
Exact dates: January 1 to September 5 1903; March 18 1908 - June 1 1974
Frequency of entries: Sporadic through about 1911, fairly regular through about 1923, daily after 1923.
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Diaries covering a 71-year span in the life of a middle-class South Providence woman. The years 1911 through 1923 are particularly interesting, as the author traveled as a professional cello and piano player.
Writing quality: Good, though not very expressive.
Utility for research: Excellent documentation of musical career. The entries after 1924 are generally very mundane, but still valuable as a complete picture of the life of two middle-class spinster sisters.
Related papers at RIHS: Four diaries of sister, 1906-1941; a few scattered photographs and other items, all in Emily Paine Papers (MSS 601). Parkside Community Church Records (MSS 9001-P).
Family members:
Father's name: Paine, Caleb H.
Father's dates: 1847-1935
Father's occupation: Dairy farmer, of Cranston and Providence. After 1907, seems to have been exclusively a landlord. Married at Blackstone, Mass., 1883.
Mother's name: Fearney, Sarah H.
Mother's dates: 1856-1934, born Warwick.
Brothers: None
Sisters: Bessie R. Paine (1891-1971)
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Aunt Annie W. Paine Wilcox (d.1922), uncle John W. Wilcox, aunt Harriet E. Paine Streeter (d.1932), uncle William B. Streeter; uncle John T. Fearney (1850-1920) and aunt Sarah (d.1931); uncle James Edward "Ed" Fearney (1854-?) and aunt Ida; uncle George A. Fearney (1861- ) and aunt Carrie. Aunt Josephine "Josie" Fearney (1840-1915) shows up a bunch.
Topical content:
Events discussed: In Washington when President Wilson declared war on Germany. "Many people on the streets with arm bands reading 'keep us out of war'" [4/2/1917]. Helped make Red Cross surgical dressings [1/15/1918, etc.]. No mention of ratification of 19th amendment [8/1920], but on Election Day "Mother, Bess and I voted for the first time, for Harding & Coolidge, and the other Republicans." [11/2/1920]. Saw construction of dam for Scituate Reservoir: "It looked like a Western scene of a mountain camp." [11/27/1924] No mention of stock market crash, 10/29/1929. "Bess and I voted this morning, 'yes' to keep the 18th Amendment, and the straight republican ticket." [11/4/1930]. Hurricane destruction at Saunderstown [9/22/1938].
Religious content: Regular church-goer and very active in church committees.
Social life: Seems to have spent much of January 1903 skating at Roger Williams Park; continues to skate in winters through at least 1927. On a visit to Philadelphia, "a Miss Ball and I went to the Wanamaker's Store and heard a concert on the pipe organ." [5/8/1909].
Family: "Pa and Ma came home. We were glad to see them. We did not like being orphans." [11/7/1914, age 30]
Childhood: "It is fearfully stormy out and Bess & I have been having a 'musical' evening much to Pa's disgust." [2/11/1903]
Aging: Life with aging parents, 1920s to 1935. Excellent regular entries through age 89, mostly living with aging sister.
Health: Paine gives her weight at the beginning of each diary. Mother's right leg amputated just below knee due to diabetes. [11/5/1923]. Suffered hemorrhage and blindness in right eye [1/2/1933]
School: At age 28, while working as pianist in Albany, "Miss Conklin & I joined a new class in shorthand at the Albany Evening School" [11/4/1912]. Helped organize regular reunions of the Vineyard Street Grammar School class of 1897 [7/7/1917, 6/24/1927, etc.].
Home production: "Doing housework don't make a very interesting entry to put in a diary, but it keeps one busy & interested pretty well." [6/12/1903]
Work outside home: Helped father deliver milk frequently [1903]. "Went to work in the office at Irons & Russell, and after six weeks trial like it very much." [7/28/1903]. They were a jewelry factory. Diary stops for five years after this entry. No further mention of this job until eight years later: "Finished my work with Irons & Russell Co. Glad to go, but will miss some of the folks." [11/11/1911].
Piano player at church events; "Bess & I played at a concert in Anthony, R.I. my first public appearance as a celloist." [1/23/1909]. Throughout 1911, lists numerous paid piano performances. After quitting office job, spent a month at the Manhattan Hotel in Lakewood, New Jersey, playing piano for dancing [11/25/1911], then accepted position in quintet in Boston [1/4/1912], apparently at the Gondola Room [6/4/1912]. Then played for three months in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. "Lois Williams had to go home as her playing was not satisfactory." [8/3/1912]. Next were long stints in Albany [10/3/1912], Florence Villa, Florida [1/7/1913]. Returned to Providence and played regular gigs at Perkins Restaurant, and Austin's on Pawtuxet Neck [4/1913]. To Murray Bay, north of Montreal, for engagement at Manoir Richelieu [7/6/1913]. Playing cello in a trio at Hotel Dreyfus Cafe in Providence [9/24/1913 - 6/22/1914] Regular gig at Chinese-American Restaurant in Providence, or "Chin Lee's". [10/9/1914 - 1/9/1915]
Played January through March at Eustis, Florida at the New Ocklawaha Hotel for several winters [1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922]. The hotel burned down on November 14, 1922.
Other interesting gigs; played at the Closed Car Auto Show [11/12/1917]. Served as hostess at Ft. Kearney in Saunderstown? [11/1918]. "This afternoon played with two local boys for a Jewish wedding on Pryor's Lane." [8/22/1920].
Engaged for summer of 1920 at Larchmont-on-the-Sound in Westchester County, N.Y., where she served as a manager in addition to being musical director; fired a series of bad pianists in the week of August 30: "a Miss Cohen came to play with us. She was impossible!"; "Jean Davis...was a poor pianist and quite insulting. I paid her $2 and fired her."; "Miss Gallager arrived from Boston this afternoon, and of all the freaks! She couldn't play, but thought she could. Was highly insulted and threw up the job." Was back at Larchmont for summer of 1921, and from May 1922 to April 1923.
After this point, Paine stayed in Providence, and her performances were largely limited to churches and occasional fill-ins at Chin Lee's.
Fashion: Occasional descriptions of outfits.
Food and drink: Many restaurants are mentioned 1911-1923, mostly places Miss Paine performed at. "We played at the Chinese-American Restaurant. Received $1.25 and a nice chicken chopsooy supper." [10/9/1914]. This restaurant, which seems to be identical with "Chin Lee's", was a favorite hangout for many years. Dinner of 1/30/1925: "turkey, chow mein, fruit salad, ice cream & cake etc." Clambake at her Uncle Ed's: "It was a great dinner, chowder, fish, onions, potatoes, sausage, watermelon, peanuts and lemonade." [7/4/1916]
Race / ethnicity content: "Went to see the Four Leaf Clover Club minstrel show. Gala was one of the Tambos. Very good show." 2/17/1914].
Labor: "Bess, Mr. Sherman & I played at the Y.M.C.A. reception to 700 Brown & Sharpe men. Were paid $1.25 apiece." [2/25/1911]. "There was a car strike and Ma had quite a time trying to get home." [7/15/1915]
Gender relations: "Some fellows do not see how a girl can enjoy herself if she skates alone. I certainly do." [1/23/1903]. While working in Boston, "Last night Fred Adams gave me a bunch of violets, and this morning he took me to Tremont Temple." [3/10/1912]
Progress: Arrival of the radio in the Paine home [1/10/1924]. First car: "My new car [Chevrolet Sedan] was delivered this A.M. and shortly afterwards, Mr. Hall came out and gave me a driving lesson in the 'teaching car'" [4/29/1924]. The car becomes central to the diary for the next few months. Traded it in for a brand-new black Ford "Fordor DeLuxe" [12/12/1936].
Arts and culture: Involved with music throughout life; see work experience. Attended Providence Opera House [1/3/1903, 3/8/1903, etc.].
Travel: Trip to Ocean Park, Maine [7/20/1908]. Trip to Philadelphia and Washington [5/1909]: "we all went to the Congressional Library which is the most beautiful building I ever was in." [5/8/1909]. Trip to Albany ("do not care to revisit there") and New York City [9/22/1909]. Visited Quebec City, Montreal and Toronto after end of gig in Murray Bay [9/1913]. Visited a friend in Detroit for a few weeks [6/1919]. Trip to New Hampshire with friends [10/1936]. One-month trip with forty fellow musicians on the Aylsworth Musical Clubs Tour, visiting Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Banff [6/1941].
Geographical and architectural: "Ma sold her house at 146 Chestnut St." [9/21/1908]. New family bungalow in Saunderstown [7/1/1914]. Sold house in her name at 67 Rutherglen Ave. [6/7/1921]. Parents deed all property to Emily and Bess; list provided. [11/5/1923] Move to 197 Peace Street [10/1969]
Organizations: President of Tau Kappa Bible Class [1/30/1925]. Roger Williams Family Association [11/19/1926- ]. MacDowell Club (musical) [12/5/1927]. Shut-In Society [1935ish onward]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 601
Collection title: Emily H. Paine Papers
Size: Various
Condition: Good
Graphic content: None
Provenance: 1975. 65. 1. 1-, gift of estate of Emily Paine
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Only the first diary (1903-1913) was read in its entirety. 1913-1925 were skimmed fairly carefully. The remainder were skimmed less carefully.
Bibliography:
Providence City Directories and vital records.
Subject headings:
Chinese Americans - Food
Florida - Description and travel
Musicians - Rhode Island - Providence
North Kingstown, R.I. - Social life and customs
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Roger Williams Family Association
Vineyard Street Grammar School (Providence, R.I.?)
Notes on the Eliza W. Bridgham Diary
Entries dated 1818 to 1818
Biographical:
Name at birth: Bridgham, Eliza Williams
Name after marriage: Patten, Eliza W. (Bridgham)
Birthdate and place: September 13, 1799 - Providence, RI
Death date and place: April 14, 1882 - Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 19
Residence during diary: Providence, RI
Places written: New England - Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut - and New York.
Biographical note: Miss Bridgham was born in Providence, RI to Samuel Willard and Elizabeth (Paine) Bridgham. She was one of six siblings: three brothers (one died in childhood) and 2 sisters. She was the daughter of the first mayor of Providence and the wife of a Chancellor of Brown University.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 39
Exact dates: July 16 - August 7 1818
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Inside page says "Miss Eliza W. Bridgham July 15, 1818"
Brief description: Diary of a journey through New England and New York in the summer of 1818. The diary contains wonderful descriptions of towns and landscapes. It also provides a wonderful description of a Shaker village.
Writing quality: Excellent
Utility for research: This diary is excellent in descriptions of landscape and towns in New England in the early 19th century. The diary also has a several page entry pertaining to a description of a Shaker village in New York.
Family members:
Father's name: Samuel Willard Bridgham, Jr.
Father's dates: 1774-1840
Father's occupation: Lawyer, Representative to the General Assembly (1807-1813, 1823-1828) R.I. Attorney General (1813-1817), first mayor of Providence (1832), Chancellor of Brown University (1828).
Mother's name: Paine, Elizabeth
Mother's dates: 1776-1853
Brothers: Samuel Fales (1805-1807); Samuel Willard (1813-1870); Joseph (1815-1865)
Sisters: Abby Charlotte (1803-1840) m. Edward B. Little; Julia Bowen (1810-1874) m. George Curtis
Husband's name: Patten, William Samuel
Husband's dates: d. 1813
Husband's occupation: One of the founders and long-time president of the Providence Atheneum and a chancellor of Brown University.
Marriage date and place: August 28, 1827
Sons: Joseph Hurlburt (1836-1874) m. Elizabeth G. Boit
Daughters: Elizabeth Bridgham (1834-1860) m. Arthur Fenner Dexter
Other persons frequently mentioned: Mr. Dorr [Sullivan]; Mr. Ives [Thomas P.]; Mr. Burrill [James, Jr.]; Johnny Brown [John Carter Brown]
Topical content:
Events discussed: Ballston Springs, NY: "here we met Mr. Ives, Mr. Burrill & Mr. Dorr, also Johnny Brown - it was really reviving to see some of our own folks again - Johnny has really improved or rather a new suit, has very much improved him..." [7/30/1818]
Religious content: In Fitchburg, MA: ". . .this afternoon went to church - where I heard a very fine organ miserably played upon." [7/19/1818] In Guildford, VT - "no meeting to attend - oh! I recollect there was kind of an assemblage in a hut, where the young men of the village attend, merely for sport! the minister, who is a wandering Methodist, preached last Sunday, for a bushel of oats, & the Sabbath previous, for two dinners, he had eaten a long time before!! what a shocking state of society is this ! I never was more struck, with the necessity & utility, of public worship - people here make their calculations to avail themselves of the sabbath, for 'all kinds of jobs'...I had described only one parish of Guilford." [7/26/1818]
Social life: "This evening John Brown and myself have been amused by playing a variety of games peculiar to this place [Nassau, NY, near Albany] , viz. 'The Devil among the Taylors,' throwing the Ring & which occupied us until ten o'clock." [8/1/1818] "our party continued with us, until this place [Pittsfield, MA], when we were obliged to separate...we have agreed to meet, in Hartford [CT]: I am really sorry to lose John's drollery: he is very amusing, what he says, you would not think of laughing at, were you to hear it, from anyone else, but he has so original & eccentric air with him, he succeeds in being most excellent company . . ." [8/2/1818] Hartford, CT: "On our return, we found the gentlemen, we expected , all well & healthy, Johnny as agreeable as ever . . . Mr. Brown & myself enjoyed a nice tete a tete - and thus concluded our evening." [8/4/1818]
Family: "We left Brattleboro for Guilford...we found our relations all well and as Philip [cousin] declared 'right glad to see us.'" [7/21/1818] "It is fashion here to visit at two o'clock and generally return at dark, this afternoon we went to Cousin Willard's, where (as they say here) we had 'quite a sleek time.'" [7/25/1818] "As this was our last day, we should probably spend in Guilford, Aunt C. sent for all her children and grandchildren to see us & we had noise and confusion enough among the younger part, to turn one's head - I was rejoiced when it came night, for it was a tedious day indeed." [7/26/1818]
Marriage: Mistaken identity: "The landlady came to me & said, 'Can you tell me, Madam, which way I shall go to call your husband?' indeed I told her, I could not, but my father was at the door...don't you think I must look, very old with my veil? or that father's beautiful duck pantaloons, give him a youthful appearance?"
Fashion: Church day at a Shaker village - "the men were all clad exactly alike, so were the women - the men were dressed in a kind of tea-coloured cloth, pantaloons & coats, waistcoats, dark blue hats the largest brims, you can imagine, of the same colour; as they entered, they took off their hats, & stroked their heads twice - then took off their coats, hung them up and sat down, their shirt sleeves, all tied below, the elbow, with narrow dark-blue ribbon; the women, dressed in long white robes, square book muslin, handkerchiefs, folded square & pinned exactly alike - their hair combed, straight back, with white muslin caps - their bonnets, the same colour as the men's hats, their shoes black cloth - with heels, about two inches high!! as they entered , two & two, they hung up their bonnets, pulled of their mittens, which were white, folded their pocket - handkerchiefs, also white, with a dark-blue edge . . ." [8/2/1818]
Race / ethnicity content: "Albany...the inhabitants are mostly of Dutch extraction; to walk a few rods and view the curious names on the signs is really quite amusing...almost break your jaws trying to pronounce then! It is really quite as disagreeable as the German." [7/30/1818]
Community: "Uxbridge [MA] is a tolerably pleasant place." [7/16/1818] "Ashburham [MA], which is a mean, unpleasant little village...Winchedon [MA] . . . a decent village." [7/20/1818] "Keene [NH] . . . I expected something quite superior, it is, however, large enough to support eleven lawyers! It has but one church, and a courthouse to comprise their public buildings." [7/21/1818]
Class relations: Visiting Guilford, VT: "I wish you were here, if it is only to see the difference of manners and deportment in these people, from what we have been used to - not that we are very refined, in my estimation, but that they are most unfortunately rough." [7/26/1818] "We have been delighted beyond description at viewing the fine Asylum [Hartford, CT] for the unfortunate Deaf & Dumb - oh! They appear so happy in this abode and so thankful and grateful for this institution, that it would actually make you yield heart & hand for its support." [8/5/1818]
Gender relations: "Have been four days from home & not yet met with either a curious or romantic adventure!!" [7/19/1818] "Squire Tim Phelps...one of the dashing beaux of the place [Guilford, VT]...he is consequential and presuming, that it would really provoke you, to be with him." [7/26/1818]
Progress: "They are building a large steamboat to run between Saybrook and Hartford [CT]." [8/5/1818]
Arts and culture: "backgammon and music occupied our evening." [7/18/1818] Saratoga Spring, NY: "the gentlemen amuse themselves by walking, riding, playing at Billiards, nine pins & while the ladies I expect, must devote nearly all their time to dress, as they changed it, four times in course of the day . . ." [7/30/1818]
Travel: "We were riding down a steep hill and turning abruptly we found the road was entirely washed away by the rain. I jumped out of the chaise and held the horse by his head, while papa was obliged to break down limbs of trees sufficient to form a bridge entirely across the road." [7/21/1818]
Geographical and architectural: Bellow Falls, NH: " Were much delighted with the falls, which are, twelve miles from Surry; these falls are on the Connecticut river & form one of the finest views in the world, they are eighty feet in height, and rush with all possible impetuosity over the rocks; here is a fine bridge, supported by braces, which is very different from any, I ever saw before . . ." [7/21/1818] While in Albany: "There are many of the Old Dutch houses remaining, they are singularly formed - generally so that three stories of it are within the roof - it pitches very gradually; - there are, many of the finest brick stores . . ." [7/30/1818]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-B
Collection title: Elizabeth W. Bridgham Diary
Size: 7 3/4" x 5"
Condition: Excellent
Graphic content: None
Provenance: 1904. 25, gift of Elisabeth B. Dexter
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, June 2001
Bibliography:
Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island, . Chicago: J.H. Beers & Company, 1908.
Subject headings:
Bridgham, Abigail (1803-1840)
Bridgham, Samuel W. (1774-1840)
Brown, John Carter (1797-1874)
Burrill, James, Jr. (1772-1820)
Connecticut - description and travel
Dorr, Sullivan (1778-1858)
Ives, Thomas P. (1769-1835)
Massachusetts - description and travel
New England - description and travel
New Hampshire - description and travel
New York - description and travel
Vermont - description and travel
Notes on the Mary Elizabeth Potter Diary
Entries dated 1864 to 1865
Biographical:
Name at birth: Potter, Mary Elizabeth
Birthdate and place: 1820 - Kingston (South Kingstown), RI
Death date and place: 1901 - Kingston (South Kingstown), RI
Age range during diary: 43 - 44
Residence during diary: Kingston (South Kingstown), RI
Places written: South Kingstown, Rhode Island
Biographical note: She was the only daughter and youngest child of Elisha Reynolds Potter and Mary (Mawney) Potter. She never married and lived most of her life in Kingston (South Kingstown) with her brother, Elisha Reynolds Potter, Jr., who also never married.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 30
Exact dates: February 1864 - December 1865
Frequency of entries: Sporadic. Sometimes once a month or weekly and occassionally daily.
How was author identified?: Handwriting compared to letters she wrote to her brothers and people mentioned in the diary
Brief description: This diary makes reference to several daily or weekly events in the life of Mary Elizabeth Potter.
Writing quality: Fair
Related papers at RIHS: Potter Family Papers, Mss 679 sg 2-7
Family members:
Father's name: Potter, Elisha Reynolds
Father's dates: 1764-1835
Father's occupation: Lawyer and politician
Mother's name: Mawney, Mary
Mother's dates: 1779-1835
Brothers: Elisha Reynolds, Jr. (1811-1882); Thomas Mawney (1814-1890); William Henry (b. 1816); James Brown Mason (1818-1900)
Sisters: None
Husband's name: None
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Governor Francis buried Aug. 11." [bottom of page 2] "Reelection of Lincoln." [11/8/1864] "Sherman given Savannah two day to surrender or to be fired upon." [12/19/1864]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Aunt Amey died Oct. 3.64." [inside of front cover]; Gov. Allen died Sat doce. 16, 1865" [Dec. 1965]
Religious content: "H. Wells preached to those who dont go to church." [10/23/1864] "H. Wells preached a first rate sermon." [10/31/1864]
Social life: "E. [brother, Elisha] & I went to the beach." [11/26/1864] "Took tea with Anna Ely we played backgammon." [12/14/1864]
Family: "Cousin Asa came." [8/2/1864] "Took Jimmy [nephew] to school."[11/14/1864] "Jimmy is as cross as he can be and so homesick." [11/16/1864] "Jimmy scarcely spoke to me. Never will take another youngster to school." [11/17/1864]
Health: "I was so sick I did not know what to do." [10/6/1864] "been sick ten days." [11/9/1864]
School: Refering to a boarding school her nephew attended: "It looks desolate enough, and makes me heart sick to see those miserable little beds." [11/16/1864]
Home production: "Maria Eldred came, made a green ottoman cloth, a ? silk to which I had no trimming & a wrapper out of my old brown coat. I quilted nearly all the trimmings." [11/1/1864]
Food and drink: "We had a nice lunch, broiled chicken, partridge, bread & butter." [11/14/1864] "I was very busy all week arranging things for winter, attending to meat, sausages & c." [11/26/1864]
Progress: "Water closet finished." [12/9/1865]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 629 sg 7
Collection title: Mary Elizabeth Potter Papers
Location within the collection: Folder 2
Size: 6 1/2" x 4"
Condition: Fair. Some pages have been torn out.
Graphic content: None
Provenance: 1968. 99. 1. 1-, gift of University of Rhode Island
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, June 2001
Bibliography:
Flynn, Robin. "A Guide to the Elisha Reynolds Potter, Sr. Papers in the Manuscript Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society," 1999.
Flynn, Robin. "A Guide to the Mary Elizabeth Potter Papers in the Manuscript Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society," 1999.
Subject headings:
South Kingstown, R.I. - Social life and customs
U.S. History - Civil War, 1861-1865
Notes on the Sarah Powers Diary
Entries dated 1873 to 1873
Biographical:
Name at birth: Unknown
Name after marriage: Powers, Sarah
Birthdate and place: circa 1842, Massachusetts
Death date and place: Between 1873 and 1887, probably in Pennsylvania
Age range during diary: 31 - 32
Residence during diary: Woonsocket, R.I. ; Philadelphia, PA (Fifth St.)
Places written: Woonsocket, R.I., Great Barrington, Mass and Philadelphia, Penn.
Biographical note: Wife of Episcopalian minister. Husband graduated from Tufts in 1861, was pastor of Second Universalist Church of Cambridge 1863-1866, settled in Malden, ordained in Episcopal Church in 1872, served in Woonsocket 1872-1873, served at Church of Advent in Philadelphia through 1885, then moved on to the Trinity Church in Pottsville, Penn. Mrs. Powers died and Rev. Powers remarried circa 1887, and was serving in Pottsville as late as 1910.
Ethnicity: Apparently Yankee; husband was.
Religion of diarist: Episcopalian
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 224
Exact dates: January 1 - December 31, 1873
Frequency of entries: Almost daily
How was author identified?: Describes her husband as an Episcopalian minister in Woonsocket, called to Philadelphia in 1873; this accords with the descriptions of James F. Powers. All efforts to identify the author's name have failed; the Woonsocket Patriot and the St. James Church Monitor were searched, as were all available Powers and Reed genealogies. As the author only lived in Rhode Island for a year, and the place of her birth and marriage are unknown, she will prove difficult to identify. Philadelphia records might prove useful.
Brief description: Diary of minister's wife, concerned mostly with health, husband's activities and receiving social calls.
Writing quality: Very clear and articulate.
Utility for research: Excellent documentation of the life of a minister's wife, and of the inner workings of the Episcopalian Church. Also good discussion of local Woonsocket residents, though little on current events.
Related papers at RIHS: None
Family members:
Father's name: Unknown
Father's occupation: Living in Boston, summer 1873
Mother's name: Unknown
Mother's dates: Died June 2, 1851 [6/2/1873 entry].
Brothers: Frank? Letter from brother Frank in Chicago, 1/8/1873. Letter from "Frank Reed" 5/13. Visit from Frank Reed, 8/28, day before visit from father.
Sisters: Unknown
Husband's name: Powers, James Francis "Frank"
Husband's dates: 1836-a1910
Husband's occupation: Episcopalian clergyman
Marriage date and place: July 29, 1862, not found in Massachusetts marriage index
Father-in-law's name: Powers, William B.
Father-in-law's dates: 1795-?
Father-in-law's occupation: Of Royalsboro, Vt.
Mother-in-law's name: Brooks, Rebecca T.
Mother-in-law's dates: 1805-?
Sons: Apparently not.
Daughters: Apparently not.
Other persons frequently mentioned: Wrote to cousin Eliza [2/17/1873]. Visit from Aunt Mary of Boston [7/5/1873].
Famous Civil War widow Mrs. Sullivan Ballou (Sarah Shumway Ballou) makes regular appearances: "Mrs. Sullivan Ballou is...quite disabled by being thrown out of a wagon on her way up there (to Miss Brownell's)" [5/8/1873]; Mrs. Sullivan Ballou brought her boys in to read graduation essays [6/20/1873]; generic references to visits: 3/13, 3/20, 4/28, 5/18, 5/28, 5/31, 6/25, 7/1, 8/16, 8/26, 9/3/1873. Her son Edgar Ballou was mentioned four times: 4/25, 5/25, 6/19, 6/20/1873. There are also many ambiguous references to "Mrs. Ballou": 2/4 (with Mrs. Shumway), 4/1, 4/7, 4/15 [really 4/16], 4/27, 5/1, 5/4, 5/24, 5/25, 6/22, 7/2, 7/6, 7/13, 8/9, 8/19. Some of these references may have meant Mrs. Henry Ballou, who was mentioned 4/10, 5/5, 5/18, 5/29, 6/21, 6/26, 8/15, 8/21, 9/4/1873. A Jennie Ballou was also mentioned 8/11, 8/23, 8/26, 9/4, 9/5/1873.
Topical content:
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: Mentions many deaths, baptisms, marriages, etc.
Religious content: Husband offered pastorate of Church of the Advent in Philadelphia [6/18/1873], accepted on 7/12/1873. Ordained 9/3/1873; "all obstacles are at last overcome, & we are at last in the dear old mother church." Mrs. Powers meets Frank in Philadelphia 11/17.
Family: "Wrote to father in the morning sending him 4.00, his monthly installment from me." [3/11/1873]. Father stayed at 16 Bank St. ? in Boston for the summer [4/26/1873].
Marriage: Husband's decision to take position in Philadelphia worked out with wife [6-7/1873]. "A young fellow named David Woods...came in the evening with a young girl fifteen years old to be married secretly... [We] persuaded them not to be married without the knowledge if not the consent of her parents." [5/13/1873]
Health: Suffers from poor health throughout. Examined by doctor, who found "'vascular tumor' on the mouth of the uterus. Applied nitrate of silver. I suffered very much." [4/20/1873]. "The morphine I took last night made me dreadfully sick. So that I could not move or hardly speak all day. Never spent such a wretched day." [4/29/1873]. Doctor "removed the tumor from the mouth of the uterus, by means of an instrument." [5/24] "I shall never attempt morphine again, having found to my satisfaction that it does not agree with me." [7/7/1873]. Went to Dr. Collins' health resort in Great Barrington, Mass.; "we found the Home cheerless, damp & forbidding in every way, so far as an invalid's comfort was concerned", but the treatment was apparently successful. [7/18/1873; stayed through 8/6, returned 9/6 to 11/16.]
Community: Records many visits at her home in Woonsocket from a variety of residents, and discusses news of town residents, though unable to leave home much herself due to health reasons.
Arts and culture: Describes some reading, mostly devotional literature, for example "The Near & the Heavenly Horizons" by Madame de Gasparin [6/22/1873] Saw Charlotte Cashman doing theatrical readings at the Philadelphia Academy of Music [12/18].
Travel: Trip for health reasons to Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Relocation to Philadelphia, 11/18/1873.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-P
Collection title: Mrs. James F. Powers Diary
Size: 7" x 6"
Condition: Fair; binding very loose.
Provenance: 1993. 161. 1, purchased from dealer Carmen Valentino
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read Rhode Island section in entirety, skimmed remainder.
Bibliography:
Powers, Amos H. The Powers Family (Chicago, 1884), 88.
Richardson, Erastus. History of Woonsocket (Woonsocket, 1876), 82.
History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1630-1877, 586
History of Philadelphia, 1609-1884 (Philadelphia, 1884), 1353
1870 U.S. Census, Massachusetts, Malden page 451
1910 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania E.D. 66, page 5
Subject headings:
Ballou, Sarah H. (Shumway) (1836-1917)
Episcopalian Church - Rhode Island - Woonsocket
Great Barrington, Mass. - Social life and customs
Gynecology - Rhode Island - Woonsocket
Philadelphia, Penn. - Social life and customs
St. James Episcopalian Church (Woonsocket, R.I.)
Woonsocket, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Betsy Purinton Diary
Entries dated 1819 to 1824
Biographical:
Name at birth: Collins, Elizabeth "Betsy"
Name after marriage: Purinton, Elizabeth "Betsy" (Collins)
Birthdate and place: 1769, Lynn, MA.
Death date and place: August 8, 1839; Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 40 - 45
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, RI
Biographical note: Betsy Purinton and her husband Matthew were the first superintendents of Friends' New England Boarding School (now Moses Brown School) from its conception in 1820 until 1824. They continuted to reside in Providence until their deaths.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Quaker
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 68
Exact dates: January 1, 1819 - April 6, 1824
Frequency of entries: Nearly every day for the first two and a half months, retrospective commentary on the years 1820-1822, every day from January 1, 1823 to April 6, 1824
How was author identified?: Piece of paper glued to page opposite inside front cover says: "Diary of Betsy Purinton the first Matron of Friends' N.E. Boarding School." Piece of paper taped to back of identification page signed B.P.
Brief description: Diary written in third person, chronicles daily life of the scholars and teachers of what became the Moses Brown School.
Writing quality: Very good but not very personal
Utility for research: Excellent for studying the history of Moses Brown School and 19th century Quakers in Rhode Island
Family members:
Father's name: Collins, Enoch
Father's dates: 1735-1772
Mother's name: Breed, Rebecca
Mother's dates: 1742-1784
Brothers: Micajah Collins (prominent Quaker)
Husband's name: Purinton, Matthew
Husband's dates: 1762-1848
Husband's occupation: Tanner and educator
Marriage date and place: October 7, 1793, Salem, MA
Father-in-law's name: Purinton, Samuel
Father-in-law's dates: 1738-? (still living in 1810 census)
Mother-in-law's name: Newhall?, Abigail
Mother-in-law's dates: 1739-1796
Other persons frequently mentioned: Frequent mentions of herself and her husband in the third person; other teachers at the school; Moses Brown [1/3/1819]; Obadiah Brown [1/7/1819]; Micajah Collins and wife; George Whitney; James Mott (cousin of the James Mott who married Lucretia Coffin, the famous abolitionist); William Almy; Phebe Titus; Elijah Coffin (leading figure in Indiana Yearly Meeting of Friends); various other Friends
Topical content:
Events discussed: "A total eclipse of the moon beginning at 25 minutes past 8 o'clock and continued about two hours-which was attentively viewed by those skilled in astronomy-that afforded them much satisfaction as well as instruction- and no small degree of gratification to those at inferior skill- as it was a rare phenomenon- to most of the inhabitants of this dwelling- though nothing to introduce us to a nearer acquaintance with the heavenly body than a common glass-through which many of its beauties were discovered-that to the naked eye must otherwise have been a perfect blank. Some of the family were so interested with a practical view that they kept the watch until it passed off-near one o'clock. And many similar watch be kept for the Son of Righteousness-when ever He may arise in the little horizon of the heart-that while there may be gaining a practical knowledge of the heavenly bodies-there may be a deeper acquaintance gained with the spirit of divine life." [7/22/1823], "A fire in town caused much excitement among scholars but it soon subsided." [10/12/1823], "A number of the family arose again at an early hour in order to gain clearer access to the celestial stranger, of whose dimensions some more accurate observations were taken. It was situated when first discovered on the shoulder of the serpentaneous since which it has moved 12 or 15 degrees, and is now near to the star Beta in the constellation of Hercules and appears to be rapidly receding from the sun." [1/7/1824], "Some of the students arose at an early hour to take leave of the celestial stranger, who with his usual rapidity is persuing his course through the ethinial host to regions yet unknown, leaving no traces of his lustre excepting on memory's page."[1/15/1824], "The comet was again observed this evening, situated by the great bear, its' appearence more brilliant than heretofore, and its' train more extensive." [1/22/1824], "The first of the week- five having occured in this month- a rare instance- but two more is calculated to occur in this century." [2/29/1824]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: Lengthy passages on the deaths of two students and also good friends: "On the 20th of the Sixth Month (1820), the boys under the care of their teacher were permitted to go to the river to bathe. One of them, an expert swimmer, kept in the water until his strength was nearly exhausted, became alarmed and sunk, the teacher ever watchful over his charge, saw the sad catastrophe without being able to render him that assistance which the alarming circumstance required, lifted up his voice and cried for help, which being near, was soon obtained and great exertions were made to save his precious life, but it vain. He was taken from the water where it was supposed he had been for the space of ten to fifteen minutes several physicians being near, many experiments were made for his recovery, but to no purpose. After his case became hopeless, he was brought to this dwelling at the site of one whose prospects a few hours before for usefulness and life now sunk in cold shadows of death, caused every to throb with sensations of heartfelt sorrow, a lamentable and deeply affecting circumstance to every feebling mind. "The next day he was interred on the premises, a meeting was held on the occasion, which was attended by most of the students of Brown University and many from town."
"In the 12th Month (1820), Mary Sesson, a pious and virtuous girl from Connecticut entered the school in delicate health. A short acquaintance with her convinced us that a settled hictic attended her, and very soon fixed upon her lungs without remedy . . . a physician was called but too late-her fate was sealed-every effort to restore health or life proved unavailing, and in the first month (1821) was summoned to the silent grave. During her illness she was exercised with much bodily distress-but as she had long been under the preparing hand-she gave simple proof that she was not actuated by any cunningly divised fables-but that she had been passing through through the purifying process at redemption-whereby we have good ground to believe she became an inhabitant of that mansion-which is inaccessible to sorrow and peacefully wound up the little thread of her existence at a very early period of her days-leaving behind a sweet savour, that remained with her associates as a precious testament of her worth . . ."
"In the tenth month we began to have our faith nearly tried- and our feelings exceedingly depressed, not only with sickness in the house-but our dear and never to be forgotten O.(badiah) Brown (who had been our common counselor on almost all occasions and had ever proved himself to be an unwearied friend) was suddenly and violently attacked with a fever-which combined with complications of disease unknown to the counsel of physicians who were consulted in his case-which proved unyielding to medical aid-and in a few days terminated his precious life-who during his illness convinced (?) that his mind was abstracted from all earthy pursuits and centered on Him who dissolved death at his terms and that the sting of sin was unfelt and of whom it may justly be said-that he had fought the good fight kept the faith and we believe finished his course here with a well grounded hope of receiving the annexed promise of reward.." [10/1822]
"Having been much affected by the sudden exit of dear James Mott as announced in the New York Spectator, who having been mentioned with affectionate regard in a preceding page of this diary- we consider it a legacy due to his merit to say (after the interest taken and instruction afforded by him in this school) that the traces of it in association with the virtues of his excellent mind - will we trust long be advested to, as a source from whence much useful knowledge may be derived- and as the fervocity of his life was worthy imitation 'may his bright and shining example stimulate our minds to follow him as he followed Christ.'" [5/19/1823]
"Many of us were deeply affected by the accounts this day provided of the sudden exit of Sarah Greene, a valuable member of our committee." [8/18/1823]
"This day was solemnized by marriage of William and Anna [Almy] Jenkins at Cranston." [7/17/1823]
Religious content: The diary is very religious in nature, being a record of the first few years of the Friends' New England Yearly Meeting Boarding School which was founded to educate children in the tradition of the Society of Friends (Quakers). Frequent mentions of Meetings: "The committee at their stated meeting were usually exercised with far lest there should be a departure from our primitive simplicity in dress and manners and wished to impress on the minds of the caretakers the necessity of supporting the testimony our worthy predecessors labored so faithfully to maintain- from a belief that it had been as a hedge round about us, and would continue to be as a wall of preservation . . ." [5/1822], "From John (Warren) flowed such a lively exhortation frought with lively counsel particularly pointing to some one or more who were struggling between conviction and well known duty accompanied with fervent solicitations for faithfulness on the past as such." [3/30/1823], "Our evening sacrifice, though comparable with a turtle dove or a young pigeon- we hope may sometimes prove acceptable in the Divine view so that we may become renewedly qualified to rear the tender charge 'and teach the young idea how to shoot.'" [5/17/1823], "This day closes the summer season-in retrospection of which may we not only say with Ancient Fortus (?)- that one- but many days have been last during that little period- as regards virtuous actions- seeing so little improvements made from day to day- in the line of religious experience- may it have a tendency to excite emulation in regard to watchfulness- that in the future the day's work may keep pace with the day." [8/31/1823]
Social life: "C(aroline) and S(amuel) Tobey with B.P. (Betsy Purinton)were kindly invited by D.(orcas) Brown to go out to N. Greene's at Cranston and spent the day with their family in domestic quiet." [1/10/1823], "As the weather without prevented our seeking any amusement abroad, we found in social converse and domestic society wherewith to beguile the afternoon. Elisha Rodman from New Post, having joined the family circle contributed a little to the promotion of these fireside enjoyments." [1/13/18?]
Family: Describes the school community as family. "Our justly valued friend Isaac Stephenson- who after a short interview with the family proposed seeing the scholars in a collective capacity . . . they were movingly and sweetly addressed with a lively exhortation from I.S. by whom they were selected into several distinct classes and each tenderly exhorted in a language appropriate to their age and capacity and in a way so impressive that it appeared to the deeply felt- after which was engaged in solemn supplication on behalf of the various branches of the family- none of them escaped his feeling intercession for strength proportioned to the weight of responsibility attached to the stations they severaly filled- a memorable opportunity- may it be long and instructively remembered." [11/4/1823], "The family well, and all busily engaged in preparation for the new superintendents who are expected tomorrow- which opens a new era in our little world." [3/9/1824]
Childhood: "Being the close of the first month, we can look back on the manner in which it has passed, and with interest at the progress the institution has made- and having derived experience from the past, we can look forward with a degree of certainty to a diminution of the difficulties attendant on so arduous a task as the government of a family of children." [1/31/1819], "At our meeting this morning, we had the company of Isaac Hammer from Tennessee who in a short, lively, testimony manifested a lively concern for the preservation of the children from the many snares with which the youthful mind is too easily captivated." [3/23/1823] "Five scholars have been added to our family, and with this increase, an increase of responsibility is felt, to watch over the youthful mind, and when most sensible of importance of the trust confided to us, our minds have been most disposed to seek after that wisdom, which only is sufficient to qualify for its proper discharge." [1/16-18/18?].
Health: "Isaiah Jones was taken down suddenly with a fever and soon became alarmingly ill- hence every exertion, both by medical and otherwise was restored to, which under the blessing of kind Providence had a salutary affect so that after much suffering in the course of two months he was restored to health and vigor. Previous to his recovery, Samuel B. Tobey was also arrested and reduced to that state of inability which excited much anxiety." [10/1822]
School: "[O. Brown] proved himself [to the inmates of this dwelling], to be not only an able counselor, but a candid, warm and generous friend. His donations amply proved his interest not only in the establishment of this institution but in its future prosperity-that children yet unborn may reap the benefit resulting from his liberality." [10/1822], "A proposal was submitted to the Committee to furnish the institution with a chymical and philosophical apparatus-which was acceded to- a room for the school library was also put in order containing upwards of two hundred volumes- it was further concluded to build a wash room for the Girls-covering the North East door." [9/2/1823], "Dr. Robinson, a celebrated mineralogist who visited our little cabinet and made many useful instructive remarks, unfolding some mysteries wrapped in the few minerals." [2/20/1824], "The committee met to select superintendent (the former having resigned) . . . the deliberation resulted in giving Enoch Breed and his wife from New Hampshire an invitation to succeed them in the office assigned by the committee." [3/2/1824], "(The former superintendents) who by their request are to stay a few days until things may become quietly settled in the family as they are to enter upon a new stage of action and combined with many cares, it is hoped that all will terminate in mutual satisfaction." [3/30/1824]. "M& B Purinton leave this afternoon." [4/5/1824]
Work outside home: Betsy is the superindent of the school along with her husband. Describes the diary on first page: "The reader of this Diary will find probably much matter foreign from the original design, and in many instances it will appear, much more like the history of an Individual, then the Records of Events and transactions of the Institution . . ." The diary is more of a logbook of events pertaining to the school rather than the individual.
Class relations: ". . . a large number of anxious inquires after our welfare gave us an opportunity of judging of the interest taken by all classes in our society in the progress of the institution and by the satisfaction manifested by them the hands of those who were strengthened who are more immediately in the management of it." [2/4-6/1819]
Gender relations: There is a separate school for boys and one for girls.
Progress: A number of reports of science: "Some preparation has been making by the teachers in the chymical for enhaling exhilarating gas, in which they had good success and highly gratifying to the pupils." [4/3/1823]" In the evening a little chymical [chemical?] exhibition in the girls' school room, such as burning ether, etc. in which they had good success and the scholars were much gratified there with." [7/2/1823], "Another lecture, which consisted in several experiments in burning oxygen and hydrogen gasses- some explosions with soap bubbles, also with an air pistol melting metals, etc., all succeeding well, and splendid in their appearance." [1/10/1824]
Arts and culture: "In the evening, some of us were much interested in reading and hearing read the letter of Richard Shakleton- with some account of his pious life, religious labors and peaceful close." [6/2/1823], "[lecture] closing with a testimony against war- accompanied with a wish that in future swords may be beat into ploughshares and spears into fishing hooks, and that the attention of the people might be turned from the wicked art of war." [2/11/1824]
Travel: Many mentions of traveling to and from Meetings: "In the Fifth month, Betsy Purinton left the institution to attend New York Yearly Meeting." [1/1/1823], "In the ninth month (1820), Betsy Purinton made a short excursion to South Kingston for the benefit of her health.", "In the 9th month (1821), B.P (Betsy Purinton), accompanied by S(usan) Howland and N(icholas) Congdon left Providence on a religious visit, were absent two months to the western part of the state of New York." [9/1821]
Geographical and architectural: "on the 7th day of the week and the 14th day of the month, a considerable number of scholars accompanied by one of the male teachers went by water to Newport to attend the Yearly Meeting." [6/19/1823]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: NEYM
Collection title: New England Yearly Meeting Archives
Location within the collection: Uncataloged Austin Collection papers re Moses Brown School
Size: 12" x 7 ½ "
Condition: Very good condition, some water stains
Graphic content: None
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): There are two editions of the diary, the first being the original diary which was kept from the opening of the school until the day the Purintons left in 1824. The second diary was copied from the original with some minor corrections and less detailed entries. The second diary ends before the Purintons left the school.
Provenance: 1969. Presented to the library of Moses Brown School by Pliny Earle Chase in September 1880; on deposit at the RIHS as part of the NEYM Archives since ca1969.
Cataloged by Robin Alario, June 2004
Bibliography:
Biography sheet found in diary which lists the following sources:
Salem M.M. Vital Records Vol. 1, p. 19
Providence M.M. Vital Records, Vol. 1, p. 77
Reichel, Robert and Nancy. Henry & Ann Collins of Lynn, MA and their Descendents
Vital Records of Salem, Massachusetts, vol. 4, p. 227
Notes on the Mary Dawley Diary
Entries dated 1856 to 1864
Biographical:
Name at birth: Dawley, Mary Matilda
Name after marriage: Reynolds, Mary M. (Dawley)
Birthdate and place: January 29, 1841, North Kingstown, R.I.
Death date and place: July 10, 1918, Exeter, R.I.
Age range during diary: 15-16
Residence during diary: Hillside region of East Greenwich, R.I.
Places written: East Greenwich and Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Grew up in East Greenwich, taught school, married a substantial Exeter farmer, and had no children.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Middle?
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 92
Exact dates: September 20, 1856 - September 25, 1857
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Diary of a young student in East Greenwich, who becomes a teacher in town immediately after finishing school. Also including two trips to visit an uncle in Providence.
Writing quality: Very good; direct and descriptive
Utility for research: One of the better youth diaries here, with particularly good detail on religion, and surprising commentary on her interest in national politics. The section where she is teaching school is also of potential value. Also of potential interest to genealogists, as it gives family relationships for a poorly documented family.
Related papers at RIHS: Reynolds Family Papers (MSS 663) are largely papers of her husband's father.
Family members:
Father's name: Dawley, Christopher H.
Father's dates: 1811-bef.1856
Mother's name: Lawton, Mary
Mother's dates: 1815-
Brothers: Unknown
Sisters: Unknown
Husband's name: Reynolds, William A.
Husband's dates: 1847-1920
Husband's occupation: Farmer, Exeter, R.I.
Marriage date and place: November 17, 1869, East Greenwich, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: Reynolds, William
Father-in-law's dates: 1779-1860
Father-in-law's occupation: Farmer, Exeter, R.I.
Mother-in-law's name: Clapp, Phebe
Mother-in-law's dates: b.1795
Sons: None
Daughters: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Grandmother Amy Wilcox Lawton (1789-1858); Aunt Eunice Lawton Collins (1826-1858), uncle Rodman Dawley
Topical content:
Events discussed: The 1856 presidential election was a major concern. "There is to be a Fremont meeting tonight in the courthouse." [9/24/1856] "The girls of our school propose having a Fillmore meeting on Saturday evening in the school-room and we staid after school to vote for the President and Speakers." [10/23/1856] "Went to the Fillmore meeting this evening. It was very interesting, but I was not convinced that I was wrong." [10/25/1856] "We (the Fremont girls) met at the school-room this evening from 6 to 7 and joined the Hillside Fremont Club." [10/29/1856]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Mr. Bull's little boy was drowned today. It is one year today that cousin George W. Champlin was drowned." [7/20/1857]
Religious content: Attends church regularly, and offers extended comments on the sermons, as well as spiritual introspection. Attends Sunday School and prayer meetings. Baptistized into First Baptist Church of East Greenwich [6/7/1857] but attended Friends (Quaker) meeting at least once [5/7/1857]. Leads Wednesday prayer meetings; lists attenders [7/1, 7/8/1857, etc.]
Social life: Walks and visits with friends. "In the afternoon Grandma, Mother and myself went a clamming." [6/7/1857]. "Went to Rocky Point. Had a delightful time. Had my dinner, ice cream and a ride in the Flying Artillery... Addie Burlingame, Lydia Salisbury and Helen Gardner fell in the cistern." [8/7/1857] "The circus is here today. I took most of my scholars and went out on the grounds, but did not go in the tent." [9/18/1857]
Family: Although her father seems to be dead or missing, the author is closely involved with a wide variety of aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as her own mother.
School: Attended school in fall of 1856, announces later that "I am not going to school any more this term" [2/3/1857], but seems to attend through spring of 1857. "School closes today, and to-night perhaps I have parted with some that I shall never meet again in this world, but oh! may I meet them all in Heaven..." [6/5/1857] Began teaching school herself later that month.
Work outside home: Taught school in East Greenwich at the age of 16. "Commenced teaching school this morning. Had five scholars this morning and six this afternoon." [6/29/1857]. Lists the names of scholars, 7/1 and later as they are added; also apparently in the back of the book.
Food and drink: "When we were returning from school we saw a man lying on the ground. He had every appearance of being intoxicated." [10/10/1856]
Race / ethnicity content: "Aunt Sarah's colored girl left her tonight." [1/23/1857] "There is a great clam bake up to the new Academy today. The (steamer) Canonicus came in to bring passengers." [7/31/1857]
Labor: "The shore mill has broken down today." "I understand that the mill is not going to start again." [8/31, 9/2/1857] "Mother has been to Providence and Olneyville today." [9/18/1857]. "Mother went to Olneyville to work in the mill this morning." [9/21/1857]
Gender relations: Few of the usual accounts of flirting and crushes found in most adolescent diaries. ""We went out to hang Mr. & Mrs. Smith a May basket. The first time we went out some boys chased us and we ran back to Mrs. Goodwin's. The next time Emily Goodwin went with us and then we succeeded nicely. They did not catch us." [5/22/1857].
Arts and culture: "Went into the Daguerrean Saloon. They had some very fine looking Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes." [12/13/1856]
Travel: Trips to Providence, 1/1857 and 6/1857 to visit uncle Rodman Dawley.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-D
Collection title: Mary Dawley Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 8" x 7"
Condition: Good
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. Microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reel 9.
Provenance: 1973? Provenance unknown; cataloged prior to 1980. Very possibly arrived as part of Reynolds Family Papers in 1973.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety.
Bibliography:
Lawton, Elva. The Descendants of George Lawton of Portsmouth, R.I. (copy of typescript, 1977), part 2, p. 5
Tillman, S.F. Christopher Reynolds and his Descendants (published by author, 1959), p. 260-261.
East Greenwich marriage records, 1869
1900 U.S. Census, Exeter, R.I., E.D. 232, page 8
Subject headings:
Baptist Church - Rhode Island - East Greenwich
Teachers - Rhode Island - East Greenwich
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
East Greenwich, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Ethel (Colt) Ritchie Diary
Entries dated 1931 to 1931
Biographical:
Name at birth: Colt, Ethel
Name after marriage: Ritchie, Ethel (Colt)
Birthdate and place: March 23, 1888, Orange, N.J.
Death date and place: January 7, 1973, South Kingstown, R.I.
Age range during diary: 43
Residence during diary: West Orange, N.J.; Narragansett, R.I. after 1960.
Places written: New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Norfolk, Va.
Biographical note: Author and historian; wrote history of Block Island
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 33
Exact dates: August 10 - August 23, 1931
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Travel diary while accompanying husband on sales trip
Writing quality: Excellent; breezy and humorous.
Utility for research: Not much potential value. Small glimpse into life of a traveling salesman during the Depression, but mostly a short tourist diary. No Rhode Island content at all.
Related papers at RIHS: Ethel Colt Ritchie Papers (MSS 686) are a substantial collection of her historical notes, with a few personal papers.
Family members:
Father's name: Colt, Samuel S.
Father's dates: d.1942?
Mother's name: ____, Ida M.
Mother's dates: d.1952
Husband's name: Ritchie, Frederick
Husband's dates: 1885-1971
Husband's occupation: Salesman for box company
Marriage date and place: Unknown
Father-in-law's name: Ritchie, Richard F.
Mother-in-law's name: Gault, Amelia
Sons: Unknown
Daughters: Unknown
Topical content:
Social life: Description of marathon golf contest in New Jersey [8/10 - 8/11/1931]
Marriage: on business trip with husband
Travel: Trip from New Jersey to Virginia. Extensive commentary on local sights.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 686
Collection title: Ethel Colt Ritchie Papers
Size: 8" x 6"
Condition: Good, but page 14 is detached
Provenance: 1974. 61. 1-, gift of Eileen Hames
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1931
Notes on the Mary E. Calder Diary
Entries dated 1874 to 1874
Biographical:
Name at birth: Calder, Mary E.
Name after marriage: Robertson, Mary E. (Calder)
Birthdate and place: May 30, 1858, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: November 26, 1924, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 15
Residence during diary: 111 Washington St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Daughter of successful pharmacist, married a corporate treasurer.
Ethnicity: Yankee / Scotch
Religion of diarist: Unitarian
Social class: Middle - upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 72
Exact dates: January 1 - May 25, 1874
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Initialed; identified by donor.
Brief description: Spirited diary by insightful 15-year-old Providence girl.
Writing quality: Excellent, though the almost complete lack of punctuation makes reading a bit difficult.
Utility for research: An excellent source for studies of adolescence and gender relations.
Related papers at RIHS: Richard Austin Robertson Jr. Papers (MSS 687) include her future husband's diaries and scattered business papers.
Family members:
Father's name: Calder, Albert L.
Father's dates: 1825-1899
Father's occupation: Pharmacist, Providence, R.I.
Mother's name: Howland, Martha H.
Mother's dates: 1830-1887
Brothers: Albert L. (b.1860), Charles A. (b.1867), Augustus W. (b.1869)
Sisters: Fannie (b. 1854), Helen B. (b.1856), Margaret P. (b.1863)
Husband's name: Robertson, Richard Austin Jr.
Husband's dates: 1856-1928
Husband's occupation: Treasurer of several major Providence firms
Marriage date and place: November 11, 1889, Providence, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: Robertson, Richard A.
Mother-in-law's name: ___, Nancy B.
Sons: None
Daughters: Helen C. Robertson (b.1894); Nancy G. (b.1898, died young)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Mother's cousin James A. Howland (1838-1882)
Topical content:
Events discussed: On suffrage movement: "I believe I'm Women's Rights inside. I suppose if I should say so the girls would all think I was crazy, but I think that in a great number of things they are right, of course they are wrong in other things but no one is always right." [1/6/1874]
Religious content: On prayer: "I don't think it does change God's plans but I think that it does do us good by strengthening us so that we can bear whatever he gives us." [1/4/1874]
Family: Expresses constant frustration with priggish cousin James.
Childhood: On a visit from an older cousin: "He treated me as if I was about twelve. I do seem pretty young to him. I wish I was either younger or older, as it is I'm neither hay nor grass." [1/2/1874]
School: In high school. "I would like to go to boarding school and have some fun." [1/18/1874]
Fashion: Discussion with older sister Helen: "We got to talking about gentlemen disliking a lady's dressing so much but it is as Miss Chace said that if they did not dress so fashionably they would immediately be deserted for those that were. I'm sure men dress just as ridiculously as women, instead of tight dresses tight pants they have their shoulders padded and tight boots with those hideous turned up toes and if women are vain men are conceited which s more disagreeable." [1/5/1874]
Class relations: "I gave 25 cents to the poor people in Olneyville they took up a collection for them in Grace church." [1/4/1874]
Gender relations: "My ambition is to be well educated so that no man shall ever say that I'm ignorant and don't know anything because fate made me a woman. I don't see why she did. I think I would have made a much better man." [1/7/1874] "It seems to me that what I said Jan. 7 was very foolish and I take it all back." [1/16/1874]
"Have not heard from Fred yet, shan't break my heart about it. I wish I knew some real nice boys but there don't seem to be any." [1/12/1874]
Arts and culture: Reading a book called "Gypsy Brinton"; "it was just as fresh and jolly as the first time I read it, I think she had better times than most girls." [1/11/1874]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-C
Collection title: Mary E. Calder Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: 8" x 7"
Condition: Good
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 1, Reel 26.
Provenance: 1974. 67. 1, gift of daughter Helen Robertson
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read only January.
Bibliography:
Howland, Franklyn. A Brief genealogical and Biographical History of Arthur, Henry and John Howland and their Descendants... (New Bedford, Mass.: Published by author, 1885), p. 375.
Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island (Chicago: Beers & Co., 1908), vol. 2, p. 1144
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1874
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Lila (Locher) (McVay) Roland Diaries
Entries dated 1960 to 1963
Biographical:
Name at birth: Locher, Lila
Name after marriage: Roland, Lila (Locher) (McVay)
Birthdate and place: May 10, 1883, Pennsylvania
Death date and place: Unknown. After 1963.
Age range during diary: 76 - 80
Residence during diary: 15 Arnold Street. Providence, RI
Places written: Providence, RI & New Holland
Ethnicity: Yankee
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 3
Number of pages: 107, 180, 112.
Exact dates: March 28, 1960 - November 23, 1963
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Name written in inside cover
Brief description: All enteries are identical in form. The date is given, followed by the high and low temperatures and weather. The second section lists doctor visits, Brad and Lila's whereabouts, television watched, and correspondence.
Writing quality: Poor penmanship. List things rather than describes them.
Related papers at RIHS: Bradford Swan Papers, Group III Subgroup 1: Lily Swan Family Folders A-J
Family members:
Father's name: Locher, Charles Howell?
Mother's name: Reno, Lila (Stiles)?
Husband's name: 1) Frederick A. McVay; 1) Seeger Roland
Husband's dates: 2) 1891-1943
Husband's occupation: 2) Accountant
Sons: Robert L. McVay
Daughters: Lila (McVay) Swan
Topical content:
Marriage: Speaks of late husband Seegar Roland
Aging: Speaks of treatment with a Dr. Martindale on 5/20/60, 6/6-23/60 9/28/60 for failing eyesight.
Health: Author is elderly, has eye trouble.
Arts and culture: Watches television frequently
Travel: Mentions B.F. Swan's trip to the Antarctic [11/16/1960]. Long trip to Pennsylvania to visit family at Old Top Farm (town of Bird-in-Hand) and New Holland south of Reading, visits Roland Seeger's grave [6/25 - 12/4/1960].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 744
Collection title: Bradford F. Swan Papers
Location within the collection: Group III, Subgroup 6, in box 8
Size: 8" x 5"
Condition: Good. Late 1963 entries on loose sheets tucked into 1963 volume.
Provenance: 1976. 149. 1-, probably from the estate of Bradford Swan
Cataloged by Mike Cardin, June 2004
Bibliography:
RI Cemetery Database
Social Security Death Index
Bradford Swan Papers, Group III, Subgroup 1: Lily Swan Family Folders A-J
Notes on the Shirley C. Messinger Diary
Entries dated 1935 to 1944
Biographical:
Name at birth: Messinger, Shirley Canfield
Name after marriage: Round, Shirley C. (Messinger)
Birthdate and place: August 30, 1922, probably in East Providence or Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: 1978, probably in Warwick, R.I.
Age range during diary: 12 - 21
Residence during diary: 213 Waterman Ave., East Providence, R.I.
Places written: East Providence, Point Judith, New Hampshire
Biographical note: The eldest daughter of Theodore Sewall Messinger and Helen (Canfield) Messinger, Shirley was a lively and dedicated young woman. She enjoyed a rich social life and loved to have a good time while maintaining her studies. Her father and his family ran Messinger Motor Company in East Providence until 1940. Shirley attended Central Junior High School, East Providence Senior High and Pembroke College where she was an honor student and involved in student government and various activities. As a Psychology student at Pembroke, she made Phi Beta Kappa and was president of her class. During her time at Pembroke, Shirley volunteered as a secretary at the accident room desk of Rhode Island Hospital. It was there that she met her husband, Dr. Charles B. Round, a medical intern, star athlete and the son of Dr. Lester A. Round, a prominent physician at Kent County Hospital. Shirley and Charles were married in 1945 and initially resided with her family in East Providence. Charles was in the Army during the war and spent two years as a major in the Army Medical Corps in Europe. Shirley and Charles moved to Warwick, Rhode Island in 1951 where Dr. Charles Round set up practice as a surgeon. They raised five sons and one daughter until Shirley's death in 1978.
Ethnicity: German-American
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 2
Number of pages: Vol. 1- 365, Vol. 2- 365 half pages
Exact dates: January 1, 1935-December 31, 1939; January 1, 1940-April 16,1944
Frequency of entries: Daily until April 1942 (diary stops on April 3); diary picks up again for one day in February 1943 ("After having experienced quite a blow to my heart, but mostly my pride, I have decided to continue this little account of my life" [2/22/1943]); One week in July 1943; one entry in November 1943; one entry in 1944.
How was author identified?: Address book in back of diary identifies her.
Brief description: This is the diary of an upper middle-class teenage girl. The diary includes descriptions of places in Rhode Island she visited every day; many detailed accounts of her relationships with various boyfriends; brief thoughts on world events and general teenage activities and interests.
Writing quality: Good, but small and crowded writing.
Utility for research: Good for research on life in RI during the 1930's-1940's. Also excellent for researching teenage life in the 1930's-1940's.
Related papers at RIHS: None
Family members:
Father's name: Messinger, Theodore Sewall
Father's dates: 1890-1973
Father's occupation: President of Messinger Motor Company, East Providence, RI; Manager, Penn Mutual Insurance Co.
Mother's name: Canfield, Helen
Mother's dates: 1893-1979
Brothers: Robert Messinger (b.12/5/1925)
Sisters: Natalie Messinger (b.10/24/1926); N. Lucille (Messinger) Hay (called Luttie or Lut, b.7/10/1928)
Husband's name: Round, Charles B.
Husband's dates: 1916-still living?
Husband's occupation: Physician (surgeon)
Marriage date and place: 1945 or 1946, East Providence or Providence, RI ?
Father-in-law's name: Round, Dr. Lester A.
Father-in-law's dates: 1888-1980
Father-in-law's occupation: Pathologist
Mother-in-law's name: Round, Mildred (Gay)
Mother-in-law's dates: 1889-1990
Sons: Charles, Michael, Donald, Philip, Stephen
Daughters: Nancy (Round) Hale
Other persons frequently mentioned: Pet (dog?): Himmy; Friends: Pietro (pen-pal from Italy), Ruth Wright [1/11/1935], Lura [1/11/1935], Avis [1/11/1935], Dot [2/17/1936],Pepper [9/4/1937], Dee [9/8/1937], Ella [2/6/1939], Whit [2/16/1940], Chet [4/4/1943], T.J. [4/4/1943], Bill [7/7/1943], Charlie [7/18/1943]; Crushes and boyfriends: Ralph [1/27/1937], "Red" [5/14/1937], "Newt" [10/2/1937], "Art" (Arthur Thompson, her high school sweetheart) [1/16/1938]; Hallie [2/23/38], Earl [8/14/1940], Bob Klie [10/1/1940], Earl Nichols ("Cute!") [3/6/1941], Norm ("The most astonishing person I've ever known!") [9/1/1941], Ned Spencer [12/14/1941], Newt [1/2/1942]; Smitty (High School teacher) [1/2/1938]
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Heard Mussolini over the radio." [10/2/1935], "VonHindenburg went over. Let us out of school to see it." [10/9/1935], "Roosevelt 523, Landon 8. Horrible! Everyone's gone Democrat except E.Prov." [11/4/1936], "King Edward abdicated for Miss Simpson. He's swell I think!" [12/10/1936] "Heard King Edward address people at 5 PM. Duke of York now king." [12/11/1936], "Heard George VI proclaimed king." [12/12/36], "King George VI crowned King of England" [5/12/1937] "Dad drove me to take exam for license. Got my license. Exam simple!" [9/17/1938], After the hurricane she describes the destruction of the area: "No electricity, gas or telephone. 3 trees down in backyard, also shingles and grapevine. No school!" [9/22/1938], "Dee, Peg and I walked and rode through Providence. terrible destruction! Providence a mess and stinks from hurricane and flood." [10/3/1938], "Hitler marched on Poland." [9/1/1939] "Mr. Gary took over Dad's company today. Bet Dad feels funny." [1/11/1940], "Read about Germany in Denmark and Norway. Horrible!" [4/8/1940], "Germany marched into Belgium and Holland. Hitler's gone crazy with his lust for power! [5/10/1940], "Poor Holland against that rat Hitler!" [5/13/1940], "Italy declared war on Allies" [6/10/1940], "Listened to President's birthday ball broadcast." [1/31/1941], "War! (?) bad!" [12/7/1941], "All hung around radio-war declared at 12:30 by FDR on Japs!! Very dramatic! [12/8/1941]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Uncle Len gone to the hospital. Uncle has abscess in brain. Uncle died." [2/4/1935] "Shel's father died. Too bad. Just before Christmas!" [12/20/1937], "Sally's father died 11:45. Poor kid!" [4/24/1938], "Went to Granpa Messinger's funeral at Williams'. He looked fine!" [12/10/1938], "Pep, Ella and I went to Mr. Gibson's funeral. Still doesn't seem as if he's dead!" [3/8/1939], "Dot had baby yesterday!" [10/1/1939], "Nat S. had her baby yesterday- a boy Eric Sheldon (Spencer)" [7/25/1940]
Religious content: Weekly church goer, attends Pastor's Class at church [3/5/1937], "Ellis and I went to Sunrise service on Fort Hill." [4/12/1936], "Went to 'Worship Service' at church. Tough to be good after going to church four times!" [4/12/1936], "I have to preach a sermon a week from tomorrow." [5/2/1936], "Put on play at church." [3/19/1937], "Took my First Communion." [4/4/1937], "Church sermon all about hurricane and thankfulness." [9/25/1938], "Church. Mr. Little's farewell sermon. Cried a bit." [4/20/1941], "Mom and I went to Central Congregational Church. Beautiful and impressive service. What a gorgeous church to be married in!" [9/28/1941], "New minister too fanatical for me." [10/18/1941]
Social life: "Girls and I started club in the barn." [3/3/1935], "Gang went to party at Karlman's. K.G. gave me whisky. K.G. kissed me." [10/3/1936], "Played Monopoly at Eliz's with she and Lulu." [12/26/1936], "Played 'Strip poker' and I got 'stripped'." [2/27/1937], "Necking party at Ella's. Necked Gibbe and Alan." [4/22/1937], Went to several proms each year, "Went to Rainbow Minstrel show. I was in shows and danced a lot with Gib." [11/6/1937], "Surprise party for Art. Party rather wild after punch. Sang, fooled, talked and smoked." [10/6/1939], "Skating party at Grist Mill." [2/14/1942], Goes to the East Providence High vs. LaSalle annual Thanksgiving Day football game every year through the end of high school. Attends various other parties, dances and social events
Family: "Mom, Aunt Charlotte, Claire and I went to Mother/Daughter banquet in Rehoboth." [5/3/1937], "Aunt Marion gave us devil for taking 'mushy' pictures." [5/22/1937], "Seems awful that Dad has had a shock! Can't be possible!" [6/1941 end of month], "Himmy [family pet] run over. I had to identify him. Whole family bawling." [11/13/1941], "The world's at war-Dad and Bob are in-family's rather split." [7/3/1943], "With folks (no Bob), last time we'll be together for some time." [7/16/1943], "Never loved folks so much. Bump in throat when he spoke of Dad." [7/10/1943]
Childhood: Diary written as a teenager, and Shirley experiences the trials and tribulations of being a teen. "Richard invited me to the movies 7:00 but mom said 'You're too young!' Bo-o-o!" [11/16/1935], "Kenneth invited me to go with him to senior prom June 23rd at the Narragansett Hotel, Can't go! Mom says I'm too young!" [1936], "Visited the Goodrich's babies. Darling!" [2/21/1937], "Went to Irene's. Saw her two week old baby-adorable!" [12/4/1938]
Marriage: "Hope Art and I last 6 years so we can marry and have kids." [7/17/1938]
Aging: Shirley laments growing up: "Before Mother left she gave me a sanitary belt. oh-h-h-h!" [6/11/1935], "Gads! I'm 19!" [8/30/1941]
Health: "Went to Dr. Higgins to have warts taken off. Kinder hurt." [3/25/1935] "About 3:30 pain came on right side. Got worse. Cried. Came home. Dad carried me upstairs. Dr. O'Brien came 6:45. Mom gave me enema. Vomited. Dr. came 8:00. Feel better. Ice bag on side. Gosh!" [1/10/1937], "Had two front teeth pulled and tooth in gum scraped. Had novocaine. Mouth all swollen. Feel and look awful. Cried a little by myself. Had false teeth put in. Look queer." [9/10, 9/13/1937], "Mom ill. Thinks she's having 'change of life.'" [9/27/1938], "Mr. Smith (Smitty) very sick. Another blood transfusion needed." [2/28/1939]
School: "I was elected class secretary." [2/25/1936], "Did experiment in science. It blew up." [3/10/1936], "Mr. Harvey asked me to be a delegate to the Latin honor society. Am proud!" [5/11/1936]"Graduation exercises. Put on play. Got diploma." [1/27/1937], "First day of high school." [2/1/1937] "Like school better than I did. Have Miss Hall for Algebra. She scares me!" [2/3/1937], "School darn it! Never hated going back so much in my life." [1/13/1938], "Elected editor-in-chief of yearbook." [1/22/1940], "I got 'Best disposition', 'most sociable', 'most popular', and 'best all-around' senior class superlatives!" [1/1940 end of the month], Shirley discusses preparing for college: "took the aptitude test." [4/13/1940], Shirley contemplates quitting school, but decides to stay. She was accepted into Pembroke and received a $100 scholarship [7/1940]. She started at Pembroke in September 1940: "First class 9:00. Only 7 of us there. Promises to be boring! Signed up for hockey and riding." [9/27/1940]
Home production: Does chores around the house and watches her younger siblings: "Mom went out. I took care of kids." [1/14/1935]
Work outside home: Worked in Junior High library [11/1936], Got job at defense plant: "I did it. I got a job in a defense plant for three months. Swing shift (3-11)! now let's see if I can take it. Oh Lord give me strength! This weekend will be my last fling for awhile. Wonder what "Dupont" will be like? Keep 'em crossed!" [3/16/1944]
Fashion: Frequent mentions of new clothes bought (see entries for beginning of each year), new hair and clothing styles tried and her opinions on how she looked and occasionally how others looked: "Tried on blue dress after it came back from the cleaner's. Fits like paper on a wall." [2/28/1936], "Dressed up in Grandma's old-fashioned clothes. Grandma's corsets awfully tight!" [10/24/1935]
Food and drink: "Went to Blue Moon for supper. UGH!" [3/24/1935], "Mom made fudge for Dad's birthday tomorrow." [2/2/1936], "made Upside-down cake. Came out swell!" [11/24/1936], "Ralph bought me a hot dog at Coney Island." [11/19/1937], "Smoke and drank a 'stinger.' Wow!" [12/30/1937], "Up to Dolche's for dinner. Loads to eat! Manhattan and 4 scotch and sodas." [1/14/1941], "stopped at Nanette's diner. Bob had ham and eggs as usual." [1/29/1941], Frequently took tea at Blanding's. Hung out with friends at the East Side diner during college.
Race / ethnicity content: "Grace and I took care of little colored kids." [3/17/1941], "Leona's nice, even if she is a Jew." [3/19/1941], "Bob kissed me goodnight. Wonder if he's a Jew?" [8/10/1941], "Nissley(?) called and asked me to game; refused-think he's Jewish. [9/26/1941]
Community: "British war relief kitchen and Scotch piper on campus." [3/21/1941]
Class relations: "Ned's just what I need... but he's one of the 400; his folks would probably have a fit." [3/1942 end of the month]
Gender relations: "Played Post Office. Buddy Winslow kisses well." [10/29/1935], "Ruth W. and Avis came over. Talked about how boys kissed." [10/30/1935], "Chester walked home with me alone! Kinda nice!" [1/6/1936], "I don't know which boy I like best. I think I like them all!!!! [6/3/1936], "Powers tried to get 'Slam Book' from me in math. Boy is he a caveman!" [12/3/1936], "Ralph and I held hands (at movies). He had arms around me . . . kissed under every street light." [1/27/1937], "Bill went as far as he could with me!" [12/24/1937], "Art asked me to go steady. Yes!" [6/20/1938], "Art and I parked at Kent Heights. woohoo! Still loves me and I love him." [10/27/1938], "Art and I have come to an understanding about college. If I want to go out with someone else, it's OK with Art, and vice versa. He's the nicest boy I've ever known!" [4/1940 end of month], "I'm a devil running around breaking men's hearts." [1/3/1938], "After the 15th-won't go out with a man unless I like him. I can't stand being bored!!!" [3/8/1941], "Ned decided we'd better call it quits-so I guess we have. For once I took it like a man." [11/26/1943]
Arts and culture: Goes to the movies at Hollywood (in East Providence) and Loewe's State (in Providence) theaters every week during Junior High and High school. She enjoys Shirley Temple and Disney movies as a young teen and romances as an older teen. "All went to Worcester to see Sonja Henie in 'One in a Million' and "Woman in Distress.'" [1/30/1937], "Went with kids and Art to see 'Gone with the Wind;' Most wonderful picture I ever saw! Gable a perfect Rhett and Leigh was swell as Scarlett." [2/1/1939] "Saw Taylor and Turner in 'Johnny Eager' at Loewe's. Best picture I've seen in ages! What kisses and Taylor excellent!' [1/29/1942] Shirley also reads "Look", "America", "Liberty" and the Providence Journal every day, and often reads books for school and pleasure. For pleasure reading she enjoys romances. "Read The Shiek. Some book! What a man!" [5/4/1936] "Read Impatient Virgin. Hot stuff!" [5/17/1937] "Read Gone with the Wind. Wish I'd meet someone like Rhett Butler! oh boy!" [10/9/1937] Shirley also enjoys music. "I went to Rhodes to see and hear Glen Miller-super wonderful! Soloists cute!" [11/7/1939]
Travel: Goes to camp in New Hampshire for two weeks every summer, family spends two weeks in New Hampshire and two weeks in Point Judith every summer, "Family went on trip through Mohawk trail. Stayed at tourist home in South Deerfield. Looked through museum at old Deerfield." [10/11-12/1936], "Drove to Newport, VT and over 'Roller Coaster Highway.' Nat sick lots! Beautiful sunset. Went over line by mistake. Stayed at cabins on Lake Wallace. Rode over Canadian line and back through New Hampshire and New York. Saw Lake Champlain and George. Beautiful scenery! [9/5-6/1937], "Left for Northfield, MA. Explore chateau and town, skated on pond, skied on hill. Visited Northfield Seminary and Mt. Herman. Toboggan ride. Home. [1/27-29/1939] Went on trip to New York and Washington, D.C.: "Drove to Washington with Hi-Tri. More fun than a barrel of monkeys!" [4/4-4/10/1940], "Left for Appaladian lamp farm in Matunuck." [3/30-4/1/1941],"Trip to New York. Dot and I went through Radio City and Orange Blossoms in Rainbow Room. Rode in sub and up 102 floors of Empire State Building" [4/5-6/1941], "Rode to Boston. Visited Arnold Arboretum-gorgeous scenery!" [5/15/1941], "Conference in Allentown, NH-nice place but damn cold." [10/10/1941], "Another commission meeting-really quite a bunch of fanatics." [10/11/1941]
Geographical and architectural: Daily mentions of places visited around town and in the area: skiing at Metacomet Golf Club, sledding at Agawam, skating on Kent Pond, football games at Glennlyn field, etc. "Mr. Marley took our class to visit the State House. Marion and Susan got locked in a tower-some excitement!" [4/18/1935], "Mr. Marley took us girls' class to the court house. Had a fine time. Mr. Marley fell asleep in court and had to be waked up. Hoho!" [5/16/1935], "Miss Springer took us on a picnic and went to Crescent Park. I got the gold ring on the merry-go-round! Ate supper at Squantum. Swell time!" [5/25/1935], "Mr. Marley took us down to the Journal building and the Industrial Trust. Walked down 32 flights of stairs. Had a swell time." [6/6/1935], "Went with (friends) to Mt. Hope bridge on bikes. What hills!" [4/14/1936], "Miss Glasener took class to Providence on bus. Went to State House, R.I. College of Education." [1/21/1937], "Went to Providence telephone Co. with Girl Reserves. Very interesting." [5/4/1937], "Family, Art, Littles and I rode to Second Beach in Newport. Ate lunch, lay on sand and swam with Art." [6/19/38], "Walked to new stadium-swell!" ("new" stadium refers to Pierce Memorial Field built as part of the WPA and still home field for East Providence High sports.) [9/13/1939], "Art and I went to Bonnet Shores with Mur and Dick on Mur's passes. Very nice beach and people." [6/23/1940], parks on Manning Street [1942]
Organizations: Shirley belongs to multiple organizations and does many activities: dancing school [1935, 1936, 1937]: "All the boys wanted to dance with me!!!!!! Oh my!" [4/16/1935] "Learned 'the Shag.'" [10/14/1937], Glee Club [1935], school orchestra [1936], Young People's [1936], "quit taking piano lessons." [2/2/1937], "Took first organ lesson at Williams'." [3/3/1937], Junior class committee [1939], Rainbow [1939], drill team officer [1939], DAR [1940], drama, Hi-Tri, Girl Reserves, Brown Brokers [1941], Pembroke Glee club [1941], Student Government at Pembroke, dance group [1942]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-M
Collection title: Shirley Messinger Diary
Location within the collection:
Size: Vol. 1- 3.25" x 5.25"; Vol. 2- 4" x 5.25"
Condition: Very good, binding loose on volume 1.
Graphic content: Vol. 1- Tissue paper note "Love to Shirley from Avis on her 14th birthday"; pressed flower
Provenance: 2001. 121. 1-2, purchased from Edward Kozlowski
Cataloged by Robin Alario, March 2004
Bibliography:
East Providence City Directories
1930 U.S. Federal Census
R.I. Cemetery Database,
Social Security Death Index
Lake, John. "After 35 Years, Surgeon Gets Ready to Cut Back His Career" Providence Journal, August 28, 1986.
Subject headings:
Diaries, 1935-1944
East Providence - Social life and customs
Hurricanes - Rhode Island - 1938
Messinger, Helen (Canfield), 1893-1979
Messinger, Theodore Sewall, 1890-1973
World War, 1939-1945 - Personal narratives
Notes on the Mary Slade Diary
Entries dated 1840 to 1840
Biographical:
Name at birth: Slade, Mary
Birthdate and place: 1822, Somerset, MA
Death date and place: March 18 1850, buried in Brightman Cemetery, Somerset, MA
Age range during diary: 18
Residence during diary: Friends' Boarding School (Quaker), Hope Street, Providence, RI. Family residence in Somerset, MA
Places written: Nearly all entries made from the boarding school. A couple of entries are made while visitng relatives in Pawtucket and Providence
Biographical note: Attended Friends' School for one year only (1840-1841), along with brother David, who had been there since the 1836-1837 school year. Entire diary takes place during one semester at school.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Quaker
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 31
Exact dates: June 22, 1840 - Aug. 19, 1840
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Found among Slade family papers; deduced from diary entries with mention of her brother and hometown.
Brief description: Diary of Quaker girl at Providence, RI, boarding school
Writing quality: Writing very easy to read, but very poor grammar and punctuation
Utility for research: Useful for study of a Quaker school in the mid-1800s and attitudes of Quaker teenagers vis-a-vis authority figures.
Related papers at RIHS: Slade family papers owned by NEYM include Mary's commonplace book, and school papers and correspondence of several relatives.
Family members:
Father's name: Slade, William
Father's dates: 1780-1852
Father's occupation: Unknown
Mother's name: Slade, Phebe
Mother's dates: 1781-1874
Brothers: David (1820-1844); Jonathan (1815-1900)
Sisters: Abigail (1807-1839)
Husband's name: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Brother David; Teachers Emiline Aldrich, Elizabeth Osborne, Lydia Earle; Male Department Teacher Samuel Austin; Classmates Rebecca Wing, Emiline Chace, Elizabeth Oliver, Catherine Earle, Elizabeth Harkness; Preacher Dr. S. Tobey; Lecturer Pliny Chace; Superintendent Olive Wing; Cousin Anna Cory
Topical content:
Religious content: Mention made in diary of daily prayers at school and personal prayers before going to bed. Usually notes the Sabbath. Also, many poems in her verse book refer to God and make references to characters of the bible (Caleb, Cain, John, etc.).
Social life: Interaction with classmates and teachers; occasional visit to nearby relatives
Family: Very little commentary on her feelings towards family members, although it is apparent she enjoyed seeing her brother David while at school. Mostly matter-of-fact entries of times spent with David and occasional trips to visit cousin Anna Cory and aunts and uncles.
Health: Mary seems to be very healthy on the whole, but several classmates are often afflicted. July 23 entry mentions a remedy for a bloody nose of a classmate: "L[aura] Aldrich was taken with bleeding at the nose which made a considerable stir, the nurse came up with a shovel of fire with feathers on it, held it under her nose and it stop." Also mentions that typical remedy for headaches or toothaches were gin and hemlock, or even to tie a hot stone in cotton around the head of the person suffering. [see 8/02 entry]
School: In the year Mary attends, the Friends' school has 164 total students, 63 female. Teaching staff was comprised of 1 superintendent and 3 regulars per department [male and female] and visiting lecturers. Tuition for students was $30 per year and $10 extra if studying a foreign language. Subjects included History, Geography, Philosophy, English grammar and composition, Sciences, and Arithmetic. Students also studied the Scriptures and attended daily prayers. Females were given instruction in sewing. The male students inhabited the western wing of the school and the girls the eastern wing, and within those, areas were designated with numbers to group the students by age. There were two 24-week semesters, the first running from May-November and the second from November to April. The students boarded at the school while in session and Mary notes that occasionally this wore on the students and produced some restlessness. [7/24 entry] "...while engaged in writing, M[ary] Tripp passed through the school room with a handkerchief over her face and went into wash room and got into bathing tub with her dress on and says 'Oh do take me out of this hogs' trough' laid there awhile acting strangely saying her fingers felt as though there was bed bugs under the nails, then went up into the lodging room got onto the bed with her clothes all wet cover herself up head and all..." and in the 8/10 entry: "...came into the schoolroom found it quite confused, some of the girls had been trying experiments in jumping out of the window."
Fashion: Mary makes very little comment on fashion. Friends' Boarding School manual from 1845 states: "In the dress of females, we expect a correspondent degree of plainness [to the males], and that they avoid the extravagance of the fashions of the present day. They will be required to wear silk, or plain straw bonnets, without any trimmings for ornament. Their frocks or gowns should be of materials that are plain in color...and in other respects, to convenience and propriety, not according to the vain fashions of the world."
Food and drink: On special occasions, such as a July 4 celebration at the school, there is lemonade, cherries, almonds. More frequent treats inlude biscuits and tea, ginger bread, melon, whorttleberry pie.
Race / ethnicity content: No commentary, but two mentions of "colored" people. One is a female worker at the school whom Mary overhears reading the bible [entry of 7/21]. Another is a man not associated with the school whom Mary overhears: "...sat by an open window and was very much edified hearing a colored man preach who was about a half of a mile distant from here..." [8/16 entry]
Community: Very little mention of townspeople outside the school
Gender relations: Makes occasional comments on gender relations at school. Entry of July 5, 1840: "...returned with brother David, the rest of the ladies and gentlemen walked beside each other the gentlemen not daring to wait on the ladies as it would be breaking the laws of the Institution [school] therefore they said they hoped the ladies would excuse their gallantry..."
Travel: Limited to surrounding towns. July 26 entry includes mention of Diamond Hill neighborhood of what is now Cumberland, RI, and commentary on the Lonsdale area of Pawtucket, RI: "...passed through Lonsdale thought it was a very neat pretty place though it was quite dark I had not so good a chance to see it, about every other house there seemed to be little parties collected together and appeared as though they were enjoying themselves...another place we passed a group which reminded me of Swansey Village..."
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: NEYM
Collection title: New England Yearly Meeting Archives
Location within the collection: Slade Family Collection
Size: 8.25" x 6.75"
Condition: Good; cover detached and back pages cut out.
Graphic content: Cover printed in Providence depicts a beehive and a coat of arms.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.):
Provenance: Unknown. On deposit as part of New England Yearly Meeting Archives.
Cataloged by Greg McGurin, June 2004
Bibliography:
Calef, Frank. "Gravestone Records of Somerset, Mass.," page 3. Typescript, 1977.
"Catalogue of the Officers and Pupils of Friends' Boarding School, Providence, R.I.", 1840
Notes on the Abby M. (Clarke) Stimson Diary
Entries dated 1850 to 1867
Biographical:
Name at birth: Clarke, Abby Morton
Name after marriage: Stimson, Abby M. (Clarke)
Birthdate and place: November 21, 1798, Norton, Mass.
Death date and place: July 23, 1882, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 51-68
Residence during diary: 300 Angell St., Providence, R.I., then known as "Rose Farm".
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Daughter of a Massachusetts prominent clergyman, raised a family in Providence.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Middle - upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 104
Exact dates: January 1 1850 - June 12 1867
Frequency of entries: Sporadic, ranging from a couple per week to a couple per year.
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Very brief entries, mostly detailing household events.
Writing quality: Very sparse, but insightful on the rare longer entries.
Utility for research: Of potential value for its vital records, and as a general chronicle of local events; probably too terse to be of great value for social history.
Related papers at RIHS: Diman Family Papers (MSS 686) include correspondence of daughter's family, and diaries by granddaughter.
Family members:
Father's name: Clarke, Pitt
Father's dates: 1763-1835
Father's occupation: Clergyman of Norton, Mass.
Mother's name: Jones, Rebecca
Mother's dates: d.1811
Brothers: John Jones Clarke (1803-1887); Manlius S. Clarke (1816-1853); Edward H. Clarke (1820-1877); George L. Clarke (1813-1890), mayor of Providence
Sisters: None
Husband's name: Stimson, John J.
Husband's dates: 1798-1860
Husband's occupation: Wine dealer and grocer
Marriage date and place: October 23, 1828, Norton, Mass.
Father-in-law's name: Stimson, Jeremy
Father-in-law's dates: b.1751
Father-in-law's occupation: Physician, of Hopkinton, Mass.
Mother-in-law's name: Jones, Anna
Sons: Edward?; two died young
Daughters: Emily C. (Stimson) Diman (1837-1901); Maria (1832-1856); Carrie?
Topical content:
Events discussed: Often mentions current news with little comment. Reads from a newspapers that there is "a larger portion of insanity in R.I. than in any other state." [2/3/1850] "Went to Portsmouth Grove [soldiers hospital]. Interesting but very painful." [8/18/1862]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: There are many births and deaths mentioned from 1850 to 1853, which would be well worth abstracting.
Religious content: Occasional mention of church attendance.
Home production: Frequent mention of garden crops planted and harvested, and minor work on house (painting, papering, etc.).
Food and drink: Some mention of food among large events: "asparagus for dinner" [5/7/1853] or "Watermelon at dinner" [10/23/1857].
Race / ethnicity content: Brief comments during Civil War suggest a strong sympathy for abolition.
Progress: Reverie on completion of transcontinental telegraph line [11/1861]. 'railroad opened from Newport to Boston. This makes Newport an outpost of the United States." [2/1/1864]
Arts and culture: "Sat very unwillingly to Wilson the artist."
Travel: Occasional mentions of trips to New York, Block Island, etc., but with little or no description.
Geographical and architectural: Frequent comments on her buildings and others in the neighborhood.
Organizations: Mentions "sewing circle for the Norton Fair" [4/24/1850]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 386
Collection title: Diman Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 3, folder 2
Size: 6" x 5"
Condition: Good, but first several pages torn out.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The Diman family microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reels 9 to 16.
Provenance: 1945. 24, gift of the Misses Louise and Emily Diman, the author's granddaughters.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read only 1850-1863.
Bibliography:
Diman, Louise. Leaves from a Family Tree (Published by author, 1941)
Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island (Chicago: J.H. Beers, 1908), vol. 2, p. 872.
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1850-1867
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Lila (McVay) Swan Diary
Entries dated 1960 to 1960
Biographical:
Name at birth: McVay, Lila
Name after marriage: Swan, Lila (McVay)
Birthdate and place: 1907
Death date and place: Providence, RI October, 3 1965
Age range during diary: 53
Residence during diary: 15 Arnold Street, Providence, RI
Places written: Providence
Biographical note: Wife of Bradford F. Swan, writer for the Providence Journal
Religion of diarist: Unknown
Social class: Upper-middle class
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 19
Exact dates: October 23, 1960 to November 15, 1960
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Through matching the events written about in the volume with the events described in the correspondence between Bradford and Lila Swan
Brief description: Covers mostly social engagements of author on vacation in New York and Virginia.
Writing quality: Handwriting messy. A basic outline of each day.
Related papers at RIHS: Bradford Swan Papers, particularly Groups III and IV
Family members:
Father's name: McVay, Frederick A.; Stepfather Seegar Roland.
Father's dates: 1891-1943
Mother's name: Roland, Lila (Locher) (McVay)
Mother's dates: 1882-?
Brothers: Robert McVay
Husband's name: Bradford Fuller Swan
Husband's dates: 1907-1976
Husband's occupation: Newspaper reporter
Marriage date and place: 1938
Father-in-law's name: Swan, Rudolphus A.
Father-in-law's occupation: 1875-1941
Mother-in-law's name: Swan, Anna F.
Sons: None?
Daughters: None?
Topical content:
Religious content: Did not attend church during vacation.
Social life: Dining out, having drinks with friends.
Food and drink: Often mentions drinks and meals in restaurants.
Travel: Entire diary written during vacation, mostly in New York City [10/23 - 11/4/1960] with one entry written in Virginia Beach, Va. [11/6/1960] and Suffolk, Va. [11/15/1960]. Gives brief descriptions of sights seen. Husband traveling to Antarctica: "Gracie phoned to tell me about Sunday Mirror's story about Brad's safe arrival at McMurdo Sound. Thrill." [10/31/1960].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 744
Collection title: Bradford F. Swan Papers
Location within the collection: Group III, Subgroup 6, in box 8
Size: 4" x 2.5"
Condition: Excellent
Provenance: 1976. 149. 1-, probably from the estate of Bradford Swan
Cataloged by Mike Cardin, May 2004
Bibliography:
Obituary, Providence Journal, February 21, 1976
Notes on the Adelyn B. (Pearce) Thurber Diary
Entries dated 1937 to 1937
Biographical:
Name at birth: Pearce, Adelyn Betsey
Name after marriage: Thurber, Adelyn B. (Pearce)
Birthdate and place: January 20, 1899, Providence, RI
Death date and place: After 1961
Age range during diary: 37 - 38
Residence during diary: Providence, RI, 77 Mawney St. (Elmwood neighborhood)
Places written: Providence, RI. Two weekends on Prudence Island in July.
Biographical note: Daughter of a pharmacist, born and raised in Providence, did not marry until age 40.
Ethnicity: Yankee; all four grandparents born in R.I.
Religion of diarist: Protestant. Father was Episcopal, future husband a Congregationalist.
Social class: Upper-middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 365
Exact dates: January 1 - December 31, 1937
Frequency of entries: Daily with some gaps.
How was author identified?: Signed inside cover
Brief description: Somewhat bitter diary of single woman approaching middle age, reminiscing about past romances and bemoaning her life with her elderly parents.
Writing quality: Excellent
Related papers at RIHS: None
Family members:
Father's name: Pearce, Howard A.
Father's dates: 1860-1952
Father's occupation: Pharmacist
Mother's name: Burlingame, Nora W.
Mother's dates: 1863-1944
Brothers: None
Sisters: None
Husband's name: Thurber, Frank A.
Husband's dates: 1883-1961
Husband's occupation: Clerk at Swan Point Cemetery
Marriage date and place: June 17, 1939 (after diary)
Father-in-law's name: Thurber, Daniel S.
Mother-in-law's name: Ryan, May
Sons: None
Daughters: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Uncle Harry (1/15), Uncle Robinson G. Pearce (1875-1954) and Aunt Mary E. Pearce (1871-1938) (1/17), Aunt Harriet (2/7)
Topical content:
Events discussed: Listened to Roosevelt's second inauguration on radio (1/20/1937).
Religious content: Very little; sometimes mentions church.
Social life: Genealogy was a major hobby. Joins Daughters of American Revolution early in year. "Earl quite interested and helpful about DAR application." (1/7/1937) "Called Mrs. Sheldon about application. She said no hurry. Seemed quite scornful that I was doing it myself. Well, I'll show her. I'll get three maybe four bars by myself. Don't like her. Think she is Christian Science." (1/8/1937) Discusses restoring Leon Chappotin's pin worn in 1794 (1/12) Visit from "Mr. Brigham of the State House", who took some "Colman letters" (1/16); visited again 1/18. "Went to the Historical Society this morning and found the book that tells about Dudley Colman's marriage, etc." (1/29) "Went over to Historical Soc. but didn't find out anything." (10/13) Visited Brigham at state house 5/27. Next day Brigham visited her house; "wanted to know if he could come again. Says he likes to talk to me." (5/28). An extended sub-plot is an effort to collect some sort of indemnity owed to her great-great-grandfather Chappotin regarding some sort of French Revolutionary claim.
Family: Mother gravely ill with pleurisy and pneumonia (4/8). "Received invitation to Helen's wedding and reception. all of us! What a nuisance, have to send gift now." (8/21) Christmas cheer with the family: "Played fool games...& after hours & hours we had very punk supper... - nearly starved then played idiotic games until 11:30 & came home." (12/25)
Aging: "My birthday 38! Awful!!" (1/20/1899)
Work outside home: Frequently writes "Worked" to begin her entries, but never says what she does. No occupation listed in city directories. Paints coats of arms, possibly as a hobby. May work in father's drug store. Interviewed for a sales job 9/22, but declined because it was entirely on commission. "Had unpleasant row with family - guess I'd better get a job!"; immediately started hunting prospects to paint coats of arms (11/18). "Received check from Mr. Sawyer for $250.00 so now I have $500.00. That's some help." (12/21)
Fashion: "Unexpectedly bought a coat. Gray with a big wolf collar. $66 - Lord knows when I'll pay for it." (1/16/1937) "Worked hard (got to pay for that damn coat)" (1/25) Frequently sewing and knitting, fairly descriptive (see 2/8/1937, etc.)
Food and drink: Lunch at Schrafts (2/2/1937) D.A.R. meeting catered by famed local caterer Laura Carr (3/30); "Laura Carr's food" also mentioned 9/11, 11/25, 11/30, 12/25. Dined at Dreyfus: "Wonderful food - French cooking." (4/1). "Stopped in a Howard Johnson's & ate sandwich... opened the candy after supper and it had a worm in it. Took it back and they gave me another pound." (9/7/1937)
Race / ethnicity content: "Went to Italian push cart market." (6/19/1937)
Labor: "Went down street, bought some things & at 3:30 went to St. Clairs. When I came out the streets were mobbed. All the stores had gone on strike & closed. It was awful. I couldn't get up or down or across the streets. Cops everywhere & it started to rain. Busses too crowded to stop." (3/20/1937) "Strike still on. Lots of pickets (in fur coats) & loads of cops. No trouble getting about, tho." (3/22) "Papa called. Will be delayed. Strike at plant. No deliveries allowed." (11/12) "Papa much upset by strikes." (11/18)
Gender relations: Many references to past loves, and lack of present ones. "Listed to radio & knit all evening. I sure lead a wild eventful life. It's too bad with such a lovely diary, there isn't more to write in it. I never could keep a diary unless there was a man to write about and after all who could I write about now. I'm not a Mrs. Simpson, unfortunately." (1/21/1937) "Well, it's ROC birthday today. He is 45. Wonder if he is alive married or what? What, I guess!" (1/31) "Gee, I wonder what ever became of [Red Klein]. How funny to think that we ever drifted the way we did. Absolutely no reason, either. He was by far the most interesting man I ever had." (2/9). "Had letter from Freddie! He is in N.C. and loves me still. Well, it is nice I suppose to have someone think of me and say they love me. But I hope he doesn't get any nearer than he is now." (2/10). Re a physician named Clint who tends to her injured foot: "He is to be married in June. He says all men should have two women & thinks I should be his other one. I disagree. He wanted me to kiss him but I didn't. He told me I used to be very fond of him. I said I was but had my emotions perfectly controlled. He said 'I'll say so - it's me that knows it.' He intimated he had worked very hard to break it down but never could. Wanted to know if he could name the first girl Adelyn." (3/23) "Darn Clint anyway... He is sweet but quite crude." (3/30) "Last Friday me & Clint had a time. Well, anyway I'm still a virgin." (4/23) "Freddie called for goodness sake. Had only a half hour and so I dashed down & saw him for a minute. Terrible! Never again I hope." (5/28) "It is 3 years tonight since I have heard from George. Well, without a doubt this ends it all & I shall now completely forget him. I should destroy his letters but I can't." (10/16) "I think this is a lousy diary and I'm glad the year is nearly over. Nothing about men! And I do like men. Strange as it might seem to most people who know me I would like to be married. But no babies!" (11/6) Ex-boyfriend Dan Griffin getting divorce: "He is getting it on cruelty. Says she kicked him, scratched him, called him names & stabbed him with a nail file. She says he took her by the ankles & bumped her head on the floor... Nice people! And he is the only one my mother ever approved of! This makes the sixth of my ex-boyfriends to get a divorce. Well, George wouldn't be so bad, I'm thinking." (11/19)
Arts and culture: Disappointed that Nelson Eddy did not sing on radio show (3/21/1937)
Travel: Vacation in Richmond, VA; Annapolis MD; Washington DC (5/12 - 5/22/1937)
Geographical and architectural: "Cleveland's barn burned so I went with all the neighbors. Two cars burned and it was quite exciting." (8/31/1937)
Organizations: Frequently attended D.A.R. meetings and committees.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-P
Collection title: Adelyn B. Pearce Diary
Size: 7" x 4.5"
Condition: Good; binding slightly loose. Pages cut out from April 12 to April 21.
Provenance: 1999. 20, purchased from Rose Boughton, a dealer of East Greenwich, R.I.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, July 1999
Bibliography:
Providence city directories; Rhode Island Cemetery Database; 1900 U.S. census, 7-63-12-80; obituaries in Providence Journal of father (10/28/1952) and future husband (1/8/1961, p.N-31)
Subject headings:
Courtship - Rhode Island - Providence
Daughters of the American Revolution - Gaspee Chapter
Diaries - 1937
Pearce, Howard A. (1860-1952)
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Thurber, Adelyn B. (Pearce)
Notes on the Jeanette (Mowry) Tiffany Diary
Entries dated 1907 to 1907
Biographical:
Name at birth: Mowry, Jeanette
Name after marriage: Tiffany, Jeanette (Mowry)
Birthdate and place: October 18, 1871 in Smithfield, RI
Death date and place: 1972
Age range during diary: 36
Residence during diary: They live in Barrington and have a some property with a pond and wooded areas.
Places written: Barrington, R.I.; White Mountains in New Hampshire during 9/24- 9/26
Biographical note: Jeanette Mowry was born in Smithfield, RI. She married Ebenezer Tiffany in 1905 and moved to Barrington. Jeanette lived in Barrington until 1966. She died at the age of 101 in 1972. They did not have any children of their own. Their niece Dorothy Greene Beauchesne was listed as living in their home in the 1920 census. Ebenezer owned his own ice vending business in Barrington, did some farming and was the Town Treasurer for Barrington from c1907-1937. He also served in the Rhode Island State Senate during 1911.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Episcopal
Social class: Middle class
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 156
Exact dates: June 1 - December 26 1907
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: A card inserted in the diary says "Nettie Mowry married Ebenezer Tiffany" which is corroborated by the content as she talks of her husband Eben and his mother Mrs. Tiffany. The identity of the author is also confirmed looking in the Barrington directories for Ebenezer Tiffany who was an ice vendor in that town during the time period of the diary.
Brief description: Diary of a housewife in Barrington, RI describing daily activities of herself and husband Ebenezer Tiffany who is an ice vendor, 1907.
Writing quality: The handwriting is very clear and her style is engaging and reflective.
Related papers at RIHS:
Family members:
Father's name: Joseph E. Mowry
Father's dates: 1845-1922
Father's occupation: farmer? in Smithfield, RI
Mother's name: Caroline W. Low
Mother's dates: 1850-1910
Brothers: Harold
Sisters: Grace E. Mowry married Alphonse Beauchesne
Husband's name: Ebenezer Tiffany
Husband's dates: 1869-1937
Husband's occupation: Ice vendor - he has a store and men working for him delivering ice. He then becomes the Town Treasurer for Barrington around 1908 (or possibly before) and holds that position until his death in 1937.
Marriage date and place: October 24, 1905
Father-in-law's name: Ebenezer Tiffany
Father-in-law's dates: 1836-1899
Mother-in-law's name: Harriet L. Tiffany
Mother-in-law's dates: 1843-1919
Other persons frequently mentioned: Jessie G. Tiffany - sister of Ebenezer; Dorothy Greene Beauchesne- daughter of Jeanette's sister Grace and her husband Alphonse Beauchesne. Dorothy is living with Ebenezer and Jeanette by 1920.
Topical content:
Events discussed: "They are have a strike of ice-team drivers in New York." [7/1] Description of "Rhode Island Old Home Week" during July 28 - August 3. She includes a description of the lights and decorations all over downtown Providence on July 31. "We kept on to Weybosset & turned up towards the handsome big arch erected across the street by the Outlet, right in front of the store; on Saturday a couple will be married up on op of it & the Outlet will set them up in house keeping free - I would enjoy seeing what the furnishings of the new house will be! What strange advertisements are made use of now-a-days by the big concerns! . . .I had my face dusted lightly half a dozen times with the 'ticklers' - We saw one young man with his duster, tickling the face of every girl in reach as he passed along; some of the girls would suddenly snatch at a 'tickler' & then there would be quite a prolonged little tussle at familiarity. This is probably a great time for the mill girls & their set!" [7/31] "Eben said the Union Trust Company had closed its doors & he couldn't get the money for the town . . . there had been a run on the banks the day before, & today there was a steady stream at the Industrial Trust & a good many at other banks. Sara said the People's Savings sent to Boston & got between 20 & 40 thousand dollars to pay out each day for a few days till the panic was over." [10/25]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Mama & papa went off in time to see Theodora married; Eben & I took our time, cooled off a little on the piazza & finally got dressed, he in dress suite & I in my wedding dress; & went over to the reception." [6/25]
Religious content: "Eben says he doesn't feel a bit like a Christian when he's all rigged up in stiff collar & bosom & Sunday clothes!" [9/15]
Social life: "This afternoon the Rev. Mr. Williston and his daughter Agnes came over to play croquet; the ground is full of unsuspected holes & furrows so that a poor player stood just as a good chance at winning as a first rate player; in fact the luck is more likely to be with the poor player than the good!" [7/4] "In the evening we 4 went up to Vanity Fair. Such a bright attractive dazzling thing of beauty as seen from outside! Ten cents apiece let us inside & there it was most as light as day." She continues with a description of the rides and attractions they saw at Vanity Fair. [8/9] "About 8:45 P.M. Eben & I began to get ready for bed & then he said 'Don't you want to go over to the Italian celebration? Come, let's go!' In a few minutes we were on our way to Maple Avenue" they went to see the celebration of the feast of the Assumption of Mary. [8/15] She and 3 girls go to Vanity Fair again and are weighed by one of the carnival workers - she includes the weight of each of them in her description. [8/29]
Family: "The old cat is beginning to look kind of respectable again; so Eben took him up on his knees in very fraternal style & solemnly but pleasantly said "I want you to promise me not to fight any more." The cat looked rather cross & Eben says he remarked to himself "Promise be darned!" [6/16] "Eben & I went to bed at the usual time & he said it was so hot we'd better try the hammock; so we got up put on some slippers & took the bed quilt & [carriage?] robe & spent the night till 2.30 out there. I found myself rather tired next day in consequence." [7/1]
Health: "[Dorothy Greene Beauchesne] has adenoids in her throat & ulcer in her left eye. Dr. Rogers has her case & is using Belladonna in her eyes; I'm so afraid lest it will paralyze the nerves & she be left blind. In fall I suppose the adenoids will be removed; mama has just seen mention of a case where after having adenoids removed the child bled to death! Oh its such a dreadful thing being a live thing!" [6/25] "My feet have ached badly for a long time & now I've made up my mind to see a Dr. in regard to them." [9/13] " . . then stopped in at Denby's to have a toothache stopped (I'm in sad need of being sent to a shop for general & thorough repairs it seems)" [9/14] "I've worn the Insteps Supports today & they are very trying - as if I were walking across broom handles or small stones all the time." [9/22]
Work outside home: "I've tried my skill at soliciting for my candy table & it is a deuced uncomfortable job; it's mighty hard to screw 10¢ from some people who can well afford it & who have been asking us to spend money there; then there are others who have already been generously solicited & have as generously responded & one is ashamed to have imposed on them; then there are those who really can't afford to yet they do give something. So I declare I'll do no more soliciting except when I go out into the begging business for myself alone to make money!" [10/23]
Fashion: "I went up to the city, and finished up at Mrs. Tucker's. The hats are of marvelous shapes this year - yet there is no excuse for an unbecoming one - for one has the privilege of wearing what is particularly becoming. My last summers white rather yellow straw is turned inside out & trimmed with soft horn ribbon & lots of forget-me-nots. Eben says it looks like one of my wooden cook bowls - it's the "mushroom" style." [6/4] There is a drawing of this hat on the next page. Redecoration of the dining room "Rich red paper for 2/3 of the way up, a white plate railing, & then a white paper with bunches of red climber roses on it; the floor and mop-board mahogany red; the rest of the wood work white; a rich red rug will cover all but a few inches . . ." [10/19]
Food and drink: She gives a long description of a typical schedule of meals for herself and her husband. [719] "I was real candy hungry and wanted to have a box of every kind on the counter! But I limited myself to four kinds & enjoyed them immensely on the train." [8/14] "In the refrigerator there is cold roast beef, milk & eggs. Eben doesn't like the dinner prospect & so at his suggestion we are going up to Crescent Park for dinner - 75¢ clam bake with lobster (the latter generally old & tough & sometimes odorous!)" [9/11]
Race / ethnicity content: "They are having great times in Virginia now - there's the Jamestown Fair at Norfolk - it has just got into good running order; Mr. Chapin went down & he says that it is just a plain good common sense fair; but the Japanese were altogether too evident." [10/5]
Class relations: "I had a chance to have Sampson help clear away rubbish along the "wood path" . . . we talked some; he's from Canada; his wife & 6 mos. baby "Mary May" are home in Nova Scotia; some time he will have them down here . . " [6/6] Jeanette is invited to Mrs. Hoffman's house, a large mansion on Rumstick Point in Bristol County, and she gives a detailed description of the afternoon. A group of women were invited to hear a report on the fund-raising event which had happened the week before and were treated to refreshments. Toward the end of the entry for this day Jeanette presents her treatise on how she wants to live her life and be treated by others. "I don't enjoy luxuries that are lent me by those more fortunate in this world's goods. . . I don't care for display, but like quiet elegance & comfort that we ourselves can afford - to dress quietly proper for each occasion; to have some money to spend on all these charitable affairs; to take a little vacation each year; to have money for personal improvements & accomplishments, & for help to relieve one of the drudgery or wearisome routine of housework . . to be approved & like by neighbors & relations & to be of such consequence as to not be ignored by our wealthier acquaintances but treated with the right sort of consideration, to be a genuine help & gentle inspiration to those who need us; to live a life painted in soft browns, greens, old blues, & rich toned-down reds; or one that may be struck in simple melodies, gay little marching strains, and full sweet chords." [7/3]
Progress: ". . . bought a very satisfactory refrigerator with smooth top; ice box opens from the front; lots of shelf room." [7/2] "What a comfort that refrigerator is! It's like beginning house keeping all over on a more delightful scheme; it saves miles of traipsing back & forth from the cellar - I've called it the 'safe' & 'sideboard' without thinking what I said. No mistake! It's an unmitigated treasure."They have begun sprinkling the streets with oil here." [7/18] " . . an automobile came along, swerved straight across the track & ran Clarke down, & brought up against the tree where it now stands." [9/19] "Someone had his automobile in Holmes' boat house . . the gasoline was leaking & got afire & consequently the whole thing has gone up in smoke & drifted across the river - across the Barrington of course, not the Styx! Eben has no use for automobiles; he would liked to have thrashed the one that figured out last night, into pieces; & this latest debut on our attention he thinks has 'turned out in good shape!' In regard to last nights accident, Eben says 'One isn't safe even on his own lawn!' Some people are old fashioned, you know!" [9/20]
Arts and culture: "We looked in at the RI School of Design a few minutes but didn't see any new pictures & remembered many that we had seen before. We went down in to the basement & took a look at the statuary &c - surely they looked so cool & white without any clothes on!" [7/31]
Geographical and architectural: On a trip to Aquidneck or Rhode Island "We saw the old wind mill - which looks quite old & fills us with some awe of the things of the far away past. We left the car in front of the Old State House - built in 1641; here the constitution was adopted & RI became one of the United States in 1790. . . In the Senate Chamber is the full length portrait of Washington painted by Stuart in 1801. . . Touro Park in the city [Newport] - that is where the Old Stone Mill stands. To my mind the "mill" is a thing of beauty because of its style of construction & its materials, & the greyness of age, & the because of the mystery & romance that once surrounded it. " [8/8]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1128
Collection title: Armington Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folder 2
Size: 7.5" x 4.5"
Condition: Outer leather binding on the spine and front cover are cracked and fragile. The text block is still intact and strong.
Graphic content: Throughout the diary are photographs, drawings in pencil and paint, postcards, newspaper clippings and illustrations.
Provenance: 2003. 74. 1. 1- ; gift of Albert Armington
Cataloged by Karen Eberhart, December 2003
Bibliography:
Barrington City Directory
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
United States Census, 1920
Subject headings:
Barrington, RI - Social life and customs
Diaries, 1907
Ice industry - Barrington, RI
Tiffany, Ebenezer, 1869-1937
Notes on the Lusanna (Richmond) Tilinghast Diary
Entries dated 1816 to 1819
Biographical:
Name at birth: Richmond, Lusanna
Name after marriage: Tillinghast, Lusanna (Richmond)
Birthdate and place: May 27, 1800, Dighton, Mass.
Death date and place: September 29, 1862, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 15-18
Residence during diary: Union St., Providence, R.I.?
Places written: Mostly presumed to be written in Providence; one entry in Little Compton [9/14/1818]
Biographical note: Born in Massachusetts, moved to Providence with family around age four, and married a prominent Providence lawyer.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper?
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 22
Exact dates: April 14 1816 - May 26 1819, plus later commonplace book entries through 1831.
Frequency of entries: Very sporadic, only a few per year.
How was author identified?: The diary is unsigned; as Charles F. Tillinghast's name appears on the inside cover, this diary was misattributed to him for many years until the error was spotted by patron Wayne Tillinghast in 1995. The content fits donor Charles F. Tillinghast's grandmother exactly, including accurate mention of own 19th birthday on May 26, 1819.
Brief description: In her own words, "I intend to add a journal, that is, note down the most important periods and circumstances which happen during my life, and also to extract from books, such sentences as peculiarly strike me for piety, goodness, elegance, sublimity, &c &c" [3/6/1817]
Writing quality: Excellent; literate and introspective.
Utility for research: Excellent source on religious faith and the boundaries of the women's sphere, but of little use as a chronicle of events.
Related papers at RIHS: The Charles F. Tillinghast Papers (MSS 9001-T) are a small and not particularly interesting collection of her future husband's papers dated 1826-1846. Filed with her diary is a touching 1840 letter from Lusanna to Eliza Church re a suicide attempt by elderly father-in-law Stephen Tillinghast, and an 1849 letter to daughter Sophie Tillinghast..
Family members:
Father's name: Richmond, William
Father's dates: 1770-1850
Father's occupation: Merchant of Providence. "William Richmond 2nd"
Mother's name: Andrews, Clarissa
Mother's dates: 1775-1832
Brothers: William Richmond (1797-1858); James C. Richmond (1808-1866), Thomas A. Richmond (1811-1859), George A. Richmond (1817-1838)
Sisters: Mary W. Richmond (1805-1861); Clarissa Richmond (1795-1825), Eliza A. (Richmond) Church (1810-1891), Frances (Richmond) Williams (1814-), Caroline (Richmond) Pitman (1819-1886)
Husband's name: Tillinghast, Charles F.
Husband's dates: 1797-1864
Husband's occupation: Lawyer, Providence, R.I.
Marriage date and place: May 15, 1822
Father-in-law's name: Tillinghast, Stephen
Father-in-law's dates: 1768-1841
Mother-in-law's name: Foster, Theodosia
Mother-in-law's dates: 1771-1839
Sons: William R. Tillinghast (1823-1847), Stephen H. Tillinghast (1826-1827), James Tillinghast (1828-)
Daughters: Sophia F. Tillinghast (1833-1892)
Topical content:
Religious content: Virtually the entire content of this diary is overtly spiritual. Good essay on need for tolerance between denominations [3/22/1817].
Social life: "Society seems a burthen, and mixing in the world does violence to my feelings." [4/4/1819]
Family: "Oh happiness where art thou to be found, if not in domestic life... Domestic life connected with religion, a thirst for improvement, and a search after knowledge will render one more happy...than all the pomp of this world." [3/22/1817]
Resolution to "obey cheerfully the requests of my parents" and "never to speak angrily to my little brothers and sisters."
Departure of brother William to begin ministry in Philadelphia [5/1/1819]
Class relations: "A mind free rom passion has ever been to me a pleasing subject for contemplation, that mind which admires the acquirements and virtues of their equals in age and rank, which never detracts from the just praise of their superiors, nor is envious of the goodness of their inferiors, or rather of the poor." [4/19/1818]
Gender relations: In praise of a biography of Mrs. Ramsay, "she was a dutiful daughter, obedient wife, an intelligent and instructive parent...may I imitate her virtues." [9/14/1818]
Arts and culture: Inspired by reading spiritual biographies of Miss Elizabeth Smith [3/6/1817] and Mrs. Ramsay [9/14/1818]. Philosophical essays on painting [4/19/1818?] and Milton [5/2/1819]. Resolutions for self-education [5/25/1819].
Organizations: Attended annual meeting of Dorcas Society; "we have need to praise almighty GOD for putting it into the hearts of females to endeavor to contribute something for the support of their fellow creatures." [3/22/1817]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-T
Collection title: Lusanna Richmond Tillinghast Diary
Size: 7" x 6"
Condition: Fair. Page torn out, May 4-16, 1819. Several pages cut out of back.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Most of the diary, March 6 1817 to May 26 1819, was published and annotated in Rhode Island History 57:3 (August/November 1997) as part of Jane Lancaster's article, "By the Pens of Females," pages 97-105. Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reel 27
Provenance: 1941. 21, gift of the widow of the author's grandson Charles F. Tillinghast.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
Richmond, Joshua B. The Richmond Family, 1594-1896 (Boston, 1897), 179, 354.
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1816-1819
Providence - Social life and customs
Religion - Providence
Notes on the Katherine K. Herreshoff Diary
Entries dated 1887 to 1887
Biographical:
Name at birth: Herreshoff, Katherine Kilton
Name after marriage: Tubbs, Katherine K. (Herreshoff) (deWolf)
Birthdate and place: July 31, 1874, Bristol, R.I.
Death date and place: 1954
Age range during diary: 15
Residence during diary: Bristol, R.I.
Places written: Bristol and Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: Daughter of John Brown Herreshoff, the famous "blind boatbuilder" of Bristol. Her parents were separated in 1885 and later divorced. Katherine outlived two husbands and maintained a residence in Bristol for her entire life. After the death of her second husband, she reverted back to the name she used under her first marriage, preferring "Mrs. deWolf" to "Mrs. Tubbs".
Ethnicity: Yankee / Prussian
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 12 pages
Exact dates: February 5 - March 14, 1887
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Diary of adolescent daughter of wealthy separated parents.
Writing quality: Rushed but sometimes good.
Utility for research: A rare account from a nineteenth century broken home. Despite its brevity, a good account of adolescence.
Related papers at RIHS: Herreshoff-deWolf Family Papers (MSS 489) include a wealth of related documents from parents and children, as well as her own papers.
Family members:
Father's name: Herreshoff, John Brown
Father's dates: 1841-1914
Father's occupation: Boatbuilder, of Bristol, R.I., blind since childhood.
Mother's name: Kilton, Sarah Lucas "Sadie"
Mother's dates: 1837-1906
Brothers: None
Sisters: None
Husband's name: 1) deWolf, Lewis2) Tubbs, Walter J.
Husband's dates: 1) 1853-19002) d.1906
Marriage date and place: 1) 18962) ca.1902
Sons: None
Daughters: Katherine H. (deWolf) Pendlebury (1897-1978); Louise H. deWolf (1898-1986)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Aunt Sally Herreshoff (1845-), Aunt Caroline Herreshoff Chesebrough (1837-1924), grandmother Julia (Lewis) Herreshoff (1811-1901)
Topical content:
Religious content: Regular churchgoer. "Went to Church. Heard a very nice sermon by a stranger." [2/13/1887]
Social life: Shopping and hanging around Providence with friends seems to be the favorite pastime.
Childhood: Good (though brief) account of adolescent life.
Marriage: During the time this diary was written, her parents had been separated for two years and were working toward a very messy divorce. Her father later remarried Eugenia T. Tucker. Katharine was apparently living with her mother during this time, which makes the frequent mentions of her father much more interesting. In contrast, her mother does not seem to be ever mentioned. "Cas, Papa, Mr. Holbrook & I went to Prov." [2/12/1887]. On 2/16, she notes "Papa in Prov.", but the next day notes "J.B.H. in Prov." (her father's initials). "Heard from Papa through office." [2/23/1887]. "Had a letter from Papa, also dispatch." [2/24/1887]. "Papa came on 8:25 train, brought me a lovely bunch of violets." [2/25/1887] "Cassie, Papa & I went to Prov. 7:45 together. I saw Papa on the train to Boston with Miss Gennie" [3/5/1887]
School: Attending school, though rarely discusses it.
Food and drink: Mentions "tea at forty-niners" [3/14/1887].
Labor: This apparently refers to household help: "Got Killy off, glad of it, and Maggie came at 6. She is a very neat tidy girl." [3/4/1887]
Gender relations: "In the afternoon Emma & I called on Gussie. Ed was there and showed us his dog, or rather puppy... The boys carried on at a great rate. Ed said jokingly 'I'll be down this evening', and sure enough a little after eight he did come & staid until 10. Em, Ed & I played poker. This is my second 'boy caller.'" [2/9/1887]. Spent all of the next day discussing this with friends.
Arts and culture: In Providence with friends, "went to the matinee. Margaret Mather in London Assurance & Mad Scene from Faust. The latter was very sad as she was in prison, & her lover came in for her but she did not know him as she was mad. I was quite taken with Miss Mather." [2/5/1887]
Organizations: Mentions that "Club met at Drury's" [2/10/1887], but does not tell what club.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 489, sg 3
Collection title: Herreshoff-deWolf Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 4, folder 5
Size: 7" x 4"
Condition: Good
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reels 18 and 19
Provenance: 1986. 56. 1. 1-, gift of Louise H. deWolf, the author's granddaughter
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read all of diary.
Bibliography:
The Chad Brown Workbook, 2nd ed. (Rhode Island Historical Society, 1987), p. 97, 152
Subject headings:
Bristol, R.I. - Social life and customs
Diaries - 1887
Divorce suits - 19th century
Herreshoff, John B. (1841-1914)
Notes on the Aritis Updike Diary
Entries dated 1830 to 1830
Biographical:
Name at birth: Updike, Aritis
Birthdate and place: 1819, South Kingston, RI
Death date and place: 1875, South Kingston, RI
Age range during diary: 20
Residence during diary: South Kingston, RI
Places written: South Kingstown, Rhode Island
Biographical note: Aritis Updike was one of twelve children born to Wilkins and Abigail (Watson) Updike. She remained in South Kingston as an adult and never married.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 11
Exact dates: January - July 26 1830
Frequency of entries: Approximately once a month
How was author identified?: First page of book
Brief description: This diary describes a few events in the life of Aritis Updike. It details her religious feelings, an experience of a stranger coming to the family to tell them about their son/brother's illness, and her leaving for school in Charlestown.
Related papers at RIHS: Diary of her niece Caroline Updike Eddy (Mss 1065, box 2, folder 26.)
Family members:
Father's name: Updike, Wilkins
Father's dates: 1784-1867
Father's occupation: Lawyer, legislator, and author
Mother's name: Updike, Abigail (Watson)
Mother's dates: 1792-1843
Brothers: Thomas Bowdoin (b. 1810) ; Walter W. (c. 1817-1861) m. Prudence B. Page; Caesar A. (1824-1877) m. Elizabeth B. Adams; Daniel (1833-1852)
Sisters: Isabella W. (b. 1812); Mary A. (1813-1886) m. Samuel Rodman; Abigail A. (1815-1891) m. Henry A. Hidden; Angeline (c.1821-1877) m. John F. Greene; Elizabeth T. (1823-1841); Caroline (1826-1902) m. John Eddy; Alice (1833-1833)
Husband's name: None
Topical content:
Religious content: "Praise be to his name for ever more for the kindness he bestws upon the children of men. Where ever I am and what ever my condition is in this life I hae his promises that he will never leave me nor forsake me ever unto the end of the world." [April 20]
Social life: "I attended a fine lecture on the subject of architecture last evening. It was interesting and instructing." [January 20]
Family: "I have thus far passed a calm and quiet winter by the fireside of our own happy family." [1/1930] "no one could well imagine my feelings when I was kept in suspense a week not knowing whether my brother [Thomas] was recovering from his dangerous illness. [March]"When I returned, I found my eldest sister confined to a dark room from an injury of the optick nerve...she has suffered a close confinement for seven months. [Page 20]
Childhood: Talking about a friendship that has been neglected: "many a friendship is formed in youth which is forgotten in age on account of the diversified circumstances under which we [?] placed in passing from youth to age and as soon as friendship is neglected it is forgotten." [April]
Health: "Elizabeth Comstock was attacked with consumption in the fall of 1938, she was entirely unconscious of her situation, and thought that when the warm months of summer returned, she would be restored to health." [June 11] "Miss Eliza Case is very sick of the consumption. she is rapidly failing and doutless soon will go home to rest." [February 22, page 27]
School: "In the month of April, I was obliged to leave the place of my nativity, and take up my abode among strangers, in order to complete or improve my education.
Geographical and architectural: "visited Bunker Hill, the monument is not complete it is very handsome, neat and plain, the prospect from that place is beautiful" [Monday evening]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1065
Collection title: Alfred U. Collins Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folder 24
Size: 7 1/2 x 9 1/2
Condition: Fair. Binding is starting to deteriorate
Graphic content: none
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): One section of the volume is a commonplace book and the other section is a diary.
Provenance: 2002. 47. 1. 1-, gift of Eliza Collins
Cataloged by Lori Salotto, February 2001
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging?
Bibliography:
Opdyke, Charles Wilson. OpDyck Genealogy, 118-124. Albany, New York: Week, Parsons & Company, 1889.
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
Diaries, 1830
Providence, RI - Social life and customs
Updike, Thomas (b. 1810)
Notes on the Lydia F. (Brayton) Walker Diaries
Entries dated 1877 to 1899
Biographical:
Name at birth: Brayton, Lydia F.
Name after marriage: Walker, Lydia F. (Brayton)
Birthdate and place: March 2, 1848, Scituate, R.I.
Death date and place: July 2, 1903
Age range during diary: 28 to 51
Residence during diary: Fiskeville, R.I. (a mill village in the town of Scituate)
Places written: Fiskeville, R.I.
Biographical note: Raised in the village of Fiskeville, R.I., she married a local dentist in 1873, who died three months after the wedding. She was an accomplished seamstress, and seems to have worked briefly at Slater Mill in Pawtucket shortly after her husband's death, but she became an invalid in 1876, and was largely bedridden for the rest of her life. She continued to do sewing and knitting, and lived with her parents. After her father's death, her brother Frederic was the head of the household.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Middle
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 8
Number of pages: Most are 365 each.
Exact dates: 1877, 1880, 1881, 1883, 1885, 1886, 1897, 1899
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Two latest diaries are signed.
Brief description: Brief entries, detailing weather, health, sewing work done, the activities of her family, and important local events.
Writing quality: Not very expressive.
Utility for research: Wonderful resource for local history, but as the author was often confined to bed her activities might be of little general interest, other than her small sewing business.
Related papers at RIHS: Lydia Walker Papers (MSS 774) also include about 50 letters received, her brother Charles' account book, and a few scattered papers from sister Lula and her Remington family.
Family members:
Father's name: Brayton, James M.
Father's dates: 1817-1889
Father's occupation: Farmer, of Scituate R.I.
Mother's name: Battey, Julia A.
Mother's dates: 1825-1905
Brothers: Charles A. Brayton (1850-1902), Frederic E. Brayton (1854-), both farmers of Fiskeville
Sisters: Lucy E. "Lula" (Brayton) Remington (1860- ), wife of Frederic A. Remington, a dairy farmer of Fiskeville; married 1896.
Husband's name: Walker, Pardon Sheldon
Husband's dates: 1840-1873
Husband's occupation: Dentist, of Fiskeville. Civil War veteran.
Marriage date and place: May 29, 1873
Father-in-law's name: Walker, Emery
Father-in-law's dates: 1806-1878
Father-in-law's occupation: Of Scituate
Mother-in-law's name: Wilbur, Elizabeth
Mother-in-law's dates: 1805-1878
Sons: None
Daughters: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: Grandparents:
Grandmother Harriet (Ramsdell) Battey (1803-1884)
Grandfather Horace Battey (1793-6/9/1881)
Named after her grandmother Lydia (Fiske) Brayton (1780-1838).
Grandma Fiske is unidentified (1877, 1880), possibly her brother Frederic's mother-in-law, or an unmarried sister of her late grandmother Brayton.
Brayton relatives:
Uncle Benjamin F. Searle (1821-1896)
Aunt Abby (Brayton) Searle (1810-1891) (Lydia's father's sister)
Uncle Tillinghast W. Brayton (1814-1906) (father's brother)
First cousin Lydia F. (Brayton) James (b.1842)
Battey relatives:
Great-uncle Esek Ramsdell (m. 2/25/1827)
Uncle Alexander A. Battey (1827-1910) and wife Mary (d. 1898);
In-laws:
Albert S. Walker (brother-in-law)
Susan (Durfee) Walker (1840-1930), husband's sister-in-law, wife of Robert
Topical content:
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: Many vital records listed, but all probably in state records or newspapers. Birthdays and anniversaries noted.
Religious content: Confined to home, but family goes to "Tabernacle Church" most Sundays; sister goes to Sabbath School. "Went Quaker church here Mr. Hadley a reformed drunkard from New York City preach." [10/17/1897].
Social life: Very little discussion of leisure activities.
Family: Family members are central to this diary; Lydia was dependent on her parents, brothers and sisters, and frequently saw a variety of other relatives.
Health: Invalid, restricted to bed. Daily accounts of health and a desperate assortment of medicines. "I sat up hour in the sun in kitchen first time out there in five weeks." [3/6/1877]. "I some better sat up longest time since have sick walked across bedroom by dragging my foot." [4/4/1877]. "20 weeks since I was taken sick" [4/8/1877], "My limb drawn up all day" [1/7/1880]. Health improved gradually, was doing some housework in 1881, and being treated by Dr. Samuel Chase in Providence by 1883. Still very ill by 1886: "I am taken sick with chills and spasms. Dr. Clarke here to see me." [12/31/1886]
School: Brief mentions of sister Lula accepted to teach school, in Hope Village [4/23/1883]; she continued to teach school through 1885 and 1886 diaries. "Lula began taking lessons in Algebra of Mr. Nye in Phenix." [12/21/1886]
Home production: Almost daily descriptions of sewing done, mostly for family use, some for sale. Also knitting, ironing, and some cooking for family. Account books in back of diaries detail expenses and receipts for sewing. Some 1886 entries describe painting: "I finished painting panel of Hollyhocks." [12/10/1886]; "I did painting on felt tidy" [12/14/1886].
Fashion: Descriptions of garments sewed throughout diaries.
Community: Frequent mention of visitors from neighborhood, and notice of neighborhood events.
Gender relations: Courtship of sister by Frederic Remington, 1885.
Arts and culture: Little or no mention of reading, music or art. "Lula (23-year-old sister) went Phenix began taking music lessons of J. Sweet" [4/28/1883]
Travel: No long trips noted. Traveled occasionally to Providence to collect pension checks or visit doctor.
Geographical and architectural: "Clayville Hotel burned with barns owned by Tom Jackson." [3/8/1877]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 774
Collection title: Lydia F. Walker Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1
Size: About 5" x 4" each.
Condition: Fair. Some bindings loose.
Provenance: 1991. 87. 1-, gift of Howard Fraser (first six diaries). 1972. 33. 1-2, gift of Richard A. Molloy (last two dsiaries).
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read only 1877 (Jan.-March, Dec.); 1880 (Jan., August); 1881 (Jan., June-Sept.); 1883 (Jan., April); 1885 (Nov.); 1886 (December); 1897 (Jan., Oct.); 1899 (Dec.)
Bibliography:
Battey, H.V. Samson Battey of Rhode Island... (Published by author, 1932), pages 40, 73-74
Brayton, Clifford Ross. Brayton Family History, Volume 1 (Albion, N.Y.: Published by author, 1978), 101, 189-191, 293-294
Wilbor, John Reid. The Wildbores in America, Vol. 2 (Baltimore: King Printing, 1938), p. 49 (gives Emery Walker family).
Subject headings:
Battey family
Brayton family
Diaries - 1877-1899
Invalids - Rhode Island - Scituate
Fiskeville, R.I. - Social life and customs
Scituate, R.I. - Social life and customs
Textile crafts - Rhode Island - Scituate
Notes on the Valena W. (Babcock) Watkins Diary
Entries dated 1915 to 1915
Biographical:
Name at birth: Babcock, Valena W.
Name after marriage: Watkins, Valena W. (Babcock)
Birthdate and place: September 18, 1875, Westerly, R.I.
Death date and place: After 1956
Age range during diary: 29
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I. 120 Olney Street.
Places written: On the road, from Providence, passing through upstate New York, Cleveland, Chicago, Omaha, Cheyenne WY, Yellowstone National Park, Evanston, WY.
Biographical note: Velena W. Babcock spent her early years in Westerly, R.I., worked as a stenographer for three years in Providence, moved to Raleigh, N.C. in 1901, and returned to Rhode Island to marry manufacturer David M. Watkins in 1906. He died in October of 1916, at the age of 50, the year after this diary was written. Velena retained an interest in the D.M. Watkins Company, serving as an officer until at least 1956. Her son and daughter also served as officers in the firm, remained in her house, and never married. They sold the firm shortly after her death.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Unknown
Social class: Middle - upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 55 pages
Exact dates: June 14 - July 17, 1915
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: This diary was cataloged as "Travel diary, 1915, author unknown" since its arrival at the library in 1987. The author is clearly a woman (7/10), traveling with a man referred to variously as D.M., David or Mr. Watkins [see 6/23, 6/24, 6/29, 7/3, 7/10]. As Watkins was not a common Providence name, and David M. and Velena W. (Babcock) Watkins were a married couple at the right time, it seems 99% likely that this is the correct identification. The author's mention of a Mrs. Babcock, and references to Fred or F.H. [7/2, 7/8] also fit with this family.
Brief description: Travel diary of car trip from Providence to Wyoming.
Writing quality: Excellent
Utility for research: Very good travel diary for anybody interested in the old West, or in the early days of the automobile. Rhode Island content is negligible.
Related papers at RIHS: None
Family members:
Father's name: Babcock, William W.
Father's dates: b. ca. 1850
Father's occupation: Lumber dealer and carpenter of Westerly, R.I.. Married in Exeter, 1870; appears to have left the family, as wife continues to appear as "married" rather than widowed in the census and directories, though she lived alone from 1880 onwards.
Mother's name: Rose, Mary Dixon
Mother's dates: 1850 - after 1900
Brothers: None found
Sisters: Possibly Hattie S. Babcock, b. ca. 1877.
Husband's name: Watkins, David Mundell
Husband's dates: 1866-1916
Husband's occupation: Jewelry findings manufacturer, Providence, R.I.
Marriage date and place: August 14, 1906, Providence, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: Watkins, Henry
Mother-in-law's name: Watkins, Mary (___)
Sons: Frederick M. Watkins (1910 - after 1958)
Daughters: Mary S. Watkins (1912 - after 1966)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Occasional mention of telegrams from home, probably from whoever was watching after their two young children. "Wrote letters to Fred, Mr. Babcock & Mrs. Barney" [7/2/1915] Fred is apparently brother-in-law Frederick H. Watkins, who also worked at the jewelry factory; Mrs. Babcock may have been her mother.
Topical content:
Events discussed: While in the Yellowstone Park in Wyoming, "learned that there had been a hold-up, six of the coaches ahead of us having been victims, and there was great excitement." [7/9/1915].
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned:
Religious content: No religious content whatsoever.
Social life: More comment on the following would have been interesting: "Attended my first - and last - moving picture show." [6/22/1915] Two weeks later, "Went to the moving picture show in the evening, & think it will be my last as my head can't stand such frivolity." [7/7]. Saw Buffalo Bill perform in Kearney, Nebraska [6/29].
Childhood: Virtually no mention of two young children.
Marriage: Month-long car trip with husband. Velena seems to take a fairly active share in planning the route, and even in digging the car out of mud during frequent accidents on unpaved roads.
Health: "Front tooth broke off and had the dentist attend to that in evening." [6/26/1915]
Work outside home: Author was accompanying husband, a jewelry factory owner, on some sort of business trip, though mentions of actual business are infrequent. "Stopped at Muscatine to see customers of David and spent less than an hour going through their shop." [6/23]
Fashion: At a hotel in Illinois, "The dining room girls were a show - hair in the latest style, very short dresses & silk stockings & their manner was very condescending. They simply threw their dishes on the tray." [6/22/1915]
Food and drink: Often describes food served in hotels on trip west. "Had quite a decent dinner, tho pork was the meat." [7/9/1915].
Race / ethnicity content: In Nebraska, the highway was "impassable due to huge mud holes, and as there is a Jewish population in this neighborhood, the current report is that the holes grow deeper every night, and the price varies from $5.00 to $9.00 for every auto that is pulled out." When the Watkins car did get stuck, they blew their horn, and were pulled out by nearby farmers, but "they were not of the Jewish persuasion, but two nice Yankees, & only asked us one dollar for the work." [6/30].
Travel: This is a travel diary, with the author apparently accompanying her husband west by automobile on a business trip from Providence. They were apparently not tourists, and in fact seemed to enjoy very little leisure time at all. The diary gives an excellent feel for the undeveloped state of the West in 1915; the roads were unpaved, and the car was stopped almost daily due to mud holes or punctures. The car breaks down for good in Evanston, Wyoming. The Watkinses spend a week as tourists in Yellowstone Park waiting for a part to arrive. When the part arrived, it turned out to be insufficient, and the last few days are spent in an existential state of boredom in Evanston before the author stopped writing entirely.
The author had apparently been in California before, as she makes several references to it [6/17, 6/24]
Geographical and architectural: Good description of many small western towns still in their youth.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-W
Collection title: Velena W. Watkins Diary
Size: 9" x 6"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1987. 38, gift of Dorothy W. Gifford
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
Providence city directories
Providence vital records
Westerly vital records
Exeter vital records
1880 U.S. census, Westerly, E.D. 161, page 6
1900 U.S. census, Providence, E.D. 46, page 14
Subject headings:
Automobile travel
Diaries - 1915
Nebraska - Description and travel
"Travel diary, 1915" (old title)
Wyoming - Description and travel
Notes on the Cora B. (Stewart) Watson Diaries
Entries dated 1894 to 1932
Biographical:
Name at birth: Stewart, Cora Baxter
Name after marriage: Watson, Cora B. (Stewart)
Birthdate and place: January 17, 1866, Orleans, Mass.
Death date and place: July 15, 1936, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 28, 66
Residence during diary: 30 Congdon St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: 1) Beaufort, S.C.
2) At sea en route to Mediterranean, except for a one-day stops at Tenerife in the Canary Islands, and at Casablanca in Morocco.
Biographical note: Raised as the daughter of a naval chaplain, she attended the Vermont Academy and taught school for several years in Westboro, Mass. before her marriage to an electrical engineer. They lived in Lynn, Mass. and Schenectady, N.Y. in the first years in their marriage. Upon Norman's 1895 appointment as professor at Brown University, they moved to Providence, where she spent the rest of her days. She was active in the Baptist Church for her entire life.
Ethnicity: Yankee?
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Middle - upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 2 plus loose pages
Number of pages: 23 plus 37 loose pages; 10
Exact dates: February 19 - May 18, 1894; March 17 - 27, 1932
Frequency of entries: The first journal consists of several retrospective entries covering several weeks each; the second is almost daily.
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: The first diary describes a visit to her mother and grandmother, who were doing hurricane relief work at Mrs. Mather's Home and School in Beaufort, S.C. The second describes a boat trip to Europe.
Writing quality: Excellent. Descriptive and sympathetic, if one can overlook the unfortunate use of the N-word.
Utility for research: The South Carolina diary is a great resource for studies of the Reconstruction-era south, and of northern relief workers. It has been completely unknown to researchers. The 1932 diary is inconsequential.
Related papers at RIHS: Watson Family Papers include family correspondence and notes on house.
Family members:
Father's name: Stewart, William H.
Father's dates: Unknown
Father's occupation: Naval chaplain
Mother's name: Mayo, Roline
Mother's dates: Unknown
Brothers: William A. Stewart, possibly others
Sisters: Mrs. Henry J. Markoff; Mrs. Carroll B. Ross; Helena R. Stewart; Mrs. Florence S. Ross
Husband's name: Watson, Arthur E.
Husband's dates: 1866-1956
Husband's occupation: Electrical engineer and Brown University professor
Marriage date and place: 1890, Swampscott, Mass.
Father-in-law's name: Watson, Henry H.
Father-in-law's dates: 1839-1889
Father-in-law's occupation: Cabinet maker of Barrington and Providence, R.I.
Mother-in-law's name: Roffe, Josephine S.
Mother-in-law's dates: 1841-1928
Sons: Norman S. Watson (1895-1984), m. Selma Sandbeck; Lester Watson (1896-1898); Alan Watson (1900-1929)
Daughters: None
Other persons frequently mentioned: "Mother" and "grandmother"; her maternal grandmother Caroline (Emery) Mayo was born in 1808, and would have been 85 at the time she was allegedly doing relief work in South Carolina.
Topical content:
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Monday the 14th Mamma's death day." [5/14/1894] Does this mean the mother described in Mrs. Mather's home is not really her mother?
Religious content: Mentions church services.
Marriage: Frequently wishes her husband was there in 1894 diary.
Work outside home: In South Carolina distributing supplies after hurricane in 1894.
Race / ethnicity content: Travels through coastal South Carolina: "Only once on the way did I see anything that looked like a white settlement, and that at one of the phosphate mines. [3/12/1894, p. 8] Arrived at Mrs. Mather's School in Beaufort, where her mother taught. The school also was involved in relief work for blacks. It was apparently the Yankee author's first visit to the south, which she found unsettling. "Out of any [window] you would look, nothing but niggers could be seen - lean niggers, fat niggers, tawny niggers, brawny niggers, black niggers, brown niggers and yellow niggers - before the day was done I should think there were three hundred or more here for rations and clothes." [3/12/1894, page 13] Detailed accounts of starvation and destitution heard from relief workers [page 15]. "It seems to me the white people in the south do not take a sense of this suffering or they would do more but I suppose they too lost a great deal. There must have been four hundred people here today from every place within a radius of thirty miles. Just think of walking even twenty miles for four quarts of grits and a few pieces of clothes." [p.15] At the school, "quite a new experience for me to have these twenty six colored girls about me and to feel that they look to me as an example." [p.16] Description of the old slave pen in town: "it is built of tabby or cement and oyster shells and so stands as to form the wall on two sides of the yard. The windows are simply holes in the wall fitted with narrow slats to admit as little light and air as possible. And I suppose this is where the poor slaves had to spend the night before they were sold." [p.18] "Little Sarah has been combing my hair and as she twisting it she call to me 'look in de glass Miss Cora see de long cow tail.' she is a perfect little witch and if I was rich and had a place I would take her north." [3/16/1894] There is much more to be found on race relations in this diary.
Gender relations: On the division of labor in Morocco: "Evidently the women do all the work while the men do nothing but smoke their pipes. But that may have been only because it was Good Friday." [3/25/1932]
Arts and culture: Attempt to transcribe a hymn sung at a black prayer meeting in Beaufort, S.C., found in the diary of Cora Watson of Providence, who was there doing relief work after a hurricane:
"Give me that old time religion
" " " " " "
" " " " " "
" " " " " "
It is good enough for me.
It is good in the time of trouble
" " " on the bed of supplication
It is good when the Dr. gives me over
" " " " my mudder give me over
" " " in the world of judgement" [3/13/1894]
Travel: Freshening up at a train station, "in the washbowl was a cockroach, I should think two and a half inches, resting I suppose. I just took out an envelope from my bag and caught his majesty saying to myself all the while 'How Helena will laugh when I send this to her as a souvenir of Charleston S.C.'" [3/12/1894, p. 7] South Carolina had apparently just been hit by a major hurricane. "There are some very pretty places here [in Beaufort] but there is a general air of slovenlyness about everything. In some of the yards the debris left by the storm has not been cleared off yet." [p.18]
Organizations: Description of Red Cross relief work in South Carolina after a hurricane, and the renowned inefficient management techniques of Clara Barton (1821-1912). "Miss Barton would not listen to any advice from these people and has only been on this island but once. She insisted upon the people planting vegetables when all they want is corn and sweet potatoes. Mr. W thinks she has expended the money she has had very unwisely. An application comes to her she has to consult with Mr. Pullman and after keeping the people waiting for an hour or two tells them to come next day. Perhaps that accounts in a measure for the stacks of clothing and supplies I saw when I was there. Some of her staff are reformed drunkards, a noble work, but I can but feel that a better class of men could and ought to be found for this work." [5/8/1894, p.4-5]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 868
Collection title: Watson Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, folders 22-23
Size: 13" x 8"; 6" x 4"
Condition: Good, except that the loose pages are on fragile paper.
Graphic content: Drawing and floor plan of Mrs. Mather's Home, South Carolina, on page 10 of 1894 diary. Sketch of old slave pens in Beaufort, S.C. on page 18.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.):
Provenance: 1987. 32. 1-, gift of J. Stanley Lemons from the Norman Watson estate.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read most in full; only skimmed the loose pages, which are difficult to read.
Bibliography:
Emery, Rufus. Genealogical records of Descendants of John and Anthony Emery (Salem, Mass.: 1890), p. 72.
MacGunnigle, Bruce C. Lineages of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Rhode Island, Volume 2 (Warwick, R.I.: 1986), page 105-106.
Stattler, Rick. "A Guide to the Watson Family Papers in the Manuscript Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library" (unpublished typescript, 1995)
Obituary in the Providence Journal, July 16, 1936, page 14
Subject headings:
American Red Cross
Barton, Clara (1821-1912)
Beaufort, S.C. - Description and travel
Diaries - 1894-1932
South Carolina - Description and travel
Notes on the Jeanie (Lippitt) Weeden Diary
Entries dated 1882 to 1882
Biographical:
Name at birth: Lippitt, Jeanie
Name after marriage: Weeden, Jeanie (Lippitt)
Birthdate and place: January 6, 1852, Providence?
Death date and place: September 30, 1940, Providence
Age range during diary: 30
Residence during diary: Providence, R.I.
Places written: New York, London, Paris, Marseilles, Monaco, Genoa, Pisa, Florence, Milan, Venice, Pernegg (Austria), Salzburg, Innsbruck, Lucerne, Koblenz, Amsterdam, Paris again, London, New York (this is only a partial list...)
Biographical note: She was born into one of the wealthiest families in Rhode Island. Scarlet fever swept through the family at age four, killing three of her brothers, and leaving Jeanie completely deaf. Her mother taught her to lip-read, at a time when this was generally considered impossible. She later took voice lessons from Alexander Graham Bell. With her close friend Mabel Hubbard Bell (wife of Alexander Graham Bell), she was instrumental in founding lip-reading schools for the deaf in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She married at age 41, and lived in Providence for the remainder of her life.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 186 pages.
Exact dates: March 18 to November 15, 1882
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed on front page.
Brief description: European travel diary for trip through France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands, taken with mother, brother and two sisters.
Writing quality: Excellent in the early part, but trailing off toward the end.
Utility for research: Interesting travel diary of unmarried woman in Europe. There is nothing in this diary to suggest that the author is deaf.
Related papers at RIHS: Extensive collection of related Lippitt family papers (MSS 538). Also a folder of her correspondence from 1935 re the Gilbert Stuart memorial (MSS 9001-W). The Lippitt Mansion on Hope Street is currently operated as a museum.
Family members:
Father's name: Lippitt, Henry
Father's dates: 1818-1891
Father's occupation: Cotton manufacturer and former Governor of R.I. (1875-1876)
Mother's name: Balch, Mary Ann
Mother's dates: 1823-1889
Brothers: Charles W. Lippitt (1846-1924) served as Governor 1895 to 1897; Henry F. Lippitt served as U.S. Senator 1911-1917; Robert Lincoln Lippitt (1860- ); four others died very young.
Sisters: Mary B. Steedman (b.1858, m. 1892); Abby F. Hunter (b.1861, m. 1893).
Husband's name: Weeden, William B.
Husband's dates: 1834-1912
Marriage date and place: April 18, 1892 (well after diary)
Sons: None (had stepchildren after 1892)
Daughters: None (had stepchildren after 1892)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Capt. William H. Thompson of Brooklyn, a friend made on the trip to London, b. ca. 1841 in New Brunswick. Dr. Collins, a traveling companion. "M.A.L." refers to mother Mary Ann Balch Lippitt.
Topical content:
Religious content: Intermittent church attendance.
Social life: Whist the game of choice.
Family: Traveling with mother, brother and sisters. Explosion of hostility in Austria, accused by sisters for "everything that had gone wrong since we left America", and brother "says he has written papa that he wants to come home." [7/11].
Marriage: "Letter from home announcing Henry Bowen's engagement to the Flagg girl. Am sorry for his family." [6/19].
Health: In London, after Dr. Collins' departure: "Mamma ill with rheumatism. Working over her all day, rubbing with Arnica [?]." [10/18]
Fashion: Re shopping in London: "There doesn't seem to be anything in this place that we want to buy." [3/31]. Shopping throughout diary. Entire entry for 10/5: "Dressmakers & nothing but dressmakers."
Food and drink: In Boulange, France, "I endeavored to buy some sandwiches - resulting in being terribly imposed upon with black bread &c - threw it all out the window when we started." [4/5]. "Lunched on horrid oysters at the Cafe de la Paix." [9/29].
Community: Farewell from 30 prominent Providence friends [3/18]. Unusual philosophical rumination: "It is a very slow week. Life is slow anyway!! I've come to the conclusion that I'm a fool. I don't see but we are all fools!" [10/22].
Labor: "Maggie (the maid) had made a scene & declared if we could not trust her she would leave &c...the only thing is to send her off now, she is getting very impertinent." [7/19].
Gender relations: Long interesting account of an infatuation: aboard ship to Europe, "Had a little flirtation with a finely built, though not very handsome man who I soon discovered was Capt. Thompson." [3/22]. Re Mr. Lacy, an English passenger: "talked all the morning - walked the deck with him in the afternoon & the evening he spent amusing me with drawing the passengers." [3/24] "I think the Capt. the finest man in every way I have ever met." [3/27]. Re Mr. Lacy, at end of journey: "I was glad to see the last of him." [3/30]. Visit from the Captain at their hotel in London [3/31]. "I think he is the smartest and most entertaining man I have ever met & I hope we shall always know him & be good friends." [4/2]. In Paris: "Shall we ever see him again? Oh, I hope and trust so." [4/6]. "I fear he has already forgotten us" [4/15]. Not mentioned again until return of Lippitts to London; met Capt. Thompson's wife, the first time his married state is mentioned. [11/3] "He is splendid and I do not believe all the stories I hear about him." [11/4]
Arts and culture: The whole diary is filled with descriptions of art, churches, plays and other cultural events in Europe. "Went to the Haymarket Theatre, 'Ours' with Mrs. Langtry. She is very beautiful, but not much of an actress." [4/1].
Travel: Travel diary, for trip to Europe with mother and adult brothers and sisters Mary, Abigail and Lincoln. Record-setting oceanic crossing on the Alaska. Stayed at a castle in Austria (Styria province) owned by uncle George W. Lippitt. On the trip back, "we ate our breakfast in trembling and fear... another tremendous wave broke another pane of glass & we had to run to escape the shower" [11/7].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 538 sg6
Collection title: Lippitt Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 1, folder 18
Size: 8" x 5"
Condition: Good
Graphic content: Two pages of amusing drawings sewn in, pressed plants, a Liverpool hotel letterhead, and some clippings.
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Diary also available on microfilm as part of the series New England Women and their Families in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Personal Papers, Letters, and Diaries, Series C. The microfilm is filed under catalog number HQ1438 .R45, Part 2, Reel 27
Provenance: 1973. 278. 1-, gift of the Lippitt family.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety
Bibliography:
Lippitt, Henry F. 2nd. The Lippitt Family: A Collection of Notes and Items of Interest by One of its Members. (Los Angeles: Published by author, 1959), part I, pages 4-6; part IV, pages 10-14.
Nichols, Edith A. "Grand Old Lady of 88", in Providence Evening Bulletin, January 24, 1940.
Subject headings:
Deaf, Writings of the
Diaries - 1882
Europe - Description and travel
Thompson, William H. (1841- )
Notes on the Julia Sweet Diary
Entries dated 1837 to 1839
Biographical:
Name at birth: Sweet, Julia
Name after marriage: Weir, Julia (Sweet)
Birthdate and place: June 29, 1820
Death date and place: March 19, 1900, Providence, RI
Age range during diary: 16 - 18
Residence during diary: Providence
Places written: Florence, Rome, Lyons, Paris
Biographical note: Julia Sweet was the daughter of Joseph Sweet and Julia Lippitt. Her mother Julia Lippitt was the daughter of Charles Lippitt and Penelope Low. Charles Lippitt was a Providence merchant. In 1809 he and his brother Christopher Lippitt along with Benjamin Aborn, George Jackson, Amasa Mason, and William Mason organized a cotton mill under the name Lippitt Manufacturing Company which became a major cotton manufacturer during the 19th century.
In 1837 Julia set sail for Europe with her Aunt Sarah Wickes Lippitt (daughter of Charles and Penelope who never married) to wine and dine with style in Italy and France. Her travels were most likely supported by the financial resources of her mother's family. The first page of this journal actually begins mid-trip, May 26, 1838. This particular volume must have been the second journal she began as she filled the first one. "Many years after" her trip, Julia copied the first journal, which began in May 1837, into the remaining pages of this book so the entire journal would be in one volume. She mostly uses the journal to note who she spent time with and what she did each day. "Miss Greenough sent to know if I would go to the Boboli gardens with them at 3 this afternoon, I consented. Went to sit for Mrs. H- at the appointed hour Miss G- came in the carriage for Mrs H and myself. Dr. Covington was with her...we reached the gardens...we walked in them, had fine views of Florence." [11/1/1838] (p24) For the most part she spent her days visiting other Americans living in Florence or wherever she might be traveling. She visited the major sites, went to fancy balls, shopped frequently, and enjoyed hob nobbing with European royalty. She took lessons in Italian, French, and guitar. Her Aunt Sarah seemed to have been studying art and doing her own copies of the masters so they spent much time in the museums.
While traveling in Italy and France she met her future husband, John H. Weir, although they would not marry until 10 years after their European introduction. Julia probably moved to Philadelphia to live with her husband who became a doctor. After John died, Julia returned to Providence and lived with her surviving sisters Catharine and Anna until her death, March 19, 1900.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 104
Exact dates: May 13, 1837 - May 22, 1839
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Diary signed by the author
Brief description: Diary written by Julia Sweet during 1837-1839 which she spent living and traveling in Europe.
Writing quality: Her writing is very easy to read and her grammar and spelling are excellent. The language is dry and terse. There is very little description of places she visits. She rarely comments on her thoughts and emotions other than the occasional homesickness.
Utility for research: Useful for an idea of what cultural sites were most often visited in Italy and France by Americans traveling abroad. It does provide a glimpse into the world of the upper class Americans temporarily living abroad in Europe in the 19th century.
Related papers at RIHS: Lippitt Family Papers, MSS 538
Family members:
Father's name: Joseph Sweet
Father's dates: b. December 5, 1782; d. January 9, 1878
Mother's name: Julia (Lippitt) Sweet
Mother's dates: b. January 29, 1784; d. March 22, 1867
Brothers: George died an infant 20 days after his birth September 3, 1815
Sisters: Laura Sweet (1818-1835), Anna Lippitt Sweet (1823-1882), Catharine Sweet (1827-1902)
Husband's name: John H. Weir (of Philadelphia)
Husband's dates: b. about 1820
Husband's occupation: Doctor
Marriage date and place: June 9, 1849
Other persons frequently mentioned: Captain Nash, the Greenough family, the Powers Family, Mrs. Farrar, Miss Barker, Mrs. Richmond, Mr. Wilde, Dr. Covington, Mr. Baldwin, Dr. Lowell of Boston, Mr. Arnold, John Weir, Anna Weir, Mr. Mencci.
Topical content:
Events discussed: "Went to Pitti, saw Prince Meternich, the Princess &c from Austria"[9/27/1838] (p16). "My French teacher came to see me this morning and said on the 27th of July...at Leghorn...that was a severe hail storm, that it destroyed the fruit, killed about 20 sparrows in one of the gardens, the stones were as large as a marble, that it fell in such quantities that they collected it...to put into the ice houses" [8/7/1838] (p.9). "Mrs. Richmond lent me some English papers giving an account of the coronation of Queen Victoria" [7/13/1838] (p.8) "The carriage called for us...from there to the Pitti Palace to be presented to the Court" [11/21/1838] (p28). "Saw the tombs of Voltaire and Rousseau." [4/15/1839] (p48)
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: "Went to Notre Dame and there we witnessed a great wedding, the man gave the bride a silver ring, dropped it upon the floor in placing it upon the finger. A lovely bride to be sure!" [4/15/1839] (p48). "Mr. P then told her that Mr. Brimmer died the evening before, at 8 o'clock - I was ver much astonished to hear it, his four sisters, what an affliction for them, so far from home and relations, but the Americans will do all in their power to assist them" [9/13/1838] (p14). "Received a letter from Mr. Tuckerman informing us of the death of little George Nash, poor little boy - never have I seen one more angelic" [2/13/1838] (p84).
Religious content: Went to holiday mass while in Italy. Did not however regularly attend any religious service while traveling. "Took a carriage to the Pauline Chapel for the Pope is to be there as it is Candlemas. The Cardinals and bishops presented the candles to "His Holiness", they kneeled and kissed his foot, then the Pope kissed the candle, and then another went up and so on. A procession was then formed, the Pope was carried in the chair by 12 men, and 8 held a canopy above his head." [2/2/1838] (p 80)
Social life: Julia's life revolved around social events. She was almost constantly visiting other Americans or being called on by them. She went to many balls and loved viewing the royalty. "Had a ball for the contadini, the hall was filled, about two hundred persons were present, all seemed to be very happy...it was one of the most pleasant evenings, I have passed in Italy - We had some of the finest musicians of Florence there, we had ice-creams, cakes, lemonade and all the fruits of the season..."[7/22/1838] (p8)
Family: She hardly discusses her family at all other than her Aunt Sarah. Although she does get homesick at times and longs to see her "relations."
Health: She notes the occasional headache or cold that either she or Aunt Sarah have to suffer (p15). She feels homesick at times. "I have been unhappy and homesick." [11/17/1838] (p27). "Mr. Greene waiting to accompany us to the dentist, where I was to have two teeth extracted."[10/23/1837] (p64). She has her head examined by a phrenologist ". . .Aunt Sarah and I went into the Power's room, he examined my head, said I had great self esteem, love of approbation, firmness, love of children, benevolence, tune, calculation, destructiveness &c but I do not know in what proportion, he said I need not be ashamed of my head." [3/31/1838] (p94)
School: She took French and Italian lessons regularly and also took some guitar lessons.
Home production: She spent some days sewing
Fashion: "The dress of the Duchess was white satin, with a blonde overdress caught up in many places with little pink flowers, a splendid diamond necklace, one pink rose in her hair..." [11/18/1838] (p 27)
Food and drink: "Mr. P...came for me in the carriage to go into the country with them for Blackberries, we had a delightful ride gathered nearly a basket full, which Mrs. P is to make into a pudding - The Italians never eat them, their flavor is very different from ours..." [8/20/1838] (p11) "Asked the servant to get some turkey for dinner but as she did not understand my poor Italian, she brought indigo instead" [9/1/1837] (p60)
Race / ethnicity content: "Aunt Sarah and myself have been quite low spirited, with the cares which are thrown upon us, being cheated and taken advantage of so much by the Italians. The lower class are all cheats I believe, with few exceptions."[10/29/1838] (p23)
Community: "This morning..the poor came to the villa for charity, which Mr. Nash bestows upon all who come, the last day of every month- there were over a hundred, to which each were given, tre soldi l'uno."[7/30/1838] (p8)
Class relations: "Aunt Sarah and myself have been quite low spirited, with the cares which are thrown upon us, being cheated and taken advantage of so much by the Italians. The lower class are all cheats I believe, with few exceptions."[10/29/1838] (p23)
Gender relations: "Mr. Arnold called and brought with him Mr. Terry an American artist, but as I was not dressed for company I did not see them." [1/16/1839] (p35).
Arts and culture: Julia Sweet's life is centered up visiting and witnessing the high points of art and culture in Italy and France. She visits the essentials in every city. The Boboli Gardens, Pitti Palace, Uffizi, Academy of Fine Arts, Duomo...in Florence. St. Peters, the Vatican, Trajan's Column, the Collessium, the Pantheon...in Rome. She seeks to see Michelangelo's works. Notre Dame, Versailles, the Louvre. She rarely describes them in much detail nor does she often record her intellectual or emotional reactions to the places and works. She attended operas and theater productions, a favorite was Don Giovanni "now we have heard the best singers probably in the world!!!" [3/28/1839] (p44)
Travel: Florence, Rome, Lyons, Avignon, Paris, Naples, Gibralter.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 9001-S
Collection title: Julia Sweet Diary
Size: 8.5" x 12"
Condition: Good condition. The writing is very legible. In a few spots the paper has been stained and the writing is a bit smudged, but for the most part the journal is in good shape. The cover is just barely attached to the journal.
Provenance: Unknown
Cataloged by Andrew Kerr, December 2002
Bibliography:
Sweet and Lippitt Family Group Records as found on www.familysearch.org
Flynn, Robin. "A Guide to the Lippitt Family Papers in the Manuscript Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library," 2000
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1837-1839
Europe - Description and travel
Lippitt, Sarah Wickes (1789-1847)
Weir, Julia (Sweet) (1820-1900)
Notes on the Elizabeth (Nicholson) White Diary
Entries dated 1928 to 1928
Biographical:
Name at birth: Nicholson, Elizabeth
Name after marriage: White, Elizabeth (Nicholson)
Birthdate and place: September 28, 1877
Death date and place: August 15, 1961
Age range during diary: 50
Residence during diary: Providence, RI
Places written: Atlantic Ocean
Biographical note: Author of historical fiction.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Social class: Upper class
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 4
Exact dates: July 11 to July 22, 1928
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Diary acquired as part of her personal papers; handwriting matches.
Brief description: A handful of diary entries written on a ship from New York to France, concluding with arrival at Bordeaux.
Writing quality: Excellent writing style.
Utility for research: Very limited utility.
Related papers at RIHS: Elizabeth Nicholson White Family Papers (MSS 1070) contain many of her writings and research notes.
Family members:
Father's name: Nicholson, William T.
Father's dates: 1834-1893
Father's occupation: Founder of Nicholson File Co.
Mother's name: Nicholson, Elizabeth (Gardner)
Mother's dates: 1833-1899
Husband's name: 1) Merwin White; 2) Stephen E. Hopkins
Husband's dates: 1) 1877-1920; 2) 1870-1931
Husband's occupation: 1) President of a coal company in Providence; 2) Investment broker
Marriage date and place: 1) 1907; 2) 1921
Father-in-law's name: White, William W.
Father-in-law's dates: 1844-1911
Mother-in-law's name: Merwin, Kate
Mother-in-law's dates: 1851-1915
Sons: Thomas N. White; Samuel M. White; John R. White
Daughters: Elizabeth G. "Betty" (White) (Herbert) Hughes; Kate M. (White) White
Topical content:
Family: Ticket states she is traveling with family (See Folder 12)
Travel: Mostly written on ship from New York City; spent day in Spain, 7/21/1928; sailing along coast of Spain; arrived in Bordeaux on final day of diary, 7/23/1928.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1070
Collection title: Elizabeth (Nicholson) White Family Papers
Location within the collection: Folder 11
Size: 10" x 8"
Condition: Original pages brittle, torn and incomplete. Use photocopy.
Provenance: 2001. 32. 1. 1-, purchased from What Cheer Antiques
Cataloged by Mike Cardin, May 2004
Bibliography:
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Notes on the Nellie (Woolhouse) Whiting Diary
Entries dated 1986 to 1991
Biographical:
Name at birth: Woolhouse, Nellie
Name after marriage: Whiting, Nellie (Woolhouse)
Birthdate and place: July 24,1910 in Cranston, RI
Death date and place: September 24, 1996 in Warwick, RI
Age range during diary: 76 - 84
Residence during diary: 30 Woodland Rd, Warwick, RI
Places written: Warwick, RI
Biographical note: Nellie Woolhouse was born the 10th child in a family of 11 children and grew up in a working class household in Cranston and Norwood. She was nine when her father died in 1919. In order to support the family each child went to work at the age of 10 cleaning houses. At the end of eighth grade, fourteen year-old Nellie, dropped out of school at went to work full time. At first she kept house and then at the age of 16 she went to work at a shoelace factory. She survived 3 years of that before getting a job as an inspector at the Universal Winding Company. She worked there through the Great Depression, stopping by 1935 to raise her two children. After her kids were grown she went back to work, this time at the local library. She was hired at the Auburn Branch Public Library in Cranston in 1957 and retired in 1972 as Assistant Librarian. She wrote poetry all her life and had many of them published in the local papers, primarily the Warwick Beacon.
Ethnicity: English
Religion of diarist: Presbyterian
Social class: Working-class to middle-class
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 2
Number of pages: Vol. 1: 136 pages, Vol.2: 154 pages.
Exact dates: June 1986 - December 1991
Frequency of entries: Monthly
How was author identified?: Signed by the author
Brief description: The first volume of this collection consists mostly of Nellie's reflections on her life. She describes her early childhood, depression era life, involvement in civic organizations as well as the dynamics of her large family. She also speaks of life after raising children. Towards the end of the volume and into the second, Nellie covers the 1980's in greater detail after the passing of her husband. The narrative shifts from the long ago past to the present and the text becomes a diary.
Writing quality: Typewritten with a clear and readable style.
Utility for research: Excellent source of information about a typical 20th Century woman. It examines the life of a woman just before the social status of women changed forever. This is evident in the way she describes her daughter. She is a good example of the strength and influence a person could have if they were fully involved in family and community. Sentiments of family and community reflecting her generation are perhaps this collection's greatest asset.
Family members:
Father's name: Woolhouse, Herbert
Father's dates: April 6, 1868 in Sheffield, England - May 7, 1919 in Warwick, RI
Father's occupation: Silver Smith, Nicholson File Co.
Mother's name: Innocent, Sarah Ellen
Mother's dates: September 24, 1869 in Sheffield, England - August 8, 1945 in Providence, RI
Brothers: William Henry (1891-1918) died in France during WWI; Herbert Jr. (1896-1913); Walter (1898-1963); Charles Edward (1900-1952); Arthur Humphrey (1908-1990); John Henry (1908-1971)
Sisters: Sarah Ellen (1894-1897); Alice Amelia Driscoll O'Rourke (1902-); Annie Elizabeth Webster (1906-); Margaret Ann Clarke (1912-)
Husband's name: Basil "Bay" John Whiting Sr.
Husband's dates: September 5, 1905- November 21, 1984
Husband's occupation: Jewelry tool maker, Coro Company, 1921-1974
Marriage date and place: September 24, 1932 in Providence, R.I.
Father-in-law's name: John Niblett Whiting
Father-in-law's dates: June 29, 1879- March 31, 1956
Father-in-law's occupation: various jobs, mostly unskilled labor including work at Brown & Sharpe, 1912-1931. Was admitted to the State Hospital for Mental Diseases in Howard, R.I. at least twice.
Mother-in-law's name: Helen Barr Smith
Mother-in-law's dates: December 24, 1881- June 17, 1925
Sons: Basil Jr. "Baze"(1938- ) married Eunice Straight
Daughters: Naomi Joyce (1940- ) married George Towner
Other persons frequently mentioned: Eunice (Straight) Whiting, daughter of Basil Jr. - Kaela Whiting, niece - Juanita Carpenter
Topical content:
Events discussed: Depression era family, death of soldier brother, marriage, birth of two children, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, Cranston Public Library, Elder care, poetry writing, problems of the elderly. Hurricane of 1938 description. [1,26-27 and also 1,114] Description of tornado that touched down in the business district of Providence. [8/7/1986 1,72] Description of oil spill in her neighborhood in Warwick and the clean up effort by the McDonald-Watson Oil Spill Co. [7/19/1989 2,38-39] The fall of the Berlin Wall and a discussion of the trustworthiness of communists. [November 1989 2,69] She discusses the events in the Middle East with Saddam Hussein attacking Kuwait and the debate about going to war. [1/30/1991 2,117]
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: Description of her pregnancy, labor and delivery of her first child Basil, Jr. [1,22] Description of the declining health and death of her husband Basil in 1984. [1,56-63]
Religious content: She joined the Woodbury Union Church in March 1988. [1,95]
Social life: "when I was 17 and working at the United Lace and Braid on Wellington Ave. in Cranston. A group of the girls older than me used to go to theatre parties on a Saturday night . . taking me along one night to a burlesque stage show in Providence. They joked and laughed at the antics of some of the stage girls that to me were embarrassing and said they liked to see me blush. They were laughing and passing around a box of chocolate covered cherries. I think it was my sister Annie who dropped the box and the candy went rolling down the aisle. Annie was helping pick them up and someone asked what happened? The answer was "I lost my cherry." The audience roared and tried to pick some up. They called us the Dirty Dozen. I felt cheap, and never went with them again. Some of the girls from the shop were real course, and after that they dubbed me Nieve Nellie." [7/9/1988 1,99]
Family: "In 1939 my brother John came to me and said that our Mother couldn't live alone . . they had a conference and decided that Basil and I should move into her house and take care of her. . . Two of my sisters blamed me for my Mother's death because I had signed for her to have the operation. And they also thought that I shouldn't get as much from the sale of the house as the rest of them, because they thought that I didn't pay enough rent. The boys stuck by me as I had been 6 years in that house taking charge of everything and doing all the work that had to be done without the help of any one of them. Walter wanted me to have his share and he also said that we should have had free rent with all we had to do. Basil stood aside and said nothing as it was my side of the family and I was glad." [1,27-30]
Childhood: Description of games played while a child. [1,4-5 and 1,7-8]
Marriage: "Our honeymoon was a week in New Hampshire with some of Basil's relatives who ran a boarding house. We only had $10.00 to spend. . .The boarders teased us and said they could hear the bed springs all night. They would do anything to see me blush.. . .I was scared stiff about marriage and sex and Annie Willis asked me if my Mother or sisters had explained anything to me. When I said "No" she was appalled. I had an idea what was supposed to happen but never having tried it, the whole thing was new to me." [1,19-20]
Aging: Description of the failing health of her husband and how he dealt with the changes. [1,57-58] Much of the second half of the first volume and the second volume describe her decline in health and her ways of dealing with it. Although unable to drive she was still mobile into her 80's. "my annual doctors examination . . .I hate to go but am always glad when I get a good report. He is my Gynecologist and I am afraid of having to go to a hospital again." [10/28/1987 1,82] "I am so glad Tete passed away so calmly and did not have to live as a vegetable on machines like his brother Basil. That I will never ever forget watching a person linger like that for any length a time. Especially since he had said to me a few months before he went to the hospital, Quote "Nell, if I am ever put on machines to live, don't let it happen, pull the plugs." unquote. We had no control over the way he was put on the machines even though the doctors said that he would never come out of the coma. So what could I do? I also told him the same if it ever happened that way to me, but the laws have to be changed as it is ridiculous to spend all that time and money on a person who is brain dead and just a shell." [July 1989 2,35]
Health: "When I was 12 years old in the spring of 1922 , John and I contracted diphtheria from the cesspool next door overflowing into our yard. We used to make mud pies and we didn't know what made the mud and that it was full of disease. . .we were kept in a separate room with a sheet covering the door which was sprayed with formalderhide. . .I had to have 2 large tubes of serum put into my abdomen with a big needle, one on each side of the naval." [1,9] "As he [the doctor] examined me he said, 'H-mm, interesting.' Then turned to Alice and said, 'You know she is a big girl but her internal organs are no bigger than those of a 12 year old. Did she have any kind of a disease at that age?' Alice said 'Yes, she had diphtheria and was very ill for a long time, and when she got well all of her clothes were too short for her and she had terrible headaches all the time' . . I told Dr. Mankis that I remember Dr. Wood putting 2 large tubes of serum into my abdomen . . He said 'That did it, and it settled in the female organs and stunted them, than settled in the pituitary gland which caused the fast growth until it worked out of the system.' . . . Dr. Mankis treated me with hormones and six months later I became pregnant with Bay Jr." [1,21] "Then came a blast of repeaters that is like the last show of a regular fireworks show in the park or at Rocky Point. The air was full of powder and triggered by Bell's Palsy and my face immediately twisted into pain with a massive headache." [7/3/1989 2,36]
Work outside home: "Not enough to feed us and we all had to leave school and go to work at age 14. When we were 10 years old Annie, Peggy and I had to go out and clean homes for people at 25 cents per hour. I can remember scrubbing floors on my hands and knees . . and I got $1.50 for a 6 room house." [1,2] Worked at Auburn Library in Cranston, RI as Library Assistant, 1958-1972
Fashion: "Naomi wore the pretty new gown she bought for herself and they sat around watching T.V. and chatting. I told them I had lots of sexy gowns which I don't wear now. One of black lace that Naomi remembered buying for Dad to give me. After they went to bed I put the black lace gown on, went to their door and said, "Are you ready for this?" When I walked in and posed they both said, "WOW" and got up. Kaela got her camera and we took pictures of us in our gowns." [May 1988 1,92]
Race / ethnicity content: At the Eastern Star Bazaar "Many of the customers were Cambodian and Korean and other ethnics who seem to have a lot of money to spend. but one group bought only the Attic Treasures which were sold so cheaply they got real bargains. They said they couldn't speak english but they sure knew the prices when they saw them."[summer 1987 1,81]
Community: Lengthy description of her troubles with her neighbor during 1989. [2,7-10] She discusses more troubles with her neighbor specifically dealing with the cesspool problems at his house and the overflow of it into the street. [June and July 1989 2, 43-44
Class relations: "[My mother] went to work at 10 years old as a cooks helper for a rich family. Finally, after many years she became Head Cook at age 18. . . At Christmas when she came to the dining room door with a steaming plum pudding, she stood there until the Master of the house came and poured brandy over it and then lit the brandy. She had to walk the full length of the room to the head of the table and place it before the Master. She said her face flamed, too, as she listened to the family and guests as they clapped." [1,1] "Dad said they came to America with just the money he had in his pocket, he was disowned by his family when he married my Mother who was below his station in life. As his family was well-to-do, as they say, and had servants, while Mother was a domestic servant." [1,1]
Gender relations: "I still had my long hair in two heavy braids with a ribbon at the end. One long braid was hanging over my shoulder. The tall guy standing behind Joe at the piano turned around and said, 'Who's the kid with the pigtails?' This is how I first met my future husband. He was 19 and I was only 14. . .I didn't know where we were and when we stopped at a house, Annie said, 'Nellie you go ring the door bell while we get the goodies out of the cars.' They all stood smiling as the door was opened and Basil was there. That was their way of getting us together and keeping us together in all the games we played. . .I had just turned 17 and my Mother had said I couldn't have a boy friend until then." [1,18]
Progress: "I watched the Shuttle Columbia retrieve the satellite LDEF that had been in space since 1984. A woman astronaut was controlling the arm that was attached to the shuttle. I could hardly believe that they were thousands of miles away in space as we saw this by a camera that was attached to the arm.. . Bonnie Dunbar was the lady astronaut who did such a fantastic job and had me sitting on the edge of my chair with my hands on my chin; until she made a perfect contact. . .But what a thing to see in my 80th year. I wonder what the twentieth century has in store. At my age WILL I SEE IT?" [1/12/1990 2,74]
Arts and culture: Wrote poetry with themes of love, death, the seasons, religion, Red Sox, and local happenings.
Travel: Traveled to the major western European countries in 1964. Went on a trip to the Grand Canyon in 1983 [1,56-57]
Geographical and architectural: Memories of the construction of the Scituate Reservoir
Organizations: "I had been Patriotic Instructor of the Veterans of Foreign Wars when I joined the Post Auxiliary, Surprise Woolhouse that is named for my brother Bill who was killed in World War #1. As I put up the flag I thought of the speech I had to say at the opening of each meeting. It went like this. Quote - Let us be ever mindful of our duties, as ladies of the Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America. To see that our flag is never desecrated, and to teach the children of our land what this means. Also to see that the children are instructed in the pledge to the flag." [1,96] Mother Advisor for the Woodridge Assembly, Order of Rainbow Girls; Signet Chapter 21, Eastern Star.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 1019
Collection title: Whiting - Woolhouse - Webster Family Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2
Size: 8.5" x 11"
Condition: Very good
Graphic content: Newspaper clippings and several photographs
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Typewritten and handwritten
Provenance: 1998. 14. 1. 1- , gift of Naomi (Whiting) Towner and Basil J. Whiting Jr.
Cataloged by Karen Eberhart, December 2003
Bibliography:
Warwick Beacon September 26, 1996, page 9
The Providence Journal, September 26, 1996, page C7
Social Security Death Index Database
Subject headings:
Cranston, RI - Social life and customs
Diaries, 1986-1991
Eastern Star
Surprise-Woolhouse Post Auxiliary
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Warwick, RI - Social life and customs
Whiting, Basil John (1905-1984)
Notes on the Alice G. Phelon Diary
Entries dated 1896 to 1896
Biographical:
Name at birth: Phelon, Alice Greene
Name after marriage: Wilcox, Alice G. (Phelon) (Poland) (Prew)
Birthdate and place:
November 23, 1878, Providence, R.I.
Death date and place: April 21, 1959, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 17
Residence during diary: 50 Pitman, St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: Providence, R.I.
Biographical note: On he father's side, a granddaughter of renowned minister Benjamin Phelon, and great-niece of Civil War General George S. Greene. However, her family seems to have fallen on hard times, and was leading a middle-class life in Providence. Alice attended the public Providence High School, later worked as a stenographer, and married a Pawtucket textile craftsman who quickly died. She married again at age 40, to a husband from Wrentham, Mass. who was only 27. This second husband died the following year, in 1920. Finally, in 1921, she married Earle R. Wilcox, an inspector in Providence. They lived together in Providence until her death in 1959.
Ethnicity: Yankee/English
Religion of diarist: Unitarian later in life
Social class: Middle, of upper-class grandparents. None of author's friends are from the social elite.
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 1
Number of pages: 95
Exact dates: January 1 - May 5 1896
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Signed
Brief description: Diary describing in great detail the social life of a 17-year-old girl on the east side of Providence, from a declining upper-middle class family
Writing quality: Very descriptive. Entries become shorter after January, and the handwriting is atrocious throughout.
Utility for research: This diary could be a wonderful resource for research on youth culture and class structure on the east side of Providence. It also contains much material of general interest. It would be much more valuable if transcribed and indexed.
Related papers at RIHS: The Benjamin Ray Phelon Family Papers include the 1863 diary of her father from the Civil War and related papers, and letters received by her parents and her Robbins grandparents, including several from Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
Family members:
Father's name: Phelon, Benjamin Ray
Father's dates: 1840-1923
Father's occupation: Book-keeper for cigar company, only surviving child of Rev. Benjamin Phelon (d.1882) and Sarah W. Greene (1803-1893)
Mother's name: Robbins, Mary Dana
Mother's dates: 1851-1931, daughter of Gen. Charles T. Robbins
Brothers: None
Sisters: Anna R. (Phelon) Daboll (1883-1965)
Husband's name: 1) Poland, James 2) Prew, Hayward H. 3) Earle R. Wilcox
Husband's dates: 1) 1875-1907 2) 1892-1920 3) 1876-1963
Husband's occupation: 1) Designer for Smith Webbing Company, Pawtucket; died of pneumonia 2) Of Wrentham, Mass., died in Providence, no occupation3) Inspector, in Providence.
Marriage date and place: 1) October 3, 1903, Providence 2) 1919 3) June 24, 1921, Providence
Father-in-law's name: 1) Poland, Charles H.
Father-in-law's dates: 1) 1847-1943
Father-in-law's occupation: 1) Book-keeper, Antrim N.H. and Providence, R.I.
Mother-in-law's name: 1) Morse, Martha M.
Mother-in-law's dates: 1) 1847-1934
Sons: None?
Daughters: None?
Other persons frequently mentioned: Among her circle of friends were Mary B. "Mamie" Armington (of 63 Charlesfield), Maude ___, George Evans (son of a wool dealer, of 173 Waterman), cousin Charlie Greene, Clarence Brigham (Brown student of 238 Waterman), Harold Ostby (Brown student, son of jeweler, of 230 Waterman), Richard Blanding, and Earling Ostby.
Topical content:
Social life: Constant detailed description of which friends she saw, and where. Running into friends on street cars or walking to school was common. Whist was the popular entertainment, along with skating, and perpetual bicycling during April. Re purchase of bicycle: "Mama and Papa have said I can get a wheel with my money in bank. I am so excited I can think of nothing else." [3/22/1896]
Family: Generally little mention of parents of twelve-year-old sister. "Papa was showing Anna and I a geological collection of his and some Civil War relics." [3/29/1896]
Health: Constant dental visits throughout January. "I think it is a terrible feeling when you take gas. You keep feeling yourself going - and then you don't care much." [1/16/1896]
School: Attending Providence High School, but hardly talks about it. "Did not go to school as I had a number of errands to do besides having my silk waist fitted." [2/19/1896] "Mr. Russell French teacher gave me a talking to after French class for carrying on." [2/13/1896] "They have started a lunch counter in school at recess." [4/20/1896]
Home production: Mentions quilting party [4/9/1896]
Food and drink: At a dance, a friend "was pretty drunk tonight. He fell down. Oh it is dredful." [4/11/1896]"In the evening after the older members of the family had got through playing whist Mr J went out and got [2 quart] larger beer and crackers. I tried to drink some but I could not, it was so dredfully bitter. Never tasted any before and don't think I shall again." [2/1/1896]
"Sallie treated me to a soda at Anthony's." [4/22/1896]
"We got our supper at the Country Tavern" after big dance at opera hall [4/8/1896]
Gender relations: Detailed descriptions of flirting and crushes. "George Foster asked me if I was going to park to skate Mon. I wonder if he would skate with me." [1/5/1896] "Oh I think G[eorge] E[vans] is first in a great many ways." [3/7/1896].
Re Clarence Brigham, a Brown University student who in 1900 would be hired as the precocious young Librarian of the Rhode Island Historical Society: "I like him very well as far as I know him even if H[arold] O[stby] says he is soft. Of course I don't know him well enough to find out about that." [1/12/1896] "Clarence Brigham was in the car. He bowed and made motions that it was cold." [1/6/1896] Asked Clarence Brigham to accompany her to whist game [1/29/1896]
At a friend's house, "At about quarter of five Dick and Earling came over, they acted terrible. It was dark and Richard got me on the sofa and put his arms around me and got my head on his shoulder and kept me there about ten minutes...then they got Maude and I had to get them off her, and Richard got me on the sofa too. Aunt A came home and even then they would not let us up for quite a while. Then they all came come with me. Erling got M under electric light on corner and Richard me. They put their arms around us and took us up to my house that way. Poor Maude got it going home I guess." [1/7/1896]
While playing whist with friends, "Harold put his hand up my leg and tickled my leg. I think it was dreadful. If he ever did such a thing again I think I would drop his acquaintance." [1/13/1896]
At a dance, "Willie Miller was horrid. He kept looking at my legs and once tried to pull up my dress." [4/4/1896]
Arts and culture: At end of diary, has included reading list for summer of 1896, and list of plays attended 1896-1899.
Geographical and architectural: "In the afternoon, just as we got up to colleges, the Hope building was on fire." [Hope College dormitory at Brown] [2/4/1896]
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 618
Collection title: Benjamin R. Phelon Family Papers
Location within the collection: Folder 10
Size: 9" x 7"
Condition: Fair; binding loose
Format (microfilm, transcript, pub.): Also on microfilm, catalog number CS71 .P53
Provenance: 1959. 61. 1. 1-, probably a gift of Earle R. Wilcox.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read in entirety.
Bibliography:
Clarke, Louise B. The Greenes of Rhode Island... (New York: 1903)
Poland, Lloyd Orville. The Polands from Essex County, Massachusetts, 3rd edition, p. 429-430
1900 U.S. Census, Providence, E.D. 6, pages 1-6, showing Alice's neighborhood, including many of her friends.
1920 U.S. Census, Providence E.D. 188, page 13
Obituary, Providence Journal, April 22 1959, page 18
Providence city directories
Rhode Island Cemetery Database
Subject headings:
xArmington, Mary B.
Brigham, Clarence S. (1877-1963)
Cooke, Mary B. (Armington) (b.1879)
Diaries - 1896
Evans, George W. (b.1880)
Ostby, Erling C. (b.1880)
Ostby, Harold W. (b.1877)
Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs
Notes on the Maria Louisa (Cook) Wing Diary
Entries dated 1881 to 1892
Biographical:
Name at birth: Cook, Maria Louisa
Name after marriage: Wing, Maria Louisa (Cook)
Birthdate and place: 10/23/1835, England
Death date and place: After 1900
Age range during diary: 45-48, 56
Residence during diary: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Places written: 1] Germany, Paris 2] Germany, London, Paris, ending on return to Brooklyn. 3] Switzerland.
Biographical note: Her father died when she was only two months old, and was raised by stepfather Joseph J. Comstock (1811-1868). Married woolens merchant William Wing, lived most of life in Brooklyn. Spent four years abroad in Europe, where her husband apparently traveled for business reasons. No personal connection to Rhode Island.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Episcopalian?
Social class: Middle - upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 3
Number of pages: 80 p.; 160 p.; 54 p.
Exact dates: October 10 1881 - February 4, 1884; August 8 - August 29, 1892
Frequency of entries: Frequent gaps.
How was author identified?: No obvious notation on diary, but identified by past curator as Maria Wing. Internal evidence identified husband as William Wing. As the diaries were donated as part of the Comstock Papers, the author was clearly identified through the Comstock genealogy in conjunction with the Thomas Cooke genealogy, p. 441. See bibliography.
Brief description: First two volumes are from a four-year stay in France and Germany; third volume is from a vacation in Switzerland, and includes scrapbook of Swiss scenes.
Writing quality: Good
Utility for research: Mostly descriptions of tourist sites and European history, but very good material on expatriate life in Europe, long absences of husband on business, and marriage of daughter to German officer.
Related papers at RIHS: Some papers of mother's and many from Comstock step-family in MSS 169, the Comstock Papers. Includes letters Maria Wing to mother, from Hans von Schierbraud to new grandmother-in-law, 1882, and other related letters.
Family members:
Father's name: Cook, Charles C.
Father's dates: 1798-1835
Father's occupation: Mariner. Stepfather a steamboat captain.
Mother's name: Comstock, Maria S. (Taber) (Cook)
Mother's dates: 1814-1911
Brothers: Half-brothers included Joseph J. Comstock Jr. (d.1903), Charles C. Comstock (1840-1881) and Richard B. Comstock (1854-1923).
Sisters: Half-sisters Mary E. (Cook) Lee (1825-1901); Sarah W. (Cook) Lawton (b.1826)
Husband's name: Wing, William H.
Husband's dates: 1830 - after 1900
Husband's occupation: Woolens merchant
Marriage date and place: 10/26/1858, New York [see 10/27/1883]
Father-in-law's name: Unknown
Father-in-law's dates: Living, 1881
Daughters: Louise van Schierbraud, b. 9/3/1861, died before 1900 [see 9/3/1883].
Other persons frequently mentioned: Aunt Meribah (Tabor) Hallett
Topical content:
Religious content: Describes church attendance while in Europe..
Family: "This is my birthday, which seems quite forgotten by those I love." [10/23/1883].
Childhood: Birth of granddaughter [Lily van Schierbraud] in Germany [7/23/1883]
Marriage: Eagerly awaiting beloved husband's return from absence [11/1-15/1881]; separated from husband for most of 1881-1883. Describes courtship of daughter by Hans von Schierbraud, a German lieutenant of Chemnitz. [10/23/1881 onward]. Father upon learning of Lieutenant's proposal "cried like a child" [11/15/1881]. Engaged 11/27/1881. Dowry gift to Hans of 37000 marks [2/17/1882]. Married 6/25/1882.
Health: "a letter from Father Wing telling me of his being obliged to place Nell Wing in an insane asylum...she has been a dreadful torment for so many years." [10/27/1881]
Fashion: "Went out to have the braces Louise had ordered adjusted...they give her a much finer carriage and I hope will succeed in making her remain perfectly erect." [10/29/1881]. Detailed description of daughter's wedding dress [6/25/1882]
Class relations: Insulting behavior of Miss Bickerton, who "would have nothing to do with merchants." [2/3/1882]; later comment that to forgive is not to forget [2/23]. Discovery of daughter's fiancee's noble background [2/13/1882]. "It is sad to see so many unmarried [German] women of noble birth who are forced to work to eke out a humble existence." [2/25/1882]
Arts and culture: Very detailed description of German art, 1881.
Travel: Travel through France and Germany [1881-1884] and Switzerland [1892]. Also loose travel itinerary for May to August 1892, in England and France. Very detailed descriptions of tourist sites.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 169
Collection title: Comstock Papers
Size: 8" x 7"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1974. 72. 1; deposited by Henry Hart Jr. in 1974, probably author's grandson; made a gift by his heirs, 1989. Henry Hart Jr. was probably the grandson of Maria's half-brother Richard Borden Comstock.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Not read in detail from April 1882 through December 1883.
Bibliography:
Comstock, John Adams. A History and Genealogy of the Comstock Family in America (Los Angeles, 1949), p. 242.
Fiske, Jane Fletcher. Thomas Cooke of Rhode Island (Published by author, 1987), p. 440.
Kemble, Harold E. "Comstock Family Papers, 1837-1903" (Unpublished typescript, 1985).
Randall, George L. Taber Genealogy: Descendants of Thomas, Son of Phillip Taber (New Bedford, Mass., 1924), p. 102, 239.
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1881-1884, 1892
Europe - Description and travel
Notes on the Elizabeth L. (Goff) Wood Diaries
Entries dated 1884 to 1934
Biographical:
Name at birth: Goff, Elizabeth Lee
Name after marriage: Wood, Elizabeth L. (Goff)
Birthdate and place: October 3, 1869
Death date and place: 1948
Age range during diary: 14, 33-36, 64
Residence during diary: Pawtucket, R.I.; Barrington, R.I. after 1925
Places written: 1884: England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, England again.
1903: Algiers, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, France, England.
1904: England, France, Switzerland, Italy.
1905: Italy.
1934: Algiers, Palestine, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Italy.
Biographical note: Daughter of a wealthy textile manufacturer, married at age 35 to a younger man. Her husband rose through the ranks of her father's company to become quite prominent himself before his early death from pneumonia. She lived as a widow for 23 years.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Protestant
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 6
Number of pages: 45, 60, 172, 95, 25, 45
Exact dates: 5-10/1884 (2); 2/3 - 7/12/1903; 6/10 - 9/14/1904; 10/17 - 11/22/1905; 1/31 - 3/28/1934
Frequency of entries: Almost daily
How was author identified?: Three of the diaries are signed; the others can be identified through internal evidence.
Brief description: Five travel diaries from Europe and Middle East, plus an abridged version of the first one. Including honeymoon trip to Italy.
Writing quality: Not very expressive or descriptive.
Utility for research: Limited utility.
Related papers at RIHS: A few scattered Goff papers, including her mother's diary from the 1903 trip to Egypt, and many records from son-in-law's family, in Washburn Family Papers (MSS 783).
Family members:
Father's name: Goff, Lyman B.
Father's dates: 1841-1927
Father's occupation: Textile manufacturer
Mother's name: Thornton, Almira W.
Mother's dates: 1842-1921
Brothers: Lyman T. Goff (1868-1900)
Sisters: None
Husband's name: Wood, Kenneth F.
Husband's dates: 1873-1925
Husband's occupation: Textile manufacturer, Pawtucket, R.I.
Marriage date and place: October 1905
Father-in-law's name: Wood, Samuel Eugene
Father-in-law's dates: 1843-1891
Father-in-law's occupation: Textile mill manager, Central Falls, R.I.
Mother-in-law's name: Pond, Kate Bassett
Mother-in-law's dates: d.1932, Florence, Mass.
Sons: None
Daughters: Eleanor T. (Wood) Washburn (1906-1990) married John C. Washburn (1903-1979); Ruth G. Wood (1911-1939)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Traveling with "Florence and Wm. McCoy" in 1904. Aunt Ruth (unidentified) accompanies family in 1934.
Topical content:
Religious content: Regular churchgoer.
Family: 1884: trip with parents and brother. 1903: trip with parents. 1934: with Aunt Ruth, and two daughters.
Childhood: 1884 diary written as a 14-year old in Europe with parents.
Marriage: The 1905 diary is the only one from her married life, and covers her honeymoon, spent mostly on ships. After two week voyage to Italy for honeymoon, and just nine days on land, "Kenneth got a telegram from the Bleachery telling him he was needed at home" [11/8/1905]. Departed three days later. There is no direct discussion of the marriage.
Labor: "Taxi strike in New York." [3/28/1934]
Progress: Traveling about England in a troublesome motor car, 1904.
Arts and culture: Brief accounts of tourist sites visited and books read.
Travel: Six travel diaries, of five trips. Most interesting is a trip to Egypt in 1903, visiting tombs by donkey.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 783, sg 3
Collection title: Washburn Family Papers
Location within the collection: Folders 4-5
Size: Mostly 7" x 5"
Condition: Good
Provenance: 1990. 73. 2. 1-, gift of the estate of the author's daughter, Eleanor W. Washburn.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Read 1905 in entirety, skimmed others.
Bibliography:
Clegg, Margaret Goff. Anthony Goff Descendants (Typescript at R.I.H.S., 1966)
Obituary of Kenneth F. Wood in Pawtucket Times, September 23, 1925
Rhode Island Cemetery Index
City directories of Pawtucket and Bristol County
Subject headings:
Diaries - 1884
Diaries - 1903-1905
Diaries - 1934
Europe - Description and travel
Middle East - Description and travel
Notes on the Almira (Marshall) Woods Diaries
Entries dated 1830 to 1833
Biographical:
Name at birth: Marshall, Almira
Name after marriage: Woods, Almira (Marshall)
Birthdate and place: Boston, November 3 1804
Death date and place: Providence, April 5, 1863
Age range during diary: 25 to 28
Residence during diary: Lexington KY; Tuscaloosa, AL
Places written: 1) Lexington, KY; Ohio; Baltimore; Philadelphia; New York City (journal stops here). 2) Lexington down Ohio River; Mississippi River; New Orleans; Mobile to Tuscaloosa. 3) Tuscaloosa to northern Alabama.
Biographical note: During the period when the first diary was written, Almira's husband was serving as president of Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. In 1831, he was chosen as the first president of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 3 vol.
Number of pages: 26 p., 64 p., 45 p.
Exact dates: 5/3/1830 - 6/1830; 3/9/1831 - 4/2/1831; 9/11/1833 - 10/1833
Frequency of entries: These are three brief, non-continuous travel journals. The entries are often undated. The 1830 diary is attached to a June 21 letter filed under correspondence.
How was author identified?: Labeled by family.
Brief description: Travel journals. The first written a trip from Lexington to Boston, and addressed to husband; the second re moving from Lexington to Alabama; the third on a vacation from Tuscaloosa to northern Alabama.
Writing quality: Excellent, despite frequent protestations to the contrary. Handwriting poor.
Utility for research: Excellent. Perceptive discussions of race relations, and Appalachian life.
Related papers at RIHS: A wide variety of related papers available in Alva Woods Papers, including diaries and correspondence of family members.
Family members:
Father's name: Marshall, Josiah
Father's dates: 1773-1841
Father's occupation: Very successful East India merchant, Boston.
Mother's name: Waterman, Priscilla
Mother's dates: 1782-1860
Brothers: Josiah T. (1803-1875); Henry (1810-1836)
Sisters: Emily Otis (1807-1836); Priscilla Read (1808-1841); Marian Holbrooke (1816-1900); Charlotte Bridge (1819-1904).
Husband's name: Woods, Alva
Husband's dates: 1794-1887
Husband's occupation: College president and Baptist clergyman
Marriage date and place: December 10, 1823
Father-in-law's name: Woods, Abel
Father-in-law's dates: 1765-1850
Father-in-law's occupation: Clergyman, of Vermont.
Mother-in-law's name: Smith, Mary
Mother-in-law's dates: 1775-1847
Sons: Marshall Woods (1824-1899)
Daughters: Priscilla Woods (10/1826 - 3/1827)
Other persons frequently mentioned: Escorted by Mr. Winter of Lexington for much of first trip [1830]; Kentucky Gov. Joseph Desha (1830); long account of discussion with "Col. Crockett...who said he could whip his weight in wild cats." [3/17/1831].
Topical content:
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: None noted.
Religious content: "...all things are under the guidance and direction of an all-wise Disposer, & that all our suffering is intended for our best interest, yet I yield to this weak foolish anxiety for the future." [4/2/1831]. Exhortations of Alabama ministers [9/12/1833?]
Social life: Evaluations of conversational qualities of traveling companions.
Childhood: Traveling with young son [1830, 1831, 1833]
Marriage: "The wife of a public man cannot be too careful in speaking to strangers or even to friends" [5/28/1830]; "I have learnt something today, which is to obey my husband." [3/12/1831]
Aging: Not noted.
School: Discussion with Dr. Beasley, recently resigned provost of Pennsylvania University [5/28/1830]
Home production: Did not work.
Fashion: "...the ladies in Frederick painted and powdered with ceremony or any remorse of conscience" [5/11/1830?]
Race / ethnicity content: Recounts anecdotes about Indians [5/4/1830]; "kind interference of a blacky" [1830]; anecdote about Indians' aversion to red hair [3/10/1831]; sympathetic encounter with "a lot of negroes stowed away for the southern market" [3/11/1831]; encounter with Chickasaws and slave ship [3/12/1831?]. Large party of Choctaws [3/18/1831?]. Frequent discussion of negroes in 1833 diary, including list of slaves and cotton picked by each on Mr. Jarman's plantation in Franklin County, AL.
Community: On arriving in Tuscaloosa: "I am again thrown dependent upon strangers, to again pass the ordeal of opinion, to be measured by a foreign standard & of course to be found wanting." [4/1/1831].
Labor: Long discussion of scarcity of railroad mechanics and other issues re Baltimore & Ohio Railroad [5/11/1830?]. Visit to Kentucky Penitentiary, long discussion of prisoners, their conditions, and their "demoniacal countenances" [3/10/1831]; negro and white prisoners working on public streets in New Orleans [3/23/1831].
Progress: "Found the Pennsylvanians generally in favor of canals rather than railroads" [5/27/1830]; "Took a walk among the machinery of the boat determined to make acquaintance with the engines." [3/11/1831]
Travel: These are excellent travel diaries, giving descriptions of towns and life on the road. The 1831 diary describes life on a river boat. Long descriptions of Natchez and New Orleans [1831].
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 816
Collection title: Alva Woods Papers
Location within the collection: Box 16, folders 1 and 4
Size: 7" x 4" (all volumes)
Condition: No covers. One diary is glued to a letter.
Provenance: 1970. 132. 2-, probably a gift of John Carter Brown Washburn
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Skimmed carefully
Bibliography:
Cutter, William R. New England Families Genealogical and Memorial (N.Y.: Lewis, 1915)
Kingsbury, Frank B. Marshall Family Record (Keene, N.H.: Nims Press, 1913)
Shipton, Nathaniel N. "Alva Woods: Inventory of His Papers in the R.I.H.S." (Unpublished, 1977).
Subject headings:
Alabama - Description and travel
Crockett, David (1786-1836)
Kentucky - Description and travel
Prisons - Kentucky
River boats - Mississippi River
Notes on the Anne Brown (Francis) Woods Diaries
Entries dated 1848 to 1852
Biographical:
Name at birth: Francis, Anne Brown
Name after marriage: Woods, Anne Brown (Francis)
Birthdate and place: April 23, 1828, Warwick, R.I.
Death date and place: August 24, 1896, Providence, R.I.
Age range during diary: 20, 24
Residence during diary: Waterman St., Providence, R.I.
Places written: 1) Pittsfield, Mass; Albany, West Point and Utica, N.Y; 2-4) Marseilles, France; Italy
Biographical note: Daughter of the Governor, and married into another prominent family
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Baptist [1/24/1852]
Social class: Upper
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 4
Number of pages: 32 p.; 78 p.; 212 p.; 71 p.
Exact dates: July 14 - 30, 1848; January 1 - July 14, 1852
Frequency of entries: Daily.
How was author identified?: Labeled by family.
Brief description: The first volume is a diary written on her honeymoon in upstate New York; the last three were written on a vacation in France and Italy.
Writing quality: Good, though not very descriptive.
Utility for research: Travel diaries; not particularly expressive. The negative descriptions of Catholicism are interesting coming from a woman who chose to spend six months in Italy.
Related papers at RIHS: Many related papers in Alva Woods and John Brown Francis Papers.
Family members:
Father's name: Francis, John Brown
Father's dates: 1791-1864
Father's occupation: U.S. Senator; former Governor of Rhode Island
Mother's name: 1) Brown, Anne Carter; 2) Stepmother Elizabeth (Willing) (Harrison) Francis
Mother's dates: 2) 1795-1828; 2) 1796-1866
Brothers: Half-brother John B. Francis Jr. (1838-1870)
Sisters: Half-sisters Elizabeth Francis (1833-1901); Sally Francis (1834-1904); Sophia H. (Francis) Adams (1834-1883)
Husband's name: Woods, Marshall
Husband's dates: 1824-1899
Husband's occupation: Gentleman
Marriage date and place: July 12, 1848
Father-in-law's name: Woods, Alva
Father-in-law's dates: 1794-1887
Father-in-law's occupation: College president and clergyman
Mother-in-law's name: Marshall, Almira
Mother-in-law's dates: 1804-1863
Sons: John Carter Brown Woods (b.1851)
Daughters: Abby F. (Woods) Abbott (1849-1895)
Other persons frequently mentioned: European trip with uncle Nicholas Brown III (1792-1859), aunt Caroline Clemens Brown and cousin John Carter Brown (1840-1900) [1/1852]
Topical content:
Religious content: Description of visit to Shaker village near Pittsfield, Mass. [7/16-17/1848]; description of monastery in France: "not a more wicked or debased lott of men exist than these monks & uneducated Catholic priests" [1/19/1852]; "The more I see of these disgusting Catholics the more I detest the whole sect...I can smell a Catholic church a half a mile off" [1/24/1852]. Many other comments on Catholicism. On seeing scenery of the Alps: "How could an infidel exist, I asked myself, when such works of God were before him?" [7/11/1852]
Social life: At fancy ball in Rome: "I feel so miserably all the time...and so out of spirits that I wish myself anywhere but in such places." [2/18/1852]
Childhood: Travels in Europe with two infant children, 1852. Re 8-month-old John: "I seized him and pressed him to my bosom...scarcely ever before realizing how superior he is to other babies." [2/14/1852].
Marriage: First diary describes honeymoon tour of New York, 1848: "almost too happy for this world" [7/18]; "May God preserve him to me as long as I live" [7/22/1848].
Health: Six pages on the intense agony suffered by her husband, who "got a needle stuck in the sole of his foot"; "Oh! Such a day of anxiety never did I pass". [7/27-30/1848]. Suffers a "bilious attack" in Milan; upon leaving town, was "so weak as to have to be carried down stairs & stretched out in the carriage." [7/9/1852].
Fashion: Woods sometimes describes her daily wardrobe. Description of Italian village women [2/2/1852]
Race / ethnicity content: No racial content. Hostile descriptions of Italians throughout 1852 diaries (see Religious Content).
Community: Woods encounters many Americans in Italy, including some Providence friends and family.
Labor: Description of workers in Genoese silk factory [1/27/1852]
Class relations: Description of French "galley slaves" (naval prisoners) [1/15/1852]. In general, hostile depictions of the laboring classes by an elite tourist.
Arts and culture: Mr. Woods was an art historian, and the family made frequent visits to cathedrals and galleries on their 1852 European trip, which Anne discusses at length.
Travel: First diary: wedding trip from Providence to Pittsfield, Mass. to Albany to West Point to Utica.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 816
Collection title: Alva Woods Papers
Location within the collection: Box 16, folders 6 and 7
Size: 8" x 6" (roughly)
Condition: One spine is weak; otherwise good.
Provenance: 1970. 132. 2-, probably the gift of John Carter Brown Washburn.
Cataloged by Rick Stattler, April 1997
How much of the diary was actually read during cataloging? Did not read March through June, 1852
Bibliography:
Rogers, L.E., ed. The Biographical Cyclopedia of Representative Men of Rhode Island (Providence: National Biographical Publishing, 1881).
Shipton, Nathaniel N. "Alva Woods: Inventory of His Papers in the R.I.H.S." (Unpublished, 1977).
The Chad Brown Workbook, 2nd ed. (R.I.H.S., 1987)
Subject headings:
Europe - Description and travel
New York - Description and travel
Notes on the Evelyn E. (Sutcliffe) Wosko Diary
Entries dated 1915 to 1916
Biographical:
Name at birth: Sutcliffe, Evelyn Estella
Name after marriage: Wosko, Evelyn E. (Sutcliffe)
Birthdate and place: February 5, 1897, Lincoln, RI
Death date and place: October 23, 1995, Manchester, NH
Age range during diary: 17 - 19
Residence during diary: 76 Hunnewell Ave., Providence, RI (now Ortoleva Drive)
Places written: Providence, RI
Biographical note: Evelyn Estella Sutcliffe was born February 5, 1897 in Lincoln, Rhode Island. She was the daughter of Roger Sutcliffe and Ida Britton. Her mother Ida (Britton) Sutcliffe remarried to accountant Robert B. Hough in 1903. She had a stepsister named Marion Hough. The family moved to the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Providence in 1909, where Evelyn attended the Academy Avenue School and graduated from Technical High School in 1915. She worked at the Providence Telephone Company circa 1916 to 1919. Evelyn married Casimir A. Wosko in September 1921, possibly in Detroit, Michigan, where Casimir was working. It was not until late 1924 that she left Providence to live with him in Newport, Vermont. Circa 1953, she and Casimir retired in East Providence, R.I., next door to her widowed mother. She remained in East Providence through at least 1986. Evelyn E. Wosko died October 23, 1995 in Manchester, New Hampshire at the age of 98. She is buried in Moshassuck Cemetery, Central Falls, Rhode Island.
Casimir Andrew Wosko was born January 19, 1896 in Massachusetts to Polish immigrant parents: weaver Henryk A. and Julia Wosko. He had siblings named Victor, Walter and Anna. He attended Academy Avenue School in Providence, R.I. and graduated circa 1915 from a Polish-American institution, the Saint Cyrillus and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1916, and was stationed at Fort Wright, New York and College Station, Texas, serving until 1918. After his discharge, he went to work for the Dupont Co. in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He moved to New Bedford, Mass. in May 1920 and then to Indian Orchard, Mass. in September of 1920, where he was employed by Indian Motorcycle Company. He passed a Civil Service exam in October 1920 and was sworn in as a immigration inspector for the U.S. Department of Labor in December 1920. He was initially stationed at Detroit, where he was probably married in 1921. He was transferred to the border station in Newport, Vermont in September of 1923, and remained there until at least 1951, when he retired to East Providence, R.I. Casimir A. Wosko died May 19, 1958 in East Providence, Rhode Island.
Ethnicity: Yankee
Religion of diarist: Methodist or Episcopal (?)
Social class: Working
Background and comments:
Number of volumes: 2
Number of pages: Approx. 50 small pages in Volume 1; Approx. 20 larger pages in Volume 2
Exact dates: January 1 1915 - March 21 1916
Frequency of entries: Daily
How was author identified?: Evelyn signs her name on the first page of the first diary in case the book was lost.
Brief description: Personal diary of teenage girl; used mainly for observations of her feelings regarding family, neighbors, daily events, love interests, and entertainments.
Writing quality: Entries are brief but are made regularly. Spelling and grammar is decent. Handwriting is mostly neat and easy to read. Clarity of print improves in July, 1915 (sharper pencil).
Related papers at RIHS: Wosko-Sutcliffe Papers (MSS 102)
Family members:
Father's name: Roger Sutcliffe (paternal); Robert B. Hough (step-father)
Father's dates: R.S. 1873- ; R.H. 1873-
Father's occupation: R.S. - Bicycle Repairman; R.H. - Bleachery Clerk/Accountant
Mother's name: Hough, Ida Estella (Britton)
Mother's dates: 1876-
Brothers: None
Sisters: Marion (Step-Sister), daughter of Robert and Ida, much younger
Husband's name: Casimir Wosko
Husband's dates: 1896-1958
Husband's occupation: Border Agent on U.S. - Canada line in Newport, VT
Marriage date and place: September, 1921
Father-in-law's name: Henry Wosko
Father-in-law's dates: 1865 - c.1926
Father-in-law's occupation: Woolen Mill weaver
Mother-in-law's name: Julia Wosko
Mother-in-law's dates: 1870-
Other persons frequently mentioned:
Household - Mother (Ma), Robert, Marion;
Relatives - Mrs. Hough (Robert's mother), Grandpa (Mother's father - Thomas Britton - also referred to as Papa); Aunts Sadie, Hattie, Lucy; Cousins Lizzie, George
Neighbors/Friends - Casimir, Mrs. Wosko (Julia, Casimir's mother), Henry (Casimir's father), Victor (Casimir's brother), Annie (Casimir's sister); Mrs. Boisvert, Johnny Bunard, Stella, Isadora (school friend), Edddie Garvey, Marie, Maude, Cora, Flora, Nora, Lu, Bertha Willard, Valema
School Teachers/Administrators - Mr. Manchester; Miss Pierce;
Employment Bureau - Miss Clifton
Boss for Temporary Work Position - Mr. Doran
Topical content:
Events discussed: Advent of electric lights in her house and the neighborhood. [Jan. 10, 1915] "Went to Ed. Garvey's saw his electric lights and the XMas tree very pretty." [Jan. 15, 1915] "Johnny B. came down + soon [Johnny] G., + then Eddie to finish up lights. Damn glad they have got the lights in. I'm sick of lamps." Continual mentions of period films and actors, including Warren Kerrigan, Mary Pickford, Cleo Madison, Pauline Bush, Roy Gallagher, Joe King. April 29, 1915 entry is first mention of Charlie Chaplain.
Births, deaths, marriages mentioned: None
Religious content: One mention of going to church - [Jan. 31, 1915] "Went to St. Paul's Episcopal Church this morning. I do not like the service as well as the Methodist."
Social life: Family gatherings and outings, movies, operas, musicals, theater, parades on holidays, neighborhood parties, walks, kite-flying, ice skating, cards, Parcheese, piano, taking photographs, listening to phonograph (also referred to as Graphophone), movie theaters mentioned include The Royal, The Strand, Bijou, Keith's, Casino. Social Places mentioned include Crescent Park; Hunts Mills; The Emery (shopping); Pawtucket Music Hall. Also shopping trips to the Olneyville markets. There is also mention of a "Moonlight" (entries of July 18 and 22, 1915) which appears to be a summer night boat ride. "We got to the boat about 7:40 + started at 8...We had a fine time + was sorry the boat got in at 11:40...Some Moonlight. Such a fine night for it."
Family: Family accounts for greatest part of her life. Relatives are constantly mentioned. Evelyn dislikes her step-father - "Rob is about the poorest imitation of a man I ever saw. I'd have slapped his face if he said the things to me that he said to Ma." [April 12, 1915]. She also dislikes Rob's mother, but is on amiable terms with her step-sister. Very close to her mother.
Childhood: Not mentioned
Marriage: Evelyn speculates about it. [Feb. 7, 1915] "No such good luck as me having a fellow. I suppose I'll have to be an old maid." [Apr. 16, 1915] "How I wish I was married and Happy."
Aging: On her 18th birthday (Feb. 5, 1915) she writes "I am sorry I am older." On the day before her 19th birthday (Feb. 4, 1916) she writes of her co-workers "Oh dear me, I don't know what to do when I'm with young people. I'm not with them enough to know. They are talking about going to have either a theatre or a little dancing party. I don't know how I'd act if I went. Seems so I don't know how to have a good time."
Health: She is often ill or depressed, but apparently never seriously so.
School: At opening of diary, she is taking final exams prior to graduating from technical school in 1915. It appears to be a school that prepares students for careers in teaching or handywork.
Home production: Laundry, ironing, sewing, mending. Entries refer to certain days as "Wash Day" when nothing else seems to get done.
Work outside home: Attempts to get a teaching post at a local school in the early autumn of 1915. "There was an ad in the paper for a teacher but I didn't do anything about it because I wanted to see how the N. Prov. thing would come out. I suppose I'll get left out on both now." [Sept. 28, 1915]. Also is rejected when attempting to get hired at a store called Shepherd's. Proceeds to have several fruitless interviews, but lands temporary position in January, 1916, making $7/week. She loses that position on Feb. 25, 1916.
Food and drink: Makes mention of getting pop corn at movies. Also makes mention when she has ice cream and watermelon at parties. On Thanksgiving 1915 (Nov. 25) the family buys a chicken for $1.00 and she makes plum pudding.
Community: Very close relationships with neighbors on her street. Passers-by seem to stop in for conversations or tea.
Gender relations: Evelyn has several flirtations that go nowhere:
Usher at Royal Cinema - "I went to the Royal today. My friend was there. He looked at me when I came out but I didn't look up. I wish I had. Maybe he would have smiled. I would like to have him smile at me....I love that usher." [March 12, 1915].
Worker in Olneyville market - "Well, the guy in the market + I exchanged smiles." [Oct. 11, 1915]. "Ma + I went to Olneyville at night. The little guy smiled at me but I felt too mad to smile back." [Oct. 18, 1915].
Casimir's brother Victor - "I really don't know whether V. likes me or not but I know he likes Amelia. I feel awfully downhearted because he went home with her but I suppose he thinks I can't have the two of them [Victor and Casimir] but I'm disappointed all the same although I think he likes me." [Oct. 6, 1915].
She begins "dating" Casimir in July, 1915 (July 3 entry mentions their first kiss). Most "dates" simply consist of their spending time together in the neighborhood. At first he kisses her good night only, but gradually they progress. "At night C. came. He loves me alright. When I came in my hair was down my dress was torn + I was a sight but I don't care as long as we both enjoyed ourselves." [Oct. 24, 1915].
Progress: Electric Light (see "Events Discussed" above). Occasional mentions of automobiles. Occasional mentions of public transport.
Arts and culture: See "Social Life"
Travel: Furthest trip mentioned is a day outing in Newport, RI. August 18, 1915 entry. "I think I would have liked Newport if I had had half time enough but I enjoyed the sail both down + back."
Organizations: Joins local Social Club in 1916 - no name given.
Cataloging information:
Catalog number: MSS 102
Collection title: Wosko - Sutcliffe Papers
Location within the collection: Box 2, Folder 40
Condition: Good
Graphic content: none
Provenance: 1992. 22. 19. 1-, purchased from Veronica Owen; and 1992. 131. 1-, gift of Thomas E. Greene.
Cataloged by Greg McGurin, January 2004
Bibliography:
RI Cemetery Transcription Project, compiled by John Sterling
RI Birth Records Index, 1890 - 1900
1910 RI Census
Providence City Directories, 1910, 1920, 1925
1958 East Providence City Directory
Subject headings:
Diaries, 1915-1916
Hough, Ida Estella (Britton), 1876-
Hough, Robert B., 1873-
Providence, RI - Social Life and Customs
Sutcliffe Family
Wosko, Casimir, 1896-1958
Wosko Family