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.</