ALESE AXSON

1938-1942 Diary of Alese Axson of St. Matthews, South Carolina

St. Matthews, South Carolina, 1938. Hardcover. This is the 1938 to 1942 diary of Alese Axson, an 18-year-old woman living in South Carolina during the final years of the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II. Leila Alese Axson was born in 1919 and spent her whole life in or around St. Matthews, South Carolina, where she had an extensive family network. Throughout the diary, Axson makes many references to Jacob Samuel Stabler, Jr. – “J. S, ” – who she would eventually marry. Axson’s entries suggest that at the time of writing she is working as a secretary or clerk in a local office that deals with mortgages and grants, among other things. In her diary, Axson discusses the lives of her family members and the events that occurred in her immediate community. “Aunt Rose came. She and I went to Orangeburg to take my watch to be fixed. J. S. Worked at Rogers” (February 26, 1938). “Mr. Berley came. Told me of highly complementary remarks by Montgomery auditors” (June 8, 1939). “Mamma and I went to shower for Sadie. Had a nice time! ” (November 9, 1940). “J. S. Came to ask me about his choice of elective Service” (February 3, 1941). “J. S. Came at 9: 00 – stayed until 10: 00. I gave him some boxes. We both cried” (March 26, 1942). This diary offers an excellent look into the small-town world of the American South at the end of the Depression and the beginning of World War II. The Axson and Stabler families were well established in this region of South Carolina, and Axson’s diary is a wonderful primary source for genealogists and historians. The cover is in fair condition with a small tear and wear marks along the edges and corners. The front cover has separated from the spine but remains attached. The binding is loose, as are some of the pages within. The handwriting is legible. Details: Size: 5.25" x 4", Number of pages: 365, Completeness: 100%, Condition: Fair, Handwriting: legible; Manuscripts; 24mo 5" - 6" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010051

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: Women' Studies Southern State Coming Age Courtship

DR. WILLIAM IAN BEARDMORE (WIB) BEVERIDGE

1938-1939 Diary and Academic Notes of the Scientist Who Discovered the Cause of the Swine Flu That Caused the Spanish Flu Pandemic

United States, Canada, Mexico. Softcover. On offer are notes and a journal of one of the world’s preeminent pathologists, Dr. William Ian Beardmore (WIB) Beveridge (1908-2006) , known as “the man who found the cause of the great epidemic”. Beveridge identified the origin of the world-wide Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918-1919. [SEE BIO NOTES AT END OF LISTING]. The journal is a record of two time periods that WIB spent in the United States. The larger section describes a road trip that Beveridge took with his family in the United States, after relocating there from Australia. The smaller portion describes another trip taken following a conference he attended. Tipped into the journal are handwritten speaking notes from a 1951 academic address he gave at Oxford University on “The Art of Research” and a 1956 academic address he gave at Cambridge University called “How Discoveries Are Made”. There is also a photograph and some foreign exchange documents connected to his travel expenses. These presentations outline the thought processes of one of the great medical research minds of his time. The first part of the diary begins June 1, 1938, where he notes that he “Left Princeton” and indicates that he, his wife and his son, John, are traveling with him. His professional interests are never far from hand as he takes time to visit labs or universities. He visits the Connecticut State Serum Labs on June 10. On June 14 he spends the day in Fort Collins, CO and the “morning at Vet School talking to Dr. Newsom. After lunch saw Vet Hospital – very good but small…”. On July 22, he visits UC Berkeley, where he sees the agricultural department and tours the campus. He found Berkeley to have, “fine buildings and grounds but not large…12,000 students who attend…”. The next day, WIB drives to the Davis campus to meet, “Dr. Cameron at the Animal Health section of the Agric. Faculty of Univ of Calif. ”. On Sept 12, WIB visits Cornell University: “Saw Dean WA Hagan and saw…new Moore building…also met Duhes the physiologist and Al the pathologist and others. This place seems more devoted to teaching than research…”. On Sept 14 he visited Yale, on the 15th, Princeton. He comments on those he met and what he observed at both. In 1939, WIB picks up again in June, detailing another trip. At the back of the diary are an additional collection of pages from Fall of 1939, where WIB discusses attending a conference on Microbials and his activities afterward, being another road trip in the USA. Beveridge is a great diarist, giving the reader intelligent insight into his journey, describing in detail everything from the topography he views on hikes to his perspectives on the cities he visits. He travels widely across the USA, goes into Mexico briefly, and spends some time in Western Canada as he makes his way back east. He is an intelligent traveler, making time for interesting stops such as a tour at a Ford plant in Detroit. A couple excerpts give the flavour: “Took recently opened scenic coast route (made Pat sick! ). Very fine road along mountainside which rises straight from the sea. Country fairly barren - dry grass but some…green trees till Big Sur where we saw our first Redwoods all along the coast from S. Barbara. Often foggy and cool to cold off and on all day. Passed through Salinas just as the big rodeo was closing and went all traffic. Night at San Jose” [July 17, 1938]. “Went into Chicago and did some shopping at Marshal and Fields then left town about 4: 30pm. Hot muggy day today although weather has been cool lately - cold last four nights. Traffic out of town very heaty. Drive through 2 or 3 miles of negro residential area - all negros. Night at Michigan City at Hotel” [Sept 6, 1938]. The final item in this small collection is an undated photograph of four men - obviously friends and possibly colleagues walking along a path. We believe one of the individuals shown is William Beveridge. The photograph has no annotations. This is an absolute must for the collection of any researcher or science-minded person wanting to own the insights of a brilliant mind. Through his writing, we get to know Beveridge as a husband and father, as well as gaining understanding of his passion for academia and research. This 6-ring binder measures approximately 7.0 inches by 4.25 inches and contains 2 groups of loose leaf pages – 1 section with 168 pages and a 2nd section with 18 pages. The journal is about 50-55% complete with entries written usually on 1 side only. The covers are in good condition as are the pages. The handwriting is legible. BIO NOTES: WIB was born in Australia in 1908 and studied veterinary science. After graduation, he focused his efforts on research, working in the leading veterinary research facility in the country. In 1937, he moved to the United States to continue his research work at the Rockefeller Institute in New York. There, he studied and researched the swine influenza virus. With a colleague, he proved that this virus was identical to the virus that caused the 1918-1919 flu pandemic that world-wide, killed an estimated 50 million people. It is considered one of the most deadly pandemics in recorded history. Following this work, he moved to Cambridge University where he established their Veterinary school. He built a distinguished career. He was President of the World Veterinary Association for 18 years and published widely in scientific journals. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 128 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012242

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

BILL

1973 Fascinating Diary of an Arizona Musician Openly Struggling with Depression, His Career and His Relationship

Tempe, Arizona, Phoenix, 1973. Softcover. On offer is the interesting personal journal of a man named Bill. Bill is an American pianist who seems to have a hand in investing. Bill is open about his mental health struggles with depression (and from context, anxiety) and his efforts to get ahead professionally. He is also very open about his struggles with Dorothy, his romantic partner. While we found many clues about who Bill may be, we don’t have enough contextual clues to find him. We do know that Bill is trying to make it as a pianist in Arizona, that he is in a relationship with Dorothy (who has two girls named Kerry and Dorrie, and who is attending Maricopa Technical College for design). We know that Bill has a brother named Jim who lives with him and a sister named Bet who he sees regularly. Bill was apparently born in New York and now lives in Arizona. His birthday is on May 14th. His father died on February 23, 1973, and he writes extensively about the death and his trip to New York for the burial. At the time of his writing, Bill is living and working in the Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona area. Life is a struggle for him trying to find work and also trying to manage a dramatic and fraught romantic relationship with Dorothy. His daily diary records the ups and downs in his musical career (if you can call it that…) and, most interestingly, in his battle with his own mental health. Bill is an interesting fellow who has an interest in politics, recording his time listening to the Watergate hearings and other US political notes throughout. Bill does not write every day, but when he does he usually fills a full page in his bouncy hand. The deep emotion behind his entries are further enhanced by his propensity to highlight his big feelings with capital letters, underlines and punctuation. Some excerpts give the flavour of Bill’s writing: “Slow day. Didn’t feel really on top. Drove to Basha’s to get tomatoes. Picked up tax book. Called Eddie Guilliame, mgr of Ye Olde Lanterne in Scottsdale. I’m to go in at 6: 00pm tomorrow for an audition. Vacuumed pool. Played some piano. Got together set for tomorrow. Carol and Heather here in evening and stayed over. TV and sundaes in evening. To bed about 11: 00. Dorothy stripped dining room chair in garage. Feel OK. Hope I get job tomorrow. I feel pretty confident. I’ll feel better when I get working” [Jan 11]. “Very hard day. Dorothy unhappy with my not doing anything today. Dishes were in the sink. Bad argument in music/art room. I took drink to quiet down. Drank too much. Later went to patch it up rather than let her go to bed without saying I was sorry. NIGHTMARE! ! Can’t even write about it. Total catastrophe. Said so much drunk that I’d never dream of sober. COULDN’T UNDERSTAND BEING SO DEFENSIVE WITH SOMEONE WHOM I LOVE SO MUCH AND WHO LOVES ME. A TRAGEDY! ! ” [Jan 25]. “Called ALL places I have a chance to play. Felt good. DOING! Was to get two calls back but no dice. Have to keep plugging. Jim called from Gary’s. Had been to see Tom and will be here Tuesday. WILL BE GOOD TO SEE HIM. I MUST PUT EMPHASIS ON GETTING WORKING AND SOME SORT OF A CAREER. IT’S DANGEROUS TO PUT TOO MUCH IN OTHER PEOPLE OR PERSON. VULNERABLE! ! ! Dorothy and I watched second half of DIVORCE HIS/DIVORCE HERS. Tragedy. Felt better when she showed me even a little affection. I’ll be OK if I can get through this. Otherwise, I’ll be NO ONE. NEED DRIVE and GOOD SPIRITS. This has been a wide gamut of emotions since leaving NY” [Feb 7]. “Began going to places to see about playing piano. Mountain Shadows, Camelback Inn, Bill Moses. Called agent Tommy Reed” [Feb 19]. “At apartment. Stereo playing “My Heart Tells Me”. I feel sad. (11: 00 P. M. ) I feel alone. I know I am not what I want to be. I don’t want to lose Dorothy but I can’t know what to do” [Apr 29]. “...Nodded in afternoon. In evening to Elks. Played with Rick Love & sax player. Sax very good . Felt good after a few beers. We did very well for first time together. They liked us... I feel alive. NOT SO CRITICAL OF MYSELF... Talked to Jim’s boss Mickey at Elks. Told him how much Jim thought of him. GOOD TO PLAY HAVE TO GET BETTER AT IT” [Sept 22]. For a social historian, this diary offers an insight into the struggles of a local musician living with a mental health condition that impacts every aspect of his life. It offers a peek into a man trying to establish himself as well as chronicling the roller coaster ride of a relationship during this process – in many way a microcosm of the pursuit of the American Dream. For anyone interested in Arizona in the 1970s, Bill gets around and records his visits to many local establishments. This dated diary measures 8.0 inches by 5.5 inches and its page-a-day format contains 365 pages plus memoranda. The book is about 50% complete. The faux-leather cover has some damage on one corner. The spine binding has separated from the book along one seam. The binding itself is in good condition as are all of the pages. The handwriting is legible. Overall Fair. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 365 pages. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012243

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

R. BRUGGEY

1939 World War II Diary of British Merchant Navy Sailor Serving As an Apprentice on the M/V Willowbank and Sailing to Turkey

London, England, AT Sea, 1939. Softcover. On offer is a fascinating diary kept by a teenaged British Merchant Navy sailor in WWII who turns 17 while serving aboard the M/V Willowbank. The author of this diary is one R. Bruggey. Our research has not turned up any biographical information about him. The diary covers the year 1939 and the first two days of 1940. This frontline World War II diary opens with an entry from 1938 noting that he was accepted into the Merchant Navy as an apprentice. He was 16 years old at the time. After Christmas at his home, he joined a coaster, the Dutch vessel SS Westlaan. On Jan 4th, he got his orders to report to M/V Willowbank. [The Willowbank was a motor merchant ship owned by Andrew Weir & Co. In London. On June 12, 1940, it was sunk in an attack by the German submarine U-46. All 51 on board at the time survived, our author was likely still on board at this time]. This young diarist was so delighted to be joining the war effort. He even draws small diagrams of the ships he is on as well as the ports he stops at. Some excerpts of his writing follows: “On the 14th (Oct, 1938) I first joined the Shipping Federation. Nov 8th I was accepted for Andrew Weir’s waiting list. 1 week before Christmas, I purchased my uniform. On the 23rd Dec I received a letter from the A. W. Co stating I was to fill a vacancy in one of the apprenticeships aboard Willowbank just completing at doseford’s yard Sunderland. Had a very enjoyable Christmas. One of the best” [Memoranda 1938]. “I joined my ship the Willowbank. Everything very dirty. Signed on about 10: 30 AM. No dinner. Had tea ashore. Mate told us to have bed and breakfast on shore. Back in morning to dinner in ship. Doseford’s Yard filthy. Sunderland is not a very nice place” [Jan 7]. On January 10th, 1939, after workups, M/V Willowbank left Tyneside, UK bound for Turkey. His entries from this point detail shipboard routines, his work and studies and events that he experienced. Excerpts follow: “The ship has nearly a full load! Her first cargo. It now remains to be seen what she’s like at sea when loaded. Worked all day putting a canvas “dodger” round the Monkey Island” [Feb 6]. “It is exactly 2 month since I first started out from home. Started caulking…Monkey island did about half in one day. Pitch not ready in the evening…Weather very hot. Worse shorts while working got legs terribly sore strong sunburn” [March 6]. “Sea high. High winds. Heavy spray on deck did not have breakfast lunch in my bunk asleep during dinner felt very ill got a cold” [Mar 13]. “Weather fair sea very nasty swell and a fair bit of wind…Apparently there has been 1 Canadian ship sunk – the Athenia with Americans on board. Germany has now to face Poland , Britain, France, Australia” [Sept 4]. “Weather fair choppy sea. 1 British ship sunk to day the Bosnia. Off Portugal getting nearer! All port holes painted black have to shut them at night now. Rooms very hot. Sat in the tire hatch all into evening…life boats cleared away for action. New Zealand and South Africa have declared for Britain. Planes bombed Kiel Canal! ” [Sept 5]. "My birthday today - 17. Everything just the same. I wonder if anyone is thinking about me today? 1 German ship sunk last night. The French have broken through" [Sept 10]. "At N Guinea this morning. Into Pt Moresby at lunch time a fairly hilly place. Started loading at 2: 00 PM ... Went into the Hotel and had a few drinks (mostly lemonade) beer is too costly" [Dec 8]. “Started cargo here this morning and got everything finished by 5-0 PM. Waited at anchor all night to get away in the early morning. 4th Engineer pinched a cake out of the store. We all agreed it was very nice! Just going ashore when we were told the launch we’re bound for Raboul so that knocked that on the head” [Dec 20]. “Had the day off today. Went for (crocodile) shooting up the little creeks in B. P. 6…got back in time for a lousy Christmas dinner. After dinner the lights went very low then flames started shoot out of the funnel after one terrific blast we heard horrible screams from the engine room. Mich and I ran for the doctor who came in 4 mins. 5 nigs badly burnt from a blow back in the boiler. Went to a lousy Christmas party” [Dec 25]. For a military or naval historian, this is an outstanding record of the day-to-day life of a merchant ship in the early days of WWII. There are references to other ships, to current events and descriptions of daily routines. It is one small part of the huge picture of Britain’s effort to survive in the dark days of WWII. [CONTACT SELLER FOR FULL BIO NOTES ON SHIP AND BRITISH MERCHANT NAVY]. The diary measures 4.5 inches by 3.0 inches and contains 61 pages plus account pages. It is about 80% complete. The hard cover is in good condition as is the spine and the binding. The pages are in good condition as well and the handwriting is legible. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 61 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012248

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: 2 Sunken

EDNA BELL (PIKETT) BUCHHEIT

1937-1947 Diaries Covering a Decade in the Life of Typical Small Town New York Newlywed As Her Family and Responsibilities Grow

Orchard Park, Buffalo, New York, New York State. Hardcover. Manuscripts; 24mo 5" - 6" tall; 730 pages; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 011123

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: Housewife Newlyweds Young Mother Great Depression

EDNA BELL (PIKETT) BUCHHEIT

1937-1947 Diaries Covering a Decade in the Life of Typical Small Town New York Newlywed As Her Family and Responsibilities Grow

Orchard Park, Buffalo, New York, New York State. Hardcover. On offer is a fascinating firsthand glimpse into the daily life of a typical young woman who becomes a wife and mother living near Buffalo, New York during the grinding days of the Great Depression and the war years of WWII. This is a collection of two five-year diaries. The author of these two diaries is Edna Bell (Pikett) Buchheit (1914-1999). Edna was born to Charles and Mary (Hammerschmidt) Pikett and raised near Buffalo. On October 30, 1937, Edna married Charles Francis Buchheit (1913-1997). Together, they had two sons, Charles and David. Charles (called Chuck in the diaries) worked as a machinist. They lived near Buffalo, around Orchard Park. Charmingly, Edna’s first diary begins on the day of her nuptials to Charles, but her inscription in the front states that the diary was, “Purchased while on honeymoon”, so her first few entries must have been made retrospectively. The diary covers Oct 30, 1937 through Oct 7, 1941. Some excerpts from the first dairy follow: “Married at 12. Drove around til supper Left at 8: 30. Stayed overnight at Westfield. Arrived 10: 45. Lovely day” [Oct 30, 1937]. “Worked all day at Mrs. Smiths. Chuck went to Buff...I went to…Orchard Park. Very hot day and getting dry” [July 21, 1939]. “I helped Chuck until about 3 p. M. Home in p. M. Went to ballgame…” [Aug 16, 1940]. “Chuck and I went to Buff in a. M. To Seneca Electric about ice box. Bought drapery material, gifts…” [June 9, 1941]. Edna’s second diary begins January 1, 1943 and concludes on December 30, 1947. It is a treat to be able to follow Edna and Chuck as they become parents for the first time in 1943 and again in 1947: “Baby born 6: 21. Weight 7 lbs 6 oz21 1/2 inches. I was sleepy most of the day. Chuck to see me in afternoon and his mother in eve” [May 28, 1943]. “Rainy all day. I had very bad time. Baby boy (9 lbs 12 oz) born 6: 58pm” [April 16, 1947]. Edna’s entries in the second diary explore her life as the matriarch of a young family, supporting her working husband and young children. Her growth from the first diary is evident, even her handwriting matures in the second diary. [Note: She refers to her husband as Chuck and her eldest son as Chucky]. “Mostly fair, later cloudy. I washed. Went to O. P [Orchard Park, NY] Voted and shopped in p. M. Chuck went to work at 6: 30…F. D. R. Reelected” [Nov 7, 1944]. “Colder and sunny. Invasion on coast of France began soon after 12 midnight. Chucky and I went to E. A. [East Aurora, NY] in a. M. Deposited $100 in bank for us and $10 for Charlie To Mom’s awhile in evening” [June 6, 1944]. “Lot of pain in AM and until about 2: 00. Called Mom to come and help me. She took Chuckie home with her. At Dr. In eve. Then to Moms. Have kidney infection” [Oct 12, 1945]. “Lovely sunny day. Rather cool. Marie came for us. She washed baby clothes. Mom helped was my hair. David cried lots. In eve we to O. P. ” [May 10, 1947]. These 10 years offer an outstanding window into the world of an ordinary woman and her family as they make their life in the very difficult years of the 1930’s and 1940’s. For a social historian, it is also an excellent look at life in small-town America during this period. It is an excellent resource as well for a Womens’ Studies program or research as it provides a decades-long look at the life of this woman, her roles and those of the women in her life. The first diary measures 5x4 inches, contains 365 pages, and is about 90% complete. The covers are in fair condition. The hasp on the lock strap is broken. The spine is intact but the back cover has separated from it. The pages are in good condition. Handwriting reasonably legible. The second diary measures 5.5 x4.5 inches. It has 365 pages and is approximately 75% complete. The covers are in good condition but the hasp on the lock strap is broken. Handwriting legible. Overall Fair. ; Manuscripts; 24mo 5" - 6" tall; 730 pages; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011123

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: Housewife Newlyweds

ELIZABETH CALAWAY

1936-1940 Pennsylvania Diary Highlighting the Immense Burden and Resilience of Middle Aged Womanhood and the Power of Community

Girard, Pennsylvania Penn PA, 1936-1940. Hardcover. On offer is the Five Year "A Line A Day" diary of Mrs. Elizabeth Strobel Calaway (1889-1983) from Girard, Pennsylvania. Calaway was a teacher and she wrote religiously and extensively from 1936-1940, when she was aged 47 through 51. Elizabeth was married to George Arthur Calaway [sometimes Caloway], who worked as a contractor. They had one child, Alice Calaway (1916-2010). Elizabeth’s diary demonstrates the unbelievable (and sometimes unbearable) burden on a middle class working woman in 1930s America. Each morning she was up and off to work at her job as a teacher, walking in all weather. When not at work she was supporting her adult daughter, Alice, who still lived at home, and her husband, whose health was always tenuous. She was also volunteering for the Church, sewing and crocheting, attending events at the IOOF (International Order of Odd Fellows) , playing games with friends (the game ‘500’ was a particular favorite). She was tending to the garden, canning veggies and attending lectures, theater productions and concerts. She also never missed a school party with her beloved pupils. Somehow, in her ‘spare time’, she managed to cultivate a massive social circle, almost too many friends to name, though she name drops constantly - a treat for any genealogy buff. Her best friends seemed to have been the Graftons and the Stancliffes. Elizabeth writes simply but tells us everything that happens in her days, for example: “First ride we had in our new Coupe. A very large crowd to hear “Landon”. He was a splendid speaker…George came to Chautaugua. Alice and I came home” [Aug 24, 1936]. Life became increasingly complicated for Elizabeth in December of 1936, when her journaling becomes a hybrid of her daily activities and a log of George’s health status. At first her notes were simply little additions to descriptions of her rich days: “George sick” and “called Dr. For George”. In January, 1937, her entries became more focused on George. One day George seemed better, the next day he could not even move. On January 5, 1937, she moved their marital bed downstairs to accommodate George. Soon, the Calaway’s community began pitching in, helping to care for George. Elizabeth’s diary for the rest of 1937 oscillates between commenting on her robust work life and social life, and commenting on George’s condition.. Exactly one year before George’s eventual death, Elizabeth’s diary entry reads: “Much cooler. George felt sick all day. I sewed. Fixed a quilt for Miss Monahan. Picked my tomatoes” [Aug 23, 1937]. Her Memoranda for 1937: “George sick all year long. Sometimes better than worse. It has been a hard year”. George eventually died on Aug 23, 1938 at age 51. Clippings of his newspaper death announcement and obituary are tucked into Elizabeth’s diary. The day of George’s death, Elizabeth wrote: “Very cool morning and night. George still breathing. We staid [sic] alone last night. At 8: 20 he passed away. Alice hadn’t finished her breakfast. We went to Erie. Bev Davison took us. Picked out casket. A very hard day”. With her usual energy, Elizabeth carried on. She did not have time to wallow in grief, though she did note visiting the cemetery on occasion. By 1940, her daughter Alice seems to be working in nearby Erie and Elizabeth visited regularly, bringing her home on weekends. Elizabeth and Alice also take a short vacation to New York City to attend the World’s Fair. Some excerpts to give the flavor of the diary in 1939 and 1940: “Very warm day. Singed and washed turkey. Worked quite hard until nearly two o’clock. Went to a lecture in evening very good” [July 21, 1939]. “Warmer. Quite a bit of snow but driving good. Let school out early. Went over home. Ate with Ma. We killed a rooster and picked it. Alice was home and had her supper. Miss Monahan staid [sic] here” [Nov 22, 1939]. “Very warm day. Got up early and started for New York City. Alice drove most of the way. Visit Picadilly Hotel. Cleaned up and went to see the Statue of Liberty. Didn’t get to bed until late” [June 12, 1940]. “Rather warm all day. Took Subway to the Fair. Took in many sights and walked until we were very tired. Sit on the Balcony of Pa. Building to see Colors of water and Fireworks. Got home at hotel rather late” [June 13, 1940]. “Very hot sun. The girls went to Church. We got up a little early. Done up work. Got chicken dinner. Made ice cream. Went for a ride. Looked at new houses. ” [June 16, 1940]. This diary would be an absolutely crucial addition to the collection of a women’s studies scholar as Elizabeth Calaway so completely explores every aspect of the middle age woman’s experience in the years leading up to World War II, though she does not discuss the war. This diary also contains a plethora of first and last names of friends and colleagues living in Pennsylvania at the time, a gem of a diary for a genealogist. The diary is leather bound and measures 4” x 5.5”. It is 100% complete (though she does not use the Memoranda or Special Notes sections, with one exception). The cover, spine and pages are all intact with only a small amount of age toning to the pages. The diary clasp is also attached. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 24mo 5" - 6" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012030

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary; 20th Century Manuscript; 20th Century Rare Book

Keywords: Female Authors Widows 20th American

FLORIAN MATTHEW CERNY

1942-43 Diary of a Chicago Man Training, Travelling and Serving in World War II

United States. Hardcover. On offer is an outstanding “My Life in the Service” record of a young conscript in the U. S army in WWIIThe owner of this volume was Florian Matthew Cerny (1913-1955) When he entered the army, he was 28 years old and recently married to Emily (Brod) Cerny (1916-1970). He was attached to the 738 Field Artillery Battalion. In the Service Record section, Cerny traces his career from induction on August 11, 1942 through his training at Camp Wallace and Camp Davis all the way through to his promotion to Buck Sergeant on December 7, 1943. Historical records indicate that in 1944 he was promoted to technical sergeant while serving at an air force command in the central Pacific. He worked as a carpenter following his army service and sadly died very young, at only 42-years-old. Florian enlisted in the U. S. Army in August, 1942. He keeps this diary until Dec 1943. Some excerpts give the flavour of his writing: “Inducted to Reception Center Camp Grant Ill. Submitted to tests and was issued some clothing” [Aug 11, 1942]. “My birthday. Treated well too. Cards from the following: my wife of course plus $5.00..Also started school” [Sept 21, 1942]. “Big obstacle course AM. And school. Extra drill because of noise after 9 PM Not guilty. Developed into Ju Jitsu instructor. OK” [Oct 26, 1942]. His diary records his transfers through several camps on a journey that takes him south from Chicago to Texas and then out to the west coast to Hollywood. In late December, his wife takes the train out to spend several days leave with him: “Big Day for me. Em got in safe and sound. Got off at 2: 30 to meet her and boy was I nervous. Sure was a sight for sore eyes could hardly believe it. Now to spend four glorious days with her” [Dec 23. 1942]. “Home on furlough. Buried Pa on the 26th. Had a fair time at home was nice to see everyone. Tried to get Mom straightened out. Took care of a few things for her. Left for camp Mar 11 at 10 PM Poor toots wanted to come along. If she only knew how much I wanted her. Rough trip stood from Harrisburg, PA to Richmond VA” [Feb 24-Mar 13, 1943]. “Graduated from Elec. Fire Control School at Camp Davis but have to stick around” [May 10, 1943]. His last entry is on Dec 19th, 1943, when he notes his return to the West Coast from a leave in Chicago: “Travelled by train going through 15 states & enjoying the scenery very much…” [Dec 19, 1943]. In other sections, he lists his ‘Buddies’ and the circumstances when/where they met. He also lists some of his commanding officers. Another section details where he has been posted. This is an excellent diary. As noted above, it puts a very human face to the life of ordinary men and women drafted to fight a war. For a historian, especially a military historian, this diary adds many details about daily life in the 738th Artillery. The listings of his buddies and his officers is especially valuable, not only to a historian but also to a genealogist. This purpose-printed journal measures 6.0 inches by 4.5 inches and contains 240 pages. It is about 30% complete. The covers are in good condition as are the binding and spine. The pages are also in good condition and the handwriting is legible. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 240 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012232

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: 2 Illinois Soldier Basic

MAUDE AMES CODMAN

1912 Manuscript Diary of a Well-Written Kalamazoo, Michigan Farming Wife and Mother

Kalamazoo, Michigan, 1912. Softcover. On offer is a quaint, well-written diary dating back to early 1912 Kalamazoo County, Michigan, written by farming wife and mother, Maude Ames Codman (1873-1955). While Maude does not identify herself, contextual clues, which include the names and birth dates of Maude and all of her family members and corresponding employment and location data, confirm Maude Codman’s identity. Maude was born in Ohio. In 1897, she married an older farmer named Albert Ferris Codman (1859-1942) and they lived together in Michigan. When Albert died, he was the oldest native-born resident of Wakeshema, Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was a farmer. Maude and Albert had two children: George Lewis Codman (1899-1977) and Esbon Brainard Codman (1902-1949). At the time she kept this diary, Maude was 39-years-old and her sons were 13 and 11. The Codman family lives on a farm and Maude’s days are full of baking, cleaning, household tasks as well as her very busy social life. Family and friends play an important role in Maude's life and her interactions with them are many. While they live near Fulton, Maude visits many other communities nearby, such as Schoolcraft, Vicksburg, and Leonidas. Maude is an excellent record keeper. On top of her pleasant diary entries, she keeps a robust address book, birthday list and one of the most detailed monthly accounting sections we have seen. Some excerpts from the diary give the flavour of Maude’s writing: “Ironed in forenoon. Albert went to Leonidas to try and find a hired man for next year but had no luck. May was down in afternoon. I turned some old blankets. Albert started for Kal about 5 P. M.. Will stay with Aunt Helen tonight” [Jan 17]. “It didn’t snow much today but the wind blew so they could not make roads. Albert tries to go over to Shooks with empty bobs but snow was so deep he had to give it up . Trains are all stopped and a bad wreck on G. R. & I last eve north of [ ]” [Feb 22]. “Ironed, baked bread and cake and took everything out of sitting room and dining room as Ed Cuthbert will come tomorrow to run partition. Was so tired at night was about all in” [Mar 26]. “This is A’s 53rd birthday. I baked a cake in A. M. And then cleaned up the house. Albert’s folks came over to supper. Alice brought A a nice birthday cake. We had chicken for supper” [Apr 5]. “Albert and [ ] started out with Frank and Fred in the wagon at 8: 30 last eve and didn’t get home til after daylight. Lottie and I put in an awful night too. She was up here from 10 to 11 and I was down there from 2 to 4. Neither of us slept a bit. If those men do such a trick again, there will be something doing. We all slept after breakfast until noon. The boys were over to Aubrey’s. I drove Fred to Fulton. Went to [ ] and got my panama hat. It is a daisy” [June 13]. “Boys started to school this AM. Esbon feeling better. I did the washing alone. Missed the boys. They help a lot. Albert and Leon tore down back porch in PM. Boys thing the new teacher Florence Bennet is a great improvement” [Sept 2]. Maude’s detailed cash accounting of expenditures is kept from January through October. She also records in various places payments for various products such as cream, veal and livestock. Tucked into the back of the diary is a warm, heartfelt letter of thanks to Maud from a close friend named Anna. For a historian, this is an excellent picture of rural life in the midwest in the early years of the 20th century. It details not only the work entailed in running a successful family farm but also gives an insight into the economics of the times. For a Women’s Studies program, it offers a very clear look at the role of women in rural America and the daily tasks that filled their lives. The diary is approximately 80% complete, covering much of 1912. The cover is a light taupe canvas with brown leather trim and has a fold over flap. There is a small pocket on the inside back cover. The binding is in very good condition as are the pages. The handwriting is legible. The entries are quite detailed. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011130

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

SYLVIA COHN

1924 Diary of a Jewish Working Girl Dating and Coming-of-Age in the Bronx

Havana, Cuba, 1924. Softcover. On offer is a delightful, well-written diary of a young single Jewish woman from the Bronx, dating and relating during the vibrant years of New York’s Roaring TwentiesThe author of the diary is Sylvia Cohn (b. C1905). Cohn lived in the Bronx district of NYC. She was born to Solomon Cohn (1876-1950) and Carrie Cohn (b. 1877). She had one brother named Jack (1910-1950). Sylvia is a young Jewish woman, about 19 when she wrote this diary. At the time of her writing she is single by choice as she has many suitors from which to choose. When she writes this diary she is working as a stenographer at a legal firm, and living at home on 1343 Prospect Ave. There is no further biographical information available. Sylvia works a regular job, has a very active social life and a particular interest in music. She begins singing lessons in April of 1924 and makes her singing debut in public on July 9th. She discusses her singing regularly. She also discusses her innermost thoughts, her dating life, and her social escapades. Sylvia misses some days of writing in 1924, but her entries are all very long and very newsy. A true gem of a diary. She attends a lot of events and her diary doubles as something of a scrapbook as she pastes in programs and cards related to her outings. Some excerpts give the flavour of Sylvia’s writing: “The P. O. F Club afforded us some real enjoyment tonight with Judge Caffrey as its speaker. He gave us some snappy views on ‘Women’ (he’s a bachelor) and what he thought should be the ideal modern woman...He maintained that women should be 1. In home atmosphere as much as possible, 2. Shouldn’t lose her womanly attributes in the struggle for equality with men, 3. That woman cannot be equal to man until she can stand up and take a licking from one” [May 1]. “Was spent hiking around and up a very steep hill. In afternoon we met the boys from the Northover Camp whom Miss Schechtman had been informed of and they came over in the evening to our camp fire at 10 o’clock. This party had disastrous results for them but had many memories for us. It was delightful - [] entertainment and I had to sing for them” [May 31]. “My debut tonight. I was very nervous and also the fact that I was singing out in the open air made my voice unable to carry very well. I sang “At Dawning” and “Oh My Beloved Daddy” for an encore. Everyone said it was fine but it didn’t suit my standard. F was my accompanist. The affair as a whole was very successful” [July 9]. “Uneventful day except that we had a terrible dinner out tonight. I must be getting foolish in my old age but I have romantic ideas about M. D.. But he seems a hard fish to land as he’s used to women’s wiles. (You’d think I really did some vamping to hear me talk) I’d like to but I don’t know how. I think, tho, that he’s a type I could grow to love. Maybe” [Aug 8]. “Freida and I were describing yesterday our yearning for the sort of good times some of the girls have in the night life of New York- not too tame and not too wild. We long to have it just to see what it's like and then we’d probably tire of it Oh but just to try it once ourselves without having to depend on hearsay. Wonder if we’ll ever do it legitimately! ” [October 20]. “MD - I just love to dance with him. He took Sadie and me home too as I refused Jerry’s and Billie’s offers for various reasons. Billie was lost and wandered around the place, every now and then giving me a chance to refuse him a dance. F and Minna had a funk time. I think because they didn’t get in with any of the boys and left very early while Mae and Sylvia had a glorious evening of it. My two guests, the Livy Bros, were bored stiff as they were not in their rough element but I should worry it was a financial success my gosh - we made over $100. Oh! I mustn’t forget to tell about the Program” [Nov 6]. For a gender studies program, this diary is a fascinating look into the life of a smart young woman living in the heyday of the Roaring 20s when economic prosperity and cultural change swept across America. This diary measures 6.75x4.0 inches and contains 365 pages. It is approximately 80% complete. The covers are leather and show definite signs of wear. The binding has separated at the spine and the front cover has separated from the binding. The pages are all intact and in good condition. The handwriting is legible. Overall Fair. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 012239

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: ' Experiences Coming

CHARLES LEONARD CONE AND MARIAN ERMA (WILLIAMS MCCRACKEN) CONE

1925-1938 Diaries of the Husband and Wife of a Stafford, New York Farming Family, Both of Whom Are on Their Second Marriages

Stafford, Batavia, New York, New York State. Hardcover. On offer is a terrific archive of two diaries and a cash accounts book kept by a farming husband and wife in Stafford, New York, which follow them from late in their courtship through their marriage and the family life that followed. The diaries belong to Charles Leonard Cone (1904-1978) and Marian Erma (Williams McCracken) Cone (1905-1995). Charles and Marian were each other’s second spouses. Charles’ first wife, Mae Pinney died in 1926, while Marian divorced her first husband, Ezekiel David McCracken in February of 1929 (in her accounting notes she includes the $70.00 she paid for said divorce). Marian and Charles married on May 4, 1929. They had ten children. They each entered their marriage with a child from their previous unions (Evelyn and Charles Jr. ). Together, the couple had Doris (who did not survive infancy) , Shirley, Norma, Laura, Laverne, Lloyd, Robert and Betty. This collection of three diaries covers the years of 1925-1938. The first two books were kept by Marian. The first is a diary that covers January 1, 1929-May 9, 1929 and May 10 1930-August 5, 1930 (note that this is a 1929 diary and Marian has changed the year to 1930 beginning on May 10). The second is a cash account book, offering a fascinating look at the cost of goods and services in the 1920s and 1930s. Marian begins the accounts book in January of 1925 and keeps it consistently until mid-1926. The book is then used inconsistently between 1928 and 1938, allowing the researcher to compare cost of living over the course of 13 years. The final dairy allows us to see the Cone’s world through their patriarch, Charles. He keeps the diary mostly from January to April, 1934, with a few entries in 1937. His entries are fairly brief but provide a nice contrast to Marian’s, as he describes the work he does day to day. Some excerpts from Marian’s diary follow: “It has been pleasant, just like a spring day. The snow is all gone. The creek is up to the road and it is raining tonight. I mopped and done my ironing this forenoon. We sewed this afternoon. I finished Elsi Scott’s dress and got Mother’s all done but the hem” [Jan 18, 1929]. “It was pleasant only the wind blew. Louis plowed all day. We went over to Stafford and got our license this forenoon. We took Evelyn up to his folks while we went up and got married. We went up to Ruth’s tonight. [Charles] Junior came home with us this afternoon. Ruth and George had gone away. I made a cake and decorate it for Ruth’s birthday. I broke the starter again” [May 4, 1929]. “Louis plowed over to the other place in the afternoon he dragged the barley ground. Charlie drilled the barley in the forenoon and sowed grass seed in the afternoon. I rolled a while in the afternoon” [May 10, 1930]. “It was pleasant all day. The boys began pulling beans this morning. Had to fork them out by hand. I baked a cake and 2 pies this morning then went over and forked beans the rest of the day” [Aug 28, 1930]. Excerpts from the Charles diary follow: “Arose 5: 30. Took children to school. Took Marian to dentist had all her teeth out. Rev Miller was here tonight. Mrs. Votry kept children” [Feb 1, 1934]. “Fixed spreader in a. M. Cut awhile p. M. Until rain. Marian went to Batavia alone p. M. Omar and I went to night” [Mar 31, 1934]. “Rose 3: 15. Loaded lambs. Fred helped us sold some potatoes worked around all day went to Raymond’s at night” [Apr 9, 1934]. The diaries measure 7x4.5 inches, 5.25x4.75 inches and 7x4.25 inches respectively. All are in Fair+ condition with notable wear to the covers. The books range from 30% to 60% complete. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012247

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: Divorcee Widower

R. J. DOUBLE

1945 Diary of a British Lieutenant Serving in Roorkee, India and in Operation Grapeshot in Italy and Later in at the Tail End of World War 2

Roorke, India, Italy, England, Europe, 1945. Hardcover. On offer is an outstanding journal of an officer who was part of the spring 1945 offensive in Italy, codenamed Operation Grapeshot - the final Allied attack during the Italian Campaign in the final stages of WWII. The diary belongs to R. J. Double, a 28 year Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers. Our informal research has not been able to find any additional information about him. The Royal Engineers served in every theatre of conflict in WWII. Indeed, their motto is “Ubique” Latin for ‘Everywhere’. We know that Double was in India not only from his diary entries but also from a pass that permitted him access to the “Bombay Port Trust Docks”. This pass, dated Nov 18th, 1943, confirms both his name and his Regiment. He was stationed at Roorkee, India, on the Burma Front. In January 1945, Double was serving in Roorkee, India. He was posted then to the Reinforcement Battalion and prepared to travel to Italy to join the British Eighth Army which was preparing for the massive assault on the German Gothic Line. On January 21st, he shipped out, beginning a long trip to Italy. An excerpt follows: “...I caught the 10: 45 train on my way to Delhi. The train arrived in Saharanpur at midnight. The train for Delhi arrived at 6: 00 am. I slept in the waiting room” [Jan 21]. On Mar 14, Double arrived at his destination, a camp near Forli, Italy, south of the Senio River. For the next few weeks, he was busy with the engineering work that had to be done before the major assault could begin. Excerpts follow: “Demonstration of flame throwing and building our trestle bridges – everything went ok” [Mar 23]. “SENIO RIVER ATTACK…I do not intend to write about it I shall never forget what happened It was my first time in action and I now value the experience I was more or less prepared to die or be wounded afterwards. I almost wondered why I received nothing. The attack was a success even though casualties were high…” [Apr 9]. “I returned to our H. A. About 10 o’clock very hungry and very very tired. I went to bed. I woke up for dinner in the evenings and went to bed again. The guns were firing heavily all night but I hardly noticed them” [April 10]. For the next several weeks, he worked in and around the battle area, inspecting bridges, clearing mines, etc. "I tried to sleep was woken up several times for wireless heard Pollack was killed. I went up to Po to do checking…on other side of River. Found nothing…” [Apr 26]. He notes the Italian Surrender on May 2nd. He also notes some of the carnage: “...There are many dead German bodies which keep floating down the river. They catch in the wreckage below the bridge and remain there together with the dead horses. It is a very unpleasant sight…” [May 11]. On leave, he takes some time to visit Rome and Assisi before he is ordered to return to India and the front lines there where the war is still raging. On June 20th, he ships out. The next 2 weeks of his diary are filled with detailed notes on his journey until he arrives at Roorkee, India on July 11th. He notes the detonation of the first nuclear bomb, the entry of Russia into the war against Japan and finally, in an entry highlighted in red – the end of the war: “FINAL VICTORY The day we have waited for for six long years. The Japanese surrender was accepted and arrangements were made for their complete surrender all over the Pacific. On a day like this I naturally think of Frank and wonder how long it will be before he is free and what he will be like. The day went on as usual. Dave Lang came down to dinner and we went to Cinema. Sa “No [sic] Voyager” Bette Davis” [Aug 15]. On August 16, Double and his peers were given a two day “victory holiday”. Double continues to record his time in India even after victory was declared, including the signing of the surrender of Singapore on September 12. He leaves Roorkee, India on September 21 and records in detail his journey back to Europe and his travels around when he returns. He finally arrives back in England on November 18, at which time he writes, “This was really my Victory Day…” He continues to write daily about his life back at home until the end of 1945. For a historian, this is a superb, first-hand account of a young officer’s life in WWII. Not only was the author present at one of the major campaigns in Europe, but he also served on the Burma front in what some have referred to as ‘the Forgotten War’. It would be an outstanding addition to the library of a WWII researcher. Measuring 7.25 inches by 6.75 inches, this 1945 diary contains 183 pages and is 98% complete. Tipped into the diary are handwritten notes and newspaper articles. The cover is in good condition although it shows wear marks. The binding is sewn and is in good condition as are the pages. The writing is legible. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 183 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012246

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: 2 Overseas Soldier

HAROLD EDMUND (EDWIN) DRAKE

1918-1919 Diary of an Intelligent, Witty Us Army Medic Exploring France While Stationed in Rumaucourt As the War Drew to Its Close

Rumaucourt, France, 1918-1919. Softcover. On offer is an excellent, intensely detailed World War I diary kept by a bright, well-written young man named Harold Edmund (sometimes Edwin) Drake (1897-1987) , who would become a well-respected dentist in his home state of Ohio following his time in the service. Military records show that Drake was trained for service at Camp Crane. He was in the Camp Crane Unit #17 August Automatic Replacement Unit (Medical). Camp Crane was a World War I United States Army Ambulance Service (USAAS) training camp, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Its mission was to train ambulance drivers to evacuate casualties on the Western Front in France. In September 1918, Drake was deployed to France, sailing on the USS Maui. When Drake commences this diary (which he clearly states is his second since entering the service; his first entry begins “Continued from Book 1”) he is stationed in Rumaucourt, France. Rumaucourt is in the Pas de Calais region. This region was in the heart of the WWI conflict and one of the principal theatres of the war. Many major battles took place between 1914 and 1918, including Vimy Ridge, Arras, Artois, and Cambrai. Drake recounts his day-to-day existence at Rumaucourt, sometimes with a very wry sense of humour. “My diary as a US Soldier (I wasn’t really a soldier, just being attached to the army for rations, etc but it sounds swell) ” [Inside front cover]. He does not identify his unit but context confirms that he is a Sergeant, later promoted to Sergeant-Major. Context also suggests that he is serving in one of the many Convalescent Hospitals near the front. What makes Drake’s diary special is the level of detail in which he writes, both about his experiences as a soldier overseas and of his experience as a bright and engaged young man taking advantage of this accidental travel opportunity. His entries are long and he writes with wit and, sometimes, poetically. His entries take a turn after the Treaty of Versailles is signed in June, 1919, and he discovers he will not be immediately returned to America. His disdain for the army in which he is committed to serve is palpable. Some excerpts follow, to give a sense of how Drake wrote about his work and his play: “12: 20 AM and I am sitting at an oil-cloth covered table in the Red Cross hut at Is-Sur-Tille. Our instructions are to be at Rumaucourt station in time to catch the American Rocade for Chaumont. Well we arrived at about 12: 45 and started to wait. When it was about time for the train to arrive, the RLO announced that it would be a very crowded train so he would put us on the 3: 29 ‘Frog’ train. So we started in to wait once more. Time is the most abundant thing a French railroad possesses. 3: 29 came and passed…” [Feb 18, 1919]“Walked around the grounds in bright sunshine and climbed out on the cliffs, where we had a fine view of the cape and the town on the other side of the harbor. The sea of deep blue with the villas of white [together? ] with the red tile roofs made a most beautiful picture. On the shore to the left was the mountains with their tops enveloped in clouds. After dinner we caught the first car into town to take the trip there. The “Old City” and “Chateau Hill” which started from the “Y” at 2: 15pm. Saw a hotel in which Napoleon and a Pope or two had stopped, the Hotel de Hills or City Hall, and the ancient palace of the Duchess of Savoy, an ancient church which was begun about the 15th century. Very beautiful inside…” [Feb 20, 1919 - this is a brief excerpt of his four page account of a vividly detailed description of a guided evening tour of town that he took. On May 30, he travels to Versailles for another guided tour and writes another three vividly detailed pages about the history, sights and sounds of the place amidst war]. “…BH [Base Hospital] 52 and 58 left this afternoon on the first lap of their trip home. They were delayed a bit at the depot as their train of “ Hommes 40 Chevaux 8 “ was believed a wreck. This wreck was caused in a wood very near St. B... The pilot of an airplane fell from his machine at quite a height and fell near the track His machine flew for about a mile and then crashed onto the train smashing in and derailing a car of men Two men were injured and the observer is not expected to live. The pilot was found dead along the track. Probably first time in history that a plane has wrecked a train” [Mar 8, 1919]. “Work about as usual. Peace signed at 3 P. M. [he refers to the Treaty of Versailles]. Parade tonight - Lebanon can put on a better parade than that” [June 28, 1919]. “...No liberty for anyone. A grand and glorious fourth! From the news at present it looks as tho we would be here for a while. Am disgusted with the army and all pertaining to it” [July 5, 1919]. For a historian, this is a superb, first-hand account of a soldier’s daily life at the close of WWI. In plain but well-written English he describes events and circumstances that never make it into the history textbooks but are the all-too-real experiences of life in the army during wartime. This is a fine addition to any collection of first-hand accounts of WWI and is an excellent example of primary-source documentationBIO NOTES ON HAROLD E. DRAKE: Harold Edmund (sometimes called Edwin) Drake (1897-1987) was born to parents Frank and Ida in Lebanon, Ohio. He enlisted to the US Army on July 20, 1918 and was honourably discharged on October 2, 1919. Upon returning to Ohio from his service, Drake became a dentist. Dr. Harold Drake married Dolla Pauline Spencer in 1947. Sadly, Spencer’s father passed away shortly before the wedding, so it was an understated affair. The couple had no children. Harold was accepted as a member of the Sons of the American Revolution as the direct ancestor of Private Joseph Drake (b. 1744) of New Jersey. Joseph Drake was his great-great-great paternal grandfather. This diary measures 5.5 inches by 3.5 inches. It is a standard-issue pocket notebook, a precursor to today’s Field Message Pad (FMP). Each page is printed with a faint grid pattern overlay. The notebook has 100 pages and is about 90% complete. The cover is in good condition save for some chipping and loss of leather at the spine. The binding is intact and the pages present age toning that does not interfere with readability.. The handwriting is legible. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 100 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011160

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary; 20th Century Manuscript; 20th Century Rare Book

EARLE SUMNER DRAPER

1914 Diary by Earle Sumner Draper, Who Coined the Term Urban Sprawl

Amherst, Massachusetts, 1914. Hardcover. Offering a 1914 handwritten personal diary by Earle Sumner Draper, who would go on to have a major impact on urban planning in the United States. At the time of writing, Draper was a 21-year-old Massachusetts Agricultural College (later called UMass Amherst) student. The book offers an excellent glimpse of what life as a landscape architecture student in the 1940s looked like. Draper’s days are filled with studying, socializing, and extracurriculars. “Up at 8: 30 went into Boston -- around looking for a summer job in [...] offices. Fair luck. Dinner at N. S. Hotel. Took Susie out to the Harvard game. An awful game -- we lost 18-3. Took the 6: 10 out to Harry’s and studied in evening. Bed at 10: 30 PM” (February 11). “Up at 5: 45 and studied Hort. Waited. Worked all morning with Harrison on topo work. Cut Math. Learned more about topo than I ever knew before. Cut drill (was excused). Tennis practice in doubles. Supper. Worked on Frat ball game. Studied L [...] 10 all evening” (May 20). “Started work on design for Mrs. Haight’s Rose Garden. No letter from N yet. Somewhat worried. Read Kenyon [...] on “Design” in library in evening” (September 17). “Working on design for Ellwood. Played tag football. Attended Senate Hash House Investigation meeting with Kenny. Wrote up Ent roster. Trouble getting Feb 12 date for hockey filled” (November 17). Draper was born in Massachusetts in 1893. In 1915 he earned his B. S. In landscape architecture from Massachusetts Agricultural College (now the University of Massachusetts). After graduating, he went to Charlotte, North Carolina, to work on the Myers Park subdivision, and eventually established his own firm specializing in upper-class residential neighborhoods and mill towns. He later moved to Washington, DC, and became the director of land planning and housing for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) , and then director of regional planning studies. In 1940 he became assistant administrator of the Federal Housing Administration and was later appointed as its acting commissioner. Earle Draper is the man who coined the phrase “urban sprawl, ” which is used to describe uncontrolled suburban growth with little to no regard for planning. His collected papers can be found at the University of North Carolina and Cornell University. Draper’s diary provides an excellent window into the education and formation of one of America’s most important planners. Details: Size 4.75" x 3"Number of pages: 122100% completeOverall condition: goodBinding: cracked along inside front cover Handwriting: legible; Manuscripts; 4.75" x 3"; 122 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010044

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: . Planned Communities City Planner Alumni

STELLA MAE DURBIN (LATER BROWN)

1936-1940 Collection of Diaries of a Young Ottawa, Kansas Republican Woman on the Verge of Independence

Topeka, Ottawa, Kansas. Softcover. On offer is a terrific archive of four diaries spanning over four years in the life of a busy, politically engaged and descriptive young Kansas woman named Stella May Durbin (later Brown) (1909-1977) [SEE BIO NOTES AT END OF LISTING]. Stella was a proud Republican and member of the the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic and Order of the Eastern Star. She suffered from colitis and describes the experience of inpatient surgery and recovery in 1936 quite well. She references abdominal pain throughout her diaries. Stella works in both Ottawa and Tokepa, Kansas. At one point she works at the Topeka State Hospital. Stella’s entries are generally long and very newsy. Reading her diary is very much like hearing an update from a friend. Her 1936-1938 diaries are very comprehensive. In 1939 she tapers her writing, begins using it as more of a ledger book for her finances, and includes a few random 1940 entries (and dates them as such) , which is a fun treat. Some excerpts give a sense of how Stella writes and the general content of her diaries: “...Lois and Merv took us to see the wrecked car downtown. Two cars collided head on, then Carl, Murch and Eileen drove into the wreck. They weren’t hurt but one fellow was killed. Had quite a surprise this afternoon when Clair Spears called and came up to talk. He must have thot I was a wreck for I’d shampooed and set my hair…” [Jan 5, 1936]. “Hottest ever recorded as late in the season. Leota called to ask me to attend the G. O. P. Party council with her in Topeka tomorrow and I don’t feel like it…Saw Ritz Malone and talked about the elephant cookies for the next G. O. P. Banquet. Have pills to take, got Belladona for colitis…” [Aug 24, 1936]. In September of 1936, Stella has a surgery, in which one and a half of her “tubes” are removed and she reports her “appendix had an attack”. This surgery was presumably related to her colitis though she does not specify. She writes for several days after the surgery, painting a picture of what it was like to be inpatient post-op in the 1930s. A sample excerpt from her post operative recovery is here: “...Get a bath every morning, alcohol rub on back and powder bath then back rub again..keeping register of doctors, nurses and aids…” [Sept 17, 1936]. “Saw Franklin D. Roosevelt today…Ruth, Mother and I went to Junction to see Roosevelt. He just sat in the car and waved - rather disheartenedly, we all thot. Crowd went wild…” [Oct 13, 1936]. “Washed and dressed, straightened house & dishes about 9: 30 when 5 of K. C. Folks drove up. Busy all morning getting dinner but I let them do the dishes. Rested and we all read excerpts from grandma’s diaries…” [May 30, 1936]. “Home after work...Not paid tonight & was surprised. Paid the balance on my shoes and they seem alright but I don’t know... Put 9 pennies in bank tonite – I’ll get something nice with them someday…” [Mar 25, 1937]. “...Went to the Circle meeting...Mrs Morgan pres, Mrs. Bidermans Sr Vice & yours truly Jr Vice. Also elected 1st delegate to State encampment at Topeka in May with all expenses paid Can be so nice with granddad going too…” [Dec 10, 1937]. “Went to see Alexander’s Ragtime Band and surely enjoyed it. Don Ameche, Alice Faye & Tyrone Power. Went to Cheney’s for groceries but didn’t see anyone I knew. Had an experience – a woman tried to run Mrs. Bowlby & Nadine. Then the woman thumbed her nose – audibly – was I mad! “ [Sept 14, 1938]. “Election at Eastern Star and I was gloriously defeated! Mrs. Chalmers got it. Feel relieved but I got the best votes of all 4. She got it easily on the 2nd ballot” [Dec 7, 1938]. “...Mr. Pleasant called today and I’m to work in driver’s license bureau at $12.60 a week, am to go to Olathe Sat re to schooling. Cleaned ice box and floor all around it…. Made ice cream too - butterscotch. Anna, Mother and I to Star and the dummy candidate - my feet are screeching! ...” [June 7, 1939]. “Got letter from Frank this morn so I answered it and told him the decisions were up to him or we might try a month’s separation - just writing if we cared to” [June 20, 1939]. “...Granddad died 3: 15am July 13…Started work in Topeka State Hospital - July 30, 1939…Frank started work Jan 3, 1940 and on his own in car on Wed 24th January” [Memoranda Section, 1939 diary]. For a social historian, this group of diaries offers and excellent look at the life of a young American woman in the years immediately preceding WWII. They also portray the social structures of the time and the roles that women played within society – roles that would radically change in a few short years. BIO NOTES: Stella was the third of four children born to parents William Henley Durbin and Mary Estella Getty in Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas. Stella married Talmadge Abraham Brown in Ottawa, Kansas on October 6, 1940. Brown served 19 years in the US Navy and Stella moved with her husband for his career, landing in South Carolina, where Talmadge would sadly die in 1956. This archive contains four diaries covering the years of 1936-1939. All four diaries measure 6x3.75 inches. The diaries for 1936-1937 are 90% complete, while the 1938 and 1939 diaries are about 60% complete. The covers, bindings and pages are all in Good condition. There are several neat pieces of ephemera tipped into the diaries, including . ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010058

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: Chronic Illness