FREDERICK WILLIAM ABENDSCHEIN (PRESUMED AUTHOR)

1919-1920 Diary of a Cornell University Freshman Who Has Waited out the Great War to Finally Achieve His College Dream

Ithica, New York, 1919. Softcover. On offer is the engaging diary of a post WWI student at Cornell University. The author of this diary is believed to be Frederick William Abendschein (1894-1975) , though this cannot be confirmed. There are contextual clues that loosely identify our author as either Abendschein or someone close to him. The clues include references to his sister Edith (by name and by date of her wedding) , and his brother-in-law, Frank Elliott Wood, as well as mentions of the family’s last name. There are other pieces of complementary information within the journal, such as a reference to a War Risk Insurance Policy dated 1917 (#3081). Abendschein served in WWI from May 1918 through February 1919. The diary records our author’s first year at Cornell University, and in many ways reads as a love letter to the institution. Our author is so happy to be a student at Cornell despite the typical freshman challenges he faces. He recounts the usual types of experiences a new student might have, including figuring out campus, his classes and fraternity life. He begins his diary at the beginning of the school year and concludes it in the summer, with only a few brief entries later in 1920. The following excerpts will give a flavour of the diary: “After two years of waiting with apparent endless hard luck, I’m on the way at last. Its one grand and glorious feeling. Edith, Mother, Elliott and I had supper then on the way…” [Sept 28, 1919]. “The end of my first day at Cornell. Some day! After many trials and reverses registration was finally completed. Just one damn thing after another…” [Sept 29, 1919]. “Had quite a pleasant day on the hill well some with marked improvement in trig. Procured my text book after some little difficulty. Went to the Theta Xi house tonight and while it doesn't present the same appearance as Chi Psi the house and fellows are a great bunch. Enjoyed every minute of it. Met people who knew some in R. And lunch at Ithica” [Oct 13, 1919]. “Spent the afternoon [ ] and reading. Went to library in the evening to get some dope for my Eng theme. Came home and studied” [Feb 19, 1920]. “Very busy day. Came down the Hill at 5 and went to work on Chem. Worked until 10. Then bed” [Apr 12, 1920]. “The Descript was a bear. Feel sure I buster higher than a bit. Went to Forge in the afternoon. Very tired Did some English and went to bed” [May 4, 1920]. “All in today and didn’t go up the Hill until the afternoon. Took Peggy for a walk and had a mighty nice time. Worked all evening. Received a wedding announcement from Louise Anchaus” [June 4, 1920]. For a social historian, this small diary offers an excellent look into the life of a college student who was likely fresh out of the U. S. Army and immediately following WWI. It offers an interesting look into one aspect of the generation that would eventually be referred to as “the Lost Generation”. This diary is a 7-ring binder measuring 7.0x4.5 inches. The covers are a pebbled leatherette with the word “Diary” embossed on the front in gold. The diary is set up as a students diary with pages beginning in September. There are two days per page for a total of approximately 194 pages including some information pages. The covers and pages are in good condition and the handwriting is legible. It is approximately 65% complete. Overall Good. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012208

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: World 1 Dating

ELIZABETH HAZEN BEARD (NEE SHERBORNE OR SHERBURNE)

1948 Journal of Written Lectures on Literature, Covering Famous Massachusetts Authors and Analysis of Children’S Literature

Worcester, Massachusetts, 1948. Hardcover. On offer is an interesting journal kept by a very well-read woman in mid-century Massachusetts. The journal belonged to Elizabeth Hazen Beard (nee Sherborne or Sherburne) (1909-1993). She was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to parents Mary Alicia Hazen and WIlliam Frances Sherborne (Sherburne) , where she lived her entire life. She attended Milford High School and then Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She married Sidney Beard, a tool maker, and together they had two sons, David and William. This journal has multiple components, though its main focus is on Beard’s literary interests. Though census data indicates that Beard did not have a career outside of the home, it seems she was part of a literary society or other academic club. In this journal she writes what seems to be a lengthy lecture about contemporary children’s literature, where she discusses the benefits of reading for children as well as several children’s books and authors. Some of the children’s books she discusses are Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McClaskey, a book of animal stories by George Duplaix, The Little History of the United States by Mable Pyne, Airplane Ready by Sanford Tuasey, Little Boat Boy by Jean Bothwell. Later in the journal, she writes another lengthy lecture where she focuses on the Massachusetts literary scene including its authors Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, places famous local authors wrote their masterpieces, local landmarks that are important in literature and more. Her final lecture that she recorded in this journal is titled “Reading I have Enjoyed”. Here she writes extensively on the book Early American Decoration by Esther Brazer. Beard is well-written, bright, thoughtful and deeply passionate about literature. Her written lectures read like elaborate book reports with added elements of history and philosophy. Another interesting feature of the journal are two essays dealing with geopolitics - completely unrelated to Beard’s work on literature. These two essays are written in a hand that is not Beard’s (and the author is unknown). The first essay is titled “Changing Ideas of Empire (England” and the second is untitled but is about the West’s relationship with Russia and the Cold War. One of the essays is written within the pages of the journal and the second is tipped in. Both are written by an intelligent and knowledgeable author, and are written as speeches, just as Beard’s entries are. These were written much later than Beard’s work, as they reference a deep conflict between ‘West” and Russia, focused on Russia fomenting Muslim discontent in Iran. There is no hint as to who is the author of these two sections. Some brief excerpts follow: “Reading is one of life’s recreations. Thoughtful parents, teachers and friends should help to instill the love of books with as sure a place and as great patience as are employed in cultivating good manners, honesty, unselfishness, and other fundamental habits of life…”. “Mass is rich with places of literary interest and abounds with scenes reminiscent of our best loved authors. If certain of your pet authors receive little or no mention in this paper, I hope you will forgive these sins of omission, as time permits me to mention only a few of the many. Reading I Have Enjoyed The book I have chosen for my subject is one that I am constantly reading and referring to as an enthusiast of handwork and decoration…”. For anyone with an interest in 20th century literature and literary endeavours, this is a must-own manuscript. It would also be of interest to a gender studies program, as Beard is recorded in the history books as a “Housewife”, yet this journal presents her as a bright and brilliant mind with much going on outside of her domestic life. The journal measures about 9x7 inches and contains 84 pages. It is about 90% complete. The book is hardcover and the covers are in good condition. There is some wear on the corners. The binding is in good condition and the pages are glued and sewn, though loosening. The lined pages are in good condition. The handwriting is quite legible. Overall Good. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 84 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012258

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

PERRY BENGE

1939 Manuscript Work Log of a Seasoned Electrician and Lineman Working in California

California, United States, 1939. Softcover. On offer is the professional notebook of an electrical lineman in 1939 California named Perry Benge (1880-1950). Benge was born in Kentucky to parents Deloraha House and David Benge. He served in the US Army in the Spanish-American War and in the US Navy as an electrician in World War One (WWI). In 1919, Benge married Myrtle Belle Faris Mott. This was her second marriage and she was 13 years Perry’s senior. They had no children, though Myrtle had adult children from her previous marriage. After leaving the Navy in 1925, Perry worked in Oregon and Los Angeles County as an electrician and lineman. Perry kept this notebook to record his daily work tasks and interactions with colleagues from May through November of 1939 (and briefly in January of 1940). Context indicates he was working in and around San Bernardino, California. In this notebook, he logs his travel through his assigned counties, and discusses complications he encounters on the job, colleagues he works with and sometimes notes his activities on his days off. Some excerpts follow: “Barstow – Victoriaville – shower - [ ] for Cozzens – Dodson on 207-5 – Weed Crew – Southworth & Foss on cable set-up at 21051-53 – Wilsons – Doyle 227 mile – KR – waited for call from Joyce – 5: 20 – Red Chief – Wilsons – Red Chief” [May 24]. “Boulder – bottle neck – state line highway to Baker – Lunch – signed at Hardy’s – SL - with West to 58 on Road damage small – 5L – Barstow [July 29] Bar – Vic – San Berdo from 9: 30 to 11: 30 with Johnson & Thrall on SL School – Wilsons – office – City Hall with helpers applications” [Aug 28]. “Off – Wilsons Lunch – KR – Hr to Lytle Creek and Lost Lake – Waited at Applewhite for Doyle. Report on 8854 ar 4: 30. Start for SL – arrive 7 PM. Joyce 8: 30 PM. Body removed by E. Doyle 10 PM – set anchors & got ready to shore & guy. Line out 12 PM – guyed and shored through 6 AM at Barstow 7: 30 AM” [Sept 27]. “Bar with bull saw – Joyce – picked up 408 – went to 198 tel house – Kennedy on E side of Lytle Cr – on compl of counterpoise by constr crew laid off – Doyle 110 mi – San Savine – Wilsons – Off – home” [Nov 22]. This is a treasure of a notebook for anyone interested in municipal affairs, utility management, or the state of California at the outset of WWII. Measuring 6.75x4 inches, the notebook contains 96 pages and is approximately 75% complete. The cover is in good condition and the spine is sealed with tape. There is some wear damage at the bottom of the spine but it does not affect the contents. The pages are in good condition and the handwriting is legible. Overall Good. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 96 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011151

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: Electricians Utilities Planning

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

LA VERNE (SOMETIMES LAVERNE) GENEVIEVE CASSEDAY

1934-1939 Diary of a High School Student Living in the Rural Coal Region of Pennsylvania

Scalp Level, Pennsylvania, Windber, PA. Hardcover. On offer is an interesting 5-year diary written by a teenage girl living in the rural coal region of Pennsylvania during the Great Depression. The author of this diary is La Verne (sometimes Laverne) Genevieve Casseday (1920-2010) of Scalp Level, Pennsylvania. Laverne was born to Roy and Mildred (Horne) Casseday. In 1950, she married Dean Shank Hostletler (1919-2004). Dean served in England in WWII, attended the Cincinnati School of Embalming, and eventually worked in sales at Schmidt’s Blue Ribbon Bakery. They had one daughter, Gail (1952-2003). La Verne was an entrepreneur who worked as a hairdresser and beautician. In adulthood, she was heavily involved with Windber Museum and the Windber Coal Heritage. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. La Verne attended Windber High School in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. She notes in the back of her diary that she is a freshman in 1934. La Verne begins her diary in 1934, but is a highly inconsistent diarist. She skips around over the next few years, sometimes writing regularly for several days or weeks, sometimes ignoring her dairy for months only to return for a few entries. Her last entries are in 1939. Some excerpts give a sense of the flavour of her diary: “Went to town. Got picture taken. Bought a new dress for school. Stayed home in evening” [July 30, 1934 or 1935]. “Ironed. Went to Central City to swimming pool. Martha and Duf Lockrie, Betty, Janet, Aunt June. Ethel was here in Eve” [July 7, 1936]. “Went to the show. Some boys walked us home. Too bad we were seen by anybody” [Mar 26, 1937]. “Received watch. Graduation gift. Handkerchief from Mrs. Hakenbury. Commencement Ethel Shaffers” [May 26, 1937]. “Verna and I went to Oakland. Had a pretty good time. Lloyd Hostetter and Jac Faust brought us home” [May 26, 1938]. "Mother & Dad & Janet went to Windber. Janet & I went to see “Way Down South”. Had a nice time. Went into Schaffer’s to see. Went up to the Drug store" [Aug 23, 1938]. “Guess what? Home! No! Lucille Yoder asked me to join Dramatic Club” [Oct 14, 1938]. “Very sad. Germany war time. Girl dies…” [June 8, year unclear]. “Went to game. Pretty good. Windber won. Show the Irish in us was good. Mildred went too” [Sept 7, year unclear]. The diary ends with four pages of names and addresses of friends. This diary would make an excellent addition to the resources for a Women’s Studies or Social History program. A genealogist would find this an excellent research resource as her diary is chock full of the names of family, friends and acquaintances.. This would also be a valuable addition to research in Women’s Studies. It gives a glimpse into life in rural Pennsylvania during the Depression through the eyes of a young teenager. ABOUT SCALP LEVEL, PA: Scalp Level and nearby Windber were coal-mining communities that were in the heart of the coal mining strikes and labour disruptions of the 1920’s and 1930’s. The nearby coal mines were owned by the Berwind-White Coal Mining Company. Berwind-White imported workers from eastern and southern Europe and exploited ethnic divisions in the area. On Good Friday 1922, coal miners walked out of the mines in Windber and several nearby locations, attempting to force the mine owners to recognize their United Mine Workers union, as well as improve the terrible pay and conditions under which they laboured. The company employed legal tactics as well as strike-breakers, but the miners received considerable favorable national publicity and local support and held out until the end of the following summer. However, the UMW successfully organized the mines during 1933, after the Great Depression led to the election of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The diary measures 5.25 inches by 3.5 inches and contains 365 pages. The diary is about 50% complete. The cover is a brown leather suede which shows signs of wear. The cover has separated from the binding an d several pages are loose. Some of the first pages have small sections cut out. The handwriting is legible. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011148

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: Teen Angst

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

BEMAN GATES (B.G.) DAWES JR.

1914 Diary of the Eldest Son of the Politically Influential Dawes Family of Ohio Who Would Later Make a Splash in Ohio Business and Culture

Ohio, United States, 1914. Softcover. On offer is the college diary of a young man from a very influential Ohio family, who would go on to become Chairman of the Dawes Arboretum, owner of Eureka Fire and Marine Insurance Company and a Lieutenant Colonel in WWII. The author of the diary is Beman Gates (B. G. ) Dawes Jr. (called Gates by his contemporaries) (1895-1968). Gates was the eldest son of Beman Sr. And Bertie Dawes. Beman Sr. Was the founding president of the Ohio Cities Gas Company (later Pure Oil Company) and an Ohio Congressman from 1905-1909. Gates’ uncle, Charles G. Dawes, was Vice President of the United States under Coolidge (1925-1929). Beman Sr. And Bertie founded the Dawes Arboretum. Gates was himself a prominent figure in Ohio. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Gates graduated from Marietta College (where there was once a Dawes Memorial Library named for his family). Gates married Janet Newton in 1919, and they had three daughters. During the First World War, he enlisted in 1917 and served with the Army Engineers. He was an Air Force Major during WWII. A devoted Republican, Gates was an active member of the Charter Committee in Cincinnati. He spent 20 years on the Board of Trustees at his alma matter, including a decade as Chairman of the Board at Marietta College. When his father died in 1953, Gates. Became Chairman of the Board of Directors at his family’s Dawes Arboretum. Gates kept this diary in 1914, when he was 19 years old and attending Marietta College. His entries are detailed and offer a picture of a young man and his life in these early days of 20th century America. His entries focus around school, sports and his social life with no references to events outside his own life. The following excerpts will give a sense of his life and times: “Down to school and had a little Math test which I flunked with the greatest ease. Over to gym in afternoon and monkeyed around a little. Tried to pole vault but was exceedingly rotten. Aunt Betty called me over in the evening and I went over there to call on Miss Knight of N. E. Who goes to Oberlin and stayed there for 1 hour & ½ then over to gym to dancing class for a very short time. Too muddy for any baseball practice so got a couple of ads only a few more to get. In evening took E Sweeney to Junior Prom. Not exactly the same kind of affair as last year ... Wrights has a good program danced til about 2: 15 and got in bed about 3 AM tired but happy” [May 13]. “Most other peoples diaries serve as a repository of what they think of other people. Such is twaddle. A fine line of comment on current events may be written without personal observations on the character of the innocent bystander. Remember Rusty Van [Punt’s? ] book which he kept under lock and key. With these as notes later when time is offered I can return and make enlargements. This is Vol. 4” [July 10]. “Chemistry is now becoming a little more intricate and not so easy. Watched football practice and played a little tennis with Syd but didn’t get along well. Took Ethel to movie after a little encounter with Freshmen. Pasted them with flour as they left chapel this morning. Was pretty well done but not as well as expected” [Sept 23]. Gates has used the back of the dairy as both an address book and to record his monthly expenditures. This diary gives an excellent look into the life of a college student born to a significant family, before he makes his mark on his state and country. A terrific piece to add to the collection of those interested in the Dawes Family, Marietta College and the great state of Ohio as a whole. Diary measures 5.5x3.5 inches. It contains 365 pages and is 80% complete. The leather cover shows signs of wear due to age. The cover and spine have completely separated from the book and a couple pages have also come loose. The handwriting is legible. Overall Fair to Good. ; Manuscripts; 24mo 5" - 6" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012252

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: American Politicians

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