CAPTAIN LEWIS BOLTON (SOMETIMES BOLTIN) READE

Early 1900s Archive of Diaries of a Cincinnati, Ohio Riverboat Captain Who Served in Wwi and Went on to Work in Commercial Cargo Shipping

Cincinnati, Ohio. Hardcover. On offer are four diaries of a riverboat captain that include notes on WWI Service and US Army service at sea. The author of these diaries is Captain Lewis Bolton (sometimes Boltin) Reade (1902-1970) of Cincinnati, Ohio. Lewis was the only child of Reverend Charles Reade and Nora (Boltin) Reade. He attended Trinity College in Hartford, CT class of 1923, though records indicate he only finished one year of schooling. He was recorded as having worked as a “pilot master” in 1940, and it does not appear that he ever married or had children. The first volume is a pocket notebook. From context, we expect that this notebook was kept in either 1917 or 1918, and again in 1922. Reade identifies himself as a Corporal, assigned to Battalion Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 147th USNG. This Battalion was raised in October, 1917 through the amalgamation of several other Ohio National Guard units. The 147th went on to serve in Europe, participating in actions at Ypres and the Sheldt. His notes contain detailed points about the use of chlorine gas. After 20 pages, he begins a new section simply labeled Temporary Diary. This appears to date to 1922, during World War I. From context, it is clear that he is now working on a riverboat, transporting cargo and at times passengers on the Ohio River – Mississippi River systems. There are several pages missing from the beginning of the notebook. An excerpt from the Temporary Diary follows: “Shipped on Str (steamer) Greenwood for Charleston and Return. Possibility of steady job. We towed [? ] to Pt. Pl…Smith Gilham Mitchell Fleishchman Davis down with coal. In mine mill shute formed large sunk cross ways and partly in channel. Hatfield barge. Davis had a time passing it, so did we. Steered Greenwood first time alone 35. Old man Greene on boat, Chapman in command, Pres Ellion back again, Charlie…lead engineer. Do not seem to eat as long on here or on the Chris. On watch 6-11. Went off at Pt. Pleasant…” [Tues, Nov 28]. The notebook details daily life on this great river system and the many tasks that filled his day from Nov 28 through Dec 13. It also references a number of ports. The second diary covers the year 1923. On Jan 2nd, Reade notes that he reported on board the USS General John McE Hyde [SEE BIO NOTES FOR MORE ON THIS SHIP]. As Hyde was delivered to the War Department in December of 1922 and Reade joined her on Jan 2nd , where she was launched in Charleston WV, he was likely part of the commissioning crew. Early in the 1923 diary, he records the following: “Shipped on the U. S. S. General John McE. Hyde. Captain Ray Johnson in command. Ran down to PO. Pleasant and lay there all night. Hit bank owing to steering gear carrying away” [Jan 25]. His entries record daily shipboard life and experiences: “Fell in river in afternoon. Swamped yawl. Went to other ship to get warm. Reported drowned. My friends started looking for me below the barges. Engineer and I with Bob and Sydney bailed and launched yawl. Still here. Bos’n in trouble with Cook. Bos’n fired. I am promoted! ” [Feb 18]. “Shipped another man. Crossed river to same dock we landed at on March 7. Up town. No mail. Very homesick for about a week. Put one ton of ice on board. No mail” [Apr 24]. By the time he begins his two 1930 diaries, Reade is working full-time on commercial cargo boats working the rivers in the Ohio River and Mississippi River basins. These river systems were and continue to be major transportation routes for cargo in the United States. In 1930, it appears that he had two diaries. Both begin in January. One seems to have been started and kept for about 10 days in January. Entries stopped on Jan 25th. At the same time, he was keeping a daily log of his movements in a 2nd diary. Quite possibly, he decided that he would only maintain the one record. These two diaries together give a detailed description of his life on the river. Each entry records waypoints passed during the day and total miles covered. His last entry is Oct 22nd. It reads simply “The Ax”. One can assume that he was let go from his job, possibly with the onset of winter. From death records, we know that obtained the rank of Captain, most likely in the U. S. Merchant Navy. For a historian or geographer, these diaries offer an excellent level of detail to the shipping industry and life on America’s great inland water systems. The diaries range in size from 5.75x3 inches to 7.5x4.75 inches. The covers, binding and pages are all in Good to Fair condition. The 1922 WWI diary contains 112 pages and is 25% complete, the 1923 diary contains 365 pages and is 40% complete. The brief 1930 diary contains 365 pages and is 10% complete. The consistent 1930 diary contains 220 pages and is 85% complete. BIO NOTES: The General John McE. Hyde was a ferry boat built for the War Department by Charles Ward Engineering Works. The ferry was assigned to provide transportation services among the military facilities. Upon commissioning in 1922, she was transferred to the U. S. Army and served with the prefix USAT (United States Army Transport). In WWII, she was transferred to Manila where she was sunk in enemy action in December 1941.; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010309

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

Keywords: 1 Single

LENA J. (EBBLIE) ROBINSON

1934-1938 Depression-Era Diary of a Childless, Middle Aged Woman Keeping House in Small-Town New York

Lowville, Lewis County, New York, 1934-1938. Softcover. On offer is a 5-year diary describing in detail the life of a woman in upstate New York during the Great Depression. The author of this diary is Lena J. (Ebblie) Robinson (1889-1963). She is married to William Garrett Robinson (1888-1981) and together they live in Lowville, Lewis County, New York. William was born in New York City and worked in sales, at different points selling real estate and working at a rubber/tire store. Lena was born in Lowville and worked as a teacher. They married in 1914. In 1917, William requested an exemption from the World War 1 US Army draft, claiming his reason for exemption as “physically unfit and dependent wife”. William grew up in an affluent home with many servants. However, our research shows that his adult life proved to be more of a struggle. Lena seems to have stopped working early into their marriage, and William found himself unemployed at points. They did not have any children. Lena wrote in her diary every single day for five years, from January 1, 1934 through December 31, 1938 (and even filled the two Memoranda pages at the end). During the time of her writing Lena was middle aged, 45 to 49 years old. She filled her days with common women’s tasks of the time: cooking, baking, cleaning. She also takes care of her father, remarking on taking her Dad ‘uptown’ many days [she notes in the Memoranda section that he died on January 20, 1936]. She plays Monopoly and cards, reads, attends dinner at friends' homes, and welcomes guests to her own home. She writes throughout the Great Depression without making any mention of wanting or going without. Some excerpts from her diary gives the flavour of her entries: Baked cleaned took Dad uptown for hair cut. Mrs Delsin called in P. M. [July 27, 1934]. Made fruit cakes ..... Up to [ ] in P. M. & helped make headcheese cards in evening. [Mar 29, 1934]. Washed made fried cakes. Uptown... Surprise party at Effies 45 doz doughnuts, sandwiches after cards danced. Home 2: 00 A. M. [Jan 21, 1935]. Pleasant cooler. Picked beets, canned [ ], cucumbers, made dill pickles .... [July 30, 1935]. “Pleasant. Hot. Did big washing. Ironing. Mopped. Mrs. Field called on me” [Aug 30, 1937]. Lena’s diary is a simple, yet complete look at a childless woman of middle age filling her time and aiming to maintain her marital home throughout the Great Depression. Throughout the diary, she mentions the many people she visits with or who drop by to visit her which would enhance genealogical study of New York State. For a Gender Studies program, this is an excellent look into the role and tasks that many women in America faced at this time. This diary measures 5.5 inches by 3.5 inches and contains 365 pages. It is 100% complete. The cover is in fair condition. It is intact but shows clear signs of wear. The binding is good as are all of the pages. The handwriting is cramped but fairly legible. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 24mo 5" - 6" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011100

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

Keywords: Rural Salesman

JEROME JOSEPHUS SCHOONOVER

1908 Diary of a Successful Farmer in Tiogo County, New York Who Writes of His Work, His Community and His Family

Tiogo County, New York, United States, 1908. Softcover. On offer is a fine diary written at the turn of the 20th century in rural, upstate New York. This 1908 diary belonged to Jerome Josephus Schoonover (1849-1926) , a farmer in upstate New York. Specifically, he was born and lived his entire life in Tiogo County, New York. In 1890, Jerome married Lydia Van Norstran (1858-1951). Lydia worked as a school teacher in the Barton and Tiogo areas. It does not appear that Jerome and Lydia had any children. Schoonover was 59 years old when he wrote this diary. While his entries are primarily related to his farming business, they are surprisingly long and newsy for a man’s diary. His entries include information about his and Lydia’s social life, community happenings and he keeps a very thorough financial ledger and list of contacts at the back of the diary. Some excerpts follow: “Mellissa Wright dies. Williams wife. Charl to Dan Wiggins draw some ties from the [ ] to put them on the flats. To Charls and Dan draw load of stalks & load of oat straw from lower barn for me to bed with at home barn. Nice day for time of year. Sent a letter to J. P. Fragl today an answer to his” [Jan 5]. “Some cloudy this morning. Lydia took 3 doz eggs to Stonarts 22¢ trade them out. Report is John Holt went to California on 11 o’clock train yesterday left a note for his wife that she could come if she wants 2. She was to Owego come back 12 1/2 [ ] the same day don’t know what is the matter or the trouble with them. Charles draw manure and draw up some ties 10 for me” [Mar 11]. “Hitched fan to platform and Lydia & I went up to Dr. Post. He fix something for my eye and we stay to dinner up there. Charley helped Clarke stook oats we went down to lower garden to get some cucumbers. Pearl Coleman’s sick so Dr. Post went down with his mobile to see her” [Aug 18]. “Charley drew load of corn for me & DA Wiggins husk is 29 good and 6 poor. Cloudy & colder he draw 6 – 2 for himself and got me a load of corn fodder I pick up some chestnuts” [Oct 9]. “Lydia & her mother went to the funeral of Mrs. Dan Daily at Barton on morn train. Gibbs finish the price back of the hill. Ground was froze quite hard in morn cloudy all day and cold. Charls Tribe sold his farm to Charles Coleman 1,500 dollars, Art V went to Smithboro to take an inventory of Bailys store goods” [Nov 14]. “Sold Fred Martin 5 doz eggs at 86 cents Rode up to store with Dr. Post in his cutter. Really good sleighing cold wind don’t feel very good today” [Dec 21]. This simple, plainly-written diary gives an excellent look at and sense of what life was like in those early years of the 20th century. They paint a picture of a hard but successful life in upstate New York in the years just before the beginning of some of the most momentous changes in life in the United States. Measuring 6.0 inches by 3.0 inches and contains 365 pages. The diary is approximately 80% complete. The cover and binding are in good condition, as is the spine. The pages are in good condition and the handwriting is legible. Overall Good. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011171

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: Businessman

WILLIAM SCOTT

1901 Letter from Principal of Toronto Normal School Inviting a Speaker to Talk on Laura Secord

Toronto, Ontario Canada, 1901. Non-Book. On offer is a manuscript letter connected to the early 20th century Ontario public education system. The letter, dated May 14, 1901 on Toronto Normal School letterhead, is written by principal William Scott to Mrs. I. H. Thompson. Scott writes to ask that Thompson, "...be present...to relate the story of Laura Secord to the boys and girls of the Model School who will on that occasion be assembled in the Public Hall..." BIO NOTES: William Scott, BA, educator, became fifth principal of Toronto Normal School from 1898-1918. Previously he was Model School, teacher, 1869-1874; Headmaster, Boys Model School, 1874-1882. William Scott's son was Wallace Arthur Scott (1873-1949) medical doctor, soldier. Autograph letter signed, one page, 4to. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012375

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

HARRIET SUMNER SHAW

1936 Diary of a 74-Year-Old Republican Who Dislikes Roosevelt and Loves Her Husband, the Superintendent of the City Public Welfare Dept.

Pittsfield, Massachusetts, 1936. Cloth. On offer is the diary of Mrs. Harriet Shaw (1861-1959) , wife of Albert William Shaw (1861-1940) , a prominent citizen of Berkshire, Massachusetts. Harriet L. B. (Sumner) Shaw was born in Vermont. She settled in Pittsfield, MA in 1880, where she married Albert William Shaw in 1882. They had four children: three sons and one daughter. Albert who was the superintendent of the Berkshire Public Welfare Department as well as being a banker and real estate investor and a member of the Freemasons. Harriet herself was a member of the First Church of Christ, Daughters of the American Revolution and matron of a chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Given Albert’s status within Berkshire, the Great Depression did not impact the Shaw family. Rather, Albert had his regular meetings with the “Bank Men” as Harriet calls them, throughout 1936. Her children are grown and living their lives. Harriet has friends to the house, goes out about town, sends packages to her children, has her children and grandchildren to visit. She reads, attends meetings, and keeps track of Albert’s whereabouts. Importantly, Harriet is very interested in politics and 1936 was an election year. She comments on the Presidential election, making her pro-Republican views quite well known. The following excerpts will give a flavour to her diary: “...Henry called at noon and so did Marion. Park & Marion returned yesterday from New Jersey where the had a fine time. Tonight we listened to President Roosevelt making a campaign speech in the guise of an address to Congress. It consisted of words. Congressman Treadway called it a ‘one ring circus’. D. A. R. Met today” [Jan 3]. “We went uptown this morn and I did some shopping for the house – new draperies for the house, etc for the guest room. In the afternoon we went to Lebanon Springs and brought home four gallons of water. Had a nice ride. Albert gave me two lovely red rosebuds. I put all the clocks ahead tonight as daylight savings begins tomorrow. How I dislike it! ” [Apr 25]. “Light frost this morning. The second day of summer. Albert went out with the Bank Men. Mr. And Mrs. Herman Wood and Barbara, from NM called this morn. Miss Campbell was with them. Albert and I went up to the Lake after supper. We sat up til 10pm to hear John Hamilton’s chairman of the Republican Party. He was very good” [June 22]. “...The Bank men came for Albert at 9 AM... After dinner, Albert & I voted in the Primary and later went to the Donations Party...Only a few were there – it was so unpleasant...” [Sept 15]. “We went uptown this morn. Albert paid the taxes which amounted to considerable. I gave some coffee to the House of Mercy Bazaar. In the afternoon we went to Richmond and stopped at the Pravus but they were not at home. Park, Marion and the children stopped here a few minutes” [Oct 22]. “We went uptown this morn and Albert did a lot of marketing as we expect Charlie tomorrow. Had a nap after dinner. Albert went to an Anti-Tuberculosis meeting this afternoon. We heard Ex Pres Hoover over the radio. Then we had the Halloween callers and gave them candy. It rained a little” [Oct 30]. “...Roosevelt is re-elected and I am disgusted! ...” [Nov 4]. In the Memoranda section, she keeps track of her expenses and accounts and lists the Christmas gifts she received. For a social historian, this diary offers an excellent look into the world of the well-off during the depths of the Great Depression as well as providing a neat through-line about a Republican’s experience of an election year in which a Democratic candidate is the incumbent. This diary measures 6.0 inches by 4.5 inches and contains 365 pages. It is 100% complete. The red leather cover is in good condition as is the binding. The pages are intact and the handwriting is legible. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012228

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: Businessman

MARY ANNIE ELIZABETH (ESTES) SHEARER

1939 Diary of the Elderly, Sick Wife of a Rural North Carolina Magistrate and Farmer with Deep Ties to the Lenoir Community

Lenoir, North Carolina, NC, 1939. Softcover. On offer is a diary that describes life in rural North Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the years immediately preceding WWII. The diary was written by Mary Annie Elizabeth (Estes) Shearer (1862-1955). Shearer was born in Lenoir, Caldwell County, North Carolina to parents Rebecca Elmira Moore and David Jesse Estes. Mary would spend her entire life in Lenoir. In 1884, Mary married Milton Gordon Shearer (1855-1951) who worked as a Magistrate after a varied career as a merchant, farmer and textile plant official in Lenoir, NC. When Milton died, he was the oldest Master Mason in North Carolina. And she was also an amateur genealogist. They had three children: David, Annie and Mary. Mary Shearer was 76 when she began this diary. The diary consists of brief daily entries that describe her life in this small community of Lenoir. It is replete with references to friends and family members, including her adult children who visit frequently. Mary keeps her diary daily except during a few weeks over the summer and in early autumn, with only three entires between August 1 and Sept 22nd, when she is coping with a hospitalization and health issues. This selection of entries will give a flavour of her diary: “Thursday – Cousin Lula Moore came & told me all about the last hours of Aunt Mary Moorse’s life and other things I was anxious to know” [Jan 26]. “Lou washed and I was invited to a War Mothers meeting and Birthday at Mrs. Green’s in the valley. Ellie took Flossie, Courtney, myself and Mrs. Gelson” [May 23]. “Milton not feeling so well. Rained all day. Sadie came home went over to speak to her. She brought me a lovely bag from Washington” [July 4]. “Went to see Dr. McCraing. M took me. She wanted me to go to hospital, so the Moores and Milton took me to Blackwelder Hospital” [Aug 1]. “Stayed in bed two weeks and 1 day, brought home in ambulance. Cousin Lula Moore came to stay with me” [Aug 16]. “Our 55th anniversary. Mrs. McCall, Mrs. Criss and Mrs. McGowan of my circle came, each brought me a present. Then later Dinty and Marguerite came in, Julia left” [Sept 25]. “Friday – Lillian came for a very good visit. Dr. Caroline came and took blood pressure – 190. Had my bottle refilled” [Oct 13]. “Lots of presents, 8 lbs candy, pillow slips and lots of other things. Sorry to see them leave in the afternoon” [Dec 25]. For a social historian, this small diary paints a good picture of the quiet life an elderly, ill woman who was living in rural North Carolina pre-WWII. Of particular note is how the community comes together to care for Mrs. Shearer after her hospital discharge in late September. This small diary measures 4.25 inches by 3.25 inches and is in very good condition. The diary is bound with a metal spine and the pages are in good condition as well. It contains approximately 61 pages and is 80% complete. The handwriting is legible. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 32mo 4" - 5" tall; 61 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010055

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: Aged Farming Town

HARRY SILVERMAN

1943-1944 Diaries of a Bold, Free-Spirited Jewish American Soldier Who Spends More Time Loving the Ladies Than Fighting in Wwii

Philadelphia, Tennessee, Mexico, 1943-1944. Hardcover. On offer are three diaries describing the experiences of a sharp-tongued, handsome and free-spirited US Army soldier named Harry Silverman (1919-2001). Harry was the son of Jewish Romanian immigrants and served the United States during World War II [See BIO NOTES on Silverman at the end of this listing]. Harry begins his diary on January 13, 1943, when he is inducted to the army. He details his training and work, mostly in driving and communications. His main focus is his thriving social life. Put quite plainly, Harry talks a lot about his active sex life (and sex drive! ). He has a lady at home (Kass Mogul, nicknamed Stinky) and a tumultuous relationship with a young woman from a town near his barracks named Mary Ann. He also enjoys his time with a multidue of other women in his travels. His entries are long and exceptionally detailed. They are a portrait of a young man who knows his place as a soldier, but simply will not be tamed by the army. He is often getting in trouble with his superiors for his attitude and for breaking rank, but he is never afraid to advocate for himself and make choices that suit him. Seems Harry wasn’t the most compliant soldier - but he sure did have a good time! He drank, partied, and found love (lust? ) at every turn. Harry’s entries end on April 24, 1944 as he is about to ship out overseas and he was not allowed to take this one with him. Some excerpts that give the flavour of Harry’s depth of writing: “...went on sick call. Had argument with Major. Wanted to know why I was back. Told him my feet hurt and as long as they hurt I’d keep coming back…Went to dance at Jewish USO. Met two nice WAC. One was Jewish the other not. From Georga that’s what I call her. Got back to camp at 11: 30PM” [Aug 24, 1943]. “...Shined shoes and went to motor pool. Cleaned car and captain inspected. Had to clean motor. Got order to take St. Col Truly to Nashville at 4: 30PM. Got date with Mary Ann tonite…Cleaned rifle and took off for Nashville…Picked up a minister’s wife. Took a ride and parked. She layed like a rabbit and loved it. Wanted more. Took her home at 9: 2 0PM and took off for Tullahoma…Went to see Mary Ann…slept until 4: 45AM…” [Feb 18, 1944] “...Got sized for shoes and carbon on rifle. Having inspection in motor pool. Car is very dirty and I’m not cleaning it cause someone else was using it and flattened a tire. Still got to be fixed…Called before BC. Had hot argument and said I had a snicker on my face and was making fool of him. Told him it was my natural look. Got him hot when I told him to read 104 article of war. He also read 61, breaking restriction. I got three days out of the deal…” [March 4, 1944]. “...I went wild at all the pretty girls at hospital. Flirted with a lot of them. Dates came along…Met quite a few good looking girls. Wanted to go into dorm…Girls said I was evil minded but loved it. Sure was a raw party. I was loving Ruth up laying on her breast looking up Ethel’s and Dean’s dress and looking down Gladys dress at her breast. Went to town to eat. Wise cracks were still flying. Said I have an answer for everything they said. I was loving Dean and Ruth was getting jealous…told Ruth we were low on funds and couldn’t go to club…” [March 26, 1944]. Harry’s diary entries and notes are recorded in My Life in the Service diaries. They were printed to encourage American soldiers to document their experience at war. They include sections titled “Service Record”, “My Buddies in the Service”, “Officers I Have Met”, “Civilians I Have Met”, a long “Diary” section, and much more. Harry fills the diary sections and uses the other sections sporadically. For a historian, these diaries are a truly fascinating look at the social experience of American soldiers stationed in the US during World War Two. It also provides a glimpse into the lived experience of the first generation American Jew experiencing the war so differently than Jews across the pond. BIO NOTES: Harry Silverman was the youngest child of Romanian Jewish immigrants Abe Silverman and Rebecca (sometimes Rebeka) Kaiserman Silverman, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1903 and 1905, respectively. Abe and Rebecca spoke Yiddish and Abe supported his family working as an auto mechanic. On January 20, 1943, Harry was officially inducted into the United States army and served until October 23, 1945. He was in the foreign service from May 3, 1944 to July 2, 1945. Silverman started out assigned to the 317th Coast Artillery Barrage Balloon Battalion based at Camp Tyson, Tennessee. In time, he was promoted to Private First Class and transferred to 23 HQ, HQ DET. 2nd ARMY. The US 2nd Army earned distinction as a training army during World War II, preparing nearly one million men to fight. It was based in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1947 Silverman married Sandy “Betty” Audrey Nelson and worked as a pet salesman. Harry and Betty had three daughters, Ailene, Cheryl and Fern. Harry was a member of Shekinah Masonic Lodge. Each diary comes in its original cardboard box. Also included in the diaries are 2 black and white photographs and a pass for leave. All diaries measure 6” x 4.5” and contain 156 pages in the “diary” section. The first diary covers January through July, 1943, and is 100% complete [diary section]. The second diary covers July 1943-February 1944 and is 100% complete [diary section]. The final diary covers February to April 1944 and is 30% complete [diary section]. Overall G. Trigger warning: Harry writes in graphic detail, including describing some instances of animal cruelty. For example, he attended bullfights in Mexico in August of 1943 and describes in horrific detail the murders of the bulls. He also describes the accidental killing of a dog. He also describes his sexual conquests in a fair bit of detail. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010320

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: Awakening Relationships Wartime

MARTIN OLIVER SKROVIG

1917 Diary of a Radcliffe, Iowa Man Studying Bookkeeping Upon His Return from the Great War

Des Moines, Iowa, Radcliffe, Iowa, 1917. Softcover. On offer is a fine diary of a young man who had just returned to rural United States from WW1 service. The author of this diary is Martin Oliver Skrovig (1894-984). Skrovig was born in Radcliffe, Iowa. To learn more about Skrovig, see BIO NOTES at the end of the listing. Martin kept this diary in 1917, in his early 20s. Although he makes no reference to his service, context suggests that he had been recently released from service and is now working on his accounting/bookkeeping education. He attended Capital City Community College in Des Moines. Excerpts give a sense of Martin’s writing: “Finished my Trial Bal. And Balance Sheets and closed my books. Boys went skating” [Jan 16]. “Doc Earle of [ ] College at chapel. Got 100% in Word [ ] test Still beat Four C... Got home 1: 30. Pressed suit A. M. And P. M. Cut wood. Over to Neubaner’s eve” [Mar 23,24]. “Tom, Alf & I to G. C. To register forenoon and chopped wood P. M. Raw weather. Windy & stormy” [June 5]. In the autumn of that year, we see that he is working not only on his studies but on helping on the family farm, mostly picking corn“Penmanship. Wrote about 14 pages…” [Oct 18]. “... At home. Started picking. Picked 70 bu. Rain eve but picked our rows out 6 apiece” [Oct 26]. “Tom & I picked each 90 bu it was 28 below [ ] picked 24 rows & 75 bu. Si over & helped. Picked 39 rows” [ Dec 13]. For a social historian, this diary gives a very clear picture of life for a young man in the American midwest in the early years of the 20th century. Even though he was working on his education, the demands of daily life to ensure the means to maintain that schooling had to be met. Those demands were accepted as part of the normal course of life and offer a clear contrast to student life a century laterBIO NOTES: Martin Oliver Skrovig was born to parents Ole Ivarsen and Thorbjor (Tilda) Endresdatter Enderson, both of whom immigrated from Norway. He served in the United States army in WW1. Martin married Myrtle Olson (1901-1998) in 1924, and together they had three children. Skrovig worked in banks in Radcliffe and Ellsworth before coming to Marshalltown, Iowa in 1932. In Marshalltown, Martin was a bookkeeper for the Marshall Canning Company, then a clerk for the Railway Mail Service and at his retirement, he was a bookkeeper for Vernon Pries Insurance. In his private life, Martin was a Deacon and choir member at Elim Lutheran Church, and a member of Frank Louis Glick American Legion Post 46. He was a Chaplain and funeral ceremonial unit commander in the Legion Post. He was also commander of WWI Veterans Barracks 1104, and a Scoutmaster. This diary measures 5.25x2.5 inches and contains 52 pages. It is 100% complete. The covers are intact but show definite signs of staining. The binding is good and all of the pages are intact. The handwriting is cramped but legible.; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 52 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011083

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: Soldier World 1

WALTER JOHN SMITH

1918-1919 Daily Diary of a Nebraska Farmer Who Sails to Europe and Serves in World War 1 As a Corporal in the 314th Supply Train, 89th Division

Nebraska, France. Softcover. On offer is a superb diary of a 27-year-old farmer from Nebraska, serving in Europe during WWI as the war came to its end. The author of the diary is Walter John Smith (1891-1950) of Holdrege, Nebraska. He worked his entire adult life at his own farm, where he died at age 58. Smith married Judith Anderson in June of 1920. Together they had two children, Marilyn and Martha. Smith was registered for the army draft in August of 1917 and called up in October, 1917. During the First World War, Corporal Walter John Smith was attached to the 314th Supply Train, 89th Division. The 89th Infantry Division was formed in Aug 1917. After training at Camp Funston, it was shipped overseas where the Division saw action at St. Mihiel and participated in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Following WWI, it was reconstituted as a Reserve army unit until being reactivated in WWII. In WWII, the Division, nicknamed “the Rolling W”, served in north west Europe, taking part in the drive into Germany. The 89th liberated Ohrdruf, a sub-camp of the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp. Following WWII, the 89th was reactivated as a reserve unit, a role it continues to fill today. Smith’s diary covers the period June, 1918 to June, 1919. He begins writing on June 4, 1918. He is leaving his training camp to head to Europe, and he writes, “Camp Funston. Left at 11: 30 A. M. ”. On June 28th, he shipped out, writing, “Aboard the Lapland. Left port at 9: 30 – 17 ships left at same time. Everything gone lovely so far” [June 28, 1918]. Prior to being requisitioned as a troopship, SS Lapland was a passenger liner. She was the ship that brought the surviving members of the Titanic’s crew back to England after the U. S. Investigations into the sinking were completed. Once in France, his entries describe his daily work and movements: “Got our cars ready in morning. Started out 1 o’clock. Traveled 65 miles. Roads are real dusty. Landed at Navgon” [July 22, 1918]. “Started from Navgon 6. Drove 200 miles. Landed at Ville France 7: 30. Stayed all nite” [July 23, 1918]. “Started from Ville France 7: 30. Arrived Dijon 3: 30. Stationed at camp all nite” [July 24, 1918]. “Fixed a place for our pup tents in the morning. Fixed my truck in afternoon. Ready to go out at 7 o’clock. Brought Bat from 355 back ten miles from trenches” [Aug 23, 1918]. “The big drive started at 1 A. M... Reported to 355 Hospital Got a load of flour and oats and moved to the front. Drove all night” [Sept 12/13, 1918]. [Note: This entry refers to the Battle of St. Miheil]“Left for [ ] 7 A. M. Got a load of soldiers brought to Bouillonville Seen Oscar Swanson Back at railhead to Bouillonville with load of blankets” [Sept 23, 1918]. “Didn’t do anything all day. Had my truck fixed. Peace signed 11 o’clock" [Nov 11, 1918]. On May 21, 1919, he shipped out for home. His last entry reads: “Got my discharge one o’clock. On the train leaving for home. Finish” [June 12, 1919]. Interestingly, at the back of the diary, there are an additional four pages of diary content, two of which cover December 12 and 15 of 1918. Two are undated. These pages are very long entries that must have needed the extra space. There are also a few pages of names and addresses that he kept from his time overseas. For a historian, this is an excellent first-hand account of day-to-day life in a unit supporting troops in the trenches. It is rich in detail, mentioning other soldiers by name, places where he was posted or stayed and work that he was doing. It paints a very clear picture of life behind the lines. The diary measures 5.5 inches by 3.25 inches and contains 95 pages. It is 95% complete. The cloth cover is in good condition. The spine is undamaged but the binding had cracked along the inside cover. The pages and binding are in good condition and the handwriting is legible. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 95 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012231

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: 1 Soldier Wartime

DOROTHY STEVENSON

1965 Saskatchewan Farming Family Scrapbook Detailing Rural Western Canadian Prairie Life in the Year of the Province’S Diamond Jubilee

Saskatchewan, Canada: Canadian Prairie Scrapbook Saskatchewan Canada Farming Life, 1965. Softcover. On offer is a lovely, informative and distinctly Canadian scrapbook about Saskatchewan farming, prepared by a Regina-area farming family. The scrapbook was written and compiled for an American relative as a gift for Christmas 1965. This was the year that Saskatchewan celebrated its diamond jubilee, marking 60 years as a province This scrapbook was put together in November, 1965 for Marie Piper Swalm (1896-1989) of Kansas, United States, by her niece, Dorothy Stevenson (1915-2010) of Regina, Saskatchewan, and Dorothy’s husband, James (Jimmy) (1914-1995) , her son Rae, and Jimmy’s brother, Dave. Marie’s husband, Leslie Oliver Swalm (1878-1952) was Dorothy’s mother, Gertrude Swalm Conlin’s, brother. Dorothy and Jimmy farmed in the Wascana District, north of Regina. Marie was raised on a farm in Kansas. It stands to reason that this homemade Christmas gift about Saskatchewan farming would have been exceptionally meaningful to Marie Swalm. This remarkably thoughtful scrapbook reads as an introduction to Saskatchewan, its farming industry, the prairie provinces, and Canada as a whole. Beginning with the front cover image of a glued-on western red lily, Saskatchewan’s official flower, the scrapbook walks the reader through all four seasons in the province. Each season/section of the scrapbook contains a typed update about the experience of farming in Saskatchewan in that season as well as information about the family’s work and life. These updates are interspersed with drawings, images from the newspaper and other sources glued in, relevant typed quotations, song lyrics and poems, sweet handwritten notations, and more. In the Autumn section of the scrapbook, after a long typed essay about the experience of coping with crickets on the farm, Dorothy includes a photograph of a deer with the handwritten note: “Deer come in our garden, eat our crabapples and destroy our trees. While they are picturesque, I am happy to report Rae got his again this fall - his ninth with a shotgun slug. Jimmy also got his. Venison a la rotisserie - Yum yum! ”Other topics covered in the scrapbook in words, images or both include: an essay where Dorothy argues that 1965 should be called “The Year of the Tiger” and then ties in the Chinese zodiac with Saskatchewan’s diamond jubilee and the concept of hope, an essay about what it is like to experience a Saskatchewan winter as a farmer (replete with several illustrative anecdotes, discussion of the Seed Catalogue and more) , a short blurb about the importance of Spring to the Saskatchewan farmer given the short time before first frost, imagery and discussion of other flowers common to the area, discussion of summer canning, and a detailed essay about crickets. There is a mention of the 1965 federal election, in which Lester B. Pearson was re-elected, a story about rural Saskatchewan mail delivery, and some religious content, since this book was created as a Christmas gift. Aside from providing quite the education about mid-20th century Saskatchewan farming life, this book presents Dorothy as an extremely well-written and witty woman. To illustrate, her essay about winter on the farm begins: “It has been said that in a year we have eight months of winter and four months of tough sledding…”. Taken together, this scrapbook provides deep insight into the life of a farming family in 1965, and also acts as a time capsule for Saskatchewan, Canada in the same year. This is a truly thrilling piece of Canadiana that would be an enhancement to any collection, particularly interesting to a Western Canadian academic institution that offers agricultural education. The scrapbook is in a series of pages bound together in a duo-tang cover. Entitled “Thoughts From A Saskatchewan Farm”, it measures 8.5x11.0 inches and contains 45 pages. It is 100% complete. The cover is in good condition as are the pages. Some pages have a bit of age discoloration along some edges and there are a couple of piece of pages intentionally cut out. The flower on the front cover is slightly ripped. The binding is in good condition as well. Mostly typed with legible handwritten comments throughout. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 45 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011117

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

Keywords: Seasonal Hunting

JAMES DONNELL SULLIVAN

1924-1927 Diary of a Young CIVIL Engineer and Student Dating and Coming of Age in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cambridge, Boston, Massachusetts MA. Softcover. On offer is a collection of three little diaries kept by a city of Cambridge, Massachusetts civil engineer who served as a First Class Petty Officer in the US Navy during WWII. The author of this diary is James Donnell Sullivan (1907-1970). Sullivan the son of well-known lawyer Jeremiah S. Sullivan and Annie Taffe. He was a civil engineer and surveyor who worked for the city of Cambridge. He married Elizabeth A. Boylan (d. 2004). Together they had four children: Nancy, Maura, J. Donnell Jr. And Barbara. Sullivan kept these three diaries in 1924, 1925 and 1927, when he was 17, 18 and 20 years old. However in some places he crosses off dates and uses the diaries out of order. During this time he was living at home and working in the Engineering Department at Cambridge City Hall and also attending school. While his diaries are small in size, Sullivan’s words paint a very generous picture of the life of a boy on the verge of manhood. For example, in the summer of 1925 (written in his 1924 diary) , Sullivan in a relationship with Fran…but making discreet phone calls to Dorothy: “Talking to Dorothy Dwyer for two hours on the phone tonight. Fear not my Fair Fran” [Aug 14, 1925]. “Fran’s mother said that Fran couldn’t go out for a week because Fran and I stayed out so late last night. Talking to Dot Dwyer on the phone” [Aug 17, 1925]. “Talking to Dorothy Dwyer on the phone. Yesterday was her birthday so I just thought I’d call her at least. She said she was thrilled and surprised at my calling” [Oct 14, 1925]. The most fun part of Sullivan’s diaries is that he has created a coding system which he lays out in the Memoranda section of the 1924 diary, using symbols to indicate what sort of a day he had. Some of the codes are easy to interpret, such as a forward slash equating to him having a “good time” and a rectangle with checks equating to a “fight”. However some of the codes are more cryptic. He uses the coding system through two diaries. The following excerpts will give a flavour of his diaries: “Well after a years hard work trying to be introduced to Frances Shea was introduced bu Bunny Reardon. The drama was punk but the dancing was great and I danced in a [ ] all night” [Feb 9, 1924]. “Went to Dot Nagle’s dance at Larch Road Bungalow” [June 24, 1924]. “Ted Johnson & I went to Ponds Tutoring School. Taking English, Latin & Algebra. Bed at 11: 45 P. M. ” [Oct 16, 1924]. “Our department had a party for Mr. Davis (“Uncle”). Pensioned after fifty one years service. Didn’t go to school. Talking to Bunny Potter on phone. Meet Fran & her tomorrow afternoon. Bed 11: 45 P. M. ” [Mar 31, 1925]. “Mc & I measured [ ] house today. I was in Harvard Sq. Tonight and I met Fran and Agnes McCarthy so I went up to McCarthy’s house with them. Went home with Fran. Acted just like long ago when I first went with Fran Oh Boy. How I love here. She is adorable…” [Sept 10, 1925]. “Didn’t work this afternoon. Studied at the library. Went to school tonight. Talking to Fran on the phone. Went over to Leona’s house. Got an invitation to Mayor Quinn’s reception today. Call for Fran at 10 and took her home…” [Dec 11, 1925]. “Council meeting at City Hall. Budget went through OK. Netting me $300 more per year” [Apr 12, 1927]. “Ball game this afternoon. Fran and I went to the movies tonight, then for a walk. Wonderful time. Fran gave me a marvelous kiss. XXX O. K. Arms! ! ! ? ? 1: 30AM” [July 6, 1927]. “‘Pinched’ for racing Bunny Cronin down Cambridge St. Booked on six charges. I think Chief McBride fixed it for me…” [July 18, 1927]. “Drove to Quebec today. Couldn’t get room at Frontenac so we stayed at St. Roch Hotel. Danced at the Frentonac with the sharkey girl. Blow out. Wired for money. With two fellows from W. Virginia. 2: 45AM” [Aug 30, 1927]. “Raced from Quebec to Montreal with four other Mass. Cars. Think we came in second. At Windsor. Watched dance at Windsor. Played cards. 2: 45AM” [Sept 1, 1927]. For a social historian, these diaries give an excellent look into the world of a young man living in the Roaring Twenties in New England. They paint a picture of success and general contentment in the years immediately preceding the Great Depression. All three diaries are very small, measuring between 1.75 inches and 4.25 inches. They are between 70-90% complete. They are all in Fair to Good condition. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012236

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: Worker '

JOHN ERNST TIEDEMAN

1914-1915 Sensational Firsthand Account of the Geopolitics of the Construction of the Panama Canal by the Only Reporter with Access to the Key Players

Panama Canal, Panama City. Softcover. On offer is an outstanding firsthand account of a well-connected American reporter stationed in Panama to report on the construction of the Panama canal. This account is particularly fascinating as this reporter was the only one granted access to figures such as Colonel Goethals. This journal highlights internal power struggles that took place in the construction of the Panama Canal. The author of this notebook is reporter John E. Tiedeman. Tiedeman had an extraordinary career as a journalist and a World War 1 US intelligence officer that took him across the globe (see BIO NOTES). In December of 1913, Tiedeman was assigned to cover Central America and the west coast of South America for the Associated Press. He based himself out of Panama City. He took a specific interest in reporting on the progress of the construction of the Panama Canal. According to one entry, he was the only reporter there and he had unfettered access to the key people involved. His reporter’s notes, describing the infighting and political maneuverings surrounding the administration of the Canal, make for fascinating reading. The notes span the time period Feb 1, 1914 to Apr 8, 1915. He was present when the commission to oversee construction of the Canal – the Isthmian Canal Commission was abolished and the Panama Canal Zone created. The Chief Engineer was a noted American Army Colonel named Colonel George Washington Goethals and how he maneuvered to obtain the Governorship and absolute authority over the Panama Canal is described in abundant detail. An excerpt from the diary focused on Colonel Goethals follows: “The permanent organization followed the very plan outlined by Col. Goethals. Not an important feature was changed. It left him in complete control. And herein it served a second purpose. It once and for all shattered the machinations of the Sibert, Gorgas, Metcalfe faction on the isthmus and the political scheming in Washington. There were to be no political appointments on the Panama Canal. At least not until after Col. Goethals left the Isthmus” [notes from Feb 1, 1914]. Tiedeman had direct and easy access to Goethals as illustrated in this passage: “... Midway of the lockage I walked up to him and after greeting him said: “This is fine and dandy, isn’t it? ”...“Yes, I’ll soon have this thing going the way I want it to. ” he replied…” [notes from Aug 15, 1914]. If the creation of the Panama Canal put an end to political machinations with Washington, it certainly ushered in a new era of political skulduggery between the American Canal administration and the rival political factions in Panama. Tiedeman records some of this. In response to one of the frequent riots between Panamanian police forces and American servicemen, Tiedeman notes: “Major General Wood arrived the morning after the riot and took a hand in the investigation. It is expected he will follow the example of both Generals Goethals and Edwards and Minister Price and recommend that the policing of the terminal cities be done by Americans. In other words, strip Panama of her police power and leave little or nothing of the government. The courts would have to be also taken over. That would be the last straw and would practically end the Panama Republic” [notes from Apr 5, 1915]. For a historian, this is a superb, first-hand account of events that impacted the United States in a very decisive way. At the time, the Panama Canal was an enormous engineering marvel. It also was part of a geopolitical strategy that helped make the United States the most powerful nation on earth. For a historian or a journalist, these reporter’s notes would be a marvelous addition to a library or collection. JOHN E. TIEDEMAN BIO NOTES: John Ernst Tiedeman (1876-1941) was born in Missouri and attended Smith’s Academy at the University of Missouri. He completed his BA and a law degree before working as business manager for the Sedalia Sentinel newspaper. Later, he got his foot in the journalism door in Kansas, working in the editorial department of the Kansas City Journal. At age 30 he finally broke through as a reporter for the St. Louis Republic. He gained great journalistic opportunities when he joined the Associated Press and spent a year working in Berlin as a staff correspondent for the New York Herald. When he returned to America in 1910, he officially joined the Associated press staff and was assigned to cover the 1912-1913 campaign tour of Vice President Thomas R. Marshall. His excellent work on the campaign prompted his assignment to the Associated Press’ Washington bureau, and later to Central America and the west coast of South America, where he would set up in Panama City and cover the building and opening of the Panama Canal. Tiedeman returned to the USA in 1917 and joined the US army, working as an intelligence officer in France as he was able to speak German and had covered the German army while in Berlin before the war. When he resigned from the army in 1922, Tiedeman returned to the newspaper profession, purchasing newspapers, including the Sunnyvale Standard, which he published until his death in 1941 at age 65. This book is actually a 3-ring binder measuring 6.0 inches by 8.0 inches. It contains 122 pages and is approximately 25% complete. The cover is in good condition with some slight wear marks at the corners. The pages are in good condition as well. All entries are typed. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 122 pages; Signed by Author. Good+ with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010317

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

Keywords: Relations

EDWARD DUDLEY TUCKER

1911-1915 Diary of an Engaging Pittsburgh High and Carnegie Tech Student Coming-of-Age Before Enlisting in the Great War

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PA. Hardcover. On offer is diary filled with the musings of a student, age 17 when he begins writing, that provides exceptional insight into the experience of a teenage boy in the years before World War One. The diary belonged to Edward Dudley Tucker (1893-1977) , who went by Dudley [SEE BIO NOTES AT END OF LISTING]. Dudley kept the diary regularly from January through August of 1911, while completing his junior year of high school. He returns to his diary for a couple entries in 1912, when he had just completed a summer job at an electrical company and is beginning his studies at Carnegie Tech (which would later become a part of Carnegie Mellon University). The diary concludes with a final entry in April of 1915, where Dudley writes of the death and burial of his family’s 17-year-old dog, Toby. He also uses a few additional pages to note his expenses while attending Carnegie Tech. Tipped into the diary are two manuscript letters and a printed dance card from Dudley’s high school dance in April, 1912. The two letters are from 1911, one being a newsy, familiar letter written to Dudley by his friend Hazel and another being a detailed letter written by Dudley to his Aunt Helen where he provides great detail about his studies in senior year and his devoted work on his model airplanes. His diary is written in a ledger book, allowing him freedom to write extensive and descriptive entries, which he often does. Some entries span pages and provide details of his experiences, lists of friends’ names and even drawings. Other entries are just a quick line or two. “I went out to the library to get some material for my debate on the 20th today. I did not know how to act but found out…” [Jan 17, 1911]“I lost my debate to-day but only by a little bit, they clapped me but not Beistel. I lost on account of the following. I should only write the headings and write them large and in ink and number them and leave a space of about a line between each…. Be sure to get the material on both sides of the question and get things to knock out his proofs. And greatest of all go slow, take plenty of time…and don’t be afraid to pause…” [Jan 20, 1911]. “We initiated Cornell into the club [the 500 Club] to-nite, we did a lot of things to him. We were all dressed up so he wouldn’t know us. We gave him some sweet stuff, then some quinine, then we put a mustard plaster on his arms, then we painted U. S. On his hands with iodine and then tarred and feathered one finger. Then we gave him a dippy note to give the druggist. He gave it to him and the druggist laffed and showed it to a customer. Connell says he’ll make the next initiative strong enough for the next member. I am reading sweet book, “The Golden Kingdom” by Andrew Balfour. This is some songs taken out of it…. ” [Feb 10, 1911]. On May 20th, he describes a hike in the countryside and accompanies the description with a very detailed map of the immediate area he explored with some friends. “...Hyppo and Eli and I took a walk down in Fern Hollow yesterday. We went down past the gas wells and then climbed up where I found the Indian [ ] last Sunday. There Eli got a couple of ferns I had told him about and then we climbed to the top of the hill where there is an orchard, an old disused railway and a path…” [May 20, 1911]. “I was down to Tech to see Dean Leete today and had my personal interview. I met a fellow from Texas whose name is McBride. I spent 10 cents for cab fare” [March 25, 1912]. “...I hated to see those little kids doing those stunts on the stage the other night [at the Rowland Circus]. It seems barbarous to me that we should allow such things when it probably shortens the life of the person greatly. I saw Sue Trotter this afternoon for the first time for about a month. Gee she sure has got some shape. I saw Jennie Mountford this afternoon, too. Her hair is sure bleached some. She makes everybody call her “Jean” now. Some loving believe me…” [Dec 15, 1912]. At the back of the book is a list titled “Things I want To Do. From context, this list was written after his return from WWI or during a leave. It includes: . “Fix my army stuff to my walls, Find a way to take a picture through a telescope, Put electric lights in my cabinet..” and more. For a social historian, this diary gives a fine look inside the life of an American teenage boy in the years immediately preceding WWI. A genealogist would find the list of school friends very helpful in researching family and community connections. BIO NOTES: Dudley was born in Westboro, Massachusetts to parents Frances Augusta Robinson and Curtis Allen Tucker and raised in Edgewood, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, He graduated from Pittsburgh Central High School in 1912 and later graduated from Carnegie Tech. He became a civil engineer and worked in a variety of places, including Koppers Company. He served in World War One from November, 1915 through June, 1919. In 1923, he married Mary Strang in Wilkinsburg, PA. Together, they had one daughter, Mary Jane Tucker. The journal was kept in a ledger book measuring 11.75x7.5 inches. It contains 100 numbered pages plus 6 others inserted into it. It is about 50% complete. The covers are in good condition as are the binding and the pages. The handwriting is legible. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; 100 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012253

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: College Coming

ISADORE SHELDON TUCKER

1912 Manuscript Diary of University of Nebraska Sorority Girl from a Prominent, Entrepreneurial Nehawka Family

Nehawka, Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, Knoxville, Illinois, 1912. Softcover. On offer is the excellent 1912 diary of Isadore Sheldon Tucker (1894-1959) of Nehawka, Nebraska. Isadore was the only child of Emma Banning and businessman Frank Pollard Sheldon. She was the niece of Republican Nebraska Governor George L. Sheldon, who governed from 1907-1909. Isadore was 18 when she kept this diary. See BIO NOTES on Isadore Sheldon Tucker at the end of the listing. This diary follows Isadore through the second half of her senior high school year at St. Mary’s School near Knoxville, Illinois, and the first half of her freshman year at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Her diary provides a remarkable look behind the curtain during the most tender and vulnerable late teen years of a socially and academically successful young woman. Some excerpts follow and give a flavour of Isadore’s diary. She lives on campus at St. Mary’s and travels home by train when time allows: “I started to school today. Marietta King and Alice Farley got on the train at Omaha also. Mildred Adams was on there. We had a circus all the way. Met a lot of other girls in Galesburg” [Jan 3, 1912]. “A missionary here. Gave the Sermon this morning. I took Adel Forbes, Grey De La Mater, Helen Sombait and Polly Lloyd to Idle Den tonight. I was Baptized this afternoon. Alice Farley and Etith Russel were also Baptized…” [Feb 11, 1912]. “The Prom. I went with Mr. Dan Wheeler. Liked him real well. Had a fine programme. The Hall was awfully pretty. Decorated with Smilax and Wisteria. Used lattice work on windows and around piano. Dan Wheeler is a Beta at Knox. Esther went to the reception but not to the prom. Ida Stevens was sick and they stayed together. I had a wonderful time” [Feb 17, 1912]. “We had our party up in Marg and Mary’s room. I stayed with Dot most of the night last night. It stormed hard. This A. M. She was all broken out. They think she has the measles. Took her to the infirmary. I have been writing her notes all day” [Apr 26, 1912]. Isadore spends the summer at home in Nehawka. On September 23, she starts classes at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Her entries give the reader remarkable insight into the freshman experience, particularly when she starts rushing sororities. It’s interesting to note that her regular trips home on the weekend wane as her social and academic lives flourish on campus. “...I had botany today also Latin. I lost a very valuable Note Book and had to write my Rhetoric theme over. Have it written now and am going to copy it now. I we]ant to go home if I can tomorrow. Ruth and Mrs. Coe and myself went to the Lyric this evening. Program was real good” [Oct 4, 1912]. “Today I went to an Alpha Phi breakfast, Delta Gamma luncheon, Alpha O Cotillion and a Theta dinner…Galaideth wanted me to go to the Ag. Dance but I went to bed. The Alpha Phis had a Japanese Wedding” [Nov 23, 1912]. “They have decided that there shall be no more calling and today I got written invitations to Tri Delt, Kappa and Theta. Could accept all” [Dec 3, 1912]. This diary clearly depicts this young woman at the beginning of what would be a successful career in her community. It also paints an unexpected picture of a confident, headstrong and bright young woman who does not conform to expected social norms of the time. BIO NOTES ON ISADORE SHELDON TUCKER: Isadore Sheldon Tucker (1894-1959) was the direct descendant of a number of prominent American Revolutionaries, such as Nathan Conant (1743-1820) , a minute man at the Lexington Alarm and served as lieutenant under Colonel Jonathan Reed. Isadore attended the University of Nebraska (Bachelor of Arts, class of 1916) and pledged to Kappa Kappa Gamma, Nebraska Sigma Chapter. In 1920, Isadore married Marion Tucker. They did not have any children, though they did have cousins who lived with them for a time, named Wilda and Cecile Mitchell (interestingly, they are listed as Marion’s children in his obituary). Isadore was a pillar of the Nehawka community, sitting on the board of the library, acting as Vice President of the Nehawka Woman’s Club, an executive member of the Nehawka school board (Chairman, Treasurer) , and much more. Isadore’s father, Frank Pollard Sheldon, was a pioneer merchant and farmer, who built Sheldon General Store in 1888. Isadore’s husband, Marion, managed the store. Tragically, Sheldon General Store burnt to the ground on July 15, 1959. Isadore would die only eight days later, on July 23, 1959. Whether there was a connection between the fire and Isadore’s death is unknown. Measuring 6.0 inches by 3.5 inches, this diary contains 365 pages plus memoranda. The diary is approximately 80% complete, containing about 300 entries in the 365 day diary. The cover is an ox-blood leather. It shows wear at the corners but is otherwise in good condition. The binding and spine are in good condition as are the pages. The handwriting is legible.; Manuscripts; 24mo 5" - 6" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011125

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary

Keywords: College Entrepreneur

UKNOWN HORSEMAN, HUNTER AND HORSE RACING FAN

1911-1915 Simple Journals of an Avid Horseman and Hunter from Baltimore, Listing His Horses and Hunting Seasons

Baltimore Maryland MD. Hardcover. On offer are five diaries dating to the early years of the 20th century written by an avid horseman and hunter. On April 18, 1911 our author gives a brief outline of his personal history, however he does not state his name. We know he was born in 1878 in Baltimore. He attended college and was married in 1902. He traveled ‘abroad’. On at least two occasions. He was very involved in the horse racing industry. His 1911 diary lists 30 pages of horses that he has owned. This diary also details his hunting seasons including the horses he rode and the results achieved. He travels extensively in the United States. As noted in various entries over the 5 years. Each diary only contains about a dozen entries. These refer to his horse interests and to hunting. Many other entries are simply notations about being ‘absent” or “arrived office”. Some excerpts of the diaries follow: “Absent. Hunting. Brandywine 8 AM. Ride Sherry. Also [] Skylark. Beautiful day. Have good run over fine country and the pack is certainly wonderful” [Mar 3, 1912]. “... Stopped in Atlanta. Met the Hawkins of 3rd Nat’l Bank and the Woods White of Atlanta Savings Co. Missed Col Laury. Very progressive place…” [Feb 3, 1913]. “…Oak Hill buying hounds” [May 7, 1914]. For an enthusiast of American horse racing and breeding, these small diaries offer a fascinating glimpse into this world as it was in the early 1900s. Our avid horseman diarist wrote in 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914 and 1915. All five diaries measure 6.75” x 4.25”. All of the diaries contain 365 pages and all are approximately 10% complete. All five diaries’ covers are in good condition. The bindings of three of the diaries are in good condition and the binding is broken on the 1911 and 1913 diaries. The pages in all five diaries are in good condition. Overall G-. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011128

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

Keywords: Horsemanship