Call Number:

SCRC 307

Repository:

Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center

Extent:

0.1 linear feet (1 folder)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

[Description and date of item], Amelia J. Allen Diary, SCRC 307, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Date:

1876-1879 (inclusive)

Creator:

Allen, Amelia J., 1856-1935

Form:

Diaries and Manuscripts

Abstract:

Amelia J. Allen was born in Philadelphia in 1856. She was the daughter of Lewis Marks Allen and Miriam Arnold and sister of Fannie Allen. Amelia taught in the Philadelphia Public Schools and the Hebrew Sunday School Society. From 1887 to 1912, she was the superintendent of the Northern Hebrew Sunday School (later Rebecca Gratz School) at 938 Marshall Street. She was the Supervising Principal for the Daniel Webster Combined Secondary and Primary School (later William Henry Harrison School) at 11th and Thompson Streets until her retirement. Amelia was one of the founding members of the Young Women's Union (later Neighborhood Centre) and the Young Men's Hebrew Association. Amelia died July 15, 1935.

Leather bound diary kept by Amelia J. Allen between January 1, 1876 and January 1, 1879. Amelia's diary chronicles her thoughts and observations during her early twenties and provide insight into her social interactions, her experiences working as a teacher in Philadelphia, her relationships with members of her family (including her sister, Fannie, who were both in search of a suitable husband), as well as her numerous visits to the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. In addition to diary entries describing her visits to the fair, Amelia also recorded a list of dates she attended the Centennial. Also included in the back of the diary are lists of books she read during the years 1876 and 1877.