Call Number:

Ms. Codex 2251

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

.1 linear feet (1 volume)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Diary of a New Hampshire woman, 1881 June 1-1884 March 27, Ms. Codex 2251, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1881 june 1 - 1884 march 27 (inclusive)

Form:

Diaries

Abstract:

This diary documents the life of an unidentified woman living on a farm with her father near Keene, New Hampshire, from June 1, 1881, to March 27, 1884. The relationships of people mentioned within the diary are frequently unclear, but it appears that extended family helped with farm work. Each entry generally begins with a description of the weather and includes information about the work done on the farm or the people with whom the author interacted that day. Entries are made regularly, often daily, but occasionally skipping days.

The author of this diary was a woman living in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, close to the town of Keene, with her father. Her age, and the age of her father, are unknown, but it seems that they relied fairly heavily on specific people (possibly extended family) and on neighbors to help them with farm and household tasks. The farm appears to have grown a variety of vegetables; raised cattle, pigs, and chickens; made hay; and harvested apples for drying and cider. Work in the forests included timbering and "peeling bark." Tommy was a frequent helper with farm work.

The family attended church, but the denomination is unknown. Births and deaths are mentioned, but rarely with full names. The author appears to be artistic, creating pictures and having portraits framed. While the author was involved in some housework, it appears that much of the cooking, butter churning, mopping, ironing, sewing, cleaning the carpets, etc., was done by Alice, Ellen, Lucy and Maria, who may have been cousins. On July 11, 1883, the author stated, that she is "as shiftless as [she] can be all the time. It must be because [she does not] have to work," (page 83). She appears to have had a lively social life, receiving visitors regularly. Family visits to Keene, a factory, and Putney Depot are frequent.

Very few relationships with individuals mentioned in the diary are certain, but the author had an Aunt Lucy, and a cousin called Charlie. Aunt Lucy and Charlie visited the farm along with Charlie's wife, Ada, and their two children, Fred and Ellen. Other possible cousins include Ed and Lillie and their daughter Edith, who are mentioned throughout the diary, but frequently during the spring of 1883 when Edith died and "was taken to Brooklyn for burial," (page 65). Neighbors are generally referred to formally; but those with full names listed include: Clara Abbott, Edward Aldrich, George Bennet, William Britton, Charles Butterfield, Gilbert Simmons, Ira Smith, and Loring, Jonas, and Kirk Wheeler. People referred to as only Mr. and/or Mrs. include Briggs, Chamberlain, Green, Stevenson, Ward, and Wood. Others are referred to only by first name.

This diary documents the day-to-day life of a woman in a small farming community in New Hampshire. Her father is never referred to by name; only "father;" and there are no other full names of family members; therefore, identifying the author by name was not possible during processing.

This 96-page diary documents the life of a woman living on a farm with her father near Keene, New Hampshire, from June 1, 1881, to March 27, 1884. The last entry ends abruptly mid-sentence. It is possible that pages at the volume have been lost.

Each entry generally begins with a description of the weather and includes information about the work done on the farm or the people with whom the author interacted that day. Entries are made regularly, often daily, but occasionally skipping days. The handwriting in the volume is small and close and is, on occasion, difficult to read; but entries are fairly formulaic and, with context, content can usually be deciphered. In addition to weather and a report on the day's activities; the author frequently reports on the whereabouts of Alice, Lucy, Maria, and Tommy; letters received or written; illnesses and injuries experienced by her, her father, or her community; and trips to nearby towns, "the Hill," and a factory. More unusual are mentions of holidays; national events such as election day and the death of President James Garfield; and births and deaths of family and community members.