1913 Sweet Diary of a Young Shopgirl Who Moves from Her Home in Maine to New Hampshire Where She Will Soon Begin Her Married Life

On offer is the quaint, interesting diary of Agnes Stanwood Harrington (1886-1969) of Brunswick, Maine. 

Agnes was born to Sea Captain William S. Harrington and Fannie A. Skolfield. In 1915, Agnes married William Perley Drowns (1889-1944). He  worked as a Brakeman in the rail transport industry. Agnes and William lived in Nashua, New Hampshire and had four children, though only three survived infancy. At the time she kept this diary, Agnes is still living in Brunswick, according to her notation in the back of the journal, but it seems she moves to New Hampshire in late September, and begins seeing “W” (likely William, her future husband). 

Agnes kept this diary fairly consistently throughout 1913, beginning when she was 26-years-old (she turned 27 on May 19th). Entries describe her day-to-day activities and shed light on the life of a young, unmarried, working woman in early 20th century New England. The following excerpts will give a feel for her experiences: 

“Stormy. Worked all day. Went to Military Ball in evening with A.S.C Doris came at night” [Apr 11, 1913].

“My birthday. Sadie gave me a box of stationary. May a pair of stockings. Sadie and Helen and I went to pictures” [May 19, 1913]. 

“Fair. Worked all day. Henry H & I went to Baltic in evening for circus” [Aug 8, 1913].

“Fair and very warm. Left B for N.H. Got in N.H. for the evening had a fine trip” [Sept 27, 1913]. 

“Had electric light the first time Friday night Sept 5th. [Memo off Sept 6th entry] Fair and very warm. U and a friend and I went to Stark Park in afternoon” [Sept 28, 1913]. 

“Fair. Went to work in the morning in the shoe shop for the first time. Made $1.00” [September 29, 1913]. 

“Weighed 121 lbs Sat Sept 27, 1913 when I go to Manchester” [Memoranda]. 

“Cloudy and foggy. Worked all fore-noon. W and I went over to the city and di some shopping” [Oct 11, 1913]. 

For a social historian, this little diary offers a glimpse into a world long gone. It certainly paints a picture of the life of a young woman in urban New England at this time which would be of interest to Women’s Studies researchers

Measuring 4.0 inches by 2.75 inches, this small diary contains 91 pages and is approximately 80% complete. The red leatherette cover and binding are in good condition as are the pages. The handwriting is legible. The original pencil is still in its holder in the spine.