1906 Manuscript Diary of a Cool MIT Grad, Transportation Enthusiast, and Future Lawyer Working and Living it Up in New England

On offer is the well-kept 1906 diary of bright 23-year-old Amasa Maynard Holcombe (1882-1971), who is coming of age as he works, socializes and dates in the interval between his graduation from MIT (class of 1904) and his return to law school. In the years after this diary was written, he would attend George Washington University’s law school (class of 1910), become a patent lawyer, serve as a Major in the US Army in WWI, marry and remarry repeatedly, and become a pillar of the community as a member of many respected organizations. At this diary’s writing, Holcombe was working as the assistant to the treasurer at Pope Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut. He was also dating (by the end of the year he’s getting serious about Miss Ella Knapp), working on his motorcycle, attending auto club meetings, and socializing up a storm. When he does comment on his work, it is clear to see that he is sharp as a pin and focused on his future success. SEE FULL BIO NOTES AT THE END OF THE LISTING. 

Some excerpts from this excellent diary follow. Amasa M. Holcombe is such a solid diarist that these excerpts only scratch the surface of his year. Typical of a gentleman in his early 20s, Holcombe writes much more about his social encounters than his work life, but the diary as a whole provides many insights into his career and the broad New England landscape. 

“Cold, Fine. Office routine. Saw Mr. Jenkins about patent application Rec’d letter from Geo. Fayban. Went to Waterbury to costume party in Friendly League Hall. Made up as Bro. Jonathan. Put up at the “Connecticut”. Rec’d celluloid scale from Clarence E. Whitney” [Jan 25]. 

“Office routine. Sent mother $15.00. Put $20.00 in the bank. Bought tie, socks, etc. Took Miss Woods to the bowling club at Y.M.C.A. 136-103. She invited me to play bridge some evening” [Feb 23].

"Office routine. Ground new exhaust valve into motor. Ordered new summer suit at Gemmel Burnhams. Called at Mr. Jenkins office with two applications. Met Stevens on the street. Went over to Ella Knapps and had a little food. Had lunch downtown. Bought pair of tan low shoes. Rec’s whist invitation from Hattie Legett. Accepted" [May 3].

“Cold. Cloudy. Office till 9:30. Went to the Hartford Club to a meeting of the Mechanical Branch of the A.L.A.M. Subject - tires. Lunched there. Visited the Hartford Rubber Works, and Henry Souther’s laboratory with the crowd. Had my first ride in a Pope-Hartford Mod. 7. Went over to Ella Knapp’s. Sent Elsie five dollars” [June 8]. 

“Showers in PM. Went to Svelle’s camp on motorcycle, arriving at 12:20. Left Htfd 10:05. Had dinner and played 3rd base in game against the “Albers”. They won 8-7. Hard and fast game. Made two runs. Went swimming with the boys. Went canoeing with Marie. Teresa, Clara and Miss Baker were out, also Dan. Sprinkled a little. Hot night” [July 22]. 

“Office routine. Took out commission as Notary Public. The Toledo racing care came up for repairs. Looked it over. Pretty well smashed up. Mr. Russell called to talk insurance. Rec’d letter from BG Wilson. Went over to Ella Knapp’s. Took a walk. Wrote postals” [Sept 25]. 

Holcombe’s diary provides a detailed, precise description of what it was to be motorcycle-riding, popular and successful white man in 1906 America. This diary is an absolute treat for social scientists and New England collectors. His diary is simply replete with names and places which makes it a goldmine for genealogical researchers.

BIO NOTES: Amasa Maynard Holcombe (1882-1971) was born in Winchester, Massachusetts to Frank Gibbons and Inez Norman Maynard. He completed a BSc at Massachusetts Institute of Technology  (class of 1904). Immediately after graduation he worked in machine design at Farrell Foundry & Machine Co in Waterbury, Connecticut and as assistant to the treasurer at Pope Manufacturing. Holcombe returned to school in 1908, attending George Washington University to earn his law degree (class of 1910). While in school in Washington he worked as an assistant examiner at the US Patent Office. Holcombe was called to the DC bar in 1910 and the Missouri bar in 1913. He became a respected patent lawyer, working with many prestigious firms around the US, and becoming partner. Later in his career, Holcombe worked as the Director of Kistner, Lock & Appliance Co and as Special Assistant to the Attorney General (1920-1924), and as a consultant in the Department of Justice (1946-1950). His personal life was almost as interesting as his career. In 1909, Amasa married Eleanor Pearl Marshall (1885-1932). Together, they had two children, Priscilla and Marshall. After Eleanor’s untimely passing, Amasa remarried Violet Strong Gillett in 1934. They divorced in 1946, and Holcombe married his third wife, Martha Ellcott Ramey in 1952. Holcombe was known to have been a member of the following clubs, societies and associations: American Bar Association, American Patent Law Association, Patent Institute of Canada, Association International Protection Industrial Property (American section), American Society Military Engineers, Washington Society Engineers, American Ordnance Association, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Washington Board Trade, Sons of the American Revolution Clubs: Rotary, University (Washington).

Measuring 4.75 inches by 3.0 inches, the diary contains 365 pages plus memoranda. It is 100% complete. The diary is in good condition. The covers are intact with little evidence of wear. The spine and binding are in good condition as are the pages. The handwriting is exceedingly neat and legible. Overall Good+.