1913 Diary of an Upper Class Young New Yorker Who Writes of her Charmed Life in an Affected Voice

On offer is the diary of an unknown, wealthy New York City woman that offers a very revealing look at the life of an upperclass suburban household in 1913. 

The unknown diarist is a young woman living at home with her mother. Her writing, though grammatically correct, is of an affected, rather ponderous style. Some excerpts from the diary give the flavour of her writing style, as follows: 

“In my physical condition, tonight my proclivity almost lead me to pass up this chronicle and record on the morrow but willpower [ ] and superior energy gained the day for me…” [Mar 10].

“The Beauties of suburban life in Flatbush struck me as being prodigious this morning as I seated myself at dejeuner…” [June 1].

“The last trying episode of a day of many demanding labors though I have rather been in the mood and so consequently drew enjoyment from my labors…” [Oct 19]. 

There are many hints about their well-off status:

“Harriet left with Ann and Dorothy in the Limousine at eleven thirty for Manhattan…” [Jan 3].

Throughout her entries, the reader gets a sense of a privileged life. There is no reference to her father and no references at all to studying or working. She is aware of more public events such as the inauguration of Woodrow Wilson as President of the United States (Mar 4) and the death of New York mayor William Jay Gaynor on board a ship to Europe (Sept 11).

For a social historian, it presents a very interesting look at one aspect of life among the well-off in America at the turn of the 20th century. For a gender studies program, it offers a very clear contrast to the circumstances of many women living in America over a century ago.

This diary measures 9.5 x 8.0 and contains 365 pages. It is 100% complete. The covers are in good condition. The binding is intact although the spine has cracked. The pages are in good condition and the handwriting is legible.