1927-1929 Diary of an Older American Mother of Six Who is a Devout Christian

On offer is an interesting diary of a Connecticut woman in the years following World War One. 

This is a five-year diary that was kept for only two-and-a-half years. Entries begin in January, 1927 and continue through to May,1929. The author of this diary is unknown. Context suggests that she lived in Connecticut, possibly in the Hartford area. However, this unnamed woman was very busy. She had a family of 6 children and context again suggests that she is older. One of her daughters is married and has children of her own.

There is no reference to a husband in her entries. Several children still live with her. Her life is very busy with the variety of tasks she must complete daily to manage her home. Excerpts follow:

“Louise was sick with severe headache in night and today---had indigestion. Came down and slept on lounge. Snowed. Went to Miss Mary meeting. Elsie L. brought me home in bad storm. He and Mrs. Sye died last night suddenly. Luke 24-5&6” [Jan 4, 1927].

“Tried some puzzles but didn’t feel up enough. Cool. Took nap. Terrible sleepy all of the time. Baked apple pie and potatoes” [Mar 24, 1927].

“Had a lovely bouquet of roses from Elsie and Leighton. Grace wrote lovely card. Elsie got my notices of Board Meeting written. She and Frank went to church. I got dinner. Letter from Esther yesterday. She is away too much. Wrote her a long letter” [May 13, 1928].

“Rained and cooler. Thunderstorm last night. Finished Death Comes to the Archbishop. Finished hemming my napkins. Mr. Case gave me big barrel of gladiolas. Frank and I went to [ ] meeting. Voted to build sidewalk and athletic field [ ] school house. Letter from Esther…” [Aug 6, 1928].

Throughout her diary, she makes references to various biblical texts.

For a social historian, this diary paints a picture of a very ordinary woman in her later years managing her family and relationships. For a Women’s Studies program, this diary clearly illustrates the social situation of many women at that time in America.

Measuring 5.75 inches by 3.0 inches, the book is about 55% complete. The fabric cover is soiled and shows some wear. The binding has pulled away from the front cover but all pages are intact. The handwriting is cramped.