1882 Diary of a Mystery New Hampshire Farmer’s Wife Who Embodies the Concept of Women’s Invisible Labour

On offer is a fine diary, written by an unknown New Hampshire farmer’s wife in 19th century rural New Hampshire. Never has the concept of woman’s invisible labour been more poignant than in this diary. Our author writes every single day of 1882. She describes the minutiae of the lives of everyone around her, and yet, we finish the diary knowing almost nothing about the woman diarist herself. 

Contextual cues from the diary indicate that our unknown author lives with her husband, Joel, on a farm near Dover in Strafford County, New Hampshire. The diary was purchased from an apothecary in Rochester, New Hampshire, where they go regularly for supplies, and which is 11 miles north of Dover. Other contextual cues indicate that Joel and our author are the parents of adult children. We believe their children are Emma, Clara, Mary and Frances. Four pages of notes in the Memoranda section clearly indicate that they sold butter and eggs on a regular basis. Context clues from within the diary indicate they also butchered and likely sold pork from the farm. 

Each day, our diarist reports on the weather, gives a sense of her tasks for the day, and then focuses on what everyone in her social and familiar circles are doing and, often, on their health. She is clearly part of a tight-knit farming community, and her references to attending “meetings” on Sundays implies she is part of a religious community as well. 

Excerpts from our mystery diarist follow, which give a flavour of the nature of her entries:

"It is fair and cold we worked on my sash and Joel went to the Post Office this afternoon we had a boiled dinner John Brock was here tonight and Mr. Sanborn we signed for a paper" [Jan 3, 1882].

“It is fair and cold. Marg commenced on my black dress. Emma killed her hog today. John Brock and Ezra was in”  [Jan 4, 1882]. 

“It was a pleasant day. Will Walingford was here cutting wood today. Seavey was here to dinner and I ironed today. Gail went up after hay today. Lenie Foss and George Goodson was here” [Feb 16, 1882]. 

“It is fair and warm and we went to meeting. [ ] was here with George and Abigal Brewster and stayed all night and the both were taken sick” [Apr 16, 1882]. 

“It is a rainy day. The Dr. was here this morning. Frances is a little better. Isaac and Emma was in. George and Eemmeline was up this afternoon” [June 4, 1882].

“It is fair and warm. Addie went home. Joel & George went up to the pasture and up to Daniel Otis. George Brewster & Abigal was here to dinner” [July 9, 1882].

“It is fair. Mary and Joel went to Rochester. Mrs. Brach was up and spent the day and I’s was sick. Dr. Gaffin was here to see me” [Oct 3, 1882].

“It is overcast. Will Walingford is here. Joel commenced to make cider for John Brock. ... This afternoon we churned” [Oct 20, 1882]. 

“It is overcast. We churned. Joel helped Isaac kill the hog. A peddler stayed here last night. It snowed in the afternoon” [Dec 13, 1882].

“...fair day. Washed. Uncle Wentworth was here and Uncle Horace…and Aunt Betsy came here and stayed all night. George…was here and was sick all day” [Dec 25, 1882].

For a historian, this is an excellent portrait of life in rural New Hampshire in the late 19th century. Her entries are detailed and they paint a clear picture of farm life for a woman’s point of view. For a Women’s Studies program, this is a fine illustration of the daily lives of women at this time in America. For a genealogist, it is a goldmine. She makes many references to the people in her social circle. In our informal research, we were able to quickly find many of the people she has mentioned. This diary will help confirm relationships and cross-reference many people who lived in Strafford County, NH at this time.

Measuring 6.0 inches by 3.25 inches, this diary covers the year 1882. It contains 183 pages, including the daily diary and Memoranda. It is approximately 85% complete.  The cover shows clear wear marks and the back cover is starting to detach. The binding is intact but there are wear marks and some small tears. The pages are in good condition and the handwriting is legible, though light in some places as it is written in pencil. Overall Fair.