1919-1920 Diary of a Cornell University Freshman Who Has Waited Out The Great War to Finally Achieve His College Dream

On offer is the engaging diary of a post WWI student at Cornell University. The author of this diary is believed to be Frederick William Abendschein (1894-1975), though this cannot be confirmed. There are contextual clues that loosely identify our author as either Abendschein or someone close to him. The clues include references to his sister Edith (by name and by date of her wedding), and his brother-in-law, Frank Elliott Wood, as well as mentions of the family’s last name. There are other pieces of complementary information within the journal, such as a reference to a War Risk Insurance Policy dated 1917 (#3081). Abendschein served in WWI from May 1918 through February 1919. 

The diary records our author’s first year at Cornell University, and in many ways reads as a love letter to the institution. Our author is so happy to be a student at Cornell despite the typical freshman challenges he faces. He recounts the usual types of experiences a new student might have, including figuring out campus, his classes and fraternity life. He begins his diary at the beginning of the school year and concludes it in the summer, with only a few brief entries later in 1920. The following excerpts will give a flavour of the diary:

“After two years of waiting with apparent endless hard luck, I’m on the way at last. Its one grand and glorious feeling. Edith, Mother, Elliott and I had supper then on the way…” [Sept 28, 1919]. 

“The end of my first day at Cornell. Some day! After many trials and reverses registration was finally completed. Just one damn thing after another…” [Sept 29, 1919].

“Had quite a pleasant day on the hill well some with marked improvement in trig. Procured my text book after some little difficulty. Went to the Theta Xi house tonight and while it doesn't present the same appearance as Chi Psi the house and fellows are a great bunch. Enjoyed every minute of it. Met people who knew some in R. and lunch at Ithica” [Oct 13, 1919]. 

“Spent the afternoon [ ] and reading. Went to library in the evening to get some dope for my Eng theme. Came home and studied” [Feb 19, 1920]. 

“Very busy day. Came down the Hill at 5 and went to work on Chem. Worked until 10. Then bed” [Apr 12, 1920]. 

“The Descript was a bear. Feel sure I buster higher than a bit. Went to Forge in the afternoon. Very tired Did some English and went to bed” [May 4, 1920]. 

“All in today and didn’t go up the Hill until the afternoon. Took Peggy for a walk and had a mighty nice time. Worked all evening. Received a wedding announcement from Louise Anchaus” [June 4, 1920]. 

For a social historian, this small diary offers an excellent look into the life of a college student who was likely fresh out of the U.S. Army and immediately following WWI. It offers an interesting look into one aspect of the generation that would eventually be referred to as “the Lost Generation”.

This diary is a 7-ring binder measuring 7.0x4.5 inches. The covers are a pebbled leatherette with the word “Diary” embossed on the front in gold. The diary is set up as a students diary with pages beginning in September. There are two days per page for a total of approximately 194 pages including some information pages. The covers and pages are in good condition and the handwriting is legible. It is approximately 65% complete. Overall Good.