1935 Diary of a Massachusetts Housewife Noting the Daily Rhythms of Life and Motherhood in the Great Depression
12210On offer is a simple, interesting little diary kept by Helen Cushman Keith (1889-1974). Helen was born in Kingston, Massachusetts to William C. Hathaway and Adah F. Snow. In 1914, she married Clinton Thomas Keith (1887-1975). William and Helen both graduated from Plymouth High School. William worked as a civil engineer. Helen worked as a stenographer before marriage. Together they had three girls and one boy, however only the girls - Virginia, Cynthia and Helen - survived infancy.
The diary was kept for the year 1935. In 1935, Helen is in her mid-40s and her children are ages 8, 10 and 15. Helen keeps her diary consistently at times, and inconsistently at others. Her entries range from relatively newsy to sparse - sometimes she lists off activities of the day or provides insight into her family or community life. Other days, she simply notes the weather or makes a quick comment. Some excerpts give a sense of her writing:
“Helen still sick and upstairs. Very cold. Had bridge club. All here but Lucy. Dr for Helen” [Jan 4].
“Worst snow storm for 25 years. No school. No club at night” [Jan 24].
“Food buying 10.30” [Feb 12].
“Our 21st Anniversary. Cleaned all day. Will Rogers movie in evening” [June 18].
“Recreation Report on Old Home Day – nearly $150 this year. Everyone pleased” [July 15].
“Sue’s anniversary. Dr. B’s birthday. Dramatic comm meeting here at 3 o’clock” [Oct 8].
“Bradford House supper. As warm as summer” [Oct 26].
For a social historian, these brief entries give a glimpse into the life of a married woman and mother during some of the hardest years of the decade.
This small diary measures approximately 4.25 inches by 2.5 inches and contains 92 pages plus memoranda and maps. The covers are in good condition, albeit with some signs of wear. The binding is intact and the pages are in good condition and the diary is about 50% complete. Most entries are brief. The handwriting is legible. Overall Good.
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