1882 European Travel Diary of an Upper Class Kentucky Woman Visiting England, France, Germany and Italy in the Lap of Luxury for Four Months

On offer is a fine private European travel journal kept by a rich young Kentucky woman who traveled extensively.

The journal belonged to Anna L. Worthington. She was born in 1864 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and lived in Covington, Kentucky. Her father was Henry Worthington who was known as one of the foremost businessmen in Covington, amassing a large fortune in the tobacco industry. In 1886, Anna married in George Gatewood Hamilton (1861-1928) and had one daughter, Anna Roberta Hamilton (1888-1939). She passed away in 1895 at the young age of 30. George was also a successful businessman and land owner. He went on to remarry Allie Chilton after Anna’s death. 

The journal recounts a four-month trip she took throughout Europe when she was 18 years old. She travelled as part of a small group. The trip was extensive which reflected the very wealthy background she came from. Her travels included England, France, Germany and Italy and focused on historical locations and places known for their art and architecture. Her excerpts are long and newsy, written in a bouncy cursive hand. She kept her journal from May 1 through August 27, 1882. Some brief excerpts follow: 

“Went to Versailles with Madame, went on the Chemin de fer and came back on the tramway. We went immediately to the Castle de Versailles, which was built by Louis 14th for Mlle de la Valliere. He once heard her say to a courtier that the only one she loved was the King of the Sun…” [May 19]. 

“Left Pisa about 11:40 for Rome. Very comfortable until we got to Chivioveccia [sic]. When we had to put up our windows because we were on the Campagna…” [June 6].

“Started for Frankfort at eleven, arrived at one. Went to see...the church where the emperors were crowned...Went to the Burying ground where Goethe’s mother is buried. Anna D., Will & I went to the stores…” [July 22].

“Went to the Crystal Palace, wanted to go to see Billy Taylor but we were “taken in’ & only saw a man cut a woman to pieces and a few other things equally ridiculous…” [August 4].

This diary provides terrific insight into the the state of both travel and major European cities in the late 19th century. For a social historian, this journal is a silent testament to the social structures in late 19th century America and how some women were able to enjoy a life experience much different than that experienced by the majority of women in the country. As such, it would also be a useful addition to any gender studies library.

The journal is a soft-covered notebook containing 132 lined pages. The cover is leather and shows wear along the spine and on the corners. The pages are in good condition and the handwriting is quite legible. It is approximately 55% complete. Overall Good.