1929-1931 Diary of a Northern California Teen Violinist Whose Father Will Have School Named After Him and Who is as Serious About Boys as She is About Her Music

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On offer is the 1929-1931 diary of a gifted young San Anselmo, California violinist who would go on to play first violin in a number of orchestras and teach music at her local elementary school.

The author of this diary is Barbara Marksbury Thomas (later Davis) (1915-2001). Born to Wade and Maude S. (Stanford) Thomas, she grew up in San Anselmo, Marin, California. In 1937, she married Richard Lowndes Davis (1907-1983). Richard worked as a teacher and school administrator. Together they had four children: Alice, Mary, Wade, Richard. They lived in Fresno and Contra Costa. 

Barbara’s father, Wade Thomas, was notable in San Anselmo’s education history.  He worked as principal of the Main School and later became superintendent of the school district. Main School was reconstructed in the 1940s and was renamed the Wade Thomas Elementary School. He died shortly before the new school building was complete.

When Barbara starts her diary, she is 13-years-old and in the 8th grade. She’s clearly popular - lots of boys seem to be vying for her attention and she has a lot of social engagements. She is also an accomplished musician, taking lessons in violin, singing, piano, and even banjo. She plays in multiple orchestra groups and her family obviously supports her talent, taking her out of town for lessons. The family lives comfortably despite the onset of the Great Depression. In her diary Barbara records her social activities, lessons, rehearsals, crushes, silly incidents at school, arts events she attends with her family and much more. Some excerpts:

“I had Don’s pencil for a while today. I was told he wanted me to have it, but another boy took it away from me. (just my luck) I got a chain letter today. First time. Washed my hair tonite” [March 12, 1929].

“Violin lesson this morning. After orch todayI had a rehearsal with Jeanette on the duet. I ate dinner with Mrs. Conroy and had rehearsal on my solo afterward” [May 16, 1929].

“This morning I took my violin lesson then to SF for my lesson (singing). Then Mom and I shopped. Tonight Philip called up (disguising his voice) and asked to come up. He and Dick came…” [April 5, 1930].

“I guess we’re getting prosperous now, we are buying a radio now and a new basin for the bathroom downstairs” [Oct 7, 1930].

“This morn there was a terrible accident at the Ross Ave crossing by San Am Station.. The 8 o’clock from S.F. hit hit an auto, killing two people before my eyes. A man and a woman. I had the awful experience of seeing the dead people. They were terribly mangled. It made me sick for the rest of the day” [Oct 21, 1930].

“Gee Diary, as silly as it may sound years later, I think it must be love. Else what is it that makes my heart sing and my steps seem lighter?” [Dec 1, 1930]. 

“We had a long rehearsal after school tonight. Got home at 5:30 PM and had to be at another different rehearsal at 5:45 PM” [Dec 9, 1930].

“I don’t know just the exact date but some time this year I played in the orch of SF music conservatory under direction of Nathan Abas - future concert master of SF SUM. We play over Radio K. P.O. every Sat” [March 5, 1931].

This diary would be a valuable addition to the collection of anyone interested in northern California history, particularly their school systems. It would also be a terrific piece for anyone who is interested in the growth of young musicians in the early 20th century. Finally, Barbara is a very engaging young teenager and viewing the world through her eyes is entertaining and enlightening. 

The diary measures approx 5x3.5 inches. The exterior cover is in poor condition, chipping and loosening with the spine completely exposed. Internally, all the pages are intact and remain attached. The writing is legible. This is a 5 year diary but the author has only completed two years with a few entries in the third year. She has also written extensively in the Memoranda section. Overall Fair. 

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