1938-1942 Diary of Alese Axson of St. Matthews, South Carolina

This is the 1938 to 1942 diary of Alese Axson, an 18-year-old woman living in South Carolina during the final years of the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II.

Leila Alese Axson was born in 1919 and spent her whole life in or around St. Matthews, South Carolina, where she had an extensive family network.

Throughout the diary, Axson makes many references to Jacob Samuel Stabler, Jr. – “J.S.,” – who she would eventually marry. Axson’s entries suggest that at the time of writing she is working as a secretary or clerk in a local office that deals with mortgages and grants, among other things.

In her diary, Axson discusses the lives of her family members and the events that occurred in her immediate community. 

“Aunt Rose came. She and I went to Orangeburg to take my watch to be fixed. J.S. worked at Rogers” (February  26, 1938). 

“Mr. Berley came. Told me of highly complementary remarks by Montgomery auditors” (June 8, 1939).

“Mamma and I went to shower for Sadie. Had a nice time!” (November 9, 1940). 

“J.S. came to ask me about his choice of elective Service” (February 3, 1941).

“J.S. came at 9:00 – stayed until 10:00. I gave him some boxes. We both cried” (March 26, 1942). 

This diary offers an excellent look into the small-town world of the American South at the end of the Depression and the beginning of World War II. The Axson and Stabler families were well established in this region of South Carolina, and Axson’s diary is a wonderful primary source for genealogists and historians.

The cover is in fair condition with a small tear and wear marks along the edges and corners. The front cover has separated from the spine but remains attached. The binding is loose, as are some of the pages within. The handwriting is legible. 

Details: 

• Size: 5.25″ x 4″
• Number of pages: 365
• Completeness: 100%
• Condition: Fair
• Handwriting: legible