Diaries 4 [ More Diaries 1 2 3 ... 5 6 7 8 9 ]

[ NEW JERSEY, Salem ]
BOWEN, Frank. Diaries.
Thirty-nine volumes comprising diaries, receipt books, inventory lists, pocket journals; 1878, 1882, 1886,1903-04, 1907 - 1928.
with BOWEN, Edna (daughter), Diary,
one volume for 1917.

Generational diaries are so uncommon as to be almost nonexistent. To have them span the number of years which these do is exceptional. Bowen was head clerk and, earlier errand boy, in his father's dry goods store, where everything from window shades to blank books was sold in a general line of inventory.

Detailed activities and events in this trades diary. Such strongly appealing self-referential material throughout, as this retail mention of diaries written in a diary: "Fri., Jan. 1, 1886 / ...this is the time for blank books. / Sat.,Jan. 2, 1886 / Diaries like 111 and 211 seem to be desired. This year we have had neither. We have #18 and are sorry for it. Desireable ones are also 131, 231. / Tues., Jan. 5, 1886 / We have sold at least three diaries to-day, and might have sold another if we had had a long one with a day to a page. Mr. Thos. Wood wanted it, and perhaps papa will try to get some in Phila. to-morrow. Robinson & Hackett have not any. Mr. Job Dixon bought one to-day after inquriing elsewhere."

Collection comprises 40 volumes and occupies 19 inches of linear shelf space. Heights range from 7" to 4" high; from 2" wide to 5" wide; from 1/4" to 1" thick. Condition ranges from just fair to very good, as is expected with such quotidian materials as these, which were in use and at hand constantly. Many commercial, retail records as well as the life story of a young girl growing up.

USD $6,345 / €4.076 includes shipping and insurance.Acquire these diaries or Review your cart or Further advice requested

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[ OHIO, Cleveland and CALIFOR NIA, Riverside ]
LUKE, Lucy. Diaries.
Seven volumes for 1945-49, 1950-54, 1955-59, 1960-1964, 1965-69, 1970-74, 1977-79.
Collection comprised of 7 volumes which occupy 6-1/2" of linear shelf space; volumes are 5-1/2" high x 4" wide x 1" thick, in "Five-Year" Diary formats. Condition ranges from just fair to very good; all pages intact, some shaking to covers, one volume lacks spine, another has split spine with old tape mend; others are good to very good. Many volumes have inclusions of newspaper clippings, cards, trade bills, the usual lifetime accumulations which appear ephemeral and dismissable, but from which the knowledgeable researcher or collector can discern carloads of relevant, often poignant, information.

USD $4,845 / €3.112 includes shipping and handling. Acquire these diaries or Review your cart or Further advice requested

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(Above) Bowen's 1911 diary, still in the presentation gift box with the original glassine wrappers, details household staff movements and societal perceptions common for the era.

(Below) Bowen's ownership stamp with handwritten address emendation.

(Below) Lucy Luke's decades-long diaries comprise 7 volumes in commercial, 5-years-to-a-page format. She offers views into mid- to late-twentieth century domestic activities, social relationships, and leisure time pursuits. Collateral material includes such personal items as Medicare documents, senior citizen club membership cards, library cards, and muniments concerning her husband's estate.