The Diaries of Isabel Wright of Massachusetts, 1928-58

(Worchester, Massachusetts): (1928-58).

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Softcover. A collection of 22 pocket diaries spanning the years: 1928-29; 1931; 1933-41; 1943-46; 1949-50; 1952; 1955; and 1957-58. Various commercial (Ideal and Marquette) pocket size diaries in flexible suede covers. Two early volumes (1929 and 1931) are partly damaged along the spine backs with covers loose or detached, three other volumes are dampstained, else good or better overall with some staining mostly to the endpapers and covers.

A detailed and informative record of a woman’s labor-intensive life on a farm in Worcester, Massachusetts. Isabel Wright and her husband Charles lived at 267 Sunderland Road, near Lake Quinsigamond. The 1940 Census lists both as head of the household, which included other family members and boarders.

In addition to cooking, washing, and mending clothes, Isabel also tends the garden, the farm’s various flowers, grape vines, and bee hives, and prepares exhibits for state fairs. All 22 volumes are nearly completely filled with daily and intermittent daily entries written in ink and pencil. Her entries include specific information about the many types of food and flowers being cultivated at the farm, and the various dishes and pies that she prepares in the kitchen. She also describes the work performed by her husband and others living at the farm.

A no-nonsense firsthand account of a woman’s working life on a typical New England farm.


Item #447426

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Item #447426 The Diaries of Isabel Wright of Massachusetts, 1928-58. Isabel C. WRIGHT.
The Diaries of Isabel Wright of Massachusetts, 1928-58
The Diaries of Isabel Wright of Massachusetts, 1928-58