Mary E. Chase diary, 1853-1854.

Format:

Book

Manuscript

Author/Creator:

Chase, Mary E., 1828-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

American diaries--19th century--Specimens.

American diaries.

American diaries--Women authors.

Manners and customs.

New England--Social life and customs--19th century.

New England.

American diaries--New England--19th century.

Genre:

Diaries.

Manuscripts, American.

Specimens.

Penn Provenance:

Sold by Michael Brown Rare Books (Philadelphia) catalog 48 (2009).

Physical Description:

1 volume (111 leaves)

Place of Publication:

1853-1854.

Biography/History:

Born in Rockland, Maine, Mary E. Chase was a schoolteacher in Hanover, Massachusetts.

Summary:

Diary of Mary E. Chase with entries from 16 May 1853 to 6 August 1854. The volume, written at age twenty-five, describes Chase's constant struggle with sadness, misery, and loneliness. She finds solace and happiness in letters from an unknown correspondent, writing her feelings in code. Throughout the volume Chase uses shorthand at times to encode her words when referring to anticipated correspondence from the letter-writer and often when discussing how she feels regarding specific persons or events. She mentions no fear of one of her housemates, Lucy, reading the journal, but possibly one of the others would be inclined. Chase discusses her teaching and her students, some specifically giving her joy and the troubles encountered with others. Her birthday entry notes that the world would describe her as an old maid, but that she doesn't feel that way or care what the world thinks. She travels to see relatives, to events such as the teacher's association meeting, and attends church services most Sundays, with some comments on the sermons. Chase writes of her other interests: singing, quilting, and music lessons. In the last entry she indicates that this is the last page and the last time she will write in this book given to her by a dear friend.

OCLC:

438101589