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SARAH A. REED : 1909 ORIGINAL, SIGNIFICANT MANUSCRIPT DIARY HANDWRITTEN BY A NOTED ACTIVIST AND TIRELESS ADVOCATE FOR THE ORPHANED AND HOMELESS REMEMBERED TO THIS DAY IN HER HOME TOWN

16mo - over 5¾" - 6¾" tall. On offer is a fascinating, original manuscript travel diary handwritten by a leading figure working with orphaned and homeless children in the early years of the 20th Century. Measuring 6.5 inches by 4 inches, the diary contains 192 pages and is 100% complete. The spine of the book has been damaged. The cover shows some wear at the corners but is intact as are all pages within. The handwriting is legible. This travel diary was written by Sarah A. Reed from Erie, PA. Reed was the president of an association that helped orphaned and homeless children for 45 years in Pennsylvania. The Children's Center was founded in 1871, in Erie, Pennsylvania, by a group of women interested in helping orphaned and homeless children. Sarah A. Reed was an original member of this group who founded "The Association for Improving the Conditions of the Poor, and a Home for the Friendless". Miss Reed served as President for 45 years from 1889 to her death in 1934. Her contributions to the agency's early development were so substantial that in 1935 the Center was renamed in her honor. She played a very significant role in the community life of Erie. [So great was her impact that there is a children's center in Erie named for her today.]This travel journal is actually a handwritten copy made by Reed for her travelling companion Emma Sargent. There is a dedication page written by Sarah that states: "This copy of my record of our trip of 1909 made for my dear friend and companion no the entire journey Emma Sargent: We only wish history like this would repeat itself. Sarah A. Reed". The travel diary, written in 1909, describes their trip to Ireland, England and Scotland. The diary covers the period July 31 to Oct 3, 1909. They leave the Pennsylvania Railroad Station and later transfer baggage aboard the Steamship "Haverford". The diary is filled with details of life aboard ship during the passage as well as their journeys through the countries. "Winthrop, Emma & I leave at 6:30 am and out into Broad at P.R.R. station for out breakfast after which we are out the dock we attended to leaving out baggage and have it put on the steamer Steamship "Haverford" than we went on board and inspected our state room. We found everything clean and bright and we things were put up we went on deck with people" [July 31]; A perfect day ending in a glorious sunset and long bright twilight. Emma and I got our things in order for landing and made farewell visits with friends all are soon to leave at noon our ship entered the Irish Channel. The views all the way out interesting. At 9:30 the ship stopped and a tender came along side Mr W. and all on board and our friends the Reynolds came with us and were off for Ireland. Flood lights Made disembarking look lovely as we landed at the dock and went through customs than we went to Queens Hotel and all in good order" [August 10]. She notes not only the various sights but also the intensely local experiences. For someone in her role, this must have been especially moving: "Dublin made a fine show as our train neared the station we found the station crowded with people and they had come forward to show their sympathy for the family of a Miss Nicholes who had lost her life in Bantry Bay trying to save young girl who had fallen into the water. We stood in silence with the many friends as the flower covered casket was carried to near the entrance near the Shelbourne Hotel where we had engaged a room." [August 16]. Leaving Ireland, they journeyed to Glasgow, Scotland before heading south to England: "Went on board the steamer at 10 am and had our farewell look of the coast of Ireland through a misty rain, but before land the sun came out and in two hours time we landed at Sturagus Scotland and went from the steamer to a small train that carried us to Glasgow. The train ran though a fair country of hills". [Aug 16]; "We were off early and welcomed the sun and the promise of a fine day. After breakfast we paid our bill and took out bags to the station before we started out on our sight seeing tour of York. We went first to the sight of a lovely garden which stands in the ruins of St Mary's Abbey. A pleasant soft voiced English woman admitted us and gave us a flower from the garden" [Aug 27]. Once in England, they spent an extensive amount of time visiting historical sites. They spend a considerable amount of time at Oxford. Later Reed and Sargent toured London and their diary is full of details about the historical sites they visited such as various Abbey's and the Tower of London. "A beautiful day sun and shine and clear air ! We got up early and packed some before breakfast we left our hotel at 9:20 am took a tube car and laded near Westminster where we met Mr. & Mrs. Van Renslar and we all attended services in Westminster Abbey. The service in the grand hall was most impressive. After leaving the Abbey we walked though Old St. Margarets looking a the many old and quaint monuments also the beautiful memorial given by Americans in memory of Sir Walter Raleigh" [Sept 5]. On Sept 26th, they boarded their ship in the pouring rain for their return voyage to America. This travel diary is a wonderful look back at a time that seems somewhat frozen in amber. The British Empire was at its height and the world was yet to experience the ravages of world war and a grinding depression. The diary gives a very good description of this time, especially of London. For a student of women's studies, the diary paints a picture of two well-educated and adventurous women travelling on their own to explore the greater world. Without a doubt, this was the attitude that she brought to her very important social work in Erie PA.. Illustr.: /. Manuscript. Book Condition: Fair

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