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NOT IDENTIFIED : 1931 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT DIARY HANDWRITTEN BY A DELIGHTFUL, INTELLIGENT ALL AMERICAN GIRL NEXT DOOR DETAILING A BUSY LIFE AND HER PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

16mo - over 5¾" - 6¾" tall. On offer is an original handwritten diary authored by a young girl from Indiana, Pennsylvania in 1931. The diary measures 6.8' x 4.5', has 126 numbered pages with 3 daily entries on each page and about 75% complete. The front cover of the diary is completely detached, the back cover is loose, but otherwise it is in good condition. The author's name is not identified, but from the context it is clear that she lives in the Indiana County in Pennsylvania, studies at senior classes of the Indiana High School, is a member of a school literary club, her father is a dentist, and she has an elder brother Norman. The diary provides an excellent picture of what life for a girl from a well-off family was like in a small Pennsylvania town in 1930s. She writes about her dreams and aspirations - she wants to teach children in poor district or teach ethics abroad, and documents her everyday life. Her diary is full of details characteristic to those days, including popular radio programs, places; films and books, people, leisure activities that were extremely popular but almost forgotten now, like Tom Thumb Golf, and many more. She lists what she and her family did every day, including what she ate, and where they went. Her first entry is made on January 1, 1931: "Amid magic, music, and humanity my New Year was ushered in at Camp Rest with Archie! I slept till 10:30 am, had a huge half of a grapefruit for breakfast; brussel sprouts for lunch. Grind, drill, fill! Papa filled my three cavities. We drove out in the C.C. and saw some gay sled riders. Grandpa and Grandma were here for dinner; Grandpa told about New Year Eve at Richmond, Va. during the Civil War. Papa and Mama went to see Streams and Rays; Norman had a date and I went to see the gala performance "Just imagine - 1980". C'est tout." "Just Imagine" was an American pre-code science fiction film by David Butler. Naturally school takes a large part of her records: "School wasn't so bad as we had no assignments. I gave a talk in Health class on "Physical Illiteracy". [...] after supper we listened to Amos and Andy and Thomas Lowell" [Jan. 5]. "Amos and Andy" was a favourite early evening radio show in 1930s America by Thomas Lowell, preeminent journalist, traveller and broadcaster. She seems intelligent and idealistic: "We got to talking about what I am going to do after I finish I.H.S. [Indiana High School]. I would like to teach forth grade or around there in a district of poor, some Jews, Greeks, Italians, Irish etc. children. I think I'd love that. But if I go to High Pallantin College, this time for preparation for that would be unduly delayed" [Jan.6]. She is a member of Pandorean Literary Society - a club of High School girls, well read, and seems to be a rather good student: "Mrs. Mechler said my P.G.[Plane Geometry] problems were good. I prepared in Biology Study Hall a report on Woman of Rome. We pronounced in French and almost went mad. We discussed Emerson's essay on friendship in English. Some kids gave their reports on Cicero. I started to read The Kentucky Cardinal [...]. It's by James Lane Allen and it's wonderful. Dr. Alexander here for prayer week stated that life is not goblet to be drained, but rather a measure to be filled. Oh, how the human heart can ache!" [Jan. 9]; "I read two short stories one called "Mixed Doubles" which inspired me to really become a decent tennis player this summer - square and calm. The other was "Sylvia [...] Winter Vacation" which inspired me to be liked for my real self and not for name, riches or personal advantages...."[Jan. 14]. And so it continues - she writes about her classes, books she reads, trips with the family, dreams and her plans for future. The diary contains wealth of names of local residents, teachers, and students, making it an excellent source of information for genealogists and local historians. There are many entries about school subjects, lessons and assignments, including how she felt about them, which makes an interesting reading for historians of American education.. Illustr.: /. Manuscript. Book Condition: Fair

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