C. J. Bell family diaries, 1878-1932.

ArchivalResource

Bell family. C. J. Bell family diaries, 1878-1932.

C. J. Bell family diaries, 1878-1932.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/729247817

This collection contains 55 diaries of Charles James ("C. J.") Bell (1845-1909), his wife, Mary Louise ("M. Louise") Perry Bell (1849-1918), and their two daughters, Adine Merritt Bell and Jennifer Bell. These diaries were, for the most part, written while the family was living on their farm in Walden, Vermont. The diaries of Charles James Bell document a period of his life from 1880-1898 and focus primarily on activities related to his farm in Walden, Vermont. Although Bell was somewhat irregular in the frequency with which he wrote in his diary, topics related to the day-to-day running of the farm, including hired help, finances, livestock, and logging, recur throughout his 14 diaries. Bell's diaries also record information about his membership in various societies, especially regarding his attendance at meetings. Some notes related to political activities and responsibilities during Bell's terms as a State Representative (1882-1884) and a State Senator (1894-1896) also appear. In addition to the diaries, the collection also contains 3 notebooks belonging to Bell, where farming is also a predominant topic. However, these contain more formally composed notes for what may have been ideas for articles, essays or speeches. Mary Louise Perry Bell wrote daily in her 14 diaries, which span from 1878 to 1917. These diaries include information about her daily routine, her family, particularly her husband, daughters, and father, and the weather. Social visits and interactions as well as travel are also regularly recorded. Her daughters, Adine and Jennifer Bell, began their diaries in this collection at ages 22 and 25 respectively and recorded their daily activities and observations with great regularity. A letter, 15 December 1932, to Adine and Jennifer Bell is also included in the collection.

1 linear foot.

Vermont Historical Society