1905 Original Handwritten Diary by a Vermont Student Who Would Become the Matriarch of a Multigenerational British Columbia Lumber Dynasty

On offer is a fine diary by Bessie Townsend, a young high school student turned teacher working at the turn of the 20th century in rural Vermont.

Bessie Townsend kept this diary throughout 1905. At the time of writing, she was completing high school at the Black River Academy located in Ludlow, Vermont, and embarking on a teaching career. The diary contains numerous short daily entries that describe life on the farm and at school:

"About 30 pupils in school. Everyone has German measles" (March 20).

"Went to school. My eyes are bloodshot and my face [rough? ] and I don't feel well. Hope I shant have German measles" (March 23).

"Dr. Bates cleared me said I didn't have measles. I have got them all the same. Doused tonight" (March 24).

"Mama walked to Tyson to get her valise check. Rain tonight. Ma and I had a fight she don't hardly speak to me" (July 18).

"Washed and folded the clothes and got supper then Will took me to Tyson. I had offers from 4 schools. All give about $4.50 clear per week" (August 21).

"Like my school work, but there isn't a decent scholar in school" (September 5).

"Awful day. Kids mean as dirt" (October 31).

"On the whole I think I have gone pretty well this year. I have graduated from B. R. A. Taught school with success. Did nothing I am ashamed of. Saved about as much money as I have spent. Passed teachers examination and made some of my clothes" (Dec 31).

This book measures 5 inches by 3.25 inches, contains 60 pages plus memoranda, and is 100 percent complete. The cloth cover is in fair condition: there are some stains and wear marks, and the closure clasp is missing. The spine and binding of the book are intact, though a few pages at the front have partially separated from the spine. All other pages are intact and in good condition, and the handwriting is legible.

Bessie Townsend was born in Windsor County, Vermont, in 1887. At some point after she completed this diary she married Henry Clemons Meeker of Connecticut and they moved to the town of Merritt in British Columbia, Canada. In British Columbia, Henry became manager of the Nicola Valley Pine Lumber Company. The company was an important institution in the community, providing many jobs, and even responsible for generating power for the town of Merritt. Bessie was active in her community as well, and the local newspaper, the Nicola Valley News, often chronicled her appearance as host or guest at society events. Bessie and Henry had a large family, and some of their children went to work in the family business.

This is an outstanding diary written by a young woman who would in time help lay the foundation for a very successful and prosperous multi-generational family business. Her diary gives a clear idea of what life was like at the beginning of the 20th century in rural Vermont. Replete with names and places from Bessie's small Windsor County community, it is an excellent resource for genealogical researchers. Anyone looking at the role of women at the turn of the century in America will find that Bessie paints a distinct picture of the social bounds with which women had to contend.