DIARY DETAILING THE EVERYDAY LIFE OF A YOUNG FEMALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER IN RURAL PENNSYLVANIA DURING THE EARLY 1920s

On offer is the diary of a young woman living in Lancaster County, PA in the early part of the 20th century. It details the daily comings and goings of her life during the year 1922, and her work as a teacher. This diary would be of interest to a social historian or a student of women s studies. The journal presents a well-written and clear picture of what life was like for a young woman in early 20th century America. The author of the diary is Anna Sophia Musser. She was born in Lancaster County, PA, most likely in the village of Robertstown. At some point, she married a man named Ashton and moved to Middlesex County MA, where she passed away in 1953. Our informal research has not turned up any additional biographical information about her. Unfortunately the diary opens on a rather sad note; The family was around all day and a very sad New Years for us as our sister was lying dead and we couldn t realize it was New Years. Friends and neighbors called and kept us company [Jan 1]. This reference is to the death of Anna s 13 year old sister, Mabel, who died of typhoid fever. Typhoid fever often appeared in epidemic waves historically in America and was contracted by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. It is also associated with poor hygiene and sanitation. In contrast to this stark beginning, the rest of the journal is comfortably mundane. Anna worked as an elementary teacher in a school in Paoli, PA and most of her entries reflect the day-to-day life of a rural village in Pennsylvania; A damp day with temp 6 degrees. Had a fair attendance in school but they were bricks. Came home in eve and stopped at post office but no mail. Walked down the street with L Blanche and then we took a walk previous to a big roast duck dinner at home. Walked up street with Ruth, made out my report and then retired [Jan 31]. Seemed cloudy but turned out fair. Supt came in for first class and stayed until fifteen minutes before recess. He said a few words and then departed. This eve I spent in putting design on Esther s hat and knitting at her sweater. Folks are going to Middlesex over the weekend so I asked Lottie up to stay with me [Apr 5]. In June, the diary details a trip with her family to Roanoke, Virginia to visit other members of her family. Many places she visited are referenced including the geological formation known as Natural Bridge in VA on June 16, the Peakes of Otter, VA on June 18 and Luray Caverns on June 19. The diary measures 7.0 inches by 4.25 inches and contains 365 pages. It is about 80% complete. The hard covers are in good condition. The binding has become quite loose where the front cover attaches but all pages are attached and intact. The handwriting is legible.…