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GEORGE AVERY : 1884 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT DIARY HAND WRITTEN BY A VERY POLITICAL RHODE ISLAND MACHINIST, MERCHANT, OYSTERMAN AND BASS HORN PLAYER IN THE TOWN BAND

16mo - over 5¾" - 6¾" tall. On offer is an excellent and detailed diary of a Rhode Island businessman who was very active in his local community. The diary is in good condition. It measures 6 inches by 3 inches. The diary entries are 100% complete. There are several cash account pages partially completed as well as some memoranda notes. His entries are for the most part quite legible. George Washington Avery II was born in Groton CT February 18, 1847 and lived in what is now Westerly RI. At the time, it was also known as Locustville and there are some references to that later name. He died February 15th, 1928 and is buried in what is know known as Hopkinton, RI, once part of Westerly. He and his wife Marcia had 4 children. Avery was a businessman who ran a machining shop as well as sold items such as oysters as illustrated by these entries: "... sold 17 gallons of oysters ..." [Feb 16]; "... worked today on 15 horse valve case and 8 horse cylinder all day ... oysters 13 gallons sold quickly" [Feb 23]; He is a member of a Lodge - most likely a Masonic Lodge "... Installation of Officers in Subordinate Lodge... Degree work was done ... " [Jan 14]. He also played in a community band: "Band rehearsal tonight it a good one testing big Bass horn it is much larger than all the others". He was a member of the Republican Party and was quite disappointed when Grover Cleveland (D) defeated the much- vilified James Blaine. "Presidential Election. Came home this morning from Wickford .... went to town meeting at hotel a great deal of excitement all over the country today" [Nov 4]. "Reports today Cleveland is elected other reports coming in later and both Parties claim it. Great excitement in the large cities fears of riots in some its almost as bad here in the county everyone is anxiously waiting the returns" [Nov5] "... it is feared the Democrats have whipped us out with the help of the righteous selfish [ ] Temperance voters anything to defeat Blaine ..." [Nov 8]. Through his diary, a reader can meet a hard-working New Englander who is committed to his family and his community. "... Staid at home tonight. Had a fair practice and bothered Marcia to my hearts content" [Dec 2]. His entries are rich detail and one can get a very clear look at life in late 19th century Rhode Island. It is an excellent window into the daily life of a small entrepreneur and engineer as it was this type of person who in many ways actually laid the industrial foundations of the United States. This is a terrific resource for a social historian who is focused on life in late 19th century Rhode Island or New England.. Illustr.: /. Manuscript. Book Condition: Good

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