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LIDA FIELD : 1862 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT DIARY HANDWRITTEN BY A SASSY NEW JERSEY SCHOOLMARM THOUGH THE BACKDROP OF THE CIVIL WAR IS NEVER FAR AWAY

8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. On offer is a terrific diary from the early 1860's in New Jersey, U.S. A small 8 inch by 6.5 inch notebook, this diary has 20 pages and they are 100% complete. Each entry warrants 1 to 3 lines. The cover shows some wear and tear and the last page is loose. All other pages are intact. The author is Lida Field. She lives on a family farm in Crosswicks Township, New Jersey with her parents. The diary covers the entire year of 1862 although there is not necessarily an entry for each day. Casual research has not found any additional biographical information. That she lives on a farm is evident with the opening line: "Happy New Year! Commenced with killing hogs. ... " [Jan 1 / p1]. Not only does this line set the stage but it indicates that this young woman has a wit and sense of humour which comes through in her entries. Lida mentions her father and sister by name (Richard and Mary) as well as many friends and neighbours. The diary is chock full of the details involved in running a farm and rural living in the mid19th century. She makes constant reference to the weather underlining how intimately they are connected to the natural world around them and its impact on their lives: Lida teaches in the local school and attendance follows the weather and demands of the growing season: "... almost discouraged for only 4 of the twenty four scholars are present" [May 5 / p 8], "Pleasant. Had 23 scholars" [June 3 / p 9]. As the weather warmed up, attendance increased. She has a very active social life and much time is spent hosting or visiting friends and participating in community activities: "Cloudy. Ellen and I attended the Teachers' Institute. We joined the class in Orthography. In the evening, we attended a lecture delivered by John Collins. Subject: Cuba. It was very interesting and well attended."[Jan 6 /p2], "Clear and good sleighing. Uncle, sister and I took a ride to J. Decou's. Evening Annie, [ ] called." [Feb 3 / p3] A number of surrounding communities are mentioned by name including Trenton, Bordentown, Browns Mills and Allentown, NJ - all within sleigh or wagon distance of Crosswicks Township. Although the American Civil War is raging, there is only one reference to it in her diary: "Very discouraging news from the South" [Sept 2 / p18]. This most likely refers to the Second Battle of Bull Run in Manassas, VA fought Aug 28-30. Lee's Confederate Army crushed the Union army led by Major General John Pope. Altogether, this is a very well-written diary by an educated and observant woman. Historians studying rural life in mid-19th century America or education is rural America would find this an excellent resource. Researchers looking at the ever-changing role of women in American life would have a clear view of that role in the Civil War years.. Illustr.: /. Manuscript. Book Condition: Good

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