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MARGARET (MARDI) BURNHAM : 1931 - 1935 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT DIARY HANDWRITTEN BY A YOUNG ILLINOIS WOMAN, GRAND DAUGHTER OF AMERICA'S MOST PROMINENT ARCHITECT AND AFFLUENT MEMBER OF CHICAGO'S CULTURAL AND BUSINESS ELITE UNAFFECTED BY THE GRINDING YEARS OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION

24mo - over 5" - 5¾" tall. On offer is an original, fascinating and rather chatty diary of the granddaughter of the most prominent architect in the United States at the beginning of the 20th Century. Measuring 5.5 inches by 3.75 inches, this 5-year diary contains 365 pages. It is essentially 100% complete. The leatherette cover is in good condition, with a slight water stain on the back cover. All pages are intact. The handwriting is legible. Margaret Burnham was born in 1914 and grew up in Evanston, IL. Her diary covers the years 1932 through 1936. Her father, Hubert Burnham was the oldest son of Daniel H. Burnham, the most prominent architect in the United States during his professional career (1872-1912). The impact that Daniel Burnham had on cityscapes across America and overseas cannot by overstated. Burnham essentially created the profession of Urban Planner and brought architecture from a drafting job to a fully-recognized profession. He was a member of the "Chicago School" of architecture. Together with his partner, John Root, they built the largest architectural firm in the world. His buildings include the first skyscraper - the Montauk Block in Chicago. Other famous buildings followed including such as the Masonic Temple, the Rookery Building and the Field Museum (Chicago), Ellicott Square (Buffalo), Union Station (Washington DC), Selfridges (London) and the famous triangular-shaped Flatiron Building in New York City. He was appointed Director of Works for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. (Chicago World's Fair) Burnham had responsibility for overseeing and completing construction for some 150 buildings on more than 600 acres (240 hectares) of land. In little more than two years, Burnham created America's most spectacular world's fair of the 19th century. He led a workforce numbering as many as 10,000, reviewed guidelines for the many state buildings, and supervised the fair's infrastructure, including transportation, sewage, and clean water delivery systems. Nicknamed the "White City," the fair's grand Neoclassical buildings were planned as a cohesive whole in a landscaped setting; they made a lasting impression on millions of visitors. Often noted as the inspiration for the City Beautiful movement, the fair was a turning point both for Burnham and for the development of the modern American city. Margaret's father, Hubert studied at the U.S. Naval Academy earning a degree in Science. He served in WWI and was in charge of construction of naval bases in France. Prior to the war, he worked alongside his brother Daniel Jr. in their fathers firm as architects. After their father's death, they left and set up their own architectural firm - Burnham Brothers. This was the creative and dynamic family that Margaret grew up in and where she enjoyed a life of affluence. She attended boarding schools in Switzerland and Paris, and made her debut in Chicago in the late 1920s. She then moved to New York City where she became a model, She later married Neil Williams, had two sons, and moved to Palm Springs, California. She was divorced, and later married Peter Legrow. Margaret Burnham passed away in 2009 at the age of 95. This diary covers her life from age 18-22. Her diary begins in 1932 with her enjoying activities with her family and friends: "Church A.M. and again to a mystery play at St. Lukes. Enjoyed New York Symphony concert - Horowitz playing Rachmaninoff symphony." [Jan 3, 1932]. "School reopened. Errand in town - to mama's for dinner - to mass meeting at Stadium on tax situation" [Jan 4, 1932]. "Downtown A.M on errands. Home rest of day, listening to music, etc. Gordon John Suite" [Mar 26, 1932]. "Went to board room with Miss Haff for our checks. With Matie this evening." [June 25, 1932]. In the summer of 1933, she and a group of friends took a trip 6 week from Evanston IL down into the deep South. She makes a number of observations in her daily entries: "Left La Grange (GA) early. Negro women with baskets of laundry on heads walking roads. West Point (GA) for breakfast. Through Alabama plantations - negros & watermelons - unpainted cabins and crepe [ ] Visited Montgomery home of Jeff Davis [Jefferson Davis was the first (and only) President of the Confederacy]. Sat afternoon negro market - rickety" [July 22, 1933]. The entries continue in this vein over the entire 5 years. She has a busy social life as a result of her family's business success. In addition to her active social life, she records her interests, as well as various family doings. A social historian would see this as an excellent window into the world of the affluent professional/business class in America during the grinding years of the Great Depression. There are many specific references to cultural activities such as concerts, plays, literature and social events which give an insight into how people who had the money could add to the quality of their lives. There are many names mentioned which can assist in making links across the social web in Chicago during this time.. Illustr.: /. Manuscript. Book Condition: Good

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