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Christine Ott Diary

 Collection
Identifier: RH-A-3376

Scope and Contents

The diary covers the entire year of 1915. It begins on January 1 and ends at December 31. She wrote something every day in pencil. She wrote about her daily life, if she was sick or feeling well, what her various activities were, where she went. She writes a lot about Ward Hilborn who comes to see her and does activities with her. She was born on March 3, 1898 so turned seventeen in March, 1915. She talks about being in school. Also talks about activities such as seeing movies, vaudeville shows and concerts. According to the 1930 Census, Ward fought in World War I. It appears he and Christine married around 1920. Initially they lived with her parents August and Artha (Bertha) but eventually moved on their own. Christine worked as a stenographer before their two children were born. Ward worked as a bookkeeper and postal clerk. Christine died in October, 1977.

Dates

  • Creation: January-December 1915

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions

Extent

0.05 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The collection consists of one diary written from January 1 until December 31, 1915 by Christine Ott, age seventeen, who lived in Coldwater, Michigan.

Physical Description

The collection amounts to .05 cubic feet and is composed of one diary, 2 ½”x4”x ½” with a brown cover, marked "Excelsior Diary." There are several printed pages in the front giving general information like monthly calendars, various stages of the moon, foreign currency, what to do in case of an accident, eclipses and principal cities. The bulk of the diary is day-to-day account written by Christine Ott of her daily activities. She lived at 92 Hooker St. in Coldwater. The diary is in good condition. Christine wrote in pencil so there are a few words that are faded but for the most part it is legible.

Title
Christine Ott Diary
Status
Completed
Author
Lynn Houghton
Date
2011-02-04
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository

Contact:
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490