Cunningham (David W.) Diary Collection, 1883-1900

Summary

Title:

David W. Cunningham Diary Collection

Dates:

1883-1900

Creators:

Cunningham, David W., 1829-1916

Abstract:

David W. Cunningham kept a daily diary from 1883-1900. In them he recorded a variety of details describing daily life. Nine such diaries make up the collection. Entries are brief, taking about half of a page in the pocket diary.

Extent:

0.50 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materialsguide.

Background

Scope and content:

David W. Cunningham kept a diary from 1883-1900, nine of which make up the collection. Cunningham moved to Los Angeles in 1895. Earlier diaries are from Kentucky. He records a variety of details, most describing daily life. Entries include the price of train tickets and cigars; he tells of buggy rides from Los Angeles to Hollywood and notes the Christmas Day earthquake of 1899. Entries are brief, taking about half of a page in the pocket diary.

Biographical / historical:

David West Cunningham was born in Boston, MA December 24, 1829. After attending Harvard University he worked as a civil engineer. He is known primarily for his work on waterworks and railroads, including the Cochituate Aqueduct, the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad, and the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain Railroad. He also worked for the Lowell (MA) Waterworks, the Stillwater (MN) Water works, the Tarkio Valley (MO) Railroad, and consulted on the Minneapolis Waterworks.

After leaving the American northeast Mr. Cunningham spent six years in Chile, moved to Texas following the US Civil War, farmed in North Dakota, and finally retired in Los Angeles in 1895. He married three times, his first and second wives predeceasing him. Mr. Cunningham died in his Montrose, California home May 11, 1916.

Acquisition information:

Purchased. 1975.

Processing information:

April Feldman, 2014

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Ephemera

About this collection guide

Date Encoded:

This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2020-06-22 18:17:45 +0000 .

Restrictions:

The collection is open for use.

Terms of access:

Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection has not been transferred to California State University, Northridge. Copyright status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Preferred citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materialsguide.

Location of this collection:

California State University, Northridge, Special Collections

18111 Nordhoff Street

Northridge, CA 91330, US

Contact:

(818) 677-4594

Website