Finding aid for the Bessie Frances Pierce diaries and journals 6190

Bo Doub
USC Libraries Special Collections
2019 June
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California 90089-0189
specol@usc.edu


Language of Material: English
Contributing Institution: USC Libraries Special Collections
Title: Bessie Frances Pierce diaries and journals
creator: Pierce, Bessie Frances
Identifier/Call Number: 6190
Physical Description: 1 Linear Feet 2 boxes
Date (inclusive): 1900-1931
Abstract: The Bessie Frances Pierce diaries and journals consist of nine diaries and journals and one commonplace book of notes from religious classes spanning 1900 to 1931. Pierce authored every item in the collection except for one of the diaries, which belonged to her friend H. M. Johnson. However, Johnson's diary frequently references Pierce. The diaries document over 25 years of daily life and travels in the Eastern United States.
Physical Description: The smallest item in the collection measures 3.75" x 2.5" and the largest measures 8" x 5.75". Three diaries--the two "Wanamaker" diaries and the Daily Reminder for 1900--show water damage. The others are in decent shape, but some have loose pages, stains, and cracked spines.

Content Description

The collection comprises eight diaries and journals by Bessie Frances Pierce, one diary by H. M. Johnson, and Pierce's religious commonplace book of notes from religious classes that she attended. The collection also includes Pierce's pencil.

Conditions Governing Access

Advance notice required for access.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Preferred Citation

[Box/folder no. or item name], Bessie Frances Pierce diaries and journals, Collection no. 6190, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased from Eclectibles, January 8, 2019.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Automobile travel -- East (U.S.) -- 20th century -- Archival resources
Bible -- Study and teaching -- East (U.S.) -- 20th century -- Archival resources
Railroads -- East (U.S.) -- Maps
Diaries
Journals (accounts)
Pierce, Bessie Frances -- Archives

Box 2

Bible Words for Birthdays circa 1898

Scope and Contents

Includes a few entries with names and dates. The booklet was originally produced in 1888.
Box 1

The Century Daily Reminder for 1900 1900

Box 2

The American Diary 1901

Box 1

The Wanamaker Diaries [two diaries] 1909

General

Two 1909 Wanamaker dairies, the one written by Bessie is roughly half-full, the last entry being in early October. The one written by H. M. Johnson is complete, including detailed expense accountings at the back of the book.

Scope and Contents

Interspersed between the entries of each diary are printed advertisements for various goods, as well as advice, news, and quotes. Many of the advertisements are illustrated. There is an accounting section at the back of each diary for daily expenses and cash accounts. A fold-out 22" x 12" two-sided map is tipped in to the back cover and depicts the routes of the Pennsylvania railway to and from the heart of Philadelphia across America.
Box 2

[Christmas lists for others and gifts that Pierce received] 1910-1931

Box 1

A Line A Day 1911-1915

General

The diary is laid out with five sections on each day of the year page allowing the writer to write four lines for that day. At the end of five years all of the information for a particular day of the month is recorded on the same page. Content includes information on weather, family and social activities. Of note: Pierce's handwriting changes dramatically from time to time. There are also occasional "red letter" days--special events or occurrences, written in red ink.
Box 2

Motor Trips [two journals] 1918-1927

Scope and Contents

Approximately 24 pages of manuscript between the two - mostly blank books, documenting motor trips in the Eastern U.S. region.
Box 1

[Commonplace book documenting religious studies] undated

Scope and Contents

A loose-leaf notebook of notes from religious classes with approximately 75 pages of content.