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Diaries [Original], 1864-1874

 File — Folder: 3

Scope and Content

From the Collection:

This collection contains four items including an original diary kept by Carrie Berry from 1864-1866; an original diary kept by her from 1868-1874; a friendship book published in 1870, which is titled Mental Photographs an Album for Confessions or Tastes, Habits, and Convictions; and a letter written to Carrie Berry and Blanche Hardin from Clement A. Evans dated 2 February 1872, which was written while Carrie was a student at the North Georgia Female Academy. In the diary kept from 1864-1866, Carrie gives a child’s account of the siege, occupation and burning of Atlanta. Specifically, she describes the shelling of her home and neighborhood; the experience of hiding in her cellar during the shelling of the city; as well as various household/family activities such as knitting, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her younger siblings. She also writes about her school and teachers and church-related activities. In the diary kept from 1868-1874, Carrie writes about attending school, where she studied History, Latin, Philosophy, Algebra, Rhetoric and participated in reading societies. She also describes attending Sunday school and church service at Wesley Chapel, along with more mundane activities such as cooking, cleaning, quilting, rug-making, dress-making and visiting friends and the dentist. In addition, she describes elaborate family dinners and Christmas traditions. The diary also includes several hand-written poems. The friendship book lists the “tastes and characteristics” of individuals and includes some photographs. Some individuals mentioned in this book include: Carrie Berry, Nannie Colquit, C.R Bilbro, W.G. Robinson, Jr., and Zuelette Crumley. The 1872 letter to Carrie Berry and Blanche Hardin is Clement A. Evans’ acknowledgement of her election to the Mnemosynean Literary Society.

Dates

  • 1864-1874

Creator

Restrictions on Access

This collection is open for research.

Extent

From the Collection: 4 item(s)

Language

From the Collection: English

Repository Details

Part of the Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center Repository

Contact:
130 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta GA 30305
404-814-4040