Talma Rowlands diary and other materials

Collection

Identifier: MC 93

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains Rowlands' original diary, which covers the period from 1881-1883, as well as transcriptions of the diary, and student diaries analyzing the diary. There are also a few photocopied newspaper articles and photographs.

Dates

1881-1994

Biographical / Historical

From "Talma Rowlands. Fridays with Fred, March 17, 2011. Beloit College website.

Talma Goddard Rowlands, wife of William W. Rowlands, Principal of the Preparatory School or Academy of the college. Her diary of domestic life features daily chores, social visits, race relations, bringing up baby (son Erroll), and a marvelously described death scene of her elderly father.

Their family moved to Racine to follow Mr. Rowlands law career. After he passed away, Mrs. Rowlands moved to Sheboygan.

Extent

0.42 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Mrs. Louise Murphy, formerly Louise Rowlands, the daughter of Talma Goddard Rowlands and William W. Rowlands, Beloit Academy Principal from 1881 to 1884, donated her mother's diary of life in Beloit to the Beloit College Archives.

Related Materials

Beloit Academy records (AC 16)

General

Excerpts from diary:

September 10, 1881, Saturday. On this day-baby and I left the pleasant home of Father Rowlands-Mt. Pleasant- to join my husband in Beloit. Part of the way to the Junction- W.U. the rain came down like a mist, but increased to a heavy rain storm, and continued till nearly noon. I found my husband waiting to welcome me, at the Depot, and to accompany me to his boarding place, Mr. Norman Dutchers. Mrs. D-is a very pleasant woman indeed. The day passed quietly and very pleasantly. Saw the new house in the evening. [Emma Hosom and Huldy Dawson both buried today at 2 o’clock].

September 14, Wednesday. This day made memorable by a trip down town with Mrs. Dutcher. Met and was introduced to Mrs. Merrill, Mrs. Heigly, Mrs. Salmon, Miss. Mills, Miss. Young and Mrs. Sherwood. And on coming home who came to meet us but Mrs. Professor Blaisdell-A truly delightful woman and an extremely pleasant call, which I shall wish to always remember. A lovely day and pleasant associations. I am very much pleased, indeed, with my acquaintance so far, in Beloit. In the evening President Chapin called. Sent a letter to Mary to come and help with the baby, and one home to Father K.