1933 Handwritten Great Depression Diary Kerper Cornell Family Wappingers Falls

Description

WELCOME TO SALLY’S DIARIES:
Before I get started describing this diary I want to let you know that I have a podcast. I’ve taken some diaries from my private collection and shared them on our podcast called “Diary Discoveries.” We’ve got 31 episodes out now and you can find it on all the usual podcast venues. So if you enjoy the compelling and adventurous stories from vintage diaries then please check it out.
Up for auction today is a 1933 Great Depression era diary and it gives the reader a remarkable look at what life was like living during the worst economic downturn in the history of our world.
The diary originally belonged to Edith K. (Kerper) Cornell. She is 44 years old when she begins this diary as she was born on February 24
th
, 1889. She was born in Pottstown Pennsylvania but ended up in Wappingers Falls New York during the time of this diary. She married Martense Harcourt Cornell on April 8
th
, 1913. I didn’t find any mention of children on the web. Edith is listed as an organist on the census records and the 1920 census records list her husband as a nurse. His father, Dr. Isaac Cornell was a prominent doctor. The couple is living with Martense’s parents both on the 1920 and the 1930 census record. The 1930 record lists Martense as a “general secretary” and his father has passed away. By 1940 they list Martense as the head of the household but no occupation and both Edith and her mother-in-law are living at the house. Martense passes away in 1962 and Edith in 1968.
There is a handwritten entry for every day of the year and as stated above, this diary is a perfect example of what life was like for a couple trying to survive this crisis. She talks about banks closing, stores closing, buying things just to get “change” and she even gets a letter from her parents telling her where their “hidden treasure” is!
Great vintage diary written during the Great Depression. Here are a few examples of her entries….
1933
“
January 27
th
,
Snow and rain. M. did not feel well. Saw in N.Y. papers that Pok.
(I believe this is short for Poughkeepsie N.Y.)
Trust Company had been helped half a million by the Govt. We were all upset. He went up at noon. Transferred some money. Cut out my Flying Josie. Went down street tonight. Bought paint. Butter 20 ½ a lb.”
“
February 15
th
,
Not so cold. Banks all closed in Detroit. Went up 12:30. Home 3:30. Dollar day but did not buy anything much. A lb. of salted peanuts for .07 at Grants and bacon. Will Leach’s wife died this A.M. clot of blood on the brain. Heard about a man ringing Ashley’s bell at 11 Mon. night. Said he was to meet someone there at 12. Sent for troopers and they did not find anyone.”
“
February 28
th
,
Ironed this A.M. Last of chicken for dinner. Beans. M. put the puzzle together. I went down to church for some music. So many banks are closing up. Bad business.”
“
March 1
st
,
M. went to Pok. 11:30. Home 3:30. All quiet in town in Banks. Philadelphia closing up. Roosevelt went through Pok. heavily guarded. Oyster soup for dinner. Letter from Millie Klos. Mrs. Ashworth sent us a 2 lb. box of candy for our birthdays. Was late, could not get it last week.”
“
March 4
th
,
Inauguration Day. Every bank in U.S. closed. Fine day. Mother does not feel so well. Cooked pork, nice. M. went to Willie’s at 11 to 2. Heard the Pres. ushered in. I went 2:30 – 4:30. Heard parade. It was interesting but tiresome. Banks closed, glad we have a bit on hand. Went down to church. M. went down street tonight. Bot a few little things to get change.”
“
March 6
th
,
All banks closed. We got some more change. Bought beef and cheese and bacon. Stores deserted. Called on Miss Blythe. Heard Harold Goring plays bridge every afternoon in P’ok at S. Side Drug Store. Talked with Mrs. Haynes while she had baby out. Told me about Eleanor Gardiner’s baby. Paralyzed legs. Letter from mother, one from papa this P.M. telling me where their hidden treasure is.”
(She talks about how her husband took her .50 gold piece to the bank and they did not want it. And that Savings Banks are only paying out )
“
April 18
th
,
Very warm. Cleared by noon. M. talked to Mr. Workman about cemetery situation. He had a letter from Herman. Alley’s lawyers are going to sue for the money Aunt Sadie had in the bank. Claims fraud for Uncle Wyck. Went to library. Gave mother C. a bath tonight.”
“
May 2
nd
,
M. and I cleaned store room. We did a good job and it took us most of day. Nellie heard the people who are to take Uncle Wyck’s house will pay a month. Have a lot of children. Mrs. Macamlay phoned for us to buy a ticket for choral next Mon. Va Wycks sailed today for home from Florida.”
“
June 15
th
& 16
th
,
Very cool. Ironed. Feel very tired. Rested this P.M. Wrote home and went down street. Heard Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Peacock killed in auto accident at By Pass. Ed phoned and told us. We sent in papers for Bank Stock. Mother 5 shares and I one. Made soup. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Peacock killed in accident at By Pass. Hit by milk truck….Millie called this A.M. wrote to Dorothy. Went down street. Bought beets. Everybody upset over the Peacock tragedy. Truck driver released. They drove right in front of him.”
“
July 19
th
,
Bought blue crepe for foundation for chiffon dress. Home 12.20. Bought lamb chops, rolls, peaches and angel cake. Italian Armada went over about 3 P.M. 24 planes. Balboa’s fleet. Been to Chicago World’s Fair. Bed early and slept like crazy. So very tired. Millie and Ed went to Adam Lambs this P.M. He is very feeble. Ed so discouraged.”
“
August 15
th
,
Mrs. Al Hasbrook killed herself. I finished my blue slip. We called at Alerthea Holliday’s. Had nice call. Heard about Mrs. Hasbrook, she hung herself in the cellar around 10 A.M. Terrible thing. Fannie found her and Sophie and May Hummel cut her down and carried her up stairs…..”
“
September 11
th
,
Fine day. Washed and ironed. Millie here this A.M. I went down and had my check cashed. Saw new cashiers and am not keen about either of them. Went to library. Miss Blythe still here. Motorcycle police man Curran shot Wilson Hulst through the leg. Took drunk.”
“
October 31
st
,
Millie spent the day with us...Very warm. We sat in parlor and watched the passing. Lost of people on the street. A little Reynolds boy 5 years old burned to death. Caught fire from Margaret Smiths bonfire. Had on Halloween costume for school party. Terrible tragedy. I went down street….Very lively and noisy evening but they did not bother us any.”
“
November 22nd,…..Mr. Bulmer found a sword in old apple tree he cut down…..”
“
December 5
th
,
Mrs. Tenney called me at noon and said Carrie Scott is to be married on Sat. 9 A.M. to a Mr. Swint. She told it at King’s Daughters last night. Great shock to everyone and she said it was a surprise to her too. We will miss her…..”
There is much more than what I’ve quoted here. The diary is in fair to good shape but there is one loose page and that is in December but it is accounted for. Plus the edge of the spine (outside) is a bit torn up and the cover itself is very worn. The diary measures about 4 1/2” to 6 1/2”.