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Photographs of selected sketches from "A Few Idle Days," 1889.

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 3

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

This collection contains the remains of a reused booklet “Methods of St[udy?], Agassiz?”, that includes thirteen (13) ink drawings either on loose used lined paper, or on the flyleaves, by Cadette Everett Fitch. Subjects illustrated are primarily insects and nature themes. From the notes on the back of the sketches, these appear to have been originally part of a nature notebook of Everett's, which continues to house them. The image on the first flyleaf is inscribed “Mrs. Geo. C. Fitch, Oct. 10th, 1875” (or 1895).

Also part of the Cadette Fitch Collection is an illustrated travel journal “A Few Idle Days”. This is a description of a seven-day rowboat trip on the Grand River from Grand Rapids to Grand Haven, taken by Cadette Everett Fitch and her two children George E. and Louise. The trip, begun on September 12, 1889, is said to have been inspired by Mrs. Pennell's account of a trip down the Thames. The handwritten account of the journey includes thirty-one (31) sketches on thirty (30) sheets, including the cover, by Cadette Everett Fitch, of various scenes encountered on the journey.

Accompanying the original material for “A Few Idle Days’ are: A photocopied usage copy of the travel journal, to limit the handling & destruction of the original material. 8x10 Copy photographs of 13 of the drawings.

The images in this collection are good descriptions of the Grand River Valley before 1900. The drawings detail natural features of the landscape and structures along the river. The journal’s written descriptions of the flora and fauna, as well as human activity on the Grand River and in its valley, give insight into the area, just before the turn of the century.

Dates

  • 1875-1889

Creator

Extent

From the Collection: 1.21 Linear Feet (Two boxes)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Repository Details

Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository

Contact:
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497