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Swift family diaries

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 172

Scope and Contents

This collection contains diaries written by a mother and daughter, Lucy and Genevieve Swift, from 1908-1963. Lucy exclusively wrote in some, Genevieve exclusively wrote in others, and they both shared space in a third set. The diaries tell about animals in the Swift's yard, about the weather, about trips to the medical doctor and dentist, and about the their daily routines. Some diaries give lists of garden prices, and others give lists of travel expenses. They talk about the various clubs the Swifts attended, and their other recreations. Some tell about very serious moments like when Lucy thinks she is going to die, the death of Lucy, and Genevieve's marriage. They also talk about their feelings on politics.

Dates

  • 1908-1963

Creator

Biographical / Historical

Lucy Swift (1862-1948) was married to John Swift, and they had one daughter, Genevieve (c.1900-1965). After her husband died, probably in Holland, Michigan, Lucy and Genevieve moved to 2047 Leonard, NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Genevieve continued to live there after Lucy died on June 9, 1948. During her life, Lucy was active in different clubs including The Bards (poets), The Kent Garden Club, and The Ladies of the Eastern Star (masonic affiliation). A political conservative, Swift attended Fountain Street Church. Her diaries indicate that throughout her life she seemed paranoid about her health.

Genevieve Swift lived in her mother's house until the late 50's. Like her mother, she was involved in various clubs including The Bards. In 1957 she was married to a long time friend, George Framm, the owner of Framm's cafe. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Palm Beach, Florida. After the death of her husband in 1963 she lived a few years until her death on Nov. 2, 1965.

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet (Three boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Swift family diaries were written by a mother and daughter, Lucy and Genevieve Swift, from 1908-1963. Lucy wrote some, Genevieve wrote others and they both shared space in a third set. The diaries tell about animals in the Swift's yard, the weather, trips to the medical doctor and dentist and their daily routines. Some diaries give lists of garden prices, and others give lists of travel expenses. They talk about the various clubs the Swifts attended and their other forms of recreation. Some tell about very serious moments, like when Lucy thinks she is going to die, Genevieve's thoughts when her mother dies, and Genevieve's marriage. They also contain the women's views on politics.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Clarence Weaver, 1979, accession number 00.028

Title
Finding Aid for the Swift family diaries
Status
Completed
Author
John Kaiser
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

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