Swift family diaries
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
- Fraam, Genevieve Swift (Author, Person)
- Swift, Lucy (Author, Person)
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
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497
localhis@grpl.org