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Dora Spring diaries and letters

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 217

Scope and Contents

The primary documents in this collection are Dora's diaries. Yearly books were used, with only a brief space to record daily activities. Often the information was routine and redundant, such as weather, trips, ...

Tucked in the back pocket of many of the diaries were ephemera items, such as receipts, lists, membership cards, clippings or other notes. These items have been removed and foldered, with documentation of the year where found.

Some letters were occasionally found in the pockets, but most of the letters included in this collection were received from the donor in their original envelopes, in addition to the diaries. The letters have been mostly transcribed by volunteer processor Bobbie Schirado.

The 1928 diary, begun by Dora Spring during the year of her death, was continued by her daughter from February 20 through August 31, 1928. From 1867 through 1883, Dora lists those in her family who are born, die and are married, first in Benton Center and then in Michigan. Most diaries have an account of money she received and a list of what she purchased.

Dates

  • 1852-1928

Creator

Biographical / Historical

Dorothea Sophia Rector was born November 22, 1852 in Yates County, New York. Her parents were Jeremiah Rector and Artemisa Shaw Rector. In 1879, she married Albert Spring and moved to Michigan. In 1867, when she was fourteen, she began to record information about her daily life in a diary, and continued her yearly diaries for 62 years. She died on February 20, 1928.

Extent

2.7 Linear Feet (Seven boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Forming the bulk of this collection are the diaries of Dorothea Sophia Rector Spring, generally known as Dora Spring. She was a Michigan farm woman, recording her daily life from 1867 to 1928 in the documents found here. Also included are letters to her husband, Albert Jared Spring, and other correspondence. Some additional manuscript items include death certificates, birth announcements, and newspaper clippings. Subjects of the original photographs, and copies of photographs, include her parents & siblings, as well as her husband, daughter and grandson.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Bernon W. Young, descendant of Dora Spring. Accession number 1998.038

Title
Finding aid for the Dora Spring diaries and letters
Status
Completed
Author
Rebecca Mayne
Date
1998-2007
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