Diary of Elsie M. Carlson of Long Beach, California

Long Beach, California: 1919-1920. Gray cloth journal binding measuring 7.25 x 4.25”, containing 52 pages of ink diary entries, together with a few pages of copied poems. Inscribed “Elsie M. Carlson Y.W.C.A. Long Beach, Cal.” to front endpaper. In very good condition with slight musty odor. A diary kept by Carlson, a young Swedish-American woman and active Y.W.C.A. member in Long Beach, between January 1919, and January 1920. The diary starts out with Carlson working as a secretary in the Long Beach branch of the Y.W.C.A., but she resigns in February, 1919, possibly due to her impending marriage, which took place in January, 1920. Nonetheless, she remains active in church life and the Y.W.C.A., with the diary recording her participation in choir, the ladies’ aid society, attending sermons, teaching Sunday school, etc. The brief entries record a whirlwind of social and congregational activity, including trips to Riverside, her former hometown, where she attends events at the Sherman Indian High School, Armistice and Memorial day ceremonies, volunteers for Polish relief, etc. Some excerpts follow:

“Ruth Perrier came to interview me regarding opportunities for students to work their way thru college. ‘Pals’ club. Mrs. Adairs gave Indian Club Dress.” (Jan 2, 1919)

“Annual meeting of Y.W.C.A. at Congregational Church…Mr. Gossum, Y.M.C.A. secretary spoke of 4 women he met in Y.M.C.A. work in France. He said the American soldier was the best soldier he had seen…Three outstanding sins to be overcome—profanity, intoxication.” (Jan 20, 1919)

“Went to Mrs. Sunstedts for dinner. Played with Lundberg’s twins. Heard Mrs. Alman at the Y.W.C.A. tell of her experiences in china, where she was born. Colored girls sang.” (April 6, 1919)

“Went for walk on top of Little Rubidoux. Nature is robed in her beautiful spring apparel, the birds are singing everywhere. On one side the peaceful city is spread out before me…On the other side the river winds it way from the snow-capped mountains to the sea. Some cattle are grazing on the velvety open lowlands…Two aeroplanes are flying overhead. How wonderful are thy works o lord.” (May 21, 1919)

“Elsie Younggren took Ester, Olive and I to see Sherman Institute Class play, ‘Mother Goose’…Carl Swartz returned. Choir came for practice and ‘taffy pull’…Made bouquets for Werner’s and Henry’s graves. Saw airplanes drop flowers…” (May 26-30)

“Rev. Stanley Hunter of Pittsburgh spoke at Congregational church. ‘Christ the Light of the World.’ Told of hike up mountain to see sunrise on Everest. The morning revealed the wonders of the valley and mountainside…” (August 31, 1919)

“Called at S.C. Evans in interest of Polish relief. Met Grace Goit-Wells on the streets was glad to help & also to interest other in Polish relief.” (Oct 17, 1919). Item #12541

Price: $250.00