Subseries B. Journals, 1892-1964 (#1.8-8.11, 12.9-12.10)
Scope and Contents
Subseries B. Journals, 1892-1964 (#1.8-8.11, 12.9-12.10), contains the journals Southard began keeping when she was 14 and continued into her 80s, writing about day-to-day life, including her classes at school, rooming with friend Nola, and not having enough to eat. Her entries are sporadic, ranging from daily to weekly to monthly; occasionally months would elapse between entries. She mentions going to school without a corset for the first time, and asking her "physical culture" professor how to breathe properly. (This same professor showed the class her underclothes without the corset.) On November 21, 1919, the first meeting of the International Association of Women Preachers was held in Saint Louis, Missouri, and Southard notes in her journal, "We have been making history today." Throughout the journals she comments on her ministry, missionary trips for the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, visits and visitors, current events, family members, and her health. Her last entry is from April 10, 1964, at 3:45 AM. It begins, "I can still see the stars. Thank God for that." Transcripts of the journals are typewritten, created by Yellin during her project to edit and publish the journals. The subseries is arranged chronologically. Photocopies of original journals are boxed separately to facilitate future duplication requests by researchers.
Dates
- Creation: 1878-2016
Language of Materials
Materials in English.
Access Restrictions:
Access. Unrestricted, except #1.8 and #1.10 are closed as noted. An appointment is necessary to use any audiovisual material.
Extent
5 linear feet ((12 file boxes) plus 12 photograph folders, 1 folio+ photograph folder, 13 audiotapes)Physical Location
Collection stored off site: researchers must request access 36 hours before use.
Repository Details
Part of the Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute Repository
The preeminent research library on the history of women in the United States, the Schlesinger Library documents women's lives from the past and present for the future. In addition to its traditional strengths in the history of feminisms, women’s health, and women’s activism, the Schlesinger collections document the intersectional workings of race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class in American history.