Mary's Diary: Courting, School, and Skating in Victorian Plattsburgh, New York

Mary Elizabeth Collins, a young woman growing up in Plattsburgh, New York, kept a diary from 1884 through 1887, with the bulk of entries in 1884 and 1885.  She writes about her dating drama, her struggles in high school, and her many pastimes, including ice skating, shopping, and having her picture taken.

I have transcribed the diary as faithfully as possible, added explanatory footnotes for certain things that may puzzle modern readers, and supplemented it with two essays. One essay discusses women's diary keeping in the 19th century. The other essay discusses some customs of late Victorian courtship.

A copy of this document is on deposit at SUNY Plattsburgh's Feinberg Library Special Collections along with other Collins Family papers.

Any funds raised from this labor of love will sponsor my current and future historical projects!