Journal (typescript, photocopy, 152 pg.), 9/24/1890-9/23/1897

Item — Item: Volume 1

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The Journal of Kate Florence Montgomery Wilson was originally written in a large ledger with daily entries for seven years on each page. Mrs. Wilson's granddaughter, author Charlotte Baker Montgomery, typed and edited the present version, arranging the entries chronologically and omitting less important details. The library copy is a photocopy of her typescript.

The journal covers the years 1890-1897 and tells of the family's life in Little Rock. Though largely invalid herself during those years, Mrs. Wilson records the busy activities of her husband, children, parents, and brothers as well as friends and neighbors, following their church life, social gatherings, concerts and other special events. Mrs. Wilson keeps track of a parade of household servants and suitors for the girls. She is preoccupied with the health of the family.

Her particularly close relationship with Karle is apparent as she cites her daughter's progress in music, school, sports, and poetry. Underlying the journal is the melancholy note of declining family fortune and economic depression, though the overall tone is cheerful and filled with the joy of living. Interspersed among the daily entries is some correspondence from family members, chiefly from Karle.