Name/Title
James G. Vail Diary, 1873Entry/Object ID
2008.002.3Scope and Content
1873 diary of James Gardner Vail. Many of the pages that were heavily written on have ben cut from the book with only remnants remaining. Vail writes that the diary was "Presented by the publishers of the 'Little Corporal" Magazine", on Jan. 20th 1873. There are a few pages of accounting throughout.
A small section of the book lists three friends or relatives in "Uncle Smith's parlor" promising gifts (a wax cross, a crab apple, a red shirt for the baby) to Vail "provided he is ever so fortunate as to get married". Only the "wax cross" is marked to have been fulfilled.Context
James Gardner Vail was born in Romulus, NY in 1842. He was a prominent photographer In Geneva, NY. He married Mary Elizabeth "Libbie" Broughton of Victor, NY on December 3rd 1879. In 1881 he moved to Victor, NY. For many years he worked there in the store of William Gallup, his wife's uncle. Aside from five years spent in the south, including Morganton, NC, they lived in Vitor until 1908 when they moved to Romulus to live on the old Vail homestead. After his wife passed away James lived the last years of his life with his son, Robert W. G. Vail in New Rochelle, NY. James Vail passed away in 1929.
Enos Smith Vail, the father of James, was instrumental in the formation of the Romulus Female Seminary. The building was moved to the GCV&M in 1970.Collection
James Gardner Vail CollectionLexicon
Search Terms
Autopsy, Babies, Premature, Christmas, Retail TradeArchive Details
Creator
Vail, James GardnerDate(s) of Creation
1868 - 1925Archive Size/Extent
10 small volumes, several with loose documents associatedPrimary Language
EnglishArchive Items Details
Title
1873 Diary of James G. VailDescription
Diary from 1873Creator
Vail, James GardnerDate(s) of Creation
1873Notes
Included in this diary is a scrap of paper with a poem titled, "A Friend Tis Hard to Find." The reverse side is a portion of a business letter.Dimensions
Height
5 inWidth
3-1/2 inDepth
1 inParts
Count
2Parts
1 diary, 1 scrap of paperRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Vail, James GardnerRelated Places
Place
City
GenevaState/Province
New YorkCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North America
