Bowen Family Diary Trove in 4 Discrete Sets

Father-Daughter-Son-Relative Generational Diaries. Salem, New Jersey
(1) BOWEN, Frank S., 39 volumes comprising diaries, receipt books, inventory lists, pocket journals 1878, 1882, 1886, 1903-04, 1907-28;
(2) with BOWEN, Edna (daughter), one volume for 1917;
(3) with BOWEN, Elizabeth, one volume for 1930;
(4) with BOWEN William (son), one volume for 1899.

Generational diaries are so uncommon as to be almost nonexistent. To have them span the number of years which these do is exceptional. Frank Bowen was first errand boy, then head clerk, in his father’s dry goods store, where everything from window shades to blank books were sold in a general line of inventory. He assumed leadership of the business after his father.

Detailed activities and events predominate in this trades diary. As one example, strongly appealing material throughout, such as this retail mention of diaries, written in a diary:

“Fri., Jan. 1, 1886 / …this is the time for blank books. / Sat.,Jan. 2, 1886 / Diaries like 111 and 211 seem to be desired. This year we have had neither. We have #18 and are sorry for it. Desireable ones are also 131, 231.

“Tues., Jan. 5, 1886 / We have sold at least three diaries to-day, and might have sold another if we had had a long one with a day to a page. Mr. Thos. Wood wanted it, and perhaps papa will try to get some in Phila. to-morrow. Robinson & Hackett have not any. Mr. Job Dixon bought one to-day after inquriing elsewhere.”

Collection comprises 42 volumes and occupies 21 inches of linear shelf space. Heights range from 7” to 4” high; from 2” wide to 5” wide; from 1/4” to 1” thick. Condition ranges from just fair to very good, as is expected with such quotidian materials as these, which were in use and at hand constantly. Many commercial and retail records as well as the life stories of Elizabeth and daughter Edna and son William, growing up. Price, and additional information, via email from peter.pehrson@yahoo.com; this would have a good home with the institutional, or advanced private, collector.