Cambridge Diary No. I, 1812-1826

Hand-sewn paper notebook containing brief entries dating from August 4, 1812, to April, 6, 1821.

Certificate to Thomas Hartsorn, guardian of Richard Nichols, 1812 June 18

This brief handwritten document certifies that the guardianship of Nathaniel Jarvis of Cambridge, Massachusetts, was granted to John Walton of Cambridge according to the records of the Probate Office in Cambridge. The document is attested by James Winthrop in his capacity as register of probate for Middlesex County.

A statement of facts, relative to the late proceedings in Harvard College, Cambridge, published by the students, Boston, April 10, 1807

Written in defense of the students’ actions, this publication sought to clear the students in the eyes of the public. They argued against the stern disciplinary stance of the Corporation, warning that "it is possible to kill the spirt by too rigorous an adherence to the letter of the law." According to the students, the cause of the upheaval was the "black, nauseous and intolerable" food served in Commons. Although they admitted that there were some students who "delight in mischief, anarchy, and confusion," they argued against the whole student body being charged for the crimes. Instead, they held that their offense, "retiring peaceably from the hall," should be punished, as usual, only by the "small fine of fifty or one hundred cents."

Subseries J. Bill to the Town of Cambridge, 1789

This folder contains a bill from Samuel Shapleigh to the Town of Cambridge for keeping school from July 20 through October 20, 1789; it was submitted on November 2, 1789. Shapleigh requested reimbursement for his room, board, and furniture, in addition to his teaching.

A Coppe of the Plan of Cambridge New Meeting House which was excepted by the people, 1752

The floor plan details the proposed interior of the New Meeting House of the First Parish in Cambridge to be built near the College, in the present area of Lehman Hall. This land became Harvard property in 1833. The drawing includes space allotted for the pulpit, pews, and center aisle. The document is fragile.

A summary of remarks made by William C. Lane, Librarian of Harvard University, published in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, December 1909

Lane addressed the Massachusetts Historical Society about the recent discovery of foundations walls, likely from Goffe College, made during the Boston Elevated Railway's excavations in Harvard Square for the subway on Massachusetts Avenue.

Cambridge Main St. Subway, walls and well found in 1910 while excavating for Harvard Sq. station, blueprint, 1912

Contains blueprint from the Boston Elevated Railway's construction of subway lines underneath Harvard Square. Indicates area of Harvard Yard where construction crews discovered stones likely from the foundation of Goffe College.

Cambridge Main St. Subway, walls and well found in 1910 while excavating for Harvard Sq. station, 1912, with Letter from Edward Dana to S.E. Morison, 15 March 1934

Second copy of the previous blueprint. Also includes a 1934 letter from Edward Dana of the Boston Elevated Railway Public Trustees to Samuel Eliot Morison, Editor of The Tercentennial History of Harvard University responding to Morison's request for additional information about discovery of early Harvard building foundations during the subway construction excavation in Harvard Square.

Hollis Hall, Harvard College, Cambridge, Middlesex Co., Mass., Second Floor Plan, (photostat copy), [1934]

Partial photostat copy of Sheet 2 of 10.

Plan of Massachusetts Hall, [1718]

Original pen and ink drawn plan for Massachusetts Hall drawn circa 1718. Includes floor plan and measurements for second and third floors. Detailed notes describe measurements for each room, entryway, and chimney on verso.

From J. Hunnewell with estimate of repairing Massachusetts Hall, [ca. 1790]

In this letter, J. Hunnewell writes President Willard with estimates for a new roof for Massachusetts Hall. Hunnewell enclosed estimated costs from both a carpenter and a mason for slate and composition roofs. Estimates include supply and labor costs.

J.[ohn] Warland's estimate for Massachusetts Hall, 20 July 1802

Includes mason John Warland's estimate for adding another storey to Massachusetts Hall, plastering several of the rooms, and the securing the necessary materials for the construction.

Estimate of expense of repairs of Massachusetts by [John] Walton and [Josiah] Moore, 13 January 1806

Includes estimate from Walton & Moore for adding another storey to Massachusetts Hall, replacing the roof, replacing glass, and painting the interior.

Vote of thanks and $100 for repairs of Massachusetts Hall, 15 December 1812

In this letter signed by President John Kirkland, the Corporation voted to honor Loammi Baldwin for his supervision of the repairs to Massachusetts Hall. Repairs included new doors, doorframes, and windows. These updates were likely delayed repairs of damage sustained during the American Revolution when American soldiers were quartered in Massachusetts Hall.

A s.w. [south west] view of Mass. [Massachusetts] Hall, [1828]

Pencil drawing of South West view of Massachusetts Hall.