A woman sleeping at NOW conference, Philadelphia

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Mexican woman beggar with sleeping child on sidewalk

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Absence notes, 1797-1800

Five short handwritten notes from Loammi Baldwin to the Harvard Faculty excusing his son for absences from College. The excuses were written on September 9, 1797 for sickness; September 23, 1797; February 10, 1798; February 19, 1799 due to the illness of Mrs. Baldwin; and March 23, 1800 due to weather.

Diaries of Benjamin Guild, 1776, 1778

These diaries of Benjamin Guild document his travels as a Presbyterian pastor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The daily entries describe people Guild met and dined with, the food he ate (including strawberries, currants, watermelon, English cherries, and lobster), the funerals he attended, and the sermons he gave. Many entries relate to his health concerns (the ague and eye trouble), sleeping habits, and widespread public health concerns (including smallpox, dysentery, "nervous fevers," consumption, and "putrid fever"). The diaries also contain passing references to the activities of American, British, French, and German soldiers during the American Revolution; the invasion of Canada and battles occurring in New York are noted. In August 1778, after visiting Providence, Rhode Island, Guild comments on the disordered state of the city after American soldiers passed through it. He also recounts a visit by officers of the French fleet to the Harvard College library in September 1778 and describes his dinner on board the French man-of-war, Sagitaire. One entry describes an elaborate ball sponsored by John Hancock, held for French soldiers and "Boston ladies," and another refers to the "incursion" of Indians. Many of Guild's diary entries pertain to his work as a Harvard College Tutor; these entries describe his lectures at the College, meetings with colleagues, personnel decisions, and the examination of students. He also describes books he is reading and his opinions of them, the purchase and sale of books, and his desire to learn Hebrew and French. In addition, multiple entries refer to a man named Prince, who was perhaps Guild's slave. Prince sometimes accompanied Guild on his travels.

Notebook of John Allen, 1772

Paper-covered notebook containing handwritten poems and verse by Harvard graduate John Allen. Some of the poems refer to Allen’s illnesses in October 1772. The notebook also contains a short list titled “The Gentleman that I wrote diplomas for," with a list of sixteen individuals who received degrees from Harvard. The inside cover includes the inscription: “John Allen – November 4, 1772. Poetic Composition.” “Dr. T. C. Gilman” is stamped on cover.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Deerfield, Massachusetts, to William Willard and Katherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, March 11, 1810

Willard mentions that he has been anxious because he has heard that “there was such a dreadful sickness in…Petersham, but I have not been able to learn many particulars about it,” and asks for news. He also comments on the weather and lack of snow throughout the past winter.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Deerfield, Massachusetts, to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, March 7, 1814

Willard mentions that there is a sickness going around town and that three people have died as a result, with others feeling “dangerous sick.” He also discusses “Dr. [Joseph] Lyman’s pamphlet” and ongoing issues with the council at Greenfield. Included in the letter is a message from Samuel’s wife, Susan Willard, to Catherine, in which she provides pleasantries and mentions the family’s good health in spite of the town’s sicknesses.

Receipt, 1746 April 26

Handwritten receipt signed by John Barrett acknowledging payment by Andrew Bordman with money granted him by the General Court due to "his sickness since he Returned from Cape Britton" and delivered by Captain Osburn and others from the Committee of War.

Child care available at the "Forum to the Future" conference

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.