Julia Wilbur pocket diary, 1871

405 pages. Wilbur wrote page-length entries summarizing personally significant events for each day of the year. Documents her social activities and professional life at the United States Patent Office. References her association with prominent individuals like Belva Lockwood and Frederick Douglass. Records her charitable work and participation in the women’s rights movement, including her attempt to register to vote. Actively observed and commented on governmental proceedings in Washington, D.C. Attended congressional sessions and White House receptions, as well as various lectures and social reform meetings. Includes quoted excerpts and miscellaneous notes.

Subjects: Women--Diaries; Reconstruction (United States : 1865-1877); Women social reformers; Women in charitable work; Women--Suffrage; Women’s rights; Women in the civil service

Relevant locations: Washington (D.C.); New York (State)