Author: Emilie E. Palmer
Date: 3 July 1861
Location: Emilie E. Palmer 1859 Diary, Record Group 19/2, Oberlin College Archives
Document Type: Autograph Document
Introduction:
In this succinct entry Palmer mentions the plan for military companies to celebrate Independence Day in nearby LaGrange. Palmer mentions that she attended the “Society” with a friend, a reference to the presence of female-centered societies that were becoming popular during the time period.
Document Text:
July 3rd
Our glorious fourth is coming. The military companies are all going to Lagrange [sic].1 I attended the Society2 with Mary at Mr. Roger’s today had a fine time. The comet is splendid tonight.3
Transcribed by Frances Casey
1LaGrange Township, Ohio is located in south-central Lorain County.
2Likely referring to Ladies’ Literary Society, which she mentions attending in her 3 August 1859 diary entry. Female Oberlin students were known to be active in these organizations. (“Student Life: Ladies’ Literary Society (Aelioian, L.L.S.) Records, 1846-1953,” Oberlin College Archives, Web address, accessed 4 July 2015).
3The Great Comet of 1861 was a major meteorological event of the nineteenth century. It was at its brightest in late June and early July of 1861. The Earth passed so close to the comet that it entered its tail for two days. Comets were superstitiously seen as omens of death and destruction, and this particular comet was used in American political commentary as a sign that civil war was near. The comet was still visible while troops fought at Bull Run. (“Great Comet of 1861,” Civil War Wisconsin, Web address, accessed 11 March 2015).
