George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library, MS2FLAmanda Brent
Public Domain. There are no known restrictions.
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A digitized version of this document can be found here: New Year's resolutions written by Calvin Jewett.
New Year's resolutions written by Calvin Jewett, C0361, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.
The donor is unknown.
Processing completed by Amanda Brent in June 2019. EAD markup completed by Amanda Brent in June 2019. This collection used to be a part of the Virginia historical documents collection, C0034.
The tradition of New Year's resolutions has been popular in Western culture since the mid to late 1700s. Though now a secular tradition, these resolutions were traditionally more religious in nature. The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, introduced "Covenant Renewal Service" as an alternative to holiday festivities in 1740, which are still celebrated by modern Methodists. By 1813, when renewing covenants became "New Year's resolutions," these promises began to take on a distinctly secular tone, which continues to this day.
New Year's resolutions written by Calvin Jewett on December 29, 1841. Jewett's resolutions mainly deal with his religious faith and furthering his devotion to God. The words "New Covenant" are written on the back, likely a reference to the Methodist idea and celebration of making new covenants to God at the turn of the year.
This is a single item collection.
The Special Collections Research Center also holds other historical letters and diaries.
"The origin of new year's resolutions." The Economist. https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2018/01/05/the-origin-of-new-years-resolutions (accessed June 24, 2019).
"Why We Make New Year's Resolutions." Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/42255-history-of-new-years-resolutions.html (accessed June 24, 2019).