Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Access Restrictions

Collection open to research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Samuel William Long Diary, 1931-1935, SC 0283, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

The diary was acquired at Jeffrey S. Evans and Associates' Winter Americana and Variety Auction on February 16, 2019.

Processing Information

Documents in the back pocket of the diary were removed and housed in a separate folder.

Bio/Historical Note

Samuel William Long was born in Orange County, Virginia on February 15, 1869 to Emanuel and Elizabeth Miller Long. He married Ida Rebecca Click (1876-1951) on December 14, 1899 and moved with her to Bridgewater, where they had two sons, DeWitt (1900-1997) and Arie (1904-1978). Until his death on March 14, 1961, he worked as a farmer and broom-maker and attended the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. He is buried alongside his wife at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Bridgewater, Rockingham County, Virginia.

Scope and Content

The Samuel William Long Diary, 1931-1935, measures 4.75" x 3" x 1" and is divided into three sections. The first section includes information one might find in an almanac, including dates of eclipses, populations of principal cities in the United States, dates of holidays differentiated by state, tide tables, and other practical information. The second section comprises the diary entries and spans the entire year of 1931. In this section, Long comments on how many brooms he's made (and the customers), outings with his wife Ida and other friends, the weather forecast, and events that unfolded at church. The last section is a headed with "Cash Account. January" and is a record book for his personal finances throughout the year. This section also includes a small address book section, in which he lists four contacts at the very back of the diary. A pocket at the back of the diary contained numerous receipts, checks, and a vehicle registration card for a 1930 Chevrolet Coach.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged chronologically in two folders.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Bridgewater (Va.) -- History -- 20th century
• Business records -- Virginia -- History -- 20th century
• Diaries
• Farmers -- Virginia -- History -- 20th century
• Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates
• Receipts (Acknowledgments) -- Virginia -- History -- 20th century
• Receipts (financial records)
• Retail trade -- Virginia -- History -- 20th century
• Sangerville (Va.) -- History -- 20th century
• Virginia -- Economic conditions -- 20th century