Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Diaries of Mary Louise Riley Harmon and Celia Riley, Accession #2013.2.28, Roanoke Public Libraries, Roanoke, VA

Acquisition Information

Donated by Richard and Peggy Sowers

Biographical Note

Mary Louise Riley Harmon and Celia Riley Riley were born and raised in the Carvin’s Cove area of Roanoke County. More specifically, they were members of one of forty families who lived in the area that is now the reservoir. Celia was born 1 April 1906 and Mary Louise, 27 January 1915 to Ernest Preston Riley and Cora Belle Layman. During the polio outbreak of July 1929, both Mary Louise and Celia were stricken with the disease. Celia passed away 18 December 1996. Mary passed away 1 April 2000. Mary authored, My Memories of Carvin’s Cove, which provides more biographical information on the sisters and their family. It is available in the Virginia Room.

Scope and Content

This collection of diaries relates the daily thoughts and actions of Celia Riley and Mary Riley Harmon. Those kept by Celia span the years 1928 through 1933 and 1946 and 1947. The diaries kept by Mary Riley Harmon were written between 1973 and 1994.

Arrangement

Diaries are arranged by author and chronologically by year thereunder.