Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection open for research.

Use Restrictions

No physical characteristics affect use of this material.

Preferred Citation

Sara Armstrong Collection, 1940-1960 (M 064), Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

Mary Fishback, Leesburg, VA

Alternative Form Available

None

Accruals

2004.0029

Processing Information

Emily Hershman, 25 May 2011

Biographical Information

Mary Armstrong (1882-1980) lived in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She never married, was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and contributed to charitable organizations such as the YMCA. For a non-consecutive period of ten years, 1945-1950 and 1955-1960, she kept detailed diaries of her social life, noting her participating in local parties as well as church-sponsored events and conventions.

Upon her death, her diaries were inherited by a nephew, Irvine Armstrong (1908-2001) and his wife, Sara Armstrong (1916-ca. 2003). The Armstrongs lived in downtown Leesburg and remained active in local preservation initiatives until their deaths.

Scope and Content

The Sara Armstrong Collection consists of two five-year diaries and an address book kept by Mary Armstrong. The diaries describe her trips to Philadelphia and Atlantic City, garden parties at the local Baker Mansion and Union Hotel, the results of athletic events such as the World Series, as well as prices of consumer items such as clothing, a television, and other household items. The address book includes names of her friends and acquaintances, many of whom lived nearby, and notes the year a person moved or passed away.

Arrangement

Folder

Related Material

None

Adjunct Descriptive Data

Bibliography

Ancestry Library Edition, U.S. Public Records Index, www.ancestrylibrary.com (Accessed 31 May 2011).

Sara Armstrong Collection, 1940-1960 (M 064), Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg, VA.

Other Finding Aid

None

Technical Requirements

None