- Creator
- Lay, Julia Anna Hartness, 1818-1879
- Call number
- MssCol 1702
- Physical description
- .25 linear feet (3 v.)
- Preferred Citation
- Julia Anna Hartness Lay diaries, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library
- Repository
- Manuscripts and Archives Division
- Access to materials
- Request an in-person research appointment.
Julia Anna Hartness (1819-1879) of Albany, N.Y. married George C. Lay (1815-1881) of Lyme, Conn., a businessman, in 1841; five of their children survived to adulthood. The Lay family resided in New York City. Diaries kept by Julia Anna Hartness Lay, 1851 Aug. 9-1878 Jan. 20, record her thoughts and daily activities concerning family and household matters; her children's health and upbringing; attendance at lectures, concerts and church services; evangelical and charitable work as a member of the Presbyterian Church; social and recreational activities; and weather conditions. Local and national events mentioned in passing include the Atlantic Cable celebration in 1858, and incidents of the Civil War, including the Draft Riots. The diaries contain pasted newsclippings and memorabilia, and a small amount of sketches, memorabilia and family correspondence in pockets.
Administrative information
Source of acquisition
Gift of, Mr. Charles Downing Lay, 1941Key terms
Names
Subjects
Places
- New York (N.Y.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives
- New York (N.Y.) -- Social life and customs -- 19th century
Material types
Using the collection
Location
Manuscripts and Archives DivisionStephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018-2788
Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room, Third Floor, Room 328
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.Alternative form available
Available on microfilm; New York Public Library; *ZL-450