Conditions Governing Use

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Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Preferred Citation

Nelson and Daniel Gordon Diaries, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased, August 2011

Scope and Contents

Diaries, 1890-1899, of Nelson and Daniel Gordon, brothers from Thorndike, Maine. Nelson Gordon was the town clerk of Thorndike, Maine, and Daniel Gordon was a school teacher who also made caskets. Nelson's diary, 1890, talks about his wife, Emma, his daily activities, his interaction with his local community, his job, among others.

Daniel Gordon's diaries, 1894 and 1899, include his views on teaching school, his students, inventions that he makes, and his work making caskets with the Coffin family. He also discusses his declining health and the various methods he uses to try and improve it, including making electric warmers for his feet and buying zinc plates "for electrical purposes."

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Coffins
• Education--Maine
• Electricity
• Inventions--History--United States
• Maine--History--19th century
• Maine--Social life and customs--19th century
• Teachers--Diaries