Diaries:

26 diaries, approximately 5154 manuscript pp. of diary entries, plus 365 manuscript pp. of memorandum notes, cash accounts, etc., written by Dr. Frederick E. Hyde, dated 1887, 1896 -1897, 1900, 1903-1904, 1907-1909, 1911-1912, 1914-1919, 1921-1925, 1927-1929, and 1932; one day entry per page format; cheap limp leather bindings, volumes measure 3” x 5 ¾” each; 12 diaries lacking spines, the spines of 3 diaries are badly chipped, 1 diary’s front cover loose, a number of the bindings are worn with chipping to covers, spines otherwise interiors are good; text written mainly in ink, first four volumes in pencil, in a legible hand.

2 diaries, 208 manuscript pp., plus 24 pp. of memorandum notes, cash accounts, etc., written by Elizabeth “Lizzie” Alvina Hyde, dated 1911 and 1912. The 1911 diary bound in stiff red cloth, the 1912 diary is bound in limp red leather; both volumes measure 2 ^3/8 x 5 ^1/8 inches; in a 3 to 4 days entries per page format, with most days entries completed; entries written in both ink and pencil, in a crowded, but legible hand; although the volumes are not identified, cross-referencing with her father’s diaries from the same years show that these two diaries were written by Lizzie Hyde.

Miscellaneous Account, Memorandum, and Address Books:

1 account book for expenses for “Westover Repairs,” 46 manuscript pp., dated 5 February 1909 to 5 June 1923, measures 3 ½” x 6”, bound in limp leather, good. Appears to have been written by Dr. Hyde and to be expenses for maintenance of a country home named “Westover”, in Lawrence, Long Island.

1 miscellaneous memorandum book, 27 manuscript pp.; measures 3” x 5 ¼”, bound in cloth binding, written by Dr. Hyde and includes lists of books that he either read, or wanted to read, or add to his library, plus notes on the presidential elections of 1884 and 1889, and other political notes, statistics, etc.

1 address book, 16 pp., measures 3 ½” x 4 ¼”, leather, includes names and addresses, one to three or so entries per page, not dated, no signature, likely kept Dr. Hyde.

1 address book, 63 manuscript pp., measures 3 ½” x 5 ¾”, not dated, bound in limp leather, binding chipped, includes names and addresses, likely written by Dr. Hyde. This volume appears to be older than the one above.

1 address book (letters and telegrams notes), 32 manuscript pp., measures 3 ¼” x 4 ½”, bound in limp leather, includes names and dates of letters and telegrams sent, likely kept by Dr. Hyde.

         Photographs:

10 carte-de visite photographs of Hyde family members, including: 1 of Dr. Frederick E. Hyde, taken in Paris, France, c.1870s; 1 of Elizabeth Alvina Hyde, as a young woman, dated 1890, taken by a Utica, New York photographer, W.C. North; 1 of Ida Josephine Babbitt, as a young woman before she was married, taken in a NYC studio; and the daughters of Ralph and Mary Hyde: 1 of Florence Emily Hyde; 1 of Alice Mary Hyde; 1 of Isabel Campbell Hyde; 1 of Ethel Hyde; 1 of [Loina] Brooks Hyde; as well as 2 unlabeled.

         1 cabinet card black and white photograph of Ralph Underhill Hyde, dated August 1896.

         1 black and white matted portrait of Dr. Frederick E. Hyde, dated c. 1897.

         1 tintype photograph of Ida Josephine Babbitt, as a young woman, not dated.

1 black and white photograph, measures 3” x 5 ½”, of a group of men and women, labeled: “At Mr. and Mrs. Warner M. Leed’s residence, Santa Barbara, Cal., June 20, 1919, Mr. Herbert M. Hyde at left.”

          Description of Diaries:

The 26 diaries kept by Dr. Hyde record the events of his many trips around the world. The wealthy widower of Babbitt Soap heiress Ida J. Babbitt Hayes, Dr. Hyde traveled extensively after the death of his wife and was often accompanied by his second wife Katherine and/or his children and other family members. Hyde enjoyed first class travel on notable ships, took many voyages to Europe and many other destinations, stayed at the finest hotels; took a few train trips to the West Coast, with nice accommodations on the Overland Limited; took a train trip to the 1915 San Francisco Panama Exposition, plus regular trips to Pocono Manor Inn in Pennsylvania; York Cliffs in Maine; Ridgefield, Connecticut, and Atlantic City, New Jersey. He also visited Canada and New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The diaries were kept while traveling, as follows:

1887 – Steamer Germanic for England, Italy, etc.; 96 pp. + 22 pp.

1896 – France and Middle East; ship passage from France through Port Said via Gulf of Suez, Bombay, India, etc. diary is for month of December only 31 pp.

1897 - India, Italy, France, and England – trip to India November 1896 to 13 August 1897, included Dr. Hyde, Elizabeth, Josephine, Mabel, a maid and a courier; 200 pp. + 21pp.

1900 - Egypt – Nile River trip, Pyramids, Cairo, Luxor, and Europe: Turkey, Greece, Italy, Austria, France, England, etc.), included Dr. Hyde, Isabel C. Hyde, Ida Josephine Hyde; 149 pp.+ 11 pp.

1903 – England - 25 July to 24 Oct, included Elizabeth, Mabel, Talbot, Dr. Hyde, to England down the Wye, Paris – Tours Chateaux; 102 pp. + 30 pp.

1904 - France – automobile tour in Chateau Country– 22 April to 16 July, party includes Wm. Lord

Sexton, Mrs. Sexton (Dr. Hyde’s daughter), Dr. Hyde; White Star Line “Canopia” to Azores, Gibraltar, Marseilles, & Genoa; White Star Line “Cedric” Liverpool to NYC; 99 pp. + 21 pp.

1907 - Ship France to Paris, France, Palermo – Sicily, and Europe– Dr. and Mrs. Hyde to Italy, Sicily, Capri, Sorrento, Amalfi, Ravello, La Cava, Naples, etc., left 20 April on the Str Republic and arrived home 5 September on the Str. Romanic, went to Camden, Maine in September; 164 pp. + 33 pp.

1908 - Steamer Majestic, Paris, Tours, Verona, train trip, Geneva, London; Dr. and Mrs. Hyde, sailed from NYC, 29 April Str. Majestic for Cherbourg, arriving 6 May; arrive Paris following day; visit Paris, Tours, Cortina, Verona, Bellagio, Zermatt, Geneva, London, leave England on 22 Oct, on the Str. Cedric, Liverpool to New York, arrive 30 October; 240 pp. + 27 pp.

1909 – Lawrence, L.I., New York; Pocono Manor Inn, Pennsylvania; and Ridgefield, Connecticut; 118 pp. + 3 pp.

1911 - Trip Islesboro, Isle au Hart sailing trip, Ridgefield, Connecticut; 220 pp. + 2 pp.

1912 - Steamer Lapland New York to Antwerp, Montreux, Lucerne, comments on Titanic disaster– left New York 18 May arrived home in New York 29 September; visited Paris, Montreux, Rossinière, Oberhofen, Lake Thun, Lucerne, Interlaken; 268 pp. + 27 pp.

1914 - Trip to Bermuda, plus Pocono Manor Inn, Pennsylvania; York Cliffs, Maine; Walpole, New Hampshire; 188 pp. + 15 pp.

1915 - Train Overland Limited to San Fran Panama Expo, stays Fairmont Hotel, muscles sore walking on the hills, to Sausalito, Presidio, San Francisco – “numerous guns & mortars,” trip to Santa Barbara; other trips to Washington, D.C.; Greenwich, New York; Magnolia, Massachusetts; Walpole, New Hampshire; Buffalo, New York; the Dr. traveled mainly with his wife in 1915; 207 pp. + 12 pp.

1916 -  Pocono Manor Inn, Pennsylvania and York Cliffs, Maine, trip to U.S. Military Reservation – the Dr. traveled with his wife, also went to New York City, Philadelphia, White Mountains, etc.; 134 pp. + 5 pp.

1917 -  Pocono Manor Inn, and Atlantic City, train trip to California – Pasadena, Riverside, votes “no” on Women’s Suffrage Nov 6 election; 239 pp. + 4 pp.

1918 – Pasadena, Del Norte, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Francisco, CA; York Cliffs, Maine; Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania; 231 pp + 12 pp.

1919 – Atlantic City, New Jersey; Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania; and York Cliffs, Maine; 211 pp.

1921 – SS Olympic to Paris, Tours– the Dr. traveled with his wife; left New York on White Star S.S. Olympic, 15 Oct; arrived Cherbourg 22 Oct, visited Paris and Tours, still in Paris when year ended; 188 pp. + 26 pp.

1922 – SS Olympic Paris to NY, Cannes, Ridgefield, Connecticut – diary begins in Paris visits Cannes, before going home to New York in April; makes trip to York Cliffs, Maine and later in year as well; 322 pp. + 29 pp.

1923 – Quebec, Canada; Wash., D.C.; Burlington, Vermont; Pocono Manor Inn; 184 pp. + 11 pp.

1924 – To London, and elsewhere in England; 259 pp. + 20 pp.

1925 – SS France to Paris, stays Villa Serbelloni, Lake Como, Switzerland; Atlantic City,351 pp. + 25 pp.

1927 – Atlantic City, New Jersey; and various U.S. locales; 325 pp. + 2 pp.

1928 – To Europe, U.S.; 298 pp. + 4 pp.

1929 – Home, New York; 257 pp. + 3 pp.

1932 – Appears to be home; 54 pp.

     The two diaries kept by Elizabeth Alvina Hyde are crammed with entries on many events, family gatherings, club work, and some U.S. travel. She leases a place on Park Avenue in New York City. Of particular interest are entries from April 1912, which comment on the Titanic disaster. The rear of the 1912 diary has ten pages of interesting entries in the memorandum section pertaining to parish work, helping young girls make flowers and cross-stiches for sale, etc.

“[April 16, 1912]. White Star new boat Titanic was sunk after striking iceberg off Newfoundland early morning of 15^th April 1000 lives lost. Survivors coming here on Carpathia.

“April 19 [1912]. Carpathia in last night with less than 800 survivors. Senate Investigation Committee begins probe into cause of accident. Sinking of Titanic greatest disaster of modern times…”

       Babbitt and Hyde Families

 Benjamin Talbot Babbitt (1809-1889) was a self-made American businessman and inventor who amassed a fortune in the soap industry, manufacturing Babbitt's Best Soap. He was born in 1809 in Westmoreland, Oneida Co., New York, the son of blacksmith Nathaniel Babbitt (1769-1855) and Betsey Holman (1768-). In 1851, he became the first to manufacture and market soap in individual bars, which he packaged attractively and added a claim of quality. He took the ordinary and proved it could be turned into a marketable product. Babbitt invented most of the machinery he used in his production plants. He owned extensive ironworks and machine shops in Whitesboro, New York. He held more than 100 patents. Babbitt became known as a genius of advertising. He rivaled his friend P. T. Barnum in originality and success, becoming a household name throughout the U.S. His soap was one of the first nationally advertised products. The soap was sold from brightly painted street cars with musicians, which helped lead to the iconic phrase: "get on the bandwagon." Babbitt was the first manufacturer to offer tours of his factories and one of the first to give away free samples.

Babbitt died October 20, 1889, and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York. He was survived by his wife, Rebecca McDuffie Babbitt (1820 - 1894) and his two daughters, Ida Babbitt Hyde (1845-1896) and Lillia Babbitt Hyde (1856–1939), to whom he left one half of his $5,000,000 estate as well as the controlling interest in his company.

Lillia Babbitt Hyde established The Lillia Babbitt Hyde Foundation in 1924 and served as its president until her death in 1939. The bulk of her estate was left to the Foundation, raising the value of its assets as of June 1941, to approximately $3,200,000. Lillia Babbitt Hyde married Clarence Melville Hyde (1846-1908), the brother of Dr. Frederick E. Hyde, who married Lillia’s sister Ida Josephine Babbitt Hyde.

Ida Josephine Babbitt Hyde married Dr. Frederick E. Hyde on 27 March 1869. The Hyde brothers were the sons of Edwin Hyde of Groton, Connecticut and Elizabeth Alvina Mead.  The Hyde family was the direct descendant of Sgt. James Hyde, Jr. (1753-1809), of Norwich, Connecticut, who served with the 4th Regt. Connecticut Line in the American Revolution and was at Germantown, Valley Forge, Monmouth, Stony Point, and Yorktown. Dr. Hyde was born in New York City on 25 February 1844.

Together Ida and her husband Frederick had at least four children: Elizabeth Alvina Hyde (1870-); Benjamin Talbot Babbitt Hyde (1872-1933) who married Edith Moore, daughter of James Moore of New York City in 1910; Frederick Hyde, Jr. (1874-); and Ida Josephine Hyde (1877-) who married William Lord Sexton; and Mabel Hyde (1882-). The Hyde’s educated their sons at St. Paul’s Military School on Long Island. When the Hyde’s were first married the couple set up home in Ida Babbitt’s parent’s house on 36^th Street in Manhattan in a fashionable neighborhood,  and Hyde, at the insistence of Mrs. Babbitt, had a medical practice for only the “best families” in New York City. The Hyde family also kept a country place, “Quaker Ridge Farm,” in North Greenwich, Connecticut. By 1900, the Hyde’s moved uptown to West 69^th Street, where they kept a large house with nine servants (housekeeper, cook, maid, parlor maid, chamber maid, waitress, laundress, lady’s maid, and a general servant).

In 1889 Benjamin Babbitt died leaving a great inheritance that was split between his wife and two daughters. However, his daughter Ida died six months later and her share of his estate (in the millions) went to her husband and two sons. After the death of his wife Ida, Dr. Frederick E. Hyde, retired from practicing medicine and spent a good deal of time traveling and pursuing his hobbies and philanthropic pursuits.

There is a fjord in Greenland named Frederick E. Hyde Fjord. The fjord is located on a peninsula known as Peary Land. Frederick E. Hyde Fjord divides Peary Land into North Peary Land and South Peary Land. Robert E. Peary had been the first to reach the North Pole and the northernmost part of Greenland is called Peary Land.  In a book written by Robert Peary entitled, Nearest the Pole: A Narrative of the Polar Expedition of the Peary Arctic Club in the S. S. Roosevelt, 1905 -1906, on page 329, we learn that Peary’s Expedition of 1898-1902 was made under the auspices of, and with funds furnished by, the Peary Arctic Club of New York City, of which Frederick E. Hyde was a member and supporter. The book includes a chapter on the Peary Arctic Club. Frederick E. Hyde was one of the founding members and was elected as its first vice president.

Dr. Frederick Erastus Hyde and his sons, Benjamin Talbot Babbitt Hyde and Frederick Erastus Hyde, Jr., were members of several scientific institutions. Dr. Hyde was member and benefactor of the Linnaean Society, the American Museum of Natural History and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, among others.

Frederick Jr. and his brother, Benjamin were also members of some of the same organizations as their father. They also financed explorations in the American Southwest between 1893 and 1907. Dr. Hyde’s sons founded the Hyde Exploring Expedition which helped to fund the work of Richard Wetherill (1858–1910) from about 1893 to 1903. Wetherill was a member of a prominent Colorado ranching family, and was an amateur explorer in the discovery, research and excavation of sites associated with the Ancient Pueblo People. Wetherill is credited with the discovery of Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde and was responsible for initially selecting the term Anasazi, Navajo for ancient enemies, as the name for these ancient people. He also discovered Kiet Seel ruin, now included, along with Betatakin ruin, in Navajo National Monument in northeastern Arizona. "Slightly smaller than Cliff Palace, Kiet Seel possesses qualities that, in the eyes of some, lend it greater charm and interest." Wetherill became fascinated by the ruins and artifacts and made a career as an explorer, guide, excavator and trading post operator.

Predating this collection of diaries, Dr. Hyde and his sons went on a world tour in 1892 and spent 70 days on horseback in Palestine and the Saini.  Dr. Hyde died at the age of 92 on 16 September 1936 at his summer home in East Hampton, L.I.

Sample Quotes from the Diaries:

“December 9, 1896

  …Arrival Port Said about 8 p.m. anchored in canal. Cable to CMH 25 words…Most of passengers went ashore. We remained onboard. Coaled 800 tons in 4 hrs 9 to 1 night. Coal carried in baskets on shoulders of natives up planks, 18-inch-wide, 2 lines natives each side of boat.”

“January 13, 1897

Leave 3:16 for Calcutta…Effect of Hindu worship as exhibited at Benares is disgusting & depressing.”

“January 14, 1897

Arrived at Howrah Station, Calcutta 6:45 a.m. on time…atmosphere of hotel depressing. Small pox at Howrah, Cholera at Columbo. Drove at 4 ½ p.m. Could not get livery carriage. A vice regal council being held. So, took gharry skeletons of horses with strings of white beads around their necks.” [Howrah Junction, also known as Howrah Station, is the largest railway complex in India and it is a railway station which serves Kolkata and Howrah, India]

“January 27, 1900

Left Abou Simbel at 8 a.m., warm day. Smooth water not a ripple. Am. Derr after tea, dusty walk to temple through dirty village of mud huts. Temple not especially interesting.

While visiting temple the Str. went across the river tied up at a sand flat. We were taken in yawl to east side of sand flat. The men were carried ashore & walked across flat to St. The ladies were rowed around in the boat. This shifting of the boat many considered entirely unnecessary. Derr temple not worth the annoyance. Tied up for the night at Magharah about 9:30 p.m.” [The Temple of Derr or el-Derr is a speos or rock-cut Egyptian temple in Lower Nubia. It was built during the 19th Dynasty by Pharaoh Ramesses II]

“February 13, 1900

Assonan. 8 a.m. clear cool, west side of Cataract Hotel.

Left hotel 9:45 a.m. rode donkey to Barrage. John Arid & Co. contractors, Fitzmaurice, engineer. Mr. Mikelitis took us over the work, 5600 men now employed, 4000 of whom Italian stonecutters, 34 sluice gates. The cubic meter the basis of labor payments. Boxes holding just 1 cm take out all the stone. 2 coffer dams over the cataract build permanent damn between. Left 12:28 to return Cataract Hotel 1:10” [The Assiut Barrage is a dam on the Nile River in the city of Assiut in Upper Egypt (250 miles to the south of Cairo). It was completed in 1903]

“March 23, 1900

Constantinople. Clear cool. 9:45 called at Am Legation & obtained formal permit to see the Salamlik procession from windows in ___ opposite the private mosque of the Sultan. Soldiers gathered for an hour before the Sultan appeared in a bret drawn by 2 white horses. Opp the Sultan sat the Minister of War. Entered the mosque at 12:30 & came out at 12:50. Appears to be about 60 yrs of age. Prince in a carriage about 6 years, 2 male companions walking. Ladies in harem in 4 coupes, eunuchs walking. Regimental music excellent. 2 crack regts, browns & grays cavalry. Back to hotel for lunch 2 p.m…” [Abdul Hamid II (1842-1918) was the 34th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and the last Sultan to exert effective control over the fracturing state]

“January 12, 1909

Signed lease today for “Westover’ Lawrence, L.I., NY, period of five years from May 1, 1909.”

“January 23, 1912

10:21 train in Lawrence to Flatbush Ave, Subway to 42d St, taxi to 42d & 5th Ave & Penn Station, 12 noon train to Broad St. Phila, met Talbot in train, met Charles Schedell at Broad St, talked about repairs & insurance to warehouse 9th & Jefferson Sts. Met D.E. Dallam at his office 514 Walnut St., talked about sale or lease of warehouse. Left Phila 4:00 p.m. in Penn Station NY 6 p.m., took 6;17 p.m. L.I. train, arr. Lawrence 6:57 p.m”

“November 8, 1912

Lovely autumn day. Maurice Fitzgibbons left Egan’s Stables 205 East 38th St at 11:30 a.m. with Mabel’s horses Peter Pan and Lady Woodstock. Came via 34th St Ferry, L.I. City & Jamaica, arrived at Westover, Lawrence, at 3:30 p.m.”

“San Francisco Trip

March 24, 1915

Left Lawrence on 11:51 a.m. train for Penn Station, NY, arrived 12:41, checked ulster in pared room. Katherine & I then had lunch in Penn Restaurant. Afternoon rechecked trunk to San Francisco & took suit case in taxi to do some shopping…after further shopping arrived at Penn Station at 4:30 p.m. Elizabeth and Mabel arrived soon went aboard Overland Limited train leaving at 5:04 for Chicago. Katharine seeing us off. Dropped letter off for K at Harrisburg at 9:31 p.m. E & M had drawing room A in car 6, I h ad section 12 next to it.”

“NY to San Francisco

March 25, 1915

Passed Pittsburg 3:30 a.m. Eastern Time 2:30 Central Time. Changed here. Looking out my window as trains was leaving Pittsburg we were apparently passing through a brilliantly lighted subway. Archeo and Architectural lines with electric lights about two feet apart.

Arrived in Chicago 2 p.m on time. As we were to leave here on the Chicago & Northwestern R.R. at 7:00 we had five hours so took rooms at Blackstone Hotel with baths, refreshed ourselves with tubs & I with a shave & at 5:20 had a most satisfactory dinner. Left Chicago at 7 p.m. in car “Colorado,” E & M in drawing room A, & I in Section 8 same car. Mailed letter to K written on train also sent K night letter at 3 p.m. also mailed office key about 5 p.m.”

“NY to San Francisco

March 26, 1915

Arrived Omaha 7:30 a.m. mailed letter to K, dressed & went out at the station to stretch my legs & get some fresh air. Weather cold. Station active engines moving about. Smoky atmosphere from much bituminous coal. Left Omaha at 8:00 a.m., light snowfall during the day. Patches of snow over the country apparently recent.

Cold weather today, temp. on floor of car platform at 11:40 a.m. 28˚ F in the car 67˚ F 4 p.m. on platform, 30˚F. Some snow drifted in on the platforms of the train.

Arrived North Platte at 2:40 p.m. Central Time, 1:40 Mountain Time, at 12:21 p.m. passed Kearney where in 1866 I crossed the Platte River in a box wagon drawn by four mules, or horses, each pair controlled by a man up to his shoulders in the water.”

“NY to San Francisco

March 27, 1915

Due to a delay of 52 minutes at Green River waiting for the mail train that followed us from Chicago, we were 52 minutes late arriving at Ogden, due at 10:40 A.M. The Overland Limited takes a mail car from the mail train to secure the right of way over other trains if there is a congestion of trains anywhere.

At Ogden, Mountain Time changes to Pacific Time, so put my watch back an hour. Sent train letter & telegram to K from here.

15 minutes stop here & while the car wheels were being tested with a hammer it was found that one of the wheels of our car “Colorado,” was broken. We were transferred to other cars there being few passengers & plenty of room. E & M to the “Deartrail” DRD & I to the Jathneil Sec 3.”

“NY to San Francisco

Yesterday, the country was covered with snow no great depth, today only the mountains down to a certain line. Passing the Humboldt Mts. In the afternoon winding through the passes of the foot hills of the Sierras.

At daylight to my surprise I looked out upon trees in foliage bright green grass lilies in bloom out of doors.

Yesterday snow after leaving Ogden we crossed Salt Lake in on an embankment of rocks part of the way & over a wooden pile bridge another part of the way. Distance of 53 miles altogether. The lake was perfectly calm, the train running slowly.

We arrived at Oakland & San F on time, were soon at the Fairmont Hotel, Rooms 448 & 450. Night letters to K…”

“San Francisco

March 29, 1915

We all went to the Panama Exposition this a.m. Cables Sacramento St transfer to Polk, entering East end of grounds, raining. Entrance fee 50c Must be exact amount to drop in the box at gate.

The Joy Zone began at East Gate, walked long distance to Fillmore St gate. Left the girls returned to hotel as an earlier walk to Union Ferry down the hills was very tiresome to muscles unused to the hills. E & M took moving platform seats and rode around rest of grounds.

After lunch called in Mr. Edwin Parish of Niagara Fire Ins. Co., 334 Pine St, Introduction from Mr. Harold Herrick, referred us for Real Estate Agent to M.V.W. McAdam Co., 58 Sutter St.”

“San Francisco

March 30, 1915

Rain all day. Was called up by McAdam Co., their Mr. Fuller, arranged to see them later. E & M went to fair all this p.m. I went to fair this a.m., rode about the streets for 25 minutes, circumnavigating the place. Wrote J.T. Johnston of St. Barbara to see houses next Monday. This address from Mr. Parish, immediately, after lunch, Mrs. Babcock of San Rafael called on Elizabeth very pleasant. Offered her motor car for use at San R invited us to tea afterward.

Had arranged to go to San Rafael today, but too rainy. Rain very welcome to this neighborhood & Sacramento Valley, as weather had been dry for some weeks.”

“San Francisco & San Rafael

March 31, 1915

Took 1:55 p.m. boat at Sausalito Ferry foot Market St. half town to Sausalito electric train to San Rafael arr. 2:55 p.m were met by Mrs. Babcock car & maid Mary McNally.

Visited three houses Mrs. Martin’s the Schonmein (?) & Mrs. Nel’s first & last were desirable places but as the valley much semi tropical foliage & masses of flowers but houses not on sufficient elevations.

1st hour might have been taken if had been on elevation with view below, but from all places had to look up for view.

Took tea with Mr. & Mrs. Babcock at 4:30 to 5 They were very cordial. Have beautiful home. Garden with masses of flowers, lilies blooming outdoors since last October.”

“San F to Sta Barbara

April 3, 1915

Left San F on 7:45 a.m. train of Southern Pacific RR, 3d & Townsend Sts., lovely morning. E & M took breakfast at the Fairmont Hotel. I took my breakfast on the train, came via San Joe 47 miles. In 1867 this stretch of RR was the only RR in the state. The train follows valley floors & some elevations till we reach Sta Margarita where the rise is quite high & we pass through 6 tunnels. IN the gaps between tunnels we look down abruptly into deep valleys all green grass covered & with a wagons road winding up & down the steep sides of the valley. The original only means of the North & South communications previous to the RR & probably the road that I went over in a stage coach from Los Angeles to San Joe in 1867. From San Louis Obispo we run to the ocean side & follow close to the brink for several miles looking down on the waves rolling up the beaches. Arr Sta B 7:40 p.m. another bus took us…”

“Santa Barbara

April 5, 1915

…Afternoon we took trolley to the old mission of Sta Barbara. Saw it in 1867, & in 1901. About 6 yrs ago old rotted floor & wainscoting were removed, tile floor & painting make it look very clean, but has lost the look of age.”

“Nov 6, 1917

Election Day for Mayor of Greater New York

…Voted ‘No’ on Suffrage for Women, ‘Yes’ on debt limitations for county, town, village.”