On offer is an interesting, original pre World War II manuscript 5 year diary handwritten by Eliz Callaway of Girard, Pennsylvania. She was born November 14, 1900 thusly 23 years of age in the first year of her diary. She treats her diary as an intimate friend sharing entries noting she got her menses (June 18, 1938) "Ten years ago today I became a woman." Eliz works in an office, most likely, and is not in school except for taking a journalism class and practicing her typing. She loves songs, sewing, and reads books. Physically, she appears to be a healthy girl, however, her emotional health is more nebulous. She writes about men quite often; notably John, Dr. Mack, Mr. Harbeck, and other more minor male figures. These figures are often her sounding board for what's going on in her head, as the reader will find that Eliz notes quotes from conversations she has had with them. For example: (March 26, 1937) Of Dr. Mack she quotes, "we 'sealed' the question and made it a bargain (secret)." (Aug 10, 1939) Again of Dr. Mack - he calls her "a little devil…I know you have beautiful hair" and (Sept 4, 1939) Eliz says of Mr. Mack, "one minute he says he could spank me - and the next hug and squeeze me to death…(much more was said)" but she isn't writing it down. Seemingly, Dr. Mack and Eliz have a special relationship (?). She spends usually 1 ½ hours with him a few times a month, saying that he keeps her later. Through conversations with Mr. Mack, Eliz thinks she is "bad". [While not specified Dr. Mack may very well be married.] Mr. Harbeck and Eliz have a conversation, and she quotes "(he asked) if I would really like to get married? I said yes, I would, why? - the type that wants to, though usually doesn't - he smiled." John appears to be her love interest focusing on 1938-1940. John says (June 22, 1939), "I'd marry you tomorrow - only, it wouldn't be fair to you." He says, (April 5, 1940) "I love you." Researchers and historians of gender studies and relationships may find that they have a treasure trove to work with in this diary with over 385 pages of entries. Overall G.
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