A journal kept by Jerusha Howe is currently on loan to TWIF from the Goodnow Library. The earliest dated entry is 1814, and the latest is 1841.

Stories written after Jerusha’s death mention her attendance at a “fashionable boarding-school in a distant location” (Lunt, 1880). Found in The Wayside Inn’s collection is a “Practical Arithmetic” book from Mrs. Rowson’s Academy for Young Ladies which may have belonged to Jerusha based on the dates noted in the book and the history of the boarding school. Rowson’s school was founded in 1797 by writer, actress, and educator Susanna Rowson (1762-1824) in Boston. It “offered academic training and refinements to the daughters of 'middling' class families” (Piaia, 2010). Young women were trained in academic subjects, music (including the pianoforte), art, and embroidery. Based on artifactual evidence from Jerusha’s belongings these are all skills Jerusha possessed. As Adam Howe, Jr.’s tavern prospered he likely could have afforded to send his young daughter to such a school.

Jerusha’s journal also suggests that she was formally educated and possessed a knowledge of poetry, literature, and religion. In her notebook (see right-hand display cabinet), Jerusha copied passages from the works of many famous authors and poets, such as William Shakespeare and Lord Byron, and lesser-known writers like Henry Kirk White.

Below are photos of the first entry (with a transcription), the pages currently on display in the exhibit case (with a transcription), and two other pages. TWIF is working on a publication of the fully transcribed diary.

Transcription of pages currently in the exhibit case (photos of the pages are directly below):

(Left Side)

Industry

Industry is the source of domestic happenings and from which springs

most of our earthly enjoyments; at it gains for us all the manifestations and even

comforts of life, which of we could not attain we should be wretched

beings. From industry springs as many virtues as there [sic] vices from idlings.

when we are employed we avoid many follies which if we were idle we

should fall into, especially in our youth. Therefore let us for the future

employ our time to the best advantage, ever listening to the salutary instructions

of the aged for the are capable of advising youth and teaching them wisdom

J.H. 1817 Mrs. Doris A.

Benevolence

Benevolence to our fellow beings is an amiable quality and one that ought to

be cherished in youth as it affords many a happy moment if practiced; a

mean and avaricious person though the possesses wealth knows not its value,

for his heart never throbs with that heaven-born feeling the luxury of doing

good = of what estimation are the gifts of fortune, of the homeless child of

want cannot share in its blessings, and we know it is impossible it should

unless there is benevolence in those who possesses wealth.

J.H. B. do..

(To hear a recorded reading of "Benevolence" by Emma Schwarz, please click HERE)

Intemperance

Intemperance is the most aggravating of all vices and if it once takes hold

cannot be easily discarded; it is the cause of many a families [sic] ruin, nothing

can be so disgusting, more especially in a woman it is the most shocking

of all spectacles, beside [sic] being disgraceful, and disgusting it is wicked

though a person may keep a firm step and a clear voice yet still it is

wicked and the cause of all crimes.

J.H.B. do..

Gratitude

To be grateful is the sweetest return we can make for favours conferred on

us by our friends, and they are more ready and willing to assist us when they

see that our hearts feel the benefits that they have bestowed upon us if

they are ever so small a grateful heart expands at favours and dwells

with pleasure on the recollection of benefits, and longs for opportunities to

requite them.

J. H. B. do, August

(Right Side)

Envy

It may justly be said that “envy is its own tormentor” it is a passion that is

as baneful as it is frequent though it may be concluded for a short time

discovered in the end if an envious person sees another superior to him, he is

miserable, he wishes to have all beneath him, in every respect he cannot even

bear to be equalled [sic] by anyone in any particular point of view if he is, he is

unhappy, for no one can be happy that is envious.

J.H. Boston. ..do..

Amiable Friend, Framingham, June 21st. 1814

I retire with alacrity from the dissipated seems scenes of the

gay world, to execute the fond task due to friendship and esteem I include

you in the small catalogue of my friends; an appellation of which I think

you are highly deserving. But however blameable my conduct appears I am

not conscious of violating its rites; and indeed I feel and cherish all the____

sentiments of a true and genuine friend. However when I view the unlim-

ited bounds of friendship, the virtues and unerring principles which___

constitute the friend. I feel the depravity of nature and the want of

mental capacities which are requisite to perform all the duties of a

friend. In whatever point I have deviated from the strict rules of

friendship, think it the results of ignorance, not of inclination. _____

View me not with a critic, but a friendly eye; and as one who

wishes for the general happenings of every one, Yours affection-

ately __ J. H. Ex By Mason Fisher Preceptor