Photo © Ian Coristine/1000IslandsPhotoArt.com
 You are here:  Back Issues      Archive

May Dewey's Diary, Part VI, January 1889


"Mr. Grey is a beautiful dancer. It is like a dream dancing with him. I wish I knew him better." May Dewey, January 21, 1889.

Photo of May Dewey, © Kristen Pinkney

Photo of May Dewey, © Kristen Pinkney

Thousand Islands Life is honored to present Part VI of Kristen Pinkney's research Thousand Islands Summers - Manhattan Winters: May Dewey's Diary, beginning July 1888 and culminating in August 1889.

PLEASE NOTE:  Part VII will appear in September 2009. 

Part I December 2008

Part II January 2009 

Part III February 2009 

Part IV March 2009 

Part V April 2009

Description of how the diary was discovered and researched Contributors in December 2008 article of Thousand Islands Life.

Kris' work goes beyond the text by providing hundreds of footnotes for readers to learn more about the life and times in the Thousand Islands.  There are more than forty footnotes distributed throughout the diary in Part II.  Simply move the cursor over the highlighted text and the footnote will appear.  Click "close" and the footnote will disappear.  Also note that clicking on an image will enlarge it.

No spelling, punctuation or editorial changes have been made to the diary.

Part VI, January 1889

Tuesday 1 The Buckingham New York City I am rather tired after being out such a long time last night. I went over to see Pansy & we talked over the lovely times last night for we both had a lovely time. We then took a walk & went in to see Edith Vail to tell her about last eve. She wasn’t at the dance as her uncle had just died. Arthur Taylor sent in some lovely flowers to us. It was lovely of him. We had not heard from Ella & as she was coming home this eve & did not come, Papa was worried so went up to Kings Bridge & found her all right.

Wednesday 2 The Buckingham New York City Ella came home this morning. I also saw Flora for a time. We went down town together. We talked over the good time we had Monday eve. She said that Mr. Page liked Ella & I better than any of the girls he had met in this city yet it was very nice of him to say so. I know that I like him but I haven’t any idea that he will pay me any attention at the next Assembly. Mamma & Papa have left for Chicago. We sent Mamma off so she could get a rest. I hope that she will. Aunt Mary is staying with us while they are gone.

Thursday 3 The Buckingham New York City Nothing much has happened today. This evening Wallace Cone called. We had a very pleasant call.

Friday 4 The Buckingham New York City Again Miss Barber the afternoon. Saw Pansy for a few moments this morning. We went to the club German this evening at Miss Applegate’s. Pansy couldn’t go. We have an idea that Will Delanoy likes her pretty well so I watched them but didn’t see anything at all. Ed did the German & did beautifully. It was a very pretty one. I was fortunate to get a partner for there were four girls over. I danced with Mr. Berg. He is horrid but I had a lovely time outside at least dancing with others.

Saturday 5 The Buckingham New York City As I am the one that has charge of the sewing school, I went. There was quite a number of little girls this am. It is pouring but Helen Reed & Arthur Briggs came this morning & this afternoon we went out to Kings Bridge for a drive. It was a silly thing to do but Helen insisted upon it. Then I didn’t get back in time so had to miss Miss Robinson’s reception. I did want to go so badly. Ella went to the theatre with Arthur Taylor this evening she had a very pleasant time. I have evidently done something that has displeased his “majesty” for he doesn’t pay me any attention nowadays.

Sunday 6 The Buckingham New York City Went to mission school. Then spent the afternoon with Pansy. Mrs. Morford is very ill. She had an operation performed Saturday.

Tuesday 8 The Buckingham New York City Ella & I took lunch with Flora had a very good time. Ella sang for them. They all say she ought to take lessons. I hope she will for she has a very sweet voice. Today is our day at Home so Pansy came over & spent the afternoon with us. We always have so much to talk over. Miss Brown, Daisy Hartshorne1 called. Also some of Mamma’s friends. The Baldwins came this evening. They were bound for the Charity Ball. They asked us to go with them as they had a box but we didn’t go. I wish that I could have done so.

Thursday 10 The Buckingham New York City Pansy spent the morning with us. We all went down town. I gave up in dispair for I can’t find any odd ring. Helen came this afternoon with the Crossley nephew of Mrs. Mitchell. He is very rich. This evening Mr. Traphagaen & Mr. Briggs came as they are going to take Helen home. Mr. Brown called. He staid until 11 o’clock two hours after Helen left.

Friday 11 The Buckingham New York City This afternoon Ed & Will Delanoy called but didn’t see them as Miss Barber was here. Fellows don’t seem in their place to call in the afternoons. Some way nobody came in the eve.

 

Saturday 12 The Buckingham New York City Mission school this morning. Ella & I called on Therese Dimick, Connie Johnson, Mamie Mills & Fannie McCall. Then met Pansy at Miss Close’s reception. Had a very good time. Met Charlie Hastings. This evening Pansy & Harry Nichols called. Spent a very pleasant evening.

 

Sunday 13 The Buckingham New York City After church Ella & I walked down the Ave. Saw Pansy on the opposite side so walked down to the Windsor so as to meet her. We all walked down the Ave. Saw all our friends as one always does on Sunday morning. Saw Mr. Page but not to bow. He was on the opposite side.

Monday 14 The Buckingham New York City Pansy came up & as we were going out met Therese Dimick so we all walked down as short ways together. This evening Mr. Reed from Philadelphia called. Also Ed & Will. Mr. Reed sang for us. He has a lovely voice. Helen Reed & Mr. Briggs dropped in for a few moments this morning.

Tuesday 15 The Buckingham New York City Went to see Pansy but she was out. She came this afternoon & found us in as it is our day at home. She staid all the afternoon. Miss Robinson called. I am going to ask Wallace Cone to go as my escort Friday evening as Edith wants me to for there are so few men. Mrs. Dimick & Therese also called. Mrs. Fisher left her card. Papa came home this evening we were so glad to see him.

Wednesday 16 The Buckingham New York City Ella & I called on Mrs. Delanoy & found her in. First time we have ever called since we have known her & that is about 10 years. Called on Emily Jeremiah2 but found her out. Went down to Therese Dimick to meet Pansy. It is Therese’s day at home. The parlor was filled. Coming home with Pansy we met Mrs. Singer in the stage. I was so surprised to see her. She is being doctored. Alfred Howard called this evening. Had a lovely call. Always do with him. He is such a good talker entertains one so well.

 

Thursday 17 The Buckingham New York City This afternoon it cleared up so that we went to Misses Mecor tea. Met Edith Vail, just going out also. Pansy who came back & staid with us. Therese came soon with Fletcher3 who was very pleasant. The Delanoys were there also lots of other people I know but will not stop to write their names. The Messrs. Powers called this evening had a delightful call.

 

Friday 18 The Buckingham New York City This evening Mr. Cone came & we went to the German at Miss Robinsons. Fortunately there was one man over. Pansy brought Mr. Eaton a very nice fellow. Had just a passing good time nothing more.

 

Saturday 19 The Buckingham New York City After sewing school this morning Pansy came in to lunch. Ella & I this afternoon walked up from 28th. George Hodgman4 walked up with us. Met Ed Delanoy he was smiling broadly. Mamma came home this eve. She is looking better than when she went. I do hope she is stronger. Jared Baldwin is going with us Monday eve to the Windsor assemblies.

 

Sunday 20 The Buckingham New York City Mr. Holbrook called this evening.

Monday 21 The Buckingham New York City Jared Baldwin came this evening. We started for the Windsor at 9:30 & were there early. What a lovely lovely time I have had. I was with Arthur Page a good deal also. Mr. Grey whom Flora brought, he is a charming fellow. I think that Mr. Page is a fascinating fellow he is so different from the majority of men. He asked me for the German & I was so glad for I wanted to dance with him. Mr. Grey & Jared Baldwin also asked me for it. For dinner I had Jared but I did want to go up with Mr. Grey so much. He asked me also Arthur Taylor. It was so amusing one time I was sitting on the stairs in a small hall & everyone that saw us turned & went back. One man said “I beg your pardon” no excuse was necessary I am sure. Mr. Grey is a beautiful dancer. It is like a dream dancing with him. I wish I knew him better. Mr. Page won’t tell me who told him that he wouldn’t like me. I believe it was himself. I asked him to call & I hope he will. All the fellows were nice to me. Emerson Brooks told me if I was with any fellows that I didn’t like to raise my eyebrows & he would bring another. But I had no occasion to do so. I enjoyed myself so much with Leslie Hotchkiss5. Altogether it was a lovely evening. We got home at 2:30 & in bed after three as Ella & I wanted to talk it all over.

Tuesday 22 The Buckingham New York City This afternoon Mrs. Tallent, Mrs. J.H. Browning, Miss Winterton & Aggie Ashcraft called & Mr. & Mrs. Oliphant came in the evening.

Wednesday 23 The Buckingham New York City Pansy, Ella & I were down town all the morning. We got tickets for Saturday matinee at the Madison Square to see “Captain Swift”. Went to see Florence Browning but found her out. We met Edith Vail in the stage. Mr. Pope6, Mr. Knowles7, Papa & Mamma were here setting up the last hill for the house on the island.

Thursday 24 The Buckingham New York City This afternoon Ella & I went to Miss Robinson’s as it is her day at home. Met Pansy there. Came home together. Saw Ed Delanoy. I was so rude. I never noticed him. It was horid of me. This evening Papa, Ella & I went to the Academy8 to see the “Old Homestead” it was splendid.

Friday 25 The Buckingham New York City Edith called this afternoon also Miss Lounsberry her friend. It wouldn’t hurt Oscar to call.

Saturday 26 The Buckingham New York City It has been a busy day with Pansy, Ella & I. We all met at the mission for sewing school. Then went down town to Maillards9 & got our lunch. Went up to the Madison Square10 to see “Captain Swift” which is a splendid strong play. We then walked up to Fannie McCall’s as she gave a reception met all our friends there & went back this evening to a dance. I had a delightful time. I was with a Mr. Douglas a good deal quite a pleasant fellow. I was also with Mr. Howard. I am completely tired out for I have been on a jump all day.

 

Monday 28 The Buckingham New York City Had a long talk with Pansy this morning. Went up to Flora Jenkins & then walked down to 30th street with her. Dropped in to see Pansy after Miss Barber left. Papa, Mamma, Ella & I went to Mrs. Browning’s this eve had a very pleasant time. I met Marion Jillett whom Mrs. B. raves over so. Also a very pleasant fellow, a Mr. Wall.

Tuesday 29 The Buckingham New York City Pansy & Ella went up to Kings Bridge. I didn’t go as I had to stay at home to fix a dress to wear tomorrow eve. I had to go out this afternoon & of course had to miss Walter Gilson & Flora. He sails Saturday as he is going south to be gone about three months & it was the last time I could see him.

 

Wednesday 30 The Buckingham New York City It is awfully inconvenient for all the surface cars are on strike11. So I had to walk a good long way this evening. We went to Therese Dimick’s. She gave a dance. I had great fun. Both with Mr. Howard & Sidney Hartshorne also Mr. Eaton, we got home about 12:00.

Thursday 31 The Buckingham New York City Saw Flora this morning & this afternoon we went to Louise Hartshorne’s. Her day at home. They have an exquisite house. It was perfect both Ella & I fell in love with Mrs. Hartshorne12.  Miss Schufeldt is visiting her. She looked so pretty better than I have ever seen her look before. She is very striking in her looks.

Researched and compiled by Kristen Pinkney   Kristenpinkney@thousandislandslife.com

© Copyright Kristen Pinkney 2008, All Rights Reserved.

Watch for Part VII in the September 2009 issue of Thousand Islands Life Magazine


Move

1 Tim Hartshorne, family genealogist, identifies Daisy Hartshorne as Ethel Hartshorne, born April 8, 1872 and married on November 11, 1896. Daisy is the sister of Louise and James Mott Hartshorne.

 

2

Emily Jeremiah, resided at 14 East 56th Street and was daughter of Thomas & Louisa Jeremiah www.ancestry.com She married Will Pratt on November 8, 1894, NY Times archive.

3

Fletcher Dimick, brother to Therese & Jeremiah, was a lawyer and resided at his parents’ home at 31 Madison Avenue. He died on October 13, 1889 from pneumonia. www.ancestry.com

4

George B. Hodgman, Secretary at 461 Broadway, residence at 39 East 57th Street. www.ancestry.com.

5

Horace Leslie Hotchkiss, stockbroker at 36 Wall Street & 196 & 571 Fifth Avenue, www.ancestry.com. He married Dora A. Toffey April 11, 1894, NY Times archive.

6

Seth G. Pope, noted builder in the Thousand Islands region, of Ogdensburg, NY.

7

Wilbur S. Knowles, architect for the E.W. Dewey house on Friendly Island. American Architect and Building News, December 3, 1887.

8

Academy of Music, located at the northeast corner of 14th Street and Irving Place. King p. 559.

9

Henry Maillard, famous for his confections and chocolate, had more than one location at this time. May and Ella probably frequented the restaurant located at the Fifth Avenue Hotel building, on Broadway near 24th Street as it was the destination for women shoppers and theatre patrons. King p. 802.

10

Hoyt’s Madison Square Theatre, located on the south side of West 24th Street near Broadway. King p.553.

11

Strike only lasted 8 days as the drivers and conductors could only be out of work for so long. NY Times archive.

12

Mrs. James M. Hartshorne was Sarah Lloyd Taylor, mother of James Mott, (“Mott”) Louise and Ethel (“Daisy”) www.ancestry.com

]
Posted in: History, People
Please feel free to leave comments about this article using the form below. Comments are moderated and we do not accept comments that contain links. As per our privacy policy, your email address will not be shared and is inaccessible even to us. For general comments, please email the editor.

Comments

Steve Glazer
Comment by: Steve Glazer ( )
Left at: 11:10 AM Monday, August 17, 2009
The annotated transcriptions by Kris Pinkney of May Dewey's diary are a wonderful piece of scholarship. One of the people mentioned in the diary -- Henry Roswell Heath, the longtime owner of Nobby Island -- was president of the Cranford Realty Company. He developed much of the town of Cranford, NJ, around the turn of the last century. Heath was well respected and very patriotic. He served under Oliver Wendell Holmes during the Civil War in the 20th Massachusetts Infantry, for a time being held prisoner at the infamous Libby Prison in Richmond, VA. Many years later, he was largely responsible for the only memorial located outside the United States -- in Edinburgh, Scotland -- to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in support of the Union. Heath will figure prominently in a book to be published by the Cranford (NJ) Historical Society during the upcoming sesquicentennial of the Civil War.