Sara Armstrong Collection 1940-1960

Access and use

Location of collection:
Thomas Balch Library
Thomas Balch Library
208 West Market Street
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Alexandra S. Gressitt
Phone: (703) 737-7195
Fax: (703) 737-7195

Summary

Abstract:
The Sara Armstrong Collection consists of two five-year diaries and an address book kept by Mary Armstrong. The diaries describe her trips to Philadelphia and Atlantic City, garden parties at the local Baker Mansion and Union Hotel, the results of athletic events such as the World Series, as well as prices of consumer items such as clothing, a television, and other household items. The address book includes names of her friends and acquaintances, many of whom lived nearby, and notes the year a person moved or passed away.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Sara Armstrong Collection consists of two five-year diaries and an address book kept by Mary Armstrong. The diaries describe her trips to Philadelphia and Atlantic City, garden parties at the local Baker Mansion and Union Hotel, the results of athletic events such as the World Series, as well as prices of consumer items such as clothing, a television, and other household items. The address book includes names of her friends and acquaintances, many of whom lived nearby, and notes the year a person moved or passed away.

Biographical / historical:

Mary Armstrong (1882-1980) lived in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She never married, was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and contributed to charitable organizations such as the YMCA. For a non-consecutive period of ten years, 1945-1950 and 1955-1960, she kept detailed diaries of her social life, noting her participating in local parties as well as church-sponsored events and conventions.

Upon her death, her diaries were inherited by a nephew, Irvine Armstrong (1908-2001) and his wife, Sara Armstrong (1916-ca. 2003). The Armstrongs lived in downtown Leesburg and remained active in local preservation initiatives until their deaths.

Acquisition information:
Mary Fishback, Leesburg, VA
Arrangement:

Folder