Collections : [College of William and Mary]

This diary follows the author, Hester Barrows, from the years 1971 to 1975. Hester lives upstate New York with her husband Ernie, who is now retired. Hester spends her days grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and visiting with friends and family. Since her husband is now retired, they live off of social security and pension checks. They use Medicare to pay for their numerous medical bills. Hester is sick often with colds, sinus infections, and stomach viruses. Her legs often cramp and she has knee and hip issues. In order to resolve these issues, she joins a local spa. The diary also includes detailed accounts of the weather.

This diary was written by Hester Barrows from the years 1951 to 1955. Hester lived in upstate New York with her husband, Ernie. Ernie worked for a lab but also traveled almost every week on business. Hester did not work, but she chronicled her daily activities in her diary. Her daily activities included cleaning, ironing, sewing, and working in the garden. She visited family and friends and took part in a Bridge Club. She was very close to her parents whom she sees often. In addition, she goes on drives with her family and friends almost weekly. The diary also includes descriptions of her trips to New York City and Atlantic City. She notes the weather every day.

This diary follows the author, Hester Barrows, through the years 1961 to 1965. Hester lives with her husband, Ernie or "E", in upstate New York. Ernie travels frequently on business. These years are years of hardships for Hester, who suffers the loss of both her mother and father. In addition, the child of a friend, Walter Jr., is diagnosed with a mental illness. The diary follows Hester as she tries to care for Walter Jr. and help him in school, but she is eventually forced to send him to a school for "disturbed" children. The author writes and visits Walter Jr. frequently. The diary also notes vacations the author goes on with her husband, including a trip to Vermont and Virginia. In addition, the diary notes daily activities, such as cleaning, going for drives, shopping, and playing bridge. The diary also includes many notes of weather throughout the five years.

This diary follows the author, Hester Barrows, from the years 1976 to 1980. Hester lives with her husband, Ernie, in upstate New York. The diary indicates the activities of Hester's daily life which include going to a spa, sewing, completing household chores, grocery shopping, and shopping at stores such as K-mart and Sears. Hester notes the weather each day. Hester and her husband live off of social security and pension checks due to their old age. In the diary, Hester also describes her different ailments as she grows older. She is often sick with head colds and her hearing becomes impaired. She also develops arthritis and suffers from cramps in her legs. Throughout these five years, many of her close friends pass away.