Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of the daily journals of the superintendent of the Western House of Refuge for Women. For each day, the superintendent made brief notations about activities occurring at the institution that involved inmates and staff. The entries document daily institutional life in some detail; more general observations are typically limited to remarks on the weather and assessments of morale.

The journal entries are in manuscript and unsigned. Occasionally additional items have been inserted in the journal volumes, including receipts for payment of the quarterly box rent and programs (some typescript) listing pieces of music or recitations performed at a special event.

Notations contain information about: inmates admitted; inmates discharged; inmates disciplined, sick, etc.; absent staff; educational classes; visitors (names and purpose of visit); construction and repairs to buildings; and special events such as concerts, plays, or class presentations.