Journal of H. A. Emerson

A. Emerson kept this diary from January 1 to December 29, recording aspects of his job as the proprietor of the paper mill in Franklin, Massachusetts. Emerson wrote about his daily activities at the paper mill, including quantity and type of paper produced, as well as machinery maintenance and efficiency, and number of hours Emerson worked. Almost every entry mentions the weather of the day, sometimes describing how weather hindered production at the paper mill. Emerson was involved in the local church choir and frequently mentions it in his journal. Other entries describe social life in Franklin and other nearby Massachusetts and New England towns, as well as family visits, brief references to national political affairs, alluding to the ongoing Civil War.