A journal written in the late 1800s will soon be shared through 21st century technology, thanks to the efforts of the Winchendon Historical Society and board member Amy Scott. The 1895 journal was written by Julia Fosgate, the wife of Dr. Elmer Fosgate. The pair was originally from Winchester, N.H., and later moved to Ashburnham.
The society received the journal as a donation from Winchendon resident Evie Higgins, who received the journal as a gift from a family member, Joanne Swartz of Barre.
“She gave it to me two years ago at Christmas. I called her to see if she had knowledge about the history of the journal or its author; she did not. She had bought a box of books at a yard sale and then started going through the box a number of years after that. She found the journal and noticed it mentioned Winchendon,” Higgins said.
Recently, Higgins started weeding out and while going through items, found the journal along with four other older books of poetry. She donated the books and journal as well as a handmade lace bed coverlet from the 1920s, to the society. The coverlet, she said, is delicate, fine, very soft lace edged with a beautiful satin ribbon.
“In a wealthy home back in the day, it would be laid over a bed,” she said. “I wanted it to go some place where it would be appreciated.”
Scott started transcribing the journal within a week of the society receiving it.
“The pandemic has left me with time at home to do such things. At times, it is difficult to read the writing and I have definitely gotten better at it as time has gone on. There have been words I wasn’t familiar with, as well as many names I wasn’t sure I had correctly. Many words I could figure out through context and eventually I became familiar with Julia’s pen,” Scott said.
“Some names I have taken to looking up on websites such as find-a-grave to see if I can find the actual person that is being referenced and confirm a name and spelling.”
She added that there are many mentions of Winchendon and its people throughout the journal.
“Thus far, the journal has mentioned many names and places that I have been able to research and or locate. Julia was interested in many things and belonged to some groups and was a very well-educated woman for her time,” Scott said.
Higgins added she is looking forward to the journal being transcribed and has read parts of it herself as well. There were a lot of personal details, a lot of visual impressions of things. There are beautiful stories, captivating stories … It’s a life story, that’s why it is so fascinating.”
The idea to post the journal daily was an idea Scott had. “We are always looking for ways to engage people with the history and cultural center. It is a difficult time right now and Facebook content is one of the few ways we can stay connected in a time when we can’t be together in person. We will post the entries one a day for the entire year on our Facebook page. After that, it will be available if requested in document form.” The daily journal entries can be found on the Winchendon History and Cultural Center Facebook page beginning in January,
There are actually a collection of Elmer’s journals as well in a collection in Bethesda, Md., at a medical library. Scott said she has contacted them to attempt to see if they have transcriptions available and make Julia’s journal available to them. Scott has also found a plate sold and made for the store in Winchester, N.H. that was owned by Julia’s brother.