1941-1942 Original Handwritten Diary Recording the Life of a Rural Michigan Woman in Her 60s As the United States Joins the Second World War

On offer is the 1941 to 1942 diary of 64-year-old Michigan resident Flora Coyne. This interesting notebook chronicles one woman's experiences in rural America during World War Two, and includes an entry on the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.

Coyne was born in 1876 and lived her life in rural Michigan. She passed away in 1947 at the age of 70. Her husband Patrick had passed away in 1936, five years before she wrote this diary. She had one son, Basil.

Coyne does not follow the dated entries in this diary, but records her days using whatever space she requires. Her entries detail the daily comings and goings of her family and circle of friends.

"Charley, Mauley, Basil & I drove to Harrison Mich to Conservation sale of land. E 1/4 of NW 1/4 of Sec 5-18-6 of Freeman Twp 83& 92/100 acres. All this time there was lots of snow in Clare Co. We got back to L George had dinner and Mauley left for Bannister" (January 24, 1941). "Got electric pump from Mr. Luce. New $34.95. Did usual work" (July 24, 1941).

"Nice bright day. Cleaned up house. Baked cookies. Every one of deer hunters class was out in the woods. Bernard came about 7 PM. He came alone -- told us Mary was going home to [ ]. Mr. Dodge and Miller called in evening. Came up to Jeffrey's cottage to hunt deer. Told us about Peanut being so sick" (November 15, 1941).

"... Basil left for Pontiac. Shortly after they left, we heard the news over the radio that Japan had attacked our islands of Hawaii and bombed Honolulu & Pearl Harbor killing many soldiers and wounding many others. As day advanced to nite more news of attacks on Pacific Islands and Philippines Islands also. In Washington our capital plans were being made to declare war on the Empire of Japan by Congress and our President Roosevelt" (December 7, 1941).

This 5-year diary measures 5 inches by 4 inches and contains 365 pages. The covers are in fair condition, showing some wear and weathering. The strap on the clasp is broken. The spine has broken but the covers remain attached as do all of the pages. The pages themselves are in good condition and the handwriting is legible. The diary spans from January 1941 to August 1942. Coyne did not write every day.

This diary presents a straightforward account of daily life in rural Michigan as the United States enters into World War Two. The descriptions paint a clear picture of her daily routines and the names mentioned can serve as a cross-reference for genealogical research in Michigan. For a researcher in women's studies, this book offers a good illustration of the social role that formed the experience of many women prior to WWII.