Introduction
I found this book amongst a collection that was left by the previous owners of the house where my brother-in-law grew up, which was located in Los Angeles. His parents bought the house in the 50's from a family named Cook. The books range from 1890's to 1950's. Many are biblical commentaries as I believe Cook was a pastor. I have been fascinated by these books since I was a child, but just recently I picked up this particular tome and discovered its secret. In the margins, a previous owner, Monica Girard wrote a diary dated Aug. 1903 - Apr. 1904, which she dedicated to a Nettie Bryant. Nettie received this gift.I am attempting to transcribe the diary and find as much information as I can about Monica and Nettie. Monica (or Mona) was an entertainer (a singer?) and she is on a tour of various cities (Baltimore, St. Louis, Buffalo etc.). So far she's a mystery!
Click on the links below for the transcription. Also below are photos of sample pages. The book measures 6 x 4.5 inches.
Diary Transcripts: Aug 1903 Sept Oct Nov-Apr End or download a PDF of the transcripts: Diary PDF
Timelines Diary timeline and a timeline for Nettie Bryant. These are not complete, slowly we are filling in the blanks.
Special thanks to all who have helped me collect and research information: E. Baker, C. Clogston, M. Fox, J. Kendig, C. Sincich, and M. Walsh.