Preliminary Inventory of the John A. Finlay, Mrs., Diaries, 1960-1994 (bulk 1969-1994)

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Descriptive Summary

Title

John A. Finlay, Mrs., Diaries, 1960-1994 (bulk 1969-1994)

Creator

Finlay, John A., Mrs.

Extent

1.8 Linear Feet
39 Items

Repository

Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke University

Language

English.

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Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

However, patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights form before using this collection.

Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], John A. Finlay, Mrs., Diaries, Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke University.

Provenance

The John A. Finlay, Mrs., Diaries were received by the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library as a gift in 2003.

Processing Information

Processed by Ruth E. Bryan

Completed May 14, 2003

Encoded by Ruth E. Bryan

This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.

This accession is unprocessed: materials may not have been ordered and described beyond their original condition.

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Biographical Note

Born Ruth Ann Spencer on May 21, 1926 in Burlington, Colorado. The family lost their land in the dustbowl and relocated to Lewiston, Idaho in 1939. She married her high school sweetheart, John A. Finlay, in 1943. They later moved to South Carolina, where they continue to live. She had six sons. In 1985 she lost her larynx to cancer.

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Collection Overview

The collection comprises diaries (39 volumes) written by Finlay documenting the details of and her emotional reactions to her daily life, activities, behavior, social life, and family life. Topics include her hospitalization, ongoing treatment for, and life following cancer (1985 and onward); her relationships with her husband, children, and grandchildren; and the death of an adult son (December 1988). Acquired as part of the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture.

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Subject Headings

These are searchable subject entries for this collection. Performing a search on these subjects in the Duke University Libraries online catalog will bring up other related research materials.