Going West, manuscript, by Richard York, 2012

The eleven diaries written by Raymond Rolfe date from 1884 to 1909.  The diaries are not a complete set but consist of volumes dating 1884-1886, 1889, 1891-1897, 1899, and 1905-1909.  The diaries include information on the weather, deaths in the area, church services and prohibition conferences attended, the cost of food and supplies, bills paid, the jobs Rolfe worked, the length of time he worked them, and the money he earned.  Also mentioned in the diaries are events that happened in the area such as a train robbery near Cortland, the Haish Opera House burning, and church services canceled due to a scarlet fever scare.  The diaries should be of interest to historic preservationists due to the fact that Rolfe lists the names of clients and the type of work he did for them as a mason contractor. The collection also contains digitized photographs and business advertisements, which are available in electronic form in the Center's reading room. Also available is email correspondence between the donor and curator regarding the significance of these items.