Woodbury-Forsythe Diaries (Sandwich)

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-008

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Woodbury-Forsythe Collection traces the daily events in the lives of two Sandwich, Illinois families, the Forsythes and the Woodburys, over two generations. The diaries span the period 1876 through 1921, each year contained in a separate volume: Frances (Coleman) Forsythe’s diaries, 1876-1919; Nellie (Forsythe) Woodbury’s diaries, 1893-1921; and William Walden Woodbury’s diaries, 1892-1902. Also included are speeches, correspondence, programs, photos, and family genealogy. Although this material is sparse, it does supplement the diaries, especially as they relate to the Woodbury’s careers in the public schools of Sandwich.

Dates

created: 1876-1928
Other: Date acquired: 00/00/1973

Conditions Governing Access

PHOTOCOPIES OF THE DIARIES CANNOT BE MADE DUE TO THEIR FRAGILE NATURE.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

William Walden Woodbury was born in LaSalle County, Illinois on September 29, 1858 to John H. and Laura A. Woodbury. He grew to manhood on his father’s farm and attended public schools in the immediate vicinity. He later took courses at the Teacher’s Institute and Classical Seminary in Paw Paw, Illinois. He also attended the Chicago University and Wisconsin State University. In 1879, he began teaching in common schools and in 1888 he became principal of the grammar schools in Sandwich. In 1894, Woodbury attained the position of superintendent of the city schools and in 1895, Woodbury married Miss Nellie G. Forsythe, daughter of William F. and Frances (Coleman) Forsythe. Mrs. Nellie Woodbury taught in the Sandwich schools for seven years and came to be recognized as one of the best public school instructors in the area. Mr. And Mrs. Woodbury, educators of pronounced ability, contributed to the very high degree of educational satisfaction found in the community.

Note written by

Extent

2.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Bernice W. Schubach

Method of Acquisition

Bernice W. Schubach donated the Woodbury-Forsythe Diaries collection to the Northern Illinois University Archives in 1973. J. Joseph Bauxer, University Archivist, transferred the collection to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center in May 1978.