WATKINS MSS. II
The Watkins mss. II, 1882-1927, consist of diaries and notebooks of Oscar L. Watkins, 1861-1945. Watkins followed several occupations including teaching in Chillicothe, Ohio and school principal as well as being a book sales representative, including for Ginn & Co. beginning in 1892. He was also a book collector, particularly of Wordsworth, and it is his personal collection of William Wordsworth that forms the nucleus of the Lilly Library's present collection.
Three notebooks, 1882-1883, 1883-1884, and 1887-1888, contain drafts of letters sent by Watkins to various people. The nine diaries, 1887-1910, consist primarily of entries about his daily activities, health, expenditures and travels. The final journal, 1927, is that of Rose M. Watkins and includes poems as well as notes on French phrases and grammar. Most of the diaries and notebooks had clippings, notes, or assorted other items laid-in or in rear pockets of the volumes. These have been removed and filed into folders in chronological order where date is known.
The notebooks and diaries are arranged in one chronological order, followed by the folders of the removed items. A detailed inventory is available.
Purchase. 2007
42 items
Related links: Watkins mss.