Within the first few weeks of the Digital Durham course, I have begun to realize the vast amount of history I do not know regarding this town and its development since the 1880s. Since delving into the course material, I have been thinking about what questions I have regarding Durham. I consider Raleigh my home, and a large part of my identity while growing up rested upon my Jewish religion in a majority-Christian area. Looking at the resources that Duke and the Rubenstein Library have, I want to investigate the beginnings of the Jewish community in Durham starting with the first arrival of Jews in the 1880s. Working at Beth El Synagogue, I know that this place of worship has existed in the Durham community for around a century and a half, and I believe that this project will give me the opportunity to know more about a synagogue that helped to define the vibrant Jewish community that exists today. Specifically, I want to concentrate on the role (or lack thereof) of women during the development of the Jewish community in Durham, as I think that this connection is less researched when talking about the expansion of Judaism in this town. Were women given any responsibilities with the synagogue? Could women lead prayers and services during the formation of Beth El? I seek to find out the origins of this strong community and attribute it to the work of women during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I know that the Rubenstein Library houses archives on the foundation of Beth El Synagogue. I would plan to combine this primary resource with secondary sources describing the role of women during this era in the South. I hope to create a link between the advanced role of Jewish women in Durham during this time with the general trend of increased feminist work and Jewish expansion in the United States.
Polson – Paper Topic
There are so many unique and interesting areas open for exploration that settling on one paper topic instantly will be a difficult feat. Thus, my topic choice will likely evolve, and may even change completely. I am interested in exploring how socioeconomic class determined and affected women’s roles in society in the late 19th century, specifically in Durham. After reading and interacting with the Mayo Greenleaf Patch reading over the course of two semesters now, I hope to reflect this style of writing in my own paper. Exploring women’s roles in this manner would then require the study of one or a few specific individuals. I am hoping to research the lives of both a woman in the Duke family and a more “common” woman also living in Durham at the time to discover potential similarities and differences in their roles. The initial discovery of these women may prove difficult, but I am hoping the eventual comparison can reveal trends and be useful in dictating historical viewpoints of the time.
Blog Post 3
Durham, N.C
August 22, 1890
My Dear Mr. Gunter,
Your teller was used the other day just as I was standing up him for a few days vacation and I did not have time to answer it. I took Portia and Pearly up town and they enjoyed the night very much. They want to be in Raleigh at the time you mentioned and I suppose I must let them go for it will be their last seen of vacation for some time. *we found this part particularly difficult to decipher*. You spine (?) of coming up the lost of this lawn or the first of next, but if you go not before arrange to have someone meet them at our ___(?) on the 27th ___ (?) at our ___(?)is in the evening the certainty of ___(?) I will write you later I hope your work is pushing you now as I and is ___ so it will be necessary for them to ___ .immediately. I heard that our Bronl Lerred meet to elect your successor (?) yesterday but have both he and the ___ (?). ____ and also that that Professor ____ had send him his ____. He will go forward I am the ____ . We had quite a herazar-… (uncertain what next 4 lines say). Don’t allow any see my writing as they will consider the graded I have of Durham in a face of ____. By the ___ I ___ the Car… here of Alice for up to the long last hitch on ____. I have been nominated for the ___ ___ ___ for the Senate . Ben will soon here ___ day. My ____ and ___ of amid.
Very ___
Jon S. Whirhead
.
Blog 3 – Kristel + Tyler
Prof Hunter,
Dear sir,
All his old teachers of the Colored Graded School have just been reelected including yourself. The Committee added $5 for worth to your ruling meeting $40 for worth instead of $35 as _____. Hoping you will indicate at will — you as a planner of his position the ______ session.
Yours very ___
Mr. A. Guthrie
Professor Whitted, I regret today is still great? ___ ok. of his health ___ for you will have to take his place as principal.
Wenger and Hendrix – Blog Post 3
Durham, N.C.
Oct 30th 1890.
My Dear Mr. Hunter
Your very interesting letter was duly received.
I know all about what it is to be pressed for time. I very seldom have time to write a thoughtful letter to relatives or friends. I am really a-shamed of my neglect.
It is gratifying to know that your enrollment in so good that the prospective is even better. Our enrollment is very gratifying. We have enrolled 191 & our average last month was 163. Mrs. Johnson has more than she can see over and we have to employ an assistant. We have Mrs W. Gay. I feel that she will prove a very agreeable associate.
I would be glad there could be some help taken to secure to Durham the Agricultural School, but I am not well parted on to the proper manner to proceed to get [unclear] sentiment here aroused to the [unclear]-tance of such a thing if there is no one else here, of Col. so far as my observation extends that care too Sharron about it. I called Prof. Kennedy’s attention to the mailer and he promised me to see Mr. Carr but has not done so. I mentioned the matter also to Maj. Guchrie (?) but did not interest him in the matter. I share my to get in a few words with Mr. Carr myself.
Carrs{?) delayed acct. has not troubled me as much, perhaps, or it has y- although I acknowledge money matters have him very close with me of late. I never let a business [unclear] trouble me when I knew that I am dealing with an honest friend.
(Your acc June 4, (?)
By chains
0 13 al. (?) was coffee
$12.90
__ .25
$13.15
___.40
$12.75
The health of my family has been pretty fair lately, they wish a kind [unclear].
My kindest regards to Mrs. Hunter and the children.
The docile(?) children were glad to hear of you. Hope you will get up soon.
Very [unclear],
Jon A. Whitted
Introduction-Artmann
Hi Friends!
My name is Abby and I am a senior at Duke. I am excited to delve into this class and explore the role that archives has taken in shaping Duke’s impact and understanding of Durham.
I am a member of the varsity rowing team but had an interesting path onto the team. I was initially recruited to swim here and enjoyed my freshman and sophomore year as a swimmer. After my sophomore year, the rowing coach saw me cross training and offered me a spot on her squad. I was excited for the opportunity to play two different sports at a division one level and jumped at the opportunity. I have loved my new sport and look forward to trying to continue my athletic career after I graduate.
I am studying psychology and education with a depth in developmental psychology. I plan on teaching middle schoolers upon graduation while pursuing a master of arts in education in Houston.
Blog 3- Edom Tilahun
North Carolina Industrial Association, 1886 March, August-October
Box 1, Folder 1
C. City N.C.
August 24th 1886
Mr. George T. Wossow [?]
Goldesboro, N.C.
Dear Sir,
I received your letter a few days ago. I was glad to hear from you concerning of the fair. I will do all I can for it and glade to know that you are doing so much for the cause. As soon as I find out what can be doneI will let you know in time. Nothing more at present I will write you a gain soon. You’re Brother
Hough, Gale
Blog Post 3 – Morgan and Philip
Dear Mr. Hunter,
I hope you will have a good hour [unclear] and a good time tonight.
I have been kept [unclear] so closely any friend[unclear] that I have not attended to your business with Blaham [unclear] yet, shall try to see him today.
Did you intend to pass any of your grade had you continued with us? About when would you suggest to begin them in arithmetic?
Regards to Mrs. H and the children.
[???] etc.
Jas A Whitted
Durham, Aug. 27/90
Back:
Mr. [???] Hunter
By the Children
A note on Wednesdays readings (duplicates email)
Wednesday’s readings
You may have looked at the title of Paul Johnson’s reading and have wondered: Why are we reading an essay about someone who lived in 18th century New England?
The answer: Paul Johnson is a historian who deftly uses fragmentary evidence to tell a story about Mayo Greenleaf Patch, his family, and broader cultural and economic shifts taking place in colonial New England. I want you to think about Johnson’s approach to writing history as you consider topics for your own research paper.
When you read Paul Johnson’s essay on Mayo Greenleaf Patch pay attention to the characters in the story and the challenges that they face. Think about the way Johnson analyzes his sources and creates a historical argument.
I also want you to think about the diverse kinds of fragmentary evidence that Johnson uses. Read his footnotes. What kinds of evidence is he using? From where is he gathering primary sources?
Please read or skim Chapter 2 of Leloudis to understand the history of public higher education in NC before & after the Civil War. What are the motivations and contributions of Alderman, McIver, and Joyner?
We will use part of class to talk about James Whitted’s letters and we’ll also talk about the upcoming paper assignment.
We will have lots to talk about when we gather on Wednesday in Perkins 218
Professors Abel & Szabo
