| Description | This file marked with the words 'To be filed with diaries' contains extracts from Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury's personal diaries relating to Christmas celebrations between 1888 and 1942/3. The entries are bound together behind a title page which features decorative text reading 'Woodbrooke Christmas 1888 onwards The Manor House'. The manuscript is fifty seven pages in length and features dated entries which typically cover the period 21st December - 2nd January. These entries vary in length and detail and are filed in reverse chronological order. The entries include comments about family who were staying with Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury over Christmas and details about activities and events. For example, Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury's entry for 22nd December 1921 reads:
'Decorations, tree; Mollie and Bill and children arrive, then El. and B. and 5 and 2 nurses; jolly party to lunch; then arrange presents; 125 come; evening; 3 presentations etc., Bertie and Mary arrive at 10! Party send cable to Norman by Ed.'s resolution.'
Entries also reflect Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury's involvement in local philanthropic activities supporting children less fortunate than her own during the Christmas period. For example, her entry dated 30th December 1921 reads:
'Aft. D. & I call on school friend, M. Edent; then to Cripples, Woodlands, G. give all new 1/-; then to Stirchley Children of Unemployed treat; after tea go to Selly Wood - a charming children's party; on to Rep., see "Quality Street" - 8 of us - a jolly evening.'
This compilation of extracts from Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury's personal diary entries suggests that her diaries functioned as records of family life. This reflects her important role in collecting and preserving detailed accounts of both her own experiences and those of her family throughout her lifetime. |