Lona Elizabeth Voelker's diaries

Creator

Voelker, Lona Elizabeth, 1896-

Date

• 1896-1916

Summary

• Diaries begun for Lona Elizabeth Voelker by her mother, Lillie Voelker, from the day she was born. The first 3 weeks were recorded by the nurse Mrs. Belle M. Soule, while the mother recovered. As soon as Lona learned to write, she began recording the diaries herself. The diaries cover the time period from November 15, 1896 through 1905 with gaps during 1904 and 1905. Lona writes herself January-May 1916. Her mother begins again November 14, 1916, but only continues to the beginning of December 1906, with one entry by Lona for April 1907, then one entry for July 23, 1916. February 6 though July 1916 are in a separate book and begin by mentioning a gap of some years and the death of her mother. The last diary ends during the summer after high school. Many of her own entries mention outing with friends including Lawrence. She marries Lawrence Conner, June 1921. Everyday events, weather, school, friends, relatives, and church are included in all of the diaries' entries. Her immediate family includes her father Henry F. Voelker, her mother Lillie Voelker, and her brother, Russell. They lived in Ionia, near Grand Rapids, Michigan.