Rachel Van Dyke papers

Diary with entries that comprise a full, seemingly frank account, not only of experiences, but also of the diarist's thoughts and emotions. ("To read my journal I may almost say that with a few exceptions you read my heart.") Until the decline and death of Van Dyke's father in June 1811, the diary makes few references to her parents, but otherwise presents a coherent picture of upper-middle-class society. It records numerous associations with members, young and old, of prosperous families and relatives, usually in New Brunswick, but with New York and Burlington (N.J.) connections as well. As recorded in the diary, a variety of other activities also occupied Van Dyke's time, including sewing and other needlework, playing the piano and singing, but education was a major interest. The entries note much time spent by Van Dyke in her room, often late at night, occupied with reading, writing and study--of Latin, chemistry and eventually botany--as well as her efforts for some months in tutoring a younger cousin.

In addition to the insights it provides about Van Dyke's social and educational activities, the diary includes an account of a local storm and flood, November 10-14, 1810; many details concerning the New Brunswick Reformed Church and its beloved pastor, Ira Condict (1764-1811); and various information about John J. Barker, an artist about whom little is otherwise known. Also recorded in the diary are occasional comments added by Van Dyke's teacher, Ebenezer Grosvenor, with whom she sometimes exchanged diaries. His comments, together with Van Dyke's entries, provide evidence of their mutual affection which, while clearly decorous, extended beyond that of pupil and teacher.