TVB Diaries 1852-1853

Transcript of two diaries from my great-great-great grandfather.

[tvb1852-1853]

TVBrundige Diaries

This diary belonged to my paternal great-great-great grandfather, Thomas Vose Brundige (1820-1903). He and his father James were Baltimore merchants. My family has only two volumes, 1852 and 1853, and the latter ends partway through the year. Maybe if I post it online, other descendants or collectors with other volumes will reach out to me.

In 2019, I found a library that offers digitization services for fragile antique books without breaking their backs— thanks, J. Willard Marriott Library! — which my father paid for in 2020. So we now have high-quality digital scans of the pages in TIFF image format. The next step is to transcribe them.

The personal diary of an upper middle class white guy in the 1850s is hardly a novelty, but any primary source is worth preserving. Hopefully TVB recorded some glimpses of everyday life or people who fell through the gaps of official history books. This is actually my first chance to read the diaries myself, so I'm discovering them along with you.

I haven't decided the final format in which to release this manuscript: probably as a Wordpress blog, to make the contents (such as they are) freely accessible to students and scholars, and perhaps a print edition. I may set up a donation box to support the website and my efforts. But for now, I've set up this Tumblr blog as a quick and easy workspace for my transcriptions.

Please feel free to make suggestions/corrections if you think I've misread GrandpaX3 TV's handwriting. Thanks for stopping by.

— ENB (Or donate to this effort in my Ko-Fi tip jar!)

1852 Diary Entries

January 1st - 2nd & 3rd - 4th & 5th - 6th & 7th - 8th & 9th - 10th & 11th - 12th & 13th - 14th & 15th - 16th & `17th - 18th & 19th - 20th & 21st - 22nd & 23rd - 24th & 25th - 26th & 27th - 28th & 29th - 30th & 31st

February 1st & 2nd -

Miscellaneous

Contemporary Portrait - Vintage photos - Vintage ads - Newspaper clippings

[frodolives]

1850s Tumblr Dashboard Simulator

👸🏻 girlbossladyjane follow

It really makes me sick to see people giving money to penny weeklies when Franklin's expedition STILL has not been found 😭 There are good men out there trapped in unimaginable temperatures and literally all that's needed is a little more funding for another rescue mission yet all you guys seem to care about are your vulgar little stories...

🧔🏻‍♂️ queerqueg follow

the franklin expedition is dead as hell

👸🏻 girlbossladyjane follow

Disgraceful thing to say but I'd expect nothing less from a M*lville fan

10,558 notes

👨🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻 hartgrindisreal

Sorry for posting so much about Tom Gradgrind/James Harthouse from Hard Times lately. It turns out that I was getting arsenic poisoning from my wallpaper? Anyway I took a seaside stroll and I'm normal now. Check your walls y'all

#whyyy did i assume they were committing unlawful actions together like where did i even get that from lol #hard times isn't even that good by dickens standards tbh

659 notes

🎨 asherbrowndurand

Just painted this

2 notes

ss-arctic-girlie-deactivated18540927

RIP Napoleon... you may have been unable to conquer Alexander's Russia but you sure as hell conquered Alexander's bed

🖼️ preraphaelitebro follow

HERITAGE POST

📝 shakespearesforehead follow

How does this have less than 100k notes you could literally not avoid this post back in the 20s lol

82,170 notes

🌄 loyalromantic follow

poets just aren't dying young in mysterious water-related incidents like they used to :/

#as useless and degenerate as i find 'the living poets' and i'm glad we're finally moving on from them #i have to agree with op in this respect

6,884 notes

🎀 thefopdiaries follow

I finally got a daguerreotype of myself ^_^ Porcelain urn for scaling

📜 bartlebi-thescrivener

i think i hauve consumption

112 notes

🐋 whaler4life

They found oil in the ground??? WTF. THIS IS LITERALLY THE WORSTTTT. FUCK MY LIFE FOR REAL THIS TIME

11 notes

🌿 naturesnaturalist follow

I swear this website has 0 reading comprehension skills. Darwin NEVER claimed we "evolved" from apes like if one of you guys actually bothered to open his new book you'll see all his arguments are backed up by evidence. He actually makes a lot of sense

#sure there's nuance like i don't fully agree with all of it #but his general theory of natural selection seems pretty sound imo

56 notes

🤵🏻‍♂️ byronicherotournament follow

hottest byronic hero - FINAL

Heathcliff

Mr. Rochester

Voting ended onNov 29, 2023

🙈 butchbronte follow

Of course these are the finalists lmao this website is so predictable. Anyway vote Heathcliff if you dont i'm going to assume you're a phrenologist

📖 sapphichelenburns follow

It's not problematic to acknowledge the fact that Heathcliff was a brute like he literally killed dogs in case you forgot. Anyway #rochestersweep

🙈 butchbronte follow

I love the implication here that Rochester never did anything cruel either. He literally locked his wife in the attic and lied to Jane about it 😭 like that was a pretty significant thing that happened

📖 sapphichelenburns follow

And? God forbid women do anything

#why'd you have to pit two bad bitches against each other #anyway i'm not attracted to men but still went with rochester #bc in terms of living quarters thornfield hall > wuthering heights easily

8,027 notes

👨🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻 hartgrindisreal

Not the Russian tsar dying immediately after hartgrind became canon

#i know dickens hasn't technically confirmed it yet but like. SOMETHING was strongly implied ok #see: my previous post #dickensposting

522 notes

👨🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻 hartgrindisreal

LORD HELP ME. THE BODY LANGUAGE. THE WAY THEY'RE LOOKING AT EACH OTHER. AHHHHHH

#this installment!!! im-- #dickensposting #i can't fucking cope #dickens wants to KILL us he wants us DEAD....

2,309 notes

⭐️ newamerican

Hi guys sorry I haven't been posting lately it's been so difficult getting to California 💀 I'm finally here now though just need to find a pickaxe and soon I'll be digging! :-) wish me luck lol

#gold #gold rush #gold rush grind #california #adventure

0 notes

[tvb1852-1853]

Thanksgiving Day

THURSDAY, November 25, 1852.

Weather. Cloudy and damp until late in the afternoon, when it commenced raining.

Rose at 5o'c, and partook of breakfast at 6. After which I made my toilet, and with my wife + children went round to Uncle Jno Toy'a to see Sister Fanny married to Mr Bird, of Delaware, which ceremony took place at 1/2 past 8 o'c, by Bishop Waugh, and passed off very agreeably and pleasant to all assembled, to witness it. My wife + I, accompanied the Bride + Groom, + party, to the Cars at 10 o'c, they leaving for Phila. Felt very sad at parting with Sister Fanny.

Dined at home, and after dinner with my wife, went out to Sister Clara's where we spent the afternoon + evening very pleasantly in conversation, and left at 8 o'c, and arrived safely at home, after a disagreeable walk through the rain. Retired to rest at 1/2 past 9 o'c.

FRIDAY, November 26th, 1852.

Weather. Steady rain throughout the day. Very heavy rain after night.

After a pleasant night rest rose at 7 o'c, and after performing my usual morning duties. partook of breakfast, after which went to the Lexington Market, and after procuring my marketing, to my place of business, where I have been busily engaged writing, all the morning, and rode home to dinner, as usual in an Omnibus. After dinner, being so unpleasant outdoors, and suffering with a very bad cold, I concluded to remain at home, and feeling poorly I spent the afternoon on the bed, listening to the noise and racket of my little ones all round me. Remained at gome also this evening, and retired to rest at 10 o'c.

[tvb1852-1853]

(T.V. Brundige Diary, Feb 1st & 2nd, 1852)

<< Prev Entry

In which our narrator heads to church, ponders materialism, and is one again mildly ill.

Transcript & Notes

Sunday, February 1st, 1852

Weather. Cloudy + damp greater part of the day - cleared off about noon, but did not remain so long.

After breakfasting rather late, prepared myself, and at 11 o'c attended worship at Charles St Church, accompanied by Cousin Rebecca Wilson, where I heard a good discourse, from our pastor, Revd Mr. Hirst, from 4-5 + 6- verses of 53d Chap of Isaiah, after which I partook of the Holy Sacrament of the Lords Supper.

Remained at home during the afternoon engaged in reading, until nearly dark, both in the Bible and Christian Advocate Journal. Passed the evening also at home, in reading, forgoing the pleasure I should have derived in going to Church, on account of a bad cold I have labouring under, for a week or two past, and at ½ past 9 o'clock committed myself to the protection fo an overruling Providence, and retired to rest, for the night.

MONDAY, February 2nd, 1852.

Weather. Morning, cloudy + damp. Afternoon, clear and cool.

Through Mercy, my unprofitable life has been spared to enter again upon the trials and duties of another week, to mingle with the world in the pursuit of the bread that perisheth, and yet, which both duty and necessity compels me to seek after. God knows, I only desire to be successful so far as it will make those near and dear to me, comfortable, and my daily prayer to Him is, that prosperity may attend me to that extent. I have been, as usual, engaged in my place of business throughout the day, and nothing important has transpired with me. Passed the evening at home, engaged in reading until nearly 10 o'c, when I retired to rest.

[Ed. Note: His wish came true. And I got lost down the rabbit hole of ancestry.com trying to ID Rebecca Wilson. Here's the Baltimore Sun for Feb 2, although I'm having trouble loading it right now.]

[tvb1852-1853]

(T.V. Brundige Diary, Jan 30th & 31st, 1852)

<< Prev Entry Next Entry >>

In which our diarist passes a typical close of the week attending to work, family calls, and trying to square up materialism and faith.

Transcript & Notes:

FRIDAY, January 30th, 1852.

Weather. Clear and mild˷

Rose this morning about 7 o'c and after breakfasting, done some little repairs about the house, after which I went to the Lexington market, where I was detained about an hour in making my purchases, from thence, went to my Counting room, where I have been employed throughout the day, and have had a good deal to worry and trouble me in my business matters, but I have learnt, by experience, to make the best of every thing, and think nothing so bad, but what it might be a good deal worse. On my way home this afternoon, stopped, for a short time, at Uncle Jno Toy's to see sister Hanny. Passed the evening at home, with my family, and after reading awhile, retired to rest at ½ past 9 o'c.

SATURDAY, January 31st, 1852.

Weather. Cloudy, damp + drizzy, throughout the day.

Through the goodness and mercy of God, I am brought, in safety, to see the light of another day, the closing one of another week, which has rolled into eternity, and when I ask myself the question, how have I spent its hours, have I endeavoured to improve them, both to the glory of God, and my own good, and have I availed myself of every opportunity to do good to my fellow creatures, in soul and body? I have to acknowledge with shame, that in all I come far short, and my conscience condemns me that I have not done better. I have been engaged all day at my place of business, and nothing important has transpired˷

Passed the evening at home, and retired to rest about ½ past 9 o'c.

[Ed. Notes. Newspaper Jan 30: Snow and ice cleanup, reports from the state assembly and US Congress, and events future students will study as front-page news: Louis Napoleon III's coup d'etat, fallout from the Mexican-American War, rumblings of southern secession, and Commodore Parry's "East India Squadron" preparing to harass Japan. Ie Westerners Behaving Badly.

Jan 31st paper speaks frankly of "evil" treatment of colonists to Native Americans around San Diego, plus a delegation of Omaha Indians to the President asking for redress of grievances. There's an article on the "Night with the Masons" Ball showing how they used to be a social club for the well-heeled. And a letter to editor discusses how wealthy merchants had been banned from purchasing goods wholesale from markets by the harbor, then hiring low-paid women to sell those goods at a discount from street wagons, undercutting small local shopkeepers. This clarifies TVB's errands to Lexington Market; he's not buying groceries for the wife!]

[mdhsphotographs]

Lexington Market Baltimore, Maryland 1921 Unidentified photographer Baltimore City Life Museum Collection Maryland Historical Society MC4240

[tvb1852-1853]

(T.V. Brundige Diary, Jan 28th & 29th, 1852)

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In which our protagonist pays more social calls to various members of the Toy/Dallam clans, prominent families in Baltimore into which the Smiths (ThomasV's wife) and Brundiges intermarried.

Transcript & Notes:

WEDNESDAY, January 28, 1852.

Weather. Morning, clear and cold. Afternoon rather cloudy and damp .

Rose about 7 o'c, after having rather an uncomfortable night, my cough troubling me a good deal. After breakfast, I repaired, as usual, to my place of business, where I have been occupied, with my regular duties, throughout the day, without meeting with any important circumstances.

Upon my return home to dinner, found Cousin Rebecca Wilson, there, from Long Green, who dined, and will remain, with us some days. Upon my return home found my wife about going around to Uncle Jno Toy's, and I accompanied her there, and met with Mrs Chew + Miss Mary Dallam, who had just arrived from Deer Creek, remained about a half hour, when we returned home, and I passed the balance of the evening there, and retired to rest about 1/2 past 9 o'c.

THURSDAY, January 29th, 1852.

Weather. Clear, and very mild.

This day finds me in the enjoyment of my accustomed health, and comforts_ After breakfast I went to the Hanover Market to make some purchases, and from there to my place of business, where I have been engaged throughout the day. Mrs Honeywell, Miss Priscilla Toy + Miss Caroline Smith, dined with us to day, and Miss H + Miss S, together with Mr Honeywell took supper and spent the evening with us, which I passed quite pleasantly and agreeably with them,

Mr H, I find to be quite a gentleman in his manners, and I felt a good deal of pleasure in conversing with him, upon a variety of subjects, in which I found him well informed. They took their leave about 10 o'c, after which I devoted a half hour in reading the morning paper, and then retired to rest.

⸏

[Ed. Note: I'm slowly untangling the names in the diary, starting with Uncle John Toy, whose identity is certain because he made TV Brundige his executor. Mary Dallam is a first cousin once removed of Uncle John, and Mrs Honeywell is his niece. My hunch is that TV Brundige's wife Margaret, née Toy Smith, will turn out to be Mrs Honeywell's sister. See diagram below. The trouble is, my dad threw a spanner in the works by claiming Margaret's parents are a mysterious Winston Smith and Susan Coleman, who do exist, but seem to have absolutely no connection to any of these people... and why would they give her the middle name Toy?!]

Baltimore Sun Newspaper OTD: Jan 28: Reports averaged about 45 degrees; snow and ice continue to cause trouble for shipping and weather for sleighing, even resulting in a road rage accident. Jan 29 more of same. Both these papers cover maritime trade and shipping accidents, proceedings of federal and state assemblies, lectures held at Maryland Institute (local version of Royal Society) on the Franklin Expedition, and Kossuthmania (a forgotten Hungarian celebrity and champion of democracy).

[tvb1852-1853]

The man himself. Thomas Vose Brundige [X] I think this portrait was in my grandparents' basement when I was a kid.

[tvb1852-1853]

(T.V. Brundige Diary, Jan 26 & 27th, 1852)

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In which our narrator gets broody when his wife goes Out without him (gasp) and he has to have lunch with the kids.

Transcript & Notes

MONDAY, January 26, 1852.

Weather. Cloudy, early part of the morning. balance of the day clear and mild _

Rose at 7 o'c, and performed my family alter duties, and after breakfasting started on a collecting tour, previous to my going to my place of business, which I reached about 10 o'c, without having met with any success in collecting. Remained at my counting room during the morning, engaged with my regular business, until 1/2 past 1, when I returned home to dinner, after which, I spent an hour in my yard, cleaning out the Snow + Ice, when I again went to my store for the balance of the afternoon. Nothing of importance has occurred with me to day_ After supper, I accompanied my wife round to Uncle John Toy's, where I spent a very pleasant evening, with the family, until after 9 o'c when we returned home, when I read the morning paper, and then, at 1/2 past 10 o'c, retired to rest __

TUESDAY, January 27, 1852.

Weather. Clear and very unpleasant overhead 〜 walking very wet_

After eating a hearty breakfast, I went to the Lexington market, and after procuring my marketing, to my place of business, where I remained, engaged all the morning. Upon my return home to dinner, found my beloved had gone out to dine, and I had to partake of mine, with my two little boys, which seemed a lonely affair, indeed I feel, even for a day, the loss of her, who is all, and everyhthing, to me, and I shudder at the thought of what I should feet at the loss of one so dear to me, by death, God forbid such an affliction, is my sincere + ardent prayer_

Passed the evening at home with my family, read the newspaper, and in conversation spent the hours until 1/2 past 9 o'c, when I retured for the night 〜

[Ed. Notes: Morbid much, TV? Still, it's nice to hear some personal commentary from him for a change. Margaret died in 1901, age 78; TVB died in 1903, age 84. His "little ones" are John Toy Brundige (named after Margaret's uncle, presumably), and Thomas Worthington Brundige, born 1845 and 1847, so 7 and 5 years old at this point.

The Monday paper: Probably the daily edition of The Baltimore Sun, which in those days was just 4 pages. The city, New York, and even New Orleans are still cleaning up from recent snows, as is TVB. I'm intrigued by a column raising the need for a new city water supply, as it apparently resulting in the old 1881 Loch Raven dam where my grandparents used to take me to feed fish and ducks.

The Tuesday paper mentions a ship bound for Liberia, Africa, with 175 freed slaves from Baltimore to Georgia, funded by the Methodist Episcopal Mission: possibly the same one that TBV donated to two Sundays ago.]

[tvb1852-1853]

(T.V. Brundige Diary, Jan 24th & 25th, 1852)

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In which our protagonist has caught cold again, and a once-famous preacher makes a cameo at Charles St Methodist Episcopal Church.

Transcript & Notes

SATURDAY, January 24th, 1852.

Weather. Clear and cold _

Rose at 1/2 past 7, feeling very poorly, with a severe cold, I have taken, and which troubled me a good deal, through the night soon after breakfast, I started for my Counting Room, where I have been engaged through the morning, pretty busily, as is usual on Saturday mornings _

Upon my return home to dinner, I felt so unwell, that I concluded to remain there the balance of the day, and as it seems impossible for me to be idle, when I can possibly find any thing to do, I spent the afternoon in contriving and fixing some little notions I have at home, feeling all the time that it was painful to be stirring about _ Aunt Susan Smith called to see us later this afternoon, for a few minutes_ At 9 o'c I drank some hot lemonade, and went immediately to bed, in hopes that it would relieve my cold_

Sunday January 25th 1852_

Weather. Clear, and much milder.

After breakfast, prepared myself, at at 11 o'c, attended worship at the Charles St. Church, in company with my wife, where I heard an eloquent and beautiful missionary sermon from Revd Thos. H. Stockton, to a very crowded audience, from the 5 verse of 5 chap of 2nd Corinthians, after which, a collection was taken up for the Missionary Cause, to which I contributed, to the extent of my ability, and with a great desire to do more, if it were in my power_

Remained at home, during the afternoon, and spent the greater part of it in reading the Bible + "Christian Advocate". And in pleasant converse with my dear Companion. Passed the evening also at home, but felt so overcome with sleep soon after supper, that I could not read as I desired _ Retired to rest at 1/2 past 8 o'c〜

[Ed. Notes: Rev. Thomas H. Stockton was a prominent minister and preacher who led many different Methodist congregations during his lifetime in Baltimore, Philadelphia, D.C., Ohio and New Jersey. He was intermittent Chaplain of the US House of Representatives and delivered the sermon consecrating the Gettysburg cemetery before Lincoln gave his address.

Left: Stockton while pastor of First Methodist Church in Philadelphia, 1843 [Library of Congress] Right: portrait by OP Fitzgerald published in 1885.

Baltimore Sun Jan 24th continues to report, among other things, on snow, digging out of city gutters, surveying of harbor taking advantage of frozen shoreline, and the arrival or difficulties of various steamers and ships due to ice and storms, all of vital interest to a mercantile city. But there's also reports on France and fallout from a failed Hungarian democratic revolution, and its popular leader Kossuth, showing international interests of Baltimoreans, as well as London's Great Exhibition organized by Albert and US organizations like Maryland Institute trying to emulate it with smaller regional versions. Newspaper reports show TVB and his wife will participate in the local one.]

[tvb1852-1853]

Stereoscopic photo of Charles Street Methodist Episcopal Church (aka Mt.Vernon M.E. Church), 1844-1885(ish).

From a good blog post on Photographicus Baltimorensis blog with more info on this congregation and where to go for more 19th century photographs of lost Baltimore landmarks.

[tvb1852-1853]

(T.V. Brundige Diary, Jan 22nd & 23rd, 1852)

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After a boring work week, TVB goes out to party with friends on Friday. Who are all these people? Your poor transcriber is resurrecting her past life as a humanities researcher, but this is my first foray into genealogy, and I've gotten lost in the Toy aisle! O.o

Transcript & Notes:

THURSDAY, January 22nd, 1852.

Weather. Clear, and very cold.

Rose at 7 o'c, and after giving God thanks, around a family alter, for his protection over us, during the past night, partook of breakfast, directly after which, I repaired to my place of business, where I have been engaged in my usual routine of duty, throughout the day, and nothing of importance, has transpired with me, indeed, my experience seems to be an even tenour, from day to day my duties vary but little, after attending to my duties at my place of business, my family claim the balance of my thoughts and affections, and in it, I find all the happiness, and pleasure I desire, of an earthly nature.

Passed the evening at home, and after reading until about 9 o'c, I retired to bed for the night〜

FRIDAY, January 23d, 1852.

Weather. Clear and cold, but rather milder than yesterday˷

After breakfasting went to the Lexington Market, and after procuring my supplies, repaired to my place of business, where I have been occupied through the morning.˷

Mr + Mrs Evans, Mrs H Brundige, Mrs Saml Toy & Uncle Jno Toy, dined with us to day, and I felt much pleasure in their society˷ About 4 o'c this afternoon took a walk with Mr Evans, through the NW. section of the City, and reached home about dark, when I accompanied my wife to Mr Saml Toy's, where we took supper, and spent the evening, Mr + Mrs Evans also being there, and after enjoying ourselves very much until about 1/2 past 9 o'c, we returned home, and I soon retured to rest not feeling very well〜

[Ed. Note: My great-great-great grandpa is, in fact, a terrible diarist, skimping on specificity. At least he's given me some names to research. I'm assuming Saml is Samuel.

The Jan 22nd Baltimore Sun has so many historical tidbits the teacher in me is itching to do something with it, from leadup to the civil war to fallout from Europe's failed 1848 revolutions to quackery ads including a multi-part infomercial promising to cure young men of the debilitating effects of the "secret vice." The Jan 23rd edition is a little less historical, but still fascinating.]

[mdhsphotographs]

Lexington Market, Baltimore, Md. Baltimore ca. 1909 Published by I. & M. Ottenheimer Postcard Postcard Collection Maryland Historical Society [73506] 

Postcard front and verso. 

“Largest market in the world. Balto. Feb. 28 -09. Hello! Old friend still alive, if so let us hear from you. H. Heolston”

[tvb1852-1853]

(T.V. Brundige Diary, Jan 20th & 21st, 1852)

<< Prev Entry Next Entry >>

In which our narrator is back to his usual routine and waxes religious to make up for being too busy with the material world.

Transcript & Notes

TUESDAY, January 20, 1852,

Weather. Clear and excessively cold, Thermometer at zero, + below

Rose at 1/2 past 7 o'c, and after partaking of breakfast went to the Lexington Market, to procure my supplies, which I found to be very cold work, and felt glad when I had gotten through with it, from thence, I repaired to my Counting room, where I have been, more or less, engaged all day, and nothing has transpired worthy of record˷ I have, in common with every one else, suffered very much, today with the cold, but when I contrast my situation and mercies, with those of many others, during this severe weather, I find I am blessed beyond what I deserve, and have many comforts which I know I do not fully appreciate, Oh for a grateful heart!˷ Passed the evening at home, with my family, and retired to rest at 1/2 past 9 o'c˷

WEDNESDAY, January 21st, 1852.

Weather. Morning, cloudy˷ Afternoon, clear˷ Very cold˷

Through the goodness and long suffering of God, I am spared to see the light of another day, and am still in the enjoyment of health comforts and mercies˷ After breakfast went to my place of business, where I have been occupied throughout the day, with the concerns of time and sense. I am still striving, in a very imperfect manner, to serve God, and find my way to heaven, but I have to confess in many things I offend, and in all, come short of the Glory of God, I feel that my mind and affections are too much set upon the vanities I follies of Earth, and whilst I would do good, evil is ever present with me. God grant me grace to live to his honor + glory, is my sincere prayer—

Passed the evening at home, and retired to rest at 9 o'c˷

[Ed. Note: Here's the Baltimore Sun for Tuesday and Wednesday. Snow and unseasonable cold have stopped the mail between Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York; Boston reports a temperature of 43 below zero(!), and the East River in New York and some part of the Chesapeake Bay are frozen so that people are crossing it, plus lots of people are sleighing.]

[mdhsphotographs]

Street scene Market Place, Baltimore, Maryland circa 1900 Unidentified photographer 8x10 inch print Subject Vertical File (Baltimore - Streets) Maryland Historical Society [SVF]

[mdhsphotographs]

A Baltimore Scene (Arabber downtown) Postcard, photographer unknown Date unknown Postcard Collection, Maryland Historical Society [74243]

Verso text: A Baltimore scene. Colorful street “Arabs” still sell fresh produce from their horse-drawn wagons on the streets of Baltimore, Maryland. Fully loaded, this wagon is starting its route passing the wholesale fish market, where fresh fish and seafood from nearby waters may be purchased at retail as well as wholesale. The City Hall dome and downtown office buildings loom in the background.

[tvb1852-1853]

(T.V. Brundige Diary, Jan 18th & 19th, 1852.)

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In which our narrator is snowed in, but manages a social call with Uncle John Toy the next day— leaving yours truly with a genealogical puzzle to solve.

Transcript & Notes

Sunday January 18th. 1852.

Weather. Snow the entire day˷ very deep˷

Rose about 8 o'c, and partook of a hearty breakfast, after which, being so unpleasant outdoors, I concluded to spend the day at home and accordingly devoted the greatest portion of the day to reading, but a large portion of it, I fear, was not as profitably spent as I felt it to be my privilege and duty, I too often found myself engaged in little matters that would have better became another day, and also engaged in conversation, which was neither for my profit or the glory of God, and my conscience, at the close of the day, condemned me, for the manner in which I have spent it ˷˷˷˷ Passed the evening at home also, and feeling overcome with sleep, soon after supper, I retired to rest about 1/2 past 8 o'c˷

MONDAY, January 19th, 1852.

Weather. Clear, and excessively cold.

This day finds me again in the full enjoyment of my usual health, as well as the continued good health of my dear family, for which, I desire to thank a good and gracious God˷ After breakfasting I found the Snow so deep, that I concluded to ride, in an omnibus, to my place of business, where I have been engaged through the morning ˷ By invitation, myself and wife dined, to-day, at Uncle Jno Toy's, with Mr + Mrs Evans, Mrs Brundige, and one or two others, and I enjoyed myself very much, spending a very agreeable time until 4 o;c, when we returned home, and I remained there the balance of the afternoon and evening˷ After supper read awhile, and at 10 o'c sought that rest which our poor perishing bodies daily require ˷˷

[Ed. Notes: Aha! Jno is an old-fashioned abbreviation for John or Johnathan, like Wm for William.

I've fallen down the rabbit hole of Ancestry.com trying to track down Uncle Toy and the parents of Thomas V. Brundige's wife, Margaret Toy Brundige née Margaret Toy Smith. I have three pieces of evidence:

References to Uncle John Toy in the diary; he seems to fit the profile of mid-19th century printer John Dallam Toy, who was a well-loved figure around Baltimore according to several sources.

A Baltimore Sun clipping announced that TV Brundige was John D Toy's executor in 1875 when he died without heir.

Geneological records show that John D. Toy married a Margaret Smith (NOT Toy), who died young, while his sister Susannah Dallam Toy married a Francis Smith in 1820, which would be the right age for them to be Margaret T. Brundige née Smith's parents. Trouble is, I can't find proof she is, indeed, their daughter, and that Uncle John in the diary is indeed John D. Toy.

All of which is getting fairly far into the weeds of tedium, but it annoys me that as usual, we've got so much more information about the gents than the ladies. At least in the process of digging, I learned that Margaret T. Brundige won prizes for her currant wine and "cherry bounce," i.e. liquor. But the poor woman's obituary said she died of "nervous exhaustion." :( ]

[tvb1852-1853]

I fell through the rabbit hole of Ancestry.com trying to identify some of the people mentioned in TVB's diary, and I need to dig myself out. In the meantime, have an 1851 chocolate ad from the Baltimore Sun!

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85656430/tvb-ad-for-imported-cocoa/

Transcript:

W. BAKER'S NO. 1 CHOCOLATE, PREPARED COCOA, BROMA, COCOA PASTE,

&c. &c. The subscriber continues to receive a[l]l the above articles, fresh from the Manufacturer, and offers them for sale, to the trade, in large or small quantities. They are all warranted to be made of the best materials, to be free from adulteration, and superior in quality and flavor to any other chocolate, Cocoa, Broma, or Cocoa Paste, manufactured in the United States. All articles, if any, found unequal to the above recommendation, may be returned to, and the money refunded by the Agent for the Manufacturer.

THOMAS V. BRUNDIGE,

ja22-w&s4t* 70 Bowly's Wharf.

I am so not surprised that my ancestors made a living, at least in part, by selling chocolate. I've now found records of the business relationship between W. Baker's Chocolate, the first US chocolate maker, and TVB's dad selling their "Choc" in the Baltimore area going back to the early 1800s. :D