This fonds consists of John Peirson’s diaries with enclosures, for the years: 1888, 1892-1919, 1921-1925, and 1927. His brief daily journal entries include information related to his family, political life, rural life, personal financial information, social engagements, church meetings, weather and farm operations and activities, including ploughing, sowing and the sale of animals. Mr. Peirson also makes mention of world events, including the sinking of the Titanic and the end of the Great War.
Journals after 1919 each continue to have the name “John Peirson” written on the title page, sometimes with the name of the person who gave the diary to him as a gift; however, most entries in those journals appear to have been written either by John’s daughter-in-law, Catherine (Black) Peirson, and/or his daughter, Mary Ann (Peirson) Hilborn, both of whom were living in houses on the homestead with John. These journals include references to “father” and his health. Other topics include social activities, Women’s Institute meetings, social visits, family life, and some financial information.
Enclosures in the diaries, such as invoices, statements and newspaper clippings, reflect some of the businesses in the community, such as W.A. Gerolamy, grocer; J.W. Chittick Burgoyne General Store; and The Tara Creamery. John Peirson’s involvement with the Burgoyne Cheese Company, and family events reported in the newspaper up to 1937 are also reflected in the enclosures.
