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Robert Nielsen Diary

 Item
Identifier: RH-A-3954

Scope and Contents

This collection contains the diary of Robert Nielsen between the years of 1942 and 1946, recording his everyday life and routine during his time in high school. This routine included attending school during the week, and playing around and attending Sunday School on the weekends. This diary provided a record of the activities Robert did, giving insight on what growing up in the 1940s was like, rather than his thoughts or feelings about his life.

Dates

  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1942-1946

Creator

Biographical / Historical

Robert Arthur Nielsen was born in Muskegon, Michigan around 1928 by his father, Charles Edward Nielsen, and his mother, Selma Alvena Anderson. He later married Virginia Elouise Hudson on July 23, 1949. Virginia Hudson was also born in Muskegon, Michigan around 1930 by her father, Eugene Malcom Hudson, and her mother, Jennie M. Shannock. According to Roberts marriage records, he was 21 when he was married in 1949, putting him in high school over the years of 1942 to 1946, when the diary was dated. Robert and Virginia had five children together. Later on he married Tesaline Marie Cramblit on April 11, 1966. Robert also served in the U.S. Navy immediately after high school, between 1946-1948 where he was honorably discharged.

Extent

.10 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Physical Description

This collection amounts to 0.10 cubic feet and contains enough pages to write an entry for everyday between 1941 to 1946. The cover is black leather with a lock on the front that contains no key. Inside the cover reads “This is My Personal Diary: Robert Nielsen 1969 Ruddiman St. Muskegon, Michigan. Five Years from 1941 to 1946.” Each page provides enough room for five days’ worth of diary entries, however there are several pages left blank.

There is minor tearing and staining on the pages, leaving the diary in good condition.

Title
Robert Nielsen Diary Finding Aid
Status
Completed
Author
Nicole Aquino
Date
2018- 06- 11
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository

Contact:
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490