The University of Massachusetts Amherst
Robert S. Cox Special Collections & University Archives Research Center
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Clapp, Lyman

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Lyman Clapp Diary

1825 August 8-25
1 vol. 0.1 linear feet
Call no.: MS 709 bd

When Lyman Clapp and Lucia Cowls agreed to marry in 1825, they took a celebratory tour of western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. Over nine days, they traveled from Mt. Pleasant, Mass. (possibly in Worcester County) through Brimfield to Stafford, Tolland, Vernon, Hartford, and Litchfield, Connecticut, before returning home by way of Springfield and Northampton. The Clapp’s party consisted of the engaged couple chaperoned by Lucia’s parents, and they were joined by a relative, Edward, near Hartford.

Filled with interesting vignettes of travel in western New England during the 1820s, Clapp’s diary includes fine descriptions of the various taverns and inns they visited en route and the range of natural and cultural sites, from rolling hills to modern milling technology. Among other sights that caught Clapp’s eye were the the Charter Oak, a hermit living in the hills near Avon, the Walcott Factories at Torrington, Northampton, and the extraordinary view from the top of Mount Holyoke.

Acquired from Michael Brown, April 2011

Subjects

African Americans--ConnecticutBrookfield (Mass.)--Description and travel--19th centuryConnecticut--Description and travel--19th centuryFerries--MassachusettsHartford (Conn.)--Description and travel--19th centuryHermits--ConnecticutLitchfield (Conn.)--Description and travel--19th centuryMassachusetts--Description and travel--19th centuryMount Holyoke (Mass.)--Description and travel--19th centuryNorthampton (Mass.)--Description and travel--19th centurySpringfield (Mass.)--Description and travel--19th centuryStafford (Conn.)--Description and travel--19th centuryTaverns (Inns)--ConnecticutVernon (Conn.)--Description and travel--19th century

Contributors

Clapp, Lyman

Types of material

Diaries