Title:
New diary brings back memories of a neighborhood custom
Author:
[Goodman, Mary Virginia]
Object ID:
scr-026-013
Object Name:
scrapbook
Category:
8: Communication Artifact
Subcategory:
Documentary Artifact
Publisher:
Sunday Bulletin
Publication Place:
Norwich (Conn.)
Pubication Date:
05/17/1987
Collection:
Indian and Colonial Scrapbook
Summary:
After mentioning the value of Joshua Hempstead's Diary in terms of its great detail, including events which are noted nowhere else in the public record, Goodman discusses the old custom of neighbors "sitting up with" or "watching with the dying." She recounts a tale of a crotchety neighbor whose repeated refrain upon frustration was "I hope I never see the sun rise again, yes sir." One day when she was sitting with the woman, the grandson pulled out his new cornet and gave a few blasts, whereupon the woman screamed, "not yet, Lord, not yet!"
People:
Hempstead, Joshua, 1678-1758