Diary by a young American woman living in the Philippines, 1905 (Travel Diaries and Journals)

Diary by a young American woman living in the Philippines, 1905

UPenn Ms. Coll. 795

Bound volume from 21 March to 19 September 1905 of observations and social activities of a young woman living with her uncle Henry Clay Ide and her cousins Annie and Marjorie Ide in Manila in the Philippines. The diary begins "Off to China" detailing her journey with her sister Katie from Manila to Hong Kong, Canton, and Amoy. She describes the streets, the people, customs, and temples and provides anecdotal historical information. She returns to the Philippines on 30 March, relaying the daily activities of Marjorie, Annie, and herself, including dinners with other families living in Manila and working on the Philippines Commission with Dean C. Worcester, Luke E. Wright, and a host of others. The Ide cousins, Annie and Marjorie, and the diarist, play tennis, go swimming, attend dances and dinners, and go riding. There is a mention of buying a gift for Alice Roosevelt's party. In addition, the diarist describes a trip to Dagupan in Luzan, Philippines, where she describes the landscape, daily journeys, the Igorot, panning for gold, and an earthquake. There are some personal notes about missing her family and the wedding of her sister Fan, as well as letters from home.

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p. 21

by the dropping of water from one bucket to another. Before Europeans came this was the only method of registering time. We went to the [[five story pagoda]] and had tiffin on the fifth balcony. It is very large + is built on the breast of the dragon which forms the city. Was used formerly for a sort of watch tower. There is an altar in the fifth story. Beautiful view of the city + surrounding country, as it is on a high hill outside the walls of the city. As you look down on the great city it is hard to realize the thronging, swarming life within for not one sign of life is visible and all seems as quiet as a New England Village.

Last edit almost 4 years ago by kladcat

Complete

p. 22

There is a nine story Pagoda and a Catholic Cathedral visible. All the other buildings are low, with red tiled roofs and seem scarcely more than sheds to look down upon. They are built so closely together that no sign of life can be seen. On the opposite side are the hills where the dead are buried. There are no real cemeteries but the graves are scattered over the hills, and stones erected according to the wealth and position. Three or four dollars buys a small plot. Families are not buried together. The Chinese go there once a year to worship their ancestors. The "[[City of the Dead]]" is inside the city and is a series of

Last edit almost 4 years ago by Kareobl

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p. 23

rooms where bodies may be left for a time before burial by paying $10 a month. Saw beautiful lacquer casket containing body of Mandarin. Rooms built of stone. Many flowers. Rained hard. Went back to the boat for [[Hong Kong]]. Met [[Mr. Rideout]] who had letter to Annie.

Last edit almost 4 years ago by Kareobl

Complete

p. 24

Friday, March 24. Arrived early at Hong Kong. Went to the "[[Rubi]]", then to the "[[Korea]]". Said goodbye to Katie, and went ashore to be stranded alone in China. Went shopping. Then went to the [[Hong Kong]] hotel for tiffin. Spent the afternoon in the waiting room then went aboard the [[Rubi]]. Wrote letters and unpacked.

Saturday, March 25. Sailed before daylight. Very tired. Had breakfast in bed. Rained all day. Are going into dense fog. Very lonely and forlorn. I am the only woman. Two little jews. Too wet to stay on deck. Stewardess devoted.

Last edit almost 4 years ago by Kareobl

Complete

p. 25

Sunday, March 26. [[Amoy]] Dense fog all night. Captain got no sleep. Rate of speed very slow. Fog whistle blew all night. Had to stop this morning and wait for fog to lift. Reached [[Amoy]] about one P.M. Bright, clean and warm. The harbor is beautiful, almost enclosed by the land which is very rugged and rocky. European settlement on an island. Harbor filled with the usual number of boats and sampans. Had indigestion pains all night and can eat nothing today. Too ill to go ashore. Hope to go tomorrow. I think the changes from the tropics to 55° [55 degrees] rather trying. A lonely Sunday.

Last edit almost 4 years ago by Kareobl

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