Elvira Sheridan Badger Papers

Badger, Elvira Cecelia Sheridan, 1832-1911. Papers, 1859-ca. 1930, bulk 1859-1878.
1.5 cubic feet

This collection includes three personal diaries and one diary fragment kept by Elvira Cecelia Sheridan Badger of Kentucky and Illinois, spanning the years 1859 through 1878. Diary entries concern the daily lives of a well-to-do family, including their 1861 move to Chicago, Illinois, the Chicago Fire, the rebuilding of Chicago and neighbors (such as the Leiter family of dry goods firm Field and Leiter). Sentiment in Kentucky regarding the approach of the Civil War, relations with and freeing of the family's slaves, and news of the war are also noted. Also included is popular antebellum piano music compiled and bound for Badger before her marriage.

Call Number: Midwest MS Badger
Finding Aids:
Collection-level catalog card: Online catalog
Inventory: Online

Elvira Badger lived at this location when she and her family first moved to Chicago in 1861. She notes in her early entries about Chicago that they lived on Michigan Avenue. They lived at 128 Michigan Avenue according to the 1862-1863 City Directory, which today is 12 S. Michigan Avenue.