A Guide to the Diaries of Mary Louise Riley Harmon and Celia Riley

Access and use

Location of collection:
Roanoke Public Libraries
Virginia Room
Roanoke Public Libraries
706 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, VA 24016
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Dyron Knick
Phone: (540) 853-2073

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection of diaries relates the daily thoughts and actions of Celia Riley and Mary Riley Harmon. Those kept by Celia span the years 1928 through 1933 and 1946 and 1947. The diaries kept by Mary Riley Harmon were written between 1973 and 1994.

Biographical / historical:

Mary Louise Riley Harmon and Celia Riley Riley were born and raised in the Carvin’s Cove area of Roanoke County. More specifically, they were members of one of forty families who lived in the area that is now the reservoir. Celia was born 1 April 1906 and Mary Louise, 27 January 1915 to Ernest Preston Riley and Cora Belle Layman. During the polio outbreak of July 1929, both Mary Louise and Celia were stricken with the disease. Celia passed away 18 December 1996. Mary passed away 1 April 2000. Mary authored, My Memories of Carvin’s Cove, which provides more biographical information on the sisters and their family. It is available in the Virginia Room.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Richard and Peggy Sowers
Arrangement:

Diaries are arranged by author and chronologically by year thereunder.

Physical description:
2 letter-size storage boxes