Verlie Aird Papers

The Verlie Aird Papers consist of handwritten diaries beginning in 1951 and ending in 2006. With the exception of 1959 and 1960, Verlie Aird wrote everyday. In the earlier diaries she wrote mostly about everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, work, and what she was wearing. She also wrote about visits she had with her friends, coworkers and family. She also wrote some stories about what her students said in the classroom. In these earlier diaries the sentences were very short and precise. As the diaries progress the sentences become longer and more involved. As she ages her diaries become more personal and story-like rather than a record of what occurred during the day. In later years, her diaries relate many visits with her children and grandchildren. Also in the later diaries Verlie Aird wrote about her trips to Bingo and senior dinners with her friends and husband. Verlie Aird commented on the weather but would only state the temperature and report if the sun was out. She also wrote some comments on current/political events such as the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan, the freeing of the hostages in Iran, and September 11th. Those entries, however, were very short and not very in depth. Also, throughout the diaries she wrote notes to self, resolutions, and also included inspirational newspaper clippings. In the later diaries she included an index of the year which consisted of a list of days and the main event from that day.