“Diary ledgers from brothers Edwin and John Arnold”. It sounds like a historical fiction novel. But these were real people living here in Washington D.C. Their writings give us a glimpse into a bygone era. Let’s explore the world of the Arnold brothers.
Edwin and John Arnold lived in Washington D.C. from 1897 into the 1930s. They were meticulous diarists. Each day was carefully written about every night, dated and timed.
Edwin Arnold worked as a postal clerk. His brother John Arnold practiced medicine. Their diaries offer a front-row seat to history. The Arnold brothers captured intimate details and emotions in their journals.
One entry stands out. Edwin Arnold wrote about the sinking of the Titanic. His initial report offered hope. He thought the passengers had been rescued. But the truth emerged later. The Titanic had sunk taking 1800 lives.
Edwin Arnold followed the story closely. He even wrote about the Congressional investigations. His words still resonate today. “The great ship went down about 2:30 this morning taking with her 1800 persons.”
The Arnold brothers also documented other events. They noted the attempted assassination of Teddy Roosevelt. Edwin Arnold’s diary entry vividly recalls the newsboys shouting. It reminded him of Garfield and McKinley.
Dr. John Arnold’s diary includes a reflection on the turn of the century. On December 31, 1899, he mused about the progress of the 19th century. He wrote of trains and automobiles. He mentioned electricity and the telegraph.
John Arnold hoped for medical breakthroughs in the 20th century. He longed for a cure for tuberculosis. He ended his entry at 1 A.M. wishing a Happy New Year. He hoped his words would provide insight for future readers.
The Arnold brothers’ diaries reveal their confidence in the United States. They saw the nation as a successful experiment. Their words express sentiments few others could.
Edwin Arnold finished his diary in 1909. He hoped his entries would prove valuable in the future. He believed they would provide useful data for those who came after him.
These Arnold brothers offer us an interesting gift. Their diaries offer invaluable insights into the past. Their writings have a timeless quality that continues to resonate today. We should be grateful for their meticulous record-keeping. The Arnold brothers remind us of the power and survivability of words.