Alice Sophia Brant papers

Collection

Identifier: IWA0170

Staff Only

The Alice Sophia Brant papers date from 1921 to 1956 and measure 6 linear inches. The papers are arranged in two series: Diaries and Family information.

The Diaries series (1921, 1932-1956) consists of twenty-four bound calendar books containing daily entries written by Brant. These volumes span the years 1932 to 1956, with the exception of 1945. Also included is the diary of Naomi Brant, Alice Brant's eldest daughter, which chronicles the Brant family's activities while quarantined for small pox in 1921.

The Family Information series (undated) contains a transcription of Naomi Brant's diary as well as a list of names and relations referred to in Alice Brant's diaries. A biographical sketch of E.O. Paine, Alice's father is also included.

IWA printed works collection: Her Name Was Alice: Diary of Alice Sophia Paine Brant, 1932-1956 F629 .044B7 1995

Dates

1921-1956

Creator

Brant, Alice Sophia, 1882-1956 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The papers are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Extent

6.00 linear inches

Additional Description

Abstract

Diaries of this homemaker and mother who helped manage the family's funeral home in Oelwein.

Biographical / Historical

Alice Sophia Brant was born in 1882 to Edward Oren and Ida Josephine Paine. She later married Herb Brant and had seven children: Morris, Russell, Naomi, Randall, Lucile, Grace, and Gordon. Brant and her family kept a daily log of activities during their quarantine for smallpox in 1921. Brant kept diaries of daily activities and events over a twenty-five year span (1932-1956), during which time she kept house, raised her children, and assisted her husband with his management of a funeral home on Oelwein, Iowa. She died in Rochester, Minnesota in 1956.