A Guide to the Diaries of Mary Louise Riley Harmon and Celia Riley 1928-1933, 1946, 1947, 1973-1994
A Collection in
Roanoke Public Libraries
Accession Number 2013.2.28
Roanoke Public Libraries
Roanoke Public Libraries706 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, Virginia 24016 USA
Phone: (540) 853-2073
Email: virginiaroom@gmail.com
URL: http://www.roanokeva.gov/library
© 2014 By the Roanoke Public Libraries. All rights reserved.
Processed by: Special Collections Staff
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
There are no restrictions.
Use Restrictions
There are no restrictions.
Preferred Citation
Diaries of Mary Louise Riley Harmon and Celia Riley, Accession #2013.2.28, Roanoke Public Libraries, Roanoke, VA
Acquisition Information
Donated by Richard and Peggy Sowers
Biographical Note
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.
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.
Arrangement
Diaries are arranged by author and chronologically by year thereunder.