2009 Mail

Hello All. It's very good to hear George Nagle's great news. On the same topic (pre-1865 Harrisburg), we'd like you to know about our online version of the journals of Charles Rawn. Covering the years 1831-1865, the journals are an attic trunk of detail about everyday life in Harrisburg. Also, they identify many African Americans in the city, as many of them did work for Rawn, an anti-slavery attorney with offices on Market Square.

We have about 25% of the 35 volumes of journals transcribed, and more material goes up each semester, thanks to my students. Webmaster Steve Bachmann has made them fully searchable. Indeed, one way to find the African Americans mentioned in the journals is to search for "colored" or "cold" or other variations, as Rawn is careful to mention the race of African Americans he deals with. Such a search will take you to the journal entry where they are mentioned.

If you have any advice or coments for us on the Rawn website, please feel free to get in touch. We look forward to the completion of the transcription and providing for more context.

Michael Barton, Ph.D.
Professor of American Studies and Social Science
American Studies Program
The Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg
Middletown, Pennsylvania 17057