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Henry P. Skinner of Hudson, New York, kept these 4 journals (approximately 6.5" x 8" and 200 pages each) between 1817 and 1824. In brief daily entries, Skinner recorded aspects of his everyday life, including his social activities, church attendance, and household expenses.

Henry P. Skinner of Hudson, New York, kept these 4 journals (approximately 6.5" x 8" and 200 pages each) between 1817 and 1824. Skinner wrote daily journal entries throughout much of his adult life, documenting his everyday experiences and expenses as an artisan and as head of household. He often mentioned his children and his wife Mary, and frequently attended religious services and social events. His occasional travels to New York City via the Hudson River are also briefly documented.

• 1818 July 6. Seeing a military salute to Major General Richard Montgomery as his remains were transported down the Hudson River by steamship (on their way from Quebec to New York City)
• 1818 October 30. Viewing John Trumbull's painting of the Declaration of Independence and a panoramic view of Paris in New York City
• 1822 October 13 and 1823 April 6. Hearing sermons delivered by African American preachers
• 1823 April 7. Seeing a man who was attempting to gradually lighten his skin
• 1824 September 16-17. Seeing Lafayette on his Grand Tour

Skinner recorded daily expenses, which often included food purchases and charitable donations, in the right margin of each page of the journal,. He compiled his total expenses annually, broken down by month. Skinner also recorded methods for preserving eggs, making a wash for plaster and stucco, and varnishing paper.