David H. Watters Journals, 1999-2016

Title:

David H. Watters Journals, 1999-2016

Creator:

Watters, David H., 1950

Accession / Call Number:

2016.037

Object ID:

2016.037

Date:

1999-2016

Physical Description:

3 boxes ; 1.25 linear feet

Scope and Content:

David H. Watters kept detailed journals with lengthy entries for most days. During the years in this group of journals, Watters wrote extensively about his professorial life teaching English Literature, New Hampshire Studies, and Native American Studies at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH. He discussed departmental issues, books read and taught, conferences attended, talks given, and museum exhibitions. \n \n He also wrote about daily life and family concerns: his aging parents, his wife's intermittent struggles with depression, parenting his adopted son, chores, hobbies, home maintenance, shopping trips, interactions with friends and neighbors, ski trips, and time spent at the family's second home on Peaks Island, Maine. These ordinary activities sometimes also raise matters of deep concerns, like the racism to which his son is subjected and the bullying of which he is the target at school, for example. Watters was sensitive to social injustice of all kinds and worried about it frequently. \n \n His work on many boards and committees of New Hampshire cultural and historical institutions was constant during the years in the journals; he often mused on the accomplishments and challenges they face. He served on boards, recruited new members, raised funds, and advised on educational and cultural programs. His wrote extensively about his involvement with and knowledge of the Native American community and culture in New Hampshire, Maine, and New England and described his attendance and participation at their gatherings and attempts to craft objects and art in that genre. Despite being primarily a professor of English, his interest in New Hampshire and New England history and culture is deep and his involvement with many institutions with that focus has been long-lasting (among others, New Hampshire Historical Society, Strawberry Banke, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Museum, and the Robert Frost Farm).\n \n These journals were written before Watters began his tenure in the New Hampshire legislature, first as a representative and then as a senator. They contain accounts of his local political activity and the local Democratic party organization, as related to the national scene and presidential politics. As an active member of the Democratic party, he evaluates candidates at all levels of government, meets many of them, attends rallies and speeches, and raises funds. \n \n The journals end just as his son, Harper, moved to Houston, TX, at the age of 16 to become part of that city's professional ballet company.

Subjects:

African Americans, Aging, Ballet, Bullying in schools, College teachers, Committees, Dancers, Depression in women, Diaries, Education, Gay people, Indians of North America, Legislators, Museum exhibits, Parenthood, Politicians, Politics and government, Racism, Second homes, Social justice, Teaching, Universities and colleges

Locations:

Dover, NH
Durham, NH
Houston, TX
Peaks Island, ME

People:

Alberghene, Janet, Watters, David H., 1950, Watters, Harper, 1992

Credit Line:

Gift of David H. Watters.

Restrictions:

Available for research.

Level Description:

Collection

Finding Aid Link:

Watters_David_H._Journals_2016.037.pdf