David Scott Grinnell Papers

Collection

Identifier: WH2415

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Two diaries (1932 and 1933) containing the thoughts and experiences of David Scott Grinnell, Sr., a 'druggist' who took up shop with a partner in Hobart, Oklahoma in 1922, then endured the Great Depression. Journal captures his writings just before the arrival of the drought years that brought on the Dust Bowl. Each volumes contain entries for all but 20-30 days of each year. Topics include how much business he saw at his pharmacy, and time he spent duck hunting.

Dates

1932-1933

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Copyright

All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from material in the collection should be discussed with the appropriate librarian or archivist. Permission for publication may be given on behalf of the Denver Public Library as the owner of the physical item. It is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained by the customer. The Library does not assume any responsibility for infringement of copyright or publication rights of the manuscript held by the writer, heirs, donors, or executors. Reproduction restrictions are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Biographical / Historical

David Scott Grinnell was born on September 19, 1884 in Meacle, Kentucky. Eventually Grinnell moved to Alfalfa County in Oklahoma. Around this time, Grinnell met Linnie C. Werner and on April 5, 1908 they were married. In 1909 Grinnell and Linnie had a son, David Scott Jr. “D.S.” (1909-1966) and moved into Hobart, Oklahoma. Once in Hobart, Grinnell began working as a druggist. In 1921 Grinnell and Linnie had another son, Edward Heopfner (1921-2005). During January 1922, Grinnell and a O.J. Alberti purchased the local drug store, Rexall or Corner Drug from F. M. Miller. Eventually the drug store’s name changed to Grinnell’s Drug. Grinnell was able to successfully operate the drug store through the Great Depression and the impact of the Dust Bowl. In his 1932 and 1933 dairies, Grinnell recorded his daily experiences and anxiety of surviving that time. Although life was difficult through the Great Depression, Grinnell’s dairies also show he kept an uplifted spirit. Grinnell died on May 18, 1965.

Extent

1 box (.25 linear feet)

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchase, 2018.

General

Catalog record based on preliminary inventory.

Subjects

Despressions -- 1929 -- Oklahoma -- Hobart Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Diaries Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Oklahoma -- Economic conditions -- 1918-1945 Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Pharmacists -- Oklahoma -- Diaries -- 20th century Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings