Founded in 1850 by Edwin Dresser and Eben Denton, what eventually became known as the Standard Diary Company has modest beginnings in two rooms over a storefront on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge. The company produced small diaries and memo books on hand-turned presses from paper carried from Boston by the owners.
As the popularity of the diaries grew, most significantly during the Civil War and World War I, the company adapted to its growing needs. In 1857 Standard Diary leased more spacious quarters on Magazine Street where, in 1873, it was incorporated as the Cambridgeport Diary Company. In 1889, it purchased land on the corner of Blackstone and Albro Streets to locate a new factory and headquarters among related institutions including The Riverside Press and Little & Brown Bindery.
Designed by architects Chamberlin & Whidden, the four-story brick structure at 24 Blackstone Street was built to accommodate all the company's needs. A two-story warehouse was added in 1929.
from Blackstone Project Team
This diary was kept by Elliott Fontaine in 1912 and now serves as inspiration for this blog going into 2012! This journal will be on display at the WF accompanied by a more legible copy of Mr. Fontaine's entries.
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