ANN ARBOR—For a glimpse of life in the late 19th century, one need only browse the journal and drawing book of Helen Ledyard of Cazenovia, New York, who spent a great deal of her time there and in Philadelphia. Both books are among the collections at the University of Michigan’s Clements Library.

Not only did Ledyard chronicle her life and that of her family and friends with commentary, she filled each page with illustrations. Her journal alone contains more than 70 drawings from December 1887-88 (her 18th year). Done primarily in ink, the volume illustrates ice skating, tobogganing and walking in the snow.

When weather kept Ledyard and her siblings and friends indoors, she tells of sewing pincushions and playing charades. From going to church, cleaning house and participating in and watching various holiday “tableaus,” Ledyard’s journal gives a clear picture in commentary and illustration of daily life for a young lady raised in a fairly affluent family.

There is no mention of Ledyard being a trained artist, but Clements’ Barbara DeWolfe said most young ladies of that time were taught to draw and paint as well as sew, thereby preparing them for a life of gentility.

The drawing book has 85 pages, most of which are illustrated in bright watercolors with some in ink, pencil and colored pencil. There are paintings of Ledyard, her family, friends and surroundings that include such activities as making ice cream, picnicking, riding horses, camping, hiking, swimming and playing games like backgammon and tidily-winks. Other illustrations with often humorous text give life to dinner parties, teas and “the Barclays’ Ball,” and sewing costumes for and performing in Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Mikado.”

Besides its pleasure value, this glimpse into another time, provides documentation of daily life, fashion, entertainments, and social customs and strata and fully illustrates one woman’s history.