Welcome to Henry's Travel Blog!
Although he kept detailed business papers, Missouri Botanical Garden founder Henry Shaw left little personal material for biographers to consider in analyzing his life. One of the few items which remain is a series of five journals. Following his retirement from the hardware business in 1840, Shaw traveled abroad and made notes, recollections, and even sketches in these small bound books. Join us as we chart Henry's journey to Europe and beyond.
 
Shaw's variable spellings, punctuation, and grammar, preserved throughout, are typical even for well-educated gentlemen in the 19th Century. Important note (4/14/09): The entries from March 11, 2009 through April 8, 2009, correspond to recently discovered text from Henry Shaw's journal. They will be posted online under the correct dates to preserve chronological accuracy.
 
   
   

Posted Online Monday, August 31, 2009

November 14, 1841: Young ladies

Caught a slight cold from the sudden change in the weather - called on Mr. Krieskar - to take leave - found him playing music as usual - at 3 returned from the Arn Platzel - dined at the Casino. The eyes of a young lady at the next table quite in my way - appeared quite proud of showing her hands delicately white and pretty - have hardly met with a disdainfull woman in Austria - all so condecending - the two girls that declined my company from the Josephstadt theatre to their house the other evening - did it in such a way that I was more pleased at their politeness than offended at the refusal.