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 Thursday, September 24, 2009

December 14-15, 1841: Palaces

Called on a Mr. Brown, whom the consul tells me is an American artist - an old woman answered the bell from a window of the 4th story, "non ze a vedere" Mr. B will have to change his colour before I call on him again. Made some further purchases of the Italian books - Italian lessons as usual & history of Venice - [Dec. 14]

Another visit to the academy delle Belle Arti - few or no visitors there today. It appears to me there but few strangers in Venice - no English that I see at all. Dined at the vapore - soup, pilaf, beefsteak, roast veal & salad - charlotte de pommes & wine, for 2-1'2 lires. At the best restaurateur in Venice - which is not saying much [Dec. 15]