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 Wednesday, October 14, 2009

January 15-16, 1842: Masquerade

Weather cloudy and occasional drizzling of rain - very much against amusements of Carnival. On the riva dei Schiavorri - they have erected booths, where shows and all kinds of amusements are carried on.

After the opera - went to masquerade at the Ridotto - elegant apartments but few masks, and few or no ladies - of course made but a short stay there. Oh, Venice, Venice - thy disease is hopeless when the girls are too poor to attend the mark at the Ridotto -