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, October 15, 2009

January 17-18, 1842: Fenice Theater Ball

Had a call from old Mr. Weber returned him the visit - and made a purchase of three folio volumes of Grecian & Roman antiquities.

Last night attended the first ball at the Fenice theatre, brilliantly illuminated, and an excellent band of music - but the principal was wanting no ladies. A few girls masked to a company of two hundred or more gentlemen - bad management on the part of the conductors, for figurantes [a stage performer without a speaking part] are not wanting at Venice.

To make a thing of this kind interesting - tonight is the first representation of Candino an opera composed by a Venetian virtuoso. Much applause may be expected - have been again today to have a further look at the historical paintings in the ducal palace -