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 Friday, October 16, 2009

January 19, 1842: New Opera

The opera crowded last night, with all the beauty of Venice to see the opera of Candiano. The 4th Doge of Venice - Ferrari the composer was called for and made his appearance on the stage and greeted in a very flattering manner.

Do not like the new prima donna - as well as Goldberg the prima donna in Sappho, who has a fine voice, a good actor and handsome person. Nothing can exceed the enthusiasm of the Venetians for operatic performances finished the inspection of the historical paintings in the grand ducal palace. The portrait of Doge Manin which comes down to the time of Napoleon is the last -