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, November 23, 2009

March 1, 1842: The Hill of Coligny

Some fog - a bad season to see the enchanting beauties of Lake Leman. Its blue waters and shores adorned with villages and country seats. At noon, fog partially cleared away. Took a ride to the hill of Coligny - a fine view - the lake, the city and the mountains. Here is a house occupied six months by Lord Byron. An old fashioned country villa, now in the occupation of another English family. Nothing can be finer, situated a quarter of a mile from the edge of the Lake facing the south west and the horizon bounded by the ridge of the Jura.

In the evening went to the theatre, the little building crowded to see Madme Albert in the Meuniere de Marly - who also performed Marie in the drama vaudeville Albert in a very affecting manner - the female part of the audience who were the most numerous shewed their tender hearted simplicity - they were all in tears