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 Tuesday, January 5, 2010

May 1-2, 1842: Richmond

[May 1] Dined at Turnham Green in comnany with Rev. W. Wood and little Henry Hoole. Walked back to town with Henry, fine young man with wife and four children - salary under a hundred a year -

[May 2] Wrote to Sister Sarah from Halifax Steamer. Took omnibus at St, Pauls Church yard and went to Richmond - crossed the Thames by Putney bridge and in returning by the Hammersmith Suspension Bridge, a noble structure. Richmond Hill presents an extensive view of a richly cultivated country adorned with the mansions of the wealthy and trees of the most luxuriant foliage. The Thames in its serpentine course passed at the bottom of hill. Walked about the park for an hour where numbers were enjoying the fineness of the day as well as myself.
Dined at my hotel with little Henry. Afterward went to the Polytechnic institution and Very's Coffee house in Regent Street -