Journal published 98 years later.

The 1912 journal.

Below is a portrait of my Grandfather, Raphael Johnson Shortlidge, when he was in his late twenties, in the first to second decade of the last century. It was at about this age that he was fortunate to take his second trip to Europe. On this trip he kept a journal which years ago I transcribed to a computer with the intention of offering a legible copy for all his descendants. Since then, with the advent of the internet, I decided to make the journal public in the form of this blog. Starting June 18th I intend to post the journal daily with entries corresponding to the date. I will also post a copy of the original page(s) of his writing and photographs from the trip. I will add a link to a Google My Maps which traces the trip. My Maps is a spoiler since I don't see an easy way to add to the route day by day without a lot of daily work. I think this will give a good idea of the journal; easy printed reading with the beauty of the handwritten pages, plus a route to follow, and links to help clarify certain parts. I also hope that my efforts will elicit comments that help clarify some elements of the journal that are difficult to read or do not make sense. Please pass on this blog to anyone you can think of who may be interested and might have insights into its contents. My hope is that in 2012 I might try to retrace my grandfather's journey with my wife, and sons. With this public forum we might get a sense of what such a trip might entail.

Raphael Shortlidge, around 1912.