Artifacts in banner (left to right): Photo (circa 1950s) Rebecca Kurtz Mast with grandchildren, Sandy Bollinger and Mary Ann Redcay; Pitcher from Rebecca's wedding china; Braided rug made by Rebecca; Photo (circa 1960s) of Rebecca and oldest son, Edwin Mast in Phoenix, Arizona.
Rebecca Maude (Kurtz) Mast
Rebecca Maude Kurtz (1891-1969) is our grandmother on Mom’s side. Rebecca lived all of her life in the Conestoga Valley. She was born near Morgantown, Pennsylvania, was a lifelong member of Conestoga Amish Mennonite Church, and farmed with her husband Elam Mast land that was once part of the estate of Jacob Mast who emigrated in 1750. Elam and Rebecca had 10 children. One day she and her mother had a diary burning. Thankfully, over 30 of her diaries survived. Her parents were Jacob (1867-1923) and Lydia (Mast) (1870-1961) Kurtz.
Rebecca's early diaries represent years 1908, 1909, and 1911. The diaries are in composition books which also include school essays and financial information. We became aware of these diaries in 1990 when our Aunt Kathryn allowed us to copy them. We are not sure who has the diaries today. The diaries provide a fascinating glimpse into a teenager's life in an Amish Mennonite home in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, in the early part of the 20th Century. We have transcribed the diary entries into tables, made a few edits, and left blanks for words and numbers that were not clear. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do.
Rebecca Kurtz Mast Diary 1908: First Quarter Rebecca Kurtz Mast Diary 1908: Second Quarter Rebecca Kurtz Mast Diary 1908: Third Quarter Rebecca Kurtz Mast Diary 1908: Fourth Quarter