Harry Siddons Mowbray and Mowbray family papers, 1872-1976

This series consists of nineteen total diaries, seventeen of which are written by Harry Siddons Mowbray (1876-1927). The additional two diaries are by Elsie Mowbray in (1901) and Florence Mowbray (1929).

Harry Siddons Mowbray diaries discuss Mowbray's day-to-day life including his relationship with family and friends; his career spanning his service on numerous public art committees and of his works of art; and current events. The first diary (1876) focuses on Mowbray's journey to the Archipelago of the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean. The diaries jump to 1912 and are complete until 1927. From 1912 until 1920, Mowbray gives descriptions of the weather and quick comments on his days. He includes tips for plaster casts (1915). Mowbray's discussion of world affairs includes the sinking of the Titanic the United States' declaration of war in 1917. He relates these larger events by describing their relation to his personal life and family by discussing his colleague Francis Millet's death upon the Titanic and his son's return from World War I.

Starting in the 1920s, Mowbray focuses his diaries on his service on the Commission of Fine Arts based in Washington, D.C.. These later diaries discuss the construction of Memorial Bridge and Key Bridge and Mowbray's opinions of their location and design; a proposed memorial to be dedicated to President Harding; the process of standardizing the flag of the United States; diplomatic receptions and visits to the White House; the dedication and design of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery; the Navy Memorial; public pool placement in the District of Columbia and related racial tension; federal buildings along Pennsylvania Avenue; and the proposed memorial to George Washington at Wakefield House.