Noah W. Prowant papers

The Noah W. Prowant Papers consist of handwritten manuscripts, reminiscences, and memoirs, by a Putnam County, Ohio pharmacist, dating from the 1940's through 1962. Written primarily during the 1940's, when Prowant was probably in his 80's, the papers express personal opinions, religious views, and reminiscences.

The letters to the editor, written between 1941 and 1944, present views on such topics as taxation, inflation, isolation, war policies, and national politics. The reminiscences include an address intended for delivery at a family reunion, and a speech prepared on the occasion of receiving his 50-year pin from his Masonic Lodge.

The most useful part of the papers are the memoirs, which contain family history, genealogical information, and details of life in 19th and early 20th century Ohio in anecdotal form. These autobiographical chapters detail stories of the lumber trade in Ohio while the Black Swamp was being cleared, making hoops and staves, ditching, farming, the study of pharmacy at Ohio Northern University, and operating a small-town drugstore in a variety of communities.

Despite a rambling literary style, unconventional spelling, and poor handwriting, the memoirs can be understood with a minimum of interpretation. Although the author was of advanced years, there seems to be a faithful recollection of events and good attention to detail which adds to the value of the vignettes.