Diaries of a South Boston father and son.

Dexter Reeves, Sr. chronicled the last fifteen years of his life (1869-1884), including daily notes on weather; management of his household; reading, book purchases, and borrowing habits; attendance at lectures at the Lowell Institute, Mechanics Istitute, Woman's Suffrage Baazar, and Universalist Church; leisure activities with family; and significant Boston area events such as the 250th Year of the Settlement of Boston, Great Boston Peace Jubilee celebration, and the Boston Fire of 1872.

The diaries of Dexter Reeves, Jr. begin in 1870, when he was 35, and continue until the time of his death at age 70. His entries document his Universalist faith; interest in spiritualism, including attendence at seances; passion for music, both as an organist/pianist and a "Life Member" of the Handel and Haydn Society; participation in fraternal societies (Adelphi Lodge, Roxbury Council of Royal and Select Masters, and the St. Omer Commandery of the Knights Templar); visits to Boston cultural events; book culture; travel in the northeastern United States; and political activities comprising Democratic, Republican, temperance, and suffrage events.