Monica Reed

Photo: Canva

Lost diary from 1930’s returned to family

A Pennsylvania woman whose grandson found a diary from 1938 more than two decades ago said the book is on its way to being reunited with its original owner’s family.

Lisa Coolbaugh, of Eaton Township, said her grandson found a diary dated from 1938 in a bag of trash that had been thrown out after a house cleaning several years ago.

She said, “I’ve had it for years. My grandson was only 7 at the time, and he’ll be 30 in August.”

Lisa recently posted about the diary, which belonged to a Donald D. Meeker, on social media and a TV news report about the misplaced heirloom led to her being contacted by the Meeker’s daughter-in-law.

Mary Anne said her late husband, George, was Donald D. Meeker’s son. She said the diary must have been thrown away accidentally while cleaning out a family member’s house.

The family cleaned Donald’s house and accidentally threw out the diary.  The family felt very bad about it, but it was meant to be, and we got it, and we retrieved it. So my daughter’s going to treasure it with her two girls Mary Anne said of the diary.

Coolbaugh and Mary Anne said they were surprised to learn they have mutual friends. They said they plan to keep in touch.

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