Synopsis
Significance
The discovery has unveiled a record of historical significance. Put in perspective, only a handful of other published diaries extend as many years as this 50 year continuous daily record.
A True Life Story
The diaries tell the story about a lively and colourful Scottish immigrant named Robert Hope McCallum set in the late 1890’s early 1900‘s.
Who was McCallum?
- McCallum was an illustrious turn-of-the-century pioneer
- He was a well-known political activist and community member
- A notable and prolific builder of the period
- A legendary womanizer and sexually adventurous
- A global traveller
- A man of society and culture aficionado
- An influential businessman and entrepreneur
- An accomplished athlete and sports administrator
- A caring brother and loyal friend
- An exasperated husband and doting father
Story Synopsis
The diaries trace the arc of McCallum, from a 25 year-old emotionally scarred pleasure seeker through his embattled middle-aged married years, and finally to a fulfilled compassionate husband and father aged 75.
The diaries reveal a likable rogue – in his younger years, a church going advocate for women’s rights and prohibition, while at the same time, a fervent brothel visitor and addicted gambler.
In his middle and later years, while outwardly retaining his zest for life, McCallum struggled internally with the mental instability of his much younger wife, the tragic loss of his first-born child and a prolonged dysfunctional marriage.
Setting
The story is set against an international backdrop. British born McCallum spent his childhood in the UK, teenage years in the USA, immigrated to Australia and New Zealand and returned to America and the Mother country in adult years.
Newspaper Articles About The Diarist
McCallum was a prominent and diverse figure in society.
Research has unveiled over one hundred historical newspaper articles in which his involvement in politics, construction, sport, and a privileged social milieu is evident as are his occasional skirmishes with the law. (For more, see page “Old newspapers”)
Themes And Subplots
Themes and subplots contained within the diaries include:
- History and invention…e.g. The Boer War, World War One, the Depression, seeing the first “flying machine”.
- Travel and journeys…The diarist chronicles numerous voyages across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, and adventures in countries all around the world.
- Love, sex and scandal…McCallum leaves behind copious and candid accounts of his womanizing ways, sexual exploits and some unusual obsessions.
- Tragedy and sickness…The diaries offers visibility to the different medical times, with first hand accounts of diseases, sanitary conditions and medications of the period.
- Political activism…McCallum was deeply involved in politics and fought for many national and community causes. His journals spotlight many of the social issues of the time.
- Culture and society… The diarist enjoyed a rich social life and had a passion for the arts that included theatre, opera and early 1900 cinema.
- Construction...A builder by trade, McCallum built many high profile public buildings including schools, hospitals and hotels.
- Parenting...McCallum was a loving involved father and recorded many bonding moments with his children including relatable accounts of toddler milestones and rebellious teenage years.
What’s Unique
The duration and diversity of content provide a rare in-depth human study – readers become privy to an inner monologue of the most personal thoughts and feelings for five decades.
Content-wise, the diaries offer an intimate lens on topics not often explored from this era including:
- Unconscious accounts of mental illness.
- Candid details of remarkably active sex life.
- Unfiltered records of a prolonged dysfunctional marriage.
(For more, see the page “What’s different”)
Discovery
The diaries were buried within the walls of a historic bed and breakfast and were hidden for nearly a hundred years.
McCallum went to remarkable lengths to conceal his journals. They were discovered only by chance and a remarkable chain of events that would enable the story to be told.
Family Tragedy
McCallum died in 1939, age 75 of pneumonia, death records also note prostate problems and senility.
Despite having three children, a combination of tragedy and circumstance leaves McCallum with no living heirs. (For more, see the page “Family and tragedy”).