Diaries. 1929-1951. 1 linear foot. James V. Bennett began his diaries in 1929, and continued making entries on a regular basis until his death in 1951. The earliest diaries were Bennett's daily records of weather as related to dryland farming in Daniels County; financial accounts; ranching operations; maintenance of farm equipment; wheat, barley, and rye market futures; his stock market investments; and miscellany. In the later diaries, he wrote about his wider political interests and activities, as well as his social and recreational activities such as golf, bridge, hunting, fishing, sightseeing, movies, etc. Entries include the names of movies and plays he attended, titles of books he enjoyed reading, and gourmet food dishes he prepared. Many entries include famous quotes to which Bennett provides commentary. In addition, the diaries detail family activities and accounts of local and national events such as elections, the depression of the 1930s, World War I, the New Deal, and labor strikes.