William Dollard Account Ledger (1921)
Archival ID: omhi-ledger-1921-william-dollard
Date: 1921–1922 | Subject: Family Lineage & Debt Management | Format: Financial Ledger
Why This Document Matters
The Dollard family is a pillar of the local community, and this 1921 record provides the empirical evidence of their economic footprint. Beyond genealogy, this ledger is a masterclass in “Financial Intermediation.” It shows how the merchant acted as a local bank—calculating interest on credit lines and managing balances across multiple years. For grants, this document illustrates the systemic exclusion from formal banking and the alternative credit structures community members used to sustain their households.
Archival Note: The Cost of Credit
Note the specific interest calculation entries: “Int to May 1.” This proves that credit was not a charity, but a high-stakes business transaction. Tracking these interest rates is key to understanding the economic pressures placed on families during the 1920s.
Note the specific interest calculation entries: “Int to May 1.” This proves that credit was not a charity, but a high-stakes business transaction. Tracking these interest rates is key to understanding the economic pressures placed on families during the 1920s.
Archival Citation
“William Dollard Account Ledger, 1921-1922.” Store & Daily Transaction Collection. Digitized by OMHI, ID: omhi-ledger-1921-william-dollard.
