This is a set of diaries/journals that I have that were written 1915-1918 by my great grandmother, Mary Heathcote Thomas, while she was living with my mother's family when my grandfather was headmaster at New London Academy, New London, VA – Contributed by Elizabeth Shumate
1915
"Excelsior‑
Trademark. Daily Journal for 1915. Sold by Farnham Printing & Stationery
Co., Minneapolis. Published Annually for the trade."
"Board Of Managers Meet. New Teacher Elected for New London Academy
"At a meeting of the board of managers of New London Academy, held in the office of John P. Adkins, Miss Susie E‑ Poole was appointed teacher of Latin and mathematics; Miss Sarah McCauley, teacher of 6th and 7th grades‑ and H. D. Lemmon, farmer. The report of Miss Bushong, retiring principal, was received, and a resolution passed commending her efficiency. Resolutions were also passed asking suggestions for the formation of an association of alumni of the school and pledging the board to meet with an equal appropriation not to exceed $50 any sum expended on the improvement of the grounds of the academy during the next 12 months.
"A resolution was also passed calling a meeting of the board of managers at the school, Tuesday, July 1‑5, at 10 o'clock. The Otter river district school board of Campbell county and the Otter river district school board of Bedford county and all interested patrons of the school are requested to attend this meeting in order to consider financial matters."
JANUARY 1915 ‑ (30‑335) SATURDAY 30
Tommy's birthday. A cold blustering day. Jim went to Dickens with Mr. Good. He bought me a yard of calico to make June an apron. We finished her red dress.
JANUARY 1915 ‑ (31‑334) SUNDAY 31
A terribly stormy day. I went to bed at 11 a.m. and slept until 3 p.m. My cold made me so sleepy. Have felt better since,
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (32‑333) MONDAY 1
Blew and drifted all day. Snow drifted all around house and barn.
Heard over the phone that there are fourteen inches of snow on the level.
Black and white calf died from bloat caused by giving it warm water to drink.
They had a terrible time taking care of the stock. On Top of all, the pump balked.
Walter was out five hours helping Jim.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (33‑332) TUESDAY 2
Tipped and pressed a waist for Mattie and helped her make two aprons.
Have had no mail for two days. The roads are so badly drifted that they can't get through.
The weather has not been very cold during the storm but it has drifted so badly.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (34‑331), WEDNESDAY 3
Ripped and pressed an old white wool waist of Nellie's. About all I did after helping with the work.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (35‑330) THURSDAY 4
Rained, sleeted and snowed alternately all day.
Partly made Nellie's waist.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (36‑329) FRIDAY 5
Wind changed from southeast to Northeast. Air so full of snow all day that we could only see a short distance.
Considerably colder to‑night.
Finished a little handkerchief for June also Nellie's waist. Jim is getting tired of incessant choring.
Had to wade through the snow and so much shoveling to do. Spreader is covered with snow and can't get to it.
He said this morning he had gotten one tongue so the weight of the snow shouldn't break it and we found it was pointing straight up to the sky. This has been a terrible week. Snow piled everywhere. Stock walking over fences.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (37‑328) SATURDAY 6
Bright and clear when we got up and has been a beautiful day overhead.
The weather prophet promises us another and more severe storm than the one we've had.
I don't see how it can be much worse.
The question is how to get feed for the stock, hope the cows will get filled up before the next one comes.
Have sewed a little to‑day. Mattie ripped an old silk waist of mine given to me by Mae several years ago. We talk of making June a dress of it.
Sent an order to Montgomery Ward & Co.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (38‑327) SUNDAY 7
Been a nice day but is cloudy to‑night.
I went out after breakfast and partly shoveled a
path to closet. Got about one third done when Mattie came out and began
scolding. I was just getting over my cold and she said, "You'll be sorry
for this." We'll see.
Have been cutting clippings out of the papers nearly all day. You see I had a book given me by Mae at Christmas for clippings.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (39‑326) MONDAY 8
Cloudy this morning but cleared up later.
Got a letter from Mae.
Mrs. Culver was operated on to‑day.
Been a nice day but wind is in the south and to‑morrow will probably be stormy. Haven't done much of any thing today outside of the housework. Wrote a letter to Nellie and a card to Mae.
The Mailman
came around to‑day so the package containing the little red dress, aprons
and panties for June are gone. They have been wrapped up a week. The mailman
came in the forenoon yesterday so we missed him.
Have just heard that there's no hope for Mrs. Culver getting better. Will leave a baby less than a month old and four others.
Mr. Good and Mr. Garnet were helping Jim haul straw. Here for dinner.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (41‑324) WEDNESDAY 10
Sewed on the dress for June that we're making out of my old silk waist. We were interrupted this forenoon by the colts breaking down the gate. Was 1 o'clock when we got in after mending the gate.
Had our dinner then went up to Mrs. Thompson's to help her make a hood.
Mrs. Will Jink's sale was to‑day. Jim walked over with Mr. Good and was gone all day
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (42‑323) THURSDAY 11
Washed to‑day. Not cold, snow quite soft.
Mrs. Culver died this morning at Spencer Hospital. Mr. Chilfont also died this morning.
Mr. Straub, who rented his farm after losing his wife in December, vacated it. Jim hauled a load to the Grove for him.
Got a letter from Nellie. Says she is very busy.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (43‑323) FRIDAY 12
Lincoln's birthday. We ironed this morning and sewed this afternoon. After dinner I took a nap, as I was tired. Mr. Chilfont was buried this afternoon at Greenville. Cloudy and colder all day. Wind in north‑east and rained a little.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (44‑321) SATURDAY 13
Rained the greater part of the day. Mrs. Culver's funeral to‑day. Did not have much Saturday's work to do. Finished the little silk dress for June.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (45‑ 320) SUNDAY 14
We sewed and St. Valentine's Day.
Had company for dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Good, Mr. and Mrs. Garnett and baby. We enjoyed their being here. The morning was cloudy but quiet. During the forenoon the wind raised and by afternoon it had developed into a real snowstorm.
Mr. Good and I planned a trip to the East to go over some of the old battlegrounds.
We are not taking Mrs. Good with us. She has to stay home to take care of the farm. (?)
We shall be quite congenial as he is about 32 and I 65 years old.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (46‑319) MONDAY 15
Been a nice day. Got a box of carnations, one dozen, from the Spencer greenhouse.
Inside the box was a card on which was written, "Will you be my valentine?" and signed, June Mary Alma. They think of every day that comes along including birthdays, Valentine Day, Etc. We are much pleased with the flowers and will make them last as long as possible. Have them on the sideboard.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (47‑318) TUESDAY 16
Been a fine day. Enlarged a dress to‑day.
My avoirdupois keeps increasing so have to keep fixing up dresses to keep pace with it. Worked on a pair of old corsets after finishing dress‑ Jim helped me, one day, to chop off about two inched on top of every steel, forty of them. To‑day sewed casings over steels again and have them ready to find. First time I ever did that job and don't care for it again.
Judd Thompson, the wrestler, was here for dinner. Was helping Jim haul hay.
Got a letter from Nellie with one included from Mae telling about the flowers June sent.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (48‑317) WEDNESDAY 17
Was quite fine till about the middle of the afternoon when it began to cloud and by 5 o'clock it was raining.
Jim took a load of oats to Gillett Grove for Mr. Straub. Hattie went along and took her eggs to be shipped. 35c per dozen. $5.40 worth.
I sent for a calico dress, a gray with narrow white stripes.
I finished up a dress I was enlarging and sewed on the old corsets.
Wrote a letter of thanks to June for the nice flower valentine she sent me. Mattie and Jim got their dinner at Mr. Lahmon’s. Mattie phoned to Walter's. Hilda said he had gone to Spirit Lake to referee a basketball game.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (49‑316) THURSDAY 18
Was fairly clear this morning but is cloudy and drizzly to‑night. There is lots of water. Some of the Gillet Grove children had to be sent home early in the afternoon as the water was spreading rapidly over the valley
Jim hauled a load of hogs to Dickens for Mr. Good. Got 6c.
Mattie cut out and partly made a new calico dress for herself, which she got yesterday.
I finished the everlasting corsets.
Looked for a letter from Mae yesterday and to‑day. Maybe it will come to‑morrow.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (50‑315) FRIDAY 19
Cloudy. A letter from Mae saying June had been sick. Had her worst day the day the little red dress got there.
Cared nothing for it.
Hope she was able to enjoy the one we sent later.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (51‑314) SATURDAY 20
Foggy most of the day.
Nothing special.
Sewed the greater part of the day.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (52‑313) SUNDAY 21
Rained all day.
Wrote two letters, one to Al and Edna and the other to the cousins in England.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (53‑312). MONDAY 22.
Washington's birthday.
No mail to-day. Been cloudy and foggy all day. Have an idea it will be cooler to-morrow.
Washed and dried the clothes in the house. Also churned.
Mended socks this afternoon.
To-morrow we are going to pick chickens.
FEBRUARY 1915 - (54-311) TUESDAY 23
Cloudy. Picked 54 chickens and 7 ducks.
Was tired at noon, but after dinner laid down and took a little nap which refreshed me.
FEBRUARY 1915 - (55-310) WEDNESDAY 24
A fine bright day.
Jim and Mattie packed the chickens and Jim took them to the Grove to ship to Chicago to Wm Clough, a commission man.
Bought back our order from Montgomery Ward.
Received a letter from Mrs. Ashburn.
I opened it on the way back and the wind caught one sheet and carried it over the ploughing. Had two muddy feet when I got back.
FEBRUARY 1915 - (56-309) THURSDAY 25
Another fine day.
We filled the barrel of goose-feathers, picked in November, into sacks to scald and clean and cleaned up back kitchen.
I took some borrowed sugar to Mrs. Thompson’s this afternoon. She is getting ready to move next Monday, the lst of March.
I notice in the "News" that Lou Walker and Wood Baston got married.
FEBRUARY 1915 - (57-308) FRIDAY 27
Fine day.
Sent birthday package to Nellie.
FEBRUARY 1915 - (58-307) SATURDAY 28
Fine day.
Sewed most of the day.
FEBRUARY 1915 - (59-306) SUNDAY 29
A nice day.
Nellie's birthday.
We went to Mr. Lahmon’s. Went in the sled but parts of the road were bare.
Sleighing is done unless it snows again.
MARCH 1915 (80-305) MONDAY 1
Fine day and moving day for renters.
Spent all forenoon looking through catalogues to find a suitable skirt pattern for myself but failed to select one.
Concluded to wait awhile.
In the afternoon Hattie and I went to look over the Thompson house before Paul Warwick moves in.
A letter came from Mae who is well.
MARCH 1915 (61-304) TUESDAY 2
Fine day. Mended socks this forenoon and cut pieces out of papers this afternoon.
Hattie and Jim went to the school house to get the
coal-house, but he couldn't manage it.
Walter ran in on us this afternoon.
Is full of his prospective invention--to attach to the Ford automobile.
Is going back to-morrow.
A letter came from Nellie acknowledging birthday package.
MARCH 1915 (82-303) WEDNESDAY 3
Been fine all day but to-night it is snowing with wind in the northeast.
Hattie helped Mrs. Johnson cook for corn shellers and Jim hauled corn to the Grove for Mr. Johnson.
Walter is still here. Sent him to bed last night and to-night into a cold room. Put two warm flatirons in bed. Have just visited with him to-day and made a little tatting.
Walter said I came out in roses this morning because I put my red percale dress on.
MARCH 1915 (63-302) THURSDAY 4
Cloudy this morning and by noon it began to snow. The afternoon was very blustery.
Walter went home this afternoon. He was going to Spirit Lake this evening to referee a basket ball game. Jim took him to the Grove.
Hattie went with Mrs. Johnson to Ladies' Aid at Mrs. Higgins.
MARCH 1915 (84-301) FRIDAY 5
Snowed and drifted all night. Kept it up all day and now at 9:30 is still at it. Some monstrous snow banks which will necessitate more shoveling.
Finished sewing the tatting on my second handkerchief of that kind.
Then got my table cloth out and hemmed it, the one Al gave me two years@ ago last Xmas. One-half dozen napkins with it. Will hem them to-morrow.
MARCH 1915 (85-300) SATURDAY 6
Cloudy this morning and snowed lightly all afternoon.
Finished hemming my napkins and Mattie made a dresser scarf with scalloped tatting around.
Canned some sulphured apples.
The mail man unexpectedly came at 4 p.m. A letter from Orville and one from Mae.
MARCH 1915 (66-299) SUNDAY 7
This morning it was snowing to "beat the band." Stopped about noon and this afternoon was quite cloudy but pleasant.
Have been home all day.
I wrote a letter to Orville this afternoon.
MARCH 1915 (67-298) MONDAY 8
A bright, thawing day.
Finished mending my pile of socks.
We melted snow for washing to-morrow.
MARCH 1915 (68-297) TUESDAY 9
Another nice day. We washed.
Paul and Laura Warwick were here for dinner. Paul was helping Jim.
Did no sewing but ripped at an old waist until a letter came from Edna containing the exchanged gloves.
Hattie ironed a little.
MARCH 1915 (69-296) WEDNESDAY 10
Nice day. I finished the ironing while Hattie was doing other work.
Then we sewed on two little dresses that we are re making for June.
MARCH 1915 (70-295) THURSDAY 11
Nice day.
We heard this morning that the shelters were coming this afternoon. They came but didn't shell any to-day.
Did some baking.
Mr. King came in this afternoon to get his rent.
Jim attacked him about the hog house he promised to put up. They surely had quite a "set to" but Mr. King wouldn't say that he would put one up.
MARCH 1915 (71-294) FRIDAY 12
A fine day but thawing very fast.
Had the two shelters over night.
Started shelling in good season this morning.
Just shelled the three cribs outside. They finished early this afternoon.
Plenty of cobs to burn now.
Sewed a little on the two dresses.
MARCH 1915 (72-293) SATURDAY 13
A fine day but very sloppy.
Been to the mail box twice. Sent a letter to Mae. Just about finished the two little dresses. trimmed one with tatting, the other with lace.
Jim and Hattie ate a 10 o'clock supper-
They invited me but I declined. Am getting too fat to
yield to such indulgences.
They are one ahead this time.
MARCH 1915 (72-292) SUNDAY 14
Fine day. Were home all day.
Washed my head. After drying I got it so exquisitely dressed that Jim called me "Old Fozzly Head." Encouraging after trying so hard to be clean and tidy.
MARCH 1915 (74-291) MONDAY 15
Another fine day but roads getting in very bad shape. Charley Steele, Jim's hired man came to-night. He works a week for his and his horses feed as Jim isn't quite ready for him.
Sewed a little.
Hattie sent another order to Montgomery Ward and Co.
MARCH 1915 (75-290) TUESDAY 16
We picked over a quantity of beans, some Hattie got from Walter.
This afternoon made a skirt for June.
MARCH 1915 (76-289) WEDNESDAY 17
A fine day.
Seven years ago to-day Jim and Hattie were married. I didn't think about it until we got a card from Nellie. "St. Patrick's Greetings" and a "reminder of the day"
Braided a few rags this afternoon and wrote a letter to Nellie.
MARCH 1915 (77-288) THURSDAY 18
Snowed a little this morning and occasional flurries of snow all day.
Was workable weather all day.
Wrote a letter to Mrs. Ashburn and Braided rags the rest of the day after the work was done.
Ladies' Aid at Mrs. Hotllings, agents wife, to-day but we could not go.
Were very sorry.
MARCH 1915 (78-287) FRIDAY 19
Snowed quite hard this morning.
Made us quite undecided about going to the dedication of the new consolidated school building in Gillete Grove.
I decided to stay home and Mattie rode down with Charley Steele, the hired man, in the afternoon.
State and County Superintendents were there and the Wilson Orchestra of Spencer furnished the music.
Exercises began at 10 o'clock and were good.
MARCH 1915 (79-288) SATURDAY 20
Been quite a nice day but rather cold.
Answered Orville's letter that we received yesterday stating that the children were quite sick.
Boys were better but Virginia was still very sick. Hope we'll hear again soon.
To-day was Ray's birthday.
MARCH 1915 (80-285) SUNDAY 21
A nice day. We've been home all day.
Did the job to-day that takes nearly half a day--trimmed up my feet. Corns were beginning to hurt.
Wrote a letter to Tommy and Ola.
MARCH 1915 (81-284) MONDAY 22
Washed to-day.
Partly packed my suit case to go to Spencer whenever Jim goes where I can take the train.
It is tax paying time.
MARCH 1915 (82-283) TUESDAY 23
Ironed this forenoon.
Jim went to Dickens this afternoon for goods ordered from Montgomery Ward & Co. So I went with him and took the 5:25 train for Spencer.
Found Walter sick with sore throat and had a few days before had growths removed from the turbinate bones.
His eyes had troubled him a good deal.
Stayed with Walter and Hilda overnight.
MARCH 1915 (83-282) WEDNESDAY 24
In response to phoning to Elmer Bisbee he met me in
First National Bank at 1:30. Talked over the goods which
are stored in the garret up there and he was willing for me
to leave them. That was a relief to me as I had heard
through Mrs. Ashburn that Mrs. Kimball wanted me to take
them away. The house isn't her property so I decided to do
nothing until I had seen Elmer.
Paid my taxed $65.49 and looked after other things in
the banks. The Milford Mortgage of $1000. was extended 5
years, also the Vanderhoff one of $4000. for same length of
time.
MARCH 1915 (84-281) THURSDAY 25
Stayed all night again at Walter's
Wrote some cards and took Keith out a couple of times in his cart.
In the afternoon went up to Livingston's and visited a few minutes then went on to Mrs. Ashburns. Found supper ready.
Elmer Bishee and wife were papering their up stairs.
MARCH 1915 (85-280) FRIDAY 26
Elmer and wife came back to finish the papering this morning. All had dinner together and in the afternoon I helped Mrs. Ashburn put down her rugs and arrange the furniture.
Decided to stay another night with them.
MARCH 1915 (86-279) SATURDAY 27
Left Mr. Ashburn's this morning.
Called at Mr. Livingston's on my way to Walter s.@ A week from to-day she, Mrs. Livingston, is going to Albert Lea to visit Edna and Al. She had just gotten her new Easter bonnet. Was also going to get a new coat.
Had dinner with Walter and Hilda.
At. 4 o'clock Walter took me to the M. & St. L. Depot and I took the train for Sioux Rapids.
Nellie met me at the depot, took me to Mr. Thomas’ and then she went back to the bank. Jennie and husband just moved in. Nellie and I invited to Mrs. Wilson' for supper.
MARCH 1915 (87-278) SUNDAY 28
Mrs. Thomas, Nellie and I went to church.
I went home with Mrs. Thomas after church and Nellie stayed to Sabbath school.
In the afternoon we went to a funeral at the
Congregational Church. In the evening went to Christian
Endeavor at Baptist Church and then to the Congregational to hear their new minister again. A young man and good talker, not afraid to make known his own ideas.
MARCH 1915 (88-277) MONDAY 29
Did a little mending for Nellie this forenoon. In the afternoon about 4 o'clock went down to the store and waited until Nellie came about 6 o'clock. While waiting looked over the stock in the store. Was somewhat interested as Nellie owns half of it.
After she came we went to Mrs. Sweitzers where we had been invited to supper.
Afterward went back to store to meet a traveling man who was taking orders for jewelry.
MARCH 1915 (89-276) TUESDAY 30
Left Sioux Rapids for Spencer at 9:10 a.m.
Walter met me at M. & St. L. depot.
Had dinner with them and at 2:05 took the train for Gillett Grove.
I wanted to stay overnight with Mrs. Howard so took this opportunity.
Mr. Lahmon was very kind, met me and carried my suitcase over.
MARCH 1915 (90-275) WEDNESDAY 31
Mrs. Howard and I sewed on a dress of hers that was partly made.
Hattie did not come for me as Mr. Lahmon heard that he had to go to Spencer and wanted me to stay with Mrs. Howard as he would be gone over night.
Mr. Lahmon came home at noon very much worried over the condition of the bank.
He with other, officials had met with the bank examiner. We asked him some questions but he requested us not to question him as he was under promise not to divulge anything at present.
APRIL 1915 (01-274) THURSDAY 1
We finished the dress.
Hattie came down to the Grove to be present at the Ladies Aid Society and afterward came over for me.
She drove Joe the dear little horse. How I would not like to see him pass into other hands.
We passed Mr. Lahmon who had just gotten back from
Spencer and was talking to someone whom he had met.
Hattie got a card from Mae saying she would be here
Easter Sunday.
APRIL 1915 (92-273) FRIDAY 2
We cleaned up stairs this morning. Mae is coming so want to get every thing straightened up so we can visit.
June will take part of our time too.
APRIL 1915 (93-272) SATURDAY 3
Cleaned front room and bed-room.
Got a telegram from Mae in Denver saying, “Meet me in
Dickens Sunday P.M."
Rapids in the form of a bunch of Carnations.
Nice thing to know that somebody thinks of you. Am
afraid that I don't do my share of thinking.
APRIL 1915 (94-271) SUNDAY 4
Jim and Mattie went to Dickens this afternoon to meet
Mae but she failed to show up.
We were afraid it would turn out this way as we know there was no train Sunday afternoon from the west.
We expect to hear something early to-morrow morning.
APRIL 1915 (95-270) MONDAY 5
We received a phone call early this morning from Mae in Dickens, who had come in on the 5:30 train. Had reached Sheldon at 1 o'clock yesterday and expected to catch a train running east on Sunday as it used to do. She had to get up at 3 o'clock.
Mattie went with Joe and Charley I’s horse to get her.
We were all so anxious to see June.
She's a dandy little girl and talks everything. She isn't quite two years old.
APRIL 1915 (96-269) TUESDAY 6
I needn't say what we did to-day outside of getting' meals. Suffice it to say our time was taken up asking and answering questions. June, though, demanded a portion of it.
APRIL 1915 (97-268) WEDNESDAY 7
Busy all day visiting and cooking.
Mae is quite poor, weighs only 90 pounds.
She is run down with too much responsibility. Dr. ordered her to get away from the high altitude for awhile.
Is tortured when the weather here gets hot.
Hope she'll weigh twenty-five pounds more when she goes back.
APRIL 1915 (98-2B7) THURSDAY 8
Walter telephoned and said that they are coming down as soon as roads were fit to use the auto.
The roads are very bad owing to the great amount of snow we've had.
APRIL 1915 (99-266) FRIDAY 9
We are settling down a little as the most important questions have been asked. I want Mae to rest and get all the sleep she needs. She had had too busy a life for five years.
We sewed a little.
APRIL 1915 (100-265) SATURDAY 10
We did a little Saturday's work and a good deal of talking.
APRIL 1915 (101-264) SUNDAY 11
Stayed home all day.
Mae is getting very anxious to do something
She was really wicked enough to spend part of the day
learning to make tatting.
APRIL 1915 (102-263) MONDAY 12
First incubator hatched to-day. About 100 chicks.
My mother's birthday. She died in 1902.
Walter and Hilda came down this afternoon and stayed over night.
Charley slept in one bed in northeast room and Walter and Jim in the other.
They did so much "cutting up" that I thought the bed clothes would be torn to pieces. Mattie and Hilda and Keith slept together and Mae, June and myself. The first night Mae was here I slept on the edge of bed stand.
The next night I spread the mattress out.
APRIL 1915 (103-282) TUESDAY 13
Mae, June and I went back with Walter and Hilda. Mae stayed in the room all day. June and I went to the post office and wrote and sent cards to Ray Cox and Nellie.
Went to the Citizens bank to look at some papers.
June made herself at home both in bank and Post office.
APRIL 1915 (104-261) WEDNESDAY 14
This afternoon we went auto riding with Walter's. Visited a few minutes with Mr. & Mrs. Ashburn at the gate, then went on to Bill Goodale's. Found Dora home alone. Bill had gone to town but we met him on the way back to the “red house" our old home. Walter jollied him about the "twins." Told him that he never expected them to live. This was only a drive at Bill's bachelorship.
Had a laugh over it and then started on.
Stopped at the house and got a few things from the garret. Things look real nice. Had newly papered the halls, up stairs and down. Also bedroom down stairs.
APRIL 1915 (105-260) THURSDAY 15
Stayed over night again at Walter's.
Called on Mrs. Bascom and Laura this morning and then did a little shopping.
This afternoon Walter brought us back to Mattie's but they did not stay over night.
This is brother Ed's birthday- A few days since sent him a tie in remembrance of the day.
It was Annie's birthday too. Sent her a tie also.
APRIL 1915 (106-259) FRIDAY 16
While being away we had accumulated quite a pile of dirty clothes so washed them all up.
Sewed this afternoon.
APRIL 1915 (107-258) SATURDAY 17
Ironed this morning.
I received a splendid picture of Ed.
Looks older and grayer than when I saw him last. Has had some worry about Arthur, who has not been well for some time.
He has shaved his moustache off since becoming a legislator and I'm glad of it. It looks more sanitary.
He is in the Wisconsin legislature, representative from his district.
Jim and Mattie went to Spencer to get the new car. Left the team at Dickens and went in on the train. Rode back to Dickens in auto then Mattie drove the team home.
APRIL 1915 (108-257) SUNDAY 18
Walter and Hilda came down early this morning.
Then Jim, Mattie, Mae and Walter went to Sioux Rapids in Jim's car to get Nellie.
Hilda and I got dinner. Was a little after noon when they got back. In the afternoon we all went out for a ride to call on Mrs. Cedorholm, Ray Cox's cousin.
We who rode with Jim will not forget the narrow escape the pump had. Turned around too quickly and did not guide it just right, and ran over the corner of the platform The onlookers were frightened as well as we but he soon got control. Had supper after getting back then Walter's went home.
APRIL 1915 (109-258) MONDAY 19
Had to get up early this morning as Nellie had to go back. Hattie took her to the Grove to take the 7 o'clock train for Sioux Rapids.
We did nothing in particular to-day but the common work and a little sewing.
APRIL 1915 (110-255) TUESDAY 20
Second incubator hatched 100 chicks.
Hattie spent a good part of the day caring for them.
Mae and I did the housework.
APRIL 1915 (111-254) WEDNESDAY 21
Jim, Hattie, Mae and June went to Dickens in the car, to get a supply of groceries.
I stayed home and had supper ready when they got home.
APRIL 1915 (112-253) THURSDAY 22
Received a letter from Mrs. Livingston who was in Albert Lea.
Had gone there to spend "Easter." Her expected Joy was turned into sorrow as she found Edna quite sick.
We washed to-day and had a large one.
APRIL 1915 (113-252) FRIDAY 23
Ironed this morning and Hattie churned and made some garden.
Mae helps with the work until she begins to feel tired and then we send her to bed.
We noticed she can't stand very much.
Hope she'll get stronger while she is here.
We send her and June for the mail. Tell her to take it slow and easy and inhale deeply. She had an examination before she came and the doctor found nothing the matter with her but a run down condition.
We cut out my striped dress skirt this afternoon.
APRIL 1915 (114-251) SATURDAY 24
Mae and I cleaned up the house a little while Hattie sacked up feathers that she had sold to different parties in Spencer.
Looked quite rainy early this afternoon but finally looked better then we started to Spencer. It was nearly 4 o’clock when we got to Walter's after delivering the feathers. Got supper there then started home and reached there without any mishap. This was at almost the beginning of Jim's driving. We had a nice ride.
APRIL 1915 (115-250) SUNDAY 25
Fine this morning,
This afternoon we went to Mr. Lahmon's.
Came home quite early as it began to look like rain. Didn't amount to much though.
June has a glorious time every where she goes.
APRIL 1915 (116-249) MONDAY 26
Rained this morning.
Jim took Mae and June to Mr. Cedarholme's this afternoon then went on to Dickens with basket of eggs to send to Annie in Watertown, S.D.
Rained hard while he was in Dickens.
Been caught in the rain twice now with his new car.
Sewed on my stripped dress to-day.
"Pet" had a colt to-night.
APRIL 1915 (117-248) TUESDAY 27
Roads were too bad to take auto out to get Mae and June so Mr. and Mrs. Cedorholm brought them this afternoon.
APRIL 1915 (118-247) WEDNESDAY 28
Washed and churned to-day.
Sewed on my dresses.
APRIL 1915 (119-246) THURSDAY 29
Ironed this morning.
APRIL 1915 (120-245) FRIDAY 30
Made little panties for June and Mattie cut out Nellie's dress.
We all rode to Gillett after supper. Charley wanted some tobacco.
MAY 1915 (121-244) SATURDAY 1
Wind in east and cold.
Cleaned up the house in the morning and in the afternoon Jim, Hattie, Mae and Mrs. Howard went to Sioux Rapids to get Nellie. When they got back to Mr. Lahmon's they found one wheel was punctured with a tack. Could not fix it so came home at 10 o'clock on the rim.
Supper had been ready nearly three hours. Left the table and washed the dishes the next morning.
MAY 1915 (122-243) SUNDAY 2
Thundered, lightened and rained last night. Cloudy and cold to-day.
Had chicken for dinner.
Nellie brought us each a set of beauty pins and June a now dress.
MAY 1915 (123-242) MONDAY 3
Cloudy and foggy this morning.
Mattie left at 6 o'clock to take Nellie to the train. Drove Joe and Queen.
Had fed the chickens and was washing the dished when she got back.
It takes a long time to get to Sioux Rapids by Marathon as the wait is so long there.
Mattie partly made June's white dress.
MAY 1915 (124-241) TUESDAY 4
Been a fairly fine day, but cool.
A letter came from Al.
Finished June's dress all but a little tatting I have to make.
Mae started putting a new top on her skirt.
MAY 1915 (125-240) WEDNESDAY 5
We washed to-day.
Jim, Mattie and Mae went to Dickens after supper. Juno and I stayed home.
Expected to do some work while they were gone but they were back before I had gotten June asleep.
She was tickled to see her mother but never cries when she leaves her.
MAY 1915 (128-239) THURSDAY 6
Ironed.
All rode to the Grove after supper as Charley wanted some more tobacco.
Washed dished and milked after getting back. Charley brought June some candy.
MAY 1915 (127-238) FRIDAY 7
Jim brought Mr. Lahmon and Mrs. Howard up this morning in the auto.
Stayed until 5 o'clock then Mae, June and I rode down with them.
Mr. Lahmon rode back to the store with us, took June in the store and had her pick out the kind of candy she wanted.
MAY 1915 (128-237) SATURDAY 8
We worked hard all forenoon and at 2 o'clock left for Spencer.
I bought a new hat and veil for $5.50.
We got back at 7 o'clock.
MAY 1915 (120-236) SUNDAY 9
Went to the Grove to church this morning. Charley went to Rose's.
Had to pack May's trunk and my suit-case. Had a rough house all day.
Found Walter and Hilda here when we got back from church.
They stayed until 5 o'clock.
MAY 1915 (130-285) MONDAY 10
Mae, June and I left for Spencer preparatory to going to Albert Lea to-morrow.
Mattie took us to Dickens and we took the morning train.
Had dinner at Walter's.
Mae made some calls in the afternoon and we went to Livingstone's in time for supper.
Stayed over night.
MAY 1915 (131-234) TUESDAY 11
Walter drove up for us at 8:30 this morning to take us to the train.
Left at 8:50 on M. & St. L. and reached Sherburn at noon.
When we got off at Sherburn I discovered that I had left my umbrella in the depot at Spencer. Wrote cards to the agent an4o Walter.
After a 2 3/4 hours wait started on again and reached Albert Lea at 5:32.
Edna was at the depot to meet us and took us home in a bus.
Al came at closing time.
MAY 1915 (132-233) WEDNESDAY 12
Al's day at Glenville. We spent all day visiting with Edna.
This evening we talked over Ray's letters and we decided the best thing would be for someone to go out there to see how things stand.
Al offered to go so I said that I'd pay his railroad fare.
MAY 1915 (133-232) THURSDAY 13
Al worked in office until 5 o'clock then came home and got ready to start for Preston. Left at 5:30.
MAY 1915 (134-231) FRIDAY 14
We all went down town this afternoon.
Mae treated to ice cream.
June was sick all night.
MAY 1915 (135-230) SATURDAY 15
The weather is quite cold.
Mr. Green's went away for over Sunday. They did not leave the key so could not get into the basement to make a fire.
We sat around the gas stove in the evening.
MAY 1915 (136-229) SUNDAY 16
Still quite cold.
Mae and Edna went to the Episcopal Church this morning. June and I stayed home. We sat in the kitchen and burned gas to keep warm.
In the afternoon we went over to Dr. Aarnes.
MAY 1915 (137-228) MONDAY 17
Mae's birthday. she and Edna went up town this afternoon.
Mae found a handkerchief under her plate at supper time, a present from Edna.
MAY 1915 (138-227) TUESDAY 18
Al's birthday. He came back from Preston his morning before we had had breakfast.
Gave us a history of Ray.
Edna and May went to Guild this afternoon. On the way home bought 28 candles to put on the birthday cake.
Al got a catch chain from Edna, a tie from Mae and a napkin marker from myself. Mae got a casserole from Al and Edna and two aluminum pieces from myself. Ola was taken to hospital to-day.
MAY 1915 (139-226) WEDNESDAY 19
Ola went through her operation this morning and was on the table two hours. Was not gall stones as one doctor predicted. Had to make two incisions.
I washed our dirty clothes ready to go to Minneapolis to-morrow.
Mae did the ironing
Edna went to a yard party this afternoon.
Al'’s day at Glenville.
MAY 1915 (140-225) THURSDAY 20
Mae went to Al'’s office to get a tooth filled this morning.
We had a lunch at 11:30 then went to the Rock island depot in bus.
Left at 12:30 and enjoyed our ride to Minneapolis. Arrived at 4:30.
Tommy met us and reached the gate just as we did. Mrs. Aarnes was at the house.
Mrs.
Vickerman, Ola's mother came later. Had been to the hospital with Ola.
Ola had gas pains but was getting along nicely
MAY (141-224) FRIDAY 21
June's 2nd birthday.
Tommy and Ola got her a nice white dress.
Mrs. Aarnes and Mae went with Tommy to see the new
house.
June and I stayed home all day but went out for a walk.
Tommy and Ola live in a flat in the second story. A poor place for children.
MAY 1915 (142-223) SATURDAY 22
Mae went to the office with Tommy this morning. Stayed until noon then they went over to the house. This was pay day for his men and as they do not work Saturday afternoon had to go before coming to dinner. In the afternoon Mae, June and I went to the office on the streetcar, stayed until closing time and then went to the house again.
The house is going to be strictly modern with a beautiful lookout to the "Lake of the Isles."
MAY 1915 (143-222) SUNDAY 23
This forenoon Mae went with Tommy to the office to have Dr. Pratt test her eyes. they came home for dinner then went auto riding around the city.
June stayed home with me.
MAY 1915 (144-221) MONDAY 24
Mae and I went to the big stores on Nicollet this morning. We left June with Mrs. Vickerman. Came back in time for dinner. Went on streetcar.
I packed Mae's trunk this afternoon and she went with Tommy to the office to get her glasses adjusted.
Tommy and I left about 9 o'clock with Mae and June to Northwestern depot to start home. Stayed with them until
she got June undressed. When we left she would go to bed.
MAY 1915 (145-220) TUESDAY 25
A rainy morning.
Mae would reach Omaha at 11 o'clo6k and leave at 4 in the afternoon.
Hope she had no trouble in changing to the Burlington depot.
Mrs. Vickerman has been over to the hospital three times to-day.
Ola is getting along finely.
Just a week since she was operated on.
MAY 1915 (146-219) WEDNESDAY 26
Cool to-day.
Mrs. Vickerman had washerwoman.
Mrs. Aarnes left for Albert Lea after dinner. went to the hospital this afternoon to see Ola for the first time.
Got a card from Mae written at Omaha. Had gotten over, by bus, to the Burlington depot.
Tommy and I got supper to-night as Mrs. Vickerman was
at the hospital.
MAY 1915 (147-218) THURSDAY 27
Mrs. Vickerman and I ironed all forenoon.
Mrs. V. went the hospital this afternoon and I wrote letters to Ray, Mattie and Albert Lea.
MAY 1915 (148-217) FRIDAY 28
No work to do this morning but wash dishes. Enlarged some clothes.
After dinner I went to the office with Tommy to have a tooth filled but he was too busy to do it.
Had a good visit though with the office girl, Miss
Talbert, who was interested in watching me make tatting.
She said she would buy a shuttle ready for when I went over again.
MAY 1915 (149-216) SATURDAY 29
Cloudy.
Office girl was provided with shuttle to-day but I didn't get over. Tommy said she made four eyelets, all sizes, some with picots and some without.
I began to think seriously to-day of going to Watertown to Florence's wedding.
Mrs. Vickerman and I went to town this afternoon and I bought a tray to take to Florence and a pair of shoulder clasps to send to Nellie Thompson as a graduating present.
Sent "Oscar's" tatting to-day.
MAY 1915 (150-215) SUNDAY 30
Memorial Day. No exercises until to-morrow as it is Sunday and a beautiful day. Mrs. V. Went to hospital this morning before breakfast. Tommy and I got breakfast then he went to the office. Had a big roast of beef for dinner. After dinner Tommy and I went to see Ola. Brought me back, took Mrs. V. over then he came back and we went over to see the house. Rode around Lake Calhoun and called on Mr. & Mrs. Triebel. Brought me back. He went -to hospital and he and Mrs. V. came back at 7. He got supper while we sat in parlor. Brought us a treat of ice cream and two sacks of popcorn. Mrs. V. is very industrious. With my permission she worked on her crocheting. Fully decided to go to Watertown.
MAY 1915 (151-214) MONDAY 31
I left Minneapolis for Watertown at 10:30 this morning on the North Western.
Mrs. Vickerman went to depot with me. just got there in time.
Had a nice and long ride. Changed cars at Mankato and arrived here at Watertown, at 8 o'clock. Couldn't take a bus as they didn't know where brother Tom lives and I couldn't tell them. Was finally told by a policeman and found the way easily. My suit-case wasn't heavy. Annie was home, Tom out with milk. I surprised them. Found the wedding was to be at 7 a.m. next morning so had to press my dress and get things ready this evening.
JUNE 1915 (152-213) TUESDAY 1
A beautiful morning for the wedding.
Got up at twenty minutes to five. Tom and Annie milked and strained it into quart pails, then got ready for the wedding. Had to wait for the hack a while. I surprised them all as no one but Tom's knew that I had arrived.
Ceremony performed by Congregational minister.
Bride dressed in white embroidered organdy.
The immediate relatives ate at table others from trays. I couldn't eat, very well as I've no lap. Couldn't spread my roll or dig out my potato. Disadvantages in being so large. Bride and groom took early train for Pipstatons.
Bessie & Lloyd called at Tom's this p.m. and invited Wills and us out for Sunday dinner.
JUNE 1915 (153-212) WEDNESDAY 2
Helped Annie wash this morning.
We visited together this afternoon and this evening went over to Frank Heathcote's. Emma and children were home. Frank was gone down town.
JUNE 1915 (154-211) THURSDAY 3
Ironed this morning.
This afternoon Annie and went to town and looked through the stores.
I bought a new pair of shoes, $4.50.
Got a letter from Mae who had arrived home safely.
Called at Helen's this evening but she was gone to the moving pictures. Will, her husband, was getting the children ready for bed.
Helen had got with a neighbor lady.
JUNE 1915 (165-210) FRIDAY 4
Annie and I cleaned up the house a little this morning.
This afternoon went to George's. Doe is beginning to look a little feeble as she had heart trouble.
Visited with Alice Dinsdale Smith who came from Alphena, S.D. to be present at Florence's wedding. She took the train at 7 o'clock this evening for home.
Annie went home after supper and I stayed over night.
Rained hard this evening.
JUNE 1915 (15B-209) SATURDAY 5
A heavy storm early this morning.
Stayed at George's until after supper then went to Will's.
Doe is not what she used to be, had to take things very easy. Gets very short of breath.
George has had his teeth extracted.
He looks like an old man when chewing his food. We laughed at him but he didn't care.
They had gotten a card from Floreno6 at Spirit Lake.
JUNE 1915 (157-208) SUNDAY 6
Stayed over night at Will's
Had breakfast at 9 o'clock.
Tom came down and brought me a letter from Orville.
Went up to Tom's and put on a warmer dress then came back to ride with Will's out to Bessie's. When were ready to hitch up Frank Heathcote came and suggested that we go in his auto. There were seven besides two children. Helen and Will Ostrander went with us. Tom and Annie went in their buggy. Had a nice time and a good dinner and supper. Each one took something. Emma called this evening and wanted me to stay all night with her. Frank had gone to farm.
JUNE 1915 (158-207) MONDAY 7
Stayed with Emma last night
Frank went to the farm, twenty miles, after we got home from Bessie's.
I rode back with Annie last night so Tom could get to his milking earlier.
He took my place in auto.
The weather is so cold.
Have to have fire to keep warm in the house.
Stayed with Annie all day.
Washed this morning.
JUNE 1915 (159-208) TUESDAY 8
Ironed this morning.
Tom and Annie commenced tearing plaster off. Are going to plaster paint and paper.
Went to Helen's this afternoon and stayed for supper.
After supper Will and Ella Called for me to go auto riding with them and the demonstrator of the car.
Will has the car fever.
JUNE 1915 (160-205) WEDNESDAY 9
I helped Tom's this forenoon.
This afternoon went to Will's and Tom And Annie came to supper.
Ella had such a nice supper.
Wound up with strawberry shortcake, ice cream and
cake.
Stayed over night.
JUNE 1915 (161-204) THURSDAY 10
I went with Will and Ella to see their house they had just papered and varnished. Walked around by Tom's and found Annie just ready to go to town while Tom was out doing some work.
Annie walked down with us to Will ‘s. I wrote to Nellie while Ella got dinner. After dinner she and I went to George's.
Ella stayed until after supper.
JUNE 1915 (182-203) FRIDAY 11
Bright this morning but clouded up during the forenoon.
After dinner George took Guy, Florence's husband back to work and Aunt Doe, Florence and I went along. It began to rain so we started for home after riding awhile.
This was George's first attempt at putting the auto in the garage.
After a number of attempts he succeeded but went "bang" against the side with left front hub. No damage done.
JUNE 1915 (163-202) SATURDAY 12
Left George's this afternoon.
Went up town with Florence and went through the 5 and 10 cent store.
Florence bought me some initials.
From there, I went to Tom's.
JUNE 1915 (164-201) SUNDAY 13
Had previously made arrangements with George's, Tom's, Emma, Bessie and Helen that we would have a sort of reunion at Will’s to-day.
Everyone came and brought something along to eat.
Some of us went to "Children's Day" exercises in the morning.
Ella made it very pleasant for us and we had a fine dinner and supper.
Spent the afternoon in singing And talking of old times.
Will sang "Uncle Joe. They wanted him to promise to sing it at the "Old Settler's Picnic" but he declined. Ella got supper for the bunch and then we all scattered for home. I went with Tom's.
They hurried through with their milking and delivering then we walked over to the "City of Tents" to hear the Seventh Day Adventist lecture on the causes of the European War. He told us that this is the beginning of the end which will be when Constantinople falls. A warning to all of us but strange as it may seem it created no fear in me. Rode home with George's in Auto.
JUNE 1915 (165-200) MONDAY 14
At Tom's. I washed my clothes this morning so as to take them clean to Minneapolis.
This afternoon I went to George's to help with quilt Guy's grandmother had given Florence. Guy's mother and two sisters were there. Also Ella, Bessie and Helen. Other people were too busy. Will came to supper.
Guy brought us back in auto.
Packed my suit-case after getting back.
JUNE 1915 (186-199) TUESDAY 15
Left Watertown at 9:15 on North Western.
Tom's and Will's went to the depot with me. George also come. Am glad I went up to see them.
Hope we'll all meet again but no one knows what a year will bring forth. Had a very pleasant visit with all of them.
Had a nice ride all day. Changed cars at Mankato and after a 15 min. wait started on at 5 o'clock.
Reached Mpl'’s at 8:10. Expected to see Tommy when 1 stepped off but didn't. Carried my two suit-cases up four flights of stairs, across a large room and was just opening the door into the waiting room when he came through. Don't think he would have noticed me if I hadn't spoken. Had met a friend and didn’t realize that it was time for the train to be in. Went home in auto. Found Ola home. We visited, ate supper and then went to bed.
JUNE 1915 (167-198) WEDNESDAY 16
Al's and Edna's first anniversary of their wedding day. Hope they'll have many more.
I ironed my clothes that I washed Monday in Watertown.
The rest of the day I sat around and visited, made a little tatting and took things easy.
JUNE 1915 (168-197) THURSDAY 17
Rained hard all night.
Sewed all day.
Went over with Tommy this evening to see the new house. The work had progressed finely while I was gone. All bricked up and first coat of plaster on.
JUNE 1915 (189-196) FRIDAY 18
Sewed all day enlarging clothes. That's what comes of eating so much and putting on flesh. I shall be ready to sell by this time next year. Wonder whether they'll sell me by the pound or by my real worth. Probably the former as it may bring the best returns. When I've eaten all the sweet potatoes in Virginia they'll be something doing.
You that read this needn't laugh. It's no fun to be putting pieces on to bands every little while. (So much for fun.)
JUNE 1915 (170-195) SATURDAY 19
Tommy told me this morning to be ready to go with him to the house at 11:45. He pays his men off every Saturday noon. Came back and had lunch then Mrs. Vickerman and I decided to go to the big stores. As I don't like to ride on the streetcar they suggested that I go with Tommy in auto and that I meet Mrs. V. in balcony at Dayton's at 2:30. I waited until 3 when she came along. I bought a tooth brush, bleached muslin, two towels and crochet cotton. Now I'm going to make edging for my towels. We came back quite early as we had left Ola alone.
JUNE 1915 (171-194) SUNDAY 20
Tommy went to office this morning.
After dinner he and Ola went out for a short ride and
went to see Mrs. Fay's baby. A seven month baby and a twin. The other one died and little hope of this one living. They keep it wrapped in cotton with hot water bottles around it.
After they came back he took Mrs. Vickerman and me over
to the house.
Wrote a letter to the cousins in England this forenoon.
JUNE 1915 (172-193) MONDAY 21
A beautiful morning.
Wrote cards to Mattie and Walter.
Caught up my diary that I had not written since leaving Watertown.
Ola and Mrs. Vickerman had company.
JUNE 1915 (173-193) TUESDAY 22
Ola has had the dressmaker making over a blue silk dress. I have been at the same old work patching and enlarging clothes.
Ola got a letter this afternoon from her sister, Mrs. Aarnes, saying that Edna was taken sick Saturday night about 11. Was taken to the hospital and the next morning at 7 o clock and baby born at 9 o'clock but it died soon after noon. One lung failed to open. It was a little girl. Edna is doing well.
Her mother was expected last night.
JUNE 1915 (174-191) WEDNESDAY 23
A nice morning but a little cloudy this afternoon. Rained a little to-night.
Had the washerwoman this forenoon.
This afternoon Mrs. Vickerman and I went to the "Metropolitan" to see "Every woman She lost Modesty, Youth and Beauty.” I really wondered if it portrayed "high life" in the big cities. I know so little about it.
Tommy bought us the tickets.
JUNE 1915 (175-190) THURSDAY 24
We ironed a big basket of clothes this morning. Had just gotten through when Mrs. Walker of Payette, Iowa, came to visit. Stayed until after supper.
In the afternoon two nuns called on Ola, Sister Elizabeth and Sister_______ from Winona.
Mrs. Vickerman left for Albert Lea early this afternoon.
JUNE 1915 (176-189) FRIDAY 25
This was Helen's birthday. Intended sending her a
card. Why didn't I? Just because I didn't go at it. I'm so busy doing comparatively nothing that I haven't time
This afternoon Tommy took Ola and me over to Mrs. Warner's to a "thimble bee" a social meeting of the ladies of the "Eastern Star." Were thirty three ladies.
Mrs. Warner served ice cream, two kinds of cake and fruit nectar for drink.
Ola wore her new made over silk dress.
I had enlarged my lavender dress which I expected to wear but when I put it on the sleeves weren't right, so I wore my white one. Had a nice time and Tommy came for us.
JUNE 1915 (177-188) SATURDAY 26
A sultry morning. I washed the dishes while Ola picked up the things lying around, then while she was taking her nap I swept up the rooms. Got through by lunch time. This afternoon Ola and I took the hair over to be made into a switch for Nellie. Went into a drug store and got ice cream then went to see Mrs. Fay's baby. The tiniest thing! Wrapped in cotton with hop water bottles around it. They do not bathe it but partially rub it with olive oil. Too weak to bear more. Feed it with tube. Too weak to nurse. A seven month baby. This evening we went with Tommy over town. He bought a new straw hat and some shirts. After he got through he took us to the movies. Thundered heavily this afternoon but no rain to speak of,
JUNE 1915 (178-187) SUNDAY 27
Another sultry morning. Rained during the night. We had breakfast as early as 10 o'clock.
After we went to bed last night Tommy called to me and said. "We don't get up Sunday mornings till 9 o'clock." I shall be spoiled when I leave here.
He, Tommy, went to the office after breakfast.
Had roast beef and new peas and psiplaut pie for dinner. First pie we've had in Minneapolis. Mrs. Vickerman didn't make pie because they don't care for it. But now that she is gone and I'm her successor accounts for the making of the pie. I'm very fond of pie but not cake.
JUNE 1915 (179-186) MONDAY 28
Enlarged my summer silk dress.
Tommy came home at 5 o'clock to get ready to go to Little Falls to the wedding of one of Ola's girl friends. He and Ola left at 6:20 on the Northern Pacific. About 80 miles away.
Am alone to-night in the flat.
People live above, below and on one side and I know no one. I wrote Mrs. Vickerman to-day and told her that I was thinking of having a "party" and asking in my neighbors.
They are coming back to-morrow evening.
JUNE 1915 (180-185) TUESDAY 29
Been a beautiful day. I slept on the porch last night. Slept so hard that I never once thought of being alone or of Burglars.
Lots of neighborly neighbors.
I did meet some ladies this afternoon though in the basement who had gone down from a third story front flat to do the same thing that I went down to do, wash.
Washed a couple of dresses and my underwear.
Was tired when I got through so took a nap then got a cup of tea and felt better.
Tommy and Ola came at 10:30. I was writing in my diary. Ola was very tired but they didn’t want anything to eat.
JUNE 1915 (181-184) WEDNESDAY 30
Ola slept till late this morning.
Tommy went to the office as usual and I did my ironing and pressed my summer silk dress.
Tommy got his dinner at the club so we just had a little lunch.
In the evening we took a long, long drive.
JULY 1915 (182-183) THURSDAY 1
I went to visit Mrs. Warner this afternoon as she and I had previously arranged at the "thimble bee." Tommy took me when he went to the office. I think he was trying to show me how to work a puzzle for I think he turned twenty five corners before he got there, possibly more. Had a fine visit with Mrs. Warner. Her cousin, Miss Gray, was with her. Mr. Warner came in time for supper. First time I had met him. We sat around the supper table visiting and we finally drifted into telling riddles. We weren't any of us@ much good in that line but I think Mr. Warner excelled.
JULY 1915 (183-182) FRIDAY 2
Tommy went early this morning and bought a crate of strawberries. So that was Ola's and my chief work for today.
Canned all but six quarts and those we put in sugar to make jam of to-morrow.
Crocheted a little after getting through with the berries.
JULY 1915 (184-181) SATURDAY 3
Ola took care of the jam this morning while I cleaned the house all but kitchen- I cleaned that after dinner while she slept. After she got up we went for the switch. The place is only two or three blocks away. The switch is nice as far as it goes but I thought it would be longer. There was so much waste in it.
Ola went to see Mrs. Fay and baby but I came right home.
Tommy brought a chicken home to-night for to-morrow’s dinner.
JULY 1915 (185-180) SUNDAY 4
Fourth of July! Hurrah! We'll celebrate to-morrow though.
Was at Mrs. Swetzer's for dinner.
She had just gotten back from Preston and had heard through Ray that I was in Minneapolis so phoned to Tommy for me to go over to-day. Tommy took me over and both him and Ola came for me at 5 o'clock. Mrs. Tirzak, Mrs. S's sister, and Miss Glorieaux a friend of hers. Had a good time.
We came back by the house and looked it over. Tommy bought home a fish this a.m. Tommy got supper to-night.
JULY 1915 (186-179) MONDAY 5
This was celebration day.
Tommy went to the office this forenoon.
Had the fish for dinner.
This afternoon we sat around, sewed and crocheted.
Tommy thought he would learn to crochet. Ola got him thread and hook and he got along nicely. Says now that he is going to make lace for his garage curtains.
After supper we went to Lake Harriet.
Never saw so many automobiles in all my life before. Packed in rows side by side by the police. There were 75,000 people to see the fireworks.
JULY 1915 (187-178) TUESDAY 6
Rained during the night and all to-day. Was cold enough to have fire in the furnace. Ola was tired and slept@ till nearly noon. Tommy didn't come home for dinner and this evening before coming home went to the armory to see the patrol which starts for Seattle Thursday morning to Shiners Convention. Tommy would like to go but he has too many irons in the fire this year. He went to Los Angles in 1913 and to Atlanta, Georgia in 1914 with the patrol.
After supper we all crocheted. Tommy has fifty inches now. He won't let any one help him.
JULY 1915 (188-177) WEDNESDAY 7
Cloudy all day. After Ola went to bed this forenoon had several phone calls. Inquiring about Ola. One lady, Mrs. Torrens said she was coming over this afternoon. She came. She was formerly from Estherville and knew Miss Roybar when she was teaching there. Also knew the Hubbbards in Spencer. Had a "cup of tea" before she left.
"This evening Tommy and Ola rode out to the house. I washed the dishes then read the account of Frank Holt who attempted to take the life of J. P. Morgan also exploded a bomb in Capitol at Washington. Killed himself by jumping from top of cell door.
JULY 1915 (189-176) THURSDAY 8
A beautifully warm day.
Ola went to the dressmaker's early this morning with Tommy. Got back at 9 o'clock.
I pressed my white dress to wear to the dressmaker's this afternoon.
Went with Tommy after dinner then afterward walked to the office and stayed until closing time.
The office girl, Miss Talbert, and I tatted together. She started to learn when I first came and can do it nicely now.
JULY 1915 (190-175) FRIDAY 9
Ola and I made an Angel Food cake by Aunt Doe’s recipe. The cake was good but had quite a sediment in bottom.
When Tommy came home at noon he said Mrs. Switzer had phoned him that she and Hazel were coming over in the afternoon. I had to go to the dressmaker's but got back at 4 o'clock. Hazel came in a few minutes afterward but had missed her mother down town. Had shopping to do in different places. Not finding Hazel she went right home then phoned over. Thought it had gotten too late to come but we insisted on her coming for we intended them to stay for supper.
JULY 1915 (191-174) SATURDAY 10
Cleaned up the house this forenoon and went again to the dressmakers this afternoon. My dress is going to be very comfortable. Plenty large. Afterward went to 5 and 10 cent store. Wandered around and bought a few little things. Bought a pound of salted peanuts and neither Ola or Tommy could eat them.
Was tired when I got to the office.
Ola had an outing too. Went to the store then to see Mrs. Fay and the baby- It is still alive and looking better.
We spent the evening at home crocheting.
Tommy and Ola would up by playing cards.
JULY 1915 (192-173) SUNDAY 11
Just two months to-day since Mae and I left Spencer for Albert Lea. Am here in Minneapolis now but have been to Watertown. Am getting ready to go back to Albert Lea and have my suitcase partly packed. Wonder when I'll get to Virginia.
This afternoon Tommy took us out for a ride and we surely had one for we rode about 60 miles. Went to Lake Harriet. A beautiful place to take one's dinner and give the children free range. Also went to Coms Park in St. Paul. Everything is grand.
JULY 1915 (193-172) MONDAY 12
Ola went with Tommy after breakfast to the house washed the dishes then commenced to copy in my new diary. A few days ago Tommy got me this nice diary book.
In the afternoon Ola went to her dressmaker's and I to mine. Found it all done. She only charged me $5.00 for making. It is a black crepe de chine. The goods were given to me last Xmas by Tommy & Ola.
Was back at 3:10 having been gone 1 1/2 hours.
Ola had gotten back and was lying down.
She persuaded me to lie down too. Was easily persuaded. I slept too long as I had my lavender and striped dressed to finish.
JULY 1915 (194-171) TUESDAY 13
Very warm to-day. Ola and I expected to go to Albert Lea this afternoon but she was taken sick this morning and we had to give it up. I thought now is the time to do a good deal of my diary copying. Wrote a while in the forenoon and also in the afternoon until I got sleepy. Went to sleep and woke up with a start. Thought Ola said; "You'll have to hurry if you want to get it in the paper." Went in the bedroom to see what she wanted and she was just waking up. Said she hadn't said anything and told me to die down again.
Tommy phoned to Albert Lea that we wouldn't be there to-day.
JULY 1915 (195-170) WEDNESDAY 14
A thunderstorm last night and another sultry morning.
Ola is better to-day and able to be up so we will leave to-morrow at 2 o'clock for Albert Lea.
To-day noon Tommy brought home quite a purchase for himself, socks, ties and shirts at a bargain. So I sent for some socks and ties.
Finished my lavender dress and did some mending.
To-night Tommy had to go to the office to write a letter and invited Ola and me to go with him. When he got to the office door found he's left his keys in garage door. We got our ride anyway.
JULY 1915 (106-169) THURSDAY 15
Quite warm. Ola went with Tommy after breakfast to get her dress and to the house to see the side-board. Wasn't quite as she expected it to be but according to specifications.
While she was gone I swept and dusted.
We then finished packing our suitcases and got ready for our journey to Albert Lea.
After we had had our dinner Tommy took us to the Rock Island depot and we left at 2:05.
When we got within two or three stations of Albert Lea we noticed they'd had a big wind and rain storm. The grain was laid flat. Dr. Aarnes met us in his auto, also Al and Mrs. Vickerman. 6:20.
JULY 1915 (197-168) FRIDAY 16
Mrs. Livingston is still here but is beginning to feel that she ought to go home.
She has decided however to wait so that Kenneth can take in the circus on the 20th. Barnum and Bailey's.
Edna isn't very strong yet. Al is very busy. Goes back to office nearly every evening after supper. He and Tommy are both complaining of their legs hurting. Caused from standing and in the same position all day.
Mrs. Vickerman came over this afternoon.
Mrs. Livingston went over to Mrs. Davies' to a hospital meeting of ladies. She wore my new ring. Mrs. L. took Mrs. V. and myself to movies. (Three girls)
JULY 1915 (198-167) SATURDAY 17
Mrs. Livingston and I washed and ironed our white dresses ready for the circus on Tuesday. Then she made a batch of ginger cookies and I wrote a little in my diary, that is copied into my book. Ola and Mrs. Aarnes come over in the afternoon and before long Mrs. Vickerman came. Mrs. L. passed her cookies around.
Edna was sick during the night with a chill. She stayed in bed until noon. Felt pretty well in the afternoon. She and Al went to a supper this evening given by Mrs. Gilrup. They carried her up and down two flights of stairs. We three girls went to the movies again to-night. This was my treat.
JULY 1915 (199-166) SUNDAY 18
Rained very hard during the night.
Mrs. Livingston and Kenneth were going to early church at 8 o'clock but it was wet so they gave it up until 10:30. We had a nice dinner of roast pork, creamed carrots, potatoes and gravy and fruit salad.
After dinner Al went with Dr. Aarnes to ball game and we women folks and Kenneth went to Dr. Aarnes' and stayed until after Al and Dr. Aarnes came back.
They treated us to watermelon. The first we've had this season.
Came home at 8 o'clock and got supper read a while and then went to bed.
JULY 1915 (200-165) MONDAY 19
I woke at 6 o'clock, got dressed and then at 7 o'clock sat down to catch up my diary that I have neglected since Thursday. Am just scratching it down to copy in my book later. The rest of the family are in bed yet. Will finish this day's proceedings when they're all over.
Evening--Spent the afternoon getting our picnic supper ready. Dr. and Mrs. Aarnes, Ola and Mrs. Vickerman, Mr. and Mrs. Gilrup, Kenneth, Edna, Al and I rode out with Mr. & Mrs. Green in their auto but they had to make two trips. Dr. Aarnes, Al and Kenneth waited back. We had a very nice supper and got home at 9:30
Am mistaken--Mr. & Mrs. Gilrup were hot with us.
JULY 1915 (201-164) TUESDAY 20
Circus day. Daddy Green was very kind. He took Mrs. Green, Mrs. Vickerman, Mrs. Livingston, Kenneth, Edna and I out to the grounds to watch them set up their tents and get their breakfast. They wouldn't let us close enough to see them cook and feed all those people. It certainly is summer. There was cooking baking washing tent raising and feeding all going on at once. Every person has his work to do. Watched them set up a tent then came home and got our breakfast. After washing the dishes we went up town to see the parade but they were so long in coming that Mrs. L. and I went home, put up a lunch and ate it in the office. Then Mrs. L. Kenneth and I took the jitney for the grounds. The circus was same as all other good ones. We walked home and were a little tired.
JULY 1915 (202-163) WEDNESDAY 21
This is the day planned by Mrs. Livingston to go home. She and I cleaned up the house. Got an early lunch for her and Kenneth so they could take the train at 12:20. I went to the depot with them and Edna went to Mrs. Aarnes.' I stopped there for her on my way back and they insisted on our staying for dinner. Dr. & Mrs. Aarnes had gone to a picnic. Ola and Mrs. Vickerman were home. We were hungry and enjoyed it.
JULY 1915 (203-162) THURSDAY 22
I cleaned the bedroom and dining room floors this forenoon also the bath-room.
The washerwoman was here this forenoon.
Edna went to a porch party this afternoon with Mrs. Aarnes and Ola to Mrs. Stephenson's.
Mrs. Vickerman came over with her crocheting. She went home at 5 o'clock and I went to get the clothes in. When I came in Edna was home and we got supper.
JULY 1915 (204-161) FRIDAY 23
Ironed this morning until 11:30 then got ready to go to Miss Gertrude Larson's for dinner. I met her mother, Mrs. Larson, who is very pleasant to visit with. She is an expert at making tatting and showed us a great many pieces with her work in. Two dressed trimmed elaborately with insertion and edging and a score or more of handkerchiefs and doilies.
Miss Larson served meat potatoes & peas, first course, a salad, second course, peeled muskmelon filled with ice 'cream, third course. Mrs. V. was a little offended when she found we were invited and I hadn't told her. It slipped my mind.
JULY 1915 (205-160) SATURDAY 24
I finished the ironing and Edna did a little baking.
We were expecting Tommy on the evening train. He arrived at 6:20 Dr. Aarnes meeting him at the train. I went over to the 6otor's to be there when they came. The women folks made quite a fuss over him. I wasn't quite so demonstrative and consequently brought up the rear to the garage to receive him. He will stay over Sunday then Ola will go back with him.
Edna invited them all over for dinner to-morrow.
Edna and Al went to the "Country Club" to a private dance with Dr. and Mrs. Aarnes, this evening.
JULY 1915 (206-159) SUNDAY 25
We got up late and Al went to the office after breakfast. While Edna and I were lingering at the table Tommy came in and had come for breakfast. We gave him some of the remains and to it added bacon and toast.
He then went to Al's office.
It kept us busy all forenoon getting dinner. It was not ready until 2 o'clock.
The dinner was very nice and they all seemed to enjoy it.
We had fried spring chicken, potatoes, cabbage salad, creamed carrot and peas, pickles. Dessert--Pineapple-Foam with whipped cream and cake.
JULY 1915 (207-158) MONDAY 26
We sewed to-day. I sewed on a undersuit for Nellie which I was going to send to Minturn with one that I've made for Mae but concluded that she might leave before it got there so just wrapped Mae's up and went up town. Sent her a letter also.
While up town bought a red belt and an Albert Lea souvenir cup and sent them to Keith to be there in Spencer for his birthday to-morrow. Bought baby ribbon for Edna but when I got home found I'd picked up an empty bag.
Al told us to-night of pulling out a boy's or young man's tooth and putting it in his pocket on the way home. Had filled some teeth for him and had this one ready to set but wanted him to bring the cash first (They are "dead beats"). He was advertising Al by taking it out and saying, "That's the kind of work he does."
JULY 1915 (208-157) TUESDAY 27
Keith's birthday. Wonder how the belt struck him. Sent him a card and asked him if he could write me one. Walter and Hilda haven't written me a word while I've been away since the 11th of May. I wrote them a letter and two cards. They're no hands to write but suppose Walter has been very busy with his carburetor.
Went uptown this morning and got the ribbon. It is to put in Mrs. Riley’s wedding vests. She will be Mrs. Free" before long if all goes well.
Mrs. Green came up and visited awhile with us this p.m.
It was Ladies' Aid and Edna wanted me to go with Mrs. Davies but I had some writing that I wanted to do.
Rained during the night and has been cloudy all day.
JULY 1915 (209-156) WEDNESDAY 28
Al'’s day at Glenville. I cleaned up front rooms and dining room this morning.
This afternoon I wrote a letter to Hannah Morton and a
card to Mattie telling her that I would be in Dickens Saturday evening. Took the letter to the mail box and from
there to visit with Mrs. Vickerman. Did not stay long as I found she had to go the dentists'. Did some copying in my diary after coming back and at 6 began to get supper.
When Al came back from Glenville he went right to the office and fooled me over the telephone.
He said something which I didn't understand and I said, "This is Dr. Thomas' residence." and he said, "Is he there?" Edna & Mrs. Aarnes went to a party this p.m.
JULY 1915 (210-155) THURSDAY 29
This afternoon Edna and I went up town to take her dress to be refitted. We each bought a pair of oxfords then went to the office and waited until Al was ready to close up. We all had a hand in getting supper.
This evening Mrs. Vickerman, Virginia Coulhusttter and
I went to the movies. Virginia treated us to ice cream.
Al went to the office after supper and Edna called on a neighbor. Edna came across the street while Mrs. V., Virginia and I were standing talking. We went with Mrs. V. for a short time.
JULY 1915 (211-154) FRIDAY 30
I cleaned up bath-room and kitchen then wrote a little in my diary.
Edna was invited to Mable Brandon's to a 1 o'clock luncheon. She got her new dress from Spencer this morning, two separate waists and wore the one with pink sleeves and girdle. Mrs. Aarnes took a load over in auto. Al and I ate dinner by ourselves.
This afternoon I took a bath and pared my everlasting corns. By the time I got through it was 5 o'clock and I had to go up town to take my oxfords back as they were small. Also sent the package containing the suit I made for Nellie also the ring she sent me to be stretched. The pearl ring was a present from Nellie. I am so pleased with it. Edna & Al got supper and after went to Casino to a select dance.
JULY 1915 (212-153) SATURDAY 31
Got up at 6 o'clock and packed my suit-case and left for Dickens at 12:20. Al and Edna slept until 8 o'clock as they were out late last night. After breakfast I went up town to buy a present for my nephew, Chauncey Heathcote who is to be married August 4 to Miss Gibson at Cuba City. Settled finally on a pie knife. Also purchased some bath. towels.
Sat down to eat a lunch at 15 to 12 but the hack came before I got through. Had quite a few minutes to wait and though of all the things I'd left among them my watch. Had no trouble in getting through. Jim & Mattie were in Dickens to meet me. Weren't long in getting home in auto. Poor "Shep" wasn't here to meet me at the gate. Some one ran over him with auto.
AUGUST 1915 (213-152) SUNDAY 1
A cloudy morning. It really doesn’t seem possible that I’m back on a farm. Can step right out doors without going down a flight of stairs.
There are very pleasant things connected with my visit in Minneapolis and Albert Lea even though there were steps to go up and down.
Had a big rain storm this afternoon. Thought it was going to be worse than it was and were all ready to go down cellar when the critical moment came. Thundered and lightened quite heavily.
There's so much rain that it is hard to get the oats cut. That what is cut is rotting in the stock.
Mattie and I picked half a bushed of beans this evening to pickle to-morrow.
AUGUST 1915 (214-151) MONDAY 2
We washed this morning but couldn’t get the clothes dry out doors. Hung some up in the house which were dry by night.
Rained a drizzly rain off and on all day.
This afternoon we picked over the beans and boiled then ready for pickling.
Mattie cut out and basted her brown skirt.
AUGUST 1915 (215-150) TUESDAY 3
Rained all day. Got quite a few clothes dried in the house yesterday so ironed them this morning.
After dinner work was done Mattie sewed on her skirt and finished it and I finished my striped dress having put a straight piece down the center of skirt back. It was goods that when washed shrunk crosswise instead of lengthwise.
AUGUST 1915 (216-149) WEDNESDAY 4
Chauncey Heathcote's and Miss Edna Gail Gibson's wedding day and a beautiful one. They were married at her sister's Mrs. Frank Ralph's at Cuba City, Wisconsin.
Mattie canned apples.
I hung out my pillows to air and when I brought them in this evening left Tommy's out, that is did not put them away.
AUGUST 1915 (217-148) THURSDAY 5
I finished the ironing this morning while Mattie did the other work.
Mattie cut out her white waist and partly made it. The goods were left from her wedding dress seven years ago.
At 3 o'clock she went out to the field with a lunch and drink for the men.
This has been another fine day and Jim is taking advantage of it to get his oats cut before another storm comes. They come so easily. Mr. Lahmon is helping Jim and this is the second night he has been here.
This afternoon I started to pack my trunk but didn't make much headway.
AUGUST 1915 (218-147) FRIDAY 6
Packed away my pillows again this morning and picked up a few more things from my trunk. Mattie finished her waist and is now ready for her Wisconsin trip.
After dinner I took my crocheting and went to the edge of the trees with my cushion to wait for the mail carrier. He came at about 1:30 and brought the registered package which he had left notice of in the box the day before. It was the ring which Nellie had given me and I had sent it back to be stretched.
It is just right now. I'm really tickled over it. Last thing in the world I'd have thought of. Also received a package from Ola with dress and skirt to be fixed for Virginia and June. A big rain. Jim finished cutting but had a little shocking to do.
AUGUST 1915 (219-146) SATURDAY 7
Mattie and I have been busy all day baking and cleaning. Got a letter from Nellie this afternoon saying that she and Mrs. Thomas, the lady with whom Nellie has boarded ever since she went to Sioux Rapids, were coming up this evening. She is such a good kindhearted lady. We went to the Grove to meet them after the chores were all done.
We were there just a few minutes before the train pulled in and saw them get off. We went right to the auto and got home at 9:30.
We got a little lunch and grape nectar to drink. We visited a little while than went to bed. Nellie gave Mrs. Thomas and me orders not to talk all night. We obeyed orders.
AUGUST 1915 (220-145) SUNDAY 8
Got up at 7 o'clock, got breakfast and lingered over it quite awhile.
Had dinner at 2 and after washing the dished Jim took us out in the auto and we kept on going until we got to Spencer. Jim drove right to the garage and we had only been there a few minutes when Walter came. Had just come back from the Lakes from taking a load and was going to take another load up and bring the first back, then be up there at 12 to bring the second one back. He drove us around the square and past the "old home." Saw Randall Tuttle's bungalow that he is building. Went to Walter's and had supper. Keith cried all the time we were there. Was afraid of us. Hope Mrs. Thomas enjoyed the ride. She seemed to. Got home at 9 o'clock and Jim & Mattie had the chores to do. Charley hadn't gotten home.
AUGUST 1915 (221-144) MONDAY 9
Jim took Mrs. Thomas and Nellie to Gillett Grove to take the 6:56 train. I went along.
We did a big washing this forenoon, two quilts included.
I started to pack my trunk, for my Virginia trip, this afternoon. Have done quite a bit of it but my! it's a slow job. Mattie ironed some and by suppertime we were both tired.
Rather looked for Walter down for to-night but guess he was tired from last night.
AUGUST 1915 (222-143) TUESDAY 10
Looked for the package to-day from Albert Lea containing my watch and other things I left but it failed to come.
We went up to Mrs. Thompson's this afternoon. Drove Joe, good little horse, in the buggy.
We had supper with Mrs. Thompson and Nellie and had a nice visit.
Walter didn't come this evening with her. A heavy black cloud came up and maybe he thought it was going to rain.
Packed a little more of my trunk to-night.
AUGUST 1915 (223-142) WEDNESDAY 11
I began to wonder how I was going to get to Spencer as Walter hadn't come but at 11 o'clock he and Keith came. He had brought some news and broke it by saying, "Keith has come to tell you that he has a little sister." They had come for me to go and stay awhile. We weren't looking for this to happen for a few weeks. It was looking very much like rain so Mattie got us a lunch and we started before the men came in. Got to Spencer just as it started to rain.
Found Hilda doing nicely and a fine little girl.
They had a nurse, Miss Snyder.
Before Walter came we had put letters in box to Walters' and Ed's that we would be with them Saturday morning but as they weren't gathered up by carrier Mattie went and took them out.
AUGUST 1915 (224-141) THURSDAY 12
This morning I found there was quite a washing to do which I was willing to help do but Mrs. Knudson and Walter decided to take them to the laundry so I did the housework and cooked the meals. Miss Snyder went to her room again at Mr. Hizer's to take her usual rest this afternoon.
Hilda has gotten several nice bouquets.
Keith is staying at Knudson's. He will have nothing to do with me. Doesn't see me often enough to be at ease with me. His is timid.
AUGUST 1915 (225-140) FRIDAY 13
Did nothing this forenoon but the work and get dinner. After washing the dishes I went up town with my shoes to be mended and mailed some cards.
Walters are in the house I have just bought. Just across the street, south of the west school house.
Chautauqua begins next Sunday and they began to-day to make preparations for erecting the tent which is to be in the school house yard.
AUGUST (226-139) SATURDAY 14
Washed out some clothes this morning and then got diner. After diner I cleaned up the kitchen and then got ready to go up town. Had a little business at the banks.
The tent for Chautauqua has gone up and seats arranged so they are ready for the opening to-morrow morning.
After supper Walter took Mr. and Mrs. Knudson, Keith and my self to band concert. Had just gotten home when Mattie phoned. They, with Mrs. Thompson had just gotten to town. Were late as they had been helping Paul Warwick thrash. Mattie and Mrs. Thompson came down and Jim and Charley came later.
AUGUST 1915 (227-138) SUNDAY 15
Am still at Walter's. Chautauqua began this morning. I got up at 6 o'clock, took a bath, set meat on to boil, got breakfast, washed dishes, stewed apples, peeled potatoes and then got ready for Chautauqua. Sermon by Roland A. Nickols. he dwelt on what became of Christ's Body. I stayed with Hilda this afternoon while Miss Snyder went to Chautauqua. The same man lectured on, "The Man Worth While." She also went in evening to "Maryland Singers."
Walter went with load to-day to Spirit Lake.
AUGUST 1915 (228-137) MONDAY 16
This morning after getting the work done I went up town to get my shoes. They were not done so sat and waited while he mended them. Afterward want to bank and while there the 12 o'clock blew. Went right home and cooked the fish that Walter brought from the Lakes yesterday.
This afternoon went to hear "Frick and his Maryland Singers."
At 6 o'clock Walter and I started for Mattie’s. I thought I must go back to get ready for our Wisconsin trip. Hilda had previously arranged that Minnie and Keith should go with us. Supper was all over.
AUGUST 1915 (229-136) TUESDAY 17
This has been a busy day. Got up early to wash. Had to mean business as I sent word to Fennimore that we would leave Dickens to-morrow evening. It has been cloudy and drizzly all day and have had to dry the clothes in the house as we had to get them ironed to-day. I was very tired when done, so went to lie down.
There are a thousand and one things to do to-morrow forenoon so as to leave something for the men to eat and little jobs both indoors and outdoors. Suit-cases to finish packing and trunk to tie up.
Baked a big batch of bread to add to the one Mattie baked yesterday.
AUGUST 1915 (230-135) WEDNESDAY 18
Mattie made pies and cake this forenoon while I washed clothes and got my trunk ready to tie up. She also picked a chicken and cooked it while getting dinner. We had to rush all morning as Jim was going to take us to Dickens right after dinner in car. We reached there at 2:30 with trunk in back seat and we three in front.
The train pulled in at 3:43. When the time neared and we were picking up our things Walter and Gotch drove up with his car. He just had time to help us on the train and bid us good by.
Was sorry he hadn't gotten in a little sooner.
Mailed his birthday present at Dickens.
AUGUST 1915 (231-134) THURSDAY 19
We reached McGregor at midnight and had to lie over two hours. Reached Woodman at 3:30. Did not go to bed but went in front room of hotel and lied down on lounger. It was pretty cool as we had nothing but our coats to keep us worm. We took no harm though and at 7 o'clock paid our bill and prepared to go. We had plenty of lunch so did not get breakfast at the hotel.
Left at 7:45 on the little "Dinkey" as they call it. A narrow gauge and it surely did seem dinkey after riding on broad gauge. Ate our lunch after getting on train. Reached Fennimore at 8:45 and found Walt and family in auto waiting for us. Had a cup of tea, visited, had dinner and then we all went to Ed's. Walt helped Ed stack oats. We women visited and after supper Mattie and I went back with Walt’s Ed and Helen are very much worried over Arthur. Helen is spry as can be but not as fleshy as I expected to see her. Daisy, Will and their three boys were there.
Walter's birthday.
AUGUST 1915 (232-133) FRIDAY 20
Walt went back to Ed's this morning but we stayed with Alda and girls. Alda and we two sat and talked all forenoon and Myrtie did the house work then went out and partly mowed before dinner. She finished it after we had had a lunch. After the dinner work was done we went to Billy Veedham's a block or so away. We stayed until 6 o'clock g by the Wisconsin River near Woodman. Walt had to get up early to take their provisions and bedding to the train which went out at 6 o'clock.
AUGUST 1915 (233-132) SATURDAY 21
After breakfast this morning Mattie and I decided to go out to Ed's with Walt and stay over Sunday so as to see Ray. He is, or we suppose, out in the country working.
We did little but talk and get the meals.
They finished stacking and Walt and Leila went home after supper.
AUGUST 1915 (234-131) SUNDAY 22
They talked some of going to Daisy's but we couldn't come to any decision. After doing the work I wrote to Nellie and Mae.
After Supper Helen wanted Ed to get the car out and give us a ride up to Preston but he wasn't in the right kind of humor.
Ray came down about 11 o'clock and stayed until after supper. He looks as healthy as ever and brown as can be. Had to get back early to go and see Minnie I suppose.
Ed wouldn't go out so we sat around and talked til bedtime. Ed doesn't feel like going anywhere.
AUGUST 1915 (235-130) MONDAY 23
Ed decided to go to Waukesha and see Arthur where he went last Friday.
It is a very disagreeable job for him as it makes him feel badly. Will probably stay a few days.
We washed this forenoon and ironed this afternoon so as to be ready for our trip to Daisy's to-morrow.
Helen and Mattie went out and got enough berries for supper and breakfast and for one quart canned.
Ray came down this evening and stayed over night.
AUGUST 1915 (236-129) TUESDAY 24
Got up early this morning to get ready to do to Daisy's. Helen put up some eatables to take, we got the work done, Chauncey did his chores and was ready to start at 10:15. Ray went with us. Found Daisy quite busy so we all pitched in and helped. The men went to their stacking. Helen and Mattie cleaned the chickens and I helped Daisy with the apple dumplings and peeled the potatoes. We had a fine dinner. After Ray and Chauncey went back to Preston to help parties thrash, the other men went to stacking and we women sat around the table and talked. Before washing dishes we cleaned up the chicken and dumplings. Helen went back with Walt’s after supper and Chauncey met her at Jim Watchhorn’s.
AUGUST 1915 (237-128) WEDNESDAY 25
They are having fine weather now for stacking. Walt thought he might come back this morning and if he did would take Mattie and me to Montfort. We got ready but he didn’t come. Chauncey and Helen came, so we waited until after dinner and Chauncey took us in.
We first went to Jennie Hazeltine’s. She looks natural but is fleshy and troubled with rheumatism. Moreland Preston, his wife and two of his daughters were there. When Moreland was a little boy and Mother and Father were away harvesting he would come and stay with me and help to drive the sheep in. He remembered it. Hadn’t seen him for at least 20 years. A big change in him.
Visited with them a couple of hours, then to Hattie Munder Preston’s then to Abbie Dinsdale Dexter’s and from there to see Mr. & Mrs. Matt Parker. They have changed considerably. Mary wasn’t home and Matt didn’t know us for a minute or so. Will come for us after he got his chores done.
AUGUST 1915 (238-127) THURSDAY 26
It was almost 11 o'clock when we went to bed last night. Were ready to "hop in" when Ed came back from Waukesha. No one but Daisy went out to meet him as we thought it better not to enter into any talk as it was so late. He found Arthur no worse, better if anything. Thinks Arthur is realizing his condition. Hope he is and will work for a cure. Talked things all over after breakfast and Ed went out to help Will stack his remaining four loads. Mattie and I intended to go to Montfort again in the afternoon, make a few more calls and then take the 4 o'clock train for Preston but Will, we found had planned to take Ed out in p.m. so we went with them. Came by the "old home" went all through the deserted house. This is where all the children were born. Mr. Tohsbinder has built a new house in the old orchard. The barn and house look natural. Went on and stopped at Cemetery then to Ed's, got supper, then to Preston, we stopped at Maria’s and Will, Daisy and boys went on home. Will is a good fellow and both he and Daisy showed us a good time. Ray came after work.
AUGUST 1915 (239-126) FRIDAY 27
Had a good night's rest at Maria's. Ray came in at 8 o'clock on his way to work to thresh. After breakfast Mattie and I took a walk around Mother's house and finally found we could get inside. It made me think of her and her sickness: How she did suffer! It makes one's heart ache to think of it, but I wouldn't call her back, if I could, to go through all that.
While we were around the house we made quite a sensation among the little folks around as they thought we were gypsies and reported us as such. Went back to Maria’s, had dinner then went over to call on Mrs. Walker. Thirteen years has made a difference in her body. We then called on Mrs. Lafe Melloe, and then on Mrs. Everson and Minnie. Found them nice people, clean and comfortable home. Minnie seems to be a very nice girl, keeps the Post Office and Central. Ray thinks she is all right and so do I. Ed & Helen came for us in auto.
AUGUST 1915 (240-125) SATURDAY 28
This day has gone like all others. We do a little work and good deal of talking. Ed and I sat at the table a long time after breakfast talking then he went out to help Chauncey haul manure.
After a while I went out to watch the horses while Chauncey came in the house for something then I found Ed and we talked all the time Chauncey was gone with his load. Ed is full of trouble he has just arrived at the "parting of the ways."
Ed and Helen brought us here to Walt's this afternoon. Left there at 4 o'clock. They went back after supper. Walt went to depot to meet us thinking we would come on the train.
Chauncey and Edna were going to Montfort this evening.
AUGUST 1915 (241-124) SUNDAY 29
Was raining this morning when we got up. Didn't rain long but was cloudy and cold all day. Kept fire in Kitchen stove all day.
In the evening Alda, Mattie, Leila and I went to church.
Tried to get Walt to go with us but he said he was "too busy." Had one cow to milk. Quite a satisfactory excuse. Met Charley Mark's wife, was Grace Willison. George and Mae Ableiter were there and had come from Preston. They wanted me to go back with them. I promised to go some day with Ed and Helen.
Myrtle's intended, Mr. Gilbertson, came after we started to church. Met him after we got back. He is a farmer near Preston. Seemingly a nice man and very industrious.
AUGUST 1915 (242-123) MONDAY 30
Wash day. Were all through by 11 o'clock. Mattie left about 10 and took dinner with Julia Muender. In the afternoon Walt took Alda, Mattie and myself to the depot to find out something about my ticket to Virginia. I want, if possible, to change to Milwaukee line in Madison so as to
to Kress'. Walt came for us in auto.
AUGUST 1915 (243-122) TUESDAY 31
Got ready to go to Kress' when we got up. Ed's came about 8:45 and we left at 9:30. Stopped at Lancaster a little while. While Ed was doing his business Helen, Mattie and I looked through the courthouse.
Had trouble in one place from there. We failed to turn on the right cross road. Turned on a road farther south which proved to be a road that is not traveled much. Ed walked ahead quite a piece and thought we would get through. We did but it was quite rough. Seemed to jam the car and when we got out on the main road the engine died. We worked a long time with it then he found the feed had been jarred off. Went all right the remainder of the way. They were surprised. Helen had phoned from Lancaster and Anna understood that it was another Helen. Jennie wandered what a big, fat woman was coming.
Had such a good visit with Kress' and they were glad that it was this Helen instead of Helen living in Lancaster. Helen phoned them from Lancaster.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (244-121) WEDNESDAY 1
Haven’t been able to sleep mornings till the family where ever I was began to stir until this morning and apparently for that reason Ed got up early. We had a long ride yesterday and a hard time just after we left Kress’s. The car balked in earnest and we couldn’t coax it to go. So Mattie walked on to a house and phoned to Kress’ to get someone to come and look it over. Found it was not feeding, clogged up. He cleaned it out and had no further trouble. Reached home at 8:50. Ed hauled manure this forenoon and part of p.m.
We were invited to George Abbeter's for supper and intended to leave at 5 o'clock but it was nearer 6:30. Helen took some eggs to trade out at the store. Reached there about 7:30. Supper was waiting. We went over in surrey and glad we did. Such a road! Ray came when we were getting ready.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (245-120) THURSDAY 2
This morning Mattie and I took "Bessie,” Walt’s horse that he can't sell, and drove around by our home where father spent his last days. The old rock house that we lived in is torn down for foundations for other buildings. The two big cottonwoods in front of the house are still there. Drove under the lone apple tree in the old orchard and picked off three apples. Mattie wondered what I wanted those for but she doesn’t realize how we, in those days, prized the old apple tree. From there we went to Ben Walker’s. He was gone to Plotteville fair but we had a good visit with Annie and Tressie. I think Tressie goes to school under difficulties. Hope they’ll see it and let her stay in town. Left there a 3 o’clock for Ed’s. Left Ed’s at 5:20 for Fennimore and to Mr. Dixon’s for supper.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (246-119) FRIDAY 3
Mattie and I are at Walt's, did not go back with Ed's as Mattie expected to start home to-night. She left at 5 o'clock. Would go right to McGregor and there would have six hour wait. Will reach Dickens at 10 to-morrow morning. After leaving depot Walt took us along the Stilze road for a ride.
In the evening Lysses Walker and family drove up. Every body has an automobile so they have no trouble to get to town.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (247-118) SATURDAY 4
Walt and Alda planned this morning that we would drive to Boscobel but Billy Veedham came over early and wanted us to go with them to Castle Rock. They had company. Hanna Woodard Boyd’s daughter and her husband from Madison. We went on the road east of Preston and running through Gas Hollow.
Went by the site of the school house that I used to go to when I was about fourteen years old and when we were living on the George Heathcote’s place and to which Mrs. Sam Needham, his daughter, fell heir.
We reached the foot of Castle Rock at 1 o’clock, had our diner and then began to climb. Mrs. Needham, Alda and I went along till the climb was nearer the perpendicular, then we let them go. Got home, had supper, then Walt took us, in car, to band concert.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (248-117) SUNDAY 5
Sun was shinning when we got up but while we were eating breakfast it got cloudy and somewhat dark. The girls, Myrtle and Hazel were expecting their company and others to go to Castle Rock to have a picnic. There was no rain here but near Annaton it rained hard which prevented Harley Walker, a cousin of the girls, from coming at the appointed time. He came at noon, so they all started and would get there about 1 o'clock and no doubt would be in good trim to devour the greater portion of the good things they took to eat. We four got our diner after they left then Walt and Alda proposed taking a ride. We went to Boscobel and then a mile beyond to Tanner Walter’s. They insisted on our staying for supper. Got back a litter after dark. Girls had gotten home.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (249-116) MONDAY 6
Walt brought me out to Ed’s this morning. It began to rain right after getting here so Walt thought he would go right back as the roads would get slippery.
Found Helen washing. Chauncey and Edna had gone up to their place for the day.
This afternoon Ed and Helen took me out to Daisy's. Daisy had just gotten home from town. Had been to get Willard. This was the first day of his school life and a wonderful day.
Ed and Helen left after supper. As the roads were not good Daisy and I watched them out of sight. The hill they went down right after leaving the house was the worst place, the car skidded a little there when we came out. We saw them over the next hill so concluded they'd go all right.
Chores, a little talk afterward and going to bed ended the day.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (250-115) TUESDAY 7
The morning brought the usual chores. The carpenters came before we were through with breakfast. This was the beginning of a new porch they ware going to have on the south and east sides of their house.
The original plan for to-day was that Daisy would take me to town this p.m., make a few calls and then I would take the 4 o'clock train for Preston. But Will and Daisy had secretly planned otherwise. We were to go to town, make our calls, come back to supper and they would take me out after doing chores. Reached Maria's about 9 and they were in bed. We were going on to Chauncey's to have a little fun so left my suit-case. We were tickled to see then light at Chauncey's so we drove under the trees, unhitched the horses, as the children were asleep in bottom of wagon, got out our tin pails and sticks. We stopped in shade while C. Walked out to the barn then commenced rattling. He walked back to the house whistling but he was really frightened. He and Edna held a consultation then he came out and we yelled and hounded and called for the imaginary crowd to come on. He didn't know what to do and we finally broke down with laughter at his seriousness. Only three of us, but tried to make them believe there was a big crowd in reservation, Maria sent me to Mrs. Lafe Mellor's as they had some travelers.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (251-114) WEDNESDAY 8
Mrs. Lafe Mellor was in bed when we got there last night and Daisy had a time to make her understand what she wanted as she was in her first sleep. Thought for a while I would have to go back with Will’s. Was all right when she understood. Went to Maria’s before breakfast and found the travelers just ready to leave.
They had come from Whitewater, two ladies and a gentleman and one of the ladies was sick with riding but was better this morning. They were going to Lancaster.
This afternoon Maria and I went to Everson's. Maria went home son but I stayed until after supper. Would have gone sooner but a storm came up without my realizing that it was coming here. Minnie found me some rubbers so got to Maria's before it got real dark. Ray had gone with rubbers and coat but I had left. He went around by the store.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (252-113) THURSDAY 9
I spent all forenoon with Maria and Minnie. In the afternoon I went over to mother's house, where Ray is batching and had a talk with him. told me about the future and what he would like to do. I don't know how things will turn out. I fancy if he gets married he will settle down. He hasn't worked and saved as he ought to have done but now that the future looks bright I don't want to discourage him. I went over to Maria's and Ray went up to the store to get some Kerosene and was going to cook potatoes for his supper but Maria invited him over their for supper. Ed and Helen came up in car for me this evening.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (253-112) FRIDAY 10
Ed and I sat and talked all forenoon while Helen did the work including cleaning the floors. I can't talk and work so it is a good thing there is some one to do it. Ed is full of talk and has a good deal to tell about his seven months at the legislature. He is Assemblyman elected in fall of '14.
He has a dandy stock farm but hasn't made up his mind how to run it as Chauncey has just gotten married and setting up for himself and Arthur is away too. There is always a way to adjust matters and as time goes on that way will present itself.
Partly patched an undersuit for Ray this afternoon and that is a very fair sample of what I do every day.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (254-111) FRIDAY 11
Have done the same old thing most of the day. Any one that reads the foregoing can tell what that is.
Finished and washed Ray’s union suit this afternoon.
Helen got a letter from Mattie the first we have heard from her here. Suppose there's a letter for me at Fennimore’s. She found every thing slick. Jim had stayed in that forenoon and cleaned every thing up even to the floors. That's the way I told her she would find things. She was dreading the dirty dishes and house. It is just fine to go home and find everything clean. It almost spoils a good visit to go home and find the house all topsey turvy.
A week ago this morning since she got home.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (255-110) SUNDAY 12
I thought we might have to-day to call at a place or two but it has thundered, lightened and rained all day. To-morrow the roads will be muddy. Looked for Ray down this morning but he must have thought the roads were too muddy to walk.
I did some writing this forenoon when a terrible thunder bolt came which must have struck something near by. I threw down my pen in a hurry and as Ed was out at the barn went to see if that was all right. I saw him standing in the barn door. We also had heavy lighting in the evening.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (256-109) MONDAY 13
Helen and I decided to wash and after we started Ed said he would go to Fennimore, as he couldn't haul manure and send out the Blue books which had been sent there from Madison, so we thought if we could persuade Ed to wait and have an early dinner it would be a good chance to visit George Needham's. He consented, by his actions, we rushed our washing through and by 12 o'clock we were ready to start.
Ray came just at that time and Helen put up a lunch for him in a paper sack. We stayed at Georges' until 4 o'clock then went to Chauncey's to wait for Ed and Ray. Got home just at dark. Could not stay for supper.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (257-108) TUESDAY 14
Rained all night like it did all day--a short interval between storms. This morning the sun came out very hot. Ed wanted to go to Daisy's to help Will shingle the new porch but the clouds looked so uncertain. After dinner he and Ray went to get the car ready but by that time there was a big, black cloud coming up and it surely did rain and into the night too.
We had a good time any way. Ed got a funny streak and sang "Uncle Joe" and other pieces then had Ray whistle "The Washerwoman" and he danced. Was glad to see him forget his troubles for a little while.
Arthur's condition is all the real trouble he has if he could think so. That's enough. I read a short story; Ludlow Auction and we went to bed at 11 o'clock. Ray had the tooth ache all evening.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (257-108) WEDNESDAY 15
Ray left Ed’s this morning about 10 o’clock. We, Ed, Helen and I were going up but he thought we would walk up but he thought we would be some time so he said he would walk up and have himself so we sent word to Maria that we would be there for dinner.
We got there about noon but went up to the store first.
Ed and Helen left soon after dinner and I got ready and at 3:30 went up to Everson's and stayed until train time, 4:20.
Got to Fennimore and walked down to Walt's. They expected me to come by auto.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (259-106) THURSDAY 16
Spent the forenoon mostly in visiting with Walt and Alda. Girls are in school.
This afternoon Alda and I went to Billy Needham's and Walt came over to supper.
We were in darkness about half the time as there was something wrong with the electric light plant.
Came home about 9 o'clock but was 11 o'clock before we went to bed.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (260-105) FRIDAY 17
I washed a few clothes this morning getting ready to start on my trip to-morrow.
Will go as far as Madison and lie over until Monday.
Alda did most of her Saturday's work. She thought we might go out to Ed's to-morrow morning.
After dinner I went up to the bank with Walt and Ray. He came just before dinner and went back to Preston on the 2:20 train. After I went to Hannah Needham Fosbinder's and spent the afternoon with her.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (261-104) SATURDAY 18
Got up early this morning, took a bath and partly packed my suit-case. Finished packing after my clothes I washed yesterday got ironed. Myrtle ironed them for me.
I was busy getting some books straightened up while she ironed.
Left Fennimore at 2:20 for Madison and arrived there at 5 o'clock. Had written Stella Walker Kraemer that I would be with them over Sunday so she and Vera met me at the depot. Think I could say found their place by the good description of the way, which Ed had given me, but I was very glad that they were there.
Ray came to Walt's just before dinner and rode to Preston with me.
Walt and I went down town just before dinner and helped me buy my traveling bag.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (262-103) SUNDAY 19
Found Fred and Stella very comfortably situated.
We went to the Methodist church this morning.
Stella and I came home after church but the rest stayed to Sabbath school. I found her object in coming home was to get dinner earlier than usual as they had planned an automobile ride for 3 o'clock, unbeknown to me, and for my pleasure.
Was so nice of them.
We went to church again in the evening.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (262-102) MONDAY 20
This morning was a little foggy after raining the greater part of the night, but cleared off nicely about the middle of the forenoon. Stella got her work done early then we went to look through the capitol, which is only about a block away. They have a beautiful building, which is not yet completed. Are now putting on the fourth wing and will require two years more to complete it.
Went into the Assembly room and saw where Ed sat during the seven months he was there.
Got back at 10:30. Stella got dinner while I wrote some cards. After dinner Stella and Elmer went with me to depot where I took the train to Chicago at 1:07. Reached Chicago at 5 where I was met by Sidney Mellor who took me to his home 25 miles to a suburban town. Went on the Northwestern line to his place.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (264-101) TUESDAY 21
Had a very nice visit with Sidney and wife, first time I had really met her to know her.
Sidney's work is in the heart of the city so I went back with him the next morning and he helped me back to the Union Station and also got my suit-case checked. He then bid me good bye and went to his place of business. I afterwards got my ticket for parlor car and went out and bought a little lunch to eat on the way.
Left Chicago at 10 and reached Columbus at 8:05 where I found George and Annie Phillipo to meet me and take me to their home until Thursday evening.
Certainly, I've been lucky thus far.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (265-100) WEDNESDAY 22
Was late when Annie and I got up this morning and George had gone to his work. Annie is not in good health and as she cannot sleep the earlier part of the night has to make it up in the morning.
We passed a pleasant but short forenoon and in the afternoon in response to Mrs. Martin's (a friend of Annie's) Came home, Annie got supper which I hugely enjoyed as I was good and hungry. George puts in 14 hours every other day and this was one of those days. He gets his supper at the shop and also get a lunch after getting home. Was just eating when Dr. Howell came in and he also got something to eat. He is an Episcopalian and we talked on some of the beliefs of that church. Supposed he was shocked when I said that at Communion couldn't believe that the bread and wine was turned into the real body and blood of Christ.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (266-99) THURSDAY 23
A beautiful morning. Had to make preparations this morning for making a new start on my journey. Packed my suit-case early as Annie and I were invited to take an automobile ride this afternoon. Rode to Plain City twenty-five miles west, George's and Annie's home before moving to Columbus.
Got Back just a few minutes before George came home from work.
At 8:30 we started for the Union Station where I took the train on Norfolk and Western. They went into Pullman with me for a few minutes. After the train pulled out I got so very sick. Had to undress a little at time then lie down until I'd get over that spell.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (267-98) FRIDAY 24
Had the sensation all night of "twisting and turning" and in the morning dressed with great difficulty. Had to dress in installments, thought I never would get dressed and resolved that if I ever got dressed I would never undress again on the train. I ate a little as soon as I could get around to it but did not feel right until I got to Roanoke. We were ready to change so after getting settled again I ate two oranges and a peach and the oranges were so good. We had 65 miles more to Forest where I got off and was the only passenger to get off. Orville was there to meet me in auto. Rode five miles to "New London Academy" where he is teaching. Both Orville and Tillie are looking much better than they used to. First time I've seen the children.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (268-97) SATURDAY 25
Went to bed late last night. Three of the teachers came over last night, Miss Martha, Miss Davis and Miss Burnes. Suppose they were anxious to see what Prof Thomas’ mother was like.
There are a few Westerners and it is certainly easy to know a westerner from a native. Most of the natives are hard for me to understand, a fast, cut off way of talking.
This morning Tillie and I went to the cornfield where two boys were finishing the cutting of it. It is certainly fine. Orville sent 10 ears to the Lynchburg fair. I hope he’ll get 1st prize. N.L.A. is teaching Agriculture.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (269-96) SUNDAY 26
Took a bath this morning the first thing. At 10:30 we went to the little Presbyterian Church, which is only the width of a street away. Sabbath school had preceded it. The minister, Mr. Oliver preached a very good sermon on "Opportunity." We afterwards went to the Dormitory for dinner.
In evening went to a young people's meeting.
The buildings here are school buildings, girls old dormitory, new dormitory, boys dormitory, the "Lodge," where Orville lives and right beside it the little church.
This school has just celebrated its' 120th Anniversary and is a state institution.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (270-95) MONDAY 27
A rainy morning so can't wash.
Mrs. Reed, one of the neighbors called on her way to New London and came back in time for dinner.
She is a real Southerner and it was difficult for me to understand her. She stayed all afternoon and just rattled only when she went up stairs for a nap. She brought us some nice to-\ mah\-toes. Wonder why they don’t say po-tah-toes. They sound the "a" like "a" in cane.
Miss Martha and Miss Bushong called on us this evening.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (271-94) TUESDAY 28
Cloudy this morning but the indications are such that we will be able to wash and get the clothes dry.
Tilda, the Negress, came early and had walked two miles. We got all through by noon and after Tilda got the dishes washed she started ironing. Tillie and I before dinner, and while the little children were over playing, started cleaning the yard, carrying bricks and stones away. The little fellows worked well and we make quite an improvement.
I got tired as that kind of work has been out of my line all summer.
Sent my journey letter off this morning to Nellie. This is to go around so as to save writing the same thing to all.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (272-93) WEDNESDAY 29
Rained nearly all night. We finished the ironing this morning.
We rested this afternoon as we felt the effects of our yard work yesterday.
It seems impossible almost to settle down to do sewing or writing. The writing humor hasn’t taken hold of me yet.
Suppose they’ll all be wondering why I don’t write.
Orville is talking of going to Lynchburg fair to-morrow.
SEPTEMBER 1915 (272-92) THURSDAY 30
Cloudy. Orville is going to Lynchburg about 6:30 this morning. It is five miles to Forest and he walked.
Had to get there to take the 9 o’clock train.
Started to rain after dinner and rained steadily ever since and is now 9:30. Don’t see how he can get home to-night. Expected to get some one at Forest to bring him but I don’t know how any one could drive out in this drenching rain.
Think he is not coming so Tillie and I are going to bed.
OCTOBER 1915 (274-91) FRIDAY 1
We had just gotten in bed last night when Orville came. Had ridden back with neighbor who had been to Lynchburg Fair too.
He took 3rd prize on his corn. $7.50.
Tillie had sick headache this afternoon so she went to bed and I got supper.
Miss Martha and Miss Bushong came over this evening.
Been rainy weather since Tuesday but cleared up this afternoon.
OCTOBER 1915 (275-90) SATURDAY 2
Been a beautiful day.
Tillie did some baking this forenoon while I did the other work.
About 5 o’clock this afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Johnston came with three bushels of apples that Orville had bargained for. They cost $1. and beautifully hard apples.
They are people who came from near Ames, Iowa two years ago. They seem to like living here.
Tillie insisted on their staying for supper.
OCTOBER 1915 (276-89) SUNDAY 3
This had been another nice day.
All but Virginia and I went to Sunday school.
My corns had been hurting for several days so took this forenoon to trim them. It is quite a lengthy job to clean up my feet, not because the surface exceeds that of a great many other feet but from the corn growing under the nails. It afforded entertainment for Virginia.
We all went to the dormitory again for dinner. We afterward visited with Miss Bushong and Miss Davis in old dormitory then they showed us through domestic business rooms. After supper we went to Young people’s meeting in the hall.
OCTOBER 1915 (278-87) MONDAY 4
A good morning and Tilda came to wash.
We got through by noon and then the ironing began. It's a hard day's work for all.
Tilda went home with a little supper in her hand as she had two miles to walk through the woods and would be dark if she stayed until the regular supper time.
The ball ground just back of the house was mowed this morning.
Tillie took her music lesson this morning so we had Miss Mollie for dinner.
OCTOBER 1915 (278-87) TUESDAY 5
Rained nearly all night and all day to-day.
There were a few things left to be ironed this morning.
I mended the stockings this afternoon.
We do very little sewing. The time goes and we do very little but cook and eat.
OCTOBER 1915 (279-86) WEDNESDAY 6
Rained nearly all day.
Miss Davis, Miss Barnes and Miss Harmanson came over after school. Had been down to the little store, about half a quarter away.
Tillie invited them over after school to-morrow evening to eat cookies and drink tea.
OCTOBER 1915 (280-85) THURSDAY 7
A wet, muddy morning.
This was Miss Mollies day. She wore her rubber boots from the little village. It was Tillie's lesson day too so we had Miss Mollie for dinner.
Pete the little Negro boy at the dormitory come over, brought and peeled the potatoes for me while I made an apple pudding.
Had the things going for dinner so Tillie was relieved as she had been thinking about it while taking her lesson. The teachers came over this evening. The Misses Davis, Barnes, Harmanson, Evans and Bushong. I put my red, percale dress on this p.m. and when Orville came home he said, "That is the kind of a dress that the colored people liked to wear.” The teachers were more considerate. They expressed themselves by saying, “Very becoming,” “Lovely,” etc.
OCTOBER 1915 (278-87) FRIDAY 8
A beautiful sunshiny day. We appreciate it after so much rain.
Tillie cut a shirt out for Orville, while I changed, this afternoon.
After that we took a walk into the woods, on the road leading to Mr. Oliver's.
Mr. Oliver is the minister in the church here, preaches every other Sunday.
The roads, winding through the woods are beautiful. Such large oak trees. There are such nice large oaks on the school campus.
Tillie ran away to-night to visit with the teachers in the old dormitory, I didn't know what had become of her and couldn't go to sleep till she came back.
OCTOBER 1915 (282-83) SATURDAY 9
This is Arthur's birthday. Just sent him a letter Thursday but his birthday being so near at hand didn't strike me. Hope he is still gaining.
Orville and Donald started out this morning at 6:30 with Mr. Gooch to Bedford City to attend the Farmer's Union, 16 miles. Donald went to get some teeth filled. Got back about 5 o'clock.
There was a ball game on the ground here this afternoon between the N.L.A.'s and the Lawyer school. 9 to 1 in favor of N.L.A.'s.
The lady teachers were invited to Miss Daisy's this afternoon. Donald had some big things to tell about his trip. Saw a factory making tin cans.
OCTOBER 1915 (283-82) SUNDAY 10
This is the third nice day in succession.
It turned cold Friday night and fire in the grate has felt good since then.
I was cold in bed Friday night but last night I piled on more covers and was comfortable.
These have been their first frosts.
The boys went to S. School then they came home to take care of Virginia while Tillie and I went to church.
Met some more ladies. It was given out that the "Ladies' Aid" will meet here next Saturday.
We had a rather late breakfast then Orville got ready to go to Richmond. We did not go to Vespers as we couldn't get the children in bed soon enough.
OCTOBER 1915 (284-81) MONDAY 11
Tilda came before we had breakfast.
She got the clothes on to boil and then washed the dishes after when got something to eat.
I finished a letter and Tillie got things ready for dinner.
Miss Mollie came over for Tillie to take her music lesson, thought something was the matter as she wasn't over at the dormitory in time. Miss Mollie was here for dinner. I ate too much and didn't feel like helping to iron till after Tillie made a good cup of tea. We had cocoa for dinner. Got the ironing all done. Miss Martha, Miss Bushong, Miss Davis, Miss Barnes and Miss Harmanson came over after school.
A letter from Ray.
OCTOBER 1915 (285-80) TUESDAY 12
Tillie and I each got a letter from Orville in Richmond.
Thinks he will get the appropriation for N.L.A.
We did the mending then Tillie began to work on the dress that Ola sent me to make into dressed for June and Virginia. We looked it over and thought it could be easily fixed up for Tillie. She will get a nice dress out of it.
We have heard through Pete that Miss Florence and Miss Harmanson are going to have a party so Tillie wants to have the dress ready for the occasion.
Tillie and I, after getting the children to bed, went over to the new dormitory to call on Miss Harmanson and Miss Barnes. Were entertained in miss H's room. Had such a nice time. Had pineapple jam between crackers, two kinds of cookies, crackers and cheese.
A letter from Edna & Al came this morning. Mrs. Read called on her way to the village.
OCTOBER 1915 (286-79) WEDNESDAY 13
Orville's birthday and can it be possible that he is forty years old. Born in Grant Co. Wisconsin Oct. 13, 1875. Little we thought then the he would ever live in Virginia. But here he is and here am I to visit them. Landed here September 24.
Tillie made a birthday cake yesterday.
This morning I made a cream pie and Tillie picked a chicken for dinner.
Orville came home this morning in time for school, walked home from Forest, five miles.
He feels quite sure that he and Mr. Brown have gotten the appropriation for the school through.
OCTOBER 1915 (287-78) THURSDAY 14
We are going, if the weather is favorable, to Bedford City to the County Fair, to-morrow, so this is preparation day. We made bread and cinnamon rolls and with the remainder of Orville’s birthday cake and sandwiches which we will prepare in the morning will have enough. will buy some bananas on the ground if we can.
After dinner Orville said he was going to Forest to get the traveling bag he left when he came back from Richmond so we all went with him for the ride.
Miss Martha, Miss Bushong and Mr. Heflin were over awhile this evening.
OCTOBER 1915 (288-77) FRIDAY 15
Got up early this morning to get ready for the fair. The morning was foggy but we decided that it would clear up which it did when we got about half way there.
We had a pleasant day. The cattle and horse shows didn't amount to much but the exhibits in products and needle work were good.
We enjoyed seeing the aeroplane go up twice. The boys and Virginia were taken up with the "Merry-go-Round," first time they had seen one. New London Academy was the blue ribbon on exhibits in Manual Training and Domestic Science. Got home just at dark without even having to go over the stony roads.
OCTOBER 1915 (289-76) SATURDAY 16
This is the day after the fair and we all feel the lazy, tired feeling following such days.
Orville had to go back to the fair to look after the exhibits and pack them up ready to be sent to the Rustburg Fair next week. Mr. Heplin and Mr. Hanel went with him. They got home before dark.
Tillie and I got ready this morning for Ladies Aid this afternoon. Made four pies, two lemon and two cream. Served a piece of each to each person. These were only six ladies. Mrs. Barnet and her sister who is visiting the two Mrs. Hanel’s, Mrs. Saunders and Miss Daisy.
They discussed the possibility of a new wire fence around the church and cemetery. After eating the pie they left. I carried some pie over to Miss Bushong & Miss Harmanson.
Mr. Johnston came over to-might and brought me a pail of beautiful Black Living apples. We'll keep them till X-mass.
OCTOBER 1915 (290-75) SUNDAY 17
A cloudy morning Orville and the boys went to Sunday school and at noon all of us but Donald went to the dormitory for dinner. Donald had not behaved well in S.S. Tillie had told both the boys what their punishment would be if they were naughty so she made her word good--stay home and ate bread and milk. When she says a thing she sticks to it.
After dinner Orville took us to Bethel church and after it closed we went home with Mr. & Mrs. Johnston. These are people who came here two years ago from near Ames, Iowa. We went through his orchard then came home.
OCTOBER 1915 (291-74) MONDAY 18
Still cloudy, so much so that Tilda did not come to wash. Tillie took her music lesson and we had Miss Mollie for dinner.
This afternoon Mrs. Kregg her sister-in-law and baby called, drove up in buggy.
I made my first school visit this afternoon.
Was in Miss Martha's room two periods while she taught her geography classes then went to Orville's history class. This took all the afternoon.
Mrs. Sammy Read was here part of the forenoon. She is such a talker and the worst of it is I can't understand her, she talks so fast.
OCTOBER 1915 (292-73) TUESDAY 19
Tilda came this morning and that always means a hard day's work as we both wash and iron.
Mr. Oliver, the minister, and his wife called this afternoon.
This was the last day of school for this week.
The teachers are going to Teachers Convention and School fair at Rustburg, Convention Wednesday and Thursday and fair Friday.
Tillie and I went over to call on the teachers this evening. They were all in Miss Bushong's room.
They were getting ready for their trip.
OCTOBER 1915 (293-72) WEDNESDAY 20
Rained all last night. Spoiled every body's plans for going away early. About noon Orville and Mr. Heplin started, on foot, to Forest. Mr. Hanel took the lady teachers. Could not accommodate all.
Orville took a pair of newly pressed trousers in his bag, changed into them and sent the others back with Mr. Hanel. We found he had missed making one change and that was his pocket book with all his money in. We had a laugh over it and fancied we could see the woe-be-gone look when he went to buy his ticket.
Tillie thinks he took his check book so he will get along. Pete came over this evening to see if he must stay with us. Got a very urgent letter from Ray.
OCTOBER 1915 (294-71) THURSDAY 21
Mr. Hanel took the school exhibits over to-day.
This afternoon I went over to the school house with Tillie as she wanted to practice her session on the school piano. Mrs. Hanel came while we were there and wanted Tillie to walk over to the village with her this evening to church. Tillie thought 2 miles too far to walk.
OCTOBER 1915 (295-70) FRIDAY 22
Early this morning I was awakened by the walking of someone and my impression was that it was Pete but soon found it was Orville who had come home to take us to the Fair to-day. It was 2:30.
We got up early to get a lunch ready and started at 8 o'clock. We got one and one-half miles from home when the car balked. Orville worked at it three hours then had to give it up. I expected to see him lose his patience but he didn't, just said one little word and that pertained to the evil one. When he had worked on it three hours a car came along and Virginia, Tillie and I rode back home with them. Orville and boys came a little later, hired a horse and brought the auto home. Orville came home to give us an outing and deprived himself of the Fair. We, Tillie and I were sorry on that account.
OCTOBER 1915 (296-69) SATURDAY 23
John Thompson Brown came along this morning and he and Orville went out for the day election serving. Orville got back after dark and had had nothing to eat but some apples.
I mended socks to-day while Tillie went over to school building to practice her music lesson.
Tillie didn't know what to have for dinner in the bread line so I fixed up some batter that was left from breakfast and made it up into big pancakes. The different form seemed to strike the boys so I promised to make some more some day. Tillie made floating island for to-morrow.
(The entries for OCTOBER 1915 24-27 were cut from the journal.)
OCTOBER 1915 (301-64) THURSDAY 28
Writing the incident, last night, of the boys in school made me think of another, which I think will be good to record. Donald came home one night or after supper told Tillie that Stuart had sworn in the afternoon. Upon inquiring he had said God ____. Tillie immediately ushered him into the kitchen where Orville was sitting and said, "Tell your Daddy what you said. Tell your Daddy what you said."
Stuart cried and bawled, cried and bawled, and his memory was so poor that he couldn’t remember saying it. After a long time he tried to acknowledge it but he couldn't get any farther than to say "God, God," the other part was too hard to say. Some one knocked at the door and that closed the scene.
No room to record any more.
OCTOBER 1915 (302-63) FRIDAY 29
I cleaned up the kitchen corner this morning and Tillie the cupboard. We also made and baked our pie crusts, got the filing ready to finish them to-morrow morning.
Mr. Heflin and boys were out getting the track ready for their sports to-morrow.
Miss Martha and her crew were out around the buildings over there. Tillie and I around the "Lodge." Burnt weeds picked up papers and boards and we all made our individual places look better. Every body was tired. Went over to Auditorium to hear the new records played.
OCTOBER 1915 (303-62) SATURDAY 30
School Fair day. A good crowd out and some from quite a distance. It has been an ideal day. There was not much going on this forenoon but gathering and visiting.
Right after dinner there were athletic sports and at 3 o'clock repaired to the Auditorium to the Victrola concert. It is new and the teachers took these means to raise money to apply on the payment of the machine and records. Raised $20. There were displays of corn, apples, pears, sorghum, potatoes and onions. ribbons were given in map drawing, in fact on everything. There was a spelling contest in Miss Martha's room. Miss Davis, the Domestic Science teacher had a booth and sold sandwiches, cake and coffee. Made $10.
A letter from Ray to-day.
OCTOBER 1915 (304-61) SUNDAY 31
The last day of October. Been fine but a little cool. Had fire in the grate all day.
They were all going to church or I mean S.S. this morning and the children were all ready but our clocks having stopped and we not being very observing the people had been and were going home before we realized it at 11 o'clock. We really felt ashamed of ourselves.
I lay down with Virginia after dinner and for an hour she did nothing but talk. When I make believe I was asleep she'd call "Grandma," cover my face with her handkerchief and finally resorted to washing my face with saliva on her handkerchief. What will I have to put up with next? Orville had his dinner at dormitory to-day.
NOVEMBER 1915 (305-60) MONDAY 1
Walt's birthday. He will get my letter to-day. I always write him a birthday letter. He is the youngest of the family and I always remember him as one of the best babies. when he was little he would sit on my lap and sing, “Pass me not, O Gentle Savior,: and we thought it just wonderful.
Tilda came this morning to wash so we’ve been busy as we do the ironing too.
Also had Miss Mollie for dinner as this was Tillie’s music day. Last year Miss Mollie was one of the faculty but this year didn’t wish to be but comes to the Academy twice a week to give lessons. Had cream pie for dinner.
NOVEMBER 1915 (306-59) TUESDAY 2
Yes, Election Day. Orville and Mr. Brown have been doing a good deal of canvassing to get votes for the latter, to be cast to-day, for County Supervisor. Orville rode to the voting point with Mr. Hanel. They figured on getting about twenty-five votes for him on this side of the Otter River but later developments showed thirty nine but, on the whole, he failed to be elected.
Mending has been our chief work to-day. Maybe I ought to say eating but that’s such a common every day occurrence that it’s hardly worth mentioning.
NOVEMBER 1915 (307-58) WEDNESDAY 3
The weather is just fine and has been for two weeks or over. The weather is quite suggestive of Indian Summer. In fact one of the natives told us the other day that it is.
We were relieved of getting diner to-day by an invitation from Mrs. Harry Hanel to take dinner with them as it was Grandpa Hanel’s birthday. He is 64 years old. these are people who came here 14 years ago from Carthage, Missouri. Grandpa H. was very well acquainted with Ben Thomas of that place and knew Al. But Ben being in a lumber yard, brought them together more.
Had not heard of Ben’s death three or four years ago.
NOVEMBER 1915 (308-57) THURSDAY 4
Still beautiful weather.
We devoted the day to sewing. I did some mending and Tillie made a waist for one of the boys.
Miss Bushong and Miss Martha were over this evening talking over the Literary Society and getting them started in Parliamentary rules.
After they left Tillie and I went over to Miss Barnes’ room in new dormitory where we met Miss Harmanson. Miss Martha came in later. Had been in one of the girls’ rooms as she was not feeling well. There’s one of the schoolgirls sick with diphtheria. Has left but things have to be closely watched.
NOVEMBER 1915 (309-56) FRIDAY 5
There's moving pictures at Lynchburg entitled "The Birth of a Nation" and some of the teachers are going. Orville had planned to take us but the car still refuses to work so he suggested that we go along with the teachers so this morning we are planning that way. Will know this evening.
Later--Have decided to go. Miss Martha is going with Miss Daisy, in her rig--to Forest, and Budd Hanel takes Miss Bushong, Tillie and myself to Forest where we all take the train for Lynchburg about 13 miles.
Tillie and I went over to the Auditorium the last period of school to hear the debate but they had changed it to a drill in Parliamentary rules.
NOVEMBER 1915 (310-55) SATURDAY 6
Budd came along this morning at 11 o'clock and we were ready. Left Forest, on the train, at 12:20 reaching Lynchburg at 12:50. The street leading from depot to Main is quite steep so we took the streetcar. Tillie bought a new pair of shoes and rubbers and then we went to the 10 ct. store for a few minutes. Miss Martha struck out from the depot to save our seats which Orville 'phoned for from Academy yesterday. She rejoined us at shoe store.
We met Miss Davis at Theatre door who with her brother were unable to get sets. Our seats cost us $1. each. Got out at 5:45 and was almost dark. Went to Restaurant for supper then to train. Found Budd at Forest to meet us. When not half way home it began to rain. Budd took his coat off and threw it over my head. He had another coat and sweater on. The play was good. Showed the war and reconstruction period.
During reconstruction the carpet baggers and Ku Klux Klan were in evidence. Saw President Lincoln and Secretary Seward portrayed, also J. W. Booth shooting the President. Saw him fall.
NOVEMBER 1915 (311-54) SUNDAY 7
We felt very well this morning considering our big outing yesterday. We had to tell all the play to Orville last night before going to bed.
The rain spoiled Miss Bushong's crepe du chine waist last night, with the color from her jacket.
Tillie and I got ready to go to church this morning then discovered that it wasn't the right Sunday.
We went to the dormitory for dinner then after I wrote in my diary and a letter.
Went to Young People's meeting after supper.
NOVEMBER 1915 (312-53) MONDAY 8
Tilda's day again. A colored woman and a good, agreeable worker. We got the ironing all done. This is a busy day for three of us. Tilda lives two miles away.
Miss Martha came over this evening just as we were finishing supper. The faculty had had a meeting after school and Miss Davis and Mr. Heflin, who are a little sweet on each other, wanted to run the Victrola every night for a short time after supper. Orville and Miss Martha thought this too much. Miss Martha is great on discipline and she told us this evening that she had to leave the meeting as she was so mad that she was afraid she would say something better unsaid. They compromised by giving the boys and girls each an evening beside their regular combined social, Saturday evening meeting. Pete came over and I slipped out and he and I washed the dishes. He is a good natural little Nigger [sic]. Aunt Alda is his aunt. Tommy knows Aunt Alda. She coked for him.
Had Miss Mollie for dinner.
NOVEMBER 1915 (313-52) TUESDAY 9
This has been patching day. Tillie also did some sewing on her green girdle. I ripped the gray vest, I brought for Orville, under the arms to add to the back for enlargement. Brought two but the other was short so Tillie gave it to Pete.
Misses Barnes and Bushong and Harmanson came over after school to learn to tat. Miss Harmanson had bought shuttles and thread in Lynchburg preparatory. Miss B. went at it in dead earnest but Miss Davis came and took Miss H. away. She left her shuttle for another evening.
NOVEMBER 1915 (314-51) WEDNESDAY 10
I made a batch of cookies this morning by Mrs. Thomas' recipe. I mean Mrs. Thomas of Sioux Rapids, Iowa, where Nellie boards. We are going to try and keep the boy very ignorant of their whereabouts so as to have some left for over Sunday.
This afternoon Tillie and Virginia and I went to call on Mrs. Barnett. Her sister is visiting her, Mrs. Dairly.
She does a great deal of tatting and crocheting.
She also makes hair switches from combings. I wanted to ask her what she charged but didn't like to.
When we got back as far as Mr. Hanel's Tillie left Virginia and I to walk leisurely as she wanted to hurry and get supper started. Miss Harmanson and Miss Barnes waved at me. Miss B. held out her tatting to show me how well she was getting along.
NOVEMBER 1915 (315-50) THURSDAY 11
Tillie finished her girdle this morning.
We baked bread and currant biscuits to-day.
Stuart thought they were very fine and wanted more than we were willing to give him. We call him an “Elk" as we think his legs are hollow.
We talked about Mrs. Dairly making switches from combings so Tillie decided to take our combings over there and see what she would do with ours.
She will make one strand for not much more than fifty cents according to the length. She will take it to the home at Roanoke as her weaving machine is there.
This evening Virginia and I walked down past Hanel's. Donald, who had gone over to the dormitory with the milk ran after us. Gracie and Sissy & Jimmy Hanel joined us.
NOVEMBER 1915 (316-49) FRIDAY 12
We were busy all morning with the regular work. We never have dinner until 12:30 and school takes up again at 1:10, 40 minutes nooning and school closes at 3:30.
After Tillie got Virginia to bed she went over to old dormitory to practice her music lesson as that piano is so much easier to work than the old one they have at the house. The last period we were going together to the literary society in hall. I went over to get her but she decided to stay awhile longer so I went and she came later.
We had our last tomatoes to-day. Miss Mollie brought them yesterday.
NOVEMBER 1915 (317-48) SATURDAY 13
We were quite busy all forenoon. I did some baking and Tillie and Pete oiled the floors.
Mrs. Barlow Read was here for dinner. She is one of the Virginians who, with her parents suffered financially after the war. They were people who kept colored help, possibly owned slaves and knew little about manual labor. It was hard for those people when they had lived in luxury to come down to nothing and were not able either physically or financially to take up the work. She is such a fast talker that, with the Southern pronunciation of words it is difficult for me to understand her.
NOVEMBER 1915 (318-47) SUNDAY 14
A wet morning. Thought I wouldn't go to church but reconsidered as we are only a dozen steps from the church and couldn't frame up a conscientiously justifiable excuse. My feet were needing attention but concluded there are other days.
Went to the dormitory for dinner, all of us.
After dinner Tillie and I went up stairs to visit awhile with Mrs. Talbot who has been blind 15 years.
NOVEMBER 1915 (319-46) MONDAY 15
Got up a little earlier this morning and wrote part of my weekly letter before breakfast.
Sent it to Nellie this time.
This was Ray's wedding day according to what he wrote us. Has told us no particulars so we don't know what time of the day it was to take place.
We are very anxious to hear all about it but it will take three days to get word to us. Hope every thing has gone off nicely and Ray and Minnie happy as they no doubt are. They had planned to go to Spencer but we advised Ray not to but to apply that money on something else.
It rained a good part of the night but cleared up this morning. I went to the Agricultural class this a.m. and History in p.m.
NOVEMBER 1915 (320-45) TUESDAY 16
Tilda came this morning to wash. Looked rainy early yesterday morning.
We have washed, so far out side by the side of the house. Tillie left me inside this forenoon to make pies and take care of bread as we are expecting company to-morrow. I also made cinnamon rolls.
Mrs. Barlow Read was here for dinner again. She went to Mrs. Lee's to stay all night. She is finishing a silk crazy work quilt to send to one of her daughters for a Xmas present.
Tillie and Tilda finished the ironing I did other little things. We invited Mrs. Read to come again to-morrow.
NOVEMBER 1915 (321-44) WEDNESDAY 17
A beautiful day and our company came about 11:30.
Mrs. Gootch and Mrs. Read, Southern women, and Mrs. Johnston of the family who came two years ago from near Ames, Iowa.
We had a very nice visit with them. Mrs. Gootch brought her fancy work a center piece which Tillie and I wanted to learn to make. According to Tillie's instructions I sat down and learned part of it while she finished getting dinner. After washing the dished Tillie took it up.
We had roast beef, mashed potatoes, cabbage slaw, beans, cookies, rolls and mince pie. They left about 4:30
NOVEMBER 1915 (322-43) THURSDAY 18
Miss Mollie’s day to eat diner with us.
This afternoon Dr. Garrett of Lynchburg gave a lecture to the students on Osteopathy. Is coming again some time soon. It was listened to very attentively, and showed by a skeleton back bone which he had how a dislocation of a vertebrae would cause nerve pressure and also affect the organs through which they passed.
After the lecture Tillie and I went to Mrs. Lee's.
While we were there Miss Barnes came. Mrs. Lee is Miss Barn's aunt. She treated us to apples. All came back together. Orville and the doctor went to the dormitory for supper then came back here and stretched out the boys and Virginia.
NOVEMBER 1915 (323-42) FRIDAY 19
Tillie wasn't well to-day and went to bed after dinner. At the last period of school I went over to the literary society. After it was over I went into Miss Daisy's room. She was reading a story to the little ones. This is Donald and Stuart's room.
They have a picture of a large turkey drawn on the board. They will have a little entertainment next Wednesday afternoon and she requested us to go.
Mr. Heflin came over this evening to see Orville about some surveying to be done to-morrow for Mr. Johnston.
NOVEMBER 1915 (324-41) SATURDAY 20
This was "Ladies’ Aid" day at Mrs. Dooley's three miles southeast. Mrs. Hanel, with "Budd" came along at 1:45 and we weren't quite ready. Were soon on the way though and sent through the village of New London which was my first time to see it.
Miss Daisy and Miss Martha went together.
Mrs. Kregg was there accompanied by a friend, Mrs. Gray, from Lynchburg.
Tillie and I were the only ones taking work, she her crocheting and I my tatting.
Mrs. Dooley served chicken salad with nuts, pickles, beaten biscuit, then grape juice and cake and lastly apples.
Miss Martha came over early in evening, later, Miss Bushong. Miss Davis and Miss Harmanson, Miss Martha wants one of us to stay with three of the girls while they , the teachers go on their thanksgiving vacation.
NOVEMBER 1915 (325-40) SUNDAY 21
Just Sunday School to-day and Orville and boys went.
Mr. Oliver came in afterward and later Mr. Johnston.
When the dinner bell rung Orville wanted Mr. Johnston to go with him and Mr. Oliver to the dormitory for dinner but he declined so Donald and Stuart went. Tillie, Virginia and the boys walked four times around the track. Then nothing would do but I must take a walk too so I went five times around. Wasn't going to be beaten.
NOVEMBER 1915 (326-39) MONDAY 22
Tilda didn't come this morning so decided to go to school. Went to Agricultural class at 11:50 and when I got back at 12:30 found Miss Mollie here. We washed the dishes and after doing a little sewing went to the History class at 2:45.
They had passed from the Revolutionary War to the war of 1812. Would like to be a regular member of the class as it is a great deal more interesting to me now than when I was going to school.
I finished fixing or enlarging the vest I brought for Orville. He thinks it must have been a big job as I've been so long putting a piece under each arm. A Mr. Graham, Principal of the Agricultural school at Elk Creek, Va. came to visit the school. Came while the History class was reciting.
He and Orville got supper at dormitory but will stay here with us over night.
Is on his way to teachers conference.
NOVEMBER 1915 (327-38) TUESDAY 23
Tilda came this morning so that meant a big day's work.
We had breakfast to get for Mr. Graham so were a little longer than usual in getting it. Had fried rabbit. Paid 18 cents for one.
Mr. Graham visited the school awhile then started to Forest on foot where he would take the train for Appomattox to visit another school. He was really on his way to Teacher's Conference at Richmond.
This morning we received a written invitation from the Misses Barnes & Harmanson that they would be "at home" from 9 to 10:30. We were very tired but lay down to rest awhile before going. They served egg salad. Saltine wafers, Marguerites and chocolate.
NOVEMBER 1915 (328-37) WEDNESDAY 24
While I washed the dishes this morning we had quite a musical program given by Tillie and Stuart. The program started by announcing that Stuart must put his feet in Bi-chloride water. This was the sign for the music to start. Stuart then started by putting an excellent tune to the old familiar words, "O Mother Please don't, O Mother Please Don’t, O Mother-O Please Don’t” There was so much pathos to the song that the tears flowed very profusely.
The last period Tillie and I went over to Miss Daisy’s Thanksgiving exercises. Had the Victrola. Afterward passed candy sticks and postcards in a deep dish and called it pie. The card was a picture of Pocahontas and a turkey. Mrs. Gatt, Mr. Wilson’s fiancee is a descant of Pocahontas. She and the President will be married soon.
Mr. Gooch died to-day while husking corn.
NOVEMBER 1915 (329-36) THURSDAY 25
Thanksgiving Day. We were invited nowhere and no one invited here. So we said we would have just pasties and dessert. After we had gotten the pastries in the oven the piano tuner came. It looked like a small dinner for the day so Tillie fried sausage and apples and when we announced dinner he declined eating as he had had a late breakfast with Miss Mollie.
Donald and Stuart went early with a basket containing pies, cookies and cinnamon rolls to Mr. Oliver's. They sent back with the boys some sausage and liver pudding.
We spent part of the day studying Montgomery Ward.
NOVEMBER 1915 (330-35) FRIDAY 26
Tillie and I went and called on Miss Daisy and her mother. Miss Daisy had gone to Mr. Gooch's funeral but got back before we left. Had bee there a short time when Miss Bushong and the four girls that did not go home, came over. Were treated to apples and pears. All came back together.
Miss Bushong invited us over this evening to a spread. The girls were there and Mr. Heflin came while we were eating. Had cocoa, cheese and sandwiches and nuts.
NOVEMBER 1915 (331-334) SATURDAY 27
(No entry)
NOVEMBER 1915 (332-33) SUNDAY 28
Preaching day but I decided to stay with Virginia and also to have dinner going when they got home from Church as we expected Mr. & Mrs. Kregg.
They were at church but could not stay as their son was home for a very short stay and was leaving in morning. Is a rail-road man.
Lucky that we has something prepared to eat as Mr. Abbot, one of the school board, Mr. Hicks and Mr. Johnson came. They and the supervisors came to settle a road question. Unusual for a business matter to be brought up on Sunday.
NOVEMBER 1915 (333-32) MONDAY 29
Washing and ironing day, also Miss Mollie's day. It keeps us busy and a little extra cooking to do.
School opened again this morning after Thanksgiving vacation.
NOVEMBER 1915 (334-31) TUESDAY 30
(No entry)
DECEMBER 1915 (335-30) WEDNESDAY 1
We had some mending to do to-day but our chief work was dressing the doll for June.
It is just a cloth one but I know June will take lots of comfort with it. Virginia thinks its a fine dolly. We will have to make her one for X-mass too. Tillie is working on doilies for Annie Phillipo, Mattie, and Mae.
DECEMBER 1915 (336-29) THURSDAY 2
It was hurry scurry with the work this morning as it was Miss Mollie's day. She always takes dinner with us the day Tillie takes her lesson.
The lesson are twenty-five cents each and her dinner is twelve and one-half cents.
This morning when Orville went to school he found Mr. Barrows.
DECEMBER 1915 (337-28) FRIDAY 3
Orville and Mr. Barrows slept in my bed last night. Tillie, Virginia and I slept together. Neither Tillie nor I slept much as Virginia was continually trying to get her feet out. I am glad I don’t have to sleep three in a bed every night. She is very quiet when we two are together. Orville and Tillie got up early as Mr. Barrows had to take the 6 o’clock train from Forest. He was going to visit the Agricultural school at Appomattox. I think he got a good impression of the school. He is a westerner and was studying conditions and best methods of conducting agriculture.
There was no school this afternoon as preparations had to be made for the supper this evening. a chicken and oyster super to be served in the auditorium. Mrs. Barlow Read took dinner with us to-day.
DECEMBER 1915 (338-27) SATURDAY 4
The supper last night was quite a success. Cleared about $60. which is to be applied on the library.
This was our day to go to Big Island. Orville and Mr. Padget paid a man $5 to take us in his auto, about 25 miles. Mr. P’s sister-in-law went also. The dedication of a new school-house was one object also to talk over organizing a Farmer’s Union. the County Superintendent, Mr. Abbot, was there and gave quite a talk on Co-operation of teachers and parents. Mr.. P talked on Farmer’s Union and Orville on Agriculture and Domestic Science. left here at 11 and was 2 when we got there. they had had dinner but there was lots of chicken, ham, cake and pie. When we got through the exercises began. Reached home at 7. Mr. Webb is a very careful driver.
The last half of the ride out wasn't very pleasant for me. If any one's curiosity is aroused as to the cause, ask Tillie.
DECEMBER 1915 (339-26) SUNDAY 5
Virginia's birthday and three years old. She found a little handkerchief with tatting around that I had made under her plate. Tillie made her a birthday cake and she wanted it for breakfast. Couldn't have it though.
After helping with the work. I soaked my feet then commenced the digging operation. Tillie came to help with file and between us we shaved down the corns and filed the toe-nails. My big toe-tails are thick and as hard as cows horn.
In the p.m. Orville and Tillie and boys went to Mr. Johnston's and Virginia was supposed to sleep and I to write my weekly letter but we did neither. Miss Martha, Miss Davis, Miss Barnes and Miss Harmanson came over. Miss Martha brought a box of candy from herself and Miss Bushong for Virginia. Miss B. is sick. School supper to much for her. Is subject to sick headaches.
DECEMBER 1915 (340-25) MONDAY 6
Wash day. Got the washing and ironing done.
Tillie's music day and Miss Mollie's day to eat dinner with us. It makes a busy day.
I was real tired after the dinner work was done so I slipped away, quietly, and went up stairs to nap.
They had the ironing nearly done when I got up.
Tillie didn't know what to get for supper so I suggested making some currant cakes. that suited but Tillie wanted me to make them so Tilda could have some. I made a small one for Tilda which she took in her hand.
She always takes a bite to eat in her hand as she has two miles to walk and mostly through the woods.
DECEMBER 1915 (341-24) TUESDAY 7
We hurried through the work this morning then I did some writing and Tillie to her sewing. She cut out the center to a doily and I hemmed it and sewed the lace on, This evening Orville, Tillie and I went to the old dormitory witting room to visit with the teachers and hear some pieces on the Victrola.
DECEMBER 1915 (343-22) THURSDAY 9
Miss Mollie's day again and on Thursdays Tillie has to go at 9:30. Made an apple pie while she was gone and had beef on for a pot roast.
Miss Mollie always seems to enjoy her dinner as she doesn't do much cooking for herself living alone a good deal of the time. She is about 40 years old. Was music teacher here in N.L.A. last year. She gave that up and comes from the village of New London, 2 miles away, twice a week.
DECEMBER 1915 (344-21) FRIDAY 10
This has surely been cookie day. We made cookies to send to June and Keith and also for these kiddies X-mass. Tillie commenced about 9:30 with hers and I at 11 and it took us the rest of the day. They were small which make slow work but we enjoyed it because we knew the little folks would. Have some boxed ready to send out.
Sent letters to-day to Ed's and Mrs. Ashburn.
To-night the Evington school gave the play in N.L.A. that they had given in their own school.
This was to make more money for their school.
DECEMBER 1915 (345-20) SATURDAY 11
Got up early this morning as Orville had to go to Lynchburg with Donald to get his eyes tested again and get his glasses. Stuart went too and was very much interested over the outing called it "Xmas Joy." Drove to Forest, 5 miles and from there by train, 12 miles. They, the boys, drained their banks to buy something. Donald bought a horn and Stuart a base ball.
Orville bought cookies for the teachers Xmas treat to the students. They got home about 3 o'clock.
Misses Bushong, Evans, Davis and Harmanson came over this evening. They sampled our cookies. Orville and Tillie set the stove up in my room this evening.
A little sleet to-day but no snow yet. Been rather cool to-day.
DECEMBER 1915 (346-19) SUNDAY 12
Found the ground covered with snow when we got up and it snowed off and on all day.
We had preaching in the little church. Mr. and Mrs. Gregg were there so we had them for dinner as we expected. They left at 4:30.
After they left Orville and Tillie drove to Mr. Hick's, 5 miles. I made mush for the children's supper and they pronounced it the "best stuff." Had just gotten then in bed when T. & O. got home at 8 o'clock. they had to have their supper then.
DECEMBER 1915 (347-18) MONDAY 13
Tilda came and we washed and ironed.
Got through and every thing cleared away before Miss Mollie came for diner.
I cut out Mae's night gown this afternoon and sewed on it all evening. Did not quite finish it but want to send it in the morning with the Xmas things. Want to sent it early to avoid the rush.
DECEMBER 1915 (348-17) TUESDAY 14
Finished the night gown this morning and got the bundle off. She will get it by Saturday. Had to rush to get it ready.
Tillie entertained all the teachers after school and served ice cream and cookies.
Al's and Edna's Xmas bundle came to-day. We put it away to be opened Xmas eve.
DECEMBER 1915 (349-16) WEDNESDAY 15
Tillie was sick this morning so I had to get breakfast from a change. Had the old fashioned dish that I used to give to my little kiddies--hot bread and milk.
Got the parcels off to Nellie, Mattie's and Walter's. I dropped Mattie's in the slop bucket as I was going out at the door hurrying away from Virginia. No harm done only to re-address it.
Tillie strung her rose beads to-day to send to Ola, Edna and Hilda.
DECEMBER 1915 (350-15) THURSDAY 16
Sent packages this morning to Tommy's, Al's and Annie Phillipo.
We baked cookies this afternoon to send to the kiddies both big and little. The big ones eat as well as the little ones.
Orville and Tillie went over this evening to hear the new records. I stayed home to write a letter to Ray.
DECEMBER 1915 (351-14) FRIDAY 17
This was the forty-first anniversary of my wedding at noon. The old stone house in which it occurred was partly torn down, the particular room, after brother Walt built his new house. The main part after Walt sold to Charley Marks. The stone was used for foundations for other buildings. Visited the site when on my way here to Virginia. There was just the open cellar. Mattie was with me and we picked three apples off the tree in the old orchard. This is also recorded under date of Sept. 2.
We made some Xmas cookies this forenoon.
This afternoon the high school teachers gave their students a reception. When we went in the students were stealing partners to music, the nearest they dare approach to dancing. Ice cream and wafers were served. Then Mr. Gilbert gave an address. He gave quite a lecture in the evening to a small audience. The object was for the people to form into a kind of school league to look after the interests of the school. Unless they write and make known their wishes for an appropriation of $5000. They’ll not get it. Another meeting is now called for Dec. 28.
DECEMBER 1915 (352-13) SATURDAY 18
(no entry)
DECEMBER 1915 (353-12) SUNDAY 19
A beautiful morning. The children, Donald and Stuart were better this morning but stayed in their room until nearly noon then went up stairs and got them dressed as I stayed home with them while Tillie and Orville went to church.
Mr. & Mrs. Johnston came home with them and took dinner with us. Right after diner we went over to the dormitory and heard a number of pieces on the Victrola. Mr. J's left at 4 o'clock then Tillie and I called on Mrs. Talbot. She is so glad to have some one to sit with her awhile. Miss Florence, her daughter who is 45 went to Lynchburg to-day and will be gone nearly a week. Came home at five and found the dishes had not washed themselves.
DECEMBER 1915 (354-11) MONDAY 20
Washing and ironing day again.
Tillie and Tilda did it all. It was 10 o'clock when I got my weekly letter off then I worked on my X-mass handkerchiefs.
After we'd had dinner I went over to sit with Mrs. Talbot and read her the account of Mrs. Galt's and President Wilson's marriage which took place Saturday evening at 8:30.
Mrs. Talbot knows all about Mrs. Edith Bolling Galt her present relatives and her ancestors.
DECEMBER 1915 (355-10) TUESDAY 21
Orville came back to-day from Bedford City.
He brought rather bad news. At least news that caused us some uneasiness. Last week three boys were suspected of playing sick, examination time. Miss Bushong informed him, Orville, of their absence and he slipped quietly into the hall and listened. One was in his room and in bed. The other two were in their room sitting by the stove in their underclothes visiting and smoking cigarettes.
When O. opened the door and asked they why they weren't at their class and of course their plea was sickness. O. told them that they didn't seem sick and to get dressed and go to their class. One of them got sassy and O. slapped the back of his head. The was the last day before vacation. He went home after the entertainment given by the high school teachers to the high school students. He told his father who has brought suit and to be at Forest to-morrow. Orville went to Mr. Garbee's, one of school board, this evening with Budd Hanel. Seven miles. Got back at 11 o'clock. Had called on Mr. Abbott on the way from Bedford City where he first heard of it. The sick boys were able to be out after school.
DECEMBER 1915 (356-9) WEDNESDAY 22
Up early this morning as Orville had to go five miles to get Mr. Brown, the third member of the board. The suit was called for 1:30. The boys father had engaged a lawyer who proved to be very abusive and whose object was to make O. so. He displayed no temper and the judge released him while the lawyer was still talking. Some of Orville's friends were ready to fight but were kept down by other friends who weren't quite so hasty. Orville found he had more friends than he thought. The other side was utterly defeated.
Mrs. Samnella Read took dinner with us and after she and Tillie went and called on Mr. Lemmon. I stayed with the children and also baked bread.
Were invited to Mr. Johnston's for dinner. Was their 17th wedding anniversary. Could not go on account of the trial. Invitation extended to Saturday. We were also invited to the Davis home.
DECEMBER 1915 (357-8) THURSDAY 23
I finished up my handkerchiefs this morning and sent them to Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Ashburn. Sent to Mrs. Cox and Mrs. Vickerman a couple of days ago. Tillie also finished Maxine's bonnet.
I made pies this afternoon and afterward took a little nap as I felt very tired. Then I went over and sat and read to Mrs. Talbot, Miss Florence’s mother. I stayed until after dark. Alice, the cook and colored, walked to the gate with me carrying the lamp and just then we saw a lantern coming.
It was Orville, they thought I wouldn't be able to see my way home.
Orville butchered nine hogs to-day for the dormitory. Alice cleaned the intestines and was going to make chittlinngs of them.
DECEMBER 1915 (358-7) FRIDAY 24
Well, the chittlinngs, a part of them Alice sent over by Pete. They were intestines cleaned ready to cut into short pieces to fry. I told Tillie she needn't fry any for me. They stood in water two or three days and by that time they were smelling like "all get out" so Tillie carried them away some where. It nearly turns my stomach to think of them.
After we got the children to bed to-night we three opened up the packages. Put the children's in their stockings which they had borrowed from me and hung up before going to bed. I got a night gown from Tommy & Ola, Sterling tatting shuttle from Al & Edna, Shawl from Jim & Mattie, flash light from Nellie, White silk poplin goods for dress from Mae and Ray silk stockings for Walter and Hilda vest pocket flash light, hand bag & stationery from Orville & Tillie.
From Mrs. Wilson handkerchiefs, Mrs. Thomas book of quotations. Nellie also sent wrist crocket box for my birthday. Tommy and Ola a second package containing a diary for 1916 which was also for my birthday.
DECEMBER 1915 (359-6) SATURDAY 25
Christmas Day
Christmas day. The children were quite_ excited over their stockings and had to unpack them before breakfast. Hope every little boy and girl had as good a time. We older ones had our good time last night.
Seeing we wouldn't go to Mr. Johnston's Wednesday, their 17th wedding day, we were invited over for to-day. Had a very nice time and a good dinner.
Virginia was taken sick with high fever which was the beginning of her cold or grippe and which they boys had just gotten over. Came home a little early on her account. The day was fine. Mr. Johnston and Orville cut each other's hair out doors and in their shirt sleeves. So far we have had one snow storm, was followed in two or three days by a heavy rain taking it all off.
DECEMBER 1915 (360-5) SUNDAY 26
Sunday School this morning but no church. Mr. Oliver was called to fill another minister’s pulpit.
We stayed home all day and took occasional looks at our pretty presents. Virginia has been in bed all day while Donald and Stuart have played on their musical instrument and pumped and re-pumped the water in their pump tank.
Mr. Johnston called to see how Virginia was.
DECEMBER 1915 (361-4) MONDAY 27
No washing to-day.
Orville and Tillie went to Forest this afternoon. Orville had a little business and Tillie went for the ride.
Virginia is still sick and I had to hold her most of the time. She went to sleep a few minutes before they got back and I went down stairs and was washing the dinner dishes when they came. Virginia has an awful cough which kept her coughing incessantly. I gave her melted butter every few minutes which eased her and she went to sleep.
I received a new diary for 1916 sent by Tommy and Ola for a birthday present. I was so pleased.
DECEMBER 1915 (362-3) TUESDAY 28
My birthday! sixty-six years old! It seems so short a time since I was a little girl helping to take care of my brothers who are all younger than I. My school days, teaching days, and then my married life. This brought my eight children who are scattered now in all directions. Their father died Feb. 1, 1900. I sold my home in Spencer, Iowa in 1912 and vacated March 1st 1913. Since then have been visiting with one or another of them and just now am in Virginia with Orville.
Received two birthday remembrances, wrist bag from Nellie and a diary from Tommy and Ola for 1916 wishing me many more birthdays, but I wonder how many. Tillie cooked a birthday dinner. Called Miss Davis cake my birthday cake.
DECEMBER 1915 (363-2) WEDNESDAY 29
Rained all night. Partially cleared this morning but was quite sultry. Expected more rain but the wind whipped around and it cooled off.
We received Walter's and Hilda's package to-day.
DECEMBER 1915 (364-1) THURSDAY 30
Did not have Tilda come this week, thought we could get along without washing but the dirty clothes had accumulated so that we thought we had better wash. Got along very well and I don't see why we couldn't do it every week. We will do the ironing to-morrow. I wrote my last "thank you" letter this morning to Walter and Hilda whose package came yesterday. They sent me a pair of silk stockings. Tillie a pair of stockings, Orville a pair of socks , the boys each a base ball and Virginia a box of blocks.
In a letter from Mattie which came to-day she said Ray had written her that he was going to be married on the 29th, yesterday. Orville went to Lynchburg this morning. Was called by J. Thompson Brown.
Later--Orville got back at 9 o'clock. We found it was the Arthur case he was called on although he was at Forest Mr. Arthur was not satisfied. By O. making a few concessions the case was apparently settled.
DECEMBER 1915 (365--) FRIDAY 31
Have now arrived at the last day of the year.
Hope the year's happenings may be some benefit and also pleasure to me as I compare each day of next year with the corresponding one of this which is about ended. It has been a pleasant year to me also a short one. Started the year with Mattie and stayed with her until the 10th of May. At this date Mae and June had been with us six weeks then we spent the next two weeks at Albert Lea and Minneapolis. She then went home and I to Watertown, S.D. Stayed three weeks at W. then retraced my steps back to Mattie's and in a few days we started for Fennimore. I stayed there three weeks then started for Virginia reaching Forest Depot Sept 24. Have not yet decided how long I will stay here possibly all summer. Hope the coming year will be as free from trouble as this has been. At present writing all the family are well and for that I am thankful.
Orville went to Lynchburg this afternoon to see the district representative about the school appropriation.
Donald and Stuart are standing by me anxious to know what I am writing about what happened during the night. He sleeps with me while Virginia is sick.
If any one is anxious to know what it is ask Tillie or myself. He is threatening to tear the leaf out.
The End
1916
"Excelsior‑
Trademark. Daily Journal for 1916. Sold by Farnham Printing & Stationery
Co., Minneapolis. Published Annually for the trade."
JANUARY 1916 (1-365) SATURDAY 1
This book is my birthday present. Came the day before from Tommy and Ola.
My birthday is three days after Christmas, the 28th and the two days are so close together that the birthday often blends in with Christmas.
I was so pleased to get this book. Last year was my first year to carry a diary through. Have make several attempts but always failed to carry it through.
To-day was Hattie's 38th birthday. The boys and Virginia are getting over their colds. Orville isn’t feeling well but he had promised Miss Davis that he and Tillie would go there this afternoon so they went and I stayed with the children. We were eating mush and milk when they came home. Stuart announced the fact before they got into the house,
JANUARY 1916 (2-364) SUNDAY 2
Two Sundays this week for yesterday seemed like Sunday.
Orville was really sick this morning so after he got his chores done we insisted upon his going to bad. He had a good sleep and felt better. Miss Daisy Read called after Sunday School and I told her that he was sick. She went home but soon came back with a plate of cake and a dish of gelatins. This was from her mother with her love to Orville.
All this looked good to Orville and he was soon able to get up and sample each piece of cake. This afternoon Miss
Davis, who came back ( last night, brought another plate of cake over. Later, Miss Martha came with the mail having brought it from Forest,
JANUARY 1916 (3-363) MONDAY 3
Washing and ironing day again- Finished by noon. Tillie helped Tilda iron until Mrs. Hanel with Sissy and Gracie came about 2:30. Then we visited. Tillie treated us to coca and cookies.
I mended stockings this afternoon.
They got the ironing all done but my dress and Tillie ironed that while I washed the supper dishes.
The teachers came over this evening and make quite a visit.
I had to write my weekly letter this morning as usual.
Monday is a hard day and we are usually pretty tired.
Got a letter from Ray to-day.
JANUARY 1916 (4-362) TUESDAY 4
Tillie got up this morning with a bad headache.
Orville and I held a consultation about Ray. In the letter I got yesterday he asked for $25. We decided it best not to send that amount so I sent $15. Thought by the way he wrote that he is married.
After I got the letter, which I had written to him, in the mail, I insisted on Tillie's going to bed. She did but only stayed a few minutes. After diner I again insisted on her going to bed. She had a good sleep and got up cured. She called me a good doctor.
JANUARY 1916 (5-361) WEDNESDAY 5
Wrote letter to Hattie and Tommy this morning in time for the mail. Wrote in regard to Ray's affairs.
While I wrote Tillie baked the cookies she mixed up yesterday.
Our sewing to-day consisted in patching.
"Miss Martha came over after school. While she was here I made currant cakes for supper.
Tillie and I went to visit the teachers at old dormitory. We crocheted, tatted, ran the Victrola and ate the first layer of Miss Bushong's five-pound box of chocolates given to her by her brother. This was one of her Christmas presents. They showed us their presents and they were very nice- Handbags, underwear, jewelry, &c, &o, &c.
It was 11 o'clock when we got home.
JANUARY 1916 (6-360) THURSDAY 6
Music lesson day and Miss Mollie for diner.
While we were sitting by the grate fire last night Orville said that he could eat a piece of pie. Thought that a good hint for some so had a pie made when Tillie got back from her lesson. Orville and Miss Mollie had two pieces each and Tillie and I cleaned out the pan.
Miss Martha and Miss Bushong came over this evening.
I went to bed to-night before Orville and Tillie. They were holding a lively discussion.
Received a letter from Nellie inquiring for Mr. Murdock, of a Mr. Edwin Roso who died in Grant Co., Wis. in 1875. I know nothing of him.
JANUARY 1916 (7-359) FRIDAY 7
Rained and sleeted during the night and also was when we got up. It soon turned into snow and kept it up all forenoon.
Not cold but expect it will be cooler when it really clears up.
I made currant cookies this morning while Tillie swept up stairs.
I sewed on two cutting flannel corset covers this afternoon.
JANUARY 1916 (8-358) SATURDAY 8
Cooler this morning.
We hadn't very much work for to-day.
A little ice formed last night over the water caught in the washtubs so Tillie made ice cream which she said is for to-morrow. We were all children and had to have a dish after supper.
Miss Martha came over this evening and Tillie gave her a bowl full. She would divide with Miss Bushong.
Orville has been busy, fixing the engine, which the school boys broke sawing wood, putting on hinges and locks.
There is a suspicious though of the kerosene going too quickly.
Some of the Negroes are not very honest.
Finished my corset covers this afternoon.
We received Ray's wedding announcement to-day. Married January 5.
JANUARY 1916 (9-357) SUNDAY 9
I took a bath this morning before breakfast, as I wasn't in the humor for doing it last night.
Tillie, Orville and I went to church and in fact Orville was at Sunday School with the boys.
Miss Florence was at church, the first time I've seen her there, and she took Mr. Oliver home with her for diner. Orville accompanied Mr. Oliver.
The rest of us had soup and ice cream for diner.
Spent the afternoon reading and writing.
In the evening went to Vespers and afterward to old dormitory to hear the new records. Orville had put the children in bed but we could hear Virginia calling "Daddy" as we were coming home.
JANUARY 1916 (10-358) MONDAY 10
Cloudy this morning and Tilda did not come.
It was Tillie's music lesson day and also Miss Mollie's day to have diner with us.
I wrote my weekly letter this morning and Tillie put in quite an addition.
While we were writing Tillie began to tell me what a terrible time Orville had to get his underwear buttoned. Had reworked the buttonholes unbeknown to either of them. She heard him grunting and she opened her eyes to see what was the matter and she saw him going through great contortions with a good supply of grunts in order to get the buttons through.
We had a good laugh about it as I intended his not being able to unbutton them with one jerk.
JANUARY 1916 (11-355) TUESDAY 11
Cloudy this morning but Tillie felt like washing and I was willing. We had to be a little sly about it for fear Orville would disapprove of it. After 9 when we started and were all through when they came home to diner. We hung the clothes out although there's not sign of its' clearing up.
We washed the diner dishes then I got ready to go the history class at 2:30.
Brought down my yarn and needles to start a mitten for one of the boys. Put on fifteen stitches. Don't know whether it will be large enough. Donald and Stuart thought it a wonderful process. Had never seen any one knit.
JANUARY 1916 (12-354) WEDNESDAY 12
Still cloudy and drizzly.
After washing the dishes, I got ready to go to the morning history class but got mixed up in the time, thought recess came first and waited twenty minutes when then realized that recess came after. The result was I missed the morning class and had to take the afternoon one. They’re both the same but the morning class is larger.
They're having the Civil War in five lessons. Today's lesson was the campaign of 1863. After the war was the reconstruction want to take that in too.
To-night is real foggy- A poor show for getting our clothes dry.
Just before dark Mrs. Davis and Miss Barnes called for Tillie to go walking with them.
It is very muddy.
JANUARY 1916 (13-353) THURSDAY 13
Tilda came this morning to wash but she found it out. It was still cloudy this morning but cleared up during the day and the clothes got dry. Tilda had to walk back.
This was Tillie's music lesson day.
I went to the history class this afternoon.
This evening Tillie went over to hear the new records.
Orville wrote a letter to Tommy saying what he thought was best in regard to Ray and Minnie, who are in Minneapolis, and the purchase of the piece of land near Stanley, Wis.
I wrote a letter to Minnie.
JANUARY 1916 (14-352) FRIDAY 14
Tillie ironed this morning and I did the work and got diner. We had a nice roast of beef.
The last period of school was devoted to a musical. Admission 10 cents. They made six dollars. This is to be applied on the monthly payment on the Victrola.
I did some mending after coming home.
JANUARY 1916 (15-351) SATURDAY 15
A cold morning.
Tillie made pumpkin pies this morning from pumpkin we boiled yesterday. Made these. She took one to Mrs. Read after she got them made. We heard Mrs. Read had been sick but she was up and around. Tillie stayed for diner. We it made us late with our diner.
After diner we got ready to go to Mrs. Cregge to Ladies’ Aid. Miss Daisy came for Miss Martha but she was too tired to go so Miss Daisy came over for one of us. I rode with her. She has a comfortable buggy. Tillie and Pete went in the cart. I don't know how three of us could have rode as Pete had to go to Forest for two cans of gasoline. We were all three there. Got home a 6 o'clock.
We were called at 4 o'clock this morning to go to the dormitory, one of the girls was sick. Had a very bad cold. Too much aspirin had been given her, which made her act strangely.
JANUARY 1916 (16-350) SUNDAY 16
Sunday School as usual, also preaching. This was not the regular Sunday but Mr. Oliver had no other appointment. I didn't go, as my inclination was to stay home and be quiet. Had diner about ready when they got home.
Tillie went over to hear the Victrola this afternoon. I spent the afternoon reading in the "Leopard's Spots."
Tillie and Orville went to Vespers, also the boys. Virginia and I were both willing to stay home. Orville went because I didn't want to go. Mr. Oliver talked to the students.
Tillie went over to the dormitory again after she got the children to bed.
I had Virginia undressed when they got home.
JANUARY 1916 (17-349) MONDAY 17
Quite cold. This will surely be Virginia's ice harvest. Three inches is thick ice here.
Miss Daisy told me Saturday that they had put it up 1 1/2 inches thick. The west wouldn't look at that.
When I was dressing this morning I saw the teams rolling up to school and Orville was gone when I got down stairs. I felt sort of ashamed.
Virginia woke me up in the night and wanted some milk. Thought I could get her mind off it but it must have taken a couple of hours. Better have gotten up but it was cold and another thing had no matches in the room. I'd go to sleep trying to tell her some stories. When I stopped she'd wake me. Tillie was sick this morning so I sent her to bed while
I got diner for Miss Mollie.
Went to history class this p.m.
JANUARY 1916 (18-348) TUESDAY 18
Still cold. Got up earlier this morning and was dressed before Tillie so I left Virginia with her and went down stairs to get breakfast started. Fried raw potatoes and made toast.
This was board meeting day. Two of the board came, Mr. Abbott and Mr. Garbee. Mr. Brown is in Tennessee at his son's wedding. Took place to-day.
They and Orville took diner at the dormitory.
I did not go to the history class to-day as it was the meeting of the board.
Tillie made two layer cakes this afternoon for Donald's birthday, Thursday.
I’ve been knitting on a pair of mittens for his birthday. Two school boys butchered two hogs to-day.
JANUARY 1916 (19-347) WEDNESDAY 19
Weather considerably warmer.
I worked quite steadily on Donald's mittens and got them done.
Miss Davis, Miss Harmanson and Mr. Heflin stayed up till 12:30 last night playing the Victrola.
Miss H. should have been at the new dormitory with the girls but was evidently trying to shave off the responsibility. Orville took her and Miss Davis to task and Miss Davis came over after school, alone, to talk it over further. They have a little grudge against "Miss Martha" as being too officious-
She and Miss Barnes came over after supper to tell their side of the story. They are very outspoken when they see any neglect of rules and are loyal to Orville.
JANUARY 1916 (20-34B) THURSDAY 20
Donald's birthday and eight years old.
He slept with me the last two nights as Virginia had a croupy cough.
The first thing Donald said this morning when he woke was "This is my birthday" and I said "Yes and I'll have to give you nine good slaps." He found his mittens under his plate this morning and has worn them to-day.
I think he had a big idea they were not for one of Daisy's boys.
I knit the last thumb in Stuart's this morning.
Tillie was sick this morning so I sent her to bed while I did up the work and got diner.
Got a letter from Mae and after diner sat down by the fireplace to read it and rock Virginia.
Had just sat down when Mrs. Barnet knocked at the door. She stayed until 4 o'clock and then went to see Miss Daisy about having an entertainment to raise funds for finishing the church yard fence.
JANUARY 1916 (21-345) FRIDAY 21
We had planned to wash just the underwear and absolutely necessary articles to-day but when Tillie had gotten them sorted had made up her mind to do the entire washing.
We were almost through by noon.
It was a beautiful forenoon but by noon there were indications of rain. The clothes dried but it began to drizzle about 3 o'clock.
Miss Harmanson and Miss Davis were over this evening. They went to Lynchburg yesterday afternoon to hear Kreisler, the violinist, last night. Were back in time for school this morning. Ted Hanel took them and met them this morning.
Lots of sickness among dormitory girls. “Miss Martha is about sick herself and doesn't feel like waiting on others.”
JANUARY 1916 (22-344) SATURDAY 22
Of course the big job to-day was ironing. Tillie was about "all in" this morning from her work yesterday. The biggest trouble with me was I was sleepy. Virginia, who had a nap yesterday, wasn't sleepy last night and I had to entertain her by telling her stories. The story of the "Innocent Robber" has to be told very often and she interrupts me when about half through telling me, "It was the big black dog and his name was Ben."
It was a warm night. She hugs up so closely that she got "hot."
Orville got up early this morning to work on plans and specifications for boys new dormitory which they are planning on building after school classes and to be ready for next fall.
JANUARY 1916 (23-343) SUNDAY 23
Been a beautiful day. Took a bath when I got up and got partly ready for church. Finished after getting the dishes washed.
Miss Florence asked me over for diner but we have decided not to go any more; don't know what she may say.
Orville went away after diner to see Mr., Crowe Harris who has been sick some time. He used to be a board member quite a number of years ago. The school is having a portrait painted of him by Mrs. Guy, the lady who painted
Tommy's and Al's pictures that Orville and Tillie sent them for wedding present.
This evening the boys and I went to Sunday evening meeting. Donald was honored by carrying the flashlight. Stuart's turn next time. Orville talked on "Purposes."
A letter from Nellie to-day.
JANUARY 1916 (24-342) MONDAY 24
Tilda came so we washed and ironed.
I helped Tilda with the washing and Tillie took her lesson and got diner.
In the afternoon Tillie helped with the ironing and I darned socks.
Looked for a letter from Tommy to-day telling what he had done at Stanley, Wis. in regard to Ray's deal.
I wrote a letter to Nellie this evening.
Orville spent the evening at Hanel's. We were on the point of going to bed when he came. By the time he had told us the news it was 11 o'clock.
He heard that the dormitory boys were "throwing craps" a kind of gambling game. Mr. Heflin is supposed to look after them. His brother is one of the guilt ones.
JANUARY 1916 (25-341) TUESDAY 25
Mrs. Samuella Read came this morning while we were eating breakfast. She sat up and ate with us and enjoyed the pancakes. She was on her way to New London two miles east.
She brought a waist to have button holes worked while she was gone. She can sew nicely but can't work button holes.
A letter came from Tommy this morning. We find that he has written one that we haven't gotten pertaining to Ray.
Miss Davis came over this noon and ate soup and pudding with us.
Tillie took some over to Miss Martha.
I darned socks this afternoon and Tillie put clean papers in the cupboards.
JANUARY 1916 (26-340) WEDNESDAY 28
I went over to see Miss Martha this morning. She wasn't feeling quite so well but nothing serious. Also called on two girls over Miss Bushong's room.
Pete came over this morning and helped to oil the sitting room floor.
A letter came from Mattie to-day suggesting that if Ray couldn't get a place at Stanley that he go there and rent the house on their 80.
Wrote to Tommy and enclosed her letter. Minnie may be there yet.
JANUARY 1916 (27-339) THURSDAY 27
Pete came over again and oiled the kitchen floor. I cleaned up different things and Tillie put the curtains up in the sitting room.
Miss Mollie was here for diner.
Tillie did not take a lesson to-day.
We hurried and got the diner dishes washed then got ready to go to school house and hear the canning demonstrator. Miss Scott is the state worker. She was accompanied by Miss Grech who is coming again later to organize a club. A canning outfit will be bought for the school. Orville and I went to dormitory sitting room with them and some of the teachers.
Orville and Tillie went to the dormitory with them for supper. Swept my bed room.
Sent a letter to Tommy to-day.
JANUARY 1916 (28-338) FRIDAY 28
Orville sent a letter to Hattie to-day and I a card.
This forenoon I reworked the button holes in Orville’s other union suit. Wonder if he will have the same kind of a time he had to button the others.
Tillie made a batch of oatmeal cookies and a dish of apple salad for diner.
Enlarged my black serge belt this afternoon, a job that has been waiting a long time.
JANUARY 1916 (29-337) SATURDAY 29
Yesterday closed up examinations and Orville has been looking over some of his papers. Was busy until Mr. Garber and Mr. Abbott came about 11 o'clock. They were undecided about going to Richmond but Orville convinced them that it was their duty to go--their interest was greater than his.
They went to the dormitory for diner.
Tillie did some baking this forenoon and I partly put the waist and skirt of my plaid percale dress together.
It has been a sort of a dull day--cloudy and a little drizzly.
JANUARY 1916 (30-338) SUNDAY 30
No church to-day. Tillie went to Sunday School.
Orville has just organized a Bible class and is teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Walker and Tillie are all there were in the class to-day.
I had just gotten the work done when they got home.
After diner Orville began to get ready for his Richmond trip to look after the appropriation.
We were in hopes his clothes would be here before this trip but they failed to come.
Mr. Hanel was going to take him to Forest but he found a man that was going any way so saved him the trouble. They left at quarter to seven. He'll leave Forest at 8:13 and get to Richmond at 8 o'clock to-morrow morning. Hope he will make a success of the trip. Seems lonesome without him-like there's something lacking.
JANUARY 1916 (31-335) MONDAY 31
Cloudy this morning so Tilda did not come. Was glad as it makes a little confusion with washing, music lesson and getting diner for Miss Mollie.
I wrote my weekly letter this morning.
The letter I wrote January 3rd came back this morning-that is, the circular.
It came from Spencer but Walter added nothing. Neither did Hattie this time.
The sun began to shine about 9 o'clock but there's been flying clouds all day.
The ground isn't frozen a particle. A poor show for filling ice-houses.
I felt so full and bloated after supper that I went up stairs and shed some of my clothing.
FEBRUARY 1916 (32-334) TUESDAY 1
Rained all last night and been cloudy to-day.
We did very little cooking to-day as Orville was not home. Devoted our time to fixing over dresses. I finished my plaid and Tillie finished a waist made of two riplette ones. Were both small for her.
Miss Davis and Miss Harmanson came for us to go walking. It was too muddy for me but Tillie went.
Pete came over while they were gone and he and I peeled a couple of Pumpkins. These are the last.
Pete brought over a nice, cold, head of cabbage. Orville bought a crate for the dormitory. Have to pay the Home Department for it.
FEBRUARY 1916 (33-333) WEDNESDAY 2
Rained all last night again and turned to sleet this morning for a few minutes. It has been dull and heavy all day. It is cooler so think by to-morrow it will clear up.
I read the Newspaper after supper and got real nervous before I got through. I didn't feel like doing anything more so will go to bed, at 8 o'clock.
(We are looking, a little, for Orville to-morrow forenoon- It depends on how well he gets along with the officials in Richmond.
Tillie spent the evening drilling Donald in his reading and spelling.)
Got a little mixed up. The portion in parenthesis should have been in yesterday's.
Orville got back at 11 o'clock last night and sick.
FEBRUARY 1916 (34-332) THURSDAY 3
Orville was in bed all day to-day.
Tilda came this morning and we washed and ironed.
Tillie began to get chilly this evening and went to bed with the headache and has been in bed most of the day. Got up at 5 O'clock when I was ready for bed. Have been tried all day but felt better after diner and my cup of tea. It was the pie social to-night so I had the six pies to make. I had them just about done when Tillie got up so she offered to put the meringue on the cream pies and I went to bed. I told her and Miss Davis, who was here that I was “too tired to talk.” Must have gotten Orville’s trouble but fortunately all was of short duration. Tillie and I couldn’t go to the social but Orville and the boys went.
FEBRUARY 1916 (35-331) FRIDAY 4
I recorded, unthinkingly, my sickness yesterday, it was to-morrow. Got the pies made all but putting meringue on cream pies when I went to bed this evening.
Orville and the boys got home about 10:30. There weren’t many there outside of the Academy people.
They made $13.
FEBRUARY 1916 (36-330) SATURDAY 5
I kept my bed until five o’clock this evening. Got up and dressed and felt pretty well.
I occupied Orville’s bed last night as there was no fire in my room and I hadn’t the ambition to make it. Orville said he would make a fire when he got home but he decided that I’d better stay where I was and he and Donald would sleep in my bed.
FEBRUARY 1916 (37-329) SUNDAY 6
No church to-day. Tillie, Orville and the boys went to Sunday School.
Thought we would have a quiet rest day but the forenoons are short and by the time the after diner work is done and had a few callers the afternoon is about gone.
Miss Davis came over this evening and we went out for a walk.
Went into the woods towards Mrs. Dooley’s.
FEBRUARY 1916 (38-328) MONDAY 7
Washed and ironed to-day.
Tilda got through the ironing early so Tillie had her sweep up her bed-room.
We washed so late last week that there wasn’t as large a washing as usual.
I lay down after diner and took a little nap. After getting up I ironed my two dressed I had in the wash.
FEBRUARY 1916 (39-327) TUESDAY 8
Been a fine day.
This forenoon I made a couple of handkerchiefs for the boys from two sugar sacks.
This afternoon went over to see Miss Harmanson who has been sick a week with what may prove to be mastoid abscess but at present is considerably better. Took her some strawberry whip and preserved pears.
After staying three-fourths of an hour I went on to new dormitory and visited with Mrs. Talbot. First time I've called on her since Xmas time.
Miss Florence, who came in awhile before I left, was very sociable.
FEBRUARY 1916 (40-326) WEDNESDAY 9
Cloudy this morning. Commenced to rain at 9 o'clock and rained most of the day.
Tillie worked on the trousers that Tommy sent, put pieces underneath the thin parts to strengthen them.
I darned up the pile of stockings.
FEBRUARY 1916 (41-325) THURSDAY 10
The day has been nice.
Tillie dyed a dress skirt and under shirt to-day. I suggested that she put some white carpet rags in what was left so that started up looking for rags and from that I started tearing some colored ones. We have been thinking of starting on them for several weeks but have always found something else that needed doing.
After getting the children to bed Tillie and I went to visit awhile with Miss Barnes. When we got into the hall we heard her talking to one of the girls about some demerits. The girls were a little "up in arms" about it but Miss B. had given them warning the night before.
We left Orville busy with his typewriter.
Miss Daisy called this evening.
Got our Montgomery order ready this morning but can't send it until to-morrow. Orville has to give me a check.
FEBRUARY 1916 (42-324) FRIDAY 11
A beautiful spring- like morning.
I made a batch of cookies this forenoon and cleaned up my room. Was tired when I got through.
Tillie "dug out" all forenoon and got diner. We had boiled rice with raisins and cookies.
I intended going to the Library Society the last period but I lay down after diner and it was recess when I
got up, 2:30.
Mr. Oliver called after school, while he was waiting for the children.
FEBRUARY 1916 (43-323) SATURDAY 12
A beautiful day but we have noticed a circle around the moon for two nights. We hadn't much work to do to-day so I tore a few carpet rags this forenoon.
Tillie spent nearly all afternoon trimming up my feet. Not a pleasant job for her.
After she got through I took my bath and got partly ready for Miss Bushong's reception.
After supper we finished getting ready. Orville was requested to be on time, 7:30 but Tillie and I went over at 8:00.
Miss Bushong is a fine hostess and tried to make it pleasant for all. A disagreeable part of it was the "calling down" of Mr. Heflin, a teacher, for dancing a prohibitive dance.
FEBRUARY 1916 (44-322) SUNDAY 13
The expected storm came this morning. Started to rain about 10:00 and at noon turned to snow but melted as fast as it came.
I decided to stay with the children, as it is hardly safe to leave them when they have to stay in the house and a fire in the grate.
We were just nicely settled after diner when Miss Martha came over and stayed all the rest of the afternoon. She was quite full of the proceedings of last night and a few previous nights.
Tillie took Miss Bushong some prune whip, cookies and coffee this evening.
Have had no time to read anything to-day but the "Menace." Read about their trial at Joplin, Missouri.
FEBRUARY 1916 (45-321) MONDAY 14
Were just finished breakfast when Tilda came. I wasn't looking for her.
It cleared up last night and to-day is considerably cooler.
Got most of the clothes dry and ironed.
Mrs. Samuel Read sent a ripped up skirt by Tilda for me to do some darning on which I did this afternoon.
Virginia was crying to-day and Tillie said, "Keith doesn't cry," and she piped up saying, "He did when he was on the ground." This was a time when Keith had come home from Kindson's and Walter wanted him to come into the house so he could talk to him. Keith didn't want to so lay down on the ground and cried.
FEBRUARY 1916 (46-320) TUESDAY 15
Tillie and I sat down after we got the children to school and wrote a long letter to Hattie. I had just gotten back from putting it in the box when Mrs. Reed came to spend the day and get her dress.
After the diner work was done I tore carpet rags, this evening and sewed a few on the machine.
Mrs. Read was a girl at the time of the Civil War twelve or thirteen years old. For a long time she held the Northerners, or "Yankees" as abhorrence. Considered them as a lot of cut-throats. The whole were judged by the few unprincipled one who took so much advantage of them after the war. The Northerners are coming south and, "Now," she says, “I have learned to love them."
Tillie sent Mrs. Kregg a pan of hot biscuits and made some honey by one of the school girls, this evening.
FEBRUARY 1916 (47-319) WEDNESDAY 16
Another fine day and what little ice we had about melted. Am afraid the dormitory ice-house will not got filled. They sometimes fill it with snow but there's no snow. The water here isn't very cool either. It is soft through and we can wash with it right out of the well, without cleansing.
This morning we, again, sat down and wrote letters to Ed and Helen. The mail man drove away while we were finishing and folding. He hadn't as much work a usual. So we had to keep them till to-morrow.
Orville's throats real sore last night but Tillie doctored him up so well that it was better this morning.
FEBRUARY 1916 (48-318) THURSDAY 17
A letter from Hattie to-day containing the English letter.
Answered the English letter this afternoon.
Tillie drove up to see Mrs. Kregg who has been sick, several days, with bronchial pneumonia. Took her strawberries and whipped cream.
Mrs. Read came this afternoon while Tillie was gone with 5 dozen eggs Orville had bought, 20 cents per dozen.
She wanted the money so as not to have to walk up again as she was going to Bedford City to be gone over Sunday, so I gave her the dollar for which she seemed to be very thankful. Tillie got home just as Mrs. Read was leaving. She had been over to Mrs. Talbot.
FEBRUARY 1916 (49-317) FRIDAY 18
Sewed carpet rags all day. We have been for several days.
Tillie made doughnuts when she was getting supper.
When Mr. Heflin came with the milk he came in and ate one.
Miss Martha and Miss Bushong spent the evening with us.
They were full of the performances of the three youngest teachers. They occupy the sitting room every night and run the Victrola, which disturbs them in their study hours. Mr. Heflin's place is at the boy's dormitory during study hours and Miss Harmanson's every week at girl's dormitory. Miss Davis seems to have no work in the evening. Maybe a love case is growing.
FEBRUARY 1916 (50-316) SATURDAY 19
Tillie made her first "beaten biscuits" this morning. 2 qt flour, cup of lard, cup cream, cup milk, table spoonful of salt, tea spoon of sugar. Put through meat chopper 4 times. Roll 1/2 inch thick and bake in slow oven 1 hour.
We went to Miss Daisy Read's this afternoon to Ladies’ Aid. We had a delightful time. I wore my drab dress.
They served three kinds of cake and chocolate.
This evening Orville and Tillie went down to Hanel's. 0. visited in the store and Tillie with Mrs. Hanel who has been feeling badly for several days.
Nellie Hanel, a sister, was married to-day. They had planned to be married at 10:30 and get to Forest to take the 12 o’clock train. The preacher came at 11:15 and then they meant "business." The groom has a good horse and they made the 5 miles in time. A close call.
FEBRUARY 1916 (51-315) SUNDAY 20
Orville and boys went to Sunday School.
This afternoon Donald, Stuart and I walked to New London to see Miss Mollie, the music teacher, who has been sick a week. This was my longest walk since coming here. Two miles and just two long hills. The “up hill" was pretty hard on my breathing apparatus, requiring frequent rests. It would be better for me if I did more of it.
Miss Martha and Miss Barnes, as chaperones, walked over with the dormitory girls to church, just ahead of us.
We got back before them. Donald and Stuart stopped at Lemmon's on the way back. Donald came home first and reported some dirty talk Stuart got mixed up on. He was sent to bed as punishment.
FEBRUARY 1916 (52-314) MONDAY 21
The same old thing to-day--washing and ironing.
Tillie went to bed last night with headache so this morning wasn't feeling well. I expected to get breakfast but before I got myself and Virginia dressed Orville had gotten his chores done and commenced breakfast. Mixed up pancakes as well and quickly as any woman. I got around in time to fry them while they ate them. That wasn't so bad, was it?
Tillie sewed carpet rags all afternoon while Tilda and I ironed.
We received "Hatchet" invitations from Misses Davis and Harmanson to meet in sitting room this evening. Miss Martha, Miss Bushong, Tillie and I were all that were there. Miss Barnes was on duty this week and wouldn't leave the dormitory. She feels like Miss Harmanson is shirking her duty.
FEBRUARY 1916 (53-313) TUESDAY 22
Rained a little last night and to-day has been cloudy.
I baked bread which duty seemed to have fallen on me. When I first came Tillie baked such a small batch that it seemed more like "playing" than providing for a family.
She had gotten accustomed to Southern practices, "warm bread for all meals." I'm a "Westerner" and I bake some bread and we eat it cold. Had lived with Jim Howard a year and found out what bread meant. Ha! Ha!"
Miss Martha came over just after the biscuits were baked and ate two with a dish of cherries.
This was George Washington's birthday and "cherry day.” Boys have been drawing hatchets and cherry trees since Valentine’s day. Sent one of Donald’s drawings to June, Monday.
FEBRUARY 1916 (54-312) WEDNESDAY 23
Rained a little all night and was so dark that we could hardly see.
Tillie received a message over the wire this morning that Mrs. Spicer, a friend of hers at Calverton died this morning at 5 o'clock of pneumonia. She received the message in time to write a letter of condolence before the mail man, Mr. Radford, came along.
Orville is having some uneasiness of mind between the house-keeper and the three young teachers. Pete came over this evening and told us that the sulphured apples were spoiled.
FEBRUARY 1916 (55-311) THURSDAY 24
Rained hard all day. Was so dark this morning that I had to light the lamp at 10 o'clock while I did some writing.
We have worked busily on the rags to-day and are making the pile look less.
We learned to-day that our Montgomery Ward is at Forest. Pete was at Forest to-day. Was sorry he couldn't bring it.
Got a letter from Mae to-day with two Sunday school papers for the boys.
Donald and Stuart each got a new tablet to-night. They brought them to me to write their names. Then I told them not to mark on the covers. In ten minutes, or less, they had figured and written on the back of them. I felt like spanking both of them.
Orville went over to hear them practice for the play to-morrow evening.
FEBRUARY 1916 (56-310) FRIDAY 25
Carpet rags on the go all day long.
The play, "Mrs. Tubbs of Shantytown" was given to-night. It was quite good and fairly well attended. They sold chocolate wafers and home made candy afterward. The proceeds from the play, $25 went to the Juniors who gave it to make money for the banquet which are going to give the Senior at Commencement time. The refreshments were sold by the Seniors. They made $15. and gave the Juniors one-third of it for the privilege of selling.
Tillie and I came home right after the play.
FEBRUARY 1916 (57-309) SATURDAY 26
Orville went to Lynchburg to-day with Garrett Woodford who wanted to get glasses and wanted help. They walked to Forest and took the 8 o'clock train and got back home about 4 o'clock having walked back from Forest. Was too tired to play tennis with Elizabeth Rice who came in and asked him.
Orville sent Crowe Harris' money $135 to Bedford City by "Pack" to be deposited in the bank. The man is sick and living alone but is looked after by tenants who go in every day. He had Bright's disease, in an awful condition and the house very unsanitary. The tenant requested Orville to try and get the money so that he would be free from suspicion.
FEBRUARY 1916 (58-308) SUNDAY 27
This was preaching day. Didn't like to go, as I had no money for the collection, it had just played out. Went anyway.
Miss Martha came over after diner and stayed nearly all afternoon. She was full of the dancing performances of
Mr. Heflin at Miss Bushong's reception. He tried to dance in the modern way, which is prohibited by the board. Miss Bushong permitted them to dance "Virginia Real" and "Stealing Partners”. Orville who was running the Victrola had to tell him and it displeased him.
FEBRUARY 1916 (59-307) MONDAY 28
Looked a little like storming but Tilda came and we got the washing and ironing done.
Pete oiled the sitting room floor for us.
Mrs. Dooley called this afternoon.
Orville got our "rag party" invitations type written to-night. They were on pieces of starched shirt bosoms, which we had saved after tearing the shirts up.
The invitation was this.
At the Lodge, from 4 to 8.
Come begowned in your oldest dress
That was worn ten years ago or less.
From your bag of rags so fair
Bring with you a rag to tear,
For our rugs you know we're making
Which is quite an undertaking.
Tie a rag around your thumb
So you won't forget to come.
Our Montgomery box came this p.m., which we opened after getting the children to bed.
FEBRUARY 1916 (60-306) TUESDAY 29
I wrote a letter to Tommy this morning, a birthday letter supposed to be but a month after. Wanted to send him a little present, which I neglected sending for in time.
Yesterday was Nellie's birthday so both their presents are or were in the box, which came yesterday.
Sent Tommy a vest pocket flash light and Nellie a pair of pumps.
Orville tied up our party invitations this morning with a carpet rag, and gave them to the teachers.
MARCH 1916 (61-305) WEDNESDAY 1
The month came in mild.
I made three cream pies, one for the 1st prize, the other two to serve.
Tillie made chicken and celery salad to be served with saltine wafers and also made marguerites.
All the lady teachers came at 4 o'clock with their little bundle of rags. They were required to tear them then pick out twelve strings to sew together. The one that got through first, which was Miss Bushong, got the pie and the one who was last, which was Miss Harmanson, got a pincushion which was dressed up in the form of a rag doll. The tearing, sewing, refreshments with 10 minutes left took up the whole time. Miss Bushong made the first move to go at just 6 o'clock.
We had a good time and they all went away laughing. Miss Martha carried the pie for Miss B., on the run and the rest after her.
MARCH 1916 (62-304) THURSDAY 2
This morning was fine so Orville and I got ready to go to Radford to Teacher's Conference. Tillie helped nearly all morning to get ready. My feet had to be gone over slightly to insure easy transportation after we got there. Then I got ready and Tillie packed my suit-case. We neither of us thought of a nightgown and it didn't occur to me until we had just gotten off the train at Radford.
We left here at 11 o'clock with Budd Hanel. Miss Davis and Miss Harmanson went too. Reached Forest a few minutes before the train came in at 1:30. We paid him $2. to take us up.
Reached Radford at 5 o'clock, went to the hotel, got supper then went to Normal building at first session. The two teachers & I occupied one room.
MARCH 1916 (63-303) FRIDAY 3
Got along very well last night without a nightgown as I had my kimono and slept in that. I got up first and was about dressed when the teachers got up. We went down to breakfast together and found Orville eating.
It commenced to rain soon after we got up and in a short time it turned to snow and snowed hard. We got our diner in the building, served by the Ladies’ Aide. I didn't enjoy it, was dry and the coffee was almost cold. A buffet lunch. Cost 25 cents.
At the close of the Science conference I met the Science teacher, Miss Bryson who invited me to spend the night with her. Went back to the hotel and got supper, went with her after the evening conference.
MARCH 1916 (84-302) SATURDAY 4
Every thing frozen up hard this morning. Was glad I had my rubbers with me.
Miss Bryson is matron at the new dormitory which is filled up with girls. The meals are served at the old dormitory and I would have liked to have gone but Miss Bryson ordered Aunt Alice, the colored woman, to bring our breakfast over. We had an orange, toast, hot biscuits and sausage with coffee.
We afterward went to the school building, got the same kind of lunch at noon and left at 4:15 for the depot, The train was on time 4:55. Reached Forest at 8 where we found Budd to take us home and reached there at 10 o'clock. The children were in bed but Tillie was waiting for us. We go over the Allegheny’s to get to Radford, consequently a rough road. If I had been going home I would have been 85 miles on the way. Had a good time and the entire expense was $6.60.
MARCH 1916 (85-301) SUNDAY 5
Glad we are back home. While I enjoyed the trip, it is nice to have a place you can call "home."
There was no church to-day and I was glad of it.
Orville went to Sunday School but didn't feel like it.
Tillie went out walking this afternoon with Donald and landed at Mrs. Barnett's. Not finding her at home they went on to Mrs. Walker's people who have recently come in.
While she was gone Mr. and Mrs. Johnston and Cora came. Cora had gotten some demerits and wasn't feeling good over it. So they came to talk it over. She got them for being saucy to some of the teachers.
MARCH 1916 (86-300) MONDAY 6
Washed and ironed with Tilda's help.
Wrote the circular this morning.
MARCH 1916 (67-299) TUESDAY 7
[No entry.]
MARCH 1916 (68-298) WEDNESDAY 8
Tillie's mind was on sewing this morning and she got up early. I thought it was Orville so got up too but to my surprise when I came out of my room saw Orville still stretched out in bed. The usual thing.
I made button holes in three dresses for Virginia and two more of the boys waists.
Orville wrote a lengthy note to Miss Florence and sent it over by Pete. So much stuff was going into the swill barrel and leaving too much in the Negroes hands.
MARCH 1916 (B9-297) THURSDAY 9
Mr. Crowe Harris died last night at 10 o'clock.
A beautiful morning.
Tillie and I both sat down to write letters after we got the children to school. We had just gotten started when Pete came over saying Miss Mollie was over there so Tillie had to go and take her lesson. Miss Mollie has been sick for three weeks.
I got my letter written to Al and Edna and after mailing washed the dishes.
As Miss Mollie was here we had a little extra diner to get.
This afternoon I worked button holes in three waists.
Tillie finished six pair of panties for Virginia, all but the buttonholes which makes 30 more to work. Tillie called on Mrs., Talbot to-day.
Miss Florence sent an answer to Orville's note. She evidently is thinking it over seriously. Orville went up to Mr. Crowe Harris' this forenoon.
MARCH 1916 (70-296) FRIDAY 10
A nice morning but clouded up at noon.
Mr. Harris was buried to-day.
Orville and Tillie went to the funeral in Mr. Hanel's rig. Miss Davis and Mr. Heflin rode with them.
We had a little lunch soon after 11 and they left at 11:30. Mr. Johnson who came to take a load had tea with us.
School was dismissed at 11 and quite a number went in a body to the funeral.
Those who remained expected to have a picnic, play times &c but Orville got an inkling of it and said he would impose a penalty if any one played before 3:30. All was quiet until that time.
I had supper ready when they came home at 5 o'clock. Made a cream pie and had mashed potatoes.
Worked one buttonhole to-day.
MARCH 1916 (71-295) SATURDAY 11
Thought I would get at the button holes early but when I was ready to start Bonnie Hanel came up for Tillie, her mother was sick.
However I finished the last three waists this afternoon. Have made 88 button holes this week beside sewing on that many buttons.
Orville went to Mento, a little place thirteen miles south-west, to a county farmers' meeting. He reported a good time and took diner at one of the school boy's home. Got home about 6:30.
Miss Bushong and Miss Martha came over and spent the evening with us. Orville was at the store.
MARCH 1916 (72-294) SUNDAY 12
A fine morning but we were late in getting up so Tillie and I had to hurry to get ready for church by 11 o'clock.
The children and Orville went to S. School at 10 o'clock.
This afternoon Orville and Tillie, accompanied by Miss Davis, went to call on a family who have lived in the neighborhood for a year without going to see them. Must be 1 1/2 miles. After they came back Tillie went walking with Miss Bushong and Miss Barnes. Afterward she was going to track walk with the boys and there Orville and I draw the line. We thought she had had exercise enough. I went out with the boys and Virginia and walked around five times--one mile. I had to take hold of one end of a stick with Virginia, rather slow walking.
MARCH 1916 (73-293) MONDAY 13
Fine morning but before night there were indications of rain.
We got the dirty clothes scattered out for Tilda this morning but she failed to show up. So we put it away. Would have gone on with it but we each had a letter to write and when we got through it was 10 o'clock.
I wasn't feeling well this forenoon anyway.
Lay down awhile before diner and felt better.
Had Miss Mollie for diner.
Tillie sewed carpet rags this afternoon and I worked buttonholes in three pairs of panties for Virginia.
MARCH 1916 (74-292) TUESDAY 14
Rained a little during the night and expected a rainy day to-day but it has been fine for washing. Tilda came this morning.
The day has been so fine that it has been sultry.
Tilda says they have gotten their tobacco bed started.
Wrote letters this morning to Harry Glover and Ed Manse about interest money.
Finished the buttonholes in the five pair of panties. Now I must get the tatting done for Mrs. Hanel.
Have felt "blue" all day.
MARCH 1916 (75-291) WEDNESDAY 15
Rained a little this morning and this afternoon turned quite cold. Must be having cold weather in the west.
Got a letter from Hattie to-day saying it was the sixteenth letter she had written without an answer. I think her memory is getting poor. Any way I've written her this evening. Went up into my room. Had a good fire, as it is cold. The first time I've gone to myself to write. Think I'll get writing material and then write up there any evening.
I finished the little dress for Mrs. Hanel's and afterwards mended stockings.
Tillie sewed carpet rags, and silk piece for sofa pillow cover.
MARCH 1916 (76-290) THURSDAY 16
Still cold.
Wrote a letter to Hattie last night and tried to get one ready to Walter but the mail man came before I got it finished so will sent it to-morrow.
Darned more socks to-day.
Went down to Hanel's this evening and got my tablet and ink.
Can write my diary up stairs now every evening when I go up to bed.
Took the little dress down.
Mrs. Hanel thought she felt a little better. She is anemic and very nervous.
MARCH 1916 (77-289) FRIDAY 17
Wrote to Elmer Bisbee this morning in regard to interest money and also the note which matured the 1st of March. Finished up the carpet rags this forenoon. One big job off our hands.
Nearly forgot to sponge the bread this morning but thought of it in time so as to mix it up right after diner. Then got ready to go to the Literary Society which commenced at 2 o'clock.
It was a debate on "Preparedness." Resolved.
Walked five times around the track to-night. Tillie gained one round and walked six.
Miss Davis went home to-night and Miss Harmanson went with her.
MARCH 1916 (78-288) SATURDAY 18
A fine day.
Tillie made oatmeal cookies this morning. Was about through when Ted Hanel came up for her. His mother was having another nervous spell. I finished up, swept, made a beds then took a bath and hanged my clothes.
Yesterday morning Orville announced in chapel that he had appointed Tillie and me to inspect the boy's dormitory and were going to-day at noon. This was a surprise to the boys.
We went and found the rooms in pretty good shape.
They had done some cleaning in shape of sweeping and tidying up.
We went to Ladies' Aid at Mrs. Barnett's this p.m.
Orville went to Mr. Padget's this forenoon to look at horses. Got his diner there then he and Mr. Padget came to Farmer's meeting at N.L.A. When we got home he announced that he was going to meet Mr. Padget at Peter's Branch at 7 o'clock. They were going to Forest to Hanson’s lodge.
MARCH 1916 (79-287) SUNDAY 19
Orville got back at 12:30 last night, rather this morning.
Was late when we got up.
They all went to Sunday School but Virginia & me.
This afternoon I partly wrote my weekly letter.
Tillie and Donald walked to Mr. Oliver's and she was tired out when she got back.
Mr. Hanel the old gentleman walked this evening on his way from the village.
Orville went to the village church, with some of the schoolgirls, as chaperone.
Miss Martha and Miss Barnes came over this morning.
Miss Harmanson came back alone. Miss Davis was sick.
MARCH 1916 (80-288) MONDAY 20
Tilda came and we washed and ironed.
This was Ray's birthday and didn't get a present for him nor even write a letter.
Will write him a letter and send a present later.
Mr. Hanel came up for Tillie about daybreak this morning. She is very poorly.
They had a five cent Victrola musical at school the last hour.
I didn't care to go.
Partly wrote the circular yesterday and finished it this morning.
MARCH 1916 (81-285) TUESDAY 21
We baked bread to-day.
Tillie cut out three pair of pants out of three old pair of
Orville's and made them this afternoon all but buttonholes.
Mrs. Sprouse called this afternoon. Is taking care of Mrs. Hanel part of each day.
MARCH 1916 (82-284) WEDNESDAY 22
Mrs. Samuella Read called on her way to visit Mrs. Lemmon. Borrowed $5. from Orville.
Tillie was with Mrs. Hanel all day.
Orville went down for her after supper.
Children were in bad when they got home.
Gave my bedroom a good cleaning this morning.
This red dirt is a fright.
MARCH 1916 (83-283) THURSDAY 23
Mrs. Lemmon called on us to-day- She has been coming ever since I came.
After she left Tillie went to Hanel's
MARCH 1916 (84-282) FRIDAY 24
Early this morning, as were finishing breakfast, Mr. Heflin, Miss Harmanson and Miss Davis came over. They came to make known to Orville the way they were treated in regard to the sitting room. The trio has had the sole occupancy of it since Xmas to within the last week or two. Miss Bushong occupies it occasionally to help some of her students.
Mr. Heflin is also offended over Tillie and I going over to inspect the boy's dormitory.
It was a good thing, as he wasn't doing his duty in seeing that there was order in the building.
Tillie gave her bedroom a good cleaning but not before it needed it. We talked of having Mr. Heflin come over and inspect it.
MARCH 1916 (85-281) SATURDAY 25
Tillie went to see Mrs. Hanel right after breakfast; one of the boys came up for her.
When she came back at 11 o’clock she had, decided to have Mrs. Hanel brought up here for a while. She came about 1 o'clock.
This forenoon I took care of the bread and pickled Mrs. Hanel's cucumbers, which Tillie brought up yesterday.
Was tired after we got the work done this afternoon so lay down and took a nap.
Miss Martha and Miss Bushong came over with some greens they had gathered at Miss Daisy Read's.
Mr. Hanel came up this evening. Baseball game this p.m. between N.L.A. and Rustberg. Score 12 to O in favor of N.L.A.
MARCH 1916 (86-280) SUNDAY 26
Stuart's birthday, seven years old.