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The Elliott Clan Gam's Diary 1911 She turned 17 this October |
A Young Girl's Diary
Marion Louise Tyler
Exeter, New Hampshire
1911, age 16-17
January 1 - Stayed home from church and Sunday School and worked in a.m. Clarence came from Boston at 2:36. He brought me a book of overtures. I wish Mama would come home.
January 2 - We expected Mama at 6 but she didn't come. Muddy as the dickens and warm.
January 4 - Dr. Dana came down in p.m. Clarence went back to college at 5:25 and Ruth and I took him up to the train. Mr. Haines came down at night to see Papa about the land. He came from Boston. We own the lot back and side of Cohen's now.
January 5 - There is some skating but I didn't go. Sewed instead. In evening Ruth talked over the phone to school ma'ams while I had some fun with her. Cold.
January 7 - Snowed last night. In p.m. I made a shirt for Papa and a shirtwaist for myself.
January 9 - Rained all last night and the snow has gone again and the ground is frozen. Aunt Sarah came and stayed in p.m. She went before I came home. I wished I had seen her. Gave Rosie Cohen her lesson at 5:30.
January 13 - Ruth, B.J. and I went down town after school. Ruth went to E.H.S. dance in Town Hall at night.
January 14 - Ruth and I went down town at 3:30. There was a mist in the air all day. I wish I had gone to the dance. Ruth said some boys asked for me.
January 15 - There is some skating, but it's rough.
January 16 - Cold as blazes.
January 17 - Ruth went skating but I didn't.
January 21 (Saturday) - After going to P's, cut out 4 corset covers, a princess slip and made a guimpe to my blue dress. Then B.J. and I went down town at 3:30.
January 22 - Ruth was sick in bed all day. She's thrown up nearly everything she ate for 2 weeks.
January 24 - After school got new tan shoes. They are high and wide and tough. And they are whorpers and cost $4.00.
January 26 - At 3 went to dentist. Had my tooth filled. He charged me $3.00. I'll never go to him again. In evening Ruth and I went to McNulty's to shine apples. I didn't shine any, but I had some fun. [I probably let you do all the work]
January 27 - Mama and I went to supper at R.F.S. given by Ruth's class. Afterwards Helen Locke and I went down town. Then I went in our church to get Mama [This was Friday]
January 28 - Mama spent the day at Mrs. James.
January 29 (Sunday) - Stayed home in a.m. and p.m. and worked and studied. B.J. and her sister came down in p.m. and they and Ruth went for a walk.
January 30 - Cold as the dickens at night.
February 1 - In evening B. West, Helen L. and I went to a lecture on Korea and China. Very interesting.
February 2 - Snowed all day. Had one session on account of storm. In evening the Choral Union gave its concert at Opera House. Mrs. Lawrence went with me. I sang in it. Heard string quartette which was lovely.
February 3 - Last day I'll have to sit on the front seat in chapel. [Miss Perley made me sit there for a week as punishment for something or other]
February 4 - After supper cut out 2 shirts for Papa and made a shirtwaist for myself and finished it except for the buttons. The walking is terrible. Awfully sloshy and the water can't sink into ground and it's over my shoes in some places.
February 5 - Expected Cousin Lizzie and Nell Blaisdell but they didn't come. In p.m. Emie Gleason and Lucy Dockum came down. Ground frozen except in 1 or 2 places.
February 7 - No school on account of snow storm. Stopped snowing at 4. Snow in drifts but not very bad. Made Papa a shirt and made a lawn collar to go on a dress. Tickled half to death that I didn't have to go to school though I wish it had been a harder day than Tuesday. [This was Tuesday]
February 8 - In evening B.J., H.L., B. West and I went to lecture on "Historic Cathedrals of England" by Mr. Cross. Fairly good.
February 9 - In p.m. went to library and then to see Mr. Bisbee about my dec. Mrs. Bisbee came in and she's going to find one for me. Then Ruth and I were going home, but met H.L. and B.J. and we all went down town.
February 10 - Prayer meeting in evening, and then Mama, Ruth and I went over to Ralph's room in Soule. Spacious room. Home at 9:30. Ate candy and to bed at 11:45. Mama made molasses candy in a.m. like we used to have a long time ago, and we pulled it until it got so hard we couldn't.
February 11 - Mama and Millie went to Mrs. James' in p.m. Made Papa another shirt today. It is great coasting and I wanted to go like everything. Article in Globe about Albert Tyler and family living on raw food.
February 12 - Snow squall in a.m. I was the only one who went to church. In p.m. B.J. came down and she and Ruth and I went over in the country hoping we would get a sleigh ride, but our luck was against us and we came home mad. Met H. Locke by Flanigan's pasture and she and B. stayed in our house till 5:45 and then we all 4 went to B.'s Endeavor. Anna Stokell made me sing in the choir. Came right home afterward and studied. It's great coasting on Shaw's Hill and I was awfully mad we didn't have any double runner.
February 14 - After school a bunch of us went coasting on Perkin's Hill. Had a fine time. A man gave us a ride over. It was H. Locke's double runner.
February 16 - In p.m. H. Grant, B. West and I went coasting up by D. Sargent's. She and Priscilla Young came too. Had a great time. H. Locke and B.J. came up at 4. We hooked pungs. Had more fun. Before I went to bed found a bunch on my foot that aches like everything. Soaked it in sulphur napthol and dressed it.
February 17 - Ruth went to Boston at 2:13 to see Frances Martin. My foot all swollen. Wore a tennis shoe and rubber gaiter on right foot. Aches like everything. At school the girls all roared to see me limp. Miss Perley said she'd lend me her shoes. Biddy Jacques said she hoped it would get well soon. Have decided to speak "The Death Disk."
February 18 - Soaked my foot in a.m. and an hour in p.m. Aches like the dickens. [This was on a Saturday] Evelyn went to dentist at 5.
February 19 - Moped around all day. Papa put poultices on my foot all day. Aches like everything. Ralph and a bunch went coasting.
February 20 - Stayed at home all day caring for my foot which is much better. Ruth didn't come home. Annie McNulty came over and brought me an orange and banana.
February 21 - Went to school. Four school ma'ams sympathized with me and I told the story of my foot about forty eleven times. The core came out of the boil this a.m. and it doesn't ache any more. Ruth came at 2. She was taken sick at Gladys Bower's.
February 25 - In evening went over to Kriger's to play piano for them. Ruth was there.
February 26 - Very bad walking. Cousin Bell and Nell came at 11 and stayed till 2. [Sunday]
February 27 - The river is high.
February 28 - Ground frozen and everything icy. Wore a shoe to school for first time since I had the boil.
March 2 - In evening made believe study. To bed at 9:20. Mama felt rather ill and was depressed that Evelyn and I raised cain. Mil did her share too before she went to bed. Succeeded in marking each other's papers all over. Papa killed the black and white pig; he had rheumatism.
March 3 - In evening Ralph, Ruth, Papa and I went to slight of hand performance by Dean in Town Hall. Very good. Gave my ring for him to do a trick with. Made believe pound it up and shoot it in a box. When he returned it to me, a lovely red rose was tied to it. Mama stayed in bed all a.m. She was sick with a cold. [The rose pedals are still in my diary where I pressed them.]
March 5 - Church and Sunday School. In p.m. went coasting on Litch's Hill. Pretty good in one place, it's all ice. The river is great. It's great skating. Ruth, B.J. and I went for a walk after coasting.
March 7 - Ruth left her muff in hall and Biddy Jacques grabbed it. This is the third time she's taken her property.
March 8 - Muddy walking.
March 9 - B.J.'s sister gave Ruth and me tickets to go to the "Mexican Serenaders." Joseph Yarrick did magical tricks. Enjoyed it very much.
March 10 - Ruth and I went to prayer meeting and then to Library and home via Elm St and peeked in Unity Hall, P.E.A. dancing class. They invited 25 girls to come there to-night but as some couldn't go it was postponed. Ruth and I were going.
March 11 - Ruth and I went to dance in evening at R.S. Ralph was going too, but he didn't come, I don't know why. Corking time.
March 14 - Ruth and I went down town after school.
March 15 - Rained hard at intervals in a.m. No school on account of storm. I was tickled half to death. Cut out a shirtwaist for Ruth in a.m. In a.m. it was impossible to go out of our yard without rubber boots, but the water drained off. Mil, Eve and I put on Papa's overshoes and raced in them. Sun shone in p.m. The river is high and beautiful, and there's a lovely moon.
March 16 - Windy and cold all day. River is high and the middle of it was running water when I got up but it froze wavy in a.m. There is ice the way up on our grass. Fortunately not in the driveway.
March 18 - Ralph came down to supper and danced afterwards. Then he, Ruth and I went down town. Home at 8. Muddy as the dickens. Started a shirtwaist in p.m.
March 20 - Snowed 4 inches last night. The walking is perfectly horrible.
March 21 - Ruth and I went to the sociable. Had a corking time. Wood came home with Ruth. A boy from Spain, Piza, came home with me. Someone stole the ice cream outside the door and more had to be got. Miss Gordon sent Ruth $2.00 for Washington.
March 22 - After school Ruth and I went down town. Began to rain at 6:00 and continued, so I guess we'll have some more mud. Ruth and B.J. have situations at Sunset Hill House for next summer. Ralph tried to go to Poland Springs, but he wasn't experienced enough.
March 23 - Senior class parts were chosen to-day. Ruth got Class Gifts. Also tickets for Washington were given out.
March 24 - School closed to-day. [for spring vacation] Hooray! Ruth didn't have to go to school on account of going to Washington tomorrow.
March 25 - Ruth went to Washington at 6:20. In p.m. party made a shirtwaist.
March 27 - Sewed nearly all day. At 6:00 to Parish supper. Boys waited on table instead of girls.
March 28 - Papa and Mama went to Rebeccah's in evening. P.E.A. closed for a week.
April 1 - I took 9 o'clock train for Boston. Rode up with F. Fuller. Went to Brown Durrell's and did some errands for Papa. Then to Jordan Marsh's. Met Julie Sanders [Cal's girl friend] at 1:45 and had lunch and then went to Orpheum. Then to Cambridge and later to Castle Square Theater to see the "End of the Bridge." Delightful. To bed at 1:00. [I stayed at her apartment that night.]
April 2 - While Julie and were in a drug store I saw Ruth on Mass Ave. Julie took us over to South Station. Ate lunch and took 12:50 train for Taunton. Walked in p.m. and talked in evening. Also after we got in bed Ruth and I got to laughing and could hardly stop. I don't know when we got to sleep. [not a word in diary about Mabel, and she was the one we were visiting]
April 3 - Took 8:16 train for Boston. Shopped all a.m. In p.m. Ruth and I went to Keith's. After we got our suitcases at Jordan's we parted. Ate dinner with A. McNulty at Labrador Kitchen [it was really lunch; you must have gone to Exeter] At 6:15 met Annie at entrance to Park St subway. Ate supper in Cambridge. In evening walked around Cambridge and saw Latin School and many other buildings including Harvard. To bed at 10:00 at 3 Fayette St with Annie.
April 4 - Came in town with Annie. Did a few errands and met Ralph at 1:30. Went to the "End of the Bridge" again at Castle Square. Took 6 o'clock train home with Ralph. Snowy and disagreeable. To bed at 10:00 after talking to everybody a long time. Piza and another boy came down in p.m. and Ruth told Piza to come down tomorrow night. [because I wasn't there in p.m.]
April 5 - Piza came down at 7:30 and stayed till 10:00. Told me all about Spain and taught me a bit of Spanish.
April 6 - Most warm enough to go without a coat.
April 7 - Clarence came from Dartmouth at 12:25. In p.m. Ruth and I went down town.
April 8 - Bert's wife came here in a.m. I wrote Papa [he was in Carney Hospital] to tell him that Bert's second wife will come to see him Monday. Mabel came at 8:00, but went to Mrs. Hall's. Piza took me to the Southern Club dance at the gym, and Ralph took Ruth. Had a simply corking time. Clarence went too, but came home early.
April 9 - Snowed all a.m. Sun out in p.m. Mama, Bert's wife and Mildred went over to see Harry in p.m. They came at 9:00. Clarence and Ruth went to see some school ma'ams at 4:00.
April 10 - Did Ruth's hair. Bert's wife went to Carney Hospital to see Papa. Snow most all melted off.
April 12 - Mabel came up to German in p.m.
April 14 - In evening went down town to get a hat. Ruth and B. McNulty went with me and then they went to Unity Hall to the boys' dancing class. I wanted to go too, but I felt I must rest for tomorrow night. Ruth and I near drove Papa crazy talking so much at suppertime.
April 15 - Prize speaking was at 8:00 at the Town Hall. I spoke "The Death Disk" and got first prize. Piza walked home with me. A girl came from Newburyport to hear me speak because she is going to speak my declamation in Newburyport.
April 16 - Decoration of the Cross at Church. Ruth and I took a short walk afterwards. Mabel came down from Mrs. Hall's to-day to say good-bye to us before Church, as she is going back to Taunton in a.m.
April 17 - In evening Cal took Ruth and I to concert and dance at Town Hall. Danced 7 dances. Mrs. McNulty and Ruth and I came home at 12:00.
April 18 - Piza wanted me to go to H. Locke's. Brittingham was coming up. Papa didn't want me to go. He and Cal decided to look after me.
April 19 - Cousin Lizzie came at 8:00. When I came home after school I found Cousin Edwin and Aunt Sarah here. Clarence went back to college at 5:00. To Choral Union in evening.
April 20 - In p.m. went to R.S. at 3:20 and got Ruth and we went down town. Got a few advertisements for the Seminarian. [I think Biddy Jacques wished that job on me] Aunt Sarah talked to Papa all day. Cut out an opera coat for Ruth in p.m. and partly made it.
April 21 - At 3:20 Ruth and I called in S's and then to F's and home. In evening Ruth and I went to P.E.A. dancing class in Unity Hall. Corking time. Home at 10:00. Aunt Sarah went in a.m. I was rather sorry to see her go.
April 22 - Sewed on Ruth's opera coat in a.m. [Sat]
April 23 - Church and Sunday School. In p.m. teased Ruth and Evelyn. B.J. came down in p.m.
April 24 - After school to B.J.'s. Home at 5:30 and found Mrs. Lawrence here. Fire in town.
April 25 - Two fires in town. One last night. Bert wrote a letter to Papa. It came in a.m. We opened it. He wants a grand meeting. Ugh! I shudder when I think of it. We are not going to send it to Papa until he comes out of the ether. [He was in Carney Hospital]
April 26 - Didn't wear any coat to-day. In evening went to Odd Fellows anniversary. Didn't have an extra good time. Afterwards Ruth and I went in Town Hall and danced two dances. Home at 11:00 and to bed at 11:30. Gramie can't talk very well. We can hardly understand her. She stayed in bed all day. Great weather.
April 27 - Ralph began to take his meals here. No school because of Fast Day. Worked all a.m. In p.m. H. L. came down. Finished Ruth's opera coat and started a blue muslin dress for myself. In evening H. L., Ruth and I went down town. Home at 8:30. Gramie is very feeble. We put her in a single bed this p.m.
April 28 - Finished blue dress. In evening Ruth, Ralph and I went to E.H.S. dance. Had a simply corking time, four dances with Lincoln Dean, and 5 with Piza. Papa was operated on to-day. Dr. Day came to see Gramie. She is about the same.
April 29 - Did odd things in a.m. Made a waist out of all-over hamburg. In p.m. Ruth and I went down town and I got more advertisements for the Seminarian. Yale freshmen defeated Exeter in p.m. Hot as July. Gramie a little better.
April 30 - Church and Sunday School. Wore my lavendar suit to-day but it is really too warm to wear any coat now. Hardly anyone is.
May 1 - Letter from Papa. He didn't have the operation. Expects it Wed.
May 4 - In evening Mrs. Lawrence and I went to the concert given by the Choral Union. I enjoyed the soprano and tenor soloists very much and also the Van Vliet orchestra. Papa came at 5:17. He did not have the operation. Cousin Edwin came over in a.m. for an hour. Gramie is about the same.
May 5 - At 7:20 Ruth and I met D. Sargent on High St and she gave me my advertisement book. Then home. Mrs. McNulty came over and stayed till 9:00 and I had to entertain her. Papa and Mama went to see Mrs. James in p.m. She is very sick.
May 6 - In p.m. Ruth and I got a few advertisements. In evening Ralph took Ruth and I to a dance at Seminary. Corking time. Skipped my escort and went home with Ruth. Johnnie Hodgson asked to take me to the dance in the Gym next Saturday.
May 7 - Had a ride in a 7 seated Packard. M. York invited me.
May 9 - Gramie about the same.
May 11 - Hot as the dickens. Ruth got mad at me and put ink on my linen dress much to my disgust.
May 12 - Gramie about the same. The kids and I were singing about 8:45 and we went out on the piazza and there sat Ruth and Charlie. Ruth immediately went in and I pushed Charlie off the piazza. He didn't seem to care much. [Whatever prompted me to do such things]
May 13 - In evening Johnnie Hodgson took me to a dance at the Gym. It was the finest dance of the P.E.A. dancing class. Had a fine time. Received four favors. There were 4 favor dances. Went in a cab and came home in one.
May 14 - Taught the young kids in Sunday School and played piano for them. Fooled in p.m. Fire in park.
May 15 - Papa and Mama went to Grange.
May 16 - Gramie's mind is wandering. She mumbles to herself.
May 17 - Gramie looks very ghastly. Dr. Day came to see her.
May 18 - Gramie much worse. Mama worries.
May 19 - Cousin Lizzie and Edwin came over in a.m. Edwin went back but Lizzie stayed. In evening Ruth and I went over to Cohen's to hear the superb music. Home at 8:30. Ruth and I stayed up all night to see to Gramie. Ruth went to sleep but I didn't until 3:30 a.m. Then I went upstairs to bed.
May 20 - Sewed and ironed and washed. Went down town in p.m. after going to F's. Met Mama and Mil down there. Was going to look at wall paper, but couldn't wait. In evening C. Deehan came down to see Ruth. Evelyn and I had some fun with them. To bed at 10:00. Gramie about the same.
May 21 - None of us went to church. Dr. Dana telephoned down to see what was the matter. Gramie very low. Cousin Lizzie still here. At 5:30 Ruth and I went down town for Papa.
May 22 - Cousin Lizzie went home in a.m. When I got home after school my neck was all bunches from brown twil moth bites. It itched like everything. I felt like the deuce all over.
May 23 - After supper Ruth and I went down town and I got 2 more ads. Cousin Lizzie came again in p.m. I telephoned her at noon.
May 24 - Cousin Lizzie and Mama were sitting up with Gramie. Ruth has a swollen foot.
May 25 - At noon Ruth, Papa and I went down town. Got some paper for front hall. Cleaned house all p.m. In evening Ruth and I went to Dr. Day's to see about her foot. She's got to soak it, I mean put on hot poultices. Then we went to Mr. Thompson's to get his apparatus. Took Jo Johnson along with us. Home at 8:30, and studied. Gramie seems very bright to-day.
May 26 - Up at 6:00. Oiled sitting room floor. Was called home at 3:00. Gramie died at 2:50. Cousin Edwin came at 5:30. Wrote postals to friends. Funeral Sunday. Gramie didn't look very natural. Oh, it seems awful. I can't believe she has gone. But she suffered so much we couldn't wish her to stay. Mrs. McNulty came over in evening. Clarence came home to stay over Memorial Day at 6:00. Ruth has a bad foot. She stayed at home caring for it. [At the top of that page I made two solid black rectangles to mark the day.]
May 27 - Sun shone for once. Worked like a dog all day. At 6:00 Cousin Lizzie and Edwin went home and Bessie Clock and Uncle John and Aunt Ella and Joe and Aunt Nell and the baby came. Bessie and I went down town with Clarence after supper. Cal is going to sleep at McNulty's. Old Thompson finished the hall. Ruth has to go on crutches.
May 28 - Gramie's funeral was at 2:00. It was mostly private, but a few outsiders came and some more relatives. I cannot express my feelings. It's so hard to think that Gramie is really gone. I can't believe it. She didn't look at all like she used to. Bessie McNulty was lovely and helped us. Everybody went at 5:00 except Uncle John and Aunt Ella. Tried to study in evening but couldn't.
May 29 - Ruth's foot better. Doesn't go on crutches so much.
May 30 - Rained at intervals in a.m. but sun came out in p.m. Ruth and I went to cemetery at 10:00 and decorated our lot. Then sat on B.J.'s piazza until parade came by. Shook hands with D. Mason at cemetery. He came down to supper.
June 1 - Ruth went to a party at Mrs. Nason's and came home angry because Cal didn't call for her. Soon he came and he was angry too because he went up there and didn't find her.
June 4 - Cal went on 5:15 train. In evening C. Deehan came down to see Ruth but I didn't speak to him.
June 7 - Mr. and Mrs. Woodburn Franklin came at 5:30.
June 8 - Mama and Papa and the Franklins went to the beach around by Portsmouth. At 4:00 the Deutscher Verein went to the beach. Had a corking time. Sang and yelled coming home. Home at 9:00. Met Ruth at the corner. Made bread for tomorrow.
June 9 - Did different things in a.m. Ruth kneaded my bread while I did something for her. In p.m. were the Bread Prize exercises. No one spoke. The smaller girls demonstrated their work in German, and a new economic course was explained. The Franklins and Papa and Mama came up to the Seminary in p.m.
June 10 - The Franklins went at 6:00. In p.m. went to Mrs. Tozier's and bought a pair of corsets, $3.50. Put them on up there. Corkers.
June 11 - Children's Sunday to-day. Rather cold. I wore my winter suit. In p.m. Roland Sanborn came down. I was rather vexed; he's such a prune. And I guess he hates me. He went at 6:50. In evening C. Deehan came down to see Ruth. Went in and talked to him.
June 12 - Had an interview with Miss Perley after school about my voice. She wants me to try to subdue it.
June 13 - In a.m. we practiced marching in school. Down town with Ruth in p.m. Got some velvet shoes and long kid gloves. Rained at intervals all day.
June 14 - Worked all a.m. Got my dress suit most finished. It's made of white hamburg. At 1:40 Ruth and I rode to the Town Hall in Trefetheren's car, calling for 2 girls on the way. We wanted an open cab though. Ruth graduated. Had class part-gifts. After exercises sold Seminarians. In evening Ruth went to reception with C. Burpee and Ralph took me. Corking time. Home at 12:30.
June 15 - Felt awfully all day. In p.m. Ruth and I went to E.H.S. graduation. Had a ride in Evans' auto afterward. Ruth went to E.H.S. reception but I went to bed at 7:30.
June 16 - In p.m. took Margaret and David to the circus. Fairly good. It was Downie and Wheeler's. There was a thunder shower while we were there, but it stopped when we went home. Felt rotten all day. Headache etc.
June 17 - The Sunday School picnic went down to the beach, free. Had a fair time. In p.m. B.J. and H.L. came down. We went home at 5:00. Felt rotten all day. Cold in my nose and a headache. To bed at 8:30. Ruth stayed down at the beach with Charlie Burpee. Bruzer ran away to-day.
June 18 - Went to Church but came out early because of my cold. Wore my hobble dress that I wore at Ruth's reception. C. Deehan came down to see Ruth in evening.
June 19 - Cut out a green plaid dress and sewed a little on it. Glen came over and talked for an hour or so. Dr. Knowlton came in a.m. and asked me to tend his office again this summer. At 6:30 went to Unity Hall and then for a ride in Bessie Perkins' team. Then saw C. Burpee and he walked home with me, and then I turned him over to Ruth. Feel rotten.
June 20 - Bruzer hasn't come back yet. Felt rather bum all day. In evening Ruth and I took some more Seminarians around to distribute. To bed at 9:30 after preparing a lemon to take to bed with me. Throat is sore as the deuce.
June 21 - F's in a.m. Dr. K's in p.m. Took some Seminarians around. In evening Ruth and I went up to Tilton's and then to B.J.'s. We all went to distribute some more Seminarians. Finished green dress in a.m.
June 22 - In evening Evans took me for a ride in their auto. [I have no idea who they were]
June 23 - F's in a.m. Rode horseback a little when I came home. In evening Ruth and I peeked in at Unity Hall. The class of 1911 gave a dance there. B.J. stayed all night.
June 24 - In a.m. Mildred and I rode horseback. Packs of fun. In evening B.J., Ruth and I went to P.E.A. prize-speaking. It was pretty good. Ralph spoke "The Death of Arbaces."
June 26 - Helped Mama sew her dress. In evening she and Papa went to Ralph's reception at Mr. Amen's. C. Burpee came down to see Ruth and we three kids had some fun. M. put a handkerchief around her tooth and E. around her eye and I around my forehead. Raised cain. To bed at 9:40.
June 27 - Ralph wouldn't pay $21 to the P.E.A office so he didn't get his diploma. Class Day exercises at 10:30. The rest of the family went, but I didn't.
June 28 - Finished embroidering a centerpiece I began last summer. In evening Ruth and I went down town. Got ice cream and brought Mama home some. Ralph began staying here to-day. Brought all his things up.
June 29 - Cal came home at 6:00. B.J. came down in evening and we looked at Cal's things. Mabel came to Mrs. Hallis this evening.
June 30 - Cal and Ralph went to Rye to see about jobs. Mama and the kids went raspberrying but didn't find but a cupful.
July 1 - At 9:00 Mama, Mil and I went to Haverhill. Mama bought a hat and I bought tan velvet shoes and some artificial roses. Mama and M. went to Newton but I came directly home. Went to Dr. K's in p.m. Mama and M. came home at 8:00.
July 2 - None of us went to church. Nearly melted all day. C. Burpee came down to see Ruth in p.m. It was 123 in the sun in p.m.
July 3 - Ruth and I went to Sugar Hill at 10:00 for the summer. I just about cooked all day.
July 4 - The sun beat down unmercifully all day. In evening Ralph and I sat on piazza till 9:45. Mama and Papa rode up to some place after supper and got home at 10:00.
July 5 - K's all day. Ralph stopped in and deposited a bottle of ammonia around on his coat and on the table. I nearly smothered.
July 7 - Wrote to Ruth and B.J. In evening went up to D. Sargent's. Rode home with Mama and the kids. They had been to Mrs. James'. Nearly died laughing over some pennies.
July 8 - Washed my hobble dress. At 6:30 went to the beach. Met Ralph and Cal. Ralph and I went to show. Danced a little afterwards. We all came home at 11:00.
July 9 - After supper H. Locke came down to get me in Parkman's auto, and then we went up to the station with her brother. Then called on B. West and she and Helen and I came down to the house. Cal and Ralph got scrapping. We all walked home with them. Ralph got mad and let Cal walk home with Bessie and he and I came home.
July 10 - Conways came at 6:30 to stay all night.
July 11 - Conways went at 6:00. It was unbearably hot all day. In evening Mama, the kids and I went down town and bought ice cream. Cal came home at 9:00. Bessie M came over and stayed till 11:00. Mama and Mil tried to sleep on the front piazza for a while. Letter from Ruth in a.m. Bert in court to-day, Lucy suing for divorce.
July 12 - In evening the kids and I played and sang. Lucy got $800 from Bert.
July 14 - Mama and the kids went blueberrying in p.m. and got 10 quarts.
July 17 - Rained a little and misty all day long. In evening we all sang including Ralph, but stopped because it made Mama's head ache.
July 18 - The bridge is all ripped up except timbers across it upon which we had to walk. Some of the people around here were afraid and had to be helped over. Sent Ruth a postal asking her for that $1.00 I lent her.
July 19 - Mr. Hales came at night.
July 20 - Mama and the kids went berrying and got 26 quarts. Letters from Ruth and Bessie in a.m. They are dead broke.
July 21 - Wrote to Ruth and Bessie in a.m. They have taken all the timbers down at the bridge and left one slanting so we can walk down. Mama, M. and I rode up to Mrs. James' but stopped only a few minutes. Home at 8:45 and sang a little.
July 23 - Finished my white hat and Mildred and I went to church. Dr. K's in p.m. I think of studying elocution and physical culture in two years. I may change my mind though forty eleven times before then.
July 24 - Rained in a.m. and everyone rejoiced because of it. We all sat out on the porch in evening.
July 25 - Work on the bridge is slowly progressing. Ralph is teaching me the clog dance. Here's hoping I can learn it.
July 26 - Mama and kids went blueberrying and got most 39 quarts. I rode horseback in p.m. and helped Papa plough, and the old horse insisted on turning to the right.
July 30 - Cal was angry because I didn't get his collars and he went to the chinaman's and so did Mildred and I but in vain.
July 31 - Took 3 pictures of the bridge in p.m. Bought white shoes, $1.50. Got a good bargain on the shoes. They are dandies for the money. Cut out a dress for Annie Kriger in evening.
August 2 - K. Fuller wants a dress made for her, and B. McNulty wants a waist made. Dear me! I never expected my dressmaking ability would come to this.
August 3 - Mama and the kids and Clyde Marsh went blueberrying and got 33 quarts and a little over. The men are starting on the other side of the bridge now to build up the rocks.
August 4 - Phoned K. Fuller and then cut out her dress. Dr. K's all day. Sewed after 4 o'clock. After supper K came and tried it on and Annie K came and got hers. Sang and played with the kids. Mama came from Mrs. James at 9:00, and we helped her across the bridge.
August 5 - Finished K. Fuller's dress and she came for it at 7:00. Went to a party across the street and it made me sick.
August 6 - Cal was grouchy all day. I put Ruth's rat in Cal's bed at night.
August 7 - Mama and Clyde and the kids went blueberrying and got 27 quarts. They probably won't go again. My, but I love blueberry pies, um, yum. In evening Mama, the kids and I went down town and got ice cream.
August 8 - Letter from Louis Lancaster. He says Elmer [his brother] has gone to trade their buzz-wagon, and if they strike a bargain they'll come east. I hope he does.
August 9 - We cleared our room out to be painted to-day.
August 10 - Began to paint our floor green in a.m. [I don't know who did it as there is no mention in my diary. I didn't, as I was at Dr. K's all day.] I wish Bruzer would come home.
August 11 - Mama and Evelyn went up to Mrs. James' in p.m. In evening the kids and I gave an open air concert.
August 12 - Mama and the kids went to the beach at 3:00 and I went down at 5:00. I walked up High Street and just before taking the car I saw Mabel in Miss Weeks' yard. She was rather cool. The show at the beach was rotten. Home at 11:30. Late because power came off.
August 13 - When I came home from Dr. K's I met Cal in his girl's auto. The boards are all on the bridge but it has to be graded. It is 16 inches higher and much wider.
August 14 - We sat out on piazza in evening.
August 15 - I wish Bruzer would come back.
August 16 - Sewed a sheet for Papa over-edge. Oiled the hall floor in a.m.
August 17 - Mr. Fales came at 7:00 to stay all night. Letter from Ruth in a.m. and wrote to her in p.m. Sewed another sheet for Papa in a.m.
August 18 - Made another sheet for Papa.
August 21 - At last my bed is put back in my room. The floor is dry.
August 24 - Mama went to Newton in p.m. She's been planning to for ages. I got the supper without mishap except they said the potato wasn't cooked enough.
August 25 - Succeeded in getting breakfast for Cal, Ralph and Papa and put up C's lunch. Left Mil and Eve careful instructions about dinner and departed for Dr. K's. Gosh, I miss Mama. I wish she'd hurry up and come back.
August 26 - Got breakfast all right. Miss Mama to beat the band. Papa made some griddle cakes but forgot to put soda in them and consequently they were a failure. Mildred made some good ginger cookies and got a dandy dinner. Lord, I don't like to keep house. The job doesn't appeal to me. Wrote to Ruth and B.J. in a.m.
August 27 - Mama didn't come home. Oh, dear. It seems a century since Thursday. [that was the day she left] August 28 - Got breakfast all right. Mama came at 8:15 and we nearly went in ecstasy.
August 30 - Mr. Fales came to stay all night. One week from to-day. Hooray! [why I ever said "Hooray" I'll never know, for a week from this day school was to begin]
August 31 - Wrote to Ruth in a.m. Only one more day at Dr. K's.
September 2 - Went to Boston to shop. Saw Converses in p.m. Home at 7:30.
September 3 - Mama and the kids have been trying to guess all day long the present that I got for Mama but in vain. They offered unimaginable suggestions.
September 4 - Conways came at night. H. Jones came down in p.m. and told us that school had been postponed two weeks. Evelyn, Mildred and I danced all over the house shouting at the tops of our voices.
September 5 - Conways gave Mildred, Evelyn and I 50¢ to divide among us. All my goods came from Boston in p.m. much to my delight. [This was the time that I bought the silver comb and brush for Mama.]
September 6 - The Seminary was to have opened to-day but on account of 17 cases of scarlet fever it has been deferred. In a.m. sewed and oiled Mama's floor. In evening Mama, Mil, Eve and I went down town to get ice cream.
September 8 - Ralph scared Mildred; he dressed up like an old tramp. Ruth thought perhaps she might come home to-day but she didn't. Oiled Papa's floor in a.m.
September 9 - Oiled the dining rom floor and also the upper front hall in a.m. [Golly, I don't remember being that ambitious!] At 1:30 Mildred and I went to Dr. Hooper's. She had a second tooth pulled. She had a fine time squealing. Postal from Ruth.
September 11 - When Mr. F saw me he yelled, "Oh you hobble skirt!" G. Elliot brought Cal home in her car.
September 12 - Mama and I went down town and got paper and paint for the kitchen.
September 13 - Mama went to Mrs. James'. Papa and Mildred drove to Chester and bought a corking horse for $100. Mr. Fales came at 7:00.
September 14 - B. West came down and she and Mama and Mildred and I went over to Moulton's in the wagon. Had some fun. Cal got through at Rye to-day. Sent Ruth a postal in p.m. and asked her to send Cal's trunk home.
September 15 - Our driveway has been ripped up. The drain has been open for ages in the field. I guess they'll never complete it. Cal went to Boston in a.m.
September 16 - B.J. telephones in p.m. that she has come home and that Ruth is in Gonic and is coming home Monday.
September 17 - To church and Sunday School. Had to teach the kids. I'm the pianist now at Sunday School. Cal, Mil and I went to station and got Ruth's trunk. Home at 7:30.
September 18 - Ruth came in a.m. and in p.m. we went down town and then to station. Clarence met us there and he took the 5:24 train for Manchester, and he's going to college Tuesday. We packed his trunk all day.
September 20 - At 9:00 Ruth and I went up to B. West's. And then we went over to the Seminary and found our proposed seats taken. But we got some others. There's a nice bunch of girls around my desk, B. West, D. Sargent, A. O'Dell and P. Young. In evening C. Burpee came down to see Ruth. Evelyn and I had some fun with them.
September 21 - It seems natural enough to be going to school again. I was elected president of our class, and I was simply stunned. I guess I'll have enough to do now. Just think, I'm a senior. We are planning to go to Washington in the spring.
September 23 - Mr. Fiske is counting my dresses now. I made Ruth one in a.m. and sewed on my blue one in p.m. a little, and then Ruth and I went down town.
September 25 - Ruth and I went down town in p.m. on 3 or 4 errands. Awful thunder shower at 6:00pm.
September 26 - Finished my blue dress and wore it to school, Mr. Fiske said he was going to give up counting my dresses. He says he thinks I make one every p.m. [If the o.g. didn't have all those materials, we never would have had all the clothes we did.]
September 27 - Mama and Papa were going to the Rochester Fair at 7:50 but Dolly Gray had to have a cold and so they were delayed till 8:32. Ruth and C. Burpee here in evening and Evelyn and I teased them.
September 28 - Letter from Louis in a.m. He said that Mabel is going to teach in Olivet. Mama and Papa came from Rochester in p.m.
September 29 - Tried to whack geometry into Ruth's head before school. In evening we four girls played "Sherlock Holmes" and Ralph came down. Mr. Amen won't let him room in his shop.
September 30 - At 9:00 went to Seminary. A few girls were already there. [We were getting ready for a lawn party to make money for the class.] We worked all a.m. putting up booths etc. Looked after everything in p.m. Ruth was the fortune teller and made good. In all we made $34.00. There were a lot of boys there who helped us carry in things, but Brigham got after them. They carried a table way up on the 3rd story. Only 4 of us stayed and did all the work. Home at 7:30 and then C. Deehan came down and I talked to him. I'm so glad this afternoon is over.
October 1 - Church and Sunday School. At 5:00, Eve and I went to Young People's meeting. Rained coming home. Ruth, Eve and I had two umbrellas between us. They both belonged to F's. In evening Papa tried to teach us the bones of the body. We thought we'd die laughing, and he asked us arithmetic questions too.
October 2 - In p.m. Ruth and I took S's tent back to them that we borrowed for the lawn party.
October 3 - Rather cold. Have to wear a sweater now. After school Ruth and I went down town with some other girls. Teased Hazel Greenis all the way down. In evening a man and woman were here with a sick horse waiting for it to get well. They went about 11:00 I guess. I went to bed at 10:15.
October 4 - Mrs. James has got tired of her fighting cock and so she swapped with Mama for a little one. Ruth and Mama went to Mrs. James' in p.m. with the old nag.
October 7 - Ruth, Eve and I went to the Dartmouth Freshman game.
October 8 - Church and Sunday School. In p.m. C. Burpee came down to see Ruth. Eve, Mil and I went to the afternoon meeting. Papa stayed up till 3 o'clock this a.m. because Molly was sick.
October 10 - It was Papa's and Mama's 24th wedding anniversary to-day. We celebrated it with ice cream etc and I was so full I could hardly walk.
October 11 - After school B. West, Ruth and I went down town. I bought a pair of shoes, $3.00, high ones.
October 13 - Mama was at Mrs. James' all day. In evening Ruth, Ralph and I went to the high school dance. Had a corking time. It was in Unity Hall. McKinney came home with me and we talked until one o'clock. Charley B. and Ruth came in afterwards. To bed at 2:00.
October 15 - Church and Sunday School. In p.m. wrote a theme on "How to Give a Party." If our dope of a teacher knew what a fool subject that is perhaps she wouldn't give it to us. I wish she had to write it herself.
October 16 - Physical Culture Catalogue came in a.m. and Ruth brought it to school.
October 17 - The girls at school looked over the catalogue of the Sargent School and were very enthusiastic over it. Oh, I think it'll be great.
October 18 - Biddy Jacques passed our themes back on "How to Give a Party" and mine had "Rewrite" on it and so did B. West's. We were hopping mad, and I'll be jigged if I'll change mine.
October 19 - Ruth and I went down town after school. In evening I went to a party at McReel's. Had a fine time. Home at 11:40.
October 20 - Teacher's Convention. Didn't have any school. Hooray! Sewed a little in a.m. and in p.m. Hazel Greenus and I did some errands. Home at 4:30 and found C. Burpee here but he went right home as soon as I came. In evening McKinney came down and we had some fun fighting all the time like cats and dogs. He went at 10:00.
October 21 - Nearly finished my brown norfolk dress. In evening Ruth and I went up to Mrs. Tozier's. Met C. Deehan and he very kindly escorted us home but I guess he wished that I weren't there.
October 23 - I dared B. West to hand in her theme again on that party. We both rubbed out the "rewrite" and I gave the themes to Biddy and B. West said I had more nerve to do it. [I don't know why I did such a thing.]
October 24 - After school Dot Sargent, B. West and Ruth and I got the key to the chapel and went in and yelled songs and danced and raised the old Harry. I was good and hoarse afterwards. We had a corking time. We came downstairs dancing into the main room and there sat Miss Burleigh but she simply smiled.
October 26 - Biddy Jacques got after me about passing my theme back in again without rewriting it but she said I needn't write it over.
October 27 - Mckinney came down in evening. Scrapped as usual. Cornelia Kirtland wasn't expected to live to-day. She had convulsions all night. The other children are round at houses. Barbara K is staying at Fiske's.
October 28 - Ruth and C. Burpee went to Portsmouth to the high school game. P. won 52-0. Whew!
October 29 - Church and Sunday School and 5 o'clock meeting. Packs of boys there. Lewis lead. He went home with Ruth and Lincoln came home with me. Had a corking time. Cut out some pumpkins for the sociable.
October 30 - After school Ruth and I went down town, and in evening Ruth, Eve and I went over to the church with the pumpkins. Someone was in there and while we were waiting Lincoln and Hixon came along and wanted to help us, so we let them. Then they wanted to go to ride in our team and I said yes if they would sit in the back. Lincoln drove, but the horse hardly moved. We nearly died laughing. We only went around Lincoln St. Once Lincoln got out and lead the horse and I nearly died laughing. We certainly had a fine time. Home at 8:30.
October 31 - At 4:00 went down to church. Lewis was there helping Ruth and E. Sanborn. We got into a squabble, I mean Lewis and I did, and I went home. In evening B. West went to the sociable with us. Had a corking time. Lincoln came home with me and asked to take me to the dance next Saturday night.
November 1 - After school, B. West and I went down to our church to clear up. Met Ruth there.
November 2 - Mama was at Mrs. James' all day. At 4:00 Ruth and I went down town and then to F's.
November 3 - In evening went to prayer meeting with Mama. Ruth went with C. Burpee.
November 4 - Sewed nearly all day on my light brown silk dress. Finished it in time to wear it to the dance. At 7:40 Lincoln came down and we went to the dance at R.S. Had a corking time. Home at 11:30 and we had some eats with C.B. and Ruth. Ralph came in too. Lincoln stayed till 1:45. We squabbled most of the time.
November 9 - Ralph and Papa killed Daisy in a.m. early, and now we have only 2 white horses. Harvest supper at 6:30. Basket lunch and it made me sick.
November 10 - Mama went up to Mrs. James' in p.m. In evening McKinney came down. We scrapped as usual all evening.
November 11 - Andover beat Exeter here 23-5. Ruth and C. B. went.
November 15 - In evening Papa, Ruth and I went to see Mr. Webber impersonate the "Taming of the Shrew" at the Academy. It was pretty good.
November 22 - After school Ruth and I went down town to get bids printed for our dance, and did a few other errands.
November 23 - Papa went at 8 o'clock to sit up all night with Mr. Jackson.
November 25 - Cut Ruth out a dark red serge dress and sewed on it in a.m. and p.m. In a.m. I made some violet ink and such a mess I made. Violet spots on everything, all over my hands, on doors and cloths and even on the soap, and I thought it'd never come off.
November 27 - Bishop Parker spoke in chapel.
November 28 - In evening Papa, Ruth and I went to P.E.A. to hear Mr. Webber impersonate "The Merchant of Venice," which I didn't think was especially well done. Then Ruth and I had to go down town and it was pouring and we had packs of stuff to carry and Ruth lost her combs and I lost the handle to the umbrella and it blew wrong side out and we waded through mud over our shoes and Lord, we had an awful time. To bed at 11:00.
November 30 - Finished Ruth's red serge dress in a.m. [Thanksgiving Day] Had dinner at 2:30. I made up my mind not to stuff myself this time, and I didn't. At 4:00 went to B. West's and stayed there all night.
December 1 - In afternoon Ruth and Mama went calling. Ahem! [Guess I thought that was pretty ritzy] And in evening they went to Dr. Dana's to talk religion.
December 3 - Church and Sunday School. At 5:00 to the Young People's meeting. Cobb lead. Lincoln came home with me and Hixon with Ruth.
December 8 - In evening Mama, Ruth and I went to Dr. Dana's. Ruth had a date at 8:00. Home at 8:30 and talked with Ruth and Charlie much to their displeasure. To bed at 10:00.
December 9 - Evelyn and I went skating in a.m. in the park. Couldn't skate very far.
December 10 - Church and Sunday School. At 5:00 to the meeting with Ruth. It was a bum meeting. Dewey lead, and I guess he's not all there. Dr. Dana was away and the thing lasted about 15 minutes. I wish we would have cold weather.
December 11 - In evening Ruth and I went to S's for half an hour and then home and studied.
December 13 - In p.m. the domestic science people had a sale downstairs. We had three farmers to dinner. One could play the piano.
December 14 - Thank goodness it's a little cooler now and I do hope the river will freeze by Saturday.
December 15 - Ruth and Charlie went to the E.H.S. dance in the evening. At 10:00 Mr. Trudo came and stayed till 12:00, and Mama and I had to entertain him. To bed after he left.
December 16 - Ruth and I went down town at 5:00. The walking is perfectly awful. Sloppy as the old Harry.
December 17 - Church and Sunday School. In p.m. Ruth and I laid some boards on our side of the road up to the bridge so we won't have to wade through the mud. At 5:00 to our meeting. Four were there. Walked home with Dr. Dana. Nasty weather.
December 20 - School ended at 4:00 for this term. Hooray! I wish to goodness we'd have some skating.
December 21 - Evelyn and I went down to the park. It's safe as far as the cannons, but we didn't go on. C. B. came down to see Ruth in evening. Eve and I had a little fun with them.
December 22 - Mr. Trudo came at midnight and stayed all night. [Who in the world is he?] B. McNulty gave Ruth and me a present in a.m. Clarence came at 6:00 from Dartmouth.
December 23 - In evening Ruth and I went to Brown's. Home at 9:45 and sewed. To bed at 12:00.
December 24 - Church and Sunday School. Doped around in p.m. In evening Ruth and I went over to McNulty's. Home at 7:30 and to bed at 8:00.
December 25 - Sewed a little in a.m. and in p.m. Mrs. Fiske gave me a fan in a.m. At 6:00 we had our Christmas. Mama gave me a nightgown and a silver spoon, Cal a Sigma Chi banner, Papa a pair of scissors, Ralph a diary, Ruth beads, Evelyn an apron, Mildred a mirror. I liked everything I got. Had a feed and then talked and to bed at 10:15.
December 26 - In p.m. Ruth and I went down town to get Mama and Papa each a Christmas present to put on the tree down at the church. At 7:00 we all went down to the church to the tree. Mrs. Dana gave me a pair of embroidery scissors which pleased me very much. When we came home Dean was standing in the yard because all the doors were locked. We were all scared and ran back after Papa and Mama. It was muddy coming home. [Evelyn wrote this last paragraph and said at the bottom, "Mair is putting hair tonic on her hair so I am writing this. Evelyn."]
December 28 - Mama and Mrs. Somes were up to Mrs. James and Dot and I called on them.
December 29 - Evelyn and I went skating in the park and I skated on too thin ice and got in where it was 40 feet deep, and no one around. Evelyn tried her best to help me and it was simply awful. In a few minutes I managed to get out. There was a heavy current and I had on heavy boots that weighed about a ton, and they seemed to be pulling me down. No one can ever imagine the terrible sensation I had. I nearly froze to death coming home. I was about numb. I never came so near losing my life. It was AWFUL. Aunt Sarah came in p.m. To bed at 9:00.
Memo at end of diary: I don't know exactly what to say I'm sure, but each year seems to grow better. I mean I enjoy each succeeding year better than the last. I guess that's about it. But the most important fact this year was Gramie's death.
Go to Gam's 1909 diary
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