Monday, August 31, 1925
Cloudy
The atmosphere was so heavy all day that Gilbert didn’t attempt to go to work. It was even hard for me to breathe, but his asthma came up worse than any time this year. The boys had a great time, with Don C. They were cave dwellers and made their huts and camp fires and roasted potatoes and Oh! How dirty they got! But such fun!
(I believe the Don C. she is referring to is their friend Don Carper who went down town with them a few days ago, not Don Campbell, their young cousin.
So, she let them play outside with fire. I recall talking our Mom into letting us build a little fire out in the back yard to roast potatoes in. I guess we survived it, too. I wonder what they made their huts out of? Did she let them dig big holes in the back yard to be "cave dwellers"? I think I recall her writing about the boys digging in the back yard in thes spring.
I can’t imagine what it must have been like to suffer from asthma (or was it hay fever that she called asthma) in the 1920’s and not have any of the treatments we have today. And, for those who have read all the way through, isn’t it nice that Albert seems to have recovered from whatever he had most of the spring? She hasn’t mentioned him in the dairy in quite some time, so I assume he was well at this point.)
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Sunday, August 30, 1925
Sunday, August 30, 1925
Hot
Gilbert’s birthday but the poor boy put in most of it working. He finally finished the kitchen while I got dinner and the smell almost got the best of me. Ella and the kids were over in the PM. Then Gilbert started to put the white on the bathroom, although wheezy and the brush he bought shed hairs so he decided to try soaking it. Never will get done.
(Ella was Grandma’s sister-in-law, 1st wife of her brother Guy. They had four children, Mildred (b. 1904), Onarga (b. 1906), Robert (b. 1912), and Don (b. 1922). I provided more info on them in the March 29, 1925 post. Guy divorced Mildred in 1929 and married Vangie in 1930. According to the family history Grandma wrote, “In 1929, the year that his father died, the gossips of Brownsburg began to talk of an affair between him (Guy) and Vangie Duncan, one of his employees, a divorcee, which caused trouble between him and his family.” I’ll bet it did!
Don Campbell wrote a book published in 1959 called “Let’s Take Stock – An Inside Look at Wall Street” while he was a business editor for the Indianapolis Star.
Happy 117th Birthday to Gilbert, born in 1889. I didn’t realize his birthday was just three days before his youngest daughter, Eleanor’s, who was born September 2, 1929.)
Hot
Gilbert’s birthday but the poor boy put in most of it working. He finally finished the kitchen while I got dinner and the smell almost got the best of me. Ella and the kids were over in the PM. Then Gilbert started to put the white on the bathroom, although wheezy and the brush he bought shed hairs so he decided to try soaking it. Never will get done.
(Ella was Grandma’s sister-in-law, 1st wife of her brother Guy. They had four children, Mildred (b. 1904), Onarga (b. 1906), Robert (b. 1912), and Don (b. 1922). I provided more info on them in the March 29, 1925 post. Guy divorced Mildred in 1929 and married Vangie in 1930. According to the family history Grandma wrote, “In 1929, the year that his father died, the gossips of Brownsburg began to talk of an affair between him (Guy) and Vangie Duncan, one of his employees, a divorcee, which caused trouble between him and his family.” I’ll bet it did!
Don Campbell wrote a book published in 1959 called “Let’s Take Stock – An Inside Look at Wall Street” while he was a business editor for the Indianapolis Star.
Happy 117th Birthday to Gilbert, born in 1889. I didn’t realize his birthday was just three days before his youngest daughter, Eleanor’s, who was born September 2, 1929.)
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Saturday, August 29, 1925
Saturday, August 29, 1925
Hot
No good all day and didn’t do much. Kept waiting till Gilbert should come home and move the dresser and put the new bed springs on as he had promised to be home early and do it. But he didn’t come home till 5:00 and then so wheezy he didn’t do anything but paint the kitchen ceiling. And I expected to be all done and fixed up by tonight.
(I was surprised reading the diaries that Gilbert seemed to work a lot of Saturdays. I guess I just assumed as an accountant, he would have the weekends off. I also did not realize he suffered from hay fever/asthma in the fall. At least he got one thing done on this particular day as Grandma continued to work on fixing up and cleaning up in anticipation of the new baby. At least, I think that is why she worked so hard these last few days.)
Hot
No good all day and didn’t do much. Kept waiting till Gilbert should come home and move the dresser and put the new bed springs on as he had promised to be home early and do it. But he didn’t come home till 5:00 and then so wheezy he didn’t do anything but paint the kitchen ceiling. And I expected to be all done and fixed up by tonight.
(I was surprised reading the diaries that Gilbert seemed to work a lot of Saturdays. I guess I just assumed as an accountant, he would have the weekends off. I also did not realize he suffered from hay fever/asthma in the fall. At least he got one thing done on this particular day as Grandma continued to work on fixing up and cleaning up in anticipation of the new baby. At least, I think that is why she worked so hard these last few days.)
Monday, August 28, 2006
Friday, August 28, 1925
Friday, August 28, 1925
Warm
Could hardly navigate. Sent Dale and Dick down town to get Daddy a birthday present. Don Carper went too. They went to Stewarts, then visited all the 10 cent stores and got them some toys. Some experienced little men! I cleaned the dining room, but it was hard to keep at it I felt so draggy. I’m anxious to get my heavy work done, then rest and sew.
(I’m not sure Grandma ever mentioned what the boys bought Gilbert (Daddy) for his birthday, but I did find some brief information about Stewarts on this website.
They are quite experienced little boys, for their ages. Dale was not quite 10 and Dick was 8 or so years old at this time, if I’ve done my math correctly, and they were allowed to take street cars and buses around the city by themselves. On this day, she sent them down town to shop, not just to stores a few blocks away, so they would have had to take a street car.
I assume Grandma told the boys they could also buy themselves some toys, or she would have mentioned them being in trouble for doing so. I assume if they got the toys at the 10 cent stores, they probably paid about 10 cents per toy.)
Warm
Could hardly navigate. Sent Dale and Dick down town to get Daddy a birthday present. Don Carper went too. They went to Stewarts, then visited all the 10 cent stores and got them some toys. Some experienced little men! I cleaned the dining room, but it was hard to keep at it I felt so draggy. I’m anxious to get my heavy work done, then rest and sew.
(I’m not sure Grandma ever mentioned what the boys bought Gilbert (Daddy) for his birthday, but I did find some brief information about Stewarts on this website.
They are quite experienced little boys, for their ages. Dale was not quite 10 and Dick was 8 or so years old at this time, if I’ve done my math correctly, and they were allowed to take street cars and buses around the city by themselves. On this day, she sent them down town to shop, not just to stores a few blocks away, so they would have had to take a street car.
I assume Grandma told the boys they could also buy themselves some toys, or she would have mentioned them being in trouble for doing so. I assume if they got the toys at the 10 cent stores, they probably paid about 10 cents per toy.)
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Thursday, August 27, 1925
Thursday, August 27, 1925
Cooler
Ironed all morning. Was thankful for a cooler day. Little odd jobs of mending, making noodles, putting clothes away took the afternoon so I didn’t get any more house cleaning done. My legs feel like they would break before they would bend any way. Gilbert going to be too late to paint. Will he ever get done?
(Except for ironing and making noodles, sounds like Grandma "took the day off". She still seemed to do a lot even on "off" days and when she didn't feel well. There was just no break in the work that she had to do to keep everyone clothed and fed.)
Cooler
Ironed all morning. Was thankful for a cooler day. Little odd jobs of mending, making noodles, putting clothes away took the afternoon so I didn’t get any more house cleaning done. My legs feel like they would break before they would bend any way. Gilbert going to be too late to paint. Will he ever get done?
(Except for ironing and making noodles, sounds like Grandma "took the day off". She still seemed to do a lot even on "off" days and when she didn't feel well. There was just no break in the work that she had to do to keep everyone clothed and fed.)
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Wednesday, August 26, 1925
Wednesday, August 26, 1925
Hot
Intended to iron but had to straighten up the house first, then Mrs. Little came to see about the job of nursing. Noon when she left. I sprinkled the clothes. Mama came. The new window blinds came for the front windows but were wrong side out so Mama and I put in all PM fixing them and some old blinds up. Got a little paint on.
(With all the cleaning the last few days, I was a bit surprised that Grandma had to straighten up the house for company. I am sure with the four boys it was hard to keep everything picked up and straightened up. Plus, sometimes when you are in the midst of heavy cleaning, that’s when your house looks the worst.
It appears that she was planning to have a nurse come in to help her at some point, presumably after she had the baby. I find that a bit surprising. Interesting that Grandma has had no pre-natal care, never once mentioned in her diary anything about visiting a doctor. Her father was a doctor, specializing in gynecology, but she doesn’t even mention him checking her out. She will have the baby at home.
Grandma was still working on fixing up and cleaning up the house. She’s been at it for several days with no real break. I assume that it was Gilbert who did a little painting.)
Hot
Intended to iron but had to straighten up the house first, then Mrs. Little came to see about the job of nursing. Noon when she left. I sprinkled the clothes. Mama came. The new window blinds came for the front windows but were wrong side out so Mama and I put in all PM fixing them and some old blinds up. Got a little paint on.
(With all the cleaning the last few days, I was a bit surprised that Grandma had to straighten up the house for company. I am sure with the four boys it was hard to keep everything picked up and straightened up. Plus, sometimes when you are in the midst of heavy cleaning, that’s when your house looks the worst.
It appears that she was planning to have a nurse come in to help her at some point, presumably after she had the baby. I find that a bit surprising. Interesting that Grandma has had no pre-natal care, never once mentioned in her diary anything about visiting a doctor. Her father was a doctor, specializing in gynecology, but she doesn’t even mention him checking her out. She will have the baby at home.
Grandma was still working on fixing up and cleaning up the house. She’s been at it for several days with no real break. I assume that it was Gilbert who did a little painting.)
Friday, August 25, 2006
Tuesday, August 25, 1925
Tuesday, August 25, 1925
Hot
Put in a big day cleaning woodwork in upstairs hall and the two front rooms downstairs, then windows, chandeliers, floors, etc. Was nearly dead by evening, for after they were cleaned, I put clean papers on the pantry shelves and everything back in there. Gilbert put in the evening manicuring the basement and set the new cot up for me to sleep on and rugs down.
(Grandma was still working on cleaning in the house. In previous months, it always seemed like she worked hard one day, and then had to rest the next day. Now, she is working hard several days in a row. Must be true about that “nesting instinct” that new mothers get before they have their babies. Need to get everything ready!
I called my mom to find out about the cot and if it was really set up in the basement, because it was not clear from the diary. She said she remembered that in the kitchen the original sink was the kind that hung off the wall with no cabinets around it, and she remembers her mother setting up a cot under that, but that seems to make no sense, either. We wondered if they put the cot in the basement where it would be cooler. Surely they weren’t planning for Grandma to go down there to have the baby? It would be so damp. I think what they probably did was straighten up the basement; set up a cot someplace, but not necessarily in the basement or kitchen; and then put down rugs, which she may have taken outside to clean. That would make some sense?
I don’t usually like to send people back to previous days, but please go back and read the August 11th post. I have added some additional information about their neighbor Miss Dunlea, the one with the chickens.)
Hot
Put in a big day cleaning woodwork in upstairs hall and the two front rooms downstairs, then windows, chandeliers, floors, etc. Was nearly dead by evening, for after they were cleaned, I put clean papers on the pantry shelves and everything back in there. Gilbert put in the evening manicuring the basement and set the new cot up for me to sleep on and rugs down.
(Grandma was still working on cleaning in the house. In previous months, it always seemed like she worked hard one day, and then had to rest the next day. Now, she is working hard several days in a row. Must be true about that “nesting instinct” that new mothers get before they have their babies. Need to get everything ready!
I called my mom to find out about the cot and if it was really set up in the basement, because it was not clear from the diary. She said she remembered that in the kitchen the original sink was the kind that hung off the wall with no cabinets around it, and she remembers her mother setting up a cot under that, but that seems to make no sense, either. We wondered if they put the cot in the basement where it would be cooler. Surely they weren’t planning for Grandma to go down there to have the baby? It would be so damp. I think what they probably did was straighten up the basement; set up a cot someplace, but not necessarily in the basement or kitchen; and then put down rugs, which she may have taken outside to clean. That would make some sense?
I don’t usually like to send people back to previous days, but please go back and read the August 11th post. I have added some additional information about their neighbor Miss Dunlea, the one with the chickens.)
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Monday, August 24, 1925
Monday, August 24, 1925
Sent the washing to the laundry again and they were back at two in time to dry them today. However I put in a big day, washing the bed clothes we have been using this summer and all the curtains in the house. Reaching up, stretching and hanging them just takes all my breath away. Gilbert late and didn’t paint.
(Grandma was sure working hard to clean up the house and get everything taken care of before she had the baby, due in early October. Remember from a few days ago, she had decided to send the laundry out to be washed, and they brought it back wet, so she still had to hang it out to dry and then iron it all. Seems like sending out the clothes to be washed just gave her the time to wash other items that weren’t generally washed every day, like bed clothes (sheets and blankets, I assume) and curtains. I’d guess there were 7 sets of curtains to wash, not counting curtains on the glass front door or curtains in the smaller windows that were in the little rooms tucked under the eaves in the upstairs.
Grandma has made comments before that implied Gilbert wasn’t all that interested in painting and fixing up around the house. Keep in mind before you judge him, he did generally use a cane to walk, due to one leg being quite a bit shorter than the other, plus he suffered from hay fever, so he just might not have felt up to the task at hand.)
Sent the washing to the laundry again and they were back at two in time to dry them today. However I put in a big day, washing the bed clothes we have been using this summer and all the curtains in the house. Reaching up, stretching and hanging them just takes all my breath away. Gilbert late and didn’t paint.
(Grandma was sure working hard to clean up the house and get everything taken care of before she had the baby, due in early October. Remember from a few days ago, she had decided to send the laundry out to be washed, and they brought it back wet, so she still had to hang it out to dry and then iron it all. Seems like sending out the clothes to be washed just gave her the time to wash other items that weren’t generally washed every day, like bed clothes (sheets and blankets, I assume) and curtains. I’d guess there were 7 sets of curtains to wash, not counting curtains on the glass front door or curtains in the smaller windows that were in the little rooms tucked under the eaves in the upstairs.
Grandma has made comments before that implied Gilbert wasn’t all that interested in painting and fixing up around the house. Keep in mind before you judge him, he did generally use a cane to walk, due to one leg being quite a bit shorter than the other, plus he suffered from hay fever, so he just might not have felt up to the task at hand.)
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Sunday, August 23, 1925
Sunday, August 23, 1925
Warm
Gilbert put in the morning painting behind the cabinet and putting that back. Then tore out the pantry and painted it. Spilt my goose grease all over the refrigerator and the things on it. Such a mess! Left all things out in the kitchen to climb over till the shelves get dry.
(It does appear that they were finally making some good progress on the painting. The pantry was a small room just off the kitchen. As I recall, there was a small window in the pantry that looked out onto the backyard and of course, there were shelves along the two sides that didn’t have either a door or window in them.
I certainly don’t know anyone who cooks with goose grease these days. I can’t tell from her diary if she spilled (spilt) the grease or if Gilbert did it, perhaps while moving things around to paint. Some research revealed that goose grease was sometimes used in cooking, like olive oil, and as a general lubricant. I guess it would be a mess to clean up.)
Warm
Gilbert put in the morning painting behind the cabinet and putting that back. Then tore out the pantry and painted it. Spilt my goose grease all over the refrigerator and the things on it. Such a mess! Left all things out in the kitchen to climb over till the shelves get dry.
(It does appear that they were finally making some good progress on the painting. The pantry was a small room just off the kitchen. As I recall, there was a small window in the pantry that looked out onto the backyard and of course, there were shelves along the two sides that didn’t have either a door or window in them.
I certainly don’t know anyone who cooks with goose grease these days. I can’t tell from her diary if she spilled (spilt) the grease or if Gilbert did it, perhaps while moving things around to paint. Some research revealed that goose grease was sometimes used in cooking, like olive oil, and as a general lubricant. I guess it would be a mess to clean up.)
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Saturday, August 22, 1925
Saturday, August 22, 1925
Got done my cleaning house and made cake and pies, cleaned up the boys so they could go to the park as the paper said there was to be a celebration there but they couldn’t find anything. Gilbert finished putting the sizing on the walls. Moved the cabinet and I had the top and back of that to clean.
(The cabinet Grandma referred to is commonly called a Hoosier cabinet, and was something like the one on this website. She still had it in her kitchen until the day she moved out of the house in the early 1970's. Previously, I had written about the type of ice box they had which required blocks of ice to keep things cool.
It sounds like Gilbert was getting the painting done, in spite of having stayed downtown the night before! Though, Im still confused about where he was putting sizing, which was/is commonly used on walls that are going to be papered.
The boys seemed to be always looking for an adventure. Notice they are still not back in school yet. They definitely waited until after Labor Day to go back to school, unlike today when school starts up again in mid-August.)
Got done my cleaning house and made cake and pies, cleaned up the boys so they could go to the park as the paper said there was to be a celebration there but they couldn’t find anything. Gilbert finished putting the sizing on the walls. Moved the cabinet and I had the top and back of that to clean.
(The cabinet Grandma referred to is commonly called a Hoosier cabinet, and was something like the one on this website. She still had it in her kitchen until the day she moved out of the house in the early 1970's. Previously, I had written about the type of ice box they had which required blocks of ice to keep things cool.
It sounds like Gilbert was getting the painting done, in spite of having stayed downtown the night before! Though, Im still confused about where he was putting sizing, which was/is commonly used on walls that are going to be papered.
The boys seemed to be always looking for an adventure. Notice they are still not back in school yet. They definitely waited until after Labor Day to go back to school, unlike today when school starts up again in mid-August.)
Monday, August 21, 2006
Friday, August 21, 1925
Friday, August 21, 1925
Fair
The boys had been wanting to “take a travel” and eat their lunch somewhere but the rain kept them in yesterday. This was fair and cooler so they started out. Went to Ellenberger Park, with their lunch. Came back in four hours; three, tired, happy little travelers. Gilbert went to a Mardi Gras on Penn St. instead of painting. He doesn’t care about how ugly things are around here.
(I'm going to assume that Grandma's harsh words about Gilbert were because she was in her last trimester of pregnancy and just wanted the house to look nice before she had the next baby. He was probably thinking he had all day Saturday to work on the painting. That said, I am somewhat surprised Gilbert would stay downtown for a Mardi Gras event versus come straight home after work.
Three happy little travelers appoximately 9, 7, and 5 years old go went by themselves to a park to picnic. That's quite young these days for that kind of independence!)
Fair
The boys had been wanting to “take a travel” and eat their lunch somewhere but the rain kept them in yesterday. This was fair and cooler so they started out. Went to Ellenberger Park, with their lunch. Came back in four hours; three, tired, happy little travelers. Gilbert went to a Mardi Gras on Penn St. instead of painting. He doesn’t care about how ugly things are around here.
(I'm going to assume that Grandma's harsh words about Gilbert were because she was in her last trimester of pregnancy and just wanted the house to look nice before she had the next baby. He was probably thinking he had all day Saturday to work on the painting. That said, I am somewhat surprised Gilbert would stay downtown for a Mardi Gras event versus come straight home after work.
Three happy little travelers appoximately 9, 7, and 5 years old go went by themselves to a park to picnic. That's quite young these days for that kind of independence!)
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Thursday, August 20, 1925
Thursday, August 20, 1925
Rain
I ironed while it drizzled outdoors and the boys played indoors and tore up Jack generally. Gilbert’s hay fever didn’t both him any, or rather asthma, on a day like this. It is remarkable how much better he is this year.
(I think Grandma preferred the boys to play outside because they were "boys" in general, and played loudly. She used the phrase "tore up Jack" several times, and I take it to mean that they made a mess of whatever room they were in. I'm sure our house was this way when I was growing up and we played inside on a rainy day, throwing couch cushions on the floor, getting out toys and books, deciding to move furniture around or getting out a card table and blanket to make a tent... just generally having fun.
For those in the family who suffer in August with hay fever, it appears you can trace this affliction back to Grandpa Gilbert. You will want to stay tuned to read about some of his treatments.
And, as noted a few days ago, I did find time to post some additional pictures on Grandma's Pictures. There is a picture of Gilbert in his office at the gas company and a graduation phote of Gilbert in 1909. Since Gilbert would have been 20 in this picture (he was born in 1889), this is likely to be from when he graduated from "business college". I do not know where he attended college, and Grandma did not mention which college in the family history that she wrote. Call out to family members.... does anyone know?
I also added a picture of Grandma's "papa" in his office and a picture of her nephew, Bob, who is mentioned in a diary entry a few days ago. I think Bob might have been just a bit older than Dale, and he looks like he's either a very nice polite little boy or someone who could talk his younger cousins into quite a bit of mischief! Anyone agree with me?
I want to thank my cousin David and his wife Leesa for providing this latest set of pictures. They did a wonderful job of scanning all the photos and copying them to CD's for everyone to enjoy.
Rain
I ironed while it drizzled outdoors and the boys played indoors and tore up Jack generally. Gilbert’s hay fever didn’t both him any, or rather asthma, on a day like this. It is remarkable how much better he is this year.
(I think Grandma preferred the boys to play outside because they were "boys" in general, and played loudly. She used the phrase "tore up Jack" several times, and I take it to mean that they made a mess of whatever room they were in. I'm sure our house was this way when I was growing up and we played inside on a rainy day, throwing couch cushions on the floor, getting out toys and books, deciding to move furniture around or getting out a card table and blanket to make a tent... just generally having fun.
For those in the family who suffer in August with hay fever, it appears you can trace this affliction back to Grandpa Gilbert. You will want to stay tuned to read about some of his treatments.
And, as noted a few days ago, I did find time to post some additional pictures on Grandma's Pictures. There is a picture of Gilbert in his office at the gas company and a graduation phote of Gilbert in 1909. Since Gilbert would have been 20 in this picture (he was born in 1889), this is likely to be from when he graduated from "business college". I do not know where he attended college, and Grandma did not mention which college in the family history that she wrote. Call out to family members.... does anyone know?
I also added a picture of Grandma's "papa" in his office and a picture of her nephew, Bob, who is mentioned in a diary entry a few days ago. I think Bob might have been just a bit older than Dale, and he looks like he's either a very nice polite little boy or someone who could talk his younger cousins into quite a bit of mischief! Anyone agree with me?
I want to thank my cousin David and his wife Leesa for providing this latest set of pictures. They did a wonderful job of scanning all the photos and copying them to CD's for everyone to enjoy.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Wednesday, August 19, 1925
Wednesday, August 19, 1925
There was a big industrial parade this afternoon so I let the boys meet Mama and see it. They went to the museum at the state house first and Dale saw so many things of interest. He talked about it more than the parade which the paper said was the largest in the history of Indianapolis.
(I did a quick online search for information on industrial parades in Indianapolis, and found a site about the history of Indiana beer, if anyone is interested. The connection is that there was also, apparently, a "magnificant industrial parade" in Indianpolis in 1900 when a brewing company won an award. I don't believe that Grandma ever drank beer or other alcoholic drinks, and I assume Gilbert didn't either.
I'm not surprised to read that Dale "saw many things of interest" when he went to the museum and would enjoy that more than the parade. As an adult, Dale was a world traveler. He and his wife, also named Ruth, went on vacations on every continent. On the occasions when they visited us, they would always do a nice slide show of the last place they visited, which might be Thailand or Europe or Mexico or ??? Dale had three children, and I need to reconnect with them, as I think they have more diaries and other notes Grandma made on calendars through the years.)
There was a big industrial parade this afternoon so I let the boys meet Mama and see it. They went to the museum at the state house first and Dale saw so many things of interest. He talked about it more than the parade which the paper said was the largest in the history of Indianapolis.
(I did a quick online search for information on industrial parades in Indianapolis, and found a site about the history of Indiana beer, if anyone is interested. The connection is that there was also, apparently, a "magnificant industrial parade" in Indianpolis in 1900 when a brewing company won an award. I don't believe that Grandma ever drank beer or other alcoholic drinks, and I assume Gilbert didn't either.
I'm not surprised to read that Dale "saw many things of interest" when he went to the museum and would enjoy that more than the parade. As an adult, Dale was a world traveler. He and his wife, also named Ruth, went on vacations on every continent. On the occasions when they visited us, they would always do a nice slide show of the last place they visited, which might be Thailand or Europe or Mexico or ??? Dale had three children, and I need to reconnect with them, as I think they have more diaries and other notes Grandma made on calendars through the years.)
Friday, August 18, 2006
Tuesday, August 18, 1925
Tuesday, August 18, 1925
I decided I had better not do the washing any more regardless of cost so called up the laundry but they didn’t call for it till afternoon. Mama brought Bobby and Winifred over to spend the day. The boys had a great time playing in Dale’s “hut” while Winifred played with the cat and read.
(From what I can tell from the diaries, the laundry only did the washing. They brought back wet, but clean, laundry, which Grandma still had to hang out to dry and then iron.
Bobby and Winifred are cousins of the boys. Bobby was the son of Grandma's brother Guy, and Winifred was her brother Harry's daughter.
I believe the "hut" is something Dale built in the living room with old quilts draped across the furniture.)
I decided I had better not do the washing any more regardless of cost so called up the laundry but they didn’t call for it till afternoon. Mama brought Bobby and Winifred over to spend the day. The boys had a great time playing in Dale’s “hut” while Winifred played with the cat and read.
(From what I can tell from the diaries, the laundry only did the washing. They brought back wet, but clean, laundry, which Grandma still had to hang out to dry and then iron.
Bobby and Winifred are cousins of the boys. Bobby was the son of Grandma's brother Guy, and Winifred was her brother Harry's daughter.
I believe the "hut" is something Dale built in the living room with old quilts draped across the furniture.)
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Monday, August 17, 1925
Monday, August 17, 1925
Dad left with Gilbert this morning. I sewed till noon and made a couple of nighties. Then the pains came back and I concluded it was the paint causing it so shut out that part of the house and made button holes and felt better by evening.
(More sewing! I am sure I could not make "a couple of nighties" in a morning. And even not feeling well, Grandma continued to keep busy making button holes.)
Dad left with Gilbert this morning. I sewed till noon and made a couple of nighties. Then the pains came back and I concluded it was the paint causing it so shut out that part of the house and made button holes and felt better by evening.
(More sewing! I am sure I could not make "a couple of nighties" in a morning. And even not feeling well, Grandma continued to keep busy making button holes.)
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Sunday, August 16, 1925
Sunday, August 16, 1925
Gilbert finally got the upper part of the bathroom done last night while I went to Coyners. Didn’t do anything but straighten up today as Dad was here. He took the kids to the park for a walk this afternoon and I had a good rest. Toward evening had severe stomach pains all night.
(I wonder if the paint fumes caused Grandma her problems of not feeling well? Sounds like they had a fairly relaxing Sunday, otherwise.)
Gilbert finally got the upper part of the bathroom done last night while I went to Coyners. Didn’t do anything but straighten up today as Dad was here. He took the kids to the park for a walk this afternoon and I had a good rest. Toward evening had severe stomach pains all night.
(I wonder if the paint fumes caused Grandma her problems of not feeling well? Sounds like they had a fairly relaxing Sunday, otherwise.)
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Saturday, August 15, 1925
Saturday, August 15, 1925
Was so tired and done up today after my useless walk yesterday, that I could hardly wiggle. Mrs. Collins dropped in, in the afternoon and I told her about it so they took me to Coyners after supper and I got all the things I could pay for, and had some goods laid away to send Dale after next week. Dad went to Milt’s for the night.
(The neighbors to the rescue. The Collins family across the street had a car and often gave Grandma or others rides to various places. Sometimes it seems like Grandma wrote about all of them in the same car, which might be 10 or more adults and children. I bet they weren't all wearing seat belts!
I have no idea who Milt is, neither does Mom. We assume that he was a friend of Dad's, which is what Grandma calls her father-in-law.)
Was so tired and done up today after my useless walk yesterday, that I could hardly wiggle. Mrs. Collins dropped in, in the afternoon and I told her about it so they took me to Coyners after supper and I got all the things I could pay for, and had some goods laid away to send Dale after next week. Dad went to Milt’s for the night.
(The neighbors to the rescue. The Collins family across the street had a car and often gave Grandma or others rides to various places. Sometimes it seems like Grandma wrote about all of them in the same car, which might be 10 or more adults and children. I bet they weren't all wearing seat belts!
I have no idea who Milt is, neither does Mom. We assume that he was a friend of Dad's, which is what Grandma calls her father-in-law.)
Monday, August 14, 2006
Friday, August 14, 1925
Friday, August 14, 1925
Warm
Got the house straightened up and bathed and walked over to Miss McGregor’s store with a long list to get and found the store closed until Sept. 8. Well I was hot and so tired when I got back. Nearly sick and Dad came to spend a few days. Albert went to the corner to wait for him and he walked past Albert and never saw him, so Albert followed him home.
("Dad" refers to Gilbert's father, James W. Smith, from Crawfordsville. Sounds like he didn't see his grandsons too often, to have missed one standing on the sidewalk waiting for him.
I am sure Grandma was frustrated to find out the store she wanted to go to was closed for several weeks. I'm guessing she was planning to get things for the arrival of the baby.)
Warm
Got the house straightened up and bathed and walked over to Miss McGregor’s store with a long list to get and found the store closed until Sept. 8. Well I was hot and so tired when I got back. Nearly sick and Dad came to spend a few days. Albert went to the corner to wait for him and he walked past Albert and never saw him, so Albert followed him home.
("Dad" refers to Gilbert's father, James W. Smith, from Crawfordsville. Sounds like he didn't see his grandsons too often, to have missed one standing on the sidewalk waiting for him.
I am sure Grandma was frustrated to find out the store she wanted to go to was closed for several weeks. I'm guessing she was planning to get things for the arrival of the baby.)
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Thursday, August 13, 1925
Thursday, August 13, 1925
Warm
Had a good sized day of it ironing and was so tired when I got done. I oughtn’t to do it I’m afraid but it is either iron or eat or don’t iron and don’t eat. I see no way out, no help in sight and so many things needed before the big event. I am badly discouraged. The boys scraped the kitchen and such a mess!! Gilbert painted the ceiling with sizing.
(I mentioned yesterday about the lead paint, and now the boys are scraping it off the walls. When you watch on TV today how they put on all kinds of protective clothing and masks whenever they remove lead paint, and contrast that with what the did in the 1920's, it is quite a difference.
I'm curious what the sizing was that Gilbert put on the ceiling. I am only familiar with sizing used to prep walls for wallpapering. Surely they didn't paper the ceiling? Perhaps "sizing" just referred to a type of paint primer?
Grandma's own words speak for themselves regarding how she felt. Of course, the big event is the birth of the next child, the fifth, which is 6 or 7 weeks away. I'm sure Grandma did have quite a bit to do to prepare. Many have already commented how hard she worked to keep everyone clothed and fed. As Mom said, they ironed everything they wore, plus sheets and towels, everything. And, if Grandma wasn't washing clothes or ironing them, she was making them or mending them.)
Warm
Had a good sized day of it ironing and was so tired when I got done. I oughtn’t to do it I’m afraid but it is either iron or eat or don’t iron and don’t eat. I see no way out, no help in sight and so many things needed before the big event. I am badly discouraged. The boys scraped the kitchen and such a mess!! Gilbert painted the ceiling with sizing.
(I mentioned yesterday about the lead paint, and now the boys are scraping it off the walls. When you watch on TV today how they put on all kinds of protective clothing and masks whenever they remove lead paint, and contrast that with what the did in the 1920's, it is quite a difference.
I'm curious what the sizing was that Gilbert put on the ceiling. I am only familiar with sizing used to prep walls for wallpapering. Surely they didn't paper the ceiling? Perhaps "sizing" just referred to a type of paint primer?
Grandma's own words speak for themselves regarding how she felt. Of course, the big event is the birth of the next child, the fifth, which is 6 or 7 weeks away. I'm sure Grandma did have quite a bit to do to prepare. Many have already commented how hard she worked to keep everyone clothed and fed. As Mom said, they ironed everything they wore, plus sheets and towels, everything. And, if Grandma wasn't washing clothes or ironing them, she was making them or mending them.)
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Wednesday, August 12, 1925
Wednesday, August 12, 1925
Hot and rain
I finally got my clothes dry after about ten o’clock. It rained up till then. Mama and Edna came over to help me sew, but of course there was more visiting than sewing. The smell of the paint made me pretty sick for a while. Had a headache most of the day. Dale went to Mama’s and carried home a big black cat, “Sambo”.
(There are certainly differences between 1925 and 2006. First, Sambo is not a politically correct name for a black cat. Second, pregnant women today stay away from areas being painted because of the potential harmful affects of the paint, especially lead paint, which is what they would have used in 1925. Remember a few days ago, Gilbert scraped the kitchen ceiling to get it ready to paint? Imagine the amount of lead-laced paint dust and chips that kicked up, in the kitchen where food is prepared. It's a wonder, isn't it, that they all survived in those days!
By the way, I don't know who Edna was and when I asked Mom she said she vaguely remembers the name but doesn't know what relationship Edna was to them. Any family reading have an idea?)
Hot and rain
I finally got my clothes dry after about ten o’clock. It rained up till then. Mama and Edna came over to help me sew, but of course there was more visiting than sewing. The smell of the paint made me pretty sick for a while. Had a headache most of the day. Dale went to Mama’s and carried home a big black cat, “Sambo”.
(There are certainly differences between 1925 and 2006. First, Sambo is not a politically correct name for a black cat. Second, pregnant women today stay away from areas being painted because of the potential harmful affects of the paint, especially lead paint, which is what they would have used in 1925. Remember a few days ago, Gilbert scraped the kitchen ceiling to get it ready to paint? Imagine the amount of lead-laced paint dust and chips that kicked up, in the kitchen where food is prepared. It's a wonder, isn't it, that they all survived in those days!
By the way, I don't know who Edna was and when I asked Mom she said she vaguely remembers the name but doesn't know what relationship Edna was to them. Any family reading have an idea?)
Friday, August 11, 2006
Tuesday, August 11, 1925
Tuesday, August 11, 1925
Rain
Had washing on hand but it poured down and drizzled till noon. Then I put the colored clothes out and they just barely got dry enough to iron by dark. Miss Dunlea told me in no kind terms not to throw my scraps to the chickens. I had tried to be careful and not throw anything they wouldn’t eat, but she has evidently got peeved at something.
(I assume that Miss Dunlea was a neighbor to one side or another who kept chickens. As far as I know, Grandma never had any chickens or other livestock in her back yard. Today there is probably a city ordinance against keeping any kind of livestock within the city limits!)
(08/24/2006 - Following is some additional info on Miss Dunlea. Using public census and index records, Annie in Austin, found out the following:
It looks like the neighbor was Mary/Mame Dunlea, born about 1873. In 1900, Miss Dunlea (Mary) was on her own, working as a riveter. (I didn't think women worked as "riveters" until World War II?) Her brother John and his wife, Annie Dunlea, lived elsewhere and had several children. By 1910 Annie appears to have died, and Mary was living with her brother John, who is listed as the head of the house.
By 1920, John is gone, the family was at a different address, [not the one by Grandma] and Mary was the head of the house, which included her father Charles Dunlea as well as John's 3 adult children.
By 1930, and as reported in the 1930 census, Mary owned the house by Grandma. Mary had 2 adult nieces and a nephew living with her, but not her father.
From Annie in Austin... "I guess she had to be pretty tough, but sure wonder what would bother the chickens? Aren't they like walking garbage disposals?"
I then called my mom and she remembered Miss Dunlea as a "crabby old lady" who didn't like anyone to be on her property. Sometime in the 1930's, a paper boy realized that Miss Dunlea had not taken in her paper for several days, so he told his parents, who called the police. They found her in the house, alive, but having had a stroke. She probably laid there for several days before the police found her. Mom said that's why you should be neighborly, because if you aren't no one notices if you haven't been seen for a few days, and you could be sick in your house, like Miss Dunlea. Mom doesn't know when Miss Dunlea died, but remembers a younger family moving in at some point.
As a kid, I remember that this is the house that you could see from a window on the landing halfway up the steps to the 2nd floor. I don't recall ever seening anyone around the house or yard when we visited Grandma in the 1960's. I do remember that when we looked at the house from that window on the landing, we could see a gun shaped stick of some sort on the roof, which we assumed was something Santa had dropped there one Christmas and it was just laying up there rotting away, whatever it was.)
Rain
Had washing on hand but it poured down and drizzled till noon. Then I put the colored clothes out and they just barely got dry enough to iron by dark. Miss Dunlea told me in no kind terms not to throw my scraps to the chickens. I had tried to be careful and not throw anything they wouldn’t eat, but she has evidently got peeved at something.
(I assume that Miss Dunlea was a neighbor to one side or another who kept chickens. As far as I know, Grandma never had any chickens or other livestock in her back yard. Today there is probably a city ordinance against keeping any kind of livestock within the city limits!)
(08/24/2006 - Following is some additional info on Miss Dunlea. Using public census and index records, Annie in Austin, found out the following:
It looks like the neighbor was Mary/Mame Dunlea, born about 1873. In 1900, Miss Dunlea (Mary) was on her own, working as a riveter. (I didn't think women worked as "riveters" until World War II?) Her brother John and his wife, Annie Dunlea, lived elsewhere and had several children. By 1910 Annie appears to have died, and Mary was living with her brother John, who is listed as the head of the house.
By 1920, John is gone, the family was at a different address, [not the one by Grandma] and Mary was the head of the house, which included her father Charles Dunlea as well as John's 3 adult children.
By 1930, and as reported in the 1930 census, Mary owned the house by Grandma. Mary had 2 adult nieces and a nephew living with her, but not her father.
From Annie in Austin... "I guess she had to be pretty tough, but sure wonder what would bother the chickens? Aren't they like walking garbage disposals?"
I then called my mom and she remembered Miss Dunlea as a "crabby old lady" who didn't like anyone to be on her property. Sometime in the 1930's, a paper boy realized that Miss Dunlea had not taken in her paper for several days, so he told his parents, who called the police. They found her in the house, alive, but having had a stroke. She probably laid there for several days before the police found her. Mom said that's why you should be neighborly, because if you aren't no one notices if you haven't been seen for a few days, and you could be sick in your house, like Miss Dunlea. Mom doesn't know when Miss Dunlea died, but remembers a younger family moving in at some point.
As a kid, I remember that this is the house that you could see from a window on the landing halfway up the steps to the 2nd floor. I don't recall ever seening anyone around the house or yard when we visited Grandma in the 1960's. I do remember that when we looked at the house from that window on the landing, we could see a gun shaped stick of some sort on the roof, which we assumed was something Santa had dropped there one Christmas and it was just laying up there rotting away, whatever it was.)
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Monday, August 10, 1925
Monday, August 10, 1925
Warm
Had to hull beans till noon. Didn’t feel a bit good. Couldn’t have canned the beans if I had wanted to, but we didn’t like those I canned last year, so hardly know what to do with so many. Put my clothes to soak as I have no money to hire it done, but feel like I was at the end of my string.
(I'm not sure what kind of beans they got yesterday from Bess, that needed to be hulled. Certainly not green beans. Any ideas,anyone?
Overall doesn't seem like a good day for Grandma.)
Warm
Had to hull beans till noon. Didn’t feel a bit good. Couldn’t have canned the beans if I had wanted to, but we didn’t like those I canned last year, so hardly know what to do with so many. Put my clothes to soak as I have no money to hire it done, but feel like I was at the end of my string.
(I'm not sure what kind of beans they got yesterday from Bess, that needed to be hulled. Certainly not green beans. Any ideas,anyone?
Overall doesn't seem like a good day for Grandma.)
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Sunday, August 9, 1925
Sunday, August 9, 1925
Gilbert got out his brushes etc. prepared to paint the bathroom and kitchen but they were in such bad shape he had to put them to soak and scraped the ceiling better. He got awfully dirty and after he cleaned up and rested he had to go to the terminal station to get some beans Bess left there for him.
(Bess was one of Gilbert's older sisters. The other sister was Nell. I think Bess must have brought the beans with her from Crawfordsville on the bus and left them at the bus station (terminal) or just shipped them on the bus for him to get. I don't think it was that uncommon for the buses to carry packages like that in 1925.)
Gilbert got out his brushes etc. prepared to paint the bathroom and kitchen but they were in such bad shape he had to put them to soak and scraped the ceiling better. He got awfully dirty and after he cleaned up and rested he had to go to the terminal station to get some beans Bess left there for him.
(Bess was one of Gilbert's older sisters. The other sister was Nell. I think Bess must have brought the beans with her from Crawfordsville on the bus and left them at the bus station (terminal) or just shipped them on the bus for him to get. I don't think it was that uncommon for the buses to carry packages like that in 1925.)
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Saturday, August 8, 1925
Saturday, August 8, 1925
Felt a little more peppy, so cleaned up my house early and had the boys bathed and ready to go to the Ripple with Daddy to swim as soon as he got home. Albert was so crazy to go, he fell down the front steps watching for Daddy and skinned one side of his face all up. Daddy gave them one good time to last all season.
("Daddy" refers to Grandma's husband, Gilbert. (Since Gilbert died in the 30's and was never known by his grandchildren, I have a hard time referring to him as "Grandpa". Yet, since I knew Grandma, I feel weird referring to her as Ruth, so early on I decided just to call them Grandma and Gilbert in my comments. Though sometimes when I talk about Grandma being pregnant, I wonder if people reading the diaries think that is weird. I may have to post a link over on Grandma's Pictures with a run down of who is who so people can refer to it to figure out who everyone is as they read the diaires. I know not everyone is reading "from the beginning", which is a post on Feb. 12, 2006 for Feb. 12, 1925.)
Anyway, regarding swimming, Grandma wrote in the family history that even though Gilbert was "crippled" by a childhood illness that left one leg shorter than the other, such that he had to use a cane to walk and wear a shoe with a built up sole on it, he was quite the swimmer and as a boy, rescued another friend from drowning.
I've also picked up that Gilbert often worked Saturday mornings at the gas company where he was an accountant. Perhaps he worked this Saturday to get month end reporting done?
Finally, I don't think they all bathed every day, so I found it odd she would have the boys bathe before they went swimming. But maybe even in 1925 they understood enough about germs to post signs at the pool "Please shower before entering the pool" like they do today? I wonder how they treated the water in the pool? The Ripple she refers to would be a pool in Broad Ripple on the northeast side of Indianapolis. They lived on the near east side so would have taken a bus to to get there.
I did some checking, and though Broad Ripple Park was listed as opening in 1946, there was a pool at that location that was used for the Olympic tryouts in 1924. Must have been a nice pool!)
Felt a little more peppy, so cleaned up my house early and had the boys bathed and ready to go to the Ripple with Daddy to swim as soon as he got home. Albert was so crazy to go, he fell down the front steps watching for Daddy and skinned one side of his face all up. Daddy gave them one good time to last all season.
("Daddy" refers to Grandma's husband, Gilbert. (Since Gilbert died in the 30's and was never known by his grandchildren, I have a hard time referring to him as "Grandpa". Yet, since I knew Grandma, I feel weird referring to her as Ruth, so early on I decided just to call them Grandma and Gilbert in my comments. Though sometimes when I talk about Grandma being pregnant, I wonder if people reading the diaries think that is weird. I may have to post a link over on Grandma's Pictures with a run down of who is who so people can refer to it to figure out who everyone is as they read the diaires. I know not everyone is reading "from the beginning", which is a post on Feb. 12, 2006 for Feb. 12, 1925.)
Anyway, regarding swimming, Grandma wrote in the family history that even though Gilbert was "crippled" by a childhood illness that left one leg shorter than the other, such that he had to use a cane to walk and wear a shoe with a built up sole on it, he was quite the swimmer and as a boy, rescued another friend from drowning.
I've also picked up that Gilbert often worked Saturday mornings at the gas company where he was an accountant. Perhaps he worked this Saturday to get month end reporting done?
Finally, I don't think they all bathed every day, so I found it odd she would have the boys bathe before they went swimming. But maybe even in 1925 they understood enough about germs to post signs at the pool "Please shower before entering the pool" like they do today? I wonder how they treated the water in the pool? The Ripple she refers to would be a pool in Broad Ripple on the northeast side of Indianapolis. They lived on the near east side so would have taken a bus to to get there.
I did some checking, and though Broad Ripple Park was listed as opening in 1946, there was a pool at that location that was used for the Olympic tryouts in 1924. Must have been a nice pool!)
Monday, August 07, 2006
Friday, August 7, 1925
Friday, August 7, 1925
Finished my ironing and sat and did my mending while I rested. The boys all are so well and happy these days. They surely are growing now. Ned says lots of words and is as cute as a button these days. The boys think there never was a baby as sweet.
(I guess a benefit of the older boys being grounded to their own yard and house is they spent more time with their little brother, Ned, who was 2 at this time. Grandma still refers to him as the "baby". I assume she stopped that once she had her next baby in a few months.
And for those who read the diaries all spring, it is nice to no longer have to read about all that illness they had, isn't it?)
Finished my ironing and sat and did my mending while I rested. The boys all are so well and happy these days. They surely are growing now. Ned says lots of words and is as cute as a button these days. The boys think there never was a baby as sweet.
(I guess a benefit of the older boys being grounded to their own yard and house is they spent more time with their little brother, Ned, who was 2 at this time. Grandma still refers to him as the "baby". I assume she stopped that once she had her next baby in a few months.
And for those who read the diaries all spring, it is nice to no longer have to read about all that illness they had, isn't it?)
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Thursday, August 6, 1925
Thursday, August 6, 1925
Hot
I’m so tired these days I only did part of my ironing. Aunt Mollie, Fannie, Francis, and Betty drove in and they all were here in the PM. The boys made boats in the morning and sailed them in the bath tub and got the floor all wet. Ned got wet and I cleaned him up and the floor, then he got into a can of varnish. I had to wash him in turpentine and give him another bath.
(I do know who these four women were and how they really relate to Grandma, so I'll have to do some checking.
Sounds like the boys are still playing inside since they were grounded to their own yard earlier in the week. Perhaps Grandma should have re-thought that punishment, as it seemed to be creating more work and clean up for her!)
Hot
I’m so tired these days I only did part of my ironing. Aunt Mollie, Fannie, Francis, and Betty drove in and they all were here in the PM. The boys made boats in the morning and sailed them in the bath tub and got the floor all wet. Ned got wet and I cleaned him up and the floor, then he got into a can of varnish. I had to wash him in turpentine and give him another bath.
(I do know who these four women were and how they really relate to Grandma, so I'll have to do some checking.
Sounds like the boys are still playing inside since they were grounded to their own yard earlier in the week. Perhaps Grandma should have re-thought that punishment, as it seemed to be creating more work and clean up for her!)
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Wednesday, August 5, 1925
Wednesday, August 5, 1925
Hot
They boys had fixed a tent in the middle of the front room out of an old quilt attached to piano, chairs, etc. and are surely having a great time. Gilbert had work to do at the office and didn’t come home for supper. I sat and made buttonholes this PM. Felt so tired. Collins kids came this PM and started a fight with gang next door. I can’t have that.
(I guess since the boys couldn't leave the yard (punishment for coming how very late yesterday), they decided they would just play inside. Grandma has previously written how all the noise they made got on her nerves. I'm guessing her nerves were shot on this day, especially with it ending with a fight with the neighbor gang next door.
Remember, she was about 7 months pregnant on this date.)
Hot
They boys had fixed a tent in the middle of the front room out of an old quilt attached to piano, chairs, etc. and are surely having a great time. Gilbert had work to do at the office and didn’t come home for supper. I sat and made buttonholes this PM. Felt so tired. Collins kids came this PM and started a fight with gang next door. I can’t have that.
(I guess since the boys couldn't leave the yard (punishment for coming how very late yesterday), they decided they would just play inside. Grandma has previously written how all the noise they made got on her nerves. I'm guessing her nerves were shot on this day, especially with it ending with a fight with the neighbor gang next door.
Remember, she was about 7 months pregnant on this date.)
Friday, August 04, 2006
Tuesday, August 4, 1925
Tuesday, August 4, 1925
Warm
Made a pair of rompers for Ned after I had given the house a good cleaning. The boys left about 9 to go fishing up the creek a little ways. They promised not to go far and to be back by noon, but didn’t get in till about 4. Found out Ron Johnson and Miller were in the crowd so the boys can not leave the yard after this for punishment. They are such a bad influence.
(I bet the boys were hungry when they got home if they left at 9:00 and didn't get back until supper time. I wonder how long she kept them confined to their own yard? Surely not the rest of the summer?
Otherwise, it would have been one of those days that Grandma liked, when she got a lot done, and it sounds like she got a lot done. I wonder how she was the next day, as generally she'd have a good day when she got a lot done and then be wiped out the next day.)
Warm
Made a pair of rompers for Ned after I had given the house a good cleaning. The boys left about 9 to go fishing up the creek a little ways. They promised not to go far and to be back by noon, but didn’t get in till about 4. Found out Ron Johnson and Miller were in the crowd so the boys can not leave the yard after this for punishment. They are such a bad influence.
(I bet the boys were hungry when they got home if they left at 9:00 and didn't get back until supper time. I wonder how long she kept them confined to their own yard? Surely not the rest of the summer?
Otherwise, it would have been one of those days that Grandma liked, when she got a lot done, and it sounds like she got a lot done. I wonder how she was the next day, as generally she'd have a good day when she got a lot done and then be wiped out the next day.)
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Monday, August 3, 1925
Monday, August 3, 1925
Warmer
Was too tired for utterance. Just sat still and sewed at the machine and got a lot done after all. Sewing doesn’t tire me much. Once in awhile it makes me nervous but not generally. Sitting still at that and getting a lot done makes me feel like a day well spent if I am resting. Had quite a storm and hailed about 5 this PM
(I think it is good that Grandma enjoyed sewing, as much as the family relied on her to keep them in clothes. I could not sit at a sewing machine all day long like that.)
Warmer
Was too tired for utterance. Just sat still and sewed at the machine and got a lot done after all. Sewing doesn’t tire me much. Once in awhile it makes me nervous but not generally. Sitting still at that and getting a lot done makes me feel like a day well spent if I am resting. Had quite a storm and hailed about 5 this PM
(I think it is good that Grandma enjoyed sewing, as much as the family relied on her to keep them in clothes. I could not sit at a sewing machine all day long like that.)
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Sunday, August 2, 1925
Sunday, August 2, 1925
Cool
Rained early in the morning and I thought it would be a good day to stay home and rest as I was tired and ached awfully. We had promised to go to Mama’s and Albert set up a tune when we talked of staying at home. It cleared off and we went. Gilbert took work with him. Guys and Burs both drove in. The boys had a big time. Georgia and Barney came as we were getting in. Had a nice visit.
(I checked with Mom and she has no idea who Georgia and Barney were. Anyone? Guys and Burs refers to Grandma's brothers, Guy and Bur (short for Wilbur) and their families.
Sounds like Albert was finally through with his long illness and was ready to go places and do things. No sitting home for him.
And I thought bringing work home to do, much less take to it your in-laws to work on, was a more recent social development? Sounds like they did it in the 1920's, too.)
(If you have already read the July 28th posting, go back and check out the comments for more info on "rolling down clothes". Thanks to Annie in Austin for some more research on this, and to Mom for confirming that Grandma did indeed "roll down the clothes".)
Cool
Rained early in the morning and I thought it would be a good day to stay home and rest as I was tired and ached awfully. We had promised to go to Mama’s and Albert set up a tune when we talked of staying at home. It cleared off and we went. Gilbert took work with him. Guys and Burs both drove in. The boys had a big time. Georgia and Barney came as we were getting in. Had a nice visit.
(I checked with Mom and she has no idea who Georgia and Barney were. Anyone? Guys and Burs refers to Grandma's brothers, Guy and Bur (short for Wilbur) and their families.
Sounds like Albert was finally through with his long illness and was ready to go places and do things. No sitting home for him.
And I thought bringing work home to do, much less take to it your in-laws to work on, was a more recent social development? Sounds like they did it in the 1920's, too.)
(If you have already read the July 28th posting, go back and check out the comments for more info on "rolling down clothes". Thanks to Annie in Austin for some more research on this, and to Mom for confirming that Grandma did indeed "roll down the clothes".)
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Saturday, August 1, 1925
Saturday, August 1, 1925
Cool
Got out in the yard and cut the grass, pulled weeds, raked etc. from the time I finished breakfast dishes till noon. It was a big job. Have been trying to get Gilbert to do it and he kept saying the grass was too long and ground uneven. Was awfully tired but the yard looked respectable for once since the tree fell.
(We know that Grandma was the gardener in this family! Remember, however, before you are too hard on Gilbert for having excuses not to work in the yard, that due to a childhood illness, his one leg was shorter than the other, which I am sure caused him some pain when he walked around a lot, especially on uneven terrain.
I do remember that Grandma had one of those big heavy rollers that they filled with water and then rolled all over the grass to even up the ground. I am not exactly sure now that I think about it how she rolled that thing around once it was full because it would be quite heavy. She didn't have a riding mower to attach it to. Their mower in 1925 was most likely a manual reel mower, which is supposed to be hard to cut with, especially if the grass is long.
Most experts agree now that rolling a lawn to even up the ground is not a good practice, as it tends to compact the soil, actually making it more difficult for the grass to grow.)
Cool
Got out in the yard and cut the grass, pulled weeds, raked etc. from the time I finished breakfast dishes till noon. It was a big job. Have been trying to get Gilbert to do it and he kept saying the grass was too long and ground uneven. Was awfully tired but the yard looked respectable for once since the tree fell.
(We know that Grandma was the gardener in this family! Remember, however, before you are too hard on Gilbert for having excuses not to work in the yard, that due to a childhood illness, his one leg was shorter than the other, which I am sure caused him some pain when he walked around a lot, especially on uneven terrain.
I do remember that Grandma had one of those big heavy rollers that they filled with water and then rolled all over the grass to even up the ground. I am not exactly sure now that I think about it how she rolled that thing around once it was full because it would be quite heavy. She didn't have a riding mower to attach it to. Their mower in 1925 was most likely a manual reel mower, which is supposed to be hard to cut with, especially if the grass is long.
Most experts agree now that rolling a lawn to even up the ground is not a good practice, as it tends to compact the soil, actually making it more difficult for the grass to grow.)
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