Saturday, December 31, 1927

Saturday, December 31, 1927
Cold

Getting colder and snowing. Cleaned up the house and got ready for dinner tomorrow.

Friday, December 30, 1927

Friday, December 30, 1927
Rain, warm

Went down town to order the cleaner man and get materials for waists. It was a bad day to shop but lots were doing it.

Thursday, December 29, 1927

Thursday, December 29, 1927
Rainy

The house is just so dirty I can’t get the dirt out of carpets without raising dust everywhere. I’ll be glad when I get my cleaner fixed. The babies get black playing around.

Wednesday, December 28, 1927

Wednesday, December 28, 1927

Well the bookcase came. Mama was here but she didn’t get to see it up as we saved that pleasure for Gilbert who was as anxious as a kid about it. We spent the evening putting it up and rearranging books.

Tuesday, December 27, 1927

Tuesday, December 27, 1927
Fair and warmer

Washed in morning and went to Missionary at Mrs. Craigs in afternoon. Was expecting book case which arrived in town Saturday but too late to get out. Left Albert to sign for it, but through mistake they asked for money and he didn’t have any so they didn’t leave it.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "It was a sectional bookcase, and you could add more shelves. I believe we had four shelves, with glass fronts to raise on each shelf. I remember a lot of the books - Elbert Hubbard's "Little Journeys", a set of Edgar Allen Poe books, etc.")

Monday, December 26, 1927

Monday, December 26, 1927
Fair

Gilbert was home and we enjoyed a chance to rest. Didn’t get up until about eight. Had dinner about 4. Mac came and stayed a couple of hours and when boys went to show asked us to come over and hear their radio. We went and enjoyed the visit but the radio all static much to Mac’s disgust.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "We didn't have a radio until Daddy had to retire because of Parkinson's disease when I was about 10 years old. The radio was a gift from Daddy's boss. I think the radio was more educational as one had to use their imagination whereas on TV you can stupidly just sit and watch, no need to imagine the events. I remember wonderful radio programs. My oldest son still has this radio in his home.")

Sunday, December 25, 1927

Sunday, December 25, 1927
Fair – cold

A lovely winter day but no snow. Last night the boys woke up and dressed thinking it was morning. Then called us and it was only 1:15. I had only slept one hour. I made them go back to bed till 5:45. Went to Sunday school. Folks came for dinner.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "I heard about this Christmas when they got up so early! The rule was always that kids must be dressed before coming downstairs, so they wouldn't catch cold. The boys were mad they had to go back to bed, so they didn't get back into their pajamas. They even went back to bed with their high top shoes on. From then on the rule was we couldn't get up until 6 am on Christmas morning.")

Saturday, December 24, 1927

Saturday, December 24, 1927
Cold – fair

Dale and George cycled to see their teachers and had a wreck. I did everything that a mother of 5 would do the day before Christmas. Boys also excited they declared they couldn’t sleep but they went to bed early.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "George must have been a friend of Dale's. I don't remember hearing about a wreck -- a bicycle wreck?"

I wonder if "had a wreck" was an expression of speech meaning "had a good time"?)

Friday, December 23, 1927

Friday, December 23, 1927
Cold

Dale went and got Marjorie’s chair from Grandmothers. Got the tree and put it up. Dale and the boys did it all as I was busy cleaning and dressing Marjorie’s doll. Fixed up old body with a new head and dressed real cut. Boys went to fire station party in the evening.

Thursday, December 22, 1927

Thursday, December 22, 1927
Warmer

Boys went to news boys' show – Albert’s first, Robison Crusoe at the Circle. I finally got my packages off and cards, too.

Wednesday, December 21, 1927

Wednesday, December 21, 1927
Cold

Went to town in the morning and finished up my shopping. Came home and cleaned the house. Tried to sew and make candy, etc. Why didn’t I begin on things sooner. Hope I can next year.

Tuesday, December 20, 1927

Tuesday, December 20, 1927
Cold

Sewed on twins’ dresses, Mama came over. My cleaner is out of whack and the house is so hard to keep. Boys everywhere and so many secrets! They go on a dozen trips a day shopping on 10th St. Dale and Dick help make candy in evenings.

Monday, December 19, 1927

Monday, December 19, 1927
Clear and cold

Boys at home for the week. Washed but don’t know when I will iron. Cut out two dresses for the twins. Started on the candy making by having boys crack and pick out nuts. Went to Collins in evening.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "It used to take more time cracking and picking out nuts than it did to make the candy.")

Some of Grandma's candy recipes included Grandpa Campbell's Cinnamon Roll

Sunday, December 18, 1927

Sunday, December 18, 1927
Cold, snow flurries

Mama’s big day. She has talked of nothing else except Eastern Star for months. Uncle Jess sent us 2 turkeys. Plenty! Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves though I had rather dreaded it, the kids usually make Mama so nervous.

(Grandma didn't note in her diary that this was her birthday. She turned 35 on this day.)

Saturday, December 17, 1927

Saturday, December 17, 1927
Cold

Finally got all the things together for the Campbell crowd and sent them over by Gilbert. Mama doesn’t like the idea of giving up her dinner on Christmas day but Guys arranged not to come that day so she has to have it tomorrow.

Friday, December 16, 1927

Friday, December 16, 1927
Cold

A big day with so much to do. Mama having her dinner Sunday instead of Christmas shoves it a week ahead so less time.

Thursday, December 15, 1927

Thursday, December 15, 1927
Cold

Dick was in a play but I was too busy to go. It is pretty raw out anyway to take the babies. Made the 3 teachers each an apron. Also helping Albert out on his yarn flowers he started for his Aunts’ Christmas gifts.

Tuesday, December 13, 1927

Tuesday, December 13, 1927
Clear and cold

Sewed all day. Christmas presents and Marjorie’s dress, too. In the evening the new auditorium at the school was dedicated and G & I went leaving the boys to care for Marjorie and put her to bed. Some boys according to their teachers!

Monday, December 12, 1927

Monday, December 12, 1927
Rainy

Didn’t feel like washing and Ann and Mama were coming anyway so I cleaned up the house real good and then cut out Marjorie’s pink bunny dress. Ann is sure a change from Mable and an improvement I believe.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "As I recall, Ann wasn't much better than Mabel (Ann was Uncle Harry's second wife. Mabel was his first wife.) That marriage last only a few years.")

Sunday, December 11, 1927

Sunday, December 11, 1927
Rain and warmer

Went to Sunday school with kids. Gilbert went to C’ville to see Bess et al, found her better. I had a nice long rest while the kids went to the show all but Dale who made fudge. Ann arrived in town but I was too tired to go over – it was rainy and gloomy.

Saturday, December 10, 1927

Saturday, December 10, 1927

Bess too bad to have us visit them tomorrow so we sent the $10 it would have cost us to make the trip and hope she will have her teeth pulled, she thinks now they are causing the trouble. Her heart is bad for some reason.

Friday, December 9, 1927

Friday, December 9, 1927
Cold

Mrs. Smith’s party – a big job to take the babies to Mama’s then go on down. Almost froze, but thank goodness the wind didn’t blow like yesterday.

Thursday, December 8, 1927

Thursday, December 8, 1927
Cold and windy

Couldn’t keep the house warm the wind was so cold and strong from the west. I made Marjorie’s coat. The boys froze their fingers on their news routes and were too cold to go to C.E. Our fire almost went out and we blew two fuses and the clock stopped.

Wednesday, December 7, 1927

Wednesday, December 7, 1927
Cooler and windy – rain

The wind howls something awful tonight. I cut out Marjorie’s coat, which was like cutting three. Went to the store in evening after the shower and got threads to make it. Boys drenched on their route.

Tuesday, December 6, 1927

Tuesday, December 6, 1927
Fair and warm

Put in the day ironing and expected to get done lots sooner but had 2 pairs pants to press. Mama called up. Ann had just called her and she was all excited over the prospect of seeing her soon.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Ann was Uncle Harry's second wife. Apparently none of the family had met her yet.)

Monday, December 5, 1927

Monday, December 5, 1927
Fair

Pretty good wash day for winter though pretty cold. I got along pretty well but have to do remarkably well all week if I get done all I want to.

Sunday, December 4, 1927

Sunday, December 4, 1927
Cold

Went to Sunday school and the kids and I took dinner with the folks. Gilbert worked at the plant. Mama and I went to the Stelhorns after we went to an auto wreck at 40th St. John and Mary brought us back and then Guys came and I could hardly tear the boys loose.

Saturday, December 3, 1927

Saturday, December 3, 1927
Cold

Cleaned the upstairs, then went down town. Took Albert and Dale. Got A high tops, him and Dick sheepskin coats. Me a dress, lining for Marjorie’s coat and put in most of the day. Spent too much money.

Friday, December 2, 1927

Friday, December 2, 1927
Clear, cold

Finished papering at 10. I swept the floor, put the rug down., got cleaned up and left the kids with Mrs. Collins and went to the O.E.S. bazaar and supper with Mama and Papa. She won’t be happy till I’m a member. Mrs. Stelhorn died this morning.

Thursday, December 1, 1927

Thursday, December 1, 1927

Thought the paper hanger would surely finish today but he didn’t quite. He is not swift but very neat and good. I cleaned the dining and the little north room. Last night Mac and M came in, all that mess!

Wednesday, November 30, 1927

Wednesday, November 30, 1927
Rain – colder snow

I ironed all day in the kitchen so as I wouldn’t see the mess the paper hanger made. He has to tear so much off. Ned and Marjorie have a big time watching him.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "I wondered if the man hanging the wallpaper was bothered by a couple of kids watching every move he made?")

Tuesday, November 29, 1927

Tuesday, November 29, 1927
Fair and warm

Roses, hollyhocks, clover, etc. have new little leaves. We have all the doors and windows open. The paper hanger came and nearly roasted with the furnace on. I finished my washing.

Monday, November 28, 1927

Monday, November 28, 1927
Windy, warm

Dandelions in bloom. I tore up and started to wash curtains etc. and my washing machine broke. Man came in PM and fixed it but my water was cold and I had started scrubbing rugs so I just finished that.

Sunday, November 27, 1927

Sunday, November 27, 1927
Warm but cloudy

All went to Sunday school. Dale and I stayed to church. Gilbert and I intended to go in the evening but it looked like a storm brewing so we decided not to leave the children. Burs were at the folks and Dick and Albert went over there to play with Harry.

Saturday, November 26, 1927

Saturday, November 26, 1927
Spring like

Mr. Munsey came back to town in time to get his bid in on the wallpaper deal and I guess he will get the job for although he bid $7 more, he will tear off & size the dining room and his paper was much better than the other fellow’s.

Friday, November 25, 1927

Friday, November 25, 1927

Tried to sew but was bothered a lot. Wall paper hanger to bid on the job, etc. But I got a waist made for Dale and Albert needs one too before Sunday. I hope to get my papering done next week.

Thursday, November 24, 1927

Thursday, November 24, 1927
Rainy

Thought I would sew after I got my other work done but I never got done till after supper – after the folks left. Mama and Papa came out fur supper early and left as soon as the dishes were washed. Then, we all went to the show “The Life of Riley”.

Wednesday, November 23, 1927

Wednesday, November 23, 1927

Finished my ironing and did a lot of mending. Wish I didn’t have to get up a Thanksgiving dinner but the boys want it and although they are about out of waists and I ought to sew, we have to stop and feast on chicken.

Tuesday, November 22, 1927

Tuesday, November 22, 1927
Spring like

Ironed some, then bathed myself and the babies and went to Missionary at Mrs. Fields. Had a nice time and the babies were good as usual. M. is such a cute youngster and so sweet and good.

Monday, November 21, 1927

Monday, November 21, 1927
Balmy, but cloudy

Got my washing done and dry enough to iron but too tired to iron much.

Sunday, November 20, 1927

Sunday, November 20, 1927
Cold

The church was cold, broken grate, but had a big day. Thanksgiving services. Dale, Albert and I attended in the morning. Gilbert and I left the kids alone in the evening and went again. They served refreshments and had a little party after church.

Saturday, November 19, 1927

Saturday, November 19, 1927
Warmer

It was a job to get everyone all fixed up clean, hair, etc. O.K. for our pictures. I dreaded it awfully but finally got through the ordeal and now have only to wait see the proofs.

(I need to look and see if we have these pictures.)

Friday, November 18, 1927

Friday, November 18, 1927
Fair and cold

How many days and hours do I put in mending! It is all I did today and didn’t get everything mended! Darn!

(Seems like pretty strong language for Grandma!)

Thursday, November 17, 1927

Thursday, November 17, 1927
Cold and cloudy

Mrs. Pegg took Mrs. Collins and me to Mrs. Oldhams. The babies and I had all to get a hair cut before we went so it made a full hurried day. Ned and Marjorie are so good when I take them places. I am always complimented on their behavior.

Wednesday, November 16, 1927

Wednesday, November 16, 1927
Rain

Mama came over. I worked all day on that dress but don’t think I will finish it for the class party tomorrow. It is at Mrs. Oldham’s and I am to be one of the hostesses. Picked knots till 10:30. It was still to hem, etc.

Tuesday, November 15, 1927

Tuesday, November 15, 1927
Cloudy

Ironed and worked on that dress. After I get the beads off it leaves a lot of tiny threads that are knotted in the goods. It is hard on the eyes and so is searching the dictionary for words after supper.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Still looking forward in 'New York to Paris' I presume?"

Monday, November 14, 1927

Monday, November 14, 1927
Fair – warm

Washed and then started on a desperate drive to make over that black dress that I’ve been taking beads off of all fall. It’s a hard job. After supper helped Dale get a list of words included in “New York to Paris”. He is after a big prize. Hope he gets it.

Sunday, November 13, 1927

Sunday, November, 13, 1927
Fair – warmer

The boys went to Sunday school. I went to church. Daddy stayed home and kept Marjorie. She coughed so bad last night. After dinner we sent the boys to the show and took Marjorie and went to see Anna’s new baby, Wilma Jean.

(Apparently they didn't think Marjorie was contagious!)

Saturday, November 12, 1927

Saturday, November 12, 1927
Cold, fair

Afraid my new coat is going to spot easy as I see signs of last night’s rain on the front of it and a dirty spot in the back.

Friday, November 11, 1927

Friday, November 11, 1927
Too hot.

Strong balmy breeze that blew our front door open, then shut with a bang that shattered the glass. I felt pretty blue about it. Took $5.25 to get it fixed. Didn’t feel like going to a show but G insisted that I see Ben Hur so I went and got caught in a hard rain and came home with a headache at 8:15.

(I think the glass in the door shattered several times.)

Thursday, November 10, 1927

Thursday, November 10, 1927
Drizzly and warm

Bought a new blue winter coat and a pretty gold hat and a patent leather purse. The babies got awfully tired shopping and hot in the stores. They napped in the afternoon and felt better so we all went to the church for supper but it was too hot there.

(Sounds like Grandma now had some decent clothes to wear to church.)

Wednesday, November 9, 1927

Wednesday, November 9, 1927
Dark and dreary

Put in the day mending when I wasn’t holding Marjorie who had a lot to cry about it seems. She is an awful cry baby for a 2 year old, but maybe I have spoiled her. I’ll have to settle her, she takes so much of my time.

Tuesday, November 8, 1927

Tuesday, November 8, 1927
Warmer
Ironed till noon. Mama came over and I went down to the library to hunt that wagon. We had called the police but heard nothing of it. I found it next door to the library where the kid had dumped it later. The police had made no inquiry.

Monday, November 7, 1927

Monday, November 7, 1927
Cloudy

Not a very good wash day. Snowed this evening. Dick took Dale’s wagon and went to the library and some kid swiped the wagon. Daddy happened to be walking home just then and met Dick crying. They looked around but saw no trace of it.

Sunday, November 6, 1927

Sunday, November 6, 1927
Fair and cold

A fine fall day but I didn’t go to Sunday school in my shabby old coat and hat. We all went to Mama’s for dinner and Gilbert and the boys took a walk past Shortridge, Salem St. and home. Dale’s arm not broken but sprained I guess. It is done up in a splint though.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Shortridge was Mother's high school, Salem St. is where he little house was that Mother and Daddy lived in when they were first married. Probably Grandpa but the splint on Dale's arm.)

Saturday, November 5, 1927

Saturday, November 5, 1927
Cold

Gilbert got home early enough to work out in the yard a little so we put out tulip and hyacinth bulbs. D & D went to the circle to see Ben Hur. Albert got into a scrap with the toughest of the neighbors and got red paint all over everything. Dale hurt his arm playing football.

Friday, November 4, 1927

Friday, November 4, 1927
Rain and cooler

Thursday, November 3, 1927

Thursday, November 3, 1927
Fair & cool

More mending and darning. Three boys went to C.E. after supper and I did a good evening work, making a night shirt for Gilbert. The babies played as usual but if I had read they would have been all over me.

Wednesday, November 2, 1927

Wednesday, November 2, 1927
Cooler

Built a fire. Put away Halloween things, bed clothes, etc. Mama came over and we mended all afternoon.

Tuesday, November 1, 1927

Tuesday, November 1, 1927
Cooler

The two little ones have awfully bad colds and Albert coughs some. Marjorie’s eyes are so read and puffy. Makes her look bad.

Monday, October 31, 1927

Monday, October 31, 1927
Cloudy and cooler

Washed and ironed some. Mrs. Hildebrandt came to use the phone and said I could surely do more in a day than she. Marjorie standing in an ordinary door with her arms out stretched (to keep Daddy out) just barely touches her fingers on either side.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Mother could always do more in one day than anyone else I knew - possibly with the exception of Maureen." (Maureen is Aunt Marjorie's youngest daughter.))

Sunday, October 30, 1927

Sunday, October 30, 1927
Warm

Got dinner to cook, pies made, etc. and Mike drove us over to show the folks the twins. As soon as Mama saw Louise she said “Hello, Dale”. Martha was asleep at first. She is the one who resembles Dale the most thought yhey both look alike and so pretty!

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "As children, we couldn't tell the twins apart.")

Saturday, October 29, 1927

Saturday, October 29, 1927
Warm

Nell and Mike and the boys spent the day down town and I kept the twins. They had a big time with Marjorie who was always doing stunts for their benefit and calling “Look, baby”. She thinks she is so cute (she is).

Friday, October 28, 1927

Friday, October 28, 1927
Fair and warm

Sewed all day and after supper Albert was at a Halloween party and Dale at a scout meeting when Nell and Mike and family drove in. We had not much supper left to offer but guess they didn’t mind.

Thursday, October 27, 1927

Thursday, October 27, 1927
Fair and warm

Went to C.E. with the boys. Had a big evening at prayer meeting as Dr. James Philputt was there and reported on the Lorcerne conference on Unity and order. Very interesting and instructive.

Wednesday, October 26, 1927

Wednesday, October 26, 1927

We are certainly having a lovely fall – like twelve years ago.

Tuesday, October 25, 1927

Tuesday, October 25, 1927
Fair again

Mrs. Peggs took Marjorie and me in her machine to the Missionary guest day at Mrs. Bowan’s. We had a lovely program but I had to take Ned and Marjorie and M was a job to take care of. Ned as good as pie but M too little to understand.

Monday, October 24, 1927

Monday, October 24, 1927
Fair

Ned’s first trip to the store alone. I was washing and didn’t have starch and out of toilet paper so he said he could go. He did and now the house can hardly hold him, he is so big!

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Wow! Ned was four years old!")

Sunday, October 23, 1927

Sunday, October 23, 1927
Fair – warm.

Too the 16th St. bus up to the end then walked a little lane to 21st and got a winter bouquet. Enjoyed it fine. Would like to get out oftener.

Saturday, October 22, 1927

Saturday, October 22, 1927
Fair – warm

Let the fire go out, the house is 80 with it and it has been for several days – as low as we can keep it.

Friday, October 21, 1927

Friday, October 21, 1927
Fair warm

Dale and Dick went to Hoffmeisters. I painted the places in the kitchen Gilbert left for me. Behind the stove, under the sick, etc.

Thursday, October 20, 1927

Thursday, October 20, 1927
Fair

Boys home for the rest of the week, Teachers’ conventions. I took Dick down town and got him high tops. Took Ned and Marjorie to Mama’s. Got me some everyday dishes and then went to Sunday School meeting at Mrs. C. Connors.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Just an orderiny busy day. This was Mother and Daddy's 12th wedding anniversary.")

Wednesday, October 19, 1927

Wednesday, October 19, 1927
Fair warm

Finished up the bathroom. It looks lots better.

Tuesday, October 18, 1927

Tuesday, October 18, 1927
Fair and warm

Ray Mock called up and reported Anna had another girl the 12th. He had tried to call me Sunday but I was gone. Talked to Georgia who said it was like old times to hear Barney laugh Sunday – said he hadn’t for many moons.

(Barney must have been someone at the party they went to.)

Monday, October 17, 1927

No diary entry, probably a full day of washing clothes.

Sunday, October 16, 1927

Sunday, October 16, 1927
Fair

All went from Sunday school to Hoffmeisters’ with Morgans. Fern and Georgia got up a fine dinner for the families. The boys went nutting and all had a lovely time. They are fine people and I’m glad to call them friends.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Fern and sy Hoffmeister had four sons. Albert Joe was my age or a little younger. Their son, Dick, had an illness that left him lame. Georgia was Georgia Barnhart.")

Saturday, October 15, 1927

Must have been a busy Saturday, no diary entry!

Friday, October 14, 1927

Friday, October 14, 1927

Put in the day cleaning up the kitchen and putting things back in the pantry. It sure looks lots better. I will be glad when the kitchen and bath is done too but we’ve run out of paint.

Thursday, October 13, 1927

Thursday, October 13, 1927

Gave the pantry its second coat, then cut up my relish and put to soak. Had to hurry to get done to go to the church after supper with the boys. Then Susie Mann sent me in the primary to take care of the kids. I went to get away from the kids for awhile.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "I know just how Mother feltt. For years I was expected to teach and take care of children at church while I was with my children day after day and I would have loved to have spent some time with adults for a little inspiration.")

Wednesday, October 12, 1927

Wednesday, October 12, 1927
Cooler
Rain last night. I painted the pantry, first coat. Mama came out, of course – everything all topsy turvy. I left her there and went to Mothers’ meeting or rather visit Dick’s and Albert’s teachers had to hurry back as she always wants to go home early

Tuesday, October 11, 1927

Tuesday, October 11, 1927
Fair – rain

Too hot for a fire, but afraid to let it go out as there is a strong wind and cooler weather. Wish I could go up to the park and run down hill facing the wind. That’s what Ned and Albert did after school.

Monday, October 10, 2008

Monday, October 10, 1927
Fair

Had an awful big washing today because I only washed once last week.

Sunday, October 9, 1927

Sunday, October 9, 1927
Fair

All went to Sunday school but Daddy who stayed home to paint. It seems that is the only way he can finish soon. After noon, Dale rode to Mama’s on his bicycle, Dick and Albert went to the show and Gilbert and I took the 2 babies and took a walk up town, window shopping.

Saturday, October 8, 1927

Saturday, October 8, 1927
Fair

Johnnie Bob’s birthday party Albert and I had a nice time. Such a noisy bunch of little boys but not bad. Albert said he had a good time but wished they hadn’t been so rough. He is an angel away from home.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Albert and the rest of us behaved pretty well away from home, but at home sometimes all hell broke loose.")

Friday, October 7, 1927

Friday, October 7, 1927
Rain, cooler

Built a fire. Left Albert as baby tender and went down town in evening to get Johnnie Bob’s birthday gift and Gilbert night shirt material.

(Aunt Majorie wrote, "Johnnie Bob was John Morgan Jr., who was Albert's age.)

Thursday, October 6, 1927

Thursday, October 6, 1927
Warm and fair

Walked over past the kindergarten to see if it was open but no. I’m so disappointed. Got hair cuts, stopped at Collins on the way home & hardly got Marjorie away from Marianna’s dolls. Went to the church for supper – all of us.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "I remember Marianna's little doll dresser with drawers to put things inside.")

Wednesday, October 5, 1927

Wednesday, October 5, 1927
Fair

Ironed and made a birthday cake for Marjorie. Mama came and made me go to the flower house with her and killed 4 hours altogether so didn’t get everything ironed. Daddy brought Marjorie a doll.

(Aunt Marjorie write, "I wonder where the 'flower house' was. It doesn't sound like Mrs. Moore's little nursery down the alley.")

Tuesday, October 4, 1927

Tuesday, October 4, 1927
Fair, warm

Washed. The kiddies Ned and Marjorie had a big time in the back yard. They play so nice together when John H. stays away. He stays home this week because his father is on his vacation and makes him.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "... I remember John as a being a trouble maker. I remember his father as being a very controlling man...)

Monday, October 3, 2008

Monday, October 3, 1927
Cloudy

Furnace men came and finished the job. Now it can get cold. I was awfully tired from my walk yesterday so sat and ripped beads off of Mama’s old black dress to make it over.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Beads on dresses were in vogue in those days...)

Sunday, October 2, 1927

Sunday, October 2, 1927
Fair, warm

A lovely day. Thought Mrs. Hildebrand was going to Sunday school with me but she disappointed me at the last minute. Gilbert worked. After dinner I read while the babies slept and the boys worried about what to do. Then we took a delightful walk in the park.

Saturday, October 1, 1927

Saturday, October 1, 1927
Rain

Furnace men finally came. The same ones who put it in five years ago. The boys each got a new pair of pants of the Clayton Clothing Co. N.Y> at $2.65 per pair, supposed to wear extra well.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "I wonder if they received catalogs in the mail in those days like we do now. Mother mentioned from time to time receving books, etc. which had been ordered.)

Friday, September 30, 1927

Friday, September 30, 1927
Fair

The weather seems to favor us for it didn’t turn cold after the rain yesterday as we expected. St. Louis had a bad tornado last evening. I washed today but didn’t feel very peppy. Still sore, I can’t do extra work very well.

Thursday, September 29, 1927

Thursday, September 29, 1927
Rain

I painted the wall of the kitchen and Dale and I did the upper part of the bath room – ouch I can’t do that any more. I have such a soreness thru my abdomen I know my old trouble is coming back.

(I wonder what her "old trouble" was?)

Wednesday, September 28, 1927

Wednesday, September 28, 1927
Rainy

Cleaned woodwork in kitchen and dining room. Gilbert tried unsuccessfully to plaster the hole in the pantry ceiling. Made an awful mess. He painted the kitchen this eve.

Tuesday, September 27, 1927

Tuesday, September 27, 1927
Warm

Am so disappointed that they have moved the kindergarten from 10th St. to 6th and Olney and that is too far to take Ned. He is so sweet and shy and doesn’t talk very plain yet so I feel he needs kindergarten and expected to start him.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Neither Ned nor I ever got to go to kindergarten. Eleanor did get to go, as there was a 'Mr Green' who drove kids to kindergarten every morning till noon for 50 cents a week.)

Monday, September 26, 1927

Monday, September 26, 1927
Fair and warm

Did a big day’s work. I hope I can do as much all week. I want to make so many changes in the looks of the inside of the house. The outside is so improved by the new paint.

Sunday, September 25, 1927

Sunday, September 25 1927
Fair and warm

Went to Sunday school but Gilbert took Marjorie on out to Mama’s. Stayed for church. Enjoyed the services so much. They rest me so. Guys and Onarga’s friend Bob Turner from Miami came. He’s not handsome, but likeable.

Saturday, September 24, 1927

Saturday, September 24, 1927

Put up 11 pints of plum preserves – finished my dress – pressed it. Cleaned, bathed kids. Went to store and got me some stockings, etc. Felt tired enough to retire then.

(Seems like she got a lot of work done!)

Friday, September 23, 1927

Friday, September 23, 1927
Warmer

The boys begged me to go to the show this evening with them but I was so tired – I washed and ironed – and then am fixing a wool dress over to wear and really had to work on that. So hard to get at any sewing this fall.

Thursday, September 22, 1927

Thursday, September 22, 1927
Warmer

Gilbert built a fire in spite of the crack in the furnace but it got too hot in the house and I let it go out by night. Don’t think we ought to keep a steady fire the way it is. Mama came out.

Wednesday, September 21, 1927

Wednesday, September 21, 1927
Cold, fair

I wish we could have a fire but the furnace isn’t in shape. Painters finished. Got so cold and it clouded up after noon that I built a fire. We were waiting on furnace men but don’t believe they will get here for a few days. Marjorie has a bad cold now.

Tuesday, September 20, 1927

Tuesday, September 20, 1927
Rain – cold

Turned out fair by noon. I had to go to the dentist for the final trip. All I have to do now is get used to my teeth. They bother me when I talk. After noon I was at missionary meeting at Mrs. Berns. I was one of the hostesses. Enjoyed it.

Monday, September 19, 1927

Monday, September 19, 1927
Fair and cool

I ironed and the painters worked. Mama came out for lunch. John Hildebrand played here all day and left his print on our front screen. He is a cute, devilish little rascal but good natured.

Sunday, September 18, 1927

Sunday, September 18, 1927
Cooler

Rain about daylight and a fresh breeze getting cooler all day. All went to Sunday school but Gilbert and then after dinner went to the Morgans. Marjorie had a sleeveless voile and I was afraid she should get cold but John brought us home in their machine and we wrapped up. Had an awfully good time.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "This was Dale's birthday. I used to love going to Morgan's house! Aunt Grace and Janet (who was Dick's age, I think) always had new recipes and fancy foods. "Johnnie Bob" was Albert's age, and was a lifetime friend of my husband and me, and was always very innovative with his and his wife's parties. John Sr. was always funny and entertaining, and when I was young, I always said I wanted to marry a man like John Morgan!)

Saturday, September 17, 1927

Saturday, September 17, 1927
Hot

I washed next week’s washing so as to have Tuesday free to go to the Missionary meeting as Grace asked me to be a hostess. Marjorie and Ned spend almost all of their time playing with the Hildebrands as John comes up almost every morning before breakfast even.

Friday, September 16, 1927

Friday, September 16, 1927
Hot

School closed on account of heat. Marjorie cried most of the night with painter’s colic, I guess. They had to take screens out and the flies and mosquitoes are awful. I wanted it done but will be glad when it is done. I canned tomatoes and made jelly all day.

(I assume the house was painted with oil-based lead paint and it did have a strong odor!)

Thursday, September 15, 1927

Thursday, September 15, 1927
Hot

A big woman’s luncheon at the church. I insisted on Mama’s going as part of her birthday treat but I don’t know whether she enjoyed it or not. I did, but she had the fidgets. The smell of paint made Marjorie sick and I took her to Mrs. Hildebrand’s so she kept her all day.

(I know that Grandma's mother was born in 1857, but I don't know the date. I guess this would have been her 70th birthday.)

Wednesday, September 14, 1927

Wednesday, September 14, 1927
Hot

Finished my ironing and mended some but the heat takes all my pep. Others are in the same boat. John Collins came to figure on painting and in two hours they had begun to smear. Pretty prompt!

(I think she means that within two hours of getting a quote on the painting, John Collins had a crew there starting to paint (smear).)

Tuesday, September 13, 1927

Tuesday, September 13, 1927
Hot

Had to go to the dentist and so I took the babies too (my nurses are in school). We got so awful hot. The sun is scorching. I ironed some and then bathed and went to a stork shower at Mrs. Danielson’s for Anna Mock. She got lots of nice things and I had a good time.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Mother's nurses were Dale, Dick and Albert! "Stork showers" are now called "baby showers". Anna Mock had a daughter, Wilma.)

Monday, September 12, 1927

Monday, September 12, 1927
Hot

School began. I washed and the boys got home by the time I was done. Not so very many books this time. About $3 worth of little things mostly. Dick and Albert seemed anxious to go but Dale didn’t.

(School started much later "back then" than it does today.)

Sunday, September 11, 1927

Sunday, September 11, 1927
Hot

All but Gilbert went to Sunday school, then got dinner and went to see the folks. Took Marjorie and Ned. Dale stayed home and made fudge. The others went to a show. Trying to get Marjorie in the habit of going to bed without me.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Dale, Dick and Albert were big fudge makers. Dick's was my favorite - more chocolate in it!")

Satruday, September 10, 1927

Saturday, September 10, 1927
Hot

Mrs. Collins has a knack of picking the times when I have the most to do it seems and coming over then. The house was a sight and I was hurrying upstairs work to clean it all this AM and she came! Gilbert worked.

Friday, September 9, 1927

Friday, September 9, 1927
Fog – hazy

Gilbert over his asthma but so weak and stomach upset. He was afraid to go to work for fear of vomiting on the way. Gilbert had to use his smoke downstairs this year and so the whole house smells of it.

Thursday, September 8, 1927

Thursday, September 8, 1927
Cloudy

Gilbert home all day. I put up a bushel of tomatoes, then took Ned up town to get him some toys. Got me a pair of shoes and some sleeves to fix up an old dress.

Wednesday, September 7, 1927

Wednesday, September 7, 1927

Rain 

Started ironing at 6:30, finished by noon. Dale has a big time these days riding his bike. I hope he doesn’t get hurt. Gilbert has the asthma awfully bad. This rain cleared his hay fever up.

Tuesday, September 6, 1927

Tuesday, September 6, 1927
Hot

Washed and ironed some, almost melted. Marjorie and Ned had a big time playing with Hildebrand children. They are sweet little kiddies and play very nice together. They love Marjorie and help keep her off the street.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Johnnie Hildebrand was Ned's age, and Alice was two or three years older. Their older brother, Ott, Jr., was Albert or Dick's age, but didn't hang around our family much, to my memory. They lived four houses down from us.

Monday, September 5, 1927

Monday, September 5, 1927
Fair and warm.

Labor Day. Gilbert stayed at home and worked and watched the kids and I took Albert to the fair. It is good this year. It’s 75th year. We had a very good day but oh so tiresome. I suffered so for a drink of cold water.

Sunday, September 4, 1927

Sunday, September 4, 1927
Fair and warm

A lovely day. I wish one could go somewhere but Gilbert has his old trouble in spite of his guaranteed medicine. Hope he gets his money back. Papa came out to dinner. Gilbert worked all morning.

Saturday, September 3, 1927

Saturday, September 3, 1927
Hot

Had to take Ned down and get him some shoes. Albert kept Marjorie. Dale and Dick left early to go to the fair. They get around so well for little tykes. I guess they saw all that was there but not all fixed up yet.

Friday, September 2, 1927

Friday, September 2, 1927

Washed. Went down town to sign for the loan. The home is in our name now. Went to the dentist. After supper took the boys to the 101 ranch. Didn’t enjoy it but they did. Gilbert suffering so he couldn’t take them.

Thursday, September 1, 1927

Thursday, September 1, 1927
Hot

Canned a bushel of tomatoes. Mama went to Illinois to the reunion.

Wednesday, August 31, 1927

Wednesday, August 31, 1927
Fair – warm

Gilbert went to work about 10:30. After that Mama came. I didn’t look wise and said nothing this time when she began on Papa. I feel I must try to make her let up on him even if she gets mad at me. Papa can’t stand much more.

Tuesday, August 30, 1927

Tuesday, August 30, 1927
Hazy – warmer

A lovely fall like day – but poison for Gilbert. He stayed home all day and finally had to use his asthmador. The Fugates medicine seemed to control his hay fever for a couple of weeks but he’s got it now.

Monday, August 29, 1927

Monday, August 29, 1927
Cloudy

Washed, but had a sick headache afterwards – nerves. Dick went to Grandmother’s to stay all night. He and Albert are anxious to go for their eats, then too, I think they enjoy the quiet for a change, for a little while.

(Enjoyed the quiet? Were these early clues to what Dick and Albert would become? College professors in philosopy (Dick) and theology (Albert).)

Sunday, August 28, 1927

Sunday, August 28, 1927
Cool, cloudy

Gilbert almost has hay fever but not bad – just enough to be annoyed. I’m nearly crazy about Papa and Mama’s affairs – I can’t sleep at night lately. Surely I can stop them some way. I must!!

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Mother never told us, as far as I know, what the quarrel was about. Grandpa never stopped his "business" of being a woman's doctor and he didn't commit suicide.)

Saturday, August 27, 1927

Saturday, August 27, 1927
Cool

Had to take Marjorie and get shoes. Papa wanted me to come up and sign his bank deposit slips so as to get his funeral money and Mama wanted me to meet her to pick her a hat and I was so afraid she would get wise to my business with Papa.

Friday, August 26, 1927

Friday, August 26, 1927
Cool

Mama came over to get Albert who wants to stay all night with her. She has nagged Papa till he is preparing to end his business – I’m afraid of suicide. Can’t say a word.

Thursday, August 25, 1927

Thursday, August 25, 1927
Cool

Mama wanted me to come over as the boys were going to cut the grass. She said it would be about my last chance – I hope so. I went but she spends so much time running down Papa that I don’t enjoy her company.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "As I was growing up, Grandmother always gave me the impression that Grandpa was perfect!)

Wednesday, August 24, 1927

Wednesday, August 24, 1927
Fair but cold

Went to Mrs. Smith’s party for Mrs. Hunter and had lots of fun. Don’t know when I laughed so much. Mrs. Doll is a clown and kept everyone near in a roar all the time.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "What I remember about Mrs. Doll ws that her young son was accidently shot (fatally) when another boy was 'looking' at a gun. They lived on E. New York St. and Mother took me with her to their home. Those days the funerals were mostly at home.)

Tuesday, August 23, 1927

Tuesday, August 23, 1927

Went to the dentist to have the impression made of my teeth for a partial plate in the upper jaw. Had to bring Albert to get him shoes so didn’t get to bum around like I wanted.

Monday, August 22, 1927

Monday, August 22, 1927

Washed and finished putting up peaches that I got last week. Felt awfully bum. Gilbert went to the library. He is taking the rest of his vacation now.

Sunday, August 21, 1927

Sunday, August 21, 1927
Fair

Went to Sunday school. All but Gilbert. Spent the afternoon reading, till my eyes got tired. Nobody comes to see us. Wish we had a machine.

(Grandma calls cars "machines"...)

Saturday, August 20, 1927

Saturday, August 20, 1927

Got a letter from Bess yesterday and we’ve been wondering ever since if she is crazy or we are blind. She tells such awful things on Nell, Mike and Bob but things didn’t seem bad when were there.

Friday, August 19, 1927

Friday, August 19, 1927
Rain – cold

Mama and Bob and Don spent the day with us. The boys play so nice together and have a good time. Every one loves Marjorie who tries to say what they do. Hope she always wins friends so easy.

Thursday, August 18, 1927

Thursday, August 18, 1927
Rain, cool

Put up some peaches. About half a bushel – the rest of the basket as hard as bullets. Kids – a proposition on bad days – they get out and in the mud and nothing will dry.

Wedneday, August 17, 1927

Wednesday, August 17, 1927
Cloudy & cool

D and D went to the news boys picnic at Broad Ripple. Rain early but not after they left. They wore their sweaters and had a good time - a couple of nice looking boys and they know how to take care of themselves. Gilbert took a vacation.

Tuesday, August 16, 1927

Tuesday, August 16, 1927
Fair, cool

Dick and Dale went to cut the grass for Papa. Of course they stayed for dinner and came home telling what all they had to eat. A person would think we never had anything good at home. They act starved when they go anywhere. But Dale gets filled up quick – can’t hold much.

Monday, August 15, 1927

Monday, August 15, 1927
Fair – cool

Wash and iron. Had to watch Dick on his route for Robert Whiteman has it in for him and might give him a black eye. So I watched to see if nothing happened to his papers. But nothing did. He’ll do it when were not expecting it. Dick’s no fighter.

Sunday, August 14, 1927

Sunday, August 14, 1927
Rain

Only one rain coat in the family now so Dale was the only one who went to Sunday school. Papa came out to dinner as Mama is in Elwood. Comes home today. I read so much I got dumpy. Wish we could have company.

Saturday, August 13, 1927

Saturday, August 13, 1927
Cloudy

Had a big day, but got my work all done in good shape. Luckily I felt better than yesterday. Dale and Dick went to town and got shoes. They go any where now so big! I would be out of babies if they were all bad.

Friday, August 12, 1927

Friday, August 12, 1927
Cloudy – rain

Washed and ironed some but didn’t get done. Felt awfully bum. My cold is worse and I’m afraid will get the best of me yet. A storm came up just as the boys had to leave for papers! I hate to see them go out in it.

Thursday, August 11, 1927

Thursday, August 11, 1927
Cool

Went to town this AM and bought lots of little odds and ends I’ve been wanting for so long. Didn’t spend much money either. Saw Winifred on the street. Heard she was out of town!

(Winifred was Grandma's niece.)

Wednesday, August 10, 1927

Wednesday, August 10, 1927
Cool

Funny August weather. Too cool to sit in the house so spent the day on the porch embroidering on a little dress for Marjorie. It is a blue voile – sleeveless. If she can’t wear it out this summer, she can next.

Tuesday, August 9, 1927

Tuesday, August 9, 1927
Cooler

We saw Lindy! All but Daddy. Dale and Dick went down town to see him and I took the other three and went out to Mama’s and we all walked down to 38th St. and saw him pass along going to the fairgrounds.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Charles Lindberg was all the rage those days. When I was in my teens, I went downtown to see Corrigan after he mistakenly flew to Ireland, I think, instead of across the United States.")

Monday, August 8, 1927

Monday, August 8, 1927

Did my usual Monday stunt. Wash & iron. Since I make two jobs of it every week it doesn’t seem so hard on me as I have less ironing to do at a time.

Sunday, August 7, 1927

Sunday, August 7, 1927
Hot

Went to Sunday school and to the folks for fried chicken dinner.

Saturday, August 6, 1927

Saturday, August 6, 1927
Hot

Didn’t have much to do but straighten up house and clean up the family. Then we took Marjorie to her fist lawn fete over on Oxford St. She likes ice cream.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote that she still likes ice cream, the homemade kind like they had when she was little.)

Friday, August 5, 1927

Friday, August 5, 1927
Hot

Marianna and Robert Collins came over to play. No wonder they think my boys are humdingers, having to compare them with him all the time! He is so disagreeable, spoiled, and unprincipled!!

(The Collins family lived across the street.)

Thursday, August 4, 1927

Thursday, August 4, 1927

Ned is so cross these days and doesn’t eat much. Don’t know how we can build him up. I still have my cough but don’t expect to get rid of it very soon. Hope the baby doesn’t get it she is so fine now. Talks all the time, tries to say everything.

Wednesday, August 3, 1927

Wednesday, August 3, 1927

It seems as if I had less to do now than I ever did before. Time almost drags on my hands now! No baby to nurse or carry and so for the first time for so long all my strength is my own.

Tuesday, August 2, 1927

Tuesday, August 2, 1927
Cool

After ironing it was too cool in the house to sit down and mend, so I went out and pulled weeds. Mrs. Collins brought her lunch and kids over about noon and spent the rest of the day.

(The Collins family lived across the street.)

Monday, August 1, 1927

Monday, August 1, 1927
Hot

Washed but that’s all. Papa suggested that I might get better if I rested more. Miss Dunlea’s nieces visiting next door & Marjorie and Ned play with them till I hardly know I have a baby.

Sunday, July 31, 1927

Sunday, July 31, 1927
Hot

Ned looks so bad these days. He and I and Albert stayed home from Sunday school and Gilbert, too. Papa came to bring us medicine and found we had a little fever. Just like Dick was three weeks ago & and he is O.K. now.

Saturday, July 30, 1927

Saturday, July 30, 1927

Feel awfully bum with my cough. Can’t sleep at night. It is more like a whooping cough than a cold. Ned and Albert and Dale have it, too. Marjorie is fine and cuter every day.

Friday, July 29, 1927

Friday, July 29, 1927
Hot

Papa wanted the grass cut so we all went over. Mailed Nell’s dress on the way. Had a headache and didn’t enjoy the day. Would have stayed at home if I hadn’t promised to go. Can’t get rid of my cough.

Thursday, July 28, 1927

Thursday, July 28, 1927

Finished Nell’s dress I was making for her. It turned out real pretty. I hope she likes it.

(Seems like Grandma can sew quickly!)

Wednesday, July 27, 1927

Wednesday, July 27, 1927

Mama came over. She just got back from Illinois Monday. Andrew and Ralph appointed trustees in Uncle Jim’s place. Don’t trust Ralph and Andrew isn’t there close enough to watch him.

Tuesday, July 26, 1927

Tuesday, July 26, 1927
Cloudy

Ironed. The grass looked about dead on the bank so was sprinkling that when Anna and Ray drove up to tell me Anna wouldn’t come to spend the day with me this summer as she had promised. Feels too bad. Rained at bedtime.

(Aunt Marjorie noted that Anna Mock died of a heart attack about 10 years later...)

Monday, July 25, 1927

Monday, July 25, 1927
Warm

Felt bum but didn’t want to waste the day. Didn’t feel like sitting and sewing. Too nervous. So I washed, took it slow and got done by noon. Felt a little better by evening.

Sunday, July 24, 1927

Sunday, July 24, 1927
Warm

I’ve taken a bad cold like Dick’s. Ned, too. Don’t feel a bit good, so hoarse at times I can scarcely talk. Gilbert took Dale and Dick to see Robin Hood at the Colonial.

(Aunt Marjories noted that the Colonial was probably a movie theater.)

Saturday, July 23, 1927

Saturday, July 23, 1927

My oven has gone bad on me – smokes so I didn’t try to bake any but got a watermelon for tomorrow. Papa will be here. Mama will come from Illinois tomorrow I guess.

Friday, July 22, 1927

Friday, July 22, 1927
Hot

The little lady got badly spoiled visiting last week. Too much attention and I had too much time to hold her. Now she wants to sleep with us too and cries every night when we go to bed.

Thursday, July 21, 1927

Thursday, July 21, 1927
Hot

Seems like I don’t get much done these days. Guess it is because nothing is pushing. Can’t get along very fast on Nell’s dress because every time I sit down to sew Marjorie wants on my lap.

Wednesday, July 20, 1927

Wednesday, July 20, 1927
Fair, hot

Ironed all morning and finished. The boys went over early and cut the grass for Papa and when they came home I went to town to get some goods to trim Nell’s dress.

Tuesday, July 19, 1927

Tuesday, July 19, 1927
Fair

Washed and ironed a lot of things. Making a dress for Nell at odd times. She had bought the goods several years ago and never got it made up so Bess gave it to me to make and surprise Nell.

Monday, July 18, 1927

Monday, July 18, 1927
Fair

Straightened up my things and got ready to wash tomorrow. Went to store and got in a supply of groceries, etc. It’s good to be back. Everything O.K. here and everybody happy.

Sunday, July 17, 1927

Sunday, July 17, 1927
Fair

Marjorie is tired of visiting and is awfully cross. Gilbert and I went to Sunday school and took the boys. They don’t know how to make a stranger feel at home in that church. Nell’s in for dinner then came home and was glad to get here. Better trip than expected though.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "They probably went to a church in Crawfordsville and left me with Grandpa and Aunt Bess, then went back to Indianapolis by evening.)

Saturday, July 16, 1927

Saturday, July 16, 1927
Partly cloudy

Came to town last night. Spent the AM in the bathroom. We were all so dusty and sweaty! The water felt so good on my chiggers! This PM went to park with Paul and Nina who took our suppers.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "They probably hadn't had a real bath all week. Those days people living in the country lived in houses with six rooms and a path. I remember taking a bath in a laundry tub in the kitchen and helping pour the bath water in the yard.)

Friday, July 15, 1927

Friday, July 15, 1927
Fair

Another good rain last night but clear today. I washed some and hung Nell’s things out to dry. The folks area all crazy about Marjorie – think she is about 3 years old in development. Boys and Bob played all day.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "I probably developed more quickly because of the competition with older siblings. Bob was Bob Wray, Uncle Mike's stepson from a previous marriage (his first wife died). Bob was a little older than Dale. Mike and Nell raised him. The twins were extremely shy, more so even than I was.")

Thursday, July 14, 1927

Thursday, July 14, 1927
Partly cloudy

Nell tried to wash but it showered enough that didn’t get things dry. The twins are picking up now. The first of the week they were not feeling well and were too quiet, but now laugh and play – seem like year olds instead of 18 months.

Wednesday, July 13, 1927

Wednesday, July 13, 1927
Hot – rain

Went berrying again in the morning and found bushes about to dry up. After dinner a hard rain came up and drowned three little pigs for Mike. The sow had laid in the dry creek bed to have them and then it rained!

Tuesday, July 12, 1927

Tuesday, July 12, 1927
Hot

Good breeze here. The air is so much better hear than in the city! Wish I lived in the country! Nell has things about as unhandy as possible but for my part, I help but do not tire like at home.

(Sounds like Grandma is enjoying her trip to Crawfordsville and the country. Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Apparently Uncle Mike and Aunt Nell had a farm near Crawfordsville. They always rented farm property, never owned, and moved from time to time.)

Monday, July 11, 1927

Monday, July 11, 1927
Fair

Came home with Nell’s last night. Had such a sick headache and didn’t know how the morning would find me. Went to the woods, then on the hunt for raspberries but found few. Some one else go them yesterday.



(Grandma is in Crawfordsville, Nell is her sister-in-law)

Sunday, July 10, 1927

Sunday, July 10, 1927
Fair

Dale took Albert and Ned to Sunday school. Cleaned up house and left for C’ville on 11 car. Dick stayed to carry packages, says he feels better than he did. Says he had a headache Friday when Papa examined him but didn’t say anything then about it.

(C'ville is Crawfordsville, where Gilbert was from.)

Saturday, July 9, 1927

Saturday, July 9, 1927
Hot

Took Ned to town to get a few things needed to go on. Finished up the hood, bathed, all packed suitcase, etc. All ready to go by 12 midnight. Bradbury called and presented bill of $30 altogether!!! for fence and clothes line.

(Apparently $30 was much more than Grandma expected to pay for the fence and clothes line repairs.)

Friday, July 8, 1927

Friday, July 8, 1927
Hot

Dick and Dale entertained at the Colonial – the World War all Newsboys. Then they went to Papa’s office where Dick was examined – has been having a cough for some time. Papa found he ran temperature of 100. Doesn’t complain any – sign of TB. It must not be!

Thursday, July 7, 1927

Thursday, July 7, 1927
Hot – fair

Have a lot of mending, etc. to do before we go. Started a pretty organdy hood for my daughter. Such a pretty little daughter must have pretty clothes!

Wednesday, July 6, 1927

Wednesday, July 6, 1927
Hot, breeze

I ironed and got along well so was through by noon. Mrs. Collins came over and I finished a dress I cut out and made Monday. All plans made to go to Crawfordsville for a week or less.

Tuesday, July 5, 1927

Tuesday, July 5, 1927
Warmer and fair

I washed while the boys cleaned up the mess in the front yard. They did a good job, but too much fussing about it. Each was afraid he was doing more than his share of the work. Pretty cross bunch and Dick coughs all the time.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "The day after the big day was not nearly as much fun to pick up the litter from the fireworks, which could be dangerous if a lawn mower flipped a sparkler, for instance, into somebody. (Besides the unsightly look of a mowed lawn with tiny chopped pieces of red and white pieces of fireworks.) I was 13, just before I started high school (1938) when Indiana outlawed fireworks for public use."

Today, it seems once again, anything goes when it comes to fireworks!)

Monday, July 4, 1927

Monday, July 4, 1927
Cool

The boys’ big day, however they had to put on sweaters till the sun got warm and this evening, too. Papa and Mama came out to supper and we had to wrap up to watch the fireworks. Had to plenty to last from 5:45 AM to 9:30 PM.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "The boys had a lot of fireworks, as men at the Citizen Gas Co., including Daddy combined their purchases of fireworks and bought them at wholesale prices. The boys saved their news route earnings for several weeks.)

Sunday, July 3, 1927

Sunday, July 3, 1927
Cooler

Went to Sunday school. However, Dick had the earache and a bad cold and Gilbert stayed home with Marjorie. I stayed to church, came home, got dinner, put the 2 little ones to bed and went to see Mama who came back from the funeral instead of staying a while as expected.

(The funeral was for Mama's brother, Jim.

Aunt Marjorie wrote, "When I was young, Mother would start the meat and leave it cooking slowly and peel the potatoes (always potatoes) and have vegetables (green beans or peas or carrots cooked with meat) and when she got home from church, dinner was almost ready - especially if one of us came home right after Sunday school and started the potatoes cooking.)

Saturday, July 2, 1927

Saturday, July 2, 1927
Hot

That ice cream seems to fix Marjorie, but she still looks awfully bad. I got everything done, two cakes baked and went down town to get things needed if we should get to go on our vacation to C’ville the 10th.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "When I was young, ice cream was much better than now-a-days 'commericial' ice cream." I bet it was, made with cream and real eggs!)

Friday, July 1, 1927

Friday, July 1, 1927
Hot, breeze

Papa said to take Marjorie’s band off and dress her as cool as possible so I cut out and made two sleeveless voile dresses, turned her out bare footed and she did seem better. Cried in the PM a lot and Papa got her some ice cream. She ate a lot of that.

(I wonder what the band is that Granda mentioned?)

Thursday, June 30, 1927

Thursday, June 30, 1927
Hotter

Poor Marjorie not so feverish but miserable. Cried all afternoon. Afraid something hurts her that we don’t know about. Papa out twice today to see her.

Wednesday, June 29, 1927

Wednesday, June 29, 1927
Fair and hot

Marjorie real sick, fever. Papa afraid of pneumonia. Aunt Mat and all left this AM. Mama went to Bur’s to go with him this evening but Papa did not go on account of Marjorie – Did I ever entertain a thought of getting to go? Of course not.

Tuesday, June 28, 1927

Tuesday, June 28, 1927
Fair

Finished ironing what I would need soon but too tired and done up to do a lot. Marjorie cross and has an awful cold. We all went to pay our last respects to Uncle Jim after supper and Andrew brought us back.

Monday, June 27, 1927

Monday, June 27, 1927
Fair & warmer

Got up early, washed, scrubbed and ironed what I could for I have hopes of getting to the funeral with Guys whenever it is. Just ready for bed and Papa called, Uncle Jim passed away at 8:40 PM.

Sunday, June 26, 1927

Sunday, June 26, 1927
Fair – cool

Nora came at 4. I helped Mama seed cherries, got breakfast over, came home, dressed my babies, got their breakfast, sent 4 boys to Sunday school, put dinner on. Took Marjorie back with me, got there at 10:30. Helped with dinner, dishes, etc. Guys and Burs there, doctor said Uncle J. wouldn’t live till evening, but he did.

Saturday, June 25, 1927

Saturday, June 25, 1927
Showers

Marjorie real feverish, however I got my work done, but was pretty tired, too. At nine this PM Mama called me to come and stay all night. Aunt Mat had lost hope and broken down. But Uncle Jim still breathed - that’s all.

Friday, June 24, 1927

Friday, June 24, 1927
Fair

The day of the Sunday school class picnic. I didn’t know whether to go or not, but the folks said I could do nothing. Guy took Andrew’s children, I went out and stayed till two then came home and made sandwiches and went but Marjorie didn’t seem to feel well.

Thursday, June 23, 1927

Thursday, June 23, 1927
Partly cloudy and cooler

Andrew brought his two boys and Theta over for me to take care of, but Beulah was needed there. I got along fine with them all. I never saw such good children. Wish mine had as good manners. Uncle Jim conscious part of the time but very weak.

Wednesday, June 22, 1927

Wednesday, June 22, 1927
Fair, warm

Hung clothes out then called Mama to make arrangements. Uncle Jim came too and had his third stroke of paralysis last night at 3. Still alive but unconscious. Beulah and the kids came over here.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Beulah was Andrew's wife and Uncle Jim must have been his father, grandmother's brother. Andrew was Mother's favortie cousin, of her 31 cousins.)

Tuesday, June 21, 1927

Tuesday, June 21, 1927
Rain

Got up early and washed but couldn’t dry the clothes. Nina and Mrs. Schiffman spent the day with us. Had a good time. Paul came out for supper and we had a jolly evening. Andrew called up, they just got to Mama’s, see us tomorrow.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote that Andrew was Grandma's cousin, Andrew Jordan. I don't know who Nina and Mrs. Schiffman were.)

Monday, June 20, 1927

Monday, June 20, 1927
Fair

Cleaned windows, etc. that I should have done the last of the week. My mouth still so sore. Have to use balm to sleep at night – just throbs.

(I wonder what was in that balm?)

Sunday, June 19, 1927

Sunday, June 19, 1927

Went to Sunday school and church but my mouth hurt so! Got dinner over and Gilbert took the boys swimming and I took the hot water bottle to bed and read all afternoon.

(I wonder what Grandma did with Marjorie?)

Saturday, June 18, 1927

Saturday, June 18, 1927

My how sore my gums are. Pains clear to the top of my head! And to think they never hurt when the teeth were in.

Friday, June 17, 1927

Friday, June 17, 1927

Went down and had my two infected teeth pulled. Then I came home and finished (almost) my dress. The dentist gave me some capsules to keep from feeling so much pain. They helped. Lindbergh passed over here in his plane on his way home to St. Louis.

(I wonder what those capsules contained in 1927 to ease the pain of an infected tooth/extraction?

And how exciting to see Charles Lindbergh's plane! Aunt Marjorie wrote that Lindbergh was big news when she was little, especially when his baby was kidnapped.)

Thursday, June 16, 1927

Thursday, June 16, 1927
Fair warmer

Stelhorns entertained the Sunday School class and I went with the little three. Had an awfully nice time in their beautiful yard. The day was ideal. Fair but not too hot. Lots of nice ladies there and I felt very much at home and “one of the bunch”.

(I get the impression from reading these diaries that Grandma was shy (she said so in her family history) and didn't feel comfortable in groups.)

Wednesday, June 15, 1927

Wednesday, June 15, 1927
Cool and fair

Dale says its hot in the sun, but I didn’t get in the sun as I ironed. The thermometer in the dining room read 66. Canned a few cherries. They seem to be an awful lot of work. Only got 4 qts. this week.

Tuesday, June 14, 1927

Tuesday, June 14, 1927
Cool and cloudy

Seeded cherries till about nine when it didn’t seem to be going to rain so I decided to wash and get it done. Of course I was slow getting done and it took so long to clean up the house after I had finished. Heard Mable was married Sunday eve.

(Mabel was divorced from Grandma's brother Harry. She remarried a man named Carl Lout)

Monday, June 13, 1927

Monday, June 13, 1927
Cold

Went to the dentist’s and had a tooth pulled and one filled. Then came home and built a fire. The boys tore up jack and the house was a sight by night. Too cold and damp to play outdoors except for a little cherry picking.

Sunday, June 12, 1927

Sunday, June 12, 1927
Cool

Rained last night and cooled us off till this evening I had to put a blanket around my shoulders as I sat and read. Went to Sunday School and church this AM. Children’s Day. Then I had not finished the dishes yet when Guys and boys drove in and took me to the folks. G & the five boys went to Broad Ripple.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "By this time, Uncle Guy's two daughters were nearly grown so probably had other fish to fry. Probably took his two sons, Bob & Don and the three older Smith boys. Don was a year older than Ned. Broad Ripple park in those days contained the 2nd largest swimming pool in the U.S., if I remember correctly. It was a wonderful pool with covered bleachers where spectators could comfortably watch the swimmers. The pool has been gone for many years now.)

Saturday, June 11, 1927

Saturday, June 11, 1927
Hot

Got the new door glass in at last. I hope it lasts. Gilbert got busy on the screens and got most of them in, but the flies beat him a couple of days. Also got a new garbage bucket. I cleaned the pantry this AM.

(The pantry was a small room off the kitchen which seemed to be built out of half of the back porch. I am pretty sure it had a window that looked out on to the backyard, and shelves, but otherwise, I don't remember too much about it.)

Friday, June 10, 1927

Friday, June 10, 1927
Hot

Thought I had a date with the dentist but he had made a mistake so I can’t see him till Monday. Got my flowers and set them out. My beds are all filled now if they live. Had to go to town for a lawn mower wheel and I nearly melted.

Thursday, June 9, 1927

Thursday, June 9, 1927
Hot but breezy

Mama came over again and we went to get some flowers but the lady wasn’t home. Jones and Mrs. Schiffman came out in the evening and we had a good time. I finally got the boys’ beds painted.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Mother & Grandmother must have walked a block south in the alley where Mrs. Moore had a little nursery in her yard at 11th St. & Temple. I loved going there but now days zoning laws probably wouldn't allow it. The Joneses were probably Nina and Paul Jones. I remember Mrs. Schiffman went to our church but I am puzzled how she and Jones were connected.")

Wednesday, June 8, 1927

Wednesday, June 8, 1927
Fair –warm

Ironed. Mama came over. Dale threw his baseball through the front door glass this AM so there is another expense. Will we never get ahead!

(This isn't the first time Grandma wrote about this door glass being broken. Aunt Marjorie wrote that it got broken a lot. When we used to visit Grandma, she still had a glass front door, with sheer drapes on it, that she would peer through when we arrived and rang the doorbell.)

Tuesday, June 7, 1927

Tuesday, June 7, 1927
Fair and warm

Washed, but was too tired to iron any. Wish I had more pep. Marjorie seems to have taken the last I had. She sure has plenty. Trying to talk now. Tries everything she hears the boys say but you would never know unless you heard the boys.

Monday, June 6, 1927

Monday, June 6, 1927
Cloudy & cool

Built another fire. Cut out my new rayon sports dress and might have completed if Garvers’ had not moved in, so much new pretty furniture. Ha ha. Anna and Ray and B.J. called a few minutes in the evening.

(Sounds like Grandma spent the day watching the neigbhors move in!)

Sunday, June 5, 1927

Sunday, June 5, 1927
Fair

Gilbert went to the plant and worked all day. I went to Sunday School and church and we went to Mama’s for dinner and supper, Gilbert coming out in the evening and bringing us home. The boys nearly drove Grandma crazy – Never again!

(I didn't think anyone worked on Sundays in the 1920's. I always thought they were more serious about keeping Sunday as a day of rest.)

Saturday, June 4, 1927

Saturday, June 4, 1927
Fair & warm

Dick had the toothache last night so I took him down town to get him shoes and we went around to have Grandpa look at his mouth. He had him have the tooth pulled (which was abscessed) and Dick cried all over town so I sent him home and shopped alone.

(I wonder when Novacaine was available? I can only imagine what it would have been like to be a kid in the 1920's and have an infected tooth pulled. I think I would have been drying all over town, too!)

Friday, June 3, 1927

Friday, June 3, 1927
Fair – rain

The weather is hard to chronicle in a few words this year, for it seems to rain some time every day even if the days are generally fair. There are an unusual number of storms over the U.S. Mississippi still raging.

(This sounds like something we would have said in the last few years. We just can't seem to figure out the weather, even 81 years ago!)

THursday, June 2, 1927

Thursday, June 2, 1927
Cloudy and cool

Finished ironing and mended and darned all the rest of the day – such a lot of it to do. Planned to paint the boys’ beds but every day I could do it, it is rainy so they wouldn’t dry and I have to put it off. I built another fire.

(I'm surprised it was cool enough in June that they needed to fire up the coke furnace. Was the house that poorly insulated? I suppose it probably was.)

Wednesday, June 1, 1927

Wednesday, June 1, 1927
Fair

Mama came and sewed on buttons, etc. while I ironed. Had so much to do that I didn’t get it all done. Haven’t ironed everything up for three weeks and I want to get it done this time. Millers moved! Joy!

(Grandma wrote several times about how she didn't like the Miller family next door.)

Tuesday, May 31, 1927

Tuesday, May 31, 1927
Fair

Washed, scrubbed, etc. Cleaned up the house. The boys have brought a lot of sand from the creek for Ned and Marjorie and they track it into the house so fast but it is a good thing to keep them busy and at home.

(I wonder how 'clean' that sand from the creek was, knowing the state of the sewer system in Indianapolis and how even today there is overflow into creeks after big storms.)

Monday, May 30, 1927

Monday, May 30, 1927
Cloudy

The big race day. They had a bad accident this AM, the worst for years. I went to see Mama’s flowers this PM, took the three littlest ones. Dale and Dick sold their first race extras. Dale sold 26, Dick five. He is too timid to be a good salesman and Dale is too business like to fail.

(Must have been Memorial Day because that was always the traditional day to run the Indianapolis 500.)

Sunday, May 29, 1927

Sunday, May 29, 1927
Fair

All went to Sunday school and Albert stayed to church with me. Spent the afternoon lying down reading. Felt awfully blue all the good things – except children – seem to pass me by and nobody cares.

(I've published all the diary entries without edits, but nearly edited this one. I'm sure we can't begin to imagine the hard work and long days Grandma spent caring for five children and a husband. Laundry and ironing seemed to be going on constantly. They didn't have closets full of clothes, so I'd guess the clothes they did have were worn several times between washings, and wore out quickly. That explains all the darning and sewing she did, of everything... stockings, underwear, pants, shirts. With four active boys, I'm sure the darning was non-stop.

They didn't eat out either, except for Thursday suppers at the church and maybe an occasional Sunday dinner at Grandma's parent's house. So every day, food had to be prepared. Certainly, they were not destitute but neither did they seem to have a lot of extra money, so she probably had to budget and carefully plan her purchases.

My oldest cousin once commented how intelligent Grandma was and that it was a shame she didn't finish college. I'm sure there were things she wanted to do, but couldn't and didn't even let herself dream of doing because it took all her energies and time to keep the household running.

We have the advantage of looking back and seeing what happens, of knowing that in ten years time, Grandma would be a widow with six children. We can also look back and see that all her children were successful in their own way. Three of four sons served in the military in WWII and came back to tell of it, all four boys earned advanced degrees and were successful, Dale as a businessman, Dick, Albert, and Ned as college professors. That her her two daughters would marry and have their own children.

But in 1927, clearly, it was a difficult time.)

Saturday, May 28, 1927

Saturday, May 28, 1927
Warmer

Same old Sat. work. Took Albert and Ned to the 10 cent store and get them some canvas shoes. Albert’s for .69 and Ned’s for .59. My! The Smiths are classy dressers!

(Prices for "canvas shoes" have gone up a bit since 1927. You couldn't even buy one shoelace for less than a dollar today!)

Friday, May 27, 1927

Friday, May 27, 1927
Cold

I ironed all morning with the kids bundled up, so it didn’t get warmer but threatened more rain so I built another fire for fear Ned would be sick.

(It wasn't easy to keep a house warm in the spring, whenever they wanted heat, they had to fire up the coke furnace in the basement.)

Thursday, May 26, 1927

Thursday, May 26, 1927
Fair

I washed and I ironed the suits the boys were to wear at the May day doing at 5 this PM. Then went to the school and Gilbert came late, but in time to see part of the others. Ned better but complains of his eyes.

Wednesday, May 25, 1927

Wednesday, May 25, 1927

Did some mending, made Marjorie’s doll a new outfit. Ned not feeling well yet but I guess it is nothing more serious than a head cold.

Tuesday, May 24, 1927

Tuesday, May 24, 1927

Gilbert stayed home – his stomach was off. I planned to go to the missionary meeting at Ruth and Curtis’ but Ned flared up with a fever so I had to stay with him. A storm came up that would have drenched me if I had gone.

Monday, May 23, 1927

Monday, May 23, 1927
Rain

Ironed last week’s wash as much as I could, was too tired to finish. We took quite a walk yesterday through the storm district and I am still pretty tired. About 2 o’clock a wind storm came again that broke trees, etc. A tornado at Warsaw and we got it, too.

Sunday, May 22, 1927

Sunday, May 22, 1927
Fair and warm

The storm district was open to the public today so after dinner I put Ned and Marjorie to sleep and Gilbert and I left the three older boys washing dishes and we went down to see the Ben Evans who fared better than their neighbors and viewed the ruins.

Saturday, May 21, 1927

Saturday, May 21, 1927

Mama told me if I could get her irons from town she would bring them down as I have to iron a few things to wear tomorrow. So I made the trip and just as I got home, the electricity was turned on and I didn’t need them at all. Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic Ocean.

(I guess great-grandmother's irons were the kind you heat up on a stove and then use. It would be hard to iron that way!)

Friday, May 20, 1927

Friday, May 20, 1927

Was hampered in my work by no electricity. They are working as fast as they can but all wires are down and it’s a big job. Gilbert and I took supper with his class at the church and had Lola keep the kids. Had a good program.

(Two days is a long time, today, to go without electricity, but probably wasn't as bad for Grandma, with fewer electric appliances that she relies on.)

Thursday, May 19, 1927

Thursday, May 19, 1927

We got a Star to see if wires are down as our lights are still off and found that it was really a tornado last night, houses demolished as near as New York and Rural. An awful lot of damage, most on the east side. I went to Sunday School meeting on bus and passed through part of it.

(It sounds like even though Dale and Dick delivered newspapers (the Indianapolis News, an afternoon paper no longer published), they didn't generally buy any.)

Wednesday, May 18, 1927

Wednesday, May 18, 1927

Terrible storm a little after 7 this evening. I never heard such a roar before – not a clap of thunder but continuous thunder and lightening and wind roaring and rain! I thought it must be a tornado and expected our house or roof to go. Lights went out.

(What must it have been like to go through a storm like that without the benefit of tornado sirens and weather rader updates on TV.)

Tuesday, May 17, 1927

Tuesday, May 17, 1927
Fair

Cleaning house. Got done all but hanging the curtain in the living room. Mama came out and watched me. Marjorie doesn’t like the new fence a bit, it made her so mad when she found the gate was shut.

Monday, May 16, 1927

Monday, May 16, 1927

Put in most of the day straightening two closets upstairs. Found everything imaginable except live stock in the boys’ closet. Bradbury put up a back fence to keep Marjorie in.

Sunday, May 15, 1927

Sunday, May 15, 1927

Went to Sunday School. Marjorie and Ned stayed in the nursery fine and I enjoyed being in Mrs. Smith’s class again. She spoke about how sweet we all looked Thursday eve and I told her how it wore me out. She said she had been there, too.

Saturday, May 14, 1927

Saturday, May 14, 1927

Still tired from Thursday’s trip to the church and my long “rassle” with Marjorie who wouldn’t stay put. I wish I had half her pep and that she always has as much as she has now.

Friday, May 13, 1927

Friday, May 13, 1927

Friday the 13th has no special bug a boo for me but all days are more or less Jonah’s for me so I hate to write down the heavy hearted thoughts to remember in later years. I want to forget those.

(What is this reference to "Jonah's"?)

Thursday, May 12, 1927

Thursday, May 12, 1927
Cool & partly cloudy

Went to Missionary at the church where I read a paper for Mrs. Kilby who led. Mama went to take care of the babies and stayed out with Marjorie the whole time. I stayed for supper and the boys and Gilbert came. Paul and Nina were there with Mrs. Schiffman.

Wednesday, May 11, 1927

Wednesday, May 11, 1927
Cold drizzle

Tried to build a fire but had no luck. Ironed and thought I could keep warm but my feet froze. Mama came over and froze, too. The thermometer stood at 58 in the dining room. Gilbert got a fire after he came home.

Monday, May 9, 1927

Monday, May 9, 1927

My headache yesterday left me weak. Felt like the dickens but the boys got up with an unusual amount of pep and played all over the house. Albert and Dick guards for a princess (Marjorie who was about to be kidnapped by two bandits, Dale and Ned. Such a clatter!) I was glad when school time came.

(School must have started later in the morning, or the boys got up quite early!)

Sunday, May 8, 1927

Sunday, May 8, 1927
Fair and cool

Mother’s day. The boys took Ned to Sunday School as I didn’t have pep enough to get ready early besides a little shower kept Marjorie home but didn’t last. I went to church and then after dinner we all went to Mama’s but I had a headache.

Thursday, May 5, 1927

Thursday, May 5, 1927

All went to the church for supper and had a nice time. They had a treat for the Junior C.E. so we all went there to hear “the bird man”. Elliott Libbett makes a funny noise like different birds.

Tuesday, May 3, 1927

Tuesday, May 3, 1927
Cloudy

My baby is too cute for words. Right pretty, too. Chubby – bright eyed. Full of fun. Just the little doll I’ve always wanted to dress up and her little coat and hood is awfully pretty on her.

Monday, May 2, 1927

Monday, May 2, 1927
Fair and warm

Report card day. All the boys got A’s and A+’s. Dale got a B in wood working which was lowest and only B in the crowd. Dick came up in all his marks, got 2 A+’s, the rest all A. Albert got A+ in spelling. Let the fire go out again.

Sunday, May 1, 1927

Sunday, May 1, 1927
Fair and warm

A lovely day. All went to Sunday School and I stayed at church while the rest all walked up town. Ned and Marjorie stayed alone while I went to class, without crying. Ned and I went to Mama’s in PM while Gilbert worked and the boys went to the show.

Saturday, April 30, 1927

Saturday, April 30, 1927
Fair and warm

Put in a big day working. Did everything possible, washed, ironed, sewed, cleaned, and went down town and took Dick’s crutches back, etc. Finally got the door glass in and the new clothes lines.

Friday, April 29, 1927

Friday, April 29, 1927
Rain and cool, built fire again.

Took Bradbury at his word and washed but it rained so I couldn’t have hung them out if he had fixed the line. He said he would bring a rope line for me to use while he fixed mine. Was just about sick & laid down when I wasn’t washing, headache.

Thursday, April 28, 1927

Thursday, April 28, 1927
Fair

Yesterday Dick went without his crutches to school for first time. I put in the day sewing this day and got ready to got to C.E. with the boys. Dick’s first for so long! D & A carried Dale’s route while he played ball and were so late getting in I was worried nearly sick and we were late for C.E.

Wednesday, April 27, 1927

Wednesday, April 27, 1927

Fair and warm outdoors, but I put a sweater on in the house as I sat and sewed all day. Made Gilbert a new shirt and did up some of my old mending. Marjorie and Ned played out. They stay around pretty good in our yard and Millers’ and are as rosy as can be. Sleep all PM.

Tuesday, April 26, 1927

Tuesday, April 26, 1927
Fair and warmer

Bradbury didn’t show up and I couldn’t call him and the front door banged shut and broke the glass to powder. Wanted to go to Missionary meeting so taped a sheet over it and went. A Mrs. Brad told us of her trip to Egypt. Left the two babies with Mama.

(Grandma always had a glass front door, as far as I know, with a white sheer curtain over it. I bet that was a mess when the glass in that door broke. Today, no one would go off and leave with just a sheet taped up where the door was in that neighborhood. Unforunately it is in one of the highest crime areas of Indianapolis. "The old neighborhood just ain't what it used to be!")

Monday, April 25, 1927

Monday, April 25, 1927
Slightly warmer

Phil Miller broke down my clothes line pole so Bradbury came to fix it, but left to order three posts and didn’t come back. His phone is disconnected so couldn’t call him. Dale had to go after him in first place. Have a lot of work for him to do.

(Bradbury must have been the local handyman. Aunt Marjorie wrote that she heard a lot about the Miller's next door, but doesn't remember them. They must have moved away when she was fairly young. Grandma wrote about them a few other times in her diary, she didn't seem to care for them as playmates for her kids.)

Sunday, April 24, 1927

Sunday, April 24, 1927
Fair – cool

Too discouraged to try to go to Sunday School. Got my work done up and we took dinner at Mama’s. I realize my only hope of having anything beyond the bare necessities, lies in my children and by the time they could help me they will to want to buy for some other woman.

(Though Mom says that Grandma never shared much about her financial situation later in life, we believe that her sons did help provide for her later in life.)

Saturday, April 23, 1927

Saturday, April 23, 1927
Cold, cloudy

The worst flood in history in the Mississippi valley. Gilbert & I walked over and took a look at that house on the outside. Would sure love to have it, but Gilbert can think of so many objections that I have lost all hope.

(Grandma stayed in the house on Rural St. until around 1971-72, when she moved to a nursing home.)

Friday, April 22, 1927

Friday, April 22, 1927
Fair, colder, snow

Gilbert went to Whitsville to his Uncle Henry Smith’s funeral. Got in about 7:30. Regular winter weather this PM although it was fair, a high gale this AM made it cold, then cloudy & snow.

(Snow in April in Indianapolis is never a good thing!)

Thursday, April 21, 1927

Thursday, April 21, 1927
Rain, cold

Spent most of the AM building a fire and talking on phone. Mrs. Collins telling me about a nice big house she thinks we could trade for. My Sunday School class had a tea that I intended to attend, but couldn’t get any one to stay with the babies and too bad to take them out.

(I can't imagine having to build a fire in the furnace whenever you wanted heat from it.)

Wednesday, April 20, 1927

Wednesday, April 20, 1927
Rain & cold

Ironed all day till 6:30 but got done! Marjorie only offered to go down street once. She played most of the time in Miller’s backyard and ours, with Ned, Phillip and Billy Miller. Don’t like her company but can’t help it.

(That's a lot of ironing. Grandma has written before that she didn't like the Miller kids next door. Too rough a crowd for her children?

Today in the nearby town of Shelbyville, Edna Parker, the world's oldest person turns 115. She was born on April 20, 1893, making her just five months younger than Grandma. We read Grandma's diaries and think how long ago that was. It is amazing that someone near her own age is still living not too far from here!)

Tuesday, April 19, 1927

Tuesday, April 19, 1927
Fair, hot

Washed all the clothes I found in the attic besides what we dirtied last week, a whopper but worst is to come tomorrow. Tied Marjorie in the back yard to keep her in. It nearly broke her heart.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, " I remember when Mother tied a length of clothesline aournd Eleanor's waist with the other end tied to the clothesline after a man had to stop his car to get Eleanor out of 12th St.)

Monday, April 18, 1927

Monday, April 18, 1927
Rain, warm

Cleaned out the clothes boxes in the attic and found lots of last summer’s clothes wearable. Had to take Dale’s glasses down to get a new lens.

Sunday, April 17, 1927

Sunday, April 17, 1927
Fair, warm

Easter. Gilbert, Dale and Dick on crutches went to the 6 o’clock sunrise prayer meeting. I took the three others to Sunday School. Stayed to church with Mama while the little ones stayed in the nursery for the first time O.K.

Saturday, April 16, 1927

Saturday, April 16, 1927
Rain

Spent all day working on the coat and hood and getting the boys’ pants, sweaters, etc. washed, pressed, etc. for tomorrow. Dick and Dale colored Easter eggs in evening. Dick so happy for Papa called up and told him he could begin to walk.

(Sounds like tomorrow will be Easter in 1927!)

Friday, April 15, 1927

Friday, April 15, 1927

Put in another big day on the coat. My there is lots of work to it! Nearly put my eyes out and had a sick headache by supper. Took Marjorie to the barber shop. Got my new waterless cooker.

(Waterless cooker? I found this information:

"In the 1920s, West Bend introduced its famous "Waterless Cooker", a large pot with inset pans designed to cook an entire meal over one burner. The lid of the cooker was fitted with clamps that prevented the escape of steam during cooking, enabling meals to be cooked without the addition of water. Advertising for the cooker illustrated the convenience, healthfulness and economy of waterless cooking. The new product was marketed coast-to-coast and worldwide. The waterless cooker evolved into cookware sets which adapted the cooking method to sauce pans, skillets, and roasters."

Grandma must have thought she had some very modern cookware for the time!)

Thursday, April 14, 1927

Thursday, April 14, 1927

Ironed all I had to have, stopped at noon and mended, etc. Dale and I went to the communion service at the church, where Dale was in the Junior choir.

Wednesday, April 13, 1927

Wednesday, April 13, 1927

Didn’t try to iron, but sewed Marjorie’s little coat and hood. It is going to be so pretty. Marjorie is learning to stay on the premises if Ned is here to play with her. However, I have to keep my eye on her.

(Where would Ned go? He was only around 3 or so. Marjorie around 18 - 19 months.)

Tuesday, April 12, 1927

Tuesday, April 12, 1927
Fair, warm.

Washed and ran after Marjorie and ironed a little and was sick by supper time. I seemed to feel my womb fall down with great pain. So lay several hours with my feet over the end of the bed and massaged with ligament. So discouraged.

Monday, April 11, 1927

Monday, April 11, 1927

Cut out Marjorie’s little pink crepe coat and hood and found I would have to get some silk for lining and some hem stitching done & Marjorie shoes, so I took her and Ned down town & wore myself out carrying her for she got too sleepy to walk.

Sunday, April 10, 1927

Sunday, April 10, 1927

Went to Sunday School in the morning, taking Ned & Marjorie. I can never go to my class as Ned cries. Marjorie would stay alone, I’m sure. Went back to church in the evening. Took walk in park in PM and had to carry Marjorie back.

Saturday, April 9, 1927

Saturday, April 9, 1927

Got my motor back at last so cleaned things up good so as to start Monday and get to sewing.

Friday, April 8, 1927

Friday, April 8, 1927
Rain

I thought Dick ought to stay home on occasion of the rain but he cried so that Bess offered to take him and hold an umbrella over him. Then she went home.

(So much for Aunt Bess helping with the babies so Grandma could sew!)

Thursday, April 7, 1927

Thursday, April 7, 1927

Got some darning done and that’s about all. Bess, Albert, Dale, and myself took supper at the church and went to J.C.E.

Wednesday, April 6, 1927

Wednesday, April 6, 1927

Dick went to school. I had a big ironing to do and needed Bess to wash the dishes and look after Marjorie but of course she wasn’t here. Stayed all night with friends and didn’t get back till noon & Gilbert paid her way to help me.

Tuesday, April 5, 1927

Tuesday, April 5, 1927
Fair

Bess took Dick for a walk. Gilbert had to take my motor to the plant, but say they are so busy he doesn’t know when it will be back!!! I washed.

Monday, April 4, 1927

Monday, April 4, 1927
Fair – but chilly

Took Dick to barber shop. He got awfully tired. Sat down to sew intending to get lots done with Bess here and my motor went bad! And so much to do, too!

Sunday, April 3, 1927

Sunday, April 3, 1927

The folks are all torn up cleaning house and papering so I had them come for dinner. Bess came in the afternoon. Gilbert sent her money to come on as I have so much sewing to do and she can wash dishes and look after babies.

Saturday, April 2, 1927

Saturday, April 2, 1927

Marjorie is so cute these days. I know Bess will “fall in love with her”. “Ba pa poot” is what she says at every occasion, but no one knows what she means.

Friday, April 1, 1927

Friday, April 1, 1927

Dr. Haggard & Papa came and changed Dick’s cast. The old one was too loose. They bathed and massaged the leg and pronounced it in good condition.

Thursday, March 31, 1927

Thursday, March 31, 1927

Church night. Dale and I went after supper. I enjoy going but when I get home I find the boys asleep on the couch and the baby put to bed. Everybody cries at having to wake up and undress and it spoils my whole evening forever.

Wednesday, March 30, 1927

Wednesday, March 30, 1927

The house is a sight with the kids running in and out and Dick with his papers, etc. Mess and paper all over the floor.


(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Speaking of papers, I wonder if Dale and maybe Albert had been carrying Dick's paper route since he broke his leg.)

Tuesday, March 29, 1927

Tuesday, March 29, 1927

Dick has Albert to play with now and they had offices & play together writing newspapers. John Morgan sent Dick a while lot of little tablets, etc. and it sure keeps them busy.



(Later on in life, Dick, a philosophy professor at University of Louisville, and Albert, a theology professor at University of San Francisco, wrote one another letters that would probably have been quite interesting to read now. However, Mom said her grandmother threw them away when she came to live with them.)

Monday, March 28, 1927

Monday, March 28, 1927

Dick went out in back yard and watched the boys dig a cave. Spring vacation week they always become cave dwellers and carry in all the mud possible.



(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "I remember a cave right against the old garage, that ran underneath the wall (no concrete floor just a dirt floor) as the kids went down from the outside and came up on the inside. Also, the neighborhood boys and Mary Wells climbed a ladder and played on top of the garage frequently. Bill Moon, later head of the Music Department at Tech (High School) once fell off our garage and broke his arm.")

Sunday, March 27, 1926

Sunday, March 27, 1927

Got Dick’s crutches. Dick was dressed for the first time and learning to walk on crutches. He is so happy.

Saturday, March 26, 1927

Saturday, March 26, 1927

Haggard came out but did not change the cast, ordered crutches, but no weight on leg yet.


(Aunt Marjorie noted that she has a picture of Dick with the crutches.)

Friday, March 25, 1927

Friday, March 25, 1927

The day of our class dinner when we entertain our husbands. Took most of the time finishing up my dress to wear. Lola and the Collins’ kids came over to stay with the boys.

(Aunt Marjorie wrote, "I have heard about the program to entertain their husbands. Mother had told me of the stunned look on Daddy's face when it was announced that Mother would sing, "Passing On the Rye". Someone played the piano while Mother mouthed the words and gestured and Mrs. Ragsdale, a very good singer, hid behind the piano and sang."

Apparently, though Grandma could play the piano, she did not have much of a singing voice.)

Thursday, March 24, 1927

Thursday, March 24, 1927

Ironed till noon, then stopped and cleaned up the house as Dick’s teacher called and told me a committee from his class was going to call and present him with a box of candy. Of course he was delighted.

(I assume the "committee" was a group of other students from the class.)

Wednesday, March 23, 1927

Wednesday, March 23, 1927
Cool and cloudy

Washed and then cut out and almost made my silk dress. Still awfully tired. Dick’s teachers, Mrs. Kayser, Mrs. Aufderhreide, Miss Swope, and Mrs. Shelby all called on him. I made his birthday cake – angelfood.

(Mom tells a funny story about someone in the family always bringing the best tasting, lightest angel food cakes to family gatherings. She would never give out her recipe. It turned out that her neighbor was baking them for her! At least Grandma made her own cakes.

Aunt Marjorie wrote, "Dick's 9th birthday! Helen Aufderheide was also one of my teachers, probably the most dedicated teacher I ever had. I had her for the 3rd or 4th grade class, then had her again as our science teacher for 7th, 8th grade. She would take groups of us on the street car to the Butler University campus to spot birds in the woods and on a clear evening, she would meet groups of us to point out the stars and tell us their names and constellations. Her patient husband would accompany her. When we had problems learning something, she would arrive at school a half hour early for a week at a time to tudor us.)