Ruth Campbell Smith 1925-27 Diaries

Marjorie

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I am sad to report that Marjorie passed away last evening, November 5, 2010, at the age of 85.
She was born on October 5, 1925. Grandma wrote in her diary that day,

"My darling baby girl’s birthday. Had pains from 2 o’clock on, all morning but not strong enough to do any good till after 1 o’ clock. Had trouble getting Papa and held off as long as I could. He hadn’t been in the house two minutes till she came at 1:55. Gilbert had the company auto bring him in a jiffy and he was here perhaps 10 minutes. The boys are wild with joy. Such excitement and Collins, Papa and Winifred here after supper."

I am grateful to Aunt Marjorie who provided me with many comments on the entries in grandma's diary, adding tidbits of family history that none of us knew before.

On the Occasion of Eleanor's 81st Birthday

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My mom, Eleanor, is 81 today. Happy Birthday, Mom!

I still think often of my grandmother's diaries, of what it must have been like to live in the 1920's, how hard life was, and how very different it was from the lives we live today.

If you find these diaries, even long after I posted them on this blog one day at a time for three years, I hope you, too, enjoy them and are reminded of how hard our ancestors worked for so little and how blessed we are with what we have today.

Eleanor Turns 80

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Happy Birthday to the youngest daughter of Ruth who turned 80 today, Sept. 2, 2009!

Thank You

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Thank you to all the many readers who read through these diary entries one day at a time through the past nearly three years.

As you've surmised, I do not have any more of Grandma's diaries beyond 1927. My aunt has made some attempts to find out if any remaining diaries are buried in boxes somewhere amongst far-flung relatives, but has come up with nothing.

In the next few days, I'll post some additional information on Grandma, Gilbert, Dale, Dick, Albert, Ned, and Marjorie, along with my mom, Eleanor, born in 1929.

If you have any specific questions, please leave me a comment.

A very special thank you to Annie in Austin, who did many kind, random acts of geneaology, sending me emails with additional information on some of the distant relatives and grandma's neighbors.

Sunday, January 1, 1928

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Sunday, January 1, 1928
New Years Day. Zero. Too cold to go to Sunday school. Papa didn’t come out as he was nursing frozen pipes

Saturday, December 31, 1927

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Saturday, December 31, 1927
Cold

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

Friday, December 30, 1927

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Friday, November 4, 1927
Rain and cooler

Thursday, November 3, 1927

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Wednesday, October 26, 1927

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

Tuesday, October 25, 1927

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Wednesday, October 19, 1927
Fair warm

Finished up the bathroom. It looks lots better.

Tuesday, October 18, 1927

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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

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

Sunday, October 16, 1927

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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

2008-10-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

Must have been a busy Saturday, no diary entry!

Friday, October 14, 1927

2008-10-14T05:00:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-13T05:00:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-11T05:00:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

Monday, October 10, 1927
Fair

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

Sunday, October 9, 1927

2008-10-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-08T05:00:00.001-04:00

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

2008-10-07T05:00:00.001-04:00

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

2008-10-06T05:00:00.001-04:00

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

2008-10-05T08:08:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-04T05:00:00.001-04:00

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

2008-10-03T05:00:00.001-04:00

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

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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

2008-10-01T22:44:00.001-04:00

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

2008-09-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

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

2008-09-29T05:00:00.000-04:00

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

2008-09-28T05:00:00.000-04:00

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

2008-09-27T05:00:00.002-04:00

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.)