Finished my ironing yesterday a.m. Daddy finished with the dentist last night. After the kids were ready for bed, Ruth L. came over to ask if Neil & Bricky could go over to Aunt Eva's -- she was having a party of some sort. I couldn't refuse, so I dressed them again. I got so sleepy, I went to bed. Daddy waited up for them & they came about 11 o'clock! Bricky had two sieges of spankings last night -- don't really believe they did any good. I sent a letter to Mrs. Cox yesterday.
I fixed me a new weekly work schedule today. According to it, I should accomplish a lot. I got up this morning at 6 o'clock and took a bath, going to make it a daily again. Also bathed Bricky & Jackie this afternoon, which is also going to be daily. Neil is two stars ahead in school. It rained this morning about 6:30 -- at least it started then -- I don't believe it's through yet and it's 3 o'clock. Did my Friday's cleaning this a.m., mended this p.m., and am going to write a couple of letters. Then my work for today will be done 'til supper time. Albert was over last eve. for a while.
Wednesday, May 13, 1925
It rained more Saturday morning, which of course put the jinx on our planned trip down to Johnsons as they were coming up for us. Pete took John out in a second-hand Hup. Saturday afternoon and Daddy made a $20 deposit on it. It looks as though we're going to have a car, finally. Mr. Luce accosted John Mon. nite & told him Pete was cheating us ($300 is what we're going to pay) also that Pete was only nice to John because he wanted to sell him a car, etc. I suppose he wanted us to buy one from their son Ralph. Well, I'd rather trust Pete.
Bricky went to S.S. with Ruth Sunday morning. I was helping Neil cut some doll furniture about 11 o'clock when who should drive up but Clara, Anna, Anna's betrothed, Charlotte and her man. Anna has a diamond, real pretty. Her man isn't much for looks, and doesn't look very strong but is quiet & seems nice and Anna is quite crazy about him. She said she guessed there was no fool like an old fool. They stayed just long enough to change clothes & went. Came back again about 6:30 for a little while. Charlotte's man is nice looking and quite witty. I like Charlotte, believe she has more to her than either Anna or Clara. Daddy worked down at the shop a while in the morning. I didn't do much all day -- didn't even read.
Monday, I sent a letter to Mama, also the American. The mail man has been passing us up every day, don't like it at all. Got the Unity Tuesday is all. Of course I washed yesterday and ironed this morning It was almost warm enough for me yesterday, but it rained again last night. I sent Lesson 21 today -- have my doubts about it. About 11:30 last night, someone roused us from sleep, ringing the doorbell. It was Dorothy & Velma Farrar. They (six girls including one of the H.S. teachers) had driven up but their car went bum so they wanted to stay all night (the others stayed somewhere else). They got up about 5:30 and left. I have read Colliers up to the last one, the 16th, and am reading the L.H. Journal for Dec. last. Finished reading "The Cobweb" by Margaretta Tuttle. Wasn't very crazy about it. I am working on my third crochet inset. It doesn't look as though Aunt Minnie is coming to see me. Jackie says quite a few words but doesn't combine any, and he has no idea what a bathroom is for.
[Anna and Clara are John Johnson's sisters. Anna was 18 months older than John, and Clara about 4 years younger than him. I'm not sure who Charlotte is! --kp]
Bricky went to S.S. with Ruth Sunday morning. I was helping Neil cut some doll furniture about 11 o'clock when who should drive up but Clara, Anna, Anna's betrothed, Charlotte and her man. Anna has a diamond, real pretty. Her man isn't much for looks, and doesn't look very strong but is quiet & seems nice and Anna is quite crazy about him. She said she guessed there was no fool like an old fool. They stayed just long enough to change clothes & went. Came back again about 6:30 for a little while. Charlotte's man is nice looking and quite witty. I like Charlotte, believe she has more to her than either Anna or Clara. Daddy worked down at the shop a while in the morning. I didn't do much all day -- didn't even read.
Monday, I sent a letter to Mama, also the American. The mail man has been passing us up every day, don't like it at all. Got the Unity Tuesday is all. Of course I washed yesterday and ironed this morning It was almost warm enough for me yesterday, but it rained again last night. I sent Lesson 21 today -- have my doubts about it. About 11:30 last night, someone roused us from sleep, ringing the doorbell. It was Dorothy & Velma Farrar. They (six girls including one of the H.S. teachers) had driven up but their car went bum so they wanted to stay all night (the others stayed somewhere else). They got up about 5:30 and left. I have read Colliers up to the last one, the 16th, and am reading the L.H. Journal for Dec. last. Finished reading "The Cobweb" by Margaretta Tuttle. Wasn't very crazy about it. I am working on my third crochet inset. It doesn't look as though Aunt Minnie is coming to see me. Jackie says quite a few words but doesn't combine any, and he has no idea what a bathroom is for.
[Anna and Clara are John Johnson's sisters. Anna was 18 months older than John, and Clara about 4 years younger than him. I'm not sure who Charlotte is! --kp]
Friday, May 8, 1925
The days scoot along so fast I don't get near the things done I want to. Ironed Wednesday a.m. and entertained an old man -- he must have been in his seventies. He was taking orders for dress goods. I ordered some tan for a dress for myself, yellow for a dress for Bricky. I finished my ironing stint in the p.m. & mended. I got back Lesson 20 and got 96, mostly favorable criticisms. Every lesson, when I first look at it, I feel positive I never can do it, but I do and guess I don't do so bad.
Yesterday I started to iron & "it" went on the ping-a-ling, so just did my Friday's cleaning -- also bathroom. John had ordered me a new iron & board Wednesday. It came about 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon & I made use of it immediately. I wrote & mailed letters to Virgil & Zella & sent the American to Mama. I got a letter from Bernice -- very interesting! Just think! She's ridden up "Fifth Avenue" on top of a bus! Harold Anderson was so anxious to sell John a car last night, he actually came to the house. It is an Essex Touring for $300. May take it if they'll (Pete) hold it 'til we get the down payment. Just because I haven't mentioned her, don't think Ruth hasn't been in this week because she has. Albert was in one evening, too.
Finished my ironing this morning and cleaned the dining room. I got a letter from Mama and she said Aunt Minnie was coming to Topeka tomorrow noon & would come here sometime. Neil is ahead in his class. One time this week he was two stars ahead. They started getting stars in arithmetic -- when they get something no one else gets, they get a star. That's "how come" the spurt ahead. It has rained off and on all day today -- and the kids are quite fierce (especially Bricky) when they have to stay in. I am crocheting some insets -- to put in some pillow slips I am planning to make Babe for her birthday. I am reading Colliers for May 2.
Yesterday I started to iron & "it" went on the ping-a-ling, so just did my Friday's cleaning -- also bathroom. John had ordered me a new iron & board Wednesday. It came about 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon & I made use of it immediately. I wrote & mailed letters to Virgil & Zella & sent the American to Mama. I got a letter from Bernice -- very interesting! Just think! She's ridden up "Fifth Avenue" on top of a bus! Harold Anderson was so anxious to sell John a car last night, he actually came to the house. It is an Essex Touring for $300. May take it if they'll (Pete) hold it 'til we get the down payment. Just because I haven't mentioned her, don't think Ruth hasn't been in this week because she has. Albert was in one evening, too.
Finished my ironing this morning and cleaned the dining room. I got a letter from Mama and she said Aunt Minnie was coming to Topeka tomorrow noon & would come here sometime. Neil is ahead in his class. One time this week he was two stars ahead. They started getting stars in arithmetic -- when they get something no one else gets, they get a star. That's "how come" the spurt ahead. It has rained off and on all day today -- and the kids are quite fierce (especially Bricky) when they have to stay in. I am crocheting some insets -- to put in some pillow slips I am planning to make Babe for her birthday. I am reading Colliers for May 2.
Tuesday, May 5, 1925
Ruth Luce, Neil & Bricky had a great time Fri. nite hanging May Baskets. I went with them to hang the last one. Ruth wanted to hang it over on Western. But, when we got there, someone was on the porch so we couldn't hang it. Daddy called Albert up Fri. nite and asked them to come up Sun. for dinner. He also went to the dentist, but the dentist failed to show up.
Saturday a.m. I worked, as usual. In the afternoon, Daddy & Bricky went up town & to the dentist's. Neil dressed up, planning to go to the Fair Grounds as it was Boy's Day. But he misunderstood about the meeting place, so he didn't gt to go. He took his disappointment very nicely. I played baseball with him & Daddy bought him a new bat & ball. I told Daddy to get Bricky's beads I took to get fixed, and he wasn't paying enough attention to me. He got her some beads at the 10-cent store & her others are still up town. Such men! Had quite a little chat with Miss Scott Sat. afternoon. She asked me if I made the candy in the May Basket -- said it was good. Also talked a little with her and Lena Anderson C. In the evening John & Neil played ball with Harold & Virgil Anderson. I have started a "crazy" lawn quilt. I have a plain lawn side already pieced, did it last winter. Mrs. Anderson asked me to go to church with them Sun. morning, but of course I couldn't because we were expecting company.
They (Albert, Josephine & Betty) came about 11:00 and J. & I discussed our in-laws. Ha! Betty looks just like Albert and is real small & smart which, of course, makes her quite cute. And she wears little panties -- imagine it! -- and six months younger than Jackie. Josephine said she had been broke ever since she was 9 months old. Some smart child! Bricky went to S.S. with Ruth, but Neil didn't go. He was away, playing most all day. About 3 o'clock who should come but Agnes, Eskel, Clara & Helen. When J. saw them, she said she wasn't surprised. You see, I suppose, they heard John call Josephine. And Agnes can't possibly let anyone get ahead of her -- she even asked me how John happened to ask them. Ha! As usual, the line of conversation was "money". Agnes thinks in terms of dollars and cents. Albert & J. had to go home soon after the others came. They traded their coupe in on a truck, so they rode up with some neighbors and the latter started home early. The second bunch left about six. We ate ice cream before they left. I sure had an awful headache all day, but got by. Washed the dishes after they all left and went to bed as soon as I got the kids there. It rained about 4:30 -- quite a shower, but it didn't last long.
I gave Josephine Bricky's crepe de chine dress she had outgrown & a couple of patterns. In that letter I wrote to Ruth J. after her baby was born, I told her to come up some day. She told it over the phone & said she was coming & I guess they (Johnsons) all were excited about that. Clara said Anna was engaged to a Swede grocer in Osage City. Ruth named her baby Leonard Leroy. I forgot! I got a letter from Mama Saturday -- said Aunt J. & family had arrived. Yesterday, I made the blue gingham house dress Bernice gave me for my birthday. I got two Enterprises from Zella. Last night, I worked on my quilt -- sure going to be a poky job.
I washed today -- it's been quite chilly yesterday & today -- will be glad when it's warm enough to suit me.
Saturday a.m. I worked, as usual. In the afternoon, Daddy & Bricky went up town & to the dentist's. Neil dressed up, planning to go to the Fair Grounds as it was Boy's Day. But he misunderstood about the meeting place, so he didn't gt to go. He took his disappointment very nicely. I played baseball with him & Daddy bought him a new bat & ball. I told Daddy to get Bricky's beads I took to get fixed, and he wasn't paying enough attention to me. He got her some beads at the 10-cent store & her others are still up town. Such men! Had quite a little chat with Miss Scott Sat. afternoon. She asked me if I made the candy in the May Basket -- said it was good. Also talked a little with her and Lena Anderson C. In the evening John & Neil played ball with Harold & Virgil Anderson. I have started a "crazy" lawn quilt. I have a plain lawn side already pieced, did it last winter. Mrs. Anderson asked me to go to church with them Sun. morning, but of course I couldn't because we were expecting company.
They (Albert, Josephine & Betty) came about 11:00 and J. & I discussed our in-laws. Ha! Betty looks just like Albert and is real small & smart which, of course, makes her quite cute. And she wears little panties -- imagine it! -- and six months younger than Jackie. Josephine said she had been broke ever since she was 9 months old. Some smart child! Bricky went to S.S. with Ruth, but Neil didn't go. He was away, playing most all day. About 3 o'clock who should come but Agnes, Eskel, Clara & Helen. When J. saw them, she said she wasn't surprised. You see, I suppose, they heard John call Josephine. And Agnes can't possibly let anyone get ahead of her -- she even asked me how John happened to ask them. Ha! As usual, the line of conversation was "money". Agnes thinks in terms of dollars and cents. Albert & J. had to go home soon after the others came. They traded their coupe in on a truck, so they rode up with some neighbors and the latter started home early. The second bunch left about six. We ate ice cream before they left. I sure had an awful headache all day, but got by. Washed the dishes after they all left and went to bed as soon as I got the kids there. It rained about 4:30 -- quite a shower, but it didn't last long.
I gave Josephine Bricky's crepe de chine dress she had outgrown & a couple of patterns. In that letter I wrote to Ruth J. after her baby was born, I told her to come up some day. She told it over the phone & said she was coming & I guess they (Johnsons) all were excited about that. Clara said Anna was engaged to a Swede grocer in Osage City. Ruth named her baby Leonard Leroy. I forgot! I got a letter from Mama Saturday -- said Aunt J. & family had arrived. Yesterday, I made the blue gingham house dress Bernice gave me for my birthday. I got two Enterprises from Zella. Last night, I worked on my quilt -- sure going to be a poky job.
I washed today -- it's been quite chilly yesterday & today -- will be glad when it's warm enough to suit me.
Friday, May 1, 1925
Neil didn't have to go to school Wednesday afternoon -- opening game of baseball -- so I left him home to take care of the other two & went up town. I hung my clothes out in the forenoon. It blew a terrible gale all day and was cold. I sent for a magazine for the kids, took Bricky's chain to be fixed, got some crepe paper to make May Baskets (I've been making them off and on ever since). Got Neil some Mother Goose stationery & he wrote his first letter -- to Algora Burquett. I got a note from Aunt B. telling me she got home O.K.
Of course I ironed yesterday morning, got a letter from Jonesie and she has two beaux -- good for her! She said she'd try & remember my words -- to look forward, not backward. Mabel M. cam in about 5:30 and stayed just long enough to eat supper. She looked real nice. Ruth Luce was over for awhile after supper, helping to make May Baskets.
I wrote a letter to Mama today -- wonder why I didn't hear from her this week. I did my Friday's cleaning this morning & am ironing this afternoon. Oh, yes. I made candy this a.m. for the May Baskets. Daddy had an abcessed tooth pulled this week & is going to have it (and another one) bridged in tonight. Tomorrow & Sunday I am reading Colliers for April 25.
Of course I ironed yesterday morning, got a letter from Jonesie and she has two beaux -- good for her! She said she'd try & remember my words -- to look forward, not backward. Mabel M. cam in about 5:30 and stayed just long enough to eat supper. She looked real nice. Ruth Luce was over for awhile after supper, helping to make May Baskets.
I wrote a letter to Mama today -- wonder why I didn't hear from her this week. I did my Friday's cleaning this morning & am ironing this afternoon. Oh, yes. I made candy this a.m. for the May Baskets. Daddy had an abcessed tooth pulled this week & is going to have it (and another one) bridged in tonight. Tomorrow & Sunday I am reading Colliers for April 25.
Tuesday, April 28, 1925
Sunday, I read practically all day and finished the American. Daddy worked at the shop 'til la little after noon. Horace & Albert were over a while. There is a prize offered in the American for the best article on the "happiest day I ever spent." I was tempted to try -- taking any day -- say Saturday -- the article in the American by David Grayson was a very common day. But I have no typewriter -- so -- ! Did I say that Sat. Horace brought me over a piece of fudge he made and Ruth came over to show me her new dress?
Yesterday I didn't do much. I wrote letters to Alma & Florence P.B. I got Lesson 19 back. Got 98 with only favorable criticisms. Also got a letter from Virgil. It rained all night last night and all day today until about 3:30, the sun came out. I washed, too, but guess tomorrow will dry them O.K. It is quite cold. Neil got his report card yesterday. Got E in conduct, effort, reading & arithmetic; V.G in penmanship; G is drawing, and F in music.
Got Unity this morning, prepared and sent Lesson 20 this afternoon. Alfred Gustafson was over for a while last evening. I am reading Colliers for April 11. I think I'll catch up, don't you?
Yesterday I didn't do much. I wrote letters to Alma & Florence P.B. I got Lesson 19 back. Got 98 with only favorable criticisms. Also got a letter from Virgil. It rained all night last night and all day today until about 3:30, the sun came out. I washed, too, but guess tomorrow will dry them O.K. It is quite cold. Neil got his report card yesterday. Got E in conduct, effort, reading & arithmetic; V.G in penmanship; G is drawing, and F in music.
Got Unity this morning, prepared and sent Lesson 20 this afternoon. Alfred Gustafson was over for a while last evening. I am reading Colliers for April 11. I think I'll catch up, don't you?
Sunday, April 26, 1925
I forgot two small items. Last Sunday, Mrs. Anderson came over and showed me a box of handkerchiefs Irene gave her for her birthday. One evening, Ruth & I counted Miss Scott's flowers & she had eleven different kinds in bloom. Some that I knew the names of were: violets, sweet williams, blue bells, Wild Bleeding Hearts, jonquils, tulips & daffodils.
Tuesday, I washed. I got a letter from Mama & she said they had a hailstorm last Saturday night & broke 19 window panes -- some hail storm! She also said Aunt Bessie didn't know whether she'd come by way of Topeka or not. So I wrote her (Aunt B) a letter Tuesday afternoon "begging" her to.
Wednesday I ironed and got a letter from Dorothy. Thursday, ironed also & wrote a letter to Mama. Oh, yes, I wrote Bernice a letter Wednesday. Very dull, both of them. I got & enjoyed Unity Wednesday.
Did I say that Lena Anderson Carswell is expecting the stork -- but she's been quite sick -- has had to stay in bed for fear of losing it. She is up, now. Bricky's dresses from Bellas Hess came Thursday. It rained Thursday and off and on since. Harold Anderson came to see if we had an umbrella to lend him, which I was sorry that I didn't have.
Friday morning, just at breakfast time, who should come but Aunt Bessie! Sure was glad and enjoyed her immensely of course. Then when the mailman came, I got a letter from her -- Ha! -- and a card from Dorothy saying she, Zella, Buster & perhaps another would be here for lunch Saturday. Friday afternoon, Aunt B, Bricky, Jackie and I went up town. Jackie sure got a kick out of it. Aunt B. got some shoes and also had to get a toy for each of the kids (mine, I mean). There were two young men (ex-service men, John said they had to be) blind, on the avenue, one playing an accordion and the other singing. He sang beautifully. Of course, when we got home, Albert & Horace were here & with Neil playing cards. All of the neighbors warn us against those boys, but so far, I have no fault to find with them. They are here a big share of the time.
Aunt Bessie left about 10:30 Saturday morning, and about 11, Dorothy, Zella & Buster came. I went to Andersons to call a taxi for Aunt B. Had to wait for someone to finish using the line, and had quite a chat with Mrs. Anderson. After lunch, Zella & Dorothy went up town & out to the hospital to see Mabel. Of course, Buster stayed here. I let him go barefooted and he still has his "longies" on. I hope he doesn't catch cold, but it was real warm. I put his shoes on before Zella got back. About 4:45, I had the supper started & Andersons asked me to go for a ride -- they said they'd be back in twenty minutes, so I took Bricky & Jackie and went. Enjoyed the ride and my chat with Mrs. Anderson about Mr. drinking, etc. She said Virgil & Harold fought about who should carry Lena up and down the stairs -- they both wanted to. I knew Harold wasn't so bad! But, we were gone about an hour! However, Daddy had supper ready. I guess Dorothy helped him some. Of course the kids had to leave immediately after supper. John was uptown yesterday afternoon, paid Dr. Allen what I owed -- said he didn't see him but Miss Preston asked about me. After I finished my supper dishes last night and bathed Jackie, Ruth Luce & I went up town. Daddy & Bricky went to 325 Park to do a little work -- guess they got home soon after we left. Thought Neil would take good care of Jackie. I got some stationery and a toy for each of the kids. We went into "Coney Island" and got a drink. Ruth seemed to get quite a kick out of her "spree." We were nearly home when her Uncle Roy & Aunt Eva came along in their coupe and gave us a ride.
Bricky went to S.S. with Ruth this morning & Neil didn't go. I forgot something. Aunt Minnie is at Grandma's -- came Wednesday -- and Aunt Jennie, Uncle Ed & Cecil are driving home soon -- probably to stay all summer.
[A note on those mentioned in this entry: Aunt Bessie is Winnie's mother's youngest sister, born 1882. Buster is Eugene Paul Miller, Zella's only child. He was born in 1921, the same year as Bricky. Aunt Jennie is another of the Hayson sisters. She married Ed (Augustus Edward) Cones... they are mentioned often in the journals from 1910-11. Sometime in the 1920's they moved to Santa Fe. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway made that possible. When I get to the 1924 journal, Winnie describes her time visiting them in Santa Fe.]
Tuesday, I washed. I got a letter from Mama & she said they had a hailstorm last Saturday night & broke 19 window panes -- some hail storm! She also said Aunt Bessie didn't know whether she'd come by way of Topeka or not. So I wrote her (Aunt B) a letter Tuesday afternoon "begging" her to.
Wednesday I ironed and got a letter from Dorothy. Thursday, ironed also & wrote a letter to Mama. Oh, yes, I wrote Bernice a letter Wednesday. Very dull, both of them. I got & enjoyed Unity Wednesday.
Did I say that Lena Anderson Carswell is expecting the stork -- but she's been quite sick -- has had to stay in bed for fear of losing it. She is up, now. Bricky's dresses from Bellas Hess came Thursday. It rained Thursday and off and on since. Harold Anderson came to see if we had an umbrella to lend him, which I was sorry that I didn't have.
Friday morning, just at breakfast time, who should come but Aunt Bessie! Sure was glad and enjoyed her immensely of course. Then when the mailman came, I got a letter from her -- Ha! -- and a card from Dorothy saying she, Zella, Buster & perhaps another would be here for lunch Saturday. Friday afternoon, Aunt B, Bricky, Jackie and I went up town. Jackie sure got a kick out of it. Aunt B. got some shoes and also had to get a toy for each of the kids (mine, I mean). There were two young men (ex-service men, John said they had to be) blind, on the avenue, one playing an accordion and the other singing. He sang beautifully. Of course, when we got home, Albert & Horace were here & with Neil playing cards. All of the neighbors warn us against those boys, but so far, I have no fault to find with them. They are here a big share of the time.
Aunt Bessie left about 10:30 Saturday morning, and about 11, Dorothy, Zella & Buster came. I went to Andersons to call a taxi for Aunt B. Had to wait for someone to finish using the line, and had quite a chat with Mrs. Anderson. After lunch, Zella & Dorothy went up town & out to the hospital to see Mabel. Of course, Buster stayed here. I let him go barefooted and he still has his "longies" on. I hope he doesn't catch cold, but it was real warm. I put his shoes on before Zella got back. About 4:45, I had the supper started & Andersons asked me to go for a ride -- they said they'd be back in twenty minutes, so I took Bricky & Jackie and went. Enjoyed the ride and my chat with Mrs. Anderson about Mr. drinking, etc. She said Virgil & Harold fought about who should carry Lena up and down the stairs -- they both wanted to. I knew Harold wasn't so bad! But, we were gone about an hour! However, Daddy had supper ready. I guess Dorothy helped him some. Of course the kids had to leave immediately after supper. John was uptown yesterday afternoon, paid Dr. Allen what I owed -- said he didn't see him but Miss Preston asked about me. After I finished my supper dishes last night and bathed Jackie, Ruth Luce & I went up town. Daddy & Bricky went to 325 Park to do a little work -- guess they got home soon after we left. Thought Neil would take good care of Jackie. I got some stationery and a toy for each of the kids. We went into "Coney Island" and got a drink. Ruth seemed to get quite a kick out of her "spree." We were nearly home when her Uncle Roy & Aunt Eva came along in their coupe and gave us a ride.
Bricky went to S.S. with Ruth this morning & Neil didn't go. I forgot something. Aunt Minnie is at Grandma's -- came Wednesday -- and Aunt Jennie, Uncle Ed & Cecil are driving home soon -- probably to stay all summer.
[A note on those mentioned in this entry: Aunt Bessie is Winnie's mother's youngest sister, born 1882. Buster is Eugene Paul Miller, Zella's only child. He was born in 1921, the same year as Bricky. Aunt Jennie is another of the Hayson sisters. She married Ed (Augustus Edward) Cones... they are mentioned often in the journals from 1910-11. Sometime in the 1920's they moved to Santa Fe. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway made that possible. When I get to the 1924 journal, Winnie describes her time visiting them in Santa Fe.]
Monday, April 20, 1925
Saturday morning, Daddy actually got me to go to the store before breakfast. And I saw George Peterson and got Florence's address. Did my usual Saturday cleaning in the A.M., bathed the kids and self right after dinner. Babe came just before I finished and stayed unto about 4:30. Leon invited her up to attend the "opening" of the new Santa Fe Building. Did I say that Daddy doesn't work Saturday afternoons from Apr. 1 'til the end of summer? Ruth came over Sat. eve. & Daddy & I played ball with her and Neil. Aren't we dignified? We got the American & Woman's Home Companion for May. I read all day yesterday & finished the latter, have also read Colliers for Mar. 21. Oh, yes! We got our National package Sat. Things were okay.
Yesterday was beautiful -- absorbed all the sunshine I could. Neil & Bricky went to S.S. but Bricky went with Ruth. Neil got a New Testament for being there so many Sundays.
This morning, I flexed the hem in my new dress & hemmed two sheets for Neil's bed. I got two letters from Emily and from Helen L. Miller. Both interesting. Helen doesn't seem just contented with married life -- wonder what's wrong with this one? I wrote a letter to Gertrude Hepworth, but believe I was too late for the mailman this afternoon.
Yesterday was beautiful -- absorbed all the sunshine I could. Neil & Bricky went to S.S. but Bricky went with Ruth. Neil got a New Testament for being there so many Sundays.
This morning, I flexed the hem in my new dress & hemmed two sheets for Neil's bed. I got two letters from Emily and from Helen L. Miller. Both interesting. Helen doesn't seem just contented with married life -- wonder what's wrong with this one? I wrote a letter to Gertrude Hepworth, but believe I was too late for the mailman this afternoon.
Friday, April 17, 1925
I forgot something. Mama said Mrs. Cramer refused to take Ruth, said she had the "headache." Some excuse! And Mary wouldn't keep Billy any longer because Uncle Jim wouldn't let her adopt him. Don't blame either one of them much. Mrs. Ed Cramer is keeping him for the present.
Monday, I was "sick." Loafed mostly. Mrs. Younger told the kids to get off the parking. Horace, Albert & Neil were playing ball -- but on our own ground. I went out to see "how come" and she called me over. I shouldn't have gone -- she should have come here if she wanted to talk to me, but I'm so simple. She objected because the ball might come on her parking accidentally and the kids would walk on her grass to get it. I was about ready to cry and walked away, leaving her talking to herself.
I washed Tuesday and read "Unity" -- a good number. Tuesday I got a letter from Mrs. Cox -- think she must belong to a "good words" club I wrote letters to Paul Raypholtz, Jonesie and Dorothy -- sent them and orders to National & Bellas Hess on Wednesday.
Neil gets most everything again, with Bricky a close second. Mother is entirely "out" this time. Had a terrible headache Wednesday -- had to quit ironing & lie down. But finished it in the P.M. Did my second stint of ironing yesterday. Neil had to stay after school last night for chasing some girls home from school the night before. Peculiar way of making love, eh?
Yesterday, I got a letter from Mama and one from Gladys. Mama said the key to the desk lost out on the way home. John and Dad were sure dumb not to think to put one in Dad's pocket. In my reading, I have read Colliers up to Mar. 21. I finished reading the American. We've had another rain, I believe it was Tuesday night, and has been rather cool since. Did my mending yesterday afternoon -- except stockings -- I will postpone that. Did my Friday's cleaning this morning -- got Lesson 19 ready to sent this afternoon.
[In sorting out why Ruth is staying with various relatives, I discovered that her mother, Lula, died in 1923, leaving Jim with four (or five?) children to care for -- Thomas 12, Ruth 10, John 8, and Cecil 4. My suspicion is that Billy is the fifth, and that Lula's death was related to childbirth. Sadly, there was another son, Edwin, between John and Cecil that died when he was 2.
Lula Jane Cramer was just 17 when she married James Garfield Hayson in 1911. Uncle Jim was 12 years older. Their son Thomas was born not quite three months later, which likely explains them marrying. (I just found a copy of their marriage license... from Missouri. She lied and said she was 18 so she could marry without parental consent.) Uncle Jim seems like a positive character in Granny's earlier journals and he was around quite a bit, but it's a little creepier now since Lula was the same age as Zella and they likely knew one another. There's no indication that Jim & Lula's marriage was unhappy though.
In the 1925 Kansas census, Jim has Thomas (13) and John (10) living with him. I can't find Cecil in 1925, but by 1930 Cecil is living with Aunt Jennie and her husband (Augustus Edward Cones and Jennie Hayson Cones) in Colorado. --kp ]
Monday, I was "sick." Loafed mostly. Mrs. Younger told the kids to get off the parking. Horace, Albert & Neil were playing ball -- but on our own ground. I went out to see "how come" and she called me over. I shouldn't have gone -- she should have come here if she wanted to talk to me, but I'm so simple. She objected because the ball might come on her parking accidentally and the kids would walk on her grass to get it. I was about ready to cry and walked away, leaving her talking to herself.
I washed Tuesday and read "Unity" -- a good number. Tuesday I got a letter from Mrs. Cox -- think she must belong to a "good words" club I wrote letters to Paul Raypholtz, Jonesie and Dorothy -- sent them and orders to National & Bellas Hess on Wednesday.
Neil gets most everything again, with Bricky a close second. Mother is entirely "out" this time. Had a terrible headache Wednesday -- had to quit ironing & lie down. But finished it in the P.M. Did my second stint of ironing yesterday. Neil had to stay after school last night for chasing some girls home from school the night before. Peculiar way of making love, eh?
Yesterday, I got a letter from Mama and one from Gladys. Mama said the key to the desk lost out on the way home. John and Dad were sure dumb not to think to put one in Dad's pocket. In my reading, I have read Colliers up to Mar. 21. I finished reading the American. We've had another rain, I believe it was Tuesday night, and has been rather cool since. Did my mending yesterday afternoon -- except stockings -- I will postpone that. Did my Friday's cleaning this morning -- got Lesson 19 ready to sent this afternoon.
[In sorting out why Ruth is staying with various relatives, I discovered that her mother, Lula, died in 1923, leaving Jim with four (or five?) children to care for -- Thomas 12, Ruth 10, John 8, and Cecil 4. My suspicion is that Billy is the fifth, and that Lula's death was related to childbirth. Sadly, there was another son, Edwin, between John and Cecil that died when he was 2.
Lula Jane Cramer was just 17 when she married James Garfield Hayson in 1911. Uncle Jim was 12 years older. Their son Thomas was born not quite three months later, which likely explains them marrying. (I just found a copy of their marriage license... from Missouri. She lied and said she was 18 so she could marry without parental consent.) Uncle Jim seems like a positive character in Granny's earlier journals and he was around quite a bit, but it's a little creepier now since Lula was the same age as Zella and they likely knew one another. There's no indication that Jim & Lula's marriage was unhappy though.
In the 1925 Kansas census, Jim has Thomas (13) and John (10) living with him. I can't find Cecil in 1925, but by 1930 Cecil is living with Aunt Jennie and her husband (Augustus Edward Cones and Jennie Hayson Cones) in Colorado. --kp ]
Thursday, April 16, 1925
A whole week! Can I remember everything? Last Friday, I sent Easter cards to Grandma H. & Mrs. Morse. Work? Oh yes! Mr. Schiffer (our "beloved" landlord) and another old fogy came today and papered the kids' bedroom. It took them all day & upset all my plans. I puttered around, cleaned our bedroom, bathroom, upstairs & back porch. After supper, Daddy helped me & I cleaned the kids' room & front room & Daddy painted the latter's floor around the rug. He also got Mama's desk -- was real pretty, I thought. Neil didn't go to school Friday nor Monday -- Easter Vacation. Bricky continued sick Friday & Saturday -- up and down. Sunday she felt some better but looked bad & was irritable.
Saturday morning, I finished my cleaning & then went to town in the afternoon. Got a few dishes & "silverware", some candy Easter eggs, & a cut hyacinth for table decoration. Hadn't been home long when Gladys Mitchell came. She stayed to supper and then went to Burlingame for Easter. Bricky & Neil got Easter cards from Helen Hedges. I got Lesson No. 18 back -- got 96 and some criticisms.
Sunday morning John invited Miss Scott in to see Mama's desk. I showed it to Horace, too. Miss Scott game me some jonquils for my table. I had my house, kids & myself all cleaned up when the folks came. They got here about 11:30. Jimmy & Paul came a little later in the former's coupe. Babe said she never saw my house look so nice. Thanks! Mama told me lots about Ruth, trying to discourage me from taking her, but they didn't seem so terrible, and anyway, why does no one try to look at things from Ruth's viewpoint? Perhaps I won't have a circus, but I really don't anticipate very much trouble. I believe the folks all enjoyed their dinner -- it was a beautiful, warm day. We sat on the porch -- except the three young men -- who played ball in the alley. Horace & Albert haunted us all day -- also Saturday & Monday. Ruth was over Saturday, too. The folks, except Babe and Jimmy, left about 4:30. B & J stayed and ate supper with us. Mrs. Anderson, not knowing they were still here, invited us to go for a ride. I'm going to bed -- will continue tomorrow.
Saturday morning, I finished my cleaning & then went to town in the afternoon. Got a few dishes & "silverware", some candy Easter eggs, & a cut hyacinth for table decoration. Hadn't been home long when Gladys Mitchell came. She stayed to supper and then went to Burlingame for Easter. Bricky & Neil got Easter cards from Helen Hedges. I got Lesson No. 18 back -- got 96 and some criticisms.
Sunday morning John invited Miss Scott in to see Mama's desk. I showed it to Horace, too. Miss Scott game me some jonquils for my table. I had my house, kids & myself all cleaned up when the folks came. They got here about 11:30. Jimmy & Paul came a little later in the former's coupe. Babe said she never saw my house look so nice. Thanks! Mama told me lots about Ruth, trying to discourage me from taking her, but they didn't seem so terrible, and anyway, why does no one try to look at things from Ruth's viewpoint? Perhaps I won't have a circus, but I really don't anticipate very much trouble. I believe the folks all enjoyed their dinner -- it was a beautiful, warm day. We sat on the porch -- except the three young men -- who played ball in the alley. Horace & Albert haunted us all day -- also Saturday & Monday. Ruth was over Saturday, too. The folks, except Babe and Jimmy, left about 4:30. B & J stayed and ate supper with us. Mrs. Anderson, not knowing they were still here, invited us to go for a ride. I'm going to bed -- will continue tomorrow.
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