This farm had been given to my mother and her sister (Alta or Lena) by their father, Isom Robertson. My Dad bought my aunt's share and this was the only home I ever remembered until I was 17 when we moved to Abingdon. The house was an old style.
All early remembrances of this home were very happy ones as we knew we were loved and cared for. Later two other sisters were born, Berniece in May, 1902 and Doris in 1905. There was always something going on at our house as we had a great deal of company--relatives and friends. Mama had 3 sisters living in Abingdon who had children who loved to come to the farm. In the summer especially 1 or 2 were with us most of the time. We roamed the woods, played in the little stream at the foot of the hill north of our home and we'll always remember those times. One of our favorite pastimes on a hot summer day was to put on some of Claire's old worn out overalls (our swim suits) and go down to the little slough, as we called it, and dam it up so it was ankle deep or more! Then we would sit in it and splash as tho' we had a real swimming hole. Such scurrying as we used sticks, logs, rocks, mud & grass to stop any leaks. After it gathered back so far, enough pressure built up to wash out our feeble dam. There was always a supply of material left to start the next one. One innovation at a certain inclined bank was to throw water up on it and then slide into the water with a splash.
The story is told (tho' I can't remember doing so) was that we girls took off those heavy wet overalls (we'd never had bathing suits!) and did our sliding "in the raw". We got terribly sunburned and after we went up the hill and got our old muddy overalls rinsed out (that was required!), we told Mama of our pain. She put home remedies on us--heavy cream--and tried vinegar but we still felt "on fire".
It so happpened that the "Rawleigh man", a travelling man carrying & selling all sorts of items for man & beast, stopped by to sell everything he could.
Our mother told him she needed something for sunburn and he promised her that he had a sure cure. It cooled & soothed as nothing had done for us before and from then on, we were believers in the Rawleigh salve that came in a large blue metal box.
Also travelling thro' the country were peddlers with a pack on their backs selling dress materials, combs, lace, pins..... Sometimes they would give us children a stick of gum if our parents bought some of their wares...and we always wanted them "to buy".
Another salesman in the summer was the man with ice from Abingdon. He started early in the A.M. & stopped at each home to see if ice was desired. It was fun to stick our feet under the dripping wagon and we always got some free chips to melt in our mouth when he cut the size for our icebox. That was truly a luxury for people living 7 miles from town to have the ice brought to our door. It cost about 35 or 40 cents for 100 lbs.
The chunk fit tightly in the metal lined compartment of the ice box and was usually wrapped in newspaper to "delay the melting"??
One winter we had a sawmill move in at the bottom of "our hill" to clear it of the largest trees & convert them to lumber. That was a lot of fun for us kids to go down to watch the process after school. The lumber was stacked in piles of different length & width and the smell of that sawdust & of the steam engine that furnished the power will always be remembered. It was fun climbing over the piles of logs and lumber & exciting to hear the bite & whine of the saw blade as it struck the logs.
Later our father built farm buildings of this lumber, also gates for the fences. The sawdust was used too to line the double walls of the ice house that was erected at the north side of the chicken house. The rougher boards were used for the double walls and these were filled with sawdust, to keep the ice that was stored in this building from melting.
The "putting up of ice" was usually done in Jan., very often the coldest month of the year. When Cedar Creek was frozen to its thickest depth, the ice was sawed into squares and hauled by sled to the ice house. Neighbors helped each other with this cold and hard task. Our father changed help with Frank Purdy who lived a little over a mile east from us and who lived nearby on the banks of Cedar Creek. Not only was work exchanged with this chore but it was also the custom for the men to help each other at haymaking and at threshing time. Mixed feelings come as I think of those times. Sometimes the children of the men helping hay would come to play but as we got older, Berniece and I were "pressed into service". We were the hayloader drivers and the hay horse drivers and to this day I'll never think it was fun! Driving the team to the hayrack while the loader poured the hay onto the rack for the men to distribute til you got a load wasn't too bad...But oh that hay horse biz. O me!
We took turns at the 2 jobs which broke the monotony. An older, gentle horse was used to pull the hayfork of hay up into the barnloft via ropes and pulley! Our job was to lead the horse the distance needed to get the forkful up from the rack to the big window? or door & on the track to the section you were filling.
How I disliked that job! You led the horse along hoping it wouldn't step on you or balk! The weather was usually hot and your trek was in the sun & it just was no fun! One hot day while we rested awhile, Mama made some lemonade and I must have drunk too much for pretty soon I didn't feel pretty good! and oh me--a waste of lemonade & I haven't cared much for it ever since.
Threshing time was more fun and our help was more of helping Mama with little chores and taking fresh water to the thresher men--at the machine and in the field--every hour or less. We had means of doing this. Either with the pony buggy (& 3 or 4 could go if we did, besides the stone jugs full of fresh water) or on the ponies. If we did this, we had a rope tied to the handle of the jug and carried looped over the saddle horn. We usually knew most of the men & they liked to tease and joke.
Now I can see why Mama wasn't so anxious for threshing time to come, for it meant a heap of work. First the machines came. The big steam engines pulling the grain separator and the water wagon. That required a crew of 3 men and sometimes 4. One ran the engine & it was so thrilling to hear him blow the whistle as he came up the lane west of the house. Another took care of the separator, oiling, fixing belts, etc. & the man on the water wagon had quite a job to keep the water supplied for the engine. He would sometimes have to go to the nearest creek and by hand force pump the H2O into the tank. So the crew would come, usually the night before they would be threshing next day, and places for 3 or 4 extra men to sleep must be found.
Since Claire had a room by himself, he was usually transferred to some other spot for the duration. He didn't like this and one time he told us younger sisters he wasn't going to move out..and went up the stairs. We tattle tales went to find our mother to tell of Claire's decision. She had told 2 of the men earlier that they were to have the room at the top of the stairs--Claire's--and then busied herself at some task for next day's dinner.
In the meantime, Claire had decided to go to his next bed--and the men had moved in. So when Mama got the word, she hurried up (in the darkness) and into the bedroom to seize & shake Claire's (?) arm (she thought) and said, "What's the meaning of this?" The startled crewman wanted to know what was wrong and Mama realized what had happened and the kidding she took from this mistake was endless.
Usually 2 or 3 of the neighbor ladies would come, bringing their children, to help fix the dinner for the threshers--and at that time I thought it great fun, but now I realize it wasn't for the mothers. The table was stretched out to seat 12 or 14 men--and if the 2nd table wasn't quite filled out, then the young kids got to eat at their table and cooks made the 3rd. With no refrigerators and mostly wood and coal ranges to cook on, it was no picnic to get a meal ready for about 30 people. Though we all had our chores to do, we had ample time for fun and had ponies to ride. The 2 that were our favorites were Buck and Blixen, medium sized "Indian" ponies. We grew up with them and they willingly carried us many miles--about the farm, to school, to the neighbors to play--and we sometimes rode them to Abingdon for the day to visit at Aunt Lena's ..or to attend Sunday School at the Christian Church.
We also drove them to a double carriage (minus a top with fringe!) but a neat little rig that Dad bought with double harness just fit to the 2. All of us will always have a special feeling for those 2 ponies..as long as we have memory.
Our winter transportation to school was furnished by them or one of them. Papa made a long sled that would seat 4 people and engineered it to be able to hook a pony to it, to pull us on the snow. When there no snow or it was too cold, he always took us to school and came for us. The same for rainy day--otherwise we walked the mile to school and were good "Walkers".
After an extra big snow, there would be drifts as high as the trimmed hedge that lined a long strip of the mile long road to school. Sometimes a crust froze over it & we walked on top.
Our school had 3 names--1st it was called the Coddington school for the man who gave the land for the schoolhouse & yard. Later when we attended there, it was called Pleasant Hill--which was a good name as it was on top of a hill in a pleasant setting. The last name was Center and it went by that name until it was discontinued in favor of bussing and consolidation. Many happy memories of our grade school days and of our school mates.
1949
Jan. 1--18 more days to be quarantined...some way to start a new year. Sam to see D & M in p.m. 2--Sam & son up to get more clothes for M. & over to Wanda's for dinner. 3--Sammy & I sorted his toys into boxes--one for each day of the week. Sammy got several cards & that pleased him. 4--Claire called. Sam having muddy trips; over to Wanda's to get D & M. D. back to school, M. to Wises. 5--Sun came out & that helps. Folks nice to call & write to us. Marilyn went on route with Sam & then to Aledo/Ab bb game 6--Started taking off enamel of ivory bed. O my! Wish I'd never thot of it. Sam to G. & got his bifocals. 7--Worked on paint; it's some job. They to Ab. to see Alexis lose & then F & M up to talk awhile afterwards. 8--Son left at 1:30 for Alabama; Sam to Peoria with Davis' to see Ab lose. 9--Cloudy & a lonesome day. Sam up 3 times but not for long enuf. 10--Sam up early to put on chains--freezing rain. Finished taking off paint of footboard & 1st primer on. 11--working on headboard, chiffonier. Eleanor called; Fred got there yesterday. 13--Put on enamel on everything! Quite a process. Sam to Wises & took Marilyn, Bill & boys to new Abby. Son arrived back in G. by train in eve. 14--Sam took Marilyn, Wises to Ab/Knoxville game. Ab won 15--Sam took M to Mrs. Lanes for 4H club, then they to K's for supper, baths & bridge. 18--Started to snow & by late p.m. was a mess! Sam to Maquon for work done on Frazer. M's room all ready now. Son up at 11:30 pm for bath & bed. 19--16 below. Had Sam for dinner. M. surprised over her room; got her things at Wises. To mail carrier mtg. at Cunninghams. 20--Son studied in a.m & to Macomb class in p.m. M. to Wolfords & to bobsled party--10 below. To K. to see "High Wall". 21--Lots of card playing in eve "all 5" are home. Diane arrived at 11pm--snowy roads from Peoria. 22--Al staid all nite & bkf lasted 1/2 a.m. F & D. to meet Tolley & go to Hub; us to party at Pearsons. 23--too icy for church, SS. M took up SS collection for ice cream! S & SB took Diane to K. to bus at 2:30. 24--Sam & I to Ab. to union rel. classes at Congo then to Abby to see "Sorry, Wrong No." Got cold waiting on son at class. 25--To Farm Bureau lunch, Orph to see "3 Musketeers"; to Helanders for 500 along with Wises & Cramers. 27--Terrible day of raining & freezing. Son on date in old Chevie. 29--Too cold to go to Gburg; son to dentist in A. Played bridge in eve & son & I lucky. 30--No church (4 below). Played bridge & cribbage; Sammy getting asthma bad by bedtime. 31--Sammy feeling bad, to K. for check up; OK from scarlet fever. Worked on his card scrap book.
Feb. 1--Son is 25..doesn't seem possible. Sammy feeling very badly & coughing steady til 2:30. 2--To Imogene's to Book Club. Sam staid with SB & fixed his electric train again. 3--M & SB tried to skate on Cline's lake in back yard. Sure a laff. Fell down on way to take chicks hot H20. Some jolt. No laff. 4--to Aunt Lena's while folks saw Ab win Roseville. 6--Bob called. Berniece had operation last nite. 7--Son & vets playing bb. We to A. to see "Date with Judy". 8--Mizzerable with cold. Son washed last nite's dishes & off to Urbana to reg. for a course. 9--Sam came up with milk jar & said, "Go too" so I did. 12--Marilyn to 4H mtg. then to G. & got pattern & material for M. blouse; to see Berniece at U. of I hospital before going to K's for lovely supper (Blanch there too). 13--Only 7 at church, kids came to SS. To Bates' in pm for Cramer's 48th ann. M. sang & S. played for her. 14--Sam, son & I to G. & ate at Oriental Inn. Got new clothes, boots. "4 young" gave us a setting of our pattern. 16-- Sam, Son & I to $1 day; helped at PTA in eve. 17--Bought Louise' Steele's Airway. 19--Son & SB to get white rock for drive; to Grove to see "Red River". Son away to supper. 22--No trip for Sam today. To Gladys C's for Miss round table-glad to get it over. Got M. off bus; to Aledo for supper & see Ab. win. 24--Sam found 1st batch of little pigs-8-cross ma. By working late, we got all old paper off in dining room. 25--Got new dining fixture & it's purty. To K. to see Ab. win; M. staid in with Sally. 26--Started on ceiling papering at 2 & had it on at 3. Son helped. 27--Made 49 biscuits, cherry pie, to church; kids to SS. Finished dining room before dinner. Down to see 12 new pigs. 28--Lots more pigs at once. Sam & I left for Urbana after dinner. Got clean Frazer & left Stude for M. To U. at 4:20; to see Al & new elec bldg; nice supper & game--Ill 91-Ind. 68.
March 1--Washing machine hose broke & Sam solved it with cob. Sure feel lazy or tired or an old woman. 2--Son worked most of nite, got up early & went again. Nice BT Club at Gladys C's. 4--Saw 1st robin. 5--Son made bb bankboard for SB. To Ab. & Sam did income tax. M. helped 4H decorating in Delong stores! SB played with Ray. H & G with us in eve to nice party at Hopkins. 6--All to SS & then to Wanda's; Ray Cramer too. Cora & Dick there. Sammy's coughing a lot. Slept til about 4 a.m. then coughed & cried & I went up. 7--Sammy felt so badly didn't even want bananas & cola. Sam & Son to K. to sale. Sam back to K. in eve to go to Kiwanis as Rex's guest. 8--SB still at home but lots better. Son to show & classes. S., M & I to Ruby's to see "Angel St." at GHS. Goldie staid with SB. 9--SB to school at noon. Sam said at noon, "Let's go to the show". Saw "The Snake Pit"--great acting. 10--Howard Tolley here for supper then S, F & M with him to Canton to bb game. 12--To Carlson's in eve to swell party. Got 1st prize 1st time. Son to Hub. 14--Marilyn to church for SS party. 16--M & SB to PTA. Mail carriers here for party; played bunco--19 here. 18--To Monmouth in eve to meet Diane; called on Virg & Imo. 19--Got SB saddle shoes; Al over & he & Diane with F. 20--Left about 15 of 5; bkf at Carlisle; dinner at Greenville, TN; shedding coats! Got to E & J's about 7:30--650 mi. Baby not asleep yet so all squeezed her. 21--Downtown & got material for Diane--skirts, pjs. Home & E. started sewing. Lots of talking, laffing, etc. 22--SB had asthma til about 9 a.m. 23--While sitting late at bkf, decided to go down to Florida. Lovely trees, flowers blooming, thro' Bankhead Tunnel under Mobile river, to Pensacola. Girls got feet wet at the beach, shrimp supper!! 24--Got Diane 2 new dresses, Eleanor a purse. Out to Naval Air Station, back to Mobile & out to Bellingrath Gardens. Lovely, lovely. Back to E & J's about 7. SB just fine. 25--Diane to U. librrary to work on thesis. Called on Mrs. Duke & she went on ride too. Played pinochle & bridge in eve. 26--Got material for E; had dinner, then left. Wish we could bring them too. Heavy rain. Supper at Jackson & slept north of there. 27--Left before 6, bkf. at "Miz Pearl's at Bardwell, KY. Left Diane at Blackburn after dinner uptown. Home at 5:30. 28--Wanda came to spend the day while Guy went to K sale. 30--To Co. musical at Abingdon in eve. It was very good. 31--M & I to pantry shower for LaWanda Lundberg at church & Marilyn sang.
April 2--To Doris Jones' wedding at Presby Church & got Sammy new suit. Sam & I to McLennan's party. Son got a ring. 3--To SS, church, started reading "Lace Curtain". Son brot Louise out in eve & we had ic, cake & red razz. Nice girl. 4--Read fast all PM, to birthday party for Aunt Lena. Son worked all nite & up to 4:30 a.m. 5--BD supper for M. & angel food cake, then to Knox Sinfonetta & met Louise's mother after. Then to Forrie & Myrt's. Fun. 6--Rushed on my book & ended it at 11. Had to get it in order to give at Book Club at Louise Steele's. Big crowd & glad it's over. 7--Planted early garden, sweet peas. 8--Reset strawberry plants, planted 3 rows potatoes. M & I to AHS to jr. class play. 9--Got SB's new suit & he bought a new hat. End of lovely week. 10--Church, SS, to Wanda's for grand dinner; Moreys too. 12--Mother's party & program at school--very nice. 13--Took paper off our room. Marvin Wolford over in eve to ask Marilyn to Jr-Sr prom. 15--Quite a snow & Sam had lots of trouble. Marilyn & Sammy home for spring vacation. Got paper all on. 17--Large crowd at church & 10 children baptized--7 of them Lois Davis' 116 at SS, promotion program, new carpet. Son to Louise's for dinner. To G. to Baptist music at 5 & then to K's for eve. 18--Sammy brot me my 1st violets. 20--To PTA after going to du(e)l K & A meet at K, over to Maquon for Son. 23--Busy getting ready for 500 party. M. & S. to G. & she got her hair fixed for her 1st formal-corsage. 24--To SS, then to Christian Church at A. To Wanda's to celebrate Linda's 2nd bd. Son brot Louise. Big dinner & nice day. Berniece, Eleanor, M, kids & I to woods. 28--M & Colleen had hobo supper. To K. to see Marx Bros in "Night at Opera" 29--Took M & Colleen to co. track meet. Sam bought a jeep. Louise had tonsil & adenoid operation in Chicago. 30--Re-cemented fish pool & crack in cistern. Son home 1st time in ages.
May 1--Son to Chicago to get Louise, to SS, church. To old farm to look for mushrooms. 2--Out east of D. to look for mushrooms & M. found 55 small ones. 3--Sammy to A. to be in program of school kids. S, M & I to see "Johnny Belinda. 4--K's, Alan, MA & Charlie out for supper. F & S put up SB's basket frame. 6--To old farm after school. Mary Lou & Guy went too & we found lots of nice big yellow mr's. 7--Son, M & SB to Peoria to meet Diane. Home at 11:30. 8--All to SS, then to Wanda's for timber steak fry. To Peoria at 4:15 to take Diane. 9--found a beautiful pelagonia from son on k table. To K. Sale & F. bought 2 sows. Son to "musicians do" in G in eve. 11--Sam & I sprayed basement walls with Rexair cleaner. 12--Son left for Urbana. To BT Club at Mrs. Hopkins. SB lost 1st upper tooth. 14--Got my "wedding hat" M. got D. towel set for graduation & red wool blanket from her & SB for wedding. 15--Church, SS. Son, Louise & Eddie to Bloomington for picnic. 16--to "Chicken Every Sun." 18--To K. PTA with Gladys Cramer & saw style show of KHS girls. M. modeled 2 dresses. To G. to Hannam's mail carrier's supper. 19--Son to Kewanee to talk Ag. biz. 20--Son & Louise to BU to get D. & Al & to St. Louis to see opera, "Carmen". Supper at school & nice program. Claude & Mary out. 21--Bridge party here. Harry Pearson had lumbago. 22--To SS, then to Carlinville; toured Jones Hall & to Baccalaureate. Sam, SB, F & Louise home. To choir concert & to bed; so tired. D, M & others to show. 23--To graduation & it was lovely but sad too. The kids all felt so sorry to part. Here at 4:30, Diane drove. Son took master's exam & passed. 24--To visit school at last recess. Son home at noon but away again. Last exam at U.of I. at G. 25--Kewanee HS called Son to give him job. 27--Last day for M & SB. M to picnic at Lake Storey. 28--Got wedding invitations, D going away dress, shoes for all 3 ladies. 29--To church, SS, Abingdon, Olive, Greenbush, Berwick & Meridian cemeteries. To Wanda's awhile. 30--Sam, Son & Diane baled & stored hay. To Lake movie in eve--fair only. Son on picnic in G. 31--D & I to G. to see if mistake in invites. Got eyes tested. Al here for dinner. To mish mtg. at Addie Peck's. Diane wrote invites.
June 1--Diane & Al to Urbana for 2 or 3 days. To BT Club at Jo H's. Madge R. a visitor. Big crowd & nice program by 4 newest members. Mailed D's wedding invitations. Sam took M to K. for Jester. 2--M. to sing at Lena Cramer's hobby show; Madge to visit 1/2 of pm. Son on picnic in G. 3--D & Al back about 10:30. Sam, M. & SB went fishing to Horseshoe pond, cleaned 30 fish. 4--To G. & got orchid dress. Surprise dress for M. Son to wedding rehearsal. 5--All to SS & D played for M. to sing. Home to find Eleanor, Jack & Jo. Son off to Tolley's wedding, back afterward with Louise. Wanda's, Al, K's, Mary Anna & Charlie here (ask Diane about friends). 6--Several to Monmouth for baler parts, took back orchid dress. E & J to Smiths. Son is sub this week. 7--Picnicked at Lake B. with K's, Louise & Al too. E & J golfed before supper. 8--Sam, Jack, Eleanor, Al, SB to golf & on to Wanda's. Fixed strawberry ic there, Niseleys called. Grand dinner. E, J, J, SB & I took Martha home. E & J to Lacy's. 9--Lacy's called to see Jo as E, J & Son were ready to go out to dinner. Jack & Diane baled at McWilliams. Claude & Mary out to spend eve. 10--Sam & Jack getting Studebaker ready for them. All the kids went calling at Cramers, Helanders & Wises. Girls were going to make record. No one to do it. E & J to Smiths. Downhearted eve. 11--E, J & J left at 4 & it seemed lonesome. I found a dress at Block & K's finally. Kept busy seeing about things. Saw Al & he came out. 12--Son, Louise and we to Urbana; graduation thrilling--3500--toured campus. Al & D. on to Danville to wedding. 13--Diane to Dr. for checkup. Al brot his car over for overhauling. He & D. to Brimfield to see preacher. 14--To Ab. to talk over church plans with Doris D. Son gone for supper. Sam & A. still at the car. 15--Son to mtg. at Champaign, Diane took Al home. M & I got her (D's) dress at Cramers. Saxers, Carlsons & Mc out with gift. 16--Abe H. had brought bucket of cherries so we fixed them for locker. Peas are ready to fix; shelled 6 qts. 17--Mrs. Noland & Al here & she helped fix cherries. D & A for license--lots of gifts coming.
Sam, Son & SB to bale at Lundeens. Bessie, Jewel & children here. Last eve "us 6" at home for bridge. 18--Sam & Son baling. D. to get Freddie & Louise. To rehearse at 8 at Ab. Cong Church ((Found Rev. W. pretty small). Served ice c, cake & punch to kids. 19--Somewhat of a breathless day. Fair but warm. All to SS but Sam & me. To Ab. at noon to finish up the table, punch, flower arr, etc. All tried to eat f. chick dinner. Over again before 3. All seemed to go well. Too hot for candles, FWC said. Brot gifts home & tried to get all straight again. 20--Took cake board, flower basket, punch bowl back, paid bills; packed boxes of wedding for Eleanor, Paul & Eunice. Picked & shelled peas. 23--Wanda & Guy here; brot cream for ic. 24--Son to Kewanee on biz. To see Mrs. Pierce on her 81st bd. 26--To Lake for show in eve; Gene Helander too. 27--M drove SB, Sally, Billy & Clark to swim at lake. Diane & Al back from Mo.; here an hr. & on to Laura. 29--BD club supper at lake & then played court whist. 30--M. went to Liverpool early & Son, SB, Sam & I at noon. Hot & same ole stuff. Home at 5:15 so Son could go on picnic.
July 1 Diane & Al came in pm & to Lake B. for supper, Louise too-boat ride, swimming. 2--D & A. to G. to exchange silver & fryer, back to Nolands after supper. Son & Louise to Chicago at noon. 3--Homecoming at school after SS. Nice dinner, program & time; big crowd. To lake in eve. 4--Diane, Al, Claree & Dick here & all to lake to swim. Back here for supper on porch. To L. Storey fireworks; low eve. 5--D & Al started to N.J from Laura this a.m. Son left for Kewanee to start new job. 6--Sam had hay baled & M & I tried to help load them but he brot us home & got Buzzie Hatch. M & I to G. & took 5 4H girls for big eve--Am Beauty & show. 7--Art H. here with lots of k cabinets! 8--Son home; Art to work on cabinets. 8--to Bessies; Wanda, Margaret & Sue too 10--Transferred things from old cabinet & cupboard to new cabinets. 11--Sam tore out old cupboard; took hogs. 13--M to Dr. for checkup & then off to Camp Shaubena. Sam got wallboard & fit in wall of old cupboard. 15--Papered "new wall" & put cabinet over elec range; son home for supper & to G. 16--To get Marilyn from camp & glad to have her home again. Son & Louise to Tolley's for supper & to Hub. 17--SS, took lunch to Lake B. & M. went swimming; fair show. 18--Son had sleepless? nite with his hungry new dog-decided he was too young. Louise & all her folks out for Christy to ride in the jeep. 19--SB & I guests at M's 4H do. She sang "Honey Chile". Picked 10 qts blackberries. 21--M. made apple pie-she's getting to be reg'lar ole pie maker. Son called at noon & asked to save Aug. 14 for his wedding day. 22--Sam & I are same age! M & I gave him hydraulic jack. Surprise! Son & Louise here for supper & talked over their plans. 23--To A. in eve to pay Congo $25 (for having wedding there)-some church. 24--M taught my SS class; nice day with Louise's folks-then supper with Hopkins too. Even show was good. 25--To Ab. to see "Little Women". 27--Got blackberries at Russel H's also chiggers! Art H. helped finish up sink. 28--Letter from Berniece that Roger Blevins has polio & Eleanor sick; to Bernieces & Carlsons. 31--M & F to SS; to Lincoln Pk for 1920 class reunion--12 of class there & 18 of families. To K's for supper & cards.
Aug. 1--Son brot his dog home again; got me up at 4:30. 5--To G & got M. new dress for wedding; 7 pieces of silver for Louise & Fred. 7--Cline Reunion here-Aunt Verna, Dahlers, Wayne's, Claude's, Lela Steeles, Inez, Dorothy & girls, Louise.
Terrific dinner. Went over to show. 8--Rest up; M & I played croquet & she beat me! 10--M & I to shower for Louise at Mrs. Campbell's; L's Dad to ball game with Sams. 11--Letter from Eleanor; she & Jo are coming. K's & his mother here for supper & bridge. 12--Son home last night & gone all day on business. Fixed 8 qts corn for locker; made feather pillows for Louise; to misc. shower at Mrs. Larsons in eve; men to ball games. 13--Son met Eleanor & Jo in G. on 11 am bus. To Harshbargers for the after rehearsal festivities-lovely gifts up there. 14--Son's wedding day-fair but warm. No ss because of polio-played cards & kept busy. Son to park car! Clarks & Burnetts here and all dressing. Lovely wedding & everything so nice. Jo did quite well for her 1st wedding. Joe Seckler (Jean's husband) taking pictures by the doz. 15--Sam, Eleanor & Mariyn to Lake B. to play golf with Bill Davis. M to see about school subjects at Ab. Sam traded cars. Red Bond & SB played croquet! 16--E to call on Lucille Smith; E & Jo to Lacy's for supper. Sam got new brown Frazer. 17--To $1 day; to Harshbargers to see pictures & wedding gifts. 18--Eleanor, Jo, Marilyn, Sammy & I got Imogene, Mrs. Pierce & Helander & toured the spots I used to live. Stopped at Lois' & Wanda's. 19--Loaded the car & Sam left with Eleanor & Jo at 11:30. House so quiet in eve. 20--We 3 fed hogs & chickens. 21--Sammy had first asthma spell since Alabama in March. Sam called from K. at 4:30 & I went right up. World got brighter. 22--Sammy still wheezy-pulse 120; to Dr. Pennebaker in A. for treatments. 23--Sammy to A for another "pushing". 27--Sammy threw tennis ball once too many & broke pane in front storm door. Chuck Steele dropped in & staid with us. 28--To H's for dinner & day; ball game & back for ic & wedding cake. Fred & Louise sorting gifts to take back. They brot us all gifts. 29--School started for Fred. 30--Sam took SB for adj; Louise & son surprised us for supper--brot 101 pictures. 31--Helped sort pigs & Sam took to G. We to Jo H's for saladmaster party
Sept 2--F & L here for supper. Fire trucks from A. went by--Lundeen's barn burned. 4--To Lake B. to see 2/3 of "Ali Baba & 40 Thieves". F & L here when we got home; played some bridge. 5--To Nauvoo with F & L, Helen. To Joseph Smith's homes, Keokuk, Ft. Madison, Crapo Park. Had supper, ball game & various other doings--a very nice day. 7--SB to chiro; M. changed school subjects & to see Jean R. To K's for my bd supper & played bridge. 8--Cleaned chicken house; letter from Diane & she has job. 10--SB to Ab. for treatment. 11--Harshbargers & we to Kewanee; looked over h.s Nice day, only short. 12--School all day for SB; 1/2 for M. She drove Frazer. Claire here on way from sale at K. Left money for wedding present. To Wanda's for supper & a nice visit. 13--To celebrate my bd--Steak n Shake & double feature. 15--Made 11 gal. cider. 16--To Louise's folks & F & L went with to GHS/Moline football game. I to Ruby's. 17--F & L out for supper, M made me bd cake. Surely did get celebrated a long time. Wonder if I'll have another. 18--To SS & on to Louise's folks; on to Oquawka, to Meyers cottage who led way to Stonekings place on canal--fun at weiner roast & boat ride in the dark. Wish we'd had a movie of our ascent up the hill by the light of Mrs. H's paper plates. Clair Cline called at midnite to say they had a baby girl. We could scarcely believe it. 21--BT Guest day at Bonnie's; supper & eve at school. Sent crate of eggs to Diane.
22--Wanda, Guy & Moreys here for supper. 23--Saxers, Ruby out for apples; to Aunt Lena's in eve while folks went to football game. 24--To Saxers & Sam looked at stoker he may buy. Got M's new rose chair. 25--Louise & Fred came about midnight; all to SS, to McLennan's ann. at Scandia; to Saxers for cards 27--To mish mtg. with Turner's to K. to Bonnie's. 28--Pearsons out for apples; Cliff/Kathryn Rice & Allens here a min. 1st killing frost. 29--McAlisters here til 3:30; Saxers out & took Sandy.
Oct. 1--To Dixon to Bob Pearson's wedding; Ruby went with us. Ride & wedding was lovely; evening lunch at K's. 2--After SS to Wanda's for weiner roast & hickory nutting; Sammy's overalls got afire today & gave us an exciting min. 3--Dora Jean Bybee here to go with M. on SS class weiner roast. We 3 to "Stratton Story". 4--To BT mtg. at church; Sam to G. to get stoker coal. 5--Letter from Diane & she sounded homesick. To church tea at Maquon; to Sam's mother's for supper. Sam is working on stoker & nearly thro'. 6--Had first furnace fire with stoker running it--purty nice. 7--To Aunt Lena's while folks saw Ab. get beat by Knoxville. Vonna, Everett, Jean & family & Ruth there. Son & Louise to Davenport to see "Oklahoma". 8--Made 15 gal cider. F & L. here so SB stayed while we went to G. 9--Helen, Grandpa, SB, F & L to orchard. Ruby, Tryons & Pearsons down to go woodsing--bittersweet & a few nuts. 12--Sam & Otie playing golf; to shower at church for Hazel Helander. Took M. to choir practice. Bill & Imo here awhile. 13--Sam & M. to Ab. homecoming game & she staid in with Jean. 14--M. to auction of Bailey buildings. Sam helped buy out grocery stock. 16--Potluck dinner after SS at Sam's mother's. Jesse's family, Pratts, Nelle Powers, Mrs. Jones, Roys. 19--M drove jeep to choir practice & SB to chiro then they came back to PTA & Sam & I became vice & pres! 23--M. to Ab. at 9 to practice & sing at Congo Church. We three to SS. Son called to say he & Louise had gone to Jean's (new baby girl) & Louise had stayed. 25--20 here for missionary mtg. 26--Marilyn & Norma Dagley sold tickets to the magic show & she had supper with them. Baked for the junior bake sale & we went to the square dance. Guess I'll bake for a living..pie 75 cents, choc bit cookies, $1.25 and sugar cookies, 50 cents. 30--To SS; Fred and Louise, Wanda, Guy, Porters, Vera, Mary, Berniece's, Martha's & K's here for dinner. Sam, Marilyn Geo & Alan played canasta. SB & I went Halloweening after they left & he liked that.
Nov. 2--Delong men entertained Rotary--busy day fixing meal for 67 men 4--Marilyn at Jean's & went to Aledo on bus to see Ab. win. 6--Got Guy & Helen, to F & L's in Kewanee at 10:30 & went to ME church. Back for dinner & then to h.s. to concert L. played in. Started reading "Till Fish us do part". 8--Finished book, to Viola's for dessert lunch, book report. 9--M staid in for choir practice & was at Hortense & Bill's. 11--Sam finished painting west side of house; to formal retreat at Legion Plaza in A. with Fred & Louise at sundown. Folks back to football game later. 14--Moved here 19 years ago--the place I've lived longest in my life. So much of us wrapped up here. K's & Alan out for their 24th ann. supper, then bridge. 19--Son & Louise to Urbana for homecoming; took our saladmaster back & got our "do" back. So glad! To K's for 1st winter bridge party. 20--After ss to Martha's (McMeen) for family dinner. 22--To K. awhile in PM to consult Doc--maybe no worry. 24--Sam, M & SB to Quincy to meet the Ala. kids. Louise helped me get dinner. L's mother & grandpa came about 2:20 & we soon had a big dinner ready. 25--Wanda, Guy here for supper; Lucille, Russell & Mrs. Griffith here in eve. Son spending today & tomorrow at stock show. 26--SB & J went hunting. No luck so we had ham. 27--Up at 4, left for Quincy to take E., J. & J.at 4:40 & got there at 6:30. John came at 7:20. M, SB to SS. 29--Sam took car of children to A. to see Santa show; to missionary mtg. at Helanders. 30--M. to practice choir & we to "Men who go to sea in ships".
Dec. 1--Jean R. to stay all nite with M; Sam & I to party at Cramers. When we got home, the bed had fallen in with the girls. 2--Feet punk but nailed the bed back; to see exciting Ab/ROVA game. Ab. won. 6--To church for farewell to Mrs. Dalton & it pleased her so. Home to find Jean R. here & M. getting chili for supper. To Farmington to see Ab. win. 7--Sam took M. to choir & sextette practice. So glad he'd rather be home than "poolhalling". 9--To cousin party at Ruth Sipes by Winona. Sammy upset stomach when I got home. Sam & M. to see Roseville lose at Ab. 10--SB better. Helped serve the SS class from Ab. Congo. Lovely supper & lots of fun in the kitchen too. Son & Louise here when we got home. 11--Wakened at 4:30 to call dr. for Kay H. Woke at 8:45 so no biscuits & to SS late. Sam & Son walked over a farm. 12--To Til Lucas for lovely dinner party; played canasta, won & got a deck of cards. M with me as Sextette was to sing & be guests of Kiwanis. Planned to stay at Jean's but got sick so she came home with me. Was she sick! 13--Now today so am I. M feeling better. She drove Frazer to Ab. & to G. with sextette to sing for Galesburg Woman's Club. 14--M to Ab. in Frazer to eat & sing at Rotary. She says too much meat loaf. Sam weighed up his popcorn (Christmas cards). 15--Clair called from San Antonio & says they're moving there. 16--Wrote 10 letters & that takes a lot of arm wiggling. Saw Ab. win from Stronghurst. Marilyn staid all nite with Jean & will go with her to shop in G. 17--Almost finished with shopping. Got our tree & M. trimmed it. Took SB to chiro. 18--All to SS but SB. 20--SB back to school; M. to A. in jeep for rehearsal. S., SB & I to church dining room for Farm Brew oyster supper. 21--Son here for bkf. To school program with SB. Sam to M's at HS & they got back for our finish & refresh. Sam & Son bid on a farm east of Orange Chapel & got it. Son & Louise back to Kewanee. for dinner with friends (school is out for him & SB). 22--Louise & her mother to Jeanie's in Chicago. Son here for supper. 23--M. got out at noon. Helped practice kids in PM ; that will help you lose all religion. S & M to G. to get Louise & Fred & on to K. to see Kewanee win. Too bad. Smallest crowd I can remember at church program. Too many gifts tho. 24--To K's for Geo's bd. supper & eve. Geo & Alan to sing at church. Home late & Fred & Louise later but nice to know they were here. 25--Christmas on Sun. is too much. To SS & then had our family tree which was lovely as usual. Helen fixed turkey dinner at Grandpa Hendricks; met several new ones. Surprise gifts up there. Thots of the far away caught up with us. 26--No mail for Sam so he worked at the fire engine house! SB coasting at Ray's. F & L. to stay all nite; canasta after supper. 27--Freezer dinner--steak, mushrooms, wax beans, cherry pie. So easy to take it all out but work to get it in. To mish at Grace Steele's. F & L. to Tolleys. To Macomb to see Ab. lose to Havana & we thot it the coach's fault. Jean, Marilyn
Hovell & Elaine Larsen with us. 28--Lovely supper at Saxers in eve. F & L too but they left for L. to go to a party. Sandy has grown 1/2 up. 29--Louise, Fred & we to Claude & Mary's for supper; canasta & fun. 30--Six boys came in p.m & from then on a hectic time. To show at K & glad to get home. Sammy is 8 & I don't think I'll have another party for him until he's 18. 31--Son, Buzzie, Royce here figuring on their books. M & SB to Orph; we to McLennan's party. Could scarcely see thro fog but got here at 2 a.m.
1950
On Jan. 3 went with Sam to get soil samples at the "new farm". On the 5th, Roy, Gertie, their mothers, Pearl Goddard & Verna Cline came for supper. We did lots of playing canasta and son was off on business. The firemen began meeting in their "new station".
Marilyn went to Jean Roberson's for an all night party and then Jean came home with M. & we went to the Abingdon/Knoxville game in the Jeep. (Abingdon won). We went to many sports events!
U. Groundhog's Day & Marilyn made a pie (not out of groundhog!). Marilyn was in a sextette & went to practice or to perform frequently. She occasionally.went to Mrs. Green for coaching for the songs she planned to sing in the music contest.
Sam bought several pigs to fatten during Feb. and on the 25th went to Knoxville to get cash to pay for the farm.
On Feb. 26th we learned there is to be an addition to F & L's family (Big news for F & L).
March 7th was the local music contest and Marilyn got first in her division. On the 11th, she went to Macomb to the speech contest. She had her first piano lesson with Mrs. Shreves in Knoxville on the 18th.
Abingdon did well in basketball but lost to ROVA in the tournament. Sam & Fred went to Urbana for the state tourney on the 16th, arriving back home at 3:45 a.m.
SB had tonsilitis and was out of school for a few days (til the 21st). I went to Dr. Moffett and he said "coxic is broken off at sacrum". Ouch! We learned that Ruby had had a mastectomy.
Marilyn & I went to Galesburg for the next music contest March 25th & Mrs. Green joined us there. Marilyn got 2nd with her solo and 1st with the sextette. Mrs. G. had lunch with us & I went up to see Ruby at the hospital.
Marilyn missed her ride home the 22nd & stayed overnight with Aunt Verna Cline. Dora Jean Bybee came to stay overnight the 28th and she & Marilyn went to practice with the Knox Co. chorus and we went to their performance the following night.
April--While deliverning Easter lilies, I got the Jeep stuck April 2...Sam to the rescue. On the 5th, Sam was Van's guest at Rotary and Marilyn the guest of Mr. Prout, supt. of the high school. She gave a talk (I wonder what about???). Easter vacation began for SB & Marilyn on the 7th. The sextette sang at the Good Friday services. On Easter, the 9th, Marilyn, Sam & I went to sunrise service (no sun) at Knoxville Christian Church. We went to Martha's with Guy & Wanda & Bernieces came too. F & L were out in the eve.
Fred was busy hauling lime next day. We went to Inez Cline's for supper the 11th, joining Bertha Bond who's here for a visit.
On the 16th we got news of the arrival of Thomas Lee Gammon, weighing in at 6# 12 1/2 oz (born the 15th). SB got chickenpox the 19th and was miserable with them. He didn't go back to school til May 3! Sam had a tooth pulled the 22nd & that too was miserable.
Sam planted potatoes & some garden the 14th. While planting peas & onions on the 20th, I found a gold ring.
The junior/senior prom was April 22nd & Marilyn went to help decorate & went to it with Larry Ashley. Next day she & I went to Wanda's where there was a big dinner & crowd. Sam stayed home with SB & F & L came over later.
Sam & SB went to the farm the 26th & brought my first bouquet (I think that traditionally was lilacs). Marilyn went to Champaign the 28th and the sextette got a 2nd.
In May we went to the timber for flowers and to look for mushrooms several times. Marilyn and seven friends had a weiner roast/slumber party the 11th. The 13th we went to the new farm to look for mushrooms and Marilyn got the Jeep stuck. Louise, SB, M & I went to Galesburg to a circus "quite a show-found out they were gypers!". Next day, Sunday (Mother's Day), Fred, Louise, Marilyn, SB, Helen H. & I had a picnic at the old home farm. There was a class picnic for M. on the 20th. SB got a new ball that day and promptly broke a window with it. Next day he had asthma..(.hmm!). Barb Campbell had a weiner roast on the 25th which M. attended. She went to baccaulareate and graduation as the choir was singing for both. Her good grades allowed her not to take finals so she was finished with school on the 26th.
On the 24th we had a "Galloping breakfast"--knock on people's doors & they're to come with you immediately, without preparation! 57 came, including children.
June 2nd we left for Tuscaloosa--668 miles travelled between 4:20 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. We had our first chance to get acquainted with little Tommy. In the few days we were there, we had fun with the children, shopped, played cards and toured the paper mill (what a smell!). On our way home on June 10th, we stopped in Jackson, TN to see the Casey Jones monument. As we were approaching Cairo, Ill., we ran out of gas & coasted into a station. The attendant asked if we had a son sho'd been in service in the Phillipines (he thought Fred looked like Sam). When we said we did, he said that he'd told Fred that if he ever again met up with him, he was going to kill him. We were glad Fred wasn't along (tho' I think he'd cooled down over the years!)! We arrived home at 1:15 a.m.
Marilyn was busy working on a 4H project with Carol Ann Ferris on how to build an outdoor fire. She drove to Galesburg by herself for the first time for a 4H sing at the Farm Bureau.
We celebrated Gladys & Harold Cramer's 25th anniversary June 17thwith dinner with Hopkins & Wises at Pallings.
The peas and cherries were keeping us busy--9 1/2 quarts of peas fixed for the freezer on the 19th and 3 quarts of wild strawberries picked (and they are little!).
We took our championship rat killer, Mitzi to the 10 acres to kill rats (they liked to live under the pigpens) and she "did the job" on June 20th
Sam, SB & Fred took a jaunt to Camp Ellis June 30th. Wanda came to pick cherries. After seeding, she took 9 qts. & we kept 8. That's a lotta cherries!
July 8th brought word of the arrival of Bruce Royale Noland. The very next day while at church and singing the last SS song, Mrs. Clark came to say the barn was afire. The tractor, etc. were gone.
Fred, Louise, Joe, Jean Seckler and baby were here in late eve July 12th. At 1, they decided to stay for the night. Next a.m. the adults left and returned for the baby at 11 pm. Marilyn was the only one awake by then. She & Sally made a chocolate angel food cake & we had a Lake B. picnic with Hopkins on the 11th. On July 17th, Marilyn and Carol went to AHS where they demonstrated how to make outdoor fires & got 1st. In Galesburg on the 21st, they got first in the county contest. She was struggling with her 4H dress. We had supper at Sam's mother's that night.
Sally & Marilyn played 2 duets for my special number at SS July 22. Carol & Marilyn had their picture taken for the Galesburg Register Mail next day & ended up on the front page.
Our class reunion was at Lincoln Park Pavilion the 30th with 9 members and families attending.
August found me freezing corn, picking the first tomato, canning beets. Jean R. and Marilyn went to Lake B. the 9th & M. came home looking like a beet!
We went to a shower for Louise at Evelyn Stableins on Aug. 11th and another on Sept. 17. (Patricia Jean arrived Sept. 30th to start using the items given. She weighed 7#, 9 1/2 oz.)
Marilyn and Carol Ann rode to Springfield with the Kemps on Aug. 13th where they repeated their fire starting demo and had a good time at the state fair, returning the 15th.
The good news came on Aug. 16 that Jack was offered a job at Seagram's in Louisville. Next day we left to visit the Nolands and get our first look at little Bruce. The first night we stayed in Canton, continuing on through Pittsburgh, on the turnpike and arriving in Orange N.J. at 5:30 the 18th. After a late dinner on Sun., we went (all but Diane & Bruce) into NYC, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square...back at 1:30 a.m. The 21st we took a picnic, drove along the Palisades, up the Hudson to Bear Mt. Park and on to West Point...a very pretty drive.
Sam, Diane and Al went thro' Bell Lab Aug. 22nd; Sam, Marilyn SB & Al went to Yankee Stadium in the afternoon and to visit Bonds in the eve. Next day George Bond took us on a tour--the harbor area, Staten Is. ferry, the Bowery, the Battery, Wall St, the Brooklyn Bridge, UN, the stock exchange and lunch in Chinatown! Sam & Al went to the Edison Museum in Morristown the 24th. We had a picnic and went to Morristown to see the George Washington memorial and musum and to the play, "Papa is All". Back to NYC we returned Aug. 25th to ride the subway, eat in the automat, ferry to the Statue of Liberty where we climbed to the top, Grand Central Station, Central Park and back to NJ on a ferry. After the Presbyterian Church service Aug. 27, we did more touring & had "Awful Awfuls" (awful good, awful big) at the Bonds.
We started our journey home Aug. 28th, leaving at 5, going through the beautiful Delaware Water Gap. We got to Niagara Falls about 2:30, rode on the Maid of the Mist and saw the colored lights on the falls at night. We were into Detroit by 1pm on the 29th and enjoyed Greenfield Village before continuing to Huntington, IN for the night. We were home Aug. 30th and got the bad news that Clark Wise has polio and the hogs had cholera. We needed to get busy fixing peaches and limas.
Sept--School started for SB and Marilyn on Sept. 5th .
Oct.--Sam went to Abingdon Oct. 7 to get the deed to the property we got from the Landons. On the 19th Sam decided to "get fat by eating!" (he never did!). Marilyn was busy with play practice and stayed at Jean Roberson's often. Louise and baby Pat went to Helen's from the hospital on Oct. 11th. Folks went to the Ill-Ind. game the 28th & Ill. won. The bridge gang came for supper Oct. 29th and all were assigned jobs to do and really thought that was fun.
Nov.--Marilyn got a $5 4H award in Galesburg Nov. 4. We dug 3 bu. of carrots on the 9th and got cold--first day for snow cover. On the 21st, Marilyn went to a play in Roseville and stayed at Jean's. SB stayed at Grandmother's. Wanda & Guy were hit again in Galesburg. The 23rd (Thanksgiving), Fred, Louise, Patti & Helen were here for dinner & the eve. Gammons arrived on Nov. 25th and Jack caught a bus to Arkansas next day. Eleanor began looking for a job and I looked after Nancy Jo and Tommy when she was away. The chicken pie supper was the 30th with 215 served.
Dec.--Eleanor found work at the Holly Shop on Dec. 2...didn't feel good that first day but went anyway. On Dec. 17 we went to Fred and Louise's homey place in Kewanee for dinner and the day. Louise's folks came on the train. Jack rejoined his family Dec. 23 and we had our family Christmas celebration on the 24th.
The Gammons headed to Truman, Arkansas on Christmas Day in an old Studebaker which broke down near Jacksonville. We were at Wanda & Guy's when the call came so Marilyn & Sam left at once to take them home. D. took us to Abingdon & Son took us home & did the chores. SB was wheezy and still felt rough next day. We were surprised when Sam and Marilyn returned at 6 p.m, dragging the Studebaker behind the Frazer. Quite a day. So glad to see them & have them home safe.
New Year's Eve we went to a party at Carlsons & SB & Marilyn went to Helen's.
1951
Jan 5th Jean Roberson came home with Marilyn to go to the Abingdon-Knoxville game. Uncertain score til 4th quarter with Abingdon winning 64-49. Sam and I went to Palling's Jan. 21 where we celebrated Endter's 25th aniversary & then went to McLennan's to play cards. It was cold & snowy the end of the month with not many at the church annual mtg/potluck. The mail carrier's mtg. was called off Jan. 31 and Marilyn stayed in at Elaine Larson's for the night.
Feb. 7 we were working on kitchen tiling. Sometimes it ended crooked, frustrating! Marilyn was in the speech contest in Abingdon & did good. We got the west wall tile straightened Feb. 8 before the SS class came for supper for Ralph & Betty Lu.
There was no school Feb. 12 so Marilyn & Elaine Larson went to Galesburg to tour Cottage Hosp. Sam & Fred were busy vaccinating pigs & I went to Ruth Hoffman's for a bd supper in the Jeep. We went to many basketball games during
the month. Marilyn stayed in at Carol Bahl's Feb. 16 and next day they went to Knox for exams. In the evening we had supper at K's, Maryanna's too & stopped at the Firemen's Brawl for 1/2 hour. Sam & I loaded pigs in thick mud Feb. 19. Marilyn drove Feb. 20 staying in for the home ec supper & show. Barb Campbell came home with her. Feb. 23rd Elaine came home with her and we went to Oneida to see Abingdon win.
We went to Kewanee for dinner Feb. 25, along with Helen and Grandpa Hendricks. Patti is so cute & sweet. On the way home we stopt for a nice visit with Nolands in Laura. Marilyn stayed in for sextette practice Feb. 26 and Norma Dagley and Mrs. Green came for supper Feb. 27 & then back to Galesburg for the bb tournament. Norma came out March 1 also & we went to the tournament. Abingdon won over Knoxville.
March 2 Marilyn went to Knox for lunch a tour and to see "Twelfth Night". Son called asking us to go to Laura to see Paul & Eunice so we turned in our play tickets and joined them. March 6th we were taking paper off the kitchen. Marilyn stayed at Elaine's went to the high school carnival. The last bb game for Abingdon was March 9th when they lost a heartbreaker to Western in overtime. Norma D. was a supper guest & the girls practiced at Ruby's. Fred's surprised us with a visit the 10th, staying over til Sun. afternoon. There was lots of snow & school was cancelled the next few days. We got new linoleum laid March 13th. March 15 Marilyn stayed at Dagleys & next day we met Mrs. Green and went to the music contest. Marilyn didn't place and we felt blue. March 17th SB & I went to Moline with Sam to his convention comm. mtg. Marilyn went to Macomb to visit Western with AHS seniors March 21. Marilyn and I went to the Good Fri. service March 23, along with Wanda. We went there for Easter dinner---25 in all. It snowed! About 40 came to church for breakfast which Imogene Wise and I fixed. March 29th several of us went to Central Church to a women's mtg. I went to Dr. Crowell & had minor surgery. Marilyn went to ROVA to a home ec. meeting & Barb came home with her. On the 31st, the sextette won first at the district.
April--On Marilyn's birthday, she went to Barb Campbells to a party/overnight. We went to Kewanee to Son's FFA banquet April 12 and took Dr. McKown to speak. M & SB kept Patti. Next day Vera and Hol got here in the afternoon along with Babe and Chet. Martha's, Wanda's, Berniece's, Claire's, Lois' & Fred's were here for supper. Hubbub!
On April 14 we went to Peoria where Marilyn got a formal, shoes & purse. That eve we went to a bridge party at K's. Mr. & Mrs. Robt. Coats were here for dinner April 15, along with Fred's.
Diane had her tonsils out April 17. That eve Marilyn drove to school & stayed in for the dinner for seniors given by business & professional women. A senior square dance was held next eve & Barb Campbell came home with her. There was a very nice operetta at school April 20. Marilyn went to the junior-senior banquet April 21 and stayed overnight with Elaine.
Garden got plowed April 23 and Emory Flynn came to borrow Mitz to kill rats. Marilyn went to Research Hospital with high school kids to give a program the 25th
& we planted garden. April 26th we went to Galva relays, going through Abingdon to pick up Marilyn & Norma Dagley. Next day the Dagleys took the girls to Clinton where the sextette got a 2nd at the state contest. Marilyn went to senior girls' play day at Roseville April 28. She sang at SS the 29th. We went to Wanda's for potluck dinner.
May--Son learned he has to have a physical May 2, went to Ft. Sheridan next day...& passed. We went to Kewanee for dinner & a concert May 6 along with Harshbargers & Grandpa H. Marilyn stayed in May 9th & went to a Home Ec spree.
We went to the old farm May 11, had a perilous crossing of the creek but found 71 mushrooms! Marilyn & I went to a tea at the nurses home May 12. Mother's Day & Berniece's birthday found us at Lois & Floyd's for a woods picnic. Fred's were there too. Terry came home with us. Louise's grandmother died that morning.
I went to the GAA Mother/daughter banquet with Marilyn May 14. Terry & the Sams went to Sam's mother's for supper. The 15th was the funeral for Louise's grandmother. I stayed with Patti. We went to the AHS music concert in the eve.
Sam plowed the first terrace May 16. Marilyn went back to a school dance & Barb Campbell came home with her. We went to the timber May 17 and found several big mushrooms...had a picnic supper in the back yard. Terry & I visited school in the afternoon of May 18..heard Ray Saxer had been in a wreck. We went to Galesburg the 19th..got Marilyn's graduation dress & 53 little chix. Marilyn went to Elsie Hilgren's bd supper. There was a youth mtg. she attended at church next eve. The AHS seniors took a trip to Chicago on May 22.., getting home the 23rd. We went to mail carrier's at Matthew's that eve. Sam got a rotary power lawn mower May 26. We went to Saxer's.. Ray's at Cedar Rapids Hosp.
Sam went to New Windsor to a mail carrier's comm. mtg. May 27. SB & M went along. In the eve we went to baccalaureate & Patti stayed at Aunt Verna's. Next day Marilyn went in for class day practice. She sang at the mish mtg. at Eva H's May 29. Class day that eve was very nice. M received outstanding music award.
May 30 we went to services at AB. cemetery & on to Meridian. Wanda & Guy went with us to Greenbush & Olive. May 31 was SB's last school day. M's was June 1. There was a picnic dinner at Delong school with a big crowd. M's graduation was in the eve. With her last report, she advanced to high honors. F & L were out late. Next day Marilyn went to Cottage for her nursing interview & got her hair cut. SB & the Davis boys slept out in a tent...was wheezy next day. Fred's & H's were here for a very nice day June 3.
Son went to Chicago to try for a deferment June 4. Louise went to Peoria with Mrs. Campbell & Helen and we kept Patti. Marilyn looked for a job without success on June 5. Madge Rickords was here to go on a tour of the Sandburg Cottage with the BT group June 6. M. went to Barb's for supper for Alice S. We went to Jim Bulkley's piano recital at the Ab. Meth. Church June 8th. Our high school reunion was at Lincoln Park June 10th. June 14 brought bad news from F & L (no deferment?). We went to the Galesburg Meth. Church June 17th for Patti's baptism. It was a nice day and supper. Jean's arrived in late pm so F, L & P slept here.
Marilyn went to Kewanee June 18th to help prepare for their sale in Kewanee. It
was the 20th & things sold well. Marilyn & Patti came home with us & Louise brought SB & got Patti in late eve. Marilyn &SB went to VBS the rest of the week. Fred's were here for supper June 22, along with Wanda & Guy. Next day we picked a bushel of peas...15 pts. in the freezer. June 24th was the mail carrier's breakfst & then to H's for the day. It was hard to leave & come home. Next day Fred, Louise & Patti left for NYC.
June 26th we went to Jo's for a Mish. picnic & Marilyn sang. SB went to Ray's for all night. Marilyn's SS class had an ice cream social June 27 & made $40. I took some of the bd girls to Mac's (Maxine's) in Industry June 29. June 30 we picked & hulled 20 pts. of peas. After searching the hay field for a tractor rod, Sam found it.
July 1 we went to Wanda's as did Moreys. Sherrie & SB exchanged bikes. Saxers were out for a porch picnic July 4 & to pick berries. The mail carrier's convention was in Moline July 5-7. SB went with the juniors. I helped with a memorial service wearing a white formal borrowed from Mrs. Louie Marks.
Gammons were on their way from Arkansas to Florida on July 12. Marilyn went to Dr. Bradshaw July 14 and had her throat painted--tonsillitis--ouch! On July 16 she was repainted! Couldn't sleep at night..miserable! I took Ray & SB July 18 so they could fish & swim. Marilyn went to Elaine's surprise bd party July 22. Our Galesburg picnic was off due to weather but we went to Lake B. where they had a cute show.
Marilyn and Sally Hopkins began detasseling July 23 & didn't get home til after 6. Billy & Esther Steele were here for a visit July 24. Sam picked a bu. of apples. Mail carrier's picnic was July 25 & we saw part of a ball game. July 27 SB, 4 Davis & I went to K. to see a parade. That eve we went to Moline to see "The Desert Song" with Louise Steele as the leading lady! Mitzi helped pick beans on the 28th. M's lips were blistered so she chose not to go to SS July 29. The Sams & I went to Lake B. to a punk show. We made 2 kinds of ice cream for a social July 31 & made $63.
August 7th we had a bd party at Ruth Cullen's. The 4 of us went in the Jeep to get blackberries after supper. We went to Nolands for the day on Aug. 12 & had a big day there. Bruce is so sweet & fair & good. Diane's came Aug. 13 & we went to Wanda's for a fine supper. Next day we had supper at the lake for relatives & Moreys. Next day Helen, Jean & her 3 came to see Diane before they returned to Nolands.
August 16 we got the tragic news that Joe Seckler was killed August 15. We went to H's in the eve for word of F & L's coming. McL's & Pearsons were here when we got home. The picnic at the lake was changed to Ruby's Aug. 17th due to rain. Mary Anna's & Saxers joined us for supper & McL's & Pearsons came later. Diane went on the route with Sam Aug. 18 & we visited & were visited. After SS & church on Aug. 19th, Nolands came for the day. Bruce didn't feel good so we stayed here. We had several callers during the day. A trip to Dr. Moffett next day indicated Bruce had an intestinal infection. Later in the day they returned to Laura. Fred & Louise called from Galesburg at 10:40 & we went for them. Harshbargers joined us for supper Aug. 21 & F & L were here for the day. We had more callers. A car salesman brought a veree pretty grey studebaker on Aug. 22 & we decided on it.
Next day we got word that Grandpa Hendricks died Aug. 22.
August 25 we went to Gammons & found them living in a nice apartment in Louisville. Next day after church (revivalist speaker), we went to a big amusement park & Sam, M, E & J. went on the roller coaster.& lots of other rides. Off to Mammouth Cave we headed (100 mi. away) Aug. 27. We went on a 3 hour tour--really thrilling. Next day we toured Churchill Downs & to see Iroquois Park & went uptown. We had a tour of Seagrams the 30th, went to Zachary Taylor Cemetery & visited the airport. We went to Bardstown to see Lorna Doone & Texas Ranger after shopping on Aug. 31. It was hot on Sept. 1 so we made several trips to Iroquois Park & had a picnic. We shopped some more before packing up. On our way home Sept. 2, we stopped in Vincennes to see the George Roger Clark memorial. When we got home, Fred called & we went to H's for supper.
Marilyn went to get Helen, Louise, Patti & the Seckler girls who joined us for supper Sept. 3. Fred got back from Pekin about 4:30 & he & the Sam's went to Ab. to load ph. SB started to school next day & Marilyn went for her typhoid shot & smallpox vaccination & diptheria the 6th.
Carlson's 25th anniversary was celebrated at American Beauty Sept. 8th & we then went to Endter's to play cards. The 9th we went to a reception for Carlsons & then to K's to play cards. We celebrated my birthday with dinner at Pallings..on to Monmouth but didn't get my birth certificate. To Knoxville in the eve to see "14 hours". Big day. On the 14th we made 12 gallons of cider.. Such a sore foot I had Sept. 15 that I couldn't work too much. We finished M's shopping in Galesburg & went back to the Abingdon-Corpus Christi game in the eve. Ab. won. I went to Berniece's. After SS & church,we went to Edith & Laurence Porter's in Monmouth for a lovely dinner Sept. 16. Had a card from Fred & Patti the 17th. Marilyn had her last shot Sept. 18, took us to Susie's for supper & we went to the drive in for a double feature. Sept. 19 we took her to Cottage Hospital ..a new way of living ahead. Seemed empty like in house in eve.
Garden produce, sports events and PTA kept us busy the rest of the month. Scott Markley & Don Johnson were here to play with SB & have dinner on the porch. He & I went to Knoxville for his first music lesson & on to get Marilyn. The 23rd Wanda's & Bernieces were here for an indoor weiner roast. On the 30th we went to K's party.
The chicken pie supper was Oct. 3rd--Hot night, big crowd, all tired out. We made more cider. We took Marilyn, Elaine & 2 more back to Galesburg after seeing Abingdon lose to Knoxville on Oct. 5. Porters, K's, Niceleys , Maryanna's here for dinner after church next day and Marilyn rode back to Galesburg with them.
The SS class had a weiner roast at Lake B. Oct. 12th. Fred's and Diane's were touring in New England. The Sams to the football game at Ab.. Sam & Marilyn went to the Knox game Oct. 13th. We got 1/2 bu. hickory nuts and 3 bushels of walnuts Oct. 14. On the 19th, Sam, Marilyn and I went to Alexis the long way to see Ab. win in last 2 min. SB to PTA with his gm.
We were invited to Jessie & Leonas's for dinner Oct. 21. On the way to take Marilyn back, we stopt at Harshbarger's to see movies of Patti. Oct. 25 we went to
Roy's for supper. Moreys asked us there for dinner on the 28th, Wanda & Guy too. SB & 3 others went to Abingdon the 29th to sing for dist. attorney!
We had a hard freeze Nov. 2. Diane and Bruce arrived Nov. 4 and split time between Nolands and us. Marilyn came home when she had the opportunity. Nov. 8th we went to Saxer's for supper, along with K's. Sammy came home from school wheezy Nov. 9. Diane went to Jr. play with Mrs. Bates. Diane and Sam went to Champaign for the football game Nov. 10. SB was better but no recital. Mrs. Green out & staid for lunch. We went to Endter's party that eve. Diane went back to Nolands the 11th. We took Marilyn back & stopt at H's.. A letter from Son Nov. 15 reported that they'll be back for New Year's!! Nov 16--To SS & church & wonder why. To Nolands for Diane & did some visiting. Diane and Bruce headed to Los Angeles on Nov. 20--the Santa Fe. Sam, Marilyn and I went to Delores' wedding Nov. 22. We went to a movie after our Thanksgiving dinner. Rodney Cramer was killed on Nov. 24. Mail carrier's party at Collinson's in Altona Nov. 28. On the 30th we went to Reese Jones' for Willis & Annis anniversary dinner & to play hearts.
Dec. 2 I took Marilyn back and made 5 visits. The bd club met at Berniece Howard's the 7th. On Dec. 12 there was a SS supper at Earl Bowman's. On the 18th we fixed our tree. There was lotsa snow & Sam got stuck on the route. Next day it was so drifted he was only able to do half of the route. SB took his 2 bits to eat at school. On Dec. 22 all the mail got out again. The Christmas program at church was Dec. 23 and Marilyn came to it with Coats.
Christmas Day the 4 of us "had our tree", went to Wanda's for the day & Martha's & Joe were there too. Fred's got to Galesburg early on Dec. 28 and we went up to see "our 3". The Sams, Fred and Christie went to Knox gym tournament Dec. 29. Sam & Marilyn were up early to meet Gammons in Peoria the 30th. Their bus was 2 hrs. late. Then Sam went to Galesburg to get F, L & P all went to SS for a while. After late dinner, we lit SB's candles, then had our tree. Berniece was down to see kids (& help with dishes). New Year's Eve, we had the card party here. Wanda & Guy were here for dinner.
1952
Jan 1 we had dinner with Gammons and then took them to the bus which left at 12:30. We watched the Rosebowl game on TV at Harshbarger's, had turkey supper and home movies there. On Jan. 2, Wanda was feeling very bad. Jan 5 SB & M went to get Fred's-Patti so cute. Read my "poultry" to L & M. The Sam's took them back to Galesburg. They were back next day in H's car. Wanda went into the hosp. for x-rays the 5th. Grace Steele and I sang a duet at the mtg. uniting Ladies Aid & Mish Society. Went to PTA the eve of Jan. 18 and bingo was it? Saxer's party was Jan. 19 & SB & Brian went to a movie in Abingdon & M. to a party.
Wanda & Guy's 35th anniversary was celebrated at Claire's Jan. 20 with a big crowd and dinner. We took Marilyn back in the eve. Jan 21--day was deep grey and me too. Six mail carrier couples came for supper Jan. 23 and Otie's came for their 39th anniversary Jan. 28.
Feb. 2--To Dr. Hambrecht.. maybe he helped me. We went to Nicely's, Wanda & Guy too Feb. 3. Power was off in the eve & we played "authors" by candlelight til time to take Marilyn back. I reviewed the book, "Miss Willie at B.T. at Mrs. Pierce's Feb. 6. Glad it's over. Felt so punk all eve. Feb. 9 went to church for SS children's party, to Pearsons in eve for shower for Bea, Ron's fiancee, M too. I went to the doctor the 11th, getting there at 15 til 2 & waiting til 4 to see him. So wobbly--penicillin shot & sulfa pills-flu. Feb. 12--Felt worse than ever most of the day, some better by eve.. Weather & not feeling well made us give up going to G. to celebrate our anniversary--lovely plant was valentine from Sam. By the 18th Sam was feeling chilly & sore throat. Guy subbed for him Feb. 19 & I fed the pigs. He went for a penicillin shot. Back to the doctor Feb 21 with Sam's back & chest hurting--taking such a chest cold. Both Sams felt bad Feb 22. Sam went to Dr. Kent Feb 23 & he helped with the chores & felt better. Sammy still felt bad when the fellowship ladies came Feb. 26. Sam to farm & started to paper pantry. With Mrs. Miller we papered the kitchen & remaining pantry Feb. 27--bedroom papering next day.
By March 1 SB was feeling well enough to go coasting. I went to stay with Wanda all pm March 7. She's not very good. March 8 we had supper at Pallings, got Marilyn and went to the Knox play. Berniece called me of Wanda's death. Such a blow. March 9--A hard day. Over to Guy's about 4 pm to stay thro' the evening. March 10--The day was dark foggy & sad. Sam saw the 1st robin. Vera got into G. at 7 a.m. I got her & Berniece at Claire's & we were at Guy's til 8:30. March 11 The sun came out & helped. Funeral at 2:30 & was like she would have wanted I think. March 16--The folks all here for dinner & "to get thro' the day"--Guy, Martha's, Claire, Jo & Dorothy, Bernieces & Betty Scoby Van Hoose & family. I got my birth certificate filled out March 17. Vera & I packed clothes & I took her to Flukes. Vera took the train home on March 18.
March 20 we went to Gammons, had dinner at Indianapolis-nice to see all 4. The Sams toured the bat factory. March 21--so warm folks wore no coats. Shopped & lazied most of day, watched bb tourn. on TV. We came home the 22nd. Witherells had a mail carrier's party the 26th. March 27 along with 9 others from Delong, I went to a women's rally of Cong. church in Peoria. SB got a new (to him) bike on March 28. We went to capping for Marilyn's class at First Lutheran Church. Marilyn is president of her class & didn't tell us! Reception too. Claude & Marilyn came for supper March 31.
April 5 we picked up Marilyn when she got off at 3:30 and went to K's in Quincy, taking along the nut cake I made for her birthday. Next day we went to Mary Anna' & Charlie's for dinner & then on home. On the 9th we learned Patti has measles. Guy was here for Easter dinner on April 13 after breakfast at church. We got the little bike pedal welded April 15 & took it to Moreys. SB stayed home the 18th with a fat face..guess it isn't mumps. We went to Helanders for cards April 19. Next day I visited Aunt Lena while Sam dug out Fred's auger. We planted potatoes April 25. On the 26th there was a bridge party (here?) & Geo & Ruby all nite. We went to the woods April 27th & then washed dirty Mitzi. The garden was plowed & planted the 28th. Hot. Little pigs arrived April 29 and I set 2 hens the 30th.
May 1 continued hot. I planted glads. We made 2 batches of ice cream May 3. On May 5 I picked Marilyn and 5 friends up and we went to the creek for supper & took them back later. Sam was busy farming. Carlson's had a party on May 7 and I went
to the BT luncheon that day.I planted tomato, cabbage, berry and pansy plants on the 10th, with Marilyn's help. Saw Madge that day. Berniece and Robert's came for an indoor weiner roast the 11th. We took M back in the eve & stopt at H's to hear of our NY kids & to TV. Ten young folks came for a SS party here on May 12.
Eighteen year old Mr. Michle was our preacher May 18. Otis & Nannie were here in the eve. SB went for his first swimming lesson May 19..and I cleaned the hen house. One of the setting hens had 17 chickens May 22. Cora & Dick came in the eve. We added 45 hatchery chicks the 23rd. Marilyn and I went to Jackie Shank's wedding (took over an hr!) May 24th. Out to see Guy awhile. 1st time & I'm so sorry. I visited school the 26th & enjoyed it. May 30 Sam took his mother to Ab. cemetery. SB & I out to Guy's. Poor fellow so lonely & blue. The school picnic was the 31st.
We went to Lake B. June 1 after SS & church & walking over the farm. I didn't go to the BT picnic--too all in, to Smith's mail carrier party June 4. We had a supper & program for Coats June 6, went to Mary Castle's wedding (lovely but hot) the 7th. Our class reunion was at Lincoln park June 8th along with Gene Helander, Jo Brown, Nancy Leigh & Marilyn. Pearson's party was the 12th--continued hot. Sam met Marilyn in Abingdon June 15. It was 93 degrees & we went to the lake to swim in the eve. I took SB & Johnny D. to swim June 17 and went to see Marie Lyman at Vonna's. Next day Brian and SB rode their bikes to Lake B. for the day. June 19 I got Marie, Aunt Lena and Maxine & we took a long ride to the home place & then Marie came home for supper & the night. We went to Vonna's after SS June 22 for dinner for Marie and Winona--Big crowd. I baked my first cake using a mix on June 24 & we had a silver tea at church with Myrt's sister to talk. Marilyn, Sally & SB went to Lake B. June 25 entry is "Diane is 23 today & so far away." Next day it was "so all in after SB's slumber party". Claude & Haxtons were here for supper June 28. Marilyn went with us to the mail carrier's breakfast June 29. It continued hot and we went to Lake B. to swim.
July 2 the SS class went to Lake B. on another hot day. I cut my foot and got sunburned. McLennan's party was in the eve. Marilyn SB & Sam were up at 5 and to Peoria to meet Eleanor's July 4. M. got to see Claree. We had late dinner & then a picnic lunch at the lake. All went to church July 6 & we had a picnic with Otie and Nannie that eve at Lake B. Our picnic on the 7th was rained out. We went to see Berniece awhile when taking Marilyn back. July 8 we had a Lake B. picnic with Wises & Helanders & it was too cool to swim. Guy, Gary & Linda came to dinner July 9 & we went to Saxers for supper & to watch the convention. Gammons visited in LaHarpe the 10th & we took them to the bus in Peoria July 11. SB went to Sid's bd party. We met Helen and Jean's for a picnic July 15. Marilyn came home with us & SB to H's. July 16 we got our first corn. We took M back to the hospital picnic & picked up SB. On the 20th, the Sams combined on Sun. Sam got bitten by Miller's dog on his 51st birthday. We went to the mail carrier's picnic July 23--nice & cool.
On July 27, we headed east staying in Van Wert our first night out..wonderful little parks in O. We reached Gettysburg next day, had a guide thro' it all, saw cyclorama, stayed at Hyattsville, MD that night. We got into traffic in Washington
July 29 so ended up at Arlington. From there we went to Mt. Vernon, back to get a cabin, tour the capitol, go to the memorials (M & SB went up the Washington Mem). After breakfast at the motor court restaurant July 30, we spent the a.m. at Smithsonian Inst. & Nat. History, dinner in Art Inst. cafeteria. Too late for White House, Pan Am building. We met Fred about 5:30 & went on to NY. July 31 Fred went to job awhile & we drove around Ft. Hamilton. Son got tickets for us to see "One Nite in Venice" at Jones Beach Marine Theatre. Great! August 1 Louise took Sam, SB & I to subway & we went to NYC for the day. At Radio City Music Hall we saw "Ivanhoe" & a great stage show. Then we shopped before returning on the subway & ferries. In the eve we went to Coney Island. Aug. 2 we kept Patti while Fred, Louise & Marilyn went to RCMH & to shop. Sun., Aug. 3 we went to Idlewild to see the big planes then F & L took us all around NYC. They left us to see 2 TV shows, "Information Please" & "C. Nagel Show". Home late. We left NYC August 4 heading down a 1 way so a cop showed us the way. We stopped at Yale, tried to see the sub base, on to Rhode Island & to see the capitol & on thro' Boston. Sam claimed there was too much traffic so we didn't tour the latter . No one gay. Aug. 5 we went thro N.H. to Old Orchard Beach, on to Portland & H.W. Longfellow's Home. To Cape Elizabeth light house we travelled before stopping for the night in a cabin named "Grumpy". Scenery in NH & Vt. was beautiful August 6, then thro NY all day, staying in a noisy cabin at Silver Creek with train behind & highway in front. All were anxious to get home so we left early Aug. 7, had dinner at Crestline, OH, arriving home at 10:45. So glad.
August 10 Elaine & Roger Larsen joined Marilyn & SB at Lake B. Guy was here from 6-9. Next day I finished my "book" on our travels. We met H's & Jeans for a hamburger supper at Lake B. August 12. Marilyn and I went to Laura to get Ruby Noland and spend all pm with Claree on Aug. 15. Marilyn's 3 week vacation ended Aug. 16...& she got 1 1/2 days off & was back the 17th. I fixed a picnic for Marilyn & 6 others to take to Lake B. Aug. 19 and SB & I went to the dentist and to a double feature at the Grove til they got back. The 21st we had a picnic at Lake B. with Jesse, Leona, David, Carl, Otie's, Maggie & Mrs. C. Guy & Moreys came for dinner after SS Aug. 24 and we went to Lake B. in the eve--Gene Helander with SB. Madge Rickard, her son & wife stopt to call on the 25th. Such pains under left shoulder Aug. 27--feel in a knot. To Berniece's for dinner, Martha & Linda too. To bed at 7:30. SB went to Vanderwerts for 2 nights. Aug. 28th I felt better after sleeping on the heating pad, went to men's class fish fry in Abingdon in eve. SB came home feeling sick to his stomach Aug. 29. Harold Cramer stayed with him in the eve while Gladys, Marilyn, Sam & I went to hear trumpeter Armando Ghittola in Knoxville. Sam got called out to Wilbur Sch fire & wasn't home til 6 a.m. Sun., Aug. 31. M. came home with Art Cramer. The septic tank has no more room. We went to Inez McLennan's wedding. Met Fred in edge of Knoxville. He met Louise and Patti in Galesburg Sept. 2 when Sam took hogs. That was SB's first day back at school and he wasn't feeling very good for the first few days. BT met at Jo H's Sept. 3 & nice to meet again.
By Sept. 4, the septic tank was fixed again. Marilyn was off at 10:30 so we went to get her & they vaccinated pigs. Marilyn to Galesburg to skate with girls. Son met Louise & Tolleys & to Abingdon's Fall Festival. Harshbargers joined us for Louise's birthday dinner Sept. 7. Sam's still digging to find tile & the system was finally fixed on the 9th. We rented the little house to a family from Arkansas.
Patti & Fred were here for dinner the 11th. Helen called to say Louise has a high fever. NY called to say Fred can get out 6 days early. Louise has polio!! My birthday was a worried day but Louise is doing OK. Fred took Patti in for a shot. Sept. 13 I spent gathering corn (for Fred to take to Berniece) & tomatoes. Patti helped. Betty Dalton & sister were here to rent the little house the 14th. Guy was here to see about Louise Sept. 15. Fred & Patti were here for dinner & Patti stayed til son came to get her--health orders. We went to see Louise for 1/2 hour the 16th & took her flowers. Marilyn got "striped" Sept 20. She & Nancy came for the night & we played pinochle. Next day they went back for baccalaureate & then came back for chicken dinner & more pinochle. Fred took them back in eve.
Fred went to NY. to get his discharge Sept. 22. Louise was out of the hospital and at her folks on Sept. 23. The 24th we had a mail carrier's picnic at Lincoln Park & Betty Butcher & Marilyn joined us. We went to Hotel Custer Sept. 25 to celebrate Saxer's 25th.
Fred and Marilyn joined us for supper Oct. 1. The 3rd they went with us to see Aledo & Abingdon play to a tie, back for supper the 5th. The chicken pie supper was Oct. 7. Big crowd! Tired! Play house cleaning occupied the 8th, along with puttying windows. Fred & Sam went to the football game at U. of I. Oct. 11. Louise, Patti, SB & I had a weiner roast in the orchard. We met Marilyn in Knoxville--back from Springfield on the bus. Oct. 16 four other mothers & I went to Knox Co. Home to serve cookies & ice cream. To Jean Ann's pantry shower & to Knoxville Methodist chicken pie supper. Oct. 18 the Sams went to the Knox-Monmouth game. Marilyn got her first high heels. We went to Helen Cramer's wedding. There were only 20 at SS Oct. 19 & 12 at church counting Michle. Fred's came out for a few days. The 22nd we went to Moores to dinner--Witherells too. Guy, Claude, Marilyn & Fred's came for supper Oct. 23 & Claude showed his pictures taken in Calif. We had a bridge party at Carlson's the 24th. I helped with Helen C. Ecklund's shower the 27th.. WCF was the 28th. Gave a book report on Mexico family. Oct. 29 I helped with Primary dept's Halloween part at dining room. Whew!
After SS & church Nov. 2, Fred called for SB to drive Jean's home & come back on the train. Marilyn made her first dumplings. After we took her back, we waited for the boys at H's. Ike won on Nov. 4. I went to bd club at Esther Palmer's Nov. 7 & the Sams went to Gburg & Sam & Fred to see GHS win from Monmouth. Chuck Steele dropped in Nov. 9 and later Fred's & H's did. Sam had to have his teeth rebuilt so was without 'em from the 10th-13th. Ronnie Cottom stayed overnight with SB the 10th. I was busy cleaning the basement & windows. We went to play cards & TV at Helanders the 13th. Celebrated 22 years of living here the 14th. (K's were married 5 years earlier). SB went to Davy S's bd theater party the 15th. We went to Jewel & Ernie's Nov. 16 after taking Mr. Michle back; ended up there for supper & movies. K's & Saxer's came for supper & to celebrate K's anniversary the 18th. Son stopped in for dinner the 19th. Guy H. called to say Louise had gone to the hospital. We went to get Patti & to Yates City mail carrier's. Son called at midnite to say Sheryl Louise was here.
Patti was with us the next few days & was so good. Went to PTA Nov. 21 & Marilyn called to see if I'd go to Chicago. Next day we got on the Zephyr & had bkf on the diner. M went to nurses mtg.--I to Art Institute, shopt & to show. Met Marilyn & we had supper. Back in G. at 10 pm. Son met us. Home is best.
Patti stayed with us the next few days & Fred stayed at night. Nov. 26 we got Marilyn & went by H's to see little sweet Sheryl a min. Packing & getting ready to go. Nov. 27 we went to Kentucky via Indinapolis where we had dinner--lovely turkey dinner at Gammons after we got there. Sam & Marilyn went to the show "Les Miserables" the 28th & we shopped & got him a Christmas overcoat. Ate & played cards!! The 29th we got TL a red rocker for Christmas, had a tea party in pm & more cards in eve after a lovely ham supper. We left about 6:10 in snow Nov. 30, bkf. at Indy. Snow left us in Ill, home at 4:30. Stopt at H's when we took M. back. Everyone fine.
Dec. 7 we went to Nannie & Otis' for supper & tried out their Hammond organ--fun to play. The 9th Eva H. & I shopped for servicemen (& ourselves). In eve, she, Cora & I wrapped boxes. I dyed bath things bright yellow Dec. 11th. Fred called to get Sam to help build phosp. bldg. Marilyn & Betty Butcher brought the Studebaker & stayed for supper. Dec. 13 we had the bridge group, all but George. The 14th was the coldest so far-16. We went to G. in eve to see Fred's & H's. Little girls so sweet. We got a pack of Eng. walnuts from Clair Cline the 15th. Sam & I made fruit cake & I put Eric's cover in frames to tie. We got our Christmas tree Dec. 16. The Sams to Ab. to see them win from Bushnell. Dec. 17 I made a wreath, got E's pkgs ready to send. Sam had supper in Ab. of Christian men's brotherhood. I went to Aunt Lena's & Ruth's & Ruth & I went to hear J. Brooking speak. Dec. 18 my arm & neck hurt from writing letters, sent Vera's pkg. SB to practice at church in eve. After shopping, Marilyn stopped with us to see Louise & girls. Marilyn sang "Light 1 little candle" at SS Dec. 21 & Sam played. F, L & P came to the program & son was "Sandy". Dec. 22 we went to K's new home for a lovely supper for George's bd--M. too. Fred's and Sam's mother came Christmas day--Sheryl's 1st time to see us. We packed up after folks left. The 26th we drove 560 mi. to Eureka, Kansas--grand motel & supper. Next day we forgot the suitcase! Snow but not on roads--550 mi. to Santa Rosa, NM. Dec. 28, bkf. was in Albuquerque & we saw Old Town, in Arizona--Indians, plains, cacti, Petrified Forest, Meteor Crater, Painted Desert, stayed at Flagstaff & spent eve at Rollin Wheeler's. Nice visit. It was about zero the 29th. We cooked bkf. in nice motel & started to Grand Canyon about 7:15, arriving at 9. Still grand. On to Calif. Hot in middle of day, to Diane's about 10:15. Boys asleep, so sweet. Diane was sick most of the night & not feeling good the 30th. To see Christmas displays in the rain. Had SB's gifts & rest of gifts for Diane. Diane felt OK byt 31st. We kept busy preparing for party--buffet super at 9. Brucie sick all nite, then SB.
1953
Jan 1 Diane and we went to Clair's to see the parade and for dinner. Next day we toured. We stopped at Marie Lyman's and Clara Haxton's but both were out. An incident on the way home left us subdued for the rest of the evening.
The next day was a warm one. We went to Clair's and Glada's folks joined us. Next day they came to dinner at Diane's and we went to Rollie & Nancy McAllister's for the evening. On the 5th we went to Knott's Berry Farm and later were sad to get news of Martin Porter's death. To Glendale we went next day to recover the suitcase we'd left behind. That eve we went to McAllister's for supper. Forest Lawn was our destination on the 7th. All were wishing we were home. We headed south down the coast on Jan. 8th with mixed feelings. In San Diego, we visited with Lois and Edith Porter. After breakfasting with them next a.m., Edith went with us to Tiajuana and we had a wonderful time. We also went to Point Loma and to Ramona's Place. In La Mesa, we found Ned and Marion Kinyon and stayed overnight with them.
After breakfast with the Kinyons on Jan.10th, we went to Long Beach where we had lunch with Marie Lyman and then met Clara and Mary Haxton. Mary and Sammy went shopping and we stayed for supper at Haxtons.
On to Phoenix we travelled where we got a sack of oranges through inspection. Tucson was a nice place and we went into El Paso. Next day we went to Carlsbad and spent 4 hours below. Stupendous! On to Paducah!
After breakfast at Erick on the 14th, we continued on to Enid OK for lunch, supper at Nevada MO and stopped at a motel at Wheatland, Mo. It was our longest ride of the trip.
We toured through the Ozarks next morning, having breakfast at the lake, went through the capitol at Jeff City, had dinner at Quincy and were home at 4, putting on over 5000 miles on our trip. Son joined us for supper.
Rev. Clark was our speaker at PTA next eve and the cake walks generated $20.75. Fred's were here for the weekend and Marilyn for one day.
On Jan. 18th, Sam moved his mother back to Abingdon. Guy was here for supper. Dwight Eisenhour was inaugurated on the 20th. We stopped to see Fred, Louise, Patti & Sheryl in Galesburg and later that week, they brought movies taken at Christmas for us to see. Endter's bridge party was Jan. 31st and then we picked Marilyn up at 12:15 a.m.
Fred's and Harshbargers came for Fred's birthday dinner on Feb. 1. Sam took Marilyn back and I went to bed when they left at 8. Achy!
The rest of that week I had the flu and Sam and S.B. "took over". On Feb. 9th, Sam brought his mother and Marilyn back for the night. The 12th Sam took his mother to see the ear doctor. Her hand was all swollen. Later in the week, Fred's and Marilyn were out for supper. S. B. was having asthma problems on the 16th. We went to the chili supper/movie benefit for nurses on the 17th and went to PTA the 20th.
Bernieces, Guy and Fred's were here for dinner Feb. 22nd--14 of us. I went to see Mrs. Bates 3x and called the doctor for her. Next day I went to Galesburg and got caught in a dress sale! Got a new electric sewing machine and in the eve went to Yates City to a mail carrier's turkey dinner. WCF was here the 24th and Sam went for his rebuilt teeth the 27th.
Marilyn and I went to Nolands in Laura on Feb. 28th to see Claree. She's doing OK. We stopped at Guy's March 1 on our way to Nicelys and he went too.
The Book Treasure Club had a mother/daughter banquet on March 4 & Louise and Marilyn went to it with me. The basketball tournament was on so the Sams went to that, son too. We went to Killingsworths the 6th and Sam took his mother to the doctor. We went to the capping ceremony for new nurses on the 8th.
I made pillow protectors of our first linen tablecloth. We served a dinner for Abingdon Rotary Club members--72 men and 14 women--and we went to Roy and Gertie's for dinner a couple of nights later.
That weekend, Fran Lyman, Marie's niece from CA currently studying at Knox, came for the weekend. We played bridge and enjoyed getting acquainted.
We went to the K's for supper the 18th. When I went to the dentist for fillings on March 20th, I thought the novocaine was never going to wear off. PTA was that eve. Fred's were here for supper that week. On the 25th, our outhouse, (Mrs. Jone's house) was dismantled. That eve we went to a mail carrier's mtg. at Moore's in Dahinda.
S.B. surprised me by finishing up the chicken house cleaning. (Wow!). We went to McLennan's bridge party on March 30th.
April Fool's Day I reviewed "North With the Spring" for the BT Club..enjoyed reading it. SB was sick the 4th. Fred and Mrs. Cline came for dinner. I was finishing up a poem for Marilyn. April 5th we went to Claire's for dinner. They have a nice house and we had a nice dinner and day. Fran Lyman and Norma (Walker) went for Marilyn and she came home with us.
Fred and Louise moved on the 6th and the Seckler kids stayed overnight here.
On April 9th we went to Fred and Louise's--a nice home. Garden planting started on the 14th. Sam leveled "the Mrs. Jones house" on the 20th.
We prepared a teachers' supper at church on April 23rd--fixed for 60 and got paid for 52. Grr! Harshbarger's brought Marilyn and we all enjoyed supper at Fred and Louise's on the 26th. Pearson's party was April 30th.
SB caught the bus in Abingdon May 1st to go to Leighs in Bushnell. Nancy and Marilyn went also. Gammons got here May 9th to help celebrate Mother's Day. Next day was a busy visiting day. We took Marilyn to Galesburg and Mary Baker to the train for Chicago. In the next few days, Eleanor and Jack went to Bill & Hortence Davis and Mary Lou Champion's 2 evenings. Berniece and Bob's family came for an early birthday party for B., along with Fred's & Gammons. Grace Steele died the 13th and the funeral was May 16th, same day that Gammons left.
On May 21st, 8 nurses were out for a weiner roast and trip to the creek and timber. When there wasn't cleaning to do at home, there was cleaning at church!
Bunco was fun at the mail carrier's meeting at Hoxworth's in Williamsfield on May 27th. As was our custom, we took flowers to Meridian Cemetery near Berwick on the 30th & had a visit with Guy. That eve SB, Marilyn and I went to the first Lake Bracken movie. Marilyn's vacation began the next day & we went back for another movie.
During June several nurses were out one day & joined Marilyn and SB at Lake Bracken. Vacation Bible School was going on & Marilyn helped with that & it ended with a picnic on the 12th. Marilyn & I were taking wallpaper off & cleaning at the little house. Some people named Norris had it rented. Sam planted corn early in the month.
(Mom was feeling depressed during this time & confided that to me. Never in her diaries does she come right out & say that but on June 13th says "Felt like the day".)
There were frequent visits with K's & Mary Anna's were there on June 7th. Our class reunion was on the 14th & we went to pick strawberries at Guy's on the 17th. On June19th I went to a birthday party supper at Mac (Maxine) Janes in Industry.
At 4:20 a.m. on June 21, (longest day of the year), we left for Kansas, stopping in Atwood to see the Harry Scoby's and getting to St. Francis at 8. During the week we were there, we went to see their church and hospital, visited with friends, Lila's family, Doc's (Uncle Hol's brother) family, wentt o the mountains with Vera, to Loveland, the Big Thompson and an overnight at Grand Lake. Next day we went to Denver and went to the zoo and a museum there. Hol and Verne took us to the Bonny Dam. Yes, there is water in Kansas! We left St. F. at 3:50 on the 28th and got home about 8.
On June 30th, Marilyn went to Bartonville to begin her 3 month psychiatric affiliation at Peoria State Hospital.
During July we had many visits to Lake Bracken, esp. for SB and his buddies--Corky, Gene Helander, Christy Seckler. On the 16th, he made a quick trip to Chicago with Doc--home the next day. On July 20th he had an asthma attack and we took him to Earl G's for treatment. McAllister's were here for a visit & they, K's, Fred's and Marilyn met for a picnic at Lake B. Claude and Myrtle came for dinner one day, we had a mail carrier's picnic at Lake Story. On the 23rd, I had a surprise birthday party for Sam and the bridge gang came. He was really surprised! We traded for a '52 Studebaker Commander. Mr. Stockson rented the farm house.
Marilyn came back for a nurse's dance but her escort was not to her liking. Next day she drove back to Peoria as I was feeling punk & had the stomach flu.
At our WCF picnic, Sherrill and Merle Morey came and Sherrill played the piano.
In August we went blackberrying a number of times. Between dressing chickens, putting up garden produce and fruit, my comment was "Eating is such a nuisance".
On Aug. 5th, Louise and Jean left their babies (who were so good) and took SB to the fair. I froze 2 bu. of corn.
Marilyn came on Aug. 22nd to go to Marilyn Cramer's wedding. We had breakfast at Lake Bracken on the 9th with Wises, Hopkins and Cramers. We were there several other times for movies and for a picnic with Otis, Tom Baker, Harley Ways and Mrs. Cline. Another on Aug. 25th was with the K's & Ruby's sister, Blanch.
Patti and Sherry stayed with us while Fred & Louise went to Oquawka to a fish fry and again when Fred went to Springfield to take the real estate exam on Aug. 10. Louise went with him & the girls were so good.
SB rode his bike to Jesse Baker's and I picked him up in the Jeep. On Aug. 11 my notation was "Some days are different & this was a low one". Next day there was a church ice cream supper; a huge crowd and we made $100+.
Berniece, Eleanor Blevins and her 3 came for the day on Aug. 19th & Terry stayed for a few days. The Rose boys came one day to eat lunch in the yard but not Terry!
On the 28th we went to Galesburg where a car was being drawn. A colored lady got it. The Sunday School class had a picnic at Lincoln Park on Aug. 30th.
Sept. 1 marked the first day of school for SB. The first part of the month we had picnics for Louise's birthday (her folks too) at Lake B. and with Moore's and Witherells. Larry W. kept SB company.
Marilyn was home the first weekend of the month and the 13th, Sam & I went to be with her. We ate at Bishop's Cafeteria and went to Glenn Oak Park. On Sept. 26th, SB & I went to get her...so glad her 3 months are over.
During the month Sam got 9 ewes and 1 buck; the garden continued to produce, particularly limas; the Smiths were here for Bernard & a long eve. K's came & we made 2 kinds of ice cream; SB began taking piano lessons from Mrs. Prince; I went to Prairie City with Sam to get parts; we got together with Fred's & Harshbargers for several occasions; I was in a play for WCF, "Glad to be over the play", "I need a longer day" (the 23rd)
On Sept. 27th, the four of us left for Kentucky. While we were visiting the Gammons in Louisville, we went to Ft. Knox, "Old Kentucky Home" and to Lincoln's Memorial. On the way back, with Marilyn driving, we had a slight collision in Indianapolis (I ran a very yellow or red light!!). We got home on the 30th in time for Pat's 3rd birthday supper and Marilyn returned to Galesburg with Helen.
In October we had several nice gatherings with friends--to K's for dinner & the day with Nelsons and Marilyn, dinner at Moores with Witherell's, a late Lake B picnic with Guy and Moreys, to Jesse & Leona Baker's for dinner on the 18th (when we got home, we learned a heifer had broken its leg and died! Ouch!), a bridge party at Carlson's with oyster soup as the featured entree!
Marilyn took the Studebaker to get the fender fixed on Oct. 8th & brought it home next day. We went "nutting" at Daltons. Berniece's and I went to Guy's to pick up nuts on the 25th. Sherry stayed here while Louise and Patti went to Chicago on Oct. 15th. Marilyn and Nancy went to the Abingdon game next evening and then went with Fred to meet Louise and Patti. Marilyn was home again on Oct. 21st and went out with Dale Morling in the eve. She went to Abingdon Homecoming on the 23rd and then stayed overnight at Jean Roberson's
On Oct. 17th I got 34 pieces of willoware at the Barlow sale in Abingdon. The chicken pie supper was held the 20th & there was a big crowd...so tired!
The BT Club met here and had a tour of the hospital. After years of having problems as a result of breaking my tailbone while rollerskating, I went to Dr. Crowell Oct. 22nd and he said to have it out! I went into the hospital the 27th (after going to WCF). I had a nice roommate, Miss Seaton. The coccygectomy was scheduled for Oct. 28th and I was most uncomfortable for the next day or two & had too many visitors. The pills they were giving me for pain made me sick so I fed them to my plants! When Marilyn found out, she suggested I tell the nurses! I was on my feet again by the 30th & home Nov. 1. Ruby brought me some fancy pj's from the bridge gang.
People were good to bring in food when they came to visit. By Nov. 5th I was back in the baking business and made cookies to take the nurses as a "tip"! I had the stitches out that day and by the 8th was back to normal activity.
In November Marilyn was home several times and Dale Morling came over most of those evenings. Whether he comes to see her or to talk farming with Sam, I'm not sure.
On Nov. 2 my entry was, "To Doris Paulsgrove's to dessert luncheon of B.T. Club & drove carful to Research Hosp. for tour. Sad place & hope I keep out".
I was busy making a rug for Jack out of his & Sam's pants and one for Sherry out of Fred's graduation shirt.
Letter writing was never ending...to Eleanor and Diane on a regular basis and to many others.
Fred presented the program at WCF on Nov. 24th, showing a movie. The sextette I'd been practicing with sang. "So few to care".
We celebrated Sherry's 1st birthday at Fred & Louise's--H's too. Fred's, Guy, K's & Nicelys were here for chicken pie dinner Nov.15th and we went to the Congo chicken pie supper with Fred's & later visited Rushes.
On Nov. 23rd while doing the washing, I ran my hand half through the wringer. SB was having problems with asthma on the 28th.
John Finley, Hol's nephew from St. Francis who'd been corresponding with Marilyn, came by train for a visit on Nov. 25th. She showed very little interest in entertaining him and John attached himself to Jack while they were here for Thanksgiving. They went hunting one day. Apparently John enjoyed his stay. We took him to the train on the 29th. Several of Marilyn's friends had come out Nov. 27th to "check John out" and then Marilyn went back with them to return to work.
On December 13, Sam took Marilyn to the train for Chicago where she spent the next 3 months at Michael Reese Hospital doing the required pediatric affiliation. The same 3 who had gone to Peoria went too--Mary Smith, Pat Horan & Carol Covert.
The school program was on Dec. 17th and we went to the Abingdon Methodist candlelight service on the 20th. Louise played the violin for it. That evening we had our program and gifts from the tree at church. We got our own tree up on Dec. 18th & SB decorated it.
We celebrated George's birthday at K's on the 23rd and the evening before were at Fred & Louise's for supper. Marilyn came home the 24th, arriving about 11 with Bob Fey. Eleanor & Jack's family arrived Christmas Day shortly before 2. Fred & Louise's soon came & we had lovely everything. Guy & Bernieces were out the 26th and Dec. 27th the Gammons headed home at 8 with Marilyn & Bob staying for some pinochle and then leaving for Chicago at 4:30.
SB turned 12 on the 30th. New Year's Eve we visited Harshbarger's & then went to a party at K's.
1954
Jan 1--All watched Rose Parade. Gene Helander has mumps. 2--to see"The Robe" in Gburg. 3--Only 30 at SS; to farm to feed hay to cows..and on to see Cramers & Dixies. 5--to see F.L.P. & S in eve. 6--To Cora's to Book Club; to Farm B. supper in G., Larry Watters with us 8--To A. for tickets, Weir's for 3 bu. apples, Roseville for supper & to see Ab. win close game. 10--To SS (Election & Imo supt.) & FLP & S out for dinner. 11--Letter from M. & she'd been to Swann's. Took SB for lesson & went to Lois Nelsons. 13--Helanders here for 500 & pinochle. Sammy & Gene had a good time too. 15--To see Ab. win over Knox. Sam fixed SB's bicycle & was he happy? 16--To Grove to see "Houdidni". Took hickory nut cake & 2 batches of ice cream for Bruce Hannam's surprise retirement party. 17--To SS; Guy here for dinner & canasta. 18--SB had supper with Roses & then 4H mtg. 19--Wrote in pm, never catch up. To Ab. in eve; toured new school then to see Ab win from Limestone. 23--Left for Chi. & got to M's hospital about 1. Bob Fey our chauffeur & we got dinner, to art inst. to see "Whistler's Mother" original. To Swann's for supper, Mary Baker's for the night. 24--SB & Bob arrived at 9:30, to Conrad Hilton Hotel tower for church, Museum of Science & Ind., dinner there. To Swann's for turkey dinner, hockey game, Swann's to sleep; M. to work. 25--To see Don McNeil show; to Bob Fey's school, started home about 11:15. Mitzi glad to see us. 27--To mail carrier's banquet at G. SB & Larry Watters to bb tournament. 30--SB to Larry W. til time to go to Fred's. Sam & I to Endters for bridge party; got low but had good time. 31--Fred's and Helen here for his 30th bd dinner after SS. Bob Fey for an hr. call
Feb. 1 --Took Sammy for his lesson. Card from E. that Nancy Jo has old red measles. 2--F& L to Urbana with Rex Johnson; left girls here. 3--Girls are so good. Sam to sale in G, bought combine/umbrella. Sams to bb game in Ab. 4--Mothers mtg here; F & L back at 5:30, stayed for chili 6--Witherells for chili; Moores too. 7--11 a.m. SS & then potluck; about 65. 8--Girls here while F & L. to Kewanee for funeral. Sam up n. of G. in jeep to pull combine to farm. 9--wrote more letters; finished ironing-what a gay life. Letter from M tonite-1 bright spot. 11--To Betty S. in PM to "hen party" but should have staid at home. 12--Stayed with Patti & Sheryl while folks went to bb game. Brot girls home with us. 13--F & L on early train to Chicago to Mrs. Seckler's funeral. Sams to Ab. to see Woodruff win by 1 pt. 14--Woke at 1:30 & throat was really bad. All to SS but Sheryl & me. Down most of day. F & L back for girls at 2:30. Marilyn called & she was having appendix out at 7. Called again at 8 & it was over. Wotta day. 15--Sam to dentist & had to leave teeth. Sent M. flowers. 16--Sam to get teeth. Feb. 18--to F & L's for nice supper & eve. 19--to party at K's. 20--Left at 7:30 for Eleanor's. Big dinner at Attica; a flat & new tire at Rantoul. Got to L. 5:30; big supper, all fine. 21--to church with E's, rode over city & down to new Ford plant. To Blue Boar for lovely supper. 22--Left at 7..nice scenery thro KY. Dinner at Corbin, KY & heard frogs; thro Smokies & Great National Forest, snow on top turns. Nice motel at Sylva, NC. Good sleep on our own feather bed!! 23--So frosty when we left. Saw robins, heard mockingbirds, peach trees in bloom, stayed at Alma, GA 24--To St. Augustine; oldest everything here. Took guided tour, our own tour, wax museum. 25--Sunny & warm but Sammy not feeling good. To Tallahassee & looked over capitol, gulf lovely & got out on beach. To Pensacola, "Quo Vadis". SB says "Im getting mumps". 26--He was right! Face so round & not feeling too good. To Mobile, on to Booneville MS. 27--Cloudy & cooler. Bkf at Jackson Tn, Anna, IL for dinner, home at 8-best motel yet. Supper of bacon & eggs..or was it bfast?
March 1--Sammy's face as round as the moon. He's keeping quiet. 3--Mrs. Olson entertainer for BT luncheon here. 18 & her colored pictures were nice. 4--Sam brot up lamb & SB & I tried to feed it. To G. in eve to see 2 terrific games. 5--Stayed with Patti & Sheryl while F & L to Chicago on train. 6--Beautiful day for Jean's wedding. Had a good time with girls; Sam's mother stayed with them--we to Peoria to Frankie H's wedding & reception. Harley Steele with us; SB at Helanders. 7--Call from Guy that Hol died last night. Cliff Finlay called that we could go in his car. Called Berniece & we met at Ab. & left at 11:45. 8--To Vera's at 2:30; she's doing well. Claire's there before us. 9--Funeral at 2 after lovely dinner served by church ladies. All family at Vera's for supper. 10--Rode around town, out to Doc's. Sweetbread dinner at Vera's, with Lila, Vern to see cows, get cactus. 11--Left at 6:30; Cliff pouty.? 12--Feeling better all the time nearing home. Got to Fred's at 11:30; Sam came soon after noon. So tired. 13--To Geo &Ruby's for good supper & eve. 14--To SS; Fred's came for dinner, visit & staid til about 8. 15--Took SB for his lesson; he to 4H; Guy over in eve. 16--Saw first robin (up here). 19--SB & I to PTA & wished I'd stayed at home. 20--To McL's for party; M. called & they're thro' at Chicago. 21--SB played special no. piano solo; M. to Fey's for dinner & on to capping-Sandburg Cottage & to H's. Berniece & kids here. 22--Visited school at last recess. Guy here & staid for supper. 23--To Eva's for WCF; big crowd. Took M. back to hosp. after "Martin Luther". 24--To mail carrier's at Mathews. Edison stayed here. 26--We 4 to the West to see "Shane" & "Here to Eternity". Bob Fey brot M. 27--To farm to "get up cows". Bob too; 5 got away. He took M. back to work; Larry & SB having lots of bb. 28--To Rush's to see Mary after SS. Dinner after M. got off; Bob brot her out at 5.
April 4--Worked on scrap books for Patti Sheryl Bruce & Eric. Freds, K's, Carol & Ken, Bob here for M's bd dinner at 6. Noisy eve. 5--Darned 3 yd. tablecloth that got burned from sparkler 7--The mocking bird was back; to Julia's for book club, to Congo with F & L as Rotary guests; good supper, great music. 9--Cork here for night; he &SB to West, we to Grove to see "Roman Holiday". 11--1st Sun. the primary rm in dining room. Big crowd--74 at SS . 12--To get M before bkf; Patti here after dinner & others joined us for supper. 15--Telegram at 9 of little girl for Diane & Al. 16--should have staid in bed all day; Minnie Thurman here at bkf timel To get M. at 10; ready to come at 12:30! SB got pingpong set, M & I to Ab. Good Fri.; Imo here at supper time. 17--Bob out to get rest of calves caught..no go. He & SB flew kite rest of pm. He & M. to show in G.. 18--To SS & Church --Don Manworren. Bernieces, Fran Lyman, Claire's, Lois', Guy, Fred's, Dorothy & Harry, M & Bob for ham loaf, noodles; 2 candy egg hunts. 19--Put in garden, to 4H with Sammy at school. 20--To G. to meet Alan's fiancee--26 there. 21--More rain; think it will be 40 out of 60. Sammy glad to be back at school. Got dandelions with McCoys & Mrs. Bates. 22--Piano tuner here (for dinner too). Mr. Bart brot back re-done chairs--$41. 23--To PTA, new officers. 24--To Evelyn Anderson's for nice party. M called from Fey's; they were going to timber. 25--Big crowd at church for communion, baptism. Bob & M out & all to timber. Sam, Bob fell off the log; F & L's here for eve. 27--WCF & started furnace at church; Guy here for dinner. 28--Sam to G. for M & Frances L. at noon; to woods-32 mushrooms. To Knox play. 29--Guy brought cake stand, blue dish & nutcracker of Wanda's.
May--Mushroomed at Les' L's timber; M. home late. 2--all to SS, Bob over to get M to go to ME church & stay for dinner. 3--framed Diane's painting, glued old doll bed. 4--Son here for chili & a long visit. when does he sleep. 5--To Daltons to climb corn crib & catch 6 roosters! 6--Dressed 5 roosters-5# average at 50 cents a head. Imagine. 7--Bill Wise has mumps at age 47. 9--To SS & Congo Church. To Fred's for nice day; Helen, ED, Maude & Grandpa too. Patti & "little" Wilson got lost. 11--To Roseville to little 6 relays. Ab. lost to Knoxville. 12--Planted lots of seeds, 3 new rose bushes. 14--To Ab Cong mother/daughter banquet-Louise, Mrs. C., Gladys & Eva Helander-veree nice. 15--Great news from Diane; she plans to come next mo. 16--M. to Marilyn Hovell's wedding & to call on Aunt Verna. All to SS. 20--SB & Sam to Links to get 4H pig. 21--PTA in eve & the last one. 24--To Tasty Grill for supper & then party at Pearson's. 25--New chairs & tables came at church. WCF with Mrs. Harris & "her bells". 26--Picnic at school & what a dinner & crowd. Sam & I to mail carrier's party at Smitha's at Wataga. M. home with Bill W. 27--Sam & M started painting & that brot the rain. Jim E. out for M. in his 31 blue chevie. 29--Girls here for day-Grandpa H. had surgery. 30--Dan Manwarren beginning as minister, F & L with us to Meridian, Greenbush & Olive.
June--1--M & I cleaned kitchen cabs, washed NE side of house. Jim Ecklund out for supper; played pinochle & bridge 2--Gave "Nothing is Dripping on Us" at Book Club at Gladys C's. It rained & rained! 3--FLP & S out to stay all nite. 4--F & L left really early for Champaign. SB kept girls while I went to Hornback sale. 5--To Congo SS class supper; looked at Shanks for dress. 7--Heavy rain & hail at 8. Sammy to vacation bible school. Swanns came about 7:30. 8--They & SB to Claire's & staid for dinner. F & L's out for supper. 9--Swann & Guy went on route with Sam. Barbecue & other picnic for supper. 10--M back for 1/2 day. Swann took his car for Sam's rte. Swanns left about 1. Went to bed. M's vacation begins. 11--Mail inspector at noon. Sheared sheep. Marilyn started painting front porch. Jim here at 2; played cards in eve. 12--Sam up to plow before 4, M & I to G. to meet Vera at 6:45; Guy over. M & Jim to big wedding; we to Dorothy's. M & J. here for more cards. 13--No sleep last nite, feel terrible. To SS & then to Leota's in Peoria for class reunion--about 15 altogether. M & J to Ab. church & Lake B. picnic. She & Sheryl here when we got back. 14--Vera to Lois' for supper with Claire's. M. painting & kept at it all day. To Abby to "Go Man Go". 15--Felt so completely all in; washed & it was better to be working. 16--Made 80 cookies for bible school. Nancy & Greg Leigh up for day at Lake. Fred's got new davenport, brot ours back to porch. 18--Sally here to see M; Jim down in eve. Used fan all nite. 19--Picked 3 gal. peas; Jim helped hull. They to Lake. F & L bought maple bedroom set. 20--SS program & church & then to dinner at Cora &Dick's. Vera home with us; cards in eve. 21--SB off to Shaubena. Vera & I picked & seeded cherries. M painted, to Ab. with mailman to stay with Patti & Sheryl. 22--More cherries; Vonna here for Vera. F & P brot M. home, also chiffonier & Patti's bed. 23--Sam & M. left for Chicago at 7. Quiet around here & I can use it. 24--Diane's plane late; home at 3:45. Diane's look fine. "3" so sweet. 25--Girls, Bruce & Eric to Lake awhile. Fred's here for D's bd supper & it was grand to have them "nearly" all home. Soon will. Charlie McCoy took pictures; lots of fun. 26--Nolands here in a.m. Sam took M. to G & she went to Louisville for week. 27--To SS & Sam, SB & I to church. Diane broiled T bones. Fred's here; "picnic" on the porch. 28--Vonna brot Vera back & Betty Scoby Van Hoose to get her after supper. Elyse so sweet a little girl. To Ab. to sign farm contract to Feathers. 29--WCF in pm. Ella, Gladys Cramer here after supper.
July 1--Vera back to go with us to Fred's for delish supper. 2--Eleanor's, Marilyn arrived at 2 am; lots to fix bkf for. Jim at 10; 39 here for weiner/hamb supper--Berniece's Guy, Martha's, Claire's, Nicelys 4--To Lake B picnic to celebrate Ruby's bd; M.A's too. Wises here in eve. 5--Gladys, Helen, Marilyn to call; Dixie & folks in PM. E & J's left in afternoon & Jim about 7. D, M, J & SB to swim. 6--Sam, his mother & I to Nettie Woods funeral. 7--Girls & 3 to Louise for HS girl party. The Lundburgs, Otis, Nannie, Mary & her 2 here 8--Bruce's bd; Claude & Myrtle out in eve. 9--27 cousins here for the day. Made pineapple sherbert, 2 ga. choc. ic. Sammy to G with Berniece; Jim here about 8, 10--Vera cut out red & white checked sun dresses for Jo, Patti, Sheryl. M & J. to swim & over for Diane's who were at Nolands. 11--Took turns going to SS/church. D, M & J. to swim. Took M. back to work & got Sammy. 13--To Jewel Johnson's for lovely dinner, nice day. Vera home with Bessie. Eileen & Harry out in eve. 14--Diane, her 2 & Sammy to Lake B in pm. Mae & Char. H. here for long eve. 15--Forrie & Myrt brot M. out at 5. The K's out to help out the eve. Vera came back. 16--Vera, S & I took Diane & 3 to Chicago. At Swann's awhile. Plane left at midnite. We got here at 20 of 4. 17--SB to Gene H's all nite. M & J out & played bridge with S & V. 18--Jean Steel Porters here before SS & in late PM Billy's too. To Lake B. for poor show. Vera to Claire's. 20--Hot!! Helped with galloping bfast at church til 11. SB not feeling good & is down 22--Made Sam's bd cake--french cream. FLP & S out. 23--M & Sam painted. Got Lake B. supper for bd club--14 there. Jim here when I got home, took M. back. 24--Jim went on route with Sam. M off at 3:30 & we went to "Dial M for Murder"--bridge & pinochle after supper; M & J beat us. 25--To SS, church. J took M back for work at 3; Mable & Cliff brought Vera back. To ic supper at church--crowed. Made ic & cake. 28--Vera & Sammy playing lots of canasta. Sam & I to mail carrier's party for Mr. Hartman at Yates City 29--Picnic supper for Reece & Viola. 30--M painting. She, Jim took Vera to Ruth's. To Helanders in eve. 31--To New Salem; supper at Wagon Wheel Inn. Show "Prologue to Glory". M. drove home.
Aug 1--M. took our car to work; called at 1 & was sick. Went with Jim to bring our car home. She was better & up. To K's & then to no acct. show at Lake B. 2--It was great to stay home a nite. 3--Quick supper & then to get 4 qts. blackberries. 4--Larry Watters here to spend day with Sammy before he got up. Picnic supper for K's, Elizabeth Killey (?), M & Nancy. 5--Gene H. & Davy here to make little cart to pull back of tractor; worried me so. Met M & Nancy in K. & went to the fair. Lots of horse racing; real good. All had fun. 6--M & Sam painting 3/4 little house. Nancy up at 11. Sheryl staid here while others to fair. Jim arrived about 8 & took M & N back. 14--M with Sam on route, took M. to G. after supper. To Little League ball game & to Transportation fair. 15--Served dinner for Steeles at church dining room; to Art & Louise's 50th anniversary, to Lake B. show. 18--SS class dinner at Lake. Took 7 & went in Jeep; all but 1 in to swim. All seemed to have fine day. 19--Sam found over 3 bu. apricot kind peaches at 10 acres. Picked 3 gal. foodhooks. M & Terry out. 20--We canned peaches! What else could one do? Put limas in freezer & dressed a hen in my spare moments. 21--M & Terry took Jeep, she to work, fixed peaches! 22--To Galena (Grant's home & museum with Fred's, Helen. Back on IA side, melons in Moline, show at Lake. 23--Ernie Link took SB's pig to 4H fair. 24--To 4H fair in jeep soon after 7. Watched 4H show pigs all a.m. Sammy got blue ribbon. Woody Smith hauled the pig to G. 27--Took treatment of Dr. Thiele. SB to dentist & 2 teeth out. Sam & I picked over 4 gal. fordhooks. 29--To Fred's, Helen & Jean's 3 oldest also. Men & kids up to get Guy--nice lunch, visity time. 31--M. with Ab. girls to Lake B for supper; Sam to church mtg.
Sept. 1--M. gathering up to move to new apt; Sam took her in & helped buy their groc; to Book Club at Georgia's. 3--Took corn to M's apt; SB had other 2 teeth out. Witherells, we took Moore's to Am Beauty for silver ann. supper; pinochle at W's. 4--The Sams to farm to bale; SB drove truck to haul in. 5--SS, church, K's, Nelsons dropt in. SB to Lake, we went at show time. 6--Labor Day & we froze corn. Guy called that his father had died. To G. & men to ball game & I to see Mary Purdy & Berniece & then go to Lake B picnic & show 7--Louise, Mrs. Rich out for corn. Had her birthday dinner at Lake B & then to Pecks for 4H. 11--To see Art & Louise an hr. in pm. They have reason to be blue. 12--Heard M. come in at midnite. So glad to have her home. Church potluck dinner for Don M. Nice day. 13--M painting foundation; first day at KHS for SB. 15--I finished foundation painting. 17--To see Roger Rush's; to Fred's for nice supper, then to new football field & ceremony. Ab beat CC. 1--To K's for supper & eve; M & SB to Orph. 19--M helped me get Elyse cover in frame. F & L & girls here for eve. 20--M's first day in white. Marilyn Pearson has a girl. 21--Moreys here for Merle's bd dinner. 22--Got bu. of grapes of Imo's brothers, to Lincoln Park for chilly but fun mail carrier's hamb. fry. 23--Fixed 14 qts grape juice--takes a long time! 24--Sam got blue chevie (37!) Got M. & to Monmouth--Ab game. SB to Knoxville game. 25--Got SB blue suit & pink shirt. Sams to Knox game; got 2 hens from McCoys--10 cents a #. 26--Made my first grape pie; to G. for Marilyn's baccalaureate; dinner at Canton Cafe, she to work at 3. Fred's surprised us for nice eve. 27--To Saxers for supper party, M home with us. 28--Sam to Peoria to meet Gammons. I to church to fellowship; to G to M's graduation; lovely service & nice reception, lots of gifts. 30--E & I fixed bu of tomatoes--18 qts, 6 juice. E. took T.L to Patti's bd ; weiner roast in eve & M. out with Helen & Fred's.
Oct.--1--Fred's first day on new route at Abingdon; E & I dressed 4 hens; she to Mary Lou's. TL helped pick beans; M. out with E & back to KHS game with Sams. 2---Late bd cake for E; Jack on rt. with S; to Carol Covert's wedding, McCoys over to show pictures. 3--E & J left at 6; To SS, Guy here for visit. Fred paints his advertising truck. 4--SB down with asthma til 4. 5--Berniece, Eleanor, Patty out for day; took Sam to school party, Larry W. too. 6--To Leita's for BT luncheon; Louise & Mrs. Stone special music. 7--To Fred's; Sheryl & I to Aunt Lena's; others to see Ab beat KHS. 8--Floyd Stegall won the new car in G. 9--Mailed Elyse's cover, etc 11--Worst flooding in Chicago in 69 years. 12--SB to football game & got chin stepped on!!, to see "Magnificent Obsession". 13--Sammy to 4H weiner roast /hayride. 14--M. held light while I sorted in storeroom; cleaning, curtains, windows, etc. 15--M. to AHS homecoming; lotsa wax, K wonder beans. 16--Did I change her mind? (?..I wonder if this was about Jim Ecklund?) 17--Furnace not ready, no SS; Sam to Congo SS & Church. 23--To food sale at Block & Kuhl. Grand; everyone helped--$142.40. 25--Sammy back in eve with Roses for rehearsal. 26--WCF at church; good crowd & program. 27--SS weiner roast--nice crowd & time; took kids to KHS & helped teachers with float material. 28--Sam having "vacation" picking corn. To K's in eve for club dinner party; Sammy to KHS game. M & Nancy home with us. 29--M & N to see Art Steele's; to G. in eve & SB to KHS doings. Jim Ecklund, Fred's to Aledo to see Ab win. 30--M & N to Nancy's in blue car. 31--New furnace wouldn't heat; 1 min. SS. To Congo Church & on to Bessie's for lovely dinner--Berniece; Guy, Emma(his new wife). Stopt at F & L's for nice eve with them.
Nov1--Diane has new washer/dryer; 2 in. of snow here. 3--M. taking state boards today & tomorrow; Book club here & nice program; Sam finished corn picking. 4--Firemen's ham supper in K; dancing later-first time ever with Sammy. 9--To see "Gone With the Wind" at the Abby. 10--M. brought Nancy & Pat out for supper & we all (Fred's too) went to Bushnell to see Ab win. 11--M. met girls in Ab. at 4 & to Macomb to hear Fred Waring. 12--Came home in new blue grey Stude. Keen! Helped with banquet of Congo class at church. Sam took SB & Beverly to K. to a party. 14--Sam woke at 3 with back/head ache. To SS, K's out for dinner; Mable Woods & cousins to call; Fred & Pat here in eve. 17--Larry W. with SB while Fred's & we to Horine's at Rio for mail carrier's. 19--Sam to ME church supper at Ab; SB to PTA. 20--Mother's food sale--too much for customers; men cleaned church basement. H's, we to Fred's for Sheryl's bd supper; M & Jim dropped in. 21--SS, early dinner; to open house at KHS & SB "hosted". Sid & Gene here playing chess. 23--M working on scrap book; I on rugs. PO inspector to call. M to give talk at Ab Jr. Women's Club. We to Endter's for bridge, dinner; SB to Orph. 24--Sam traded truck with Mr. Feathers; to Ab. ME Union service. 25--To lovely turkey dinner at H's at 2--Jean's, Helen's Dad too. Got M. at 3:15. Most to Orph to see "White Christmas". 29--Dr. M. gave me a check over & shot. Hope I get over this & soon. 30--To WCF; large crowd & play on India; Alan K. off to army.
Dec 1--Dutchmaid party at "orange" hall for mother's unit. To F & L's in eve & Sams to Rotary football banquet with Fred. 2--To Lucille Courter's to give "The Gentle House for BT Club. 7--Sam to Ab. to Christian brotherhood supper. We had soup, made donuts. 8--M & I shopped, to see Eleanor, Patty, to K for 2nd shot. Sam helped Fred with cement floor. 9--Worked on placemats (M. to Diane); staid with girls while others to football game. 11--Sam's class chili party at church. 14--WCF & I had the program; M. sang & Jo H. played for her; M to see Art & Louise. 15--Finished green tablecloth for Louise; down to see Sam's mother. 16--To Roy's for nice eve & supper; FL& P to practice-Sheryl staid with us, so good. 17--To take treatment of Dr. Larson; M & Nancy home with us for supper & to see Ab. win from Bushnell. 19--Program at Church & tree. Always get too much. 20--Sam to Dr. Crowell & decided on Jan. 17. M, N & P leave apt; what a lot to move. 4H potluck. 21--M went with Sam. Sam & I to KHS music program; Dad & M to AHS bb game. 22--M to Ab. to go with Fred & he forgot her! M. helped Sam put up aerial on his mother's house; she doesn't want it for permanent job. M & SB with Betty's (Bates) class to carol. 22--M with Sam again; did my wrapping. Sam to see Mary B. at Ab. E & J got here at 11:30, got up & talked til 12. 25--M. up to stay with Steeles awhile. Big turkey meal at 6; our tree after; so many gifts; lovely day. Guy, Berniece, Terry to call. 26--E & J left early; lots of dishes to do; finished placemats for D. from M. 27--Made Elyse pillow & 2 cases To K. to see "Sabrina"; Nancy arrived. 28--Took M & Nancy to 6:45 Zephyr; sleety. Sammy on courch all day wheezy. 29--Thot of M & N all day. Arthur Steele passed away. A very bad day; Sammy OK. Helped Sam round up hogs & sheep to send. 30--Made choc bd cake for Sammy. To see Louise & Martha. Edison came & he & SB went coasting. Hannams down about RLCA banquet. To see "Heidi". 31--To funeral. Ready for party in good time; Saxers & McLennans til 10:30 when K's got here--G. just got off work. Good fun.
1955
The letter announcing Marilyn's passing state boards arrived and I wrote to her at Diane's & put RN after her name. On the 13th, she and Nancy Leigh returned from Calif. Sam was admitted to Cottage Hospital the 16th & had surgery for hernia repair the next day. He thought he'd like to have a spinal after Marilyn's experience when she had her appendectomy. It didn't work! He could feel Dr. Crowell working so was given a general anesthesia, in addition. As a result, he went into shock. Not until 6 pm did his warmth and color return. What a scare! By the 19th Sam was doing well. Marilyn and 4 suitcases headed off to Chicago with Nancy to work at VA Research Hospital.
Sam was discharged Jan. 21. The 22nd Flora & I went to SS and then she came for dinner and K's came in the eve as well as FLP&S in the eve. We had lots of snow & Charlie plowed us out. SB went coasting! Nettie & Harold were here for cards the 25th. F & L picked us up the 26th & we went to the mail carrier's banquet at Elks Club & bingo. Sam got the bandage off Jan. 28 and we got SB's violin. Jan. 31 Sam went to a sale. In the eve McCoys came to play cards in the eve & we laffed til we ached.
We had the bridge gang for supper Feb. 6th--turkey supper & nice eve. Mrs. Feather was here to borrow $500 Feb. 9. Marilyn came on the train Feb. 13. She & Sam went to Gburg the 14th while I went to a church dinner. Sam brought me red roses and F & L came out for supper. We took Marilyn to the train the eve of the 15th & got ready to leave. Feb. 17 we drove to E & J's & had a lovely roast beef supper & played several kinds of cards. Jack took us on a tour of the Ford plant the 18th. Feb. 19 we drove to Nashville and stopped at Andrew Jackson's "Hermitage", had a whole trailer for motel in Calhoun Ga. Next day we slid thro' Ga and found a good motel at Lake City, Fla. Feb. 21 we went to Silver Sprgs & took the boat trips--most unusual. SB to Reptile show & Ind. homes. On to Winterhaven & motels were taken so a tourist home got our $8. Feb. 22 we went to the Citrus Bldg to see "Tom Moore Show'..but Tom was in NY. To Cypress Gardens & took boat trip & saw Beers & Robersons! Saw the water ski show, lunch at Lake Wales--Spook hill? & Bok Tower. No motels again so stayed in lovely home in Lakeland. Feb. 23 we were given a tour of Agrico at Mulberry, Fl, then to St. Petersburg & delish lunch at famous Webb City. To Clearwater for a nice motel & to beach. Saw sun go down in ocean & SB swam?! Feb. 24 SB's asthma was working on him--swimming not good. We stopped at Homosassa Sprgs, on to Panama City for the night. On to Pensacola we went Feb. 25, Mobile & spent the night at a punk place at Waynesboro, MS. We had lovely days all the way til rain began at Jackson TN Feb. 26. We stopped at a new motel at Cairo & went to see "Flight to Tangiers". We were safely home Feb. 27 at 4. Called Fred's & they were just back from Miss.
March 1 Sam went back to work. I used my new automatic pan to fry chicken. March 6. March 12 400 music visitors came to KHS. Orchestra mothers took over cafeteria--home at 2:40. Started tearing up Marilyn's uniforms to make rugs March 16th; planted sweet peas next day. Sam & I to piano trio at Central Church March 14 & it was great--SB to Orph. March 19 Sam & I to auction at Maquon & got silver tea set & antique rocker.. Sam bought 3 sows & 21 pigs March 21. March 23 SB went with Sam after no mail March 22 because of snow & blow. This ends 25 years of mail carrying by a fine faithful man. In eve to mail carrier's party at Cunninghams--SB to West. March 24 the fire siren woke us at 3--all burned at Don Dredge's. SB helped with mail; more snow that night so he helped the next days too. Fred's were out March 27 and we used the cleaned up teapot for 1st time. Marilyn came on the train March 31.
April 2 orchestra mothers served meal for music contest. April 3 the church furnace wasn't working so we went to Congo church. To Elaine & Fred Smith's wedding in the afternoon & M. poured punch. We had her birthday supper early April 4 & she caught the train back to Chicago. The 5th we went to Witherells for Kenny's Mulligan supper. SB & Corky to hs carnival. The 6th Louise & Mrs. Stone were my guests at the Book Club luncheon at Ab. Congo Church. Sam started on the south wall. April 8 to G. for another house jack. Sam so tired-me too-Why me (??). April 10 87 at SS & a good crowd at church. Helen had gone