This is a set of diaries/journals that I have that were written 1915-1918 by my great grandmother, Mary Heathcote Thomas, while she was living with my mother's family when my grandfather was headmaster at New London Academy, New London, VA – Contributed by Elizabeth Shumate
1915
"Excelsior‑
Trademark. Daily Journal for 1915. Sold by Farnham Printing & Stationery
Co., Minneapolis. Published Annually for the trade."
"Board Of Managers Meet. New Teacher Elected for New London Academy
"At a meeting of the board of managers of New London Academy, held in the office of John P. Adkins, Miss Susie E‑ Poole was appointed teacher of Latin and mathematics; Miss Sarah McCauley, teacher of 6th and 7th grades‑ and H. D. Lemmon, farmer. The report of Miss Bushong, retiring principal, was received, and a resolution passed commending her efficiency. Resolutions were also passed asking suggestions for the formation of an association of alumni of the school and pledging the board to meet with an equal appropriation not to exceed $50 any sum expended on the improvement of the grounds of the academy during the next 12 months.
"A resolution was also passed calling a meeting of the board of managers at the school, Tuesday, July 1‑5, at 10 o'clock. The Otter river district school board of Campbell county and the Otter river district school board of Bedford county and all interested patrons of the school are requested to attend this meeting in order to consider financial matters."
JANUARY 1915 ‑ (30‑335) SATURDAY 30
Tommy's birthday. A cold blustering day. Jim went to Dickens with Mr. Good. He bought me a yard of calico to make June an apron. We finished her red dress.
JANUARY 1915 ‑ (31‑334) SUNDAY 31
A terribly stormy day. I went to bed at 11 a.m. and slept until 3 p.m. My cold made me so sleepy. Have felt better since,
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (32‑333) MONDAY 1
Blew and drifted all day. Snow drifted all around house and barn.
Heard over the phone that there are fourteen inches of snow on the level.
Black and white calf died from bloat caused by giving it warm water to drink.
They had a terrible time taking care of the stock. On Top of all, the pump balked.
Walter was out five hours helping Jim.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (33‑332) TUESDAY 2
Tipped and pressed a waist for Mattie and helped her make two aprons.
Have had no mail for two days. The roads are so badly drifted that they can't get through.
The weather has not been very cold during the storm but it has drifted so badly.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (34‑331), WEDNESDAY 3
Ripped and pressed an old white wool waist of Nellie's. About all I did after helping with the work.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (35‑330) THURSDAY 4
Rained, sleeted and snowed alternately all day.
Partly made Nellie's waist.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (36‑329) FRIDAY 5
Wind changed from southeast to Northeast. Air so full of snow all day that we could only see a short distance.
Considerably colder to‑night.
Finished a little handkerchief for June also Nellie's waist. Jim is getting tired of incessant choring.
Had to wade through the snow and so much shoveling to do. Spreader is covered with snow and can't get to it.
He said this morning he had gotten one tongue so the weight of the snow shouldn't break it and we found it was pointing straight up to the sky. This has been a terrible week. Snow piled everywhere. Stock walking over fences.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (37‑328) SATURDAY 6
Bright and clear when we got up and has been a beautiful day overhead.
The weather prophet promises us another and more severe storm than the one we've had.
I don't see how it can be much worse.
The question is how to get feed for the stock, hope the cows will get filled up before the next one comes.
Have sewed a little to‑day. Mattie ripped an old silk waist of mine given to me by Mae several years ago. We talk of making June a dress of it.
Sent an order to Montgomery Ward & Co.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (38‑327) SUNDAY 7
Been a nice day but is cloudy to‑night.
I went out after breakfast and partly shoveled a
path to closet. Got about one third done when Mattie came out and began
scolding. I was just getting over my cold and she said, "You'll be sorry
for this." We'll see.
Have been cutting clippings out of the papers nearly all day. You see I had a book given me by Mae at Christmas for clippings.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (39‑326) MONDAY 8
Cloudy this morning but cleared up later.
Got a letter from Mae.
Mrs. Culver was operated on to‑day.
Been a nice day but wind is in the south and to‑morrow will probably be stormy. Haven't done much of any thing today outside of the housework. Wrote a letter to Nellie and a card to Mae.
The Mailman
came around to‑day so the package containing the little red dress, aprons
and panties for June are gone. They have been wrapped up a week. The mailman
came in the forenoon yesterday so we missed him.
Have just heard that there's no hope for Mrs. Culver getting better. Will leave a baby less than a month old and four others.
Mr. Good and Mr. Garnet were helping Jim haul straw. Here for dinner.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (41‑324) WEDNESDAY 10
Sewed on the dress for June that we're making out of my old silk waist. We were interrupted this forenoon by the colts breaking down the gate. Was 1 o'clock when we got in after mending the gate.
Had our dinner then went up to Mrs. Thompson's to help her make a hood.
Mrs. Will Jink's sale was to‑day. Jim walked over with Mr. Good and was gone all day
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (42‑323) THURSDAY 11
Washed to‑day. Not cold, snow quite soft.
Mrs. Culver died this morning at Spencer Hospital. Mr. Chilfont also died this morning.
Mr. Straub, who rented his farm after losing his wife in December, vacated it. Jim hauled a load to the Grove for him.
Got a letter from Nellie. Says she is very busy.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (43‑323) FRIDAY 12
Lincoln's birthday. We ironed this morning and sewed this afternoon. After dinner I took a nap, as I was tired. Mr. Chilfont was buried this afternoon at Greenville. Cloudy and colder all day. Wind in north‑east and rained a little.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (44‑321) SATURDAY 13
Rained the greater part of the day. Mrs. Culver's funeral to‑day. Did not have much Saturday's work to do. Finished the little silk dress for June.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (45‑ 320) SUNDAY 14
We sewed and St. Valentine's Day.
Had company for dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Good, Mr. and Mrs. Garnett and baby. We enjoyed their being here. The morning was cloudy but quiet. During the forenoon the wind raised and by afternoon it had developed into a real snowstorm.
Mr. Good and I planned a trip to the East to go over some of the old battlegrounds.
We are not taking Mrs. Good with us. She has to stay home to take care of the farm. (?)
We shall be quite congenial as he is about 32 and I 65 years old.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (46‑319) MONDAY 15
Been a nice day. Got a box of carnations, one dozen, from the Spencer greenhouse.
Inside the box was a card on which was written, "Will you be my valentine?" and signed, June Mary Alma. They think of every day that comes along including birthdays, Valentine Day, Etc. We are much pleased with the flowers and will make them last as long as possible. Have them on the sideboard.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (47‑318) TUESDAY 16
Been a fine day. Enlarged a dress to‑day.
My avoirdupois keeps increasing so have to keep fixing up dresses to keep pace with it. Worked on a pair of old corsets after finishing dress‑ Jim helped me, one day, to chop off about two inched on top of every steel, forty of them. To‑day sewed casings over steels again and have them ready to find. First time I ever did that job and don't care for it again.
Judd Thompson, the wrestler, was here for dinner. Was helping Jim haul hay.
Got a letter from Nellie with one included from Mae telling about the flowers June sent.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (48‑317) WEDNESDAY 17
Was quite fine till about the middle of the afternoon when it began to cloud and by 5 o'clock it was raining.
Jim took a load of oats to Gillett Grove for Mr. Straub. Hattie went along and took her eggs to be shipped. 35c per dozen. $5.40 worth.
I sent for a calico dress, a gray with narrow white stripes.
I finished up a dress I was enlarging and sewed on the old corsets.
Wrote a letter of thanks to June for the nice flower valentine she sent me. Mattie and Jim got their dinner at Mr. Lahmon’s. Mattie phoned to Walter's. Hilda said he had gone to Spirit Lake to referee a basketball game.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (49‑316) THURSDAY 18
Was fairly clear this morning but is cloudy and drizzly to‑night. There is lots of water. Some of the Gillet Grove children had to be sent home early in the afternoon as the water was spreading rapidly over the valley
Jim hauled a load of hogs to Dickens for Mr. Good. Got 6c.
Mattie cut out and partly made a new calico dress for herself, which she got yesterday.
I finished the everlasting corsets.
Looked for a letter from Mae yesterday and to‑day. Maybe it will come to‑morrow.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (50‑315) FRIDAY 19
Cloudy. A letter from Mae saying June had been sick. Had her worst day the day the little red dress got there.
Cared nothing for it.
Hope she was able to enjoy the one we sent later.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (51‑314) SATURDAY 20
Foggy most of the day.
Nothing special.
Sewed the greater part of the day.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (52‑313) SUNDAY 21
Rained all day.
Wrote two letters, one to Al and Edna and the other to the cousins in England.
FEBRUARY 1915 ‑ (53‑312). MONDAY 22.
Washington's birthday.
No mail to-day. Been cloudy and foggy all day. Have an idea it will be cooler to-morrow.
Washed and dried the clothes in the house. Also churned.
Mended socks this afternoon.
To-morrow we are going to pick chickens.
FEBRUARY 1915 - (54-311) TUESDAY 23
Cloudy. Picked 54 chickens and 7 ducks.
Was tired at noon, but after dinner laid down and took a little nap which refreshed me.
FEBRUARY 1915 - (55-310) WEDNESDAY 24
A fine bright day.
Jim and Mattie packed the chickens and Jim took them to the Grove to ship to Chicago to Wm Clough, a commission man.
Bought back our order from Montgomery Ward.
Received a letter from Mrs. Ashburn.
I opened it on the way back and the wind caught one sheet and carried it over the ploughing. Had two muddy feet when I got back.
FEBRUARY 1915 - (56-309) THURSDAY 25
Another fine day.
We filled the barrel of goose-feathers, picked in November, into sacks to scald and clean and cleaned up back kitchen.
I took some borrowed sugar to Mrs. Thompson’s this afternoon. She is getting ready to move next Monday, the lst of March.
I notice in the "News" that Lou Walker and Wood Baston got married.
FEBRUARY 1915 - (57-308) FRIDAY 27
Fine day.
Sent birthday package to Nellie.
FEBRUARY 1915 - (58-307) SATURDAY 28
Fine day.
Sewed most of the day.
FEBRUARY 1915 - (59-306) SUNDAY 29
A nice day.
Nellie's birthday.
We went to Mr. Lahmon’s. Went in the sled but parts of the road were bare.
Sleighing is done unless it snows again.
MARCH 1915 (80-305) MONDAY 1
Fine day and moving day for renters.
Spent all forenoon looking through catalogues to find a suitable skirt pattern for myself but failed to select one.
Concluded to wait awhile.
In the afternoon Hattie and I went to look over the Thompson house before Paul Warwick moves in.
A letter came from Mae who is well.
MARCH 1915 (61-304) TUESDAY 2
Fine day. Mended socks this forenoon and cut pieces out of papers this afternoon.
Hattie and Jim went to the school house to get the
coal-house, but he couldn't manage it.
Walter ran in on us this afternoon.
Is full of his prospective invention--to attach to the Ford automobile.
Is going back to-morrow.
A letter came from Nellie acknowledging birthday package.
MARCH 1915 (82-303) WEDNESDAY 3
Been fine all day but to-night it is snowing with wind in the northeast.
Hattie helped Mrs. Johnson cook for corn shellers and Jim hauled corn to the Grove for Mr. Johnson.
Walter is still here. Sent him to bed last night and to-night into a cold room. Put two warm flatirons in bed. Have just visited with him to-day and made a little tatting.
Walter said I came out in roses this morning because I put my red percale dress on.
MARCH 1915 (63-302) THURSDAY 4
Cloudy this morning and by noon it began to snow. The afternoon was very blustery.
Walter went home this afternoon. He was going to Spirit Lake this evening to referee a basket ball game. Jim took him to the Grove.
Hattie went with Mrs. Johnson to Ladies' Aid at Mrs. Higgins.
MARCH 1915 (84-301) FRIDAY 5
Snowed and drifted all night. Kept it up all day and now at 9:30 is still at it. Some monstrous snow banks which will necessitate more shoveling.
Finished sewing the tatting on my second handkerchief of that kind.
Then got my table cloth out and hemmed it, the one Al gave me two years@ ago last Xmas. One-half dozen napkins with it. Will hem them to-morrow.
MARCH 1915 (85-300) SATURDAY 6
Cloudy this morning and snowed lightly all afternoon.
Finished hemming my napkins and Mattie made a dresser scarf with scalloped tatting around.
Canned some sulphured apples.
The mail man unexpectedly came at 4 p.m. A letter from Orville and one from Mae.
MARCH 1915 (66-299) SUNDAY 7
This morning it was snowing to "beat the band." Stopped about noon and this afternoon was quite cloudy but pleasant.
Have been home all day.
I wrote a letter to Orville this afternoon.
MARCH 1915 (67-298) MONDAY 8
A bright, thawing day.
Finished mending my pile of socks.
We melted snow for washing to-morrow.
MARCH 1915 (68-297) TUESDAY 9
Another nice day. We washed.
Paul and Laura Warwick were here for dinner. Paul was helping Jim.
Did no sewing but ripped at an old waist until a letter came from Edna containing the exchanged gloves.
Hattie ironed a little.
MARCH 1915 (69-296) WEDNESDAY 10
Nice day. I finished the ironing while Hattie was doing other work.
Then we sewed on two little dresses that we are re making for June.
MARCH 1915 (70-295) THURSDAY 11
Nice day.
We heard this morning that the shelters were coming this afternoon. They came but didn't shell any to-day.
Did some baking.
Mr. King came in this afternoon to get his rent.
Jim attacked him about the hog house he promised to put up. They surely had quite a "set to" but Mr. King wouldn't say that he would put one up.
MARCH 1915 (71-294) FRIDAY 12
A fine day but thawing very fast.
Had the two shelters over night.
Started shelling in good season this morning.
Just shelled the three cribs outside. They finished early this afternoon.
Plenty of cobs to burn now.
Sewed a little on the two dresses.
MARCH 1915 (72-293) SATURDAY 13
A fine day but very sloppy.
Been to the mail box twice. Sent a letter to Mae. Just about finished the two little dresses. trimmed one with tatting, the other with lace.
Jim and Hattie ate a 10 o'clock supper-
They invited me but I declined. Am getting too fat to
yield to such indulgences.
They are one ahead this time.
MARCH 1915 (72-292) SUNDAY 14
Fine day. Were home all day.
Washed my head. After drying I got it so exquisitely dressed that Jim called me "Old Fozzly Head." Encouraging after trying so hard to be clean and tidy.
MARCH 1915 (74-291) MONDAY 15
Another fine day but roads getting in very bad shape. Charley Steele, Jim's hired man came to-night. He works a week for his and his horses feed as Jim isn't quite ready for him.
Sewed a little.
Hattie sent another order to Montgomery Ward and Co.
MARCH 1915 (75-290) TUESDAY 16
We picked over a quantity of beans, some Hattie got from Walter.
This afternoon made a skirt for June.
MARCH 1915 (76-289) WEDNESDAY 17
A fine day.
Seven years ago to-day Jim and Hattie were married. I didn't think about it until we got a card from Nellie. "St. Patrick's Greetings" and a "reminder of the day"
Braided a few rags this afternoon and wrote a letter to Nellie.
MARCH 1915 (77-288) THURSDAY 18
Snowed a little this morning and occasional flurries of snow all day.
Was workable weather all day.
Wrote a letter to Mrs. Ashburn and Braided rags the rest of the day after the work was done.
Ladies' Aid at Mrs. Hotllings, agents wife, to-day but we could not go.
Were very sorry.
MARCH 1915 (78-287) FRIDAY 19
Snowed quite hard this morning.
Made us quite undecided about going to the dedication of the new consolidated school building in Gillete Grove.
I decided to stay home and Mattie rode down with Charley Steele, the hired man, in the afternoon.
State and County Superintendents were there and the Wilson Orchestra of Spencer furnished the music.
Exercises began at 10 o'clock and were good.
MARCH 1915 (79-288) SATURDAY 20
Been quite a nice day but rather cold.
Answered Orville's letter that we received yesterday stating that the children were quite sick.
Boys were better but Virginia was still very sick. Hope we'll hear again soon.
To-day was Ray's birthday.
MARCH 1915 (80-285) SUNDAY 21
A nice day. We've been home all day.
Did the job to-day that takes nearly half a day--trimmed up my feet. Corns were beginning to hurt.
Wrote a letter to Tommy and Ola.
MARCH 1915 (81-284) MONDAY 22
Washed to-day.
Partly packed my suit case to go to Spencer whenever Jim goes where I can take the train.
It is tax paying time.
MARCH 1915 (82-283) TUESDAY 23
Ironed this forenoon.
Jim went to Dickens this afternoon for goods ordered from Montgomery Ward & Co. So I went with him and took the 5:25 train for Spencer.
Found Walter sick with sore throat and had a few days before had growths removed from the turbinate bones.
His eyes had troubled him a good deal.
Stayed with Walter and Hilda overnight.
MARCH 1915 (83-282) WEDNESDAY 24
In response to phoning to Elmer Bisbee he met me in
First National Bank at 1:30. Talked over the goods which
are stored in the garret up there and he was willing for me
to leave them. That was a relief to me as I had heard
through Mrs. Ashburn that Mrs. Kimball wanted me to take
them away. The house isn't her property so I decided to do
nothing until I had seen Elmer.
Paid my taxed $65.49 and looked after other things in
the banks. The Milford Mortgage of $1000. was extended 5
years, also the Vanderhoff one of $4000. for same length of
time.
MARCH 1915 (84-281) THURSDAY 25
Stayed all night again at Walter's
Wrote some cards and took Keith out a couple of times in his cart.
In the afternoon went up to Livingston's and visited a few minutes then went on to Mrs. Ashburns. Found supper ready.
Elmer Bishee and wife were papering their up stairs.
MARCH 1915 (85-280) FRIDAY 26
Elmer and wife came back to finish the papering this morning. All had dinner together and in the afternoon I helped Mrs. Ashburn put down her rugs and arrange the furniture.
Decided to stay another night with them.
MARCH 1915 (86-279) SATURDAY 27
Left Mr. Ashburn's this morning.
Called at Mr. Livingston's on my way to Walter s.@ A week from to-day she, Mrs. Livingston, is going to Albert Lea to visit Edna and Al. She had just gotten her new Easter bonnet. Was also going to get a new coat.
Had dinner with Walter and Hilda.
At. 4 o'clock Walter took me to the M. & St. L. Depot and I took the train for Sioux Rapids.
Nellie met me at the depot, took me to Mr. Thomas’ and then she went back to the bank. Jennie and husband just moved in. Nellie and I invited to Mrs. Wilson' for supper.
MARCH 1915 (87-278) SUNDAY 28
Mrs. Thomas, Nellie and I went to church.
I went home with Mrs. Thomas after church and Nellie stayed to Sabbath school.
In the afternoon we went to a funeral at the
Congregational Church. In the evening went to Christian
Endeavor at Baptist Church and then to the Congregational to hear their new minister again. A young man and good talker, not afraid to make known his own ideas.
MARCH 1915 (88-277) MONDAY 29
Did a little mending for Nellie this forenoon. In the afternoon about 4 o'clock went down to the store and waited until Nellie came about 6 o'clock. While waiting looked over the stock in the store. Was somewhat interested as Nellie owns half of it.
After she came we went to Mrs. Sweitzers where we had been invited to supper.
Afterward went back to store to meet a traveling man who was taking orders for jewelry.
MARCH 1915 (89-276) TUESDAY 30
Left Sioux Rapids for Spencer at 9:10 a.m.
Walter met me at M. & St. L. depot.
Had dinner with them and at 2:05 took the train for Gillett Grove.
I wanted to stay overnight with Mrs. Howard so took this opportunity.
Mr. Lahmon was very kind, met me and carried my suitcase over.
MARCH 1915 (90-275) WEDNESDAY 31
Mrs. Howard and I sewed on a dress of hers that was partly made.
Hattie did not come for me as Mr. Lahmon heard that he had to go to Spencer and wanted me to stay with Mrs. Howard as he would be gone over night.
Mr. Lahmon came home at noon very much worried over the condition of the bank.
He with other, officials had met with the bank examiner. We asked him some questions but he requested us not to question him as he was under promise not to divulge anything at present.
APRIL 1915 (01-274) THURSDAY 1
We finished the dress.
Hattie came down to the Grove to be present at the Ladies Aid Society and afterward came over for me.
She drove Joe the dear little horse. How I would not like to see him pass into other hands.
We passed Mr. Lahmon who had just gotten back from
Spencer and was talking to someone whom he had met.
Hattie got a card from Mae saying she would be here
Easter Sunday.
APRIL 1915 (92-273) FRIDAY 2
We cleaned up stairs this morning. Mae is coming so want to get every thing straightened up so we can visit.
June will take part of our time too.
APRIL 1915 (93-272) SATURDAY 3
Cleaned front room and bed-room.
Got a telegram from Mae in Denver saying, “Meet me in
Dickens Sunday P.M."
Rapids in the form of a bunch of Carnations.
Nice thing to know that somebody thinks of you. Am
afraid that I don't do my share of thinking.
APRIL 1915 (94-271) SUNDAY 4
Jim and Mattie went to Dickens this afternoon to meet
Mae but she failed to show up.
We were afraid it would turn out this way as we know there was no train Sunday afternoon from the west.
We expect to hear something early to-morrow morning.
APRIL 1915 (95-270) MONDAY 5
We received a phone call early this morning from Mae in Dickens, who had come in on the 5:30 train. Had reached Sheldon at 1 o'clock yesterday and expected to catch a train running east on Sunday as it used to do. She had to get up at 3 o'clock.
Mattie went with Joe and Charley I’s horse to get her.
We were all so anxious to see June.
She's a dandy little girl and talks everything. She isn't quite two years old.
APRIL 1915 (96-269) TUESDAY 6
I needn't say what we did to-day outside of getting' meals. Suffice it to say our time was taken up asking and answering questions. June, though, demanded a portion of it.
APRIL 1915 (97-268) WEDNESDAY 7
Busy all day visiting and cooking.
Mae is quite poor, weighs only 90 pounds.
She is run down with too much responsibility. Dr. ordered her to get away from the high altitude for awhile.
Is tortured when the weather here gets hot.
Hope she'll weigh twenty-five pounds more when she goes back.
APRIL 1915 (98-2B7) THURSDAY 8
Walter telephoned and said that they are coming down as soon as roads were fit to use the auto.
The roads are very bad owing to the great amount of snow we've had.
APRIL 1915 (99-266) FRIDAY 9
We are settling down a little as the most important questions have been asked. I want Mae to rest and get all the sleep she needs. She had had too busy a life for five years.
We sewed a little.
APRIL 1915 (100-265) SATURDAY 10
We did a little Saturday's work and a good deal of talking.
APRIL 1915 (101-264) SUNDAY 11
Stayed home all day.
Mae is getting very anxious to do something
She was really wicked enough to spend part of the day
learning to make tatting.
APRIL 1915 (102-263) MONDAY 12
First incubator hatched to-day. About 100 chicks.
My mother's birthday. She died in 1902.
Walter and Hilda came down this afternoon and stayed over night.
Charley slept in one bed in northeast room and Walter and Jim in the other.
They did so much "cutting up" that I thought the bed clothes would be torn to pieces. Mattie and Hilda and Keith slept together and Mae, June and myself. The first night Mae was here I slept on the edge of bed stand.
The next night I spread the mattress out.
APRIL 1915 (103-282) TUESDAY 13
Mae, June and I went back with Walter and Hilda. Mae stayed in the room all day. June and I went to the post office and wrote and sent cards to Ray Cox and Nellie.
Went to the Citizens bank to look at some papers.
June made herself at home both in bank and Post office.
APRIL 1915 (104-261) WEDNESDAY 14
This afternoon we went auto riding with Walter's. Visited a few minutes with Mr. & Mrs. Ashburn at the gate, then went on to Bill Goodale's. Found Dora home alone. Bill had gone to town but we met him on the way back to the “red house" our old home. Walter jollied him about the "twins." Told him that he never expected them to live. This was only a drive at Bill's bachelorship.
Had a laugh over it and then started on.
Stopped at the house and got a few things from the garret. Things look real nice. Had newly papered the halls, up stairs and down. Also bedroom down stairs.
APRIL 1915 (105-260) THURSDAY 15
Stayed over night again at Walter's.
Called on Mrs. Bascom and Laura this morning and then did a little shopping.
This afternoon Walter brought us back to Mattie's but they did not stay over night.
This is brother Ed's birthday- A few days since sent him a tie in remembrance of the day.
It was Annie's birthday too. Sent her a tie also.
APRIL 1915 (106-259) FRIDAY 16
While being away we had accumulated quite a pile of dirty clothes so washed them all up.
Sewed this afternoon.
APRIL 1915 (107-258) SATURDAY 17
Ironed this morning.
I received a splendid picture of Ed.
Looks older and grayer than when I saw him last. Has had some worry about Arthur, who has not been well for some time.
He has shaved his moustache off since becoming a legislator and I'm glad of it. It looks more sanitary.
He is in the Wisconsin legislature, representative from his district.
Jim and Mattie went to Spencer to get the new car. Left the team at Dickens and went in on the train. Rode back to Dickens in auto then Mattie drove the team home.
APRIL 1915 (108-257) SUNDAY 18