Sunday, December 1
Rainy day and cold. Went to church this morning and again
tonight (BYPU also). Mrs. Newson brought me a nice lunchRoast
beef, sweet potatoes, rice, cranberry sauce, hot biscuit. After
the morning service, a business meeting was called. At the night
service, 4 persons joined the church. I truly enjoyed my stove
this afternoon. So much more comfortable than the oil heater. I
rested all afternoon. - Saw Mrs. Foster a minute this forenoon. She
looks so sick and pale. Letters from Marguerite, Mrs. Bella and
Miss Lee. The packages reached there in safety.
Monday, December 2
Cold and windy, but the sun shone all day. Have been scrubbing
floors today. Such a hard job to get the saw dust out of the cracks
in the floors, but my rooms are very convenient. No one came
today. Went to town late this evening. Stopped to see Mrs. Foster
a minute. She did some washing today. Mrs. Reaser came while I was
there. Zalie to be married Sat. Real cold tonight. Had Mr. Newsom
to turn the water off, tho I do not think it will freeze hard if at
all. The wind continues to blow quite strong. Dr. Hanks quite bad
off since the fire. He was burned some and the shock was so severe.
Tuesday, December 3
Cold and windy. I washed some and am so very tired tonight. Have
not quite become used to the small quarters to work in. Mr. Bruse
changed light drops in the kitchen and dining room this afternoon.
Estimate on sink for my kitchen is $35.00. $10.00 more than I hoped
it would be. Cant have it until I go to work earning cash. Mrs.
Foster went to Zalie Reasers shower this PM. Mrs. Farwell sent me
some of the candy by her. Shower held at Mrs. Bob Prices. Should
I be thankful for things presented to me which were not intended for
me? Cant Say For Sure.
http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth411686/m1/1/zoom/?q="Zalie
Reaser"
Friday, December 6 Blessing
Beautiful day. Came up to Blessing this forenoon with Mr. and
Mrs. Farwell. Mrs. Pierce and the other Blessing ladies are to
entertain the Federation of Clubs meeting tomorrow afternoon. We
dusted, dressed turkey, made stuffing, darned, patched, ate food,
and made the programs after supper. Mrs. Farwell is sick with a
severe cold. - Took a big dose of castor oil (Dr. Pierce) and is
preparing for a very miserable night. Am so sorry. Mrs. Pierce has
a cooks assistant, etc. named Sam. Willie left to escape the Law.
Crap shooting being the offense.
Saturday, December Palacios
Another wonderful day. Mrs. Farwell spent a sick night. She
would not get up today. The Clubs met per schedule.
I came home on the Local about 3 oclock and reported to Mr.
Farwell. Am tired. Paid Mrs. Boyd for the Christmas cards she
ordered for me. Mrs. Stone made me a visit this afternoon. Have
not seen Mrs. Foster today. She was down town when I came home.
Sunday, December 8
Pretty day tho a heavy fog covered the earth early this morning
and again tonight. Went to church this forenoon. Mrs. Foster
went back to Houston this afternoon for more treatment. Poor sick
girl. Mr. and Mrs. Newsom had dinner guests today. A goose being
the occasion. A dessert of cherries and fruit cake came up to me.
Colorado cherries. Mr. Farwell reported Mrs. F. confined to the
bed yet. In Blessing. Wrote several letters this afternoon. Posted
them. Went to church tonight. The Bay City preacher spoke well on
Gods Dynamite. Good congregation.
Monday, December 9 Blessing
Busy as could be all morning. Ironed some and had to go to town
also. Came up to Blessing with Mr. Farwell since lunch. Mrs. F.
sick in the bed yet. This was such a cloudy, foggy afternoon that
I could not accomplish anything except mending and planning the
pattern on a pajama suit I am to make for Mrs. Pierce for her
sister. Mrs. Pierce went to Bay City this P.M. and had so much car
trouble, she was very late getting home. (Something foreign in the
gas.) Awful tired tonight.
Tuesday, December 10 - Blessing
Such a terrible wind and rain storm from the north today.
Water simply poured into the sleeping porch under the north windows.
Cut out the pajama suit and did other sewing. Mrs. F. in bed
yet.
Wednesday, December 11 Blessing
Basted the pajamas and did some other sewing. It was cloudy
and sunshiny both today. Everything floatable has been floating and
the water is very slowly soaking and running away. Wind from the
north, but not cold. A terrible storm it was. Am hoping my house did
not leak unduly.
Thursday, December 12 - Blesing
Pretty day. Sewing on pajamas, trousers, blouse and long coat.
Mrs. Farwell sat up some today and went down to dinner 6 oclock.
Mr. Pierce gave each of us a 1930 Year Book today. Am so glad to
have one for next year.
Friday, December 13 Palacios
Pretty day. Wind from the south. Mrs. F. up all day. Just
sewing. Have the pajamas ready for the hemstitching. Brought it to
Mrs. DeAubin. We came home on the noon train. Mrs. F. pretty
weak. Am glad to be at home. Rain did not do any damage in my
house. Recd letters from Mrs. Bell and Marguerite. Went down to
help Mrs. F. pick out pecans tonight. Ran out of nuts. Came home.
Read a story Mrs. Bell sent and the Beacon. Now going to my
good bed tired. Worked in my yard some. Mrs. Hockey and Miss
Ethel came to see me.
Saturday, December 14
Pretty day tho some cloudy. I did quite a washing and an ironing
of long standing. Slept so good in my splendid bed last night.
Mrs. Foster not at home yet. Real bad off at Mrs. Gripps in
Houston. Went to town to get my bread. Stopped at Mrs. Farwells a
moment. She is not very well yet. Big crowd and jam of automobiles
in front of picture show. Not an indication of hard times, surely.
So tired tonight. (Recd a letter from Mrs. Bell and the story The
Avenging Parrot. Also a card from Marguerite.) Hope to sleep late
in the morning. Raining a little now.
Sunday, December 15
My, how it rained last night. Am so thankful my wall paper is
not ruined. Went to church this forenoon. The boy preacher talked
well. Good congregation, considering the water standing everywhere.
Mrs. Newsom gave me some duck and dressing. The Mr. having been
hunting yesterday. Washed my hair after dinner. Was just wrapping
it up in a towel when Mrs. Foster came over. She is real sick yet.
Addressed most of my Christmas cards this P.M., but did not write
any letters. - Went to church tonight. Ready for bed. Goodnight.
Monday, December 16 Palacios
A pretty day after the fog finally dispersed. I washed a few
things this forenoon and then sewed on the pajama suit. Mrs.
Barton came a short time this forenoon. Her son and the Mother
Barton are coming home soon. Expect to arrive here Sat. Went to
town about 4 oclock for stamps and took my shoes to have the heels
straightened and a dress pressed. Mr. Foster got in early. 5
oclock. Took Susie out to the farm with him. She gets very tired of
staying indoors. No further word from Mrs. Foster yet. Mrs.
Houghton has been sick since Friday night. Recd a note from Mrs.
Bell and some more of the story. Wrote to Mrs. Bell. - Ironed
tonight. Got along very well with the pajamas today. To go to
Blessing tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 17 Blessing
Came up to Blessing with Mrs. Farwell o the 1:30 train. This
forenoon at home I sewed on the pajamas. Went to town for my
mended shoes. Returned the suitcase Mrs. Farwell loaned me for my
trip to Anniston. Ran over to see Mrs. Houghton a minute.
Prepared and ate my dinner. Then took Susie over home and fled to
the depot. Have sewed all afternoon on the pajama suit. It is
foggy tonight. Mrs. Pierce has gone down to the Community House.
Mr. Pierce is in Sargent. Mrs. Farwell sewing on handkerchiefs and
I started a letter to Mrs. Shaw. Going to bed.
Wednesday, December 18 Blessing
A cold day. Mending and helping Mrs. Pierce do things. Tying up
Christmas packages. The pajama suit went today to St. Paul. The
servant house at the hotel burned to the ground tonight. A terrible
wind was blowing, but fortunately from the north. Mrs. Pierce is
suffering from sciatica. Has to use a cane some of the time.
Worked on pillow slips tonight. Misty weather tonight.
Thursday, December 19 Blessing
My, such a wintry day. Ice or sleet all over everything. Cold in
the house. A freezing wind blowing all day., - Just before dark the
wind went down and it was warmer. A little sun shone out. I went for
a walk. My head ached. The ice did not all melt today. The furnace
has been booming and the fireplace, too, all day. Worked on top
hems of new curtains for the dining room tonight. Helped Mrs.
Farwell cut out a velvet dress and basted it this P.M. Mrs. Lucas
came up a few minutes this afternoon.
Friday, December 20 Blessing
Cold, cloudy day. Turned much warmer in the night, but a fresh
norther came on early this morning and for a time it was freezing.
Finished the dining room curtains this forenoon. (Cold as an ice box
in the sewing room.) Then helped Mrs. Pierce clear and clean the
nursery where she had been doing her Christmas painting, etc. She is
very lame. Sewed on Mrs. Farwells Bull Fight Coolie Coat and
velvet dress this P.M. John Henry came home from Rice tonight. The
only boy to spend Christmas at home this year.
Saturday, December 21 Blessing
Winter, Winter. Sleeting all day and so cold. The trees are
weighted down with ice. There must be much suffering among those who
do not have full food and shelter. Have been busy all day sewing
and helping Mrs. Pierce clean house. She is lame yet. Could not go
home today on account of the stormy weather. Wrote to Mrs. Barton.
She is in Houston I am sure. I was to make some slip covers for
her this PM and Monday. Guess they will have to wait on the
weather. Roberta finished her job as cook this morning.
Sunday, December 22 Palacios
Most beautiful sunshiny day. Sleet melted rapidly. Came home
this afternoon. Mrs. Farwell remained with Mrs. Pierce. Much less
sleet here than in Blessing. The coach was filled with homeward
bound students, etc. Mrs. Foster came, also. She is some better.
Goes back in a couple of weeks. Found many cards and a box of
candy from Mrs. Dunn in the P.O. Went to church tonight. Good
young pastor. 6 oclock dinner at Mrs. Milams hotel. Coat from
Mrs. Pierce.
Monday, December 23 Palacios
Lovely day all day. Just about ran myself to death today and
fell off of the table besides. Was putting up some curtains. Fell
as I stepped onto a chair. Am painfully lame tonight. Gave Mrs.
Foster a little bed lamp. Hope it will be a pleasure for her. She is
quite feeble. Mr. Bruse had to put a new washer in my bathtub
faucet today. My rooms have been so pleasant today. A good fire in
my heating stove. Recd many cards this PM and a letter from Mrs.
Haywood and Mrs. Benton, also. Did a little washing. Saw Mrs.
Barton and her son downtown this noon. They arrived home about 9:30
last night. Sewing to be postponed until weather moderates.
Tuesday, December 24 Palacios and Blessing
Beautiful day. Very busy all forenoon. Ironed a little. Made
three trips to town. Saw Mrs. Houghton a moment. Saw Mrs. Foster
a moment. Mrs. Barton and son called a few minutes. Gave me a nice
box of stationery. Came up to Blessing by train. Found Mrs.
Farwell, Mrs. Pierce and John Henry busy putting up Christmas
decorations. All of almost sick. I helped John Henry finish the tree
while Mrs. F. and Mrs. P. went to the kitchen to start the
tomorrows dinner. Mr. Pierce and Ethan Duller are at Sargent
hunting. The presents are all under the tree and we are going to
bed tired. Christmas Eve.
Wednesday, December 25 Christmas in Blessing
Wonderful day. Merry Christmas everyone. Breakfast. Opened
the packages. Putting the house in order. Drinking eggnog made
by Mr. Pierce. Mr. and Mrs. Beard came up during the forenoon.
Setting the table, helping and being in the way generally. Mr. and
Mrs. Selkirk ate dinner. Mr. Farwell came up this forenoon, a
dinner guest. Marvelous dinner thanks to Mrs. Pierce. Rested some
this afternoon. Mrs. Farwell went home with him this P.M. The
Dullers, 4 strong, Selkirks 2, Beards 2, came in to play Bridge
tonight. I went to bed rather early, tired. My gifts were a rose
colored bathrobe and jug lamp from the Pierce home. A box from Mrs.
Stoddard containing silk hose, a bag, salt and pepper shakers, a
table square, a runner and two doilies, Ladies Home Journal
from Miss Mary, apron and towel from Marguerite and boys,
handkerchief from Zella, handkerchiefs from Mrs. Shaw and Mrs.
Haywood, China cup and saucer, teapot and cake from Mrs. Farwell.
Thursday, December 26 Blessing
Another lovely day. Did some mending for John Henry. Some
housework for Mrs. Pierce. Finished Mrs. Farwells velvet dress. She
and Mr. F. came up since lunch. Brought my mail, the package from
Marguerite and the boys. Glad to find her dress finished as she
wants to wear it to a luncheon at
Mrs. Elliotts tomorrow P.M. Sewed on Mrs. Pierces quilt
tonight. Message to Mrs. Selkirk saying her father is very low.
John Henry has a severe cold.
![](webb_elliott_mamie.jpg)
Mamie Elliott - Wife of Dr. John
Rupert Elliott
Friday, December 27 Blessing
Beautiful busy day. Put the house in order for John Henrys party.
The party came off. Bridge. Four kids from Palacios. We are
tired. Going to bed at 1 oclock in the morning. Full of creamed
turkey and mushrooms, mince pie and whipped cream, pickles, wafers,
chocolate and whipped cream, candy in baskets. Sleepy, Good-night.
Saturday, December 28 Blessing
Lovely day. Put the house in order After lunch Mrs. Pierce,
John Henry and me drove out to the highway to see them pouring
cement, but they were not working. Then we drove to Palacios. Got
my mail. Stopped to see Mrs. Foster. She is sick. Going back to
Houston again. Everything seems all right at home. Did not see
the Newsoms. Mrs. Pierce and me went to the Picture Show tonight.
West of Zanzibar Lon Chaney.
Very good. Ready to sleep.
Sunday, December 29 Blessing
Another grand day. Mr. Pierce in Sargent today. Mrs. Pierce,
John Henry and me drove to New Gulf today. Took our lunch. Found
Willie at Magnet. He had been away five weeks. (Craps) John Henry
found a boy from Rice working in the general office at the Sulphur
field. Jack Sanderford by name. He showed us around and made our
visit much more interesting for us. Arrived home about seven
oclock just after Mr. Pierce arrived. All tired, but had such a
fine day.
Monday, December 30 Blessing
Another beautiful day. Real cool, but all sunshine. Sam left
this morning and Willie returned to the kitchen after Mr. Pierce
paid his fine of $32.00. He is glad to be in the Pierce home and the
household is glad to have him here. Cut out gingham aprons and
sewed on them this P.M. The end of 1929 is in sight.
Tuesday, December 31
Grand day. Just a little cool, but a south wind. We took the
Christmas tree and decorations down today. A full days work
including the cleaning up. Mr. and Mrs. Farwell drove up a few
minutes this afternoon. House in a mess. Mrs. Pierce went to a
Womans Bridge party at Mrs. Dullers tonight. Mr. Pierce and John
Henry went to the Picture show. I kept house. Tired tonight.
Waited up for Mrs. Pierce and wished her a Happy New Year. To bed
at 12:30. The old year passed. This book contains many things for
reference.
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