January

Sunday, January 1 – Blessing, Texas
Very pretty day. – Mrs. Smith ate New Year dinner with the Pierce family. – Mr. Pierce drove to Sargent and back since dinner. – Mrs. Pierce, Clinton and I drove to Palacios . – I stopped at home a moment and the P. O. We drove by the Farwell home, but they were away. – Mrs. Yeager, Helen, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Braden spent a couple of hours here tonight.

Monday, January 2
Pretty day. – Mrs. Pierce worked on the third floor most of the day. – I finished a white bed jacket this P.M. Took it to Mrs. Smith and then sat with her all afternoon working on another. She made us a cup of instantaneous coffee.  After dinner I knitted, Mrs. Pierce typed and we sat up until midnight.

Tuesday, January 3
Finished and mailed a letter to Mrs. Tandy this P.M. – This forenoon, Mrs. Pierce had a load of good earth hauled to the cemetery. She and I worked out there all forenoon. – Mr. Pierce in Victoria today. – Mrs. Pierce sent a column to the Tribune. – This P.M. we drove down to see Mrs. Smith a few minutes. She went to Palacios later. – Finished a white bed sack and have a pink one well along. – Mrs. Farwell and Mrs. Young spent an hour here this afternoon. – The boys are in Palacios.

Wednesday, January 4
Warm, cloudy, misty. – Spent the day knitting. – Sat with Mrs. Smith all afternoon. – Mrs. Pierce attended a chicken canning demonstration at the Community House this afternoon.

Thursday, January 5
Some sunshine, but mostly dreary, warm. – Just knitting. – Mrs. Smith spent an hour here this afternoon. – Mrs. Pierce attended the Library meeting at Community House. – Mr. Pierce is spending the night with Bill Wade—fishing. – The boys are in Palacios. – We are going to bed late.

Friday, January 6
Mostly sunshine – Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Dunn and I spent the day at Mackay, guests of Mrs. Borden and her guests, Miss Hough and Miss Winston. We took our handwork and all were busy. Enjoyed a splendid noon day dinner. Came home about 4 o’clock. – Mrs. Dunn going on to Palacios for a shot. The Episcopal congregation met with Mrs. Pierce tonight to decide some business matters. – Mr. Pierce is in Sargent tonight. Fishing with Bill Wade.

Saturday, January 7
The day dawned bright and sunshiny. – Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Pierce, Clinton and T. W. Rhodes spent the day in Houston. – Clouds gathered soon after they started and they were in fog or rain most of the day. – Cherri spent the day here. – After the Saturday house work was finished, I knitted. – Mrs. Smith brought me a lavender sack to do. – Mr. Pierce sat up until 12:30 working on a picture puzzle.  I helped him the last hour. Very fascinating, but foolish if you have any better way to employ your time.

Sunday, January 8
We slept rather late this morning. – Clinton went to Sunday School. – Since lunch, I took a fine nap. – Mr. and Mrs. Farwell drove over to Buckeye. No 1 well is not flowing. Choked by sand, perhaps. Working on No. 2 and a rig up over No. 3. – Heard Rev. Engle preach to a good size congregation tonight.

Monday, January 9
Such a beautiful day. All sunshine and a gentle freeze. – Finished a lavender bed sack tonight. – After lunch I drove Mrs. Pierce’s car to Palacios. – Paid my city and school tax. Rendered the property. – Saw Mr. Feather about my insurance. – Made a trip to the cemetery. Found it in most excellent condition. – Called on many neighbors and friends. Found most of then out. – Visited Mrs. Farwell a few minutes. Closed my house and came home. – Spent a lovely day. Glad to be living.

Tuesday, January 10
Pretty day. – Mrs. Pierce worked on the third floor all day.- I knitted on the blue bed sack. – Mrs. Smith drove to Bay City this afternoon. – Cherri stayed with us. – Mrs. Pierce met with the Council at the Community House tonight. – I sat with Mrs. Smith while she was at the meeting. – Mr. Pierce worked on a picture puzzle. – Clinton went to Palacios with the football team tonight. – The boys are in Palacios.

Wednesday, January 11
Mostly a gloomy day. Some rain this afternoon and evening. – Mrs. Smith, Miss Nannie Pybus, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce drove to Buda today to see Miss Eudora Moore, who is quite an old lady and dangerously ill. They left Blessing about 8 o’clock this morning and were at home before 10:30 tonight. – After doing the housework and putting the laundry away, I filled the day with knitting. Finished a large size blue bed sack and put a regular size on the needles. – Mrs. Patricia Martyn visited me for an hour this forenoon.

Thursday, January 12 – Mrs. Opal Price – Mr. Farwell’s Birthday
No rain until tonight. Then only a shower. – Mrs. Pierce worked on the third floor until after lunch, then went out to Live Oak Farm to help can a beef. – I finished a small size bed sack tonight. Blue. – Mrs. Pierce is at the Community House tonight. Mrs. Beard and Mrs. White being hostesses for a bridge party. – The boys are in Palacios.

Friday, January 13
Most beautiful day. Mrs. Farwell spent it with us. She is a frail little scrap of humanity. – Mrs. Pierce cut out the white wool dress (sent her by her mother during Christmas week). – I am still making bed sacks for Mrs. Smith. – Earning money to finish paying my taxes. – Tonight Mrs. Pierce drove Mrs. Beard, John Warren, Clinton and me to Palacios to see Little Orphan Annie. – Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Dunn spent this afternoon in Bay City.

Saturday, - January 14
A most beautiful day. – We gave the house a real good cleaning this forenoon. – Mrs. Pierce went to the Library this afternoon and I knitted. Finished a very poor looking white jacket and am quite well along on a pink one. – Mrs. Smith has guests. They came late this evening—Mr. Withers and his sister Mrs. Runnells. Miss Winston has broken her arm.

Sunday, January 15
Fine winter day. Warm. – I drove out to Live Oak Farm for cream early. – Mrs. Pierce and I then visited the cemetery. Such a beautiful, peaceful spot. – Then we went to church. A visiting Presbyterian minister preached. – After lunch Mrs. Runnells called. – Mrs. Smith is suffering from a sick headache. – We attended the night service at the Presbyterian Church, also. – Letter from Mr. and Mrs. Fraser today. – Wrote seven letters this P.M. Very tired.

Monday, January 16
A dreary warm day. – Mrs. Pierce worked on her white wool dress. – I knitted all day. Mrs. Smith came up tonight to play bridge with the boys.

Tuesday, January 17
The sun shone out pretty early this morning, but a fog came over before nine o’clock. Making a misty dull day. – Mrs. Pierce prepared her column for the Tribune this forenoon. – I have knitted about all day. – This afternoon, Mrs. Borden and her sister, Miss Hough, called a few minutes. – Tonight Mr. Pierce treated his family and me to “Grand Hotel” in Palacios.

Wednesday, January 18
Just a busy day. – Mrs. Smith spent the day in Pierce visiting Mrs. Runnells. – Cherri was our guest. – Mrs. Pierce attended the peanut butter demonstration at the Community House this afternoon. – Tonight, Mrs. Pierce and I were Mrs. Smith’s guests to see Norma Talmadge in “A Strange Interlude” at the Franklin in Bay City. A beautiful woman in a remarkable picture.

Thursday, January 19 – Mr. and Mrs. Pierce’s 24^th Wedding Anniversary
Rather dull day, so little sunshine. – Mrs. Farwell spent the day with us. – Tonight the household ate chicken pie supper at the Community House. – I sat with Mrs. Smith after supper until Mrs. Pierce was ready to come home.

Friday, January 20
Some sunshine today. Very sultry. – Knitting this forenoon. – After lunch Mrs. Pierce drove to Bay City to take a couple of people to the Dr. – I went along. Sat in the car and finished the blue bed sack. – Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Dunn came to eat turkey with Mr. and Mrs. Pierce tonight. Celebrating their 24^th wedding anniversary. – Mr. Pierce finished the French Market [puzzle] tonight, or at 2 o’clock Sat. morning.

Saturday, - January 21 – Mother passed on 5 years ago today. 1928 – 1933
A good day generally. – Mrs. Pierce, the two boys, Mrs. Beard, John Warren and T. W. Rhodes drove to Houston today. – I went to the Hotel about nine o’clock and sewed all day for Mrs. Smith. Coming home for lunch. – Mr. Pierce, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Dunn went to Palacios to see “Red Dust” tonight. – Mrs. Pierce and I sat up until midnight sewing and knitting. – Mrs. Dunn paid my state and co. tax today in Bay City.

Sunday, January 22
Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Lucas and I drove out to Hawley this forenoon. Found the road muddy in the pasture. – Mr. and Mrs. Pierce went to Palacios this afternoon to attend the burial of Mr. [Fred R.] Matthes, Sr. – I have written five letters this afternoon and tonight. – This has been a most beautiful day. – Mrs. Smith came up for a moment this afternoon.

Monday, January 23
Grandest day for months. Warm and calm. – Sewed for Mrs. Smith all day. She spent the day at Live Oak Farm. – Mrs. Pierce and I went down to the Hotel tonight to fit a couple of white dimity dresses for Mrs. Smith. – There was a wreck on the track out at Tidehaven this afternoon. Freight train going to the Valley.

Tuesday, January 24
Foggy forenoon. Some rain this P.M. - Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Dunn drove to Houston today. – Cherri visited us. – Mrs. Pierce and I sewed all day. She on her dresses and I on Mrs. Smith’s dimity dresses. – Tonight I knit on a bed jacket for Mrs. Smith. – Mr. Pierce worked on a jigsaw puzzle. - The boys in Palacios.

Wednesday, January 25 – Mr. & Mrs. Farwells 51^st Wedding Anniversary
Pretty day. – Mrs. Pierce worked on her coat suit this forenoon. Finished it. I finished Mrs. Smith’s dimity dress and did some mending. – This afternoon Mrs. Pierce worked on the kitchen walls and ceiling preparing it for painting. – The boys are attending a party at Paul Braden’s home tonight. – Have been knitting on a pink bed sack tonight. – We sat with Mrs. Smith tonight a couple of hours. – Mrs. Smith is expecting her sister the early part of next month.

Thursday, January 26
Not much sunshine today, but no rain. – Housework, sewing, knitting, errand to town. – Mrs. Pierce has been painting her kitchen today. – Miss Carter of the Girl Reserves visited Mrs. Pierce this afternoon. – The boys are in Palacios tonight. – Am going to bed early tonight. – Tired.

Friday, January 27
Real pretty day after the fog lifted. – Mrs. Pierce and William painted all day in the kitchen. – I did come some housework, helped Odeal with lunch and this P.M. sewed on Mrs. Pierce’s white wool dress. – Tonight we all, except Lee and John Henry, ate oyster supper at the Community House. Legion Banquet. – I sat with Mrs. Smith after supper until Mrs. Pierce was ready to come home. – The boys took the football team to Palacios tonight. – Am owing Mrs. Smith .50 on my taxes. – No more sacks at present.

Saturday, January 28
Cold, raw day. Fire all day. – Mrs. Pierce finished putting the first coat of paint on the kitchen, etc. this forenoon. – I have been mending and sewing this afternoon. – Tonight, the basketball team (boys) from Blessing played Markham and Collegeport at Palacios. The major part of Blessing went down to encourage them to victory. They won both games. Mrs. Pierce and I drove down in Mr. Pierce’s car.

Sunday, January 29
Dreary, rainy, cold. – Mr. Pierce and Mr. Walker, of El Maton, spent the day at Mr. Kislner’s today.—Austwell, Tex. – The family put in the day reading and resting. – Mrs. Smith came up late in the afternoon and played bridge. –Mrs. Pierce sketched a spray of pear blossoms. – Mr. Walker ate Sunday night lunch with his family.

Monday, January 30
Mostly cloudy. No rain. – I have sewed for Mrs. Smith all day making her couch cover smaller. – Mrs. Pierce drove to Bay City this forenoon. A pantry demonstration. – After lunch, she and Mr. Pierce drove to El Campo to attend the funeral of Mrs. Bowers. – Mrs. Beard spent an hour here tonight. – Mrs. Smith finished the furniture and moved it into the freshly decorated room across the hall from hers.

Tuesday, January 31
Dreary all forenoon, but some sunshine this afternoon. – Finished Mrs. Smith’s couch cover this forenoon. – Took it home. – Darned a sleeve for her. – Bought some unbleached sheeting to make a mattress cover for her new mattress. Brought it home and finished the day on it. – Have been darning my stockings tonight. – Mrs. Pierce working on report for Community House. – Last day of the first month of the new year.

Memoranda
Paid City and School Tax – Jan 9
Paid State and Co. Tax – Jan 21^st
 

February

Wednesday, February 1
February came in dull and foggy, but the afternoon was most delightful. – Have been sewing for Mrs. Smith today. Finished the mattress cover and began on the black dress. She came up this afternoon to try it on. Was not well. Ate dinner with us. – Mrs. Beard came up later. They played bridge. – Mrs. Pierce took a nap. – A garden demonstration was given in Blessing this afternoon. – Mrs. Dunn drove to Houston today for food preparatory [to] guests from Mackay next Friday.

Thursday, February 2
Marvelous day. – Sewed for Mrs. Smith until four o’clock. – Then finished Mrs. Pierce’s georgette jacket and mended Mr. Pierce’s suit. – Read tired tonight. Sewing on black material all day. – Mr. Lancaster was here this forenoon? – Mrs. Pierce attended the business meeting of the Library Association this P.M. Election of officers. – She is a guest of a “February Follies” party given by the Girl Reserves and Women’s Council tonight at the Community House. – Lee in Palacios. – John Henry at home.

Friday, February 3
Dull day. – Sewed all day for Mrs. Dunn. This afternoon we worked about all of the time by electric light. – Then a heavy rain fell, but slacked up for the noon hour, so I came home without my umbrella, but more rain fell after lunch. Sunshine and showers. – We are making Susanna’s dresses longer. – Rec’d a card from the Frasers today. – Mrs. Pierce and a large delegation from Blessing went to Bay City this afternoon to root for the Blessing boys football.

Saturday, February 4
Very good day. – Mrs. Pierce took a carload of passengers to Houston today. – I sewed all day for Mrs. Dunn. – The Blessing basketball team lost their laurels to Angleton today in Bay City.

Sunday, February 5
A little sunshine. – Busy all forenoon. – Mrs. Pierce and the boys drove out to Hawley this forenoon. – After lunch, the boys drove to Palacios. – Mr. and Mrs. Pierce went to make a call on the Brandons with Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Dunn. – I drove to Palacios. – Found much mail in my box. – Visited the Loves. – Opened my rooms a few minutes. – Going to bed early.

Monday, February 6
Cloudy, dreary day. – Sewed for Mrs. Dunn. – Mrs. Pierce painted in the kitchen. – Mrs. Smith came up and played bridge with Mrs. Pierce and the boys. – Mr. Pierce, Clinton and I worked on a picture puzzle.

Tuesday, February 7
Dreary day. Norther. – Sewed for Mrs. Dunn. – A norther blew up this afternoon and the wind was quite cold. – I waited for Mr. Pierce and we were late for dinner. – Mrs. Beard and Miss Webb gave a party tonight at the Hotel. The family all attended, but I went to bed. – Mrs. Smith had a real bad attack with her heart this afternoon. Is better tonight.

Wednesday, February 8
Real norther, but much sunshine this afternoon. – Ice this morning which did not melt all day. – Sewed for Mrs. Dunn. – Mrs. Smith in bed, but seems better today. – Sat up late working on jigsaw puzzle.

Thursday, February 9
Real cold this morning. – Sewed all day for Mrs. Dunn. – Mrs. Smith in bed most of the day, but some better. – Mrs. Dunn sick all day. – Mrs. Pierce finished the pear blossoms on the small dining room walls today. They look pretty. – She is playing bridge at the hotel tonight. – Mrs. Beard is honoring her mother and sister. – The boys in Palacios. – Raining some as I go to bed. Warmer. Furnace cut off tonight.

Friday, February 10
Rainy day. – Sewed for Mrs. Dunn. – Have finished. – She was sick all day. Went to bed this afternoon. – Mrs. Beard, her mother Mrs. Westmoreland, and sister, Mrs. Walker, also John Warren ate dinner with the Pierce family tonight. – Mrs. Dunn $14.00.

Saturday, February 11
Good day. – Finished a smocked dress for Mrs. Dunn this P.M. – All sunshine since lunch. – Mrs. Pierce kept the Library open this P.M. – Paid my Insurance premium today, per Mr. Pierce.

Sunday, February 12
Very good day. – No rain today. – John Henry drove William to Wharton this forenoon. – Fannie died this morning. – After dinner, Mrs. Pierce, the boys and I drove to Palacios to visit Mrs. Farwell a few minutes. She was not feeling very well. – Tonight we went to church. Rev. Engle preached. A good congregation heard him. – Mrs. Heffelfinger and daughter, Jane, arrived in Blessing tonight. – Wrote to Mrs. Fraser today.

Monday, February 13
Rainy most all day. – Misty rain until late this afternoon. – Received a good letter from Mrs. Tandy today. – Mrs. Duller and Mrs. Pierce drove to Bay City this afternoon to hear. – Mrs. Masterson speak. – A tea was served at Mrs. Lewis home for the guests. – Mrs. Heffelfinger is quite sick from her long trip. – Went to Mrs. Dunn’s rooms this afternoon for my scissors. She was feeling better “in the bed,” but her shoulder is painful.

Tuesday, February 14 - St. Valentine’s Day
Warm, murky day. – Mrs. Pierce and I were cooks and everything today. Odeal went to Wharton before noon. – While we were washing the supper dishes, Willie and Odeal returned. We were glad to see them. – Mrs. Pierce attended a business meeting—Council, Library and Reserves tonight. – A wet norther has blown down upon us since 10 o’clock. – The boys in Palacios. – Working on my blue dress and cut out Mrs. Pierce’s white jacket.

Wednesday, February 15
A dreary day. Misty and drizzly. – I sewed on Mrs. Pierce’s white wool dress and jacket this afternoon – Began feeling quite miserable soon after lunch. Stomach upset. – The family and the Bordens, their guests and Mrs. Smith’s guests all ate dinner at Hotel Blessing. The guests of Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Dunn. – Raining tonight.

Thursday, February 16
Dull forenoon. – Did not get up early this morning. – Odeal brought me coffee. – Soon felt better and dressed. – Mrs. Pierce sewed some today and I worked slowly on the white wood suit. – Lee and Miss Jane drove to Wharton since lunch. She came home with him for an hour. – Mrs. Pierce, John Henry and Miss Jane are at the Community House tonight. A bridge benefit. – Lee in Palacios. – Helped Mr. Pierce finish a jigsaw puzzle since dinner and am now going to bed. 9 o’clock.

Friday, February 17
Cloudy forenoon. Sunshine all afternoon. – Have felt real weak all day, but better tonight. – Sewed some today. – Mrs. Pierce busy most of the day, writing, etc. – At the hotel tonight—a table of bridge. – Mr. Pierce in his office. – The boys in bed. – Am going to bed early tonight.

Saturday, February 18
Beautiful day. – Mrs. Pierce, Clinton and the Rhodes boy drove to Houston. Came home early. Ate dinner and went to Bay City to see the Blessing basketball boys win from Bay City. – I have felt better since lunch. – Have not sewed today. – Helped Mr. Pierce work a jigsaw puzzle tonight. – Going to bed at 12 o’clock.

Sunday, February 19
Foggy forenoon. – Mrs. Pierce and John Henry drove out to Hawley. Stuck in the mud at the gate into the pasture. – Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Heffelfinger and Mrs. Dunn ate 12 o’clock dinner here. – Mr. Heffelfinger and Mr. Walter, Jr. came later just arrived from Minneapolis. – Mr. Withers came, also. – They all went to the Hotel before 6 o’clock. – Boys in Palacios. – Word just came that Craig Cates, Mrs. John Price’s brother, died in Bay City. – So much sorrow in the world.

William Walter "Pudge" Heffelfinger

Monday, February 20
Beautiful day. – Wrote a short note to Mrs. Pierce and mailed it this forenoon. – Cut out a print dress for myself. – This afternoon, Mrs. Pierce and I spent in Bay City. – I gave in my property for taxation. – Tonight the citizens met here to formulate plans for a carnival tomorrow night to raise money for the boys basketball team. – The boys need sweaters.

Tuesday, February 21
Pretty day. – Housework this forenoon. – Finishing the white coat suit this afternoon. – Callers since lunch—Mrs. Farwell, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Martyn. – Mrs. Pierce went to the Community House about 4:30 to help prepare for the carnival, which was a success financially about $40.00 will be cleared for the basketball team. – John Henry ate supper with us then went to Palacios. – Lee helped at the carnival.

Wednesday, February 22
No rain, but much fog. – Mrs. Pierce spent the forenoon putting the Community House in order. – Attended a committee meeting this afternoon making final arrangements serving food during the Dog Meet. – Mrs. Kimball and little daughter, Nell, ate dinner here and are spending the night. – Mrs. Pierce gave a two table bridge party honoring her guest.

Thursday, February 23
Cloudy, misty, rainy. – Drove to Palacios this forenoon to take Mrs. Kimball and Nell down. – Went to P. O. and came back to Blessing at once. – The boys’ basketball team went to Houston today. – Lost the game. – Board meeting tonight. – Mr. Pierce sent the turkeys to Sargent tonight.

Friday, February 24
Good day. Lovely afternoon. – Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Selkirk and Mrs. Cornelius spent the forenoon in Bay City. Business. – After lunch, Mrs. Pierce and I spent the afternoon walking around town in the interest of Better Business Campaign. – Tonight a committee meeting was held here discussing Red Cross work. – The boys were at the Hotel. Guests of Mrs. Smith. – Bridge

Saturday, February 25
A good day. – Mrs. Pierce typed all forenoon. – I finished making over my blue dress bought readymade a year ago. – This afternoon Mrs. Pierce kept the Library open and instructed Stella Rickaway in the duties of Librarian. – I went down about 5 o’clock and rode home. – Let the hem down in my black and gray summer dress tonight. – Clinton was a member of the Scout group who went hiking today. He is very tired tonight. – The boys are in Palacios. – Am very tired tonight.

Sunday, February 26
Mrs. Pierce and I attempted to drive out to Tidehaven this forenoon, but turned back at the dirt road. It was too slick. – We stopped at the Hotel a few minutes and then went to Sunday School. – Mrs. Smith and her guests went to Mackay today. – Mrs. Beard, John Warren and Mr. Heffelfinger, Jr. spent a couple of hours here tonight. – The day has been dreary. A northeast wind. Quite cool. – Mr. Pierce spent most of the day at Sargent.

Monday, February 27 – My 65^th Birthday – 1868-1933
Cloudy misty morning. No washing. – Mrs. Pierce went to Bay City with Lee this morning. – This afternoon the sun shone part of the time. – Sent a note to Mrs. Farwell telling her that Mrs. Pierce could not spend a day with her this week. – Mrs. Duller came this P.M. to plan the food for the Dog Trials. – A norther blew up this late afternoon, but not cold yet. – The furnace is on however. – There is much mud and water in the streets. – Mrs. Sides came late this evening. Ate a lunch in the kitchen.

Tuesday, February 28
Much cooler today. – Rev. Engle came over and observed communion with his flock (3 of them) this morning. Then he lingered until 10 o’clock. – Mrs. Pierce phoned Mrs. Farwell that we would eat lunch with her as she had to go to Palacios to see about the oysters for the Meet Sat. night. Had a pleasant visit. – I did not go up to my abandoned house. – We arrived at home about 7 o’clock. Made some stops on the way relative to the Better Business Campaign. – At 2 o’clock, I have not been asleep and Mrs. Pierce is still in her den working. – The boys in Palacios. – Letter from Marguerite.

Memoranda
This has been a rainy, foggy month. – Nothing of any special importance has happened to me except the arrival of my 65^th birthday. – Did some sewing for Mrs. Dunn this month. – Paid my insurance premium this month.
 

March

Wednesday, March 1
A pretty day. – I sewed all forenoon. – Mrs. Pierce busy with her “Contest.” – After lunch we drove to Bay City. – Stopped at the Hotel a few minutes on our way home to see Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger. – I took some sewing along and sat in the car all afternoon enjoying the balmy air. – Mrs. Matthes and Miss Grace Walker met with Mrs. Pierce tonight to discuss the menu for the basketball boys lunch. – Mud drying up, but roads very rough.

Thursday, March 2
Good day. Warm. – Wrote a note to Mrs. Farwell and mailed it this forenoon. – Have been mending all afternoon. – Cut out my bright black print dress tonight. – Mr. Black came since dinner. School business. – Library meeting this afternoon. – The Better Business Campaign has been halted for a time. – Lee has gone to Bay City with the basketball team tonight.

Friday, March 3
Pretty day. – Busy putting the house in order and preparing for the boys’ party tonight. The guests arrived promptly. – Jane and Walter Heffelfinger, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Braden, Helen Yeager, Mrs. Madge Tharp, Miss Webb, Mrs. Beard, Kathryn Cornelius.

Saturday, March 4
Mostly sunshine. – A busy day. The Field Trials. – Mrs. Pierce worked at the Community House all forenoon. – Immediately after lunch, she went to Bay City in behalf of the Co. Canning Demonstrator. – We all ate supper at the Community House to help the Cause the women are working for. Many of the men who are here attending the trials went home over night, so they did not patronize the Blessing Oyster Supper. – Lunch had been served to them in the field however. – A crowd of tired women went to bed in Blessing tonight.

Sunday, March 5
Such a windy day. – The Field Trials filled the day for the visitors. – Preparing the 12 o’clock dinner at the Community House filled most of the day for the Blessing women. – The men who stayed over, ate supper at the Hotel. – Mrs. Pierce and I drove out to Tidehaven late this afternoon. – The evergreen covering is keeping fresh a long time, but the beautiful palms may be killed as are many others. – A norther has blown up since dark and rain is falling as we go to bed.- The family all at home tonight.

Monday, March 6
Cold and windy. Heavy rain fell last night. – Mrs. Pierce worked at the hotel all forenoon helping prepare lunches for the men attending the Field Trials. – She took a short nap this afternoon. Visitors interrupted tho. – She is at the Hotel tonight playing bridge. – Walter, Jr. is here playing Black Jack with the boys. – I have been sewing and mending all day. – Some tired tonight. – Lee went to Palacios for a hair cut since lunch.

Tuesday, March 7 – Father 1899
Beautiful day. – Sewing. – Mrs. Pierce has been getting the financial part of the Field Trials Meet together today. – The ladies who labored so faithfully with the food will have $50.00 + for their reward. – Mrs. Duller came a few minutes this P.M. – Mrs. Beard and Walter, Jr. spent an hour here tonight. – We shelled peanuts and after the guests departed, Mrs. Pierce made peanut brittle. – The boys are in Palacios.

Wednesday, March 8
Windy. Tiresome day. – Busy all day preparing for guests tonight. Mr. and Mrs. Heffelfinger’s daughter and son, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Dunn. – Mrs. Pierce gave them a splendid fish and oyster dinner. – Miss Jane is leaving in the morning, so the dinner was really for her.

Thursday, March 9
Windy, cloudy. – Mrs. Pierce invited Mrs. Farwell and Mrs. Young for the day, but Mrs. Young had gone to San Antonio and was not returning until today. – Have been mending all day. Pretty well caught up. – Mrs. Pierce worked on place cards for the basketball boys’ banquet tonight. The boys are helping her. – I am going to bed at 8:30. – The wind has simply worn me out. Blowing a gale all day.

Friday, March 10
Mostly cloudy. – John Henry went to Houston today with Mr. Heffelfinger, Jr. to see Mr. Payne. – After lunch I drove to Palacios. Spent the afternoon. Opened my house. Am glad it does not seem very musty. – Looks shabby for want of paint. – Visited my neighbors and some friends. Everyone was blue. Distressing times. Mrs. Farwell was not at home. – Tonight I am the only one at home. All have gone to the basketball boys’ banquet at the Hotel. – John Henry came home just as I am going to bed tired. – Think the weather is depressing.

Saturday, March 11
Foggy, murky morning. – Today I made my first visit to a meeting of the Federated Clubs of Matagorda Co. – They met in Markham. Mrs. Matthes of Blessing the new president presided and was a credit to Blessing. – A most excellent luncheon was served to the guests after which business was finished and a program enjoyed. The talk given by the young Presbyterian minister of Bay City on Texas History was most interesting. – Mrs. Pierce is Mrs. Smith’s guest for bridge tonight and the boys are in Palacios.

Sunday, March 12
Very little sunshine, but no rain. – Mrs. Pierce and I went to S. S. – Stopped at the Hotel to see Mrs. Smith, then drove out to the underpass with groceries. – After lunch Mrs. Pierce and Walter, Jr. drove to the cemetery. – Mrs. Farwell and Mrs. Young came up. – At night we heard Rev. Engle preach to a good sized congregation. – Several of the congregation came to Mrs. Pierce’s after the service and ate cake and ice cream. – Mr. Pierce spent the day at Sargent. – The boys had a picnic engagement in Palacios.

Monday, March 13
Mostly sunshine today. – Mrs. Pierce spent the day in Bay City. She and quite a group of Matagorda Co. women “picketed” the Commissioners’ Court until that dishonorable body granted their petition for the return of the County Demonstration agent. – The Red Cross committee is in session here tonight. – The boys are attending a bridge party (The Yeager home). – Mr. and Mrs. Heffelfinger drove to San Antonio today. – I put the house in order this forenoon and finished my gray black dress this P.M.

Tuesday, March 14
Mostly sunshine. – Communion this morning. – The day has been very warm. Sultry tonight until now. A norther has arrived. – Mending today most of the time. – Mrs. Pierce prepared her column amidst difficulties. So many interruptions. – Tonight she and Mr. Pierce are attending the Council meeting. Mrs. Pierce being on program—“Early Texas and Texans.” – The boys are in Palacios and Bay City. – Clinton in bed and asleep. – Walter, Jr. has been hauling wood today for Mr. Pierce.

Wednesday, March 15
Pretty day. – Mrs. Farwell and Mrs. Young spent the day with us. – A pleasant day for all. – Mr. Pierce drove to Sargent this afternoon. – Mrs. Pierce is Mrs. Beard’s guest at the Hotel tonight. – Bridge. – Walter, Jr. spent the evening here playing Black Jack with the boys. – I darned my stockings and read. – The pig was killed today.

Thursday, March 16
A calm, cloudy day. – Mrs. Pierce planted garden all day and is very tired tonight. The ground. – Jim cut up the pig and made sausage today. – Mr. Pierce took some hedge plants to Sargent this afternoon. – The boys are in Palacios tonight. – I have sewed all day mending, etc. – Walter Jr. came up a few minutes since dinner.

Friday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day “Shamrocks”
Very windy day. – Mrs. Pierce in company with some Bay City women spent the day in Houston visiting the Kress picture exhibit. Mrs. Pierce enjoyed it to the limit. – They arrived in Bay City rather late, so John Henry, Lee and myself drove over to bring her home. I enjoyed the ride, too. – Cleaned house about all day. – Mr. Pierce went to Austwell this afternoon on the big red truck from Houston. He was late coming home, too. – Did not see a Shamrock.

Saturday, March 18
Such a windy day. – After lunch, Mrs. Pierce and I walked to town. – Lee having gone to Bay City with a load of school youngsters. – Mrs. Pierce talked school money, delinquent taxes, etc. – Then we spent an hour in the Library. – Mrs. Beard brought us home. – Mrs. Smith reported a dividend Jan. 1^st for me from my few dollars in the East. – It had been overlooked by her lawyer.

Sunday, March 19
Sunshine all day. Windy. – Terrible electrical and rain storm about four o’clock this morning, but the sun came up bright and lovely this morning, with a brisk north wind blowing. Much water on the freshly planted garden. – Mr. Heffelfinger Sr. began his homeward journey today. – Mrs. Pierce and I went to Sunday School this forenoon. – Stopped at the Hotel on our way home to say goodbye to Mr. H., but he had gone. – We were all at home all day. – Mrs. Beard came up an hour before supper and Walter Jr. came up to play Black Jack later. Mr. Pierce began work on a new jigsaw puzzle. – Mrs. Pierce brought it from Houston.

Monday, March 20
Cold, windy forenoon, but lovely afternoon. – Odeal did not wash on acct. of cold wind. – John Henry thought he was helping himself to a vacation because work in the office seemed slack, but the noon train brought a request for his immediate return to work. – Mrs. Pierce busy with the Column and a committee meeting after school to arrange for a Tea April 1^st. – Winnie and baby Jane coming Friday. – Working on jigsaw puzzle tonight while Mrs. Pierce prepared a financial report of school work. – Lee having his broken tooth worked on.

Tuesday, March 21
Mr. Rowles death was discovered this morning. A peaceful passing on. – Very windy cold, but sunshiny. – Have been working on a coat for Clinton. Making it smaller. – Mr. and Mrs. Paul Braden, Helen Yeager, Kathryn Cornelius and Walter Heffelfinger Jr. were guests of the boys tonight. – Card games were played. – The party was in honor of Walter Jr., who became sleepy and went home before the party was over. – Mrs. Pierce served them candy, coffee and saltines.

Palacios Beacon, March 23, 1933

Wednesday, March 22
Very windy, but warm. – I went to the Hotel this morning to alter a dress for Mrs. Heffelfinger. Mrs. Smith continues to paint and renovate for her brother John. – Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Martyn made a Red Cross visit to Saul’s wife this morning. She is quite sick – This afternoon we moved the boys beds into the sleeping porch, but did not put the north room in order. Too tired.

Thursday, March 23 – Mr. Webb 1933-1918 = 15
Beautiful day. Not so windy. – We worked hard all afternoon housecleaning the 2^nd floor. – After lunch Mr. and Mrs. Pierce attended Mr. Rowles’ funeral, also the burial in Palacios cemetery. – William and I finished the days’ housecleaning, and I took a hot bath soon after 5 o’clock. Felt very dirty and washed my face so roughly that I rubbed the skin off of both cheeks. Soaking it in Vaseline tonight. – We were supposed to spend the day in Palacios, guests of Mrs. Farwell and Mrs. Young, but pressing duties prevented our doing it.  – Lee in Palacios tonight..-  Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger spent the day in Houston.

Friday, March 24
Such a windy day. – Mrs. Price and the other members of the Red Cross committee went to Bay City this morning. – Mrs. Pierce visited Mrs. Stoddard a few minutes. Found her In bed—lumbago. – The downstairs is all cleaned now except the living room. – I cut out a shirt for Clinton this afternoon and have it half finished. – Fixed a couple of rugs for Mrs. Smith this forenoon. – Winnie and her daughter, Jane, arrived in Blessing this P.M. Mrs. Dunn met her in Houston. They came up to see Mrs. Pierce tonight.

Saturday, March 25
Beautiful day. – Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Beard, Miss Webb, Clinton, John Warren and I drove to Houston this morning. The wind was real high going over making the driving hard, but the sun soon came from behind the misty clouds and the wind was not as high. – Mrs. Pierce and I looked and walked. We did a limited amount of shopping. Ate lunch. – Visited the museum to see the Kness pictures. Delivered the sausage. (Mrs. Mobley was not at home.) – Had no car trouble. – For me it was a delightful day.

Sunday, March 26
Good day, tho windy. – Mrs. Pierce and I went to S.S. Stopped at the Hotel before coming home. (Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger are in Galveston. Drove down today.) – Saw Mrs. Dunn and Winnie. – Walter Jr. ate dinner with us. – Mr. Pierce in Sargent. – Since dinner, I drove to Palacios. Opened my house. Went to P. O. – Visited Beatrice and Wilie. Their boy is a darling. – Drove by Mr. Farwell’s home. They were not at home. Mrs. Dunn, Winnie and little Jane spent an hour here this morning. – Dropped by box rent into the P.O. this P. M.

Monday, March 27
Windy. – Busy day. – Mrs. Dunn, Winnie and Fannie have been here about all day preparing for the complimentary tea tomorrow afternoon. – Walter Jr. and Lee have played cards all day. – Mr. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Glaze and Mrs. Beard were callers today also. – Winnie brought a dress to be made smaller, later. – Mrs. Pierce is writing her column tonight. – Winnie’s Jane is quite like Susanna at her age, but not as cute, I think.

Tuesday, March 28
The tea was a success. The dainty refreshments brought forth many ahs and ohs from the guests. Perhaps there were fifty-five or sixty present. The table was lovely, also the rooms with the wild flower decorations. – Miss Selkirk sang “Trees” and Winnie played a piano solo. – Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger arrived a little late. Returning from their New Orleans trip. – Mr. Pierce is in Sargent tonight. – Letter from Chas. Morris.

Wednesday March 29
Windy day. – I have sewed for Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger all day. Altering dresses. Some old and some new. – Mrs. Pierce has been out with Mrs. Selkirk today looking after Cross road work. – Mrs. DeAubin and Mrs. Farwell came to the Hotel visiting. – The boys and Walter Jr. are guests of Paul and Mary Dean tonight. – Paul tired. Too much wind.

Thursday, March 30
Very windy day. – Sewed all day at the Hotel for Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger. – Dreadful tired from the wind. It makes me restless, so hard to sit still and sew. – Mrs. Pierce took some sick children to Bay City this afternoon. – Mr. and Mrs. Pierce are dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Duller tonight – Lee and Walter Jr. have gone to Wharton.

Friday, March 31
Windy. – Busy day. – Made Winnie’s blue skirt shorter. Fitted the brown dress. Stitched on Clinton’s shirt. – Put a basket of laundry away. Made beds. – After lunch Mrs. Pierce and I drove to Palacios to see Mrs. Farwell who fell and hurt her hip. – She is up, but very lame. – We spent the afternoon with her. – I sewed on Mrs. Heffelfinger’s panties since dinner. – Going to bed at 9:30. Tired from the wind.

Memoranda
On March 18^th I received $5.20. Dividend due on investment in The Pennsylvania Company. This dividend was declared Jan. 1^st, but through an oversight, I did not receive it at that time.
 

April

Saturday, April 1
Beautiful day. – The Girl Reserves and Women’s Council of Matagorda Co. met in Mrs. Pierce’s home this afternoon. Mrs. ____ of Houston gave the address. Mrs. Selkirk sang a quartette of Reserves songs and Dorothy Duller gave a piano solo. “Tea” was served to more than one hundred guests. – Lee and Walter Jr. made themselves useful during the afternoon. – Winnie gave a theatre party tonight. Her guests were Mrs. Dunn, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Heffelfinger, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce, Clinton and myself. – Grandma and son arrived.

Sunday, April 2
Pretty day. – Mr. Pierce spent the day at Sargent. – Mrs. Pierce and John Henry drove out to Tidehaven, then Mrs. Pierce and I went to Sunday School. – Walter Jr. ate lunch with us. – I have felt quite useless all day. Just moped around. – Should have written letters.

Monday, April 3
Pretty day. Warm. – Have been sewing all day. Working on Winnie’s dress and slip. Mrs. Heffelfinger’s panties, Clinton’s coat and shirt which I finished tonight. – Mrs. Borden, Miss Winston and Mrs. Stoddard drove by this afternoon. They were taking Mrs. Stoddard home from a week end at Mackay. Mrs. Pierce was at the Hotel so they went down there to make their “party call.” – Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger came up a few minutes tonight. – We are all going to bed early. A tired family.

Tuesday, April 4
Terrible wind all day. – Finished Clinton’s coat this forenoon. – Mrs. Pierce and I cut out two white silk dresses, a coat and blouse this afternoon. I basted on them tonight. – Lee has gone to a steak fry. Guest of Mary Dean and Paul. – John Henry is in Palacios. – Word has come to Blessing of the destruction of the Akron and all but three of her passengers and crew. The ship ran into a thunder and wind storm, became unmanageable, sank (and burned) in the ocean 10 or 12 miles from land. – Mrs. Smith sick today. – Walter Jr. has guests from Wharton tonight. – Johnathan has returned.

Wednesday, April 5
Not so windy. – Very hard rain fell last night before midnight. – John H. and his guests were drenched coming home from Bay City. – Have been sewing on Mrs. Pierce’s white dresses today. – Mrs. Sides called the first meeting this afternoon (at the Community House) since her reappointment as Co. Demonstrator. – We went to the Hotel to spend an hour with Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger, but they had gone to the picture show. – Walter Jr. and Mrs. Beard spent the evening here.

Thursday, April 6
Real cool wind. – Sewing. – Mrs. Cora Moore came over with Lee when he came home from class. – She addressed the Mother’s Council and Library Club at the Community House. Parliamentary rules, government, etc. – After dinner tonight Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Beard and Miss Webb, Walter Jr. and I drove her home in Mrs. Beard’s car. – John Henry was down at the Hotel when we came home, so Mrs. Pierce went there, also. – Lee is in Palacios. – Winnie came up to fit the dresses I am altering since dinner.

Friday, April 7
Pretty day, but cool. – Mrs. Farwell and Mrs. Young spent the day. – Mrs. Farwell’s hip is not well, but she is walking. – Tonight Mrs. Pierce entertained at dinner. The resident and visiting kins people. – Clinton is out with the Boy Scouts. Spending the night on a hiking trip.

Saturday, April 8
Warmer. – Sewing all day. – Lee went to Houston with a crowd to see a game. – Clinton came back in time for dinner. – A tired day. – Mrs. Selkirk and Mrs. Sides called. Also a man applying for Mr. Black’s position in the school – Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Dunn and Winnie swept the church and decorated it with palms. Tomorrow being Palm Sunday. – John H. in Palacios.

Sunday, April 9
Wonderful day. – The family, except Mrs. Smith, who was sick, went to Sargent today. – The boys and baby Jane went in bathing. We ate lunch and made coffee at once upon arriving at the beach. All hungry. – Mr. Pierce drove me down to see Bill’s camp. Passed the Blond’s camp at which I stopped a moment on the way back to inspect. We came home early as this is Palm Sunday and Rev. Engle filled his appointment in Blessing tonight. We all went to church xcept Clinton. He was too tired. – The day was ideal and a most happy one for me.

Monday. – April 10
Good day. – Lengthened four pair of trousers for Lee this forenoon. – Mending all afternoon.  - Finished reading “Bright Skies” by Julia Peterkin tonight. – Very sleepy this afternoon. – The breakers roared in my ears all night (last night) and a mosquito tried to sing me to sleep. – Winnie came for the garments I had repaired for her. – Mrs. Pierce and Walter Jr. drove down to the John Pierce home since dinner. – Mr. Pierce made a trip to Tivoli today.

Tuesday, April 11
Cold, windy today. – Communion services in this home this morning. – Norther blew up last night. – Sewed this forenoon. Helped can spinach this afternoon. – Mrs. Pierce and Walter Jr. went to a picture show in Bay City tonight. – Boys in Palacios.

Wednesday, April 12
Cold northeast wind. – Sewing most of the day. – Mrs. Pierce has had a hectic day trying to get her report ready for the School Board meeting which is in session now. She has had innumerable interruptions all day. – Mrs. Glaze of El Maton called, also Mrs. Heffelfinger, besides the phone calls.

Thursday, April 13
Not so cold, cloudy and misty. Also sunshine. – Mrs. Pierce spent the day in Bay City. Luncheon guest of the Chamber of Commerce. – Later Mrs. Pollard’s guest. – Busy all forenoon putting laundry away and mending. After lunch fringed three rugs for Mrs. Smith and worked on Mrs. Pierce’s dress. – The roses are in full bloom and, due to the cool weather are beautiful.

Friday, April 14 – Good Friday
Very cold. A strong northeast wind has been blowing all day. Have kept a fire in the fireplace, but the house has been real cold. – Mrs. Pierce has worked on her Brahma bull model some. – Mrs. Beard visited us an hour since school closed. The teachers, school board and patrons are all anxious at this time until matters in which they are interested are settled. – The family and me went to Bay City tonight to see “So This is Africa,” a vulgar show.

Saturday, April 15
Cold, windy day. – Sewing all day, but have not yet finished the white silk garments. – Mrs. Pierce lunched in Bay City today. A society affair. – Tonight Mr. and Mrs. Pierce are attending a dinner at the Hotel. Mrs. Dunn’s birthday dinner given in honor of herself? – Her 50^th mile stone. – The boys in Palacios. – Clinton went to Houston in Mrs. Beard’s car.

Sunday, April 16 - Easter
Beautiful day. – Mrs. Pierce and the boys with Mrs. Smith went to Hawley this morning. – Then Mrs. Pierce and the two boys drove to Bay City to attend church. – Mr. Pierce in Sargent. – Clinton ate lunch with John Warren. Mrs. Beard went to Eagle Lake. – After lunch, Mrs. Heffelfinger, Nellie Webb and “Sister Lucy” were Mrs. Smith’s guests to see “The Sign of the Cross” in Bay City. Fascinating and horrible to me. – Lee, Helen Yeager, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Braden attended the ballgame between Bay City and Palacios in Palacios this afternoon.

Monday, April 17 – 1888-1933
Warmer, south wind.  – My wedding day 45 years ago in O’Neal, Nebraska. – Sewing hard all day. Cut out a dress for Mrs. Smith. – Mrs. Pierce busy—column, visitors, telephone, trips to town, etc. – Winnie is leaving tomorrow. – Mr. and Mrs. Pierce at Hotel tonight. – Walter Jr. came up to play Black Jack with Lee. – John Henry drawing plans for a studio.

Tuesday, April 18
Warmer, windy. – Finished Mrs. Pierce’s white dresses today. – Did quite a pile of mending for myself tonight. – The boys are in Palacios. – Mr. Pierce spent the P.M. in Sargent. – Winnie began her homeward journey this morning. – Mrs. Dunn drove her to Houston. – Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Heffelfinger drove to Gulf and Matagorda this afternoon. – Tonight she is Mrs. Smith’s guest for bridge. – Sent a request to Mrs. Barnett relating to ___.

Wednesday, April 19
Windy. – Mrs. Pierce worked in her garden this forenoon and attended a Chautauqua study class this afternoon in Bay City. – Have Mrs. Smith’s dress basted together ready to fit. Cut a slip pattern for her, also. Did a pile of mending. – Mr. Pierce went to Sargent late this afternoon by truck. – The two boys at home. – Clinton attending Scout meeting. – Mrs. Pierce out joy riding with Walter Jr. – Badly in need of a gentle rain.

Thursday, April 20
Pretty day. Not so windy. – Mrs. Pierce kept an appointment with the dentist this forenoon. – Mrs. Smith came up at lunch hour with a monument representative. They ordered a marker for Buddy’s grave. – Mrs. Smith did some fitting and have been planning slips for her and Mrs. Heffelfinger this P.M. – Mr. and Mrs. Farwell spent an hour here this afternoon – Lee is out on a steak fry tonight. – Mrs. Pierce and Walter Jr. have gone to a picture show. – Letter of permission from Mr. Barnett (water).

Friday, April 21 – San Jacinto Day
Most beautiful day. – Mrs. Farwell spent the day with us. – I sewed on Mrs. Smith’s dress and Clinton’s shirt. – Mrs. Pierce had the contents of one cedar chest aired today. – At 5:45? Mr. Pierce, Mrs. Pierce and myself drove to Mackay where we joined others and were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Borden at a Mexican supper. – Mrs. Dunn has a very sore mouth, so could not attend the supper. – The 3 boys went to the Community House. – Lee later drove to Palacios with Helen. – John Henry’s employer declared a half holiday, so J. H. went sketching this afternoon.

Saturday, April 22
Pretty day, but windy. – Sewing today. – Cut out and basted the pink slips for Mrs. Smith and Mrs. H. – Note from Mrs. Love. – Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger spent an hour here since dinner. – Boys in Palacios. – Mrs. Pierce busy with school census.

Sunday, April 23
Beautiful day. – Mrs. Young and Mrs. Farwell are supposed to start on a trip to San Antonio this morning to spend a week in the Alamo City. – Mr. Pierce spent the day at Sargent. – Clinton, Mrs. Pierce and I went to S. S. – Then Mrs. Beard and the two big boys joined us to drive to Tidehaven. – The pansies and hearts ease are in full bloom on Buddy’s grave. Hawley Cemetery is truly one of the most peaceful of all Lord’s Acres. – Mrs. Beard and John Warren ate Sunday dinner here. – Mrs. Beard, Mrs. Pierce and others drove to Palacios to hear Rev. Quinn preach and dedicate the pews in the Palacios Chapel. 3:30 P.M. – Lee went to Sargent since lunch with the Yeager “youngsters.” – John Henry and I kept he home fires burning.

Monday, April 24
Beautiful day. – Sewing on slips and Clinton’s shirt. – Have garments ready to fit, but Mrs. Smith and Mrs. H. were indisposed this afternoon. – Mrs. Pierce remade her Brahma model today and has it in a cast. – Tonight the entire family (except Clinton, who was attending John Warren’s birthday party) were Mrs. Smith’s guests in Bay City to see Geo. Arliss in “A King’s Vacation.” A most enjoyable evening for all of us. – Mrs. Dunn in Waco. Business.

Tuesday, April 25
Windy. Warm. – Mrs. Pierce drove to Bay City with Lee when he went to school. – An appointment with the dentist. – I took my fitting down to the Hotel this forenoon, and finished one pink slip this afternoon. – Mr. and Mrs. Matthes came for a few minutes tonight. She to get a report which Mrs. Pierce had prepared for her to take to Galveston tomorrow. – Lee in Palacios.

Wednesday, April 26
Pretty day tho some cloudy. – Mrs. Pierce drove me down to Palacios this forenoon.  We stopped at the P.O. and at Mr. Farwell’s home to inquire [if] he was getting along batching. – I spent the day at home until 4 o’clock when Lee came for me. – Emptied trunks, etc. and found the contents were in remarkably good condition. Gave Mrs. Houghton some of mother’s clothes. – I always seem to feel Mother’s presence very closely when I am handling her things. – Mr. Houghton cut down the dead chinaberry tree. Mr. Love helped me turn the water on. The pipes seem all right. My friends and neighbors seemed glad to see me. – So tired tonight.

Thursday, April 27
Beautiful day. – Mrs. Pierce visited the dentist this forenoon. – Today I finished the slips. – Mrs. Pierce canned strawberries this afternoon. Dewberries yesterday. – Tonight the family went to Bay City to see a picture show. – The weather continues dry. Painfully dry for gardens, fruit and crops.

Friday, April 28
Dry and windy. – Put away the mending. Took the slips to Mrs. Smith. – Sewed on her dress some more. – Did some housework. – Mrs. Pierce put up dewberry jam and canned strawberries. – Having no luck with the jelly. – Tonight she and Lee went to Bay City attending a bridge party at the BayTex Hotel. Matagorda Co. exhibit at the World’s Fair benefit.

BayTex Hotel - Bay City

Saturday, April 29
Windy day. – Lee drove to San Antonio. Left here about 7 A.M. and was at home again at 5 P.M. His feet x-ray an improvement. – Mrs. Pierce and Clinton went to Houston with Mrs. Beard. – Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger drove over, also. – Mrs. Pierce came home about 7:30 P.M. Then Mrs. Beard drove us and Mrs. Lucas over to the colored folks school house to hear the children’s play, but the actors were so late appearing that we came home.

Sunday, April 30
Beautiful day. – Mrs. Pierce and I went to S. S. – Clinton out with Scouts. – After S. S. we and the boys went out to Hawley. The cemetery has been cleaned some. (Mrs. Smith directing the work.) Looks beautiful. – The Scouts are camping north of the cemetery. – Mr. Pierce drove to Sargent since dinner. – Mrs. Pierce spent the afternoon and this evening at the Hotel. – I have been lazy all day.

Memoranda
Celebrated? My 45^th wedding anniversary the 17^th of this month. 1888 – 1933. – April 21^st San Jacinto Day. – Ate Mexican supper in the Borden’s home at Mackay.
 

May

Monday, May 1
Beautiful day. – Spent the day cutting out and fitting a dress for Mrs. Heffelfinger. – Mrs. Smith took Mr. John Pierce to Houston to consult a physician. – Mrs. Pierce gathered the first mess of beans from her garden today. – Christian Endeavors met at the Community House tonight. – Paper from Columbus. Mrs. Skinner’s mother has died.

Tuesday, May 2
C. P. & L. Co. – Mrs. Pierce drove to New Gulf this afternoon. – I cut out and basted a dress for Mrs. H. and late this P.M. took them both to fit. Too large, so re-basted them tonight. – Mrs. Smith and Mr. John Pierce had not returned from Houston this evening. – Rec’d a check from the C. P. and L. Co. today. Cut in two. Hard times for them and for me, too. – The boys to Palacios. – Mrs. Pierce suffering from lumbago.

Wednesday, May 3
Pretty day. – Have been sewing all day for Mrs. Heffelfinger and Mrs. Smith. – Mrs. Pierce went to Bay City this afternoon—Chautauqua Club. Her hip is quite lame. – Mr. Pierce and the two boys went to Bay City tonight. War picture.

Thursday, May 4
Gentle, light rain fell early this morning. – Sewing all day for Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger. – Meeting of women at Community House this afternoon. Studying county government. – I spent the afternoon in Mrs. Smith’s room sewing. – Mrs. H. did over casting and put in the hems. – Mrs. Smith not well. – Mrs. Pierce’s hip better tonight.

Friday, May 5
Beautiful day. - Sewing and mending all forenoon. After lunch sewed at the Hotel in Mrs. Smith’s room. She is making a bedspread. - Mrs. Dunn and Mrs. Heffelfinger spent the day in Houston. Mrs. Pierce canned 24 cans of beans this forenoon. – Worked in the garden since lunch. – Tonight we went to see the class play “I Will—I Want” at the Community House.

Saturday, May 6
Beautiful day. – Went to the Hotel this forenoon to finish the dimity sleeves. – Mrs. Pierce drove to Bay City at one o’clock to attend a committee meeting of the Home Demonstration Club (a Ways and Means affair). – Spent the afternoon at the hotel. Cut a white silk dress for Mrs. H. and made the first fitting. – Mrs. Pierce had a “theatre’ party tonight. Mrs. Beard, Mrs. Lucas, Miss Webb and myself attended the school or community play at the El Maton schoolhouse tonight. It was good.

Sunday, May 7
Fine day. – Went to S. S. – Mrs. Pierce, the boys and I drove out to Hawley before lunch. – Mr. Pierce is spending the night at Bill’s camp. – John H. and Lee went to Palacios this afternoon. Ball game, etc. – Mrs. Pierce spent the afternoon and evening at the Hotel. Guest of the Pierce Sisters. – Washed my hair this P.M. – Clinton in Bay City. Mrs. Beard’s guest.

Monday, May 8
Sewed all day at the Hotel for Mrs. Heffelfinger and Mrs. Smith. – Mrs. Pierce canned 9 3 lb cans of beans. Gertie Dobson helped her. – This afternoon she attended a 4H meeting of the girls at the high school. – Mrs. Sides presided tonight. We attended an entertainment by the grades at the Community House. Very good indeed. – Clinton was one of the group of singers. – Mr. Pierce came home from Sargent tonight.

Tuesday, May 9
Sultry day. – Sewed at hotel all day. – Mrs. Pierce canned spinach and worked in the garden. – Mrs. Smith has not been well for some time. Is very thin. – Tonight Mrs. Pierce is attending a Council meeting at the Community House. – The boys in Palacios. – I have written a long letter to Mrs. Skinner tonight.

Wednesday, May 10
Windy day. – Sewed at Hotel today. Finished Mrs. H.’s white silk dress and cut a voile for Mrs. Smith. Have it ready for fitting. – Mrs. Smith, Walter Jr. and Mr. John Pierce went to Houston today. – Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Cornelius went to the country this morning to demonstrate canning. – This P.M., some of the women and the scouts began house cleaning at the Community House preparatory to Bishop Quinn coming.

Thursday, May 11
A day at the Hotel. Working on Mrs. Smith’s dress. – Mrs. Pierce cleaning at Community House and Library. – Canning demonstration at Community House testing the community canning outfit. – Mr. Pierce went to Houston early this morning. Came home on a freight train. – Mrs. Smith and Mrs. H. took Cherri to Wharton today and had her sheared. Johnathan’s dog had a misfortune this morning.

Friday, May 12 – Father’s birthday 1843-1899 = 56
Very windy day. – Sewed at Hotel. – Mr. Pierce started to Sargent since dinner, but turned back because he became so sleepy. – Mrs. Pierce is at the Hotel tonight. – Lee at Mary Dean’s. – Working on a dress each for Mrs. Smith and Mrs. H.

Saturday, May 12
Not as windy. – Sewed at the hotel. – Walter Jr. sprained his ankle quite badly. – Mrs. Beard, Lee and Clinton spent the day in Houston. – Mrs. Pierce attended the Federated Clubs meeting in Matagorda. – John Henry went to Palacios tonight. – Lee was too late getting home from Houston. – Mr. Pierce spending the night at Sargent. – Glad tomorrow is Sunday. Real tired tonight.

Sunday, May 13 – Mother’s Day
Pretty card from Mrs. Pierce. – Drove to Palacios this forenoon. – Went to cemetery. Took some flowers. – Found things in my house all right. – Saw some of the neighbors. Went to see Mrs. Farwell. She and Mrs. Young came home Friday. Mrs. F. looks well after her 2 weeks visit in San Antonio. – We (the family), John Warren and Junior King were guests of Mrs. Pierce at a Theatre party to see “King Kong” in Bay City. – Mr. and Mrs. Farwell came up a while this afternoon. – Went to hear Rev. Engle tonight.

Monday, May 15
Not as windy. Very dry. – Sewed at the hotel. Mrs. Smith not well. She and Mrs. H. drove out after grapes late this evening. – Walter’s sprained ankle is improving. He is using crutches. – Cut a paper patter from one of Mrs. Smith’s dresses tonight. – Mr. Pierce went to Sargent this afternoon. – Mrs. Dunn went to Palacios this P.M. Bridge.

Tuesday, May 16
Very warm. No wind. – Sewed at the hotel. Mrs. Smith feeling very much better. (Cut out and fitted her dark blue flowered dress today.) She treated us to a refreshing cold drink this afternoon. – Mrs. Beard brought me home tonight. – Mrs. Pierce canned a lot of beans today. Mr. Pierce brought them from Sargent. – The boys in Palacios tonight.

Wednesday, May 17
Very hot forenoon. North wind. – Sewed at hotel. – Tonight was Mrs. Pierce’s guest to see “Fool’s Vacation” at the Community House. Given by the Clemville School. Very good.

Thursday, May 18
Hot. – Finished at the hotel this afternoon. – Came home and washed a good many of my dresses, slips, etc. to have them fresh for the visit this summer (if nothing happens to prevent my going). – Mrs. Stoddard, Mrs. Kilbride, Mrs. Corbet, Mrs. Huston were afternoon callers. – Mr. and Mrs. Pierce called on the Kings new daughter tonight.

Friday, May 19
Windy. – Busy day. – Repaired Mrs. Pierce’s white coat and did many other pieces of mending. Rushing everything. – Mrs. Pierce sewed all forenoon, but was on the road all afternoon. – Mr. and Mrs. Farwell came up about six o’clock. Mrs. Pierce and I were dressing to go to Mrs. Paul Braden’s, dinner guests, so we could not visit but a moment. (Mrs. Farwell brought me some of her winter garments and her overnight bag.) – We met Mr. Pierce at the Braden home and all ate a good dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Yeager and Miss Helen were guests also.

Saturday, May 20
Windy. Hot and dry. – Mrs. Pierce, Clinton, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Heffelfinger and Mr. John Pierce spent the day in Houston. – I kept busy at home getting my things ready to take on the trip this summer. Have most of my clothes clean. Did some housework, etc. – Mrs. Pierce and I went to the hotel tonight today goodbye to Mr. H. and Walter Jr. as they start home early in the morning.

Sunday, May 21
Busy day. – Mrs. Heffelfinger and Walter Jr. began their homeward journey very early this morning. – Mr. Pierce saw them off them went to Sargent returning in time for the Baccalaureate sermon at 4 P.M. delivered by Bishop Quinn at the Community House which was filled with an appreciative audience. – (I drove to Palacios this forenoon and left my deserted house in Mr. Love’s care.) – After the sermon, about seventy guests enjoyed Mrs. Pierce’s hospitality. They included the faculty and their kinfolks. The graduates and their kinfolks. The School Board and all of their friends and kin besides most everyone from adjoining towns who had heard of the Tea in prospect. It was a great success and a credit to the hostess.

Monday, May 22
Windy day. – Do not seem to have accomplished much today, when there is so much to do. – Made some seat covers for the car, put some of the silver in the cases and did some mending. – Wrote some letters—Rev. Fraser, the Richards (a tithe), a small gift to John Latson. – Mrs. Pierce is attending commencement exercises at the Community House. – Mr. Pierce in Sargent. – Mrs. Smith came up a few minutes since dinner. She is lonely without her sister.

Tuesday, May 23
Windy, dry. – Sewed at the hotel for Mrs. Dunn. – Mrs. Farwell spent the day here. – Mrs. Pierce at Community House tonight. Commencement program. – Sewed a few stitches tonight. – Going to bed. – School closed today.

Wednesday, May 24
Windy dry. Showers scattered. – Sewed for Mrs. Dunn at hotel. $4.00. – Mrs. Pierce bought me a pair of bedroom slippers in Bay City. – Much finishing up of school work. Teachers leaving soon. – Blanche Claybourn came to see Mrs. Pierce today.

Thursday, May 25
Fine gentle rain today and still rains at bedtime. – Went to the hotel and put the pleating on Mrs. Smith’s collar. This forenoon, she and Mrs. Dunn spent the day at Mackay. – Mrs. Pierce has worked very hard all day. – I put the linen closet in order and did some mending. – The rain has been welcomed by the crops, gardens and pastures. – Mrs. Beard is leaving for home in the morning. – The boys are making their final visit in Palacios tonight if we leave Sat. morning

Friday, May 26
Beautiful day. – Hectic day. Packing. – Cannot leave until Sunday. – Mr. and Mrs. Farwell came up a few minutes this P.M. Brought us some cookies for our lunch – Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Dunn came tonight. – I have written many notes to friends telling them of my expected trip. – We are very tired tonight.

Saturday, May 27
Beautiful day and a busy one. Packing and doing last minute jobs. Mrs. Pierce and I put some things in the strong boxes this afternoon. Packed the suitcases and tied them onto the carrier. – I mailed several letters this P.M. and received a sweet letter from Rev. and Mrs. Fraser. – The upstairs has all been put in very good order. Mrs. Smith will come up Monday and see that Odeal collects all of the soiled clothes. – Mr. Pierce is to eat 12 o’clock dinner with her tomorrow. – Mrs. Pierce and I are so tired.

Sunday, May 28 – Blessing – Speedometer 35319   *Read Nellie's detailed account of the trip in her own handwriting
Lovely day. – We, Mrs. Pierce, John Henry, Lee, Clinton and myself left Blessing at 4:40 A. M. this morning and drove to the Green Lantern, a tourists camp at McAlester, Okla. where we spent the night. The principal towns we passed through were Houston, Conroe, Huntsville, Madisonville, Centerville (ate lunch under trees at roadside), Corsicana, Dallas, Pop 311,000, Plano, Sherman (4 o’clock), Denison, Red River, now in Oklahoma, Calera, Durant, Pop 7000 and Caddo. Much rain recently.

Monday, May 29
Ate breakfast at Wagoner. – Drove into Kansas at 11 A.M. Lunch at Joplin 11:30. – Puncture at Sheldon. Put in boot. – Exelsior Springs 5:30 P.M . for greased, brakes relined, supper. Spent night Phillips Tavern.

Tuesday, May 30 – Decoration Day
Iowa. HW 69. Exelsior Springs. Phillips Tavern. – Left there at 4:40 A.M. – Much cooler. Put on warmer dresses. Very heavy dew. Cameron. – Crossed Iowa line at 6:10 A. M., Leon , 2000 Pop. 6:40 A.M. Ate breakfast. Mason City, lunch. – Minnesota line 2:20 P. M., Owatonna 3:20, White Bear Lake 6 P.M. – Speedometer 36706 - 35319 = 1387.

Wednesday, May 31 – Minn.
We awoke in the beautiful village. Delightfully cool air and so bracing. All of us said we really felt as well or better then when we left Blessing Sunday morning.  – From the cottage we look down the hill onto the lake, which we visited this forenoon. The boys caught some small fish which we ate for lunch. – This is a most attractive place. Birds singing and nesting. Grand trees, flowers, ferns. Quiet summer days. – Mr. Hall spends the day in the city. The boys put the boat in the lake this evening and took a ride. We all went to the wharf, but the mosquitoes were bad.

Alice St. Germaine and Lee Hall with daughter, Adelaide Emily Hall Pierce

Memoranda
May 18 – check for $35.00 from Mrs. Smith. – Second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day. – Rec’d a check from the Central Power and Light Co. for $3.00. The dividend cut half in two. – Earned $39.00 sewing this month. – Made the trip to Minnesota with Mrs. Pierce and her three boys. Left Blessing Sunday, May 28-4:30 A. M. Arrived in Birchwood, White Bear Lake, Tuesday May 10, 6 P.M. Distance 1387 miles. A delightful trip.
 

June

Thursday, June 1 – Minn.
Grand day. – This forenoon we went to the village. Then drove around the beautiful lake. – This afternoon Mrs. Pierce and Clinton drove to St. Paul to bring Mrs. Van Bergen and children out to eat 6 o’clock dinner in her father’s home. Celebrating the 49^th anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Hall’s wedding. – Mrs. Hall, John H., Lee and myself went to the street car station to meet Mr. Hall at 4 o’clock. – Walter Jr. called this afternoon.

Friday, June 2
Beautiful day. Warm – We all drove to St. Paul this forenoon. Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Pierce to hairdressers, etc. A manicure for me. – The three boys went to the picture show and lunch at counter. We ate lunch in a dining room –Golden Rule. – Mrs. Pierce and boys went to Mrs. Van Bergen’s. – Mrs. Hall did some shopping, then we met Mr. Hall and came out to where he parked his car in the morning and he drove us home. Had two men (neighbors), also. – This is a most beautiful place.

Saturday, June 3
Fine day. Hot sun. – A real quiet forenoon. Mrs. Hall, Anna and myself were the only ones at home until noon. Mr. Hall came to lunch. – Mrs. Pierce and the boys came home this afternoon. – The boys, the Van Bergen boys and their girl friends ate picnic lunch at the cottage, then went to Wild Wood (an amusement park) for an “end to a perfect day.” – Letter from Alice. – As we go to bed at 10 o’clock, a few drops of rain have fallen and the clouds look damp.

Sunday, June 4
Beautiful day. – The Van Bergen family came out before lunch and spent the day. Mrs. Van B. is not well. – The day was spent eating and visiting. – I came upstairs to write a letter, but dropped down on the bed a moment. Before I knew it I was asleep – The beautiful trees are a source of enjoyment every moment, then the lake—chipmunks and squirrels.

Monday, June 5
Another grand day. – Wash day. – Mrs. Pierce ironed this afternoon and I finished a dress for Mrs. Van Bergen. – The family had callers tonight. Old schoolmates of Mrs. Pierce. – The boys are enjoying the lake and the boat. – Clinton took his mother out for a ride this evening. – Letter from Margaret.

Tuesday, June 6
Very warm day. – Mrs. Pierce ironed all forenoon. Mrs. Hall and I did mending. – Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Van B. attended a DAR tea in St. Paul this afternoon. – I wrote to Margaret and started a letter to Mrs. Farwell this P.M. – Clinton took me out for a boat ride since dinner. – A rain is threatening as we go to bed.

Wednesday, June 7
Warm, but more breeze. – Mrs. Pierce and the three boys went to Saint Paul this afternoon to visit the Drs. Came home in time for dinner. – Mrs. Hall was busy all forenoon, but rested some after lunch. – A gentle rain fell last night. – A chipmunk brought her two babies to the kitchen door this morning teaching them where to find food. – Anna did some washing and ironing today.

Thursday, June 8
Cooler after the storm. – Last night a severe wind storm passed thru this section. We escaped the most severe part, but trees were blown down in this neighborhood. – Mrs. Pierce and John Henry went to St. Paul today. – She consulted a physician who prescribed thyroid for her. – Mrs. Hall, Lee and I drove to North St. Paul to meet Mr. Hall at the street car station this afternoon. – Finished a letter to Mrs. Farwell tonight.

Friday, June 9
Beautiful day. – Mrs. Pierce ironed and pressed all forenoon. I let the hems down in a pair of John Henry’s trousers. – After dinner, Mrs. Pierce and Clinton went to Wildwood in the rowboat. John H. and Lee paddled around in the canoe. – Mrs. Hall and I sat on the bench until the mosquitoes were too bad, then we came up to the house. – Mr. and Mrs. Van Bergen, Dick and Jane came out to night. – The children are staying over the weekend.

Saturday, June 10
Wonderful day, but warm. – The boys enjoyed the lake all forenoon. – John Henry went to meet his grandfather this afternoon. – Mrs. Chambers called. Brought berries. – Mrs. Pierce did some cake baking this afternoon – Then we went bathing. The water was cold and beautifully clear. One feels clean after coming out of this water, not gummy like salt water bathing. – Mrs. Pierce, Jane Lee, Dick, Clinton and I went fishing in the rowboat after dinner. – The long twilight is a joy. – The two boys went to a dinner party in Saint Paul tonight. Mills.

Sunday, June 11
A grand, bracing day. – Mrs. Pierce, Jane Lee, Dick, Clinton and I met the Van Bergen and Mills families out on the highway some place and all finally arrived at Grey Cloud Island for a picnic. – Such a perfectly, gorgeous drive and an equally fine picnic ground. After late lunch, the youngsters and Mr. Van B. played baseball and went boating and canoeing. – A picturesque old lime kiln and lime rock formations attracted some of the party and they went exploring. – We finally forced ourselves to leave the attractive spot and come home. – The two bays came with us. – Mr. and Mrs. Hall did not go with us., so Mrs. Pierce drove the car. – A perfect day.

Monday, June 12
Cool. Some wind. – Grand wash day. Used the machine. The boys helped and a long line of clothes were on the line before lunch. – Mrs. Pierce ironed all afternoon. I did some mending. – The air is cool and bracing. No tired feeling in this atmosphere. – Rec’d a good letter from Mrs. Bell. – There was no boating today. The lake was too rough.

Tuesday, June 13 – 2^nd week
Cold, windy. – Mrs. Pierce ironed most of the day. White linen suits, shirts, etc. – I mended and darned and did not finish the socks. – The three boys went to St. Paul before lunch and will not be back tonight. – Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce and I drove to the station to meet Mr. Hall about 4:20. – A little fire in the fire place tonight is comfortable. – Letter from Mrs. Tandy.

Wednesday, June 14
Real cool. – Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Van Bergen, Mrs. Pierce and I joined by Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. McGowan ate 1 o’clock luncheon and spent the afternoon with Mrs. Chambers in her beautiful home here in Birchwood. – We were treated to a trip through her rock garden. – Saw many flowers and birds. – The blight on the plum trees, the apples, chickens, strawberries (grand) and the kittens. Some of us were sewing. Others visited only.  Mrs. Chambers is a most gracious hostess. – The boys are at home tonight.

Thursday, June 15
John Henry went to Minneapolis today. The first work on his problem. – We did sewing and mending today. – Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Hall and I drove to the street car station to meet Mr. Hall this afternoon. – After dinner, Clinton rowed his mother and I almost to White Bear Village. There were no motor boats racing on the lake, so it was quite calm. – Has been a very warm day.

Friday, June 16
Beautiful day, but hot. – Mrs. Pierce, Lee and myself drove to Rochester today. – Mr. Hall went as far as St. Paul with us. We left here about 7:00 A.M. and were in the clinic at 10:00. – Lee has his first examination and x-ray before lunch, which we ate at the Zumbro cafeteria. At 2:30 we went back to the clinic and he had more examinations and x-rays. We reached home about 8:00 rather tired after the almost 200 mi. trip through the most beautiful farming country I ever saw. – Mrs. Van B. and the two children were here tonight.

Saturday, June 17
Fine day. – Everyone busy all forenoon, doing the general Saturday work. Mrs. Pierce did some baking. – Mr. Hall spent the day at home. – The Rochester visitors seemed to have stood the trip well. – The young people spent most of the day in or on the lake. – Mrs. Pierce and I went bathing this afternoon. The water seemed very cold at first. – No mail for me today. – Mrs. Pierce invited to Jane Heffelfinger’s announcement tea tomorrow P.M. – B. Winston.

Sunday, June 18
Hot, bright day. – Mr. Van Bergen and Frederick came out this forenoon. We all enjoyed a good 12 o’clock dinner. – The food tastes unusually good up here. After dinner Mrs. Pierce drove Anna home and took Mrs. Hall and myself along for a ride. – The lake at White Bear seemed swarming with bathers. – I bought a bottle of ink and mailed some post cards. – Mr. Van Bergen, Frederick and Lee went home during twilight which is very beautiful here. Night seems to delay coming as long as possible. – John Henry is working on his problem.

Monday, June 19 – Mr. Webb’s Birthday – 1859
Wonderful wash day. – Mrs. Van Bergen cut out her dress and we worked on it this P.M. – Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Pierce drove to the station to meet Mr. Hall since lunch. – The young people spend most of their time at the lake. – The Macedonia house next door has a dozen or more young women occupying it. They have been here a week or more. – Very hot tonight. Took a warm bath and going to bed early.

Tuesday, June 20 – 3^rd Week
Much confusion at and around Macedonia last night and very early this morning. – The village Arm of the Law seem to be too busy. – Lee remains in St. Paul. – Mrs. Pierce finished her ironing this forenoon. – Mrs. Van B. and I sewed. – This P.M. I drove over to the station with Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Pierce. – Soon after, we reached home, an electrical storm and quite heavy rain fall passed through the village. – We sewed some tonight. Cooler.

Wednesday, June 21
Beautiful day. – Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Van Bergen and myself drove to Saint Paul this afternoon. – We did much wandering around and shopping. – Ate lunch in the Golden Rule Cafeteria then ran around some more. – Took Mrs. Van B. home, and through most beautiful streets. – Caught a glimpse of the Mississippi and the bridge across it into Minneapolis. – I am sure this trip is worth years of somberness in Texas for me. – Mrs. Van B. did not come back with us, but the children are here. – Lee lingers in St. Paul. – Letter from Flo.

Thursday, June 22
Lovely day. The Lake. – Mrs. Pierce did some house cleaning upstairs this forenoon and drove Anna to the bus station? – The youngsters went fishing and brought home the limit. We ate them for dinner tonight. – About 4 o’clock, Mrs. Pierce took John Henry and Dick to the street car station in North St. Paul. They are to spend the night in town and see a prize fight. – We have finished remodeling a dress and making a shirt waist suit for Mrs. Van B.

Friday, June 23 – St. Paul
Grand day. Hot sun. – Mrs. Pierce and I came to Saint Paul this afternoon. Such a beautiful highway from White Bear to St. Paul. All hills and valleys. – John Henry, Frederick, Lee and Dick drove out to the lake to swim this afternoon. John H. and Dick did not come back with the others. – Mrs. Van Bergen gave us a good dinner. The liver was cooked to a turn. – After dinner we three women drove Mr. Van B. to the depot which is a handsome building and very beautiful place at night. All full of lights. – Mr. Van B. will be away a week or ten days.

Saturday, June 24
Beautiful hot day. – We slept late this morning. – Mrs. Pierce drove down to an appointment with her Dr. Did not return until after lunch. – Mrs. Van B. did some baking. – Then we all rested until 5 o’clock when we were Mrs. B.’s guests at the Forum in Minneapolis for dinner. – One could easily imagine themselves in the Forum in Houston. – Then we drove by the Heffelfinger home and out to the Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun, Harriett, Nakoma (Longfellow’s Minehaha). A most gorgeous trip. Grand old home and fine new ones all surrounded by majestic trees. Saw the Ford dam in the Mississippi River as we crossed the bridge. Rather late getting back home and to bed.

Forum Cafeteria - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sunday, June 25
A hot, clear day. – We, with the Millers family spent most of the day driving and eating. With heavy lunch baskets we left the house about noon. Met some of the children on the way out to Bay Port, which was so crowded we could not get a table. Bay Port is on the banks of the St. Croix River, a beautiful stream. – We drove back several miles to the boy scouts camp and ate our lunch on the back of the river on a steep bluff which was apparently many, many feet straight down. The rocky bluff on the opposite side was a gorgeous sight to me. We did not tarry long after eating, but drove back to the restful home of Mr. and Mrs. Hall at White Bear when we ate the remains of our lunch and then drove back to St. Paul. – A happy strenuous day for me.

Monday, June 26
Rain last night, but hot today. – We cut out and almost finished a pique coat for Mrs. Van B. – Lee and Frederick drove out to White Bear this afternoon. – Lee did not come back. – There are robins and squirrels in abundance in the beautiful trees and lawns. – Mrs. Van B.’s home is pleasantly situated. A quiet street in a quiet neighborhood.

Tuesday, June 27 – Our 4^th Week in Minnesota
Hot clear day. – We sewed and cut out all day. – Mrs. Pierce drove down to see about some hats she is having made over. – After dinner, we went for a drive. Looked across a valley into lower St. Paul. Many people were lounging in parks trying to cool off from the heat of the day. Saw the high bridge up in the air. Also Summit Flights and appropriately named. – This finishes our fourth week in Minnesota.

Wednesday, June 28
Hot, but a beautiful day. – We sewed all forenoon – John Henry came in today. – After 4 o’clock we went down town. Visited the Memorial Hall dedicated to the Veterans of Ramsey Co. A grand structure. – We were shown a number of the courtrooms and met Mayor Mahoney (who had lived in Galveston). The building inside and out is magnificent. We viewed the city from the windows of the 18^th floor. Then we ate lunch in the Beer Garden of the St. Paul Hotel. Afterward to picture show—“After 7 O’clock.” The dancing features were a great pleasure to me. Home at 9 o’clock. Thank you Mrs. Van Bergen.

Mayor William Mahoney - St. Paul

Thursday, June 29
Hot, hot, hot. – Sewed all day. – Mrs. Pierce joined Mrs. mills theatre party tonight, but Mrs. Van Bergen and I kept cool in front of the electric fan and heard a radio concert.

Friday, June 30
Plenty hot. – Mrs. Van B. and I went to town this forenoon. – I bought us a white hat, $1.95, and material for a white slip, .79. – Tonight we went to see Warrior Winds at the Uptown Theatre. – The Mills family were Mrs. Van B.’s guests at a beer lunch after the party.
 

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