July

Saturday, July 1
Penn. dividend due. – Not so hot. – After lunch Mrs. Pierce, John Henry and I came out [to] the Hall home. Delightfully cool on the big porch. – We stopped in St. Paul and did a few errands. – Mrs. Pierce drove some of us to White Bear Village to see one of Zane Grey’s pictures tonight. – Much cooler.

Sunday, July 2
No so hot. – A quiet day at home in the Hall home at the lake. – After a good, good 12 o’clock or later dinner, we helped put the kitchen in order and then wrote letters. – Mrs. Pierce wrote many and I, but two. They are long, tho, and I am very tired tonight. – Thankful for a bed.

Monday, July 3
Much cooler. Grand day. – Washed, ironed and did the mending today. – John H., Mrs. Hall, Clinton and Jane drove to North St. Paul to meet Mr. Hall this P.M. – Mrs. Hall bought fireworks for the children. – Mr. Hall and the boys to hold the picnic dinner tomorrow when we all celebrate the 4^th.

Tuesday, July 4
Grand day. – The celebration is over. A noisy hectic day spent at Mr. and Mrs. Hall’s home. Fire crackers and food. The children, grandchildren, the Mills, 6, and myself. 18 in all. – At night Frederick and John Henry rowed Mrs. Van B., Mrs. Mills, the two small girls and the two small boys and myself down to Wildwood to see the fireworks display. Not many, but pretty. The little resort was all a glow with electricity. – There were displays all around the lake. With many thanks to the Grandparents for making the merry day possible, we all said Goodnight.

Wednesday, July 5
Cool, some cloudy. – Mrs. Pierce and Lee drove to Saint Paul this forenoon to take the x-ray plates of his teeth to a dentist. The dentist advised taking out the doubtful teeth hoping to relieve the nerve pressure causing arthritis in his feet. – They brought Mr. Hall home with them this P.M. – The day has seemed painfully quiet after the demonstrations of yesterday. – Mrs. Hall did a little mending and took a nap. I sewed some.

Thursday, July 6
Real warm today. – We sewed and cut out all day. – Anna was in town.

Friday, July 7
Grand day. – Everyone except Clinton and Anna went to St. Paul this morning. – Mrs. Hall and I had a shampoo. – Mrs. Pierce ran around with the boys. – John Henry inspected buildings, etc. – Lee had a back tooth dug out. Painful. – Mrs. Van Bergen met us in town and milled around with us. – Jane Lee visited her dentist. – Mrs. Hall and I came home with Mr. Hall on the street car to N. St. Paul. From there in his car. – Lee’s jaw is painful and swollen tonight.

Saturday, July 8
Cool, grand day. – Mrs. Pierce and Lee drove to Saint Paul to the dentist. He found Lee’s mouth doing all right. His face is quite swollen. – Mrs. Pierce did most of the washing this afternoon. – I did some repair work on a white dress for her and worked on my gay dress. – Am feeling very tired tonight. Weak or something.

Sunday, July 9
John Henry drove Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce and I down the street to see where the fire was. A swamp is burning. – Perfect day. – Have written to Mrs. Farwell, a family letter to Mrs. Bell and a long letter to the Frasers. Am very tired tonight. – The Van Bergens did not come out today. He was busy, no doubt. – Mrs. Pierce is using the typewriter busily tonight. – The boys are visiting at one of the cottages tonight.

Monday, July 10
My, what a rain this forenoon. – Real cool all forenoon, but the sun came out and was warm. – Mrs. Harper came to do laundry work. – Lee went in to see the Dr. and Dentist. – We sewed all day. I finished my gay dress and the slip to wear with it. – Dick came home with Lee tonight. – Dreadful rain in St. Paul did damage to paving blocks.

Tuesday, July 11 – End of 5^th Week here in St. Paul.
Rain at 4:30 this morning. – Bright and cool at eleven o’clock when Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Chambers and myself drove to St. Paul where we met Mrs. Gridley at Mrs. Van Bergen’s home and were her guests at luncheon at the Sibley Tea House in Mendota. – This tea house is the first house built in St. Paul 1835 and is operated and owned by the D.A.R. – Then we visited the Sibley home on the same grounds. Full of relics. The home as it was occupied by the Sibleys in 1835 has been restored by the D. A. R.  and is a most interesting place. – The attic is full of Indian and primitive relics. – The rock barn or ice house contains a very ancient coach and smells of horses. – A happy day. Thank you Mrs. Van B.

Wednesday, July 12
Some cloudy. Hot. – Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Van B. attended a luncheon at a school mate’s home this P. M. Mrs. Rice. – John Henry drove Lee and Dick to the street car station this forenoon. – I cut out my thin white dress this P.M. – Mrs. Hall did some basting on her dress. – Very hard storm passed over here late tonight. Much lightning and wind.

Thursday, July 13
A hot day. Rained a little this forenoon. – Mrs. Van Bergen and Mrs. Pierce went to St. Paul after lunch. They are to attend a “function” in Minneapolis tomorrow. – Mrs. Hall, John Henry and I drove out to get some raspberries this evening. – Took them to Mrs. Harper’s home in White Bear. – Then went to N. St. Paul to meet Mr. Hall. – The home seems very quiet tonight. – A letter from Mrs. Farwell and one from M. K. Feather & Co.

Friday, July 14
Cooler. A hard storm passed over last night. – The household is small tonight. John Henry went to Saint Paul this afternoon. – He is expecting to offer some of his work for inspection tomorrow as evidence of his ability as instructor. – Mrs. Hall and I did a little sewing this afternoon. – Clinton broke his glasses tonight. – The air feels like fall tonight.

Saturday, July 15
Cool, clear day. – Just a Saturday. Changing beds. A little extra housework. – Mrs. Hall in the kitchen all forenoon. Anna sweeping – Rec’d a letter from Amy. – The family and Dick came home before dinner. – Lee’s tooth was not extracted. To be next Tues. – Nothing definite for John Henry at the College. – Made a blue shirt for Clinton today. – Real cool tonight. Have wraps around our shoulders at bedtime.

Sunday, July 16
Grand day. – Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce, Jane Lee and myself drove over to White Bear Village this forenoon. – Mrs. Pierce stopped at the Ford garage to get some information regarding her car. – Lee and Dick went fishing early this morning. Came home at noon with two fish. – Mr. and Mrs. Van Bergen drove out in their new Essex late this afternoon. – She took us for a little drive and when we returned, some of the Mills family were here, too. – Did not write any letters today.

Monday, July 17
Grand day. – Such a wonderful day all day. Washing and ironing. – John Henry took his mother’s car over to the White Bear Garage to have it given a general repairing. – Mrs. Heffelfinger and Jane called this afternoon. They looked well and seemed glad to see us. – We are all tired tonight. Mrs. Hall is not feeling well as we go to bed. No doubt she has worked too hard today. – Card from Mrs. Haywood.

Tuesday, July 18 – End of 7^th Week in Minn.
Most beautiful day. – Mrs. Pierce, Lee and Clinton drove to Saint Paul today. Lee’s tooth was not taken out. A later date set for it. – Clinton had his glasses repaired. – Mrs. Hall and I did some mending. – Mrs. Pierce brought her car home from the repair shop in White Bear this P.M. – The boys have all gone to a picture show in White Bear tonight.

Wednesday, July 19
Mr. and Mrs. Van Bergen were leaving this morning for a few days trip as Mrs. Pierce, Lee and Dick went in town this morning. Mrs. Pierce to keep house for the boys and answer the telephone. – Anna was off for the day. – Mrs. Hall gave us a good lunch. Sauerkraut being one thing which we all enjoyed. – After lunch, Mrs. Hall tried on her white dress and we did a little sewing. – Going to bed early.

Thursday, July 20
The band from Wildwood gave a serenade to the lakeshore dwellers last night. Beautiful. – Mrs. Hall was sick last night. Indigestion, I think. – She did not get up today, but is feeling some better tonight. – Anna kept the household running smoothly. – I did a little sewing. – Rec’d a letter from Mrs. Shaw. – Lee’s tooth came out today and his face is not so much swollen as it was with the first one – Mr. Hall telephoned them tonight.

Friday, July 21
Real warm at noon. – Mrs. Hall was up all day, but is real weak. – I finished my thin white dress and we worked on her dress some. – Mrs. Pierce phoned that Lee was not suffering so much from his tooth extraction this time. – They expect to be out tomorrow.

Saturday, July 22
Cooler. Rain promised. – Mrs. Hall seems almost normal. Has been up all day. – Mrs. Pierce and the boys came out soon afternoon. – Lee’s face is not badly swollen this time. – Tonight the household except Mr. and Mrs. Hall drove to White Bear Village to attend the Firemen’s Carnival. When we left home, some drops of rain were falling which increased to a real rain while we were there. The little folks rode in the small autos. The next size played the roulette wheel. John H. drank a glass of wine and sat in the car. The drawing of chances for the autos were postponed.

Sunday, July 23
Grand day all day. – Mrs. Hall served Mr. Hall’s birthday dinner today so the children could attend today and not tomorrow. All were here except Frederick, who was away from home. – The dinner was ideal and the cake a beauty. Mr. Hall seemed pleased at the attention shown him. – The youngsters arrived themselves in and on the lake. – Dick goes to a Boy Scout camp tomorrow so he went home with his parents tonight.

Monday, July 24 – Mr. Hall’s birthday – 70 yrs.
A very beautiful day. – Mrs. Harper came. The washing, ironing and darning are all finished for this week. – Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce and I drove to North Saint Paul to meet Mr. Hall. – Mrs. Pierce, Jane Lee and Clinton went out fishing this P.M. Fisherman’s luck only.

Tuesday, July 25 – End of 8^th Week in Minn.
A most beautiful day. – Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Chambers, Mrs. Pierce and I drove to St. Paul today. – Mrs. Pierce was real sick when she awoke this morning. – Mrs. Hall gave us lunch at the Golden Rule. – When we started home, we drove by the old homes of the Halls and Farwells. Then to the Indian mounds. I climbed to the top of the one with the marker on it. Supposed to be Minnesota’s highest point of land. The aviation field is just across the river from the mounds and the old homes.

Wednesday, July 26
Another perfect day. – Finished Mrs. Hall’s white dress. Have felt very bum all day. Have had a persistent headache. – Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Pierce were luncheon and bridge guests of Mrs. Gridley in Minneapolis today. – Lee went to see his hypodermic doctor today. – I wrote a company letter to Mr. Pierce and Mrs. Smith tonight, also a short note to Mrs. Smith (Penn. Co. dividend?).

Thursday, July 27
Fine day. – We were all at home all day. – Mrs. Pierce did some cutting and fitting. – Have been letting hems down, etc. – Anna had a vacation, so Mrs. Hall prepared the lunch.

Friday, July 28
Fine day. – Mrs. Pierce attended a “social tea” at Mrs. Van Bergen’s this P.M. Several of her schoolmates were present and old times and present times were discussed. – John Henry went in with his mother to paste the paper on the drawing table for his problem which he expects to begin work on Monday. – I have been sewing all day. We listen to Amos n Andy every night. They are attending the Chicago World’s Fair.

Saturday, July 29
Lee went to town this forenoon to visit his Drs. He may have the third tooth pulled Tuesday. – We were at home until after lunch, then Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce, Jane Lee and me drove to White Bear and from there around Bald Eagle Lake. Mrs. Hall stopped a moment at a friend’s home. – We have been making over a dress for Mrs. Hall and several for Mrs. Pierce. – Rain threatened, but did not fall. – The family, except Mr. and Mrs. Hall and myself, drove to White Bear to night to be present at the closing events of the Firemen’s Carnival.

Sunday, July 30
A hot, windy day. – I wrote to Mrs. Farwell this forenoon. – After dinner Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce, Jane Lee, Clinton and I drove to Square Lake to see Dick at the Boy Scouts’ camp. A lovely lake in a valley. – There were many visitors it being Sunday. We met Mr. and Mrs. Van Bergen there. – We drove through Stillwater on the St. Croix River which is the dividing line from Wisconsin. There are some marvelous limestone walls and cliffs along the highway. The State Penitentiary is located there. An abandoned old one and a new one. – Wrote to Mrs. Tandy tonight.

Monday, July 31
Elegant wash day. – Mrs. Harper came and the washing and ironing was finished today. Most of the mending, also. We did some sewing this afternoon. – John Henry went to St. Paul this morning to begin work on his Problem.

Memoranda
Spent a hilarious 4^th in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hall. Firecrackers and young people.  – Spent a delightful day the guest of Mrs. Van Bergen visiting Mendota—The Masons Cemetery. – Mrs. Heffelfinger called the 17^th. – Saw the aviation field, the old houses of the Halls and Farwells and the Indian Mounds. – Saw Stillwater City. The old and new penitentiary. – Visited Square Lake and Dick in the Boy Scouts’ camp.
 

August

Tuesday, August 1 – End of 9^th Week
Fine day. – Mr. Hall and John Henry drove to N. St. Paul this morning and from there by street car to St. Paul. – Mrs. Pierce and Lee drove in later and Lee had his third tooth out. A painful operation. – Three stitches taken in his gum. – We have been sewing real steady today. Have several black garments almost made over for Mrs. Pierce. – Real cool tonight. The sun was hot at 12 o’clock. – Flat tire this forenoon.

Wednesday, August 2
Much cooler. – A gentle rain was falling when we awoke this morning, but stopped before noon, tho the sun has not shone much all day. – Lee had to go to the dentist’s this morning, so Mr. Hall and John Henry rode in with him. His mouth is doing all right. – We have been sewing all day. – Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Pierce drove to North St. Paul to meet Mr. Hall and John Henry at 4:30 P.M. – The furnace was burning today. Made the house very comfortable. – The boys were in swimming.

Thursday, August 3
Cool today. Had windows closed. – We were sewing all day. Pongee for  Mrs. Hall and black for Mrs. Pierce. – Lee went to  the dentist’s. Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Pierce drove to the station to meet Mr. Hall. Had to wait for the next car for John Henry. – Lee dined with the Johnsons tonight, then took the girls to a movie. – Delightfully cool to sleep tonight.

Friday, August 4
Beautiful cool day. – We finished making over Mrs. Pierce’s black garments today. Are not sorry. Our eyes are tired of it. – Lee had the other two stitches taken out of his gum this morning. – John Henry goes to work on his problem every morning. – We continue to eat blueberries. The raspberries are almost gone. Strawberries are in the market. Home grown and Golden Bantam sweet corn. Sweet peppers.

Saturday, August 5 – Texas National Guards 5-19              *Read Nellie's detailed account of the trip in her own handwriting
Grand day. – Mrs. Pierce and I met Mr. and Mrs. Van Bergen in White Bear at 6:30 A.M. and in their care drove about 400 miles today. – Left Mr. Van B. at Cloquet where we saw a section of Fir tree 520 yrs. old which had grown in Washington State. – We then drove to Duluth sightseeing. Saw the lake and city from the roof of the Duluth Hotel, Grand Rock formations. Returned to Cloquet where Mr. Van B. again took the wheel and the journey continued until we drove into Lake Itaska Park. Saw many grand trees and marvelous views. – Inspected Douglas Lodge and the wharf from which pleasure boats take tourists. We were too late for a trip. Forest Inn. – We spent the night in a double cabin in Park View Resort. Indian Tom tomb. Deer in backyard. Grand pine air.

Sunday, August 6
Grand day. - Some cloudy before noon. – After a night spent in clean beds and breathing the pine loaded air we ate a bountiful breakfast and left Park View. We drove around the lake. An hour’s driving. Saw grand pines, etc. – Finally leaving the Park we began the homeward journey. Pines, pines. Through perfectly grand country. All trees, hills. Great amount of hay in stacks. All grain cut and shocked. Piles of rocks in fields. Purple and yellow flowers. Golden rod. – Mr. Van B. stopped at Sauk Rapids 30 min. I wandered around. Saw a fine new bridge across the Miss. River, a pen of deer, the rapids in the Miss, etc. We ate lunch in St. Cloud in Grandmother’s Garden Tea Room. Lovely lunch in a quaint house. From there we came on to White Bear and Birchwood. A perfectly glorious trip. Thank you Van B.s.

Monday, August 7
Fine day. – Washed, ironed, mended all in one day. – John Henry has a cold and sore throat, so did not go to Saint Paul today. – Lee went in to have his mouth examined. – Guests were expected tonight, but they failed to come—Raymonds. – Mr. Hall and Mrs. Pierce made a “polite” call on Mr. and Mrs. Andrews tonight. The Andrews are leaving soon for California.

Tuesday, August 8 – 10^th Week
Hot day. – Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce and Clinton went to St. Paul today to have Clinton’s eyes examined. His glasses must be changed. – John Henry did not go to work as he is not feeling well, yet. – Mr. Hall came home with the family. – Putting Tarvia on the street this afternoon.

Wednesday, August 9
A lovely day. Cool. – Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Pierce drove to St. Paul this forenoon. – John Henry went over with them. – Mrs. Pierce brought out some dresses. – Mr. and Mrs. Raymond of Bald Eagle called tonight. – Mrs. Pierce, John Henry and I went down to the lake. – Inspected Mrs. Marthal’s quilt. – Dick came out with Lee who made a call on a young lady near high bridge this afternoon. – Busy day.

Thursday, August 10
 Cool, cloudy forenoon. – Busy day. – Sewing and cutting out all day. – Everyone seems reasonably well once more.

Friday, August 11
Beautiful day. – Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce and I drove to Saint Paul this forenoon. – Mrs. Pierce had an appointment with her dentist at 10 o’clock. – Mrs. Hall and I shopped around awhile then we drove by for John Henry and we went tor lunch. – Tired to see some of the mushroom caves, but were not successful in finding one open. – Took John Henry back to work. Then we drove across high bridge and over into Cherokee Heights. A most beautiful place. – Back to the dentist’s again. Mrs. Hall and I waited in the St. Paul Hotel lobby. Then we picked up Mr. Hall and John Henry and came home. – A happy day. – All tired.

Saturday, August 12
Real cool all day. – The family gathered a basket of apples and Mrs. Pierce made pickles. – John Henry went to St. Paul to work. – Lee and Dick drove in later to the dentist. – I finished the work needed on Mrs. Pierce’s new dresses. – The air feels like fall tonight. – Are all sitting inside, but no fire needed. – Mr. Hall spent the day at home.

Sunday, August 13
Grand day. Warmer. – Mrs. Pierce, Dick and I went to hear the Episcopal minister preach this forenoon. The church is very pretty. Was less than half filled by worshippers. – After lunch, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce, the two boys and I drove to St. Paul. Saw Mr. and Mrs. Van Bergen. They were just going to dinner, so we drove on through Minneapolis, out to Lake Minnetonka to see Mrs. John Pierce. Had a hectic time finding her house. Met Jane Heffelfinger on the highway and she directed us to the home. Met “Bickie.” The lake and surroundings are lovely. – Mrs. Heffelfinger is not at home, so we did not drive to her house. – We are all tired as can be. The trip was hard. Drove 92 miles.

Monday, August 14
Washed, ironed, darned. – John Henry went to work this morning. – Mrs. Pierce made mint jelly this afternoon. – Rec’d a letter from Mrs. Love today.

Tuesday, August 15 – 11^th Week
Mrs. Hall and I were the household most of the day. – The entire family went to St. Paul. – Anna spent the afternoon at the Fair. – Mr. Hall and John Henry came home at 4:30. – The house seems painfully quiet tonight. – Rec’d a letter from Mrs. Farwell today. – Mrs. Hall and I sewed on garments Mrs. Pierce had cut out—pongee and a white silk dress.

Wednesday, August 16
Lovely day. Light shower this evening. – Mrs. Pierce, John Henry and Lee came home this P.M. – Mrs. Pierce met her father and J. H. at North St. Paul. The dentist finished filling her tooth yesterday. – Mrs. Hall and I worked on Mrs. Pierce’s garments this forenoon. – John Henry finished his problem and brought it home. It looks good to me.

Thursday, August 17            *Read Nellie's detailed account of the trip in her own handwriting
Grand day all day. – Mr. and Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce and myself left Birchwood at 6:00 A.M. this morning no our way to Mr. Hall’s camp near Wheaton to bring back his duck boat. We drove through Anoka, Elk River, St. Cloud, where we stopped for gas and Mrs. Hall bought some candy for Agnes’ children. State Reformatory here and granite quarries, farmers shocking corn, threshing, round roof barns to cause the snow to slide off. Drove out from Starbuck to see Agnes. They were filling a silo. 16 men. Ate lunch on highway. Very, very dry. – Piles of rocks in fields. Up and down hill. Gus Nelson’s 2:30 P.M. Lake perfectly dry. Mr. Hall’s camp. Mr. Farwell’s camp. Put boat on trailer and drove back to Wheaton to spend the night at Palmer House. Clean place. – Went to picture show “Good to be Alive.” Drove 218 miles through beautiful country. Looked across the dry lake to the hills of So. Dakota.

Friday, August 18
Grand day. – Left Wheaton 7:40—2500 Pop., after breakfast and began the homeward trop. Came thru Morris where many snowplows were parked. This being the location of the State Dept. of Highways. Benson. Willmar—big town. R. R. Shops and roundhouse. Up and down hill, native lumber. – Litchfield. Stopped for lunch and gas. Passed lovely lake. ____ Alfalfa. Many lakes and beautiful farms. Buffalo resort beautiful place. Grand trees and lake. Monticello. Cross Mississippi River. Big Lake Oil Gas. Elk River cross river again and drank a glass of beer. Follow river for several miles on our right. River lowest in history. Anoka. Snow fences all along the highways which are now covered with flowers. Many hazlenuts. Rum River. Coon Creek. Birchwood. 226 miles. – Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Hall. A grand trip. Mrs. Pierce at the wheel.

Saturday, August 19
Real cool day. – No one seemed any the “worse off” from our delightful trip. Mr. Hall put his boat and trailer away today. – Lee went to St. Paul this forenoon. His fourth tooth was extracted Thursday. He is spending the night in town. – Mrs. Pierce and John Henry played tennis and went swimming this afternoon. – I worked on Mr. Pierce’s bathrobe. Relining it. – We all picked up crab apples this forenoon.

Sunday, August 20
Fine day. – The Van Bergen family ate 12 o’clock dinner here today and spent the afternoon.  – Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Pierce called on Mrs. Andrews this forenoon. – After dinner, some family group snap shots were taken. – Jane Lee and Dick did not go home with their parents tonight.

Monday, August 21
Cloudy about all day. – Mrs. Harper came and the clothes dried remarkably fast in spite of the gloomy skies. – Mrs. Pierce and the two boys went to St. Paul this forenoon. - Dick and the two small youngsters spent most of their time at the lake. –Mrs. Van Bergen came home with Mrs. Pierce this evening and is spending the night here. – I have been sewing on Mr. Pierce’s dressing gown today. – The weather is delightfully cool. We sat indoors tonight, but did not need a fire. – Mrs. Pierce has her bifocal glasses.

Tuesday, August 22 – 12^th Week
A little cloudy. – Just a busy day. – Talked about making our dresses this forenoon. – Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Van Bergen went to a luncheon at Mrs. Chambers’ at 1 o’clock. – John Henry and Dick spent the day in St. Paul. – Lee met his grandfather at North St. Paul at 4:40. – Mrs. Hall and I did some darning and sewing this P.M.

Wednesday, August 23
Mostly cloudy. – We all, except Mr. Hall, drove to Taylors Falls today. Such a beautiful place. I cannot describe it. The trip up there was through beautiful country. Taylors Falls is on and in the St. Croix River. We ate lunch there and wandered around and over the mammoth rock formations. Looked into the deep potholes and went down into one of them. Climbed for up the side of one granite hill. Drank from the bubbling spring. Registered at the booth and took a ride in on one of the ferry boats on the river. – Then we drove across the river into Wisconsin an saw the fish hatchery. A most interesting sight. We came home after spending a most happy day.

Taylors Falls, Minnesota

Thursday, - August 24
Good day. Cooler. – Mrs. Van Bergen went home today when John Henry drove in. Mrs. Hall made crab apple and plum butter. – We three women drove to N. St. Paul to meet Mr. Hall at 4:30. Mr. and Mrs. Mc___ called tonight. – Perfectly grand weather just cool enough for comfort.

Friday, August 25
Some cloudy. Cool. – Mrs. Hall entertained at luncheon at the Homestead Inn in White Bear. Mrs. Chambers, her two daughters, Mrs. Darby and Mrs. Sanders, Mrs. Rice, Mrs. Benjamin, Mrs. Raymond, Mrs. Van Bergen, Mrs. Pierce and myself. – The Homestead is also an antique shop. Many quaint old things to admire and buy. – The afternoon was pleasantly spent by all of the guests except Mr. Hall and I playing bridge.

Saturday, August 26
Cool. Some cloudy. – A busy day this forenoon. We house cleaned the upstairs. – Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Pierce drove to White Bear about noon. – We all rested most of the afternoon. – Mr. Hall at home all day. Not real well. – Lee on a date tonight.

Sunday, August 27 – Mrs. Pierce’s Birthday
Rained some today. – Mr. and Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce, John Henry, Lee, Clinton, Jane Lee and myself spent the day (practically) in the Van Bergen home where we ate a sumptuous dinner in honor of Mrs. Pierce’s birthday. – Mr. and Mrs. Heffelfinger and Jane came over in the afternoon for an hour or more. – We drove home after dark. – A safe ending for a happy day. – Mr. Hall does not seem real well tonight. – Wrote to Mrs. Farwell this morning.

Monday, August 28
Most beautiful day. – Mrs. Harper came and the family united in putting on the line a tremendous washing. – Mrs. Pierce ironed some, then Anna took her board, but Mrs. H. will have to come back tomorrow to finish. – We drove to N. St. Paul to meet Mr. Hall this afternoon. – Bracing weather. Sat inside tonight, but no fire. – Mending all afternoon.

Tuesday, August 29 – 13^th Week in Minn.
Grand day. – Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Pierce and I drove to Saint Paul this forenoon. – Mrs. Hall and I had a shampoo. Mrs. Pierce did some mailing for John Henry. – We were Mr. Hall’s guests for lunch at his club. Then Mrs. Hall’s guests to see “Tugboat Annie” where we laughed and cried alternately. – Mr. Hall came home with us. – A very happy day. – Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Hall.

Wednesday, August 30
Pretty day. – Sewing all day. – Mending and working on Mrs. Pierce’s eggshell silk dress. – Mrs. Pierce’s packing box came out this P.M. and she has been getting things together for packing. – We now expect to be flitting one week from today.

Thursday, August 31
Windy day. – Mrs. Pierce and John Henry drove to St. Paul and Minneapolis today. – This was Anna’s day off. Mrs. Hall and I were cook and helper. – We did some sewing this afternoon. – This is the last week and last day in Aug.

Memoranda
Aug. 5–6 - The trip to Duluth and Lake Itaska Park. Guests of Mr. and Mrs. Van Bergen.
Aug. 17-18 - The trip to Wheaton to bring home Mr. Hall’s duck boat. Traverse Lake. Guests of Mr. and Mrs. Hall
Aug. 23 - The trip to Taylors Falls. A family party sponsored by Mrs. Van Bergen.
Aug. 27 – Mrs. Pierce’s birthday dinner given in the Van Bergen home. Saint Paul.
 

September

Friday, September 1
A pretty day. – Very early this morning a severe thunder and lightning storm passed over, but not much rain fell. – Mrs. Pierce and Lee spent the day in St. Paul. Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Van B. did some calling. – Late this evening, a little rain fell and tonight more thunder and lightning. – Tut went to bed with a severe headache.

Saturday, September 2
Fine cool day. – Mrs. Pierce, John Henry, “Tut” and I attended the State Fair at St. Paul today. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. “Tut” was sick the last hour, so she was not so enthusiastic. – The wind storm yesterday morning did quite an amount of damage in the fairgrounds. The exhibits were good. Some of them were to me excellent. The horse races were not so “hot” as I had hoped they would be. – Mr. Hall worked at home all day repairing the damage done to his garage, fence and trees by the wind of yesterday morning.

Sunday, September 3
A warm summer day. – Mr. and Mrs. Van Bergen came out for dinner. Mrs. Van B. is spending the night. – Mrs. Pierce did some pick up and packing this forenoon. – I walked quite a distance up the hill, past the community house since dinner. The underbrush on either side of the street is so dense on the vacant lots that you cannot see into it a foot. – The young people have been in or on the lake most of the day. – This is expected to be our last Sunday in Minnesota. – I am wearing a thin white dress and comfortably warm.

Monday, September 4
Very hard rain this forenoon. – Mrs. Harper came and we all helped wash. Hung most of the clothes in the basement at first, but later the sun shone and we finished drying them on the line, and ironed most of them. – Mr. Hall helped pack and tie up Mrs. Pierce’s freight box. – We could not get quite all of the boxes into it. May have to take more in the auto. – Another severe storm is lashing the Gulf coast of Texas. So many dreadful storms this year. – The moon is shining as we go to bed after much electrical display and heavy clouds since sinner tonight.

Tuesday, September 5 – End of 14^th Week in Minn. The end of a most delightful summer.
A busy day. – Mrs. Pierce, John Henry, Lee and Clinton all drove to Saint Paul this forenoon. – Mrs. Van Bergen and Dick washed some blankets. – Mrs. Heffelfinger and Jane came over. Was sorry to miss seeing Mrs. Pierce and the boys. – This afternoon and tonight, finished the packing and loading the car ready for an early start in the morning. – The terrible storm did untold damage along the Gulf. – The Van Bergens went home tonight.

Wednesday, September 6 – Speedometer 39830
Splendid day. – We left Birchwood at 4:30 A.M. and after a day’s drive thro beautiful country and no car trouble, we reached our apartment in Chicago at 6:00 P.M.. All were tired so we went to bed early.

Thursday, September 7
Grand day. – Spent the day at the Fair - A Century of Progress. – Crowds of people viewing the remarkable sights on exhibition, as were we. – Were late getting back to our rooms. The Grounds were more beautiful at night when they are ablaze with electricity. – Our rooms were not far from the entrance.

Friday, September 8
Model Day, tho hot. – The Haywoods’ Birthday. – Spent the day until 3:30 P.M. sightseeing. Then ate dinner at the Green Gables near our rooms. – Left the rooms at 5:30 P.M., daylight saving time at the Fair, and reached Pontiac at 7:45 P.M. where we spent the night. 96 miles from Chicago.

Saturday, September 9
Hot day. – Left Pontiac at 4:50 A.M. and spent the night at Marian. Midway between Memphis and West Memphis. Arriving at this place at 7:30 P.M. A light rain was falling as we parked at this place. – All tired and tumbled into bed at once.

Sunday, September 10
Lovely day. – We were underway at 3:30 this morning. Driving in a dense fog. Lee at the wheel. The day became clear and beautiful when the sun came up and we kept on driving until 11:15 P.M. – When we reached Blessing, a tired car load of people and baggage having driven 1734 miles from Birchwood, Minnesota. Speedometer 41564 Blessing, 39830 Birchwood. - A grand summer and a wonderful trip.

Monday, September 11
Breeze and sunshine. – Again in Blessing, Texas after a grand summer spent in the north. Thanks, thanks to all who were in any way responsible for my pleasure. – I slept until almost ten o’clock this morning. Just tired. – The freight box has not yet come, but we have the baggage we brought in the car and the express box about all unpacked. The big boys made a call in Palacios this P.M. – Lee went to Sargent since dinner with his father to work at the gin. – John Henry is to go to Houston in the morning to Mr. Payne. – Mrs. Pierce went to El Maton to bring Odeal over to wash tomorrow. – I made a cotton picking sack for Clinton tonight. – Walter H. called.

Tuesday, September 12
Showers and sunshine. – Mostly sunshine. – This forenoon was just a busy one, putting things away, etc. – We miss the two big boys. – Clinton went out to pick cotton this morning, but the fields were too wet. – Mrs. Pierce and I drove to Palacios since lunch to see Mrs. Farwell. She seemed fairly well. Mrs. Young is away for a short time. Drove past my house and stopped at Mr. Love’s for my key. – Also at the P.O. – Mrs. Pierce drove over to Bay City since dinner with Walter. – Mr. Pierce drove to El Maton and I went out to the Filling Station with Mrs. Dunn.

Wednesday, September 13
Beautiful day. – Mr. and Mrs. Pierce drove to Sargent this morning and spent the day there. – Clinton was in the cotton field. Picked 38 pounds. – I drove to Palacios after lunch. Opened my house and the strong wind blew thru it all P.M. Saw the Houghtons, Richards and Loves. Mrs. and Mrs. Farwell drove up just as I was closing the house. – The recent rains have made the grass and flowers look very clean and green. – My house is very very dusty. – I hope to clean the lower floor next week.

Thursday, September 14
Good day, but hot. – Wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Hall and mailed the letter this forenoon. Also sent Mr. Love some money. - Mrs. Pierce was busy all forenoon at home and down town. – Did some mending, sewing on buttons, etc. today. – Went out to Ruby’s for butter since dinner. – Mrs. Dunn spent the evening with us. – Mr. Pierce prepared to go to Sargent this evening as a Gulf storm was reported, but  a message came reporting it to be missing Texas coast, so he came back home.

Friday, September 15
Hot. Plenty hot. – Mrs. Martyn was a morning caller. – The freight box came and we were glad to unpack it and find everything in good condition. – Are not putting things in order very fast. Feel too languid and worn out. The heat is oppressive. – Mrs. Dunn and Walter H. ate dinner here tonight. – John Henry came for a few minutes to get his razor. Mr. Payne had business in Markham, so he came down in the Payne car.

Saturday, September 16
Another hot day. – Federation of Clubs met in Midfield today. Mrs. Pierce attended. – Mr. Pierce went to Sargent. Brought Lee home tonight in time for a late date in Palacios. – I was busy all day. Did some housework, some washing and ironing, some mending and finally 30 minutes rest. – Don’t seem to feel real first class since we came home. Am so tired and the air does not fill my lungs. – Old age no doubt.

Sunday, September 17
Hot day. – Mrs. Pierce and Walter drove out to Tidehaven this forenoon. – After diner, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce drove to Mackay. – Lee to Palacios. – I spent a lazy day. – Mr. and Mrs. Farwell came up a few minutes just before dark. – Mrs. Dunn and Mr. and Mrs. Pierce drove to Palacios soon after they came from Mackay. – Have not written a letter today. Am ashamed to be so negligent.

Monday, September 18
Not quite so hot tonight, but one of the hottest days of the summer. Mrs. Pierce and I did the washing and ironing today. – I could not stand up any longer at 5:15, so came in, took a bath and soaked my feet in hot water. They hurt me dreadfully. – Mrs. Pierce went back to the laundry and finished the ironing after dinner, but I went to bed. – The day was frightfully hot. – Mrs. Beard came in a few moments after lunch. – School opened today.

Tuesday, September 19
Another scorcher. – Mrs. Pierce and Walter spent most of the day in Bay City. – I put the house in order, washed and ironed a couple of my dresses and then did some mending. – Sat on the porch to sew and fount it very pleasant. – Clinton and Mrs. Pierce are getting their lessons. – Mr. Pierce has gone back to his office. – I moved my bed to the south side of the room today.

Wednesday, September 20
Very hot day. – William worked in the yard all forenoon so Mrs. Pierce and myself were in the kitchen all forenoon. – After lunch, she worked on school books, preparing for the Board meeting tonight. – Later we sat on the porch, which we find much cooler than the house. – Mrs. ____ from Bay City came to apply for the position as art teacher in the schools. – Mrs. Dunn, Mrs. Braden, Walter H. and Victor Zemanek spent the day in Houston. – Note to Mrs. Van Bergen.

Thursday, September 21
Very hot today. – William working outside all forenoon. – Mrs. Pierce and I cleaned the cupboard in the butler’s pantry this forenoon. – Soon after lunch, I mailed a package of Beacons to Mr. and Mrs. Fraser. – The sun was terrible hot as I went to the P.O. Stopped on my way back to get the scissors from Mrs. Dunn. Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Beard drove to El Campo to bring Walter home tonight.

Friday, September 22
Just hot, but a breeze. – An ordinary day in the hum drum of doing housework. – This afternoon I mended and darned. Just about finished the basketful of necessary repair work. – Tonight a reception party is being given the teachers at the Community House. The family are attending. – A Mr. Williams of Houston is to sleep in the brooder tonight. Mr. Pierce’s guest. – An important letter from Mrs. Richards this P.M. concerning the Central Baptist Church.

Saturday, September 23
Plenty hot. – Mailed a note to Mrs. Richards this forenoon. – Did the housework necessary and a little laundry work for myself. – Did some mending and darning. – Mrs. Dunn and Mrs. Lucas came up a short time since dinner. Mrs. Lucas came for information for her report. – Mr. Pierce and Lee were late coming home from Sargent. – A death in the Robinson family.

Sunday, September 24
Cloudy. Rainy. – Mrs. Pierce drove me down to Palacios this forenoon. We were not far on the way when we ran into a hard rain which continued until we were almost into town. – I went up to the Tabernacle and heard a visiting Nazarene preach. Then ate dinner cafeteria style in the pastorium. – The Nazarene’s organized their church and are to occupy the Tabernacle. – Ran over to see the Loves a moment. Paid him $1.00. – Lee came for me at three o’clock and brought me to Blessing. – Card from the Frasers. – They are moving to Kansas soon.

Monday, September 25
Rainy day. Rained about all day. Showers. The street is very sloppy for cars. – We did not wash. – I began working on the sleeve in Mrs. Pierce’s white dress. Repairing the faggotting. – Lee drove to Sargent this afternoon. – Sent a letter to the Frasers and one to Mrs. Massenburg today. – Walter is spending the evening here. – I went to sleep on the couch, so am going to bed early.

Tuesday, September 26
Mrs. Pierce and I did the washing this forenoon. The sun shone out very hot until almost noon, so most of the clothes were dry before it began to rain. – I worked on Mrs. Pierce’s sleeves some since lunch. – Mrs. Dunn drove to Houston today to be the guest at a friend’s marriage tonight. – Walter phoned from Bay City for Mrs. Pierce to come for him after dinner.

Wednesday, September 27
Mrs. Pierce and I did the ironing today. Finished since lunch. A letter from Mrs. Smith to Mr. Pierce says she is real sick. Her old painful trouble. May have to have operation. – I wrote her a short letter this afternoon. – Lee came home to spend the night. – Walter entertained a friend to “Coffee” tonight.

Thursday, September 28
Good day in Palacios. – Mrs. Pierce drove me down home this forenoon and I put in a busy day sweeping and cleaning the downstairs. There was no dirty dirt, only dust and aside from the stained walls, the rooms looked clean and pretty. – Mr. Love brought me a large pail of water so I did some mopping, too. – Walter came for me at 5:30. I am very tired tonight. – The C. P. and L. Co. did not give me any encouragement about selling a share of their stock. – Letter from Marguerite.

Friday, September 29
We prepared lunch for Rev. and Mrs. Fraser today, but no doubt the rain and muddy roads prevented them from driving. – Mrs. Pierce is working on her school books tonight. – I sat with her until 11 o’clock, but am going to bed now. – Mr. Pierce in Sargent. – Mrs. Beard came a few minutes after school closed.

Saturday, September 30
Some cloudy, some rain. – The regular Saturday housework. – I went to the P.O. this morning thinking there might be some word from the Frasers. – Guess they are simply rained in. – Mrs. Pierce finished some of the important part of her school bookkeeping this forenoon and kept the Library open this afternoon. – Was expecting John Henry home this P.M., but he has not come yet. – Mr. Pierce and Lee came from Sargent. – “Rainy times are here again.” – September closes.

October

Sunday, October 1
Rain, rain about all day. – Two of Mrs. Mobley’s sons ate dinner in the Pierce home today. Also Mrs. Dunn. – Mrs. Pierce served mushroom soup made from mushrooms she gathered in the Community House yard yesterday P.M. – This forenoon the rain fell almost continuously. – Since dinner the rain ceased, but the sky was sullen. – Lee went to Palacios. – Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Dunn went down to the hotel to look for the silver trunk key which they found.

Monday, October 2
Very rainy forenoon. – Mrs. Pierce was real sick in the night. Something like ptomaine poisoning. Perhaps from the rich food served at dinner or maybe from the mushrooms she ate at night. She has been in bed all day, but is feeling better tonight. – I worked on her black dress. Also the white sleeves. – Walter went out of town this afternoon. Houston? – A gentle norther is blowing today.

Tuesday, October 3 – Clinton’s 15^th Birthday
Mrs. Corbett and Mrs. Lewis were morning callers. – Mrs. Pierce was able to dress this morning and has been up and doing all day. – Mrs. Yeager was an afternoon visitor. – Mrs. Beard and John Warren were Clinton’s dinner guests this being his 15^th birthday. His angel food cake was pretty with 15 pink candles on it. – Mrs. Smith sick. Has gone into an apartment with Clara to wait on her for several weeks.

Wednesday, October 4 – Mother’s Birthday 1844
This would have been my mother’s 89^th birthday. She would have been greatly distressed had she been living in these depressing days. – After lunch, Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Yeager, Mrs. Cornelius and I drove to Palacios to see some of the canning club’s pantries. We stopped first at Mrs. Chappel’s, then on into Palacios and stopped at Mrs. Hunter’s. We inspected the many cans, gift baskets, etc. and listened to some remarks by the women and by Mayor Ruthven. We also ate and drank refreshments. Then drove to the Farwell and Price homes. The women are attending the Wed. Club. Stopped at Allen’s shell exhibit on the way home.

Thursday, October 5
Lovely day. – Odeal washed. – Mrs. Pierce and I drove to Bay City this forenoon. – I saw Mr. Bussell. Went to the bank. Can borrow a little on my CP and L certificates if I need to. – My state and co. tax is only $10.17. The homestead being exempt from state tax. – Letter from Mrs. Smith. She is very sick. Not able to be moved to the little apartment she had leased. – This P.M. we attended the library business meeting at library. Cocoa and cookies served. – We stopped at the hotel to see Mrs. Dunn. – Mr. and Mrs. Farwell drove up. Mrs. F. came into the hotel a few minutes, but it was almost 6 o’clock so they could not delay. – Mr. Pierce at Sargent. - Walter not here.

Friday, October 6
Pretty day. Warm. – Just a busy day. – William washed the car and Mrs. Pierce worked on the school report all forenoon.  – After lunch, she took her books to Bay City. Two Blessing girls rode over with her. She stopped at the hotel to see Mrs. Dunn before going to Bay City. – Before leaving Bay City, she drove out to the hospital to see Mrs. Gill who has had an operation. – I went to P.O. this P.M. – Mr. Pierce came from Sargent tonight. – Clinton attending the dance at Community House.

Saturday, October 7
Lee went to Sargent early this morning to attend the ginning bee. Mr. Pierce drove down later. – Did general housecleaning and bed changing. – Mrs. Pierce at her books after lunch. – Sewing and mending this P.M. – John Henry came home from Houston in time for dinner. Went to Palacios tonight. – Lee came from Sargent after dinner. At home tonight. He and Clinton went to the Community House dance. – Mr. Pierce came home later. Mosquitoes bad in Sargent. – Beautiful fall weather since it stopped raining.

Sunday, October 8
Most beautiful day. – Went to S. S. Clinton, also. – John Henry drove back to Houston this afternoon. – Mrs. Pierce and I listened to Rev. Engle tonight. A good sized congregation heard him. Mrs. Engle and their daughter came over with him. – Mr. Pierce was in his office all day.

Monday, October 9
Windy. Northeast. – The wandering boy drove into Mrs. Pierce’s garage early last night. – Mrs. Pierce and I did the washing. Odeal being in the rice field. – We did the flat pieces today, but are leaving the starched for tomorrow. – Mr. Black came for school conference. I went to the P. O. about 4:30 P.M. – The noon train from the East does not come in until 3 o’clock now. – This has been a most beautiful day. – I sent a note to Mrs. Farwell asking her to spend Wed. in Mrs. Pierce’s home.

Tuesday, October 10
Grand day. – Rev. Engle came over for Communion service this morning. – Mr. Pierce and Lee drove to Sargent early. Are building fence. – Finished the ironing this A. M. – I sewed and mended some this P.M.

Wednesday, October 11
Beautiful day. – Mrs. Farwell spent the day with us. We sewed and visited. – Mrs. Pierce was real sick all day with hay fever. – After dinner tonight, Mrs. Pierce and I took Mrs. Farwell home. – Mrs. Young will be back Friday, so Mrs. F. can take life easier again. – Walter left Blessing this forenoon. A job in prospect. – Mr. Pierce and Lee came home tonight.

Thursday, October 12
Grand day. – Did not feel quite so well this forenoon. – Card from Mrs. Fraser. – Mrs. Pierce’s hay fever some better. She spent the afternoon at the hotel. Mrs. Sides meeting. – The Catholic’s have the Community House today and night.

Friday, October 13
Pretty day. – Just a day. – Lee attended a football game in Bay City today. – Mrs. Pierce continues her school board work. – Most grand fall weather.

Saturday, October 14
Fine day. – Mrs. Pierce nursed her hay fever in bed today. She is real sick from it. – Mrs. Selkirk spent an hour with her this forenoon. – Mr. Pierce and Lee went to Sargent early this morning. – Clinton went to the Wharton Fair with Mrs. Beard tonight. – Lee in Palacios and Bay City.

Sunday, October 15
Beautiful day. – Mrs. Pierce up today, but very miserable. – Clinton was the only one in the family who went to S. S. – William gave us a good 12 o’clock dinner. – Mr. Pierce was in his office all day. – Lee in Palacios.

Monday, October 16
Grand day. Hot sun. – We washed and ironed today. Laverne helped us. – Lee went to Bay City to have a tooth filled. – Mr. Pierce drove to Sargent and back this P.M. – Mrs. Beard and her sister, Mrs. Walker, spent an hour here this evening. Mrs. Beard driving a new Chevrolet coach. – Rec’d a check from Mrs. Smith today for $6.00. Penn. Co. dividend due in July. – Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Cornelius started hominy today. Corn and ashes soaking in water.

Tuesday, October 17
This has been hominy day. – Mrs. Pierce sent a box to Mrs. Smith is forenoon. – Mrs. Cornelius spent most of the day here, but the corn would not shed its “skin” after being boiled in ashes water. – Mrs. Farwell, Mrs. Ruthven and Mrs. Young came up this P.M. – Mrs. Pierce sick from hay fever.

Wednesday, October 18
Lovely day. – The afternoon we helped Mrs. Cornelius put the labels on many of her cans and arrange them on the shelves for a Pantry Demonstration later. – The boys and Billy have gone to Bay City tonight to see Ringling Bros. circus. – A good many went over from here. – Mr. Pierce went to Sargent and back this P.M. – Rowland finished plowing the garden lot this afternoon.

Thursday, October 19
Mrs. Pierce, Lee and a couple of men went to the cemetery this forenoon to take up the marker for Buddy’s grave. The date is wrong and it will have to be sent to San Antonio for correction. – Wm. made a cake for John Henry’s birthday. – After lunch, Mrs. Pierce, Lee and I drove to Palacios. Lee went to see Dr. Elliott. – Mrs. Pierce and I spent an hour with Mrs. Farwell and Mrs. Young. – Mrs. Pierce went to the hotel to visit Mrs. Dunn tonight. – Clinton attending Scouts’ meeting.

Friday, October 20 – John Henry’s Birthday
Rev. and Mrs. Fraser ate lunch with us today. They are on their way to Palacios. Are leaving soon for Arkansas City to make their home. – Mrs. Walker, Walter, Mrs. Pierce and Lee spent the forenoon in Bay City. – After lunch, I sewed and mended. Basted my black and white voile.

Saturday, October 21
Beautiful day. – Mr. Pierce and Lee spent the day at Sargent gin. – We did the Saturday house work this forenoon. – Mrs. Pierce’s hay fever is a little better. – After lunch, we and William attended the Colored citizens fair in Bay City. They had a good display and William’s angel food cake captured the blue ribbon. – After dinner, Mrs. Pierce gave three boys, Clinton and me a treat honoring his 15^th birthday. We saw “The Mayor of Hell” a reformatory school picture.

Sunday, October 22
Beautiful day. – I awoke feeling quite “no account” this morning. The atmosphere seemed so heavy. – Clinton went to S. S. – Mr. Pierce to Sargent. – Mrs. Pierce spent much of the day writing, but I just loafed. – William gave us a nice fish dinner. The fish came from Sargent. – Lee drove to Palacios this afternoon. – No visitors today.

Monday, October 23
A pretty wash day, but a hard rain fell about 5:30 this evening. – Nothing of special importance. – Walter had an automobile accident tonight. – Lee drove him to Bay City this forenoon. – A friend of Mr. Pierce’s ate dinner here tonight. “A dutch boy.” – Odeal is on the job again.

Tuesday, October 24
Pretty day. – Mrs. Pierce and Walter drove to Houston this morning. Late getting home. – Lee went to Sargent to close the gin. Came home tired. – I finished the mending and put the laundry away. – No visitors.

Wednesday, October 25
Light norther. – Mr. Pierce went to Sargent. – Lee to Palacios. An appointment with Dr. Elliott. – Mrs. Pierce preparing for the “Achievement Day” tomorrow. Pantry demonstration affair. – I worked on my voile dress this afternoon. – Tonight we heard an El Campo minister speak at the Presbyterian Church.

Thursday, October 26
Grand day. Cooler. – Sunshine all day. – Mrs. Pierce finished her preparation for the achievement day exhibit this forenoon. – Then after lunch, we went over to Hilda’s where the principal pantry demonstration was held. – From there to Mrs. Cornelius’ home for another pantry inspection on a smaller scale. – Then the visitors were served grape juice and cookies. – Mrs. Martyn and chick sales, also. – Several important personages from Bay City were present and gave tone to the affair?

Friday, October 27
Rather cloudy and this afternoon a little rain fell. – I went to Palacios this forenoon with Lee to get my 5 gal. jug for him to carry drinking water from Palacios in for himself while he is under Dr. Elliott’s care. – Odeal helped clean the northwest room today. – Letter from Mrs. Massenburg today. Gupton no better. – Mr. Pierce spent the day in Bay City. – John Henry came home unexpectedly about seven o’clock, just as we were leaving the house to attend the Hallowe’en party at the Community House. A good sized crowd seemed to have a fine time. – Much cooler tonight.

Saturday, October 28
Grand day. Cooler. – Just the Saturday routine of housework and bed changing. – John Henry relaxed enough to take a sun bath this afternoon. – Tonight the family and Walter, except Mr. Pierce, drove to Bay City to see “Three Cornered Moon” celebrating John Henry’s visit. – Mrs. Smith is real sick. Both kidneys involved. – Must have some teeth pulled.

Sunday, October 29
Beautiful day. – Mrs. Pierce, Clinton and I went to S. School this forenoon. – Mr. Pierce to Sargent. – Walter ate dinner here. – Mr. and Mrs. Borden and Miss Breedlove visited an hour here this afternoon. – Lee spent the afternoon in Palacios. – I did not write a letter today. Am certainly not doing my friends nor myself right.

Monday, October 30
Some rain today. – John Henry went back to Houston this morning. – Walter left here with him. – After lunch, I drove to Palacios with Lee. – Rained on us going down, but not a drop had fallen in Palacios. I pulled some of the paper off of the dining room while I was in my house. Shall try to put new paper on that room soon. – Did not see any of my neighbors.

Tuesday, October 31
Very heavy fog. Mostly cloudy. – Mrs. Pierce spent some time today at the high school observing the art teacher in “action.” – This forenoon I went to town for bread and hot sauce. – Since lunch I did some sewing and mending. – Clinton is celebrating Halloween down town and Lee is doing the same in Palacios. – Today is Willie Jones’ 45^th birthday. He baked himself an angel food cake. – Mr. and Mrs. Pierce and I spent an hour with the Farwells tonight. – Last day of October.

Memoranda
Oct. 15^th – Rec’d a check for $6.00 from the Penn. Co. Was due July 1^st 1933.
My State tax is not to be collected this year. 1933
The Co. tax in $10.17
City tax              21.60
School tax          14.40 = $46.17
 

November

Wednesday, November 1
Foggy morning. Some sunshine. – Mr. Pierce drove to Sargent this morning. – Mrs. Pierce worked on the Federation program and the art lesson she is to supervise in the Grades tomorrow. – I did the mending and some sewing for myself. – Lee drove to Palacios to keep his appointment with the Dr. – The town did general cleaning up today after the Halloween pranks of last night.

Thursday, November 2
Foggy forenoon. Sunshine P.M. – Odeal cleaned my room today and I put the white bands on the box springs this afternoon. The room looks invitingly clean tonight. – Mrs. Pierce spent some time with the Grades this forenoon and since lunch gave the study program for the Club women at the Community House. – I am very tired tonight. Getting old maybe.

Friday, November 3
Real cool all day. – Mrs. Pierce worked at the Community House preparing for the supper given tonight. – There was a good crowd present and a pleasing payment can be made on the Sanitary debt. (It was paid in full.) – I worked on a slip cover for John Henry’s chair. – Mrs. Dunn came home today.

Saturday, November 4
Cold. Clear. – House work this forenoon. – Mrs. Pierce at C. House. – Sewing on the chair cover this afternoon. – Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Braden spent the afternoon in Bay City. – Mr. Pierce in Sargent. – Lee in Palacios. – Am going to bed tonight with a raging headache. Taking a little cold perhaps.

Sunday, November 5
Pretty. Cold north wind. – Mrs. Pierce, Clinton and I went to Sunday School. – Mr. Pierce to Sargent and lost his tire rack and tire. – This afternoon, Mrs. Farwell and Mrs. Young came up for a short visit. – Did not write a letter today.

Monday, November 6
Cold, drizzly day. – I finished John Henry’s chair and mended the arms of Mr. Pierce’s chair today. – Mrs. Pierce worked on her school books all day. – Lee went to Palacios and brought my mail. Central Power and Light check for $1.42. – Mrs. Matthes, Miss Webb and Grace Walker came up tonight to discuss a program for the Federation meeting here. – Mrs. Smith some better. Had bad teeth extracted and new plate inserted upper jaw.

Tuesday, November 7
Cold and rainy. – Mr. Pierce started the furnace this morning. Took the chill off the rooms and then the fireplace kept the house warm until afternoon when the heat was on again for awhile. – Mrs. Pierce and the art teacher spent a couple of hours at the school this forenoon. - She has been typing all day and late tonight. – Odeal tried to dry some of the washing today.

Wednesday, November 8
Cold and rainy looking. – Mr. Pierce started the furnace again this morning. The house seemed so damp. – Mrs. Pierce drove to Houston with Mrs. Dunn. – Mr. Pierce spent the day in Sargent. – The sun shone a little this afternoon. – Mrs. Duller came for an address. – I walked down to the P.O. about 4:30 for the mail. Streets muddy. – Mrs. Dunn’s car stuck in the mud bringing Mrs. Pierce home tonight from Houston. – Wrote to Mrs. Stoddard. – Card from Mr. Fraser from Arkansas City, Kansas. – Aunt Dora Moore died today.

Thursday, November 9
Much warmer. Very much warmer and no rain. Sunshine this P.M. – Mr. Pierce ate lunch at the hotel with a couple of men. – Mrs. Pierce attended and instructed the art class at school this forenoon. – Also attended the home demonstration meeting at the Community House this afternoon. Election of officers. – I repaired the dotted swiss bed ruffles this afternoon and did some mending.

Friday, November 10
Grand day. Sunshine. – Mr. and Mrs. Pierce attended Aunt Dora Moore’s burial at Ashby this forenoon. – A Kuykendall man and his wife ate lunch here today. Came from the burial with Mr. and Mrs. Pierce. – Margaret phoned me from Victoria this afternoon. She is living in Beeville now. Her mother died last June.  – A very peculiar sensation came over me when she repeatedly called me “Aunt Nellie.” Perhaps “some time we’ll understand.”

Saturday, November 11 – Lee’s Birthday
Some sunshine and some rain. – Mrs. Pierce and Lee drove to Palacios this morning. – They stopped at the Community House for the Legion program on their way home. – Lee and Walter drove to Bay City this P.M. Ballgame. – Tonight we ate Lee’s 20^th birthday dinner. His guests were Billy and Joe Beth Robinson of Palacios and Walter Heffelfinger. – After dinner the young people and Clinton went to Bay City to see SOS Iceberg. – Mr. Pierce did not come home until too late for dinner. – Card from Mrs. Richards.

Sunday, November 12
Rainy forenoon. – I had planned to drive down to Palacios this forenoon in answer to the card from Mrs. Richards, but the rain prevented us from even going to S. S. here. – Mrs. Pierce finished her important bookkeeping and did her packing today. – Tonight we listened to a sermon by Rev. Engle. The congregation was small owing to the muddy streets. – He came home with us from church and ate a piece of cake. – Walter H. and Miss Armstrong, also the small brother, came for a few minutes after church.

Monday, November 13
Heavy fog early this morning, but all sunshine before noon. – Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Matthes left Blessing at 4:30 A.M. today, an early start, for Austin to attend the Federation meeting which will “convene and continue” until Friday. They expected to eat breakfast in Victoria. – This afternoon I drove down to Palacios. Went to see Mrs. Richards (church business).  – Mrs. Houghton died in San Antonio a month ago and was buried in Palacios. I did not know of it until today. – Went to see Mrs. Hunt and Mr. Houghton (a suffering body at rest). – We miss the little mother out of this house dreadfully. – Word came that they reached Austin in safety.

Tuesday, November 14
Beautiful day. – Just a busy day. – Letter from Rev. and Mrs. Fraser. – Tonight I went to the Community House with Mrs. Duller to meet the Japanese and Chinese ladies. Two tables held linen and other things from the Orient. A pleasing program was given and light refreshments served. Miss Carter was present. The evening was under the auspices of the W. C. T. U. and Girls Reserved.

Wednesday, November 15
Grand day. – Lee went to Sargent this morning. – Mr. Pierce to Palacios this forenoon. – Word from our Austin visitors to the effect that they will be at home Friday night. – I finished the two weeks mending tonight.- Lee in Palacios. – This has been the grandest of days this forenoon. I gathered many yellow cosmos seeds and pulled up some of the old stalks. – Rec’d a letter from the Frasers from their new home in Arkansas City, Kansas.

Thursday, November 16
Grand forenoon. – Wm. washed Mrs. Pierce’s car. – Lee drove to Palacios since lunch. (Dr’s appointment) – Mr. Pierce not at home for lunch. – Busy forenoon putting the house in order. – Odeal finished cleaning the basement. – I wrote a note to Mrs. Shaw. Also a letter to Mrs. Fraser. – Mr. Pierce is bringing home many pecans now. The crop seems quite good. – Have been mending napkins this P.M.

Friday, November 17
A most lovely day. – Lee went duck hunting very early this morning. Poor luck. – Did housework this forenoon. - Wm . cleaned the fish pool and we cleaned the garage since lunch. – Did some napkin darning and a little picking up on the third floor. – A gas well at Louise has been burning all afternoon. The pillar of flame is grand to behold at a distance. Mr. Pierce and Mr. Matthes drove up to see the burning well after dinner. – Mrs. Martyn and Mrs. Pierce reached home soon after 10 o’clock tonight. – Most enjoyable week they report.

Saturday, November 18
Wonderful day. – Lee drove to Sargent this forenoon and after lunch he drove Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Dunn, Miss Webb, Clinton and me over to the burning oil well near Louise. We were stopped a long distance from the well by a highway policeman, but were near enough to feel the heat from the flames which seem to be shooting a couple of hundred feet in the air. – Mrs. Pierce kept the Library open this afternoon.

Sunday, November 19
Perfect day. Warm. – Mrs. Pierce and I went to S. S.  Clinton is not well. – Miss Webb came home with us for lunch and discussed programs to be given later with Mrs. Pierce. – Mr. Erickson drove over from Bay City for information. – Walter and Miss Armstrong called during the afternoon. – Mr. and Mrs. Farwell drove up for a short visit. The “Gang” did not assemble this P.M. which accounted for Mr. Farwell’s visit. – Mrs. Beard and her sister, Mrs. Walker, spent an hour here tonight. – Lee drove to Palacios since lunch. – Mr. Pierce spent the day at Sargent. – No letters written today.

Monday, November 20
Most beautiful day. – House work this forenoon. – Lee working all day for Mr. Matthes and a tired boy tonight. – Mrs. Pollard brought Mr. ___, the school inspector, over this afternoon. They ate lunch here. – After lunch Mrs. Pierce drove to Bay City for information.  Walter and I drove over with her. (Joe also.) We went for the outing only and sat in the car while she was in the courthouse. – I finished reading The Oxford Group tonight. – The oil well near Louise continues to burn tho the blaze is not so high.

Tuesday, November 21
Another perfect day. – Mrs. Pierce spent an hour at the school building this forenoon. – Lee working for Mr. Matthes. – Tonight a board meeting is in progress. – Did the mending today. – The gas well burning and the deep roar from it gives one a helpless feeling when they realize the power confined in the bowels of the earth.

Wednesday, November 22
Perfect day. – Lee working. – Mrs. Dunn and Mr. Pierce drove to Houston this morning. – About 10:30 this forenoon, Mrs. Pierce, Walter and I drove out west of town to post some school election notices. – Then to El Maton to post one. – From El Maton we went to Bay City where Mrs. Pierce was busy in the courthouse until 4:30. – I had a shampoo and sat in the car sewing. Walter wandered around. We stopped on the way home and planted some flowers for Buddy. – The program committee met here tonight. – Songs for the Federation meet in Dec.

Thursday, November 23
Another perfect day. – Lee and I watered the plants at the cemetery this morning. – Mrs. Pierce gave an hour or more to the art pupils in high school. – After lunch the canning demonstration at the Community House. – Mrs. Sides ate dinner with us tonight. – The chorus practiced Indian songs tonight. Mrs.Pierce at the piano. – I have been doing some repair work on a dotted swiss dress for little Jane since lunch.

Friday, November 24
Cold north wind. – Very early this morning, the burning gas well at Louise was put out with a terrific blast. – Lee drove to Sargent this forenoon and this afternoon he drove to West Columbia to see a football game. – We cleaned the living room today. Gave the bookcase a real house cleaning.  – Are all tired tonight. – Invitation to spend an hour or more in the Borden home Sunday P.M.

Saturday, November 25
Grand day in Houston. – Mrs. Pierce, Miss Webb, Walter and I drove to Houston today. Had a most delightful trip. Did a little shopping. Ate lunch. Drove to Mr. Payne’s office and picked John Henry up to visit the Art Museum and inspect some work done by Mrs. Worthington (Mr. Beard’s sister). Also some other pictures recently hung for exhibition. – Walter drove which made the trip easier for Mrs. Pierce. – My day’s pleasure was a gift from her.

Sunday, November 26
Much cooler. Grand day. – Mrs. Pierce and I drove out to the cemetery before S. S. The plants are doing well and the ivy is spreading very fast. – We attended S. S. – Mr. Pierce drove to Sargent. – After lunch, I read and studied my pioneer speech. – Mrs. Pierce dressed and waited until 5 o’clock for Mr. Pierce to come home. Then they drove to Mackay. – It was too late for me to go to Palacios (in Mr. Pierce’s car) so I read instead of writing letters as I should have done.

Monday, November 27
Windy day. Cool. – General house work all forenoon. Worked some on little Jane’s dress repairing this P.M. – Lee and Mr. Pierce drove to Sargent since lunch. Lee is to do some painting for his father. – Tonight the committees for the Federation meet. in Dec. finished their general program outline. – Mr. Pierce brought four Sargent turkeys home tonight. Three for gifts and one for his own Thanksgiving table.

Tuesday, November 28
Very windy. Warm. – After lunch I drove to Palacios. Delivered some Thanksgiving gifts. Saw some of my old neighbors. Miss Bennett is quite miserable. Roy Hunt and his wife arrived in Palacios Sun. night. Saw the Farwell family a few minutes. Mrs. F. had been attending her church meeting at Miss Nannie’s. – Tonight the singers practiced an Indian song for the Clubs Meet. in Dec. – Found a letter from Mrs. Haywood in Palacios.

Wednesday, November 29
Beautiful, but windy. – Just a busy day. – I cut out a large collar for my pioneer dress this afternoon and finished mending. – Mr. Pierce brought Lee home from Sargent tonight and John Henry came from Houston. – They drove to Palacios tonight.

Thursday, November 30
Grand day. – My $400.00 investment in Central Power and Light Cos. Preferred Stock 6% brought me a quarterly dividend of $1.42 this month. .08 deducted. – Thanksgiving Day. – Mrs. and Mrs. Farwell and Walter Heffelfinger were dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce. – The Robinson girls ate cake with the boys at night and then the four went to Bay City to see a picture. – Mrs. Pierce was hostess to a theatre party, also, Walter, Clinton and me. – Tonight closes a most beautiful month. – The oil well is on fire again.

Memoranda
Nov. 11^th - Lee’s Birthday
November 6^th - Rev. and Mrs. Fraser moved to Arkansas City, Kansas
November 10^th – Phone call from Margaret at Victoria. She now lives in Beeville. Her mother died early in June.
Nov. 13-17 – Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Matthes spent the week in Austin. Federation.
Nov. 24^th – The gas well at Louise field, which blew itself in and developed a tower of blaze 150 feet high, was put under control Friday morning after burning seven days. An awe inspiring sight at night.
 

December

Friday, December 1
 Beautiful day.  - Cut out and worked on my pioneer dress today. - John Henry went back to Houston early this morning. - A mass meeting was held at the Community House tonight. (School bonds)? - Walter celebrated his birthday by giving a turkey dinner and party at the hotel tonight.

Saturday, December 2
 Wonderful day. - Have been sewing on Spanish costumes today. - Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Braden helping. - About 3:30 P.M., Mr. Pierce asked Mrs. Pierce to go to Sargent and bring Lee home. So Walter and I rode down with her. - Tonight the chorus came up to practice and Mrs. Braden came to help sew. The Spanish costumes are almost finished. Mrs. Pierce and I sewing until midnight on them.

Sunday, December 3
Grand day all day. - Mr. Pierce went to Sargent. - Lee to Palacios. - Mrs. Pierce, Clinton and I went to S. S.  - The school teachers are absent on their Thanksgiving vacation. - Tonight we attended the first one of several revival sermons to be preached in the Presbyterian Church by a Rev.  ___ of El Campo. A small congregation heard him, but more are hoped for as the services continue.

Monday, December 4 – Mr. Pierce’s 59^th Birthday
 Warm day. Real windy this forenoon. - Lee, Walter and I were leaving town to take Lee back to his work in Sargent when Mr. Pierce stopped us to say that Lee had work as timekeeper for County work here in Blessing. Lee and Walter went to Sargent to deliver some lumber, etc. but I went on with my sewing. - Lee's work begins Wed. - I finished the Spanish costumes and my own this afternoon. - Mrs. Pierce and I went to church tonight. A few more were in the congregation tonight. - Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger expect to start south about the 11^th.

Tuesday, December 5
Very warm day. - Tonight a norther blew down upon us. - This forenoon we made the collar for Margaret’s “Kate Greenaway” dress. And this afternoon a group of women cleaned the Community House and Library. - Mrs. Lucas came up tonight to finish compiling her speech for the Federation Meet. - I went to church alone. The theme was “Earthen Vessels” 2^nd Corinthians 4^th Chapter. - Congregation quite small.

Wednesday, December 6
Real cool and windy. Clear. - Lee began his timekeeper duties this morning. - Mrs. Dunn, Mr. Pierce and Walter drove to Houston this morning. - Mrs. Pierce and some other canning club members spent the day at Mrs. Percy Reed’s home where a beef was canned. - Mrs. Pierce worked on the map (program) for the Federation meeting tonight. - I heard another sermon by the El Campo minister. The Rugged Cross (illustrated). Small congregation. - Real cold tonight. Will frost I am sure.

Thursday, December 7
 Clear, cold, frost. - Beautiful white frost this morning. - Mr. and Mrs. Farwell drove up a few minutes this forenoon. - Mr. Pierce rode down to Palacios with them. - The first rehearsal for the Federation meeting was held this afternoon. We shortened and hung some curtains in the Library, too. - Mrs. Dunn was here cleaning Mrs. Smith's room today. - No one from this home went to church tonight. The subject was to be “The Unpardonable Sin.” - Lee's timekeeping job is over for this week. - We attempted to go to Palacios since lunch, but flat tires and time limit prevented.

Friday, December 8
 Grand Day. - Busy day. - Preparations for entertaining the Federation went merrily on today and tonight. - Lee and I drove to Bay City this forenoon to get fireplace paper. - Had a dress rehearsal this afternoon. - The revival services continue, but we were too tired to attend tonight. Too late when we left the Community House, too - Mr. Pierce in Sargent tonight. (Came home at midnight.)

Saturday, December 9
 Splendid day. All sunshine. - The Matagorda Federation of Women Clubs met in the Blessing Community House today. More than 80 visitors being present. The dinner was good. The program went off quite smoothly and the Community House was all in order before the workers left it tonight. - Mrs. Beard is quite sick. Went to Houston for treatment this afternoon. Maybe away several days.

Sunday, December 10
Quite windy all day. Mrs. Pierce, Clinton and I went to Sunday School. Then Mr. Pierce and I drove out to see Mrs. Gill who is quite weak from an operation and pneumonia. - Mr. Pierce in Sargent today. - We attended the last revival service in the Presbyterian Church tonight. Four little girls are to join the church of their choice.

Monday, December 11
 Very warm and windy. - Sewed for Mrs. Dinn most of the day. Did some repair work and cut a blouse from old goods. Basted it ready to fit in the morning. - She went to Palacios this P.M. Had a sick headache. - Tonight Mrs. Pierce's car carried herself, Lee, Walter, Clinton and me to Bay City to see “Christopher Bean.” Marie Dressler and Barrymore. A most enjoyable picture. - Thank you Mrs. Pierce for another pleasure.

Tuesday, December 12
 Not so windy, but warm. - Sewed part of the day for Mrs. Dunn. Finish the red blouse. She spent the afternoon in Bay City. Brought out a big sack of rice to take to Winnie. - Mrs. Pierce is attending the Council Meeting at the Community House. “Russia.” - Lee is at tent show. - Clinton and I are going to bed. - My ear is giving me a lot of trouble. Mrs. Franklin gave me some oil to put into it which is relieving it some.

Wednesday, December 13
 Warm, windy day. - Drove to Bay City on an errand for Mrs. Pierce this forenoon. - Mrs. Engle quite sick. Must be kept quiet for two months. - Mrs. Dunn drove to Houston today. - Mrs. Pierce and I worked on the table mats or doilies this afternoon. Have 8 finished tonight. - Mrs. Lucas came up an hour this afternoon. - Since dinner, Lee drove Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Lucas and me out to the Gill home to carry some broth to Mrs. Gill. - Mr. Pierce brought turkeys home from Sargent tonight.

Thursday, December 14
 Windy, warm day. - Mrs. Pierce spent the day at the hotel putting Mrs. Smith rooms in order and cleaning Walter’s. Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger are coming soon. - Lee finished his timekeeping work for the week. - I finished the mending and worked on the doilies. - Mrs. Yeager and Helen came over a few minutes tonight.

Friday, December 15
 Windy and some clouds. - Mrs. Pierce went to Bay City this morning. She has been appointed to an office in N. R. A. work. - Mr. Pierce went to Sargent since lunch. - I finished the last doily this afternoon and did some mending and glove washing. - My ears feel better, but I cannot hear well yet - Walter called a few minutes this afternoon. - Mrs. Beard is better. Up today.

Saturday, December 16
 Much wind all day. - Bond issue voted on today. Failed to carry. Much time, brainwork, labor, gasoline, tires, etc. lost for the present time. Much worry, etc. for several years to come saved. Lee went hunting early this morning. - Mrs. Price was one of Mrs. Side's luncheon guests at the BayTex today. - Mrs. Dunn paid me $3.50 this P.M. - My ears are troublesome yet. - Mrs. Smith and Mrs. H. leaving Penn. Tuesday. – Sleety weather up there.

Sunday, December 17
 Rained some today. - We did not go to S. S. today. I have written five letters. - Tonight we heard Rev. Engle preach.  - Mr. Pierce spent the day in Sargent. - Lee went to Palacios since lunch. - Hilda came a few minutes this afternoon. She will begin Federal work tomorrow.

Monday, December 18
 Good day. Cooler. - Lee at work. - Mrs. Pierce, Clinton and I drove to Bay City after school. – Dr. Loos irrigated my ears and they needed it. I can hear once more for which I am truly thankful. - The school board met here tonight. A most indignant group they are. Voted to hold the election again as soon as possible. Hoping it may carry. - Mrs. Farwell phoned this A. M. going to Penn. Walter rode to Wharton.

Tuesday, December 19
 Cool weekend, but sunshine. - Mr. Pierce went to Victoria today. - Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger are supposed to be on their way to Texas today. - Mr. Pierce gave me a Son of a Gun book for the year 1934. - Mrs. Pierce at her desk most of the day. - Played for the Christmas songs practice this P.M. - Mr. and Mrs. Farwell drove up. She did not come in. Her back is so lame. - The young woman who is to sing at Helen Yeager’s marriage practiced here this P.M. - Mrs. Beard spent an hour here tonight.

Wednesday, December 20
Beautiful day. Cool. - Mrs. Pierce out on Federal work part of the day. - Played for the Christmas songs practice this P.M. - Mrs. Sides came to see about the cushions I am to make for her. - Mr. Pierce drove the Sargent since lunch taking gifts for his tenant children. - He gave me a bag of candy and apple. A sample of the Sargent treat. - Merry Christmas cards arriving for the family.

Thursday, December 21
 Grand day. - Mrs. Pierce off bright and early on her work. - Lee on his job, also. - Mr. Pierce delivering turkeys for Christmas cheer to many. - Mrs. Pierce, Lee and Odeal drove to Bay City late this afternoon to turn in their time and reports. - Telegram for Mrs. Smith this afternoon saying they are in Tennessee.

Friday, December 22
Another beautiful day. - Mrs. Pierce, Lee and Clinton went to Houston today. - I received and sent out a number of Christmas cards today. - Mr. Pierce delivered more turkeys. - Mary Dean borrowed chairs and tables for her party tomorrow. - The teachers have gone home on their Xmas vacations and the children are happy. - Mrs. Walker aired Mrs. Smith's room and John cut some flowers for it. - Lee has gone to Palacios. - Mr. Mrs. Pierce to El Maton School programme.

Saturday, December 23
 Beautiful day. - Mrs. Pierce and I drove out to the cemetery this forenoon. - Wrapped some more packages since lunch. - Mrs. Pierce went to a card party at Mary Dean’s this P.M. announcing Helen's engagement. - John Henry came home about 5:50 P.M. - Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heffelfinger drove in about 6:00 P.M. - We went down to see them after dinner. They are tired.

Sunday, December 24
 Beautiful day. - Not much like Sunday. I drove to Palacios this forenoon to get some things from my china closet and brought the shrimp home. - Mrs. Pierce took another wreath to Buddy’s grave. - She and Lee put the green vines up this forenoon. - We all attended the program at the Community House tonight. The house was filled. - Many firecrackers on the square. Community tree in the hotel yard. - Then we trimmed our tree and stacked the gifts. - Wished each other a Merry Xmas and went to bed. - The big boys went hunting.

Monday, December 25
 Beautiful day all day. - The tree was pretty and the gifts abundant. - Mr. and Mrs. Farwell, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Heffelfinger and Walter were dinner guests. - Mr. Pierce served eggnog to many callers during the forenoon. - We all went over to Paul and Mary Dean’s open house in the evening. - Mr. and Mrs. Pierce brought their guests over here and finish the eggnog. - Then our boys went to Palacios and Mr. Pierce was host to the rest of us and Junior King for a trip to Palacios to see White Woman movie. – Now in bed.

Tuesday, December 26
 Lovely day. - John Henry had to go back to work this forenoon, so Mrs. Pierce drove him to El Campo to catch the bus this morning. - She did some Federal work on the way back home. - This afternoon Mrs. Cornelius and Kathryn gave a shower for Helen Yeager. I did not attend. And keeping my finger soaked in turpentine. Find a tied up front finger quite a hindrance in every way. - Mr. Pierce and Mr. Matthes drove the Sargent late this evening. - Lee and a crowd from here drove to Bay City tonight. - Mrs. Pierce too tired to sit up.

Wednesday, December 27
 Cold wind from the north. - Mrs. Smith drove Mrs. Heffelfinger to Houston this morning. From there she will go home by train. - Mrs. Pierce spent most of the day on the road. Came home “chilled to the bone.” - I did the housework and picked up the Christmas gifts. Took me about all day. My finger seems in the way so often. - Mrs. Smith came home this evening very tired. - Walter in Wharton. - Has been missing this afternoon. Almost sleet. Wm. brought the cows and pony into the barn yard tonight.

Thursday, December 28
 Rainy day. Cold. - Hilda brought her reports to Mrs. Pierce this morning before going out to work. Then they went together. And later took the reports to Bay City. - Today has been very unpleasant but not so cold. - Mrs. Smith ate dinner here tonight. - Mrs. Pierce drove her home. (and Cherri)

Friday, December 29
Cloudy. Not cold. Dreadful rain fell today. Water everyplace. - I did some mending today. The first I have been able to use my finger since pinching it in the car door. - Lee drove to Bay City about his Federal work checks. Said there was much water in and around the city. He is in Palacios tonight.

Saturday, December 30
 Cloudy. Not cold. - Mrs. Pierce and I drove to Palacios this forenoon. Spent some time in Lorraine's parlor. I went up home expecting to find my house went from the downpour of yesterday, but was most agreeably surprised to find only one leak upstairs. - Called at Mrs. Farwell's. - Mrs. Minich is sewing for her. - Mrs. Pierce kept the Library this P.M. - I took the Xmas tree down. -Mrs. Pierce and I drove to Bay City tonight. Much water. John Henry came home.

Sunday, December 31
 Beautiful day. Sunshine. - Went to S.S. - Mr. Pierce and John Henry spent the day in Sargent. - Mrs. Smith drove down to her brother John's this P.M. with Allen and Ruby. - I wrote several letters this afternoon. - We saw the old year out and the new year in in  Bay City. The guests of Mrs. Smith to see the “Invisible Man.” - Arrived at home in the early hours of Jan. 1, 1934.

Memoranda
Dec. 4^th – Mr. Pierce’s birthday.
Dec. 28^th – Beatrice’s baby Jimmie 2 years old.
 

Copyright 2015 - Present by Palacios Area Historical Association
All rights reserved

HOME