Once Seen & Heard, Never Forgotten: A Soprano’s Aria Chapter 20
Posted on September 30, 2021 Leave a Comment
Mar 17 Cut Agnes’ black satin skirt. Started “Jane Eyre”. Cleaned up the house and finished a successful day tired but satisfied. [Transcriber’s note: this was the favorite novel of my youth so I found it delightful that my great grandmother was reading it.]
Sun Mar 18 Agnes had to work at the telephone exchange so I did not get to go to service which made me rather bitter towards conditions that did not give me at least one day in 7. Allie was rather inclined to resent my attitude and hinted at me being the cause of all his troubles both marital and business. O! Adam Wilt thy seed the like Abraham’s live forever. Allie is a good boy and I love him but he is apt to be too optimistic and it leads him into trouble sometimes. He and I went to the Baptist Church in the evening and enjoyed a sermon on Rest by Dr. Haynes and a concert by Muriel Anderson’s class of a young girls and boys orchestra. The ‘sing smile slumber’ on the organ was very good but hardly appropriate, I thought. But the opera music seems to be invading the church and indeed how many of us would ever get to hear it all but for that. Miss Shain shook hands with me after church and seemed gland to renew old acquaintance. The day ended happily.
Mon Mar 19 I hemmed the skirt and got the machine ready for the man, who took it out later. It was rented. I finished Jane Eyre by Charlot Bronte. It is a quaint tale of Old English life told in a ready forcible style many of the words and phrases of which are now obsolete. Jane Eyre narrates the history of her life from a despised and abused orphan through charity school days to respected governess teaching. Through bitter sorrow—in finding her “Master Mr Rochester a married man at the alter on her wedding day, her flight, her rescue from death from starvation and exposure by kind people who later prove to be her cousins. Her access to a fortune by the death of her uncle and the return to the Hall to find it burned by Mr Rochester’s mad wife and him blinded by the fire in his vain efforts to save her life. Free at last to love legally and morally they marry and enjoy such happiness in mutual regard and peace through perfect understanding. That under its genial glow sight is restored to one eye and he is able to behold his little plain wife made beautiful through devotion and the lovely son he gave him as an added bond to their happiness. Adele the little French protege is not forgotten and the story comes to a satisfactory end.
Tuesday 20 I got a letter announcement from Royce of his marriage on the 13 to Miss Sara Alta Howard of North bend. I met her when I was in Neb and liked her very much.
The fire is out and it is rather cold. But think Spring is on the wing. O am baking bread and other work. Allie has commenced work nights and is now sleeping soundly is is 11 oclock in the forenoon.
Wed Mar 21 Sunny and warm. Snow Melting fast. Agnes gone to visit her mother. Allie asleep in bed. I have just been reading a book called Music and Culture by Karl Merz. It is composed of essays on different subjects and their relation to music. He valiantly defends music from every foe on every point. He urges a through musical education for the masses. Went to choir practice. Enjoyed it very much and learning much. Agnes came home with me.
Thu Washed clothes etc.
Friday 23 Spent the day reading psychological works by Atherton and Larson. They lay great stress on the power of the Will.
Sat Mar 24 Agness is in a huff because Allie and I discuss the war situation. She won’t be home this evening and maybe not the next week either she says. So it seems as if I’m to be the goat and stay home and be good and do the work. We’ll see. I’ve written to Jessie, Eilene and Jessie K and intend to start for Cal. Or rather Eilenes by the 7 or 8 of April if I can get the money by that time to go on .
Sun Mar 25. I went to church on the morning. Agnes came and got some things and went home to her mother intending to stay until Allie came after her.
Mon Mar 26 Allie got good kind brotherly letter from Leo. Also one came for an me under same cover.He is still in Fargo working nights and perhaps his being tired accounted for its being so quiet at 4 oclock in the morning.
27 Walked over to Lake St and mailed a birthday parcel to Jessie and a letter to Leo. AM baking bread.
Mar 31 The last few days of mo were spent at very quiet hum drum tasks. Nothing of importance happened.
Apr 1 Sund Went to church to hear Riley preach and sang in choir morn and eve.
“The Seven Last Words of Christ.”
Apr 2 Went downs town and bought goods for white dress.
Apr 3 Worked on dress and other work about house.
Wed Apr 4 Last rehearsal before Cantata
The Apr 5 Sewed on dress etc.
April 6 Good Friday Went over to Newmans and stitched white dress in aft– went down town and bought a pair of white shoes and silk stockings and a hat and gold Lavalier chain. Came home and dressed and went to church to sing in the Cantana. The seven last words of Christ by Dubois. It went off with a great swing and they took in nearly $100.00.
April 10 Went over to Mrs Newmans and sewed and crocheted in morning and in afternoon called on Hilda in her pretty bungalo at 20 Pilsbury. Mer her husband Mr Jesse Rowland. Afterwards we came back and got Frances and Vincent and we went out for a pleasant drive in North Minneapolis hills. Returned to Allies and washed up dishes while they went down where he works for his tools and came back about 11 oclock.
Apr 11 Wed Day cool and cloudy in contrast to pleasant day yesterday. My head aches and I am depressed I must go to Mrs Newmans and finish up my work there.
Apr 15 1917 On board the Chicago Milwauke to St Paul train “Chieftain” Enroute from Minneapolis to Ipswich S Dak. To visit my daughter Eilene Hoffman and family. On April 12 visited Mrs Spain in Col. Heights [Columbia Heights in Minneapolis] had a pleasant times. On Fri Apr 13 visited Larkin Fashion Show with Mrs Newman. On 14 I stayed home and got ready to go west and on Sunday morning Allie and Agnes saw me off. Here I am.
5 clock Just discovered that we are in S Dak. The place is Milbank eastern S. Dak and Western Minnesota are beautiful farming regions. It is early evening. I am anxious to get to Ipswich which we are due to reach at 9.
[No posts in interim]
May 19, 1917 Ipswich So Dak at the station waiting for the train to take me to Fargo to see Leo. Eilene will accompany me as far as Aberdeen. I had been at her home in Ipswich So Dak for a mo and 4 days and too busy to write a word in my diary. This interval was filled by boarding train and changing at Aberdeen . I had a very busy and happy visit at Eilenes. The baby is a lovely child. I went to church once and met some nice people. I went to a class play which was well acted by the high school scholars. I visited Mrs Smilovich and Mrs Stevens in their homes and enjoyed it very much. The people are very hospitable and kindly. My son-in-law Frank Hoffman is a grand good boy sober industrious honest and faithful to a degree not often attained. In all the time I was there I never saw him lose his temper. I was sorry to say good bye to Eilene and Aberdeen but couldn’t help it. I was also glad to be on my way to see my dear son Leo. We are too scattered. It breaks me all up to have the family so widely separated. The time is gliding smoothly along in the cool spring evening. The sun just setting a ball of red behind untold miles of cultivated farming lands just showing their first blades of spring.
Ladonia? Park is a peculiar little town situated in a ? of low thickly growing trees. They are a wash of the most fresh and a vivid green, and grow in a long narrow park on either bank of a small river. A most ideal spot in this rather monotonous region of level fields.
Fargo N.D. May 20 Arrived at 4 oclock and remained snug in my berth sound asleep until morning when I peeped out of the window and I spy a Fargo sign on a building when I knew I had safely arrived. Leo is somewhere in this town unawares of my close proximity. How surprised and delighted he will be when I come in and how sad all this war news will both he and Albert—will have to register [for the draft].
1 oclock I got up and made my toilet in the sleeper inquired my way of the attentive porter and came out on the street and took a street car for Leos. I found the place with the aid of a little girl and found them both so sound asleep in bed that it took me nearly an hour to get them up. I stood in the hall outside about 30 min. or so no less and read the Fargo Daily Courier News. Finally the janitor came up for the garbage and I explained matters to him and he knocked on the door with the earnestness of purpose that Carrie came to the door when a request to know who’s there. I said Mrs Mosier, Leo’s mother which doubteth she repeated and mingled ? of incredulity and astonishment at the same time opening the door apologizing for her appearance in a hastily donned boudoir cap and bath robe. I was joyously welcomed by her and Leo who got up presently Awakened out of his sound sleep (for he works nights). We spent a most pleasant Sunday. Several people called. Mervin who I met in Minneapolis several years ago when Jessie was cashier in the Minneapolis Dry Goods Store and Leo brought him in to introduce him to her as I was there. Leo and him have remained fast friends ever since and also Paul Wiggan who is the son of the man worked for in Wadena. He is a fine looking young man with a very sad expressions who is ambitious to be come a singer and is disappointed at not being able to continue the cultivation of his voice.
Later in the day Leo went to work and Carrie and I went to the Methodist church which has a very large congregation. Rev. Frank Hullet gave us an interesting sermon.
May 26 I have spent a very pleasant week at Leo’s. Carrie and I have walked out daily going in different directions exploring the city. One evening we crossed the river the red river of the north in Moorehead, Minn. Last evening we walked down town and dropped in to a fee lecture by a reformed socialist David Goldstein who was introduced by Judge Pollock, a pillar of the Methodist Church. The lecture was supposed to be on peace and war. His harangue soon veered around to the family, to the strife therein with resulting divorce and offered is the solution of all evils the Catholic Church, and its teachings. What nonsense.
This morning is cold and windy and the steam heat is very welcome. Leo is sleeping in bed and Carrie is getting breakfast, We has three messes [meals] Of dandelion greens this week. We parboiled them in plain water which extracted the bitterness. They were the best dandelions I ever ate. The town is infested with them. Every lawn is blazing yellow.
May 27 Memorial day. Accompanied by Leo’s wife Carrie I attended the large mass meeting at the armory in Fargo. The speech by Rev Frost of the Methodist Church was of a high order of patriotism. In the afternoon Leo accompanied us and we snapped some pictures in the park. In the evening Mrs. Wigham, stopped in and Carrie played while we sang some lovely sacred solos.
May 28 Morning like all others since my arrival in Fargo. Leo and Carrie are not up yet. He worked last night and it is now 9 oclock.
29 Later in the day I went down town and bought some embroidery for a collar and to meet Leo which I failed to do through a misunderstanding came home tired and found him there. I might as well say in writing this en route to Fargo to Ipswich Nice to Oaks to Aberdeen. It is now nearly noon at Lisbon which seems to be quite a little town . All morning we have flew along smoothly thru fields of spring wheat beautifully green in the light showers while fell this forenoon. Leo and Carrie & I got up and after a light breakfast, we walked to the N.P. Station where Leo left us to chase after some apples. He got back just before the train started to say good Bye, O! Yes we had to say it—my Leo I wish I could have you nearer. He thinks may be he’ll come out West to see me very soon may be in a year but I do not dare hope such joy. Carrie is a good daughter and will make him happy even as he does her.
The last I saw of them as the train pulled out they were standing on the platform talking soberly together. I had a very pleasant trip to Aberdeen. Changed cars at Lamour and at Oakes also at Aberdeen bane of traveling North and south. The through lines seem to run in an easterly and westerly direction with the exception of the shore line. At Aberdeen I carried to [two] heavy cases nearly a run from one station to another and waited from 4 oclock in the afternoon til 8:18 in the evening to take the train for Ipswich. Arriving there saw Fanny Ingrtice? And Joyce who helped me up at Eilene’s with my girls. She was not looking for me but I was glad to be back.
June 1 This is the day Leo starts to travel selling his adding machine.
June 3 Got a letter from him saying he had been having real good success but would have to wait Awhile for returns.
June 4 Audry Kendrick’s wedding day. She is to be married tie Roland Hamilton. I sent mother some wild Minnesota ferns to plant.
June 5 Registration day So many of my dear boys have to register today. Allie, Leo, Frank, and Sylvester and O but all the others. I hope the was will end before they are called out.
June 6 Eliene bought herself a new mustard color poplin dress or suit in addition to some muslin for longerie [lingerie] and some gingham for the baby and two silk for her waist. I’m very busy all the time sewing ——–no end and never done. But there is a respite for I have written home for money to go back on and Eilene is going with me I guess.
June 7, 8, 9 Busy sewing and caring for Leo Arnold [grandson] who is anything his false eye teeth (what a stupid blunder) and has begun threatened with convulsions again. We had a splendid rain all which filled up all our utensils. Everything is fresh and green at this late date in Spring. Lilacs are in bloom.
June 10 Was awakened by the sound of heavy teaming looked out the window in time to see the elephants and the dromedaries go by. Hooray for the circus has come to town and I have a grandson to take to see the animals what more could mortals want. The day is very hot and windy and dust flying, clouds promising rain.
Frank [Hoffman] drove up in a spanking new machine and took Eilene up to Mrs Smilovich I didn’t like to take the baby out so stayed at home with him.
June 17 Spent the past week at Eilene’s place very much at home and hard at work. Frank took us auto riding out into the country. Met Mrs Fish who went along. Also Mr Smilovich at who’s place we stopped upon on our return and the supper. Spent a pleasant evening during which time a heavy wind came up followed by rain. Frank [Hoffman] came up about 10 oclock and carried his little son Leo home.
June 18 First day of the Chautauqua. Frank [Hoffman] had bought season tickets for Eilene and me and we attended every day during the week. The programs were filled by new talent each day and it was all of a high order, very entertaining and uplifting, amusing and edifying . I have a detailed list of programs in another book. The week ended on Sat night with a performance by the Kiltie band in full regimentals whose star performer was Wee Jamie Clark bag pipe major once seen and heard never forgotten.
Sun 24 Stayed at home and rested up.
Mon 25 At it again harder than ever.
Tues 26 Got a nice letter from Lolita who is glad we are coming home soon. Fannie Smilovich brought me material for a new coat.
Wed 27 Working and sewing hard.
Thu 28 Got a letter from Leo with $20.00 enclosed. Wrote to him and Mrs Newman , Fannie is very pleased with her new coat. Eilene is buying new things right and left for her trip. [Lulu and daughter Eilene are going to San Francisco] Frank [Hoffman] is very generous. She made me a present of silk for a new waist.
[Editor’s NOTE: I will be on holiday and Lulu’s Diary will return mid October. Coming up her trip back to California and the close of 1917]
Kelly Wheaton Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved.
A Fairy Land of Snow Embroidered Dreams: A Soprano’s Aria Chapter 19
Posted on September 27, 2021 Leave a Comment
Jan 1 1917 Monday Came back to Allie’s this morning and accompanied him to see Mr & Mrs. Jacobson where we will live for a few mo. Allie having rented it furnished.
We were received very graciously by them both and I think will be satisfied out there for the winter mo.
Came back to the room at the Stratford and Allie and Agness went out to see her mother. I remained to change my clothes post up my diary and write some letters.
Jan 2 Tuesday Packed up trunks and traveling bags and went out 2 Jacobsons. Found the house deserted, had a key, walked in and made ourselves at home.
Jan 2 Wed. My slight cold worse. Busied myself with becoming acquainted with the place. Picked up our wash.
Jan 4 Thu. Cold and especially the fever came to a climax last night. I was burning up alive. Finally I broke out in a sweat and felt better. (O me I see I can’t write good today) sick through and through. Seems to be the grip [flu].
5 Fri. Albert and Agnes got breakfast. I cough terribly am consoling myself by reading Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. Oh what a wonderful story and oh wonderfully told. and Oh but the misery of God’s poor world. This night I wept bitter tears for Fantine! No for myself because I did no get to see Leo, and Fantines unsatisfied longing to see her daughter Cosette brought it all back to me poinently [poignantly].
Sat Jan 6 Still weak, hot and cold and sweating by turns an weak and have a very bad cough. Got up at 10 Al some breakfast, swept and dusted the whole house, washed and wiped the dishes, took a bath and went to bed. Had a good nap, Agnes called up and later Allie who had down to meet her. I have to get supper for them yet. The movers have come in and another day has gone. Tomorrow will be my third Sunday here and through no fault of my own, I have not been to church.
Jan 21 The biggest snowstorm for 40 years.
Jan 22, at 3240 Harriet Ave. so. This is Alberts 27th birthday we celebrated by having the home made bread. The first he had had in a long time. He spent the day shoveling snow. The sidewalks resemble marble tunnels.
Since the last time I wrote in this book, I have been staying at home not going out at all excepting one day last week when I went down with Agnes to pick out a sewing machine. I am over my bad cold but feel under the weather. My heart beats tumultuously and I am homesick in a submissive sort of way. The mail didn’t come today every sort of traffic is snowed in. On the 18 I mailed letters to all my folks and more anxiously awaiting replies. The storm dominates all conversation. The city of Minneapolis had a fall of 17 inches yesterday which broke all records. It drifted badly in places and men shoveled hard all day yesterday trying to clear away paths to get to and from their places in. Give me the rains of my California.
Jan 28 During the week last, I remained at Allies home at 3240 Harriet and so doing all the housework except sometimes the roomers breakfast. I was unwell during the week. I got a letter from Jessie K encouraging me in my musical aspirations. I made Agnes blue dress which she likes very much. I answered the letter from J. K. [Jessie Kendrick her sister] Agnes got a letter from Jessie Fri they are doing well at home, I guess . I went downtown to meet Allie and do a little shopping for Agnes on Sat. in the morning they went to her mothers Mrs Daveys. This Sunday morning it was so much warmer that Allie and I decided to go to church. We went to hear Dr Riley. He spoke on covetousness and miserlyness and selfishness denouncing them bitterly. The sermon was a masterly one. He preaches in a straight forward style with a splendid choice of words spoken rapidly with few gestures and no grimaces or acting . The direct opposite of Billy Sunday. We walked around after church. The snow was melting and the mud was getting pretty bad so we came home and had dinner ready for Agnes when she came home at 5 o’clock. It is now bedtime and I am going to bed.
Feb 8 I am still at Alberts and have been since my last entry. The weather has been and is cruelly cold. The sun shines warmly today and it has been thawing some in places out of the wind which is bitterly cold.
Today I walked over to Lake and Violet and mailed letters to mother, Frank and Jessie also a photo to mother. I got lost as usual and retraced my steps several blocks only to find I was right and had to go back again making 6 or 8 blocks more of a walk than necessary. I shouldn’t have minded on a pleasant day but the sidewalks were so slippery, I had to go in the street and the wind was so stinging cold, I came nearly freezing my cheeks. To enjoy this climate one should have warm furs.
Feb 9-10 Fri to Sat Usual routine.
Sunday Feb 11 We had Agnes relations over for dinner. I love to see the 3 sisters of them. Josephine, Minnie and Agnes all sitting on the same stool at the piano paying and singing. We had a very pleasant time. Mrs and Mr Davy and Minnies husband was with them. Minnie has lately undergone an operation for cancer of the breast. I sincerely trust it will prove successful.
Mon Feb 12 Lincolns birthday. I was pleased today to see so many American flags displayed. The majority seems to stand by the president in this crisis. I got a letter from Jessie and Lolita in S. F. and Allie got one from Les in Fargo. This is a very cold day. I turned the heat in the dining room and studied the Etude (back numbers for several years) for 5 hours. In the evening I answered my letters.
Tues Feb 13 It is much warmer today. I was feeling depressed and nervous also a little anxious from waiting for word from Rogers, Neb. I forgot to mention that last Sat I received a package containing a tray from Lolita and handkerchief’s for all of us from Jessie and Grandma Mosier for our belated Christmas.
Feb 14 Spent quietly at home thinking of my last years Valentine in California.
Feb 21 Nothing much in importance has happened since my last entry. Agnes sent a pretty cap to Eilene all crocheted and pink beribboned and lined with sheer white organza and she sent a beautiful picture of the baby Hoffman. I had a letter from Jessie Mosier and today and the 21[st]. One from Jessie Kendrick. I have answered them all. And tonight if it isn’t too cold I think I will go to the Baptist prayer meeting and see if I can get into the choir that has been work on a cantata called the “Seven last words of Christ.”
Sat Feb 24 I did not go to the prayer meeting Wed eve, it was so cold and cheerless out and it looked so lonesome to go alone. Then I was tired and Fri I went down town , payed some bills for Allie and selected a set of civet furs at the Leader store. Today, Sat, I am doing housework and will iron the clothes I washed then when the mail came and nothing in it for me I headed to the bookcase for something to read and on my knees before it-the better to see the titles, I read them over Hugo and Dumas and Eugene Sue. O but life is too short—I would love to read The Wandering Jew by the latter. So as a compromise I selected the Inside of the Cup by Churchill. Was my choice a good one! I will wait until I have read it and will know.
Sunday March 4 My Lolita’s birthday 16 think of that! Soon now she’ll be grown up and taking her place in the world. I wish all you wish for . Could I wish you more. I should wish you might always wish the best.
This is Dr. Riley’s 20th anniversary here [First Baptist Church of Minneapolis].
I was at church this morning to hear his sermon which was very good and Rileyesque like the fine efforts of John Haddon who so nobly graces the pages of the inside of the copy which I have. finished and which so coincided with many views I have always held that it was almost startling . Much of it was along lines that were bitterly thrashed out in Ministerial circles in S. F. several years ago when Dr Aked [Dr. Aked spent much of his life advocating for peace; he was a founder of the Passive Resistance League] preached his views on the Virgin birth. I hope I may know the truth some day.
Last Wed eve on the last day of Feb. I attended choir practice and got started on some very hard music which I think I can learn. It will try my mettle and I’m glad it’s difficult for then I will have to work all the harder which will be good practice.
Tue March 6 Just finished the house work. Made a pretty thorough job of it too. I opened up all the windows and doors for a good airing. How delightful to feel the fresh purity of it after being hermetical sealed in the house so long. Yesterday the 5th was the most disharbingering day of the winter. I was short of coal and the wind blew relentlessly all day chilling me to the marrow. I kept the furnace with sifted ashes, waste Paper and coal and had the house warm when the folks came home at night. This morning I ordered coal and it was not yet arrived hope it will be warm soon. It has clouded up but still warm and yesterday Allie got a letter from the dear ones in S.F. saying uncle was there and that they were all glad. Indeed so are we. I worried about the poor old [Horace?]
John McCormak sang to a record breaking house last night at the auditorium. I wanted to hear him so very much. Why is it that some have so much and some so little? I may desert the politics of my fathers and be a socialist yet. Who knows.
Sat March 10 Colder and cloudy but not so bad at that for the icicles are growing longer and that’s a sign its above freezing. I just wrote to Jessie, Leo and mother. I didn’t go to choir practice Wed for it was storming and I had a splitting headache. 11 in. of soggy snow fell covering the city into a fairy land of snow embroidered dreams. But that same city is wondering in dismay where it is to get the money to hire that afore said “beautiful” off the down town streets which have already, in two months cost the city 2000.00 dollars.
March 11 Got letter from Frank which I will keep and let it speak for itself. It was very unkind Blaming me for staying so long at Albert’s and telling me of Milo’s sick spell. I ans the letter also wrote to Milo. Am worried about him. I am reading the French novel called The Wandering Jew by Eugene Sue to keep my mind off of things which I cannot help or alter in the least by worrying. The story is a strange tale of the intrigues of the Jesuit church in the year 1830. And the mysterious appearances and disappearances of a man and woman who meet once in a 100 years at the extreme points of North America and Asia and exchange silent greetings across the Bering Straight. Then onwards and onwards doomed wander to expiate their sins. The Wandering Jew, for refusing the tired Savior to rest on his bench outside his cobblers shop. The print of the nails in the soles of his shoes leaves this mark wherever he goes. [That of the cross]
The woman’s sin was demanding the head of John the Baptist and they both try by all their power to make Reparations forever for their sins by doing all the good they can while they are allowed to remain in one place.
March 12 Just a year since Frank and I went to see K.C.B in the Christian Church in S.F. its snowing again here in wintry Minneapolis.
March 13 Still snowing steadily.
“ 13 I was reading away while outside the snow fell in steadily persistently, Piling up more on top of much. The phone rang and called for Mrs. Mosier. I ans’d the person said it doesn’t sound like you. I assured her it was indeed and in truth it was myself. I said who do you think is speaking. I collected my wandering wits and said slowly gaining time to think. O Mrs Newman.
Mrs Mosier said she now could you tell and I replied I knew your voice. I haven’t forgotten you. She was tickled to death and asked me over at once and I went. I was walking distance and I went in all that snow. I was greeted joyously and entertained royally and I came back in all that snow and more which had fallen in time to let Agnes in. She was more upset than I was I had walked about 8 long blocks and she 1. The Newmans have adopted a boy Vincent. They bought a place at 27201 Aldrich and are very nicely situated. She is anxious for me to reenter the lodge.
March 14 The morning is clear and windy. Tonight is choir practice night. I hope to go.
March 15 Last night I went to choir practice and enjoyed very much. I seem to get along as well as any of them. today is cloudy, cold and dreary to an extreme. I have not had much fire and that of course adds to the cheerlessness of the lonely day. I have bread rising slowly. My washing is hanging to dry in the basement and the groceries are ordered for dinner. Agnes will go out to see her folks and so Albert & I will dine alone. I watch with amusement the growth of the ice crystals on the eaves of the house next door. It is now fully 4 feet long and the top is composed of a mass of smaller ones run together into a solid sheet of ice aft across. Water is trickling down by the points of them showing that it is thawing but I am very cold here in the house. No letter again today.
March 16 1917 Minneapolis Minn 3240 Harriet Ave. A blizzard is raging. The air is filled with fine particles of snow driven by a high wind. It is cold and dreary. Here on this residence street everything is quiet—no body passes and silence reigns supreme save for the howling if the wind and the rattle of the storm windows and the clicks of ticking sounds loudly through the deserted rooms.
I am alone with my household duties my sewing and reading writing and thoughts, the latter hardest perhaps of all. No letters came for me in the mornings mails to brighten my solitude. A glance out of my window at the writing prospect. My icicle has stopped growing. It almost reaches the top of the first floor window below it. More snow to shovel, more coal to shovel and a railroad strike threatened which will boost prices again and reduce our already reduced supplies. May the Lord temper the wind to the shorn lamb. I must now see after the furnace fire.
Kelly Wheaton Copyright 2021. All RIghts Reserved.
Start with a Title: Appeal to Your Audience
Posted on September 27, 2021 8 Comments
Do you Want People to Read your Family History Story? Or maybe not. If your title is “Mable Anne Jones,” or “Great Grannie Sally Mae Lawson” or “Frederick Adamson” or any other such thing, no matter how great your story is, I won’t be reading it. And sad to say even your intended audience (family) may not either. A person’s name is not enough: it’s BORING. It tells the reader Nothing. If it is an unusual surname, and it’s one of yours maybe…If your title is Ancestor #21 (as in the 52 week challenge), what can I say? Nope.
Please, please, please, you can do better! Granted not all stories are going to generate great titles but as family historians we need to up our game. At the very least give us a hint of who or what you are writing about. A name is not enough.
So what is enough? That’s up to you. Johan Martin MOSER: Bavarian Shoemaker. [That’s a bit better.] The 3 Marriages and 17 children of Adam MOSER of Ulrichausen, Bavaria. Gold Mining on the Trinity with Milo & Carrie MOSIER. Here’s a secret: the tighter the story the easier it is to title it. Question: do you need to tell their whole life story? Would a short story be more powerful and more informative? Should you break her life into chapters? If no one is reading it what are you doing wrong?
I may not be able to improve your writing but I can help with your titles. Here are a few ideas for Titles and some examples.
- CHANGE THE ORDER: “John Jones Bounty Hunter” or “The Tale of John Jones: Bounty Hunter”
- ALLITERATION: Faith & Fury
- HUMOR: Ice Cream Melons & Foxes: It’s the Mouth Watering Details that Bring an Ancestor to Life.
- QUOTE: snatch a quote from a passage in your story. A Fairy Land of Snow Embroidered Dreams: A Soprano’s Aria Chapter 19 (I love this title!)
- MYSTERY: The Case of the Mysterious Birth Certificate
- DESCRIPTION: Family Heirlooms: Dog Tags
- ANALOGY: Moving Days: A Soprano’s Aria Chapter 10
Perhaps I am an anomaly but I tend to scroll by simple name titles. Pique my interest and I will read further. If you are simply going to rehash your ancestors vitals, who cares? And if that is all you are going to do, can you at least be a bit more creative with your titles?
Did his wife die and leave him with 6 young children? Did her husband die in a tragic accident while she was pregnant with his first child. Were they born rich and died dirt poor? Or the other way around? If you can find nothing interesting to write about ancestor X, “STOP.” WAIT, until you find someone with a good story. If you are answering me, “but none of my ancestors were interesting….” My reply: “Everyone’s lives are interesting.” if you haven’t found the story you need to do more research. If they were just poor farmers what droughts, floods, crop failures did they live through? Was her life punctuated with tragedy or success? Even if the newspaper did not mention “your” ancestor—it did mention what was happening. Did they lose family members during the 2018 Spanish Flu? Yout story might be: “The Year the Locusts Came Back,” or “The Day We Buried Grandma.” I guarantee there are stories you know or that you can discover.
HINT: Whenever I have an idea for a story I want to write I put it in my Parking lot. Often it’s just a Title to start. I might add a couple of sentences. But Titles often sit in the Parking Lot for quite awhile until there ready for a spin. And I will often have 3-4-5-6 or more Titles waiting for me. I find that helps take the pressure off.
So you have written a half dozen pieces and you titled them by the ancestor’s name. So what to do? You can go back and re-title or subtitle already written pieces and/or you can jot down some possible titles of stories you want to write. If you wish to share a title in the comment section please do! Titles are fun. They can’t be too long—and you can mull them over for days until they feel just right! Writing is fun and so are TITLES!
Kelly WHEATON Copyright 2021. All RIghts Reserved.
Back to the Heartland: A Soprano’s Aria Chapter 18
Posted on September 26, 2021 2 Comments
Oct 25 1916 Wed Up bright and early getting ready to start on our trip to Neb. Uncle accompanied us down to the [Salt Lake Railway] Depot. [It operated from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City Utah] I bought a magazine and was glad to get started. I so got my first sight of the orange groves they stand out plainly on account of their dark glossy green leaves and orange fruit. They are most beautiful in their lovely valley with the snow capped mountains beyond which is most picturesque at Riverside and San Bernardino, a very pretty town at the foot of the Sierras. Later we have just finished our first lunch on the cars. The lovely orchards and palms have vanished in the rear. And cactus and sage brush have taken their place in our range of vision.
At summit I washed up the canned milk which had leaked out. From her we traveled through miles of level country covered with a sort of grotesque palm of which I not-not.
Turning northward we come to a hilly rocky lonesome region boasting a little townlet called Victorville where they manufacture Portland cement. The scene is enhanced with cotton wood and other trees ad a pleasant stream of water flows through the town.
Leaving the rocky ridge we pass on through sage brush and bunch grass sparingly, mostly weeds and bare sand.
Barstow a pretty station ouse built in mission style with this inscription over the portal Casa Del Dieserto.
From here on for several hours, we saw no life of any sort nor human habitation just the sage covered valley with the hills against the distant sky. About sunset we came to Kelso which is a row of small cottages with its cottonwoods typical of al other little towns of this region. South eastern Calif. to South Western Nevada. it is now getting dark and cooler which is very grateful.
Oct 26 Thurs Somewhere in Nevada. The scene which greeted us upon arising this morning was much the same as the one upon which we last gazed before retiring last night. The monotonous yet restful landscape with out a sign of human or animal life, yet even as I write a tiny bird flew past the window winging its way whitherward. A couple of hours we past Lintie a tiny mining town with its small evergreen trees. We are within a couple of hours of Salt Lake City.
An hour later we are passing through a beautiful valley with rows of cultivated trees. We are near Salt Lake now. The mountains are nearer and the highest peaks are covered with snow. I see a little white school house in a little grove. Off to the east larger groves appear . Salt Lake has been out of sight for several hours. The white mounds along the shore I suppose is salt from the Lake which will reach our tables eventually.
Now I notice a peculiar thing about this lake which I notice 8 years ago when we crossed the north end on the U.P.R.R. [Union Pacific Rail Road] going west. It was the vivid color. Just now appears green then it was red with other colors.
We have crossed another R.R. and a town in the distance shuddering over and on. It is a pretty picture enough to satisfy the most exacting. The meadow hay of Oct day the shadowy snow crowned mountains in the near background. The cozy comfy houses among the stately poplars willows and cottonwoods. The sere and yellow is over all like a beautiful mantle. Salt Lake with its long wide streets and metropolitan air. The first city since leaving Los Angeles. I got off the train and walked up and down the Depot platform.
I couldent see much but should have liked to stay awhile and visit brother Charles and his 3 little boys graves. [Charles Paden is Lulu’s younger brother. He and his sons: Dallas Ivan, James Irvin, and Charles Rendell all died in 1907 They are buried at Mt Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City]
Ogden, wait 120 min. Wrote to Lolita and Milo. 4 oclock just passed devils slide which is a peculiar double wall of gray rock extending up and down the side of a steep mountain peak. a little station is named for it.
A little further on at Hefner [Henefer] the soil is a bright red. At last we come to the land of grass and cattle. It is very pretty in the valleys and grand in the mountains west of Cheyenne. Newsy just held Mother up for a picture book and some jewelry. 5:30 the sun is setting behind the hills. For hours we have been running along a tiny valley in the center of which the tiniest stream of water flowed. Here the U.P. Rail Road is building a new track which has an easier grade . As the train turned to leave the little beauty spot I looked back upon a lovely scene, far down the valley and among the hills. The construction gang of the R.R. was camped along a tiny running brook and behind were the hills piled upon hills to the sky line blue gray in the distance.
We are now leaving behind the Rocky hills and continuing to low rolling ones which afford grazing for cattle.
It is dark now we are whizzing away to the eastward clatterly bangs. Ot evening meal is over. Our lunch holds out amazingly. Mother seems to be standing the trip away. The last town we saw was Evanston Wyo. The porter will soon make our beds and then good night.
Oct 27 Friday Up and dressed just peeped out and I believe thats Cheyenne . I slid up the other blinds and sure enough it is. We stopped at Cheyenne 10 or 15 min. then roll along again. Patches of snow is seen along the way. The porter is making up the berths.
Hillsdale We had a long wait here at 9:45 oclock we passes the wreck. Wreck piled up on both sides of the track where two trains ran into each other and a brakeman was killed. Passed through Julesburg. There’s a freight and a passenger ahead of us we are 3 hours late on account of the wreck.
We have come into the land of wild hay and some corn and fenced pastures. Passed North Platte while back changed, crossed the Platte river. First time I leave had the good fortune to go through western Neb in the day time.
7 oclock Had our last lunch on the cars of hot cocoa and at 9 oclock arrived at Schulyer, was met by Jessie and Mell who took us on a delightful trip motor ride int heir new Maxwell, 12 mi out to the old home.
[Oct] 28 At Jessie Kendricks [her sister] on the old Paden farm [where Lulu grew up beginning about 1874 when she was 6], busy as bees. Had a most beautiful delightful day Clair brought his new wife over to see us. They have a fine baby girl Mildred.
BACKGROUND:
The Paden Homestead was standing in 1975 but was subsequently torn down.
Mrs Irene Scott Hamilton wrote in 1934 Busbes Blackcaps, Barbs & Berries; ” The sale of the Old Paden farm by Alex Legge to George A Oberg of Schulyer brings to mind pictures of the good times Purple Cane folks have enjoyed in that rambling old house. The house itself is a contemporary of the Legge and Funk houses in the same neighborhood, it having been built by “Singing’ School” Louis Paden in the same era, and after the same grandiose style of architecture. Folks had many children in those days and hired help was inexpensive and easy to get, and hence a house that spread all over one forty acre was quite a thing.
The outstanding feature of the old Paden house was its cupola or lookout tower on the roof, from which both the Maple Creek valley to the north and west, and the Platte valley to the south and east, could be seen (a panoramic view). To get up to the cupola one climbed the narrow stairs and from there mounted a ladder to a trap door in the roof. The windows were full length in the cupola and one could stand erect as he “viewed the landscape o’er”. Characteristic of the “golden era” was that cupola.
When Mr Legge purchased the place from the Paden heirs, after three generations of Padens had lived in its many rooms, slid down its long staircase railing (of rosewood), and played beneath the shade of its cedar trees, the old cupola was deemed unsafe and was removed. It did modernize the house considerably, that piece of work; but it cost the old house much of its charm. Fortunately Adele Kendrick Black possesses a large picture of the house of her forebears, cupola et al.
To the present generation –the third since old Louis —the old Paden place is especially remembered for the days when Jessie Paden lived there. Jessie was a hospitable soul, if ever there was one, so that it was a spiritual impossibility for her to refuse the use of her many roomed domicile for any person or organization needing a local for activity. Ladies Aid bazaars, choir practices, Halloween parties, weddings, they all came in for their share of Jessie’s hospitality.“
Oct 29 Bright Bracing Sunday. Went to Church morning and evening. Old church looks and is very dilapidated.
Oct 30 Cleaned house for the bazar.
Oct 31 Miss Dunn and Miss Edmondson came over to decorate. Later in the evening minister Smith came with his little red houses made of tissue paper with a lamp inside and black cats and bats. They lighted the house with pumpkins made into Jack o lanterns and fancy paper one hung by black and yellow ropes made of tissue paper. With apologies to Shakespeare the girls gave us the witches retreat. The lights were dimmed and alcohol fire lighted under an iron pot suspended by a tripod in the center of the room the witches bent and old and draped in black did a kettle chanting their incantations and tossing their evil potions into the brew. It was unique.
Nov 1 Jessie, Audrey and I went to Fremont in the car and did some shopping bought some music. “The end of a perfect day.” O that we two were saying and Dust and the Shadows falling. Also a beautiful silk dress for Audrey.
Nov 2 Went to the Ladies Aid at Hamilton.
Nov 3 Friday. Cut Audreys dress
Sat 4 Housework of all kinds. First letter from S. F. since I came.
Nov 5 Brother Ed and family came up in their Overland had a fine visit with all of them.
Nov 6 Went to Fremont to hear a great Debate between the Wets and drys. [Prohibition for and against]
Nov 7 Sewing on Audrys dress
Nov 8 Went to visit Claire’s
Nov 9 Audrey Chester & I went to Schulyer in the car/ The town is absolutely dead could find nothing we wanted dress trimming line.
Nov 10 Worked on Audreys dress. Got a letter from the boys and Uncle Rufe posted up my diary from our start at S.F. from notes taken on the way.
Nov 11 Mailed letter to Boys and card to Jessie for Ladies Aid. Finished Audreys dress.
Nov 12 Cold snowy blowy Sunday. my first taste of real writer. Passed most of the day playing and singing out of Royces song Book entitled the Abridged Academy Song Book, Livermore 75¢ for use in schools and colleges. This book contains most of the songs the children have been working on for years in the graded schools.
Nov 13. Bitter cold Monday. Spent the day crocheting by the fire as sister Jessie have made a doily pincushion top and crocheted wrist bag since I came.
Nov 14 No letter from home this morning. It is very cold so admitted by the native Nebraskan. Everything’s frozen in the Etude that the “la Dolce Campana” [The sweet bell] by Sarah is the finest air known.
Nov 15 Last day of my 48th year am feeling fine and fit for which I thank the Lord. We visited brother John Paden and his family today and had a good time. Got a letter from Jessie and answered it. Will go out and mail it now.
Nov 16. 49 years old. Very dull quiet day. Auto ride to Rogers in afternoon. Passed the old Thrush Place where a Mr. O Hare has built a fine modern house.
Nov 17. Got a big fat letter for Allie announcing his marriage to Miss Agness Williams on Nov 9.
Nov 19 Sunday. Another week has passed into the realm of the irrevocable. Today is the most beautiful sunny pleasant and enjoyable. We went to church this morning and driving in the auto in the after dinner or rather lunch time and returned in time to get dinner and go to the evening service. We got stuck in the mud and backed out with a crippled car but got safely home as stated. Rather think the car won’t take us to church tonight.
Nov 20 Colder with a lonesome wind. Borrowed sugar of Mrs Gless. Finishing blue silk dress begun in San Francisco.
Nov 21 Cloudy and the glinting storm. Stayed at Jessies and crocheted nearly all day. Jessie, Audrey & I went to Rogers and got some eats and material for some cushions which I did not make a note of then.
Nov 22 Wed. Snowed last night and awhile today but it thawing tonight. Spent the day crocheting some buttons for mother and some wisteria colored roses for a cushion top. This evening we had some music and it always brings on the old sadness that I could not have had my voice trained. Instead at 49 I have not a penny in the world figuratively speaking. Is it Gods will?
BACKGROUND: from Elsie Paden McMenany’s “Personal Glimpses” her grandfather was James Lewis “Louie” Paden who was Mary “Lulu” Paden’s father. “Grandpa was noted in his family for obedience and perfection in many activities, although a church man I am sure he was not cruel. As proof if his addiction to duty and perfection, he organized and directed a “Singing School. His children sang in it, those who could carry a tune. His oldest child “Lulu” was his lead soprano. Mama said Lulu’s voice was so beautiful they she could listen to her sing all day, although Mama disliked her sister in law. Grandpa had perfect pitch as did Lulu…Grandpa played the violin by ear…Grandpa could detect the slightest deviation from perfect pitch and if Lulu deviated, he scolded her to a fare- the-well in front of the entire “school,” reducing her to tears… Grandpa’s insistence for perfection paid off, for after Aunt Lulu, her husband and family moved to Minneapolis years later, she became the lead soprano in the Minneapolis Civic Opera Chorus.“]
Nov 23. Flossie Kendrick’s birthday. We were all over to their place to a birthday party. Had a pleasant time eating chicken dinner and exchanging crochet patterns. Are home again and the long lonesome evening before me. I am just crazy to see some of my own children.
” 24. Friday Jessie & I went to Fremont and she bought herself a beautiful silk dress pattern and trimmings (this looks like surplus of Erna’s).
“ 25 Sat. Crocheted on wisteria lace in the forenoon. Walked out to Royce’s cornfield in afternoon and tried my hand at husking corn. Jessie was along and we helped him thru 4 rows. Royce selected a fine ear of corn for me for a souvenir.
” 26 Sunday Kendricks Mother P. & I motored down to Ames to see Ed Paden and family. We has a pleasant afternoon/ Georgie had a fine dinner consisting of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, lemon Pie , apple salad , beet pickles ect. After dinner we had some music on the phonograph and piano and looked thru several albums of snapshots. Came home around 5:45. Dinner at six. Church at the usual hour. Good night Hope the morning brings a letter from some of the folks.
Nov 27. Not very well. Crocheted most of the day and helped with housework.
Nov 28. Worked on Jessie’s dress. My head aches some and do not feel very lively. Got a good letter from my daughter Jessie and ans’d it. Will mail it in the morning. It is nearly bedtime.
Nov 29. Spent the day sewing.
Thur ” 30 Thanksgiving day. Working hard. Everything to do. Jessie K’s dress to finish , mine to finish also. Salad and cake to make also candy for the bazzar at Ferguesons. Hurry is the order of the day.
Dec 1. First day of the last mo. Beautiful weather. Feel fine after the bazar. the Ladies aid took in about $115 The doilie I contributed brought $1.00. I bought a collar for Lolita that Mrs Hamilton crocheted for .50 and a clothespin sack for .30 also some delicious candy for 10¢ .
Dec 2. Just 7 years today since I came home to visit –my mother who was recovering from a paraletic stroke. She is apparently as well or better now than then. She is never well and our fount of sympathy has to be inexhaustible. I have to forget or ignore my own aches and pains and listen to a tale of hers 49 years of it. Contemplate it.
Dec 3. Sunday again. I did not state in yesterdays note or rather entry that I went to Schulyer with Jessie and saw her take an osteopathic treatment she seems to think it does her good. I mailed letters to Leo, frank, Mrs Schnee and a card to Jessie. This sunday morning it is cloudy and a little cooler. The cornhuskers finished yesterday and will leave today which will make two less to cook for. (Sun Eve.) We all went to church this morning and after a lunch at home we started to Dodge in the car at 3 oclock. Arriving there after a pleasant spin through the prosperous country scenery. We called upon Frank and Fannie Black and invited them down to dinner next Sunday. On our way home we stopped at Elsie Black Harris place and chatted a few moments before resuming our way homeward. where we arrived safely at 6 oclock. Again a hurried lunch and off to church , which I enjoyed very much.
Dec 4 Monday a wash day.
Dec 5. Tuesday & Ironing , baking, dressing pork and going to Schulyer. I bought for 5 ¢ a crochet Book. Met Mrs Roberts of Calif.
Dec 6 Wed. Tried out new Irish lace pattern. Jessie finished caring for the pork made sausage & lard & mince meat.
Dec 7. Stayed at home and sewed all day.
Dec 8 Same. Also got a letter from Leo telling of his early marriage. I ans’d it also wrote a card to Agness.
Dec 9. Cleaned house. Went to Schulyer with Jessie & Audrey. Met Mrs Washburn and had a nice talk with her on the street.
“ 10 Sunday stayed home from church looking for Frank Blacks folks to come but they failed to do so.
11 Rather a flat dull day spent several days crocheting some edging for a Christmas present.
12 Tuesday looking for the letter that didnt come got several letters from Al, Leo and the bunch at home ans’d them.
13 Same as the others.
14 Thurs. The day my little Lolita big date was to graduate and I suppose she did.
15 Fri. Claire and Family moved. We had them to dinner and supper. We all went over and helped them unpack and set things up.
16. Sat. Jessie, Audrey, Adele and myself went to Schulyer to do some shopping for Christmas. We called on old Mrs Washburn who was out.
17 Sun. Went to Purple Cane Church in morning and to Mrs. Belle Hughes in afternoon to dinner enjoyed it very much. Went to church again in the evening.
18 Mon Sewed last night. Went up to John Paden’s to take Bro Horace up. he & I went out in the woods to hunt squirrels but dident get any. Dot cooked us a fine dinner of fried rabbit etc.
Jessie, Audrey & I played on Bertha Parker Paden Blacks old organ and sang many songs out of a song book called Heart songs given by the Fremont Tribune for a premium. Beautiful trip home.
Heart Songs published in 1909
19. Tues. Cold and snowy spent day sewing on Christmas aprons and crocheting.
20 Cold as ever can be. Crotched lace for pillow slip. Did out some washing which froze stiff as soon as hung up. Heard of poor Old Mrs Washburns death.
Fixed up Goldies Christmas Box. Got a letter from Lolita also one from Frank sending me 5 dollars.
Dec 21. Went Schulyer today and looked upon the dead face of an old friend Mrs Washburn 77 years old. In the same house she entertained me and my little brood of youngsters, when Milo was a baby 17 years ago. I was waiting for a train to take me to Colorado and my father James L. Paden carried Dewey who was the next oldest. Father took us to the train later in the evening and held Dewey until the train started. He named Dewey after the Manilla hero [Admiral George Dewy is best known for his victory at the Battle of Manilla Bay during the Spanish American War].
This morning I got a friendly letter from Allie urging me to come on.I have finished doing up some Christmas parcels and intend starting for Minneapolis tomorrow If I can get off.
Fri Dec 22 Well I got off. Mell gave me $15 and brought down my trunk to see me off. Jessie and Audrey came also. They put me up a very fine lunch. Now I, off. I watch for Ames and Bro Eds house and dont see any body. Good bye my old home tears blind my eyes what rarely shed them. Mother hated to see me go. I am afraid I’ll never see her alive again.
Speeding onward through prosperous eastern Neb. so peaceful and beautiful but not for me. What freak of fortune made me a wanderer on the face of the earth– I, who so loveth a permanent abiding place?
Got to Omaha 3 hrs late. Paid porter 25¢ to carry baggage to depot. He hunted me up with difficulty and put them on the train. We leas another long wait and when we finally get started we crawled along slowly. When we got to Sioux City we were told to take another train. which we did. And after a tiresome hot crowed ride arrived in Mankato Saturday.
Dec 23 Without mishap. The rest of the journey to Mpl’s was more enjoyable altho very crowded. I arrived at the North W’m Depot. Checked my hamper left check for trunk and took Como- Harriet [street] car for the Stratford Hotel 84 So 12 St. The Lady told me how to find Allies room. I went up and rapped—no answer, rattled knob. No ans. Walked in, No one home and a now waiting for them to show up. The room is in the 3rd floor front on the corner. It is large and well furnished and neat as a pin. I see the post card I sent Agness on the wall and Allies photo on the chiffoneer [dresser or side board] but still they do not come. Christmas shopping I suppose.
Dec 24. Spent the day in Albert and Agness room visiting & getting acquainted. Did not go to church because I didnt have my baggage. later in the day he got the trunk and hamper.
Christmas Dec 25 very dull but not unhappy day. In the evening went to a party at Mr & Mrs Lillgrens, they are certainly a hospitable family. We sang and listened to the player piano and the boys played athletic games. A nice banquet was served.
26 Went to see Mrs Schnee where she put me up for a few nights.
27 ” “
28 went to see my newest daughter Mrs Carrie Tschudy Mosier and enjoyed the visit very much. I like her immensely.
29 Back to the Schnees. Got a lot of mail and a silver thimble from my sister Goldie Mathews.
30 Ans. some letters, went to see Carrie off. I felt bad to see her go but Leo will be happy. In the evening of the same day Al, Ag and I went to her mother’s and had a nice visit and dinner. I have already met them at Lilligrens. Came home and slept at Mrs Schnees.
31 Sunday Morning I came up to Allies room got ready and went to spend the day with my old friend Mrs. Whitney. I had a lovely time. In the afternoon we went over to see Leona and Geo Heller at their honey moon flat. They welcomed us warmly and we had a nice supper. They are happy as is possible to be and have a beautiful home. Stayed all night at Whitneys.
Kelly Wheaton Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Busy as a Beaver: A Soprano’s Aria Chapter 17
Posted on September 25, 2021 Leave a Comment
Aug 13 Sunday I baked a brown stone front cake and carried ½ of it to church in the afternoon and helped Beth Hildegard get the girls that went out to the Florence Crittenton house to hold a religious meeting for them, a supper at the church, I enjoyed very much. Afterward I attended G. E. and church. Jessie was not present at either services which was most unusual. After church I left at once I was tired and anxious to get home. I cut across to No L 2 car and missed one, and while waiting for the net one Jessie came frantic up all out of breath. She had been over to the Garage where Syl was overhauling his new old Chalmers, and got back to the church to late to catch me there and so ran to get me at the car. I was so glad to see her coming for it dispelled my lonliness to a degree and I had jolly company home.
Frank had worked that day and was in bed when I got home.
Monday got a letter from Leo and bumped my head on the stair door causing a big bump, coming down to get it. Later in the day I washed the window curtains and other things.
Aug 15 Tuesday I ironed the cloths and put up the curtains. Met Jessie down at the market got some groceries and came home alone she going over to see how her Syl is getting on with the auto.
Aug 16 I wrote to Leo, Albert, and Eilene. Jessie quit Pragers for a week or so.
Aug 17 Thurs. Jessie went down town and found out that they could not start on their on their trip to Tahoe until Friday. She is busy as a bee getting ready while I am blue and depressed because I hate to see her go.
Aug 18 Sylvester came yesterday and took Jessie and a great raft of blankets etc to his home to stay all night so they could get an early start this morning. Frank was fixing the toilet when Syl called up Jessie or so Mrs Gray understood. Jessie was gone so I went. Syl was at the phone and said he had called for Dewey.
Seems as if he wanted something of him when Jessie took the phone from him to explain that it was his (Syls) coveralls that they had left behind and they wanted Dewey to bring them down. So when they finished the toilet Dewey went and found them busily engaged packing
This morning at breakfast Dewey told his father of the proposed camping expedition and he said not a word. But he vented his uncontrollable wrath on poor me for emptying the peelings in the toilet which clogged it up so it wouldent run and flush out. The sink is not connected with the sewer which makes it very bad for me.
I spent most of the day resting in bed and brought this chronicle up to date at 9 oclock in the evening. Frank is just home and I hear him but have not seen him yet. He is quite talkative. I will now retire for tomorrow is Sat which means pleanty to do.
Aug 19 Sat Mother baked a full batch of bread. Lolita and I did a big wash and I ironed it all but one of Lolitas dresses which she did herself. It is all put away and supper is over for the day or night rather. Milo caught a rabbit that had strayed away and brought it home. Today I bought a crate for him and now Milo has a pair of them real Belgian hares. He worked all day fixing up their quarters. I got a card from Jessie and Syl. And I am Dear mother Jessie and Hello mother Syl. They had got as far as Stocton [Stockton] on their trip all safe and sound and enjoying themselves.
This is a beautiful warm evening I am tired out but not so blue and downcast as I was the day Jessie left. Lolita and the boys have gone to the movies. I do not feel so very well. I am all keyed up quite nervous to a degree. I try to overcome it and to a certain extent, succeed.
Aug 20 A warm sunny calm & restful Sunday. F. S. and I had our usual Sun. morning differences. We simply cant and dont agree. He fixed the sewer outlet to the sink which helps considerable to lighten the labor of the kitchen. Later he dressed up and left and has not returned at 10.10 o’clock. I rested around all day and am going to retire soon good night
Milo and Dewey who are upstairs getting ready for bed.
Aug 21 Another beautiful day has come and gone. Early this morning old Mt. Diablo showed sharply dark against a pinkish sky. An hour later I couldn’t see beyond the first houses for the fog. Then the sun came out radiantly.
I went down to Haight St and bought Lolita a pair of new shoes. Then I went to the Affiliated Colleges [UC San Francisco] and got a treatment for my skin [psoriasis]. I then went down to the Pacific E and Gass Co [Pacific Gas & Electric] and paid my bill which is much lower out here. Then I shopping around down town and then came home. I am tired but not ½ so blue and downcast as I was yesterday.
I have almost made up my mind to go home with mother in a mo. or so. I got a card from Jessie and a letter from Jessie K.
Frank has just come in. He scarcely ever comes home to dinner.
Aug 22 Tuesday Last night after Frank got home he scolded me cruelly because I let Jessie go. Calling me low names and hinting at untruths and deceit threatened Syl again. This morning I got up stiff and sore I did breakfast made up their lunches and mended a little. Wrote to Jessie and got a letter from G. Schnee took a hot bath as mother was baking and went to bed Did not rest much as I was too hot Got up and dressed used the new salve on my skin. Went down stairs felt very cold and feverish inside. Have come up stairs to go to bed for I am feeling worse all the time Lolita called me to supper and I’ll go down to see how things taste to a sick woman.
Wed Aug 23 Pretty sick very high fever all last night. Fever gone down considerably and sweating easily. Pains in my muscles or more properly aches. No cough or cold, stomach well bowels all right. Taking quinine.
Thu. 24 Developed a very bad sore throat and tonsils. Neck swelled on both sides didn’t sleep much and when I did my mouth would open and I’d breathe through it until my tongue was parched and dry and rough. I am not accustomed to sleep breathe through my mouth while sleeping and, involuntarily my jaw would close with a snap that always wakened me, when I would discover that I had bitten my tongue severly. I did this so often that I had a sore bump on each side of my tongue. I have taken about 5 quinine capsules and a large dose of asafoetida [an herb of the celery family] and also a cup of herb tea. I don’t know what ails me. I came down to dinner and ate some chicken and tea etc. Not very hungry (tossed I went to bed and tumbled from side to side in pain in my ovaries and sciatic nerves. Lay awake nearly all night. Am gargling with a mixture of wich hazel and peroxide of H. which I happen to have on hand.
Friday Aug 25 As I write this date something says to me its one of the childrens birthdays My sick befuddled mind hardly knows whether its Leo or Milo. I’ll ask him. My throat is better but still sore. I hope to be well again soon.
Friday Aug 25 is Leo boys birthday He is at present in Minneapolis. I may see him this winter who knows. Frank has been good while I’ve been sick
Sat Aug 26 The day begins cloudy and still. I am up early, feeling fairly well excepting my sore throat and mouth and a little shaky about the knees.
Went to bed again after breakfast and got up at lunch, cooked it and scrubbed the kitchen. Cooked up beans rice and beans. Mother roasted the meat. I rested awhile and got up to help about dinner.
Soon after dinner Jessie and her Syl came. They had a most wonderful trip and enjoyed every bit of it. Syl was sorry to hear I’d been sick. He only stayed long enough to unpack and bring in Jessies stuff. Am feeling better.
27 Sunday Aug 27 It is still cold and foggy dreary to a degree Jessie was up early and after breakfast went to S.S. and phoned that she was going across the bay and wouldn’t be home until after church, which means another lonesome day. Her music and pleasant chatter allways brightens things up. Dewey took Milo out and gave him some instructions in driving a truck.
Frank finished connecting the sink drain pipe to the sewer which makes for easier kitchen work and more sanitary conditions all around.
Mon Aug 28. A very foggy rather cold day. I am feeling better but not quite well. I made up some rhubarb cordial and some hair tonic. Jessie is getting dinner with grandmas help. Lolita did the shopping “marketing” would be a better word. I did the ordering. Soon Dewey and Milo will be here. I wish I could be as sure of Friend Husband.
Aug 29 The day passed quietly Jessie & I went up to the Affiliated Colleges and I took my skin treatment, then on down town shopping and home again.
Syl called up that he was sick so Jessie decided not to go to the Barracca entertainment at the church but went to see him instead. So Dewey accompanied me to the show which passed off hilariously. Got home about midnight. F.S. was asleep in bed and said nothing then or at any other time about it. He seldom comes home to dinner any more.
Aug 30 Milos birthday. Hes 17 yrs old Jessie & I did a 2 weeks wash. Very foggy weather clothes dry slowly. Gave Milo 1.00 for his birthday He will buy a ticket to camp Taylor [now Samuel P. Taylor State Park] and back for his labor day vacation.
Aug 31 Thurs. Jessie & I ironed and put away the things. She made a party cake and a birthday cake for Milo. Took her cake to a party in honor of Eva Coe at Millers. Stayed all night.
Sep 1. Friday promises to be sunny. Finished crocheting a piece of fine lace for a collar. Milo is scurrying around gathering up his camping traps.
Didn’t go to school. Started in evening with Geo. Johnson, Don Shaw and others for Camp Taylor.
Sat, Sep. 2. Jessie and I went to the Affiliated Colleges where I took my treatment. Previously that morning I had got breakfast put up the lunches and scrubbed the kitchen floor. Then we went down to Pragers store where she got permission to go to work again Tuesday. Then we went over to the Fisk tire co and Jessie got some films from Syl. that they had snapped to and around Tahoe. Then we went down and around to the White House store where I bought the findings to make up my suit. Then I went home and Jessie stayed to develop her films.
OpenSFHistory / wnp15.1688
After I arrived home I cut out my suit had a time to get it out of the material.
Jessie came home in the evening and said Bennet had put her to work so she got her films developed for her help.
Sun Sep 3. Dewey and Frank brought up an old car from Dolans and took Grandma Lolita and I for a nice ride through the G. G. Park and down the beach, and back by the mission road through Daly City and home via Ouordaya Ave. [Orizaba Ave] and Ocean Ave. Got some dinner and then Dewey and I went to church. J. & S. came in late and later were offered the ministers tin lizzie [Model T car] so they could get there in time. We all came home on the same car together. Jessie didn’t come with us. Frank was up and grumpy but didnt say any thing.
Monday Sept. 4. Labor Day Dewey went with church bunch to Muir Woods. Jessie went on an auto ride with Syl. Mr. DeVries and Miss Cooper. Had a swell ride so they say. Grandma and I stayed home and labored as befitted the day. I made the skirt of my new suit. Lolita grieved around at being left behind.
Later in the day every one arrived home safe and happy reporting good times.
Frank came home early to dinner which was a great event.
Tuesday 5. Cold and foggy. Jessie started to work. Milo stayed home from school as he was afraid he’d be late on account of going after some flour for me.
I will write some letters to the children and then sew on my jacket.
Later in the day – Well I wrote 6 letters today. Albert, Leo, Agnes, Eilene, Grandma Mosier, Edith Ross in ans. to letters rec’d from all of them.
Sep 6. I worked at cleaning up the house all forenoon and sewed on my new suit in the afternoon.
Sep 7, Thurs. Worked on Grandma’s black silk poplin today. Edith came and I went down town with her to buy some plaid.
Sep 8 This Friday I did a large washing practically alone. And iron part of it.
9. This Sat was a most blue day. I finished my ironing in the forenoon while Jessie got ready to go down to the ferry to see the lady missionaries off for China. It was the day of the annual 1st Baptist Church picnic which they held this year at lake Merced which is near my house, but I did not go there was the work and my suit and mother never feels like going alone and I hate to leave her alone, so, the day wore on to its close.
10th Sun I remain at home and worked hard all day the time seems to fly and there is so much to do before I go east in October.
Mon Sep 11. Jessie was filled with contrition at neglecting her pore old muddie. So she stayed home from work and refitted my coat which wasn’t just right, and I put in some arrow heads, my first which gives it quite a tailored finish
Tuesday Sep 12. Edith Ross came with her cloth for her new coat We worked on it all afternoon.
*Wed 13. House work in forenoon Edith came in the afternoon to help on coat. It is a mustard colored velour delanie trimmed with black plush.
Thurs 14. I took Milo to the duropod orthopedic Dr. to examine his feet he has fallen arches the Dr advised some exercises and a certain kind of strips nailed on his shoes to throw his feet in the right angle. I took my treatment and came home Edith came in the afternoon and we sewed on the coat.
Friday the 15 I did the weeks washing in the forenoon and worked on the coat in the afternoon. I got very tired.
Sat. Edith came early but we couldn’t finish the coat. Seems as if I am a day late with these items as it was on Friday she came early and we couldn’t finish up the coat. I promised to send it sat forenoon so she could take it with her on her trip. Well I didn’t get it done until two oclock so I took it up to Rosses myself and then went down town and stopped at Pragers saw Jessie. Went down to the Emporium and paid Jessies piano bill Went over to the market and laid in a supply of groceries waited awhile for Jessie to show up and when she didn’t came home alone. Seems as if I am alone lately. The grip was heavy but I got it up the hill. Dinner was over and I ate mine and went to bed.
Sun Sep 17. When I got up this morning to get breakfast I noticed a booklet from Barnum and Baileys show on the table and I knew then why Jessie and Sylvester dident come down to the market to see me. They had gone to the show. I was glad. Syl seems to have a good influence over her she used to be afraid to enjoy life but has changed wonderfully for the better. They went to the circus and enjoyed it. Well, Frank and I talked of going and would have but his tooth got to aching so bad he went to have it pulled and we decided to go tonight. After an early dinner I read and rested and started to get ready when I found out Lolita was feeling quite sick so I give up going altogether. I fixed Deweys overcoat today and he went to see the Dr about a swelling on his foot. He says its not blood poison. Jessie and Sylvester went to Hayward today. Milo and Don and Geo Johnson have not yet returned from their camping trip down the peninsula.
Mon Sep 18. Milo and his friends came home all safe and sound. One of them shot a big hawk. Lolita and I and Grandma did up the housework and last weeks ironing and after lunch we went down town and I bought Lolita a new hat and ribbon and lining for her new coat that I am making out of some plush that Frank got at the Machinery Hall. I also picked me out a nice new hat. We came home with Jessie.
Tuesday 19. I cut Lolitas coat and worked on it all day. Helped get dinner and wash up the dishes. Frank came in late and was sore because I wanted to got through with the dishes so I could quit. I worked from 5:30 until 8.15 and am very tired tonight.
Jessie is talking to her Syl on the phone. Dewey is dressing his sore foot. Its better. I will quit for tonight.
Sep 20. Worked on Lolitas coat it is made of a heavy cotton plush of a brownish black color cut raglan and very full at the bottom it is edged at the collar and cuffs with bands of brown fur and the buttons are fur covered it is lined with rose colored flowered satteen and look very well on her.
Thurs Sep 21 Finished the coat and worked awhile on mine.
Fri Sep 22 did a tremendous wash Lolita and mother helping Mother got to tired I’m used to it.
Sat 23 took in the dry wash and hung out the rest of the wet. I finished my coat all but the buttons and button holes. Quit at 4 and went down to get the money from Frank to go marketing with. Dewey met us at the market with the truck and took the stuff home. Frank went with him and I went to Pragers store and waited until Jessie got through and dressed for the party which she was going to attend and then we went out the back entrance to the store to Golden Gate Ave. and waited for Syl to come up which he soon did and then we all got in and he brought me home. I had a lovely ride.
Frank and Dewey had been home and went back with the truck so I was free from making any report then. I straightened up the house Dewey dressed his foot which gets better all the time and then I went to bed tired but happy.
Sun 24 I got up quite early and after a generous breakfast I went to making button holes in my new coat. Jessie pressed the skirt and I put in the button holes and sewed on the buttons and we started to church. Got there in time to hear the sermon. Had a beautiful time there. After church was over and the newlyweds that had just been married had been duly congratulated and showered with rice we debated the question and Jessie said for us to wait and she and Syl would leave Lolita at Sadie Harris’s and take me for a ride I asked them to leave me at the music stand while they went out home for mother while I sat in the sweet Sep sunshine listening to the music of the municipal band the cool breezes played with the two big flags one the stars and stripes the other the California bear lazily filling up their soft folds and falling limp floating and rippling it seemed as if their silken folds were a living visible manifestation of the free and unfettered spirit of the winds of heaven.
I was vastly entertained by a little doll like creature of girl almost artificial in her perfect symmetry of feature and coloring a magnificent big wax doll come to life to enhance the beauty of this incomparable scene Sunday afternoon at the music stand in the G. G. Park. Terraced slopes marble and bronze statues gleaming through the palm and evergreens the rows of waiting automobiles the throngs of music lovers taking their fresh air in this healthful fashion. It was tipical of them all, all the pleasant Sunday afternoons I had spent there but the best and most perfect of them all. Soon I saw Sylvester crossing the plaza and I met him and we walked over to the waiting machine with mother and Jessie inside and we started for a spin around the park. Lolita got home first and gave it all away so when we finally broke down and mother and I took the street car home, Frank was waiting to give me Hail Columbia. He talked brutally and without sense or reason and caused me bitter misery for two days. He was sorry and repentenit and ready to be forgiven in 6 hours.
Monday Oct 7.Since writing two weeks of very hard work has passed Ive been steadly and surely getting ready to go by winding up my odds and ends of sewing and getting my cloths in shape the best I can with what little I have to spend. I’ve finished my new suit and like it very much. I made me a house dress and bought me some odds and did up some repairing for the family. I made a blue middy for Lolita and cleaned Jessies suit. This brings me fairly well up to date.
Tonight I had a very sweet and beautiful surprise Frank bought me a very beautiful wedding ring to replace my old one that’s wore out. So he proved his penitence at his nasty words the ring fit me perfectly and is of pure solid gold and cost $12.00. It is one of the Samuels Lucky wedding rings. It some how gives me joy to think there is still that much sentiment in him. I put it on and kissed him for it and he cried. Its too bad he has such an uncontrollable temper.
Sun Sep Oct 8. F and I went to church in the evening and in the morning (J S) we went to hear ex gov. Hodges of Kansas speak on prohibition.
San Francisco Examiner
Mon Oct 9. Worked like a beaver today, planned Jessies new dress and cut two coats Jessies and Hazel Browns. I am glad to be getting through. I’m tired now and sleepy to so Ill get ready for bed.
Oct. 10, 11, 12, 13. Sewing hard on work cut out more. Jessies dress a blue and white stripe Billy Burke is nearly done and pretty. I will remodel the old Irish lace collar for it. Frank is downcast most of the time about something or other.
Oct 21 Went down town and finished up shopping for our trip. Frank accompanied me and we posed for our photographs. I bought a new brown leather bag and filled it up with groceries. Frank went home after going down to the store where Jessie works to show her the boys new pictures which are very fine We Jessie did some more shopping and then I went home leaving her and Syl who had joined us to come later. When I got home Frank & Dewey had gone with the trucks and started to get things ready for our trip on the morrow. Jessie came soon after and as she was showing S the pictures on the porch. F. S. made an excuse to go out and speak to him. She sat up all night tatting for my new brown dress.
Oct 22 Sunday morning at 8 oclock we all (but Milo) started down to the N. P. Depot to take the train to Los Angeles. We had plenty of time and bidding the family a sad little good Bye mother and I started through the gates to board the train on our way. We had a pleasant and uneventful trip down the coast. The scenery alone the way was most beautiful especially around San Louis Obispo and Atascadero. We arrived at Los. at 9 oclock where Uncle Rufe met us. Aunt Sallie welcomed is with hot supper after which we went to bed in a mood to enjoy a good night rest which we did.
Oct 23 Aunt S, Mother and I went out to Exposition Park and visited the museum. The thing I remember most was a collection or photos and personal belongings of Belva Lockwood. [Belva Ann Bennett Lockwood was an American attorney, politician, educator, and author. She was active in working for women’s rights, including women’s suffrage. Lockwood overcame many social and personal obstacles related to gender restrictions. She died in 1917]
Later in the day we went down to the P.O. to enquire about the parcel Jessie was going to send me. I remained and Aunt went back to get supper. After I was assured they the parcel had been delivered I went home to Aunt Sallies to a dandy oyster supper.
Kelly Wheaton Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved.
May Day, Bomb Bursts, & Happy Secrets: A Soprano’s Aria Chapter 16
Posted on September 24, 2021 2 Comments
Now 1 May Day took mother to see the May pole dance at the children’s Play Grove at the Park. It was very close and hot but we enjoyed it immensely
Tues May 2 Got a card from Eilene & Frank announcing the birth of their first child a son on the 26 of April They call him Leo Arnold. I wrote to her and mailed it today.
May 4. I have swept and must now go to sewing Mrs. Andersons dress.
May 15 I have been negligent of writing in My Diary. Several important things have happened since my last entry. I finished Mrs. Andersons dress and received 4.00 payment. I received my sample case from the Goodrich Drug Co.
And I sent Eilene her baby clothes. I visited the affiliated college and on Thursday May 11 accompanied the Ladies aid to San Leandro to a meeting at Mrs Weavers. We had a most enjoyable time. I left there at 3 oclock and waited in Oakland at 12 & Broadway for Allie. He soon came taking me out for a very enjoyable ride in his auto.
We went to his boarding place and had a good dinner served by Mrs Crawford herself and afterwords went out somewhere in the city, met Jessie & Sylvester. took another short spin leaving them at the boat house at Lake Merritt.
Then we road around town some more and Allie left me at the station and I came home on the Ferry all alone safe and sound.
Sat the 13 I went down to the church for choir practice. Syl came in late we all passed out the door together after the briefest of greetings.
Frank was waiting up at the corner where the car stops We saw him as we came up the hill. S & J started to walk home and I cut across and spoke to Vestina but didn’t recognize openly, Frank standing in the shadows of the pole, but he took the car after I got on allowing me to board it alone and pay my fare. He then passed through the car giving me an ugly look and stood in the vestibule with the motor man.I was nervous all evening at the church I could scarcely sing and I was afraid of him on the street car. I motioned him to sit by me and he put his thumb to his nose in a sign of insult and didnt come. He allowed me to leave the car first two blocks beyond our street and talked to me in a most insulting manner all the way home. He bitterly resents me going to church at all and for that reason I remained away all day Sunday the 14th which was Mother’s day. Dewey and I went out in the morning looking at flats and Lolita and I went down to
Parkside and saw several cottages selecting one to look up today on the 15th. I went down town to find out that it is not for rent but for sale.
I came home to lunch and after lunch went down and called on F.S. nice as you please where he works and told him about it. Mrs Anderson called to see about her waist and that brings me up to date.
June 1 Mooved to 128 Harold Ave Ingleside.
June 11 Went to Walnut Creek to try out scheme of selling Velvetina. Failed to find suitable boarding place and started home on the following day.
June 12 Here am I at a little waiting station between Walnut Creek ad the next station east of there. In my hurry to get started I got on a car going the wrong way. I do not loose any time but it may cost me 10 ¢ more to get home.
This is a pleasant place , beautiful wooded valleys with rolling hills all around and old Mt. Diablo in the near distance. I came here yesterday by the So. Pacific and will return via Oakland and Antioc. I hope the train hurries I am anxious to get back.
June 12 The train came on time and I enjoyed a pleasant trip and through some most sweet scenery. At Oakland we passed through a beautifully parked residence section.
At San Francisco while waiting at the wrong place for No 12. I saw Mrs White head of our sewing school days, on a street car, The folks were surprised to see me home again and rigged me a little which sounded good to me for what did I care I was home again.
Frank was nasty as is his usual attitude but it would take more than that to drive me away from my children. Mother was glad to see me back.
June 13 Commenced tearing out the clapboard and sink out of the pantry to make a dressing room out of it. It was hard work cutting the door through but I and Lolita did it.
June 14 Finished the remolding of the dressing room which is a wonderful improvement to the house. The next few days were spent quietly at Home in housework.
June 18 Sunday A splendid sunny day. Went to church in the morning transferred at Fillmore and got on a car going wrong way. Got off and walked to church on Octavia. Was a little late, lost my 30 ¢ contribution while waiting for prayer to end. Sat alone in church. Saw S. [Sylvester] sitting alone across the way. After service was over in which Mr Nugent entered by letter. I was first member to welcome him into the church. I then went out to vestibule and asked Mr DeVries if he had found my envelope. He had and returned it to the front of the church and gave it to Mr H.O. Anderson the church treasurer. Syl came up and I asked him “Wheres Jessie” he said I dont know she left before Philathea class closed [Philthea was an international, interdenominational organization of Bible classes for young women in the early twentieth century.] I was worried for a few minutes, til she turned up. She had been taking care of the babies in the nursery. Presently I missed them both and thinking they had gone to lunch before going to the convert in the afternoon. I took my lonely way up the hill past the children’s home think I might walk out to the park became tired and took the 17 car for home. When I came up the steps there was Sylvester looking out the window! When I came in explanations were in order and it was decided they missed me because I had on my new cape. And there —Sylvester says “would you like to go to the concert?” I assured him I would and he went and called up his mother to meet us at the conc. and after a hurried lunch we went. It was a very pleasant trip down and we met Mrs. Miller and Miss Hepron and soon went in. Our seats were on the top balcony and we could hear splendidly. The place was packed full. The music was beautiful. Tina Lerner the great pianist played and I enjoyed every note of her wonderful performances.
After the concert was over they escorted me to the Market St car No 17 and I came home alone dreaming all the way of the magic of music and kind hearts and ideal weather combining to make a perfect day. May I enjoy many others.
The week following was very commonplace. I wrote to Eilene urging her to come west,
F. and I continue to disagree he stays out late very night and comes home to a cold dinner the worse for drink. On Sunday the 25 he went up county and got a quantity of old brass which he sold for over $100. We had a quarrel when he came home, He used language which I did not propose to take so I wrote Jessie Kendrick to come and get mother and I wrote Allie to find a couple of rooms so I could go and live with him.
When Frank saw I was in ernest he came across beautifully although I was in no mood to accept his overtures. I refused for a day or so and finally agreed to accept his gift of $30 dollars to buy some things which I need badly enough.
June 30 he gave me 30 dollars to pay for 15 rent- 10 to Jessie and 5 for mother. He got himself 1 suit of clothes 2 suits of underware and a hat and pair of shoes etc. so peace reined for 1 day.
Sat July 1 Jessie & I went shopping and I spent some of my money for underware a hand bag a back comb etc.
Sunday July 2 I paid and was too sick and late to go to church. I cried bitter tears and Frank went away some wheres. We are not suited to each other. His is dissatisfied with me and I with him. J & S went camping.
Mon July 3 Lolita & Dewey & Milo went camping (to join Jessie and her crowd). I did house work and made a piece of lace the 5th since I came back from Walnut Creek.
It is late 10 or nearly and Frank has not showed up for dinner. Mother and I are alone. Tomorrow is the the glorious 4th of July Independence Day.
Tues July 4. The children spent the day at Lagunitas camping and enjoyed it very much. Grandma, Frank and I spent the day quietly at home working about the house.
The remainder of the week passes uneventfully. I worried about money as ever yours truly.
Sat had a big row about it Frank sent out letter.
Sun July 9 Quarreled about him presuming to send a man out with cloth for suits when I’d rather pick them out myself. Words led to bitter accusations and he dressed up and went out for the day. I got on some way. Always dissatisfied wouldnt go to church.
Then he came home and asked me to go with him to church. It was then too late so we stayed home. He is very good or very bad spells.
Mon July 10 was quiet and uneventful.
Tues ” 11 I did a big wash and Ironed and put away all of it. I cleaned house and did some sewing.
Wed ” 12 I cleaned house and did some sewing.
Thurs ” 13 Am mending and picking up rags. I hear the paper mills need then will try saving them for awhile. Between sun morning and today I mended 20 pairs of hosiery. Albert came over for lunch. He gave me 2 letters from Agnes to read. She is anxious for his return to Minneapolis.
Jessie bought her a new green hat. I gave her my brocaded ribbon to trim it with. It looks real well on her.
Fri July 14 I got a letter from Jessie Kendrick today. She writes real hopeful and reassuring. She is a good sister. She wants some of us to bring mother home. We’ll see about it.
J 15 Went marketing with Allie before he had to bid us good bye to go to Oakland. Met Mr & Mrs car in the market.
Sun 16 Went to church alone came home with Jessie in the morning. In evening went to church with Frank. He left immediately and waited out side. I was angered at him and told him he had punished me through Jessie long enough. He said I couldent run him etc etc same old story over and over again.
Allie started for Portland on his auto trip.
Mon 17. Uneventful notorious day . lots of wind and fog. Makes this place and ever changing scene. Went shopping and got a $4 corset.
Tue 18. I forgot to mention that I made the dress Eilene gave me for Christmas last week. Today am not feeling well.
Wed 19. Came unwell spent most of the afternoon in bed. No pain just overwhelming drowsy and dull.
Thur July 20 Feeling better. Washed . Got letter from Allie.
Fri 21. Dewey got a letter from Leo who is back in Mp’ls. He sent the chess game which they have been playing since dear knows when, nearly 20 years. Dewey is confident he will win.
Sat 22 Preparedness Parade during which a bomb burst and killed and wounded quite a number of people. None of my family or friends were hurt. God pity the victims and the one who caused it. [The Preparedness Movement Advocated entry into WWI. The parade began at 1:30 p.m., and 36 minutes later a bomb went off in front of the Ferry Exchange Saloon at the southwest corner of Stuart and Market streets. The bomb was in a suitcase and was set off by a timing device. The suitcase was loaded with nails, bullets and dynamite. Ten were killed and 40 wounded, It was the worst attack in San Francisco history.]
Preparedness Day Parade Bombing. Elevated view west to windows blown out of building, ambulance, crowd.
Sun Jul 23 A somnabulis day [sleepwalking] I couldent get around to go to S. S. Frank went to work. Jessie and Lolita to Sunday S. I finished my letter to Allie . D [Dewey] is writing to Leo and will mail them both. I should love to go to church but on account of F.S. attitude I do not like to. Same Dull existence from which I pray to be delivered. At 12 Frank arrived. Jessie and Sylvester were sitting on a bench in the basement to avoid his wrath. Too bad I dont like this way of treating such a nice boy like he is.
Mon July 24 Dewey’s birthday. He is 19 years old so he says. I have not looked it up. Milo and Jessie will select a present for him later in the day. I have just come from watering the garden and Milo and I set out a lot of lettuce, I will work on babys coat today.
Milo fixed me some pearl jewelry very nicely. he is learning fast. He found a beautiful little stick pin for Dewey at a pawnbrokers shop , A dainty gold crescent with a ruby centered flower. Good taste.
Frank arrived about 11 oclock. J & S came home from B. [Bible] Class meeting.
Tues July 25 This morning Jessie was up and dressed when I came down to get breakfast. She seemed in a most exalted state of happiness laughing and cutting up with the boys, Milo & Dewey. After breakfast she called me upstairs and wanted to know if I could keep a secret. (hmm me? The Sphinx is a tattler compared to much. So I get the secret! “Sylvester and I are engaged to. Its just a year ago today that we started to go together.” O yes I remember. They took me in my little gray ? up to hear Billy preach. O but the time flies. I cant make it seem like a whole year. And so they are engaged to marry. My dear joyous happy Jessie and my sober serious joyful, jovial Sylvester. That called me mother at the picnic at Fairfax last fall and when “called” for it said so earnestly “May be she will be some day” and my heart goes out to them may they always be so radiantly full of the joy of living. May they always be faithful and true each to the other. This is my prayer for them.
Then she kissed me and ran off to join her lover for a walk to the beach before breakfast. She did not eat with the rest of so of course he will treat her to that happy repast at some of the beach restaurants. Happy youth.
From our west upstairs window I look out over the roofs of the little cottages that this part of S.F. is principally composed of out beyond to the wooded slopes west of Ingleside terraces to where ever changing never the same old Pacific ought to be and behold it has vanished. Nothing remains but a dull gray pall what does not resemble the usual misty fogs at all, the sky and sea are one apparently. Idly looking I noticed something of white between the trees and interestedly watched it sink out of sight when another one appeared I knew what it was, Foam capped breakers. I never knew one could see them in that spot. And to think that that was all that was visible of the big ocean. As I write this Milo came puffing up the stairs to say he had just come in from long walk down the beach and he thought he had found some gold. He gathered up some to the rich looking sand by a cliff and brought it home. The little shiny flakes look like the real stuff. [Mica?] He will test it and see, He said there must have been a storm at sea for great quantities of kelp, a seaweed was washed ashore.
We have had lunch and I must change my dress and do something. Go down town maybe. Later went marketing got some groceries and came home alone.
Wed July 26 Jessie reported her movements yesterday. They went to the beach, Then to Millers. Mrs Miller got their lunch. Then they took her to Hayward to see some country property. Mrs. Miller likes my Jessie and says Syl is a good boy when told of his engagement, but says he’s financial difficulties they tell her. They’ll have to wait and she promises to keep their secret so there you have it a very sweet 4 cornered secret.
Wed July 27 Finished Baby Hoffmans little corduroy coat.
Friday 28 Did a great big wash mostly alone. Ironed part of it.
Sat 29 Jessie Lolita Grace & I baked cleaned ironed and mended . S came up in evening and he and J went to register. I spoke only formal words of greeting on account of others being Present!
Sunday 30 None of us went to church today. Foggy and quiet. No sun paper came. Must buy one of newsey. Jessie went to local Presbyterian church. Lolita to same Sunday School. She wore her gorgeous new burnt orange sweater. I paid my last $5.00 for.
Mon 31 School commenced with Milo at Poly and Lolita at the Crocker they have the school childrens books of street car tickets at 2 1/2 ¢ each.
Aug 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Usual and dull repetitions of many others. Cold foggy and altogether uninspiring but warmed nevertheless with my Jessie happiness. I crochet her lace for a pair of pillow slips and she makes herself a pink yoke in mile a minuit. She starts to work for Pragers [Department Store] as salesgirl (or lady).
Aug 6 Remained at home
“ 7 Received word from Allie that he had gone from Seattle to Miles City on a pass and would not come our way to take grandmother home which upset us some. Dewey and Jessie each want to take her home. Dewey has a new job driving Dolans motor truck at $2.00 per day and thinks he’ll keep it awhile.
Aug 8, 9, 10 Same as all the others, got letters from Leo and Eilene some where around these dates, Did my wash and came sick about the 11th Ironed and cleaned house very tired and played out by Aug 12 which wound up a week of hard work.
Kelly Wheaton Copyright 2021. All RIghts Reserved.
Faith & Fury: A Soprano’s Aria Chapter 15
Posted on September 23, 2021 1 Comment
There are no entries from Christmas Day 2015 until Valentine’s Day.
Feb 14 1916 Valentine’s Day. But no Valentines for me I guess. I must make this entry fill a period of 6 weeks the intervening time between Christmas and Valentines Day.
In many ways it has been the most enjoyable time for me. I have not had any dress making to do which has given me a good rest. I have crocheted a couple of yokes and a couple of sets of edgings. Read the Seawolf [Jack London novel] courtesy of Sylvester Miller and did a little home sewing. The charm of these few past weeks has been chiefly caused by my reflected happiness in Jessie’s little romance. Which seems to be flowing along smoothly since her father agreed to let him come to the house.
I received $5 from Eilene with which to purchase a layette and I must get busy with it. On the other hand I have been tormented with a never ending string of bill collectors which I have not the money to satisfy. Because Jessie and Dewey Albert have been out of work all winter.
Mother [Millie Lulu (COATS) PADEN] is still with us. Sylvester gave his mother and me a ticket each to the Wagner Memorial Performance at the Cort Theater. Yesterday I met her for the first time. She is a pleasant and agreeable little body.
Last night I attended Church and sat between S And J [Sylvester and Jessie] to my chagrin and also amusement. It was all J’s fault. We listened to an interesting sermon heard a lovely solo and walked home through the panhandle. It was a glorious evening and long to be remembered . Word came from Leo this morning that he might ship his Lynotype to Colorado and might possibly come with it.
I made a beautiful middy blouse for Lolita smocked gingham light blue and white piped in blue. She is pleased
Feb 15 The most notable happening today was the Valentine Party at the church.It was beautifully decorated with hundreds of hearts and mottoes appropriate to the occasion. Mr Mahan was “Loves policeman” and Sylvester Miller was cupid. Ice cream and cakes decorated with red hearts cut out of red jello. Lolita and I walked home “on the run.” and got into bed about midnight.
Feb 16 Spent most of the day resting up.
Feb 17 Jessie & I did a big wash and usual ordinary house work and now at 9 oclock are in the parlor playing the piano and writing in my diary. Got a letter from sister Jessie today and enjoyed it very much.
F.S. has taken to dressing up and going out evenings without saying by your leave to anyone.
Mar 11 The past two weeks was spent in lonely house cleaning and trying to make 1 dollar do for two in paying bills which are all over due and in doing a little family sewing. Am getting on slowly in a baby bonnet at present .
Feb 22 Was ill but managed to get Jessie ready to go to Big Lagoon [in Humboldt County] with Syl and his sister and bro. on a camping trip which they all enjoyed immensely.
Mar 4 Lolita’s 15th birthday. The girls in her class gave her a fine surprise of a party which we all enjoyed.
Mar 5 Went to communion at church in the morning and was calmed and benefitted by the services.
Mar 6 A memorable day washed in the morning and went to consert practice in evening. Will take part in the consert if I keep my health and spines.
Mar 7 Tuesday Open House at the church went with Lolita. F. S. sore about it. Never seems to fall in with or approve of my plans and actions. However well I do not plan to oppose him or antagonize him purposely I shall act according to my own judgement in the future on matters pertaining to my own affairs.
March 8 & 9 Sewing principally
Mar 10 Syls Birthday. Jessie assisted in a little surprise part at his own house.
Mar 11 Sat Today just remembered is registration day the last– must dress and fly or cannot vote at the coming election. Jessie has gone to get Lolita some shoes. I finished Lois silk dress $4.50. Just returned from registering. Frank and I nearly missed it but got there in time. good night.
Sun 12 (Mar) Frank and I went to church at the Christian Church to her K.C.B a writer of a unique column in the Examiner speak. His name is Kenneth Carrol Beaton a Canadian Americanized or I might say Western United Statesized Altho he seems to have been pretty nearly all over. He told in slow hating speech much after the stye of his writings how he came to do so much philanthropic work. It was interesting in the very extreme. He is a man confessedly out side the Church and its influences that has led a fairly decent life took his pleasures along the way dancing a little smoking a little etc.
He said his first charitable act was to treat the Old People of the Kenny Home [Presbyterian Retirement Home] at Seattle to an outing. This was done by a direct appeal to the people who donated the necessary autos food etc. This led to others and always furnished the desired material for his writings. People have accused him of selfish and egotistical motives but he says what do the cripples and orphans a care so long as they had their outing and pleasure. He advised people when they were moved to do a kind deed to go ahead no matter what others might think and say. Much good has resulted from the small beginning and shows small acts of kindness lead one to greater ones til the good can hardly be estimated. He is a small man well set up a serious thoughtful face with kindly twinkle about the eyes. It was evident he felt himself out of place as his attitude was a trifle constrained as if he were on the defensive but determined to conceal nothing. As a consequence his little talk was not very complimentary to himself and denounced the hoards of wealth and said the day was coming when it would be a disgrace to be rich whole people starved for the want of money.
He is a very warm hearted straight forward manly fellow that loves humanity which includes children, and animals. Such as Ben Hur the kitten he rescued and keeps in his apartment. He shows us things and conditions in the downtown district in such a touching and personal way. They are soon reminded like fixing a clock in front of the Koehlers and washing street lamps which caused him inconvenience and chagrin. Also the mine hole in the street telling it in such droll dolorous way the authorities had it fixed at once. It is quite evident that he has the power to get at mens hearts and appeal to their better natures as few are gifted with. He says its all selfishness for he didn’t give the quarter he’d lie awake worrying about the one that asked him for it until he felt like hunting him up when he gave anything it gave him the greater pleasure so he was selfish. The Bible says the same thing What a pity there are not more unselfish people like that. When he finished the Minister said any one that was capable of doing so much good surely couldn’t be very bad. Frank and I walked home through Laurel Hill Cemetery [Closed and graves moved in 1939] . It was a grand beautiful spring day and long to be remembered.
After a light lunch Mother and I took a long walk in the park and saw some of the animals and the colonial room in the museum. Coming home we met Mrs Barber and her daughter Ethel. We had a light dinner and I went to church at our own place of worship the First Baptist and enjoyed a good sermon on the war by a sub Minister, Mr Hill from Berkeley. Same stereotyped phrases. I went to sleep twas a long day. I came home alone and found Jessie and Sylvester home ahead of me.
Our Syl seems to be quite devoted to our Jessie. Frank chooses to be jealous of him and Joe Richardson because once in a while I speak a pleasant word to them. They both always treat me with great respect.
Mon Mar 13 Today I finished the little baby cap for my first grand child and made arrangements to make a house dress for a lady next door. I hope things pick up and times get better. Its awful to be unable to pay your house debts. In the evening we went to concert practice and got along very well with it. I walked home with Jessie and Sylvester. and went straight to my room. Frank chose to be ugly and made sarcastic comments about Sylvester & J. which is absurd and ridiculous to mention and never would have entered the head of a sane person. The truth is that he has been spying on us all coming home from church together hoping to discover something and failing at that has worked himself up with a passion of rage and jealousy until he is almost a mad man. He called S. low disgraceful names and swore to “get him’ “put him in the hospital” and Kill the —–. The children want me to leave him.
Life with him has become an intolerable burden.
Tues Mar 14 Went down to church and worked with Ladies Aid on the new vestments for the choir. It is evening and Lolita just came home from Fryers. I made arrangements to make a suit for Maxine Lichestine today.
Mar 15 The middle of the mo. already. How fast time is speeding us toward the grave oblivion and forgetfulness I wonder. I believe my conscious spirit freed will go on unfettered expanding , developing living and experiencing the delights I am denied here on earth. This foggy morning inspires introspective thoughts. My life in being spent in one sordid wrangle after another with my husband over nothing in particular. Always he chooses to fancy himself neglected, abused and unloved. He certainly magnifies the ego, Selfish to nth degree.
This morning told me Jessie had to go. I told him that would be a pretty way to treat a child and that I would go myself as soon as I could. He replied that as soon as I went she would go too. He again accused me of not wanting him to go to church which is not the case but no amount of argument will change his mind. He says he dislike Sylvester and wont have him coming here. But in truth he would dislike any other man the same. Jessie is 23 years old on the 30th of this mo and certainly is old enough to receive company. She is a very discreet and proper acting girl and modest and refined to a degree. Mr Miller treats her with respect as he does all other women and there is absolutely no reason why Frank should act as he does in threatening his person.
I confess here I don’t know the solution what I should do or how to act but this much can do, and that is “Ye next thynge” and thats what I will proceed to do. The days work is all before me demanding my attention and the lovely California out doors calls alluringly. I can glance out my front windows and see the Eucalyptus waving and swaying sturdy and majestic, graceful and strong with an air of lofty indifference or reserved aloofness from the petty trivialities of the human life seeking rest and recreation under their protective branches. There is something reassuring and strengthening imparting new courage and hopefulness in the soul attuned to their harmonies.
Google street view
Tues Mar 16 Spent the day in trivial household duties baked bread and rolls, mended and sewed a little took a lonesome stroll around the panhandle and home to bed.
Mar 17 St Patrick’s day . A fine bunch of carnations came to Jessie from whom? I think its quite a safe guess. At present she’s crying in her closet. Why I wish I knew. Poor girl she takes everything so seriously.
Dewey gave me $10 to apply on the bills. Good old Dewey may God keep the dear heart He gave him.
I am fixing over a black skirt and find 32 is a fearfully tight waist. I fear me muchly Im growing stought [stout]. The day has has clouded over and is colder again.
Frank and I went to the Haight St, Motion Picture show and enjoyed a fine film. Mice & Men with Marguerite Clark as Peggy after we came home enjoyed a sociable evening and slept well and peacefully.
Mar 18, Morning found us thrashing out same old question. Its solution seems as far remote as when we first began discussion 1/4 century ago. Frank dont like it because I can enjoy myself away from him. That I can enjoy the conversation of other people. And he wont want me to go places with out him and he doesnt want to go with me to conserts and speaking. I always behave myself and have nothing to be ashamed of and cant see the harm of being pleasant to Jessies friends . Further I cant see why I shouldent take part in the concert the church is getting up.
I want to, the Choir leader wants all the singers he can get, And the church need the money that will be taken in. But I am satisfied Frank doesnt want me to be in it by the way he acts. Cheerful till I tell him I going and glum when I start and sarcastic and insinuating when I arrive home again. Its the same way when I go anywhere without him but he will hardly ever go with me. When I ask him to accompany me he’ll make some trivial excuse because he really dont want want to go and saves his anger till I get back. Its a awful life to live. Jessie had a good time at the church last night
Albert came over and came home with J & S. Frank doesn’t know they were here. I did not see them. Jessie is making a pineapple cake for a surprise party tonight. I made 3 pies and bread.
Sun Mar 19 Frank had to work today so I got up early and helped him off. It rained by spells all day and so we gave up our plans for a little family picnic out at the park. In the afternoon Albert and Sylvester came to dinner. I was too tired to go to church in the evening. J & S went to Mrs Mooning to see their wonderful new baby boy David Livingstone Moonie their first.
Mon Mar 20 This day is another link in my very long chain of troubles that will live in my memory as long as that memory may last. He had read in the church index that the concert practice would be held on Tuesday so were taken completely by surprise when Syl came n after dinner and said it was a mistake. So we hurriedly dressed and accompanied him to church.
We had an evening of hard work practicing and walked home through the Panhandle of the Park. I was extremely nervous but did not betray it. When we neared Ashbury we saw Frank cross over toward Oak St. As we crossed Fell St. I said “you better not come in tonight Syl” He replied “all Right” and I came right in and Jessie and Syl walked up the street and over into the Park again. F. Came right back and looked all through the house and said It was good Sylvester had not come in or he would have brained him. He watched for them awhile and then came and delivered himself thusly. You can leave the place as soon as you want to. Ill make no further effort to stop it. Albert was right when he said this family had to break up. It wouldn’t Have hurt me so much if you had walked ahead to make me think you came alone. I’ll get me a room downtown and you can get Albert to come back home and I’ll keep away altogether this is no place for me. “If you prefer his company to me its all right.” Weeps undresses for bed. Lights pipe smokes awhile and dresses himself.
I told him I had no notion of trying to get on with $10.00 per week. I let him talk and said little or nothing. I was and am too discouraged and heart sick to know what to do. It seems more than human nature can bear. Well I went into the front room and he followed me and we sat there in silence for awhile. Jessie was eyeing me the davenport reading her bible she had come in about the time her father was redressing himself. Finally I went to my room and Frank followed. We went quietly and subdued. He had talked himself out and I did not care to get into controversy with so irrational a creature. The alarm seemed to awaken me immediately after it was so soon after I had fallen asleep. Frank seemed inclined to make up but for what? Only heap abuse on me the slightest little thing I do. O I’m so weary of it all.
Mar 21 I went down to the church to help sew upon the robes for the choir. It was a long hard day and I came home with a nervous headache. Jessie and mother had dinner ready I took a nap bound my head up in a cold towel are and helped do up the evening work. Wrote up my daily chronicle while Jessie played straight through her stock of music and now Ill go to bed and thank God that gave me the day asking his protection for the night and trust in the Father of mercies to take care of me in the future as he has in the past.
[Mar] 22 A very busy day. We washed clothes and in the afternoon I finished another gown for the choir. Grandma was working on a little pillow slip all day for Eilene and she made a pie and a batch of biscuits for dinner. It is now 9 oclock and Lolita has not come home yet. “Alls quiet along the Potomac” Guess I’ll ” go to bed in”
Mar 23 Lolita arrived home safely. Jessie and Syl and they came in and S stayed awhile. Frank nor I knew of it till Lolita told me. As it now stands S seems the most gentlemanly of the two.
Mar 24 Frank threatens to renew his attentions “to every woman he sees.” I let that pass and said nothing. He weeps because I would rather occasionaly sleep in the morning then have relations with him and may be when Ive answered him shortly and sometimes for no apparent cause. I used in the early years of our married life cry bitter tears with cause enough and he had little sympathy for my weakness till gradually I quit it. Is it any wonder I hate to see him forever weeping. If I was false to him like he was to me there might be some excuse but all I ask is to go to church and sing in the concert and meet friends of both sexes without exciting such unreasonable opposition and such mad jealous rages. It is weakening my nervous system little by little but surely and certainly is it right or fair?
I went down to the church yesterday afternoon and worked with the ladies on the robes rode home with Mrs McCarthy on the street car. I brought another robe home which mother helped me finish today.
I am discouraged about our financial affairs . We owe so much and have made such a small income. I must find something to do.
(Later in the day) Well I found plenty to do Jessie & I swept and dusted everything but the kitchen and and left that til after dinner when Lois came in and right out to the kitchen and never went into the other rooms at all there by seeing the only dirty place in the house. Such is life.
She kissed me on the cheek and gave me a ticket to the Mansfeldt club concert on 12th of May in the Palace Hotel. [Hugo Mansfeldt was born in Germany in 1844, a student of Franz Liszt, he was a pianist, taught and held concerts widely in the San Francisco Bay Area. He died in 1931] O! But my O! me I’d love to go and enjoy it. I am afraid Frank will be crabbed about it just as he is about every single thing I do. He has dressed up and gone out for the evening not saying where or why. Of course when I go out I tell him very sweetly all about before hand tacitly asking his permission and I go with an uneasy feeling of being watched and spied upon all evening. Jessie is looking for Sylvester this evening. Suppose they meet. They did not meet! Peace reigns.
Sat Mar 25 Busy day cleaning and baking. Syl came up early in the day and he and Jessie went down town and got their pictures taken (I think). Then they returned and hurried preparations to go on a little week end camping trip with some of his sisters friends.
Sun Mar 26 I had planned to bake some lunch and go out to the park and eat it and listen to the music. Now mother says she doesn’t feel like walking. That upsets all my plans again. Seems as if I’m getting used to it Just sticking round at everyone’s beck and call with no say at all in the matter, I wonder what individualities are made for any how & I always to be “the least of these.” It is bright but cool today Would enjoy a brisk walk out doors.
Mon Mar 27 A very blue day altho not a work day. All my cares and responsibilities seemed to weigh me down with a load to heavy to rise up under, I had decided to give up choir practice and told Frank if asked why I should tell them. I was lying in bed early in the evening when he came in mad handed me a quarter 92 bits) and asked “what for?” and he said for carfare to go to church with so he seems to be willing I should go avoiding I don’t walk home with Jessie and her escort. Very well then I’ll go and ride. (Later) came home about 9:45 on car and went to bed at 10. Frank came in later and said he’d been to the Movies. J & S came in soon after not I did not molest them.
Tues Mar 28 Am feeling fine after my rehersal last evening but blue over a shortage of money this week. I do need it so badly. I must sew on Eilene’s little dress today. Beautiful Spring morning. Plenty of housework to do to day. Am mailing a letter to Eileen.
Thurs March 30 Jessies 23rd Birthday. On account of an empty purse I could give her nothing. Sylvester gave her a nice French Ivory comb and Brush. And Agnes and Mrs Davey each a crocheted yoke, which were very nice indeed. They got some pictures taken but as she thinks they are poor she wont give me any.
Fri Mar 31 Last day of Old Man March. Rather blustery. Lois Fryer gave a party to her young friends Milo, Lolita, Jessie & Syl went.
April 1 Milo & Dewey both succeeded in fooling their gullible (old?) mother much to their delight and my discomfiture.
A 2 Monday I cut out Mis Hazel Browns blue suit tonight. I expected to go to choir practice, but my loving partner spoke so brutal and insulting about it I gave it up, and fitted a jacket instead.
April 4 The time passes day after day they slip along draging out their weary lengths and again how swiftly were speeding on.
I arose at a few minutes before six and got breakfast for Frank & Milo put up their lunches and saw them off to work. I then ate my breakfast of dry crust and scrambled egg & coffee. My digestion is very bad. I bloat up with gas which impedes my circulation. My hunch is either too hot or cold, also my feet. I am troubled with obstinate skin disease which has been bothering me about 10 years. Dr Mary Whetstone of Minneapolis diagnosed it as psoriasis her treatment did not benefit me . When I started to do up the morning work I discovered ink spilled on the parlor carpet. I got into a row about it with the girls. I hate rows. I’ve learned they leave me depressed.
The varnishers are at work on the front porch. The upper flats are being renovated don’t know whether they intend to do our flat or not.
Last night was open house at church. I wanted to go but was afraid to broach the subject on account of Franks quick temper. I am sick and tired of his unreasonable rages.
I sewed until 9 oclock and went to bed to suffer with cold until 1 oclock. I have $10 worth of sewing in the house and must quit writing and get at it.
Sat April 8 Since writing Monday I have with Mother’s help supplemented by Lolita’s assistance, accomplished a weeks housework and finished Mrs Browns suit for which I received $7.00. I am going down town with Jessie as soon as I can get ready.— came home about 10. Got some spare ribs for sun., him some notions and a hat for Lolita.
Sun Morn April 9 Sunday Morning work and plenty of it to put everything in order, We are a disorderly bunch. Jessie is off to Sun school. Lolita didn’t go. Milo is out in Marin Co woods somewhere fishing etc. and F. S. is putting in a toilet for somebody somewhere. I’m through ironing and almost through the rest of it. Dewey is preparing to take his bath before going over to see Allie [eldest son Albert] at Oakland. Allie is the happy possessor of a second hand Owen [ a touring car] which he has acquired at the price of about $300.00. He is real puffed up over it. I finished Miss Brown’s suit and it gives satisfaction. I am to make a silk for her.
April 27 1916 It is 3 weeks since I entered my last items in these pages. I worked very hard before Easter sun. I made a shite serge coat for Maxine Lochtenstein $3.00 and a white suit and helped Mrs Ross with her skirt for $6.25. I trimmed Jessies and my hats, Bought Lolita one.
We practiced long and hard for our concert and it came off beautifully I have a picture of the choir.
Frank was very ugly about it all. Easter Sun was a most beautiful day J & I sang in the Choir. We wore the new robes and somewhat amused at each others appearance. I have been corresponding with a firm of Druggists in Omaha Neb for a position as a traveling salesman. I think I’ll get it soon. Most anything would be better than this awful shortage of money. Leo writes that he is working at Teluride, Colo. His deal with Grand Junction fell through.
Lottie Paden died April 11. She was younger than our Jessie and was the wife of my youngest brother Louie and the mother of two sweet little girls Ruth and Lois. She died of consumption [Tuberculosis, the leading cause of death in the 1900’s] brought on by a bad cold.
On the 25 Jessie and I climbed up to the top of one of the twin peaks. There is a magnificent view of the city and surrounding bay region the Golden Gate and the Presidio and the Pacific Ocean.
Apr 26 We visited a skin specialist at the U.C.H. [University of California Hospital] and had my skin trouble diagnosed it is psoriasis said to be incurable non infectious and not not transmitted from parent to child. I am taking treatment for it.
Today on the 27. Mrs Lichenstine brought her suit to fix. I mailed the answers to the questions in my application for a traveling position and did a very big wash, am very tired. It is now nearly 8 oclock and Frank has not come home to dinner yet.
Uncle Petty made a short call on us today. Then he went to Oakland to see Allie. He has a new job at Antioc [Antioch]
Jessie has gone to her bible school. I am cold and will retire for the night.
April 28 Friday This has turned out to be a most beautiful day. In the morning I was sick and altogether tired out. I became discouraged and went to bed. I could not sleep and got up and tied my head in a cold cloth. Then Albert and Uncle came I took off the cloth to welcome them. They came in his car. Uncle was very much pleased. We got them some lunch and afterward Allie drove us in the park. We got a flat tire and while Allie went for a patch, I lay down in the sun and rested. My headache left me and by the time he got it fixed up I was good as ever. I enjoyed our beautiful ride around G.G. P [Golden Gate Park] very much. When we returned Jessie called up Sylvester and he said he would accompany them to Antioc where Uncle has a position at a Hospital. Allie will drive them over. I hope that they have a safe trip. F.S. has not returned from work yet. Lolita will go up and get some stuff for their lunches tomorrow.
Apr. 29 30 Sun Usual routine went to choir practice came home alone and found F.S. lately arrived silent and morose.
Frank went and got a horse and buggy came late to break fast. Would not ask me to go for a ride but bitterly complained of my “treatment of him” calling me his usual choice collection of epithets and deriding the church using every vile language in describing it and belittling my membership therein.
He seemed most miserable and offered the use of the rig to the children who did not seem to want to go. (Dewey & Lolita) the others being absent. I offered to get up and go with him but he said he would not take me (now). So he took back the rig and now blames me because we dident use it. On ac. of his crazy actions I missed both services at church and was call to task by Mrs. Anderson whom I’m sewing for on her first visit.
Kelly Wheaton Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Family & Fun at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition 1915: A Soprano’s Aria Chapter 14
Posted on September 22, 2021 3 Comments
Oct 11, 1915 Which I did [Lulu voted!] and for Rolph who proved to be the winner. [ James Rolph was the Mayor of San Francisco from 1912-1935 and then Governor of California for one term. He was a Republican] I watched Mrs Ettiene’s funeral from the Park [Mabel Mary Etienne who died 25 Sep 1915] and mailed a letter to uncle and the boys. During the days following I made Lois a silk coat to go with the dress. 5.00 and Lillie a blue serge suit 3.50
[Mabel is likely the same Mabel listed in Lulu’s diary as she lived at 1900 Fell St. at the same time Lulu lived at 1824 Fell less than a block away. It is interesting to note the circle of divorced women and their economic hardships.] On Sunday Dewey and I walked out to the park and inspected the pumping station the flower beds and ostriches and then came home. Frank had started that morning for Humboldt Co to look at land.
Thur Oct 17 Just two years after we landed in this western shore. I met Jessie at the Emporium and we selected a Piano which is now in the house. [Jessie is listed in the 1916 City Directory as a pianist.] We have been cleaning house and are tired out. Got a letter from the boys saying they would be here soon. A Joy and Gladness. Sylvester Miller and Jessie were out to the fair and had their pictures snapped. They are very good. Syl was here for awhile after church. Lolita served some of her cakes and Fruit. She’s getting to be a fine little cook. Albert writes of the encouraging turn in his love affairs! Uncle sent a big box of fine peaches from Escalon. I have canned quite a lot of fruit and chilli sauce this fall. This is a beautiful Gorgeous day (outside). Its always dismal in these rooms.
I expected Mrs Ross in soon with her coat to be fixed. I will or shall go to a lecture at our study club on thurs. to hear Madame Yates lecture. This brings this chronicle up to date. But I must add Frank came home on Sat Oct 9 without filing on anything and mad as a hornet at his cool reception. I couldn’t feel very hilarious over the misspending of 25.00 and the loss of his weeks work where I have to work nights and Sundays to keep up excuses but there’s an end to all things. Just keep me in the mind of that, my diary.
Went to hear Madame Yates lecture on the art of fashions in all ages. It was very well handled and of absorbing interest. She belongs to that most interesting race. The French Canadian.
Made a coat for Maxine Lichestine of brown Broadcloth and trimmed with fitch $3.00 Helped Edith Ross make her coat of brown Broadcloth trimmed with mink. $2.50 Mrs Ross also gave me some lavender Mercenised poplin. Made a white silk skirt trimmed with two broad bands of black panne velvet for Mrs Hall $3.00
Jessie lost her position at the photographers on account of slack business. Living is coming in very slowly. The weather continues fine.
Bought a set of aluminum ware for $7.83 at $1 per week. Got a letter from Goldie saying they, including mother were well. Received letters from the Boys Allie & Leo saying they were coming to S.F soon.
Oct 14, 1915 Leo arrived today. Think of that! I have looked forward to seeing him so long and here he is, in a quiet subdued way. I’m enjoying every moment of his stay with us for alas and Oh me!! he must return soon to his business in Minneapolis. He has graduated in his law studies and with his Linotype trade can get along with his battle with the world endowed as he is with a rare mentality and a sweet disposition. Add to these a serene confident outlook on life and a capacity for plain hard work fit him splendidly for his future. I only hope the rest of them will do as well.
Sunday Oct 24 We all including Donald Shaw went out to the beach and ate a big lunch under the little Stowe’s buffeted trees near the great highway in GG Park. We hiked out and back, enjoying the outing immensely. Spent the remainder of the week visiting.
Oct 29 Albert arrived. We are all together again excepting Eilene.
Monday Nov 1 Uncle Wm Petty arrived from Escalon to attend San Francisco Day at the Fair on Nov 2. Jessie put up a mammoth lunch and Sylvester came for Jessie and we all excepting Frank went out and joined our party with the throng that went to make up the 340,000 and over that went through the gates that day. The chief attraction was the crowd itself. Uncle brought a big ham and also furnished the boiled ham for the sandwiches. He left wednesday for Escalon to resume his duty as ranch cook.
Thursday afternoon Jessie and I attended sewing school at the Emporium.
Sun Nov 7 Leo and Frank went out to the fair.
Tues Nov 8 Received a letter from my mother at Los Angeles saying she would visit us soon. I hope she can come before Leo leaves.
Nov 9 Our anniversary. Passed unnoticed.
Wed Nov 10 This day will live forever as a perfect one. In the morning I arose early and got breakfast put up the lunches and got children off to school then Jessie put up some sandwiches and Albert, Leo and I went out to the fair. The weather was ideal the sky a clear blue and the atmosphere free from fog. The bay and the Marin hills stood out like cameos seen from the Fillmore hill transfer. The sun tempered the chill in the air and we wandered through the grounds from palace to court and from terrace to esplanade and on to the aviator’s field to see the ? of the hour Art Smith fly. It was wonderful loop spirals and corkscrewing described in the air by parallel streaks of white smoke issuing from the ends of his aeroplane.
Aimme [his wife] was there to send him off with an encouraging smile and welcome him back to earth again. We heard Hawain music and the band the Phillipean Constabulary Band and a that we two were making on the Edison diamond phonograph in the Oregon building. This last was the most glorious of all.
A heart gripping duet wonderfully sung by a lady and gentlemen with golden voices. I hope I hear them again.
Nov 16 My Birthday 48. Got a skunk fur and a dictionary. This memorable day was spent preparing a huge lunch for Leo to take with him on his trip through the Canadian N.W. to Mlps [Minneapolis] at night. My eyes are blinded with tears. My Leo has started good Bye. My boy for awhile and God be with you.
Nov 18 Cleaning house. Two ladies Mrs Chadwick and Mrs Craig called. Had a pleasant chat.
Sat Nov 20 Washed and started Exposition quilt of Red & White
Sun Nov 21 Blue day Walked in Park alone came home went to church and came home also alone. [Can’t help noting a similar remark about Mabel Etienne in article about her death.]
Nov 22 Monday Got letter from Mother and card from Leo. Housework and sewing on quilt order of the day.
Nov 23 Housecleaning etc.
” 24 “ “
” 25 Jessie & Dewey went out to Fair.
Nov 26 Jessie & Sylvester Miller took in the Fair repeating the enjoyable performance on the day following which made her 3 days straight of matchless sightseeing under most entrancing circumstances.
Nov 28 Sunday Expecting Mother. Cooked our Thanksgiving turkey and trimmings. Went to meet the train No 49 at the Oakland pier and were disappointed at not meeting her. Returned to our belated dinner. Frank met the evening train with no better success.
Mon Nov 29 I went alone to meet the train and she came this time. I was very glad of it put to rest all our worries.
Nov 30 Mother and I went to the Fair. She enjoyed it very much.
Dec 1 This is Wed. We spent the day resting and visiting.
Dec 2 Washed clothes cold rainy day
Dec 3 Friday it rained hard all day. Most gloomy and depressing. Tomorrow is the closing day.
Dec 4 The last day! In the afternoon Mother & I went out to the fair. Uncle & Al had already gone also Syl and Jessie. There was an immense throng. We walked through several buildings and finally sat down in the North Archway of the Agricultural Bldg. in a lovely sheltered spot and waited from 9 o clock until about 11 o clock for the fireworks These were the best that have been displayed this season since the fair began.
The day was perfect. Clean and fresh after the rain the air sweet and cool. The skies clear and blue and the bay rippling as if its surface was disturbed by smiles and mirthful glee at the unexpected favorable change in the weather.
The scintilator drill was surpassingly beautiful. Imagine a giant’s fan unfurled against the inky sky the handle stuck in the bay and the sticks describing a semicircle searching far up into the sky. Each stick of the fan is a broad ray of electric light from a giant searchlight or scintilator, each manipulated by a man. These broad bands of light are luminous pearly white until the scintilator is covered with a colored scream of glass or something which changes the light to that color. They alternated the while with most beautiful shades of purple orange and green and trained the colored lights upon vast volumes of steam generated by a locomotive engine stationed on a pier by the bay by the Yacht Harbor for the purpose. The effect was wondrously soft and beautiful the hissing steam rising in billowy masses changing color chameleon like as it passed upwards through those magic layers of color.
The fireworks were an improvement upon hitherto performances. They were larger more numerous and of greater variety than ever before. One display resembled a thicket or clump of rushes Bending before a celestial prairie fire. Sowers of gold dust seemed to fill the far spaces of heaven and miniature flags came fluttering down like a blessing with a promise. Witnessing this magic scene were 4 <blank> people assembled along the Marina filling every nook and space, corner and roof. Happy well-behaved and bent on enjoying the last drop of the last draught or the chalice of joy. They visited sang, joked and joked commenting and exclaiming in the most delightful way upon every thing in sight. A pageant of floats made its way slowly through the street litteraly packed to the hubs with people. These were gotten up with True SF skill and mounted on motor trucks. I must pass over the pathetic closing in the Court of the Universe where President Moore pressed the button that exited. Wished the lights forever that had played so sparkling and bright upon the Tower of Jewels and all the other beautiful spots so numerously scattered about the grounds.
Art Smith’s unsurpassed flight at midnight and the final great salvo of fireworks that marked the end, for Mother and I were on tip of Filmore hill trying to get a car home.
Sun Dec 5 Spent at home at housework in morning and rest in afternoon. Sylvester came in the evening and with Jessie, Mother, Uncle and I spent a most delightful evening in general conversation.
Dec 6 Ordinary routine.
Dec 7 Went to church and walked home with Jessie and Sylvester. He told us about his operation on the chin for cancer and of his heartbroken despair at the disfiguration of his face by the removal of part of the bone and lower lip. Really this not so bad for he is quite handsome in spite of it all. On our arrival home we found the door locked and F.S. M.[Franklin Stewart Mosier] on Guard. He let me in but closed it upon Jessie and Syl. They walked around the block and he went home and Jessie came in F.S. demanded $2.50 to go downtown and blow in which I returned to him out of the 12.50 he had given me for the weeks expenses. He was mad at me for not bringing Lolita out to see the fire works at the fair sat evening. He said he raised a row Because Ma and uncle were here and he has been raving mad ever since. He told Jessie not to have Syl hanging around here any longer. Mother and I are hurt and displeased for we enjoyed his visits. He is very entertaining.
Leo sent his (Sylvesters) scarf pin back which he (Leo) found pinned in his blue chinchilla cap, when he unpacked his things in Minneapolis. Sylvester was glad to get it back but was exceedingly well bred in his concealment of it. We of the house are Openly overjoyed for the loss was a 7 days mystery so baffling that it affected our collective peace of mind.
Wed Dec 8 Baked white and raisin bread . Sewed on Mrs Woods skirt and ironed and swept the house. Helped get dinner and do up the dishes. Mother and the others helped. F.S. threatened to quit work but finally went. When we got home he reported that Jessie might have a job the 1st of Jan as an office girl ar the Lumber business. Hope so.
Fri Dec 24 The day before Christmas. Three week weeks of silence my Diary tho. neglected I’ve thought of you often and now because I’m to tired and listless to do much else I’ll endeavor to chronicle the things that transpired since I last set my pen to this page.
We have been resting up from the fair and Jessie has spent some little time looking for work and at last obtained work at the 5 & 10. She is afraid she will be laid off tonight. F.S. is still furiously jealous of every thing and every body. Now he is taking out his spite on Sylvester and has forbidden him the house, foolish man as if that would settle it. They go on meeting as usual but she cannot bring him which we all regret as he is a pleasant young man to have about. I bitterly resented this decision of his and do yet, But he is so obstinate and stubborn that its hard to reason with him or to ask favors so I suppose Our Syl will spend his Christmas holidays out of our house at least. Jessie feels this injustice keenly.
Milo has been working for a week at the fair grounds. Dewey and Frank have been there part of the time. Lois Fryer was in yesterday. She is an adorable child. Uncle Wm Petty is still here but will leave for his work next Tuesday. Lolita is busy filling bags for our Christmas Tree, and deriving great joy there from.
Dec 25 Christmas day Perfect in weather and joyful with the seasons cheer. The tree was a perfect success. The presents suitable and pretty and well recieved. Everything passed beautifully until Father refused to eat some of Sylvester’s candy. It was a splendid box from Haas and delighted all but him.
This caused Jessie to lose her effervescent spirits and so she dropped and shut herself in her closet and grieved the blessed afternoon away refusing her dinner and causing us all to wish the was a more harmonious spirit of sweetness and love in the family. Father told me today he has nothing against him but that we treated him better than himself. It is now evening and dinner is over. May the day end happily for all.
Kelly Wheaton Copyright 2021. All RIghts Reserved.
LIBERTY & BUTTERFLY WINGS: A Soprano’s Aria Chapter 13
Posted on September 21, 2021 2 Comments
Sun eve Jan 17 1915 The two weeks previous have been very busy ones for me.
When Albert handed me a perfectly good 20 gold piece and I realised its power in this money mad age of ours. I just let my imagination play about its worth and power until I evolved a bold scheme for me. Now Allies board money has always paid the rent and that being 16 was a good long ways off from the New Year. Also there was the 10 dollar gold piece Mr. Dolan gave Frank for Christmas and the 13 Dewey made working vacation so we had a family confab and decided we should risk it send is all to Jessie [eldest Daughter] for her transportation from Schulyer, Neb to little old San Francisco. So now we have heard from her she recd it and will be coming soon and I am worried to my wits end to make up the rent. We have asked him to wait until the 25 and he readily consented. So that is why I am sewing day and night and buying nothing. My partner in joys and sorrows continues to neglect me. And I am gaining a little in assertiveness in a quiet way.
I am not wholly cast down. I vaguely feel that the future holds great things for me and I shall be right there to receive it with an open mind and as healthy a body as I can keep with no professional aid. Lo then with the real faith and hope that is always in me I cannot be cast down for long although sometimes I have to admit things look hopelessly discouraging at times.
I remained at home all this blessed New Year so far and have looked out upon busy Fell St. like an inmate on some penal institution might look out upon his lost freedom. But then it can’t last forever. What comfort. Tomorrow I may wash and then I must make Mabels black suit next week so now I’ll retire for the night trusting in God and the blessed Jesus and his power to save.
July 28 1915 What a lapse of time since I last wrote in my neglected Diary. Even now I have scant time to record the many incidents which have touched my life since New Years. I shall endeavor to record briefly what I can recall of them.
Jessie arrived in due time on the [blank] F.S. and met her on the Oakland pier happy that she has escaped a wreck on the R.R. that preceded her. She entering at once in to the B [Baptist] Church becoming the life of the different departments of the work. She has made many friends and has been the cause of Lolita becoming baptised and myself sending for my church letter. I am very glad things turned out this way. My mind was becoming morbid through introspection and brooding over past miseries. All this time I have been sewing.
- I did some alterations for a Rich lady which brought me $12.00
- I made Mabels Black suit for 5.00
- Also her sister Almas Putty color suit 5.00
- A little black tafeta Jacket for Edith 2.00
- For Mrs. Fryer I made 2 suits 18.00
- black suit skirt 3.00
- remodeled green suit 3.00
- 2 house dresses 6.00
- 3 silk blouses 4.50
- For Lois 1 green dress 4.00
- 1 fancy Black & white dress 5.00
- 2 silk waists and blue corduroy dress 5.00
- 2 was school dresses 4.00
- 1 white silk party dress 4.00
- For Josephine and Belly 1.50
- 2 school dresses 1.50
- 2 Sunday Dresses 4.50
- 4 white Flannel skirts 3.50
- Mending abbut 1.00
- For Mrs Dolan 3 house dresses 9.00
- Remodeled red 1 piece dress for Mrs Fryer 1.50
- Altered 3 skirts 1.00
- Remodeled fancy blue silk in exchange for a black & white coat
- Made a white dress for Lois for one for Lolita
- Made over Lois’s black & white stripe for some dresses for Lolita
- Besides all this I have made over my Brown silk and cream
- Albatros dresses.
- Lolitas blue voile, Eilene gave her for her birthday
Jessies Black & white check suit trimmed with nearly 3 doz round white buttons and bound button holes a very fine suit and all the sewing required by the family of 6 or 7.
My mother made me a present of $10.00 which I put with some of my money getting myself a pair of $25.00 bifocal glasses which are wonderful help to my eyes. Eilene wrote to say she will help get Milo ready to graduate but I had already bought his things with $15.00 of my dressmaking money.
Uncles has come and gone again on several jobs.The last time he only came to Franks working place and borrowed $3.00 to get another job on promising to write which so far he has failed to do. I am quite concerned about the fine old man. I hope nothing Horrible has befallen him.
Leo is still in Minneapolis. Eilene was there on a visit and has returned to S. Dak.
Milo graduated from the Crocker Intermediate at the close of the Spring term in June. Mrs Fryer took us all up in her auto to see the ceremonies. When we returned Albert snapped her and I by the auto. He started that same evening for Minneapolis to join Leo and start up business for himself. I near succumbed to grief at his departure. Although I bade him good Bye cheerfully enough. The evening was gray and cheerless with a heavy cold fog which blew in from the Ocean. He got all ready to go . Said goodbye and handed me his little box of zinc ointment which he had been using on a little sore on his chin and kissed me and said good be. My heart aches yet at the thought of it for I realised that in all probability he never would make his home with me again.
My little Allie boy and my big Allie boy you will always be the same loving son to me no matter what you make of unmake of yourself. He wrote many interesting letters in Route and arrived at Mlps in safety where he is at present living with Leo in a suite at [blank] which their office is 10th floor Kasota Bldg.
School started on the 26 of July and Milo entered the Polytechnical High school while Lolita continues on at the Crocker. Dewey had quit to work and help he is a noble good boy. He and Jessie are going to enter a night school possibly the Humboldt evening High. This is certainly a city for schools a body would be hard to indeed that couldent be satisfied with one or the other of them. Music, Art, Drama, trades, academics sciences professions to dance and be glad or sympathetic and sad, how to live and how to die, in all the different keys. I am very very fond of you San Francisco. Milo was surprised indeed and delighted to meet Don Shaw at the Polytec today their class went to the Fair and had Donald to lunch. He has grown very handsome.
Last Sunday Eve (July 25) Jessie went autoing with Milo and one of her church friends and we entertained him to dinner. Seems good to have someone around once in awhile. They took me to the V.F. Tab. to hear Billy Sunday Preach (Aug 1). [Billy Sunday aka William Ashley Sunday an American baseball player who became an influential Evangelical preacher.]
Edith Ross and I have started to take Mme. Coates dressmaking classes at the Emporium. We find it very instructive and interesting.
We received a letter from Grandma Mosier saying that Ella Barrett had been struck by lightning but would probably recover. It seems such a strange fateful affliction in one with flood and fire, tornadoes and Earthquakes. Is it always true than when we are sick we have violated the laws of nature? It is absurd. I pray for her recovery.
July 29 I began this pleasant day by washing and spent a couple of hours this afternoon bringing this account up to date. I am writing this with Lolitas fountain pen. A boy gave it to Milo and he sold it to Lolita for two bits. She uses it in school. She is growing into such a fine big girl. She has just roller skated across Fell St and the pan handle to get my sewing notebook and pencil.
July 28 Wed. Edith and I went to our sewing school this beautiful sunny day. Had a funny and embarrassing experience in the Emp. [The Emporium] We were buying some cretonne [heavy fabric] for cushions and looking at some braid and fringe and when I started to go I absentmindedly tucked a roll of braid under my arm and was called by the clerk. I was dumbfounded to see what I had done. It passed off pleasantly but left me with a queer scatter brained feeling.
July 31 Sat. Began the day with a senseless quarrel about Milo filling the woodbox. F.S. told him to fill it at night and he said he did. F.S. said he didn’t whereupon I said he, Milo had filled the box and that I had burned it up after dinner on the night before (fri) when I mopped up the floor baked apple turnovers for his and Deweys lunch and washed and upped the dishes, as Lolita had gone to spend the week wend with the Freyers. Frank flew into a rage and said I lied and talked like a fool and he was tired of my butting in and for me to keep my mouth shut when he was correcting the children. He is or wants to be absolute monarch. I told him I should talk whenever I felt like it and he answered by saying Id talk once to often some day. I wonder.
Sun July Aug 9 I went to hear Billy Sunday preach.
former Baseball player & then Evangelist Preacher
What seems like a caterpillar has found her wings and emerged into the sunshine a creature to be trod upon no more but born to the light and freedom which I believe God intended for all his children. There were about 15000 people in the Yab. and although I had to stand I enjoyed it very much. he has a strong personality and throws the soul into his message which he delivers with dinamic fury of words and actions.? Tried to get Frank to go with me in the evening in vain. I went to bed.
Mon Aug 2. I am obliged to go down town today to settle up a lot of bills. It is now nearly 11 o’clock and I will prepare Milos lunch and wash the dishes. Closed the gas bill matter paying in full.
Tue Aug 3 Puttered about doing housework all fore noon baking bread etc. In the afternoon accompanied Edith to our sewing class in the Emporium, Got home 5:45 and helped Lolita prepare for dinner. Chrocheted a little sofa pillow fringe and went to bed.
Wed Aug 3 Started to wash and Mrs Fryer came by to see if I could make a dress by Fri. night. Of course I said “yes” and I shant miss my sewing lesson tomorrow afternoon either. I am expected to go tho the church this eve but am afraid I will not get through with Lo’s in time. It is now after lunch and my wash is all out. Will chrochet and rest and read. Received a copy of the “The East Shore Pioneer” from Allie. seemed good to get it.
Sept 24 The sewing school Edith Ross and I attended closed on time and a permanent sewing class organized . I am on the committee to draft a constitution and By Laws. I have been a regular whirl of sewing. I have made
- Lois’s Brown Silk Dress 4.00
- Lined and Bound Mrs Halls suit 1.50
- Lined Mrs Fryers Coat 1.50
- Made Edith’s black suit jacket 2.00
- ” Mrs Brown’s suit 6.50
- ” Mrs Fryers blue silk suit 10.00
- Finished Mrs Clarks Jacket 2.50
- Making Lois a fancy waist
- Finished Jessies big coat
- Helped her with Challis dressmaking
- Made myself a princess slip.
- Helped Edith with brown skirt .50
Oct 10 This is election day and I shall go and vote. [On October 10, 1911, California became the 6th state where women could vote equally with men, nine years before the 19th Amendment enfranchised women nationally.]
Kelly Wheaton Copyright 2021. All RIghts Reserved.
Thank you Mrs. Fryer!: A Soprano’s Aria Chapter 33
Posted on September 21, 2021 Leave a Comment
In Chapter 12 Lulu wrote. “Without the kind neighborly Mrs Fryer next door I believe at times I should go distracted. She is so strong minded and self reliant she inspires me within me something of the same splendid qualities.“
Some years ago I ran across a photo of Mrs. Fryer in my grandfather Milo’s things [my grandfather and Lulu’s son] . This was long before I knew of or had read Lulu’s Diary. I knew she was not a family member and found her on Ancestry, located a relative and offered to send the photo. They gratefully accepted. I cannot locate a scan of the photo or my messaging (too long ago). But now, I at least now why her photo was kept!
So I decided to see what I could find out about Mrs. Fryer. Lulu and Frank move to 1824 Fell on Saturday, May 16th, 1914. Mry Fryer lives in the next building at 1814 Fell St. Here is a historic photo from 1914 of an unknown family From Historic SF. 1824 and 1814 Fell are just behind the trees and a current Google street View. Amazingly preserved and recognizable over the ensuing 100 years.
Slightly more than 6 months later Lulu is crediting Mrs Freyer with her sanity. I think the two women must have had an issue with the men in their lives. Here’s some background on Mrs Fryer. She was born April 1876 as Irene May SHOUP. Lulu would be ten years her senior.
Irene marries [age 17], the 5th of Mar 1893 to George Levi FRYER. They have children Samuel P, 1894; Phyllis, 1898; and Lois, 1900, all born in PA and surnamed FRYER. By 1905 the family is living in Los Angeles, California. It appears that sometime between 1905-1909 that Irene seeks a divorce which is decreed 5 January 1910. [According to the newspaper article].
A Joseph A RICHARDSON marries or cohabitates with Irene May (SHOUP) FRYER, by whom he has two daughters; Josephine M, 1909 and Betty, 1910 RICHARDSON. A delayed birth certificate for Bettie was filed in Pennsylvania in 1968 and listed her parents as Joseph A RICHARDSON and Irene M SHOUP. We know from Lulu’s diary that Josephine & Betty Richardson and her daughter Lois (FRYER) are mentioned in 1914, I assume the 3 daughters were living with their mother Irene FRYER at 1814 Fell St. at this time.
In 1915 I M FRYER is listed in the San Francisco CIty Directory as a “widow” of George FRYER. However her previous husband is not deceased–in fact they are no longer married. He is living in Los Angeles and does remarry. Perhaps Irene finds it easier to be a widow, than a divorcee. We see Lulu doing the same when first she was a divorcee.
So if Irene’s life was fairly complicated with 3 children from her first marriage and two more by Mr. RICHARDSON. I would think Lulu and Irene could commiserate over husband woes.
There is no more about the divorce in the papers. 18 June 1915 SF Chronicle records a Real Estate transfer for Mrs Freyer.
If you have been following the diary you will know that Lulu adored Mrs Fryer’s daughter, Lois, who sadly died 4th of December 1917. In January of 1918 Lulu attends a sale of what I suppose is Mrs Fryer’s furnishings. Later in 1918 we find Lulu visiting Mrs Fryer and the remaining children at the Fairlawn Hotel in Fruitvale [adjacent Oakland]. You will have read about Mrs Fryer’s illness and her going to live with Mrs Freyer for periods while nursing her back to health.
There is a long gap in Lulu’s diary between Aug 28 1919 and then the following:
Nov 11 – It is a long time since I made entry into this chronicle of my own personal. I arranged to take up the study of vocational training textiles and applied Design. I attended several classes and liked them very much. Then Irene Fryer took worse and sent for me. I went Sept 15 and nursed her thru her last illness. She suffered as perhaps none may know and passed away Oct 9 1919 2.40 P.M. At Their residence at 1520 Morton St. Alameda. Joe gave me many of her things and I made good use of them in replenishing my wardrobe. She gave me her brown suit herself. He paid me $60.00 for the months work. But my heart is sore at the loss of my dear friend that brought cheer and new hope into a life almost hopeless when I came to California. I hope she is happy in Heaven with Lois. She was cremated at Wood Lawn Cemetery [in Colma]. Sunday Oct 12 I was dressed appropriately in black. I wore my new plumed black hat with my tailored suit and new black shoes and gloves and veil. I stayed there until I finished the girls sewing letting down hems etc. and then came home. That day I wore my white and received a compliment on my youthful appearance. I am glad if it is as they say I look 40 at 52 but I don’t know. I went to see Dr Lillien Evans. He said that I am about my age. He is treating me for a very high blood pressure which should be between 140 and 145 and is 210. I hope it will soon be better. I am also dieting and using his skin ointment. I went to see him with Mrs Johnson whom I was nursing after I came home from Mrs Fryers. I was at her place 2 weeks and received $30.00 for my work. I enjoy making sick people comfortable and assuaging pain. This is Armistice day and we are planning to go to the Oakland celebration.
Mrs Fryer’s Obituary.
Addition from Sep 25 1920 Met friend J. [Joe] who told me a remarkably amazing story of his life and his true relation to Mrs. Fryer who was not his sister at all but his wife forced by cruel circumstances to pass as his sister. I was so dazed by the story that I can hardly grasp it yet. So Lois and Paul are Josephine and Bettys half sister and bro. O cruel world and crueler laws that govern its blundering humans.
I cannot help but say thank you Mrs fryer for your friendship and financial support of my great grandmother. She surely was lucky to have found you!
Kelly Wheaton Copyright 2022. All Rights Reserved.
Wheaton Wood 