Robert previously taught school until heart disease forced him to give it up and take a pension.  He begins his diaries lamenting the outbreak of diphtheria in his neighbourhood and cites a recipe for birch bark tea as a cure. Meanwhile cold, wet weather “makes hauling cordwood rough, hard” work. Robert’s remedy for the trying conditions is usually a daily cup of standard tea. His diaries include cures for consumption, smallpox, and even “stuttered speech.” Robert’s imagination and catchy writing will surely leave you entertained. He is the treasurer of Proton Township.