James “Rowand” Burgess (1898-1968)
1913-1914
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers

Saturday Feb 15 Cold and stormy and much snow. Temp 11˚. Ethel hurt her leg badly
Sunday Feb 16 Fine and cold. Temp - 6˚
Monday Feb 17 Fine and cold Temp 6 We had an exam in arith. Oliver and I each got 70.
Tuesday Feb 18 Fine and cold with temp snows in afternoon. Temp.0˚
Wednesday Feb 19 Fine and thawing Temp 24˚
Thursday Feb 20 Fine and warm Temp
Friday Feb 21 Cold with a little snow in afternoon Temp 15˚
Saturday Feb 22 Cold and stormy with much snow. Temp 19˚
Sunday Feb 23 Cold and fine Temp 0˚
Monday Temp cold and fine Temp -14˚
Tuesday Feb 25 Dull and cold with snow in afternoon. Temp 0˚ Uncle Abram and Aunt
Minnie were in to-day.
Wednesday Feb 26. Cold and dull Temp 20˚
Thursday Feb 27 Cold and dull temp. 18° Uncle Sandy and Aunt Lizzie were in
Friday Feb 28 . Cold and fine. Temp. 14° Aunt Jeannie was in to day. My nose bled a lot and I
had to come home from school. We got to our spelling marks (Ex on Thursday) Oliver got
80 and I got 85
Saturday March 1. Mild. Temp. 2°. Dave Dick was in with wood and also Arthur and Edgar.
Uncle Gilbert and Loy were in this afternoon.
Sunday March 2. Cold and very stormy Temp. 10.

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Monday March 3. Cold. Temp. 10°. In Geog. I got 73 and Oliver got 68. In Algebra to day.
Oliver got 80 and I got 90.
Tuesday March 4. Cold Temp. 6°. Uncle Abram and Aunt Lizzie came in and are staying.
Wednesday March 5 Cold and stormy in afternoon Temp. 10: In composition Oliver got 67
and I got 68.
Thursday March 6. Cold and stormy Temp 6. Uncle Abram and Aunt Lizzie went home with
Uncle Sandy.
Friday March 7 - Cold and fine. Temp. -10° Jim Christie and Jim Rowand were here to-day.
Saturday March 8: Cold and stormy Temp. Uncle Alfred was in with wood.
Sunday March 9. Mild and thawing Temp 16°
Monday March 10 Warm and thawing Temp. 16° We saw some crows to-day.
Tuesday March 11 - 1913 Warm and thawing Temp 20°.
Wednesday March 12- Fine and thawing Temp. 26°
Thursday March 13. Fine and very warm Temp. 36°. Aunt Janet is here. We saw some robins.
Friday March 14. Fine and hot.
with thunderstorm at night temp. 42˚. Snow all gone. Uncle Abram Uncle Walter and Jean
were in for dinner. Uncle Abram is staying all night. The creek is very high. Aunt Janet went
away.
Saturday March 15. Dull and cold. Temp. 36˚.
Sunday March 16 Cold with snow Temp. 10˚.
Monday March 17 Cold. Temp. 10˚ Uncle Abram started home to day.
Tuesday March 18 Warm with high wind Temp. 32˚
Wednesday March 19. Fine and warm. Temp. 40˚. In Chemistry Oliver got 74 P.N. got 72 and I
got 78.

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Thursday March 20. Fine and hot. Temp. 44˚. School closed at noon and Johnnie came
home this afternoon.
Friday March 21. Good Friday. Very high wind and cold. Temp. 30˚. Johnnie did go home.
There was much damage done. Our fence was partly blown over and two window panes
broken.
The factory chimney fell over and Duff was badly hurt. The roof of the Menonite church was
taken off and the Steel Works was burnt. Much other damage was done the chimneys and
many barns were destroyed. Mrs. Ewald's house was partly blown in at the gable. Mrs.
Forrester's barn was nearly all destroyed and another barn out that way has its roof taken
off. It is reported that 25 barns round Port Elgin are destroyed. Jim Kennedy's old carpentry
shop was partly destroyed and the roof blown off. Thompsons oil storehouse had its roof
destroyed. It is about the worst wind storm on record here.
Saturday March 22. Cold and fine. Temp 20 Uncle Sandy was in and Johnnie went home.
Uncle Alfred and Arthur and Donnie Christie were in also. The roof of the church at
Burgoyne the roof of part of our barn the roof of Davie Dick's house and also those of Walt
Gowanlock Stewarts Uncle Andrew John Scotts barns were carried away. The roof of
Christie two barns and part of their horse stable and their windmill were blown away and
many others. Jack Duff died last night. Millions of dollars of damage was done in Ontario
and in the States. Southampton is in fear of fire bugs and quite a few buildings have been
destroyed.
Sunday March 23. Cold and dull 27°.
Monday March 24. Fine and warm cooler towards night. Temp. 54°. Arthur and Edgar were in
for boards and shingles for fixing the roof. Uncle Gilbert was in.
Tuesday March 25. Cold with slight fall of snow Temp. 18°.
Wednesday March 26. Cold and dull. Temp. 18°.
Thursday March 27. Cold with snow. Temp. 16°. Jessie and Uncle Alfred were in.
Friday March 28. Mild with a small fall of snow. Temp.
Saturday March 29. Warm and Fine. Temp. 28°.

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Sunday March 30. Fine and mild temp. 40°.
Monday March 31. Rain in the morning but fine part of the afternoon. Temp 39°. School
started. Oliver came in. Johnnie came in and went away to Stratford.
Tuesday April 1. Fine with cold wind. Temp. 29°.
Wednesday April 2. Fine and warm, Temp. 28°.
Thursday April 3. Very wet and dull. Temp. 29°.
Friday April 4. Wet and warm
temp.52°. Donald Christie was in this morning.
Saturday April 5. Cold with a slight fall of snow Temp. 29°.
Sunday April 6. Cold wind but snow melting. 27°.
Monday April 7. Cool and bright Temp. 24°. We got a new football at school. We had an
exam. in Literature.
Tuesday April 8. Fine and warm. Temp The High School versus Port Elgin football match
results in 2- 0 in favour of H.S.
Wednesday April 9. Fine and wam. We saw a butterfly.
Thursday April 10. Warm with much rain. Temp. 34°.
Friday April 11. Warm and dull, Temp. 42°.
Saturday April 12. Dull and cool. I got a pair of boots and a {illegible}.
Sunday April 13. Fine and warm.
Monday April 14. Fine and cold. Temp. 29. In math. Oliver got 65 and I got 80.
Tuesday April 15. Fine and warm Temp. 24. In baseball match between High School and
town score was town 7 H.S. 3.
Wednesday April 16. Fine and warm Temp. 36°.

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Thursday April 17. Fine and warm. Temp. 42°.
Friday April 18. Fine and warm with thunderstorm in afternoon. Temp. 49°
Saturday April 19. Fine and cold. Temp. 30°.
Sunday April 20. Fine and cold. Temp. 26°.
Monday April 21. Fine and mild. Temp. 31°.
Tuesday April 22. Wet in morning and warm. Temp. 43°.
Wednesday April 23. Fine and hot Temp. 58. In Science Oliver got 74 and I got 79.
Thursday April 24. Fine and hot temp. 59°.
Friday April 25. Fine and very hot in morning cool at night Temp.
Saturday April 26. Very wet, and cold Temp. 36.
Sunday April 27. Wet and cold. Temp. 32°. Noble came home.
Monday April 28. Fine and cold with high wind. Temp. 36°. Noble went out to Scott's
Tuesday April 29. Fine and cool Temp. 38° In Latin Oliver got 81 and I got 84
Wednesday April 30. Fine and warm. Temp Mamma and Olive were out at Burgoyne. The
inspector came.
Thursday May 1. Fine and hit Temp. 50° I found a dandelion. We had our first rhubarb.
Friday May 2. Fine and hot Temp. 60° in morning 78 at noon. Aunt Jeannie and Ethel were in
to day.
Saturday May 3. fine & very hot high wind Temp. 63° & 82° about noon. Uncle Alfred was in.
Rhumbart's & Bricker's barns were burnt.
Sunday May 4. Fine & very hot. Temp. 63°. Leaves are nearly out & blossoms also.
Monday May 5. Dull & warm. Temp. 63 cool towards night. We got a cow from Smiths
Monday Tuesday May 6. Fine & cold Mrs Duncan came to the W. H. M. S. meeting to day.

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Wednesday May 7. Fine & cold. Temp. 42° Mrs Duncan went home. In football between H. S.
& town there was no score.
Thursday May 8. F Dull & cold with a Temp. 34° little rain towards night. Mr Kennedy is not
well to day. May is staying here All night. In grammar Oliver got 78 & I got 77.
Friday May 9. Dull and very cold. Temp. 32°. In Geom. Oliver got 80 & I got 60.
Saturday May 10. Cold & fine. Temp. 32°. Had frost last night. Uncle Alfred was in this
morning & Arthur & I got a pair of lacrosse
boots. We planted some potatoes to day.
Sunday May 11. fine in morning with thunderstorms at night and warm. Temp. 34 Noble
came home.
Monday. Fine in morning. Thunder storm in evening. Temp. 40° Noble went out to Scott's.
Tuesday Dull and cold, Temp. 42. In Spel. Oliver got 80 and I got 80.
Wednesday May 14. Fine & Cold. Temp. 4°
Thursday May 15 Wet in morning with thunder storm at night. Temp. 42°
Saturday May 17. Fine & warm. Thunderstorms in latter part of afternoon. Temp. 36° Uncle
Sandy Aunt Lizzie Uncle Andrew and Aunt Minnie were in.
Friday May 16. Wet in morning. Fine in afternoon.
Saturday May 19 Fine w
Sunday May 18. Fine and cold Temp. 40. Noble came home and went away.
Monday May 19. Fine & cold Temp. 35°
Oliver & Aunt Jeannie came in.
Tueday May 19. Fine and warm. Temp. 35°. I found a plover's nest to day.
Wednesday May 20. Dull and rain at intervals. Temp. 50°. We saw some swallows.
Thursday May 21. Dull & misty. Temp. 46°. We caught a wood pecker.

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Friday May 22. Dull and misty. Temp. 40°. Aunt Lizzie went to Stratford.
Thursday May 23. Fine & warm with rain at night. Dull.
Saturday May 24. Fine and warm rain at night. Noble came home.
Sunday May 25. Fine & cold.
Monday May 26. Fine in morning hard frost. Dull in afternoon. Noble went out. Aunt Lizzie
came up.
Tuesday May 27. Dull & warm. Temp. 42°.
Wednesday May 28. Fine & warm. Temp. 42°.
Thursday May 29. Fine & warm. Temp.41°
Friday May 30. Fine & warm. Temp. 42°
Aunt Jeannie and Ethel were in today.
Saturday May 31. Fine & cold. We papered Papa & Mamma's room to day. Uncle Gilbert &
the boys were in. Jessie & Georgina were in to-day.
Sunday May June 1. Fine in morning and rain in afternoon. Temp. 52. Noble came & Arthur
came in also they both went home. We had prayer meeting as Mr Mann was away.
Monday June 2. Fine & warm.
Monday Tuesday June 3. Dull & warm cool fine in afternoon. In Zoology Oliver got 78 & I got
80.
Wednesday June 4. Fine & cold. Temp. 42°. Uncle Sandy & Bessie were in.
Thursday June 5. Fine & warm. Temp. 38°. Papa Holidays on Thursday afternoons started.
Papa Mamma and Oliver were at Uncle Andrews. A fire of some kind was seen up north. We
climbed the stand pike tonight.
Friday June 6. Dull & hot with thunder cold in evening. We School finished except the
exams.

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Saturday June 7. Fine & cold Temp. 39°. Uncle Gilbert & Aunt Jeannie Uncle Sandy and Alex
were in. Noble came home.
Sunday June 8. Fine & cold.
Monday June 9. Fine & warmer. We had no school. Oliver came in. Archie Wilkie died from
injuries he received on Saturday.
Tuesday June 10. Fine & warm. Temp. 40° . Noble went out to Burgoyne and came back in
afternoon. Archie Wilkie was buried to-day and Uncle Gilbert and Ethel were in.
Wednesday June 11. Fine and warm Temp. 47°. Aunt Janet is very ill. We went in for a swim in
the river. Fluff died.
Thursday June 12. Fine & warmer. Temp. 49°.
Friday June 13. Fine & hot 56°. Aunt Janet was buried to-day. We had for dinner Uncle
Gilbert & Aunt Jeannie, Uncle Sandie
& Aunt Lizzie, Uncle Andrew and Aunt Minnie Mr & Mrs Stitt Mable Clarence and Mable Mr &
Mrs Clement. Mrs Jon Chappell Fannie Armstrong Rev. Mr. Watt & Rev. Mr. Little.
Saturday June 14. Fine & very hot. Temp. 54. This is Olive's birthday. John Burgess and John
Shanks were here for supper.
Sunday June 15. Fine & warm. Temp. 64°.
Monday June 16 Fine & hot Temp. 66° Noble was out to Scott's. Christina Gowanlock (Uncle
Robert's) was here to-day.
Tuesday June 17 Fine & hot. Our exams finished and school closed. Oliver went home. Uncle
Alfred Arthur & Edgar were in.
Wednesday June 18. Fine & hot. Entrance exams started. Georgina is staying here. I was at
the dentist's getting my teeth fixed.
Thursday June 19. Dull & warm rain in early morning and a little at night. First good rain we
have had for a good while. Uncle Alfred & Mr & Mrs Sharp were in to-day. Mr & Mrs Sharp
went away on the train.

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Friday June 20. Dull and wet. Temp. 54°. Rena Gowanlock was here for dinner. Georgina
went home. Johnnie came from Stratford & went home with Uncle Sandy.
Saturday June 21. Fine & cool. Temp. 50°. Uncle Gilbert & Ethel were in. Noble came home.
Sunday June 22. Fine & warm. Temp. 50°
Monday June 23. Fine & hit. Temp. 57° Noble went to Scott's. Mrs Clement & Fannie &
Fannie Armstrong were here at the office and went up to Southampton. The excursion to
Guelph took place to-day.
Tuesday June 24. Fine & hot. Temp. 54°. Mrs. Clement & Fannie Armstrong came on the
early train and went away on the ten train.
Wednesday June 25 Fine & very hot. In morning temp. 65°, at noon 87°. Thunderstorm in
evening night of Dunblane garden party. Oliver Christie was in for a load of salt.
Thursday June 26. Fine and very hot with a thunderstorm in the evening. Temp. 70°. We
went out to Geddes' and am staying all night. I went in for a swim at Snake Creek.
Friday June 27 Fine and very hot with thunderstorm in evening. Temp. 67°. Johnnie Oliver
and I went to Miller's to get a hay rack.
Saturday June 28. Fine & very hot. Temp. 60°. Uncle Sandy Oliver & I came in. Noble came
home.
Sunday June 29. Fine & very hot. Temp. 64°
Monday June 30 Fine & very hot. Temp. 65°. Noble went out to Scots. Ethel was in getting
teeth pulled.
Monday Tuesday July 1 - 1913 Fine & very hot. Temp. 67°. Programme at park. Baseball
Cargill won from Walkerton.
In football Mildmay won from Port Elgin. In the relay race Chesley first Port Elgin 2nd.
Jimmie Donald Ethel Oliver Loy Ellie Uncle Sandy Oliver Alex Arthur & Edgar were in to-day.
Alex is going to stay till Saturday.
Wednesday July 2. Fine & hot. Temp. 61°.

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Thursday July 3. Fine & hot. Temp. 61°. We went to the river at McGillivray for a picnic in the
afternoon.
Friday July 4. Fine till about 10:30 a.m. and then thunderstorms with heavy rain till about 3 P.
M. Temp. 71° Alex and I went down to the lake and went in for a swim in the morning.
Saturday July 5. Fine & very hot with thunderstorm in the evening. Temp. 69°. Alex got a
ride home with Uncle Alfred and Edgar. Noble came home.
Sunday July 6. Find and cold. Temp. 52°.
Monday July 7. Fine & cool. Temp. 51°.
Noble went out to Scott's. Uncle Sandie & Johnnie were in. My teeth were finished to day.
There are 8 filled all together and cost $9.50
Monday Tuesday July 8. Fine & warm. Temp. 54°. I was weeding corn for Smith's in the
afternoon. Johnnie Florence and Bessie came in to night and Florence is staying.
Wednesday July 9. Fine & warm. Weeding all day at Smith's. Oliver and I passed our S.S.
E Thursday July 10. Dull in morning 9 passed; and in the{illegible} 1 out of three.
Thursday July 10 Dull in the morning, fine in afternoon & cold. Temp. 51. We were out to
Christie's. Lil Rowand was here to night.
Friday July 11. Fine & cool. Temp. 46°. I was weeding corn all day and Olive and Florence
were helping me.
Saturday July 12. Wet in the morning and fine in afternoon. Temp. 62°. Did 6 rows of corn 8
to do yet. Uncle Sandie and Aunt Lizzie were in and Florence went home with them.
Sunday July 13. Dull with short heavy showers. Temp. 62°. Cold Union service between
Methodist and Presbyterians. We went to our church in the evening. Noble was not home.
Monday July 14. Fine and warm Temp. 50°. I finished work at Smiths and got $3.00 for it.
Ethel is staying in getting her teeth fixed. That The Old Boy's Excursion returned. Johnnie
Ethel Grieves and Myrtle Stait passed their examinations.
Tuesday July 15. Fine & warm. We finished picking cherries this morning. I got my hair cut
and bought a straw hat. I was working in the office in the afternoon.

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Wednesday July 16. Fine & hot with rain in evening. Georgina and Uncle Alfred were in.
Georgina has passed her exam.
Thursday July 17. Fine & hot. Temp. 63°.
I walked went out to the river for a swim. Ethel went home. I walked part way out to
Burgoyne and met Johnnie and and Oliver coming for ice and and the freezer and Kelly. the
ventriloquist's trunk. We went to the garden party and had a good programme.
Friday July 18. Fine & hot. Temp. 56°. Alex and I were down at Uncle Alfred's and got our
picture taken with their new camera for taking and finishing in 2 min. Uncle Sandie John and
I came into town.
Saturaday July 19 Fine & hot. Temp. 61°. Reta Stanton was in typewriting. Noble came home.
I caught a bass.
Sunday July 20 Fine & Cool. Temp. 59°
Monday July 21 Find & hot. Temp. 52°. Noble went out to Scott's. Olive & I were picking
berries and got 4 quarts of preserves a small dish of jelly & enough for tea.
Tuesday July 22 Fine & hot. Temp. 53°. I got some black currents from
Mrs. Forrestors and she was showing Olive and me her paintings.
Wednesday July 23. Dull with light showers. Temp. 65.
Thursday July 24. Dull & cold. Temp. 54°. We went out to Geddes'. Olive is staying out. The
finished their hay to-day.
Friday July 25. Fine & cool. Temp. 52°. I went out fishing but did not catch anything.
Saturday July 26. Fine & hot Temp. 50°. Uncle Sandie & Oliver were in. Oliver is staying.
Uncle Gilbert and Loy were in. Noble came home.
Sunday July 27. Fine & very hot with heavy thunderstorm. Temp. 52° in morning. Temp. in
afternoon 91°.
Monday July 28 Fine & hot. Temp. 61°. Oliver & I went down to the lake. He lost the nut of
one of the pedals and the chain broke.

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Tuesday July 29. Fine & very hot. Temp. 57°.
Oliver and I went out taking turn about. I went to Uncle Alfred's. Edgar and I went to the
river. Olive came home. Dr. Patterson is dead.
Wednesday July 30. Fine & hot. Temp. 60°.
Thursday July 31. Fine & very hot. We went to the bay at the lake and Geddeses went too.
Friday July 3 August 1. Fine & warm. Arthur & Edgar were in and also Oliver.
Saturday August 2. Fine & hot. Temp. 58°. Edgar was stayin in all day. Helen came in and is
staying in. Noble came home.
Sunday Aug. 3 Fine & hot. Temp. 58°.
Monday Aug. 4. Fine & warm. Temp. 54°. Noble & I went out to Scott's. We were hoeing &
taking in one load of hay. Mr. Myers was here.
Mon. Tuesday Aug. 5 Fine & warm. Temp. 46°. We were hoeing most of the day & took in the
rest of the hay. Mr. Myers went away.
Wednesday Aug. 6. Dull & cool with a sprinkle of rain. Temp. 60°. Singling turnips. J. Scott &
J. Maxwell were away all day.
Thursday Aug. 7. Fine & hot. Temp. 59°. Hoeing all day.
Friday Aug. 8. Fine & hot. Temp. 68. Hoeing all day. Noble and J. Scott were at Paisley.
Saturday Aug. 9 Heavy rain in morning and fine in the afternoon. Temp. 69°. No work done. I
came in with J. Scott. Noble came home. J. C. was in with crop. Uncle Andrew Aunt Minnie &
H. Hamilton were in.
Sunday. Fine & warm.
Monday Aug. 11. Fine & warm. Noble went to Scott's Papa & Mamma went out to Christies
and then to Uncle Andrew's. Olive remained at Christie's I went out to Scott's for wheel and
then to Uncle Alfred's. I was out shooting but got nothing. Uncle Alfred's lost one of their
young cattle.

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Tuesday Aug. 12. Fine and hot. Uncle Alfred cut the little field of barley and some of the oats.
We went for two rides.
Wednesday Aug. 13. Fine and hot. Arthur
Jessie Edgar and I went to a picnic at Southampton. Papa and Mamma went to Geddeses
Thursday Aug. 14. Fine & very hot About the hottest day this year. I went over to Scott's.
Noble and I hoed mangels. Two campers camped near the river.
Friday Aug 15 Fine & very hot. Hoeing mangels. Noble helped in the morning and was
stacking in afternoon.
Saturday Aug. 16. Fine & very hot Hoeing mangels. Slight thundershower We all returned
home but Noble.
Sunday Aug. 17. Fine & very hot Temp. 87 Noble returned.
Monday Aug 18 Fine & very hot. Temp. 61 Noble went out to Scott's.
Tuesday Aug. 19. Fine & very hot Temp. 60 Very smoky. Big fires in Muskoka and
Peterborough.
Wednesday Aug. 20. Fine very hot. Temp. 54°.
Thursday Aug. 21 Fine Dull & hot. Temp. 67°. Mamma is not very well. We printed 13 pictures
2 {illegible} Temp. 57°.
Friday Aug. 22 Dull and cold. Rain in morning. Papa went up to Southampton.
Saturday Aug. 23. Dull and cold. Temp. 54°. Uncle Gilbert and Ethel and Uncle Sandie, Aunt
Lizzie and Ethel Robbie were in. Noble came home. We got a bag of apples from Smith's and
a basket of plums from McGillevray's.
Sunday Aug. 24. Fine & cool Temp. 58
Monday Aug. 25. Fine & cold in the morning but warmer afterwards. Temp. 40 Noble went
to Scott's. I walked out along the river to Uncle Andrews and caught one fish and am
staying all night.

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Tuesday Aug. 26. Fine & warm Temp. 60°. Helped hauling in afternoon and walked home. I
am not very well to-night.
Wednesday Aug. 27. Fine & warm Temp. 60°. Isabel and Agnes Alice were in and Olive went
out
with them. Mrs. Scott & Nettie were here to day. I am bad with cold
Thursday Aug. 28. Dull and wet Temp. 50 Papa finished fixing the cow's stall.
Friday Aug. 29. Dull and cooler with rain in afternoon. Temp. 56°. Jessie and Alice, and Uncle
Andrew and Aunt Minnie were in.
Saturday Aug. 30. Dull in forenoon fine in Afternoon. Temp. 56°. Mamma is not very well.
Arthur, Edgar and Olive came in. Edgar and I climbed the stand pipe. Noble came home.
Sunday Aug.31. Fine & warm.
Monday Sept 1 Dull in morning and fine and hot in afternoon. Temp. 50°. Noble went to
Scott's. We went to Uncle Alfred's.
Tuesday Sept. 2 Fine and hot. Temp. 66°. School started. I got a third back seat. Oliver same
in to-night.
Wednesday Sept. 3 Dull with light showers. Temp. 67°. Daddy Dimer {George Dymer} is
dead.
Thursday Sept 4. Fine & cool. Temp. 54°. Georgina.
Friday Sept. 5. Fine & cool. Temp. 50°. very smoky. Oliver went home. Bessie was here for
dinner.
Saturday Sept. 6. Fine & hot. 47 Johnnie and Alex were in. Johnnie has been teaching this
week
Sunday Sept. 7. Fine & hot. Temp. Oliver Arthur came in before church. Noble came in
before nit breakfast and Arthur went home. Rain in evening very light.
Monday Sept. 8. Fine & hot. Noble went to Scotts. Oliver came in. Attendance at school is
now 69.

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Tuesday Sept. 9. Fine & cool. Temp. 42° Bessie up for supper
Wednesday Sept. 10. Fine & warm. Hard frost last night. Temp. 34°. Had a game of tennis tonight.
Thursday Sept. 11. Fine & warm. Temp. 40° Papa was up at Amabel.
Thursday Friday Sept. 12. Fine & cool. Temp. 56.
Saturday Sept. 13. Dull and very cold with light showers. Temp. 45°. Uncle Albert and Alice
Uncle Sandy and Bessie Uncle Andrew and Aunt Minnie were in.
Sunday Sept. 14. Fine & very cold.
Monday Sept. 15. Fine & warm. McArthur and J. Cairns have started to School. We organized
our football team Honorary President H. H. Stevens President A.E. Nelson. Captain Fred
Hanbidge Sect. Treas. A. J. Mann (T. McArthur) Carator {Curator?} Schwank. Committee
Webb Nelson Reany Coterill.
Tuesday Sept. 16. Fine Dull with light rain in afternoon. Temp. 47°. Papa has not been very
well.
Wednesday Sept. 17. Dull with much rain all day. Temp. 63°
Thursday Sept. 18. Fine & warm. Mamma went out to Christie's in morning and back on late
train I have not been well this evening.
Friday Sept 19. Fine & warm Temp. 41° I have been staying
at home. Johnnie came in and stayed for a short time to-night.
Sept. 20. Fine & warm. Temp. 45°. Arthur Alice Johnnie & Oliver were in. Noble came home
about 4 o'clock.
Sunday Sept. 21. Dull & wet. Temp. 48°.
Monday Sept. 22. Dull & wet. Cold Temp. 42°. Noble went out. Uncle Sandy & Bessie were in.
Tuesday Sept. 23. Dull & cool. Temp. 46°.
Wednesday Sept. 24. Fine & warm Temp. 43°.

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Thursday Sept. 25. Fine and warm. Temp. 58°. We started to cut the corn. Noble came in
with cattle and is staying all night and so is Uncle Gilbert. Oliver is away home.
Friday Sept. 26 Wet in morning & cold but fine in afternoon. Show day. Donald, James, Ethel,
Helen and Laurier, John Bessie Oliver and Alex,
Isabel Georgina and Mary Alice were in. Very poor show. Hoffer got the prize in the Farmer's
Trust and in the Judging contest Hanbidge & Wagner.
Saturday Sept. 27. Fine & warm. Temp. 50°. Loy Uncle Gilbert and Ellie went home. Edgar
was in with chop. Noble came home. Papa has gone to bed.
Sunday Sept. 28. Fine & warm. Temp. 46°. Have been sick.
Monday Sept. 29. Fine & warm. Temp. 46°. Noble went out.
Monday Tuesday Sept. 30. Fine & warm Temp. 42°. I was in the office all day.
Wednesday Sept Oct 1. Fine & warm. Temp. 42°. Noble came in to take Noble's Papa's place
and went back again. Uncle Alfred was in.
Thursday Sept Oct 2 Fine & warm. Temp. 65°.
Friday Oct. 3 Fine & cool.
Saturday Oct 4. Fine & warm. Temp. 40°. The football & basketball team went to Kincardine
& Oliver went too. Uncle Gilbert Bessie (Mrs. Hill) and Ethel Hill were in. Johnnie was in & get
a repeating rifle. Uncle Alfred was in all day. Noble came home in the morning. Christine
Robertson was here. Uncle Sandy & Uncle Andrew were in town.
Sunday. Oct 5. Fine & warm.
Monday Oct 6. Fine & very warm. Temp. 58°. Noble went to Scot's Oliver came hom in. In
football on Saturday Kincardine won by 6 to 1 and in basketball by 12 to 0. We went to Y.P.S.
to-night.
Tuesday Oct 7. Fine & very warm. Temp. 52°. In Algebra Oliver got 60 & I got 55. Johnnie
was in.
Wednesday Oct. 8. Fine & very warm. Temp. 59°.

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Thursday Oct 9. Fine & very warm.
Temp. 54. The teachers convention has started and we had school only in the morning. The
H. S. won by 3 to 1 against the teacher's. I got my foot hurt.
Friday Oct 10. Fine & very warm. Temp. 59. I have been lame all day.
Saturday Oct 11. Dull and very wet in the morning. Noble came home.
Sunday Oct 12. Fine morning wet in afternoon. Noble went out to Uncle Alfred's and Uncle
Alfred came in.
Monday Oct 13. Fine & cold. Temp. 44°. My foot is almost better. We went to Y. P. S. tonight. Noble has quit working at Scott's.
Tuesday Oct 14. Fine & warmer. Temp. 33°.
Wednesday Oct 15. Fine & warm Temp. 46. We are going to have a song at the H.S. concert
& Oliver and I are in it.
Thursday Oct 16. Fine & cool. Temp. 52°.
Friday Oct 7. Dull & wet all day. Temp. 52°. Oliver did not go home.
Saturday Oct 18. Dull & very cold. Temp. 48°. Oliver went home. Uncle Alfred Agnes and Mrs.
Currie were here for dinner.
Sunday Dull & cold.
Monday Oct 20. Wet & cold. Temp. 36°. Papa fainted to-night & has been very sick since.
The doctors were up. Oliver came in. Thanksgiving Day
Sun Tuesday Oct 21. Dull & cold with sprinkles of Snow. Temp. 37°. Papa is some better.
Wednesday Oct 22. Dull and a little warmer rain at night. Practising at the library.
Thursday Oct 23. Wet & cold all day.
Friday Oct 24. Dull & wet. Uncle Alfred was in. Papa has been worse.

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Saturday Oct 25. Fine & cool. Temp. 43°. Kincardine was up. In basketball Port won by 12 to
6 and in football 0 to 0.
Sunday Oct 26. Cold & dull Papa was
worse to-night.
Monday Oct 27. Dull & cool rain at night. At the Guild to-night in a debate resolved that
woman Suffrage would be of benefit to the state. H.D. McLaren W. Well & I won it by 4
points from A.J. Mann G. McArthur and Mr. Shearer. We had the negatives.
Tuesday Oct. 28. Dull & wet. In Literature Oliver got 46 & I got 56.
Wednesday Oct 29. Cold with showers. Temp. and wet.
Thursday Oct 30. Cold with snow Temp. 31°.
Friday Oct 31. Cold snowing all day Almost 6 or 7 inches at night. Temp. 24°. In comp. Oliver
got 66 & I got 65. Uncle Alfred and Edgar were in.
Saturday Nov. 1. Fine and thawing. Most of the snow gone by night. Temp. 33°. Papa got up
to-night but got a little worse.
Sunday Nov. 2 Fine & warm. Temp. 33°. Snow most all gone. Papa was up again for a while.
Monday Nov. 3. Dull with rain at night. Temp. 40. Snow all gone.
Tuesday Nov 4. Dull & cold. Temp. 36°. Papa was up for quite awhile.
Wednesday Nov 5. Fine & warm. Papa was up most of the day.
Thursday Nov 6. Fine & warm.
Friday Nov 7. Dull & warm a little rain at night. Temp. 46°. Mr Koepky Noble and I went to
Skipness and picked 7 barrels 1½ bags of apples. We got home about 8.25 P. M.
Saturday Nov 8. Dull & wet.
Sunday Nov. 9. Dull and wet and cold with stow storm in afternoon. Uncle Andrew and Aunt
Minnie were in for dinner. The back window upstairs in the other end blew in and we had to
nail it up with boards.

18

Monday Nov. 10. Cold with snow. Temp. 24°. In Ancient History Oliver got 42 & I got 54.
Tuesday Nov. 11. Cold with snow Temp. 25°. In French Oliver got 58 and I got 61.
Wednesday Nov. 12. Cold in morning but warmer toward after and thawing in afternoon.
Temp. 24°.
Thursday Nov. 13. Fine & warm. Temp. 34°.
Friday Nov. 14. Fine & warm. Temp. 34°.
Saturday Nov. 15. Dull & cool. Temp. 30°. Put the cow out again to-day.
Sunday Nov. 16. Fine & warmer.
Monday Nov. 17. Dull and warm. Temp. 34°. Papa was a little worse to-night. In Literature out
of fifty Oliver got 33 and I got 32.
Tuesday Nov 18. Dull warm and rainy Temp. 44°
Wednesday Nov. 19. Very wet and warm Temp. 44°.
Thursday Nov 20. Fine & warm. Temp. 44°. Uncle Alfred came in this morning. Aunt Jeannie
came in this afternoon and is staying all night.
Friday Nov. 21. Fine & warm. In Physics Oliver got 67 and I got 54. Uncle Sandy was in.
Saturday Nov 22. Dull & warm with a little rain towards night Temp. 50°. Aunt Jeannie went
home. I went out to Gedesses in the afternoon. Uncle Sandy & Alex were in.
Sunday Nov. 23. Dull and cold. Temp. 28°. Noble and I took a walk along the shore to near
the fourth and then back by the fields.
Monday Nov 24. Dull & cold. Temp. 38°. Oliver came. In Lit. Oliver got 32 and I got 42.
Tuesday Nov. 25. Fine and cold Temp. 28 In Algebra Oliver got 57 and I got 58.
Wednesday Nov. 26. Fine & cool. The Football team had their picture taken.
Thursday Nov. 27. Fine & cool. Temp. 26°.
Friday Nov. 28. Fine & cool. Temp. 31 We got the tickets to sell for our concert!

19

Saturday Nov 29. Fine & warm Temperature 31°.
Sunday Nov. 30. Dull and warm Temp. 41°. Uncle Alfred came in.
Monday Dec. 1 Fine and very warm. Temp. 44°. Uncle Alfred went home. Papa was down at
the office this afternoon. In literature Oliver got 32 and I got 43 out of 60.
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{BLANK PAGE}
Tuesday Dec. 2. Dull and warm. Temp. 43°. Papa was worse during the night and Noble had
to get the doctor. In Latin Oliver got 37 and I got 53.
Wednesday Dec. 3. Dull and warm Temp. 36. I sold one ticket to Johnny and one to Olive.
Thursday Dec. 4. Fine & warm The Temp. 36°. We had our first full dress rehersal of Mr. Bob
to-day.
Friday Dec. 5. Fine & cool. We had our concert to-night. Program (1) "Football Song" (2)
Mouthorgan Selection" (3) "Mr. Bob" Act I (4) "Kingdom Comin' (5) Mouth Organ Selection
(6) "Mr. Bob" Act II (7) Mouth Organ Selection (8) "God Save the King"
Jim, Ethel, Johnnie, and Bessie were in at it.
Saturday Dec. 6. Fine and cold. Temp. 28°. I went out to Uncle Alfred's after and dinner and
came home at night. I saw 6 muskrat lodges.
Saturday Sunday Dec. 7. {?} changing tomow and very cold and stormy.
Monday Dec. 8. Cold and stormy. Temp. 20°. A body from the Scott was found near Gobles
Grove to-day.
Tuesday Dec. 9. Cold but warmer towards noon. Temp. 28°. Another body was found.
Wednesday Dec. 10. Warm and thawing in morning but cold in the afternoon. Temp. 37°.
Aunt Minnie's sister, Mrs Hamilton died yesterday and was buried to-day. Uncle Albert and
Edgar were in with a steer.
Wednesday Dec 11 Fine and cold Temp. 14° Mr. Beal adressed us to day.

20

Friday Dec. 12. Fine and warmer Temp. 33°. We had an exam in Geometry.
Saturday Dec. 13. Fine and cold in morning warmer later. Temp. 14°. Papa has been down at
the office every day but Monday. Uncle Sandy and Aunt Lizzie were in to-day.
Sunday Dec. 14. Fine & cool Temp. 26° Noble was out at Geddeses' all day. Papa was not
quite so well.
Monday Dec. 15. Fine & cool. Temp. 23°. Papa walked down to-day but drove up. Uncle
Gilbert was in. In Geom Oliver got 52 and I got 88.
Tuesday Dec. 16. Dull and warm Temp. 35° In Chemistry Oliver got 63 and I got 80. Uncle
Alfred was in.
Wednesday Dec. 17. Dull and warm Temp. 35°. In Composition Oliver got 65 and I got 63. Mr.
Nelson was away this afternoon being sick.
Thursday Dec 18 Dull and cold fall of snow last night Temp. 24°. We had an exam in history.
Friday Dec 19. Dull and warmer School closed. In the debate on "Resolved that a young man
has better character in Western Canada than in Eastern" our form lost to the second by
two points. Mr. Marr being the judge. Mr. Nelson was sick again this afternoon.
Saturday Dec. 20. Fine Dull and cool with snow and hail melting as it fell. Temp. 32. We got 2
boxes of goods from Eaton's and one is still at the station. Aunt Jeannie and Uncle Gilbert
were in.
Sunday Dec. 21. Dull and cold. Temp. 2{?}.
Monday Dec. 22. Dull and cold. Temp. 25. We got the box from Eaton's.
Monday Tuesday Dec. 23. Dull and cold with snow in the afternoon. Temp. 25°. I walked
out to Christie's
Wednesday Dec. 24 Warmer. I came in with Donald and in the sleigh.
Thursday Dec. 25. Christmas Day. Cold. We cleaned the dining room stove-pipes and put
the little stove up stairs.

21

Friday Dec. 26. Very cold. Temp. 9°. We put up the kitchen pipes. Mrs. Wallace was buried
here and Uncle Sandie and Aunt Lizzie were in to the funeral.
Saturday Dec. 27. Fine and cold Temp. 2°. Uncle Alfred was in. I started to make a weightdriven machine. Noble received his apparatus for coloring post cards from the Art
Company.
Sunday Dec. 28. Dull and cold. Temp. 21°.
Monday Dec. 29. Dull and cold. Temp. 29 Uncle Gilbert and Hellen were in and also Uncle
Alfred. Black's cellar was entered by a burglar a few nights ago. Aunt Jenny has not been
keeping so well.
Tuesday Dec 30. Cold and dull. Temp. 28°. I went out with Uncle Alfred. For my birthday
presents I got a telescope from Papa and Olive, a hymn book from Ma and a trap from
Noble.
Wednesday Dec. 31. Dull and cold. Temp.28° I am fifteen to day. I skated a little.
Thursday January 1 - 1914
Fine and cold. Temp. 18°. We were skating nearly all day. I was up at Geddes's for dinner.
Friday January 2. Dull and cold with mist and a little rain and snow. Temp. 28°. Edgar
brought me in.
Saturday January 3 Dull and mild with snow melting as it falls. Temp. 28°. Uncle Albert was
in with wood.
Sunday January 4. Fine and cold Temp. 27°. Uncle Alfred went ho came in.
Monday January 5. Dull and cold. Temp. 17°. School started. Uncle Alfred went home.
January 6 - 1914. Dull & cold. Temp. 22°. Uncle Sandy was in and Uncle Alfred brought some
more wood. We organized to form a rink at school.
January 7. -1914 Dull & mild. Temp. 29°. We started to give the cow the new hay and we
started a crock of butter. Uncle Andrew was in to-day.
Thursday Jan 8. Dull and warm. Temp. 30°.

22

Friday Jan 9. Dull & warm with rain. Temp. 27. James and Ethel Christie were in.
Saturday Jan 10- Dull and cold with sbiw. Temp. 25°. Uncle Alfred and Edgar were in with
chop in the morning and Arthur and Edgar with logs in the afternoon. Uncle Sandie John
Oliver and Alex were in in the afternoon. The Farmer's Institute met here this afternoon. I got
a new collar to-day.
Sunday Jan 11. Very cold and stormy. Temp. 10°.
Monday Jan 12. Very stormy and very cold. Temp. 7°. In British history Oliver got 56 and
Oliver got 77. Uncle Gilbert and Oliver came in on the train.
Tuesday Jan 13. Dull and very cold. Temp. -16°.
Wednesday Jan 14. Dull and very cold. Temp. -7°. We got part of our rink flooded.
Thursday Jan 15. Dull and warm Temp. 30°
Friday Jan. 16. Dull and warm with some snow. Temp. 30°.
Saturday Jan 16. Dull and cold. Temp. 21°. Uncle Sandie, Aunt Lizzie and Robbie were in.
Sunday Jan. 18. Dull and cold Temp. 5°
Monday Jan. 19. Dull and milder. Temp.
Tuesday Jan 20. Dull and cool with snow. Temp. 30°
Wednesday Jan 21. Dull and cold Temp. 10°. Lord Stratcona is dead
Thursday Jan 22. Dull and cold. Tem 11°. We went to a lecture with moving pictures both in
afternoon and evening.
Friday Jan 23. Dull and thawing with rain at night. Temp. 21°. Donald James Ethel Mr & Mrs
Millar were in to-night. Oliver Geddes was in in the morning.
Saturday Jan 24. Dull and warm. Uncle Gilbert and Aunt Jeanny were in Stevens Hepner Co.
Std. are beginning to pile logs in the park. Johnny came up from Stratford.
Sunday Jan 25. Dull and cold Temp. 6°. Uncle Alfred came in. Johnny went home with Bessie
and Miss Finnie.

23

Monday Jan 26. Dull and cold Temp. 9°. Uncle Alfred went home. Cottrill bus started putting
logs in this end of the park.
Tuesday January 27. Dull and thawing. Temp. 36°. Mr. Nelson is away curling.
Wednesday January 28. Fine and very warm Temp. 31°. Mr Cottrill has taken a room in the
other end to set up a store. In Physics Oliver got 49 and I got 75.
Wednesday Thursday January 29. Fine and very warm. Temp. 39°. The snow is nearly all
gone.
Friday January 30. Fine and cold. Temp. 19°.
Saturday Jan. 31 Cold and stormy Temp. 19°
Sunday Jan Feb 1. Stormy with snow.
Monday Feb 2. Dull and cold. Temp. 19°. Logs are coming in again. Oliver is not very well and
could not take the exam and Mamma is somwhat the same also not very well.
Tuesday Frb. 3. Fine and mild. Temp. 31° In Algebra I got 72.
Wednesday Feb 4. Fine and cold with a little snow in the afternoon. Temp. 21°.
Thursday Feb. 5. Fine and cold. Temp. 11°. We were nearly suffocated with GC gas to day.
Friday Feb 6. Fine and cold with snow in afternoon and thawing towards night Temp. 4°.
Mamma went out to Christie's.
Saturday Feb 7. Cold and stormy Temp. 27°. Uncle Alfred and Arthur were in. Uncle Gilbert
was at a Council meeting.
Sunday Feb 8. Very stormy and cold. Temp. 4°
Monday Feb 9. Very cold and very stormy. Temp. 3°.
Tuesday Feb 10. Fine and very cold Temp. -1° and at night -13°. In French O.C. got 63 and I
got 59. In Composition O.C. got 64 and I got 67
Wednesday Feb 11. Fine and very cold Temp. -16°. Mr D. Kennedy died last night.

24

**** **** Thursday Feb 12. Fine and very cold Temp. -25°. A lot of logs have come in to-day
to Cotterill's.
Friday Feb 13. Fine and very cold. Temp. -20°. James Christie was in this afternoon.
Saturday Feb 13. Fine and cold. Temp. -3°. Uncle Gilbert and Aunt Jeanny were in. John and
Bessie were in.
Sunday Feb 14. Cold with snow and fine Temp. -5 °. I have a bad cold
Monday Feb 15. Cold with snow Temp. 6°. Paisley Public School and Continuation school
were burnt.
Tuesday Feb. 15. Cold with a little snow. Temp. In chemistry Oliver got 66 and I got 68.
Wednesday Feb 16. Dull and warm. I gave a speech on Lady Macbeth.
Thursday Feb. 19. Fine & cold. Temp. 10°.
Friday Feb 20. Fine and cold. James Christie was in to-day.
Saturday Feb 21 Fine and cold. Uncle Sandy and Alex were in,
Sunday Feb 22. Cold and stormy
Monday Feb. 23. Fine and cold. Temp. -14°. In Geom. Oliver got 68 amd I got 51.
Saturday Tuesday Feb 24. Fine and cold. Temp. -22°. Arthur and Edgar are in and they and
Noble amd Oliver are at the hockey match. In French Authors Oliver got 76 and I got 78.
Wednesday Feb 25. Dull and cold. Temp. 12°. Uncle Sandie and Aunt Lizzie were in.
Thursday Feb 26. Fine and warm. Temp. 12°.
Friday Feb 27. Fine & warm Temp. 20°.
Saturday Feb 28. Fine and cold. Arthur was in in the morning and Arth again in the afternoon
with Edgar and Isabel. I cut my knee with the hatchet.
Sunday March 1. Cold and stormy. My knee has kept me in the house all day.

25

Monday March 2. Cold and windy Temp. 4°. The 11.10 train was very late the engine having
broken down.
Tuesday March 3. Fine and cold. Temp. 10°. Uncle Alfred and Arthur were in.
Wednesday March 4. Dull and warm with snow in morning. Temp. 23°.
Thursday March 5 Fine & mild. Temp. 23°.
Friday March 6. Dull and mild with snow at night. Temp. 20° Noble Oliver and I were at a
a carnival to-night. James and Ethel Christie were in also. Uncle Gilbert was in also and is
staying over night.
Saturday March 7. Dull and cold. Temp. Uncle Gilbert went home to-night.
Sunday March 8. Stormy and cold. Oliver came in Papa and Mamma saw a crow.
Monday March 9. Dull and mild colder towards night. Temp. 10°. Papa and Mamma went out
to Christies in the morning and came back in the afternoon.
Tuesday March 10 Dull & cold Temp 10° In Physics Oliver got 60 & I got 65
Wednesday March 11 Fine & cold. Temp. 0°.
Thursday March 12. Fine & cold with snow at night Temp. 8°.
Friday March 13. Fine and cold Temp. 18°. Ethel and Donnie were in.
Mrs. Wm. Robertson (need Jenie Gowanlock) were here. Noble and I went to a hockey
match. between the H.S. girls and the Curlers. Score 3 -3. John and Bessie were in at it. I
saw my first crow.
Saturday March 14. Fine & thawing Temp. 29°.
Sunday March 15 Mild and thawing Temp. 36°. We went to the Methodist Anniversary
Services.
Monday March 16 Fine and warm Temp. 34°. Snow all gone. I finished my two-hundred
crows this morning.

26

Tuesday March 17. Fine and warm with rain and snow in the afternoon. Temp. 27°. In Caesar
Oliver got 36 and I got 55. J B. Cotrill has started putting up his mill. We had the H.S. football
for the first time this season.
Wednesday March 18. Dull and cold. Temp. 25°. The saw mill fairly well started.
Thursday March 19 Dull and cold. Temp. 8°.
Friday March 20. Fine and cold. Temp. 0°.
Saturday March 21. Fine and cold. Temp. 14° Arthur was in and got the sawing outfit which
arrived to-day.
- Sunday March 22. Dull and cold with snow. We went to the Baptist church to see an
illustrated sermon. I saw two robins.
Monday March 23. Dull and cold snowing at noon. The High & Public Schools had the rink
free to night. Bessie Geddes came in for a visit.
Tuesday March 24. Fine and mild.
Wednesday March 25. Fine Warm with light showers. Temp. 32°. Bessie went home. Oliver
got 61 in A.H. and I got 66.
Thursday March 26. Dull and very warm. Temp. 33°.
Friday March 27. Dull and cold. Temp. 32°. We had electric bells installed in the class-rooms
at school.
Saturday March 28. Fine and warm. Temp. 32°. Uncle Alfred and Arthur were in. Uncle Alfred
stayed in and Noble went home with Arthur.
- Sunday March 29. Dull and warm with little rain. Temp. 36°.
Monday March 30 Dull and wet in morning cold in afternoon. Temp. 34°.
Tuesday March 31 Dull & Fine and warm. Temp. 32°. In Chem. Oliver got 66 and I got 71.
Noble finished his 200 robins
Wednesday March April 1. Dull and wet. Temp. 37°. I finished my 200 robins.

27

Thursday April 2. Dull & wet with snow. Temp. 29°.
Friday April 3. Fine and cold. Temp. 13°.
Saturday April 4. Dull and cold. Temp 21°. The Ellis engine arrived at the station to-day.
Sunday April 5. Dull and cold.
Monday April 6. Dull and cold. In Literature on Friday Oliver got 45 and I got 57 out of
60. Uncle Alfr Arthur and Edgar took the engine out. Our cow had a calf.
Tuesday April 7. Dull and cold. I French Oliver got 60 and I got 66 Aunt Lizzie, Bessie and
Robbie were in for dinner. Uncle Andrew and Aunt Minnie were in this afternoon.
Wednesday April 8. Dull and cold with snow. Temp. 24°. Mr Donald Christie Sr. died this
morning at 6 A.M. Mr. Dunean Christie arrived last night. Our cow has a calf.
Thursday April 9. Fine and cold. The school stopped to-day. We had examinations in
Algebra and Geometry. Noble and I went to a concert to-night.
Friday April 10. Fine and w with high temps. and cold wind. Temp. 28. The funeral
of Mr Donald Christie took place to day from Aberdour to Port Elgin cemetery.
Saturday April 11. Fine and cold. Temp. 38°. Uncle Gilbert and Laurier were in.
Sunday April 12. Fine and cold. Uncle Alfred Arthur and Agnes came in this morning and
Uncle Alfred is staying for a few days.
Monday April 13. Fine and warm. Temp. 18°. John and Oliver Geddes were in. Uncle Andrew
took away the calf to-day.
Tuesday April 14. Fine very warm. Temp. 38°. Uncle Gilbert, his brother and Oliver were in.
Noble went out to Uncle Alfred's this morning.
Wednesday April 15. Fine and warm. Noble came in and went out with Arthur to-day.
Thursday April 16. Fine & warm. Temp. 35. Edgar and I came to town and then to J. B. Muir's
for grass clover seed.

28

Friday April 17. Fine and very warm. Temp. 31°. I went up to Geddes' after breakfast. Stuarts
were over at night.
Saturday April 18. Fine and very warm with rain at night. Temp. 47°. I came in this afternoon
with John.
Sunday April 19. Dull and wet but hot in the morning and cooler in afternoon Temp. 60°
Arthur and Agnes came in and Uncle Alfred went home with them.
Monday April 20. Dull and cold. School started. In Algebra I got 61. Arthur was in to-night.
Tuesday April 21. Dull and a little warmer. Temp. 28°.
Wednesday April 22. Dull and colder. Temp. 34°.
Thursday April 23. Fine and cold. Temp. 26°. I found a bracelet this morning to-night.
Friday April 24. Fine and warm. Temp. 24°
Saturday April 25. Dull and with thunderstorm in the afternoon. Aunt Jeannie were in today.
Sunday April 26. Dull and cold.
Monday April 27. Fine and hot Noble and Arthur went down into Bruce to see Colin
MacGillivray Ellis Engineer. In Geom I got 63.
Tuesday April 28. Fine and hot in the morning with thunder in the afternoon and rain at
night. Temp. 50°. In Physics Oliver got 50 and I got 68.
Wednesday April 29. Fine Dull and wet. The inspector was at school to-day.
Thursday April 30. Fine and cold. Temp. 30° Oliver, Wan Cairns and I went up to
Southampton to-night.
Friday May 1. Fine and cool. Temp. 26°.
Saturday May 2. Fine and warm. John Geddes was in today. I took a ride to Storton's bridge
back to McGillivray's bush, up the side road to the sixth. down the sixth to the diagonal,
along the diagonal to the fourth, up the fourth to the Goderich, along the Goderich to North
Bruce, back to Harry Bakers and back to town. Aunt Jeannie came in on the train.

29

Sunday May 3. Fine and warm.
Monday May 4. Fine and hot. Temp. 48°
Tuesday May 5 Fine and warm. In lit Oliver and I both got 67.
Tuesday Wednesday May 6. Fine and warm with rain in evening. Temp. 42°
Wednesday Thursday May 7. Dull morning but fine and cold warm in afternoon. Arthur was
in to-night.
Thursday Friday May 8 Fine and warm. Temp. 42°. We had our first rhubarb
Friday May 9.
Friday
Saturday May 9 Fine and warm. Temp. 38°. Noble went out to Uncle Alfred's to night. We
finished planting our mangles
Sunday May 10 - Fine Dull and cool Temp. Temp. 51°. Light showers of rain
Monday May 11 - Dull and cold. We finished digging the garden and planted our potatoes.
Tuesday May 12 - Dull and cool. Temp. 42°. In Physics Oliver got 58 and I got 88. Rev. J. R.
Mann was here to-night. Noble went out to Burgoyne this afternoon.
Wednesday May 13. Dull and cold. Temp. 28°. In Composition Oliver got 66 and I got 65.
Thursday May 14. Fine and cool. Temp. 36°.
Friday May 15. Fine and cool Temp. 31° Papa and Mommma {Momma?} were out at Geddes'
to-day
Saturday May 16. Fine and warmer. Noble went out to Geddeses. Uncle Sandy Aunt Lizzie
and Florence were in.
Sunday May 17. Fine and warm.
Saturday Monday 18 Fine and warm. Temp. 50°. In Algebra Oliver got 76 and I got 91.
Tuesday May 19 Fine and hot. Temp. 48°. We climbed the stand-pipe to-night.

30

Wednesday May 20. Fine and hot. Temp. 50°. Noble and Oliver went out to Burgoyne tonight.
Thursday May 21. Fine and hot. Temp. 54°. In the report I am standing 4 and Oliver 9. A box
of goods arrived from Eaton's to-night. I got a tie pin neck tie, belt tie clip, collars, socks. A
set of collar buttons. Noble got a couple of gloves a ball, (fielders and catchers), a razor
strop, tie clips, belt, suspenders.
Friday May 22. Cold with thunderstorm.
Saturay May 23. Cold and fine
Temp. 40°
Sunday May 23. Dull and warm with rain
Monday May 24. Fine and hot. We went out to Christies. We went down to the river.
Wednesday Tuesday May 25. Fine and very hot with cooler in evening. Mr. Nelson has not
come back to school yet.
Thursday Wednesday May 26. Fine and very hot. Temp. 68°. We saw an old cannon in the
park to-night.
Thursday May 27. Fine and a little cooler. Temp. 46°.
Friday May 28. Fine and very hot. Temp. 54°. Thunderstorm in evening. Uncle Sandy and
Aunt Lizzie were in. Mr. Mann was here to-night.
Saturday May 29. Fine and a little cooler. Temp. 52°. I got a new pair of pants. Uncle Gilbert
Loy and Helen were in all day. Uncle Andrew
Aunt Minnie and Helen Hamilton were in in the afternoon. Alex Geddes was also in. The
steamer Empress of Ireland was sunk on the St. Lawrence and nearly 1000 lives were lost.
Sunday May 31 Dull and cool with rain at intervals. I was not at church this morning.
Monday June 1 Fine and cool. Edgar was in to-night.
Tuesday June 2. Fine and a little warmer. Thermometer 37°. Arthur and Edgar were in tonight playing ball.

31

Wednesday June 3. Dull and warm with rain in evening. Temp. 55°. John Geddes was here
for supper. We had an exam in Chemistry.
Thursday June 2. Dull and cool. Temp. 54. In Physics Chemistry Oliver got 63 and I got 68.
We had an exam in chemistry.
Friday June 5. Fine and warm.
Saturday June 6. Fine and warm. Noble went to baseball match. North Bruce 17 Aberdour 4.
Sunday June 7. Fine and hot with thunder.
Monday June 8. Fine and very hot. This is Noble's birthday. Papa mamma and Olive went
out to Uncle Andrew's. Temp. 75°. We were in the lake to-night.
Tuesday June 9. Fine and very hot. Temp. 74°. at 3 P.M. 91° in shade. Uncle Sandy and Oliver
were. Arthur and Edgar were in and took out the stove and some chairs. We went out to the
river too to-night. Oliver swam across.
Wednesday June 10. Fine and hot. We had school in the morning and in the afternoon Oliver
and I went out to the river.
Friday Thursday June 11. Fine and cooler. We had school in the morning and printed pictures
in the afternoon which were not a success. Uncle Alfred and Arthur were in to-night.
Thursday Friday June 12. Fine and warm.
Saturday June 13. Fine and cool. I went out to Burgoyne. Edgar came back with us and we
went to a base-ball match Aberdour 21 North Bruce 12.
Sunday June 14. Fine and warm. Flower day at church.
Monday June 15. Fine and cool with rain in the evening. We had a short lesson in Latin after
4 P.M.
Tuesday June 16. Fine and warm. We had another lesson in Latin.
Wednesday June 17. Fine and cool. Entrance exams started to-day.

32

Thursday June 18. Fine and hot. Oliver was in in the morning. Papa Mamma and Olive went
out to Burgoyne in the morning. Noble and I went out after dinner. We put up the pipes in
the beds and put some of the furniture in place. I finished translating Virgil this morning.
Friday June 19. Fin Wet and cold in the morning and fine in the afternoon. Today is the
excursion to Guelph. John and Besse, Edgar and Isabel went down on it. We are getting a
new floor in the kitchen.
Saturday June 20. Fine and cool. There was a baseball match tonight. Arthur and Edgar
were in to it and afterwards we went to a moving picture show. The floor was finished today.
Sunday June 21. Fine Wet all day. We went to the German church to-night.
Monday June 22. Fine and cool. Oliver came in the morning. The Normal Entrance exams
started to-day. We had Ancient History and Chemistry.
Tuesday June 23. Dull and cool. We had exams in Algebra and English Composition. Oliver
Geddes was in at a picnic to-day.
Wednesday June 24. Wet and thundery in the morning. We had Physics and British &
Canadian History. Arthur and Jessie were in and we were playing base-ball.
Thursday June 25. Fine and warm. We had exams in Geometry and Literature. Uncle Gilbert
and Aunt Jeannie were in. Arthur and Edgar came in and took out Papa, Mamma and Olive
and Noble and I followed after school, Noble leading the cow.
Friday June 26. Dull and cooler
a little. I studied French all day. Noble went into town this morning. The cow got out and
went back to Port Elgin. Noble brought her out in the afternoon. Aunt Lizzie John
Oliver Satur Alex Florence and Robbie were down to-night.
Saturday June 27. Dull and cool, with slight showers during day. Noble went into town today.
We kept the cow in all day. We were up at Burgoyne to-night.
Sunday June 28. Dull and wet. Oliver and I were at church this morning.
Monday June 29. Dull and wet. Arthur took Noble and I into town. The provincial election
was held to-day. The Liberal party was defeated on the question of Temperance. C. M.

33

Bowman was elected in West Bruce. We had examinations in Latin Authors and
Composition.
Tuesday June 30 Fine and warm. We had examinations in French Authors and Composition.
This finishes our exams. Noble, Oliver and I went to a picture show to-night.
Wednesday June July 1. Dull and wet in morning, a slight show in the afternoon. Oliver and
Alex Geddes were in for the afternoon performance which consisted of a lacross match
and horse races. Donald and James Christie were also in for the afternoon and for the
evening. John and Bessie Geddes came in the evening and also Arthur and Edgar Burgess.
The evening entertainment consisted of a relay race in which the Cup was again
won from by Chesley from Port Elgin the only other contesting team. Fireworks
was the final display. I came out with Arthur and Edgar.
Friday Thursday July 2. Fine and hot. Fine, Hot and misty at night. Dull and
Friday July 3. Fine and hot.
Saturday July 4. Fine and hot.
Sunday July 5. Fine and hot
Monday July 6. Fine and hot. Noble went over to Scott's this morning and came back tonight.
Tuesday July 7. Fine and hot. Noble and I went in to town. The Burgoyne garden party took
place to-night. Aberdour lost in a baseball match to Burgoyne 11-7.
Wed. July 8. Fine and hot. Noble came over to Scott's and I came to Uncle Andrew's. We
were coiling hay. Uncle Andrew, Aunt Minnie and Helen Hamilton went to Paisley.
Thursday July 9. Fine and hot. I was cutting thistles all day. Uncle Johnnie Aunt Jennie and
Jessie Gowanlock were over
{BLANK PAGE}
(BLANK PAGE}

34

for supper. Ethel Christie, the three boys and Miss Campbell Campb Campbell were over
to-night.
Friday July 10. Fine and hot. Uncle Andrew and Aunt Minnie were at Camerons' garden party
which was a great success Cutting thistles.
Saturday July 11. Fine and hot. I came home this morning. Papa Olive and Noble were in
town. The Orange celebration took place in Southampton to-day.
Sunday July 12. Dull and wet.
Monday July 13. Dull and wet in morning. Fine in latter part of day. We did not go to our work
as it was raining. I went up to Geddes this afternoon and Oliver, Edgar and I went over to
the river. Noble and Arthur went into Port Elgin to-night to the
picture-show.
Tuesday July 14 Dull in morning Fine and hot in afternoon. Noble and I came over to our
work to-day. We were hauling in hay all its in the afternoon. Mrs. R. Munro, her son, and Edna
Hamilton were at Uncle Andrew's this afternoon, and went home to-night.
Wednesday July 15. Fine and very hot. Hauling in hay all day.
Thursday July 16. Fine and very hot. Hoeing corn and picking currents. I came home to-night
and learned part a tune on the violin.
Friday July 17. Wet for a short time in morning. Fine and cool during the rest of the day.
Hoeing corn and coiling hay.
Saturday July 18. Dull and cold. Uncle Andrew and Aunt Minnie went to town to-day. I came
home to-night. Papa & Mamma and Noble were in town. Hoeing and puting poison on
potatoes.
Sunday July 19 Fine and warm. Edgar and I were in Port Elgin at Church to-night.
Monday July 20. Fine and hot. I came over to Uncle Andrew's and Noble came over to
Scotts.
Tuesday July 21. Fine and warm. Hoeing in the morning. Coiling hay in the afternoon.

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Wednesday July 22. Fine and hot. Coiling hay in the morning hauling in, in the afternoon. I
came home to-night.
Thursday July 23. Dull and wet, fine towards evening. Noble came over this afternoon.
Friday July 24. Dull and hot with sprinkles of rain. Noble and I came over to our work. Hauling
in hay and poisoning potato-bugs.
Saturday July 25. Fine and hot Lil Rowand came to Uncle Andrew's
to-day. I came home.
Sunday July 26. Fine and warm.
Monday July 27. Dull and wet. Arthur and Noble went over to a baseball match. Edgar and I
started over in a buggie and the horse becoming frightened of an automobile bolted into
the fence and smashed the buggy shafts. The army worm has appeared at Uncle Andrew's
and has destroyed one field.
Tuesday July 28. Fine and warm. Oliver and I were picking berries in the morning and I was
helping Uncle Alfred's to draw in hay in the afternoon.
Wednesday July 29. Fine and hot. I went into town to get our mail.
Friday Thursday July 30. Fine and hot Our examination reports of entrance into Normal
School came out to-day. We all passed but Oliver Frank Nina and Sara. The fourth form
results came out also and all passed but Lauda McLaren.
The Dunblane garden party was held in Young's. War is imminent in Europe. Dunblane
defeated Burgoyne 15 to 6.
Friday July 31 Fine and hot. I went over to Uncle Andrew's after dinner. we were hauling in
the oats which the worms attacked.
Saturday August 1. Fine and hot. I came home to-night.
Sunday August 2. Fine and hot.
Monday August 3. Fine and hot. Noble and I came over to our work. Uncle Andrew started
cutting the road field. Aunt Jeannie Loy and Jane Ann Rowand were over to-night.

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Tuesday August 4. Fine and hot. Stooking in road field. I came home.
Wednesday August 5. Fine and hot. Cut the road field and one at house.
Thursday August 6. Fine Dull and
hot. I came home after dinner as I was unwell.
Friday Aug. 7. Fine and hot. At home all day. Better towards night. Noble came.
Saturday Aug 8. Fine and hot. All of us except Olive and I went to town. We heard the The
results of our Junior matriculation P. Nelson D.C. Munro and H. Puschler and R. Burgess
passed. A. Curtis and J. Young passed partialy. F. Morton and O. Christie failed.
Sunday Aug. 9. Fine and very hot with wind and rain storm in the afternoon.
Monday Aug 10 Fine and hot with rain in the evening. We went over to our work and I
returned home to-night. The chimney of Uncle Andrew's house was blown down yesterday.
Tuesday Aug 11. Dull and cool
Wednesday Aug 12. Fine and hot
Thursday Aug 13. Dull with rain. I returned home.
Friday Aug 14. Fine and hot. Went over to Uncle Andrew's after dinner.
Saturday Aug. 15. Fine and cool. Hauling in oats and hoeing mangels.
Sunday Aug. 16. Dull and wet, fine in the evening. Mr. McLeod preached here to-day.
Monday Aug. 17. Fair Dull and wet in morning, fine in afternoon, Thunder storm at night.
Tuesday Aug. 18. Dull and wet in the morning but no rain in afternoon. Arthur Edgar and I
went up to Arran Lake.
Wednesday Aug. 19. Dull and hot but fine in afternoon. We (Uncle Alfred and family and
Olive and I) went to the lake for a picnic.
Thursday Aug. 20. Dull and in

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morning. Fine in afternoon but thunderstorm at night. Noble came home. Uncle Sandy had a
raising and put up the frame of his driving shed. Thunderstorm in night.
Friday Aug. 21. Fine and hot. Creek is flooded. Noble and I were cutting wood in the bush.
Saturday Aug. 22. Fine and warm, dull at night. Papa, Olive and Noble were in Port Elgin.
Sunday Aug. 23. Fine and windy.
Monday Aug. 24. Fine and cool. Noble and I went over to our work.
Tuesday Aug. 25. Fine and warm.
Wednesday Aug. 26. Fine and warm. We finished at Uncle Andrew's to-day. In the afternoon
we were at J. Schwartz's
Thursday Aug. 27. Fine and warm. Uncle Andrew and I were at Cobean's.
Friday Aug. 28. Fine and hot. We moved into town. Noble came home.
Saturday Aug. 29. Fine Dull and wet in morning. Dull Fine in the afternoon. Uncle Sandy, John,
Bessie and Oliver were in.
Sunday Aug. 30 Fine and cool.
Monday Aug. 31. Fine & hot. Noble went out to Scott's. I began in the office. J.R. Geddes
went away to Stratford to business college. Sunday & Monday Aug 31 Fine and hot. Uncle
Sandie and Oliver were in town.
Tuesday Au September 1 Dull and and hot. Aunt Jeannie and Ethel were in town. School
opened again.
Wednesday Sept. 2. Dull and cooler. Arthur and Jessie came in to-night.
Thursday Sept. 3 Dull ad cool. We took a half-holiday today. Noble came home to night.
Friday Sept. 4. Fine and c Dull and wet in morning, fine in afternoon. I went out to Christie's
Saturday Sept. 5 Fine and cool with rain at night. I came home. Ethel and Uncle Gilbert came
in.

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Sunday Sept. 6. Dull and wet in morning. Ethel and Kate Murkar were up to-day for tea.
Monday Sept. 7. Dull and wet in early morning. Noble went out to Scott's after dinner. We
were painting the kitchen all day.
Tuesday Sept. 8. Dull and cool. Edgar was in. We finished painting the kitchen. Edgar and I
went to the "moving" picture show.
Wednesday Sept. 9. Fine and cool.
Thursday Sept. 10. Fine and warmer. Percy Nelson and I were at school all afternoon. Papa
went up to Amabel with N. McGillivray.
Friday Sept. 11. Fine and cool.
Saturday Sept. 12. Fine and warmer. I went out to Uncle Alfred's and Arthur came in at night.
Sunday Sept. 13. Fine and warm.
Monday Sept. 14. Fine and warm.
Tuesday Sept 15 Fine and warm. The Presbytry meeting was held here in the morning and a
Sunday School convention in the afternoon and evening. Olive and I attended in the
evening.
Wednesday Sept. 16. Fine and warm. Arthur was in town.
Thursday Sept. 17. Fine and warm.
Friday Sept, 18. Fine & warm. warm
Saturday Sept. 19. Fine and warm. Noble came home. I went out to Geddeses' and was
delayed till late through trouble with the seat.
Sunday Sept. 20. Fine & warm. I went to church to-night.
Monday Sept. 21. Fine & hot.
Tuesday Sept. 22. Fine & hot.
Wednesday Sept. 23. Fine & hot.

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Thursday Sept. 24. Fine & cooler.
Satur Friday Sept. 25. Fine & cool. Port Elgin Fair.
Saturday Sept. 26. Fine & and warm.
Sunday Sept. 27. Fine & cool
Monday Sept. 28. Fine & cool. Rural School.
Tuesday Fall Fair. Fine & cool
{BLANK PAGE}
{STATIONERY AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES page from T. EATON Co LIMITED 1914}

For more information on James “Rowand” Burgess, check out the “Meet the Diarists”
section under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.uoguelph.ca

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