Theobald (Toby) Barrett (1895-1969)
1913
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
DISCLAIMER: This diary depicts some discriminatory content which some may find
offensive. During the diary’s time period, such racial terms and prejudices were
commonplace in Canadian society. They are considered wrong today.

DIARY.1913
T.B.Barrett.
Port Dover,Ontario.
The Farm........
From January 1st 1913 to November 18th 1913.
Wednesday January 1st 1913
We began to think that 13 at the end of the New Year was beginning right away to bring
calamities upon us, for Dick who did not come home to tea last night did not put in an
appearance all night, and it is the first time since he went into the bank that he did not
come home to bed. I woke up at half past four and found Dad & Aunty up and in an awful

state as neither one had slept all night and had been thinking Dick had tried to cross the
pond about mid night when every body would be asleep and never got to the other side.
Dad. & I went down about five and went to Huby’s first to see if he had stayed there. We
went to Quint’s window and tapped and immediately saw old Quint - gliding around in the
room; as soon as he lighted the light Dad. saw Dick in bed. We couldn't get him more than
half awake and he mumbled something about Wiggins being sick - and he & Hazen worked
so late, then went down to watch the dance for awhile and he never thought we'd miss him.
Later on in the morning I drove Aunty and Lila down town with two mince pies and the

turkey we killed for Christmas & which Aunty took down to Huby's to cook. Dad. did chore
and we had a cold lunch after which Dad. & I went down to Alfred's followed by Nig. Tige &
the white kitten to take him Hubys wooden cross puzzle which he seemed very pleased to
get. We went down his lane & home by way of the gully. When we got home we sat around
awhile before doing the night chores Quint & Dick came over about six as Dick wanted to

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get on a clean shirt or something and we went down with them to tea, or rather turkey
dinner I took my skates down but it was too dark to go. Dick went up to a surprise party at
Fatty Turner's, and told us he would not be home to-night. Aunty stayed down too. Dad,
Frank & I came home about eleven. It has been very mild & sunny
Thursday January 2nd
I got up very late this morning. Dad. & I did chores and Glen & Wilbur Ryersie came along
for a half morning's visit. Wilbur wanted Dad. to buy a pure bred Durham bull-calf for fifty
dollars, but Dad told him he would go over & look at it before investing. At eleven Dad. went
down to Huby’s and brought Aunty home. This after noon he went down again and saw
Vyse up town who solicited his vote for his re election but Dad. told him that though he had
nothing against him as a neighbor, he was out of place as reeve for he thought he had
acted very unfairly in everything last year. I cleared up some of the old rubbish heap in the
barnyard while Dad. was gone. Frank put in the afternoon building a dandy jib crane with his
“Meccano” outfit. It has been very soft to-day & looks like a storm.
Friday January 3rd
This was Aunty's birthday and although we did our best we could not think of anything to
give her so she vows that she doesn't know of any thing either, but Win sent her over a
couple of aprons. Aunty remembers they are just what she wants. Dad. Aunty and I drove
down town in the lumber waggon this afternoon morning. Aunty went in to see Enah who
was up walking around and then down to Huby's to get Dads old medicine cupboard and

the contents those of ready for removal to the farm. Dad & and I went down to the beach
and got all the sand we thought we had better haul the roads down there were great as the
sand was frozen enough to hold the wheels up and yet not too much to shovel. The ice
banks are very high down there. We came up around by Huby’s and got Aunty and the old
cupboard which we are going to use as a store house for Frank’s & my belongings. We are
preparing in time against young Huberts development. Dad & I did chores this after noon
and then sorted Dad's medicine. It started to rain this morning which turned to an all day
snow storm. Colder to-night but not freezing.
Saturday January 4th
Charlie Martin was over for an hours visit this morning and told Dad. as he was leaving that
he had a lame horse over there which he wanted Dad. to look at. He said his mother fell off
the back steps before Christmas and nearly broke her leg. He also told us his sister Mrs.

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Maglaughlin had a baby girl about two days after Enah's boy came. Dad thought they ought
to trade as Mrs. Maglaughlin was all prepared for & had a boy named and it was the other
way round with Enah. This after noon we did chores and Dad. went down to see Enah. I went
over as far as Martin's with him and saw the chickens which were all washed, fanned,
powdered and the dark feathers pulled out of them and ready to start on the five train for
the Boston show. We also saw Charlie's lam horse which has an awfully sore looking leg on
it. I cut wood and practiced on my horn when I got home. Lila came over soon after I got
back with her steam engine. Dad has to go down again to-night to sit with Enah. She is blue
because the boy exercises his lungs now & then Froze last night. Cold raw wind all day but
sunny and thawing.
Sunday January 5th
Frank, Dick & Lila went down to Sunday school and Aunty and I went down to church and
were a little late. We went into Mrs Lawson's to see how Enah was on our way down and
Aunty Maude was with her which surprised us very much but she said she didn't think it
would hurt her a bit. Mrs. Roy Silverthorne was there in a very low condition, her little baby
which was born last night, died and she didn't know it yet when we were there. Dick and I
went down and had a good skate this afternoon though the ice was rather rough. Dad. went
down and got Faulkner to bring Enah & the boy home in the covered in bus and it didn't
hurt either one in the least. Al. drove at a snail's pace. He was telling Dad his opinion of
Vyse. He spoke in the grieved monotone which he assumes for such occasions and said "I
told Vyse, when we elected you reeve you promised to build good roads. You haven't done
15 cents worth of road work but spent all the money in sticking up that coup by me. Now
what you had better do is to put the man in you built it for, which is Aikens, then you & Bill
Graham lock yourselves in with him take a stick of dynamite and blow youse all to hell to
save funeral expences"! "yes" said Al. I told him that two weeks ago and he hasn't spoken to
me since." Beautiful day. Froze hard last night, but thawed all day. Colder & looks stormy tonight.
Monday January 6th

We did up all the chores this morning. Frank carried over the chaff & corn from the cows
manger to the chicken house which he cleaned out. This after noon Dad.went down and
cast his vote for J.R. Davis. Frank Taylor came over after him with Faulkner's bus just he was
starting out. I broke the brace in the buck saw and fixed it this after noon Dick came home
to night and told us that Vyse was elected reeve with John Walker, Henderson, Carl

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Coleman & Billy Laings as councilmen. He and I went down to A.Y.P.A to-night where we
spent a pretty slow time. I went over to the band room for awhile where they preparing to
start out for a serenade of the succesful candidates in the election. They were greatly
proveket at Harry Graham & Art. Lawson because they wouldn't play as they were sore at
the way things went. It wasn't right of them for as Harry. Moon said and he was probably as
disappointed as any, but was playing, "The band is an organization independant of politics.
All we're after is the coin and we don't care whether it is American money or not." It rained
all night and drizzled all day, wasn't any colder when Dick & I got home about eleven to
night.
Tuesday January 7th
We just did chores this morning. Aunty went down town to get some things for Dick's
birthday which we celebrated to-night. I stayed in the house and read all the afternoon.
Quint came over to tea to-night but Dick felt pretty miserable all evening. Quint stayed all
night. Stormed all day half rain turning to sleet & ice so that everything is ice coated.

Wednesday January 8th
Dad. and Enah spent the greater part of last night I guess in the baby's company, who takes
great pleasure in making them try to put him to sleep at midnight. He is just one red lump
of wickedness & noise at night, sleeps all day. Frank started back to school this morning.
Dick felt very miserable but said he must go to work and felt much better to-night when he

got home. We did up the chores this morning and I took a picture of the ice mantled trees
around Martin's place. I didn't do a thing but read - "Lords of the North" all the after noon.
Win. came home with Frank to-night but could only stay a little while. Clear cold and sunny
to day, snow crust very hard & slippery.
Thursday January 9th
Dad & I did chores & cut wood this forenoon. Bill Donald was in for awhile to have Dad. look
at his horse. He told Dad. that he heard Jim. Dunbar had some wood for sale at $2.00 a
cord, so Dad. drove Joe down to see if he could get her shod and drive down this after
noon but he couldn't get in the shop and was afraid to risk driving on these icy roads,
smooth shod. This after noon we started to fix up a place between the granary & cow
stable for a calf pen but couldn't do much as we had no nails. Dick & I went down town after
tea I took my horn down thinking there would be band practice but found when I get down

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that the council were treating the band to an oyster supper. I suppose I could have
partaken of the feast if I chose but I came home & get my skates. I put them on at the
house and skated down to the pond. There were quite a few there but it was so dark I
couldn't see any of their faces and I didn't think Dick was there so I skated up to the bank
Hazen was there and said Dick had just gone out with his skates on. I stayed there about
half an hour and Hazen & I wrote & {talked?} to Baldy Denton. I then went back to the pond
but it was nearly deserted so I came home and found Dick had just got here before me, he
had been over at Dyer's or someplace and hadn't been skating at all. Win. came over with
Frank to stay all night. Nice day very much milder.
Friday January 10th
Dad. & I drove down as soon as we could get started this morning which wasn't very early
to get Joe shod but the shop was full again so we had to get a few things up town including
a straw knife and come home. Dad. didn't know what to do as we want wood badly but he
was afraid to drive Joe on the icy roads, especially after Vyse told us this morning that Sam.
Law lost a cow by slipping on the ice. I supposed it was his old lame one. At last I decided
to try and skate down. I left here after eleven and skated down on the road all the way and
was back here by before one. Jim Dunbar was in Jarvis but his daughter said she thought
he had wood for $2.50 a cord and would tell him to try and bring us a load to-morrow. I
tripped several times going but only fell once. There were only a few places where the
skating wasn't fairly good, the worst place was going up & down Art Ryersie's hill. We didn't
do any thing in particular this after noon Bill Donald came after Dad. to go and see his horse
about five o'clock. Some fellow drove in while he was here and wanted to know where
Anson Collver lived. Bill knew, he said he supposed that was some body after him for
money. Neil Elliot & Charlie McKenzie where in to look at Fred's calf although they had just
met Dad. on the road and he told them the calf was not for sale. I went down to Mrs Jarley's
wax work practice to-night, but there was "nothing doing". Mrs. Luck, Miss Harding & Booze
Waddle were the only ones there. We went up to Mr. Johnson's and he gave me a little idea
of what I had to do. I think it will be a pretty poor show. It is advertised for next Thursday
and half the ones in it haven't been to practice yet. Mr. Johnson never looked through the
book till to-night and he picked out several new caracters that he is going to try & ring in.
Not sunny but thawing all day. Almost raining to-night.
Saturday January 11th

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We got a very lig late start this morning - and so did not do any thing but chores. Art.
Ryersie came after Dad. a little before noon to go and see one of his cows which slipped on
the ice, and Dad. is afraid it has broken her leg. It was the best cow he had. This after noon
we fixed a place in the barn to put Ringworm but could do nothing out side owing to the
inclemency of the weather. To-night Dick & I went down town I went to Mrs. Jarley practice
& Dick waited for me. Frank spent the morning down town getting his tooth filled and
helped up this after noon Raine last night, very soft & cloudy this morning Rained hard all
after noon, drizzling to-night.
Sunday January 12th
Dad. & I drove down to Jim. Dunbar's this morning and Dad. got him to say he'd bring us a
load of wood to-morrow. When we got home we were about frozen. I felt kind of sick till I
got thawed out. After dinner I helped Dad. do did chores and then started to go down to
Harry Moons. I met Hazen who was driving out in front and he drove me down and went up
to Harry's with me where we spent quite a time. Dick was down at Dyer's all the after noon
and to tea. Bill Donald come and got Dad. this after noon. Very cold and windy early part of
the day but milder and fair to-night.
Monday January 13th
We let Queen out this morning for quite an exercise Dad. was scared to 'death' she'd slip
and hurt her self, but I guess she didn't. Mr. Bowlby. drove Louise down this morning. She
had to back this after noon so Dad. hooked up Joe and Ginger to the cutter and drove her

up. The sleighing was very poor & one of the shoes on the cutter runner broke and ripped a
big chunk out of the runner. Tom. Dunbar brought us our cord of wood to-day. He made
two trips of it and charged us three dollars. The baby has been awake all day - and to-night
is raining "Hail Columbia." Dick went back to-night. Froze hard last night but much milder
to-night. Nice day
Tuesday January 14th
Dad. loaded the cutter in the waggon first thing and we took it down to Butler who said he
didn't think the runner was {illegible} much. Dad. found he could get Joe shod so stayed
down and I walked home. I started to throw the top off the straw stack. Th Mrs. McBride
came to wash at noon and was here till after tea. Dad. cut some wood and we put a door on
the barn and cut a bigger doorway. Dick came home to-night and forgot to bring the butter
Aunty told him to get and we had a butterless tea, after which Dick went down town to get

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a pound I went with him to the Mrs. Jarley Waxwork practice in the town hall and am still
convinced that the show will fall far short of what it is advertised to be. Beautiful day and
perfect night. Sunny and much milder to-night.
Wednesday January 15th
Our attention was attracted this morning by a great deal of racket being kicked up by Dave
Turner's engine, and learned to-night when Dick got home it was in honor of Gladys
Coleman who was married sometime during the night to get off on the early train. We were
greatly surprised at the news although Aunty suspected it. We did chores this morning and
about eleven o'clock Dad. & I drove up to Ham Tompson's. Ham wasn't home but Dad. had a
look at his bull calf. He says his stock is in a very bad condition. When we got home Dad.
took Enah out for a short drive. The first time she has been out since she came home. This
after noon we husked a little corn and Dad. moved some of the corn stalks from one end of
the hay to the other and then cut some wood. I didn't do anything much. I went down again
to-night to a Mrs. Jarley practice and had a pretty slow time. It will be over to-morrow
night. Dick went down with me and worked awhile then we came home to-gether. Very soft
and cloudy to-day. Rained a little this after noon and is raining quite hard to-night. Very
slippery
Thursday January 16th
Mr. Lamb came over this morning before we had breakfast and got Dad. to go down and
see a horse that got kicked. He was gone quite awhile and came back with a lovely bunch of

flowers. This after noon he and Aunty went down town to get some things for the house. I
didn't do any thing much but chores and read To-night Dick, Dad., Frank and I went down to
Mrs. Jarley's Waxwork show. It came off a lot better than I expected and there was a full
house. Perce Brock who was Mrs. Jarley couldn't have done better and Hazen Waddle was
perfect. He was Simple Simon and sat through the whole show with his mouth wide open
and the vacantest kind of a look on his face. If any body jarred against him he would fall
over in his chair till they set him up straight. They said all the figures were good except poor
Captain Robinson who with Lidney McQueen acted as Babes in the Wood. He couldn't keep

a straight face, but Lidney kept the same sweet smile all through. They each had an
enormous doughnut and when wound up would feed each other. It certainly did look great
for two of the biggest men in town. Lila impersonated Little Jack Horner and except when
she was exhibited & wound up evidently forgot she was wax work, for she laughed and
moved around all she pleased and likley was more amusing than if she had been quiet I, the

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deceased Mr. Jarley nearly bit a hole in my cheek to keep from laughing and then didn't
succeed very well. I was in agony for awhile when my nose began to tickle and I couldn't
scratch it. The girls were all very pretty and I think every body got their money's worth.
They had a dance after the performance and Mrs. Moon gave me another lesson. I belive I
could learn if I could keep at it but not likely I will get another chance now till next summer.
Rained a little this morning, dark & very soft all day. Raining hard to night when Dick & I got
home at half past twelve, and had been raining all evening, so Aunty said.
Friday January 17th
We got rather a late start this morning and did nothing but chores except throw some more
off the top of the straw stack Mr. Peace. came in to see Dad about a colt which has some
thing on its leg - which oughtn't to be there. Tige resented his visit strongly and bit at him
twice, much to his indignation & terror This after noon Dad. cut wood and we straightened
up the fence in front of the hay barn two pannels of which have been down all winter. We
were rather surprised this afternoon at Ringworm adding a bull calf to our stock collection.
It rained all night and to-day Barrett's farm is a quagmire. Still very mild I woke up about half
past eleven to-night by Tige barking furiously then I heard Dad who was just going to bed
go to the door and a stranger's voice ask for permission to hunt sparrows in the barn,
around the stack. Dad. told them they could hunt around the stack but couldn't go in the
barn with their lantern. They told him they weren't out for "na fun" (which Dad readily
believed) but were trying to rid the country of sparrows & rats. Dad. supposed they were
after some prize as they came all the way from Selkirk.
Saturday January 18th
I read most of the morning and part of the afternoon in Dicks B.O.P. but finished the story
and am not going to begin another for awhile. Frank helped us do chores and after dinner
went down to Alfred's to buy some butter. Alfred had the puzzle done the right way, and
after putting it to-gether to show Frank, sent it home. Frank is working at it now evidently
with out much success. I husked corn this after noon and Dad sawed wood. Frank went
back to the gully for awhile to watch the creek or something. To-night Dad & I worked at

my horn trying to loosen one of the valves with the big monkey wrench. Mild & cloudy this
morning. It turned colder with a high north west wind and snow. Quieter & not freezing tonight
Sunday January 19th

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Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday School. I helped Dad. do a few chores amd went
to church. Bill Donald came in just as I left and stayed about a hour & a half. Aunty & I went
down to Miss Battersby's after church and found her looking about as well as ever. Winnie
came over to dinner with Dick, & Frank stayed down at Huby's. This after noon Dick & I went
down town. I guess Dick spent the after noon at the drug store with Bob. while I went over
to Waddle's for awhile then up to Harry Moon's, and looked at photographs. I drew to-night.
It froze last night. Has been a very nice day and thawing.
Monday January 20th
I went out this morning to help Dad. do chores but got so dizzy I had to come in and go to
bed, where I put in the rest of the day. I didn't have anything to eat all day except half a
breakfast and about half a pint of pills with which they dosed me and which I think made
me much worse. Enah gave me half a cup of cocoa which did me good as it floated. This
evening I came out into the kitchen while Aunty fixed my bed. I was sitting there talking to
Dad. when the first thing I knew Frank began to look like a very poor moving picture and the
next I seemed to be waking up lying on the floor with Dad. & Aunty asking me how I felt. I
then began to realize I had fainted, a thing which I never did before and only twice before
ever felt like it - funny feeling -. Charlie Martin came over again this morning for awhile.
Aunty went down town this after noon and came home half drowned and mud to her eyes.
Dick sent the mail home by Frank but he did come home till after A.Y.P.A. - as he went to
hear Cousin Willie's lecture on literature which he liked. It rained again last night but was a
lovely sunny day tl till this after noon when it began to pour and kept up till after tea when it
turned colder and to snow.
Tuesday January 21st
I didn't do any thing in the shape of work all day although I felt much better that yesterday. I
read nearly all morning. This after noon Louise came over. She had come down on the one
o'clock train, and is staying here all night Mr. & Mrs. Art. Ryersie came over and spent the
evening Art. took the wooden puzzle home with him. It Froze last night and has been a
lovely sunny day, though cold
Wednesday January 22nd
I went out this morning and tried to do a few chores, but couldn't do much. Louise came
out for awhile to see the live stock and Dad. took Queen out in the halter for her
entertainment but Tige proved to be the chief attraction in that show. This after noon Mrs.

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Bowlby came down & Louise went back with her. Mrs. Bannister, Mrs Vyse & her three kids
came over this after noon. I was {scairt?} to come in the house so nearly froze out in the
drive shed where Dad. was putting a new head on the scraper which old Harry broke this
morning. Dick got home early but went back again to watch the dance. Dad & Frank went
down to Alfred's to-night to show him Franks Mecanno Outfit. Lovely sunny day. Freezing
slightly to-night.

Thursday January 23rd
I didn't do any thing today but sit around and feel rotten. Dad. couldn't do anything out side
but chores. Enah was feeling miserable this morning having fainted in the night without
telling any body. This afternoon Aunty went down to Bible Class. It was raining when we got
up this morning and has kept it up steadily all day
Friday January 24th

About the only thing of much interest that happened to-day on the premises was the birth
of a bull calf to Mully and no-body is much exercised over that, Mully included. Ah! Yes,
another thing is, we got five eggs and didn't find a nest either. We think that is "going some"
for only about forty hens. I am a lot better to-day though my knee is pretty sore yet. The
baby isn't very well to-day either. I went out a little to day but drew & read most of the
time. Dick had to go back to work at the bank to-night. Froze a little last night. Lovely mild
day but not very sunny. Freezing to-night.
Saturday January 25th
We saw Allan Law & Art Ryersie driving past this morning with the separator and upon
inquiry found they were hauling it to Fleming's while the roads are frozen as they are going
there after they get though at Arts, there is no telling when they will get here. Dad. and
Frank loaded up the rack with blue grass hay this morning from what was on top of the
alsike as we have decided not to thresh it on account of the price being so low. This after
noon they hauled it over to the other barn where it will be handy to feed to the cows, and
then went & hauled up a load of rails. They did all the chores. I didn't do any thing all day
owing to my sore knee though I felt better in other ways. The two Mrs. Shands & Miss Shand
came in to see the baby to-night and although he was awake he never whimpered so they
went off with a very good impression of his conduct. Dick went down to the pond to skate
after tea to-night. Perfect day sunny and lovely out

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Sunday January 26th
The boys were the only members of the family who attended church or Sunday School today. I hung around out side with Dad. for awhile this morning as my knee felt better. Quint.
came home to dinner with Dick and stayed all night. This after noon he, Frank & I went out
and played marbles for awhile. Tonight. Aunty read to us about an African cannibal & the
missionarys. Very, mild, cloudy & muddy.
Monday January 27th
My knee was much better and I helped Dad. do chores this morning. Arpha Fleming came
over and invited Dad to go there threshing this afternoon. Mrs. McBride came to wash and
was here nearly all day. Rus. Lambkins was in to see about a wind mill but Dad. told him we
didn't need one now on account of Ivey's tile drain at which we have watered the stock all
winter so far. and it looks as if it would run for quite awhile yet. Earl. Brown was in also to
see Dad. about a cow. Aunty went down town this after noon to see if she could get some
lady to stay with Aunt Ida but was unsuccessful. Dad. & I went with her as far as Vyses. We
found they had moved the threshing out fit in there instead of Fleming's as Vyse has to go
to County Council soon. Cousin Loll & Cousin Phoebe came over to see the baby this
afternoon. Mr. Lamb. came over to-night to see about his horse. Froze pretty hard last night
and been freezing all day.
Tuesday January 28th
Dad. left early this morning to thresh at Vyse's. I did the chores as my knee was ever so
much better. About ten o'clock Dad. came home. He said they were stopped then but did
need him much anyway, so he came home to saw wood which he did till noon Mr. Flemming
told him that if they didn't get moved to his place till the middle of the afternoon it wouldn't
be worth Dad's while to come over so he didn't. This after noon he gave Queen quite an
exercise & I took a picture of her also one of the baby which finished my film. Dad. & I
hooked up Harry & Belle & got a couple of loads of rails, one load from the remainder of the
fence on the east west side of the wheat field and one from on the north fence. Aunty went
down town this after noon to get some birthday presents for Huby. Beautiful day, froze in
the night, sunny & milder
Wednesday January 29th

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Dad left first thing this morning for to thresh at Mr. Flemings and was gone all day. He got
home in time to milk before dark and felt pretty well "plugged up". It kept me nearly all
morning doing chores. This after noon I practiced my horn a little and read. Mrs. Alfred
Ryersie came in to see the baby. Enah took a walk over to Martin's. Allan Law came in at
noon and got the waggon to get wood. He didn't know where he was going, but intimated
that he was going to "lift" rails from fences along the road. This was Huby's birthday. It has
been cloudy & spitting snow all day. Not cold but freezing
Thursday January 30th
Dad threshed over at Fleming's all day and they finished to night. They finished the alsike
about 3 o'clock and got 17 Lays and 1/2 bushel from the 98 loads, and they thrashed 316
bus. of oats in two hours after that. It kept me all morning doing chores and this after noon I
cut a little wood. I intended to husk some corn but it was such a nice day I thought I would
get a load of rails instead so I went & hooked up Harry & Belle to the waggon and went out
and got the rails from the north side of the wheat field where Dad. & I got the last load. The
horses were feeling good especially old Harry who hasn't any more sense that a seventeen
year old bird's nest. Going out I had to get out to open the gate off the road and as soon as
they saw it open in front of them, started through it. I caught Belle's rain but Harry kept on
going. so I had to let them go into the field where they immediately started to speed up.
and it just kept me humping to run and scramble in the back of the waggon but I was
fortunate enough to get the lines and steady them down before they did any damage, but I
was thankful to get back safe with my load. Mr. Johnson & Mrs. Quanbury were over this
afternoon to see the baby. Aunty went down town this after noon. To-night. Dick & I went
down to band practice. I found out from Carl Coleman that we could have their cattle rack
on Saturday to go after the {illegible}. Lovely day. sunny & very mild.
Friday January 31st
It begant to rain this morning which about noon turned to snow and that cleared off & it
begant to freeze pretty hard to night. Dad. and I spent the day doing chores, "settin' round
the stove" in the meantime, Dad. cut some wood & I unloaded the load of rails this after

noon. About four o'clock I went down town & got my hair cut. I also took down 3 doz. eggs &
traded them off for meat. Dick did not come home to tea tonight as he had to work this
being the end of the month.
Saturday February 1st

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We intended to go and get the sheep to-day but the weather prevented us. We didn't do
any thing but chores and Dad. cut wood. I read a little and this after noon fooled with my
horn Dad. managed to get the valve loosened which has been stuck for so long, and I
poured a couple of quarts of water down the bell to clean it out and spilt it all over the
Floor. Frank also polised up the mouthpiece with his sample of silver polish Aunty
succeeded at last in persuading Frank to remove the fourteen wish-bones which have been
accumulating on the kitchen hanging lamp for over a year, and she boiled them and
polished them up for him. It has been freezing hard all day with a very high cold wind but
sunny.
Sunday January February 2nd
Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday School and I got fixed up and went to church. I
got there about twenty minutes too early so waited at "The Dominion". Win. came home
with us after church and stayed all night. Dick stayed down all the after noon and stayed at
Huby's to dinner. Dad. did all the chores. Aunty had us all going guessing Bible Carachters
to-night. It froze like Billy-be-da--ylights, last night and has been very cold and a high wind
all day. Bear saw hi shaddow.
Monday February 3rd
We did up the chores this morning. This afternoon we hooked Joe & Ginger to the waggon
and went down town. We found out from Carl Coleman that we could have their stock
waggon to get our sheep to morrow. We also got the cutter from Butler. When we got home

we found an old pedlar who told Aunty he had walked all the way from Hagersville, he was
selling post cards. Archie Long had been here to sell fence. To-night Dick and I went down
to the Orchestra dance where we had a dandy time. I think I am getting on to the hang of it
now. We got home a little before half past three to-morrow morning. It was a nice day today and quite mild. It snowed a little this morning.
Tuesday February 4th
I got up about half past seven this morning. We didn't do any chores but got started as
early as we could which was about ten for the sheep. We drove Joe & Ginger and took our
waggon down to Coleman's and left it there then hooked on to theirs, we got up there in
about an hour. Dunkin said he thought we were never coming. He had had bad luck with his
imported sheep. Owing to carelessness in the Quarantine Station two of his sheep died and
he can't get a cent for them. They charged him forty five dollars for their keep down there

13

for thirty days. Mine were alright though and we got them home safely. He only charged us
two dollars for their keep, but hasn't had them registered yet. We had to walk the horses
nearly all the way home on account of bumpy roads. When we unloaded the sheep we went
right back with the waggon and got our own, we also went up to Chris. Fairchild's and got
the saw blade. Dick took to him this morning & {following words in brackets are guessed at
due to being covered up on the page}{it was?} just half past three when we got in the
house after {putting?} the horses in. it was just twelve when we left Dunkins {after?} we had
a little dinner we went out and did up the chores. The poor horses were pretty hungry &
thirsty especially Joe & Ginger who were tired also. Dick & Frank went down to A.Y.P.A. tonight. It has been cloudy & blustery all day and pretty cold.
Thursday Wednesday February 5th
We hooked up Joe & Ginger to the waggon first thing this morning and went down town
and got a load of coal, as Dick found out last night that Jim. Low had some in at last. We lost
quite a little bit of it coming home as the roads were rough and it jiggled out the back when
going up hills although we scraped it forwards a couple of times. This being Ash Wednesday
they had service in the church but none of us attended it. Lent begins earlier this year that
it has for 138 years, it can only start one day earlier, at least that's what the "Maple Leaf"
states but it is not likely right. Last night was about the coldest night this winter. It must
have been down to zero during the night, and has been very cold all day, with a high wind
and snow
Thursday February 6th
We did not do any thing to-day but chores This after noon Aunty went down town to
Auxillary or something and Dad. & Enah had an awful time with the baby as he was sick and
they couldn't do any thing to ease him or keep him quiet. I practised my horn all after noon.
About five o'clock Sam. Law pulled in here with the clover mill. They got through at Ham
Thompson's sooner than they expected so moved right down here to night. Allan & Bert
Monroe came soon after wards with the engine, which had something wrong with the
injector & they worked at it till long after dark. They said they would thrash in the morning if

we weren't ready but we bade them come. Sam. was about half drank & the other half
frozen when he came in and borrowed our waggon to go home & buck wood but we
noticed he hit the trail for town at a pretty good lick. To-night I went down to band practice
and got home about eleven. It has been cold with a very high wind

14

Friday February 7th
The men did not get here till after breakfast, they got steam up and moved the machine
into the barn and then began to talk of not threshing, "Bert was the only one of the thes
that wanted to Allan I guess thought it would be too cold out on the engine {the following
words in brackets are guessed at due to being covered up on the page} {and?} it certainly
wouldn't be very warm. Their only excuse was {that?} the belt wouldn't stay on in the wind.

Mr. Odd was here {to?}day for Mr. Fleming. Allan & Bert went down town and {g?}ot their
horses shod. and Sam went home. about noon he came back again and said he guessed
they could thrash this after noon. We did the chores all up there was a little more work for
Dad. as this morning when he went out to the cow stable he found a red & white bull calf of
Spotty's on the floor. We got it & her in as warm quarters as we could but the poor little
fellow has been pretty cold all day. The thrashers did come back this afternoon and we
thrashed out the four loads of cloverseed and got three bags & about 1/4 bushel I get 1 1/4
bags. Young Billy Louis came over for Tupper but we didn't need him so he went back. They

got the machine moved over to the other barn but didn't try to thrash any they said if it
was very windy to-morrow they wouldn't come over. This aft. To-night. Dick & I went up to
the hockey match in Simcoe - Simcoe vs Hamilton I was going to drive up with Bert Monroe
but it turned out such a rotten night that both Bert & I decided to take the train There was
quite a big crowd went up from Dover on the Port Rowan train, we came back on the
Hamilton special that brought the team up. We got there a little after out eight, and had to
sit and freeze by inches for about four hours. They could not have begun to play before half
past twelve and it got pretty tedious waiting, but it was a good game when they did start,

We rooted for Simcoe and they trimmed Hamilton 8 to 3. The Hamilton boys seemed rather
tired the last half. We didn't get to bed till after three to-morrow morning. Dad got a blank
form to-night which he had to fill & tell about Tiddums. They named him Hubert James
Harold. (poor kid) more name than boy. It was very cold and windy this morning and has
been growing worse all day. To-night when we came home it was a holy fright.
Saturday February 8th
I got up about the same time as usual. This morning it was windy & snowing so we didn't
look for the thrashers. Frank. Dad. & I moved some of the poles from over the driveway to
above where Ring worm (by the way her name has changed now from Ring worm to Erie,
Aunty objected to the former so we called her after Mrs. Fred. Warren as that is who we got
her from.) and her calf are. We started to put some clover chaff on them but it was so short
it fell through a lot, so Dad. said we would wait till the wind went down and then put some

15

straw on first to hold the other. but we never got it done all day. Dad felt pretty miserable
all day and stayed in the house all the after noon I cut a little {the following words in
brackets are guessed at due to being covered up on the page} {wood?} and fooled around
the rest of the time. Aunty went down town, she lost her muff the other day and thought
{she?} knew where she left it but when she inquired this after {noon?}, she could find it
nowhere. Lila came over while she {was?} gone and told her to-night that she saw George
Spain {on?} Thursday kicking a muff through the square and he said it was somebody's old
worn out muff they had {thrown?} away. Aunty is sure it was her's as it was near there
{she?} missed it. It was such a bad night. Lila spent it here Frank went down and visited
with Mr. Alfred for awhile this after noon and got some butter. Dick felt pretty rotten when
he got home to-night and his ear ached. Allan Law came over to-day to put a fire in the
engine to keep the water from freezing It was not very cold to-day but very windy &
snowdrifty.
Sunday February 9th
Dad. has felt very sick all day and didn't to any thing much but milk, feed the calves and let
the cows out & in again. I sent the most of the day doing the rest of the chores. I felt kind of
tired myself. Aunty, Frank & Lila all went down to Sunday School & church, but none of the
rest of us. Dick didn't get up till about noon. This afternoon Mrs. Johnson & Mrs. McPherson
with Cecil & Leon came over to see Enah and she walked down to Quanbury's with them.
Ada was also over to see H.J.H. Barrett. Allan Law came over again to put a fire in the
engine. King Pepper was in this morning with a little dog, which Dad. told him had a broken
leg. It was up to far to bandage it so Dad said just to keep him quiet and it would likely get
all right. Frank found Aunty's muff this morning right near the bandstand in the snow.
George Spain told him in Sunday School that he had taken it home and after keeping it two
days and not finding an owner he had brought it back and left it where he found it. It was
not at all hurt Aunty said. Not cold to-day but windy.
Monday February 10th
We got up pretty early this morning on account of threshers They got started about half

past nine. The only extra ones we had were Mr. Odd & Billy Louis. We thrashed nearly all
morning and never saw a head of alsike, and the blue grass neatly all blew over, so we
stopped thrashing the blue grass in the back part of the mow and confined our labor to the
front bint. We only got about two bags of seed all day, and there is about two hours more
to go through yet. For awhile Dad. thought it wouldn't be worth thrashing but we got nearly

16

to the floor at one end and it is much thicker so I guess we will finish the job. Dad has the
shed, the driveway and over the sheep pen filled up with thrashed hay, and it {the following
words in brackets are guessed at due to being covered up on the page} {was} way out in
front of the drive way. He had a very {---ty?} place and feels pretty tired to-night.
Charlotte {had?} a calf to-night another boy. Aunty says "It may {be?} cold in the house but
they are having a "bully" time in {the?} barn" It was very cold & frosty this morning but the
sun got up and it was quite a nice day. There was a slight easterly breeze which was just
what we wanted as it blew the smoke away from the barn. It is about the first time this
winter we have had an east breeze. Dick & I sent away to-night for a work of 10 volumes
which we saw advertised called "The Wonders of Science in Modern Life".
Tuesday January February 11th
We finished up our threshing about noon - the seed came a little faster than yesterday and
I guess we have about five or six bushels, they didn't need me much to help them so I didn't
hang around looking for a chance to help. I did a few chores but nothing to speak of. This
afternoon I went over and helped thrash at Sam Law's we got all the red clover thrashed
and he got just the same as we did - three bags and a little more. It turned out pretty well. I
have to go back in the morning to help thrash out three loads of alsike. Dad. did up all the
chores here this after noon & I did not get home till after tea. Dick had to go back to help
Hazen find a mistake to-night. Mr Wiggins was going to a dance in Jarvis. Allan Law was
going down too. It has been much milder to-day this morning it looked stormy but was
sunny after dinner and it seems colder to-night.
Wednesday February 12th
I didn't get up very early this morning and went over to Sam Law's as soon as I had my
breakfast. They started to thrash soon after nine - and got though just about noon. They
got just three bags of alsike so it turned out much better than ours as they said they only
had three loads. I stayed over there to dinner. This afternoon Dad. & Frank fixed up three
pens in front of the cow for the calves, they had to be separated as they suck each other's
ears & Spot's calf had it's ears frozen last night. I battoned up the door of the horse stable

with tar paper and it took me nearly all the after noon. We started separating again this
morning Frank stayed home from school to-day to help Dad. get some of the thrashed blue
grass over to the other barn but the wind was too strong. Dick had to go back to work tonight. There was a very cold north wind all day and quite a snowstorm to-night for a while

17

Thursday February 13th
We didnt get any thing done to-day but chores. I sawed a little wood this after noon &
hung around. Aunty went down town to Bible Class. To-night I went down to band practice
and got home about half past ten. It has been cold and very windy all day. The wind got up
with the sun and made Dad. feel very cross all day as he wanted to get some to the
thrashed blue grass moved to the other barn, and we couldnt with the wind & rough road.
Friday February 14th
We spent our spare time this morning in fixing a door in the east side of the horse stable
loft where we can pitch hay off by hand instead of using the hay fork This afternoon after
we had the chores done up we went over and put a load of timothy hay in the rack ready to
haul to the horse stable at the first opportunity as the supply over there is getting low.
Harry. Varey drove Mrs. Johnston over to spend the after noon with Enah & he & {Elan?}
{called?} for her again after tea. Tiddums had colic to-day - very wicked. Miss Harding was
out this afternoon to see him. Sunny & mild with not much wind to-day, very nice day.
Saturday February 15th
As soon as we got the chores done this morning we {the following words in brackets are
guessed at due to being covered up on the page} {moved?} the load of timothy which we
loaded yester day over to the stable and Frank helped us unload it. Then we {al...?} and put
on a load of the thrashed blue grass and {hauled it} over to the other barn. This after noon
we unloaded it. {We?} loaded two more, we unloaded one and left the other on the barn
floor, so we think we have got in a pretty day's work. Nigel came over quite early this
morning & Lila followed him up this after noon, both are staying over night. Aunty went
down town this after noon to get some things. Something has gone wrong with the dining
room stove chimney and we can hardly see accross the room in there for smoke. Nice day,
much milder, slight wind and raining to-night.
Sunday February 16th

I intended to go to church this morning with Aunty, Dick & Frank but I had to go up on the
roof to see what was the matter with the dining room chimney, and as I had to wait till the
fire went out it was twenty minutes to eleven when I got down, I found the cause of the
trouble was that a brick had blown down the chimney and nearly filled up the flue. I hadn't
much trouble in disloging it Quint came over with the boys to dinner, and this afternoon we

18

went skating. I thought I ought to go as I didn't get to church this morning. We were the only
ones on the creek, and the skating was good. We were out to the end of the pier and up as
far as Tommy Jackson's, Frank & I came home at half past five & Quint & Dick came over
later. Nice day, rather cold and cloudy. It turned cold and froze during the night. We saw a
flock of geese flying north to-day.
Monday February 17th
Dad. and I hooked Joe & Ginger to the buggy this morning and took them down to be shod
but we found every shop in town full, so after getting a buggy load of groceries came home,
I dropped a dollar's worth of sugar on the floor at Bagley & Miller's and spilt it all over, I was
mad enough to cuss. We found out that to-morrow would be the last day they would cut
ice, so as we couldn't get the team shod, Dad. spoke to Allan Law and he said he would hold
it for us. We intended to get the ice house all ready this after noon but didn't get much
done to it. Alfred came over for a visit & Felix Perkins came in to sell a wind mill. I was going
to print pictures to-night but we were a little late with tea and as I wanted to do quite a lot,
I thought I had better wait till I had more time. Dick didn't come home to tea to night. We
don't know where he is but suppose he has gone to A.Y.P.A. There was quite a snow
storm tonight this morning but cleared off and was very sunny & mild this after noon. Clear
& freezing to night.
Tuesday February 18th
Allan Law came with the first load of ice this morning soon after breakfast before we had

our chores done and we have been on the hump all day. We just put in six loads, and think
that will be enough till we see if it keeps and we can easily put in more another time. It kept
us busy to keep it well chinked with snow and icechips and we have yet to get some
sawdust and pack it. Dick had to work last night till midnight and to-night came home, he
has to work every other night for awhile. It has been very mild and sunny all day, freezing
to-night.
Wednesday February 19th
Dad. & I did the chores all up this forenoon. Vyse was over for quite awhile and also a pedlar
who waited around about ten minutes for Enah to make her appearance to sell something and then received hardly any attention so departed with haste. Aunty went down to the
dentists but had to go again to-morrow. We took Joe & Ginger down right after dinner to
be shod. I came home soon after we got there but Dad. did not get back till dark. Butler is

19

so slow. I didn't do much except put some more snow in the chinks of ice and cut a little
wood. Dad. had to milk after tea to-night. Dick didn't come home to tea as he has to work
to night. Mrs. Jack & Mrs. Charlie Martin were over this after noon while Enah was visiting at
Quanbury's. It has been a lovely day but terribly muddy.
Thursday February 20th
Dad. & I left as soon after breakfast as possible this morning for Brad. Bowlby's to get a load
of sawdust, we got back about noon and after putting it in the ice-house found we would
need more, so left right after dinner and got a bigger load, getting home at four o'clock. Dick
got home early and unloaded it for us, we could use a little more but we have enough for
the present. To-night Dick got a ticket for Dad. to go to the Library Concert so I went with
them, they had a farce called "That Rascal Pat" which wasn't much in itself, but the actors,
Bill Davis, Perce Brock & Art. Lawson were great. It was very short and we were home at half
past ten. It barely froze last night, and has thawed very much all day. If we had waited any
longer to go for our sawdust we wouldn't have been able to get in after it, the road was so
bad. Mrs. Crosby Morgan died last night.
Friday February 21st
Just as we were getting ready to sack up some oats this morning, Jack came along and
bought our veal calf (Erie's) for eight dollars, he was big but very thin. Dad. took some oats
& barley down to the mill to be chopped just before dinner. Aunty went down town to get
some flowers for Mrs. Morgan's funeral. Frank came home at noon and is to have a half

holiday, as Mr. Smith had to go to Captain McFell's funeral this afternoon. Allan Law came in
after dinner and said he was going to take his seed to Jarvis in the morning so I am going
with him and take ours. Dad. settled up with him for threshing and he didn't charge anything
for hauling the ice, so we got it pretty cheap, as Val. didn't charge for cutting it. Dad. and I
went down town after some coal oil and came around by the mill and got our chop and
then loaded on our seed. We started to have a musical evening but Tiddums opposed uss
and had to have refreshments. Colder to-day with cold easterly wind, getting stormier tonight.
Saturday February 22nd
We got up before day light this morning as I expected to go to Jarvis with Allan Law, but he
never turned up, we supposed on account of the weather. Dad. informed us this morning
that the old sow had a big litter of piglets. We have counted them several times during the

20

day and have come to the conclusion there are thirteen, all healthy and of uniform size.
Soon after breakfast young Billy Louis came after Dad to go and see a sick cow so Frank
and I were left with all the undone chores on our hands, but we got them off in good shape
by noon, besides throwing off what was left of the load of threshed blue grass standing on
the barn floor. Dad. got home about noon and had to hurry to get down town by one as he
had to be bearer at Mrs. Morgan's funeral. Aunty went down with him. I didn't do much all
the afternoon except cut a little wood. The Ryersies came up and Frank went with them
back to the gully as Frank discovered a rabbit hole in the mound. One of our white cats has
been sick for the last couple of days and to-night has disappeared we are afraid for good. I
read "Oour Mutual Friend" all evening and wound up with a bath which nearly killed me. It
rained last night and then froze and has been raining most of the day with several heavy
down pours.
Sunday February 23rd
The two boys went to Sunday school Aunty didn't go as she has a cold and didn't like to go
out in the wind. I went down to church. Winny came over to dinner with Dick, who spent the
after noon down town. Dad. did chores. I read most of the time. We had some music. Frank
went back in the gully to look at his empty snares. It has been much colder to day with a
raw wind, freezing hard to night Dad is very anxious about his little pigs and to day
battoned up the cracks in the pig pen, he says they feel as warm as toast. There are
thirteen live ones and one dead one.
Monday February 24th
Allan Law came over this morning before I was through break fast all ready to start for
Jarvis I got ready as quickly as I could, with Dad's big coon skin over coat and stalked over
to Law's as Allan had to load up their seeds, we got started about nine o'clock. When we got
down about to the fourth concession Allan got out to walk and then got in with Bellack who
was leading a team to Jarvis to sell to Dave. Ward who is shipping to-day, so I drove on to
Jarvis's alone, I pulled into the association store as I saw the name of Fess above the door
but Allan saw me and told me to come on down farther to a brother of this fellow, so we

went down and left our load at the other place till after dinner. I came away in such a hurry
this morning that I forgot to take any money so had to look to Allan for dinner, and so got a
dandy. It took the fellow all the after noon to clean up our alsike & blue grass red clover and
we had to leave our blue grass for another time. We got $11 1/2 for the alsike & $9 for the
red clover, which is as good as any body is getting now I guess. I got $18 for mine. Allan only

21

got $10 for his alsike as it was part white clover. The fellow said it would have been worth a
lot more than ours if it had been brought in two months sooner but now the market was
closed for it. Allan got the same for his red seed as we did. I think he expected more than
he got. We left there I guess about half past five, and got home about seven, we came a lot
faster than we went as we had a big load on this morning. Dad has been over to Louises'
this after noon, their cow is getting better he had a very enjoyable visit with John Wess on
his way - one of our little pigs got killed some way this morning thirteen was an unlucky
number anyway. Emery McPherson and Mrs. Johnson were over this after noon. Mrs. McBride
has been here washing all day. Dick did not get home to-night, had to work I suppose.
Pretty cold to day but sunny and nice. Roads are awfully rough down east
Tuesday February 25th
We were very late this morning getting started, owing to my staying in bed later than I
should have, so it took us till noon doing chores. Allan Law came in with our seed and took
the waggon away with him again. This after noon Dad. & I drove down town on sundry
errands Dick came home to tea but went back down town again to see Huby. he said he
might skate or work. Aunty has been feeling very miserable all day, with grip or neuralgia or
both. Pretty cold, but sunny and no wind. I finished reading "Our Mutual Freind" to night,
sorry to leave it.
Wednesday February 26th
We didn't do any thing but chores to day. We went down to Alfred's with the sacks we

borrowed from him and found him feeling pretty sick with a cold, we were there quite
awhile and got back about noon Ern. Fleming was in for awhile this after noon to have Dad.
look at his horse who has scratches. I drew a little this after noon and spen the evening
practising on my horn. Frank went down town to-night to the moving picture show. Dick
was going too so we stayed down to tea It snowed all day, no wind and not very cold
Thursday February 27th
It snew & blew nearly all day. We did up all the chores this morning. Allan Law brought back
our waggon and borrowed the hay rack to haul a couple of loads of hay down town, he
brought it back to-night. This after noon Dad. drove Enah down town and when they got
back he & I drove down to the mill got some corn cobs and took them down to Huby's as
he wanted some to smoke his pork. I printed pictures tonight and met with fairly good
success. Dick did not work to-night

22

Friday February 28th
Dad. & I went down first thing this morning and got a load of coal with Joe & Ginger. We let
Belle & Harry out separately for a ran in the barn yard and they evidently enjoyed them
selves immensly, especially Harry. who was enraptured, this after noon we did chores and
unloaded our coal. Aunty has felt very miserable all day and feels as if she was getting the
grip. Dick did not come home to-night, this being the end of the month he had to work late.

It snowed the biggest part of the day but was quite mild. We are getting enough snow now
to make up for the rest of the winter.
Saturday March 1st
We did the chores all up this morning, this after noon we sat down to read, and stayed a
good deal longer than we should have - and then drove Joe & Ginger down town for
exercise, the sleighing is pretty good now. When we were letting the team into the stable
to-night Joe who goes in first stopped in the alleyway to nose for hay and Ginger came up
behind and turned in beside Belle and she kicked Ginger just below the knee and raised
quite a lump, but we don't think it will be serious. Frank has spent the day looking at his
empty trap and snares and scouring the farm in search of material to make a sleigh. Our
other white cat is at the point of death to-night, they must have got poisoned. Isaac
Johnson & Jack Lawrie were over this morning with a new horse bought by the farmer.
March has put in a very lamblike appearance. It snowed quietly most of the morning, and
has been sunny & mild the rest of the day.

Sunday March 2nd
The boys went to Sunday school and I went down to church. Aunty didn't go on account of
her cold and the bad weather Quint. came over to dinner and this after noon we went over
to the Shand's as Charlie had asked Frank at school. It was a rough day for a drive and we
werent sure wheter we could get through the cuts or not. This one out here was nearly full
and we just had room for Joe to go down one side of it. The four of us in the cutter made
quile a load but she got through the drifts nobly and where there were no drifts the
sleighing was pretty good. We were there all the after noon and they wanted us to stay to
tea but the wind was getting worse all the time so we thought it was better to leave before
dark. We drove around the other way coming home past McQueen's and the Mill as we
weren't shure about getting through the other way. It was getting very much colder and in
some places I couldn't see any farther than Joe's head for the drifting snow. we got home

23

just about dark, the lane out here was full and we all had to get out for to let Joe get
through Dad walked down to Alfred's this after noon and to Art's as Mrs Tuck asked Frank in
Sunday school to let them know that old Mrs. Sindon. had another stroke. Dad got very
cold, and says Alfred isn't feeling much better yet. Quint stayed here all night. Aunty read to
us all the evening, but I went to sleep before she finished.
Monday March 3rd
Dad didn't feel very well to-day so we did not do anything out side but chores and cut a
little wood. We also started to make out a list of seeds to send for to Simmer's It snowed
pretty much all day, was cold and windy this morning but the wind went down a little and it
was a great deal milder this after noon. Dick did not come home to tea to-nigh but went to
A.Y.P.A. I had quite a piano practice to-night.
Tuesday March 4th

I drove Dick down town this morning as the walking was so bad, we were to late in starting
to take Frank. When I got back Enah was ready to go down with 10 lbs of butter so after
cleaning out the stables I drove her down, she got 30 cts a lb. for the butter, we didn't get
back much before noon. Allan Law came over to get one of us to help him shovel out the
cut on the side road out here but as neither could go he said he wasn't going to do it alone
and so departed after breaking the handle of our snow shovel while talking. Dad felt very
miserable to-day so we didn't do any thing much this after noon but finish making out our
list of seeds. Aunty got a letter from Miss Scott this afternoon saying that a little daughter

arrived yesterday after noon to Ray & Vernon. Aunty couldn't make out from the letter
whether they were extra anxious about Vernon or not, but we didnt get any more word tonight so Dad. thinks every thing must be all right. We are afraid that all our cats except Fits
and her mother have gone where they don't play billiards as neither the grey or black cat
has showed up for the last two or three milking times. I had a good practice on horn &
piano to-night. It snowed a little to-day but was pretty sunny & not cold.
Wednesday March 5th
I drove Aunty & Dick down town, this morning. Aunty got Cousin Willie to telephone Ray and
find out how things were, he said they were doing better and said there would be a letter
from him on the noon train. I drove around town while waiting for Aunty as I didn't want to
keep Joe waiting. Bob. Miller asked me if we could keep a ewe for awhile for him as didn't
want to kill it yet. Aunty found out from Aunty Maude that Mrs. Baugner's friend Mr. Hamer

24

the great Shropshire man was coming to Mr Scofield's this afternoon so Dad. & I went down
and met him and thought he was a very nice fellow. We have been troubled lately by a very
disagreeable odour in the dining room and until this morning have been unable to discover
the cause, but upon investigation Dad found our two cats the black one and the white one
which disappeared from the horse stable so mysteriously lying dead in the garret directly
over the dining room stove, where it was warm. Frank found the remains of the grey cat
underneath the cultivator in the barn to-night, our once great supply of cats has now
dwindled down to two head. Dick had to work to-night so did not get home to tea. Mrs.
McBain. died very suddenly this morning about ten o'clock. I had a pretty good practice tonight. Rather cold, but sunny, windy to-night.
Thursday March 6th
Helen Agusta Wind was here to-day, so in honor of her visit we didn't do any thing but
chores, and not all of them as we didn't clean out the horse stable at all, for the first time
this winter. This afternoon I walked down town to get the mail as Dick wasn't coming home
to tea to-night. The lane was full of snow-drift so we couldn't drive. To night I went down to
the Orchestra dance, I didn't decide to go till just in time to get ready but the wind had died
down, so it wasnt so bad going. Dick was there and we had a good time, the only boots I
could find to wear, were a pair of thin soled paten leathers of Dad's, they were about a foot
too long for me but worked pretty well, we got home about three in the morning; it was
freezing hard and I guess was the coldest night this winter. Frank didn't go to school to-day
on account of a bad cold.
Friday March 7th
Dad. and I started to dig out the lane this morning but Sam Law came over - about ten
o'clock - and got Dad. to go and help dig out the one cut on the side road and at the
winding hills, so I didn't get finished here. This afternoon we did chores, and I walked down
and got the mail and my hair cut. Frank was in the house all day to-day again and feels
pretty sick. Dick brought home a book to-night which he persisted in reading out loud and
so I could not get this written. Had a practice on my horn. It has been freezing hard all day

but sunny and no wind.
Saturday March 8th
Dad. and I did up the chores this morning, we also finished shovelling out the lane. I drove
Enah down town this after noon to sell her butter and do shopping I didn't wait for her

25

standing as I was afraid Joe would get cold so drove around town I picked up Roy Dell and
afterwards Quint & Jim Muth piled in too but they didn't stay long. When we got home Mr.
& Mrs. Morley Buck and kids were over just leaving. Mrs. Buck had been comparing babies
but thought Tiddums would be not much account as he didn't sleep out doors. Jack Martin
came over this after noon while we were gone and took all his roosters. Dick didn't come
home to tea to-night we supposed he had to work. We started to have a practice to-night
but Tiddums had to wake up and be fed just as we got started and it looks now as if I was in
for a bath. It has been much milder to-day snowed this morning and is almost thawing this
evening before sundown.
Sunday March 9th
The boys went to Sunday school this morning, Aunty stayed home to mind Tiddums so as
to let Dad. & Enah go to church, we started rather late and it was beginning to rain before
we got to the corner it was pouring so hard we came back. Frank did not go to church. This
after noon we didn't do anything much Dad. did all the chores and Enah & I practiced Dick
read, he was very disappointed as he has been counting on a sleigh ride this afternoon but
the sleighing is nearly all gone, although a cutter & bob sleigh did go past in the mud. It has
been very mild & sunny this after noon but every thing is flooded.
Monday March 10th
Dad. and I loaded up some wheat oats this morning and took it down to be chopped. This
after noon Dad drove Aunty down to the McBains and on down town to get the mail and

then drove around by the mill for the chop Just after dinner Allan Law drove in with his new
buggy and harness and wanted to go to Jarvis after the blue grass money, so I went with
him. the roads were a little muddy but not bad we went down and back in three hours, and
were there half an hour or more. We got eight dollars for our seed with 17 lbs of alsike in it
and Allan got a little over five for his. we didn't expect any more. He gave usl 2 1/2 cts for
the blue gras & 17 cts per lb for the alsike. Allan bought me a cigar and I was fool enough to
smoke it on the way home. It was my first whole one and although I didn't suffer any ill
effects from it I think it will be my last because I don't see any sense in it. Mrs. McBride has

been here washing to-day. Cliff Mc{Baind?} was in before break fast this morning to see if
Dad would take their old mare but we couldn't so Dad told him to shoot her which he did
this afternoon. Although they hated to do it, they couldn't manage any other was as they
are all leaving for Toronto to-night. Dick did not get home to tea to-night. Very mild and
sunny. snow going fast.

26

Tuesday March 11th
Teddy George was in before breakfast this morning to get Dad. to go over to Monteith's to
see a sick cow Dad. fed the calves and had a cup of coffee but when he got over there the
cow was dead. After doing up the chores Dad hooked up Joe & Ginger and we hauled up a
load of rails. This afternoon we put a load of timothy on the rack to haul to the horse stable
in the fmorning when the ground is frozen. Dad had been carrying blue grass over lately.

Frank went down to see a health-car to-night so was late getting home. Just before ten
Hazen & Murray drove in to tell Dick that he needn't go to work to night but Dick didn't
come home anyway. Murray says he is home on sick leave but not very sick. Miss Monteith
& Mrs Welch were in this after noon. Mild. muddy and springlike
Wednesday March 12th
Lorne Myers and his father came in first thing this morning to get a load of the threshed
blue grass which Dad. told him he could have for five dollars a load, while they were putting
it on we took Joe & Ginger and hauled our load of timothy over to the horse stable. Bill
Donald came in just as the Myers were going - and it was nearly noon when he left. Dad.
discovered Queen had cut a nasty gash in her {right?} fore leg just above the fetlock, he
thought at first the tendon was cut but when he bathed it after dinner found it wasn't; he
feels very badly about it and is afraid it will always be rough there. This afternoon we
weighed and took Alfred's bushel of clover seed to him. He his pretty sick yet. When we got
back we went out and cleaned out the road ditch running on the south side of the wheat
field - as it was full of snow - and was backing a big pond on to the wheat. The seeds we
sent to Simmer's for came to-day. Froze last night but sunny & thawing to-day looks like a
big storm.
Thursday March 13th
We bathed Queen's leg and did chores this morning Aunty went down town to the dentist
and stayed down to go to Bible class this after noon Dad. drove down after her about half
past four. This after noon Dad & I moved quite a lot of the threshed blue grass out of the
drive way into the barn. To night Dick and I went down to band practice but there wasn't
any thing much going on as a lot of them were practicing at the Presbyterian concert. Dick
couldn't get his cornet as Bill Graham has taken it. Murray was playing a lot of the new song
hits over on the town hall piano for Walt Perce Brock was dancing to them. Vyse was over

27

most of the morning. It rained a little but has been sunny & warm Frank and Dad each saw a
robin to-day and Dick said he saw two or three, they are the first I have heard of.
Friday March 14th
I didn't get up early this morning and had the blues for most of the forenoon. We fixed up
the ice house a little more and put some tar paper and siding on the front of it so that it
looks ever so much better. This after noon we trimmed apple trees we got two pretty well
browsed in two hours and a half. The cows all went back to the gully this after noon, when I
went back for them they were nosing around half way to the culvert but they came when I
called them. Lila came over with Frank to stay all night. Dick came home to tea. After we sat
down to tea Roy Bannister came after Dad. to go and see their old horse which he said was
choking. Dad. had his tea and then went over to see it. Tiddums allowed Enah to play the
whole evening for Dick and me. and I didn't go to bed till about eleven. It has been a
beautiful day quite hot but to-night a very heavy thunder storm came up and it rained &
hailed nearly all evening, that in the spring means cold weather.
Saturday March 15th
We got up pretty fairly early this morning and Dad discovered that the calves were in the
sheep pen and upon investigation found that they had come through the barn and had let
the sheep all out. we supposed the wind last night had blown the barn doors open. Another
little bit of excitement we had was Dick discovering that Lila had come in to his room
before he was awake and taken his Romany Club pin of his coat. and she wouldn't give it

back. She said he had no right to it as he didn't belong to their club. but he said he was
going to keep it as they had sold it to him. We found out later when Winnie came over that
Lila had lost hers, and there wasn't another one so she had taken Dick's but Win persuaded
to give it back as they had found the lost one. I think Dick bought it so as there wouldn't be
enough to go round and led them to under stand he was buying it for another member of
the club. We got the chores done up pretty early but didn't get any thing else much done.
Dad. went over to Bannister's to see their horse and says he thinks it will die. Roy came
back with him and fooled around with Frank nearly all morning and at last went home with

an Horatio Alger book after Frank had showed about half a dozen {"tame" illegible} Win and
Lila went home soon after dinner. This afternoon Dad drove Enah and Frank down town,
Enah sold her butter and Frank got a new suit which he is highly delighted with. Dad
arranged with Marshall to send our cream to the butter factory in April.The roads were a
fright, frost nearly out in some places. I cut wood and cleaned out enough threshed

28

bluegrass to shut the barn doors. It rained this morning this after noon very high wind and
colder not quite freezing to-night. Dick had to work tonight. Tiddums on the mend slept
most of the day.
Sunday March 16th
Aunty and the boys went down to sunday school & church I helped Dad do up some of the
chores and then left here about eleven for church. I was a little late of course so sat in the
back with Dick & Fred Tuck. Quint came over to dinner with us and this afternoon he Dick &
I went down town and sat around down at the Vigilant with Jim Muth till six. Dick stayed
down to tea at Huby's but I came home. Dad did up the chores. It froze last night and has
been much colder to-day with a sharp wind. Freezing pretty hard to night. Snow flurries to
day.
Monday March 17th

Dad. and I caught the two young gobblers this morning and put them up over the pig pen,
where we hope to get them in a corpulent state, one for home consumption and the other
to convert into cash, we started before dinner to move more alsike & bluegrass threshing
and this after noon got it all out of the drive way and piled in one corner of the empty bent
in the barn as high as was convenient to pich, there is still quite a pile in the shed. Enah
went down town to church this afternoon, there is church every afternoon this week now.
Dick came home with her. Tom. Abbot was in this morning to see Dad. about his mare who
has distemper. It froze pretty stiff last night and there has been a rather sharp breeze to-

day but sunny.
Tuesday March 18th
I went down town this morning took some saws down for Emery to sharpen and got him to
come over to morrow to help us build a smoke house. I also saw Huby and asked him to
come over as Dad. wanted to speak to him about tendering for a mail route. He came over
this afternoon and said he would think about it. I got a pair of low shoes and came home.
This after noon we tore down most of the old chicken house - as that is were we expect to
get the material for the smoke house. Skinny Ryersie came over this after noon with the
ewe Bol. Miller wanted to keep her for awhile. He said it was one of my old ones, but I dont
beleive I would have recognised it. Aunty went down to church this after noon. Art
Quanbury was in soon after dinner and got all the white wyandotte pullets (14). It has been
very much milder but windy.

29

Wednesday March 19th
Emery did not show up this morning as we expected and we found out after wards that he
stayed at home to help Mrs. McPherson get ready to go to Courtright in the morning. Dad.
and I finished taking the nails out of the old chicken house boards and I just hung around
this after noon and went back to the gully where I heard a frog. Enah went down to church
this afternoon. To-night Dick and Frank went to the show the Presbyterian church had in

the town hall called "The Old District School" which they enjoyed very much. I had a good
practice. Lovely day very mild the frost nearly all out.
Thursday March 20th
Emery came over this morning and built the smoke house getting it all finished by to-night.
Dad. & I helped him and I cleaned out the separator this after noon Aunty went down to
church to-day. Emery stayed here to tea and Cecil came over here to find him. After tea
Dick. Emery Cecil and I went down town & I went to band practice Dick got his first long
pants to-night but I don't think he likes them much. It rained a little and was threatening
this morning but turned out fine and was a beautiful night.
Friday March 21st
It poured rain most of the morning. Frank and Enah went down to church as this is Good
Friday. Cecil McPherson came over and said he thought he would stay here awhile on his
way to his Grandpa's, but owing to the weather he stayed till after dinner when his father
came and called for him. A terrific wind got up about noon and blew things "galley west." It
flatene our barnyard fence, tore some of the roof of our cow stable rooted up the old half
dead mountain ash tree at the corner of the spare bedroom and blew over our new smoke
house. We three boys went down town and found the water very high down at the pier. We
noticed Woodson's tank has blown off its tower and their fence is lying all over the
sidewalk. Aunty and I intended to go to church to-night but as the wind was so bad we
decided to stay home and I had a pretty fair practice. Dick went down town to a party at
{Bessie?} Graham's.
Saturday March 22nd
Dad and I & Frank fixed up the fence around the barnyard which blew down yesterday. Roy
Bannister came over to spend the morning with Frank. This after noon Dad and I went down
town to get some groceries. We have to take beef for Easter as the wind yesterday blew

30

apart the pig pen door and both the turkeys got loose and we haven't caught them yet. We
heard of quite a lot of damage being done around here several wind mills put out of
business and the roof blew off Chart. Wooleys barn. but by the paper we see there is much
more damage done in other parts of the province. Dad. got his hair cut and I waited around
till he got through Mrs. Lawrie was here when we got back. I had a good practice to-night.
Sunny with cold wind.

Sunday March 23rd
As this was Easter Sunday, Dad. and Enah managed to get down to church while Aunty
looked after Tiddums. This after noon I wasted in sleeping and reading Dad & Frank did all
the chores. It was cloudy this morning and rained all the afternoon Aunty wanted to go to
church to-night but couldn't on account of the weather. Franks got 12 eggs to-day which is
more than he has got since Christmas but for that it has seemed very un-Eastery.
Monday March 24th
I didn't do any thing much to-day but chores Dad & Frank cleaned up the old barn, and I
read a lot of "Tom Dick & Harry". Jimmy Lawse came over quite early this morning and got
Fred. Dad. was disappointed Bob. didn't see her before she got all wet and muddy but I saw
Bob to-night and he said she was in better shape than he expected. The fellow that lives
down at the corner where Andre used to live was over this morning to see if he could buy
some little pigs as he had a lot of milk going to waste, he seemed disappointed when he
couldn't get them but Dad. didn't want to sell any and had had a lot speak before. It poured

rain all last night and most of the morning but was clear all the afternoon. About dark it
began again and kept it up all night to-night. Dick and I went down to the Orchestra dance
to-night, it was raining so hard when we left about 3 am that we went down to Huby's. I just
took off my coat and boots and lay on the sofa. Dick I guess turned in with Quint. About six I
came home. Dick spent about half of his holiday yesterday in bed and the other half in
town.
{The entries for Mar. 25 & 26 were written by Toby's father, Harry Barrett.}
Tuesday March 25th
It poured rain all last night and this forenoon, the mud is terrible Tobe and Dick stayed at
Hubert's after the ball. Tobe got home Just as Frank and I were getting the fires going. We
did very little but chores all day, the papers are full of the awful loss of life and property

31

caused by the storm on Good Friday. It was fair for a little while this afternoon but is raining
and freezing a little tonight.
Wednesday March 26th
A very heavy fog this morning, but mild the ice was dropping from the trees, we took Joe
and Ginger on the lumber wagon and moved the big bin from the drive house over to the
old barn there we put on three sacks of oats to go to the mill, we got there and then on
down town. Aunty went with us, (Frank & me) she stayed down town. Frank and I got home
about noon with our chop and our flour. After dinner we cleaned up some wheat. Aunty got
home about six. Dick did not get home to tea. Toby went down to have a practice. It is a
dark dismal night and not knowing whether to snow or rain.
Thursday March 27th
It blew & snew all day so we didn't do any thing out side but chores. I drew a little this

morning while Dad. paid a visit to Alfred and Frank worked at his "Mecanno" We weren't sure
whether Dick would be home to night with the mail. I walked down after it, I saw Dick and
we went down and got our Science books and I brought them home. I took my horn down
this afternoon and went down to band practice to night. Dick did get home to tea after all.
The papers are full of account of the awful floods in Ohio.There has been a blizzard most of
the day and to-night is freezing quite stiff. Snow all over again
Friday March 28th
We put in most of the day to-day hauling hay. We had two motives for so doing, first
because we were out of hay both in horse stable and cow barn, and secondly because we
wanted to get at the clover which was under what we hauled for the sheep, we just cut a
square out of one corner of the blue grass mow and took out all the blue grass till we struck
clover. We could only haule half loads as the mud under the frozen crust was to hard to pull
through but Joe & Ginger did it. We hauled one half load to the other barn and half a one to
the horse stable and put half a one on the rack Frank pitched out of the mow Dad pitched
on and I loaded. Enah went down town this morning and Aunty went calling at Brileys &
Martin's this afternoon. It has been very sunny all day but a cold wind, freezing to night.
Saturday March 29th

32

Frank, Dad and I cleaned up more wheat this morning but have quite a lot left yet. Nig. came
over this morning and he and Frank went back hunting this after noon around the gully. I
went back too with my camera. I intended to follow the south creek to its source but as I
couldn't get across it and there were several branches to it I had to keep on the south of
every branch. I was led at last nearly to Colin McNellige's barn - and then I went down to
Cedar swamp in quest of skunk cabbage but as I was on the wrong side of that creek and
the log was gone I didn't find any, I think it is a little early any way. I heard a dog barking
down the stream and upon investigation, discovered Billy Louis & Balby Wright with their
dog's. I talked to them awhile and then came part way home with Billy the same way
I came went. Dad. and Aunty went down town this after noon Dad. settled up with Bob
Miller for Fred. he got $60.00 for her, just what he asked and Bob said she was worth it. Bob
offered him $48.00 for the twelve little pigs now but Dad. doesn't want to sell them till he
has spoken to the othe people who have asked for them, he saw Carl Coleman coming over
here on his way home with his cow who had another piece of turnip in her throat. Dick did
not get home to tea to night It has been much milder to-day and very sunny.
Sunday March 30th
I went down to church this morning. Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday School and
church. Dick stayed down at Huby's to tea dinner. This after noon I decided to take a walk
up to Wooley's to make sure whether the roof was off his barn or not as we have heard
conflicting reports concerning it. I fell in with Jacks Spain & Winn, Lewie Larose & Geordie
Spain. and they came to the conclusion that they would go with me, but Lewie didn't go
very far. The rest of went up to Wooley's point with out much adventure, then I left them
there to go and ascertain the facts of the barn case, and found it in perfectly good
condition and I didn't think it was likely they would have it all fixed up so soon. I came back
to the lake just by Hay Creek and saw the other fellows down the beach, and saw by their
foot prints that they had kept on the beach so I thought if they could go that way I could
too but soon found out that I was very much mistaken. I got into quicksand above my boot
tops and just covered myself with mud (I was fool enough to have worn my good clothes) I
lost one rubber and fished around with my fingers for about five minutes before I found it. I
struck for the bank at the first opportunity and stayed there till I got to where I knew I
wouldn't have to cross any more mud. I washed my rubbers off as well as I could. When I
got down to McCoy's bush I found Skinny & Perce Ryersie with Fred Tuck Bangers &
{Smock?} making maple syrup they had quite a quantity of sap gathered and were boiing it
down right there. I took a picture of them and then homeward plodded my weary way, via

33

the back streets of Dover thus escaping the notice of most of the good people who might
scoff at my appearance. I stopped at Huby's to try and brush off some of the mud but did
not succeed he gave me a piece of Sassafras root which Mr Henderson had got. Lovely
sunny day but muddy in spots Monday March 31st
Dad. went off this morning to settle up about the sale of his little pigs, he saw. John
Quanbury & Vyse and they didn't want to block the sale of the bunch so he sold the eleven
of them to Bob. Miller for forty five dollars he had given the runt to Frank so couldn't sell it
with the rest. I did the chores up and Tupper came through on his way down town. This
afternoon the old man that lives down at the corner came up here with his cream to churn
as Dad. told him he might this morning. Part of the barn yard fence blew down again this
morning and some of the cattle got into the field. About four o'clock Dad. and I went up to
Ham Thompsons and Dad bought his registered short horn bull calf for fifty five dollars
although he wanted sixty as he says their price has gone up very much lately. We didn't get
home till six so were late with the chores. Dick did not get home to tea to-night I suppose
as it is the last of the month It rained alittle this morning, cloud, windy and colder to-night.
Tuesday April 1st
There was a very strong wind blowing all day to-day and as wind makes Dad. sick & mad.
we didn't do anything but chores, but did them thoroughly, we also went out and I held the
ladder while Dad nailed a board on the eve of the cow stable roof, as the wind was getting

under our roofing paper and tearing it. This after noon I slept most of the time and Dad
made some meat hooks out of the rod he got from Butler the other day. Aunty went down
town this morning and stayed down till after the auxillary this after noon. Dick did not get
home to tea. I had a good practice to-night. Ed. Aikens was in this after noon to see Dad.
about a dog which he left here to be looked after. Cold but sunny to-day. Froze pretty
stiffly last night but the wind dried up a lot of mud.
Wednesday April 2nd
Dad. and I put up the barnyard fence again this morning which the wind blew down the day
before yesterday While we were at it the old man at the corner, (whose name he told us
was Mr. Green, but who is commonly known as Jonas by the surrounding neighbourhood.)
came in and bargained for a load of hay. Dad. said he would let him have a load of thashed
alsike for five dollars but would not deliver it with the roads in the shape they are, so this

34

after noon he got Allan Law to come and get it for him, his wife came last night so he is a
little more cheerful, Charlie Martin was over this morning for awhile to see about getting
some meat smoked and he helped us raise the smoke house. We chopped up the old
mountain ash tree that blew down and got a small pile of firewood from it. This after noon
we didn't do much as Allan Law and his friend Jonas came after the latter's hay and we
stayed out at the barn watching them work. Tupper came in soon after their exodus and
entertained us for about an hour relating the history of Jonas, & Sairy his wife as he had
known them in the days of his youth when they lived near Waterford. It appears that Jonas
has a few shingles of his roof and that some of "Saiway's" as Jonas evidently calls her are
loose. It was rather late in the life of each of them when they entered upon their
matrimonial career and all has not been perfectly clear sailing since as they now and then
strike a rock in the shape of a pugilistic bout, in which the old lady generally comes off with
the laurels. Many were the anecdotes he told of pranks & tricks enjoyed by the juvenile
portion of the comunnity at Mr. Green's expence and one case where that gentleman's
claw's did him a good service in peeling a youth's face with whom he was engaged in battle.
Aunty went down town this after noon and brough back a note from Mrs. Lawson
containing news of the arrival of a new member to the house of Tupper, and it was to be
delivered to the head of that house. Mrs. Tupper is down at Mrs. Lawson's and the stork
called yesterday morning but Mrs. Lawson hadn't seen anybody to carry the tidings home.
Tupper said this after noon he in tended to call down there the end of this week or the
beginning of next to see if there was any thing doing, he supposed they would let him know
if a boy came but if it was a girl he didn't care a cent. Poor Tupper it was a girl and he was
going fishing to-night. Just before ten to-night Billy Barlow drove in he had been down in
this country after beef and dropped in to see us and Dad sold him his two gobblers. Dick
did not come home to tea to night but I went down to private band practice and we came
home to gether. Pud. Slocomb Roy Dell & Walt were at band practice and we had a fairly
good one. Very nice day to-day Sunny and quite mild, Roads are drying up fast. Blacker
than a stack of black cats to-night. Found 4 duck eggs in mudpuddle
Thursday April 3rd
Mr. Green came in this morning for a little visit before breakfast and sat by the door with
his hat on all the time we were eating. We couldn't do very much out side to day on
account of the weather but this morning we finished cleaning up the wheat and this after
noon started to clean up oats but didn't get much done Emery came over with the pieces
he is going to put on the bed piece of the rack to rest on the holster instead of the cross

35

pieces on the holster but he couldnt finish the job as the bolts he brought over didn't have
a long enough thread cut on them. Tonight I went down to band practice with Emery. I wore
my steel boots and gaiters to keep off the mud and I left my horn at Hubys. It has rained
nearly all day to-day with thunder and lightening but seems to have cleared off to night. It
seems there is a new fellow now negotiating with the town concerning a canning factory
they have formed a joint stock company and yesterday sold $8000 worth of shares they
want to sell $15000 worth.
Friday April 4th
Dad. & I drove Joe & Ginger up to Simcoe to-day. Dad went to Frank Reid's and paid the
intrest on the mortgage and $1000 of the principal which Aunty got and wanted to pay last
fall but couldn't as they wouldn't take it till the right date. We got there just a little after
twelve and Dad. just caught Mr. Reid as he was leaving for dinner we also called around to
see Billy Barlow but his shop door was locked so we dropped in at Church's and got our old
harnessed fixed and came home getting here about half past three. The roads were very
bad in some places especially in the streets of Simcoe, we didn't go by the half way house
but turned at the cemetry corner and came out on the gravel at St. John's as Carl Coleman
told me the other night there was a bad place near Brad. Bowlby's but we found the back
road in very good condition. We had our dinner and did up a few chores after we got home
Charlie Martin came over just before tea and tuned the piano Dick came home to tea. It has
been cloudy and threatening all day but quite mild. It rained before and after we went to
Simcoe but was fair all the time we were gone. Quint was over a couple of times after some
ducks, Frank saw in the timothy field. But Saturday April 5th
Frank and Dad. went up to Ham. Thompson's about the first thing this morning and got our
bull, they were gone quite a while as he gave them considerable trouble and got away once
and ran way down the track. We have to think of name for him as is to be registered. While
they were gone Quint and George Haymaker came along, they had come up the creek and
came over here to see if the ducks were here, but they weren't. George wanted to know if I

knew any body around here by the name of Mull or some name sounding like that, who kept
brown leg horn chickens and lived a long way in from the road; by this last hint I suppose I
mentioned Tupper which proved to be the correct answer; they didn't know the way over
there so I showed them part way as George wanted to get some eggs. This after noon Frank
& Enah went down town for supplies. I cut wood and Dad carried hay and then we hung the

36

hams all up in the smoke house Dick didn't come home to tea to-night. It has been colder
and windy to-day with quite a snow storm to-night.
Sunday March April 6th
Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday school and I went to church this morning. This
after noon I drew a pattern to carve and Dick went down town. Dad. did nearly all the
chores. {The remainder of this paragraph was written by Toby's father, Harry Barrett.} Toby
and Hattie have gone in to have some music so I told him I would finish this, there is little
more to say. It has been a cold miserable day, quite a wind with occasional snow flurries, it
is freezing hard tonight.
Monday April 7th
I didn't do anything much to-day, helped Dad. a little clean out the place where we had the
calves as he wants to build a stall for the bull (who by the way we have decided to call

Dreadnought after Aunty's suggestion) in one corner of it. Dad. lit a fire in the smoke house
this morning and about noon Art Quanbury came over with Charlie Martin's hams and some
side meat of his fathers which Dad promised to smoke. Bob. Miller came over and got the
little pigs to-day. He paid $44.00 for the eleven but left Runty for Frank, we left him in with
the old sow but soon had to remove him as we heard a terrible racket in the pig pen and
when Dad went to investigate found the old sow with the little pig down and treating it in a
very savage manner and if she had been left to continue would soon have killed it but as it
was she didn't hurt it much Aunty went down town this after noon, and something or other

struck Enah to go down to A.Y.P.A. to-night so Dad. went with her I guess it was because
Aunty Maude was going to recite. Dick did not get home to tea to-night we don't know
whether he had to work or not. We think of getting up early in the morning and going fishing
back in the gully. Ray Dell told Frank to-night that Ern. Fleming caught 6 pike above the
culvert at our place yesterday or the day before. Mrs. McBride was here washing to-day. It
was cloudy and inclined to snow this morning but turned sunny & muddy & mild this after
noon. Lovely night. {indistinct marks on page}
Tuesday April 8th
Dad finished building his bull stall to-day. I didn't do much in the morning but this after
noon I pruned another apple tree. We got up about half past five this morning and started
to the gully armed with a rifle and two pitch forks. We went down to the culvert and walked
up but didn't see a sign of aquatic life except a mud turtle who was too cold to resist my

37

picking him out of the water on my fork and some sort of a fish about a foot long which I
speared at but missed. I also saw two minnows. Aunty went down town to the dentists this
morning and was successful in finding the door unlocked and Bill in working order. Dick had
to work to-night and said when he got home that got nearly through he only made a
mistake of $1800.00. Froze hard last night, sunny & breezy to-day.
Wednesday April 9th
This morning I started to clean up the lawn in front of the house and I raked the grass
across the ditch. Then Dad. & I went back to the gully and burned some of the old grass on
the flat. After dinner went back again. we burned quite a lot of it but it is a little too wet to
run. When we got back we bolted the pieces on the bed pieces of the rack. To-night I went
down with my horn to practice but found there was a public meeting on in the hall and
consequently no practice so I went to the meeting, it was about the new school by law. Mr.
Ivey was speaking when I went in, and he was against it. Then Dr. Hicks & Mr. Robertson who
were for it had a little say, then Old Maneer & Dr. Jolly the former for & the latter against it.
Old Maneer told us that as he had lived in the back woods all his life he had no education so
would like to see a good school and that if nobody else would build it for less than
$28000.00 he would take the contract himself. They spent a good part of the time arguing
who was going to have the last word but Mr. Ivey left before it was over I think. Dick & I did
any way and got home after eleven. Aunty went down town this morning and stayed down
all night as Aunty Maude has not been at all well all day. It has been a nice day but with
quite a cold wind.
Thursday April 10th
It rained nearly all day so we didn't do much but chores. As I was cleaning out the stable
this morning I got a sharp stitch in my side and had to go in the house and lie down till after
dinner, and it was quite a while after dinner before it entirely left me. Aunty came over this
morning. This afternoon Dad fixed up the boxstall door and cleaned & admired Queen. Tonight I went down to band practice to-night. There weren't many there as all the orchestra
went to Port Rowan to a dance. Bob. Rankin was down and we had a pretty fair practice.

Dick had to work all evening hunting for a mistake of 40 something dollars and we came
home to-gether through the pouring rain. Quint got word by telephone to-day from
Geordie Allen saying he had a job for him and he is to go to Port Coulborne to morrow night.
He doesn't know yet what the job is but thinks it is on a boat.

38

Friday April 11th
Quint came over this morning to say goodbye to us and I went out with him to get his traps
which he set for the ducks and we scared up six but were too far away to get a shot at
them. Aunty went down with Quint and is going to stay down all night I went over as far as
Martin's with them and Aunty got Mrs. Charlie Martin to telephone down to see if Bagley &
Miller's car of potatoes had come yet but they hadn't so I went over again after the train

should have come in but they weren't here. This after noon Jonas came over to prune apple
trees. We hardly knew him as he has had his beard shaved off. he got over quite a lot of
trees but didn't cut out any thing much but the suckers. He says he will be over to-morrow
if it is fine but has to go to work for Ivey on Monday. I went down to-night to see Quint off.
Dick was down and said he would have to look for his mistake again to-night. Cloudy & very
mild, windy
Saturday April 12th
Jonas came over at seven this morning and pruned in the orchard all day. He got pretty well
over all the trees but I think they would stand a lot more being cut out of them. Dad & I
went down to Porter's in the lumber waggon and got back about two o'clock. The roads
were awful in places. Art. Ryersie just scraped his hill before the rain so it was like a mortar
bed, so to miss it we came home but the Plank road and it was just about as hard pulling
down the hill above the brick yard as it would have been pulling up Art. Ryersie's. Dad. &
Enah walked down town after dinner and did not get back till after six. Dad. voted for the
School by-law and before he came home found out that it had carried by a majority of 10 in
town but they hadn't heard from the town-ship yet, most likely the moss backs will be
against it. I started to dig up the plum trees out on the front lawn this after noon but the
ground was too wet. Frank and I found the turkey nests right out here along the side of the
road. Aunty came over this morning after she had voted. Dick is still in quest of his mistake.
Jim Law was in here this morning trying to sell Enah some tea & coffee but didn't. Dark &
threatening all day but quite mild.
Sunday April 13th
Dad. caught a whole family of rats in the horse stable last night in the cage trap, there was a
mother and five ratlets. He had to drown them although he hated to. He also discovered
that Bob's ewe had a lamb last night. Aunty & the boys went down to Sunday school and I
went down late to church. This afternoon Dick and I took some duck eggs down to Mrs.

39

Tuck and Dick bought a film for Frank's camera with the money. We hung around the lake till
about five o'clock with Roy Dell and then came home. We found Pud. Smythe & his father
had been here all the afternoon and were just going We went in on our way down to see
Jona's colt which came this morning. It is a nice colt only one hind leg is crookeder than a
snake fence. Enah went to church to-night and Dick went down with her but said he was
not going to church. Lovely day, roads drying up fast.

Monday April 14th
Dad managed to poke a hole through the blocade in the center of the culvert this morning
with a scantling and as there was such a head of water on it washed it out clear and in a
few minutes it drained the lake that has been in the field on the west side of the road all
spring & winter. Then we grubbed out the six plum trees that were planted all in a heap
along the lane in the lawn as they were full of black knot and haven't borne fruit since we
came here so we want to plant a grape vine in their place. While we were out there Billy
Louis drove along breaking his colt then Art. Ryersie, then Mr. Monteith came and each
stopped to talk Charlie Martin came over and talked till nearly noon. This after noon I fixed
the place up where we dug out the trees and Dad brushed them out. When we went out to
the {Courslake?} we had to spend some time with Bobby who had a big bull calf just
come.We were rather late getting through to-night but Dad & I went down to Mrs. {Halles?}
as soon as we could get ready after tea. Dick came all the home after he had had his tea to
tell Dad. to take his songs down but he didn't. We had a nice evening and enjoyed Miss
Prest's playing on the violin very much. We got home about twelve and came with Dick who
had just got through work as we came out. Aunty Maude went to London to-day as
delegate to the W.A. Meetings and Aunty has gone down to keep house for Huby & the girls
Charlie Martin got his meat this after noon. and Dad is going to take ours out as it is smoked
enough. It has been very nice & sunny but with rather raw east wind.
Tuesday April 15th
Sam. Law came after Dad. this morning to put a team on the road scraper so he took Joe &
Ginger and has had them at it all day. They used the old three cornered {drag?} that has

been leaning up against our barn since the reign of Titus and just had the two teams on.
Law's & ours. Sam drove their team this morning and Allan drove this after noon. Dad got
home about five to-night and said he would have been home half an hour earlier but they
hauled the scraper to Law's and Sam was bound he should see their bull calf - and then
Allan insisted on him going in to hear a record or two on his new graphaphone. I didn't do

40

much but chores this morning but chores and this after noon took a walk over the estate. I
found the wheat in some places to be pretty badly killed but where we ploughed the
manure under it is pretty good and where it was top dressed is better than where there is
none at all. On the fall ploughing I noticed that parts of the fields are dry as a bone but in
other places it is a little too soggy to work yet. I went back to the gully & burnt a lot more
grass but didn't have anything to carry the fire. I went back to the woods and saw quite a
lot of May flowers and two garter snakes Dick came home to tea with the mail but had to
go back to work. Mild, sunny & breezy.
Wednesday April 16th
Dad. & I went down first thing this morning with Joe & Ginger & the lumber waggon to get
the team shod. we didn't get back till noon. I got some things up town and then went down
to Huby's where Aunty showed me where to get some raspberriesroots. I also got a white
rose root, one of the old bushes This afternoon I set them out but didn't get all the
raspberries put out. Dad got a load of rails, we intended if we had had time to have gone
back and harrowed a little this after noon, Vyse has started disking. Frank & Dick had tea at
Huby's to-night as they are going to a show in the town hall. Jonas came over to night to
pay Dad for what he owed him on the hay and got some apples. One of the hen turkeys
died during the night. When Dad went out to feed the calves to-night he gave Frank's runt a
big feed of milk - and when he returned he found the poor pig dead at the back of its pen.
Lovely sunny day quite hot.
Thursday April 17th
Dad. started to work on the field this side of the gully on the east side of the lane with Joe
& Ginger. He harrowed all morning. I went back with him but just as we got back I noticed
the colts out. I went back to put them in. Tig under took to help me but as she chased them
way over to the side road I shut her up in the stable I managed to get them back into the
barn yard through the lane. While I was after them Taurus & all the calves got out and I
chased them for about an hour but a last had to shut them up just where they were. some
of them in the clover field, John in the plum orchard and left Jim out on the road. I then

planted out the raspberries and Dad put the calves in when he came up. This after noon
Aunty came over for a few minutes Dad. took the disks back and disked what he harrowed
this morning, some of the land is a little too wet to work yet. I did chores. and cleaned up
my horn with some stuff of Quint's which Aunty brought over. its what they used down on
the "Vigilant" and is great stuff. To-night I went down to band practice. Roy. Dell. Walt &

41

John Smith were the only ones there. Dad. went down with me and got the baby carriage
which Mrs. Johnston sent to Enah. He came home with Dick who hasn't been working all the
after noon. We went down to Huby's for awhile after practice Aunty Maude came home tonight. None of us expected her It has been a lovely day, sunny & hot.
Friday April 18th
Dad and I worked on the land all day. I disked with Belle & Harry and Dad harrowed wth the
little team. We are just working up half the field and are going to try to get it in to morrow
after noon. Enah took Tiddums down town this after noon in his fancy carriage. Aunty & Win
came over to-night. but Win had to go back after tea. Dick went home with her. Very warm,
thunder & lightening after tea but no rain to speak of
Saturday April 19th
I went out and disked all morning. Dad. and Frank got out the drill and cleaned up some

oats, then Dad. came out and harrowed for a couple of hours before noon We didn't get out
very early after dinner owing to chores and things but Dad. got sowed nearly all we have
worked up and I harrowed after him Frank & Roy Bannister have been hob nobbing together this after noon. Frank went down to Law's after the butter and stayed quite awhile
listening to the phonograph We didn't get in till late to-night and didn't get through tea till
about nine I had a bath and went to bed Aunty was down town all the after noon. The old
sow got out at noon and our efforts to recapture her were unsuccessful. Frank put some
apples in her pen but she waited till we were all away before she ate them and then came

out again. It froze last night and there has been a cold north wind all day very strong this
after noon quite sunny.
Sunday April 20th
Aunty & the boys went down to Sunday school and I came to church. Lila came over to
dinner with us and is staying all night. This after noon, Lila Aunty and I went back to the
woods and got some wild flowers. Frank rode his bicycle out to the Shand's and he &
Charlie rode out to Renton. Dick spent the after noon with the girls down town. Dicky Smith
came over to see Dad. about pasturing a calf this summer, and Dad. said he would. Uncle
Ward & Aunt Lucy also came over. Enah went down alone to church to-night. It froze quite
hard last night and there has been a cold wind to-day.
Monday April 21st

42

We have been working on the land all day. I went out to disk this morning but the ground
was so frozen for an hour or two that it did very little good. Dad. took Joe & Ginger and
went down town this morning and got the potatoes which came at last. When he got back
he came out and harrowed the rest of the morning and all the after noon. We are now cross
disking & cross harrowing it. and we think we will be able to sow to-morrow after noon.
Sam. Law came over at noon to borrow the drill and Vyse came and got his roller. Mrs.
McBride was here washing to-day. Aunty went down to Huby's to-night & I went with her
she expects to leave for Toronto to-morrow night. Cold, but sunny
Tuesday April 22nd
Dad. kept Frank home this morning and they cleaned up enough seed oats to finish this
field. I I disked all morning and finished crossing the field. Dad came out a little before noon
and started to drill and drilled all the afternoon just finishing up to-night. I followed him with
the harrows and it was after six when I got through but the field is now put in, in good shape
and running out the ditches is all that remains to be done. Dick did not come home to-night
as he said if he didn't have to work he was going to an old time social in the Methodist
church. Frank went to school this after noon & he & Dick went down to the station to see
Aunty off. The cows knocked the fence down around the barn-yard and some of them got
out so I had to come up to try & put them in but I only got one in so I shut them up in the
stable and fixed the fence as well as I could - as we both had to stop in the field for Dad to
watch my team. It has been cloudy & cool all the morning it looked threatening and did rain
a little but this after noon it came out sunny & hot.
{The entries for April 23-24 were written by Toby's father, Harry Barrett.}
Wednesday April 23rd
We had a terrific Thunder storm last night and as it was pouring rain when I woke at 5 this
morning I had another little sleep. The rain cleared off and it came out very hot before noon
I opened up a lot of ditches in the old corn ground and Toby and I trimmed up all the sheep.
Dick did not come home to tea and Toby went to band practice after tea.
Thursday April 24th
We were up early this A.M. Frank went to Vyse's after the grass seeder, before breakfast. I
had to go down to Art Ryerses first thing had a dickens of a job. Toby and I got the wheat
ground all seeded and a lot of the ditches opened up on the Timothy sod, the had to go

43

down to Joe Longs to see a cow, and after tea tonight I had to go down to old Jonas
Greens, The boys, Frank and Dick were at {Win's?} tea party. Tobe is down at band practice
It has been very hot all day, every thing has grown since the rain
{The entry for April 25 was written by Toby's step-mother, Hattie James ("Enah").}
Friday April 25th
Toby, having finished a game of hide and seek with Dick and Frank is too tired to write so is
exchanging work with me and is darning stockings. This morning was bright and very warm
Toby & Harry dug ditches in the old Timothy sod preparatory to sowing oats. They also
burnt off the grass around the fences and set fire to a post. Sam Law extinguished the
blaze before any damage was done. In the afternoon Toby disked the oat field. Harry did all
the chores, brought up the harrows on the stone boat ready to take out in the morning,
went out for a load of rails, came in and did up the chores for the night. At noon we had a
visitation from our friend Jonas who has a sick cow and came for advice. This has been an
exceedingly hot day, unseasonably hot.
{The entry for April 26 was very faint and had to be guessed at.}
Saturday April 26th
As our supply of ink has run out I foun that to {?} of ink: {name?} pencil. I disked all day.
Dad. {?} in the early morning up the north part of the field as the other is too wet {?} our {?}
waiting under the upper part of the field. It began to rain about half past four this after noon
some bad so we had to quit. Frank put in the day building a duck pen in the plum orchard
down under the {oak?} tree. Dick got home early to night Great change in the temperatures
yesterday I peeled off every thing but my {?} clothes and to-day I was wearing a sweater &
mitts.
Sunday April 27th
It rained all night nearly, not very hard but a steady cool rain, which will the wheat a lot of
good and which is bursting the buds on all the trees. Frank went down to Sunday school
and Dick and I went down to church. This after noon I read my self to sleep (although I tried
not to) and so wasted half a day. Dad. & Frank did chores. Dick went down town for awhile.
It didn't rain much this afternoon. Mr. Lawrie was in church this morning & Mr. Herbert prot.
the sermon.

44

{The entry for April 28 was written by Toby's brother, Richard (Dick) Barrett.}
Monday April 28th
This morning Dad and Toby packed the sawdust in around the edge of the ice-house and
put some some blue-grass on top. Then we went out and cleaned up about 20 bushels of
oats. Frank was sick all day and did not go to school. I think he feels better now as he is
talking a blue streak. After dinner Dad went out and cleaned out ditches in the north-west
field this side of the gulch. Toby did the chores in the afternoon and then went out and dug
up two maple trees in the woods besides fooling around picking flowers. Between 4 and 6
o'clock while Frank was sleeping on the kitchen sofa and Enah was in the dining-room some
unknown person came in and left a silver spoon on the kitchen table for Tiddums with his
initials carved on it and then went away before anyone saw her or him. It was cloudy and
windy all day with about ten minutes sunshine..
Tuesday April 29th
Dad. has been opening up ditches all day out in the field next Ivey's where we sowed the
oats and is now pretty well finished. I cut some wood this morning and then went back to
the woods and dug up a couple of maple trees one of which I brought up at noon with me &
we planted in place of one of the dead ones along the lane. This after noon I dug up two
more and Dad. & I put out one of them to-night. The other two I left down in the creek so as
the roots wouldn't dry out. Frank has been home all day although he feels a lot better today. This after noon Wyatt Waddle came in with the general agent for the Massey Harris

Company and he proved himself to be a good man for the company not only by persuading
Dad. to order a manure spreader, but Dad. seemed to like him & showed him Queen who he
thought like everyone else was perfect. We got the manure spreader on easy terms as we
don't have to make a payment on it till a year from next fall when we pay 28 dollars & 50
dollars a year for the next two years. Dick told us to-night that Huby had got a job at the
canning factory which they started work on to-day. He went down to the dance to-night. I
only have five cents to my name so stayed home although I guess I could have got enough
tin to take me sunny & mild but a cool wind.
Wednesday April 30th
This morning we planted out the four little trees which I had dug up, then we went over to
see what the field looked like, it is getting pretty dry, from there we went over to see if Sam
Law's wheat was any better than ours, but it wasn't. We found him over trimming up the

45

limbs he had cut out of his orchard. As he was just contemplating a visit to Alfred who was
disking the other side of the hedge we made a joint attack and sat around over there for
about an hour. so by the time we had wandered back home it was noon. This after noon
instead of working on the field as we had thought of doing, we took our wheat down to the
mill. I went down and borrowed some sacks from Blight and we had to make two trips of it
as the ground was a little soft. We had eighteen bags and it went over two bus {bushels}. to
the bag, that job took up all the afternoon. Tonight I went down to band practice and came
home with Dick. The school board were having a meeting, we heard after wards that Mr.
Ivey called it but as none but kickers attended it soon adjourned with out any thing being
done except Old Stringer falling down stairs coming out so Pud. Slocomb says. Nice day
Mild & sunny cool breeze.
Thursday May 1st
We worked on the land all day to-day. I disked & Dad. harrowed, we have it in pretty nice
shape now I went down to band practice to-night. Dick went down with me although he
didn't have to work. Jonas came over to pay Dad for some hay he got this morning and he
stayed half the night telling them stories of his experiences in the United States with,
snakes bears and such like. Cars. Rankin told us to-night that his Dad is laid up with blood
poisoning and is in pretty bad shape, they just moved back to town the other day It has
been sunny and fair with a cool breeze.
Friday May 2nd

We worked on the land all day. I cross disked & Dad. harrowed. We could have drilled it to
day I suppose but thought we would have it in extra good shape. Enah took Tiddums down
to Mrs. Battersby's this afternoon. I nearly went to sleep on the disk this afternoon It has
been fair & sunny. Sun set clear to-night.
Saturday May 3rd
Bill Oaks came over this morning with his grey horse which had hurt his head in the manger.
Later in the morning he came over and borrowed the clover seeder, which he brought back
at noon and had a short visit. All Ivey's men except the teamsters quit at noon on Saturdays
now. and the factory closes at twelve instead of one. Dad. dritled what we have worked up
to-day. Itook him till a little after noon and then he harrowed I hitched to the waggon this
morning & took the seed out and left the waggon for Frank to fill with rails and then disked
nearly all of this end of the field the rest of the day. Frank did chores & odd jobs. Charlie

46

Batter{sby?} was in here to-night to see Dad about a colt which came this morning. I
started to cut the lawn to night. Dick went for a swim & the stump to-night, but I guess I will
have to hit the tub. Very hot to-day. Dick went down town to-night to hear the result of the
election recount, which they were having in Simcoe over the school by law but he couldn't
hear.
Sunday May 4th
The boys went down to Sunday school and I went to church. This afternoon Dad. Enah &
Tiddums started to drive out to Jim. Waddles. but before they had gone far Tiddums
objected so strongly to continuing the journey that they were forced to return. Lila had
come over so Dad. took Frank & her to Jim. Waddle's. Dick & I went down town Dick went
off with some girls but I went up the beach and hung around alone, till I was about cooked
and then came home. We let Artful Dodger out to-night and he was so weak on account of
always being shut up that he could hardly walk. Frank McBride came over to-night with a
note from his mother saying to send the washing over there as she would be unable to
come here so Frank went back with it to-night with Frank Mc. Lila stayed to tea, and Dick
went down home with her after. It has been exceptionally hot to-day but is cooler to-night
and feels as if it had rained some where near.
Monday May 5th
We got a fairly good early start. I cross disked all day and Dad. harrowed. This after noon
Dad was afraid it was going to rain so went & got the drill and some seed & put in all we had

worked up about 2 acres. If it doesn't rain we will be through on that field to-morrow. Cars.
Rankine was in here to-night to have Dad. look at his horse's teeth as {Schooley?} had told
him that if a horse got wolfe teeth it would go blind. After tea Mrs. McBride brought the
washing back. It has been very hot to-day and looks rainy. Fred's calf got out two or three
times to-day and tried our patience sorely at it's own cost. Mully also got out but went in
easier.
Tuesday May 6th
We finished up the field to-day. Dad. has to sow a little by had around the water holes and
he may harrow the whole field over. I disked all day & Dad. harrowed and drilled. I took seed
out in the waggon this morning but we had to clean up another sack at noon to finish with. I
brought back rails in the waggon both at noon & to-night. I cut lawn before tea till Dick

47

came & inticed me to play catch with him. Very much cooler to-day with quite a breeze
this after noon
Wednesday May 7th
Dad. went out this morning and sowed by hand around the water holes and then harrowed
all day on that field. It is now finished all but running & cleaning the ditches. I brought the
disks up and disked on the old corn ground all day and got nearly over it. It is pretty hard
but we think we will be able to get about 3 inches on top worked up for barley. Tonight at
tea time Jonas came over with a guinea hen which he presented us with as a reward for our
neighborly conduct towards him. He got a setting each of duck & turkey eggs. I was going
down to band practice so went down with him as he was going down town. He confided to
me after we had got a short distance from the house in an almost inaudible whisper that
they had an "awful funny feller as a boarder." His peculiarity evidently lay in the fact that he
went down town before & after tea. As I was coming home an English man passed me and I
thought likely he was Jona's funny boarder & upon inquiry I found I was correct. Went we
got to the top of Prospect hill we found Jonas & Allan Law so I enjoyed the pleasure of the
company of them nearly home. I heard Redface - the funny feller. tell his lanlord. that he
would have to drive Bill's team to-morrow as he was going away with a gentleman from
Toronto, as I saw Jack Paine up town to-night, I surmised that old Bill had a dose of Long
Point fever. I guess he is insurable. I went up to the bank to-night to see why Dick hadn't
turned up. When I knocked Dick came to the door & I was just going to step in and swear at
them when I caught a glimpse of a stranger Then Dick who looked very care worn motioned
me back and informed me that the inspector was paying them a visit, and they would likely
have to work every night for a week, he had his wheel anyway so I didn't wait for him It has
been rather cool to-day and looks frosty to-night.
Thursday May 8th
We went out this morning and ran the ditches in the oat field. Then Dad ploughed a ridge
along the west side of the old corn field, it couldn't be ploughed before on account of the
old rails lying there. This after noon we turned the cattle & two colts back the lane. We let

the two fillys out in the pasture field and they & the colts have been hanging around on
opposite sides of the lane fence ever since, we managed to get the colts in the box stall tonight. We went back to the gully to fix fence, but didn't have very good luck. We barricade
the gap into the other pasture and then Dad started to dig out a post that was broken off
and while he was prying on the shovel handle he broke it so we had to cobble the rest up

48

by hand as well as we could. Dicky Smith came over to-night to see if we had turned our
cattle out yet and I went down town with him to band practice, got home about eleven. It
froze last night but has been sunny & nice to-day.
Friday May 9th
I went out and finished disking the old corn field this morning and Dad brought out the old
cultivator but after going a few rounds he decided that it was going to be lumpy and hard
to put barley on so we thought we would leave it, manure it and summer fallow it which
would be better farming anyway. We brought up the disks and the plow & harrows and Dad
ploughed the garden over again, this after noon he disked & harrowed it, so that it looks
pretty nice only it is inclined to be lumpy. I got my currant bushes and grapevines from
Simmer's yesterday and spent the in putting them out and staking them to protect them
from the curse'd hens. I also cut a little lawn Dick Smith brought his heifer, Joe, over tonight. It has been cold & raw all day. I wore my over coat while disking and then was cold.
Robert John Watson was in here to-night to inquire about a colt "Mable". Dad enjoyed his
elevating conversation for he has a most extraordinary vocabulary which is all his own.
Saturday May 10th
Frank got us all up early this morning as he had to get down to the Canning factory by
seven where he has been all day setting out tomato plants in baskets. He told us the other
night that hands (his size) were wanted and hasen't talked of much else since, he was to
get 8 cts & hour but has got his envelope yet, as they are not through. Vyse came over this

morning and Dad broke the news of our spreader deal and he took it calmly although he
thinks we made a big mistake in not putting in with him & Mr Fleming on his John Deere as
he "conscientiously believes it to be the best in Americy". I went down this morning for the
purpose of obtaining some particulars concerning a load of hay which Mrs. Battersby is
purchasing from us through the agency of John but as that gentleman was in bed with a
cold. I failed to recieve any valuable data. so I came home and mowed lawn till noon. Dad
took back Alfred's bags this morning and borrowed his shovel with the intention of cleaning
out the ditches in the oat field but as he found in Alfred an opponent to the building of a

new school, he stayed and argued till noon. I read most of the after noon and then went out
and assisted Dad to rearrange the implements in the old shed so as to create a space for
the old waggon we then repaired a little fence to enable us to turn out the old sow, but it
didn't take her a great while to discover the weak spots in the {rockery?} which we call a

49

fence and now she is at liberty. I think Dick came home to tea and says our manure
spreader has arrived It froze ice last night and has been very cold to-day
Sunday May 11th
Frank & Dick went down to sunday school & Frank & I went to our church but Dick attended
the Presbyterian as he saw no-one to associate with in the back pews of the Episcopal.
This after noon Dad & I drove up to Dunkin's to see how many lambs he had; but he has had
no better luck than we, for his flock has only increased by one ewe lamb. He is really worse
off than we are because two of his ewes now won't have lambs till they are three years old
wile ours are all yearlings and if any thing will be better off. Dunkin him self was at church
but his son was home, he gave Dad. guinea fowl to mate with the one Jonas gave us but
when we got it home we learned they were both of the feminine gender from the fact that
the new comer requests imaginary foes to retrace their steps by the imperitave sentence
"Go back" and it seems the gentlemanbird of the species is not addicted to that habit. It
was nearly six when we got home. Enah was down at Art Ryersie's with Tiddums the
Wicked. Dick has been gone all the after noon and has patronized the church again to-night
as he said he would be home to tea if he didn't. Frank has been knocking around the woods
all the afternoon. He tried to bargain with Tupper for a guinea cock but he had no success.
It has been sunny to-day but a cold wind. Walt McCall & his retinue came over in his
automobile this morning and was agreeably surprised in Dolly. He says he is going to take
her up and train her now. He wants Dad to keep his mare for him this summer. Frank
Faulkner was over this morning too to see about bringing over his heifer calf to pasture. He
brought her over to-night. It froze ice last night and I wrote to Aunty Alice & Uncle Hal tonight.
Monday May 12th
We didn't do any thing much the first part of the morning but Dad. went and cleaned out
the ditch in the oat field. I barricaded two of the four little trees which are in the pasture
field to protect them from the ravages of Queen. Dad. took Alfred's shovel back and I
barricaded the other two trees. Frank started off about nine o'clock this morning on his

wheel for Dunkin's to return the guinea hen which he had tied in an old sack on his back.
Just as we were thinking of starting out to look for him to night about four o'clock he came
home with a rooster guinea which sings properly in a bass voice. He had stayed up there to
dinner and explored the country. When he got home we planted a few rows of spuds in the
garden. Jonas came over to-night to ask us if we could deliver him his hay in the morning,

50

he also got some apples. To-night we played hide & go seek and then came in and kicked
up such a rumpus that Tiddums couldn't go to sleep, and Enah got mad and said she
wouldn't press Dick's pants in time for the dance, but she is pressing them now - and we
weren't making much noise and Tiddums didn't want to go to sleep anyway much. Tupper
told Dad. to-day that he killed his pup yesterday and intended to keep Fanny but she
followed him down town to-day and he ran over her with the waggon and killed her, he said
he thought he would send Blakie a funeral notice. A week or two ago the Dover council
advertised for a cop. They got fifty something applicants some all the way from Calgary.
They engaged a man from Hamilton who has been on duty before. Good man for the job.
big, Scotch & total abstainer. He came to this morning. Now he is in bed at the Dominion
sleeping off a drunk - fired. We're still Dover. It froze a little again last night and there has
been a raw breeze to-day but it is much milder and looks rainy
Monday Tuesday May 13th
Dad went over to Martin's this morning to try to telephone to Krompart and find out why he
hasn't come down but Charlie wasn't home so he didn't go in, he then went over to
Quanbury's and as John was in better health than when I went to interview him Dad found
out that he wanted about half a ton of any kind of hay. We pitched on a load for Jonas, (he
bought all that was left of the thrashed bluegrass) before dinner. Dick rode home at noon
as he had got about half an hour's leave of absence to tell us that the station agent wanted
our manure spreader unloaded as it was holding the car so Dad. & I had to go down after
dinner. Dad understood the agent to say that we were to let Krompart in Simcoe know as
soon as the spreader arrived and he would come down and set it up at the station and we
could haul it home from there, so he was naturally pretty hot at them for not coming. The
men at the station were also getting into a state of rightful indignation - as their car had to
be sent back tomorrow. As we were in our farm uniform we didn't want to go up town so
Dad. went up to the Norfolk House and telephoned Kompart. Wyatt Waddle was there and
he told Dad that they understood Dad was going to take the thing off the car and they were
to come to the farm to set it up, and that they would be down in a day or two. Dad. went for
him over the 'phone but of course that wasn't much satisfaction. We went home and took
Jona's hay down and put it off and then went down to the station with the rack to get the
spreader as it was too wide for the waggon, with the aid of Truman Roadhouse and a
couple of fishermen we got it loaded all right and were home soon after six To-night Dick
and I went down to the dance but I got a headache from some uncertain cause and had to

51

come home at twelve. Nice day but with rather a cold wind looks as if it might possibly rain
to-night or sooner.
Wednesday May 14th
We took a small jag. of hay down to John Quanbury this morning on an improvised rack
which Dad rigged by laying boards across the waggon box, as we didn't want to unload the
manure spreader off our rack. When we got back from there we took some posts back
around by the side road and left them in places where the fence was down with the
intention of coming back at a future date to repair the damage done by the Good Friday
wind. We also took some material and fixed the old gate going into the gully off the road.
We found the cattle all out of the far end of the gully and in the blue grass field so I took
them back while Dad. went up with the waggon, they were all there but the Artful Dodger
and he was nowhere to be found, so this after noon Dad. and I went back to look for him.
We went into the wood and saw there had been a lot of cows in there and after a little
search found our missing calf in John Wess McBride's place in the corner of the fence where
he had walked and finding he could go no further stayed there we chased him into the gully
to be left till called for while we went over to Tupper's to borrow his post auger, the
consequence was of course that we didn't do a thing all the afternoon and didn't get home
till about five or after We saw everything on the place from his oat field down to the baby.
We saw some things off his farm too such as Charlie Butlers colt which got an awful kick in
the dots from its mother and Dave Lamkins white heifer which was on the road and which
was worth fifty dollars but he sold it for forty five, also Art Walker who was rolling on his
cornground. We had a very entertaining after noon and enjoyed it much better than digging
post holes. To-night I went down to band practice Dick with me. Theodore Brown came up
and entreated Walt to play "Way down upon the Swanee River" promising him some beer
but Walt said he couldn't. Theodore tried to impress up on us - as a bit of good advice that
"We could borrow from a thief but not from a liar." Weather about the same
Thursday May 15th
Dad and I went back and fixed up most of the fence this morning. Mr. Evans' came along the

side road and wanted to Dad. to look at his horses teeth so Dad. told him to come in at
noon on his way back. He did and Dad. floated them as the poor old horse's tongue was just
about cut in two. We also found when we got here at noon that Wyatt Waddle and his man
Mr. Hillis were in the barn setting up the spreader. They got it all up and we took out a load
before they left so they could show Dad how to run it. Joe & Ginger pulled it alone and a

52

couple of times Ginger's whipple tree caught and she pulled it all alone. I went down to
band practice. I came very nearly staying there for awhile - for we all got locked in. The
door fastens on the out side with a hasp and staple, the padlock is broken. The door was
open and some one who was getting cold ordered it shut. Jack Smith kicked it to and the
hasp sprung over the staple and stayed there. Perce Brock tried desparatly to open it but
failing turned to John. and told him frantically that he would be the first to satiate our
appetites when we got ravenous, he then mounted the table under the window and
proceeded to let the {word heavily scored out} anybody who happened to be around (it
was pouring rain) let us know of our fate. Perce remarked sorrowfully that it was the first
time he had ever been behind the bars trying to get out. (The bandroom is in the old
lockup). Dick {Faulmshy?} was the first to be alarmed by the pitiful cries but the hard
hearted jay refused to come saying he didn't know the combination on the door. How ever
Walt McCall was soon aroused and he and some other fellows came up and released us.
They say Long Geordie Long nearly committed suicide last night, it seems his wife put him
on the Indian List, but Geordie got full and he & his wife were having a quarrel down by the
dam when Geordie told her he was going to drown him self. She told him to give her his
coat to hold for him, but I guess Geordie & water don't go well to-gether for as far as he got
on his desperate deed was to twist his legs well around the post and let go the railing with
his hand, then go home. After he got there he was again seized with a mad desire to leave
this unhappy world - and left the house with a razor asserting that he was about to sever
his carotid artery Mrs. Geordie gave him about an hour to perform the opperation but upon
investigation found him out side in a dormant condition but was disappointed to hearm him
snoring heavily and in perfect health. Cold all day. very cold before dark and poured rain all
night with terrific thunder & vivid lightening. Dick & I stayed at Huby's all night. I planted
some onion seed to night.
Friday May 16th
We didn't do anything much to-day. Dick & I got home before they had break fast here but
it was late when we went out and then Bill Donald came in to talk about the spreader and
before he left Allan Law rode in to have the wolfe teeth pulled out of his sorrel for fear they
would affect his eyesight. It was noon when he left us. After dinner Bob. Miller came in to
get his ewe and lamb and of course the sheep were nearly to the gully Dad. wrote a letter
to Aunty Alice while Bob & I were after the sheep and then saddled Joe and I rode down
town to post it. I was only gone about fifteen minutes, but when I got back we read the

53

"Maple Leaf." after which we did chores. I went to bed soon after tea. We let Harry & Belle
out this after noon. Fine but cool.
Saturday May 17th
I started first thing this morning and raked over about half the garden, it raked fine because
the rain the other night had softened the lums. Dad. fixed fence around the orchard to keep
the sheep & calves in. Frank went down town to sell some duck eggs to the {ear tapper?}.
This after noon we all worked in the garden and have about all the small seeds in, onion,
carrot, beet, cabbage & peas, a few beans. Allan Law was over to borow the disks also John
Wess came to get some stuff for his horse which has colic. We turned the four calves in the
orchard at noon. Lila came over to spend the day. Huby ran a nail in his foot yester day and
was unable to work to-day. Enah took Tiddums down to Mrs. Laws to get the butter this
afternoon, there was another baby about Tiddum's age there which he was greatly
interested in until it began to "talk?" when Tiddums got badly frightened. Lovely warm day
rain to-night.
Sunday May 18th
The boy's went to sunday scholl. I to church - late, different preacher. Dad. rode Joe down
to see Huby while we were at church, he went in to see the John Deere spreader on his way
back. This after noon Dick & I went for a drive with Joe, not far. Winnie & Lila came over this
after noon & stayed to tea. We let Belle, Ginger & Harry out to-day and had a hard time
catching the latter. Lovely day with a little shower at noon and rather cloudy
Monday May 19th
We hauled out manure to-day as we didn't get a very early start we only got out eleven
loads, & most of it was dry clover chaff. The spreader works fine in spite of the fact that
there are one or two nuts & keys missing from various parts of the gearing machine. Dad
found one large key on the road was unable to locate the place where it was missing. Sam
Law was over this morning to see about keeping the disks a little longer. Mrs. McBride was
here to-day. This after noon we were agreeably surprised to have a visit from Ed. & Marion.
Ed. came home on Saturday as he has left his job in Brantford he is going back to the Falls
for the summer. To night Dick and I printed pictures and had fairly good luck. Huby sent
word over by Ed. that Dad's steel boot had saved his life on account of easing his injured
foot. Dick says he only has one on - one steel & one leather one. It froze last night again but

54

has been a nice day with cold breeze. Dick bought me a saddle & bridle to-day for six dollar
he got them from Bobbie Leany and says they are nearly new.
Tuesday May 20th
We got one less load out to-day than yesterday but I think we have good ground for
excuse in the fact that it was so hard to load. A lot of it was dry clover chaff burnt to
powder and there was a layer of it just like a board which had to be chopped up with an
axe, we didn't get any earlier start either. Erie cut her eyeball to-day someway, likely on
barbed wire. Jonas came over to-night to see if he could get some turkey or duck eggs or
get Dad. to plow his garden, he couldn't get any of the three so took the rhubarb roots out
in the lawn. He was relating to us some of the heroic deeds performed by him in the past &
United States, of how he headed a torch light procession and was so disguised by his
uniform & medal that he was not recognised by his father, he also saved a young man's life
from drowning and was rewarded by his boss the young man's father by a ten dollar bill &
three weeks board free. Another time he stopped a train wreck by his presence of mind
and drew another ten dollars and a pass to go where everd he wanted to on the rail road or
a chance to learn braking, he stayed at the job a week and one day when he was in a
reckless mood (good mood for a train man) he boarded a train which was headed he didn't
know where and was landed in Niagara Falls where he got acquainted with his wife, and in
course of time drifted to the condition in which we now see him. Frank & I drove down town
to night and took Jonas & his rhubarb roots home, and got the saddle & bridle from Bobbie
Leany, they are roughly made, the saddle being half covered and riveted but they are nearly
new & I think are worth six dollars. When we got back we found Dad. & Dick had gone down
to the Scotch man who works for Harry Ansley to minister to a cow which is not enjoying
the best of health. Nice day may rain soon.
Wednesday May 21st
It rained a little this morning and looked cloudy so we just did odd jobs. Dad. took up some
of the rotten apples out of the cellar and drew off what cider was left in the barrel. I didn't
do anything much but took a walk around by the wheat & oat fields which are doing fine.

This after noon we got the spreader into commission again and hauled out seven loads. The
shed is nearly empty now. I fixed Dad's saddle rack up on the wall in the drive house and
started to make one for mine between loads, while Dad was out spreading. {A?} big thunder
storm blew up about tea time to-night but it stopped raining long enough for me to go
down to band practice, but it more than pelted when Dick & I came home. Dick had to work

55

to-night. He got a telephone from who he thought was Roy referring to his 24th of May visit
but it after wards transpired to be Wiggins down at the drug store enjoying himself at
Dick's expense.
Thursday May 22nd
It rained hard during the night so we couldn't do much, we made an evestrough for the west
side of the old house and made the rest of the saddle rack I started yesterday. Dad. also
opened some ditches out in the oat field. This after noon Dad would have liked to have
started plowing the corn ground but as there were several errands to do in town, we we
thought this would be a good time to go. We got some groceries, and Dad got a chain for
Dreadnought and a ring for his nose. We took the waggon wheel down for Butler to put the
bands on as they were both broken. Dad. was very pleased that Vyse saw him going down
with the wheel and inquired after it as it was off "the best waggon made" which he got from
Vyse We bought a Little Giant Sprayer from Huby for ten dollars, they are no use as
sprayers but have a good tank which was what Dad wanted to put out at the pump for
watering stock, a good pair of wheels & a tongue besides a lot of old iron, - Huby is selling
them for Jack Paine Jack told him to sell the ten for for $100. and, Huby has been selling
them at $10 apiece and he says Paine called him up, and gave him a gereat calling down, he
wanted him to sell them all to one man. Huby told him he was a fool and asked him what
one man would want to buy 10 no-account sprayers. I went down to band practice tonight, and got back after eleven. Nice day, but cloudy.
Friday May 23rd
I planted out some lettuce plants this morning and Dad & I got some rails and took them
back in the waggon to the gully to repair the fence there, we also hauled up some for the
house. About noon I drove down town with Dick's valise as he went going to Toronto tonight to stay till Monday night. Frank went down to see him off. After dinner Mr. Krompart
drove in with a Gould. Shapley & Muir agent who talked a little about a windmill but didn't
bother many. Mr. Krompart went over the spreader ajusted several mistakes in the setting
up which the other fellows made the principal one being changing the double trees on the

evener. The way they had it, the single horse had the short end and so was pulling twice as
much as the team. When they went Dad. & I went and cobbled up the gully fence and
opened the gap so as to let the cows in the far end as the grass in there is getting rank.
Frank says the old black & white cat has a large family on her hands now, but her hands are
equipped with six or seven fingers each. Poor Fits had part of her tail nearly cut off in the

56

door to-night. Dad was going to finish the job but forgot. It has been cloudy all day but
quite cool. Old Ivey has succeeded in overthrowing the election on the school by-law. He
got ten illegal votes, his own son's among them and it seems every illegal vote no matter on
which side it was polled counts against the majority.
Saturday May 24th
Dad. started to plow the corn ground to day he plowed a head land all around the field this
morning so as he wouldn't have to tramp on the clover at the north end of the field. This
after noon he got quite a strip plowed and harrowed over. I put in the day cutting lawn and
it was awful. It hadn't been cut for over a week and all this rain to-gether with a dull lawn
mower wasn't a very good combination to make a satisfactory job. Frank worked around
this morning and this afternoon went down to the creek to fish with the rest of the
inhabitants of this part of the country, but I guess only drowned worms as he wasn't
hardened with luck on his return. Winnie came over after dinner and I drove her home tonight. Enah to Tiddums down town and I shunted the buggy down to the side walk for her
Win went down & came back with her. To day at noon we placed a ring just below the
septum nasi of poor Dreadnought. It has rained once or twice to-day and been cloudy &
sunny & hot by turns.
Sunday May 25th
Frank went to Sunday school and church this morning but was the only member of the
family who attended Dad & I went up to Ham Thompson's to tell him we named

Dreadnought. and he will soon get the registration papers. We were up there quite awhile
and it was after noon when we got back. This after noon we put the saddle on Ginger - and
gave her a lesson, I didn't get on her because Dad. says it is no use "breaking" her, she has
to be "trained." Dad, & Enah & Tiddums drove out to Shand's but there was no body home.
Lila & Frank went out after merells but didn't get any. Nice day rather inclined to be cloudy,
quite cool to-night.
Monday May 26th
I spent the day cleaning up back of the wood shed and the east side of the old house and
have it looking pretty decent now. I also cleaned out the gear case of the separator. Dad.
plowed all day and got a nice chunk done. Enah went down town about noon to buy wall
paper and stayed for the afternoon. The stores were all closed to-day instead of Saturday
so the drug store was only open for a couple of hours. Dad & I had dinner alone. To-night

57

Frank and I drove down and met Dick. The old turkey that was sitting in the old house
hatched out to-day
{Toby's brother, Richard (Dick) Barrett, wrote the next two lines and most of the entry for
Tuesday May 27. Toby wrote the last three words of May 27, thanking his brother for writing
in the diary.}
Dick got home safely and had a good time. Everyone was well in Toronto. Cloudy and cool
all day.
Tuesday May 27th
Right after breakfast Dad went down to Sam Laws and got a roller and rolled down all he
had plowed. The calves got out of the orchard and Dad and Tobe had a devil of a time
getting them back in again. We hauled out one load of manure. In the afternoon it drizzled
rain most of the time and we helped Mrs McBride put down the carpet and paper Auntys

room. They are working there yet. (9.15pm). Cold miserable day. To Richard, - thanks.
Wednesday May 28th
We hauled out eleven loads to-day one of them was pitched on yester day. We are only
going to haul a little more and then work up the corn ground. The old turkey which was
sitting in the old house got out with her family to-day, there are nine of them and they all
look lively. I went down to band practice to-night they had the regular one as there is a
dance on to-morrow night. Harry Moon was present for the first time in many weeks, I had
began to think he had been wiped off the map, but it looks more as if the map had been
wiped of him or at least buried with whiskers. He has some thing the matter with his face
and can't shave. They have the Ivey gang about cinched now on the school board as Blight
who was on Ivey's side has dropped out and that gives the other side the majority and they
can elect any man they like to take Blight's place, before there was a deadlock. Gus Smith
fell off a scaffold somewhere to-day and broke his shoulder or some thing I couldn't hear
any details from any one but over heard Harry Moon saying some thing about it up in the
band room which was so chuck full of noise you couldn't drive a nail in it.. Johnny Walker's
mother & old Mrs. O'Harra of Norkway died yesterday & to-day. It was quite mild this
morning but there is a cold wind to-night.
Thursday May 29th

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We hauled out enough manure to-day to go over to the hickory nut tree which is as far as
we are going to put corn in. We got along very slowly the first part of the day as we were
getting it out of the old shed where the implements are and it took us about an hour to put
on a load, but we have it just about cleared out of there now and this after noon hauled five
loads out of the barn yard, that is enough for awhile now. Vyse was over for awhile this
morning. Fred & Carl Coleman were over this after noon. I rode Ginger for the first time to
night. Dad. - got on her first - and rode her to the end of the lane, then I took her down to
Sam Law's corner. We have had the little saddle on her every night but one since Sunday,
and she has behaved a little better each time. To-night Dad. put his heavy saddle on her
There was another dance on to-night but owing to "pecuniary liabilitys" I spent a quiet
evening at home. Dick worked till after midnight so did not feel in much humor to attend
either. Warmer to-day.
Friday May 30th
Dad. plowed all day with Harry & Belle, and I disked with Joe & Ginger as neither they nor I
are much account on either end of a plow. Dad. will finish plowing to-morrow if all's well and
it won't take us long to work it up. Mr. Henderson & Ronald were down this morning for Dad
to have a look at their horse. To-night Mr. & Mrs. Jim Waddle & the little girls came in and
Jim & Dad talked till about nine o'clock, before we had tea. Dick had work late again tonight. I had another little ride on Ginger to-night she turned in at the open gate into the
corn field and also onto Sam Law's lane, but other wise was pretty good. It has been cloudy
most of the day and sprinkled a few drops now & then, a lot warmer to-day.
Saturday May 31st
Dad. plowed all day but is not quite done yet. I disked with the little team all morning but as
Dad. saw he couldn't finish plowing to-day said I might as well not work them this after
noon but cut lawn which I did. He disked and harrowed over all he had plowed to-day,
before he turned out. Peg. Long & Bill Dunbar came over to day after Bob. Miller's hay which
was to be part payment for {Roy?}. I helped them put it on and they took a good one.
Jimmy Corbett was in at noon to get Dad. to go down to see his sick colt but Dad declined

the invitation on the grounds that he was too busy but told him what to do Lila spent the
after noon and night over here. Tiddums is growing a tooth now and is pretty cranky. Tige
appeared to show an interest in Tiddums to-night whent he was out in his buggy but when
Tiddums endeavored to gett a strangle hold on her eye she ceased her attentions. Dick did
not get home to-night, as this is the last day of the month I suppose he had to work. Cloudy

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this morning, clearing and developing into about the hottest day this month. We didn't put
the saddle on Ginger to-night. I have been barefooted most of the afternoon.
Sunday June 1st
The boys went to sunday school & church & I went down to church. It began to rain soon
after we got out so we went down to Huby's after for dinner. Huby was in his bare feet and
had just finished hoeing his garden. Frank & I came home soon after dinner but Dick went
up town. Dad. & I went for a little ride to night. I rode Joe & Dad. Ginger. Mr. Fleming, Vyse,
Roy Bannister & Allan Law were over here to night day. I saw Jim Blaike down town this
morning. It has been very hot to-day with two heavy showers the last of which was tonight.
Monday June 2nd
Dad. was greatly surprised this morning as he was going to the cow stable, to hear a

strange {whinny?} in the horse stable and upon investigation to find Belle the grand
possessor of a colt full brother to Queen. He is a lively & strong little fellow and has been on
his feet nearly all day. He is about the same color as Davy & has the same triangular spot on
his fore head he has two white feet both on the same side and his legs are as crooked as
rams' horns. We heard yester day that Johnnie Walker had been made take his horse off
the dray on accout of a sore neck which it had. and as we were very anxious to get the corn
field finishe up and as the advent of Belle's colt has knocked the use of her, we drove down
to see what arrangements we could make for getting Johnnie's horse. We met him just

coming out, and he said he wanted to get the horse out to pasture and that we could take
him, but would have to be careful about working him or that "thingh" by which he meant
Aikens I suppose would be jumping on him again. Aikens was the one who raised the row
and it was nothing but a dirty piece of spite work. He didn't go to Johnnie him self but to
Ellis Ryersie who was driving for Johnnie as it was while Mrs. Walker was dead in the house,
and told him to tell Johnnie to take the horse off. Ellis evidently thought there was enough
trouble in the house so refrained from mentioning it, whereupon Aikens tried to get out a
summons against Jack, but Bond wouldn't issue one. Most people seem to think it was a

low down trick of Aikens to bother Jack at such a time especially when it is none of his
business anyway. Dad. went up and saw the old horse whose name is Joe. and found he has
a sore shoulder as well as a sore neck but decided to bring him home and try to fix him up.
We got a collar at the barn there for him and Dad put a short pad under it, and as the
draught comes above the lump on his shoulder there is no weight on the raw part at all. As

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long as we plow harrow and disk with him there will be no weight on his neck so he
promises to be just what we want. Dad plowed a couple of rounds with him & Harry before
dinner and he says they make a dandy plow team and Joe never felt his shoulder in the
least. He finished plowing that piece quite early in the after noon and says he wouldn't have
finished with Belle but this team doesn't feel the plow any more than a waggon. I spent
about half the after noon printing Dads. name on the cream can and there is room for
improvement on the job at that. the other half I spent mowing the rest of the lawn. Mrs.
McBride was washing here all day. Dick had to work late tonight but he and Frank both get a
holiday tomorrow as it is the anniverssity anniversary of the King's birthday. They say the
Polocks got on a tear last night and broke all the lamp in the park. It has been quite cold this
after noon. It looked this morning as if it would be hot but a wind got up at noon.
Tuesday June 3rd
Dad. went down with Joe & Ginger this morning and borrowed Vyse's roller while I went out
and disked with Joe Walker & Harry. Dad rolled the field and then harrowed After dinner he
went out with Joe Walker & Harry - and disked. I played catch with Dick and hoed.. for
about an hour and a half - and then brought the little team out and Dad harrowed with
them while disked. He started to roll crosswise to-night but didn't get half over it and Vyse
told him to bring the roller home to-night - although when he got as far as Martin's Odd.
told him Vyse had said they could have it in the morning. Dick spent the morning in bed &
the after noon down town playing ball. Frank cut weeds in the fore noon and went fishing up
in the upper pond this after noon but I guess his visit will soon be forgotten by the finny
inhabitants of that spot as what few did happen to run into his hook, he did not deem
worth of transportation home so kindly returned them to their natural element. He has been
hearing great tales of the angler's luck out at the celp and built on-going out to-day but
could find no one to accompany him. Jack Ivey came over this after noon to buy hay. Dad
told him he could have the hay but unless it rained we wouldn't be able to haul it, but they
sent their team over and got a few forkfulls for to-night.. We found one of the little turkeys
nearly dead, this is hard weather on them, we were hoping it wouldn't rain but he said they
had six thousand little asters wich needed rain badly. Jack Martin told Dad to night that the
latest piece of devilment of Old Ivey is to have Cousin Willie & Bob Miller disqualified as
school trustees as Cousin Willie drew up the papers for trans ferring Mrs. Gordon's
property over to the school and the school have bought brooms from Bagley & Miller some
time. Both men I think have gone to Simcoe to see Kelly about it, and Dad. went over to
Martin's tonight to remind Jack that Old Stringer has done carpenter work for the school

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and so should be put off too if it is legal. Mrs. Charlie Martin was the only one home so he
left the message with her. They found out to-day that it wasn't the Polocks that committed
the depradation in the park the other night but a couple of pesky Yankees who are working
at the fish shanties. Hugh McQueen & Aikens went down to arrest them to-night. Hugh got
one but Aikens chased the other one down the plank road and I don't know whether he
caught him or not, they ought to run Aikens in with them. It was pretty hot all day. A big
thunder storm blew up late this after noon and for awhile it looked as if we were in for a
"souser" but it only rained enough to chase us in off the field and then stopped
{Toby's father, Harry Barrett, wrote the entries for June 4,5, and half of 6.}
Wednesday June 4th
As Toby went to band practice tonight or at least Wednesday and Thursday nights he is
behind in writing this up as this is Friday night We finished working the corn ground Toby
disced all day and I rolled it twice and harrowed it and we have it in first rate shape. Cold
wind nearly all day.
Thursday June 5th
First thing after breakfast I went over where Bill was working at Iveys and drove his team
while he came over here and marked our corn ground, he finished at noon. After dinner
Toby went down and borrowed a planter from Mr Fleming and we got more than half the
field planted There was quite a frost last night.
Friday June 5 6th
We did not get out very early this morning, several interruptions before we got in the field
and Just as I was going to begin to plant Will Donald drove along and well, "Talk about
talking". Toby went down to Alfreds to see if he could get a corn planter that would do
better work than Mr. Flemings, he got one but it was worse. We did not finish at noon there
were still 13 rows to plant. I had to go to a raising at Frank Ryerses, there were lots of men
there and they had every thing done before seven O'Clock, We had a grand lay out at tea

and I came home with Mr. Fleming. Toby had finished the corn, and he & Frank had
{Toby resumes writing the entry for June 6 at this point.}
(the pens all ran out of ink so I am finishing this to-morrow night myself) the chores all done
when Dad. got home. Jonnie came over tonight and & got a little field corn and an ear of

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Golden Bantam to plant in his garden, he stayed a little while but as no body made any
effort at carrying on a conversation he soon left. Jack Walker came after Dad to night as he
was nicely in his first sleep about twelve o'clock to go down and see his new horse which
had colic or some thing and which was quite recovered when Dad arrived. Al. Faulkner &
Charlie Long were both in attendance. Dick did not get home till late owing to surplus of
labor. The Woodsons all came yesterday after noon. It was hot all day and almost
suffocating to-night, looks like a big thunder storm.
Saturday June 7 6th
Dad. & I went down to Bruce's this morning but found that he & Mr. Ashbow V.S of
Caledonia were up Mud. Street on a "professional visit, so we drove up the town line till we
met them and brought them up here to have a look at Dave & Osprey who have not been
acting as we would like to see them lately. They were here to dinner and Mr. Ashbow
proved to be a very entertaining talker. This after noon Dad. went down town and got his
hair cut, while Frank went over and worked in John Quanbury's garden for him. I hoed a little
in the garden here but spent most of the time hunting crows with Frank's rifle, although I
had several good shots I failed to inflict any visible injury on the villains they have been
preying upon the little turkeys and now will be at the corn field when an opportunity offers.
I scared them off with a bullet every time I saw them light this after noon. Dick did not get
home to tea again to-night. It rained hard last night and this morning but cleared off and
has been quite cool & windy to-day.
Sunday June 8 7th
The boys went down to Sunday school and church Dad (after a good deal of squirming)
also attended the morning service, he tried to induce me to go but when I uselfishly offerd
to stay at home to take his place he couldn't very well get out of it. I cut a little wood
watered the horses & fooled around. I went out once with the rifle in quest of crows but as
none were in evidence in the vicinity of the cornfield I in my wrath sought to drive a bullet
to the heart of the hickory nut tree, but owing to my unpracticed marksmanship it escaped
unscathed. Lila came over this afternoon and she and Frank went back to the gully armed

with the rifle and returned this evening with a quantity of wild strawberries, which we were
not aware of being developed into an edible condition, Dad, Enah & Tiddums went down to
the Woodson's till the latter grew into such a state of excitement which was unequaled in
magnitude & noise to any of his former vocal exercises, so much so that Dad. grew anxious
about him and brought him home. I started to read Hamlet while they were gone. Dick

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spent this post meridian in town. Enah & I took in church to-night and we all had tea after
we came home It has been cold & raw wind all day again to-day.
Monday June 9 8th
We were late this morning anyway and before Dad got the team out Walt. & Tom McCall
with Dick {Faulmsby?} came in and their visit culminated in Dad. going back with them to
see a colt of Walt's which just came this morning, they weren't gone very long, When Dad.
refused to take five dollars from Walt. for just taking him down town & back in his
automobile, Walt said he was glad to see him in such affluent circumstances financially but
Dad told him that if he had a little pile the fiver would have added to it and persuade him to
accept it but as he was penniless that amount would only be tantalizing, this was before he
knew that Tom Abbott had been in while he was away and left a cream check for twenty
five dollars for the month of May, which we don't consider bad for three cows & two heifers
one of which (Erie) doesn't produce much more than a quart of milk. Dad started to plow
the old garden before dinner we are going to put in potatoes, mangels & turnips there if all's
well as it is such a loamy spot, he only got a few rounds done before dinner. At noon he got
thinking about the little colt down town and as he knew that it wouldn't be properly looked
after down there where there were so many around he thought he would like to have it over
here as he hated to think of it dying, so he went over to the Martin's and telephoned Walt.
and told him if the colt wasn't any better and he liked to bring it over here to do so, which
he did about four o'clock. He, Bob. Rankin & I suppose Jack Davis Yeagers man & the colt
came over in the automobile - and Billy Loan led the mare over, she is the gentlest thing to
handle & work around ever lived. They were here for quite awhile and gave the colt some
refreshments they have to hold it up it is so weak but it is well aparently every other way
and is willing enough get up but can only flounder around. Dad got up at midnight and fed
it. He gave it some whisky & milk but it didn't like it much This colt to-gether with old Joe
begins to make Barrett's farm look like an infirmary for afflicted members of the equine
race. This afternoon I wed a few carrots till Dad. yelled at me to tell me the cattle were in
the clover on the north side of the gully. I went over with some wire & pinchers and found
the miscreants were John & Fred's calf, but one wasn't enough to put them back through
the hole they got through so I left them & Dad & I put them back to-night. Bob. Rankin &
Mrs. Rankin drove over to night to have Dad. look at their horses feet which I guess are all
right. Vyse was over to say that our roller has come but is the wrong kind owing to a
mistake of his in the order, and I suppose will have to be shipped back. We didn't get

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through till very late to night. It froze last night and there has been a cold wind all day & it is
cold to night.
Tuesday June 10th
As soon as it got warm enough we got the mare & colt out of the boxstall and put them in
front of the drive house in the lane so she doesn't move more than ten feet away from it.
This after noon it got a little cold there so we put it around between the drive house & barn.
It sows great improvement to day. It can now stand up a little while by itself and has got up
by itself a couple of times when we saw it and I don't know how many times besides. Walt.
Mrs McCall, Tom & a couple of his pals were over this morning to see it. Dad finished
plowing the old garden at noon & this afternoon I disked it while Dad. harrowed over the
corn ground. This morning I went back and fixed the hole in the fence where the calves got
through, I also cleaned up the lawn mower. We didn't get any word from Aunty to-day - and
as she said in her last letter she would like to come home with Miss Battersby to-night we
didn't know whether to expect her or not. Frank went down to the station and met her as
she did come. to-night. She went to Huby's for to night she had written Aunty Maude a card
yester day but she had failed to let us know about it. It froze again last night but has been a
little warmer to-day but raw wind Dick went down to a surprise party at the Culp's to-night
given for Ray who is leaving town in the near future
Wednesday June 11th
Dad harrowed the old garden this morning but says it will have to be left till the sods dry

out before we can work anymore on it. Bob. Miller & Bill Dunbar were over talking to him for
about an hour and bought Taurus for sixty two & a half dollars. Bob. offered sixty & Dad.
asked sixty five, they wont take him till the first of July when he will likely be worth seventy.
I cut some wood and a little lawn. This after noon I went over to Tupper's to get him to
come over and shear our sheep. I found him just finishing up his own He came over about
half past three or four and sheared three. Dad. started on one and Tupper finished it for him
He makes a very nice job of it and doesn't mind leaving a few nicks in the hide, we worked
rather late but he said he would be back in the morning. The poor little colt died to-night.

We noticed when we brought her out this morning she wasn't nearly as lively as yesterday
and she has just been getting weaker all day, and to to-night she just "goin out". I went
down to band practice to-night and told George {Faulmsby?} about it. Walt was in Delhi
and had not got home yet. The poor old mare feels pretty badly. It has been quite summery
today.

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Thursday June 12th
Tupper came over before we had breakfast this morning and "proceeded" to shear the rest
of the sheep, we chased them around into the barn so as we could catch them easily. He
got through about eleven and as he had his wool with him to take to market I went down in
his rig with ours. We had 45 1/2lbs and at 18 cts - got $8.19. Dad get 1/7 of that. Frank gets
1/4 of what is left & I get the balance. Tupper beat us by a dollar and he only had six fleeces

to our seven but his were bigger sheep, he had fifty something pounds & got the same
price. We took it down here to Penman's. Vyse was working on Uncle Ward's side hill so I
went to see him about the roller that is here for us but he says it isn't the right one. This
after noon Dad. buried the little colt and I worked a little in the garden Mrs. Brad Bowlby
came in to see Tiddums I guess and Aunty & Enah went down town Aunty stayed all night.
Ada. & Hubert Lawrie were over for awhile. Hubert is just here for a day or so. About five
o'clock Dad. & I drove Belle out to Jim Waddle's. I went down to band practice to-night and
didn't get to bed till twelve. Dick came home with me his new suit came to-day. Pretty hot,

breezy. Tom Law's auto mobile up set last night the other side of Simcoe and nearly killed
Harry Dyer and injured Tom. They though at first that Dyer's back was broken but that
report was contradicted later, but he is in pretty bad shape in Simcoe
Friday June 13th
Dad. went down town this morning with the waggon and got Joe & Ginger shod, he also got
Aunty Maude's refrigerator. I cut a little lawn and chored around till noon. About twelve
Enah heard the fire bell, and I lit out hot foot for the town but when I got over behind Vyse's
I noticed the smoke over by Mrs. Munroe's. I got there just as Alh Faulkner arrived on the
hump with the bus & fire pails. It was the house I think that Bill Philips used to live in, but is
now occupied by a fellown by the name of Smith - and is owned by Person. They soon had
the fire checked but not before it had burned down the kitchen and part of the roof. It was
late when we got through dinner. Dad. and I went down to the mill to get some flour & chop.
Dad took some grist down this morning. When we got home, he went out and harrowed
over the old garden, I didn't do any thing much as I felt lazier than a yellow dog. Mrs. Skey &
Mrs. Battersby came over this after noon. Aunty came over after noon she got a ride with
old Fawset. Lila also came over to spend the night. Frank & I went down to the stump tonight, the water was fine it was the first time in for me this year. It was very hot to-day.
Saturday June 14th

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We caught all the calves but Bobbie's when we fed them this morning, they have not been
feeling very lively to-day. Bill Oaks came over for a drink and visited for about half an hour.
He is going to leave Ivey to-day. We cut potatoes most of the morning. This after noon we
got some ice out to put in the refrigerator, it is meling a lot but seems all right in side. Frank
went to a picnic this after noon that Mrs. Tuck was having for her Sunday School class. We
did not get out in the field till about three and then Dad ploughed some furrows to plant
potatoes in the old garden and we planted four rows. We planted Huby's early ones which
he has been telling us ought to be planted for the last month, two rows from the west side
of the east section. Alfred came over while we were out there and paid a short visit. Dad. & I
had to go down town to-night for some stuff. Lila went down with us. Tupper went past today and told Dad he was going to begin road work on Tuesday.
Sunday June 15th
Frank went to Sunday school but Dick didn't get up in time; he, Dad. & I drove down to
church. Dad. & I went in the choir. The Rev. Larry Shey prought about the Dominion Alliance
and its efforts in trying to "Abolish the bar". I walked home with Paul Lee Woodson. Dick
stayed down and is not home yet (9.10 P.M.) This afternoon I read till I went to sleep, and
then read again. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Faulkner were over, and Walt McCall, Dave. Waddle, Powell
McKintosh & Bill Davis came over. Walt. said he would send over his mare in the morning.
Dad. & Tiddums went down to Alfreds so missed all visitors. Enah intended to go to church
to-night but Tiddums woke up about that time so she stayed home. It has rained quite a
few times to-day and has been sunny & hot in between.
Monday June 16th
Dad. & I planted the rest of the potatoes this morning and went over to Sam Law's before
dinner. This afternoon we moved the kitchen stove from the inside kitchen to the
woodshed, we didn't have enough hands and the consequence was the base got broken
and now the stove is supported by columns of brick, we then went out and planted three
rows of mangels. We had a garden line which was to short and had to be stretched twice in
the same line. Dad had to make the drill with a stick and I shook the seed in with a can with

a hole in the bottom, which worked all right. Tonight I went down to band practice and got
home just at twelve Aunty went down and spent the evening with Mrs. Bumpas at Mrs.
Skey's. It was too late to wait for me so she came back alone. This has been about the
hottest day we have had 90° in the shade I think We are hearing a lot of talk now about the
enormous almmount of money the government & the railway are going to spend on

67

harbour improvements. I found our poor black & white cat killed this morning in Joe's stall I
suppose she has run up after a mouse and frightened Joe when she stepped on her. Frank
has undertaken to raise her family for her but has a hard job making them drink. We heard
yesterday that Harry Dyer was dead but I heard to-day that he was better yester day.
Tuesday June 17th
Dad. & I worked on the road all day, we took Harry & little Joe and the plow. Tupper, Mr
Flemming, Mr. Walker & Ben were all there with teams. They plowed a ditch from the corner
to the top of the gully on our side of the road and took the dirt and filled up the holes
around the culvert and covered the stones that have been the source of many a cuss word
coming from travellers mounting the hill. Of course there are a lot of kickers that feel called
upon to tell us that a worse mess couldn't be made than the job we are doing but they cant
suggest a remedy. One mug told us we might better be home in bed. Dad. told him we
would much rather be. Roy telephoned Dick to-day that Aunty Louisa died this morning so
Aunty went down on the five train. Tonight I went down with Dick intending to go to Aunty
Maude's & Ada's party at Mrs Scofield's but when I found out that it was to be mostly
{illegible} I thought I had better be in bed. The Woodson boys went down with us, and Dick
his best to persuade us to go up but they didn't want to go so we came home and Dick
stayed and says he had a good time and any ammount of dancing. Lewis treated the four
of us to a dish of ice cream. Pretty warm but not so bad as yesterday.
Wednesday June 18th

We worked on the road all morning. As our time was finished at noon by Dad. & the team
alone, Tupper rewarded me with a dollar for my services, he said he knew I wasn't worth it
but as it was a government job, he would let it go. at that. This after noon we planted a few
more mangles and have another row to plant yet. To-night I went down to band concert, it
was the first night we have been out this year and the first night I ever played in public, I
guess I did as well as ever, but just about froze on the stand and was so stiff I could hardly
walk home. Very much cooler and cloudier to-day.
Thursday June 19th
I went out this morning and planted the rest of the mangels (one row). Dad disked up the
unsowed part to the garden and then started to plow the other half of the corn field for
wheat, This after noon I raked the garden and got a place ready to plant corn but only got
one row of Golden Bantam in on account of the rain. Dad. plowed all the after noon Our

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corn is coming up very nicely except in a few hard spots which are as dry as a bone. Dick
came home tonight and we had some music to-night. We had quite a thunder shower
about noon and another about tea time We needed them badly but they weren't enough
Friday June 20th
Vyse came over this morning and told us our roller was at the station, so Dad told him that
we would go right down and get it and for him to wait for us to set it up. When we got there
it proved to be a nine foot instead of an eight foot one which was ordered so Dad. did not
accept it. We went up by town to get some cream jars at the hardware store and around
by the Spaints for Vyse to inquire after Alex, who was taken sick last Monday night, and
they have been afraid he would have to be operated upon. He is better this morning. I
planted the rest of the corn when we got home and Dad. went back to fix the gully fence
where Fred's calf got into the field. I went over to the Quanbury's at noon and got some
tomato and cauliflower plants, but just as I got home it began to rain and poured all the
afternoon. There were a few very close claps of thunder but I don't think anything around
here was struck. The ground was just about flooded but it didn't take it long to run off & in. I
read myself to sleep and slumbered till about five when I went out and we planted out the
tomato & cauliflower. It is raining quietly again to night. Very hot this morning. Mr Lamb
brought us over a lovely bunch of peonys this morning.
Saturday June 21st
As it was too muddy for Dick to walk or ride his wheel (which was down town any way), I

drove him down town as far as Mrs. Lawson's, I didn't care to go any farther on account of
my appearance. Frank & I wed out a few onions. Frank got quite a lot done, he is getting
skilled at the job from his practice at the Quanbury's. Dad. started to clean out the wood
shed and we helped him a little. We also steadied & levelled the separator. It took nearly all
the after noon to the the wood shed cleaned but it looks a lot better now. Frank went over
to Mrs. Martin's with the cream and got eight more tomato plants from John to fill out the
row. I put them out and helped him put out some Cabbage plants, he has sixty out now. He
got another hatch of chickens over at Jack Martin's these are single combed ones to keep

for ourselves, he also went over to Law's and got the butter. To night he and Dad. have
driven down town after the mail & some groceries, as Dick did not come home to tea. Dad.
wants to see Emery about a corn cultivator which I saw he had for sale this morning. It has
been cool and cloudy all day.

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Sunday June 22nd
The boys went down to church and Sunday School this morning but I went back to the gully
for an hour or two instead and I guess was just as much benefited as if I had gone to
church. I found a breach in the fence where I suppose John gets through into the alsike and
patched it up as well as I could. I took a walk way up around by Robert John's and fell in
with Edmond England coming from Ivey's where he has three heifer's pastured. While I was

gone Dad. went down town and got Huby and Lila to come over for dinner and see the farm.
Win came over after dinner. This after noon Harry & Mrs. Moon and Jack & Mrs. Walker
came over. Harry spent about half an hour trying to take a picture of Queen & the colt, but
Queen was too tame and wanted to examine the camera while the colt was a little shy and
would get behind Belle. Then Old Harry seemed to think that it was his likeness which was
wanted or else Ginger would take a run across the field and the rest would all be after her.
At last however Johnny got Mrs. Walker's parasol and attracted their attention enough for
Harry to get a couple. Dad. drove Huby home soon after dinner and I drove Enah, Win & Lila

down and Enah. Win & I went to church. We over took all the Woodson's but Lewis coming
over here after church. When they left we had some sanwiches is place of tea which we
missed. Lovely day sunny but not hot cool to-night.
Monday June 23rd
Sam & Allan Law came over this morning to borrow our waggon, Lewis Woodson also came
over with a scythe blade to be sharpened. I spent the day in clearing the blue grass field of
daisys and strawberries there were some fat ones back there. When I went out this morning
I had designs on a patch of daisys which we could see from here and which I thought I
could corner in an hour or two but when I over there I found a lot more on the side hill, and
they took me the most of the day. I pulled them, which took a good deal longer than to cut
them as I had first intended, so I am not through yet with the patch I set out after. Dad
plowed all day. and at noon drove down to see Emery about his cultivator but Emery
couldn't find the teeth for it then. but I went down to-night to band practice and he told me
he had gone out to his fathers and found them out there so I guess we will buy it. It was half
past eleven when Dick and I got home. pretty fairly hot.
Tuesday June 24th
I went back and harvested the remainder of my flower garden and got through a little
before noon with out feeling any regret at leaving. At noon Dad went down to Emery's and

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brought the cultivator home. I cut a little lawn while he was gone. As the trip down town
delayed dinner we were late getting out and by the time we got Belle in and harnessed to
put on the cultivator it was about three o'clock, but it was just as well for she was inclined
to be pretty balky and mad at six. Dad drove her up and down the field once when she
balked and soon got her to behave fairly well, and got a nice start on the cornfield To-night
I worked in the garden till dark and then Frank and I went for a swim and got back about
ten. Frank had just started his exams today and appears to be very interested in them, he
thinks he passed in the subjects he had to-day. Arithmetic, Spelling & Writing. Hot & sultry I
have felt about half asleep all day. Dad's head ached and he felt pretty rotten about noon
Wednesday June 25th
As it showed symtoms this morning of being an extra hot day and as Belle's colt didn't
seem very well this morning on account of being away from her while she was working
yester day, and because she cut up rather rustily yesterday, Dad. went over to Sam Law's
before break fast and borrowed old Ben. to cultivate our corn. Dad. plowed all day with
Harry & Joe Walker so I was sentenced to keep Bent and the cultivator in the straight and
narrow way lying between the corn rows. He went pretty well all morning and for awhile
after dinner till I started to go crosswise; but then I couldn't do anything with him, he did his
best to step on every hill and wouldn't mind at all. Dad. took him a couple of rounds or so
while I plowed and said he went pretty well but I couldn't see any improvement. When Frank
got home from school he rode him for awhile and things went better. Tonight Frank took
him home and we decided not to cultivate any more till he got through with school, he is
just having his exams now and tomorrow & Friday is his last day. Frank's guinea hen started
setting today. Drat {ink blotch on page}
Thursday June 26th
I worked in the garden all day, and got most of the weeds out but nothing else done. Dad.
plowed all day and finished the rest of the corn field for summer fallow. Wyatt Waddle
came in this after noon with a duplicate of the broken casting on the manure spreader.
Aunty came home to night. Dick met her and she stayed at Huby's all night. Dick started the

other day to take music lessons from Miss Wimmer. Allan Law brought our waggon back
this morning. Very hot and sultry to-day.
Friday June 27th

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It rained last night and the thunder which accompanied it was deafening. There was one
clap that fairly shook Dad out of bed, and he went around shutting all the windows. When
he got to ours I partly woke up but if it hadn't been for him I would never have known there
was any thunder. It has been a very stifling day. It was about 90° in the shade and so muggy
and wet we could hardly breathe. Dad. plowed all day on the old corn stubble and nearly
croaked with the heat and his uncomfortable foot wear. I planted out a few tomato plants
which Frank found coming up from seed among the potatoes. I was to lazy to do any thing
else much. Aunty came over about noon. This after noon I put on a bathing suit and hooked
up Joe and took the buggy down here to the grist mill and gave it a good washing. Lila came
over just as I was starting so got on a bathing suit and went down with me and I think
enjoyed herself immensely, going right up under the dam and all over. I got well washed off
by by getting under the stream that overflows from the flume but there was awful force to
it. I went down at seven to-night and attended the Methodist strawberry fistival with the
rest of the band. Dad. Dick, Frank & Enah were all there. Aunty & Lila took care of Tiddums.
We got home pretty fairly early and had a good time.
Saturday Saturday June 28th
I plowed all day to-day. Dad made three strike outs yester day and I turned then under
leaving about three feet for Dad. to finish up on each land. I got around three strike outs,
and didn't do so very badly considering it was the first day I had put in at the job never
before plowing more than three or four rounds at a time. It seemed to go much better and I
made a better looking job this morning than after dinner. I had old Harry and Joe Walker
who made a pretty good team once they got started of but I generally had some trouble at
the ends - as neither one of them much more than enough braints to make a square meal
for a chipmonk. Dad. took Belle out to cultivate but she acted pretty mean so Frank came
out to lead her she was still bad till Dad. took her and Frank took the cultivator, when she
worked like a charm and they continued operations all day in this manner but did not quite
get over the field. About five o'clock the colts came up the lane and some way knocked
down the bars into the field and took a race down the corn field and back, but we soon got
them out. Aunty went down town to see Mrs. Bompas who I think is going away soon. They
expected Quint home to-night but he didn't come, but may be here yet for the first. Fairly
warm but nothing like yesterday.
Sunday June 29th

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We got up fairly early this morning and Dad drove Aunty up to the cemetry with some
flowers before Sunday School. None of us went down to church except Frank. Hubert &
Edith Lawrie came over with Aunty after church for the afternoon. I left at half past one - as
this was decoration day for the odd fellows - and the band furnishes them with music for
them. We had to march from the Dominion Hotel to the School house - and as it was the
first march for me I didn't enjoy it much, what made it triply hard for me, I had no music
harp for my horn so had to hold the music with half of one had, play with half of the other
and hold the horn with half of each so I couldn't do any thing properly. Then I got out of
step about half a dozen times in every block and every body suggested hobbles or some
other contrivance to keep my length of step at about a foot & a half instead of three feet.
We rode up to the back from the cemetry on Val. Lany's dray with Johnnie Walker's team.
We played a few old hymns up there and marched back from the school house to Harry
Graham's store to "Auld Lang Syne". There is an great change for the better in the
appearance of the cemetry since Munroe has been looking after it. When I got home I found
Mr. Blaikie here, his arm is badly crippled with rheumatism, he just came up for the first, was
going to Alfred's to spend the night, - and to Simcoe to-morrow. There was great
excitement up the Radical road last night, as Art Williams was going home after midnight he
saw Geordie Waldick's barn opposite Cory's place on fire, Geordie wasn't home so he
alarmed Stringer's. They just nicely got it out when they saw a fire at Chart Wooley's so
they going over there, they saved the barn but the straw stack was burned. Next thing a
blaze was noticed over at John King's, who being more unlucky than the other two lost his
barn and all his implements. It was evident that this was the work of some man, and for
some reason I think they tracked him they suspect the fellow who lives at Cory's. I forget
his name any way - they had the house watched, but as Dad. & Enah told were going to
church to-night they were very much surprised to meet this same man walking leisurely
along the road in front of this place. Dad. informed Art Quanbury - and this led to Hugh
McQueen and Faulkner in Al's automobile starting in pursuit and his recapture on the way to
Renton. He deserves all he gets for being fool enough to keep to the road. Geordie Waldick
and some other fellow were in here while Dad. was at church to see him about some
vetinary business. Mr. Blaikie and Alfred were also over. Lila stayed all night over here. Very
hot for me to-day, breezy and not extraordinary for other people.
Monday June 30th
I plowed a few rounds this morning but made such a mess of it that Dad. took it and Frank
and I cultivated corn. I led Belle and he held the cultivator she went fine, we got over the

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rest of the corn crosswise and nearly half over it lengthwise. To night I went down to band
practice, Aunty polished my horn up beautifully for me this after noon she went down with
me to see Quint if he came, but he didn't. Dick waited for the late train which did not get in
till after eleven in hopes that Quint would be aboard but was disappointed. I saw Stuffy tonight. Mrs. McBride was here this after noon washing. It has been pretty hot all day but a
nice breeze, awfully hot to-night. Quite a few are into their hay now.

Tuesday July 1st
Dad went down to Vyse's, and from there down town to get the roller, it came all right this
time and they set it up at Vyse's and left in there for the present. He had to stop in at
Martin's on his way down to see their cow who got into the chicken cook-house the other
night - and filled up on every thing she could find, and now is in a rather critical condition.
Among other things I hoed some of the corn in the garden this morning and then Frank and
I went to the stump and enjoyed a good swim. Frank went on down town with the lawn
mower to have it sharpened, but I came home and had dinner as I had to be down town by
one as the band started performing then. we played for awhile on the bandstand, and then
went around town, they took us in to the three hotels and to Jake's. Jack Paine was very
much in evidence on these occasions making all sorts of rash promises to the band, such
as sending up a new set of instruments or anything else they wanted if each member would
send him twentyfive bull dog ammonia cupons. At the lower hotel, they struck up, "He's a
jolly good fellow". and Jack and the rest of them down there danced and kicked up a row,
till they got out of wind and then he commenced to talk, but as they were waiting for us out
side, we had to leave him much to his disgust, without all the good wine he had been
promising us. I rode Frank's wheel home to tea and changed my once white pants as I
thought I might take in the dance. We played awhile over in the park till the orchestra had
to go in to the dance, by that time I didn't feel much like dancing so sat around with Egg
Thompson & some others and came home early Among the chief numbers on the list of
sports were was a a slow horse race which Hazen entered but was disqualified because his
horse stopped - and which ended in a dispute, as some thought that Dave Fields who came
in last let his horse stop, but others said that it didn't stop for although it wasn't making any
progress its feet were going. Another was a tug of war between Simcoe & Dover. The Dover
end of the rope was supported by Hugh McQueen, Sandy Leitch etc. and walkeded right
down the road with Simcoe, but it also ended with {picking?} for some reason or other.
Harry Moon yelled him self hoarse at that, An unadvertised sensation was created by the
arresting of a motor cyclist by Val. Leany. It seems the fellow either through non control of

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his machine or whisky or pure devilment or all three was {illegible} the roads through the
crowd at a very reckless and dangerous rate. He did stop at last and evidently objected to
peace ably accompany Val to the cooler, so that gentleman picked him up, put him under
his arm and carried him in out of the hot sun. I heard afterwards that Bond tried him and
that he contributed nineteen dollars to the municipal treasary. A Simcoe man dropped
dead over at the Dominion at noon. I suppose he collapsed with the heat, that didn't cause
much excitement though as every body else felt the same way. It was almost unbearably
hot especially under a coat that has been collecting the bandroom dirt for an unknown
number of ages.
Wednesday July 2nd
Dad. plowed and. Frank. Belle & I cultivated corn all day. We finished the field lengthwis
length wise and got up as far cross wise as where Frank & Dad. begun the other day. We are
going to leave it that way for awhile now. To-night I went down to the regular
weekly night band concert. Lila came over and spent the night, she cut her lip quite badly
inside by falling off Frank's wheel several times. It swelled up like a sick toad or we wouldn't
have known she hurt as she didn't feel it. Aunty went down town to-day and to-night Mrs.
& Miss Woodson came over to inquire after her as the cook though some delusion on her
part had told them she fainted while going through their place this afternoon. It rained a
few drops this morning and has been a most comfortable breezy day.
Thursday July 3rd

Vyse came in this morning with our roller, he and Aikens were going out to haul in his hay.
Dad had to go over to Martin's to see their cow and when he came back he got the mower
out and cleaned it up I turned the grindstone while he sharpened one of the knives. Mrs.
McPherson and her three angels came over to spend the day. I hope they enjoyed
themselves, for then somebody would have. Arthur would have if they had let him spend a
little more time in the blacking box and flour tin. After dinner Dad took the mower back the
other side of the gully and started on the half of the old wheat stubble, the other half is in
alsike. I went back with him till he cut a round. He didn't quite finish the field to-night but

has a couple or so hours more, he said none of it would be fit to rake before tomorrow noon
any way. When I came up I worked in the garden till six. Frank thinned out the carrots and
Paris Greened the potatoes. Dick got home to tea to-night. Very hot again to-day. As the
cats have been taking a duck or two lately Frank has moved them, the ducks, out on the
front lawn. They don't add to the beauty of the place any, but I guess no body in particular

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cares a cent. Dad had to go over to Martin's again to-night as the cow is in a worse
condition, he punched a hole in her stomach and has created a spring of chicken feed with
the above mentioned stomach as the source.
Friday July 4th
Dad. went back as early as he could, which was pretty late to finish mowing. I didn't do any
thing much but start to make a rack for the beans to climb on, about ten I went back to
shake up some of the hay which Dad. cut yesterday but mowed instead Dad. went to shake
up the hay but found there wasn't enough of it to make it necessary so went over and
visited with John Wess McBride who while cultivating corn was taking things as coolly as
possible. Some menl were there putting a new roof on his barn and he wasn't at all satisfied
with it. We finished mowing about noon. When we got to the house we found Huby there
with a horse and buggy out electioneering. This was the day, they voted on the by law to fix
the canning factory's taxes. but every body had forgotten about it. even the canners them
selves. Vyse told them he had forgotten and had been thinking it was the twelfth, and
telling people that was the date. Huby stayed to dinner and Dad. & Aunty drove down
afterwards with Joe, while Huby went after Uncle Ward & others. Win came over with him
but went home with Edith who also came over as she pretended to be scared of the horse
which ran away several times so Huby said. Mrs. McBride came this morning to paper our
room and Frank has been helping her all day. It rained all the after noon so I didn't do any
thing much. Dad. cleaned out the cellar and I helped a little break the sprouts of
some apples potatoes. Mrs. McBride & Frank finished the room to-night all but the border
on one side which they didn't have enough of. Bill Dunbar and some other fellow came after
poor old Taurus this morning they led him down and although he was quiet enough they
had a little time with him as he didn't know what being tied up meant. After dinner both the
Dr. Burts. from Simcoe came in to see Dad. They had come down to look at Martin's cow
but she was just about dead, she died soon after. Dick didnt come home till late but hadn't
heard how the election went.
Saturday July 5th

I drove Dick down this morning as the roads were too muddy for him to ride or walk. He got
me the rest of the roll of border and a few other things to bring home. Martin's were just
about to inter the remains of their cow when I came home and were evidently waiting for
Dad to come and hold a post mortem as he told them he wanted to yesterday, he went
over but said it was to long after her death to make any observations. He and Frank then

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went down to the mill with some grist for chop. I tied binder twine together to make a trellis
for the beans to climb on. This after noon I just walked around the garden. Frank planted
out another row of cabbages & Dad. cut weeds around here and put up the other piece of
border. Aunty went down town this afternoon but came back to tea. After tea Dad. & I
drove down town I tried to get some coarse salt but couldn't but got some chloroform for
Fran's butterfly. I then went over to the dance - and put in a very miserable time - as no
body would dance or have anything to do wth me. Dick was there and never missed a
dance. It rained hard last night but there has and has been pretty hot all day although there
was a very nice cool breeze off the lake this after noon.
Sunday July 6th
Dad. & Frank did all the chores this morning as I didn't get up very early. Aunty & Frank went
down to Sunday school and Dick and I went to church. This after noon Dad. Enah, Aunty and
Tiddums went out to the Shand's and stayed to tea. We did chores. Dick spent the after
noon down town in swimming. Frank went back to the gully and I tried to draw a picure but
didn't make much of a job of it. To-night the boys fed the little ducks some whisky soaked
grain and they got {bory?} eyed two or three could hardly walk, and would roll over & over.
It has been cool & quite windy all day. It rained a short time this after noon.
Monday July 7th
This was Dad's. birthday so we didn't get a very early start although we never do any other
day either. Dad. went over and raked up the hay he cut and finished at noon I went back

with him and started to cock up. Frank had to take a consignment of sick little chickens
over to Jack Martin to have their case diagnosed, he pronounced it chickenpox and
ordered them to be quartined, fumigated, disinfected, vaccinated and about half a dozen
other things, when he got back he came and cocked up too.This afternoon we took the
waggon back and put on a load. It took us nearly two hours as the the hay was very loose &
short and the wind was very strong. Frank went a head of us and bunched it out of the
windrow, Dad. pitched on & I loaded or piled it on the rack. We cocked up a little before we
came up with the load. Aunty Maude, Win and Lila came over to-night to wish Dad. a happy

birth day. I went down to band practice and got home soon after eleven. It has been very
cool and a strong wind all day.
Tuesday July 8th

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We cocked up all morning and finished about noon all but about one load in the north west
corner we then all went over to John Wess. McBride's to get some information regarding
slings, as Dad. never used them before. We found out all we wanted to and he gave us an
ash board to make the uprights which bolt on the rack. We were over there quite awhile
and didn't get back till after one so by the time we had dinner did chores and pitched off
the load on the rack it was pretty late. It looked a little like rain so we went out and got the
load that was in wind row instead of rigging the slings. We couldn't take it quite all in one
load but it didn't rain anyway. Frank bunched it all up, so as to make it easier to pitch on. I
loaded it again and it didn't upset. It was after six by the time we got up with it. Winnie
came over this after noon and stayed all night. Lila went home. Very nice cool day and not
so windy.
Wednesday July 9th
We spent the whole morning in fixing the sling rigging on the rack and oiling the pulleys and
making general preparation for getting in the rest of our hay. We also put off the load by
hand which was on the rack We got a good start after dinner, but as it was the first time we
had ever had the sling ropes to bother with, we didn't get on extra fast, but we got it off
with out any trouble as the slings worked fine. We went back and got about half a load on
when a very heavy thunder storm blew up and we all got soaked to the skin. It didn't last
long as we left the field as soon as it began and it had nearly stopped when we got to the
barn. We had a hard time coming up the hill as it was too slippery for the horses. Old Harry
fell right down once on his nose - and they both came down on their knees two or three
times, but I don't think either of them sustained any serious injuries. Lila came over after
dinner and came out to the field with us. so got soaked with the rest of us. Dad took down a
panel of the barnyard fence when he drove the team through into the field with the sling
rope so had to take the horses out of the field, he put Belle & her colt in the boxstall and
turned Ginger & Queen back the lane in fear & trembling best they should get into the
barbed wire, and to-night before tea we noticed Queen in the pasture field and on
investigation Dad. found she had jumped the lane fence, and had a few scratches on her
but otherwise was not hurt. Ginger was all right. I went down to band practice concert tonight. Dad. & Frank drove me down but I was late. I just missed the first piece. I came home
with Dick. Very cool and breezy. They got their smoke stack up to-night at the canning
factory.
Thursday July 10th

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Frank and I cultivated corn all day, we started to go twice in a row but made such little
headway that we knew we wouldn't get over all of it so went once in a row. We also went up
between the potatoes rows, they are coming slowly but the grass is bad in them and they
need hoeing. I am afraid our mangel crop is a failure, it looks as if the seed was no good.
Dad. started to cut the new meadow this side of the gully where the wheat was last year, he
only started to cut a {?} part of it which was west of the old garden but didnt get it quite
done. One of the sections on the blade got loose this morning, and he was delayed quite
awhile fixing it, then at noon we sharpened the other knife. Lila has spent the whole day
going back and forth from the house to the fields, watching her chance to drive the horses
or hold the cultivator, she wanted to go home to-night as to-morrow is her music lesson
day. but Aunty thought she would be too tired so persuaded her to stay. Aunty & I went
over to the Woodson's to-night and spent a very enjoyable evening. Most of the family
were out in the kitchen assisting the cook to entertain her two gentlemen callers, who were
a mexican who Paul Lee says is the Ingram's cook and a negro dwarf from Simcoe, they had
a banjo or some instrument but were stage struck before so large an audience. We got
home about half past ten and every one was in bed. Dick stayed down late to the dance tonight and forgot to put the light out when he got home. I discovered to-day that my big
knife was gone out of my overalls pocket and I am afraid I have lost it in the load of hay,
which means that it is gone forever, it was a dandy too. Very cool all day cold to-night.
{Toby's aunt, Emily Louisa Barrett (Aunty), wrote the entries for July 11 and 12.}
Friday July 11th Lila went home when Dick went to the Bank. Harry, Toby & Frank drew in two loads of hay in
the morning and unloaded them with the sling it worked beautifully it was a lovely day to
work "clear and cool", in the afternoon they raked the hay that was cut and put part of it in
cock, they were quite late coming in from the field, and we were very late having tea Hattie
had a long visit from Mr. Law, who brought the butter. before tea I went over to see Mrs
Battersby and Ethel, Hattie took the baby out for a little while. Dick came home to tea he
wrote to Ferdie Wiser and went to bed very early. Harry and Hattie drove out to {see?}
Harvey Shand in the evening Saturday July 12th It began to rain this morning before the boys got out in the field, and rained heavily nearly
all the forenoon. They were very disappointed that so much hay was out, but they were

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busy all the morning with the numerous odd's and sod's which are left waiting for a rainy
day. Harry helped us with one or two bits of work in the house, while the two boys began to
tidy the drive house, he then went to help them at that, they got it finished and Frank
cleaned his chicken house. I made a mistake in saying the rain began before they went to
work, it looked very like rain early this morning, but it was cool and windy so Harry and the
boys did go out and raked up more of the hay, hoping to draw more in today, but the rain
came on and drove them in. After dinner Toby drove Enah down town Dick did not come
home to tea, he is staying over for the dance - We heard from Roy, he said Jean was
coming to the Woodson's tonight - Since tea Toby and Frank have been for a bathe at the
Mill. This is Cousin Loll's Birthday, Enah went to see her, and took her some cream Sunday July 13th
Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday school and I met them at church. Aunty stayed
down at Miss Battersby's for dinner, she came over to-night with Lila. Dick went down to
the lake this after noon and didn't get back till about eight o'clock. Dad. Frank and I took a
drive after dinner. We went out to the Winding Hills east to Black Creek. South to the Dog's
Nest and up this road home. We were pleased to note that the other neighbors are not
much farther ahead than we are and their crops except the wheat are not much better
than ours I didn't feel very husky this afternoon, I guess I haven't had enough sleep lately.
Nice day, but windy.
Wednesday July 16th

We got up extra early this morning in order to get in a good day hauling hay, we got out
soon after seven to unload the load standing on the barn floor. While Dad. and I were in the
field after a load Frank took the pulleys and ropes down out of the barn as we want to fill up
our horse stable mow with the hay we are now hauling in. Dad. had to change the car from
one track to another when we came in and that took half an hour, then we found our slings
wouldn't work there, the first lift nearly knocked the old ventilator chute over, there was one
would hardly go in the doors and the hay all dropped out of the last one for some unknown
reason we got the fork to lift what had dropped but it wouldn't work in the short blue grass.

It took us about two hours to get through which was rather discouraging, we got in one
more load before noon and two this afternoon, they went up all right but we didn't put on
nearly as big ones. We quit on time as this was the night of Dad's party out at the Shand's,
and we had to have the hay rack to carry them all. One of the Miss Shand's drove in this
afternoon and took Enah and Tiddums out, they will stay all night as Tiddums wouldn't go

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very well with the load. There were twenty two of us on the rack and lots of room, besides
all the crowd at the Woodson's (10) there were Mrs. Hobbes and Miss Prest. Aunty Maude
and Lila Ada, Miss Beemer and Edith Lawrie, Dad., Aunty and we three boys made a nice
load. There was quite a bunch out there consisting of Shand's and relations of Shands, Mr. &
Mrs. Nixon and very sleepy son from Renton and a Mr. Hare with his mother, who is a sister
of Mrs. Shand's came all the way from Jarvis. Mr. Hare had his clarinet with him and also his
violin, but he wouldn't play the latter after he had heard Miss Prest. He is the leader of the
Jarvis Band which had just started this year. I had to miss the band concert to-night. We
had music of every description and a good time. We didn't leave till after mid-night. and it
was about half past two when we got all the passengers delivered at their different places
of abode and got home and the horses put away. I was dead sleepy. We didn't see a living
creature down town but Mr. Hobbes was stalking up and down like a ghost past the bank
waiting anxiously for his family A fierce cat fight some where in the neighbourhood of Billy
Frank's cottages made us aware that Dover was not completely enveloped in slumber.
Winnie went to Waterford to-day with the other Miss Beemer, she will be in a very joyful
state of mind as she passed entrance with honors. Poor Lila failed and feels badly although
nobody would know it from her behaviour. Nice, cool breezy day, cloudy to-night and
sprinkling a few drops of rain when we got home.
Thursday July 17th
Dad. got up a little later than usual this morning, I slept till after seven and Frank spent the
best part of the morning in bed, but it had rained quite a spatter so we couldn't do much in
the field. We just puttered around. Dad. worked a little in the garden and cut some of the
grass and all the young plum trees on the front lawn and some of the thistles in the plum
orchard. I mowed lawn. This after noon Dad. went back and started in to cut the alsike I cut
more lawn and thinned some onions while Frank scythed thistles. About five I went back
and cut alsike till dark while Dad came up and did chores and had tea. He had been having
a hard time with it clogging up the knife, as it was wet and a lot of stuff in the bottom. I had
just as bad a time for awhile but it got better. Dad. Dick and Frank all came back when it got
pretty dark and Dad. thought we could finish it to-night, but decided that we had better
leave it till morning. It was about half past nine when we got up to the house. The Miss
Shands drove Enah and Tiddums home this after noon. Tiddums was tickled nearly to
busting at getting back home again. Damp and muggy drizzled nearly all morning.
Friday July 18

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Dad. went back this morning to finish cutting the alsike Frank and I went out to cock up the
rest of the hay in windrow, but found it too wet so just turned it out and went over to the
alsike field. Dad. told us to go up and get the rack ready to put on a load, so we went up and
threw off the hay which was left on from the night of the party and put on the ladders and
sling standards. Dad. came up just as we got about through. Mr & Mrs. Harry Dyer with
Nancy drove in about this time and Harry was dickering with Dad. about his lots on St.
George St. Dad. told him he could have the two for $600 but he wouldn't sell one separate.
Harry said he would decide and let Dick. know to-morrow. We went out and got one load
before dinner. Mr. Lamb came over to see if he could get some hay. Dad said if he would
send a couple of men and a team & waggon over he could get a load but we didn't have
time to haul it, so he said he would. This after noon we got another load in and unloaded,
and then went out to cock up the rest of the wind rows. One of the little black kittens
followed us out and caught a very young mouse and gobbled it. We didn't get quite through
before tea, so Dad. went out after tea and worked at it till nearly ten and still left some.
Frank and I drove down town after tea as Dick didn't come home and Frank wanted to see
the Maple Leaf to know his fate - as to whether he passed his exams. although he made it
seem as though getting his wheel was the real object of our trip. The wheel wasn't done so
we went down to Huby's to see the paper, he was very disappointed not to find his name
among the successful candidates as he was pretty confident he had passed. Poor old Jim
Low was killed to-day by Dave Turner's engine. He was crazy with drink and as near as we
know jumped in front of the engine before Dave could stop for him, the engine threw him
and I think fractured his skull. He died an hour or two afterwards without becoming
conscious. Aunty, Enah & Tiddums went visiting this afternoon at the Johnston's and
Martin's, Aunty went over to Mrs. McBride's to find out why Frank didn't come to pick
cherries but no-one was home. Dick didn't get home till after midnight as he went up to
Mrs. Scofields where Ada and the rest were having a dance, Pretty warm to-day.
Saturday July 19th
Dad went out early as soon as he got up and raked up the alsike, he finished about eight. I
got the cows and milked. While Dad. was having his breakfast Ivey's men came and got a
load of hay out of the field, after we had cocked up the hay which Dad. didn't finish last
night we went over and started to bunch the alsike, it was pretty dry but did not seem to
be shelling out much. It was about ten o'clock when we went out, and as we had quite a lot
done by noon, we took the rack back with us after dinner - and when we finished bunching
the alsike, put on a load of the old clover & weed hay. It was six when we got it on. When we

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came up Mrs. McBride was here picking cherries, Frank has run away again they haven't
seen him since Wednesday morning, there is a search party composed of Jane on the look
out for him now. Aunty went down this after noon to stay all night. Frank wanted me to go
for a swim to-night but it was too late. While I was milking this morning one of the little
black kittens crawled up the edg of the pail I had filled and fell in I pulled her out as as soon
as I could but was a little doubtful about using the cream from that pail. However we did
separate it into a separate dish as we thought there was lots worse things than kitten often
coming in contact with cream, and the separator is supposed to take all dirt out of the milk
any way. The alsike back there is full of bees' nests. Dad got stung over the eye while he
was raking and his face is so swollen up that I believe he would scare some people at first
glance for that side of his face is exactly like poor old Simply Jim's. Windy and cool looks
rainy.
Sunday July 20th
The boys went down to church and Sunday school but I went for a swim instead. I went in
down below Quanbury's as Chris told me there was a good place. There is a good bottom
and you can wade out a long way. Dad. went off without any dinner to take Huby to Jim
Low's funeral. It was private but they didn't know it and so were the only ones at it. They
didn't get home till late as Huby wanted to go down and see the canning factory's corn field
at King's and also Mrs. Bill Oakes to see if she would come and pick cherries. Dad says their
corn field is only a few inches high. About four o'clock I dressed up and went down town I
intended to get a film for my camera but was too late, so didn't go up town. Dad drove Enah
and Tiddums down when he went home and we all stayed at Huby's to tea. Aunty kept
Tiddums while Enah and Aunty Maude went to church. I went to church and expected to
hear the choir boys sing as they were there this morning but they didn't show up, there was
a big crowd there expecting them, thery are camping down here and got fooling around so
could get dressed in time to get to church. Instead we had a little shrimp of a lay reader
from Vittoria who chewed the rag about some thing or other which was supposed to be a
sermon for about three quarters of an hour. After church Dad. drove Enah, Tiddums &
Aunty home. I started to walk the same time they did and beat them. They met the
Bawlby's with Louise in an automobile on their way home, she expects to be down some
time this week. Nice day threatening, and rained quite a shower before tea Monday July 21st

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I started to cut the timothy this morning but made so little progress and became so
exasperated at old Harry & Joe Walker who were pulling the machine for me that I had turn
the job over to Dad. They were driven nearly wild by the flies but that wasn't my fault. Old
Joe would walk leisurely along next the standing grass and stop now and then to munch
timothy heads or bite a fly while old Harry at the same time would get a fly chewing him
and as he seemed to be of the opinion that he could run out from under the flys if he went
fast enough he would everlastingly rip things, however Dad took them and finished the
piece soon after six to-night. Frank and I cultivated corn all day we got it done lengthwise
from where we left off the other day and crosswise up to the hickory nut tree from the
road. Sam Law came over and borrowed our spreader this morning and spread all their pile
which they had back in the field they are going to put wheat on. Allan brought it back tonight and said they had lost the crank to wind back the apron Clark Matthews brought
Teddy over to pasture this after noon. He saw Dad yesterday and told him he hadn't a care
in the world except his wife a white cat and Teddy, who according to his own assertion
knows as much as a man. He is going for a long trip to the coast I think, and is taking his wife
with him, I don't know what will become of the white cat, and he wanted to know if Teddy
could come over here, so Dad told him if it wouldn't add to his care in stead of lessen it to
have him surrounded by barbed wire fences in a very bad state of repair, Teddy might
come over and stay with our colts for awhile. Jean and Adelenan came over this after noon
to stay for a few days. Tonight I went down to band practice, there were only a few of us
there as Harry Graham was having a dance over in the pavillion Walt. had some new music
there which proved lvery unpopular and punk. Aunty went down town with me to stay all
night, and Dick went to the dance. Cool.
Tuesday July 22nd
Dad raked up the hay he cut yesterday first thing I hoed potatoes till he got enough to start
cocking up then went at that. Frank also started but it got to heavy for him so he hoed
some more potatoes. The hay is mostly pretty thin it is not so bad at this end but up at the
other end of the field the cocks are few and far between. It is pretty fair hay blue grass &
timothy except in the low holes which Dad. didn't rake. we didn't get finished to-night. This
afternoon every body but Dad and I went to the Sunday school picnic. Enah got home
about eight, and Frank & the girls about half past nine. Win who got home from Waterford
to-day came over with them. Dad. & I quit at five o'clock so as Dad could go to the mill for a
bag of flour. just as we were coming up we noticed two men departing in an auto mobile we
supposed it was Walt McCall, whoever it was left two cigars behind on the gate post. Frank

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McBride was over this morning to pick black currants but there were none ripe. Isaac
Johnston drove a couple over at noon who had a little spaniel with a split toe nail which
they had brought over to Dad for advice as to treatment. Dick I guess is working to-night.
Cool and windy.
Wednesday July 23rd
Dad. & I went out this morning and finished working up the timothy; we then came in and
threw off the load of clover and weeds that was on the rack by hand as we put it over at
the barn for the sheep and didn't want to change our car for one load. We went out and got
one load before dinner. After dinner we unloaded it and got two more unloaded, one of our
sling ropes broke in the middle loop on the last load we couldn't have got another in tonight anyway. Lila went up in the mow with Frank to-night and while running around up
there w stepped on a fork full of hay which was lying just over the top of the chute, the hay
was loose and she took a drop of about sixteen feet to the cement floor with about a half a
forkfull of hay under her which likely came down with her, she cut her tongue and scrapped
both thighs a little but was not hurt seriously, it is a wonder she wasn't killed. I went down to
band concert to-night, it was raining a little when I went down and they didn't start playing
till a while after eight. Louise came to-night, so I stayed down at Huby's till I heard them
start so was late. It was raining so hard when I started home that I went down to Huby's and
stayed all night. Dick came to the window soon after I got in to bed and said he was going
to stay so came around to the back door and crawled in with me. I took the sling rope inl to
Jim Bannister to-night and he said he would splice it. I saw Vyse sitting out on his veranda
and he seems to be in pretty bad shape, he says he is not going to try to do anything for a
month. Betty Woodson came over to-day and the girls all went back to the woods with a
bottle of hard cider which may account for Lila's conduct. Cool and windy.
Thursday July 24th (mistake)
Dick and I both got up about six this morning, Dick went around by town to post a letter
and I went home I went through Martin's and got soaked on the long grass Dick beat me
home. Huby didn't have to go to work this morning as they laid the whole gang off last night

on account of some unbusinesslike bungle, so none of the house hold was up. Aunty came
out just as I was leaving to wish me a happy birthday, for it is just eighteen years ago today that I first squeaked. Dad. and Frank had the chores nearly done when I got home. I got
all sorst of presents from every body. Dad. found my knife the other day that I thought I had
lost in the hay, it was not hurt much. Dick did not hear about it till this morning and had

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bought me a new one but he exchanged it for a necktie before he told me. After breakfast
this morning I drove down to bring Aunty and Louise over. Louise was not ready so I took
Win. up town to get a plug of tobacco for Dad. before we got back we met Aunty on her
way up town so we drove her up to get a tin pail to replace the one the Sunday school lost
for us she also got some ice cream but forgot about it till to-night and then it was in rather
a mushified condition. Before dinner we ran the binder out of the wood shed and this after
noon Dad started to cut wheat he only got a few rounds but it will be a good start for to
morrow. Dick did not get home till late to-night he said the canning factory gang had gone
to work again about nine o'clock all except Huby & Bill Oakes who had gone fishing up to
Doan's. Louise and Aunty went back to Huby's to-night. After tea Mr. & Mrs. Bob Rankin
drove over to have Dad look at their horse who has a few pimples on it in various places.
Hot this morning but cooler this afternoon.
Friday July 25th
We got a pretty early start this morning and finished the wheat field at just six to-night.
Dad cut all day and is nearly shaken to pieces from dropping into the ditches. Frank and I
shocked up, and we each took one side & one end so by this means kept up with the
binder. Jean came out this after noon and helped us for awhile, its a pretty slim crop but
won't take long to handle. Louise and Frank went down town after tea to-night. It has been
a very nice day.
Saturday July 26th

We hauled hay to-day, but only got in four loads, we were unloading with the hay fork as
the loft is getting too full for the slings to work well. I went down town to-night to get my
hair cut. Dad. drove me down and I got a ride home with Tupper and Jonas. Aunty and
Louise stayed here all night so Frank and I slept out in the hay. Dick stayed down to the
dance and did not get home till late. He got word to-day that he would have a ruise of fifty
dollars in his salary. Lovely day.
Sunday July 27th
I drove Aunty, Jean & Adelena down right after break fast and they wanted to be down in
time to get ready for Sunday school. I started to get ready for church but couldn't get a
necktie that would slip through my collar before I got mad so just drove Enah & Louise
down and waited for them at Huby's. I tied Joe in front of the gate. Dave Waddle and Harry
Battersby came and stayed most of the time I was there. This after noon Frank and I went

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down to get the scow to go up creek. Huby had just let a couple of the Polocks have it but
he whistled for them and they brought it back, Winnie and Lila went up with us, we went up
nearly as far as we could and did not get back in time for me to get ready for church. Dick
went to church to-night as he slept till to late to go this morning. Mr. Lawrie and Edith came
over and spent the afternoon Dad. drove Mr. Lawrie over to see John Wess McBride but he
was not at home so they Mr. Blaikie who is helping John Wess this summer. It has been very
hot and sultry all day and to-night wound up in a teriffic thunder storm. The rain started
with the worst crash of thunder I ever heard and the only one that ever made me cringe, it
rained very hard but I don't think it lasted long.
Monday July 28th
Owing to the rain last night we were unable to do any thing with the hay, so I drove Aunty
and Dick down town this morning and got Joe's shoes set of course it took Butler nearly all
the morning but I looked at "The Literary Digest", and listened to Jack Spain talk when I
wasn't holding Joe. I had to give her one small licking because she teased Butler too much, I
went over to Billy Langs while I was there and got a sack of binder twine to be ready for
cutting the oats. Aunty came back home with me. Lila is sick to-day and put in a very bad
night of it, Huby is still not working, they are having a meeting of the share holders of the
canning factory this morning down on the band stand. When we got home about noon Dad.
& Frank were out straightening up the wheat sheaves that were down. They had fixed up
the hay in the barn ready to put the alsike in. Dad. nearly killed himself while he was trying
to tighten up the track in the barn. He had the big monkey wrench - and - could hardly
reach to get it on the nut while working with it, it fell and struck him in the eye with a force
which knocked him down and nearly stunned him, it left him with a headache for the rest of
the day. This afternoon, he & I went out to finish straightening up the wheat, we didn't
bother with the thislly sheaves, we went down to see Alfred for awhile who was cutting
grass along the fence in his wheat stubble across the road. We saw that Mr. Fleming was
hauling alsike though it can't be fit. He has a lot more dead ripe to cut and his oats ought to
be cut so we aren't so very far behind. Frank went over to Martins this after noon and got
some more chickens, he also returned Sam Law's binder twine. I had an attack of the blues
to-day caused I think from seeing the garden and lawn in such an eye sore state, but we
got about half an hour's pulling weeds in the garden this evening so I felt a little better. Tonight I drove Louise up to Mr. Frank Bowlby's. She would probably have had to walk from
Lynn Valley there if I had not. It was after six when we left and I got back about nine in time
to go to band practice Dad and Frank brought my horn down town and took Joe home, I

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stopped in at the Smyth's on my way home but Pud. was having a swim. I saw signs of the
new railroad for the firss time. It has been very hot to day and to-night.
Tuesday July 29th
We hauled in hay all day but only got in four loads. Dad. & Enah went down to the church
concert to-night and Aunty stayed here to mind Tiddums. Frank and I worked in the garden
till after dark and to night I am so dead sleepy I can hardly hold my head up. Very hot today.
Wednesday July 30th
We hauled wheat to-day. Dad. loaded because he can do it so much faster than I can and I
pitched on. We only got in two loads before dinner and at noon I thought I was tuckered out
but this after noon got rested some way by working harder than ever and we got in three
loads. This morning I laid them in the mow and Dad. pitched off but after dinner we made a

change Dad. could mow them twice as fast as I could so I got on and pitched off. I took my
shirt off and left it in the sun to dry and then I everlastingly threw them, I just about
covered old Frank up two or three times as he couldn't get time to turn them but we made
things hum. The neighbours are hauling in wheat to-day too. Sam Law we thought was
going a little faster than we were but he could go from the field right into the barn. Mr.
Fleming was going about the same and John Wess was too far away for us to tell.... Quint
came home last night for a couple of days and this after noon came over here for a little
while, he seems to like his job well and is enjoying himself. Tonight I went down to band

concert, and didn't get home till about eleven as I went down after wards with Quint to get
some ice cream. The canning factory gang are still not at work. They had a meeting of the
share holders to-night. It has been terribly hot to-day.
Thursday July 31st
We got up early this morning to get a good start but were sorely hindered. Dad. noticed
stranged cows in the lane as soon as he went out and found upon investigation that every
head of Vyse's stock had got in to our place. The horses were way back on the timothy sod
near the oats and the cows in the lane although we don't know where they got in, it just
took about an hour to get them back, we found the cows had been right through the corn
but besides eating thirty or more hills had not done it very much damage. It was really my
fault for leaving our wheat field gate open but I never thought a thing about it last night, and
the animals had some way got Vyse's gate open about three feet and walked a ac cross the

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road into our place. Owing to other small but aggravating delays we didn't get out at all
early and just got our wheat in and unloaded by noon, we made two trips of it but could
have taken it in one load if we had kneeded to. It just comes up to the first beam in the bint
opposite the granary in the old barn and is the smallest wheat crop we ever want to have.
We spent all the afternoon getting in the rest of the hay on this side of the gully,
there was were just two small loads. It has been pretty hot to-day.

Friday August 1st
We started to haul alsike to-day but although we did our best we only got one load in and
un loaded this morning, we got if off about eleven so instead of going back we did up all the
chores before dinner and Frank and I planted some turnip seed in the garden. This
afternoon we did better, we worked till nearly eight - and got in three loads, there is a lot of
it but we think we can get it all in to-morrow if we can get out good and early Quint went
away this morning so Aunty came over here. Jean & Adelena with the McPherson kids this
after noon Dick came home early to go for a swim but as I couldn't go with him, he went
back, had a swim at the lake and came back to tea. Nice and cool to-day
Saturday August 2nd
We got up before sunrise this morning and for the first time this summer got out at seven.
It took us a long time to get the first load this morning as it was miserable stuff to pitch, we
just got in two loads this morning and two this after noon, and have all the best of the
alsike, there is another load over there but it is very grassy and we did not think it would be

worth thrashing especially as we are getting a little cramped for more room, so we shall
likely put this over the cow stable. I pitched on both yester day & to-day this. alsike where
it is good is very light and easy to pitch and as it has been bunched up so long it lifts nicely.
When we came up with the last load the old pig was out in the barn yard evidently looking
for a nest as during the night some time a family of fifteen piglets arrived. Frank is going to
raise three of them on the bottle owing to lack of lunch counter accommodation on the
part of the old sow. Dick was late to-night - dance. Much hotter to-day and very windy.
Sunday August 3rd
I got up about half past six this morning and instead of doing a chore I went down to the
stump and had a good swim. I needed it the worst way Dick and I went to church this
morning. Dad & Enah drove down and Aunty minded Tiddums. Frank went to Sunday school
but not to church. This after noon I read myself to sleep, and don't know what the rest of

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the family did except that Dick went down town. I drove Aunty down to church to-night but
as I had a little pain I didn't go but after taking Joe over to Silverthorn's took Pud. Slocomb
for a drive up the Radical and down The Gravel. Pud has heard that he passed and is going
to Normal in Hamilton next month. {Gorby?} failed. Lila came over this morning with Dad. &
Enah and is staying here all night, she feels well now but is weak yet. Huby says he has quit
the canning factory, and is not going to do any thing now, but I think likely he will. It was
very hot all day, cooler and threatening rain to night.
Monday August 4th
Dad cut oats all day but did not finish the field, it is the one west of the lane next the gully,
he had old Joe Walker and Harry, and said he could have finished it if he had had little Joe
in stead of Joe Walker. Frank and I shocked up, Frank didn't feel well at all and had to feed
his little pigs quite often so we didn't nearly keep up with the binder. I went down to band
practice to night but as Walt. Steele and Bob. Rankin were the only members present we
didn't have any - and I came home early. I scared the gizard out of Frank when I got home
to-night, they were all sitting tin the parlor where Enah was playing, and I went up and
shook the pear tree by the window which Frank was near - and as it was a still night old
Frankus felt mighty uncomfortable. Mr. Hall, an old friend of Enah's came over to dinner today escorted by Cecil McPherson who greatly entertained us with his wonderful fairy tales
of his experiences & exploits. The gang at the canning factory went back to work to-day
but Huby has quit and I am afraid is not doing anything. Nice day, cool morning and evening.
Tuesday August 5th
Dad. finished cutting the oats and we got them shocked up by noon. It is a pretty fair crop
very good in some spots. This after noon we put off the load of alsike which was on the
waggon and went back and got all the rest of it except three or four bunches which we will
bring up with the hay. It made a tremendous load but we got up safely with it. Frank went
back with us to pick blackberries or thimble berries but didn't get many as they are not ripe
yet. Harry Battersby came over this after noon to see us as he is leaving tomorrow, Lila
went back home with him. Aunty went over to dinner and spent the afternoon at Mrs.

Battersby's. Warm day & cool night.
Wednesday August 6th
We unloaded the load of alsike which we hauled yesterday. It just went in and there was no
room to spare. Dad & I had to dig a runway for it first. We then loaded the wire that Robert

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John bought from Sid McBride a year ago to put up along our woods between him & us on
the rack and took it back we rolled it all out flat along the woods - and this after noon Frank
and I went back and cleared away the old fence - and rubbish around it and trimmed the
tree branches off so as the wire can be just tacked up temporally till Sid. McBride can come
to stretch it - as we want to turn the cows in the field which the woods are in. Aunty and I
drove down town we got a lot of groceries and I got one of Joe's shoes set which she pulled
a couple of nails out of someway. Lila came back with us. Huby has gone back to work again
at the canning factory, and we are all very glad of it. I went down to band concert to-night.
It has been cloudy and cooler all day and rained a shower before tea.
Thursday August 7th
Aunty and I got started about nine o'clock for Burford to see Mr. Hanmer and his sheep. We
stopped for awhile at St. John's Church which is getting nearly finished and for awhile at
Simcoe but arrived in Scotland near where Uncle Robuck lives about two o'clock, we stayed
at Uncle Robuck's for dinner and as Aunty and I both went to sleep there we didn't leave for
Burford till nearly five. It was about seven miles farther on and we got there about six Mr.
Hanmer was just going to dip some sheep that were to be shipped to the other side, he had
a government vetinary inspector there and so we saw the whole performance. As we were
almost strangers to them we felt a little uncomfortable at paying them such an such an
unexpected visit at such a time of day, but they couldn't have been nicer or more
hospitable and wouldn't hear of us going else where to spend the night. Before going to bed
to-night we found Joe had put her foot through a board in the stable floor and had to be
moved. It has seemed to us like a lovely day, it has not been too hot and a little breeze the
roads were fine and as we met very few vehicles of any kind were not bothered at all with
the dust, the country is very dry though
Friday August 8th
I don't know what time I got up this morning but I wandered around out side for a good
while before I found anybody, but when I went out to give Josie a cleaning off I found her all
cleaned, fed & watered. Mr. Hanmer had tended to her, he thinks a lot of horses - and

admired Joe very much, he has a nice team of hackneys now and his daughter has taken a
good many prizes & ribbons for driving. We didn't have breakfast till rather late and as he
had some business to - do after wards, I didn't have such a lot of time as I would have liked,
however he showed me a good many of his sheep and one ram especially which I may buy,
he wants fifty dollars for him so I thought I had better speak to Dad. first. We also saw a few

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imported sheep which were going through Burford, but Mr. Hanmer thought he had lots that
could beat them. As Aunty had said we would be at Uncle Robuck's for dinner we thought
we had better go although they pressed us to stay there. We left at twenty minutes to
twelve and got to Uncle Robuck's at about twenty five minutes after. We stayed there todinner and left about three. Harry was off thrashing but came home just before we left. We
went home by way of Waterford and Aunty went to see Mrs. York & Mrs. Boughner there for
awhile. We got home before seven and although we enjoyed our drive & visit immensly
were very glad to be home again, we had to ask the way a few times but didn't get off the
road much, they are fixing a bridge at the bottom of Decou's hill so we had to drive a little
way down the fourth concession and get to the third through Sol. Smith's lane. It has been
another very nice day, roads fine and quite a breeze in our face. It looked rainy to this
morning but seemed to clear off again but to-night it is thundering and shows signs of a big
storm. I don't know all that Dad. and Frank did while we were gone but yesterday they
tacked up the wire along the edge of the bush enough to keep the cattle out of Robert
John's till Sid. McBride can stretch it and turned the cattle in there. To-day Frank took the
team and went over all the summer fallow with the disks and Dad. cut weeds and tidied up.
Jean & Adelena are over here to-night.
Saturday August 9th
It rained cats and dog's last night and things are so flooded we can do nothing outdoors. I
didn't hear any thingh all night but they said the thunder was terrific. I drove Dick down this
morning and didn't do much else all morning as it kept raining a little. It cleared off at noon and I drove Jean & Adelena down town as Jean's grand mother wanted to see her about
something we got some groceries and came home I wrote a letter to Mr. Hanmer telling him
that Dad. was willing for me to get his fifty dollar ram, it seems a lot to pay but if we never
get any good headers for our flock we will never have any good stock. Frank and I went
down to the mill for a bathe after tea and had a good one as there is a big head of water
coming over. it began to thunder & lightening & rain heavily again before we went to bed.
Dick did not come home at all to-night.
Sunday August 10th
It rained harder than ever last night and the cannonade of thunder was terrific with a
steady blaze of lightening. It didn't bother me any, I don't think I would have wakened at all
but Frank was afraid the barns would be struck and got up over me to investigate Aunty
also got up to look around. but Dad slept through it. It was too wet for any of us to go to

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church or Sunday school so we didn't do any thing much all day. I drew a little and Dad
went down and drove Dick home to dinner, but he went down again this after noon as
Wiggins wanted him to help him hang pictures in his room. It began to rain again about five
to-night so I put on my bathing suit to go after the cows as Dad. couldn't have got them
this morning if it had not been for Tige as the stream was so swollen as to be impassable.
He found that they had been in John Wess peas the other night so shut them out of the
woods. We heard that Joe Long had a horse killed the night before last with the lightening
Monday August 11th
Dad. went back to John Wess's first thing this morning to get Frank Faulkner's heifer which
had got into John Wesse's peas with the rest of the cattle but had not come back with
them so was taken by John Wess & put in with his. He was not at home but Blaikie was
there so Dad. didn't get back very soon. I cut lawn off and on most of the day, I started to
get the part across the the ditch cut as it had grown up pretty long. When Dad came home
we started to dig a culvert across the front of the lane but after it was pretty well dug Dad.
discovered that we couldn't make a satisfactory job of it with the material we had so we
had to fill it in again. Dad. shocked up the oats over again all the after noon he said they
were soaked right through and every shock had to be changed he didn't get finished of
course. Frank thinned out the carrots this after noon and to-night. he & I went to the
moving picture show which wasn't bad. Dad. drove Jean & Adelena & Lila down as the two
former are going home on Thursday. Huby & Lila came over about noon. Huby had taken a
day off to settle up some insurance business and Aunty went back with him. Mr. Bowby
brought Louise down to-night, she was here when Frank & I got home. Dick didn't get home
till late, he is kept pretty busy now as Mr. Hobbes is taking his holidays. It has been sunny
and very cool to-day. the storm has quite cleared off. To-day's papers are full of the news
of great damage to property and general depradation caused by the
lightening last Saturday night and the night before, all is not known yet as telegraph &
telephone wires are down all over.
Tuesday August 12th

Frank and I drove down and got Louise's trunk first thing this morning. Frank also got a new
carborundum scythe stone which I broke on the scythe in a short time, Dad. sharpened the
scythe while we were gone and I started to cut weeds around the fences as soon as I got
home, by to-night I had all around the wheat field and on three sides of the summer fallow
and corn there was none to cut on the fourth side, but my ribs and back ached so that I

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could hardly wiggle. It's hard work when one's not used to it. Dad turned nearly all the rest
of the oat shocks to-day, he didn't quite finish it's a miserable job I would rather cut weeds
even if if it does break my back. Frank picked black currants from the old garden and
nursed his young hogs most of the day. Sunny & nice to-day. Vyse was in for quite awhile
this morning, he told Dad he was going to sell out entirely and go West for awhile on
account of his health. Lila came over for the afternoon. Frank went home with her to-night.
Old Jonas was in to-night Ivy's have taken him back.
Wednesday August 13th
Dad finished turning and setting the oat shocks this morning. I went out and cut all around
the field he was working in - and a little around the house, before dinner we put of the load
of old hay that was on the rack we put what we could of it over the cow stable and left the
rest in the shed, it was after noon when we got through so we got a pretty late start. after
dinner Dad started to cut the oats over by the side road, we went out with him but didn't
shock any up as we had to wait for quite awhile before there was room and we quit early to
go up and do chores as I went down to band concert but Dad. kept on cutting till sundown,
the ground is pretty soft, he has to cut around the holes and there is water standing in
some of the furrows. Frank went down with me to-night, and got some machine oil and
went to see the movies. There was quite an accident downtown to-day, the bridge going
over the road into Buck's Park broke with a crowd on it, we don't know very much about it
but there were none killed and I don't know that there were any very seriously hurt, but
there were a good many bones broken, the canning factory is going full tilt now, Huby and
the rest worked till dark to-night. Nice day, cool but sunny.
Thursday August 14th
Mr. Flemming came over this morning with the woful tidings that he wanted two men to
help thrash this after noon, so Frank went over to John Wesses to get Blaikie to come in
Dad's place. John Wess was about to start cutting peas but insisted on Mr. Blaikie coming.
Dad. cut oats most of the day and finished some time during the after noon. I shocked up a
few in the morning - and after dinner Mr. Blaikie & I lit out for Flemmings, we got a pretty

late start as the machine wasn't there on time so will have to go back in the morning. We
got word this after noon that there was sheep down at the station for us we were so busy
we couldn't go till night, then Dad. & I went down in the waggon, we picked Huby up who
was in a great state of excitement over the ram, (for it proved to be the one I ordered from
Mr. Hanmer), if we hadn't come down he was going to have it sent over, he wasn't any the

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worse for his trip - as all hands at the station had been careful to keep him in the shade. I
was very surprised to see him as I under stood Mr. Hanmer to say he wouldn't ship him till
after he had been shown at the different fairs, he is certainly a beauty. Hot.
Friday August 15th
Dad. went with me to Mr. Flemming's this morning we finished there and had our dinner
about eleven. Sam Law wanted us to go and help thrash his stuff and as he thrashed his
oats out of the field he wanted our team and rack so we went out and put a load of our
oats on to take over it wasn't a big load but we got forty seven bushels of good plump oats
out of it, which will last us till we have time to thrash. We finished at Sam's a little after six
and had our tea there so we were rather late doing our chores. Pretty hot to-day.
Saturday August 16th
Dad. and I went out this morning before the dew was off and turned out every shock of the

first cutting of oats, we then went over and shocked up some of the others, we didn't finish
but quit at noon and this afternoon hauled the others, we got them all in, there were only
four more good sized loads, but it took us till about nine o'clock the last one, it was so dark
we could hardly find the shocks, of course we didn't unload this last load. Aunty brought us
out a little lunch at six and we had some more when we came in. Very hot and looks like rain
soon
Sunday August 17th
I didn't get up till about nine o'clock this morning and then we three boys all went to the
stump and had a good swim, about half the kids in town were down there, and we didn't
hurry at all, it was about one when we got home. I didn't do any thing much this after noon
but perspire. I started to read but went to sleep, it was too hot to sleep and I started to
write but it was too hot to think, so I had to quit that. It rained pretty hard for a short time
before tea.
Monday August 18th
Owing to the little shower we had yesterday it was a little too wet to haul any oats this
morning as we had intended, Dad. and Frank took a load of grist to the mill first thing, they
waited till it was chopped and then went down to Mrs. Battersbys where Frank Slocomb is
laying side walk and got a load of yellow sand from him to put in front of the lane gate

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where there is such a mud hole, they then went and got a load of rails. I raked up the weeds
and chopped the grass with the lawn mower back of the old house and along the east side
of it; I worked at it all day and although it looks a lot better there is lots of room for
improvement yet. This after noon Dad. went out and shooked up the rest of the oats. Dr.
Hicks & Cousin Willie went out to ask him if he would run against Bob. Taylor in the election
for a school trustee next Monday, as he hates to see them so tied up in their business he
said he would, but woudn't take time to get out & work at all. Enah and Louise drove Joe
down town this after noon Jean Marks came over to say that she and Louise were wanted
in Toronto to help christen Rebecca Lee Scott next Friday. Louise hadn't intended going till
next Monday but I guess she will have to go Wednesday now. Aunty thinks she will go down
with them. Dad and I went out about six to night and brought in one load of oats. It has
been hot all day cooler to-night.
Tuesday August 19th
We hauled in oats to-day but as we didn't get out very early and quit early we only got in
four loads. We stopped work at five as I had to be down town at seven to accompany the
band to a {?} scocial at Port Ryersie. It wasn't a full band as Bob. Rankine had a lame back &
Johnny Walker had no one to run his engine at the picture show for him, Miss. Thompson &
Old Silverthorne took a load of girls up on the Victoria but the lake was so rough they could
hardly land and they would not go back any way but by land so some came in one of the
band rigs and Theodore Brown brought the rest down We had a time although the wind was
cold and the torches blew so we could hardly see. I got home a little after twelve and Dick
who spent the evening at the Hobbes got home soon after. Very cool all day
Wednesday August 20th
We hauled in all the rest of the oats to-day. There were just two loads and a jag. We
brought the jag in about three o'clock and Dad. & Frank pitched it off while I got Joe ready
to drive Louise & her trunk to the station. She, Aunty and Jean all got off to-night. While I
was down town Dad took the mower out and cut around the holes in the oat field which he
couldn't do with the binder on account of them being so wet. I came home around by

Huby's to get some peony roots and he was just getting ready to go to work as he is night
watchman these days at the works. I went down to band concert to-night, after we got
through on the stand Johnny Walker very kindly offerd us each a freelticket to the moving
picture show so we all went down, tore off a piece in front of "The Gem" and then went in,
he put on the three reels almost solely for our benefit as there were very few others in

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there. Edith came over this after noon and is going to stay for a few days or a week.
Warmer than yesterday but not too hot.
Thursday August 21st
Dad. and I went out this morning with the rack and got the oats which were around the
edge of the water holes and which Dad had cut with the mower, it took along time as Dad.
just raked the stuff up in piles with his pitch fork. I set fire to the grass & weeds which I cut
the other day between the corn field and the wheat stubble and had to watch it that it
didn't do any damage. This after noon Dad went out and rolled the summer fallow but it was
very hard and lumpy. Frank and I cleaned all the rubbish and burdocks out of the yard
between the horse stable and the hay barn and fixed the fence so that we can turn the old
ram out. To-night we printed pictures and got some good ones mostly of Tiddums. Dick did
not come home to-night. Nice day not too hot. It got very black this evening and rained a
little before tea.
Friday August 22nd
It began to rain - quietly about six this morning but stopped about nine or ten. Dad.
patched the roof on the old barn and Frank held on to the rope to which Dad was tied. This
after noon it got too windy to shingle so Dad plowed a little more of the old corn stubble. I
started to clean up the limbs out of the orchard and got quite a lot done, Frank and I had to
go down town to night about five for groceries. Cloudy and cool.
Saturday August 23rd
Dad. plowed at the old corn ground all morning while I worked in the orchard. This after
noon Dad took the the team and waggon and we took all the brush and piled & burned it in
the north end of the orchard where the little trees are mostly dead, we then took the big
limbs and piled them behind the wood shed fore stove wood. it took us all the afternoon
but it has made a great improvement in the looks of the orchard. This was Baughner Picnic
day but Frank was the only one who celebrated from here. Doctor Hicks & Doctor Cook
were over before tea to talk election to Dad. They said things were going pretty well
although there are several working against him. Vyse was over this morning to say he
wanted us to go & thrash on Monday. Edith left this after noon. Lila came over this morning
for her music but didn't stay long None of us went down to meet Aunty to-night as we think
likely she will stay ay Huby's to-night. It as been very cool all day and mostly cloudy, regular
fall day.

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Sunday August 24th
This was the sunday that they decided to have Tiddums christened. Aunty came over
before Sunday school and brought Tiddums a lot of presents she got for him in Toronto and
which Vernon and Mrs. Marks sent up. We all went down to church. Dad. drove Enah down
and she & Tiddums stayed over at the Harding's till the time of the christening arrived - and
then she & Dad. brought him in Huby was the extra godfather, and has been studdying the

service up for the last few nights. Tiddums never let a whimper out of him but sat on Dad's
hand, and jumped, stared, laughed and crowed a little although they said he was getting
sleepy before the end. Dad. & Enah drove right home with him but the rest of us waited for
the rest of the service. This after noon Dick and I went down town. I went to see Harry &
Mrs. Moon but they weren't home so after calling at the bank where the whole staff except
Mr. Hobbes were hard at work and at Huby's for a minute or two I came home. Dick got
back for tea. Dad. and Enah drove down to church to-night as Enah had to play the organ
for Elva; when they got home Dick and I drove down to post a couple of letter for Aunty.

Cool & windy all day Cold to-night.
Monday August 25th
Dad. and I both went over to Vyse's to help thrash and were there till noon, although he
didn't have much stuff, but it was awkward getting it out and we were late getting started.
Dad. made a mistake by going at all for this was election day, when he was running against
Bob. Taylor for school trustee, and Vyse sent two of Martin's men home saying he had
enough hands, then went down town as soon as we got started and I suppose worked as
hard as he could for Taylor. This after noon I went up to the glen with a picnic party of Mrs
Hobbe's, Dick got off and went with us we went up in the "Victoria" and had a fine time. We
got back a little after dark, and went up to Mrs. Hobbes and danced till about twelve, most
of the music was supplied by Col. Smith's gramophone about the first news we heard when
we struck town was that Dad. had beaten Taylor by a majority of 9. He was down town all
the after noon - and had an exciting time. The school board can now do business as
Tibbets and Miller were not disqualified and they will have a majority on their side. Lovely
day, cool & sunny.
Tuesday August 26th
Dad. and I went over to help thrash at Martin's this morning, it didn't take long to thrash
their oats out but they had a few interruptions so we just got through about eleven and had

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our dinner. This after noon Dad disked on the summer fallow, and I cut at the lawn but didn't
get much done. Allan Law had to pull Vyse out of a hole to-day, he found him beating his
little balky mare unmercifully, because she balked with a load of 16 bags of wheat Vyse told
him he would kill her if he had ambition enough. Cool and threatening.
Wednesday August 27th
Dad. disked and harrowed on the summer fallow all day and I cut the rest of the front lawn
this side of the ditch and worked around at other odd jobs. Frank and I fixed a couple of
bars at the end of the horse stable to close the yard south and west of the horse stable,
and then turned old 4700 out, he spent most of the afternoon under an old door leaning
against the fence. Frank noticed today that he is club footed behind, we couldn't see his
foot before in the stable. I went down to band concert to-night. It has been a nice sunny
day but cool.
Thursday August 28th
When Tom Albert came this morning he said there was a loose horse on the road, Dad got
her and put her in, she had a halter on but Dad. didn't know her, but we had an idea she
belonged to Bill George so when Dick went down he happened to see the above mentioned
Bill. and told him whereupon that gentleman came over immediately and took the mare
home. We started to haul manure to-day but owing to interuptions such as oiling the
spreader and as it was drizzling rain we were undecided whether to go to to work or not; we
didn't get started till after ten, we got four loads out and one on the spreader by twelve and

one out after dinner, but it started to rain so hard that we put the horses and machine
away. I then drove Enah down town to Mrs. Schrams and had to wait quite awhile for her, we
got home at five and I drove Aunty down, she to the old German Roller canary who has not
been in a healthy condition for "some time back" down to Mrs. Tusk for repair, she also got a
student lamp from Miss Battersby who made a present of it to Dad. It has drizzled nearly all
day and to-night another big thunder storm came up with an awful downpour. About ten
o'clock Aunty & Dad. noticed fire north of here, where some poor fellow's barn had been
struck.
Friday August 29
It was too wet this morning to work on the land so Dad opened up ditches on the summer
fallow and I sawed up the old apple limbs and rubbish behind the wood shed. This
afternoon, I went to see if the field next the woods across the gully was fit to plow but

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found water lying in the furrows and ditches. Frank and Lila went back as far as the gully
with me to look for mushrooms. I set out three little rose bushes on the mound just for fun I
don't expect them to grow, but the were in the lawn and I didn't know what else to do with
them. I took John Wess McBride's rope back to him, which Dad had borrowed the day he
brought Frank Faulkner's heifer home. I saw Mr. Blaike and he told me it was Bob. Winter's
barn that was burned last night he lives on the townline just north and one lot west of this
place. I came home around by R. J. Watson's, and Charlie McQueens. I also went over to
Lorne Myers where Geordie Murphy is ditching I got home about four and then Frank & I
went down to Martins where Frank got some grit for his chickens and I got some
information re planting out straw berries & pruning grape vines from John Quanbury. Dad.
had to go to a school board meeting to-night, he hasn't felt very well all the after noon.
Frank is better to-day he was quite sick yesterday. Sunny and breezy to day.
Saturday August 30th
I spent the whole day working around the garden. I cut the two high patches of weeds and
pulled them out as well as I could of the onion bed, This after noon I cut the lawn behind the
house and about five drove Enah down town for supplies. We got word to-day that Walter
was coming to night he has been in Toronto for the last few days - and Roy & Vernon may
come up with him, {undecipherable} we have been making preparations for them all day.
Dad. went over to John Wess McBrides this morning to see his lame cow and get advice
about the field back there we were going to put wheat on but there is so much blue grass
on it we that we would not likely get half a crop especially now that we wouldn't be able to
get in in early, so we thought of fall ploughing it and summer fallowing it then plow in June &
put wheat on it next fall, that was just what John Wess said he would do as that will just
about fix the blue grass. This after noon Dad plowed up a strip in the garden where the
potatoes were and which I am going to try to work up in shape to set out a few straw
berryplants. Dad. and Aunty drove down to-night to meet Walter and the others if they
came. They did come but it took about half the night to collect them all. It had been
arrangd that Vernon would spend the night at the Woodson's - and Walter & Roy would
come here, so Dad. drove Vernon over - and then came on home with the impedimenta,
leaving Aunty to come home with Walter & Roy. He just nicely got in the lane when Walter
came in alone. He had come up town with Dick (who had to work till midnight.) to get some
cigarettes and had forgotten whether Roy and Aunty were waiting for him or not and
evidently didn't care a hang so came on over by him self - getting information concerning
the route from some of the Woodson's who were outside as he came past. We were just

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about to start of with the lanterns in search of the other two when Roy came up, ignorant of
the whereabouts of Aunty saying he had left her in front of the Dominion waiting for Walter
while he went down to the canning factory to see Huby, but couldn't find him so came on
over, he was very indignant - at finding Walter here - and proceded to call him down as he
well could and Walter smoked and enjoyed it all as he well could while Dad. and I started to
hook Joe up and go in quest of Aunty, however we just nicely got sh the buggy when poor
Aunty came up, she had waited a long time and then went up to the bank and found out
from Dick that Walter had gone home, so she followed, when each ones evidence had been
given and the mystery of the mixup unravelled we all had tea - after which we talked till
after Dick came home. Nice day, cloudy & cool
Sunday August 31st
We all went to church this morning except Dad. who went over to John Wess McBrides to
see his lame cow and spent a very enjoyable morning and Enah who had household duties
& Tiddums to attend to. I drove Walter & Roy down, as I was supposed to drive Vernon
back to dinner but she was booked for dinner at the Woodson's so I drove Aunty and Frank
part way home then went back and got Walter & Win who had gone up to see Cousin Bessy
for a few minutes. Huby. came over with Roy, as we had a couple of Frank's ducks for
dinner. He says he was there last night when Walter & Roy paid their separate visits but as
they are going to get him a clock to "punch" he has to make the most of his unregistered
time unless he can get George Gamble to figure out a scheme to punch the clock all at one
time, in all probability George is quite capable of doing such a thing. This afternoon we
inspected the livestock, the gully & mound - and such things besides "settin around".
Tupper & his Englishman came over & spent the afternoon visiting with Dad. Tonight Dad.
and Enah drove down to church as Enah had to play the organ. Vernon came over to tea
and she & Roy went down to Mrs. Battersby's for awhile. Cool and nice.
Monday September 1st
Dad's cold was very bad to-day and he felt too rotten to do anything, I didn't do any thing
to speak of all morning but this after noon I put some manure on my strawberry bed and

chopped it up pretty well with the hoe. Frank chored around all morning and this after noon
went down town with the Ryersie's, he has to go back to school in the morning, poor kid, I
feel sorry for him. This being Labor Day the bank was closed but Dick went down and
worked for an hour or two this morning and was down town all the after noon. Dad. drove
Roy down to the station to-night as he & Vernon couldn't stay away from business & baby

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(respectively) any longer. Aunty and Walter stayed at Huby's for tea. Cloudy & threatening
this fore noon Hot & sunny this after noon. Old Jonas was over to-night for a long visit
during which Queen broke out of the pasture and caused us a lot of trouble getting her in,
then I traipsed all over the pasture looking for the others and fearing they were out on the
road but at last found them all safe in the pasture. Roy is thinking quite seriously of coming
up here and starting a poultry ranch for the city market. I which he would. but. -

Tuesday September 2th
Jonas came over this morning with a basket of tomatoes which he promised us last night.
He came before seven but if he had not been in such a hurry - and left them to enjoy - a
few more sunny hours they would have been in much better condition. He also brought a
boquet of about three asters, two gladiolii & one geranium with one foot in the grave. It was
very kind of him though. Poor Frank went back to jail this morning but got out for the
afternoon. Dad. & I hauled out manure. We monkeyed around till after ten o'clock so only
got out about 10 loads all day. This afternoon Carl Coleman & Perce Kindree came over and
got Edmond England's heifer that has been sending the summer with our cows. having
crossed the dilapitaded line fence from Ivys where she & three others were boarding, as we
didn't have time, means or enough inclination to repair the fence, our gully has furnished
her with free board and lodging. I think Walter slept & read most of the day except when he
rode out with Dad. on the spreader bant load. and when Aunty with some difficulty induced
him to call on Mrs Battersby with her. Edith came over this after noon to say good bye, as
she is going back to Toronto on Thursday. Tiddums has not felt very lively to-day, they
think he is enlarging upon his dental equipment. Cecil Lamb has been very ill for a week or
more wth typhoid fever and now Dick says they don't expect him to live. Vyse left this
morning for the West, I don't know how he expects Dover to exist without him. Very hot &
hard to work
Wednesday September 3rd
Dad. & I pitched manure all day we got out 12 or 13 loads which we thought was pretty good
considering the circumstances. we were getting it from between the barn & the stack

where we can't get in with the spreader so have to carry it quite a way. We don't think the
spreader is sowing it at 16 loads per acre which it is set at. This afternoon Aunty and Walter
went down town and stayed at Huby's to tea. I went down to band practice to-night and
Frank went to the moving pictures. This was the last concert of the season and Walt. was
going to treat the boys over at the Dominion afterwards but I came right home with Carl.

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Coleman, Frank & Jonas. Jonas seemed in a melancholy state of mind to-night. Sairy was
sick and had evidently been calling him down about something, anyway he told us he did
not lead a happy life and he didn't care who knew it. Very hot & thundery & rainy.
Thursday September 4th
Dad. and I started to tear up the old stable floor which was half buried in manure so that we
could drive right through instead of steering clear of this old rubbish heap, but Dad. felt so
rotten we had to quit and he couldn't do any thing all day. This after noon I mussed around
a little and cut weeds along the side road, gully and lane fences. Aunty and Walter went
down town this afternoon and to-night they went over to see Mrs. Battersby. We were all
asleep whent they got home. Aunty has at last decided to go as far as Winnipeg with
Walter on her way to Fort Saskatchewan. Very much cooler, fine day to work.
Friday September 5th

Dad. didn't feel much better to-day but worked all day in spite of his illness, he says his
bones ache all over and he is so weak he has to exert himself to double up his fist. This
morning we took the team and snaked the sleepers of the old stable out of the manure and
piled them up in the yard and out of our way. About eleven o'clock I drove Aunty over to
the Shand's as she wanted very much to say good bye to them before she went west and
thought she might not get a better chance. we got back about noon, we lost a little time
putting John & Snowdrop in the gully as they had got on the road through the culvert. but
Joe made up for lost time by the rate she got over the pike. Dad. had two or three more

sleepers to get out when I left but he finished all but one which is too deeply buried and not
at all in the road so he left it till some other time. This after noon we didn't think it was
worthwhile getting started hauling manure as one of us had to drive Walter's suitcase to the
station, so Dad. plowed all the afternoon. I was out with him for awhile but about four I
drove Aunty and Walter to the station. I hung around till after the train went out and then
brought Aunty home with me, she is going to meet Walter in Toronto
next Wednesday Tuesday and go west with him from there as he is going to stay a few
days with Roy before he leaves. Very nice day a little warmer We had to shut old 4700 up in

the boxstall to stay to day as to-night Dad. noticed he had rubbed a big wad of wool of his
shoulder on the bars where he was trying to get through, he aparently enjoys it just as
much in confinement as he does when out in the yard where he sees & hears the other
sheep.

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Saturday September 6th
- Although Dad feels very miserable yet he worked all day, we didn't get a very early start
this morning but had Frank nearly all the time to help us and I think we got out 14 loads of
manure We were delayed for awhile this after noon when the spreader was incapicated
incapacitated through a lot of stuff being jammed between the beater and the comb above
it. Dad lost quite a little time adjusting it. Lila has been over all day and has spent nearly the

whole time riding Frank's wheel up and down the road, she went down town on it once for
Enah. Aunty has been down town nearly all day preparing for her journey. Fine day - pretty
warm this afternoon
Sunday September 7th
Dad. Aunty & Frank left about eight o'clock this morning for Port Rowan as Aunty wanted to
say goodbye to Aunt Ida before she left and they took Frank as a part compensation for
him missing a trip to the Toronto Exhibition. I finished up the chores and went to church
alone as Dick was in bed till noon Lila went down this morning to Sunday-school but this
after noon does not feel very well so Dick says, due probably to her violent exercise on
Frank's wheel yesterday. I slept this after noon for two or three hours and then milked and
did chores which aren't much with Josie away and the other horses out. Dick was down
town swimming with the girls all the after noon. Dad. Aunty and Frank got home about nine
o'clock. They had quite a day of it, saw Aunt Ida, Clara and the Howe bunch, and Aunty got
some rare flowers on the way home. It has been a lovely day but pretty hot.

Monday September 8th
We hauled out six loads of manure this fore noon but had to go thrashing down at Alfreds,
we were there all the afternoon. I stayed {heart shaped ink blot here} tea but Dad. came
home to drive Aunty's valise down town, he was gone quite a while as he got some thing in
his eye this after noon and had to go to the doctors to have it taken out. I had all the cows
but the two heifers milked when he and Frank got back so he did up all the rest of the
chores while I took Joe and drove Mrs. McBride home, she has been here all day washing
and picking plums, she took a lot home with her. Nice day with east wind.
Tuesday September 9th
We got up extra early this morning and Dad. Frank and I drove down to see Aunty off. Mr.
Wiggins was going home on his holidays so she would have company all the way. On our

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way back we met Tupper who wanted one of us to go and help thrash, he expected the
machine there between ten & eleven. I went over about ten but there wasn't a sign of the
machine and Tupper was plowing I hung around till after dinner, they started soon after
dinner and didn't stop once till after six, we put through about 650 bushels of oats in the
after noon I was getting pretty well worked out when they stopped, it was Win Law's out fit.
Tupper got disgusted with Sam. last year so wouldn't have him again. I got a ride home with
Mr. Flemming. Dad plowed all the afternoon and is all finished but about two rounds, it was
an awful job when he got into the land next the fence which was plowed up last spring and
the weeds were three or four feet high. I feel pretty sick to-night but have to go back in the
morning. It has been very cold all day.
Wednesday September 10th
I was over at Tupper's soon after seven this morning and we started to work soon after I got
there and got through about half past eleven, we thrashed wheat, and it was an awful mess
of thistles, the down was so thick it was as if some one had shaken out a feather pillow. I
came home before dinner with Bill Philips was there for Mr Flemming, I was glad to be done
as it did me up for most of the afternoon. Dad. went to the mill this morning and got some
oats chopped and finished plowing and disked down what he plowed. After dinner we
hauled out seven loads of manure, the piece north of the orchard all covered now and we
have four loads on the piece east of the orchard. Allan Law was over after dinner and
borrowed the roller. They are putting their wheat in. They are working two teams, old Ben,
and Bert Monroe's little mare, each with one of the big team, Jonas was over to-night to get
some plums and he helped me put in some srawberry plants which Frank got to-night from
Jack. Martin. It froze last night but has been warmer to-day Tiddums is not feeling well today.
Thursday September 11th
We got a good early start this morning at the manure and broke all previous records, we got
out 16 loads, and have got just about all there is that i suitable for top dressing. Allan Law
came over this morning and borrowed the waggon and drill, they finished up over there to-

night and he brought the things home. Jonas was over again to-night and picked some
more plums, he stayed for about an hour telling Frank and me stories of his experiences in a
lumber camp. Betty Woodson was also over and brought us another kitten which she got
from some kids who were going to drown it. Tiddums seems to be quite well again to-day.
Much warmer looks rainy

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Friday September 12th
We got out 16 loads of manure to-day but could have got out another, but as the field was
covered all but a little strip we put the spreader away, we didn't put much on the little side
hills as the spreader {shughs?} and does not work well there, Mr. Morgan came over this
morning and stayed to dinner. This after noon Winnie came over to borrow some books and
Frank's camera, she is not at school as she has hives. Betty & the twins were past here to-

day - with three hounds and another dog, one of the hounds got in our corn field and they
were a long time getting it out. Cloudy and threatening to-day.
Saturday September 13th
We worked both teams on the land all day and now have the piece between the orchard
and the corn in pretty nice shape. I disked all day and Dad rolled & harrowed on both
pieces of ground. Frank dug around and mulched some of the peach trees this afternoon.
Dick expected Ferdie to-night but I guess he didn't come as he said if he had any luggage
he would leave it in the barber shop, for I told him I would be in to get my hair cut. Dad. & I
went down to get some groceries but it was so cold I didn't get my locks trimmed, however
I went to see if Ferdie's impedimenta was there but it wasit wasn't and there was no sighn
of Dick we came home alone I suppose Dick has gone to the dance - the last of the season
I think. We saw Huby to-night coming from home where he had been to fill his lantern, he
says he has ordered twine but he thinks they can't get anythingh from the stores now. Mrs.
McBride was over this morning to pick plums, Very cold wind all day Clear & cold to-night.

Sunday September 14th
It froze hard enough last night to crimp the tomato tops and corn leaves, but I don't think it
will hurt the corn except the leaves for fodder. I didn't get up till late & felt so rotten with a
bad cold in my head that I didnt try to do much ore - go to church. Frank has just the same
cold but he went down to Sunday school and church. First thing this morning we put up the
little stove in the kitchen and it makes things much more comfortable. Old Jonas came over
this afternoon to look at the corn he is going to help cut it but it won't be ready for awhite
yet. Johnny Walker also came over to have a look at old Joe. he drove down with Dad. Enah
& Tiddums, the two latter stayed at Huby's till church time and Dad. came home to help do
chores and then went down again to go to church with Enah. They have heard so much
about the famous Irish preacher the same one who was there last Sunday that they
thought they would like to hear him so Aunty Maude will keep the baby for them while they

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are gone. Walt. Steele sent me over ten dollars to-day by Dick which is for my playing with
the band all summer, and which I consider easy money. Ferdie didn't come last night Dick
got a card from him saying he has lost his job and isn't coming at all I guess. Dick went up
the beach to a corn roast last night and has been down town all this after noon. Dad. turned
the old sow out this morning, he is going to wean the little pigs now, he let her in with them
again to-night after they had had a good supper so as not to wean them too suddenly. We
put poor old Dave in this after noon and gave him a {bath?} his three white feet are in awful
shape all swollen way up his legs and terribly broken out around the feet. The only thing we
can think of that can ail him is alsike poisening which we have heard of before but which
Dad never believed in much. Neither Osprey nor Dolly seem affected and they both have
white feet. Tiddums didn't stay asleep long down at Huby's during church and when he
awoke and found himself among strangers he became home sick and cried so lustily that
they were forced to send to church after Enah to come and pacify him.
Monday September 15th
I finished cross disking on the piece where I left of Saturday and started to roll it all this
morning while Dad. harrowed awhile on the other piece and then went with Frank over to
John Wess McBride's to get the seed. John Wess has gone to Grand Rapids but Blaikie was
there and they cleaned up nearly {21?} bushels, and got back before dinner. Blaikie and Bill
Lemons are keeping {batch?} over there. This after noon I finished rolling that piece and
then started to disk the other piece deeply, and Dad. & Frank drilled in the small piece they
put in about 8 1/2 bushels, they started with the drill set at 2 bus. & a peck but thought it
was overrunning so changed it to 2 bus. Frank stayed home partly on account of his cold
and partly to help Dad keep the drill from clogging up on the straw & grass which didn't all
work in. Tonight old Jonas came over and stayed about half the night trying to sell Dad
some seed oats (heavy yielders). Dad. didn't order any much to the grief of Jonas but
promised him he would Dad. bathed and powdered poor Davy's feet to-night, they
certainly are in awful shape and he is as thin as a board. I have felt pretty rotten all day. It
froze again last night but has been warm and sunny all day. The men struck at the canning
factory to-day as they haven't been payed for two pay days or more. Dick said to-night
that he heard Harry Graham has failed, and that George Gamble they are afraid has typhoid
fever. Gordie Faulkner has it not badly & Cecil Lamb's fever didn't break yesterday when
the three weeks was up
Tuesday September 16th

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We both worked on the land all day. I disked all morning and Dadl harrowed over the sowed
piese and part of the other. It began to drizzle soon after dinner so Dad took my team and
ran out the ditches in the sowed field also the cross ditches in the other. I then took little
Joe & Belle and began to roll but the earth at last got so wet that about four o'clock I put
them in, when Dad. got through with the others team I disked awhile but not long as I began
to get too wet for comfort, so I came in Dad. did chores as I felt too tough except to help
milk. Franks cold was too bad for him to go to school to-day. this morning he went down
and saw the operations of the canning factory, they are working full blast to-day as the
men are promised money to-night or tomorrow It didn't freeze last night and looked rainy
all morning
Saturday Wednesday September 17th
I cross disked all morning, Dad. went over and borrowed Ivy's disks and started to cross
from the other end we nearly met by noon. It looked so nebulus that Dad thought he would
drill it in this after noon thohugh under other circumstances we would have rolled &
harrowed it yet. I finished disking while Dad was getting the seed and drill out. and then
started to go over the dead furrows length ways. Dad. got about two or three rounds drilled
when it began to rain so hard we were forced put our teams in much to Dad's disgust as we
couldn't do anything but chore the rest of the day and he is afraid we won't be able to get
back on the land for quite awhile. Alfred came over just before it began to rain and brought
back the old cultivator. I think I forgot to mention at the thime but the ice ran out a week or
so ago, it lasted pretty well but we think we can make it do better next year by putting in
more sawdust and making better drainage Frank stayed home from school again to-day,
my cold is better to-night but Dad thinks he is getting another one now. Frank took a
boquet of wild flowers down to exhibit at the horticultural show tomorrow night. Cloudy all
day, didn't rain very long.
Thursday September 18th
I haven't done a tap of work all day, I have felt all day like a cake of soap after a hard day's
washing and just lay around the house. This morning Dad. thought it was a little too wet to

work on the the land so after he did chores he went out and got a load of rails and took
back Ivey's disks. This after noon he drilled in the rest of the wheat. He ran out of seed when
he was within a round or two of finishing and had to go down to Alfred's to get another bag,
when he got back it was too late to finish so he will have to wait till morning, he thinks
Alfred's wheat a better sample than John Wess's as there is not so much cracked wheat in

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it. Frank went back to school this morning but Dad. kept him home this afternoon to help
him drill. Enah and Tiddums went down to see the flower show, she said it was not as large
as other years and that Frank didn't get a prize on his wild flowers. Frank did not go down to
see it. Dick did not get home till late as he went to the dance in the pavillion the last of the
season. The men and women at the canning factory did not get their wages as they had
been promised so have all struck again except Huby & the engineer. It has been a nice day
- I think
Friday September 19th

I didnot do much more to-day than yesterday. I started to clean out the stables but
became so exhausted that I had to give it up and just poke around, this afternoon I read and answered an advertisement I saw in "The Literary Digest" for a fellow who tells how to
get strong, if he fails to help me I think I shall take to dressmaking or somethingh of that
nature. Dad. finished drilling before Frank went to school this morning and then harrowed
the field over, he started to run the furrows before dinner but old Harry & Joe proved so
incompetent that it took him the whole after noon to finish the job, the last five of the dead
furrows were so crooked that he harrowed them out and ran them over again He intended
to go down and help Mr Flemming this after noon as Alfred told him yesterday that he is far
behind with his work having been sick, and unable to work ever since Tupper thrashed, Dad
may go down to morrow if Mr Flemming wants him. Jonas was over for a short visit to-night.
We have had to keep Belle tied up all day as we turned her out twice and he jumped right
back in to the lane in front of the house immediately, she & Harry got in the night before
last and ate all the Golden Bantam corn down to within a foot of the ground. Dad. had to get
up at half past four to shut them in the stable and then he didn't go back to bed again. It
has been a nice sunny day. Sun set clear to-night.
Saturday September 20th
I felt quite a lot better to-day but my throat is still sore I intended to go back and cut the
clover seed this morning but there were two rivets had to be replaced in the pitman rod of

the mower before it could be used so I took it down to Butler's for repairs. Dad. told me that
if no one else was in the shop I might as well get Joe's shoes set - as they needed it badly, I
did, so did not get home till after noon This after noon Frank & I cleaned out the stables
which haven't been properly cleaned for about a week and then drove down town to get
stuff on our way back we stopped at Uncle Wards and he & Frank picked a bushel of

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tomatoes which we brought home for Enah to do up. He has a good many there going to
waste as he put in a lot for the canning factory but they closed down before he got them all
picked. It got very black while we were there and just as we left began to sprinkle - and just
as we got home to rain hard. Dick got in just behind us the first time he has been home so
early - all summer I believe. It did not rain long nor extra heavily - and there was only about
one hard crack of thunder, but I don't know whether it is all over yet or not. Dad. has been
cleaning ditches all day but has more to do yet. Frank went down this morning to ask Mr
Flemming if Dad. could help him any if he came down but Mr. Flemming said he expected
Ern. up and would be through this afternoon. Frank went over to John Wess McBride to
return the bags they brought the wheat over in. Blaikie was cutting the buckwheat with a
scythe he couldnt manage it with a cradle. Frank saw a black squirrel on the line fence when
he was over there Dad and we three boys had a bath to-night, I needed one badly
Sunday September 21st
I sat around the house all day except to help do chores and finished reading Hamlet. I don't
want to got to church till I get my hair cut for fear some body taking me for a wild creature
would put me out. Enah still having a desire to hear the Irish preacher of the two preceding
Sunday's went down driven by Dick. Frank walked down to Sunday school and church Dad.
looked after Tiddums and the house. Tiddums has not been himself to day, for some
obscure reason. Dick spent the after noon at home for a change, reading. Cars. Rankin and
Arly McCarter drove over this afternoon to have Dad look at Car's horse's foot which got
burned on a rope. It has been dull & chilly & wet off & on all day
Monday September 22nd
It rainded nearly all night and most of the day, the roads being inconsequence in such a
condition as to prohibit travel by bicycle, so I drove the boys to the scenes of their labors
and as there was nothing pressing in progress here and not knowing when a better
opportunity would present itself I put Joe in at Hendersons and proceeded to have, my hair
cut, a shave, and my teeth cleaned, this last item I promised Aunty I would have seen to on
the first favorable occasion which presented itself. I arrived home after getting a roll of

roofing paper to repair the cow shed roof - and some other articles - a little before noon,
we read and did chores most of the remainder of the day, although we did go out for a
while to strengthen the grain barn floor as in one place it is too much decayed to permit
the safe passage of the thrashing machine over it, but as from time to time we must go
outside and come in contact with the disagreeable weather, there was no pleasure in it so

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we postponed the duty to a future and fairer day. Mrs McBride was here allday performing
her biweekly labors and it being such a 'dirty' night Dad. drove her home while I got the
cows. I began to read "The White Company" to-day and I am afraid it will be a hard one to
leave at the call of duty. Dick is not expected home to-night.
Tuesday September 23rd
Sam Law came in this morning and informed up that he was going up to Clarke Matthew's
old place to thrash to-day, and would thrash his own three loads of oats on his way back
and then come here, Allan came in tonight and told us that they just pulled the machine
into their barn to night and would not be over here till noon to-morrow. This morning Dad &
I levelled the butt of the old stack - and this after noon we finished fixing the barn floor and
sweeping out the granary bins. To night when Frank got home from school he & I drove
down town to purchase provisions and warn out Mr. Fleming & the Martins. Dad. has gone
over to Mrs. McBrides to-night to see if he can her - to help Enah to-morrow. It has been
sunny all day but with a cold wind
Wednesday September 24th
We went over about eight o'clock this morning to help Sam. Law, we thrashed out their
three loads in a very short time and then came home and hauled a load of rails and made
general preparations for them here. They got here about twelve, and were just about ready
to start after dinner Frank stayed home from school and first thing went on his wheel to
secure the aid of a man from Tupper's and one from Billy Louis as they promised one when

Dad gave them free treatment for their cow. Mr. Fleming himself came and brought Bill
Philips. Martin's sent two men - and Alfred & Jonas both came so we had plenty of help.
Mrs. McBride came to help Enah and Ada came over and looked after Tiddums the whole
after noon. We thrashed out all the oats 513 bushels - and made quite a hole in the wheat
which lis coming pretty slowly. I helped Bill Philips carry away the oats and they kept us on
the hump we got 320 bushels off the 10 acres by the side road and about 240 off the 8
acres back the lane, counting the load we thrashed before over at Sam's, we expect the
wheat to go about 10 bushels to the acre. To-night I drove Mrs. McBride and Ada home, it

was awfully dark and I nearly ran into a waggon and did run over a log, across the road.
Lovely day sunny and warm
Thursday September 25th

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We finished up the wheat about nine o'clock this morning it went better than we expected.
133 bushels and we didn't look for more than 100. It wasn't a very big thrashing but might
have been worse. About ten o'clock Jonas and I lit into the corn field, and at noon had 13 or
14 shocks put up. Jonas doesn't use a horse but I think he would be better off if he did, as
one blows down now and then and takes longer to set it up than it would to move a horse
quite a few times. I didn't go out to help him this afternoon but Frank went out some time
after dinner with a pail of water for him, and he wasn't there we saw him going up the road
afterwards about half past three, but he got ten more shocks cut by six, he said he felt
pretty sick after dinner. We trimmed up the sheep and let the old ram out in the orchard.
Frank saw when he went after the mail that Butler had the tires on the waggon set so he
and Dad went down before tea and brought it home. Cousins Loll & Phoebe were over for
awhile this after noon Mrs. Dave Waddle died to-day at five o'clock, she has been sick for a
long time but only a few days in bed, she was down town on Monday. Dad. & Frank cleaned
up the barn floor this morning.. It has been hot to-day and hazy looking all around

Friday September 26th
When Dad. got up this morning he found the old sow had knocked down the orchard gate
and let all the ewes out. We got them in with out much difficulty but noticed the ram was
up at the north end of the orchard lying down by himself. When we went to look at him we
saw at once that he was very sick, so brought him down and put him in his old yard
between the drive house and the big barn, he has laid around all day and wont eat or drink,
he is not bloated but is quite hollow and does not seem in any pain but now and then
stretches out his neck and swells his sides like a dog trying to vomit. Dad. and I went up to
Dunkin's this morni to see him as we got a letter from him yesterday morning saying he had
a ram he would let us have for awhile not knowing of course that we had one, we expected
to be back at noon but it begant to rain soon after we got started and kept up so long that
we stayed there for dinner and did not get home till half past four, we didn't think his sheep
much ahead of ours and his rams not a patch on old 4700. When we got home Enah told us
the old sow was out and had wandered down the road but Frank brought her home
on his way home from school so we shut her up in Queen's boxstall and nailed up the door.
To-night the ram got in the barn and we gave him a drench, he does not seem any better
but no worse. Jonas cut corn this morning to cut corn and cut till it rained. and this after
noon tore down the old fence around the hill, he was over to-night to see if we would haul it
for him to morrow Dad. told him he would try to. When I went back after the cows to-night I
found Bobby & Fred's calf missing and walked way out to the Winding Hills to see them but

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when I got back they were standing at the culvert and Dad. & Frank were just going to let
them in, the fence was down at the culvert and there was an empty whisky bottle near it.
Saturday September 27th
When we went out this morning we found the ram had gone out of the barn into the yard
and seemed weaker than last night After breakfast we went out and Dad gave him some
more dope, but while we were there we tried to get him to stand up but his feet just shook
from under him and he stretched out and died we spent the rest of the morning skinning
and burying him, we think of it a rough bit of luck but suppose it is all in the game, we will
get a lovely mat off him if we can get it tanned right. what through life held his worth after
his death will hold another's wealth. Dad held a post mortem on him and found that it was
inflamation of the bladder which killed him, we didn't look for any thingh - like that, and Dad
says nothing could have been done for him. This after noon Dad. & Frank cleaned up some
of the wheat and oats that were on the floor and took it down to the mill to be chopped
they went down town to take Elva's cream and get stuff. I took Harry & Joe and the hay
rack and went down to help old Jonas get some of his fence up as he won't be back to cut
corn till it is off the highway, he is so afraid of the law, I only got up two loads as it is hard
stuff to load alone and Jonas had Leitch's team and waggon so didn't help me any, and I
had to knock half of it to pieces, I did not get home till nearly dark. Lovely fall day.
Sunday September 28th
Frank was the only member of the family who attended church and Sunday school. I read

most of the morning but got dressed up about noon and this after noon Dick and I went
down to Mrs. Waddles funeral. Dad. drove us down and his went down and got Huby & Lila
and they drove up to the cemetery. There was an awful crowd at the house and there must
have been over a hundred rigs in the procession. Dick and I knocked around town til Dad.
got back then I came home with him but Dick stayed down to go to church to-night. When
we got home we found Emery & his whole family here as well as Mrs. Smythe with Susie &
George. they stayed to tea so we were late getting the chores done. Beautiful day.
Monday September 29th
Jonas came over to cut corn this morning but after cutting for about an hour came in, in a
great state of excitement vowing that he would cut no more corn with a sickle as he had
cut an other piece off his finger, and said that if he couldn't - a corn hook which he was
used to in Dover he would got to Simcoe after one. Dad. put some turpentine on his finger

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which he said just had the skin nicked - and told me that I might as well drive Jonas to
Simcoe and take old 4700's hide up to be tanned, we left here about nine and went about
half a dozen places in Simcoe, and got home about half past twelve, Jonas got his corn
hook, some stuff at Fall's, some half stake from Billy Barlow's - a drink of beer and a prize list
of the Simcoe Fair. I saw Mr. Hogg and gave Mr. Shaver the hide, and went to see Kompart
about getting a new crank for the spreader to replace the one Allan Law lost but although
all the doors in the place were wide open there wasn't a sign of a living creature around.
This after noon I got started to cut clover seed but as {illegible} had to grind the knives and
get the horses in I didn't get started till after three so only got a little more than seven
rounds cut. Dad. cleaned out the ditches in the wheat field and Jonas got in a pretty good
after noon cutting corn. George Slocomb Sr. was over this after noon with a shore
shouldered horse. To-night Dad. had to go down to a school board meeting and I guess
wished that R. M. Taylor had beaten him on the election It has been cloudy and mild all day
and looks like rain

Tuesday September 30th
I finished cutting the clover seed this afternoon and got two rounds cut in the field next the
wood which is all weeds, some of them are up to the horses backs. Dad. helped Jonas cut
corn all day and they got a lot done, but Dad. had old Jonas pretty well tired out to-night,
Jonas says it is the best corn he ever cut. It has been - a nice bright breeze day, doesn't
look so rainy When we got up this morning we found that the old sow had knocked the gate
of the orchard down and let the sheep all out, she her self was sleeping peacefully in a
comfortable nest in the hay on the big barn floor. The cows cattle all got in through the bars
at the end of the orchard and had wandered all through the corn and over the wheat, they
were on the oat stubble when Dad. went out this morning, to-night he shut the cows in the
horse pasture
Wednesday September October 1st
The old sow repeated the same performance as last night, but the young stock did not
bother the bars at the end of the orchard, but as soon as the cows were turned in with

them they went back and broke in through the gully fence and Dad. & Jonas had to stop
cutting corn to put them out. Dad. had to stop later on to get Clark Matthews some wheat
& oats which he came over to buy for Teddy & his chickens. In spite of these hindrances
they got quite a bit cut and {illegible} the field half cut at noon. I cut weeds all morning in
the back field, I think I could have finished it to-night but Jonas came over at noon to tell us

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that he had to help Bob. Leitch thrash so I stayed up to help Dad. cut corn we just nicely
got started when we had to chase the cattle out of the field again this time we put them all
up in the horse pasture but lost quite a lot of time doing it, before we got out again to work
Walt. McCall, Mrs. McCall & three kids including Tommy came in, in Al. Faulkners auto-mobile
(as Walt has sold his) to see the colts. so it was about the middle of the afternoon when we
got settled down to work, then I cut my finger and had to come up to tie it up but Frank
came out and helped us a little after school so we got about twenty two or three shocks
cut. I cut a poor little half grown rabbits feet nearly off in the mower this morning but did
not kill it, because I thought like Niel Elliot's man that life was sweet. Frank caught a broken
winged crow on Sunday and is trying to tame it. Nice day, still looks rainy
Thursday October 2nd
It begant to rain about six o'clock this morning and rained all the first part of the morning
and most of the afternoon but isn't raining to-night. I drove Dick down to work first thing as
the roads were too bad for him to wheel, I dug up some of the onions when I got home and
left them right on the ground till they dry, Dad. cleaned out the pig. pen and Frank who has
a holiday to-day on account of the teachers' convention and tomorrow because Mr. Smith
is going to judge at the rural school fall fair which is to be held in the town hall tomorrow.
We had dinner about eleven and three of us left as soon as possible after it for Dunkin's to
get the ram he told us about. We went past the rail road construction camp which is on the
side road on the north of Charlie Dixon's place just as the men and teams were coming in to
dinner, they made quite an army. We left Frank on the road about 3/4's of a mile this side of
Dunkin's while we went on to get the ram, he is a big heavy fellow and pretty good looking,
he looks very long but that is because the fellow Duncan let have him last year did not
shear him. It begant to rain soon after we left his place and we just nicely got home when it
commenced coming down heavily, it was pretty late then so we had an early tea and did
chores after. Dad. is going down to Quanbury's to a surprise pedro party for John. He told
them he would go orl he would not go through the mud
Friday October 3rd

We did not get up till seven o'clock this morning as Dad played pedro last night very late
and came home at two o'clock this morning with the booby prize, as he is always first up
and calls the rest we were late. Jonas came over at seven and cut corn all day I helped him
this morning - and we got a shock or two over two rows cut which wasn't so bad
considering I did not get out till nine o'clock. Dad. helped him this after noon and they got

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another two rows cut. I cut weeds all afternoon in the back field but did not quite finish.
Frank and Dad. got a load of rails this morning and repaired the gully fence and turned the
cattle back, besides other odd jobs. This afternoon Frank went back to Charlie McQueen's
after nuts. Enah & Tiddums went down to see the rural school fair held in Buck's pavillion.
She said there was a big exhibit of every thing the shape of farm produce & house keeping
all produced & collected by the school children. Lila came back with her to stay all night.
Tommy Manning came up to-nigh from the gully where he had been in quest of mushrooms
but failed to discover any. Dick is at a party of Inez Schram's It has been cool and cloudy all
day but fair. Clear to-night.
Saturday October 4th
I finished cutting the weeds in the back field a little before noon and brought the mower up.
Dad. & Jonas did not get started cutting corn till about half past eight it was so wet from
the frost on it thawing, so they did not finish the field till after dinner. When Dad. settled up
with him he owed him $7.25 as he paid him at the rate of $1.50 a day for cutting corn and
$2.00 for thrashing and as Dad. & Frank went down with the team after they got through to
help him haul fence Jonas took $2.50 off for the two quarter days last Saturday and this.
They did not get the fence all up. This after noon I cut a little lawn and picked up over two
bushels of pears & apples of the lawn and gave them to the chickens. I did not get much
done and quit early to do chores. To-night Frank and I drove down town for provisions and I
finished reading "The White Company" aloud to Dad. when I got home, very sorry to finish it.
Mrs. Woodson & Betty were over for awhile this after noon. Lovely day.
Sunday October 5th
Frank went down to Sunday school and I drove Enah down to church but as were were as
usual late I went up behind the organ, where also was Charlie Martin he having come later
even than we. When we came past the Martin's they were all out prepared to drive down to
church in Jack's automobile but as the tire was flat they had decided to walk so we brought
old Mrs Martin down with us, however they got the tire pumped up afterwards and he
stayed long enough to take them down town. The Rev. Mr. Armstrong of Delhi conducted

the service while Mr. Johnston was off somewhere else. Johnny Walker sang a solo by way
of - a special attraction. Dad. stayed home & looked after the house and Tiddums while we
were gone and also wrote a poem on the death of 4700 and an epitaph to send to Louise in
answer to one she sent us. Dick spent the morning in bed but went down this after noon
and stayed down to tea & church getting home quite late. Musa. Dyer sang a solo to-night

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in church. This after noon Ed. Moon, Marion & Alice Miller came over and spent the after
noon. Ed. is working already in the mill in Sloan's place but says he will come over some
Saturday after noon and do some fixing up. I was delighted this morning by discovering a
book entitled "Sir Nigel" by A Conan Doyle and upon looking into it finding that it dealt with
many of the same characters as "The White Company". I began it to-night. Tom Abbot
came in this afternoon to inquire whether Jonas was a reliable person to make a business
transaction with as he had bargained for some wood and then Jonas showed signs of
backing out of his agreement but Dad. reassured Tom. It has been a very nice day, sunny &
warm
Monday October 6th
I went with Jonas right after break fast to help him take his cows down to the cattle pen
where Niel Elliot was shipping. Old Ivy at the mill bought them and Niel was going to take
them to Jarvis for him in with his stuff that he was shipping. They were back here in Ivys
gully and we & Sairy had quite a time catching them but got them down with out much
trouble and put them in the pen which was chock full of hogs. Jonas had to squabble with
Ivy for awhile as he wouldn't take any thing but cash for his cows not even a checqu and
then Elliot did not want to take them at all with his hogs but they at last got things
smoothed out and Jonas got his money and they tied the cows in the car. It was noon when
I got home I had spent most of the morning with Skinny Ryersie who was looking after the
stock. Dad. started to rake up the clover seed this after noon morning and finished this
after noon we burned what we could of the weeds & grass in the back field this after noon
- and most of it burned but there are patches where the fire did not run, it ran in the grass,
along the fence bottom and burned about 1/3 of the posts and stakes it also chased the
same little rabbit out into the field whos legs I injured with mowing machine the other day. I
brought him up to the barn I suppose he has been along the fence ever since I put him
there Nice day but very hot.
Tuesday October 7th
Dad. and I cocked up all the clover seed this morning except a few cocks which we did

yesterday. We intended to haul a load this after noon but Loyd Ryersie came over at noon
to tell Dad. they wanted to see him down town this after noon at four o'clock to interview
the High School Inspector. He went down a little late (he took Enah & Tiddums) but said he
might as well have stayed home, as it was all over, and they had had it up at the school
house the {kid?} told him to go down town, but it wasn't any regular meeting any way. I felt

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as lazy as a drunk toad this afternoon but managed to get the barn floor pretty well cleared
up of the thrashing refuse. Frank helping me when he got home from school. Dick says he is
pretty sure he saw old Jonas coming home {bory?}-eyed last night and nobody but Frank
has seen anything of him to-day, but he said last night that he would not be over except to
set up some shocks he left down as he was going to buy some pig's, and I guess he set up
the shocks. It has been a a lovely day - a little more breeze and not as hot as yesterday
Dick came home before tea to-night and started to clean the buggy he says he is going to
finish it in the morning. He wants it on Thursday.
Wednesday October 8th
We hauled in clover seed all day today but only got in three loads, we did not get out till
nearly ten this morning but got one load on and off before dinner, this afternoon we got two
loads in and left one unloaded, there is just one more small one out yet. Dad. let poor old
Dave back the lane this after noon and he spent the afternoon on top of the hill with the
other colts in the boiling sun. Mrs. Art Ryerise paid Enah a visit to-day, she has been over in
Chicago for a week or so, she said that Orpha Flemming & Wilbur Ryersie were to have
been married to-day. but as we have heard no other report of it, are not sure about it.
Pretty hot.
Thursday October 9th
We were late on the start this morning, and just as Dad. & I were going out to pitch off the
load we left on the barn floor last night we noticed the cattle on the wheat, and all over the

oat stubble and clover. It took us quite awhile to get them back in the gully, so by the time
we got the load pitched off and the jag that was left back there up to the barn it was noon
we burned one or two of the cocks which were composed solely of leaves & dead grass.
This after noon we went back over the gully to burn the rest of the weeds in the back field.
We thought they would burn well after all the hot weather but the fire wouldn't burn at all
not nearly so well as it did the other day so we just had to carry it around on our forks and
by this means got it pretty well cremated but it took us all the afternoon. Jonas husked
corn all day to-day and says it goes a little better than before but he says he is not going to

make as much money as he expected, he is husking for four cents a bushel. Dick came
home at noon to-day and took Joe and went for a drive with some girl down town Enah and
Tiddums went down town this after noon. It has been fine and hot to-day but looks rainy.
Friday October 10th

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We hauled out manure to-day from the horse stable pile and put it on the oat stubble
along the side road. It was such a long way to haul it so we did not get on very fast. and as
all the top part of the pile was nothing but burned or dry straw - and we wanted to mix
rotten stuff with it took us quite awhile to put on a load. We did not get out till ten o'clock
this morning and got out nine loads. Jonas husked corn all day but gets on pretty slowly. I
had to take some binder twine out to-night and help him put up a couple of shocks. Lila
came over to-night to spend the night, on Frank's wheel, he went down after school to get
stuff and a bushel basket for which he went in {vain?}, and he walked home. Fine and hot
to-day
Saturday October 11th
It looked so much like rain this morning just before we hooked to the spreader that we
decided to hook to the waggon first and get the husked corn, but just as we were about to
start it began to rain so we put the horses in again. Old Jonas came in from the field, and
entertained us for a while with a wild west personal experience of how he was stranded out
west somewhere in Michigan fell in with a gambling cowboy, and mane a pile in a hurry &
revolvers knives, etc. Jonas has seen some awful times in his day if all accounts are true.
We then got the sheep in the barn and marked them all with blue chalk and Dad. put the
new tag we got from Dunkin in his sheep's ear and stuck up the tame ones ear with sticking
plaster as she caught her tag in some thing the other day and tore her ear the full length. By
this time the rain had let up and Jonas gone back to husk so we went out with the waggon
and got about a load (21 bushels) but before we came in it was raining hard and we got
pretty wet. It rained most of the afternoon, I read a little and the rest of the family cracked
hickory nuts, while thus engaged a small yearling heifer with a freshly broken horn and a
long thin rope around its neck came into the garden followed by very bedraggled man in
hip rubber boots and a small freckle faced youth. I found out that he was the man from
whom Jonas had purchased his heifer and that the afore mentioned "critter" was her. As
Dad. had told Jonas that he might turn her in with our cows, Frank and I proceeded to help
him catch her, get the rope off her and put her in the lane, but we found we had undertaken
a task which we were incapable of performing, for the heifer was as wild as a deer. The man
(Smith his name was) had already chased her over nearly every road between here and
Marburg, but she was still very game. First she jumped into the pig yard where I caught the
trailing rope, but I might as well have had hold of an engine the rope was so small and wet and she was so small and wild that I was forced to let go, she then leaped over the fence
and down the lane toward the road where Dave. the small boy headed her off, I opened the

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gate into the barn yard, hoping to get her cornered in there but she got from there into the
pig yard, then into the wheat field up the wheat field to the gully down the gully fence to
the side road. then over the fence into the gully making straigt for the gap into the blue
grass field where I headed her off from there and the three of us followed her up to the
gully cross fence. (Dave. stayed back in the barn yard), there the man caught the rope but
let go again immediately, she jumped back in to the wheat field and ran the while length of
both wheat fields down to the little corner of the south east corner of the plum orchard
where Frank & I both got a fall in the clay bank in an attemt to get the rope Frank did lay
hands on it but she flopped him, after chasing her half way up the lane fence again, we let
her go and the last we saw of her she standing in the north east corner of the oat stubble
next the gully & side road. We couldn't get her with the other cows with out getting her in
the lane as the cows are shut out of the east end of the gully. The man & boy went on down
to tell Jonas that he had delivered his heifer and for Jonas to get his rope for him Frank Lila
and I drove down town Lila stayed and Frank and I came back with provisions we drove Mr.
Blaikie part way home Tonigh I finished reading "Sir Nigel" and "The Iron Trail" aloud.
Sunday October 12th
Frank rode his wheel down to Sunday school and Dick and I drove down to church. This
afternoon Dick went down town and Frank went over to Charlie McQueen's and got some
chestnuts, he also got soaking with his best clothes on. I read most of the after noon a
great book I found in a box up over the woodshed. It's about an hundred years or so old,
and is "Lord Chesterfield's advice to his son" - its rich. Jonas came over to look for his heifer
but failed to find any trace of her so I suppose she is back at Marburg by this time. Poor
Jonas is broken hearted - and wishes he had never bought her, he was very foolish I think
to sell his good big three years old for forty dollars and then turn around around and pay
twenty for this runt of a yearling what he wants with them any way in his position is more
than I can see. Sam Law came in this morning to get Dad. to go over and cut a lump off his
calf. It froze last night and was a lovely sunny morning but rained most of the after noon.
Monday October 13th

I had to go thrashing down to Flemming's this morning as he came over on Saturday to
"warn us out". Tupper's man did not come till late and Walker never came at all so we were a
little short handed I was on the table and pitched on to the feeder, after we got well started
it kept me pretty busy and to-night I feel stiff and plugged up as they put some of the
straw in the barn and made it pretty dusty. He only thrashed his oats and as he only had

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four hundred and forty something bushels we got through before noon although we got a
very late start and stopped several times, it was near enough noon however for us to stay
there for dinner. When I got home I found Jonas's mare in the stable and his democrat out
side, and Enah said he and Dad. had just gone back the lane in quest of his heifer, which he
told Dad he had seen in our back field but when Dad found it, it was in Evan's back field.
Dad got home about three o'clock leading the heifer almost tame and Jonas following
almost wild behind. They had evidently had just such a chase for her over Evan's place - as
we had on Saturday over this place, but they got her cornered at last in Evan's cowshed
and Dad. went over and borrowed a rope and humbug from John Wess McBride and once
he got the ropes on her he soon mastered her, he broke the little clothes line that was on
her a couple of times. He said it was pitiful and laughable to watch old Jonas, every time the
heifer would break away from them. Jonas would almost weep and swear he would shoot
her if he could get a rifle. Evan's wasn't home and Dad. said they got every loose gate and
board around the place to barricade the barn yard but she would break through and once
climbed about half way up the straw stack. When they brought her home they put her in
with the rest of the cows and - although Jonas vowed she would get out she seems to be
quite contented. Dad. told him that he would give Jonas $20 for her if she got out and $18 is
she stayed in so Jonas said he wouldnt sell her till she got out. I drove Enah & Tiddums
down town to Mrs. Schrams this after noon. Belle jumped the fence out by the big barn tonigh and knocked a couple of panels flat. It froze last night and has been very chilly all day.
Tuesday October 14th
I greased my old boots this morning and Dad took Mrs. Martin over the pint of cream she
spoke for yester day. We also haulded two loads of loam & sod. from along the road side
under the old wild cherry tree in the wheat stubble, and filled in the holes at this end of the
lane in the barn yard, where the horses have pawed a hole when they are drinking from the
tub in front of the windmill, and under the gate at the north end of the horse stable. This
after noon we hauled out four loads of manure, Walt McCall. Dave Waddle Billy Loan & Tom.
McCall came over to-night and we caught Dolly and Dave led her home he put a rope in her
mouth although she would have led all right with just a halter and after walking a little way
with her got in the automobile, and led her from it. Just about dark to-night Mr. Blaikie came
over and got Dad to go over and look at John Wess's cow which was badly bloated and
John Wess was away. Dad. went over, stayed to tea and as John Wess got back before he
left, he did not get home till about nine o'clock. Frank and I did up the chores. Dad says the

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cow will get alright. It froze very hard last night but has been a beautiful day, very clear tonight.
Wednesday October 15th
We hauled out all the rest of the pile of manure at the horse stable and got through a little
before four this after noon and took out eight loads, when we put the spreader away we
hooked on to the waggon and got in a load of corn (22 bushels), we sorted it in the field and
there is some fine looking corn in it, Jonas has been husking all day. At noon he came in and
told us he had an awful foolish notion in his head, we wondered if he was just beginning to
realize the fact, as there is nothing much else to him but foolishness, but at last when he
got courage enough to "spit out" what he wanted, he asked Enah if she would iron a shirt for
him to-night to wear to the Simcoe fair to-morrow as he could never get his "woman" to do
any thing like that for him. Enah told him she would if he would bring it over to-night but he
never showe up at all. Art Ryersie came over just before tea to tell Dad. he had a cow down
there which wouldn't attempt to chew her cud and was panting like a lizard, as he
considered her a valuable animal he wanted Dad. to go down and see her, so Dad. & Frank
have gone down since tea. I cleaned out the cage I have my rabbit in this morning. his feet
are nearly healed up and he can hop and jump pretty well. I think I shall let him go soon
Enah and Tiddums went down town this after noon and to say goodbye to the Woodson's
as they are going next week but no-one was home It has been a beautiful day. not quite so
hot as last week.
Thursday October 16th
We started from here for Simcoe to attend the fair at about ten this morning and got there
just about noon, after driving past the various livery stables in town and finding them all
crammed we went back to Yeagers and put Joe in there. Yeager was there and told Dad.
she was welcome. The three of us Dad. Frank and I spent the whole after noon on the
grounds, but didn't see quite every thing, we didn't see the cattle at all except on parade
there wasn't a very big exhibit of sheep or pigs, but the rest of the fair was good. They had
a good bunch of horses, especially roadsters. Frank Temmons and Charlie Butler both

showed in the carriage horse class but neither got prizes. Yeager took most of the prizes in
this class of course. We saw Mr. Hanmer there showing his hackneys but didn't get a
chance to speak to him. We saw Harry Langs for a little while. There was an awful crowd on
the grounds and about as much fun could be derived from it as any thing else. Yeager had a
team of grey mules up there hitched to one of his fancy carriages and driven by King Brown

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(Theodore's son) in uniform costume who jujding from his countenance was the happiest
man in Simcoe, he paraded around in the ring all the after noon and lined his mules up in
every judging class The number of boys on the back of his carriage increased steadily all
the after noon and when we left we noticed Frank Temmons was one of them. King's black
face shone as brilliantly as it's complexion would let it above a suit of - checkered - cloth
covered with a motley display of ribbons, on one side of his wooly pate was a little flat hat
about as big as a post card and each of his mules had a red ticket tied to its their ears. As a
winding up feature they had a girl make a balloon ascention. She went up about as far as
you could see her and then desended with a parachute, about a half amile away from
where he went up, every body wondering whether she would light in a tree mud hole or
straddle a fence. I heard one lady exclaim that she wouldnt do that for "nothing." It must
have been nearly five when we left Yeager's - and - as we were trying to get home before
Art Ryersie who we passed and then were passed by just out of Simcoe, we got home
about six, but I guess Art beat us and beat us well, he went the back road and we kept the
gravel all the way but we didn't see a sign of him after he turned at St. John's. Enah and
Tiddums spent the day down town. It looked like rain all morning but faired off into an ideal
day.
Friday October 17th
Dad. and I hauled a load of rails to the house this morning and got about all the good ones
there were in the fence bottom running west from the side road along the north end of the
wheat stubble We also got a small load of {sand?} to put in front of the north stable door,
we then went down to Preston's and got a bushel of potatoes. This after noon we took
things pretty easy did chores and Dad. fixed the little ladder goin up into the horse stable
loft. which big Joe bumped his head on and broke this morning. Jonas husked corn all
morning but as it rained this after noon he spent it trying to build him self a barn to keep his
horses and cattle in all winter. He was in a very joyful mood this morning after being at the
show and was in a great hurry for Dick to get up as he wanted him to send {illegible} away
for him, but to-night he is in the worst state of despair as he evidently did not have very
much success buildig his barn out of the old fence rubbish. Dad. told him he was foolish to
try and might far better sell his stock and put the money away till he needed it and then
have that much more firewood. It has been very cloudy all day drizzling most of the after
noon and to-night
Saturday October 18th

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I drove Dick and his bicycle down to the corner this morning and then went down to the
mill to get a bag of flour. Old Jonas was working at his barn which is about the size of a big
packing box, he only had a few scantling nailed to-gether for a starter. he said he was
nearly wild with apprehensions for the coming winter. When I got home Tupper was just
leaving, he and Harry his man were going down to fix the hill in front of Preston's and came
in to borrow a fork to pitch sods. We didn't do much, this morning we started to fix the old
shed next the cow stable as Dad. wants to separate his pigs and put some of them in there,
we didn't get much done at it. Lila came over and this afternoon she and I drove down town
principally to take Dick's suit case down as he is going to Toronto to-night. Dad. spent the
afternoon cleaning ducks and a chicken. Winnnie came back with Lila and me but didn't
stay to tea. Lila is staying all night. This is the fifteenth anniversary of Frank's birthday and
he celebrated it by cleaning out and white washing the chicken house. We put Queen and
Ginger in to-night as it is pretty cold out. Queen behaves just as if she was fifty years old. It
rained quite hard last night - and to day - has been muddy cloudy and cold with a little
more rain, very raw wind this afternoon.
Sunday October 19th
Frank and Lila went down to Sunday school and I drove Enah down for church, we were
early for once. Enah expected Elva would be away but she wasn't, Enah played the organ
any way. This was a children's day and they had the whole contents of the Sunday school in
the front seats. As a little extra, Sam Jacques had his baby christened. Mr. Johnson kept
referring to it all through as he or him but its name turned out to be Helen Isabel or
something similar.This afternoon Dad. put the saddle on Joe and I went for a ride. She
nearly put me off while I was getting on the first time but she didn't and I rode out to the
Shands I found them just starting off to the Hares who live on the town-line about three
miles this side of Jarvis, to wish old Mrs. Nixon a happy birthday she was 90 years old.
Charlie put the saddle on his horse and I went with him, we beat them all of course both
coming and going. I got home just about dark and to-night feel pretty stiff I guess Josie is
tired too. I lost a nice little tie pin I suppose on the road. Cousin Clare gave it to me and I
was very sorry to lose it. It has been cloudy and cold all day, drizzly to-night.
Monday October 20th
This was Thanksgiving day but has been exceedingly rotten. It rained the greater part of last
night and most of the morning and has been cold, raw and muddy.. This morning Dad. went
down town to ship the barrel of apples to Uncle Hal. and Aunty Alice which he got from Bill

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Duncan and which have been down at the station since Saturday. He also saw Butler about
getting a plow but as he walked down he couldn't bring it home. He is going to get a
Cockshutt to try and if we don't like it we will get a Wikinson. I didn't do any thing much all
morning My muscles are all stiff and sore from my ride yesterday I guess it was too far
when I haven't been used to it, it must have been about fifteen miles. Frank cleaned off the
walls of the cow stable and this after noon white washed. it. Dad made a box for the wheel
barrow after dinner so that I can carry out a much bigger load of manure. Then he and Frank
went and struck out a few loads in the oat stubble while I cleaned out the stables. Belle
jumped into the pig yard from the barn yard to night and when I went to chase her back
she jumped the wire fence into the lane, caught her foot in it and bent a panel of it badly.
Ginger and Queen both ran back the lane to the gully. Queen came up with Dad. when he
went after the cows but Ginger is back there yet with the colts, which she has been trying
to get with all summer. To-night Dad. and Frank walked down to meet Dick he said he
wouldn't be home till the late train so they were going to the moving picture show. Frank
has been coaxing Dad. to go for quite awhile. Mrs. McBride was here washing to-day.
Tuesday October 21st
Dad. plowed all day and got on pretty well. I did chores and cleaned out the alley way in
front of the cows where the calves spent last winter. That took me the biggest part of the
day. I spent about half an hour chasing cattle back into their proper quarters after they had
jumped over or crawled through the old fence around the barn yard. This morning Bill
Stamp came and got four bushels of wheat for this chickens. Aleeta McBride came over this
afternoon to iron. Jonas husked corn all day. I felt rather rotten having a sore throat and
getting an all around cold. Cold, windy, cloudy & wet.
Wednesday October 22nd
Dad. plowed all morning, and I did chores and started to clean out the pile of rubbish in the
corner of the big barn but the wind got so bad I stopped and came in to the house. This
after noon we went out with the waggon and got alload of corn. We got mostly all Jonas has
husked. 26 bushels. We sort it out there and leave the poor stuff to gather up afterwards,

there isn't much of it. Niel Elliot came in before dinner to see if we had any cattle for sale
but of course we hadn't. Jonas husked all day. It has been a miserable day. It rained this
morning and drizzled part of the after noon, being cold, cloudy, muddy and windy all day. I
feel rottener.

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Thursday October 23rd
Dad. lay awake in bed this morning from five to seven thinking from the sound of the wind
that it was pouring rain but on getting up found it a beautiful morning. He got out as soon
as possible after breakfast and plowed till about eleven. I did up all the chores and then
went out and plowed till noon, while Dad. came up to shave as he had to be bearer at Mrs.
Brirely's funeral this afternoon, he left a couple of strike oats for me to finish up after dinner

and I ran myself out of a job about four o'clock. I left about a round or two on each land for
Dad. to finish and as I couldn't strike out I unhooked but when I got to the top of the
orchard. I saw Dad. cutting wood so yelled at him and he came out and plowed till dark.
Jonas husked corn all day, he is full of an idea now to go south and work for {Evans?}
Johnson, bossing niggers working in his orchard. He says they are anxious to have him go
and he's going to try to get there. Aleta McBride was over ironing again to-day, she minded
Tiddums while Enah went down to the funeral after dinner. My little rabbit died yesterday. It
has been a very nice day cloudy, but mild, & breezy. Trying to rain to-night.
Friday October 24th
Since I watered & fed the horses before breakfast this morning I haven't done another tap
all day, except read. I had quite a bad pain in my "stumick" this morning and have put in a
bad day on account of my cold in my head. It rained steadily all day so I didn't lose much in
the way of work. Dad. couldn't do any thing but chores. Mrs. McBride came over this
morning according to promise to see if she could do any thing towards house cleaning, but
of course couldn't. Cars. Rankin drove over this after noon to have Dad. look at his horse,
which Dad. says has nothing the matter with it. He also wanted Dad. to keep it here and fix
it up, but as we will be crowded for room this winter for our own horses, he refused.
Saturday October 25th
As far - as work is concerned I didn't do a tap more than yesterday although I felt quite a
lot better. I read - quite a lot and skimmed through a large parcel of "Saturday Nights"
which Roy sent up by Dick the other day and which in all probability would have scarcely
been looked at, had not this cold presented the opportunity to me. Dad. and Frank hitched
Joe and Belle to the waggon this morning, went down town & got a barrell of salt and the
plow which Dad ordered from Butler the other day, they also got a letter from Dick (posted
yesterday) saying he wouldn't be home last night and that Jack Walker wanted old Joe
back right away, this was very bad news for with out him we cannot work two teams and

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the other plow will be useless, and it will be impossible fore one team to do all the fall
plowing we had planned. Dad. did not see any thing of Jack while in town so does not know
definitely yet. This afternoon they got a load of rails from this side of the east gully fence
where we hope to put up a wire one next spring. They also took the plow out there and
unloaded it. Vyse's three horses were on the road this morning and came into our lane, Dad.
told him on his way down town so he and little Frank came after them. Allan Law was in tonight and Dad. paid him for thrashing. He told us that Jack Philips was very dangerously ill
with Typhoid fever. Dick got home fairly early to-night, with the mail - and the news that Mr.
& Mrs. Gilbert Lynch are the proud parents of another boy. Dad. heard in town today that
some "public spirited citizens of Port Dover are canvassing the town with a petition to have
Jack Walker's picture show classed as a public nuisance. Fine & windy, everything very wet.
Sunday October 26th
Frank went to church and Sunday school, but was the only member of the family who did. I
sat around all day and read. the "Literary Digest" for this week, through completely. This
after noon the whole family except me went down to wish Lila a happy birthday. Dad. Enah
and Tiddums drove down but the latter was too sleepy to enjoy him self, so they didn't stay
long but the boys stayed to tea. Jack Walker came over while they were gone and got old
Joe, he says he has to have him now as the coal is coming in and one team can't stand it; he
says he thinks he could make a dicker with Dad. for him, but as he seems to think old Joe
worth $100. I think it very doubtful as Dad wouldn't give more than fifty for him. It has been
fair cloudy and raw all day.
Monday October 27th
Dad. plowed with Harry & Belle all day and got on pretty well, after I got all the chores done
up, I started to pick the spies but didn't get on very fast before dinner. It took me all the
after noon to get the rest of the spies and there isn't so very many and they are not sorted
yet, I also picked all the Kings but there were only fifteen of them on the tree, I got thirteen
of them, one fell off and I bruised another knocking it off with a stick. Tonight Frank and I
went down to the concert given by a travelling company for the band - and had a good

time, there was a ventriloquist with them who was good, as well as an elocutionist and
tenor. They had a dance afterwards and Dick and I stayed till it was over I got home about
half past one and Dick a little later as he went home with some girls. Frank waited till it was
nearly over but was asleep when I got home. Mr. Hodge came over with the tax notices this

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morning, they are just about the same as last year. It has been cloudy and threatening all
day, and just as I got home to-night I felt a drop or two.
Tuesday October 28th
When I got up about seven o'clock this morning it was blowing a gale and raining, so after
we did the chores we didn't do much else all day, although it didn't rain long we didn't even
get the stables cleaned out. Alfred came over this morning for awhile. This after noon I
drove Enah down town this afternoon to have her dress fitted at Mrs. Schram's I also
practiced a little on my horn, Cloudy, windy and cold.
Wednesday October 29th
Dad. plowed all day and is now just half over the oat stubble or just at the pile of stoanes,
the top of which just sticks up over the surface of the ground, it took me nearly
all day morning to clean out the stables, get in straw and cut wood, but this after noon I

picked apples. First I picked up all the good Canada Red's which blew down in night before
last's wind, they blew down more than the others, I put them down cellar in one big box I
picked an orange crate of Talman Sweets, which wil be enough for us, the pigs will likely get
the rest, they are beauties. I also picked what few sweet russets I could but as they seem
to grow mostly on very tips of the limbs I had to shake most of them down, there were very
few barely an orange crate full. It began to rain about three o'clock and although it didn't
rain hard it was very steady and wet through everything I had to go out and help Jonas put
up some of the husked corn, the threw down a lot but as it began to rain didn't get it

husked we didn't put it up. Mully got into the east end of the gully to-night and jumped the
fence and came right up the wheat to the bars.
Thursday October 30th
Dad. plowed all day and - got on well. Jonas husked all day. I picked apples after I got the
chores done. Mrs. McBride was here house cleaning all day so I had to beat carpet at noon.
This morning Frank took a sack down to Preston's, and they filled it with potatoes and left it
outside the gate, I drove down and got it. Frank went back to look for his turkeys after
school, he couldn't find them at their old roost in the gully but he saw R. J. Watson who told
him he had seen them Tuesday on the road in front of McQueen's. Dick told us last night
that Harry Dyer fell off a scaffold yesterday and broke his ankle. It has been sharper to-day,
and rained a little this afternoon. Dad. should have gone down to a school board meeting
to-night but it is raining and dark so he isn't going

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Friday October 31st
It froze quite hard last night and snowed a little. Robert John Watson came over this
morning just as Dad was getting out to work to get his heifer which had got in with our
cows, as I was just going back to fix the fence where Mully and Jim got into the back field
where we burned off the grass, I went with him to help him get her home, she was very
quiet, so we had no trouble in driving her but it took us all morning to get her to stay on

Robert John's place, we got her into Ivey's place but she jumped through the old fence back
into our gully, then we drove up along the woods into John Wesse's back field, then into
Robert John's field then into his gully from where she ran directly back and jumped into
Ivey's again, but we didn't have much trouble getting her from there into his gully again
where I left him with her, I then drove Mully & Jim out of the field as they had got in while
we were chasing the heifer, and made a good fix on the fence, it was a little after twelve
when I got back to the house and Dad. was up with the team. This after noon we hauled in
two loads of corn fifty-two bushels. Jonas was in the seventh heaven of delighted as he

had Jim Law helping him husk. Jim husks about two bushels to Jonas' one and teases the
life out of him at the same time. Frank went to look for his turkeys after school to-night, he
went to McQueens and Charlie told him there were eight there and had been there with
theirs for a month but Frank wasn't sure whether they were his or not and besides there
should be eleven and Robert John said he saw that number last Tuesday, on the road, while
Sid McBride was doing some other fencing for Robert John they stretched the piece
between him and us so we got out of that job. We were reminded of this being Hallowee'n
by hearing the school bell ringing to-night. Tiddums was playing on our bed with some

blocks this after noon and crawled off the edge and gave himself a bad bump on his head
and cut his eye quite badly, he was up on his hands and knees when Enah found him. Cold
and windy all day, two short but blinding snow storms, one this morning, the worst one this
after noon.
Saturday November 1st
It froze the ground so hard last night that we couldn't haul corn as we intended so Dad.
plowed all morning. Frank went after his turkeys and got home with nine of them about
noon They were over at McQueens and he thinks the other two must have been shot. I did
chores and cleaned some of the boards out of the old shed by the cow stable and piled
them in the corner of the barn. I finished the job after dinner while Dad. and Frank went
down town, they took some oats to the mill to be chopped. and went on down town to get
the mail and some provisions. When they got back about four we all three went out and got

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the soft corn out of the field. There was nearly a waggon box full of it and it was just about
dark when we got up so we just hauled it in on the barn floor. Just as we were starting for
the corn field Jonas came along and told Dad. he would like some money. Dad. wanted him
to wait till we got the load in but Jonas wanted it right away so Dad went itno the house to
get it. Just as he went in he told Jonas he was a darned old nuisance and that he would
sooner have a boil on his ear (or words to that effect) than have him around. This Jonas
considered an insult and started off for home declaring that he would take no money nor
husk any more corn, by the time Dad. came out he was half way home, but Frank went after
him and prevailed on him to take the money, he is still pretty mad though. It has been very
windy but not very cold all day.
Sunday November 2nd
Frank went down to church and Sunday school, nobody else went down this morning. Mr.
Buck came over and got Dad to go down and see his cow which he thought was sick but
which was quite well when Dad got there. I did chores and Dick slept till dinner. This after
noon Mr. Brirely came over and stayed - quite awhile - and to-night Dad. and I went down
to church, Dick was down to Huby's to tea, and went to church after wards. We stopped in
at Huby's on our way down and took him the "Every body's Magazines" that Aunty Alice has
been sending us all year. He said he might be over to husk corn to-morrow. This has been a
day of disaster, when Dad. first went out this morning he found one of his pigs all in and the
others going for it. He carried it over to the barn and later came to the conclusion that its
leg was broken up in the "ham" so will have to kill it to-morrow. He also found the old
gobbler sick and diagnosed the case as black-head, he died this afternoon. Enah
considered he was worth five dollars. Then we noticed a big hard lump under Queenie's jaw
to-night which Dad. says is very like distemper although she has no cough I noticed a small
lump there some time ago but thought nothing of it. Lovely day much milder
Monday November 3rd
I didn't do any chores before breakfast but wrote to Aunty instead. After break fast I did up
all the chores and about half past eleven went out and plowed a little, Huby came over with

his gun before dinner but didn't get a shot at any thing, old Jonas came back again and he
& Huby husked all the after noon and got on well. Tom. Abbot said this morning that he
might get one of the Bush's to come up and help husk for us. Dad. and I both went out after
dinner, and he made two or three strike outs, and then went up to kill his poor little broken
legged pig and I kept on plowing we will soon have the oat stubble plowed. Dad. hated to kill

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his pig but got forty pounds of dressed pork from him besides the {johcluts?}. Jonas came
over to-night, he is afraid the money that he sent to Tildson bouy, has gone astray, but Dad.
assured him that he wouldn't lose it as he has the receit of his bank money order, he also
gave us quite an entertainment on the mouth organ. It was a lovely morning but has been
cloudy and rainy all the afternoon
Tuesday November 4th
Dad. plowed all day to-day and is nearly over the road fence, I did chores this morning and
transplanted the peony roots which I put in the garden the day Walter went away. This
after noon I pulled all the carrots and beets and nearly all the onions, we piled the carrots
and beets in a pile to-night and covered them for fear of frost, there were 6 1/2 bus. of
carrots, what we have eaten so far would I think make 7, a yield at the rate of 784.1 busels to
the acre. and 4 big bushels of beets on not half the ammont of ground as the carrots were
on or a yield of 1102.78 bushels to the acre.* The onions were small and a lot of them soft, I
just got a small basket full of them and there is another line to dig yet. Huby has husked all
day and Jonas was here all moring but just got here in time to husk a couple of bushels
before dark. Huby got a shot at a black duck in one of the holes in the timothy field but was
too faraway, he was afraid he scared them away but they were back this after noon but did
not light although he scattered some corn in the swail hole. Dick got home to tea to-night
for a change. Cloudy and cold all day looks rainy. *These figures are according to my
calculations and may not be absolutely correct
Wednesday November 5th
Frank caught a skunk under the cow stable in the trap he set last night. He and Tige are next
to impossible to live with. He drove all the kids in school about crazy to-day. The cow
stable was so thick aired that it tainted the cream. He skinned him to-night, he says it isn't
a very good skin as there is too much white on it. Dad. plowed all day and finished the oat
stubble. I went out with him at noon and we put on a load of rails from the gully fence and
he hauled them up before he backed to the plow. I unloaded the load of soft corn that was
on the waggon (21 bus) this morning and this after noon I unloaded rhe rails, cut some of

them up and sorted the Northern Spys. Huby and Jonas husked all day. It froze quite hard
last night but has been a beautiful day. Frank sent his Meccano outfit down for Cecil Lamb
to play with.
Thursday November 6th

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Dad. set off as soon as he could for Dunkin's with the ram this morning, he took Harry and
Belle - and didn't get back till a quarter past two. He brought the imported ram back with
him. I started to clean out a canal between one of the water holes in the timothy sod to the
one in the oat stubble with the tile under in, I got it pretty well started, but found it would
take a very deep ditch to carry it, and as the clay was so stiff I didn't get on very fast, I
stopped when Dad. came home to help him unload the ram. and he said there was no use
trying to plow the timothy sod this fall. as it is impossible to plow either through or around
the water holes and it will waste too much time digging ditches between them so he is
going to start on the other side of the gully. D. O. to-morrow and we will try to put tile in
there after it freezes up. Huby husked all day but Jonas was only here for an hour or so at
noon he has been sick with "information" all day, Huby says he wept bitterly out there for
awhile, and then went to see the doctor. Beautiful day. Huby says it is Indian Summer and it
certainly looks like it.
Friday November 7th
We got out good and early this morning as it didn't freeze at all last night. Dad took the new
plow back over the gully and started to plow the field which we cut clover seed off. We got
a good day in. Huby was over at seven o'clock this morning and got a full day in, although
Jonas never showe up all day. I helped him all the after noon. This morning I carried all the
apples and vegetables down cellar. Lila came over after school to stay all night. Enah and
Tiddums went down to see Cousin Clare who came yesterday. Cars. Rankin came over this
after noon and took the light saddle and bridle which I am positive I bought from Dick last
spring, but Dick evidently thinks he owns them as he sold them to Cars. for six dollars, I
don't want tho the saddle particularly only if I have paid for them I would like the money. It
has been a beautiful day; mild and sunny but is raining to-night.
Saturday November 8th
It rained all night and has kept up a steady and soaking in down pour all day with short
intervals of no rain but no sunshine at all. After I did up the chores this morning I came in
and chopped suet, cleaned lamp chimney's, and tidyed up all the papers which were

stacked all around the kitchen. Dad. spent the whole morning in opening up ditches in the
field he has plowed, he also paced it off and found it is nearly 10 acres. Frank cleaned the
windows in the kitchen and played with Lila. This afternoon we did chores, I read a little and
cut a little wood, about four o'clock Arthur Preston came over to inform us that they had
our potatoes all and bagged up and could we could get them any time, so Dad. hooked up

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Joe and Ginger and we went after them. we took Lila down to the corner with us and she
walked on home. We got 24 bushels of potatoes and they were 60 cts a bushel Joe &
Ginger were feeling pretty good as Joe hasn't been hooked up for over a week and Ginger
all summer. Joe was glad to get beside Ginger again and "kissed" her profusely. We saw
Jonas on our way home, he looks pretty sick and says the doctor told him he had acute
indigestion.

Sunday November 9th
Soon after I got up this morning it began to snow although quite mild not having frozen all
night. It turned to rain about noon and kept up all the after noon with increasing severity,
and to-night is terrific, but the snow has nearly all disappeared. Frank went down to church
and Sunday school but the rest of us hardly went out of the house, except for Dad. and I to
do chores, and this after noon Frank and Dad. went out and drove the sheep from the
orchard to the shed at the hay barn. Dad. also opened the smoke house door to afford
shelter for the old sow, she took advantage of it, and soon made a bed out of the alsike
chaff he put in for her, taking the precaution to root the bricks from around the edge into
the middle of it. Dad. and Frank also moved Frank's pigs from the old shed where they were
about submerged to the barn floor which was dry. Dad. didn't milk to-night and didn't put
any of the cows in thinking it would be warmer out around the stack and in the shed than in
their stable as the wind coming in above the old barn doors which space has not been
boarded up since we thrashed makes it cold and draughty. I read "The Wonders of Science
in Modern Life" nearly all day. Dick slept most of the morning, had a bath, this afternoon,
wrote to Aunty read and played checkers with Frank.
Monday November 10th
Soon after breakfast this morning, I went down and got Huby to come over and help up
move the cook stove from the woodshed to the inside kitchen, Dad had it all ready to move
when we got here so it didn't take long to move it Huby went back home together to dinner
As Dad put the little stove up in the dining room as soon as he took it out of the kitchen it
was well past into the after noon when he got both stoves set up and late when we had

dinner. After dinner I went down town and got some groceries, but didn't stay long. I read
the rest of the time. The old sow broke out of the orchard last night and she and the sheep
have been roaming at liberty all day. Art. Walker & Charlie Butler were in with, the cream,
can, check and butter saving Tom a trip, the check was $2.47 which was better than we
expected as we have sent so little cream and bought all the butter there. It looks as if

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winter had set in. It has been freezing quite hard all day and snowing with a strong and very
cold wind.
Tuesday November 11th
I cut a good big pile of wood this morning while Dad. was doing chores, we then went out
and tore down quite a strip of the gully fence intending to haul it in this afternoon. Huby
came over to husk corn soon after dinner. As it snowed most of the afternoon Dad thought
he would not take the team out to haul the rails so we pitched off the load of clover seed
instead. Dad also shovelled down to see if he could find the hole in the oat bin through
which all the grain is escaping, but could find no sign of it. About four Dad. and I went out
and helped Huby husk and stayed till a little after five and got four unhusked shocks
husked. It was mighty inclement out there but Huby had a very comfortable wind breake
constructed of sheaves. Frank went to see Jonas to-night and says he is worrying terribly
about everything, he wants Frank to feed his mare & colt a little hay and chop once a day, I
suppose he expects them to live at that rate I started to practice on my horn to-night but
found the little nib broken off the second valve. Toaty has fixed it on twice already, so I
don't think it is much use taking it to him again. It was nice and sunny this morning but
turned cloudy and snowed all the afternoon, cold and windy all day.
Wednesday November 12th
Huby came over at seven o'clock this morning and husked corn all day, we both went out
and helped him as soon as we could so got quite a lot done. Dad. had to go down to

Flemming's at noon to see Chris Quanbury's cow which has some swelling on its jaw. I went
down town after supper to get some groceries, foot wear and my hair cut, Andrews was
closed but I did the rest of my errands and took the valve of my horn to Toatys again for
repairs. Walt said if I sent it to Whaley Royce & co. it might be three weeks before I could
get it again. I went up to the bank and waited there for an hour or two for Dick, he got back
from the moving picture show about a quarter to ten and then worked awhile, Hazen was
there when I went literally "stripped to the waist" looking for a mistake they made or have
been looking for for about a week. Hazen & Wiggins were looking for it when we left. I

decorated Hazen's photo-graph album a little while I was there. Tupper was here while I was
in town and wants one of us to go and thrash to-morrow. He ran a nail in his hand, and is
just about laid up with it. Very much milder to-day, would have been perfect Indian
Summer, but for a cold wind

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Thursday November 13th
It was raining when we got up this morning so we did not hurry to get over to Tupper's.
After breakfast it did let up for awhile so I went, it soon began to rain again and we didn't do
a thing all morning, except talk, it is the most amusing, entertaining and typical conversation
when Bill Donald, Win. Law and Tupper get to-gether. I stayed to dinner and we thrashed all
the afternoon as it cleared off quite fine. I came home as far as the corner with Win Law

who was driving to town Tupper will have about 60 bushels of alsike seed when he gets
through some of it pretty good, he sold it to Green's man to-day for 8.50 cleaned up, he
has a very sore hand where he ran the nail in it. I have to go back to morrow. Huby husked
corn this after noon Dad said he worked out in all the rain and got the cow stable roof well
repaired, and the chicken house roof nearly fixed, both with roofing paper, he also did up all
the chores and to-night braided what seed corn we have up
Friday November 14th
I got over to Tupper's about 8.30 this morning and they had just started when I got there,
we finished the alsike just at noon, it was a pretty dirty job even after they put the blower
out side before that it was a fright. After dinner we thrashed out his three loads of
Hungarian grass with the separator, it didn't take long which was lucky for if it had I for one
would have croaked. Art. Walker, Harry & I were in the mow and they had the blower
shooting the chaff over our heads, and about as much came back on us as we were
pitching out, and the air was full of it. While they ran the separator out and the clover mill in
from the far barn I crawled over in the clover seed to enjoy a few minutes rest, there were
only three loads of clover seed and it took an hour and forty minutes to finish it up. I spent
that short time in agony. For some reason or other all the muscles in my backe and legs
ached horribly and I thought they would never throw up the last forkful, I was pitching on
the table to Art. Walker. We got through about five and I lit out for home before supper,
after they had indulged in a very prolonged and ragtimey whistle to express their joy at
being through with that job as they have been there over a week I think. On my way home I
came on Sam. and his out fit at the foot of the big hill at the side road, the old engine
evidently wouldn't go uphill without sliding so they were just putting the big calks on the
wheels. They only had half enoug for one wheel whih caused it to slide twice as much as the
other and was hard to hold the front wheels in the middle of the road. It was dark when I
got to the cornfield but I saw old Nig. in there and after a little hunting found Huby. and
waited there with him till six, when I got to the house I was about ready to drop with cold
and fatigue so crawled up as close to the stove as possible, I went to bed right after tea. I

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guess Dad. put in a busy day, he finishd fixing the hen house roof, hauled in two loads of
rails and a jag of corn. Huby husked from the middle of the forenoon on till six. This storm
has been awful in Western Ontario and on the Upper Lakes especially Lake Huron. Over
twenty wrecks and over three hunderd lives lost according to the papers which are full of it.
We know old Quint is safe though as the Algonquin was reported at Port Coulborne on
Monday I think he he has to make one more trip to Montreal before he goes up the lakes,
after wheat, that will be the last of the season. In spite of the beautiful night last night it was
raining when we got up this morning, but it soon cleared off bright, and is clear and cold to
night.
Saturday November 15th
We have had a busy day to-day. Huby was over at day break and went back first thing to
the gully to see if he could get a shot at a duck, when he got to the top of the gully, he saw
one a little way up from where he was but thought he saw another closer so crept up on it,
he heard the one up the creek fly but thought he was sure of this one, as it didn't fly till he
got so close to it and then discovered it to be a muskrat, he didn't shoot it at such close
range for fear of spoiling its skin so came back empty handed and went to husking corn. It
was frozen stiff early so we thought it an extra good chance to get in the corn, we put off
the jag (18 bush) which Dad. got in yesterday and got in three more before noon averaging
25 bushels apiece. Huby helped us while we were in the field and then went back to
husking, so with Frank we got on fast. We brought the soft corn in at the same time in the
back of the load it ran about five bushels to the load and we put it up above the pig pent.
After dinner Dad. and Frank had to go down town to get coal oil, flour and do some other
errands, which took up a lot of valuable time, I cleaned out the horse stables and got bed in
while they were gone, but when they got back it was snowing, however they got in two
more loads, the last one of which they ran into the barn. I only helped get in part of the first
load as the sheep got out on the wheat so I stopped to put them in and the last load I spent
in putting the cows in and feeding them. Lila came over this morning and went back with
Huby to-night.
Sunday November 16th
We got up very late this morning and Frank went to church and Sunday school and came
around by McBains to tend to Jonas's horses. He says Jonas is worse to-day. "The
indigestion has gone down on his lungs," poor fellow is in bad shape. Dad. and I went down
to see Chris Quanbury's cow after we did up the chores but as neither Chris nor Mr.

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Flemming were home and the cow was out, Dad. couldn't see much. We saw Jack Spain and
Vyse on the latter's place and had a talk with them principally about the wrecks on the lake.
Vyse says they are getting up a fund to help the widows and orphans of the drowned
sailors. This after noon Huby came over with a fish and an awful pile of side line which Dave.
Law had given him to make a line for digging our ditch, all the string where the nets were
fastened has to be taken off. He and I then went back to the gully where we fell in with
Frank who had previously gone back with his book "Trappers Guide" which he got from John
{Hallam?}, it is the first thing in the literature line he has ever showed any interest in. Huby
scattered corn all along the creek to coax the ducks and then we went back into the woods
we saw one rabbit but Huby didn't get a shot at it, he got a lot of moss and ferns and a
small bird's nest which he says he is going to use for a burnt match receptacle. Dick went
down town this after noon, stayed to tea at Huby's, went to church and came home right
after, he and I then made so much noise that Tiddums and Dad. had much difficulty one in
staying asleep and the other in writing a letter to Aunty. Cloudy and raw.

Monday November 17th
Dad. and I unloaded the load of corn they ran in on the barn floor, Saturday night, it took a
very long time as we had to sorted it out of the waggon, we then went after another load.
and got it unloaded a little after noon. Huby helped us load and un- load it as the corncrib
is getting so full, that I had to stay in there to dump the bushels as far back as possible. This
load took nearly all the good there is husked, there is not a load out there now. This after
noon Dad. started plowing again over the gully. I cleaned out the cow stables and then
helped Huby husk corn till dark. Cold and cloudy with raw wind.
Tuesday November 18th
Dad. plowed all day and got on fairly well. Mr. Blaikie came back and had a visit with him this
afternoon. I did chores this morning - and braided some corn. I am going to have the drive
house beautifully decorated with seed corn when I get it all braided. We were disappointed
that Huby didn't show up all morning we don't know just why, but he came over at noon and
he and I husked till about five o'clock it was nearly dark then. we got just five shocks

husked, Jonas came over this morning, we don't know what his message was, he looks
pretty sick and hardly talks above a whisper, but I think that is because he doesn't want to
more than because he can't, the old jay has bought eight pigs and has nothing to feed them
and is paying a man $2.00 a day to finish building his barn to shelter them. It has been a

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very disaguable day, very foggy cloudy and a fine drizzle, one quite hard shower this after
noon.
DIARY. 1913
T B Barrett,
Port Dover, Ontario
The Farm
From November 19th 1913 to December 31st 1913.
Wednesday November 19th 1913.
Dad and I got up pretty early this morning and I braided some corn before breakfast. Huby
came over but instead of husking this morning he helped me pick up apples for cider, I

shook them down and he gathered them up and carried them over to the waggon which
was in the lane as it was too soft to take it into the orchard. There were just enough apples
left in the orchard to make the waggon-box full (26 bus) and we took them all except a
bushel of Newton Pippins which I picked to put down cellar. Dad thinks we will have too
many but Huby and I thought it best to be on the safe side, as we have Huby's two 10 gallon
kegs to fill this time besides our 42 gallon barrel. We also scalded out the barrel and kegs,
and hung up the braided corn in the drive house, we didn't finish the apples till half past
two this afternoon, and then I picked the Newton Pippins cut wood and did chores till six,

Huby husked corn till after dark, and just about when I was thinking of going out to see if
any thing had happened to him, he came in drenched to the skin, he said he just wanted to
finish the shock. He killed one of the drakes after dinner, he is going to get another later.
Dad plowed all day and to night had to go down to a school board meeting although it is a
fierce night. I spent the evening braiding a long rope of seed corn. It has been cloudy and
raining all day, not steadily nor hard but a kind of half hearted drizzle about every ten
minutes, till about five o'clock to-night when it more than poured down and soaked Huby
who stayed out in it to finish his shock. Every thing is covered in water. Dad. got back early

from the school meeting, we don't know whether Dick will be home to night or not.
Thursday November 20th
Dad and I left a little after nine for Walker Waddle's with our apples and got home about
one. We had lots of apples, he said he could have filled another keg. He said one bushel of

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good apples would make about three gallons of cider. and that the sweet ones mixed in
with the others would just make the cider right. We drove around by town coming home
and left Hubys two kegs down there. Huby was wheeling Tiddums around the yard when we
got home so he helped us get the big barrel into the woodshed. This after noon Dad. drove
Enah down town this after. She went to Mrs. Francis Henry Stringer's At Home with Aunty
Maude while Dad. kept Tiddums in at Cousin Clare's. Clark Matthew's came over while they
were gone and got eight more bushels of oats and four bushels of wheat. He paid me ten
dollars for what he got to-day and eight bushels of oats he got the other day. The oats
were 35 cts and the wheat 82 cts a bushel. I couldn't find any change in the house for him. I
spent the rest of the after noon doing chores. Dad & Enah didn't get back till after six. Huby
husked corn all day but says he won't be over in the morning as he has some insurance to
look after. We saw Ed. today at noon and he said he would be over to help us on Saturday.
They are working short time in the mill now for some reason or other, they only work from
eight to five week days and not at all on Saturday. We saw old Jonas when we went past
this morning, he looks awful but thinks maybe he will pull through, he wanted {so---?} for
his pigs and Dad. said if he had time he would bring him some, we left Tupper talking to him,
he may cheer him up a little. Tupper told us he had fired Harry as he was no earthly good to
him. It has been a beautiful day, it was quite hot this morning while the sun was shining.
Friday November 21st
Tiddums broke one of the springs in his buggy this morning and as Dick didn't want to take
it down I had to take it to Buller to see if he could fix it, he wasn't very sure about making a
good job of it. When I got back I went over the gully where Dad. was plowing and threw the
sod out of the ditches till noon. Dad. plowed all day and got a nice lot done. Huby didn't
come over till noon and brought us a new dog, named Blucher.. He is a great big yellow
Scotch Collie with a white collar and face, he is a pretty dog and only nine months old
which Huby says is the proper time to train him He got him from Bob. Rankin and just paid
the taxes on him. Huby says he will train him all he can as soon as he gets so as he will stay
here loose and not run to town.. I did up all the chores after dinner and then helped Huby
husk corn. Dad. was afraid the corn in the crib was getting musty but I dug into it a little and
didn't think it looked bad. Mr. Brirely was over to-night to buy a couple of ducks he is going
to get them tomorrow night. It has been a lovely, sunny mild day like spring. It rained last
night during the night.
Saturday November 22nd

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This morning Ed. came over about eight o'clock so he, Huby and I husked corn till noon and
got about seventeen shocks husked. Huby went home for dinner as he said he had some
more insurance to see to this afternoon so couldn't come over. Ed. and I spent the after
noon tearing down the old windmill, and by to-night Ed. had it all down but the first section
and it wont take long to finish it. Getting the big heavy head to the ground with out hurting
any thing or ourselves was the most ticlish job but we managed all right with a rope and
pulley. This morning Dad. and Frank hauled Uncle Ward his ten bushels of corn and Jonas'
eleven bushels of soft corn right out of the field. I think he is getting 35 cts a bushel for the
good and 20 cts for the poor stuff. He said they dumped Jonas' right in one corner of the
house which was in such an unsanitary and uninhabitable a condition as to make Dad sick
for the rest of the day, he and Frank saw Allan Law to-night and he was quite uneasy about
Jonas as he had told him that he was going to jump in the pond and end his miserable
career if he wasn't better or dead in a day or so but I guess he will either forget it or think
better of it when the time comes and he sees how wet that pond looks, the poor old fish is
in misery though I guess, he looks like it. Dad. and Frank hauled in the rest of the corn that
was husked this afternoon, and left it in the waggon box on the barn floor. Dad. and I went
down town after tea to-night. I got some stuff and Dad. got his hair cut. Dick came home
with us. Mr. Brirely came over to get his ducks to-night. Chris also came over and got a pair.
It has been another beautiful mild sunny day windy to-night.
Sunday November 23rd
Frank went down to Sunday school and church and I drove Enah down to church. Dad.
looked after Tiddums and cooked dinner. Dick slept all morning and went down town after
dinner and probably to church to-night. This after noon Josie and I had a good ride up the
Gravel to the cemetry corner and down the Radical. Frank and Blucher went back to the
gully. Dad intended to go to church to-night but didn't get there as he wasted a lot of time
going nearly back to the gully thinking he saw the cattle in on the wheat but they were way
over on the other side of the gully. and by the time he got settled down he didn't feel like
getting fixed up and walking down town through the mud. It has been a nice day with a cold
wind. We don't know whether it rained last night or not, Enah is sure she heard it raining in
the night and there was a puddle of water on the kitchen floor under the leak, and Frank's
coat which he left out all night was wet but the ground and all the boards seemed dry and
the ceiling over the pool in the kitchen was perfectly dry. I did a little more drawing tonight.
Monday November 24th

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I spent the whole day in knocking down the rest of the old wind mill and clearing up the
debris. I am not quite through yet. This after noon I had to go back and drive Mully, Jim and
Snowdrop out of the east end of the gully into the other end through the bluegrass and
field where Dad is plowing which is the way they got in. I took the two dogs with me so had
quite a time with the cows. Dad. plowed and Huby husked corn all day. Frank brought
Tiddum's carriage back mended to-night and he was tickled to death to see it again, and
jump in it althoug the spring is stiffer now than it was. Dick sent away for ten books for me
to-day called "The Library of Original Sources" which I saw advertised in the "Literary
Digest." It is supposed to be a collection of all the documents which have made history and
translated. It cost $35.10 cash. I borrowed the money from Dad. It seems a lot to pay in a
bunch, but books are mighty nice things to have especially for the long winter evenings on
the farm. I suppose if I was town, the same ammount would dribble out in nickels and dimes
in the course of a year. Dad. had to go to a school board meeting to-night and Frank went
down with him to see the moving picture show. I guess I'll draw a little. It has been colder
and very windy with two or three blinding but short snow squalls.
Tuesday November 25th
After I did the chores up this morning I helped Huby husk all day and by to-night we had
only twelve shocks left to husk, we think under favorable circumstances we will be able to
finish it to-morrow. Dad. plowed all day and he is nearly through with that field. John Wess
was over talking to him for a long time this morning, telling him about his barn roof. He
hasn't paid for it because he is not satisfied and the company are going to sue him. Jonas
was over for awhile at noon, he wants Frank to cut wood for him as the doctor has
forbidden him to do it. Old Nig and Bluch got into a scrap this morning. Nig got jealous
because Huby threw Bleuch a corn cob to retrieve after letting Nig do it several times and
he piled right into Bleuch who would have killed him pretty quickly if Huby had not
separated them, he couldn't keep Nig off till he kicked him in the jaw, this broke poor Nig's
heart and he was sulky the rest of the morning, his little scrap cleared his old white eye up
wonderfully except a little white spot in the middle. Cars. Rankin rode over to-night to see
Bleuch, who knew him afar off and was crazy to go back with him, Cars says he will bring the
saddle back the first time drives over this way. To-nigh Dick and I went down to a dance in
the town hall, where we had a good time. I didn't dance much because everytime I got up I
would make a worse mess of it than the time before, they quit dancing about one but as
they had nothing to eat there Dick, Truman Roadhouse and I went up to Jim Law's lunch
counter and had a sanwich apiece after the thing was over, there were quite a few of the

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other dancers up there, so we didn't get to bed till about two o'clock. It has been bright and
sunny all day but a cold breeze, to-night it was drizzling when we came home
Wednesday November 26th
It looked so rainy this morning that insted of plowing Dad. hauled in the rest of the good
corn that was husked. It took us till noon as we had to unload the other load that was on
the waggon and Dad. also fixed a couple of old crates. We just left this load on the waggon.
Huby didn't come over till noon as he thought it was going to rain I helped him this
afternoon but we didn't quite finish as there are four more shocks to husk yet. I was cold
and didn't husk fast at all. Dad. plowed all the after noon and has now finished all the field
but the head lands, he was delayed as he had to chase the cattle out of the field where we
burned the grass off. To-night Frank went down to Confirmation class and I spent the
evening writing this and sleeping alternately. Very cloudy all day, drizzled a little but nothing
to speak of
Thursday November 27th
Huby told us he wouldn't be over till about ten o'clock this morning as he was going to get
us a long handled shovel to start ditching with. I cut wood and then went back and turned
the cattle out of the alsike stubble, when I got back Huby wasn't here so I went out and got
two shocks nearly husked by noon. Huby came over to dinner and he and I finished up the
corn soon after dinner, we then took Nig, Bluch, and the shotgun back to the woods, we let
Bluch loose back there and he behaved excellently, never going far away from us, Huby shot

the gun off once accidentally and once on purpose to see what he would do and he wasn't
at all frightened, so Huby says there is no danger of him ever being gun-shy now, we didn't
get a shot at any thing and got back about four, we chained Bluch up again when we got
home. Dad. finished plowing his field at noon and this after noon did chores and raked the
overhanging parts all off the stack. Dick told us that Jack Philips died last night Amy Turner
was over to-day collecting for the Bible Society. It has been cold and a raw east wind all
day.
Friday November 28th
We didn't get very much done to-day although we were up good and early. We went back
and put the cattle out of the east end of the gully and the plowed field and fixed the fence
so that they will have to stay out, we think. When we came up we braided all the rest of the
seed corn and I hung it up in the drive-house after dinner, it certainly looks nice. I have

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driven nails just fifteen inches apart in the back four joists in the drive house, from the
south wall over to the cross beam, there are just nine nails in each joist, on the back one I
hung nine bunches with twenty or twenty five ears in each, it would look better if they were
all the same, about twenty five ears to each, they can hang lower than the corn in front of
them on account of being behind the buggy top and they just set the other off. The three
front rows I braided into long ropes it would have been too heavy to handle to have braided
a rope long enough to hang on the whole nine nails, so I made two ropes for each joist one
seventy five inches long which hung on six of the nails and one thirty inches long to hang on
three of the nails I tied a loop of binder twine every fifteen inches along the rope and at
each end to hang them by, so the weight of the corn just sagged the rope enough between
the strings to form a graceful loop. It might have looked better if I had made the two ropes
even lengths for each joist say forty five inches long so one would take four nails and leave
a row of nails down the middle on this row might be hung short bundles like those at the
back only shorter so not to touch the buggy top. After I got through we unloaded the corn
that was on the waggon it was a big load, I think there was twenty eight bushels on After
this we went and got the last load from the field, it was mostly poor stuff but a big load it
was all we could do to pile the last of it on so as it would stay, it was too late to unload it so
we don't know how much there was on To-night I went down to the bankquet in the Sunday
school for the men of the church. Dick and Dad were invited but neither of them went.
Frank went down to help the ladies. There were two speakers from out of town, one Mr. King
of Simcoe and the other Mr. Noble from Hamilton, speaking on "The Layman's Missionary
Movement". There was a good many there. Huby came over at noon but didn't feel like
working so took Bluch back to the woods, he didn't shoot any thing but an owl. Bluch has
been running around here loose a good part of the day. It has been very cloudy all day, but
not at all cold, looks stormy.
Saturday November 29th
Dad. took the plow out and opened out some ditches in the corn stubble this morning and
Huby cleaned them out, if it stays fine a little longer we hope to get that plowed yet. I cut a
little of the stack while he was out and when he came in, he hooked on to the hay rack and
we went out and hauled in some corn stalks. Huby helped pitch on and Frank helped Dad.
load so we got in two jags before dinner leaving the second load on the waggon, we didn't
haul much at a time as they were a little damp. When they came in with the first load while I
was opening the gate, they ran over Frank's smallest pig with both wheels of the waggon;
just above the hips, so Dad. had to kill the poor little fellow, he only dressed 30 lbs. Huby

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went down town this afternoon but Ed. came over, he put in the after noon fixing up the old
house, he put in a window casing to fit two old frames we had, he made it on the north side
where we hope to have the bench, he patched the floor and took the siding off the south
side which is the wall to the ice house and boarded it up part way with inch stuff so that we
can fill the space with saw dust. Dad. had to go down town this after noon to interview the
Council and get a rebate of three dollars on his taxes as they charged him four dollars for
one doz. I supposed the mistake happened when Edmund England was assessing last
spring Ed. {Aiker's?} dog was here Ham Thompson was in this morning to see Dad. about a
sick cow. and Mr. Oliver {Theshell?} from Vittoria was here this afternoon to get the recipe
of some blister which Dad. told him about for ring bone and he forgot it. It was cloudy and a
heavy mist all morning but fine and bright this afternoon, cold wind all day.
Sunday November 30th
Frank was the only member of the family who went to church this morning. I was too late to
get ready so started a letter to Aunty but haven't finished it yet. Ham. Thompson's man
came after Dad. to go and see his sick cow. Dad. was gone till noon, and drove Ham's man
home to dinner and then went back and spent the whole after noon, he feels rather sick tonight. Enah and Tiddums and I drove out to Jim Waddle's this after noon, Jim had gone to
town after some bread but the rest of the family was home. We were there quite awhile.
Tiddums got hungry and ate up nearly all the bread they had in the house and drank a lot of
milk, we got home about dark. Frank went back to the gully and took Blucher back, he came
up and got some traps and set them. Dick went down town. I went to church to-night and
came home with Dick who was there. Beautiful day, sunny and mild
Monday December 1st
Huby came over this morning and we hauled cornstalks all day, we had to unload the load in
the barn first thing so didn't get a very early start, as the barn was as full as we wanted to
put it, we didn't haul any more in but put up some huge shocks on the clover sod, just near
the corner of the orchard, we put up six of these big shocks with an average of five shocks
in each one, we binded them all up tight with a sling rope before we bound them with

sideline or binder twine. we built a small shock on the top of one and think we will top them
all out as it will keep the water out much better, we have the field more than half cleared
and hope to finish to-morrow if it is a nice day. Blucher was out there with us this after
noon and the three dogs did away with three or four big rats and a number of mice. He
minds Huby pretty well when he says "Come in" but not so well when he is excited as he

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chased both Fitz and the sheep. Old Mr Rankin was over to see if he could get some corn
but Dad. told him he wasn't going to sell any more. Huby brought word over this morning
that Tom Casper and Toad Long wanted some. Toad sent the money so he will have to get
his and Charlie Law will have to have his but we need the rest. John Quanbury was over this
evening to see about us subscribing to the church Dad. gave him a little more than he has
been giving and I put in a little. Aunty Maude got a card from Quint to-day saying he would
be home on Friday. We got a letter from Aunty to-day saying Uncle Hal was pretty sick,
having had some kind of a stroke. Mrs. McBride has been here all day, washing. It has been
another lovely day cloudy but very mild.
Tuesday December 2nd
We hauled cornstalks all day and built five more big shocks and topped out two more, we
intended to top them all out but found it took to much time. There is just about enough left
out there to make another shock and haul a load in the barn. Nig didn't come over to-day
but the other dogs caught more rats. Huby gave Bluch another lesson this morning on
"Come in" and also to come to heel, he took him in with the sheep and when Bluch came
beyond his leg he hit him in the face with a swich and say "heel", it didn't take Bluch long to
know what he meant and not bother with the sheep. We had a very entertaining visitation
this after noon from three kids. Jimmy Rankin, Jimmy Dickerson and Bobby Low. The two
Jimmys were about six or seven and Bobby a year or so younger. They came over to see
Bluch and Jimmy Rankin who was spokesman for the party told Huby that May wanted him
to steal him and bring him home. He was showing us how he had Bluch trained. He could
make him sit still by holding his fore finger up right in front of the dog's eye and then sternly
interrogate him "See that finger?" They came through the orchard and scared the sheep so
Huby easily persuaded them not to go back that way as the old ram and the old sow hid
around to-gether watching for little boys, the old ram knocked them down and the old sow
came right after him and ate them up, she was just finishing the little fellow they got this
morning. Jimmy happened to mention that some one had been stealing their clothes off
the line, so Huby told him that as old Tige Anderson had been so keen for them to get rid of
Bluch, there was - no doubt that he stole the clothes and Huby also told them that he
caught him once stealing his clothes, and got the shot gun to shoot him but when he came
out he was gone. Jim. then rembered seeing Tige with one of his father's shirts on and
Jimmy Dickerson saw him one day stealing their clothes. We took them out to the field and
they were just preparing for an exciting rat hunt when Bobby got home sick and the other
boys had to go home with him. After tea I went down town to meet Louise. The train wasn't

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in when I first went there so I walked up town met Hazen, and went into Waddle's store with
him, when I came out I heard the train in so started of down street lickety larup, on my way I
ran into a very small boy and knocked him flat. I thought he was killed but on picking him up
found it to be Jimmy Rankin and had just hurt his knee. Dick was at the station and met
Louise and went up to Hubys with her where I met them and walked home with Louise. Dick
had to go back to work. Frank went down to some cadet organization of Harry Noon's. They
got a card from Aunty saying Uncle Hal. was worse. Anothe nice day cloudy & mild.
Wednesday December 3rd
Huby didn't get over very early this morning and as old West came over to see if he could
get some corn, we didn't get a very early start. Old West is about the worst blow I ever
heard I guess Bill. Cooper comes by his lying streak honestly. He was telling all the wonder
full stunts he performed when he was young. and he is now nealy 91 and willing to bet any
man of his own age ten dollars that he cant beat them in a fast race "wrastle" or fight. He
went back the lane from here to John Wess to look for corn and Huby and I saw him down
town aparently working at Mrs. Fawcetts house this afternoon. Dad. and I went out and got
one load of stalks, and built a shock, then Huby came over and we got the last load up to
the barn a little before noon This after noon Huby and I took Joe and Ginger down town and
delivered the corn we promised we also had to unload the soft corn which was in the
waggon. As near as I can estimate we had about four hundred and forty two bushels of
corn, we have about 317 bushels in the crib which wouldn't hold much more than twenty
more bushels and then be filled to the top. 82 bus. of soft corn 5 bus. of seed and we have
sold 38 bus. Huby and I took Mrs Charlie Law down five bus. and Toad. Long 12 this
afternoon at 35 cts a bushel. Jack Martin and Wilson McPherson wanted to get some but
we have no more to sell except a little to Uncle Ward. There have been an awful lot after it,
we could have sold the whole crop if we had wanted to. Huby and I picked up Jimmy Rankin
when we were down there and brought him back with us but he got cold. Dad. started to
plow the corn ground when we left but said he couldn't get on well at all with the Peter
Hamilton plow as it would turn the furrow over to stay, so when we got home we went back
over the gully and got the Cockshutt, which worked much better. After this Huby raked
down the stack when we put the horses in and I carried in some bed. It was then dark and
Huby took Jim. home. Cousin Clare came over to dinner and Cousin's Loll & Phoebe came
over after wards. Uncle Hal. is about the same. Old Tommy Gilles is very ill, not expected to
live It has been a lovely day sunny and very mild considering -.
Thursday December 4th

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After I did chores this morning I went back and threw the sod out of the crossditches in the
field Dad. plowed across the gully and Huby shovelled them all out. He ditched all the after
noon, but I drove Louise up to the Bowlby's, where she is going to stay till after the opening
of St. John's Church. Dick went with us and he and I went on into Simcoe where he got a
cap and some collars and I got old 4700's hide it just cost $1.50 to have it tanned and it
makes a lovely mat, we put Tiddums on it when we got home but he was afraid of it. We
went around to Rus. Lamkin's shop to see him about the wind mill but there was no one
there. We got home a little before six. I let Dick out at the head of Main St. as he expected
to have to work. He found there was a dance down at the Rankin's so went to it. Joe didn't
go well at all on the way up but much better coming home. We wasted a little time by
starting to drive up the new Railway survey from the gravel to the next concession but
came to a big gully quite a long way up where they hadn't put the culvert in yet so had to
retrace our steps. Dad. got a good early start plowing this morning but didn't get much
done as he couldn't get the coulter to work. He put the rolling coulter on but couldn't fasten
it properly. till Tupper came along and fixed it for him. Cloudy with raw wind. We had no
word about Uncle Hal. to-day.
Friday December 5th
Dad. got another fine start this morning, got out soon after seven and got a nice lot plowed,
the corn roots bother a little but every thing else is all right now. I did up about all the
chores. Huby came over about nine and wanted to try the hay knife which he sharpened
yesterday so we cut a big slipe of the stack, the then went back and shovelled ditches he
got pretty well through with the field over the gully and has started in the oat stubble which
Dad. plowed next the timothy sod. I went out this morning and tore down a lot more of the
old gully fence. Dad. hauled the waggon out there at noon and I loaded it up with rails and
he hauled it up to the house to-night. I also worked for a little while at the old house. There
was no word from Aunty again to-day. They expected Quint. home to-night but I don't
know whether he will get here or not as the last we saw of the Algonquin reported was at
Detroit. Beautiful day, sunny and warm.
Saturday December 6th
Dad. plowed all day but didn't get on very well as it froze hard enough to make the ground
sticky when the sun came out and he is in the lowest and wettest part of the field so it was
pretty muddy, both he and the horses are tired to-night. After I did up all the chores this
morning I gave the hen house a through cleaning and put fresh straw in. I have decided to

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take the managership of the hens and see if I can make any thing out of them for Frank
doesn't seem to be able to, he evidently thinks there is more money in trapping muskrats,
and maybe there is but I don't care for the work. I put some manure on the rose bushes,
rhubarb and peonys. This after noon I cleaned up all the chaff and dirt of the hay barn floor
and put it over in the chicken yard. Frank did a few chores this morning and spent the rest
of the day back in the gully and digging out an empty skunk hole down at the pond on
McBains place. Dad. Frank and I caught all the pullets that were rooting around the barn tonight and put them in the chicken yard, there are about 30 white ones besides about a
dozen old hens of various breeds. I went to bed soon after tea to-night - bad cold Another nice mild day not so sunny.
Sunday December 7th
We didn't get up very early this morning and as I had quite a bad cold I didn't go to church.
Dick drove Enah down and Dad looked after Tiddums and cooked dinner. Frank went to
Sunday school and church, I put in most of the after noon doing chores and shelling corn
for my chickens. Dad. helped me. I got two eggs to-day which is a starter. Dick went down
town this after noon and stayed pretty late, he bought a very nice looking watch last night
for twelve dollars. Dad. and I went down to church to-night. It rained a little last night and
this morning and was very mild till noon but then started to snow a little and got steadily
colder all the after noon and to-night it is freezing hard with a cold north wind.
Monday December 8th

I put in most of the day putting in panes in the cow stable window which I had in the house.
Dad. worked out in the barn fixing up the empty space between the granary and cow stable
for a calf pen, we are going to floor it if we can. We also did chores and shelled a little corn,
we found the bushel of soft corn weighed about 40 lbs and when shelled about thirty. Harry
Graham and Charlie McKenzie were over this afternoon to get Bob. Miller's corn they took
about 10 bushels but didn't measure it very accurately. Charlie said he would take the
turkeys at 18 1/2 cts a pound live weight but that I think is higher than is quoted in the
'Globe'. Jonas came over as we were having tea to-night and helped us eat it. He is feeling

very much better but looks pretty fishy yet. He is going to try and get the farm up the
Radical where Mrs. Cory lived. He was telling us some of his experiences of the road as he
evidently was a pedlar at one time. He has heard that Sairy's rich bachelor brother is very ill
and I guess he is expecting a little if he drops off. We had a letter from Aunty to-day saying
Uncle Hal was still improving and as that was written five days ago we hope he is very much

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better by this time. Frank. skinned two muskrats to-night and is now playing checkers with
Jonas. It has been snowing and blowing all day - the wind is very cold but the sun was out
for awhile and was warm in it and out of the wind. The ground is frozen solid so that there is
no chance of plowing.
Tuesday December 9th
Dad. and I went down town with the waggon this morning and got some groceries and 22
twelve foot plank 10 inches wide to put down in the old barn between the granary and the
cowstable and from the door to Dreadnought's stall for a floor to the calf pen, we got home
about noon. We met Huby & Quint coming over for a shout they stayed to dinner. Quint.
got home yesterday noon, and has a lot to tell if he is asked. We talked to them for quite
awhile after dinner but Huby said he had to go back to town this after noon. He said last
night just as they were going to bed they heard an awful racket going on and discovered it
was a bunch having a shiveree in honor of Gint Rankin who was married about a week ago.
Huby and Quint went over and Tom. Low treated the bunch up at Jim's lunch counter
where there was a great celebration and concert.. Just as we were going to get to work
after Quint and Huby. left, Mr. Blaikie came along to overhaul his {chists?} and stayed till it
was time to do chores. He has been helping Tupper plow, he was plowing sod yester day a
little and as there is no more sod to plow they can't go on. Mrs. Smythe was in about five to
ask Enah and me to stay to dinner at their place on Sunday but I guess we are coming
home. I spent quite awhile to-night getting up a time card for the horses. I only got one egg
to-day. Frank went down town to-night to go to his cadet class. It has been freezing hard
all day but not so windy or cold as yester day. Cloudy pretty much all day.
Wednesday December 10th
Jonas came over this morning to take the heifers down to the "Bain" place. Dad. had to go
with hm and lead the yearling, they didn't have much trouble I guess. Bessie the calf ran
away from Jonas once or twice at which he crew bitterly. It rant into Ivey's the first time but
came out when it saw Sairy. I cut some wood while Dad. was gone and started to make a
hopper for the chickens, and then did chores till noon When Dad. came home he cleaned a

couple of chickens. This after noon I read quite awhile and puttyed nearly all the glass in an
old window frame which we will use for the barn or old house, the glass was all in it but just
fastened with carpet tacks, we didn't get much else done. Green's man was in to-night to
buy hay but we don't want to sell any, at least not now. It has been cloudy but very much
milder to-day snowed a little to-night.

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Thursday December 11th
We didn't get any thing but chores done to-day as Mr. Morgan came over this morning and
stayed most of the after noon. I ordered some trees from him fifty Carolina Poplars and two
English Walnuts. - $9.00 Dick came home to tea to-night and went down to the dance. I
didn't go. We fed the sheep a few oats this morning and evening for the first. I didn't get any
eggs to-day. It has been nice any sunny but freezing hard all day. Clear and cold to-night.
Friday December 12th
We did up all the chores this morning and I helped Dad nail the boards over the doors on
the south side of the old barn, I also made a littlle more of my feed hopper, and Dad killed
three nice chickens and plucked them this afternoon he says he will have to clean them tonight. This after noon I drove Enah down town, and she got a whole buggy load of Christmas
groceries and dry goods. I put Joe in at Butler's intending to have her shoes set, but got
Butler to fix one of the uprights of the buggy top thinking he would ony be a few minutes,
but he put a new piece in and took all the afternoon so than I couldn't have Joe shod. There
was a shooting match this after noon and Huby & Quint got quite a bunch of pigeons
between them, Huby gave Enah a couple to bring over he also gave her a fish he said he
worked down at the fish shanties till midnight last night helping them take fish out of the
nets which were in quite a bad mess with the ice. Jonas was over to-night and he and Frank
are playing checkers again I think they are about even to night. Jonas beat him two games
out of three the other night and Frank is the champion player of this family. It has been very
much milder to-day, sunny with strong south west by west wind.
Saturday December 13th
I went out this morning and tore down a lot more of the gully fence, Dad. cleaned the
chickens he killed yesterday and then came out and we put on a load of rails. We unloaded
them before dinner and Dad. went down to the mill and got a bag of flour. This after noon
we got all the rails I tore down in two loads then did chores. Frank did a few chores and
errands and hunted the rest of the day. He shot a skunk back in Robert John's this after
noon and when he went up to it found it caught in a trap. He took it all the same, and
brought it home and skinned. Lila was over most of the day she said Quint went over to Erie
this morning on the tug. It has been a lovely day, sunny and mild, the frost is nearly all out of
the ground. I saw some body over in the alsike stubble this morning with a big white ferret,

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thinking it might be Quint I went over but found it was Sam. George, he, his father, Harry
Burch and Wilson McPherson were all out after rabbits but I didn't hear them shoot much
Sunday December 14th
Frank went to Sunday school this morning and Enah and I drove up to St. John's. It was the
first service in the church since it was burned, but as the Bishop wasn't there they did not
dedicate it. The church was packed full and so was the grounds in front I had to tie Joe to a
tree but she was all right They had three preacher's. Mr. Evans from Montreal or Ottawa or
somewhere down that way, Mr. Edward the regular one and a lay reader. We didn't stay to
Communion. After church we drove Louise nearly up to the Bowlby's and then came home
by the fourth concession through Lynn Valley, and got home about half past two. Dicky
Smith was here after his heifer which he took home this afternoon. I didn't do any thing the
rest of the after-noon but shell a little corn and read "The Lady of the Lake." Frank went
back to the gully and Dad did chores. Dick didn't get up till noon and then had a {words cut
off} his dinner and went down town and is not back yet to-night It barely froze last night
and has been thawing all day but was cloudy with a raw west wind. Cars. Rankin and Quint
came over with Dick to-night. Quint borrowed Bluch to take to Marburg tomorrow to hunt
rabbits. They didn't stay long.
Monday December 15th
It froze pretty hard last night so Dad. wasnt able to plow as he had hoped. We did chores
and Rus. Lampkins drove in soon after breakfast and was here quite awhile till Dad. ordered

a windmill, he thought about getting a gasoline engine, and could have got a little 1 1/2 h.p.
engine for fifty five dollars but it wouldn't be strong enough to do much more than pump
water and one that would do any thing would come about $122. so Dad. thought a $75
windmill would be the best till we get a place rigged to put an engine especially as a wind
mill is not nearly as liable to get out of repair as an engine and costs nothing whatever to
run it. This after noon Dad. and I took the tank off "The Little Giant Sprayer." to have it ready
to put in front of the wind mill, I took the little two cylinder pump down to the ditch and
tried it and and it works fine. Quint brought Bluch back, he said he worked all right but they

only got one rabbit. Quint stayed all night he slept on the sofa with all his clothes and boots
on. He was cutting some wood for us to-night and the saw broke so he spent half the
evening repairing it. I drew all evening and have nearly finished the picture Aunty sent me to
draw for Aunt {illegible}. Mrs. McBride has been here washing all day and she and Enah have
our room fixed up slick as a button with a new carpet it looks fine. Frank brought a cedar

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waxwing home and put it in the orchard Lloyd Ryersie caught it up at school although there
didn't seem anything the matter wth it. It has been a lovely sunny day though freezing in
the shade. milder to-night.
Tuesday December 16th
I went down town as soon after breakfast as possible this morning and got the storm
window sash at Stickney's and took them up to Mr James for him to glaze them. I got an old
sash down at Huby's than I thought might doo for the barn but it is pretty badly smashed.
Huby came home with me and has worked all day opening up ditches in the corn stubble.
Dad. plowed all day and except for it being a little sticky on the surface and a frozen clod
here and there, the ground is drier and in better shape than before it froze up. He got on
fairly well but has part of a day to put in yet. I just did chores this after noon except for a
little while I was out in the field. Cousin Clare came over this morning while I was down town
and is staying all night. Quint went down with Dick this morning. Very mild but cloudy. Dad.
ordered some fence to-night from Sid McBride.
Wednesday December 17th
Huby was over before daylight this morning and shovelled ditches all morning. This after
noon he cleaned out all the loose straw and sticks out of the old barn between the granary
and the cow stable. so as we can lay the floor for the calf pen. Dad. plowed all day and
finished up the corn stubble all but the head land, he couldn't get along very fast as it froze
a little last night to make it sticky on top. I did chores most of the day and helped Huby a

little this after noon besides cleaning off the dropping boards in the hen house. Cousin
Clare went home this after noon, she is going to Hamilton to-morrow to stay till after New
Year's. We heard to-day that Mrs. McBride's house caught on fire last night and some one
who just happened along the road got it out. Aleta went down town and left the two little
kids nailed in the house and they got playing with a stick which was part way out of the
stove. It didn't do much damage Another nice day, windy and inclined to be cloudy.
Thursday December 18th
I got up a little after four this morning and wrote a letter to Aunty before daylight. Huby put
down the floor over in the barn for the calf pen this fore noon and I was over there with him
all morning but didn't do very much except clean out the cow stable. Dad. plowed the head
land on the corn field and finished up some bits in the other field and plowed out the ditch
from the water hole to the gully which Huby is going to put tile in. This after noon Dad. and

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Huby cleaned out the ditch for the old drain this after noon they do think it is going to work
all right. I put in the entire after noon doing chores. To-night Huby stayed to tea and helped
us catch the turkeys as we have to take them down to-morrow Dad. caught them out of
the tree. and gave them to Huby who handed them over the orchard fence to Frank and me
and we put them up over the hog pen, there were nineteen but one was roosting so high up
that Dad. couldn't get it, it was a hen and as they want to keep three old hens and one
young one it didn't matter. One gobbler got away and struck off into the orchard. We
followed him up with the lantern and after quite a search found him way up at the
northeast corner of the orchard we took him in the house and weighed him, he weighed 20
lbs, so we marked him as Henry Odd was over to-night and wanted to buy one. Jack
Martin's men are going to give him one for a Christmas present. Tiny and Miss Ethel Phipps
were over this afternoon. Snowed a little this morning and has kept groing colder all day.
west wind.
Friday December 19th
We didn't get started very early this morning to get the turkeys loaded and it took us quite
awhile to load them as we weighed each one.The heaviest was 20 lbs and the lightest about
12. Jack Martin's shrunk about a pound during the night. We kept 3 old hens for next year, 2
gobblers for Huby and us for Christmas and two 2 young hens one for Cousin Loll and one
for Jameses so we just took eleven down to Bob. We just tied their feet and put them in the
waggon and covered it over with the binder canvas. We got down town about noon - and
were down about an hour. Bob's weight came to 165 pounds and we made it 171 but with
the Old Spring Balance where the ounces aren't marked likely we made a mistake, so we got
$30.52 from Bagley and Miller, and Jack Martins came to $3.50 It was about one when we
got home, we went around by Huby's and got the little high chair and crib for Tiddums, and
a wheel barrow load of cabbages from Uncle Ward. We met Huby coming over on our way
down and he finished putting down the floor in the barn. This after noon Dad. and he went
down town to get gravel to build the posts for the windmill foundation. Dad. had to go
around by the mill with some oats to be chopped, so Huby went right down to the beach to
locate some good gravel and to see if he could borrow a pick somewhere in case the sand
was frozen but he couldn't get one and I guess didn't need it. He couldn't find any gravel on
the beach except some piles which Mr. Porter told him Ivey's men had raked up yester day,
so Huby said quoting some Greek Scripture "First come first served" and they took what
they wanted of that. Dad said it would have washed away soon any way as the lake was
pretty high. They came around by town and got the storm windows and picked Frank up

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somewhere. I did chores all the after noon and got three eggs which is the most yet. Mrs.
McBride has been here all day and half the night, cleaning the kitchen, picking ducks and a
chicken and ironing. To-night I printed pictures and had good luck. Dad. found out this
morning that instead of the cistern pump being out of order as we thought yesterday the
cistern was dry, so will have to be cleaned out as this is the first time since we have been
here that it went dry. Lovely day, froze last night but mild.

Saturday December 20th
I cleaned all the straw out of the hen house this morning and put fresh in. I had to cut a slice
off the stack for straw. Dad. started to put on the storm window but found that Mr. Jones
had bored the holes to close to the in side of the sash so the screws wouldnt catch the
casing. He then cleaned out the cistern and it took about an hour, we pumped out what
little water was in it and then Dad shovelled up quite a few pails full of black muck and
pieces of cement. It is a brick cistern with a coat of cement all over the brick and some of
the cement was off which caused a leak, so this afternoon Dad went down and got a load of
sand and some cement and saw Frank Slocomb who is coming over on Monday morning to
fix it up. I did chores all the after noon. Frank went down town with Dad. and cut wood this
morning, he and Lila and Bluch went back to the gully to-night. Charlie Shand was in tonight to see if he could trade off a turkey hen but I said he couldn't as his was a mongrel.
but Dad. said he could have had Huby's turkey. This was Tiddums first birthday anniversary.
I suppose he will have to be Jim now. Lila was over all day and brought him a great line of
toys. Uncle Hal also sent him a pair of overalls and a toy whip. We had a rooster for dinner
which Mrs. McBride cleaned and got a pretty fair crop of corn out of it. Beautiful day sunny
and fine but cloudy to-night.
Sunday December 21st
I drove Enah down to church this morning, He she had to play the organ. Elva had to stay
home to look after her mother who broke her ankle the other day. Frank went down to
Sunday School and Church, Dad. stayed home to look after Tiddums and Dick was in bed all
morning. This after noon I went for a ride, I went out to the Shand's first to tell them they

could trade turkeys, all but Mr & Mrs Shand had gone to Sunday school. Mr. Shand said he
would be in tomorrow after noon with the turkey and Mrs. Shand gave me some peanuts
that her brother had grown in Virginia. I did stay long but went up to the corner and rode
west to the next corner which is where the blue line crosses the fourth concession, and
down that road to where the new rail road comes out on Tige Anderson's place. I rode down

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it as far as I could go but as there was a sudden drop and a fence at the end of it I had to
come back and go down Ham Thompson's lane to his woods, then had to unwire a piece of
fencing to get into his wheat field and a cross his wheat to the gate opening on to the
radical road, and home through town, and on the whole spent a very enjoyable after-noon.
Dick spent the afternoon down town and Frank prowling around the upper pond. Dad. did
the chores. Very mild this morning but turned colder and is freezing hard to-night.

Monday December 22nd
Frank Slocomb came over this morning to plaster the cistern, he went over the whole thing
as so much of it was loose and he thought he could make a better job, he will have to come
back again in the morning as there are two or three places where the cement is put on
thick that it doesn't stick very well to the brick. Dad. had to watch it and keep it plastered
up all day, as Slocomb was only here for an hour or so this morning. Enah went down town
this after noon and Dad. put on another storm window, he is putting them on now with
wooden buttons. I did chores, read a good short story and helped him a little. About four
o'clock Colin McNeilley came after him to go and see a sick cow so he didn't get back till
dark. Mr. & Mrs Shand came in with their turkey to trade and got theirs on their way back
from town. Mrs Shand came to call but no body was home. Dick told Enah that the wind mill
was here so Dad. went over to the Quanbury's to telephone Rus. Lampkins and he said he
would be down to morrow after noon to take it off the car. Dick also told her that Louise
wanted me to drive up and get her to morrow. Mr James gave Enah a new rasin seeder
tonight that works all right and Frank is busy seeding rasins with it now. Frank got out of
school early to night and doesn't have to go back till after New Year's. Very mild and nice all
day but cloudy.
Tuesday December 23rd
Frank Slocomb came over again and finished the cistern he made a good job of it - and
only charged a dollar. I rode Joe down town first thing and got her shod. While Butler was
shoeing her, I went up town and did some Christmas shopping - ahem -. I met Huby on my
way down with a pickax he had fixed up with a bit which Bill Oakes gave him and a handle

he bought and Joe {Hawel?} put it in and sharpened it for him. He came over and helped
Dad. pluck the four turkeys. This afternoon he, Dad. and Frank went down with the waggon
and got the windmill off the car. Rus. Lampkins was there and said it was alright I cleaned
out the cow stables, shelled corn and read at the same time while they were gone. Huby
ground our axe he brought over the other day when they got back, and Frank went back to

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the gully and caught a muskrat. I intended to go up and get Louise this after noon but it was
such a disagreeable after noon I decided to wait till to-morrow and stand a chance of
having sleighing but from the looks of things now I would have done better to have gone
this after noon. Vyse was over this morning to settle up with Dad for thrashing and some
things that Dad. owed him for. Dad. wouldn't take anything for thrashing for him but I got a
dollar out of it. Frank and Enah are making candy to-night and Dad is drawing and dressing
turkeys. It started to snow soon after break fast this morning and kept up till noon getting
milder all the time till this after noon it turned to rain and the water is running into the
cistern yet. Dick told us to-night there was a fire in the Wide Spread to-night. They got it
out but were afraid it damaged the machinery considerably. $200.00
Wednesday December 24th
We all overslept ourselves this morning and so I didn't get started up to the Bowlby's till
nearly ten o'clock, however I got Louise and was home by noon. The roads were a little
slushy but not bad. Colin McNeilleys came after Dad to go and see his cow again and he got
home just before we did. This after noon Dad. and Frank went down town to take the
turkeys to Cousin Loll and Mr James and the duck to Ed. and also do some shopping. I
fooled around quite a lot and then did chores and shelled corn. It has been very mild all day
and the snow is nearly all gone, the cistern has got a good lot of water in it, we just got it
fixed in time Thursday December 25th

I was up at about a quarter to six this morning and routed the family out of bed, and Louise,
Enah and I drove down to eight o'clock communion, and Dick walked down, after I got home
I did chores and Dad. and Frank went down to the eleven o'clock service, Dick came back
soon after church and went back to the gully to see if there was any ice but there wasn't.
Aunty Maude and Lila drove back with Dad, and Frank, Quint and Win. walked over. Huby
never showed up all the after noon - darn him. We had dinner about two o'clock and as I
hadn't had any thing to eat since last night except a piece of bread & butter and nine
wintergreens, I stowed away a large quantity of turkey and plum pudding and many other

things. After dinner we kicked up a terrible row for about ten minutes while Tiddums tried
to go to sleep, we then doled out the presents. I drew a pile of presents, socks heavy and
light from Frank and Lila, shirt from Dick, handkerchief from Win, perfume talcum power etc.
from Cousin Clare, photograph album from Aunty Maude and Dad. & I got four copies of
Punch from Louise, and Ray is sending me a new diary for 1914. After this Dick and Quint

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went down town and I think Dick went to a dance to-night. Aunty Maude, Lila and Win. went
home about dark, we didn't have any tea but gormed Louise's chocolates all evening.
Tiddums has been rather all in to-day, we think it may be due to his swallowing a grain of
corn yesterday, we don't know that he did swallow one but I gave him a cob to play with
while I was shelling it for the chickens and there was a grain off it when I took it away from
him, but he hasn't been at all well all day. Raw & cloudy all day but not cold Snowing and
blowing to-night.
Friday December 26th
Dad. lost a considerable ammount of peaceful slumber last night wondering if the stack had
blown over as there was quite a wind, at last he got about four o'clock and went and looked,
but found it still standing, so went back to bed and didn't get up till after daylight, neither
did I, consequence being that we got very little down to-day but chores. I shelled a little
corn cut a little wood and read a little. Frank went down town and got the mail and some
parcels Roy sent up a bread mixer for Enah which was just what I and somebody else had
orderd for her but which hasn't come yet. He also sent me two Diary books like the ones I
have used for the last two years. The first one was one of Dad's old veterinary college
books and last year I sent to Eatons for one but had to pay more than the price of the book
in postage. I also got a necktie from Byron and Fred Johnson and another from Aunt Leena.
There was also a letter from the University Research Extension Company saying they had
shipped "The Library of Original Sources" long ago and that if we don't get them soon they
will ship another set and go after the Express company. Dad. & Enah purpose to give me
them for a Christmas present but I have set my heart on paying for them myself. To night
Dad. though he would put the calves in so Frank and I went out to help him, after a lot of
chasing we succeeded in getting Charlottes calf who is tamest into the barn, then after a
lot more chasing Dad. got one of the sling ropes and lassoed Mully's calf first throw, but
couldn't manage to rope the other two until he had put out hay for the young stock when
he made some very clever throws and caught Spots calf first time around the horns and
Bobbies with a little more trouble around the neck we were a little afraid he would get hurt
as the others seemed to be hunting him around quite a bit but we left him there We then
caught all the rose combed roosters and put them up over the pig pen. To-night we spent
a rather hilarious evening as Enah and Louise supplied us with lots of music. Dick came
home rather late with more mail from which I drew a necktie from Jean & Adelena and a
dandy big pocket book from Grand daddy I have been writing this in spats all the evening
and as it is gettin on to half past twelve I feel I must get to bed. It froze hard last night and

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snowed quite a bit and there has been a cold north and west wind all day, but sunny and
otherwise not bad. Enah took a picture of Tiddums to-day, she had him all dressed up in a
suit of bouncers or rompers or what ever they call it which Aunty Maude gave him and he
looked for all the world like Bill George on a small scale, he is so bowl legged. I called Dad in
from the wood pile to see him and to insure a speedy answer to my summons, I intimated
that there was something the matter wth him, and Dad. seeing a picture in his mind's eye of
Tid. in convulsions or the reservoir or something rushed in livid with fear. Tiddums however
met him at the door and he was so overcome by laughter and relief that I escaped
uninjured.
Saturday December 27th
It was after daylight again this morning when we got up so put in most of the day doing
chores. but this morning we did get one of the big dead apple trees grubbed out but only
have a few limbs cut off it. Frank cut at it quite a hit this after noon, he has been cutting
wood nearly all day. This morning he went back to the gully and came up by Alfred's and
borrowed his cross cut saw This after noon Dad killed, plucked and dressed a couple of
young roosters (single combed) but they were pretty scrawny yet not being fully grown. I
didn't do any thing much but read and fool with young Jim. I was giving him walking lessons
and find he can run like a deer much faster than I can keep up with him and hang on to him.
I got a letter from Aunty to-day saying he had got the picture which I had sent to Aunt Lena
around by Aunty so that she could see whether it was worth sending on or not. As I didn't
write till a day or two after I posted it she thought I meant it for her so I started another one
to-night to do for her birthday Dick brought home a huge parcel to-night which proved to
be rwo pair of lovely balankets and two counterpains from Cousin Clare Herring I think. It
has been a beautiful day. It froze very hard (hardest yet I guess) last night but has been
very sunny and no wind - all day.
Sunday December 28th
We were very late getting up again this morning so none of us but Frank went down to
church, he went down to Sunday school and church Dad. and I did chores and read all

morning. We let Belle out for a run, which she enjoyed very much and no doubt benefitted
by although we did notice that the swelling in her led was reduced much but she didn't
show any sign of lameness. This after noon about half past two I drove Louise up to the
Bowlby's again. The roads were good, smooth and hard with no snow to bother so I was
home before dark. Jonas climbed in the buggy with me as I passed his place and came up

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for a visit, to get rid of trouble he said although he didn't seem in a very down cast mood.
He has another farm in view now which is owned by to old maids who live on the place, and
if he gets it he is to move the first of March and live in half the double house. Dad. and Enah
and Tiddums expected to go down to Mrs. Battersby's this afternoon but Tiddums went to
sleep and blocked the games. I drew to-night, Dick has been skating on the creek this
afternoon, he says the ice is pretty good and for the most part strong. He went to church
to-night. Frank I think spent his time back in the gully. Lovely day, no wind and fairly sunny.
Monday December 29th
We expected Rus. Lampkins down to day to put up the wind mill but he didn't show up at
all. We did up all the chores this morning and worked at the old apple tree a little more. This
after noon Dad. decided to go down to township nomination. He didn't get started till about
a quarter after three but he enjoyed what little oratory he heard. George Hammond took
great pleasure in making personal remarks about Jim Waddle till Jim got "frothing at the
mouth" mad. George said he admitted that Jim had a better education and more of
something else than he had but that he didn't have any more brains that if he had had
brains enough to learn anything he would be going to school yet. Both these fellows were
too mad at each other to talk sensibly but Sam King's manner was different. although a
great many people were very dissatisfied with him as Councilor and had no doubt told him
so, but he said if they put him out this election it would not be because he had sat in
council and held his peace as was the custom with other councillors it would be because
he had been in action all through and had made some showing, he then stated that every
job that the present council had done was a permanent job, whereat someone in the
audience inquired "What about Lisby's hill?" Mr. King smiled and acknowledged that that
wasn't a permanent job but he said we did the best that could be done and the devil
himself could do no better as it was his own hill, Then in reference to Lisby's bridge over
which there has been a lot of kicking about on account of the cost he said it was the best
bridge in the county of Norfolk. At that a small English sparrow jumped up and chirped out
"Mr. King, may I ask you a question". "Certainly go ahead" was the reply. "Well will you please
tell me what was the use of putting up such a costly bridge at the foot of an almost
impassable hill." King smiled again, and replied blandly that they did it simply because they
had to, there had to be a bridge there and why not put one that was indestructible and
consequently costly as one that would cost less and have to be replaced in a year or two,
and so they wrangled and chewed the rag. Dad. was home about dark, and said that
Hammond was going to run against Ed. Aikens for reeve. I did up the chores and after tea

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Frank and I went down to {illegible} nomination, where every thing was very quiet. Vyse was
the only one who said much and he just gave an account of his stewardship. and solicited
the vote of those present. R. M. Taylor, John R. Davis and Ed. Moon where nominated to run
against him and Taylor was the only one who said positively he wouldn't run and the general
opinion is that the fight will be between Vyse & Ed. All the old council where nominated and
about a dozen others but which ones are going to run I don't know. Dick got home a little
before we did to-night, he had been skating on the pond though Dad tried to argue with
him that it was unsafe. Inez Schram got in to the creek to-day. Mrs. McBride was here all
day washing. It has been a very fine day. Mild and pleasant.
Tuesday December 30th
Sam. Law and Bert Munroe drove in this morning to see if we were ready to thrash yet, but
Dad. told him we wanted to get the windmill up first. He said he overheard Rus. Lampkin's
telling {Heck?} Henderson last night that he had promised to go some where that day (Sam.
didn't hear the name) but that as he couldn't go he would have to go Wednesday. Sam
thought that he must have meant here when we told him we expected him as he heard
Henderson tell Rus that he could let the boy know, but Dick didn't say anything about it last
night but not likely Henderson saw him after that. Allan drove in while Sam was in here and
after talking election for awhile they all drove out expecting to thrash some where up the
Gravel. I did chores and puttered around most of the morning - and Dad. & Frank cleared
up a little around the well so as to be all ready if Rus. Lampkins comes to-morrow. This
afternoon they cut up nearly all the apple tree with Alfreds cross cut saw. I raised the nests
in the hen house off the floor so the hens wouldn't scratch them full of straw and put fresh
straw in. Both Billy Laurises were in to-night to get Dads. advice about a horses leg which
has got hurt some way. Very mild and nice all day. When Dick came home to-night he said
Henderson did tell him that Rus. Lampkins would be here to-morrow to erect the windmill.
Wednesday December 31st
I was awakened very early this morning by a great disturbance in the kitchen which I
realized after I came to my senses was rat in one of the traps Dad. set last night and trying

to get free by dragging himself and the trap all over the place, he was making such a racket
and I knew must be putting in such a very disagreeable time of it that I arose and
despatched him. It just struck four as I got up and this clock is way over half an hour fast,
but as I had my clothes on and was wide awake I decided not to go back to bed again so
drew till about half past six and then went out to do chores. I got quite a lot of Aunty's

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picture done and Dad. thought it was better than the one I did for Aunt Leena. We fully
expected Rus. Lampkins this morning so Frank went down after breakfast and brought
Huby over but as Lampkins disappointed us again we started on the tile drain we are going
to put in along the font of the garden and back of the chicken house, we all four worked at
it this morning and Dad. Huby and I this after noon so we got a nice start at it. Loyd Ryersie
came along at noon and Frank went off shooting with him but didn't get any thing. Dad.
went down to-night and met Roy who is just going to spend New Years' with us. Jonas
came over after supper and wanted Frank and I me to help him fix up a lot of orders that he
had got from varios farmers for seed potatoes and oats. We did to the best of our ability
but I think we had Jonas in a great state of anxiety on account of our pretended
carlessness, after that he played two or three games of checkers with Frank. I slept the last
couple of hours of the old year but roused up sufficiently to wish the family a Happy New
Year and go to bed. Dick was at a dance and didn't get home till about three o'clock in the
morning. Beautiful day, mild and pretty sunny.

For more information on Theobald (Toby) Barrett, check out the “Meet the Diarists”
section under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.uoguelph.ca

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