2 10 558 https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/913661772e0ec6f8fbf61345e24ca0a5.pdf b1e3af2cf75ca05f4869add3aa735dd8 PDF Text Text Irene Dixon Bamford 1916-1917, Diary Transcription 5034_4-2-7 �Metadata FromThePage export of 5034_4-2-7 from Irene Dixon Bamford made on 2026-02-11 14:35:31 UTC. itemTitle: 1916-1917 date: 1916-1917 Title: 5034_4-2-7 Description: Item is a diary. Created On: 2024-01-11 17:54:10 UTC In Scope: true Uploaded Filename: 5034_4-2-7 �1 IRENE DICON BAMFORD DIARY 1916-1917 1916-1917 QUEENS UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES LOCATOR 5034.4 BOX 2 FILE 7 �2 1916 1917 �3 Re-Read ’76-84 William C Dixon [margin] William Collins Dixon William Collins Dixon [/margin] �4 Been read $136,84 A Merry Christmas Emma’s letter page for 1917 Jan 1 Sylvia R’s dairy milk for 1917 May 14 Tuesday 21 lbs May 15 Wednesday 26 lbs 1 Mrs Grace Gaskin 7 Harewood Ave Watertown 2 Mrs Edward McDermott 162 Highland Ave. Watertown 3 Mr Reg Gaskin c/o Marine Mail Boat Detroit Mich. 4 Mrs Wells Bamford R4D 3 Watertown 5 W. Atlee Burpee & Co The Burpee Buildings North Fifth Street, York Avenue and Button wood Street PO Drawer 1626 Philadelphia, Pa Mrs Roy Rattray Box 16 Felton Delaware Mrs Charles Halliday Route 2 Limerick Jeff. Co. N.Y. Mrs William Brooks 01502 Monroe Street St Cloud apt Spokane Wash Mrs KB Smith 221x223 King Street Watertown R’s dairy milk for 1917 May 14 Tuesday 21 lbs May 15 Wednesday 26 lbs �5 Leters [sic] Monday 1st January 1917 Jan 1st Grace 1 Jan 1st Charlotte 1 Jan 3rd Maud 1 Jan 5th Eveline 1 Tuesday 28 1917 It rains this day so cant work in field and now have to wait a few days for the grain to dry out. Wednesday 29 August 1917 No grain drawing to day. drawing stone for cement. Almond Joslin very bad, had convulsions. received a letter from Belle saying she is coming to Vans Sunday and for Voltie to meet her there with a boat if the weather is good. Emma washing all day. Thursday 30th 1917 August A rainy morning. Arise early it makes no difference about rain. Voltie drives to dock with Will and Edith carrying Rachels eggs. Then V drives around by the factory seems a long time since he went but he comes at last. The rain clears and a fine pm follows. Emma does a pile of work cleaning windows hanging out so many clothes. long lines full, cooks and prepares for supper. They all come Grace and her family all well and happy Joe, Samy & Gale here in evening. Friday 31st August 1917 This Friday is a grand beautiful day. warm atmosphere so clear. V & Will drawing stone for mixing concrete for barn floor. I crochet nearly all day on a bread tray doily for Grace. The usual amount of business, goes on cooking, Emma brought in the clothes from the lines. Poor Almond Joslin died this morning after being so long helpless with paralysis. A quire [choir] practice this evening at Woodmans (W.H.) A telephone ring for Emma to attend. Joe drives here for Emma. She goes accompanied by Margaret. Grace rec’d a letter from Maud saying Bert is going to camp and drill for the war. ��6 2 Saturday 1 September 1917 We got out of bed this morning to find the rain falling fast and furious. did not draw nor stack any grain since last Monday. This is a fearful bad harvest. for nearly every one especially for Voltie for he has to stack all his grain if it ever dries out. V drove to factory this morning through the rain. I dont know of any farmer that does need a dry gloriously beautiful harvest more than Voltie nor any one that suffers more for want of a barn. Sunday Sept 2nd 1917 Grace all day looking for Bert and Maud but they dont come. she got to be there by Tuesday so Robbert can begin his education in Engineering. Rob’t only thirteen last of August. Belle came to day towards eve from Vans. Van’s son in law rowed her across; all Joslin’s funeral to day. Grace & Will go to funeral. Belle brought me an apron and V some limburger. V went to church to. R went home. Ogle and Joe here in evening. Monday 3rd Sept 1917 R didnt come over to day waiting for Belle to go over there first but Belle didnt go to day. Grace goes home this day which is Monday. Voltie rowed her and her family and nine suit cases across to Maloneys. I dont mean V, I mean Will he phoned for Donaldson; he came with a motor car. Tuesday 4 September 1917 A very fine day. Belle walks over to Rachels. �7 Wednesday 5 Sept 1917 A very fine day, part of the day) I most forgotten about this day Thursday 6 Sept 1917 Grain wet again Will very anxious to go home and takes V’s skiff and rows himself over to Maloneys. Friday 7 September 19 I write and send a letter to Grace I receive a letter from Charloote and one from Nelly Brooks Saturday 8th Sept 1917 A very good day Belle took a walk over to R’s picking up to go home Emma helping in field waited so long for them to come to dinner and supper but all finished at last, harvesting done. some sat most done not much V & Joe to corners after dark come back at midnight [right margin] and [demasquerade?] [/right margin] �8 Sunday 9th September 1917 This dont look very favorable for crossing St Lawrence river & this is the day appointed for for [sic] Belles return home. Wind blows from south. Rachel came over. Then Dick and Lydia Halliday came visiting, brought their baby 14 months old Helen a mischievous busy body walking toddling around getting into every thing. A great time visiting and gossiping; wonder if Dora’s ears burnt any. After they go Belle more determined to go but V dont like to go in N’s skiff and dont go. Edith went visiting at Morgans; heavy rain showers in pm. E phoned to stay all night at Morgans but no she came home Monday 10 September 1917 I did’nt sleep so very well. Kept thinking so often of how very anxious Belle is to go home and the wind may blow and she cant get across. But her prayrs [sic] were answered for the V couldnt cross in Niles little skiff Sheridan came over to hire out to V and bring Volties skiff across; he just took Belle and all her traps across in his motor leaving her at his ma’s and came directly back Pierpont for Rachel heard that Ray King came for Belle in his car that same am. Voltie sent Rheridan [sic] to the corners for gasoline, cotton mits and caffe. Sheridan the second time brought R a 5 gallon Kerosene. Tuesday 11 September 1917 A very cool day. lonesome since Belle went home. V & [Sheridan|S] digging potatoes, digging trench for Sheridan’s motor. Emma done quite a washing of white clothes and hung them on the line. V and Edith gathered the plums down on lower place, 2 pails full. I wrote and sent a to no one. Wednesday 12 Sept 1917 A very good day, tho the wind South and blew a half gale from South, much warmer than yesterday. V and S drawing stone and digging our few potatoes. Emma canned 17 cans of plums. Rachel came over for milk. Laura Babcock here in evening. Sheridan went home with her. I think that is what she came for. I finished writing to Nelly Brooks and mailed �9 Thursday 13 September 1917 A fine cool morning. Arose early, going to Kingston. Voltie, Rachel & Emma. Sheridan drove around by OBriens from the dock to carry the milk to factory. Sheridan drawing stone for concrete floor for barn. Called him to lunch at 9 oclock. Edith went to drive the old sow back. I am trying to conquer the intricaces of a piece of a difficult crochet work, done know as it will elude my efforts but I think of the perserverence of Edison and try try again. Just ate dinner. old Geo McKay came down on boat. Nearly dark when they come home. V paid Wm Woodman 300 for barn building material. paid Reid for rockers, paid $20 rent on the lower place. Em bought corsets silk waist then bought working material for me and a cosmopolitan. I bought flour 50 lbs. They all went to Chinamens to dinner. Oh what an envious fool I am. Why not be contented and patient as long as I live. Tom Maloney here this evening to phone to Maurice at Hallidays. Norm has been drafted and got to P Friday 14 September 1917 A very fine day. MacKay and Sheridan went to corners. Sent for Silkateen. he didn’t get the right color but I couldn’t wouldn’t tell him. McKay bought whiskey. After dinner, V, [Sheridan|S]], G & Joe went to Cape in Maloneys skiff. MacKay got drunk & fell over board. V fished him out he fell backward leaving his heels in the boat and his head under water then V pushed his feet off the motor then grabbed him and V & Joe hauled him in. Rachel came over twice once in a.m. and again at 6 pm. Staid till they returned from Cape. V bought cloth bleached for Emma & 8 yds plaid for Edith, shoes for himself which he needed very much. McKay didnt eat supper but went up stairs to bed by help of V & S. Then came Ogles and Ed McDonald for vinegar. �10 Saturday 15 September 1917 A very fine day no wind, river still this a.m. Sheridan gone to Flynn’s to thresh. V gone over the river in Sheridans motor to take Geo MacKay to work for Maloneys in place of Sheridan, tho McKay had come here to hire Voltie, but Sheridan was ahead of him. V yesterday bought Springs for my bed and a bee smoker and a basket of peaches giving a dollar and forty cents day before yesterday. dont know when they will be canned. no sign yet. no corn going to be dried, no beets picked, no cucumbers growing only a few tomatoes which we are eating on table every day but none canned nor preserved. Sherd came home from Flynns and went to his own home across river. V spoke Ogle for a cheese, 30 lbs. Sunday 16 September 1917 A beautiful day warm and bright. Ogle and Emma drive over to Dora’s dont return till late. Had been to villiage in motor with Maurice. Edith went to carry Lucena to Geo Rattrays where she staid overnight then goes across in morning to collegiate. Edith in a panic because Emma didnt return earlier gave them a calling down. She is what old Lewy Miller said about aunt R (she talks to much) at same time & shouldnt have gone to villiage without a ring up. Aunt R came over bringing a pail of soup and some cakes which we had for dinner. Monday 17 September 1917 A fine warm day, a very soft light wind South. Sheridan came to breakfast old saw running in orchard most of time. cant get the onions peeled, cant get any corn dried, cant get any eggs packed for Winter, cant get any sweet apples baked, no jelly made. What do the [sic] do? fuss, fuss, fuss and accomplish nothing no beets dried �11 Tuesday 18 September 1917 Wednesday 19 Sept 1917 I dont write in the journal often enough to remember what occurs from day to day. I remember it looks rain and does rain towards evening with thunder and lightning. Olive Jones here making us a good bye visit, she is leaving Louise tomorrow morning and going to her sister in town. She staid to supper and went home through the rain wearing her best new shoes Thursday 20 Sept 1917 Miss Olive Jones goes away to Kingston this morning on the boat. she has left Louise for all time at with dissatisfaction Friday 21st Sept 1917 Expected a letter from Belle but got none. So busy I suppose she couldnt send a card. �12 Saturday 22 Sept 1917 Sunday 23rd 1917 A beautiful day day. Were surprised and happpy to receive a visit from Charley Dixon and Adah Dixon and Gerald Dixon; first time Charley has been here since his marriage 7 years ago. Charley is a good looking young man, and Adah is a fine looking woman, and Gerald is a pretty lively little 5 year old kid. I began a long letter to Belle. Sheridan came early in the morning, brought 3 packages of butter; home and back again, bringing Charley & Adah & Gerald. Charley rowed Volties skiff over at night. Sherd will bring it morrow Monday 23rd A very fine day. didnt wash. Sheridan came motoring over after breakfast. V & he worked at the cement floor in barn. R came over, Turk is sick, refuses to eat. He has swallowed a tough old hog rind and got indigestion. Emma carving and preserving apples to day. A letter from Belle and a card from Louise D. finished writing to Belle and sent it with Graces letter which I inclose [sic] Continued from here in green (academy) book - 1917-1918} �13 [random addition] Wednesday 18th October 1916 This is butchering day. V with the help of Rodney Pike, Joe Woodman, Jim Kehoe butchered and dressed for market 8 pigs average weight 150 lbs. The men or helpers are here to dinner. V sold the pork for 15 cts per lb. Our portion was liver, hearts and tongues and 10 lbs lard. No washing done here in long time Thursday 14 Oct 1916 A fine morning. V and Emma went to Kingston. V carried his pork to market which came to over a $150 dollars. Joe Woodman drove them to the dock and went for them at evening time when the boat came in. Aunt Rachel here and helped drive the work. Mrs Herbert Essford here to dinner, she came from Sawmill bay where she had been visiting for two weeks. R phoned for Essford and he came for her about 3 pm. Joe drove. Well they came at last, tired and hungry and Emma much dissatisfied and disapointed because she didn’t get the things she wanted which she could have done as well as not when she had the money in her purse $25 dol but she met with to many congenial companions. Lizzie Woodman, Madeline Halliday &c �14 Friday 15 Oct 1916 A bad day for wind and rain. The very worst of all the season. This is my new Diary. Emma bought it yesterday for me. The day is dark, wind blowing rain falling in torrents. Cooking hearts and tongues (pigs). V trying to gather apples in the storm before the wind blows them all off. He picked a barrel of Pewaukees. I dont send any mail to day but make an apron for Emma. Edith gone over to Rachels to feed, water her hens and gather the eggs, brought in three for us to day. Emma making peach preserves, 4 baskets and two baskets of grapes. R made herself sick eating pigs liver which was tremendously good. Our mail is the farmers magazine, Herald but no letters We expected Macleans magazine that we had subscribed for 2 months ago. Dont think we will ever get it. V must have made a mistake in sending the post office order. Saturday 1916 Oct 16 �15 Sunday 17 Oct 1916 A very fine day. Emma went to church. no one here, the teacher didn’t come. I just wrote that there was no one her, I nearly forgot to say George Woodman and his little son Willie were here for a short visit. They had been to dinner at the Niles but William ate again with us. We gave William butter nuts, hickory nuts and apples to take home with him. Monday 18 Oct 1916 A tolerable forenoon tho the clouds are flying sailing up from the SW. Dr Nichol here from Kingston also Jack Murray "anente" pigs, both here to dinner. Didnt wash to day. Tuesday 18 Oct 1916 An awful windy day. It was South this morning blowing a gale. Toward noon changing to NE. The wind blew terrifically all night accompanied with rain which beat against the windows with alarming force. Our few remaining apples are on the ground this morning. V and Edith picking them up and are now digging our �16 Wednesday 19 October 1916 A very fine day after the great wind storm. Joe helped Voltie gather the hay that the wind had scattered from the stacks, 6 stacks were wind blown. V gave Joe two dollars for his days work. At sun set the clouds began to rise in the west which looks like another storm. Thursday 20 October 1916 Arose very early for Voltie and Emma went to Kingston. Emma carried her umbrella and V bought a new one for it rained nearly all day. It cleared up a little towards night and the wind changed from NE to South and blew "some" and the rain came again. Emma came home with wet feet. Em bought herself cloth and trimming for a new dress, a table cloth for me and sundry other articles. Rachel awful lame to day. Edith very contrary which disturbs Rachel more than I, but between them it made every thing very unpleasant. Mary Anne Dugan came down on the boat this evening. She going to live with Sinclair Michea and his ma. They are all safe at home once more well and happy �17 Friday 21 Oct 1916 We were preparing for a social time. Expected our neighbors, a house full of them. Emma had every thing prepared, house decorated with pine oak cedar flowers but alas for human hopes and expectations as the guests were dressing for the party a great storm of wind, rain, lighning and thunder stoped their coming and instead of a happy joyous company a disapointed lot of revelers were obliged to remain at home, but such life. Only Joe and his kid, Samy & Orville came all dressed in their best. Moved the cabinet in to the kitchen to make room for the dancers that never came. V drove over home with R this pm. Saturday 21 Oct 1916 Wind howled & shrieked all night. This morn the ground covered with fallen leaves, brown and beautiful, blowing the hallows and huddled in heaps in the grove. Wind blowing cold from S.W. We ate breakfast in kitchen. V after going to factory, feeding hogs &c starts plowing and ditching over "There" commenced a cake today. Joe Woodman here to borrow V’s gun to go hunting rabbits in rabit [sic] town which is the cedars. �18 Sunday 22 1916 A cloudy morning. Emma up making out the loaves of bread at 6 o’clock this morning. Voltie went away down by George Niles for cows. Emma criss x about several things. For instance the old grey sweater. Again, one of those new rockers must not be brought in to the dining room for it makes so much work to wipe the dust from one chair. Emma gone to church. Edith gone to carry milk to Rachel. V put up a barrel of apples for Henderson. Clouds break away and the sun comes out clear not a very heavy wind. Emma gone to Horn’s walked down with Miss Langley. Miss Langley came home with Emma. She going to stay here all night and now E & E and Miss L are in the parlor running the tormenting blairing [sic] old Phonograph, just awful. Voltie reading McLean magazine. Edith got the dinner and supper. Mrs Jack phoned for Miss Langley to come home and she went. Emma accompanying her partly home with a lantern. Monday 23rd Oct 1916 A very fine day. Emma washed. I sent Irene a letter. Voltie ditching over on Rachel’s domain. Lots of work to be done in this house. Edith is slow as tar in January. I received a letter from Grace. Emma milked all the cows this pm for V, after a hasty supper goes to St Lawrence corners accompanied by Samy Woodman. They left here about 6 pm and returned at nearly midnight. V bought for himself 2 suits of under clothes, one suit for Em, a pair of stockings for me, 10 lbs olemargarine, some candy & a bottle of whiskey, gum, coffee. V drove out with Van’s horse. Rachel received a letter from Jen. I sat up till V and Samy returned from Corners. �19 Tuesday 24 October 1916 A very fine morning rather cool. Edith after breakfast goes over to R’s to help her wash. She carried R’s wash board. Emma is hustling now, for we are expecting that same old party here this evening. Emma phoned to John and Saidie Murray and this pm a man came from Cornwell [sic] to reletter [sic] the moment.. His name is Barbour. A fat jolly sort of a man weighs 112. The pm not very favourable for the coming of evening guests but they came, if not all. Sinclair Michea, Harold Dignum, Mr and Mrs Kehoe and little daughter Lizzie, Mr and Mrs Jack Niles, and little daughter Lois. Three school teachers, Misses Moore, Langley and Glenn & our teacher Mrs Langley the lower one, Miss Moore the upper one, Miss Glenn, Orville McDermot, Samy Woodman, Joe Woodman, Martin OBrien, John & Sadie Murray, Mary Barrie and her kid husband. She big fat & 44 he 19 and can dance, call the quardrilles and is a gay young lad, o what an ill assorted pair. I went to bed at 1 am (after supper). The party left for home at 4 am all saying they had a lovely time and I guess they did if dancing and a noisy racket was any proof. I nearly forget Lizzy Woodman and Bob Jackson (Cheesemaker) were here also. �20 Wednesday 25 October 1916 This morning after a short nap V and E and E arose without much sleep, also Mr Barbour all without much sleep but the work must go on tho not much house work accomplished excepting cooking and washing dishes. Voltie goes to the field to plow over on R’s place. Barbour goes to the cemetary to work on the monument and so so the day drags on, and passes away tho. Voltie drives to the dock with a barrel of apples for Henderson and a hog grist. We heard early this morning that Henry Halliday died last night and so his Well I’ve been writing the above in the dark dont know as any one can read it for I cant read the last line but guess it was, died last night in hospital at 11.30 pm while our gay company were dancing innocently ignorant of the sad event. Well he is gone after a long suffering illness and his troubled soul at rest. Dora is once more a widow with three more fatherless children. All the family retire earlier than usual. Edith made a row about sleeping down stairs Thursday 26 Oct 1916 A very windy day. River rolling wild and stormy. Barbour at work again this morning and finishes at four pm. V plowing "Over There" only coming home long enough for his dinner. Then when 4 Oclock came drove from there to the dock for his hog feed. Barbour walked to meet V an went with him to the dock, and Voltie took the opportunity of taking the hay loader to the dock while he can have Barbour (Leonard) to help him with the machine down the big hill. Emma gave Barbour his supper before he left. Emma cleaned up the rooms after the dance. �21 Friday 27 Oct 1916 Henry funeral to day and now another body occupies the vault. Charley came home with V for dinner. V, after dinner, drove with Charley to Geo Gillespies where Charley Gillespie took him in their motor across the river where he will hire some one to take him him to Clayton and from there he will home in the motor buss. The weather is dreary, dismal, rainy and dark most all afternoon. Edith goes for the cows; found them away back near the woods. I sent a letter to Grace. Mail Farmers Advocate & Farm and home. Two fine farm journals they are. Emma found her night gown yoke. Saturday 28th October 1916 This month has nearly run its course. Three more days completes the month. This is one of the beautiful days of autumn that sometimes comes to cheer the sad and lonesome. The trees are nearly striped [sic] of foliage. The leaves cling to the oaks yet. Dont like to lie on the ground. The proud old oak. Some day before Nov 15th there will come a storm of wind and the leaves will come sailing fluttering down skuering [sic] away across field chased by the storm and the old oak will stand naked exposing its tough rugged limbs. How different are the limbs of the birch, so slender graceful and pretty. There is as much difference in the naked branches of the several species of trees as their �22 in their form and foliage. Voltie is plowing over there. Dont know what he will have for his dinner. Cleaning going on but no sign of dinner. Tis 11 Oclock am. Edith drove the cows away over to aunt R and carried some of Aunt R’s things home in her basket cups, spoons and flat iron handle. Emma made a pie. Sunday 29th Oct 1916 A very good day Edith and Emma went to church to a preacher there beside Jack Clery and one of his little darkies. Edith came home from Church all right. Emma kept right down past the house with Moore & Langley enroute for Louise Niles where she together with 9 others ate supper. Louis has two hired girls Marian McDermott and another from Kingston. Emma came home at bedtime. Miss Langley went to her boarding place Jack Nile’s. Miss Moore went to her boarding place Bill Horns. I wrote a letter to Will. Voltie went away back on R’s brought me a twig of witch Hazel. �23 Mrs Dignum visiting Rachel today Halloween Tuesday 31st Oct 1916 A very good day. Emma went to Horns for Lizzie to make her dress carrying the cloth with her. Lizzie sent Emma to Rob Micheas to exchange thread, came home quite early snapped around went to mill & without changing her clothes; dishes washed early, house swept and plenished lamps brilliant and shining, must have anticipated something. Cheesemaker Bob Jackson here to supper. This is all Halloween, guess we are to have company. First came Miss Moore then Joe and Orville & Samy Gillmore and Miss Ducker. I retired to my bedroom with lighted oil stove, rocker and books, but such a racket and noise. I couldnt stand it all so I walked out in midst of the company and took my accustomed seat behind the stove and there I staid till every foreign footstep had died away in the distance. It was after two before they left and then V had to say, go! for I want a little rest before I put in a long days plowing. The girls cant dance, not what you can call dancing. They are as ungraceful on the floor as a lot of cows, and the young men. Oh Oh such stomping of feet and pushing and hauling the girls around. If their idea of dancing is in noise and rough motion. Why there it is. They should take lessons at a dancing school for it is ridiculous and ludicrous to see them on the floor. It rained all first of the night which will soften the ground for plowing. Edith went to the mail box for her coat that Louise had sent her, a beautiful coat �24 Wednesday 1st Nov 1916 Voltie plowed after a long delay at home. He was cross after the Halloween party, couldnt get breakfast very early, found one of his best pigs died, one of the big hogs had killed it. he didn’t come home to dinner because he got started so very late to the field. Emma had another day of cleaning up after company and ironed a great lot of clothes. Rachel expected Mrs William Ranous to dinner but she didnt come. We went to bed early. I received a letter from Grace. I wrote on to Louise but was to late to send it for card came with the mail drove down in an automobile. This is my month also Volties, wish I might get a book for a birth day present. Thursday 2nd Nov A good day for plowing. V started plowing a little earlier this morning. He too is tormented pexed perplexed and has a tough hard row to inpatient devilish sanety Rachel came over with V to dinner. I am writing a letter to Grace. V phones to Henderson for groceries. Will McDonald & family are moving to Kingston to day. E & E pulled the dahlias, carried in all the apples & milk the cows at evening time. V plowed till dark. V engaged Jack Niles to bring our groceries from the dock and leave them at the road gate, instead he took them home with himself so he phoned. I found an old tobaco pipe here on the table and threw it in the fire. �25 Friday 3rd Nov 1916 A chilly day. A stiff breeze from the West. Wind may blow now apples all gathered in. Now Voltie ditching over by the old well by the Elm that stands in corner by the road next to Woodmans line, not much quarreling to day, quite peaceful all pm. potatoe soup for dinner. A few flakes of snow falling after dinner, dishes washed. Edith proceeds to the school house in search of her books. Found them all right & brought them home. Voltie worked over there till dark. A concert practice at church. Edith steped up and steped around now briskly than usual to accompany Emma to church and then Emma had to wait for Edith for Edith is slower than tar in January. Samy drove in for Emma but she was gone ahead of them (Sam & Lizzie W) They returned at 10,30. Mail Advocate, McLeans, letter in answer to our request for Oct, number of magazines, telephone bill, 10 cts and Henderson account. Mrs Jane Niles here this pm to day to go home with Robert Jackson visiting. Joe started and deer hunting, 140 miles from here. Saturday 4th Nov 1916 A cold frozen morning sun clear. another confab to get Edith out of bed and get breakfast. Emma after milling, helping do chores, hammering horses &c and, Voltie gone to factory. After breakfast cows milked, hogs fed went to factory.Chores all done V goes to field to plow. Rachel came over to dinner then went home again when V went back to the field to plow. Emma cleaned floors and made a pie. V coaxed the old pointer in to the pen, but he soon got out again. Wind N. E. Emma talking to Will Niles on the shore. Edith walked down to the shore too. Emma walked up to Jacks after the Book Poetry and song; Staid till it began to rain. V phoned for her to come home, she came accompanied �26 by Misses Glenn and Miss Langley who brought a lantern to light her home. They stayed, talked and teheed. Emma treated them to apples. They carried an umbrella for the rain was tumbling down. Sunday 5th Nov 1916 A very good day but quite cold chilly. Any way it is cold enough to wear winter clothes. Emma goes to church forgetting to take Poetry and Song to Annie Niles. Edith runs across the field with the book before she gets to the Church. I hope they will take good care of it for V paid $3,50 for the books as a present to his ma, which I appreciate. Edith dont go church, she is expecting company. Edith McDonald and she comes a dainty little Miss of 15 years, and they or we have a fine visit. Voltie makes tomato soup adn we have an apple pie. Voltie pops corn and Edith cracks Hickory nuts and gets a big dish of red apples and our little lady visitor is very punctual to go home at the hour pointed for her return which is 4 o’clock. She goes around by Loretta’s to see the baby Her mother rings for her after she is gone saying they have company. Edith goes a piece of course. While E is gone Marion McDermot and Arloine Kesler comes and we treat them to pop corn and Wealthy apples and I send poor Louise two big read apples. Edith rings for Emma to come home but she is going to stay till after supper, and she stays. Mrs Woodman gone down to see her mother old Mrs Anne Mechea. Emma went home with Lizzie from church. They drove down in buggy. V couldnt sleep much last night his left arm ached so terrible. �27 Monday 7 Nov 1916 N. A very good day only cold an chilly. Voltie plowing and anything, cutting brush "over there". I write a letter to Bell but get no letter from any one but receive the October number of Macleans magazine, Advocate & Farm and dairy. Emma goes to Horns for her dress stays to dinner & stays to supper, comes up from there with Lizzie in buggy accompanied by Miss Moore who go to the church to practice for the concert. The dress was not finished. Lizzie going to send it up to Louise’s tomorrow by Howard. Rachel has a visitor to dinner. Mrs William Ranous, the mail carrier, she treated her to rooster post pie. A part remaining. Rachel sent here by Voltie when he came home from plowing to his supper which was very acceptable for a change. We have scores of fowl running in the barn yard but not one in the stew kettle and hog, and pigs, pigs, pigs & pigs but not a piece of pork in the barrel, 27 sheep running in the field but not a slice of mutton in the frying pan. Beefers in the pasture, cows, heifers and bulls & calves but not a shin bone for soup. Samy came for Joe’s violin which was left here since Halloween night. Tuesday 8th November 1916 Another day for plowing "Over there". The November weather is fine. The wind is south to day. V is plowing away back "over there" next to Woodmans line. Lizzy sent Emma dress arrayed herself in her new dress wear to the �28 concert. When Miss Glenn’s Roman Catholic bean. Martin OBrien brings her to a church concert or lecture instead of going in to church with her, he stays out in the horse shed for he must not enter a protistant [sic] church and endanger his soul’s salvation. Tho there were 3 catholic young people there, Eddie McDonald & Edith and Margaret Macdonald Wednesday 9th November 1916 Another fine morning. Voltie gone "over there" to plow away back. Emma went "over there" to help Rachel dress fowl for tomorrow’s market, leaving Edith as boss and chief house keeper and get dinner. It is going to be a worrying sorrowful day to me I know. She will not work or do anything if she can possibly, in any way avoid it. Tis now eleven o’clock am, a few beans burning on the stove, no potatoes out the cellar, no apples, break dishes not all washed. I asked for apples, potatoes & codfish from the cellar but she dont go for them only stands around. I dont know why. 10 minutes past 11 she goes to the cellar and there she stays after a long while she comes up bringing codfish, apples and potatoes. I prepare the fish 15 minutes to twelve, no fire in stove, cooking beans in a pint bason [sic]. We have the good stove cooking kettles and a good sized teakettle. Why they are not used I cant tell, for I dont know. I was hoping dinner would be ready but not so, not a dish on the table, no plates, knives or forks, cups nor �29 any thing, Edith brought in some wood and got the apples and potatoes by 12 dinner time. I called her from the kitchen to set the table where she was standing. When she discovered Voltie coming she began to step up and step around. not a bed made, not a floor spept [sic], but spilt a good quart of milk on the pantry which took her some time to mop up. Only one good piece of news this am. Heard Charles Knight is elected president of the USA good! And now the United States have lost their man Wilson "that was to proud to fight". Our mail late again to day. She stops along the road for her dinner. I didnt send any mail to day. p.m. after dinner. Edith sat in chair behind me about 4 hours, didn’t commence to wash dishes till 4 pm. Emma came home from R in time to milk or help milk, drove and stanchioned the cows. V came home from "over there" and he is going to Kingston tomorrow in answer to a letter he received from Cunningham. 10 Thursday Nov 1916 Arose early. V went to Kingston. Emma drove over to dock taking Rachels fowl which was brought here last night when V came from "Over There". I make out my memorandum, for Kingston which Em doctors by writing a new one with a led [sic] pencil leaving out the letter tablet. Emma stops on way home and bring R over to Stay all day till Emma drives to dock again for Voltie. She is come and talks to much. When V come bringing �30 sausage, fresh fish & sugar, tea, coffee, chocolates cloth for upholstering chair, mocking for me, 6 spools silkateen, 2 spools thread White, 30 pink pills, oil, iodine sice, Phonograph, rubber cards, a separate brush, stove pipe blacking, 3 new timer towels. he sold R fowl for 11 cts per lb 7 & bought brush for stove pipe, a galon [sic] of paint for school house & a wire brush and a new churn cover. Raining nearly all day. Friday 10 7 calls E & E, milk goes to factory comes home to breakfast. Cheese 23 1/2 per lb; he saw Spafford Joy, Spaff is moved to town and is keeping store (Queens I sippose [sic]). I received 3 letters from Grace. Advocate and farm and dairy. V heard yesterday by way of W.G. Woodman that Rob Percy had an operation on his tongue for cancer. Raining at sunset and part of the evening. 11 Saturday Nov 1916 A bright enough morning but somewhat cold and windy and the gale in the night was was fierce. It came from the South changing to West and blew like a tempest. A door banging kept us awake. V arose and found the doors all closed went to bed again, bang continued got up again and found it was the front screen door but the wind was a disturbing element all night. V gone over there to plow. Emma done the floors as usual. baked bread made pumkin pies. Bread no good; baked in tobaco boxes, 6 or 8 loaves. Madeline & Mirabelle Morgan here, came for cabbage cutter. They walked both ways. knit, crochet, sew braided rug �31 12th Sunday November 1916 A cold morning and cloudy, looks snow Emma and Edith both go to church. Voltie chores around nearly all day. Langley and Moore go to church walking by here, stop and inquire for Emma. V said they went to church, they back this way but didnt stop here. I guess Emma didn’t ask them Edith walked over to Rachels with milk. R sent a peach pie. my appetite not very good. I dont eat any pie nor supper but V popps [sic] some corn. 13 Monday Nov 1916 A bad frozen snow day, dull, dark and dreary. E & E helping V work shifting lumber, driving home the calves and yearlings, putting the sheep in the old house, bringing home the colts. Bert Danus (Weirs hired man) here looking for work. Orville here twice looking for V to fix his old shoe. He didn’t fix it. Orville came again at dark looking for honey. Wants to buy 2 lbs. I guess he wont get it. Orville is stopping with Samy & says all they have to eat up there is bread and butter. I write and send a lettter to Grace. Orville got the honey. Samy says he cant afford to kill their fowl for they bring a big price but they are only 11 1/2 cts per lb. Voltie went after dark with a lantern and banked R’s house with straw. Tuesday 14th Nov 1916 A bright morning sun shining clearly. Work in house goes slow. Voltie went this morning to help bury Henry H. The ground covered white with snow. Emma baked two big pie tins full of sweet apples. I knit two points on the lace. After dinner Voltie �32 rowed across to Van’s, got Vans horse and buggy, drove to the corner and bought a lot of stuff from Miller, a pair of rubber boots, E and E 3 letter tables, pork, and shoes for himself, socks 3 pairs, stocking 2 pairs, 2 pails margarine, tobbaco 4 lbs, syrup, candy, sundries W and 12 galons [sic] and 5 for Rachel, came home quite early. Rachel walked over here with Edith after carrying milk to Rachel. R staid till V came from the corners, played cards till late then Edith goes home with stay all night came home last next morning. Wednesday 15 Nov 1916 A very cold day, ground covered with snow no plowing done to day, not much done in door either. Voltie preparing to go to town put up 4 bags of wheat for flour, and bags for hog feed. Rachel came over at dark with Edith, she says no Kerosine, no wood, nor coal, had to dig out and come here for shelter and get warm. She stays all night, play cards till late. Thursday 16 Nov 1916 Arose very early. V intended going to Kingston, milked the cows loaded grist in wagon, ate breakfast, drove to dock got left just five minutes late, came home phoned for hog feed to Parland then to Donahue cant get any only brand. He drove to dock for nothing. no coal for Rachel either. A dreary miserable day had trouble with Edith nothing seems to go right to day. V drawing lumber from dock nearly all day 4 loads. baked beans for dinner. The 4 played cards till late. Rachel, Voltie, Edith & Emma. Orville here V hired him to plow if there is a thaw. �33 Friday 17 November 1916 snowing heavy in the night. Rachel went home this morning. A bag of coal, 5 galon [sic] of Kerosine, milk, herself, Turk and Edith. V took the load on sleigh. V going to cut poles away back to prepare for banking the hog pens. John Flynn came looking after Forbes bull that has been here all summer since V and WillN drove him from Forbes. John wants to buy him. I did not send any letters to day but received 3 and a card; one from Louise Dixon, one from Irene King, one from Grace and the card from Lib Bamford. Every one in bed except myself and it is not very warm. Our milk went to factory this morning for the last time and guess V is glad; I am any way for now. I can make some butter. The weather is not warm and the snow is falling to night. The ground is covered with snow every where and people are going in sleighs to day. Guess I’ll have to go to bed too. Edith came home at 3 pm from Rachels. No one here to day only V and E & E and myself after R went home. I go to bed now, for the house is still and all asleep. Even old shep is asleep under the table. Saturday 18 November 1916 A cloudy morning. They say tis warmer this morning and a soft snow fell last night but I thought it was a cold freezing night. Emma is baking bread this morning or mixing flour all over on board and table and fell off on to the floor. The old table is dancing & weaving to & fro for it is rickety and loose in the joints. On the side of the table it would be steady enough and not lurch, lurch, lurch & creak creak & wiggle as if it was dancing a highspeed reel �34 Voltie worked "down there" taking the floor out the old hog pen to fix a place here for the calves. Emma cleaned floors, straightened up everything and in evening cleaned and polished the stove. Emma made punkin [sic] pies, cake &c. Wind South & blowing a gale all night which kept me awake. Sunday 19 Nov 1916 Ground bare this morning. Marion came up and went to church with Emma. Edith didnt she staid home and comed [sic] her hair.. Orville brought them home with Joes horse & buggy. Marion and Orville staid to dinner. After dinner Orville and Marion & Emma went to the English church, came back. Marion ate supper here while Orville went home to Samys. After supper, evening lamp light, Orville drove back, bringing Gillmore with him only stopping for few minutes when Marion got ready and went with them to Louises where she works. The school teachers Langly & Moore were there also Jack and Annie. Suppose on account of Louise helplessness. Poor Louise. no cards this night. Monday 20 November 1916 A very good day. Voltie drew water for Emma to wash then plowed by finishing up. "over there" then in pm plowed "down there". Emma finished all the white clothes but didn’t hang them out. Tomato soup for dinner. I ate to much to rich with cream. The meals are cooked after the same old style. A phone from Joe W who has arrived from away back, yes Joe and Jackson have returned bringing a bit of venison with them, a whole deer and want Samy to come up �35 with wagon. Gillmore comes and borrows Volties double buggy to go villiage for Jac Jackson and the venison. May be we will be presented wtih a piece, hope so. Received papers from Grace and Bernie Watson. I send one letter to Irene. Emma received a letter from Reginald also one from Sylvia. Voltie in a.m. made 3 or 4 pails of cider to get the pulp. Cards this evening. Tuesday 21st Nov 1916 A bright cold morning. Frozen Quite hard last night, so hard, Voltie cant plow; he makes more cider. Emma is wasting. The sun shines in bright and clear at the windows. Mabel Morgan came and Rachel came also the both staid all night and played cards all evening. Joe sent a big piece of venison and we fried fried [sic] a big lot for supper, played cards this evening I C the women and E & E Wednesday 22nd November 1916 Mabel was the one that subscribed to the Every woman’s world for me. This is my anniversary 83 to day, also Mabels tho I dont know her age, 35 I guess. Mabel walked home after breakfast. R walked home after breakfast. Voltie chored around, played cards this evening Thursday 23rd Nov 1916 A fine morning but rained all pm. Emma sewed on Edith dress (blue) Edith went over to R towards evening and staid all night at R’s. Samy Woodman went to Watertown says he is going to business called till June. Edith says write in your diary this �36 She fed and watered the bull. V is fatting for beef. play cards this evening Friday 24th Nov 1916 A very good day. V plowed to day A terrible wind all day from the S.W. Something from a wrecked boat floating down stream, the river in a boiling rage, wide rolling, mad with froth and foam crested billows. A dance at Arthur Hendersons. Emma goes to dance with Joe Woodman. The wind dont blow so terrible when they start, but tis cold and the roads are rough. Joe said it would be like driving over stone wlk and cobble heads, but they all went. Orville & Mrs Moore didn’t play cards this evening. Emma not here Saturday 25 Nov 1916 A cold frozen morning. V cant plow. E came home at 6 p.m. from Henderson’s dance went immediately to bed and didnt get up till 11 Oclock. Voltie carried in the bees. E & E helped carry them in cellar. Edith goes over twice to feed and water R’s horse. She brought a rooster from R; for our Sunday dinner. V shod Joe Woodmans horses in p.m. Emma done some Saturday work, cleaned floors &c and plucked the fowl. I finished knitting the lace for a pair of pillow cases. V hulled a kettle of corn golden bantam. R fried apples 7 onions and to end the day R, V, E & E sat up till nearly midnight card playing cards while I not knowing any thing about the game, sit back solitary and alone looking on. After card playing done. R cleaned and cut up the fowl and we got off to bed and 1/2 past 12. V hulled another kettle corn, play cards this evening till 2 �37 Sunday 26th November 1916 A clear cold morning ground bare. V after all had to work and pack the butter, our first packing in a 5 gal crock. Rachel washing breakfast dishes and cooking chicken. Edith went over to R to water and feed her hen. Edith Bates talking to Emma by phone to come over. The poor girl is lonesome away over on that isolated point, I think. Emma as usual every Sunday wants to go somwhere but dont go any place but stays home. Edith goes to church and the day passes on. Voltie got a terrible lame back. Monday 27 November 1916 A clear bright windy morning. Wind SW. Voltie yet got a lame back but will work tho E & E help do the barn chores. V went up and hired Joe to help draw gravel. V preparing to build a barn next sumer. Rachel washing dishes after breakfast. Emma sews a little on Edith’s dress. Received a letter from Grace and the Needle craft. Joe came and drew gravel this pm. I wrote a letter to Louise and began a letter to Grace. Card playing this evening as usual. no reading these long evenings no conversation! Old times are changed. The good old evenings gone. I sit back alone while they sit around the table and slap the cards and I hear the laugh and their devilish ribald rable. Meggie JoslinRattray @ home to day from Watertown her mother went for her and the baby �38 Tuesday 28 Nov Weather much warmer this morning. R went home this morning, loaded herself on the bottom bards [sic] of the wagon. Turk goes hopping along by side of wagon. V is going to plow but but [sic] ground froze so hard cant plow. Came home put in the barn, cleaned and put up the stove pipe from the cellar stove. Had quite a difficult putting & connecting it for he has a lame back. They got it up all right at last. rains. No card playing this evening. R gone home and all things settled back to their old accustomed place. Wednesday 29th Nov 1916 A warm day for the season tho it rained. Emma over to R’s all day cleaning hens for market. Orville chopped their heads off. Edith done fine to day. Voltie plowed till the rain sent him home. I sent a letter to Grace. Received a letter from Belle a book and a card. No card playing done this night. Thursday 30th Nov 1916 Arose early. Emma going to Kingston a cloudy morning. V milked & done most of the chores before driving to the dock with Emma and Rachel’s hens for market which leaves Edith and I alone to get the meals and worry out the day. V didnt come home till dinner time, found the dinner all ready, drove to dock again before coming home for evening. Didnt milk the cows this night. Emma brought sugar, tea, rolled oats, yeast cakes, a pail of soda biscuits, Laundry soap, 1 spool 12 white, 1 silkateen, Woodbury soap, wide pink ribbon, 1 yd narrow pink ribbon, some christmas duds, butter, towel, a chamber pail. Edith and I churned. �39 Friday 1st December 1916 A cloudy day. Voltie plows all day always a dull day after Kingston tho Emma mopped up stairs and my bed room. Weather much colder. Edith goes to Rachels twice carrying her milk, butter, oats. Will Niles and Sheridan Maloney here just incidently called here while hunting ducks. They went to Jack N’s to stay all night and play cards. We received a letter from Grace and another bundle of papers from Grace. No card playing but a sociable evening talking and looking at and reading the papers sent by Grace. Saturday 2nd December 1916 We are all well as usual this morning. Voltie gone plowing Emma cleaning floors. Sunday 3rd December 1916 A very fine day. Marion here to dinner and supper. Emma and Marion went to church. Edith went up to visit Loretta and see the baby. In evening V and E went to Flynn’s. Edith and sat up till E and V came home. V went to get natural remedy for his calves. From 17 which he 1 started to grow last spring only 4 remain. �40 Monday 4th December 1916 A very good day. V plowed all day. We didnt wash. we hulled a kettle of kettle of corn. I write a letter & Grace mend vest and overall for Voltie. Old McKay rings for V to come him over the river. Geo Gillespie saying V saying the boat not running in Thursday but going into dry dock for repairs. V ought to go to Kingston. Edith churned and went over to Rachels carrying her milk and buttermilk. Tuesday 5th December 1916 A cloudy morning which, after awhile turns to rain and wind. V plowing down on the Frank place. Old Geo McKay came just before dinner. While Emma was putting the apples in as to boil. Emma talking to Sadie Murray by telephone. Emma finished packing the 5 galon jar of butter. Voltie put shoe on old Ben. V fixing to go to town tomorrow by way of the road, no hog feed, and other business to attend too. V drove over for R and Lurk. Rather cramped for sleeping arraingments [sic]. At last got settled by Emmas sleeping on couch by Libiary. R & E in V’s bed. V and old George up stairs. �41 Wednesday 6 Dec 1916 Wind West and blowing all night. V cant or wont face this bitter wind to the villiage tho he was up very early. Old Geo got a cough, grip cough. V plowing, snowing, a disagreeable day. Sent V’s letter to Nikle Barister Kingston "anent". Frank Woodman’s last note. George McKay went back to Hallidays card playing going on till late. ground covered with snow but all gone in pm. Thursday 7 December 1916 A cloudy chilly morning, wind N.W. cold frost in windows. Voltie plowing. Friday 8 Dec Will Niles and Ed Maloney came over loaded with cartridge bets going hunting. They stopped here. I gave him 10 cts for posting the nuts to Belle. V plowing came home before Will and Ed left for some where. �42 Saturday 9th Dec 1916 Emma cleaned all floors and windows, cooked and baked. Sunday 10 A very good day. Emma goes down to see Maggie. They are expecting Roy home or to Hirams I mean. Marion came up awhile and brought home the book "Poetry and party". Emma comes at dark. Edith is combing her hair for the first time since last Sunday. She combs her hair once a week if she forced to do so. Monday 11 Dec 1916 A very good day for work. V drawing gravel. Geo Mc came to go across river. Ate dinner then went over in Volties skiff. Went to corners for them go brought candy. I gave him the apple Doctor again to day. Mrs N is sick had the Miss Ladd sick and alone. Dr hired girls. Howard Niles here. Roy Rattray here on the island going to Hiram’s McKay staid to supper and went back to Halliday’s. Voltie blames me because Geo dont stay all night. Im not to blame. V done understand. Wish he did. �43 Tuesday 12 Dec 1916 Awoke this morning to find the gorund covered with snow and the family very uncongenial about many subjects of disagreeableness. One about R’s having more butter than she needs paused for her another subject. V cant keep a man or boy around to help him on account of me. When I want Geo to help V but he dont know it, Em dont. Geo here and said so for Emma has to do the work and dont want George around but she dont say it before V. But there is something wrong but dont know what it is. Last night I dreamed of gathering a big pail of Kipo [kopi] bean pods and the dream was beautiful only I stole the beans. I gathered them by the road side where they grew in luxuriant abundance either on each side of the road was covered [?] by by beautiful avenue of trees and where the trees opened was a green grassy road leading into a forrest a great patches of wild strawberries & vines but not berries and the wind did blow and blew the trees down. V & Joe butchered the bull this pm. Joe here to supper and played cards till 10 pm �44 Wednesday 13 Dec 1916 V drives to Dads with hog grist going to Kingston to buy a few Christmas duds and pay up, finish up the F. Woodman farm. E makes 8 prints for market, buttter is 45 cts per lb. Miss Langley here this evening. Thursday 14 Dec 1916 Weather not looking very favourable this morning for a Kingston trip but they go all same. Emma driving to dock and home again after leaving V and aunt R aboard the islander. The snow falling heavy and furious all day and drifting. E & E has a rough and tough time doing all the barn chores which were not few - 16 hogs to feed, 4 horses to feed & water, cows to milk and feed, calves to feed and water, yearlings 7 of them to feed and drisalt stables to be cleaned, mangers to be filled. V phoned from Kingston cant leave on account of storm but on account of Dr Spanky they did leave after dark and crossed to Kingston in a snow storm and pitch darkness. Friday 15 December 1916 Snowing again this morning after breakfast. Voltie drove to dock for hog grist and brought Rachel from Dignums whre she had staid all night after being out in snow storm on the river. I wrote and sent a letter to Grace in which I enclosed $2,00. V banked hog pen and house. I didnt feel very well this morning but better now after a dose of Dadds pills. Rachel brought me a package of Dates, a new dress and ribon for Edith and a pin cushion, also one for Emma. I receive a letter from Grace. The boat had a dark cold rough passage. George Niles came home to day. �45 Saturday 16 Dec 1916 A clear bright cold winter day. Got the cabinet moved in to the house or dining room again after a two month stay out in kitchen or ever since our dance. V drove over to R’s for a load of straw to bank the house. This is a cold winter day, tho the sun is shining and dogs are barking. Voltie paid Rachel $5,75 cts which is the ballance [sic] of his chicken money. The cabinet has been in kitchen since Oct 21. Edith has not combed her hair since last Sunday and by the transaction I reserve a .25 cts which was coming to V in change which I will give Will Ranous for postage. Two of R we chickens feet and legs froze no good, poor things. V wring their heads off when he went to feed and water them. R very nervous going home tomorrow morning. Sunday 17 December 1916 A clear cold day sun shining brilliantly on snow. Rachel went home this morning bag & baggage, Turk and all groceries, oil heater and 40 other duds. After dinner and we are alone. Edith makes no attempt to comb her hair. V, E, E & I are at home & and alone all day till evening when Marion and Howard stop here enroute to Jack’s. Emma went with them didn’t stay long. Didnt stop coming back only Emma came in and then all went to bed. Mrs Jane Niles very sick with grippe. Monday 18 Dec 1916 A very fine day. V brought water for Emma to wash. She wash a few things (white clothes) and hung them on the line. I was sick nearly all night. Ate to much trash yesterday. Voltie working on sheep pen. To pay for what I ate yesterday. �46 I dont eat any thing to day. A Christmas tree and concert in upper school, Miss Glenn teacher. Emma & Edith go with Jacks N’s load. Shell Niles Irvine came to telephone to Dr Buchanan for she is frightened about a mistake she made in giving her another medicine. Dr phoned "It is all right" Tuesday 19 December 1916 A clear bright day. Emma worked over the butter filled R jar and only 4 lbs left for us to carry to market. V working on sheep pen. Emma washed again to day. Voltie shot a big wild duck which Emma dress as clean as any duck could be prepared for the oven. I crocheted on pie tidy tho I’m not very well but better than yesterday. Voltie gone over to R’s a concert practice at the church this evening. E and E went. Returned late all abed when they came. V before going to bed took a bath and shaved. Wednesday 20th Dec 1916 A cloudy morning looks like another storm. I guess I’m better this morning. I ate a piece of toast, a wee piece of cheese and drank a cup of weak tea. sun comes out and shines clear. I write a letter to Grace. Emma washing. Edith goes over to R’s carrying milk and stuff. A rehearsal at church this evening. Churned worked butter for market dressed 15 fowl for market. V drove over for R, she came and helped all day. A letter from Watson, Nelly Brooks, Sylve and Alice Higgins. I write & send another letter to Grace. �47 Friday 22 December 1916 A very fine day. Snow quite deep every where. Received a letter from Grace saying she is sick yesterday. I sent Grace a letter yesterday and another to day by Emma to be mailed in Kingston. V drove to dock with Emma 15 fowl, 13 lbs butter 45 for butter, 15 cts for the chickens. I write Watson a letter, begins to look like a storm. V drove to dock with E & her marketing and drove again pm boat leaving Kingston at 3 Oclock. Emma got a bad cold. Hope it is not Grippe. Friday 22 December 1916 A very stormy day for snow. Edith raising D-l with Rachel all the time and whiting up the butter pound pound pound pat pat pat. V working in shop all day. Emma sick in bed. I think she would be crazzy [sic] with noise. The mail came down about 4 pm. A box from Belle for me a beautiful generous Christmas gift. Also a box from my dear Grace with gifts from ReginaldGrace and the other children. I wish I could give them a hundred dollars. Saturday 23rd December 1916 Emma didn’t clean floors but done most every thing else. Rachel went home with Rachel. The house is very quiet and still no noise. The house is very quiet and Voltie said if the river still he is going to cross the river tomorrow for kerosine. �48 Sunday 24 December 1916 A very fine day. Jack N went for the doctor for his mother. V went across on his skiff went to hens got 9 gallons of kerosine, got a tow back with Jack behind Jacks motor. V went to Geo N and hired Will Niles to help him butcher and draw hay. Emma put the Christmas things in the boxes for Grace, Maud, Eveline, Irene King. Evening Monday Christmas day 25 Dec 1916 A very good day snow deep and drifted every where. V carried all the Xmas boxes in the mail box then drove for Rachel carrying her a bag of oats for her hens. Rachel and Edith came home too with Rachel. A very fine dinner. Emma cleaned the floors and made everything shine. V and Emma went to Joslins. V carried Al a peck of apples. They staid till midnight. I went to bed. Rach set up she talked so much I couldnt sleep. Wellie sent me a book. Tuesday 26 December 1916 Will N came this morning. R wont horn talking. Edith home with her again. V butchered the old porker with the help of Will N and Joe Woodman. Joe here to dinner. When writing in this my diary I feel inclined to write all the principal events. So here goes. Will Niles brought over whiskey and our three butchers got drunk. They were from 11 Oclock am till 9 pm butchering one hog. V cut one of the intestine when taking out the innards which besmerched the gut lard so much that it was all roasted and the whole contents thrown away from a big 450 lb porker. Joe was so drunk that �49 led him in to the house and Emma led him to bed where he lay till nearly midnight. After supper and Will and V got sobered up they went up to Joe’s barn and done Joe’s chores by stabling 19 head cattle and the horses. Oh Emma and I had a fine time waiting for those "critters". We live to near the corners away. Joe staid all night. I’ll always remember this against Will Niles and his old whiskey bottles had made home. Wednesday 27 December 1916 Roads very bad. Bob Smiths funeral to day. V didn’t go nothing done to day only the meals. V & Will cut up the pork and beef and barreled it. I wrote a long letter to Nellie Brooks. no mail to day nor will there be any tomorrow. Thaws and rains and freezes. The family retire early. Thursday 28th December 1916 V went to school meeting. I finish Nelly letter and he drops it in the mail box on his way to school meeting, which makes 4 letters in the mail box together with all those boxes and bundles. V and Will draw hay and work on the sheep barn. Will drove over from here to Rachels for Edith for Emma is sick again with a cold but she is "hors de Combat" We bake bread, got meals, wash dishes and separators, churn and etc. I finish pie doily. V, Will, E & E played cards all evening. �50 Friday 29 Dec 1916 A clear bright cold morning. It makes every one step high, light and wide step up and step around. Emma much better. Fact is she is all right. heavy frost on window this morning. The mail came to day for first in a week. Saturday Dec 30 1916 A very nice day, the river froze over this morning but the wind blew from the east and broke it open from here to Lindas Isl. Wall came home he was Ice bound, he went over last night to get medicine for his mother. Will N went to Mcfaddens to Rachels hen feed she bought from Rube. Emma mop the floors clear though. W & V work on his sheep pen got it nearly done but one end. Well this is Emma’s writing. So it saves me the trouble of writing the events of this day more than to say I patched a petticoat for Edith and knit a few points on the lace V and Wells and E and E played cards then V popped corn. I guess the cider is getting tremendously good. Sunday 31st Dec 1916 The last day of the month, the last day of the year. The first day of the week so it is called. sun bright day. snowed little in morning no church service to day. I employed my time writing to Charlotte Gibson a 11 page letter. no visitors no callers no one went from here. �51 Monday 1st January 1917 Not so very cold. no frost on windows. This is first day of the week, first day of the year, first day of the month. I wrote and sent a letter to Grace also to Charlotte Gibson. Emma sent a letter to Sylvia. V and W finish the sheep barn and V went down to the Frank place for the sheep (27 of them) and put them in the new sheep barn, going to churn and we are cooking meat and hogs head for mince meat or head cheese, in the big aggate [sic] kettle on the kitchen stove. Snows again. Emma made rolled jelly cake and cookies for dinner. Emma made head cheese. Will N drove over to Rs carrying for straw for beding and straw. Card playing going on this eve and noisy. Oh! Tuesday 2nd January 1917 Cloudy and warm 30 deg above zero; bare spots showing through the snow in pastures and meadow. Voltie phoned central to learn how the crossing is to Kingston. The boat is going to try and cross if she can get through the ice. V intended butchering 8 pigs and take them to Kingston market. Then he phoned to F Briceland but he not at home. Then he phoned George Woodman to enquire about getting sand and and pine roots for kindling but Geo not at home. So he puts shoes on Old Ben. Work in house goes slow. Emma baking bread, made prints. A bee at school house moving the closets. V sent Will milling corn to day and cooking beef for mince pies. Played cards. �52 Wednesday 3rd January 1919 A snowy day. No going to Kingston. Ferry cant run. School began again to day. V and Will fixing hog pens for broad sows. Rachels mail was left in our box. A letter from Nina Garlo and Ethel Dixon Johndron. I write and send a letter to Maud, a letter from Belle to Voltie sending a New year present which will come by mail tomorrow. Play cards this evening; noisy as ever. Ethel Johndron Johndro Thursday 4 January 1917 A mild day, tho somewhat cloudy after breakfast. Will N shouldered himself and went across the river. He is going to corners. I’m marching out to see if he brings Whisk. Wallace came down and staid a while and now he is out to the shop with Voltie. Emma is getting dinner. Edith churning. Emma made out 8 more lbs butter which makes 20 lbs beside the churning to day. Edith went over to R’s carrying apples, hulled corn, head cheese, and fried cakes and her letters from Nina and Ethel. Ethel in her letter to R sent me a handkerchief. NilesWilliam came here quite early from the corners, brought Edith candy, coffee, tea, tobaco. I wrote a long letter to Eveline. Card playing again this evening. Friday 5 January 1917 Rains nearly all day, slush and snow. I write and send a letter to Eveline. V shoes a horse for Joe, and Joe stays to dinner. men (V & W) out working all day in shop, pig pens and barn. Wallace here. Our mail Belle sent V a comical Christmas present, a receptical for tobaco made from a coconut shell within the outer �53 husk fashioned like an Australian native face which caused uprorious [sic] merriment. William Niles went to his uncle Johns for an evening visit. We had a very pleasant evening at home with the litterature which Grace sent from Watertown and some card playing going on. Friday 6th January 1917 A fine day, clear bright and much colder. Canned "Tallman sweets" made mince meat. Emma made cake and done set work. Edith separated the milk & washed breakfast dishes along towards noon, and talked talked talked talked same as usual. After supper Will N goes to visit Wallace N, and stays all night. We sit up as late as the usual hour. Mail, we received a package of papers from Reginald. Some of them (The New York papers are very sensational. Hendersons bill and Rerds bill for rockers and a national service card. Saturday 7th January 1917 Weather very good. V sent Niles up to Geo Woodmans for pine roots while he works around at every thing at shop and barn. Emma cleaned floors all right and canned the apples partly fixed the nine used didnt work once the butt it. Will N went up to say all night with Wall Niles. �54 Sunday 8 January 1917 A half cloudy wind south, river rough and rolling and dark. A new litter of pigs at the barn from 9 only 5 living. Will N & Wallace N called here enroute to George N. Edith getting dinner while Emma is on the rampage visiting Lizzy Woodman. Went down with Jen in cutter came back with Joe in time to get supper. Will came home to supper. Voltie came in saying new pigs at the barn then hustle to separate the sows, move an old stove into the pen. 9 pigs but in spite of percaution [sic] 5 died only saved 4. V up late looking after pigs. Edith birthday she is fifteen years old to day. Monday 9th January 1917 A soft day. V big help of Will N, John Niles Jr, Joe Woodman butchered and dressed 8 pigs for market. All the helpers here to dinner. But dont know how V will get the pork to market. Boat jammed in the ice in Kingston harbor, ice 16 feet deep. If North wind should blow ice may move out. V drove over to R’s brought her and Turk for she has no coal only a two kettles full. Will N went to Georg, W’s with Wallace. Came back early, played cards till late. more pigs at the pen 10. R didnt play. V sat up nearly all night with the new pigs. Tuesday 10 January 1917 A dark cloudy rainy day. R went home early this morn after breakfast taking Edith with her. Edith didnt want to go and I couldnt blame her. V and W draw hay from the lower barn through the rain. Such a load to dishes to wash this pm, crockery, glass, cutting spoons, pots, pans, jars, kettles, frying pans, basins and 10 other knives. �55 V shaved bathed. He thinks he will go to town tomorrow with pork on the boat. Boat moved out from the harbor today enroute for the Village. Wednesday 10 January 1917 Arose early. V got started at 6 am 80 pkg which he sold for 16 1/2 cts per lb. 808 lbs received $130,65 cts. A very stormy day and cold. Voltie had to drive to the Greenwood dock where the boat was lying at the dock on account of ice. Will out nearly all day doing chores and looking after every thing, building fires to keep the little pigs warm. He walked over to Rachels through the storm to find her and Edith hovering over the stove. V came home at 8 pm. Thursday January 11 A very cold day. 10 degrees below zero. Voltie filing saw in kitchen. Will drove over and moved Rachel over here bed beam and all. Votlie drove over and brought all her hens. Clear cold and bright. Edith and Emma fixed up the bed room up stairs by the stove pipe for Rachel. Emma made a good yumy cake for supper. One pig died now 13 left. River frozen clear across last night. �56 Friday 12 Jan 1917 A very fine day. Draw hay from lower barn drew up the hickory tree limbs made a load by itself. Saturday 13 Jan 1917 A cloudy blustering day. Emma cleaned floors as usual. Every thing clean and bright but Emma cut nearly all Edith’s hair from her head. Cut 2/3 of it any way right from the back, her beautiful hair all snarled and matted so badly that no comb could penetrate that maze, jungle. the fibiers [sic] of her hair are so matted and interwoven because she to lazy to comb her hair. Miss Glenn and Edith Bates here. V gave them 1/2 bushel of apples. Played cards this evening. Sunday 14 January 1917 A cold blustering day of drifting snow; sun brightly shining. Electricity is every where in the domestic atmosphere this morning. There will soon be a terrific explosion which is already at hand. One born thrown and burst! War in Europe no comparison. No one killed, no one wounded only a display of nasty; mean vulgar temper. The conflagation rapidly spreads till every member of the the family is in to the war. O Well! "Remember the sabath] day and keep it Holy". Joe here to dinner and supper and stay all night �57 Monday 15 January 1917 Domestic atmosphere clear or nearly so. The same low rumbling and snarling occasionaly at intervals. Edith made her beginning to attend school this morning getting a drive up with Jack Niles when he drives to school with teacher. Joe helping V for his board and his dog boards too. Fido, the little black beast Tuesday 16 January 1917 A very fine day. V brought water from river for Emma to wash cold to hang them on the line. I write a long letter to Grace. Edith gone to school rode in sleigh with Jack N and Miss Langley. In evening V and Joe and Emma went to Flynns for an evening visit walked up on the ice found George & Inez W there. George N & Louise visiting at at Jacks. Wednesday 17 January 1917 A cold day, Wind and snow, which combined creates a terrific storm. How ever Edith wallowed herself through the drifts to the consession to meet Jack’s sleigh enroute to the school house. Not much doing inside this day just cooking and dishwashing. Emma cant finnish [sic] washing, cooking bean again. Edith went school without breakfast. Joe and Voltie breaking colts to drive double. VoltieJoe & Em went to Flynns for an evening visit. Found George and Inez there. George and Louise drove in cutter to Jacks. No mail carrier today. We get no mail. �58 Thursday 18 January 1917 Snow very deep every where tho the sun is brightly shining. Emma didnt finnish washing. Joe and Voltie moved the and done chores. Edith went to school with Jack Niles. I did not do much of any thing. Rachel helped cook and read Friday 19 January 1917 A clear cold bright day. Emma washed a few things. Edith went to school with Jack Niles. All abed but me. The mail brought us 4 letters for Rachel, 3 for me, one for Emma from Clyde. My letters were from Maude, Grace & and Irene King. The calculations now are to go to Kingston tomorrow. Saturday 20 January 1917 Arose early to go to Kingston. Didnt go weather not favorable, roads heavy and the weather has all the appearance of a storm, very cloudy and looks like a thaw. Didn’t thaw but froze harder than ever. A hard tough winter so far. The warmth of the fires are very comforting these days when I can sit back of the cook stove with feet on back of fender. Card playing this evening. Aunt R goes to bed quite early. V and Joe dont do much more than chore and eat their regular meals. Aunt Rachel made three mince pies and three loaves of bread and a tine of ("riz") biscuits. �59 Sunday 21 January 1917 A very cold day. No let up on frosty weather. Joe here to breakfast. Been here a week now. I today sit behind the stove as usual and either read or write. Every thing very pleasant till evening then Turk interferes by way of foolish argument which causes great clash of tongues on the female side. Joe went home after breakfast taking Fido with him and has not returned to day. Guess he has gone courting over to D. Hallidays to see his sweetheart his conven Bess but he didnt go after all; only went to Sams. Monday 22 January 1917 As cold as ever and snowing. Howard stopped here on his way to school. Emma gave him a big red apple for his dinner. Emma watched out for Jack and Langley. Howard and Edith rode to school with Jack preparing for Kingston tomorrow. Voltie & Emma going. Emma baked cakes, cookies, fried cakes &c. Played cards this evening. The old habit is strong. Voltie and Emma, Joe and Edith ti he haw hard all the time. I wrote to Irene, croched [sic] two points, a star light evening. no mail today I send my letter to Irene by Emma. Tuesday 23rd January 1915 They arise early going to Kingston surely this day. All drive up on the ice. Voltie, Jack N & Ed Kaslar. Joe doing chores all day with no difficulty but found the ice thin in some places. Our butter now the best. Only .40 cts lb �60 Wednesday 24 V went to Clayton. Joe went with him. Thursday 25 Will Niles here Thursday and brought V stone boat frame. Wants to bring Ada here. Friday 26th The road must be very bad and Will Ranous must have found them so for he drove clear through to day. Emma walked through the snow for the mail; got her arms full of mail. �61 Saturday 27 A cold bad day. V after doing chores drove to Clayton for coal. Came about 3 pm nearly froze. He got thawed out after awhile. Joe dont feel very able after last nights dance at Busters but sits up and plays cards. Joe didn’t come till nearly dinner time, just in time to get his dinner and dinner for his little black cur. Of course Edith at home causes a war of words. I often wish V could be present unseen at those battles, but No. Sunday 28th Jan 1917 A cold day. Done nothing but cook eat and wash dishes all day. V brought a dish of apples from the cellar cracked hickory nuts, popped corn. Joe here to breakfast and dinner. Henry Halliday came at sunset and Joe cleared out suddently. A small Sunday lunchon �62 Monday 29 January 1917 Weather changed to warmer and thawing and raining dismal dreary day outside, lots of noise inside almost enough to make ones hair stand straigt [sic] up. V drew one load of sand from Sand Bay in fore noon. pm proving rainy staid home. Joe not here to day but his dog here to be fed. Old half starved Fido, mean black little cur. We feed the ravenous little beast because one dont like to know he is suffering with hunger. Edith as usual went to school to day. Played cards in evening. No mail to day for us. Tuesday 30 January 1917 A fine morning, sun shining brightly. Edith bundled up for school watching out for Jack N and Langley. Weather very moderate. Rachel washing breakfast dishes. Ed Kasler here getting his horses shoes set. Emma and R picking over beans for dinner. Wednesday 31 January 1917 Rather a mild day not to comfortable for weather. We were surprised and pleased to see Ray & Irene drive in here for a visit and the dear little Flora. �63 Thursday 2nd February 1917 Snows a little cloudy and sunlight some. After dinner Ray, Irene & Little Flora departed in cutter rig for Doras Hallidays. Henry quit. V dont do much more than visit with Ray. Friday 2nd February 1917 A clear cold bright day. Voltie drawing sand from Sand Bay accompanied by Henry & Joe. Ed gone to school. Howard stopped for Edith, sent Edith to cellar for apple for Howard dinner. 15 below zero this morning. Froze for first itme this winter. After dinner Roy and Irene and baby Flora drove over to Dicks and Doras. Voltie drew 3 loads of sand from Maloneys. Saturday 3rd February 1917 Wind West and extremely cold. The coldest so far this winter. Voltie drawing sand from Maloneys shore across the river. Drew three loads of sand, came a blow at 3 pm so didnt draw any more. Telephone cental line out of order. When want to phone to Irene while at Doras. So cold we keep all the dogs in the dining room by the coal stove including Woodmans half starved Fido after he is stuffed with Johny cake. �64 Sunday 4th February 1917 This is mid Winter, weather changed since yesterday. 10 above zero. Temperature in house changed in house too. A sanguinary battle fought of words and the most elegant and eloquent of language employed to express the over charded temper. Realy I’m disgusted to write the female tongues. Henry went to Hallidays. Rode over with Joe. Will Niles came over visiting, staid all night, ate supper and breakfast. Miss Langley here in evening. We expected Ray & Irene to return from Hallidays but they didnt come. Will Niles here staying all night. Monday 5th Feb 1917 Not a very bad day. Telephone once more in repair. Phoned to Hallidays inquiring for Irene and Ray. Ray gone to Kingston with Dick H. Joe came but didnt stay. Will Niles went across with Voltie when he went for sand. Ray & Irene drove here about 1/2 pasat 8 pm: cold. They had had supper at George Woodmans. Tuesday 6 Feb 1917 Not very bad day. V drew hay & straw from the lower barn. Ray and Irene started home about half past ten am. Will N and Ed Maloney drove here with single rig. Will went up to see his aunt Jane who is very sick. They drove here again staid to supper and till bed time. Maloney talking politics, religion, war, murderers, government affairs and now they are gone home. Will brought over some pop corn. V drew two loads sand. �65 Wednesday 7 February 1917 I guess this pen is worn out. Another nasty day. Will Woodman here to get horse shoeing done. Will Woodman here to dinner, talking War and Canadian politics. No sand to day and only 13 loads all told. Our pump out of business since Tuesday morning. Edith at school Thursday 8 February Nasty day. Wind South. No one here except Joe W; he came to bring R’s hen feed, oats that she bought off Will H Woodman. Friday 9th February 1917 Friday 9th February 1917 A blustering snow day. The wind gathers up the snow and drives it swirling through the air. no mail to day for the roads are drifted. V has to chop open water holes for water for every purpose to water horses, cattle, hens, sheep, hogs, and for the house. Joe here helping Voltie. V phoned to Johny OBrien to go to McFarlands for hog feed while [Johny OBrien|[John]] is in town tomorrow. John could get only 200 lbs. Great talk of going to Depauville to a masquerade next Friday and a dance here a week from tomorrow night. I dont mind the Masquerade but the dance out. Joe here to dinner. Joe went to Bob Busks to a dance. Henry phoned that he is there. �66 Saturday 10 February A suffering cold day. No let up to cold and snow. Joe here helped fix the pump, ate dinner here. The pump out of order since last Tuesday. V dont now have to draw barrels and cans of water from the river to water all the stock. played cards. V popped some of the corn W.N brought over. played cards this evening. Joe & V put in hay. Sunday 11 February 1917 A clear bright very cold day. 12 deg below zero. Joe Woodman here to chore. Will Niles drove in here didn’t stay long acted kind pouty about something, dont know what, nor dont care Monday 12 Feb 1917 This is a very cold day. Ray King and his man Kesler stopped here enroute for Dick Hallidays and Kingston for the new horses he bought last week. They coal collars more trimed one with white frost and they had cold noses, toses, feet and fingers. The result of their calling was a package of selected pieces of print for a quilt June had sent me. Edith gone to school. Tuesday 13 February 1917 A terrible stormy day. Wind and snow. Ray K and his man returned with the beautiful matched team. Just called for a few minutes to warm. Storm raging all day cold dreary nasty weather. �67 Wednesday 14 February 1917 A very fine day. not so cold, weather much warmer. V received a call at the phone if he wants pig feed to come for it. Leon McFarland, he drives to Kingston this day on ice to get feed before it is all gone. 1000 lbs shorts. Edith gone to school. Two Maloneys drove here inquiring for Voltie. Next came Will Niles for tools to fix their pump. Emma walked nearly to Horns then Horn met her after Liz took her silk skirt dress to mak. V came early. Joe helped chore supper and stayed all night. Thursday 15 Feb 1917 A clear cold day. Voltie drawing straw alone no one to help him. Joe went home after breakfast. No! over to Sams to help Sam fill his ice house. Our dogs bark, bark, bark. Fido staid in house last night and slept in my rocker. Edith gone to school, walked, heard Mary is no better. Emma mopped dining floor. Frank Briceland drove in here for his dinner after V helped him load Joe Woodmans cow in his cow cage. Friday 16 February 1917 A midling cold day. Voltie drew 3 loads of sand across the ice. Storming hard, snow flying cant see across the river. The storm cleared at sun set and V went to Maloneys party. �68 Saturday 17th February 1917 Our dancers came home at Daylight. Emma took of her silk attire and went to bed. on V’s bed: I said E ought to have gone up stairs to her own bed. Then JD made a mistake which I’ll never forget. Himself done the chores at the barn then took a short nap. Rachel working around washing breakfast dishes Nearly 2 Oclock and Emma not out of bed. Joe Woodman here to dinner & went to sleep at dinner table. Jay Reasoner in Watertown hospital. Not expected to live - appendicitis. Edith done her washing sun shining very brightly after noon. V drew one load of sand in p.m. Sunday 18 February 1917 A very fine day for sun light but cold. A small ruction in the morn very early in which aunt R tried to have a fist in the business but as she was not down stairs she could only yell from her bed room down through the stove pipe hole. Heard by the phone that Jay Reasoner died last night at eleven Oclock in hospital Watertown. We were much surprised and delighted to see Muriel come in. I at first didnt know her, she brought me a picture of her house, grounds and building. A picture which I realy appreciate she told me about Johny. She staid till 3 pm. Heard by phone that poor dear Mary is very low. �69 Monday 19th February 1917 As cold as usual. Voltie drew two loads of sand this a.m. We were surprised by an unexpected visitor to dinner Will Cornwall who had not been here in many years. He swears and had been drinking too. Jim Kelsar drew V a load of sand which 22 loads. Henry came back from Doras to day. Edith walked to school this morning. Will Ranous brought the mail to the house. He drove down on the ice. Tuesday 20th February 1917 A very fine day Edith at school. Will Niles and Tom Maloney here awhile. Voltie drew sand 3 loads which makes 27 loads. Wednesday 21st Feb 1917 A very fine Day. We were just thinking about having no one here to dinner when Lo & Behold Will drove in here said he came for R. to say visiting. Will drove to school for Edith and brought Miss Langley too to Niles door. �70 Thursday 22nd February 1917 A very fine day sun shines out clear and very brightly. Will went home taking R with him. Edith went to school. Will had not been gone long before Lib and Dolisan came so we had some one to dinner altogether. Friday 23rd February 1917 A very stormy day but not too severely cold. Edith gone to school. Voltie fixing harness in the dining room making horse straps. Wind blowing and drifting all day. 5 feet of snow on and around the pump. Only ourselves at home all day. Received letter from Grace wherein she tells me of cold weather and the scarcity of coal. Saturday 24th of February 1917 A cold morning. Wind N.W. Samy & Joe here. Samy home from Watertown business school going to stay home. V gone over to Sam Woodman for his old pig. Samy staid to dinner. �71 Sunday 25th February 1917 A beautiful day. Sun so clear and bright shining. No one here till p.m. when Will Niles drove in here accompanied by Ambrose. William is considerably intoxicated. I am sorry but with him it is an old and long acquired habit. Poor old Will his heart is all right, and generous, but when he is about "half seas over" he knows he’s a gentleman genel-man [sic] Monday 26 Feruary 1917 A dismal morning cloudy and thawing and raining. Voltie will not draw sand this day. This morning V found 4 new lambs at the barn. I send letter and a bundle of papers to post box by Edith, she wearing rubber boots lettter for Grace, bundle papers for Watson. Bert Ranous drove down on the ice and brought our mail to the door. Edith went to the road for my letter and bundle but to late for Ranous Tuesday February 27th 1917 A cloudy morning, dismal and cheerless at same time it looks like clearing up. Spring will soon be peeking around the corner but not an egg so far nor a sign of any. Joe came to help V cut saw the pines. The river spotted after yesterday soft weather, froze last night but not me. Cold. Joe and Will Niles helping V fall the pines. The dear old pines are going to help build a barn. Voltie borrows Sam Woodmans sleigh to draw the logs to Clayton and goes for it to draw the pine logs to Clayton. Joe, Voltie & Will load the logs for Clayton before supper. �72 Wednesday 28 & last of Feb 1917 A very fine day. V and W.N. drew or went to Clayton with saw logs one load came home to dinner then went again to Clayton with logs. Joe helped load up. One lamb died, starved. Emma mopped floors every thing nice warm and cozy. Emma baked beans after Ed picked them over. Ranous drove the road this day. Thursday 1st March 1917 Another beautiful day. Voltie rose early and drove to Sams to return the borrowed sleigh. Will Niles brought a can of water from the river for the purpose of washing but dont know when the washing will be done. Work drags so. Emma partly done washing. Charley Gillespie drew four loads of sand from Sand bay and here to dinner & Will Niles also V drove over to S.W.’s again �73 Saturday 3rd March 1917 Will N went home and to the horse races accompanied by Wallace, Joe too went. V done Joe’s chores. Emma cleaned for Saturday, made pies, dusted every thing. Thaw to day. V cleaned out the nests for the hens to lay eggs. 1 egg to day. Sunday 4 March 1917 A misserable [sic] cold day no one here except Will Niles drove in here in cutter accompanied by Wallace. Will N very much intoxicated so didn’t come in house, read most all day. V out looking after stock. One sheep got three lambs. I said no one here but Sammy Woodman and Sheridan here in house a few minutes wanting a rope for their ice boat. didnt sit down, one lamb of the tripplets [sic] died. Monday 5 March 1917 A terrible cold storm of wind and snow blowing and drifting. Joe & Samy came down and helped Voltie do the barn chores and staid to dinner. Fido too. The telephone rang and V answered. Reggie phoned that his father died yesterday (Sunday) at 10 am. The funeral to be held in Kingston tomorrow at 2 Oclock p.m. Shocking and unexpected it came so suddenly but after all tis better poor Bob. I wrote Rachel and Edith Johnson. �74 Tuesday 6 March 1917 A clear bright cold day after the very stormy day of yesterday. Voltie gone to Kingston. Went up with Wallace N and terribly to write that they have gone to poor dear Bob’s funeral. V done most of the chores before he went. Samy came down and watered the horses. Edith fed the bull calf. E & E & I are alone. I am so sorry. I cant think much of working. The winter stays yet.The longest continued cold weather ever rememer having lived through. We had bean soup and a good cup of black tea with sugar, milk & soda biscuits and butter. Emma picking over beans for supper. V came home just at dark didn’t to Bobs funeral, arrived in Kingston to late instead he went to Dr Campbell. Wednesday 7 March 1917 A clear bright day. Voltie gone to lawn for timber and lumber. George Woodman and Jack Niles also, they drew three loads of timber and lumber for V barn their three dinner cost V $3,50. Received a letter from Grace. Will Niles arose in here and done Volties chores. Joe and Sam helped unload the lumber so there was 6 of them busy for awhile. Joe drew his cutter home. Kenneth Morgan started for school yesterday morning but instead going to school turned the other way and walked to Kingston without any of his people knowing his whereabouts and was not missed till the children came from school, then they rang up every one all over the foot in search of him but the result was no one had seen or heard from him, any way he fetched himself up at Lizzies �75 about 3 pm having walked every step of the way and nothing to eat since breakfast. I think it was a long walk for a 8 1/2 year old yonker with short legs. Thursday 8 March 1917 A cloudy not very cold day. Voltie started for Kingston at 7 1/2 Oclock am together with George Woodman, Joe Woodman and John OBrien, all going to draw material for building V’s barn. Will Niles came over quite early. Delavson & Frank drove in here to just make us a little visit. They staid till V came home; have not seen Frank Bamford before in many years. Friday 9th March 1917 Another cloudy morning not very cold. V preparing to go to Kingston again this morn. Voltie brought in a lamb came yesterday which needs nursing. I think the lamb will die and it died witch [sic] is three. Voltie came home early. Will brought in an egg, the first this year. V is much better. The afternoon very bright and warm. Voltie said he wouldnt go again to Kingston till Monday V had a bowl of bread and milk in Kingston for his dinner. Emma cleaned and pollished [sic] all the mekle on the stove �76 Saturday 10 March 1917 Froze again last night. Windows covered with frost. V had the new egg for his breakfast about 9 Oclock. Voltie concluded he would go to Kingston again to day for a load of shingles. he went after Will drove over to Sams for Volties straight sleigh talking Sams bob sleigh with him. Edith out this pm playing with shep [sic] and the sled. Emma mopped floors and made pies. I wrote a letter to Grace. A very fine day sun shining clear all day till towards night when it began to cloud. Samy made us a little visit with his loud hearty laugh and wishing there could be a dance somewhere Sunday 11 March 1917 A nasty dark rainy day. two more dead lambs. Will N went home after breakfast came back about 3 pm all dressed up. drove over and asked Emma to go for a drive. He was very much intoxicated. Emma I think would have have been quite willing to go if nothing had been said against it. W.N. drove off up the Island. Emma and Edith walked up to J.N’s for milk; walked back. Miss Langley came back with them and staid till bed time. Then Emma went nearly home with her carrying a lantern I �77 Monday 12 March 1917 I dont think I keep my diary in very good order for I can scarcely read some of my own writing. Therefore I believe no one else can. A bright very bright day. Snow dazzlingly white. Will N came early while we were at breakfast. The old cows didnt come last night but staid over around R’s old straw stack. Edith gone over there to drive them home. W.N. gone up on Morgans point for a load of gravel. V making a pigs trough. The sows tear them in pieces. Emma is getting dinner. Edie washed my feet too. Geo McDonald phoned to inquire if he should draw Voltie a load of shingles from Allens mills Kingston. V said yes. Edith went over and drove the cows home: John and Sadie Murray here this evening till 10 pm. V and W drew hay from lower Barn. V phoned to John OB for his bobs, said yes, forgot to W.N & J.D. sawed down pine tree. Tuesday 13 March 1917 Another brililant day. Wm went early to OB for bob sleighs then loaded log on sleigh and are gone to Clayton. V says he is better, I hope he is. I sent a letter to bell this morning by V. Edith gone to school. Emma and I are alone for a little while any way except cats and dogs. Turk and Shep keep their thundering barking gong on all the time. Emma baking johny cake for dog cake. Emma mopping. V in the evening drove to Flynns for milk. Will N put on over coat and went off somewhere for the evening. We were just going to bed. John unexpectedly came which was a great and happy surprise couldnt get sawing done in Clayton so brought the logs home again �78 Wednesday 14 March 1917 John came last night at 11 pm. A cloudy morning; froze last night but soon thaws. Voltie arose very early before day light ate a little breakfast and was off for Kingston before I was up. driving up the ice with the logs to be sawed. Will N came last night at 12 midnight had been across the river. He staid till after breakfast and nearly noon when he picked up and went home. V came home at 5 pm. bringing his lumber. Had been to see the Doctor and got more medicine. John went over to R place and drove home the cows then drove to OBriens with J.OB’s bobs. I received two letters. Grace & Belle. Edith went to school. two eggs this 14th March. Thursday 15 March 1917 A mild day; froze last night. This is butchering day, V has the help of John and Joe. V is much better. Srs! and Samy too is here with his long over coat on. Edith is home to day paring apples for our dinner sauce. Friday 16 March 1917 A very good day. Voltie goes to Kingston with pig pork, 19 cts per lb weighed 476 brought home a lot of things but didnt pay his taxes Saturday 17 March 1917 A Saturday bad day blows rains. John and V between showers draw three loads of gravel which make only 4 loads. �79 Sunday 18 March 1915 Weather bitter cold for march miserable March weather. Edith take a trip to Geo Niles finds no one at home goes to Kehoes. V drives over to Vans for oil. Emma goes along not gone a long time. Gave Van 20 dollars for old Al Percy for an old second horse harness & brought home 12 gallons Kerosine. Then V and Edith drives to Flynns Monday 19 March 1917 A cold half cloudy morning wind S.W. John and V draw 4 loads of hay from lower stack. Joe came to help saw down the pine trees, but as J.D. & J.D. were busy drawing hay didnt go sawing. Tuesday 20 19 March 1917 A cloudy snowy morning. Another lamb dies in the house last night which makes 6 dead lambs from 24, so there is 18 lambs remaining. Joe here reading V’s new farm book. Emma baking bread. Voltie filing Will W’s saw. John repairing chairs. After dinner John and Joe sawed the pines. Joe here to dinner and supper. Card playing this evening. �80 Wednesday 21 March 1917 Sun crosses the equater [sic] on his home ward journey to us North and Spring begins to day. Sun shining bright and clear. Edith to school. Voltie & John drawing hay from the lower barn. I send to letters one to a cement co and another to a paint company both Montreal. V and John brought or drew gravel and there are now 7 loads of gravel. There are 21 lambs now at the barn. 4 eggs. Hannah gave V 2 gallon milk. A letter from Belle, one from Isabel. Thursday 22nd March 1917 Clear bright chilly. Froze last night. Edith gone to school. John and Voltie drawing gravel from Mabels. The fire in stove dont seem to burn very clearly. Employed the pm in sorting old papers and scraps; old letters &c. Some we saved some we burnt, read a few of those old letters, some makes me sad, those old letters of long ago. They are gone those dear friend and I’ll never see them again on Earth. Oh why, why is it so! Oh where and what is the mistery [sic] the great mystery, and even the dear one that yet remains that have not traveled to their journeys end, (life journey) how seldom I seem them. I have my dear Voltie, and my dear Johny is here now; in a little while and he too will be gone. I miss Belle, Grace and my dear Wellie, dear good son whom I have not seen in three years. Will comes to see us some time. my dear brother Will. Some day the mist and clouds will have rolled away. 7 loads of gravel to day which makes 14. Wallace went away this night came to say good bye. Poor dear Jane how sorrowful for her to see him go �81 Friday 23rd March 1917 Froze last night. Sun shining but chilly. Voltie and Johny drawing gravel. Edith gone to to school. 22 lambs now at the barn. Saturday 24th March 1917 A bright day froze last night but sun soon thaws the freeze and snow rappidly disapearing. There are now 24 lambs at the barn. There has been 30 lambs, one sheep that had 3 lambs lost them all Sunday 25 March 1917 A bright warm day. Emma and Miss Langley walked over to Abjina McDolalds. If they get wet feet, I’m not to blame, which I think they will for how can they avoid doing so. They returned at at sun set accompanied by Eddie. Edith got dinner and supper which was not much. I wrote to Grace. John comes in saying there is another calf at the barn which makes two now, eight eggs to day from a hundred and twenty hens. �82 Monday 26th March 1917 A very fine day snow nearly all disapeared. John tapped trees; sap dont run very well. I sent Grace a letter received one from Rachel also one from Ethel Johnson, ice is poor great hold in ice by Carlton Island, heard that 7 teams broke through the ice last Friday between the villiage & city. V said another new calf at the barn which makes three. Tuesday 27 March 1917 A cloudy morning looks like rain & does rain. Ed McDonald here early to borrow a paint brush. Geo Rattray phoned for 1/2 gallon paint oil. both requests satisfied. Emma washing in kitchen. Edith washed breakfast dishes. V & J working in shop. John phoned to Mr GrantCape Vincent about going to work for Grant 2nd April. beginning to snow ground while in few minutes. Wednesday 28 March 1917 Cloudy, squaly [sic], rain, wind snow hail, a typical March day beside mid march every where. V & J working in shop and picking up arranging and straightening every thing as far as they can for spring work. Miss Langley to dinner and supper in evening. E, E, and E went to Geo Niles came back at 10 Edith got dinner. Emma abed all a.m. A letter from Alice Higgins. No other letters �83 Thursday 29th March 1917 A cloudy morning ground covered with snow. V arose early to draw hay while snow lasts, but breakfast was late, past 8 tis thawing; water running from roof. Voltie and Johny working in shop after drawing one load of hay. Voltie comes in saying another calf at the barn which makes 5 now. We sat up and read till 1/2 past 9 pm then retired. Dora’s girls are boiling sap in their bush. Emma was talking with Dora over the phone. Friday 30th March 1917 A cool morning sun shining. Voltie says sap will run to day. Edith picking over corn to hull. Edith gathered sap and we boiled it down. Sent Charlotte Gibson golden bantam corn. John carried it to the post box. Saturday 31st March 1917 I patched and fixed Johns clothes, overalls and stockings. Emma washed, starched and ironed Johns shirts and other dudds. The corn was put in the lye to hull and left so long in the lie it spoiled so threw the whole contents of the business away lye, corn and all. Emma cleaned the kitchen, pantry, dining room. Miss Langley called here for Emma to go with her to Horns. John done his washing in kitchen. �84 Sunday 1st April 1917 A cloudy foggy morning river with broken small pieces of ice floating down stream thousands. John prepared to leave and Voltie went with him to the Smith place. Fog so thick cant see across the river so they returned. John was intending to row across the river in Niles boat which Will N left here last fall. Monday 2nd April 1917 A dull cloudy morning, river clear of ice. John went again across river this morning went in Will N’s boat which was down by the lower boat house. Voltie alone again. V gave John his new rubber boots. There are 5 calves and 28 lambs. Tuesday 3rd 1917 A very fine day. I wrote a letter to Grace. Emma washed in kitchen. Voltie drew hay from lower barn beside going to Jack N’s for a can of sour milk which they phoned to him he could have. Edith gathers sap. Jack N went across river this morn and returned before dinner. I hope he got Volties rubber boots that he sent for by John �85 Wedneday 4 April 1917 A lovely spring day. I saw all the sheep and lambs this morning 53 of them as they went out into the pasture. Voltie carried the bees out this morning. One extinct hive filled with honey very fine. Emma is cleaning the veranda floor and moving the plants. I sent Grace a letter, hope she may get it. Voltie tried the plow this morning after drawing hay from lower barn. I received a letter from Irene K and glad that she sent me a letter, but I was realy disapointed by not receiving a letter from Grace. Edith and Emma went to Mrs N’s in evening and carried them honey. John didn’t see Will N so left the $5,00 dollars with the Niles family. Thursday 5 April 1917 A cloudy day; not cold. V plowed after doing barn chores which are not few for one man to do alone. Emma brought in and sorted all the clean clothes. Edith went to Geo Niles for tabaco. I patched and darned socks and stockings and begin a letter to Charlotte. gather sap, another new milker which is 6 altogether but 4 are 2 year old heifers 1, 3 year old, and 1 cow. 26 eggs brought in to day, two more lambs which makes 90 homing lambs. Friday 6 April 1917 Awoke this morning to find a foot of snow looks like terrible old winter again cant plow to day so V works away at some saturated hay stack drawing top home for cows. Went to JN’s for sour milk. I write and post letter to Charlotte. received a letter from Watson, one from Rachel. None from Grace. Langley went home. �86 Saturday 7 of April 1917 A cold nasty morning, wind west freezing this morning. Edith looking after sap. Voltie to Mr Niles for milk. Emma done Sat work as usual. Edith helped do chores. I darn socks and stockings. Joe in house few minutes & telephone are ringing to announce church service tomorrow. For the first time since Christmas; suppose there will be a great turn out since there has been no church service since last Christmas. Sunday 8th of April 1917 Froze hard last night, sunlight, bright & clear. I see one of the Maloney’s are over. Maurice I think. Maurice the pugilist. Lizzie Woodman came, went to church with Emma came home with her and staid to dinner and supper. Then in the evening Edith and Emma accompanied by Lizzie walked down to George Gillespies for Volties rubber boots that Will Niles had brought over to Geo Gillespie this a.m. Carley Gillespie phoned to Voltie that the boots were there. I write a letter to IreneK. The Preacher Mr Henderson didnt come to the church to day. Therefore no preaching. The books are big heavey "yelly" things. Monday 9th April 1917. This is the anniversary of Grace’s birth day 43 to day. Emma ironed her white embroidered waste and wore it to Mary Berry Burks silly party. V went too. I am ashamed to say, and he scarcely free from the Doctors percription [sic] and care, walked up and back, excepting Emma only one girl there little Lizzie Woodman; and the two old Burk women. Two fiddlers and two male dancers beside Kid Burk. They were Samy Woodman and McKnight, Eddie McDonald here in Evening for a white rooster. �87 Tuesday 10 April 1917 Another frozen morning. Sap runs some. Emma brought in 1 1/2 pail. Voltie put it over to boil. 8 cows to milk now most of them are heifers. V working out door all day drawing manure on the orchard, plowing, drawing, some hay and doing a thousand chores. I dont do much work to day. I dont feel very well. My sock and stocking box that I kept under my work table is taken to hold dirty lamb and not another substitute in its place. I am thinking where I can find another small stocking box. upstair or down cellar I suppose; two inaccessable places to me. Emma crochet yoke, a new one. I mend socks and stockings this p.m., sap boiling, on the stove. This p.m. cleared the dark closet upstairs of rubbish and swept the chamber all through, moonlight very clear and bright. Wednesday 11 Apr 1917 A cloudy cool morning; froze some last night. sap boiling on stove. Emma crochet. Edith separates milk. Voltie out door hustling wrestling chores to get ready tackle, plowing or hay drawing. Voltie gathered sap, 2 pails full. Emma filled 2 honey crates, 48 sections and washed and packed all the eggs. Three of the lambs missing; think they fell over the bank into the river. Three lamb in the house. Only 27 now from 36 not much more to day only some Easter cards and The Standard. V out late looking for lost lambs can find no trace. �88 Thursday 12th April 1917 A cloudy morning. V arose early done nearly all the chores milked 8 cows &c. V took his umbrella, 11 doz eggs and 48 sections of honey. Emma drove to dock. There are some things that ought to be done but not sure they will be. Like gathering the sap, churning, washing separator, filling the honey crates. The sap was gathered, separator washed. Emma got a bad cold. Joe came and done the chores at noon, ate dinner, drove to dock for Voltie, helped V do the chores, staid to supper and then staid all night after Voltie and Joe were up till midnight doctoring two cows; both lost their calves, cows lived. V brought home groceries and other stuff from Kingston, another milk pitcher and two white agate bowls which makes 3 milk pitchers within a month. Couldnt hire Willie Watson he is going sailing with Geo Niles so he says. Voltie says Mary Anne has left Sinclair and his mother and is not going back there any more. V was talking with her. Friday 13 April 1917 Awoke this morning to find the ground covered with a light fall of snow. Joe didn’t get up till breakfast was ready. Joe to was up nearly all night to helping Voltie tho cloudy and dismal. I guess Voltie got one sick cow, guess she will die. Mail brought me a letter from Grace & John. Voltie works awful hard and no help. Skinned two calves to day. He went to bed quite early this pm. �89 Saturday 14th April 1917 A very cool cloudy day. Joe came down to help V get the cow on her feet but she wouldnt get up. Joe went home. I used up most of the day writing to Grace, E & E "horse du combat" never answer only with a snap and a growl. It must be terrible when folks feel that way. Poor V working away in the field all alone. Not any one to do a chore. Sap boiling on stove. Edith washed separator. Emma fixed the churn. Wind South and blown. Sunday 15 April 1917 Cloudy. Preacher coming down to day. We didn’t get up very early. E and E went to church. Preacher there but not very big con[gregation] Emma went to Keyholes with Lizzie. Voltie boiled the sap and made nearly 3 quarts of Syrup then brought more sap. I used up nearly all Saturday and this day writing to John and Grace. Emma said she’d be back by six Oclock but returned after dark. Orville here awhile we retire early. Monday 16 April 1917 Wind South chilly. Edith brought in more sap. Voltie went to Jacks for milk late when he began plowing; he plowed 3 or 4 lands. I drank prepared postum it made me sick, wont drink any more postum. wrote and sent Ben Watson a letter, Grace a letter and John a letter. �90 Tuesday 17 Apr 1917 A very fine day froze last night so sap is running again to day. V plowing. Lot work done this evening, churned a took care of the butter, washed, skim, cut up a ham to fry for dinner, put up honey in crate for Thursdays market all done by 11 pm Wednesday 18th April 1917 Cloudy this morning but soon changes to bright warm sunlight. After chores all done which are numerous. Voltie goes to field to plow. Emma frying ham all am. V brings beans to the house, in vine. I pick them off the vines and shake the beans for dinner. Voltie plows a little few furrows in the garden for potatoes, lettuce &c. Emma after helping V milk makes 6 more prints which makes 12. I should think Rachel would come home. She been gone since 21st February. One sheep came home with a broken leg. V splintered it together after dark, with girls holding lantern. I have not been very well for nearly two weeks. �91 Thursday 19 of April 1917 A little cloudy this morning but changes to a beautiful day, warm sun bright day. V gone to Kingston on boat carrying butter, eggs, honey 3 hides (calf). I send a letter to Belle, mend the stockings. Emma boils down the last sap and makes sugar. Emma made tomato soup for dinner. Joe is going for Voltie this p.m. Everything is so spring like, grass is getting green. Joe drove for Voltie. He came bringing every thing sent for wall paper ceiling and bordering for hall chamber, coffee, garden seeds and 40 other things to numerous to mention. look like rain away off in south. Friday 20 April 1917 A nasty wet rainy day. Joe here to dinner and Supper. Not any very great deal, all done in doors. Voltie out working all day. Saturday 21 April 1917 Preacher Henderson here this pm. Gave me a formula for making coffee. Emma went to make Lizzie Woodman a visit and stay all night, choir practice there this evening. �92 Sunday 22nd April 1917 Rachel came home to day. A fine day. Emma stays all night with Lizzie Woodman and comes home after church accompanied by Miss Langley, she stays till 9 Oclock pm then Em with lantern sees her home. so ends the day after a playing & singing time on piano. Monday 23 Another very fine day. Mrs Lizzie Redic surprised us by making us a visit. Staid all night. Tuesday 24 Lizzie Redic went to Mabels this p.m. �93 Wednesday 25 Apr 1917 Another cool morning. Voltie has so many barn chores to do it make the time late when he goes to field to work. 12 cows to be milked, 9 calves to be fed. After has to draw hay from stack, 10 hogs to feed, 4 horses to look after, 50 sheep and lambs to to [sic] look after beside working in shop repairing harness and tools. Churning, making prints for market, cooking, getting the meals. V sowed 4 bushels of wheat this day. Thursday 26 Apr 1917 Voltie arose very early this morning milked the cows (12) fed 9 calves with the rain pouring. Emma going to Kingston to market with 21 lbs butter, 13 doz eggs. rained so wet Voltie cant work in field. he drove to dock with Emma and her market baskets. 35 cents now for boat fare. Fire in stove low, not much wood. Rachel went out and gathered coal from under the cellar window and V came home from dock with Emma and all her purchases, gay & happy. 48 eggs to day. Joe & Sam ate supper here. Jim Morgan visit her at noon. Friday 27th April 1917 A cloudy cool morning after the rain of yesterday. Every thing in disorder around the rooms this morning. Emma working around like a heroine. Rachel out gathering coal from the ground to build a good fire. 38 cts for butter, 32 for eggs. Voltie again drawing hay this a.m. Maybe it is to wet to work in full. Mrs Anne Michea very sick. Another lamb at the field. Received a letter from John. �94 Saturday 28 April 1917 A sort of a cool cloudy morning. Voltie thinking about planting potatoes to day. Rachel fussing around with breakfast dishes. Sam and Joe here helping Voltie get the sick cow on her feet. R making more macaroni stew. I dont think I like it the way she cooks it. V plowed a little more in the garden. E & E planted two rows of potatoes. V went to field to work. I mend stockings and mittens. Emma in pm fills the flower boxes with dirt. Edith does barn chores. Joe & Samy help V get the sick cow on her feet. Then in evening V rings them to come and go spearing for fish. They come, gone till 11.30 pm. Only 5 small fish to early to go spear fish in the marsh. After dinner Edith goes over to R’s domicil to clean out her hen house and make straw nests. came home and reported a terrible looking hole on account of rats, mice and squirrels destroying her groceries garden, seed break on her dishes and scattered things everywhere and tore up things in general. They had entire possession. Sunday 29th April 1917 A beautiful warm day. Sun bright and clear no wind river like a mirror all day all day Will N passed up here in skiff to Jacks and back again didn’t look towards house. Edith and Emma go to church in pm. Only a few at church. Edith sang in choir. Samy and Joe ate dinner here. �95 Monday 30 April 1917 Great appearance of rain last night and this morning but the day changed as it advanced towards noon to a sunshiny warm beautiful working day in field or in house. Rachel rode over with V to hoe out her house. Came back with V to dinner and brought a pail of dandelions which she picked over and cleaned for supper. Emma churned, made bread. Worked in garden after dinner. Lib sent Rachels dress over and Geo Gillespie gave it to R when he met her on the road. Voltie working on the field for oats. Wrote and sent a letter to John and received one from Belle. Emma plants potatoes after dinner. Voltie after dark moved R’s hens home. Tuesday 1st May 1917 Rained in night cant work in field to day. Rachel picking up her things to move home, such a load! She didnt go. Turns rather chilly and disagreeable this morning after the beautiful yesterday, rained in night. V cant work in field. Joe and Sam in shop. Mrs Michea very sick at Hirams Oh the gosip [sic] of the neighbors about Rob and Sinclair taking her immediately to Hirams every time she has a sick spell when Mabel has one constant invalid on her hands all time that is Hiram’s father. Wind East and blowing. The white horses chasing each other to day surely This is a sudden change from yesterday. Edith goes to R’s to feed and water her hens twice. Ed gathered 15 eggs for R and 15 for us. �96 Wednesday 2nd May 1917 A cold disagreeable day, rains dark and dreary, but such day’s come, cant work the field to day. Joe Woodman out to shop. V skimmed. The yearling bull it died last night. Emma trimmed the wall paper, worked and packed the butter for summer. Rachel washing dishes. Edith looking after R’s hens and drawing up the sheep and lambs which is an every day business for her "Little Bo Peep". Received a letter from Grace, snows this pm, nasty wether [sic] for May only 14 eggs for us 17 eggs for R. Thursday 3rd May 1917 Cold morning. West wind. V and E & E doing chores, Voltie plowing garden for potato planting. Rachel and Emma washing breakfast dishes, snow again this morning. Edith out picking up potatoes from where V is plowing potatoes that were not dug last fall. picked up more than half bushel. Miss Langley brought Edith’s potatoes and aster seeds for her school fair garden. Edith and Emma planted more potatoes this pm. cold all day. Emma cut rags for a rug. Edith goes to Rachel to feed and water her hens and gather the eggs twice this day. V leaves the sheep out this night, except the smallest lambs. I write a long letter to Grace. Mrs Michea no better. 23 eggs for us 14 for Rachel. �97 Friday 4th May 1917 A very fine day. Wind South. Rachel moved home this am bag and baggage, dog and all. Took Edith with her to wait on her and straightened up. Madeline came for Edy to go to school house and flower gathering in the woods. went to R’s for Edy. She came. Emma gave them cake for their lunch and away they went gay and happy. V cultivating with 4 horse team this pm. I send a letter to Grace and receive one from Grace also in which is inclosed a letter from Reginald to his mother. Edith came home from her picnic well pleased, with her hands full of woodsy wild flowers. Saturday 5 May 1917 Awoke this morning to find the rain falling air chilly grass growing green, no leaves on the trees. Stopped raining. Voltie went to field to work. Edith over helping Rachel carried honey and milk. Preacher Henderson called at Rachels and chopped wood for Rachel. Voltie sowed 12 bushels of oats this day. not much grain sowed so far to this date, 4 bushels wheat, 8 bushels barley, 12 oats. Emma & I prepared (scraped & cleaned 7 honey supers for sections. Emma baked bread again at midnight. cold chilly weather all week, since last Monday evening. R gave Edith 25 cts for her day work. Emma cleaned floors. �98 Sunday 6 May 1917 Cloudy morning again. Voltie up early. couldnt sleep on account of aching pain in left arm. church service this am Emma & Edith go church. after service, Emma and Lizzie Woodman drive from church to Sam Woodmans to make a Sunday visit. Edith comes home and after awhile gets dinner. then the Preacher, Mr Preacher Henderson comes and stays to supper and all night and talk talk Monday 7 May 1917 Preacher Henderson went away about 9,30 am went up to Jack’s for his dinner stepping off as spry as a young man tho by appearance he must be over 80. A board meeting of women at the church this p.m. at 2 Oclock. Emma went only 2 there beside herself and the preacher, Maude Gillespie and Isabelle Joslin. Organizing Sunday schools & Ladies Aide. V working in field all day & working to late for comfort about doing chores. I received a letter from Gracie Cheevers Voltie, Joe, and Sam went spearing returned at 1/2 past 12 midnight. Emma talking on phone to Edith Bates. Howard here to dinner. R sent over a mess of dandelion greens. E cleaning and papering up stairs Tuesday 8 May 1917. Another beautiful day like last week ago yesterday River quiet warm so beautifully bright and warm like July which we had for dinner and supper. Rachel came over with Voltie and cleaned the fish after eating her dinner she brought on a cans of pears which we had to dinner. Emma papering hall in chamber �99 Wednesday 9 May 1917 Another fine day. Voltie working in the field over on Rachels sowing oats. She came over to dinner. Not very well. Emma cleaning parlor. The veranda is filled up with chairs and a thousand other trash which has been unloaded from the parlor. Another calf. A wee heifer calf. V says she gives about a teacup full of milk. R sent over some fish that Howard had brought her, a small pike all cleaned & salted ready for frying. Voltie got a lame back but works all the time. Thursday 10 May 1917 Another fine day. The sun shining through a hazy atomosphere. Voltie gone to the field over by R’s to sow oats. He got rheumatism in hips. Emma cleaning parlor. House looks little old Dickens. When She get all cleaned polished varnished and completed every part of his house will look fine. R came over with V and staid all night. Got a pain in side heard that Mrs Bary has a stroke. Mrs Michea no better. Hiram Joslin fell from wagon and wheel ran over his ankle. Friday 11 May 1917 A very disagreabelle [sic] day for weather in am. Rahel went home with V when he went over there to work in pm, came back at pm 5 Oclock. Emma cleaned V’s bed room and every thing in Vs room looks fine. �100 Saturday 12 May 1917 A very cool morning but clear sun trying to warm up. Wind west and not blowing much. E work and packed the butter then fixed the churn. Every one takes a hand at the churn. R washes dishes. V gone to the field to work leaving R here. She washed breakfast dishes and milk pails. Edith washed separator and it is to be put away for the summer. Emma dug dandelions for dinner. R goes home after dinner on wagon. V finishes up over there, used the separator again. V got rheumatism yet. Emma worked all day like a heroine. Edith drove home the cows. Sunday 13 May 1917 A very cool morning and somewhat cloudy. The clouds clear away and the day proves fine. Emma and Edith go to church after dinner. Lib and Van come over. Lib goes directly to Rachels. Delavan stops here. When E & E return from church, they are accompanied by Lizzy Woodman Woodman and Miss Langley therefore we had music all pm till supper time. Lib came over from Rachels. Rachel came also. Emma was so late about the tea, that Van and Lib wouldn’t stay. Will Niles and Tom Maloney came too and staid awhile. After supper more music. Then Emma goes out to help Voltie milk. and then after dark all go part way home with Lizzie as far as Rachels to carry her some milk. After they return Miss Langley goes home alone. Lib came over to Rs for hens but went home without them. V troubled a bad as ever with rheumatism �101 Monday 14 May 1917 A bright cool morning. Voltie badly afflicted with rheumatism but works all the time. Voltie goes to the factory with the milk for the first time this spring. V hitched up 4 horse team and proceeded to cultivate. Old Ben horse stumbled and fell down in dead furrow. Joe and Sam helped him get the old "Cutter" up and ate dinner here. Rs Rachel came over pm bringing the peas for V to sow. The peas she brought of Geo Gillespie. Jen wrote R a letter which R brought over. She wrote that Willie might be drafted. The very thought of such a thing is awful. This day George Ranous brought to me the postage stamps; 51 cts in stamps! Voltie, Joe and Samy gone spearing this evening. return at midnight with Ells [eels], suckers, and rock bass. Dr Campbell came down to day to attend Mrs Michea. Tuesday 15 May 1917 Froze quite hard last night. Joe helping Voltie in the field. Ells [eels] for dinner. I put beef cooking. R came over and staid all night. V and Joe & Samy went spearing again didn’t get much Emma sowed flower seeds. I sowed Red peas, tomato seeds and a few other seeds mostly old seeds. �102 Wednesday 16 May 1917 Ought to have churned yesterday, instead churned this pm towards night which make it to late to send to market tomorrow. Rachel walked home towards evening. V planted potatoes. Thursday 17 Arose at 4 Oclock am. Em going to Kingston with 17 doz eggs & 24 sections honey. V drove to dock stopped for Rachel she going too. V finnised [sic] grain sewing over there. Edith & I do house work. Edith made two pies and a cake. She done very to day. V drove for them at boat time. R came right along and staid all night bringing all her groceries. 1917 My 18 Friday A cool cloudy day. Rachel after breakfast went home. Emma driving over there with milk cart carrying her purchases that she bought in Kingston yesterday. V planting potatoes all am. Some one of this family stole one of Rachel bannas, so she say. Poor Edie she may have done it but she says she didn’t but R insists that she did. Oh what a fuss about a small thing like the missing of a banna. �103 Saturday 19 May 1917 A very fine day. Wind South. Voltie doctoring old Ben again. Joe & Samy and Ed Maloney helped Voltie get Ben on his feet and he appears much better but after dinner when Voltie went to turn old B out he stubbed his old foot and fell down again. Joe, Samy and Ed here to dinner. Emma papered up stairs. Last night Voltie and Edith went spearing. Caught 5 ells, one sucker and a rock bass. Joe, Samy and Edd after dinner went to Jack N’s to help move his store, came back and helped V draw hay from the barn on the Smith place then helped V get old B on his feet again. I washed dishes and helped around all I could. Sunday 10 May 1917 A very fine day but cool. E and E go to church, came home and after dinner go to Mrs John Niles for a while. Mrs Niles gave them two pike. Shelly and her 5 children there. Came back. Then Miss Langley came after supper. E & E & Miss Langley went down to Louise’s and staid till after dark. E & E went nearly home with her. Dont know what Voltie done but he was out nearly all day. Monday 21 May 1917 V plowed with Duke and Kit for corn ground. Emma papering the hall up stairs. The rooms downstairs Kitchen and dining room in great disorder but after awhile it will be all straightened out. Received letter from John �104 Tuesday 22nd May 1917 rains some. Jo here and helped Voltie clean 4 bushels of wheat the last of the wheat V going to carry it to mill Thursday. Joe here to dinner. Cant work in field nor garden. Voltie works in shop after going to factory Wednesday 23rd May 1917 A rainy morning cant work in field nor garden this day. V works in shop. Thursday 24 May 1917 Voltie arose early at 4 am. He is going to Kingston. The weather is cold and the rain is falling the wind is blowing from the South West. Voltie and Emma milked 13 cows. Voltie went for Joe to drive to Dock and factory for the weather is to rough for Emma to drive to the factory and dock this morning. Joe here to breakfast after coming from the dock. E & E doing all the other chores watering 4 horses, pigs to be fed and lambs to be fed. Joe sawed wood and the girls brought it in. Grain cant grow this weather. Emma talking to Edith Bates by telephone. Joe said his grandmother Mrs Michea is no better. Emma drove to dock for Voltie. He came cold and hungry. Then after supper they done the chores, milked the cows etc. �105 Friday 25 May 1917 The sun is out bright this morning but very cool. After breakfast and chores done V drove to dock for his ensilage seed corn. Emma packed the butter then went to work cleaning the cellar to get ready to carry all the butter down cellar, after washing all the breakfast dishes, taking Edith with her to help. I called Edith many times to carry the mail to the mail box before it was to late. She came up mad as usual. I had an awful row with her to get her started to the mail box. Then at last Emma was obliged to come from the cellar to force her to go with Volties mail. I sent a letter also to Grace. I realy dont know what to do with Edith. She is a terrible problem. She grows worse instead of better with her loud voice and nasty saucy tongue; but I am sorry for her all the same. but what to do, I dont know, she does torment me so. I cant nor dont want to send her back. What would become of her with her bad tongue and and bad disposition. Oh poor Edith! but i’ll try and endure it while I live. But it is not very good medicine for my head. My head aches and throbs like a trip hammer. Voltie is plowing in the field; twelve Oclock and no dinner. After dinner the domestic atmosphere clearing somewhat. E & E set onions multipliers. I receive a letter from Grace in which is enclosed 2 of her letters from Reginald. Towards night Voltie goes to lower barn for hay. The afternoon cheerless cold. V went over and chopped wood for Rachel. �106 Saturday 26th May 1917 a very cool morning and cloudy. Nearly June and the weather is bad for making garden. Edith went to Rachels carrying her milk and my cosmopolitan. Howard here for Golden Bantom seed corn for his uncle Jack and helped Emma saw wood. Emma carrying the butter down cellar. V plowing for corn. Emma cleaning wood work in kitchen. Edith helping her. Irene washes a double portion of dishes, last night supper dishes and breakfast dishes also dinner dishes 46 knives, forks, spoons, plates, platters, cups, saucers, pans, pots, kettles, pitcher, frying pans, baking pans, sauce dishes, porrige dishes. Emma & Edith lugged a bag of flour up stairs, but the routine of usual Saturday work completely knocked out. Things look pretty rough around here. Sheridan came over and went with Voltie, Joe, Sam, spearing for fish, speared 16 eels and other kinds of fish. This is Seridan’s first lesson in spearing. Sunday 27th May 1917 Sun bright, but weather very cool; wind blowing from N.W. quite briskly. Cows have got out and gone over on Niles; V gone for them. E & E feeding calves. Emma soon cleaned things up and now the dining room looks quite respectable for Sunday. Edith cleans herself up and goes visiting to Jim Morgans, stays till near sunset. Excepting Laura Babcock no one here to day. Joe Woodman in the house a few minutes; didn’t sit down. Edith came home with her head & heart completely filled with her visit. Jimmy had taken them all to Howe Island in motor tour he went to take Alden and young Duseol back to home. Alden working on Howe Island. �107 1043 Telephone No Monady 29th May 1917 The same kind of cool cloudy weather. V fixing fence to keep our unruly cows at home in pasture. R’s two rampageons beasts are the leaders, but they are spoiling the other cows fast enough. They break the fence down first go up the road past the church. Then sometimes Joe dogs them back then they go down the road. Rachel dogs them back then they go around the water fence on Niles meadow and V has to go for them. I send two Magazines to Eveline and a letter to Miriam Then towards Night Rachel come over and stays all night. V this morning drew two cans of water from the river. We all know ever detail and item of Edith’s Morgan visit. What they all said and to the smallest fraction from James himself and Mrs James to the wee baby; some of the details as quite interesting and some to insignificant to mention. Tuesday 30th May 1917 Another cool cloudy day . Emma trying to wash and such a washing. So many clothes have accumulated in a short time. V drawing hay from the lower barn and fixing fence. Old Ben horse feeding in front yard and has either fell down, or laid lain down. Tis three Oclock pm and the calves not fed to day, but talk talk stand around. Mrs Jack Niles has a birth day party. Emma attends the party and gives her one of her beautiful vegetable dishes. Wednesday 30 May 1917 A nice war. Emma washing again to day lines strung full of clothes. V built fence in a.m. cultivated corn ground p.m. Edith running after cows. I write and send letter to Grace and Barkee. Edith sowed asters. V phoned. R’s garden. V gave Samy .50 cts for going to Rislerr with V to drive bull. �108 Thursday 31st May 1917 A very fine morning. V rose early hustling around getting ready to go to dock for the potatoes he bought last Thursday by the Wolfe Island. He bought one bag for which he paid 6 dollars big bag of potatoes. Tis an awful price to pay for a bag of potatoes. Voltie got rheumatism in left arm pains terribly. Cultivated for corn, not much washing done to day nor any thing else. Some out door choring old Ben down again by the consession. Had to move the old staging to get old Ben up. Samy helped V get him on his feet again. Looks like rain. Emma brought in the clothes from the line. Friday 1st June Rained last night a little. Dark and cloudy this morning. V gone to factory. Emma clearing husks from onion sets, while V is gone to factory before breakfast. Poor dear Emma is Horse De combat. Emma painted painted kitchen floor finished painting up stairs washed, brought water from river. Voltie finished corn ground cultivating and now has it all prepared for planting monday. V going to Kingston tomorrow to see about concrete mixer. Emma baked bread. Edith carried milk to Rachel. Rec’d a letter from Grace but did not get the garden seeds yet from Buckbees, sent for them 2nd of May and this is 2nd June and have his card of acknowlegement that he received my order all right. �109 Saturday 2nd June V up at 4 October going to Kingston to day. Joe going to drive to factory with Volties milk. V phoned to John OBrien asking him if he was going to Kingston to this morning in motor, said yes & Voltie can go with him. After breakfast Voltie walked across the island to Johny OBriens. Oh the rooms a horror to look at; the dining room, pantry, my bedroom, front veranda, and wee sitting room. Emma washing and hanging out more clothes this morning. Sunday 3rd June 1917 A very fine day no church service. Emma & Miss Langley met at church and went from there to Abyina McDonalds visiting where they staid all day. Eddie brought them back after dark. Emma says they had a most enjoyable time went to woods to gather flowers and away up the island. Eddie took them for drive out We had visitors also. Madaline & Myrabelle Morgan here all p.m. Sent them home very happy at sundown with a basket of several little articles honey, pie plant, old magazines, sun flower plants &c Voltie doing all chores alone milked 13 cows. Monday 4 May 1917 A very fine day. V shearing sheep. Samy and Joe here digging trench for the new barn. Received the seeds from Buckbee. Rachel came over staid all night. Harold Dignum here in evening. He planting for R and she received a letter from Johndrow saying Ethel very sick with pneumonia. Sam and Joe here to dinner, diging trench for barn. Sent G a letter �110 Tuesday 5 May 1917 Another cloudy chilly day. Samy & Joe here dig drench, dinner here to. Maurice Maloney here too. ate supper. V finished shearing sheep 25 all together beside 33 lambs. R walked home after dinner. Wednesday 6th May 1917 A very fine day. Trees beautifully green with leaves and bloom. I think this is the very tug of life. Emma cleaning my bed room and four men here to cook for and intending to go to Kingston tomorrow and going to have a bee to draw stone Friday. Received a letter from June King saying Ethel very sick. Emma received a letter from Reginald. Received every womans World Farmers Magazine for Joe and Samy here to dinner also Maurice. Samy got cramps. V gave him phosphates. Joe & Maurice here to supper. Samy went home. Emma done big days work papering my bed room, baked bread and an apple pie for tomorrow dinner. Thursday 7 May 1917 Arose early. V. & Emma gone to town. Emma carrying eggs. V carrying wool. Weather warm every thing growing; apple trees full in bloom or nearly so, river still not a ripple. Cloudy misty. One flash of lightning only came to brighten my bed room. I didnt sleep well. Awake all night and now I’m so sleepy, I can scarcely hold open my eyes. Maurice helps milk and drives to dock and factory, then chops some wood. Edith got dinner and supper. Maurice, Joe and Samy here to their meeals. Maurice drove to dock for V &E. R came over and (washed) rode back with Maurice. A hot day. A beaufiful day. �111 Friday 8th Juen 1917 A very hot day. Emma yesterday bought a lot of stuff muslin for curtains etc. groceries. Saturday 9th June 1917 Work goes on as usual. Maurice goes over to Hallidays after Sat work we done. He invited Emma to go along too. Emma dont go. Sunday 10 June 1917 A rainy Sunday. Rain pouring down all day. No one here. Volties clothes wet in evening and after dark. Voltie goes with lantern in hand to see how Rachel. Finds her abed, and the floor covered with lime plaster and water. Couldnt chop any wood for her it is so late and raining hard. �112 Monday 11 June 1917 V received a phone message from Clayton that Ethel Johndron died last night. poor dear so young and so hard worked, ambitious to have every thing in order and now she is gone and left all her work and three little children. V went and told R. She came over Voltie in wagon staid all night. Tuesday 12 June 1917 A very hot day. V got a stone bee a lot of teams here. John Murray, Tom & Willie Dignum, Rube, Jack, Niles, Joe & Samy Woodman, Jim Kehoe, Charley Gillespie, Dick Kesler, Maurice Maloney, Will Niles, Clifford Henderson, Rodney Pike, Eddie McDonald, R came over and staid all night again. Wednesday 13 June 1917 A clear bright hot day. Voltie gone across this morning to Ethels funeral. Dont like to write this so sad and sorrowful. Maurice drawing stone. R gone home this morning bax dog this and all. She is sick, heart complaint or some think. R came over didnt’ stay all night; to many here Joe, Samy, Maurice, Miss Langley. Maurice drew stone all day �113 Thursday 14 No one went to town from here to day. In pm V & Maurice planted in garden Friday 15 Will Gillespie came up this morning to frame the barn so now there are two men here beside V to cook for. Maurice & Will Gillespie. Saturday 16 Wm Gillespie here again to day. Same work going on as yesterday. After supper Maurice dresses up very fine & shares powders, brushes and shines his boots, and goes over to Hallidays courting, Edith Bates. Samy and Miss Langley go to Kingston. I guess they are courting too. Louise’s girl here. Laura Babcock. Emma papers the dining room Sunday 17 June 1917 Sunday a very fine day. I write and send a letter to Belle. No one here except Madaline and Myrabelle pm when Emma, Edith, Madaline, Myrabelle go down to Annie Kehoes to see the baby; they return to supper then go home. Emma. V found the old sick cow dead so he had to draw her out and bury her. Another new milker and the last for this year. The holstein a big bull calf wich [sic] V is raising from a fine cow. �114 Monday 18 June 1917 I sent a letter to Belle by the Rev Mr Henderson who came very unexpectedly and staid to dinner. Also a Mrs Andre and a boy came from Kingston to run the concrete work for the barn. Maurice returned from courting very early this morning. R came over, this pm; walked over and walked out to the kitchen and ate dinner with the men then rode home with William Gillespie. V and the men moved the small cook stove to the front veranda for the summer. Tuesday 19th June 1917 This is a very fine day. Gillespie came early. Emma done big days work finished house cleaning. Edith too done a lot of work, got wood, brought water and a lot of other chores. Emma goes land motoring with Jack and AnnieJaneJohn and Lois Wednesday 20 June 1917 Gillespie here early to work. Emma sends two letters, one to Reginald, one to Stella Niles. Weather somewhat showery. The pet lambs, the nuisances half grown sheep now are eating every thing to destroy. I see one of them eating & trimming off every leaf from the rose bush that I’ve watched so long to see it bloom. After supper Maurice goes over to Hallidays again, courting again I suppose. He goes while Dora is in hospital. I receive a letter from Grace but I send none. rains some. V had to fix the engine to mixer. R came over. �115 Thursday 21st June 1917 A bright cool day. 8 men here to get dinner for, Wm Gillespie, 2 men from Kingston, Maurice Maloney, Stewart Murphy, Hiram Joslin, Joe & Samy. Voltie gone to Kingston to see Cunningham and and buy eatables for these men. Not much done except cook and eat these days. Emma finished her crochet underwaist just fine. Joe drove to dock for V and he comes with provisions enough to last awhile. It was Sheridan drove for Voltie, not Joe. E, E and Langley went to Flynn’s in punt. The two Kingston men went across the river in V’s punt and out to St Lawrence for me Friday 22 June 1917 A very fine day. V arose early and called Maurice from bed to row across home for Ed and Sherd came back in time for breakfast. Ed brought them over in motor and went home again. Sheridan remained to help V. 8 men including Voltie to cook for to day. In the evening Sheridan, Maurice, and Joe go to Flynns to visit and play cards. The old pig had 4 piggies a disapointment. We expected 12 or more but 4 is better than none. Concrete work goes slow. Saturday 23 June 1917 A fine day, Just a beautiful breeze from South. Eight men to cook for to day; work moves slow cant get men enough. Emma working like a heroine. meals on time. everything all right. V paid off Mr Andre and his boy $30 dollars for their week work. They all go home. V let Maurice have 5 sections honey at 16 cts per section. I send M and Gillespie books, 9 of them by her dad. Sheridan wouldnt take any pay for his work. V & Samy went over to corners in the skiff for shirts & overalls, returned at midnight �116 Sunday 24th June 1917 Wind West, quite breezy but a very fine day, trrees in full leaf now and beautiful beyond description. Emma and Eva Langley went with Samy to visit Dora Halliday and family. Voltie says that he borrowed Samy to drive with the girls to Dora’s. So Sam not only lent himself but his horse and buggy, and very glad of the opportunity. We did not rise very early this morn. Miss Langley staid here all night. V brought in two nearly rippened strawberries this morning. Oh I wish Grace or Belle were here or better still, both of them. I dont see them more than once a year and my dear boy Wellie never; no more not since that winter after his father died. Any my Johny. I wish John would come home a live with us altogether. He needs a home, and he has got it if he would only accept. He and Voltie need each other. Voltie too stays out nearly all day to day. Emma came home between 9 & 10 pm Had Doctor for Dora, Dr Bogart from Kingston. E & Langley and E Bates & Maurice Maloney went to Kinston when they carried the Doctor home to Kingston. Our Sunday visitors were Miss Olive Jones and Wm Niles here to supper. V milked the cows alone except three which Edith milked. Edith got a good supper and washed the dishes. All abed when Emma came. Monday 25 June 1917 Looks like rain this morning and does rain. Well the rain is needed but I’d like to the barn going up, the work going on. Edith went to Rachels with milk says Rachel is better. Wind blowing a gale. I always think of Reggie when the wind blows our dear Reginald away from us all, so far far away on the lakes and only 16 years old. I dont know what our men folks will or can do to day. Voltie, William and Maurice. Maurice came from Hallidays. �117 early this morning in time for his breakfast Tuesday 26 June 1917 Draw gravel from Smith place nearly all day. Voltie says enough now. Only Maurice & Will here to dinner. Cloudy and Cool & Windy all day rains little. Rachel came over along towards Sunset, came just while we were done eating supper. no appetite cant eat. drank lemon ade. Edith and Emma went to Jaks N. Rachel waited till they returned for Edith to go home with her. She went, and staid all night come home after breakfast was over but ate before the dishes were picked up. 1917 June 27 Wednesday This is Wednesday all right a picknic in the same old place at Bob Smith’s grove. Edith went with Jack Niles in car automobile. We are half expecting Mrs Will Ranous to dinner. A fine day, breezy from South, warm bright sunlight just an ideal day for a picknic. Jack is coming after dinner with his motor car for Emma to go to picnic to. I wish one of my daughters were here or both. Oh I dont know why I should wish for them so much. I guess because they are mine and I’m like all mothers longing, hoping, wishing for her children because I’m alone so much and live so far from them and go no where. Oh I wish Wellie would come home, been so long since I’ve seen Wellie. And my Poor Johny I dont know how he happened to be as he is. He was good and wrote to me this Spring twice or three times and now he is gone. I dont know where. �118 The girls came home early in time to get supper for they could find nothing there to eat. Ate it all up for dinner. Well after supper and dishes washed, Miss Langley, Louis’s nurse Olive Jones, Miss Spence, Ed Maloney and a Palmer fellow from over the way, Joe and Samy, Will Niles and two Maloneys Ed & Sheridan. V played mouth organ for them to dance, went home at midnight "The witching hour of night, when ghosts troop home to church yards" [hearts scribbled in a line] Thursday 28 June 1917 Another fine day breezy, Hope there may be no drought for every thing is growing so finely now. Voltie, Wm N, Maurice and Will Gillespie are working at the barn. [various additions scribbling] Friday 29 June 1917 A day of rain and wind commenced raining sometime in night and continued nearly all day. A dance at Arthur Hendersons. Joes takes Emma. Maurice goes over to Hallidays for Edith Bates. Samy takes Miss Langley. Voltie milks nearly all the cows alone this p.m. �119 Saturday 30 June 1917 A very fine day only a shower now and then. Emma came home at day light, weary sleepy and a sore throat sleeps awhile. Voltie got a cold too. Will Gillespie and Maurice here and that is all. W Dixon came over and you may believe we were glad to see them. Will says Lena & Louise are coming Monday. Emma cleaned floors etc, cooked meals etc Sunday 2nd 1917 A fine day. Louise hired girl here nearly all day; a big fat coarse girl, bold and forward not at all bashful nor shy. Emma goes out driving with the cheesemaker Mr Clarence Ogle when they return V puts Ogle’s horde in stable and Mr Ogle stays to supper. They all adjourn to the music room and play piano and phonograph till I’m sick of it all. The Babcock stays till long after dark then Ogle drives down to Louise with her. Monday 3rd July 1917 A beautiful day, breezy wind South Will D and Will N and WillG, Dick Keslar, A Brown and A. Goslin fellows working here at Barn. Mrs Will Ranous drove in here to dinner. she brought a letter from Belle, three Cosmopolitans from Beny Watson, two letters from K for V and some Poultry Books from Experimental farm Ottawa. A picknic up the Island on Brophy’s point and the Maloneys attended the picnic. Miss Maude Gillespie sent me this day by her father 4 books. I will look for books for her - from my wee collection. �120 Tuesday 4th July 1917 [Wednesday] A fine breezy day, wind South I guess. Voltie not going to get much help to day. Only Maurice, Will Niles and Wm Gillespie. Will staid all night R. He is here now. 10 am chopping wood for Emma to get dinner. V is anxious to get the barn done but in order to get the concrete work done, V will have to get help by conscription, as tis trying to be done to finish the war or V’s barn and the war will linger along till another year. I think there are different kinds of "Shirkers". Not only shirkers but disobliging and selfish. The neighbors have been good to V by coming to his bee two of them. Last winter they turned out and drew lumber from Kingston and then to the stone bee. Yes they were good and neighborly Wednesday 5th July 1917 A hot day. Maurice leaves early after dressing all fine, shaving and goes over to Dora’s to take Edith Bates to the 4th of July dance at St Lawrence corners in Dora’s motor boat. Will Niles takes Jones; the other half dozen Emma, Langley, Moore have no particular escort but agreed to all go in Company in two motors. Emma, Miss Langley and Miss Moore, Miss Jones, Joe, Samy, Will N, Sheridan and Tom Maloney. All returned at day light; had a great enjoyable time. Over two hundred guest attended the ball. Broke or bursted a tire coming home. Maurice took Edith back around the foot to Hallidays again. Voltie expected Maurice back very early but he didnt come at all staid over there courting. V paid the men all off and dismissed them till after harvest for the concrete work is done. A strawberry festival above the Villiage. Emma went with Jacks family in auto which makes two nights off for Emma �121 Thursday 6th July 1917 forgot to say I phoned to Henderson for groceries yesterday morning which Henderson sent down on the boat and Jack Niles brought them over. A very warm day. Edith Bates drove in here visiting came about 10 am. Staid till Sunset had a fine visit. Edith Leman done a lot of unnecessary te heing and loud cackling. Will went fishing & caught nothing. Bees swarming. V got stung on arm Will helped about the bees and putting on supers. Friday 6th July 1917 Part of the above should have been written to day where it begins. A very warm day and to finish the above, I’ll just say the girls had a royal time visiting. R came over as usual. Joe and Samy came down too. They played piano, Will the violin, girls sang, and all going merrily but R says Will must and shall go home with her and he went; but didn’t want too. Voltie ever since supper has been gone to Dignums for lumber, came back about ten pm. Harold Dignum sent me a lot of pictorial magazines. Saturday 8th July 1917 Another hot day 80 in shade. V drawing lumber from dock. Will fixing R’s windows and doing several other odd jobs for her choping wood &c. Evening visitors were Miss Langley Miss Moore, Laura Babcock played and sang as usual. Miss M & L came to say good bye. Tomorrow they return to their far away homes. L in Hanover, M above toronto somewhere. Will and Edith went home with L. Will staid here all night. �122 Sunday 8 July 1917 A fine morning; still, no wind but soon breezes up. A picknic over in State park. Samy and Joe go to the picnic. Will takes the oppertunity [sic] to go across with them in Volties skiff. Edith goes to church to hear the new preacher his first sermon in this church. Howard came up but didnt go to church but staid here to supper and Rachel also the Cheesemaker & John & Sadie Murray here in evening. had greens and strawberries for dinner. Monday 10 July 1917 A cool cloudy morning - looks like rain. Voltie arose very early. Emma helped milk. Voltie drove to factory not back yet. Every thing growing beautifully yet rain is badly needed, weeds are growing finely. Edith went over to Rachels to wash to pay for a pair of stockings when she got there she found R had neither kerosine nor wood. I tried for her not to go. Edith wont mind me at all. I can neither coax nor hire her to do any thing for me nor any one else without "the spirit moves". Voltie working in shop this rainy day. He picked 4 boxes of berries before it began raining. Emma picked them over. I dont know when they will be canned if ever. rain rain rain. We received a letter from Grace also one from Maud mighty glad to get them. She didnt say anything about John this time nor Lawe. �123 Tuesday 11 July 1917 Rain Rain Rain the gentle loving rain. Emma pitched into the washing. Voltie pitched into the shoeing horse business. Edith pitched into I dont know what it was forgoten [sic]. I helped wash dishes, cleaned up table and cabinet, wrote in diary, crocheted. Wednesday 12 July 1917 Rain Rain Rain all day. Voltie picked a few more baskets of berries for canning and butchered one porker in pm. Joe helped Voltie butcher the pig and ate dinner here. Jim Kehoe sick. Emma washed again to day. Lines full and more to hang out. Voltie drove to dock with pork going to Town tomorrow to pay Anglin. Voltie stopped at R’s to get her to come over. She didn’t come. Thursday 13 July 1917 Weather Still continues rainy; no break in the rain clouds. Voltie gone to Kingston had to hustle as usual. Emma drove to the docks and then around by the factory. This is the 4th day of the rain. Joe doing Kehoe chores milks 12 cows then drives to factory then milks his own cows then away to factory again. Jim Kehoe sick. got inflamation of intestine. Samy going to Kingston 9 a.m. has returned after driving around by factory. Weather clearing sun shining. The clothes drying on line. �124 look very clear and white after such a rain soaking. Sent by Voltie a letter to Grace and one to Maude which he will mail in Kingston. Emma sent a letter to Sylvia and one to Reginald. Voltie carried the pork to Kingston. 20 cts per lb came to over $30 dollars. Emma drove to dock for Voltie. Voltie brought me a pair of stockings and 4 spools of white silkateen. We had bananas for supper. Friday 14 July 1917 A very fine day. sprinkles of rain, not much but clouds again towards evening. Voltie cultivates corn. E & E pull weeds in garden. Edith wheels them away in wheelbarrow, 12 boxes of berries which we prepare for canning. V hives 4 swarms of bees. The meadows and pasture are covered with millions of clover blossom sesike and comon white clover. Aunt R came over to breakfast she’s no wood nor coal nor oil, wouldnt stay to dinner, gave her berries and bananas. Emma received letter from Reginald and snap shots. V went up the farrow row root potatoes Saturday 15 July 1917 A warm day. Wind South light breeze, light fluffy clouds at noon. Sunshineing clear at 4 pm. Bees out again a great swarming time. V tried to cultivate canned strawberries but so many things do hinder. Voltie hardly what to do first. Emma weeded the scarlet runners and string them up to the chamber window, cleaned my bed room and pantry and kitchen, swept and made beds. V & Samy & Joe went to corners at sunset came back at 1 am, bought shoes and pants for self, some candy and kerosine 6 galons for me and 6 for R. Sunday 16th July 1917 A very fine morning. V going over to State Park for Will. Will going to help Voltie about the haying. R came over ate breakfast and went home again carrying berries, milk and kerosine. �125 Have to fight hogs and hens to keep them out of potatoes and strawberries. After R goes home we are alone for a few hours. I out in veranda reading or writing when I hear the busy clatter of foot steps and the greeting of merry young voices out they come to greet me. Myrabelle and Madaline Morgan looking so elegantly neat and fresh and pretty and smiling presenting me with a boquet of different assortment of flowers. Next came Mr Ogle taking Emma for a drive. Waited long - it seemed long for Voltie’s return from State Park and was much surprised & pleased and disapointed at same time. Surprised and pleased to see Bert, Maud & Hubert who came across river with V, but so very disapointed at the non apearance of Will who did not come as agreed. tho he was there, together with Lena, Willie, Lottie, Louise, Charlie and Ada. Some of the Hart relatives also Charlies young kid Jerald. They brought a sumptius [sic] lay out for dinner. Well we all had supper after they came including Mr Ogle. Then came Wm Niles and his sweetheart Miss Jones. At ten pm they all went home except Bert, Maud and Hubert who staid all night and Voltie has to row them across in morning. Poor dear Voltie alone with no one to help him while John is wasting his life in Watertown. Will couldnt come he has to work at home doing their own hay. Of course "charity begins at home" Monday 17 July 1917 A fine day. Wind South. Voltie rowed B, M & H across this morning. R came over for her margarine and to see Will, but no Will was to be seen. Took her Oleomargarine and went home. V started in to mow with mowing machine this pm done a good job. Emma not very well got �126 ache on account of a cold, received a letter from Margaret for her ma is busy sewing and couldnt get time to write a letter. Tuesday 17 July 1917 A beautiful morning dew tis sparkling on grass and every thing. Voltie mowing hay but tis a very warm day. Emma made Lemonade and raked in hay field in pm. Edith picked some more strawberries says they are nearly done for this season, not a breath of air stirring on the river. It is cloudy at 5 pm and looks like rain. E still setting supper; baking cake. The atmosphere still hot close and uncomfortable. E swept veranda and washed dinner dishes. Edith McDonald & Samy here in evening. Emma sits up again to bake bread. Voltie cacked hay till dark Wednesday 18 July 1917 Another hot day, light breeze from South, atmosphere hazy. I try to work around at dishes & straightening things but cant for my feet are so lame and hurts me so to get around. Oh how every one that can walk all right, should be so glad and happy and make the most of their own time. O save it! save it! Save time every minute. I suppose the hens, this very minute are rosting scratching the potatoes out the grains. I think if I were in Volties place, I’d give up keeping hens till could have a good hen proof fence around the garden. The time that is wasted chasing hens & hogs, if employed for hire (wages) would buy and build enough hen wire to fence a doz acres. �127 The old saw is now rooting out the potatoes while E and E and talking over the wire to Edith Bates. Oh my mind is alive just on fire about hog rooting, hen scratching dishes not washed, old kitchen table and dining table loaded down with dishes, plates, cups, saucers, rusty knives, forks, pails, pans, Stew dishes, pots, frying pans, jars, spider, kettle, glass ware, porige [sic] dishes. Oh who can ennumerate the different articles all soiled and dirty that just one a.m. work would make beautiful; a pan of preserved strawberries standing on the stove to be put in can since yesterday, but there they stand, while Edith has to chase hens and hogs. There is one redeeming quality. The shelves in pantry are clean all right but that 1 grease jar that set on pantry floor where the fried ham was packed stands all open and the dog and cats have helped themselves freely. O. O. O. what is the matter with me that I cant get up and fight the disorderly house keeping. I dont know what we are going to have for dinner. We have got bread, butter, pork, peas, beans, rice, sugar, milk, cream, eggs, tea, corn starch, flour, corn meal, rolled oats, rhubarb, strawberries, plenty of dried apples, lard, dried pumkin too, shortening, honey, soda biscuits, raisins, different assortment of spices, soda, cream tartar, baking power, onions, lettuce, radishes, and a whole gardent full of greens that a few would be nice for dinner. Of all the plentiful supply of rhubarb we have only one can. The salt is kept down cellar till it nearly dissolves with dampness. I’m old and lame. A cripple and the advantage that is taken on account of my infirmity to let every got at lose ends. �128 The clock has just struck the hour of 11 am no dinner started nor dishes washed. Emma has washed the milk cans. The wood work in kitchen and pantry is beautifuly clean. I am sad because I cant help. Emma cant do it all work in door and out. Edith is all right only so slow and saucy. Oh why! Edith poled the quail heads. If I was a millionaire I’d give a thousand dollars a week to have my feet attended to once a week. I have written a letter to Margaret this a.m. didn’t mail it. I dont do all I ought to but my fingers do get so prickly and numb. Thursday 19 July 1917 Another hot day in July. Voltie mowing in field after driving to dock with Rachel and her eggs & drove around that way to factory. Emma raked hay with horse rake. Constance here looking at cattle and sheep. V asks a hundred dollars for the holstein, 12 dollars per sheep, 8 dollars for lambs. Trying to can five plant but is awful hard work. hard work to pull the stocks, hard work to prepare them for the cans but why tis hard work I dont know; tis something I have yet to learn. V drove to dock for R she bought V a new shirt. Send over some bananas ones apiece. �129 Friday 20 July 1917 Another hot day. V mowing. Emma raking. Edith went to goose point for wood. Went with wheel barrow. Work in house moves slow. tried cooking beans and peas both hard like shot, and tasteless only salt predominates. no pies, no cakes, no cookies, no kind of sauce. Best thing on the table and only thing realy palatable, was some lettuce. The Wind is South and breezy. Cooking is an art not hard to learn, and one of the most beautiful. I know there is one very important thing, it is never utilized to advantage; to many pots pans and kettles stuck on the stove nearly all the time. Now tis after dinner. I dont think there there is a drop of dish water; no sound of clattering work; the wheels of the household machinery are silent. There is a pan of rhubarb stewing on the stove and there it will stand and may for ever I noticing or speaking of it again. While V was bee hiving 3 swarms a call from Robert G, Watertown wanting V to meet him at the Cape this pm at 6 Oclock. V cant go and leave his work but told him to come to Vans Sunday. get Bert to bring them & V will go for them. This is the day I found the dish of filth left by one of our guests. The queer thing about it I found it on the cabinet. I ventured and walked to the barn, passed between the shop and old cow stable. Saw the new barn what there is of the finished concrete. Saw Ogle washing his buggy at river, he came to the house and asked for the girls to go driving with him to the foot; didnt go. Went home to his boarding place at 10 pm. Flashes of lightning off in S.E. and thunder but didnt come here. �130 Saturday 21st July 1917 A very warm day. V worked at potatoes and garden. A man in villiage phoned to Voltie wants to hire to help do the haying. If V cant get Will he can get this man Monday morning. I think Voltie had or should have clinched the bargain while he had an oppertunity to secure help. Maybe Will wont come and now he talks of phoning to Wellie for one of his boys. After drawing the evenings milk to the factory came back and goes across the river in skiff or nearly to the other shore. Sheridan came over to bring Maurice in motor. Maurice going to Hallidays to do his courting. Sheridan called here while phoned to several people. told them He and Tom were drafted which was not true. Rachel came over to stay all night. brought coffee. Her chickens most all gone, only 5 left from 90 or more. Weasel killed them, they killed most all of Will H Woodmans chickens. William H shot the weasel. V rowed back didnt go to corners to late. Sunday 22nd July 1917 Days are passing quickly. July will be gone before we realize it has been here at all. V has lain dow [sic] to rest awhile and take a nap before he rows across for Robert. The wind is blowing some from South, a warm day. Another surprise to day when when Bert and Maud & Hubert, Isabel, Grace, Margaret and Robert came. Then came Miss Laura Babcock. Then came Ogle all here to dinner & supper except LBabcock. �131 Monday 23 July 1917 A very warm day. Voltie mowing over there Robert Tuesday 24 July 1917 Hot day no rain. Wednesday 25 July 1917 The very hottest day I can ever remember not a ripple on the water with the sun throbing and shining down on the water. Voltie cutting grass hay over on Rachel’s. Robert raking. Rachel came out very early to pick peas & came here to breakfast, shelled her peas. Ed went after breakfast and picked a pail of peas for dinner. �132 Thursday 26 July 1917 Wind South and breezy this morning and every one can work more comfortable. Bert rowed back over the river with Farr’s skiff towing Volties skiff so he can come back. A hard hard pull against the wind and waves. Bert came over to help V in the haying. Eddie McDermot came to talk and visit. Sylvia at home up here cooking for Samy & Joe, their dinner only. Friday 27 V and Bert working in hay in the evening, they rowed across and went to Cape Vincent in Berts car, returned home at 1 am, brought candy and beer; had a break down of course. Saturday 28 July 1917 A hot day. Bert and V working in hay field all day. Drew milk to factory this evening brought home a piece of cheese. �133 December 4th Monday 1916 [written as an insert in top left corner] mended V’s over alls. mended V’s vest. Wrote a letter to Grace 5 braided rug 6 set up a new crochet pattern mended my petticoat Sunday 29 A warm day. Ogle came early and drove over to Hallidays where they staid all day till 8 Oclock pm They found Maurice M there courting. Will Niles is courting to Louise nurse Miss Olive Jones and so the courting proceeds. Will and Lena came over a little before dark. Bert went across in same skiff, going to Watertown. Law suit tomorrow with Hubert about an old automobile. Monday 30 July 1917 A very warm or hot day but breezy, river rough. Will and Voltie working in field mowing, raking and cocking. We had a grand fight here to day between Edith and Robert. There was no broken bones nor bloody noses but a rough and tumble scrap which was fierce while it lasted. Lena came over from R’s, staid till bed time. noice confusion, piano playing and dancing in evening. Samy Woodhouse here. Hubert Bamford & Bert Smiths law suit comes off to day. We looked for B and Grace & kids last night but didnt come. All dancing in evening. Tuesday 31 July 1917 A very hot morning which promises a hotter day. V gone to factory. Will came early. Every thing at a stand still. Hubert fell down Stairs this morning. Last of this month. The summer is going; in a little while it will be gone. This is the hottest day I ever saw. E, E, Robert & Miriam all in bathing. We have been looking for Bert and Grace & family. ��134 Wednesday 1st of August I’ll have to skip one of these pieces or space might as well be this one for there cant be two Wednesdays in one week. I do get things mixed so if I dont write every day. Now last night was the night V went for Grace and her family. Tuesday instead of Wednesday. Wednesday 1st of August 1917 A hot dry day. Oh how rain is needful at present after sunset. V went over to Vans in Skiff for Bert and Grace and family, they all came about 9 pm of the hottest evening I ever remember. Grace brought 9 fans. Bert brought 2 doz bottles of ale, and they swilled it down like swill. Oh such a blazing hot night smothering heat. and this is the day Bert and Maud went to Watertown. They started at 8 a & all day going broke down. A hot dry day Thursday 2 August 1917 Edith drives to dock with Miriam, Margaret & Robert and Aunt R’s eggs. Bert went back to Watertown yesterday accompanied by Maud & Hubert. Supposed Miriam had gone home to stay but back she came all O.K. �135 Friday 3 August 1917 Another hot dry day. Working in field as usual. Same old work business as goes on from day to day nothing unusual occurs. cooking 3 square meals. mail dont bring much except farm papers but our evening company including our own are Joe & Samy Woodman, Lizzie Woodman and a Hollinbeck girl named Etta. They sing, dance, play piano, Violin, phonograph till 11 OClock pm. A hot dry day, no rain Saturday 4 August 1917 I dont know all that transpires in dining room & kitchen but not much done by way of cooking for Sunday, baking pies and cakes. nothing only ordinary every day meals for eleven. V and Will working at haying. Samy Woodman in here evening. 12 Oclock midnight when we retired for the night. August 5 1917 Sunday A hot dry day. Ogle came early. E & O went English church. such a dressing up among them all. I never saw Edith in pink. Miriam in white. Margaret in blue. Grace in black. Isabel in some fanciful color. Emma in a white embroidered waist and silk shirt. Lena in a beautiful flowered muslin. How did they spend the day? Did they attend our church? Exceping [sic] Emma no one went to church but spent the day boating, singing and piano playing. All here exepting R & she alone all day. Grace walked over to see her in evening. �136 6th August Monday August 1917 Another dry hot day. V & Will working in field at the hay. E put the clothes soaking. V drove to the river for two cans of water but not going to work till tomorrow. A noisy time, cook, eat and wash dishes is the program. We received cards from Maud. they left here early enough. Wednesday morning 8 am. Old car broke down so many times they didnt arrive in Watertown till 5 pm. 7th August Tuesday August 1917 Wind north and breezy and cool, no rain in a long time. Everything drying up. All vegetation suffering for want of rain. This is immediately after breakfast. Emma going to wash. Maryard and Marian in bed. They are not very early risers; Lena came accompanied by Rachel enroute for home but her dad who is to row her across is gone fishing in skiff down the river and Lena is very anxious to be gone. Will caught a fish trolling pickerel or pike. Then he rowed Lena across the river. Robert and his Uncle V fixing the binder to cut barley, peas and fish for dinner. Will gone to corners for tobaco. V had to brave the hay and cut barley. it is ripening to fast. Will returned about 3 p.m. brought candy & gum Phoned for McAvoy who came immediately for Lena. Will saw her safely in the car enroute for home, looks like rain. V while trying to bind barley broke the binder which is a great set back to his work. �137 Wednesday 8th August 1917 Wind blowing a gale from S.E. River very rough and spraw dashing high with fitful showers of rain. not cold but warm. Emma swept and mopped my bed room. Had stewed hen for dinner, cucumber, potato etc. Dont know what Will & Voltie done out working at something all day. Kid noisy as usual. my work dont amount to much this day. Grace made an apron for Emma. Raining at intervals all day. Thursday 9th of August 1917 Emma gone to Kingston. Will drove over a little cooker this morning: rained in night, good and strong with lightning. Wm & V & Robby working in field. Grace gets the dinner. Quite breezzy [sic] from south. Edith, Margaret and Miriam went fishing for dinner peas for dinner too. cooler weather this pm. Wind west. Voltie drove to dock for Emma. She bought cloth for herself, a new dress, beautiful musling [sic]. We had bananas for supper. Grace got the meals. Rachel came over just before dark. not pleased because Will didnt go home with her. Friday 10th August 1917 A very beautiful breezzy day wind South. Atmosphere clear, the pearly clouds floating away up in the sky so Robert, Will & V working in field. Grace making Emma’s dress. Emma working kitchen. I just fnished writing to Reginald, it is the first I have written to him this summer. �138 Saturday 11 August 1917 A hot day everything drying up. The rain of Wednesday and Wednesday night done very little good. I dont do much of any thing more than use crochet trundle. The girls do the work. Hay all cut, barley, too; got to draw all next week. They all have a merry time. Grace finished Emma’s dress and nearly finished a dress for Isabel. Emma preparing to go on Excursion tomorrow, from foot of island steamer Kingston. Voltie and Joe went to the corners for oil. for none at Vans nor Maloneys. Oil men dont bring oil. came home at 1/2 12 midnight. Sunday 12 August 1917 Another beautiful warm hot dry day sun blazing. Ogle & Sam came early 5 am even before Miriam and Emma were dressed for the excursion. V arose early. this is a long hot tiresome day. Grace done all the work the others went fishing except V. Will and the others kids went trolling. caut [sic] a trememdous great pike and a lot of rock fish. E and M & Ogle came about 4 pm and brought me a new cosmopolitan. Will, Ogle, Miriam, Margaret and Emma went to Flynns in skiff. came back at 11 pm. a terrible hot night. couldnt sleep so hot. �139 Monday 13 August 1917 A hot dry day. men working in hay. had roasted fish for dinner that Will caught trolling. Tuesday 15 August 1917 no rain. Hot. V and Wm working in hay. This day passes as usual. Except in evening. A couple of extra guests Joe & Ogle. Will goes over to Rachels very early in evening, so he misses the "pow wow"! Well it was a hilarious, uproaring, screeching, screaming, squeeling, laughing too if one may call it laughter. Ogle dont laugh. He roars. Realy I was nervous almost hysterical with the noise. Wednesday 16th August 1917 No rain. Voltie and Will working in hay field. had a fowl for dinner. Our butter has steped out and down. swimming, playing piano, laughing, te he ing, hollering, screaming, squeeling, yell and some fighing. Hickory nut cracking. While Grace works constantly, wash, iron, sew, wash dishes, milk, cook. Some times it looks like rain but it is only clouds. �140 Thursday 17 August 1917 No rain. Day after day comes and goes with no rain. Every thing drying and dying. Our guests, this morning said good bye for one day. some of them return at evening time. I’m glad Grace is coming and Robert too. Will and Voltie still continue to draw hay. had to borrow butter from Rachel to help out. There has been no rain to benefit the growth of any thing since the 11, 12th and 13th July when there was a good rainfall those 3 days. none since only an occasional wee very little shower like a dew fell. Excepting one p.m. and the same night there was a good sharp rain shower but none since. Well Bob Jr, just now phoned from Kingston. They are going to stay in Kingston and Grace sent for her and Robt’s suit case to be packed and sent to Kingston. Jack and his family are not coming from New York. E & E packed their things. Will drove to dock for the groceries. Will Watson came home with them. He came down from Kingston on the boat to make us a visit. He had only returned this day from visiting his own father and ma who live in Verona. making them a weeks visit. Will Niles brought me a nice lot of cucumbers. V went to George Woodmans for binder repairs. Friday 18 August 1917 The rain came to us to day (p.m.) in grand showers but wish there had been more but glad and thankful for the heavy showers. Will D brought a piece of cheese from factory this morning. Willie W ate supper with Joe and Sam. Received a letter from Belle, said she is coming last of this month or first of Sept. �141 Saturday 19 Aug 1917 A fine day after yesterday rain. Wind South and blowing quite strong. Voltie bringing oats or wheat. Willie Watson working to day for Joe, Will D went fishing, trolling. Went away down around foot of isle caught two nice pike which he intends to take home with him tomorrow. E & E going with him. Evening V & Will Watson & Samy going to corners. I didn’t want Voltie to go so dark and windy. He didn’t go. Wm & Samy went. V sent by Joe for butter. 12 midnight when they returned. Joe brought the olemargarine. Sunday 20 August 1917 Not a very pleasant day to go visiting by rowing skiff across the river and then driving 10 miles but they went. Will, Emma and Edith though it rained some when they started. The boat down at "Smith" place, or lower boat house. Will hired a rig of Eliza Reasoner. they returned before sunset well pleased with the visit. The pm was fine, clouds all gone, sun shining, no wind. Rachel came over in a bluster because no one had told her that they had not gone. V washed breakfast dishes. V & R got the dinner. R washed dishes & towards night went home. Then came Laura Babcock. Will Niles soon came. Will D, Emma and Edith also came. Ogle. Will D brought Limburg cheese 2 bricks. Louise sent me a book , "Tess of the Storm Country" gave Edith red Liste thread, stockings and red ribons. Nearly forgot to say, after dinner, Willie Watson packed his budget and went to the villiage, Samy Woodman driving there with Willie. Monday 21st Aug 1917 Monday is generally speaking the dullest day in the week especialy in door. The men’s work goes on all night. I forgot what day V sold R’s heifer 51$ for her. �142 Tuesday 22 August 1917 A fine day tho a bit cooler. Men working in field. Emma brought in and boiled corn for dinner, the first this year and our first ripe tomatoes. Wednesday 28 August 1917 A hot half cloudy day after the electric storm of last night. Not much with the lightning storm. this is one day to early; finished binding and drew hay ; the last of hay. George McKay came took V’s boat and went to the corners for overalls, shirts, socks, etc. He is going to Manitoba on excursion. Then came Ogle te Bogle to take Emma for a drive out. If he was not a very ignorant he wouldnt come so often. A letter from Grace, a card from Reginald. 24 August 1917 Thursday Now what I’ve writen for yesterday, Wednesday, should stand for this day. I wrote a letter to Louise. Van came over awhile so I will let T stand. V and Will working in field; grain all bound ready to draw, if the rain had not wet it down last night. boiled corn for dinner. V paid Rachel 5 dollars that he borrowed from her one evening when he, Joe & Sam went to corners. V sold the sheep for $490,50. Laura Babeoelt here awhile. Thursday 24 Aug 1917 A very good morning. to wet to draw grain. I did not know R was going to Kingston. I wanted yes Oh! I wanted to send by her to get croched [sic] silkatine! I almost hope, that every one for their mean thoughtless carelessness will be disaproved �143 as I am. Oh! Oh! my best days are gone and I am often overtooked altogether. it is not because of age, but for the very reason that I cant walk without painfullness. I went to walk. I dream I can walk, can run, I didnt know George McKay was going to corners. Could have sent by him. I’d like to go to Kingston once more or somewhere! V sent for groceries and things but I didnt know. I hope it wont rain any more till after harvest. but think it will; rained nearly all last night and looks like rain now. Weather warm, Wind blowing a stiff breeze from South. river rough. Every thing lovely after the rain. I was to send by Rachel for thread, pins and needles. Dont hear from John any more and from my first born son never. The dead are soon forgoten. and old ma’s neglected, especialy those that cant walk. Just received the same old weeklies, Farmer advocate, Farm & Dairy, Canadian Countryman. The three combined dont amount to shucks. no one reads them. The house is just littered with them. $3,50 cts given to the publishers without any benefit derived from them to this family. Also received a notice from Macleans Magazine for renewal, a card from Miriam, a letter to Emma from Maud, wherein Maud says Bert has got to go to war and so the World wags on, Turns over every day ever bringing R. Changes of some sort. Voltie and Will hewing timber for barn. Voltie says Babe the beautiful Babe has killed nearly all our chickens. Saturdy 25 The river is wild. Oh how the wind blows. V & W hewing timber for barn. Rachel came over to dinner & not not very well. Emma done usual Saturday work. I have commenced a hit or miss quilt �144 Sunday 26 August 1917 This is the last page of this diary. Will staid with R last night; he came this morning after breakfast said R is sick and was sick all night chotery morbus [cholera morbus] ate to much cabbage & green corn for Saturday dinner. V gave Will cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, sulphur, etc Then Edith went over and staid till two Oclock pm. Madeline and Myrabelle came and we had a fine visit with them, then after dinner and dishes washed Emma made a trip to Hiram Joslins to see Maggie and her kid. Accompanied by Madaline & Myrabelle as far as Rachels which soon brought Edith back with them. Edith prepared the supper, which didn’t amount to much, then came Ogle to be sure! Madaline & Myrabelle went to J Murphy’s. I gave them all the comic papers they could carry home with them. Ogle, Will, Emma & Edith, went to Niles to hear the Victrola. They came back by way of Rachels where Will stoped all night and so ends Sunday 26 Aug 1917. Forgot to say river rough all day are therefore no yankee visitors. Now I like visitors all right if we could only stuff them all right, but some times the stuffing fails as it this time no butter. Monday 27 August 1917 Never saw such sure sign of rain that amounted to nothing. The whole south and West were piled with dark black rain clouds which soon faded away. The sun came out in glorious spendor. Wind South and breezy. V shot a rooster for dinner. V & W drawing and stacking. confused on first page of this book. Look on page 1 �145 [appears to be ledger with various lists and additions] $20 dollars for coal Telephone $4.87 Dr Nichol $8.75 Henderson on account 10 dollars Payment on manure spreader 40 dollars Rent $41,76 Interest on morgage 51,90 dollars note to McKelyey $11,50 paid McKelvey in full $10 dolars paid Bank note 31,22 Will Watson $68 dollars Will Niles $10 dollars Jack Niles $15 dollars Alden McDonda $5,00 on the Kent note $31 dollars McKelvy again $10 dollars paid Red for first hive $14 dollars Anglin $9,96 dollars Threshing $12 dollars Joe Woodman 2 dollars goods from St Lawrence $12,50 dollars " " Clayton $15 dollars McLean Mag. $1,50 Herald $1,00 dolar Maclean Magazine $2,00 goods from Clayton $15,00 Gave Cunningham 5,00 and bought about good 13 McKelvy 30 Separator bowl 12,25 coal 20 sleep Rec’d from Rube 5 dollars in oats and again; 5 dollars more the 30th December 1916 which makes 10 dollars in oas from Rube 4,48 telephone �8.75 Dr Nichol 10,00 Henderson acct 40,00 manure spreadr 41,76 rent [subtotal] 104,99 51.90 interest on mort 11,50 note to McKelvy [subtotal] 167,39 10,00 paid McK in full 31,22 Kent bank [subtotal] 2,08,61 68,00 Will Watson 10 00 Will Niles [subtotal] 286,61 15,00 York note 5,00 Alden Mcdon [subtotal] 306,61 31,20 Kent note 14,00 Reid [subtotal] 351,61 9 96 Anglin 12 threshing [subtotal] 373,51 12,00 Note Woodman 12,50 good [subtotal] 388,07 15,00 clayton [subtotal] 404,57 1.00 herald 2.00 McLean 15,00 goods [subtotal] $422,07 $20,00 for coal [subtotal]442,07 18,00 [total] $460.07 �146 Ethel’s address Route 2 ClaytonN.Y. Bills Liminck R 2 Eveline R 5 Watertown N.Y. Muriels, R.F.D. R3 Clayton N.Y. 643 Acadamy street Watertown N.Y. William Collins Dixon 11 E E 9V W N William William Collins Dixon William Collins Dixon 22 8 176 Wells N Route 3 Watertown N.Y. Grace’s address 7 Harewood Avenue Watertown N.Y. �147 �This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following people: Ann Hopkinson, Queen’s University Archives, Vivian Zhang, MaryV, and Ella Deering � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th and 20th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1887-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1887 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1888-1889 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1889-1897 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1890 March - June Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1893-1895 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1895-1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1896 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1897-1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899-1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902, 1906 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902-1909 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1904-1905 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1907 & 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1908-1919 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1911 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913-1914 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1915-1916 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1916-1917 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1917-1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1921-1922 Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1916-1917 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. October 18th (p. 13) Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/34c56a1d814f323a6ddd5f3aa9cd2654.pdf 845006dd12f1b68565bc3b1284bdcc7f PDF Text Text Irene Dixon Bamford 1915-1916, Diary Transcription 5034_4-2-6 �Metadata FromThePage export of 5034_4-2-6 from Irene Dixon Bamford made on 2026-02-11 14:35:29 UTC. itemTitle: 1915-1916 date: 1915-1916 Title: 5034_4-2-6 Description: Item is a diary. Created On: 2024-01-11 17:52:49 UTC In Scope: true Uploaded Filename: 5034_4-2-6 �1 IRENE DIXON BAMFORD DIARY 1915-1916 1915-1915 �2 Date 1915 1916 Interesting! �3 Re Read ’76-’84 Monday 22 A cloudy day, not cold. John brought water. Emma washed. Edith went to school I wrote a letter to Grace and washed breakfast dishes. V working in shop. Ground bare and nearly bare. May get a letter. seldom do on Monday. Pea soup for dinner. John pared potatoes. R went over to Vans. V drew her on sled, found Lib gone to Hatties N staid all night next morning Van hitched up and hoisting R in vehicle drove to boat with R and then drove to Dwyers for lib This all took place 13 of this month. I read a letter from Belle and am so very glad to get it. A rainy Evening. Emma talking over the wires to Sadie about going skating this eve. But they will be very disapointed for tis cloudy. The ice is getting poor, and it rains. Wal N called here on his way to the corners. V sent by him for tobacer Wal did’nt come back. guess he staid his uncle Georges. John and V each reading a new book. John reading the Discarded Daughter by Mrs "Southworth" silly old novelist. V reading The miller of old Church" a Virginia yarn by Elen Glasgow �4 3 Fussday Tuesday 23rd Feb 1925 23rd 1995 morning A cloudy, rainy, foggy morning. John drives to school with Edith. V & J up nearly all night looking after blind Fran she cast in the stall could’nt get up. Voltie heard her thumping and whacking away in the stable trying to get up and for a while thought it the firing of cannon in Kingston to the victory of some great battle over Forgemans but it was only old mare threshing around trying to get up. J Drawing manure and going over to feed R hens. Went twice R 7 eggs and only 7 for us. V & J working as usual in shop and looking after cattle, horses and sheep. Wednesday 24 Feb 1915 A nasty, rainy, mudy storming. Ed cant go to school this day ice no good for traveling. Wal & Rachel and Sylvia safely anchored on the other shore. John and Voltie working in shop, 100 hens are cackling, 10 roosters crowing. I dont like to write this in my new diary but Edith is a wrangler all day about going to school and several other affairs. I wrote and sent a letter to Belle. John send a letter to Flora. �5 4 Thursday 25 Feb 1915 A misty cloudy damp morning and mud every where with patches of dirty snow scattred here and there Edith terrible dispointed about going to school. John went early this morning to feed R’s hens and brought home eggs. Then dug a lot of horse radish for the table. Just think Horse radish in fields and tops as green as in May. We set reading till late. Only 6 eggs. Friday 26th February 1915 A fine day but freezing. Froze last night so Edith walked to school. I wrote a letter to Helen Margaret Brooks. I inquired of John what they are doing so John "by Jerusalem doing chores all a.m.". V came in to dinner and gave me ,15 cts that R Pike had given him for shoeing his horse. Emma cooked pork, cabbage and patatoes for dinner. Edith brought a new book from the School Library by R.M. Ballantyne "Away in the Wilderness". Sam Woodman here to get his horse shad one shoe. Geo Niles for filing cross cut saw 25 cts. All got the itch at Dick Halliday’s entire family, red [sic] a letter from R - a card from Nellie. �6 5 Saturday 27 Feb 1915 Froze again last night. A dim sunlight. Emma cleaned floors. Sam W here again to get that same shoe set over again. The horse overeaches and pulled his shoe off. Edith washing dishes. John went over to R to feed her hens. John and Voltie went to school house to fix the double windows, didnt return till 1,30 Oclock, baked potatoes which were much over baked 3 times more. will finish the chair tidy which I I will do Monday. Our teacher Miss Kelly & Johny Obrien skated over to Maloneys. Edna McFaden very sick. Dr Buchanan was pushed across in cutter by Geo & Jack & Wal Niles. Monday 28 February 1915 A cold morning; froze last night so I suppose the skating will go on again to day. No church service to day. Emma talking to her sister Ethel this morning. This is a bright clear day but cold. Not extremely cold, great skating time this evening. V & Em out with the ice. Maggie Magee in the dumps because no one would play tag with her on the ice, so sulked and squat on the ice. Edith staid in house with me, John & I reading. �7 6 Monday 1 March A beautiful clear bright sunny day. Emma is washing. Edith at school. John & Voltie drawing hickory limbs from the South place. I send a letter to Rachel. John sends a letter to Flora. Sylvia not home yet. I received a letter from Flora. Emma washed and hung all the clothes on the lines. Jack OBrien and Eddie McDermot crossed the ice yesterday for kerosine had to pic their way. Of course I sent R a letter. Emma hustled around and got the supper thinking all the while of skating with the gang and went on the ice as far as Geo Niles. No skates out only a big crack. V went and brought her back, before coming in she gathered part of the clothes from the line and brought them in in her arms. Weather changing a little towards night. Edith brought a new book from the school library. The Swiss family Robinson. I finished the chair tidy except the border and croched part of that. �8 7 Tuesday 2nd March 1915 Not a cold morning but cloudy. I washed nearly all the breakfast dishes, pots, kettles, spider etc scoured spoons and knives, forks. Emma baking bread, made it into loaves before breakfast, ground bare. Croched [sic] on chair tidy trying to finish it. Edith at school when she returns at night. She says the teacher wants 40 cts for "War Books" for the pupils. Emma counted the eggs and put them in a new box there are 10 doz or 11 Wednesday 3rd March 1915 A bright cold day, no snow. Will Ranous carries the mail by driving the red wheeled mail wagon. I wrote and send a letter to Flora, send Eveline the red book and buy postage stamps ,85 cts. Emma ironed. John puttying in glass for school house windows. Miss Killey sent me a note in reply to my note relating to a subscription for children War Book, got to subscribe wheather you will or not. �9 Thursday 4 March 1915 A bright cold morning. Edith going to school, gone to school now. I sent the teacher ,40 cts for War Magazine. I guess Canada is getting stired up pretty well about the war. The horror of it is appaling. V is in the kitchen ’clarin" up and making lye for hulling corn. Voltie knocked the wolf teeth out Keslars colts. Kesler paid a dollar for work done in shop. Friday 5 March A fine day. Wind N.E. John gathered up all the sap buckets preparatory to tapping our wee sugar bush of 12 trees ony then John cut brush. V working in shop getting ready for veranda. I sent letter to Belle also one to Grace also one to McAuly for the Family Herald Magazine. My purse is getting slimsy sure, only one dollar, & 29 cts left now. �10 Saturday 6 March 1913 Wind north. Looks like rain but dont rain. Emma cleaned all the floors, and Emma and I managed to make Edna a suit for Sunday. V works in shop all fore. John went twice to Rachels to feed and water her hens. Chopped and split wood at the wood pile. In pm Voltie goes to school house to meet the other trustees Jack Niles and John, Bell, Con, Donald to arrange school affair. Albert & son were present also John O’Brien. The school house is to be repaird in side and out newly painted, new clapboards, curtains &c. Then the trustees proceeded to John OBriens to sign the the teachers contract. looks like rain Eddie McDermot here "enroute" for the other side to accompany Sylvia across the ice. He came in a put his skates on in the dining room. I set up a new crochet patern. �11 1915 Sunday 7 March East wind. no snow nor rain, sun shining. Eddie McDermot & Sylvia came across this morning. Ed borrowed a sled and drew Sylve across on sled. they stoped here a while. John finished reading his books, The discarded daughter. I broke the sabath by pasting some scraps in my scrap book. If tis wicked, I dont know it. Nothing unusual occur to day. Monday 8 March 1915 A bright lovely morning. Froze last night a light frost on the windows somewhat cold, wind north. Emma washed and hung the clothes on the lines; a big washing Edith at school. I wrote a letter to Belle, John wrote to Flora. Farmers magazine, but no letters, only a card or two for E & E. John & Voltie drew hay, 2 loads form the Smith place 4 loads. Sylvia washed some thing can see them fluttering on the line. �12 8 Tuesday 9th March 1915 A fair morning. Sun shining brightly. Edith gone to school. Emma cleaned the floors. Voltie shod old Ben horse and repaired the old buggy to go to the villiage tomorrow. Emma sorted and packed the eggs in the egg basket 19 dozen. Not much to carry to market these days. Think it costs more to feed the hens than their eggs are worth for from so many hens, nearly a hundred have got not more than a dozen per day. 15 is the most we have had per. This is cheese meeting day but V does not attend on account of so much home business. John doing chores and working in shop. ground bare, warm sunlight. John tapped our maples. sap dont run much. Evening visitor Mr Roy Rattray. Wednesday 10th March 1915 A beautiful day. Arose early. V gone to Kingston tis a long, long drive to the villiage where he will leave the horses and go over with the stage. The mail brought me a letter from montreal "anent" the picture they are going to send it. a card from Maud, a Family Herald and the Standard. �13 9 Emma cooked beans. Edith at school. John done chores. V came at 7 pm bringing the grist, groceries, glass etc and a drunken old pup, named Jim Gardiner with face long as a jack ass and drunk and noisy, could scarcely walk to supper table. Evening visitors Eddie McDermot, Joe Woodman & Rupert Davis. Emma played on piano and they all sang and such a confusion of sounds I never heard. Well they are gone home. All good boys, they are every one. I ws disapointed in not receiving a letter from Grace. Thursday 11 March Froze again last night. A light flurry of snow this morning. I working on Veranda. Edith at school. John puttying glass for school house which I bought yesterday. Volties hired man, Jim G so sick after his drunken bout that he couldn’t eat any breakfast. V told him to shoulder his valise and get out but he had to take a long nap first; The day is very fair. �14 10 after all. After sleeping his drunk off Jim arose and came down stairs in time for dinner. V told him if he behaved himself he could stay, and he staid. I write two letters one to Maud also one to Grace. Sylvia came to make a visit but was rung home for her Aunt Lizzie had come. March 12 Friday 1915 A clear bright day rather cold, V & J working on the veranda. Edith at school. Emma cleaned floors. Jim brought the water from the river, and went to the post box. I wrote and sent a letter to Rachel, also one to Grace, and one to Maud; but I didn’t receive a letter not one, nor a card. So once more I am doomed to disapointment. It has been a long time since Grace has written, and I dont’ know why. I washed the dinner dishes and am very glad I can do it. This is a very strange March month, no snow, nor rain, nor wind of any account. I think I’ll not write any more letters till I receive one from some one, but I have more time to write than they. found Graces letter unfolded in The Herald newspaper, a relief to find it. �15 11 Saturday 13 March 1915 Another beautiful day. V and J working on veranda. Emma cleaned floors and made cake. Edith washed dishes. I darned socks, rinse stockings. Emma baked bread, another new calf late in pm. Emma went up to see Syvia and staid till after dark. Edith finished getting supper and washed the dishes. Well after supper and every thing done Sadie & Howard came. John rang for Emma telling her that she had company and to come directly home. She came, and baby Howard and Emma went to Jack Niles for an evenings visit while we all sat reading. The house so very quiet cozy and comfortable. Each one enjoying themselves in their own chosen literature. The door oppened and in waked [sic] Joe Woodman, Eddie McDermot, Sylvia Woodman, and Maggie McGee. Surely curiosity had sent them here to spy who the visitor might be and I suppose they were much disapointed in finding no one. They didnt stay long. Now this is the second time this week their unwelcome visit has been made here out of great curiosity to see �16 12 what they could see and hear what they could hear. Rip Davis was not with them this time for the very good reason that he was not at Woodmans. Our man Jim Gardner, after breakfast, took a long tramp to the villiage in order to do his Easter duties, and aslo [sic] to go to Kingston to see his wife. Emma received a letter from Lena Dixon Sunday 14 March 1915 Another beautiful day, no snow, no rain, very little wind North Emma gone to church. Emma went to church, Edith helped get dinner. After dinner went to Sylves Sadieand Howard came by lamp light. John phoned for Emma came up and they both went to Sylves. Staid to supper. Roy Rattray poped [sic] in, didn’t stay long but went on down to Geo N’s then came Emma and Sadie from Sylvias. So dark Sade couldn’t see to go home. Voltie & Edith and Emma took lantern and escorted her home, in coming home Emma hurt her hand on barbed wire. V gathered the sap; a pail full, boiled it on the stove till bed time. �17 13 Monday 15 March 1915 Another beautiful day. Emma didnt wash, her finger is sore where she cut it on barbed wire. Edith went to school. John & Voltie working on veranda. I darned and patched socks and stockings. Voltie ripped and cut up 40 old over alls striped & blue and black & brown and washed them and hung them on the line. I sent a letter to Grace. Nothing in the mail box for any of us Tuesday 16 March 1915 Another beautiful day, froze last night. Edith at school. George Barrio talking over the wire about money for the teacher. Miss Kelley talking over. Requesting a half holliday to attend RC mass to be held at OBriens tomorrow. I sorted rags all day. Volte and John building a shed for the manure spreader. Emma cooks and washed dishes. �18 14 Wednesday 17 March 1915 St Patrick’s day in the morning. Sunlight very dim this morning looks like a storm. Emma up stairs making beds. John on his every day rounds looking after her hens and from there to the lower barn to look after the sheep, then John and Voltie look after building the cover for manure spreader. Sylvia made us a call. Harold Dignum here in the evening. No letters for me to day. John Received two - one from Flora. Harold gave us a miserable concert on the piano. William Gillespie rang Voltie asking him to help work in the church to morrow. V said yes. Thursday 18 March 1915 No rain, no snow, no wind. Froze again last night. A kind of dim sunlight. Edith gone to school. John gone over to Rachels. Voltie went to work in Church. John working in veranda preparing to lay veranda floor. Emma prepared the meals. Voltie helped wash dishes. John laying veranda floor, working in church. I make a dress skirt for Edith. �19 15 Friday 19 March 1915 Another fine day. A white frost last night. Edith at school. Voltie working on or in Church. Emma mopping dining room floor. My hands so prickly and numb, dont do much. Sinclair here to dinner. John worked, laying veranda floor. Emma cleaned floors. Letter from Rachel. A card from Lottie. John received a letter from Mr Booth to come to him almost immediatley to begin his summer work. How can he get there! River full of ice. I sent no letters. John sent Flora a letter. One of the sheep sick, boys put it in the barn. Received letter from Maud also from Grace. Saturday 20th March 1915 Another beautiful day froze last night. John and V put roof on the shed for the manure spreader. Edith sick all day in bed, got up squalling with the head ache, got her feet wet by wading in water. Going 14 and dont know enough to keep her feet dry. Emma cleaned floors. �20 16 Sunday 21st March 1915 Awoke this morning to find a light covering of snow on the ground which soon disapeared. Edith better this morning. A very quit [sic] half cloudy windy day. V called by phone to doctor one of Woodmans horses, ruined so rumor says by Eddie McDermots driving and ill usage. Jimy Morgan came over towards evening to discover the safety of crossing the river. Jim wants to go to Clayton, he ate supper with us. Wall N at Shelle’s painting. Monday 22nd March 1915 A sort of a cloudy morning not cold. John went over to feed Rachels hens. Jimy Morgan came to go to Clayton with his own boat which he had brought over to Mabels. John went across with Jimy. Emma making pumkin pies while V with glasses in hand is watching to see Jimy and Johny go across the river. Edith at school. Sap runs and we had maple syrup for dinner and supper. Evening visitors Joe Davis and Rupert Woodman please recuse �21 17 Tuesday 23rd March 1915 A beautiful day warm and bright. Edith at school. Emma washing in kitchen. Jim Morgan returned this morning from Clayton, or perhaps he staid over at Maloneys or somewhere on that side. Didnt ask him. Lots of ice in the river but the water is blue and sparkling in the sunlight. Voltie drawing hay for the cattle from the South place, sheep died last night. Emma didnt hang out the wash only some towels. Wednesday 24 March 1915 Another beautiful day, hens cackling like mad. Emma got a cold or something anyway she cant do anything only be doctored with quinine and hot lemonade. River nearly clear of ice. I sent a letter to Belle also Evelines recd book. Edith at home helping me do the work. I received a letter from Flora. Evening visitor Roy Rattray. Rachels old cow got a calf �22 18 Thursday 25 March 1915 Cloudy this morning look like rain. The weather has been so warm. The grass has has started to grow. Separated the milk this morning for the first time this spring. A very nasty day, wind South and a drizzling rain, ground bare. Voltie gathered the sap early; we had a qt and a pint of good maple syrup. V had the usual amount of chores to do, horses, cows, calico, hens, sheep, stables to clean &c. I wrote a letter to Maude. Friday 26 March 1915 A chilly raw day. Emma hung out some clothes on the line. Edith at home. Sent her to the post box with letters to Grace, Maude, and remailed a letter to John from Flora. Sent W.R. an apple. John OBrien here to bring Mill Seire home. Said Louise is sick with ear ache, sent by John quinine, onions & hens oil. Cooking boiled dinner. I saved a few tomatoe seeds. I was taken sick with grippe and sick all day and all night. I received a letter from Belle a beautiful letter wherein she told me all about each one of her children and Charles Sr. �23 19 Saturday 27 March 1915 I sick in bed nearly all day with grippe or something cant eat. Dont know much any way. Emma mopped floors Sylvia here all pm and staid to supper, came for a book and forgot to take it. Edith has been home from school Thursday, Friday and to day there is no school. V doing all kinds of work chores chores chores beside cleaning grass seed. Sunday 28 March 1915 Go grippe, wish it would go away and leave me but it grips me good and hard. After dinner Emma walked down to Geo Niles to visit Staid to supper and long after dark till nearly 10 pm. Maggie came visiting but went home before supper. Monday 29 March 1915 Got grippe. Wind West, cold morning, snow on the ground this morning. I am better but not well. Edith gone to school. Received a letter from Grace also one from Robt Jr �24 20 Tuesday 30 March 1915 Wind West all day Edith gone to school. Grandma sick in bed with the grippe. Uncle Voltie got it to. Wall Niles here a long while bought the book home. We boiled down enought sap for dinner. I churned. Edith go to Rachel got 12 eggs. I finished her dress. Voltie finished leaning his grasseed had 11 lbs I bake bread, wash dishes, milk pails, separators an separatored the milk (Sold six pigs for $75). Maggie McGhee here for another book for Sylvia and some writing paper. Wednesday 31 March 1915 Wind west what there is not much. Grandma not much better. Edith gone to school. voltie worked in the shop and done chores, he phoned for lemons. Elc. oil and tobacco to be sent down by the mail and a 100 of hog feed. Jack Niles here. didnt get any mail only a paper the Standard. I made five lbs of butter out from yesterdays churning. The tomato seed are up Edith went to Rachel before breakfast. This morning and again to night. The weather is cloudy all day, sap dont run these kind of day. Well I guess I will have to get supper for Voltie is doing the chores. Grandma in bed, old pig got 10 little ones. �25 21 Thursday April 1 1915 Well this is April fool day. I suppose there is some fooling going on today but none here. This is Emma Woodman’s birthday. Uncle Voltie went over to get so medicine for Grandma but didnt’ get home till 10 Oclock. he has the [grippe to. Joe and Rupret [sic] done the chores. Sylvia here all afternoon. Grandma not much better. Frank Briceland got our pigs this morning. Edith got a pail of sap we are boiling it down. This is the last of school for a week. I suppose she will raise the d—l all that time. Wind from the south (Good Friday) April 2 1915 No wind this morning, river like glass. Uncle Voltie awful lame this morning, phone for Joe to come down and help draw hay from smith place. he help do chores to. Sylvia and I went down and got the boat were Uncle Voltie left it last night in Jimy’s bay. Eddie took us down in the buggie I gave Sylvia some maple syrup and sent Maggie some maple sugar. Edith went to Rachel. Joe here to dinner. George Gillipie went up to church in his motor boat. Jack Niles went to Clayton to day in his boat. �26 22 Saturday 3 April 1915 Wind East and cool. Grandma a little better. Edith went to Rachels said her roster [sic] was dead. Uncle Voltie working in the shop all fore noon. I mop all floors, churn and made 5 lbs of butter out. Wall Niles here after paint oil. Edith washed separator and milk pails. Edith gathered the sap. Easter Sunday 4 April (I set a hen) Wind South nice bright day. Uncle Voltie made ice cream. Sylvia has gone to the villiage with Saddie & Eddie McDermot and stayed. Maggie staid here all night. Edith & Maggie gone over to Aunt Rachel to feed her hens. I helped milk and feed cavles [sic]. Roy Rattray here in the evening and stayed till ten Oclock. I played the phonegraph [sic] for him and didnt say a word, only set there and laugh. A great many people going to the English Church today. I suppose the R.C. will eat lots of Ham and eggs today. Grandma stayed up all day today. I guess she fels [sic] a lot better. Edith and Maggie wash dishes 2. Uncle Voltie doctored cow and done chores. �27 23 Sylve married to day 5 April Monday 5 April 1915 Cloudy day all day looks like rain but dont. Maggie here yet Joe phoned for her twice but she dont want to go home and she dont, stayed all night. I made candy. Edith and Maggie went to Rachels today and they helped choped wood and bring water from the river. I made five lbs of butter and churned got too more jars of cream to churn Wednesday. Uncle Voltie working on old buildling all day. Edith and Maggie get the sap. I separated the milk and helped feed the cavles. I went for the mail. Grandma got a letter from Uncle John & 3 cards & a letter from Aunt Rachel. I got 3 cards. Edith 2. Uncle V 2 and standard and Herald Tuesday 6 April 1915 Cloudy all day too rains a little. Uncle V brings water from the river and I wash. I got two bars of soap from Sylvia, she got home the morning after the dance. Edith said they were all in bed when she was up there but Maggie. Maggie didnt stayed to breakfast went just as soon as she got up. Grandma in bed all afternoon not �28 24 much better. Uncle Voltie wroking [sic] in the shop all day and do the chores. I helped milk. Edith went over to Rachel to feed her hen. Uncle V went to Niles to get flour. Nice and still all day, the water like a glass. I rang up sylvia. Eddie McD stayed there all day to day and all night tonight. The dancer’s I guess a pretty tired tonight, anyway I know I am. Well I guess I go to bed (Good Night). Wedenday [sic] 7 April 1915 very nice day. I done more washing, made out 5 lbs of butter and churn and got 20 Doz’s of eggs ready for town and done up Uncle V shirt and pressed his pants. Edith went to Rachel. Uncle V fixed his seed drill and got cabbage ready for town. The boat did not get in to the dock to night but is going to try and get in to morrow morning. she got in part way and back out and went to Howe Island to stayed all night. I got some starch form [sic] Sylvia. Eddie McD went home this morning didnt get much mail today just the papers and Grandma a book from Uncle John and Uncle V some let �29 25 Thursday 8 April 1915 A very fine day. Boat came in for the first time—or it tried to get in but failed to come to the dock. People had to walk to the Point. V went to Kingston carrying 20 doz eggs. Old buggy broke down as they as they started with old Duke, broke shaft borrowed Sylvias. Had to drive to foot at night for passengers. Emma went for Voltie. V bought oranges, onions, pea nut, humbugs, Rolled oats, flour, soap, cough medicine, onions sets and onionseed, corn for Rachel, wallpaper, 4 bottle of ale and hog feed. Friday 9th April 1915 A very good day. V gone to foot for grist. I transplanted the orange tree and clean the front yard and set fire to it. V phoned for Orville McDermot to come and help him work. He wants ,75 cts per day. V said come but guess V has thought better of it. Just think ,75 cts per day for a for a 15 year old lad that sits around and smokes and runs the phonograph. Graces birthday. �30 26 Saturday 10 April 1915 A cloudy morning. No rain. This certainly is the dirtiest, filthiest house I ever saw and every thing in disorder. V got wall paper for my bedroom but it never will be put on. I suppose Emma does all she can but that other long legged trollop that stops while wiping a few dishes to play with and feel of the cats! oh every thing goes wrong this spring. But that other dear little girl Emma. I am sorry for Emma. Monday 19th April 1915 nine days ago since I wrote in this diary since then Rachel came home last Wednesday morning. Van & Lib brought her home in Rob Percys old leaky skiff, and last Monday Sylve Woodman and Eddie McDermott were married at the villiage by the Episcopal service. A very foolish marriage I think; she is 21 and he is 19. V went to Kingston last Thursday on the boat, carried 30 lbs butter at ,30 cts per lb. Eggs 18 per doz. Friday night a dance at Jim Kehoes. V went to take Emma, they came home at 12 midnight. �31 28 Saturday V plowing over on Rachels and was up nearly all night doctoring old Ben horse. Sunday Wall here and ate dinner with us. Mr & Mrs Niles Sr gone up to Shells in Volties skiff. I received letters from Belle & Grace on Friday. I answered them. Monday 19 April 1915 A beautiful day no rain since the 11th. V plowing. Eddie McDermott sick. Edith gone to school. Emma feeding the motherless lamb. I am sitting out on veranda for the first time this spring, it is very warm and beautiful. I send letters to Grace and Belle. Eddie had the doctor. Doctor said Ed had colic. Tuesday 20 April 1915 Another dry warm day. Voltie sowed wheat. and grass seed. In the evening drove to Geo Woodmans for 10 bushels of barley. Emma went over to help Rachel clean up the house gone till noon. Edith at home which was a terrible calamity to her. Wallace went away this morning. Jack took him to the Cape. Em sowed cabbage seed, planted dahlias and gladiolas. �32 28 Wednesday 21 April 1915 another dry day. Wind North this morning. Emma done big washing with Rachels vacum washing machine. Edith gone to school. V preparing ground to sow barley. V worked late and cleaned up barley after dark to be prepared to sow early tomorrow. Clarence McDonald brought home Volties farming mill. Guess Ed McDermot has got done working there for Maggie brought Eds valise from there to Sylv’s after school. No mail only a standard. I sent no letters. Eddie going home to his mammy tomorrow on the boat. Thursday 22nd April 1915 No rain. Wind S; rather breezy. Emma moped floors and helped get dinner. Then went to the lower barn to help V draw hay home for cows & horses. I wrote to the Family Herald and weekly Star. Emma churned. V sowed barley, looks like rain, wish it would. Emma set a hen, which makes 5 now sitting. Dont feel very well. Garden seeds didn’t come. Silve here to borrow butter papers. �33 29 Friday 23rd April 1915 A cloudy morning no rain but looks very much like rain, hope it will. Edith went over to feed R hens this morning. V sowing oats working alone, no one to help him. Rachel cooking beans for dinner. Edith separated the mornings milk & cleaned the lamps and filled them, her mind is constantly filled with Mary-belle and Madeline and Mort. I sent a letter to the Family Herald and weekly Star. Read letters from John & Grace and happy to get them. Saturday 24th April 1915 A misty morning, no rain since the 11th but the farmers are hustling in their grain. Voltie has sowed wheat, barley, oats. Rain, Rain, the warm rain is falling but it proved to be only a good sun shower but it was of great benefit to the Earth. Voltie and Jimy Kehoe went to Corners rowed to Vans in V’s skiff. Van told V to take his rig which V did. They came at midnight. V bought shirts, scribbler, olives, kerosine, gum and a pencil. �34 30 Sunday 25 April 1915 A fair day. Sylve in bed at 9 a.m. Rupert chasing Maggie over and around the fields to compel her to drive the Woodmans cows home from the Niles field. Another sheep dead which makes 2 sheep and 3 lambs. Emma, Edith, Maggie & Sadie went to Dignums for the garden seeds left in dock house last Thursday; they brought wild flowers. Sylve and Eddie here too. Monday 26 April 1915 A warm bright morning. V sowing oats. R moved home this morning. flour, milk, sugar, clothing, books, etc. Edith at school. I sent a letter to John also one to Grace. no mail for us. We seldom get mail on Monday. Emma planted 1 1/2 row at noon. Emma gathered 36 eggs. I mended stockings and socks. �35 31 A fair bright day, grass growing. Edith separated the milk this morning. Edith didnt go to school to day, staid home to help Emma, they planted potatoes 5 rows now planted. Voltie sowed more oats. I darned more socks & stockings. Nothing uncomon [sic] occured to day. just the every day routine of word cooking, washing dishes, sweeping, moping floors, feeding lambs, looking after the newly hatched chickens. Aunt R came over towards evening for her kettle and some coffee milk, and onions sets. Wednesday 28 April 1915 April almost gone. Only two days more. It rained a very litle in the night and lightened [sic] and thundred. The sun is brightly shining this morning. very light wind. Voltie gone to his work preparing ground for oats near the house. Emmas baking of bread is just fine. E & E planted potatoes there is an awful lot of work here to be be done and but few hands to do it. 31 eggs. I received a letter from Helen Watson �36 32 Thursday 29 April 1915 Another fine day. V preparing ground for sowing oats. I wrote a letter to Helen Watson Providence R. I. Voltie drove to dock with aunt R carrying 16 lbs butter at ,30 cts per lb. V drove again for her at night. She came right along home with him and staid all night and to breakfast this morning. Edith went to school; looks like rain & did rain in Kingston. Friday 30 April 1915 A cloudy morning and cool. Edith gone to school, Rachel went home carrying her axes and other bundles. Emma picked a pail ful of dandelion greens. I sent a letter to Helen Watson. V preparing ground for oats, sowed 13 bushels; got that field done. Towards night R came over for milk and axe staid to supper. I pieced three quilt blocks Saturday 1st May 1915 A cloudy morning rains some. V going to plow for more oats if it dont rain. got 5 days more plowing to do and then to make garden. Now this is Saturday I’ll see what work will be done to day by our hopeful daughters. �37 33 our preacher Mr Sager calling at Rachels and talking with Voltie on the road near where V was plowing another new calf at the barn. Jimy Kehoe and Rupert Davis borrowed V’s skiff to go over the river. They are going to corners for something to cure the cow itch on Rupert. They will have a very dark time crossing the river it is so very cloudy. Sunday 2nd May 1915 A cool sprinkly morning. Edith is expecting the Morgan youngsters but dont think they will come. After dinner Emma calls on Sylve. Mag comes down here. Mrs Niles came too Not a very pleasant day. Harold Dignum here in the evening Monday 3rd May Not a very pleasant day, chilly. Voltie gone to field to plow this morning. Edith contrary dont want to do any thing �38 34 very strange child. Sam Woodman hired Volties manure spreader, going to plow for Voltie. Edith about 3 Oclock pm. Edith went to set out Rachels onions & staid to to supper. Came home and drove up the cows. V finished work over on Rachels place. Tuesday 4 May 1915 Sam Snub got very angry and brought the manure spreader home because V went up and told him not to load it so heavy. he (Sam) had it loaded way up above the seat. He has had the spreader more than a day. but I dont think he will help V plow now. Geo Woodman here. V sold him a pig for the dollars. Rachel came over to dinner. Edith went at sun set and carried milk to Rachel. �39 35 Wednesday 5 May 1915 A fine cool day. Voltie began plowing the last home field back of the barn. Rachel came over to gather and cook greens. We had a big mess of greens for dinner. Edith at school. V got the field and quarter plowed. Sylvia Anne and Sarah Anne Mcdermot here in the evening also Mag Magee. Jimy Kehoe gave V two fine pike. George Niles took Louise to Clayton in motor. She going from there to Watertown Sanatarium. I sent a letter to Lippencott for flower seeds. Thursday 6th May 1915 A cool bright morning. V plowing. Edith at School. Sarah McDermott gone home. Sylve drove to the dock with her this morning. She is coming back to attend the sugar party to be held at Jane Niles Friday evening for the benefit of the "Ladies Aid". We had fish for dinner & as a present from Jimie Kehoe. V has half the field plowed. Rachel came over for milk. V planted potatoes 9 rows. �40 36 Friday 7 May 1915 A cloudy morning; wind S. trying to rain, & does rain some. Edith gone with soap & a big scouring cloth, Bonami and pail and her dinner. Going to clean school room. V plowing for corn. Emma getting the meats. Voltie plowing for corn. A sugar party at Jack Niles for the benefit of Ladies aid. Roy Rattray said they collected 14 dollars. While coming home Emma fell and bruised her face badly. It rained and the wind blew nearly all night. A letter from Grace, card from Helen Watson. Saturday 8 May 1915 Voltie finished plowing for corn and pumpkins. The rain barrel half full of water. I sat out in veranda awhile. Emma cleaned all the floors. Edith churned. Emma set two more hens; Sylve & Ed & Maggie gone over the river to Franks went in Jack Niles old skiff. Sunday 9 May 1915 A cool day and very quiet. I write a letter to Grace. The wind blows half gale from the west. I guess Sylve will stay over the river a while. No one here till evening. Then Roy Rattray came for an evening visit. The McDermots came down and took possession of Sylves house. Mr Mc and four young McDermots including Sarah �41 37 Monday 10 May 1915 A fine day. V brought Water for Emma to wash. done big washing. The Mcdermots are cleaning up Sylvias dirt. Voltie fitting oat field. Edith staid home. I sent a letter to Grace. Tuesday 11 May 1915 A fine day. River still. Sylve and her boy came home to day. Mrs McDermot done big washing. V finished sowing grain to day. Dilavan and Lib came over after dinner. Lib not very well she brought home my books and borrowed two more of Mrs L.L. Meads. Emma cleaned kitchen floors veranda etc, washed pails and separator. Edith went to school looking very neat in one of her new plaid dresses. �42 38 Wednesday 12 May 1915 Wind South and blowing; sun faintly shining Emma bringing in her washing. Edith cleaning lamp chimneys and filling lamps. V gone to engage James Kehoe to help him shear sheep. couldn’t get him. Kehoe going to help Niles butcher. Eddie McDonald came for strawberry plants and helped Voltie about the sheep; ate dinner and supper. Edith at school. Sylve was married the 12 April. I made a mistake in the date of her marrage. Thursday 13 May 1915 A damp morning. V went to Kingston. Emma drove to dock night and morning. Rachel came over to gather greens but went home early to gather her chickens in to shelter on account of rain. After noon clears up and the sun shine clear and warm. Edithat school at home all day. V bought " a pair of shoes, a wrapper for me and a green sweater for Emma which she done like neither do I like it butter 30 cts per pound eggs 18 per doz �43 39 Friday 14 May 1915 A cool morning. The weather is much colder this month than last. Edith at home dropping potatoes and doing other chores. R came over for greens. Geo & John McDonald here for repairs on their hay press and ate dinner here. V got the orchard nearly all planted to potatoes. I sent a letter to Reginald and one to Maclean Co about Farmers Magazine. Received the Flower seeds from Lippincott. Sylve & Maggie came down in evening. Sylve wrapped in a big rain coat. Maggie is going to her Bellville [sic] home. Saturday 15 May 1915 A clear very cool morning frost last night. V finished the early potatoe planting some of the planted potatoes are up. V is going to cultivate the potatoes. Rachel came over for milk. Emma and Edith went up to Sylves in the evening. �44 40 Sunday 16 May 1915 A very cool morning. Wind East, vegetation dont grow much. Rachel’s old cow tearing and breaking down all the wire fencing on the the farm. No one here to day. It looks like a gathering storm and does begin to rain towards night. Sylve & Ed and Maggie gone up to the villiage to McDermots. Monday 17th May 1915 Wind South and blowing. Voltie began carrying our milk to factory this morning. Rained in the night enough to keep the things growing. Sylve, Ed & Mag not home this morning. Rachel came over to get her correspondence addressed to Muriel and Eveline. I didnt send any mail. Only a card from Maud came to me which is the first in a long time. Kasler cut Rachel’s cow’s horns off. Emma drove over to Dignums for potatoes for R. V building fence over there. �45 41 Tuesday 18 May 1915 Another very cool morning rained in the night. V finished fence over there and made 3 garden beds for onions which Edith and Emma set to onions. I work on rug. Roy R here in evening. Sylve and her family came home. She brought one of the McDermots kids with her Marion or Mary Anne. Ed McDermot gone working for Byron Irvine. Churned gave Kehoe some krout and sent Rachel milk and krout by Kehoe. Wednesday 19 May 1915 A very good day cool enough. V made onion beds, 3 of them. E & E planted the onions which now makes six. Edith brought brush from the river to cover the first 3 beds. The hens had began scratching them out. Rachel came over to dinner & borrowed the garden rake. Emma gathered dandelion greens for dinner. I received a letter from Grace & Robert. V went after dark last night for R’s eggs. �46 42 Thursday 20 May 1915 A clear cool morning. Arose at 4 am. V is going to Kingston; drove around by the cheese factory with our milk, and from there to dock. Emma drove. I sent 9 lbs butter to market. We sent the wrapper and sweater back to Staceys to be exchanged for something different in color. Rachel didn’t come over. Every thing goes so slow. Emma drove for Voltie. Then after supper goes to Sylvia’s. We were much surprised to see Bert & Maud & Hubert. Their arrival was very unexpected. Emma came and got their supper. They brought piece of cheese. Bert is selling fruit trees. Friday 21 May 1915 Bert and Maud went across early. On account of wind. Their visit was so short That it seemed like a dream. Voltie still working in field. The wind is blowing towards we A letter from Belle is all the mail we receive this day. �47 43 Saturday 22 May 1915 A very pleasant day after a cool night. Rachel came over for dinner. After awhile Ed Macdermot & Sylve and Roy Rattray and Sadie Macdermot cross the river in Niles old skiff enroute for the corners, they drove out in Maloneys rig. Maggie and Maryanne Macdermot came down to play ball with E & E. V building fence. Sunday 23rd May 1915 A very fine day. We have some visitors this day. Edith Dixon and George Woodman & Rachel & Van and Lib accompanied by the usual amount of talk. Emma prepared a very good dinner for them. After dinner and dishes washed Emma & Edith goes up to Sylvias and returned accompanied by Maggie. Monday 23rd May 1915 A very fine day. Emma began cleaning my bedroom, moved every thing out to the front veranda my bed and all. Sylve came down and helped paper. Mabel Morgan came for eggs to set a hens. Brought me a book, The Calling of Dan Mathews. Mabel & Sylve here to supper. I sleep in the veranda this night. V building fence. No mail. �48 44 Tuesday 24 May 1915 Emma finished papering my bed room. Sylvia helped her and staid to supper. Rachel here twice this day (walked over and back). V building fence all day and not finished yet. I sorted rags; gathering for a storm and begin to rain and rains all night. I sleep in veranda and hear the rain pattering on roof all night. Wednesday 25 May 1915 Awoke this morning to see the rain falling and the orchard white with bloom. Work and business slow in the house. No healthy ambition about work and all I can do is to let them take their own gait "Old times are changed Old industry gone And work gone crazy & deranged. From early morn & all day long but nature, outside is industrious grass green and growing, orchard all in blooom. Wind blowing river rolling with white caps. Jim Morgan here for some krout, said Edith told Madeline they could have krout. V filled Jim’s saw, Jim gave him 25 cts. Rachel came over for milk ate dinner with us. Emma painted my bedroom floor. I go to roast in veranda. Mail nothing. �49 45 Thursday 27 May 1915 Weather is so cold that there was ice in the horse tub. I hope the fruit trees didnt suffer very much apple, pear, cherry, plum, strawberry. Wind North changed to SW and blows half a gale. V still fixing fence. Went to barn this evening on pig business. Maggie went away to day to the Brockville home. Sylve went with her to Kingsotn and saw her off on the train. Emma sent by Sylve for stockings and a few other things. Roy Rattray here this eve. Friday 28th May 1915 Another cool day but little warmer then yesterday. Emma cleaning pantry to day. Edith and I washed dishes and I pieced on my log cabin quilt. Ed went to Byrons and Sylvie went with him in buggy. Mr De La Roche here peddling native herbs. V bought a box $1,00 one dollar. He ate supper with us. A talkative giddy sort of a chap 6 feet in height but he understands all the tricks in trade and business. He gave Emma a little sheet of music for his supper he said. V preparing ground for tomatoes and strawberries. Edith at home all day only when she went to R for washboard and again in eve to carry R some milk. I sent Grace a letter in which I enclosed Belles. �50 46 Saturday 29th May 1915 A cool morning. Wind North and blowing. I slept out in veranda last night with the big round moon looking in the window half the night from a cloudless sky. Volties building fence over on Rs, no one here this day except the family. Sylve came home this p.m. bringing Ed with her from Byrons. Sunday 30th May 1915 A beautiful bright morning. Cool, wind North. Didnt rise very early. Voltie didnt sleep much account of his hands pained from boring post holes. Emma fixing to go to Hiram Joslin’s visiting a long lonesome Sunday, no one here in all day except Edith, Voltie and I. V went fishing and caught 15 perch & rock bass. The orchard in full bloom. Sade McDermot came down and drove home with their little mare, Mary. Mrs Niles calling on Sylve this eve. �51 47 Monday 31st May 1915 Another bright day and warm. V by help of Emma set a net then went over on R’s place building fence all day. I was so glad to receive a letter from Grace. Emma washed all the curtains except the parlor curtains. Edith is washing her feet to day, and changing her stockings. Emma received a letter from Robert Jr, wherein he tells her all about his garden, and the May fair in Watertown on the 22, also about Mr Niles the aviator flying over Woolworth towerNew York who is engaged to perform at the fair by doing all kinds of tricks in his monoplane even to looping the loop. V set two more nets this evening. Tuesday 1st June 1915 A fine warm day. Edith at school. O why should I keep a diary or try to do any thing. I washed breakfsast dishes, jars pot, pans, kettles, cooked beans and rhubarb. V still building fence over on R’s. Jim Morgan here to borrow little garden seed drill. Evening Roy Rattray here awhile. Ed came for Emma to stay with Sylve while Ed & Roy go to foot to Rubes for apples; they got none. �52 48 Wednesday 2nd June 1915 A fine day and very warm. Voltie by help of Jimy Morgan butchered one pig. Edith watching cows over on Rachels. The pig is very fat. V built fence over on Rachels. Miss Murriel Stewart Battersea Ont Canada Thursday 3rd June 1915 A very fine day. Voltie gone to Town on boat carried a fore quarter of pork which weighed 47 lbs at 12 cts per. Nearly all places of business closed for this is the Kings birthday which has to be celebrated war or no war even if the Germans win which I think they will do. Edith watching cows over on Rachel. Sylve went over to the dock with Voltie and Emma. Emma drove for V at 1/2 past 4 Oclock pm. Rachel came over to tea. V run the 3 nets only 4 fish. V bought 2 doz lemons, a dog, bananas, 10 brown sugar, 3 boxes Dadds pills for me, 5 bottles of Elecric oil, 1 box sodas, 1 lb cow brand soda �53 49 Friday 4 June 1915 Another day bright day every thing suffering for rain. The meadows are short not much hay this year. Edith watched the cows over on R. V set tomatoe plants; 200 hundred of our own growing. Work goes slow in the house this day. Sylve came and staid to supper. Gave her fish & rhubarb. I received a letter from John which I was extremely glad to get. Saturday 5 June 1915 Awful dry hot weather. If there comes no rain soon, nothing will grow pasture all drying up now, calves going on short allowance cows too. Edith watched cows over there. V met with a terrible blow in the eye by the whip he was driving the bull with. Some how it hit him in the eye nearly blinding him. It was so bad he went across to see Dr Buchanan. Emma went too. Van drove out in his rig with them. Emma bought herself a pair of shoes $2,00 and 5 yds of gingham for Edith a dress. �54 50 returned home at 1/2 past one a.m. Rachel came over to stay while they were gone to the corners. V sent Edith for R. After they returned home Rachel took the lantern and went home. She & Turk "It is over the moonlight Tis well past midnight It is time Turk and I Were home two hours and half ago" Sunday 6 June 1915 O such a hot dry day. Great doing in church this day. The Church after repairs (inside) and new furnishing has been dedicated anew. A great time out. Emma didnt go which she ought to have done surely. V couldnt go his eye was so badly bruised and bandaged. Poor dear Voltie Monday 7 June 1915 Voltie trying to work and has an atack of rheumatism in both hips but still trying to work & his bandaged eye a little, very little better. Emma went to Maggie Joslins birth day party. Went with Roy Rattray in buggy, came home at 1/2 12. No letters only from Hugh for V. A very warm day. A hot night. �55 51 Tuesday 8 June 1915 It rained some in the night after Emma came home and now it is much cooler. Voltie’s rheumatism no better, he works awhile building calf pasture fence and then comes in and his down awhile and then goes out to work again. Alice Higgins and her brother Mr Hubert Essford here in p.m., couldn’t stay to supper, after supper Sylvia and Sadie McDermot & Roy Rattray here till 9 pm also Rachel who talked very bitter to Roy for yelling when he passed her house last night. "Tis a long way to old Rachel Bamfords. Roy had been working for James Kehoe and had been drinking to much of James hard cider. Wednesday 9th June 1915 A very cool day after the last nights rain. Emma and Edith helped Voltie do chores. Emma and Edith went to the baseball picnic in Kehoes woods came home early. Volties back a little better and his eye some better but he cultivates the corn ground and runs the cultivator between the rows of potatoes. The strawberries are ripening some I received a letter from Grace which I was very glad to get. Her letters are always bright and cheerful. Rachel here in evening and supper. �56 52 Thursday 9 June A very nice forenoon but in the pm the wind springs up and blows hard from S.W. Emma washed a lot of clothes at the river where E & E & V had carried and set the big water tank, but didn’t finish on account of chilly wind. Irene washed all breakfast and dinner dishes. Edith got the dinner. V back not much better but he finished cultivating the corn & potato ground. Sylvia here all pm and to supper. Rachel came over for milk and to ring to Dignums to inquire if the corn came on the boat for her hen feed, that V had phoned for this pm from McFarlands, and this evening V and Emma have drove over for the corn and a lb of tea and laundry soap and have not yet returned. The weather is very cool, almost cold. Edith watered the calves and lambs. tis very cloudy and dark. V & E just now arrived with the corn, tea, & soap. Friday 10 June 1915 Slept from 1/2 past 9 pm till 3 am without awakening didnt sleep again. Spoke to V for I thought the old pig was out rooting potatoes at half past four but it was only a "thought so". V much better this morning. Thunder, lightning and rain which I �57 53 think thousands of hearts are made thankful. Tis 20 minutes to nine am. Geo Barrie and his brotherinlaw Bob Burk are here. I suppose they are looking for strawberries. I picked up all the breakfast dishes and cleaned and dusted the cabinet. I ought to answer Grace’s letter but grass so wet cant mail letter. Saturday 11 June 1915 A fine day for growing vegetation after the rain. Wind blowing hard from south Voltie finished preparing corn land and sowed corn. Mrs Niles came at 3 pm selling tickets for Ladie’s aid picnic and staid to supper. Rachel came over to supper and for milk. V and Roy Rattray and Rupert Davis went over the river in Volties skiff. V went to Van’s for oil (kerosine) and Roy and Rupert walked to the corners while V staid at Van’s till they returned. They came home at 10 minutes to 1 am Emma cleaned all the floors and got supper. I washed breakfast and dinner dishes. V got 6 gallons of kerosine for Rachel at Van’s �58 54 A very fine day only the wind blows quite hard. Maggie Joslin came here from church and staid to supper and now E & E & Roy R have gone down the road a piece with Maggie and Voltie has gone to shut the boat house door for it looks like rain. Sharp vivid lightning for 3 hours after dark but not much rain for us only little. Monday 13 June 1915 A bright sunny morning & breezy. V pulled the nets out the river not many fish only rotten ones. I send a letter to Grace which I have written this morning. V sowing corn with drill; also beans, sent Edith to Rachels for her vacuum washer and carried a basket of strawberries and fish for her. Emma washed 4 quilts rinsed them in the river and hung them on the line. Voltie back not entirely well yet but he works all the time. Ed McDermot and Roy Rattray helped V pull the skiff into the boat house, a very brilliant sun dog on the north side of the sun just over Sylves windmill. Sylve & Ed here this evening. �59 55 Tuesday 15 June 1915 A very cloudy morning commenced raining at 7 am and soon filled tubs, barrel, tank. V working in shop We are canning rhubarb. We are canning rhubarb 4 cans preserved which makes 6. Delavan came over to make us a visit. V and Edith hurried to river to help him pull boat ashore. He staid to dinner and supper and then staid all night on account of wind. Sylve came here all pm and staid to supper. Old Troy rung down from villiage wants to come here to work. Ed bought 1 box of berries 12 cts Wednesday 16 June 1915 A lovely day after yesterday rain and every thing growing beautifuly. Delavan arose at 1/2 3 am and went home. V heard him get up and go. I didn’t. Was going to send Lib some berries and a newspaper the Herald. Emma washing. V & Edith planting potatoes down by the cedars. Rachel came over in pm for eggs that we owed her, didn’t stay to supper, gave her two cups full of rice which she said we owed her. V drove to dock to get the cheese check of Geo Rattry]] $24 dollars. R was 5 dollars. Roy Rattray here again this evening. V went to Niles for potatoes to finish planting. English church picnic to day in Bob Smiths grove. �60 56 Thursday 17th June 1915 Another fine day. Wind South. V finished planting potatoes. Edith dropped potatoes, then Edith got dinner while V cultivated the Early potatoes. Emma cleaned dining room floor, then went to pick strawberries for customers. I finish crocheting the last yd of thread No 12. Wish I had another spool. Sylve gone to town. Afternoon V worked on the road with team. Weir’s hired boy came to help V on the road. Emma picked berries all pm. Irene washing breakfast, dinner & supper dishes. Roy Rat here in evening for 2 boxes of berries for Annie Niles. V put two supers on bee hives. Friday 18 June 1915 A very fine day and cool morning. V working on the road again this day. Goldstein helping V work on road. I wash breakfast and dinner dishes. A hot day. Emma picked strawberries. I received a letter from Grace, she said Maud, Bert & babe just arrived. The hotute hen with one duckling scratching up the potatoes. V says we will have a pot pie of that old white leghorn. Rundalls linament agent here; bought a bottle of linament of him .78 cts. R came over too got sourkrout, milk & a dollar. Roy here again for berries 6 boxes but grass wet and no berries picked. �61 57 Rain nearly all pm. Emma cleaned floors. The wind South and blowing a heavy gale but the day very warm which indicates rain. Saturday 19 June 1915 Weather damp and raining am. V hoeing nearly all day. Emma cleaned floors and picked berries. Roy here for berries, none picked. He left his basket. Rob Michea phoned for berries to be left in mail box. Howard came for Annie’s berries 6 boxes. Dick Barrie here for berries. Rachel came over for milk and berries and beans. V killed the hen that dug the potatotes; the white leghorn that was running around with one wee ducklin; now the ducklin is motherless and being brought up by hand. Sunday 20th June 1915 A very fine day only the wind blows quite a breeze from South. No one here except Roy Rattray in the evening, dressed in his best. He thinks he is come courting I guess. I read nearly all day we have a chicken stew and strawberries for dinner. Emma goes to Sylve’s in evening gone only one hour. �62 58 Monday 21st June 1915 A very fine day, cool, wind North and breezy. V working among the potatoes all am; piked [sic] berries all pm, picked 3 dozen and 4 which is 40. I gave Mrs Jane Niles 1 box sent it by E & E when they went there to pay for their picnic tickets. Of course R.R. came home with them, found Rachel here. She had come over looking for snuff that she had sent by V to the corners (as she supposed) but instead of corners he had engaged Albert Gillespie to take him to Clayton. V rowed skiff to Glespies [sic] where he embarked for Clayton accompanied by serveral. I sat up till V returned which was midnight. He bought for himself shoes, pants, suspenders; white canvas shoes for E & E. Laundry soap, matches, tobbaco, letter tablets, Limburg cheese, snuff for Rachel, 30 cs, etc. Roy gave Emma a box of chocolates very fine. Tuesday 22nd June 1915 This is Ladies aid picnic day which after all the preparation has proved to be nearly a failure on account of rain rain The am was not so rainy and nearly all the people on the foot drove to the picnic ground at Bob Smiths grove and the 40 chicken pies and all the pies, cakes, confectionary, little grab bags what will become of them! E & E were all dressed ready to go and realy did step into R.R.’s covered rig. When V said "Hold back while it is going to �63 59 rain and the rain came pouring down in lively showers. Jack and Anne nor Howard didn’t go, Sylvie & Ed went early. Roy here a long time waiting waiting but no hold up on the rain business. V intended picking berrys this day and such a wretched disapointment all around. Imagination cant picure it. Oh those 40 chicken pies! The picnickers assembled in Irvines old barn for shelter. Wednesday 23rd June 1913 It must have rained nearly or quite all night anyway the rain is falling this morning and the wind is blowing from the N.E. good and strong. I cant send any letters this day. The weather and grass is to wet to go to the post box. Jack Niles here in evening to settle about the teachers salary. Kehoe was here too Then V and the others, about a dozen, assembled at the church to discus church business. Late when V came in Thursday 24th June 1915 A very fine day. V sent by Jack Niles for flour and calf meal. Edith goes to school. V works in cemetary all fore noon cementing a base for monument �64 60 V and Emma pick berries in pm. Drove to dock for flour and calf feed. A sick yearling dont know what ailed her. The heifer died. R here in evening. O I’ve got to write letters. I dont like the job especialy to Helen W but she is a good old soul. If I had lots of leisure time I would like to write to Charlotte Gibson but have too any way. V drove to dock for calf meal and flour 50 lbs Well! I see I’ve written the above twice but no matter till all right. Friday 25 June 1915 Another fine day. V skinned the heifer and discovered that she had been hooked which caused an inflamation. V hoed in garden nearly all day. I received a letter from Grace which I read aloud at the dinner table to V wherein she relates that Bob Wells Sr has lost his job as first mate and Bert & Maud had just returned from Potsdam. V sent Rube berries to Rube by John Lynton who had been to the factory & drove in here to work for V but V sent him home with the berries for fear they might not keep well. �65 61 Saturday 26th June 1915 A very fine day. Lynton came to hoe for V this day and worked all day. The hens are scratching up the potatoes. Emma cleaned floors. Ed McDermot here for some buggy repairs. Going to take Sylve to the foot to Wm Gillespies, so they say. Roy Rat here in the evening. When Maud Gillespie drove in here for strawberries. She brought me 4 bound books as a loan which surprised me very much. I have to write 5 letters. I wish they were all written. Helen Watson, Charlotte Gibson, Grace & Belle & John. Sunday 27th June 1915 The wind is blowing form the North this morning, and a little sprinkling of rain. It is a beautiful day. V & Emma picked berries. R. R. came all dressed for church; picked berries and ate dinner. Then walked to church with Emma came back with Emma. staid awhile then went home and came back again. Frank & Em and Clifford and Samy came over. Frank after dinner went back Samy, Emma and Clifford going to stay till Wednesday. Clifford came down to see us. They all went to Rachels in evening for milk �66 62 can they all came back accompanied by Maggie Joslin and Fred Davis. I wrote two letters. One to Charlotte, one to Helen Watson. Monday 28 June 1915 Berrie picking going on again to day. 76 boxes. Edith at school. The wee duck accidentaly hung it self by some railings, poor ducklin! Mrs Ranous came in a few minutes in the evening. She going home with Lydia who has been down to her mothers. All Joslin came for shop work and brought me a bouqet of peonys. Mrs Ranous also brought a bunch of peonys. Tuesday 29th June 1915 A fine day ’tho cloudy. Looks like rain but dont. Pick berries again this day. I finished a chair tidy. Wednesday 30th June 1915 Another fine day. Voltie hoeing and picking strawberries. Rec’d a letter from Grace. Emma Woodman here visiting all pm and to supper. I gave her a bottle of catchup. �67 63 Thursday July 1st 1915 Another fair day. V gone to factory. I put kerosine on my head; hair all coming out soon I’ll be bald as Frank Woodman. Well! I should think Ed and Sylve would get out of bed at this time of day. Ed up and gone to the French picnic. Sylve abed yet. Ed get his own breakfast while she lies in bed nearly all forenoon, no boat here this day, gone on an excursion. Rachel came over after her hens went to roost, for milk. nose all snuff way down on the side of her chin Bah!! Friday 2nd July 1915 The boat here this morning. V went to town carrying eggs. V carried to market at 20 cts per also carried egggs for R. Hens eating strawberries. Edith cant drive them out; to wet later could (wouldn’t) go. To hot. I think lazyness is a disease; and therefore Edith has a chronic disease that is going to stay by her as long as she lives. Sylve and Ed here to dinner. Two great �68 64 lazy louts. Ed sprained his ancle yesterday at the French picnic on Brophys point. Sylve looks as if she ought to hide herself but she is bold enough. Ed said he had been trying three days to get her to comb her hair. I think about one more month will release her either dead or alive. Poor fool. Recd a letter from Welly with 25 dollars. R here to supper. Saturday 3rd July 1915 Rained very little in night. V didn’t go to factory till after breakfast, a misty morn. V brought home wall paper for dining room celing [sic] wall and bordering. Fhoned to Rube to take him to Clayton in Rubes motor. V started about 11 a.m. About 5 p.m. Rube phoned that V had gone to Watertown, so that settled the business for waiting or looking for him to day. Beginning to rain, and rains hard; and in the midst of the rain and nearly dark, Bert and Maud accompanied by Robert Jr and Robert Sr, who have all come over in Smiths skiff. Well this week is gone never more to return; the day the same. It has brought its usual amount of work and incidents and and events, not only for us but to every living soul dwelling on this habitable globe. We phoned for Roy but he gone to Watertown with Samy Woodman. Joe came & milked the heifer, gave him 2 boxes of berries. �69 Sunday 4 July 1915. A fine day after the rain, but we miss it if only gone a few hours. Towards night I returned very much elevated. I mustn’t forget to say that Will and Lena came over and we were delighted to see them you may believe. Aunt Rachel came too. Lena plays the cornett piano and violin. Also Will pays the same instruments. And we have music and singing Harold Dignum came over and we had more signing, piano and violin music. Monday 5 July 1915. Awoke this morning to find the wind blowing It arose in the night and Bert got out of bed and went to the river to haul his boat higher on shore. Wind blowing heavy all day with showers of rain between Emma canned 8 cans berries. On the impulse of the moment I made a sacrifice. Don’t believe I am sorry tho. Plenty more where that came from. V. + B. pick berries Emma and Lena go visiting to Sylves in evening and come home in a shower. Will came over from R’s and they both return to R for the night lodging �70 66 Tuesday 5 July 1915 A fine day for sun brightness but wind not blowing heavy from the south Will and Bert anxious to cross over to us [?] but can’t. Ed McDermott pegged out and gone to mark for Kerler which leaves V with no help but V says Ed. is coming when he wants [?] the berry picking is nearly done R. came to supper also Will Lena Bert Maud and the baby Bob and Robbie [?] working in corn beans potates Robbie comes in laughing singing uncle V is reacting papa to hoe Emma and Lena went up again to Sylvies awhile this evening Ed and Sylvie came home with them to hear Will play Edith [?] one of my best blue plates Wednesday July 7 1815. All went across this morning Bert and Maude went across first in [?]. Went before breakfast Will & Lena went after breakfast. V took them down to Gillespies and Albert Gillespie motored across with them to the other shore. We tried to chum for dinner but the old corn leaks so. Edith let it mark on the floor + took it to the shop for repairs I had to send to Rachels for butter for dinner I churned Rachel came over rains again �71 67 Thursday 8 July 1915 Raining all night, and raining all morn Robbie intended going to Kingston but rain and mud prevents. V drives to factory thro rain. Robert like a good sensible boy had rather stay home than go home to his grandad Gaskins thro’ this weather V set some strawberry plants. Howard Niles came visiting Robt they went fishing Robbie caught one fish After supper and chores done Bob & Robbie & V went fishing in skiff and caught enough for breakfast Edith picked 4 boxes of berries and when I canned them didn’t have enough to fill a can Friday 9th July 1915 A beautiful day fill one can half full they had been eaten between meals. I sent Grace a letter also subscribed again for the Montreal Herald and weekly star Received a letter from Belle and Will. V setting out strawberry plants. Emma had to leave chamber cleaning and pick berries. I washed breakfast & dinner dishes a great pile of them. Washed supper dishes hulled 4 boxes of strawberries. Had to hid them. Mended a dress for Edit. Croched on chair tiday. Roy Rattray here this evening. V and Roy & Bob Gaskins set the force pumps in the river. And laid the pipe to the garden �72 68 Saturday 10 July 1915. A fine day. Wind S.W. V after milking and driving to factory and then breakfast went to finishing the force pump job. We canned 3 cans of strawberries - The day warm and wind breezy Sunday 11 July 1815 The day fine. River like a mirror all day Emma dressed all in white and gone to Hiram Joslin visiting; walked down. Lib & Van came over pm staid to supper. Lib brought daily papers. Roy Rattray came driving in here with Emma. He had been to Hiram’s for her. All all calculated and well laid plan. Roy helped V fix the wire water fence by lantern light Roy Rattray figures a lot in this, my diary. And will I suppose Monday 12th July 1915 Another fine day commenced haying this morn Ed McDermot came to breakfast. Hoed corn all day while V mowed the 10 acre meadow. Emma took up the old parlor carpet and every thing torn up today [?] house dirty nothing in order Emma recd her dress to day; very pretty. I recd a letter from Gracey Sylvie came bringing 2 [?] Mcdermot Reds �73 69 Tuesday 13th July 1915 Another still sunbright morning Voltie gone to factory. 1/4 past 7 V just returned from factory Ed just come. Oh that whistle! how I hate the sound of it. Wish I could write the notes in this my diary. There is many a thing I would like to write in my diary, and would, only, I don’t like to mar and dirty its pages. Events that are transpiring before my eyes every day. Gah! it makes me sick. Wednesday 14 July 1915 A very fine day. After washing dishes and doing several other odd jobs I sit in [?] while Emma washes some towels, and a few other things. V bought three veranda chairs) rockers of a chair peddler $1,75 for 3 chairs; all rockers. V paid Ed and discharged him. I wrote and sent a letter to Bert Smith to come immediately to help do the haying and harvesting Edith and Rob drove the cows over to R’s and marched them all a.m. Ed, Joe, Roy Rupert went in Niles old leaky skiff. �74 70 Thursday 15 July 1915 A very fine day. V, after breakfast and milking, drove to dock by way of factory, with Emma and Bobbie so [?] for Kingston which leaves Edieth and I to battle with the work alone and get the meals. V working in the hay field down on Smith place I patch Bobbies pants. R Sr, sent the dollar which Grace had sent him to Kingston for [?] and bananas and "terboker". Poor dear Grace! Geo Rattray by order gave Emma $10 dol We had visitors wee ones too Mcdermot Herb V had boy company out by the gate Roy Rattray Ed Mc Dermott Joe Woodman Robert Davis Howard Niles & Capt R.A.G. I thought they would hang out all night but 11 oclock saw them depart. Rachel went to town. Margaret G went to Yorker The hottet day Sammy Woodman opperated on for appendecitus in Kingston hospital Friday 16 July 1915 Another hot day V and Bob drawing hay Emma picked Raspberries this am for canning and dinner. The above written in dark and not written very well but to continue V and �75 71 & Robert S. trying to draw hay dont make a very good success of it. Robert is not well. has not a mans strength for farming nor the skill. V has visitors again this evening. Roy Rupert Joe & Ed Saturday 17 A showery day, V cut, and drew way, mowed all pm Emma finished arranging parlor and mopped the floors. which took so many things from and helped to clear the veranda Nothing very eventful occurs this day. Cherries are ripening Raspberries ought to be picked. Jock Niles and Annie motored to Clayton for Louise Louise no better she is accompanied by a trained nurse and a maid of all work. Poor Louise. Poor George. Sunday 18 July 1915 Sunday a cool morning didn’t arise till 7 O’clock. Some jawing going on as usual between E & E Then V dissatisfied about whole milk milk not saved for Aunt R instead of separated milk Emma in her new embroidered white dress went to church Bob Sr went also Maggie went also Joslin came home with Emma and to dinner & supper. Roy Rattray here in even �76 72 Monday 19 July 1915 Awoke this morning to find that it has been raining all night and still continues to rain steadily V drove to factory in rain. Worked in shope all forenoon. Afternoon cultivated potatoes and hoed in garden. I patched and mended clothes all day. Emma finished putting carpet down up stairs and canned the raspberries that I picked yesterday, in the evening, while V and Bob Sr were chasing the calves out the wheet and building fence. Robert Sr and Edith walked over to Rachels I received another letter from Grace with one enclosed for Bob Sr. I sent a letter to Wells a long one of 12 pages. Tuesday 20 July 1915 Time flies but tis all right let it fly. A beautiful day after the rain which done a world of good and didn’t hinder the haying much. If I only had a man to help He is trying Bob Sr again to see what work he can get from him. V is raking cocking and drawing at the lower place mowing it away with a horse & [?]. Little Bob driving to horse. Emma done an awful big washing at the river and then didn’t finish Edith and I got �77 73 dinner. Edith picked string beans for dinner The men came home before twelve V gathered and picked over lettuce for dinner and we cooked our last potatoes Edith & I washed dinner dishes. Some how we didnt get time to church. Edith washed the milk can. If she would work with her hands as much as she does with her tongue what a lot of business could be accomplished Edith dug a few not potatoe sfor supper suppose we will have to dig them every day now I finished putting the frill on Edith’s dress. V drew 4 loads of hay. Voltie said not to dig any more potatoes. Em phoned to M. Niles for potatoes. Answer, yes. Rachel came over for milk Edith and Emma ent to Niles for potatoes; Roy came home with them. Ra & Sr quarreled about - well, no matter what. I had a treat to a chocolate Poor V. he gets disgusted and nearly discouraged sometimes. A gentleman camper who is camping, together with two boys in our cedars came for milk, 15 cts �78 74 Wednesday 21 July 1815 A beautiful morning. breezy. Voltie and Bob up early cows drove in stable milked and away to factory. I churned before breakfast Poor Edith to lazy this morning to get out of her own way. Received a card from Lottie. Bob received not any to day Received a card from Mr Watson announcing his intended as also Mrs Watson tomorrow eve. A letter from W. to Bert Smith which I opened. and read and learned that Bert and Maud are expected here and sure enough they cam. Van brought them over. came to the house with them. V was glad Bert had come Hubert is a fat little dud while Maud is then enough, and I dont think Bert looks as well as he did in spring Bob Sr is not well any way and I’m afraid he never will be. He cant work. V gave Van fish cord I sent Lib a new Herald. War in Germany going on yet. W.F.W. & Mrs W.F.W are coming tomorrow eve on the boat for a week’s visit. Emma phoned to Friend for sugar and soap to be sent down on the boat tomorrow night. Friend sent the groceries down by mail Edith and Robert marched cows �79 75 Thursday 22 July 1915 A very fine day. Voltie working in field at the hay nearly all day with no help. This day has slopped by so quickly hard to know what occured during the whole day. I know Maud helped Emma while Edith & Robbie watched the cows over on R place and I know Voltie phoned to McFarland for a bag of potatoes. V came home from work changed his clothes shaved &c drove to dock brought W.F.W & Mrs W.F.W’s and a bag of potatoes. Friday 23 July 1915. This is a bad pen; it carries too much ink but tis all I’ve got in line of pens. V and Bert working at every thing haying, hoeing, choring etc. In evening they stepped out and go to ——— (I supposed to corners) but rowed to Vans where they took Berts auto and together with Van went to Clayton for store articles where they found only one store Elises store open, it was so late when they arrived there. Returned at 1/2 past one am. Received Farmers advocate. Van’s first trip in an automobile some cherries picked and prepared for canning. �80 76 Saturday 24 July 1915 A hot bright day wind North & South. V mowing nearly all day. Hoed some. Realy I cant tell much what is going on out side. The most that is done in the house is cooking the meals and washing dishes. Emma canned 2 ceilers of cherries. I sent to Clayton for apples for Hubert so he can have his bottle restored to him again to keep him from squatting W.F.W. and I had an argument; he is completely orthodox. Sunday 25 Weather looks like rain. Wind North. Maud and Emma making hicory nuts as candy. I don’t know where Bert and V are they are off somewhere. �81 77 Monday 26 July 1915 Tuesday 27 July 1915 A beautiful day after the rain. The usual cooking the meals 3 times a day. Lib and Edith cook the dinner and such a washing as Emma & Maud washed at the river and hung on the lines lines full everywhere. Clide surprised us this pm by walking in upon us so unexpectedly which makes 12 in family at present time. �82 77 Wednesday 28 July 1915 A beautiful cool cloudy morning. I wrote and sent two letters this morning, one to Lottie one to Grace. Lib picked raspberries. Emma mopped floors, I churned. Lib and Maud washed breakfast dishes. Mr Watson read English history, Clyde and Robert Jr went fishing. Voltie and Bert working in harvest field. Edith watching the cows and Robert Sr went to bed right away after breakfast and didn’t get up till Lib routed him out to carry the letters to the mailbox. Sylve sent here for newspapers for her pantry shelves. She wont get any more. Asked Bob Sr to get a little wood so he took the axe and walked down to the cedars and chopped down 18 beautiful cedar trees that V had left standing separate by themselves in one pretty little grove. Everything around here is like a night mare. Thursday 30 July 1915 A very fine day, arose early the Watsons took leave of us this morning after keeping the house in an uproar for a week. I was rather pleased to see them but much more glad to see them go. R went to town with eggs. �83 79 Friday 31 July 1915 Nothing occurred to day only the Watsons and noise and Providence R.I. & clam bakes and lobsters. Clyde and Robert Jr went fishing caught a pail half full which they cleaned at the river. Saturday 1 August 1915 Watsons again to day. For a variety Lib and Watson quarrelled hot and bitter twitted and called each other fools and liars. �84 80 Sunday 2nd Aug 1915 A very fine day. Watson & Lib went visiting to Rachel old waddler & peg leg they intended staying to supper as well as dinner but Alden McDonald appeared and there could be no gossiping before Alden so Lib pitched in about old St Anne De Beaupree and Romanism in general but that dind’t hoist Alden so Lib and Wesley came home in disgust. Monday 3rd Aug 1915 Watsons again to day. It is indescribable my pen cant do it. Hubert is a nice little kid but he cant walk. These are lovely summer days. �85 81 Tuesday 4 Aug 1915 Wednesday 5 Aug 1915 A very rainy day. Voltie worked in shop making Kesler a binding tongue and he had plenty of company, Robert Sr and Junior, Ed McDermot, Kesler and Everett Woodman �86 Thursday 6 Aug 1915 82 Arose at 4 am V and both Roberts went to Kingston The day proved to be very pleasant Emma cleaned V’s bedroom washed some clothes Drove to the dock and back twice. Couldnt get much work from Edith. Ruth went to Kingston visiting Mrs MacneelyV paid telephone bill Kent 60 dollars bank note. paid for all the groceries. brought bananas and candy Robert Jr did’nt go up to see his grandad but ate dinner with Voltie. Friday 7 Aug 1915 A rainy day. rained all night, a steady down pour which will hinder the harvest Emma began papering the ceiling in dining room put on there strips alone. After dinner, Voltie finished the shop work and mending harness and helped Emma paper the ceiling. Edith- Oh what is the use writing whatEdith done. Emma rec’d a letter from Clyde Bamford We received 2 Heralds Farmers Advocate and a Marrey Harris Magazine rained nearly all day �87 83 Saturday 8 Aug 1915 A fine day after yesterdays heavy rain. Too wet to bind. V has to fix fence to keep the cows from the corn. Voltie found them there after breakfast. An awful lot of trouble to get Edith to do any work. I dont know what is the matter with her cant coax hire nor drive. I say drive; tis the only way. Emma finished papering the dining room and put on the bordering. Ruth visiting in Kingston visiting the McNelly’s. Sunday 9 August 1915 A long quiet day, weather fine. Roy came and they all went fishing caught big mess. Roy here to dinner. He went home long enough to do Niles chores then came back again; after supper V & RJr went fishing again caught another lot of fish which they dressed for next day. R Sr & Edith went over to R’s and carried her milk & fish. We were very happily surprised by the unexpected arrival of Grace, Isabel, Bert, Maud & Hubert a joyful meeting and greeting you may believe. Emma put the kettle to boil for tea. Roy staid till 1 p.m. �88 84 Monday 10 Aug 1915 A fine day Voltie cut wheat and Bert hoed potatoe Voltie plowed the road to the main road Robert Jr & Edith watching cows over on Rachel’s The order of the day is cooking 3 meals for men and family. I dont do any house work; help enough without my help A very fair day. Tuesday 11 of Aug 1915 A fine day for harvesting. Voltie cutting & binding oats nearly all day �89 85 Wednesday 12 Aug 1915 Thursday 13 Aug 1915 Friday 14 August 1915 �90 Saturday 15 Aug 1915 86 Sunday 16 August 17 Monday 17 Aug 1915 �91 Tuesday 18 Aug 191 18 Wednesday Aug 1915 Thursday 19th Aug 1915 Edith and Margaret go to Kingston to-day �92 Friday 20 Saturday 21st Aug 1915 �93 Sunday 22 Monday 23rd 1915 Rained all day yesterday not this day Grace washed at river. Emma washed a bed quilt. V dug potatoes 11 Bags. Grace helped pick them up �94 Tuesday 24 A fine day for potatoe digging tho it looks like rain Voltie & Robert seinor [sic: senior] digging potatoes in the orchard. Isabelle went over to aunt R’s to carry her some milk and sugar. R came home with her, both riding in Barrie’s automobile with Mrs Barrie and her son George. Isabelle had an ear of green corn and some plums and I think our corn too must be fit to pick any way we had ripe potatoes, cucumbers, beets, onions all of our own growing. V and Roberts digging potatoes. Youngsters gathering nuts cracking Hickory nuts in veranda. Nuts are 3 years old. shells are scattered hither & yon, all over the veranda floor. I wonder who will be the sweeper. Isabelle gone home with R they are going to have boiled corn for dinner. Van came over bringing Reginald and Reginald’s bicycle. Reginald has grown to be a big boy nearly a head taller than his mother. We churned to day Wednesday 25 August 1915 A wedding in our church to day when Adele Gillespie is married to a young Baker from the villiage. A great attendance Emma, Edith, Margaret & Isabelle went to the wedding Grace very much out of "sorts" or pleasantness of temperment thinking. V has "affronted" her because he had to clean and fill the �95 16 + 21 = 37 42 - 18 = 24 This is the difference Between Mary Barry and Harrold Burke who are to be married 20 september lamp’s after the family were all in bed, and of course jawed about it saying he thought the lamps smo[illegible] be cleaned and filled when there were so many women around but the lamp chimneys and lanterns were so dirty could scarcely see through them. She ought not to have been angered about that for it is not her business to clean and fill lamps nor to have paid any attention to the matter any. Again this morning the milk in the milk can was sour. Found it out upon arriving at the factory. Well V scolded about it which was quite natural. Which caused another explosion but all said behind V’s back but the hammer of words fill on my head and heart for I had to defend V in as forceful but gentle manner as possible but had it been another other than my own dear daughter — but she has her own trouble which makes her irritable. I received a letter from Charlotte Gibson. 26 Aug Thursday The morn looks like rain but dont rain and no[illegible] begins the hustleing and bustleing for Kingston. Robert Sr & Jr, Grace, Isabelle Reginald & Margaret staid home. Excepting Reginald they are all going to stay in Kingston a week. Sylvias baby born to day a boy. Rachel gone to Kingston market with eggs. �96 27 Aug Friday very fun day not saying to well Kids making a Raison pie 28 Aug Saturday 28 aug Saturday 29 Aug Sunday Rather a dismal day threatening rain all day but didnt, I was not expecting Belle but she and Henry came just at supper time. Van brought them over. Oh I [illegible] V were happy to see them. Belle brought me cloth for an apron and two Limburgers and I ate too much �97 29th Aug Monday 30 Aug Tuesday 31 Aug Wednesday Another fine day �98 1 Sept Thursday 1915 V and Reg went to K. Henry went on boat as far as his uncle Hanks which left no one home except Belle, Emma, Edith and I; the day passed away very pleasantly V carried 3 barrels of Oldenburghs to market one to Henderson and sold the others on the market. I think he got only $1,50 per barrel. Well they all came home Bob Sr. Sr., Robert Jr., Grace, Isabelle(Margaret staid home) Voltie and Henry which makes just 12 of us now in family now Isabelle Jr not very well so Rob Sr & Grace retire early and Ruth came down and Marion and they danced a little while. 2 September Friday Arose early; a fine day now hustle and bustle for breakfast for Grace and her family are going to Watertown. Bert Smith is going to meet them at Van’s and now the picking up and packing up 5 or 6 valises and sent cases filled and too full. V goes to Niles and borrows their skiff & Reg rows Margaret and the Baggage across while V in his skiff takes the balance of the family across in his skiff. Bert didn’t come till 1 pm. then Maud and kid Hubert was with him. Lib was scant for fear she would have to get their dinner and put it off as long as possible. Grace told Lib not to get dinner for them for she nor Bob nor one of their family would eat. She only wanted the privilege of stopping on their ground till some one came for them. L got dinner for them but they didn’t eat. They all piled in the car and went to Will Dixons. Reg came back with Niles skiff. V went to corners bought coffee and tobacco and visited with Laura Beadle Hank came in his motor for Belle and Henry. 3rd September Saturday 1915 A very fine day. Emma cleans all the floors. Regginald helps V dig potatoes. They go fishing and gather plums down on the Frank place. Marrion comes down and they to. Emma & Marrion go out in skiff pretending to fish. The river is perfectly still all day. Reg quits tater diggin and goes in skiff too. Rachel comes over to visit Belle but she not here nor did she come staid all night at Hanks. Dora’s boy got pneumonia awful sick �99 Sunday 4 5 Sep 1915 A very fine day; river quiet a good day for visitors. R came over very early this morning on account of Belle but she waited a long time till noon. When Henry came bringing her an Henry Jr in motor around the foot of island. They tarried but a very short time just long enough for Belle to collect her things & away they went in Henry’s motor over to Vans, and Reginald with his bycicle also. R staid all day and talk talk talk talk. O my head will split. Marion McDermot here too. Monday 6 Sep 1915 A very fine warm day; not to hot. V after doing several kinds of chores as feeding hogs, milking cows, going to factory etc, drove to factory with milk then breakfast and after that dug potatoes. Emma washing. Edith and I washed all breakfast dishes. I scoured knives, cleaned up the long cupboard of old slops, dirty dishes a miserable lot of them. I picked over and washed the plums for preservation. Wind south and somewhat cloudy but a fine comfortable day for work indoor or out. And we are alone this day for the first time since the 3rd of Oh such a summer but everything would have gone off all right enough only for Bob Gaskin Sr presence for the man has lost all the wit he ever had (if he ever had �100 and is almost an imbecile even to indecency I dont wonder Grace is cantankerous; poor dear. Grace, with those 4 fine children as ever was born. Dear Reginald how I wish he could have staid. Tuesday 7 Sept 1915 Cloudy but no rain. I sit in Veranda nearly all day writing. I write a letter to Muriel V finished digging the potatoes in the orchard. Edith picked them all up and emptied them in box. Emma put up ten cans of red plums. V tried to hire Ed McDermot to thresh for him. Ed said yes, for a $1,50 cts per day. V didn’t hire him. Mabel Morgan at 1 Oclock pm and staid till 9 p.m. V hitched her horse to the buggy, and she drove home, away around the road after dark; cloudy, dark, and moonless & starless night. She brought me two books Wednesday 8 Sept 1915 A fine breezy day, wind South. Voltie got a [illegible] back. He drove from cheese factory this morning to hire McLochlin from Jim Morgan. He found H. Halliday had hired him for 3 months $75 dollars. V is gathering apples �101 for market. Sylvia phoned to borrow a needle. Received a letter from Grace. I wrote a letter to Muriel, one to Grace also and to Fallon BrothersCornwall. Most of my time is occupied writing letters. I get tired of writing letters. George snub Woodman married to day to a Miss Cramer. Thursday 9 September 1915 The weather is dry and warm now and has been for several days. Grain all harvested ready to thresh. hay ready for the press. our home is lonely my children live so far away. Sometimes they come for a little while then go away again. Maybee I will see them another summer who knows. but the interval is long. All the months from the 9th of September till next July intervene. While I hope I have Voltie good true and faithful doing the best he can for everyone. He is gone to Kingston to day carrying apples to buy Croches for threshers. Sylvia came down bringing the baby. Marion McDermot with her. Voltie besides groceries bought a basket of peaches. Rachels groceries stolen. Sylve & Marion staid to dinner. �102 Friday 10th September 1915 A fine bright morning; and breezy good weather for threshing. Saturday Sept 1915 �103 Sunday 12 Sept 1915 Sunday 13 Sept 1915 �104 Monday 14 Tuesday �105 Wednesday 15 Sept 1915 A beautiful day. Wind South and breezy finished threshing at John Niles at noon. V came home to dinner, the threshers staid there to dinner. Ruth came down to call on us, came riding astride of a horse McDermots little mare Mary. Marion or Maryanne walking beside the mare. Emma is hustiling some. Edith is moping some. I pared and sliced apples for pies. 16 Thursday �106 Tuesday 21 Wednesday 22 �107 Thursday 23 Friday 24 �108 Sunday 26 Sept 1915 Awoke this morning to find the rain falling and the wind blowing from the South, a half gale and the apples tumbling from the trees; soon the ground is covered with apples. Weather clears at noon, dont rain but the wind covered with apples. V soon looks up boxes and V & E & E are soon employed in gathering apples and filling the boxes. V went to look at his corn field and found the corn lying flat on the ground. It can be cut by no combinder now. Niles picked up 5 barrels of apples this pm. Monday 27 A clear bright cool morning. Edith looking for calves before breakfast. After breakfast and dishes washed by E & E. Edith went out to pick up apples. V fixing the gate by the road to keep the calves at home. Wind North and blowing. V finished the gate and is now gone to the lower orchard to pick up apples. Counting Sylve and Ed, there has been there has been 9 coupple married since the 12 day of April. Sylve and Ed, John McDonald and Miss Driscol, Dell Gillespie and Bullous, John OBrien and Beatrice Kelley; calves got out again. Edith once more on rampage after calves. found them below the Coulter hill. I received a letter from Grace none from Belle. The expected letter is so long delayed, I dont expect any longer. �109 Tuesday 28th Sept 1915 A clear cool breezy day. North wind Snub’s family gathering apples in Sylvia’s orchard. I can see a wagon load of bags filled with apples. Sylve and two of her sisters in law came down last night Marion and Lena. V trying the corn again this morning. Weir has 12 acres of corn lying flat on the ground. Maud Gillespie here inviting Emma to a party at Dick Halliday & brought me 4 books. I lent her one Woodstock by Sir Walter Scott. Wednesday 29 Sept 1915 A very fine day. Received a letter from Charlotte Gibson also a letter from Grace Thursday 30 Sept 1915 A very fine day. Voltie & Emma went to the Kingston. R came over and staid with me all day. Emma and Maggie Joslin and Roy Rattray and a Holland fellow all went to Portsmouth where Maggie and Roy Rattray were married. Emma �110 performing the office of bridesmaid and Holland as groomsman. They were married (Roy and Maggie) at 3 Oclock pm by an English clergyman. They partook of the wedding feast at the Chinese restaurant. It was not necessary for Emma to get left in town even if she had been to Portmouth but like a fool she staid in Kingston and V after searching the boat from every point and not finding Emma returned on the boat to Kingston to look her up. found her on the dock together with Maggie, Roy, Ed McDermot and Holland and hired one of Cards rigs and a driver (another one of Mag’s beaus) to drive them home arrived at home at 3 oclock. Sat up and talked an hour. The price of rig was 3 dollars. Ed paid one dollar. Oh it was a bad job this marrying business a stolen wedding. Emma promised not to tell but when V asked her why she staid and insisted upon a reply she had to tell. A fool’s wedding Roy ought to be horsewhipped and Mag Woodman and Samy Woodman done the chores, milked cows etc. There was found a [illegible] rooster in the milk can consequently the milk went into the swill barrel. �111 Friday 1st October 1915 Threshing at Woodmans here on the hill. The news of Maggies marriage to Roy Rattray fell upon Hiram and Isabelle like a thunder bolt. I suppose it was a terrible house down there for a while. Hiram and Isabelle took Maggie directly to Kingston to see if they couldn’t get the marriage annulled. They came back just at dark dont know what is the result. Saturday 2nd October 1915 A cheerless drizzly morning. Cant finish threshing to day at Woodmans. V preparing to shoe the horses. Emma preparing to mop. �112 Sunday 3rd Oct 1915 A very fine day. V, E & E gathered hickorys in forenoon. John OBriens hired man here for fishing tackle. After dinner V went across to Vans for oil one can, paid Van $8 dollars he owed Van. Bert and Maud and Hubert came across with Voltie. Maud brought me a piece of cheese which is very good being 4 months old. Monday 4 October 1915 A very decent day. V finished threshing here at Sylvies. But gathering apples all day on the Smith place. The name "Smith place" because Three diffferent and separate families named Smith have owned and occupied the farm as a base farm. Tuesday �113 Tuesday 5th Oct 1915 Wednesday 6 Oct 1915 Thursday 7 Oct 1915 �114 Saturday 9th Oct 1915 A very fine morning. Voltie rowed Bert and Maud across the river this morning. Sunday 10 October 1915 A very fine day only the wind blows some and Jack Niles with his motor crossed the river carrying Ed McDermot and Sylvie and babe across river. Marion came here to stay till tomorrow and says she is going home with the mail. I hope she will. �115 Monday 11 Oct A very fine day Marion doesnt make any attempt to go with the mail she thinks now she will stay till Thursday. Emma is washing. The work moves very slow. Tuesday 12 Oct �116 Thursday 14 Oct Friday 15 Oct �117 Sunday Oct 17 1915 A very fine warm day. Voltie and the girls go after nuts gathered 3 bags full. Lib and Van came over to Rachels to make a visit. They came over here in pm accompanied by Rachel but didn’t stay long. Monday 18 Oct Tuesday 19 Oct �118 Wednesday 20 Oct Wednesday 20 Oct Wedensday 20 Oct Wednesday 20 O Thursday 21st Oct 1915 A very fine day. Marion McDermot went home from here in the pm boat from our dock after being here 12 days. Friday 22nd Oct Friday 22nd �119 Saturday 23 Sunday 24 Oct 1915 This is a very fine day. V and E & E & Marion McDermot gather Hickories down on the lower farm V Monday 25 Samuel Snub Woodman married to day and went to Simcoe island on there wedding tour he married Lena Davis. �120 Tuesday 26 Oct Wednesday 27 Oct 1915 Came home at two am. Emma laid down on the couch with all her things on even to her shoes. V arose at 5 am. Edith got breakfast. V cleans grist for hog feed and wheat for flour put fills in the old baggy going to Kingston tomorrow to pay a bank note and buy things groceries &c for the family. He drove to the dock with the grist and five barrels of apples. Thursday 28 Oct 1915 Arose early but we overslept 25 minutes. V intended rising at 4 am Emma drives to dock with V who is going to Kingston drove over in old buggy Edith at home to day. Em didn’t do much work this day after Emma drove dock. V bought bread, 2 papers, needles, 2 dress weaples, two under wrappers, 7 pair stockings, 2 pairs of socks, shoes for me, brown sugar, rolled oats, 6 gallons of kerosine. �121 �122 �123 Friday 29th Oct 1915 A very fine day. Voltie commenced plowing to day and at some time drew a load of fertilizer on the manure spreader when he went to the field to plow. Edith went to School only two pupils herself and Mortimer McDonald Emma finished washing and fixed the churn. I churned a long time but butter wouldn’t come so let it stand all night it is to cold. I rec’d a letter from Grace. R here to breakfast and dinner. We shuck 2 bags hickories. Factory closed. Saturday 30 Oct 1915 A very good day so much so that V ploughs all day. Emma, Maryann came up from Machiea’s wearing her new dress. Emma had cleaned all the floors upstairs and down and was ironing when Maryanne came. Then Rachel came for her feed and milk. Edith changed her color by stove black. I didnt know her then they all went to R’s in evening. Nearly 12 when I went to bed. Sunday 31st Oct 1915 This is All St Day. A beautiful day for the last of Nov and we are all well as usual. V and Edith once more gathering Hickories. Emma and Marion McDermot went to afternoon service in our church. Emma made rice pad for dinner to sweet. McDermot came back from church with Emma and then �124 walked down the road with M MacDermot and drove back with two preachers. Our Mr Sager and another one A misioner. Monday 14 of Nov 1915 A fine day no rain for a long time which makes the fall plowing hard. I pare apples to dry and cook for the table and preserve a pan full of sweet apples. Rachel came over awhile and ate supper. Edith went to school. Voltie plowing but finds the plowing hard. The teacher Miss Letherland finds a new boarding place at Jack Niles. Tuesday 2nd of Nov 1915 A fine day but colder towards evening. The plow point so dull and ground so hard Voltie cant plow very well. Hattie Cummins here accompanied by Rachel She said her father is better. Edith went to school I pared apples to dry. Edith drove home the cows at eve �125 Nov 3 1915 This a year a bountiful year of plenty We have grown our own wheat which will make bread and cakes enough for a whole year, pork and potatoes, butter, apples, milk, cheese. V is making cider. made 1/2 barrel and brought in cider made from sweet apples to boil down for cider apple sauce. Rachel came over for milk and got butter. No milk for her. Edith went home with her for kerosine and to drive up the cows. William McLa[?] died to day aged 95. V went after supper and dark [?] washed apples for cider. They won’t place the evaporator over the dining room stove to dry apples. V phoned Henderson for groceries, but too tired to go to the dock for them so read a little in Herald and went to bed. I sent Grace a letter. I received telephone bill 4,50 cents Thursday 4, Nov 1915 Somewhat cloudy. looks like a storm. Voltie drove to dock this morning before breakfast for the things he phoned for yesterday. Edith at school. After she helped wash dishes and drove the cows away. V plowing. Rachel came over bringing a few Saturday Evenings post and staid to dinner and washed the dinner dishes, went home to feed her hens, came back to supper, brought another S. At pm rains and first snow of autumn. �126 Friday 5 Nov 1915 A somewhat disagreeable day in door and out weather foul, wrangling jangling going on most of the time. Edith stays home to day shoes leak. Walace Niles came home last night. Old man McFaden buried to day. funeral service held at the house. Voltie drove down in the old buggy. Rachel here making soup. R went home towards towards night. Letter from Grace, Farmers Advocate and Farmers Magazine. Sat up reading. Saturday 6 Nov 1915 Not a very bad day. Voltie plowed. Emma cleaned all floors before dinner if I dont write in this diary from day to day I forget but I believed there was some gawing done all around. Our cider apple sauce is no good. We sat up late reading. V has to much work to do. I Fal Dr Rol. I think Ill write in this diary every day and then Ill not so easily forget. Emma and Edith pulled and brought in dahlias, pumpkins, beets, carrots &c. Sunday 7th Nov 1915 A very fine day Wall Niles called here; he dont grow handsome any his face to big and coarse (Whiskey bloat) The Maloneys Tom & Sheridan came over to Flynn’s for muskrat hops They brought rachels waists that Lib had made for �127 Rachel. Edith carried them to her when she drove the cows away. Emma went to Church. Lizzie Woodman came up visiting all pm. Emma went piece with her as far as Rachels it was awful dark before she came back. Sat up late to read. Monday 8 Nov 1915 V finished plowing the field 6 acres not [illegible] house work done. V works constantly To much so I wrote and sent a letter to Grace and received one from her, also one from Miriam Bruton. V putting apples for Charlotte Gibson. Rachel came over bringing a letter that she had rec’d from Belle. Edith at school every night when Edith comes home from school she goes away over to Rachels to drive home the cows. It looks like rain and does rain a little. I sat up till 11 pm. �128 Tuesday 9th Nov 1915 The rain proved to be a heavy sprinkle but the wind is blowing from S.W. yes ’tis blowing and the white caps are rolling and dashing on shore. Edith at school. Emma washing clothes. I washing dishes breakfast and dinner. V barreling apples for Henderson. another wedding to day Loretta OBrien and Stewart Murphy. R came over to see about V butchering her roosters Wednesday 10 Nov 10 1915 another day without rain. Wind S.W. Voltie arose early this morning went over to Rs and killed 18 roosters for her, came back hitched up, drove back and brought her and her roosters over here. Emma, Edith and I helped her pick them ready for market. V butchered 4 ducks for Emma to carry to market. Emma churned and made out 29 lbs of butter for market.Rachel went over for her clothes to decorate herself for the Kingston trip, came back and staid all night. I sat up till every one in bed then after reading a while I turn the lamps down low and go to bed too. I received a letter from Grace, Emma, one from Sylve I sent a letter to Grace. Emma sent one to Sylve �129 Thursday 11 Nov 1915 V arose early drove home the cows milked ate breakfast. drove to dock with Emma and Rachel and their market goods, butter Eggs, Roosters, ducks, hickorie nuts. Leaving Edith and I alone. I try to do a lot of work. Edith and I brought the bench in from the veranda and put it behind the stove for the cream jar. After dinner Devolson came over and was very much intoxicated. Poor old Van! Mrs Jane Niles came while Van was here. Staid only a short time. after awhile they all staid awhile. Voltie, after milking all the cows, took the lantern and drove to the dock for Emma and Rachel. Edith and I had supper ready when they came. Emma got ,35 cts for butter, 12 1/2 cts for ducks Rachel got ,35 cts for eggs, and, 12 cts for for chicken Emma for me a fountain pen, for a birthday present for which I thank her very much. Our separator gave out and we had to set the milk pans. �130 Friday 12 Nov 1915 very good day, Edith goes to school I received another from Grace which I will answer monday. I am very glad of this pen. No more spilling of ink on the table no more knocking over of ink bottles nor dipping pen in ink every few seconds. Voltie plows the ground very hard which makes the plowing not very easy. We pared and cleaned up one box of apples to dry and put them on the evaporator but I believe they will rot for there is no fire in stove to dry them Saturday 13 Nov 1915 another bright day. no rain V took Rachel and her traps home this morning after breakfast. Voltie plowing again but the ground harder than tunket. Emma cleaning floors. Sun shining in the windows so bright and clear, lots of nuts on trees and ground but no one to gather them. V has sold two 1/2 half bushel of nuts 1/2 to Mrs Parmer one 1/2 to Geo Rattray. Emma made a beautiful cake for Sunday dinner. �131 Sunday 14 Nov 1915 Another fine day; not much wind. We dont rise very early. Two little visitors came to see us. Madaline and Mirabell Morgan and a right romping happy merry time they had. Monday 15 Nov 1915 A very fine day. V plowing. Emma and I cleaned up all the hickory nuts and carried most of them upstairs. I received two letters from Grace and one from Robert Jr. �132 Tuesday 16 Nov 1915 V began plowing but rained and he came to the house worked in shop and put cabbage in cellar and apples. made cider. Wednesday 17 Nov 1915 A very fine day; and much wind. V commenced to plow but the river so still he went over to Van’s for oil, and from there to corners for tobbaco; bought 6 yds for aprons, cloth for Edith, a dress blue 6 yds bought 12 gal for us & 6 for R. She came over to dinner and staid till V returned from over the way. I sent Grace a letter and received one from John. V weighed the dried apples, 15 lbs. Joe and Samy here in Evening. Emma received a letter from Sylvie. Thursday 18 Nove 1915 A very bright day. West wind ground froze to hard to plow this morning. Edith drove the cows to Aunt Rachels. Edith goes to school. We still continue to set the milk in any tin pans, separator not fig agette kettle. The man came and brought Will’s picture 5 dollars & 98 cts. a cold day. �133 Friday 19 Nov 1916 A cloudy raning morning. Voltie with a lantern in hand went away down to the lower farm and drove the cows home, put them in stable then V and Emma milked while Edith gets breakfast after a fashion all her own. We have plenty to cook with that we surely could have a variety and an abundance. Plenty of flour, butter, cream, milk, eggs, apples, potatoes, cheese, bread, cabbage, beets, carrots, parsnip, pumpkins, and groceries, sugar, tea, coffee, rice, soda biscuits, baking soda, baking powder, cream tartar, raisons, pulverized sugar, Allspice, nutmeg, pickles, ginger, various cloves, Kinds mustard, pepper, cinnamon, canned and preserved fruit of various kinds, hickory nuts, diced apples, dried corn, pop corn, beans, honey, rolled oats, vinegar, cider. Kerosine 18 gal. and a three hundred pound pig which tells of lard pork sausage with sage and summer savory galore beside a hundred fowl in the barn yard and with all this and more we have very little variety in the way of cookery with lots of beef and mutton running in the field. V says he is going to kill old Fan because she scarse the tears fence all down. Ramming Ramming. V gone to plow over on R’s place. Edith went to school. Emma is going to pack �134 butter. I think its will be a long time before our jar is filled with butter for winter and then we have to fill Rachels crock and by that time I think there will not be much butter for market. It is raining and the wind is blowing & the river is white with great white crested rollers. V plowing a day. Bessie McDonald rand up for recipe for cough medicine. Saturday 20 Nov 1915 This is a stormy wind blowing morning. The trees are twisting and tossing their branches wild. The river in a foam like a boiling kettle. Whew! how the wind howls from the south. V making cider. Emma cleaned the parlor, mopped the floors. This is Volites birthday 47 years ago. Aunt Rachel came over to dinner. Sunday 24th November 1915 Alone nearly all day. No church service to day; roads are to rough and mudy. Wallace came for a little visit. He dont look quite so bery his chops are growing smaller. Emma (Went after dinner) over to R’s and found Aldon McDonald there. He had been there all day. Emma came home at dark. I wrote a letter to Robert. �135 Monday 22nd Nov 1915 How the years roll away. 82 of them has gone rolling down the course of time from me. This is Mable Morgans day too she came to see us and brought me a book, tittle, Son of the Hills. In the evening our little school teacher came, Miss Effie Sutherland and they both staid to supper. This pen with which I’m writing is a birth day present from Emma. Eddie McD popped in upon us quite suddenly. He came for his coat and other things from "on the Hill" He came over in Van’s skiff. Couldnt stay to dinner. but I was glad to have the opportunity of sending Grace a few apples and nuts and you may well believe it was a few. It was only a biscuit pail full. Ed came to Franks on a bycicle and a bicycle wont carry. Also I sent G a letter and a letter for Nellie Brooks together with 6 cts to post the letters. I took the occasion to send Bobbie Jr a letter. Voltie plowing all day. over on R. In the evening and when we had visitors V made 1/2 barrel cider (after supper) before coming in to visit with the "girls". We were entertained with piano music but I do hate the sound of our old phonograph or the old familiar records I guess it is I’d like to bundle the whole caboodle in to the stove. Well Miss Sutherland and Mabel went home at 1/2 past 9 by moon light. �136 Tuesday 23rd Nov 1915 A cloudy nasty day so far any way which is nearly dinner hour. A light fall of snow which don’t last long but leaves a tremendous lot of mud every where. Voltie plowing again to day over on R. I churned and Emma packed butter, and cooked beans. Wind South and blowing a breeze. Edith gone to school, she came at noon. Emma went to the Ladie’s Aid to get her dress fix. Lizzie Horn going to fix it for her. Edith came home from school at 2 pm so Emma could go to Jennie Kehoes to get them to fix her dress. No washing done here in a long time nor much of any thing else. Rachel came over to supper and for milk, went home by lantern light. She received a letter from Jen. She writes in her letter that Will requests me to write to him. V making pig rack to weigh the pigs. Wednesday 24th of Nov 1915 The sun rose clear but tis cold. Edith home to day starting around tonque going as usual. Emma got the washing around, washed nothing except the curtains. V plowing. V early this morning weighed 3 pigs. The 10 pigs average 205 lbs. Churned a packed butter. I received a letter from Grace. I pared quartered and cored a peck of sweet apples to preserve. �137 Thursday 25 Nov 1915 A beautiful month this is Indian summer summer weather; work goes slow. V phoned to Henderson for groceries. Didnt send for tea, forgot it. Mrs Niles came. Rachel came also; both here to dinner. Orville McDermot here. V didn’t. Mrs Niles advises me to burn all my letters and diaries but I don’t believe I can have the courage to burn all my letters and diaries that I’ve kept and written so many years. Some one may like to read my old diaries. 26 Nov 1915 Friday another Indian Summer day. Voltie butchering one fat old pig. help is Jack Niles, Joe Woodman and Sammy Woodman. No school to day. Teacher went home yesterday, she said she was going to sleep in her own bed to night. Mail, a card from Maud. Our Farmers Advocate didn’t come. This is the second time the Advocate has been missing from the mail box. Frank Briceland here to supper. And a Jew pedlar the Pedlar staid all night. �138 Saturday 27th Nov 1915 A very fine day. Jew paid ,50 for his lodging and board. He was very deliberate in taking his lease. He had some narrow skirted embroidered dresses to sell. He stopped at Rachels and she bought one. V plowing over there. When he came to dinner R came with him bringing her newly purched [sic: purchased] dress with her to show her purchase. I dont think it will be big enough for her. Rachel got a very lame back. Emma mopped floors and made a cake for supper. Sunday, November 28 1915 Very good day the wind blows some a kind of chilly. Aunt Rachel staid all night and all day. Emma went to church and then went to Niles with Maggie Rattray. �139 Monday 29 Received only a card from Grace. I cant remember any circumstance very clearly without I write it down the same day or within 2 days at most. I remember the Jew came back back again the First of Nov 1915 in eve when V was gone to Kingston by way of the road, told him couldn’t keep him so he went away to return in morning. Emma bought cloth of him for a waist at a dollar 25 cts. Tuesday 30 Nov 1915 A very good day. V dont know - he just uncertain between selling his pork live weight to Briceland or butchering and selling on the market for 12 cts dressed or, gets alive, at last concludes to sell to Briceland and after plowing all pm makes a pig rick to load the hogs into and backs it to the hog pen door and Wednesday morning Joe Woodman helps him get pigs in crate and ate breakfast. Edith goes to school. Wednesday 1 of Dec 1915 arose at half past three this morning. Uncle V went up to get Joe to help him load pigs, he was here to breakfast. Uncle V sold the pigs to Briceland for $148.50 7 pigs. He sold a cow at 38 dollars, got home at 11 oclock. �140 Thursday 2nd December No one goes to town from here to day. We didn’t rise very early. Voltie drove to the dock for his groceries yesterday. He didn’t plow but their press broke down and the press pillows 3 of them. Paddy, John McDonald and and Bill Hall all here to dinner and John Mc here to supper. The others went back and sat up till 2 oclock am to toast their shins by the fire to keep from freezing for the beds are cold and dirty and nothing to eat but cold warmed up potatoe. Edith at school. Friday 3rd Dec 1915 A half stormy day of wind and snow. V tried to plow froze so cant plow. R came over to dinner. V fixed stable floor. After dinner tried plowing again and plowed all pm. R went back home again then came back when V came home from field. I brought her little oil heater and a lamp Edith went to school. Old Paddy came in evening helped V get calves in stable. V gave him a drink of cider. The pressers at Woodmans yet and working there all day. �141 Saturday 4th December 1915 A very fine day after the snow of last night. We expect the hay press here from Woodmans on the hill. Rachel here paring potatoes for dinner. V plowing through the light snow. Edith gone to school-but came home at noon. Teaching on Saturday, dont work well. The gang got through at Woodmans and moved to the lower barn and set up the press came back here ate supper and then drove away home through wind snow and cold weather long after dark. V plowed all pm. Sunday 5 Dec 1915 A very quiet still day no wind not a ripple. We expected the press gang back to supper but they didn’t come back till after every one was in bed then they all came in noisy and cold and at last got settled and gone to bed. Monday 6 Dec 1915 A cloudy morning and day. Arose early ate breakfast after routing the gang; had baked beans for dinner, pumpkin and apple pie. Edith went to school, comes home and goes for to feed and water R’s hens. Emma makes doughnuts and goes and stables the cows. �142 Tuesday 7 Dec 1915 A very good day not to beautiful. The press gang finished up in time for their dinner. They moved to Weirs from here. V moved part of their machinery. Before they left the house Old Paddy and Hall (the young rooster) quarreled something about hay pressing and nearly came to fist blows. Will I am glad they are gone. They can keep the cooks busy cooking pork and potatoes but they are a lot of hungry hard working men. Wednesday 8 Dec 1916 The weather same as yesterday. V cleaned the lower barn floor and covered the bails of how and done many other things to numerous to record. I rec’d a letter from Nellie Brooks also Herald. Old Geo McKay came after dark we were abed 10pm. He proved to be a very disturbing element all night. Why? Because he brought a quart of gin and wouldn’t go to bed, but talked loud and yelled all night. I couldn’t sleep. Joe Woodman helped V put the hay in barn. Thursday 9th Old Geo raising corn. V ground the sausage. R seasoned it. V phoned to Henderson for groceries Sugar, tea, raisons, Lamp chimneys, Lantern globes, drove over for them to the dock taking old McKay along and sending him to Kingston. Oh good ridance of that old mess. �143 Friday 10 December 1915 The coldest day this month. frost on windows thick enough. Voltie drove to R to feed and water her hens. Edith squalled to go to school but to cold and she has no clean dress. V shod Kessler’s horse $1,00. Emma making Christmas cake. Rachel sent by mail for two loaves of bread from Friends. Emma received a letter from Sylvie. We received the Advocate. Voltie drove to Weir’s for a male sheep. Jack Niles came bringing two old saws for V to set and file. R rode over and back with Voltie when he went to feed her hens and brought over her lamp so now she has two lamps here. Jack Niles came bringing two saws to be set and filed. The Christmas number of Farmers Advocate came to day also a letter from Grace. Saturday 11 Dec 1915 A cold beautiful morning sun brightly shinning but cant see through the veranda windows so much frost. V carried the bees down cellar; hives full and heavy. Still working away at the pork buisiness. A jangle bettween R & E. We sat up quite late reading. �144 12 December 1915 Sunday a very good a very fine day. Roy and Maggie came down to day to visit her fathers family. Emma went to church in pm where she met Miss Ducker, Geo Barrys fiancee. Henry Halliday and Archie Barry here in eveing they drove down in cutter 13 Dec 1915 Monday a cloudy morning rather dark and dismal, V brought 12 pails of water this morning before breakfast. Emma washed big washing & hung them on the lines. Edith gone to school. V hoing. Rachel churned and made butter to pack in her own crock. I sent a letter to Grace, received not one from any one. Weather looks very stormy. Voltie fixing to shoe his own horses. Tuesday 14th Dec 1915 a regular stormy cold winter day. Snow storm from the NE. I didn’t get up till after day light. V was at breakfast when I came from my bedroom, frost so thick on the veranda windows cant see the river. Rachel and Edith washing breakfast dishes. Emma making beds and sweeping �145 Wednesday 15 Dec 1915 Thursday 16 Dec 1915 A beautiful day. Voltie and Rachel & Emma went to Kingsotn this day; arose at 4 am, got breakfast and hustle and bustle to get ready for Kingston. Joe Woodman came down to drive the team over to the dock and back and stay all day and drive for them at night. He helped V load the barrels for Henderson. Joe ate breakfast and dinner here and done all the chores, went down cellar for potatoes and pork. Edith worked well this day. Joe after driving to dock for our Kingston wayfarerers didnt come home here to supper but went to the Irvine school house ō r consent. I sent Miriam some nuts and apples, a book (seed garden) to Helen Margaret brooks and a letter to Nellie �146 Friday 17 Dec 1915 A dirty rainy day. The hay scow was to come to this dock Dignams for hay but weather prevented. Geo Gillespie drew hay very early in morning before the rain, had to go back to the dock and cover it up. I dont know what we done this day; not much of any thing I guess. They all feel very dull after their Kingston trip. I know Voltie works all day. Edith goes to school. Not much mail, no letters, no cards, the Farmers Advocate. Saturday 18 December 1915 A cloudy morning thawed all night fields streaked with ridges of snow and mud like a streak of fat and a streak of lean. Aunt R gone home this morning bag and baggage, boxes of groceries, lamp stove, shortning, cream buckwheat flour &c &c and things to numerous to mention together with loads of litterature. Voltie drives her and her duds home; comes back loads on a load of manure, goes back and banks her house, returned for potaotes and returns back to her house again with her big lamp, frying pan and kettle. Emma didnt clean floors to day. Made apple preserves and filled the jar Rachel gave me. I am writing to Maud. Though I’d look around and see how things are, first I looked at my cookies that were 20 cts �147 Sunday 19 December 1915 Cloudy morning looks like rain or snow. Emma and Edith preparing to go to church. Well I have began writing a letter to Maud after writing awhile I was tired and thought I’d look around. So I started on a trip of investigation. I looked for my 20 ct per lb cookies, 3 lb of them when brought home and none ever put on the table saving them for Christmas. I found only a few ounses of them left, and a few crumbs and broken pieses. Emma said I kept them to take to heaven with me but by Emma & Edith they have gone the other way. This is the most impossible house to keep any thing you dont want lost or destroyed. The work of a pair of human angels. The weather changed to a blizzard of snow and wind. Hazel and Lizzie brought Emma home. Sat up reading till 10 pm. Monday 20 December 1915 A very fine day. Edith at school. I finished writing to Maud put it in the mail box on her way to school. Voltie rebuilding his old sleigh. Emma worked the butter and made the prints for market, 6 of them, get the dinner, washed the dishes and painted part of the dining room floor; bean soup for dinner. The sleighing is very good tho it thawed to day. �148 Tuesday 21 Dec 1915 The weather same as yesterday, sleighing must be very good for froze last night and frost quite thick on the windows. Voltie still working on sleigh. Emma churned again this morning. Edith at school. Emma sets buck wheat cakes batter, she rang Maggie Joslin Rattray. Roy got a cold. Sylvie at the villiage visiting her motherinlaw Mrs McDermot. Emma teasing V to take her and Edith to the school concert in the Irvine school this eve but I dont think she will succeed. Geo Barry came here for V to compute the teachers sallery. Wednesday 22nd Dec 1915 Arose early. 21 chickens dressed to day for market. Voltie drove over for Aunt R. She came over and helped about the the fowl. V working in shop as he always does and putting corn in barn and preparing for market. �149 Thursday 23 December 1915 Arose at 4 am hustle hustle hustle, milk cows, feed hogs, feed cows, feed & water 4 horses. No one to drive V & E to the dock. Phoned for Jack Niles to drive in for to take them to the dock. He done so. Jack a good neighbor. Edith watered and fed all the stock at noon and evening. Wattered and fed Rachels stock. Well long about sunset phone rang from the villiage to say boat not going to leave the villiage till the storm subsides, what a great disapointment to the people on the foot. The people ringing up each other all over the neighborhood jawing and swearing because the boat delayed on account of a little snow flurries, women complaining that no one to do the chores and that the boat could come down as well as not for they could see from shore to shore; well after awhile V rung down that they were to start right away and the phones began to ring. Dignums "Has the boat come in after a while the answer was yes! well about half past eleven they came in cold and hungry having walked form the corners after coming that far with Dick Kesler. �150 Friday 24 Dec 1915 A great time frosting cakes for Christmas, frying cakes and dressing the fowls, brushing up everything, dusting, mopping, putting up curtains. V working out all the time. A middling good day not to handsome. Along towards evening Jim Morgans Kids drove over here for Edith to go home with them to Christmas. I was sorry to say I couldn’t let her go. I know it was a terrible disapointment all around. Received a Christmas box from Grace which is to be opened tomorrow. Saturday 25 December 1915 A rainy, sloppy nasty Christmas day. Ringing up all around wishing each other other a merry christmas and "what did you get for christmas" and "what did you get for xmas" Our chickens were stuffed and roasted and good for nothing. A chicken stew is much better. V had occasion to drive over to Rachels to feed her hens. E & E to the opportunity to hop on to the sleigh for a Christmas drive out. A joyous time opening the Christmas box from Grace with which we were all well pleased. Roy and Maggie drove in here from Hirams and Emma went home with them, staid all night and Roy brought her home next day 26th. �151 Sunday 26 Dec 1915 Another still quiet day like Christmas. Alone all day no one came. Roy & Maggie brought Emma home. Monday 27 A bad day for weather more christmas things from Belle & Eveline for Voltie. I sent things to Eveline and Belle & Grace and Maud and Nellie. I received Gladys photo. Very. She is her dads own daughter. She looks almost exactly like him. I also received a card from Charley Dixon also a card from Dante Dixon a card from �152 Tuesday 28 Dec 1915 Not very good weather, cloudy & sloppy. Jimmie Morgan here helping Voltie all day, here to dinner & supper. I was sick all day ate to much sausage. Emma washing in the kitchen. Jimmie brought me fish. Wednesday 29th Dec 1915 Cloudy frozen weather. Voltie trying to fix Keslers old sleigh. Now he has gone to school meeting. Oh what a cold dismal dark day and Emma put a line in the veranda this morning and hung the clothes there which makes the room darker, the light more obscure. Looks very stormy and we are not very sure the boat will come to our dock tomorrow morn. Any way she is not coming in to night and not tomorrow morning unless the weather is fair. If she does it will be for the last time, (perhaps) any way I made out my order-memorandum. Received a Xmas box from Bert and Maud where each of us was most generously remembered. Dear Bert & Maud and the little one. I received Gladys picture. Mrs and Mrs Sager here this pm. �153 Thursday 30 Dec 1915 Arose at 4 am. V didn’t want to milk, walked to the dock. Went to villiage on boat stoped there and settled accounts with Chown & Woodman, for the hay. Friday Saturday 21 December Edith and Emma got a Christmas box from Madeline and Marebella Morgan containing a handkerchief holder and a stocking of candy for each of them. �154 Saturday 1 January 1916 The new year is ushered in by a snow storm which soon turns to rain. Emma cleaned floors & pared pumpkin to dry, ironed, cooked beef, baked apples and got the meals & Voltie worked in shop on Keslars sleigh nearly all day after after doing the chores. It rained rained all day. V went to the lower barn to look after the sheep. Mr & Mrs John Niles have the grip Sunday 2nd January 1916 It rained nearly all night, we didn’t rise very early, windows white with frost. I think we had breakfast about 10 Oclock am. The snow is covered with with ice every where. After the stillness of the day in which nothing was done except the meals and writing a card to Belle and one to Maud, we were surprised by an evening visit from Mrs and Mr James Morgan and their two youngest children (babies) Marguerite aged four and Marie the babe aged 2 years. Well we prepared a good meal for them. for them �155 Monday 3rd January A very good day not to beautiful the snow encrusted with ice. Voltie still working on Keslars sleigh. I wrote a letter to Gladys and Edith posted it together with the cards to Belle and Maud. Edith went to Rachels carrying buttermilk and fish. In going she fell down and spilled part of the buttermilk. I croched on the chair tidy only 8 more times across to finish it without the border. I have with crochet hook traveled 100 times across back and forth. Tuesday 4th January 1916 The day dawns quite fine. V still working in shop on Keslars sleigh. A lull in business. This morning after breakfast and nearly the same every morning. Emma quite impertinent this morning V goes to see how R gets along. Jimmie Morgan drove in here bringing his skiff enroute to Clayton. Alden drove back with the team and Jim owns journey. A very damp �156 Wednesday 5 Jan 1916 A damp rainy morning. The snow is patches and streaks. We heard by phone that the boat is coming in once more to our dock. If it does V will go up on the boat. Emma churned and printed the butter for market 17 lbs. Edith goes over to see how Aunt R gets along V works in shop. A very nasty day rain and mud. Jim Morgan will or can not cross the river to day Thursday 6 January 1916. Called V at 4 am. V walked to the dock carrying the basket with butter 17 lbs which he sold to Henderson for 31 cts per lb. he brought home lumber, groceries, hot air pipe and hood for stove in cellar. He met in town Wm Pillar. George Pillar (Wm son) and John Duggan. The weather proved to be very good. Jimmie Morgan returned to day from Clayton bringing tobaco and a smock frock to almost to tight. Emma and Edith done all the chores, milked 7 cows etc. V walked home from dock lugging his grocery basket. found supper all ready �157 Friday 7th January 1916 A bright clear cold morning. Voltie drove to dock (after breakfast) for lumber and the cellar stove fixings, and now he is arranging the whole apparatus for heating my bed room, and dining room. Well got every thing arranged at last and the dining room, bedroom and cellar is as warm as June. The Farmer’s Advocate is absent from the mail box once more. Why it is I dont know. Edith went over to Rachels to see how she gets along. A letter from Grace. Edith rec’d one from Margaret Saturday 8th of Jan 1916 Eight days have slipped out of the year. This is Edith’s birthday. 14 years old to day A very cold night and morning, a cold bright day, ground nearly bare. Jack Niles got the grip. Yesterday V hired a teacher by telephone, hired a young man from Kingston, had 5 years experience as teacher for 500 dollars a year. I think Jack will board him for $15 dollars per month. Edith went over to Rachels to see if she wants any thing. found her all right �158 Sunday 9 January 1916 A very good day. The new school master and Mr Weir came to see V about the school. Voltie hired him on condition and tomorrow morning he begins his tutoring of 7 pupils, Edith Lehman Clarence McDonald, Mortimer McDonald, Alden, Madaline, Mirabel, Keneth & Morgan. A very small school for $400 dollars, for an unqualified teacher Monday 10 January 1916 A very good day. We received a letter from Belle. Jim Morgan here to get his sleigh repaired and staid to dinner. He offered JD the money for fixing the sleigh but Voltie wouldn’t take it from Jim. Jim said he would work it out helping V dray hay from the lower barn; a phone for V to go to Henry Halladays tomorrow eve to a dance, consequently Emma is all animation in anticipation of attending the great Event. Edith at school �159 Tuesday 11 Jan 1916 A very fine day. Joe Woodman here to get horse shoe nails and ate dinner here. A dance at Henry H’s. V went carrying Emma Wednesday 12 Jan 1916 I received a letter from Eveline. A dull day after the dance. Sleepy heads Thursday 13 Jan 1916 �160 Friday 14 Jan 1916 I received a letter from Grace. she writes they have the grip. So have we, in a light degree, which may be only a cold Saturday 15 Sunday 16 Jan 1916 Awoke this morning to find the snow falling thick and fast. Not much wind. We didn’t rise very early. Business in the home dont dont flourish much. Old industry has flown to different places and the place is ocupied by two others. There once was a time Monday 17 V got grip but worked in shop all day I sent a letter to Eveline �161 Tuesday 17 January 1916 Snow blows, drifts and frost standing on window. Voltie is better. Lots of work to do in door and out. This is a real winter day. V went over to R’s to see how she stands this weather. V is working in shop all day. Teacher phoned no school on account of cant build a fire in stove. V working in shop all day on sleigh after breaking roads and feeding R’s hens. snow drifting Wednesday 19 Jan 1916 No going to school to day; great snow drfits every where. Sent a letter to post box for Grace where it remain till the mail can come. Mail came as far as Angus McDon V broke roads from here to R & from there to the schoolhouse. No school to day Teacher at OBriens his boarding place. I partly write a letter to Grace �162 Thursday 20 January 1916 A tremendous snow storm all day from early morn till close of day. Jimy Morgan drove here fixing his bob sleigh he came in covered with snow. Rachel finished one of V mittens. I finished quilt and got it ready for the frame. Emma mopped and cooked and worked on chore tidy. thaws towards night rains. Jim brought us a pail of Krout. He staid till time to drive for his younguns Friday 21 Jan 1916 Thaws and fog every where. we arose very early. Wrote and sent a letter to Maude. Jim Morgan drove here again to repair his sleigh and staid to dinner. I received a letter from Grace not satisfactory. I am sorry I wish it had been more cheerful. Jimy and V covered the strawberry plants. Dirty and raining all day, ground nearly bare �163 Saturday 22 A nasty wet morning rained all night night earth more naked than yesterday. Emma out cleaning the back veranda. Edith and Rachel washing breakfast dishes. Voltie choring around and working shop. I I finished another patchwork for the frames. R. working on V mitten Sunday 22 A bright clear morning. windows covered with frost ground bare �164 Monday 23 January 1916 A very bright beautiful day. Emma washing, Edith at school after feeding R hens. and fed them again after school by going directly there. Turk wont eat which makes quite a reaction. Turk got mad because R was trying to force him to eat when he didnt want to eat. and when R tried to compel him to eat, his eyes looked like a green flame of fire, nor would he go out door but growled and she got afraid of Turk. V working in shop all day Tuesday 24th Jan 1916 A beautiful day, wind south and not cold. Emma finished washing. and such a big washing. Edith at school. Voltie drawing manure and patching Kitchen roof. Edith went early this morning to feed Rachels hens leaving her books and dinner basket on the mail box while she gone to the hens. R got dinner and read story papers. I patch two pairs of pants for Volty. Edith came home from school with wet feet and went immediately to Rachels to feed her hens with wet feet mud, mud, mud. no snow. �165 Wednesday 26 Jan 1916 thawed all night mud worse than ever; not a bit of snow to be seen any where. cloudy and the river tho covered with ice, looks like open water from shore to shore and from every direction. R talks of going home this morning. Turk and all. Edith at home to day the roads are to bad to walk to school. Rec’d a farm Magazine from H Halliday Thursday 27 A fine day ground bare. Dick Berry here peddling apple trees. V bought 12 Tallman Sweet. Albert Gillespie here to get work done in shop. Samy Woodman got grippe down to his Uncle Will H Woodman. Edith at home. Ground all mud between here and school house �166 Friday 28 Jan 1916 A very fine day, ground bare. I receive a letter from Grace. a good friendly letter this time. I wrote and sent a letter to A Nelson & Sons Toronto for five books but made a mistake of 5 cents which I must rectify Monday. Also wrote to Atler Burpee for annual seed books Philadelphia P.A. V trying to smoke pork in cellar way but we were smoked out of house and home. The squirrels have moved into our smoke house with all their hickories and birch bark and old rags. but guess V will have to route them after all Edith went to school 3 loads manure Saturday 29 A fine day, wind N.W. cold and freezing. Windows thickly covered with frost. Emma cleaned floors. Edith partly got the dinner. V shop and saw wood made a saw buck and sharpened the buck saw, worked outside most all day, chopped wood, went over to Rachels to saw and chop wood for her. ground bare in every direction as June. V drew one load of manure. Mrs John OBrien and her mother and John OBrien came and made us an evening visit and we had a very happy time. They staid till Eleven Oclock. The hen ate the new laid egg again to day. Emma has got 20 lbs of butter for market for 33 cts per lb �167 [DUPLICATE PAGE 165 ENTRY] Wednesday 26 Jan 1916 Thawed all night, mud worse than ever; not a bit of snow to be seen anywhere. Cloudy and the river tho covered with ice, looks like open water from shore to shore and from every direction. R talks of going home this morning. Turk and all. Edith at home to day. The roads are to bad to walk to school. Rec’d a farm magazine from H Halliday. Thursday 27 A fine day, ground bare. Dick Berry here peddling apple trees. V bought 12 Tallman Sweet. Albert Gillespie here to get work done in shop. Samy Woodman got grippe down to his uncle Will H Woodman. Edith at home. Ground all mud between here and school house. �168 [DUPLICATE PAGE 166 ENTRY] Friday 28 Jan 1916 A very fine day, ground bare. I receive a letter from Grace. a good friendly letter this time. I wrote and sent a letter to A Nelson & Sons Toronto for five books but made a mistake of 5 cents which I must rectify Monday. Also wrote to Atler Burpee for annual seed books Philadelphia P.A. V trying to smoke pork in cellar way but we were smoked out of house and home. The squirrels have moved into our smoke house with all their hickories and birch bark and old rags. but guess V will have to route them after all Edith went to school 3 loads manure Saturday 29 A fine day, wind N.W. cold and freezing. Windows thickly covered with frost. Emma cleaned floors. Edith partly got the dinner. V shop and saw wood made a saw buck and sharpened the buck saw, worked outside most all day, chopped wood, went over to Rachels to saw and chop wood for her. ground bare in every direction as June. V drew one load of manure. Mrs John OBrien and her mother and John OBrien came and made us an evening visit and we had a very happy time. They staid till Eleven Oclock. The hen ate the new laid egg again to day. Emma has got 20 lbs of butter for market for 33 cts per lb �169 Sunday 30th Jan 1916 One day more and January 1916 will be no more, another day of foul weather bare ground, some rain, and freezing Voltie just came in and said not freezing. wind South. It was so late when we went to bed last night we didn’t arise very early this morning. E & E going to church just heard over the phone that there is church service to day beginning at 11 am and now they hustle. I hope there will be no broken dishes. Edith cant work her hands and mouth at same time. Her tongue is always busy. It refuses to rest. E & E came flying home from church saying "Preacher is coming to dinner". so they pitched in a prepared a very good dinner. He came and we had a fine visit. At last he drove to villiage through rain and all is well. But his mind is very unsettled. He dont know which is best to go to China or go to war or preach or go to New York and practice in hospital. I wrote a lengthy letter to Grace but have no Envelope so cant send it. �170 Monday 31 January 1916 Another nasty day rain, mud, bare ground. V working in shop. Edith at home with her tongue in full blast. It never tires. Emma ironing. I wrote to T. Nelson book bublishers enclosing 25 cts for postage on books. V carries it to post box. Edith makes a cake for dinner. Emma made some aznat biscuits for dinner from left over from pie crust, hard with no B P in it. I received a letter from Nellie Brooks. I want to write to several people but have no envelopes. V went over to Rachels to carry milk & chop wood Tuesday 1st February 1916 Froze a little last night. but the sun shining bright and clear to day. Bare ground every where. Edith at school. I am sleepy guess I didnt sleep very well last night. Voltie says we have sourkrout enough to last a year �171 Tuesday 2nd February A quiet cloudy day. Froze last night The river covered with thin ice. not much house work done. Edith gone to school. V working in shop. 3 eggs brought in to day. Jack Niles went across the river in Will Woodmans boat for kerosene brought 6 gallons for us. Voltie drives to Gillespie bay for the Kerosene bringing Jacks too Fixed R’s hen coop, carried straw to make nests, carried pork apples milk and krout and potatoes. Ground bare brown and frozen Thursday 3rd February Froze again last night, cloudy this morning. Earth naked, brown and frozen. Edith at school went with V when he drove for the school closets. going to rebuild them by help of Jack Niles, Clarence McDonald and Alden Morgan knocked them over at All Halloween. Marion rang Emma up and talked. Parliament buildings burst tonight 7 people burnt, one clerk and one MP �172 Friday 4 Feb 1916 A dim brightness snowed a little. Wind west and chilly tho 12 deg above zero, ground bare. Edith at school. I sent a letter to Will and was much surprised and happy to receive a letter from Will. V brought in 6 eggs to day. V went over to chop wood for Rachel to see how she gets along and chop wood and carried beans. We received our five books from Nelson all OK. Emma fried 6 eggs from the box in the cellar. They appeared to be as fresh as new laid eggs Saturday 5 Feb 1916 The dawn is bright and clear no snow, ground bare a little snow falling but not enough to cover the ground. Emma cleaned floors. After dinner went out to try the skating. Edith went too on the ice but she has broken her skates. Jack N here again this pm working on the school ba ha’s. V brought in one egg before breakfast. Such an industrious hen, ought to lay 2 eggs to day. V finished drawing in the corn 4 loads. Marion McDermot came 6 eggs lumbering along up after dark to stay all night �173 Sunday 6 Feb 1916 Awoke this morning to find the earth covered with snow. Emma and Marion went skating. Edith went to church. Henry Halliday drove in here for a visit. Staid till nearly shore time then drove home again, got no help. V hitched up and Emma and Edith drove to foot with Marion. snow falling nearly all day Monday 7 Feb 1916 Awoke up and found a blizzard. Rather blizzardy all Day. J K Niles here again helping J D about those bahas. Kesler phoned for V to fix his old coal stove. Brought it up. V fixed it. Jim Morgan here again working on his old sleigh. Jim staid to Dinner. V drove over to see how R gets along and bring her over if she wants to come. Didn’t want to come. sat up late reading. Edith at home on account of 5 eggs weather. Quarreling going on all day �174 Tuesday 8 February 1916 Cold enough this morning but clear and sun shining very brightly. V drawing out manure. Quarreling going on between E & E as usual. Jim Morgan came early this morning. sat up quite late reading. V reading Huckleberry Finn. Snow before night Wednesday 9th Feb 1916 Ground white with snow. Jim here this p.m. working on his old sleigh stays to dinner. V drove to R carrying milk, fried cakes, potatoes, apples. Edith at home. I write and send a letter to John. Quarreling and cats. and idleness and noise till I’m sick and disgusted. Received a letter from Grace, also a Burpee catalog. R received a letter from Jen with invitation to go visiting at their house A ring up for V to attend a dance at George Woodman’s �175 Thursday 10 Feb 1916 A sort of a half bright day. Emma washing. Edith at home. I’m not sure Jim Morgan is here this morning. window so covered with frost cant see out the window. Jim didn’t come. Edith brought a pumkin from the cellar and cleaned. V went over to Rachels Friday 11 Feb 1916 Emma done nearly all Saturday’s work this day for George Woodman rung for V and E to go to their place to a dance. Now Em is all sombre and bustles around and bakes layer cake. Edith at home. Jim Morgan here again and tomorrow. V drives over to R’s to see how she is and carry her pork. I send Grace a letter. quarreling and rowing all the week. �176 Saturday 12 February 1916 Jim Morgan not here to day. V told him to stay home to day. A lazy day after the dance but quarreling and rows all the same. I’m sick of it all. Jack Niles and Anna at the dance also Mrs Jane Niles Sunday 13th February 1916 A clear cold day. Edith and Emma went to church. Preacher went to Geo Barrys to eat dinner with his sister in law Mrs George Barry. No one here to day. We tried the pop corn. it popped very well but not to good. V went over to Rachels to carry her Kerosine and see how she is. Had a ring up from Villiage saying there is a parsel for me at custom office Monday 14th Feb 1916 A clear bright cold morning 14 below zero. didnt rise till after 7 Oclock breakfast late in consequence of late rising. V shoveling snow from the straw stock here by the barn, Received a letter from Grace. one from Genevieve �177 Tuesday 15 February 1916 Warmer this morning. Emma 17 years old to day. Snow falling. Voltie with more work on hand than any man ought to have to do alone, drives to school with Edith. I pare apples and wash dishes. V works in grainery cleaning seed oats and barley, drives over to R’s along towards night. R thinks she will come over and she comes Wednesday 16 February 1916 Arose at 5 am. V gone to town carrying a grist for pig feed and a grist for flour, 3 1/2 dozen eggs & 18 lbs butter. Weather not cold as has been quite mild. driving on the ice this morning but V drove around the road. Edith at home. went over to Rachels twice to look after R’s hens then drew Rs bread and the papers Eveline sent to R and I hand sled from mud box. V came home early, drove all the way to K on the �178 ice. brought R’s coal,1/2 tun and our groceries and drugs and dry goods. Supper all ready when V came. We sat up quite late arguing and jangling about nothing in particular in which R and V were the cheif wranglers. while I sat reading "The Alps from end to end" a very interesting and entertaining yarn and true of mountain climbers. All is well that ends well". Thursday 17 Feb 1916 Arose quite early this morn. A beautiful day. Jim Morgan here and to dinner. Jack Niles here. V and Jack finished one ba ha and carried it to the school house and set it up. Edith went to school walking there. Jims kids walked to school this morning. and walked home. The school superintendent there. Emma went to Lizzie horns to get Liz to make a dress. V took her there in cutter and went for her in late p.m. Then drove to R with her 1/2 tun of coal. fire in cellar went out yesterday. I pieced on the wool quilt. Edith helped V do the chores and clean up another grist. V intends going to K in the morning. R washed dishes & cooked the dinner �179 Friday 18 February 1916 A fine morning which ended in a snow storm. We arose early. V going to town this morning. A many of the neighbours taking advantage of this mornings weather are going to Kingston this morning. weather changes to colder and the wind swirling the snow terribly but Voltie comes about 4 O’clock with grist, and coal for Rachel. He left the Oysters and Ediths new speller in Kingston also a new book for me by Winston Churchill. The Inside Of The Cup Rec’d a letter from Grace Saturday 19 Feb 1916 Not a very bad day but a lazy one as far as I am concerned. We just cook and eat 3 square meals, go feed R’s hens. V phoned Geo Niles who is going to Kingston, to go Hendersons for the books and Oysters. George brought them. Edith walked down on the ice for them, stayed so long visiting that Voltie went to look for her. Marion McDermot phoned Emma that she is going away from [?] going home to stay. �180 Sunday 20 1915 A very fine day. Edith and Emma went to church this am, only 12 of congregation. Sager and Mrs Sager went to Jack Niles for dinner. Well we had Oyster soup for dinner which was very good indeed. Monday 21 I received a letter from Grace. Emma went to a dance this evening with little Samy, over to Henry Hallidays. They had a tif over coming home. A full house of Seven mostly. V didn’t attend nor Jack Niles nor Kesler nor several others which caused a very great disgust on Henrys mind. "The danged Scotch are not going to make nor dance any more in his (Henry’s) house any more. �181 Tuesday 22 Feb 1916 A very good day. E went to school. The mail brought the silk pieces. Wednesday 23rd I received the announcement of Kathleen Hallidays marriage to Harold Easton to be solemnized to day. Belles last daughter gone in marriage. George and Inez and the three babies William, John & Raymond, George and Stanley Wallace, and Mary (Georges ma) surprised us by a visit, they all staid to tea and drove home on the ice. Jim Morgan here to dinner. Our hens dont lay there eggs. Edith came home at noon. Teacher Hegan went over the river to a dance. I sent Belle a letter & a book Pride and Prejudice by Austin. �182 Thursday 24 Not a bad Edith goes to school Assessor Boyed here Jim Morgan here again to day Emma walked to Hams - No to George Niles’ for her dress that Lizzie has finished she charged her only a $1,50 here to dinner Friday 25 Feb 1916 Cloudy, raining, snowing, thawing and freezing. The books did not come to day nor any letters and I’m disapointed. Emma’s [pethead?], Harold, and a Lippincott [seed Bod?] Jim Morgan here this p.m. John Niles here this pm No wood at school house is what Kegan phoned I work on my wool quilt. Emma made Edith an apron and Volkie a silk or satin neck scarf. I did. Jack Niles called about school affairs V went after dark to look after the sheep with lantern �183 Saturday 26th Feb 1916 Snowed all night. snow piled high every where this morning. Edith and R washing dishes. Emma mopped floors. Edith washed three pocket handkerchiefs and a hair ribon and ironed them. Rachel washed an apron darned an old bed quilt and made rug rags. Jimy Morgan here in p m finished his sleigh and took it home. Jim has got the tooth ache face swelled up. Herd John Spoor has departed this life, gone somewhere. Voltie working all day, all the chores here goes to the lower barn to look after the sheep, goes to R twice to feed her hens, finished ironing Jim’s sleigh. John Spoor died this morning at 7.30 am �184 Sunday 27 Feb 1916 Snow heep every where, a dreary white waste of snow and cold. No church service to day. Preacher phoned there would none. No one here in all day. We employ the time reading most of the day. Voltie goes to Rachels to water and feed her hens and then went by the way of the lower barn to look after the sheep Monday 28 February 1916 bright, clear, snow drifting along very gently wind west. 8 deg above zero. John Spoor’s funeral to day 7 Oclock a.m. Rachels cow got a new calf this morning �185 Tuesday 29 Feb 1916 Wednesday 1st March 1916. Sun shine part of the day. storms all mp. I write and send a letter to Grace. Snow very deep; mail has difficulty in getting down the road. A bundle of papers from Eveline, "Hearth and home" Two Watertown standards from Grace, Rachels [?] Weekly Standard from Kingston. Visitors again. George Woodman came down (drove down) to help Voltie to break the colts Nell and Kit. Maggie & Roy came also for a visit. all ate dinner. Jack Niles here all pm working on "ba ha". A fine litter of young pigs in the pen. V moved the stove from the shop to the pig pen, set it up, built a coal fire and staid up all night to care for the pigs. �186 Thursday March 2nd 1916 Awoke this morning to find the snow falling thick and furious. V came in at day light after being up all night with the pigs and reported them all right 11 of them, white, red, black, speckled. After breakfast he wallows through the snow to the lower barn looking after sheep, comes home and fusses with the pigs, cleans the pen and makes every thing snug and warm. The phone rings from Geo Gillespies for bolts. A ring from Flinns got a sick cow; wants salts and John Murray drove down on the ice for it through the storm. Jack Niles came and worked a short time on ba has. and went home to dinner and returned no more to day. Friday 3rd March 1916. A clear bright morning. somewhat cold. one pig died and another pig V brought in which Emma is now fussing with. but it wont live sure. Wish Will would come over. R & Edith washed dishes. Emma - done - I don’t know what. two am We were surprised by more visitors. Jim and Annie Keogh and baby and Cassie Woodman came and staid to supper and 10 in evening. Little Lizzie is precocious �187 Saturday 4rd March 1916 A cold day. The usual Saturday day work, acomplished nothing occur outside the usual. A little mopping A few cakes fried. V works all day as usual. V up at one looking after pigs. He dont get much sleep Sunday 5 March 1916 Sun burning brightly this morning, cold as usual. V up again last night looking after pigs 9 pigs left all right, 2 lambs at lower barn. Weir drove in here for Voltie to go with him to corners for Dr Buchanan to come over and Doctor Bessie McDonald. She is afraid she is going to have the measles tho she isnt sick yet. Dr said maybe she would have measles �188 Monday 6 March 1916 Another cold morning Sun bright. John Weir ringing up V to find out if he had left his chain here. There are seven Johns in this neighborhood John Flynn, John Murry, John Niles Sr, John Niles Jr, John Weir, John Obrien, John McDonald. clouds towards night and rain. Received a letter from Grace Tuesday 7 March 1916 A rainy nasty day. Jack Niles here working in shop. Received a letter from Grace. V went to R’s to feed her hens, and to the lower barn. found one sheep missing; think it is dead somewhere. 7 lambs now �189 Wednesday A very tolerable day We were surprised by seeing Will drive in and very happy to see him. Received a letter from Belle telling us all about the marriage of Kathleen and Harold Easton Thursday A stormy day for wind and snow. Emma makes Rachel a petticoat from my new shaker flannel which I have for quilt lining. she is going home with Will. he going tomorrow. Well the visit is all off; she not going. The general order of the day cooking, eating, singing, piano playing, gossiping, talking polotics, war, religion, etc. V drives to the lower barn, 2 more lambs which makes 8 [?]; card playing and dancing in evening �190 Friday 10th March 1916 A very stormy morning; boiled eggs for breakfast. The storm clouds are clearing away. Dont think Will can go home to day. V going to lower barn this morning. Will gone with him. Rachel & Edith washing dishes. Emma cleaning floors and straightening up. Two more lambs which makes 10. Will and Voltie clean and repair the organ. V choring all day beside going to Rachels to water and feed her hens Saturday 11 March 1916. A very bright sunny morning not warm. cold The snow is very deep. Will goes home this morn driving swiftly across the ice. He will find very difficult traveling once he gets on the highway roads. Quiet, dull and lonesome after Will went away. 15 lambs. card playing in evening by R & V & E & E �191 Sunday 12 March 1916 A quiet day. no one here. a bright beautiful day. The usual amount of wrangling going on. I write a letter to Belle, read in evening. Only two meals to day for the first time in years. Twin calves at the barn. I read to the family in evening. Heard that Henry Halliday is sick in Hospital appendicitus & absess Monday 13. March 1916 A bright beautiful day. warmer. wrangling and jangling here all am. I work on quilt. no lambs nor calves this morning. Ranous worked his way down through the snow and filled up roads. no letters only Standard. Herald, Farmers Magazine and Farmers Advocate. A letter from Sylvie to Emma, a letter from "Hugh" �192 Tuesday 14 March 1916 Colder and cloudyer this morning. Edith separates the milk and feeds calves. Rachel washes dishes. Emma fixing to wash. no calves; no lambs this morning. All serene in house this a.m. R picking over beans. Em washing clothes. Edith doing our daily concert and piano begins after dinner and continues till supper time. Emma washes all the clothes and puts them on the lines then mops floors and got supper. Rachel sorts beans. I sew on quilt. Jack Niles here this day working on school house ba has. V goes his daily rounds to lower barn and over to feed and water R’s hens. Wednesday 15 March 1916 A cold, very chilly morning. Wind East & cloudy V with fur over coat on has gone to lower barn and to R’s to feed and water her hens. Every one squatting around the stove for tis certainly a bitter cold because the wind is East. Voltie out nearly all day working in shop put shoes on Duke. Received a letter from Grace Didn’t send any letters this day, snows is falling �193 Thursday 16 March 1916 A sun bright day. R not very well had to take soda & water in the night. troubled with indigestion and constipation. Voltie going his daily rounds to lower barn and R’s hens. Friday 17th March 1916 Arose not very early, but after breakfast Voltie made a suden start for Kingston as the day promised to be a good one so he hitched up and away he went up the ice licketstick. Emma had a hard days work Cows started to go over river, one cow had a calf. Voltie came early. Henry much better. Rachel not very well. �194 Saturday 18 March 1916 A very fine day. George Woodman here; brought home the books he had borrowed 3 of them. Will Niles came bringing Lib who had been to Mrs Jane Niles. She brought me 2 Pathfinder. Sunday 19 March 1916 A bright beautiful day. Didn’t get up very early though I was the first one up and dressed. The fire on the wane and took a long time to get breakfast started. Aunt R not very well got a lame back. V choring & going down to Lower barn and to Rachels to see about the hens. Edith goes to church; congregation 11 only. Preacher went back to Jack Niles to dinner. Van drove over Also Will Niles and his sister Stella. After awhile they go to Byron James. Emma goes with them. Van sits with his old fur coat on and drinks cider. I ought to write a letter to Wellie. Vans hired man here visiting and to supper. �195 Teusday 21 March 1916 A fine day. Quite warm. William Niles came over to help Voltie saw the basswood tree down in Geo. Niles wood. Then Van came over; they all staid to dinner. Van swilled our cider till his prence was worse than a nightmare. Hope I’ll not him again very soon. Nothing doing except cook meals, eat and wash dishes. Wednesday 22 March 1916. A midling sort of a March day wind changed from S. to N. V arose early done all chores, ate breakfast, mounted the saw log and away he went up the ice enroute to "Anglins Kingston. I wrote and mail a letter to Grace. I have the same old trouble with Edith that occurs every day. Received a letter from John first rec’d in a long prose which I will answer Friday. V returned at 8 pm supper all ready when he returned with lumber. Lost a lb of led also Ems ribon �196 Thursday 23 March 1916. A very fine day for weather sun brightly shining frost on windows (north windows). V goes the usual round in the chore line. Then below Taking care of sheep then to hens. Expected Van Niles over to help draw hay from lower barn but Maloney’s boys coming over to lay Flynn’s floors said the Niles boys are drawing pressed hay to to Clayton. Then V by help of Edith drew a load form the Lower barn. drove in here to borrow finishing nails. Geo Woodman here this p.m. Our hens are beginning to lay. Will N drove here just at dark for his dad’s. Friday 24 March 1916. A beautiful day. Wm N came early, walked across, to help V draw hay from lower barn ate dinner and supper. Voltie drove across at dark taking Wm home. Em also accompanied them. A card from Belle. A letter for Emma from Wm D asking her to coat. Voltie to bring Em to a party at Charlies. A newspaper from Grace, Herald and Standard. Joe Woodman returned home from moving Frank family to Copenhagon �197 Saturday 25th March 1916 A very fine day. R worked the butter. We are going to churn. But didn’t churn. Emma cleaned floors. Thaws and the snow settles. Sunday 26 March 1916 A very fine morning. E & E go to Church only 11 of the congregation. No collection taken. Callers were Will Niles and Ambrose Niles, also Sheridan Maloney. Monday 27th March 1916 A cloudy morning. froze a little last night. Rachel picked up, and packed up and gone home this morning cat dog and all even to Edith but she went away and forgot the milk. V drove over there with the load. Churning being done. �198 and bread making and baking we pass a very quiet day. Emma doing all the work which is what is realy necessary. Thaws and the snow is settling rapidly. We retire to roost a little earlyer than usual 10 pm. cloudy and looks very much like rain and rains some at dark, no moon. Voltie came in saying he heard a robin and Aunt R saw and heard a lot of crows. Tuesday 28th March 1916. A warm cloudy morning: raining a little but soon clears George Woodman and his oldest little son. Annie Niles called awhile enroute for Samy Woodman came in to use the phone. Emma talking with over phone to Ynez than Marion McDermot has returned to MacKays since a week ago yesterday and rung Emma and [?] with her. V came in saying he cauaght Woodman’s Tom cat eating our eggs. WE have many hens but they dont lay many eggs. nearly a hundred hens I wrote a letter to Belle and prepared a a list of seed to be sent for from Burpees Philadelphia �199 Wednesday 29 March 1916 Froze a very little last night but sun shining clear this morning. Voltie went to lower barn to feed sheep and to R to carry milk. came back and took my letter to mailbox one to Burpee, one to Belle. I washed breakfast dishes. Voltie said Edith wants to come home. V cant tap trees the sap buckets are all used up for swill and everything. no mail to day. Ranous started out but couldn’t get through. Thursday 30 March 1916 Very fine day, snow settling. V tapped 8 trees but sap dont start very good. Edith dont come home. �200 Friday 31 March 1916 Sun shining brightly and warm. We dont do much work only cook the meal and wash. V filed and set saws for George Niles and Kesler. Saturday 1 April 1916 Looked like rain but dont rain but mud every where, snow nearly gone. Sap dont run much. People gong on wheels now. Edith at R’s yet. Wish she would come home. Emma washed dishes and cooked ham for the jar. I pare, quarter and core a half bushel of apples. �201 Sunday 2nd April 1916 A very fine day. Edith came home from Rachels well pleased to come home again and I was equaly pleased to see her. No church service to day; to mudy for the preacher. An early dinner for once on Sunday for Emma is going to Geo Niles to see the new Victorola and make an pm visit. Harold Dignum brought his ma over to Aunt Rachels to visit then came over here. He gave us some piano music. V treated him to cider and apples and popped corn. Emma comes home at sundown ate supper at Georges. Monday 3rd April 1916 A fine day. Tried to rain in the morning but quit. V working in shop. I embroider on quilt-finish all the blocks and set them together- 42 of them. A few papers from Grace and a fragment of a letter which she forgot to send with her other letter. �202 Tuesday 4 April 1916 A veery fine day. tried to rain but failed so we have a very warm spring day. Joe Woodman here to help V about setting trees on milk wagon. V he went early this moring to Katies for two calves. Joe here to dinner and supper and Sam came too for supper. Wednesday 5 April 1916 A very fine day. Snow all gone. Joe Woodman here again to day to dinner. Voltie putting a tire on Joe’s buggy wheel. Edith gathered the sap. I wash dishes and work on crazy quilt. I thought I’d get letters but I didn’t. Grace is the only one that answers my letters regularly and I’ll not write to John nor Will nor___ no I wont say Wellie nor Belle nor Lottie nor Charlie D. They all owe me letters, and also Maud. Muriel owes me a letter which I wrote her more than a year ago, but I’ll write to Maud. She has got three babies Hilda, James & Raymond. Edith got fighting with pump handle and it flew back and knocked out one of her teeth, she played with matches and burnt her fingers. �203 Thurday 6 April 1916 A kind of cool not very bright day but veiled a heavy white frost last night. Emma is washing. V brought water to wash clothes. Voltie just returned from R’s and brought the Standard. Edith washes breakfast dishes. A kettle of sap boiling on stove. Em washing in kitchen where there is a good fire in the stove. Heard by phone Bessie not any better. Weather not so warm. Friday 7th April 1916 Sun shining tho quite cold, a very light snow fell in the night which makes it look like a heavy white frost. Edith not very well, got cramps and gone to bed. We used the last bit of tea last night for supper last night. Had barley coffee for breakfast this morning and then rung up friend for a lb, left the money, 30 cts in mail box for Friend. V found the missing sheep this morning dead a pair of lambs also dead. 6 loads of manure this pm. �204 Edith gathered the sap 2 pails ful. I finished the wool quilt, received a letter from Will. I didn’t send any letters to day. The farmers magazine came to day. Voltie, Joe and Samy trying the Engine to test its working abilities. Edith goes to lower barn to let out the sheep. Saturday 8th April 1916. Froze again last night which will make a good sap day. Voltie hustling around as usual, chores chores, chores. Then pitch in and do something else Edie went to lower barn to look after the sheep. Kelser here to file file a saw 20 cts V gave me. Joe Woodman here again to dinner & supper and finaly staid all night and to breakfast. Sunday 9 April 1916 A very good day only mud a very good Sap day. Joey staid till after breakfast and then went home. No church service to day. No one here to day. I put in the time writing Will a letter and reading. Edith went over to Rachels a little while. �205 Monday 10 April 1916 A fine day tho looks somewhat like rain. Joe Woodman with our light wagon and his own horse went to Dick hollidays with V engine and cultivator to get the teeth sharpened. Dicks has a grinder but no engine. V made a mistake & sent machine oil instead of gasoline consequently couldnt get them sharpened till he went to Burks where he staid till Thursday. Friday 14 April 1916 Have not written in this diary since last Monday and as nothing very remarkable has occured it does not matter. V been plowing over on R’s place nearly all the time. I sent a letter to Grace also received one from her. Edith been to school all the week except Monday. Joe returned yesterday bringing cultivator engine and a calf from George Woodmans for Voltie. Our verdanda is awful dirty every thing upset every where. Every thing to be cleaned this spring. Joe staid to dinner. Edith at home to day. Rains hard and heavy, cant plow to day. A letter from Charlotte. A letter from Lottie with two ping boxes of Edith and Willie �206 Saturday 15 April 1916 A clear bright cool morning after the rain. Edith seperates the milk. I picked up a few more things in veranda. Sat there in the sunlight that shone to brightly through the windows. Knit on rug. Emma mopped floors a straightened things in pantry. Marion came up after dinner, walked up all the way along the shore. Came up to make a visit; going to stay all night. V couldn’t plow this a.m. ground to wet; plowed all pm. Sunday 16 April 1916 A bright cool morning as all mornings are cool these days. V said the sap will run again to day. Our girls as as happy and frisky as young colts. They race and run laugh and tear through the house and would kick up their heels if she could. I think Edith dos. Jerry Murphy died last Thursday 13 of April 1916. Rodney Pike came while we were at dinner. This is the first time I have ever seen May Ranous’ man. He is a little fellow. I dont believe he is as big as May. After Dinner while our girls had started to go a piece with Marion to see her on her way home. John and Sadie Murry came visiting. The girls saw them coming so they all 3 turned and came back home aross the field. Emma got the supper. �207 Monday 17th April 1916 It rained in the night some but all same. V is plowing and Edith gone to school. I sent a letter to Charlotte which I wrote yesterday. Edith going to school leaves Emma and I alone and the house is so peacefuly still. Burpee’s seeds came to day a fine assortment of flower and vegetable seeds also Mrs Scotts Cook Book. Received the present from Charlotte for Kathleen which I am to forward to Belle and she can send it to Kathleen. Jack phoned to Voltie that he has a calf for him which will make 7 calves in all this spring. Miriam McDermot went home early this morning at 6 am. walking away down the shore. V when he went plow carried Rachels rooster home to her. V plowed all p.m. Tuesday 18 April 1916 A nasty wet drizzly morning and cold too. E and E feed the calves while V goes to Jack’s for the new calf. Edith gathers the sap the last there is this spring, she also gathers the sap buckets but O she is obstinate and contrary. V plowing �208 Mrs Casler rings for Emma to attend the Ladies aid next Friday at Kaslers. sowed some tomato seed and balsom apple. Saturday 22 April 1916. A nasty rainy mudy day, have not written in this diary since last Tuesday nothing but jaw and quarrel all day. Emma cleaned floors and helped get dinner. Edith washed dishes. Poor noisy lazy Edith. I am sorry for her, poor dear kid, she does annoy me so. That poor little thin dark face stuck on a body rappidly going on 15 years old. I often think I would like to see some of my own grand children. I am lonesome and sick without them. These two came to me homeless. We are not rich, Voltie and I but I took them to my very heart and home to do for them every thing I could and that we were able. I ask for nothing for my self in my crippled old age. All I ask is to quite then advise them and not only be a grandmother but a real mother for I am and have always been so sorry for them both. Every day I plan and think of something I can do for them but they both defy me. I can do nothing with them so I give it up. It wont before long any way. Joe Woodman here again to day. �209 Voltie is doing some work for Joe in shop, his old milk wagon while Joe looks on and waits for his dinner. So he comes in and fills himself up. I guess this is the first meal he’s has had for a week. Joe is not a very talkative young man, but thin and he is so occupied with ham & eggs he cant find time to talk. 9 slices of bread and butter. "What do you know about that". Well Joey hung on for supper too. Thursday which was the 20th of April 1916, V went to Kingston on the Wolfe Islander which is the first trip for her this spring. Henry Holliday came home this day from the hospital on the boat. V carried two bags of potaotes, 3 baskets of beans and 39 lbs of butter. The butter over run in weight to the amount of a dollar which is aloss to us of course at 30 cts per lb. Edith Montgomery over run $1,50. Rob MKays just ten lb $3,00 dollars. V finished plowing over on Rachels place on Friday �210 Easter Sunday 23rd April 1916 Some what cloudy this morning but not very dark. Weather is going to clear. Voltie says he has got to buy hay. He sold to many tuns last fall and fed unnecessarily heavy in the beginning of the feeding season. E & E went to church came back in time to get the family dinner and for our unexpected guests Mr James Smith and Ray McIntire who is married and lives at Newton Falls. Dont drink any more. Dont gamble any more. He left his wife on to his aunt Alices while they came over here. After dinner and dishes washed E & E went over to R’s to carry Krout and milk, sent Kathleen’s present across to mail by Mr James Smith. Monday 24 April1 1916. A bright warm morning. V after chores done went to Geo Gillespies for hay sales, from there to Jack N to weigh hay. Who as a surprise should unexpectedly come but Wm Niles a happy as usual. He had rowed Mrs Geo Fire over to see her motherinlaw Mrs Almond Joslin. Wm staid to dinner and helped the girls clear the door yd of rubbish and helped V unload the hay 1070 lbs at $16 per tun. reeived a letter from John. I sent for seeds to Buckbees. �211 Tuesday 25 April 1916 Another cloudy morning. looks like rain and does sprinkle rain. Bessie McDonald died last night at Geo Rattrays in Villiage. I sowed a few balsom seeds this morning. V gone to Joe Woodman’s to buy or borrow calf meal. Emma washed the red panties and a few other small duds. Emma "horse de combat". V drawing manure on orchard with manure spreader, churning done. Wednesday 26 April Wednesday. Weather very good but showers across the river; the birds are swelling on the trees. Emma mopped floor. Mrs Hiram Joslin here begging. I send Lottie Dixon a letter and forgot to mention the picture of herself and Wilie. �212 Thursday 27 April 1916 A cool morning, looks rain. Emma goes to town and to market 15 doz eggs from here & 12 doz for Rachel and 7 chickens sold for 2 cts per lb, eggs 20 cts per doz. Bessie McDonald laid in vault to day. Edith and I done house work and got along very well. V plowed in garden (orchard). Emma bought carpet, wall paper &c. Left the wall paper in town because it was not sent aboard the boat as ordered. Rather late doing chores tonight. Friday 28th April 1916 A beautiful day; grass green and growing. Emma cleaned all the windows in dining room and veranda. I received a lovely letter from Grace with photographs of her family and house. Emma scrubbed the front veranda with scrubbing brush and is with five. Edith got some more basins filled with earth from the chop yard. I sowed some seeds. Edith carried R baked beans and milk found her not very well. �213 Saturday 29 April 1916 A fine day. V began sowing grain to day. I think wheat. I took a foot bath. Emma cleaned floors. Emma baked bread. Edith went to R’s twice over to carry her ham and chicken stew, next time to carry her mop sponges. Sunday 30 days in April A very pleasant day. E & E go to church. This is Mr Sagers good bye serman. Our girls return accompanied by Marion McDermot and Lizzie Woodman. Both staying to dinner and supper. Mrs Niles came. Rachel came. Mr Niles came. �214 Monday 1st May 1916 Looks like rain in the morning but clears away. Jack Niles here collecting money for the minister sallery. Sager and Mrs Sager are going to Brittish Columbia. Hazelton on the other side of civilisation to preach to and doctor the indians. I wrote and sent a letter to John. Another new milker and another new bull calve. It clouds up in pm and rains quite briskly at dark. The wall paper didn’t came down with the wall. Rather cold this evening. Tuesday 2nd May 1916 A very fine day. Emma made 12 butter prints and Edith churned. Voltie working in garden. Emma is preparing to work. �215 Wednesday 3rd May 1916 This is a terrible nasty day rain rain nd mud. I sent Belle and Grace letters but received none but I don’t care. All letters sensored that is they are opened, searched and read by whose authority I dont know. Never have inquired. Emma is preparing for market but guess she wont go. Thought I’d got a letter from Grace but didn’t. Guess I’ll hold up on letter business for a while tho seeds dont come from Bucksbee. V phoned to Geo R about the wall paper. Geo had it under his bed. Thursday 4 May 1916 Sun not shining this morn. We arose quite early. V going to drive to dock with a grist and Emma is going to market with butter and eggs. When V came back from dock R came with him and staid till V drove again for Em and the grist. Edith had supper ready when they returned. V brought the wall paper home with him this morning. Friday 5 May 1916 A very good day. Voltie working at fence building all day and making a gate between pig pen and hen hosue. Emma cleaned over head in kitchen. Edith got dinner and supper. I washed dishes. Emma rec’d a letter from Clyde Bamford. Clyde wrote that Bob had gone sailing again. �216 Saturday 6 May 1916 The morning dawned beautiful but cool. V said there is a white frost this morning, no leaves on the trees yet. Voltie whaling away at the work cultivating and preparing the ground for sowing grain and the garden for beds for vegetables, another we lamb. Edith went to Rachels, and helped me wash dishes. Emma worked and cleaned every thing beginning to cloud again & looks like a shower. Voltie has sowed only 21 bushels of oats so far. Edith went to Rachels twice this day. Rebelion in Ireland. England obliged to send her reserved troop to Ireland to quell the disturbance. Three of the ringleaders leaders were executed. My opinion is this. England certainly should have given Ireland home rule a hundred years ago, and any time since. England towards Ireland has been and is a tyrant. �217 Sunday 7th May 1916 A fine cool morning. Sun shining clear. didn’t sleep much last night till 4 am this morning. Rachels cow raising terrible mischief again this spring leaving the fence down where ever she goes. Voltie has hoppled or harnessed her someway trying to prevent if possible the destruction of all the fence on the farm. Edith and Emma go to church a new minister, an old supintendent many name Henderson. After church and dinner Edith goes to Rachels for - to carry milk or something. Alden McDonald came home with her and staid till bed time. Maud Gillespie Returned Woodstock. Tom & Sheridon Maloney came over to get Voltie to repair their motor engine. V exchanged potatoes. The boys carrying the potatoes home across the river. Monday 8th May 1916 Morning bright and beautiful. Voltie gone to factory with milk this morning for the first time this year. I have a cold and head ache. Emma is not very well head ache & cold �218 and gone to bed work goes slow when Emma is sick. Voltie working as usual; put shoes on Ben then worked over there sowing grain. Tuesday 7 of May 1916 A bright cold chilly morning for a May day. Voltie gone to factory. Emma up getting breakfast. Edith been driving sheep so early I saw her from my bedroom window in the sun dressed as for winter. The warm days will come some day. Byron Irvine’s funeral is to day at the English church. Emma is much better and I’m glad; she is now sewing on the carpet. Voltie gone to the funeral worked a little in the in pm then came home and after supper went to Jack Niles for the balance of the hay. Now he owes Jack 15 dollars for hay. Henry phoned that the apple trees were come and were at his place. �219 Wednesday 10 May 1916 A clear cool morning but clouds soon obscure the sun and sky. I dont see how Voltie can ever accomplish his spring work of fitting ground and sowing grain. I wrote and sent Lottie and Grace each a letter. Alden McDonald put them in mail box when he came over for a shovel to clean Rachel’s cellar drain. We received Herald, a letter from Grace with a lot of photoes taken by Reginald of himself and bycicle, Robert on roller skates, their home and John and Isabelle. A letter from Belle with one enclosed from Grace, Jr and the Buckbee seeds. The mail this day was very satisfactory Emma washing and cleaning kitchen. V worked over there, came home early, ate supper, done nearly all chores, milking too then drove to Jim Morgans and Jim and Alden and Voltie went across the bay and around the point to Henrys for the trees, returned about 1/2 past nine. �220 Thursday 11 May 1916 A clear day. The wind blowing a gale from South. The river in a raging tear spray flying high. Emma finished cleaning kitchen. V working over there sowing grain. Edith done very well. I washed the breakfast and dinner dishes. Our pantry is an awful looking hole but after a while every thing will be straightened out and cleaned. Alden Mc working for R. V dug a few apple tree holes to set his trees and set 6’ trees from 25 trees, sowed mixed tomatoes. Friday 12 May 1916 Didn’t get letters from "airy borry" to day. V working over there. Alden working for Rachel. Emma cleaned and papered V’s bedroom all superfine. V set more apple trees. I sowed a few more seeds. Datura &c. Saturday 13 Emma still continues cleaning. I and Ed wash breakfast dishes. V working over there. Read in paper last night that McDermot Pat’s have another heir to their property. I’m thinking his portion of the Estate will be small as he is the fourteenth kid all living but one. The property is not entailed. The weather is cool and dry. Alden working for Rachel making gardens. V went to Jim Morgans to carry home his swill can. Edith �221 Sunday 14 May 1916 A very good day. Tom Maloney & Will Niles came ovr. They went to Jack’s for dinner but came back here to supper. Miss More the little teacher from the lower district came also. All here to supper. Tom & Will went away across the river at dark in a great skiff. Emma went with Miss More as far as George Niles where she stoped to visit. Somewhat rainy. Monday 15 May 1916 Kinder rainy, drizzling along. V gone over there to work sowing grain. Emma putting in windows. Alden came over to work. D all right. I wrote and sent a letter to Nellie Brooks. Edith is flying around and getting dinner as if she had wings. Alden chopped wood, raked the straw from the strawberries. Set a bed of onions. Edith helped V. done a good day work over there. he says so a shower with heavy thunder and sharp lightning just at bed time and continues raining all night. �222 Tuesday 16 May 1916 A warm cloudy morning. Emma sowed phlox and balsoms. Edith sowed popy seed. I sowed various kinds in strawberry baskets showery. Raining at intervals all day. Voltie formed one of the yearlings pushed over the bank by the river dead, he and Alden took the hide off. Joe Woodman here for something but dont know what. Emma and Edith cleaning all the empty glass fruit cans. I crochet a scallop. The day is very dark rains nearly all day. Wednesday 17 May 1916 Rain Rain Rain all night and all day ground flooded every where cant work in field, cant work in garden. Emma cleared the wee parlor sitting room for business, carrying every thing to the veranda. Stuffed the paper from the wall and ceiling, washed the woodword preparing to paper. V working in shop on punt. Alden sprouting potatoes in cellar. Edith washing dishes. I write and send a letter to Charlotte and some flour seeds also a letter to Grae. I crocheted on Emma’s lace. �223 Thursday 18 May 1916 rain rain all night and raining this morning. This is early morn just after breakfast so I have much to record of the days proceedings. Only tis after breakfast V has been to the factory. Emma and Edith washing dishes. Alden sets by the stove and Ediths tongue is flying tremendously. She and Alden fed the calves. Our mail yesterday was a card from Lottie, a McLanes Magazine, Herald and - I guess that was all. The dreariness of this weather with wind & rain and the trees only half in leaf and the day has turned chilly and still continues to rain and rained at night. Alden dont prove so industrious about work as he ought and he such a big boy. V phoned to R for Rachel 200 lbs hen feed. Friday 19th May Awoke this morning to find the sun up and shining but I see that along towards middle of pm it looks dark and in the SW. I and Edith sowed more seeds in baskets. Emma is cleaning. �224 up stairs. V’s other apple trees came today 12 Tallman Sweets. Nelson Babcock brought them. I received a letter from Grace and two Farm books. Alden gone over home for some clothes, drove to dock for hen feed. Grows very dark and only 5 minutes to 5 Oclock pm a light rain and wind squall. Edith gets nearly all the meals. Voltie set two new apple trees this pm which makes 48 new trees this spring. Saturday 20th May 1916. Sun arose clear and brightly shining but very cold. V called all hands early Emma, Edith & Alden. Alden drove the cows over there, also carried the letter back to R, one she had rec’d from Jen. Emma laid down and tacked the carpet, painted around the edge of carpet next to wall. Alden Morgan came to borrow post augur. Alden McDonald taking up strawberry plants to set a new bed. V cultivated the potatoes. Joe Woodman has got the cow itch &c &c. The leaves on the trees now at this time are beautiful so feathery and fairy like. �225 Sunday 21st May 1916 One lovely sabath day all things green and growing. V sowed popy seed. Emma went to church. Miss Moore & Lizzie Woodman came home with her and to dinner while we were eating. Will Niles and Maurice Maloney accompanied by Stella Niles came too. came visiting. Will brought golden bante bantam corn and onions. Didnt stay to supper but went across. Lizzie and Miss Moore staid to tea sure. Then came Alden and Harold D and Joe Woodman. Harold played piano and Joe went home with Lizzie and Moore. Monday 22nd May 1916 Couldnt wash no soap. Rainy nasaty day any way. �226 Tuesday 23rd May 1916 A rainy nasty day. Emma partly cleaned pantry - 21 lambs and 16 sheep Wednesday 24 May 1916 They are celebrating the old Queens birth day in Kingston, no one goes from here. Emma wants to go prettty bad but she dont go. Mary sent me 12 Ladies’ home journals. V working over there, phoned for soap to Friends and for bread. Thursday 25 May 1916 Voltie drove to dock with Aunt Rachel; she is going to Kingston with eggs. Alden finished sprouting the potatoes this p.m. by the help of E & E or it never would have been accomplished. V working over there only when he went to the dock night & morning. Rachel brought me a little plant in bloom, a red geranium and two bananas. �227 Friday 26 May 1916 A lovely day. Wind N changing to S whole and upper current blows towards S.W. Voltie working over there sowing oats. Late sowing over there or any where. I wrote and sent a letter to Mary Woodman thanking her for those books she sent me by Wednesday mail. Emma and Alden setting out onions and sowed lettuce & radishes and sage. R came over with V to dinner and went home again. Edith wont behave herself, that is she wont do any work. Poor dear Edie. Oh why cannot she be a good fine girl! Saturday 27th May 1916 Arose early again this morning. V going for the cows away down below and looking after the lambs. Then he calls Emma, Edith and Alden. Edith gets breakfast and Emma helps milk. Alden cant milk, cant harness a horse, cant saw wood but he is learning. Emma is scrubbing and digging away as usual. I helped wash dishes and scoured forks knives nd spoons. V working over there. Alden making hills for melons & cucumbers & squash. �228 I guess Edith is going- I dont know what was going to do for I was sudenly interrupted in midst of writing in this diary. Sunday 28 May 1916 A cool morning but clear; nothing doing to day any. Alden didn’t go home but dressed himself up instead, drew pictures & played on piano. Yesterday V set Alden to planting melons and cucumber seed, made the hills and showed him how, but he made garden beds and sowed them by a board in rows like a bed of beets or carrots. Wm Niles and Maloney are over again. Emma going to church. Miss Moore came home with her. All here to supper. M.M rows Miss Moore home in WN’s skiff when he returns they both row home across the river. I wish the Maloneys would stay home, great bribbering Conts �229 Monday 29 May 1916 A vry fine day. V gone over there to finish up sowing oats and finishes. Edith gone over to help Rachel clean house. Wm Niles came over very unexpectedly to help shear sheep but V away over there. Wm went over there to see. V came back made pen for shearing sheep and cleaned the yard or raspberries bushes till noon then began painting the house white. Edith came home bringing 50 cts R had given her for her day work. Alden pulling and hoeing weeds from strawberry bed. I wrote and send a letter to Miriam Bruton in answer to hers. V finished the paint and painted it and shoed a horse. I received a letter from Nellie Brooks Spokane. Evening visitors Joe, Samy & Orville. Samy brought Sylvia’s baby’s photo to Emma. Tuesday 30th May 1916 Awoke this morning to find the rain falling good and fast. V & Wm work in shop cleared up a little while and Wm painted some more. Edith couldnt go to R’s so wet. V and Wm sawed down the old dead poplar which stood in the yard. �230 front yard but I nor Emma didn’t see it fall. Wednesday 31st May 1916 A cool bright morning all or nearly all fruit trees in full bloom. V & Wm shearing sheep on the point. 16 sheep not lambs. One sheep and three lambs died. Edith gone once more to help out R carrying her milk, potatoes, onions, butter. I wrote and sent a letter to Grace. Emma has to do nearly all the work to day. Wind North and chilly ie for me Thursday 1 June 1916 A very fine day. V and Em went to K. Wm drove to dock and home. V carried the wool to market which came to nearly 46 dollars. Emma bought for herself a coat, shoes, stockings, trimming for her hat, gloves; for Edith she bought shoes, hat, milky blouse, crimson sweater, stockings, beside groceries, bananas, candies, a new apron and other things such as garden seeds but I �231 had a time or two at home getting home work done. Edith lazy Alden Lazy. At last about 2 pm Edith got dinner on the table. Wm painted on house, drove in the cows, milked one. Oh I’m glad the day is ended and V is home to take old Alden in charge and I’m very glad Emma is home to look after every thing. Friday 2 Dont know much about what was done this day. I received a letter from Grace. I sent Grace a letter with Nellie. letter enclosed. Saturday 3rd Lazy Alden has gone home. After lying abed till nearly noon. V gave him 5 dollars. I don’t know what for without it was for devouring "grub" for he cant harness a horse, milk a cow or do any kind of farm work & dont want to learn. Preacher Henderson here and to supper great talker, great globetrotter. went to Niles stay all night. Alden went to Rachels to fill up. �232 Sunday 4 A very fine day. Edith and Emma go to church in their new attire. The Horn family at Jack Niles even to Louise. And behold! the Tribe came over again. Tom and Maurice brought Wm Niles across in their motor but I dont think that Maloney Tribe will come again very soon. V told Tom never to step his foot here on the place again. I guess I understood it all right. Mrs and Mr H Esford called here from over the N S where she has been to see her daughter and her family. Monday 5 Looks kinda rainy but dont rain. No mail of any kind for us. Wm and JD. planting potatoes. Edith helps. Rachel wash and clean house. Emma done washing and varnishing things. Tuesday 6 June 1916 Every thing growing beautifully. Edith helping Aunt R again this day, till Emma called at R when going down with Annie Niles to the Ladie’s Aid society at Keslars. V and Wm drove away up to Walter Forbes to get a ball came home in time for dinner all right. V finished his painting motor boat. Wm cultivating for corn ground. V killed a rooster for dinner. I fix V’s shirt and sow on buttons. �233 Wednesday 7th June 1916 A very fine day. Wind N.E. JD and Wm plowing and fitting corn ground. Nothing doing in door. Some cooking the meals which goes off very slowly. I just let things slide. I dont care much any way. I knit, patch and sew things. Cloudy in p.m. Thursday 8 June 1916 Emma going to town this day. V driving to the dock. It looks rainy but Em would go dressed in her best. I like to see her dressed prettily but dont want her feathers spoilt by rain. Well Edith keep house this day which goes better than last Thursday when Edith & Alden presided at dinner getting. V drove for Emma at 4 pm. She came bringing groceries. Edith rubbers herself another new dress in shape of midy blouse and skirt ribon and other things and a 1/2 pint for me. She carried to market 12 lbs honey for us and 16 doz eggs for Aunt R., honey 18 per section, eggs 24 cts per doz �234 Friday 9 June 1916 A very good day. Emma washes a few things. Wm plows over there. V plants in garden corn and beans and other garden seeds. It is very late, making garden but perhaps better late than never. Though dont know how about the garden planting and seed growing. Saturday 10 June 1916 A very fine day. Directly after breakfast V & Wm started for Clayton in Motor boat they returned at 8 pm. V bought 60 yds cotton, 20 yds calico, running shoes for Edith, hamburger, a dress for me, 2 pairs of shirts for himself, overalls. Well bought oranges and other trash, like peanuts, gum &c After sun set Wm & V took the motor to the Smith place accompanied by Emma and were gone & gone & gone till half past ten. Poor Edith rung for Jack Niles to hunt them up after I told her not must not do so. Jack didnt come and �235 I was glad he did not. What a fool thing to do. But they came all right and "All’s well that end’s well." So we are all happy and go to bed. Sunday 1 June 1916. A quiet, half cloudy, cool morning. Wind North. JD and Wm by request, and consent of Mr. J. Niles ran Jack’s fish net and got 13 fish most of them spoilt from remaining in the water so long. Any way we had fried fish for breakfast which were the first this spring. After breakfast J.D. and Wm N crossed the river in motor to Will N’s home, where they stayed to dinner and had mince pie and asparagus. I told V this morning as soon as he came down stairs about the phoning to for Jack. for I was ashamed not to tell him & disgusted with the whole business. Well the great event of this day is that Maurice Maloney came over to thrush. Voltie to indicate the honor and character of his brother Thomas whom he says V has insulted. Our lovely Edith is to blame for all this. Tho I should certainly �236 think those Maloneys would know better than to make this home and themselves so conspicuous by motoring over here Sunday after Sunday, for no apearant reason as I can see, only to idle away the day, and get a good square meal, because they have no where else to go. and because they have been used with friendly hospitality, they shamelessly present themselves here Sunday after Sunday for five successive weeks. The visits are very much one sided. for not one member of this family has ever visited or even called up them. furthermore I think they are a very badly brought up family to intrude their presence and personality into a home without an invitation or even a hint of an invitation and make themselves so friendly with Voltie cider barrel. Monday 12 A very good day. Will worked over there and V too. Not much work done only cook and eat. �237 Tuesday 13 Marion came up and staid all night to go from here to the picnic. V worked here by the house while Will worked over on Rachels place. Wednesday 14th June 1916 This is picnic day in Bob Smiths grove for the benefit of the English Church. Rachel came over then V went with motor to Mongomerys carrying Edith, Emma, Marion and Will N. Albert Gillespie enlisted also young Langdon. When they came home from the picnic they brought Miss Moore. V received a phone from the villiage to drive to dock for some one and the some one proved to be old Geo McKay about half intoxicated. Our young picknickers together with Orville and Samy Woodman played ball while V drove to the dock. The girls staid all night. Dr Edwards on picnic ground lecturing for to enlist soldiers. �238 Thursday 15 June 1916 A still half cloudy day. Will N went home his morning, old Geo rowed him across. Wind blowing some. Miss Moore and Marion walked down as far as R’s then got a chance home with the milk wagon. Old McKay came back and went to bed directly after supper and there he roosted till next morning, arising just in time for his breakfast. If he has come visiting he is a very unwelcome guest. O why is he here! I dont admire his individual presence at all. I expect some day we may be "chawed" out of house and home". V is to easy and tolerant O these Lazy old spongers, beginning to rain again. Friday 16 Jun 1916 A wet nasty morning, nothing doing in doors. Voltie working in Shop shoeing old Ben and repairing milk wagon. Old McKay standing around looking on. I dont send any letters to day but received two. One from Charlotte and a type written letter from Maud a very good letter for the first specimen. She writes that Bert is in the automobile work and she is in the office. Old Geo went away after dinner. �239 Saturday 17 June 1916 A fine warm day. Wind South. Emma washed some necessaries duds such as table linen, towels, etc and worked like a heroine all day. V doctored the ba ha. Shod Duke and worked at his milk wagon. V has gone to bring in the fish net from Goose point; got one fish, enough for Sunday breakfast. JD reads awhile this evening. Dont read often dont get time. I pieced on log cabin quilt and patched V’s blue over alls. V towed home a log he found in river. Sunday 18 June 1916 A very fair morning, not to beautiful Cant tell what the day may turn to be. I hope every think fair with no visitors, but one long quiet peaceful sabath. Visitors came. First came Wm Niles bringing the bleached cotton 19 yds for which I gave him one dollar. Wm is all dressed up and going to church. Next came Marion McDermot and Gladys Moore �240 going to church with Emma. Edith staid home with me. V at home too. Well after service they return (the girls I mean). Will goes home with his aunt Jane to dinner. Marion and Gladys here to dinner. Well after dinner and dishes washed Wm returns from Aunt Janes and they all walk down to Louise Niles, Edith with the others, to hear the victrola: and they all stay to tea. Marion & Gladys go home and Wm, Emma & Edith come home. V milks the cows alone. When V comes in from doing chores Samy Woodman comes in from Harold Dignum and Orville McDermot came in with him. After a season of piano playing and singing all go home excepting Wm Niles who stays all night. At last the house is quiet and all are retired to roost and then I go to bed too, and so ends the long June Sunday but not free from visitors after all. �241 Monday 19 June 1916 A half clear day sun shines out some times then disapears for awhile then slyly peeps out again. Emma begins washing and has just washed one tub full. When behold more visitors, Mrs Arthur Higgins and Mrs Herbert Esford. Well I was glad to see Alice and Elen but it upset the washing for a the day for Emma poor dear had to shove the wash tub aside and prepare a square meal to which they done themselves the satisfaction of satisfying their hunger on fried fish, mashed potatoes and all the extras, but it begins to cloud up again. Our visitors take leave at 3 pm but I think they get caught in rain before arriving at home. The rain comes tumbling down in swiftness till night, and chilly too. A letter from Belle and one from Grace. Tuesday 20 June 1916 Wind blowing, and chilly and cloudy. The summer is passing on and not and so far not the beautiful warm sun that we looked for and expected after the long cold winter. V planting potatoes. Emma washing again this morning. I must write to Will. Wm N came over towing V’s punt, brought us a basket of carrots. Went home again. �242 Wednesday 21 June 1916 A beautiful morning till nearly noon then clouds again and grows chilly but dont rain till evening, then rains a little. No warm settled weather yet. V made a flower bed. Emma transplanted flower plants and finished the big washing excepting a few small things. The lines full of clothes. Voltie drives to the dock with a grist of pig feed then hoes in garden. A new litter of 10 pigs in the ice house. Jack Niles run V to work on the road tomorrow. I wrote to Belle a long letter. Edith put it in post box. Edith prepared Honey supers, 3 of them. No letters to day only Herald, a a paper from experimental farm, a picnic at Rosies. Joe and Samy gone to the picnic and Kehoe and Voltie milk their cows for them and do their barn chores. The Dignum boys gone too. Thursday 22 June 1916 A very cool morning. V drove to dock with Rachel and her eggs and cheese check and from there to the cheese factory, and home. Emma went fishing caught 6 fish before breakfast. Voltie sent by aunt R for two cabbage plants �243 Friday 23rd June 1916 Cloudy this morn. I sent a letter to Maud. Edith deposits it in. Saturday 24th June 1916 A very good am tho looks rain. A picnic planned for Miss Moore over in State Park before she leaves for her home, Toronto. The pm threatning unfavorable as to weather. They celebrate in Woods Park at foot of island. In evening, In evening Miss Moore and Marion came home with Emma and they all went to Niles to play croquet staid again while they are gone Joe W and V fixing the pump. Edith goes fishing caught enough for supper. �244 Sunday 25th June 1916 A cloudy foggy morning. Dont think can motor across river for Flora and Ethel this morning. Edith went to Rachels this morning to borrow bread for breakfast. Ths is breakfast time. I am not at table with my family but prefer just at present to look on & see them devour their poridge and milk, and boiled eggs, Miss Moore, Marion, Emma, Edtith & Voltie A happy quintet. After breakfast, V motors to Sand Bay for Flora & Ethel. They came and Ethel brought a hamburger. Flora and Ethel, Marion and Gladys Moore stay to dinner also Orville McDermott. Miss Moore with camera took V’s and picture. After dinner V accompanied Flora & Ethel and kid Pauline over to Rachels where they ate another dinner. Came back early. R came with them. After supper Miss Moore and Marion go home. V motors Flora and Ethel over the river comes back before dark. Edith goes on with R and stays all night. �245 Monday 26 June 1916 Tuesday 27 June 1916 I didn’t do much this only pieced two blocks on my quilt. V hoeing in garden all day. McDermot and Moore flashed by here on their way to Jack N stopped long enough for ask Emma to accompany them. She didnt’ go. The admirable Wm N came over staid all night and to breakfast gone painting Geo Niles’ barn. �246 Wednesday 28 June 1916 Another fine day. every thing growing beautifully. A base ball game and picnic in Bob Smiths grove. Edith went to the picnic with Anna Niles. Emma didn’t go. V hoed all day in potatoes and strawberries. I wrote and send a letter to Grace; received a letter from Eveline, a card from Ethel also one from Willie Watson saying he would come tomorro to help Voltie about the haying. Our school teacher Mr. Egan here this evening. Wm N came up from Geo Niles, stoped here a while, and has now gone up to his Uncle Johns to stay all night. He didnt’ come in but but I not knowing he was any where around. I made the remark that he grew homelier every day. I hope he didn’t hear what I said. for he is a pretty good old lad anyway. Some people like myself often make or says things they might better leave unsaid. �247 Thursday 29 June 1916 Another fine day. A summer breeze from South. Sun brightly and warmly shining. Edith dont like to cook to day and does just as little as possible. Emma gone to town. V drove to dock this morning and from there to factory and around home. Bees swarming. V hoeing in garden. I write Eveline a letter. V forgot to give the cheese maker the letter I sent Tina. The day is long and lonely when I dont’ feel very well. V drove to dock for Emma bringing Willie Watson. We have several uninvited evening guests. Wm Niles, Marion McDermott, Miss G Moore, Joe Woodman, Orville McDermott. The whole tribe were in the parlor, together with Voltie, Edith and Emma and the old phonograph is whooping up to beat any military band. Tis like the old song Maggie Murphy’s home. "There is an organ in the parlor and you Welcome Every Evening to Maggie Murphy’s home." Well I may as well go bed for cant tell when the party will be out so I retire. Wilhem Niles stays all night. Rachel here in evening to tell all about the crows pulling up the corn. �248 Friday 30 June 1916 A lovely day bright warm scarcely a gentle breeze. Voltie and Willie go to Clayton in Motor. Will N goes too. Instead of poking along to Clayton he ought to go down and paint G Niles barn or go home. This is Willies first trip in motor. The day continues fine. They arrive home about 2 pm without Voltie acomplishing any business that he went for those guards he requested Wellie to send him. They were not there. Wm N came back staid till dark then went home across river in his own skiff. Saturday 1st July 1916 Almost mid Summer again. A very pleasant day. I finish the log cabin from print V bought for me in Clayton. V and Willie work in garden nearly all day hoeing weeding cultivating potatoes and strawberries. Emma baked bread &c Emma & Willie go down on river. After they come back they sing and play on piano till bed time. Willie a very fine Laddie 20 years old last March. He can sing his voice ought to be trained. V and Willie gone fishing. �249 2 July Sunday looks like rain and does rain some. Edith contrary as usual. Dont want to work at all. She gone to R’s now. I wash all the breakfast dishes. Ed makes such a fuss about it all. Em gone to church. V and Willie W gone fishing. I ought to write to Eveline again. I ought to write to Charlotte but whatever is the benefit to them or I. A terrible down pour of rain in afternoon with sharp lightning and terrific thunder. Grand and awful. After the storm Will NIles came over considerable the worse for whiskey, he was all dressed out with pockets filled with candy and peanuts. and a he also brought me a boquet of cabbage roses. He didn’t come in the house tho invited to when he inquired who was here and learned that Orville McDermot was here but rowed back across the river. Monday 3r July 1916 A very good day after the storm of yesterday. Emma didn’t wash she set the Datures out in the open ground. V worked on his waggon. We received a card from Welly saying those guards are at Clayton so away he goes to Clayton. Emma goes with him found Mrs Jim Morgan and Mrs John OBrien there came home home to nick �250 Thursday 4 July 1916 A very fine day tho cloudy in pm. A bee cleaning cemetery. V brought a handful of stems with of berries. V and Willie took down the pipe and moves the cooks stove from the dining room to veranda. Emma painted the dining room floor (partly). I patched quilt. Orville McDermot here ringing Bob Knight to see about going to a garden party. Jackie Murray here and Sadie Murry this evening looking for supers for a beehive. Gave her a little flowering vine Byromia. Wednesday 5 May 1916 A beautiful morn every thing growing. I send Wellie a letter and Eveline a magazine. The day continues fine all day. I send many letters but not many do I get. I expected a letter from Grace but got none. Voltie hoeing nearly all day. Wm W & V drew cheese to factory after all the chores are done. V got rheumatism. �251 Thursday 6 July 1916 A very fine day. V mowed hay but troubled very badly with rheumatism. Belle and Henry came 13 Aug 1916. V motored for them. R can over to meet Belle! Sure Mike! Irene King sent me a work stand, beautiful. Friday 7 July 1916. A very wet morning. V goes to Kingston in motor intending to take first Boat 1/2 past 9 am. got to Villiage to late went across in motor paid $20 dollars on rent, bought groceries and frankfurter good and we had some for supper. enough left for breakfast. Em left it on table, dog got it and ate it all. Sat 8 July 1916 A fine day. Marion here poking around. Em set the table back in its accustomed place and painted more dining room floor. �252 Sunday 9 July 1916 Wind North and blowing some intended to send for Lib. V going with motor. Orville came to dinner. O why dont those McDermots stay away from here. Emma is so familiar with them. A strange gypsie tribe 18 kids and has been 19 one dead. R here. Mrs Nile here after awhile they all go home. Maggie at her ma’s got a girl baby come to day. Monday 10 July 1916 The hottest day of the year up to date. Very light thin vapory clouds veil the sun. V badly and sadly troubled with rheumatism. Bees swarming every day. 3 swarms out this am. I sent a card to Miriam Breton, a letter to Grace. Wm W sent two letters one to his bro, one to his dad. I paid for all. Emma short and cranky since Marion has left her desolate. We had to borrow butter of R. What do you think of that? If we keep the Macdermots around a week or two more we wont have any thing. Another swarm of bees. V out trying to hive them. No mail only a letter for V from "Hugh" Anglin $9.00 dollars. �253 Monday 10 July 1916 Working in house in evening. Willie gone to villiage with Samy Woodman to a platform dance at McClarins. bees swarming, 4 swarms out to day one ran away. V troubled with rheumatism. I wash nearly all breakfast dishes, a great mess of crockery, knives, forks to scour pots & pans, jars, glass ware, spoons. Found my best milk pitchr broken in many pieces. Edith done it. I wrote and send Grace a letter for Wm W. Tuesday 11 July 1916 Another fine day; awful V nearly has a sun stroke. The veins on forehead stand out like whip cord. Bees swarming. I dont know how many times they swarm to day. Drew 6 loads of hay. �254 Wednesday 12 July 1916 Another fine day. V and Willie work in hay here at home field. A swarm out very early this morning. V captured three queens and they went back to hive. The night is so hot. Willie slept on floor part of night, sleep with windows all open. Lost one swarm, went away while V was hiving another. I finish the last sheet. I guess we dont feel very well. hot weather, drew 4 loads and tucked it away in our little barn. Thursday 18 July 1916 heavy thunder and lightning and a down pour of rain began about 3 am, lasted an hour. V arose very early had to go to the dock with Rachel and from there to the factory. Emma up in the night baking bread. V and Wm mowing and working in meadow back of barn. The hay not half gathered from the home meadow, he’s in cocks and swath, a tornado of rain, thunder and lightning at 3 pm from North. Weather bad enough. A hot humid atmosphere. V & Wm glad to find shelter in shop. John Murray too. My digestive apparatus somewhat out of repair. I think the best remedy for it is fasting. Emma washed blankets and scrubed veranda floor with brush. �255 Friday 14 A very fine day. mail came late but brought a letter from Grace saying that Margaret & Robert wants V to meet them at Cape Vincent tomorrow night and phone to Watertown if he can come. He sends the message that he can come. Saturday 15 A very good day. Bees swarming, yes a very hot day. V goes to Cape for Robert & Margaret. Gone not quite 4 hours. They came hungry and happy and we were glad to see them and were happy too. Of course they had a time singing and dancing. Maryanne phoned to Emma but we have enough without her. Sunday 16 A very fine day. V and the kids caught a mess of fish for dinner. Aunt R came. Lost a swarm it went to Niles. They hived them, rained in night nearly all night. �256 Monday 17 Monday a fine day. V and Wm working in hay all day. Emma made Edith a suit skirt and midy. V shot a hen. the hens are scratching up the potatoes. Bees swarming. Raspberries are ripening. R kids all go bathing after supper and dishes washed. they have a great time playing phonograph and dancing in kitchen. Marion phones to Emma. A long confab about nothing. Wm got a swelling behind his ear Tuesday 18 A cool bright morning going to draw hay to day. Edith face swelled from bee stings. Wm jaw swelled worse this morning and he is frightened for himself. V slept well last night. Received a card from Marion Breton. She coming Thursday night Mrs Ranous coming to dinner tomorrow. Rachel came over to dinner. We had a stewed dinner of chicken and dumplins. This is the hottest day I or any one within a radius of 100 miles ever endured. Every thing 90. deg in shade in pm, no wind not a leaf stirring on a tree and the sun powers down its fiery heat. what a fine thing it would �257 be living on the plannet Neptune to day. V comes in from drawing hay with shirt so wet with perspiration it could be wrung. from about a hundred loads only about 16 1/2 secured. We all go to bed early enough but not to sleep on account of heat. Only for damping the hog. I wish it would rain & thunder and lighten. V up prowling about out door because he cant sleep. Wednesday 18 June 1916 Another hot day a bad one for heat. Oh there is so much disputing and quarreling that not much time to work. cooked another chick. Emma carried the tubs of clothes to river to soak at consession. Margaret going to help her. Edith in kitchen jawing away about Emma’s partiality and neglect of her But Oh Edith is lazy! �258 Thursday 20 July 1916 Didnt know Robert intended going to Kingston to day. but he walked to the dock. Came back at eve. V drove for him Miriam B came too. we expected her but did not expect Bonnie Watson. An awful hot day. melting hot. Didn’t know how we were to arange the sleeping business but V made his bed out in veranda Friday 21 July Another hot day Wm went to corners to see doctor. Miriam, Margaret & Robert went too stoped at Watson Walroths and got dinner there by invitation. no doctor at home. V left his work and went in motor for the kids and brought them home. I wrote and sent Eveline a letter also received letters from Grace and Belle. I sent an answer to Grace’s letter by return mail. A great time singing and dancing in Evening, playing phonograph, piano, fiddle, mouth organ. O lord what a noise! Marion a fine piano player. Joe, Samy and Orville came too. �259 Saturday 22nd July 1916 Another hot day but breezy. Work in door goes miserable. Work out door flourishes. Robert Jr hoes strawberries, Even Bernie Watson helps Voltie and Willie in hay field. Plenty things to be cooked. and plenty of hands to do the cooking but they wont cook; plenty of beautiful white beans, pork, dried apples, sugar, eggs, flour, sweet milk, butter milk, butter dried pumkin. all kinds spices, lard, soda baking lettuce, green onions, radishes. If they catch a mess of fish, to lazy to prepare them for frying so they lie round till they spoil. I wash pan full of dried apples and pick over a peck of beans and there they are. We had a little mess of red root for dinner, boiled with the roots on. Oh! if I could only walk. Churn not been washed since last churning. you see my thoughts are just printed on this page. A little more piano music, a little more dancing. Kids playing pedro and we retire to our weary and excessively uncomfortable roosts on acount of extreme heat and so ends the day, excepting Bernie and Willie went across to the strawberry festival at St Lawrence �260 Sunday 23rd July 1916 Another boiling hot day, No one from here goes to church, I dont know unless tis so hot guess my pen needs filling soon. We had breakfast at the usual hour. but nothing again till 1/2 past 5 pm, I dont know unless so hot. V shot and killed a hen that was diging potatoes. V polled before breakfast and caught a small pike after awhile they go away again. but no fish for dinner or supper I should say Monday 24 July 1916 Hot! hot! hot! work all day in hay field and suffer then at night, foolishly went to the villiage to a platform dance. Something went wrong with the motor’s engine which took them a long time to get underway again for home. went wrong in Canal got home about two Oclock am. After they had departed for the villiage Mister Deere from Yarker came to stay over night with his servant. I didnt know what to do with him. There was talk about sleeping upstairs in hot chamber or out in barn on hay which ended by himself and boy going white going up and lodging with Joe and Samy and alls well that ends well so far. �261 Tuesday 26th July 1916 Another boiling hot day no rain. Deere and boy White here to breakfast. went to lower barn worked nearly all forenoon setting up the hay loader then it wont work at all. V hot tired after his last night fool trip to villiage. What folks want to dance for in this hot weather. I dont see. I think they ought to be hot enough this weather without such exercise and save their energy if they have any left to kick up their heels in December but truth is one fool calls many together and that mean fool is old Alan Maclaren Wednesday 26 July 1916. A very hot day 88 in shade V working in hay all day, also Willie. work in house dont prosper much tho. I believe Emma does what she can. Ed indolent & quarrelsome. I’m making her a blue print dress. Ethel Ranous came down with her ma, brought our mail and staid till her ma Mrs Wm Ranous returned from foot with the gathered mail. We received a phone that Mr & Mrs WFW are coming here this eve and for V. to drive to dock for them. V sends Wm and he does not return till after 10 pm on account of an excursion on boat. then Emma had to boil kettle for their tea. Joe & Samy here too and with all the noise confusion singing, playing of piano & violin and dancing we didn’t get to bed till 12 midnight �262 Thursday 27 July 1916 Margaret & Miriam go to Kingston this morning. Wm Watson drove to dock with them. Sent order to Henderson for flour and groceries. It takes a lot of grub to keep this family going at present beside some cooking. I finished Ediths dress & Mrs. WFW stiched it on Machine. V & Wm working in field. Wm drove over to dock. Ben Watson going to Kingston to night and from there to his uncle Colin’s and from there to his place of business Ottawa bank Pembroke. R here to dinner. Rob’t disappeared at dinner time. R found him out in the machine shed asleep in buggy Friday 28th July 1916 A little cooler this morning but no rain. Wind N Dont suppose the farmers want rain at present time on account of hay. Lib and W.F. gone over to Rachels this p.m. V and W working in hay. Ed & Miriam gone fishing, leaving Emma to wash the dinner dishes. which she does about 1/2 pas 3 pm. This is a trying time to us who never go visiting. River still, no breeze, only a little whispering among the leaves. I sowed an an under waist for myself and finished it. Lib and W.F.W. came after dark. Edith talking over the phone to Maryane McDermot and Gladys. She is inviting them here after I told her not but Edith dont care as long as she dont have to furnish victuals and cook for them. E is to meet Glad at the road. Oh I do dislike those Macdermots �263 Saturday 29 July 1916 Another very warm day tho breezy V and Wm working in hay all day. PM. Gladys McD came. E brought her out to the veranda saying Grandma here is Gladys which is a sort of introduction. I was not glad to see that youngone. People coming here sometimes causes me causes me trouble of several kinds some of them, not all agreeable. Those people that come uninvited like the McDermot. Maryanne Mc also wants to come she sent this kid to feel the way. Mr & Mrs W.F.W. went over to R’s for supper Sunday 30 July 1916 A beautiful day. Emma, Miriam, Edith and Gladys go to church. Only eleven in attendance. Orville Macdermot came early and inveighed Robert away some where we dont know where which is a great cause of worry to me. 5 hours before their return. They had been to Kehoes to dinner. V impatient and somewhat angry told Orville to let Robert alone when he found Orville coaxing Rob’t to go to Niles with him till after N’s cows were milked: told O to go home and stay there, and then told Gladys to make tracks for home and stay there. So she went down the road bawling at and screaming at top note away up in G. Rachel heard her and ran up the road to see what was the terrible trouble. She thought the dogs were after her. R said what is the trouble? Why Voltie told her to go home and stay there. �264 so R brought her back here for a while then Jackson drove in here (our cheesemaker) as he intended driving down the road. R & Gladys went with him in Buggy & nearly forgot to say that directly after dinner Emma walked down to Hirams to see the baby. On her way she met Marion who had started to make this port (JD Bamford’s) for an unlimited visit but called at R’s to rest and cool and pick up what news she could gather. She told R she had started here. R told her not to come here for she was not wanted for we already had a full house, and to be very sure and not come. So instead she turned back where she met Emma and walked as far as Hirams with her. then walked in with Emma. and staid as long as E does. R Jr continues to drive down the road till he meets E & Maryanne whom he loads in to his cart bringing Em home then turns back with his McDermot load and proceeds to Sinclar McKays and there I’ve lost sight of him. While I’m resting after the days siege Wm Niles came with his talk talk talk telling me I dont look well and near as well as the last time he was here. I suppose I must look small beside L Watson with her 200 worshipers, but I dont consider it his business whether I look well or not. then at last down came Orville with a pail of Niles’ peas as a peace offering, and that ends the day. �265 Monday 31 July 1916 Monday the day is much cooler for the wind is north and the atmosphere is cooler. Working in hay is the business of J.D & W. Mrs & Mr W.F.W. go over to R’s to eat string beans and new potatoes and gossip about Bert and Maud such old cronies how they do talk. I receive a book from Ben Watson called the ["Clansmen"] by Thomas Dixon which came as a very happy surprise. Emma washing some things at river Tuesday 1 August 1916 Another dry day. We had white cucumbers from my vines to day most beautiful. Every thing suffering for rain. but the talk goes on & on & on about Bert and Maud, schools and certificates till my head aches which is another anoyance for I never have head ache �266 Wednesday 2 Aug 1916 A fine hot day. The mail brought me a letter from Maud. The work of this day same as usual cooking. eating three square meals. Emma cooks 2 fowl hens that V shot while they were scratching up the potatoes. Same old night mare going on about Bert and Maud and then away over to Rachels to finish up carrying an old clay pipe done up a piece of paper so they can have a good smoke out of V’s tobaco. Thursday 3rd Aug 1916. Watson’s gone this morning Wm drove to dock with his dad and mom & from there to the factory and so around home. If I should say "I am sorry to see them go" it would not be true; especialy "Lib". poor Bert Smith he may be the worst scalawag in the world but dont believe it, but his characterr is picked in pieces torn apart trampled upon accused of all meanness imagineable. The worst reprobate on Earth. And it is nearly the only topic of conversation from morning till night. Spending time enough to go over to R to gather information about Mauds being frivolous & silly. hoity toity, no one on the foot like her neither man woman nor child. Oh is there nothing better to talk about then lying and slandering poor helpless mortals that cant defend themselves for this talk is all done behind their back. �267 3rd Aug Continued. We were obliged to send to Henderson for groceries on credit. Also V sent a grist to mill for flour. Every thing came all right. Wm drove to docks for them. Mr W.F.W. sent me a dozen bananas, and two spools of thread which I didn’t expect for which I’ll thank him for when I write. Robbie went up on boat this morning to visit his Grandad Gaskin for a whole week. Rachel came over this am for milk. V broke something about the mowing machine had to stop mowing to repair that Friday 4 August 1916 Another hot day �268 Tuesday 22nd August 1916 I have not written in this diary since 3 Aug 1916 Many an event has transpired since that time. The house has been crowded with company Miriam Bruton, Mr and Mrs Watson, Ben Watson, Belle and Henry Jr, Will Dixon, Bob Gaskin, Grace, Isabella Gaskin, Margaret, Robert Jr, Bert & Maud Smith, and Hubert, Reginald and Everett, Henry Halliday and his family, Will Niles, Gladys McDermot, Ed McD, Marion McD, Ed McD & Sylvia and the kid, the cheese maker, Joe Woodman, and Samy Woodman. Will Watson here helping Voltie and to finish up so far. Jim Morgans kids here this pm visiting and Aunt Rachel. We have had one whole month of powow. I cant describe it, I’m not going to try too. No! there is no use nor sense trying to follow in detail the events of each day. This is the annaversary of R’s birth She is 80 years old to day. She was over here to day but didn’t mention it. Wednesday 23rd Aug 1916 �269 Friday 4 August 1916 Another hot day. Dont feel like writing in this diary nor writing letters to any one. Think often think I’ll quit writing letters or keeping diary; farming is laborious business and constant labor at that, from early morn till late at night. I ought to answer Maud’s letter also write to Benjamin W in acknowledgement of the book he sent me. I ought to write to Grace. Work goes slow indoors V & Wm work at hay. Emma cracking hickories in dining room Edith out at closet 15 minutes now. Miriam at river washing her clothes. Acidentaly Ive skipped a page in this diary. V out very early after the cows. Edith went over to Rachels to carry milk and kerosine oil and dried apples. drove back with cheesemaker and Maryanne McDermot. They drove in here. M. McD didn’t get out the buggy. Orville here and Joe. They dance in dining room. All abed at 10 pm and neighbors gone home. I receive a letter from Grace. R came over for stuff like dried apples & Emma baked 4 apple pies. The Lard has disapeared. The girls went fishing, caught 11. �270 Saturday 5th August 1916 Another hot dry day. V finished cutting hay to day. He says there will be 5 days drawing of hay to finish up. Emma baked bread at 1/2 past 4 this morning. V gave us a hen for dinner that was digging potatoes Emma cleaned floors. I read some in the book Bernie sent me "The Clansman". A dance on the hill this eve. The company consisted of Joe W, Samy W., Orville McDer, Willie Watson, the cheesemaker and his brother. They had ic cream and cake. Joe or Sam brought a quantity of ice cream for me which was very good; also very kind of them to bring the ice cream. Sunday 6 Aug 1916 Awoke this morn to find the air heavy and thick with smoke which must come from forest fires from away back for forest fires are raging and many people are burnt suffocated. Hundreds of men, women & children. It is awful & horrible, wiped out hundreds of miles of timber: String beans for dinner. Miriam and Wm singing and playing piano. It is fine. R came over this morning for milk came before breakfast. Nothing very remarkable occured to day more than usual. Orville here in Evening. �271 Monday 7th August 1916 A very hot dry day. V & Wm working in the hay, drew ten loads. The usual amount of work carelessly done but tis so hot to cook the meals by that old big monster range. I wish I was not so crippled and lame. I’d clean the oil stove and cook by that this scorching weather. Any way the stove is being spoilt by being all rust and accumulating more and more rust these hot humid weather. Some one churned this a.m. soft white flowy butter for dinner. I send a letter to Grace receive a letter from no one only from McLane Co for subscription to McLeans magazine. Rachel here to supper. The flies are getting very troublesome and electric storm away off towards Watertown just after dark. Willie, Miriam & Edith sat on front steps and watched the constant flashing of vivid lightning. One flash folowing another every second of time & 2 boats going up all lighted by electric lights adds to the beauty of the night. V takes the butter from the churn and salts it. 12 more little pigs to day which makes 33 hogs all told. �272 Tuesday 8 August 1916 A lightning & thunder storm about midnight a heavey roll of thunder awakened me. soon after that the rain came pattering on the roof. I closed the window to keep the rain out. Arose quite early. Everything at 630 around here. Oh but that old kitchen is hot and the west door and window closed no air. I try to work around but my feet and legs refuse to not more than hobble. This is a close hot, old fashioned folks used to say "a muggy day" and I believe such "muggy" days will bring more rain. V and Wm moving the pigs to the yard behind the hen coop. I’m sleepy since I ate dinner. Once more the rain comes pouring down in torrential speed for 3/4 of an hour and in the midst of it a boat came across the river containing Mr & Mr H Esford, Mrs and Mr Jackson also Miss Jackson and their baby. They gained shelter in our boat house while awaiting for the rig to come for them which came after awhile. In the evening Wm, Emma, Voltie & Miriam all go to Flynns to play and sing. I sit up till they come home. I write a letter to Benjamin Watson. Received word that Belle will soon be here. Coming Sunday. V is to meet them at Delavan’s. I made myself a new white petticoate. �273 Thursday 9 August 1916 A cloudy still morning. Miriam goes home this morning. Wm drives to dock accompanied by Edith, Wm appears very meancholy since Miriam went home. Emma cleaned veranda windows. Rains again this pm. A heavy shower from S.E. It clears the air and the sun shines brightly and sets clearly and warm. moon shining in splendor. V drove to dock for the things. groceries and a doz bottles of ale. I had a full glass of ale which is superfine. V going to keep the ale for visitors. I"m thinking he cant he will be tempted to take a drink this hot haying weather which he ought to have. A glass of lemonade does well but a cool glass of bottled ale is better if dont drink to often. Wm H Woodman brought home 2 dozen bottles. I made Emma a new night gown. Friday 11 Aug 1916 The sun rose beautifully and clear. V cutting and binding oats. We had codfish gravy new potatoes. boiled onions lettuce bred butter soda biscuits. Wm stocking barley and oats. AFter dinner he shaved allup nice and clean and cleaned his teeth with some kind of paste and a new brush. Emma cleaned my bedroom as clean as a new daisy, turned the bed around and hung clean curtains at windows. Rain Rain again this pm and �274 keeps on raining all pm. I received a letter from Grace. Thursday 14th Sep 1916 Oh the heat, drought and flies are intense and the drogth [sic] has lasted a long time, only one good smart shower since Belle went away back home to enjoy her life anew since her kids are all married off excepting Henry. V has gone to Pikes to thresh. I will be glad when he is done threshing for the neighbors. Emma & E are puttering in kitchen. Hot Hot not a ripple on the water and the Sun is blazing. V got 75$ for the Aug cheese checque. Em had to can tomatoes over again, wouldn’t stay sealed, covers popped up. Wednesday 13 September 1916 I am writing in this diary backwards. yesterday was mail day. I received a letter from Grace and one from Maud, Farmers magazine. Another hot day every thing drying up pasture, Garden. Strawberry plants suffering for water. The swallows preparing to go South. Millions of them circiting through the air ready for flight. I sent a letter to Grace, one to Miss Sadie Murrayteacher Sydenha. Also a wee letter to Maude Gillespie thanking her for the loan of 3 books. V threshing for Pike then drove to dock for his groceries that he phoned for this am and a hog grist he carried over and put on the dock or boat last night. No Nothing for supper. V ate bread and milk for his supper. Em canned tomatoes. �275 Tuesday 12 September 1916 Oh such a day heat, this drought. V threshing for Rube all p.m. I took a walk out trying to get into the garden but the weads. V gathering tomatoes and some corn for dinner and some shell beans. Rachel came over to dinner talked & talked & talked. Oh I didnt know W.C.D. was so bad, and Mab M. I crochet on chair cushion, while I was anticipating a happy time this evening Mrs Jane Niles and her sister came calling. Amelia looks badly enough I guess she is not very long to stay on earth. She starts for Wisconsin Thursday. I was glad to see them. After their departure Mrs Abyssa McDonald & her son Eddie came for an evening visit they ate supper with us. After supper V & E & E & E went to the parlor where they played phonograph. Abyssa told me that Lute Harris beautiful new house is burnt to the ground yesterday saving no furniture and himself sick in bed. Then she talked about Bessie and cried. At last they went home. Monday 11 Sept 1916 A very hot day by comparing dates. I find it is just one month ago this day since I wrote in this diary. V home to day clenaing up a hog grist &c. Em received by mail from Grace a package of patterns and samples of cloth. �276 Sunday 10 Sept 1916 Another hot day. R came over. Of course being Sunday no work done only chores, but E & E went trolling & Em & JD went down the river. Ed and Wm N went up stream. Both parties went fishing but no fish as I can see. J.D. caught fish enough for dinner with hook and line but we ate them for supper. Em cleaned herself up so she looked quite respectable. Had to drive Ed to wash herself and put on clean clothes. R came over and tried to stay till both parties returned from fishing, but couldnt hold on long enough. Saturday 9th Sept 1916 Same hot dry burning weather not much done this day. V threshing for Rube. Work drags. They feel old after last night at Bourke dance. Friday 8 Sept 1916 Great Excitement going to be a dance at Mary Berry Bourkes. V goes and takes Em not many there only 15 all counted. 9 school marms there from the three immediate districts V had been threshing at Niles all day but surely had to go to the dance. �277 Thursday 7th Sept 1916 A very fine day. Wish it would rain. Rachel went to town with eggs. Sylvia didn’t go. Edd cant get a room to move too. Friday 6 Sept 1916 Monday 28 Aug 1916 The days a little cooler. V building fence around stacks. Emma washed and dried the clothes on the line and they are flying in the S.W. wind. No rain every thing drying up. No potatoes of any account this year. Reginald & Everet Dullhead drove to factory �278 Tuesday 29th Aug 1916 A warm breezy day sun shining brightly. Voltie hoeing strawberries. Edith wont work! fooling around with Reginald and Everet. Robbie lying on couch reading Huckleberry Finn and fighting flies. Emma working around. O I never saw any one like Edith. Reg nor Everet wont work either. Thursday 5 Sept 1916 �279 6 Jan 1916 2 bottles electric oil ,50 cts 1 bottle olive oil ,10 soda ,05 matches ,25 coffee ,40 �280 1 Eclectric oil 12 bananas .25 K 1 pair socks .50 1 pair stocking .50 K 9 lbs codfish buckwheat flour ,40 K Landry soap 50 K Toilet soap 25 R 1/2 black silkteen, 13 R 1 bottle silktine ,20 4 spools white ,24 1/2 sattine ,13 Wadding ,05 Soda biscuits ,30 3 pair socks 20 Candy 10 whiskey corsets Rubber boots gum Gloves ,20 cts �281 Jan 3rd Kerosine for 1916 sugar for 1916 Tea for 1916 5 gall " 100 lbs granulated $6, 1 lb from Friends 5 gall 6 Jan " 10 " brown ,70cts 1 lb from Friend 5 gall 2nd Feb " 28 " brown 2,00 1 lb tea K Feb 18 1 lb tea K 5 Mar 1 lb coffee " 1 lb tea " 1 coffee 1 lb �282 Jan 1916 Cloth 1/2 yd black satin 1 yd black heavy ribon 2 bottles electric oil Quinine Sulphur 1 3 boxes Dodds pills F 1 scribbler F 16 Feb 1916 cream tarter F 3 Dodds pills K 1 eclectric oil K 12 bananas ,25 K 1 pair socks ,50 K 1 pair stockings ,50 K 9 lbs codfish K buckwheat flour, 40 K Laundry soap ,50 K Toilet soap 25 R 1/2 black silkteen ,13 1 bottle silktene ,20 4 spools white ,24 1/2 saltine ,13 Wadding ,05 Soda biscuis ,30 9 pair socks ,20 Candy 10 Whiskey Carrots Rubber boots Gum Gloves ,20 cts Tobaco 50 31th Tobaco 25 tobaco 1,00 Tobacco Tobacs tobacco ��283 Wednesday 3rd March 1915. 1915 [date] pd . cts\\{} March 3rd pd For postage stamps. ,25 " 4th " Subscription for war magazine ,40 " 5th " Sent 20 cts to McAbley’s for Mag ,20 " 6th " ,50 cts for tobaco, recd by Ed McDermont ,50 " 8th " Electric oil, sent by Rancour 2 bottles ,50 " for paper & envelopes ,50 " For 3 boxes of Dodd’s pills 1,25 " 1 " peroxide ,25 " 1 tobaco by Wal Niles ,25 March 10th " 1 cake of green soap " 2 bottles of electric oil ,50 " Camp widing ,15 " 2 spools thread ,12 " 5 bars Laundry soap ,25 " 3 box matches ,15 " 10 brown sugar ,75 " D pills 1,25 " 1 soda carborde ,05 " ointment ,50 ,25 �" Wash Lotion ,25 " Harners oil ,25 " 1 pail of sodas ,30 12 March For postage stamps ,25 �284 March Thursday 4 March 1915 Received a dollar from Keslo for work — 1,00 11 George Niles for work paid V — ,75 �285 2nd of Jan 1916 Letters & carts cts 1 card to Belle — ,02 1 card to Maud — ,02 1 letter to Gladys — ,03 1 letter to Belle — ,03 1 letter to Grace — ,03 1 letter to Maud — ,03 1 letter to Charley Dixon — 9 cts 1 letter to Grace — ,03 1 letter to Burpee — ,03 Feb 1 letter to A Nelson & Co — 8 cts 1 letter to A Nelson & Co — 8 cts 1 letter to Grace — ,04 1 letter to Genevieve — ,03 1 letter to Will — ,03 1 letter to for silk pieces —,08 1 letter to Will — ,03 1 letter to John — ,03 1 letter to Eatons — ,08 1 letter to Sylvia ,03 1 letter to E 1 letter to Leatherhand — ,09 1 letter to Grace from — E ,03 1 Magazine to Eveline — ,04 cts 23 a book to Belle — 7 cts 1 a letter to Belle — 3 1 a letter to Grace — 3 1 letter to R.M. Kellogg 3 1 letter to Eveline — 3 1 letter to Grace — 3 1 letter to Belle March 1 letter to Sylve — 1 letter to Grace 22 — 3 1 letter to John 24th — 3 1 letter to Burpee 29 — 8 1 letter to Belle 29 — 3 1 letter to Will 31 — 3 1 letter to Silve 31 — 3 1 letter to Surprise Co 31 — 3 1 letter to Comfort Co 31 — 3 �1 letter to Grace 3 Apr — 3 1 letter to Apr 11 Will — 3 1 letter to Grace — 3 1 letter to 18th Charlotte — 3 1 letter to Belle — 5 1 letter to Grace — 3 1 letter to 29 Lottie — 3 Buckbee — 8 1st May John 3 Mary Woodman 3 Grace 3 Charlotte & 3 Flower seeds 3 Lottie 3 �286 drive away [illegible] X Feed nine calves X clean lamps help wash duties X Fix churn X Help get dinner X Watered the plants Wash milk pails X Wash supper dishes Wash milk can X feed the hens X gather the eggs X help get supper X help feed calves Churn churned Feed nine calves �287 Edith’s page 27th Sept 1915 looked for the calves before breakfast; found them in the pasture. helped wash dishes and is now gathering apples from the ground under the trees. Apples by the pail full-went for cows again at sunset Edith is a dam fool E Lehman Emma Lehman Miss E Miss Emma Spelman Mrs Tom Smeaton 137 William Street Kingston Ontario Canada 4-1/2 1 1 2 16 10 15 [total] 49-1/2 apples by the pail 5-1/2 apples 28 day Sept and salted the cows 3 4 [total] 12-1/2 �288 1 January. 1916. Saturday. Arose not very early found it snowing but turned to rain heptamerous Sabath Lethal wepons �289 Up to date 25 February 1915 Feb 13 - 4 eggs 25th - 15 eggs 26 - 5 eggs 27 - 12 eggs 28 - 12 eggs March - 14 eggs 1 - 13 eggs 2 - 4 eggs 3rd - 12 eggs 4 - 7 eggs 5 - 13 eggs 6 - 7 eggs 7 - 11 eggs 8 - 12 eggs 9 - 10 eggs 10 - 14 eggs 11 - 15 eggs 12 - 12 eggs 13 - 19 eggs 14 - 30 eggs 15 - 17 eggs 16 - 22 eggs 17 - 20 eggs 18 - 19 eggs 19 - 20 eggs 20 - 19 eggs 21 - 19 March 22nd 22nd - 25 23 - 12 24 - 19 25 - 18 26 - 17 27 - 18 28 - 17 29 - 17 April 7 - 15 eggs 8 - 19 9 - 15 10 - 15 �11 - 18 12 - 17 13 - 18 14 - 19 15 - 24 16 - 23 17 - 19 18 - 19 19 - 33 20 - 18 21 - 20 22 - 24 23 - 33 24 - 21 25 - 26 26 - 36 27 - 27 28 - 31 29 - 32 30 - 24 May 1 1 - 20 2 - 18 3 - 19 4 - 26 567 - 24 8 - 20 9 - 15 10 - 13 11 12 - 16 13 - 10 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 - �26 27 28 29 30 31 - �290 [used as scratch pad & doodles] �291 �This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following people: Ann Hopkinson, hannahb25, Vivian Zhang, 2alina, Ella Deering, Grace Hawkes, Eric Irvine, , , and Queen’s University Archives � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th and 20th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1887-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1887 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1888-1889 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1889-1897 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1890 March - June Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1893-1895 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1895-1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1896 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1897-1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899-1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902, 1906 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902-1909 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1904-1905 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1907 & 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1908-1919 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1911 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913-1914 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1915-1916 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1916-1917 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1917-1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1921-1922 Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1915-1916 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1915-1916 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. February 22nd, 1915 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/a8d435bfdf7a768f659470a4ecbc8e9d.pdf 17e1798eac1132489dccf32d8c3281b4 PDF Text Text Irene Dixon Bamford 1913-1914, Diary Transcription 5034_4-2-5 �Metadata FromThePage export of 5034_4-2-5 from Irene Dixon Bamford made on 2026-02-11 14:35:26 UTC. itemTitle: 1913 Cont’d + 1914 date: 1913-1914 Title: 5034_4-2-5 Description: Item is a diary. Created On: 2024-01-11 17:51:58 UTC In Scope: true Uploaded Filename: 5034_4-2-5 �1 [Queen’s Archive folder] Irene Dixon Bamford Diary 191 Cont’d & 1914. 1913-1914 [stamp] Queen’s University Archives Locator Box 2 File 5 �2 1913 Cont’d & Date 1914 �3 [inside cover with various scribblings] EEmma John Emma Boat Mail Sam Woodman ES Emma Leeman Emma Leeman St Lawrence PO Wolfe IslandOnt. Mrs RA Gaskin 351 Bramard St Watertown N.Y. �4 Maggie Junior Howard Niles Howard Niles R Irene Dixon Irene Dixon 34 yrs ago Letters Posted 1911 since New Years Jan 20th \href{#article-32135473}{Grace} ,2 "" Maud ,2 by Em card to Kathleen ,1 Jan Grace ,2 "" Maud ,2 "" Belle ,2 Jan 27 Maud ,2 "" Maud ,2 "" Herald ,2 "" Grace ,2 "" Express order for Herald 4 Feb 3 3 cards, Grace, Belle, Maud 3 "4 letter for Grace ,2 "7 " for Eveline ,2 "" " " Grace ,2 "9 letter for Maud ,2 �" 14 sent letter to Belle ,2 " 21 " letter Grace 3 March 3rd letter to Eveline ,2 7th for F.W. Watson ,2 " for Grace ,2 " for Maud ,2 Mar 17 W. L. Watson ,2 21 sent three cards Grace, Maud & Belle ,3 " letter Bernard Morgan ,2 28 a letter to Maud ,2 " " " " Mills for garden seeds ,2 30 a letter to Belle ,2 " a letter to Grace ,2 Apr 11 a letter to Muriel ,2 "" " " " Grace ,2 "" " " " Maud ,2 �5 [various scribblings of additions] �6 Accounts for 1917 . . . Geo Niles sleigh $27,00 Jan 15 Sold butter 60 lbs at 24 cts per lb $14,40 " 4-1/3 doz egg, 35 per doz 1,52 " butter Mrs Rutan 1 lb ,25 sit shoe for Geo Woodman ,10 sold calf to Dempster 5,00 Jan 17 butter on the market 8,47 " Honey for Henderson 2,55 " 24 shoeing of Niles horse ,75 1 shoe for Jack Niles ,10 riviting J Niles cutter 0,25 " 27th 2 bushels beans for Wm G Woodman 4,00 " 2 doz eggs, 30 per doz ,60 " 15 per sec Honey to Henderson 7,20 " butter to Whitney 15 lb 3,75 " butter 32 lbs Bateson 7,68 " butter Henderson 21 lbs 5,04 " sold butter to Lib 9-1/2 lbs 2,28 " Mrs Ruttan 2 lbs butter ,48 Feb 4th Mrs Winbum 27 butter 6,48 " 12th Mrs Winbum 22 .24 cts 5,28 �" Honey crawford 18 per 19 sec 26 per 2,85 " Eggs Crawford 3 doz ,85 " Sold wheat 5 bushel 4,12 " Mrs Ruttan Butter 1 lb ,24 Feb 24th Butter Frank Woodman 2 lb ,50 28 Butter for Grace 10 lbs 25 cts 2,50 butter for Winbum 10 lbs 2,50 butter for Whitney 19 lbs 4,75 20 lbs Honey Henderson 8,00 �7 March 8 - butter 19 lbs at 25 - $4,75 March 11 - two doz egs 24 - ,48 17 - Sold Day 1 bag potatoes - ,75 " - setting shoe for H. Halliday - ,25 22nd - eggs Jimy Morgan 4 doz - ,80 23rd - " sold in Kingston 5 doz - ,80 Butter 31 lbs - 7,13 27 - two roosters to F.W. - 1.00 setting shoe for C. Woodman - 10 Apr 11 - Buter 20 lbs Winburn - 4.60 Weat for Murphy 3-1/2 bu - 2,92 3 bags poatotes .95 - 1.35 Apr 27 - 9 doz eggs Butter 49 lbs .10 Butter 21 lbs .18 T. Woodman 5 - 1.00 Sylvia 1 - 20 Ruttan 3 - 60 Aug 5 doz eggs .20 - 1,00 3 bushels apples tomatoes - .75 Potatoes 1 - 1.75 Butter 25 per lb 33 Aples Aug Mrs Niles butter 3lb .25 per - .75 Henderson apples 5-1/2 bushels .80 per - 4.40 Apples on market - 3.15 potatoes - .70 butter 10 lb on market ,28 per - 2.80 �8 continued from Friday 5 Nov 1914 back of book tod us about his visit to Wellies. H and Mrs Joslin were there two weeks. V plowed all p.m. Received letters from Belle (a card), a long letter from Grace. 2 Heralds and a Standard. We read the terrible war News and go to bed. Saturday 6th Nov 1914 A cloudy morning and a cloudy day. V plowing, Emma doing Sat work. I on my feet all a.m. and most of p.m., tried out one Kettle of fat. Set up a new chair tidy, dont know as I will finish it very soon. Emma cleaned all floors and made a tough cake which she covered with chocolate dressing We heard by way of Sylvia who has received a letter from Samy that Ada Dixon is very sick not expected to recover. She is in Watertown hospital, there is a letter here for Rachel from Jen since yesterday Sunday 7th Nov 1914 A cloudy day, Wind West. V calculating his liabilities and how to meet them. Hard work to keep Edith up to business. I superintended the breakfast while Emma helped milk. V shaved and cut up the pork. We expect Maggie Joslin here to dinner. Very nice, warm and comfortable here by the dining room stove. Think I will write a letter to Belle. �9 continued from page 5 Maggie Joslin came here from church staid to dinner. Emma and Maggie called on Sylvia. Emma went as far as Rachels where they called and staid awhile. Maggie Magee came down and romped around with Edith awhile after Edith’s return from Rachels where she had been to carry R a letter from Jen which had been here since Friday evening. Mr McKay also made us a visit staid to supper. I prepared most of the supper, worked in kitchen till Emma came Monday 9th Nov 1914 A cloudy morning West wind froze last night. I got to get up and work tho I don’t feel like it but necessity forces me to do so. Almond Joslin here on look out for Germans which I think is all nonsense. Alstayed to din I was going to say Al staid to dinner. Voltie intended to plow but was rung up to help load pressed hay which occupied his time all a.m. he plowed all p.m. Edith went to shcool. We tried out lard and etc. Maggie here to borrow kettle. Teusday [sic] 10 Nov 1914 A beautiful day, river like a mirror all day. Mr Constance phoned that the hay boat would be here for Volties hay and again phoned that it would not come to day. So Sam H �10 5 MWWM M Woodman went home but Hiram Joslin staid and helped Voltie put the corn in the barn. Hiram staid to dinner. V didn’t plow to day. Emma intended to wash but did not. We churned and tried more lard. V doing all kind of odd jobs. No letters from any one, only Standard and Farmers magazine and some Almanacs. Edith at school. Maggie brought the kettle home and got Rundal’s linament for Sylvie got cramps. Had a telephone ring that the coal barge is coming tomorrow at foot and Breakeys bay. W.W.W.W. Wednesday 14 Nov 1914 A chilly day wind west. V drew water for Rachel to scald her chickens. V killed her chickens. Edith went over and helped Rachel and staid all night so to help R off in the morning. After dinner V drew two loads of coal from the foot of the island. This morning after washing the dishes and while washing the stove my peg leg gave up and I fell on the floor and burnt my left arm in falling, burnt it on the stove; by help of Emma and Edith and a chair, I got on my feet again not any worse only for the burn and considerably shook up. Evening after chores done V cleans up a grist of hog feed. 5 bags. V built a good coal fire in dining room stove �11 Thurs| Thursday 12 Nov 1914 Partly clouds partly sunlight not very cold. Emma working as usual. Edith came home early this morning bringing a few toasted corn flakes that R had given her. Voltie drove to dock with hog grist 5 bags full. Voltie has been up since since ten minutes to two doctoring old Ben horses for colic & did not go to bed again but cleaned stables horse and cow stables, milked 7 cows, fed cows, horses and hogs then routed the neighbours by phone to help him load hay on the boat. Emma cook rib, made apple pie, cleaned kitchen floor, washed towels and an apron. Edith home from school to help she does some work but have to drive her all the time, holler and yell but she can play with the cats beautifuly. Six men here to dinner. Jack Niles, Sam and John H Woodman, Albert Gillespie, Ed McDermot and Voltie. After dinner V went to lower Barn and cleaned up the hay, looked after the pigs then drove to the dock for Rachel and pig feed. Sylvia sent letter to Sheridan Maloney. F F Friday 13 Nov 1914 I wrote to Andy Mitchel and Wellie to find John’s whereabouts. Edith carried them to Vs road & gave them to Wm Ranous. Voltie went for the sheep drove them home then hitched up and drove to George Woodmans. �12 intending to bring home the little colts but they wouldnt drive or be led so came in time for dinner. He intended to plow this pm but storm prevented. Not much work done here this day, we have satisfy soup for dinner. Voltie plowed all pm. A terric wind blowing, lightning and one great thunder clap and no more thunder, the wind uprooted one of the cedars on the shore directly in front of the house. my arm is very sore yet. Didnt go for the mail this eve. Emma milked and separated the milk. I read to V and Emma from Farmers Magazine. Saturday 15 Nov 1914 Voltie went early this morning (ie) after breakfast to George’s for the colts. Geo & Rodney pike come down with them. They met Voltie up by the english church. A pair of little bays. Edith went to Sylvia’s for the mail, a letter from Grace, a letter from Watson, a letter from Maud and a bundle of papers from Belle and some West India papers from W Watson. V rung for Edith before she would come home. V now gone to draw wood from the dock to the school house. Emma made apple pies and mopped floors, got dinner. Emma baked bread, ground frozen hard last night cant plow this a.m. The day is chilly and sun shining. Maggie Maggee staid here all night for Sylvie has a bean. To bad that she doesnt give him up or marry him. Emma Woodman & Samy came over for the day, went home early. �13 Sunday 16th Nov 1914 A cloudy morning and begins raining at noon. Rained all pm. The day passes very quietly no one here. Maggie staid to breakfast V wandered off down to the lower farm looking aft sheep. Said they were all right. Our rain barrel full wont have to bring water from river to wash. V came from S place wet wet wet. Changed clothes went to barn said Old Ben horse got cholic colic again gave him a triple dose of horse medicine composed of milk, soda and ginger and spirits of mitre and soon he was better, then Voltie gave him a dose of 4 tablespoons full of spirits of turpentine and 5 of linseed oil. Monday 16 Nov 1914 clear, sun bright day, wind from S.W. White caps rolling grandly and dashing on shore. I think my burnt arm is better but such a lot of work to do. Washing, churning, house cleaning, sewing, patching, papering, curtains to wash, a thousand things to do and no one to do any thing. Oh that miserable lazy Edith. Voltie has gone to the field to plow. No wood to the school house and V is trustee and he has not time to chop wood for the school. After dinner Voltie see last page in book for Nov 19 through 24th �14 13 [date [description] [Amount] " Horse Keeping .25 " Paid on Emmas watch & ring 1,20 " 20 lbs B sugar from Winbruns 1,05 " Tea from Crawfords ,90 " Whiskey ,75 " treating ,20 " Paid Jerry M on oak tree 3,00 " Eleven gal kerosine at 10 per gal 1,10 Feb 23 Tablets Dyspepsia ,50 " Sawing 2,25 " Rice ,25 " Rolled Wheat ,25 " Soda ,10 " help to load lumber ,25 " drink brandy ,10 " Bits and screws ,48 " Cigars ,10 " Rubber for separator bowl .15 [subtotal] 2,53 " 28 Crothers biscuits 1,00 " Whiskey 1,50 �" Horse keeping over night 1,00 " Diary ,10 " Horse keeping ,25 " Groceries 2,95 " drug store ,80 " lumber ,30 " paint oil turps. oil can ,60 " cloves ,20 " tobacco ,50 [subtotal] 8.20 Manson & Campbell Note No 431 8.00 [total] see pages 50, 51, 52 for Nov 25th through Nov 30th 16.20 �15 14 March{March} |—|—|———-|—|—|—| 8 Sawing [strikethrough] 2 [/strikethrough] [strikethrough] 3 [/strikethrough] 2 30 milling 52 horse keep 25 Kingston Em,s Kubb[?] 70 " Whisk 60 " Onions 35 " cod fish 35 " groceries 55 " thread [underlined] 05 [/underlined] 5 [underlined] 15 [/underlined] sand paper 5 17 Tobacco & cider Clayton " 6 yds blueprint 82 [underlined] 25 [/underlined] 2 yds print March 67 6, 04 n ,60 [underlined] ,36 [/underlined] �96 Kingston Emma’s third reader ,14 " 1 boule milk [underlined] ,05 [/underlined] 19 March 23 Dr Bogart 1 00 Horse keeping , 25 [strikethrough] 0 [/strikethrough] [strikethrough] 25 [/strikethrough] , 25 Kingston dinner & chinawares " Paid Lumber Bill 3, 20 " groceries 1, 30 " grinding [strikethrough] 2 [/strikethrough] , 24 " iodine , 15 " Whiskie , 40 Turpentine , 25 Letter Tablet [underlined] , 10 [/underlined] $7, 14 1, 30 March 28 Sent to Mills for seeds " Registered the same 5 �31 1 lbs tea by [?] from + from May Paine , 30 �16 15 April 11 Tuesday 1911 [description] [Amount] 6 lbs rice .25 10 lbs granulated sugar ,60 10 bars brown soap ,25 1 lb tea ,25 tobacco ,25 1 lb Fed ,30 5 lb brown Shuger ,25 Emma’s geography ,65 A paper pins ,40 G ,25 Toited soap ,10 Emma’s shoes 1,20 Granulated sugar ,50 rolled wheat ,25 lbs prunes ,25 matches .15 1 lb tea ,30 y ,40 Sunday a very fine 1st of December 1813 Voltie and �Dan McLean went over the river and brought the scales and Will came came [sic] home with them towards night he went over to Rachels and staid all night with her �17 16 Monday 2nd Dec 1913 A very good day. Voltie and Will working over at Rachels fixing cow stable and banking her house Tuesday 3rd Dec 1913 No one goes to Kingston to day from here. Will goes up to see Uncle Sam Wednesday 4 Dec 1913 This is the day Will should have gone home but he went visiting to Al Barrys ate dinner then found them butchering, stays all night with R Thursday 5 Dec 1913 Came over home after visiting Dignams, found Mrs Dig gone to Chicago visiting her daughter Mary. Will came over in time for dinner. In evening the Digs came here. Harold and Frances Mcdonnell �18 17 August 1911 17th Baking Powder .25 Bird seed .10 Soda Toilet soap 12 Lemons ,30 Brown sugar ,50 matches Rolled wheat Granulated sugar Yellow corn meal 1 mollasses —— pins Brown sugar Granulated 2 lbs putnergen 1 yeast cakes pepper 1 spool white thread 1 lb tea 1 vannilla 2 lb lard Friday 5 December 1913 One fine day V phoned to John Murray to take him to Clayton to see about the bank money. Will Dixon went along so far on his way home. He came home at one Oclock brought 20 yds of brown cotton & 10 yds blue print, 2 pairs of stockings for E & E, 1 package of dye red and two letter tables also a bag of pea nuts. �19 18 Saturday 6 Dec 1913 A very good day. Emma mopped then washed. I sent Edith to R with Evelines letter and a piece of cheese. She sent me 3 eggs. This is the first winter that I had no eggs to lay down since I began house keeping 47 years ago. Sunday 7th Dec 1913 A rainy day mud ankle deep. Emma had her nose painted. Hiram Joslin’s to visit Maggie Joslin, but rain and mud prevented. So we pass a very quiet day at home. Except goes the rounds of the farm looking after sheep and things and away back on Rachel’s place and calls on R for a while. The rain will end in a snow storm. �20 19 Monday 8 Dec 1913 The first snow storm of the season snowing & blowing from the N.W. a very nasty day. V sets Dan McLane to filling Rachels barn with hay while he finishes making cider 160 gallons done for this year. The calves 55 of them were out all night, V went for them early this morning, he put 3 of the calves in the stable last night. Dan complaining of cold feet. V rigged him out with mackanard socks and a pair of big shoes. V went to the Frank place for apples which were in the old house and filled a barrel with apples for Grace. I dont think there was much profitable house work done. I wrote two letters one to Muriel and one to Grace, mended some socks, patched Edith an apron, pared a string of apples to dry and churned. Emma made a few butter prints. Edith noisy and contrary as usual but helps some but noisy. Emma found a mouse nest in red cupboard, 11 half grown mice, our calico cat ate five. pan cakes for supper. Voltie paid Dan 20 dollars for his months work. �21 20 Tuesday 9 Dec 1913 A clear bright day but cold, scarcely any wind, what there is is South. Thawing in the sunlight. Edith gone to school. I send two letters by her to P.O., one to Grace and one to Muriel. V and Dan butcher one pig for our own home use. Uncle Sam is very sick man. Dont think he can ever get well. Begins to cloud up again very dark, clouds in the South, Wind rising and squally and rain setting in at night. Wind howling all night. Dick Kesler brought his old sleigh up for V to fix. V and Dan drove over to R with her 6 gallons of kerosine, a bag of apples and a bag of oats. V and D filled her barn chock full of hay and banked some of her buildings Wednesday 10 Dec 1913 This is a nasty day. Wind SE and rain & mow, a combination and dark had to light a lamp. V went over and butchered 16 hens for market. Then went to the lower barn, moved hay and tried to shoo the sheep in the barn but they wouldnt go. Not much work being done. I made two apple pies, baked a bad green squash stringy no good, tried out the lard and cooked the heart and tongue. Edith stays home to day. �22 21 Thursday 11 Dec 1913 The storm clouds clear away uncle Sam Woodman died to day, just six weeks to a day after Wells Sr died. Voltie drove to the dock this morning with Dan McLane and Aunt Rachel. Sylvia phoned for V while he was at dinner to say her grand father is dead and V hurried through his dinner, shaved and went up there. Emma trying to do the barn chores at noon. V moved all the hogs into the pen. Edith washing the dinner dishes. River very still, cloudy again. Samy came down to borrow a razor. Wall Niles came home to day. came home with V from C Woodmans this evening. Wall wears a diamond ring. He says it cost $100. Friday 12th Dec 1913 A full moon this eve. A very good day. Emma cleaned the pantry. Edith went to school. V choring around doing all sorts. Frank came from Charleys while we were eating dinner. Invited him to dinner; said he had just had dinner. He wanted to shave him. V gave him his razor and told him to shave himself which he did. Frank staid all p.m. & to supper. V carried in 5 swarms to the cellar in eve V & F & E went to C Woodmans for mail, a letter from Maud and one from Grace and Bob. �23 22 Saturday 18 1913 Dec A very fine day. Wind South. V finished carrying in the bees which is only 12 hives for he found one vacant hive. E hurried around and got the floors cleaned mighty sudden to go to the funeral. V went and aunt Rachel. Mr Stewart preached the funeral sermon. Frank, Emma and Len Patterson were all there, was there from over the way. Rachel came with Voltie & E. Evening I went over to do her chores. Sunday 14 Dec 1913 A very fair day only mud mud every where. No church service to day. We roasted a rib for dinner. Rachel came over to dinner, went home around the shore. We had a quiet peaceful Sabath day went to bed early. Monday 15 Dec 1913 A bright beautiful day. Emma washed. Voltie brought in the first eggs of the season. Aunt Rachel came over for me to address her Christmas Boxes to Will and Eveline, Edith went to school, V drew a load of wood and made a hay ride for the sleigh. I finish trying out the lard. I borrowed a cup of tea of Sylvia. I got nearly all the dinner and supper and I should think Emma could finish the supper without letting the meat burn for the sake of disputing with Edith. �24 23 Tuesday 16 December 1913 Emma finished hanging out the clothes, made cookies and I received letter from Belle also one from Grace and Wednesday 17 December 1913 I scrubed the butter basket and dried it in the oven while E helped put some hay in the barn. Emma printed and put up 24 lb of butter for market, mopped the kitchen floor and helped get supper. Edith went to school. Voltie plowed all day. Thursday 18 December 1913 A chilly morning. V drove to the dock in the old buggy carrying Rachel and Emma and 24 lbs butter for Emma and 11 for Rachel. Edith home from school today helping me get the meals, etc. V does Rachels chores and then drives to dock for E & R. Voltie puts West window in veranda Wind North and cold, sent Emma her fur collar to wear home from the dock. �25 24 Friday 19 Dec 1913 This is the next day after Kingston market. Voltie drove to dock with Emma and the last day of school. Emma and Edith go to school in am to recite their pieces; a rehersal, came home at noon, dress all in white and return to perform before the audience. The Morgans, Flynns, Dignams, OBriens, Woodmans & George & Inez. Nina had a christmas tree for the kids. Show out at 3 p.m. Saturday 20 Dec 1913 The usual amount of work done, mopping, sweeping, churning, getting the meals. I take of the butter and wash the churn. Emma cooks the pigs feet and V begins his new shop by drawing stone and putting up a frame. 2 hens on their nests but dont lay. Old Ben sick with indigestion. Sunday 21st December 1913 A very mild day for the season Cloudy ground bare. Old Ben better this morning after V was up doctoring him all night. Emma went to church. Rachel came over, gave her her cards. Mrs Higg and Mrs Dignam and Delaval Calendar. After dinner and dishes washed Emma goes visiting Sylvia and Ruth. after awhile Aunt R goes home and we are once more left alone to read and study. Ground bare. �26 25 Monday 22nd Dec 1913 Another lovely day. Scarcely any wind, river quiet, a brilliant sun shining brightly over every thing. C Woodman gone over the river. V sent by him for oil, kerosine. V putting up 3 barrels of apples for HendersonEmma making christmas fruit cake. The apples are for Day and McFarland. R was to come over and help make the christmas cakes. Tis now half past 11 a.m. she not here. She came after dinner, butter would come she said. Emma made ginger cookies and fried cakes put up a basket for Grace. V drove to dock with 3 barrels of apples. The fire went out in the coal stove. Voltie sat up late reading. Tuesday 23 Dec Arose very early. Emma drives to dock with V, drove Duke home. Very mild in the morning tho cloudy beginning to rain toward noon. Rain all p.m., mud mud and rain & not very warm. Voltie milked the cows and done nearly all the chores before he went to Kingston. Emma dressed for the weather and drove the calves in, stabled the cows and fed them. Then drove to the dock for Voltie, she started early carrying the lantern with her. Edith and I waited a long time after school. �27 26 supper ready hot and steaming with a roaring fire as a welcome when they should come. Such a dark night and telephones ringing up Dignams inquiring Is boat in At last about 8 Oclock p.m. E & V came. Voltie bringing candies, nuts and other Christmas duds from town so we had our supper while peace & contentment reigned supreme. Wednesday 24 Dec 1913 Didnt go for the mail till this morning. A letter and Helens picture from Spokane, a book from Nina Murphy, a package from Will. A very nasty day freezing rain. E decorated Dining room for Xmas. Got Edith off to bed. Early as we could filled her stocking and dressed her doll. V drove to dock for hen feed. May Woodman sent me an appron. Thursday 25 Dec 1913 Xmas Edith up early this morning examining her stocking and new school bag, pulling out doll, new mittens and every other strash. She dont deserve anything she receives this morning. A great over grown girl nearly 12 years old and to dirty and lazy to get out of her own way. V drove for Aunt Rachel she came bringing and a gift for me, a little aggate basin, a pan cake turner and a plate. The chicken stuffed and roasting in the oven after �28 27 very pleasant Christmas. R goes home and we are alone once more and all is well. Friday 26 Dec 1913 A cold morning and a stormy day. Wind N. Snowing and blowing. I sit by the fire and write thanks to a few Xmas beneficiaries including Nina, Mary & Grace. George W Woodman here all a.m. in shop with V where V is making a sleigh box for Geo. He ate dinner with us. Geo can talk faster & louder than any man within a radius of 40 miles but Geo is one fine lad, good true and generous. Voltie carried Sylvie a pail of Sour Krout when he went for the mail and she gave V a bottle of goose oil from their Xmas goose. Our evening mail a letter and books from Maud, a book from Welly & Eveline sent Emma a pretty silk veil and Lazy Edith two yds of red sash ribbon, also a book for aunt Rachel and a letter for Rachel from Cupper, Brooklyn and a box of something from Will Saturday 27th Dec 1913 A cold brilliant day 3 deg above zero. V gone over to R’s to put hay or straw in her barn. Emma cleans floors. V drew a load wood �29 28 Sunday 28th Dec 1913 Maggie McGee here also. A very good day not to beautiful. I intended to write letters to day but didn’t. Henry Holliday drove in and staid to dinner then Rachel came over and staid to supper. Edith went home with her to carry a lantern. She was to come home early this morning and now tis long afternoon and she not here yet. Well I guess tis getting a little ahead of time Monday 29th Dec 1913 Looks very much like snow this morning. V up early and butchered 8 chickens and we three dressed them for market and filled 3 barrels of apples for market. Begins to snow, right merrily. I have written one letter to Grace all OK. Two Oclock and Edith not here home yet. A dirty day any way towards night V drives to dock with apples, 5 barrels & a bushel basket full which he is going to give away 12 eggs up to this time. Tuesday 30 Dec 1913 Arose early. V going to Kingston on boat. Emma drives to Dock with V in covered rig driving Darke Not very good weather all a.m. clears away at noon. Emma out nearly all day. �30 28 doing chores boat leaves at 2 Oclock p.m. from Kingston. Emma starts early for the dock 4 O’clock p.m. Edith and I have supper ready when they come back but Edith obstains as a berkshire. V came just after dark. Emma went to PO brought a lettter from Grace, a book from Lottie, also one for Rachel. V bought 2 books from town, Annie Gillespie married to day. Wednesday 31 Dec 1913 This is the last time any can write the true date by writing 1913. This is school meeting day. Voltie went once was elected trustee, then drove to the dock for the veranda door and lumber. Rachel came over and we gave her her new book We have pea soup for dinner. In the evening I read to V & E & E. A very cold night. Thursday 1 Jan 1914 The river is steaming thick and heavy this morning. Voltie shoeing Duke. Old Blacksmith shop cold which makes it very uncomfortable to work in. 3 eggs brought in this morning. E & E not very ambitious on this first of Jan the beginning of the new year but just as foolish and noisy and lazy as ever. A heavy white frost. This morning covering every out door object. A very little wind East �31 30 Voltie filled R’s barn with hay. Jimmy Morgan here this p.m. I gave him a lot of old magazines. Emma trying to wash dont make much head way about the wash. This is a very cold day. Friday 2 Jan 914 A very good day. Emma washed a tremendous washing and hung them on the line. I sent Lottie a Christmas book The Timberlost Girl, a letter to Maude. R went to PO to mail letters and rode back with Geo Ranons. Em brought in the clothes and folded them to iron. I received a book from Bill Mr Opp. R here waiting Saturday 3 Jan 1914 A very good day so much of a good day that V worked on the new shop he is building beside doing all the chores and getting wood for both stoves. Emma cleaned the flooes [flues] from every room �32 31 Sunday 4 Jan 1914 Cloudy and has all the appearance of a snow storm. Notwithstanding all the appearance Emma went to church and from there to Hiram Joslins, rode down with Maggie and the Gillespie twins Clara & Dell. V and Edith prepared the dinner. Edith washed the dishes, then went up to see Maggie Maggee and carried her a doll. V went to the old house and brought a mess of beans, we had pea soup for dinner and a chocolate cake Monday 5 Jan 1914 Clear and cold. Wind NE Business is booming this day within door and out ie I guess it will be. Maggie J gave Em a fancy cup and saucer yesterday, also Sylvia went to the English church yesterday and saw E & E’s sister. E at church with E Irvine. Emma and Edith cleaned every calico from the boxes at foot of my bed and filled the two marketing bags full. �33 32 Monday 5 Tuesday 6 Jan 1914 Cloudy weather. Voltie working on his shop nearly all day. I sent a letter to Belle and one to Will. Edith went to to post office with the letters. Met R there posting letters to Bell and Lottie �34 39 Wednesday 7 Not very cold but cloudy. V drove to George Woodmans. When he returned Wallace Niles came with him, visited awhile, drank a couple glasses of cider drove with V over to fill R barn with and from there went to George Niles visiting. R came over bringing butter scales and print and Emma printed 16 lbs butter for market. V put up 3 barrels of apples for Henderson, chopped wood enough to last till tomorrow night. C Woodman butchered two pigs for market. Emma talked to Sister Ethel over the phone Thurssday 8 January 1914 The boat came in last night and Voltie and Aunt R are gone to Kingston with apples, butter & eggs We arose at 4,30 a.m. V ate breakfast, dressed for Kingston, harnessed and drove to the door, load in sleigh 3 barrels of apples. I sent a letter to Grace, and to market 16 lbs butter, 18 eggs. Emma brought water to wash clothes and has now gone to the old Frank barn for the calves. Edith is 12 years old to day . The weather not very cold but inclined to be snowy. V went over to dock with sleigh. Emma is gone so long I fret about it. Gone 1 1/2 hour, came and brought the calves. While E & E are doing chores at the barn, Ed McDermott and John Murray came with a sow which they threw in among our hogs in the pen �35 34 I called the girls to the house. Emma done all the chores after they drove away but Edith is to dirty and lazy to do anything excepting eating her meals, obstinate and quarrelsome. Boat left at 2 p.m. V drove home quite early. 6 eggs to day. Friday 9 Jan 1914 A misty soft day cloudy. Voltie drove over to dock for lumber and things. Anglin sent a door to many. Rachel rode over when V came from dock. She brought towels to hem on machine and a tick to make for a pillow. George W Woodman came and he & V worked on Geo’s sleighbox. Geo & R here to dinner. I pare apples (sweet) for preserves. R paid ,52 cts to me for the eggs. Wallace here also. George, Wallace bigger than ever. Standard & Herald and a letter from Lena also and from Genevieve. 3 eggs. Saturday 10 Jan 1914 A cloudy snowy morn. Edith working some but quarrelsome. Emma cleaned all the floors, churned & salted the butter. George W Woodman here again to dinner. Emma finished her apron & Ed’s under garment sewed any thing and done a very good job on Edith’s blue calico dress, sent R’s mail to Will Dignam. finshed Trail of Lesson �36 35 11 Jan 1914 A clear bright cold day, 6 below zero. Jack Niles phones for V’s boat to row Lizzie Horn across the river. We were at breakfast when Jack phoned and V went and helped Jack get the boat off. R and Wallace here to dinner. R fried cakes for dinner. Nothing to record of any very great importance. Only it is very cold and and the wind is West. Lent Wallace a book "Trail of the Lonesome Pine" Monday 12 Jan 1914 A tremendous cold day, river partly frozen over this morning. Emma wants to get the washing around but there is no water only as it is brought from the river, the open places in the river are steaming like a cauldron on butchering day. We get the meals and snuggle around the stove, knit and make a dress for Edith. Voltie does the chores and goes over to Rachels to feed her cows. growing colder towards night, we burn coal in both stoves wind west. Tuesday 13 Jan 1914 The coldest morning. 30 below zero. The neighbors inquiring of each other by telephone "H cold is at your place," Sylvie couldnt tell for they had lost their thermometer. Wallace here, helped V move cider from barn to the cellar. Cider all frozen. To cold to send �37 36 letters to post office so I dont write. Voltie lent Wallace Scotts Lady of the Lake. V rings the old trunk down and I search for a fortune but find none barring a bushel of old worthless old shop’s papers, some fish hooks and a box of various and divers kinds of buttons. Even his Bible is gone with his mothers photo and other papers. The weather is so cold we sit up late to keep the coal burning brightly and the rooms warm. V put straw in barn 1 load and carried R a load of straw, a letter from Grace. One from Bert Smith he been buying a new horse. Maud and the babe are well. Forgot to say Ethel Woodman sent me a card. 30 deg below zero 1 egg Wednesday 14 Jan 1914 Didnt arise very early. Wind not so fierce as yesterday but the river is entirely closed in ice from shore to shore. Geo McD drove here with fish. Denny here to meet him. Wallace Niles here. V ordered up dinner for Geo McDonald One old c pail gave out a we threw it away. Denny and another man came up from Clayton on ice boat. �38 37 Thursday 15 Jan 1913 Weather more moderate but freezing. Tough work to get Edith to do any kind of work especialy setting table or washing dishes. Emma washing. I working in kitchen all a.m., washing dishes, pots, pans, kettles, stove, getting dinner but can scarcely walk even by using a cane. Voltie drove up to George Woodmans and brought home a good load of hard wood, mostly maple limbs that fell in last winter ice storm. We had a bowl of hot pepered soup for him when he came at 3 p.m. Every indication of a snow storm; a few stray flakes falling. Friday 16 Jan 19134 A white frost this morning. Voltie after doing all the chores, is away again for another load of wood. Edith as lazy as ever worse if anything. Cloudy and misty misty. Emma hung the clothes on the line. clothes freeze as soon as they are hung on the line Evening mail is Herald, Standard, Farmers Magazine. Not a letter nor a card for me. A letter for R from Em. A letter from Junior relating to Bank business in Clayton. Some advertising. Trash which goes into the stove. �39 38 Saturday 17th January 1914 A stormy day. Wind N.E. V just hit the mark when when he got wood to last through this storm, and the big washing is done. I finished Edith dress by sowing [sic] buttons and button holes made her a good warm underwaist. Emma cleaned all the floors and made a layer cake for Maggie Joslin is coming to make her periodical visit. We sit up late. I read aloud to V and E & E one of Mrs L. T. Meads stories, Polly A new fashioned girl. A story both humorous & instructive. Tho nothing scientific nor historical. Sunday 18 Jn 1914 A very fine day. Emma goes to Church. Maggie Joslin comes home with Emma and the visiting proceeds. After dinner and dishes washed, E & E & M go to consession on the ice where they meet Maggie Magee and Ruth Woolcotte, Samy W also Eddie McDermot with ice boat. Voltie goes over to Rachels to look after her and does her chores then goes down by the big barn and threshes a few beans, brings them home to be cooked tomorrow. Emma goes as far as Rachels with Maggie. We read till late. Edith while filling the lantern contrives to spill kerosine in the beans. I dont think they can be cooked after that dose �40 39 Monday 19th Jan 1914 V intended going to Clayton this morning but looks like a gathering storm. John OBrien drove in here to invite V to a party at Henry Hallidays some time this week and inquire about the condition of the ice. John OBrien wants to cross over to Maloneys to invite the try to cross on Samy W ice boat. Samy to be accompanied by Wall Niles, Charley Wooman and young Jack Gibson who is here from Manitoba visiting visiting his Murphy & Halliday relations. The wayfarers on ice soon found there was no ice crossing nor any other way so gave up the expedition. Wallace & Jack OB stopping here to cider. I think they have about all the hard cider they can hold. I know one of them has all right. Wallace phoned from here to find or learn if the "Old Folks Ball" is coming off tonight, yes! so Wall hurries away home to get ready for the great affair. We go to bed a little earlier than. Edith goes to school, this is the first day of Mary Barriey teaching this year. I am glad Ed has gone to school. Peace and Quietness reigns Our hens dont lay many eggs. Trouble is no gravel so V digs some out from under the boat house. I heard Laura Dignam has twin girls. That is fine. I write a long letter to Helen Watson, Chicago. �41 38 Tuesday 20 Jan 1914 A beautiful downfall of snow. Wall said last night he is going to help V draw straw to day. But I knew he wouldnt and I told him so. Edith gone to school. Got a drive up with the Woodmans after wallowing through the drifts to get to C Woodman. Samy on the ice trying to make his ice boat navigate but finds if quite difficult on account of snow, any way he broke down and came to the house to get V to repair the breakage which he, Voltie, does. Shep our beautiful little mongral [sic] dog always ready to bark his very loudest when any one outside the family comes. V tried to beat Shep back behind the stove but in spite of Voltie he escaped around back of stove and met Samy with a full blast of his loud vaciferous bow wow. Emma frying doughnuts which are superfine. Voltie finishing off 5 whiffletrees. Got old sharing horse in the kitchen. I send a letter to Helen Watson. Wallace came in p.m. always glad to see Wallace. The weather very unpleasant so did not go for the mail last night. We sat up till eleven p.m. I reading aloud to Voltie and the girls E & E. Only 3 eggs to day. Sylvia got a bad cold. �42 39 Wednesday 21st Jan 1914 The weather not very cold this morning but snow still continues to fall. Wind North, snow drifted and banked so high cant get to the clothes line to bring in the clothes, the raspberries bushes are drifted under. Edith gone to school, walked as far as Sylvias, Voltie going with her to get the mail. The mail, a card from Nellie Brooks, a letter from Maud, a letter from Will, a letter from Grace. Wallace just came going to help V put straw in the barn. Forgot to say Emma received two cards from Will. Wallace here to dinner. Mrs Niles telephoned to V that aunt R has no kerosine nor hen feed. R sent word by Jack Niles when he drove past her house. C Woodman’s got stuck in snow bank this morning while taking Maggie and Edith to school; had to unhitch the horses. Took 4 men to dig them out Only 4 eggs and of those frozen. Emma made layer cake. We sat up till 10.30 pm reading. Voltie drove to R’s with kerosine and hen feed. Emma sent her a few fried cakes and clean �43 40 Thursday 22nd Jan 1914 10 below zero this morning. Sun bright every where but cold. The snow covered Earth looks dreary even if the sun does shine. Sylvia phoned for Edith to hurry along to go to school with Maggie in cutter. D Casler phoned for Voltie to put irons on his sleigh runners. Emma washed the breakfast dishes while Voltie took down the kitchen stove pipe and cleaned the pipe and stove from soot and ashes from beginning to finish and now gone to draw straw for Rachel. John OBrien here to borrow hand sled, and box going to corners for kerosine. When he returned Harrold Dignum was with him also Sheridan Malony. Harold went over with John. Kasler brought his old sleigh here for V to put sleigh shoes on. I wrote a letter to Maud and one to Grace. Friday 23rd Jan 1914 A cloudy morning but not very cloudy nor very cold. Sylvie rang for tea. Emma sent a cup full when Edith went to school. I sent two letters, one to Maud and one to Grace. Edith at school. Wallace here. V working on Keslars sleigh. Wind S. E & E after school went ice boating. Eddie McDermot Capt. I finished Ediths petticote [sic] and made one for Emma & received letters from Muriel & Lottie. �44 Saturday 24 Jan 1914 Wind South, thawing, snow disapearing, slush, and mud. Emma cleans the floors. Now I have to write to Will, Lottie, Muriel, John, Nellie. This is lazy Saturday for Edith. I never saw anyone shirk work like Edith. Ed washed the dinner dishes by compulsion then cleaned the snow off the veranda and washing machine. Emma helping V draw hay from the lower barn. I scarcely know what occured the remainder of the day only we read most of the evening excepting I experiment in knitting a new lace pattern Sunday 25th Jan 1914 Didnt arise very early. Nearly 10 a.m. when we had breakfast the sun brightly shining. Ice covered with snow so no skating, no ice boating, river snow covered. Wallace here to dinner and supper. V & Wall drove over for Rachel. Sylvia & Maggie came for a visit. Voltie gave Sylvia sour kraut. We had pea soup for supper. V and Wallace studying the map of Buffalo city in p.m. Monday 26 Jan 1914 Not so very cold but 14 above zero and a tremendous fall of snow. Edith gone to school walked across the plowed ground to Woodmans from there. CW drove to school with Edith & Maggie. �45 No one here excepting our own family, snow very soft and light like feathers. V ironing of wifflelaces, chopping wood and doing chores. I write a long letter to Will. I wish Belle would write me a letter and John too but never mind it is all right. We go to bed quite early. Tuesday 27 Jan 1914 A mostly thawing day. The snow settled and bare ground appears in spots. dreary & forlorn looking weather. One more winter day gone for ever. I wish they were all gone and a bright warm June day were here. I sent Wills letter to P.O. by Edith. Charley W rung for V to come and doctor a sick heifer. He went after breakfast. Emma & I making pillow cases. E gone to school with Woodmans. I dont feel very well this day. Received a letter from Helen Watson in answer to mine. She wrote that her sister Mrs Coats has had a parylitic stroke which is an awful thing. No other letters, only the Kingstandard Wednesday 28 Jan 1914 A soft mudy day. I feel better but such a night of dreams, fighting kids and fierce bulls. V put rafters on his shop. Emma painted the kitchen floor. I knit lace. Ed gone to school. V brought the stove down stairs. Emma cooked the supper by it. Raining hard �46 Thursday 29th Jan 1914 Wind South and blowing some. Voltie working on shop after dinner. V went to the lower place for part of an old roof to cover his shop. Emma painted the kitchen floor second time. Ed home from school and I wish she was in school. I wrote a letter to John and knit all the thread I had. V went over to R and carried her potatoes and apples. Emma straightening up the chamber and baking bread. Emma got a bad cold. R sent me some dates, two onions and some soda biscuits. Samy Woodman here to borrow flour. Samy and McNealy sailing around on the iceboat. Roy McNealy is Samy’s cousin who has come to visit Samy. Emma not very well got a sore throat she took two Quinine pills. V sat up late reading. 5 eggs. Friday 30 Jan 1914 The South wind blew a gale from the South all night. The ice is breaking up. V and Ed got breakfast this morning. Emma came down stairs just as Ed & I finished washing the breakfast dishes. I sent a letter to Johny also one to Grace. V after 3 loads of manure out on the meadow drove to OBriens for a bottle of brandy which Henderson which sent down by John OBrien. V at same time stoped at the PO leaving the 2 letters for John & Grace. John OBrien here for corn cobs. Edy McDonald here to buy eggs for Bessie. 3 doz & 6 at 35 cts per. V providing away on the shop $1,22. �47 44 30th continued Sent Edith for the mail. Only a few steps from the house she fell and smashed the lantern and globe. V gave his lantern to her. Not much mail only Herald, a letter from Wesley, a beautiful letter. I think I’ll send it to Will. I expected a letter from Belle but received none, not even from Grace. Saturday 31 Jan 1914 This is the last day of the month and the last day of the week. Wind North and snowing and blowing. Voltie got bad cold. Emma set the breakfast table, brought in wood enough before breakfast to last 2 days. She gathered the breakfast dishes and is now helping to wash them. Growing colder. Emma cleaned dining room and pantry floor. Edith cleaned peas for soup put them to cook. V mending harness in kitchen. Snow, hail and a little rain falling all day. My appetite not very good but gradualy getting better. Wall came this stormy p.m. helped V do the chores. V wants to go to Clayton & wants to go to Kingston but can go to neither place. �48 45 Sunday 1st February 1914 We were alone nearly all day. Except just at night fall. Ruth and Maggie came for yeast cake. Voltie went over to R’s fed her hens and watered & fed her cattle and put them in the stantions [sic] then came down by way of the big barn (or old house) the beans are in the old house the kitchen and brought home a bucket full. Preaching in church to day. The congregation consisted of 11 mostly children. Emma cant speak above a whisper this morning and countinues all day. Edith’s voice is extremely audible and manifest like a gobbler. Ed and Mag on the ice in p.m. Monday 2nd Feb 1914 This is the annivesary of my wedding, 53 years ago many happy days have I seen and many unhappy days also but my wedded fate is only the story of thousands, wherein a girl marries a handsome but ungodly man who exists for himself and this world only. and at last drags out a miserable old age but he possessed many noble traits of character, had they been developed, but ignorance his at the root of the certainty, an equaly ignorant father before him, and an equaly ignorant and ill used mother, no education, no culture �49 46 knowing that human life at its utmost limit, is short and uncertain. When I take a retrospective glance in to the long past, I think I must have wanted to change my happy easy life of a school teacher, to have run such a terrible risk or have been blindly infatuated to have given my children such an heiratay [sic] for a father. Talk of Heridaty Parents should guard carefuly the welfare of their children. I who can with only a generation or none trace my lineage to the New England Puritans Tuesday 3rd Feb 1914 A beautiful day sun shining brightly. V after doing all chores worked on the shop nearly all day. Emma washing. I get dinner and wash dishes. Ed gone to school. �50 47 Wednesday 4th Feb 1914 Another fine day. Emma washed and put all her washing on the line, this is the second day Emma has washed. We hadnt washed in so long a time the washing had swelled to. Edith gone to school, walked there and walked home in the mud. Teacher threatened to whip her if she dont behave. Thursday 5th Feb 1914 Another fine day. V working on shop till towards noon. Jim Morgan came. Then R came for her coffee. After she and her coffee, Geo McDonald drove in with fish for Denny. V phoned for Denny at Clayton. He not at home till 5 p.m. He is coming up early tomorrow morning. Mabel M came for eggs sold her two doz at 35 per George and Jim here for dinner. Mabel here to supper. Had bullheads for supper. I ate 2, Mab ate 3, V 3 E & E each 2’s apiece. Edith gone to school. Edith and Alden Morgan had a row. Ed is very unpopular at school. I write a long letter to Belle. �51 48 Friday 6th February 1914 A very pleasant but becoming cloudy. Wallace came early and went with Voltie to Geo Woodmans for an old barn roof. We hurried around to get dinner ready when Wall & V came but Wall wouldn’t stay, going home to get ready for the horse race ball at the villiage. Rachel came over to dinner. I paid her for the doz eggs and gave her mustard, spirits, turpentine and lamp wicking. Denny and his brother came for fish. The brother go in ice awful wet and cold. Lent him dry clothes. Poor chap. Geo McDonald came with another load of bull heads. Two barrels and a box full, and drove to the foot. Den couldnt load them all in the punt. Ed gone to school. I sent a letter by her to P.O. to Belle. I was disapointed when Emma returned with the mail to find only Herald & Standard Farmers Magazine and an invitation for Voltie to the Engineers Ball Kingston city hall, no letters, no cards. But why should I be disapointed at not receiving letters from Belle nor John. Edith in row with Alden Morgan she is most always in a row with some one. A grand old snow storm. �52 49 Saturday 7 Feb 1914 Awoke this morning to find the rain beating against the windows & wind South, a dreary dismal morning. clears up towards noon. V working in his old shop making eveners. Emma cleaned floors. I have a very bad cold yet. V insisted upon my drinking a glass of cider with a teaspoon full of ginger stired in which immediately gave me hiccough. Blizzards and snow squals all p.m. but growing colder with west wind roaring. Voltie at 5 p.m., after doing all chores, chopping Sundays stove wood, went over to R to see if she is all right, and from there he went to the lower barn to salt and feed the sheep and when coming home, met a poor little muskrat, that must have been driven from his river home by the jam ice, and rising of the river. When V stopped walking it came to V and smelled of his boots and pants and long overcoat: When V stooped and smothed his furry back, he ran away poor little hungry "musky". Perhaps sometime his coat of fur will line some ones over coat. Hot biscuits & honey for supper. only 3 eggs. �53 50 Sunday 8 February 1914 Colder this morn 3 above zero a brilliant sun, still, quiet every where except Sheps melodious bark which is cheerful and almost joyous for it signals the coming of someone. No cervice [sic] in church to day. After dinner V took oil can and sled and a spiked club and walked across the ice to Vans. Jack OBrien had gone over before him to Maloneys. V found the ice good for bearing a horse. V not long gone when weather changed to snow squalls. Em gone to CW’s visting. Maggie McGee here visiting Ed. Emma phoned to Ed to put cattle in stable. Mag & Ed couldnt do so but suceeded in getting them all in stable, also the Bull, and fastened the door leaving the stock loose. I phoned for Emma she came and stanchioned the cattle and said V is nearly here; he found his way through the storm to home home which is a relief to every one. Rachel came over for - something dont know what. Wall came while we were at supper staid till 10 p.m. Wednesday 25th Nov 1914 V preparing to go to Kingston tomorrow. going to pay debts and get groceries. �54 51 26 Thursday Nov 1914 Arose early, V after breakfast walked to the dock enroute for Kingston to get a few things and pay some debts but came home as usual greatly disapointed for the over shoes and over stockings were gone and not expected ever to be found. Emma drove to dock for him 27 Friday Nov 1914 Voltie went early this morning before breakfast for his things that were left at the dock last night pans, 2 bags of corn (cracked), stove pipe, elbows &c and to search for Emma’s over shoes and over stockings "price was $2,50 can get no clue whatever. They must have been stolen. Phoned to Geo Rattray. He has not seen them. V and Emma & I are awfuly disapointed. Mail only a card from John which I am glad to get also a Standard and two Herald and Merry Harris 28 Saturday Nov 1914 A very fine day ground frozen some but V plowed in p.m. Sylvie bought a bushel of turnips of Voltie for ,50 cts. Ed McDermot came for them and brought home the saw and saw buck at same time. Magie came down we gave her two turnips for dinner. Emma cleaned the floors and Edith washed the separator after talking about it and waiting for three days. �55 52 Sunday 29 Nov 1914 A fine clear day. Lib and Van came over in skiff landed at Smith place went from there to Rachels to trade roosters. Vand came here from Rachels borrowed a 14 lbs of pork. V sent yeast cakes (Royal) to Grace. Would like to have seen Lib but they go directly home fearing the wind may blow as it is now quite breezy. Heard that the R.F.D. begins 7th of next month. We had visitors. Sylvia here to dinner and supper. Maggie Macgee here to supper. Edith went up there and Mag came home with her. Harold Dignum here to supper. All went home at ten p.m. Monday 30 Nov 1914 A beautiful a.m. warm air hollow we can hear the rumbling of the tran across the river. Edith goes to school. Clouds up at noon time and rains and rains in p.m. V plowing all day. Orville McDermot here to work just after dinner Ground beginning to rain towards night. �56 53 Sunday 15 February 1914 A very fine day. Anniversary of Emmas birth. Emma 15 years old to day Van Bamford drove over and called for cider even before he came in to house. Of course V gave it him and in less than an hour he was foolishly drunk noisy, swearing, indecent talk. He didnt make a move to go home when it was sundown. V rung for Wallace to come and help V pile old Van but it was thick and snowing a little with moon in the last quarter so the critter stayed all night. Monday 16 Feb 1914 A beautiful day. Van went home and I am glad. went towards night. I never never heard any man use so much profanity and obscenity in their common conversation. Realy it is terrible and shocking. How can Lib live with him. V went over to see how R gets along these days. V’s apples standing in dining room. Tuesday 17th February 1914 A vry good day. V this morning after doing chores loaded 5 barrels of apples on the sleigh and started for Kingston. Edith at school. A lonesome day at home with only Emma and I and Emma out doing the chores. I sent a card to Lottie and Belle. Emma went for the mail, 6 letters and a package of papers from Watson. V came about 9 p.m. and Charley Woodman with him very much intoxicated. C staid to supper and couldnt go home alone. �57 54 and at last towards midnight went to bed in V’s bed. After raising Old Ned half or 2/3 rd night went home. I could write a whole chapter on this business but whats the use. V brought home candy 2 lbs, Dates Halibut, Oysters, sugar, tea, coffee, Lemons, Rolled wheat, Rolled oats, buckwheat flour, Graham flour, 3 box pink pills, 2 bottle eclectric oil, bottle ink, box pens 1 box letter paper & envelopes, and a bottle whiskey and rice, maple syrup, compound and a pound of maple sugar and soap laundry and a wick for my little oil stove, a load of coal for Rachel and snuff and bread for Rachel and 150 feet clothes line. Wednesday 18 February 1914 Charley W sent here for cider a half gallon. A very good day wind South. Rachel here to dinner after dinner V drove around by CW & he went and helped V �58 55 Thursday 19 February 1914 A fine day. Van brought Lib over early while I was washing dishes. Van drove home and left Lib to negotiate with V for a load of hay Friday Feb 20, 1914 Another bright but cold day some deg below zero. Voltie gone to Kingston with another load of apples came home at 8 p.m. had stopped to the horse races. Emma done all the chores. Edith went to school. Edy McDermot came for cider 1/2 gallon and in morning Ed came for 1/2 gal which makes 1 gal Satuarday 2/21/1914 A very good day. Al Joslin came up to help load hay for old Van & Lib. Emma cleaning floors. Ed wont do any work without she is drove to it with the very hardest persuasion. I washed dishes. Wellie and Hiram came in time for dinner. Wallace came. CW sent for cider. A dinner Voltie hitched up and with Wellie and Wall drove to Kingston they returned at nine p.m. Wellie brought V a horse as a gift. �59 Tuesday December 1st 1914 A soft warm cloudy day and raining and dark. Tis nine Oclock and I am writing by lamp light. �60 57 �61 58 Sunday Feb 21, 1914 Looks very stormy this morn but clears after awhile. Wellie drove over for Rachel. Hiram comes home and Maggie comes with him. Clifford comes stays to dinner and supper and goes up home to Charlie’s at bed time. About 4 pm Wellie drives over home with Rachel accompanied by Edith leaving R at home. They drive on to Al Joslins where they have supper then return home Wallace Niles here all here to dinner. Monday Feb 22 1914 A clear cold morning windy, coffee for breakfast 12 below zero this morning. A man selling monuments here. V bargained for one at $110 dollars. Welly and Hiram here and want to start for home but afraid the apples will freeze. Cant get much work done. Visiting with the boys Hiram and Clifford. CW sent for another jug of cider which makes the second time to day. Tuesday 28 Feb 1914 Wellie and Hiram went home this a.m. carried some apples home to the children and Eveline. Wellie hadnt been gone a long time (only about half an hour when John came �62 59 John going to stay 2 weeks all right. We are glad to see John Wednesday 23 24 Tuesday Dear Grandma I am going to wash dishes then wash separtor [sic] and milk pails then I am going to make a pie and custard. Done. 25 Wednesday �63 60 26 Thursday 27 Friday Saturday 28 Feb 1914 Voltie and John drew one load big load of wood from George Woodman. Emma cleaned floors. I cant remember clearly any thing that happens without setting it down, recording it from day to day as it ocurs. No one came that I know of except Alden Morgan for sour krout which Voltie gave him and refused to pay for it. �64 61. 1914 Sunday 1st of March A cloudy day, not extremely cold. Rev Stuart here this a.m. John helping Voltie barrel apples for market. Emma cooking cabbage for dinner. A miserable storm raging towards night. John goes over to Rachels after dark through the storm with a lantern to see how she is. I caught another cold. I took two quinine capsuls and a half teaspoon of Eclectric oil which made me very sick all night Monday 2nd March 1914 The storm continues snowing blowing and drifting. V & J does chores and put up 112 sections of honey for market, puttied glass in veranda windows. John went over to R’s to do her chores. I guess they thought J & V that I had a fit or something only I was so soundly sleeping they couldnt awaken me very easily. Well the stormy day has passed on, gone with the rest of eternity. Tuesday 3rd March 1914 A beautiful day, sun bright and warm V & J drew six loads of manure that is all they done except to eat breakfast, dinner and supper & smoke and "chaw". not a letter nor a card nothing except Standard &c Charley Woodman sick had the doctor �65 62 Wednesday 4 March 1914 A pleasant warm day. Charley Woodman died this morning. Voltie and Wall Niles attended to washing and dressing poor Charley. V & J had started for Geo Woodman’s for a load of wood but turned back when they arrived opposite Mr Niles and Wallace came out and told them about poor C.W. No one left of the family now only Sylvia and Samy but I think they are as well off without C as with him. Wallace here to dinner. To many arguments going on here these days to make every thing aggreeable. Pneumonia was the cause of CWs demise which a run down broken dissipated constitution couldnt stand. O poor Charlie, he was only cruel to himself. May the dear Lord have mercy on him and I have faith to believe He will. He was a good neighbor always ready to accomodate or do any thing for V and never slandered any one or spoke a word against any one; Henry Halliday here this evening. H & V went up to poor dear Charlie’s which is his no more. We cant say going up to uncle Sam nor going up to Charlie’s never more never now! �66 63 Thursday 5 March 1910 Voltie and Emma started for Kingston this morn with 5 bushells of apples and 109 sections of honey carrying some apples and honey to Grace. Im sick got the grip, drunken old Van and Rob Percy came from Sylvia’s drinking up cider. Mr and Mrs Stewart here in p.m. Friday 6 March 1914 A very good day. Rachel came over said Lib staid with her all night. Lib told R a miserable take of filth and dirt and poor house hold management. Lib & Alvira Gillespie cleaned the rooms and scraped and washed the walls of the rooms. According to Libs account the disorder of that house was almost indescribable. Voltie and John and Emma got to the funeral. Rachel staid here with me, after the funeral Van drove over for Lib. Ben Percy came also and O such a noise. At last the all got to singing every old song and hymn and old Ben can yell some. He dont know enough to "come in when it rains"; finaly old Ben staid all night. �67 64 Saturday 7th March After chores all done and every thing done for the day, Voltie drives to Clayton to get the money from the bank, came and went to corners for medicine for me. He brought from Clayton maple sugar, glucose, a wrapper for me, gingham for Emma, a dress print for Edith and pea nuts and oranges. Oh but I dont feel very well this nasty grippe. Sunday 8 March 1914 I have almost forgoten what occured this day. I know its Sunday a day of rest and as I cant do any thing only rest, why I rest Monday 9 March 1914 A lovely day. Voltie went to Kingston to pay a bank note went to Bobs for dinner. Sold eggs at .30 per doz brought home cracked corn, 2 papers, pins, 8 yds white shaker flannel. Nothing done at home this day, neither in door nor out except a few chores at the barn. Voltie brought home a new beadstead for my room. A real beauty iron, while enamaled trimed with brass. I was in bed when V came home. V bought Edith a pair of stockings. �68 65 Tuesday 10 March 1914 A new milker at the barn. Emma took up old mattress from my bed room floor, cleaned out every thing, sent the old cupboard at foot of my bed up stairs. It took Emma Voltie and John to get it up there and then Emma carried up a thousand old magazines and periodicals every kind printed in U.S.A. and Canada, EnglandBarbados besides we tore up and burnt up but still they accumulate. Wednesday 11th March 1914 A very good day for traveling on the ice. Voltie went across to Vans brought home 5, 6 gallons cans of Kerosine. Lib sent another load of literature and some carrots, onions. Thursday 12th March 1914 I write two letters. One letter]to Maud also one to Grace, sent Isabella .10 for buy her candy. Voltie and John draw straw for Rachel. I dont feel very well with grip. The rest of the family can walk or run or bang around just as they please while I sit here. O sometimes I dont know wheather I’m on Wolfe island or in the world or where. Every thing seems strange weird and wizzardy. �69 66 Friday 18 March 1914 A beautiful day. Voltie and John drew 2 loads of wood from J.W. a big one for R and a small one for ourselves. Nasty Grippe still hangs on to me. Well let it. I can stand it if the weather would only get warmer. V hulled corn. In the evening came Jimy Morgan and Johny, Bill McDonald about school business. Jim wants his pay for tinkering up the dirty old school house. A great noisy argument going on about Mexican affairs, which neither John, Johny nor Jim knows any thing about more than Shep. Saturday 14 March 1914 A cloudy dreary dismal morning. The weather looks as if the storm would burst upon us any minute, snow white, snow white, every where and still heaped up on the washing machine, no melting away of close rigid old winter. For my breakfat I ate an egg, a slice of bread and butter and drank a cup of coffee 25 minutes past 9 a.m. "Edith washing dishes. Emma mopping floors. Wall Niles is in the kitchen. I hear his voice. Voltie is hulling corn. Henry Halliday Sr here too came with Wallace. Wallace ate dinner here. V building Wall a boat. Maggie here visiitng Edith. For play they are shoveling snow off the veranda. Samy & McDermot gone to Clayton to the horse races. �70 67 Sunday 15 March 1914 A very good day. Sun purtly shining clear. Mr Stewart at Mr Niles phoned to find out my condition. Emma goes to church. Lib and Van here, glad to see them. They staid to supper. Will Niles and his sister Stella here. Sylvia and Maggie drive over to Frank’s. Sylvia, Samy and McDermot keeps the road between their place and Franks red hot. Sheridan Maloney drove out with Sylvia to day to Franks. By the advice of Frank, Samy Woodman entered their old horse Joe for the race, by paying $2,50. Old Joe didnt run; the manager said "take that old grey horse out of the way" They are trying to be very gay since their father and grandfather died. Charley died eleven day sago. V discovered this morning that the rabbits have destroyed all his new apple trees. John borrowed 4 traps and set them for rabits. Wallace here till quite late in the evening. John went over to see how R gets along, found her all right. Monday 16 March 1914 A nasty windy morning. Wind South. V working on Wallace boat. Wallace is here. Sun shines out a sort of a dismal sickly sun light . The weather �71 68 is like myself miserable and grippy. Edith home to day 20 minutes after nine. Lamps are cleaned chimneys polished. The snow is disapearing. the ice looks like a mirror. Voltie working on Wallace’s boat. I wrote a long letter to Belle she never writes to me. Do I care? I dont know. you see I dont know whtat the circumstances hinder, she may be sick. I expected her to come. She didnt come. The day continued cloudy. John went over to look after R, Coal wont burn, axe is dull and wont chop, or split, saw wont saw, saw horse no good. Consequence John brought the whole business over here to sharpen, grind & repair. Edith "horse de combat" Wallace came down this evening to see how his boat progresses. The Grippe is a nasty thing. Tuesday 17 March 1914 The month is marching along This is St P’s day. I wonder how many days, hundreds of days St Patrick’s has been celebrated, and sung. I have forgotten the year of St Pats birth. I once had a history of Ireland. John drove out to the Corners. I sent by him for more Grippe medicine. V gave him $5,00 with which he bought oranges, French mustard, stuffed olives, gum, whiskey letter paper, and envelopes, bushels of tobaco �72 69 I sent a letter to Belle & Helen Watson by John. I received a letter from Grace. I sent a card to Grace. sent $3,00 dollars to Gladys over alls for V (Voltie gave him the money to get those things) John ate dinner with Van and Lib. Sylvia and Samy went to Kingston market with butter. The day is brilliant with sun light and warm, snow nearly gone and ground all mud. sent Edith to Rachels for pork. Emma cooked beans. Edith chewed 5 sticks of pepsin gun at once. Voltie worked on Wall’s boat. Wallace helping him at 3 oclock pm. Wallace here to supper. John brought buckwheat flour and coffee for Rachel. John bought onions of Lib .25 cts. I sewed and Em stitched. Wednesday 18 March 1914 A cloudy thick misty morning Wallace and Voltie working on the boat. this Grippe cough dont leave me very much. I am trying to teach lazy Edith at home. John doing chores ie feeding her stock and filling her barn with straw. Emma went to Ruth’s to get her skirt made. I partly made a night gown. Edith got supper for the boys V & W & J. Emma came home in time to wash (or help) supper dishes. Edith made a custard for supper. Edith worked like a little heroine and done every thing all right. �73 70 Thursday 19th March 1914 A cold raw day and windy & S.W. Edith gone to school. Voltie & Wallace working on boat. Wall here to dinner. I sent Sylvia a letter about the dress she wants to give Emma. John sawing wood. Cooked onions (boiled) and fried onions for dinner. I finished the night gown with buttons holes and buttons Maggie Joslin selling post cards. Em & I bought 12. Friday 20 March 1914 A very good day, sent letter to Grace and one to Hiram. received one solitary letter only, and that was from Belle. We were surprised and pleased to see Will, didnt expect him. He brought butter nuts and Volties plum trees. Voltie finished up Wallace’s boat this day. Wallace here to dinner. We got dinner for Will. After awhile Will went walked over to Rachels she knew he was here for John had told her when he went to do her chores. Will ate supper with R came back and staid with us till bed time then walked back to R’s and staid all night with her, and so ended the day. Saturday 21st March 1914 Sun, crosses the equator to day coming home to us, tho it is not the sun which to us is stationary but tis the inclination of the earth on its orbit as it wheels around the sun �74 71 George P Woodman called upon us every 365 days. Voltie sent by Sylvia (who is gone to Kingston market with butter) for 10 lbs of salts for cattle. Sylvia bought 20 instead of 10. Will drove home to day. V gave him a bag of Apples, some pears etc. R came over about her old being sick staid to see Will enroute for home then J hitched up a drove over to doctor her old cow, she went back home with John. Wallace here painting his boat. I wrote and sent a letter by Will to Belle to post from his post box. I sewed on night gown, 10 lambs forgot to say R sent me a piece of pork Sunday 22nd March 1914 A cloudy half dreary loathing day V went to Sylvias for Salts then went to R’s to doctor her old cow. The days jog along and time is ever running into eternity on, on, on and on, no begining no ending to time nor space. Oh what is the great and awful mistery. John went over to R’s to dinner, chopped wood and sawed wood for her Wallace here awhile. Edgar Niles and Tom Maloney Maggie Maggee here Frank Woodman made us a visit too. He and Em drove over in buggy to see how the children get along. Sylvia & Ruth & Samy has bad spels since her father died. Poor dear Samy. Frank and Em drove home after dark ��75 72 Monday 23 March 1914 A thick dark cloudy morning snows a little but not cold. Emma going to wash. Voltie brought water from the river. My appetite not very good this morning and I am very lame. Edith gone to school I finished a night gown for Emma, make an apron for Emma. Wallace down looking at his boat. Voltie preparing to go to Kingston, put up a bag of apples for Grace. John done Rachels chores, chopped wood for her, doctored her old cow and killed a hen for her to keep her from eating her eggs. Tuesday 24 March 1914 Arose early, V going to Kingston to day, got away quite early and and drove across the island to Henry’s and went up the North shore carrying Grace apples, butter nuts, and hulled corn. John after doing our chores drove down by the barn looking for more lambs. There was none then drove up to Rachel’s fed and watered her stock, brought her over with her hen which she cooks here for the family dinner, after awhile John drives home with her, does her chore work. J not very well pleased about it. I sew, make an under waist �76 73 V comes quite early. Bob Joslin with him, brought his valise or suit case. V brought pea nut candy 3lbs tea, kippered herring, 2 pepper, 3 corn starch. It is bed time. I am glad of it. I want to go to bed. 13 doz eggs at 20 cts per. What he bought for shop I dont know, a flask of scotch, whiskey, ale etc. Emma drives to school for Ed and Maggie, met them coming home. Wednesday 25 March 1914 A cloudy morning chilly scarcely a bit of fire in dining room stove. V fixed bob out with a pair of his striped over alls and they went to the lower barn to look for lambs, found two now, both black this time. 12 now. Voltie set John & Bob to drawing hay from the stack to the barn. George Woodman go here for salts for a pig. Emma fried 9 eggs for breakfast. Rachels old cow sick all and bloated up and has been for serveral days. That old cow is going to die. Voltie working in the shop and doing every thing. Emma brought in the clothes and hung out more. Edith at school. Emma drove for her found her at OBriens and Maggie �77 74 Thursday 26 March 1914 Another day weather the same. Cloudy, nasty, windy, snow nearly all gone; ice not bugged [budged] one bit, saw a horse and cutter on ice drawing up past of Niles. The men folks ie V and J & bob all over doctoring R’s cow and when coming home found a young calf with one of our cows, so they drove the cow and calf to the cow barn, milked the cow and fed the calf. Things go off "kinder so so" in teh hour not much done. I make a dress skirt for Edith and Emma cuts out an appron for Edith, only one p in aprons. After we were in bed, John and the kids and I, V & Bob feet undressed in walks R for the boys to to go over about her old cow. That poor old woman had wallowed through mud water & slush. The boys went, gone two hours. she too walked back but arrived there long after they did. They could give her medicine but couldn’t lift her. Wallace here in evening, Joe and Ed McDermot here in evening. John Murray here for his saw. Edith home from school. �78 75 Friday 27 March 1914 another day the same as yesterday, only it rains rains. Bob intended to go up with the mail but to much rain and mud. I sent a letter to Bobbie. V employed B to write to Edwards pm for the post office keeping. B sent a letter to Grace. He is going to stay till Tuesday. V went over to doctor R’s cow. John puttying in glass for veranda and now gone over to R’s to doctor her old cow. I go to bed quite early. I began writing to Watson but didnt finish the letter gave Bob the pen and ink to write to Grace. Bob, at Volties request wrote to Hon Mr Edwardsmember of parliament requesting the keeping of the post office for Voltie. Wallace here and Harold Dignum and they all went over to doctor R’s old cow but 5 men couldn’t get her up. Bob phoned to Grace. Grace wants Bob to be sure and come home tomorrow which of course will make a Journey for Voltie. Mail one Saturday letter; that from Belle. all been sick with Grippe. I wish I could get a letter or card or something from Maude. I hope they are all well. Belle said Kathleen is going to work for Murriel �79 76 20 eggs Saturday 28th March 1914 Arose early this morning. Voltie going to drive to Marysville with Bob, drove up with buggy and two horses. The sun shines out a little but they go. John reads my old diary of 27 years ago. He gone now to doctor Rachels old cow. Edith washed dishes. [ Emma continues writing in diary] John gone over to Rachel to see how her old cow is. Grandma laid down for a little while. Uncle Voltie sent down a veterinary for aunt R’s cow. They say she is all bloated up so she as to sqesse [sic] in the barn door. 5 oclock in the afternoon and Edith still washing dinner dishes. I mended some of her clothes and Grandma and I made her a skirt together. the ice not out of the river yet but the robbins are here. John chop wood for night, I made a cake for supper. the weather is awful disagreeable out. Wel [sic] I have got to go and get supper for uncle Voltie will be here and now supper ready so I will lay my pen one side till by and by. Uncle Voltie has got home and has gone over to Anut [sic] Rachel to tap her old cow. The Veterinary said she had droppsy, he got home about half past seven and bought a bl [lb] of mustard and a bottle of Olive Oil and 5 yds of cloth, 1 yd of lace and 1 pair of �80 77 stockings for Grandma and some cherry whiskey, half a dozen of lemons, a some buckwheat flour and Mis McClaren’s old cow bit it open. Grandma & Edith gone to bed. Oh yes and something else a lb of bacon. Well it is 9 oclock and it is bed time! So good night Emma Sunday 29 March 1914 Another damp cloudy morn, coffee for breakfast, wish I had not drank any, my appetite poor if could only get rid of this nasty cough. breakfast dishes not gathered but sprawled all over table. Edith in kitchen. V & J went over to look after R’s old cow. Sylvia rung for Edith to go up and stay with Maggie while they go over to see Bessie McDonald who is sick, & going to leave from here before long. R’s old cow going to die. Towards night Em rung for Edith to come home. Ruth came down to supper said Laura Elley is in the insane asylum. R’s old cow died and R’s she is about half crazy, so she says. Emma went home with entte, carrying a lantern to see her safely home. Emma set a hen on 12 eggs. We separated the milk this pm from two cows. The first separating this year �81 78 Monday 30 March 1914 Another nasty morning, mud and rain. But V & J have gone over to skin and draw out R;s old cow. The breakfast dishes are still on the table waiting for some one to clear the table and wash the dishes. Edith wont work if she can get rid of it. another calf which makes three. Wall here this afternoon John puttied in windows. Uncle Voltie working in the blacksmith shop. Sylvia and Ruth cleaning their parlor. After dark John putting in one more glass and one fixed rocker. V reading. Tuesday 31st Mar 1914 A bright warm sunny morning. Frost last night. White frost. I send a letter to Grace, one to Maud. R sent a letter to Will. V sent sent Veternary’s instrument home by mail. This is the last day our mail goes from Sylvia’s. Henceforth our mail carried and post master is Wm H Woodman. J & V working at Lower place on boat house slide. pm. they skined R’s old cow, heart big as water pail, gull big as a tea pot, liver dried up &c They went from there to the lower barn and boat house. found a dead sheep in the barn with a pair of orphan lambs, which will �82 79 have to be brought up by hand. Not much mail to night only the Standard and 3 cards (Easter) from Franks kids, Cassie, Clifford and Ethel. Edith popped some corn. John received a letter from Gladys complaining and asking him for money. Wednesday 1st April 1914 A cloudy morning V and J working at lower boat house. and skin the sheep. I suppose the work is now going to fly for Emma and Edith are now writing down the program of todays work on a slip of paper. So no look out and keep out of the way. V came in bringing those dear little lambs that I might see them then carried them to the barn, put them in a big box. They can drink after dinner. V and J went to work on the lower boat house. Emma gone to bed sick. So her card was filled. Edith pitched in and worked like a heroine all p.m. & washed sup dishes and popped some more corn. John went from the working on the boat house to R’s to chop wood enough to last her two days didn’t want to go all the same. V & J visited in kitchen till bed time. Retired at 1/2 past 9 p.m. �83 80 Thursday 2nd April 1914 Another nasty day, ground white with snow this morning, at noon all gone. Boys, after doing home chores went away down to work on boat house but not till after dinner. V and Edith and I still continue to pick up and clear the pantry of shelves of useless rubbage. I scour 85 knives, forks, & spoons. Emma came down stairs at 10 a.m. Sour, dont like to answer when I speak to her. Oh how very unpleasant. My appetite no good there is nothing I like or can relish. John said he would dig some horse radish but it has not come up yet. I ought to finish writing to Watson Why dont I? Friday 3rd April 1914 A very good day. Boys work on boat house. Work drags here all day. nothing kept snug nor tidy. Wish I was well. No working done this week. I just two embroidered petticoats for Edith, finished Ediths dress. Emma partly made herself a dress. Another calf at the barn but dead. No loss without gain. V will have the milk for the orphan lambs. Only one letter and that from my dear grandson Reginald and a bundle of papers from brother Wilf. River open this morning. Emma went for the mail. Edith finished supper. Voltie this morning had to wait for water to heat to wash the strainer boil �84 81 Saturday 4 April 1914 A cold bright morning. A row here this morning about unwashed milk pails V had to wait for hot water to wash the milk pails. Yes tis a nasty bitter cold day. West wind I think. Row going on most all day in kitchen. V and J working on boat house, only when J went over to chop wood for Rachel. Maggie here to borrow soap 2 bars. Sunny Monday. Emma cleaned floors. Edith’s mouth always going. She does quite a lot of work tho. Boys finished up all they can do on the boat house at present got to get more lumber. I had a bad time coughing. John fixed some beaten white of an egg and white sugar which stopped it. We dont have many eggs now. Eat them. We have no meat. Sunday 5 April 1914 A bright morning but a light snow fell int he night and the ground is white this morning. The river is covered with fields of ice. Snow all gone at noon. A very quiet day, nothing occurs unusual. Boys do the chores. Looked for Rachel; she didnt come. Sylvia and Ed McDermot came in the evening; treated them to pop corn weather not warm, chilly, cough Dont seem to be any better. �85 82 Monday 6 April 1914 Another frozen morning ground bare. great fields of ice in the river. Voltie fixing and painting the churn. V and J working on veranda. Edith after washing dishes and cleaning and filling lamps has gone to school. Emma washed and hung out a lot of clothes but didnt finish. I had a great and tiresome time washing dishes. pantry and kitchen are awful and bread bread bread piled up. I wrote a letter to Will Tuesday 7 April 1914 This morning looks very much like rain.The air is chilly but the rain dont come and the boys work on veranda all day except when John goes over to Rachels to see how she gets along. finds her all right but lame. Edith gone to school. Emma rips her new skirt apart and makes it wider. Emma churns and gets dinner. The days drag monotonously on. Emma set another hen on 15 eggs. I sent a a letter to Will and a card to Reginald. Received only one small letter from Grace. Didnt get any letter from Maude. The day closes in dark with prospect of a storm of rain. Forgot to say Emma received a letter from Edith Boles about peddling cards. Wednesday 8 April 1914 Rain. Rain. a steady down pour Edith or De comba goign to stay home to day on account of rain. �86 83 consequently has resolved to do nothing to help, only hinder all she can. That 12 years old is to mean and devlish just at present, to endure. Cant work on veranda to day. John gone to Mr Niles’ for chipping shears. Sent her night gown home by John. V at shop painting Veranda doors. Emma washing towels etc. hung them on the further line Rain turned to snow, ground white again. Dont know how R gets along this day; all right I hope. John puttying glass in window for shop. A dismal day. I made an apron from a sugar sack and started a rug. Voltie cant get his meals on time. Edith made a long strip for a rug. Emma made a pretty fancy basket of pink silk and ribon. John puttied in glass. V read Farmers Magazine. and so ends the day. Thursday 9th April 1914 A clear frozen morning, ground covered with snow again. river quite clear of ice except along the shores. Graces anniversary birth day. I think she is 40 to day. A cold day. Boys working in shop. John puttying in windows glass. V makes whiffletrees. I mended a pair of pants for John & John began reading "The Tail of the Lonesome Pine" Maggie here to borrow kerosine lent Sylvia a quart kerosine. Stewing pumpkin for pies. dont know whenever the will be made. �87 84 Friday 10th April 1914 Another bright cold morning, ground spotted with snow that didn’t melt yesterday. Boys working on veranda. Emma went to P.O. Emma mailed one letter to Edith Bates anent pedling those PO cards. I sent a letter to Maud and a letter to Mills for seeds. Voltie made Edith hop for her laziness. She wouldnt pickup the dinner dishes, table covered with dishes and every thing left from dinner, over one hour after that she. I dont understand what ails her. V and J drew R a load of wood from away back on her place. Mail, Herald and Standard, Card from Maud, Eveline, Alzina McDonald. E & E received cards from Genevieve and their sister Ethel also cards from Maude. Saturday 11 April 1914 A cloudy morning looks very much like rain, dark and misty. Voltie working on Veranda. Rachel came over before breakfast - ate breakfast with us. She came about her heifer coming in. V sent John over while he worked at home. V gave Edith from 8 till 9 oclock to wash breakfast dishes or she would hop. She didnt have to hop she had them all finished two minutes before the clock struck nine. V & J worked on veranda. Emma made two punkin pies, mopped floors. Ed washed dishes. J went at sunset to milk and feed R heifer and feed the calf. �88 85 Sunday 12th April 1914 A bright clear cold morning didnt arise quite so early as usual, except John arose early drove over to R’s done R’s chores and brought her over early this morning before breakfast. She staid to Easter dinner and till 4,30 oclock when J drove over again with her, milked and fed the calf &c Eggs, Eggs, fried, poached, boiled, & omelet. I just loathe eggs. I began reading a new book "The little Shepard of Kingdom come" Monday 13th April 1914 A clear cold morning. Wind North frost on windows. Edith "Or de ongber". broke a sauce dish and spilled the sauce on the floor. John gone over to R’s to milk and feed her calf. V gone to drive the stock to the straw stack and look after the sheep. I guess I’ll darn socks for our boys. V & J mended six pairs of socks. They can do no more to the now; windows all in. Emma ironed. Emma made two pies pumpkin pies. John went over to milk and feed R’s calf but didnt go till after breakfast. Edith "Or de congba" about a small piece of lead pencil. The diary below this mark belongs to Tuesday 14th April 1914 Looks like a storm again. Emma is cleaning parlor. Emma goes to PO I send a letter to Grace. Send by �89 86 Sylvia for butter color and shoe laces, white thread and tobaco. I sent her a cabbage. Maggie here for butter papers. Em gone to PO, Ed gone to R’s to borrow a broom to dry out the parlor. Boys working on shop. Ed McDermot went for mail I clean long cupboard and put clean papers on shelves, cut blocks for Emma’s quilt and rug rags and log cabin quilt. J went again to milk R’s heifer. Mail a letter from Grace, an Easter card from Edith Dixon. Standard etc Wednesday 15 April 1914 The month half gone, the days chase each other like cloud shadows, a very fine day. The work within doors moves slowly - sowed tomato seeds. Not sure they will sprout, hope so. Emma cleaned floors. I cut rug rags. V gone to Jack Niles to help tear down and old barn. Jack has a bee to do the work. The river is full of floating ice but boat went up to day called the ringleader. John working alone on the shop this p.m. puting on the last roof boards. J & E & E all rushed to the shore to see the first boat go up with marine glasses. Mr Almond Joslin sick at the villiage. Mrs A Joslin told Emma over the phone. V brought in a box of soil and I sowed tomato & gourd seeds �90 87 Thursday 16 April 1914 Awoke this morning to find rain falling. river full of ice. V & J cleaning seed grain. churned. Emma fixed Edith brown dress. I worked in the rag business. The weather clears up, & quite warm. Voltie got an awful lame back. J fills another kettle of dirt for seeds. Maggie here 3 hours, she brought the dress pattern home. Friday 17 April 1914 A beautiful warm day. V & J carried the bees out side. John plowing fermin at Rachel’s. Edith gone to post office. Sent three letters and Graces pattern; a letter to Kenneth McDonald for seeds, a letter to Fallon brothers, a letter to Richard’s soap company for Emma. Maggie sent me a piece of her new dress. I go out to the veranda which to me is like going visiting. The river is thickly dotted with little islands of ice, the warm sunlight and beautiful river, the humming of bees is all like a dream. The air is so still every thing so quiet. One solitary bee buzzing around on the new glass windows. V found one extinct hive filled with honey. R over here for hen feed said Mrs Dignum had made her a visit and Laura still in �91 88 the asylum. Edith as obstinate and lazy as ever. John plowing all day. V working on shop all day. John blistered his heels plowing; nothing occured outside the usual rotine [sic] of business. Emma swept and put things to order in chamber; set a hen which makes 7 hens now setting. Saturday 18 April 1914 A bright day & breezy. John plowing. I expected a letter from some source but received nothing, not so much as a card. John received a letter from Gladys. Herald and Standard that is all. Voltie went for the mail. P.M. Emma went visiting to see Sylvia & Ruth. Edith after lingering over the dinner dishes, Phoned for Maggie. Maggie came & had fine time looking over cards and photos. Staid they rung for her to come home and help milk the cows. Ed McDermot had going over river for kerosine. Emma staid till dark. Voltie roofing his new shop. I pieced a chair cushion & "string a string" for rug. John began a new book, "Freckles" Sunday 19 April Sunday once more and looks like rain. Wish it would. It would settle the ground and the grass would grow. John while going to Rachels to do her milking steped on a barbed wire. �92 88 which penetrated his shoes and stuck in his foot consequently a very sore foot which Voltie treated to a surgical examanation [sic] and a poultice of linseed meal. Emma went to church. Margaret Joslin came home with her for a visit, she lost her hair ribon (blue) couldnt find it. she ate dinner and supper with us. and went home through the rain. I finish reading the fourth volume of the "History of England" by John Richard Green which leads up to the down fall of Napoleon and there the history stops; wish there had been more up to this date 1914. another new milker. John began Lorna Doone Monday 20th April A warm cloudy morning. no wind to ruffle the river or even gently move the smallest limbs of the trees. Emma made 4 butter prints, from last churning and washes separator. Johns foot is better. Charley W & his father were burried to day, we carried the plants and boxes of dirt out in veranda. Voltie plowed. John worked on shop shingling. Guess there was not much of anything done within door. I know Edith wont work. Emma done all there was done. I dont know about Edith she is a puzzle to me cant solve �93 Tuesday 21st April 1914 A fair pleasant day. John plows, his foot is better. Voltie works on shop putting on roofing and cementing Emma done big dirty wash and hung them on the line. I write and send a letter to Grace, one to Kenneth McDonald Bros for one packet of Livingston’s globe tomato seed, also I send a letter to Miss Carrie Lippincott Minneapolis for a mixture of flower seeds. Rachel came over to dinner brought sliced ham, and maple syrup. I lent her 10 glass ceilers for her Krout. Our seeds from Mills came to day and a letter from Grace and V received a letter from Bert Smith and the Standard and that is all. Looks again like rain. Sent Edith to Mrs Niles for castor oil for the calf. Old ram not very well. I thinks he has been fighting with the bull. Forgot to say Ruth gone home to her dad Batavia Wednesday 22nd April 1914 This month is hasting on. It will soon be May and grass dont grow. John plowing. V building shop, shingling North side. Emma first hen didnt hatch; eggs not good. Emma cleaned floors, brought in and folded the clothes, churned. V filled boxeses and I saved 5 kinds of tomatoes and celery. I made rug rags for rug Voltie and Emma preparing to go to Kingston tomorrow. 14 lbs butter, 6 doz eggs. John drove to dock with Voltie, Emma and Rachel stoped in the field to plow. �94 91 Thursday 23rd of April 1914 Emma ate dinner with Grace this Thursday 23rd A bright day—so far—This is the first trip for the islander this spring from our dock. As I said before V & Em & R gone up on boat to Kingston to market butter and eggs which leaves Edith and I alone. But dont suppose she will do any work to amount to anything. If she does I’ll be surprised. The old sheep is better and the calf is well. John still continues to milk R’s cow. Edith is in the kitchen washing breakfast dishes but not a sound can I hear, every thing as silent, not a sound of a dish being washed. broke a sauce dish, done so much. Before John drives home, he goes to the dock for R, E & V. Emma bought parlor curtains. John milked R’s cow. supper all ready when the arrived and Emma was delighted by showing her purchases. Friday 24 April 1914 A very good day. Buchanan over to see Lizzie Horn who is sick at Jack Niles, and phoned to Mrs McDonald about Bernie who I suppose can never get well. I sent a letter to Belle and paid the telephone bill. John finished plowing forninst Rachels. R sent me some head cheese & a cake of maple sugar. V worked on shop. Received a card from Belle. seeds from K McDonald. Emma rec’d her picture. The old homestead, Standard, Herald and 2 books from Experimental �95 92 Saturday 25 April 1914 A chilly morn Wind East & looks like a storm. Emma cleans floors and cooks and irons. Edith washes dishes. V & J after dinner proceed to the grainery to clean grass seed, when R appears "all dripping with wet and trembling with cold" to say that her cow didnt come home with the heifer and R is scart [sic], fearing she has got in some rock hole or is cast or something so the work at grainery comes to a sudden halt and away goes John with coat closely buttoned, to look for said cow and after looking every where on their farm and several others without success. V goes also, when the cow quietly walks home from the Woodman pasture so 4 hours gone and to late to clean grass seed. John stops and milks her heifer and chops wood enough to last two days and comes home tired, wet and hungry, bringing a bowl of beans which B has given him. We read the war news between U.S.A. and Mexico and go to bed. Sunday morn 26 April 1914 A rainy morn, Rained all night; a big stream of water running on the flat, to the river. A late breakfast makes a late dinner, and a late breakfast and dinner makes a late supper which is all well enough for Sunday. I guess the preacher didnt come down to day if he had his congregation �96 93 would have been small. Rains all day. Voltie says the grass grows some. I can’t find much to record this day. John takes an afternoon nap. Dont know how R is no one went there to day. V & J set a net. River very quiet, scarcely a ripple Monday 27th April 1914 A misty gray morning, water running on the flat. V run the net and got two fish. E & E, "Horse De combat" towards each other; a little wrangle wringle going on in kitchen every Monday morning. V cleaned the fish by the river. Emma canning apples. John plowing Garden, Voltie building fence; weather clears and sun shines clearly, one pepper coming up. Edith is blowed out, sure thing I arranged cabinet and made Ed a petticoat, and a pair of drawers. Ed washes dishes after the old way, churning going on too. Buchanan over again to see Lizzie Horn. She is very sick and may never recover and Louise Niles is badly again, I cut some rags for a rug. I think we have 17 pieces towards a rug. The grass is growing. The raspberry bushes are turning red, and the orange lillies are up and growing. Tuesday 28 April 1914 A brilliant morning and continues bright till 3 p.m. when the clouds gather for rain which beging immediately �97 94 about 4 p.m. R came over to mail letters or (magazines) and stays to dinner. I remove to the warm, well lighted veranda where I clean free from husks and litter a half bushel, multiple onions which V will carry to market Thursday. Emma washes three bed quilts and cleans Volties bedroom. One hen hatching, she and her chicks ought to be looked after. John finished plowing corn growing. V building fence. Mail Standard, seeds from Miss Carrie Lippincott Tomato seeds from Kenneth McDonald. Voltie when counting the sheep found one missing, and its loss is a mistery April 1914 Wednesday 29th Emma set another hen A rainy morning and rained all night. Chilly wind north. Voltie went to the lower barn and when coming home found the lost sheep, dead by all appearance for a week. it was torn and mutilated. V thinks the bull killed the sheep. V & J cleaning oats for seed. 10 a.m. and rain rain Joe Woodman came to get V to do some shop work and ate dinner with us. Heard that the sick are all convalesent. Bessie & Lizzie & Louise. Churned after dark. Thursday 30 April 1914 A fair morning Wind N. Arose at half past 4 a.m. V going to Kingston. �98 95 sent 13 lbs butter to market. John drove to dock. They stop for Rachel she going too. 1 doz eggs only for market. Our eggs are a constant article of diet, breakfast, dinner & supper. We get about 2 dozen a day but a lot goes under the hens for hatching. Eleven chickens came yesterday. Friday 1 May 1914 A very good day. John began cultivating in the big field going to sow oats. Voltie is building fence. I received a letter from Muriel also one from Grace. Saturday 2nd May 1914 Emma cleans floors. Sunday 3rd May 1914 Maggie came visiting Edith entertained her by playing with Emmas pigs on the floor. Consequently one died. Em went to church 12 people comprised the congregation. Rachel & Sylvia in p.m. here here �99 96 Monday 4 May 1914 Didnt wash to day. Edith went to school. Tuesday 5 May 1914 A very fine day. V brought water for Emma to wash. Emma washed big washing . I sent letter to Muriel. Wednesday 6th May 1914 A very pleasant day, wind North. Voltie building fence Wallace helping him this a.m. but didn’t stay to dinner. John working in field. I cleaned a lot of onions. Emma done jeneral [sic] house work and ironed. Edith went to school. Two men came to set up the manure spreader. They staid to supper and all night. Young fellow is named White. The other man from Yarker—dont know his name. We churned �100 97 Thursday 7th May 1914 A rainy morning. Voltie & John up early, the manure spreader men didnt get up so early but the man from Yarker voluntarily separated the milk. Edith as mean and devlish as ever makes me angry. No one from here goes to Kingston. R hailed Wallace when he was returning from the dock to say her cow had a calf and wants someone from here to come over and tie up the calf. John goes. R came over just in time to ride back with John, he is gone to plow her garden. Sylvia went to Kingston to market. Sylvia has got a sore throat. She bought Samy a new fiddle. I borrowed 5 envelopes of Sylvia. E & E went for them. I sent home Mrs Niles castor oil. She wants to get Edith for Inez surely she ought to know better. Friday 8 May 1914 A very pleasant day. John finished the sowing big field to oats and V crossed draged it. I wrote and sent a letter to Grace. Emma carried it to the road, and gave it to Maggie who is going to the new p.o. for the first time. Dont think there was much work done inside the house this day more than cook and wash dishes. I pieced two blocks. Mrs Ranous came and I gave her a few multipliers and some flower seeds. Emma & Sylvia went to the po; drove down. No letters. Herald and a picture of the Alps & Farmers Magazine. �101 98 Saturday 9th 1914 May Emma cleaned floors. Sylvia here got sore throat. Gave her catchup and jelly, set out the plants Mrs Ranous gave me. Rachel came. Sunday 10 May 1914 A very fine day Preacher here, he is visiting the old, sick and afflicted. Emma didnt go to church. Went visiting Sylvia in p.m. Monday 11 Didnt wash to day. Didnt do any thing only cook 3 very indiferent meals. Lazziness prevails, windows dirty, curtains dirty and smoky. Rachel here for the magazines to send to Eveline. The floors need painting the house needs renovating all through. Edith at school. Tuesday 12 May 1914 Chilly morning looks like rain. V went to Dig’s for his hog. I cleaned 12 lbs multipliers for seed, work drags. �102 99 Jan 1915 oil kerosine 12 galons 12 " 6 tea 1b 1p 1" sugar 14 lbs 14 15 �103 100 Jan 1915 for me Stockings ,75 Shoes for Em $3,00 skates 1,00 shoes mended ,50 " mended ,40 " Johns aneeded 1,25 17 18 �104 101 Jan 1915 Lemons 19 1 doz Soap 10 bars 5" 5 20 21 �105 22 Saturday 22 May 1914 Charlie V Halliday Jan 1915 codfish 24 Sunday 24 May 1914 Charley Gillespie went over the river for Muriel and Raymond and her babies. The little fat dimpled cherubs Hilda and baby James 6 months old and got two teeth. Sent for R to come over to dinner. Sent Edith. R came Muriel brought me a bottle of smelling salts and an embroidered handkerchief her own work. Well we had an enjoyable visit and admired her babies. They are two lovely kids only Hilda is so very pale and bloodles[s] with here [sic] yellow curls and very dark eyes. Well I dont often enumerate or relate what we had for dinner but They seemd to enjoy the "menu" boiled potatoes, a platter heaped full of fried fish, good bread & butter, cheese, cookies, date crackers, maple sugar, custard, oranges, butter gravy etc etc Rachel went home. Henry H came & ate supper. John returned from fishing with 96 rock bass & ansilles and a bull head. �106 Monday 25 May 1914 A cloudy drizzling morn Didnt sleep much last night for thinking of the churning consequently I was so very sleepy this morning, didnt get up till breakfast was ready and every one at table except me. Churned after breakfast without any difficulty Emma & Edith wrangling as usual. Emma wants to be boss of the whole affair around here. Edith going to school, which will make some difference in the peace of the family, she is now under going the opperation of having her hair combed by Emma which she does with no gentle hand which causes a truncetory "turkey dance". D came early and brought Edith’s shoes. V and J are building fence. Tuesday 26 May 1914 �107 January 22nd 1915 Wednesday 27 A misalaneous [sic] assortment Matches ,15 soda ,05 tobaco ,80 1 cap ,75 Feb Tobaco 3 lbs Thursday 28 29 Friday 29 �108 Jan 22 1915 Saturday 30 Coal and hardware $13,00 Sunday 31st Monday 1st June Monday morning bright and clear. Voltie and John digging post holes and building fence. Tom Dignum and his mother came over and went over the river in V’s skiff went to the co corners. they came back and had supper with us. The wind changed from North to South in p.m. and brought a shower. Lent Mrs D a book "The white Sister". We sent our milk to factory this morning by John 190 lbs. Rachel came over in a.m. for butter milk. Edith setting onions. Emma made pumkin pies. The boys go on the river at night. V went early in morning. �109 Tuesday 2nd June 1914 A bright day & breezy wind North and cool. Emma made out 25 lbs butter for Thursday’s market leaving 25 at home. Voltie went over to fix Tom Dignums motor engine. John working at the fence. When Voltie returned from Dignums he helped John with the fence. John brought water from river to wash clothes. Emma found she had no soap phoned to Sylvie to see if she could borrow enough soap to wash clothes. She could lend one bar. She had only two bars. Sylvia borrowed starch which Emma carried to Sylvia when she went for the soap also carried home Sylvie’s old tin pail that Emma had soldered. Edith went to the post office to mail a letter to Grace; drove down with Joe and a young McDermot and then set out onions. We can rhubarb after dinner. 3 �110 Thursday 4 June 1914 Arose early 4 am. Voltie drives to the dock with John and Emma. Emma has 25 lbs butter for market which she sold for 23 per lb. Emma & John ate dinner with Grace. Jan 1915 Soap paint bars 10 5 6 �111 7 Tuesday 8 June 1914 Wind South and breezy. V & J sheared sheep. Ed gone to school. Wanted to send letter to Grace but cant. The p.o. is too far away. John plowing for corn. Boys set tomato plants. The Englishman came again this evening. Wind blows, didnt go on the river this eve. Wednes 9 June 1914 Not many fish this morning. Den here early. John McDonald here too. A letter last night from Reginald, one from Maude. Edith went early to carry R some fish. Very saucy and lazy dont want to do any thing, says she will go to school but wont pick up the breakfast dishes. V not very well, stomach out of order. Jack Niles had a barn raising Voltie. Young Rache here peddling Native herbs and other medicine. Emma made 23 lbs butter for market. �112 Thursday 10 June 1914 Arose at 4 Oclock a.m. Voltie and Emma went to Kingston to market with butter. butter not very firm weather to warm but sold it for 22 and 24 per. Edith staid home with me; worked well all a.m. but skipped out many tmes. tho she done very well. V carried to market wool and pork and Henry H’s pigs, brought home his pig feed tht had been left the Thursday previous. Emma bought herself and Edith each a new hat. She ate dinner with Grace. Sunday 14 June 1914 Another fine day. Emma Woodman & Frank came over to Sylvia’s & Sylvia went home with them. Maloney’s brought them over. Charley Gillespie motored them home across river again. Sadie McDermot and Maggie, Maggie here to dinner. Rachel here to supper. John reading Virginian No church service to day. Mr Stewart gone to conference. I am very lame this day. The boys went on the river at sun down. Edith wont comb her own hair washing her didnt �113 Monday 15 June 1914 A beautiful bright day, Wind South a brisk breeze all p.m. Emma done big washing; hung them all on the lines, having to put up an extra line besides spreading them on the grass. John is cultivating for corn. Voltie finished the lower boat house and hoed beets and turnips and many other things necessary to be done. Edith went to school. Rachel came over for her honey sections that V had split for her. V put out all the boxes of tomato plants and peppers watered them and the cabbage plants. Sent letters to Maud and Henry by Denny, also sent for another pair of shoes and stockings for Edith. The wind changed to North. Maggie came to borrow starch Only three pike this time. Tuesday 16 June 1914 A cool bright windy morn. Wind North We are talking about making pumpkin pies, cakes, cookies, apple pies. We are talking about it "understand". John cultivating for corn. A good warm rain is very much needed. Edith home to day. R came over to Dinner. I sewed on Ediths dress, work goes slow. John cultivated and sowed corn with the drill. V looking after the motor which he took down to the tower boat house last night and it leaks fearfully �114 Wednesday 17 June 1914 A very fine day, cool & dry no rain also this is picknic day in Bob Smiths grove, for the benefit of the English church. John drove up with E & E. They rode back north the Barry’s in their automobile. Of the hundred tomato plants V set, only 4 remain. Guess it is grub work. R came over to dinner and washed the milk can and dinner dishes Thursdy 18 June 1914 A fine dry day no rain circus day. V and Emma gone to the circus. John drove to the dock taking the milk can and driving around by the factory. Not any thing done this day in door nor out. this is cider day, long to be remembered. Van came over somewhat set up, sent him to look for John. Found Joslin Then sent John to look for Edith. I was considerably upset about her after serching and calling found her abed fast asleep on V’s bed. The horses standing in the stable all day without any thing to eat wiht harness on. But cider swilling going on and running fish nets two fish. Resolved that if there ever is while I live another barrel of cider made may the lord have mercy on this family. V dont drink it, thank God. Edith dont do much beside chasing hogs out the oats, hens out the strawberries, Lambs out the meadow Dilavan can swear yet most fearfully. �115 I did hate to have V leave home for I was afraid John would would play out all day drinking cider and lying in the hay or straw. Old Van brought seed corn that V had already paid for. The hogs were not fed. Oh it was a terrible day, something I was not acustom to. At last J made out to milk the cows and drive to the dock for V and Reggie and Emma. I was glad to see them come home. Old Van wouldn’t go to bed but set up swilling cider till late and and using such awful profanity that every thing turned blue and smelt of brimstone. Friday 19 June 1914 Turned colder and wind blows from North. Delavan De Grasse couldn’t go home if he wants to but he is up to cider again all day and is full of history, religion and pollitics [sic] Towards night Emma filled the vinegar barrel with every drop of cider consequently when they went for cider it was gone and the twain were mad, awful mad and I was glad E emptied the barrel Saturday morn 20th Cold but not much wind. Van arose early and went home sober. I made apple pie, pumkin pie. We are expecting the preacher to dinner tomorrow. V set cabbage & tomato plants that he had bought on the market. No rain, tho much needed �116 Sunday 21 June 1914 Mr Stewart our preacher and his family came to dinner only 2 children, Muriel Stewart and Ferguson Stewart. I dont see any more discipline nor good manners with minister’s kids than others. V gave him $5,00. I gave her a book and Emma gave Muriel a book etc. This is (excepting one) his last Sunday to preach. They go to Batersee Sylvia, Cassie & Maggie were Cassie and Maggie intended to stay to dinner but didn’t want to meet the preacher. No rain. Monday 22nd July 1914 Emma done big washing. Edith wouldnt do much. Tuesdy 23 �117 Wednesday 24 June 1914 A very warm rain. Voltie and E picking berries 81 boxes for market. Thursday 25 June 1914 A very warm fine day. John & Rachel gone to Kingston. V drove to dock with them. Our first swarm of bees for this year. V hives them after bringing the swarm on a limb to show me what a big swarm it was or is. Mr Smeaton from the Orphans home and his manservant here to dinner. Forget to say, Reggie went to town also. He came back bring little Bob with him. Reginald stoped and staid all night with Rachel. Friday 26 June 1914 A cool morning. Wind North no rain, no rain. John gone to Vans for kerosine. Edith wont work. Emma and Voltie picking berries. Robt watches the cows. Reggie not come yet from Rachels. Reginald came over with R she staid awhile then went. I pared potatoes for dinner, pick over 2 boxes berries for dinner, washed breakfast dishes and milk pails and stove. John came bringing corn, golden bantam corn 12 gallons kerosine, tobaco and other stuff. �118 he had been to corners walked out. Voltie worked on his boat this p.m. (motor), Cassie where no rain here for 2 boxes of Berries. Howard Niles here for two. This is the last day of school. Mary Barrie sent me two little plants by Edith and we have set them out. I wish we could have a shower for our berries. Saturday 27 June 1914 Beginning to look like rain but not much. Em cleaned floors Kids went fishing. Sylvia and Cassie, Maggie Magee, GraceMcKay, Rachel, George Niles here. Rachel got her supper here. John and Ed picked greens. V and the youngons put the pump in the river with the long Rubber hose to water the Berries and watered some of them. Sunday 28 Jun 1914 A heavy rain in the night which continues at intervals all day with thunder and lightning. Reginald and Robert sneaked out and went fishing down by high rocks. Reginald fell in. I sent John for them. Reginald came dripping wet. They brought their fish poles but left the fish on the shore 15 of them. John reading most all day. Our butter has stepped out till we churn. This is Stewarts last day preaching. Dont think many attended service to day on account of rain. V entertained the kids in the kitchen a mouth organ consert. �119 Monday 29 June 1914 Wind blowing hard from west and still continues to rain. Howard here for Berries 2 boxes for dinner; a dreary dismal day but noise plenty a bedlam. E & E & Re & Ro Never any piece or quietness only when V is in the house. Evening passes very quietly J goes early to bed. V reads "Billy" the "quartette", play marbles. Tuesday 30 June 1914 The last of June. Rained in the night. Cloudy this morning, very cool. John drove to the factory, came back ate breakfast then drove to P.O. with letters one for Grace from me. John sends a letter to Andy MitchelWatertown. Reggie went to Niles for strawberry crates. Clouds gradualy clearing away John & Robert Jr went to the Briar farm for a load of wood. I washed breakfast dishes, scoured knives & forks, washed stove, milk pails, pots, pans, kettles, wrote a letter, picked over a pail of greens, pared potatoes and churned. I set Edith to churning while I pared potatoes. She didnt churn but turned the washing machine. V after doing all the chores picked 12 boxes of berries. V & Em & Reggie & John picking berries I wash dinner dishes. Robert is weeding salsify and onions. Van came over Lib sent me a small �120 Rachel over for butter and berries can of Salmon which we had for supper. I sent her two boxes of strawberries. This is a trying time indeed and will be for a long time. Wednesday 1st of July 1914 A beautiful day, river still. Van and Lib came early this morn. I received a letter from Grace. V killed a hen for dinner. George Rattray has a barn raising to day. V was asked but cant go, has to pick berries, but sent his crow bar and block and takles [sic]. began raining at three p.m. but Van came through the rain rowing across. Both staid for their supper then with berries and several other trophy’s. Rowed home through the rain. Thursday 2nd July 1914 A cloudy morning after breakfasat. J drove to the dock with V, he carrying 2 crates of berries to market 72 boxes. Clears away & the sun shines brightly. Emma cleaned the floors I cook & wash dishes. Joe & Ed came for 2 baskets of berries. Gave Emma .25 cts for them. They helped pick the berries. Next came old Horn for 3 boxes so Emma left her work again to gather the berries, no pay this tim, he just walks off carrying the berries. We are preparing to get supper when Howard Niles comes for 2 baskets, no pay. Louise came home. John & Reginald building fence all day (pasture) �121 to day from the hospital. Our load came at last. John, Voltie, Grace, Margarette, Isabelle, Robert Jr and Miriam Bruton and dog Buster. Friday 3rd July 1914 A fine day; a heavy dew this morning. The cows in the grain this morning. Voltie and John build fence all a.m. Grace, Voltie and Emma picked berries all p.m. 120 which are for Kingston market. Reginald & John cultivate potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes, turnips. Emma, Margaret, Miriam, Edith & Robert walked to the post office, brought a letter from Eveline with $25,00 dollars, express order from Welly, a card from Maud and one from Belle. Reginald and John & Voltie went to the lower boat house and got the motor all ready for tomorrow’s trip to Kingston. Went at sundown. While they were all gone to P.O. & motor, Mrs Cheesemaker Watts came for berries while her hubby waited outside in buggy. Very sorry we had none for her. Jack Niles 4, Dian Berry 6, Woodmans 2, which makes 132 boxes to day. Saturday 4 July 1914 Independence day once more bright and clear. Arose very early, Voltie gone to Kingston in motor carrying 120 boxes of berries for market. Found all the cows in our grain this morning. John tearing about, things dont go right �122 V returned and went to Clayton, gone quite late, brought Limburger cheese, 2 new dresses for me (wrappers) and print for Edith & Emma, dresses. brought from Kingston, 2 pairs of shoes for Edith No 4’s, both pairs too small Sunday 5 Monday 6 �123 Tuesday 7 July 1914 A cloudy day which makes it somewhat cooler. V went to market with 120 or boxes of berries went to Kingston, brought 4 loaves of bread, a letter tablet and envelopes. he forgot to mail my letters. I sent to Belle, Maud and Eveline. That is just like a man to forget things. Well no great damage done. Grace & Emma picking p.m. Wednesday 8 V picking berries for H.H. & D.H., Mrs John Hogan (widow called for berries 24 boxes. John is cutting hay. Edith, Margaret, Miriam Bruton & Isabel at consession bathing themselves. Sylvia & Jessie Reid here for 2 boxes berries. Thursday 9 July 1914 A hot day, wind North & breezy. John haying, mowing. Reginald raking. Margaret & Miriam Bruton gone to Kingston. V sent Dick H & Henry H each a crate of Berries. V working in cemetery this a.m. picking berries in p.m. Edith and Robert went fishing caught 9 fish. Edith prepared them for supper. Grace canning berries the first except one little can. Lightening in the south after sunset but no rain. Emma drove to �124 the dock for Margaret and Miriam. I got the supper while Grace & V picked berries. V picked for McLaren. Margaret and Miriam brought candies, bananas, peanuts, oranges, and Margaret bought her grandma a we pretty dish. Friday 10 July 1914 Another hot day a scorcher. V gone to the villiage with berries for McLaren. Tis 9 a.m. river quiet not a ripple. haying to be done, cows to be watched weeds to be pulled, berries to be picked and canned. Always a contention among youngones, but are they any worse than grown ups? Only more insignificant little affairs. Beet greens and fish for dinner. Grace has canned 18 cans berries. Voltie returned at 4 p.m. Had been to Kingston. John and Reginald drawing in hay. I think this is the hottest day. I ever saw 85 deg in the shade. V bought bananas, pea nuts, beer 6 bottles, stockings, pins, darning needles, mucilage ink, paid interest on bank note, paid telephone bill. Kids have great time playing in hay, bathing, fishing, Mail. Herald, letter from Maud, one from Nellie Brooks, Farmers Magazines and one letter from Hugh Livingston. Saturday 11 July 1914 The summer is swiftly galloping away. Tis cloudy this morning looks like rain. Edith wearing her best embroidered �125 petticoat every day and wont take it off. Must write to Nellie, Muriel, and Maud. All in bathing, Isabelle, Margaret, Robert, Miriam, Emma, Edith, Sylvia, Reginald, Ed, Joe Woodman. Maggie Joslin here for Berries 2 boxes. Howard here for berries 4 boxes. A Joslin rung for berries. Sunday 12 July 1914 A cool morning. Wind North, clear sky. No butter, potatoes nearly all gone. V killed a hen. We are to have a pot pie for dinner. Noon river still and weather as hot as ever. John & Reggie & Robert went trolling. Grace and Emma got dinner, picked berries. The day passed on gone forever gone with all the other Sundays and days since creation. John and Reginald & Robert, caught 65 fish of various kinds perch, rock bass, black bass etc. Sylvia came for a little while just at sundown. Every kid goes to consession to roll, tumble and flounder about in the water. Then Grace, Emma, Reginald, Robert & Buster go over to R carrying her some fish. At last every one gone to rest and the house is quiet once more. Monday 13 July 1914 Another day just like the preceeding ones. Emma washing at the river. Grace deting dinner. The men, J & V are haying. Edith gave me a foot bath River like a mirror. I worte three letters 1 to Muriel 1 to Nellie Brooks 1 to Maude. Kids all went to Sylvias �126 Tuesday 14 July 1914 A beautiful cool cloudy day. I sent letter to Nellie, 1 to Muriel. Edith, Margaret, Miriam, and Isabella walked to the post office. V & John working in field haying. Grace worked in kitchen all a.m., picked berries in p.m. Isabella swept the veranda and picked up and cleaned up everything, the dear little cherub. Wind North and breezy. John and Voltie worked in hay field. Reginald raking with old tranhorse. The girls every one go to the post office in the old buggy. Not a letter excepting one card from Muriel. John received a letter from Gladys asking for money. I do believe they would rob him of his very hearts blood and never thank him. Once they had a good home but they were not satisfied till they destroyed all he had, and broke his heart. Knapp is the fair haired "bye". Now let him support them. they will get enough of Knapp and taking care of themselves after awhile. John has been their support and slave long enough, two great healthy women when they have robbed him till he has nothing but his poor toil, warm hands to support them with. Then keep pulling on him for money after they have destroyed his home and drove him out. Have they turned Knapp out? Oh no. But when he finds out that he too has lost his support he will show his rotten nature and forsake them all right and I �127 think the time is close at hand, if not already accomplished. Arthur has got to have a home. She is a woman old enough to have common sence if she is ever going to have. Watertown, they wanted, and Watertown they have got. It was such a delighful place for moving picture shows and other entertainments and Arthur went along, for Arthur needed a home, poor Arthur. If Gladys had stuck by her father; but she didn’t; but wrote "Poppa you know I’m your daughter and you ought to support me" Support! Yes, support! that is all they think of or care about. The money he sends, there never was as much as a "thank you" for it. I notice they never ask or say "when are you coming home". No that is not what they want. They just want a machine to pump money from but they want the machine to keep at a distance. Now he can smoke the pipe of peace, and read his book right here at his own home and the time will come when he will be on the high road to success again, better than ever before if he keeps away from them and banks his earnings. I dont want him to go on the road never again but if the truth was sifted out, without any doubt in my mind, John is the first instigator or caused by his own folly in the first place come all this trouble. Some men ought never to marry �128 no rain Wednesday 15 July 1914 Another dry hot day the last day of Miriams visit and Grace is preparing to return to Kingston leaving Reginald and Robert here. So she packs her cans of strawberries. The new folks work in hay field, mowing, raking, cocking and drawing Oh how fearfuly hot. The girls drive to the p.o. Emma, Margaret, Miriam and Isabel. no letters nor papers except one postal card from Muriel. Then every kid including Maggie has a boisterous time playing "high Spy" and squat tag: audience John, Voltie, Emma and self. Then we all proceed to the parlor where Miriam where Miriam [sic] bare footed adn bare legged entertains us with piano music which she certainly can do; she is a musical wonder. I never saw anything like the exquisite touch of her fingers on the keys. At last Maggie goes home and we all go to bed. Thursday 16 July 1914 Another hot day. Voltie drove to the dock with Grace, Margaret, Isabell and Miriam enroute for Kingston with their boxes and suitcases leaving Edith to get dinner and get along the best we can but have to take out a search warrant several times to find Edith. Sometimes find her at �129 no rain Jones’, sometime at the barn, here and there and every where but with bobby for help manage to get along very well. We got an early dinner which Grace had prepared before she went home. Had supper nearly ready when V drove home from the dock with only Emma in the cart beside the groceries. I’m always glad to see the marketers return from Kingston with the parcels and bundles which often includes some bananas, oranges, candies etc beside this time Emma brought bolona and sausage. Friday 17 July 1914 A breezy day no rain but can better work in field. Emma went for field berries along the road and found scarcely any but picked a few cherries. R gave Emma a box of raspberries which we had for supper. The day goes as usual. Emma walked to the post office and comes from home in the automobile with Geo Barrie and Bob Burk and Norman Dupont. The Herald and a bunch of papers from Eveline, Leslies weekly, Afternoon cloudy looks like rain but not yet do. J & V want rain till they get the hay in the barn Saturday 18 July 1914 Looks like rain and begins about 2 p.m. and rains very severe at intervals. It brought the men from the hay �130 Morgan died this day Saturday 18 July 1914 field and the kids from fishing ie Emma, Edith, Robert and Reginald. How it rained, how it poured Emma wiped up the kitchen floor. I didnt bake for the wood was wet but got supper on oil stove. Sunday 19th July 1914 A cool breezy day, wind north shifting South in p.m. Peas for dinner. Emma picked them. John went fishing I and Edith shelled. Reginald & Robert went with John fishing, caught 65 and one big black bass. Sylvia & Maggie came down awhile. John cleaned the fish. Reginald and I studied Geography, History of England, and Webster’s dictionary awhile. Emma made a custard pie for dinner and a chocolate cake. John gave Sylvia some fish, George Morgan Sr died to day. Monday 20th July 1914 A breezy morn. Wind NW changed South at noon. hard work to get work done. I helped wash breakfast dishes, churned, washed and salted the butter and then churned and salted her butter. We had greens, new potatoes and fish and a pie (rhubarb) for dinner. Emma gathered all the dirty clothes and carried them to the river to soak. V and J & Reg drawing hay. After dinner Emma went to Rachels to pick raspberries. Edith and Robert wash the dinner dishes. Emma brought 4 boxes of berries had one for supper. 3 fields cleared of hay �131 Tuesday 21st July 1914 A cool breezy morn. Wind S.W. I’m very lame this morning but I, by use of the two canes, walked to the veranda. John gone to factory. V & J & Reginald worked in hay field. V shot a hen. Emma picked and cleaned it, done it in a cloth & hung it in the cellar. The hen was scratching up the potatoes. Emma washed clothes on the shore. Edith quarrellng with Bob. Mail a letter from Grace, a card from Belle and Standad and that is all. Belle requesting the name of the man that laid the Atlantic cable. Cyrus W Field was the man. Wednesday 22nd July 1914 A very fine day neither to hot nor to cool clear brilliant sun in a cloudless sky. V shot another hen this morning in the potatoe scratch, scratch, scratch and dig. The yesterday hen we cooked for dinner. The boys drew 6 loads of hay from R’s place, p.m. It begins to look like rain. Mrs Niles over to R’s picking reaspberries. After supper V goes back to mow hay while John and Reginald do the chores. Edith & Bob lugging V’s shot gun around out door. Thursday 23 July 1914 Begins to rain at 3 a.m. I heard of potatoe on the veranda. John went to factory and to the dock. V sent �132 by John $53 dollars to give to George Rattray requesting him to go to the bank and pay Mr Thos Mills the 53 dollars that V hired last spring for J. 1/2 past nine a.m. V grinding mowing machine knives. Weather clearing, hoeing and weeding. Edith washing towels &c. Emma cooking chicken. I sent a letter to Belle. Edy McDonald phoned Emma for a cat (kitten). 10h, 10m rains again. V phoned to Geo Rattray for coal (soft coal). Geo sent hard chestnut coal instead because he didn’t understand Friday 24th July 1914 Very mudy morning couldn’t walk to the foot post office, sent a letter to Grace & a card to Belle by by Joe and Ed. String beans for dinner. Boys hoed in garden. V mowed over on Rachel in p.m. Edith contrary as usual. E & E & Rob’t started to walk to the P.O. only went a far as Rachels found the mail had been brought and left there. A letter from Hiriam Burton, a card from Belle and the Herald. Saturday 25 July 1914 Haying not done yet. weather not very favorable for haying. V hoed in garden and planted cucumbers. Emma finished cleaning kitchen and painted K floor �133 mowed in p.m. I sent Edith to A Joslin’s for a lb of butter. Sunday 26 July 1914 A very good day. Emma went to church in p.m. Maggie here tearing around with Edith. John and the boys went fishing caught a soda biscuit pail full. V tinkering around the cellar way. Clery brought the preacher down in his motor and came here for gasoline, paid V a dollar for gasoline. John cleans fish on the shore. Samy and Emma go driving in the evening. Monday 27 July All hands working to day mowing hay. John hoeing corn. Reginald raking. Edith & Robert picked peas for dinner. V ate his breakfast first to get to the field early to cut hay. Emma cleaned my room and washed some things at river. Edith after a great deal of persuasion put some dried apples to stew. I churned, washed breakfasat and dinner dishes shelled peas wrote a letter to Miriam Burton, cut some quilt blocks &c. V finished mowing hay except a small piece here at home. Edith raised old Dickens. rained a little. Tuesday 28 July 1914 A very good day for work in door and out door. V & J and Reginald drawing hay �134 to the lower barn from R’s place. V & J going to try and finish haying as soon as they can for there is always lots of work to do. E couldnt get a chance to send to the post office to Edith & Robert swatting flies. Robert picked the beans. I snipped their heads off. I washed breakfast dishes. Emma cleaned pantry. We borrowed soap 1 bar of Sylvia also one from Rachel. Mail, Standard, a card from Belle also a letter from Belle. Dilavan came over with John King who wants to hire out to V but V dont need him. J.K. stays all night a to breakfast. V succeeds in hiring him out to John Weir for two dollars per day, hired him by the using of the telephone. Wednesday 28 July 1914 Boys finished haying over on R. Emma preparing to go to Kingston for a weeks visit. I send Robert to Sylvia’s to borrow baking soda. Robt and Edith quarrel and fight then Robert goes to Woodman’s. Edith picks a pail full of string beans. Wind blowing strong breeze from North. V killed a tough old rooster which I picked and prepared for dinner and prepaired [sic] the string beans. Rachel sent over a raspberry pie. After dinner I sent her part of the chicken pot pie and she sent beans shelled and cooked. �135 1 Jan 1914 Eggs up to this date 12 Emma done big washing of clothes at the river. We managed to send Grace string beans & peas, i.e. we are going to send them tomorrow. Thursday 29th 1914 A very fine day warm tho the night and morning a cool. John drove to factory. Voltie drove to dock with Emma, Reginald & Robert also Rachel. Emma going to stay a week with Grace. V arose at 4 a.m. V mowed the hay by the river this a.m. and raked and cocked it its. Maggie came, she swept the floors for me. Edith washed milk pails and milk can then she was absent, missing. I didnt look for her but continued to wash breakfast dishes. When V came he found her asleep on his bed and now begins the trial of having hard work and endurance for one whole week. Very dry no rain. Friday 30th July 1914 This is the second day Emma has been gone and I am tired. I cant write much any way. �136 Saturday 1st Aug 1914 This is the third day. Emma has been gone, gone. I made two rhubarb pies and two turnovers. Ive got one cake for Sunday, guess the cat wont eat those pies. After a long argument and persuasion we got Edith to mop the floors. Bert phoned for V to come for him and Maud and Hubert at Cornairs. V went and they came in time for supper. Sunday 2nd August 1914 I woke this morning to find Bert, Maud and the Baby Hubert here. Maud helped to get the meals. We had fish in abundance that John and Rob’t Junior had caught the night before (last night) by moonlight. We sent for Rachel to come over and see Maud and the baby. She came. Monday 3rd August 1914 Arose early for V is going to take Bert and Maud across in the motor where Bert’s car is waiting for them at Cornair’s Maud and the little baby Hubert. V came back and then went to the villiage and Kingston by motor. He came late bringing dishes and groceries and 3 Whigs saying War is declared in Europe. England, France, Russia, Germany, Austria, Servia [sic] and Belgium all fighting at once. The home millers of Ireland, the militant suffregetts and Mexico have have all stopped fighting and stand agape with horror looking on. R came in evening & staid till V came �137 New Year Morning 1914 Brown Sugar lb 20 Tuesday 4 August 1914 No rain wish it would rain. Received a card from Belle saying she and Henry would be here the 11 or 12 of the months. This is the sixth day Emma has been gone. I have weathered the storm of her absence 6 days. Oh I’m tired. But the days are passing, time waits for no one. V & J working in field. V binding and J setting up oats. We churned. Wednesday 5 August 1914 A bright clear day but hot no rain. May Ranous married to day to Rodney Pike. They were married in English church. We sent the numerous carriages ladened with happy people all going down to Geo Ranous to the wedding dinner. Barry’s auto carried the bridal party. Our boys, V & J working in the oat field. Little Bob Jr preparing to go home this p.m. on the boat. Sylvia went to the wedding and took Ed McDermot with her. Ed has got a new buggy. Thursday 6 August 1914 Another hot dry day. Emma came home. I am very glad to see her, and I feel like one let out of prison. She brought bananas and we had them for supper. Reginald came down on the boat for a trip. Robt Wells Jr went home on the boat this pm. Grace sent him a card to come home for his dad is coming home. War declared between England and Germany. All Europe in a blaze of war Fridy 7th August 1914 Another scorching day, no Rain every thing dry, dry, dry! V and hoeing beans. I forgot to say that Sylvia has gone visiting yesterday to her grandad Reid and took Ed McDermot with her. I guess they are coorting [sic]. I did not do any house work to day. I had a vacation and sat in our veranda. Rachel came ��138 1914 Choth shaker flannel 20 yds Saturday 8th August 1914 A very hot day a scorcher and a terrible drought every thing drying up. V finished binding the big oat field here by the church. I sat by the window and watched the binding till the last straw fell & then dinner was ready. Emma had to wash for she had been gone to Graces a whole week. For dinner we had bread & butter, boiled potatoes, boiled sliced beets, boiled eggs, cookies, cake, crea, gravy, onions & stewed black caps and tea. John fixed the river pump for wattering the tomatoes and cucumbers. The smoke is so thick we can scarcely see from here to Consession and is growing worse all the time. I am stewing pumpkin and cleaned potatoes for dinner and beets washed pots, pans, and kettles and both tables and cabinet. Wind changed from South to N but hot. To work again setting up oats in field. Wish it would rain. The flies are plentiful and savage. Edith went to help Rachel drive her cows to water this a.m. We received a letter from Maud (or card). V received a card from Lottie saying to come to Vans for them tomorrow �139 Sunday 9th August 1914 V motored over to Vans for Lottie & Louise also Willie came too to make a days visit and we were glad to see them all. We had a fine mess of fish for dinner that John had caught. After dinner Willie with valise in hand goes over to Rachel’s. After awhile the girls followed with another hand bag and stay all night. Lottie brought me a book. But I had read it. Wilie took it to exchange it. He is covering for the girls next Sunday. No rain but a very hot dry day. Monday 10 August 1914 V reaping & bindind [sic] oats John setting up oat. Lottie came over for shelf paper staid awhile, no water in Rachels well. V drew some for them from our well. Emma makes Lottie and I a glass of cold lemonade. Clouds gather and a little rain falls towards night. Emma washes and drys the clothes before the commencement of rain. Brings them in. Sylvia came home to day then comes to make a call together with Maggie. Rain drives them home. I retire early. Tuesday 11 August 1914 A very hot day. A heavy shower in a.m. I write and send a letter to Grace. John drives down to post office to mail his letters and mine. Louise drives down with him. Emma and I finish her dress. Samy brought the mail from WHW 2 letters for me. One from Miriam Burton one from Mrs Stewart. Emma went for the mail to Sylvia. I read the war news. �140 Wednesday 12 August 1914 Time flies and summer is hastening away. This is a cool day. Wind N.E. V and J drawing and stacking oats. I done some repairing of overalls and socks for the boys V & J. After dinner Rachel, Lottie and Louise came over awhile and staid a couple of hours. Wind hushed river still, river like a mirror. Lottie & Louise came and Emma and the two girls go out in the boat after supper. Edith pulled all the onions this day. The flies are very troublesome. Thursday 13 August 1914 No one goes to town from here to day except Rachel. Voltie drives to the dock. We send by her for groceries and a hundred lbs of flour. Emma drives over with Voltie to send by Maggie Joslin for embroidery needles. Voltie and John draw and stack oats. V drives to dock. Reginald and Robert Jr came down on the boat leased to come home again. They bring me a letter from Grace saying they are going to move to Limerick or Brownville Grace has been over there, to Berts. All is well. Friday 14th August 1914th 1914 The day is clear and very warm. I received a letter from Belle saying Grace is to be married next month (Sept). V rec’d a letter of thanks from Anglin thanking him for strawberry plants. The Standard and Montreal Herald and Weekly Star. We sat up to read the War News. �141 Saturday 15 August 1914 Weather quite cool this morning. Wind S and blowin a stiff breeze. Heard the phone ring at 1/4 to 12 midnight for A Joslin and at 1/4 past 12 for W. H. Woodman. Heard by the phone this morning that a baby girl came to John Niles Jr’s last night. Lottie and Louise here this pm. V and J cutting peas. We have green peas for dinner. V brings in some ripe tomatoes! A few squally showers this p.m. but the sun shines most of the time. Lottie & Louise and Reginald go to water R’s cows. Sunday 16th August 1914 A very good day. Lena drove out for Lottie and Louise, brought me some slips of geranium. V motored for them, Cassie and Clifford came too. Lottie gave me Ben Hur. Rachel came over and staid till V came back. Reginald went over and came back with Voltie. Carrie & Clifford were left behind and engaged Albert Gillespie to take them across in his motor. Wind South and beginning to rain. John drives over with Rachel after the return of V & Reginald. Monday 17 August 1914 Rather wet in fore noon couldn’t bind oats after dinner. V and John go to Clayton. V to pay his bank note of 30 dollars and buy shoes and calico, limbarg [sic] cheese, peanuts and candies etc. They came after dark. Emma milked the cows. Kids noisy as anything. Edith and �142 Robert & the kittens all up in the apple tree. Rachel came over and staid till 7 pm. Tuesday 18 August 1914 Emma washing some more things. V and J cut peas; we had peas peas for dinner. Weather rainy. John goes for the mail (drives) a letter from Grace, a card from Muriel. I send a letter to Grace also a card from Muriel. Wednesday 19 Aug 1914 A very good day warm and pleasant. Emma cleans floors and bakes bread and cake. I make apple pies (4). I work around till I’m rather tired. V and J rending oats on old Smith place then V drives to dock for Bob and Grace and Isabel so we have a jolly house full again. Thursday 20th Aug 1914 V and Reginald went to Cape with Bob Wells Sr in motor. He is going to Brownville to look for a house to move into. V & Reginald came back early bringing tanglefoot and rolled oats with a small glass pepper shaker as a prize. Cloudy and begins to rain in pm. Little Bob wouldn’t stay but went home to Kingston with his mother. V gave Reginald 3 dollars. John and Emma milk the cows and Edith goes to water R’s cows. R drove her hom [sic] by ordering her to go. �143 Friday 21st August 1914 A cloudy day wind south didn’t send any mail today. Emma jawing at Edith in kitchen. V & J shingling the shop. Cats tearing up & down the apple tree. Edith went night and morning to help R water her cows. I patched several garments, wrote in this diary. V and J finished shingling and put on the ridge boards. One clearing up storm accompanied by thunder and lightning. Mail Montreal Herald, Standard, letter from Muriel and one from Maud also a letter from Lottie. Saturday 22 of August 1914 A very fine day after the storm. V & J has to open up the oat shocks to dry in the sun. I washed breakfast dishes. Emma cleaned floors. While we were at dinner Belle and Henry came quite unexpectedly. I was so glad to see them. Belle brought phonograph records. We set up quite late talking. Ben Percy rowed them across in Rob Percy’s skiff and ate dinner here before going to Sylves where he staid all night. Sunday 23rd August 1914 A fair day. Edith went to water Rachels cows, I sent invitation to R to come over, she came and staid to dinner. Ben Percy came too dinner. After dinner Ben goes home ie after the rain which comes in great floods, almost a tornado acompanied by thunder and lightning. Went to water R’s cows but they wouldn’t drink. �144 Monday 24th August 1914 A fine day. V & J drew and stacked oats this p.m. R keeps sending for Belle to come over there. Emma didnt wash to day, we just get three meals a day. I know they dont like to work very well. But Emma has most every thing to do alone. Edith shirks every thing she can. Tuesday 25 August 1914 A fine day. V and J finished harvesting to day. Wednesday 26 August 1914 A very fine day. Belle walked over to Rachels staid till after dinner. V phoned to Henderson for groceries. Emma finished washing. Thursday 27 August 1914 A fine day. Arose early. John going to town. V sending by him for hog feed and groceries. V and Henry go fishing had fine luck catching bass and perch and rock fish. Rachel and old Preacher Craig here to dinner. Mr Craig dug strawberry and dewberry plants. J brought home whiskey and beer. Reginald and Robert came, we expected Grace but she didn’t come only the little boys came. �145 Friday 28th August 1914 Quite a fine day. Not much done in or out this day but a terrible swilling of beer and some whiskey too. I dont know what will ever become of John; his habits of intemperance has such a terrible grip on him that he can never, no never conquer the horrible monster; his whole appearance is shocking. May God have mercy on him and snatch him from his awful doom before it is everlastingly to late. My poor dear Johny. How can I bear to see him go down down down! Saturday 29th August 1914 This is the day that Belle & Henry came so unexpectedly as a surprise while we were at dinner. Emma flew around and soon had an extra dinner for them. Ben Percy brought them over, ate dinner also then went to Sylvias and staid all night. Sunday 30 August 1914 Rain wind and squalls nearly all day. Wind lulls in pm towards night. Ben came back from Sylvias ate dinner again with us then took Rob Percy’s skiff that he had rowed Bell & Henry across in and went away home across the river tho the poor "critter" really has no home. This is the day Belle went home. Ive made a mistake somewhere. �146 Monday Aug 31st 1914 Voltie took John to the Cape this day. Tuesday Sept 1 1914 Wednesday 2nd Sept 1914 V works hard all day and then after dark drives to the dock for Bob, Grace, Margret and Isabelle. He didnt wait for supper but we had a good square meal when they came home from dock and we all sat down together and enjoyed a merry sociable time Reginald went to the dock with Voltie. �147 This Thursday brought a lot of groceries from town and Friends. Thursday 3rd Sept 1914 This Thursday V went to Kingston in motor. Awoke this morning to find Grace, Bob and their four kids here enroute for WatertownN.Y. for new home. It was hustle and bustle all day getting ready to go. Grace done big washing and ironing. Bob tried to fish but not very successful, wind blew so hard but we have enough to eat without them. Our greatest want is butter which is not much from Sat night and Sunday morning cream. Friday 4th Sept 1914 Well this is the morning that Grace, Bob, and their kids are to go over the river to Van’s. V went across twice first carrying Bob, Reginald and Bob Jr. Came back for Grace and Margaret & Isabelle and loads of parcels, but no Bert there waiting for them. V came back said they all staid to dinner including Al Barry and his brother Robert from the West. Lib made an extra pie for she had only one. A very good day. Saturday 5 Sept 1914 One day of quietness and peace tho I miss the little boys Reggie and Robbie and are lonesome without them and to think they are going away from us tho only to Watertown it seems 5 times further away than Kingston. Saturday towards night a phone from Bert and Maud to come to Cornairs for them well after supper. V goes and dont get back till after dark. A cool day some wind �148 Sunday 6 Sept 1914 A very quiet Sunday reading and resting, and three square meals, a doctering baby Hubert and listening to a great lot of news gossip and scandal that ever happened in Jeff Co, N.Y. Oh I hate it Monday 7 Sept 1914 Bert and Voltie building fence all day boring post holes. Hubert is better gave him a lot of catnip tea and scalded milk. Maud dont look very well, she is so thin as a spindle and fat as a match every day Tuesday 8 Sept 1914 A very good day. Bert an Voltie work at the fence all day. Maud and Emma do some work and keep every thing humming. I write a letter to Wellie. Lots of fish and eggs. Mail a card from Wellie, Standard and Globe Wellie said he saw John in Watertown �149 Wednesday 9 Sept 1914 A cool day but not very windy. Bert helps V nearly day except when he goes fishing and catches a good suply [sic] for the table. Baby Hubert is better. Emma made him a dress which Maud put on him. V takes M & B across in motor at sunset such a beautiful evening, not a ripple on the water. V gone only a little while. Emma has a great time finding and cleaning bottles for the baby Thursday 10 Sept 1914 A fine day. No one from here goes to town this day. Voltie alone but begins cutting the corn, goes down on the 75 acres for the sheep and does all the chores alone, milks all the cows besides going to the lower farm for them, feeds 12 hogs, chops all the wood &c V drives to dock for hog feed & 200 lbs sugar $$14 dollars all paid for. Friday 11 Sept 1914 A fine cool day. Voltie cutting and binding corn nearly all day with the binder he carried. R corn potatoes & tomatoes. Emma made crab apple jelly The first she has made this fall. Edith at school for which I am thankful. I make Edith an apron. Mail, Standard, Montreal Herald, Daily Globe, a letter from Margaret Gaskin, a card from Belle saying Grace is to be married 16th this month. V hew some corn. Belle wrote that John had been at their house 3 days �150 Saturday 12 Sept 1914 A bright morning & cool. Emma helping V draw corn, after bottling the jelly. I’m trying to get Edith to work at the dishes, hard work for me to get her to wash dishes, the tongue of her is tremendous. Sylvia came for something dont know what. It might have ben to show her nice apron which she received from Eatons last nights mail. Edith done very well this a.m. but O so lazy, obstinate nd indifferent to any thing said to her about pickup dishes or any other kind of help to get the work along & wash all breakfast dishes and get dinner. then wash dinner dishes, milk pails, and stove wash, bender and water bench & soap dish, etc. Tom Dignum phoned to ask Voltie why he cut his corn so early. Voltie finished drawing the corn so it is done. Sylvia and Sheridan gone up the river in a motor. Maggie Edith went for the cows. Sunday 13 Sept 1914 A beautiful bright morning. Emma went to church. Maggie here this morn for tomatoes. Edith went to help aunt R water her cows and brought home three snowplowers on a stem. V caught 5 fish. Edith cleared thm for dinner. Maggie Joslin comes home with �151 and to dinner. Emma & Maggie after washing the dinner dishes walk up to Jack Niles to see the baby Lois. Found Geo & Louise there besides Old Horn and Lizzie, Mr and Mrs Kesler. Edith goes up to visit Maggie Magee. She is alone. Sylvia gone to English church. Ed, Joe & Sam gone to Howe Island to a bass [sic] ball play. About 4 pm V motors to Micheas with Margaret Joslin; she is working for her granny Anne Michea, Mag Magee came home with Edith and they go sauntering along the shore. The day ends in quiet peacefulness Monday 14 Sept 1914 Another beautiful day. A brilliant sun and a cloudless sky & warm tho the evenings are cool. V fixing line fence between himself and Geo Niles. Emma washed and hung the clothes on the line by 10 pm. Edith picked beans for dinner. I shelled them. Then Edith went to school; has row with the Morgans, Madeline tore Ediths new apron. V finished cobbling the fence, picked lot of tomatoes for home canning and for Joslin’s family beside a pail of cucumbers for Weir. Edith went for the cows gone a long time. Emma called on Sylvie 2 hours. Edith came home early. Edith washing supper dishes. A beautiful sunset and the river so still it reflects every color of sky. �152 Tuesday 15 September 1914 Another bright sunny day. Wind South and breezy. Edith gone to school. Alden Morgan here for vinegar didnt get any. Alden says Edith is to blame for all the trouble at the school house, she medelles [sic] and bosses, is quarrelsome, hinders the boys from playing ball. Wednesday 16 A beautiful day. Grace Halliday married to day to Howard Cheever. V doing all kinds of odd chores and preparing for threshes, dug 2 bag of potatoes. I churned, had a very good lump of butter. Thursday 17 Sept 1914 A fine day very. Arose very early Voltie is going to Kingston for table supplies for threshers, beef, pork and bread. We keep the milk at home to day and last night. Emma drove to dock, we made apple pies and punkin pies, 9 loaves of bread, cookies, rolled jelly cake, ginger cake, etc The day is very warm. V left his bag pork & bread on boat Friday 18 September 1914 Another fine day tho the morning was very fogy when Voltie started for the villiage in the motor very early to catch the boat to get his beef and pork and bread that he left on the boat but the boat had had gone and V followed the just Edith is harried lazy to day �153 boat to Kingston, and got his beef, pork and bread and hired a man for a month, an old scotch man George McKay. Sylvia came after dinner and helped Emma all p.m. The machine moved here from Niles just at Sunday. George Niles and here in evening. George has sore eyes. Old Geo can talk faster than old Lewy only Geo dont stutter, he sits at table twice as long as any of the family. Mail a card from Louise, a letter from Grace, a letter from Maud. The Herald and Standard. Voltie bought 20 bags cotton $4 dollars. Saturday 19th Sept 1914 Wind North cool & clear. Geo Niles here to breakfast also Will Ranous. The threshing machine is buzzing and the men are working like bees. Sylvia is here. Forgot to say V saw Grace H and her husband on the boat just two young kids to be married and they have before them (if they live) a long life of happiness, or disgusting sorrow which will it be? Sunday 20 Sept 1914 Another fine day breezy wind South. I write a long letter to Will. Emma goes to church in p.m. Alden McD here all p.m., staid to supper. Hat Essford and his new wife Elen Forbes Caselry married yesterday, Widower and widow, boys met to serenade them last night but were not welcomed. Essford very angry �154 Monday 21 Sept 1914 Another bright day, finished threshing at noon pulled out and went to Byron Irvines, old Geo went too. Emma not very well, got a cold or distemper, gave a pie, a loaf of bread and some flour. Edith watered Rs cows. The monument man came at 4 p.m. V went to dock for it but only one half came, base not here. man steid all night Tuesday 22 Sept 1914 Another warm morning; thick and hazy looks like rain but no rain, a hot dry day. Emma canned 9 cans of tomatoes and preserved some. McKay threshing at Montgomery’s. Edith at home helping Emma and drive R’s cows to river Tuesday 23 �155 This is 16 Jan and 11 egs [sic] up to this date 1915 Jan 17 - 3 " 18 - 3 " 19 - 5 " 20 - 5 " 22 - 4 23 - 7 24 - 5 25 - 5 26 - 6 27 - 5 28 - 6 29 - 5 30 - 4 31 - 6 [subtotal] 74 1 Feb - 7 2nd - 5 3rd - 5 4-5 5-5 6-5 7 - 4 Friday 8-6 9-5 10 - 4 12 - 1 13 - 4 14 - 6 15 - 6 16 - 6 17 - 6 18 - 7 [random additions] �156 Saturday Sunday 27 Sept 1914 A fine cool morning, arose at 7 O’clock. V gathered the apples, siberian crabs from the Smith place, a bay full brought them up in boat and 40 perch that he caught by goose point. Old scotch Geo came back. Woodmans cows nearly destroyed one garden last night but they dont care. Monday 28 Sep 1914 A clear clear cool morning, frost last night. Old Geo spreading manure. Ed washing dishes. V showing him how to use the spreader. Wind North Edith gone to Niles for a letter for V from Buchanan been gone a long while. Emma cleans tomatoes. I fix Emma a dress. After dinner V goes to Clayton in motor, comes home quite early brings Limburger cheese couldnt find a garlic in Clayton. It is a one horse town any way. �157 Jan Rachels eggs eggs 25th day 4 ""1 26 - 2 Tuesday 29 Wednesday 30 Thursday 1 Oct Friday �158 Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday �159 Wednesday The hay pressers have returned to Sylvias. Thursday 8 Oct 1914 No rain. Sent by Sylve for spices and groceries then V phoned to Henderson for lard and fruit strainer. Emma goes up to Sylvia’s to get dinner for the hay pressers. She came home directly after dinner and dishes washed. Edith and I got our dinner and washed dishes sent for fruit strainer. V drove to dock for grist and lard and Friday 9 Oct 1914 A fair warm day no rain in a long time, weather hazy, the trees have changed their coats of green for autumn colors of every hue the "creation". A letter to John, a letter to Grace and one to Fallon Brothers, CornwellOnt. Edith watering R’s cows and carried the mail as far as Rachel. Old Geo drawing manure. V phoned to friend for Turmeric and a box of tanglefoot. Emma making mixed pickles. �160 Saturday 10 Sunday 11 Monday 12 �161 Tuesday 13 Oct Nov 1914 A fine day. V and McKay digging potatoes. I write letters but cant get them to post office. Edith gone to school. Wednesday 14 Oct 1914 A very pleasant day. Voltie and McKay cleaned up and bagged a hundred bushels of oats. He says the hay will be here tomorow and to prepare but he is going to Kingston tomorrow also aunt Rachel. I am sending 4 letters one to Margaret, one to Watson, one to John, one to Eveline. Bessie Brickenridge and Will Mcdonald go across in V’s skiff to see Buchanan, river like a mirror. Edith goes to school Thursday 15 Oct 1914 Not a very pleasant day. Voltie went to town with a grist and a hundred bushels of oats which went up on scow while he went up on the islander. The hay press moved here this morning from Geo Gillespies. John McDonald Cheif and owner with two Hogans, Victor and Stewart as junipers with Joe Woodman as assistant for the day, only and old McKay. V came home from Kingston bringing several and various article in grocery and dry goods line to numerous to mention. �162 Friday 16 Oct 1914 Not a pleasant day, dont rain but threatens it, a little rain at noon but the hay press is in opperation. Oh I’ll be glad when this gang is gone. I washed breakfast dishes made two apple pies, cooked beans etc. Maggie here for oil and filling. Ediths head full about school. Saturday 17 Oct 1914 A cloudy misty morning but they pumped hay all day and we cooked all day three square meals. After supper and after dark John McDonald and his Hogan gang went home and the house is clear of that lot, and we are alone excep McKay and I’ll be glad when he too is gone. Sunday 18th A fine day sun shining clearly and bright. Monday 19th A fine day Geo plowing Samy and a �163 Tuesday 20 Oct 1914 A beautiful day wind South. Sylvia here helped Emma wash dinner dishes and helped Emma scald and peel tomatoes, says she dont care if Sam is gone, he is so contrary and disagreeable. Voltie and Geo scraping ditches; we filled 18 glass cans with tomatoes. Samy Woodman cleared out and went to Franks. Jack Niles set his over the river. V in evening makes a barrel of Krout for Rachel. Wednesday 21 Oct 1914 Another fine day. Wind South and blowing river rough. Edith went to school. Had a fight with Morgan’s kids. Sylvia here, gave her a basket of tomatoes. Voltie working on shop, Geo plowing Thursday 22nd October 1914 A beautiful day. Old Geo up very early this morning at 4 am. He is going away this morning; his months work is done. V got Geo’s breakfast before any of us were up. V sent a grist to mill, came back ate breakfast and went to the Smith place and moved the bales of hay from the old shed into the barn 30 bales, ate dinner then picked tomatoes red and green. Emma picked her apron full of red and green peppers. Edith went to school. I croched [sic] a chair didy. Voltie went to the dock this pm for his grist. Dennie went up and back with Voltie. �164 Mr ReidSylvia’s grandad came on the boat this pm cam visiting Sylvia. He drove over from the dock with Voltie. Friday 28 Oct 1914 Another fine day. V motored over the river to Van’s. Mr Reid going across to Frank’s. V bought 25 gal of kerosine. Lib sent me half bushel of Quince pears. Sold his hay to a Mr Fred Constance for 12 per tun [sic] (20 tuns) and young cattle (yearlings) for $175 dollars. He gave V 25 dollars to bind the bargain. Then V went to George W Woodmans bought colts for 75 dollars and Emma making ketchup. Edith at school. Saturday 24th 1914 Somewhat cloudy. Wind North. Voltie, Emma & Edith captured 23 ducks this morning and put them in the chicken coop. After breakfast and chores done V went over to Rachels with two bags of oats for her hens, gathered her apples then worked on shop. Edith went over to Rachels to help gather the little apples. Sylvia and Maggie came down to make a visit. Sunday 25 October 1914 A very quiet day. Wind North. No visitors alone all day. At 11 O’clock am. Edith went to Rachels to water R’s cows came home at 3 pm brought some 3 Peoples home Journals. Margaret here after dark for butter for their supper got �165 Monday 26th 1914 October Awoke this morning to find the Wind S.W. and blowing and rain pelting against the window. V up early, went for the cows, milked and drove to factory and home again. No breakfast ready had to wait. V gathered the cabbage, done all the chores watered and fed the stray ducks, rolled the sour krout in the kitchen from the back veranda. Voltie had to doctor old Ben again last night for colic. Edith at school. First snow this autumn nasty snow storm froze last night quite hard. Tuesday 27 October 1914 Not very bad weather in am but Wind beginning to blow after dinner. Frank Woodman came over with R Percey’s skiff to bring his father in law Mrs Reid across The wind blows so Frank cannot return home but turned back after going 1/4 way, across. He makes us a visit and stays all night. Mr Reid comes down in evening to make us a visit and stays till 10 pm. News came from far west that Annie Gillespie Bolton died this morning at 9 Oclock am. Voltie bought Franks old well drill. Edith a school. Voltie built a fence around the straw stack. Frank is loud, noisy and good natured. We make more pear preserves and churn. V carried pumkins down cellar, frozen stiff. So we have lost the punkins and squash. The hens ate all the quail head beans. No letters only standard and two cook books. �166 Wednesday 28 Oct 1914 A howling day for wind and weather. Frank is storm bound sure. River in tremendous motion, cover with white crested waves and in the midst of the wind and bellowy waves. Albert Denny goes up with his motor for fish and such a sight mounting on a stupendous wave then almost disapearing in the trough of the sea to rise again dashing through the spray. He surely has the courage of a— a— reckless man. P.M. wind blows harder, sea runs higher. V carrying the apples into the cellar. Emma making herself one apron. I pick over a pot of beans. V brought the old drill down from Sylvia’s. Voltie gone to the dock this eve with grist for hog feed. Boat not in to the dock. After coming home phoned to George Rattray to advertise those stray ducks, at the Standard Office and go to McLeods for 2 quarts of raw linseed oil and a pint of turpentine. V going to doctor old Ben horse for worms, he chopped some wood. Thursday 29th October 1914 A cloudy morning river not very rough this morning but the wind will blow after sun up. Voltie rings for Frank to get up and g immediately across the river while he can. Frank went. Edith gone to school. Wind blowing. Voltie getting ready to plow phoned all am. Maggie alone to day, came down to �167 dinner had mashed potatoes, codfish, gravy, sliced tomatoes, squash, baked beans, baked biscuits, stewed apple sauce, mustard picles. Sylve gone to town, grandpa Reid gone home. A cloudy dreary dismal day not so cold as yesterday. V plowed all pm. V drove to dock for grist and linseed oil & spirits of turpentine when he returned found supplier awaiting. Emma had milked the seven cows, separated the milk, cleaned the pantry Storm window and put it on the pantry window. After supper chores done Voltie reads awhile and goes to bed as usual. Friday 30th Oct 1914 A half sunshiny day. Wind North West not freezing. Voltie plowing. Edith at home. Didn’t go to school because she wont get around to do any work. Emma sheined [sic] tomatoes for chow, chow. Edith pulled mangles and done good work. Sylvia sent Maggie here to borrow pot to cook a chicken in lent her one. Woodmans cows beake [sic] in again and ate the beets. A letter from Reginald also from Eveline, 2 Herald �168 Nov 4 1914 Lend Sylvia Sylvia 1 cup of tea 6 a kettle 10 a kettle 16 a bottle of kerosine Thursday Friday A very good day for the month. V plowing all day. Edith home pulling mangles and done fine and piled them in heaps. Woodmans cows came in the night and ate part of them �169 Saturday October 31 1914 A very good day. V plowing all am and pm. We made chow chow and canned 5 cans of tomatoes, got our 3 square meals. E cleaned floors. V went to Clayton this morning. Started at 9.20 and returned at 12,30 Oclock bringing pork barrel, 10 yds percale, tobacco, syrup and sweet potatoes Sunday 1 November 1914 A very good day for the first of Nov tho the wind is blowing half a gale from the south. I wrote a letter to Reginald. V broke the Sunday pm as he often does by doing a job of work which could have been left undone. Edith will not wash nor change her clothes nor comb her hair about 5 pm she got ready and went to R to water R cows but found R had watered them. Evening Sylve and Mag here Monday 2nd Nov 1914 A cloudy morning. West wind. Geo Gillespie rung for Voltie to help load pressed hay, he went. Voltie shut the red pigs in a pen this morning to keep them from destroying all his ensilage corn, 5 pigs. Emma porpones [sic] the washing till tomorrow. Voltie came home to dinner plowed in afternoon. Edith at school. �170 Tuesday 3rd Nov 1914 A cloudy drizzly day. Edith at School. Emma done big washing and hung them all on the line. V plowed all day only stopped to chop wood for Rachel. Voltie up twice to drive Woodman’s cows out of our garden. I sent a letter to Reginald by William Ranous. Edith carried it to school house and gave it to him at noon. No letters for me Wednesday 4th November A terrible South wind blowing all day. The heaviest blowout this year. Voltie plowed all a.m., drew cheese to dock in p.m. cleaned up a grist for hogs feed. Emma dug dahlias, gladiolias and Salsify. Emma likes to listen at the telephone and learn the neighbours business. Edith at school. Emma brought in all the clothes early this morning. We churned and began packing our butter for winter. A boat lying under sea of Carleton island Thursday 4 November 1914 A cloudy morning West Wind and blowing some. Voltie drove to dock with grist for hog feed and send by Rube for a few groceries and butcher knives. Finished the croched [sic] tidy this morning. Edith lazy as ever. Voltie plowing. Emma making salisfy soup. Voltie up again last night chasing Woodman’s cows out of our garden, they went away around Niles water fence and off up in Niles field where the Woodman’s got them this morning. Churned again to day. �171 Jan 1st 1914 John bought 2 shirts for V both costing $1,00 Corn Golden Bamtam .30 Thursday continued Edith had to stay home to day because she will not even try to get around and get ready for school. Talking to her does no good. I dont know what ails her. She does some out door chores but wont willingly. Emma & Ed finished pulling the beets, carried the refuse of cabbage leaves out the cutter, pulled the turnips. E & E put the cows in the stable. Emma milking while V is gone to the dock for his grist & groceries, not very cold. Emma washed churn and separator Maggie here to borrow tea. Emma lent her a cup full of tea and said nothing to me about it till Mag was gone home. V phoned to Al requesting him to help butcher, he replied "yes". Friday 5th Nov 1914 Cloudy. Weather growing colder. Wind North. V up this morning cows milked, fire built, kettle set and filled with water for butchering, cleaned stable, built fires in dining room and oil stove all before breakfast. Only butchered one hog for family pork. Tom & Harold and Mr Al Joslin finished butchering early. Tom & Harold went home before dinner. Al J staid to dinner and continued on 5 page �172 6 21 Nov 1914 Saturday A nasty cold day. Rachel came over for first time in long while, glad to see her. She staid to dinner. Sunday 22nd Nov 1914 This is the anniversary of my birth. No one here alone all day. 81 years old to day, wrote a long letter to Grace. Weather not very good. A phone from Constance saying "drive the cattle to Hogans and he would pay him for cattle and hay. Monday 23 A chilly cold day V arises early, drives the cattle, 6 of them, one cow and 5 yearlings to Hogans. Dignum boys met V at cheese factory and they drove all their cattle together. Constance paid V. V called and paid George Woodman for the colts $65 dollars. Frank Buchanan drove in and bought V’s one sheep and two hogs $50 dollars. 24 Nov 1914 Tuesday Wind South East not so cold as yesterday. V gone to bank. V to house from there to Snubs for mail box, churning going on. Maggie Magee over to Jim Morgans for 3 days, not very warm in house. E and E shuffling around not doing much. I sent a letter to Grace with $1,35 to Reg enclosed in letter. �173 V went to plow but had too stop to help John McDonald move the hay press from the barn over to Weirs for they are going to press hay. Voltie managed to hire old Bill York to chop the wood for the school house. We milk the cows once a day now. I read a story to V and Edith & Emma in evening. The wind is howling from the west and the sea is running high Tuesday 17 Nov 1914 The West wind howling all night fearfully and still continues with increasing force. The river presents a picture of millions of white crested waves forever in in motion rising in great white capped billows vanishing for a second only to rise again instantly magnificently grand but wearing to soul and eye. "Cease rude Boreas cease thy" "railing" . Voltie rung up again the Obriens about the wood for the school. E washing breakfast dishes. Emma shelling corn for dinner. Volty making stanchions for stable calves. forgot to say Weir paid V 2 dollars for tomatoes & cucumbers which V paid to Joe Woodman. Continued on opposite page 8th February 1914 �174 [the strike throughs possibly placed upon payment of account\ 468, 96. Debts to be canceled \$ cts Piano paid 25 dol 70,00 B Joslin 120,00 Costelo 25,00 Kent Brothers 50,00 mortgage 256,00 cabinet 28,00 B.S. 10,00 Balance on tree 7,00 Geo Rattray 10,00 F Bamford for lumber 3,20 Balance taxes 6,30 Canning 6,30 Friend 5,00 Balance of taxes 20,00 Cabinet 20,00 Kent Burton 25,00 Pills 45,00 Mortgage 200,00 Livingston 15,00 Cabinet 6 Mills 40,00 ��175 Henry H 36 Boxes Sam Woodman 24 " 26 June " 24 12 1 July Joe Woodman x2 ,25 " Old Horn 2-0- �176 Jan 15 Sold ducks $7.00 �177 Alden McDonald will be 15 years old the 17th of January Emma Leeman St Lawrence PO Wolfe Island Ont Canada �178 W.G. Woodman $ for barn work 5.00 repairing sleigh 4.00 Potatoes 1.60 Bull money 18.00 2 bushels beans 4.00 building skiff 16.00 spring tooth harrow [4 Christmas seals] Mowat Memorial Hospital Kingston A Merry Xmas �179 Jan 1 D 1914 Sundries sewing machine needles .25 sewing needles . 05 2 books 1,00 Pills Sylvias account 1/2 bushel potatoes 1 cup of tea 1 qut of kerosine 3 bars of soap 20 x6 [subtotal] 120 95 25 3 22 �180 Stockings form ,35 Mrs John Bamford No 7 West Woodruff Street Watertown N.Y. �181 Paid Henderson on account with apples $6,10 Henderson 4,40 [various additions not all visible or accurate] 4 Jack N 72 market 48 market ___ 120 6 Barrie 2 Woodman July 2nd 1914 Alden McDonald will be 15 years 17th of January Emma Leeman St Lawrence PO Wolfe Island Ont Canada �182 Mrs W.R. Brooks 811 Spofford Ave Spokane Wash Mrs Charles Halliday R.F.D. Route 2 Limerick N.Y. [sketch outline of a pair of scissors] Mrs Bent H. Smith R.F.D. Route 1 Limerick Jeff County N.Y. �183 �This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following people: Ann Hopkinson, Elise MacCaull, Ella Deering, Naema Popp, Megan Ouellet, Eric Irvine, Marilyn, and Queen’s University Archives � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th and 20th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1887-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1887 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1888-1889 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1889-1897 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1890 March - June Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1893-1895 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1895-1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1896 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1897-1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899-1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902, 1906 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902-1909 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1904-1905 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1907 & 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1908-1919 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1911 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913-1914 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1915-1916 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1916-1917 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1917-1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1921-1922 Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913-1914 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1913-1914 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 20th, 1913 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/c52d49bf5330c7c98a8186e77791ed82.pdf 47b5c127a7cd30b07cf3cf86d81120c9 PDF Text Text Irene Dixon Bamford 1913, Diary Transcription 5034_4-2-4 �Metadata FromThePage export of 5034_4-2-4 from Irene Dixon Bamford made on 2026-02-11 14:35:25 UTC. itemTitle: 1913 date: 1913 Title: 5034_4-2-4 Description: Item is a diary. Created On: 2024-01-11 17:51:40 UTC In Scope: true Uploaded Filename: 5034_4-2-4 �1 [archival file folder] Irene Dixon Bamford Diary 1913 1913 [stamp] Queen’s University Archives Locator Box 2 File 4 �2 1913 �3 [stamp] Photomount Pamphlet Binder Manufactured by Gaylord Bros, Inc Syracuse, N.Y. Stockton, Calif. �4 Gramp B - died Oct 22 Date 1913 R. Interesting Note Book 120 Pages �5 �6 Friday 6 June 1913 I dont know how to manage this terrible kid Edith Leman. Rachel came over to square up. She sold 21 lbs butter for 25 per. This was done yesterday. V gave her 7 dollars this yesterday morning, she paid $7.25 for milk can, $2,20 for tomato plants $2,50 for flour and the balance for groceries and sundries. Tea, bananas, lemon tea, 2 pair cotton stockings, Denna came but had forgoten 5 galons crock, E & E’s shoes &c. We are making rhubarb preserves. I sent Nellie a card and Grace a letter. V is setting tomato plants. Rachel gave H Halliday 12 plants belonging to V and sold 15 other to Sylvia. In writing to Grace this morning I asked of her a favor which I may be sorry for commenced carrying our milk to the �7 factory this morning 196 lbs Looks very much like rain all pm V & E & E set 450 tomato plants. John OBrien here for gasoline. V wouldnt get it for him by lamp light - might explode. Thunder and lightning in Evening put calves in barn for fear of wire fence and lightning lost one cow that way dont want to lose more. Rained when we went to bed Saturday 7 June 1913 Rained all night and part of a.m. Everything growing, weeds and grain. This week we have churned twice and are now churning again. We made the dandelion wine, fried and packed the ham, preserved 5 cans of rhubarb set 450 tomato plants, set onions and made garden, cleaned V’s bedroom. Sr not well but very growling cross & �8 irrisistable. V had much better go to V cultivating corn ground better go to Kingston and find a boy than leave so much hoeing undone. very chilly this morning. V out alone this eve. J OBrien here again this pm for gasoline, got it this time. Sunday 8 Jun 1913 A chilly morning and a very chilly day. V built a fire in dining room stove couldnt keep warm, then R came over for yeast cake. Maggie here awhile visiting. Mr & Mrs Stewart here awhile. They were out again last night. Monday 9 June 1913 A chilly morning. V up early milks our six cows alone and went to factory. I got up and called the girls: looked out the window �9 and saw grandad sawing wood. Emma washed. V went to Joslin in am on business. I & Edith wash dishes and got dinner. Sr sorts potatoes in cellar. A cold chilly day, wind N. V planting corn & pumpkin seed and cultivated potatoes (early potatoes). A Denny came and brought the 5 gallon crock for the dandelion wine and brought the shoes Ediths to small had to send them back again to be exchanged. Edith squalled and Sr lectured & philosophised and was disgsted and medled a lot. wish he would stop his noise. Nose stuck in to every bodies business. A.D. & J.D. had quite a time heading Harold off the scent of their private business. Wind blows so couldnt go out. Edith went over to R’s to say all night �10 Tuesday 10 Wind S clear warm. V made another trip to Almond Is & brought the critter home this time in a box. R & Edith rode over. R came for seed potatoes after dinner. Emma preparing to go up to see Ruth Snider and her two kids and the snider girl. As she was about to start, behold they came instead. So no need of Emma’s going there. They all walked down the shore to see the old abode. Em going also came back and stayed to tea. Edith came with 4 from R’s. Ruth Snider and her tribe went to PO and home drawing prince Albert in a wee cart. A letter and Barbadoes paper from Watson. A cool evening. �11 V done a lot of planting couldnt go out on river. Wind blew. Jimy Morgan here with fish A letter from Grace, a letter for V from Day Wednesday 11 June 1913 A cool day. Ed[ith] went to school. I worked around all day. Denny here brought Ed[ith] shoes. She was pleased and surprised. V arose and went on the river got $1,50. planted and sowed seeds and corn. E didnt do much. I churned a took care of the butter, cooked and washed all the dishes, polished the stove. Went to bed early. Forgot to say R came over 12 June 1913 Thursday Another market day. V arose at 2 am. took a whirl on the river �12 Emma and R went to Kingston secured about $1,25, milks cows, went to dock and factory, came home to breakfast, planted corn below franks. Sr hoeing potatoes in garden. A fine day, has the appearance of a drought. Turned out early milked the cows, drove to dock, went over river. Emma bought her new suit to day. Grace sent me bananas. I’m very tired. Friday 13 June 1913 A very fine sun bright day. Wind South. V drove to factory then around to the dock for seed corn from McFarland which was was not there consequently he was late to breakfast which caused some remarks from the throne. Sr out hoeing potatoes he sent again for more morphine and a plaster on Thursday. V phoned for Dr Nichols to doctor Molly Heifer for giving blood instead of milk from one teat. Went on river �13 Saturday 14 June 1913 Arose early a fine day; a good rain would be beneficial. Expect the vetenary D. Bell from Kingston and to dinner. He came but not to dinner. Doctered the heifer. V gave him 5 dollars, owe him $1.50 more. Emma cleaned all the floors before dinner. V working down on the lower farm. Sr got back ache. Edith very reluctantly pulling a few weeds from the onion beds. I went out in garden to throttle her. I made an apron for Emma. Wonton River. Sunday 15 June 1913 A fine day. Voltie took a Sunday crop. Harold phoned for V to come over and see what is the trouble with their motor & fix �14 it. Harold drove over for V before dinner. V came back about 2 pm after getting the engine in good running order and not a very substantial dinner awaiting his return. Rachel came over awhile. V also broke the sabath by putting supers on hives. 8 supers and wants 5 more. I did read nearly all day. Sr jawing & swearing about Edith. I’m sometimes discouraged because I cant get around every! one can walk and run. I dream I can walk and run and swim. Oh blessed sleep when I cast all earthly cares worries & pains and enter a new life into the land of dreams where I meet father & mother brother sister and the living dear ones, all my children and grand children who visit me nightly. They too will �15 be old and have their dreams of the past, present and future sometimes when I go to sleep I wish I might never awaken again only for Voltie. The others have homes and children. Monday 16 June 1913 Another beautiful warm day. Jim M. brought some fish here. Edith gone to school. Sr taking soda water and hoeing potatoes. Emma washing got her washing out before Sylvia. Denny here. V planting or cultivating over on R. waited a long time for him to come to dinner when Dignam’s phone rang telling no V is there fixing their motor and we waited dinner no longer After dinner R came looking for V saying horses standing in �16 field in hot sun and dont know the whereabouts of V. Informed her he is at Dignams. Sr says to bad V is not capable of looking after himself without the help of two old women. I pieced on log cabin, mended a pair dresses for Edith; cleaned and roasted a fish for dinner. V came early from R’s ate supper and after doing chores, milking &c hoed potatoes as till dark, carried the little haycock of new mown hay from the door yard to the barn by fork full, then went on the river found $1,50 going to bed now. Good night. Tuesday 17 June 1913 The sun arose clear but soon becomes cloudy and looks like rain. Very little wind North. Sr hoeing potatoes V gone over to R to build fence �17 dug & post holes, cut some posts. Edith churned, helped wash dishes, pulled one onion bed of weeds, brought in a wheelbarrow full of wood and a pail of chips, clean the lamps, brought 3 pails water from well and one from river, washed dinner dishes alone and went to visit Rachel’s for cake tins, set the twice table went to visit R again for powdered sugar went to post office fed the chickens. Emma ironing and preparing for the picnic made 19 lbs butter prints. went on the river alone. �18 Wednesday 13 1913 another rainless day. Rain is sadly needed. This is picnic day in Snub grove. Emma went carrying a cake, umbrella, rode down in John OBriens rig at nearly dinner, time discovered we had no tea, sent Edith to Rachels for tea and ask her over to dinner. she came bringing cake for dinner. The apple pies are super excellent. Jim Morgan & his eldest son Alan here with fish for Denny. Jim borrowed the garden drill. R & Sr quarelled two childish old fools. Twitted each other of being meddlesome and Wells sick shouldnt think he would feel much like quarreling but the old disposition asserts itself to the very last. �19 Thursday 18 June 1913 A cloudy morning. V gone to town in motor. R didnt go. V came early enough but brought drunken C Woodman came [?] with him in motor through the rain. Well they are all come except Reginald and had given up hopes of him when he popped into the kitchen. V also [?] [?]. These all mud and warm as a pepper pot with carrying the suit case but are pleased and happy to get home once more to uncle V’s. Well C W came down hugging his oil can wanting V to go across to R Percy’s for kerosine and as we were without kerosine too V went �20 It was a beautiful moon light night so still on the water and warm. V came home at 1 Oclock in morning leaving C.W at R Perceys drunk on old Rob’s whiskey. V carried by hand 11 gallons of kerosine from RP’s to Dilevan’s and down that long steep hill, waited four hours for C.W. then came home. Early next morning old Rob rowed C.W. over home in his skiff and brought his bottle with him & while C.W. went home to get horse and cart to draw his kerosine home, Rob instead of going home must come up to the house and visit with Rena consequently he staid to breakfast by that �21 time C.W. had come back also Jim Morgan bring a saw for V to set and also aunt R had arrived on the scene and your father amongst them too. They had all assembled in front of the shop. By that time old Rob was so drunk he couldnt row himself home but he kissed aunt R and of course V would have to motor him home to get rid of him. So while he doctored Jim M saw he set the whole gang to setting out cabbage plants 300 that he had among on K market. Rob didnt sit plants. He couldnt �22 your father didnt try to. I sent Emma to request V to come to the house. I wanted to speak to him concerning his taking Rob Percy & C.W. across the river but instead of V coming C.W. came to ask what I wanted of V. I said, dont go across the river with R.P. let him go the way he came. Oh no! must go over the river with Rob for he was so drunk he couldnt row himself across. I said Now Charley promise you will come directly back soon as he is safely on the other shore. Oh no I wont promise that for we are going to Clayton. What for? Volt has got to have gasoline for his boat. Well I had C.W. cornered where I could talk to him and �23 3 fulfilled the opportunity. He acknowledged he didnt do right said he tried and failed every time. but I couldnt persuade him not to go to Clayton but he promised he would surely be home by 1/2 past 3 pm and gave me his hand on it. By that time V had come in from shop also R.P. maudlin drunk. He took his bottle from the table and drank from it every drop and got out the house and staggered to the river as fast as he could before he colapsed [sic] entirely. When V and C.W. went to the boat, found R.P. down on his back, arms extended out wide as possible �24 �25 Sunday 29 June 1913 Sunday bright and beautiful. Have not written in this diary for a long time not since 18 June many an incident worth recording in this my diary but not of a very serous serious nature but I can trace back from day to day many an event insignificant to every one except myself. V this morning early went over to Dignums to once more doctor their motor boat this is the 5th time he has been called over there anent their boat. Tom drove for him ate breakfast here. Emma "Horse du combat". Reginald noisy and assertive but not a very good boy with a mouth for pumkin pie and most any thing else! Harold brought �26 Voltie home after getting their motor running again. Treated Harold to Dandelion wine. Sr sitting out door nearly all day. I in pm picked strawberries, cooked a rooster, gave Sr the broth. He says he is going to town tomorrow to see a doctor. A lovely warm evening but no moon. Monday 30 No rain Tuesday 1 July 1913 No rain �27 Wednesday 2nd No rain Thursday 3 No rain �28 Friday 4th No rain Saturday 5 No rain �29 Sunday 6 July 1913 No rain. Wind blowing half gail. Sylvia and Ruth here for 2 baskets of strawberries. Sylvia wearing her beautiful new dress, color cream trimmed red. Monday 7 July 1913 No rain. Wind blowing yet. Syvia drove. �30 Tuesday 8th July 1913 Another dry day, no rain for a long time. Sent Margaret to PO with a card for Grace. Reginald and Volta setting up the horse rake preparing to rake hay. Edith squalled because Emma combed her hair. Sylvie asks for Edith to go with her to the villiage for the mail. I said yes consequently she goes. Emma and Margaret pick berries (straw) for canning. A new moon since Friday. I saw the rim of it sinking behind the horizon last night as I was going to bed at 10 Oclock pm. Wednesday A thunder shower this morning another and another. Every thing growing & green �31 Thursday 10 July 1913 Grace came to day this pm bringing Margaret - Emma cleaned floors. I done what I could Edith done nothing. Reg & Margaret went to dock with V. Rachel came. Reginald went home with her to stay all night Friday Saturday �32 Sunday A very fine day Monday 14 July 1913 A very cool day. V drawing hay. Reginald helped him. Emma washed clothes; helped in hay field in p.m., drew 6 loads. Grace put up 2 cans raspberries, picked strawberries for dinner. strawberries most all gone. OBriens sent Hannah’s boy here for onions 25 cts. Came on horse with a bag. Sheridan Maloney borrowed V’s skiff to go home. V sent by �33 for a pitch fork. Mrs Niles and Rachel here in evening. Reginald going home with Rachel to stay over night. Tuesday 15 July 1913 A very beautiful day. V & Reg working in hay field. Grace fixing over Emmas dress. Emma churned p.m. Grace picked raspberries for canning also strawberries for dinner. Emma helped in hay, 3 loads which makes 9 sent by mail. V had to look after R old cow. Wednesday 16 July 1913 Another fine day. Grace canning raspberries. Emma [?] windows. V and Reginald working in hay field. Edith doing as it pleases herself. We had a fine excitement here. Edith and Margaret & Robert also Isabelle went fishing & caught Isabell’s ear with fish hook �34 Edith done it. Of course twas Edith. Thursday 17 July 1913 A very fine day. Grace and her children (except Reginald) went home. Margaret and Isabelle very daintily dressed in white silk, white open worked stockings and white slippers. We forgot to send memorandum for groceries and the money. Aunt R went to K with 22 doz eggs. We eat one eggs up as fast as laid. 10 of us and 1 of Rachel. Had dinner ready at 1/2 past 11 am. V drove from hay field to dock brought all the groceries. Emma picked raspberries V bought Sr a bottle of brandy �35 R came over but went directly back because she got an opportunity to go with V in the wagon. V drove to the dock for the chair. Grace has sent down for her father. Reginald, Emma and Rachel went along. Edith & I staid home Friday 18 �36 Saturday Sunday �37 Monday Emma done a big washing, lines are full, helped me get dinner, picked some berries. Reginald and Edith quarelled. Hens scratching potatoes. V cutting hay on this place the home meadow. Rachel & Mrs Niles here in evening. Mrs N gave her an apron. Tuesday 22 July A beautifuly fine cool morning. V up before 4 Oclock am, milked and drove to factory. Sr up doging hens out from diging potatoes. �38 Wednesday 23rd July 1913 A very fine day. John King came to help Voltie in hay field, came from Virgina- so he says. Thursday 24 July 1913 A rainy morning or rather damp. Emma goes to town for groceries and to bring Margaret and Robert home with her. They going to stay while Grace goes up the Rakes for a trip. R came over before I was up shurely. Sr abed all day also R do all house work alone. E help some & I work �39 Friday 25th July 1913 V and I working in hay field. Grace gone to Cleaveland to day started at 5 pm taking Isabelle with her. Saturday 26 July 1913 Sunday 27 �40 Sunday 27 Monday 28 �41 Tuesday 29 Wednesday 30 A fine day only hot. Had workmen to day beside John & V, we had Tom and Harold Dignum. All here to dinner and supper. Tom & Harold drew cheese to dock for Voltie while V and Reginald went over the river for Flora and Louise. Made a catsup poultice for JK’s hand, drew 15 loads hay. They stopped here �42 a few minutes long to say how SylvieR was here to meet them for to take them directly home with her. I dont expect to see much of them. Thursday 31 A beautiful day but very hot, one thing makes it lovely every thing is so green and growing. John King went away this morn. V paid him for his 6 days work, his hand no better, he gone to the hospital, Kingston. V drove to the dock this morn with John, Flora Vanalskin, Louise and R and Margarette and the milk can. Ate breakfast before he went then finished mowing the home meadow. Emma washing at the river. Robert & Edith helping do the house work and get dinner. �43 V drove to dock for the passengers. Margaret came home in buggy with V. Flora presented me with a basket. Louise a box of note paper. Jen sent a new apron & Lottie a book, all new, nice and beautiful and Margaret a pretty apron. This is the hotest day in the year. Friday Aug 1st 1913 Looks like rain but dont rain. V dont feel very well, drank to much water yesterday. He works to hard any way and dont get enough rest nor sleep. Sr about so so drove to factory. Emma finished washing and they all go to the Commison to Sguddle and play in the water. Margaret went to pay respects to Aunt R and Flora & Louise, staid to dinner had a sumptious repast �44 It is very hard work to get noisy Edith to do any work. Noisy & lazy complaining 40 times a day. Saturday 2nd Aug 1913 Another fine day, breezy. V and Reginald working over there. Had string beans and cake, made 4 rhubarb pies for Sunday. Flora and R came over while Emma cleaned the floor in fore noon. V came home from field to milk and get his supper then went back over there and mowed till after dark. Go to bed earlier than usual Sunday 3rd August A fine morning but clouds and rains all pm and very breezy. Flora & Louise came over from R’s and staid to dinner and supper. Rachel came over too they all walked �45 home through the rain. V and Reginald motored to Clayton for Will but he had been and gone, was surprised when looking out the window to see Will coming through the gate. It rained a little more and cleared �46 Wednesday 3rd September A mild warm day, Wind S. Voltie motored Belle & Henry Sr over the river to Dilavan, poor pen, came back in time to thresh for C.W. R came over to see Belle & Henry enroute for U.S.A. but they had gone when she came. Sylvia returned yesterday last evening from a three week visit to her grandad, Reids. Sylvia sent Maggie here for tomatoes 6 cups, a kettle and 2 qrts vinegar. Belle drove in from Hallidays yesterday morning while I was churning when she came on the north veranda; she came loaded with magazines about 30. Tho the machine came enexpectedly [sic] and we were not prepared for it by the united efforts of Belle & R we got doing all right. Wellie and Genevieve �47 came also yesterday. Wellie came Sat eve after we were in bed, came across in Delavan’s boat leaving Genevieve with Muriel. Sat. Belle went over to Rachels. Henry Sr drove for Belle and Henry Sat pm. He ate supper with us. Sun Mrs & Rev Stewart here yesterday p.m. Belle is fair, fat & fifty a beautiful woman. She looks better than the last time she was here. The Dr (Buchanan) here Sunday to see Wells. received a letter from Grace, says Robert has a pup. I received a letter from Will his face was awful bad with barbers itch. Will worked, helped V with hay and grain harvest 18 days. John came over accompanied by Bert & Maud & Bert’s mother Mrs Smith. �48 She is big heavy woman weighs 300, they went from here to Clayton from there to Wills for supper and then home to Brownville and 3 miles beyond to Pillar point. Maud ought to have been at home instead of on the road visiting. �49 �50 Friday 5 Sept 1913 A fine cool day wind N. V drew 135 bushels oats to scow, filled 10 cans, red plums. Rec’d a letter from Grace saying Robt is coming home sick and Maud has a boy baby born 30 Aug 1913 PM Rachel came over & brought a bowl of beans. �51 Sat 6th Sept 1913 A beautiful bright day a gentle breeze from S.E. V drawing oats to scow. Emma helped fill bags. Edith helped me about dishes and every thing. Sinclair here for 8 gal of vinegar (75 cts). Maggie here for tomatoes for their dinner (10 cts). Wells no better. V went over after dinner for Dr B went in motor. Weather more than delightfully warm. Dr B got sore eyes. Heard from Will by way of doctor B, his face is much better. �52 �53 Thursday 6 Nov 1913 A very fine day. V drove to the dock with Emma and Maud and the baby. Maud going to Elginburg for Mrs Smith to take care of her baby all winter. Old Lewy got mad because of so many women folks around in his way and lazy. V was giving him a dollar per day for plowing but he was so mean and disagreeable V paid him off and discharged him. �54 Friday 7 November 1913 Many events have taken place since the last time I wrote in this diary. Wells has died and his body now lies in the vault since the sixth of October. A beautiful Nov day. I wrote a long letter and mailed it to Belle. R carried it to P.O. V and E & E picked the corn from the stalks down on the Smith place this a.m. E & E picking corn this p.m. V sold apples to two Frenchmen from Clayton, got $3,30 for 3 bushels. Rachel moved home to day bag and baggage. Voltie gone to the dock for his new plow. commenced packing our winter butter to day. �55 pigs and pick tomatoes and cucumbers. I thought of Margaret and Miriam. She had rode down with Shell and Byron and Tuesday morning she rode to the cheese factory and from there home. It does seem that the three were not to be separated very far away from each other. Emma is a natural musician. I do believe she plays double notes and bass, she is diging into the business every time she has an opportunity. This is p.m. Emma has come and is getting supper. V had gone to dock for groceries and grist. Edith has gone to water R cows. We are going to have a rooster tomorrow for dinner. I am so glad you can see Wellie and his dear family sometime and get milk from Hubert. Now I have 3 more letters to write but I cant they must wait a while. Love for all mother and George �56 seed 12 pig 7 pork 13 �57 �58 [page is a repeat of page 56] seed 12 pig 7 pork 13 �59 �60 �61 2 cups sugar 1 cup shortening butter & lard 1 egg 1 coffe [sic] cup of sweet milk 2 teaspoons full of well rounded baking pow 2 Salt & caroway �62 bought of McFarland Flour 50 lb 50 lb 50 " Purity �63 �64 �65 1913 year 6 cows Friday June 6 milk 196 lbs Sat " 7 milk 196 " Mon " 8 " 301 Tues " 9 " 204 Wed " 10 " 206 Thur " 12 " 202 F " 13 " 203 Sat " 14 " 184 Sunday 16 June Mon " 16 " " 294 Tues " 17 " " 186 Wed " 18 " " 195 Thur " 19 " 196 Fri " 20 " 199 Sat " 21 " 175 Sunday 22 Monday " 23 " 275 Tuesday " 24 " 160 Wednes " 25 " 175 Thurs " 26 " 172 Friday 27 173 Saturday 28 170 �66 Sunday 29th M 30 " 300 Tuesday 1 July 185 Wednesday 2 " 195 Thursday 3 " 196 Friday 4 " 182 Saturday 5 " 184 Monday 7 " 188 Tues 8 " 187 Wed 9 " 187 Thurs 10 " 180 Friday 11 " 178 Saturday 12 " 166 13 Monday 14 164 Tuesday 15 165 Wednesday 16 165 �67 �68 [various addition scribbles] Sylvie 4 baskets p .50 R 2 p 20 Grace 24 " 2,40 Rube 20 paid 2,00 R Mc 18 1,80 Louise 26 2,60 Kehoe 24 2,40 Hiram 5 .50 Sylvie 2 paid .25 Sylvie 2 paid .25 Sylvie paid Rachel 6 Jim Morgan 13 Denny 24 �69 [page filled with various legible & illegible addition scribbles] �70 �71 �72 �73 �This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following people: Ann Hopkinson, MaryV, Ella Deering, carol ann, and Queen’s University Archives � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th and 20th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1887-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1887 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1888-1889 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1889-1897 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1890 March - June Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1893-1895 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1895-1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1896 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1897-1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899-1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902, 1906 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902-1909 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1904-1905 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1907 & 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1908-1919 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1911 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913-1914 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1915-1916 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1916-1917 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1917-1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1921-1922 Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1913 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. June 6th, 1913 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/09afbc2675c1d3d379952355ef998595.pdf fadb7afea7d15942f0345df307000d32 PDF Text Text Irene Dixon Bamford 1911, Diary Transcription 5034_4-2-2 �Metadata FromThePage export of 5034_4-2-2 from Irene Dixon Bamford made on 2026-02-11 14:35:21 UTC. itemTitle: 1911 date: 1911 Title: 5034_4-2-2 Description: Item is a diary. Created On: 2024-01-11 17:50:55 UTC In Scope: true Uploaded Filename: 5034_4-2-2 �1 IRENE DIXON BAMFORD DIARY 1911 1911 QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES LOCATOR _______ BOX 2 FILE 2 �2 1911 �3 Re-Read ’76-’84 �4 Date 1911 fine. Wells Sr is doctering for asthma sore toes, chilblain’s kidney complaint, lame back, head ache, impaired eye sight, tooth ache. He has had his eyes examined and tested by an oculist and now has a pair of glasses from Toronto. He doctors his toes with Absorbine flaxseed poultices Zambucks [Zam-Buk]. He takes quinine, Dodd’s pills, several kinds of Asthma cure, Ectectine oil, Ayers pills, Whiskey and prickley ash bark, Shipmans Asthma cure, but there is one thing in his favor, his appetite is good, tremendiously [sic] good, he don’t shave anymore, he is afraid he’ll catch cold. At present time he is taking Dodd’s kidney pills and Shipmans Asthma cure. Voltie working every day as if his life depended upon incessant labor, cutting and drawing wood from Jerry Murphys, Wm J Woodman drawing saw logs to Kingston, feeding stock, pigs, horses, milking, churning, making all the butter & carrying it to market. Working in shop for neighbours, besides going over to Rachels watering and taking care of her cows, tinkering her stable and looking after things in general every day. Every day he must not forget to say that Bernard Morgan & family came to see us together with Lizzie and Morgan and Mrs James Morgan and all �5 their children while Belle was here and she helped carry the honor of the visit so as to make it entertaining all night. Tho young Alden Jims oldest kid tells Emma, at school that "old Miss Bamford is a nice old woman". That is me tho I don’t know how I came to impress him so favorably and so the time leads up to the first of March of one of the dreariest winters I ever remembered seeing. On the second day of February when the "old Bear seldom missed seeing his own shadow. He couldn’t see a thing for the day was so dark and stormy & dismal. �6 �7 1911 Saturday 4 March A very fine day. Sr drives to Wills for Rachels dog Tusk. I sent Voltie a picture, The Lady of the snows which means Canada. W Sr came back at my fall bringing the dog. Will sent me a diary and a phonograph record. Found Charley Easton there and Tom Chatterton chopped summer wood in woods. Rachel staid to dinner. Sunday 5 March 1911 After breakfast Voltie led R’s dog over to R’s and fed and watered her cows. our hens dont lay eggs very well only 2 doz in a long time. R’s hens are all right, she get lots of eggs. The price of butter and eggs are both taking a tumble. One of Mrs Mongomery’s grand son called here to inquire the way across to the bay. He said Edith and his mother are with him. Wants to go to James Irvines. No other person called. Pea soup for supper �8 Monday 6th March 1911 A fine day. Emma walked to school only 3 pupils, Alden Morgan, Anetta OBrien and Emma. I worked all day on my feet walk walk till I was tired. V churned and made butter prints for Market. Drove over to R and brought her eggs over 14 days. Wells Sr got a lame back cant do much work only sit by the fire and observe things. I manage to write three each to Watson, Maud & Grace Tuesday 7th March 1911 How quickly the days, weeks and months pass away and April will soon be here again. The day is bright, clear & cold wind North. Voltie gone to Kingston with butter and eggs. The eggs mostly belong to Rachel. He is bringing back the sawed lumber from the second oak log from the big tree that he bought from Jerry. Emma walked to school her shoes not very good. I didnt want her to go but she insisted upon going so I let her go. Van Bamford and Lib came over and went to Sams visiting. Drove by the house & I didnt’ see them. Wells was walking with them. V came home early. Well Dignum came down with him and helped V bring in the grist. Whig and a letter from Grace. �9 �10 10 February We received a phone from Bob that he and Grace are coming down tomorrow pm at 1/2 past 4 11 Saturday March 1911 �11 12 Sunday We arose not very early had chicken stew for dinner and strawberry short cake. V drove over for Rachel. 13 Monday A most beautiful day. Bob, Grace, Reginald and Margaret return to Kingston and found everything all O.K. �12 14 Tuesday A fine day. Sr gone to Kingston to get his old rubber boots mended, Sent by Sr gave him money to buy Emma a third reader and for myself a bottle of ink. 15 Wednesday �13 Thursday 16 March 1911 A suffering cold day tho V worked in shop part of day. Frank & Sam Snub drove in here to grind and jump axes. Frank came in to warm his hands. 3 young chaps from over the river Frank Lidy, young Pritman and Raymond Maloney. I walk around with a cane in hand all day when I don’t write to Watson. V brought in eleven eggs. I don’t get time to write in this diary not once a week and there is many a small item I would like to record but it escapes memory and is as illusive as a Jack lantern. Friday 17 March 1911 A very chilly day, froze hard last night and continues cold all day. Emma gone to School. V and Wells Sr pitching hay into Rachels stable and then bringing home a load of hay for our stock. I sent Watson a letter also one to Beatrice. Tho I dont realy know her address I guess twill find her someway. This is St Pats day. Henry drove in here enroute to Clayton. Staid to dinner & insists on Voltie going to Clayton with him. just as V was going to prepare cheesecake. Day drove in here for potatoes. V sold him a bag of potatoes but he had forgotten his pocket book. It is beginning to snow. Cheesemaker wanted to buy our old hen that V has shut in our cellar. �14 Saturday 18 March 1911 Some washing going on to day and very late when finished up but clothes not all washed tho the lines are full. Emma cleaned pantry floor on knees. I work around all day. W Sr drove out to Will’s for R’s dog returned just at dark in the evening, brought the dog and Will sent me a diary and some butternuts. Sunday 19 March 1911 Well this is one of the Sundays I’m sure. Emma finishing mopping floors and I am working all forenoon. Wash all breakfast dishes separator, 6 milk pail cabinet, stove, tea kettle and 40 other things. That is all one can do like Prometheus chained to the lock. R helps get dinner while Emma cleans floors. V drives over towards night accompanied by Emma and R’s dog Turk which R leads by a string. Poor Turk how badly he wants his liberty. �15 Monday 20 March 1911 Not a very pleasant day. Emma goes to school. I dont work so hard as yesterday. I employ most of my spare time writing to Bernard Morgan. Tuesday 21st March 1911 A day of wind, water and snow. Emma came home with wet feet. V working on boat (Stanleys) Emma went to school. I work around as best I can. I am always tired these days but somehow I get there all the same. I get dinner, wash separator milk pails cabinet stove brighten teapot & tea kettle which is my daily task then made cake, cleaned potatoes, set table and had every thing ready for Emma to finish supper when she comes from school. I received a letter from Grace, The Whig and a lot of advertising trash beside a postal from Belle. Jack Niles here to get his cross cut saw set and sharpened �16 Wednesday 22nd March 1911 Oh such miserable weather for wind, snow, rain, slush, dreary dismal but amidst it all, Emma insisted on going to school and she went. Franks kids went also through [?] wind, slush & snow. Geo Niles here to dinner, he helped V draw hay from R’s. Geo ruptured himself yesterday. V fitted him out with a truss. Jimy Morgan drove in here for an incubator sitting of eggs only four dozen. Tis a small incubator. We churned to day. V going to town tomorrow if the weather is favorable. I get very tired being on my feet so much. If Maud was here she would wash my feet. Thursday 22 March 1911. Ground and river froze last night. Arose early. V going to town with grist for hog feed and butter & eggs. Carried 19 doz eggs for R. Emma goes to school. Our hens done very well to day. 17 eggs. Ruttan came to borrow batteries. Frank with his buggy is sawing wood at his fathers, didn’t get any. V came home at 8 pm just after dad had gone to bed. V drove the land road all the way from here to village and home again. Only 23 for butter and 16 for eggs and had hard work to get rid of eggs at that price. �17 Friday 24 March We had 14 eggs for breakfast boiled - eggs on market down to 45 cts. Only 13 eggs to day. Emma staid home from school to day to help wash. begins to thaw a little. The lines are full of clothes. V went over to R’s to draw hay and R came home with him on a load of hay bringing her dog Turk with her. R helped get dinner. Northern lights most beautiful and of this family only seen by myself who was sitting up late after the old sort reading. Saturday 25 Finished washing. Only 10 eggs this day. This is the second day for washing and yet there is left over a lot of socks and stocking. No sap to day. V went over to Rachels to chop wood and she sent over Jen’s letter for me to read. A very good letter. Two very brilliant Sun dogs either side of the sun from 3 pm till sunset. �18 Sunday 26 Warm day. Sun shining thro haze which indicates a storm. ground all wind. No one here to day. We get the meals and do the chores, read and study geography, learn of the dismal swamp partly in N.C. and partly in Virginia 30 miles long & ten miles broad. Wind South and blowing at bed time. V goes early to bed after going over to Rachels. Oh now Emma does hate to work. Poor girl. Monday 27 March 1911. Cloudy dismal day all wind with patches of dirty snow here and there. Al Joslin summoned Frank Woodman (over the wires) to report and pay duty on coal which FW brought from Clayton. Voltie churned. Roads so windy. Em dont go to school this day. Franks kids dont go. Wells in Kitchen cutting corns off bottom of his feet. Poor old man, something always ails him. Cassie and Cliford came up for two Plymouth rock roosters, couldnt catch the rooster. They are coming up this pm 5 oclock PM a heavy thunder & lightning raining hard & heavy. Frank came for his 2 roosters and carried them home. V working in shop on Stanleys skiff. �19 1911 Tuesday 23 March A day of wind, rain and slush. Emma at home. Stanley Woodman here working in shop with Voltie on Stanley’s skiff. Stanley here to dinner. A genuine dirty day. Stanley went home early. I sent to Wills, Rose Hill, NY for seeds $1,37 sent Maud a letter. Cooked & baked beans, and bread and muffins. Got to much BP in muffins. Mail. A card from Muriel, a letter and card from Watson, a letter Maud. Partly wrote a letter to Belle will try and finish it for Friday. Wednesday 29th 1911 A still coudy day. V and Frank Woodman drew hay for Rachel. Stanley W here again working on the skiff to day. Sr feels very cris X Emma has looked at him. I told her not too. She says if he looks at her she is going to look at him. A phone from R. Michea to borrow tools from V for Will Gillespie. Emma and I cut a few pieces for a rug. Em mops the floor. The snow is falling at intervals all day. Em began a new rug and a new diary. �20 Thursday 30 March 1911 Snow covers the ground this morn. cloudy, coffee for breakfast, our tea has steeped out. Not very cold only just freezing. 32 is frost but this morning it is 22 degrees below frost. V drew 4 loads of fertilizer. Then found it so wet and nasty turned out. That was or is 23 loads. V gone out after dinner to work. Sr sits in his corner by the stove. Snow snow all day long. Sr says Emmy Lee lets the dish water cool to much before she begins to wash dishes and she dont eat her bread crusts up clean. I boil a doz eggs for supper and commence to hull a kettle of corn. Stanley ate supper here. Friday 31st March Not a very pleasant day ground covered with snow like mid winter & cold. Voltie a few loads of manure preparing a piece for early potatoes. Emma at school. V drew 27 loads manure. I am awful tired and lame. Wonder how much longer I’ll stand this tiredness. We hulled the corn & V made soft soap, and sent by the mail for a pound of tea. V worked awhile in shop and so the day passes on; another tired worn out day for me, a card from Eveline, one from Genevieve, a letter from Grace. Herald & Whig and a lot of Babron trash �21 1911 Saturday 1st April Well the winter is passed according to the months and season but it looks so wintery as January but the river is getting shaky and full of holes. V has just returned from WG’s with a load of wood and is now (after eating dinner alone), reading the Herald. I thought Emma and I would get along all right to day as it is Saturday and she is home from School but for a girl 12 years old 15 of February, a big strong well grown girl, her contrary foolish obstinate temperament is awfuly irritating to me. I dont feel equal to the task of bearing it. Dick is trying to sing. Sunday 2nd April 1911 Cold night and a cold day. Did not rise very early but pitched in and done up the work never halting till it was all done. Emma washed breakfast dishes. Rachel came over leading her dog be a string. I made rice pud[ding] for dinner. Emma She works under compulsion never sees there is any thing to be done till you tell her. ’Come Emma pick up the dishes and I’ll wash while you wipe’. "There aint no hot water ready". Then of course water has to heat. ’Get up off the floor rolling around with that dog and go and �22 comb your hair and change you clothes.’ Well very reluctantly she begins and after a long time she changes her dress and apron dress with torn off drives over towards night and takes Rachel home. E goes too. We sitt [sic] up reading till 10 pm. I get supper and V paps a panful of corn frezzing [sic] hard. Monday 3rd April Froze hard last night. Emma gone to school. Voltie draws two loads of wood from W.G’s. Sr sawing and splitting wood. He dont feel very well. Seems to be worried because Emma dont eat up her bread crusts. Says Holsteins are no good as a breed of cattle. Darshams and Ayrshire are the stock to grow and tis very foolish this winter raising of calves. I baked beans and cake, got dinner, washed dishes. Voltie had a phone to steel shingle the old Daily house for Day the new cheese maker. The day has been bright & nearly cold instead of cool. Tuesday 4th April 1911. A cold frozen morning. Cloudy all day. sap dont run. V drew manure this a.m. but froze so hard that he quit the job. Emma at school, had bean soup for dinner. John Flynn drove in here for potatoes. V didn’t sell any for he wants to plant a lot. If spring even comes. Sr says it is going to rain for the barometer stands low. Letters from Belle & Grace and Maud �23 1911 Wednesday 5 April Emma at school a terrible nasty day. Rain Rain mud mud. Emma carried an umbrella. C Woodman drove for them all. V working in shop. Sr sits by the stove and reads Whig and Watertown Standard. Thursday 6 April 1911 A dirty morning all right. Thought I’d keep Emma home but she discovered Franks kid going to school across the park and then Emma must go too and she goes, and then I work all day except I begin writing to Muriel. Emma and Sammy Woodman had a fight. Emma knocked Sam out in one round so he went home bawling. I think Emma is as much to blame as Sammy. Emma inclined to quarrelsomes. �24 Friday 7 April 1911 A fine warm day. Snow all gone except two little patches and they are rappidly [sic] disapearing. Emma gone to school. V working in shop. Sr picking at a little wood but mostly sitting by the kitchen stove, arising now and again to study the time of day, looks at barometer thermometer then read again and go out to the wood pile and stands examining the job. Voltie working in shop & making soap. I standing on my feet all day working, working carrying my old walking stick, if I sit down a minute I go fast asleep. Mud drying up some. We make some more maple syrup. V goes over to chop wood for R directly after breakfast. Mail a letter from Will, a letter from Grace, Whig, Herald and a lot of advertising trash. Saturday 8th April A very fine day, warm spring like. Emma washed part of the clothes till the soft soap was all gone for we had no hard soap. I done all the house work, got the meals, washed dishes. Clothes dont look very white. Sr very X and fault finding and meddlesome. I sometimes think the man is looney. Emma eats to much. Emma uses to much soap, his mother didn’t use so much soap because she couldnt afford to. Emma dont eat her crusts �25 Sunday 9 April 1911 A clear cool day. Sap boiling on stove. Voltie churned and popped corn. Sr out of sorts with Emma. V made soap. V gone over to R’s to carry water to Rachel. Sr sitting by the kitchen stove watching out Monday 10 �26 Tuesday 11 April 1911 A beautiful day. Emma at school, boiling sap, sent letters to Maud, Grace & Muriel. Wednesday 12 April 1911. Well it certainly is a fine day. River full of floating ice. V fixing hog yard for the sow, making water fence. R and her dog came over, she is sick. Grippe or something, her dog is a nuisance. R helped get dinner, went to bed twice then went home. John McDonald here in shop. I sent Berta my first Easter cactus, she drove in for John. Frank Brichard R’s eggs 20 doz: Em at school. V went over and chopped wood for R, boiling Sap. V carried water for Rachel. Old well no good. �27 Thursday 13 April 1911 Emma at school. Oh I’m mad as I can be. Rube was sad as he could be (so he said). Oh I want to get away from here where I could have a few peaceful great days before I bid good bye to all forever. Sr & Emma He watches every mouthful she eats and every motion she makes and talks about it and blows away. Of course she dont fill my expectations for neatness and dispatch but I’m trying to get along with her the best I can. Sr is worse than Emma. Dirty, medlesome [sic], ranting, loud, talking, sitting around watching. His table manners are abomanable [sic]. I certainly think he is the most unmanerly old man I ever saw. V drawing hay from Rachels. Frank Woodman helping him. somewhat cloudy this morning, looks like rain, not cold but quite warm and still. I’m terribly lame this morning. Em at school, boiling sap this morning. River full of floating ice. We are churning. I’ve got to get dinner now 1/2 past 10 a.m. Dinner all ready, went to call V found he had left the barn and gone to take Franks waggon home. Wind rising and blowing heavy from South which makes the ice jingle. �28 Good Friday April 14 1911 A beautiful day. No more sap, trees stopped running, the last syrup is about 3 qrts. No more school till a week from Monday. Emma cleaning upstairs. We have began house cleaning. Frank Woodman here to dinner. He said this was a beautiful day but it has rained nearly all p.m. V working in shop. I cook and do personal house work. Sr brings in the wood. I send a letter to Will, a letter to Bob about those custom house seeds. I receive an Easter card from Grace and one from Mrs Bernard Morgan. Saturday 15 April 1911 A fine morning but clouds over and is chilly. Wind howls to the West. I work around till after dinner and then rest awhile while Emma mops the pantry. V and dad fixing fence around the point to turn the brood pig in. Sammy came down with Easter cards. We buy 10 for 15 cts. Wind blowing heavy from SW carrying ice all down stream �29 Sunday 16 A very fine day. Rachel & Turk came over to Easter and had a feast of eggs. When R. went home she took the rope from Turk and let him and away he went bounding so gaily in his liberty after 6 weeks imprisonment by being tied up by a rope. V reading and went asleep in his chair. Monday 17 We began our wash about 10 am. Didn’t finish but have the lines and clothes bar’s filled. V drawing stone all day. I work around nearly all day till I am tired out. �30 Tuesday A fair fine day. V put the bees out to day. 7 hives for us, 5 for Rachel. Emma finished the washing. Rachel came over to work her butter and make prints. V drawing stone and this pm plowing in the old pasture. We had honey for dinner. Emma goin up to see Mrs Niles. Mrs N gave her 1 dog, very pretty collar colar and and [sic] a embroidered waist col colar and and an emroided [sic] waist Wednesday 19 April 1911 1 Dember Very fine day uncle Voltie gone to kingston with pig for Briceland Wednesday Dec 1916 Very fine day Uncle Voltie gone to Kingston with pigs to Briceland and brought home groses, tea, pepper, raisins, currents and other thing. Edith goes to shool [sic] and Emma get meal and washed dishes and do the other work �31 Friday 21 Wind North. I sent a letter to Grace with Belle’s letter inclosed [sic] Rachel here going to make cookies. Frank Woodman here plowing for V while V works in shop for Frank. A very good day, no rain. Dad picking up stone. Mrs Rattray made us a little visit and gave me a photo of Elsie her babe �32 Saturday 22 April 1911 V’s painting part of the dining room and all the pantry floors. Emma moped [sic] kitchen floor and I think we are all good tired. I take my Sat nights privelege and and [sic] sit up reading till 11 pm. Sunday 23rd 1911 A day of quiet peacefulness and rest. R came over and staid till nearly night. Geo W Woodman here a little while, a very pleasant day. Wind N. Rachel here too - Voltie set the incubator 123 eggs. �33 1911 Monday 24th April A fine warm day, no rain. Emma at school. V sowed the first spring grain, wheat 4 bushels and oats. Sr planting potatoes, he has got a lame back. This is the first day of the incubtor. Rachel came over and helped me wipe dishes and cook some brown beans. Emma at sch. Tuesday 25 Emma at school. Fair day no rain. �34 Wednesday 26 Emma at school, a fine day. Emma school. Thursday 27th April 1911 A fine day; hazy. Slept with bedroom window open all night. V drove to dock with R this morning. Ema rode over for Turk. I realy [sic] wanted Em to stay home from school to day and help me clean the parlor but as soon as she saw Frank’s kids go to school there was no holding her excep [sic] by stern command and I said "Then go" I turned the eggs. �35 Friday 28 April Emma at home. An attack of rheumatism in my right hand and arm but work all day. R @me over, didn’t stay long. V working over there, no rain, received a card from Marjorie. No rain. [inserted notes - different handwriting, possible shopping list] Baggy pole pole trip & couppling circle bar Saturday 29 April 1911 Another hazy day. V working over on R’s place sowing oats. Dad making garden beds. Emma clearing up and I’ve got grippe and am very lame. I don’t work any to day, can’t work. R didn’t come over. V nearly finished over there. no rain. [inserted list continues] rubber boots rank boiler horse nails �36 Sunday 20 April 1911 A hot day, still on the river. No rain but growing cloudy and sprinkles a little towards night. V working "over there". I got a bad cold, took a Sunday nap for first time in 3 years. [inserted list, different handwriting] sleigh crook stove pipe varnish Monday 1st May 1911 A rainy day. V working shop all day. Sr sitting in house all day, and patching old harness and looking on to see that every thing is done in a correct manner by Emma. V went to J.N’s and Jack gave him fish & V got caught in the rain. Thunder & lightning. Tuesday 2 May 1911 Cool and windy after the rain of yesterday. Wind howled all night. I didn’t get up till 6 am just in time to fix the separator. fish for breakfast. [inserted list continues] shop pipe horse shoes �37 Wednesday 3rd May Thursday 4th May 1911 �38 Friday 5th May A sunshiny day, cool. V working in field. I don’t like to work but but have too. I’m not satisfied with Thursday 25 May 1911 V and Ruttan went to K to day in [?] motor, came home at 6 pm. Rut and Mrs. Rut & Elsie here to supper. She and Elsie ate dinner here. V brought the news that John Henderson is dead, died this morning. Friday 26th May Well I have not written in this diary in a long time and since that time People have been born and some married and others died. I must try and keep my diary and account in better condition. Mrs Rutan is here this pm sewing for me, making me a dress. Its a fine day. Voltie and Sr are planting potatoes. I sent 3 letters, one to Muriel, one to Watson adn one to Lena Dixon. �39 Tuesday 6 June 1911 A cloudy day, wind North and very cool. Em kicked over the traces again to day, wouldn’t eat any supper. Maud here and made cake and cookies gone to carry Rachel a loaf of bread. Wednesday 7th June 1911 A cloudy morning, not a very good day for the Base Ball picnic held in John’s grove. Emma went to picnic, a great assemblange of picknickers (picknicers). They all got wet and had to go to Hiram’s barn. A platform dance in evening but it was adjourned till another time. A beautiful growing time, every thing more lovely than an artist’s most beautiful picture. Thursday 8 June 1911 Rachel went to Kingston with eggs for market carried 11 lbs butter for us, bought groceries and corned beef. a very fine day. Sr drove to the dock morning and evening. R bought Maud a hat 15 cts. I lined it. Saw Mrs Ramons on the boat, she threatens me with a visit fore part of next week. I don’t like visitors because I’m not able to wait on them. We filled honey supers with sections, 7 of them. V put them on 7 hives. �40 9 June 1911 Friday that was yesterday A beautiful day. Maud went to R for strawberries rubarb, staid till 3 pm. R came helping her bring the rubarb. V plowed Rs garden & planted her corn & went to the dock for her pump fixings then cultivated potatos, corn & beans all p.m. I and Emma prepared supers for bee hives. Em Woodman here for butter. Saturday 10 Maud been here a week this day. Emma cleaned floors. Rachel came over Saturday and got honey sectionly and formation camp a very hot day. Mrs Niles here to supper. Sunday 11 A very hot day not much of a day of rest. Topping preached his farewell sermon. A great turnout. Geo Woodman came while we were eating dinner. Leaving me with her mother. Monday 122 A teriffic [sic] storm of lightening, thunder and rain. Thunder rolling crashing. V in shop working at something. V in the house, dog under. Rachel went to bed in the feathers and covered her head and thought the house was struck. �41 Tuesday 13 June 1911 Tuesday not a very good day, threatens rain and does rain. V and Sr pulling mustard after Geo OBrien and V fix R’s pump. Geo OB here to dinner. R couldn’t get them any dinner for she has no wood. Wednesday 14 Methodist picnic in Hirams woods. A bad day for it rains, a great disapointment [sic] to the picknickers. V nor Emma nor Maud didn’t go. V worked all day. Thursday 15 June Voltie gone to Kingston in Motor, came home after sunset another rainy day. This weather according to Rev Hicks prediction for the entire month of June. Emma contrary as ever and disobedient. Maud done a lot of baking, cookies, cake buns, small cakes &c. Month half gone. Friday 16 June 1911 A cloudy morning, rains some and may rain before night. Emma’s legs covered up this morning with sleeping and good strong shoes on her feet. [inserted text - different handwriting] Jannis Emma Seeman RR#1 Edith Iren Wolf Island �42 [entry is written by different person -grown Emma possibly] Sunday 21 November 1915 Sunday very good day not saying to good. Sun is shinning [sic] some of the time, the road’s all mud. The minster [sic] could not come down so there isn’t any service. Grandma writing a letter to her grandson Robert Gaskin. Edith acting like old ned... Uncle Voltie doing some thing out at the barn. We left the cows in all night. Nobody here to day. I go over to Aunt Rachel for a while yesterday was Uncle Voltie’s Birthday. tomorrow Grandmas 22 Monday 1915 �43 Friday 24 June 1911 A very cool morning. Chickens beginning to peep in the shell, pm hatching finely [sic]. A great comotion [sic] in incubator. V bargained for three plum trees from Elly Woodman. Al Joslin here by the pig pen. Rachel here to make beer. The fire was out so she turned about and started for home soon after she come �44 Sunday 29 June 1911 The Baine came to our dock this morning for passengers only a wee tramp steamer. Sr went to town on her. Mr & Mrs Ruttan. [inserted different handwriting - Emmas?] 8 January This is a good day. Wind blowing. This is my bithday [sic]. I am 14 years. acre a acr acre acre acere arce acre 30 June 1911 Friday A beautiful day soft breezy every thing growing beautifully. A big swarm of bees out: dont know a V will hive them; he at the shop now making a hive. Mrs Ruttan sent here for a lb of butter by Maggie. Reggie watching cows all am. V went to OBriens for a male hog. �45 Sunday 2nd July A beautiful fine growing day, a warm high breeze strong and swaying the branches. I’ve just got done the dishes (breakfast dishes) pots, pans, spiders scour knives and forks. Em’s fooling away ironing a tablecloth which shoudl be only 5 minutes work. She had made it half hour and not done yet. 10 am bees swarming or trying to. 80 deg in shade and growing warmer. V making a bee hive. Anna Woodman phoned for V to take her across the river, she going to work for Muriel. John McDonel phoned that the sow had broke out the yd and gone but it proved to be Rob Ranons. �46 �47 19 Aug 1911 Saturday not much done by way of work this day especially in the house The work out doors is always progressing; just managed after getting three meals and washing dishes to clean pantry & kitchen. Mrs Niles came for butter Mrs Frank Woodman came for butter. Rachel came to say her old cow dont give any milk and dont know any reason why. They (our men folk) didn’t get in very early for supper, finishing up the loose raking of grain in field. Grace sewed on Emmas muslin dress. Sunday 20 August 1911 A very fine day, not much wind in fore noon. Gladys Smith came down early bringing Elsie and staid all day. V went over the river in motor after dinner. Sylvia W and Hazel W & Samy W went along too. They got some enough before they got back and wet enough too. Sylvia dressed very gay & fantasatic with a yellow dress and the gayest turban imaginable. Poor dear Sylvia she has got a big ill shaped nose �48 Monday 21 Aug 1911 A beautiful day. Grace done big washing and all done before dinner and on the lines. After dinner V went to Jimmy Morgans to pay back borrowed work. V & Sr trying to build fence around the tomato patch. V came home early from Morgans came just as we were sitting down to supper. Gladys Smith didn’t come down today Rachel came over for corn and envelopes. Mrs Ruttan in town for an opperation [sic]. Ruttan gone too leaving Gladys and Elsie alone. 22nd Aug 1911 Tuesday a very fine day somewhat cool. I have lots of work to do but still I sit here burdened with an accusing conscience because I dont get up and work, work, work. V has gone to Morgan’s to finish up borrowed labor in harvest field; he fixed the churn before he went. Emma is in cellar churning. I sent 2 letters one to Eveline and one to Belle. Gladys Smith sent here for butter and corn. Sent her corn but no butter. This is my diary. I write in it whatever I please, and it is nobody’s business. Looks like rain. River rough blowing from South. Sr building chicken wire frence around the tomatoes. The ex boss is disagreeable and snarley as usual. �49 1911 Wednesday 23rd August A fine day, cooked three meals as usual, lots of green corn, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, apples. Voltie preparing for mail sent by gathering 2 barrels of apples. Grace washing, starching, ironing & sewing on Emma’s dress & finished it. Kids having great time doing as they have a mind to. Grace went after dark to find them, found Reg and Bob together with Emma, Florence Smith and all of Franks kids down under the high rocks fishing. Grace succeded in rounding them up and scattering each party separately for home only for them to slip out and off to Sam W. Once more Grace went for them, separated Regginald and Bob from the crowed [sic] and shooed them home and walloped each one of them with a batter and sent them to bed. There was some squalling. The phone rang for us about 9 pm central which said a message from Chammost that Maud’s baby was dead but Maud is all right. Oh tis a terrible thing. Poor Dear Maude. �50 �51 Saturday 26 Aug Saturday 26 Aug A very good day all at work Sunday 27 Aug 1911 We arose quite early this morning. A very nice day warm and pleasant. V shot a rooster. Reggie went over to water R’s cows. Rachel came over and helped get the dinner. V went across at 10.30 carrying Sylvia, Hazel., Joseph, Cora and her Brother across to State Park to a picnic. V returned 1/2 past 11 am bringing John and Bert Smith and a little white casket with Mauds little baby in it to be laid away in our cemetary. It is so sad, sad, sad. Well the dear Lord knows best. They, John and Bert staid a few hours and to dinner then V took them across to go home gave them apples and a fish which they forgot �52 Monday 28 August 1911 A cloudy morning after last nights thunder & lightning storm which lasted only about half an hour. Voltie gathered cabbage, turnip seed. Rachel came over to wash our churn, (so she said) but found herself without a job for the churn was washed. Emma had washed it and I was very glad it was washed. Reggie went to Mrs Niles to carry a peck of tomatoes which completes the bushel for Jack. Then he went to R for two bars of soap. Emma is washing. I cook cabbage, tomatoes & potatoes for dinner. After dinner V and [Reginald|Reggie]] pull beans till the rain set in good and strong which sent V and Regie to the house double quick. Jack Niles phoned for butter and came for it Tuesday �53 Wednesday Very fine day. Thursday 31st August 1911 A very pleasant day. Voltie gone to Kingston on the boat with apples, tomatoes, eggs &c. Reginald went home to day. Srhors de combat. Packed 7 doz eggs. �54 1911 Friday 1 September The year is passing on and away. A clear cool day. Wind South. V and Sr cleaned stove and pipe. Tom Dignum. Dont know why I never can make a good capital D. What I covet most of all was to have been a good musician only no one knew it excepting myself my lost opportunities. Did I ever have any to lose! "Chill penury repressed their noble rate and froze the genial currant of the soul" Took a walk down in the garden. V pulled away the weeds so I could walk. Tom Dig wants to go to the Cape this pm. V cant go with him. Gathering apples and tomatoes for Market. Wednesday 10 Oct 1911 A cloudy day. Inclined to rain in pm. Voltie picked apples, 15 bushels snow apples, 23 bushels Tallman Sweets. Sold 4 cows $95 dollars. Em at school. Emma at school. �55 Thursday 11 Oct 1911 This is a beautiful morn. Voltie gone to docks with two barrels of apples for Henderson. The trees are dressed in the lovely colors of red, green, brown and russet brown. V carried Grace a peck of green tomatoes. Sr "horse de combat" this morning at the breakfast table. I sent Grace a letter by Geo Rattray. Got to make cellery sauce. Sent a grist to mill. V drove to dock but brought no flour. grist didn’t come. Heard that Mrs Kent is dead. Rachel came over and helped about the cellery sauce. Sr dug a few potatoes. V drove to Mr Niles for cider mill. V ground 40 gal of cider. Emma at school. Friday 12 Oct 1911 Another fine day. Emma at school. R came over and helped bottle the cellery sauce. 6 ceilers full. V making working butter making cider Received 2 letters from Maud. One from Grace. Says she and Mrs Grant are coming down Wednesday evening. I would as soon Mrs Grant staid home. Herald & Whig. Sr digging potatoes. V shot the fatting pig in the pen. Sr gave me a drink of whiskey �56 Saturday 13 Oct 1911 Another fine day but cool. V finished making cider over a hundred gallons. Sr digging potatoes. Emma mopped the floors. I made cider applesauce. Im awful tired, so tired I could cry only it would appear childish even to myself. If I only had some one to warm my feet. I cant do it. I must go and beggin supper. Guess I’ll cook some rice. V shut the pig in the pen that he is going to. Sr gave me a drink of his whiskey. Tis awful strong. �57 Oct 26 1911 Emma got to Kingston. It is a rainy day, she has gone to the Orphan to get her little sister Edith. �58 �59 Sunday 19 Nov 1911 Not a very bad day. Emma and Edith went to church. Monday 20th Nov 1911 Not a very pleasant day. Emma washed and hung them all on the line. A big washing. Sr sitting around the house all day, got the gout. Oh the misery of it all. Younkers here to keep quiet cant laugh nor talk on account of gout or some other cursedness. 2 weeks ago yesterday the telephone rang in the night for the doctor for Annie Woodman Kehoe, a girl baby was born. She has been 8 weeks married. �60 Thursday 21 Nov 1911. Well I dont know how I can neglect my diary so have not written in it since the 13 Oct. Tomorrow is my birth day 78, fine old age. Well V and I received post cards 8 for me and 2 for V. I rec’d a letter from Grace, Belle, Maud, & Lib. Ground froze but V. plowed over on Rachels. Looked over a bag of rags this pm. Emma & Edith helping me. We got to laughing a regular gale. I have not laughed so much in a year and at Edith. A church affair this evening. E & E gone to church to make arraingement [sic] for Christmas. Night dark as pitch carried a lantern. We baked bread and churned. Not many at church. Lilly Woodman only woman, except E & E. Wendesday 22 Nov 1911 Anniversary of my birth 78 years ago in a terrible snow storm so they say. I wish I could live those olden days over again ie my childhood and girlhood. Rachel here picking fowl. V killed only 4 for us old hens for market others not big enough. V putting up a barrel of apples for Henderson Talman sweets. Sr sitting around as usual. This is a beautiful Nov day. Wind South. Mabel Morgan came & staid awhile then went home when nearly dark she was accompananied by her dog Majo. V drove to the dock with apples and other stuff. �61 Thursday 23rd Nov 1911 A cold froze up morning. Arose at 1/2 past 4 had breakfast at 4 am. Sr drove to dock with V and the chickens, apples, cheese, nuts carried over to dock last night Sr milked and separated cream. Emma & Edith washing breakfast dishes. Dick singing merrily. Mrs Ruttan & Rachel both here for a row when Mrs Ruttan and Elsie came in R sat up straight as a ramrod. Mrs Ruttan very smiling. Rachel pitched in for a quarrel. I think Mrs Rutt came off first best any way it ended by R inviting Mrs Ruttan to visit her before she moves to Jerome’s. V came early and brought all the things. Friday 24th Nov 1911 A peaceful quiet day, cloudy W and S. V plows over on R. We make sweet apple preserves & colored window curtains red. V phoned to Geo Rattray about the tank. Sr toe bad again, doctored it with Zambuc and iodine. Looked out the window and saw Sylvia, Mrs Ruttan and Elsie going down the road, going down to Franks I suppose to exchange news and swap lies. �62 Saturday 25 Nov 1911 A cloudy day snow before night. Mrs Ruttan and Elsie came and staid till dark. Mrs Ruttan made an apron for me gave her pieces of caliso. She brought home my Fable napkin. R came over for salt and flour, a loaf of bread. Emma cleaned floors. Voltie gave Rachel cod fish. Sunday 26 Nov 1911 A cloudy day. Wind South raining at intervals. Emma & Edith went to Sunday school and church. R came over and got her cheese check and balance of chicken money, a half plug of tobacco and a pail of oats. Sr "hors de combat" early this morning before breakfast, has behaved himself very well the rest of the day. It was about a towel I wanted a clean one, he said the towel main was clean enough. R also took a loaf of bread. �63 Nov 27 1. Miss Margaret Gaskin No 10 Brett St Watertown NY Miss Lena Dixon RFD #2 Clayton NY Mr Henry Halliday RFD #2 Limerick Miss Ethel Lehman Orphan Home Kingston Canada, Ontario Nov 28 �64 3rd Monday 4 �65 Tuesday 5 Dec 1911 A little warm this morning, cloudy. Ate breakfast by lamp light. Ethel & E washing breakfast dishes. Mrs Ruttan reading old diary. Sr sits by the kitchen stove. He is not well, got a bad cold. Voltie churned. Mr Ruttan staid all night at Frank W’s. They are moving today. Sometimes people who read my Diary are not well pleased. Ruttan came after awhile & Mr & Mrs adjourned to C Woodman where Frank W soon arrives with wagon and moves a load of household goods for Rutt to Irvines. Mrs Rut going up with the mail as far as her new home. Franks sheep a torment. Wed 6 Dec �66 Tuesday 19 D 1911 Wednesday 20 Dec 1911 A beautiful day warm, no snow, no frost �67 Thursday 21 Dec No ice to hinder the boat from coming to our dock and as this is the last Monday before Christmas every body is going up on the boat from the foot. Voltie, Emma and Sr went leaving Edie and I alone all day. We kept shep in house on account of Frank’s sheep. The day seems long lonely and dreary. Boat was late coming in. Edie and I had supper all ready when they came. Grace sent a Christmas box which is not to be opened till Christmas morn. Voltie brought [?] olives and candies and Groceries and paid Bob $75.00 dollars & owe him $30 more, sent Watson apples. Friday 22nd Dec 1911 A cloudy warm happpy weather. Voltie gone to dock with waggon for coal. My adopted kids dont like to work any better nor more on account of Christmas favors, both listless, unambitious, like to play. Sr is quite chirup or gay since he saw the Doctor yesterday who told him there is nothing the matter with him, he steps around like a 16 year old lad, dont cough any more but is now taking 3 kinds of medicine. A bottle of bitter tonic, a box of pills, cherry pectoral and something else I have forgotten. Christmas is in the air. Rachel came over, brought me a box �68 of note paper and a package of washing powder. Frank here to get his horses shod [shoed] he is going to the village; the ground is bare of snow. Yesterday V gave 3 dollars to the church 2 to Emma for trinkets. Saturday 23rd How are Dear Sylvia I got your letter all OK. �69 Sunday 24 Dec 1911 A very fine day warm weather no snow no ice no frost. Rachel came over with Voltie when he came from ditching. She said Mrs Dignum had made her a visit brought her cloth 3 yds for an apron and staid to dinner. Sr "Horse de combat" tried to have a auction with R on Christmas eve. Emma Lehman RRoute Wolfe Island Ontario Canada Irene Bamford Wolfe Island Ontario, Canada Monday 25 Dec 1911 Christmas Day A beautiful soft day, no snow nor frost. Rachel came over to Christmas, didnt have anything unusual for dinner only a fruit cake, mince pie, fried ham, mashed potatoes, QC Sr "horse de combat" a still quiet day like Sunday. I would like to have heard from Belle, Wellie, Johny and Will’s family and my grandchildren and their families, my nephews and their families, my nieces & their families but I heard from none of them. Nellie Brooks never forget at Xmas �70 Tuesday 26 Dec 1911 A warm day no snow no frost. Voltie ditching over on R’s place. Grandad doing nothing but behaving himself very well to day. His appetite fine. For dinner cooked boiled meat, parsnips, turnips, beets, warmed potatoes, baked beans, mince pie, bread & butter. A Christmas rehersal in the church this pm. E&E are going to rehersal. V digging stone away from boat landing this pm. I do all the dinner dishes and nearly get the supper. E&E didn’t come till after dark. Wednesday 27 Dec 1911 Well I guess we are going to have winter. Wind began to howl from the SW about 2 am and blew a gale all day. V went over to McDonalds and returned just in time to save our house from burning, caught fire from the burning out of the stove pipe, Charley W helped extinguish the fire. Came pretty nearly being homeless and destitute. I dressed 7 chickens for market, moved the kitchen stove into the dining room and burn coal. E & E goes to the Christmas tree �71 Leaf point Lace cast on 25 stitches Knit across plain 1. Knit 2, narrow O[ver] twice and narrow twice, purl 2 O[ver] knit 1 O[ver] purl 2. O[ver] narrow 3 times knit 1 make two stitches in last stitch 2. Knit 12, purl 3, knit 4 Purl O[ver] Knit 1 twice 3. Knit 4, narrow, O[ver] twice & narrow Knit 4 purl 2 O[ver] knit 3 O[ver] purl 3 O[ver] narrow 3 times O[ver] knit 2 then 2 stitches in last stitch 4. Knit 14 purl 5 Knit 8 purl 1 Knit 5 4 knit 14 purl 5 knit O[ver] 5. Knit 6 narrow O[ver] twice narrow Knit 2 purl 2 O[ver] knit 5 O[ver] purl 4 O[ver] narrow 3 times O[ver] knit 3 knit 2 in last 6. Bind off 3 knit 12, purl 7, knit 6, purl 1, knit 7 7. Knit 2 narrow O[ver] twice and narrow twice, purl 2, knit 2, knit 3 together Knit 2 purl 2 O[ver] knit 1 O[ver] purl 2 O[ver] narrow 3 times O[ver] knit 1 knit 2 in last stitch 8. Knit 12, purl 3, knit 2, purl 5 Knit 4, purl 1, knit 5, purl 1, Knit 3 �72 9. Knit 4 narrow O[ver] twice narrow Knit 4 purl 2 knit 1 knit 3 tog Knit 1 purl 2 O[ver] knit 3 O[ver] purl 3 O[ver] narrow 3 times O[ver] knit 2 then knit 2 stitches in last 1 10. Knit 14 purl 5 K2, P3, K8, p1 K5 11. K6 narrow O[ver] twice narrow K2 p2, K3 together, p2. O[ver] K5 O[ver] purl 4 O[ver]n 3 times O[ver] K3 K2 in last 12. Bind off 3, K12, p7, Knit 2, p1, K6 p1, K7 13. K2 n O[ver] twice and narrow twice p2 O[ver] K1 O[ver] p2, K2, K3 tog K2, p2, O[ver] K4 3 times, O[ver] P2, K1 K2 in last stitch 14. K12, p3, K2, p5, K2, p3 K4, p1, K5, p1, K 9 15. K4 n O[ver] twice & narrow K4, p2 O[ver] K3, O[ver] p2, K1, K3 tog K1, p2, O[ver] K3, O[ver] p3. O[ver] n 3 times O[ver] K2 2 stitches in last stitch 16 K14, p5 (K2) p3, K2, p5 K8, p1, K5 17. K6 O[ver] twice n K2 p2 O[ver] K5 O[ver] p2, K3 tog. p2, O[ver] K5, O[ver] p4 O[ver] n 3 times, O[ver] K3, K2 in last �73 18. Bind off 3, K 12, p7, K2 p1, K2, p7, K6, p1, K7 19. K2 n O[ver] twice O[ver] n twice p2, K2, K3 tog, K2, p2 O[ver] K1, O[ver] p2, K2, K3 tog, K2, p2 O[ver] n 3 times, K1, K2 in last 20. K12, p3, K2, p5, K2, p2, K2 p5, K4, p1, K5, p1, K3 21. K4 n O[ver] twice n, K4, p2, K1, K3 together, K1, p2, O[ver] K3, O[ver] p2, K1, K3 together, K1, p2 O[ver] K3 O[ver] p2 p3, O[ver] n 3 times, O[ver] K2, K2 in last 22. K14, p5, K2, p3, K2, p5, K2 p3, K8, p1, K5 23. K6 n O[ver] twice n K2, p2, K3 tog p2, O[ver] K5, p2, K3 tog, p2, O[ver] K5 O[ver] p4, O[ver] narrow three times, O[ver] K3, K2 in last 24. Bind off 3, K12, p7, K2, p1, K2, p7, K2, p1, K6, p1, K7 25. K2 n O[ver] twice narrow twice p2 O[ver] K1, O[ver] p2, K2, K3 tog. K2, p2 O[ver] K1, O[ver] p2, K2, K3 tog. K2, p2 O[ver] K1, O[ver] p2, O[ver] n 3 times, K1, 2 in last 26. K 12, p3, K2, p5, K2, p3, K2, p5 K2, p3, K4, p1, K5, p1, K5 �74 27. K4 narrow, O[ver] twice n, K4, p2 O[ver] K3, O[ver] purl 2, K1, K3 tog, K1 p2 O[ver] K3 O[ver] purl 2, K1, K3 tog, K1 p2 O[ver] K3 O[ver] purl 3, O[ver] n 3 times, O[ver] K2, K2 in last 28. K14, p5, K2, p3, K2 (twice), p5, K8 p1, K5 29. K6 n O[ver] twice narrow, K2, P2, O[ver] K5, O[ver] P2, K3 tog, P2 O[ver] K5, O[ver] P2, K3 tog, P2, O[ver] K5 O[ver] P4, O[ver] narrow 3 times O[ver] K5, K2 in last 30. Bind 3, K12, P7, K2, p1, K2, P7, K2, P1, K2, p7, K6, p1, K7 31. K2 n O[ver] twice narrow twice P2, K2 K3 together, K2, P2, O[ver] K1, O[ver] P2, K2 K3 together K2, p2, O[ver] K1, O[ver] P2, K2 K3 together, K2, p2, p2 together, O[ver] n 4 times K2 in last stitch 32. K13, p5, K2, P5, K2, p5, K2, p3, K2 p5, K4, p1, K5, p1, K3 33. K4 n O[ver] twice, O[ver] n, K4, p2, K1, K3 tog. K1, p2 O[ver] K3, O[ver] p2 twice, K1, K3 tog K1, p1, p2 together, O[ver] n 4 times K1, K2 in last stitch 34. K13, p2, K2, p5, K2 twice, p3 K8, p1, K5 35. K6 n O[ver] twice n, K2, p2, K3 tog p2, O[ver] K5, O[ver] p2 twice, K3 tog, p2 tog O[ver] n 4 times, K2, K2 in last stitch 36. K13 (p1, K2, p7, K2 twice) p1, K6 p1, K7 37. K2 n O[ver] twice n twice, p2, O[ver] K1, O[ver] p2, K2, K3 tog, K2, p2 twice p2 tog O[ver] n 4 times, K4 38. Bind 3, K12, p5, K2, p3, K2 p5, K2, p3, K4, p1, K5, p1, K5, p1, K3 �75 39. K4, n, O[ver] twice, n, K4, p2, O[ver] K3, O[ver] 2, K1, K3 tog, K1, p2, O[ver] K3, O[ver] p2, K1, K3 tog K1, p1, p2 tog, O[ver] 4 times K1, K2 in last stitch 40. K13, p5, K2, p5, K2, p3, K2, p5, K8, p1, K5 41. K6 n, O[ver] twice n K2, p2, O[ver] K5, O[ver] p2, K3 tog, p2, O[ver] K5, O[ver] P2, K3 tog, p2 tog O[ver] n 4 times K2, K2 in last stitch 42. K13, p1, K2, p7, K2, p1, K2, p7, K6, p1, K7 43. K2, n, O[ver] n twice, p2, K2, K3 tog, K2, p2, O[ver] K1, O[ver] p2, K2, K3 tog, K2, p3, p2 tog, O[ver] n 4 times, K4 44. B off 3, K11, p5, K2, p8, K2, p5, K4, p1, K5, p1, K8 45. K4 n, O[ver] twice n, K4, p2, K1, K3 tog, K1, O[ver] K3, O[ver] p2, K1, K3 tog K1, p1, p2 tog, O[ver] n 4 times, K2 in last 46. K12, p3, K2, p5, K2, p3, K8, p1, K3 47. K6 n O[ver] twice n, K2, p2, K3 tog. p2, O[ver] K5, O[ver] K5, O[ver] p2, n, K3 tog, K1, p1, p2 tog, O[ver] n 4 times, K1, K2 in last 48. K15, p7, K2, p1, K6, p1, K7 �76 49. K2 n O[ver] twice & n twice, p2, O[ver] K6, O[ver] p2, K2, K3 tog, K2, p2, p2 tog, O[ver] n 4 times, K2,, K2 in last 50. K 15, p5, K2, p3, K4, p1, K5, p1, K3 51. K4, n, O[ver] twice, n K4, p2, O[ver] K3, O[ver] p2 K1, K3 tog, K1, p1, p2 tog, O[ver] 4 times K4 52. B off 3, K10, P3, K4, p5, K8, p1, K5 53. K6 n, O[ver] twice n K2, p2, O[ver] K5, O[ver] p2, K3 tog, p2 tog, O[ver] n 4 times, K2 in last 54. K14, p7, K6, p1, K7 55. K2 n O[ver] twice and narrow twice, p2, K2, K3 tog, K2, p2, p2 tog O[ver] n 4 times, K4 56. K14, p5, K9, p1, K5, p1, K3 57. K4 n O[ver] twice n, K4, p2, K1, K3 tog K1, p1, p2 tog, O[ver] n 4 times, K2, K2 in last 58. K14, p3, K8, p1, K5 59. K6 n O[ver] twice, n K2, p2, K3 tog, p2, tog, O[ver] n 4 times 60. B off 3, K9, p1, K6, p1, K7 repeat from first �77 Rockford Lace Cast on 32 stitches Knit across plain 1. Knit 2 narrow, over twice narrow (twice, Purl 2, Over, Knit 1 Over, Purl 2 Over (Knit 2 narrow over twice & narrow twice) K1, over twice, Knit 2 2. (Knit 3, purl 1) twice, Knit 5, purl 1, Knit 6, purl 3, Knit 4, purl 1, knit 5, purl 1, knit 3 3. Knit 4 narrow, over twice & narrow, Knit 4, purl 2 over, knit 3 over purl 3 over, knit 4 and narrow, over twice & narrow, Knit 9 4. Bind off 2, knit 8, purl 1, knit 9, purl 5, knit 8, purl 1, knit 5 5. Knit 6 narrow over twice, narrow Knit 2, purl 2 over knit 5 over purl 4 over knit 6 narrow over twice narrow. Knit 3 over twice Knit 2 6. Knit 3, purl 1, Knit 5, purl 1, Knit 12, purl 7, knit 6, purl 1, knit 7 7. (Knit 2 narrow over twice narrow twice, purl 2, K2, Knit 3 together, knit 2, purl 2 over K1 over twice narrow twice, Knit 5 �78 Rockwood Lace 8. Bind off 2, Knit 4, purl 1, knit 5, purl 1, knit 6, purl 3, knit 2, purl 5, knit 4, purl 1, kint 5, purl 1, knit 3 9. Knit 4 narrow over twice narrow knit 4, purl 2, knit 1, knit 3 together, knit 1, purl 1 over, knit 3 over, purl 3 over, knit 4 narrow, over twice narrow, knit 5, over twice, knit 2 10. Knit 3, purl 1, knit 7, purl 1, knit 9, purl 5, knit 2, purl 3, knit 8, purl 1, knit 5 11. Knit 6 narrow over twice narrow Knit 2, purl 2, knit three together, purl 2 over knit 5 over, purl 4 over, knit 6, narrow over twice narrow knit 7. 12. Bin of 2, knit 6, purl 1, knit 12, purl 7, knit 9, purl 1, knit 7 13. (Knit 2 narrow over twice narrow twice), Knit 3, purl 2, knit 2, knit 3 together, knit 2, purl 2 over, knit 1 over, purl 2 over, knit 2 narrow over twice, narrow twice, K1 over twice, Knit 2 14. (Knit 3, purl 1 twice) Knit 5, purl 1, knit 6, purl 2, knit 2, purl 5, knit 7, purl 1, knit 5, purl 1, knit 3 15. Knit 4 narrow over twice narrow knit 7 purl2, kint 1, knit 3 together, knit 1, purl 2 over, knit 3 over, purl 3 over, knit 4 narrow over twice, narrow, knit 9 over �79 Rockwood Lace 16. Bind off 2, knit 8, purl 1, knit 9, purl 5, knit 2, purl 3, knit 11, purl 1, knit 5. 17. Knit 6 narrow over twice narrow, knit 5, purl 2, knit 3 together, purl 2 over, knit 5 over purl 4 over knit 6 narrow over twice narrow, knit 3 over twice, knit 2 18. Knit 3, purl 1, knit 5, purl 1, knit 12, purl 7, knit 12, purl 1, knit 7 19. knit 2 (narrow over twice narrow twice), Knit 6, purl 2, knit 2, knit 3 together, knit 2, purl 2 over, knit one over, purl 2 over, knit 2 narrow over twice narrow twice, Knit 5 20. Bind off 2, knit 4, purl 1, knit 5, purl 1, knit 6, purl 3, knit 2, purl 5, knit 10, purl 1, knit 5, purl 1, knit 3 21. Knit 4 narrow over twice narrow, knit 10, purl 2, knit one, knit 3 together, knit 1, purl 2 over, knit 3 over, purl 3 over, knit 4 narrow over twice narrow, knit 5 over twice, K2 22. Knit 3, purl 1, knit 7, purl 1, knit 9, purl 5, knit 2, purl 3, knit 14, purl 1, knit 5 23. Knit 6 narrow, over twice narrow, Knit 8, purl 2, knit 3 together, purl 2 over, knit 5 over, purl 4 over, knit 6 narrow over twice narrow, knit 7 �80 Rock Lace 24. Bind of 2, knit 6, purl 1, knit 12, purl 7, knit 15, purl 1, knit 7 25. Knit 2 narrow over twice narrow twice) Knit 2 narrow over twice narrow, Knit 3, purl 2, kint 2, knit 3 together, Knit 2, purl 2 over, knit 1 over, purl 2 over (Knit 2 narrow over twice narrow twice) Knit 1 over twice, knit 2 26. Knit 3, purl 1 twice, knit 5, purl 1, knit 6, purl 3, knit 2, purl 5, knit 7 purl 1 (knit 5, purl 1 twice), knit 3 27. Knit 4 narrow over twice narrow, Knit 4 (narrow over twice narrow twice, Knit one, purl 2, knit 1, knit 3 together, knit 1, purl 2, over, knit 3 over, purl 2 over, knit 4 narrow over twice narrow, knit 9 28. Bind off 2, knit 8, purl 1, knit 9, purl 5, knit 2, purl 3, knit 5, purl 1, knit 3, purl 1, knit 7, purl 1, knit 5 29. Knit 6 narrow over twice narrow, knit 4 narrow over twice narrow, knit 3, purl 2, knit 3 together, purl 2 over, K5 over, purl 4 over, K6, narrow over twice narrow, knit 3 over twice, knit 2 30. knit 3, purl 1, knit 5, purl 1, knit 12, purl 7, knit 2, purl 1, knit 7, purl 1, twice, knit 7 [pattern is continued after the following page 1 of Wheel Lace] �81 [This page is out of place, following page continues the Rockwood Lace pattern] Wheel Lace Cast on 30 stitches Knit across plain 1st row S1, K2, O, Narrow K4 Narrow O K3 O narrow K1 O Narrow K1 Narrow O Narrow O K4, P1, O, K1 2nd row K2, O, K5, O narrow, K1 O S narrow bind, O, K1 narrow O K5, O narrow, K5 O narrow, K1 3rd row S1, K2, O, narrow, K2, narrow, O, K1 narrow, O K1, O, narrow, K1, O narrow, K3, narrow, O, K1, narrow, O, K1, O, narrow, K1, P1, O, K1 4 row K2, O, K1, narrow, O K3, O, narrow, K1, O, narrow, K1 narrow, O, K1 narrow, O, K3, O narrow K1 O narrow, K3, O narrow, K1 row 5 S1, K2, O, narrow twice, O, K1 narrow O K5, O, narrow, K1, O, S1 narrow and bind, O, K1 narrow, O, K5, O, Narrow, K1, P1, O, K1 6 row K2, O, K1 narrow, O, K3, O, narrow K2, O narrow, K1, O, K1, O, K1 narrow, O narrow, K4, O narrow twice, O, K8, O narrow, K1 �82 [this page was displaced by page 1 of the Wheel Lace pattern] 31. K2 narrow over twice narrow twice (narrow over twice and narrow twice) Knit 1, purl 2, over, knit 1, over, purl 2, knit 2, knit 3 together, knit 2, purl 2, purl 3 together, knit 2, purl 2, purl 2 together over narrow, knit one narrow, over twice narrow, knit 2 narrow over twice narrow, knit 5 32. Bind off 2, knit 4, purl 1, knit 5 purl 1, knit 7, purl 5, knit 2, purl 3, knit 5, purl 1 (knit 3, purl 1 twice), knit 5, purl 1, knit 3 33. Knit 4 narrow over twic narrow, knit 6 narrow over twice narrow, knit 1, purl 4 over, knit 3, over purl 2, knit 1, knit 3 together, knit 1, purl 1, purl 2 together over narrow, knit 8 narrow over twice narrow, knit 5 over twice, knit 2 34. knit 8, purl 1, knit 7, purl 1, knit 8, purl 3, knit 2, purl 5, knit 7, uprl 1, knit 9, purl 1, knit 5 35. knit 6 narrow over twice narrow knit 9, purl 4 over, knit 5 over purl 2, knit 3 together, purl 2 together, over narrow, knit 5 narrow over twice, narrow, knit 7 36. Knit 3, purl 1, knit 3, purl 1, knit 12, purl 7, knit 15, purl 1, knit 7 �83 Rockwood Lace 37. Knit 2 narrow over twice narrow twice, knit 6, purl 2 over knit 2 over, purl 2, knit 2, knit 3 together, kniw 2, purl 2, purl 2 together over narrow, knit 1 narrow over twice narrow, knit 2 narrow over twice narrow, knit 1 over twice, knit 2 38. Knit 3, purl 1 twice, knit 5, purl 1, knit 4, purl 5, knit 3, purl 3, knit 10, purl 1, knit 5, purl 1, knit 3 39. Knit 4 narrow over twice narrow, knit 10 purl 2 over, knit 3 over, purl 2, knit 1, knit 3 together, knit 1, purl 1, purl 2 together over narrow, knit 3, knit 3 narrow over twice, narrow, knit 9 40. Bind off 2, knit 8, purl 1, knit 8, purl 3, knit 2, purl 5, knit 14, purl 1, knit 5 41. Knit 6 narrow over twice narrow, knit 8, purl 2 over, knit 5 over, purl 2, knit 3 together, purl 2 together over narrow, knit 5 narrow over twice, narrow, knit 3 over twice, knit 2 42. Knit 3, purl 1, knit 5, purl 1, knit 12, purl 7, knit 12, purl 1, knit 7 43. knit 2 narrow over twice narrow twice knit 3, purl 2 over, knit 1 over, purl 2, knit 2, knit 3 together, knit 2, purl 2, purl 2 together over narrow, knit 1, narrow over twice narrow, knit 2 narrow, over narrow �84 Rockwood Lace continued 44. Bind off 2, knit 4, purl 1, knit 5, purl 1, knit 7, purl 5, knit 2, purl 3, knit 7, purl 1, knit 5, purl 1, knit 3 45. Knit 4 narrow over twice narrow knit 4, purl 2 over knit 3 over, purl 2 Knit 1, knit 3 together, knit 1, purl 1, purl 2 together over narrow, knit 3 narrow over twice narrow, knit 5 over twice, knit 2 46. Knit 3, purl 1, knit 7, purl 1, knit 8, purl 3, knit 2, purl 5, knit 11, purl 1, knit 5, 47. Knit 6 narrow over twice narrow over, knit 5, purl 2, knit 3 togher, purl 2 together over narrow, knit 5, narrow over twice narrow, knit 7 48. Bind off 2, knit 6, purl 1, knit 12, purl 7, knit 9, purl 1, knit 7 49. (Knit 2 narrow over twice narrow twice), purl 2, over, knit 4 over, purl 2, knit 2, knit 3 together, knit 2, purl 2, purl 2 together over narrow, knit 1, narrow over twice narrow, knit 2 over twice narrow, knit 1 over twice, knit 2 50. Knit 8, purl 1 twice, knit 5, purl 1, knit 7, purl 5, knit 2, purl 3, knit 4, purl 1, knit 5, puorl 1, knit 3 51. Knit 4 narrow over twice narrow, knit 9, purl 2 over, knit 3 over, purl 2, K1, K3 tog, K1, p1, p2 tog O n K3 n O twice n, Knit 9 �85 Rockwood Lace 52. Bind off 2, K8, p1, K8, p3, K2, p5, K14, p1, K5 53. K6 N over twice N, K2, p2 over K5, O, p2, k3 tog, p2 tog, O n K5, n O twice N K3 O twice K2 54. K3, p1, K5, p1, K12, p7, K6, p1, K7 55. K2 N over twice N twice, p2, K2, K3 tog, K2, p2, p2 tog O n K1 n O twice n K2 n O twice narrow, knit 5 56. Bind off 2, K4, p1, K5, p1, K7, p5, K4, p1, K5, p1, K3 57. K4 n over twice n K4, p2, K1, K3 together K1, p1, p2 together over narrow, K3 n over twice n K5, over twice, K2 58. K3, p1, K7, p1, K8, p3, K8, p1, K5 59. K6 n over twice n K2, p2, K3 tog, p2 tog over n K5, n over twice n K7 60. Bind off 2 n, O, p1, K9, p1 Knit 6, p1, knit 7. Repeat from first row Repeat from first row [sic] Grandmas lace Wolfe Island �86 Grandma Bamford R.Rout #1 Stag Stag at eve �87 A roll of felt roofing Aunt Fills molasses coo[kies] 1 egg 1 cup molasses 1/2 cup melted shorning 2/3 cup warm water 1-3/4 " flour 1-1/2 teaspoon soda little salt Eggless fruit cake 1 cup sugar 1/2 " butter 1 " sour milk 2 cups sifted flour 1 " chopped raisins 1 teaspoon soda 1 " cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon cloves 1/2 grated nutmeg 1 egg Set incubator 2n June 1911 S RBD I’m mad too Mrs Wm R Brooks St Cloud apts 01506-1/2 Monroe Street, Spokane Wash Irene �88 [sticker] Photomount Pamphlet Binder Manufactured by Gaylord Bros, Inc Syracuse, N.Y. Stockton, Calif. �89 �This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following people: Ann Hopkinson, Delaney Nielsen, MaryV, and Queen’s University Archives � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th and 20th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1887-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1887 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1888-1889 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1889-1897 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1890 March - June Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1893-1895 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1895-1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1896 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1897-1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899-1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902, 1906 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902-1909 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1904-1905 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1907 & 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1908-1919 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1911 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913-1914 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1915-1916 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1916-1917 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1917-1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1921-1922 Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1911 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1911 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. March 1st, 1911 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/226e3617cae87ed046f1946e83e4a549.pdf 4992667315a558d663bd98e91c72d661 PDF Text Text Irene Dixon Bamford parts of 1908, 1910, & 1919, Diary Transcription 5034_4-2-10 �Metadata FromThePage export of 5034_4-2-10 from Irene Dixon Bamford made on 2026-02-11 14:35:23 UTC. itemTitle: 1908 (a few entries from 1910 and May/June 1919) date: 1908-1919 Title: 5034_4-2-10 Description: Item is a diary. Created On: 2024-01-11 17:51:21 UTC In Scope: true Uploaded Filename: 5034_4-2-10 �1 IRENE DIXON BAMFORD DIARY 1908 + (a few entries from January 1910 and May/June 1919) 1908 - 1919 QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES LOCATOR 5034.4 BOX 2 FILE 10 �2 R. 1908 + (a few entries from January 1910 and May/June 1919) �3 Re-read ’76-’84 Interesting! [various addition scribblings in pencil Miss Madeline Bamford �4 Mrs Irene Bamford Mrs Irene Bamford W Island Mrs Irene Bamford Ontario St Laurence WI Ontario St Lawrence PO Mrs Irene Bamford Wolfe Island St Lawrence PO Ontario Canada Wolfe Miss Mrs Irene Bamford Wofe Island Irene Bamford Ontario Canada �5 Diary A New years gift from Voltie to his mother. 1908 Saturday 31st May 1919 A fine warm day. I don’t know what is being done this day, painting kitchen, skimming, Ells washing, dishes, turning eggs in incubator, standing around talking. Voltie and Bert went spearing fish last night. My got 3 ells letter. Isabel Rattray here all day yesterday. Edith went up for her. Bert & Maud came here Thursday 29 May 1919 walked over from dock. Roy & Willie went to corners in Jack Niles skiff. Edith went to stay with Maggie till Roy’s return, came home in the night sometime but wouldn’t get out of bed in the morning. �6 Leap year Wednesday 1 Jan 1908 A very pleasant day and the first of the year 1908. Wells has a lame back. I guess and done some grilling to day. Rachel came over to help me about quilting. Done some washing. Thursday 2nd January 1908 Wells goes to Kingston this morning. Voltie drives over to the dock with his father. Wells has a very lame back and is going for a plaster and other medicine. V draws manure. 5 Oclock pm. A phone from Rob’t saying Sr has got left in Town and will stay all night with them so we dont look for him home tonight. Maud washing all day. �7 2. Friday 3rd January 1908 Awoke this morning to find Sr gone from home for the first time since last June when he went to Watertown to visit Welly and was gone a whole week and when returned, found the hens had scratched his corn all up. Voltie drawing manure all day. Wells Sr rode down with the mail and seems much pleased to get home. He bought a clothes basket but could not bring it down with Woodman and left it at McClarens. Says he staid with Grace & Bob all night. A letter from Muriel. Sunday 1st June 1919 A beautiful day. We are alone all day till sunset. Of course Maud, Hubert are here. Then came Alden, Madaline, Eddie, & Ogle all adjourned to the parlor and then the noise began. They call it music and piano and mouth organ. They of voice stay �8 3. Saturday 4th January 1908 A storm of wind, snow, and rain from south. After breakfast before V had gone to the barn we received a message over the telephone that Grace is sick. Bob says the doctor has been there all night and asking if Maud can come up for a week or two. Voltie answers yes, I’ll bring her to day. Tis a bad day to drive from here to the villiage but Maude packs her valise and away they drive through the storm which is increasing every minute. Sr has a terrible lame back but the chores must be done and water must be got from the river some how. R & I watch him as he labors to the river and after a long time succeeds in getting two pails of water though the spray clashing high on shore. We can get no water to clean floors to day. Rachel fries cakes. No snow, no ice in the river. Well we waited up for Voltie till 11 pm. Any way I did, then went to bed. �9 4. Sunday 5 January 1908 A quiet day, no one here except ourselves. Voltie came home at 12.30 am. A quiet peaceful day. The most the family does is to eat and read. Rachel made pea soup for dinner which was delicious, so good that I had another bowl of soup for supper. Voltie bought a new book "Two years before the mast by Dana" also this diary and an account book for me and one for himself. He came over at 5 Oclock pm, ate supper at Mr James Davis; Walked the horses all the way home, the roads are mudy [sic]. I hear the clothes flapping on the line all night as the wind goes roaring among the clothes line. Towards noon V brought the cloths [sic] from the line some of them torn badly. The wind hushed for awhile �10 5. Monday January 6th 1908 A very chilly day wind South, river rough, cloudy and threatening storm. Sr got a lame back and dont like to stir around very much and has a very sore foot - a bunion. Rachel cleaned dining room, pantry & kitchen floors, worked the butter, made prints 5 oz to muck in each lb 21 oz. Scales out of balance. Voltie fixed scales all right now and butter to be made over again. Irene cooked meals, baked beans &c. A telephone from Bob that all is well and said Maud went to church last evening. A phone from Annie Woodman inviting Maud to a party at Horn’s but Maud is in Kingston, therefore cant attend the party. A phone from Belles family and Voltie told them over the wire about the new baby at Bobs which was something they had not heard about before. V shod C Woodmans horse 15 Oh i’m so sleepy. �11 6. Tuesday 7 Jan 1908 Rachel and I done the work all right. We were glad to see Beatrice dining in bringing her mother and Henry. I was so glad to see Belle. She going to stay till Sunday. Bee staid till towards night before she drove home again. Befor [sic] Bee went home Ray McIntyre came over, rowed across in skiff, went back and brought back Rachels corn potatoes and beans and stays over to help V chop wood over on the Daily place. V goes to the post office and brings the herald, a letter from Grace and 2 letters for Maud and an invitation to the masked ball at Depanville. We sit up till 11 pm visiting. R received a card, invitation to visit Alice Gloyd. Monday 2nd June 1919 another fine day; I’m watching out to see if any house cleaning or pantry done this day. V planting potatoes again this day. �12 7. Wednesday 8 January 1908 Awoke this morning to find the ground white with snow. After dinner Ray and Voltie went to Dailys woods, came home at dark, hungry tired and happy. Belle cleaned the pantry by putting newpapers [sic] on shelves and aranging [sic] every thing in order. Rachel baked pies (mince), fried cakes, made cookies, baked bread, baked apples, and beans, boiled pork. We sat up again till 10 pm. I write a letter to Lillian Quinn McDonald. Wells got a very lame back. It dont seem to get much better. V and R much pleased aobut something that occured over at Dailys. Thursday 9 January 1908. Arose at 6 am. V got the breakfast going. Rachel fried buckwheat cakes. Boys went over to the woods to chop wood carrying their dinner. �13 8. Friday 10th January 1908 A beautiful day rather cold. River lightly frozen over last night. Voltie and Ray went early to the woods after mailing 4 letters, 2 for Mrs Daily, and two for me: one of them I sent to Lillian Macdonald, and one to Grace. Rachel and Belle churned and made pea shop, baked sweet apples, and stewed snow apples whole. William G Woodman phoned wanting Wells Junor’s address and wants to buy beans of [sic] Voltie. I dont do much work these days, dont have to. Rachel and Belle does all the work. Quite a lot of mail, forgot what it was. 2 letters for Maud I know, a card from Nellie Brooks. Saturday 11 January 1908 A terrible storm from the North of rain and A beautiful day, warm very best day of all so far this months. A general day of baking and cleaning up. Ray & Voltie worked in woods all day and at evening V came for the team and drove back for a load of wood. Sr complains all day [margin] Will Dixon 49 years old 11 Jan 1908. �14 9. Sunday 12th January 1908 A terrible storm of rain and ice from the North. Trees dropping low under the weight of ice. Didn’t think Charley would come for Belle But he came through rain and ice driving in buggy, the top and sides sheathed in ice with icicles for ornament fringing the front of the top covering. Beatrice came with him enveloped in Vanhorns heavy fur coat, enroute for Art Vincents. They report telephone wires down and broken all along the roads, so there is no communication by telephone till the lines are raised. A short while after dinner Charley, Belle & Henry take their leave & depart for home. Belle wearing Vanhorn’s big fur coat. Well after they are gone dinner dishes washed and put away, we employ our time reading till tea time which Rachel and Beatrice puts on the table then after dishes again washed, read again till 1/2 past 10 pm when we all go to bed and sleep, the sleep of the good conscience. I lent Belle a book "The First Violin". The book Nellie Brooks sent me for Christmas. �15 10. Monday 13th January 1908 Cloudy all day. We dont hurt ourselves with work to day only knit, get the meals. The river like a mirror. V draws more straw to the barn. Ray helps him. Sr sits around the house most of the day and knows how much butter Beatrice eats on her potato. Towards night Beatrice and Ray go over the river, we watch them and the old black sail till they are across; lonesome now Belle and Beatrice are both gone. Maud in Kingston with Grace. We dont hear the cheerful ring of the telephone any more, wire lying on the ground coated thickly with ice. In the evening after tea & dishes washed we read as usual till 10 pm. I finish reading the minister wooing by Harriet Beatrice Stowe. Lent Ray a book "Coral island" by R.M. Balantyne �16 Tuesday 14th 1908. A beautiful day, though rather cold, ice melting on the house roof and running from the eves [sic]. Rachel set out all the pans and basins to catch the soft rain water, caught enough to fill the tank. The trees sparkle in the sunlight as if covered with millions of diamonds. We just get the meals and wash dishes. I finish the lace for wee Margarit’s pethcote [sic]. Wells mending old harness in kitchen. Rachel finished knitting Volties mittens. I sent Mauds letters by mail to her crowding them all 4 into one envelope and Voltie kindly took them to post. Will Michea came here for cow medicine. Rachel set up a mitten for me to knit. Voltie went for the mail - a letter from Jen, H paper "Human life" from Will, a Strawberry annual from R.M. Kellogg, 3 rivers, M and the willow clothes basket that Sr bought and left at McLarens. So we pass the evening reading as usual, a clear moonlight night retired at 10.30 pm. �17 12. Wednesday 15 Jan 1908 A cloudy dismal sort of a day. The said clothes basket must not be used to pick up chips in, carry fowls to market, nor used to pick up potatoes, nor carry corn nor any other truck. so the man says that bought it. Well as tis the first household article that he has bought and paid for in years, he feels very important and consequential over it, and therefore considers it the accomplishment of a great affair. Hopeful he will not buy any thing again. V working in shop. We did intend dressing fowl for market but heard that the passage from the villiage to the city is not good. The ferry Boat comes only part way from the city to Garden island. Kent drove in here to grind his axe - reported school commenced to day at afternoon. Henry Halliday and Geo W Woodman drove in here at twilight pm bringing a box of trinkets from Grandma Halliday for Marjorie and plunker brought a newspaper with the details of Capt H Borgarts demise and burial: 8 pm and Sr gone to be. Rachel & Voltie reading. Wind South and chilly. V made out his strawbery [sic] order. I made out the bulb order and wrote to Luplon for Nellie Brooks. �18 13. Thursday 16 Jan 1908 A cloudy morning and raining, wind South. J Kehoe drove in here to invite to Robert Horn’s reception. Maud yet in Kingston. River clear of ice on this shore and channel. I tried to cleans black molasses in order to make cookies, couldn’t do it nothing but froth and foam. Set the pail of skimmings on the bracket (stove). R accidentaly [sic] knocked it of over behind the stove and the whole contents went over, every thing; a basket of corn, pop corn, a bag of feathers, and other articles. V & R cleaning out the corner. Voltie ate lunch then took axe and went to daily’s woods to split wood: Says we burn to much wood. Rachels moping [sic] floors. 10 minutes to eleven am. Weather clearing up. Voltie selecting strawbery plants from R.M. Kellogg’s Annal [sic] catalog. I write to Geo Park. La Park Pa for bulbs 150 for $1,50 a great bargain in bulbs I think. Belle is sending with me �19 14. Friday 17 Decem Jan 1908 Wind South weather looks very threatening for a storm. Voltie selects more plants from the strawbery catalogue 9 varieties of plants & 900 plants and I make out my order for bulbs. I hope the season will be favorable for a garden next summer. Later we will send for vegetable seeds. We only do the house work after picking 20 fowl for market. Afternoon I write for the Family Herald & Weekly Star. Voltie sets down a list of things he wants to get; he is going to the city tomorrow, Evening mail, Herald and a letter from Grace Which I answer and put all the letters and corresponence on the table for Voltie in the morning. First a letter to L.M. Lupton for Nellie Brooks to have her paper Good Litterature changed from Milan to Spokane. An order for Park, a letter to Grace, Order for Herald and a memorandum of articles from Kingston. Rachel got a stiff neck which I doctor with horse linament. �20 15. Saturday 18 January 1908 Voltie set the alarm and it rang at 10 minutes to 4 a.m. V and get up, get breakfast and tie every chicken’s neck. So I send 20 fowl and 14 lbs butter to market. Rachel not very well got a stiff neck. I did not sleep much last night. Wind changed from North to South and blows. Sr has hard work to get water from the river. The wind increasing, 3 pm. Whew! how the wind blows from South and V in Kingston and also Maud. We are looking for both home to night, will they come? Rachel moped all the floors, stewed currants and made currant pies and baked bread. The river with white caps and dashing spray is a sight to behold. Bakes beans, bread, made pies. Rachel’s neck better. Sat up till 9.30 pm when V came alone still leaving Maud in Kingston. When he came in I ask, where is your companion? He answered "I left her at Glo Ranous’ and a little further explanation showed that he had brought the teacher for the lower school, Miss Humeford from Hamilton to teach the lower school, so drove past here, stopping at A Joslin’s no they wont board, leachery then drove to Will Gillespies. No they wont board Leacher �21 16. Then he drove back to Geo Ranous’ before the poor girl could find a place to rest the sole of her foot. Bob met him at the boat this am and bought 6 chickens. Sold the remaing 14 at the fish market for 10 per lb, sold the butter for 26 cts per lb. Went home with Bob to see the baby, had lunch there. Voltie subscribed for Herald. [margin] Forgot to say the Islander, had to break ice nearly all the way from K to Ferguson point. Sunday 19th Jan 1908 A clear sunbright day, wind North and cold, river open and sparkling in the sunlight. Didn’t get up very early this morning; had breakfast between 8 & 9 am. Forget to give V the order for express for Park. Ill send it tomorrow if V goes up. Made this a day of rest. Thought I would write to Muriel but kept on reading. We retired a little earlier than usual. Voltie going to Kingston again. He is going to carry up a barrel of Haas apples for Mrs Davis �22 17. Monday 20th Voltie and I arise early 4 am. he get his breakfast himself. Sr helped V load the apples, after V pushed the sleigh to the door. I send the order to Park for bulbs this time sure. A fine day only the wind is blowing hard from South and driving great fields of ice on shore all day. Dont know where the ice all comes from. Well we dont do much to day, only cook and eat, wash dishes etc. I bake beans, write a letter to Muriel, clean stove, fill lamp and polish lamp chimneys, scour all the "Knives, forks and spoons, scrub the stove. Rachel & her cat goes home, weather quite warm not freezing. I get supper and wash all the dishes & sat up till 11 O’clock pm for V & M but they didn’t come. The evening was beautifuly warm for Jan. The moon at full and shining brightly. I pass the whole evening reading "Two year Before The mast by R.M.D and wish I knew if it is true or not �23 18. Tuesday 21st Jan 1908 Voltie not home this morning. Rachel not here. Only Sr and I. The day proves to be fine and warm, set the north door and window open well [sic] I finish writing to Muriel and dad takes it to post. Uncle Sam told Sr that the boat didn’t cross to the city yesterday. Flynn’s told some of the Woodman family that the islander didn’t go to town yesterday on account of ice. So V staid somewhere. I work around, clear up the pantry, cook, sweep &c. Look at the old St Lawrence as it floats the great body of ice slowly floating along down with the currant [sic]. Sometimes it gets lodged between Canada and the United States but only for a short time, then slowly pushes its way down stream, miles upon miles of ice comes from above Carlton. Towards night it becomes cloudy and dark and begins to rain. Wells takes the lanter any [sic] goes across the field to the post office. The bright glimmer of the lantern relecting �24 19. the icy surface of the snow which looks strangely weird and fantastic and I see his old big boats go chumping along all the way across the field. Mail a postal from Nellie Brooks, a card from Grace, a card for Maude. C.W. said Voltie ought soon to be home for the boat came in while He was there for the mail. O yes forgot to say received another New Thought. Voltie comes at 9 p.m. brought kippered herring, a we washtub, a thermometer, a new tin, dipper &c but he didn’t bring Maude. Wells gone to bed. V & I sat a by the coal fire awhile & talked. Said the boat could get no farther than Garden island yesterday morning and there she stuck in the ice till 4 pm. then she returned to the villiage wharf and, after V had hitched up, he drove to C Halliday’s and staid all night, had his supper and breakfast then. He had bought his �25 20. at the boarding house, Garden Island. Tuesday. Wednesday 22 Jan 1908. Wind South shifting to Westward and blowing heavily, carrying the ice down stream by millions and the river rough and rolling. Sr says "This is what you may call a pretty windy day" "Yes Sir a windy day". "A pretty windy day". Sam Snub came to get some shop work done. Voltie working in shop all day. Sr looks after the fires - reading almanacks [sic] most of the time, feeds the pigs, 4 p.m. Ice all gone excep [sic] one long narrow streak which moves rapidly down the channel invisible at either extremity. Voltie helps get supper and wash dishes. I cleaned cupboard doors scrubed water bench, swept my bedroom, picked up all dirty clothes. [margin] Sunday 10 Jan 1909 A cloudy rainy nasty day. Rachel made pea soup for dinner. We arose late this morning, ate breakfast at 9 am. Samy Snub went home. V went down to Franks, V & M returned at 8.30 pm, cold hungry and somewhat devilish. Then V and Sam sat up till 1 am doctoring the bay horse, got gripes. Towards night R went home & Maud went with her then V went over there to get �R boiler. Maud came home first. I guess V went by way of F. W. �26 21. Thursday 23rd Jan 1908 A great change in the weather from yesterday, blowing great guns from the North. Tis nearly time to get dinner but we didn’t get out of bed till 7 pm. V helps get breakfast. V carries water to the horses and put a knob on the porch door, was going to wash but the day is so cold and stormy I will put clothes soak but no water to do it with. Cook, wash dishes, write letters, one to Grace, one to Gladys, write in diary. S. Snub came to get C Woodmans horse shod. Tis a blizzard of a day and cold. After supper and V & I wash dishes, sweep and snug up everything, brighten the coal fire, we are entitled to the evenings peacefulness and rest so we read till half past to [sic] then go to bed with the wind howling around the house from the North and bitter cold. [margin] Monday January 11th 1909 A cloudy day, ground bare no snow, river rolling free of ice. Voltie gone to Sullivans marsh to cut marsh hay to come strawberry vines. Wells gone over to paper R’s stable. Wind has changed to West. V had lunch before he went to the marsh. I got breakfast washed all the dishes & separator. V took all the pork from the barrel and made a new brine pickle of salt sugar & saltpetre. �27 22. Friday 24 January 1909 Clear bright day, cold. Thermometer at zero, river frozen over. V lights the kerosense stove to warm my bedroom. V & I get breakfast and after breakfast we prepare the mail, a letter for Grace, a letter for Gladys, a book for Nellie Brooks, a letter to Park for bulbs with post office order of $1,50. V goes to post office, came back and carries water to Rachel, finds her all right. Says she burnt up a weeks supply of coal yesterday to keep herself warm. V goes to post office, Herald, New Thought, a card from Helen B, a card from Jennie Dunlop and for Maud from Nellie O’Neal. �28 23. Saturday 25 January 1908 A sort of a half cloudy, half sunshiny day. V helps do the house work till 10 am then goes to Dailys to plaster up their holes in parlor and bedroom. I just do general house work, sweep, cook, wash dishes, make pie, cake, bread, bake apples, put 4 gallons of salt pickles to soak in the big dish pan. I thought I could mop floors, but didn’t get time. I never was more tired in all my life. I thought sometimes I’d fall down. V carried Rachel some milk, found her well and all right. Oh I was happy to see Voltie come home. He was tired only he wouldn’t say he was tired, he finished setting table, cut bread and poured tea, and helped wash dishes. Wells Sr done the chores and read "Two years before the mast" by R.M. Dana. After dishes washed and every thing snug for evening, V and sat up and read till 1 Oclock though I fall asleep every few minutes. Sr went to bed at 8 pm as he does every night. I slept and dreamed Wellie came and I was so glad to see him and then I awake and it was only a dream. �29 24. Sunday 26 January 1908 A long quiet Sabath day. No one here in all the day only Voltie and his father and I. I thought Rachel would come over. Dont understand how she can stay alone so much. A dark and cloudy am. It began to snow about 1 Oclock p.m. and I never saw the snow fall faster and heavier without much wind and wind there is, is from the N.E. Thermometer 16 deg above zero. We had bean soup for dinner currant pie, boiled potatoes, bread, butter, cookies &c. Not much of anything eaten but soup. Forgot to feed the dog his dinner. Sr reading "Two Years Before the Mast". V reading one of Blackmore’s yarns. I dont read much of anything only look through McLeans Magazine and wish I had some one to help me about the work. The river ice is covered deep with snow. How many, many winters I’ve seen the snow cover the river. Devolson brought in too new laid eggs today, which was about eight. �30 25. Monday 27 January 1908. I was the first one up and dressed this morning. Called Voltie to make a fire in kitchen stove. A soft morning, wind South and blowing some. After bringing potatoes, apples & eggs from cellar, V gets ready to go to Dailys to finish plastering. Sews a button on his coat first. While sewing on button, Tomy Dignum drove in here, looking for masquerade suit. Voltie is glad to get the oppertunity [sic] to ride in Tomy’s sleigh to Dailys 9 Oclock a.m. Wind changed to West and much colder. Thick frost on North window of kitchen, clears up, sun shining. Well I suppose I have go to get dinner. Sr pulled one of our calves out of water hole, says we have got to many calves. 4 is enough instead of 7. Voltie came home 6.30 Oclock p.m. he was on the ice helping to pull Dignums horses out the ice. They got the horses out, but one is dead. 7 men altogether and except Voltie not one had ever seen a horse in the river through the ice. I’m very tired again to night. 2 deg above zero. �31 26. Tuesday 28 January 1908 Wind South and blowing some. A heavy snow storm. Voltie has a cold and is sore & lame after pulling Dignums horses out of the ice hole. Kent drove in here to get Voltie to draw a load of wood from the villiage for the school house and see if he wanted go to Watertown with him when the crossing is safe. Geo Niles drove in here to borrow a saw. Said he has shipped Geo Snub to go on Bob Gaskins boat. Towards evening snowing and blowing. Voltie went through the storm, over to Rachels’ to carry her soda, milk &c found her all right, only she has burnt up all the coal she had at the house and is now going to the stable for coal. Voltie came back after going to the post office. A letter from Grace, an extra copy of the Herald, some business postals. I sent to post this morning a letter in answer to a card from Geo F. Breck, No 625 E tenth Avenue Tarentum Pa [margin] Grace wrote a beautiful letter about Bob, herself & Maud and the children. Said Bob had received his appointment as Capt of the steamer Pontiac at $1800 dollars per annum 3 eggs to day �32 27. Wednesday 29 Jan 1809 [sic] A very fine day. V had a mind to go to Kingston this morning for Maud but I persuaded him to wait till tomorrow. So after dressing 6 chickens and eating dinner and looking 40 times across the ice to see if he could make a discovery of some one coming across, he said he would go himself over the river and get Ray McIntyre to help him saw wood over on Dailys chopping. He started out with club in hand trying the ice every step, and I, with marine glass in hand watch him every step, till he is near the other shore, when I saw 2 men come out and met him, then V turned back and the other 2 men came over with him. They were Ray and Mr James Smith. Well they all got talking about strawbery culture and different varieties, cream separators, and they drank some cider or a lot of cider and their tongues wagged tremendous - all talking at once. I dont do all the work I intended to do today. I asked V aside what Smith came for. V said Smith had come visiting. He is an [margin] awful loud visitor, but a very good looking man. �33 28. Thursday 29 January 1908 A very cold morning but clear, thermometer registers 22 deg below zero. Voltie and I up at half past 4. V & I get breakfast and wait till day light for starting for Town. Cold increasing 24 below at sunrise. Wells Sr got a bad cough sent for cherry pectoral - little later 25 deg below zero. Got lots of work to do dont know as I can do it all. After dinner looking away across the river, saw a single rig coming on the ice; Ray went to meet them. When they came it was Bob Reid. Frank Woodman, Arthur Vincent, Beatrice & Kathleen. I gave them a lunch they had had no dinner. I was glad to see them. Kathleen is enroute for home. After a while Art and Bee walks back over the ice. Frank came over to exchange horses with Charley, for a horse trot at Depanville is coming off next week. Weather little more moderate but cold enough. Kathleen sleeps on the lounge [margin] by the warm coal fire Beatrice phoned to her mother found them all right. �34 29. Friday 31 Jan 1908 Thermometer at zero this morning. Well Voltie didn’t come home last night. I waited till 11 Oclock though I didn’t think he would come. At noon, thermometer at 14 deg above zero. Weather bright and warm for the last day of Jan. I work steady all day, on my feet from morning till night and so tired, couldn’t finish getting supper. Sr finished setting table. My feet swelled so by long standing and walking that they completely fill my loose shoes, till they crowd my left foot till is very painful. V and Maud come home at night about 7 Oclock cold and hungry. Tis a great relief to only look at them and know they are here, and as supper is ready we all sit down to a sociable pleasant meal. Kathleen rode home with the mail. Ray went to Woodmans with Kathleen & carried her valise and the little dear has gone home happy. [margin] Maud & I sit up and talk till 10 Oclock pm. �35 30. Saturday 1 February 1908 This is the last day of the week and the first of the month, and a perfect day of snow with no wind, snowing this morning when we arose and continually falling all day as fast as the clouds can sift it down. Two feet in depth or more at noon. Ray and Voltie hitched up and drove over to Rachels carrying her mop wringer and some flour, buttermilk, eggs, sweet milk. Then they played checkers till Maud and I put the dinner on the table and now they are gone to the shop to work. Sr sitting around the stove all day we baked bread. too stormy to mop floors. Evening we sit up and read till 10.30 pm. Wind commencing to blow which soon will heap the snow in huge drifts �36 31. Sunday 2nd February 1908 Awoke this morning to find the snow piled in great drifts every where; have to shovel roads to barn and river to feed and water cattle and horses. A world of snow and drifts. On North window by the coal stove, half covered by snow drift, a fine place to get snow to melt for washing and other purposes. We watch Voltie and Ray as they work their way to the river, and by wallowing, treading, and shoveling, for half and hour they manage to bring two pails of water. Excepting getting the meals, washing a few dishes, we pass the day reading. Tomato soup for dinner. A phone from Uncle Sam. W asking about the crossing for the "carrier" and his son are away over to Depanville to a horse trot. Dont think horses can trot much over this snow. And there is such a depth of snow on the St Lawrence. Dont think there will be any crossing in a long time. 2 deg above zero this morning. �37 32. Monday 3rd February1908. A fine day. Snow & deep, deep and drifted. but the sun is shining brightly. After dinner, Voltie and Ray brake and shoveled road from here to the main road and and drove down to their hay stack by Geo Niles and drew two loads of hay. It was surpirsing to see The Woodmans driving across from over the river trunching on the ice is both hard and dangerous at present. Charlie Dixon came with them & passed by with them to Uncle Samuel’s, ate dinner there. Then Charlie and noisy Frank came back down there for an hour or two till V and Ray return from drawing hay then after visits with them awhile, Frank goes home & Chas goes over to Rachels where he stays over night except he goes to a surprise party at Snubs. V and Ray and M are invited over the phone but they didn’t attend but play checkers. V & R till midnight till I was thoroughly disgusted. �38 33. Tuesday 4 February A clear cold morning 24 deg below zero. Voltie and Ray drawing straw from Geo Niles place. Charley came over from Aunt R’s; we cooked a very good dinner for him and kippered herring &c. He went back with Voltie and Ray down to Geo Niles, when after dinner they drove back again for straw, and shipped with Geo Niles to go on the Pontiac with Capt Gaskin. I dont think Charlie’s dad will not be willing for him to go. After ringing the phone several times for Frank to come and go home, get across the ice before dark. At last he comes and away they drive over the ice without any trouble, growing colder as it goes on towards night. Voltie and Ray play checkers again this eve till 10 pm. Didn’t go for the mail tis so cold and snow so deep. This is cold winter weather indeed. James OBrien here to request us to board the school teacher. We wont board her. Phoned to Barry’s they wont board her. Then drove to Niles to see if they will take her in to board. They wont board her, Then comes back and tries to persuade Voltie but no good. Then goes to Sniders but no board there, and I guess he will have to board her himself. �39 34. Wednesday 5 Feb 1908 The coldest morning yet, 28 deg below zero. After breakfast sent Ray for mail which didn’t amount to much. "American Woman" and an answer to the 25 cts I sent a week ago which proved to be a fake, whithout I should prove to be as dishonest as the advertiser. But, 25 cts is not much to throw away, and as tis about as I expected it would turn out to be, I am not disapointed [sic]. The day continues cold and dreary but we live through it all right. V filed Niles crosscut saw then after dinner, V & C Woodman strated to break a road up the shore on the ice that they might draw school wood from the villiage when the weather moderates, didn’t get any farther than Niles point on account of coldness. Ray went over to Rachels & carried potatoes, milk and apples and brought coal into the house for her. The roads are so bad the mail did not get down last night till 10 pm. Snowing hard again to night. V & Ray playing checkers this evening. [margin] I knit a mitten for Sr. Maud baked bread and reads the American Woman. �40 35. Thursday 6th February 1908 A change in weather, warmer 6 deg above freezing; arose at 7 am ate breakfast at 8 am. Snowing, blowing and drifting all night. We do about as we have a mind to these days. That is we dont do much of any thing except get the meals and wash dishes. Snowing and drifting all day. The drifts are in various fantastic shapes in hills, vales, curved and twisted, plain and undulating. The wind has swirled around the trees till each one stands in a cup of snow. I wrote for a subscription to the "American Woman" & "Good Stories" will send tomorrow by mail. I knit on second mitten but but dont finish it. Voltie working in shop and teaching Ray to make axe handles. He made two. Father dont do anything only milks two cows, feeds the pigs and sits by the fire all day! Evening time, V and Ray play checkers till bed time. �41 36. Friday 7 Feb 1908. The roads are so badly drifted there is no going for the mail to day which is a disapointment as the mail seldom or never fails to go and come but the phones are rining constantly or therebouts. I write to Sears & Roebuck for wallpaper catalog, and V writes to Babson Chicago for a phonograph. I finish one pair of mittens and set up another. Rachels cat came over here. Ray went over to see how she gets along. She said the cat had bitten her on the hand, and now she wants Ray to kill the cat. Ray told her he would kill the cat, she is afraid of blood poisoning. V & Ray working in shop. We lost a calf that had got in the water hole. Tho it lived three or four days, it died Evening. Voltie trying to teach Maud the science of checkers playing. She not a very apt pupil. �42 38. Saturday 8 February 1908 A clear cold morning. Thermometer registers 14 deg below zero. The mail leaves eary this morning. Voltie carries our letters to post office, stamps them, and sees them safely deposited in the mail bag. No roads broken out yet. The mail goes up on the ice. Voltie and Ray breaking roads to the river and over as far as Rachels. Cutter driving up and down the shore to day for the first time this winter but we dont see any driving across the river. C Woodman drives up the ice this morning with the mail. V and Ray draw out 7 loads of manure The mail comes early this morning p.m. V drives over for R and then goes for the mail. 2 Heralds, a post card for Maud, an Almanac, a letter from Grace. Baked beans, stewed currants for pie. V and Ray played checkers in the evening. Oh yes an invitation to the c m b a for Devolson. Heard of Mrs John Hamer’s death in Spokane. Sat up late, till 11 Oclock reading. Terrible tragedy the murdering of the King of Portugal and the Crown Prince recorded in Herald. �43 38. Sunday 9th February 1908. A bright morning but cold. Thermometer registers 15 deg below zero. Looking out window we see the Woodman’s with Len Patterson and wife driving down the ice in cutter enroute for W.H. Woodmans for a Sunday visit. Well after shaving and cleaning their clothes, Voltie and Ray walked across the river to Arthur Vincent carrying Kerosine can. They came back at sundown bringing the bulbs and letters from Marjorie and Beatrice leaving their oil can over there for Arthur to get filled tomorrow at the corners. Three square meals to day but I ate only two. Breakfasat and dinner. I cant understand how humanity can fork in so much and so many varieties of food, pork & beans, potatoes, catsup, bread & butter, cheese, bakes apples, cake and all the condiments, pepper, salt, pickles, tea, Milk &c. ’Tis no wonder their stomachs are all out of order. Sat up till 1/2 past 10 reading: boys tired after the long hard walk over the river and go to bed early. �44 39 Monday 10th February 1908 Somewhat cloudy when we first arise but soon clears away. Voltie and Ray with saw and axe go through the deep snow to Dailys woods to cut and saw wood. Examined the bulbs and found them badly and sadly frozen, dont think the hyacinths are good for any thing. I put 4 hyacinths in a glass dish of water. Rachel making rag rug. Woodmans telephone for cedar bushes to bush a road across river. Sr goes with them to get the cedar and they bush a road across the ice. Nothing much being done here to day, but a lot of nonsensical talk and foolish laughing which takes up most of the time except washing a few towels. The boys (V & Ray) come home at dark, tired and hungry, found the snow deep and tiresome to wallow through, had to rest an hour before beginning to saw down the big basswood which was tougher than cork to saw. Ray had a narrow escape from being killed when the tree fell. OBriens boys here in evening, Geo O’B wants a plug of chewing. V has none for him. Rachel and Maud plays checkers in dining room. [margin] Butcher been gone a week with Merrill Daily’s horse and Merrill wants the horse to use. Butcher went to Mells a week ago. �45 40. Tuesday 11 February 1908. A fine morning, much warmer; 20 deg above zero. V and Ray hitched up and drove to Daily’s chopping. Breakfast dishes washed and talking began and laughing too. Not much work done this day. Rachel finished her rag rug. Maud prepared the meals. I knit on mitten, crochet 5 scolops [sic] of new kind of lace while up up and down the river the rigs are going at full speed. Sr sits by the fire most of the time. He’s has got asthma or something - dont breathe freely. Maud set a dish of greese [sic] on stove which run over, burnt and smoked, affecting Wells throat, causing him to choke or cough. P.M. Arthur, Vincent and Bee came over. Be phoned to her mother telling her she is coming home tomorrow with her financee [sic] Frank S. They went home before dark. V and Ray came home at sundown tired and hungry. Toughest basswood tree that ever grew with a rotten centre. Mail good Litterature, a letter form Nellie Brooks, a letter from W.F. Watson, a card from F Gowen. Boys tired and went to bed early. Butcher brought Merills horse home. �46 41. Wednesday 12 February 1908 A beautiful day; trees and every thing covered wtih a dainty white frost which is beautiful. The boys again gone to Daily’s woods carrying their dinner, they steep tea on "Janes" stove. V carried Mrs "Jane" a pail full of sweet apples and a jug of vinegar. Maud is mopping floors floors. Rachel is making pies (apple). I write in this diary. Tom Chatterton called here on his way to set Vincents. Belle married 24 years ago this day which was another beautiful frost covered morning. Wells Sr says Ray is the biggest liar he ever saw. I am glad to say Sr appetite for eating is remarkably good tho he complains of being sick. We were expecting Bee and Schrum over to dinner but they didnot come. Belle telephoned to ask if they were come. Frank Woodman began moving back on the island to day brought over 3 loads. Merril & Jane have gone visiting to day across the river to John Carpenters. 22 deg above zero, cloudy and looks like a storm. Wind North this evening. V & Ray playing checkers. Rachel made fried cakes. [margin] Ed Bates phoned to V. Maud washed some clothes from Geo Gillespie wanting oak stick. �47 42. Thursday 13 February 1908 Rainy morning, snow settling snow on ice like slush and turning black. Frank will have a bad time to move. Grandad has at last turned against poor Ray, for he is not only a "liar" but he "washes himself in warm water" What next? When Ray first came he was a smart boy "and he leans on the stove too". 40 deg above zero. I finished a mitten, knit 2 points on crocket lace, began another mitten. C Woodman drove over and back with double. Phoned that he had brought Rays fur coat and suitcase over. Voltie and Ray sawing & chopping in Dailys woods. They went over with a team this morning and when they came home drew a cord of stove wood at same time. Rachel wants pea soup so Grandpa went to the grainery a brought half grain bag or a grain bag half full of peas. He not well pleased because she insists so strenuously in hurry pea soup. �48 43. Friday 14th February 1908 A cloudy rainy day not cold, not freezing thermometer registers 42 deg, snow disapearing [sic]. Put up the boy’s dinner while they hitch up. They are going to break road across Woodmans field to Dailys woods. Rachel picks up, packs up, cat and all, and climbs aboard the sleigh, and goes home. I send a letter to F.M. Lupton. Maud sends 3 letters. Rinah, Ethel & Gowan. The boys home to dinner this day. As we were sitting down to dinner, Edy Bates came in and had dinner with us, and talked! Well of any one ever was gifted with gab Edy Bates is, Voltie invited him down cellar to cider. After dinner, V and Ray went over to Dailys for a new log. Edy staid and visited till 3,30 p.m. when he phoned to Dora telling her he is going across the river and is not coming back to day; and not to worry. We watch him till he reaches the other shore. Evening V and Ray play checkers awhile and then V goes for the for the [sic] mail. Herald, a letter from Grace, a letter from Mauds Bean, W.S. A Valentine from Chicago, a card from Rinah James. We sit up awhile and read till 10 pm & retire. [margin] Sent a letter to Nellie and a note to Marjorie by Edy �49 44. Saturday 15 February 1908 Rained all night and raining hard this morning, the river covered with water. Flat covered with water, ground getting bare. I helped get breakfast & washed all the breakfast dishes. Maud making bread and washing. A bad time for drying clothes. V shoeing his own horses. I dont think Edy can come home to day. Maude cleaned all the floors, dining room, pantry, kitchen, cooked dried corn for dinner. V and Ray for noon pastime played checkers. V winning the games I think by the haw hawing. Why does humanity laugh? No other created animal ever laughs except but men, women & children laugh from the good broad happy haw haw haw to childish giggles and girls te he he. Snow falling thick and fast. Evening, talking, reading and a game or two of checkers as usual. V pointing out and explaining the situation of the different countrys on the Atlas to Ray, retire at 11 pm �50 45. Sunday 16 February 1908 A cloudy morning. Thermometer 14 deg below freezing. After breakfast V reading "The Escapade". Ray looking over the atlas. Sr smoking in by the kitchen stove. Maud out-door examining the clothes on the line, to see if they were dry. The cat eating from a dish on the floor and old Prince impatiently watching the cat to see if anything will be left for him. The monatony [sic] of winter in the country leaves but little to record in a a [sic] diary but we have health and quiet peacefulness, plenty of unread books, papers and Magazines, warm fires and enough for the table. Clears up, sun shines out bright and warm. No one here, we are alone all day reading and studying atlas. Uncles Sams folks have a hired woman. �51 46. Monday 17th February 1908 Awoke this morning to find snow falling. V and Ray cleaning seed oats, going to butcher a pig this pm. Maud is washing breakfast dishes and I make out a memorandum of articles for tomorrow from Kingston. Ed Bates just phoned from Geo Gillespies saying that he came back from over the ice Saturday night and it snowed so hard he couldn’t see the [sic] our house when he drove past. It clears away, sun shining clear. Edy here fixing his old cutter. Grandpa reports a new calf at the barn. The boys skinned the calf. Edy ate dinner and supper with us and in the evening played checkers with Voltie. Ray sewing button on his coat. Sr smoking his pipe in kitchen. Tis colder, freezing tonight. Well Edy has gone home at last. I dont think those Bates boys are turning out very well as men. Ed thinks to much of our cider barrel. I’m looking on to see how this [margin] Bates and cider business works along together. �52 47. Tuesday 18 February 1908 A fine clear moonlight morning at 4 am. Voltie rises by the alarm at 4 am., starts getting breakfast by putting the potatoes to boil, filling tea kettle, freshening pork &c. Maud came down stairs this morning before I came from my room. After breakfast Voltie & Ray load the grist for provender in the sleigh, drive to the door for the pork which altogether fills the sleighbox and with letters and grocers memerandum [sic] mount the load of boys and drive away up the ice, not forgetting to water the horses at the the [sic] river as they drive on the ice. After breakfast and dishes washed, Maud reads "Without a Home". I think she had better adjourn the reading till evening for there is always lots of work to be done. 11 am Arthur and Beatrice walked over on ice and back. She came over to phone to her sister Irene about waist making - going to visit her intended ma in law she went back satisfied. Merril and Jane drove back home to day, they stayed at ant V’s last night. We were surprised and pleased to see Will driving in here. Tom Chatterton was with him. Tom went up with the mail and is going to the C m b ball to night. [margin] I’ll not record all that transpired before bed time, though I’d like to. Any way it was Flanagans night off till 1/2 past 3 am. in the kitchen. When V & Ray & Will had the kitchen to themselves with a dancing and singing concert. Rachel too was here. �53 48. Wednesday Woke up this morning to find the snow falling thick and furious and also found Tom Chatterton here, just arrived from the ball and who is going home with Will having hired to Will for 2 months to help Will move. Before and after breakfast they visited the cider barrel frequently. Tom hitched up Wills horse and drove home with her, came back and Will and Tom drive away across the river to Depanville. Voltie and Ray drive away up the ice looking for a lost robe that they had lost by our own water hole and drove away to the villiage looking for it. Frank W phoned that he had found it by the water hole, and Ray came home at 4. When V went to Woodman for his Robe found F had gone to foot with it. We didn’t get our mail till this morning when Tom brought it. Mail new thought letter for Maude from S, alot of advertisement from phonogrpah company. V phoned to William Gillespie about the steam launch he is building or going to build. I heard to night that Belle Sandy McDonald dead �54 49. Thursday Snowed a little this morning but sun shining clear at 10 am, a fine winter day. V filled the blank and selected a list of records and sent to the phonograph company and has now gone to Kingston with a load of saw logs to be sawed into lumber for his boat. Maud put oil cloth covers on the pantry shelves and held a conversation with Irene over the telephone Irene said her mother was warming her feet and reading the last "New Thought" which makes me think I’ll just take a peep into mine. After dinner, Ray McIntyre goes across to St. Vincents. Maud think it would be a good oppertunity [sic] to go in company with Ray over to see Marjorie and Beatrice and away they go. Beatrice not at home, coming back they were past on road by Fossetts and Mongomery driving very comfortably and leisurely but they did not speak nor ask Maud to ride home with them. Maud said she was not tired and so finished the supper. Voltie came home in time to eat his supper with us. He bought a stereoscope, a new book called Bueull by Mrs Evans. I dont like her stories. V brought a load of school wood from the villiage and a half doz lace trimed [sic] hankerchiefs for Ethel [margin] After supper and dishes washed we look at the stereoscope pictures (a few of them) and go to bed. �55 50. Friday 21st Feruary The clock stoped [sic] consequently we didn’t arise till till [sic] quite light, 1/2 past 6, wind blowing from South, cloudy and storm threatening. V intended going to Kingston again this morning with saw log, but goes to the shcool house with the load of wood. It has stormed all day not very cold, 28 deg above zero. V didn’t draw the wood to the school house after all but instead drew two loads of hay from R’s place. Then after dinner Maude & Votlie taged [sic] out, and went to the dance to Depanville. Forgot to say he went back and brought R over to stay till they return from Depanville. He phoned to Will Gillespie for his cutter tongue. Will brought it up as far as R’s where he found V and Ray loading hay. Well they are going now. I watched them drive them away across the river, speeding away contented and happy though I’m lonesome when they are gone [margin] I forgot to say Ed Bates came after Voltie went away, didn’t stay, didn’t even come in when he found V had gone, he said he came up to have a game of checkers but he was thinking of a cider all the same. It snowed and drifted nearly all day though not cold. �56 57. Saturday 22nd February 1908. A beautiful day, warm where the sun shines directly. I cant say I’m very happy to day but the day passes away some how, and V and M don’t. I scarcely expected them as tomorrow is Sunday they have staid to make a visit; perhaps they have gone to Johny’s; hope they have not much house work done to day, only getting meals & washing dishes. Sr mending old harness in Kitchen. Ray sits by the coal stove all day (or nearly all day). Rachel knitting a rag rug. Ray very impatient for their return going several times to the window to look across the river. I said Ray they will not come to day, he said they would come about 5 p.m. but I was quite sure they would not return to day as they seldom go across the river to visit any one. Our hens dont lay any eggs just now, hope they will break loose pretty soon. I’m saving cream from our one cow now to make butter. Jack Niles called for his cross cut saw that Voltie had set and filed. �57 52. Sunday 23rd February Another Sunday has come around, cloudy looks very much like another storm. Ray has dressed himself very nicely and gone over the river to Arthur’s and from there is going to see his mother and little brothers who live at the Cape. We saw a cutter coming across & thought it might be Van and Lib, it proved to be Beatrice & Scrahm enroute for Belles. Beatrice called here a few minutes. Scrahm didnt get out the buggy cutter. Van and Lib drove in after them. Ed Bates came, Arthur drove over for Rachel to stay with Marjorie while Beatrice goes home to stay till Tueasday [sic]. Rachel went home for her clothes. Art drove over with her, she brought over a cake for our dinner & said I must be sure and pay it for she surely must have the cake again. She will get it. Van & Lib went home early at 5 pm. We didnt expect V [margin] and Maud but they came about 7 pm. M had staid at Wills while V went to Watertown & Wellies. Ray came just after Lib and Van went home. Ed Bates looks miserable and poor. Lib brought me a pickle dish. When Ray came he brought the books from Lupton �58 53. Monday 24th February 1908. A very good day nothing extra fine. Church service this am. Voltie & Ray drew one load of hay, cleaned up gust, put up 4 barrels of apples. Van came over for Lib’s glasses I was surpirsed but glad. I didn’t know I had her glasses, thought something was wrong with my eyes; couldn’t see clearly, thought I was losing my eyesight by looking at the stereoscopic views. James OBrien drove in here for ice saw. Ought to have sent/written a letter to Grace but dont do much of any thing, only cook and wash dishes. �59 54. Tuesday 25 February 1908 A windy half sunshiny day. Wind blowing from Southward. Voltie gone to Kingston with saw log. Sr gone to Clayton for - I dont know, perhaps to deposit his money in bank. Maud phoned to Irene to learn when Beatrice and Schram are coming down. Maud cleans floors, puts oiled cloth on shelves. I make pea soup for Voltie that he may have soup for his supper when he returns from town. Irene phoned that Beatrice has left home enroute for this house so we hustle around to make preparation for company. Wells Sr drove in- came home. Bee and Schram drove in at same time. Wells brought tobaco, syrup, and a pair of pants. He gave me a tobaco chest for a letter box. Beatrice & I had tea with us before they went. Grandpa done the entertaining at table by declaring that Mrs Daily shouldn’t sleeping his bed if she came visiting. Of course the young folks didnt want to laugh but had to in spite of themselves. Poor Bee [margin] couldnt keep from being convulsed with smothered laughter. I was angry. Voltie came about 8 pm bringing a load of boat lumber hungry and glad to eat the soup. �60 55. Wednesday 26 Feb 1908 A cloudy morning, gently raining. V & Ray going to Dailys Woods to split wood, dont start very soon. It began to rain steadily and plentifuly and they didn’t go but worked in shop all day. Sr fixing suspenders. I set log cabin quilt together. Maud working on rug, and sweeping, getting meals, helping wash dishes &c. C Woodman phoned to Voltie about drawing the school wood from the villiage. Allison wants the remainder taken away from his wood yard. Evening V & Ray play a wee game of checkers. They dont appear to have such an intense interest in the game as formerly. Before night the rain turned to snow. Rather difficult to keep the cats out the house. I cant say I’m very fond of cats, they are around the floor mewing even after they have had saucers full of bread and milk and the old dog is fat and lazy and hes around in midle [sic] of the floor most of the time. Our hens broke loose again, got one egg. �61 56. Thursday 27 February 1908 Somewhat cloudy light flakes of snow falling, very still, no rain. The boys - V & Ray go to Daily’s woods to split wood. Maud put up their dinner in the big basket. They also carried our tea pot but they will steep the tea in the woods for since the catastrophy at Marjy’s, Ray wont eat their lunch in the house nor steep the tea in their stove. Well tis 11 am and Maud is doctoring her toe corns and I will begin to look after the dinner. Edy phoned to inquire for V, and says he is coming up this evening. Maud worked on rug. I pieced 4 cabin blocks. Boys came when supper was ready said Mrs Daily is sick. Dont have any doctor. Merrit says if he employed a Dr it would cost $50.00 and then, if she died, it would cost him $50.00 for funeral expenses which would make a round hundred and he might as well save $50.00. Said he has been sick many times and never yet had a doctor in all his life. Kent came to see about drawing the school wood from the villiage and wants [margin] Voltie to go to Watertown with him as he never was in Watertown but V cant leave work to go to Watertown again. Ed Bates did not come up this evening. Boys split and put up 4 cords of wood to day �62 57. Friday 28 Feb. 1908 A fine clear cold day, Wind West. V and Ray took their dinner basket and gone to Dailys woods. Piece one block and cut a lot of strips for log cabin. Grandad choring around and reading all day. Frank has got every thing moved except 5 calves. He is going over to the McCombs settlement to play for dance at Miron Lingenfeldters. Will Dixon is going to help him. Nothing particular occured to day. Maud made two pies (apple) and a cake, baked bread, and beans. Another egg. Boys came home early - about 5 pm, we had supper nearly ready. They report Mrs Daily better. They sort and clean every apple that were in the barrels in kitchen, put them back again and head the barrels, 4 of them in all. After making out the memorandum for groceries, I write a letter to Grace. V and R retire earlier than usual, tired and have to rise early. V phoned to Frank. W to borrow his big sleigh to carry his apples to market. Frank said yes certainly. Maud phoned to Mrs Pimyer and Irene [margin] Evening mail; a letter from Bobson saying he has shipped the Phonograph, a card from Grace, and the Herald, also a letter from some woman purposing to cure me of some female complaint which I have not got. I burn the papers all, just sickening such things �63 58. Leap year Saturday 29 Feb 1908 A beautiful morning. V after going to Franks for sleigh, loaded the apples and drives away. Before he went he brought the churn down stairs. It dry and leaks like a seive. Maud hustled around helped wash dishes, cleaned floors, then went across with Ray to Margys to spend the day carrying her a book and a few apples. After dinner dishes washed churning done, churn washed, Our first churning is about 3 lbs or more. V brought the churn down stairs this morning. Seeded a pound of raisons for fruit cake. I have not seen any one to day, no traveling on land or ice and such a beautiful day. Prince and the cats sunning themselves on the verandah. The last day of Frebruary is the most beautiful day of all the winter. V came about 8 pm bringing groceries galor but left his sugar in Kingston - 100 lbs. Ray & Maude came just before sundown in time for Maud to set the supper table. We pass a chatty merry evening till nearly 12 pm. �64 59. Sunday 1st March 1908. A still, quiet day. No one came. The family pass the time reading. I read a book. Lib sent me a book called "Under the Shadow of The Black Pine". A story of ye olden times of the settlement of the Puritans on the shore of Massachusetts Bay, a severity of their religious code & creed which amounted to tyrany. They carried their religious fanatascism [sic] to a terrible extreme. Maud gets the dinner and after dishes washed takes a nap of forty winks on the lounge while I get the supper and then I arouse Maud to set the table. V reads most all day. Ray studying geography. Sr reading all day in the kitchen. Along about 4 pm becomes cloudy and snow beginning to fall. �65 60. Monday 2nd March 1908. A very bad day for weather; raining and blowing & freezing. After breakfast I wash dishes, take care of the milk, Maud makes beds, sweeps and tidies up everything. V and Ray cleans up seed oats. Grandpa milks, feed pigs, then sits by the kitchen stove and reads. I piece a couple block for quilt work and laze around; experiment on a new kind of cake. Dont suppose it will be good for any thing. Maud trying to ring up central but a failure. Guess something is wrong with the copper line. �66 61 Tuesday 3rd March 1908 20 above zero this morning. V going to villiage with two teams. R is going draw school wood. Ray drives one and V the other. V is going across to the city to pay his buggy note, had to search for his mittens; at last found them on the shelf behind the kitchen stove. Went out turned the horses loose to water; the horses taking advantage of their freedom ran away down the road, while V was chasing his team down the road, Ray hitched up and drove up the ice, but Voltie at last got under way. No central again to day so far. Frank Woodman getting up a dance. I, like Mrs Soloman Smith, am looking on to watch the result the ending up of said party. If they have a dance at Woodmans without whiskey, it will be a remarkable affair. Sun shining out clear, nothing remarkable being done. F.W. phoned to borrow a butcher knife but failed to come fore [sic] it. Maude experimenting in the cake business jumble making very good. My cake experiment not so successful. German cake yeast to old. V and Ray came about 1/2 past 7 p.m. driving around by school house where they unloaded the wood [margin] V brought a new record for the Phonograph, 2 lamp chimneys, two lantern globes, etc. �67 60 Ash Wednesday 4th March 1908 A fine day, not cold. Voltie gone to the Cape for his Phonograph; drove in cutter, Ray went too across to Arthur’s to get Art’s rig, from there he goes to corners and drives back to the Cape, taking his aunt Alice with him, who is living at James Gloyds. Maude making doughnuts & lemon pie. Sr reading Novelettes in Kitchen. I washed aprons underwaist & washed all breakfast dishes. Mooney up the island trying to straighten Telephone wires. Maude not only makes doughnuts but cream cake & lemon pies. Voltie came at 2 O’clock bringing the phonograph. He set it up and then set it singing till Maud set the table for him. Then after his dinner played the phonograph once the telephone wires for Irene Halliday. In evening played over the telephone for Frank Woodman and Will Gillespie. After supper and playing the records again he dressed and went to Frank Woodmans party and staid till one Oclock am. came home at 4 am. Ray came later and went to the party later & �68 61. Thursday 5th March 1908 A beautiful day, 2 deg below freezing. Voltie hitched up and drove to Clayton driving down the ice to Will Gillespies. Will will show him the way down by Grindstone island to Clayton. He said he would be back in time to draw a load of hay from Rachels for the stock but tis 20 minutes of 5 Oclock pm and he is not here yet. Sylvia Woodman & Samy, Cassie, Clifford and Ethel Woodman here to hear the phonograph also Arthur and Beatrice drove over & B phoned to her mother. Maude washed the lines full. 5 Oclock pm. V has this minute came back from Clayton. He bought two new records. Looking this way and the banjo Sunflower dance. Played by request for the Woodmans. Uncle Sam’s family and George Snub. V saw Delavan in Clayton �69 62 Friday 6th March 1909 A snowy day but not cold. V and Ray drew two loads of hay from R’s and after dinner go to Merritts Daily woods to chop and split. Sr in Kitchen reading nearly all the time, Noveletts. Maude finished washing and hung the clothes on the line. The boys after dinner went to the woods for a load of wood. Storm increasing wind and rain. Clothes snapping in the wind. I churned, washed breakfast & dinner dishes. Maude phoned to Mrs Dignum and Laura. Mrs Daily no better; so Mrs Dignum says over the phone. V and Ray didn’t go to the woods after all tis such a storm, so I think the clothes will have to be brought in. 5 pm storm yet growing worse, increasing to a high old gale. Grandpa and Voltie gathered in the clothes. We have our evening meal earlier than usual. V & Ray working in shop all evening. V began building the launch. I made 7 butter prints for market. Didn’t go for mail this eve on account of wind. Maud played phonograph over the telephone for Laura & Harold Dignum. �70 63 Saturday 7th March 1908. A cloudy morning. Wind blowing strong from the South. Snow settling, can see some bare ground. V didn’t go to Kingston to day for wind blows so. V and Ray have gone to Dailys, clears up beautifully at 11 a.m. Maud straightens things up and cleans all the floors before dinner. I wash breakfast & dinner dishes. About 3 pm Arthur and Beatrice comes bringing Rachel with them bag & baggage. �71 64 Sunday 8th March 1908 Two degrees below freezing; cloudy, no wind. After breakfast, Voltie went over to R’s with sleigh and rick with R and her traps and cat. Grandad hitched up and drove over to Winmills. Bill and Mary are sick. He met Van, Lib, Ben Percy, and Della Lee coming here, enroute for Rachels. Ben phoned to C Woodmans, saying he has got 4 gal of cider inside of him now. Van came from R’s and went to Sam’s, came back again and ate dinner, drank quarts of cider. Talked catholism and religion, drank more cider, face awful red & looks foolish. Then hitched up and drove over to Rachels for Lib and Della found that Lib had walked from R’s to her uncle Sams, so had only Della to bring. Then he drove to Sams for Lib, found her not ready to come, so drove here with Della. Put his horses in stable again, drank more cider, talked more catholicism and then Edy Bates came. Poor Ed looks poor and miserable. After while Lib and Ben walked down from [margin] Sam’s. Last thing Van done before leaving for home was to drink a dipper of cider while the others were waiting out on the sleigh for him. Well at last they are all gone and I consider the peaceful, quiet enjoyment of the Sabath [sic] for me is gone which I regret. �72 65 Monday 9th March 1908 Voltie and his father gone to Kingston. V drove double, carrying a barrel of Tallman sweets to Mrs Hegan at the villiage to exchange for a barrel of salt and a gallon of molasses. Wells Sr drove up in his cutter carrying the clock to be cleaned. I sent 7 lbs new butter. Ray went over and plastered Rachels chimney. A fine day Maude sweeps chamber, etc., mops chamber floor. Ray cleans ice house. Wells Sr came early brings the butter basket, three records and some things for himself. While setting table for supper Irene phones that Voltie is there & going to stay all night and return to the city in morning for his lumber, sugar and other groceries; he couldn’t get the lumber to day for not sawed. A telephone from Harold Dignum saying The doctor attended Mrs Daily to day and thinks they have called him to late. Tis pneumonia. Ecepting Harold the Dignums are all with Mrs Daily. Excepting Harold. �73 66 Tuesday 10th, 1908 March A fine, clear, cold day 4 deg below zero. Ray going over to Dailys to chop wood, fires in both stoves very low. Maude phoned to Mrs Dignum asking how is Mrs Daily. She is no better, they think she cant live, and Mrs Dignum is at home long enough to telephone to Mrs Dailys children to come. Beatrice and Arthur’s cousin drove here and after putting his horse in stable (though they drive to R’s for canned fruit) stayed to dinner. Maude foolish enough to go over to Marjories with them; going to skate back. Lonesome when Maud is gone. I wash the dinner dishes, sponge bread, wash and cook currants for pies etc. After Ray came from splitting wood, Grandpa hitched up and drove for Maud , met her and Arts coming across. Sr took Maud in cutter and brought her home and Long Shanks turned back. He is a good fellow enough though I guess if he is tall. �74 67 Wednesday 11th March 1908 Somewhat cloudy and windy this morning. Maud and I work and hustle around all the morning. Charley came about 11 am bringing Belle and Henry. After dinner Charley drove home. Voltie and Ray splitting wood in Daily’s Woods. Mrs Daily no better. Voltie carried her some honey, but she cant eat it. Mrs Dignum and her family are coming to night. Mrs Creamer is taking care of Mrs Daily. Evening - Mrs Dignum, Tom, Harold, Laura and our teacher Miss Taggart come and went home at midnight. V plays the phonograph for them and we enjoy a very sociable evening. �75 67. Thursday 12 March 1908 A fine day. Maud makes cakes and Belle made currant pies. Voltie, Ray & Harold Dignum Drive to Clayton on the ice and come back by the road. Arthur and Beatrice drive over a little while they stay. Mrs Dailys son and daughter come to day but she is no better. The Doctor came to see her. The boys didn’t come till dark. Then Harold went to Flynns to see the teacher instead of going home. Laura phoned for him here, to come home and didn’t seem well pleased to find him gone to Flynns for his father and Tom are gone to Howe island and my one to do the chores. V stoped at Crouses and Crouse gave him some Photos of his son 4 of them. Belle and I divide the bulbs find the hyacinths all frozen. �76 68. Friday 13 March 1908 A sort of a miserable windy cloudy day. Voltie intended drawing hay to day but Merritt Daily Drove in here to get V to go to Kingston with him. He went and Belle and Henry went with him home. Oh I’m lonesome without Belle and she went so unexpectedly. We churn. I piece a few blocks for a quilt. A new calf at the barn which makes two this spring. Tom Chatterton walked across from Arthur Vincents found lots of slush, ground getting bare. Raining hard at 4pm. Irene phoned that Voltie and Bob Gaskin are sleeping at their house to night. So Voltie has got along so far on his way home with his load of coal for Rachel. Not much mail to night only three old business cards for Voltie. No Herald. We have not received good literature for nearly two months. Played phonograph for Laura Dignum and Mrs Prinner. Heard by way of Tom Chattterton that Wills family are all well, and have moved, and are milking 16 cows. They going to milk thirty five the coming summer. Chas Woodman gone back to the villiage to a show this evening. Tom went with him. �77 69 Saturday 14th March 1908 Snow rapidly disapearing [sic], cloudy looks like rain. Voltie works in shop all day, began raining towards night. Maude cleaned floors, baked bread, cookies, Telephoned, Phonographed. Robert and Voltie came about 11 a.m. V drove immediately to R’s with her load of coal. Cant tell much what transpired the remainder of the day only cook, eat, visit, attend to the Telephone, Play the phonograph for the neighbors over the wires. Robert says we give free concerts and Wells Sr says we need a Parrot to complete the chain of business. Evening Bob and Voltie play checkers. Maud sleeps on the lounge with all her clothes on to her shoes. If she is so foolish why I dont care but she ought to know better. Rachel told V to drive over for her to come and stay all night but I have no place for her to sleep. �78 70 Sunday 15 March A cloudy dismal morning. After breakfast V drives over for R, she comes over bringing a bag of buckwheat flour to exchange for wheat flour, she stays till nearly dark. The rain pouring down in torrents, slacks up and V drives over with R. Sends R back with team and V stays to put the bricks in front of her stove. �79 71 Monday 16 March 1897 1908 Cloudy and snows all fore noon. V goes to Morgans for ice saw. Then he and Ray saw ice to fill our ice house which they sawed enough to fill it and drew 29 blocks and put in ice house. After dinner Robert walked down on the ice to Geo Niles and stayed to tea. Merritt’s Dailys soninlaw [sic] and his wife are gone home this morning, discouraged about Mrs Daily; he dont think she can ever recover on account of mismanagement by old Meritt. He says old Merritt is an old fool. Dora Bates phoned to inquire for Jen Dixon’s address and also says Edy is sick in bed and is so weak he can scarcely walk across the floor. Clears up this pm and sun shines out clearly. V and Robt playing checkers this evening. I ought to write to Wellies family. Wills family and Grace, also Johns family. �80 72 Tuesday 17 March A frozen morning. 10 deg above zero. A clear bright morning, after breakfast Robert walks over to Sams to make him a call. Sam asks him if he has not got the big head because he is in command of one of those large iron steamers, came back and walked across to Marjories, ate dinner there, found them flourishing, came back early before sun set. V and Ray finished filling ice house, skined [sic] a calf, put up two barrels of apples for market, and worked around bringing water, chores &c. Evening Robert and V play checkers, get considerably excited over it and make a lot of noise but all in pleasantry and good nature. Ray walked across the river to Marjories, came back about 9 Oclock p.m. Wells Sr attends to the coal store and reads novels. Snowing hard all day, our beautiful morning sunlight went out. I write a long letter to Will in the evening. I wrote one to Grace. �81 73 Wednesday 18 March 1908 A cloudy dismal morning but it neither rains nor snows. After breakfast V phones to Hiram to learn which road he traveled yesterday in going to Kingston, could get no answer from Hiram. Isabelle said H is at the barn choring. Any way Ray and V loads the apples on sleigh and after leaving taking with Robert. V and Robert drive away up the ice - enroute for the city. I make pea soup; Maud cooks beans, Ray shovels saw dust on the ice in ice house. We learn that the sick rested better last night. Voltie came early bringing the clock which had been carried up to be cleaned. Sold the apples for three dollars, bought paint and crocus’s, flour for R, there was two barrels of apples, he sold them to a jew. �82 74 Thursday 19 March 1908 The most dreary dismal day I ever saw; dark, cloudy, raining, snowing and freezing all things covered with ice like a sheet of iron, trees, fences, house, telephone wires. Maud ransacking among the old books and literature up stairs and brought down one of my old scrap books, an old diary, a cyclopedia [sic] and several other books and papers which I have been wanting for a long itme. V and Ray drawing wood from Dailys woods. Mrs Daily no better. Voltie went this Evening to see Edy, found him unconcious, does not know any one not even Dorch, carried R’s flour to her, her cat came over here day before yesterday and she wont go home. �83 75 Friday 20 March 1908 One beautiful day at last. Maud washing and I doing house work getting meals and washing dishes. Dr Spankie gone down the island probably to see Edy Bates. �84 76 Saturday 21 March 1908 Driving on ice still continues good. Voltie drove to the villiage, met Frank Woodman going to Kingston. Voltie drove up for, and brought home his new seed drill; ate dinner with Geo Rattray. Came early at three O’clock p.m. F said Robert was looking for V. Maud brought in the clothes, made ginger cake, molasses cookies, doughnuts. I cooked, washed dishes, V brought Kerosine oil for Rachel and groceries. H bought and brought for this family a beef shank for soup. �85 77 Sunday 22 March 1908 South Wind, breezy, chilly, sun shining. A mimicry of certain individual walkers by Bamford & McIntyre. Edy Bates died this morning 9 Oclock. Voltie and Ray walked across the ice to Arthur Vincents, came back at 5 p.m. acompanied by Arthur Terrel who stayed about an hour and they went back home again across the ice. The crossing is poor, water and slush. The boys have wet feet. I sorry for Terrel for his walk both ways with wet feet, he had much better staid home. Grows cloudy and looks like rain. Evening V & Ray walk over to Rachels carrying her Kerosine and groceries, cat and a small pail of milk. We go bed at 9.30 p.m. �86 78 Monday 23rd March 1908 Maud done a big washing and hung them all on the lines. Rachel came over this p.m. to stay till after the funeral. Dont like to see the procession pass her house. Tuesday 24 March 1908 A beautiful day sun shining brightly, warm and clear. I wish I couldnt write Edy Bates laid in the vault to day that dear good boy gone from earth forever, sad sad. Rev Mr Lancaster officiated. Service held at the House of Geo Gillespie where Edy died. We saw a man walking across this way which we were so happy and joyous to know was Wellie, our dear Wells Junior. Oh we are so glad to see him, but he has come not only to see us but go to Edy’s funeral. Wellie stays all night with us and in evening goes with Voltie when he goes for the mail to see his old neighbour Uncle Sam Woodman. Reserved New Thought for March. �87 79 Wednesday 25 March 1908 Wellie went home to day, walked across the ice. Voltie going over with him to see him safely over taking a hand sled with him to bring across some oak lunber toward building his boat. V ate dinner at Arthur and came home at 2 pm. Rachel went home this afternoon. Thursday 26 March 1908 Maud ironed all the colored clothes, 2 more new milkers at the barn which means butter for market and now we will soon be milking five. �88 80 Friday 27th March A cloudy, mudy [sic] rain threatening day. No crossing St Lawrence now by footman nor boatman nor any other way except by ballon [sic] or flying machine. V dispatched a a letter to Babson Co (Phonograph Co) Chicago. I sent letters one to Muriel, one to "New Thought" and cooked, washed dishes while Maud ironed the clothes. V after going to post office, worked on his boat. I pieced on quilt. Maud took up carpet in V’s bed room and hung it on the line. Sr out looking for his drawers whitch [sic] must have blown away for he cant find them. A new pair and lost since last Dec. V & Ray in Evening played checkers after a new arrangement illustrated in the "Herald". It was eleven Oclock before I went to bed. Evening mail Herald & Daily Whigs from Grace with the illustrated photo of late Capt John Gaskin together with a sketch of his life death and funeral, a post card for Maud, 2 letters for Rachel �89 81 Saturday 28 March 1908 Thunder and lightning at 1 O’clock am. The lightning so vivid and brilliant it awoke me from a sound sleep. Another thunder shower this morning. The ice on the river looks spoted [sic], streaky, shaky and dark. Maud cleaning and straighting up every thing polishing stoves. V drove R’s cow over to her place. Ray managed to get the calf along too. V over there painting his buggy box that he took there a week ago in order to keep it in an unused room free from dust while painting it. Sr reading British Whigs that Grace sent me last night sitting by the kitchen fire reading and smoking his pipe of briar wood. V and M cleared the dining room from chairs, table sewing machine and flower stand. Then Ray with brush and paint pot in hand painted the dining room floor. Voltie brought in boards to walk on foolish thing but I managed to get there. We ate super in the little sitting room. I go to bed at 11 pm. �90 82 Sunday 29th March 1908 A cloudy day not cold. No work, no visitors, some reading, some sleeping, vegetable soup for dinner & some telephoning over the lines to Laura Dignum and Irene Halliday and playing the phonograph and so the day passes, ground bare, snow is no more. No opening in the river, still continues ice locked - go to bed at 10 p.m. Monday 30th March 1908 8 O’clock am, dishes and separator washed. Maud preparing to wash clothes. Ray painting dining room second time. V working on the launch in shop. A clear bright day, 8 deg below freezing. Coal stove rather low and outside door wide open that Ray may see clearly to paint the floor. Crows flying around and I am going to write to Grace. Ray scrubing and scouring pantry preparitory [sic] to painting. V working on the launch all a.m. I get dinner but cant set table for I cant walk the plank. Ray painted pantry �91 83 Tuesday 31st March 1908 Cloudy all day looks like rain. V working in shop on the boat. Ray drawing out fertilizer 10 loads this am. Sent Sr to post office with letters one for Grace, one for Watson and for Helen Watson! I churned. Maud made strawbery short cake for dinner which was good. Maud cooked beans made two kinds of cake, and ginger cookies, baked apples, stewed apple sauce, cleaned potatoes, washed the churn, sweeping, cleaned stores and had tooth ache all day. Went to bed at 10 pm. [margin] from Gertie an advertisement for Magazines and D Pierce memorandum book evening mail. Good Stores, a postal. Wednesday 1st April 1908 A bleak dreary first of April. Mass and confession at James O’Briens. Frank Wooman [sic] came to get a horse shod & ate dinner with us. Ray drew fertilizer and painted pantry celing second time. Bob phoned to Voltie on a little matter of business. Said the family are fine, happy and well. Maud held �92 84 A long animated conversation over the lines with Mr Prinyer. Maud cleared and cleaned the wee sitting room preparitory for painting. I cooked and washed dishes all day and finished piecing the log cabin quilt 80 blocks. V working in shop on boat, after shoeing Franks horse. V performed a surgical opperaiton [sic] on my left foot and now I can wear a shoe. I think I done pretty well. I broke two lamp chimneys. Maud and sat up reading till 11 pm. V worked in the shop awhile in the evening, played a game of checkers in kitchen and then went to bed. Forgot to say V phoned to Bob Horn to borrow his pug stove for some kind of shop use. Then drove down for it. Maud got tooth ache. by request V gave Tom Dignum a free concert over the wires. Thursday 2nd April 1908 A windy chilly cloudy day. Strong wind from S.W. blowing half gale since midnight. River open. Ice floating with tossing white caps. V working in shop on boat, Ray painting small sitting room, Sr patching old harness in Kitchen. Maud read story in good stories. Well pretty near time to get dinner. �93 85 Wind blows so hard it drove the ice in tremendous force against the boat house breaking it in splinters. Never a loss without a small gain for now we have plenty of kindling wood for a while. Mrs Daily no better. Voltie and Ray working in shop. Friday 3rd April 1908 Maud cleaned all the pantry shelves. I washed dishes nearly all day except getting meals. Ray painted the second time the sitting room floor, and doors, and window frames, base boards &c - poor dear. Maud got tooth ache yet. Voltie works on boat nearly all day. River free of ice from shore to shore freezing every night. Sat up reading till late. Saturday 4th April 1908 A cold raw day, quite breezy. Wind North, two sick yearlings at the barn still continue to arrange furniture and clean things. Maud got tooth ache. V & R drawing hay from Rachels place. I made pumkin [sic] pies. Maud mops kitchen floor, sat up late reading. �94 86 Sunday morning 5 April 1908 Found two dead yearlings this morning, both bulls, dont know what ailed them. Another new bull calf at the barn this morning which means another new milker. A chilly morning, dear Maud got tooth ache pretty bad. After supper and dishes washed I selct a book for evening reading "Byrons poems" 1st volume and read till eleven pm., his poetry can never harm me. Tom Dignum here in evening: V played phonograph for Tomy and treated him to apples. Lent the lantern to Tom and he went home in the rain at 1/2 past 9 pm. Monday 6th April 1908 Arose at 5 am. Mauds tooth better. V and Ray shingling Rachels house. A very fine spring day. V and Ray ate dinner at Rachels. We didnt wash but churned. Tuesday 7th April 1908 Voltie went to Geo Niles bee putting an old house roof on Geo new bar. Ray didnt go to the bee. A letter and some Daily Whigs from Grace. Maud cleaned all the floors. �95 87 and made things shine. I knit on rag rug. In the evening Anna Hazel Wooman [sic] came and visited till 1/2 past 10 pm and went home by moonlight. A very bright fine warm day but begins to look hazy toward sunset. Wednesday 8th 1908 A very stormy day, wind, rain and some snow; freezing as it falls, every thing enveloped in a thick sheet of ice, telephone wires broken so no more communication between Maud and Mrs Prinyer, but for all the storm, we have visitors from the villiage to dinner, Malcom McDonel and Will Ranons. Voltie working on his boat when he can. Thursday 9 April 1908 No visitors to day. V worked on boat all day. The trees glittering and sparkling with millions of points. �96 88 of diamonds, emeralds, rubies, amethyst, the most beautiful loveliest sight I ever saw but poor dear Maud got the tooth ache. We read till late. I write to Grace. Friday 10 April 1908 A very fine morning freezing last night. Maud done big washing. Ray moved the clothes line. Maud hang the long lines full of clothes. Inez came down for a visit but went home to get her fathers supper, begins to rain before she gets home. A letter from Grace, Floral magazine, Good Litterature, a letter from Babson phonograph Co & Herald. Sat up late reading but I get drowsy while reading Byron. Saturday 11 April 1908 An awful day for wind and squaly [sic] weather. Ray, Voltie and Sr had a time or two to keep the boat house from being wrecked and washed away by waves roll in and dash high on shore. Hard work to get water to cook potatos, all dirt, grit and sand have to wait for it �97 89 to settle. Maud made cookies and cakes. V worked on boat all p.m. Sat up late reading. Sunday 12 April 1908 Bright clear and cold, froze last night. The telephone men repairing the wires all day and the neighbors are beginning to gossip. A long lazy day getting meals, washing dishes & separator and reading. Maud goes over to Rachels all pm. comes home at 7 pm Monday 13th April 1908 A medium sort of a day, breezy, sun clear. Our men folks moved and braced the boat house. Then after dinner Ray drew the dirt from the new cellar way on stone boat. Irene, Maud & centre talking over the wire. I forget what V done. Sr read newspaper. I sewed buttons on V’s pants and washed V’s sweater, knit on rug and read Byron. V and Ray play checkers till they both were sick of it and then went to bed. �98 90 Tuesday 14th April 1908 A fine day, quiet, no wind, river scaled over with ice. Voltie this morning rowed over the river through the new ice going to Wills to get Holstien [sic] calves. I took the oppertunity [sic] to write to Marjorie and send her a can of strawberries. I printed 29 butter prints. The Islander wanderer just gone up, wind rising. I dont think V can come home to day. Ray diging [sic] cellar all day stopping long enough to go to Sam’s for a wheelbarrow which is very much dilapidated. Grandad Sr put a new bottom in it. This is a pen to throw in the fire; and where can I get another one better? I’ll look for one. This is better though not the very best, had a telephone message from Geo Rattray to say "tell V that he and another man are coming down to set up the new seed drill". Told him V not at home. Towards evening wind rises. V dont come home tonight but Geo R and another man come after dark. Geo goes to Niles with his team where he stays all night. The man stays here. Ray and M go to Rachels to carry her scales. �99 91 Wednesday 15 April 1908 Arose at almost 4 O’clock so the drill man the drill [sic] man can catch the 9 O’clock boat at the ferry. Geo came down from Niles both here to breakfast. V wind bound over the river, wind blowing half a gale. The man and Geo went away at 9 am. V phones from Roy Dodges that Marjorie has another little son (Ross) a ten pounder this time, the hand of providence sent V over and none to soon, poor dear. Marjorie had suffered long enough when Doctor Buchanan came; he said another 12 hours and it would have been to late. This was Tuesday when he came the first time and to day Arthur Terril went for him and the baby was born & V went for his Aunt Lib Bamford too and he paid for Art’s message to his mother, and for telephoning to Belle, both which cost 65 cts. "All is well that ends well" Shakespeare. V went over to R’s and brought home his new double buggy which is a beauty with paint and varnish. �100 92 Thursday 16 April 1908 Arose early this morning. Voltie drives over to our dock with Maud, 33 lbs butter & 10 doz eggs, came back in time for breakfast. After breakfast and chores done V and Ray went over to Rachels and made a days work of ditching till time to drive over to the boat for Maud and Rachel for she went too. Of course V and Ray came home to dinner. The boat came early and this is her first trip to our landing this spring. Maud sold the eggs for 16 per doz, butter for 24 cts per lb. She brought most of the money home - stood on the market so long went to Grace’s a little while, couldn’t get her teeth attended to till three Oclock & at that hour the boat left for home and of course Maud had to come too and now she has tooth ache worse than ever. I made pea soup for dinner and save some for Maud. Wal N came down home on the boat. He been sick in hospital Hotel Dieu for 6 weeks with pneumonia. No wall paper but some sugar, ginger, starch &c and $8,47 for butter and eggs. [margin] Aunt R bought a new washing machine & wringer. A cold day after the wind storm of yesterday. Wind North. �101 93 Good Friday 17 April 1908 Rather chilly, froze again last night. Maud sick abed with tooth ache nearly all day. I didn’t call her this morning but kept her in bed, poor Maudie. I made a mistake, it was this am that V and Ray ditched over on R’s place & yesterday V set shoes on horses and Ray dug in cellar and wheeled the dirt out in wheelbarrow. V sent $6,50 to Babson phone Co. I sent Willie & Lena Dixon, each, an Easter card. Voltie went for mail. Received Herald, card from Kellog, Letter and post card from Gladys card from Lottie. Notice from Review of Reviews. Maud received card from Lottie. Voltie & Ray went over river after dark, carried over two calves and brought two holsteins [margin] V found Arthurs family doing very well, got a hired girl, Susie Brewee at $3,50 per week. Raising babies is expensive. �102 94 Saturday 18 April 1908 A cloudy morning sprinkling rain. V gone to the villiage and city. V told me that Ray had broke a bridle and whip this morning very carelessly. Maud appears to be better. She is washing the separator. 9 am. Mauds toothache worse than ever just tearing and raging. Poor Maud is crying. I send Grandpa to Rachels for hops &c which he brought together with the news that Rachel has fell down again and bruised her knee and arm so she can scarcely crawl around. When Wells returned he thought he had some pain relief up stairs in his room and went and brought it down which proved a relief indeed at it is the first remedy that has helped Maud. Ray cultivating potato ground. V returned at 7 pm. We didn’t mop the floor this day. Sat up late reading. Easter Sunday 19 April 1908 A very fine day. I cook 2 doz eggs for breakfast. I ate two after breakfast. V & Ray go over to St Vincents. North Wind blowing some. I sent Sr over to see him. R gets along, she came home with him lame & all [margin] bruised up. She stayed to dinner and chore time the boys came at three pm., report Marjorie and the baby doing well. �103 95 Monday 20 April 1908 A nasty day, cold, windy, sqully [sic] snowing hard and furiously. We churned, cleaned all the painted floors, made vegetable soup for dinner. Hand made cookies (molasses). Voltie planted potatoes in the house in a box behind the kitchen stove. V & Ray grubbed and old pine root out of the old strawberry bed and snagged out an old dead apple tree and drew them both to the wood pile. Sr boring post holes. Ray plowing up the orchard for strawberry plants. Voltie says he has got to buy hay to carry the cattle and horses through on. But Where! Ray & Voltie wheeled more dirt from the new cellar, 20 loads. V went to bed a little earlier than usual. Tuesday April 21st 1908 Froze so hard last night cant plow this morning. Sort of a half cloudy, half sunlit day. A bee over at the steam boat landing repairing the dock. Voltie has gone there but is coming home to dinner. Ray in granery [sic] cleaning seed oats. Maud going �104 96 iron and starch and iron. A raw backwood spring so far; feed for cattle and horses very scarce every where. Voltie and Ray goes over to John McDonel for hay had to buy a tun [sic] or more. Drew it home in the rain. V has hurt his back pitching hay. A postal from John & Flora, letter from Grace. Wednesday 22nd April 1908 A very pleasant day. We churned & made 14 prints. Keep one at home. Voltie’s back a little better this morning, he massaged it with linament and applied hops, salt & vinegar. Voltie sent Ray over to Arthurs for strawberry plants for Art said he would go to Cape for them yesterday when he goes for his plank. When Ray returned without the plants for Art hath not gone to the Cape at all. [margin] We set the incubator 22nd April Thursdy 23rd April 1908 Ray drove to the dock with Maud this �105 97 morning. I send Grace a little note. Rachel came over and staid till near chore time and carried home two quarts of water. Sent for a plaster for Voltie’s back. Voltie works in the field but his back is very lame. V drives to the dock for Maud and her groceries. Wallace Niles came down for a little visit, poor dear Wallace looks thin and white. Maud came home bringing wall paper and the picture called the tug of war which I sent to have framed. Evening and after work is done, Voltie, Ray and Maud go in skiff over the river to A Vincents and return at 1/2 past 11 pm. I set the lamp in the window for them for the night is dark and still, no moon, no stars, no wind, only dark and cloudy. They brough see dwheat from Tom Dodges - they brought the baby calendar and Womans companion. [margin] Maude bought two new records. �106 98 Friday 24th April 1908 A fine warm day. Working in field. V sowing wheat. Ray cultivating. Sr fixing Sam W’s old harness so that we can use it. V borrowed it so he can use two teams in the field. Set going to Cape today for strawberry plants. Maud phoned to Belle, all well, told her Marjorie is well and the babies and every one. Well the new seed potatoes came to day. Received the flower seeds from Park to day. Saturday 28 April 1908 Wind this morning changed from North to South and blowing "great guns". Tis going to rain sure. V and Ray working in field. The assesor here, we churned again this morning. Going to rain Sure. I think I must have been nearly asleep when I wrote the above Saturday’s diary. I know �107 99 cleaned all the floors and made cookies while I. done my share of cooking and washing dishes and separataor. Ray intended to go over the river but wind and Rain prevented Sat up reading till late. Voltie’s back is very lame. Churn again to day. Sunday 26th April A breezy day. Charley Jr and his sister Irene drove down for spelty 2 bushels After dinner Ray and Charley go across to Arthur Vincents for a few hours and when they return they have brought the strawberry plants all right. Maud and Irene has a fine visiting time. The parties and dresses and beaux are manipulated and all their good and indiferent [sic] qualities aired. Well I greatly enoy their visit any way. I send Belle a few flower seed and lend Irene three magazines, 2 "McLures" and "Womans home companion �108 100 Monday 27th April 1908 Showery with thunder and lightning. Maud washes a big lot of clothes. I cook and wash dishes as usual. Ray and Voltie work over on Rachels place breaking up a new piece of ground for sawing grain. Mrs Daily still living but very low. Sr planting potatoes by the consession [sic]. Tuesday 28th April 1908 Another breezy day but not so much but that Arthur Terrill came over bringing Beatrice enroute for home to prepare for her Wedding which is to be the 10 of June. Terril staid to dinner. A kind of a nice sort of a chap, pleasant and mannerly. V and R and Sr all working over to Rachels place brushing and stumping. Evening mail New thought, receipt card from Review of Reviews, aknowledgment [sic] of money from Babson. V tested eggs this eve 7 bad ones. [margin] A letter for Maud from Blanche Vincent and a lot of daily Whigs from Grace. �109 101 Wednesday 29th April 1908 A breezy day, chilly wind S.W. The boys working over on Rachels place again to day or Ray is working there. V, at home filling the ground for Strawberries. Rachel came over with her butter for Maud to carry to market tomorrow. Mr Lancaster here making visits. Gertie Crawford and Ezra Pixley were married to day at her home in Kingston. Thursday 30 April 1908 Send Maud to Market with butter, eggs and honey 15 cents card for honey 22 cards, 11 lbs butter, 23 cts per lb, eggs 15 cts per doz. She ate dinner at Graces & walked over to Crawfords to see Gerties wedding presents. Mrs Daily died to day at 1/2 past 11 a.m. �110 102 Friday 1st May 1908 V and Ray plastered the sitting room. A miserable indiferent [sic] kind of day. Every thing moved around botom [sic] side up and every other may, like this writing. Mail; A letter from Muriel, Herald, etc. Saturday 2nd May 1908 This is an awful day for rain, pouring down steady all pm. Mrs Dailys funeral to day. Rev Craig preached the sermon. Wells and Voltie went to the funeral. Rachel came over to stay till after the funeral. V and Ray paper the sitting room, ceiling and wall and put on the bordering �111 103 Sunday 3rd May 1908 A very good day. Ray dressed himself up and went over the river while Spoopendike (A Terril) took Art Vincents old skiff and came over here. I wish he had staid home. I dont like him, long shanked, thick tongued, homely, black, ill mannered fool. He brought over McChires Magazine and St Nicholas, he wants to court, didn’t want to go to bed, but went. Monday 4 May 1908 Not a very bad day, river quiet this morning. Spoopendike stuck up a sail and went across the river. Ray came in time for his breakfast, boys set strawberry plants all fore noon. Maud done some washing of curtains &c. I cut and made an under waist. Sr planted potatoes �112 104 Tuesday 5 May 1908 A beautiful bright warm day. Boys working on R place, dad planting potatoes. Maud washed window curtains and other things. Geo Rattray and another man here to dinner. Man’s name is Sherk. He is a machine agent, he is fixing the seed drill. Mail; A Watertown paper from John also one from Wellie relating to the Brownville murder, Seeds from Bark, a letter from Will, cards for Maud, a card and letter for Rachel [margin] Ray & V finished setting strawberrie plants, 2000 of them then worked in shop on boat. In evening Maud played on phonograph over the wires for Mrs Premier V and Ve went over river with stock. [/margin] Wednesday 6 May 1908 The sun shining but not very clear, a little chillines [sic] yet in the air. The boys working over on Rachels place. Sr cutting and planting potatoes by the consession [sic]. He says he planted 12 long rows yesterday. V run the net and got only three perch which I clean for the boys & Sr dinner. Maud is making a raspberry short cake for dinner. We churn and the churning is heavy. I work and salt the butter. P.M. R started to bring her butter and eggs for Maud to Market tomorrow but Maude not going. She met V & Ray, sent the b & e. [margin] back to her house but came over herself, beginning to rain again, dad in cellar cutting potatoes. R gone home. Fire coal stove gone out. �113 105 Thursday 7 May 1908 Awoke this morning to find another wet nasty day; boys cant work in field. Maud cant go to market. V and Ray tore the old paper from the ceiling and wall, plastered where the plastering was off and loose, then papered the ceiling and wall. They worked till Bed time. Raining all day and all night. Friday 8 May 1908 Raining again this morning and continues through the day a steady downpour. The flat covered with water and the river very high. Grass is growing but no sign of tree leaves. Wallace made us a call. He is much improved in health and looking fine. Evening mail; Herald, 2 Utica Globes from Will relating to that terrible murder in Brownsville, and a history of the Jay Gould family. Will is a dear good brother. We received Parks Floral Guide together with 5 packets of flower seeds. Am not sure I’ll ever get them [margin] sowed but will try. I sent Belle a letter and a lot of flower seeds. Arthur, V and James Smith came over and staid to dinner. They started to come yesterday but turned back on account of wind. V and Ray fnished papering this morn �114 106 Saturday 9th May 1908 A wet rainy nasty day. V working in shop. Ray working cellar. Sr sat in his corner and read the Utica Globe till a little while ago, now he is gone to the barn, guess he is not doing any thing but he discovered Maud going to mop. Irene washed breakfast dishes, milk pails, separator, cooked beans, worked over butter &c. V built a new fire in the coal stove for it is so damp and chilly with all this rain. The fire has been out a week. Maud puts up the sitting room and dining room curtains and cleaned the floors. Evening rains yet Sunday 10 A very good day. Wind south. After dinner, Ray acompanied by Maud went over to Marjories, came back at sun set. Henry Holliday came around here with his power boat, a new one he has bought for $300 dollars. Voltie and Walace [sic] Niles went with henry around foot of Island to Dignum’s bay and walked home from there. Wind South, water drying and running off. Frank kids made a call, Cassie, Clifford & Ethel �115 107 Monday 11 May 1908 Arose at four Oclock a.m. V going to Kingston. Wind South. Got lots of work to do but dont feel like work, work, work all the time; got butter to work, dishes and separator to wash (work) but now I’ll get up and with cane in hand, I’ll go out in kitchen to work. Rain, Rain all day mud, mud. Abgina McDonald went to villiage, going to the hospital to see to see [sic] Bessie who is going to have an opperation [sic]. Burried [sic] Jane Daily to day. Ray helped dig the grave. Tuesday 12 May 1908 A cloudy morning, looks like rain and wind blowing hard from the South. V pushed the skiff off and sailed across through a heavy storm of wind, waves rolling high, current with spray and such beautiful white caps. His father, Maude & Ray watched him go across. He has gone to Wills for holstein calves. He phoned to us that he wouldn’t come back to night. Begins to rain. Charley & Belle [margin] came about 10.30 am, came for strawberry plants. Belle brought me some cookies and sage seed, had a good visit only she didn’t stay nearly long enough. My dear Belle. Voltie brought the news that Bob fell from their upper window and broke his wrist and both ancles [sic]. �116 108 Wednesday 18th May 1908 A cloudy day, churned and made butter prints 23 lbs going to send Grace a basket. I write Grace a letter. Geo Woodman & Card here to see V’s boat. Maud cleaned the floors. Received another ring rep from Voltie’s, he is in Carthage, and will not come home till Friday. Raining all night. Thursday 14th May 1908 Looks like rain. Grandpa drove to the dock with Maude. So I do the house work alone. It turns to be a very fair day. Ray plowing corn ground. Grandad drives to dock for Maude boat - comes in early. Maud bought triming for her hat, and a new summer coat for herself, gloves etc; flour, tea, rice, yeast cakes, and other butter 25 cents per lb; chickens hatched in incubator. I am tired to night. �117 109 Friday 15 May 1908 A beautiful warm day. We took the chickens from the incubator 37 in all, fed them hard boiled eggs cut fine. V came home bringing 4 holstein calves beauties. He brought two first time, ate dinner then V and Ray rowed across for the other two. Will brought him to the river, he carried Will some fish the second trip from his net before he went across the second time. V warmed the brooder but we put this chicks back in the incubator to stay all night for the lamp went out in brooder. Evening mail Herald, News papers fro Wellie relating to the awful murder in Brownsville where James Turner and wife murdered Mrs Berman. The mail brought us Good Stories. I went out and tried to make a papy bed. Saturday 16th May This is a real work day for Maud and I. We cooked the meals as usual, wash dishes, separator, clean 5 lamps, clean all the floors, [margn] Saturday Wll Niles here for strawberry plants. �118 110 A white frost this morning. do a big ironing, churn, stew raisons, and bake pies, cakes and molasses cookies. Boys sowing grain over on R’s place. We put the chickens in the brooder to day. I sit up reading till eleven pm. A beautiful thunder storm with vivid lightning about 9 Oclock in the evening. Sunday 17th May 1908 A medium fair day, air some what chilly. We didn’t get up till 6 O’clock am, got breakfast. Sr pared potatoes for breakfast, and fixed separator while V and Ray milked the cows and fed the calves. Maud and I got breakfast while V separated the milk, after breakfast. M & I hustled around and done all the work. When Rachel came bringing a big market basket full of dandelion greens while Voltie run the net, got 10 fish, 1 pike, 2 black bass and 7 perch which he dressed at the river so for dinner we had greens, fried fish, mashed potatoes, raison pie & ginger cookies &c �119 111 Tuesday 19th May 1908 A beautiful warm day 73 deg in the shade. Maude cleaned the kitchen walls and doors & wainscoting so it can be painted. I done house work as usual, men are working in field. Grandad brought in the clothes from the line after sundown. Mail; a post card from Grace and an experimental form book. May Ranons & Anna Gillespie here for Maud to go to Smith to the Bible class. Lancaster sent me some book. Wednesday May 20th 1908 A very warm day can scarcely get the butter ready for market tis so soft tho I set it on ice. Rachel came over and brought dandelion greens and pie plant. V carried a pail of ice over to her house for her butter. Maud ironed and cleaned the floors. I washed dishes, separator and cooked the meals & made the butter prints. I guess I am tired. Voltie set the apple trees and black berry bushes, 12 of each. [margin] Monday 18 May 1908. I forgot to write about this day Monday. A very fine day. Maud done big washing. I done general house work; boys went over the river with calves holstein. �120 112 Thursday 21st May 1908 Another half rainy day. Voltie drove to the dock with Maude carrying 16 lbs butter, 4 doz eggs & 24 cards of honey. I sent a small basket to Grace, 2 pike, some greens and pie plant and dandelion greens. V set a hen this morning and now V and Ray are cleaning the cellar. Rachel too went to Kingston with butter she makes from her one cow. Got now to get dinner. I am awfully tired. V goes for Maude before supper. Ray milks and separates. Maud came gay and happy, well satisfied with her marketing. Friday 22nd May 1908 A very fine day. Rachel came over awhile. Voltie and Ray worked in field. Maud baked cakes. Voltie carried Ray across the river and went to the corners for overalls, shirts. Art Vincent got measles. Calf inspector here from Otawa [sic]. Meritt Daily came here for Voltie to cut his hair. Merritt crying about Jane and relating all his troubles, has to eat. �121 113 and milk 12 cows night and morning. Merrit went to river brought R a pail of water. R rode home with Merritt in buggy, carry the water when got home had no water, all slopped out along the road. V staid nearly all night with Art Vincent till 1 O’clock a.m. He bought peanuts, overalls, 1 pair of shirt. Saturday 23rd May 1908 A fine day, wind blowing some. V and dad building fence around the Garden. V leaves the fence building to churn in cellar and he takes the butter out the churn and washes & salts it. Inez here for two lbs at 25 per lb. Hand cleaned floors and made cookies. We are expecting visitors tomorrow. I am sleepy. R came over and brought dandelions greens, R and I clean them all. [margin] Sr goes for the mail and Rachel waits till his return. A letter for her from Jen, Herald, Wellie sent papers from Watertown. Sunday 24th May 1908 A beautiful day. Scrham and Terrill come over and Beatrice and [illegible] �122 114 They come in buggy and stay all day. Bee and Schram going to be married the 16 June if the wind dont blow so little. Schram cant get here. Poor dear little Bee. What a mistake you are making! They play the phonograph and Lerrell sing "Away down on the Swanee River" & Rachel comes over and Maud and Irene go home with her, also terrel. At last they all go home. Schram & Lerrell go one way and and Irene another way and we are left alone once more. Monday 25 May 1908 A beautiful day. Wind South. V & his father building woven wire fence around the yard & they turned the calves out to pasture on the dandelion covered point. Maud washing. She cant get to clothes line to hang the clothes on line for the line is fenced out. After dinner grandad moves the clothes line this side the fence. Old Prince sleeps in sun on Veranda. I’m sleeping. After dinner and dishes washed, I took hoe in hand and went making [margin] an onion bed and set 9 rows and levered a few hills of strawberries. The weather very warm, river still, not a ripple on the water. V and his father building fence around the potatoe ground. �123 115 Tuesday 26 May 1908 Wednesday 27 May 1908 Most forget what was done this day. Rachel came over. �124 116 Thursday 28 May 1908 A very warm day. Wind South. Voltie drove to the dock with Maude, 18 lbs butter. Weather very warm. Wells Sr hoeing strawberry vines all day. V finnished [sic] plowing corn ground then cultivated it. 3 p.m. V is now hoeing strawberry vines. Old Daily over to Rachels nearly all day. Rachel is patching his shirt. All Joslin gone to town to get the certificate for the Holstein calves for Voltie. Maud bought Wall paper for V’s bedroom. and mine also. Friday 29 May 1908 A very fine warm day. Thermometer 83 in shade. Al Joslin here to sign the papers for V’s bringing over the holsteins. I found the dandelion recipie for dandelion wine after a long, long search and was nearly all day brewing the wine, made 8 gallons. V telephoned to Mrs Pringer for a doz more oranges. Went for the mail and forgot to ask for thtem (the oranges) �125 117 Saturday 30 May 1908 A cloudy windy unpleasant day, hoed vines (strawberry), heavy thunder in North, old Prince afraid trotting around from room to afraid of thunder. Towards night we get a heavy shower which enlivens every thing. Wells hoing strawberry plants, takes shelter in the barn. Not so Voltie, he caught in the shower over on R’s place and came home as wet as if he had been in river, but soon changes his clothes throughout. Maud cleaned all the floors. Ray McIntyre came over with Bob Reid. [margin] V phoned Frank for the oranges. Sylvia said they were there. V went for them. The dear little children had been into the bag. V gave them some. Sunday 31st May 1908 A long quiet Sabath day; alone all day no visitors. I write a letter to Helen Watson in answer to her letter of inquiry about Robert being hurt, no work done only cook the meals, wash dishes and separator. I read a few pages in the "Dissenters" in opposition to the English church. R dont come over. The ground is to wet since the rain of yesterday. Maude went to call on Sanders; found no one at home. �126 118 Monday 1st June 1908 A fine day but cool. Maud cleaned and papered V’s bedroom. V working in corn field all day. Sr weeding Strawberry vines all day. Rachel came over and brought rhubarb and helped me in garden sowed summer savory, sage, salsify and batchelor buttons. Busby came and made us a call. H is going to take pictures of Wolfe Island scenery. Tuesday 2nd June 1908 A clear cool day, wind N.W. and blowing fresh all day. V, after going to post office for me, running the fish net and several other chores; works in the cornfield. Sr working in strawberry field all day. Maud churned and after dinner dishes washed, we work among the flower beds and I hoe some strawbery vines and I am very tired. I made pie plant jelly. Maud made chocolate cake and custard for supper. V painted his bedroom floor. R didn’t come over to day. I sent a letter to Grace, a letter to Helen Watson, a letter with 50 cts to the Review of Reviews, a postal [margin] to Helen Watson. Also a card Maud sent to Earl Redmond. �127 119 Wednesday 3rd June 1908 Thursday 4th Jun 1st 1908 �128 120 Friday 5th Saturday 6th June 1908 Another busy day working indoors and out no rain. �129 121 Sunday 7th June 1908 A warm day. Schram came over. Ray McIntyre rowed him across. Then they went for a sail in skiff on the river and kept on sailing till they landed on the other shore at Art Vincents where they stoped till after the noon day meal. Then they returned and drove up the island stopping at WG Woodmans for Irene where they were inviting Lillie Woodman to play the wedding march in church next week from Tuesday the 15th June. Monday 8 No rain. Beatrice’s man Frank Schram came across this day No! I make a mistake. It was yesterday. I suppose their in town to day buying the marriage lisence [sic]. V planting corn all day and punkins [sic], squash, set tomato plants, planted cucumber, melons, musk melon, watermelon, citrone. Grandpa hoeing Strawberries. Awful dry weather. V talking about Windmills and force pumps. Maud done big washing, lines full. I done house work and cooked meals & washed dishes. �130 122 Tuesday 9th June 1908 No rain. Beatrice brought Frankie down, and his hired man young Johnson came over for him in Arthur’s skiff. Poor little Bee going to marry him one week from this day. They went yesterday to Kingston to buy the marriage licence. She seems happy over the affair. I hope she always will be. I cant keep track of all our men folks do. I guess hoeing and planting. I sent third payment to Review of reviews Company 50 cts for June. Wednesday 9th 10 June 1908 Another warm dry day. Maud and I work hard all day preparing for Grace and the children and Mrs Grant. Voltie drives to the dock for them. They come here about 1/2 past 8 pm. Grace brings Margaret, Robert and the baby, little Isabelle. This is the first time I have seen her. She was 5 month old 4th of his month (June). Poor dear. Bob couldnt come. He and Reggie had to stay at their mothers and grandmothers. The baby is very pretty and best of all good and dont cry as much as most of babies. V painted the kitchen ceiling and a little of the wall �131 123 Thursday 11th June 1908 A fine morning. Grace and the children enjoy this morning in their old country home down on the foot of Wolfe Island. Maud got a sore toe all day, a corn on it of course. Grace & Mrs Grant down looking at stra[wberries] well I guess!! I was going to write strawberries but went fast asleep. I dont know why I get so sleepy all the time. Think because the weather is so dry = no rain. Friday 12th June 1908 A hot dry day. Sr hoeing. V making garden and plowing out potatoes. Rachel and Mrs Dignum here visiting with Grace and Mrs Grant. Mrs D brought me a pint of maple syrup. Wind North and cool. I hold the darling little Isabelle while Grace goes to post office for me. I send a letter to new thought and Louis Rice of New York. Going to tell my fortune. What folly. I have only written for fun. She going to tell by my hand writing. �132 124 Saturday 13th June 1908 A clear, hot, brazen day. Thermometer 83 in shade. Voltie gone to the Villiage to go across to Kinston [sic] for piping for the force pump to water the strawberry crop. Grace & the baby, Mrs Grant, Margaret & Robert are gone up with Voltie to go home on The Wolfe Islander. Irene told Maud over the wire that they called there ony a few minutes and that her father and mother are gone too. They went on the first boat. Wind S.E. and hot; C Woodman here for cider to carry down to the ball play on Snub’s. I’m sleepy. Sr been hoeing all fore noon (potatoes) up by Consession. I paid 15 cts for cider. Wish it would rain. Maud cleaned floors & is now ironing. She intends going to the excusion this evening to Clayton. She went walked over to Dignums. Sr milked all the cows, separated the cream from the milk and through a mistake poured the separated cream into the swill barrel - about 12 quarts. V came home at 10 pm, stayed to get his horses shod. came late. �133 125 Sunday 14th June 1908. A cloudy day looks like rain, wish it would. Every thing suffers for rain. V, yesterday, tried to get a force pump to water the strawverries but could find none in Kingston. Didn’t hear from Bob for he is at his fathers, brought Maude a pair of slippers and left them in Kingston. Rachel ae over to day. Charley Dixon, Ada Hart came over to bring Ethel. She is going to McLarens. Ada is Charlies sweetheart so they say. Charlie not being accustomed to water, ie. boat rowing got so warm that the blood cuased a something to affect his face and eyes. They didn’t stay to dinner on accunt of wind and rain but went back over the water. It began raining before they reached the other shore. Rachel went home. Ethel didn’t go. All evening it rained and everything growing nicely. �134 126 Monday 15th June 1908. Raining steadily all night "Rain, Rain the loving gentle rain" which is a [sic] the greatest blessing which can be given at the present time. The strawberries will grow and ripen now. Voltie will went to the factory this morning which he he [sic] always does when it rains. Received our small cheese check this morning $7,38 cts. Didn’t do much house work this day only wash breakfast dishes. V worked on the launch all day. Sr sat around all day reading. Sun set clear after a day of dark heavy clouds. Schram came over enroute to C Hallidays to marry Beatrice. Ray McIntyre and Johnson brought him over. Maude & Ethel didn’t go to the wedding, which was all right. F Woodman drove up to Belles with her intended soninlaw. Tuesday 16th June 1908 A clear cold cool morning wind, North. V went fishing down on shore, caught 16 which I dressed for dinner. Ethel went over to Rachels & staid till time to start for McLarens. Rachel came over with Ethel. Ethel went up with the mail. V, after dinner, carried her traveling suit case to Sam’s, she going up with Frank Woodman and the mail. Johny McDonald phoned for O’Briens roller. V and his Dad are pulling mustard in the field. The old Black cow got a white calf. [margin] Beatrice Halliday Married this day June 16th 1908 to Frank Schram. �135 Wednesday 17th June 1908 A beautiful day every thing growing finely. Voltie hoeing early potatoes stoped long enough to pick a basket of strawberries for Bob, going to send them up by Maud Thursday (tomorrow). Received a telephone message from Bob that he is coming down to night and for Voltie to meet him. Voltie drove to the dock for him, sat up till 1/2 past 11 p.m. Gave the berries to Bob for his supper. A methodist picnic on Snubs Grove Henry Halliday drove in here. Maud went with him to the picnic and Charles Junior ate dinner here and went with them. Irene & Ruby Cummings drove in here for Maud but she had gone with Henry. Thursday 18th June 1908. Sr went to Kingston. V drove to dock with him. V hitched up old Ben and drove across the field with Bob down on shore below the cedars for Bob to fish. Rachel and W Niles went down too to keep Bob company. V drove again for Bob and then to the dock for his father and Bob went with V and home on the boat. �136 132 Sunday 21st June 1908 A beautiful day. Every thing fresh and growing. Hiram Joslin & George Niles here for strawberries. 8 baskets for them. Arthur, V, Schram, & his hired man Johnson, came over for Bee’s trunk and the little table (a weding gift from Wm Cummings). Rachel came over to go fishing. Next came Bill Hollenbeck an accquaintance [sic] of olden days, a former pupil of mine, while teaching at Cape Vincent. That was in the long long ago 1854. He and his clothes looks rusty. I dont think he amounts to much though he seems a man of common good intelect, and is a very good talker. When at home, he lives in Poa. He is a widower and calls me Irene wants I should call him Bill as in days of yore but I cant do it. I call him Mr Hollenbeck. "Now I dont want you should call me Mr Hollenbeck, I want you should call me Billy, as you used to when I was a boy". Lordy! he has got a stomach on him like an city alderman. Mrs Harris & Emma Woodman rings for berries. Mary Berrie here selling picnic tickets for the English church. Ray & Marjorie and Arthur came over and brought both babies. This is the first time Marjorie has been here since the baby was born. Maud slept on couch last night; had to �137 133 Monday 22 June 1908 A very fine warm day. Ray, Voltie, and Wells Sr hoeing potatoes at consession finish at dinner time then hoe and cultivate strawberries. Sniders heifer got in here. Snider had tremendous time getting her out, chased her all over the pasture with all the cattle in tow. He opened the gate to drive her out, she wouldn’t go, but Dirk horse got out. V left his hoeing to bring him back. Then Snide went home and brought a rope lassoed her, then she wouln’t go any way, but he pulled tugged and draged her to the road and through the gate and the last I saw of Snide he was squatting on the grass outside the gate holding on to the rope. Mary Barrie and her brother Geo drove in here to sell picknic tickets. Maud bought one 25 cts. Maud slept on the couch agin last night. �138 134 Tuesday 23 June 1908 A fine day after the greatest grandest thunder and lightning storms of the seasons. It rained thundered & lightened all night. Sent Mrs Harris 10 boxes of berries by mail. Ray painted the kitchen. Wednesday 24 June 1908 Old Hollenbeck fishing wish he’d clear out. Rachel came over not been here before since Sunday. �139 135 Thursday 25 June 1908 A fine morning clouds up and rains soon after Maud went to Kingston but soon clears up and turns to be a beautiful day. I on my feet nearly all day. V picks strawberrys for dinner. Hollenbeck went up on the boat. I am glad he is gone the old "pukeanastic" around sponging his living. Friday 26 June 1908 A beautiful day. Moodey here looking at the telephone; he drives a sorry looking old horse. V says tis a livery horse. I suppose this one of Cards. V and Ray picked 110 boxes of strawberries. I wandered off down among the strawberry vines & picked a basket & 72 which we had for the table. Rachel came over and went fishing and ate dinner with us, picked a basket of berries for Rachel. We had greens for dinner. Mail Herald, letters Louise Rice Card from Laneta, Torrel &c a letter from Mrs Gaskin for Berries. Maud and Ethel talking over the lines, �140 136 Saturday 27 June 1908 A fine day wind South. V preparing to go up the island selling strawberries, Dignem’s just now rung for berries 12 or 15 baskets. R came over looking for letters. V gone up the island. Maud gone over the river with McIntyre to Marjories and from there to a ball play at Sand Bay. Didn’t come home, but stayd all night at Marjories. V came home in time to pick more berries after selling 110 baskets. Saturday 28th June 1908 A fine day. Maude and Ray came across at 11 a.m., at same Mr B, Mrs Wilber (&) three kids. Reba, Vera & Richard all from Clayton. They are taking their Sunday outing and ran up here in their [illegible] launch then Rachel came over, so the day passes away. �141 137 Monday 29th June 1908 A fine day. Alice Michea and her son Wesley came to see us, drove 22 miles—5 miles from above the villiage. V gone up the island selling strawberries. Wells Sr hoeing. Heard that Charley Halliday had sold his farm for $4300. Rachel came over Tuesday 30 June 1908 A beautiful day a picnic and ball game in Snubs grove. Irene & Miss Ruby Cummings drove in here for Maud. Ball game and English picnic in Montgomerys woods. Terrel came over to take Maud to the picnic. She wouldn’t go with Terrel though she had sold him a ticket and he had come over to get the worth of it in the picnic dinner. Darly drove in here for Berries and I asked him to drive up to the English picnic with Maud and he done so while Terrel trotted on behind. �142 138 Wednesday 1 July 1908 Strawberries & Maxwell. V picked strawberries all day. Maud answered telephone rings for berries. Rachel here to supper when Maxwell a dapper little man, came swiftly in mopping his red face with his handkerchief having walked 2/3rds of the way from the villiage. "Have some supper Mr Maxwell?" and he getting himself a chair, came quickly to the table helping himself freely to strawberries and cream &c. Stays all night which puts us to great inconvenience. This is a free "Travelers Inn". Maud sleeps on the couch again. Thursday 2nd July 1908 A fine day. Maud gone to Town for groceries. Van came over accompanied by Nat Carver whom we have not seen for more years than I can well calculate. A young man when he went away 21 or 22 now 66 years, a fine looking man enough to be U.S.A. president. he is going to take his notary in Massachusetts. Grace and Bob, Reginald, Robbie and baby Isabella came down of the boat Maud went to Kingston and carried strawberries to Mrs Gaskin 24 bas—and 12 bas to Grace. old Max went up on the steamer this morn �143 139 Friday 3rd July 1908 Mr Lancaster came this p.m. We all sat out on veranda except Bob and Rachel are fishing. L was caught in a heavy shower of rain while driving through our big gate by the road. Saturday 4 July 1908 A ball game at State Park. Wind blowing quite hard but Bob and Wallace Niles go across to the ball play Troll but got no fish. �144 140 Sunday 5th July 1908 A beautiful warm day. Belle and June drive down for strawberries. Monday 6 July 1908 A fine day an excursion & moon light on the Wolfe Islander to Clayton this evening. Wall Niles drives over with Maud to the dock leaving the rig at dignems. �145 141 Tuesday 7 July 1908 The hottest day of all the season so far. Maud came at 4 am. coming up from Clayton, the boat through the ignorance of the Capt ran boat ashore by the stone quarry. A fight abord too. Capt drew his revolver on Duncan Jimmie A 4 of July card from Jen a card from Beatrice. Wednesday 5th July 1908 A very cool morning after the hottest Tuesday of yesterday I ever can remember, 90 deg in shade. Geo Niles working here to day hoeing and V just came in inquiring what I can knock up for dinner; wind blowing strong from the West. didn’t want to cook my eggs for dinner but just had too. for no meat nor fish for dinner. V, after dinner rung up Geo Whitmarsh for beef. Bob went up the island with Wal Niles. Wallace went to hire out to Byron Irvine at $40 per month for two months. Wallace and Bob ate dinner with W.G. Woodman & family. �146 142 Thursday 9th July 1908 A fine day. Geo Niles working here The day is sultry with heat, 90 deg in the shade. We looked for Mary but she didn’t come so hot and their bees were swarming, 7 swarms out at once. Maud gone to Kingston for flour and groceries. Van came over accompanied by Mr Nathaniel Carver from Bayfield Wisconsin an old friend we have not seen in many long years, a large fine looking man 66 years looks like a U.S.A. president. Mrs Wm McFaden died to day. Friday 10th July 1908 A very fine day. Geo Niles working here. Rachel came over and she and Bob went fishing. We had company Mary and Lillie Woodman and Florence Dixon. and a rollicking time they had singing, playing, laughter, yaking, hilarious Edith Montgomery and Mary Barrie here collecting money by subscription for a present of a communion service for Rev Mr Lancaster. Mrs. McFaden laid in the vault to day, 10 July. �147 148 Saturday 11 July 1908 A beautiful day. Geo Niles helping V in the hay field. Wind blowing fresh all day, goes down at sunset. Then the boys V, Geo & Bob hoist sail and go over to Arthur’s. Arthur came over for Belle and was disapointed in not finding her here. Said Marjorie had been 4 days preparing for her mother. The boys came back at midnight. Sunday 12 July 1908. A very fine day but hurly burly all the time not much Sunday rest. 3 square meals as usual. Bob, V and the kids anchored off shore to fish, caught enough for dinner. Ray McIntyre and Johnson came across. Ray is working for F. Schram. Mrs Niles and Inez here in evening. �148 144 Monday 18 July 1908 A fine morning. Geo Niles came up bringing his horse for Bob, Grace & the children to drive up to William G Woodman’s visiting. Afer a deal of washing and scrubbing and dressing all around they got started. Reggie prefered staying home. They drove up in V’s old buggy and got wet coming home for there was a sharp shower and no side curtains up They returned at sunset and enjoyed a delightful visit. Geo working here in field drawing and stacking hay. Maud and Inez go over to Dignums for an evening visit. tried to persuade them not to go for it looks like rain but no use talking. They would go. They got there before the rain. Came home at 11 p.m. Tuesday 14 July 1908 A fine morning, last night’s shower didn’t wet the Earth much. All dry by 10, and as hot as ever. Geo Niles worked for Snider to day for $2,00 if he pitches both ways. Mrs Niles sent me some cucumbers by Inez and in return I sent her a pail full of new potatoes. Bob and Rachel fishing on the shore. They fish most of the time when they dont break fish hooks lines and poles. V and his dad hoeing strawberry plants all day. �149 145 Wednesday 15 July 1908 A cool day wind changeable from every quarter of the compass. Light wind clouds. Oh I cant write must tend the baby now Graces kid. Bobs looking after her so I wont have to. Howard & Robbie both got stung just now. H said "he only sat down on a little box (hive) out there. Howard was stung in 5 times, he only squalled a few minutes. Grace washed a lot of things for the children and Maud and Grace picked raspberries. Thursday 16th July 1908 A fine cool day. Grace, this a.m. picked raspberries enough for two cans and canned them says there is a lot more on the bushes. Bob slept till nearly dinner time. Maud baked a pan full of custard for dinner. Rachel brought her cow, calf, hens, chickens & chicks over here and all her little house hold groceries. She dare not leave them home for she has already had stolen butter and all her sugar. After dinner Grace picks up all her duds and gets ready to return to Kingston once more leaving dear little Reggie here. V dries over to the dock with them. �150 146 Friday 17 July 1908 A storm of wind and heavy rain from the south. The rain much needed has come. The whole country for miles and miles around suffering from a drought but now tis one steady down pour of rain from south all day long from 9 Oclock a.m. V was going to work for himself in shop this rainy day but F Woodman came here to get V to make a new tongue for his old farm waggon. He brought his hopeful son Clifford with him and the young kid and Reginald are in the shop with F. W. and V. Rachel came over to breakfast. Merrott Daily is going to drive to Belles with her. I sent Rev Lancaster’s book up by her to Belles. 3 p.m. Got to bake bread and wood is scarce for every out door thing is wet. Sr has laid down "The Buffalo Courier" to get some wood. V received a cheese check this morning $31.59. Now he has two cheese checks the other is $29.05. I guess M Daily will get wet coming home. Maud is taking an afternoon nap. I bake bread. V shoeing a horse for Frank Woodman. A grand storm of wind and rain; barrel running over. Rachels calf is a bawler. Didn’t go for the mail, rain so hard, neither could nor did dig "praties" for breakfast. �151 147 Saturday 18th July 1908 A cloudy warm morning. Rachels calf bawled all night, her hens & chickens have found the way into the garden and eat up our few currants, her ducks are free and independent & go where they will. Our 25 incubators live in the door yard and garden; destroy the onions and trample the beets and carrots into the ground, roost on the flower boxes, and mash them into the ground, destroy the poppies and walk in the house whenever they like to; they invade kitchen pantry, dining room and sitting room. And cats!! 5 cats racing around the rooms most of the time. The old mother cat and her 4 young half grown kittens. No use driving them to the barn for they come back again. And the old dog is another pretty old pet, either sitting on his haunches looking for his meals, lying stretched out full length directly in the way and I cant kick or I’d hoist him. Raining again. F Woodman phoned for sweet spirits of nitre—didnt have any. Sam wants the nitre so they told V when he went for the mail. A letter for Maud from Flora, Herald and a postal from Grace. Clears up at 10 and the sun shines out again. Sam got inflammation of bladder so Frank says. Frank answers their telephone rings by our telephone rings in answer to Mabel Woodmans inquiry about his fathers health. �152 148 Sunday 19th July 1908 A cool cloudy day rains a little in the morning. Reginald went to bed with tooth ache. V doctored him for tooth ache with carbolic acid. Tooth dont ache this morning but face badly swollen. Arthur and wee Charley and Mr Smith came over. Ray McIntyre & Jim Johnson came over. Belle and young Henry, Kathleen and Charles Junior came driving down in buggy. Belle brought records which the played on phonograph. Then Bell and Henry went across to Marjories in skiff with Arthur Vincent, wee Charley and Mr Smith. Grandpa picks raspberries and currants, Maud goes to church with the Ranous family. Rev Lancaster preaches his last sermon here for a long time if ever again. He going to Denver Colorado for his health. Charles Jr drives home alone and Kathleen stays with me. Clifford and Sylvia gathering juniper for their grandpa. Samy came for castor oil. Lent Grace HallidayLena Rivers �153 149 Monday 20 July 1908 A fine cool morning. Thermometer registers 70 deg in shade at 8 Oclock a.m. V weeds out the carrots & beets, parsly before breakfast. Reginald gone with his grandad to the cheese factory and I must wash breakfast dishes while Maud & Kathleen go pick raspberries. Sr weeding turnips Voltie mowing hay over on R’s place. Maud canned 4 cans of raspberries. I made a can of pie pland jelly and one of currants. Kathleen and I gathered the carroway seed and I went down cellar from the outside and looked over all the canned fruit, strawberries, jellys and raspberries and came out again all right. Voltie and Sr are building hay cocks over there. Maud took an afternoon nap. I made red currant jelly. Young Dr Spankie down to see uncle Sam who is no better. �154 150 Tuesday 21st July 1908 A warm cloudy morning. Geo Niles here helping draw and stack hay. Sprinkles rain. Voltie shot and killed a rooster for dinner. V & Geo finished the stack by the grainery then it began to rain and no more haying done to day. Raining steady all day. our boat house surrounded by water. Geo staid till after dinner. P.M. V working on launch, grandad reading Herald in kitchen. Maud up stairs asleep. Kathleen & Reginald playing at checkers and quarreling. They know no more about the game of checkers than our old rooster. I darn socks and repair stockings till tis time to get supper then I apply myself to that business with great success, and also bake 5 loaves of bread. Heard uncle Sam is much better. �155 156 Wednesday 22nd July 1908 A fine day succeeding the rain. Maud washed some towels, I wash breakfast dishes and milk pails. V and Reginald picks the cherries. Maud made cakes and cookies & pies. Kathleen and I wash all the breakfast dinner dishes. I write two long letters to Grace and one to Gladys. Grandpa chops wood and pulls weeds. After dinner, V & dad go over there to look after the hay. Maud cleans the floors. Kathleen is the most active little girl and such a help to me. �156 157 Thursday 23rd July 1908 Oh how the time hastens on. The summer is fleeting, almost August again, and time will soon roll around and winter will be here all to soon with cold winds, frost and snow. It stands every one in hand to "Make hay while the sun shines". Maude has gone to Kingston to meet her father, and buy groceries, went up to see Grace; tis after dinner and I am sleepy. Went to sleep while writing. Geo Niles helping Voltie draw and stack hay. Kathleen and I wash breakfast dishes, get dinner then Belle, Henry and Arthur V came. Kathleen and Reginald ran to the concession to meet them. Ten of us for dinner, after dinner the men and Boys go over to draw and stack. Ethel Reid came for watermelon seeds but we have none; gave her squash seeds instead. Uncle Sam no better has Doctor twice per day. Belle picks raspberries for supper. I try to get water from the river to get supper, as I was going to dip it up, Belle came running, and took the pail dipped the water carried it to house and helped me get supper. After supper V drives to dock for Maud after she phoned for V. He had already gone. Reggie and Henry played, quarreled and yelled. Reggie lost his balance & fell in the washtub. He fished himself out and changed his wet clothes for dry ones. Kathleen goes home with Arthur V. Grace sent me a lot of magazines. �157 158 Friday 24th July 1908 A fine day, wind East. Geo N here. They finished haying. George here to dinner helps draw another load which finishes the haying then he goes to work for Geo Gillespie. Belle and Henry go home just before dinner driving up with the mail. Maud papers around the stove pipe hole, and sweeps down all cobwebs and spiders which accumulate fast this warm weather. The wind and weather speaks of rain again. V. going back again to mow around the corners. Reggie goes with him. Maude and I make cherry preserves. Henry & Reginald have had a lovely time visiting, playing, quarreling and some fisticuffs both young pugilists. Reginald was 7 years years old 15th Dec 1907. Henry was 7 years old 6th day of April 1908. Henry is a full 1/2 head taller. Sent Reginald for the mail Herald, a postal for me and one postal from Jamie Dunlop, for V a very small letter from "Hugh". Mrs A Barrie drove in here bringing our provender that she had accidentaly exchanged for her turkey feed Thursday night at the dock �158 159 Saturday 25 July 1908 Began raining this morning at 4 a.m. pouring down in floods nearly all day. Maud cleaned all the floors. Reggie fishes on the shore "forminst" the house, caught 10 perch. V is hoeing and weeding strawberries vines. I am so sleepy. Maud made cake and prepared for Sunday visitors though we dont know who they may be, but surely somebody. While I am sitting here writing, Therrol unexpectedly walks in bringing the "Womans home companion" and Happy hours. This is after the Sun comes out shining bright and clear and warm. Arthur Vincent, Brother Seaton is with him. I see they are carrying away a jug of cider. They brought over our 6 gallon of kerosine. I wonder how long it will last. We heard that Uncle Sam is better and can sit up a while. �159 160 Sunday 26 July 1908 A beautiful warm bright day just a light rippling breeze on the river. I sit out on veranda and write to Louise. Maud goes to church M.E. and from there she goes up to G.W. Woodmans visiting, drives up with Lillie from our M.E. Church. Voltie picks a bowl of black cap raspberries. We have custard pie for dinner. I dont get much time for reading or writing. Tis the demand of others on my most precious time for studying. After dinner and dishes washed while V sits on veranda and I am sitting in my favourite place by the window in the big old rocker, V announces the arrival of Arthur, Marjorie, Kathleen and the babies Charlie & Ross. They have been picknicking picnicing over on their point and thought they would come over awhile and see uncle and Grandma and Grandpa and Reggie. Marjorie and I get supper and Arthur, Voltie & Reggie go fishing. We cook them for supper and have V bowls of raspberries for supper. Marjorie helps me wash dishes and just after sundown they go home away over the river and soon after that Maud comes home having had an enjoyable time at W.G. Woodmans �160 161 Monday 27th July 1908 A warm suny day. Maud washed all the white clothes. I lazed around, cooked and done house work. Voltie pulled weeds and hoed berrie vines. I wandered out in garden among the vines and bushes, pulled a few weeds, had fish and beet greens for dinner. �161 162 Tuesday 28 July 1908 �162 163 Wednesday 29 July 1908 A hot clear day. 84 deg in shade. Voltie turned the cows over on Rachels field. Then pulled weeds and hoed among the vines. Samy down after a jug of cider, carries it in a bag. Says his grandpa is no better. I took a turn in the garden among the geraniums and amaranths �163 164 Thursday 30th 1908 O I dont get time to write in the diary, if I should speak aloud the above sentence some one would say "You have got all the time there is, same as others". I know all that but I am hot, tired and want to rest but I cant do so, have got to get dinner, make two pies, bake a custard pudding. V dug the potatoes. Reginald cleaned them. If I sit down a few minutes I go fast asleep holding the pen in my hand. Maud has gone to town on the boat so has Wells Sr. Reggie rode to the factory and dock. Dock first, then back to breakfast and then to the cheese factory with Voltie. It takes Reginald most of the time to chase the incubators out the kitchen and dining room. Voltie is shoeing Duke, tis 5 minutes past 10 am. V drove to the dock for Maud, Bob, Grace, Margaret, Robbie and the Baby. Maud came bringing groceries, carpeting, wall paper &c Sr having been to Kingston came also, he bought V’s lumber and 25 lbs brown sugar. �164 165 Friday 31st July 1908 A fine day and extremely warm. Voltie cut oats with binder. Reggie and Grandpa set up oats all day. Saturday 1st August 1908 A fine warm day. Light summer clouds floating Maud baked ginger cookies and cakes, cleaned the floors &c �165 166 Sunday 2nd August 1908 A fine day. V and Bob went trawling for pike this morning before breakfast, caught one pike, and lost the trawling spool and didn’t know it till they had trawled as far as Hiram’s. Terrol came over bringing McClure’s and St Nicholas. Jim Smith and a fellow named Busbee came over. They all adjourned to the Shop except Terrol who staid in the house to talk to the women. Smith and Busbee went home. Terrol staid to dinner. After dinner Grace & Maud entertained Terrol in the kitchen. Cassie and Clifford came for lemons for their grandpa. Cassie went home to carry the lemons. Clifford staid to play with the children. Wells Sr stays in barn all day except meal time; to much noise for him. Clifford and Samy came again with the express wagon for another gal of cider, 20 cts. Then they came back visiting Cassie, Clifford and Ethel. Voltie and Bob went across the river came back towards night bringing green corn, onions, summer squash, apples & cucumbers. Terrol says he is coming back tomorrow evening. Wish and hope he will stay home the half witted nuisance. �166 167 Monday 3rd August 1908 Wind North and cool. Sun not shining out so brightly as usual. Bob turning grindstone for Voltie to grind binder knives. V going to bind to day for Frank Woodman. I dont get much time to write in diary or answer corespondense. Bob and Reginald gone fishing. Grace helped push the boat off shore which she ought not to do. Now she is working in chamber. Wells Sr got a turn of colic took peppermint and "Fowlers Extract of Wild Strawberry" and he went to bed and ate no dinner. Bob and Reginald gone all day, ate dinner with Geo Niles family. Then with Geo and Louise and wee Howard. They all went to John Niles to tea and so around home. Sinders have got a boarder (2 of them) a man and his little daughter. �167 168 Tuesday 4 August 1908 A very warm close smothering day. Grace papered the big up stair bedroom and cleaned the floor. Bob painted all the wood work. Then Bob and the children all went fishing caught 2 fine large pike. Cassie, Clifford and Ethel here visiting our youngsters. They make an awful racketing noise. Wednesday 5 Aug 1908 A very fine day after the rain of last night began to thunder and lighten about sending lil sharp vivid lightning from every point of the compass accompanied by heavy thunder strong wind and rain. I didn’t sleep till past one a.m. The old dog tore around the kitchen and dining room frightened bad enough and at last dove under �168 169 Volties bed. We finished the carpet and Grace tacked it down in the big bedroom up stairs. Bob read, slept, painted some upstairs. Geo Whitmarsh drove in here peddling beef. I paid him ,90 cts for fresh beef. V worked on his launch. Maud ironed all the curtains for the chamber windows. Clifford came down again visiting. V & Bob carry a load of cheese to the dock. Reginald went with them. Grace helped her dad milk the cows while they are gone to draw cheese. While the children were all up in the shop, V accidentaly steped backward on Roberts toes, then V and Bob drove them all down out the shop and Clifferd went home. Another ,20 cts for cider to day for Woodmans. Bob, Reginald and Voltie. �169 170 Thursday 6th August 1908 A cool morning somewhat cloudy. Bob gone over the river for tobaco came back with bringing corn, apples and tobaco. Friday 7th August 1908 A cloudy, thundery looking day. It dont rain till towards night then it thunders, lightnings and rains. Old dog tries to climb the front veranda but cant for the steps have fallen down so he howls and barks and runs around the house and at last succeeds in dodging in the kitchen door where the kitchen floor is newly painted. (Bob has only just now finished painting it). and against all orders, commands and persuasion walks the length of the floor and lays down behind the stove and a jolly time they have driving the old dog from behind the kitchen stove where he has laid himself down on the fresh paint and when they suceed in routing him he is well painted behind and on the side and dog foot tracks all across the floor which has to be painted again. Raining hard a heavy shower. �170 171 Saturday 8 August 1908 A beautiful morning, cool and clear. Bob and Voltie gone to Kingston, drove up. They experienced some trouble getting ready to start. V couldn’t find his bullet headed colar button, and his shirt was not right all wrong. Bob had a great hunt for his coat and at last remembered that he had left it over at Arthur Vincents hanging on a peg in their kitchen; then couldn’t find their "terbacky" and had to hunt around for their pipes. Bob wore V’s coat, V wore dad’s collar button, they found their pipes & "tobacy". Bob couldn’t find his collar button and his sleve buttons are missing and his shirt was not in good order and they blamed it all on the women folks, but at last they are gone rattle to bang up the road they go and we have not had any breakfast only V and Bob Sr and reginald are feed and we are glad they are gone and wish they had taken young Bob Jr with them for he does nothing but squall all the time, and now the kids are fishing in front of the house. Bobbie comes running to the house �171 172 saying "oh Mumma; Weggie’s taught a big putch". Sr is tinkering the front steps. Maud is making bread and buns. I wash dishes and scour knives. Grace washes baby things at the river. Reginald comes running to the house bringing his big perch which is nearly 3 inches long and wriggling in his hand. Our young men arrived home at nearly midnight, bringing bed springs and mattress, groceries, and lumber. Maud made cakes "galore". Grace washed line full of clothes. Maud says she will bake big lot of cakes, dont know who may come tomorrow. Grace and her dad milk the cows, 10 of them. Sr separates milk. Voltie finished paying for his double buggy and took up the Note of $50 dollars so that is paid. Sunday 9th August 1908 A beautiful day. I see the people going to church. No one goes from this house to church. Bob goes fishing awhile in a.m. catches enough for dinner then Bob and V go over the river to Arthurs for tobaco, were towed over by a steam launch gone till late in pm. Henry Halliday arrives with his gasoline launch takes Reginald with him and away they speed over the river to Arthurs. Then Stanley �172 173 Stanley Woodman, George Woodman, Wall Niles come. They play phonograph awhile, go to the shop to look at the launch that V is building Then go away home or somewhere else. Nex comes Ray McIntyre and Jim Johnson and two Malony boys. Morris and Ed and a lot more in another launch. Crouse and his gang looking to buy sheep and pigs. Well after dinner I went to bed for a nap was soon awakened by a voice saying "Get up" Charley and Flora are here. When I came out found Charley, Flora, Lottie, Ada Hart and her brother Bert Hart. Then Art Vincent and his hired boy came. 7 beside our own family ate supper including Johnson and McIntyre. There was some whiskey around beside cider in the cellar. H. Halliday persuaded Bob to go home with him in the launch; they are going up above the island tomorrrow to the ducks. My opinion is, Robert had better stay home and away from Hank’s companionship. H said he would bring R home tomorrow evening. We will see. At last all are gone except Lottie; she is going to McClarens to visit Ethel whenever she can get the oppertunity to go. Wells Sr 74 years old to day. �173 174 Monday 10th August 1908 A fine day. A good sailing breeze for skiff sailing. V goes before breakfast to engage Geo Niles to help draw and stack oats and wheat. They found it wet and opened the shocks to let them dry, then they weed strawberry vines till supper and milking time. Clifford, Cassie & Ethel came visiting to Reginald, Margaret and Robbie. All at the river wading, every one. Every dud on them wringing wet. Grace gave them candy and sent Franks kids home. Clifford says he can get drunk, swear and smoke, but he says he cant chew yet. Wells Sr not very well called for quinine but I have none. I’ll send and get some tomorrow by the mail. Arthur V brought Beatrice Schram over enroute for her old home. She phoned for them to come for her. Belle has just gone to the villiage with Irene, Rube Cummings and Anna May Kenny. Irene intends to stay till Wednesday. Charley Jr drove down for Beatrice they stay till after tea and Lottie goes up with them. Bob didnt come home this eve. �174 175 Tuesday 11 Aug 1908 Geo Niles and Voltie drawing and stacking oats and wheat; finished drawing on this place. Mrs Dick Halliday came driving in her covered rig with two of her children, bringing Bob who had had a gay time ever since he left here last Sunday. Grace got dinner had beans, potatoes, boiled beets. After noon Bob and Reggie went trolling. After 3 p.m. V pulled purslain out the strawberry vines, baskets and wheelbarrow full, throwing them in the river. I went out where V is pulling weeds and the bees chased me (2 bees). V killed them after they got in his hair. Maud ironed all her starched clothes. Frank Briceland drove in here and bought a hog from Voltie 6 cts per lb live weight. going to come for it. �175 176 Wednesday 12 Aug 1908 Very warm with swift flying clouds gathering from S.W. V and his father working on R’s place binding and setting up oats. Bob went trawling gone nearly all day, came only in pm for his supper, brought a pike and some smaller fish ate dinner with George and Louise. He says "Louise is a fine cook". "She makes the most beautiful buns, the most delicious cookies, fried cakes, chocolate cakes and can fry fish to perfection". "Yes Sir I tell you Louise is a good cook". Maud bakes bread, ginger cookies, 3 frosted cakes in evening and work all done. V goes up to Woodmans for Quinine capsles. Wells dont feel very well he dont take much rest from work, setting up grain, hoeing, pulling weeds, building fence, chopping wood and kindling. Grace washed the lines full of clothes for her family, getting ready to go home tomorrow. Raining but not pouring down as usual. Burnside drove in here and bought the brown bull and mudy heifer from Voltie $50.00 �176 177 Thursday 13th Raining some this morning not very good for harvesting grain. Voltie and his father go "over there" to bind oats. Grace prepares for going home. Bob came down stairs at 9 a.m. finds the breakfast table cleared away and he is glum as a monk. I suppose he wants his breakfast kept warm hot for him. he smokes awhile then pokes around the pantry looking for something to eat. Maud has carried the cakes and cookies down cellar so he conchides to help himself to bread and butter, cold fish and a cup of cold tea; then he gathers a few news papers and returns to the parlor and to the couch where he stretches himself out lengthwise and reads 2 hours then wanders off towards the barn a few minutes and returns to his couch till dinner time then wanders out doors awhile, sits on the veranda steps, chops a few sticks of small wood and goes to roost again on the couch. I care for little Isabelle while Grace washes combs and dresses, Reginald, Margeret, and Robert then Isabelle and herself. Bob arises and V drove the bull and heifer out to the road this morning that he sold to Burnside yesterday. �177 polishes the childrens shoes and combs and parts their hair in the middle. Margaret and Robert & Isabelle dressed (the boys) all in white embroidered rigs with their little city caps perched on the back of their heads and when all complete they are gay and dudeish. And Oh so foolishly proud. They leave their straw hats behind them for Reggie says their straw hats are only to be worn in the country on the farm. And wee Robbie says "ony wear tawhats in tunty". Voltie comes home from his harvesting at 4.30 and he gather them in double buggy, 6 of them and the baby cart, two valises and other baskets and himself and then I have to go to the door and call "here Bob you’ve left your fathers cane" (which I have in my hand) which Maud takes and hands to Bob and away they drive around the barn and Maud and I return indoors. And __ the silence and quietness is releaving but at same time there is a sadness in it for I know they are gone and I want and miss Grace when she is gone. Grace is always good and patient. Heard to day that Wallace Niles had fell while pressing hay and brake a bone in his wrist and strained the cords. �178 Friday 14th Aug 1908 A warm summer day & breezy. I sent for the Stereoscope views to day to happy hours. V finished cutting oats on R’s place finished at noon brought the binder home. I wash dishes, hoe a few weeds, help get dinner. Maud lent the skiff to John Murry & Arthur Burke to go to the Cape, going to come back by 2 pm. But they wont for the wind blows to breezy. After dinner, with great difficulty I climb the stairs to see how nicely Grace and Maud have papered, painted, white washed, and arranged every thing so orderly and clean, and with nearly as much trouble I came down stairs again. Maud washing a few things! I began making pickles (cucumber). V finished binding on both places and has put the binder away for this year, and now has only the peas to cut which will take two days and then the harvesting is done and the summer is passing on. Voltie went for the mail A postal for Maud from Flora D., a postal for me from Grace & one from Gladys for me. �179 Saturday 15 Aug 1908 A clear bright day, cooler Wind North. Walace called here while Maude and I are washing breakfast dishes, enroute for George’s. They are going over to the corners. Geo is going blackberrying. Wal’s hand and wrist done up in a rag; says tis very painful at some times. Voltie went to Hiram’s for money that H owes for strawberries, but couldnt make a raise. Maud finished washing the colored clothes and hung them on the line, baked bread, cleaned all the floors, I.E. 2 bedrooms, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, pantry & veranda, cleaned windows, ironed alot of clothes and sundries to numerous to mention. I washed the supper dishes while Maude gets ready to cross the river with V. V going to the corners for overalls and shirts, while Maud visits with Marjorie. Arthur drives out to St Lawrence with Voltie. Saturday evening work all done, cows in lower pasture, and chickens gone to roost, Sr setting out in the back veranda smoking his pipe, enjoying the beautiful quietness of this August evening. Saying "wonder who will come tomorrow". Voltie drummed Frank Woodman for $3 dollars which he had been owing him for some time. Got $2 dollars of it. �180 Sunday 16th August 1908 A very warm morning sun shining clear, river like a mirror. V and Maud returned at 4 this morning . having visited with Quinn till 2 a.m. bought tobaco, shirts, overalls, a wrapper for Maude and a wrapper for me. Well this our Sunday visitors. First came Schram and Terrol and Kathleen, then Belle, Beatrice, Grace and Henry. Voltie caught two pike which we cooked for dinner. Voltie and Belle went to look at the corn and other garden "sass". They brought all of Bustards phonograph records which they played on our phonograph, and now they are all gone home. Frank & Beatrice and Terryhole" across the river. Belle & her family gone up the island. Wal Niles here too, and now it looks like rain and we are all tired—too tired to wash the supper dishes. I go to my bed room and read two hours. Expected Mr Taggart and daughter but they didn’t come. �181 Monday 17th 1908 A cloudy morning looks like rain but it dont rain. While we were washing dishes Mr Taggart came driving in here bringing his daughter our little school teacher; he stays to dinner. Voltie not very well, leaves his work in field cutting peas and comes home he is so thirsty, he’s down awhile, plays phonograph for Taggart and has not gone back to his work cutting peas. Next comes Merrit Daily garrulous as an old biddy. He has borrowed a book, a magazine the Peoples Magazine. I hope he will bring it back. Well I am glad he is gone at last. Miss Taggart came home early at 1/2 past 4 p.m. afraid of thunder and lightning. I borrowed ,50 cts of Wells. I had a big search for a suit of underclothes of Sr didnt find them. Wallace borrowed V’s boat to go fishing around the foot to Dick Hallidays coming back tomorrow. V goes to look for help & I draw and stack oats tomorrow. Couldnt get Geo Niles. He working for J Irvine �182 Tuesday 18 Aug 1908 A fine cool day. Gunn helping V draw and stock oats. Kent mad beause teacher dismissed school so early yesterday p.m. Something always wrong with Kent always mad at somebody. Belle phoned that Ruby C and Irene H are coming down with the mail. They came after dark hungry as anything. They sat up quite late singing, dancing and raising Dickens �183 Wednesday 19 A clear bright day no rain, but the wind is tremendous. River white with great rolling waves. The impatience of these two young damsels to cross over is amusing they employ the time singing, dancing, reading a little, playing phonograph, stereoscoping & talking over the telephnoe, thumping the piano, running to the river with marine glass in hand straining their eyes looked over the waves, looking for a skiff to take them across. After chores all done Voltie rows them across and when he returns he has Charley Dixon and Bert Harte with him enroute for Kingston tomorrow with their dressing cases and band boxes happy as birds, going to the Cape fair and dance to night or tomorrow night as the case may be, if they can get any to take them. Thursday 20th Aug 1908 A beautiful day no rain. We arose early, going to Kingston again on the boat. Maud, Charley and Harte. I get their breakfast then breakfast for the family including the teacher. V and dad hoe and weed all day till chore and boat time, then drives to dock bringing M and and Lottie, and I rememer I was awful tired that night. Coons eating and tearing the corn destroying so Voltie with old dog and gun secrete themselves in corn field loaded for coon. V fires off gun, Prince barks and tears through corn nearly all night, no coon. �184 Friday 21st No rain. A bright clear day but O how the wind howls from south. Lottie makes a cake. Maud makes cake. Maud straightens out things, sweep, make beds &c. The wind continues. Charley Jr drives down for Irene and Ruby. V & Charley go over the river after dark for them. Charley D & Burt H and Lottie go across the river in Vincent’s skiff. I set a lamp in the window till they get across. Saturday 22nd Sunday 25th May 1919. No rain. A nasty wet day but wind dont blow. Wall Niles comes over all dressed gay & fine. Emma goes with Maggie to make that periodical visit to Hirmans and came home earlier than I expected. Ray ate dinner with us. Eddie McDonald made his weekly appearence and staid till eleven p.m. (drove home). Rachel went from here this morning after breakfast �185 Monday 22 May 1919. I know there is not much of anything done this day in door any way. Watts came down this day for the first time since the 2nd of May. Postmaster general Toronto started him on the road. I send a letter to Mirian Benton & Grace. Tuesday 27 May 1919. A fine day. Potatoe planting going on to day and other digging out doors. The calves are on the point 5 of them. Harold Dignum is home and has a a party at Jim Morgans this night. Alden drives for E & E and they go return at midnight. Abysma and Eddie here in eve. Wednesday 28th May 1919 A fine warm growing day. Voltie preparing and sowing barley "over there". Emma cleaned and papered my bed room. We had a ring up to meet some one (a man & woman) at the boat. V drove over for them but found no one. Guess it is Bert and Maud. They got left any way, whoever it was. I write and send Grace a letter and receive on from Watson �186 Wednesday 25 August 1908 Thursday 29 May 1919 A bright warm morning, not brilliant. Slept well in my newly cleaned bedroom. Voltie gone to factory. Emma getting breakfast. Edith feeding her pig. I’ll never forget the towel affair. I thought I had the privilege of having one of my very own but how mistaken one can be. Kindness of heart is a beautiful thing but it is almost an unknown quality in this family, nothing but rampant selfishness. Thursday 26th August 1908 A beautiful day no rain. V and dad weeding among the vines all day. Intended sending Maud to Kingston to day for groceries but failed in the cash business. I canned 2 tomatoes, write Grace a long letter, just cooked and washed dishes. Maud made beds, swept floors, cleaned up in general. Will Dignum & Johny Murray here in the evening and they and V and the girl’s visited out on the verandah �187 Friday 27th August 1908 No rain. A fine day Wind South, barometer indicates rain. Snyder working here helping Voltie draw and stack peas which finishes the harvest. Teacher carried a letter for me to post to Grace. I boil corn & potatoes make apple jelly. This is the first time I have written in this diary in more than a week. I dont think I can work back with memory clear enough to catch up with every thing but why should I record every insignificant event; there are some things which I would not write if I rememered them. No rain for a long time. I heard Sr say "the grain harvesting is not very abundant any where this year. Voltie has paid Johny McDonald $25 dollars for hay, also 50 dollars last payment on his double buggy, two debts which we wiped out. V while waiting for dinner plays phonograph for Snider; after dinner Snyder looks at the sterescoptic views. I think this is the first time Snyder ever looked through a stereographoscope A Syrian pedlar here wanting to sell silk embroidery shirt waists $1,50 - no money couldnt buy. V pays Bill Gunn $1,00 for stacking oats. Dignums drive for their mail also drive in here for Maud & Stella to go to their house for an evening brought them home again at 11 pm. No rain. �188 Saturday 28th Aug 1908 A fine day no rain. V rose at four Oclock. I hustled out and got his breakfast, Stella ate with him. She went up with V to Irvine’s for music lessons and came home at 10 a.m. Merritt Daily drove in here for potatoes. I introduced him to Miss Taggart. Poor old Merrit he talks kinder flat. I gave him some tomatoes. Next came a young fellow name Purvis, peddling stereoscopic views, the finest I ever saw. He stays to dinner. V came home about 11 p.m. he came across on the 3 pm boat. Crawford wouldn’t bring his coal or lumber, nor for any one. Said he wouldn’t carry frieght Saturday only passengers on Saturday. V bought 3 phonograph records, gave Irene one. I had not gone to bed but sat up, reading. Dignums phoned for Stella to go to church with them tomorrow. V saw Bob and Mrs Gaskin on the market. �189 Sunday 29 Aug 1908 A beautiful day. No rain. Sr after breakfast goes across to see his relatives. Stella goes to the village R.C. church with the Dignems. We are anticipating a quiet restful Sabath. V he’s down for a little sleep Arthur comes over acompanied by wee Charley also bringing that miserable nuisance Terrel with him, an intruder an interloper. They stay to dinner. V takes Arthur through the corn field. If I sit down to write a few lines I go fast asleep sitting in the chair. I dont like it. Next came Bob Henderson who work for Mike OBrien. V entertained him with stereoscopy and phonograph. Next came Roy McIntyre who staid till dark. Stella came home at 11 pm being brought home by Johny Murphy. Wells came home at tea time having had a fine visit, said Lib has changed her political view of the presedentials election. She is a republican no more. She votes for Bryan now and I think I do too. I dont like Taft with a stomach on him like old Hollenbeck. Van has hurt his foot. �190 Monday 30 August 1908 A beautiful day, no rain but Oh so hot, thermometer more than 80 in shade. V went to Niles to thresh, found that the machine will set up here tomorrow, came home and drove to the ferry for beef, and things. May Ranous here selling tickets for a garden party to be held at the villiage. Maud bought one. Our hens and chickens are eating up our tomatoes & cucumber. Wells chased one old hen more than an hour then called on Maud and I to help him, had the gate open wide but she didn’t go out though very near it several times, at last she dove under the veranda and no amount of punching would bring her out and there she staid. Voltie came home at 9 p.m. Stella and Maud went to River to wash their feet came back and show me how clean their feet are and stay in my bed room till Voltie comes home. Stella telling me her home life. V comes home after having had charge of C.W. who came home drunk as usual, howling drunk. Voltie brought home Irene’s record smile, smile, smile. V went early this morning to thresh at Niles. Wells weeding & wines �191 Tuesday 1 September 1908 A fine warm day. No rain. V went to Niles to thresh, found they have more men than they need; so of course they have no need of him; he fixes the threshing table, takes down the wire by the barn. Cant ring for central telephone wire broken by swallows. V fixed the broken wire. No Rain Friday 30 May 1919 A very warm growing day, deposited a letter in the mail box to Nelson for three books but Walls at his same old tricks, dont come. Voltie planting potatoes. Emma papered my bed room. Bert too is working in evening go fishing by torch light. No Rain Saturday 31st May 1919 Every cleaned up for Sunday but the house cleaning hangs fire, cake made etc. Voltie and Bert working fixing fence & planting. Go fishing by torch light in evening. �192 June 1 Sunday 1919 No Rain. A fine day every thing growing, every apple tree like a snow drift. No one here all day except ourselves including Bert, Maud and Hubert till evening when over came the Morgans ie Alden and Madaline. Then came Eddie McDonald bringing with him Ogle. They hang round on the back steps for awhile talking with Maud & bert then they come in and march through the kitchen & dining room directly to the parlor & then the pow wow begins, hollering yelling thumping the piano and they imagine they are singing. Nearly 12 Oclock midnight when they went home. This is the 4th night V has been kept awake till late Monday June 2nd 1919 No rain. A hot day. After all the rainy weather, I guess a drought has began, tho every thing is beautiful at present but no wind not even a small refreshing breeze not a ripple on the river. After dinner Voltie rows Bert over the river. But enroute for WatertownV comes in time to do the chores bringing 6 gal of kerosine. Then at sunset he goes back over there and bring his own oil tank and 15 more gal of kerosine. �193 Saturday 5th September 1908 No rain. We do a clean hard days work this day (Maud & I). Maud cut her finger and burnt her finger, both done in rags and ointment. We canned tomatoes. Maud swept, moped & renovated the rooms all through, cleaned and polished six windows, tidied the pantry from top to floor. Sunday 6th September 1908 A fine family Sunday, no one here all day. A peaceful, quiet, restful day. We do the dishes, read. A big thunder shower for somebody. It is raining here but not very hard. We need a good thorough rain for this terrible dry weather is ruinous. V brought in an armful of sweet corn and a ripe watermelon. I write a letter to Beatrice; seems to me she must be lonesome without her mother and her own people so long. �194 Monday 7 September 1908 No Rain. A beautiful day wind West and cool. Volty drove to factory this morning enroute for Boltons threshing. Sr, after getting an armful of sweet corn has bonet at his told trade weeding strawberry vines. Says "there is no profit in strawberries. I ask him what there could be made more profitable on this small place, "Potatoes’. Maud & I canned 9 cealers of tomatoes. I finish writing a letter to Beatrice. Maude made a tea cake with maple filling. Merrit Daily here for a bag of oats. Nearly sundown and Voltie not yet come with the unwashed milk can; his father filling the pails with milk. nothing to strain it into. Voltie just now come, can washed and every thing, all all right. Will and Harrold Dignum gone over to Buchanan. Harold got a very bad hand where he dug a pimple open with his jacknife. It is terribly swolen [sic: swollen] and painful. Tuesday morning 8 September No Rain. V stays home to day and pulls beans. machine gone to Montgomerys from Boltons. Mrs Taggart came down bringing Stella. Tag staid to dinner a great talker a good visitors. Irene came down with the mail enroute for Marjories to help her cook for thresh, dry weather, no rain. Sr needs strawberry vines, Maud sick all day with head ache. Harold D gone to Kingston to Hotel Dieu. �195 Wednesday 9th September 1908 Clear, wind wind blowing a harrycane [sic: hurricane] smoky and dry. V digging potatoes. Sr weeds strawberry vines. Irene begining Mauds black dress skirt. The girls have great time visiting; had to drive them off to bed. Such a racket I never heard. Never can be young but once. Harold Dignum is better so they phoned. Thursday 10th September No rain. Maud gone to Kingston this morning accompanied by Irene. Voltie drove to the dock with them, then drew popatoes [sic: potatoes] from the field 7 bags. After dinner V went to Samys to thresh. I cooked, wash dishes, milk can. Stella after school phoned to Dignums to tell the girls to walk home from the dock for V threshing and cant leave, awful dry weather no rain. �196 Friday 11th September 1908 No rain. A fine day, smokey, no rain. V finished threshing at Sam Woodmans and now gone across the river to Arthurs to row Irene across. Merritts Daily here for potatoes. Sr clubbed Sinders Turkeys out the door yard; guess he killed one. I make plum preserves. Bob phoned for George Niles and Lloyd to come immediately. The company are just now sending the Pontiac out on the lakes this late period of the season, "but better late than never". McLaren phoned to ask how the landing is for his launch. McLaren brought Rachel & Ethel down in gasoline boat, bundles, boxes and baskets. They are pleased to get home once home once more. V pulling beans & cutting corn over on R’s place. Wells worked in Strawberry vines. V relates to me the story of Arthur. V’s financial embardment that he told him (V) this day while he was there. Threshing there this pm. Irene & a Mrs Rowans helping Marjorie. The smoke thick and strong cant see across the river, steamboat calling all night long in the murky atmosphere. Franks 4 kids have a great time wading and playing in the water without a stitch of clothing on them, not even baby Robert. �197 Saturday 12 September 1908 No Rain. Cooler this morning wind North, smoky no rain. Everything drying up Voltie drew all the beans and corn from Rachels place. Old Meritorious here again to day for potatoes. V carried home R’s pots cups & plates that I borrowed at threshing time. Stella helped me about the breakfast dishes. Commenced packing eggs only three dozen. Franks youngone, on the shore again to day. Len Patterson, Emma and the auld one gone up to day. Carrie here for tomatoes for dinner. Sunday 13 September 1908 No Rain. Didn’t arise quite so early as usual this morning. A fine day for warm weather. Maud went to 10 Oclock service with the Ranous family. Voltie & Stella went fishing caught enough for dinner. Smith and George Lidy’s boy came over in one skiff and Terrol in another. Terol not very welcome but he comes all the same. We had a fine mess of fish for dinner. No rain. Rachel & Frank Woodman here. Frank carried home butter, tomatoes & watermelons. �198 Monday 14th September 1908 Wind North and breezy cool. No rain. V and dad digging potatoes 12 bags to day which makes 21 bags in cellar. Rachel came over bringing Snyder’s Emma Lemon with them, a very pretty child but Oh! so dirty. Ethel didn’t come over. Heard Wellie was sick, dont believe it. Phoned to Bert Joslin McDonel. Said Eveline wrote Wellie had a billious attack. Tuesday 15th September 1908 No rain. A fine day—a September day cool days that are beginning to foreshadow the decline of the the year autumn. The grain harvest is past, threshing done, and we look upon a bountiful supply yet to be harvested—gathered in great variety, corn & popcorn, sweet corn, ensilage corn, the diffferent varieties of apples, peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, squash, beans, cabbage, potatoes, beets, carrots, turnips, sage, summer savory, sunflower, onions (a few) and then is this department are butter, eggs, milk, cheese, beef, honey, pork, fowl, hickory nuts. It take a quantity �199 and variety to supply one small family of four beside the canning, pickling & preserving of fruit not to mention groceries, spices of all kinds etc. etc. etc. etc. 15 more bags in cellar which makes 37. R came over. Ethel ate dinner at Frank Woodmans. Evening visitors Frank & Emma, Laura, Tom, Will & Harold Dignum also Ileen Coil. Dancing after phonograph music. A letter from Rev Lancaster. Maude took up the parlor carpet. Wednesday 16th September 1908 No rain. A cool morning wind North. No rain. Ethel staid all night, went over to R’s after breakfast. I wash a lot of colored clothes. Maud gathers Oldenburghs for market. V & dad pull beans, awful smoky. Heard the woods are on fire and burning between Charmont & Depauville. Evening R has company. The Dignum Bros (Will & Harold), Stella & Ethel by a pre arainged [sic: prearranged] plan meet the Dignum’s at Rachels. �200 Thursday 17th September 1908 A smokey day. The atmosphere heavy with smoke. Cant see the church from here. I ask Stella how she found her way home from School. No rain, everything drying up. I work around all day. Have supper ready on the table when they come home. Rachel came with them bringing bottled ale, cheese and Bologna, sausage. Ethel staid at Dignums. Mrs Dignum not home yet from Brandon. V and dad at the beans & dig potatoes. Friday 18 September 1908 No rain. I made cellery sauce. V and Sr dug potatoes all day. Maude didn’t do much; resting herself after Kingston. Received a letter from Gladys, a postal from Gladys also one from Harriet Roseboom and a letter from Grace. 60 bags of potatoes in one bin. Voltie sent Babson Bros $7,00 on phonograph account. �201 Saturday 19 September 1908 No rain. Not so much smoke as yesterday. North wind blew the smoke southward to where it came from. Stella home from school and doing her washing. Maud baked bread, cakes, cookies, & cleaned floors. V threshed part of the day at Flynns came home to supper. Stella walked up & from Irvines for music lessons. Belle came down driving old Jake accompanied by Henry. Rachel came over accompanied by Ethel for her milk and potatoes. In the evening, Maud goes home with Ethel and Rachel, and stays all night. Belle & I sit up till after 11 pm, then we go to bed. Sunday 20th September 1908 A chilly morning. No rain. Awoke this day morning to find Belle and Henry here. Rachel & Ethel soon came over. I wash all the dishes & separator while Maud dresses herself, V & Stella and Ethel and the Kid Henry go fishing while Belle and Rachel sit visiting out on the veranda. Belle get dinner. R says she dont �202 understand our potatoes nor corn nor squash says if she was home she would know all about it. Will Sr and Wells Junior came over for Ethel to go home. She didn’t go. She going to the fair dance with Will Dignum when Will goes home. Maud goes over to Marjories to see if June has her skirt finished. Len Patterson wife Cassie and Ethel Woodman came to buy a watermelon which they are going to eat on the shore. They came in while waiting for Voltie to come. He has gone down the shore with Will who has left Art Vincents skiff on the shore down by George Niles place. Stella went with Belle to help pick a lot of green corn to carry home with her and some sweet crab apples to preserve and melons &c. Stella went up the island with Belle as far as Ed Paines. Maud returned with Frank and Emma Woodman and Len Patterson. Rachel came over to milk her cow while I get the supper and wash dishes again. Will has gone home disapointed about Ethel. Belle had gone home disapointed about Irene not coming to go home with her but Maud says Marjorie has 12 men to cook for tomorrow. They are going to fill the silo. Phillips, Bass & Guernsey called enroute for uncle Sam Woodman. �203 Monday 21st September 1908 No rain. Smoky. Voltie gone to Flynns to thresh; finished there, moved the machine to Morgans; ate dinner there, finished threshing and came home at 3 p.m. then threshed beans &c Len Patersons wife Cassie & Ethel Woodmans here for tomatoes. They left them here while they went down the shore looking for hickory nuts on Snyders. And as Snider had started to come here to see if V could shoe his horse and was walking fast with club in hand consequently nearly came unaware upon the nut gathers who started and ran while Snider for fun ran after them. And they were frightened of course at nothing. I make sweet apple preserves. Ethel and R came over. In evening the Dignums drive here with Ethel calling for Maude and Stella to go visiting at Geo Gillespies. Maud goes Stella stays home and helps me wash dishes and goes to bed with tooth ache. Poor dear girl. �204 Friday 22nd September 1908 No rain. A heavy thick fog envelopes every thing, can scarcely see the barn. Arose at half past 4. Sr gone to Kingston. Stella gone to school. Not very cold; thermometer registers 60 and steadily growing warmer. Irene, Schram and Beatrice came over in Arthurs skiff enroute for their home to see Charley Sr and Belle and all the others. They rode up with the mail. V lent Frank Woodman his double buggy. They all staid to dinner and Ethel too. Voltie brought in sweet corn, squash, potatoes, watermelon, musk melon, tomatoes and we had beans, cake and custard pie. After awhile R came over and had had no dinner. She helped herself from the cupboard. Ethel washing for herself and Rach. Devolson after shoeing his horse, and fixing the pig pen, turned to threshing beans. P.M. Maud ironing. Irene finished Mauds skirt which is a beauty but she would not accept of any pay. Eleven wee pigs in the pen. A letter from Muriel also one from Grace, when Frank and Irene arrived at home. They found Belle & Charley gone over the river looking for a new home. �205 Wednesday 23rd September 1908 No rain. I wish it would rain; very hot & dry and smoky. The Adirondacks and and Catskill mountains are blazing. The timber (woods) are burning; nothing but a heavy rain can extinguish the fire. Voltie and Stella and Maud are gone to the fair and to the fair dance. V going to Kingston on the one oclock boat. Ethel came over to iron, getting ready to attend the fair dance, going with Wm Dignum. Wells Sr milks the cows alone. R came over to supper bringing some sour milk "cruds". Terrible drought leaves all turning yellow on the trees and droping [sic: dropping] off. Ethel and Wm start for the villiage at 6,30 pm. Snyders turkeys destroying our garden driving them out nor driving them home does no good. They come directly back again. �206 Thursday Sept 24th 1908 No rain. Stella came first with Johny Murphy. Then V and M came but Voltie went to Kingston on the boat. Maud drove over with V so as to bring the rig back. Ethel went home with Will Dignum and also went to Kingston. R. came over and ate dinner with us. Maud went to bed a while. Frank Woodman cutting and binding our corn. Snyder’s turkeys here again; 9 of them destroying our garden. Sr drove to dock for V. Voltie brought a basket of peaches and pickling onions & tumeric, shirt and a suit of under clothes & socks. Friday 25 September 1908 Very thick fog and smoky, everything dying and drying up. weather very warm sent Grace a letter. R & Ethel came over lugging all Ethel’s dry goods, suit case, basket and boxes. Ethel slept till dinner time. After dinner, V rowed across the river with Ethel & A. Vincents. A dance at Dignums this evening. Voltie, Stella & Maude went to the dance. I think it must have been a reception for Mrs Dignum’s return home. �207 Saturday 26 September [1908] No rain. They all came home at three this morning Tuesday 3 June 1919 No rain. A blazing hot day no wind to stir the leaves on the trees. Emma painting a little in kitchen. The house cleaning drags as I expected it would. I dont think there has been a hotter day in a year. After dinner V goes down by the consession and sows and plants a garden. Maud patches her clothes then after sunset she and Em go to R awhile come back and V and they go for Ells and get none. Sunday 27 September 1908 No rain. A very warm day not so breezy as it might be. No visitors to day. Maud went to church with the Ranous family. After dinner V and I went for hickory nuts, gathered nearly 1/2 bushel Wednesday 4th June 1919 No rain. Another day just like yesterday hot hot blazing hot & not a breath of air stirring. Em still painting in kitchen. V was saying at the breakfast table that Bert still continues to carry Hubert around by one leg. He Bert often does that. I dont see how any kid can grow and have good intelect [sic: intellect] that is brought up bottom side upward. �208 Monday 28 A shower accompanied by a tremendous wind from S.E. Voltie says its the equinial [sic: equinoctial] storm. Water dashing high on shore. Weather warm 78 in shade. V has a few boys to help him draw corn. Willie and Larry Dignum and John Murray a.m. and this pm an addition of one recruit Johny McDonnell the other boys are drawing coal from the dock and that is what V ought to be doing. R came over to dinner but she wouldnt stay. She helped wash dinner dishes, got a pail of water from the river to carry home and went. Tuesday 29 September 1908 �209 Jan 1st Saturday 1910 New years day again. A very pleasant day but cloudy. Geo and Sam could drill to day if they had a mind to but they have no mind to the family works all day except father and he sits around all day by the fire. He dont feel very well Thursday Oct 1st 1908 Sunday 2nd Jan 1910 A quiet day reading most all day. Voltie seading nearly all day. Sr in kitchen reading. No one came in all day. After dinner Maud bundles her self up and goes to Rachels and comes home again at nearly sunset. Cloudy all day and snowing some. We get up late but have 3 meal all right. �210 Monday 3rd January 1910 [top margin] John Spoor came at bed time. All abed exept [sic: except] I. V went to the door, Spoor went to Niles to to stay all night. A sort of a windy day from S., chilly, snowing, flying. Frank came up & he & Voltie are drilling. Geo and two flunkeys wouldn’t drill. I finished a letter to Wellie that I had commenced yesterday. Little Samy came awhile but went home before dinner. I worked over and printed the butter 8 lbs and 6 more already done 14 lbs ready for market. This is Election day. Voltie nor Sr didn’t go. Frank staid to supper, and then staid to visit till nine p.m. Tuesday 4 Jan 1910 10 deg below zero, coldest morning yet, river froze across but clear and brilliant. Frank came up to drill. Then phoned to Sam Wm H. W. to come up and see how Rachel fares. This cold morning I send a letter to wellie and to Eaton for Hoosier Schoolmaster. I received cards from Wells family and Balar also, two letters from Grace. Maud received Letters & cards. Samy here again. I treated him to raisons and figs. Fran staid to supper. As usual we sit up reading. Dick Berry brought the New Teacher, Miss Stevenson. She boards with Niles. �211 [top margin] School began this day Wednesday 5 Jan 1910 A coudy morning somewhat warmer than yesterday, looks like snow or rain. River frozen clear across this morning—My Christmas cards beautiful. 15 of them; from children, grandchildren nephews & nieces & friends and brother. With a dirty storming day, snowing cold wind from south. The ice remains solid in the river. Frank came up but couldnt drill, staid to dinner, had pea soup. Thursday 6 Jan. A cloudy day. Emma didnt go to school this day nor yesterday. She is a lazy little girl and careless, spills water every where she goes and says "she cant help it", she never does any thing unless asked requested. Maud cleaned all the floors. V went over to Rachels to put hay in he barn, carried her Mrs Lapatras card. Frank phoned he is coming up after dinner to drill. �212 Friday 7 Jan 1910 Cloudy; snows in fore noon Frank came after dinner and drill till nearly dark when the drill colapsed [sic: collapsed] Frank went home. There was a time when [pagragraph struck out majority of words] and I now wish, and more than. I made her Emma a dress to day. 1910 Saturday 8 Jan some colder than yesterday. Finished Emmas dress. Frank drilling all day—drills 9 feet to day, 40 feet altogether. Found some water but struck a crevice and it drained away. V says he will drill 150 feet but he will get water. Frank staid to supper and Oh so noisy. Maud is very happy in her anticipations of the future, she received a letter of appology [sic: apology] from her father. He said "I was [nghy] to you Maud when you were here". Pea soup for supper. �213 1910 Sunday 9th January Wind South, cloudy and a few snowflakes flying. Maud & Emma doing the breakfast dishes and separator Voltie reads Nancy Stair. I do as I have a mind to. Sunday is always a quiet day in this house especialy if no one here. At this moment, Voltie sits opposite coal stove reading "Nancy Stair". Maud sitting exactly in front of the stove with feet elevated on each front stove corner reading Mansfield park. Emma sitting by the North window trembling over the leaves of a book. Wells Sr sitting out by the kitchen stove reading The Whig (his favorite newspaper) and in his favorite corner; behind the stove is a full pail of cream which I must churn tomorrow. Now tis half past eleven am Well the day passes quietly Monday 10 Jan 1910 Frank drilling again to day. 47 feet. No water. Rachel staid here last night—came home with Maud at dark carrying lantern. �214 Monday 10 Jan 1910 Maud washed after V brought water. After breakfst V hitched up and after driving over home with Rachel came back and drove to school house with Emma. I have a lame back 11 Jan Tuesday 1910 Will is 51 years old to day. We are passing along with the years as they go "thundering down the course of time". Emma walked to school. The weather is cold, quiet, cloudy. I got a lame back yet, drilling water. Tom Chatterton came down with the mail, ate supper here and staid all night, said he was at a party last night at Dignums. Evening mail; a box of paper, pens & envelopes from Bob the Hoosier Schoolmaster from Eatons Acad from Eveline for Rachel, Whig &c. After supper F goes home, gasoline gave out. F went home. The gasoline was sent down by the mail. Sam Snub here in evening �215 Wednesday 12 Jan 1910 A very fine day. Sr calls it weather breeder. After breakfast Tom Chatterton goes down to Franks and then walks across the river going to Wills & to the masquerade tomorrow night. 13 January Thursday 1910 Trees this morning covered with frost beautiful to behold. Wind South, mild & foggy. Frank and V drilling again this day. At 3 pm V came in with the joyful news. Opened a water vein! water pouring in by pails full, 14 feet in a few minutes. Rachel came over a while she came for her mail. A card from Eveline and her Good Litterature. �216 January 1910 14 Friday Wind N. A stormy cold day. Voltie intended going to William G’s for wood but when he came in bringing the cold Northern blast with him and cold hands face and ears. He told Emma to wait till half past nine and he would take her to school but no she was so anxious to go to school that she walked. V went to Franks for the rope to measure the water in the well. He found 51 feet. I darn mittens and cut rug rags. Em washed breakfast dishes. Maud dinner dishes. Maud churned and washed & salted the butter 8 lbs. We had tomato soup for dinner. l5 Saturday January 1910 �217 Sunday 16 Jan 1910 Saturday 17 Oct 1908 A beautiful warm day Voltie and Stella gone to Kingston started early we do the usual Saturdays work mop, bake bread and cake. V �218 Saturday 18 Oct 1908 A beautiful warm smoky day. No visitors. Voltie after breakfast went over to Rachels to carry her bread, celery. W & C came across field and picked up a few hickory nuts a first basket full. Henry Halliday at consession with his yacht. It was out of gas. Voltie fixed it for him then it run like a ribon. I took a nap after dinner, the first in a year in the day time. Maud dressed up for Visitors but none came didn’t expect any one in particular but all the same she was disapointed 19 Monday 17 Jan 1910 A tolerable day. R came over and brought the books "Micah Clark �219 1910 Tuesday 18th Jan 1910 Rain rain rain! all day V out working in the shop nearly all day. Wishes he could sell out and move over the river. Frank here for vinegar. Wednesday 19 January 1910 Snow nearly all gone this morning, sun shines out dimly. I washed all breakfast dishes, milk pails, get breakfast, sponge bread. Emma makes beds & patters around dad asking questions and finding fault. Voltie fixing John McDonel’s sleigh. Wind west & 2 deg below freezing. V hung the quarter of beef in apple tree �220 22 23 �221 Saturday 24 Oct 1908 V drove to the villiage stopping at Bells. Maude and Stella went with him. Stell stopping at Paines (Ed). I work around all day. Belle came down in evening accompanied by Kathleen & Henry Maude staid at Belles and Stell at Paines V soon came home bringing pickles and things. 25 Sunday Oct 1908 A very fine warm day. Voltie, Kathleen and Henry went for hickory nuts down by the cedar. Picked up a half bushel. Belle and Kathleen helped me get dinner. We looked for Arthur and Marjorie but they didn’t come. Belle partly made up her mind to go home but concluded to stay till tomorrow morning. �222 Monday 26 Oct 1908 Election day at our school house. Voltie went up to vote a conservative ticket—Henry Halliday came home with him to dinner. Snub Woodman returning officer. Charley Wood, secretary and he is a drunk, dirty face, eyes all swelled up, a pitiful looking object indeed. Now I dont take any interest in Canadian government affairs. The States is my home. Belle went home to day; never expect to see her again coming down the road driving in here. Tuesday 27 Oct 1908 A very fine warm day Kathleen and I cook & wash dishes, she is quick and smart for a little 11 year old girl. The day is so warm so no wind. Think there will be a storm when the river is so still like a mirror. �223 Wednesday 28 A drizzly cold day. Maud at Bells coming down on the boat. Voltie carried a grist of hay feed to the dock. Then drew a load of cheese from the factory the last time for Voltie to draw this year. Then talked of driving for Maud but the rain came pouring down and phoned to Mrs Dignum to keep Maud there. In the evening V & Stell danced in the parlor to the to the [sic] two step bred thorough Thursday 29 A mudy morning after the heavy rain of last night. Wells drives to the dock with Voltie; he is going to Kingston. Maud came home from Kingston and staid all night at Dignums. The Winmills came down on the boat. Maud had big time clearing and straightning up things, dusting, sweeping, mopping &c �224 Friday 30 The young chap came around with the map of the dominion of Canada, he said he had notified us by postal but I’ve not received it so took it any way, going to pay him next week, send it to Gananoque $1,40. Rachel came over & coaxed the Winmills home with her, she is going to kill a rooster. Joy go with them and peace behind them. Saturday 31st Chilly weather didn’t mop floors to day. they are clean enough. Winmills over to Rachels all day. V worked at cellar way: in the eve he drove to Wm G Woodmans for his trousers that William had carried home with him by mistake. Stella went with him to Irvines for music lesson, came back at nine p.m. & somewhat cold and rather glum. �225 Sunday 1st Nov 1908 A chilly day wind wet and blowing some. I make pea soup and currant pie for dinner. Winmills come over from Rachels. After awhile Rachel comes over also. V & [Stella Taggart|S]] visit in parlor and dance a two step after telephone music. Oh I hate the very sound of that one piece of music throughout. Oh I get so sleepy sitting up so late waiting for the Winmills to go to bed that at last I have to retire but they never get tired for they dont work. Monday 2nd Nov 1908 Wind South and not very warm. Windmills folks went home this morning. (Bill and Mary) after being away from home nearly two weeks. Maud made jumbles and molasses cookies and frosted cakes. I sliced 1/2 bushel of green tomatoes. Sr plowing potato ground by consession, brought in a pail full of potatoes that he has ploughed out. V finishing the cellar way, making door and painting outside door for cellar. Rachel came over and found a letter here from Jen which she read aloud. Jen sent some camping poetry which she has clipped from a democratic newspaper very fine. Mrs Niles here for sage going to make sausage. Frank and Ann here also. �226 Tuesday 3rd Nov 1908 A dull sort of a day chilly. This is the one eventful day in four years, great presidential election between Bryson & Taft. Voltie helping butcher at Boltons. Wells Sr plowing. I not doing much of any thing to day. Kathleen talking over the phone with her sister Grace. There only remains to day and tomorrow for communication by telephone between this house and Belle’s for tomorrow they move to Jeff. County. Maud ironing & frosting cakes. I’ve not written in this diary before in a long time. Another pig missing on the point which makes two. Wells says they have been stolen and it looks very much like it. We stew pumkin for pies. Voltie just returned from Boltons brought 2 livers and 3 hearts. Maud baking bread. V tired after butchering 7 hogs retired early, the girls soon folowed [sic: followed] example but te he’d and giggled so much V couldn’t sleep, heard the old black cow in the yard. V got out bed went and drove her out. I sit by coal stove till 10 pm reading. �227 Wednesday 4th Nov 1908 Wind changed in night to N.W. and made things rattle for a while. Colder this morning, froze quite hard this morning. After morning Voltie hitched up and drove to Charlies; they are moving to day a bee to draw their household goods to the villiage where they will be put aboard of the Wolfe Islander together with the family enroute for Clayton and then for their new home with V. our telephone line broken in the night by strong wind. Grandpa Wells fixed it; he does so many things shingles the barn, draws the manure, plows the potatoes ground, milks the cows. It snowed some to day. Thermometer down to 28. Maude made pumpkin pies and pudding. I made Chow Chow all but vinegar got to wait till Voltie comes to draw it out the keg. Whew how the North wind blown. Three storm windows up only. Stella went to Morgan’s where she met her beau’s sister, Miss Maud Murphy. V came at sunset bringing Grace H & a load of stuff together with one cat & one dog. Voltie drove to the villiage and saw them and their goods safely aboard the Islander. V went down to get Frank to help unload the box of canned fruit. Found Frank and Emma gone to Will Michea wedding reception and Gm in charge of the kids. �228 Thursday 5th Nov 1908 A cool morning, quite cold. Thermometer down to 24 deg, that is 8 deg below freezing. Arose at 4 am hustled around and got V’s breakfast. He hustled too after the old sort; dad drove to Dock with him arrived just in time. We had a good time clearing up, Maude, Grace, Kathleen & I. Dad drove to dock for Grace G and her children. They came early. A cold windy day, evening visitors, Lizzie Redic, John Redic, John Murray, Nina Murphy, Harold Dignum, our own kids Maude, Grace & Kathleen. Voltie and Sister Grace G and watched them dance to the phonograph music. Friday 6 Nov 1908 day. Stell walked to school, dirty, snowy, rainy. Voltie in evening drove to the villiage with Stell Tag. V thinks she is cute but he will not think that for long. I dont mind his fancying Stell nor his driving her around if he would only let whiskey alone and never touch any intoxicating drink but he has been partly drunk since last Wednesday when he went up to help Charlie move and he has been more or less drunk ever since �229 Oh the horror of it. Loss of character time, money, intelect [sic: intellect], health, red bloated face, bleary eyed, unsteady step, unsteady hand, mudled [sic: muddled] brain, and idiotic appearance, thick tongued speach [sic: speech], senseless flat talk, loss of memory and what is the gain, the compensation. Just this, the sensation of drunkeness. 7 Nov 1908 Saturday came Voltie came at 3 a.m. came in very softly and quietly but I heard him. He had driven away up to the villiage with Stell Taggart & broke Woodman’s buggy top. Grace sewing on Mauds red dress. V is so drunk he is strange. Oh tis terrible. I dont know what I’m going to do. Wish I could go away somewhere and never come back again. When, last Christmas, Voltie made me a present of this diary I never thought I would have to record the above event but he has promised Grace his own little sister that he will not drink any more and sealed it with a pledge. �230 Sunday 8 A peaceful day, we pop corn and crack hickory nuts. V getting sober again but he looks bad, miserable. Grace H and Kathleen anxious to go over the river. Monday 9 V plows all day till 3 pm then gets ready for the dance at the villiage. Maud going too. Grace finishes Maud’s dress and dresses her for the ball. She looks love [sic: lovely] in her ball rig. �231 Tuesday 10 Nov 1908 Stella came between 5 and 6 am. John Murphy brought her home all the way from the villiage, birds of a feather, etc.V and M came about 4 pm. V went to Kingston to the dentist. They all enjoyed themselves at the dance and V came home like a gentleman. Old cod was there with mag paine, drunk as usual hollering, yelling, disturbing the party dirty face & spectacles all mud. Wednesday 11 �232 Thursday 12 Nov 1908 A very chilly morning. Voltie drove to do dock with Grace, Rob’t Jr and Isabelle & Maud. Grace is returning home to the city after a week visit. Grace, Kathleen and I do house work. V plowing. Dad quarrying stone. Wind blowing hard from the west all day. V drove to dock for Maud. They came quite early. Maud bring sold butter for 28 cts per lb. She bought me a new wrapper, postal cards, Kathleen & Grace each a movie card album Friday 13 Nov 1908 Cold frozen last night. Wind blowing again to day. Voltie plowing. Kathleen ironing. Maud made a pie for dinner, made a cake. I see so much work to be done and dont do it. I cant sit at work but a very few minutes for I always have something to do around the house. We didn’t get out of bed till till after 6 am. want to write to many people friends and relatives. I am trying to finish making sweet pickles. Received a letter from Belle the first since they moved to their new home. �233 Saturday 14 Nov 1908 A rather warm quiet morning. Voltie rowed Grace, Kathleen & Happy and tiny over to Arthur. Came back towards noon bringing McChires, Review of Reviews, Happy Hours, etc. Yes V rowed Grace H and Bumblebee (Kathleen) across the river and Stell has prodded on foot up to Morgans just before dark after Lizzie has phoned so many times to day to meet Murphy I suppose. Sunday 15 Nov 1908 Awake this morning to find ourselves alone dad, Voltie, Maud & I We are alone all day except Rachel here a few minutes to get Voltie to pull hay from her stack to feed her cow. I sit by the coal stove all day not very well. Think I have eaten to much beef. �234 Monday 16 Nov 1908 A nasty cloudy day, chilly, Wind S. blowing hard all night. Voltie plowing on Rachel. Maud stewing pumkin for pies. I am much better this morning and work around all day, begins snowing towards noon & snows so hard and furiously that V turns out and comes home. Works around till dinner time. (can always find work enough to do with in doors and out) After dinner Voltie sharpens plow coults for Woodman’s. Then goes over to Rachels and pulls hay enough to last her cow two day, comes home and drives to school for Stell Taggart. Maud baking pumkin pies, chocolate cake, jumbles. I stew beef, cook beans, put cucumber pickles soaking, churn, work and pack the first butter in the 4 gal. crock. Try to make an apron didn’t get it done. �235 Tuesday 16 Nov 1908 Snow on the ground this morning and froze. Voltie gone plowing. No kindling in the house this morning found a board down cellar. We arose at 5 am. Stell walked to school. Opened another can of strawberries for her dinner this morning if I keep on soon wont have any strawberries. Well I’ve washed breakfast dishes, separator. Mail letter from Grace, a card from Kathleen, card from Dana Seely, card from Harriet Roseboom, Dr Chases Almanac, Good Stories, and a lot of other trash, advertisements etc. Grace wrote Doctors will vaccinate the city, little Robert and Margaret and baby Isabelle. Reginald got well from Vacination. Kent here for 5 gal of vinegar sent by Frank W for rubber boots. Frank owes V three dol borrowed money. I worked and packed butter & churned. �236 Wednesday 17 Nov 1908 Not very cold, but snow falling half rain. Stell walked to school this morning wearing rubber boots. V, with his new rubber boots on has gone over to Rachels to plow. Maud made spiced cucumber pickles, dad sat by the stove and patched his old felt boots—heels worn out. Well I’ve got to knock up something for dinner for it is past 11 am. �237 19th Thursday Nov 1908 A miserable dirty day. No one goes from here to Kingston to day on account of the small pox scare. Not many goes up on the boat to day. I write letters most all day. One to Grace, one to Belle, and to Gladys and Harriet and send each a post card. Friday 20 Nov 1908 No snow on ground, all disapeared. Voltie plowing. Gunn rowed Chatterton aross to Arthurs and I sent Belles carpet rags, warp and two jars of tomato pickles. When Gunn returned he brought me St Nicholas. Maud cooked or baked pies (pumkin pies) and cakes Frank’s kids here to phone to CW to go for the mail. Mail Herald, a card from Reginald, a letter from June for Maud. 2 letters for Stell V 41 years old this day. Time flies rappidly. [sic: rapidly] �238 Saturday 21st Nov 1908 A bright beautiful day. Voltie plowing over on Rachel. I packed butter. Maud cleaned all the floors. Stella ironed her clothes as usual. Sunday 22nd Nov 1908 A beautiful day, warm still and a briliant sun shining from an unclouded sky. This is the anniversary of my birth 75 years have thundered down the course of time since I first beheld the sunlight on earth. Each year is a mile stone. Seventy five miles of lifes journey have I traveled. Some of the way has been beautiful, and part painful and dark. �239 Monday 23rd Nov A very fine day indian summer weather. Marjorie is 24 years old to day. Rachel went out to Wills to day. Arthur Vincent drove out there with Rachel. Tuesday 24 A mild day. Voltie plowing over there. Maud preparing to go up to Morgans to night with Tag going to walk across the fields. They had so much primping and fussing to do it was nearly pitch dark before they got started. Stell is going up to meet her beau John Murphy. They come home at midnight, Stell stoped out doors awhile in the buggy with Murphy a sparking. Maud done big washing all the lines crowded with clothes. �240 Wednesday 25 A very good day. Voltie plowing over there. Nina Watking Rundridge burried here to day. I churned and put up a little basket for Grace. Maud is going to Kingston tomorrow. In the evening Voltie drove over to Henry Hallidays. He promised to buy 4 cows of V but when V drove over to see when he would come for them H flunked right out. Stell went up as far as Irvines for music. Maud and I had a quiet evening all to ourselves. Maud reading to me while I sit comfortably by the coal fire. Thursday 26th A cold nasty day. Voltie drove with Maud to the dock came back, ate breakfast then finished plowing (over there). I work snug all day. I have too and am tired. V drove for Maud she bought herself a new hat which is elegant. Grace sent some books and a letter. Reginald sent me a letter too. The dear little grandson. �241 Friday 27 November 1908 Bare ground cold West wind, Voltie plowing at home, plowing up the old pasture between here and Sams. Merrit Daily who was driving along the road stoped and talked with Voltie. Says Butcher is going to live with him this winter. I washed a load of dishes this morning that was left from last night. I was too tired to wash them last night. Stella and Maude are preparing for the dance at the villiage this evening. Voltie and the horses will have to draw them up there through wind and mud. I wish it would rain hard so Maud could be compeled [sic: compelled] to stay home. Voltie not long ago was much interested in books and study, now his waltzing, two step dancing and drawing to the villiage 14 miles through mud, wind, rain any old kind of weather at all. Maud is cleaning floors to day for she wont be here tomorrow. She is going home with Miss Taggart. Sr has brought in a hen for me to dress and prepare for supper and now I have to hop up again. There is always a job on hand for me �242 Saturday 28 Nov 1908 Voltie came home from the villiage dance without the girls having left Maud to accompany Stella home for a visit. V tired and gone to bed after being up all night said he enjoyed himself fine and I’m glad. Bolton came to plow. V went and helped plow. V was mad at me too for something I said. I like to have him go to dances all night if he would only not drink any intoxicants. Sunday 29 Nov 1908 A very good day. Len Patterson here nearly all day, play on phonograph. V cut Len’s hair. Rube McFadden here to borrow a broad axe. �243 Monday 30 Nov 1908 Arose this morning and wouldn’t call Maud so managed to get breakfast alone. I let them lie till 8 am when I called Maud and Stella, soon found Maud had not returned and was greatly disapointed but she soon put in her appearance. Will Taggart having brought her down. William put his horse in barn and proceeded to stay all day & night. V plowing going to rain, and does rain hard towards evening. Caught a barrel of water. Young Tag was treated to hickory nuts, popcorn and apples, phonograph music besides three square meals, great visiting going on in evening in kitchen. Early this morning, Len came to bid us good bye he & lena They went just in neck of time for Jack had only returned when the wind began to blow river over the rowed them. Jack Niles to live to Watertown are going Tuesday 30th Nov 1908 Sun shining with flying clouds Wind blowing a gale from the west. The hardest wind storm of all this fall. Voltie plowing all day. Wants to get as much done as possible this fall. Will Taggart drove home this morning. Stella going as far as the school with him. I like the boy well. Sent Grace a letter and cards to Gladys & Harriet Roseboom. Received birth day cards from John & Flora I churned. �244 Wednesday 1 December 1908 Frozen morning. West wind. No plowing done to day, cleaned all the storm windows. Voltie put them on. Wind, yesterday blew the top off the hay stack. V went to Franks to get him to help retop the stack. It was 8 am and no breakfast. Emma just dressing herself. V raked the hay as best he could. The wind blows again but not so hard as yesterday. Frank & Gunn came at noon. Frank a Canadian half breed dressed with red tobagan and sweater. V in trouble about his debts but every thing will come all right. Every thing rights itself in time day after day will pass along and we will find ourselves here well and happy. Thursday 2 Dec 1908 Arose at four. Sr gone to town for well I dont know what for, any way he came home bringing horse lines, knitting needles. Frank borrowed our skiff and gone across the river to Depauville. Gun helped V top out hay stack. �245 Friday 3rd Dec 1908 A dirty nasty snow storm, half rain. Stella walks to school wearing Mauds grey fur collar. Storm so hard V drove for Stella after driving over to feed Rachels hens. In the evening Nina Murphy came accompanied by John Redic. Geo OBrien here, came to bring home some tools of Volties. Redic & Geo soon depart evening performance, popping corn, phonograph and scuffling—a letter from Grace, post cards, & Herald. Saturday 4th Dec 1908 A cold frozen morning. Stella & Nina came down to breakfast 1/2 past 8 am. The sun shone so brightly on the table that Nina arose from the table and pulled down the curtain at half past 11. Stella and Nina after a good deal of fussing on Stells part. Washing clothes and forty other things at last get started for Morgans �246 Sunday 5 Dec 1908 A clear cold morning, river still. Frank can come over if he wants to this morning. This is the apointed [sic: appointed] day for Rachel to come home. We arose late, sat down to breakfast at nine then sat around the stove till 10 Oclock before doing the dishes. Frank Woodman came home to day bringing Arthur V, and Ray McIntyre with him and Voltie was obliged to row them home again so he could have his boat at home. Evening visitors were Lilly Woodman, and Billie Mills. Monday 6 Dec 1908 �247 Tuesday 28th Dec 1809 [sic: 1908] A clear bright cold day. Voltie gone to Kingston by the road, & drove up double, gone for sleigh runners. Not much snow so he drove up in the double buggy. The coldest day of all so far, 8 deg above zero. Emma just this moment come down stairs 10 am, she slept so long her eyes all swelled up. Muade crocheting a rug. I suppose she thinks she is going to mary [sic: marry] Mr B. S. but I have never seen that young man but he is coming down from Sunbury where Maude went to visit her foolish father and where she became aquainted a young Cheesemaker. If he is a cheesemaker I dont think that is very high life nothing so very aristocratic about that. Wednesday 9 Dec 1908 �248 Thursday 10 Dec 1908 Friday 11 Dec 1908 �249 Saturday 12 Hexamethylenetetramine . . . . . . . . 1 hen 36 tie 70 Heart 101 half 2 thy 37 tame 71 Heath 102 old 3 her 38 tan 72 Heath 103 ail 4 am 39 an 73 mirth 104 tail 5 He 40 Annie 74 lit 105 rail 6 nine 41 Mary 75 mitt. 106 nail 7 mind 42 Harry 76 letter 107 lantern 8 Emma 43 tin 77 man 108 ten 9 Ethel 44 Tim 78 many 109 mama 10 Irene 45 let 79 any 110 Nanie 11 lent 46 Merry 80 their 111 lie 12 rent 47 hear 81 air 112 lay 13 times 48 ear 82 hare 113 lame 14 tent 49 tear 83 here 114 tree 15 what 50 tone 84 my 115 three 16 yet 51 are 85 these 116 meat 17 Hattie 52 Henry 86 they 117 meet 18 hat 53 ray 87 hay 118 met 19 Hettie 54 tray 88 thin 119 men 20 Nettie 55 next 89 than 120 hem 21 56 text 90 later 121 neat Nina �22 main 57 teat 91 letter 222 rhym 23 mane 58 eat 92 year 223 hymn 24 rain 59 ate 93 little 224 Nellie 25 tam 60 hate 94 thirteen 225 aim 26 yarn 61 mat 95 really 226 eye 27 arm 62 rat 96 heartily 227 linen 28 harm 63 time 97 Tilly 228 thee 29 harm 64 Ray 98 Hill 229 tell 30 hair 65 early 99 ill 230 hell 31 the 66 remain 100 ale 231 yell 32 them 67 May 232 Hiram 34 tree 69 mate 233 ran 35 lie �250 Monday 14 234 tart 267 aihem 298 lint 235 Hart 268 alert 299 lithia 236 Hexter 269 alarm 300 litter 237 it 270 aliment 301 linnet 238 Helen 271 ally 302 lily 239 heel 272 alienate 303 mallet 240 ill 273 myth 304 mall 241 meal 274 myrtle 305 malt 242 Rattel 275 enemy 306 maltreat 243 Heather 277 element 307 malay 244 leather 278 extant 308 malar 245 exalt 279 exit 309 malaria 247 alter 280 exert 310 mar 248 examine 280 exhale 311 manilla 249 Italian 281 exeat 312 mantel 250 Allen 313 mater 251 Tar 282 entire 314 mealy 252 Tannery 283 entirely 315 meant 253 Malayan 284 entitle 316 mur 254 time 285 enmity 317 need 255 rain 286 mint 318 manial 256 hymnal 287 nit 319 Lena 257 hyetal 288 mill 320 axe 258 hylna 289 mind 321 axel 259 home 290 milliner 322 murmur 260 hernia 291 liner 323 mare 261 hair 292 mimic 324 Hale 262 heathen 293 mile 325 Health 263 heat 294 minx 326 Tiny 264 late 295 miter 327 nineteen 265 airy 296 mite 328 army 266 early 297 mix 329 Mr. �251 Wednesday 16 Peg o my heart, 330 331 332 333 pea 334 pear 335 ear 336 peat 337 he 338 heart 339 heat 340 my 341 peg 342 tart 343 part 344 art 345 hog 346 oath 347 oat 348 oyer 349 paper 350 mother her moth mop pop Thursday 17 �252 Friday 18 The best standard colors Colors Transparent & Indelible photographs Lantern slides photograyures. School maps. Drawings pyrography &c Miss Emma Leeman R.R. #1, Wolfe Island. Ontario, Canada Saturday 19 Saturday 19 �253 Sunday Dec 20 A quiet day no one came, wish Maud was home. Monday Dec 21 Stella staid Morgans since last Friday evening. When V drove up there with her. �254 Tuesday Dec 22 V drove to school with Miss Taggart. Only one pupil so came home again. Mass at Morgan’s to day. Stell picks up and packs up and towards night V drives off up the island with her, she left her trunk behind her couldn’t carry it in cutter. Voltie staid all night at Taggarts. Old Tagg gave Voltie whiskey to drink. Wednesday Dec 23rd 1908 V staying at villiage all day and at the rink at night, slept at McLarens the remainder of the night. The boat not coming to our dock any more this fall. �255 Thursday 24. 1908 V went across to K this morning from Villiage. He went across for Maude and came home after dark once more leaving his kerosine (once more) behind and Mauds suitcase at McLarens which is perfectly unnecessary. Voltie scarcely ever does his work satisfactory and complete when away from home these days. I think he is crazy or foolish. Frank Woodman here for summer savory and onions to stuff his Chrismas goose Friday 25 Dec 1908 A Christmas day. Sometimes I think I’ll stop keeping diary. Then no one will ever know what has been in my thoughts and mind for what I have once written, I dont want to efface or erase. This morning I sent by mail a book and letter to my very dear friend Mrs Wm Brooks, Spokane. What a pleasure tis to know that she never forgets me. Tis a quiet day. Wells Sr had bad cold says tis grippe We dont have a very elaborate dinner for Xmas only corned beef, potatoes, fruit cake, candies, oranges, etc etc. Henry Halliday drove in here at sunset considerable intoxicated bringing a bottle of whiskey with which he treated Voltie very freely which is a cursed shame. �256 Saturday 26 Dec 1908 Sunday 27 Dec 1908 Sun Sun Sunday Sunday 27. Dec 1908 Sunday 27 Dec �257 Monday 28 Dec 1908 A cloudy day. V butchers pork. Tuesday 29 Dec 1908 A beautiful day. Very light wind South. Sr Wells says tis a weather breeder. Of course if we have a fine day that day is accused of of breeding all kinds of bad weather. I try out lard and V goes to Wm G for a load of wood ate dinner there and came home at 3 pm. They report a fine time at Danny Hughys dance. �258 Wednesday 30 December 1908 A howling storm of wind and rain from S.E. The river boils over like a cauldron. Tis tearing mad. The day is dark and dismal. Voltie gone to school meeting this am. A dance at FWoodmans. I guess it will be a slim dance. The new raison seeder works well. Thursday 31st Dec 1908 �259 Mailed letters in 1910 Jan 4th 2 letters 1 to Wellie 1 to Eaton Jan 2 Grace 11 to Helen Watson " " Sunbury " " Herald, Will Dixon [various additions] �260 Postage on letters for 1910 Jan 4 2 letters 4 cents " 7th " " 4 cts " " 5 cards 5 cts " 2 letters 4 1 Herald 2 [various additions] Jan 4 1910 Eaton ,37 for book & postage 50 cts for Dodds pills $2,87 balance on [?] �261 �This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following people: Ann Hopkinson, Ella Deering, Delaney Nielsen, Eric Irvine, Queen’s University Archives, and Carolyn Kane � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th and 20th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1887-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1887 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1888-1889 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1889-1897 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1890 March - June Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1893-1895 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1895-1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1896 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1897-1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899-1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902, 1906 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902-1909 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1904-1905 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1907 & 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1908-1919 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1911 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913-1914 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1915-1916 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1916-1917 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1917-1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1921-1922 Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1908, 1910, & 1919 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1908, 1910, & 1919 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 1st, 1908 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/963b6be9ffa968d32da1cf184cf87b5b.pdf be7a8237e1862c116b96b031f7d6bc95 PDF Text Text Irene Dixon Bamford 1907 & 1918, Diary Transcription 5034_4-2-1 �Metadata FromThePage export of 5034_4-2-1 from Irene Dixon Bamford made on 2026-02-11 14:35:21 UTC. itemTitle: 1907 + 1918 date: 1907-1918 Title: 5034_4-2-1 Description: Item is a diary. Created On: 2024-01-11 17:50:36 UTC In Scope: true Uploaded Filename: 5034_4-2-1 �1 [file folder containing original documents] IRENE DIXON BAMFORD DIARY 1907 + 1918 [stamped] Queen’s University Archives Locator Box 2 File 1 �2 1907 + 1918 �3 �4 [right hand of page ripped obscuring much of the diary entry, transcribed below with missing end of sentences indicated with #, left margin also obscured by binding tape these will be indicated with *] 1907 & 1918 R Sunday 13 Jan # A bright clear day snow # somewhat drifted. Miss Crawford # * , no service. goes home with the # towards night. Kent brings her home# *tholicks complaining that she # *ble in school. river still remain # * visitors to day. Reverend Craig sick # couldn’t come down to preach. Monday 14 January 1907 A storm of sleet. Volta takes Miss Craig # school. Volta returns home and then drives to # *yron Irvines, Jack Niles and Hiram Joslin her # * drew two loads of fertilizer for potatoes then * for Miss Crawford. Hiram here for his sleigh * V had fixed it didnt send any money for repairing * put a quilt on the frames this morning. Tuesday 15th Jan 1907 A snowy morning. Voltie drove to School house with Miss Crawford. V went over and brought aunt * over to dinner, and then drove # * then went for the # Rattray came # # �5 [left hand of page ripped obscuring much of the diary entry, transcribed below, the missing text will be indicated with #] Wednesday 16 Jan 1907 # morning 6 deg below zero which # colder than yesterday. river not # losed in Voltie drove to school with # ford. Sunlight clear. V preparing # barrel of vinegar for Mrs R Paine # ns, and Maud irons. Sr scrapes # dle in kitchen. Voltie drives for teacher Thursday 17 January 1907 A cold night and morning. Thermometer 12 deg below zero. Voltie drives to school with Miss Crawford. Two hot bricks at her feet. V moved bed in to hall up stairs. Friday 18 January 1907 Voltie drove to school with Miss Crawford then drove for Rachel she came over and helped us pick chickens, 20 of them for market. Then Voltie walked to Quinns on the ice for his kerosene and Alkane’s gone till towards night came bringing us the medicine, but Quinn had gone to # V ate dinner with Harold # lace, he found the ice # is sick �6 [right hand of page ripped obscuring much of the diary entry, transcribed below with missing end of sentences indicated with #] Wednesday 30 Jan 1 # A beautiful day drew wood # from island. 12 loads now # Maud washed, no visitors # Thursday 21 January 1907 A fine day and cold. finished # wood from the island 15 loads. Voltie # back for the last load (went alone) two # Rachel here for potatoes. Maud ironed. I finished the second pair of mittens. Friday February 1st 1907 Up and breakfast by lamp light again. good sleighing for the snow fell yesterday pm. Cloudy this morning, not cold. Saturday 2nd February 1907 A dark cloudy day, thawing. Sr gone to Kingston on the ice. Met Robert and Reginald and went home with them to dinner. Sr had a tooth filled by Daily. Maud and I cooked for visitors which we expect may come tomorrow if tis a good day, wind blowing hard from South, increasing to a gale. Sr comes home early. �7 [left hand of page ripped obscuring much of the diary entry, transcribed below with missing end of sentences indicated with #] Sunday 3rd of Feb 1907 # ing a gale all night changing # freezing hard, wind blowing all # frozen and rough for starters. # urk came down on skates through the # Miss Crawford went to church no # though the preacher (Rev Craig) was # driving all the way from Kingston to find only 3 of the faithful assembled. �8 [right hand of page ripped obscuring much of the diary entry, transcribed below with missing end of sentences indicated with #] Monday a4 February # A clear cold day no sleigh # on ice, going to pick chickens to day # tomorrow dressed 21 chicks and 3 turkeys # Rachel helping dress a few. Sam’s new tenant # to day from over the river Tuesday 5th Feb storm so terrible couldn’t go to Kingston very cold Wind North went out the door all day, both outside kitchen doors caulked with rags. Voltie drove to school house with Miss Crawford and drove for her again at evening. Wednesday 6 Feb 1907 A very fine day. V and M and R went to Kingston drove up on the ice; no sleighing. They came just in time for supper. all is well. Thursday 7 February 1907 A fine day. Wells Sr drove over to Rachel with her and all her purchases cat and all, barrel of groceries and things, and a table, she carried the lamp in hand. Will Dixon drove to make us a �9 [left hand of page ripped obscuring much of the diary entry, transcribed below with missing end of sentences indicated with #] Wednesday 20 June 1906 # to go home washes & # childrens clothing. Muriel # visiting her little # Alberta Victoria McDonales. # staid over night. Friday 8th Will went home this morning. R went with him drove in buggy no sleeping. fine day. Delovan B and Brown here Thursday 21 June 1906 Grace, her children, Muriel & Maud all embarked for Kingston this morning. V driving to the dock with them. Charley drove down for Margaret, Grace & I. The baby and—I doubt. they come and go come and go but 2 stay at home forever Saturday 9th Feb 1907 Voltie drove to town on ice, Crawford went also & staid there. Marjorie & Art came to dinner. Hagan here also all drove to Bells on ice. V came just after dark accompanied by �10 [right corner has been torn, missing text indicated by *] by Geo Pillar. Sr watering * Friday 22 June 1906 A warm day. Mustard per * and corn cultivating * talking about being in Kingston * more & Muriel. The Rev Lancaster * He is preparing Maud for confirmation and * stay for dinner. V & M picked 34 quarts of strawberries. I got supper and patched shirts and drawers for Sr and made a fly screen for that table. Mr Lancaster is a very fine young clergyman. Cooler thro the p.m. Our evening mail, Herald, New Thoughts, McClures magazine. Saturday 23rd June 1906 A breezy day wind south and showery raining heavey this morning. Voltie went after dinner to the foot with strawberries. He worked 4-1/2 hours and a half. Sr hoed corn in door yard. I bottled the dandelion wine. 16 bottles. Sunday 10 Feb 1907 A stormy day for wind and some snow. McNeely came V & McNeely drove to corners with V & Geo Pillar droave her to Will Dixons. Eddy Bates �11 [left corner has been torn, missing text indicated by *] Bill Bates born this morning. Sunday 24 June 1906 * morning and cloudy * little flocks of ducks we have * three and most of our turkeys are * of sparrow lice. Henry Halliday * just time for dinner. Frank Woodman came over bringing his family to Samy’s to stay a week. Frank going home again after coming here for ppotatoes. We have strawberries for dinner and supper. Henry stays till sundown. bees swarmed * Monday 25 June 1906 A cool fine morning. V went to factory cultivated corn and picked 34 qts strawberries went to OBriens to see about the money for Miss Hall our teacher. Dad went to hoeing and mustard pulling. Evening visitors Sylvia, Ruth and Cassie came looking for strawberries. I treated them to lemonade. �12 [right corner has been torn, missing text indicated by *] Thursday 28 June 19 A fine day. Maud went * Kingston carried 4-1/2 doz * 18 cts per doz. I tool a walk down to the strawberry field. V * berries. Wish I hadn’t gone and * back across the potatoe field and * great difficulty in crossing the field. Friday 29 June 1906 A tremendous rain storm in the night every thing wet, wet and barrel running over with rain water. Mr Lancaster here this am Mauds lesson very poorly learned. Bees swarmed. Sr hived them and another such a scrap I never saw first went on a long rain coat to his feet it came, then the head and face protection then a pair of leather gloves and he sallied forth to capture bees, he says he got stung 40 times on the head and a hundred times on his hands and if V has any more bees to hive he may do it for he never will have any more. Maud lost her glasses on berry patch but �13 [left corner has been torn, missing text indicated by *] * them again after a long * V helping her look for them. * Digman and Will have * Evening A letter from Muriel * Herald and R’s hearth stone. * a post cared from Watson announcing his * Saturday 30th June 1906 * worked at foot and finished there for a while. Maud made cookies and I moped the floors A terrible rain storm lost 7 chickens in the rain dont know what occurred after, at least I dont remember. Sunday 1 July 1906 A long warm lazy day. Tom Redmen here Niles hired man. Dont know much but can lie like a papist. V picked 3 dozen baskets strawberries for market among our neighbours. �14 [right corner has been torn, missing text indicated by *] July 2 Monday 11 February A very good clear day rather cold Miss C* to school. V and Sr drew hay from * 3 loads then V went to R Percys for * 12 gal of Kerosine. M finished her rug very pretty. Voltie fed and watered ducks. Tuesday 12 February 1907 This is the 23rd anniversary of Bells marriage This day is a great contrast to the other 12 February that was a beautiful day this is cold but partly clear. Voltie gone to Kingston with hay. Crawford walked to school. V came back late for he started late, after 12 pm and returned at 12 pm night. Miss C and Maud set up for Voltie. he had bin to supper. Quinn called here on his way to his home and gave him his tea & * Wednesday 13 Feb 1907 V went up to K with another load of hay. Sr watered and fed ducks Thursday 14 Feb 1907 Charley drove down bringing Belle, Henry, Majorie & Marjorie’s Baby through the rain V watered and fed ducks. �15 July 4th A rainy fore noon rained all night pm clear. Marjorie & Art & the baby came down to cross over [illegible] brought them down Grace went home with them Friday 15th Feb 1907. Maud working all day on feet poor Maud. If I could only get around as in in days of yore. I’d help more. V working in shop all day. Albert Gillespie walked into the ice crack when he came to bring the ice tongs V watered R ducks Saturday 16th George Pillar drove into the crack coming back from Will Dixons. Voltie went and put a signal by the crack. Geo horse in all over. After dinner he drove home. Art Vincent came for Marjorie, he brought a load of goods to Quinns.Marjorie, Art and the baby went home after dinner. Morgan Sr came for his cutter which Voltie has repaired. Charley H came down too and brought the phonograph which which Belle manipulated for Morgans amusement. Voltie went over & feed and watered ducks. �16 Sunday 17 Feb 1907 A beautiful day. snow fell last night to the time of very good travelling with [illegible] Voltie and Maud gone to Johns and Marjories. Charley, Belle and Henry go home driving up on the ice. Gertrude goes to church and Sr goes over to water and feed R’s ducks and I’m alone; blessed silence and peace. Monday 18 Feb A beautiful day but rather cold. Sr drove to school with Gertrude. Robert Horn drove here for V to fix his sleigh but V is gone away over the river; and yesterday Sr hitched up and drove over to water R’s ducks and feed them. Tuesday 19 Feb 1907 Snows and blows a hurycane. Teacher walked to school. Sr drove her at night. don’t believe he watered R’s ducks. He said he was going to water them but I didn’t see him go. Merritt Daily drove here for a bag of potatoes. Lonesome without Voltie & Maud. 3 eggs. Not cold day. The Herrald picture is a beauty came to night and a letter from dear Muriel. Wednesday 20 Feb 1907 Sr drove over to the corners for sugar and molasses A beautiful day. Wind south. Sr drove to school with Gertrude this am �17 [Pattern for Wheel lace but corner has been ripped and remainder illegible] I want 67 points in all -48 19 more Thursday 21 rather cold. Gertrude walked to from school. Sr carried her in cutter in morning, At dinner time I’m tired with a lame back. A quiet pleasant day. No one came. Evening I write to Grace, Pea soup for dinner. Sun shining, clear all day Friday 22 A clear cold day. Gertrude walked to school. I hope V & M will come home to day. Sr’s fingers and toes awful cold, pitching straw for cows from the staw stack. �18 Wheel Lace 30 stitches [pattern hand written but is not understandable] �19 �20 Continued. Sr went over to feed and water ducks and froze his nose. �21 Friday Voltie Saturday 23rd Sunday 24 February 1907. looks like a storm. Will came bringing Rachel and Louise, then came Van and Lib. Then came, Crawfords’ bean Pixley a back woods hobo. Grandad mad, about Pixley. Jr �22 Monday 25 Feb 1907. V after driving to school. School with Miss Crawford. drove up for Robert and Grace. Margaret & Robby they came before sunset. Trustees met at school house to see about keeping Crawford in school. no government in is school. They think they will turn her out. Tuesday 26 February 1907. A very good day cold. Voltie and Robert hitched up and drove the gray colt across to Quinns. Came back to dinner. They found Quins folcks moving and Art Vincent moving in. Rachel and Louise came over then came Charley H and Beatrice and William Watts. All ate dinner, went again afternoon and returned towards night. Feb 27 Wednesday 1907 A cold day wind North. Voltie hitched up the grey colt and drove with Miss Crawford to school. Sr drove up to the horse race at the villiage. This day I feel dull and sleepy. Grace help Maud wash breakfast dishes. Thursday 28th 1907 Clear and cold. V drove to school with Miss Crawford; only three pupils today. The threats. V loaded hay for Kingston from R’s place. Bob went to R for a call while V and Sr were loading hay. Rob much pleased with his visit as relating to Louise Horn Niles. I pieced three log cabins blocks. �23 March 1 Friday 1907. Clear and cold. Sent for McClures magazine to day by Voltie. V went to Kingston with hay. Saturday 2nd 1907 A fine day. Bob and Grace, after dinner drive over to Rachels drawing the children on sled. Saturday 1907 March 9th Robert, Grace & children and Maud gone to Kingston today on ice. Robt forgot his pipe and their onions & popcorn & sauce. They visited Marjorie V & M going with them. Sunday the third stay home all day except R & V go over to Van’s. Thursday they all go to Van’s visiting. The 3 of March Van & Lib came over to visit. Will & Willie came over for Louise. Rachel came too then Miss Crawford and her beau Pixley came. �24 Sunday 10 March 1907 Another beautiful day. Mrs Crawford goes to church. Rachel abed with cold. Mrs McLaren came to hire Rachel and hired her to cook. 15 June I’m grieved to say Devolson took mean Woodman with with him to Clayton and V came home very much drunk, brought home a rooster. Monday 11 March. A fine day sun bright and warm and clear. Rachel sick all day Sr got a severe cold too Tuesday 12 March 1907 A beautiful day R sick all night but snored awfuly all night. went home to see if her duck has laid an egg and didn’t come back. V went at evening to see how she is she better been abed all day, rained this pm. Milton Woodard here for supper and then went over the river. V cleaned up a grist for mill but helped Niles all fore noon cut ice. 128 cakes. Wednesday 18 March 1907. V gone to Kingston on ice going to mill. Sent Graces things home and Bobs pipe-a cloudy day and fog �25 Sr walked over to see how R’s health is, found her better. A man from Depanville named Reed, driving on ice with buggy drove into the crack. Wells, Thait & the Woodmans got his horse; he was a cow buyer. Wells heard by some one on the road that Richard Spoor died last night, very sudenly—apoplexy the cause. Voltie came early, ate dinner at Robert G’s Grace sent me a letter &c Thursday 14 March 1907 A dirty morning. Raining and freezing. Voltie drove to school with Miss C and then drove down to R’s carrying her medicine bottles that he bought for her in Kingston. found her fast recovering and eating buckwheat cakes. cakes. The Poster was fine; wish I had more, but tis too expensive; 10 cts per bottle. V cleaned the ice house and pm is cutting ic Jack Niles helping though first he drove to J OBriens for ic saw. Jack Niles ate supper with us Friday 15 March 1907 Jack & Voltie finished filling the ice house and Voltie packed in in saw dust after dinner went across the ice to A.V’s to send �26 to Corners for rubber boots, took Will’s potatoes aross but forgot the to carry the garden seeds. He went for the mail and then went to Rahel’s found her well &c. A snow blizzard in pm Saturday 16th of March A half cloudy day snowing a little now & then, froze last eve. V arose early when I didn’t hear, got his own breakfast put up the eggs and gone to Kingston started at 6 a.m. going to bring Maud home. Hiram Joslin drove Rachels cow here to day. Irene Sr made two pies (apple) and a jelly turnover & washed two dish towel and one hand towel, my feet ache, ache, beat & throb. Voltie came home alone having left Maud at John OBrien’s, been in the River horses in all over Voltie hauled Maud out and sent her ashore. teams coming right along helped him out with the horses and things. Every dud soaking wet groceries & all Mauds dry good, were "wet goods. Rachels bread all pudding. I set yeast cake. Sunday 17 March 1907 A cloudy Windy morning, raining, ground nearly bare. Voltie drives to John Obriens for Maud goes in covered buggy driving on ice, returns in time for dinner. After dinner, with Club in hand goes over the �27 river to Art Vincents; we watch him as he goes away over the ice. I wish I didn’t live on Wolfe Island where there is nothing but ice, water, worry and trouble. Rachels heifer has a new calf born this St Patrick’s day in the morning. We’ll call the calf Pat. Voltie gone till after dark. I set a lamp in the parlor window; he had been to the corners for rubber boots but Donaldson not at home so he came home without them, found Marjorie and the family all well. Monday 18 March 1907 Quite a fair day. Kent came; leaving his horse here and walked to the corners (across the ice). Arthur drove to the corners with Kent. Voltie sent to the corners by Kent for the rubber boots and Kent brought them all right. Sr mending harness all day. Voltie working the shop. Maud very lame and sore after being in the cold icy river. We going to have a telephone it mow came today. Tuesday 19 March 1907 The most dreary and disagreeable day of all the year, wind, rain, snow & mud. G Crawford walked to school. Voltie drove for her at evening time. A card from Mrs Brooks, a letter from Watson, 2 men here to buy horses. Frank Briceland here for butter but got none. �28 Wednesday 20 March 1907 I don’t know what transpired to day nothing out of the ordinary. Voltie working in the shop. Sr got a severe cough and cold. A terrible wind from SE Thursday 21 March 1907 A very good day looks like rain tho Tom Chatterdon came over skated across. Came for seeds, said Marjorie not very well. Rachel came over too to see her cow and calf and get some apples. Voltie began working for Rattray at $2.00 per day. Friday 22nd March 1907 A fine day but looks like rain. Voltie gone to Rattrays to work shingling their house. Kent A Kehoe helping. Sr choring around. I do as I please so does Maud. boil pork and cook the meals; a letter from Muriel and one from Edna Quinn Barrons. �29 Saturday 23 March 1907 A fine day warm and thawing no snow on the ground; one little shity patch of snow towards the gate by the barn. A channel open in the river; fowl around the door turkeys, hens, guineas, cats, old pines, the ducks are in barn yard. V gone to Rattray to shingle their house. Sr gone to R’s to carry her water and milk. Maud emptied the flour bags into the flour cans and scoured the cellar steps and landing. Merritt Daily here to get his sap pan soldered. Jack Niles here to get his saw filed. The filer and solderer not at home. made applies pies. Rena sat up till eleven. I doing sorting old letters and scrap papers. V brought home a piece of cheese. Sunday 24 March 1907 Raining all night. Thundered and lightened A dark dismal morning. Wells got a bad cough nothing occurs to of any consequence to day only a new calf. Rainy dreary dismal day all day no visitors. I wrote a letter to Muriel. �30 Monday 25th 1907 A very fine day. V up early and brought water for Maud to wash clothes. Maud washed big washing and hung them on the line. V and Sr drew hay from the stack. V put the bees in the cellar two extinct hives full of honey which leaves 6 full hives. A man from the other shore attempted to cross over walking on the ice. Tuesday 26 1907. Threatens rain and does rain some Maud irons the clothes from the veranda. The white clothes partly ironed. R came over but didn’t bring Ethels letter. I cook beans and make scrap books. V working for Rattray on the cheese factory - this is the 4 day. Wednesday 27th March 1907 A fine day warm 50 deg above freeze. C walked to school. Voltie walked to Rattrays cheese factory working on factory. Last nights mail a letter from Grace, a post card from Charley D and a letter from Willie for Maud. Grandad didn’t cough so much last night. Dispatch and Massey Harris 18 eggs to day. Foggy evening but Voltie found his way home though the fog was thick enough to cut. I retired at 10 pm. �31 Thursday March 28th 1907 A warm, foggy windy morning. Voltie working at the cheese factory, snow all gone, thundering in south with sharp flashes of lightning and a little shower. Friday 29 March 1907 Voltie working on cheese factory not a very pleasant day. Miss Crawford goes up with the wind Saturday 30 March 1907 Voltie finishes the cheese factory by building a chimney goes to Kent’s for his dinner. Morgan Redick around looking for a piece of pork to fry their easter eggs in. Separated the milk. Sunday 30 March 1907 Easter we are alone all day. A beautiful day, grows colder towards night. We boil a kettle full of eggs. Aunt Rena ate 3 eggs and reads and write letters to Charley Dixon. �32 Monday 1st April 1907. A chilly raw day. We churned for the first this spring. V brought the incubator down stairs and set it up with the lamp burning. Rachel came over and churned. Tuesday 2nd April 1907. Rachel came over and churned. Wednesday 3rd April 1907. Voltie drawing fertilizer for potato ground. Old Morgan came to get V to fix his old wagon. V fix it and gave him a card of honey. V set the incubator. Thursday 4th April 4th 1907. Looks like rain. V finished drawing stone and fertilizer and then began plowing all for potato ground. Maud cleaning up stairs. Aunt Rena cooked and washed all the dishes and separator. �33 Friday 5 April 1907 A cold windy snowy storm from the North. Maud ironing and putting up window curtains up stairs. Voltie after cutting the honey from the hive went to the shop to work. Aunt Rena got breakfast, washed the dishes and separator. Rachel has come over to churn and brought her basket. Miss Crawford came down with the mail. Mail a card from Grace, a letter from Shotts. Saturday 6th April Saturday work went on as usual floors cleaned, cake baked. G.C. laid in bed as usual till after breakfast. Sunday 7th April 1907. A fair forenoon, an early dinner. Maud and Gertrude can go to church, did walk away up to the Episcopal Church, rained some. they stoped at Kents and had their tea by invitation. Lottie Kent brought them home in buggy. Monday 8th April 1907. Snowing, fall like January weather, ground white. Rachel came over to churn, staid all day we didn’t churn. I wrote a long letter to Belle and sent her honey or will tomorrow. �34 Maud white washed kitchen and cleaned the woodwork. Voltie worked on buggy box. Tuesday 9th April 1907. Clear starlight and a clear morning, but some clouds again. Voltie arose before 4 O’clock milked the cows, separated the milk, fed the calves and has now gone to Kingston. The roads must be awful mudy. 10 minutes past 7 am. Sunday 28 April 1907. Marjorie and Arthur came over in Volties skiff after their hired man Macintire & Smith a neighbor rowed across for Marjorie and Arthur & baby. They rowed over for V’s skiff to bring them over so V had to go row them across and didn’t return till bed time. The river is very still. Monday 29 April 1907. didn’t do much my way. V worked in field and has got boils on his neck. Tuesday 30 April 1907. A tremendous rain storm all day with thunder and lightning. Voltie drove to school for teacherMiss Crawford. �35 Wednesday 1 May 1907 Got butter ready for market 28 lbs. churned a very good after the heavy rain of yesterday. no working in field today. Rachel came over and churned her butter she has 8 lbs Thursday 2nd May 1907. A very good after the rain of Tuesday to wet to work in field till pm. Maud and Rachel went to Kingston with butter for market. Aunt Rena done the work of cooking the meals, washing dishes, sweeping, baking bread, custard, washing and putting together separator. Maud bought double Tulip. V & Sr set the fish net in a new place Friday 3 May 1907. Arbor day clear and cool. 7 fish in net this morning when Voltie run the net. V preparing the ground to sow grain. Never know what grandpa is doing he dont ever say what he going to do. Rachel staid here last night and cleaned the fish this morning. Gertrude and the pupils cleaning up around the school yard. Rachel came over to fill the seed dishes with dirt for me, brought me a lot of sweet peas and some orange marmalade and is helping me get dinner. Grandad is coming from away across the fields, been working on Rachels place. Kathleen came down with the mail enroute for Marjorie. Received a letter from Grace �36 Saturday 4 May 1907 A morning of wind rain snow; rains all night hard a sorrowful day for farmers. so much mud can’t work in field when the cold rain and snow are falling and the cold North wind is blowing. Couldn’t go to the net this morning a half inch of ice on everything. Kathleen restless, walking around snow gone. Churning to day about nine lbs butter. Sunday 5 May 1907 Frozen morning ice in both rain barrels. Voltie rowed across to Marjories with Kathleen and Rachel. The girls gone to church both forenoon & afternoon service (Methodist & Episcopal) A very quiet day wind blowing a little from South and looks cloudy again. Dr Volson returned at 1/2 past 2 pm. ate dinner at Marjories. Aunt Rena dressed three fish; cooked one for dinner just three O’clock pm. Edy Bates came bringing three old fish spears to have mended. Monday 6 May 1907 A cold morning for 6 of May. Voltie gathered one pickerel from the net then spread it on the grass to dry badly torn from logs in bottom of river. am V and dad worked over on the 30 acres Merritt came over bringing their separator funnel for Voltie to solder, that Jane had melted the ears off from in the oven. About 12.30 noon �37 Jane came driving over in style for the funnel. Voltie was trying to solder it when she arrived she found V engaged in fixing her funnel and as it was a difficult piece of work to accomplish it was 3 pm before it was finnish. V left his field work. Mrs Daily was nervous with fear V couldn’t solder the funnel. Tuesday 7 May 1907 A cloudy still day. Sylvia W and Lottie Kent here for mission money. They ask no one except Maud she gave them 10 cts. we printed the balance of butter 11 lbs & 11 oz, used the small scales. Maud helped Voltie set the fish net. V after diner not worked in field Sr cut brush and set posts over on Rachels place. Maud done big washing mail: letter from Grace one from Helen Watson Dispatch and that is all. Wednesday 8 May 1907. but not warm yet wind North. I expected a letter from Wellies family but were disappointed Maud churned twice once for ourselves nd once for R. V went to not early this morn �38 but no fish not a scale. Tuesday 6th August 1907 A warm cloudy day. Sr went fishing caught 10 rock bass. V cut barley with mowing machine V Telephone to Elly Woodman for new binder. Maud telephoned to bell to come for berries. Rachel telephone for apples for McClarren Hitchcock house. Telephone to Belle to come and pick raspberries again for herself. Received a letter from Grace Boyne City and a magazine the "Boyne Citizen" Wednesday 7th August 1907. Cloudy BelleKathleen & Henry drove in buggy. They picked 12 quarts. �39 Continuation from February 8th through June 28 1918 diary in separate book �40 June Saturday 29th 1918. A clear bright warm day. Jimy, Voltie and Will Dixon working on the barn. A sharp shower of rain drove them to the house for a while. I wrote a Letter to Grace Cheever. Rachel walked over staid to supper, walked over again looking for her spectacles. Sunday 39th June 1918 A lovely warm bright am very warm almost hot. Will went home to day. V paid him 15 dollars R $2 dollars. Ray Rat drove here for Emma to go visiting to Maggie. The pm very warm it looks like rain. I write a letter to Ben Watson. I sent or gave two letters to mail for me one to Charley Dixon, one to Grace Cheever. Will Niles came and brought me a bunch of roses. Roy & Maggie brought Emma home before rain. Voltie salted the cows and took a nap after rowing Will D across the river. E & E brought in all the clothes off the lines and grass it looks so much like rain. Voltie brought in and gave me all the strawberries that our strawberry vines grew this year which was 6 berries. Emma gave me two candies. I can eat neither berries nor candies but go to bed supperless. Will Niles said, he read in Watertown paper that Wellie Bamford has bought a farm. I am glad; now he wont have to move again �41 Monday July 1st 1918 Dominion Day Wind blowing hard from South this morn rained heavily in the night. Rain came in under the veranda door. The weather clears tho the wind continues to blows and the waves are rolling high and beating against the shore. The clouds are running to the North this morning, and the swaying bowing bending of the trees all in motion. V can’t work on the barn this day on account of wind tho he did work some after Jim came. Jim didn’t go home this eve a picnic Brophy’s pointSamy went accompanied by Miss Langley a dance at night. Tuesday 2nd July 1918 A very good day all day. V & Jim worked on barn all day JD turned the cows in the orchard after milking in morning. V and I watch them to keep them out from the door yard and destroying Emmas flower bed. Edith has to trot after them nearly every ten minutes. After dinner Edith goes visiting to Louise Niles then Emma has to trot every time I say "There the cows are eating your dahlias. Edgar Niles came over for Emma to go to their house visiting and tomorrow pm they are going to Allen’s St Lawrence corners to a dance. Emma went. Jim Morgan goes home after he ate supper �42 Jan 5 1907 Sold butter 25 cts per lb 10 $2,50 " " 28 " " 19 $5,13 " " 25 " 8 Honey 22 sections May 2 Sold butter 3 lbs-5lb " 8 " " S.D. Woodman �43 Debt owe bank paid $47.00 " R 25 " R again for hay 25 owe $7.00 on piano $10 �44 5 Jan 1907 . . \\{} Paid to bank on insurance $18.50 + sent for Alkavis 5.02 + Groceries 1.62 Condition powders .40 horse shoeing 1.00 boat fare .25 horse keep .25 Pink pills 1.25 18 Jan . .\\{} sugar 1.00 Kerosine oil .60 Freight and carting .15 Fare for V and Crawford in Card’s rig .50 Horse keep .35 Deck hooks 1.50 stove paste .50 Harness paint .15 �corn starch .10 Laundry starch .10 Tobaco .20 snuff for R .15 Gin .70 soap .25. + �45 Feb 1st Soap ,25 Rolled wheat ,15 letter tablet 10 Envelopes 5 paid a note to Massay Harriss $8,2 olive oil ,07 Box sodas ,25 Ginger & pepper ,20 two boxes cow brand ,10 mustard ,05 Gin ,70 [illegible] ,36 mittens 1,05 subscribed Herald 1,00 peanuts 10 Tobaco ,35 beef 35 2 cards 20 paid in bank $18,50 paid J Sppor 9,00 Sand bay school tax 1,42 Tax on Lindas 1,43 Gin 85 treating 36 Pipe 1,00 �46 over shoes 2,00 drinks 10 cts 12 gallons, Kerosine 1,50 bolts ,05 codfish 48 cheese ,21 brooms ,25 Yeast cakes ,05 2 bottles ink ,10 6 papers pins ,12 12 safety pins ,13 drawers for V ,50 Grass seed 4,00 1 dressing comb ,15 1 box matches ,15 from corners 10 lbs sugar ,50 " " molasses ,40 1 string of sleigh bells 2,00 4 Feb Spent in Watertown 6,30 27 Groceries 1,38 Gin. He said it was ,25 cts but probably more ,25 Horse shoeing 1,00 syrup from Kingston ,50 sugar ,50 McLures magazine 1,00 �47 groceries ,40 groceries ,49 olive oil ,25 porter ,20 1 bottle pickled olives ,20 1 bottle Barter ,10 b snuff ,05 cocoa ,10 chocolate ,10 pastry sugar ,30 5 lbs sugar ,25 " " granulaed ,30 a card of needles ,10 letter tablet ,10 dry goods from Laidlaws 2,15 Gin ,75 tin ware ,20 cloth for quilt ,50 horse blister ,75 horse keeping ,15 sugar 30 Paid Rachel $20,00 Mauds rubbers ,50 stockins ,25 yeast cakes ,10 �48 smoked herin ,15 1 fish ,35 tobaco ,35 tin pans ,24 Rubber boots cedit 1500 Telephone " 15,00 Boat fare 25 snuff 05 peppermint 10 2 bottles electric oil 50 Borax 10 10 sugar 50 sodas 25 Ginger 25 matting 2,25 Groceries ,50 Table cloth ,98 seeds from Park ,25 Envelopes ,05 4 May 1907 Groceries 1,59 Boat fare 25 two corsets covers ,50 tulip plant ,25 �49 Wednesday July 3rd 1918 A very cool morning and clouding up fast, very strange weather for 3rd July. V turned the cows in again this morning. pm I watch cows pick over beans. Edith getting dinner. phoned to Weir for Tea & Coffee. JimSamy & V working on barn E ran to post box with letters to Bernie Watson. Edith drove the cows back twice before nine Oclock and has to find wood to get dinner with. O such work! Letting the Tea & Coffee be all used up and say nothing and she going to St Lawrence store. Thursday 4th July 1918 A fine day. Grace, Margaret, Robert, Isabel, Bert, Maud and Hubert came this a.m. �50 Friday 5 July 1918 A very fine day. V and Jim working on barn. Emma not home. Van came over in pm. river very Quiet. Van drank cider. Heard Joe is coming home to stay. Saturday 6 July 1918 A bright breezy morning, cool and fine. Emma not home yet. Grace doing all the work, cooking and waiting on the table. Voltie, Jim Morgan & Samy Woodman here working on the barn. Every one busy. One cow jumped in here. Edith and Isabel drove her out. mopping cleaning baking going on �51 Sunday 7 July 1918 Not a very pleasant day for weather wind and showers at intervals. Bert went fishing caught 2 fine pike which Grace cooked for dinner together with mashed potatoes & very nice. Voltie rowed them over the river and they went to Watertown in Berts car. Bert, Maud Hubert, Grace & Isabel. Wm N brought Emma home after they went home. Bert carried home a half bag full of fish. Rachel here too. Monday 8 July 1918 Worked on barn part of the day, then rained again. Jim went home. Wm N staid and V and he done what they could. Tuesday 9th July 1918. Worked some on the barn not much. James didn’t come this day. V and Wm worked in shop. After supper Wm N went home. I requested him to ask his ma to send me some lettuce. E, E & Margaret went to R’s carrying milk after dark. �52 Wednesday 10 July 1918 A morning of fog and clouds rained in the night. Wm came over through the fog. don’t understand how he found his way across through the fog. he brought me lettuce. Jimy came bringing me lettuce so we will have some for dinner any way. Received the announcement of Hubert Bamford wedding to Pauline Catherine Shead. They were married 5th July 1918. Rachel came over to dinner. fish for supper. girls caught high rocks. Thursday 11 July 1918 Voltie, Jimy, Will Niles working on the barn. Margaret, Edith and Emma went to Dora Hallidays to the ice cream strawberry festival. went by way of Jimy Morgan’s and from there in motor boat came home at 2 a.m. I write a letter to Belle. had fish for supper which the girls caught from high rocks. Friday 12 July 1918. A very warm day. Voltie, Jimy, Wm N and Robert working on barn. Barn nearly completed enough for hay and grain. Jimy M drove to dock for lumber, for Voltie from Anglin. Girls fishing for supper. I sent a letter to Belle. margaret rec’d a letter from her ma. Canadian Countryman, Farm and Dairy Famers, Advocate done a good job on the barn this day RobertMargaretE & E went at eve to carry milk to Rachel. �53 Saturday 13 July 1918 A cool clear morning. wind North and breezy. Margaret went to factory with Voltie. Emma wears her best black skirt every day. Guess it is a sign. Poor dear little girl. �54 �55 �56 �57 wheel Lace 31 stitches and knit across plain 1 row S one, K2, 0, n, K 4 on, O 12 3 on 161, 0, n K, 5, useless purchase Gin 70 "5 treatment 36 20 two cards lost note paper & envelopes 15 1 pipe 1,00 $3,26 to this date Feb 10. 1907 two beers, 10 more gin (Last little gusset_ 1-19 listed vertically 1-24 listed vertically Third row of gusset like first one �58 �59 �60 �61 1907 1 Jan Letters Received. Cards from Eveline Letter from W.M. & card " " Ethel with card & doily 8 Jan letter from Muriel letter from Grace letter from W.S. Herald & Dispatch 11 Jan Herald postal from Mrs Brooks Letter from Alkavis Letter from Rena James 12 Jan Letter from Letter from Grace " " Helen Watson " " W.F. Watson " " Catalogue of jewelry " " Dispatch " " Parks Floral Guide Friday 18 Jan a letter from Grace and from Hugh a letter from Muriel " " " Gladys a roll of papers from Eveline The Herald. Maud received a card from Muriel Tuesday Jan 21 Dispatch, New Thought, Floral Guide Friday A letter from Muriel A match scratcher from Maud A calendar from Maud letter from Grace Herald & McCheres magazine Tuesday 29 letter from Gladys " " Rena James Dispatch Experimental farm �invitation to C.M.B.A. �62 �63 �64 New Year 1907 letters posted [date] [cost]\\{} Jan 1 Subscribed to Herald 2 cts " Helen Watson 2 " Rena James 2 Jan 4th Eveline 2 " Jennie Dunlop 2 " Grace 2 " One copy of Herald for Eveline 2 " A package of papers for F.W. Watson 2 5th Edna Parsons 2 " Alkavis 2 " Herald for Eveline 2 8th Herald for Eveline 2 " Mailed a letter for Miss Crawford 2 " Mailed a letter for Maud to W.M. 2 11th Herald for Eveline 2 14th Two letters to Muriel 4 " Two letters posted for Miss Crawford 4 22 Jan Two more letters posted for Crawford 4 " A letter for Gladys 2 " " " " Rena James 2 25 Jan letter for Grace 2 �" sent letter to Grace 2 Feb 9th sent Valentine to Muriel 2 " Sent Valentine to Gladys 2 " letter to Murray Harris Company 2 �65 Sent letter Eveline Other letters and cards April 5 2 letter one to Gladys and one to W.C.M. Letter to Bill one Easter letter to W.F.W. " " " Charlie Dixon " " " Edna Parsons " " " Muriel " " " Eveline " " " Park Grandma Grandma will it be all right if I go down to [illegible] she said allowed. Wants me to come as she is there I dont think the girls will over to go with me �66 one spool thread No 12 white " " " " 30 black Tablet & Envelopes Cosmopolitan Rolle doats Diary �67 February 3-1/2 dox eggs at 30 cents per doz 12 doz eggs " .21 March 16 5 dozen eggs April 10 doz eggs Have knit the 7th ro of the print of sandyk """8""""""" 3rd row of gusset [illegible] 10 row �68 Photomount Pamphlet Binder Manufactured by Gaylord Bros. Inc. Syracuse, N.Y. Stockton, Calif. �69 �This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following people: Ann Hopkinson, Ella Deering, Queen’s University Archives, and hannahb25 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th and 20th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1887-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1887 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1888-1889 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1889-1897 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1890 March - June Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1893-1895 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1895-1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1896 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1897-1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899-1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902, 1906 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902-1909 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1904-1905 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1907 & 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1908-1919 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1911 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913-1914 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1915-1916 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1916-1917 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1917-1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1921-1922 Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1907 & 1918 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1907 & 1918 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 13th, 1907 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/a54250a10bb7913c4a89ca9eaf4b65d5.pdf 5396cbbac133513752a053805194873e PDF Text Text Irene Dixon Bamford 1904 November to 1905 May, Diary Transcription 5034_4-1-13 �Metadata FromThePage export of 5034_4-1-13 from Irene Dixon Bamford made on 2026-02-11 14:35:17 UTC. itemTitle: Nov. 1904-May 1905 date: 1904-1905 Title: 5034_4-1-13 Description: Item is a diary. Created On: 2024-01-11 17:48:35 UTC In Scope: true Uploaded Filename: 5034_4-1-13 �1 IRENE DIXON BAMFORD DIARY Nov. 1904- May 1905 1904-1905 Queen’s University Archives Locator 5034.4 Box 1 File 13 �2 Nov. 1904 - May 1905 �3 Re-Read ’76 - ’84 �4 [diary cover with various non-descript scribblings] Marjorie 17-1/2 eggs 12 eggs 84 17 204 [affixed stamp] R Date 1905 Sealed with Gulfwax 11 butter 17 price per lb 77 11 1,87 2,04 6 8,97 �5 Re-Read ’76 - �6 1 Tuesday 25 Oct 1904 A miserable raw rainy day Wind S W & blowing half a gale Suppose ’Tis a whole gale on the lakes Thursday 4 May 1905 A dismal rainy chilly morning V drove to the dock carrying Rachel I send the butter by Rachel for groceries and things. V brought home the new incubator which had been sent down from the villiage on the Wolfe Island. The name of the boat has been changed from Tom Fosset for Wolfe Islander. Volta set up the incubator but did’nt put in the eggs but has gone over there to ditch. Volta drove to dock for Rachel & groceries �7 Friday 5 May 1905 A rainy wet morning Thunder heavy in night with very vivid lightning. I pulled the curtains down to keep out the glare of the bright flashes of lightning. A regluar [sic] down pour of rain in night. Voltie got a stiff and swolen neck on left shoulder. I doctor it with worm wood vinegar and salt as hot as I can bringing it out, a little better at 9 am. Maud has to wash separator breakfast dishes get dinner &c. Sent a letter to Amanda Dies Voltie carries it Post Office A.M. [various scribblings of letter A] �8 3 Saturday 6 May 1905 A sloppy day we cooked and cleaned floors, made punkin [sic] pies &c. Majorie & Irene came after dark driving old Jake with top buggy so we sat up quite late visiting [Image: pencil sketch ’Lafargeville R] Art Vincent, Bob Reid & Len Patterson came over rowed across and in Green Farr’s skiff, wet to the pelt where the skiff had shiped water. so we have company to dinner Majorie and her betrothed Jo walking down in cedars. Irene calls it "lovers retreat". The gals go home at 5 p.m. boys cant go wind blows so but stay all night. Continued on 5 page �9 4 Saturday 30 Oct 1904 Evening, Dont think I was ever so tired as I am this night and alone, no one to help and Voltie gone to the villiage after plowing all fore noon, gone for coal and new plow. I cant get around very well I am so lame with rheumatism, shoats all turned out the pen this morning 12 or 19, rooting up every thing well let them go; I dont care. Wells Sr got all the chores to do this pm alone, milk, feed hogs, stew pumpkins for hogs out doors, go and draw a load of brush and wood to put around the kettle out doors. I feed the lame duck after the chickens go to roost. Oh I must go and put wood in stove to keep the supper warm dont know when Voltie will come, tis 8 pm now. he may not come tonight. I hope he may. He came �10 5 Monday 8 May 1905 The wind hushed and gone to rest this morning and those lads leave for Depauville. Rains again towards night. V makes cabbage bed and sows 4 papers of cabbage seed and sets out the dahlias. Tuesday 9 May 1905 A cold windy day and squally. Maude paints the pantry and floor. V finished setting strawberry plants. 700 plants. Dad plows. I cook, wash dishes & churn. Mail; Good Storries, Whig, Agricultral dispatch, letter from Grace and one from John. V tested the eggs in incubator all good but one, then he accidentaly broke one. He set the alarm and got up twice to examine the temperature in incubator �11 This is 20 May Saturday 1905 Have not written in this diary since 9th of May, many events have occured since then; my dear old mother died on the 12 of May 1905 of paralysis at the age of nearly 90 years. Frank Woodman came over to tell us. Sunday the body was brought to the island and laid in the vault as it was her request to be burried here. Voltie went for Belle, and she came home with him and staid till after the funeral. Will and Flora, Ethel, Lottie, Belle, Charley, Mary, William & Stanley Woodman and Rachel and Frank Woodman and Johny Bamford here to dinner. Voltie carried them all back over the river, they went in two skiffs. V rowing one and Will D the other. V came back towing one of the skiff home again through the thick fog on the river. The weather is disagreeable, windy rainy and cold. I think V has lost all his tomato plants by setting them out on a cold windy day, plants will die. �12 sure, this very morning is nearly cold to freeze. V coal tared [sic] the punt this morning going to set a net for fish. The spring work goes slowly on; onions, cabbage, lettuce, peas are sowed &c. Rachel and Lottie came over awhile after dinner. Mr Roadhouse came down from the cemetery made a long prayer. Sunday 28 May 1905 month nearly gone Not clear and bright but cloudy yesterday (Saturday). V arose early went to Kingston driving up by the road to the villiage. chickens hatching in the incubator. V came bringing brooder and groceries and woven wire for chicken yard. Evening visitors Mr & Mrs Daily, Rube & Mary McFadden Robert Percy & Bob Henderson’ This morning Voltie took the chickens from the incubator 80 of them and tranfered them to the brooder. �13 Saturday 19 Nov 1904 The most beautiful Nov. day I ever saw, warm, bright like June. Wells Sr shingling stable. Voltie building addition to poultry house. Maud done the Saturdays cleaning up. Irene made pumpkin pies, fried cakes, cooked breakfast, dinner & supper & washed all the dishes and separator. Wednesday 8 Nov 1904 Not a very bad day for the season. Dress 7 fowl & two ducks for market. Rachel came over and helped me finnish [sic] picking fowl and staid—no she didnt and sent her shoe over here for Maud to take to Kingston for repair. V plowing another �14 November Sunday 20 1904 A warm hazy day, wind south blowing rather briskly. Very heavy thunder in the night but little rain. There has been no rain or snow for nearly three weeks, though the ground is, or has been frozen so hard, plowing could not be done for more than a week ago. It is a drouth [sic] in November a very unusual thing, or occurance for this month. I sat down to write in the diary and wandered off into dream land for half an hour or more when Maud arouses me to pare apples for dinner. Sr up stairs all forenoon. The sky is overcast with thick dark clouds and so thick and smoky Carleton Island is entirely hidden from view. Away off in the South we hear the rumbling of distant thunder but no rain. �15 Monday 21 Nov 1904 A beautiful day N wind not cold. Wells Sr & Voltie plowing over the way. June cut out the pillow ticking. Maud made one and took the last of the pumpkin from the poles and Irene put it in the bag and washed separator and mixed bread and washed the Churn and prepared for churning, washes dishes and helped get dinner. Maud swept and made beds. Tuesday 22nd Nov 1904 A fine day and also the anniversary of my birth 71 years old to day. I am nearing the other shore. I wrote and send a letter to Jen. This is a very poor pen and worse ink. I’m sleepy and go fast asleep while writing. The Weekly Herald didnt come. �16 Wednesday 23rd Nov 1904 A beautiful day. Voltie buchered [sic] six hogs for market. Charley Woodman helping also Mr McGreggor. I made butter prints 18 lbs for market. Thursday 24 Nov 1904 Arose at 4 a.m. Voltie going to market with butter and pork. Voltie paid Rogers $50 dollars on rent. Sent Grace a little basket. A dirty rainy day with flurries of snow �17 Friday 25th Nov 1904 Every thing white with snow. Voltie went to Geo Rattrays and brought home the cheese together with the lumber for the veranda. A cloudy uncomfortable day growing colder. Sr making a flail to thresh beans. V working in shop till dinner time. Charley Woodman here for buggy tongue. Wish I could have sent Belle a letter, my poor dear Belle. I dont see her very often, wish I could. A letter from Flora B, Whig, Hearthstone. Thursday 9 Nov 1905 Arose at 1/2 past four and pack the fowl in a bushel basket. I send Grace 1 doz eggs and some apples. Eggs are 30 cts per doz. This is King Edwards birthday. ducks 10 cts per lb and hens only 6 per lb at the fish market. Rachel came over with Voltie and helped me all day �18 Saturday 26 Nov 1904 and staid all night. The weather very good. Voltie plowing "over there". Saturday 27 Nov 1904 �19 Monday 28 Nov 1904 Tuesday 29 November A dirty nasty day. Wind South. Sr & V drawing out manure from back of stable. I subscribed to day for American Home & Northwestern Agriculturist & Womans Farm journal & Good Stories. So that now with Good Litterature we have renewed 5 papers. Evening, Voltie goes for mail, Whig, Dispatch, N agriculturist, American Woman (Saturday Chicago Blade), no letters. �20 Wednesday 30 Nov 1904 Another dirty nasty day. Wind South. Sr and V go over to plow but soon come home again. They cant plow through the snow banks. Thursday 1 December 1904 The coldest day yet subscribed for Hearthstone and Home Journal, sent Belle a letter and remailed Jean’s letter from Shannonville. Voltie enclosing the veranda with new boards. �21 Friday 2nd December 1904 3rd �22 4th 5 �23 6 7 �24 8 9 �25 10 11 �26 16 17 December A beautiful day. Trees covered with a lace work of frost. �27 Saturday 18 December 18 Didn’t rise early as usual. First outsider came. Charley Woodman to sample our cider and after drinking a qt, V went with him to the Loban place to do the chores and feed his hogs. Next came Alice Mackey. V put her horse in stable. She staid till 8 pm, next came Walac Niles sampling our grape wine. Maud went to church a congregation of 6 people. Monday 19 December 19. Wind South East and snowing 2 deg above below zero. V working in shop. Sr patching some old harness or some thing else in kitchen with alls and clomps and leather, he always patches old duds in the house on stormy days. �28 Maude Watson St Lawrence PO Wolfe Island Ont Can Maud Watson 28 $1,864 Laidlaw 1,35 mill 1,25 shoes .75 whiskey .25 Muriel .25 fares 5 scrbler 7 8 Groceries [subtotal] 6,57 freight �29 30 December Friday Arose at 4 am. Voltie gone to Kingston with beef and butter. Came home at 7 pm. Arthur Vincent with him from Belles where he has been since last saturday. He came over to Christmas all night. V brought home a lot of things, groceries, books, blankets &c. he has had a very good day. 31 December Saturday Another fine day, warm snow rapidly disapearing. Tom Chatterton came last night as far as OBriens when he staid all night and this morning. He came and went across the river with A.P. Tom is going to work for him. �30 1 January Sunday 1905 A dreary day but not cold, slush and mud every where. Maud went to church am; after dinner went to Niles to make a visit, came home before dark. Byron Irvine there courting Shell. I think they should marry for they have courted five years and that is long enough. Henry Halliday came here visiting put his horse in stable, came early & staid till 9 pm, wouldnt eat any supper but sat at foot of table & looked on, very odd—eccentric. 2nd January Monday 1905 A cloudy nasty day not cold, snow nearly all gone. Voltie goes to township election, comes back to dinner then goes to Alice Mackeys to hang an outside door. Comes just in time to help milk. I write a letter to Will. After the supper dishes are washed we sit by the coal fire and read till 1/2 past 10 pm. except I finger off a mitten. �31 3rd January 1905 Tuesday A very cold day. Wind North, windows covered thick with frost. Voltie brought water for Maud to wash and put up the new clothes line then went to P.O. to mail a letter I’m sending to Will, came back and wroked in shop shoeing old Nell. After dinner breakfast I patch V’s old pants, wash all the dishes, pots, pans & kettle & get dinner. Maud washing. Sr caulking cellar door. After dinner we set around the coal stove. V & M reads. I write in diary. This is a dismal, dreary cloudy, cold day. Its been a good big washing. Not much snow on the ground any where, growing colder, frost on window like snow 3 pm. V still in black smith shop. Agricultures, Whig, Dispatch, Herald, American Woman, Home magazine, American home. A letter from John, a letter from Grace. �32 Wednesday 4 January 1905 Cold but very bright day sun shining out clear all day. I finished washing the clothes & Maud hung them out and all the other clothes, a big washing. After dinner Sr and V went to the island for a jag of wood and bushed the road as they went across, ice smooth and good for skaters so Maud put on her skates and away she went to Niles carrying their butter basket. I washed dinner dishes, fixed separator, set the sponge and picked over and put the beans cooking. Maud came home and after supper went out again on the ice but didn’t stay long. We sat up till nearly 1/2 past 10 pm reading. Thursday 5 January 1905 A very fine day but terrible cold. Roderick Jr helps. Voltie draw wood from Lindas island. 4 loads: Maud went skating pm. and helped get supper and then went again. Rod staid a long time after supper at sun set it looks like a storm. V brought in the clothes after dark. �33 Friday 6 Jan 1905 A stormy day, Wind N.E. Cant draw wood to day skating all spoiled. Maud is sorry, I not sorry but I’m sorry Maud burnt my new apron Belle sent me for Christmas by drying. subscribed to day for Herald Vickerys fire side and sent V.P. Collins 25 cts for Agriculturist. Maud made fruit cake. I made pumkin [sic] pies, churned and worked over butter. We sat up till then to read, only one hen laying each day one egg. Rachels old hen equal to grinnes old hen. So stormy P didn’t go for our mail. �34 Saturday 7 Jun 1905 Rains this morning but earth covered deep with snow, skating ruined. V (after breakfast) went for mail; only Whig & Herald, a disapointment. We expected the Hearthstone. V brought the sad news that little Samy Woodman had his hand nearly taken off in one of those DeLaval Separators. Charley had to break the separator with the axe before he could get his hand free. They sent for Dr Spankey, he came last night. We sat up late to read; hard work to get water to cook meals; snow is deep between river here area. Sunday A stormy day, Charley forgot to get V’s tobaco alone. All day we ate our meals & read. �35 Monday 9 January 1905 A cloudy stormy day. Maud cleaned pantry very nicely & cooked and done most all the house work. V and Sr started for the Island for wood but the storm turned them back. Bob Henderson here in the evening brought tobaco for V. Wal had been to the bay in cutter. Miss Maud, LWatson St Lawrence Island Wolfe Island Ont. [random cost additions in pencil] �36 Tuesday 10 January 1905 The snow blizzard raged all night. The sun shines out to day but the snow is flying as if the demon was in the swirling sweeping wind. Charley started early and carried little [Little Samy|Samy]] up to the doctors. I wrote and sent letters one to Will and one to Belle. Sr as usual patching old horse blankets in the kitchen. I have no ink it is all used up never could write with pencil. A letter from Nellie Bamford. Wednesday 11 Jan 1905 Raining this morning and freezing. V working in shop. Sr puttering around as usual. �37 Thursday 12 Jan 1905 A not very good day I guess. V says he will not attempt to drag any more wood from Lindas till the roads settle. The snow crust is hard and thick. Friday 13 Jan 1905 Friday 13 Jan 1905 A very good day. I dressed 9 roosters and one drake for market also made 13 prints for market. V went for mail; Chad Woodman till pm. Mail Herald, Good Litterature, Womans World, Whig & Agriculturist, Sunday observation. �38 27 My Dear Friend Rene It has been a long time since I received your precious letter which I treasure as a keep sake from your dear self. I have been visiting Grace for three weeks at her home in Kingston and had a lovely time. I went to the opera and matinees and other places of amusement and came home 2 days before Xmas. This is a strange winter, no ice nor snow for sleighing only mud every where. The old St Lawrence is rolling wild and free with the white caped waves dashing high on shore. I wouldnt mind it so much only Voltie said we would go to the masquerade at Depauville which is less than three weeks from this time and I had my dress all planed [sic] and have been thinking about it so long and now I know I cant go. Oh it is an �39 29 Sunday January 1905 30th January Monday 1905 I am tired of writing letters sometimes, recently I have thought and wished that people would write to me no more. Then I suppose I’d be sorry if I never heard from Wellie, Johny, Belle and Grace. A clear bright cold day. Arthur Vincent said Voltie went to Lindas for wood, gone to am till 4 pm, snow so deep 9 feet around the island. �40 31 Jan 1905 Tuesday [continuation of letter written on blank spaces] awful thing to live on an island and want to go some where and cant. Its like being banished though this island is 30 miles long and such a beautiful place in summer. I send you piece of one of my Xmas presents, 4 yds for a waist, my father sent it. I’m not going to have it made till spring with white silk lace. Sometime when I am in [diary day placeholder date written here] 1 February Wednesday 1905 Kingston I will get some pretty post cards of the scenery in water around Kingston and send them to you enclosed in an envelope and then you can address them to whom you please or keep them. The fellow you mentioned in your lettter (Mr Longshort) I dont know much about him. I think he is all right any way he is not bad looking, quite gentlemanly in appearance and a fine dancer. Last night we received a letter from Marjorie, she said Ethel Dixon �41 2 at Floras for a week. Tis fine thing to live in broad [sic] Jefferson Co then you can go any time and whenever you please. but poor little me cant go not even to the masquerade at Depauville. Dear Rena please write again. From your loving friend Maude L Watson [random additions] �42 4 Saturday February 1905 Looked for Voltie nearly all day. Just after dark our team came bringing Spaff and Frances Joy and their kid Florence. In a few minutes Voltie came having rode down with Charley Woodman. I dont believe I was glad to see the Joys for it put us to a great deal of inconvenience. This is a beautiful day, sun bright and clear. 5 Sunday February 1905 Towards noon Spaff and Frances walked to Niles that young one going along. I glad they are gone for Voltie always has to sleep on the bindstead loung [sic]: when ever any one comes to stay all night. No church service to day. �43 Monday 6 February 1905 A cloudy day a little rain and a little snow. Wind East cold. Alice Mackey came for cider for mince pies. I gave her some beans. I made one fan block for quilt, cooked beans, roasted beef, freshened pickles. Bob Horn & Geo Snub drove in here inviting to a dance at Dick Hallidays tomorrow evening. Voltie threshed the Van beans. Marjorie getting restless about going home. Maud making rug. Tuesday 7 February 1905 The day proved fine so Voltie, Marjorie and Maud went to Dick Hallidays to the dance after he went for the mail. �44 8 February Wednesday Voltie slept about an hour. The girls slept till nearly noon when I gave the work into their hands and sat myself down to piece a quilt and enjoy the warmth of the coal stove which I most thoroughly did for I was very tired. it came on to storm snowing and blowing. Voltie had a saw log all ready on the sleigh to draw to Kingston or Garden Island to be sawed to make beadstead and otherwise, but couldnt go on account of storm and bad roads. 9 February Thursday 1905 A terrible day for storm and wind and snow; log on the sleigh by the coal box, snow piled every where there has not been a thaw thro winter. Sr sick with a terrible cold a distemper I think, he has a cold all winter. �45 Friday 10 February 1905 Snow and storm. Charley Woodman floundered his way through for the mail. Tom Dignam drove as far as consession said he could get no further, wants to buy potatoes. Saturday 11 February 1905 A very bad day, snow six feet between here and the barn, 5 feet between here and the river, awful time to get water and to cook with and shovel roads to the river for the cattle and horses to go to drink and to clean out the water hole. just before dark looked out and said John and Flora and Gladys out to help them bring their valises to the hosue when behold it was Spaff and Frances Joy and the kid. �46 coming back again to stay all night so Voltie had again to sleep on the old truck bed. Alice Michea here for more potatoes. I dont think she likes to pay for them and she dont pay as much as other people. Sunday 12 February 1905 The storm not over yet. after breakfast V hitched up and drove away with our New Liskeard visitors to Geo Ratrays, storm increasing, snow deeper than ever; a long peaceful day: Wall Niles here. Monday 13 February Sun shines out clear part of the day, cold cold every day. I am coming down with the terrible distemper. �47 Tuesday 14 February 1905 A very cold day. I helped get breakfast and could do no more, dont feel well, got the distemper. Voltie coming down with it too, head ache awful. Girls done house work and made rugs. I made rugs too; I dont like to give up. I never saw so much snow on the ground as now, and it looks like another storm. Charley went for the mail. Spaff Joy went up with him. Geo Rattray here for potatoes and paid Voltie four dollars on account. Snowing again harder than ever. I dont eat any suppper. Voltie goes for the mail; Whig, Dispatch, Good Storries, Woman’s farm journal, a seed catalogue from Mills and a postal from Nellie Brooks and a book from Dingman and Puglesly ought ot have two �48 Wednesday 15th February 1905 Snowing all night, snow deeper than ever, no traveling, people waiting for a thaw, our North window half covered with the piled up snow. Bob Reid helping. Voltie pitch straw in barn and staid in evening till bed time. Thursday 16 February 1905 Very cold morning, thermometer 22 below zero. Wrote to Nell Brooks and to Hearthstone for her and send her a paper. Snow all day and increasing toward night. Maud washed but couldnt hang out the clothes for wind and storm. Girls, after dinner worked on rugs till time to get tea. �49 Friday 17th February 1905 Storming and snowing all night and all this day and blowing and snow flying, drifts piling higher & higher. We can yet see the top of our barn. Voltie carried the mail to PO but dont think Charley will go for the mail to day. Wal Niles drove to River View yesterday. Said not much water on ice, only along the shore; he came this am and brought home the tobaco. I darn a pair of mittens for Voltie. Charley went for mail found the travelling awful and got lost in a blizzard, found himself in the wire fence in Niles field. so late V didn’t go for mail this evening. I sent Mrs Brooks a letter and paper and wrote to Hearthstone for her. �50 Saturday 18 Feb 1905 A cold clear day wind S.W. and blowing. Maud hung out the clothes towards night. V brought them in. I cooked beans, freshened cucumber pickles, set yeast, sowed on rugs. Maud moped floors we are short of groceries. Want soap, sugar, tea and rolled wheat but dont know when but dont know can get any where to get any Sunday 19th February 1905 A clear bright cold morning 18 Deg below zero, no thaw yet and no tea. Voltie went to uncle Sams to borrow tea, they had none nor McGreggors had any. Rody gone to River View for tea. Voltie sent by him for tea and sugar. heay [sic] crossing on ice. Henry Halliday & Mr William McNeely came calling. McNeely staid to supper, a great conversastionalitst [sic] about politics and Government affairs; a conservation �51 Monday 20 February 1905 A little warmer but cloudy and the wind is blowing and snow flying. Girls making rugs. Thawing some this pm, snow settling a little. Bob Reid and McNeely undertook to go to Depauville, got as far as the other side to Quinn Beadles, found the roads impassable, turned about and came back again. Tuesday 21st February 1905 A warmer day, snow settling some sun shines but not very brilliant. Old Prince dog gone this morning went off last night after dark after being gone all day yesterday and now at 12 noon he’s not come home and probably never will. he came home long enough to get a good square meal and went away again. Reid & McNeely again try to get to Depauville, guess they will succed [sic] �52 this time. Robert came down a few minutes and I sent our letters by him, one to Puglesly and Dingman and one to Womans World. Sr sent one to Supervisor Cape Vincent. Arthur Vincent and Tom Chatterton came across the ice. Stay over night; horse tired out. Looks like storm. Did not get any books Whig, Dispatch, Vickery’s fire side visitor, Parks Floral magazine. Wedney [sic] 22 February 1905 Vincent Chatterton and Majorie went home to day. Weather cloudy but not cold, slush on the shore road to the top of cutter so we are done once more. On evening Voltie and Bob Reid drove to the corner for kerosine for the Woodmans, came home at 10 pm all abed but me �53 Voltie bought matches, sugar, and yeast cakes, thimble, tobaco Thursday 23rd February 1895 Sent this morning by Snub for 6 bars comfort soap and 1 lb tea then drove to Clayton for coal, only got 200 lbs for they had no chestnut coal. Maud went with Voltie goes to Lib Bamfords. They came home early. The day is fine and warm snow settling. Lib and I have a circulating library between ourselves. �54 Friday 24 February 1905 Colder again this morning but clear. Voltie gone to Kingston for coal & carried 3 bags of potatoes, a basket of beans & 5 doz eggs and I sent 50 cts for an express order for seeds, bulbs and the Home Magazine & V came bacck from Charley’s. Belle and Henry came too. Voltie came just at sun down bringing coal & groceries. Saturday 25 February 1905 Clear warm day, snow settling slowly. V drives over to Geo Rattray to ask him to go with him to Wellies. Maud went to Niles for buttermilk & forgot to ask for the Book. �55 Sunday 26 Feb 1905 A beautiful day. Another load from the "other side". Aday and her two youngest girls and old Dilason and Ben Percy. V came drunk as usual and as usual, I swears and talks like a fool. Lib returned the Book I lent her "The Virginian" had no use for it, traded of "Cow boys". Had it been some antiPopery book it would have been read with gusto. I returned her book which she sent over by Maud so our exchange library is ended. I lent the book to Adda. In the evening, Rady and Geo OBrien came to invite to a dance at Flynn’s and so ends the day. P.S. only brought in two eggs this day, no potatoes cooked for the hens, cow not milked, one egg �56 Monday 27th February 1905 A beautiful fair morning colder. The effect of yesterday’s debauchery by Van Bamford and Ben Percy is still very depressing to mind and memory. Did not do much this day. A dance at Flynns this evening. Maude dont go. 2 eggs. Tuesday 28 February 1905 Cloudy this morning snowing a little in the night. Maude went to post office carrying a letter for Belle to Marjorie and one I sent to Grace & Robert. She brought back the news that Shell & Byron are married last night at 7 Oclock pm. A regular sneak weding [sic] a Niles weding. Alice Mackey here for turnips. Only White and Northern Agriculturist. A clear starlight evening. 0 eggs to day, hens ate them up. Nothing looked after as it should be when Voltie is gone. �57 Wednesday 1st March 1905 A clear bright day & cold heavy frost on all the windows. We expect Voltie home to day. Maude washing. Sr gone to Cape to pay taxes on the island. Belle reading Capt Eri in Hearthstone. I washed colored clothes. Sr came back before dinner going no farther than River View, sent the tax money by Mr White. Charley came down for Belle and stayed all night. Evening visitors Eva Pike & Nez Niles. Eva inviting to party to her home tomorrow evening. March 2n 1905 A clear bright day. Charley and Belle went home this morning. Expect Voltie home this day for sure. This is the hour of 10 pm. Dont know what I may record before night, nothing bad I hope. Voltie came home at 5 pm had a fine visit. Wellie has moved, Voltie and Will helped. Wellie more very near Watertown, fine farm 30 cows. A knapp got back to John �58 Friday 3rd March 1905 Cloudy this morning a light snow fell in the night. Maude very anxious to go across the river to the dance at the Corners. Charley Woodman called had a fine time at the party last night. After dinner Voltie went across the river to try the ice and Maud went across with him to Adda Percy’s to go with them to the dance tonight with Adda’s young people. V going to try and draw a saw log to Clayton tomorrow if the ice permits. V returns saying cant go to Clayton so many pitch holes in the road so concludes to draw the log to ClaytonKingston tomorrow morning. not much mail only Herald and Whig and a letter from John. night sets in dark and cloudy looks like a storm �59 Saturday 4th March 1905 A snowy blustering morning wind North. Voltie dont go to Kingston nor any where else. roads are again drifted full, clears off at noon but the wind blows. Charley Woodman here to have his hair cut and brings an invitation for V & M to attend a party at A Berries. Voltie drove over for Maud, she relates all about the party and her visit to addas. We read till 11 pm. Roseveldt’s [sic] inauguration day. Sunday 5 March 1905 Cloudy again to day. Wind North, an awful depth of snow on the ground. 1/2 past 11 am and no visitors, we like a quiet sabath. I have just finished reading "The Light of Asia" by Sir Edwin Arnold a masterpiece of the mind. I wish I could get his biography. Maud asleep on the lounge. Voltie at the shop. Wells Sr paring potatoes for dinner. The day passed quietly, no visitors. I write a letter to Grace �60 March 6th Monday 1905 A clear day cold snow very deep. Voltie and Sr still has to go over the snow hill to get to the barn. Rheumatism has poor me firm in its chitches and I dont believe I’ll ever get over it. I’m discouraged over it. Voltie went to Woodmans for his fur coat. Edy Bates here inviting to his dance to night at St Lawrence hall. V and M go to the dance. Charley Woodman goes to Al Berry’s A dance and oyster supper at Dick Hallidays for the chosen friends this evening. Tuesday 7 March 1905 V and Maud didn’t get back from the dance till after breakfast this morn. V bought C Halliday 9 bags of tobaco ($1,00). After dinner V goes over to Quinn Beadles with beans 3 bushels. Mail Whig Dispatch, Womans World, Heathstone, Good Litterature & New Thought, and "The Streket Monster a postal from Nell a letter about the island. �61 Wednesday 8 March 1905 A stormy day snow fallng fast and furious and blowing too. going to begin working better than ever. I’ll count some things done in this diary to day. Made a chemise for my self and made the sleeves to small, help do house work and make me help V get ready for Kingston tomorrow. Thursday 9th March 1905 A very fine day. Voltie goes to Kingston carrying beans, potatoes. I sent Grace a few apples; made rug to day, done my work over. Voltie came early bringing Robert with him. Wal came also. A new boy at Geo Niles; their first baby. Friday 10 March 1905 A soft day. After dinner V and R.A.G. drives over to Maloney’s. V going to Quinn’s carrying J his tea. To day I sent away for seeds from J.B. Mills and to Presleys for 2 books &c &c. R & P drive over to Maloneys. They take Quinns tea home. �62 Saturday 11 March 1905 4 below zero this morning quite frosty but clear 3000000000 miles of sun spot; so the papers say. I dont believe they (whoever they are) can measure it. V gone to Rattrays for ice tackling of some sort. R reading and sleeping. We had just retired to our restful beds and comfortably dozing when we were suddenly awakened by some one driving to the door when who should prove to be but John and Flora. Well we all got out of bed except Dada. John had brought his phonograph and we got them supper and sat up till nearly 3 pm visiting and listening to the phonograph which is realy [sic] a grand one. �63 Sunday 12 March 1905 Well Sunday was a fine day somewhat cold in the morning but clear. Flora had brought me cloth and all the trimmings for a new dress the dear good girl. Well we had another phonograph concert of thirty five records. V gave Flora his violin. I gave her — &c and they went home at dark 14 miles and the road not very good. I am sorry to see them go. Syvia and Samy heard the concert. Monday 13 March 1905 A very bright day but cold yet. There has been no thaw this winter. Sa and P still continues to climb the snow hill going to the barn. Voltie goes to River view for oil and calls at Quinn’s for his bean money $6.00. Robert sleeps and Read are long. V bought 5 yds print to set a quilt together. snow dont settle any 4 deg below zero. �64 Tuesday 14 March 1905 A bright cold day no thaw, 4 deg below zero; arose early got breakfast so Robert could go to Niles’ at 7 Oclock am; going up with WalaceNiles to Kingsotn. Quinn drove over, he too going up with Wal. V & Sr shoveling snow to make a road to the ice house. V getting ready to fill the ice house. HenryHalliday came for Voltie to help him fill his ice house tomorrow. Voltie cant help him for he has to go to Clayton tomorrow with saw log. Henry here to dinner. Maud & I cut and sew carpet rags. Alice Michea drove here for potatoes. Voltie went for the mail then went to J Niles for his fur coat which Bob had worn to Kingston and sent back by Wall. V did not return from Niles till 11 pm but played poker with Niles, Wal & Muloney. Tom Chaterton drove over with Wills here gone up to CharleyHallidays. V gone over to Rachels for carpet balls for Jen. �65 Wednesday 15 March 1905 4 deg below zero this morn. V gone to Clayton with oak log to get sawed into lumber to work up in shop. a bright clear day. Voltie came early at 1 pm & we were just rising from the table so he had a warm dinner. Henderson came with the sleigh after we were in bed, said Hank hadnt finishing fillinging [sic] his ice house. Mrs Mr Niles & Mrs Paunp went visiting Shell & Byron. Thursday 16th March 1905 4 deg above zero this morning. Sleighing good every where this morning the snow as deep as ever. cloudy. looks like a storm of rain or snow. Chatterton drove down from Charlies, put his horse in stable and stoped still after dinner. I sent Jen a letter. Voltie cut hole in ice and prepared for filling the ice house tomorrow �66 Friday 17 March 1905 A fine day. Voltie out to the place where he intended to get ice found the water and slush so deep he adjourned the job till later and went to Depauville instead for a stone boat which he paid $2,50. Wal Niles accompanied him; ate dinner with Wells family found them well; Grandmother, better than usual Saturday 18 March 1905 A thaw for sure this morning. Raining all day. The ground begining to peep through the snow in places. Every thing out door look dreary and dismal. A robin trying to sing. poor thing. P.M. Maud and I cut and sewed carpet rags. "Some body laid in the vault to day—dont know where tis: Evening raining hard. �67 Sunday 19 March 1905 A cloudy North wind day, growing colder. Chimney burning out again. river beging [sic] to look streaked. Wallace here to have cross cut saw filed. Maud and I sewed rags A quiet day hens eating the eggs as fast as they are laid. 20 March 1905 Monday cold and freezing. Wall here to get saw filed. Maude and I sewed carpet rags. Voltie working in shop making bedstead. Sr reading novel in kitchen, day passes of [sic] quietly enough. Tuesday 21 March 1905 A moderate day. I sent a letter to Gladys. Sewed rags again to day. Voltie goes for mail and is informed that it is the body of Annetoza Warner that is in the vault. 9 eggs to day. A beautiful moon light evening. �68 Wednesday 22nd March 1905 Moderately warm cooking beans and baking apples. V gone to corners with Charly Woodman brought soap and pepper also. A letter from HB Mills seedman about a 5ct price with a hole in it . The 5 cts was returned to us, rather shabby I think considering we had sent him over two dollars for seeds. Sewed rags to day. 13 eggs to day. Thursday 23rd March 1905 A cloudy morning looks like rain. Jack Niles came to borrow the bob sleigh to go to Kingston.. Clears up, warm quite a nice day, thawing some, snow disappearing. Friday 24 March 1905 A cloudy rainy day. The Earth is very dirty in appearance. Wal, Jack & Henderson drew the sleigh home. V went home with Wal—they gave him a calf for the hens. V went for the mail & found that Charley didnt go for the mail to day. traveling �69 on ice awful. Charley drove to school house for his children and teacher found slush way up to the top of the cutter box, he had to stand on the seat to keep out of it. 15 eggs to day. Saturday 25 March 1905 A foggy morning sun shines out dismaly [sic]. Thawing of course. I washed breakfast dishes. Maud cleaned the floors. Voltie went to Sams to ask Charley to drive to Will Gilespie’s with him. Charley sick with cold. V went on horseback to keep his feet from getting wet. Came back & went to Niles’ to ask Wallace to go to River View with him for rubber boots. Wall gone up to visit Shell. Jack went instead. They started after dinner and walked across the ice to Beadles and then to the corners and returned at 5 pm. found slush and water but very good ice. V remailed my letter to JB Mills. �70 Monday 10 April 1905 "April showers bring forth may flowers" and also it thundered. We catch some water to wash with. Sr fixed an old sweat collar (one of his rainy day jobs). Irene churns, wash dishes, saw flower seeds and transplant tomatos. Tuesday 11 April 1905 Very foggy morning. Irene washed dishes & separator, Maud made cake, boiled beef, pared potatoes. Voltie plowing over here a very little snow left yet. ice still clings to shore. V set another hen. R’s old hen �71 Wednesday 12 April 1905 A brilliant warm day plowing and brushing over there, work on rugs. 23 eggs to day. Maud abed all fore noon. Irene cooked the meals, washed separator, churned, washed all the dishes. Thursday 18 April 1905 A very fine day but not so warm as yesterday, darned stockings, cut a few rags, getting nearly out of rags. Maud washed the curtains and a few towels. �72 Friday 14 April 1905 A cool pleasant day, made the butter into prints 11 lbs. counted the eggs. 17-1/2 doz. Worked at rags. Saturday 15 April 1905 A very pleasant day. Voltie drove to Villiage for cultivator he borrowed J Nile’s double cart. Called at Belles. Marjorie visiting at her grandmother’s H’s. Belle sent carrots and a new kind of tomato seed and coffie berry seed. Voltie forgot the ginger. He came early. White wash brush to course Sunday 16 April 1905 A cold miserable sort of a day, snow squalls and freezing ground white with snow. Wind N.W. alone all day no visitors but enjoyed a comfortable quiet Sabath day reading and cooking our meals. Harvey H here in p.m. �73 Monday 17 April 1905 A dismal cold day frozed up again, cold wind clouds continualy arising in the S.W. Voltie goes to the villiage again this morning with a portion of his new cultivator which he found defective. A light snow partly concealing the earth. Voltie wore his heavy fur overcoat and drove up in buggy carrying eggs, butter 11. Sunday 30 April 1905 Long time since I wrote in this diary 13 days ago; been so busy house cleaning making rugs and carpet, many things and incidents occur within 18 days. Maud went to market Thursday with 21 lbs butter & two fowls, went to Grace’s for dinner. Beatrice there helping Grace about spring house cleaning. M met her dad in town and Ben and Will (her brothers). Belle got inflamatory rheumatitis in feet and ancles [sic] cant walk. H Halliday here last Sunday �74 sent for strawberry plants 28 eggs and also wrote to Ed Bates to look out for plants. Saturday 29 Apr 190 rainy all day. Sunday 30 April 1905 A cool day, ground very wet, floating cloud. Wind S.W. Charley Woodman here. I gave him a pumkin [sic] pie for his dinner, he borrowed V’s buggy to drive to the villiage for Miss Eva Pike, his fiancee. V sent Sam a bottle of wine. I suppose it never left his mouth till the bottle was empty. Henderson came after a while, he looks as though he wanted a drink of cider but he will go empty. Well dinner is past and dishes washed & nearly 1/2 past 4 p.m. Sr reading Dispatch. V reading Herald. Maud reading. I’m going to write to Amanda but I dont want to. �75 Monday 1st May 1905 Volta goes to Arch Berrys for seed oats. Sylvia came bringing the pie plate. Miss Pike came after school she wiped the supper dishes, a chilly day Miss Pike wearing fur coat Tuesday 2nd May 1905 A dreary dismal day, chilly and wet. Dick Maloney tells VRachel is at Gloyds and wants V to come over for her. Dawson Beadle rowed over bringing all our garden seeds from F.B. Mills. Volta gave him 20 ducks eggs and 1/2 bushel seed potatoes. Wednesday 3rd May 1905 Dreary nasty rainy day. V & Sr trying to plant potato ground. We churn and print 18 lbs butter for market. I plant one seed "Bird of Paradise". V went across for Rachel. This diary is continued on page 1. �76 March Mail Dispatch Whig Herald A postal from New Thought March 7. Hearthstone Woman’s World Good Litterature New Thought A Book the sticked minister March 10 Home Magazine Seeds and catalogue from lowe 14th March North Western Agricultural Hearth and home Woman’s farm journal Tuesday 21 Good Stories House hold Guest Tuesday 29 Vickerys Fireside 2 Comforts American Home Letters 1 from John postal from Nell a letter about Lindys island 14 Letter from Gladys 21 letter from Gladys A letter from KB Mills about a 5 ct with a hole in it from Flora from Flora From Grace From Watson From Bob 31 from Gladys �77 [images: stamped pictures of various animals] MaudeWatson St Lawrence PO Wolfe Island Ont Canada Miss Marjorie Halliday Miss Maude Watson| Maude Watson C.L.M.W. A.W.V. Asher Core Pearl Lewis �78 V 5 Equitorial Africa V 9 A thousand miles up Nile V 11 The Pioneers V 16 Looker on in London Treasure Island. Stevenson David Harum Rowing in Boston A daughter of Fife Chimmie Fadden Anne Woolson Samantha among colored folks �79 Upstairs on lower left Bert 415 W Main St �80 [affixed stamp] PHOTOMOUNT PAMPHLET BINDER Manufactured by GAYLORD BROS, Inc. Syracuse, N. Y. Stockton, Calif. �81 �This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following people: Ann Hopkinson, MaryV, Vivian Zhang, Eric Irvine, carol ann, Ella Deering, and Queen’s University Archives � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th and 20th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1887-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1887 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1888-1889 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1889-1897 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1890 March - June Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1893-1895 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1895-1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1896 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1897-1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899-1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902, 1906 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902-1909 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1904-1905 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1907 & 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1908-1919 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1911 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913-1914 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1915-1916 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1916-1917 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1917-1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1921-1922 Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1904-1905 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1904 October to 1905 May Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. October 25th, 1904 (p. 6) Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/5fe93634dfacac2e4c2a485721afc17f.pdf ecb6d5f38c1c88e5a3449ccd6a29df62 PDF Text Text Irene Dixon Bamford parts of 1902-1909, Diary Transcription 5034_4-1-15 �Metadata FromThePage export of 5034_4-1-15 from Irene Dixon Bamford made on 2026-02-11 14:35:19 UTC. itemTitle: Parts of 1902-1903-1904-1906-1909 date: 1902-1909 Title: 5034_4-1-15 Description: Item is a diary. Created On: 2024-01-11 17:49:40 UTC In Scope: true Uploaded Filename: 5034_4-1-15 �1 IRENE DIXON BAMFORD DIARY: Parts of 1902-1903-1904-1906-1909 1902-1909 [stamp] QUEENS UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES LOCATOR 5034.4 BOX 1 FILE 15 �2 Parts of 1902-1903-1904-1906-1909 �3 [Manufacturing stamp] PAMPHLET BINDER [logo] Manufactured by GAYLORD BROS, Inc. Syracuse, N.Y. Stockton, Calif. �4 [stamp] Some 1902 & 1903 R Wednesday 7th Jan 1903 A January day. I helped get dinner. Voltie working on sleighs. Walace came towards evening. A dance at Frank W’s. Voltie, Maud, Irene, Wallace, Lennie all go down to F’s after dark. Len fell in rock hole going down Thursday 2nd April 1903 Arise and call Voltie at 4 sharp. It looks like a storm and I think I will stay home and not go to Belles. Voltie starts at six a.m. He borrowed Charleys old buggy and drove double. The wind rising a blows a half gale all day. Maud whitewashed and cleaned the kitchen. Maud and I are tired and look in vain for Volties comming till long after dark. Dark heavy clouds lying off in the west. Sharp lightning and heavy thunder and Prince comes whining at the door to get in, he is afraid of thunder, we let him in and he cralls [sic] away in the corner behind the stove, the old fool! The supper is kept warm in the oven for Voltie. At last we hear a prolonged whistle and we know Voltie has arrived amid thunder & lightning and now prince goes to the door to get out and Sr, lantern in hand, and Prince goes to the barn and beling the stacks to pilot Volty around the corner and throughs the bars and soon he comes in ladened with baskets and �5 Thursday 8 Jan 1803 A very good day. I dont feel very well yet but helped get dinner. Voltie and the girls got the breakfast after being out to the dance till midnight at Frank W’s. Rachel came over to stay she slept with Irene & Maud slept with me. bundles accompanied by Albert Joy the great electrician. I supposed he was going to stay all night but after tea and raspberries, and helping V water the horses, he concluded he would go home and he went, forgeting his over coat. Well I wash dishes and mix the biscuits all ready to bake in the morning and Maud pares the potatoes, and finally we are settled and gone to the land of nod and dreams, wishing we could stay there a long time. O Lord! Friday 3rd of April 1903 I slept like a top all night with the wind roaring around the house from the South. Awoke this morning to find queer looking clouds piled fold upon fold a strange weird looking morning which finaly consolidates into fog and rain which comes pouring. �6 Friday 9th January 1903 A cold stormy snowy day. Wind I am better I think, Dont do house work only fix socks. Rachel mixed and baked bread & pies & helped the girls about getting the meals after dinner, went home to see about things & wore Mauds red hood. Sent old W.F.W. a letter, R sent one to Will. Maud went to post office came back covered white with snow. Had boiled pork for dinner very good. Voltie working on sleighs. Old man working on something in stable. R came over to stay all night got no wood, brought her rug yesterday she came over. Expected a letter from Grace but received none. I hope they are well. down in torrets, filling barrel and tub in a few minutes and continues falling all day. V tried to plow in the garden to set raspberry bushes but put the team in stable and went to work in shop. Sr fell the dear old poplar tree where the woodpeckers made their nests in the holes every year, then he made sweat collars for horses. After dinner writes in this old diary and nod away. Wall came down and gone to the shop to visit with Voltie. Mail Whig, Homes, Herald, letter from Grace. Albert Roy there again to supper. He just came from over the river in a small skiff wet through to his pelt the rest of his pants looks as if he had sat down in a pail or tub of water. Voltie gave him dry clothes and says Albert is crabby. �7 58 Saturday 10 January 1903 A bright sunshiny day, river frozen over to the other shore. Al Joslin & Frank Woodman here to dinner. Rachel went home, rode over with Voltie came back and brought her canned fruit, 18 cans to be put in our cellar. Found her dog sitting on her veranda. R and M scoured the dining room floor. I feel some better to day. After dinner V carried A. Joslin home Miss OBrien came to pay R ,40 cts for a duck. R churned and made drop cakes and canned sweet apples. I go to bed early dont feel very well. Saturday 4 April 1903 Wind N. freezing, snowy and blowing all night; a dismal looking morn ground white with snow every where, and only day before yesterday Charley Woodman sowed 20 bushels grain. V working shop. Sr drawing out straw on the jumper and spreading it on the point. Maud cleaned floors and made three beautiful cakes, one of them is for Grace’s birth day. Irene pieces 4 blocks for quilt and help do the work. In the evening we all read. Freezing hard. The sun comes out in afternoon but not warm; a clear sun set �8 Sunday 11 January 1903 A cloudy morning not cold Wind South and quiet. River closed in with ice from shore to shore. Am better again this morning. R and the girls in kitchen doing the breakfast dishes and seperators. Voltie brought up from cellar and got me a big apple, a bell Flower, a beauty; he is going to send his grandmother some apples. Think I will write a letter either to Johny or Will or Poor dear Edith. Snow falling heavily all day. Maud & June go to church. Len Patterson here in evening laughing and te he ing about nothing, stays till 1/2 past 10 Sunday 5 April 1903 A clear bright morning but very cold. N wind yet, but very quiet, froze very hard. Maud washes nearly all the breakfast dishes; I help a little and wash scald separator. Maud goes to church forenoon service Voltie goes over the river to Beadles with barley for Will and did not get back till long after dinner and dishes all washed. Heard a rap at kitchen door and Wells bade them "come in" and in walked the electrition, having driven over in buggy, hitched his horse to the gate post, came for his oars and for a neighborly visit. Maud and Irene were both invisible. Maud at church where she had gone to meet Shell and Inez to practice a new hymn on the church organ, then Voltie came and they went �9 60 Monday 12th January 1903 A pleasant morning wind west and freezing, cloudy nearly all day. Rachel and Maud and Irene picked over a bushel of wheat free from cockle seed and wild peas. V going to get it ground for graham bread. Irene Sr mended stocking and washed dinner dishes and made 10 more lbs butter & now I have 20 lbs of butter ready for market. Rachel set up a pair of mittens for Voltie. Old man, cross but no body cares swore too. The weather cold and freezing at bed time to see the pigs, and Albert didn’t come back any more. V came home dinnerless and helped himself in pantry and I just sat down for a quiet reading time when the kitchen door opens without a rap and in walks D.D. Bamford & Jay Lee both loaded to the muzzle with hard cider and noisy. I began to look around for some place and means of escape when "Where is Aunt Rend" in dining room and Jay Lee comes in with a great "How do you do"! and puts out his hand and grasps and shakes hand with a fervor and grip like a Methodist preacher and hauled up our disabled rocker, and sat down in it so forcibly, that the poor old chair gave way in every joint and settled with a squat. �10 61 Tuesday 13 January 1903 Freezing all night. Voltie says could cross with horse this morning. Cloudy and looks like more snow. Maud & Irene washing dishes. Maud on ice skating nearly all forenoon and afternoon. Wallace & Will Niles walked across the river this morning. Voltie drove over to Geo Rattray’s with a grist this morning; pig feed & Graham flour. After dinner Voltie walked over the river and went to the corners to see about the Sears and Roebuck things which are being sent through from Chicago to Rosiere. When they arrive by express Eddie Bates will bring them over. Voltie is very tired. But sets up and tries to instruct M and I in the misteries of playing the game called Nations. Lennie brings the mail mail to us. Len is a good boy but R hates him and calls him a niger. Poor Len. nearly to the floor. I yelled "Get out of that you’ll smash the chair sure" but he would not budge from his roost. And then began a garrilous detailed discription of his life at Windmills, which was a mixture of ridiculous, ludicorous, pathetic, obscenity, which I would like to record in this my diary, but decency forbids. After a while I look towards the open door of the kitchen and discover Van with his yaup going �11 62 Wednesday 15th of January 1903 A cloudy day snow everywhere with now and then a flake lightly falling. Rachel gone over to clar up before going over the river to make an all winter’s visit. She sent her pork, flour and lard & sugar over. Voltie drove to Rattray’s for the grist; we made Graham biscuits for dinner very good but coarse. Shell, Maud & Jack going skating. Irene poor darling has no skates so came back to the house. May Ranous here for mission money had none for her. I helped get dinner, washed the dinner dishes, and washed, churn &c. and I say "Hellow Van" he says "I wont do it. I’m mad at ye. What for? cause you never come over to see me. no! I always have to come to see you and I’ll never come again." Of course it was our cider they were after and they got it and their supper to. I can tolerate Van but I don’t like Jay Lee. �12 63 Thursday 16 Jan 1903 A cloudy day, light snow falling not very cold; 2 below zero, done a little work to day. Voltie butchered 3 hogs, Frank Woodman & Dave Reid helping. R set up a pair of mittens for Maud. Maud made a cake for the party at Geo Niles. No good. made another very good. Wall drove for them ie. Voltie, Maud & Irene. Irene was the belle of the party came home at 2 pm all right. Mnday 6 April 1903 A very good morning, NE wind. I so lame can scarcely get around to do the work. Maud washing all clothes. She going to get our clothes on the line before Samy does this time, but she didn’t. I wash dishes, separator, get the dinner and after dishes washed I washed three pair of old overalls. Robert and Sid Percey came bringing Rachel over, drank cider and then went home. �13 64 Friday 16 Jan 1903 Cloudy, light snow falling not cold A.M. Voltie cut up the pork. I cook beef for dinner. R finishes Maude’s mittens. Irene break teacup & plate accidently. I churn & make 6 more butter prints for market which addition counts 26 lbs., put 1 1/2 doz eggs in basket for market, fill a basket for Grace. Maud goes skating in evening with Shell, Inez Wallace, Jack & Lennie came in at 9 pm. R and Irene goes for the mail, Whig, Herald, Good Stories, Happy hours, no letters. Saturday morning 17 Jan 1903 Arose at 4 and get breakfast for Voltie and Frank Woodman; both going to the city. Voltie carrying 26 lbs butter, 1 1/2 doz eggs, 2 hogs. I send Grace a basket. Frank carrying a a heavy basket of chickens. R made a few cookies and too pies, cleaned dinning room floor, forget what I done. V came home at 9 pm didn’t get coal and left dad’s boots in town but brought granulated & brown sugar, skates for Irene, pills, oatmeal, soap, tea, glue, ginger, bowls, bolts, &c &c. Says he is going to the Sailors ball and take Maud, Margarette, Irene. Tuesday evening V & F stoped at Charlies & had supper. �14 65 Sunday 18 January 1903 A beautiful day, froze last night. Wind west. R picked up her pack and V took her across the river in single bob sleigh. Frank went with him. V says Charley H has been over to Wellies. Len P here. Maud went on skates to Mrs Niles to get her to finish her waist for the ball. Irene & Maud went skating all pm 7 April Monday �15 66 This months Magazines March Good Stories April American Woman April Good litterature April Woman’s Magazine April New Thought Brown Book Good litterature Woman’s World April Woman’s Farm Journal Hearth & home 24 March Comfort 24 March Wednesday 9 April A nasty day, I churned and made prints, 15 for market, sent Grace one American Home The St Paul Weekly Despatch Northwestern Agriculturist �16 67 Thursday 10 April Arose at 4 am didn’t sleep much after 3 am for watching the clock for 4 am. V and Maud and R went to Kingston. I worked steady all day, began to rain towards night. Sr started before six pm carrying umbrella and shawl for Maud. They came at 9, wet and cold and hungry but I had a good hot fire and a good hot supper. Lennie came soon after dark and staid till their return. Friday 11 April 1903 A very good day. R wants to go to see Mrs Morgan who is very sick but didn’t like to walk so far but worked on the quilt instead. V worked in shop. Evening mail, Herald, Whig, News, Womans World, Hearth and Home, Good Stories. Mauds silk for waist. Maud went up to Mrs Niles in evening and staid till 9 pm. I received a letter from Wellie also we churned to day. �17 68 Monday 19 January 1903 A very good winter day. Eddy Bates here to dinner so we get all the news from Wellie, Johny and Wills family. Voltie went to show Edy over the cracked ice. Saturday 12 April 1903 A very fine day no rain. Voltie plows for potatoes. Rachel takes of the tiedown quilt. Maud [illegible] very well indigestion. She made a cake and wiped up the floor. I worked till my feet acke. I sowed cabbage seed and caught a slight cold. Mrs Niles and her daughters here this evening. �18 69 Tuesday 20 January 1903 A very good day. Voltie and Maud started early this morning for Kingston driving up on the ice, carrying 5 turkeys and and a barrel of apples to market then came back after (Maud went to Graces awhile) to Belle’s and after supper Wallace took Marjorie to the Ball. Voltie taking Maud and Beatrice Irene and Irene were alone all day except grandad as at home of course. No I realy should not forgot that Will and Charley came over accompanied by Frank. They come just in time for dinner and were sorry Voltie was not home. Monday 14 April 1903 Easter Monday Wind North cool and breezy. R made self an apron. Maude white washed, cleaned the wood work and R helped her paper the big room in Chamber. I done house work and cooked the meals. V plowing. The weather is dry and clear. �19 70 Wednesday 21 January 1895 A great fall of snow last night over a foot deep every where. It is the morning after the ball and Maud and Voltie come poking along home, driving down on the ice. Voltie brought some coal 2 bags left, 3 bags at Charlie’s and 15 hundred in Kingston. He bought himself a new suit of clothes. Voltie dont feel very well and went to bed, but Maud kept up all day and sung and danced and laughed and worked till after supper. I drove her off to bed. Tuesday 15th April 1903 �20 71 Thursday 22 January 1903 A tolerable fair day. Wells and Voltie bush out a road to Lindy’s. I was scrubing the pantry floor when the girls said a cutter was coming in here which proved to be the PreacherMr. Wheatley, he put out his horse and stayed to dinner. The roads are full of snow and hard traveling. Wednesday 16 April 1903 A dirty cold rainy drizzling day Ellie Woodman came here and bought Voltie’s skiff $40 dollars. Sr & V cleaning up grain at the grainery. �21 Friday 23rd January 1903 A cold day. I write and send a letter for Voltie to the Massey Harris Co. Maud writes to her father and Irene takes both letters to the Post office. Maud cleans the kitchen floor, dear little Maud. Wells and V went for a jag of wood to Lindy’s. We cleaned pantry and washed clothes and Maud cleaned kitchen floor Thursday 17th April 1903 Arose at 4 got breakfast for Voltie. Wells Sr drove to the dock with Voltie he going up to pay the Massey-Harris note. Maud and I done big washing. R finished her apron and helped get the meals. Wells hustled around and done the chores and ate supper and started for the dock, came home at 7 p.m. [Voltie|V]] didnot see Ellie Woodman in Town He ate dinner with Grace. Bob gone. I sent for nothing this day. I churned &c Wells brought the news that Mrs Morgan is better. Uncle Sam is sick Sylvia here for mustard. Lizzie there doing the work. Friday 8th May I sent to Sears and Roebucks for a hat for Maud. A beautiful day yesterday Maud went to Kingston. It rained near all day and it was a much needed rain. �22 73 Saturday 24 January 1903 A very cold day. 18 below zero. Wells and Voltie drew a load of wood from Lindy’s. Voltie this morning went for the mail. A letter from Grace. Whig, Herald, Two "new Thought magazines and a book the heart of the New Thought"—very fine. Frank Woodman gone to Will Dixons looking for a farm, Frank got the morning fever again. Friday 18 April 1903 Wind N.W. Froze Last night, cold this morning. A clear bright day. Voltie did not work in field this morning till after dinner, but instead put up the wee stove in dining room, bored holes in the quilting frames. Rachel making beeswax Maud ironing and working at chamber putting up curtains. Wells fixing stable floors. Rats eating up all our young chickens, grass getting green on the point. Sunday 3rd May 1903 A cool day, cloudy. Frank & Emma came over. Eddy Bates here too and Len Patterson here too, had fish for dinner &c, began to rain towards night. �23 74 Sunday 25 January 1903 A quiet peaceful day. Voltie made himself a pair of leather mittens. We cook and read and daze. No one here but Lennie towards eve to borrow V’s robes for Lennie and Charlie are going driving. The weather is wintry enough. Great body of snow covers the Earth far and wide. Cloudy and snow lightly falling. Frank not home yet from farm hunting. Monday 4th May 1903. Voltie set a hen on hens eggs 16. A cold morning for a May morning. It rained yesterday pm, the first rain for a long time. The Spring is very backward. Rachel churned this morn We built a fire in the pine knot. Maud is flying around at work. Sr chopping or splitting wood May 9th Saturday 1903 A beautiful May morning. Maud drove to the villiage with Addie Percey and little son. Wells rowed across the river with Voltie to River view. V going to Joslin’s and from there to Wellies, he is going to look for a farm. Sunday A fine day not so warm as yesterday. Maud went to church. �24 75 Monday 26 January 1903 A cloudy mild day. Voltie and Sr drawing wood from Lindy’s island. Maud swept and made all the beds and melted snow to clean floors. Irene Sr made apple pies. Irene Jr helped wash dishes. 7 eggs to day which makes 33 new laid eggs beside Voltie sold 30 which makes 63 besides we used 10 which is 73 new laid eggs altogether this winter. After dinner Maud washing a few things. Sr & V gone for more wood. They drew two loads to day. Tuesday 27 January 1903 Wind South, snow drifting, a very mild sunlight lifting through clouds. No drawing wood from the island this day. Maud washing breakfast dishes; Irene Jr washing seperator. The men at the barn and shop doing—I dont know what. Can’t send letters to day on account of drifts. Maude went to post office carrying a lantern. Stoped on the ice talking with Patterson. Voltie called them and they came bringing Whig, Good Litterature & Happy homes & Vickerys fire side and best of all a letter from Johny. �25 76 Wednesday 28 January 1903 A soft cloudy foggy day scarcely any wind, snow settling fast. Wallace here for masquerade suits. After dinner Edy Bates drove in here from across the river thought he had brought the merchandize which is to be sent form Chicago but doomed to disapointment. Nothing came. Voltie working in shop ironing off sleighs. Thursday 29 January 1903 Didnt think when I arose this morning that 10 O’clock A.M. would find me at Charleys. Voltie, Irene and I started at 8 a.m. drove up on the ice & through big bay and the canal till we came to the old barn by Brown’s, where we turned off and drove to Belles. Charley gone to villiage for groceries brought brought sodas and oysters, candy. Voltie went up to get the black colt Topsy shod for the first time. The ice covered with soft snow and water hard traveling some of the way. Voltie didn’t come till after dark, black smith had gone to a funeral. A great thunder and light storm and we staid all night. Will H Woodman stayed too. We had a fine visit. �26 77 Friday 30 January 1903 Voltie and I started from Belles at 8 a.m. found the roads bad for traveling slumpy, horses sometimes going in up to their knees floundering and came nearly tipping over several times and to add to our greater discomfort the west wind blowing a gale but arrived home at 1/2 past 10 all right, went straight to getting dinner, but Maud had the house all tidied up very fine, cakes baked and a big plate full of sweet apples the remainder of the day employed itself in snow squalls and blizzards from the S.W. I tired and sleepy and go to bed at 1/2 past 7. Maud sleeping with me. Weather so bad cant go to PG this eve Saturday 31st and last day of week and last of Jan 1903. A blizzardy morning but partly clears up at noon. Our hens eating their eggs about as fast as laid. Voltie working in shop at sleigh building; dont know what Sr does. Maud cleaned all the floors. After dinner Maud goes to Mrs Niles for subscription for American woman Inez came home with her,—came for milk for coffee, staid for supper and till after the cows were milked. In evening sat up and read, commenced a new quilt log cabin pieced one block and a half. �27 78 Sunday 1st day of February 1903 A very good day for skating but not very clear. Maud, (after work if done up) skates with Inez nearly all fore noon. Voltie reading Herald while we were at morning dishes. Voltie and Johny Wilson run the pike net and got only one fish, a pike which I clean and cook for dinner. While we were eating dinner a cutter came to the door which proved to be Henry Halliday and Beatrice. They had been to dinner. Beatrice had a dish of pudding & a cup of tea with us. She came for instruction in embroidery. Voltie and Henry drove across the ice to Maloney’s while Maud and Beatrice go skating. Beatrice a Noviciate in the art of skating. Inez and Maurice Maloney on skates too. Henry and Voltie came back accompanied by Dick M Frank and Dave Reid and Johny Wilson helped Voltie set the fish net. We sat up and read but no visitors. I see Sr had commenced to keep diary. �28 79 Monday 2nd February 1903 A soft morning & so foggy can scarcely see the barn. V drove our old pig to Joys and then helped Frank butcher 5 pigs. Callers for the barn Johny Willson, Wallace Niles, Jackey Niles, Dave Reid, Len Patterson, Geo Ratray. Voltie came home at noon cleaned up a grist and got ready for going to Kingston tomorrow. But dont think he will for towards evening it thunders and rains. The fields are pretty much bare every where. I churned and got the butter and eggs ready for market. Sr caught one eating her egg as soon as laid it. This is the anniversary of my wedding day 43 years ago. The bear cant see a shadow to day. Tuesday 3rd February 1903 Voltie arose at 5 am look out thought it was to soft to go to Town so went back to bed for another snooze but just before we sat down to breakfast Johny Willson came up to see why V didnt’ come down and bring old Nell but V sent Nell by JW and said Frank was to drive here so he hustled around and got started carrying 16 lbs butter, 4 1/2 doz eggs [illegible] grist to mill a bag of potatoes for Grace was going to carry her a bag of apples but had too full load. JW went along too a beautiful day for the first time in a while ago. [illegible] on to [illegible] dug snow with the hoe to wash �29 80 Maud and I washed quite big washing, grows cloudy again. Shell came for Maud to go skating and stay till after tea and from there to P.O. where she got our mail and went back home with Shell and then went skating till 8 p.m. Jay Joy here in evening setting out in kitchen no one talking to him. I went out gave him an apple from groceries apple bag. After awhile he went home. Poor little Jay is terrible homely, marked after one of the "fools" Evening mail News, Whig, American Woman, Brown book, two letters from Hugh Birch & McKelvey and Massey Harris co. About 8 1/2 Voltie comes accompanied by a cousin who I had never before seen. A Mr Charles Dixon from Detroit a fine good looking loquacious man, we sat up till 11 pm. and spun all kinds of yarns, ancient, past and present. Voltie was thoughtful in bringing home a good supply of eatables, bread, cookies, cake, cheese, pickles, flour, rice, broom, borax, currants, raisons, tea, rolled oats, peppers, cinnamon, extracts &c. The wind blows and snows when we go to bed. �30 27 Wednesday 4th February 1803 Every thing covered with ice this morning raining and freezing. The seperator a curiosity to Mr Dixon from Detroit. After breakfast Cousin Charley and Devolson walk across the ice and go to Depauville to visit Will Dixon and his family . The weather clears up at noon and the sun shines out once more. Well, Maud and I pass rather a lazy day. Not doing much but I must make mince pies, sure did not make pies after all. Lennie drove here in evening to invite Maud and Voltie to a party at Charley Halliday’s Rather cheeky I think. It is like inviting me to a party to be held at our own house. A surprise party indeed! Well Belle and Charley will not be surprized by any of my family’s intrusion. Thursday 5th February 1903. A bright morning, ground covered with ice and snow which fell last night. Some colder froze in the night. Maud clearing floors, made beds and swept. I made mince pie for dinner washed dishes and seperator. Inez here for Maud to go to Charley Hallidays the party to night, but no go. Tis 3 pm and Voltie and Cousin C not here yet. [illegible] here to borrow cutter robe for Frank. Len here too �31 82 Friday 6 February 1903 A beautiful morning very light wind S.E. Two cutters went across this morning. Mr Maloney and his son Richard walked across to Mr Niles this morning. Maud out trying the skating Ten a.m. V & C not yet arrived. Put two mince pies & two mince turnovers in the oven 10 Wish I could write a beautiful hand but the more I write the worse it looks. Old W.F.W. dont write, guess he’s mad. Dont care much. "New Thought" says we can accompish any thing we persevere in doing. I wonder if I could succeed in eradicating the wrinkles from my face. Dont believe a woman sixty nine years old can do any such thing. Voltie & Charley came in time for dinner. Voltie bringing the Sears & Roebuck merchandize with him, a pair of overshoes for his dad, a pair of shoulder braces for me (though I dont need them, but may sometime), a lot of tools for himself, and a beautiful set of glass dishes for me. After dinner, Voltie drives to the city with Charley I’m sorry to see my new found Cousin go; he is a fine man. Voltie came home at 1/2 past 10 p.m. Maud received a letter from her father and a beautiful piece of cloth for a waist and three samples of silk to [illegible] from for another waist. Poor Welsey [illegible] �32 83 Saturday 7th February 1903 A beautiful day wind N and froze last night, so they can draw wood from Lindy’s. 3 loads to day with one horse (old Nell). Maud and I work around the house all day. Maud cleaned and polished the coal stove, cleaned windows, lamps, floors; Irene got the meals, washed dishes seperator besides churning. The cream was to cold, and the butter was hard and a long time churning. Voltie said Belle is coming down this evening but dont come. Mr and Mrs Niles & Shell & Jack gone visiting some where down the island; they drove in here for their robe that V borrowed yesterday because Frank W borrowed ours and didn’t bring or send it home this time for Voltie when he went up yesterday to town. Clear bright sunset and a beautiful moon lit night Sunday 8th February 1903 Awoke this morning to find a great snow storm in operation, coming from N.E. This storm must be Hick’s prediction has begun for he prophetized a great storm between the 8th and 10th. I dont think Belle & Charley will come down to day: wish they could come. Voltie has not run his net since last sunday a week a go to day. Stormed and blew all day; a big fall of snow but drifting. No one came but John Wilson for a jug of cider for Frank and Bob Reid for which he paid 20 cts and Voltie gave it me for postage continued on page [illegible] �33 August 23rd Friday 1902 This is my new diary which Maud bought yesterday for me, in Kingston. "Roll back O tide of time and raise, the past events of other days." which are gone forever. Only a few years ago it seemed since Maud was a baby when her father brought her here to me and laid her in my arms, fast asleep. How well I remember laying her on the bed, till tea time when she awoke for her supper, and I made the discovery that she was cross eyed and remember the first words I ever heard her speak as she sat in the high chair at table, when hearing the clock tick "Me [illegiblell] faid monshes" What a change a few years have wrought She goes to market for me now and is nearly 18 years old. Little did I think at that time she would live and a home with us all these long years. But we cannot tell how a year or even a day may unfold. It was only yesterday morning by a terrific storm of thunder, lightning, rain and enormous hail stones, my beautiful flower garden was utterly destroyed by hail. The force of the storm destroyed standing crops of hay and grain over a wide extent of country. �34 17th January 1903 [Date] [description] [Price] 17 Jan Sold 26 lbs butter at 20 cts per lb $5,20 3rd Feb " 16 " " " " " " $3,20 " "9"""""" $1,80 " "7"""""" $1,40 1 March "6"""""" $1,20 2nd April " 25 " " " " " " $5,00 10 April " 14 " " " 21 cts per lb $2,94 13 April " 18 " " " 20 p lb $3,60 14 April " 12 " " " 20 p lb $2,40 ? May " 14 " " " 20 $2,80 ? May " 22 " " " 20 $4,40 28th May " 30 " " " 20 $6,00 4th June " 26 " " " 20 $5,20 11 June " 22 " " " 20 $4,40 18 June " 21 " " " 20 $4,20 25 June " 20 " " " 20 $4,00 ? July " 20 " " " 20 $4,00 ? July " 22 " " " 20 $4,40 9th July " 24 " " " 20 $4,80 16th July " 32 " " " 20 $6,40 23rd July " 28 " " " 20 $5,60 �30 July 23 $82,90 5 Aug 26 p 20 $27,00 12 Aug 34 ,23 [illegible] ? Aug " 33 ,23 [illegible] ? Aug " 32 ,20 [illegible] �35 17 January 1903 [date] [description] [Amt] our first eggs Sold 30 at ,30cts per doz ,45 3rd Feb " " 4 1/2 doz at 23 per doz $1, 03 20th Feb " " 4 " " ,20 " " ,80 2nd April " " 7 1/2 " " ,11 " " ,83 10 April " " 6 " " ,12 " " ,72 23 April " " 5 " " 12 ,60 31 April " " 2 " " 12 ,24 7 May " 2 1/2 " " ,30 Thursday December 29 1910 A Mice �36 3 Monday 9th February 1903 Just a little cloudy this morning. And the wind continues to blow lightly. Towards noon the sun comes out bright and warm, and after dinner, Voltie and dad hitch Nell before cutter and go bush a road to Lindy’s again. The snow tis heavy and deep on the ice. Henry Halliday drove in here with his fine span of horses $400 dollars he says is the price. The Maloney Boys were with him leading a horse they had bought of Mary Murphy. They were inquiring for Voltie for to get their horse shod but he was gone to the island so they led the horse across the ice following his track. Evening brings the joyful news that old muley had a calf (heifer) which means more butter for market, besides milk for the pigs. I write a long letter to Johny and Maude writes to her father. Tuesday 10 Februry Cloudy this morning but proves to be a fine day bright and warm and thawing. Voltie and his dad draw two loads of wood from Lindys before dinner. All Joslin & Voltie going over with them for second load. After dinner Voltie hitches up and drives the span of colts down the road they go very together. He drove in to Franks and Frank paid him $8,00 which he owed him. Maud made a batch of cookies very [illegible]. I do all sorts of odds and ends. I looked for Belle but she dont come. �37 4 Garden island tomorrow if the weather is favourable. Lennie here inviting to a party at Horn’s tomorrow eve. He and Voltie go down to Franks, didn’t get home till bed time. Maud went for mail. Whig, Good Stories, Woman Magazine and an invitation for Voltie to attend a masquerade ball at Marshalls Hall Grindstone island. Wednesday 11 Februry 1903 A cloudy morning looks like a storm froze a little last night. Voltie loaded on his log this morning and gone to Garden Island to get the log sawed towards building the new ice house. Carried Grace a bag of apples that has stood in the kitchen nearly two weeks suppose they are all nearly rotten; hope not. Maud working. Looked out and saw Charley, Belle and two young children coming, came in time for dinner. Glad to see Belle; but "Henry the Kid" is a terror bawl, scream and yell all the time; wants every thing. Soon as Belle took his duds off & walked into the pantry pulled the cover off the bread can and began dragging it around, grabbed a handful of flour out of the flour can and went at the seperator. Voltie came after dark. A party at Alice Micheas. Voltie and Maud didn’t go �38 7 Feb 3rd Tuesday 1903 Groceries 1 broom, 6 lbs rice, 1 lb tea, 1 raisons, 1 currants, pepper, cinnamon, 1/2 dozen lemons, rolled oats, bread, cookies, cakes, cheese, pickles, flour, borax, extract raspberry February Wednesday 6 bars surprise soap, 8 rolled oats, vial olive oil Feb 20th 6 lbs granulated sugar, 1 box great cakes, 2 spools thread, 4 yds shaker flannel for quilt lining, 6 lbs seed oats, 1 box baking powder, 3 yds narrow black ribon 3 February one lb tea, Winter green oil Quantities bought 25th February 1903 12 plates, 12 cups, 12 sucers, 12 small plates, 1 steamer, 1 enameled wash basin, 1 agate dipper, 1 whisk Feb 28 100 lbs sugar, 1 lbs tea, 5 currants, 8 lbs rolled wheat 3 yds lace white, 1 rubber crochet hook, 1 pkt diamond dye, 5 U.S.A. postage stamps 10 cts, 4 doz clothes pins March 7th 1 yd pillow ticking, 2 1/2 seemless sheeting, 6 bars comfort soap, 1 head cabbage, 1 peck onions 30 lbs, granulated sugar, three rolls batten, matches, buckwheat flour, 15 hundred shingles, hammer, [illegible], 1 butter basket March 6 3/4 qts kerosine, 5 lb rolled oats with a porrige dish [illegible] cabbage seed, sand paper �39 8 Saturday 14 February 1903 Not a very bad day. Voltie goes over the river to help move Frank Woodman after taking a snooze in bed. Belle goes over with Voltie as far as James Gloyd’s leaving here she cried some but was a very good child all the while her mother was gone Sunday 15 February 1903 A very pleasant day everything quiet till noon when Voltie comes home bringing Rachel, Belle and Henry and while we are yet at table, Van Bamford and Ben Percy comes and the quantity of hard cider they can stow away inside their jackets is wonderful. Belle and Ben sing and play a few old favorites. Van goes out to see the pigs, gives V money to buy 30 lbs sugar in Kingston, shoulders his tea and then the two old swill tubs go [illegible] over the river to their home towards [illegible] Voltie goes with R lantern in hand to get her [illegible] pancake griddle, &c &c got back in �40 9 Monday 16 February 1903 A cold day but not stormy. Charley Dixon came over with Frank Woodman and goes to the party at Geo Niles with Frank who is going to play the violin there this eve. Voltie and Maud go down in cutter Voltie drew wood from the island. Sr helping Belle getting home sick. Tuesday 17 February 1903 A cold day but Voltie & Sr gone to Lindy’s for wood, went after dinner took Rachel and her valise over to Dodges and left her there. Charley Dixon at noon went with Frank Woodman out to Reids at Glenvale. Towards night Charley Halliday drove in for his family and they hustled off in a hurry and Maud and I are left alone for a while and peace and quietness reigns triumphant. while we are eating our supper in walks Bob G we are glad to see him He visits till 10 pm, a very cold night and goes to PO, Whig, Herald, American Woman, Hearth and Home, letter from Eveline, Charles and another from Bob Matherson �41 10 Wednesday 18 February 1903 Whew! what a snow blizzard from S.W. cant see an inch for wind and snow which lasts nearly all day. Dont water cattle till towards eve, nor horses. Lennie here for cider for Charley Woodman. Voltie working in shop nearly all day on bobs. Bob G went visiting at Niles and from there rode with Wall to the foot to see Rube & Mary’s Bably. Evening Voltie & B go to Niles to play cards and return 1/2 past 10 pm which finds us all abed. Thursday 19 February 1903 A clear bright cold morning. Wind West. Charlie D came early from S Woodmans where he had staid over night after driving back from Elginburg last night starting at 4 pm from Reids. Frank came towards noon and loaded Rachels traps in, took over the river pancake griddle, and bed. V & B lunch at 11 am and go to Lindys isle for baswood to carry to garden isle to have sawed for lumber. They return at 3 pm; gave them early tea; Abberson Moore here. I churn and make 10 lbs butter, send one to Grace which leaves 9 for market. Volties got toothache. Evening I write 2 letters 1 to Grace, 1 to Belle �42 11 Friday 20th February 1903 Arose early and prepared every thing for market put the eggs in oats, sent Grace a basket and brougt [sic: brought] out the basket of butter while Bob and Voltie loads the logs for the saw mill and after a hand shake and good bye from Robert, they drive off up the ice for Garden Island and Kingston. Then Maud and I pitch in to work. Maud washes all the white clothes I wash all the dishes and seperator and cook the meals. A cow buyer here from town. Mr Wheatley called in pm making a short and entertaining visit Maud goes to Mrs Niles to return her skirt pattern. Shell accompanied her home bringing a pail for milk Then Shell and Maud went to PO for mail, Herald, Whig, Kingston News, Woman’s farm journal and Hearth and Home. Voltie came late,—about nine pm, forgot to mention a letter from "Hugh", for Voltie. Massey Harris Co rather saucy too. Maud goes a little way with Shell when she goes at 1/2 past 8 pm. Saturday 21 February 1903 A blustering, snowy, windy morning morning. Voltie wont go to the island for wood this day, but works in shop, paints sleigh, &c. Wallace Niles here in evening stays till 9 pm borrows Volties cutter to go to Clayton. �43 12 Sunday 22 February 1903 A pleasant day after the storm. Voltie hitches up bay colt with Wall horse and they drive to Riverview for tobaco. Voltie buying a $1,00 for Charley Halliday and tobaco for himself and 5 postage stamps for me, then Wall with V’s cutter and harness goes to Clayton. V & W have agreed to go to the old folks ball at the villiage tomorrow evening. V going to go up with W. Inez here to bring Mauds Book home and borrow a yeast cake. We spend the evening in reading. Monday 23rd February 1903 Arose early for Voltie is going to Kingston & Garden Island, takes a grist of wheat to Kingston for flour, and goes for his lumber and a load of saw dust. The day is rather stormy and blustery from S.E. and he drives away in to the teeth of the storm. C Woodman, in cutter follows close behind Voltie. I send Belles duds up in a bundle. Voltie came early said Reginald is sick, think it may be typhoid, hope not. Angry because Wallace refuses to go to the ball, 1/1 going anyway now and so goes up with Len Patterson and Chas Woodman. Marjorie goes back with Voltie going to finnish [sic: finish] her trade. Len came just before starting for the ball with jug for cider for "Grandpa". �44 13 Tuesday 24 Feb 1903 A very fine day. Voltie came at breakfast time a good deal the worse for wear; looks as if he had been drawn through a knot hole and hung up to dry. Of course he has been out with Charles Woodman didn’t eat any breakfast; went to bed, wants to be called a 1/2 past nine; going to draw two loads of wood from Lindys; called him at 10 am; would [not] get up; called him at dinner time. he arose but didnt want to but took a drink of cider, braced up, ate dinner, and went to lindys with dad and brought a great load of wood; Maud went for Mail. A letter from Grace written yesterday saying Reginald is very sick going to take him to his grandfather Gaskins. Dont know whether or not it is typhoid, hope not. Whig, News Comfort Vickery fire side. Sr fixing to go to the horse races tomorrow in Kingston. Maud cleaned floors & ironed the clothes . I darned mittens, cooked, washed dishes as usual. Sam went to Kingston early this morning. I guess the cider didn’t satisfy samuel. �45 14 Wednesday 25 Feb 1903 Wednesday arose at 6 a.m. A fine day but colder than yesterday. Sr gone to the city. Voltie chased him to the river with bells, cant drive in to the city without bells in winter time against the law. Hope Sr will come home straight, dont want any more cursedness around here. This is his first trip since he tumbled over board and was fished out by the purser and got his name in the paper. What an honor! Voltie painting sleighs. Maud preparing to wash. Wells Sr came home at 9 evening. Didn’t go to Grace’s. Saw Bob and told him Reginald has malarial fever and is not very sick. All the same he ought to gone and seen Poor dear Grace and her babies. Oh the horse trot was of greater importance with him. He bought and brought home some dishes which was exceedingly kind of him, and to me, very acceptable. He was sober and all right. Wind South and blowing all night. Mauds clothes flapping on the clothes line all night. �46 15 Thursday 26th February 1903 A sunshiny hazy day, wind South fresh & breezy. Maud & I washed up all the new dishes and cleaned the pantry shelves and set up our dishes clean, bright and shining. Voltie & dad used the new ice house frame, then cleaned grist of hog feed and went to Geo Rattrays get ground. Barometer 4 above zero in the shade. Lennie Patterson here in evening for cider 8 gallon. Lennie and Charlie went to the horse trots in Kingston to day. Friday 27 February 1903 A beautiful sun bright warm day. Voltie went to Rattrays for grist mill broke couldnt grist. A Russian few here buying old iron, old rubber &c; ate dinner here and had a feed for his horse. After he was gone up the ice Voltie and Sr went to the island for wood and stone boat runners after their return. Wallace drove in here to borrow our straight sleigh to draw out ice tomorrow. I made 7 prints for market, dressed 4 roosters, sent two letters, one to Gladys and one to Grace. Maud went to Niles for borrow butter basket; mine all smashed up no handle. In the evening Voltie brings up from cellar and sorts 8 barrels of apples for market, going to carry Grace some. �47 16 27th Nov 1902 F Snow on the ground this morning. We arise at 3 am that Grace may have time to dress herself and little ones to go home on the Pierpont and such a hustling I never saw! raining just a little and Sr drove the team to the door just as soon as he possibly could after hitching up "All ready to start now come hury out", and only Reginald dressed. Dear Grace how we all had to hustle to to get the children ready. Saturdya 28 February 1903 Arose at 4. Raining, thawing and blowing. Voltie cant go to market to day. We have the work all done by 8:30 am. Maud cleaning floor mattras. Voltie painting sleigh. He looks out sees weather it clearing up puts away his paint brush, whips out to barn, hitches up before sleigh drives to the door, loads on barrels of apples and peck measure, puts the butter aboard the sleigh and chickens and hustles off to market. Away up the see he goes as fast as the horses can pick up their feet. Dinner on table at 11 am. begins to rain again at 2 pm a regular downpour, lightning and heavy thunder tub and pails filled in 3 minutes. Dont expect Voltie home to night. �48 17 Sunday 1 March 1903 Wind blowing all night but freezing hard. Ground nearly bare, ice froze hard enough to bear heavy loads. cutters flying up and down the ice. work done up early. wish V would come. Van & Sid drive in here at 10 have horse put in stable over coats off. cider brought up from cellar, tongues loosened up and talking begins about moving horse trots and Maud & Irene get dinner. we set the table with our new dishes, for we have company fried pork, mashed potatoes, gravy, brown bread, white bread, onions, pickles, cookies, honey, butter, pepper, salt, tea, cream & sugar thats all. after dinner more cider more talk: Voltie came just in time for dinner too. Sid and Van went up to see aunt Ruth and Lib Patterson Van brought me some seed beans. I sent Lib a peck of seed potatoes—russets, and lent her book the "Heart of the New Thought" and two ’new Thought" magazines. At last away they go carrying 60 lbs sugar with them smuggling 30 lbs of the sugar was mine that Voltie brought home to day which we let Sid have for dollar. Voltie bought 1,00 lbs and left 70 in Kingston so I have now only granulated sugar. We all sit and read till 9:30 Forgot to say Maud tried skating but too rough Maud goes to Church a 3 pm. �49 18 Monday 2nd March 1903 some snow fell last night, a warm morning cloudy and thawing. Voltie making ice tongs in black smith shop. Wells as usual choring around. We cook, wash dishes, separator, make one apple pie for dinner. After dinner Voltie goes to Rattrays for the provender. I color Mauds white shaker flannel was pink and also color her facinator, red - Voltie gets beef from the barrel and it is now boiling with a very appetizing odor. I sew a ball of carpet rags. The snow comes tumbling down again this pm 4 Oclock. Sr and Voltie are on the ice marking a place to saw out ice for summer. Charley Woodman has broken his new cutter and wants Voltie to repair it. Every one reading again this evening. Tuesday 3rd March 1903 A snowy morning, wind N.E. Weather soon clears and becomes a mild warm bright day. Voltie sawing ice all am. Sr growling because Voltie is not prepared. Srdid draw and put saw dust in the bottom of ice floor when V asked him to do so. Voltie has most every thing to do, with very little help. P.M. V and dad drawing out ice for the ice house. Charley Woodman driving off up the ice with two horses before the cutter. Niles getting out ice. 7 men helping them. �50 19 Wednesday Thursday 5 March 1903 A soft cloudy rainy, snowy day. Maud cleaned up the rooms made cookies and two kinds of cake. I pieced on quilt started a rug. James Gloyd came over to make visit and get his cloth for pants which V had bought for him in Kingston. Voltie drove to hickory for his bedding and other things which he had left there. Voltie came about two Oclock then drove to Geo Rattrays to get provender ground for pigs. This is Geo last time grinding for this year. Mrs Woodman very [illegible]. Charley gone to Depauville for Frank they came about dark. Frank came to make us a visit and staid till 11 pm. Frank likes cider. �51 20 Monday 1st of December 1902 Wells Sr and Voltie butchering beef (our beef) down to Frank’s barn. Voltie is going to take quarters of the beef down to Hickory leaving one forward quarter at home. Al Joslin helping but came up to dinner with V & Sr. V opened a can of our preserves. I told him he could but I did not want to. They were the Grey black cap and most delicious. Mr J Niles came this morn just after the men had gone down to Franks to bringing the very sad news of the Macys [illegible] lost and all her crew numbering 14 men all Capt Myron Gotham and his two sons. The Mabel Wilson (The Macy’s consort) made port saved her crew but is terribly wrecked. Friday 6 March 1903 A beautiful day soft and warm. Geo Darling drove here. Sr paid him for the tea but kept the last can and ony 1/2 lb used from it. Voltie fixed Chas Woodmans cutters then after dinner they worked on the ice house. I churned, wrote two letters, one to Grace and one to Fireside Visitor. Maud rubbing up her rings to see if they are gold or brass. Maud went to post office. Mail—Whig, News, Herald, Womans magaine, American woman, and Brown Book, letter from Grace & a few advertising envelopes from Crawfords grocery. Len Patterson here till 10 with his violin Len and Voltie playing violin �52 21 Tuesday 2 Dec 1902 A beautiful day warm & bright. The finest day I ever saw in December; so warm. I churned out on the veranda scarcely a ripple on the river which comes ever so gently from N.E. Wells Sr emptied the pork barrel of apples and after bringing water from river, heating and scalding the barrel, cut up and salted the beef. Maud done Chamber work and cleaned floors. Sr is now cleaning up a grist barley for pigs feed which will be carried to mill Thursday on the Pierpont. Our old white cat we put down cellar last night on account of rats and she yawled all night; if she didn’t catch my rats, they surely must have been frightened. Poor old smut cat, something has destroyed her kittens; probably rats. Mailed 4 letters to day one to [R Spoor, one to Grace, one to Chicago for Ella Wheeler Wilcox portrait and one to St Louis for Ladies Art instruction. No little Reginald here to day to eat butter out the churn. Poor little dear. Sturday 7th of March 1903 Arose at 4 am. Voltie going to Kingston carrying apples, butter &c to market drives the north shore. Bill Windmill & Sid Percey here for their processing which are yet in Kingston. Voltie will get them to day. Mrs Ruth Woodman died early this morning. �53 22 Continued from bottom of last page Wind beginning to blow from South, dark clouds rolling up from West tis 5 pm and Voltie come. Promised to be here before dark. Now comes a heavy roll of thunder and Price sneaks under the table. rain pouring in torrents and Voltie not here. I been looking for him two hours didn’t take any rain coat with him. Just after supper Sr says Voltie is coming and he was walking beside the sleigh coming up from consession and had walked all the way across the island for the ground is bare. A good two miles, he left part of his load on the other shore—shingles for the ice house— the river is open around oak point, they (Voltie & Henry Halliday) drove within 50 yds of it—another heavy thunder—In looking over his purchases he discovers that he has left in Kingston (Ferguson Grocery) 30 lbs granulated sugar, 1 peck onions, and cabbage. �54 23 Thursday 4th Dec 1903 Maud went to Kingston and carelessly got left in Town; after putting the baskets and groceries aboard the Pierpoint. A very cold day but Irene works around and keeps every thing snugly and cozy. Sunday 8 March 1903 Wind blowing a gale all night from south, the morning reveals a windy foggy rainy most miserable day for weather but I enjoy it all the same, it speaks of a quiet lazy day at home when we can read, write and have a good time jeneraly [sic: generally]. Maud dressed and goes to church at 1/2 past 10 service. No one came. old Bill and Sid cant get here to day so the cider barrels will take a rest. Monday 9 March 1903 A find day Wind North froze last night. The funeral at 10 am Mrs Woodman (Aunt Ruth) remains laid in the Vault. Wells, Voltie and Maud went to funeral. I staid home and prepared dinner all ready piping hot when they came. After dinner Voltie goes to Alice Michea [illegible] bee. 10 helpers they put up 90 cakes of ice. Voltie home early. Wallace came to bring home a pitch fork visited a whole hour or more. Cloudy towards evening I churn and get supper. Maud made pillow tuck and pulled it and made a sheet. �55 Friday 5th Dec 1902 A very cold day. Maud in town. Expect she will come home with the mail. Sent Sr with a letter to the post for Grace to be sure and keep Maud in town but will be sure and come down with C.W. A coal fire and wood fire fails to keep house warm. I sent veil and shawl by Charley W in case M should come home. After supper and 7 O’clock. Maud walked in accompanied by Lennie Patterson bringing the mail. Rachel comes over for kerosine and to tell me Maud was left on the dock crying. Tuesday 10 March 1903 A warm cloudy still day. Sr and Voltie working on the ice house. Maud washing. Lib Patterson starts for home to day. Went up with Charley when he goes for the mail. I sent a letter to Grace, one to Ferguson the Grocer and one to Comfort paper. I’m most asleep will go now and wash dishes Voltie and Sr shingle one side of the ice house. Len Patterson here for cider 1 gal. Maud went for mail. Good litterature, News, Whig, receipt for taxes on the island. �56 25 Saturday 6th December 1902 Rather cold but clear. I churned in ten minutes; made cranberry sauce. Maud cleaned floors. Jr building fence around straw stack, and doing chores chopping wood and then drove for Voltie. While Sr was hitching up R came to stay all night bringing her anger with her. Mabel Woodman here for subscriber for Good Litterature. We subscribed Maud. Sent Maud to Niles with their basket and their electric oil, and sent her some sage. Wednesday 11 March 1903 A soft warm day, cloudy in morning but clears up about 9 am. Voltie set a hen on 15 eggs. I went to barn to see the pigs cleaned and scoured cask for sugar .60 lbs Sr and V shingling ice house, south side. and practicing hymns, cleaned out barrels and boxes. Maud cleaned and scoured 1 chair and 1 water bench and painted them chair red, Voltie and Sr shingling and boarding ice house; spend the evening reading &c �57 Sunday 7 December 1902 Wind South and blowing hard. Awoke this morning to find the snow falling and the ground white. Maud 18 yers old to day. Rachel staid til after breakfast and walked home. There nine little pigs at the barn this morning. Coal fire went out this morning. Sr on it. Voltie built it again. The first real snow storm of the season not to cold. Maud went to church in fore noon. Evening Sr drove to the foot with Voltie. Says he come home Tuesday evening for he will butcher 6 pigs Wednesday for Kingston market. Thursday 12 March 1903 Last night the most beautiful moonlight night I ever saw, like paridice [sic: paradise] This morning quiet no wind but cloudy and warm, white frost covers the ground frost dew drops hanging from the bare branches of the trees all fore noon. Wells and Voltie finish shingling ice house and are now enclosing it with boards. Voltie after breakfast went to Rattrays for the grist of provender and to the other shore for the remainder of his shingles he left one bunch at the cheese factory. Maud cleaned all the floors and this pm every thing is slick as a new pin I washed dishes & separator emptied flour can continue on next page �58 27 Monday 7th December 1902 A cold day. Maud washed and hung the clothes on the line where they froze almost instantly continued from page 24 and straighned [sic: straightened] up the pantry. I fell and hurt myself. Maud thought I was killed and screamed. I dont know how I came to fall or what I fell over. Anyway I didn’t break any bones only bruised my self. I hopped up and worked all day Maud in evening went up to call on Shell. Mrs Niles and Wallace had just returned from visiting Mary Woodman Lennie here this evening didnt bring a jug but Voltie treated him to cider. 13th March 1903 Friday A soft cloudy morning. After Maud and I had done the work all up, I wrote to the "American Woman to inquire about Bracebridge Hall and why it is not forth coming. Voltie put away in the new ice house, once head, his cutter, bob sleigh, &c finished repairing Chas Woodmans cutter. The ground as bare as May. The ice still hanging in the river. Cloudy all day. I dug horse radish for tea. Our black cow last night had a calf. The calf so big it died before it was born. Charley & Len helped Voltie over �59 Tuesday 8th December 1902 The weather is very miserably cold thermometer 20 below zero which is a vast difference from last Tuesday only week ago. Maud makes mince pies which are fine We expect Voltie home to night hope he will come but am afraid tis so cold he cant get here. Shell came down and had tea with us we had a most enjoyable visit. Maud, Shell and but the foolish girl wore on her feet only slippers and over shoes. While I was regretting Volties absence and thinking he would not come, our dear boy walked in. Wells didn’t drive for him for it was so cold he did not think he would venture to come up from [illegible] Shell & Maud went to the Post office. Geo Niles came home to day from sailing. about the cow. Voltie took his gallon oil can and went & borrowed a gallon of kerosine of Charley and they came home with him and made us a short visit, smoked and had cider. Charley told us all about his mother dying: no one there now only Sylvia to do the work. The mail was Kingston News, Whig, Herald, a letter from Grace, and a postal from "New �60 29 Wednesday 9 December 1902 A very cold morning frost so heavy cant see through windows. V spent nearly all fore noon looking for some one to help butcher the pigs 6 of them but could get no one for the butchers were all engaged elsewhere. Frank done the butchering. Voltie, Frank & Sr dressed 4 for Voltie and then drove down to Franks for F’s pig which they butchered and dressed after dark by lantern light. R came over to help about lard [illegible]. A terrible cold day for bringing water from the river to heat on the kitchen stove in the big tin tank and hustled it in the barrel and threw it on the hand sled to the blacksmith shop. Saturday 14th March 1903 A soft warm cloudy morning. Keyhole and Macdonell (John) drove here for 2 bags of coal Voltie had borrowed sometime in winter. I have not got much coal, but I’m glad it is paid. He borrowed if from Geo Rattray. Maud varnishing chair tis Saturday and lots of work to do. I have it to churn. I can hear the dogs barking across the river. Maud fried cakes. Gandad threshed and cleaned half bushel of beans. Voltie skined the calf I caught a big rat in the trap last night. 50 degrees above zero warm as May day. Thermometer at 50 warm. Wallace here in evening talking sailor small talk. I read them a couple of yarns. V brought up a pitcher of cider. I made 4 pumkin pies. �61 30 Thursday 10 December 1902 Arose at 10 minutes to 4 am. Voltie going to Kingston with pork (4 pigs). Frank came up ate breakfast with Voltie. Sr drove to dock with boys and pork. Frank having one pig who he butchered here yesterday. A cold day and frost hard. Wells Sr started early for the dock in eve We had supper and every thing all ready for the return long before they came. I set by the coal fire and went fast asleep while waiting. At last they came at 1/2 past 8 pm. Voltie ate dinner with Grace. Mrs Patterson came down on the Pierpont this eve. Len here this eve for tobaco. Sunday 15 March 1903 Only a few hours and it will be the middle of March. March is marching steadily along towards spring. Cloudy all day wind North but not very cold—chilly—A quiet peaceful Sabath day. Maud goes to church but first went up to Mrs Niles and from there Shell, Inez and Miss Spoor went with her to church. Inez had nose bleed in church and went home. Maud sang in choir. Evening Len came and Voltie, Maud and Leonard sang and played tunes. �62 31 Friday 11 December 1902 A very cold day. Vapor rising from lake and river mountain high and in every fantastic form. Sr & V in fore noon moved the chicken coop for a bee house and after dinner put all the bees in the bee house, eleven swarms went down in the cedars and chopped and drew wood. Maud made mince pies and tried a new recipe for cookies which proved a failure. Monday 16 March 1903 Arose at six Oclock am. A bright clear morn. North wind, light, ground frozen and bare not very cold, robins singing in the orchard channel open all the way. Maud washed and hung clothes on line by 11 am. uncle Sam got his washing out before Maud. 3 pm becomes cloudy. M brings in the clothes all dry. It begins to rain Maud very gay all pm laughing, singing, dancing. Told her her tune would change before bed time and sure enough I had to doctor her for head ache, sore throat, &c �63 32 Saturday 13th December 1902 A cold blustering snow storm from the North, increasing in velocity as the day advances. But no matter what the day is there is always so much to be done both in door and and out. I awoke this morning to find I had left the pan of bread sponge behind the kitchen stove to freeze up but I brought it in to the dining room, thawed it out and made very good bread of it. I doctored Maud’s cookies with more flour and another egg. And they are tolerable. After dinner Frank came up and helped Voltie butcher two pigs which V is going to sell to Marshall & Guernsey on Hickory. I churned and picked the lard. Tis a cold stormy day. Frank says Dave has gone up to cut wood for R. River steaming; vapor rising up mile high, our apples and potatoes freeze in the cellar last night. Tuesday 17 March 1903 Rained hard all night not a drop caught in tub because it was not set and I want to wash bed quilt. Grandad sending two letters one to Capt Denis and one to his young woman, "Miss" Adams in Montana Great falls. I told continued on 34 �64 33 Sunday 14th December 1092 [sic: 1902] Clear, cold morning wind North; frost so thick and heavy on the windows, we scratch the frost away to see out. Voltie built the fires this morning long before day light. V and Maud get the breakfast. Voltie fried beef which was tougher than Bull tripe. I gave my piece to Prince. The cows went without milking last night Voltie rather discouraged about the chichen he has grown for selling. He says they have not been half fed or taken care of. They are poorer than Jobs turkey with frozen feet, and yesterday he wrung off the heads of 5 and threw them away ("Plymouth Rocks") Maud went to church & after dinner and the dishes were washed, went up to see shell Niles accompanied by Leanardo whom she met watering their horses at consession. Voltie, after weighing his pork, loaded it in the sleigh, and his dad went with him to the foot thinking V could go in the Hickory and I am left alone for a few hours to sit by the coal stove and go fast asleep while reading when suddenly I am awakened by Volties step and voice and he comes in to tell me there is no crossing in skiff to Hickory. He left his pork in Wm Gillespie house and the Marshalls & Guernseys will not fry any of our pork for a few days at least. After a while saw R washing; said her old cow had a swelled "bag" and V goes back with her and carries spirits of turpentine. R returns with Voltie and stays to supper and all night. I retire early and am disturbed several times through the night by several causes. �65 34 Monday 15th December 1902 A cold day but a little more moderate. V banked the front of the house, carried a grist of hog feed to be ground at Geo Rattrays then drew a load straw over and banked R cellar. I rendered the second batch of lard, put away the last of the dried pumpkins & took down the poles, washed 4 pairs of socks. It is reported that the North channel is frozen across to Howe Island if that is true there will be no going by Pierpont from our dock Thursday and Santy Claus cant get here. continued from page 32 him very plainly what I thought of the whole affair. Voltie making jumper. I sent two letters one to Grace and one to "The Womans Mutual benefit Shell here to borrow our scales to weigh she didnot know how heavy they were and of course couldn’t carry them. Afternoon thick and foggy, cloudy warm, no wind. There is so much up work to do dont get much time to sew or crochet or knit only get meals, and wash dishes, make beets & sweep and dust. Old black cow bawling for her calf that was dead when it was born nearly a week ago poor old thing. St Patrick cant march to day . Poor old Saint Patrick Continued on nex page �66 57 Saturday 3rd January 1903 The dirtiest day of the winter; rain, wind, snow all gone, Wind South and blowing, dreary and dismal. I heard my dear brother John is burried [sic: buried] to day it sad even to record in this diary. I am much better but not well. Maud washed couldn’t get an opertunity before this week. Wells and Voltie working outside in shop and stable all day. Irene helped me get the dinner, had soup. Wallace Niles came for oil. Len P here in evening, and all gathered around the table playing a game called old maid. Voltie reading "Ivanhoe". Wellie in the kitchen reading "Artic explorers" while I sit by the coal fire reading the "Herald" Sunday 29th March 1903 Froze last night. "They say" it is good sap weather. The sun shines clear but tis chilly for the Wind is North. Maud wipes off floors and sweeps veranda, after we have the breakfast dishes & seperator washed I walked to the river this morning for the first time since last fall. Voltie went with wheel barrow to [illegible] to carry home their bag of coal and get our kerosine. Maud went to church. Well came to [illegible] Volties boat no one here all day except Wall. I wrote to Wellie and Belle tried to read but went to sleep. �67 52 Sunday 4th January 1903 A very good day, froze a little last night. I dont feel much better this day. Think I sit around to much. Voltie, Wallace went to the bay for oil and then Voltie went to the foot and brought home his skiff. Rachel came over a while. Got rid of every thing now but the dog. Monday 30th Macrh [sic: March] 1903 Wind South and chilly. Sun light Maud sick. I gave her ginger tea and put hops across her. She all right by noon. Wells and Voltie move the old ice house up by the hen house for a chicken coop. After noon Voltie plows for potatoes. Voltie churned. Irene get breakfast, washes separator & all the dishes, take care of the butter and gets dinner. Evening "Wall, Voltie & Jack go spearing, spear only one, a blind pike. Voltie gave it to the cats. V came home after ten pm found all a bed �68 [Sticker: Date 1904] Mnoday January 1904 This morning Voltie went to Kingston. Old [corner ripped] too. V carrying up a grist of hog feed bag of potatoes for Grace, drove up rain so wait till 11 Oclock pm and I only gone to bed when in they came, old K about half froze up and I had to wait till dark for the grist mill had broken down and coming home they lost the track and ran into a snow bank and broke bobs; borrowed Cavelrys and came home after eating supper at Obriens Tuesday When we arose this morning found old K sitting by the coal stove hardly thawed out yet. V warmed him up and thawed him out with hot cider & ginger and I soon had a hot breakfast for him. Voltie drove up for his bobs taking Cavelrys home came back at 10 am and went directly to the island to mark out a road to draw wood. I gave K a book to read and he dozed and read all day. [added in pencil] (Irene Halliday) (Uncle V & I go visiting to Dixons & Uncle Wallies) �69 [left corner torn, missing text indicated with *] * but Sr and V & today * with team go to the island to draw wood * the heads off 7 roosters which I hand up * market and have dinner on the table all rights when they come from with the wood after V chops of 3 more heads and the snow begins to fall right merrily but P & V goes back to another load and I clean the three chicks which makes 10 altogether. As soon as Kilborn gets up from the breakfast table he puts on overshoes and over coat bids us good bye and away he goes across the ice to U.S.A. 14 Thursday 14 January 1904 V intending to go to Kingston but storms and snow so heavy he stays home and breaks out the road again to little island and brings over a big maple log and a few other sticks for wood going to get the maple sawed into lumber. �70 15th January 1904 Friday A very bright day not a cloud to be seen but snow now very deep and somewhat drifted and very deep in the river. after breakfast Voltie and Sr drive to Lindys to break out the road again; drew a little wood and snow so deep could not draw much came at one pm. Maud washed a few things by melting snow they had to shovel a path around through the orchard, bring water from the river. All drifted high by the old path. I made mince pies, cooked corn and apples, cooked potatoes and meat for dinner. Tis growing dark now and V & Sr are doing chores and I must look after the supper. A letter from Mrs Brooks and one from Grace and one from Gladys. Whig, Herald, Women American �71 [top left corner torn, missing text indicated with *] * 1904 A fine day for Weather, but no end to snow. We dont expect V till evening then the roads will be better for traveling. Afternoon service in our church but no one goes from here; one more egg to day. Had beef and mince pie for dinner & I ate to much I think. V came at 4 pm staid all night at CH’s found the road terrible Monday 18 January 1904 VVoltie broke out a road again from the island but couldnt draw any wood, road terrible. �72 Tuesday 19 January 1904 A very cold day. Maude went to 34 deg below zero. I sent a letetr to Gladys and subscribed again for the Northwestern Orriculturist This is a very miserable pen but tis all I’ve got V and Tobe drew one load of wood from the island. Wednesday 20 Maud & I put a quilt on the frames Weather not very cold but cloudy and has every apperance of a storm. Charley Woodman gone over to Franks to a dance, drove double with 3 in cutter. But no girls V fixing his sleigh to go to K tomorrow brought it in and painted it. �73 [left corner torn, missing text will be indicated with *] * January 1904 A cloudy morning 18 above zero wind North. Voltie gone to Kingston carrys a barrel of apples 4 bushels to some man to whom he has sold them a pair of dressed chickens for Grace. Maud gone with him as far as Belles and V coming back to Belles and take all the girls to the Barlees Ball. Maud, Marjorie, Beatrice & Irene. The afternoon is cold & stormy. I think by the appearance of the weather they will be sorry before they return that they went. The night sets in cold dark and dismal. Wells reading the Virginian. I read a sample copy of the hearth stone. I think I’ll subscribe for the Hearthstone A serial story in it by Ella Wheelar Wilcox. Friday 23rd Jan 1904 A bad night and a miserable day for weather; rain hail snow and wind 3 pm and V & M not come yet. Traveling on the ice must be dreadful. They came at 4 pm. Beatrice came with them. I’m glad to see Beatrice and I’m awfuly tired. �74 Saturday 24 January 23 1904 A cloudy miserable day snow and slush deep on the river, not very cold day wind S.W., snow in fore noon stormy. V working in shop nearly all day. Maud, Beatrice and I finished the quilt and partly bound it. No visitors this weather. Voltie went early this morn for the mail. A letter from Grace, a letter from Gladys, the Whig, Herald, Fireside Vistor, Rennies seed catalogue, Park floral magazine. I fry cakes. Maud mops floors Sunday 24 January A cloudy stormy day, roads almost impassible. No service in church to day a long quiet day. Bob Reid came for a little visit, got lonesome up to Sams said Charley had gone to bed. This is a terrible winter up to date. Snowing and blowing at bedtime. Wells reading the Virginian till bedtime. Monday 25 January 1904 A clear bright winter day, no wind. After breakfast Voltie & Sr & Peter Toban went to the island for wood. I made pie for dinner, (mince pie with strawberry and citron in it (a grand affair) stewed fresh beef, boiled potatoes, bakes beans and cream biscuits. �75 [left corner torn, missing text indicated with *] * apple sauce, catsup and chill sauce. * Briceland drove in here buying catsup put his horse in stable and, as usual, staid to dinner. The men were a long time coming from the Island on account of the heavy traveling on ice. They managed to tip the load over at the consession and left it there, driving to the house without any wood. Maud set the pie out to cool on the ground as usual, Tobis dog ate it up. Well after they had stuffed themselves (minus the pie) they adjourned to the barn to look over the stock. Didnot buy any thing. Toban here this evening for a little money for tomorrow, he going up for groceries asks Maud if she has another pie for his dog. V sent a grist up by him for the stock, Rod and Bob Reid here till 11 pm singing, dancing, playing violin and piano. Wells Sr reading the Virginian. Tuesday 26 January 1904 Another stormy day. V & Sr drew a load from the island this am. Bob Reid here to get Charleys horse shod so he can drive him to the villiage for the mail but V gone for wood staid awhile and then I sent my letters by him to post. I sent for Hearthstone and �76 letter to Grace. When V came he went to the p.o mail a Sears & Roebuck. Storm so hard couldn’t saw wood this afternoon. The worst storm of all. I am sorry for mail carriers this day: Johny & Charlie Woodman too. Maude got tooth ache in p.m. Wednesday 27 January 1904 A beautiful day not cold. Sr says this is a weather breeder. Voltie went to the post office this morning. Mail Dispatch, Whig, Womans farm Journal, a letter from Turnock and from the Northwestern Agriculturist, a few lines from Grace relating to selling Gaskins & Agnew potatoes and fresh eggs. Drew two loads of wood from Island which makes 10 loads mostly soft wood. Oh yes and Maud received a letter from Amanda and she wants to marry. Poor Amanda some "feller" will come along and pick her up some day. Mrs Sher Mcays boy drove in here to invite Voltie to a choping wood bee for his mother. We put a quilt on the frames the log cabin. Thursday 28 January 1904 Cloud morning looks like snow. Voltie and Sr draw a load of wood from Island then after dinner V goes in cutter to Alice Michea’s wood [illegible] Snub Woodman drives in here to get Rachels address �77 [illegible] Capt Jack Donnely the driver for weeks. Voltie comes just afer dark: he staid to supper. Then he drives to Geo Gillespie’s carrying the bulls hide that he is going to send to Gananoque to have tanned for a robe. Snowing all p.m. a tough old winter. Maude and Beatrice rolled the quilt twice once yesterday and once to day. Then Beatrice went to Mrs Niles visiting Bob Reid here this evening till 1/4 past 9. Friday 29 January 1904 A day of snow and sun light rather cold. Voltie and Lobe drew three loads of wood from the island which makes fourteen. They may not draw any more but I hope they will. Maud made pies (mince) and cake, baked sweet apples. Loban here to dinner and supper then staid and helped V draw off a barrel of cider. Bob Reid came for his mittens which he left here last night. Beatrice home from her visit from Niles had a very enjoyable time. Said Shell has lost her watch in Kingston, we rolled twice on the quilt to day. The girls went for the mail, we are getting our last Herald till we subscribe again. Evening mail, Whig �78 Herald, American home, Maud received a [letter] from Miss Laura Spoor who is attending business college in town. Saturday 30 January 1904 A cloudy snowy day. Bob Reid drove in here to borrow a robe, he is going to Kingston with pork for Charley Woodman Sent by him for tobaco. V went early to Geo Glispies and brought home the saw and the bulls hide. Dont tan fur for robes in Gananoque. Charley Woodman gone to Elginburg visiting Reids, went last night after he came home with the mail. Maud and Beatrice hustled around to get ready and they go walking up the ice to Niles where they stay for tea and from there go to phinkers with Jack, Shell, Inez & Miss Davey the school teacher for an evening visit. Voltie goes up to uncle Sams for the robe and tobaco. [Bob Reid|Bob]] comes home with him but only remains till 8 p.m. for Sam is alone, poor old Sam. I get supper. Voltie helped me wash dishes. A lame back is my portion. �79 May 31st January 1904 The last of the day of the month, a cloudy snowy day. The girls arose first this morning but it was 1/2 past 7 am before any of the family got out of bed. Maud & Bee [Beatrice] returned last evening at 11.30 pm Had a most enjoyable time. Graphone [sic: gramaphone] and music. Bob Reid here. Snow balled Beatrice. Snow still continues to fall. Evening every member of family reading till bed time. Voltie the last one up reading. Monday 1st Februry 1904 A stormy morning; wind North. We hope it will not storm all day. I found time to bind the quilts all finished now and tis a beauty. Bob Reid helped Voltie butcher two pigs which of course gave me a job I dont like very well. Weather clears up in pm and sun shines. Maud washes and starches the towels and curtains. Beatrice is a darling Jolly merry little maid. I wash an undershirt for V. �80 Tuesday 2nd February 1904 A cold but clear morning. Voltie gone to Kingston with pork started 1/2 past 6 am drove up the ice; but before noon the sky becomes overcast with a heavy snow storm which continues all day. Wind North and cold. Maude and Beatrice burns sulphur in every room; the house blue with the fumes of sulphur up stairs and down stairs whew! Dont know what they done it for, any way it gave Maud a head ache. I mended V’s overalls and darned socks, baked beans, Maud made cake, and baked apples. Beatrice croched [sic: crocheted] doilies, grandpa done all the chores, brought water, choped wood. V came late, long after dark, brought the buckwheat flour. He subscribed again for the Herald to day. Tis 10 oclock all abed but me and I am now going, good night. Wednesday 3rd February 1904 A cold clear morning. Voltie drove to the villiage carrying the bull to Frank Briceland for 14 dollars. Maude and Bee went this morning for the mail, found the snow very deep. Whig, Dispatch, Agriculturist, a letter from MaudsAunt R, invitation �81 [illegible] to a party. C.M.B.A. $1,50 A Sun for W Jr from Oakley. A letter from — for —, a Sun from Birch and McKelvy for W.B. Jr also one for J.D.B. Voltie came 5.30 pm tea ready for him. V paid the taxes $10,80 also Rachels $5,40. Maud and Bee fixing for Michea’s party. Bee [Beatrice] going with Bob Reid Maud with Voltie. Sr in kitchen reading the Sea Lions, whiile I sit in the dining room by the coal stove with feet stuck in the oven to warm, with a pile of socks to darn. Cloudy & looks like a storm. Thursday 4th February 1904 A severe cold morning. The frost makes the house crack. Our dancers came at 3 O’clock a.m. and crawled into bed. V arose early enough to eat breakfast with dad and I. M & B had second breakfast. Going to butcher to day 3 pigs and I know what my job will be, not a very pleasant one. Bob Reid here and Loban helping, both here to dinner. The big tank on the stove Sr tending fire �82 Saturday February 20, 1904 �83 Monday 22nd February 1904 �84 Wednesday 24th February 1904 A blustering morning but Belle is quite anxious to go home though she does not insist in going; any way Voltie concluded to go, so drives to the door. They load up and start and drive on to the ice when behold Sr has let the calf out and he runs after the team. Voltie of course has to stop and try to drive the colt back and Voltie runs, Sr runs too, after difficulty they succeed in driving him to the barn and but no sooner is Voltie under way again than the colt is away too after them again folowing them to Niles. Voltie again attempts to lure him back when the black mare jumps and kicks the bay colt cutting his leg so back they come and unhitch and stay home and tis as well for the day proves to be a dirty disagreable kind of weather �85 Friday 26th February 1904 A very beautiful day bright warm. A very very few days like this, have we seen this awful winter but we accept with the thankful heart this one. Sleighs and cutters flying behind horses horses this day. Voltie cutting ice all alone this day and so very tired, when night comes went early to bed. five times have I written "this day" within 6 lines. �86 your of reading Robert G came and were glad to see him, he came down with Charley W. Voltie & Irene set the table for him and it was midnight when we retired Sunday 28 February 1904 A rainy dirty day. Every one reading. Voltie reading Granstark all day, a quiet rainy stormy day. Irene reading Lena Rivers but we have our three square meals all the same. �87 Niles helping and here to dinner. Briceland here to. We expected him to dinner. He bought the the bare faced calf $1,50. Evening Voltie, Robert & Irene went to Mr Niles for an evening visit returned at 10,30 pm. A stormy night. I read Lalla Rooch a wild improbable story by Moore. Sr reading Ivanhoe. Tuesday 1st March 1904 The stormiest and most blustering day of all the winter. Wind blowing, snow flying. A trememdous growth of snow banks every where what were big banks before are monstors now. snow six feet on level between house and river, the same by the barn. Voltie working on a new set of bob sleighs. I washed a few things. Bob in evening went to post office expecting �88 Bob went to Niles and ate dinner. I baked custard pie. Irene cleaned floors and every fine. Voltie came home early for supper, tired after doing the chores, milking & seperating milk, he and Bob sorted two barrels of apples for market. I am sending 7 lbs butter to market wish it was twenty. Merrit Daily trying to move on the island, drove down the island with two loads had to turn back on acount of snow through the Breaky consession. The weather now looks like a storm. �89 [illegible] rigs gone up this morning. Merrit [illegible]penter moving a load of goods over here to the Breakey Joy place. 1 pm Raining and blowing a hurrycane from the west; the water on the ice rolling with white caps. A terrible day for Wind and rain and cold increasing every minute. 4 pm one team just drove down on ice water up to the sleigh ranes [sic: reigns]. V & M cant come home this day. Toban here. Sr treated him to cider; poor Prince often looks out the window up the river watching and waiting for Voltie in vain. Irene and I sit up late washing but no return of the absent, Maud been gone now 2 weeks. Well I’ll go bed. This March day has gone out. It has riped [sic: ripped] and tore, stormed and swore since �90 as far as Charleys where they stayed and They came with empty barrels and boxes laden with groceries. V brought a new doubble harness from D Spoor. Grace sent me a piece of cheese. Bob sent me a book "The Clerical City" by Hall Caine. Belle sent me two copies of the Brown Book. Irene Sr made molasses cookies. mail, Whig, Herald, Massey book, letter from Grace, one from Ethel & Flora (Uncle Voltie and Irene Sr gone to visit Dixons Uncle Willies) Saturday 5 March 1904 Another beautiful day thoug the is rather more pensive than yesterday. Voltie and Irene gone over the way to another country. I sent Grannie my pocket book and all the money I possessed which was only one dollar, cloth for new apron; sent apples, ginger cookies and sent Jen a monster onion. Perhaps she will not be pleased—I dont care. Voltie told me �91 something of importance occurs after Voltie and Irene leave for another country only Till evening after we are all quietly engaged in reading we are aggreeably surprised by an evening visit form Shelly Niles, Miss Davey and Wallace Niles. Maud treated them to hickory Poor dear Maud went to bed with tooth ache. I applied hot ginger bag to her face and filled the cavity with cotton batten saturated in eclectric oil. Forget to say Maud went out skating this pm found the ice very rough and bad every way. Sunday 6th March 1904 A soft, mild, dim, quiet resting itelf for business ahead. We looked for Voltie and Lib all forenoon. No one came but Loban Excuse wants to get his hair cut but I think tis cider he wants; after dinner and dishes Van drives in cutter with his beautiful white mare wouldnt unhitch but tied her out at �92 tea and dishes washed we enjjoy a very evening reading. Maud reading Graustark W Sr reading Ivanhoe, while I read the Political romance by Hall Cane the Eternal City (Rome of course) Monday 7th March 1904 A rainy day. March is weeping floods of tears very quietly. The snow has disapeared so rapidly that the dirty earth begins to peep forth from her beautiful white mantle that she has worn all winter but tis now soiled, dirty, besmirched with mud sticks, leaves and every filth, but tis welcome after this long dreary cold—Sr mending harness in kitchen and blowing his nose on the floor every few minutes. I can truly say like Jess in "Window in Thurms" "What man am I tied to". Maud working on sofa pillow. I washed separator, churned, worked butter and washed all the dairy implements, cracked a few nuts �93 [illegible] to water without doubt the traveling on ice and land is very difficult; but Charley Woodman has gone to Marysville for the mail. I would have sent letters but have given away all my money. Gave Sylvia 12 cts, sent mother a dollar, gave June 25 cts. Dear June I’m almost sorry I didnt give her the dollar but Voltie will give something—(money) in Watertown and I can give Irene money later. As the snow disapears it exposes and brings to view a very filthy door yard. To day Maud is washing & Irene Sr is limping around doing the dishes, separator and cooking. "Ole man" Sr is untoping straw stack. The hens are all out scratching among the straw for wheat. Wallace gone to Clayton to get tooth pulled out. Evening Dad went for mail. Whig, Daily Agriculturist, American Woman, Household Guest, a letter from Watson, postal from New Thought, and a letter from Clark Street, Chicago which I have not opened. �94 [illegible—page torn] in the consession and cant get up. Charley and Mr McGreggor here while we were at dinner to help get her up but I think Sr is hoping she cant get up for he didnt go with them but thanked them very politely and camee back to finish his dinner while C.W. & R McGreggor went home . The old mare is up and gone to the barn again. I made Johny cake for dinner. Sr ate 6 pieces Maud & I ate 1 each. Sr got mad at Maud; going strike her. I blowed the stuffing out him. I made him ashamed for onc. Evening he began reading Forna Doone. Thursday 10th March 1904 last night Theremometer cold [illegible—page torn] �95 [illegible—page torn] the property they sit up late but finaly go to bed upstairs. Womans World, Herald, Hearthstones good Litterature, letter from Grace, asking for Bobs Friday 11 March A miserable cold, stinging day After breakfast, Davis goes home, leaving Loyd [illegible] here to watch affairs. Sammy and Toban go to Kingston to see about the seizure. Charley as usual goes for the mail. We send Loyd for the mail. No one visible except little Sylve. Sam gone to bu Charley am. McGregors part playing cards. Oh yes he said Bob Reid who said they had consulted Lawyer. Tobe drove in here at bed time wanting cider [illegible] evening mail Whig, Herald, Womans World, Good Litterature &c. �96 Saturday 12 March 1904 The day much warmer than yesterday but not very warm yet, didn’t thaw. Prince as well as my self is still looking for Voltie. Maud cleans floors. I made molasses cookies; they are not very good. Sammy and Loban gone up again to day. Loyd made three trips to Loban’s. After dinner and dishes washed Maud goes skating but is going to come early home to help me get supper. Sr comes in house about 4 pm and says "They are coming, are about a mile away; and sure enough Voltie and Irene are coming home over the ice and in a very few minutes at the door. Irene comes in with bundles and valise while Voltie brings in the robes and blankets and then drives to Sam’s with Charleys cutter. Irene after telling me something about the pleasure of her visit only a little for she has not have gone to relate much—helps me get supper. But where is our Maud who was coming home to help me so early? dont [illegible] Well while we are at table she walks in, face read and breathing like a steamboat, she been over to Maloneys with Shell and Miss Davey, Miss Spoor over there. V started to go over to Dodges but Wallace wouldn’t go so came home and reads all the �97 2 Sunday 13 March 1904 Arose rather late this morning for tis and a day of rest, but Grandad was up fire breath and out milking before Voltie was down stairs. Voltie and Lloyd slept together last night and they both came down stairs together. Voltie declares he must go to Kingston tomorrow for coal and I want to send the butter to market in prints and as part of it is in rolls and the other part in cream not churned yet and tis Sunday I am considering what to do. When Lloyd goes on his watchful mission I pour the cream into the churn and set Voltie at the business of bringing the butter from the cream and as I am making out the butter prints,—in walks Mr. Lloyd. Voltie had told me that Lloyd was a strict Methodist and I was somewhat "Skerry" of being caught breaking the Sabath so to make sure I ventured to ask him what Church he belonged too he said "Church of England" so I didn’t care. Furthermore he said Loban had asked him if Voltie was home and he had told him "No" that Voltie had gone across the river. Lobans mind was to come and get filled up with cider and Lloyd �98 understood it all right. I told him I was breaking the Sabath. He said it was all right, that it was nothing to him and I thought so too. As tis a fine day Jr hitched up (after dressing up) and drove over river to visit his relation—and gone all day coming home just in time for his supper, he brought home Dickens history of England which I had lent Bill Windmill over a year ago—(I’ll not lend him any more) and another book that Lib has sent me to read all about the pure cursedness of "Papery" "Little of Book" "The Great Red Dragon". Maud skates all pm and again in evening. I took a nap this pm first in a long time. Irene told me all about her visit, what a dear sweet girl is Muriel, and what a lovely woman is her Aunt Eveline and her dear uncle Wellie, and the darling boys, Hubert and Clyde & Lyle. It is nearly midnight when I go to bed. The afternoon nap cured me of sleepiness. 3 Monday 14 March 1904 A very fine day except in afternoon it snowed again. Woodman again went to Kingston. Lloyd went to Loban’s three times. Voltie went to Kingston carrying the butter to market 12 lbs and oak to be sawed into lumber. He is going to make a bedstead and book case he did not return till after dark, had to wait for lumber to be sawed. Sold the butter to OConner �99 4 Monday 14 March 1904 A beautiful morning like spring but snow every where; going on ice fine; cutters & sleighs flying every where over the ice bound river. Samy & Charlie gone up again this morning to see about the seizure of their cows and hay for rent. Arose at 5 Oclock this morning for Voltie is gone to Kingston with oak to be sawed for lumber; he is going to make headstead and a book case. I sent 12 lbs butter to market. Voltie will bring coal. Tis 10 a.m. & I am beginning to think about dinner and what will I get I think I’ll cook some carrots smothered in cream and make a pie of some kind. (I didnot make the pie). Voltie brought 1100 lbs of coal and onions for Ed Bates. �100 5 Tuesday 15th March 1904 The skating spoiled again; ice covered with snow. I sent the letter and order to Dr Turnoch $2,50, wrote and sent a letter to Mr Watson, and 3 New Thought Magazines and another magazine, and a letter to Sydney Flower N.Y. Sent them by L Card who has gone up with the mail as he has finished his mission of watching the property. Tis a fine day and thawing. We all go bed early Whig, Good Stories, Agriculturist, Dispatch, Heralds pictures & map Wednesday 16 Marach 1904 Another beautiful day. Voltie goes across the river accompanied by Irene and Maud who are going to call at uncle Delavan’s while V drives to Ed B’s for the sourkrout that Ed promised him early in the winter, he returned at dinner time without the sourkrout or the girls. They are going to visit with Libbie B and Van brings them home near supper time. Wells Sr an Voltie begin breaking the black colt. he drives off like an old horse. Sr is going to Kingston tomorrow. 9 pm good night. �101 6 Thursday 17 March 1904 Well St Patrick’s day has come again; what silly, foolish celebration. Old St Pat. It is realy disgusting but those Roman Catholics are witless as far as their pretended religion is. Barometer this morning registers zero. A clear fine day. Sr gone to Kingston for the first time this winter. I’m glad he is gone for a few hours, for the stove can have a peacable time as well as the family; no slaming of stove doors to day or looking into the tank to see how low the water is, or low muttering growling. Voltie is taping [sic: tapping] our few maples. I am trying to wash a few things. While I am resting a few minutes the coal stove, the girls exclaim, Visitors! and sure enough Old uncle James Gloyd has come. V goes out & puts his horse in stable while uncle Jim comes in shaking hands with us all around. poor old man how white his hair is and how old and decripted he looks. He said he had not seen or heard from any of us in so long time he thought he would drive over for a little while. Well as he is an inssesant �102 7 talker he gave us a vivid and minute description of Franks and Esthers lives and conduct, and several other of his relatives and acquaintances. He has ordered his own monument which is already engraved at the marble works in Clayton. Says without doubt this is the last time he will ever visit us or cross the river. V brought in the sap a few quarts which he boiled, making a small bowl of syrup by adding a cup full of brown suar. Sr came while we were at supper. I lingered at table to keep him company and hear the news, which was not much. Awful sick on the road going up, saw Bob, [illegible] couldnt pull his tooth, Smith charged him ,75 cts fixing his specticals [sic:spectacles] Loban is going to sue [illegible] for taking care of the cattle and property while [illegible] should have done it instead of Loban &c [illegible] carpet rags and darned Sr mitten and Volties �103 �104 9 Friday 18 March 1904 No sign of spring. A bad stormy day, snow falling thick and fast. Winter far and wide. Beatrice is 17 years old to day. This morning Voltie sent to Sears and Robuck for the books on Carpentry and Painting 3 of them, beside a romance. We had our maple syrup for breakfast this morn. Voltie has taken our old rocker to the shop to repair it. Well I feel dull lazy and sleepy. I wish I had 2 dollars in silver change that I might send away for flower and vegetable seeds and bulbs, and for subscribtion purposes, and a few new books but I have not money enough to pay postage for a letter, but better times are coming. I will now go wash separator. I sewed a ball of carpet rags and pieced a new quilt block. V and Charley again breaking our colt to drive double. Ben Percey came over visiting and stayed to tea. After dishes washed Maud & Irene dressed, and went to Mrs Niles, for an evening visit Ben went with them. Evening mail. Whig, Herald, Womans magazine, a letter from Gladys [illegible] �105 �106 11 Saturday 19 March 1904 The snow and weather looks as much like winter as ever; more like January than nearly spring. The fog and snow this morning gave a ghostly appearance to all nature. Maud and Irene hustling around to get the Saturdays work done. I must make pies and cookies for Sunday. We may have visitors. Charley and Belle may come, wish they would. Every body but my children visits us. The ones I so long to see dont come, Gladys the dear little one write to me so I have one steady correspondent among my grand children and now and then an occasional one among the others. Fourteen Grandchildren! I have belonging to me! Well Well! I must be growing very old, seventy! what an age! Muriel sent me this diary, my pretty grandaughter. Well I think grandmothers like the kind notices taken of them. Maude & Irene expecting evening visitors from the Niles family, teacher and all the young trash, but it beging [sic:beginning] to snow and rain and they do not come. Maud & Irene sing and dance in parlor. �107 12 �108 13 Sunday 20 March 1904 Froze last night snow lying in heaps and drifts every where. Last year the Pierpont made her first trip to our dock the 18 of March but now the ice in river is two feet thick every where and covered with snow and deep snow on land everywhere. The weather to day is windy, dim sunlight altogether disagreeable day to be out in. Morning’s work done floors cleanly swept everything comfortable warm & cozy when as a pleasant surprise Brother Will came. He had come with Frank Woodman who has come over to visit his father. After dinner Will & [Frank?] & Maud go up to call on the Niles family and are gone only a short time when Ed Bates drives in here bringing a big pail of sourkrout which to us is a rare treat indeed. We invite him to stay. He excuses himself and only stays for cider. After a little small talk he drives away and [illegible] Irene and I are setting the supper table, Will and [Frank?] came home but had dined with the Niles family. Will much regreted not having seen Edy B. Frank was the next to call and pay his regards to the family. [illegible] the cider barrel. Next on the list with [illegible] �109 14 �110 15 for his cap which he held in his hand with his mittens all the while he was searching; at just after hand clasp and a regretful good bye they were gone and V and were left alone [illegible] past one a.m. Tis over the moonlight and more than half past midnight and Frank and Will ought to have been home 5 hours ago. Forgot to say Toban was here this same evening for a gallon of cider and had to hurry home before it evaperated and lost its stimulating quality for he has an open tin pail in which to carry it. Monday 21st March 1904 It made no difference about the lateness of the hour when we retired. Sr was out 1/2 past 5 am and O! I was so sleepy but had to get up and call the girls out. After breakfast, dishes & separator washed I sit awhile by the coal stove and go fast asleep while �111 16 �112 17 came Ben Percey and "Honorable" Robert Reid They adjourned to the parlor (after a plentiful swilling of cider) and then the orgie commenced: piano, violin, singing, dancing, laughing, hollering and yelling till 11,30 pm when they agreed to home. Will & Frank have to go to Depauville well after a lot more chaff, noisy loud talking. Frank, Bob & Ben go to Sams. Frank gone for his rig while Will, Voltie and I wait in kitchen for Frank’s return. After waiting for an hour and a half V & W go forth in guest of Frank whom they find talking to his father sitting by on his bed. They got Frank started at last. They came in to say good bye to me and get another cider and a jug full beside, and supper for by this time they were hungry so I set them good lunch on the kitchen table and after filling [illegible] a lot more gab, and Will said he had [illegible] ass of himself and Frank said he [illegible] good time and I and V rebut profanity &c and Will [illegible] �113 18 �114 22 Tuesday 22nd March 1904 Arose at the usual hour. Weather looking very unfavorable for going to Kingston. V thinks he wont go then changes his mind and now the hustle and bustle begins. Hurry hurry! bring out the butter & put up the eggs. I hustle the buttermilk into the jug for Grace make out my order! Irene flying around getting her things together for she is going home. I’m sorry to see Irene go, dear little girl but she wants to go home and see them all. V says he might as well go to day and get the job done with. Sr brings the team to the door and the oak plank is piled in and a barrel of apples for sale & a bag of potatoes for Bob G and the butter and eggs and buttermilk. Irene and her valises and bundles and a box of hickory nuts, and they are tucked in furs and robes & away they go up the ice and around the point out of sight, and Maud and I return humdrum ocupation of washing dishes general housework) and so the day �115 �116 23 passes on with wind blowing a gale and rain too. V comes home early. Belle sent me a loaf of graham bread, dear Belle she is a good woman. Voltie brought all I sent for except the bottle of milk. V goes for the mail Whig Dispatch, Agriculturist, Hearth & home, 2 letters from "Turnock" and a Postal saying the medicine is in Kingston with one dollar duty charges. I wish I had had it sent to River View. �117 �118 25 Wednesday 23rd March 1904 A beautiful day, like spring. Voltie working in shop. I wash and set up new lace pattern and finish quilt blocks. V and Sr drew hay from stock, 3 loads, cleaned out hen house and hog pen. Then in pm hitched up the colts again to break them in to driving order, and drove with two young lads who are around looking for two stray dogs (Fox hounds) which they have lost while out hunting. They found the dogs at Archy Berries, drove back again and we gave them lunch for they are nearly famished with humger not having eaten anything since breakfast we fed them and their dogs. They are from Clayton. Well goes the day. Thursday 24 March 1904 A very fine morning. I go to the door to get a few deep drawn breaths of this spring morning which is as stimulating as wine how much better one fells for deeply breathing the ozone. �119 �120 31 Saturday 26 March 1904 Raining all night and raining this morn Wind South. The surface of the Earth, never, at any of the year presents a more woe stricken appearance then at this time. water, wind, dirty snow with over two thirds bare ground. Maude cleans floors. V up Rob Horns old buggy. Wind changes to north and freezes. V and M and I sit up quite late reading. V wants to be called at 4 am. I dont believe it. No use running such a risk on poor ice on Sunday morning before day light smulgling calves Sunday morning 27th March 1904 A clear bright morning, earth and ice stiffens by frost another new calf which is five all told this spring. After breakfast Voltie goes across the river to Quinn Beadles to see if he wants the calve. Sr goes with him as far as the channel to see him over. When Sr came back he reported the �121 �122 33 but as there is no Post office at the bay (River View) any more he did not get his books for the mail is now carried by rural free delivery so he dont know where they are. After dinner Wallace came and told Voltie that there is books and other mail for him at Rob Perceys. Wal goes home, gets his skates and comes directly back and he and V skate across the river and get the books, 4 of them. We all sit up reading till 10 p.m. Monday 28th March 1904 Froze hard last night. Voltie regreting that he had not run the calves over on handsled this morning before daylight and I’m glad he didn’t. After breakfast V drives to the foot to old Mrs Gillespie’s funeral. The funeral service is held at the house. her remains were brought and laid in the M E vault. She was ninety years old. Wells Sr fixing fence to keep the cattle from the hay stack. After breakfast Maud washes the clothes uncle Sam has got his washing hung out first. I wash dishes, separator, and churn the butter, and �123 �124 43 Wednesday 30 March 1904 Snow to day disapearing rappidly [sic:rapidly]] somewhat cloudy. Will Gillespie drove here for Plymouth rock eggs, wants 7 doz, 2 baked bread. Maud ironed and after dinner walked up to see Shell found the walking very slushy. Sr brought in 2 pails of sap. I wrote a long letter to Grace. Wells Sr reads all evening. Voltie read all the evening. �125 �126 41 bed wondering why the old cellar steps dont give away, and colapse, break down with the weight of 2 great men and a barrel of apples for they are 36 years old and wobbling from age and much service; once they came very near breaking my leg when I fell through a broken step. Well they are gone, butter, apples, eggs and their own precious selves, across the island they go and up the ice on the North shore, so I get up cant very well walk for pain across my back, got a kink in it some way so I put on electric belt. V and Henderson came at 3 pm they had had no dinner had been to Charlies twice going and coming. Charley went to town with them. H dont go home to Niles but hangs around here till dark then Voltie gos up with him to get rid of him I guess. Evening mail Whig, dispatch, Agriculturist, leters from Bob Gaskin, Grace, Marjorie and the Turnock meds �127 �128 Friday 1 April 1904 Another cloudy nasty windy time with patches of dirty snow and ice every. No ice traveling any more. �129 Sunday 2nd April 1904 A very nasty day a raw chilly drizzling rain falling at intervals all day. There seems to be a fight between departing winter and approaching spring. Winter had held the lines for a long time ever. since 14 November when the ground froze hard and has never thawed since that time. �130 Sunday 3rd April 1904 A cold raw day. Wind North froze hard last night. The ground lightly covered with snow this morning. After breakfast and work all done. I sit down to write in this diary. Henderson and Jack Niles here for Hendersons old buggy V has repaired. They came in and were freely treated to cider which loosened Henderson’s tongue which goes off like a bell clapper with no sence. Some how I dont like that man; he belongs to the great majority of common class, and fifth rate at that. Whew how the wind blows. It seems a long time to want for a bright, war, soft June day. �131 April 1904 & clear cold frozen morning. I dont feel very well this morning on account of loss of sleep caused by C.W. and Rod staying here so late last night; 30 minutes past midnight. �132 33 Thursday 7 April 1904 A very fine day a white frost this morning. V commenced plowing, mother calf at the barn. Will Gillespie here for eggs. 7 doz at .18 per doz. River clear of ice. Saturday 9th April 1904 Charley Woodman plowed for Voltie to day, ground very wet. Charlie is owing Voltie 7 dollars for carpenter work &c Sunday 10 April A very dirty day raw cold windy. Voltie set a hen on 14 eggs. R’s old hen. Maude had a terrible tooth ache. Wallace made us a short visit, all dressed right and dandy. Henderson made us an evening visit. �133 34 Monday 11 April 1904 A cloudy chilly day. Ice in river jamed in to stay I think. Wind S.W. and not very warm. Maude is all right this morning she bakes pies and cakes. I stew apples and make rice pud and boil and pickle beets. Evening visitors Shelly Wallace & Miss Davey. Night dark and cloudy. Tuesday 12th April 1904 A dirty rainy morning rained all night. Voltie cant plow this day. Wind East I’ll help Maud wash dishes then I’ll wash separator, churn & work butter and make prints. I didn’t make prints but worked the butter all over. Maud churned and washed all the lace curtains 8 of them. 4 pairs. and other things. Voltie did plow all day. Miss Davy here after school giving Maud a music lesson. Charley Woodman here to get V to go to Alice McKays sugar party. He (Charley) is going to invite one of the Jimmie girls. Evening mail Good stories, American House hold, Guest Farmers weekly, New thought with Thetascope and a letter from Turnock. �134 Friday 29 April 1904 Wind North It was after dark when they came [illegible] a very little tired of course and didn’t wash dishes and we had a time washing so many dishes after breakfast. I send Old Turnock, Chicago another $2,50 for second treatment which I think will be the last. Didn’t work very hard this day. Maud made table cloth and put the clothes to soak to be washed tomorrow. V working shop for tis to wet to work in the field. In the evening Shell and Miss Davey came. Mail not much this evening only Herald and Whig. Voltie plowed all day for corn. Shell and Miss Davey here till bed time. Charley & Rod here in evening. Rachel came over early this morning and went up to Belles with Charley W. �135 Saturday 30 and last of April 1904 A fine day wind N but not cold. Voltie plowing all day for corn. Sr building fire. Maud cleaned all the floors. V cultivating all day. Sr building fence. I work around all day. Sunday 1st May 1904 A fine day wind North. We are alone all day. I looked for Belle [page torn down page right side] In the evening Maud goes calling at and found shell has a bean. Byron up to W.G.’s courting. Jack gone down courting. Henderson and Miss Davey driving Mr & Mrs Niles out walk shore so Inez comes partly �136 Wednesday 13 April 1904 A very cold morning froze hard. Wind North. Voltie cant plow this day, he set a hen and drew out manure and a load of hay from the stack. Drew off a barrel of cider for vinegar Maud starched the curtains and pinned them all down on the parlor floor to dry. The snow was falling quite briskly for about an hour this am and it is cloudy now. Voltie put away the sleighs for summer in machine house. A cold raw wind blowing all day. Voltie was halting between persuasions of mind one to go to Alice Michea’s sugar party to night or stay home and read or work in shop. Concluded to stay home, but after the lapse of half an hour and nearly 8 Oclock. Beatrice came in like a whirlwind bound for the party having come from Grandmas Halliday’s with her uncle Henry he also going to the party. Then V & M wer [sic: were] positive that they wanted to go to the party and they went. �137 Thursday 14 April 1904 Another frozen morning Wind North cant plow. They came at 3 am and arose at 1/4 after 6 Oclock. I write a letter Dr Turnock PM Voltie plows two lands through snow storm. Toban here in evening for tobaco treats him to cider. Friday 15th April 1904 A clear bright morning, river sealed over with ice; froze again this morning. Maud taking up the curtains off the parlor carpet ironed the lambrequin and put it and curtains away till the rooms are cleaned. Voltie plowed again 2 lands. Sr brought in two big pails of sap. I sent a letter to Dr Turnock. Maud went calling on her friends the Niles family. Evening mail, two Whigs, Agriculturist, Heralds, Another April Hearth & Home, a letter from Grace and one from Watson. We churned �138 Saturday 16 April 1904 Wind North this morning with snow. Voltie set two hens and another hen wants to set. We now have 70 eggs setting. Miss Davy here giving Maude music lesson then went with the Niles to W.G. Woodmans visiting. Voltie plowed. Sunday 17 April 1904 Froze up morning. I read History of England nearly all day comparing Greens History with Dickenson they agree very well. Maud goes to church a very good turn out to day. The preacher preached fire and brimstone. No visitors to day. �139 Monday 18 April 1904 A dirty day. Wind [illegible] Maud took up the dining room carpet and hung it on the line. Cant do much more cleaning for the weather is miserable was going to make out all the butter prints but Alice Michea came for vinegar. Voltie put the horse in the stable and she staid till evening. She worked stitches on my crazy work cushion over lent her some book Dickens history of England, Lorna Doone & 3 New thought magazine. little Esford was with her. V gave her carrots and she drove away down the road home again just as the sun was going down behind a bed cloud. Tuesday 1904 April 19th Of all disagreeable weather this is the worst. Snowing hard and furious with ground white for a while, then wind North wind & cloudy. Spoor here with asscesment [sic: assessment] Lorna with him. Wonder if she ever means to bring home our book "Sewards travels around the world". I sent 10 cent for flower seeds to the Mystic Co. I think it is all a mistake, a myth they promise to much �140 river full of floating ice acres and [illegible] of it, brown colt fell [illegible] a harness; he has got that well [illegible] up now. Voltie went for the [illegible] [illegible] & Rod, came home with him and [illegible] [illegible] Charley Noisy; been drinking Wednesday 20 April 1904 An awful day for weather snowing and blowing all day and drifting wind N.W. Dreary and dismal last night the river froze over from shore to shore. I finished the butter 38 lbs for market and one for Jack. This weather makes me very lame. Voltie working in shop all day; only he whitewashed the the sitting room. I sorted and straightened up all the corner litterature. Maud cooked & washed dishes. Irene B washed the separator and wiped all the dishes. Maud churned and I took care of all the butter. I’ll be happy when winter is gone. �141 Thursday 21st April 1904 A smiling sunbright day warm and cheering though the ground in morning was frozen quite hard. Maude cleaned her bedroom thoroughly. Voltie plowed. In evening Miss Davey here staid till 9 pm. V went home with her. Charley & Rod here in evening it was so hot he couldnt stay very long for I was baking bread. Dad brought in one pail full of sap and ice. �142 Friday 22nd April 1904 A beautiful day. V set the tomato plants out in the sun. Maud cleaned all the woodwork in little sitting room and dining room and cleaned my bedroom. I done all the cooking and washing dishes and separator. Evening mail Herald, Dispatch, two Vickerys firesides two Hearth and Home and a letter from Turnock. V and dad [illegible] for the Browns skiff. V rowing it up [illegible] black colt. Saturday 23rd April 1904 Arose at four. V going to Kingston [illegible] to board the 1/2 past 8 am boat for V drove the black colts 38 lbs butter, [illegible] Chamber I done house work and took afternoon boiled sap now got 6 [illegible] till 10 pm waiting for V but he [illegiblel] �143 Sunday 24 April 1904 [page torn, right margin, missing text indicated with *] A mild day but getting cloudy * alone all day, no visitors. V came at * got left in Kingston and staid * and Bob. Bob Reid too staid * A very pleasant evening passed * and reading. V got his experiment * staining and hardwood finished * $2,00 and our wall paper from * Paines. Raining hard towards evening and heavy all night. Voltie again kindled a fire in coal stove. Monday 25 April 1904 Coudy. Cool this morning. A very fine day somewhat Voltie and dad drawing manure on the potato ground. V and Maud papered the small sitting room so we didn’t get to bed till 12 midnight. �144 4 Sunday 3rd March 1906 [sticker: Continued, Date 1906] [right corner torn, missing text indicated with *] A cloudy dismal day neither rain * Bare ground except an abundance of ice every * cat might slip on it; no service in church to * The roads are terrible for traveling. Maud is getting dinner While we are at dinner, Frank Woodman and George Smith Woodman came over the ice from U.S.A. gave us all the news and ate dinner here. Geo went down home and brought the horse up intending to lead him across the ice. V went with them to help him but when they were in the channel they found the ice so poor and full of holes that they turned back. [illegible] hired man, Woodard came a little while before sunset from up the island where he has been courting the widow Cavelry and hastened across the ice. said "he must go or they would think he had got in a hole. Voltie watched him with the glass as long as he could see him to see that he hadnt get in a hole. Whitmarsh come about 4 pm [illegible] rode down as far as Montgomerys with Lancaster the English prelate �145 Monday 5 March 1906 [left corner torn, missing text indicated with #] # this morning. Frank & George # accompanied by old C.W. Voltie drove up the island # McDonalds, with a grist for hog feed, left it there and returned in # dinner. Maud and I sort a peck of beans # clear. North door squeaking, North wind. Tuesday 6 March 1906 I write several letters one to Nellie Brooks, one to Belle, one to Grace, one to Capt Cummings, one to Wall, one to Rachel. Hannah Flynn here to say Capt Cummings want R to cook on the Wolfe Islander the coming season. Maud cleans all the floors. Sr bottoms chairs. Voltie works in shop, my left foot ancle and leg feels cold and stiff. Evening Voltie goes to post office, "Dispatch", "Madame", "Household guest" a letter from Grace, Chase Almanac & that is all Wednesday 7 March 1906 A cloudy morning. 2 deg below freezing. Voltie gone to the villiage and will cross if he can. He drove up on wheels no sleighing no snow �146 Wednesday 18 March 1906 Tuesday 13 March 1906 [left corner torn, missing text indicated with #] # Weather about same as yesterday. # and I had a fine visit. Evening set the # going till 11 Oclock pm. A little feathery snow this morning but soon cleared up. Wednesday 14 Belle and the children went home; started about 10 a.m. A raw cold wind blowing from the East. Oh the lonesomeness of the house since Belle went away. Evening no phonograph this eve instead Voltie & Whitmarsh after sawing great logs for firewood go putting corks and lead on fish nets. Thursday 15th March East wind. Trying to snow; a few light feathery flakes. V working in shop making leads for fish nets and bobs to float the nets, then shoed a horse. After supper Fred helped him saw wood till he jamed his finger. Then V put leads on nets till bed time. Maud got a bad cold. Sr sorted beans. I worked on Mauds cushion and helped cook and wash dishes and so ends the day �147 10 a.m. Sunday 11 March 1906 [right corner torn: missing text will be indicated with a *] Ground froze quit hard last night * this morning. Dont get up very early, we * now got done with the mornings work. I * bread & graham bread, washed dishes a great lot * pots, pans, kettles, scour knives & forks & spoons * makes beds, sweeps & dusts. V. F and Sr reading Maud went to church, scant audience. No horn to day so Lillie Woodman asked Maud to sing which she does. After dinner, Maud goes up to Niles and I bake the bread and wash dishes, men folks all read. Oh such a long lonesome sleepy sunday, so very hot in kitchen. I open the door and in rushes 5 cats, grey striped spotted black and white. Well I’ll let them stay in awhile. Maud came in time to help get dinner. Whiled away the evening in reading. Monday 12 March 1906 A very good day some snow this morning about like a feather, froze. V drew wood from Dailys wood and while we were at dinner Belle came bringing Charlie & Henry & the phonograph. So excepting the meals everything was put aside for music and a visit �148 [top & bottom right corners torn, missing text indicated with *] Friday 16 March 19 A half cloudy day, no snow. V and Sr drawing wood sled len * Greggors down to Woodmans for hay. Fred * home to villiage to night going to walk. Maud * a bad cold I gave her some hot whiskey. I guess * her head ache poor little girl. I try to do all I can which is not much with a cane fo a supp * After dinner gone again for more wood from Dailys. Evening snowed. V went for mail, gone only a few minutes. Herald, Hearth Stone, Good Litterature, a letter from Ethel Dixon & a postal from Nellie Brooks. 12 eggs. Saturday 17 March 1906. A bright cold morning, a light snow on the ground. Voltie gone to Dailys woods for a load of wood. Another calf which makes two. Not going to raise it; tis to small. I’m so afflicted with * and cold feet. I can scarcely get around * with the support of a cane. Voltie has come * for another load of wood. �149 Sunday 18th March 1906 A very fine day but a cold morning, froze last night sat up till nearly 11 pm reading; we arose at 7 am and had a quiet peaceful sabath day. Maud went to church in afternoon; going to start a revival meting here begins tomorrow night. Fred came in time for supper. This is Beatrice birthday 19 years old to day. 13 eggs. Monday 19 March 1906 Froze again last night; very cloudy and dark around the horizon, looks like snow storm. Maude undertook the washing but only suceeded in putting them in the tub. Bill McDonel came for beans and consequently staid to dinner on account of having to sort the beans. Sr, Voltie & yours truly picked over a peck of beans while Maud finished the dinner. Beginning to snow. Voltie finished one net and hung up another to put on corks and *. Bed time snowing fast and furious & 8 eggs. Tuesday 20 March 1906 �150 Sunday 1st April Sun bright shining, but froze last night Dont look much like spring for tis chilly enough Coal nearly all gone. Voltie and Fred at the shop. I guess Voltie has forgoten to cool and turn the eggs and trim the lamp. Now they have gone away some where, dont know where. Wells Sr put the last of the coal in the stove at 15 minutes past 10 am. Voltie and Fred have been down the shore looking for clamshells V had forgoten all about the incubator but he trimed the lamp and turned the wick to high and the thermometer had risen to 107 deg. Maud went to church in pm but no preacher there. We had raspberry short cake for dinner and boiled eggs for supper. A clear sunset, a hole down through the ice. Monday 2nd of April Another frozen morning but clear. I am very lame this morning not only in my back and knees & hips but my right arm in shoulder is very lame; experienced difficulty in dressing myself but helped wring the clothes. I washed dishes, separator, cooked the meals. Maud done big washing lines full, we washed a quilt; only 8 eggs to day our hens dont lay very well. 26 hens all young pullets. �151 Tuesday 3rd April 1906 Ice breaking up and floating down stream. A clear bright day sent a letter to Grace. Maud has to work to hard for she has done all the work to day, poor dear Maud. I wish I could get around and help more. V went over to fix Dailys fence where they drew wood through. Mrs Daily came over and V lent Merritt a bag of potatoes, sold her a peck of beans, gave her two bottles of catsup and a can of tomatoes and a peck of apples. Evening mail a lot of advertsing matter, a letter from Irene Halliday, McClures magazine, Farmers Dispatch Wednesday �152 [bottom right corner torn, missing text indicated with *] Thursday 5 April 1906 froze again last night, clear looks like rain off in the South. V works in shop all am and in afternoon draws stone. Sr splits and piles wood. Maud weaves rags for rugs while I sow [sic: sew] them on. We making a a rug for Grace. This is the eleventh day for the incubator hatch. Evening every body reading except Irene, beginning to snow. Fred fixed the separator all right. Wednesday 4 April V worked in shop and drew stone. Whitmarsh climbs top of the fence looking for V & stretching * up like a gobbler, till at last he discovers Voltie * down he jumps and away he runs to the * where V is drawing stone. Sr splitting a piling * Friday 6 April 1906 Awoke this morning to find the ground white with snow but it soon disapears and at 11 am not a sign of snow to be seen. V draws stone awhile early this morn on stone boat. I sent a letter to Grace by Wells Sr sorted a pot of beans to cook quite a hay �153 30 March 1906 Friday A cloudy dirty looking morning. We had just washed our dishes and had done morning’s work done when "Merrit & Jane" came visiting, staid nearly all day till it began to rain. I made a strawberry shortcake for dinner and Mrs D entertained us with piano music (hymns) and at last they went home then we prepared for making pumkin pies &c, rains quite briskly for a short time and that ends it. Saturday 31st March 1906 A frozen morning, clear sky, North wind, bare ground an ice bound river, and hoping and hoping for spring made cookies, pumkin pies, loaf cake, boiled meat, baked bread. V and F out sawing logs and working in shop. Voltie tested eggs in incubator found some bad ones. I commenced a piece of lace little Helen Brooks petticoat knit two scollops. Whitmarsh smoked so much he made himself sick but I think cider had a bad effect too. �154 Friday Froze again last night. Voltie at home all day working in shop most of the time. We dont send any mail to day. Fred going to the villiage after school, on skates if he can get there which is doubtful for the ice is very doubtful and shaky. Maud and I have a very busy quiet time getting the meals and piecing at the gritts. [illegible] sits by the stove most of the time squirting tobaco spit on the floor and stove; a very mild day no snow ground bare as October. Evening mail. Herald, American Home (a good for nothing paper) The Herald, picture of Queen Alexandra, her grand children and dogs, a beautiful picture, the very best the Herald ever sent out; a letter from Helen Brooks which I was well pleased to get—and I think that [illegible] Voltie went for the mail, and then went to [illegible] to inquire if there is any traveling on ice by the [illegible] for V is anxious to go to Kingston to get a [illegible] for the hogs ten of them. He returned at 10 and found no one home but Johny. The rest of the family had [illegible] Dignams for an evening visit. While V was at OBriens and Geo Rattrays man came and they and Johny played cards �155 10 am Sunday A dirty rainy day. Sr and Voltie go to the funeral; no body came from over the river, crossing must be very bad. There was not so great an attendance at grandpa Geo Woodman’s funeral as would have been had the weather been favorable. Rev Mr Morehouse preached the service. Rev Mr Roadhouse was present and said something also. Mr Dignam Sr came home with V & Sr and had a glass of cider and ate dinner with us. As it is a fast day he would eat no meat. V fried eggs and he ate three. They were fried in meat gravy; The gravy for potatoes was made with fried meat drippings, the beans were cooked with pork, and he didnt know how much beef there was in his mince pie but when done eating he said "I thank God I’ve had a good dinner". He had no breakfast this morning, he stoped a couple of houses and visited with us and then buttoning close his over coat he went home, (walking) with umbrella unfurled over his [illegible] A dark gloomy afternoon and evening. I thought [illegible] had blocks enough to finish the quilt but not yet [illegible] few more. Voltie painting Rubes buggy tongue [illegible] �156 Fred gone to the village. walked up through the mud. Sent by Jim for separator oil, rotten Stone, and mailed a letter to Grace Evening mail, Herald, a lot of advertising matter, and a letter from Gladys. Saturday 7 April 1906 A frozen morning river full of floating ice sun bright. Voltie leveled the front door yd and made two flower beds. Maud and June made chocolate cake, cookies, pumkin pies and bread and baked apples. Maud cleaned floors. Sunday 8th April 1906 A bright sunny day. Maud abed. I gave her big dose whiskey sling guess that will cure her. V helped me do up the dishes and separator and we are cooking hocks and turnips and carrots for dinner. V set the table for dinner An extinct hive. V took the honey from about 20 or 25 lbs only four hives left. Whitmarsh came about 4 pm bringing villiage news. Louis Farish in the asylum. Melville [illegible] .. dead &c, etc �157 Monday 9 April 1906 Wind North, cloudy, dark in South. This is fifteenth day for the incubator hatch. It rained then snowed. Whitmarsh forgot his umbrella and walked home through the rain. Voltie went on the other place to cultivate and worked till it began to rain about ten a.m. then came home. 7 little [illegible] in the icehouse Whitmarsh & Voltie setting up fish nets. �158 Wed 24th Feb 1909 A very rainy day ground nearly bare again rain falling continually all day. I patched a pair of pants for V. Voltie working in shop all day. Phoned for for Will Davis to drive to H Halliday to bring Irene home. Frank W here. W Niles called on V at the shop where V is making boat ribs Davis brought Irene home at 10 p.m., tied his nag, came in and warmed himself by the coal stove and then drove home to the villiage 14 miles. �159 Thursday 25 Feb 1907 A clear cold day wind N.W., ground hard frozen and bare nearly. Voltie drew hay for R and curried her pork & hen feed. Ray McIntyre came over and went up to see Wall Niles. Voltie went out to try the ice, found it good enough for a horse in evening. V., M and Stella Taggart, John Murray on ice skating till 11 pm while Irene, Ray and Harold Dignum staid here till Voltie & Maud rehearsed. Friday 26th February 1909. A fine pleasant day. Sr drove to Clayton on ice. V drove over with Irene to Marjories. Ray went home after breakfast. Maud cleaned floors and made a cake. Grandpa bought 10 yds of plain blue calico for Irene a dress, a pair of shirts for himself and a pair for Voltie, 2 quarts of syrup. Lib sent me a years subscription of Hearth stone. Stella came down from school ate supper with us and V & M & Stella went skating over to Marjories. V drew two bags of potatoes. �160 hand sled sent Irenes dress cloth cloth over to Marjories. Stella came back stoped awhile and V skated home with her to Morgans. Charley Halliday & Riff drove here for Charleys oats. Perhaps he is going to smuggle them. If he does he will make a mistake. Saturday 27 Feb A cloudy morning not very cold. V drove to Kingston on the ice stopping a Morgans for Stella who is going to go with V as far as the villiage. Went up in covered cutter. O how I hate to write this. He came back drunk. Terrible Terrible My poor boy drunk. Sunday 28 February 1909 A very fine day. V and M skated across the river to Arthur’s found them all there hadnt moved yet. V skated home. Lib and Van came bringing me some sourkrout. V saked across for Maud. Had a fine �161 Monday 1 day of March 1909 A fine day. V gone to Kingston with grist for hog feed and to get lumber sawed came home after dark, drunk Tuesday 2 Wednesday 3rd A cloudy windy day. Voltie gone to W.G. Woodman for the remainder of his wood bought logs ash log for for waggon tongues sent to Cape by Geo Niles for my scrap book. V went over to Rachels to get her hair dye money, but instead she sent the money for bread and snuff. V & I dressed two roosters for her after dark to carry to market �162 Thursday 4 March Inaugation [sic: Inauguration] day for President Taft. Roosevelt steps down and out, a north windy day wind blowing hard all night. Sent Grace a few things. Maud finished making sheets and pillow cases. V went Graces to dinner. Got the lumber sawed for wagon tongues, he bought corn meal and rolled wheat. bought snuff and bread for Rachel. Snowing hard all pm ground white. Friday 5 March 1909 A very fine day. Rachel came over for her bread and — V carried her home on sleigh and drew two loads of stone to finish or help build the cellar wall. Evening mail is New Thought, Herald, letter from Grace, Rachels Peoples home journal, Prinning Phones to V, Morality Morgan and John Murray came for Stellas over shoes or rubbers. One New Thought missing. January number lost by this terribly mismanaged post office of Woodmans. �163 Saturday 6 March 1909 Very fine day. Voltie drew two loads of straw & two loads of stone for the cellar. Maud made bread, cookies, cake, boiled pork, cleaned floors. Wells Sr cant do much, he is old and his health not very good. Laura Dignum phones to Maud. Sunday 7th March 1909 No one here this day except our own selves, and so nobody came nor any body went. The snow falling constantly and continualy all all day every thing, tree, shrub, roofs, fences earth ladened with snow wherever the snow can settle. Every thing outdoors is ghostly white, but we are comfortably smugly warm while we read read read. �164 �165 Thursday 11 March 1909 A very fine day. Jerry Murphy and his son Stuart here assessing. V bargained for an oak tree to get the logs sawed into lumber. �166 Friday 12 March 1909 Charley Dixon came over to day and we were extremely pleased to see him and hear from the folks at home and know that they are all well. Saturday 13th March 1909 Voltie went to Kingston accompanied by Charley. They started 7,30 am, drove to Murphys woods and while sawing and felling the great oak and it proved to be hollow. They sawed and cut another oak and falling lodged in another tree but with the combined effort of Jerry, his sons, Voltie & Charley they succeeded in dislodging it, trimed it free from limbs arrived at last in Kingston saw mill and then at Horns for dinner at 2 pm faint, weary and hungry. V eats to heartily, came home quite early tired, ate pea soup a big bowl full. �167 Sunday 14 March 1909 14 and arose this morning sick from the effects of over feeding and hard labor but never would give in and go to bed but pokes around all day. Monday 15 March 1909 Charley Dixon went home from here this pm started about 1.30. V not very well he drank a full bottle of Fowlers Extract of Wild strawberry without any result. �168 Monday 15 February 1909 Arose at 1/2 past 6. V intended going to K with oak log to get sawed for boat ribs. It rained and snowed all day thermometer down to zero. V drew hay for R and worked in shop the remainder of day. Irene & Maude made cakes, cookies and fried cakes. Sr sorted beans for market and to plant. I mended V pants & Louise done helped wash dishes and done as she pleased. Wm Gillespie went to Kingston for an opperation [sic: operation] for appendicitus. Evening visitors Mrs Dignem & her children Herbert, Tom, Harald and Danra & wee Alden McDonald, John Flynn & John Murry & Mrs Redic and Compos and Stella Taggart and Mabel Morgan and Mary Bulger and Frank Woodman and Emma Woodman and Ethel Reid. It was three Oclock am when at last we went to bed and our visitors went home in a great Northern snow storm. �169 Tuesday 16 February 1909 Stormy morning and storms all day. Maud cleans the floors after the exit of our visitors. V went over to Rachels to feed her cow; The day passes away quietly with howling wind and fierce snow storm, the very first snow drifts this winter, all the mail this day dont amount to much only one post for Maud. Wednesday 17 Feb 1909 A clear day wind west & cold. The girls (Irene and Maud) want to go to the dance at the villiage and they go. V hitches up before the cutter and they go up on the ice but before he goes V hitches up and drove over to R and carries Louise over there and looks after her stock. I write letters to Belle & Grace also send to Pugsley and Dingnan for books with soap wrappers. �170 Saturday 13 Feb 1909 A fine day. Arthur Vincent came over, carried Belles’ pickles and some potatoes. Sunday 14th A nasty dreary dismal day rains and snows. We read and doze most of the day. V went over to R to feed her cow. Had late meals to day. Evening Voltie popped corn. �171 Thursday 11 February 1909 A fine day. Snow spoiling the ice for skating some snow lightly covering the ground. V gone to Kingston to day with a load of oats. Came home to late to eat supper with us so we kept it warm on the warming oven. Friday 12 Feb 1909 A fine day. Voltie working all day in shop ironing at Wm Gillespie’s sleigh. William Gillespie helping V all day till 9 Oclock pm. Sent to Park for flower seed ,70 cts. Evening mail, Herald, Good Litterature. �172 Tuesday 16 Wednesday 17 March 1909 St Patrick’s Day �173 Thursday 18 March 1909 Beatrice Halliday Schram 22 years old this day. Friday 19 �174 Saturday 20 Sunday 21st March 1909 A fine day. Ray came over. Maud staid all night at Rachels came home at 10 am staid to dinner. �175 Monday 22nd March 1909 A fine day. Ray & V drawing hay from Rachels. Stella came from school as to make us a little visit and stay all night, found the walking pretty soft and mudy. V tapped our few trees. Tuesday 23rd March 1909 A beautiful day, warm and bright, a robin singing in the apple tree. Maud washed and cleaned floors. Hung all the clothes on the veranda line. �176 Wednesday 24 March 1909 A long time ago since I wrote in my diary some times I think I’ll never write again in a diary but I like to; wish sometimes I had always kept a diary since childhood. The day is very mild for March, 40 deg above zero. Cloudy all day looks like rain; more bare ground than snow. V filed Dignums cross cut saw. Harold came for the saw this morning. Ray helping V work in shop. Sr out doors most all day. R came over to dinner. Gave her fried cakes, milk, popcorn, pork (just a few slices). Wallace N is trapping for muskrat. Maud fried cakes and stewed raisons. Frank here using our telephone. Maud got a bad headache went to lie on the lounge awhile, slept, got up much better & helped put the supper on table. Evening V & Ra played checkers, we retire early. Most forgot to say One year ago this day Wellie was here, came across early this morning and staid with us over night. Edy Bates burried one year ago this day. Dear Edy Bates. �177 Thursday 25 March 1909 Oh what a nasty mudy raining slopy weather, ground bare with dirty patchs of snow; brook running like a mill dam. Ray wants to go over the river but cant cross for weather and danger of getting in, so he and V are boat building in the shop. Sr mending old harness in kitchen. I should think the harness mending would sometime be done but it goes on the year around. Tis 9 am jsut through with dishes, knives, forks, pots, pans, pails & sundries. Now I have to go immediately and pick over beans for dinner, a very interesting job. So here goes I. Well beans are cooking. Wellie crossed over the ice from us a year ago to day. We watched him as long as we could him a little black dot away on the other shore. V went across with im. last night dreamed of Will and Harry Watson �178 Friday 26 March 1909 Dear Marjorie. Ground covered with 3 inches of snow this morning, dreary dismal outlook. I never have been to Mary Woodman’s but dreamed I went there, drove there in buggy. V went with me. How very beautiful everything was as we drove along the road, trees, flowers, singing birds and I so free from all care. Wind west and cold, an open spot in the ice above the house. Ray went across to the U.S.A. this morning. V working in the shop Letter from Grace & the herald. Saturday 27th March 1909 Very good day. Frank Woodman here speaking through the telephone about his enjine [sic: engine]. V working on boat. Maud made cake, bread, baked beans. I pieced on quilt. �179 Sunday 28 March 1909 A fine warm day quiet. Maud went to Rachels. Sr reads all day. V goes over to R’s to see if she has any wood. I read and get the meals and wash dishes etc. Tomatoes coming up. Monday 29 March 1909 A very fine day sowed more tomato seeds. Frank W gone to Kingston this morning crosssing to town very poor crossing with only one horse. Rachel came over this morning before breakfast brought me some magazines. Maud popping corn this am. I ought to write a lot of letters to Grace, Belle, Will & Watson and others. Sat up late reading. Maud not very well. V working in shop at day after chopping wood for R. R wants to keep bees. Dora Bates’s baby sick had Dr for him. �180 Tuesday 30 March 1909 Cloudy warm day 40 deg in shade. Maude got head ache and lain down. V working in shop all day. Sr tinkering old aggate wash dish trying to solder it "Simple Simon" or old Josiah Allen which? We are boiling sap on the stove and I get the meals and piece on quilt, sow few flower seeds, water and count the tomatoes plants, 53 new ones just came up out the ground. No mail to night except one letter for V telling him the berry baskets are at Corbett’s. Tuesday 31st & last day of March A clear bright & warm, snow most all gone; boiling more spa on the stove. Maud washing. V working shop, he went down to Franks to see how the new drill works. Guernsey & Wm Gillespie eating dinner at Frank Woodmans. �181 Wednesday April 1st 1909 A beautiful bright warm day. Rachel came over to breakfast and for hen feed. V working in shop all day. Grandad gathered the sap but Franks kids had been before him and had drunk about half. Heard Clayton is burnt. Hubbard house and all. Maud washed on Wednesday that is this day. I done house work, and pieced on quilt. Maud went over to Rachels for calico scraps. Thursday 2nd April 1909 A beautiful warm day, snow all gone but one dirty patch left this side of the grainery. V working in the shop again all day. I done house work and pieced on quilt. �182 Friday 3rd April 1909 A fine warm day looks like rain in the South and hazy. V set the bees out door 7 hives all alive and fine, one came in and stung me. Maud brought the clothes in and washed them again for the bees had them pretty well spotted. Maud is mad about the bees dirtying the clothes. I baked beans and Maud made custard. Sr patched his pants I wrote and sent a letter to Belle and sent one to Grace and a few lines to Mrs Ranous about Dodds Kidney pills. �183 April 1909 Sunday 5 A beautiful day no rain quiet & peaceful. Clarence Percy here. I wrote a long letter to Will but guess I wont send it now I’ll wait awhile. Monday 6 April 1909 A beautiful warm day. Clarence Percy here ice cant get aross the river. He discarded his relatives, they are so very dirty and filthy, cant visit them tho that is his purpose here on the island. He is helping V clean seed grain if V can ever get the time from working on the neighbors more old waggons, drills and tongues to make and repair than ever. He worked last night till [illegible] pm (this is Tuesday) Henry Halliday here for dinner and seed peas. �184 Tuesday 7 April 1909 Warm and hazy nor rain. Clarence Percy here yet V went down to Geo Gillespies to borrow his (Geo’s) ensilage cutter. We expect Frank and his gang here to dinner. Tis 1/2 past 9 am work all done up, dishes washed and beds made, sweeping done. Maude has a lame back cutting corn here. Wednesday 8 April 1909 Corn cutting done here to day with corn cutter and enjine [sic: engine] �185 Thursday 9 Friday 10 �186 Saturday 11 Sunday 12 �187 Monday 13 Tuesday 14 �188 Wednesday 15 Thursday 16 �189 Friday 17 Saturday 18 �190 Sunday 19 Monday 20 �191 Tuesday 21 Wednesday 22 �192 Thursday 23 Friday 24 �193 April Saturday 25 1909 Saturday Voltie went to the villiage and to Kingston didn’t get home till nine pm X stupid April Sunday 26 1909 Wind blowing half a gale but notwitstanding all that we had to have visitors from over the river. Ray McIntyre not contended with bringing himself but brough along a great hulking bull of a fellow named Belenger who is working for Frank Schrum and wants to be a ring prize fighter. Wind blows so they have to stay all night. Wall here and Tom Dignum in the evening. �194 Monday 27 27 Tuesday 28 28 �195 Wednesday 28 1909 April Thursday 29th A very fine morning but soon became cloudy gathering for a storm. Granddad [sic: Grandad] and Maud went to Kingston on the boat. Wal drove over to dock while V helped me get breakfast. R came over and helped get dinner and staid till towards 4 pm then she walked home. Wallace drove to the docks. Grandad brought home a dog a nine months old pup. �196 Tuesday 21st September 1909 A long interval between writing in this diary, many an event incident have occured and passed on forever since the last record. This a beautiful autumn day. V digging potatoes over on R’s. Wells Sr gone to the cheese factory. V gone to the dock for coal instead of digging potatoes. Maud ironing starched sclothes. Emma preparing for school and I am while I still continue to make apple preserves. �197 Friday 30 April 1909 A bad rainy day. Wallace went home after breakfast to help clean house, paper and paint. Voltie worked on nets all day. Mr Ranous no better going to hopsital tomorrow. Some river pirate pushing at the foot of island. �198 �199 �This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following people: Ann Hopkinson, Markeeta Rosenow, Ella Deering, Eric Irvine, guest_user, and Queen’s University Archives � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th and 20th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1887-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1887 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1888-1889 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1889-1897 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1890 March - June Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1893-1895 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1895-1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1896 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1897-1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899-1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902, 1906 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902-1909 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1904-1905 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1907 & 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1908-1919 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1911 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913-1914 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1915-1916 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1916-1917 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1917-1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1921-1922 Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902-1909 parts of Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1902-1909 parts of Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. August 23rd, 1902 (p. 33) Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/c44fcbb509c197c5d1a3dc387afae6ca.pdf caa636f228c6699d336754c6233c757b PDF Text Text Irene Dixon Bamford parts of 1902, Diary Transcription 5034_4-1-14 �Metadata FromThePage export of 5034_4-1-14 from Irene Dixon Bamford made on 2026-02-11 14:35:17 UTC. itemTitle: Parts of 1902 and 1906 date: 1902-1906 Title: 5034_4-1-14 Description: Item is a diary. Created On: 2024-01-11 17:48:56 UTC In Scope: true Uploaded Filename: 5034_4-1-14 �1 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Partsof 102 and 106 1902-1906 [stamp] Queen’s University Archives Locator 5034.4 Box 1 File 19 �2 Parts of 1902 and 1906 �3 Date 1902 & some 1906 [upside down in bottom right corner] ReRead ’76-’84 �4 Monday 24 Feb 1902 Bob Reid slept here last night. He and Voltie hopped out of bed this morning at 1/2 past 2 O’clock am and hastily swallowing a cold lunch hitched old Jess before the dog cart and drove to North shore to rim his pike nets - 4 of them, and returned at 7 pm. I didn’t get up till 1/2 past 5 am. The boys returned in time for breakfast. The ground is very soft after the rain so wet that planting will have to wait till pm, in mean time V & Bob break the black colt to drive Very Interesting �5 Monday 24 1902 A Cloudy thick morning and rains in pm. Voltie and his father fill the ice house. Jim O’brien getting out ice too, for himself. Young Brigeland here to dinner. A man from Kingston here this pm and bought our fowl they came to $4,55. V gave me the money and I gave him two dollars back to buy groceries �6 Tuesday 25 Feb 1902 Arose early so Voltie can go to Kingston. K drove up with the bob’s on the ice, didnt get back till after dark brought coal and groceries for him self & I pork, sugar, rolled oats, soda &c I dont feel very well. Voltie ate dinner with Grace. Maud done big washing and hung them all on line together with 5 new sheets & 6 pillow slips to bleach. Grace sent the dried punkin, a can of chow chow and a can of preserved tomatoes. I sent her Reggies napkins & a book "Lady of the lake" and print for a dress. �7 Wednesday 26 Feb 1902 A soft warm day. Wells went early this morning with Voltie to Hickory drove down on the ice, came back & worked around all day fattening pitched hay in the barn. Then went over there, and pitched hay off stock. Snow settling. In evening he went back over there and let her know he was going to K tomorrow and she could go if she wants too. Wells goes to bed tired out. I not very well took a nap in pm. �8 Thurs Feb 27 1902 A thick fog this morning cant see from here to the river, clears away towards noon and the sun comes out most brilliantly warm, the big snow banks are settling rapidly. Wells gone to Kingston on the ice. R going with him to get clothes for mother to go out to Wills. Maud gone over to stay all day with Grannie and I am alone with the cat and dog for company. I sow tomato seed in a box, bake pies cake, boil meat, bake bread and dont feel very well �9 machine going away round the road to Dighams. Niles came for cucumbers. I help Rachel churn butter wont gather come home at sunset found Grace, Maud, Marjorie and Tom & sitting for the garden party at Geo Ranous. When Voltie came home from threshing Oh Dignams the gals rode down in dog cart while Arthur and Tom walks. �10 Tuesday 3rd Sept 1901 A fine day. Wind South. V gone to Hickory to secure his job - rode down with Ewoodmans hired man. Tom Chatteron plowing for V. Arthur cutting ensilage corn Maud, Grace and I doing the washing. Marjorie went to the post office for me with a letter for Flora Bamford. Rachel came over with letter to post for Will’s folks. I sent Arthur with it Made me promise I’d go there this pm. dont want to go but I will try and get there Eli I get there. On the way met young abbot, Wm Woodman and threshing �11 Feb 28 Friday 1902 A cloudy morning rained some thawed all night. Wills came at 5 pm brought load of lumber, set sleigh box on top of lumber and stuck himself and Rachel on top of the lumber in the elivated sleigh box going shimpy on hard trading for horses after unloading R’s groceries and our few things, he hitched horse to light bobs and took Rachel and her groceries home and brought Maud home. We have supper all ready when they return. Wells Sr very tired and lame but has to do all his chores alone. he goes to bed early. I sit up till 1/2 10 pm. Maud get sore throat . V & I doctor her with Kerosine and fat pork. �12 Friday 28 February 1902 Comenced [sic] this on opposite page The work in this house is endless and I’m not very well but will pull through all right I believe. I hear Maud working away at the breakfast dishes and must help her now. Maud sent to the comfort soap company for a book, Ivanhoe sent 10 cts and ten trade marks. Wells volunteered his service to carry the letter to post and went through slush across field. We are mending socks and stockings to day. Wells went to post office received the Whig and family Herald & a leeter from Grace. I doctored Maud for sore throat. �13 Saturday 1st March 1902 Thawing now every day, partly cloudy partly sun but slush and mud knee deep and over shoes every where - dirty pools and puddles of water and disapearing snow banks covered with dirt. Wind N.E. dark clouds hovering all around the horizon. Wells went over and pitched in hay for R. and she sent over two lbs butter. Maud cleaned the floors, and swept & made beds & cooked and washed dishes and baked beans washed the churn & set it away till spring. Maud found her lost ring for which I’m very thankful for it was her mothers weding ring. Wells drove down for Voltie and brought home Volties skiff. Supper ready when they come. Lennie Paterson here till 10 pm. �14 Sunday 2 March 1902 Rain all day. Voltie broke the sabath by fileing the saws. No one here to day. We read and doze and get the meals. No service in church to day. Not a rig on the road. Evening Maud pops corn. Voltie reads "The man from Glengary" and "Robery under arms". �15 Monday 3rd March 1902 A cloudy dismal morning mud, bare ground, long streaks of dirty snow drifts, a sad S.W. wind. Voltie got up at 4 went back to bed slept till 5, arose again put his box on the sled after going to barn for it. I held the lamp in the door while he cut a walking stick and away he goes down on the ice to Hickory before V goes he builds the fire and I get breakfast after Voltie goes. when breakfast is ready I call Wells Sr and then I call Maud. comenced a dress for Maud. Growing colder and freezing. Wells can’t put hay in barn on account of wind. �16 Tuesday 4th March 1902 [written upside down] Maud went to post office sent a letter to Grace, she went again at eve only the whig and some advertising letters. A fine morning but rather cold, froze hard last night and the river fine for skating. Wells drove to Millens Bay for Kerosine 6 gallons, asked for Syrup but the store keeper had none, had dinner ready when he returned. Maud cleaned floors and worked. I put the flower and Mauds skirt and baked beans and made cake. P.M. Wells went over to tother place to pitch hay for the cow. Shell came for Maud to go skating. Maud went. Evening Inez came for Maud and they all went skating till 10 pm. Maud, Inez, Shell, Byron, Irvine, Jack Niles, Len Patterson, Len came here for skate straps. �17 Wednesday 5 March 1902 A cloudy morning rather cold and frozen; Wind North. Wells gone to Kingston drove up on the ice with one horse (old Nell). He gone for a pig box &c. The horse races are in Kingston to day. The Woodmans are going. Heard Percy Gillespie is in Kingston Hospital sick with apendicitis. Had an oppration [sic]. Heard Belles children have whooping cough. Heard Arthur Knapp is at Wellies. The clouds look like a snow storm. Wells came at early dark Lenonard Patterson [sic] rode down with Wells. Charley Woodman to Reids. Leonard makes us an evening visit gave us some chocolate caramels. I had dinner all ready when Wells returned and we had a jolly cozy evening Len helped Wells do the chores. Maud and Irene served most all day. Rachel came over and Maud went to post office for R. She received a letter from Wills Topper and they have moved to Depauville. �18 Thursday 7th March 1902 Ground frozen hard this morning, a fine morning. I finished Mauds dress and away she goes on skates up to Mrs Niles for buttermilk and I make buckwheat cakes and try some of the new syrup which is fine. Wells drew a load of wood from Lindy’s island. A little before tea time Geo Darling and his man drove in here. I was afraid they would want to stay all night. But no they went to their old stopping place Geo Gillespie. He shook hands very cordially and wanted to bring in another cady of tea. I said no we have enough left from the one we have now to last another year, but all the same he insisted upon bringing in another caddy. I said go to the barn and see Bamford "all right �19 he said he would, and away he went and while he was gone to the barn, I took the occasion to empty his tea caddie thinking he would want to take it along with him as he always had done before. I had 10 qrts and over in a big tin pail which was full to over flowing and another qrt dish full besides. Darling was gone a long time at the barn and at last he and Bamford came to the house, Darling came lugging in another big caddy and I asked. What is that and he said sugar! granulated sugar for you to make taffy; and I thought it was sugar and was pleased although I though Wells was very extravagant, and Wells came in, in a moment after and I said "did you take that caddy and he said rather sheepishly "yes! but we can sell it. I said you are buying sugar to sell. Sugar! why it is tea! I thought of old �20 Josiah Alen. Well I said do you know how much tea we have left from last years purchase "No." I said, well here it is and brought forth the pail full and the qurt full beside. Wells Sr looked astonished. Darling’s man said ’For God Sake’ and Mr Darling said Oh that tea lasts too long. Any way he examined it, perhaps to make sure it was the same he left here a year ago, he said This is the genuine article, and said, put it back in the can and keep the can till I call for it. So now we have two caddys of tea sitting side by side in the pantry - but the astonishing thing about the whole business is this. Wells Sr said before Darling came for we were expecting him that he would only pay for what tea we had used and he should take the remainder back. �21 and what unaccountable spell he worked upon Sr, while at the barn. I dont understand. It is that soft insinating way of his. I think he would wheadle old Satan into a bargain. He came half whispering to me and said "Does Grace ever say any thing about me?" I said Oh yes Mr Darling she often speaks of you. We urged them to stay to tea but kindly thanking us they proceeded on their way. Before leaving he told us "Mr Niles had taken another caddie of tea, same quality same quantity. Maud, Shell, Inez & ByronIrvine & Len Patterson out skating till 9 pm �22 Friday 8th March 1902 A frozen morning. Wells Sr draws wood from the island. I bake beans, cookies, 3 currant pies and lots of other work, cant think of everything and it make no difference if it is never recorded. remember sending to the post office 2 letters one to Briggs seed company and one to JH Sutherland and must send away again this week for more seeds &c �23 March Saturday 9th 1901 A windy chilly & very disagreeable day, wind North. Sr draws wood from Lindy. Bob Reid helping him both Friday & Saturday. I looked all day for Grace & Bob and baby but all in vain. I dont think now they would be foolish enough to start out on such a day. They may have come as far as Charlies and staid for a visit. Wells started at 4 p.m. and drove to Hickory for Voltie, coming back just at dark and we have supper on the table and we have a cozy time all to ourselves. V brought up a strip of N.C. Pine with which he is going to make a book case of odd scraps and pieces which the carpenters have rejected. �24 Sunday 9th March 1902 New snow on the ground, This morn which came last night. A fine day somewhat Cloudy. We did not arise quite so early as usual being Sunday morning. After breakfast. Voltie goes over to see his grandmother and after waiting for a long time for his return to dinner we ate our dinner without him. After dinner Maud picks up dishes and clears away the table and then goes up to Mrs Niles to practice singing hymns with Shell. Towards evening Voltie packs his box and his father, again, takes him back to Hickory and we are left alone once more. Maud comes home just before dark. Shell coming nearly all the way. Evening visitors Lenardo and Bobilo (Patterson & Reid). Thawing nearly all day. �25 Monday 10 March 1902 A fine warm morning thawing. A frosty morning. After breakfast dishes washed, Maud picked over beans. I’m tired doing without butter, milk or eggs. Our neighbors on every side of us have all three. I cook the last of our beef to keep it from spoiling. Wells Sr pitching hay & straw in barn all fore noon. I cut out my wrapper. Maud made an apron. I tore off another sheet and in evening cut carpet rags. Maud reading Vagrant wife. Sr goes to to bed at 8 pm. Maud and I go at 9 p.m. forgot to say I partly wrote a letter to Mrs Grace and one to box 114 Kingston, Ont & forgot to say Maud went to Mrs Niles for sweet milk. Geo Morgan sale came off to day. Going to sell every thing and go west where Jim & Bernard are. Wall Niles is helping Alex Livingston move. �26 Tuesday 11 March 1902 The day commenced very fine but ends up very nasty with rain, dirt and mud every where. Sr goes to foot, drives down on the ice - gone to get some old bob sleigh irons, that Ed R had given Wellie before he moved to New Hampshire; only got the irons off one sleigh the wind had blown the other off on the ice. Rachel here came for M and to go to post office to mail a letter to Will and stays till Mauds return. I send a letter to Grace and one to PO Box 114, Kingston, Ont. Maud washed clothes I washed Volties shirt & all the socks and stockings and put V old pant to soak in tub. Wells goes over to see about the wood and goes to spaffs for hen feed but got none. �27 Wednesday 12 March 1902 A dirty nasty morning and rain cloudy all day but warm for March door open part of the time. Irene washed the pants, Maud made molasses cookies and after dinner I sewed on my wrapper. Maud got supper and we wash dishes and the evening passes quietly away, forgot to say Wells went over there to see about the wood and brought home some vinegar to charge his electric belt for he has a very lame back. Maud and I practice hymns on piano. Evening Maud reading as usual. Sr in kitchen smoking his pipe. I cut carpet rags. Grannie says she knows there is a letter from Will at the post office if she only could get it heard wild geese holler honk honk �28 Thursday 13th March 1902 A cloudy rainy morning, snow nearly all gone with here and there the remnant of a dirty snow bank. The wind changed this morning from South to North. There are but few people who do not get angry when assailed by the anger of others; They appear to do so from sympathy and alow the sunlight of their good nature to shine forth in all its glory which, will surely disarm your antagonist and shame will take the place of anger P.M. weather still contineus disagreeable. We bake more beans and Maud and I sew on my wrapper. Wells has gone over there to see about wood, snow falling but disapears as fast as it falls strong wind from the North. �29 Sunday 14th October 1902 A beautiful day sunlight bright and clear ground bare with a patch of snow here and there and far between. Rachel came over for tobaco and for Wells to draw a load of wood from Spaffs which he done and also cleaned out her cellar drain. She had been to mail a letter and expected one from Wills folks but got none. Inez came bringing Maud a piece of Jean Gordon’s weding cake which Shell had sent Inez, helped Maud wash dishes. I did not sleep much last and am so sleepy. I can scarcely ope my eyes. Sent a letter to Muriel and to comfort for art table cover and also sent away for hair restorative for V. I thought I’d take a nap after dinner but couldn’t sleep & got up and went to work. A very bright warm sun all day. �30 forgot to say I subscribed for Muriel the little magazine called "Comfort". Sr trying to get pitchfork out of the broken handle but rusted in so cant move it. Maud mended herself a pair of stockings. Wells and Albert Joy dont get along very well since he was hurt on the ice boat. Mail. Kingston, Herald, Comfort, Papers from Science College, a letter from Wells Junior, one from Grace and one from "[Hugh Dalton|Hugh]]" (Dalton & strange). I sent to Comfort for "Art Table Cover" - a letter to Muriel. Hair Restorer Co, Wells sent 3 letters one to J Gotham, one to Capt Denis and one to Liby Simmons which is 12 cts for postage to day. �31 Saturday 15 Marach 1902 A fine day. Wells drawing manure. Tom Chatterton came down to day from Charlies, rode down with the mail. He brought us two pails of water - and, informed us that Marjories was at Henry’s and wants to get down here she been there since the sale at Geo Morgan’s. Maud cleaned floors and had every thing shining. I made two pies and one cake and 4 loaves of bread. Wells drove to foot for Voltie, gone long time stoped on way and choped wood for R & tried all along the road to get hen feed for her but got none �32 Sunday 16th March 1902 A warm morning, mud every where. Wells went over axe in hand to chop wood. Henry drove in here bringing Marjorie. Voltie and Tom had gone to Franks so no one at home and Henry didn’t know where to put his horse for our stalls are full. "5 horses standing in the stable" so Henry said. I sent Maud to tell him to put his horse in the cow stable, which he done. Then after visiting a few minutes with us, he walked off down the shore somewhere and came back at 8 pm. The rain came pouring down and wouldn’t take off his overcoat. Voltie went to barn with him and he hitched up and he drove away through the rain in his top buggy through wind and rain. I break the sabath by cooking for Voltie cookies, pies and bread. �33 Monday 17th March 1902 A dirty windy morning. Wind S.W. Maud and Marjorie washed. Tom reading all day. Wells as usual went over to see about wood "Over there". I write a letter to Grace and in the evening we have visitors. Shell Niles, Wallace Niles, Dave Reid so we have quite a party in the parlor when we include Voltie, Tom, Chattertown, Maude and Marjorie. You understand Voltie did not go to Hickory although he arose early, by his father routing him out and he went off down the shore, valise in hand, and just after dinner he came back and reported no crossing between the foot and Hickory on account of ice have up and jamed in on shore. I gave him dinner and then V and T cleaned the sand out the bottom of Voltie’s skiff and Voltie went up to Mrs Niles and bought each (ie V & I) a lb of butter and he gave me 27 cts in change for postage. �34 Tuesday 18th March 1902 A froze up morning, wind North. Voltie arose early didnot stop to breakfast but took his hammer hand which he made yesterday and his lb of butter and Tom started to drive him to the foot but went no farther than Snub’s, for the roads are so rough and hard frozen. Maud went to post 2 letters one I sent to Grace and one to Pugsley’s for book. Bessie McDonnel came home with her and staid till mail time. The girls had a great visit with Bessie who is quite a "piano player" for never has taken any music lessons. I washed the under garments belonging to our men folks. Evening mail Whig, American woman, Flower seeds from Briggs Toronto. Marine record, account Book from Dr Pierce Buffalo. Evening visitors Dave Reid, Len Patterson, they occupied the parlor again together with Marian, Maud & Chatterton There is an organ in the parlor, and your are welcome every evening to Maggies Murphys home. May Ranous came here for mission money. I gave her 25 cts of V’s money. I did not like too, gave it in V name but I’ll pay it back again. �35 Wednesday 19th March 1902 Maud, again slept on the couch last night. I slept with Marjorie while Tom Chat sleeps in our bed room. Wells came from the stable last night just before retiring for the night and brought the joyful news that old muley has a calf. About three Oclock am the dog gave me a call to get up and let him out. I obeyed the summons and after waiting in vain for 1/2 hour for his dogship to come I went back to bed shaking with cold and left him out the rest of the night. A cold morn so cold the water froze in kitchen a fierce heavy wind blowing from the North all day. Chatteron complaining of a headache & couldn’t eat much breakfast. Too much cold wind in that glass eye of his yesterday while going up and back from Charleys but he braces up and helps Grandad draw manure all fore noon and now they have ground their axes and gone "Over there" to chop wood. Maud and Marjorie fixes �36 to chop wood. Maud and Marjorie fixes Tom’s bed up stairs and pick over beans. Maud made a sheet & sewed it up wrong. Marjorie picks over raisins for tea. Thursday 20 March 1902 The weather much warmer. Tom & Sr made saw horses to saw the wood on using cross cut saw. Grandad & Tom saved and split a big pile of wood. Maud cleaned floors PM. Mararet [sic] went visiting over to R. Wells Sr went looking for his old pig all along the road to Jr’s old place and back up to Franks where he found her and drove her home. Maud cleaned the ceiling in pantry; it looks fine. Rene made molasses cookies. After supper Maud went over to K’s to come home with Marjorie and promised to come home before dark but staid instead. Walace came down to make an evening visit. After awhile our daughters came home escorted by Leanardo & Bobilo and they stayed in kitchen all evening. �37 Friday 21 March 1902 A mild day. Tom got headache again this morning but I doctor him with various remedies and he chops more wood & splits. Sent Maud to post office with letter for Pansy seed free then sent her to Niles for buttermilk and to get a dollar changed so I could send for seeds. I sent to Park for vegetable seed. 4 cts for this day’s postage; looks like going to rain. We got a lot of work to do this spring. 3 dresses to make, house cleaning to do. Friday eve 21st March Maud & Marjorie went to Mrs Niles making an afternoon visit and staying till nearly 11 Oclock pm. There were Len & Nellie Patterson & Bob and Dave Reid and Marjorie. Wells & Tom chopping splitting and sawing wood at the door. Wall and his father went across �38 for George but he had not come. Wall brought me a letter from Jen which had been missent to the corners. Evening mail "Sltenheim Medical dispensory" a book "Black Bird Hill", "Whig", Herald & 4 medical diaries & two letters for Wells Sr. But no letter from Grace, the one bit of mail which I was looking for. I washed 8 towels and a table napkin �39 Saturday 22 March 1902 A beautiful bright warm day. The river is nearly covered with great masses of ice which is rapidly melting away beneath the fierce rays of the sun. Wells & Tom chopping & sawing wood. The wood pile is constantly growing larger every minute. Marjorie reading & making cushion. Maud cleaned all the floors, Marjorie polished the lamps. I made bread, cookies, baked beans, got the meals and washed dishes, and washed V’s under shirt & two towels and popped a pan full of corn. Wells Sr drove down to foot for Voltie. Evening visitors Shell Niles, Wall Niles, Bob Reid, Dave Reid, Len Patterson & Nellie Patterson are all in the Parlor with Voltie and Marjorie and Maud & Tom Chat. Lenard brought his fiddle. �40 Sunday 23rd March 1902 A beautiful day. I set the plants out this morning on the veranda. Voltie read "Glengary" and "Robbery under arms". I washed all the dishes. Maud & Marjorie go to church and Tom Chat (Chatterton) goes too. Bob Reid called here on his way to church and he and Voltie arranged for The girls and Tom came from church. Voltie & Thomas go over to put R’s bees out, and dinner stands waiting for them. At last came back bringing honey in a pan, we have some for dinner. Three little events of the day nothing particular to record only the most common trivial every day happenings over Wish I hadn’t got to cook cookies for Voltie and pie too ought to have done it yesterday. �41 Irene baked two pies (currant) and another pan of cookies (molasses). Evening visitors Mrs Niles & Inez, Dave Reid & Lennie Patterson. Mrs N stays till nine pm, then she and Inez go home, all our young people in the parlor. Voltie, Marjorie, Maud, Patterson, Reid, & Tom. Will Snub boils sap all day if it is Sunday. Bobolo and Leonardo have appointed their sugar party down to Rob Ranous Wednesday evening I dont believe they will have any for I dont believe they have money enough among them all to buy the sugar. Any way they didn’t leave the parlor till Voltie told them to go home for it was bed time. �42 Monday 24th March 1902 Clear and bright ground frozen Wind north. Voltie arose at 4 am, called Tom to drive to the foot with him. But grandad got the start of him and hustled down stairs, and away to the barn- mad too. Voltie not pleased with his father for so doing; but he shoulders his valise and goes out to the barn and they drive off, Voltie to be gone another week. I dont know how we are to get along with Sr and Tom. Voltie says he couldnt keep the best man in the world and Tom only working for his board at present. I have breakfast all ready on their �43 Sr return but I am sure to call Tom down stairs again before he gets back or the divil would be to pay. Well he came raising about "them d-d tramps and bums", and as "a soft answer turneth away weath" I soon quieted him. Well I felt as though I had been on a spree for a week and lay down from 10 till 1 am then arose and had dinner on the table at 12 Oclock sharp. This burning the candle at both ends is killing. Well Maud started in after dinner to finish the pantry, While I go up stairs ransacking the old papers to the tables so Maud could finish cleaning and every thing looking like bedlam when in the midst of the work and confusion �44 Shell appeared upon the scene wanting Marjorie & Maud to go with her down to Franks to see the "baby". She said she had called for Nelly P but as she couldn’t go she called for our girls - I said Margaret could go but Maud had to finish cleaning the pantry. Shell said "O let Maud go we wont be gone long" I said Maud knows her duty but I shall not refuse to let her go, not thinking she would think of going but they both went with Shella leaving everything looking like trinked. They were gone three hours but Shell didn’t see the babies, they were both cutting brush on the 75 acres and their names are Bob and Dave. Shell was disapointed �45 and I scolded for running off when she ought to been home. Well Keranhapuckame had the buisness all arranged and planned for Maud & Margaret to go with her over to Joy’s tomorrow. I vetoed that bill straight. Lennie was down to borrow "terbacker". Wells tried to start the plow but the frost not yet out the ground. A beautiful sunset but freezing. I most forgot to say "our hens has broke loose". Two new laid eggs. We saved mulleys milk to day for the first time. Wells chopped wood for R. he said she had fallen over a piece of old pail hoop and hurt her knees pretty badly. Tom & Sr gone to bed at last. No evening visitors. Tom brought in a box of dirt for dahlias. �46 Tuesday 25th March 1902 Another white frost this morning a beautiful spring day. I pare potatoes and get the breakfast going then mix the bread and set it to rise, skim milk and make porridge for calf and carry it to the barn to seethe calf. Margaret wrote a letter to her mother and then we have breakfast- Grandpa cross at the dickens, couldnt finish the soap this morning. I get the soap and cut a chunk off the cake soap with my hands all dough but he washed without it; then he found a little slop in the calf pail says he "has to leave it in the stable or it is always filled with slop" called Tom, "Ike in bark". He is always mad if there is a young �47 man or boy around. He reminds me of an old rooster; he dont want any young cocks around especialy if they are not Bamfords. Rachel came came over for steelyards going to weigh honey. Left her paper and letter for Maud to mail. I gave her three cents. I sent to Lupton for books sent a letter to Grace and all her litterature. I bake bread. I wish T Chatterton would leave the table after meals insted of leaving with both arms on the cloth gossiping and gabbing at Maud and Margy and whistling. Margarat done her own washing and chot a shirt. Maud went to post office and from there to Mrs Niles for a sailor waist pattern. May the Divil take Chatterton. I want to ask a question but must wait till �48 T goes out after dinner. I cut out a dress for Maud. Maud does the dishes. Marjorie irons clothes. Sr and Tom draw straw and manure from the cellar way and front of house and then plow. Mrs Niles began cleaning house. Sent Maud to Mrs Niles again to buy butter (one lb). Found Shell preparing to go up to Wm G Woodmans with Wal & Geo & Louise, and Bob Reid and Dave Reid, leaving Maud & Marjorie and Lennie out. Assessor here just at sundown "Marjorie feels slighted" M & M went to post office. Lennie invited them to the sugar party and is going to take them in buggy to the party. Evening mail A letter from Grace and a letter �49 from Muriel also received the little table cover from "Comfort". Maud & Marjorie went over to R’s to make a little visit for the coast is clear of young men, all gone to Wm G’s except Len and he has gone to the foot to invite to the sugar off. After awhile Tom goes too. The girls return about 1/2 past 8 pm acompanied by Tom and here is the best of it. When Dave Reid found out that M & M were going to R’s he declined the invitation to go up the island and went to R’s instead accompanied by Charlie Woodman who dresses up very fine for the occasion in his best Sunday go to meeting suit. Like any other �50 old widower he wants to flirt and court. He begins to feel like a young colt let loose in the spring time. He has forgotten how only about 6 months ago he was bawling so loud about poor pen you could hear him half way to the villiage. Marjorie has just told me that after Wall begged the honor of taking her to the villiage ball on Easter Monday eve, he asked her to be released from his promise by telling her "if she could get any one else to go with her to the ball, she had better accept for he (Wallace) may go away. He went �51 Wednesday 26th March Read the "Comfort". A hot clear day like June. Tom plowing. Wells putting a plank platform around the well. I am doing house work getting dinner and helping Maud on her dress and Maud is slower than tar in January. Marjorie and Maud are fixing for the sugar party. It’s nothing but fix and run, fix and run all the time! Marjorie "Oh Dear I’m afraid we cant go" "Charlie wont let Len have the buggy". All the same about 7 pm Lenardo drove up in Charlie’s old dog cart and the three pile in some how and away they go to Bob Ranons to the sugar party. I retire about 1/4 to nine pm. Forget to say Wells went a over there too chop wood. �52 Thursday 27th March 1902 A fine morning some what cloudy. Sr builds fire. I call Tom. Margy comes out early (after going to bed at half past one) think her grandpa is going to drive to the villiage and she is very anxious to go home. I venture to ask Sr if he is going up this morning and in a great state of excitement he says "Going up! Going up! Good G-d! Did you think I was going to start at noon without my breakfast" and I answer "Good G-d No! I dont care if you never go, only Margaret wants to go home and he said no more, but went to the barn to cool off. At breakfast he is as pleasant and "chipper" as a humming bird. The cause of his not going is this. Last night he went to Frank’s to borrow Franks buggy but Bob �53 Reid was going to go to the sugar party with it and it would be to late to get it in the morning. Well after awhile the girls set their tongues wagging about the party and I had to listen till I was sick and disgusted. Oh well I’ll skip all that details of Charlie Woodmans performance and Leonardo’s attention to Margaret and jealousy of Maud. Len went up to see if Majorie can go up tomorrow with the mail. Rachel came over with her assessment bill and and order for things. They have her taxed for a hundred acres of land and her age 45. Wells chops wood for them "over there". �54 Friday 28 March 1902 looks very much like rain but after dinner Marjy packs her valise and Maud helps her carry it to Mr Woodmans. Len & Maud "dont speak as they pass by". These days Maud has asked Len for her old ring; After Marjorie was done Maud began to tell me about Shell hugging & kissing the Reid boys till I command her to "shut up"! under penalty of not going to another folderal in a year. Guess I’ll move out. Maud goes for the mail Whig first & second part Herald & a college science letter. No other letters. Wells went to Frank’s for buggy. He is going up tomorrow rain or shine. I think it is about �55 time for we are nearly all out of eatables no pork beans, butter or anything else. Wells goes over and chops and backs wood for them "over there". I get every thing ready for early start tomorrow morning. Dave Reid going up with Sr. I sewed on Mauds dress. Wells Sr not very well nor has he been for a long time but he never will give up but slaves right through every thing. He will come to a halt some day. �56 Saturday 29 March 1902 Didn’t sleep much last night but lay with one eye open, didn’t want to sleep after 4 am, arose at that hour sharp; it is raining but I get breakfast and Sr goes to the barn to feed & harness old Nell and just as I’m taking up the breakfast for Sr, a rap at the door and in walks [Dave Reid|D Reid]] who also eats his breakfast here. Sr has a very bad cough & cold and Reid is coughing and I gave them honey, at last they start off in the rain. Sr with 3 or 4 over coats on D with one and an umbrella. I call Tom he is sick & eats no breakfast & goes back to bed and sleep all fore noon a very disagreeable rain nasty day �57 Thomas gets up to dinner eats hearty does a few chores and goes for Voltie. Maud washes & cleans floors. I finnish Mauds dress which is very pretty. Rachel came over for turnips says she is all out of everything eatable; no pork or meat of any kind, no potatoes, no beans but has honey, flour, butter, eggs. I gave her a mess of potatoes and a basket full of turnips and some bread. Said she would kill a hen only mother wont let her. said she "dissent" cause mother would cry". Oh Oh the foolishness and crazyness of it all. Voltie came home first and it is nearly 9 O’clock pm before Sr comes. We had been looking for him a long time and Voltie had hung the lantern on the gate post for it is Egyptian darkness outside 20 times we go to the door and look out �58 at last he came with bags and bundles and boxes and I have a good hot supper all ready for him and we all have a cozy pleasant time. I dont think he is very well but he got some medicine to day, but he has got it mixed up with to much whiskey. I offered him my dollar Voltie gave me to buy pork which he took, and put another dollar with it and bought it all in pork at 11 cts per lb. Voltie brought home a fish which he caught in net that he had taken down last week - a pike. He caught 4 one for himself one for old Marshal and one for Ed Marshal. �59 Easter Sunday 30th March 1902 Did not rise very early this morning. I was the first out and dressed. Voltie next and he built the fire. next Sr then Maud, and last Tomas. Windy day North not very cold. Voltie pottering around the shop broke the sabath several times. Quite a fine day for Easter Sunday I cooked 7 eggs all we had. Maud went to afternoon service. Preacher took up a collection for contingent fund. Voltie dont go back to night. I made him a pie and bread and cake and after all are abed I mended 4 pairs of stockings for Voltie on Sunday evening. Black cow has a new black calf �60 Monday 11 Oclock 30 March 1902 Arose a few minutes before 5 am. called Voltie out of bed. I hustle to get his breakfast that he can get on the road towards the foot. Voltie bustles around and helps Tom gets out this time befor Sr and we all ate breakfast together and away T & V goes driving ol Jess. Grandpa mad because Tom didn’t tie old Jess tail up. Call him inkinbark, behind his back though mind you, not to his face. After breakfast I wash the dishes Maud washes the kitchen ceiling with hot water. I sew an old apron folded several times on the brush of the old broom (sewed it with twine & sale needle) and Maud mound on a chair with this weapon and a pail of hot water ’cleans the ceiling all right for �61 white washing. I cook beans and bake molasses cookies and have dinner on the table at eleven: Gave tom soda & water & away he goes to the field to plow. By dinner time Maud has white washing nearly done in kitchen. Sr says Tom eats too much meat & too many biscuits. Sr went "over there" to chop wood. Found them eating breakfast. After dinner Tom helps white wash the kitchen the second time. I am sleepy. Mankind likes to see the home and every thing very clean, bright, tidy but our kitchen shelves and windows are a curriosity shop. In cleaning up, this is what is represented. First window. One plug of tobaco, 2 old pipes, and old heel plate, one file, a box of foot ease, a rasp 2 screws, 6 large nails, 8 shingle nails, a pair of spectacles and case, and an old harness buckle and piece of an old leather strap �62 The shelf back of the kitchen stove represents - two pairs of wool mittens, two pair of old buck skin mittens, three kinds of almands, the conservative platform speech of Mr JP Whiting K.C. M.P.P., more nails, straps, bolts, whet stones, knife sharpener, a box of matches, an old case for a morchaum pipe, the wood box has been spit in till it stinks worse than a skunk, and the old spittoon was turned out doors reeking with poisonous filth. Are men neat animals? How can they be when they are a set of smoking, tobacco, chewing, spitting, swearing, - Oh Lord is it sinful these filthy habits and stubs of burnt matches, tobacco ashes &c &c. I partly write to Muriel & mix up the spoons. �63 April 1st Tuesday 1902 March has marched out and April has steped in. Not a pleasant day either; cloudy chilly, a little snow a little rain and at intervals it neither rains or snows. Tom finished plowing towards the road and now after dinner is plowing behind the hogpen. I finished Muriels letter and send them all (Jens, Muriels, Mauds) to the post office by Maud. Sr gone "Over there" to chop wood. Sr says he knew it would rain this morning when last night he heard Tom sing and whistle so loud. Says Tom dont clean the horses legs clean enough, and dont clean their manes, and dont clean out the corners of the horse stable. Maud cleaned (finished) the kitchen looks fine. Friday eve mail Whig, Marine Record, Parks Floral guide, Womans home Monthly, Templin’s seed Book, 5 sample copies of Vickery’s Fireside Visitor and Templin’s pansy seed & Parks vegetable seeds, a letter from Grace a letter from "Hugh" �64 Wednesday 2nd April 1902 A wet chilly morning, Rained all night, tub running over and rains this morning with occasional flurries of snow. Maud washes clothes. I get the breakfast, take care of the milk, wash breakfast dishes, cook beans, look over the flower and vegetable seeds, and write in the diary. Wells Sr has a very bad cough, rotten auld cough: and he had better begin doctor for it now. He says tom is a fool - dont know as much as Charley Gloyd; throws the wood in the wood box end ways; Never had any bringing up &c. Tom has gone some where- Woodman’s I guess. Sr said tom could have found work enough if he �65 looked for it; hog pen to clean out and beans to thresh and clean up. Tom comes back from visiting the Woodmans just after dinner. Grandpa angry when he saw Tom coming. "Kenbarks, d-d fool shure to come back to his meals-if he had staid home we would have cleaned out the cellar". Sr fixing (or making) a grindstone frame this a.m. one he picked up out the mud & straw, "Over there" when he was banking the house last fall says if R knew it she’d raise H-l though he gave it to Will and all the hangings a long time ago. So much profanity is demoralizing to the bearers it sinks into the soul. They are now going to clean out the cellar and then throw coal ashes around the well. R in trouble again. This time it is poor Len Patterson. She came over yesterday saying she had turned �66 him out. He went there with Bob Reid. Len asked to buy honey & she wouldnt neither sell or give him a taste or smell of honey. She said he "got mad and talked very vulgar. She called very hard names said it was the old Patterson nigger that was in him & said Margy & Maud ought to feel very proud to have the honor of being driven to the party by a nigger coachman. R went over to Bob Reids barn and related her most eloquent speach [sic] which she had made over here against Len & Bob of course, in turn related it all to Leonardo yesterday in Samy’s barn in presence of Tom. The boys making game of her all the time te he and laughing. I dont feel very well & go to bed early. �67 Thursday 3rd of April 1902 No rain this morning. Wind North ground fozen. Tom plowing. Wells went "Over there" to chop wood. Found R mad; she received a letter from Jen. Last night or one of the children stating that Aunt "Mary Anne" is coming out there to stay an indefinite period of time, which Rachel says is all a sham a fraud, so they have an excuse for not coming for Grandmother and R says she has taken care of her just as long as she is going to and furthermore says she is going to write them the nastiest letter they ever got and Wells says I shall not keep her said he always cared for his own father and mother and thinks John & Will should do the same and I dont know what to do about it. She get nearly all their living carried from �68 nearly all their living carried from here now; flour, kerosine - well I’ll not begin to innumerate or specify each article the list is two long. We cook beans again. Maud irons the clothes. I sow flower seeds, Japanese Morning glories, Verbinas, astors, Pansys. R went to Samy’s for a bag of oats came from there, here. had an egg in her hand and two apples in her apron. The egg she had picked up in the barn yard but at first pretended she had brought it from home to buy a yeast cake with. The apples Aunt Ruth had sent to grandmother. She blowed around awhile about Jen & old Mary Anne said she had just mailed a letter to Will giving him to plainly understand she is not going to endure this thing any longer. I gave her beans, cake, �69 and yeast cake and flour. Evening Tom goes up to Sam’s and stays till bedtime. April 4th Friday 1902. Forgot to say Sr went Sams barn for the bag of oats and bagged them over on his back to Rachels. 4th warmer this morning. Wind south. Birds singing in the grove and orchard. Maud went to Samy’s to borrow envelopes. They had ony two which they want to use. I sent her to Rachel though surely could get them there for she writes to Wills folks all the time but she didn’t have one. I never could get any thing there. After Mauds gallop around the country for envelopes, I find 2 fine ones here at home and note paper. No place like home after all. Tom plowed this fore noon and then turned the old team into the stable and helped Sr dig post holes till dinner. �70 Friday 4 send to Park for Flower seeds. time which we had at 1/2 past 11 am. I ask Tom "what will I get for dinner and he replies "Any old thing will do for me this is Friday dont yer know!! I make a big pan full of nice biscuits and he filled his anatomy with them (and syrup) if any old thing would do. After dinner he dresses up and goes to Woodmans and rides up with the mail- going to the dance at the villiage dont yer know. In vain we look and watch for Voltie. Maud beginning to fear he may not come at all. I try to reasure her of the certainty of his coming. At last Sr goes out to the stable and hitches up old Bess ready to start for Voltie when behold �71 we saw him coming away down by Frank’s gate. I hurry around and get supper and after a lot of fixing and fussing they get started at last, driving old Nell hitched to the dog cart and so ends the day. Wells went for the mail Whig, a letter from Mr Watson to Maud & a lot of pictures he sent her - daubs, Herald, a letter from Grace and a lot of trash from Vickery’s Fire Side Visitor. �72 Saturday 5 April 1902 A hard working day for me. Didn’t mop floors, but am very tired when night comes. Tom came just as I had dishes washed ready to drop down into a chair a few minutes to rest my weary old self, but had to get an extra meal for him, but didnt feel like clearing away the dishes but Tom scrabbled them up some Wells waited up a long time for Voltie and Maud & at last went to bed. They came about 1/2 past nine having stoped at Charlies. Maud cold and tired. I started to carry the lantern to the barn for Voltie but met him coming for it, and after he came in, he & Maud had to eat and at last we get settled and come to roost. �73 Sunday 6 April 1902 We dont arise very early this morning and I dont feel much like work but weary and troubled with a kidney trouble pretty bad, but dont tell any one. but I work around all day. I am obliged too. I make pie and cake for Voltie and he has two loves [sic] of bread. V varnished his skiff and put her in the water going to row to Hickory to night. The weather looks like a bad storm dark clouds all around the horizon. V starts just at sunset & after we have had our supper Tom going with him to the river to help him put the skiff in the water. Len came down just stuck his head in and went too. Tom came dodging back for his coat and away he runs again to the river where Len is waiting for him and they go down to Reanons’ Geo and stay till 11 pm. Forgot to say Maud goes to church wears her new dress. �74 Monday 7 April 1902 This is monday but I dont feel much like washing but manage to help get the meals. I ought to wash the old overalls but dont. In the evening Shell and Inez are here then came Bob Reid and I was much surprized to see Voltie come in and Len P close behind him. Voltie brought two big pike and my new books (Greens history of England 4 volumes) and a new level and other things which he had sent to Sears & Roebuck for. he changed his every day wearing apparel and went into the parlor where Shell, Inez, Bob & Maud were, Len and Tom were in the kitchen. Tom soon went home. �75 Tuesday 8 April 1902 A terrible day and all last night it rained. Voltie went away early in the skiff went to Hickory. I arose 10 minutes to 5 am and got breakfast for all, and Voltie started away before the wind began to rise only he had a light head wind to row against till he reached his destination but before noon the wind increased to a gale from the North and howls all day; towards night the rain begins to fall and continues all night. Rachel here for Wells to make her fence - 20 rods were fence. I gave her things no matter what. Tom goes to post office brings the mail and then goes bacak and stays out in Samy’s barn till 10 pm. Mail Whig, Good Litterature, Park Magazine & lot of advertising trash. I send again to Park for more seeds which makes the third time this spring. I sent Maud to post letter. �76 Wednesday 9 April 1902 A terrible wind blowing from the North cold, chilly, cloudy and dreary. Wells and Tom clean out the cellar with water from the well this forenoon. I got dinner at 1/2 past 11 am. We churn for the first time with the dosher 1 PM. Wells goes "over there" to chop wood. Tom plowing in the field. Maud reading. I go fast asleep in chair by the stove. I made a cream drop cakes. Tom in evening reading last days of Pompei till after all are in bed. At last I hear him carefully going up stairs softly closing he chamber door after himself. �77 Thursday 10 April 1902 Arose at 1/2 past 4 and hustled around as if I was sent for. Sr is gone to Kingston went up on the boat. It is her first trip to this dock this Spring. I called Tom out & Maud. I send Grace’s Valise and a little piece of butter. I dont know how she will like it for it has not been worked over. Tom drove to the dock with Sr then came back milked the cows, fed the calves, brought two pails of water and is now plowing. Maud is taking up the dining room carpet after she went down and got some juniper for me. As I am writing this, R comes for tobaco and tells a great story of privation and want. Her cow not coming in, hens lays and egg a day, no bread, no flour, no meat, no butter, no "terbackle", no beans. She has got No ’pertaters’, no milk, no buttermilk �78 3 big cards of honey, some vinegar some horse radish. I gave her buttermilk, tobbaco, butter, 6 potatoes from our few, all the cold meat, and all the cold potatoes (a dish full) said she had a few turnips which she carried from here last Tuesday and Grandmother is crying because she had no tobaco and &c. I am going to send Maud over there with some flour this afternoon. says Wills folks dont write any more and she dont understand why. I think "the why" is on account of her impertinent letter she sent a week or more ago. Tom not doing much to day only loafing around- going to take an easy time now the �79 "bass" is gone. Along towards night he begins to hustle to get ready for the dock. It seems an interminable length of time before the come-pitch dark and I send Maud out with the lantern. Soon Sr comes hugging in a great box of groceries which he deposits on the table. Said he called at Rachels and left them a plug of tobaco 10 cts. I told him "they would want some thing more than terbacker to chow" He said he did not care a dam. Well I said ’Come along to your super’ so he and Tom ’sat’. He said Bob Reid and Dick Irvine are madboth of them, mad as the devil. I asked, What for? He �80 said because George Border had come from the west and brought a nose on his face bigger than either one of theirs. After supper he smokes and tells yarns. Maud & I wash dishes. Tom sits up reading till I drive him off to bed. Forgot to say Maud took up the dining room carpet and mopped the floors all through. �81 Friday 11 April 1902 A very fine day, warm, steam & vapor arising from the plowed ground. Sr says tom didn’t do two hours work yesterday and didnt tie up the surley cow’s calf last night and it sucked the cow dry. Wells & Tom are building fence up "forninst’ Uncle Sam’s. Mary Woodman has just gone past, drove down- I dont know whether to Rachels or Alvira’s. I sent a letter to Park, one to Wells Jr. Maud sent a letter to her father. Wells sent one to Pelo for irons of some kind which was sent down from Borbits and left in Kingston. Junior and Tom building wire fence. I made a bed and sowed lettuce set out geraniums & a rose bush & washed some cloths. �82 Thursday 2nd April 1902 ginger, mustard, 1 yeast cake, 6 bars comfort soap, 1 bottle vanilla, 1 cake chocolate, pens, needles, 2 darning needles, whiting, 1 gal floor paint, 6 lbs oat meal, 1 pt turpentine, 1 bottle sprain cure, Almonds, rivets, washers, whiffle tongues, tobaco, soda, grass seeds, clover seed, pea seed, beet seed, turnip seed, beans seed, three varieties horse shoeing, horse keeping, boat fare, paid a horse keeping debt 15 cts, 1 box note paper �83 Sunday 13th April 1902 Monday 14th April 1902 �84 Monday 14th April �85 Tuesday 15 April 1902 �86 Wednesday 16 April 1902 �87 Thursday 17th April 1902 This morning looked very much like rain and did rain a little. Arose at 4 Oclock, so sleepy could scarcely stand but had to to get them started on the road to Kingston. Clouds cleared away at 10 am. The sun shines clear all day. Dinner ready by eleven Oclock, call tom after dinner, put up a lunch for Grandmother who is "over there" all alone all day, and send it over by Tom, sent bread, butter, fried potatoes, chicken pot pie, with gravy, cake, crackers & cheese. Worked hard all pm and so tired can scarcely walk but skimmed milk, wash pans, boil potatoes, make custard & cake, set table and have every thing �88 on the table when they come bringing groceries, flower pot with geranium in bloom, varnish and wall paper, cloth, pocket purse & corsetts, ribbons, candy. Wells says he is going away 15 days- going with Captain Griffin on the Mom Eagle. �89 Friday 18 April 1902 Set a turkey to day or a hen on turkey eggs 10 eggs. �90 Saturday 19 April 1902 �91 Sunday 20 April 1902 Rained in morning but cleared up. Maud goes to church. The minister comes home with her to dinner. The Rev Mr Wheatley. We have a big roasted fish for dinner, a pike which Voltie had kept on ice for the occasion. So we called it the preachers fish. Voltie caught & brought it up from Hickory last Wednesday evening. After his Rev is gone I churn so Voltie can have butter for himself on Hickory. Tom went over the river in V’s skiff - went over to Quinn Beadles visiting. John Niles his hired man here in the eve. Maud went to Mr Niles and staid till 1/2 past 9 pm. V went after dinner to chop wood for R. Tom sits up till 10 pm writing to, I dont know. �92 Monday 21 April 1902 A cloudy, chilly morning sprinkles of rain on door stops and ground. Maud took up the small sitting room carpet and then began washing. I washed dishes and got dinner. Tom working in field. Wish the onion seed was sowed. hope I’ll get our flower seeds tomorrow evening. I wash all the under clothes and put Chatterton’s old black shirt to soak in a tub of water. Tom again sits up till after bed time to write a letter to Marjorie. cold and Windy all day rains quite hard towards eve. Tom set rain barrel �93 Tuesday 22 April 1902 A fine morning warmer Wind S. I write and send a letter to Kate Knapp. I dont send the letter Tom wrote to Marjorie. I am afraid to let Maud mail the letter for there is row enough going on now at Charlie’s over so insignificant a person, even as poor tom for Charlie is afraid tom is after his girls and if Charley should get the mail and the letter should fall into Charlie’s hands he never would rest contented till he knew the contents of the letter and who it was from and then there would be another row in the family for Charley is quite sure attention to his daughters is an injury and a damage to them therefore I have retained the letter. �94 till I see Bell when I will put in her hands. I ought to have written to Belle inclosing the letter to her and I will do so at once though I will not get an oppertunity of sending it till Friday. I finish washing - wash toms old shirt & socks, shirts for V, & Sr, a pair of pants for V. Maud after supper goes early to the post office. tom carries brush for the bed he sowed at noon. Tom sowed onion, radish, parsnip, beets seed an a space of ground about 8 feet long and two feet wide soed them nearly all in one hole. No seeds come from Park yet. We get the Whig & another bundle of old "Vickery Fire side Visitor" (the Fire side Visitor is most to frequent these days" & Wmans farm journal, Shell & Inez & Bob Reid here. �95 Len didnt come. Had to drive Tom off to bed again. sat up read read and then have to call him every morning. Tom and M dont very well agree. Maud met with a serious though laughable accident just after her return from the post office which is not tellable here. �96 Wednesday 23rd April 1902 Looks like a fine warm morning. Wind S. thought Id go over to Rachels but clouded up and began to rain so concluded to stay home it soon cleared up thought once more I’d go "over there" but while I am preparing to go the wind began to rise and continues to gather force till at last it is a howling gale of wind from the SW and cold as March and I stay home and work all day at your house work. Maud washed her blue skirt and three petticoats and done a big ironing and so the day passes on till evening. No visitors to night. Tommy �97 sits up reading till after we all go to bed. Thought I wouldnt drive him off this time. Soon after I go to bed I hear him tramping around in the pantry I suppose he is after canadian herb pills for he takes them on the sly every oppertunity. Sylvia and Sammy came for Charlies gobbler. Maud went to help them drive him home but he wont drive but started for Franks. �98 Thursday 24 April 1902 Some what milder than yesterday but cold yet. Wind SW. I made the discovery of tomasses night prowling. He snoops into the cupboard and ate all the pie & all the cheese and two big pieces of cake and then took pills as he has done several times before. He eats like a hog at table and then stuffs himself by stealth and he is very cold too. He wears wool under shirt and drawers heavy over shirt, a sweater, and �99 two overcoats and a pair of mittens while working in the field. all this time Rachel was here to day wants buttermilk, linnament, butter, and wants her fence fixed right off. Says Shell Niles is the silliest fool- dont know anything says Shell calls Old Mary Farr "Aunt Mary". Mr Niles, last Thursday gave Rachel a bag of potatoes took her to the dock and back home again. Went to Richardsons as security for her for seed oats and yet to R he is old John Niles and his family are fools. She says Shell is silly -dont know any thing says he calls old Mary Farr Aunt and �100 told her father, coming over on the waggon that she had churned that afternoon, though I cant see what there is silly or flat about churning or speaking about it. If it is I am silly and flat nearly every other day. Well tommy has left us because he couldnt cudgel the poor old mares all he wanted to. Sr heard the blows away down by the river, where he ws building fence, and came where tom was pulverizing and took the cudgels away from him, all broken and twisted and told tom to put the horses in the stable and go hoe strawberry vines but instead of doing so he came to the house and changed his apparel and has cleared out some where. I saw him go off up the road walking as fast as if he was kicked behind. Maud and I get supper, wash the dishes, do all the chores and go to bed. So good night. �101 Friday 25 April 1902 Arise at 6 am. No tom here to call out of bed this morning. Sr working in field all day with horses, cloudy & chilly in pm. I sow all the sweet pear and begin to get supper when Maud comes back from Mrs Niles where she has been to carry some popy seed and exchange gladiola bulbs. Mrs Niles sent me a bowl of sourkraut which Mrs Maloney had sent some over today to Mrs Niles and I cooked it for supper. Maud went for the mail. Whig, Herald, a package of flower seed from Park, and a whole floral out fit, a letter from Grace, and a letter from Mr Watson. Charlie said he gave the letter I sent Belle directly into her own hands which is well and very kind of Charley and a favor which I appreciate. �102 26 April Saturday 1902 Wind South not very cool but rained quite hard in the night. After breakfast I hoe a few strawberry plants wouldnt stay out to hoe any more for the ground is damp and I have on slippers. It soon begins to Thunder and rain begins to pour at intervals, the wind rising to a gale shifting to the west and growing colder. Whew how the wind howls. Poor Bob and George & Wallace. I hope they are safe in harbor to day. Tis a terrible to be a sailor and Sr is going away next 8 day of May. I made cake and currant pie for Voltie but he will not come home to night. I heard tom is at Morgans �103 We set a turkey yesterday on 15 eggs and this pm Sr said the turkey is off her nest. Sunday 27 April 1902 Voltie came home at 10 am popped in unexpectedly; he walked up from foot having left his boat in Will Gillespies boat house. T Chot came in with V. Grandpa just came in from "Over there" where he has been as usual to chop wood. He and Tommy dont speak. I dont feel very well. I go to sleep while writing and make long black marks on the page. Maud went up to help Shell sweep the Church before service and after dinner, and the dishes are washed, goes to church. Tom after shaving and fixing himself up very fine, plastering his hair down to make it lay smooth and twisting and turning around to see how he looks behind, goes to church to get a ride up with Mr Wheatley our preacher. �104 Voltie made himself a carpenter apron (having worn out the old one). Bob Reid here all evening. I go to bed and leave them all sitting there laughing & te he ing at last I tell Maud to pare the potatoes and go to bed which she does and soon all is quiet and I sleep till morning. Monday morning 27th April 1902 When I got up 1/2 past 4 & get breakfast and make cakes for V. & pack in his valise with two loaves of bread, pie, butter, cakes, potatoes, &c and he starts out with the valise swung over his back on an axe handle that Sr had made for Bill McFaden intending to walk to the foot; but his father heads him off out near the barn and tells him to mount into the dog cart and he will drive him to the foot. Sr had been out to the stable and hitched up on the sly. �105 Well Maud is in a terrible way about starting off for subseribord [sic] for Parks Magazine, flower and vegetable seeds. I begin to think Maud was born for canvassing buisness [sic] for she has a gift or tendancy that way, always wants to get out on the road with books or newspapers or something and now it is flower seeds. I said go right along. The day is fine, do as well as you possibly can but dont let the sun go down on you before you return, and away she has gone down the island. Sr is plowing here by the house, plowing & swearing, I know he kept from swearing as long as he could, but old Jess mare dont want to plow. Maud helped churn before she started out on her mission, swept, made beds and helped wash dishes. While I was washing the churn I glanced out the window and �106 saw a tall black object coming up the road which proved to be Rachel bringing a pail and some newspapers she had borrowed & a currant bush. She wanted butter, buttermilk, kerosine and any thing else she could get. Poor old Rachel she looks like the but end of hard times and she appears to be just what she is hard up and broken down, not a decent shoe to her foot or a decent garment of any kind to wear, only one old cow that is going to come in some time she chasses and runs after ducks but I think she is happy why not I wish she had all the fire wood she needs �107 27 May Tuesday 1902 Just one month ago this day since I last wrote in this book called diary and we are, thanks to God all well. Grace came home the first of May bringing Reginald, and went home again the 22nd of May. Johny came to see us the 18th of May stayed only a few hours and then went back down to Geo Gillespies to cross the river with Ed Bates. John came across with Ed and Dora in the morning. We only had 16 Plymouth rock eggs to give him. Will and Charley came over 11th May on a very fine day they could stay only a few hours. Bell & Beatrice were here the same day for a few hours and Rachel came over too. We bought a milk and cream seperator the 9 of May Listes and Spoor brought and set it up the evening of the ninth. Voltie �108 came home the same evening for which I was very glad. I gave them their supper. It was a very cold day and evening. May has been a very cold month with few exceptional day. I know we arose the next morning, the 10 of May to find everything froze up hard all vegetation as stiff as an iron bar, ice an inch & half thick on tubs and barrels froze all along the shore. The 25 & 26th of May were beautiful days, warm and sunny. The fruit trees trees are all in bloom now but the weather has changed again and it is colder, dark wind clouds from the S.W. Sr has this month built a chicken coop we have 9 small turkeys and more hatching. We are milking 4 cows. Bob Reid �109 worked for Voltie and V paid Bob a dollar and ,50 cts for strawing the potato ground and Sr has to dig down among the straw to find a hole to drop a hill for potatoes. I am trying to see how much butter I can make each week by this seperator. Evening mail brought us Whig, Marine Record, a letter from Belle, a letter from Johny, and a letter from Mauds Aunt Amanda. It is raining at night fall evening. I read a story to Maud and Wells from Barce’s monthly. Wells seperated the milk this morning and evening �110 Wednesday 28th May 1902 Maud slept with me last night. It was too cold and chilly to go up stairs. The day is cold, almost enough to snow and drizling rain all day. Wells Sr after doing the chores, plants potatoes all day in the straw. He says Voltie ought to hire one more d-d fool and then quit hiring for that would be three times and out. I churn, bake bread, cook beans, drop cakes & johny cake, sow Parks star flower seed. The cat had knocked off the box of sowed ornamental pepper seed. We gathered it up and found only two sprouted. I planted them over and sowed more seed and transplanted a few more plants. Evening read to Sr & Maud �111 Not copied yet 1901- 15 page Sept 1901 - 3-4 pgs in to 1902 1901 - between Fri 8th 1902 & Sun 9th Mar 1902 �112 This is start with Sat 9th Dates are confused but write exactly as is �113 Thursday 29th May 1902 A day of wind from S.W. Whew! how it blows. Sr planting. I get breakfast and wash all the breakfast dishes and Seperator complete, made a pie for dinner and washed a few things, ie V’s underclothing, 2 dresses for me and an apron for. I planted one big hill of Japanese Navy sent to Sears and Roebuck for a sample book of wall paper last Friday 23rd of May 1902. Suppose I have got to churn Spose I have to write to John. Sr planting all day. Potatoes, corn and "pumpkin" seed. Maud ironing churned all right. Evening read in Winner to Maud and Sr �114 Friday 30th May 1902 The weather fine again. Sun warm and bightly shining. Wind hushed and gone to sleep. Got a terrible pain in my back but have got to work all the same doctored it with R.R.R. and Van Horns linament bathed in hot water and finaly tied a big long wool stocking around my back and went to work. I wrote 4 letters this morning. Johny, Belle, Dr ConnellDentist, and Charley Woodman requesting him to take the Universal self instructor to Belle allright I made a corn meal baked pud for dinner. �115 26 June Thursday 1902 It began raining last night at 6 pm and rained all night. barrel and can full of water this morning. Got Maud out early to go to market. Wells said he would only put the bovines in the barn and milk when he returned from the dock! instead! he carried the pails to the stable, milked all the cows, seperated the milk, ate breakfast, caught the horse and I a hustling around all the time to get them started at last! they get under way only to get as far as the hill. When behold the boat was just starting out front the dock and so Sr turned about and sent Maud with the butter all the way to Marysville to go to Kingston. And Oh such a day! Wind! Ye howling huricanes and gales! blowing all day with a clear sky after 8 am �116 this has been a terrible month for wind and rain if we get one day of quiet summer like old fastioned [sic] peacefulness and bright warm sunlight, we think it a great treat but the meadows and pastures are abundant and luxurious and potatoes and most everything gives great promise of a bountiful harvest. Dear Maud I wonder how will she get over to the city and back again to day, she had 28 lbs of butter yesterday. There was a picknic on Henrys Hallidays point. Maud went with the old mare and buggy taking Ethel & Lottie Dixon with her and did not return till 9 pm evening while Rachel came over wanting for �117 them to return. The wind blew all day yesterday but not nearly so hard as to day. yesterday pm I rolled the churn out on the veranda and churned there. Maud has returned; went and came by way of Hallidays. I have not written in this diary in a long time. This is the 16th day of Aug 1902 and the last written was June 26th, 1902. Many an event has transpired since that time. I invited Watson to stay away and not make his annual visit for which he launched out into a terrible rage frenzied with anger. MaudsAunt Maude has made us a two weeks visit & gone back again to Shannonville. Little Dick Patterson was drowned. Pete Patterson came up and �118 carried Nellie home with him to Vermont. Dick was drowned the 7 of Aug 1902 through Frank Woodmans carelessness. Aug 14th Maud and Amanda went to Kingston this morning. Maud going to Market with 28 lbs butter and Amanda going home. I am expecting Mrs Brooks by this evening’s boat and we have made great preparations to receive her. Grace stays another week to help me entertain her But she didn’t come and I sincerely hope she never will. Voltie is binding oats & Sr is setting up bundles nearly all day. I churn out on veranda �119 Friday 15th 1902 A day of peaceful blessedness; no visitors. To keep breakfast hot for, while they snooze in bed till 8 pm. V binding oats, Sr setting up bundles. I churn in cellar. Evening mail Whig, Herald and a letter from Mrs Brooks excusing herself for not coming Thursday evening. Wants to come in Sept and bring Brooks, a gun & fishing tackle. What a happy event that woud be - for them. but I object as I am under no obligation to her, or Brooks, who I have never seen. I shall inform Mrs Brooks that we dont receive any more company this summer or autumn and then she will be angry like Watson. �120 Saturday 16 Aug 1902 A very good day but cool. I churned in cellar butter cool and could be made in a roll all right. Voltie finished binding and V & Sr set up all the oats in pm. In am they finished drawing the wheat and stacked it behind the barn. A shower but not long. Maud cleaned all the floor. Grace saved for Maud and helped get the meals. After seperating milk & supper Voltie drove over to Spaffords for the old black pig - returned at 9 pm. I’m so sleepy and go to bed early. Reginald helped me dig potatoes for dinner. �121 1902 Done 1906 Remains �122 Sunday 17th of Aug 1902 A cool cloudy morning. Voltie, after breakfast and seperating, gathered in the fish net in the pm a lot of dead fish and one cat fish which he threw away, together with all the dead ones. Voltie goes in buggy to Belles accompanied by Maud and carrying them a sample of his apples and potatoes. Sr brought in one cucumber from our vines this morning. There has been no rain to amount to any thing since two weeks ago this day (Sunday). 4 years later to 1906 ↓ �123 Tuesday 23rd of January 1906 This morning very warm, no snow not a flake to be seen any where, no ice in the river, wind blowing half gale from South. gulls flying in from the lake. V helped get breakfast and after breakfast went over to Daily’s to chop and saw wood. Kent coming across from his place to help V. Maud washed some things. I made or prepared mince meat. Maud and I churned. I dont think we will churn again till the cows come in or separate any more milk. Raining hard. V came home through the rain clothes wet. V went for the mail gone longer under the circumstances that I should think he would. Dignams want to buy Spaff place but Spaff wife want sign off �124 The reason V didnt return earlier the mail had not arrived. Not much mail these days. Dispatch Agneautist, Letter for Maud from Rena James and a postal from New Thought. Maud and I sent 4 letters this morning; one to Nellie Brooks, one to Comfort soap, one Maud sent for a ring and one for a pin neither one of them good for any thing. Sr plowed to day only 3 eggs to day. Wednesday 24 of January 1906 Colder this morning but very quiet, sun bright and clear, no snow nor ice yet. V after breakfast took his axe and dinner basket and away he goes over to Dailys to chop & saw wood two miles he has to walk. Kent helps him �125 while Maud & I were washing the breakfast dishes, Arthur and Marjorie came. Old Green Farr brought them across and Art gave him $2,50 on demand; after dinner Sr let Art have the bay and milk wagon to drive up to Charlies. V came home after dinner while Kent went up to Phinkess’s Mrs Niles came down and brought her Knit quilt to show me. Well I have done very little work this day but visit. We thought we heard the whistle of the ferry boat at our dock. Voltie goes over to investigate and finds the boat at the dock, a fine star lit night. Thursday 25 of January froze a little last night but the sun shining warm and clear Voltie gone up on the steam boat �126 To Kingston with a grist of hog feed. The sky is so clear there is not a cloud to be seen; not any churning to do, no separator to wash. Our new teacher going to leave; to lonesome away off down here; she is an old maid and has the "rheumatism". She thought (if she staid) here she would board at Barry’s but when she went to see about boarding there, but after seeing Mrs Berry and looking her over, she concluded she didn’t like the looks of her, and was more anxious than ever to get away. V said Mrs Barry resembles the cartoon of an old Jew woman, Sr said she looks like a Poleax. It has been a long time since I have seen her. She was not remarkably hansome then beside they watered their milk and �127 and skinned it and had to pay 70 dollars for doing so and taking them and their wrong doings alltogether, they are not very popular. Friday 26 January 1906 A beautiful day sunlight clear froze a little; a white frost ground all bare, river all open, no ice only a thin scale along the shore. Voltie gone over to Dailys to chop wood. Kent helping. I’m troubled this morning with cold feet and rheumatism and drowsiness. We are to have a new teacher a Mr. Whitmarsh from the villiage. Evening mail Herald, a book from Comfort, a letter from Grace. Look on third page �128 The powerful solvent properties of distilled water are well known. Hence to sum up:- the most rational modes of keeping physical decay or deterioration at bay and thus retarding thus retarding [sic] the approach of old age are avoiding all foods risk rid in the Earth salts using much fruit especially juicy rum cooked apples and by taking daily two or three tumblers of distilled water. Nothing causes old age and wrinkles so rapidly as lack of exercise properly balanced: that is the strain on one set of muscles being relieved by the use of others to balance. This causes exhaustion and the tired condition that follows to keep the bones full of rich fluid and healthy, must exercise daily. �129 March 4th 1902 Posted 3 letters 6 cts from our dock to Kingston with a grist of hog feed. Ruth Wolcott here for bee smoker. I patch V’s pants and cut quilt blocks for Maud Saturday 27 A beautiful day warm sun shining cleary. Wind South. but light. Margaret and Arthur came accompanied by Irene and CharlesSr, Charley goes to Niles for their boat and putting up sail they all embark for the other shore landing at Sand Bay. Charley goes up to call on Uncle Jim Gloyd and �130 found the poor old man walking or hobbling around on two crutches for support. he wants R to come over and keep home for him. Charley came back and ate dinner with us. Voltie and Kent chopping wood in Daily’s woods. Kent here to supper & carried home on his back a peck of beans. I made molasses cookies, two mince pies, baked beans and boiled a piece of beef. Irene went home with Margaret. Sunday 28 January 1906 A warm still day cloudy and looks like rain. Quarterly meeting a great turnout. Rev Cornell assisting Rev Moore House. Maud gone to church. We expected the new teacher Mr Whitmarsh but he didn’t come. Inez came down for a little visit growing a little colder. �131 Monday 29 January 1906 Froze last night quite hard, heavy frost on the windows. Thermometer down to zero. Sun clear and bright no snow, river steaming a little. Maud made doughnuts and baked beans. River lightly skinned across with thin ice. V & Sr draw a load of wood from Daily’s and then draw, after dinner, hay from stack to put in the barn. Maud baked apples. I piece on quilt and write letters. Evening passes pleasant by reading &c. The wind blowing fierceley from South. �132 Tuesday 30 January 1906 Wind blowing a gale all night from South, the water roaring and dashing on shore. morning cloudy & looks like a storm. Wind South. Dont storm but a dreary dismal day. Voltie went to Dailys woods to split wood. Sr carried for me three letters to post one for Grace, one Gladys, one Parkleys & Dingman and from the post office went over to Daily’s Woods and cut a load of wood. No snow, no rain, no ice but dreary, cloudy and dismal. Voltie came late. Said Whitmarsh came down with Kent. Dispatch, Kingston News, 3 Park’s floral magazines, New thought, a letter from W.F. Watson. Maud received a letter from Huffman �133 Wednesday 31 January 1906 Awoke this morning to find it raining a nasty day wind south. V gone to Woodmans to help them butcher, came home to dinner and after dinner chopped the heads off 16 fat chickens which we scalded and picked for market, then I put up the eggs, wrote out the order for groceries. Mr Whitmarsh our new school teacher came to board an unofensive looking young man, wearing a fur lined coat and a broken nose; his name is Fred, he appears to be quite intelligent &c. After supper Voltie drove to dock with grist came back and ate supper �134 then he and Maud prepared themselves for OBriens dance which they attended, walking there accompanied by Whitmarsh. Sr goes to bed and I proceed to sit up as long as I have a mind to which is nearly 10 pm and had and was just going to get into bed when V came back with McDonell & Kelly for cider. the trio going into cellar, drinking to their souls content and carrying away a gallon to refresh themselves at the dance. Next morning another couple came for more cider & V sold them a dollars worth. They returned from the dance at 10 minutes to 3 Oclock am. They, V, W & Maud lay down for 1 hour then we all arose and prepared every thing for market chickens, eggs &c Sr and V drove �135 to the dock expecting to find the offenders there but after waiting in barn for the appearance of the boat every neighbour returned to their home. Voltie taking his poultry in Chad Woodmans wagon with Chad’s hogs and drove to the village and from there went aboard the boat to Kingston, stay in town one hour, come home at 7 p.m. brought pickled olives and peanuts, sugar, soap, sundries. Evening practice writing by the trio spencerian method Friday 2nd Feb 1906 16 deg bellow zero this morning which is a sudden change from warm to cold; river streaming like a cauldron; if the bear sees his shadow to day twill be on bare ground. The sun shining clear. V walked axe in hand to �136 Daly’s wood to split wood. We cook beans, bake apples, make drop cakes &c Voltie came home in time for supper but was tired and didnt go for the mail. February 3rd Saturday 1906 After breakfast Voltie goes for the mail. A letter from Muriel & Herald & North Western Agriculturist. Then after doing a few chores takes his dinner basket and axe and walks over to Daily wood to split and cord stove wood; working all alone, wind blowing and begins to storm snow, river frozen clear across. Maud cleans floors, made pies (apple), polished the kitchen stove. Sr chores around. Whitmarsh reads & whistles. Nearly 4 pm I wish V would come home at last he comes, tired after splitting �137 he comes, tired after splitting rock elm all day. Sunday 4 Feb 1906 Dont get up quite so early this morning. Weather colder a miserable dreary day. Wind blowing a gale from the South East all day, cloudy. We all read most of the time, growing colder towards night and so passes the day. Only four out to church to day, no preacher, river frozen over. Monday 5th Feb 1906 Colder this morning 16 deg below zero but clear. Our men drove to Dailys for a load of wood sled length. I picked over a peck of beans. Evening V and �138 Whitmarsh goes to Obriens conclude the school business in regard to hiring the Teacher. The teacher brings home a catalog of the school library which proves to be only childrens story books including a few of Coopers & Dickens &c Tuesday 6 February 1906 A clear cold morning 18 below zero. They think the ice is good for a man to walk across to the U.S.A. At 1/2 past 10 am Voltie walked across to Quinn’s drawing the kerosine can on hand sled, returned at half past 4 pm with kerosine, oil, a coat for Sr, tobaco, a pair of shirts for himself and a lb of coffee. The teacher brought us a book from the library "The last of the Mocachins by Cooper. V ate dinner with Horace Dodge �139 Wednesday 7 February 1906 A clear cold day. Voltie & Sr hitched up after V ate a lunch and drove over to R’s intending to drive back on her place for a load for R, but instead Sr choped up some old fallen apple tree limbs enough to last a day or more, and Voltie walked over to Daily’s woods where he remained all day splitting and cording wood. he returned at night fall tired and hungry. Evening time after tea Maud & Whitmarsh go to call on neighbor Niles family but finding the door locked and no one at home, they soon return and Voltie helps me wash dishes & we read, pare potatoes for breakfast [illegible] for bread. �140 Thursday 8th February 1906 Not quite so cold this morning and though the sun is shining the atmosphere is misty. V took his dinner and axe again this morning and gone away to Daily’s woods. Maud is washing and I, club in hand am trying to get dinner and make a batch of cookies but is terrible hard work my left hip and leg is very painful every step I walk and I’m afraid I’ll never be any better of it. Whitmarsh has gone to his school. I suppose he met with a great disapointment last night when he looked in the commode and couldn’t find his "pot". I wonder if he thinks we are going to empty thundermugs after him? when he hired his board here that was not included in the bargain. continued on 4th page from this one. �141 Tuesday 25 Feb 1902 Voltie went to City brought home 5 lbs sugar 1 qt whiskey, poor stuff 1 pk onions beautiful red 1 box of note paper 1 doz fish - herring 11 lbs fat pork and gave me three for shortning 2 cans of syrup, gave me one 1 lb soda & 5 lbs rolled oats 6 bars of comfort soap 1 Bottle of black ink Voltie bought none paper and envelops 4 volumes Greens History of England �142 Friday 27 of Feb 1902 Wells went to Kingston & bought cheese & a load of lumber 2 lbs figs Irene 6 lemons Irene 5 lbs rice 1 pins Irene Radway’s R.R. a peck of beans a coal shaker 10 cts with 10 comfort trade marks Tuesday 4th March - 6 gallons Kerosine Wednesday 5th - 2 gallons of syrup 6 towels 6 lbs currants 1 box sodas 1/2 bush beans 1 broom 30 cts 6 March Thursday another cady of tea 29 lbs from George H Darling, Landsdowne March 9th 2 bags of potatoes fromJ Niles. �143 March 29th Wells Sr bought 18 1/2 lbs pork - Irene paid for half 10 sugar 1 lb ginger 1 lb soda 1 box yeast cakes 1 yd of elastic 1/2 bush beans - V paid for half 3 lb whiting 5 lb rolled oats 1 box soda biscuits 2 lb cheese April 9th 2 bags of potatoes from Niles April 10th 12 lbs rolled oats 20 lbs sugar �144 Thursday 17 April 1902 pork $1,00 2 lbs cheese 5 lbs currants 3 lbs lard 47 cts 5 rolls wall paper & 12 yd bordering 1 box Iron tonic pills 25 1 pair corsetts 50 1 yd black ribon 12 candy 10 Flower geranium 20 Purse 20 Puff comb 15 2 1/4 yds muslin .30 1 letter .02 �145 continued 8 Feb 1906 2 jew beddlars [sic] and Louis Larrish and Jerry Hunt came wanting to stay all night but dont keep any such gentleman, two great louts Hunt & Larish been to Cape Vincent to a ball on an ice boat, got left here by a lull in wind. They carried a load of strong drink aboard their anatomy which spoke for itself Friday 9th February 1906 14 above zero this morning. cloudy looks like storm of some kind. sent Nelly a post card. Grace a letter. Maud sent to comfort for a ring. I sent Wells Jr two papers "Agriculturist & �146 the jews staid to Sam’s. Wells sold them old iron which came to $1,15, he gave the money to me. Dont know where Hunt & Larrish went & dont care. Voltie gone again this morning for chop, split and cord. Sr drawing wood sled length. Voltie came a little earlier than usual. Geo Rattray & his father & Kent went over river drawing our sled. Kent & Geo gone for oil. Mail a letter from Grace, one from Gladys, Herald, a magazine called Madam. I sent Grace a letter. Maud sent one to Rena James and Toronto for a ring. Saturday 10 February 1906 Arose early that Whitmarsh can go up with Jack Niles. He goes. We bake and cook all forenoon. A very good pleasant day �147 towards night Bob came down with Jack Niles. We sat up late, visited and read. Sunday 11th February 1906 A pleasant day. Mr Rattray called here on his way from over the river; he been to Rob Percy’s visiting. He staid till church time. The preacher here to dinner the Rev Moorehouse a fine man. Whitmarsh returned. Frank Woodman came too. Voltie engaged a passage for Rachel across the river with Frank. Frank drove across from the U.S.A. in buggy and drove back in buggy. R met Frank down by Frank’s old place and went across with him in buggy. Voltie down on ice watching �148 then while they go over the ice is cracked badly. Well I’m glad R is safely over the river. She has not been here in over a month. She went home one evening after she had come over to stay all night pretending she was mad at Maud when Maud had not given her any cause for the smallest offense no not any cause whatever. Well I dont care! She is only punishing herself. Monday 12 February 1906 A fine day. Voltie & Bob walks over the ice to Gloyds to pay Rachel for her old candy cupboard, that she has sold the school section for a school library and "also to pay the tax on Lindys for land & school tax. They return in time for dinner. Whitmarsh does not make a start for school very early he had better be careful. �149 or OBrien and Barry will be watching. After dinner Voltie and I dress 17 chickens for market. Robert weighs each one as soon as it is picked. Evening V, R, & Whitmarsh go to OBriens to play cards & have an evening visit. They return at 10 pm and go immediately to bed. Maud mixed the bread before retiring. Maud slept with me. Tuesdday 18 February 1906 The most beautiful day of all the winter, like a spring day in April. We arise early and tie the chickens necks and get everything ready for market. I send 8 1/2 doz eggs which V sold for 20cts per doz at Hendersons �150 Robert goes home too. I am sorry to see him go. Robert is a good boy. Wells Sr hitches up and drives over for Rachels canned tomatoes and puts them in our cellar to keep them from freezing 9 or less. V comes home quite early, ate dinner with Bob & Grace. V went for the mail but not much, two little books from soap factory and Dispatch etc Wednesday February 14 1906 The weather this morning is changed from Spring to February winter snowing and blowing. Whitmarsh buttoned close his fur lined coat and turned up the collar and away to the school house he went. V at home tinkering in the shop all day. Sr sitting by the stove nearly all reading Dispatch and now they are out milking and doing the chores and the storm is �151 raging and blowing heavy from the North. Thursday 15 Feb 1906 A light snow on ground this morning; a clear day. Voltie at home tinkering in shop and pm partly shoveled the saw dust out of ice house. Wells Sr again complained of shortness of breath. Irene fixes Sr coat sleeves and pieces on quilt & makes too punkin pies, washes dishes etc. Maud works around the house makes beds & sweeps. Samy & Ruth here for Voltie to help bush out a road across the ice. Voltie helped the Woodmans over, but bushed no road. Jack Niles here in pm wanting V to go to Geo Niles to play. V wouldnt go but staid home and read the [?] in Shelly. �152 Friday 16 February 1906 A beautiful day. 8 deg above zero in early morning. Whitmarsh in kitchen whistling something I dont know what it is. There is no time to it only a noise; He is an incessant whistler. I wish he would stop his noise for that blow mouth of his is anoying. V cleaned ice am and pm cut 30 cakes of ice finished reading the Cenci in Shelly. Grandad sat around the stove most of the time jawing and reading the almanac. He dont like Whitmarsh’s bugle call. I sort beans and wash dishes &c. Frank H drove over again on wheels; he going to fiddle for the dance at St Lawrence to night Chad Woodman going to the dance sent a letter to Muriel. Evening mail, Herald, a letter for Maud from Irene and a ring �153 Saturday 17 February 1906 A warm cloudy morning 20 deg above zero, Wind South & looks like rain. Whitmarsh up dressed and whistling. Grandad up dressed in the kitchen swearing very low about that "d-d whistling fool" Whitmarsh puts himself inside his fur lined over coat and goes down on the ice where V & Jack Niles are getting out to fill the ice house and awaits his oppertunity to catch a ride with some one enroute for the villiage and soon hops on Will Gillespie’s conveyance and goes off up to the villiage. Jack N here to dinner. Maud makes doughnuts and I fry. They got the ice all in before dinner. 30 big cake �154 We read till bed time. Voltie reading Shelley. A beautiful star lit night. Alice Rooseveldt married to Tony Easter Sunday 18 day of Feb 1906 A warm cloudy morning looks A like snow or rain. Sr drives over to see Dordane. Quinn Beadles hired man comes over visiting; big burley Milton Woodard here to dinner and brags about himself. He has now gone to church he went before Maud did. Sr has just returned and says Dordane will not live long and that Horace has had another shock. Snows some I write a long letter to Grace. Monday 19 February 1906 A cloudy warm morning snowed some in the night. Wells goes across the ice comes home at 5 pm says Dordane died at 2 this pm. Eddy Bates here and drank cider in the cellar. V �155 gave him 2 bottles of catchup tomatoes. Evening Inez came there The Dignums, Mary, Tom, Lance D & Sadie Murray they stay till midnight. Warm and thawing Voltie shod the brown horse. Tuesday 20 February 1906 A warm cloudy morning, we arose early. Sr gone to Kingston. I send a letter to Grace. Maud sends one to Irene. Voltie helping Niles fill ice house. Teacher gone to school. Maud & I alone. Maud cleans floors. Voltie came home at noon to do the chores. Two men drove in here to inquire the way across the ice to U.S.A. Maud dont feel very well. I cook beans and pare potatoes. Sr came early couldnt get a dentist to fix his teeth. Belle & Charley went to town, drove ahead of Sr, saw Bob and gave him the letter. �156 Wednesday 21st February 1906 Awoke this morning to find the rain falling, ground bare. V and his father started to walk across to Dordane’s funeral. Sr with creepers on. V had to turn back and get his skates for he couldn’t stand up so much sand and water. Maud & I here alone piecing quilts. Maud gets us a lunch a good cup of coffee etc. V came in time for his dinner. Sr came later and had had his dinner at Vans. The weather clears up a little after dinner. Thursday 22nd Feb 1906 A beautiful day; sun brilliantly warm 30 deg above zero, ground bare of snow. It froze a little last night. Voltie takes hand sled and skates across to River view for Kerosine 6 gallons after dinner. Maud goes �157 skating Eddy Bates comes across on skates and Dora too. Eddie here drinking cider evening time. VoltieMaud & Whitmarsh walk over to Dignams for an evening visit came home at 2 pm ice roaring and cracking all night. Friday 23 February 1906 froze again last night, a white frost. day clear and frosty. We pick the last of our chickens to day 10.30 am the chicks are picked ready for market. Mrs & Mr Daily have been here. Daily gave Voltie money to pay in the bank at Kingston and left a barrel for V to fix. They going to make maple sugar. Voltie gave her a drink of cider. Sr thinks the rats will not trouble or destroy. �158 Dec 4th 1902 Voltie 6 lbs up to date while Whitmarsh is here for he is more noisy than a gobbler or a guinea fowl. George Obrien gone to River View on skates this morn. Volta goes to OBriens to inquire if he is going to drive the North shore tomorrow; if he is Voltie wants to accompany him for our side (South) has proved unsound for driving on ice, and out there is strength in numbers they, with Geo Rattray will try the expedition together. The verdict is, if there is hard freezing, they will drive up on ice if not they take the road on wheels. Old man in a pucker about Whitmarsh; noise & wants to know if F.W. is going to send up for new records. I’m quite sure Sr’s old records will never be worn out while he lives Ie for fault finding. Oh I wish he would go visiting for week somewhere. �159 Saturday Feb 24th 1906 Arose at 5 am. Maud & Voltie got breakfast. I tied the chickens necks poor things, running around yesterday small and plump with. all their feathers on, and now bare and in the market basket with their yellow legs sticking up, well tis the last Voltie has going, drove away up the Island on wheels. Barometer 60 deg above zero in the shade, sun pouring down its fiery brilliancy on the ice, ground bare, crows holding council meeting in the cedars. Whitmarsh exchanged a cap for a hat and accompanied by the dog and two cats has leisurely sauntered off down the shore & grandad Sr has gone to roost sunning himself on the �160 [Various additions and entries mostly illegible] �161 �162 �This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following people: Ann Hopkinson, Ella Deering, Jonathan Panuelos, Eric Irvine, MaryV, and Queen’s University Archives � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th and 20th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1887-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1887 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1888-1889 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1889-1897 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1890 March - June Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1893-1895 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1895-1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1896 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1897-1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1898 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1899-1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1900 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902, 1906 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902-1909 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1904-1905 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1907 & 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1908-1919 parts of Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1911 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1913-1914 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1915-1916 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1916-1917 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1917-1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1918 Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1921-1922 Language A language of the resource English Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Transcription, 1902, 1906 parts of Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Irene Dixon Bamford Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Queen's University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1902, 1906 parts of Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Frontenac County, Wolfe Island, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. February 24th, 1902 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Irene Dixon Bamford Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed