1 10 553 https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/40cb064949d743a53a839ca7beb369f0.pdf d16691fed25b9df00d7c1f73a93b0397 PDF Text Text John Strickland Diary 1843 Transcribed by Jan Roberton, the great-great-great-granddaughter of John Strickland the space between 1831 and 1843 I spent in Rosedale although I had left my Native Land once and it may be thought by some in a hard and unfeeling manner I just simply deny it by saying every hart know,s its own sorrow, although, not the same way of exprefsing it. I have no thought of writing my life as some may think but as my Friend,s desired me on my second setting out to keep account how we spent every day while on our journey I reluctantly Comply knowing that I am not able to write and spell Properly still for the sake of those I,m leaveing I,ll do my best and those that know better may mend it to connect my former voyage with the second I just give a slight run through the space between I shall not say much how I,ve live,d when I look back I see I might have done different and been no worse. on arriving a home I went to work with my Mother in latter part of 1831 one of my sisters Died and in the forepart of 1832 my youngest Brother died in 1832 on the 28 of April I was married and went to live in Old T. Peirsons house that we had bought, time rowl,d on and in 1835 or 6 I begun on the Thurgill Farm for my self in 1842 Mother was left with only one son I saw that if I ever return,d to America it was time I was going so in 1843 I sold the Farm to Brother Thomas and on May the 10th 1843 I again left Rosedale for America I shall not mention any thing respecting my feeling I know them my Family consisted of self Wife and 5 children all Girls we went to sister Elizabeth,s at Aiselby that day �21 11th visit,s cousin John Scoby at Wrelton where several of our Friend,s and Old acquaintance saw us most likley for the last time in this World 12th left Aiselby for York J. Watson accompani,d us to take back horse and Carr (carriage?) we arrived safe at York where we stay,d all night 13 Left York Railway station for Manchester at 1/4to 8 o,clock in the Morning the Children are all well between York and Manchester there are 12 Tunnels of which one is not lefs than 2 3/4 miles through the Children kept the Account of the Tunels and were delighted with the Country and scenery when we arrived at Manchester we had to waite 1 1/2 hours for a Train it would be 5 O,clock when we arrived in Liverpool we went through a Tunnel about 1 mile when we got the station Mr. Cafsin and 2 other men met us and afsisted us in going through the town we went to the Office and Left the Children and went to the Ship she was Lying just in the North end of Princes Dock we thought very well of her her Name is Carroll of Carrollton 695 tons Regester we then Paid our Balance and as our Lugage will not arrive till Monday we went to Lodge with Cafsins when we got into our Lodging Room we Parted what Money we had between us for fear either of us should be Robb,d as it is very good to see that money is a very usfull articual in Liverpool 14 sunday morning little Mannah is unwell gave her Pil she was soon better after Breakfast took a walk on the Pier head and saw 3 ships go out for New York with a great Number of Pafsengers on Board went on board our own Ship we liked her very well went to Seacome and Egermont while on Board our ship we found a man of the name of Pattrick Related to Old Wm. Jaques Munday 15 at Cafsins still our Lugage did not come as it ought so we were obliged to stay where we where though we did not like Tuesday 16 this morning our Lugage came got it on Board and was charged 2L9s for extra Lugage in the afternoon we got most of our Boxes to rights and some of our store this morning Little Hannah was unwell Wednesday 17 went to the Goverment officer to know if I was not imposed on he told me I was and he would look after it but has not this day and I think it is not likely he will we have been getting a few things on Board this day towards Night I wrote a letter to my mother. Watson from Pennyholm Wardle frome Hutton and others arrived today Thursday 18 it is afine morning many of the Pafsengers has been drawing there 1s/= per head for the ship staying over date. at Noon a ship of the name of Edenborough was going out for Qubec as they were going through the Dock Lock the second Mate fell over board and was drown,d in the evening we had some squabling on board. at Night me and another man that Pray last night went to Prayer again May the 19 afire Broke out a short Distance from where we are about 3,o,clock in the morning it burnt all day I wrote a letter to Robert in Northdale I was unwell all day �22 May 20th it is afine day if all is well we shall be out to day ll,o,clock got the ship into the Lock 2 to 3,o,clock went into the River it Blows Fresh the Pafsengers many of them are giddy the Anchor is lett go the Roll is call,d the Europe isout of sight a ship that came into the River at the same time in which Watson from Pennyholm, Wardle from Hutton Graystock from Farndale and others are going in we can get no water Boild had Prayer. some more Pafsengers a great Throng Children not very well Sunday May 21 f ine Morning Still at Anchor the Fire is still burning that broke out on Friday there is many ships come in to day we are very much Crowded almost to suffocation we had Prayer both forenoon and afternoon amay God bring us in safety to our destind place Prayer again at Night Monday May 22 under sail by 5 in the Morning it is a fine day the Children and Mother is sick by 10. sick myself many of the Pafsengers is sick out of sight of England by l0,o,clock Continues a fine day Came in sight of Isle of Man. Tuesday 23 fine morning very little wind but Fair Children a little better little hannah niver sick yet last Night I dream,t that I was in Company with Eleanor Peirson Brother Thomas Author Peacock and Wm. Peacock and John When I awoke it was a dream many a time I,ve dream,t of being on the sea and when I awoke I was still among Friends but how different I could not reconcile myself to sleep any more through the light Wedensday May 24 the Mother is sick and Margaret and Nancy it Rains most of the day we made good head way in the forenoon at noon the wind drop,t Thursday 25 this day we Pafs,t Cape Clear the ship Roll,d till we were nearly all sick toward night it was very stormey Friday 26 fine day but no wind so late as noon Mother and Children rather better the wind Blew by night and we went at a good rate Sterday 27 Ruff day many sick again saw some Purpises and 2 or 3 vefsels Sunday 28 afine day those that were sick the day before is alittle revived to day. feels the weight of Crofsing the Atlantic with a Family of small Children we have had Prayer at least Morning and Night till yesterday and to day the storm prevented us for 2 or 3 Nights I have been very much desturb,d in my mind about the safety of the Children oft I dream,t that they in there sleep had wander,d over the ship side and were lost when I awoke I could not rest till I had an answer from them all that they were safe had Prayer again and went to rest Munday 29 stormy day towards night we saw some Large Black Fish have seen ships almost every day the wind keeps very much a heard of us Tuesday 30 heavy sea but not so stormy have seen 3 ships to day Recolected Mother and and all our Friends the wind is the same as before the Cook backed us a Pudding the Children most of,em liked �it well 23 Wedensday 31 Calm in the morning the wind sprung up before noon but much to the heard of us. all well Thursday June 1st fine day and good wind got a Cake Baked which went of well Mrs sick in the morning got better soon all apears well Friday 2 morning Fair wind up by 4 o,clock stunsails out at 6 going a heard well Continued all day Saterday 3 the wind got Contrary towards night it came on a storm Sunday 4 soon this morning before it was light it took away our jibb sail some of the Catholic Faith lighted a Holy Candle and Call,d stoutly on the blefsed Virgin the storm continued all day in the afternoon it broke our Maintopgallant Yard I was standing underneath but it furtonatly mifs,t me and every body else Munday 5 storm continues towards night Clears a little Tuesday 6 Calm in the morning but soon as bad as ever toward Night it was a real storm after I got the Children to bed I went upon Deck I think I hardly ever saw it worse Wedensday 7 this day we expected to have had a spice cake it being Kirby Fair but Hannah falling unwell Prevented us it is a fine day but Wind Contrary Thursday 8 stormy heavy weather Hannah is unwell yet towards Night Real storm sea runing very high Friday 9 this day at noon we were 1460 miles from New York by what the mate said the wind is still Contrary the sea rough and very Cold Yesterday the Theometer was as low as 55 to day 50 Saterday 10 the cold is as low as 41 Hannah is still very unwell and little Hannah too we Pafs,t too ships the mate thought they were the Europe and Shakespear Sunday 11 stormey weather yet we have had a week of very heavy weather and to day it is if ought worse both Hannah,s is very ill at Night we had a Prayer meeting the wind has been Contrary almost all the way yet Munday 12 this Morning it is quite calm the wind is rising in the west again afternoon a real storm Tuesday 13 stormy day Hannah is geting better wind Contrary 14 Wedensday a fine day we Clean,d out the ship Elizabeth was rather unwell yesterday this day she grew worse at Night we thought she was dying but she recover,d again Thursday 15 thick fogg all day Elizabeth a little better �24 Friday 16 fine day but Contrary wind Elizabeth worse to day we wash,t our Cloths Saterday 17 fine day Elizabeth somethink better very little wind and that in the west Sunday 18 Fine day Wind in the west Elizabeth better and little Hannah worse Munday 19 very warm day. Calm in the fore part a breeze in the afternoon by which we sail,d on our course Tuesday 20 fine but cold this morning as I was laying awake I heard the mate call out Carpenter you must come upon deck Directly it struck me by the manner he expres,t himself that some thing was the matter I call,d Wm Peacock but he was to late there was the appearance of 2 Large Lamps at the head of the fore and main masts the day has been very cold but with all the bad Omen,s respecting the Light,s we still live the Children all of them have been afflicted with bowel Complaint Margaret and Nancy are now begun all of them are in a bad way and the mother too Wedensday 21 thick Fogg Children rather better Mother worse this day I should think we are about the George,s Banks but we know little about our course any further than the wind is generaly in the west 22,23,24 Thick Foggs with wind a head of us Children Continue better Sunday 25 fine day Fogg out wind Contrary Wm Peacock ill 5 week,s out and no Land to see Munday 26 very hot day no wind saw some Large Fish Tuesday 27 this morning we had a very strong wind but was Contrary it tore away our jibb and had very near taking our fore top sail Wm P. is geting better Wedensday 28 Thick Fogg in the morning Clear,d out in the Cours of the day went on our course saw 2 sherks and 1 Whale and several Large quantitis of wreck all well Thursday 29 Calm almost all day saw several sherks and other Fishes towards night the wind blew from the north east for the first time Friday June 30 and saterday July 1st the wind Continued well hopes we shall soon get over last night a young man was taken very sick but is better this morning Sunday July 2 very fine morning the little wind we have is fair we saw a great number of Fishing Boats and several ships Munday 3 Fine day and fair wind we made Land in the afternoon and got a Pilot in the evening we had got to the south of New York _ Tuesday July 4 out of sight of Land but it soon made its appearance again all is well but no wind by 10,o,clock we got a �25 Fair breeze and was soon at Quarranteen were the Docter came to Examin us we were counted over as I have done sheep after the Docter left us we Past the day at Anchor besides Stattan Island it being the 4th of July there was great doings on shore the American Flag was Flying in all directions and in the evening such a Display of Fireworks as I never saw before Wedensday July S Past the Costom and arrived in New York by noon got our lugage on board the Towboat and then got our dinners I then went to see Mr T. Cook Mr. and Mrs Cook,s come to see the Children on board the Towboat 5,o,clock the Boat begun to move off for Troy. Thursday 6 all well the scenery is delightful it is a fine day and the trouble ot Crofsing the Atlantic will soon be forgotten July 7 this morning we arrived at Troy we left Albany just in the Break of day it is a very Beauti[ul] City when we got to Troy the boat did not go off till late in the afternoon I took a walk in the city with Hannah and Children they were Delighted with the Grander of the place towards evening we left east Troy for West Troy and then went forward on the Erie Canal Saterday 8 this Morning when I awoke I got out of the Boat to take a walk alittle below the second Aquiduct saw a railway train pafs on the other side of the river the Towns we Past were Hansome and the Country scenery Delightful as England and more so. Sunday 9 the weather is very fine but warmer than in England this day we past through a delightful Country saw people going to Places of worship. 13 years has made a great alterations in the appearance of the Country in the way between York in England and Liverpool it is a fine Country but the scenery on the Erie Canal far exceeds it in my opinion 10 and 11 Pafsing on the Canal nothing of great importance the scenery much the same the eye,s is glutted with fresh sights most of us are not very well yet not so bad but, we can take pleasure our journey I have not kept account of the towns nor even the City,s that we have past through as I did in my former voyage. I could give in many instances a correct discreption of Both towns and Country before we came at them I could recolect almost every turn in the Canal there is a new canal in the way of making with Double Locks Wedensday 12 Landed this morning before daylight in Rochester took our fare to Toronto the steam Boat would not be of till 11 o,clock at night so we walked down to the Landing it is a very warm day we look,d about the town a little and went to see the Fall,s once more were Sam Patch jump,t down the Fall,s is greatly diminish,t in my eyes owing to the many Mill streams that is taken from the River and Fall,s in below the general Fall,s made some enqurie about Wm Wardel did not find him 11 o,clock at night the steamboat is come and will be of in too or 3 minutes all hurry throng and bustle and dark as a dungeon all on board and safe Lamps litt up and suffocating warm with the fire,s got Hannah and Children laid down to rest in a midling cool place the stuard show,d us a good deal of kindnefs in the way of getting a good place Allen Peirson and Family were in my mind �all the time we were on board the boat 26 13 Thursday Landed in Toronto by 7 o,clock this morning had to undergo the Custom once more then left Hannah and Children with the Boxes on the warf till I went into the town and took a house I should be an hour or more before I found one to my mind then got our Boxes in in the afternoon I got the Family some things that they were in want off 14 this morning I left my Family in Toronto and by steamboat to Creditt Port and on my feet from there to my old Companion J. Simpsons I found them all well saw Walter Davison Isaac Chapman and several more old Aquaintance 15 Simpson and I took a ride round the Countery to look at the apearance of thing I saw some places I liked very well I thought most likely I should settle somewere up there in the afternoon I went to see Joseph Rickaby his Family was in a middling state of health staid all night with them Isaac Garbutt of Farndale was there and well 16 came Back to J. Simpsons did not stay long came through the Township of Toronto got my diner at an Englishman,s house of the name of Blanchard J. Simpson set me with a horse saw Wm. Brown that used to run in England, and John Chapman from the Low end of Bransdale Past by the house were I. Petch used to live but now is dead was at his house when in America before Past on and came to were Robert Dawson did live when I was here before saw the log barn that we help,t him to raise when we got to Dundas street I got over took a light waggon I got to it and rode to within 9 miles of Toronto I walked out the rest and found the family much as I left them 17, 18 and 19 in Toronto the first day was spent in a fruitlefs atempt to get my Check Cash,t the 18 I managed to get it done throughthe afsistance of George Harbron the 19 was spent in doing nothing butwating for a ride the next day. I learnt in those 3 days that I could get almost any thing for money in Toronto. 20 this morning I set out on foot down the Kingston road and a man of the name of Thomas Gibson would over take me and give me a ride he over took me when I had got about 7 miles I have travell,d so much in America till I think its all of a seam lik,t lad Pie. Pines and Oaks swamps and dry Land hard wood and soft, Level and mountanious and so on Mr. Gibson overtook me on the top of some Pine Land just before entering into a middling good Country he has a farm in the Township of Pickering between George Days and I. Saddlers call,d to see days and then went to saddlers went with Saddler to a Prayer meeting and stay all night with him 21 went from Saddlers to John Watsons old Bobb Watsons son of Rosedale stay,d all day there and at Night J. Watson set me in the waggon to within a mile or so of Old Thomas Peirsons of Thorgill Rosedale England or Old Tom at Mill,s. it was late in the evening when I got there and Old Thomas was gone to bed but the new,s that I was come soon brought him out again my feelings just at time of meeting may be better imagined than told �27 22 this day me and Old Mr. Peirson spent our time in going to see the different Branches of his Family which is married and lives round in the neibourhood I could not have met with any one whose company I should have liked so well to hear his tales and exploits since he had become a Canadian was quite a treat to me we went to see Windsor Bay he had me to see the first house they slept in in america he told me of the first Black Bear he saw and manner in which they succeeded in killing him. he got himself so elate,d with telling over his Adventures that at times he forgot but what he was in England again Sunday 23 went to the Methodist Chapel in Oshawa in the forenoon it is a good Brick Building Galleri,d on both sides and one end it felt like home to hear them sing and pray and I felt I think in some measure like the Children of Iseral when they sat by the Rivers of Bablon they sun a tune known in England by the name of Susanna I tried to sing the Bafs but when I heard my own voice among straingers it almost made one shudder we had a very good discourse and in the evening a Mr. Ryerson was to Preach in the same Chapel went to hear him as we were returning home it begun to Lighten very much before morning it rain,d heavy 24 went to see James Blackburn in the Township of Clarke Robert Peirson went with men when we got there James Blackburn took a horse and went with us to look among the Farms that were for sale after spending the day in riding about the Country we spent the evening in talking and singing over old tunes. did not like the look,s of Clarke and Darlington as well as Whitby 25 left James Blackburn,s for old T. Peirson,s arrived there about noon after noon went to see a Farm or 2 at 2,o,clock took the stage at Whitby Post Office for Toronto when we had got about 5 or 6 miles one of the Pole(?) horses laid it self down the Coach would have upset had not me and another man jumpt out and prop,t her up with 2 rail,s of the fence after riding 18 miles from Blackburn,s and rambling 4 or 5 on foot and riding about 30 in Coach I arrived in Toronto about l0,o,clock at night almost wore out I found my Family well 26 had a restlefs night thought my travling had done me hurt not well kept the house all day 27,28 and 29 has been unwell all this time today I think I,me rather better it has been 2 or 3 days of rainy weather Sunday 30 went to the English Church in the forenoon spent the rest of the day in the house Munday 31 set out this morning for Hamelton by the steamboat arrived at Hambleton by noon from Hambleton to Dundas on foot 4 miles people are cuting wheat had a letter for a Martin Stonehouse met with Michael Stonehouse that left England just before us stay at Martin Stonehouses all night he live,s about 3 miles from Dundas on the top of the Mountain only went slowly between Hambleton and the top of the Mountain because it was ground that I had seen when in America before and reflection,s of bygone days made me loiter and look around when I got up to the �28 top of the mountain I had a good Prospect I could see as far as the fall,s of Niagra or nearly that is eastward and westward I had an extencive view this day I travil,d among Oak and Ickery it made me fancy my self in Michigan a well digger a gain Tuesday August lst set out from Martin Stonehouses for Guelph a distance of frome 24 to 30 miles I got there just in the dark I went through a rugged Countery I have been very unwell all this day and still I have walked from 24 to 30 miles I stop,t all Night at Joseph Jacksons son of Old Joseph Jackson that went from the Low end of Farndale Wedensday 2 Joseph Jackson set me with a horse was not much better arrive,d at Aunts about noon it is about 12 miles from Guelph I belive they call the Township Arymosey this day I took 2 oz of Bee,s was boil,d in milk with an egg in it. it was to cure any thing I thought it did me good Aunts are all well William has had a narrow escape from drownding Thursday 3 this morning my Cusin William and I took a ride round in the Countery we saw my Uncles grave he is buried besides the Methodist Chapel we saw some very good land but I have no thoughts of ever living up hear in the afternoon I help,t to make hay Friday 4 left Aunt,s this morning for Toronto again Cusin William set me with a horse about 16 or 18 miles Came through the township of Nafsiguaw I niver saw such a rugged Country in my life I think before I would settle in this part I would go to Vandeman,s Land and Back again After my Cousen left me I thought sometimes I would trie to give some description of the Countery but it baffels all description for Rock,s and trees the Land neither is nor niver will be good for anything saw some of the roughest scenery to day that I ever saw in my life I arrived at Night at Wellington Square in the Township of Nelson stopt there all night Saterday 5 has been very unwell all night left Wellington Square for Toronto by the steamboat arrive in Toronto about noon found the Family well John Simpson came into the house just as I went in Wm Peacock & Jame Ward has got to work. George Harbron came to see me advises me to go to the Docter Sunday 6 went to the Church in the forenoon is no better 7.8.9.&10 this time has been spent in Toronto I still am unwell we should have left Toronto to day but owing to my sicknefs Friday11th J. Simpson was in Toronto to day I think I,me geting better 12 left the house we took for a month and went to Harbron,s 13 went to the Chapel in the fore noon spent the rest of the day in the house. 14 left Harbron,s at noon for the Township of Whitby it rain,d in the morning & prevented us from starting sooner Hired G. Harbron Team to carry the Family & part of our Lugage �15 Arrived at Old T. Peirsons about 1 o,clock this morning 29 April 6th 1845 has been 1 year a Farmer in America we have had very good health at least as good as could be expected I have travel,d nothing of any concequence since we came to the township of Whitby we have had a deal of trouble ever-since we came with one thing or other the worst was the dispute with the Board of Work,s respecting the side line on the West side of our Land which is not yet settel,d April 25th 1847 still living on Lot No. 24 5 Con. of Whitby the Dispute mention,d above is settel,d in my Favour its a very backward spring has got very little Ploughed and nothing sown yet �ORDER BOOK 1840 Meat Box Onions Balm Sago Rice Prunes Raisons Peppers Caster Oile Tea Coffee Sug Treacle Biscits Beef Bacon Floor Itch Ointment Opening Pills Blackbear Lemmons Oranges Apples Vinegar Peppermint mint Candles Matches Sealing Wax Wafers Pen and Ink Tartaric Acid & C.b.s Nutmeg Cinnimon T.k.y. Rhubarb Ep. Salts Magnesia Pinefores Stuff Frocks Petticoats Bonnet,s Stays Stocking Shoes towels Shirts Nightgown,s Shift,s Umbrellas Fireiron,s China (?) Beds & Beding Tins & Needles Fishhook,s & Nets Warming Pan Steel Pins Jarr,s Screw Stock,s Book,s Strainer,s Flat Iron Talion Litre (?) Prickercase (?) Shoe Brushes Clock Stone Hammer Walling (?) Box No. 1 1 woman,s Saddle 1 man,s Do. skirts 1 Pillion Seat Mans coat Riding girths 3 Pair Bed Hangins 2 Pair Saddles & Dobble Do. 2 Rugs l Quilt 1 Jarr 6 spoons Cullender Old Cloths Table Cloth & Carpet at the top not wanted in the voyage Box No. 2 Clock Case 4 Quilts work Box Looking Glafs Blanket Riding whip Clock pendulum 1 Doz Listshoes 1 Frock 1 Pairskirts 3 Tippets 4 Pair Leather Slipers Toys a number of little Plates Both Delf (Z) & Glafs Book,s 1 shirts 2 Pair Skirts 1 Blind 3 Pair Skirts 1 shift 1 Frock 2 Pair stockings 3 Cloths 2 slips 1 Pair skirts �2 2 Pillow Cases not wanted in the voyage Punchen No. 12 2 Beds 6 Pillows 4 Quilts 6 Blankets 1 strainer not wanted in the voyage 3. Boulsters 2 sheets No. 6 1 Trunk 2 Setts of China 1 Bottle ½ Doz. Ching 1 spying Glafs 2 Frocks & Window Vallen wrapt in sack and not wanted in the voyage Shaving Box 14 Silver spoons 2 Pair Sug.Tongs and Pens 3 Pair sifsers l Raiser not wanted in the voyage Box 4 Brace & Bitt,s 2 Hitters (?) Clock weight Hack(?) Flat Stone Hammer walling Do. Hay spade 3 calf Chains sicle 2 Pair shears W. stones B. Needle Warming Pan & Tin,s Cutters Smoothing Box & c. saddle sturips. Hatt Pins Fireiron Knives & Forks Pattens Tailers Bag 1 Bible 1 Prayer Book & others 3 Candlesticks 2 Bridles Tallion Drink Tin & Glafses Milk Measure Plates Patches Cushens Ricken(?) Crock & Recken & C. 1 Hankf �3 Box S No . 1 Top coat 4 Pair Trowsers 1 Quilt l Top Coat 2 W. Coats 2 White Frock 2 Parcels of Infant,s Cloths 3 Dishes 3 Frocks 3 Dishes 1 Frock 7 Plates 1 Dish 1 Coat 10 Spoons 1 Testement 1 Silk Hankf. 1 Stuff(?) Apron 2 umbrellas 3 Pair Silk Gloves 1 Do. Leather 1 Cap 1 Collor schenel Hankf. 1 Hankf. 3 Pair Gloves 1 Coat 3 Cashme Hankf. 4 Parcels of Edgin Riband & Thread 1 Cloack 1 Work Box 1 Frock 1 Cloack 5 Pillow Cases l Cap 4 Hankf. 4 sheets No. 8 2 Blankets 12 Children Frocks 1 Basket Shaving Box little Trunk Parcel of Book,s 4 Dishes Tea Tray 5 Tea Pots 2 Waiter Fender 3 China Pitchers Bed Hanging Holland Slips and others of Light Collour slate NO. 10 Trunk Bonnets & C wrapt in a sack Floor Tub 1 sack 1 Brafs Pan with Sunderis(?) Copper Tea Kettle 1 sack Frying Pan 1 sack 1 little Pan 1 sack Almnack and other articles Box No. 7 1 Bed 4 Jarrs with Preserves 1 Do. with same 1 Pitcher & seasnings sampler 2 Blank �4 Peacock Box 1 sheet Man,s Coat aprons Tea pot,s Nightgowns Caster Oil in Locker drawer Letters in middle Locker Butter Claranet Knives & Forks Raiser in Near Locker (?) Bacon Coat and W.Coat and trowsers N. 9 Mensuration Scale Handsaw Gin (?) 8 Pair Mans Stockings 7 Pair Elizabeth Stockings 5 Do. Hannah,s (?) Pair 4 Pair Stays 16 Nightcaps 8 Shirts 2 Tea Caddys 1 Candlestick Mrs 6 shifts M & N 13 Do. 2 Flannels M & H 15 shifts E. 6 Do. 2 Nightgowns 5 Towels 2 Do. 12 Hankfs. 27 slips N N N N N N 12 N 4 N 3 2 N 5 N 15 Trunk 10 (?) 9 Barrel 11 Do. 3 2 Trunks 13 Boxes ’ 7 8 9 11 14 Do 6 Tub 13 Ball 1 3r Barrels 2 Bag s � 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 John Strickland Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource Immigration from England to Upper Canada and initial settlement there. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource John Strickland Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Private Donor Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1830-1831, 1843-1847 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 Ocean crossing, travel through New York State to Ontario County, Whitby Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. John Strickland Diary Transcription, 1831-1831 John Strickland Diary Transcription, 1843-1847 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 John Strickland Diary Transcription, 1843-1847 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource John Strickland Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Private Donor Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1843-1847, largely 1843 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 Ocean crossing, travel through New York State, and searching for land in Upper Canada Date Created Date of creation of the resource. May 11th, 1843 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. John Strickland 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/f9eddc97d691ab0bb9f3e8939216eaff.pdf 932c0e795a047d11252632f302b97e96 PDF Text Text DIARY OF JOHN STRICKLAND Transcribed by Jan Roberton, the great-great-great-granddaughter of John Strickland On the 5 day of April 1830 I set out for america with John Simpson for my comanion we went that day as far as Tadcaster and there Loged the first night 6th we set out on foot again and went about a mile and a half to the other side of Hallifax 7th we set out on foot and when we had got to this side of Blackstone it rained very heavy and I was begining to to be foot sore we still kept pasevering on till we came to Rochdale and then we took our Fair to Manchester on the coach we then took to foot again we did not walk far before we got into a cart and rode to Warington we then went 3 or 4 miles and stoped at a Lodging house 8th we set of early and this morning we came to Liverpool our Boxes did not this day so we both took over to Chefshire 9 this day Being good friday our Boxes did not come so we went to the Roman Catolic Chapel were I was suprised to see what superstision reained in the world 10 we went this day to all the cariers we could find and still could hear nothing of them we were then tired of walking and as we were walking on the pear we thought we would go to the light house in Chefshire to pafs the time so we did and then came back and went to our old logings again 11 this day John Simpson set out to seek our Boxes I pafs the day as I could the forenoon I walked on the shore the afternoon I went to the church and at night I went to the Methodist meeting 12 I spent this day in walking about 13 I spent this much like the rest 14 wedensday this day John came back I had for got to mention that the Boxes came on monday John had been as far as Leeds we then took our fare in water street No. 22 for america 15 this day we got our beds in and loged at Night in the ship 16 this day we got in most of our store 17 we are doing on like the rest and the ship will go out sumtime 18 this day I wrote a letter and directed it to Emanuel at forenoon and at the afternoon I went to the church 19 this day we past in the ship 20 we should have gone out to day but the Weather being so rainy they cargo could not be got in 21 we are here yet �2 22 O how long the time looks that we were off 23 this day it rained all the day through 24 the canada should have gone out to day I met George Wood of Nutholme 25 this day I was stalled with being in the town and did not go to church 26 the Captan came to take the hospitle money and to1,d us we should go of to morrow 27 I this day wrote any last farewell to my Mother sisters and Brothers telling them I was going at 3 oclock but we went at 2 there is a 156 of us in number we this day went out into the river I was in the best hart that I had been in since I left home 28 the Wind Blows fair it is a fine Morning all seems to be in good hart here is both English Irish Welch Scotch Etalicks americans and Duch we are a very jovil lot all together about 12 o'clock the anchor was heaved in and we set sail with a soath east wind I stoped on deck till my head ached looking towards my native shore I then went between decks and with a kind of joy mixed with hope and fear I lay myself down on my bed with the thoughts of all my old acquaintances in my mind and put down these few words I then went on deck again to see if I still could see old England but it was then out of sight we were on the coast of wales 29 I awoke this morning in a midling state of health I har,d some say we were pafsing Holy heard so I got up to see it I then got the Brecfast fit but falling sick I was not able to take any we has a good south east wind and this day we came in sight of the coave of man and Ireland 30th this morning we were both of us very sick the wind was much the same May the 1st this morning the wind was west and it came on a storm and the wind being contrary we made but a little progrefs I this day saw what I oft har,d tell of here the waves rowl,d so high that when a vefsill was pafsing us we were often out of sight one of the other 2 sunday morning this was a very fine day the wind being south east we got on at a good rate 3 this morning the wind was the same this day we saw a bird hovring over the ship at last it lef in the riggin and still keep,t ventering nearer till at last it let on the deck and was soon pick,d up it was land bird we all thought it was a corlew 4 the wind still keeps south east and we keep rowling on �3 5th we have been a week the first that ever I was on the sea before and we have had a prospofs jorney so far this morning the wind had got North east and Blew a good breeze they heaved the log and found we were going at the rate of 10 miles a hour 6 this day the wind had got near North west and we if ought were rather stopt in our progrefs 7th this morning the wind had got North and we sailed west south west and went at a good speed it has been rough for a day or two we had seen neither birds nor ships of 3 or 4 days and this day we have seen Both 8th this day the wind was north west and we sailed south west by west it blew a good brees and we came within 100 miles of the western Isles 9th this morning the wind was west and we were obliged to sail north the wind altred before night and we sailed north west I this day saw sume purpus pigs this forenoon we were saying that the cuckoo would be singing it was so fine a morning so I made the following lines No cuckoo have we got to sing No lark sweet marbles of the spring But all that we can hear or see Is gulls and mothercaries flee Then let us hasten to the shore Then we will come to sea no more Then we shall hear them sing always And so with pleasure end our days 10th this morning the wind was south west but turned soon north west we sailed slowly westward this day we saw several fishes 11th this morning the sea was as calm as a pond in the afternoon the wind Blew from the soath west and we sailed north west 12th this day the wind was much the same and at night it came on a storm and awoake us all I thought at irst that the ship was sinking 13 this morning the ship rouled till one could hardly it was a calm after a storm we had no wind this day we say some purpuses to day 14th this morning the wind blew south west and we sailed north west is came on roughish today 15th this morning the wind was much the same it was a real storm today towards night the wind changed north west and we sailed west south west in the morning the wind was so violent it tore away the fore sai1 and threw the man down at the Whee1 16 it was a fine day today the wind was north west and we sailed west south west this day we saw a pice of wood flote by us we see fishes every day �4 17th this morning the wind Blew south and we sailed west north west the sea was very calm and we glided on with pleasure we saw toa kind of fishes today one find from a foot and a half to 2 feet in lenth and the other ones were much larger this day we had all cleaned out and the Captan burnt Vinegar and sugar in the howl to prevent sicknefs 18th this day the wind was north west and we sailed south west by west 19th this day the wind was much the same we held the Asises to day. towards night the wind got more west 20th this morning when I got up I went to the Compos to see what way we were going when I found we headed almost south at 8 oclock they altered the tack and with a west wind we sailed almost full north I was not very well today. 21th the wind was nearly west all this day we sailed about. north west in the forenoon and came to the banks of New Newfoundland fishery in the afternoon we turned nearly south west there is one thing I had forgot to mention a few nights ago I went upon deck after it was dark and was surprised to see all round us like sparks of fire fly out of the sea and this night I went on deck as I often did and to my great astonishment as far as I could see on both sides all seemed to be on great fiers like burning Ling what the reason of this was I can not tell so I must let it go to where all the rest of unfoundout misteries do I dream’t this night Margaret was dead which made me wonder in my mind how you all were geting on and put in my hart a secret wish to know if you were all well 22th we left the Banks this morning the wind was much the same we sailed northward in the forenoon and south ward in the after noon. we saw 3 ships to day we had not seen one of 6 days before the wind keeps very much a heard o[ us and our pafsage seems as if it would be a long one 23rd this day we had a fair wind and a smouth sea we tuched on the torrent which runs from Gulf Florida this forenoon the Captan gave a glafs of Brandy to all on Board about 6 o'clock at night the wind got north and we sailed 1 point south 24 the wind this morning was nearly the same but before noon it got east and we sailed on with pleasure this day the Captain gave a Hogshead of fresh warter to wash with towards night the wind got south and we went at a good rate 25th this day the wind was south this morning between 12 & l o'clock I was a woke out of my sléep With a voice saying 0 poor lad he is dead the voice at first struck me with terror I being half asleep and half awake I thought it was my Mother that was murming about me but when I awoke I found that a little boy belonging to a poor taylor was dead he was about 9 months old in the afternoon he was sowed up and put into a Cask they filled the Cask coles and water and all being ready he was commited to the deep a man of the name of Thomas Batty read the Buiral servis �we saw the Cask flote on the surface but was soon out of sight 26 this morning the wind was south but soon turned north and contuined to all the day and was extreamly coold 27th this morning the wind was north it was a very fine day it came on a storm last night and broke down many of the beds I think it was the roughest bit we have had 28th this day the wind was north east and we sailed west it a very fine day we saw 3 ships and had not seen one since last mentioned last night we saw fishes by hundred's skiping about like shiip you may think when you read this that I was in the old way as I wrote this on the Bowspreet this day towards Night we saw a shaul fishes I think I may safely say there were more in number than ever I saw sheep at a fair in my life 29th this morning it rained very hard but faired up by 10 oclock and was a very fine day we saw a ship a heard of us by six in the morning she was stearing the same way that we were and we came up with her by 5 or 6 at night the wind was fair and it was a fine chase we saw several fishes today there were sum very large ones rowled by us 30th this morning the wind was south east and blew a good breeze this forenoon we swarms of fishes sevral that were of an enormos sise they plom'd today but found no bottom toward's night we saw a shark lying on the water 31st it rained very heavy all night and in the morning it was thick and foggy the wind had got into the west but soon got north me and the second mate sounded this morning and it was 33 fathoms and at noon they sounded again and it was 45 fathoms to the bottom and found that it was a sandy bottom the plum fetched up in the morning pieces of shells and at noon it was black and white sand June 1st this morning the wind was fair this morning me and my companion went to the foretop gallent yard to see for Land which we thought we saw at a great distance the steward went about 1/2 an hour afterward and called out Land a her,d the mate went up afterward,s but the fogg prevented him from seeing it. it was a pleasing sound to us but the fogg came in so thick that we could not see far at night they sounded again it was 25 fathoms and a sand bottom 2nd this morning is a morning ever to be remembered by us all at 12 the second mate sound and it was 15 fathoms it then being the first mate Watch and not being on his gard he fell asleep and but for one of the sailors we had run a shore as soon as the danger was made known they got her put about they then sounded and found that it was only six fathoms we then sailed eastward and after the danger was over we turned on our corse again It was the North end of Long Isle were we had like to have run ashore we saw several brigs and sum fishing boat to day and had Land in view most of the day I was not very well and it being Kirby fair we got a bottle of Brandy �6 3rd this morning all was calm till about noon it then blew a south wind and in about an hour or so we came in sight of Land again we soon came in sight of sandy hook and every eye glem,d with pleasure at the sight it was but a small breese and we could not go fast in the evening they hoisted the Coller (?) for a Pilote and after it got dark we hung a light to the Bowspreet but still the Pilote did not come we were then coming so near the shore and water running shallow they did not think it proper to go any further so they the mate then fired of a report and a Vefsel that we saw behind us soon made up to us it was the news Boat they then fired for 10 or more times at last we saw a Boat coming toward us which proved to be the Pilote they sailed on a little distance and then heaved the Anchor it was a very fine moon light night and a uncommon sweet air as is of a clover feild I went to bed about 12 at night 4th this morning about 4 o,clock the Anchor was heaved in and we proceeded up the Hook the wind was contrary and we did not get far before the Anchor was heaved again within sight of 6 or more dwelling houses and several feild,s and woods which made our journey look pleasenter than ever it had done before it was a calm all the rest of the day and rained very heavy the costom house officer came on board about 12 o;clock 5th this day about 10 o,clock a breese came on and we set sail and about 12 o,clock we reached the Corenteen and the doctor came on board we were all in good hearlth and so we went on till we came to New York after the Docter had pafsed us me and my companion sent into the howl to Drefs and when come out we had just got to New York as we went up the river it was very delightful to see the Forts on both sides of the river as soon as the anchor was heave we both we went on shor with sum other pafsengers and went to a Groecer shop and sum sider and milk and bread we then went a crofs the east river to Brooklin to Thomas Cook,s and after we had got our tea we took a walk through town and then came back and Lodged at Thomas Cooks that night 6th this morning we went acrofs the river for somethings John went to the Freind meeting we came back to Mr. Cooks and in the afternoon we took a walk into the feild,s the corn and grafs got up so high we wondred were we had spent the summer everything looked as pleasent as in England and sumthink pleasenter in the evening we both went to the Methodist Chapel and then retired to rest 7th this morning me and my companion left Brooklin for New York and when we had got aboard the Ferry we meet with William Frankland we were very glad to see one another again as we all in Liverpool together he wanted sum help to get his Thrashing musheen out of the Warehouse so we went with him we then got our Baggage of the Envoy and put them on board a tow boat to go to Albany on Tusday we had been throng and did not get over to Brooklin tonight so we stoped on the tow boat 8th this day was a busy day with us we went over to Brooklin in the morning to write a letter and in the afternoon we came to New York to get the price of sum things and finished our letter I got sum soverings changed for 4 Dollors and 70 sent a piece �7 we posted our letter in the old Liner Packet Office and then went on board the towboat William Frankland came to bid farewell to us the boat did not got out till it was dark 9th O what new world is this with Rocks and Crags on either hand and now and then a wooden house if america be all like this well might poor Noble come home again it is a fine day and still for all its barren and ruged apearence it is very pleasent there was two tow boats and the stemer all together was 28 yard acrofs it was like a little Isle all moving together it keeps growing pleasenter as we get further up I think there would be between 2 and 300 of us but nearer 3 than 2 we had a band of Music among us and when we went by Newburg they played a few tunes and the people on shore fired two or 5 time it is very mountainous but still it grows better when we came as far as Hudson the Correct run very raped against us we have not seen much very large wood yet. 10 we arived this morning between 12 and 1 oclock at Albeny it rained very heavy all this morning and we took our fair to Utica for 90 sent we went into the market before we went of and bought a Quarter of veal at 2 and a 1/2 sents per lb. Beef was from 4 sent to 8 sents per lb. re then set out for Utica we were 21 in Number and two of us were Children that went free we were all of the ship Envoy but a man and his wife as we went on the land we saw sum midling good Land we saw sum people clearing a feild they had hewn down the trees about knee height and was harring among the stumps when we had got a little further we saw a field of Wheat shot out we have now got among plenty of wood about 6 o,clock we pased Troy it was a pleasent night and me and my Companion set out on foot time they got through the Lock,s we walked up by the Canal side till we came to the Mohoak we then left the side of the Canal and walked through the wood till we came to the Bank,s of the river it was moon light and we coald not see as much as we wished to do after we had walked éa little way up we came to the Falls were we both were astonished to see what a tremendious crash it fell into the Chasm below and caused a spray to raise that would soon have wet us through our Clothes we then went till we meet the boat and I went to bed but had not been there long before I was called up to see the aquaduct where the canal crofsed the Mahoak I don,t now how many arches there was it being dark 11th this morning when I got up we had got up to the second aquaduct there was 17 arches we walked on the canal was cut out of the solid rock we came to Conectuct about 9 oclock the Land here in general is good one of our pasengers had 95 Dollers bidden for a year but did not axcept it about 11 oclock we came to a smal aquaduct acrofs a smal stream in the afternoon we came to 2 or 3 lock,s so me and my Companion and another Pasenger took a ramble up in the wood,s were there was Grape trees and sugar Mapels and we got sum strawBerris which grew in abundance we then returned to the Boat again we went along sevral small aquaducts in the evening we came to Squohary Creek were is a Bridge of 3 Arches and each arch has 52 yard span or more the Land all about here is very good. 12th this morning is a very fine one we came to the little falls �in the corse of the forenoon the town is bilt on a solid rock here being sum lock,s me and simpson went to see a Saw Mill which struck uncomon quick we thought there was a good deal of improvement in her we also saw a Corn Mill which was different to those in England there one Curosity I had forgot a little before we came to the falls we saw a spring of water which streamed for 6 or 8 feet stright up this was a great Curosity to me as I allaways delighted in Romantic things when we had got a little further we saw sum people rearing a house so me and other 2 pasengers went and helped them up with the main Booms we got sum whiskey and then went on till we came to Utica were we arived about 7 oclock I had a letter to liver here to William Rooks we got a Glafs of wiskey with them and then went to the Boat again here we experinced another Parting the person,s we had been with us all the way from Liverpool had to leave us which was like a second leaving home we shook hands and parted they stoped and we went on most of the Land we saw to day was very good 13th this is sunday I just write sunday to keep in memory there is one there is little difference between sunday and working days here this day we pafsed New London New Boston and sevral other little villages here the canal runs for above 60 miles without one lock the Land here was mostly woods and swamps toward Night we came to very good Land again 14th this morning we arised at Syracuse here the Boat stopet awhile and we went to see a tanners house they were both tanners and Curiers when we left Syracuse we pased the salt vats and lake onondaga we also saw aplace called Liverpool and another called Jordon and sevral other little villages by the side of the canal the Land is good but rather mountainous the dwelling houses in general are are better than in England 15th this day was the hotest we had experinced since we came about midnight the driver and horses all went into the canal together this was the second time we were in danger of being ship wereck,d although this time we are sum hundreds of miles of the sea the horses were in the canal for nearly an hour about 7 oclock we came to Clyde and about 10 oclock to Lyons the Land is all very good but we think it is both better and cheaper further west this afternoon we arived at Palmira 131 miles distant from Utica our Boat was going no further so we embarked on another ship which is the 4th 16th this morning we arived at Rochester here our Captain had to atend the Grand Juery me and my Companion went to see the Genese Falls which is just below the town it was both awful and grand it was here where poor sam that we heard of to England jumped down and niver rose again the place he jumped of was 20 feet higer than the Falls and they are said to be 100 feet themselves the Canal crofses the Genese River in an Aquaduct made of stone we went to see a Mill were was 9 pair of stones in one floor we were struck with astonishment to see Mills in all directions and of all discreptions and water to suply as many more about 9 oclock we left Rochester it was avery fine day and every thing looked neat and delightfull �9 17th we arived between 11 &12 oclock at Night at Gaines Bason the Boat was going no further so we had once more to go among fresh fases we wated till 5 oclock in the afternoon one came the land all about here is very good but dear it is from 15 to 20 dollars per acre from Palmira to Gaines Bason it is 66 miles we arived in Reynols Bason about 19 miles from Gaines Bason we left our Boxes in a store and walked about 2 miles to Michaels Robinson where we were kindly intreated we spent the forenoon Walking in the gardens and fei1d,s the afternoon we helped to haw Indian corn and at night we took a walk on the Ridge Road which I had so oft heard tell off to England it is a fine ridge with a reglar decent Both ways and just wide enough on the top for a tonpike road it is aboutmiles in length 19th. this morning we went to haw Indian corn again and in the after noon we intended to go a Squarel shuting but it came on a rain and stoped us I think the land about here is not so good as sum that we have seen but still it,s midling good 20th this morning it rained very heavy but it Cleared up about noon and we set of to Richard Dales about 8 miles west James Robinson having to come that way in the morning we left our bundels to come in the Wagon when we arived at Richard and his wife was standing at the door of their old Log house they were very glad to see us and hear from old England having got our tea we went for the Cows to Millk & when that was done we sat down over a good Log fire and talked about all the old sprees and old aquaintance that our memries could recall till very near 2 o'clock we then went to bed not because we were out of talk but because we thought it was bedtime and after we had got to bed we still kept talking on till it struck 3 we then wished that both our relations and they's knew what a pleasent night we had enjoyed and fell asleep 21th this morning we took a walk round the Farm which is in genral very good Land we could get Land here from 11 Dollars to 20 Do per acre which depended mostly on being cleared and building about noon James Robinson came and when we had got our dinner,s we set out again acompanied with Richard Dale and James Robinson to Locport a distance of 4 miles were we saw a very handsum Mill with 4 stones time we were walking about together the time went pleasently on but we soon had to part we left Locport about 4 past 2 o'clock and walked on toward,s the falls of Niagara it rained very heavy all the afternoon and our bundels being heavey and we being wet we only went 11 miles we Loged at a tavren were we met with very good accommodations 22 this morning it was raining still and had done all Night when we had got our breakfast,s it did not look like clearing up so we set of as it was it rained very heavy most of the forenoon and about noon it faired up a fine day the Land all on the Bank of the Niagara is of strong nature when we came within a mile or so of the Falls the ground almost trembled under us with the Falling of the water we arived in the Village about 3 o'clock the american Falls is just below the village we went and took a view of them and then went acrofs the river and went down among the shrubs and briers till we came to the Canada or horse shoe Falls here we were entertained with Maganeficent view of the �10 Fall all together they are quite as wonderful as I expected and are better described than I can pretend to do we saw the place were sam Patch leapt down. when we came to the plase were people pretend to go under the stream we first one went and then the other we went with our umbre1la,s up and as fast as we could and as far as we could we thought we were as far as most had been we both of us got well wet with the spray after we had seen all we could at the bottom we asended up sume old broken steps to the top we looked about there a while and set out for Fort George a distance of 14 miles it was about 7 oclock when we left the Falls we walked about 7 miles and came to a village called Queenston were we stoped that Night it was very dark and mudy and we har,d the Wo1f,s runing in the woods in all directions 23 this morning we left Queenston for Fort George were we arrived about 8 oclock and about 1 oclock we left Fort George and went on board the steam Boat for little York which is about 30 miles acrofs the Lake Ontrio we meet with William Porter of Gillemoor and Parker of Welburn crofsing the Lake at the same time we arived at York about 6 oclock and then set out on foot up Young Street the Land we saw this Night was mostly Pine Land and we thought not very good we walked 7 miles and Lodged at an English man,s house 24 it was a fine morning and we set out in good time and when we had walked about 6 miles further wecalled at a Tavren to get sum refreshment when we went in they asked us if we were from England and on telling we where they asked us from what part saying they where from Lastingham there is Millburn and they left England 13 years ago they were very pleased that we had called we stop,t and got our breakfast,s and dinner,s with them we then went about 2 miles further to one Jame,s Marsh,s who Married one of old John Atkinson,s daughters the Land we saw to day was better than that yesterday but there is more Pines in it than we liked to see we Lodged at Marshes at Night 25 this morning we went to see young John Atkinson he has got a Mill with 2 run of stone,s and is semingly doing well we then went to see old John Atkinson we got our dinner,s with him and then set out to see the Quaker settlement we went for 6 mile over a ridge of Mountain called the Oak Ridges the Land on these Ridges is in genral light and sandy we at last came to were the Land grew better we went to a place called New Market about 30 miles from York the Land after we got to the Quaker settlement was very good it is the best that we have seen in Canada we stop,t all Night at New Market 26th this morning I was awoke with it Thundering I think I never heard it Thunder nor saw it Lighten so in my life before when we got up we walked about 2 miles and called at a house to see a Trashing Masheen which was made nearby like these in England we arived at Mr. Marches about 2 oclock and after we had got our dinner we went to see a Farm that was to sell we liked the situation very well the Land was good and a Creek runs through it as we returned through the Bush we shot a Partridge we also got a Pidgen as we went 27 this morning we set out for Robert Dawson,s they told us it �11 was about 18 miles it Thundred and rained most of the way and we rambled in the wood sum times right and sumtimes Wrong from 7 in the morn to 9 at Night were we found a kind of a Tavrin about 4 miles of still we were both tired and wet and so we took our Lodgings no little pleased with our day journey for when we got a fair calculation we found we had gone the 14 miles in 14 hour 28 our night,s rest was as good as our day,s journey for we were so bitten with Buggs that we could not sleep we got up in good time and paid ls and 6d each for our refreshment and then Paddled out the other 4 miles I sat in the house most of the day Robert Dawson,s were all well and in good spirit,s 29 this day we ment to have had a Bee but our men disapointed us so we walked round the farm to see the crops which looked very good in the afternoon Francis Dawson and his wife came and we got a good talk about Old England and the poor slaves that still remained theirin 30th this day we had our Bee this was the first Log house that ever I helped to build at night I was at one of the name of Knagg,s that came out of Bransdale I cannot speak much in the favour of this man for poor fellow he has got bit by a venomos worn called the stilling worm and I think that it will prove fatle July 1st we ment to have proceed on our journey to day but hearing that John Petch from Bransdale lived not far we went to see him but when we got their we saw nobody but his he being at York and would not be back before it was dark we then went to one Francis Dawson and spent the afternoon the Land that we saw to day was mostly very good and all that I wanted was my Mother and of the Famely and then all that ever I saw in my life before should niver make me leave america as we were returning home we meet a woman who asked if we were the two new comers on telling her we were she asked if we knew William Webster at Bellend we told her we did she then said he is my husband,s Brother so we went into the house and got a sup Bitter,s with them as they call it George Webster,s wife is sumthing related to Chapman,s of the Ewy Caat (?) 2nd this morning we prepaired for our journey again and before we got of John Petch came to see us we stop,t an hour or so talking the old over again and then set out Robertt Dawson went with us a few miles when we came to Dundas street we Called to see one Boyes that went out of Bilsdale we then proceeded on our way we thought as we had been at York we would go by Land round the Lake head we walked this day up Dundas street about 30 miles above York the Land by the road is sandy in sum places and swampy in other,s 3rd this morning we arived in Hambleton about 40 miles from York here we were both of us foot sore so that we could not walk any further so we determined to take the stage and either go to the Black Rock and then take the Lake or else go through by Land acordingly we took our fair by Land from Hambleton to sandwich about 200 miles for 5 Do each the Land about here is of a light �12 sandy nature we spent the rest of the day on the shore of the Lake 4th this forenoon I went to the Methodist chapel the Coach did not go of till 2 after we had got two or or three miles of the Land grew better and kept mending all the way we went to a place called Bradford which is situated by the side of the Grand river about 25 miles from Hambleton we stoped to night 5 this morning we got up about 2 oclock to go on journey but to our sad misfurturn our Coach had turned into a Waggon but however it was very well she turned into nothing wors as there was nothing better we went about 22 miles before they changed the Land here mostly belonged to the Government sum of it was sandy loomy nature and the rest was hard wood Land and very good it might be bought of the Goverment for 2 Do per acre and is with in 20 miles of Bradford were there both a good Market and water convance our next stage was 18 miles through the Township of Oxford this is an old setteled Country and here is good Land but at a Dearer rate there is a market in Oxford and wheat is almost as dear there as at York but they make nothing of there Butter our next stage was about 20 miles the first 9 miles I neither know what Township nor wether it was Goverment Land or on but it was all Pine and good for nothing the rest of the way it was mostly take up and much better we came into the Township of Westminster before we stopt at night 6th we set of again at ½past 2 in the morning we got a fresh Waggon the road was very rough the Land this stage which was 18 miles was of a sandy nature our next stage was 13 miles this Crowned all the traveling I ever saw in my life our Waggon had no cover and we Winded about first by one tree and then another and every now and then a piece of Cordoy Roy fit to Clash the very Breath out the Land was sumthink better it was most of it goverment Land and very thingly settled our next stage was 25 miles on the Bank,s of the River Thames the Land was midling good in sume places and light and sandy in others sume of this belonged to the Goverment and sume to the Indian,s we crofsed over a plain were was onse an Indian village but was burnt down in the war by the Yankes there is now a Village belonging to the Indian,s on the south side of the road called the Moravian Village after this we came to some fine feilds of Wheat almost Ripe at last we came to the inn where we had to stop 7th we set off about 8 past 1 in the morning and about 7 we got our breakfast,s with an Old Preist out of England I dont know how long this stage nor neither of the other 2 when we had done our breaktast,s we set of again like Christian and Pliable we traveled on the Land was good and the midows and Corn feild,s with the River on the right hand made it pleasent to behold we traveled on for a few miles and came to the edge of a swamp that is over flow,d with Lake st. Clair now like Christian and Pliable when they came to the slough of dispond there way lay through it and 10 miles did our,s through this it was about 4 miles through and we were for the most to the Wagon body in water when we had got to the midle our hind axle tree broke but happely we spied it before we were thrown into the mud we had to stop where we were till the driver went and brought with him another Carrage �13 we then got of in safety and the rest of our jurney we had better road we arived at a Tavren Opsit Detroit after it was dark it was 3 miles further to Sandwich but as it was there we wanted to be we did not go any further we then took the Boat and went acrofs the River to Detroit we paid 1s each for going over the River we got Lodgings just were we landed 8th this morning we went to the Land office to get directions for one George Boyes that went from Kirbymooreside after we had got Directions we set of and when we had got just out of the town we over took a dutch woman driving a cart we asked her if she could direct us to Shipman mill she did not rightly understand our Language and we did not under stand her but we thought we had to go the way she was going so we went but to our sad misfurton we were led wrong we went first from one house and then to another but they were all either French or Duch and we could get no information we at Last got into the right road and went on till we came to a Methodist Meeting that was left disolate the man that built it hath proved a hirling and it being in the wood the Wolf soon devoured the sheep the sight of this put me in mind of What I once was I was grived to see it so but I Was as bad I went into it an Wrote on the forsaken Pulpet Remember for all this thou shalt be brought into Judgement I took the hint and I hope that if ever he look,s in again he may too we then traveled on enquring the way of all we met till called at a tavren and enquired the way the we had got 3 miles past the road end allready we then like Christian were obliged to retrase our steps backward we went back a little way and took a crofs 4 or 5 miles we just got through before it was dark as the road was bad to hit we to our Lodgings at a Farmers house by the road side 9th this morning we went to Geroges Boyse it was about 2 miles of were we stopt we got our breakfast with them and then set of again as we were tredging along I gave John my umbrela and an Old stick in my hand and went into a yard and asked the master if I could get a few day work he asked me what I could do I told him I could do any kind of Farmers busnefs he told me he would give me 12 Do a Month for too or 3 months I told him it was too little he then said that he should want a man and if could do he would give me that the year round however we did not agree so I went on and over took John we then went on a few miles and as there was no tavren near we went into a thicket and lay down and fell asleep till morning 10th this morning we awoke in good spirits as if we had been in as house we went on about 8 miles further and came to Ypsalanti the so far is midling good but after got past here it was all openings and the timber that was on it was oak and Ickerly and of a light and sandy nature in the afternoon we called to see a English man out of the County of Kent but he was not at home we then went to the next tavren and stopt all the night 11th the joiner this morning went to work as on another day and so did we on our journey after we left the taveren we past sum poor folone looking huts in the forenoon but in the afternoon there was no houses but tavern,s and they were very thinly set the Land this day that we saw was good for nothin it was all �hills and Lakes we came at last to place called a tavren and stopt that night there was as many Lodgers as could stand in the house 12th this morning we set of again and traveled over plain,s and through wood,s there was was niver ahouse nearer one another than 5, 8 and 10 miles it was very lonesum and the Land not so good as we expected to find it 13 this morning we found a Rattle snake lying in the road John watched it till I got a stick and killed it soon after this we came to cold water river here hapned to be a cano which we paddled over in we came at 2 or more rivers without Bridges 14 this day we arived at the white Pidgen about noon we went through Sturgeses Prary which is a very good Prary when we got to the Pidgen we thought we would try for sume work Simpson qot work at well sinking and I went to a farmers house and got promise of work the next day 14 and 15 I was hawing corn 16 1this forenoon we had death among us in our little famely and took away a child I was at my old work in forenoon but in the afternoon I dug the grave I was the first but on Saxton in that part 17 this day we had a Sermon in the forenoon and then the Preacher took the coffin and we all followed to the grave which was just in the wood edge under an oak tree there was two sticks put acrofs the grave and the coffin set there on the parents looked on the it for a short time then the Father said put it in it was then let down and the grave fild in a minute the Preacher then thanked the compay for there atendance every one then returned home and the funeral was ended 18 and 19 I was at corn hawing and got done there had more for me to do but they said they wanted a well sinking 20 I undertook to sink the well 21 I got done again by noon the afternoon I spent in looking about me 22 this day I saw above 100 Indians of the scoces Tribe & it was the best show I ever saw in my life in the afternoon I set of to see scenery round a distance of 18 miles it got dark of me and I lost the road just before I got to the Prary it had been sume rain and I was afraid to lay down and I did not know what to do the wolves were runing on all sides in search of there prey and I was left alone I walked as fast as I could I knew where and keep groping with my hand for road at last I got to were I could see no trees I thought suerly on the Prary I walked till I was tired out and could nither find tree nor house so I lay down to rest I had not lay long before I heard the ringing of a cow bell I went by the sound till I found a little hut they were gone to bed but they readly turned out to see what was at the door, I told them I was lost they then got sum of the children �15 out of bed and lay them on a blanket on the floor I then got my super and went to bed 23rd I got up this morning in good spirits and gave them 1s and 6d for my refreshment I had a letter to carry to the justis of Peace they an Esquire and when I got to the house if the Esquire was in the house they said no did I want to see him I did not want to him but as he was the first Esquire I had heard of I thought I should like to see what Esquires were like in Michigan so I said yes I wanted to speak to him they told me that was him in yon feild when I got to him he was pulling flax without either shoes or stockings or hankerchief with his shirt neck sliping over his shoulders I livered my letter and then I had done I saw a little Difference between a squire in the Terrytory of Michagan and a squire in Yorkshire, the West side of the Prairy is most of it taken up I think it the best prairy that I've seen paticlar on the west side it is 8 miles 1ong and in sum places 6 miles broad about the middle stand a large Plump of trees and about 1 mile to the west there is another smaller it is about 48 miles round on the west side it is sorounded with hard wood such as white wood elm Beach Maple and Bafswood the rest that I saw Mostly Oak and Ickery having seen all I could I set of back again and came about 10 miles 24 this morning I got up as soon as I could see I was almost woired with Mifs Keetys I got to the white Pidgen in good time I got my dinner to day at Mr. Coatses and at Night I was at my old Lodging 25 this day I took sum wheat to cut 26 it came on rain to day I could not get to work 27 and 28 I finished my job and went to Sturges Prairy 30 and 31 you may think it rather odd I have not had the 29 day in my account but it is owing to me having 2 l4th days I had let it run a few day and had begun with the same I had left with those 2 days I got work with Simpson and Frankland to turn the windles friday night was the awfullest for lightning that I ever saw the air seemed to be one continual blase Agust 1st this day I wrote to my mother 2nd 3rd 4 5 I was working with Simpson and Frankland at a well 6 and 7 I was helping and English man of the name of Cade to dig a seller and took his well to dig for 50 sents per foot it is very hot weather 8th this was a very pleasent day but there is neither Church nor meeting to go to 9th this day we ment to begin our well but I was taken with the Ague 10,11,12,13,14 I was at the English man's house and got no better �16 15th this day Simpson went to the white Pidgen I still got wors it was rainy early in the morning 16th this day I sent for the doctor he gave me some physic and a puke for which he charged 2 Dollers 17,18,19,20 and 21 this week has got over and I,me no better yet Simpson is digging Cade well 22 this day I think I have been rather better I had not my Chills 23,24,25 and 26 I kept in a mending way till this day I had to get to the Grand Travis to get a well rope which brought it worse than ever 27 and 28 I am quiet of all again Simpson finished the well today 29 if we are not mistaken this is sunday but it is hard to tell sunday from any other day for here they draugh corn or hay or works at almost any other thing 3D this day Cade had his raiseing and I did myself a little hurt by trying to work 31 this day I thought I would try to work for my vitals but was to weak and made myself worse, September 1,2,3,4 all this time I was very weak and could hardly go about 5 this day I got to see Simpson who was digging a well about 2 miles of I had no chill today 6,7,8 I have kept in a mending way those 3 days I left Sturges Prairy this night and went to oxbow and slept with Simpson 9 this morning I set of for Jones Prairy about 8 miles walk I got there by little after noon but was very tired with my walk the place that I went to was fine Prairy called Jones Prairy or Uper Prairy Garten was the second man that setteled there he came from the same Place that Mr. Coats came from he was sick of the Ague at the same time 10 I this morning begun to try to work Garten had begun a well and not know how to finish it 11 this day me and Garten and Bengeman Burnel another young English man that had the Ague went to make Hay 12 this was a very cold day we all sat in the house 13,14,15 and 16 the 2 first days me and Garten tryed to finish the well but I was to weak so we got Simpson and did it the other 2 17 and 18 I was working for Simpson at a well on the same Prairy 19 it was a very fine day and I left that place for Sturges �17 Prairy again Jones Prairy is in Indiana I went to Cades that night 20,21,22,23,24 and 25 this week I was cutting corn when I was able 26 this was affine day me and Phillip Buck went to seek grapes and plumbs 27,28,29,30 Oct 1 and 2 this week I was working at the same place I was diging potatoes the 4 last days and cuting corn the other 2 x 3rd this day me and another Englishman took a pleasure walk if I may call it so but he was queit home sick and I was just the other way so we could not agree 4th I was sowing wheat this forenoon and in the afternoon I went a Bee hunting but found none 5 and 6 I was thrashing beans 7 I went one Jasen Thersting to dig a well I got it down 8 feet 8 I was at the same plase trashing Buck Wheat with George Thirsting we Both together Trashed above 100 Bushels 9 I was at the well the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to see Simpson 10 I spent this day in rambling about with an Englishman to seek a section stake 12 and 13 I got done my well and took another on Mangoquinon Prairy in the state of Indiana for a man of the name of Fobs from the state of Ohio 14,15 and 16 I was at my work the 14 and 16 and 15 I was at a raising it is rather inclined to wet 17 this day me and the servant man went to Sturges Prairy 18,19,20 and 21 I got the well down to water but could not finish it owing to not having brick 22 and 25 the 22 me and George Thirsting was trashing Wheat with 3 yoke of oxen we trashed more than 32 bushels and on the 23 we clean,d it up 24 this day I went to see Simpson and hear,d of a well that wanted bottoming on the east end of mangoquinon 25 I went and took the well 26 and 27 I got it down to water 28 I went and finished Fobs well �18 29 I came and finished out the other and took another on the same Prairy 30 I got it down 8 feet 31 this day I went to the Post Office to get the newspaper hoping to find some new,s from old England but there was nothing but a few pieces about the new King there was a little about a revelution in France November 1,2,3 and 4 I have got through my work again but I know of plenty more well yet 5 this day I took another well to dig on the same Prairy it was Gun Pouder Plot and in stead of a fine I got a hat ful of wall nuts 6 I was at my work as other day 7 I was at the Methodist Meeting on Sturges Prairy 8 and 9 I finished my well and none of my other being ready to begin I went to see how Simpson coming on he was digging a well for the Post Office master and was coming near an end so we set down we would leave that countery on the next sunday 10,11 and 12 I was working for Mr. Stuard the Post master the 2 first days I was at house rasing and the other day I was draughing corn 13 this day I was gathering in my money I had to lose about 2 Dollors 14 this morning we set out again for further west and went through the White Pigen once more which I never intended to do we still kept going we past the Grand Travis and the St. Joseph,s river and went about 1 mile and 8 and then took our Lodgings 15 we set out again and walked about other 12 miles to a Prairy called Youngs Prairy here we went to a house to get some dinner and told them we were well digers I had a large rope and Simpson had our bundel the dinner was not read so we he1ped to put some shingles on a shade they told us that they were going to have a husking Bee at night and if we would stop we perhaps might get some work so we did but did not get work they most of them had work but none had money 16 this morning we set out again and found work to dig 1 well and mend another 17 and 18 we got through at that place and took another 19 and 20 we got our well down better than 20 feet 21 it was a rainy day and we sat in the house most of the day and we wrote up our memorandum 22,23.and 24 we finished out our well and got 20 Dollers each �19 for 5 days work 25 we left Youngs Prairy which is the best Land of any of the Prairys I have seen it is all heavy Timber round it we then went west about 4 miles to a Prairy called Townson,s Prairy which is a midling good Prairy but not Well timber,d we did not seek work much here we went to a house at the south west side and asked the road west but they did not know the road so we looked one on the other and said com,d so far to see an old Log house and first look,d east and then west and then said to each other thus far shalt thou go and no further we then turned our heads and went south about 12 miles to a Prairy called Bardsley Prairy and stop,t all night at the tavren 26 this morning we,went about the Prairy seeking wells but found none this Prairy is midling good Land but very bad timber,d with bur(?) Oak black read and white Oak barens we now made a resolution to return to Michael Robsons we arived that night at Sturges Prairy about 12 at night 27 this day we to strghtin up with some of our old costomers and fix for our journey I shal now give a short account about the weather the first and second week after we arived at the White Pidgen was very hot without rain the third week we had som Thunder and rain about monday and Tusday Friday was the Thunder storm and the rest clear and hot it in general clear hot weather with some Thunder till about the 20 of september when we had a good deal of rain but nothing to what I've seen in England the Thunder and Lightnings is very aufu1 from the 20 of septber till about the 5 of November is what they call the Indian summer which is quit thick and smokey owing to the great fire that the Indians make most of this time fine steady weather there was a few pieces of rainy days not worth mentioning the rest of the time was more unsteady rainy days and fine day like England but finer for the time of year than in England the first flag of snow that I saw was on the 24 of Novber and the sun took it of in the morning 28 this morning we set with either of us a Bundel it was a fine morning but came on rain about noon and rained all the rest of the day 29 this morning it is very dirty walking but it kept from raining 30 this was a fine day and we kept trudging on this night we arived at Dicumcy and got some Apels the first I,ve got to year December 1 we traveled 18 mile through a wood were there was niver a house as we were walking along we heard sombody shouting in the wood so we went by the sound till we came to them it was some Indians that had made a fire and boiled some dear we eat some with them and then walked on till we came within 8 miles of Monuro and stopt all night 2 this day we arived in Monuro in the morning we did not stay there long we walk about 18 mile stay,d all night at a French man,s house next day arrive,d at Monro from we went to the City of Detroit on our way between Monro and Detroit we saw 1200 Pigs �20 in 2 Droves all fitt for killing left Detroit for Bufflo by the schooner Neapolian we had very rough pafsage of 4 days down Lake Erie from Bufflo to Lockport from Lockport we went the Richard Dales that came from Danby from their to Michael Robsons where we left our Boxes as we went out in the spring left Mr. Robsons for New York when we got to Lions the Canal was Frose up so we took the road to Geneva where we met with John Cook Brother to Thomas Cook of Brooklin and a Mr. White that just come from England there was a young woman come with them that J. Cook was going to marry after staying a day or too we took our fare in the Coach for Newburg and from there to New York in the Steam Boat from Geneva to Ithica about 30 miles it is a very fine Country after that I cannot say about the countery some parts was very poor Land we crofs,t a Part of the Catskill Mountains and in about 4 days & Nights arrived at New York we found Thomas Cooks all well the was not going of near 2 weeks so we took a tour of Philadelpha we soon came back and stay,d at T. Cook till the lst of January 1831 the Captan came on board by 10 O,clock and we set sail with a west wind we were out of sight of land by 4 O,clock Jan 2 the wind b1ow,s fair it is afine day a we are hurring home ward,s 3rd the Wind still keeps fair about 8 o,clock we Pafsed a ship with her keel upwards 4th it is a fine Morning and a fair wind 5th this day we had a fair wind and Glided on at a good rate from this last dat I have kept no more Account we had a very good Pafsage of 27 days and I arrived at my Mothers house on the 2nd day of February 1831 where I found them all much as I left them � 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 John Strickland Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource Immigration from England to Upper Canada and initial settlement there. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource John Strickland Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Private Donor Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1830-1831, 1843-1847 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 Ocean crossing, travel through New York State to Ontario County, Whitby Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. John Strickland Diary Transcription, 1831-1831 John Strickland Diary Transcription, 1843-1847 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 John Strickland Diary Transcription, 1830-1831 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource John Strickland Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Private Donor Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1830-1831 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 Ocean crossing and travel through New York State to Upper Canada Date Created Date of creation of the resource. April 5th, 1830 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. John Strickland 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/9e73ac88cfae7e866a9e583c66bfadf6.pdf dacf54adbc49c1d3acc955ce8e2f824a PDF Text Text Irene Dixon Bamford 1921 November to 1922 March, Diary Transcription 5034_4-2-11 �Metadata FromThePage export of 5034_4-2-11 from Irene Dixon Bamford made on 2026-02-11 15:39:54 UTC. Title: 5034_4-2-11 Created On: 2024-01-11 17:20:00 UTC In Scope: true Uploaded Filename: 5034_4-2-11 �1 IRENE DIXON BAMFORD DIARY Nov, 1921 to Mar. 4 1922 QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES LOCATOR 5034.4 BOX 2 FILE 11 �2 Nov. 1921 to Mar. 4, 1922 �3 Wednesday 9 Nov 1921 This morning the ground is frozen to hard to plow: The snow is falling and the Earth is again covered with snow. Voltie is digging the garden regularly carrots, beets, and parsnips. Joe went down to his fathers for something, I don’t know what, and stopped at Rachels to to feed her hens. There are lots of quail heads heads left on the poles. I guess they will have to remain there all winter. The wind is from the East this morning and breezy Ray Card came in here in his car buying turkeys; bought Emma’s paying her $10.00 dollars in advance. I received a long letter from Grace, a very interesting letter expressing regret that she had not known of the acquaintaince and friendship between Mrs John Grey and myself. I too am sorry. I would have written her, had I known that she was living, and her place of residence, which was no further away than Watertown. So I have received an answer to one of my 4 letters. Howard here to borrow Salt. Joe up to Samy’s all day cleaning and bagging oats. but comes home to supper. The boat won’t come in this day on account of storm. So Voltie does not think of driving through to the dock in morning. Storm increasing [left margin] 253 Arsenal Street Watertown [top margin] {[75 Re-Read ’76-’84]} �4 Thursday 10th Nov 1921 Awoke this morning to find a real wintry day far and wide. The fields, roofs of every house, barn, and shed as far as we can see covered with a white blanket of snow a foot deep and the snow is falling fast. Emma up getting breakfast, Edith helped to milk Joe upstairs with a lame back. Voltie went over there to feed his hens. Edith talking to Arlome by telephone. Churning done. Vottie drove to the boat for apples for Gus Rathray two barrels. had to wait a long time for the boat to come in. Many of the neighbors there waiting too, to send there produce to Kingston. As soon as loaded, the boat left again from the village. We were waiting for Voltie to come home to supper. After 8 Oclock when he came Emma doctoring Joe for rheumatism. Friday 11th Nov 1921 This day same as yesterday for wintry weather tho it is thawing a little. The ground is white with snow every where. Voltie and Joe both affected with rheumatism. both saw my wood with cross cut Saw. Edith away to Annie’s for our gobler. Not much to write in a diary these days for the time goes monotonously on day by day. Three meals each day which occupies a most of the time. Not much sewing done; no threads only crochet thread, no yarn to knit Keeping a diary may be all nonsense. Who knows �5 our big globbler got tired of waiting to be to be carried to market and so went in company of our neighbors turkey, but a little globbler came to live with our turkeys. Thursday 18th Nov 1921 Nearly a week since I wrote in this diary. Since last Friday I have received letters 1 from Grace, 1 from Muriel, 1 from Charley Halliday Jr. & one from Ethelyn Halliday. in answer I have written Grace and Muriel. I wrote a long letter to Belle which remains unanswered Then yesterday Voltie butchered 4 pigs and Emma’s turkeys 10 of them which weighed 112½ lbs. besides bagging oats too. Now this is 21st of Nov ’22 a very fine day. snow all gone. Wind south and blowing some. The wind shaking the few remaining leaves from the trees. Voltie and Joe plowing. Emma washing and sewing and getting dinner Rachel washes dishes. I finished writing to Charley H Jr. and Ethelyn but dont send any to any one. Yesterday was Sunday No one here excepting Mr and Mrs George Niles who were invited in while passing here on their way to church �6 Voltie and [[Joe]] & Keil & Samy went to Grindstone Island in the motor. and returned at dark bringing candy, pins, and calico A birthday present for me from Joe and Emma and one from Rachel and one from Voltie. The boys, Voltie and Joe, saw some, not very handsome people in the store from Gananoque buying things It was late when they arrived home but V went to Rachels to feed her hens and drive home the cows, milk, separate milk then supper, then wash dishes then to bed. but Edith came home a little while from Keils. Friday was the 18 Nov and recieved a letter from Belle also one from Grace. Sat 20 Nov was Voltie’s birth day. 20 of Nov Yesterday 21 Nov Monday a very fine day. V and J plowing all day Emma washed, Churned got all the meals served, made my dress as a surprise for my birthday. a week ago this day Emma went to Will Gillespies to the aid society with Annie Niles. [left margin] No not on Monday the aid meets every Tuesday. �7 Monday 22nd 1921 Once more I’ve made a mistake This is Tuesday p.m. Ema is away to Annie Niles to the aid taking Keddie Trewe with her and the snow is falling thick on and Joe & Voltie has gone plowing over the hill to bag oats or some kind of grain & Rachel is washing dishes and I am writing without glasses Tuesday 23rd 1921 Yesterday was the anniversary of my birth 88 years ago. I received a present from Ema & Joe a present from Voltie and one from Rachel Wednesday 24th Nov 1921 The roads are so bad mail came only as far as Arelius Berry’s. ground bare and brown Thursday 25 Nov 1921 A cold stormy day of sleet some snow some rain which freezes as it falls Emma and Voltie away to Kingston by boat Joe drove to boat morning, and again at night Edith came home from Kiels ½ past 10 staid till 8 pm then going back to Kiels [left margin] I send letters to Muriel and Charley & Ethelyn Halliday. �8 Friday 26th Nov 1921. chilly weather sun not very clear. Windy weather an argument at breakfast about Cleary & and his duty as a mail carrier which ammounted to nothing excepting a noise and ended in laughter. a good fire in furnace fire in little stove gone out. {I receive letters from Mrs Adams and John} Saturday 27 Nov 1921 Work going merrily along Emma done all sorts of Saturday work besides some washing Took carpet off small room floor moped cleaned baked got the meals. Rachel knit wee Irene a pair of mittens Joe went to his fathers to get hog grist ground. Voltie went down on the lower place and chopped a load of wood When Joe came home with grist Joe drove down and helped V bring home the wood. Then made sour krout in evening in kitchen. {Voltie popped corn by furnace} Sunday 28th Nov Nasty bad weather all day. No one came no one went from here. day is short thick dark and cold. I write to Grace. three meals this day come close together Edith dont come home Monday 29th Nov 1921 a cold day cloudy wind blowing from North. Rachel knitting for Joe Voltie a pair of mittens Emma fixing together a quilt lining. V & J working in shop. V & J are getting wood down on the lower place. �9 Tuesday 29th 1921 This day same as yesterday. Rachel knitting Wednesday 30 Thursday 1st Dec This a very good day. Arose early Voltie drove to the dock with Joe and the coal bags. Joe going up with the his oats for market Sam went also Voltie plowed. I sent a letter to John by Joe. �10 Friday 2nd Dec 1921. I forget the kind of weather. I guess it couldn’t have been very bad for the mail came bringing me two letters one from Irene and one from Grace. I was Pleased to get them both and imagined I was in Southern Pines North Carolina where every thing is so bright warm and beautiful with flowers, pines beautiful scenery. Cold Here. Saturday 3rd A terrible day for wind and weather Wind South West and blowing a gale and cold Volkie and Joe finished plowing by the road The same saturday work done as usual Knitting going on I dont do much of any thing only think which is of privilege too Edith comes home across the field with her suit case in hand, to stay home. They paid her $5.25. Sunday 4th A very good No one goes from here. No one comes till afternoon, when Frances Gott and Mortimer McDonald drive in here for a visit. They stay till 11 O’clock p.m. Then go home. I dont feel very and go early to bed Caught cold yesterday The usual amount of of cooking and eating done Sheridan Maloney and Samy Woodman here to dinner. Sherd enroute for the village to do his courting. George Woodman came for Sherd & took him to the village and brought him home again �11 Monday 5 Dec 1921 Weather the same. I send a letter to Irene and Kathleen. Rachel received a letter from John. Voltie and Joe chopp and saw wood. Sheridan Maloney here to dinner. Edith got the breakfast V and J went to the farmers meeting at the school house this evening. Emma went as far as Kiels. Thursday 6 Dec 1921 This is election day for the whole dominion of Canada. Great contention between the farmers and the Meighen government (conservative) and The farmers. The Reformers or Liberals Joe is away to the new school house as returning office carrying the ballot box Emma is moping, Rachel knitting Edith washing dishes Weather half cloudy and cold. The aid meets at George Niles this day. The woman all vote then go to the aid. Voltie drives to the school house with Emma. then home to dinner. Lois here to dinner then Emma and Lois walked down to Geo N’s to the aid. No only Emma goes Lois stays all afternoon She and Edith pop corn in cellar by the furnace The county of Frontenac in favor of the farmers by a big majority. Reed is the man Hon Dr Edwards is out of office Conservatives low �12 Wednesday 7th December 1921 This is a very fine day. butchering day. Bill Kiel and Samy helping. all here to dinner. all talking all very merry and happy. A letter from Mabel and one from Grace. Churned and made prints 20 lbs for market. V planning his affairs Thursday 8 December 1921 Voltie and Emma went to Kingston this morning on the carrying porks (2 pigs) which were 27 dollars. Voltie bought for himself a new suit $47 dollars, and under wear I sent a letter to Grace. V bring me a I drank a glass of cider; wish I hadn’t. This is a lovely day. Friday 9th Dec 1921 A cloudy day not cold S wind. Emma cleaning all the floors. Rachel knitting as usual Madaline and Edith [Bouvine] here to supper. then came Alden M. Howard N Ambose N they staid till 11 pm. Saturday 10th Dec 1921. Wind South. no frost on the windows. Didnt get up very early. but we are all up now and after breakfast Emma cleaning up again after last nights visitation. Rachel knitting Edith washing dishes. V & J cutting and sawing wood by the wood pile. Weather thick and cloudy Edith walked over to Morgans at 4pm. Came home at 2am. I was surprised by the late arrival of Evening visitors Ray, Maggie & their three children, Isabel Lawrence & baby Dora and Smythe and another chap. All played cards. �13 Sunday 11 Dec. 1921 A soft warm day, sun shining—Emma and Joe gone to church. After service, come home, dressed Irene and drove to Hirams for a visiting. I write a letter to Will. Emma & Joe stay late to Hirams. I was in bed long before they came home. He talks of going to Toronto with Voltie Tuesday. Monday 12 Dec 1921 A beautiful day, warm, bright, sun light clear all day. I send Wills letter to Post box. Voltie and Joe and Sam working in shop all day shoeing horses putting tongue in single buggy to drive to the villiage tomorrow. I began a letter to Maybel Morgan Emma washing Rachel knitting. no letters only for Emma from some Kenny girl in Watertown. Only 2 daily Whigs. Christmas number of the Canadian Countrymen and Farmers [] [left margin] {Mr Geo Niles here awhile} Tuesday 13 Dec 1921 Arose at 5 am. hustling around now to get ready to start for the villiage to get the first boat across to town. Voltie going to Toronto as a delegate to the Farmers Convention, Joe driving to the villiage with Voltie and Sam. Joe came back in time for dinner then done all the chores that were left undone Emma brought in all the wash and folded the clothes. Joe done all outdoor work. �14 Wednesday 14 Dec A cloudy day, threatening snow one day of Volties absence from home gone. Rachel knitting. I sent a letter to Mabel. Sinclair Michea came to make us a visit and staid to dinner. Thursday, 15th Dec 1921 A cloudy day not cold. Edith out of bed early this monring. going to Kingston; last night Emma called Annie N to request a passage for Edith with them to the boat. Said yes Edith carrying 7 lbs of butter and a basket of homemade stuff to a Mrs. McMillen. apples, hickory nuts, a frosted layer cake, a bottle of pickles and a can of tomatoes came back from the dock with them Rachel knitting Ate dinner with the McMillan’s Voltie away 3 days. Joe fixing a place in the barn for his horse Pansy. Friday 16 Dec 1921 A beautfiul day. Voltie swung up from Kingston this morning to say he is so far on his journey towards home and wants Joe to drive to the villiage for him Joe went V came home about 2 O’clock pm, glad to get home but pleased with his trip, and we are glad to see Voltie home again. Rachel knitting. V brought me two books from Toronto Title "A true diary of the Worst Farmer." the other, "The Yellow Horde." Sent quilt blocks to June & Kathleen Saturday 17th Dec 1921 Clouds gathering for a storm. I dont remember what the men done. I wrote letter to Kathleen and Irene. I hope the weather grows no colder. �15 Sunday 18 Dec 1921 I never saw so wild a day on the river; all day the wind howls and shrieks. The river is one white sheet of rollers from the south. The old house trembles this day, rain is falling barrel running over. Voltie and Joe looking after the boats the punt, skiff & motor, The wind blew the machine shed away tore the smoke house to pieces and upset the toilet. Oh it was a day of wind; but we had three square meals. Voltie went from the lower boat house to look after R’s hens. Monday 19 Dec 1921 A bright brilliant sunlight all day succeeded yesterday’s storms. The mail came quite early no letters. I sent a letter to Kathleen. Emma done a big wash cleaned floors brought in and folded the clothes. Such a pile of them! then Ironed in the evening while her bread is baking. Emma work work all day. Rachel knitting all day. Men out doors. Dont know what they do: Irene raising Kane all day climb climb climb got spanked for it. does no good climbs in chairs onto cabinet, sewing machine on top of the table and watching every chance to climb the stairs and break her neck. A bright rosy sunset. �16 Tuesday 20th Dec 1921 Half cloudy, half sun bright day. Joe & Voltie away to fix Rachel’s old hen house which took a terrible twist Sunday and came near blowing away. Rachel knitting. After breakfast dishes washed, crocheting going on. Irene climbing as usual; she is bound to kill herself some day. Emma is ironing now Joe away to Will Gillespies. Sam here to dinner. [left margin] {Joe & Ema go down to W H Woodmans in Evening heard the boat that George H Woodman was on & lost & all hand as washed over.} Wednesday 21st 1921 A very chilly day. Killed and dressed 21 chickens and a turkey for market. cooked one for dinner I write a letter to John. churned and made prints 10 lbs for market. V went to Flynn’s Rachel knitting for Clarence Woodman & finished the mittens. Irene 1½ years old this day no letters from any one. A clear sun set. Thuesday 22nd Dec 1921 The coldest night and day and shortest of any this fall. Up early Voltie drove to the boat with Joe & Emma, a barrel of apple for Geo Rattray a few apples and mcKaries for Miriam Burton A basket of chickens for market a turkey of Lucy Cook #1 oil cans. Rachel knitting. Voltie went to Flynns and back before dinner. Shot a duck Sam here awhile I write to Watson Weather cold but warm within doors, my fingers cramp V drove to dock for Joe and Emma a very pleasant evening follows. �17 Friday 23rd Dec 1921 Front windows clear of frost. cloudy & snow. not very cold. Rachel knitting. Cleary came with the mail this day. I sent W.F. Watson a letter. E and E sent some Christimas toys to Maggie’s kids Emma made a rag doll for Irene Edith carried a top to Ida Kiel. Voltie working in shop. Cold in morning A meeting at School house this Evening to select a candidate for councilman for the foot of the Island. Ellery wants the job so he will be elected of course. Nearly 11 pm when V and Joe come-home. {Cards Cards. E Essford, Higgins, Nelly Beard A book from Louse a dollar Bill from Grace a Card from Meriam Bruton, Dante & Kate} Saturday 24th Dec 1921. A cold day. Thick frost of every window Cloudy and snowing. Rachel knitting Voltie is hulling corn. Last thursday Voltie shot a wild duck. Emma hung it in Veranda where it froze. Now they are picking the feathers off from the duck in kitchen. {Voltie & Joe moved the stove from the Kitchen to the dining room} Sunday 25 Dec 1921 Sunday and Christmas a very happy day after breakfast baby Irene passed around the christmas gifts. Joe and Emma gave me a warm pair of wool lined shoes a box of letter paper and a cloth for an apron I gave Emma a book Edith gave me a book and cloth for an apron & gave Rachel cloth for an apron Emma gave R cloth for an apron �18 Edith gave Voltie a book and a pair of slippers Joe & E gave V a new shirt, fancy A roasted duck for dinner with dressing and the usual accompaniments besides assorted nuts candies oranges The table presented a very fine appearance and all went merrily. Only some over ate. Madeline came in evening bringing her new beau Ambrose Niles Howad and Samy made a short call After supper Joe played violin and they danced till bed time 11 O’clock p.m. Voltie Emma Edith Madeline and Ambrose even wee Irene was carried around as a partner. at last our guests are gone the house is quiet and Christmas is over till another year walks around Monday 26 Dec 1921 Joe not very well, which gave Voltie the opportunity of doing the day’s chores alone Every thing is quiet and peaceful. I forgot what Voltie done Joe recovered towards night and helped to do the chores A book from Lori Tueday 27 a very good day only cloudy. Cant very well remember what ocurred this day for I’ve not written in this diary for a whole lot only I know Emma & Joe went to the village dance drove in buggy a long cold drive and rough roads Madaline who is working for Arch Berry went with Ambrose Niles so goes The world �19 Wednesday 28 Dec 1921 Em and Joe came at 5 am. went to bed Voltie called Joe at 11 a.m. Emma arose a little later A lot of cards came this day I dont remember that I received a letter but cards without Short or measures Joe went to his dad’s to get ground a hog grist Volkie working in shop making axe handels for Kesler Thursday 29 Dec 1921 A bad cold day. I write letters Rachel knits preparing for butchering tomorrow crocheting and so the day passes along and is soon gone Friday 30 Dec 1921 A cold day. Kiel Sam Joe and Voltie butchering our winter pork Joe says it is the biggest pig he Ever helped butcher weighs aobut 500 . V shot a duck. Joe shot 5 Samy one. 7 wild ducks to be picked and roasted. more cards a package of newspapers and cards and letters from W. F. Watson V gave me the dollar that Kester gave him for Axe handles I write a letter to Louise finish one to Grace but miss the mail and send nothing Satuday 31 Dec The last day of the year. never agan can date a letter 1921. Cold bad weather Emma picks ducks, bakes and does the wash Saturdays work. Friday, secured cards papers and W [T] papers from Watson V cutting up pork; it weighed 520 Enough to last all winter �20 Sunday 1st Jan 1922 a cold day. Wind West roasted three ducks for dinner. Rachel again ate too much. had to take pills. No one here till evening. Then Howard came and stayed till 10 pm. Monday 2nd Jan 1921 Sometimes I think Ill never write in this diary again. but still I keep on and on sometimes forgetting it. or neglecting it for 3 more days. I send away a few kept over letters. one I send to Grace the last one Ive written. very cold. the river is closing. I guess this is the day I rec’d a letter from Will. and Wednesday I rec’d letter from Herb Dignem a letter from Charlotte Gibson a letter from Watson together with a lot of W.I. papers from her Mrs Wesley Watson. she has a very powerful name Geraldine Ubrica Oh! and he mentions her name too many times in his letter suppose he thinks it is beautiful Well monday I sent a long letter to Mrs Brooks Spokane and Wednesday to Louise Dixon. Yestderday we had visitors Liggie Kiel and her man Bill and her two babes they were here to dinner and supper and staid here nearly 11 am playing cards while little Ida walked aound the the floor Voltie carried Ida home Bill carried [left margin] The baby Lizzie carried the baby Foot passengers have been crossing the river nearly all the week on ice Kehoe Kiel Rattray �21 Friday 6 Jan 1922 I dont know much about this day I neglect the diary to write letter but I know the mail came with Mr White as a deputy mail man for Cleary is off again in Philadelphia visiting his his colored friends and relatives Edith knows it all as usual cant tell her any thing Saturday 7 Jan 1922 Another fine day. Sun shining out brisk mostly all day a rosy sunset. The usual Saturday work going on baking pies cakes fried cales basting and roasting meat V working in shop and drawing out fertilizer Samy here awhile then came again in Evening Voltie, Joe SAmy and Emma played cards and had a glad uproarious time Sunday 8 Jan 1922 A beautiful day. Eidth trying to make a raise of some one for a visitor but failed. So went to church. Brought the preacher home with her to dinner Poor man, he has a tough time among the church members. He after wheeling all the way from the village over rough roads on wheels and he has a bad cold. To preach to only five Edith, Lizzy Horn Geo Niles and his wife & Son Howard. Mr Charleswoth didn’t stay long after dinner, but drove back to the village. Ema & Joe went Evening visiting to their brother Sam’s Voltie sat up and read Longfellow Howard [left margin] Came for an Evening visit & all is well �22 Monday 9th Jan 1922 A very fine day. Ice getting poor again not even walking nor skating along the shore I received a letter from Grace. A good long letter and glad to get it, but am sorry Bert Snyder is down and out again President no more of the Candy factory but I am more sorry for Maude than Bert. Dont understand the trouble cant see why Bert cant keep a position in business a little while any way. Never can lett what our men Voltie & Joe are doing outside. Tuesday 10 Jan 1922 Another very find day Emma done big washing and hangs them on the line after dinner we were surprised by the unexpected arrival of visitors the two Mrs Barry Mrs Geo & Mr Albert. They{} came walking all the way from their home I was glad to see them and we all had a very social time Mrs Goe gave Me Mrs Sagers address which I lost almost immediately. A strange disapearence we treated them to apples they staid to supper. Joe’s White Plymouth rooster died from indigestion Wednesday 11 Jan 1922 A cloudy morning. A storm gathering Joe and Emma brought in the clothes from the line Voltie made mistake in the time and got out of bed an hour Earlier than usual all up to breakfast this morning taking about Murphys and [OKrums] dogs killing �23 Gotts sheep. We were expecting Evening visitors The storm prevented them coming They were Madaline and the upper Teacher. I suppose the rest of the little clicque would have come too It is a regular winter storm with N.E. wind I send two letters one to Charlotte and one the W F W but received none this day Emma received 3 one each from Wills family of women Jen Lottie and Lena None from Louise Emma Ironed the clothes Will Dixon 63 years old this day and I am 25 years older than Will. Thursday 12th Jan 1922 The sun shining bright and clear this day with a beautiful fall of snow on the ground R up stairs writing to some of Wills family Joe & Volty working in shop Samy come and they all went to the cellar for cider I guess Emma is sewing on machine. Visitors this Evening Alden Madaline a Miss Agnes Brown, upper School teacher and Howard Niles. They played cards & danced Volty treated them to apples and pop corn Ema gave them Tea cake and cheese nearly 12 when they went home. �24 Friday 13th Jan 1922 Snow falling all night. No bare ground this morning. The landscape beautifully white Every where. Voltie and Joe working in shop on Jack’s sleigh Emma cleaned floors, and sewed on machine. After dinner Joe hitched Pansy to Cutter and Emma drove to W H W’s with her quilt blocks Mrs W helped her set the quilt together. Joe went down in evening and took Emma and himself to Kehoes for an Evening visit Howard called here to tell us his Aunt Nancy Niles died Thursday night. {Sent a letter to Charlotte Sent a letter to Herbert [Degnun]} Saturday 14th Jan 1922 A very fine day Voltie walks across the ice to the funera. Nancy Niles burned to day the funeral at the home. A woman preached the sermon. She is the local preacher at St Lawrence V came early accompanied by Sheridon Maloney Sheridan intended going to the village no way to go so staid all night Samy here in Evening �25 Monday 16th Jan 1922 Sent no letters nor received any for there was no mail. Road are out of order or something is wrong Sheridan walked home across the ice after breakfast Emma sewing. men out working in shop fixing J. N. old sleigh Weather not very cold but looks like a storm. Kehoe brought the mail from the village. A letter for me from Edith Dixon Watertown Tuesday 17th Jan 1922 Not very cold but freezing Enought to keep the ice in the river Roy Ruth and Annie and Jack Niles start for Delaware on account of Isadore [] got a heart complaint. Edith went down to Roys to visit and stay with Maggie Cloudy weather. Didn’t sit up very late. Emma slept down staris to look after the baby {Emma done big washing and brought them in– fold them ready for ironing moped the floors} Wednesday 18 Jan 1922 A cloudy stormy day V and Joe worked in shop Mail came this day bringing me a letter from John and one from Murl A party at Charley Gillespie this Evening Emma and Joe went. Joe furnished the music. �26 Thursday 19 Jan 1922 Joe and Ema came at 3 am. Thid day Mrs [Charley G] drove here bringing Lurena and Grace [Michea] for a visit she was accompanied by little Gordon She brought a dozen of Eggs that Emma had bought from her The day passed beautifuly with by all those happy joyous young voices, Howard came in the evening. Voltie a dish pan full of corn. Smyth brought Edith home Friday 20th Jan 1922 A very fine day. Towards night Voltie Joe drives over to Doras with Pansy hitched before the cutter carrying Emma Lucena and Grace and herself going to stay all night. Joe is going from there to the village and Kingston Howard here for milk. Once more Edith gets the meals Satureday 21 Jan 1922 A very fine day. Skating good. A hockey game at the village. Jim Kehoe goes up on the ice in his automobile carrying 5 himself Kiel, Samy Woodman Everett and Florence Woodman Edith does the Saturday work. Howard came for milk. �27 Sunday 22nd Jan 1922. No one here. Looked for Ema and Joe They they didn’t come. staid over to Doras while Little and Joe wanted to go to the hockey match Monday 23 Jan 1922 No one here to help Volkie do any chore. Niles family go milk here every day for their Tea Tuesday 23 Jan 1922 A very good day. We were very happy to see Joe and Emma come home this day. All{} happy and merry and the sun shines clear in door and out door and the sun sets bright and easy and I write write all day Wednesday 24 A very fine day The mail came to day bringing me a letter from Belle and on from Louise. Volkie and Joe working in shop all day. I am glad to get those two letters which tell us we are still remembered by dear ones far away �28 Thursday 26 A bright winter day Joe and Samy drawing baled hay to Kinston started late came late I wrote a long letter to Belle which I intended Enclosing in a letter to Grace, but I dropped it on the floor and baby Irene tore it in pieces and it was swept up and burnt with the rest of the sweepings which I very much regret The sun sets bright and the west is a bright rose color. [left margin] Emma washed a big wash this day and hung them all on the line. I helped bring the clothes from the the line Joe was late comng home from Kingston Friday 27th Jan 1922 A bright cold day baby Irene and I both had a beth in the work tub. Joe away again with baled hay to Kingston. I send Belle a letter A hockey match on the ice by Kehoes V. went down to look on. stood around with no over coat on caught cold causing his right arm to bother him more than usual Howard here they played cards in evening. Rachel not very well all to much corn (hulled) a noisy card time and a very cold night follows a beautiful rosy sunset. Saturday 28 Jan 1922 A very cold morning and cloudy looks like a storm. I made a mistake this morning by asking Joey a question. An idle thoughtfull Thoughtless question which never will occur again tho it pulled the wool from my Eyes the answer did, "never more", "never more" Quoth the Raven never more" Lois [V] here for milk V and Joe Emptying the �29 coal bags into the cellar. I watched them through my bedroom window. Voltie phoned John O’Brien to shoe the mares. John said he would. Sunday 29 Jan 1922 Joe drives across the river to Geo Niles. Staying all night A new good day. ice good for traveling. teams come and go any where the ice. Before Joe and went across, Will Niles and John Burnham drove in John here. some what "for" loud and noisy and profane staid to supper and cider. Samy Woodman here also & staid to supper. John and Will went aay directly after supper. Monday June 30 1922 came home leaving Ema over there oe and Voltie worked in shop all day. and so the day drags along. Edith gets the meals and washes dishes Tuesday 3rd 1922 Jan A bright beautiful day Voltie with Joes horse and cutter drives across the river. Samy out to burnt Rock and bargained for a post �30 acres of timber land, to get fence post two hundred he wants for fencing. Stops at Uncle George Niles and brings Ema home. she came bright happy and joyous glad to get home. Joe done the chores. { a very heavy fog till dinner time} Wednesday 1st Feb 1922 A very fine day Voltie drives to Kinston with a load of baled hay for Joe. While Joe drives up on the ice too with his rig to the Hockey match at the village. Our boys lose the game. The benefit is for young Crawford another member of the Hockey Society who is sick and needy. We were honored by a visit or call from Sheridan Maloney and Will Niles. William is very much a "Geraman" this. I suppose he thought he might be more so before he went from here on cider but no one here to treat them. {I sent a letter to Hattie by Joe Voltie renewed his subscription for the daily Whig this day Daily} Thursday 2nd Feb 1922 A soft warm day, cloudy and rained hard in the night a great crack in the ice by Niles Point. The ice covered with water. Voltie was going to town with a load of baled hay for himself & had Howard and John there engaged to go but didnt go We and Joe went and began at the old house taking it all to pieces and will bring it home and build a new one George McDonald drove in here to Engage to duild a barn { I began a letter to Louise. George Barry drove to Kinston with key} �31 Friday 3rd Feb 1922 Arose Early intending to go to Kingston with hay but weather not favorable tho much colder. Anna up all around a sort of consultation about going up At last they al stay home. Saturday 4th Feb ’22 Another very fair day; dont go to Kingston this day V rang Geo [Barns] to ask about going to Kingston Geo has one load more Mrs B answered & said she has discourages Geo’ from going. Mopping, baking and a general clean up for Sunday Also a miserable row between Rachel of the first part and Edith of the second part. This is the third horrid blow out. Bill Kiel here to dinner. Sunday 5 Feb 1922 A soft warm day Will Niles walked over said there is lots of water on the ice. Howard drove over to Doras for Lucina and brought her here. Howard, Sam, Clarence, Woodson I sat behind the stove and have my dinner Table full Enough with me. The usual sunday Evening performance, singing, piano, violin loud talking [left margin] Lois Niles here Voltie and Joe tearing down the old house �32 Monday 6th Feb 1922 A bit of a freeze up. V thinks he can go tomorrow to Kingston. Sam here and they work at the Engine all day Sam here to dinner & supper Emma Lucena go up to visit Lizzie. Come home to supper. The snow is falling thick and fast. snow flakes big as 25 cts adn many much bigger. As the day advances the weather grows colder. Edith Maloney at Charley Gilespies Wanting Ema, Joe and Lucena to come there for supper. They dont go. Sam and Howard here till nearly 11 p.m. Tuesday 7 Feb 1922 V arose Earlly and is away to K on the ice loaded with hay. C Gillespie Gott Samy Woodman and himself they came quite Early Voltie bought a map of Kingston. A poor affair; A little better than nothing, price, 10 Howard went up with a load for Joe. This last Lucena goes home. when Charley G driver up on the ice with Edith M, and her Kid Audra. Edith over here visiting her mother Dora a whole week. Howard and Sam go to the villiage dance I sent a letter to Louise Dixon. Cleary home from visiting and on the mail route gain �33 Thursday 8th Feb 1922 Arose Early again; one more load of baled hay takes Voltie to Kingston. Had to ring Samy up. He is sleeping late after his last nights dance at the villiage He is going to drive up with Voltie we lend his horses old Sandy and lick. For they are sold to a man in K. Joe done the Chores. They came home quite late 7 o’clock Samy staid in town. A man accompanied him home. A South American from Argentina a Spanish mother & father indian. Was engaged to work for Mary Burk Berry. After supper he walked there, found the door closed and fastened. Wouldn’t let him in. He talked with them through the window standing on the outside. They said they had changed their mind about his working for them. So he came back here and staid. A benefit party at John Murphys for the Catholic Priest cards and dancing. Joe and Emma attend the party. Friday 10 Feb A very good morning Emma & Joe came home at 2 o’clock A M. After breakfast Mr Alex Oree starts out walking to Kingston. Ema and Joe come down stairs about 11 a m. V and J �34 worked a little while there after dinner. Joe and Ema away again over to Doras going from there to the villiage from there to Pittsburg from there back to Kingston and from there to a show to night and from there I don’t know where. Voltie says he is discouraged. no one to help him get wood; don’t know where to get it any way. V is not very well besides his right arm is bad. Joe & Ema up stairs fixing to go away. Now they are gone. Saturday 11th Feb 1922 Saturday morning is rainy. No one here (excepting) John Jr here for milk, and Sam here working at the engine; a sad gloomy day Edith baked cakes for Sunday and mops floors and gets the meals. Voltie does the chores shop work and goes to the lower place for wood and so the day passes away. Sam stays to supper and plays checkers with Voltie. Sunday 12th Feb 1922 A beautiful fall of snow on the ground this morning. The sun shining. Clearly. A cloudy day cold and gloomy V doing all the chores alone Joe and Emma not home yet since Friday alone all day We read and doze and I read Tolstoys visit to the United States and his oppinion of the people and the country. Then I read "Grahams" "Inside Russia" and his ideas of that great miserable land both accounts written in 1917. Tolstoy considers Russia much superior by way of literature. He says there are not books stores nor Newspapers in the States. I supposed Tolstoy was a very intelegent man. �35 Monday 13th Feb 1922 A bright beautiful mornning. A fine fall of mon last night which will make good sleighing. Mr Goodfriend Nelly had drove in here this morning. He brought Same home from Howe Island The mail came Early. I sent no letters Joe and Ema came about noon. Joe helped V a little while in afternoon. Howard and Sam in Evening. Card playing as usual. I receive a letter from Muriel and a package of Pecans I am writing Muriel when the letter and package arrived all the way from Georgia Tuesday 14 Feb 1922 A dark cloudy morning. Threaten now and rain. Joe helps V awhile Then E & J begin to talk about going to the villiage dance I dont think Joe cares to go but Ema persuades him to go and he go. Howard drives over for Lucena in cutter. then Leaving Lucena here Joe home for the car and they all go up on the ice in car. I send by Joe for a letter tablet and a letter to mail to Muriel �36 Wednesday Morning 15 Feb 1922 A cloudy morning. Joe Ema & Lucena came home at 3 o’clock a.m. R tearing around again in the night saying someone had "stole" her money. She frequently disturbs Voltie by her hollering and yelling in her sleep. In afternoon Joe, Ema, Lucena & Howard went to the Hockey match at the villiage came home after supper Howard went to Doras with Lucena after supper Thursday 16 Feb 1922 Cloudy day all at home. Joe drew sand Ema washed lines full. In Evening Howard Sam Alden Madaline and Agnes Brown Here in Evening till late and extremely cold night. They brought home the books they had borrowed and borowed 3 more "Maid of old New York" The shuttle" "Thankful’s inheritance". {A [] Gen peddlar here selling Shady goods old cast off army supplys} Friday 17 Feb 1922 A very cold day. Voltie and Joe drew Sand again this day. No one here this Evening I write a letter to Kathleen in answer to one from. didnt get much more only papers V and Joe mark in shop a little while done all the chores etc And so the days pass along each day following the other in quick sucession which brings the Spring and day morn and out Life one day shorter all night �37 Saturday 18th Feb 1922 A bright cold day. Edith gets the meals Emma beking and preparing for Sunday. Dont know who may come. V and J getting wood working in shop. Didnt expect Evening visitors but Bill Kiel and Lizzie came bringing their two Kids came to Supper and cards. So after supper and dishes washed The "deck was cleared for action" (meaning the table) so they gathered around the table Each man with his pipe tobacco and matches. Then the shuffling and whang banging commenced. quite orderly and quiet at first some talking till soon they all grows very interested in the game and became very vociferous & noisy and now while Lizzie is shuffling the cards with lightning rappidity Each one of the male players scratch a match and four bright flames are applied to their noses, (or very near their noses) and the smoke from 4 pipes Encircles their heads like a cloud and rises to the ceiling then they apply themselves once again to cards game �38 more noisy this time. then silence for a whole minute broken by a ripple of laughter followed by an explosion, a roar of laughter a tremendous roar accompanied by whack, whack, bang, bang, then more quietness and more card shuffling another firing up of pipes, then more explosions and roars, more table pounding, and so it goes on from ½ past seven o’clock, ½ past 8 ½ past 9, and sometimes ½ past 10 p.m. This card performance is a very frequent occurrence in this house. The residence of J.D. Bamford. Sunday 19th February 1922 A beautiful day, sun bright and warm. Visitors came. First Mr and Mrs John Burnham our first acquaintance with her. Next arrival was Will Sr, Bill Jr and Lena. A young scotsman came with the Burnhams. A musical visit and very glad to see Will and Bill and Lena. But after all where there is so many and all talking at once, cant enjoy the short visit not nearly as well as if the Burnhams had staid home and came some other time. Will Niles came but so many here he wouldn’t come in. At 4 p.m. they all went and a solemn stillness reigns. We go to bed early. The present of a book from Lottie and a very beautiful calendar. I send a book to Lottie "The worst family" "to Somme" "The Marquess." �39 Monday 20th Feb 1922 A grand thunder storm last night with brilliant lightning and a heavy downpour of rain which attracted the attention of our baby for she stood by the window and danced with delight every time it thundered and lightened & hollered more, more. Ground nearly bare this morning. Lots of water every where Emma does some patching Voltie and Joe butcher 12 chickens for market. Edith picks off the hen pin feathers. V puts up a grist of wheat for flour etc. Teusday 21 Feb 1922 A very good morning. Voltie went to Kingston with chickens (12) and got $10.35¢ for them and flour. Will Niles came over and shot old Ben horse and miled up on cider. Voltie came just at dark. He met Dixek Halliday. Dixek paid him $30.00 dollars for concrete work. At sunset a storm was gathering in the south west. But Joe and Emma drove to the villiage to a show amateur theatre. Will N started to go home but didn’t go because he couldn’t. He got as far as the river then lay down. Joe couldn’t get him up. V managed to after he came home but he wouldn’t come in the house. �40 Wednesday 22nd Feb 1922 Awoke this morning to see snow every where and a snow storm raging can’t see to the river also found Lucina here. She and Howard came down on the ice behind Joe, stormed so she stopped here and staid all night. Will N can’t walk home through the raging storm. Snow storm lasting all day. Voltie and Joe out working at the engine. Howard came in the evening & the card playing goes on as usual, but not quite so fierce and noisy. only one roar which startled me from a quiet sleep as I sat in my chair. Snow still falling when we all went to bed. Thursday 23 Feb 1922 Not very cold. Not very cloudy. Sun comes peeping out from behind the clouds as they roll away. Will Niles walked across the ice this morning. Then Joe nd Emma drove across to Niles. Emma going to visit Stella for the day while Joe drives out beyond the corners to buy wood. Soon after dinner begins to rain and pours for two hours. Joe and Ema come home just at dark. Friday Feb 24 1922 Not a very bad day but colder. Joe drove across for wood. Emma putting up a lunch for Joe and Will Niles is going to help him cut the wood. They came back at sundown with a big load. A letter from Grace. �41 I received a letter from Muriel. They are coming home in the spring, home from Georgia. We had visitors we have visitors Mr & Mrs Eves and their three youngest children from Simcoe Island. They left 2 oldest at home. I suppose they were disappointed to find Joe away. I was glad V was here. Will after supper Joe and Emma drove to Wm H Woodman’s where they found the Kiels, Kehoes, Sam Woodman, and his family, each family with 3 kids each excepting Kiels have only two. There were 11 youngones in all! Saturday 25th Feb 1922 Voltie and Joe both drove away o’er the ice and away back of the corners for wood. I sent Charley Dixon a letter by Voltie as he is going to stop at the corners. We were surprised to see Will & Lena and young Vanalstynes drive in here with a big Ford automobile. Will brought for Voltie 3 kinds of seed beans and pop corn. I’m glad they came to dinner. Will came for Rachel. She couldn’t go, nothing to wear. Will has got to come again. [left margin] Voltie and Joe came before sundown with a big load of wood. Evening visitors were John Murray and Howard Niles. Played cards �42 Sunday 26 Feb 1922 A soft warm cloudy day. Kiel came for milk. Howard called for a few minutes. The atmosphere domestic is very mild this morning pleasantly congenial. I think I’ll write a letter to Grace. Joe and Emma went to Will McDonalds visiting came home at evening time. Sylvia sent me 9 Montreal Heralds and Weekly times. Howard here in evening. Monday 27th February 1922 A dim cloudy day. V drove across the river going for fence posts expecting to see Will Niles who promised to go with him but Will not home so he drove to the corners, bought candy and came home in time for his dinner. After dinner, Will N drove here in cutter didnt come in but staid out in the shop with Voltie nearly all p.m. then drove home. He told V he would help him tomorrow. After dinner Joe and Emma drove to the Capt Vincent to a military dance. Howard came and went with them. I sent a letter to Grace by Joe. V goes to bed early. R wanting to ring Mrs Jordon again about how long the foot of a sock should be. I objected and O O O— Geo Gillespie hurt by falling off a load of hay had the doctor from the villiage �43 Tuesday 28 Feb 1922 Voltie up early this mornng & after doing the chores drove away over the river again going for cedar fence posts. Will N is going with him. Joe and Emma came home at or after daylight. after awhile they go to sleep awhile get up about noon. Voltie came home about 5 p.m. with a big load of fence posts. Wednesday 1st of March 1922 Up early again this morning & after chores done Voltie and Joe both drive away over the ice and away to the burnt Rock for another load of fence posts. Each carrying a box of dinner. Will Niles and Edgar Niles drove there with their own team. Edgar drove here at 5 p.m. with a load of poles. V and Joe came later. Emma done big washing of white clothes and hung them all on the line: cold day and cloudy. Sam came and turned out the cows. I didn’t get a letter. I expected one from Grace. �44 Thursday 2nd March 1922 A cold cloudy morning. Snow fell in the night. No bare ground this morning a wilderness of snow every where, fence posts, branch of every tree, wood pile, and Voltie has driven away up the river to Kingston to report to the custom officers concerning the fence posts wh Friday 3 March 1922 Uncle Voltie & Joe gone after wood, quite a lot colder than yesterday. We all have colds. Grandma not well but is reading her book Lottie sent. Sam & Evertt here to see Joe. The men came at 4 oclock. Grandma went to bed early. Saturday 4 March, 1922 Grandma didn’t get up for breakfasat but I help her get dressed after & she came out & set in her chair for a while. Then I helped her back to bed. She will get up again. Grandma passes away half past nine. Never to be with us again. �45 �46 �47 �48 132 Bowers Avenue Watertown N.Y. Nitrate Mrs W. Sager Port Simpson General Hospital B.C. �49 dollar \$ ct. Nov 3rd 1921 Voltie paid John. 50 00 " Voltie paid Anglin on acct. 15 00 10 Voltie paid Weir & Rattray for apples 12 75 24 Paid Hunter and Stevenson, on furnace 62 98 24 Paid McFarland for hog feed 11 50 Dec 8th Telephone bill 2 24 "" Crawford 11 00 "" Anglin 58 60 "" Taxes 72 50 "" Clothing 49 65 " 16th paid bank note 50 00 "" Oculist for testing sight 4 00 "" 2 Books from Toronto 2 00 "" McGlynn for beef "" George Whitmarsh for beef Paid Volt for drawing hay 4 00 Gave Rachel on the hay 113 10 Jan 11th �50 125 tobac 25 stamp 25 razor 35 potum 20 screws ____ 220 335 plish ____ 2,55 40 c flakes 10 ____ 305 �51 �This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following people: Marilyn, Marissa Little, Ann Hopkinson, Eileen, Cassandra Colman, Bev Doucette, Queen’s University Archives, Iris Black, and Vivian Zhang � 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, 1921-1922 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 1921-1922 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. November 9th, 1921 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/83dadfb1821d71401472b8262db1e071.pdf 3b92206b0f55580d3eb1dbaab0ca63db PDF Text Text Irene Dixon Bamford 1918 February to June, Diary Transcription 5034_4-2-9 �Metadata FromThePage export of 5034_4-2-9 from Irene Dixon Bamford made on 2026-02-11 15:39:53 UTC. Title: 5034_4-2-9 Created On: 2024-01-11 17:19:48 UTC In Scope: true Uploaded Filename: 5034_4-2-9 �1 IRENE DIXON BAMFORD DIARY February 8th 1918 - June 28th, 1918 Queen’s University Archives Locator 5034.4 Box 2 File 9 �2 February 8th, 1918 - June 28th, 1918 �3 Re-Read ’72-’84 �4 {RDPS is wak} Friday 8 February 1918 a cold morning when the frost is on the windows. Our dancers came at day light (V and Edith) went to bed. V slept 3 hours. Will came bringing Emma, at 11 O’clock. She went to work till 3 p m. I received a letter from Grace with scraps of Margarets graduation dress, I got a bad cold. Will N came over brought me some US stamps. Ida Barney sent R two Family Heralds. Tom & Harold Dignum here waiting for their mail from Ranous who drives the shore this day. Harold received his exemption paper. Harold 25 years old last May measures 5 feet 7 inches. Will Niles came over again this p.m. Voltie cleaned the dining room stove pipe and V and Edith put it up again Saturday 9th February 1918 A nasty morning rain and snow windows plastered with it and freezing on. grows warmer 28 deg above. zero, Rowing and quarling going on all p.m. till I get sick �5 2 of staying here. but I’ve no where to go to. Emma cleaned floors and done Saturday work. I wrote a letter to Louise Voltie and Will drawing hay feeding Rachels hens card playing in evening by Voltie, Will, Edith & Emma Sunday 10th day of February 1918 Snowing fast and furious snow continues to pile up every where No quarreling this morning all same in door. "Home home sweet home". Very quiet and peaceful all day. Wm & Voltie doing chores 28 deg above zero Maggie Joslin Rattray got measles. Measles at Morgans too. V fed Rachels hens and brought over the book I intend sending to Belle. "The singer of The contray" �6 Monday 11 Feb 1918 A cloudy morning frost on bed room window. Voltie and Wm N butchered 3 hogs for market Henry came from Dick’s this p.m. horse jaded and worn out and got horse distemper and will give it to our horses so V says. snow blowing and drifting. no mail this day. Will Niles drove over to feed Rs hens Tuesday 12 Feb 1918 A rainy slushy time. guess Henry can’t go home this day Rachel sick with grippe or something got a sore throat. a very nasty day but not cold 28 deg above zero or more Sat up late again last night playing cards got a new game now where each one plays for his or herself. one advantage, a very quiet Game no noise 12 oclock midnight before every one settled Emma got a cough �7 4 Feb 1918 Wednesday 13 A cloudy morning froze a little last night, no mail this day most terrible roads every where Wm & Voltie drew hay from stack After dinner Henry made a break for United States & home, Accompanied by Wm N across the river; got as far as the cedars when whiffletree broke so H unhitched the poor sick colt and returned back again Wm kept straight on across the ice for home. V was just starting for Geo Woodmans but had to get H on the road again V took whiffletree (new one) and the horse and went down on the ice by the cedars hitched up and piloted H across the ice, colt fell down in slush so V unhitched him from cutter and drew the cutter himself while H came behind leading the three year old colt almost to weak from hard driving and neglect and a bad cough. I sent some things to Irene don’t supose she will get them: apples and a plate daily Wm N mailed a letter for me to [left margin] Louise Dixon. Will came back bringing me some Kraut Will went to Jacks to stay all night R got grippe �8 5 Thursday 14 Feb 1918 A cloudy nasty morning Emma scratching around and cleaning every thing Will N came from Jack’s at noon. while Voltie is gone to Geo Woodmans for shingles, gone a long time, Didn’t go for shingles, ate dinner with Geo and Inez. Will and V sawed and drew home a tree from the lower place for store wood. The shingles are away up by Geo McDonald’s. Voltie gets phone from Elery to come and doctor his engine Will Gillespie here to get Voltie to Doctor his pump Played cards awhile{} this evening I partly wrote a letter go grace Friday 15 February1918 Awoke this morning to find the rain beating against my bedroom window, The flat covered with water No traveling on ice or land by walking or plowing Telephone out of order line broken somewhere cant get central. 3 hogs butchered ready for market. cant get there. This is Emma’s is Birth day i.e. this day. How swiftly the years roll around no mail [left margin] Voltie tried to go to Elaries got as far as cheese factory and turned back Play cards again. V reading �9 6 Saturday 16th Feb 1918 Froze last night. Wm & Voltie drawing three loads of hay from stack Emma made head cheese. A Sun bright day. Mrs OBrien (John) and their little son Bernard here this p. m. visiting. While John drives to St Lawrence Corners, for things John drove back across the ice after dark didn’t eat with us had had supper at Maloneys. Mrs Hiram Yastin and Berty McDonald were obliged to call here to warm for their horse fell down on the ice by the concession and Wm & Voltie went to their rescue, got the horse up and the women in the house all right. I sent a cake to Grace by by Wm N I sent Grace a few postage stamps In Evening V reading Voltie reading Capt Warens Wards �10 7 Sunday 17 Feb 1918 A bright frozen morning. V reading after breakfast Capt W’s Wards Geo Woodman called here for his saw. Emma gone down to Geo Niles’. Edith out skating with Joe Murray till Sundown Emma came at bed time R made bean soup I thought I thought could eat it but couldn’t my appetite poor Edith popped corn couldnt eat much of that. Monday 18 Feb 1918 A cold cloudy day. Sun shone out once I wrote a letter to Bennie Watson. and quite fortunate in not sending by this day mail as I received a letter from Mr W T saying Bennie is at home not very well I also Received a letter from Maud. So I enclose Bennie’s and Mauds letters to Mr Watson together with one I wrote to Mr Watson Also I receive a photo of Bernard Morgan’s family with which I am much pleased Voltie drove to Elery’s to fix his engine, came home to dinner; Then Wm and Voltie draw hay from the stack. Wm does like our cider; it keeps him wonderfully good natured �11 8 Tuesday 19 Feb 1918. A very nasty morning. Raining quite hard. ground slushy with melting snow. All the same Voltie, Samy, & Ed Maloney went too Samy brought his horse Johnson which they hitched up, with Duke. and drove up the ice to Kingston Voltie taking the pork to market for which he gets only 22 cts per lb. They came home quite early before dark. Voltie brought Pinet lemons Electric oil liver pills a tonc for me, rice, soda, coffee, cosmopolitan, ink, envelopes, letter paper, soap, lemons, rolled oats. I finished writimg a letter Grace Cheever a good sociable letter The Cost pork previous to this Voltie received 25 cts per lb but this had been butchered nearly a week. waiting for good traveling good weather and a market day �12 9 Wednesday 20 Feb 1918 A very windy day from N. W. men, Wm N & V working in Shop Telephone man here to dinner Emma and Edith cleaning cabinet and pantry trying out fat pork Samy here to get horse shod. Joe Murray here awhile. V and Wm N cut 2 pine trees for Clayton saw mill. freezing all day. Thursday 21 Feb 1918. A very good morning but cold frost on windows Voltrie and Wm Start quite early for Clayton with 2 pine logs to be sawed for lumber. Geo N Jack N & Kehoe go to Clayton after dinner. V & Wm came in time to chores brought self flannel shirt 1.50 one made apron 9 yds gingham for aprons, me a thimble, gum, suspenders, 6 spools silkatine, pins, tobaco, matches, whiskey, 6 gallons Kerosine, snuffs gave Wm 5 dd soap laundry Friday. 22 February 1918 A very cold day Samy came from over the river ate dinner here. V and Wm drew hay from stack. We had about all we could do to keep warm. A letter from Grace also one from Belle �13 10 Saturday 23rd Feb. 1918. Four below freezing. Wind South V doctoring a sick calf. V drove to Geo McDonalds for a load of shingles. bringing part of them the other part froze down. came back before dinner. I wrote a letter to Bernard Morgan. V & Wm getting wood this p. m. Emma cooked a big pot of beans. The first egg to day. Wm went home. I sent my letter to Bernard by Wm to mail from that side. V & Wm drew two loads of wood. Aunt R not very well got grippe. First egg this winter Sunday 24th February 1918. Not very cold cloudy, wind South and breezy. A dead calf at the barn which makes two from seven this winter. Unexpected visitors arrive Will, Lena & Willie. Then Ray, Irene and little Flora. Stella Niles then Will Niles and Samy Woodman. After a musicale from piano violin and cornet played by Lena Willie & Lena go home Will dont go brother Will [left margin] Ray Irene and Flora all go to Dick Halliday. where they stay all night. �14 Monday 25 February 1918 A beautiful day, like Spring. after dinner Ray & Irene drive back from Dicks We get an oppertunity to Send Grace a few things by Ray. Will too goes home with them. I sorry to see Will go home. we were glad to see Wm N come a little while before sun set. Vand & Ola came over in cutter again across ice didnt stay long Van wants flour but got none Tuesday 26 February 1918 Storm all night of wind and rain V and William N intended going to Clayton weather prevented. They work in Shop all day. A rather dirty morn Turns Colder. wind west, North west, and freezing. very slippery walking Emma fried cakes made war cake and done a general supply of baking cookies, cakes, bread, beans &c 27th Feb 1918 Wednesday arose early V & Wm go to Clayton come back early before dinner. After dinner go to Maloneys for a load of Sand our mail consists of two big bundles of papers from Grace which all the family look at and study [left margin] & bought from Clayton this day Feb 27th 5 yds bright calico for aprons. 3 yds blue 3 yds ping 8 yds dark for me a dress, coffee �15 12 Thursday 28 Feb 1918 Cloudy morning but not stormy freezing V. & Wm draw 4 loads of Sand from Maloneys. George Woodman drove in here bringing his aunt Edith for a few hours visit. Came for her at Evening Emma got mumps or something Rachel reading Leilla Roosevelt sent Mary a daily Em gave her a crochet yoke. Friday 1st day of March 1918 Not a very pleasant day snow falling V and Wm drawing hay from stack. Emma not up yet R reading. One load of sand. Friday 1st March 1918 Cloudy snow falling. draw hay again this day. no letters, 2 seed catalogs. Bruce of Canada, Burpee of Philadelphia Pen. McLeons Magazine Standard and others trash! draw hay from stack R reading Em got mumps or something sent 5 lbs butter to Grace by �16 13 Saturday 2nd March 1918 A cloudy day. not very cold. Wm and Voltie drawing sand from Maloneys Emma helped wash dishes listened at telephone a while and went to bed mumps or something. R picking over beans. Edith washing a few things and trying to do Saturday work. She cleaned floors, washed ironed and cooked & washed dishes. Will went home I sent sent 5 lbs butter to Grace by paid post Will N carried it over. sent by him a letter to Belle. Sunday 3rd March 1918. A very fine day. No one here in the am Maurice and Edith Bates stopped here for a few minutes while returning from a visit to his mother over the river Will Niles here a while I posted & sent a letter to Belle by Will N. Monday 7 March 1918 Freezing half cloud day Voltie drawing sand from Maloney’s R picking over beans Emma got mumps and goes mumping around Edith up stairs 1/2 hour making beds or something [left margin] V in pm drove to Elery’s to grind 6 bags of hog feed 4 hogs to feed �17 14 Tuesday 5 March 1918 A very good day Voltie drew one load of sand from Maloneys I write a long letter to Grace Wednesday 6t March 194 A cold day frost on window I wrote a letter to Grace inclosing one to Robert which I was forced Enough to send across to other side by Wm N who skated across Voltie in shop fixing old sleigh which he broke drawing sand. {Pansy came here from the horse races & staid all night} Thursday 7 March 1918 A cold frozen morning Samy ate breakfast with us. He’s gone home now to do all his barn chores Voltie choring and doing shop work Samy went again to the horse race �18 Friday 8 March 1918 A very good morning sun clear R washing dishes. Edith listening at telephone and very much upset in mind, because I am talking, which disturbs her listening, and the prettiest part is, she vehemently rebukes me for disturbing her while listening to the neighbors business. Voltie choring and drwing manure Frost on the North window this morning Edith helps Voltie saw wood with cross cut mail came Early again this day. A letter from Irene, a letter rom Charlotte. Will N drove in here accompanied by Joe Woodman. capped and overcoated for Winter, and uninvited they steered for the cellar for cider after staying in cellar a long time they came up as Voltie came in from [shop]. Joe went home. Wm staid but would Eat no dinner. He so full of cider he can hold no dinner He brought me the stampe I sent by him to get last time he was here (Wednesday) Poor old Will he looks bad since the races �19 16 Saturday 9 March 1918 Another miserable cold day thickening for a storm V got mumps Samy came down and done chores in p.m. Voltie stands out and helps do chores V & Edith Saw wood with cross cut saw V splits it and Edith draws it in on sled. Beginning to Snow. Sunday 10 March 1918 Snows all night roads filled again. No one here only Samy staid all night and after doing chores here goes home to his own. then comes back stays all day and all night. The day is occupied by reading by Each member of the family have to keep stuffing the wood in stove to keep warm Monday 11 March 20 above zero this morning. Samy after doing his own chores an part of V’s drove across the river to get W.N. V is fixing harness Samy �20 came brining Wm N. who thinks he too is coming down with mumps if he is I think this family is having their or our share of mumps. Then came Dilavan bring over two men who are trying to buy horses. Hookimer and a Collins Van staid here awhile they went to Flynns bought none I sent a letter to Irene by Dilavan. all the Eggs our hens have laid this winter is 19 The weather is cold. Frost on Every window tho’ the wind is South. Tuesday 12th March 1918 Cloudy and raining some this morning Wm N went for a load of hay this morning before breakfast. Grace phoned from Watertown this morning, for V or someone to meet Reginald at Rosiere tomorrow. Samy is going to meet Reginald at Rosiere. clouds clear away sun come out brightly and thaws all day �21 {[Re-read 76-84]} page 18 Wednesday 13 March 1918 Samy went this morning for Reginald. Came back early before 11 a.m. acompanied by Reginald whom we were well pleased to have him iwth us. Clouds in pm and it looks like a Storm Will N drawing hay. he got mumps but will stay out all day working in shop. Our mail is Farm & Dairy Canadian Countryman Advocate Farmer and a letter from Grace also one from Bennie Watson Thursday 14 March 1918 not very cold , but cloudy. Wm N and V working in shop. Ellery want to get his old buzz saw fixed Sent [...] 25 cts to [Sigton’s] for Cosmopolitan tobaco 1 lb baking powder parowax, 20 cts [left margin] Eggs 17 6 Wednesday 23 2 R’s 4 Fr Sat 4 Th F 33 5 Sun �38 3 Monday 41 9 Tuesday 50 7 Wed 57 5 Thursday 62 9 Friday 71 9 Satuday 80 4 Sunday 84 10 Mon 94 10 Tue 104 7 Wednes 111 8 Thursday 119 11 Friday 130 Eggs 13 Saturday �143 11 Sunday 154 This Ends March for Eggs �22 Friday 15 March 1918 not much mail this day only Standard and Farm and Dairy. V & Wm N worked in shop in Evening Edith Emma visit and Reginald visit George Niles family. Saturday 16th March 1918 Partly cloudy sun shine sometimes Wm N & Voltie working in shop on old sleigh; finished it Emma done Saturday work and fixed a mess of cakes. Will drew hay from stack in p.m. After dinner Reginald went boat riding on the ice with Samy Woodman. The ice is good and freezing Wind West Rachel reads nearly all day. Edith popps corn in Evening while Reginald & Emma plays cards. I send a letter to Grace by Wm N to mail over there when he goes home this Eve Tobaco, 80 parowax, 20 cts, 1 lb baking powder, 20 [left margin] 1 154 March eggs 17 first April Monday 171 12 2 183 14 3 4 Tuesday Wed 197 14 Thur 211 Eggs �5 6 12 F 223 eggs 20 Sat 243 20 7 269 6 8 Monday morning when Reginald brought in 6 Eggs from a new nest of 7 more this 7th of April 269 17 9 Sunday Tues 286 17 Wed 10 303 16 11 319 16 12 Friday 335 13 13 Thursday Sat 348 14 Sun 362 26 M 388 14 402 Tue 16 418 W �15 433 Thurs 20 453 F 11 464 29 Sun 493 22 515 Mon �23 20 {[Re-Read 76 - ’84]} Sunday 17 March 1918 A very fine day Emma made ice cream Voltie and I Heard that Mabel Morgan has gone to New York to be a nurse in hospital she went the first day of March, 1918. Monday 18 March 1918 A fine day not cold but thawing all day. [Steward] Murry goes across to D[]ville for Sow dust Samy starts to drive across for coal founr poor ice and turned back Voltie went across with Sammy and went to Corners for 18 gallons of Kerosine which he left over on that side but brought home in a bag a pair of new overalls a frock coffee mixed mustard gum 10 soap $100 2 silkateen white 10 cts baking powder parowax 20 cts and tobaco 80. Stewart Murphy came home all night. Wall & Reginold drew hay Stewart came across but one horse broke through the ice [left margin] forgot to say two new milk pails and two small agate pans. April 23 515 19 531 tues �19 wed 550 17 thur 567 16 Fri 573 18 sat 591 23 614 sun �24 21 Tuesday 19 March 1918 A very fine day sun clear and bright Voltie and Reginald went across this morning for Kerosine 18 gal. Emma walked over to Rachels to feed her hens Jack N drove in here for ice tongs accompanied by Miss Goodfriend our teacher who boards at Jacks. He is driving to School with her (Nelly Goodfriend) Voltie & Reginald came home to dinner, bringing the 18 gal of Kerosine and the agate pans The snow and ice failing rapidly Tomato soup for dinner fried pork and potatoes bread, honey & butter & Played cards till ½ past past 10 pm Wednesday 20 March 1918 Another fine day Reginald gone over to feed R’s hens V phoned to George Woodman to borrow ½ doz sap buck buckets cant get any. Stanley going to tap both sugar bushes. Phoned to William H Woodman. He sold a dozen new ones to V. by phone. Samy brought them up and after dinner V & Reg tapped the trees [left margin] Voltie drove to Ellerys to get grinding done for hog feed, in morning only one bag, bataries give out April 29 614 Mon 19 633 �tues 16 649 Wed 16 665 thur 16 681 Fri 23 704 Sat 19 723 Sun 24 747 �25 {[Re-Read 76 - ’84]} 22 Thursday 21 March 1918 A soft hazy day. V & Reg & Wm drove to the Smith place for the skiff and motor to put them in the boat house here by [cossimon] Then Wm drove over to R’s place with her so she could look after things and feed her old hens Then back to dinner all OK After dinner Wm and Reg draw gravel from below lower ice hour. March 22nd Friday 1918 another fine day. Voltie and REg over back on the place picking up wood for Rachel. she is going to move home tomorrow or Monday Samy came down to see what is the time of day. V said blue birds Robins and Crows all out to day I write and send a letter to Grace Ice is getting rotten and full of holes May 1918 747 27 Mon 774 22 Tues 196 23 Wed �819 20 Thur 839 24 Fri 863 26 Sat 889 21 Sun 910 23 Mon 933 25 Tues 958 22 980 980 138 1018 Wed �26 23 Saturday 12 March 1918 Froze last night river all open above J Nile’s. Rachel moved home this morning. V gave her 6 gals of Kerosine & pork V. & Wm drawing hay. Nelly Goodfriend came here visiting this pm weather cool. but clear, didn’t stay to supper but went back to her boarding place Jack Nile’s for they are going this Eve to George Niles asking our Kids to go too but they not going they dont want to V and Will went to Ellerys to grind pig feed. Rachels cow got a new calf Sunday 24 March 1918 A beautiful day Wind very light soft & South Samy and Joe made us a call. They didnt stay long Joe went home first Samy staid to read a story in the new magazine The cosmopolitan. No one here after Samy went home �27 24 Monday 25 March 1918 Another beautiful morning frosty this morning which is a sign of a good sap day another calf at the barn which makes 5 new red and white calves. Reginald went to Kingston with Geo and Joes Niles ate dinner at his grandad Gaskins and at villiage before her went over only in Kingston one hour and half. V sent by him for rice, and fruitatives The sap runs well this day nearly two pails full I write and send a letter to Bennie Wat No letters this day; ony our three farm papers which come regularly Ever Monday Emma washing lines full of clothes but didn’t finish Tuesday 26 March 1918 A light snow on ground this morn and still continued to snow a little men drawing hay I & Reg and Will Voltie threshing beans weather grown warmer. After dinner Voltie Will N and Reginald went to Rachels to saw & [left margin] split wood Enough to last her store a day or two. by noon snow all disapeared that fell last night & this morning. work goes slow as usual. �28 25 Wednesday 27 March 1918 A very fne day froze some last night. Will Niles walked across the ice this morning. Emma done more washing, sap don’t run this day. Thursday 28 March 1918 A fine morning. Guess sap will run this day. Emma up at 4 oclock baking bread. Just arose from breakfast. Joe came for something, stepped in and said "good morning" and went out immediately north & a cow down. Samy here to help lift her up, ate dinner. Reginald helping his uncle nearly all day. I begin a letter to Muriel my dear grandaughter. Friday 29 March 1918 A fine spring morning, scarcely a bit of snow to be seen, froze just a little. Sap running merrily. I sent a letter to Nellie Brooks, finished and mailed letter to Muriel. Drew hay from stack, Pass Rachels and carry milk for her. The sick cow had a calf The calf dead. �29 26 Saturday 30th March 1918 April eggs Another fine day. A sap day, snow all gone as far as I can see except in our dooryard a few little scattering spots another calf at our barn. One lamb yesterday and two this day living one lamb this day. Our first one this spring. Sunday 31 March 1918 Easter Sunday. Madeline and Myrabelle came over to Easter. Voltie invited Joe and Samy to dinner. They came to be sure. Emma fried and boiled about 4 dozen eggs & "sugared off" a very fine day had ice cream. Got milk cow up all night at the barn. 2 more lambs. �30 29 Monday 1st April 1918 A very fine day. Em picked up the clothes to wash but didn’t wash. I write and send a letter to Grace. Emma cleaned floors and churned. Voltie making whiffletrees getting ready for spring work, not much sap trees drying up. Raining nearly all night. Tuesday 2 March 1918 A very fine day, sap dont run this day. Voltie in shop nearly all day making whiffletrees and repairing Dick Hallidays old cultivator. Emma churned. Joe Woodman ate dinner and supper because he is visiting Voltie in shop. Sunsets clear look like spring, milking 8 cows now. Wednesday 3rd April A fine day froze again last night and sap runs right merrily this day. Reg empties the sap buckets of rain water. Joe ate dinner again Continued 3rd April Dick Hallidays have a dance this evening. Riginald & our two going. Reginald been chopping the old buggy free from ice. going over to Dicks in it to the first dance after Easter. I send to Buckbees for seeds 3rd of April 1918. Johnny get your gun, get your gun, got your gun �31 28 Thursday 4 April 1918 A very pleasant day, but after the dance at Dick Halliday’s. Emma gone to bed. Reginald abed too. Edith up working away, geting dinner, washing, feeding lambs. One old ewe had 4 lambs last night after. Voltie with lantern went searching for them all over the farm at last found them down in the old barn & drove them home and put them in the sheep pen. Joe Woodman here to dinner. We have 26 lbs of butter now ready for market. Joe Woodman here to supper. Friday 5 April 1918 A very fine morning. Voltie up in night feeding lambs. Brought in another one this morning. Three now in the veranda to feed with bottle. the Wind South river all open. Two letters one from Belle, one from Grace. Emma received a letter from Will N. After dinner Edith went to Jim Morgans visiting going to stay all night. V had trouble trying to plow colts tried to get away because the lines broke broke plow and hurt kit colt. Emma made cookies & sugar. Reginald gathered the sap 3 pails full. �32 29 Saturday 6th April 1918 Another fine day. Voltie after choring nearly all forenoon comenced plowing again this p.m. He plows between here and the road. Reginald brought in two pails full of sap. I wrote a letter to Maud and Bert. Emma worked the butter and made it into 8 prints which makes 34 lbs now ready for market. Edith came home this p.m. accompanied by Madeline and Myrabelle. Emma cleaned all the floors and done Saturdays general house work. Sunday morning 7 April 1918 Sun dont shine very clearly this morning, all have a great visiting time. Excepting V and myself, they are all assemble in the kitchen to boil sap. Madaline & Myrabelle go home at 5 p.m. Monday 8 April 1918 A cloudy drizzy day. V didn’t plow but he and Reginald drew hay from stack this a.m. Then mended harness the rest of the day. I sent a letter to Grace also one to Bert and Maud and received letters from John and from June Kendrie also a sun from farm & dairy when I know the years suscription has not expired for I sent a dollar the 25 of June 1917. Voltie went after dark and carried milk to Rachel. We ate supper after come back. �33 Tuesday 9 April 1918 Froze last night. frost on all the windows this morning. V working shop all day. I wrote a long letter to John this day. Reg choring and boiling sap; all 3 making a racket all day. nothing very substantial done all day boil a little sap on the stove. Emma bakes bread. Sap dont run to day to chilly. Reginald talks to his ma over the phone. 41 lbs butter. Wednesday 10 April 1918 Wind N.E. blowing a stiff breeze "shgaring off" off. I write a letter to farm and dairy and put it in mail box & also one to John. V and Reginald draw hay. V works on harness. Lillie Goodfriend surprised us by walking in after school to make us a visit which she did by staying all night and to breakfast. Emma put up a good lunch for tea. They played games till 11 O’clock no mail this day for any one. No crossing from Kingston since Saturday. Froze quite hard last night. �34 Thursday 11 April 1918 Another frozen morning. Reginald and Voltie drawing hay. 3 loads from the stack. Emma and Ed getting dinner. Turnip for dinner. Jack Niles phoned her is going to Kingston tomorrow morning. Starts at six O’clock a.m. and says Reginald can go with him. Reginald packs his suit case. Couldn’t pack all his things in his, so borrowed Ediths. V went to bed quite early. Weather threatens a storm. 47 lbs butter. Friday 12 April 1918 I called early this morning to Emma who answered me after a time or two which disturbed Voltie and he arose after a while. Not going to Kingston this day everything covered with snow 1/2 foot any way every tree shrub and fence. It looks more like winter than it did a month ago. Snow still continuing continues to fall fast and furious all day. Reginald rings up George Niles. Geo says he dont know when he is going away. But Reg has his suit cases all packed ready for Kingston and home. V and Reg gathered the sap in milk cans. �35 30 Saturday 13 April 1918 A fine day snow all disapeared by 3 pm. Joe phoned this morning saying he is going to villiage and Reginald can go with him, So after breakfast Reginald again dresses and rearranges his suit cases, and Voltie goes with him to Samys carrying the heaviest suit case. V sends by Joe for a few things, groceries. Well the home is lonesome without Reggie but such is life. 53 lbs butter for market. Samy ate dinner with us. Joe & Samy got a sick cow. can’t stand up sun sets clear. Sunday 14 April 1918 A clear chilly morning. V milked the cows this morning. Edith didn’t get up till breakast was ready then went to carry milk and honey to Rachel a tug went down this morning towards Clayton We were alone all day till just at sunset our girls discovered a man in a skiff rowing in here. It was Wellie �36 31. Monday 15 April A very fine day. Wellie arose early and went to Aunt Rachels to breakfast came back and cut Voltie’s hair. He thought to go home after dinner. A big body of ice came floating down and now he, like Reginald is marooned on this island. Joe came and Samy bringing our groceries coffee, rolled oats, tea, yeast cakes paid telephone bill and after taking out a dollar beside the above from a ten dollar bill brought back $2,20 cts. Voltie plowed a little and Wellie made an axe handle. Edith went to R’s after dark with milk for Rachel. Received a letter from Nellie Brooks. Tuesday 16 April 1918 A very warm day for the season. Wellie went home this morning or across the river in our skiff. Voltie plows, after doing all the chores beside going to Niles for milk, Emma done a good job of cleaning up things in front veranda but only cleared things without cleaning, carried honey up stairs, sorted the papers and magazines, turned the lambs out door. �37 32 Wednesday 17 Apr 1918 Warm and cloudy. looks like rain. Emma churned soon after breakfast butter not long in churning; have to lift the cow up every day. Emma churned twice this day in a.m. 60 lbs butter for market. I patch a dress for myself, old black dress. wrote and sent a letter to Belle. forgot to send it by Wellie Preparing to go to market tomorrow with butter and eggs. V going. 45 lbs butter, 10 doz eggs. V plowed; another calf little bald face cow. Thursday 18 April 1918 A terrible cold, windy nasty rainy snowy day. It makes everything disagreable dreary indoor and out. Didn’t go to market; day to bad. The truth is we didn’t do much any way. I wrote a long letter to Will. boil sap on stove [illegible] a can of maple syrup for pancakes, sometime the boat came in last night to our dock for the first time this year. 18 April 1918 �38 33 Friday 19 April 1918 A clear day; not much wind froze so hard Voltie can’t plow this day. I receive a letter from Grace. Lib Watson. V built a yard for the lambs. Emma carried them out to the yard. Judy, Betsy, Rags Emma done some cleaning in Veranda. Emma received letter from Miriam Burton. Lib Watson want strawberry vines raspberry bushes, rose bushes. Sun set clear and red this evening sent Will a letter Saturday 20 April 1918. A very good day, nothing extra. The usual amount of Saturday work accomplished a little baking a little mopping. Same old chores done out side. Same milking separating, calves fed, hogs fed, horses fed & watered, sheep in sheep pen, stables cleaned for horses and cows, lambs fed. Emma worked over butter & churned. made prints. 77 lbs butter now for market. Emma after supper walked down to Maggie Rattrays. V plowed. Edith tended to bread baking after Emma hiked down the Island. Maurice and Samy went to corners crossed in our skiff. They stay all night at Maloneys. V sent for tobaco and Emma sent for flower seeds Aster sturtium and sweet peas. �39 34 Sunday 21st April A nasty rainy day. V, Edie and I alone nearly all day only Maurice and Samy called in long enough to ask for Voltie and leave the flower seeds and tobacco. Rained so much Emma didn’t come home, roads all mud. V went to Rachels carrying her stuff apples and milk. I thought I’d write a letter but read all day. Samy gave me a cosmopolitan. Ogle drove down the Island and returned towards night. V brought in some sap the last run for this year. Monday 22nd April 1918. not a very pleasant day. Joe and Samy here fixing old milk waggon wheel. V plowing. Joe and Samy here to dinner. Emma rode up with the mail so she is home again. �40 Tuesday 23 April 1918 not very cold, sort of a half cloudy day. V plowing. I wrote a long letter to Lib Watson. Emma churned twice. Emma set 4 hens. I finished a cake doily & gave it to Emma. Wednesday 24th April 1918 froze last night but the morning is bright. Wind south. I wrote a letter to Grace and sent two this morning one to Grace, one to Lib Watson. Received a letter from Grace, also one from Grace Cheever. working at butter last night to get ready for market tomorrow. Thursday 25 April 1918 Froze some last night. V arose quite early. Going to town to day. Emma got breakfast, drove to dock with Voltie and 10 doz eggs & 85 lbs butter. Edie washed breakfast dishes milked 4 cows lugged the milk to the house & separated. Emma and Edith carry separated milk. �41 to feed 8 calves. Joe and Sam came cleaned cow stable lifted the old sick cow onto her old legs. I sat out in Veranda this am for the first time this spring. Emma got dinner and helped milk. Emma milked 4 cows. Edie milked six. Joe came and hitched up and drove to dock for V and Rachel. Some of her eggs were smashed by driving over to the dock this morn. 85 lbs. V sold the butter for 40 cts per lb got .34 cts for the eggs per doz. He bought oil cloth for the dining room, olive oil, ink, letter paper, shoes for Edith, shoes for himself, onions & onion sets, 3 pairs of stockings & trouser buttons, soda biscuits, carbonate of soda, cornstarch, laundry starch, pulverized sugar, coffee, 2 pairs socks, candy. Joe here to supper. Garden & flower seeds, Pansy, Phlox, Asters, Morning Glory, Parsley, salsify, tea kettle, Varnish, sweet collar, salt for cattle, 2 King bolts, shoelaces, Dinner 50 fare, 35. Voltie bought mucilage and a quart of beans �42 April Friday 26th 1918 Clear, cold for the season especialy in the morning, warmer towards noon and afternoon. Edith after helping V went over to Rachels, to carry buttermilk. She gave Edith candies, cookies, bologna sausage, and other sausage enough for our dinner. I send a dollar to Farm and Dairy. I receive a letter from Bert and Maude. Emma beginning to clean house by taking up the sitting room carpet and moving the the few scrubby looking flowers that have wintered out fron veranda. Edith and Emma are both helping Voltie do the barn chores. Oh what a time this is. who knows how it will all end this war. Sometimes I’m afraid and Poor Maggie Joslin only did she take such a burden on her young shoulders. What has she gained by that marriage. Emma and Edith milked all the cows & separator. V went to draw hay from stack, horses got frightened when a little hay slipped off the load and poor dear Emma sprained her ankle. Now I don’t know what we will do. Joe and Samy saw the catastrophy and came running to help. V fell off the load backward but didn’t sustain any damage. Oh I’m sorry. �43 Saturday 27th April 1918 Emma cant step on her foot this day. I helped all I could washed dishes, picked over beans. V plowing all day. Samy and Joe fixing to go spearing. The day is lovely, warm not a breath of wind stiring. Tom Maloney rowed over and gone up the island somewhere perhaps over to Dora’s to see Maurice. Edith washed and made 8 butter prints and worked all day. doing the best she can. Joe and Tom done the best he can too for he and Tom both drove up the island courting. Joe to Huffs or Cuffs and Tom a Fargo girl. Voltie and Samy went fishing after V plowed all day went spearing up in Sulivans bay. Got one big pike, 2 smaller ones one eel two bullheads & one rock bass, came home about one oclock am. �44 Sunday 28 April 1918 A beautiful day, warm scarcely a breeze of air. V took a nap before dinner. The atmosphere is hazy. Looks like rain. Will Niles and Jim Maloney unexpectedly walked in. I sent them to the barn to help. V got the cow up out the Stanchion lifter. They went there was no one here the rest of the day. Monday 29 April 1918 Raining a little this morning but clears after a while. I write a letter to Buckbee but am thinking cant get it posted. Poor Edith is cross she cant get along with the work alone. OG and good house keeper would with one masterful stride of mind and hand would sweep the whole business and have dinner on time. I have done it. Emma tried to get around on her lame foot and did fix the churn. I churned not long coming Voltie plowing down on Smith. A little thunder a little lightening and a little rain at bed time. �45 Tuesday 30th April 1918 A very fine day somewhat cooler after the rain. Voltie cultivating to sow wheat. Emma churned and made 13 butter prints took the butter from the churn, pared apples, I’ve got one lame leg. Edith done quite a lot of work too brought water, washed separator, built fires and helped get the meals, fed lambs and helped do some chores at the barn. Emma crocheted and so did I. Wednesday 1st May 1918 A very fine day tho it was somewhat rainy this am. Samy and Joe came to the shop a while. Samy came in for honey while Joe went home. Mr. Geo Gillespie came in while we were eating breakfast. Emma making scrap book. I finished Grace Jr cake doily. Voltie, after dinner cultivated with a four horse team he drew some hay from lower barn for horses. Emma pared some apples and cooked some beans. The old cat had one kitten, it died and buster ate it up. Edith washed dishes and separator, fed the lambs, got breakfast and dinner, brought in water & wood, gathered the eggs. Helped V hitch up the 4 horse team. Sun sets clear. No mail this day. Edith helped milk and sepated the milk. Emma got supper and cooked bean. �46 Thursday 3rd May 1918 A very good day but chilly wind N. Voltie sowed 7 bushels of wheat this day. Emma made scrap book. I wrote a letter to Grace. Joe Woodman got to go to war, drafted. He got a letter yesterday to go. Voltie got bad cold in head. Emma made 8 prints which makes 29 ready for market. Joe came in for Will’s fiddle box. He is going to the villiage. Friday 2nd May 1918 A fine day but cool. Voltie working in field cultivating. Emma churned leaving the butter in churn all night, made scrap book &c. We received a letter from Grace, two farm papers and McLeans magazine. It is this day that Joe came for Will’s fiddle box. A dance at the villiage. Joe going to play. �47 Saturday 4 May 1918 Another chilly morning. Voltie working in field. Emma walking on her lame foot trying to do the best she can baking bread. Emma works around this day more than usual. I should not be discouraged and if I ought not to be. Edith cleaned up grain oat for E. Voltie Samy went across in Voltie’s skiff at sunset. Sunday 5 May 1918 A very fine day bright clear and warm. Stella Niles came across to work for Louise. Roy, Maggie and Willie Goslin came they brought the baby with them. Albert Barry here awhile Emma can go out door now Monday 6 May 1918 This is a much besmeared page. I dropped ink from the pen. Another fine day. Emma foot better. Didn’t get any letters only two farm papers. We churned this day. 44 lbs. butter for market. �48 Tuesday 7 May 1918 Rather cloudy. Voltie cultivating all fore noon getting ready to sow oats. We dont do much work in doors. Emma churned. Afternoon rainy. Joe came and staid to supper got to go away tomorrow morning. He is hoping he may come back from Kingston without going further. A thunder shower this evening. 7000 soldiers on a strike in Halifax. They wont go aboard the transport vessels to take them to France. An awful state of affairs when Canada has to fight her own men to make them go to fight. Wednesday 8th May 1918 A cool cloudy morning. Wind South Joe went away this morning, two others in the buggy with him. Emma preparing to go to Kingston to-morrow. Voltie sowed oats and cross draged the field. Edith went over to Rachels to carry her some buttermilk and papers. Received a letter from Maud & Bert �49 and Farmers Magazine. Joe didn’t come to-night but might come tomorrow. No Joe didn’t come back nor do I think he will ever come again. V’s sick calf died. A very good Thursday 9th May 1918. A very good day tho cool and cloudy. Voltie drove to dock with Emma. She is going to market with 52 lbs butter and 10 dozen eggs. Butter 44 cts per lb, eggs 35 cts doz. She bought tea, coffee, rolled oats, candy, washing powder soap, paint, underwear liquid Veneer, cheesecloth cotton cloth, letter pad, flower seed, Lettuce, Radish, cucumbers, Dinner 40 cts boat fare 35 repairing ring 15 cts thread, 8 �50 Friday 10 May 1918 Cool day and V working in shop nearly all day nothing done in door only taking butter from the churn which has stood in the cooling water since yesterday. Guess Emma’s foot bothers her since her walk around town yesterday. Received a letter from Belle and one from Grace; both very interesting. Voltie walked up to Samy’s and Samy came down and ate supper Saturday 11 May 1918 Froze last night quite hard The sun shining clear and bright this morning. Voltie gone to plow He has sowed 44 bushels of grain. sent R’s books home this morning and a chunk of ham. Voltie plowing again this afternoon. Afternoon cloudy, looks rain. Edith expecting Madaline and Myrabelle tomorrow. Rachel is expecting Will; he going to bring her a dog. Emma and Edith made pies, cookies, carried the old orange tree out in veranda, baked bread and Emma milked 5 cows & separated. churned, worked over and packed but carried the old slop pail swept out my dirty bedroom, kicked the cats outdoor, out to the ba ha mopped kitchen and dining rooms, got the meals and washed all the dishes and sowed flower seeds and gathered the eggs separated the milk and washed churn & separated, fed calves and went after the cows brought wood & water. A great day among the cats. Bustco has got 4 kittens �51 Sunday May 12 1918 Not a very good day rainy and cloudy. Tom Malony and Samy Woodman here awhile. Madeline and Marabelle didn’t come over to wet neither did Will come. Voltie working in the shop at old milk wagon getting it ready to draw milk in tomorrow morning. V went for the cows through the rain; had to find shelter in the old barn while the rain poured on the roof which lulled him to sleep. R’s old cow tearing the fence down. No visitors no callers only Samy here a few minutes to use the telephone. Tom M didn’t come in so you see nothing occurred of any account only Voltie drowned busters young cats and peppered the bull with bird shot for he can jump some. Shower after shower, dark and gloomy, follow each other in succession at most intervals accompanied by thunder. �52 Monday 13th May 1918 Guess it rained all night, cant work in field. To wet to plow, drew the milk to the factory this morning for the first time. Edith helped milk and has now gone to Rachel’s to carry milk. Emma sent Samy a loaf of bread and some cookies by V when he went to factory. Emma sent letter to Langley and Willie Joslin. Emma received letters from Langley, Sylvia, and more garden seeds, also a letter from Reginald. Rachel has got a dog and a jar of butter. Joe is home to stay awhile. He has now gone over to the corners. Voltie sent by him for pills. Emma carried the old brown carpet to the river and soaked it awhile in the water then Voltie helped pound it clean and hung it on the fence. So much more done towards spring house cleaning. Voltie fixed fence, chopped wood for Rachel, made a circle for old milk wagon, and a thousand other things. �53 Tuesday 14th May 1918 Another nasty morning & not very warm. Clears up. The day grows brighter wind South and quite breezy. Samy here to dinner; plowed for Voltie this p.m. Emma washed a lot of clothes, which is so much more towards spring house cleaning, and the separator too get the meals, and churned, beside crocheted on a yoke. Edith helped do all kinds of work, the hens are hatching. V plowed a place for a flow garden. I wrote a letter to Grace and inclosed Belle. Edith helps Emma, feeds lambs, goes for the cows, milks washes milk can. Samy ate supper here, didnt stay all night. Edith forgot to gather and bring in the eggs Wednesday 15 May 1918 A clear bright still morning and cool. Had to call Edith so many times this morning again. A good day for working in field. Emma does a lot of work towards cleaning up curtains and blankets. Old hog tipped over the stack kettle full of starch down by the river Samy helping V this fore noon ate dinner here. V got a sick hog always has some sick animal to care Joe came home. A letter from Will Stella Niles here. Samy & Joe came down a while. Emma gone to dock with them in morning. Stella Niles here in evening. �54 Thursday 16, 1918 Arose early. Emma gone to town rode over to the dock with Joe and Sam. She is taking up a eleven dozen of eggs. Voltie gone to work down on the Smith’s place. He finished plowing yesterday. Joe here to breakfast. Edith put the little chickens outdoors there is 21 of them. Grandma picked over beans for dinner. Emma carried a crate of honey in sections to market. Joe feels bad about going to war. Friday 17 May 1918 A very fine day. Voltie working in field. Emma washing curtains. E & E milks the cows while Votlie works late in the field. Emam scrubbed wall in kitchen. 18 May 1918 Saturday. V finished up below sowing grain 60 bushels didnt’ come home till after dark. Emma & Edith worked steady all day at painting, cleaning kitchen. �55 Sunday 19th May 1918 A very fine day cant make fire in dining room cook stove, smoke so bad, got supper on oil stove and breakfast and dinner this day. Roy drove up for Emma to go visiting at his house she went. Edith went to church; Samy ate dinner here. Howard called him to see if the Morgans kids were here found they were not so proceeded to church. Madaline & Myrabelle at church came home with Edith staid till toward sun set. I gave them a lot of old magazines. V gave them 2 quarts new milk. Stella came then Will Niles & Jim Maloney. After a time or two Roy came brining Emma home accompanied by Maggie and baby Monday 20 May 1918 A good day. Voltie finished sowing grain this day. I sent Brother Will a letter. Emma cleaning upstairs got the oil cloth down all right. Only Farmers magazine and Experiments from papers. �56 Tuesday 21st May 1918 Voltie and Joe sheared the sheep. Voltie prepared Emma and Ediths flower garden. Emma washed more clothes and rugs. I fix my old dress skirt, crochet on the deep lace. The day is fine. Joe going to a dance this eve at villiage. Jim Maloney and Will Niles here this evening. Wednesday 22 May 1918 Very warm in forenoon. A big shower towards night from South. Voltie cross draging. Emma cleaned parlor it looks fine. She has to do most of the work alone. V going to prepare ptoatoe ground then elevate the cutter over head in the ice house, shut up the sow in the ice house for keep. No ice in ice house. I dont feel very well and am very discontented about many things specialy about washing. I am afraid it will take a long time to straighten things out. Talk about day light saving by setting the clock forward! what is the good of �57 that as long as the small fragments of time are wasted and thrown away. Thursday 23 May 1918 A beautiful day after the rain Voltie drove to the dock this morning with Rachel’s eggs which she sold to George Rattray for over 7 dollars. V drove from there to factory with the milk. The river is very still this morning just a small ripple. Friday 24 May 1918 Emma doing some washing and house cleaning Voltie’s bedroom. I think it is Voltie planting potatoes. At last they got ready and started out for the dance. Emma goes one way Edith another. Emma goes with Jack and Anna in car. Edith walks over to Morgans to go from there with them in their motor boat. The dance is made for Joe Woodman but the [illegible] came down in a motor truck 22 strong and monopoly The dancing hall so this company were out and had nothing to do but set around and look on and the villiage ghouls ate the grub that this party had carried. �58 Saturday 25 May 1918 This is a dull day after the party and dance at Dora Hallidays. The house is in terrible disorder for things being upset and misplaced and such, a rain storm pouring rain all p.m. but they never try to catch any rain water barrels of it going to waste. Sunday 25 May 1918 A very fine day. Old front veranda in an awful uproar. Will Niles, Stella and Devolson and Lib here all p.m. also Howard Niles also George Woodman. Emma went down to George Niles with Stella and Will staid there to supper then they came back again with her. They staid all evening then Emma had to go a little way home with them. Monday 27 A foggy morning and continues foggy nearly all day. V plowing for corn. Emma trying to clean pantry Tis an awful looking hole. I never saw any thing like it. It is the very worst I ever saw. I wrote and sent a long letter to Lib Watson about her strawberry plants which she cant get this year. V and E went spearing caught a few fish the air full of electricity flash light The stars are shining. A thunder shower in night time. �59 Tuesday 28 May 1918 Another warm cloudy foggy morning. Votlie plowing this morning after factory and chores. This is a terrible looking house and every day it gets worse. I don’t think it can be straightened out in a month. If house spring house cleaning kicks up such a muss. I never want to see another. Edith is lifeless even while she is alive. She seems to get worse more lifeless every day. Poor little Edith. I realy wonder if she can make herself any different she is a good child in many ways but she is odd; very excentric. Voltie and Well Niles went spearing for eels. Wednesday 29 May 1918 A cool cloudy morning continues so all day. Emma cleans my bed room and turns the bed around. I send a letter to Grace also and to Lib Watson. Edith does all sorts of chores sets hens, feeds lambs, chickens, goes to R’s. Voltie planting potatoes, and plowing for corn, drives to dock with a grist of wheat and the wood. �60 Thursday 30th May 1918 Arose quite early. Voltie going to Kingston. Emma goes to the dock and then drives across around by the factory with the milk. A foggy morning, sun shining through a foggy atmosphere. Emma works all day at home cleaning then drives to dock for Voltie. V takes a grist for Rachel’s flour and flower for some one else. V paid 25 dollars interest on Mortgage by way of Geo Rattray V bought 3 bags potatoes at $2 dollars bag. Paid 9 dollars for 2 bushels seeds Friday 31st May 1918 A very good day for work tho cloudy. Emma cleaning house and working. No letters nly 3 farm papers. Will Niles and Stella here in Evening. Will helping V spread and match the linoleum on dining floor. Saturday 1st June 1918 A day of all kinds of work. Emma put oil cloth on pantry floor. Edith cooks and washes dishes, feeds the lambs, brings water from river. V works in field cultivating. Samy ate from river feeds chickens, dinner here. Wind blows from South, river rough. �61 Sunday 2nd June 1918 A fine day. Wind South. Will Niles here awhile. V gave him golden bantam seed corn. Edith gave him Dahlia bulbs. Edith expecting visitors Madaline & Maribelle. Emma gone across to Geo Nile’s with Will and Stella. V down to the old house threshing beans on Sunday. Will came over to shingle Rachels house. Emma came late after dark. Voltie and I are so pleased to see Will. It reminds me of years & years ago when my aunts, uncles and couisins came to see us. Monday 3rd June 1918 McLeans Magazine came today. Will and Harold Dignum shingling R’s house both here this evening all singing and playing violin piano. Will Niles here too. Voltie raking quack roots out the ground all day with Spring tooth harrow. night very cool, almost cold. Tuesday 4th June 1918 A chilly morning. I’m glad to sit in the kitchen by the warm stove. Emma cooking and baking pies, cookies, cakes, fried cakes. Voltie drilled in 2 bushels ensilage corn, beans brown & white. Jimy Morgan here to supper. Will didn’t come over today. Rainy all forenoon. �62 Wednesday 5 June 1918 A lovely day. A light breeze wind N. Jim Morgan here to day working in field with Voltie at ,35 cts an hour. I write and send a letter to Reginald. Will came over from Rachel’s to get his violin and say goodbye. He is going home today, this pm. Edith went back to R’s with him and now he has taken Buster dog and gone to get Will Niles to sit him across the river. Rachel came over here with Edith feeling bad and lonesome since Will and Buster are gone. 2 Jew ate dinner here. They gave Edith ,50 cts for their dinner. Emma after supper rowed the skiff down to Horn’s after stopping on the way and taking Stella N along with her. She bought a bushel of potatoes for which she paid a dollar and paid Lizzie ,75 cts ballance on dress making. V took a little kerosine from Samy’s can which is our boat house. So ends the day and we all go to bed to sleep the sleep of contentment and peacefulness. �63 Thursday, June 6, 1918 The morning thick very cool and cloudy, looks as tho it might may rain any minute. Not much wind. James and Voltie building fence. I dont know which work is being done in kitchen. Suppose they were busy as bees doing nothing. Rains all pm. Wm N here in eve. He is great on rings. V brought home his concrete mixer from dock. Friday 7 June 1918 A heavy thunder and lightening about midnight. Quite clear in morning but soon clouds again. Jim & V build fence all day. Emma done some baking cakes, cookies fried cakes, bread &c. A letter from Grace. Saturday 8 Edith stays all night with Rachel. Emma cleans all the floors and Edith washes V shirts. Jim & V work all day at the fence. Maggie rings for Emma to go to Bert McDonald with them. Diandra Rattray on the island too Joe Woodman in Barriefield camp. Sunday 9th June 1918 A cold rainy nasty day all day. No one here excepting Will Niles. He told us today Percy is burried to day. No one went to Rs from here. V took a nap. Will N here to supper and staid till bed time. �64 Monday 10 June 1918 Sun rose clear bright and warm this morning. James here this morning. V and James take down the sheep pen. Edith has a job on hand washing all the dirty socks and stockings that has accumulated all winter I think by the looks of the bundle. I suppose the sight of them makes her sick. She began quite early. I finished writing to Grace and Edith mailed the letter and sent one to Reggie, mailed Evelines blue Bamy book. Rachel came over awhile after dinner to tell V about the potatoes from Bill Horn. I crochet all the No 10 ball thread I have in table doily. Sheridan & Jack Murray here this evening. Ed Maloney in hospital for rupture. Tuesday 11 June 1918 fine day. Jim and Voltie working at barn frame. I sewed on Ediths rug. Edith finished the socks and stockings rinsed them in the river and brought in a bag full from the line that she washed yesterday. �65 Wednesday 12 Jun 1918 I stay in kitchen all this day not much sunlight any where An electric storm in the night heavy thunder and sharp lightning and some rain. Rain beat in under the veranda door, cloudy and rainy most of the. Rachel came over to tell about her letter she received from Lottie saying she and Louise and Will Sr are coming Sunday p.m. to finish up house cleaning and straighten things out. She is sending up by Emma tomorrow for a lot of things for the table, and curtains and wallpaper. Thursday 13 June 1918 Emma gone to Kingston this day for groceries and things. V drove to dock. Jim M drove to factory. Edith gets the dinner this day. Emma brought home a lot of things too numerous to itemize, forgot tea nad Voltie’s shoes and several other things. �66 Friday 14 June 1918 A very fine day but cool. William Gillespie, Jim Morgan, and Jack Murray here working for Voltie. Samy was coming but had to help his uncle William Woodman. Emma has 4 men to get dinner and supper for this day. Saturday 15 June 1918 A very fine day. Will Gillespie and J. Morgan here working on barn frame. Emma doing Saturday work and getting the meals. Never can tell what Edith does for she is out door most of the time. Sunday 16 June 1918 A sun bright day. No one here till evening. Then Wm N and Stella came directly from home in skiff. Will bringing a basket of lettuce and radishes. V went across for Will and his dauthers as agreed upon staid at Geo Farr’s till 10 p.m. waitingwaiting no one came. Then V rowed back home again. Weary weary & tired and gone to bed. And so ends the day. �67 Monday 17 June 1918 Monday morning bright and early. R came over very early to find why Louise, Lottie nor Will did not come, couldn’t tell her. Cooking and baking all day. Maggie Rattray & Annie Niles helping. Edith quite happy with two kids to play with, Isabel Rattray and Lois Niles. V chopped heads off 5 roosters big and fat. Emma & Maggie plucked the feathers. V and Em prepared them for boiling and now they are all in the big pot on the stove cooking. Good night. Tuesday 18 June 1918 A fine cool morning. Sun bright. V went early to factory this morn. beat J F at the whey cream business. Jimy M here quite early. Had been to breakfast and are now mowing, smoothing, raking, with rake, sythe, and lawn mower in front yd by the big oak to set tables on the lawn for the barn raisers, cooking and baking still going on. Howard Niles is the second man to arrive. Now they are coming thicker and faster. The women are hustling to get the table set nearly or quite 30 men and some women Isabel Joslin and Earl Maggie Rattray and baby Timmie Niles and �68 Lois, Rachel, Edith Bates, Madaline Morgan, Stella Niles, Lulu Collins, Mrs Nancy Niles, Arlaine Keslar, Lottie and Lena Dixon. Nearly every man from George Woodmans to foot of island, 5 motor cars shining bright in the sunlight standing in the yard. Edith went home with Madaline, going with Madaline to the picnic tomorrow. Emma’s foot lame and sore on bottom from standing on them so long. [Page is torn, the remaining text belongs to page 70 and is transcribed there] �69 Wednesday 19 The day after the raising. Working on barn of course. V, Jim & Will Gillespie hammer, hammer, pound drove nails all day. Thursday 20 A very good day. Lottie and Louise finished cleaning house for Rachel, came over here to supper. Then Will rowed them across in V’s skiff. Gurnsey there to meet them with motor car. Working on barn. �70 Friday 21 rain rain. V couldnt drive cattle to foot of island tho Ellis waiting for him. Jim & V working in shop making ladder. Saturday 22 June 1918 Cloudy, winds blowing fiercely Sunday 23rd June 1918 Weather rough and rainy all last night. E & E went to church. A good bye sermon very few there. Church service dont seem to amount to much these days. Going to have a new preacher. A great surprise; the Buckbee seeds came yesterday. Wm Niles brought them over 53 pks. I sent first April; to late to sow or plant. rainy day. V and Will D go fishing. Will N here to supper, had fish, very good. I wrote to Mabel M. �71 French Dire - to tell, to relate De - of, from, by Le - the Emma Lehman Wolfe Island Monday 24 June 1918 A very fine day warm every thing growing. Will D and Jim M & V working on barn. I finished and sent a letter to Mabel M. Received a letter from Bonnie Watson. Emma went to Horn’s to get her dress made. Went early. staid quite late. Will and Edith went to Geo Niles in skiff for her. Rachel walked over. Eveline had sent her a dollar in a letter. She staid to supper. V sent Ellis $10 dollars to him. Tuesday 25 June 1918 Somewhat cloudy and cool. Wind East Lucena Bates visiting here. Jim came down stairs while we were eating breakfast. V and Jim & Will working on barn. Will D ate breakfast with R. Miss Langley and Lois came visiting this p.m. went home after supper. In evening Will D, Emma & Edith and Lucena went in a skiff to George Niles making an evening visit. Lucena staid here. Jimy went home at sundown. �72 O Dear Books lent Mrs Niles, Eben Holden all night pine Maud Gillespie Jessabel Samy Woodman United States History Goodfriend The wood carver Wednesday 26 June 1918 Another bright morning Jimy came back early to breakfast. Lucena went home this morning after breakfast. Work all day on barn. 27 Thursday Voltie phone to Henderson for potatoes and other groceries, lumber and a horse fork. Working on barn. Jimy went home in evening. Friday 28 June Wind blowing all day. I received a letter or card from Grace Cheevers. Will received a letter from Jen wanting him to come home. V drove the cattle to Breakeys Bay. Ellis paid him $400 dollars for 4 cows and the 2 year old bull dry cows except the kicker �73 Our cows names Dairy Daisy 1 Molly 2 Jenny 3 Bridget 4 Lilly 5 Spot 6 Rachel 7 Inez 8 Linker 9 Ball face 10 Liny 11 Guiltage 12 tango 13 Polly 14 twin 15 Sambo 16 [numerous other non-sensical scribblings] �74 PHOTOMOUNT PAMPHLET BINDER Manufactured by GAYLORD BROS. Inc. Syracuse, N.Y. Stockton, Calif. �75 �This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following people: Ann Hopkinson, Marilyn, Patricia M Capps, Eileen, Eleanor Daley, Vivian Zhang, MaryV, LibrarianDiva, 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, 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 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 8th, 1918 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/79863de03de7b44d311d0a8e94ca2658.pdf eadf8a015562299d83afb22b1644ef52 PDF Text Text Irene Dixon Bamford 1917-1918, Diary Transcription 5034_4-2-8 �Metadata FromThePage export of 5034_4-2-8 from Irene Dixon Bamford made on 2026-02-11 15:39:52 UTC. Title: 5034_4-2-8 Created On: 2024-01-11 17:17:06 UTC In Scope: true Uploaded Filename: 5034_4-2-8 �1 IRENE DIXON BAMFORD DIARY 1917 & 1918 1917-1918 QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES LOCATOR 5034.4 BOX 2 FILE 8 �2 1917 & DATE 1918 #1 The Academy To Grandmother Irene B[amford?] From Emma [Lehman?] 1917 �3 Re Read ’76-’84 Emma brought for me this diary, yesterday, 26th Sept 1917 [various pressed leaves] �4 Tuesday 24th September 1917 Tuesday 24th September Tuesday 24th September 1917 Grandma Bamford Wednesday 25 September 1917 A very fine day. Only nothing very particular occurs neither in door nor outside. Canning tomatoes and preserving apples, getting the three meals, and talking about Jimmie Morgan’s dance which is coming off to night. Sheridan goes in his motor as far as Flynns accompanied by E & E. from there they go with Jack & Sadie Murry to the dance. They all go in John Flynns double buggy. I received a letter from Belle. A mistake. It was Monday I received a letter from Belle the same day I sent one to her. This day I received the October number of McLeans magazine. �5 Thursday 26 September 1917 Emma and Voltie drove over to dock this morning enroute for Kingston Sheridan drove to dock with them. Aunt Rachel came over and staid till after dinner Turk is sick. I think he is going to die from swallowing a hard pork rind R went home after dinner followed by Turk poor dog. Work goes very slow to day after the Morgans party. Sheridan and Edith milked all the cows, then Sheridan drives to dock for Voltie and Emma they came late. R Boat late. bananas galore groceries of all kind and sausage, basket peaches etc etc etc etc Friday 27th September 1917. A bright breezy morning Wind S.W. Sheridan went to factory. A telephone ring this morning form Frank Connely for Voltie to him hire out together with his concrete mixer for $1000 per day he cant go; got to work on his own barn Emma carried Britons a few apples Sheridan and Voltie drawing sand from foot of island. This is another mail day. A letter from Grace and 4 Farm papers old Turk died last or this night. Rachel is inconsolable. �6 Saturday 29th September 1917 Another windy day. Edith staid all night with Rachel last night came home late R came later. Voltie and Sheridan cutting and binding corn; ensilage. I sit out in Veranda nearly all day and hear R talk Sheridan went home this evening in his motor. Forgot to Say corn all stacked the field looks like an indian village. Rachel here last night. I send Grace a letter. Sent it by Sheridan to mail from their mail box Sunday 30th September 1917 A not very nice day wind blows from South No visitors to day from "over the way". Madaline and Myrabel came over bringing 2 heads of red cabbage and a small can of corn salad with which I am much pleased. They are going to stay all night for they have brought their night gowns �7 Monday 1 October 1917 A very nasty day, rain and wind, also mud. Madeline and Myrabel weather bound and they are glad, they cant go to school so they can stay here and visit. Sheridan came out 10 a.m. in V’s skiff. Motor out of business. R went home, staid till nearly sunset. Madeline and Myrabel went home at 4 p.m. Myrabel learned to do hair pin work and is much pleased with her success in learning. After supper Sheridan and Samy drive over to Doras came home at 1 oclock am Dora got lame arm. Tuesday 2nd October. Weather cold cloudy dismal. A heavy frost last night which will open the hickory huskies and many will fall to the ground This weather says gather in gather in most every thing that grows in garden Except cabbage and we have none to gather. Voltie, Sheridan, Emma, Edith, and Shep, trying to get the old sow into the icehouse pen. And R went home after breakfast. They both slept in V’s bed last night. They have got the old pigs in the pen for I hear them pound pound �8 nailing her in. She ate and destroyed a good part of our pop corn last night tore and ate and wrecked it badly. Emma is canning tomatoes again to day V finished the concrete part of the barn floor for the cows Yesterday. Wednesday 3rd October 1917 I don’t remember what occurred this day Thursday 4 October 1917 An awful rainy morning; all same. Voltie goes to Kingston. Rachel goes too. Sheridan drove to dock night and morning. V bought 15 apple barrels and a half ton threshing coal Sheridan builds fence around lower orchard and gathers apples in this orchard. R comes home with them from dock and stays all night weather clears in pm Joe ate dinner with us �9 Friday 5th Oct 1917 Not a very pleasant day rained in night. Wind North wind blowing Rachel went home this morning taking her groceries and things peaches etc A letters from Belle, Grace, Miriom and Mrs Strachn of the customs house Sheridan at noon went to work threshing for W H Woodman Emma canning tomatoes 9 cans in the new cans. I set up a new crochet pattern the Vandyke. Grace letter made me laugh. Saturday 6th Oct 1917 A very unpleasant morning Dark wind clouds which says or foretells a heavy blow. Rained again in the night. Sheridan after breakfast and going factory and going with Voltie to Shore to watch the Minesota, one of the forty merchant ships being towed by two great tugs passed down Enroute for the Ocean. The Minesota is cut into in two huge parts it belongs to England One of 40 ordered by English government to be built in Chicago then Sheridan went to W H Woodman’s to finish �10 threshing. Voltie is chopping wood at the wood pile and is going to the lower place to gather apples Edith came home from R at 10 am. Emma washing a few things and canning tomatoes. V gone again after dinner to Smythys to pick apples. I write and send a letter to Grace inclosing Belles therein. Sending by Sheridan when he goes home. We were much surprised to see Henry Halliday my grandson come so unespectedly. He came across in Dilavans Skiff the wind quite fresh. He left his tam at Maloneys. He came for his duck boat which is over there but thought he would come over and make us a short visit by staying night. He went with Voltie after dark to the lower place to cover the apples that V has gathered this day went with lantern and wheelbarrow We sit up late to visit with Henry Edith goes over to Rachels to stay all night; goes after dark �11 Sunday 7 October 1917 A very quiet morning for a while Emma hustles the breakfast, that Henry may get away before the wind blows. but Henry appears in no great haste to go and the wind is rising, has changed from East to South. but at last after breakfast and a bag of apples some hops and strts from house plants he gets away while V & E & E watch him till he gets to the other shore by that time the wind begins to blow and the white crested waves are rolling high and we are glad he is safely on the other shore. Edith came after awhile Emma & goes to Sinclair Mackays to visit Maggie calling on the way, first at Rachels then Will H Woodmans for Lizzie then at Hirams where she has dinner After dinner Mrs Justin, Emma and Lizzie drive down to Sinclairs found Mrs Mackay not very well Maggie and the baby there Roy Rattray working in W[] Watertown and Maggie soon �12 going there. going to leave her baby with her mother. After a while Rachel came. Soon after Rachel, came Mrs Dignem. both here to dinner. Mrs Dignem brought me a glass of jelly (crab apple) they, R & Mr D went home at 4 pm. after awhile Emma comes having walked all the way from Hirams, coming up the shore and brought a few specimens of apples Baldsoms & Siberian Crops V picked and brought home the pears Emma got tumy ache couldnt eat supper Edith went to stay with R Monday 8th October 1917 A dirty, nasty cold rainy mudy day wind blowing Sheridan didn’t come across the river this day. The threshing machine at Joes but cant thresh to day. V works in shop till the weather clears up about 2.30 when he goes to Smithy to pick a few apples I pare and dry a string of apples �13 Tuesday 9th October 1917 A very cool day froze last night hard V & E & E gathering apples all day down by Smithy. R came over before breakfast. staid all night. Edith went over and watered her fed her hens and gathered the eggs 9 them Wednesday 10 Oct 1917 A very fine day but extremely cool without freezing Emma done a big washing and hung them all on the line. V drove to the dock with 3 barrels of apples for Henderson 9 bushels which were a dollar a bushel Edith went over to stay all night at Rachels Sheridan helped Emma gather the squashes only 3 and another pail full of green tomatoes Edith had brought in two Then V and Emma brought in the clothes from the line. Joe here to borrow a lantern globe had none. lent him a lamp chimney {Rachel received a letter from Maud} �14 Thursday 11 Oct 1917 Another fine very cool morning without being cold i.e. freezing cold. Voltie is preparing to thresh, we expect the machine here from J Niles this p.m. at 6;30 (John McDonald Sheridan is threshing at Niles. V phoned to Henderson (This morning for 2 box rolled oats and 4 lbs pork. The Jew pedlar here sold old iron to him for $1.70 Edith sold old rubber for 10 ct Emma and Edith cooking for threshers. cooking squash for dinner. & Cooks like a Storm again this p.m. Machine moved to Rachels. threshed out one stack. Voltie and Sheridan went to the dock carrying the concrete mixer to hire to Frank Connely. He going to build a barn. To supper we have Geo & John McDonald also Sam Hogan. Then came Voltie and Sheridan from the dock after they had stopped at Rachels to bring home the bags of oats threshed this p.m. After visiting and playing the phonograph all went to bed at 10 pm Edith goes over to R’s to stay all night. �15 Friday 12 Oct 1917 No threshing done this day. Nasty rainy weather again. One stack secure any way; and now all the men have to do (Three) is sit around smoke, crack jokes, and fill up at table. Hay pressing at Dignem Pady McDermot come over to get Sheridan and his motor to cross the river and then go to corners for whiskey A man named Alison with Pady, Sheridan wouldnt venture on account of wind. Pady started out in V’s skiff; turned back; wind rising to a heavy gale, apples falling V trying to pick winesaps from the ground. Wind squall’s and rain sends him in door. The men sitting around the kitchen, such a nuisance. They certainly ought to go home when they see they cant thresh. A letter from Grace Gaskin. the usual number of weekly farm journals Emma popped corn in Evening Edith goes over to R long after dark carrying milk �16 Saturday 13th Oct 1917 Another very bad nasty morning wind and rain. Wind howled a living gale all night with rain beating against my bedroom window; apples on ground by the barrel full. Two boats ashore my Morgans Point. Our threshes gone up to interview them instead of going home. but they wont go as long as they are fed well. After awhile they went. George & John McDonald & Sam Hogan driving up the island in one small buggy one horse drawing 3 great men, two Scotch men and one Irishman. And V, E, E, & I ate supper alone once more. Sheridan ate dinner with Joe and Samy. Rain & Wind continues nearly all p.m. Sheridan returns at dark intending to go home. At last does not go, but instead goes up to the boat which is aground by Morgans Point. Voltie & Samy going too, all in Sherd’s motor boat hard aground and another boat higher up in same fix from last nights gale. V says dont think tug can pull her off. The capt worried says he will lose his job sure, for running aground 3 women aboard, Sheridan, Samy, V all came back to a lamp light supper after which Sherd helps milk and then goes home with Samy & stays all night. Edith goes to Rachel I write and send a letter to Grace and ...? �17 14 Sunday 14th Oct 1917 The weather has cleared up for Sunday sun shining bright and warm I thought of writing letters, one to Belle and one to Grace Cheever, but kept on reading and cutting for a scrap book. V picked up some apples. Edith came late from R. Laura Babcock came up awhile. Voltie and Emma rowed up to the stranded boat to see the tugs pull her off but they were only wanting to get her pulled off from the gravelly shore didn’t stop long came home to supper. Edith went to Rachels the storm signals are out again by black storm clouds from S and W. V built a fire in diningroom stove we were just thinking of going to bed when George & John McD put in their appearance and they are not very welcome in the face of the approaching storm. They should have had common sense enough to staid home and burden this family with their ........ ?? and George goes and builds fire in his old engine and destroys Volties wood and coal �18 Monday 15 Oct 1917 Another nasty stormy windy day and fat George & John are anchoring here for their baord and lodging free of couse. They ought not to have come ’till they sawhow the weather is going to clear Neighbor men have washing for the sun to shine. All here to dinner and supper. Sam Hogan didn’t come back from village where he resides but Goerge and John McDonald, John Murray, John Niles, John OBrian, Orville McDermot, Samy Woodman, Hiram Joshin, Jimmire (?) Kehoe, Sam Woodman Sr. Emma received a letter from Reginald. Threshers here to supper. didnt quite finish the job John McDonald went home with Hiram and stays all night and has breakfast there next morning Geo McD builds a fire in the dining room stove. Edith goes over to R to stay all night with her. Ought to have written letters. I get tired sometimes of writing letters Emma made pies, rolled jelly cake, layer cake baked sweet apples boiled beef, baked pork and beans and cooked potatoes mashed, made gravy coffee and tea Mail every woman would �19 16 Thursday 16 October The coldest Oct I ever saw didn’t freeze last night but the trees have changed their finish threshing this morning only Geo here to breakfast. Then they went to Samy Will Woodmans to cut his ensilage corn. It is a relief they are gone Voltie and Edith went over to clean up after threshing, brought home a load of bags from off the ground Rachel came over too. She has no wood nor kerosene. V E & E go to Smith place to gather apples Edith went over and fed R chickens and gathered her eggs only 3 Wednesday 17th Oct 1917 Voltie & E & E went to Smitty to gather apples. While they were away Will Gillespie came to work on barn. Worked all pm The old stranded boat on Morgans point there yet. Sheridan not come yet from over the way. Voltie drove to dock with grist for hog feed and flour for family. No letters. Rachel picked our green beans and we shelled them �20 Thursday 18th October 1917 A very fine day considering the unsettled state of the weather. Will Gillespie here again this morning. Voltie phoned to Henderson for 100 lbs of brown sugar & 100 lbs of granulated sugar. Wm worked all day. V helped work on barn. and in Evening after chores done V drove to dock for grists groceries and 200 lbs sugar. Cloudy all pm. Rachel goes home early after breakfast to feed chicks and did beets & carrots and pick quail heads. We cooked quail heads for dinner beginning I parred a basket of apples to day Friday 19th October 1918 Awoke this morning to another rainy windy day, no out door work done this day. I wrote a long letter to Grace but to rainy to send to the box. V working in shop all day. Emma cleaned pantry all right. Carried the sugar up stairs and hung up the apples to dry. No one went to Rachels this day on account of rain �21 Saturday 20 Oct 1917 Saturday has come again. October is fast going away and the barn not finished enough to stable the cattle and 40 acres to plow. No one helping Voltie to Wm Gillespie didnt come up. E. E. & V. pulled beans all pm. beans all pulled. Emma mopped all the floors & washed towels Samy here in evening to borrow brown sugar. Gave him layer cake for his supper 21 Oct 1917 Sunday. A cloudy day and chilly. Voltie and the girls gather apples nearly all day. No one here except Aunt R in all day. Joe and Samy Sheridan George Farr in a.m. George. Will Niles none of them came in p.m. 1917 22nd Oct Monday Emma done an awful big washing and hung on lines full and more to hang. Will Gillespie working all pm. V helping Will. V in evening went to Samy Woodmans and engaged Joes only horse and buggy to drive to head tomorrow Will Gillespie one sheep here for awhile �22 19 Tuesday 23rd 1917 Oct Arose very early V starts at 1/4 6 for Connely to instruct them about the concrete machine rain very gently all day. Will Gillespie and Ogle here nearly all day working on the barn frame, only here to dinner. Worked in rain drizzle till 4 pm. V drove home at 5 p.m. he had earned $10.80 and brought it home in his pocket and hired the concrete mixer to Connely for 35 dollars Wednesday 24 Oct 1917 Another nasty dirty day. dark cloudy wind and rain. V got a touch of rheumatism. nothing done on barn this day. No Gillespie no Ogle. V putting up apples (5 barrels) for Henderson Edith helping Voltie. Rachel goes over after dinner to her domicile to feed her chickens and carry bread I received a letter from Miss Langley and disappointed because it was not from Grace �23 20 Thursday 25 October 1917 V arose quite early the boat came to Dignum’s dock at 4 a.m. V hustles around and drives to dock with 4 barrels of apples. drove thro the rain to dock came back, went over back on 30 acres and built fence around hay stack. the cows are eating and destroying the hay. rains nearly all day. I write 2 letters one to Mrs Strachn and one to Grace G. Sheridan came over bringing old George McKay landed at lower boat house. Geo’s nose pointed for home, Collins Bay. Clears up a little towards night. V drives over for groceries and beef. Only 3 barrels of apples delivered to Henderson. The other one stolen at the villiage. Tho Geo Rattray fault, suppose V will have to loose the apples, laird an all. Mabel came home with him from the boat. Sheridan not coming back to work anymore �24 21 Friday 26 Oct 1917 Sun shining clear this morning. Gillespie here. R went home to feed her hens. She going to mail my two letters from her mail box. Mabel went to Jack Niles on business of ——— wants his signature on some one of her application papers to get a pass to the Belleview hospitan New York. V helping Will Gillespie frame barn. R went home to I told that on she second line of this page. letters received from Grace Isabel and Reginald. I was realy surprised to receive a letter from Reginald Isabel sent me a present of her own work of knitting and crochet. a wash rag. Saturday 27 Oct 1917 Sun rose clear. V gone to factory. Edith went to drive away the cows. Voltie and Wm Gillespie working at the barn frame all day. Mabel ironing, washed dishes and got the supper and other chores washed separator. Willie Watson phoned for Samy Woodman to drive to villiage for him to come down and make a visit. Samy phoned he cant go. Samy went across shore to stay all night. Joe came down in evening. Edith went to Jimmy Morgans visiting. �25 Sunday 28 Oct 1917. A thunder shower last night at 10 pm Sharp and heavy wind blowing hard from West. Didn’t rise very early this morning. I tak a good dose of fresh air every night by wind blowing in under my bedroom window V and E milks all the cows this morn the other E away visiting at Jimmy Morgans. Rachel getting breakfast The river rough and foam capped waves chasing each other Sun is shining but cold not freezing. Rachel went home to feed her hens and gather the eggs. Edith came home at dark much pleased with her visit Wind blew fiercely all day. Mrs Barry Al Barry died this day Monday 29th October 1917 Another rainy nasty day. no barn building done this day quit raining towards night and Mabel M walked to John Murphy’s Mrs Albert Barry died on this day �26 Sunday 30, Oct 1917. A very bad nasty day cant work on barn V gathers a few apples. Wind rain Mrs Barry’s funeral this day. not many attended the funeral weather is so bad. Wednesday 31 and last of Oct 1917 A bad day for weather. rained all night. Slat covered with water cleared a little in morning W Gallespie came and worked all day. V & Edith put up 7 barrels of apples. one for Creamer I write 3 letters Grace, Reginals, and Isabel. There is no mail for us this day wind and snow, Edith helped Voltie with the apples. Thursday 1st Nov. 1917 Wind West and cold but not freezing. V drove ot dock with Emma and Mabel. Ogle came to work. Cloudy. Edith goes for cows �27 24 while Rachel gets breakfast Voltie sent up 7 barrels of apples to Henderson only 5 to Henderson 2 barrels to McLeod drugist. Ogle and V are drawing hay and straw. V phoned to Henderson the number of barrels 11 oclock and the rain is falling with snow and fierce sun shines clear pm Friday 2nd Nov 1917 Wm Gillespie worked here this day tho the weather is bad windy a fitful sunshine but threatning a storm, sent letter to Bernie Watson Received letters from Maud Grace Ray Ethelyn. �28 Saturday 3rd Nov 1917 A very fine day Wm Gillespie and Ogle working here all day. Shell Niles Irvine married this day to her hired man, Clifford Henderson. She 35 He 25 years old. another silly marriage, she a widow with 5 children. 3 very foolish marriages Mary Barry aged 43 to Harold Burk aged 19. Maggie Joslin & Roy Rattray eloped. He a poor scab had not got the second stent to his back. Don’t think either one of these above are a survival of the fittest. Sunday 4 Nov 1917 A beautiful day sun arose and set clear. Rachel walked home and back. Emma went to visit Louise N in the pm. Jack and Annie were there too. Staid till 9 pm Laura Babcock and Will Niles came home with her. Wm N promised to work for V but I don’t think he will Monday 5 Nov 1917 A beautiful bright clear day. Voltie goes to factory of the last time this year Will Gillespie not working here this morning. froze last night: V & Wm G gone to Gananoque. Voltie gone up to Montgomerys. �29 to hire Mr Bob Henderson. got there one half hour to late. Sam must had already hired him. V brought beautiful jumper covered with berries. Then he brought in honey from the box about 75 lbs. Rachel went home to her hens. V threshed peas and put all the beans in vine, in the old house put them in every room spread out to dry. Edith gathering apples all day. V after dark drives to factory for whey met with, what might have been a serious accident when it was so dark the horses ran a stride a stone and throw threw V out over the dash baord. No letters this day. Every womans world and Farm & Dairy. A clear sunset very fine Tuesday 6th Nov 1917 Weather not looking very favorable for hanging out clothes, but Emma washed a big wash hung them on line Will Gillespie not here this day I write a letter to Belle V worked on Barn �30 28 Froze last night quite hard. but followed by a beautiful day. V brought in Monday. Voltie drew apples and a grist to dock. all out 4 barrels for Henderson Wednesday 7 Nov 1917 A fine November day Voltie worked on the barn frame alone this day beside doing many other kinds of work William Gillespie at home pressing hay Edith helped Voltie about the apples 4 barrels for Henderson & one for creamer V drew them to the dock and a grist for Hog feed. Emma took care of all the Honey, cleaned the pantry and mopped the floors. A hard frost again last night sun set clear I pieced on Ediths quilt Rachel went home and staid all night at home. Voltie drew wood for Rachel from Dignum’s. I send a letter to Grace I sent letters to Belle and Grace �31 Thursday 8 November 1917 A beautiful November day Voltie worked alone on the barn frame this day. Voltie & E & E day this day the dahlias parsnips our few beets and carrots & canned them in cellar and the few pumpkins Emma canned the steamed honey and made beeswax and vinegar Voltie drives to dock for pig feed and apple barrels. E drove home the cows in, evening and canned Rachel oil for her lamp. Then E & E milked all the cows and separated the milk I pieced on quilt and pared and hung apples to day and mended V overalls. Friday 9th Nov 1917 A letter from Charlotte and a card from Miriam Another fine day Will Gillespie here working on Barn. I wrote and mail a letter to Ethelyn Hall and mailed it V working with Will G all day on barn. In evening went to Keslars to a dance Em going also Received by mail a card from Maud also her photo and Huberts �32 Saturday 10 Another fine day. Wm here this day Sunday 11 Nov 1917 Emma came just at dark having worked both ways Another lovely day. After breakfast Emma goes visiting away down to Sinclairs walked all the way stopping at Kehoes to dinner which leaves V Edith and myself alone when unexpectedly pops in Aunt Lib B and uncle Van, then came Dick Halliday and Dick Berry they came around the foot in a motor boat. They picked up hickories here on the point staid to dinner Libbie and Edith got dinner Van went home before dinner Monday 12 Nov 1917 A beautiful day in Nov William Gillespie here I wrote and sent a letter to Maud. And received one from Grace Libbie Bamford washing for Rachel and hung the clothes on the line across the road on the wire fence V and Wm are �33 doing finely on the barn. Churned again to day Emma worked and packed two half gallon jars of broth I pared and strung a few apples to dry Tuesday, 13 Nov 1917 Another bright morning but cold enough for mittens and coats highly buttoned and beled. Will Gillespie here. We didn’t rise very early this morn Guess V was to tired when he finished the days work laying all those barn sills. When Edith went to drive away the cows Rachel & Liz/b came over put on a quilt and tied it off I sent Maud Gillespie 4 books home to her. And one of my own. "Tess of the storm country" Wednesday 14th Nov 1917 A beautiful day sun shining so clearly Lib went over visiting to W H Woodmans V doing all kinds of out door work in barn stables and shop �34 vaccinated the calves. We heard at dinner time that we are to have the honor of distinguished people this evening Mr. James Morgan and family and Miss Goodfriend our teacher. Emma is making bread Thursday 15 Nov 1917 A fine day Emma drove to dock with Voltie enroute to Kingston V went away and forgot his memorandum so couldn’t get every thing he needed for the shop and barn building. bought stove pipe an inch to big. He bought beef and codfish Gillespie here working �35 Friday 16 Nov 1917 [margin] Maud didnt send home my books nor lend me any.[/margin] Looked a very much like rain but soon changed to a beautiful day for work. Lib staid at Rachels all night then dressed in her best walked from R’s to J N, found Jos had gone from home to visit Inez since last Sunday. therefore Mrs Lib was back here staid all day till toward night walked over to R then they both came back and staid all night when V, E, & E went to Geo Woodmans to a dance old man Burk came to work for V Saturday 17 Nov [margin] These Friday night dances disturbs all the Saturday’s work [/margin] A dull day within doors after the dance at George Phinkers. The day is cloudy anyway. Our dancers got home at 4 a.m. Lib, Rachel & Edith Lib helped milk. Burk out this morning feeding the cattle cow. After breakfast Lib goes to visit Mrs John Niles so Rachel goes home. I’d like to get these crab apples made into jelly but dont suppose suppose they will ever be made into jelly. Wm Gillespie here working �36 34 Sunday 18 Nov 1917 A very fine day. Emma goes to church We alone all day, a young fellow preached this day. just a boy in his teens. Monday 18 Nov 1917. [margin] Arch Bishop Spratt had to resign Maude Gillespie sent me books Rachel came over a little while [/margin] A very decent day for work on the barn Will Gillespie working this day. Lib came up with him from Wm G’s place. John Burk flowing "over there" Van Came over and Lib went home with him I gave her some honey Rec’d letters from Belle & Grace and a Whig from Hughey Cook relating the Nun and Bishop trial the nun gets $24000 damages Friday 20th Nov 1917 Not a very fine day some rain in the morning some snow some slush John Burk plowing over there William Gillespie didnt come this day. I partly write a letter to Grace churning done some butter worked and packed. Lots of work and business going on outside. Joe W takes E & E a visiting to May Ranous Pikes [?] �37 Wednesday 21 Nov 1917 [margin] Emma baked 10 loaves of bread [/margin] A cloudy day. John plowing work in doors drags this morning & such shiftless works. It is awful. Oh what is the matter! Voltie drove to dock at evening time The boat came late it always does on Wednesday night Mrs E R [?] came home with him for a visit Mabel sent me a a very nice fine box of note paper for a birth day present and a doz bananas also a bag of Malaga grapes. Wm G not here. Thursday 22 Nov 1917 Arose very Early V drove to dock with Emma. She is gone to Kingston to buy groceries V gave her $ 26 dollars she bought a lot of groceries and dry goods & herself a pair of shoes $5,00 and The Cosmopolitan. two new books for me; birth day presents cloth for Edith a dress skirt and shaker flam[?] which was two dollars. She went to see Mrs Strahn who gave her 23 dollars which was her Emma’s due from the bank Will G not here �38 Friday 23rd Nov 1917 Will G not here Weather bad snows and very nasty John plowing down on the south place. No I have made a mistake He drew 2 or three loads of lunber from the dock and chopped wood for Rachel Saturday 24th Nov 1917 A clear cold frozen morning. John plowed part of the day but so hard frozen had to give up. V worked on the barn awhile alone, no one to help him to day Emma cleaned all the floors and baked cakes after dark. John drives away off to Bob Bartig to see his kids found Marg & Harold there with the other 2 kids Sunday 24 Nov 1917 A cold clear morning Emma didnt go why where this morning but staid home all day Elizabeth Redic and Edith, after dinner walked up to Stewart Murphys where they staid till bed time. John Burke came back at 3 p.m. helped V do the chores but V milked all the cows, 14 of them. Lizzie Woodman here in pm also Howard Niles. V working all [margin] day. Only settling down long enough to eat his meals. V had to get wood for us and for Rachel and cleaned his stove and pipes she came over and ate breakfast [/margin] �39 Monday 26 Nov 1917 A cold day but not as cold as yesterday Will Gillespie here working on the barn I not doing much these days. The weather is Nov weather perfect and complete. The sun is shining so brightly in the veranda window. I went out and sat in my old rocker a few minutes. The cows are in the yard strolling around among the apple trees nipping the frozen grass; to cold and hard to plow this. Elizabeth was going to walk this a.m. to John Murphys but I persuaded her to stay to dinner. She staid till after dinner. I received 3 letters and a postal card from Mary McDonald & an invitation to a wedding all the way from Manitoba to Eliza Halliday & William H Gibson’s marriage to be celebrated the 5th of December 1917. 2 letters from Grace and the Canadian Countryman �40 38 Tuesday 27 Nov 1917 A very still day on the water nad not very cold. Maurice Maloney came to get Volties skiff to row over the river going to S Lawrence corners. Samy Woodman went with him. Edith Bates came also staying here to make a visit while M & S went to corners. They came back at Sun down William Gillespie not here this day. Maurice brought 9, 1/2 gallon jars from to pack our winters butter. Lib lent them to us. V worked on the barn alone this day. Samy and Emma gone to Pikes to a recitation for a Christmas concert to be held in school house Emma came home nearly 12 midnight. I finished writing to Charlotte. Wednesday 28 Nov 1917 A nasty day snowed last night again Wm Gillespie not here. He got a touch of rheumatism. The skow or a scow is in the bay for oats. Larush phoned voltie to bring ots this pm. V was or is going to sell 200 bushels. but cant draw oats scow this p.m. because Charley Gillespie rung for him to come and help drag hay to the hay barge; no letters to day only the McLean Magazine [margin] Edith goes over to Rachels to stay with her. R going to town tomorrow with the letters for R to post in Kingston tomorrow [/margin] �41 39 Thursday 29 Nov 1917 Not so cold this morning. No frost on the windows. Voltie goes early to the dock with Rachel and brings back a load of coal. V going to draw oats to the dock this day 200 bushels at 65 cts per bushel. warmer but cloudy. Heard last night William Gillespie not well got a bad cold not working here. Emma working & packing butter. Voltie drives to dock for R & takes Mrs Redic’s apples to the dock one barrel & her suit case. Two Hogans here, Stewart & Frank in evening to get repairs done on their old hay press. John Birk sick. gone up stairs to bed V doctors firm with fruittatives and Emma gives him hot lemonade. A big crowd on the boat to day, so they say . Voltie done what he could alone on the barn. Edith staid last night with R and went quite early over there to build a fire and feed her hens & stays again all night R brought V a shirt for a birth day present $1,50 the price. Thanks giving day across the river �42 Friday 30 Nov 1917 Not very cold, thawing, but cloudy and nasty snow nearly gone again. Burk abed nearly all day, but got up to his meals, and to smoke. V phoned to Spanky for medicine for Burk. He sent it down by mail no letters this day. Emma worked butter and filled jars I done one churning alone. Hogan came again for repairs ,50 cts for repairs. Edith came home from Rs late R got Edith’s shoes mended and posted my letters to Grace & Charlotte. Hay press at Niles’. Emma churning again this evening which makes three times this day. Evening beginning to rain. and this is the last day of Nov 1917. Saturday 1st Dec 1917 Not very cold, but windy, snow all gone V working on the barn alone when not doing other work. Burke gone up to Geo Barries to send for doctor and to recuperate. No wonder he is sick he is dirty and smokes all the time between �43 meals and never misses a meal and is as thin as a wafer. This is a cloudy nasty day. Dont rain but wants to. Emma churned and packed butter 11 half gallon jars full. 6 prints & a butter bowl full also. John OBrien sends here for vinegar 5 gallons. Voltie is now down cellar drawing the vinegar. Emma getting supper. Edith milking. Samy came and ate supper with us and played violin. He said Joe is across river went to a dance at Cape Thursday and not returned. Emma made pumkin pies and they were fine Sunday 2nd December Nasty day again, E, E, V and I home all day and no one here. Edith walked over to Rachels awhile. V doing chores all day, didn’t get time to sit many minutes in doors Laura B phoned for Emma to come down in evening bard Wm Niles is there Burke came back after dark, sound and well �44 42 Monday 3rd Dec 1917 Emma washed, but didnt finish run out of soap. V and Burke worked on Barn for it is a very fine day; Good enough for a raising. Rachel came over for her feeds and she has no wood. Edith went home with her carrying milk and shoving wheelbarrow. going to get wood out back in the brush. I finished the doily. Emma received a letter from Reginald will come home about the 15 Dec Wm Gillespie better so he told V over the wire but not well enough to work yet. Edith went over and staid all night with Rachel. Tuesday 4th December 1917 A beautiful morning. Still not much wind. Emma lost her crochet needle mislaid it some where. John Burke and Voltie working on barn frame. Edith came from Rachels after breakfast. washed again this day. Edith went again to get wood for Rachel Sheridan came over for his clothes. V paid Sheridan 15 and is a going get sugar for Sheridan in Kingston �45 43 Wednesday 5 Dec 1917 This pen sometimes refuses to write sometimes it writes beautifully sometimes the ink flows so soppidly that it makes a bloched blurred mess Weather cloudy. R staid alone last night. I ought to write letters 4 one to M Watson, Maud, Mary McDonald one Jen. I write and send a letter to W F Watson. Edith goes over and helps R get wood for her. Joe W came home. He been gone a week over the river Thursday 6th December A sharp cold morning. Churned this day V and John Burk working on barn frame. V phoned to Henderson for sugar for Sheridan 100 lbs could get only 40. Twenty of brown & 20 granulated and groceries for ourselves coffee tea soda soap. Samy W and 2 of the hay presses took V skiff and rowed across the river enroute for corners They realy must have had a cold passage over Voltie drove to dock for the groceries [margin] I croched on bag for someone dont know who yet [/margin] �46 44 Friday 7th Dec 1917 A bitter cold morning. Frost thickly covers every window. Cant see out window without scratching away a place to look out. V had to put on warmer clothing. Emma patching Vs clothes, sweater and frock. Edith went to river for water but so much ice on rocks couldnt get water without slipping in so came back without any. my fingers to cold to hold pen and write very good. no letters to day. Farmers advocate and Canadian Countryman thats all. John B & Voltie worked on barn all day. in evening V and Burke took down stove pipe and cleaned it and conected it with the other pipe. my hands are bad. Edith gone over to R’s to stay all night Saturday 8th Dec 1917 Frost thick on windows. Wind N cloudy 9 oclock and Edith not home yet �47 45 Saturday 8 Dec 1917 Voltie and Burke dont work on barn this day working in shop all day when not doing chores and chopping wood. beginning to snow. Rachel came over at nearly dark got no wood. begins to snow fast and furious Sunday morning 9th Dec 1917 A regular snow storn, snowing and blowing from S.W. and drifting. We sat up quite late last nitght and didn’t get up very early this morn R not up yet and nine oclock. Edith and John Burk first down stairs. I wish Reginald was home. a terrible storm of wind and snow the worst the very worst of all. the 15th and Reginald will be home. tomato soup for supper and coffee �48 46 Monday 10 Dec 1917 Storm raging last night when we went to bed and thro the night. The sun shining clear this morning no wind, but the force of the wind filled every place where the snow could possibly find a tiniest hole or crack. am wind blows again. an awful cold day. V goes to Woodmans. They have got cider up there. we ate our dinner without V. he came at 3 p.m. hungry as anything fire in cellar went out. A suffering cold day and night. Dignums geese went away in the snow storm mail dont come down to day. I wrote a letter to Maude but cant mail it no mail carrier to day. Edith went over and fed Rachels hens came back cold. Edith milked 12 cows and separated the milk and emptied slops. Heard Mrs. George Ranons very sick. She caught cold Sunday while out in the terrible storm feeding hogs and turning their cows out in the worst storm there has ever been for years and years, while the neighbours cattle stood in their stables snug and warm �49 47 Tuesday 11 Dec 1917 Sun shining out brightly but 6 below zero. JD & J Burke swing and slap their hands to keep them warm. 4 teams trying to break out roads between here and above the cheese factory awfuly drifted. Wofe Islander froze in at the villiage and cant be chopped out. She froze in Saturday night V phoned to Wm Gillespie to bring home his hog scalding tank. Wm brought it and borrowed tobaco. Every one talking about the storm saying it was the very worst storm they ever saw. Emma made a good Johny cake for dinner. The doctro came to see Mrs Ranons and staid with her all night say her case is very pecarious Wednesday 12 Dec 1917 A sun bright day but very cold. Butchered one fat old pig this day for own home pork Joe and Samy helped butcher and staid to dinner. The hay pressers set up their business at Joe’s barn to day Voltie preparing to go to town tomorrow The mail came down to day. I wrote and send a letter to Maud. �50 48 Thursday 13th of Dec 1917 We arose early. Voltie going to Kingston for the balot box and other business Started before daylight arrived in Kingston by boat, found the balot box had been sent to the island by George McDonald. He bought a few things in town. 3 pairs of heavy wool socks for a dollar cosmopolitan, crochet thread but none for me. 2 boxes of rolled oats, 1 lb coffee, 2 lbs tea, candy, foot gear for Burke. Drove all the way to Geo McDonalds for the balot box. on arriving there, found that Goerge had brought it here. V met Geo going home from here. Voltie came home in a snow storm. Burke drew two loads of hay from stock and was out all day. only one kettle of leaf lard rendered this day. Oh how I would like to see all those jars of butter set on the bench out in veranda, snug and neat & tidy and covered nicely over with newspapers carefully tucked round them and the few pints of butter covered from atmosphere and dust o why not! 2 warm and nice. [margin] Two big long barges plowed their way down through the ice this am moving very slowly [/margin] �51 Friday 14 Dec 1917 Snowing all night a great depth of snow every where, roads all full again. Dont expect any mail this day. Wish we could hear Reginald is at home. Have not received a letter from Grace in nearly two weeks. Rachel churning. V heard yesterday, that England is in greater danger from the enemy at present time than ever since the beginning of the war in 1914 August 12. Carrots & parsnips for dinner. Heard Mrs. Ranous is better. Saturday 15 Dec 1917 Voltie arose very early but didn’t start for villiage till after 12 miday. Young officer at this coming election; a contest between Borden and Laurier. B, conservative and for conscription, Laurier "Liberal" (so called). V votes conservative. Another very cold day. The roads not good scarcely any traveling snow so deep every where. but V had to push through. I vain we looked for him till nearly 10 pm It was a heart relief when he came bringing the mail for ourselves and some of [margin] The neighbors, Jack Niles & Louise Niles also bread and other things for C Gillespie Between eleven and 12 when to bed we went [/margin] �52 S We received letters from Grace and Bonnie Watson, Farmers Advocate Home and dairy. Also a letter enclosed in Graces which she had received from Bert Smith from Camp Sunday 16 Dec 1917. Another cold day. Colder than ever. Wind East. We all huddle around the stove to keep warm. V keeps the cellar coal stove going right merrily. Towards sunset I go to my bed room to sit and warm my feet by the register which is much more comfortable than hovering around the little kitchen stove in the dining room. V quarters the pork and brings it to the cellar, a big old porker which will weigh nearly 500 lbs. No one here to day only Howard who drove here for their mail. Fresh pork and mashed potatoes for dinner Monday 17 Dec 1917 A clear cold day thermometer registers 12 below zero. V went to the school house with balot box curtains for screen dinner pail, gone till after �53 dark. I staid in my bed room a long while after dark to get warm and avoid the noise and confusion of clamorous tongue. Emma shoving the crochet needle Tuesday 18 Dec 1917 A bright beautiful day. Weather more moderate. Voltie gone to town to day with old balot box Tho exceeding fine out door for weather the atmosphere in door stormy and nasty. I finished another crochet bag. It is for Edith. Emma ironed some clothes for herself and cleaned herself up. Burke beged to come in and wait for his dinner for tis after twelve o’clock. I got a kick on the ankle bone from a pair of hard shoes tan colored. V came after dark. and we had supper. Stew Hogan here in Evening and I thought it was John McDonald �54 Wednesday 19 Dec 1917 A cloudy but rather warm day no frost on window. V and Burk drawing hay from the stack. Edith cleaned the bed room by the stove pipe up stairs. I sent Edith to the mail box with a letter for Grace and there it will remain awaiting the spirit to move Will Ranous With Ranous, the spirit moves about once a week. Jack Niles brought our mail to day when he drove home from the villiage. Dirty Burke went away this evening with 30 dollars in his pocket. Voltie drove him up as far as Mary Berrys Thursday 20 Dec 1917 Another soft cloudy morning R picking up the breakfast dishes Emma and Edith cleaning storm windows. Voltie brought in another extinct hive of honey. Emma cleaned two storm windows and put them on windows outside. Goslin here from the hay press from Joe’s to phone to his wife. Emma and Edith Bates talking by telephone. Edith goes over to feed R’s hens [margin] Voltie brought over more extinct hives full of honey which makes three. Edith went to Jacks for our mail. Emma and Edith went with Jack and [?] to the concert at lower school house this evening. [/margin] �55 Friday 21st Dec 1917 The ground very soft, thawing; the mail came to day. I received a letter from Grace saying Reginald came home last Sat pm A card from Miriam Bruton a card from Alice Higgins. V let R’s hens out after feeding them. Edith went over pm and put them in the coop & shut the door [margin] Emma and Edith received christmas presents from Mrs Smeaton [/margin] Saturday 22 Dec 1917 A very pleasant day. The usual Sat work done bedding and cleaning floors &c Rachel took a trip over home to feed her own hens, built a fire and cooked her own dinner over there. Came back very lame. Joe and Samy went to Kingston Voltie done their barn chores morning and evening and staid till bed time Sunday 23rd Dec 1917 A very fine day. Edith Bates & Maurice Maloney drove over here visiting and brought their skates, ate dinner and all went skating between here and Flynn’s . Voltie brine that he made for his pork a pickle of fine sugar and saltpetre met with an accident which spoilt it by [margin] dumping all the soapy dishwater in to it which is a disapointment to Voltie Edith goes as usual to feed Rachels hens [/margin] �56 Tuesday 25 Christmas day everything very quiet, Willie Joslin came up for Emma to go their house for Christmas she went. no one here except outselves Voltie Edith Rachel and myself. Wednesday 26th December 1917 �57 Friday 28 Snowed last night ground white again this morning V shoeing his own old horses. I wrote to Mary Woodman and Grace. Couldnt send the letters. mail carrier Ranous Didnt come down. Voltie went over and fed Rachels hens nother show performance going on show throwing and fighting growing colder �58 Saturday 29th 1917 The coldest day up to date this year 26 below zero and Voltie gone up to get Samy to help. draw hay and straw. Now is the time V sees the want of a good basin. Windows thickly covered with frost. The inside atmosphere clearer than last night but not much more congenial. The coldest Saturday I ever have seen for years & years Tomato soup for dinner Sunday 30 December 1917 A cold day 22 below zero. I thought I’d write some letters but didnt. Only sat by the stove and tried to keep warm �59 Monday 31 Tuesday 1 January 1918 Wednesday 2 January 1918 �60 Thursday 3rd Jan 1918 Friday 4th 1918 �61 �62 �63 Monday 31 December 1917 This is the last day of 1917 and another cold day dont remember what was done this day not much of any thing done in the house any way cook eat and wash dishes Tuesday 1st January 1918 A cold freezing day Sun bright and clear the usual amount of chores. Nothing done in door except getting the meals. My brother Will came at sun set we were very glad to see him but he was to much to gay for sobriety Poor fellow Wednesday 2nd Jan 1918 A cold day 12 deg below zero No mail except the Kingston Standard Voltie after drawing straw from the stack and after dinner drove o Charley Dixons with Will Dixon for company. Will I am sorry Will not himself to day. to much intoxicated with whiskey. Voltie returned at 10 pm. �64 Thursday 3rd 1918 Another cold day. Voltie draws straw & hay from Rachels and feeds her hens Edith helps pitch it away in barn Lucena Bates drove over and carried Emma off over to their house to stay all night where they all went skating. Lucena staid here to supper. Samy here awhile. Then went to W H Woodmans then came back and borrowed V cutter and harness and drove Friday 4 January 1918 A clear cold day. Voltie didnt go to town to day. going tomorrow Samy W going with him. Voltie drawing hay & straw. Lucena brought Emma quite early Will Niles came over and brought Rachels sour krout from Lib Bamfords Will Niles is accompanied by his sister Stella. WE received some mail I received a card form Louise Dixon a letter from John, a letter from Grace Emma received a letter from Miss Langley Wm N brought her a calendar. Madaline Morgans sent Edith a little work bag R received a card from Louise, Voltie a lot of election letters and papers [margin] Emma went to Hendersons dance with Bob McKnight Will Niles brought some pop corn [/margin] �65 Saturday 5 January 1918 Sunday 6 Edith goes down to Louise’s on skates also goes to Kehoes. Emma goes to old George Niles Will drove for her She stays all night a very fine day Monday 7 Election day. Will Niles came over here. Voltie gone to election as returning officer carried his dinner. Will doing chores all day. Madaline and Myrabel came and brought their night gowns. Will N brought Emma home towards noon. �66 Tuesday 8 Voltie drove the cotts to the villiage on the ice through the storm to carry the ballot box. Will N doing chores. Spankie elected against Frank Briceland. Morgans kids here yet staid all night again terrible Noisy in the evening to adds to this confusion Will and Samy and Joe here Wednesday 9 Jan 1918 A cold cloudy morning. Windows thick with frost. R abed. Morgans kids abed. V at barn doing chores. Emma getting breakfast. 10 deg above zero, Voltie in waiting for his breakfast. Madaline came down first, then Rachel Alden drove for them. Weather bad cold and snow. Will N stays all night with Wallace they got whiskey Thursday 10 Jan 1918 A cold dull day. looks like a storm of some kind. V and Will N draw hay and straw and feed R’s hens �67 Friday 11 V drove to Clayton for Jack Niles, with pressed hay came late saw Charley Dixon there, cold and looks like a storm. We received a letter from Grace, and one from Miriam Briston. Grace said Reginald is home sick in Philadelphia Pensylvania She paid 10 cts for three apples Saturday 12 Jan1918 Another very cold day. Voltie and Will N out nearly all day choring and working in shop making several pairs of ice tongs. I wrote a letter to Grace intending to send it by Will Niles when he went home but he left for home when I didn’t know it A fearful storm gathering Sunday 13 Jan 1918 The very worst storm that ever raked the country. snows and blows and the snow finds it way into every crack crevice or pin hole. two heaps in the parlor. Hogs snowed under in their pens. Horses backs in the stable covered with snow 6 inches thick �68 not much coal, scarcely any wood we hover around the stove to keep warm. Monday 14 January 1918 Another stormy morning. Voltie had to turn out to drag hay from the lower barn. Emma went to hold the horses while Voltie shovels a road to the barn. We were surprised and very glad to see Wm walk in. He wallowed his way across the ice and deep snow. Mrs Ranous lost her house plants; all froze last night. [margin] Voltie & W N went to Niles. John to play cards in evening [/margin] Tuesday 15 January 1918 This is another stormy day snow and wind no mail. V and Wm drew straw and hay from Barn and stack then chopped & sawed a white ash up by the road for fire wood, drew it to the house brush and all. Howard came to borrow V Barn Book �69 Wednesday 16 Jan 1918 Another cold nasty stormy day. Wind changed from West to South. Wm & Voltie draw straw and hay, chop wood and I got grippe wish I hadn’t got it. My family sit up till nearly midnight. Wish they would go to bed. I can’t sleep till 4 oclock am, noise of some kind going on all night. I was sure someone had fallen out of bed about one oclock. Thursday 17 Jan 1918 Snow falling. V and Wm drawing hay and stra. Sent my letters corner by Wal. Wal mailed the letter, going to Cape tomorrow to go away. I got grippe wish I didnt Friday 18 Jan 1918 V arose early; going to draw pressed hay for Jack Niles to Clayton Chase at dark bought quinine lemons and stocking & and m �70 under wrapper and some W The smell is sickening. Got grippe pretty badly. We go to bed quite early Alden Morgan comes for Emma to a dance on Howe Island at Goodfriends. Poor Edith wants to go but stays home (Cinderalla) but I’m glad she dont go. mail comes to day Saturday 19 January 1918 Cloudy sunshine a little, snows a little. V and Will Niles go to George Woodmans for pine roots for kindling and birches. Monday I wrote a letter to day is Maude going to send to church tomorrow so the preacher can mail it early Monday morning. Sunday 1918 January 20 Jan Snowed in night the morning is cloudy. Soon the sun comes out and the preacher drives down any way. I thought so Edith went to church. No preacher. Will Niles drove Duke across the river to get his clean clothes. he will [margin] soon be coming back [/margin] �71 soon come home. Edith wanted to go but she didn’t thoI didn’t know it and was sorry for her, instead the she walks through the snow to Church to send a letter by preacher to Maude. Preacher not there so she waded back again. Sat up late but couldn’t sleep, after going to bed. Emma came home towards night with Edith Bates and Dick Hallidays hired man McNight. Oh the noise, they staid supper Monday 21st Jan 1918 ie. Bert and Maude phoned from Flynns. Phoned for V to drive for them. He went a long after dark to Flynns for B & M. A very fine day. V & Wm Butchered 3 hogs. got grippe yet. Maude and Burt came down from Kingston with John Flynn My diary is a guppie thing these day days Tuesday 22 January 1918 Arose eary went to Kingston with pork accompanied by Bert Smith and Emma. The day goes off better than I expected no rowing I got grippe. Wm N done the chores �72 Wednesday 23 Cold & bright. Voltie loaded pressed hay for Clayton but Wm N broke sleigh tongue so couldn’t go but worked on sleigh tongue in shop all day till late made new one Thursday 24 Jan 1918 Went to Clayton gone till quite late what I’ve written below is this (25 Jan) belongs to 24th this day excepting Henry Halliday came here visiting. Drove here with horse and cutter Friday 25 Jan 1918 A cold bright day. V gone to Clayton with pressed hay for Joe Woodman came home late. Gave a fellow 5 dollars to buy coal. The fellow bought 500 lbs and kept the change refusing to give it up. Bert Smith done the chores all night. I got grippe �73 Saturday 26 Jan 1918 A clear cold day. Voltie gone again to Clayton with a load of bailed hay Maud perched on top of the load. going to take the train from there to Watertown. Poor Grace will have to shoulder them for a while. Bert & Maud are a queer couple. 7 years married and yet courting V had a ring up from the Smiths last night [margin] Samy came down and drove the cows to water inquiring for Bert his address [/margin] Sunday 27 Jan 1918 A cold bright day. Frost frost froze every where. Henry gone to take Lucena home this cold cold morning. Voltie doing all outside chores alone this day which are not few. Howard and Ambrose made us a short call. Ate breakfast late. Aunt R picking over beans. No visitors till evening. When a young man came named Fransis Smith who works for Stewart Murphy. An English lad 18 years old and rather dwarfish or undersized for his years. Very forward young man We stuffed him apples and phonograp He was so charmed with phono that that he arose from his chair walked through the room and got close as possible to the machine. Very relunctantly he went home �74 Monday 28 January 1918 12 below zero this morning. No changes or break in the weather for warmer. Voltie working alone this day choring and drawing hay and straw from stacks. Jack N came for saw filing. Emma began a new knit rug. Rachel knitting for Maud on Berts socks. Stewing apples for table. Voltie dont feel very well. The Grippe is gripping him. V says Wm Niles brought it here Tuesday 29 January 1919 A clear bright morning 22 deg warmer than yesterday. Voltie gone to shovel road to stacks for hay & straw. No one to help him draw fodder for cattle this morn. I’m better this morning V drew a load of hay from stack. Edith helped pitch it away. R knitting for Bert Smith. Joe Woodman sick. Samy doing the chores alone. �75 Wednesday 30 Jan 1918. Another clear bright morning. frost on windows. Playing with cats this morn Sent letter to Belle by Samy Woodman to mail from Maloney’s. Emma sent two Sylve & Willie Joslin 9 cts postage Henry went to the Cape dance with Miss Goodfriend. Maurice took Edith Bates. sunset clear. Emma got a lame arm but she did "Tackle" a big washing enough to last a whole week. The mail came bringing Macleans magazine Buckbees seeds catalogue and the farm papers but no letters Thursday 31st Jan 1918 Another month of cold miserable winter gone when this day is done. Cold sunlight, frost on the windows. Emma washing, R knitting for Bert S. We were very glad to Wm Niles walk in. It seemed like sunlight after a storm. This evening all the Flynn’s & Murrays come visiting. Hannah & John Flynn Jack, Joe, and Sadie Murray. We had goose and popped corn, gave them apples, set table & gave them coffee and cakes and a general asortment of eatables even to a dish of baked beans, one am when they went home [margin] Wm N helped V draw hay and straw. Will here in the evening with Flynns [/margin] �76 Friday 1st day of February 1918 A bright day. & this split party among the young fry. A rivalry among the upper island and lower island clans. one gets a load for Rosiere. upper tribe gathers a load for big bay. Emma invited to both parties; goes to Big Bay with Bert Rogers. Every other foot hopper goes to Rosiere. Samy, Joey, Sheridan & Ed Maloney, Lucena Bates Miss Wood, Nell Goodfriend for Rosiere. Good Ridance glad they are all gone. Poor Henry H has a disconsolate time tried to go to both parties and went to neither. Got snubbed all around and went at last over to his Ungle Dicks sunset clear 22 deg above zero. 11 deg frost [margin] A letter from Irene [/margin] Saturday 2nd February 1918 A kind of cloudy snowy morning not very cold old ground hog can see his shadow all right at 10 am. Rogers brought Emma home at 4 pm, Then came back as far as Montgomerys where they stopped ate breakfast. Emma slept awhile till dinner time. Rog rents the Montgomrey farm, sent a letter to Grace by Wm Niles. heard by phone that [margin] Henry is at Dicks [/margin] �77 Sunday 3rd February 1918 A cloudy snowy morning. Wind South not cold, V up at 6 am. hard work indeed to get any one out of bed, after V up, I came, then, Edith, next, R. lastly Emma. Edith preparing for church. no service. Preacher came as far as Jack Nile’s. Edith didn’t go to church. Emma got a cold. mumping around all day, coughing No one here this day. I write a long letter to Irene. Henry at Dicks. Monday 4th February 1918. Another cold day. Finished writing to Irene sent it to post box where it will remain. Heard Ranous come as far as Dick Hallidays. Heard Henry is at Dicks weather growing colder. Emma ironing. Rachel knitting for Maude. I finish my red crochet work bag. Voltie doing chores nearly all day. A terrible winter very cold here this evening. �78 Tuesday 5th February 1918 The very coldest morning of this winter 28 degrees below zero. Voltie doing chores not much hay nor straw in barn. Joe Woodman stopped in here for money. Voltie paid him 4 dollars but gave him 5 dollar bill one dollar to much. Joe gone to the Cape to the dance taking Miss Goodfriend. Voltie drew hay from the stack after shoveling a road and untopping the stack. I write a letter to Louise Dixon. Will Niles working for Jack Niles. Popped corn in evening. Edith carrying her arms full of cats out door for the night 6 of them. tomorrow morning the cats will all come in again to be fed and lie around the stove. This is a great place for cats. They are fondled petted and carressed till Ediths hands are all scratched and bit. Wednesday 6 February 1918 Another terrible day for storm and snow. Don’t think Ranous will come with mail this day, same old rotine of work, cook, wash dishes. Will Niles came and helped Voltie draw hay and straw and chop down a tree a hickory by the road �79 She was a mother but never a wife, meat. flesh of animals Thursday 7 February 1918 Voltie working all day. Will Niles part of the day. a cold day and a great depth of snow and the snow falling very fine. Fixing to go to Maloneys dance. Emma, Edith and Voltie Will goes home for horse and cutter comes across to Geo Niles for his sister Stella then drives here for Emma after chores all done, Voltie drives over to Maloneys accompanied by Edith. They Edith and V are the first couple on the floor Continued from here in No 2. (Gray Academy Book) 1918 �80 Brace Bridge hall Astronemy Capt Warrens wards Pleasures of farming Watertown 1. Miss Gladys 2. Miss Emma 3. Miss Edith 4. Miss Ethel 5. Miss Alice Margaret Gaskins Watertown N.Y. [margin] Emma Lehman [/margin] �81 Reggie Wolfe Island Dr �This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following people: Eleanor Daley, Ann Hopkinson, Marilyn, MaryV, Vivian Zhang, 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, 1917-1918 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 1917-1918 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. September 24th, 1917 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/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