Grace Pierce's Diary, November 1928

Burr Oak Farmhouse (recent)

 Nov 1, Thurs

 Very snowy and snowed nearly all day. Elmer went to Burr Oak & the roads are a fright. I made another outing dress for Marilyn & did fancy work in the evening.

Nov 2, Fri  

The ground is covered with snow & snowed most of the day, but isn't very cold. Elmer went to Prosper & got some coal in the car, & in afternoon he went to Burr Oak after ground feed. Lloyd Knowlton was here and bought the pigs. Anita washed & had quite a time to dry the clothes.

Nov 3, Sat  

Bright and nice but terribly sloppy. Anita washed again for a change. Harold Reed hauled two load of hogs to Prosper for us. Mrs. Evenson called Luelle & said Emil was in Minneapolis with a lot of whitefish and wanted to know if some one could come & get them, but she said Raymond couldn't go so we didn't get any of them.   Sold 30 pigs & 2 old sows at 8-10 and they brought $454.20.

Nov 4, Sun 

Lovely day & mud is drying up some. We sat around all forenoon & went up to Jim's in afternoon. Elmer took us up and then came back home. Raymonds were up to Rupert Grenslades.

Nov 5, Mon

Very windy and cold in morning. Anita washed. Elmer & I went over to Stevies. They had shredders, we went with the Ford through the field. LuVerne came up from school and stayed all night. We got home about seven.

Nov 6, Tues

A lovely day. We cleaned my bedroom & I washed nearly all the curtains. Elmer went down to Merles to help shred. This is election day & I rode over to Raymonds when he came back from the cream route & Luella took me to Burr Oak and we voted for Hoover. Nearly every woman went but Anita & she would if she could have got there. It rained nearly all night. In eve Elmer & Anita & baby went to Prosper to see Lloyd Knowlton.

Nov 7, Wed

Rainy in morning but cleared up toward night. We cleaned the sitting room & put up all the curtains. Merle was here to dinner, he came after a hog. Afternoon Elmer went to Burr Oak and we went over to Raymonds. The roads were a fright. Well Hoover got elected by a big majority.

Nov 8, Thurs

Cloudy all day. We cleaned the pantry & I made a cake & cut out and made another outing dress for Marilyn while Anita did some mopping. Elmer is plowing with Howards tractor.

Nov 9, Fri

Dark and snow flakes fell all day so it was wet and sloppy. Arthur Manning helped stack stalks here. Ed Sharp was here to dinner. Doris called me from Minneapolis & wanted me to come up there tomorrow on the bus & go home with them & come down Thanksgiving, but I couldn't go for I have never got my glasses yet. I went to a party at the M.E. parsonage with Violet & Louis & kids. The roads were very bad and there wasn't many there. It was a pound party but I gave them $1.00.

From left: Anita, Grace, Doris circa 1924

Nov 10, Sat

Very misty in the morning but did get a little better. Arthur Manning was here helping stack corn fodder today. I made another outing dress for the baby Marilyn. In eve Elmer went to Burr Oak after groceries.

Nov 11, Sun

The sun shone at last and the wind blew hard so it dried up some of the mud. We went over to Luella's to dinner & had a very good dinner. Ervin & his father and Ronald were there. It is much colder tonight.

Nov 12, Mon

A beautiful day, and the wind dried the mud up pretty good. We had a big washing, washed dining room & kitchen curtains. Elmer plowed all day with tractor. We thought the mail wouldn't come today but he did. We sent letters to Canton with Louis. Elmer went to Burr Oak after supper.

Nov 13, Tues

Not as nice day as yesterday, very windy. Elmer went to Polletts to shred. We ironed & cleaned dining room. In afternoon I went to Burr Oak with Jim & Eda. We went to see about the Ladies Aid play. Just after I got home, Leonard Bruflodt came with B.O. Marsh's truck and moved our piano over and the other one away, and we are glad too. I paid him $2.00 for moving it.

Nov 14, Wed

Cloudy and sprinkled quite hard at times. I went to Decorah with Jim & Eda we went about 9-30 & I got home at 4 so I had time to look around and do what I wanted to. I paid $165 on note at bank & $12.45 Int. I got new frames for my glasses. Went down to see Lillie. The baby is growing fine & Lillie is getting along real well. Andy Butler was here in afternoon & all night. I got quite a lot of Christmas presents.

Nov 15, Thurs

Beautiful day after the hard wind last night. Anita & I went to George Smiths to Ladies Aid with Jim & Eda & then to Decorah with Luella & Roger. We went at noon & went to see Nettie Sorkness and didn't get home until nearly dark. I don't know when I have been so tired as I was tonight.

Nov 16, Fri

Rained about all night last night and raining all day. Luella came over & I made an apron for her to wear to the dance. LuVerne stayed here all night. Marilyn wasn't very well today.

Nov 17, Sat

Snowing to beat the band. Anita tried to get Dr. Ness on telephone but couldn't get him nor Dr. Lannin so they took Marilyn to Dr. Edwards at Canton. He said she mustn't nurse for a day or two. We kept it from her until night & had to let her have it as she wouldn't eat anything and have to fight to get her medicine down her. Geo Ruddick was hauling hogs for Miley & got stuck & came here to get warmed up.

Nov 18, Sun

Sun shone bright for a few minutes and was cloudy the rest of the day. I was sick as a dog all day, had the real old fashioned "grippe." The ground is covered with snow. Ethel called over in evening & said Mark got a telegram that Ollie passed away yesterday & Steve & Mark were going tomorrow.

Nov 19, Mon

Ground is frozen hard. I feel a little better but far from good. Anita washed. Elmer went to Burr Oak in forenoon & didn't get home until afternoon. I just dumped around all day. Marilyn was quite fretful all day.

Nov 20, Tues

Colder & ground was frozen hard. Still cloudy. Elmer, Anita, Marilyn & I went to Decorah. We started about 10 & got home a little after three. We went down to see Lillie. Elmer got the side curtains on the car fixed. The roads were very good from Frank Perry's down, but quite bad from here to B.O.

Nov 21, Wed

Much warmer & thawed a lot & so terrible muddy. We went up to Mike Blaess' to Ladies Aid & half the folks that drove cars got stuck. I walked up & Anita & Elmer came later, but I rode back. We had a lovely dinner. Luella stopped on way home from Harmony a few minutes. Today is little Margarette's second birthday.

Nov 22, Thurs

Bright but terrible windy. The ground was frozen hard in morning. Elmer went to Prosper and bought a load of coal. I washed & Anita hung the clothes out. Marilyn was very fussy all day. She coughs quite hard just after she goes to sleep. I finished a little pink batiste dress for her.

Nov 23, Fri

A lovely day. Ervin Young came to fix the pump and was here to dinner. Elmer went to B.O. but came right back. He took Anita to Fern's to a club meeting. Marilyn was better today. I cut out an apron for Anita.

Nov 24, Sat

Very nice day and didn't thaw very much. Elmer took a grist to Canton in forenoon. He got cough medicine for baby as she has quite a cough. I finished Nita's apron & made a little kraut in afternoon. It turned much colder toward night.

Nov 25, Sun

A beautiful day but quite cold and ground is frozen hard. Raymonds were here to dinner & helped move the stove into the dining room so it won't be so cold for Marilyn. Her cold seems better.

Nov 26, Mon

Another beautiful day. We washed. the wind blew quite hard. Elmer dragged the road a little toward night. He went to Prosper in forenoon & got some lumber to fix the tank.

Nov 27, Tues

Nice in morning but clouded over & misted & snowed most of the day. We went to Ladies Aid at Merle Smith's. I rode down with Jim & Eda & came back with Elmers. We had a nice dinner & listened to a good talk by Dr. Chalice. Anita is about all in with sore throat and headache. Marilyn coughs hard & we greased her good with camphorated oil & nutmeg. The lights waned.

Nov 28, Wed

Very dark & sort of misty all day. Anita has a very sore throat and I am as tired as a dog, and Marilyn has such terrible coughing spells. Elmer got the turkey at Louies & I picked & dressed it. Luella took LuVerne to Harmony & had a permanent tooth pulled & in afternoon she came over here & helped & we were very glad too. I made a big cake & cookies & Luella killed a rooster and got it ready, so we got along fine. In eve I called to Minneapolis & Mrs. Newhouse said they left there in forenoon so must be at Spring Grove. (I believe this refers to Doris, Emil & kids) Elmer went to B.O. in eve. He helped husk at Louis all day.

Doris & Emil circa 1925

Nov 29, Thurs

Thanksgiving day & quite nice but not sunshiny. I called to Spring Grove & they said they would be down before noon & got here about 11-30. Luella got here about 11 and brought a cake & salad. We all ate all we could for dinner & Emil & Raymond went to Decorah to football game and took some things to Glen & Lillie & fish too. They brought down about 30 fish smoked & salted.

Nov 30, Fri

Very dark & cloudy. Anita & Elmer took Marilyn to Dr. Larison & he said he thought she had bronchitis. Margarette & I went to Canton with Miley. Doris, Emil & Marion went to Decorah & from there to Spring Grove & didn't get back until 6-30 & we went over to Luella's to supper at 5. I went over with them & we had a lovely supper. Ervin was there too. The lights went about out at Elmers so we had to go to bed before we wanted to.    $3.00 at Canton for 6 months from Nov 26th

 

Grace Pierce's Diary, September 1928

Aunt Anita, Grandma Grace, Doris... my mother

Sept 1, Sat.

A nice day but looked like rain for a while. The threshing machine got here about ten. Anita and I went to Canton early and got meat and other things. Luella and kids came about 10. I never saw a hungrier bunch than we fed at noon. After dinner Luella and Anita went to Prosper after the baby’s high chair that she sent for and then to Canton after meat for supper. Alice came to Luella’s so she went home before the men were through. We got our work done about 8-30 and were so tired we went to bed as soon as possible.

Sept 2, Sun.

Nice today and we worked all forenoon as hard as we do any day. I even had to do a small washing of towels and baby’s clothes and made a batch of fried cakes. After noon Luella came over and I went over to Lon Pierce’s with her but they were not there so we went down by Alf Rilling’s and Emmet Knox’s and home. Elmer went to ball game over on Raymond’s flat. Pretty cool today.

Sept 3, Mon.

Quite cool, but a lovely day. Anita had to go to Canton early for meat for threshers. They started early and finished before eleven. We had dinner ready for them. We had 1800 bushels of oats and wheat and would weigh up 67 bushels to the acre. Luella came over about 8-30 and helped until nearly one. We took Marilyn down to Violet’s and weighed her and she weighs 16 ¾ lbs. School started today with Grace Knox as teacher. No mail today as it is Labor Day. Elmer went to Burr Oak in eve and brought home ice cream but I was in bed… but Anita brought it in to me.

Sept 4, Tues.

Beautiful day. We got up long before daylight. Elmer threshed at Claude Mitsons. We washed and had a big one and Luella came after me and I went to Decorah with her. We went down to see Lillie and I took her cream and jello. Her baby has gained some since I saw it last. We got home before noon and ironed some and then Anita and I went to B.O. She took some eggs and got 31cts for them. After we got back I mowed the lawn. Elmer came home about 4-30 and took feed to B.O. to be ground.

Sept 5, Wed.

Very nice day. I made 7qts of cucumber pickles and Anita mopped and cleaned the house. We went over to Luella’s and helped get things ready for threshers. Anita and I drove over to B.O. after bread and Anita came home. Elmer threshed at Guys and they finished for the year. I rode home in evening with Mildred and Alice. They threshed until 7-30 to finish. I was as tired as a dog and didn’t help wash the dishes either. Jennie Sanaker was married today.

Sept 6, Thurs.

Oh such a grand day. We were all tired this morning and didn’t get up as early as usual. I cut out the apron for Ladies Aid. LuVerne was here all day. There wasn’t any school on account of Institute. Elmer dug the early potatoes and LuVerne picked them up and then he and Elmer took a grist to Canton & Anita & I went over to Allie Wards so she could find a pattern for a dress. In eve after the milking was done Anita & I went to Canton after the grist & stopped at Franks a minute & drove in to Claude Mitsons after Elmers rubbers. LuVerne rode home with Elmer when he went to B.O. after we got home.

Sept 7, Fri.

As nice as ever but a little warmer. Elmer took the car over town and had a tire fixed in forenoon. We had an early dinner and Anita & I went to Decorah. They were having a shower for Lillie but we didn’t know anything about it so didn’t stay very long. We took the dress & skirt down that Anita & Luella gave her and took cream, and apples from Luella’s. In eve LuVerne, Elmer, Anita & I & Marilyn went to a weiner roast at Louie’s. We didn’t stay very late but had a good time and lots of weiners, buns, pickles, cookies & coffee.  Anita gave me a nice pair of gloves for a birthday present.

Sept 8, Sat.

Very warm day. We washed a few things & Anita cleaned up all the rooms. LuVerne went home early. Luella came over after a can of soft water. We got a long letter from Hazel & Doris & got some pictures that Anita took with her camera. Elmer went to town in eve. Frank Wickett was here & bought 5 cows & 9 old sows.

Sept 9, Sun.

A nice day but very windy. Elmer took a bushel of potatoes to Fred Scholey. I picked & dressed a chicken & we had creamed chicken and ice cream and we nearly died trying to get the qt of ice cream down. After dinner Anita, Marilyn & I went over to Howard for a little while.  We picked up a bushel of plums in forenoon.

Sept. 10, Mon.

A little cloudy in morning & after 10-30 it rained by spells all day. We washed and had a time getting the clothes dry. Two trucks came after the cows and hogs, the cows brought $360 & hogs $240. In afternoon we went over to Luella’s & got apples & took her over some plums. I preserved 9qt of plums and peeled & canned 2qt.

Sept. 11, Tues.

My 53rd birthday and felt as spry as a cricket. Cloudy nearly all day but didn’t rain. I canned plums & 2qt of Whitneys and made plum & apple jelly. In forenoon we took Elmer down to Charlie Weldons to get one of his horses out of the pasture. We finished the ironing. I baked bread & made out buns to bake in morning. Fern, Howard & Beverly came over after plums. Elmer went to B.O. in eve.  Raymonds paid me $20 on Int. & they had paid $5 before so it is paid up.

Sept 12, Wed.

Cloudy nearly all day. Cecil Wicks was here helping cut corn all day. Claude Mitson brought the silo filler down. Elmer went to Leistikows & to B.O. to call help to fill silo. Little Marilyn is sitting on the table tearing paper & is too cute for anything. I picked up about ½ bu of plums & canned 6qt more. Elmer gave me a check for $121.20 my share after the notes were paid for sheep and other things. Luella gave me a nice pair of silk stockings for my birthday.

Sept 13, Thurs.

Very nice day until 5-30 it commenced to rain & kept it up all night & was a terrible rain & such awful lightning & thunder that we couldn’t sleep half the night. In morning Anita and I went to Canton after meat as we are to fill silo today. She got her hair cut too & we got nearly to Luella’s coming home & she found she had left a box of groceries at the Farmers store so we had to go back & when we got here it was nearly nine & had to stew pumpkin & make pies & apple pies & cake. So we hustled all forenoon & everything went wrong. They finished filling about 3 & Cecil, Elmer & Raymond went to Decorah to ball game. Add & Claude were here after plums. Luella was here about ½ hr. I was sick with stomach ache all night.

Sept 14, Fri.

Oh such a rainy morning & I hope we don’t have another night like last night. Anita is 25 today & she & Luella went to Ruth Paddens to Club. Anita started over to Luella’s & couldn’t cross the bridge, it was washed out, so she backed up to Mileys & called Luella from there & she came down & they went the south road. Elmer went with Cecil to a sale out near Cresco. Claude Mitson was here in afternoon a few minutes.

Sept 15, Sat.

A lovely day. We did housework all forenoon. I washed clothes & Anita cleaned the house. They finished filling the silo in afternoon. Anita & I went to Burr Oak to a food sale by Ladies Aid. I took a pumpkin pie & Anita bought a cake. She helped Elmer pick up a load of corn & then we went up to Jim’s after tomatoes. I am not eating much now on account of my stomach & don’t dare taste of a tomato. Elmer went to B.O. tonight. Anita sold 6 doz eggs at 31cts. 

Sept 16, Sun.

Very windy and cooler but nice & bright. I canned 3qt of tomatoes. Eda tried to call us to see if we wanted to go to church with them but the blamed old phone never rang at all & I wanted to go too. About 3 Anita & I went up to Guys for an hour. Vera & Clarence & Lyle & Sena & Pat Gallaghers were there. Yes & Jack was there too. And so was Doris Farmer. A lovely evening, too nice to stay at home. 

Sept 17, Mon.

One of the most beautiful days we have had for three months. We got an early start with the washing & got through at 9-20 & had a big one too. Elmer went up to Guys after barley. We got a letter from Doris & Marion is quite sick with kidney trouble. After noon Raymonds & all of us went up in Halvorson’s woods after walnuts. They hadn’t fallen yet but we got 3 sacks of them. I made plum preserves after we got home & Anita ironed in eve. Elmer went to B.O.

Sept 18, Tues.

Another day as nice as yesterday and warmer. Elmer went up to Howards to cut corn. We did the ironing & then went to Decorah. We took plums & cream to Ericksons and ate our dinner at Emma Lowers café. Anita got a very pretty hat but I think I’ll wear my old one. We got home about 8 & Luella was here a few minutes. We went up after Elmer about 5-30. Canned a few tomatoes in eve.

Sept 19, Wed.

Very nice day but cool wind. We got up very early and Anita & Elmer picked a load of corn.  We took Elmer up to Howards & they just got up from the breakfast table. We drove to B.O. after pepper & glass cans. Marilyn was very fretful all day and wouldn’t sleep but little while at a time. We canned tomatoes & made catsup. I mowed the lawn and it looks very nice. It is so thick now. Anita got her dress goods at last. Also babys shoes. Got a letter from Doris and Hazel.

Sept 20, Thurs.

Rather cloudy & sprinkled by spells but didn’t rain. I canned tomatoes & made catchup & baked a pie & Anita cleaned the house. About 4 oclock I went to Ladies Aid at Alice Prices with Jim & Eda. I paid the last half of taxes $41.22. Elmer helped fill silo at Howards. He went to B.O. in eve.  Marilyn was in the swing on the porch & the screw came out that holds it & she fell to the floor right on her face. We thought she was killed but didn’t hurt her at all only a bump on her forehead & a red mark on her nose.

Sept 21, Fri.

A lovely day but it rained in the night. We got up early & I had the washing done before nine oclock. I had made ice box cookies too. I had them stirred up at 5-30 & I made a pie for dinner. Elmer was digging potatoes & Anita helped pick up. Luella & Roger walked over & stayed all afternoon and we took them home about 4. I picked & dressed & cooked two chickens to take to Doris & canned 7qt of tomatoes & made catsup & we ironed & Anita mopped after supper & helped unload potatoes so it was after 9 before we were through. LuVerne stayed here all night. We were about all in when we finally got to bed.

Sept 22, Sat.

We got up bright & early and kept on the run until we started to Canton & took the bus for Rochester. We left Canton a little after 8 & had a very nice ride to Rochester but from there on we rode 10 in a 7 passenger bus & had to transfer from St. Paul to Minneapolis and they piled our suit cases on top of us then. Emil was at the depot to meet us & we stopped at John Newhouse’s a few minutes & then came on to Isle. It was very cold & we wished we had worn our winter coats. We got to Isle about 6-30 & were nearly starved.

Sept 23, Sun. – Isle, MN

Colder than Greenland. Just after dinner Anita, Marilyn & I walked down to the lake. It was snowing a little & the wind was so cold we had to come back. All the kids went to sleep in the afternoon & after they woke up we went for a ride up to Sunset Bay & to Opstead. It snowed quite hard on the way up. Anita wore Emil’s sheep lined coat.  At home: we had our first frost, it was a hard one too.

Sept 24, Mon. – Isle, MN

Just as cold as ever & I guess a little worse. Doris washed & had a big washing. She mopped floors & Anita & I ironed some & I peeled & canned a few qt of tomatoes. I carried two pails of water from the pump up at the corner. Marion was quite fretful all day, & didn’t sleep at all in forenoon. Margarette is too cute for anything & talked every thing.

Marion, Margaret & Marilyn... on the farm, several years later

Sept 25, Tues. – Isle, MN

Cold in morning, but nice and warm in afternoon. We canned 7 ½ qt of peaches & ironed. Anita, Margarette & I went down town in forenoon. Anita went down to the lake & took pictures. After school we all went for a ride. In eve Emil & Doris went to the show and I took care of the kids. Margarette was very restless all night and cried so we took her in bed with us. We found out in the morning why she was so restless. Poor little tot.

Sept 26, Wed. – Isle, MN

Another beautiful day. We did a little washing of our own and I went up town & got the mail & some other things. We got a letter from Luella & she wrote that Glen Reed went away & left Ella & baby. He sold some cattle & skipped out with the money. After school we all went over to Russells bridge to fish but it was so cold Doris brought Anita & I & the kids back & she & Emil came soon after. He caught three & they were very good.

Sept 27, Thurs.

A lovely day. We took the bus from Isle at 7-30 & got to Minneapolis at 11-15 & went to the Woolworth store & then had lunch & waited until 2 & got on the bus for Rochester & got there at 6-15 & left at 6-30 & got to Canton about 8-15 or a little later. Elmer was there so we came right home. It was a lovely moonlight night & we didn’t get a bit cold until we rode home from Canton. LuVerne & Mr. Butler were here & had a good hot fire.

Sept 28, Fri.

Cloudy all day & sprinkled at times. We got up real early & took Elmer to Howards to cut corn. Lloyd Baker was here picking up corn all day. I made 3 gallon of kraut this afternoon. Elmer went to Dell McMullens after a sheep in eve. It weighed 145 lbs & then Anita & Elmer went to a weiner roast at Louie Underbakke’s given by the Club. There was a very small crowd there.  Marilyn was asleep so I kept her.

Sept 29, Sat.

Very cloudy and damp all day. LuVerne was here an hour or two to help Elmer with something. Elmer & Raymond went to a sale at Alva Steads. Elmer bought a bull. Luella & kids & Anita & I went to Willie Welches after walnuts but only got two sacks of them. We stopped at B.O. & I bought a cake at the food sale for 60cts. It was one Elsie made. In eve we went over to Luella’s when Elmer went to B.O. Luella was over at Hogsdon’s after eggs & the car stopped & she couldn’t get it started.

Sept 30, Sun.

Very damp and foggy in morning but cleared off and was so warm & windy. Anita, baby & Elmer went down to Merles & got apples in forenoon & in afternoon Anita, Elmer, Marilyn & I went over to Willie Welches again & got 3 ½ sacks of walnuts so we have 6 ½ sacks of them now. And that is all we will try to get. Raymond got his car fixed this afternoon. Glen, Florence & Norman were here while we were gone.

Grace Pierce's diary, August 1928

Here's a photo of my Grandma Grace with her siblings, the children of Henry and Margaret Masters:
From left to right in back - Guy and Frank Masters

Middle row - Jennie, Addie, Grace

Front - Iva

August 1, Wed.

Cloudy nearly all day, and sprinkled at times. We patched sacks in afternoon. Frank Sullivan came over and put brake bands in the car. We had a very hard storm in the eve and rained hard all night, about the hardest rain we have had.

August 2, Thurs.

Cloudy and rainy by spells all day. Elmer went to B.O. with John Reinsvold and came back with Phil Seelye who took two cows to a Courtney (?) that was here yesterday and bought them for $75 and $80. Eda and Jim came down for nut meats that Elmer got for them. The social tonight is postponed until Saturday night. Rained quite hard in eve, we went to bed early and I was awake for two or three hours in the night.

August 3, Fri.

Rainy as usual. Glen called quite early and wanted to know if I would come down if he came to Burr Oak so Elmer took me over. We left at 8:45 and the roads were very bad from here to B.O. Lillie had been quite bad for three days and had spit blood a little and it had scared her so, she almost went into spasms. Dr. Svebakken came after dinner and told her there was no reason to be alarmed as it didn’t come from her lungs. It rained hard again in afternoon.

August 4, Sat.

It cleared up about 9 and sun shone bright all day. Glen went to work in afternoon and I came home with Luella and Raymond, and Elmer came to Raymonds after me and we got stuck on the flats coming home. Anita and Luella got a bushel of peaches for $2.25. We went to ice cream social at church lawn in evening.

August 5, Sun.

Very nice day and warm. I picked cucumbers in morning and Anita mopped and we went to church with Jim and Eda and came back with Elmers car and he went to Highlandville to a ball game. In afternoon we went over to Gene Headingtons and stopped in at Luella’s on the way back and she had been here while we were gone. Raymonds brought Elmer home about 6.

August 6, Mon.

Very nice but quite warm & windy. We washed and had to borrow Violet’s boiler for ours leaked. We canned peaches the rest of the day. At noon Anita and Elmer were over to Raymonds after something he sent to Harmony for. Arthur Manning helped cut thistles in afternoon. We had a rain in evening.

August 7, Tues.

Oh such a hot day. I thought we would melt. We ironed all forenoon, and had some to do in the afternoon. Arthur Manning was helping cut thistles and was here to dinner. In afternoon Elmer went down to Merles and brought back some ice-cream which cooled us a little. Elmer went to B.O. in eve. Ethel called me and wanted me to help when they thresh.

August 8, Wed.

The hottest day we have had this summer. In morning I picked two dishpans of cucumbers before Anita went to Canton to have her hair cut and Marilyn and I went up to Herbs. After we got back we found out we would have threshers in afternoon so she had to go again after dinner for meat and things. Luella went to LaCrosse with Joe and Iona and after she got home she came over and helped at suppertime. I thought I would never get the dishes washed and wiped. The men were about cooked when they came to supper. It rained hard and hailed quite hard in eve.

August 9, Thurs.

Very hot again, especially in forenoon. We were so tired we didn’t do very much. Elmer took a grist to B.O. and wasn’t home at dinner. About 8 Anita, Marilyn and I went to Ladies Aid at Krumms with Jim and Eda, we got home at 6-30.

August 10, Fri.

Very nice day and cool. Anita and I and Marilyn went to Decorah in forenoon. We saw Lillie a few minutes. She has been sick since Tues. night and the nurse is there. Luella and Iona and Verlie went down in afternoon and Lillie had a baby girl, 7 ½ lbs, born at 2-10 and she and baby were getting along fine. Luella came over and told us she got home. Roy Wanless house caught fire and Anita and I went over and so did Luella but it was out before we got there. They finished threshing here just after dinner and threshed to Louie’s. LuVerne was here in afternoon and went home about 5.

August 11, Sat.

Another nice cool day. We washed and washed windows and cleaned up the house and picked and dressed two chickens and mowed the lawn in eve and ironed. We drove over to Luella’s and got some Whitney apples for pickles. Elmer threshed at Louie’s and got home about 2-30. He went to Burr Oak in eve. We had our first corn today.

August 12, Sun.

A lovely day. We had company: Add, Claude and Jim and Eda. In afternoon Glen, Florence and Mrs. Erickson drove up a few minutes. We went up to Howards in eve but they were gone. Elmer bought 4 lambs off Walter Rheuwinkle and he brought them over today, gave $35 for them.

August 13, Mon.

Very nice day. Alva came after me about 10 and I went over and helped Ethel with threshers. We didn’t have them until at supper time and only had 13 then. We got through with our work about 8 o-clock and I wrote to Doris after 10.

August 14, Tues.

Another beautiful day, but a little warmer. We had 14 men at dinner and thought we wouldn’t have them for supper but did. Anita came over after me to go down to Frank Bartle’s after blackberries so Ethel got Marion Nash to help at supper and I came home. She paid 25cts for blackberries. Elmer was threshing at Snells.

August 15, Wed.

Very warm day. Elmer went threshing, Anita and I took Marilyn down to Violets and weighed her. She weighed 16 lbs. About 2-30 we had a great surprise. Doris, Emil and kids drove in. They came to Spring Grove the night before. Emil went right back to S.G. and we all went over to Luella’s after choke-cherries and apples. In eve Anita went over to Luella’s while Elmer went to B.O. Margarette was very restless all night and so was Marion. A man stopped here about midnight and asked the way to Canton and I didn’t go to sleep for three hours.

August 16, Thurs.

Another scorcher. Anita, Marilyn and I went to Decorah early and went down to see Lillie and baby. They were getting along quite well. The baby has had jaundice but is better. The nurse went today noon and Lillie’s sister is there. She charged $60 for nine days. Olga McCabe and children and her sister Gladys and children and another girl from Lake City came about 2, we were going to stay to supper and it looked so stormy they went about 2-30. Elmer came home from threshing as it rained hard. We all slept good all night.

August 17, Fri.

Very cool but nice. Elmer went to the Fair about 11 o’clock. He took a grist to B.O. first. We got corn today and did our washing and Doris did hers, and we made pickles and Anita picked cucumbers and mopped. Emil came some time in the night.

August 18, Sat.

Cool in morning but warm in middle of day. Emil, Doris, kids and myself went to Decorah and went down to see Lillie and Doris bought a blanket for the baby. We stopped at Elsie’s on way home and Doris got a head of cauliflower for pickles. We got home about noon, Elmer came home from Leistikows threshing and went down to Vernie’s and threshed until after 7. Anita had 7 cows milked. Elmer went to B.O. Emil went to Spring Grove about 3. Gerald got kicked in the face by LuVerne’s pony and Luella and Joe took him to Mabel to Dr. Nass and had it sewed.

August 19, Sun.

Very warm day. We got things ready to go for a picnic at Decorah and Emil came about 11-30 and Anita, Doris, kids and myself went with him and there was so many at the Park we couldn’t eat there and we went over to Pulpit Rock and all the tables there were in use so we went up to the College and ate under a shade tree and the mosquitoes nearly chewed us up. We drove around for a while and came home and had a blow out before we got to Burr Oak. We were nearly cooked when we got home. Emil stopped to the ball game and we came on. Luella and Fern and kids came over a few minutes. It looked very rainy but didn’t here but hailed terrible at Joe Morans.

August 20, Mon.

Rainy in morning  and by spells all day. Emil went to S.G. in morning. Ed Arnold was here and fixed the steps to the granary. I paid him $2.00. We had so much to do today and Marilyn wouldn’t sleep hardly at all. We had a very hard storm about 6-30, terrible lightning and the hardest rain I ever saw.

August 21, Tues.

Very nice day. We did our washing and Doris did hers and we hung clothes out all day, as soon as one line-full dried we put out another. Afternoon Elmer and Anita and Marilyn went to Mabel to see Dr. Nass about Anita’s ear. He dug the wax out and she could hear a little better. I was about tired out and took Margarette to bed early. Marilyn was very fussy all forenoon but was good after she took a ride.

Got $3.21 from Yeomen

August 22, Wed.

Nice in forenoon but cloudy in afternoon. We did our ironing and I picked cucumbers. Elmer was threshing at Leistikows. About 3, Anita, Doris, kids and myself went over to Luella’s after apples. Margarette and I rode in the back of truck. Emil came about 7. It started to rain about 6-30 and kept it up all night and rained very hard and had terrible lightning and thunder. Rain came in every room and about ruined Anita’s sewing machine that was on the porch.

August 23, Thurs.

Cloudy nearly all day and much cooler. Doris, Emil and kids went to Spring Grove about 10. I peeled Whitney apples enough for two quarts and then washed a few clothes and ironed them about 4. Elmer went to B.O. in afternoon. Anita sold her chickens, about 45 of them, to Phil Seelye at 25cts per lb. They brought nearly $45. The water in Decorah is very high. The river is highest ever known and Dry Run is out of its banks too.

August 24, Fri.

A lovely day. I got a pail of corn and dried for Doris and picked cucumbers and we peeled and canned 6 qts of Whitney apples. After noon we went to Decorah. Elmer went to a ball game, we went down to Lillie’s and I took a hood and jacket for baby. I gave Anita $3 for her birthday and she got a camera by putting a little more with it. The game wasn’t out until nearly six, so it was late when we got home. LuVerne came over while they went to the dance and stayed all night. The water was quite high in Decorah today.

August 25, Sat.

A grand day but quite cool, Elmer was threshing at Leistikows after 9 o’clock. He and LuVerne took a grist to B.O. early in morning. I got two pails of corn today, one for Doris and one for Anita. I sewed on my apron all afternoon and could have finished it if I could have found one bunch of white braid. Elmer went to Burr Oak in eve after grist. There was a shower at Bakers for Lena tonight but Elmer and Anita didn’t go.

August 26, Sun.

Cloudy most of day. Elmer had to thresh at Leistikows until noon and it was too wet on other piece so they moved to Lews place. Emil, Doris and kids came about 10-15 and we all went over to Raymonds to dinner. Emil went home right after dinner and Elmer and Raymond went to Decorah to ball game. Luella brought us home and Merle, Elsie and Deane and Geo and Myra stopped here. Frank and Cora had been here while we were gone, and I was sorry we were gone. Elmer didn’t get here until 6:45. It rained again in night.

August 27, Mon.

A lovely day but quite windy. Doris did her washing but we only washed a few of ours. Doris ironed all of hers and so did we. Emil came down in eve but we were all in bed. He brought some ice-cream so we got up.

August 28, Tues.

Another nice day. Emil went home about 8. Elmer went threshing at Lyle’s on Lews place and got home at three. We made jell and apple butter and I made cookies and picked a dishpan of cucumbers. Elmer went to Burr Oak in eve. Anita took the three kids pictures and mine with them. I know it will be a scream.

August 29, Wed.

Rainy again for a change? I peeled and canned some duchess apples. The mail man slid in a ditch down by the school-house and Leistikows took a team down to pull him out. Elmer went to B.O. and was on the way to Howards and Arthur Morrison had a heavy truck and it slewed around and bent the axle in Elmer’s car so Rex Ward brought him home. Lyle and Sena Baker were married today and they chiveried them tonight. Emil came down and they are going home tomorrow.

August 30, Thurs.

A lovely day once more. I got up quite early and called Doris and Emil and they got things packed on the car and started from here about 7, but it took them quite a while to get up the hill east of the school house as they went by Raymonds to get apples. There was only one thing they left and I sent it in the mail today. We washed and ironed some and I canned 7 qt of apples. Elmer was to B.O. all day and brought the car home. It is very quiet around here today without Margarette and Marion. I got a letter from Hazel and Leslie has a job at Sidell, Ill. I hope he likes it and can keep it.

August 31, Fri.

A very nice day, but pretty cool in morning. Elmer went to Louie’s to thresh but they didn’t finish. Anita and Luella went to Lanesboro to a Club meeting at Bertha Nelson’s. LuVerne stayed here, they got home about 4-30.

Grandma's Diary July 1928

Thanks to my cousin Jacquelyn for this fabulous picture of my grandma, Grace Pierce, in the middle, with Jacquelyn's grandma (my aunt), Anita, on the left and my mother, Doris, on the right.

July 1 – Sunday

Very warm day. Emil & Raymond went fishing and then went to Cresco. They got back about 5 o’clock. Elmer went up to Lennie Asks & got home about 7. Luella & kids were here a little while in forenoon. Marilyn and I rode over to Raymond’s when Emil & Doris took Raymond home.

July 2 – Monday

A terrible rain early in the morning & hailed some. Doris washed in forenoon & I washed baby’s things in afternoon. Elmer went to sale at Willard Barth’s, LuVerne was here to dinner & in afternoon and until 4:30. Elmer got home about 6. It rained hard between six and seven.

July 3 – Tuesday

Very hot day, I sweat a tub full. We washed and got through about 10:30. Anita picked peas and I made custard for dinner. Doris cut Margarette’s hair. After noon Doris, kids, Luella, Roger & I went to Decorah and almost cooked down there. We went down to see Lillie. Emil & Raymond took a phonograph to Cresco but brought it back. Elmer & Charlie went to B O in eve.

July 4 – Wed.

Very rainy until noon. We had intended to go to Chimney Rock to a picnic but couldn’t on account of rain. Doris, Emil & kids went to Spring Grove. Elmer went to Burr Oak. We ironed all forenoon and mowed lawn in afternoon. We went over to Luella’s and got ice and made ice cream and Guy, Edna, Victor & Howard were here in eve. LuVerne stayed here all night.

July 5 – Thurs.

Lovely day, we washed a few things, & Anita cleaned the house. Luella came over after a mess of peas. Jim & Erlamae stopped to see the baby. Mr. & Mrs. Price were here after supper and after they went we went over to Luella’s a little while. Ella Hoverson & family were to Luella’s today to see the place. They lived there when she was a young girl.

July 6 – Friday

A very warm day. I picked the last mess of strawberries. In afternoon Anita & Luella went to Myrtle Manning’s to Club meeting. Doris, Emil & kids came just after we had supper. We drove over to Raymond’s a little while.

July 7 – Sat.

Another hot day. Doris took Emil over to Raymond’s to help until noon & Raymond took Emil’s car & went to Prosper & Anita & I were ready to go to Decorah so Luella took Hughie’s car & brought Doris over, we got back at 10:30. In afternoon Doris & Emil went to Preston after the phonograph he took there. Glen, Lillie & Florence were here toward night. LuVerne stayed here all night. Elmer went to Prosper & Burr Oak.

July 8 - Sun.

Nice in the morning & we hurried around & got lunch ready & was going to Decorah to the park & it started to rain so we didn’t go. It rained about all afternoon & there was hard thunder & lightning. 

July 9 – Mon.

Bright & nice & much cooler. We did our washing & Doris did hers. Emil, Margarette & Elmer went to Prosper at noon to get Emil’s coats that they sent up from Spring Grove. We got things ready for a picnic supper at the park in Decorah & went from here about 6 & had a very nice supper & enjoyed it very much. Just Raymonds & Elmer & Emil, Doris & kids & myself were there. We took two creamed chickens, scalloped potatoes & potato salad, pineapple salad, cookies & sandwiches & olives & made lemonade. Raymonds stayed to movies but we got home at 10:15.

July 10 – Tues.

Very warm day. Anita cleaned up the rooms & Doris & I ironed. Emil was plowing corn for Raymond & he came after Doris & kids at noon so she could make Luella’s dress. Anita, Marilyn & I went to Allie Ward’s & to Burr Oak in afternoon. In eve Doris, Emil, kids and myself went to Burr Oak for a ride. Charley came after supper and he & Elmer went to Burr Oak.

July 11 – Wed.

Warm today but not as bad as yesterday. Doris, Emil & Marion were over to Luella’s all day. Doris was making a dress for Luella for every day. They came home about 7 & I went with them to Spring Grove. Margarette had a good time up there, running around in the restaurant.

July 12 – Thurs.

Nice in morning but just poured right after dinner. Emil went over to Raymond’s to help but Doris & kids stayed here. Anita went to B O & brought her dress home. Raymonds went to Decorah & Emil & LuVerne came here to dinner after we were through. It just poured so they couldn’t work in afternoon.

July 13 – Fri.

Clear most of day, but muddy in forenoon. Emil went with Raymond on cream route & they went to Spring Grove in afternoon & Raymond bought a tractor. Luella & Anita went to Canton & had their hair cut. The kids stayed here. Elsie & Merle were here in evening & after they went Elmer & Anita went to the dance at Burr Oak. Marilyn stayed with me & never woke up until they got home a little after 12.

July 14 – Sat.

Very warm day. Doris did her washing in forenoon. Emil helped over to Raymond’s again, he brought the car over at noon & Doris & kids & I went up to Guy’s & over to Stevie’s & after we got home Emil, Doris & kids went to Spring Grove & stayed. Anita & I went up to Jim’s in eve & Elmer went to Burr Oak.

July 15 – Sun.

Another warm day. Anita, baby & I went to church with Jim & Eda. In afternoon we went over to Luella’s. Claude Mitson was here a few minutes in morning but Elmer was over to Miley’s. We went to bed early for we were tired out.

July 16 – Mon. – Very hot

Very nice day and we did a whopper of a washing. Doris, Emil & kids came about ten. At noon we took Emil over to Raymond’s & he got his car & took a phonograph to Cresco but didn’t sell it. He got home about dark. We took Luella over home & then went for a little ride. In eve Doris had to take the car over so Raymonds could go to Burr Oak, so she & Emil didn’t get home until 9:30.

July 17 – Tues.

Another scorcher. Doris took Emil over to Raymond in morning & he took the phonographs to LaCrosse & got back about 5. We ironed until about 3 and then went down to Violet’s in the Ford. Charley McCarty came this forenoon. Doris, kids & I went after Emil & got home just before it started to rain. They intended to start home tomorrow morning but changed their mind & won’t go until Fri. and Mrs. Evenson will go with them.

July 18 – Wed.

Cloudy about half the day & so warm. Emil went with Raymond on part of the route & came home about 11. He & Raymond intended to go to LaCrosse to a Fiddler’s contest this eve, but changed their mind. Doris, Emil & kids went to Spring Grove about 7 & it rained so hard they stayed all night. Raymonds went to Decorah. It was a very hard rain about 9 o’clock.

July 19 – Thurs.

Sun shone until about noon. Emil, Doris & kids got here about 10. Little Margarette fell down stairs in afternoon but didn’t hurt her very much. It rained hard again about 3. We all went over to Luella’s to supper. I picked & dressed a chicken to cook for their lunch tomorrow. We got home from Luella’s a little after nine. 

July 20 – Fri.

Very dark & a little misty early but cleared up & was very hot. They started from here for Isle about 6:30 & I hated to say good by to the little tots. Victor Masters is sick & they are afraid it is typhoid fever, but was better in afternoon. Anita & Luella went to Club at Francis Miller’s. In eve Myrtle Manning & Belva stayed here while the men went to Burr Oak.

July 21 – Sat.

Foggy in morning & rained some in forenoon. Elmer had the lambs hauled to Prosper & got $45.50 after some things were paid for. It just poured in afternoon. Elmer went to Burr Oak and again in eve. LuVerne stayed here while his folks went to a dance at Maltens.

July 22 – Sun.

Very nice day. We fixed picnic dinner & ate over to Raymonds & then Anita & I went to Decorah to the movie “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come.” It was very good. The Burr Oak boys played ball against the Cresco boys & the losers had to pay for a gallon of ice cream. We got back in time to get some of it.

July 23 – Mon.

Another lovely day & we had such a washing. Elmer cut grain for Louie all day. Anita took me over to Luella’s at noon & I went to Decorah with Luella & she came back to Knokes & got raspberries. I rode home with Raymond when he went up to Jim’s. 

No letter today from Doris & I was disappointed. 

Elmer went to B O in eve & got raspberries from Gladys Albertson but they were half moldy.

July 24 – Tues.

Another very warm day. We attended to berries the first thing and it was an awful mess. We did a big ironing. Charlie McCarty was here. Elmer started to cut oats but they were too green, so he went to B O & got 4 qt. of raspberries from Myra Smith. Allie Ward fell & got hurt quite badly on a tree stump. They took her to Decorah & had Dr. Svebakken patch her up.

July 25 – Wed.

Very warm day. I picked peas & cucumbers early in the forenoon. After dinner Anita & Luella went down to Clarence Knoke’s and got raspberries & Anita bought a crate of cherries at Fred Glise’s for $3.75. We canned the berries after she got home. In eve we went to an ice cream social on the parsonage lawn. Marilyn was very good. Got home at ten o-clock.

July 26 – Thurs.

Nice in forenoon & very warm but looked very rainy in afternoon but didn’t rain here but got much cooler. Elmer had a boy helping his name is John Meyers. Anita & I went to Eda’s to Ladies Aid & got supper for the men after we got home. It was very late when the chores were done. The cows give so much more milk now.

We canned cherries all forenoon. Elmer started cutting oats toward night.

July 27 – Fri.

Very cool & a dandy day to work. We finished canning cherries & mowed the lawn & made 15 glasses of jelly & quite a lot of apple butter. Elmer was cutting oats & John Meyers is shocking for him. Elmer went to B O in eve after twine.

July 28 – Sat.

Cool again today but very nice & bright. Elmer’s man came again today to help. We weren’t quite so busy as we have been other days. In eve Elmer went to Burr Oak & we went to bed.

July 29 – Sun.

Quite cool. We took Marilyn over to Raymonds to weigh her & she weighed 15 ½ lbs. It rained a little shower so we hurried home. I went to church with Jim & Eda. After noon we took Elmer to B O to practice ball & we went up to Stevie’s for a couple of hours.  Luella & Raymond went to Iona’s to dinner.

July 30 – Mon.

Nice day but very windy. We did a big washing and about 2-30 Anita & I took Marilyn over to Dr. Nass on account of the breaking out on her face. He said the heat had caused it to be worse. Luella & Roger came over after soft water. Elmer finished cutting oats about 4 and helped the Meyers boy shock until it was finished.

July 31 – Tues.

Warm day. It looked rainy all day but we only had a small shower. Charlie McCarty was here for dinner but went in afternoon. We ironed & Anita cleaned the house & we killed flies the rest of the time. In eve Elmer went to B O & we went over to Luella’s, got home about 9-45. Elmer got screen for the doors & windows.

June 1928 - early garden harvest

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June 1 – Friday – Isle, MN

Quite cold. Cloudy and at last it did rain. The 8^th graders had a picnic and asked Doris to go so she went about 12. Emil got 2 doz. lemons & we made the lemonade here and he bought ice-cream for all of them. Marion slept all the time while Doris was gone. In eve Doris, Emil & Berge went fishing & didn’t get home until 12 o’clock. It is very cold tonight. Berge had to pay $7 for the use of the boat. Mrs. Church was here for a while in the afternoon.

June 2 – Saturday – Isle

I got up before 5 & had breakfast before six so Berge could get an early start for home. Doris did a big washing and mopped. I ironed in afternoon and we went up to look at the house. I got Margarette’s & Marion’s hats & will have to send both back as Marion’s is too small & Margarette’s too big. In eve Doris & Emil went to commencement exercises at school house and while they were gone a drunken man came stumbling in and wanted to find lodging. I told him there was no lodging here and he begged my pardon about half a dozen times and backed out. The town is just swarming with people who have come here to fish.

June 3 – Sunday – Isle

Very nice day. We didn’t do very much but lay around and had supper about 5 and then went for a ride. This is our last night in this house and I’m not sorry.

June 4 – Monday – Isle

Got up real early and we washed all the curtains & drapes & Emil had a boy come with a truck & we got nearly everything moved to the other house. Margarette played all forenoon with Mildred Church. Say but we are tired tonight but will like it much better here for there is so much more room. Very warm today.

June 5 – Tuesday – Isle

Some cooler. Doris & Emil went over to the other house to clean it up and get what was left. They didn’t get home until noon. I went out to empty some slops while they were gone and the night lock was on all the doors and I was locked out & Marion was crying. I tried to get in every way and went to the next door to have them call Emil and have him come back, but I couldn’t get anyone up but the dog and I didn’t want him so I pushed the glass part that is on the porch door in enough to get my hand in & unlatched it. I took a letter to post office at noon. I rode up town with Margarette when Emil went after mattress for little bed.

June 6 – Wed. – Isle

Very warm. I got up at five and scrubbed both linoleum rugs & made cookies before they were up. I fixed drapes & Doris put curtains up. Emil had Dr. Holm come over to see Marion as she isn’t gaining any & he said to put her on the bottle & give her Dextri-Maltose in the milk. We went over to the other house & took down clothes lines in eve and rode up north a ways. Marion had a terrible crying spell until after 11 at night.

June 7 – Thurs. – Isle

Cloudy all day. After dinner Doris & Emil went over & put the garden seeds in. It rained & just poured but they planted right through it. Doris breasts hurt her quite bad all night. It rained hard in the night too. Margarette is much more contented here than where they lived before.

June 8 – Fri. – Isle

It cleared up about 9 o’clock and we put water on and did a big washing, didn’t get them out until 2 o-clock but they dried. We had supper early and drove out to Enroth’s for a kalsomine brush and rode over by the other place.

June 9 – Sat. – Isle

A beautiful day. I got up early and went out door & forgot to take the night lock off so had to pound on the door to wake Doris to let me in. We did about three days work today. Ironed, Kalsomined two rooms up stairs, made curtains and did several other things & when nine o-clock came I was so tired I could hardly hold the baby.

June 10 – Sunday – Isle

Lovely day. I arose at 6 and scrubbed all the linoleum, porch floor & all and made a cake & washed & dressed both Marion & Margarette and got dinner while Doris & Emil cleaned up the room upstairs that they kalsomined & cleaned down stairs. About 5 o’clock we went over to Onamia & met Clarence, Eldora & Knute Lee coming up so we hustled home & got supper & Doris kids & I slept downstairs and nearly froze to death, it was so cold in the night.

June 11 – Mon. – Isle

Nice in forenoon but turned cloudy & rained a little toward eve. The men all went fishing & didn’t get back until noon. After dinner Clarence & Mr. Lee started to Fergus Falls. I went down town in morning & toward night we went over to the school house. I got Margarettes & Marions hats today. It rained quite hard in the night.

June 12 – Tues. – Isle

Rainy early in morning but cleared up & we did a big washing. I made raisin pie for dinner. After Margarette woke up in afternoon she & I went over to Church’s & was going to call on Nellie Haggberg but she was over to her mother-in-laws so she came out & talked to us a few minutes. After supper, Eldora & baby & Margarette & I walked down to the lake. Emil put new brake bands in the car  & didn’t get through until 9-30.

June 13 - Wed. – Isle

Very nice day. I ironed & made an apple pie. Eldora took her baby & Margarette for a walk in forenoon. After dinner they all went down town but Marion & I. Doris got material for two aprons for me. She & Emil had to go to school house to check up the books. In eve Eldora, Margarette, Marion, Virginia, Emil & I went for a ride & took Audley Patterson’s certificate up to him. Nellie Haggberg was over in eve & Doris & Emil took her home & took Doris two amyrillas (amaryllis) over for her to take care of while they are down home.

June 14 – Thurs. – Isle

Very nice day. I got up at 4-30 but we didn’t get started for home until nearly 8. Eldora lost her pocket book & we looked for that for an hour & found it under the dresser. We got to Minneapolis about 11 & Emil had to get a tire, so didn’t get away from Neuhouse’s until about 1 & came right on until we had another puncture this side of Preston & had to change tires. We got home about 8 and were all tired out. Anita had a very nice supper ready. Luella & boys came over. Marion cried about all night.

June 15 –Fri. – home

I’m so tired I don’t believe I’ll ever get rested. Doris, Emil & Margarette didn’t get up until after 9. Marion has quite a cold. Emil went to Spring Grove in forenoon. At noon Anita took Elmer down to Merle’s & Margarette & I went too. After we got back I laid down a little while when Margarette was going to sleep. She has had a big time running around with the chickens. We were all pretty tired when bed time came.

June 16 - Sat.

Cloudy most all day. Doris washed some of the baby’s clothes. Emil came just after noon & he & Doris went to Decorah & got home a little after 6. They left both kids here with me and I had a nice time while Anita was milking taking care of all three kids. Evensons invited us & Raymonds up there tomorrow.

Emery Wilbur was buried this afternoon.

June 17 – Sunday.

Rainy & rained hard about ten. We all went up to Evensons in Emil’s car & had a very nice dinner & they made us stay to supper too so it was nearly 7 when we got home. Steve McCabes had been here & we felt pretty bad because we were gone. We were all so tired & went to bed a little after 9.

June 18 – Mon.

Cloudy most of the day. Doris did her washing in forenoon & I did ours in afternoon. Emil went to Spring Grove & Doris & kids went over to Luellas with Raymond when he came back from the route. I mowed part of one side of the lawn & Doris finished it. I picked berries for dinner & supper. Anita worked in the garden after the milking was done.

June 19 – Tues.

I ironed most of the day. Charley McCarty came before dinner. In eve Emil came & he and Doris took a phonograph to Decorah to see if he could sell it. I kept the kids & Anita took Marilyn to bed at 8-30 & I took the other two. They got home about 11-30. Elmer & Charley went to Burr Oak with Emils car & he took Elmers Ford to Decorah.

June 20 – Wed.

Very warm. Doris, Emil & Margarette went to Decorah & got home at noon. I picked strawberries & nearly melted. I only picked enough for dinner & supper. In afternoon Emil helped Raymond & Doris & kids were there.

June 21 – Thurs.

Lovely day. Anita went to Canton & had her hair cut. Emil helped at Raymonds all day. In afternoon Doris, kids & I went up to Eda’s, to Adds & a few minutes at Guys. Emil & Doris took me to Burr Oak in eve to “The Ministers Wifes New Bonnet” & I rode back with Jim & Eda. It was good & there was quite a crowd.

I alabastined the kitchen today.

June 22 – Fri.

Rainy in morning & until noon. I picked berries enough for dinner. Elmer rode over town with Charles Miller. After supper Emil went to Prosper and sent the keys for his fathers car home.

June 23 – Sat.

Quite nice until toward eve & rained then. Emil went to Spring Grove & then to Decorah & got back here about 12 at night. We did our washing & Doris & I made an angel food cake & Anita cleaned bed room & front room. We were all so tired at night we could hardly move.

June 24 – Sun.

Cloudy all day & misty at times. We were hustling around to get the work done & Guy, Vera & Ethel came & then Howard. Mr. B. Charlene & Beverly came after strawberry plants. We had floors to mop & Elmer went to BO after groceries & ice. Emil froze the cream & I picked strawberries, Mr. Young, Alice, Ervin & Ronald were here & Raymonds to celebrate Luella’s birthday. Youngs stayed until after supper.

June 25 – Mon.

Cloudy & cool all day. Doris, Emil & Margarette went to LaCrosse & got back about six. Emil went right down to Decorah & left another phonograph at Ella McMasters “café.” Marion was very good all day.

June 26 – Tues.

Lovely day. Anita went to BO in morning & took Margarette with her. Emil went to Spring Grove as soon as he got up. Doris washed today. Anita & Elmer went to the Club picnic & left Marilyn with me. Charley McCarty was here.  Marilyn was very good & so was Margarette.

June 27 – Wed.

Another lovely day & we washed our clothes. Had new peas for dinner & supper & I picked strawberries for dinner & Anita picked them for supper. Emil came & they all went over to Raymonds & stayed all night. Emil & Raymond went to Decorah. Margarette was very good today because we let her run out whenever she wanted to. Rained in the night or toward morning.

June 28 – Thurs.

Nice in forenoon but rained all afternoon. We ironed and picked peas for dinner & strawberries too. In afternoon Elmer was going to Decorah to a ball game, some girls were to play, but it poured so he didn’t go. I was going down to see Lillie. Elmer went to Burr Oak. Anita picked berries for supper & I sewed all afternoon. Anita gave me a check for $35 that they owed Doris & she said to give it to me toward paying for car.

June 29 – Fri.

Nice & sunny all day. I picked strawberries & peas in forenoon. After noon I sewed some. Doris, Emil & kids came home after supper. Anita & Elmer went to a dance at Burr Oak & left Marilyn with me. She was real good. They got home a little after twelve.

June 30 – Sat.

Nice day & quite warm. Doris & Emil went to Preston with a phonograph & left the kids with us, & got home at noon & he went to Canton & brought another down. He got home about 5-30. In afternoon Anita & I went to Mabel to have Dr. Nass see Marilyn. He thought she was getting along fine.

Elmer went to Lennie Asks in forenoon. The Fuller Brush man brought Anita’s things she had ordered.