Bennett Luther Dean
Personal Journal, 1903

February 1903

Sunday February 1     Warm & damp, rained a little. Did not get up in time to go to church. Staid at home all day, looked over receipts and papers, and fixed up the desk. Mabel came home in Eve.

Monday February 2     Warm this morning, it was so foggy I could not see the houses on either side of the street as I rode my wheel to work. Awful damp, high N.W. wind came up at noon. The sun shone at short intervals all the P.M. so the bear saw his shadow OK. The baby seems quite sick tonight, probably his teeth, his bowels are very loose and he cries with pain a good deal.

Tuesday February 3     Today has certainly been a corker. Snowed damp wet snow all A.M. and rained all P.M. getting cold tonight. The baby was worse today, he seemed so bad when I came home, I went and telephoned for Dr. Bell but when I came back he seemed so much better and brighter that he seemed like another baby. Anna had given him a dose of Castor oil and I guess that was all [he] needed. The Dr. came and thought he would be all OK now, said it was his teeth. Took the car down town and up Trumbull home tonight. Bought this book at Palridge & B., never got onto such a crowded car as the Trumbull car was. Today is Geo.s birthday, I suppose he must be 37. Father called today.

Wednesday February 4     Regular March day, soft & slushy A.M., high cold wind & colder tonight. Blizzards and storms all over country west. Baby better but cross. Paid rent, forgot to pay it last night. Over on G.R. tonight left my watch for main spring at the Bazaar. Father called.

Thursday February 5     Cold, windy. Anna washed, baby cross but getting better. Mabel offered position in Majestic Bl. Felt my regular cold coming on, took licorice corn, lemonade, soaked feet and went to bed.

Friday February 6     Beautiful bright day. My cold seemed a little better, took castor oil, ate oatmeal for dinner. Met Lenard Stringer this A.M. Anna, Mabel & baby called on Hopkins and went to see washer woman P.M.

Saturday February 7     A.M. fine, P.M. seems like snow, snowing in the Eve. Mabel worked today. Washer woman called. Edna up Eve. Got my watch tonight, 75¢.

Sunday February 8     About 8 inch. snow this A.M., warm. Worked, about 70 calls. Do not feel well. At home all day. Wrote to Herbert and Ernie.

Monday February 9     Beautiful day, warm & bright. Dont like the snow though. Mrs. Walker called Eve.

Tuesday February 10     Warm & bright, snow thawed very fast, fearful sloppy. Baby the best natured today he has been in a long time. Found 25¢.

Wednesday February 11     Rained all day nearly, sloppy is no name for it. Sold $1 worth of tickets for McClerkin. Father called. Mrs. Texter game me Bulahs picture.

Thursday February 12     Fair day, snow about gone, streets in dreadful condition. Anna, baby & I [went] down to Mothers for dinner. Mabel got a job today with the Out. & Col. Gold & Copper Mining.

Friday February 13     Spring weather, baby is just fine for a day or two, I hope it will last.

Saturday February 14     Fair day, looks like snow tonight. Big load of Valentines today. Baby put a spoonfull of sugar to his mouth today, the first time he ever did anything like that.

Sunday February 15     3 in. snow this morning, snowed all day and I guess it will snow all night. Went to church this A.M., nobody else of our family there. Baby took his first step alone today, Mabel holding him untill he was near his Mother then let him go and he would go the rest of the way alone. He is learning very fast now. Mrs. McLeod & Donald called.

Monday February 16     Cold today, 10° above and the snow made it a bad day, getting colder tonight. Terrible load today, hard to curtail. Baby seems quite sick, has pains and his bowls are out of wack, suppose it is his teeth. Mabel quit her job today.

Tuesday February 17     Very cold today, about 5° below but a clear bright winter day. Baby is better today but he worries us, he has passed a little blood that seems like phlegme. He talks and jumps in his sleep, dont have much if any fever, but at times seems so sick. About all we do is give him Castor oil to clear his bowels. Got a letter from Ernie & Anna. Mabel got a position with the Remington Typewriter Co., 28 Lafayette Av.

Wednesday February 18     Very cold, 3° below this A.M., came up to 6° above at 10 A.M. then went down again and was zero all P.M. and a very high N.W. wind made it just fearful to face. Baby better today. Inez Hart called.

Thursday February 19     2° below but got warmer, it is now 10 P.M. 16° above, no wind and a beautiful day.

Friday February 20     10° above, bright & beautiful. Called up Dr. Bell and asked some questions about baby. He has passed bloody mucous a few times but the Dr. thought it nothing to be alarmed about unless it continued too long. He tel. a perscription of powders. Went down to Mrs. Walkers for her Dr. book. Mrs. Clarkson came this P.M.

Saturday February 21     Blustering threatening day. Baby just fine, walked quite a bit, can go all right but seems afraid. [I am] awful tired and my back aches in a way that it worries me.

Sunday February 22     Nice warm day, seems to be blowing up a storm this Eve. Worked today, had to report 1/2 hour earlier. Flora in today, she & her mother went home this Eve. Baby has a cold today.

Monday February 23     1/2 holiday today but I carried it this A.M., Home Journals, Companion Magazines, Etc., put in 5 hours & 30 min. Went down town, bought scales & met Buchanan, Curd, Taylor & Carr & bowled. Anna went up to Geo.s Mabel had 1/2 holiday and took care of baby. Sloppy day.

Tuesday February 24     Beautiful day but rather sloppy.

Wednesday February 25     Beautiful day. Edna & Clarence up in the Eve. Ted & Norine here to dinner.

Thursday February 26     Beautiful day. Belle gave a Pedro Party to the Hopkins & Deans, Masons. We got Howard to sleep and took him over but he did not stay asleep and was awake and wide eyed for the most of the Eve. I won the 1st prize, a thermometer and Mabel won the ladies prize, a picture.

Friday February 27     Miserable rainy day, bought a pair of rubbers on my way in from [my] route.

Saturday February 28     Another miserable rainy day, turning cold with a high wind at night. Mabel went home tonight.

April 1903

Wednesday April 1     Well this is a fine all fools day, but looks like rain this Eve. Father here to dinner today. I like to see him with Howard, he seems to think so much of him. Howard can get up alone now and walk when he has been sitting on the floor. Anna missed him the other day and finally found him up stairs in Mabels room with a grin right straight across his face.

Thursday April 2     Regular spring rain all A.M. Thundered, hailed and rained. P.M. was perfectly beautiful, so warm we had doors & windows open.

Friday April 3     Well this has been different again. It started to rain this morning, then turned to sleet, then snow and it has snowed every minute since and it was freezing cold. The wind blew and it has been about as horrible an April day as one could imagine. I feel rhumaticy tonight, not much snow on the ground as it is nothing but slush.

Saturday April 4     Cold, 26° above, about 3 inches of snow, every thing froze up. Cold north wind blowing, sun came out bright but still it seemed cold, just like a January day. The mails are terrific on account of spring election. Anna & I went down town after supper did some trading, then Anna came home and I went to the Carriers meeting.

Sunday April 5     Cold, 30° above, but a clear bright day. Worked, awful big mail. Feel tired today and am taking it easy this P.M. Auntie T came in P.M. Mrs. Graham came to supper.

Monday April 6     Fine day, warmer, shower in Eve. Mrs Burns called for rent. Mabel got her salary raised to seven dollars a week. I think Howard saved his papa and mama their first steps tonight. I told him to take the Evening Paper that I had to his mama across the room and he understood and did it.

Tuesday April 7     Fair day. Went down to Mothers after work.

Wednesday April 8     Nice warm day. Anna cleaned front room up stairs and we moved our bed in. Edna & Clarence up in Eve. but Anna & Mabel went down to Mrs. Grahams.

Thursday April 9     Warm pleasant day except high wind. Father called.

Friday April 10     Fair day. Auntie and Mrs. Graham came to supper. We expected two of Mrs. Grahams nephews and David in the Eve but they did not come.

Saturday April 11     Rain nearly all day today, dark and gloomy. Mabel went home.

Easter Sunday April 12     Not a very nice Easter day. Rained and dark damp gloomy day. Went to church. Mother came home with me and Father came to dinner, we had ice cream from Cunningham and it was as good as I ever ate. Mabel came in evening and reported an awful storm in Northville last night, washed out Hubler Dam, railroad, Center St.. Cars could not run nearly all day. It stormed awful here in the night, thundered and lightned, perfectly fearful.

Monday April 13     I guess we are having a spell of bad weather, rained hard nearly all night and was a miserable rainy day. And is raining and blowing just awful out now, 9 P.M. Mabel gone to take part in show of Inez. Bert and friend called for her.

Tuesday April 14     Another miserable rainy day. It has rained just a fine misty rain without a minute let up all day. It has rained for 4 days almost incessantly and it makes one feel miserable and rheumatcy. Howard has had his 6th tooth for about a week now.

Wednesday April 15     Does not rain this A.M. but it might as well, it is so damp & cloudy. I thought we would get through with out buying any more coal but I had to get another 1/2 ton today. Dueq [sic] caught stealing yesterday morning.

Thursday April 16     Well the rain seems to be over. Came out clear today and the sun shines for the 1st time in 5 or 6 days. Went up to Whiteheads this Eve. had a good visit he is working at the Chu. Blower Co.

Friday April 17     This has been a beautiful day, cold and bright and clear. Heard today that Uncle Sam [Joy] in Kansas had been thrown out of his wagon in a run away and severely injured.

Saturday April 18     Beautiful day, could not be beat. Put a patch on the front tire. Went down town after work and bought file case, Howard a picture book. Mother came up and staid all night, Edna & Clarence out to Plymouth.

Sunday April 19     Beautiful day. Worked and the mail was fearful, it dont seem as though I or anyone could stand the work it it keeps up. Took a walk with Anna and Howard P.M., bought a box of Stones candies at Morrises.

Monday April 20     Another beautiful day, cold nights but bright and warm days. Wrote a letter to Herbert in the evening. Anna has began house cleaning . When Anna takes Howard up stairs she puts a jacket on him, today I said come on Howard lets go up stairs where mama is and he imediatley went and got that jacket and carried it in his hand up stairs.

Tuesday April 21     Cold but bright. Nothing unusual going on that I know of.

Wednesday April 22     Cold and cloudy today, I am afraid it is getting ready to storm again. My back bothers me more than usual today.

Thursday April 23     Nice day today but threatening. Finished reading Queen Victoria history last night. Went to the meeting of the stockholders of the Northern Developing Co. tonight, the Co. was orgainised and offices elected.

Friday April 24     Rained all the P.M. steady. Gus, Will, Buchanan & I went up to Geo. Conners to extend to him our sympathy in his bereavement of the loss of his wife.

Saturday April 25     Well it looked dubious this morning but it finally turned out fine. So we all went to Northville, Anna & Howard in the A.M. & I in the Eve. Mabel went from her work. I took out 8 shares in the N. B. & L. to begin the 1st of April.

Sunday April 26     At Northville all day and beautiful it was. We took a walk to the Cemetary & around where the water had washed the dam out. Howard enjoyed himself in great shape. He just loved to be out doors & run up and down the side walk.

Monday April 27     A fine day, not much doing. Got the old lawn mower out. Mabel went down to Inez, Anna & Howard went a piece with her after supper.

Tuesday April 28     Beautiful day & warmer. The fire in the base burner went out last night. Called on Mother after work.

Wednesday April 29     Very warm today, about 78°. Started to read the Crisis.

Thursday April 30     Warm this morning but we had big rain & wind storm about noon, then it began to turn cold and this evening it is down almost to freezing. I started the fire in the baseburner again tonight. Went down town at noon, bought a couple of self lighting gas burners and looked at couches. Anna was to come down to look at couches but it rained so she could not.

May 1903

Friday May 1     Cold, froze last night but a clear beautiful day. Anna & Howard went down to Mothers this P.M. Anna & Mabel went up to Geo.s tonight. Mrs. Walker called.

Saturday May 2     Beautiful day, too tired to go down town this Eve. Mabel went home tonight. Bertha Van Gile was with her.

Sunday May 3     Cloudy and cold not very pleasant. Worked but did not go out of the house the rest of the day.

Monday May 4     Beautiful day. An awful accident happened last Eve. on the R.R. cor. of Canfield & Dequinder. A whole crowd of "Poles" from Toledo were making a rush for their excursion train to go home when another train run into the whole crowd and pushed its way through them for a block, 7 killed and 30 injured. And Woman with a babe in her arms was killed by a Myrile car on Grand River, the baby was not hurt much.

Tuesday May 5     Beautiful day and warm. Mr. Powell went over my route with me this A.M.

Wednesday May 6     Fine day. Down to Mothers at noon, they are getting ready to move out to Northville.

Thursday May 7     Beautiful day. Anna & Howard went down to Mothers P.M.

Friday May 8     Beautiful day and getting more like summer. Put on my summer pants but they are the only summer clothes I have on. Got the screen door down and am going to put in some new screen. Mr. and Mrs. Aulette called this Eve. Mother & Father here to supper and to stay all night.

Saturday May 9     Beautiful day and warm. Mother & Father went to Northville this morning and I suppose it is to make their home there. Howard played out doors all the A.M. Mabel went home. Anna went down town and I took care of the kid.

Sunday May 10     Fine day, warm and pleasant. Nothing done today. Did not go to church or anywhere just laid around and enjoyed life. Mabel home in evening.

Monday May 11     Warmer, I think I will have to shed my winter underwear before long. Went down to the old barber shop and got a hair cut today, they had a sign up Hair Cut 25¢, I wonder if all the shops on Grand River have come up. Bought wire screen for the door. Mabel went down to Mrs. Grahams to go to the Opera. Anna went down town at noon to change her shoes.

Tuesday May 12     Warm, almost hot. I got out the hose tonight for the first time and the grass needs it as bad ad it did anytime last summer.

Wednesday May 13     Fine day. I do not feel very well these days, my trouble with my back. Took down the stove in the Eve. Got a letter from Herbert today.

Thursday May 14     Cool today and cloudy. Went down town at noon, bought a pair of waldorf shoes, paid the gas bill, bought cap, neck tie & socks. Came home and finished the stove job. Howard got out of his bed and was part way down stairs this morning before Anna discovered. Found 5¢.

Friday May 15     Beautiful day, a little chilly. Went to see the Dentist today noon. Wrote a letter to Mother.

Saturday May 16     Beautiful day and warmer. Howard has his 7th tooth just through and he climbed upon a chair today. I expect we will have to watch him now.

Sunday May 17     Beautiful and very warm. Put on summer underwear. The Belle Isle boats started yesterday. Worked. Went down to Ednas in the afternoon.

Monday May 18     Warm, just like summer, 80°. Baby boy came to Geo.s house yesterday morning about 7. Have not seen it yet. Howard fell down the back steps and marred his face a little but not serious I guess. Mabel came home tonight, told that the whole tribe went up to Union Lake at Teds cottage yesterday.

Tuesday May 19     Very warm, a nice shower in the evening. Put up screens today. I have finished reading Crisis and am reading Dark to Dawn.

Wednesday May 20     Warm, very warm, above 80°. Flora & Norine in to May festival. Went to the Dentist, he treated my bad tooth.

Thursday May 21     Very warm. Put screen in back room window. Went up to Geo.s in Eve. with Anna to see the new baby, nice bright baby 10#. Mrs. Jacobs & daughter Ella was there. Geo. seems mighty proud of his son. Anna very sick but doing as well as could be expected.

Friday May 22     Cooler and rained a good big shower this P.M.

Newspaper clipping in the diary: Detroit Gazette, May 22, 1903 - "Motorman Geo. B. Dean, who has been on the Woodward avenue line for nearly twenty years past, is wearing an extra smile this week, all on account of the arrival of a new son at his home last Sunday, at 2327 Woodward avenue."

Saturday May 23     Cool, cold rain in the Eve. and it seems chilly. Mabel home.

Sunday May 24     Cool but pleasant day. Worked today so I could have next Sunday off. Anna, baby & I took long walk up to 16 & Antoinette and back. Bought a box of candy.

Monday May 25     Anna & baby went to the 8 car to meet Mabel, to get some butter. Went to the Dentist tonight. Took mud guards off of bicycle. Cut a few weeds out of the lawn.

Tuesday May 26     Warm but rainy. My tooth has hurt me all day.

Wednesday May 27     Circus day and of course it rained on parade and on the afternoon performance and looked bad in the evening but did not rain. Mrs. Clarkson called in the Eve.

Thursday May 28     Beautiful day. McLeod & I went down and got our new uniform Fedora summer hats, $1.30. Mrs. Walker here today sewing. Anna & Mabel went over on Grand River and bought Howard his first pair of stiff soled shoes, 75¢, this Eve.

Friday May 29     Cool & cold at night. Mrs. Walker here again today. Mabel went home tonight. I went to the Dentist. Anna went up to Geo.s

Saturday May 30     Well this is a cold decoration day but it is bright. Went to Northville on the 1 P.M. car. Anna, Howard & I. Ernie was at Mothers so we had a little visit. I staid at Mothers over night but Anna & Howard staid at E. Clarksons.

Sunday May 31     Cold, everybody shivering and complaining that we never will have summer. At Northville all day. Mother and Father are installed at Mrs. Johnsons [May Johnson Dean's Mother?] and seem quite contented and comfortable. Howard just enjoys the country and wants to be out of doors the whole time. We called on Mrs. Carpenter P.M. I came home on a jam pack full car at 9 P.M.

June 1903

Monday June 1     Cold and windy and a little rain. I am all alone today. Everybody came home this evening.

Tuesday June 2     Very cold but seems to be warming up. Terrible floods in the west, Topeka & Kansas City Etc. Anna has a bad cold.

Wednesday June 3     Fine day, warming up.

Thursday June 4     Nice day. Went down town after work. Paid up on my Northern Developing deal, $37.50. Sowden & Clark have gone up to the Mine and we hear very encouraging reports from there. I wonder if I will ever get my money back.

Friday June 5     Looks like rain all A.M., did not rain today.

Saturday June 6     An awful big rain this afternoon, got good and soaked. Mother came in tonight, Geo. brought her over from his place. Went down to the Carriers meeting, elected delegates.

Sunday June 7     A very lazy day and I did not get to church. I have not been to church for so long, I am ashamed. Mother went to the Hardenburgs this A.M. Aunt Eliza called. Rained nearly all the P.M. & evening.

Monday June 8     Cloudy & rainy, close & warm. Aunt Cornilia here.

Tuesday June 9     xxxxxxx Cloudy, some rain, bad weather. Anna, Howard & Mabel down to Aunt Dills in the Eve. My back bothers me a good deal lately.

Wednesday June 10     Cloudy, some rain. Floods are terrible in St. Louis & West. People driven from their homes and a great many drowned. Anna is cleaning parlor & sitting room.

Thursday June 11     Cloudy & cold, like fall. I guess this summer is going to be like last summer, no summer at all. Ann & I went down to Mrs. Knabs. Went to see Dr. Bell, he was not at home.

Friday June 12     Fair day but very cold, one feels the need of winter wraps. Went to the dentist, he filled my front tooth. Howard seems to know everything we say to him now and will get things for us.

Saturday June 13     Raining all day so far, 1 P.M., cold clammy and horrid. Stopped in P.M. but rained in Eve. Anna & I went for her hat then I went down town bought Anna an umbrella. Mrs. Clarkson came in today.

Sunday June 14     Had Howard baptised today. Had to go to church in the rain but there was 11 babies and two or 3 older children. Howard did fine, one or two babies cried. Sun came out in P.M. so Anna, Howard, Grandma C. & I took a walk, came home and wrote a letter to Herbert.

Monday June 15     Fine day. Anna & I went to a concert at the Detroit Opera given by the Elks for the benefit of the Kansas flood people.

Tuesday June 16     Rainy again today. Anna & Mabel went to Dr. D. Campbell to have Mabels eyes tested. Rate war on the Boats to Cleveland, the fare now is 25¢. Mrs. Walker called.

Wednesday June 17     Fair day. Mr. & Mrs. Dr. Graham came up last evening and we played Carrom [Carron] all Eve. Mrs. Graham staid over night and went to Northville with Mrs. Clarkson this A.M. Attended a meeting of the Northern Developing Co. in the Eve.

Thursday June 18     Rainy again today, this weather is certianly discouraging. Mabel had her eyes tested today.

Friday June 19     Raining this morning but seems to be trying to clear at noon.

Saturday June 20     Rained incessantly all the forenoon, we are having fearful weather. Ringling Bro's Circus in town. Cleared for the P.M. Down town Eve.

Sunday June 21     Quite a fine day, actually some sun shine. Anna & I went to church A.M. Howard staid with Mabel. Went up to Geo.s P.M., staid to supper.

Monday June 22     Well it started in to rain about 10 A.M. and never let up for a minute till about 7 P.M. "Auntie" came up with Mabel.

Tuesday June 23     It sprinkled a few times today but it did not rain hard but this is fearful weather, cold and disagreable. Went down town tonight visited Gold Office. Anna & Mabel went on a trolly this evening. Auntie went home.

Wednesday June 24     Nice day, sprinkled. Bought tire today noon and put it on front wheel. Mrs. Parks called this evening.

Thursday June 25     Well for a wonder this has been a perfectly beautiful day. Met Mrs. Rockwell and talked gold stock. Wrote to Herbert.

Friday June 26     Another sublime day. Anna took Howard and went on the Sunday Excursion to Bois Blanc. Wayland & Hardenburgs, Delia & Robert were there. I went down in the P.M. had a beautiful ride. Howard enjoyed every minute and never whimpered all day long. Everybody said what a good natured baby.

Saturday June 27     One more beautiful day I guess, noon really did change. Mrs. Walker called. One of my colds is coming on again and my back bothers me. I went down to see Dr. Bell tonight, paid a bill and had him perscribe for me.

Sunday June 28     Beautiful day, very warm. Worked. Did not go anywhere P.M.

Monday June 29     Very warm. Man here papering sold me some gold shares today. Mrs. R. Bellville, Schroeder, over on Grand River Eve. Ice cream Anna took her waist to be fixed. Met Geppert & wife.

Tuesday June 30     Fine day, very warm. Sold shares to P. H. Sullivan. Hair cut.

July 1903

Wednesday July 1     Fine day, very warm, 90°. Down to Gold office Eve. Miserable cold.

Thursday July 2     Fine day, very warm, a little rain. Mrs. Walker called.

Friday July 3     Very hot, 92°. Shower about 4 P.M. Down to Gold office, got commission. Mrs. Walker sewing here today.

Saturday July 4     Very hot and no rain yet, 1 P.M. Decided not to go out to Plymouth, I expect all of our folks are there. Howard is suffering from mosquitoe bites he looks as tho he had the small pox. Quite a display of fireworks on Avery Ave. Big rain storm came up about 9 P.M but every body seemed to be through celebrating around here.

Sunday July 5     Beautiful day. Burke ordered every carrier down to work but there was not any more mail than usual. Howard has a cold and he is simply awful to take care of these days he is so busy.

Monday July 6     Beautiful day, cooler and delightful. Howard can climb anything in the house. He will pull a chair across the room and climb up on the table, sewing machine or anything he wants to. He will climb into his high chair with ease. And he keeps his mother in constant fear and running after him from one end of the house to the other. He is certainly a te....[terror?] he has just got his 8th tooth and mosquitoe bites come out on him like small pox.

Tuesday July 7     Very hot. Anna went down town at noon, bought two rugs and some other things. Heard Anna Fry had a little girl born yesterday but it did not live. Mr. Clarkson is very ill. Wrote to Mother.

Wednesday July 8     Very hot, about 94°. We are making up for all the cold spring I think. Went to the dentist, he finished my tooth, $2.00.

Thursday July 9     Fearful hot A.M., 90°, I dont believe I ever knew it to be so hot in the forenoon. Came home at noon wringing wet with sweat and you bet I tumbled into the bath tub. Got cooler in P.M.

Friday July 10     Still hot but a little better. Flora came in to spend day. Anna, Howard, Mabel, Flora & I went to the Island P.M., ate lunch, home Eve. Bought a suit of summer cloths at J. D. Mabley, $15.00, hope I will like them.

Saturday July 11     A most delightful day. Flora went home this morning and Anna & Howard & Mabel went to Northville this P.M. Got a letter from Herbert saying May, baby & Harold would arrive at 8:30 P.M. I went with Carr & Buchanan to Bellers, the Island & bowled on our way home.

Sunday July 12     Another most delightful day. Worked for Taylor today. Went down on Grand River for dinner. Came home, took a nap. Harold came up and said they arrived OK last night. Harold and I took the Trumbull car to bridge, transfered to x town and came back to 4th. I went to 46 Calumet and called on May, Dorothy & Mrs. Rockwell. Harold came home with me and staid over night. Father 75 years old today.

Monday July 13     Beautiful day so far, noon. I came home at noon expecting to find Anna home but she has not arrived yet. Found a pail of varnish on the back steps, I guess Mrs. Burns has been here. Anna came about 1 P.M. Fixed back gate.

Tuesday July 14     Clear but seems chilly after our warm spell. Dorothy Deans birthday, 2 years. Mrs. Burns called, paid rent.

Wednesday July 15     Fine day. Varnished around on window sills and bathroom.

Thursday July 16     Beautiful day. More varnishing, finished bathroom. Pope Leo XIII has been very sick and every paper has had him breathing his last breath for several days but he still lingers.

Friday July 17     Beautiful cool day. I suppose the Epworth League is here in full force today, the paper says 20,000 are here. It is beginning to rain, 8:30 evening. Maggie & Uncle Asa were over at Hardenburghs today but they did not come here.

Saturday July 18     Big rain and mud storm all last night did considerable damage. Fine day today. Down town after work, bought straw hat & collars.

Sunday July 19     Worked today, nice day except a little rain in P.M. Took a walk eve., stopped at Hardenburgh. Mrs. Walker called, coming here tomorrow.

Monday July 20     Cloudy and threatening a little rain. Flora came in with Mabel this A.M. Mrs. Walker sewing here today. Pope Leo XIII died this A.M. Anna & I went up to Geo.s but they were away.

Tuesday July 21     Rain, big storm about 5 P.M. Raining now like the old Harry, 9 P.M.

Wednesday July 22     Fine day, no rain. Flora went home on 7 P.M. car. Howard went and shut the door today when I told him to, so I think he must know nearly everything we say to him.

Thursday July 23     Nice day. Howard 16 months old. Went down town to Tyres at noon & ordered floor paint, wire fencing, paint brush, Etc. Went down to the gold office after work. Flora came back tonight, she has a position at McMichael photo.

Friday July 24     Nice day. Feel pretty well done up, not much like work. Painted the kitchen floor one coat. Mrs. Purdys funeral is today, we did not know she was dead till we saw it in the paper.

Saturday July 25     xxx Awful hot today and a big load of mail to add to ones misery. Painted the kitchen floor another coat. Mabel & Flora went home.

Sunday July 26     x Rain last night and it is very much cooler today & cloudy. Took Howard over on Commonwealth and let him play in the sand, he enjoyed it for a long time.

Monday July 27     Cool and pleasant. Anna down town P.M. Flora came back tonight. Mabel is taking her vacation. Harold called this Eve.

Tuesday July 28     Nice day. Over to Sams in Eve. Called on Mrs. Rockwell.

Wednesday July 29     Fine day, rain in Eve. Down to Ednas, Anna, Howard, Flora & I. Howard is getting a back tooth and is not very well. The paint on the kitchen floor does not dry and is so sticky that it is pulled off by the chairs, etc.

Thursday July 30     Fine day so far "at noon". Tonight the Carriers have their annual moonlight excursion. I expected to go but Howard is not very well, and is to cool so we did not go. Oiled at the kitchen woodwork all evening. Went down and paid the gas bill after work.

Friday July 31 Rather cool, but nice day. Put up a wire fence in the back yard to keep Howard within bounds, but he does not like it very well.

August 1903

Saturday August 1     Well here it is Aug. and the summer will soon be over. It is rather cool but a beautiful day. Laid off this P.M. and went to Bois Blanc. Anna, Howard, Belle, Edna & Clarence, Sam & boys went down in the A.M., had a fine time. Howard just enjoys going and never whimpers all day. The McLeods & Martins were there.

Sunday August 2     Beautiful day. Worked. Flora worked. Howard is a little out of sorts, getting more teeth, his bowels are very loose. Belle & Sam called.

Monday August 3     Nice day. Fixed leak in rear tire.

Tuesday August 4     Threatening all day, some rain. Rained hare last night. Went down to the gold office and turned in some money. Got a postal from Herbert, he expects to be here in the A.M. 7:45. Geo. & Anna & baby here to supper. Cardinal Sarts was elected Pope: Pius X today.

Wednesday August 5     Some rain. Herbert, May & Dorothy came this A.M., they went over to Hardenburghs for supper. Inez & Mrs. Rockwell called in the Eve. and also Edna & Clarence. Wrote to Mother and sent the money.

Thursday August 6     Beautiful day, not much rest last night. Dorothy had bed, and he tried the lounge but was very restless. Went up to Geo.s in the Eve. Harold came.

Friday August 7     Very cold this morning, must of been pretty near a frost. My hands got real cold riding my wheel to work. Herbert, May & kids went down to Inezs for supper.

Saturday August 8     Beautiful cool day. Herbert & family went to Northville P.M. Flora & Mabel went home.

Sunday August 9     Beautiful & cool. Did not go to church as I ought. Dave. C. & Grandpa Nash came in but only rested here and then went down to Harts. Made red raspberry ice and it was delicious. Flora had to come back to work today. Mabel came in the Eve.

Monday August 10     Nice day. Flora & Mabel went down to Edna's in the Eve.

Tuesday August 11     Cool, almost cold. Anna went down town at noon. I staid with the baby and oiled woodwork in the kitchen. Grandpa [Nash] came up and staid all night, he & girls played cards Eve.

L to R: Anna Clarkson Dean, Eveline Nash Clarkson, James Rufus Nash front: Howard Clarkson Dean

Wednesday August 12     Beautiful day but rather cool. Went down on Woodward & got my hair cut.

Thursday August 13     Very cool but pleasant. Took our kerosene lamp down to 250 Woodward to have it fixed over into a gas lamp. Flora & Mabel took supper with Miss Shaffer.

Friday August 14     Very cool, almost a frost this morning. Grandpa [Nash] here to dinner. Auntie came in the afternoon, they went down to Aunt Dills to stay all night. Herbert & Harold came and got their things and went back to Mrs. Rockwells, they start home in the A.M.

Saturday August 15     Warmer, a little rain in the evening. Went down town at noon and bought a hall rack and a mirror at Keenan Jahn. Flora & Mabel home.

Sunday August 16     Warmer and a beautiful day. Worked and the mail was the lightest in a good while. Made ice cream "good."

Monday August 17     Warm & pleasant. Put down matting in small bed room, hung hall rack. Baby sick, had Dr. Aunty called. Belle called. Minn called.

Tuesday August 18     Very warm. Howard better, it was his teeth with a sore throat. Down town at noon paid for lamp and had it sent up, it is fine. Bought Howard a nursery chair at Grays. Commenced to copy the scheme of Sta. A., want to learn it and am thinking of trading for a clerkship in the office.

Wednesday August 19     Warm, big rain storm about noon. I just got in, did not get wet. Alphone Welmes, a 4 year old child, was horribly murdered Monday night and his body thrown into the Mich. Stove Co. yards. No clue as yet, the Times & the city also offer $500 reward.

Thursday August 20     Fine day. Reliance was away ahead of Shamrock III when the race was declared off.

Friday August 21     Beautiful day. Made a cover for the garbage pail out of an old stove pipe. Went down to Schroeders paint store and bought a quart pail of Creolyte floor paint, the other paint is still sticky and I am going to paint over it. Flora not home from work, 10 P.M.

Saturday August 22     Light rain at intervals all day. The girls gone home, we were thinking of going out tonight but gave it up. Howard is not well, is covered with a rash, probably his teeth, his teeth come very hard. Reliance won the race today by a small margin. I guess Sir Lipton will have to go home without the cup again.

Sunday August 23     Well went to church today, heard Rev. Bruske, good sermon. Staid in all P.M. Rained quite a bit.

Monday August 24     Awfully hot and close. Rain hard all last night and some today.

Tuesday August 25     Hot and sticky, miserable weather, rain. Howard is just beginning to ask for the chair. He is feeling fine today. He woke up early this morning got up and looked at his Mother asleep and reached over and pulled her sleeve and held out his hands to come over into our bed. He is as cute as can be now.

Wednesday August 26     Fine cool day. Aunt Vina, Anna Mienhart, Blanch & Fanny were here for a call today. Flora has a very sore throat. Blacked stove today.

Thursday August 27     Raining when I got up and still raining 1P.M. I have had a sweet time of it this A.M., rained all day. Reliance & Shamrock III raced but did not come in in the required time time no race. Reliance was away ahead.

Friday August 28     Well I declare, rained all day today and weather man says rain tomorrow. Blacked stove today.

Saturday August 29     Rainy today. Mabel took Howard home with her this P.M., the 1st time we have parted with him. Went down town in the Eve. bought some meat and peaches. Came home and Flora, Anna & I went to the Depot to meet Dr. Armstrong from Los Angeles, California. They were to come in at 10:40 but the train did not come till 12:20 Standard, but they came though all right and we finally got home.

Sunday August 30     Some rain today, but seems to be clearing. Worked. Got up late, nearly everybody rather done up. The Dr. went out to Plymouth. Mabel came with Howard about 5 P.M. and reported a splendid time, Howard had been as good as could be.

Monday August 31     More rain today. Stopped at Inez tonight to get bundle for Edna and May & Dorothy were there, but going home in the morning. Dr. Armstrong came back from Plymouth today.

October 1903

Thursday October 1     Warm rain, very warm, not much like Oct., more like Aug. Wrote to Mother eve. I took 6 Carters pills last night and I think they did me good.

Friday October 2     Beautiful day. The Osbands moved out next door and the Burns moved in.

Saturday October 3     Fine day. Anna & Howard & Mabel went to Northville on the 3 oclock car, I followed on the 7. Anna, Howard & I staid at my Mothers over night.

Sunday October 4     Beautiful & warm. Visited Grandpa Nash, Clarksons & Merritts. Uncle Asa & Aunt Lizzie came to mothers while we were there. Mrs. Rockwell was there. Had got hurt slightly and had planted ginsing, everybody has gone ginsing crazy at Northville. Flora, Mabel & I came home evening, Anna & Howard staid.

Monday October 5     Well this is perfectly beautiful weather, warm and pleasant. Had to get my own dinner today. Anna is to stay until Friday.

Tuesday October 6     Warm, a little rain. Went down to the gold office after work.

Wednesday October 7     Very warm. High wind came up and brought a heavy rain storm just as I was going to work P.M. I ran up on J. B. Corliss porch and waited for it to slack up. I got to the Sta. 7 minutes late but so many were late they let us go to work. It rained all the P.M. and turned cold.

Thursday October 8     Colder and wet, my feet got sopping wet yesterday. I got me a pair of rubbers after I was as wet as could be. The leaves are turning fast now and beginning to fall quite rapidly and things begin to look Fall like, although yesterday when it was raining I saw two little girls running barefoot through the rain with their shoes under their arm, it was a very warm rain. Went down town and bowled with Buchanan, Carr & Taylor, 142-113-98.

Friday October 9     Cool but nice, very bad cold. Anna & Howard came home on the 6 oclock car. Howard seems to have changed just in a week, he learned to coo coo. I think he will soon say words.

Saturday October 10     Cold but nice day. My cold seems better but I feel miserable. Mabel gone home this evening. We have a grate fire, Howard is in bed, Anna asleep on the Settee, Flora reading, it is so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Sunday October 11     Pleasant day, cold enough for a fire. I worked, Flora worked, Mabel came back in the evening and they all went to church. I staid with the baby.

Monday October 12     Cold but pleasant. Howard has another tooth through. Put on heavy underwear last night and it feels pretty warm during the middle of the day.

Tuesday October 13     Beautiful fall weather. I have a bad cold and it seems to be getting worse. I see by the paper that the R. R.'s are beginning to lay off men, one 2,500, another 500. I wonder if that means hard times coming.

Wednesday October 14     Perfectly beautiful day. Need a fire morning and evening but the middle of the day is rather warm. Bought 1/4 cord of wood, $2.25.

Thursday October 15     Nice day, threatened rain but no rain. Mabel staid with Miss. Shafer last night.

Friday October 16     Warm, some rain.

Saturday October 17     Colder, need fire. Carrie came from her trip out into the state visiting. The girls went home today.

Sunday October 18     Cold but very pleasant. Worked for Taylor today. Fire in the grate all day, burning wood, not near the heat of coal nor I do not think it is as economical. Girls came home eve.

Monday October 19     Beautiful day. Carrie went to Plymouth today, expects to meet Dr. in Cleveland Wednesday. Moved the little stove from the kitchen into the dining room.

Tuesday October 20     We are having some of the most beautiful weather of all the year now, warm and bright and the trees are so pretty in their autumnal colors it makes the work seem a very pleasant place to live. Howard is out in the back yard playing. He has been exceptionally good far a few days, he is trying hard now to talk and will try to say any word after you, but his speciality is Papa, Mamma, Auntie, CooCoo, Georgie, Peas for please. Auntie Tee came in in the evening.

Wednesday October 21     Still beautiful. Auntie went down town A.M. and is going home to be at their auction sale this P.M.

Thursday October 22     Cold, quite different, seems like winter. Received telegram from Aunt Helen saying Grandma Clarkson died today at 9:30 A.M. and she would arrive in Detroit Saturday A.M. Gus Kenney killed by the cars today.

Friday October 23     Cold, almost freezing. Dave came in for a minute, evening, will stay in the City over night to be here tomorrow to meet Aunt Helen.

Saturday October 24     Cold but beautiful. Laid off today. Aunt Helen & Uncle Herbert came at 7:30 A.M., Dave went with them. They went on to Northville without coming up. Went down town A.M. bought Hat, ordered uniform hat, left brown derby to be repaird, paid gas, went to Depot but Aunt came on an earlier train. Came home to dinner and bought 3 bu. apples, $1.20, of a Dutchman that came along.

Sunday October 25     Cold but clear and fine. Dr. & Carrie came from Cleveland on the boat, arrived here about 8 A.M. They and Anna, Howard and I went to Northville to attend Grandma Clarksons funeral. She died in Independance, Kansas Thursday and was brought here for burial. She was 81 year old, was buried beside her Husband [David Clarkson, 1817-1880] in the Old Cemetary. We came home at night, the day was perfectly beautiful.

[Grandma Sarah Ann Bradley Clarkson was the dau. of Harvey Stone Bradley & Maria Rose. She was born. 20 Jun 1822 at Bloomfield, Ontario Co., NY. She was about 8 years old when her family settled in Plymouth, MI. On Jan. 3, 1844 she married David Clarkson. They had 8 children]

Monday October 26     Fine cold day, put up coal stove today. Uncle Azel [Blair] and Aunt Cornilia called here to see Grandpa Nash but they were down to Aunt Dills. Anna & Flora went down there in the eve. Mabel went to the Opera.

Tuesday October 27     Below freezing this A.M. but is clear and fine. Anna & Howard, Flo & Mabel went to the Depot this morning to see Grandpa Nash & Auntie off for California. Reported 15 minutes later this A.M. Dr. & Carrie in time for supper. The Fowler family came up and spent the eve.

Wednesday October 28     Fine day. Aunt Helen came in this A.M. She and the Armstrongs went to Grahams for dinner, all here for supper.

Thursday October 29     Beautiful day. The Armstrongs got away for California this morning and thier visit talked about for years has come and gone. Aunt Helen staid here today, she went back to Northville this P.M.

Friday October 30     Warmer, more beautiful. Went down town at noon and subscribed for the Free Press, paid 3 months in advance and put in 3 guesses, 1568742, 1568743, 1568743.

Saturday October 31     Warmer, beautiful. Flo & Mabel went home. I went over on Grand River after supper and bought a few Articles.