January 1904

Friday January 1     Clear, bright, beautiful day. Thawed a little today. Got to work about 1 P.M., spent the afternoon at home quietly, Mabel & Flora here, Flora worked. One year ago today Howard climbed upstairs all alone, he was then 9 months old and it seemed a good deal for them then but it would not be much for him now as he can shin up and down as quick as a wink now. He is learning new words everyday now and is just beginning to connect two words together as "papa gone gone," "more ea-ea," etc. These are baby words for things "coo coo-cookie," "do do-sugar," "ca ca-cracker," "wa wa-water," "an an-Auntie," "Din din-dinner, peas peas-please, onk oo-thank you, pu la-pillow, back e na-box or basket, book e na-book, man e na-pants, pe an-pin, etc. Anyone goes out the door he says, "gone gone door, down town, car", then you come in he says "do do" and holds out his hand.

Saturday January 2     Cold about 10° above and one of those days you read about in the west, a regular blizzard has raged all day, wind blew, snowed about 3 inches and of course the mail was very heavy and walking simply awful. I did not get in in time to come home to dinner and ate a dry boughten lunch at the station. I have a hoarse cold in my throat and I feel as tho I had had a sweet day of it. We have had about 3 weeks of wonderfully good sleighing and I read in the paper that they have had 28 days of skating on the Island, it froze up the last week of November and it has kept frozen every since, something very unusual for this country.

Sunday January 3     Coldest day of the year, 5° below but it has been a beautiful bright day. I put a cold water compress on my throat last night and am better today. "Worked", mail was surprisingly light, considering the mail we had yesterday. Pres. Keller of the N.A.L.C. talked at the Carriers meeting last night, I would like to have heard him but was to sick to go. He said that congress would certainly vote us $1200 this session. I hope so but I have heard that so often that I will believe it when I get the money. Flora went home for today but Mabel staid.

Monday January 4     About zero, fair. Mabel worked late taking inventory. The papers are full of the terrible disaster of the Chicago theater Iroquois. So many funerals that the undertakers cannot furnish hearses and carriages, some have to wait till another day. So many sad incidents happened, one woman who escaped said as she was in the terrible jam getting out, a little bright beautiful boy lying on the floor unable to rise begged her to help him, please help me lady, she stooped to lift him but the jam of panic stricken people pushed her over him and on, and she could not get back and she supposed he was trampled to death, the memory of those beautiful brown eyes will be with me always she said. The dead were so horribly trampled and mutilated that parents friends or relatives cannot recognize their dead, and they go from one morgue to another looking the dead over & over in an almost vain search for their loved ones. And it is only by torn bits of clothing or a trincket prehaps that they are able to recognize them at all. 591 people were killed, two balconies contained 889, and 588 of these were killed, only 3 were killed on the main floor and it is said so many were children, it makes it seem so much more pitiful it being an afternoon matinee the audience was mostly women & children. According to the papers the managers of the theater were most awfully careless and lax in conforming to the law. All theaters and halls are closed in Chicago pending investigation, and the Cities all over the U.S. and in fact the whole world are greatly wrought up and are looking to their theaters. It has been a most terrible lesson indeed and should stir up the whole world in regard to the safety of their theaters.

Tuesday January 5     About zero and foggy makes it seem colder.

Wednesday January 6     Another bad snow stormy day and another big load of mail, ate another dry lunch at the station.

Thursday January 7     Warmer and pleasant. Took lunch today and went down town at noon. Did a little business, bought a few things, bought this book and have spent the Eve. copying into it from notes made. Anna went down town today and took Howard, went and got Mabel and went shopping. Howard was just excited over everything and Mabel tells great tales how everybody just stares at Howard. The clerks all gathered around him and talked to him and said he was the dearest sweetest baby they ever saw. He had such a wise look and such eyes, they never saw such eyes, it is a good thing he does not appreciate the admiration or it would spoil him. I wonder if he lives to be a man he will ever read these lines, well I hope if he does he can say that they did not spoil him, and that he is a good kind Christian man. I would rather he would be good and not great, than great and not good, but of course I would not mind if he was great and good too.

Friday January 8     Well this is different again, it started in to thaw this morning and thawed in good shape. This P.M. we have had several squalls of snow, about 5 it snowed so one could hardly see. Worked so hard today, I am curtailing nearly every day now. Howard knows the letter O. I taught him the other day, 3 big Os on the front page of his picture book, now he points to each and says O, O, O, so O is the 1st letter that he learned.

Saturday January 9     A little colder and pleasant. Mabel went home tonight. Mrs. Telfer at 168 Milwaukee W. in my route cut her throat yesterday and died. I was very much surprised as she seemed so nice and cheerful, well off and everything, but through a severe sickness she became demented.

Sunday January 10     Cold and clear. We are very quiet, Flora at work, Howard and I kept house while Anna went to Church. Flora went home after work, Mabel came back in the evening.

Monday January 11     Not so very cold by the thermometer, about 15° above, but it is damp or something that goes right through to the marrow and everybody complaining how cold it is. The girls all went to call on Mrs. Graham.

Tuesday January 12     Not so cold but stormy, snow nearly all the P.M. just enough to greace up the sleighing, beats all the run of fine sleighing we are having. I am so tired I dont know my name and I have a corn on my left foot that I wish I could lose.

Wednesday January 13     A little snow last night, night not very cold.

Thursday January 14     A little snow, a little sun shine, not cold, keep getting a little snow but get rid of none. Geo. and Anna came in as we were eating dinner, they were on their way out to Northville. Their baby "Georgie" about 9 months, weighs within one pound as much as Howard, he weighs 23, & Howard "22 months," 24 pounds. They brought Howard a knife & fork set and a toy automobile for Christmas. Howard went crazy when the auto went flying around.

Friday January 15     Anna & Howard over to Belles for the 1st time since their fever sickness. Train ran into street car at Gratiot R.R.

Saturday January 16     Colder. 2 killed and about 42 injured in last nights street car accident. Got a letter from Mother saying Ernie's wife would leave him if he did not get the farm settled, so the rest of us could not interfere. Mother owns half of the farm and put $2000 in it. Ernie offered her $1350 and wanted Mother to pay Geo. what Ernie owed him, some $800. Mother thought she would have to do it because she was so sorry for Ernie. I think his wife is working to get the farm into her name then kick Ernie out. Called on Geo. to talk farm. Edna & Clarence up to talk farm, we are all very indignant at Ernies wife. Flora was laid off tonight and has gone home.

Sunday January 17     Beautiful clear cold day. Worked, came home and ate dinner and took the 2 oclock car for Northville. Edna & Clarence were there and we talked farm. Mother feels as we do towards Ernies wife but feels such pity for Ernie that she thinks she must do as they want for Ernies sake, but she agreed to refuse Ernies offer and see what would happen. Father is very sick with a cold and erysipelas on the top of his head. We came back at 9 P.M., Anna, Howard & Mabel had been down to Aunt Dills. Mrs. McLeod and Donald called.

Monday January 18     Very cold, 2° above and I guess it did not get above 12° all day, but clear and beautiful.

Tuesday January 19     It seems colder than it really is, about 10° above, but a terrible east wind, but at night it got around in the south and got as warm as zephers breezes, I guess it is brewing a storm.

Wednesday January 20     Well this is different again, raining all night and forenoon untill the streets were a solid bed of ice, the loose snow rained off. Terrible walking, at noon it turned to snow and snowed until night, snowed about 3 inches so we did not lose our sleighing.

Thursday January 21     About 10 inches of wet heavy snow this morning, St. cars blocked, trains delayed, and such terrible walking. Sleety rain all A.M. Took lunch, curtailed nearly everything. P.M. rained and blowing tonight.

Friday January 22     Rain all last night and nearly all day. It has rained or snowed a good share of 3 days. There is about 10 inches of snow on the ground now, the rain does not diminish the snow any but just fills it with water and you cannot step with out stepping into 3 or 4 inches of water. The streets and side walks in some places are a perfect sea of water, nothing but rubber boots goes these days. The walking is so terrible, I come home just able to crawl into bed and store up a little energy for the morrow, then get up and go at it again.

Saturday January 23     Colder, the slush froze up last night. The walking was easier but awful rough, I am glad it is Saturday night, I thought the week would never end. Mabel home.

Sunday January 24     About zero this morning and did not get above 10° and the wind blew hard from the N.W. I have not been outside of the house today. Anna, Howard & I have spent the day very quietly. Wrote a letter to Mother, Mabel home.

Monday January 25     Coldest of the year, 9° below at 3 A.M. Clear, no wind, snow drifting in the country bothering the electric cars. Mabel & Flora came in on steam cars this A.M. very cold all day.

Tuesday January 26     More snow, high wind blizzard all A.M., about 6 inches more snow. Car service & trains badly crippled all over the country, walking terrible, only took factory mail, P.M. Down town after work, got dictionary, paid gas, etc. This is certainly the worst winter of my experience and I can tell you I am mighty tired of it.

Wednesday January 27     A clear beautiful day, but very cold, about zero early and did not get over 10° above. Anna down to Mrs. Oulettes A.M. Flora staid with Howard.

Thursday January 28     Clear & beautiful and very cold like yesterday, from zero to about 10° above. Anna had a tooth filled today. Flora took care of Howard. Got a letter from Mother today, Ernies wife is very angry at Mother because she will not sell the farm to them at their price and wrote Mother an eleven page letter giving her opinion of the Dean family. Mother says when we get to feeling big to come out and read the letter and find out just how much we really amount to. Howard looking out of the window early this evening saw the big round moon and he says "pie pie pie." Mama asked him where pie, he pointed at the moon and says "pie pie."

Friday January 29     Getting warmer but not thawing. Anna had another tooth filled.

Saturday January 30     Warmer, but cloudy, begins to look like more snow, there must be about 15 inches on the level now but drifted, the old snow has a crust on it that will hold a man up in most places. Intended to go down town at noon but did not have time and I am too tired to go at night.

Sunday January 31     Not very cold, snowed about 2 inches today. Worked, big mail. Do not feel very well, I guess the work is too much for me, it is the worst I ever experienced. The girls both here today. Dave came in, was here at supper.

Tuesday March 1     Well the elements are very quiet today. Cloudy, thermometer 30°. I guess the weather God thought that yesterday was the 1st of March and was bringing it in like a lyon. It is thawing these days and our snow will soon be gone. Howard counted 1-2-3-4 today, then would not do it again.

Wednesday March 2     This has been a beautiful day, warm, sunshiny and it seemed like spring, the snow is about gone and the sleighing entirely I guess. I am fearfully tired tonight. It is now raining, thundering and lightening. I heard and saw a crow today.

Thursday March 3     Colder, about 16° above, very high north wind, bairly blow one off of his feet, some snow. Mabel went to stay with Miss Shafer tonight.

Friday March 4     Colder, about 10° above, but a clear beautiful day. Went down to keenan & Jahn after work and paid $11 for the chair we had reupholstered. Howard is saying his toes, he says 'wee wee wee home', and he can count them too, 1-2-3-4-5.

Saturday March 5     Cold morning but warmed up into beautiful day. Chair came from Keenan & Jahn. Mabel went home.

Sunday March 6     Miserable rainy day, gloomy. Home all day. Mabel came back, reported that an 8 lb. boy [Clarkson Adams Merritt] arrived at Ted Merritts last evening about 5:30 and of course it is a bright strong boy. Norine doing fine, was not very sick. Wrote to Mother and Herbert.

Monday March 7     Warm, damp miserable day, instead of snow it is now mud. We had sleighing continually from the 12 of Dec. to the 1st of March, about 11 weeks.

Tuesday March 8     Warm and bright, like spring. Robins are coming around. Down town at noon to Bank Gold Office, bought Majestic special tire, $1.60 in exchange for old one that was faulty. Anna and Howard went up to Geo. P.M. put tire on Bicycle in the evening.

Wednesday March 9     Cold in morning, 18° above, but a clear beautiful day. Rode my wheel for 1st time in 2 months. All up to McLeods for supper.

Thursday March 10     Cold raw wind, regular March day. Howard and I have hard colds, he is cross and so am I.

Friday March 11     Rained and froze as it fell last night. Everything just a glare of ice this A.M. My wheel went out from under me 3 times going to the Sta. this A.M., fearfully slippery but it was all gone by noon.

Saturday March 12     Cloudy, cold, about 16° above, with a cold raw wind. My cold is better but Howards does not seem any better, he does not feel very well and wants Mama to "lock a lock" pretty much all the time. He kept us awake nearly all last night.

Sunday March 13     Still cold, about 18° above, a beautiful sunshiny day. Worked. Howard a good deal better today, and he slept beautifully last night. He gets out of his bed alone now and he usually appears suddenly and unexpectedly on the scene in his nighty in the morning and after dinner nap he comes slipping step by step down the stairs and appears with a smile on his face and his little shoes in his hand, as cute as cute can be. Flora came in with Mabel. Howard is always so glad to see Flo.

Monday March 14     Well you never know what weather to expect in this country from one day to the next. Yesterday was such a beautiful day and this morning when I got up and looked out of the window there was a raging blizzard and it raged till 10 oclock, then snowed lightly the rest of the day, about 10 inches of snow fell, cars out of business and walking was wollowing. I got in from my forenoon delivery at 1:30 P.M. I guess the winter is bound to do us all up and certainly it is bound to be the winter anyway. Flo did not dare start for Northville tonight for fear of getting stalled in a drift somewhere and she Mabel & Anna are talking dress tonight. Howard is on a tare, good natured one.

Tuesday March 15     Beautiful, warm and sunshine A.M., snow was going about as fast as it came, but it got cloudy and cold P.M. and it did not go so fast, sleighs run some.

Wednesday March 16     Cloudy and cold, about 25° above. Snow going gradually, rode my wheel today. Howards cold getting better but it has been a hard one. I had my first ride in an automobile yesterday, but it was a short one, from 2nd to 3rd and Antoinette, a Cadillac automobile "tester" took me in.

Thursday March 17     This has been a great St. Patricks day. Snowed all day, a fine sleety snow, it does seem as tho the snow business might let up, everybody says oh dear, I am so tired of winter, the snow makes my work so much harder, I feel sometimes as tho I could give up.

Friday March 18     Well we had an addition of about 6 inches of the "beautiful" this morning, but I guess it wont last long, as it has gone pretty fast today. Sloppy, well that is no name for it, it was a case of rubber boots or wet feet. The firemen claim frost has gone down 7 feet, and hydrants have frozen so solid that it was impossible to thaw them out with engines. The Water Board claim that 8 or 9 hundred service pipes have frozen under the streets and people cannot get water at all. Electricity has been employed very successfully to thaw those pipes out but as it costs $10 a thaw, poor people do not feel able to employ this means and just have to get water from their neighbors till spring. In at least one case, on Rivard street, the water main itself is frozen.

Saturday March 19     Well instead of a snow storm it was rain this forenoon and I just had to take it all the forenoon as I forgot to take an umbrella. It was very pleasant in the afternoon overhead, but the walking well it was beans and rivers of slush.

Sunday March 20     Beautiful bright and sunshiny, snow going fast but the thermometer staid below freezing all day. Mabel home. Anna, Howard and I took a little walk then went to Hardenburgs and made a good call. Howard just dotes on Elmer and every house he came to he would stop and say Elms Elms. Mabel back this Eve. brought eggs at 16¢ a doz., seems good as they have been as high as 40¢ this winter.

Monday March 21     Cold high wind, about 28° above, raining when I got up but it did not rain long but was a damp day. Got a letter from Mother saying she and Father were better but did not think they could come in to celebrate hers and Howards birthday wednesday. Mother and Father have been miserable for some time. Anna and Mabel went over on Grand River to the new Grand River library.

Tuesday March 22     Well I got up and went [to] look at the thermometer this morning and it was up to 46°, I could hardly believe my eyes. Raining but a warm spring rain. When I came home at noon Howard was out on the back steps enjoying the spring like air.

Wednesday March 23     Colder, the thermometer back in its old place, about 25° above, but the sun came out bright and it turned out a warm beautiful day. Howard's birthday, two years old, it is Mother's birthday too and she was to come in but did not feel able. The only present we got for Howard was a little broom, and he was tickled, he likes to help Mama sweep and dust, wants a "waggie" rag to help dust. Geo. and Anna with Geo. Jr. came to supper, they brought Howard a cup and saucer and plate. Howard is a year and two months older than George Jr. but Georgie Jr. weighs as much as Howard. Howard weighs 26 lbs., 32 inches high in his stockings, hand 3 1/2 in. long, 1 5/8 wide, longest finger 1 5/8, chest round, head 19 1/2 round the largest top diameter. He wiggled so these figures may not be just accurate. His skin is very white, so much so that people think he is sickly, but he is perfectly healthy and very strong and active. His eyes are hazel, eyelashes dark brown, eyebrows very light, hair very light brown.

Thursday March 24     About the same as yesterday but more cloudy and threatening towards night. Anna and Howard went to Northville this morning on the 8 A.M. car. I took dinner at a restaurant, laid off my neckscarf and extra vest today. Do not have to light the gas now mornings. Anna & Howard came home on the 9 oclock car. I went to meet them, Howard was fast asleep, they had a fine time.

Friday March 25     Warm, rained last night, nice forenoon but just poured all the afternoon warm spring rain, floods reported all over the country.

Saturday March 26     Cold, below freezing all day. Anna went down town after I got home at night. Mabel home.

Sunday March 27     Colder, 18° above this A.M. did not go above freezing but clear and fine. Worked, mail not so heavy as usual. Passed a very quiet sabbath. Inez Hart made a short call P.M.

Monday March 28     Cold, 16° above, some snow. Well this is my 36th birthday and I dont see but what I feel as young as ever. The ground was white with snow this morning and it snowed for just a few minutes about 7 A.M. then cleared and the sun came out and with the exception of an occational clouding over, it was a beautiful day. Anna gave me a nice umbrella which I needed badly and I passed the day just the same as any other day. It seems as tho the years go by faster than they used to and I can not but feel a little sad to think I am growing old. More because I feel that I do not amount to very much, I guess, than anything else. Put in a ton of coal today. I had 3 tons put in last fall but that is gone now. This ton ought to more than last me through. I got this ton of Pittmans & Dean.

Tuesday March 29     Warmer, about 30° above, but more threatening. Howard received a package from Cal. containing a cute little white coat. Auntie Ella Nash made and sent it.

Wednesday March 30     Warmer, pleasant A.M. but rained a nasty misty rain P.M. & evening. I took Howard for a walk at noon, over to Trumbull and around the block home. He teases to be out now and he ought to be everyday.

Thursday March 31     Very warm, and damp and showery. March is not going out very much like a lyon, it seems the most like spring this afternoon than any day yet. We have had no warm summery weather like we usually have in March. The winter has kept right up to the present time. I am still wearing my knit jacket under my coat and cap and gloves most of the time but the signs of spring are in the air and I think it must be here. It is very muddy, the street sweepers are just beginning on the principle streets. Street venders are just coming out, trees are starting to bud, Etc., Etc.

September 1904

Thursday September 1     Hot, close, sticky, horrid. Terrific rain storm about 4 P.M. but it did not cool off any.

Friday September 2     Hot and close, I guess we are going to have our hottest weather in September. Anna does not feel very well this evening. The papers report terrific fighting at Liao Yang, they say that the decisive battle is now on and it seems by the reports that the Japs are slowly but surely winning but at terrible loss of men.

Saturday September 3     Cooler, threatening. Commenced testing routes today, for one week we weight all mail and cannot use our wheels at all. Anna, Howard and I went down town this evening to see things, bought underwear, dishes, meat, grapes, etc, came home loaded. Howard sees every thing and enjoys it so and is so good about it that it is a pleasure to take him.

Sunday September 4     Beautiful day. Married 9 years today, it does not seem possible, we are not celebrating any, just having a quiet time. I went to Church to hear our new Minister Mr Jacques and he was fine for the 1st time. Everybody was praising him.

Monday September 5     Cool and fine. Labor day and I labored indeed this forenoon, I had 110 lbs of mail. Did not work this afternoon but am only resting at home. Howard is rather sick today, ate too much sweets yesterday I suppose, so we do not feel like taking him anywhere. Mabel home evening.

Tuesday September 6     Nice day.

Wednesday September 7     Cool, rain in the evening.

Thursday September 8     Cool, cloudy.

Friday September 9     Fine day, cool.

Saturday September 10     Fine warm day. I had 442 lbs of mail in 8 days, too tired to go down town tonight. Anna, Howard and I went to Grand River for supplies.

Sunday September 11     Very warm, warmer than it has been in a month. Worked.

Monday September 12     Cooler, quite cool today, big rain storm last evening. State Fair begins today and a fine day it is for the Fair. Papers say some damage was done by the storm last night.

Tuesday September 13     Fine cool day. Nothing doing. Sent for Montgomery Wards Catalogue tonight.

Wednesday September 14     Cold rain in the evening. And this day is the 50th anniversary of their marriage [William & Lydia Dean], they were in at Ednas all day. We had a little celebration down there, 168 Magnolia St., my family, Geo.s wife and son was there. Geo was so busy running street car from the City of Pontiac to the fair grounds and back he could not come. Mrs. Clarkson happened in here so she was [there]. Mother received about $30 in gold from her children and a gold brooch from Herbert and May. May and Dorothy arrived in Detroit last night but was not there. Mother and Father still enjoy excellent health.

Thursday September 15     Cold, very cold, the papers say a little frost in some parts of Michigan last night. I began to dread the winter already. Mother and Father went home today and I suppose May and Dorothy went to Northville last night.

Friday September 16     Beautiful day, cool.

Saturday September 17     Beautiful day, quite warm. Howard went home with Mabel this afternoon. He is always ready to go to Gummies house.

Sunday September 18     Raining when we got up this morning but soon cleared and was a fine warm day. It seems strange without Howard. Anna and I went to Church this morning, we do not often get the chance to go together. Howard and Mabel came home this evening. Howard was as good as can be, and he has told us what he did out to Gummies house and wishes he could stay out there all the time.

Monday September 19     Fair day, warm.

Tuesday September 20     Rain forenoon and warm but turned cold afternoon.

Wednesday September 21     Fair but very cold for Sept., only 2° above freezing this A.M., a little frost. Took up carpet in sitting room. A bushel of tomatoes came from "Gummies" today. Went down town after work bought an aluminum preserving kettle, "10 qt.", $1.00.

Thursday September 22     Very cold, 26° above zero, heavy white frost last night must have killed everything in the vegetabels line, but beautiful day. Put down carpet in the sitting room this evening.

Friday September 23     Warmer and fair, nice weather to work. Anna canning pears today, canned tomatoes yesterday. Received a basket of grapes from Ted Merritt today.

Saturday September 24     Warm rain, steady down pour all forenoon, wet to the skin.

Sunday September 25     Warm, partly cloudy. Worked, home the rest of the day, quiet.

Monday September 26     Fair day.

Tuesday September 27     One of those warm grand fall days. The leaves are beginning to fall now, the frost killed all garden stuff and things look quite fall like.

Wednesday September 28     Beautiful day, just grand. May and Dorothy here today but went back to Mrs. Rockwells tonight. Mabel went to see "Sis Hopkins" this evening and did not come home to supper.

Thursday September 29     Awful hot, about as hot as any day this summer, above 80°. Hard shower about noon. Howard is climbing up on my back and I cannot half write.

Friday September 30     Cooler today.

November 1904

Tuesday November 1     Beautiful, warm, real warm, grand. I would like to see the whole month like this.

Wednesday November 2     Beautiful weather.

Thursday November 3     Still Beautiful.

Friday November 4     Grand weather.

Saturday November 5     Colder and threatening. Went down town evening and bought a pair of Douglas shoes and a few things. Came home and then went back to hear Candidate Ferris but got there too late.

Sunday November 6     Cold but a beautiful [day]. Worked. Gus Weil and Shewcraft had a scrap at the office, and I presume will have to go before the board for it. I think Shew was to blame.

Monday November 7     Beautiful day. Got the baseburner out today and commenced to black it, did what I could in the time I had.

Tuesday November 8     Beautiful day. Election day, regular Republican day. Voted at noon, had to stand in line for some time before I could get in to vote. Went down to the main office this evening as witness in the Shewcraft/Weil scrap.

Wednesday November 9     Beautiful day. Well I should say it was a Republican day yesterday, a perfect landslide, hardly a Democrat elected. The only man I really feel bad about is Ferris for Governor, I wanted to see primary reform.

Thursday November 10     Still beautiful. Well I finished up the stove tonight and such a job. Anna did about as much as I did on it but we got it up just in time as it is growing bitter cold tonight. I got a good fire started in it. Went up to Geo. tonight to see how Georgie Jr. was getting along, he was very sick last night, did not expect him to live, but he is better tonight.

Friday November 11     Coldest morning yet, about 23° above zero but cleared into a beautiful day. Gummie, Norine and the baby came in today. Geo.s baby is better today.

Saturday November 12     Fine day. Women folks all went down to Mrs. Grahams for dinner. I took mine over on Woodward.

Sunday November 13     First Snow of the season, regular blizzard all the P.M. but did not cover ground, turned cold evening. Gummie & Norine went home A.M. Kate and Mabel spent last night and today at Aunt Cornelias, home in the evening. Did not work or go to Church, was lazy all day.

Monday November 14     Cold last night, clear and fine today. Fire went out last night, am experimenting with coke, dont know whether I like it or not. I know it has got to be managed and different than coal.

Tuesday November 15     Beautiful day. Went down to the Y.M.C.A. this evening to hear a talk on shaving, care of razor and tools, Etc., quite instructive and enjoyed it. Carr and I went and bowled a couple of games after.

Wednesday November 16     Still beautiful. Father called in today but did not stay.

Thursday November 17     Beautiful day. Kate started on her Journey towards California this A.M. but she is to stop over at Chicago.

Friday November 18     Another beautiful day, warmer, may be brewing a storm. Police Officer John Daley shot and instantly killed by a couple of burglars on Michigan Ave. last night. H. N. Pickell was probably fatally shot while chasing them.

Saturday November 19     Beautiful day. Went down town and bought a kitchen cabinet at Henry C. Webbers, $8, did some other trading and came home.

Sunday November 20     Fine day till evening, then it rained some. "Worked." Mabel came from Northville in the evening. Spent the day at home.

Monday November 21     Looked doubtful this morning but cleared into a beautiful day. Kitchen cabinet came up today and Anna was delighted with it. It is supposed to be a Christmas present.

Tuesday November 22     Still beautiful, such fine weather and the evenings are beautiful as light as day nearly clear starlight and cold. Last year at this time we were froze up, it has not froze yet this year to speak of .

Wednesday November 23     Beautiful. Went over on Grand River this evening and bought a chicken for Thanksgiving, 14¢/#, Turkeys are 22 and 24¢/#, too high for me.

Thursday November 24     The weather was not so nice today but did not do anything very dreadful. Colder, cloudy, started to rain but did not make it out. Carried out a big mail this morning, came home about 12:30 and sat down to dinner that I could truly feel thankful for. I was good and hungry and then it was a nice dinner. Big fine chicken, mashed potatoes, squash, cranberries, hot biscuit, celery, Dessert apple pie, candies, nuts, figs, dates. Mabel, Howard, Anna & I here all day, no one came and we hardly heard a sound from the outside world. I put in the afternoon resting & reading, Anna & Mabel sewing on dolly dimples dresses. Howard bothering all of us.

Friday November 25     Cold, not very pleasant. Gummie came in and will probably stay for some time.

Saturday November 26     This is one of those winter days when the sun shines one minute and a regular blizzard the next, not very agreeable to say the least.

Sunday November 27     Pleasant part of the time, blustery cold wind most of the time. Went to Church with Mabel A.M., went up to see how Geo's baby was P.M. Found Geo and the baby alone, the baby able to be around, had a good visit and came home.

Monday November 28     Very cold this morning, 14° above by my thermometer but some say it was down to 8°. Day fairly pleasant but is warmer tonight and blowing up a storm. Sent $30.00 to the N.N. Life Insurance today noon. Gummie down to Yarnells tonight, she stays down there most of the time, Mrs. Yarnell is sick.

Tuesday November 29     [no entry]

Wednesday November 30     [no entry]

December 1904    

Thursday December 1     Cold gray day, some snow. Doc. Bell up today to see Anna and he looked at my lip. I have had a little sore on it for 6 or 8 months. He said it looked like a cancer and wanted me to go and see Dr. McGraw about it. I hate to think I have a cancer but I have been a little afraid it might be one but I suppose I will have to expect the inevitable whether I like it or not.

Friday December 2     About 2 inches of snow this morning. Went down to see Dr. McGraw today noon and he said the sore on my lip ought to come out, the sooner the better, that it was only a question of time before it would become a malignant cancer. He said if I had it taken right out it would never trouble me again. I paid him $2 for his advise and went up and saw Dr. Bell and told him about it. And he said he thought McGraw would say that, so I suppose I better have it taken out. The sore does not pain me a bit and is a very innocent looking thing and it is hard to believe it is anything serious. And one is inclined to let a thing like that go till it is too late because they can not believe it anything serious.

Saturday December 3     Cold bright day. Made arrangement today to take my vacation to begin Monday. And the Drs. Bell and McGraw are to operate on my lip Monday afternoon. Went down town this evening got me a pair of rubbers and went to the carriers meeting and voted.

Sunday December 4     Cold clear day. Worked, home the rest of the day. Mabel took Howard and went to call on some of her friends P.M. Edna & Clarence called evening.

Monday December 5     Clear and cold. My vacation starts today. I went down to Dr. McGraws office at 73 Cass St. at 3:30, he operated on my lip. He took out the cancer and also made an incision under my chin to examine the gland. He thought I would have no further trouble with it as it had not developed into a malignant growth. Our family physician, Dr. J. N. Bell, was there and gave me the anaesthetic. It was nearly 5 oclock before I knew anything again, the first feeling I had I felt as tho my lip and chin had been cut in shreds and tied tight together and I began to wonder how I would get home, for I did not feel as tho I could steer straight. I felt all mouth. I lay for half of an hour trying to locate my body and limbs. Dr. McGraw and Dr. Bell had gone. I was alone with the assistant Dr. King. I had him telephone Mabel to come and go home with me. I thought Dr. King let me go rather carelessly bandaged for I began to bleed as soon as I got on my feet and I bled all the way home on the car. And as soon as I got home we sent for Dr. Bell, he was here in no time and fixed me up and got me to bed. I felt somehow as tho I would never be the same man again and spent a most retched night.

Tuesday December 6     Well the morning did come but it was a long time about it. I was in bed most of the day but got up in the afternoon. Dr. Bell called and said I was all right but I feel as tho I never could be all right but I suppose as time works wonders I may come out all right. I am very weak and in a good deal of pain and such a looking think as I am. The wound looks as tho my beauty was gone forever. My face is drawn and haggard, smeared with blood and covered with bandages. I cannot eat anything except what I can draw through a tube, as I cannot move my jaw enough to get my teeth together nor use my lips as it is so swollen and sore. Gummie came back this Eve.

Wednesday December 7     Do not feel much better than yesterday but rested better last night and as I eat more I think I get stronger. Dr. Bell called today and dressed the wound under my chin, this one caused all the trouble and demanded all the attention. The lip get along with out any care except to clean it but Dr. Bell seems to think he is intruding on Dr. McGraws case and said he would explain to McGraw and leave it to him whether he would continue to care for me or not. Some of the Carriers sent me flowers which was a pleasant surprise to me.

Thursday December 8     Well I am feeling some better today getting used to it I guess, learning more how and what to eat. Cannot get my teeth together yet. My wound takes on a better look and I am cleaned up a little better. I guess McGraw decided to care for me himself for instead of Dr. Bell, McGraw's assistant Dr. Keene called. I never thought of him coming or I would have had something to say myself, was scared stiff when he came in for I thought he would hurt me so but he did so little that he could not have done much harm. He took the old bandage off my chin, took the gause out and put some more into the wound without washing or cleaning the wound at all, put on a bandage that did not stay, we had to tie it on after he was gone. It is not the intentions of him but his awkwardness caused by inexperience that I am afraid of. Anna was so nervous while he was here, she nearly collapsed after he was gone. But we all have to learn and he will be all right "when he grows up" but I am mighty thankful that Dr. Bell got me through the worst of it anyway.

Friday December 9     Well getting better right along, wound looks better and seems now as tho it would not leave much of a scar after all, but I cannot use my jaw yet. No Dr. came today. Cold.

Saturday December 10     Very cold today and I have got to go down to McGraws office this afternoon while I feel better I wish I did not have to go. Well I went down to Dr. McGraws office and had my wounds attended to, nothing serious happened.

Sunday December 11     Cold, gray, began to snow towards evening rather listlessly. Keep feeling stronger as the days go by, could use my jaw to eat some today. Howard has been on one of his cute spells today. He told me I looked cute with my eyes looking out "I suppose between the bandages." At the dinner table he says to Auntie Mabel, "Aint Mama sweet?" He said nearly all of some of Mother Goose rhymes, such as Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard to get the poor doggie a bone, when she got there the cupboard was bare, so the doggie had none, the doggie had tear in his eye (here Howard has to have a handkerchief to wipe the tear away) he waggled his ittle short tail, because he was so hungry, then he can say sing a song of sixpence a pocket full of rye, Jack and Jill, Hy diddle diddle and several others, and to hear him say them in his own way is worth coming miles. Edna & Clarence called.

Monday December 12     Snowed last night, about 4 inches on the ground this morning, still snowing slightly. Went down to Dr. McGraws this afternoon. He took the stitches out and said everything was coming out all right. I went over town and bought a few Christmas presents for Anna & Howard and came home tired out.

Tuesday December 13     Beautiful cold day, bright and snappy. Run a few errands, down to Ringes after molasses, went to see about getting a chair reseated, put up a curtain pole and put a shelf in the pantry cupboard. Maggie & Ella Joy called.

Wednesday December 14     Gray day, warmer, looks like more snow. I have hardly been out of the house today, just laid around and got so lazy I hated to move. Anna & Gummie went down town this forenoon. Sam Hardenburg called. Mrs. Yarnell called. Gummie, Howard and Mrs. Yarnell went for a walk over to the greenhouse. My wounds are nearly healed, my lip is entirely healed but very tender. The wound under my chin has one spot that is not healed over yet. My whiskers are so long I am a notion to let them grow.

Thursday December 15     Cold and gray, threatening. Hardly went out of the house today. Dr. Bell called to see how I was getting on. My wound under [my] chin discharges some yet, my lip is all healed, nearly smooth but is stiff and I cannot whistle.

Friday December 16     Cold, gray and threatening. I was standing by the stove and Howard said, "sit down Ben." He calls me Hubby sometimes and Anna he calls "Dearie" as that is what her sisters call her. Went down town afternoon.

Saturday December 17     Cold. Went over on Grand River and got my hair cut. Did not do much P.M.

Sunday December 18     Cold but not unpleasant. Took the 9 oclock [car] for Northville, found Mother sick. She had been quite sick for 3 or 4 days but was getting better and was up around. Aunt Vina was there. Went up and called on the Merretts P.M. and came home in the evening. Brought home 10 lb butter and a few little Xmas presents.

Monday December 19     Cold, gray and threatening snow. This is the last day of my vacation and I dread so to go to work in the morning that I am in misery and it seems as tho it is fixing for a big snow storm for me to wallow around in for a starter.

Tuesday December 20     Cold, but no snow yet. Back to work although I had a small load I found it awfully hard to get around. I am rather weak and shaky.

Wednesday December 21     Very cold this morning, about 10° above but warmed up. Not much Christmas stuff coming in yet. Awfully tired and very lame and sore.

Thursday December 22     Warmer, quite warm and threatening snow or rain. Quite a bit of Christmas stuff today. Very sore and lame.

Friday December 23     Colder. Good big load of Christmas today. Edna sent word that Mother was quite sick and that she was going out there.

Saturday December 24     Cold out, threatening. Had to carry my route in two loads today. Curtailed everything but factories P.M. Clarence called P.M. I went down town in the evening and bought Mother a tea pot and a couple of towels.

Sunday December 25     Not very cold, and not a speck of snow on the ground but it is very threatening. Well all got up early this morning as I have to be at work at 8 A.M. and we wanted to see our presents and see how Howard would perform when he saw his. He yelled 'Merry Christmas Gummie' before we knew he was awake. We had our breakfast then we let Howard into the parlor. We had a fire in the grate and little candles lit around the room, our stockings hung up, they were full and some on the floor. Howard got down on his hands and knees before his pile of presents and looked from one to the other with his mouth open, then he took them one by one and looked at them very impartially and to see him cut up was worth a good deal. He got a toy carpet sweeper, toy horse, piano, drum, gun, two or 3 dolls, candy, nuts, etc. and several other things and he played and played all day till he was completely tired out at night. I went to work at 8 and got through at 1:30 P.M., immense amounts of packages and lots of callers, came home and spent the rest of the day at home. Gummie and Mabel went to Northville on the 10 A.M. car to stay till tomorrow. I hear Mother is better.

Monday December 26     Warmer, very threatening A.M. began to rain about 1 P.M. and kept it up all night, nasty. Got to work at 6:45, went to my route in an automobile at 8:30 then they brought one load up to me at the Eng. house 21 and another at the Sub. Station corner of Woodward & Milwaukee. I got home at 2:30 P.M., 7 hours, 25 minutes. I was pretty well done up, but it seems as tho the work went off better than usual.

Tuesday December 27     Rained all last night and nearly all day, a most miserable day and I do not feel anything extra.

Wednesday December 28     Quite cold, and the wind just howled. I did not go to work I felt as tho I could not face the wind. I have just sit around all day.

Thursday December 29     Cold, but the wind is not so bad. Went to work today but I do not feel as well as I would like to.

Friday December 30     Warmer and more pleasant. Mail very heavy and I am pretty well played out.

Saturday December 31     Warm spring like day, fine weather, not a speck of snow, does not seem like winter at all. Got my wheel fixed today at Berrys, S. H. front wheel and a new U.S. Tire, $3.25.