Bennett Luther Dean
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January 1906
Monday January 1 A beautiful day, bright and clear, no snow. Worked till about 11:30 A.M., came home had a good dinner and spent a very quiet afternoon with the family. Mabel at Northville. The New Year seems to come in more quiet than usual, it seems more like Sunday. The children and young people are bemoaning the fact that there is no skating, no sleighing, nothing that goes with the usual new Years. There has been several attempts to flood vacant lots and make skating and while there has been a little skating it does not last long. Tuesday January 2 Beautiful day, threatening at night. Mabel came back last evening. Wednesday January 3 Well this is different, it does not seem possible that there could be such a difference in the weather from one day to the next. Yesterday so fine, and today well nothing can adequately describe it. It began to rain about 11 A.M. all the rest of the day and evening it rained as miserable day as one could imagine. Thursday January 4 Well the rain that went over from south east to north west yesterday came back today in snow and the wind blew a hurricane and it was twirling and curling snow all day, not much snow tho probally 1 1/2 inches it was almost as disagreeable as yesterday. This weather makes my shoulder howl. Friday January 5 Quite a decent day today, some colder. Saturday January 6 Fine day except high wind. We have an awful lot of high winds this season. Went down town after work and bought a few things, this book, knit jacket, gloves, and eatables. Mabel gone to Northville. Sunday January 7 Colder, clear beautiful day. Worked. Home all the rest of the day. Mabel came back and she and Anna have gone to Church this evening. Monday January 8 Cold, clear, bright, about 8° above, seems very cold compared to what we have been having. Got a letter from Gummie today describing Los Angeles and suburbs. Gummie seems to think California about right and I guess she would like to stay there and get the rest of us to come out, but even if I wanted to go I dont see how I could. Tuesday January 9 They said it was 12° above last night but it was warmer this morning and a clear beautiful winter day. I put my knit jacket on this forenoon but took it off again this afternoon. I cant enjoy cold weather if it gets down very far below freezing I begin to shiver, if it stays around freezing I seem to stand it fine, this winter until yesterday has been all right. We have had scarce any freezing weather till yesterday. The papers began to talk ice famine and to caricature the ice and coal men with long and weeping faces, I suppose this weather will bring the smiles back. There is a little snow on the ground just enough to make the ground look white and I have seen one or two sleighs but most of the streets are bare. Wednesday January 10 Fine day, warmer. The front tire on my wheel gave out today and I took it to Berrys to get a new one, it has lasted just a year. Howard seems to be afflicted lately, he has to go on the chair every few minutes almost. I suppose it may be worms or something like that but such things worry you because you do not know just how serious it might be. Thursday January 11 Warmer, threatening rain or snow. Anna and Mabel went down to Mabels office to see about something there. The kids are in bed and I wish I were too. My but I live an exciting life, work, eat, sleep and it is all said. Friday January 12 Fine day. Saturday January 13 Rain fearful afternoon. Was going downtown but did not go on account of the weather. Sunday January 14 Almost rain all day, bad. Mabel here today. Mabel staid with the children and Anna and I went to Church together, a thing we seldom get the oppertunity to do.
Monday January 15 Rainy and bad. The Lowes started a new house just back on Commonwealth about a week ago, they have the celar wall up and [are] laying stringers for the first floor. I wish we had a house that far along. Edna came up to supper tonight and staid till 9 or untill she thought Clarence would be home, he is working nights. Tuesday January 16 My how the wind blew all night and today. Rain and snow today, not very cold. And this is baby Bennetts birthday, and no one got him a present except the woman who washes for us, Mrs. Partello, she brought him cloth for a dress. We intended to get him a spoon but have not got down town yet to get it. He weighs 19 lbs. and is 27 1/2 inches high, has got 4 teeth, two up and two down stairs. And he is not weaned or can he walk. Howard was weaned and could walk when he was a year old and Howard could do several things that the baby does not. It seems as tho Howard was brighter but I guess Howard being the 1st one got more teaching and attention. Anna said she saw the baby stand alone yesterday, he was standing at a chair and took his hands off to use them and stood for a minute as unconcerned as could be. It was no trouble at all to wean Howard, Mama just stopped nursing him and fed him condensed milk, but the baby does not seem to like it and it does not seem to agree with him, and she has tried malted milk and that gives him the colic dreadfully. He can say "by by" and realy seems to jabber to himself more than Howard did. He can tease and point to things he wants and I guess eats more at the table than Howard did. He is a good nice baby and is as good and cute as can be when he does not have colic or something the matter with him. One thing he beats Howard in is that he has not had to have the Doctor since he was born. He had a birthday cake with one candle on it for supper. Wednesday January 17 Cloudy, colder. Thursday January 18 Quite a genuine snow storm last night, about 4 inches came. I shoveled it off of the walk before I went to work for the first [time] this winter, but the weather was so warm today that the most of it was gone by night. Friday January 19 A little colder, cloudy. Saturday January 20 Fair, very warm. Rained last night and this morning the streets were icy but it came out so warm that by 10 oclock the snow and ice was gone and the streets were running rivers of water. And so warm that you went around with your coat open and your hat on the back of your head and your underwear feels heavy and hot. I expected I would go downtown but I got home and didnt feel like getting out again. Mabel went to Northville today. Sunday January 21 Rained this forenoon and so warm that it seems hot. One wants the doors and windows open. I rode my bicycle to work without any overcoat on, and all day people were going by carrying thier wraps on thier arms, surely this is a strange winter. Anna, the children and I went for a long walk nearly roasted, it gives one the Spring fever. Mabel home tonight. Monday January 22 The papers say it was up to 65° above last evening at 7 oclock. Showers today, January showers bring February flowers "maybe". The weather man was going to have a cold wave here by 7 this A.M. but it has not arrived yet. So warm that ones clothes are a burden to them, some say they have seen butterflies, frogs, etc. I have not seen any such but it does beat the Dutch. I dont beleive there is a particle of frost in the ground and the mud on the unpaved streets is something fearful, the country roads must be in a terrible condition. Getting colder at night. [Newspaper clipping from Detroit Free Press: SUMMER IN WINTER, Mercury Went Up to Sixty-five Yesterday. HIGH RECORD ALMOST REACHED. Butterfly Seen on Woodward Avenue, Frogs Croak in Marshes, and Caterpillars and Spiders Fooled by Apparent Approach of SpringCold Wave Coming Today...] Tuesday January 23 I guess the cold wave is coming as it is getting colder all day, high wind from the North. Wednesday January 24 Colder, just about freezing. Beautiful day. Baby Bennett will give a kiss now, the way he kisses is with his mouth wide open, he will hold up his face to Mama then Papa then Howard, everybody gets a kiss. Mabel has gone to the Opera with Miss Haden. Thursday January 25 Cold and cloudy. Miss Haden came home with Mabel last night, the baby cried till about the time they came, gas I suppose, but it is awful. But his Mama says he is as sweet and cute as ever this morning. Friday January 26 A more beautiful day could not be imagined, not too cold nor too warm, sunshine. This winter will certainly be referred to for years. If I could only look forward to such winters as this I would not worry or dread them any more. No use to go to California this winter. Baby Bennett came creeping for me today noon when I was starting for work with his mouth wide open. He was after a good by kiss, then he says "by by" and waves his paddy or flops it around in an awkward cute way. Then he can Patty Cake too now. Howard always has to kiss good by and feels perfectly dreadful if he misses anyway. Saturday January 27 Another beautiful day, even warmer than yesterday. This winter so far has been a long drawn out Indian Summer. Anna is weaning the baby, he has not nursed since yesterday morning, he teases some but does not seem to mind much. He was restless last night till nearly midnight but he had wind on his stomach and had a cold in the bargain. He does not take to milk like Howard did. Howard would drink and drink and did not care much for things on the table. Bennett is just the other way, cares more for table things than milk. Sunday January 28 Cloudy but nice, the temperature stays just about freezing. Worked today, to pay for a Sunday I had off when I was hurt. My shoulder does not bother me now still I still feel it once in a while and cannot lay on that side yet. Mabel here today. I have been reading up on Infant food and came to the conclusion that we ought to dilute the milk we feed the baby. So Anna is diluting it today with Barley water and the baby likes it better and seems better today. He bothered again last night and we did not get much sleep. Monday January 29 Cloudy but fine, not a speck of snow on the ground, no ice, and it seems like early fall. Threatening tonight. Baby slept better last night, he is better acting today. He can patty cake now and we discover a new accomplishment nearly every day. Howard loves stories and learns to say so many himself. He will tease us to read Mother Goose or Jack and the Bean Stalk till I am black in the face and when I positively refuse to read more he will close the book between his paddies look up at me and say, "now Papa say all you know without the book" and he has said that so much that it has got to be a by word, "say all you know without the book." Tuesday January 30 cloudy, warmer. Howard has a skin rash around the back of his neck and down his back. Dont know what it is, may be chicken pox, we hear it is around. He does not seem sick, perhaps a little dumpish. Anna gave him a warm bath and used some soda, and put him to bed. The baby seems sicker than Howard, he is as listless and lifeless as can be and whines a good deal. Weaning, teeth, etc. I guess is his ailment. Anna gave him Castor Oil and put a little more barley water in his milk and at night gave him Barley water all together. Wednesday January 31 Colder, about 25° above zero this A.M. but a beautiful bright day, "grand". This month has been more like Nov., no cold or snow to speak of one, snow storm of about 3 inches that staid a day or two but we have had so many fine days just like Indian Summer. Howards rash is spreading up onto his face, but still he does not seem at all sick. We do not know what it is but think it is nothing serious. The baby seems brighter but still he wants to be held and cared for. He passed the best night last night since he was weaned. |
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February 1906
Thursday February 1 The weather man said it would be fair and warmer today but when I got up I was surprised to find the ground covered with a couple of inches of snow. It began to rain a little then turned colder and kept getting colder till when I went to bed at night it was only 6° above zero. Baby still cross and he sleeps till about 3 A.M. then is fretty all the rest of the night. Howards rash has spread up onto his cheeks and temples and to his very finger tips but still he does not feel bad in fact seems in better spirits than usual. Friday February 2 Whew this is more like winter. Zero at 2 A.M., 3° below at 6, 4° at 8, zero at 9 and then kept getting warm. Bright beautiful day the ground Hog can see his shadow all day today but the thermometer did not go above 10°. Saturday February 3 Started at about 10° above zero and went up to about 25° by night but most people thought it was colder as there was a terrific wind, the house was colder. Howard is getting better of his rash but the baby has it today on his back and abdomen but he is better acting today than usual. I guess it must be a good disease to have, we have about concluded it is measles. Mabel went to Northville. Sunday February 4 Cloudy, a little snow, about 30° above, colder at night. Worked. Both children are better, baby sleeps better at night. We hear of several people that had a rash after having a cold, grown people, so it may not be Measles after all. Mabel home tonight. Monday February 5 4° above zero A.M., got up to 10°. A sharp wind makes it bitter cold. I guess the Ice men will get Ice all right, it is fine weather but too cold for comfort. The baby bothers about eating or drinking milk, he does not care for it but will take a crust of bread and be as contented as can be. He will eat anything you give him at the table and always wants more, never seems to get enough, and when he wants anything to eat he will point and open his mouth just as far as he can and just point with eagerness. Thier rash is about gone, the babies did not spread as much as Howards. Tuesday February 6 Bright but bitter cold, 2° above zero A.M., got up to 10° above. Mabel went to stay with Inez Hart tonight. Wednesday February 7 Zero A.M., got up to 20° above. Beautiful day but bitter cold. Children seem all right again. The baby bothers about eating milk and that worries Anna, he just dont like [milk] and will take an old dry crust of bread in prefference. Thursday February 8 12° above A.M., 26° P.M. Seems quite warm and beautiful. Donald Burns who lives in the other side of this house has a birthday party today from 4:30 to 7:30 P.M. He is 12 . He sent Howard an invitation the other day and Howard has been quite excited over it. So he is over there and I guess they are having a good time if noise is any indication. Friday February 9 16° above A.M., 30° P.M.. Beautiful day. The baby slept all night last night without once waking up, the first time since he was born. Saturday February 10 Cold but fine. Went down to the Strand grocery and gave an order for goods, I was attracted by thier add and thought I would try it. Sunday February 11 Beautiful day, cold. Mabel stayed with the baby and Anna, Howard and I took the 10 oclock car for Northville. We went to Mothers for dinner then Anna and Howard went and called on thier folks. We had a fine time, came back in the evening and the car was packed full of pleasure seekers. It seemed more like summer times, no snow on the ground and bright and beautiful weather. Monday February 12 Beautiful and warm, above freezing, like last month. Took off my knit jacket. I had worn it only since the first of the month. Baby has his fifth tooth. Mabel talking of starting for California the 1st of April. They are teasing her to come and I guess she thinks she may as well go. I presume they think we will be the next. Well may be. Tuesday February 13 Warm, heavy fog this A.M., almost rain. Rain at night. Tom Greenwood, Carrier 47, was stricken down with paralysis while delivering mail at 42 Eliot St. this forenoon. He was taken to the Hospital and died at about 8 P.M. 2 bushels of apples came from Northville this A.M., $1 a bushel. Wednesday February 14 Decidedly colder, about 18° above A.M. Went down to 10° above evening. And wind from the North, I thought it would blow my head off. St. Valentines day and of course the mail was flooded with them. Howard got 11 I believe in all. 5 came this evening, one by one was laid on the porch the bell rung and the kid skipped. Howard got so excited he thought everybody was going to bring him a valentine. He was very much tickled and pleased over it. Donald, Margaret, Geraldine, Edward and one unknown, probally Elmer, brought them. Baby got one or two. Anna one or two. I got a picture colored photograph of water rapids and mountains. Mabel got a boquet of carnations. Thursday February 15 Very cold, 2° above in the morning but beautiful day. Belle and Mrs. Drury called. Friday February 16 About 10° above but getting warmer. Perfectly beautiful day. Ednas birthday. Saturday February 17 Beautiful day, warmer. Mrs. Shafer across the street at 211 Avery went down town today and dropped dead on Woodward Ave. in front of Wright Kays. She was aparently in perfect health when she went downtown but was brought home a few hours later dead. Mabel went to Northville today. Sunday February 18 Cloudy, not so pleasant. Worked. Went up to Greenwoods house at 58 Hecla this afternoon to view the remains of Tom Greenwood who died last Tuesday. He is to be buried tomorrow, they have kept him to wait the coming of his son from the west. McLeods called this afternoon. Monday February 19 Perfectly beautiful day, warm. They had the funeral of Mrs. Shafer this afternoon, then took the remains to the train to go to Ohio some where. Norine down today, here to supper then took the car home. We discovered babies sixth tooth today. Tuesday February 20 Warm, showers, more like April showers. We had one flash of lightning and one big clap of thunder. People are beginning to say, "I saw a Robin today." Wednesday February 21 A little colder and cloudy, but up around 40°. Howard copied a number of letters of the alphabet today and it seemed marvelous seeing that he did it himself without teaching. And the other day he cut out something that looked very much like a man out of paper and then all by himself added eyes, nose and mouth. Across the body was some marks that looked like a fence or a ladder, when he showed it to me I asked him what the marks were and he said it was a fence to keep him in the back yard. Thursday February 22 Beautiful day. 1/2 Holiday. Home afternoon. I attempted to cover a box but I did not get through. I had a strenuous time. I could not keep the baby off of the cloth long enough to cut it and when I came to work at the box I could not move it but one of the kids was in it or on it. If I laid the hammer down one of them would grab it, Howard wanted [to] help pound, and the baby was always right where you wanted to get. Anna mended my trousers and she says she never can patch and so she was scolding all the time. And Mabel just sit and laughed all the time. Altho we took it all goodnatured we allowed as how we had had a very strenuous holiday. Friday February 23 Beautiful day, ones winter clothes uncomfortably warm. Houses with doors open and people sitting on the steps. Saturday February 24 Rained all the afternoon, quite a thunder storm in the evening. I was intending to go down town but it rained so I did not go. Sunday February 25 Cloudy, colder, about freezing. Anna and I went to Church. Mr. Brusky preached. Mabel stayed with the children. Monday February 26 Colder, fair, below freezing. Aunt Julia quite sick. Heard Mrs. Yarnell of Northville was dead out West. Tuesday February 27 Colder, 16° above A.M. and did not get much warmer, a very high cold wind from the North made it very disagreeable. Norine came in to play the violin at the Central Presbyterian this Eve. Anna & Mabel went with her then took her to catch the 11 P.M. car for home. I staid [with] the children, the baby did not act as well as usual with me. Wednesday February 28 Colder, 12° above A.M. but warmed up to 30° above, beautiful day. Mabel staying down to Harts tonight. |
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March 1906 Thursday March 1 About freezing, getting warmer. Cloudy, sleet in the evening. Mabel got a check from Carrie Armstrong [in] Los Angeles today to come out there, so I suppose she will be leaving us about the 1st of April. F. B. Dickerson P.M. goes out today, Homer Warren come in. Friday March 2 Ground covered [with] snow this morning and it looked like more but it got warmer and the snow was nothing but slop by noon and it rained nearly all the afternoon. Saturday March 3 About freezing today, snow all rained off. Threatening rain or snow. Inez Hart called. Mabel went to Northville. Sunday March 4 Colder, light snow nearly all day. Not very pleasant. Worked. Home all rest of the day. Anna ran over to see how Aunt Julia was, she is better but still in bed. David Clarksons birthday, 22. He is in Los Angeles, Cal. now. Took Howard for a long ride on his sled this evening, there is a little snow and he does not get many chances to use his sled this winter. Monday March 5 Fine day, about 26° above. Feel about sick, my stomach. Baby has 7 teeth, another discovered today, did not know it was coming. Anna went down town today noon to see some advertised suits but did not like them and came home with out one. Tuesday March 6 Beautiful day, cold. Anna went down town afternoon and bought dress goods. My stomach is no better. Wednesday March 7 A little snow last night but soon gone. Cloudy. About sick with my stomach and cold coming on. Anna sick too, could not eat any supper and went to bed. Thursday March 8 Damp, cold and disagreeable. Anna better. I had a crick in my back this morning when I was coughing and it nearly put me out of business but I went to work and got along fairly well, then we all went down to the Harts to surprise Mabel because of her going to California, and Mabel was good and surprised. She was asked to come up there from the office and stay all night as she has done a good many times. She came all unsuspecting and there we were, Anna Fry and family, and Bert Hart and wife, and us. We had a big supper, played games, then Mabel hunted around the room for gifts. Friday March 9 Cold, damp and threatening. I am not so well today on account of my fill up last night, and Mabel came home sick this forenoon. Saturday March 10 About freezing. Cloudy and some sunshine. Snow this A.M. but soon gone. Howard has the Cold today. Everybody on the "bum". Mabel staid with the children and Anna and I went down town in the evening. Bought a trunk for Mabel at the Detroit Trunk Co. ($7.50), she is getting ready to go to California. Then we went to Travers Bird and I bought a spring overcoat, then to the Douglas shoe store for a pair of rubbers, then to Peter Smiths for groceries, then to Traubs and got Howard a birthday napkin ring and the baby a spoon for his birthday last Jan. Then home, it has been many a moon since we went down together, but such a crowd one can hardly get around. Sunday March 11 About freezing, snow falling lazily all day, about 2 1/2 inches came down. Mabel here today and about sick. Howards cold very "nosey". My cold better. Baby cross, I should not be surprised if he were getting it too. He took a step or two yesterday and seems more inclined to walk, but is very slow and is biding his time about it, and we let him. He will take his hands from anything he is standing beside and stand alone and laugh about it as tho he thought he was doing something great. Went up to see George but no one was at home. Monday March 12 Well this is just like winter, cold, about 16° above and 2 or 3 inches of snow on the ground. But the sun came out bright and a good deal of the snow went glimmering. All of us are just about sick, children, Mabel and I. I dont know when I have been so miserable. Tuesday March 13 Cold gray, cloudy day. Some more snow in the evening, about 20° above. Howard coughed all night and it sounded like the bark of a hoarse puppy dog, we thought he would surely be sick today but he seems better but looks bad. My stomach is bad yet and I feel perfectly miserable. Anna Fry and James were here to dinner today. Wednesday March 14 Cold, about 20° above, a little more snow on the ground this morning. I guess we are all on the mend now with our colds. Thursday March 15 About 16° above and did not get but very little higher all day, and a high East wind made it seem very cold. I guess March is going to make up for the rest of the winter being mild. Friday March 16 About 20° above. Saturday March 17 St. Patricks day started out cold and clear, thermometer only 10° above, staid cold and clouded and threatened and sun shined. I suppose they had a parade but I never go to see it. Powells father died today. Mabel went to Northville. Sunday March 18 Fine day, warmer, worked. Mabel came back this eve. Monday March 19 A regular blizzard this morning when I got up, and it kept it up nearly all day. About 6 inches of snow, and fearful traveling. Everybody was surprised, no one was looking for anything like this. Commenced weighing the mail today for 12 days. Mabel staid at Harts tonight. Tuesday March 20 A bright beautiful day overhead, the snow makes bad walking and a high wind is drifting it but it is warmer and the snow [was] in rivers from 10 till 4. Wednesday March 21 Colder, only 15° above zero. It was a clear beautiful day till about 5 P.M. when it suddenly got dark and the wind came up with a whew, and we had the worst blizzard for 1/2 hour that I ever saw. The wind was terrific and a wet sticky snow came with it. Everything and everybody was plastered white in a jiffy. And after it passed over the city was perfectly beautiful. Mrs. Walker called this evening. Thursday March 22 Colder then ever, about 12° above and it staid pretty close to that all day and a fearful cold wind, my I thought I could not stand it. I went down town at noon to get Mabels check cashed and to get Howard a youths chair for his birthday. Friday March 23 Very cold, only 5° above this A.M. but a beautiful bright day. Howards birthday, 4 years old, 38 inches high, 20 3/4 inches around the top diameter of his head, chest 20 3/4 inches, weight [left blank], hand 4 3/8 long 2 inches wide, longest finger 2 inches, no. 6 1/2 shoes. We got him a youths chair, a napkin ring and a horn. The horn was the only thing he asked for. I asked him what I should get him and he said anything I wanted to he would like it, then I asked him if there was not something he wanted and he said yes but it was so foolish he did not like to tell me. But when urged he said I could get him a horn, so this morning when he woke up there was a horn standing up on the foot board of the bed. Auntie Mabel got him a drawing slate, Auntie Norine a spoon, Auntie Edna a box of candy oranges in immitation of a large box of oranges. They were very cute, I think he faired very well. He is a pretty lively boy but a little shy with strangers. He has a good memory and remembers things away back that we have all forgotten. He can say so many rhymes and can nearly repeat Jack and the Bean Stalk word for word. He has been content to stay in the house all winter except on occations and is not a street urchen yet. He is a very small eater and actually worries us he eats so little. Saturday March 24 Cold, about 10° above but bright and fine. Mabel quit her position at the Remmington Typewriter Co. today, I suppose she will start for California in another week. The employees at the office presented her a pearl sun burst brooch with an opal setting, very nice. Mabel and Anna went downtown in the evening. Sunday March 25 Not so cold, about 28° above but cloudy and threatening. Went to church A.M. Mabel went out to visit Uncle Azel. Came back in the P.M. The baby began to walk today, he just walked across the room to his Mama all by his own self and no body was noticing till someone said oh look at the baby. Monday March 26 Quite warm, up to 40° and more. Showers, sunshine and cloudy. Anna went to the dentist, then down town this forenoon. And this afternoon she, Mabel and the children all went to Northville, so I am all alone this evening. It seems very still, the gas light sisses and clock ticks and my pen scratches, mercy. Tuesday March 27 Warm, very damp, very muddy, very horrid. I dont like being alone, getting my own meals, washing my own dishes, etc. A little of this is enough a heap. Wednesday March 28 Beautiful day. Well this is my birthday, 38 years old. I am getting there all right, in age I mean, but not in any other way as I know of. And I am all alone today too. Anna and children are out at Northville. I went to the 6 oclock car per agreement but no one came so I came back got something to eat and went to the 7 oclock car and this time Anna and the baby came, but Howard and Mabel staid out there. Thursday March 29 Beautiful day. Mabel and Howard came on the 6 oclock car. Delia and Min Hopkins called in the evening and a Miss Mead and some other lady called. Friday March 30 High wind. Inez Hart here this afternoon and is to stay all night. Saturday March 31 Cold wind, my how it did blow all last night and today the house trembled and shook. Anna and Mabel went down town after supper. |
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April 1906 Sunday April 1 Beautiful day. March went out like a roaring lion, but April came in like a gentle kitten. Worked today. I suppose Sta. F. P.O. at the corner of Russell and Lyman St. was opened today. We lose 4 or 5 carriers from Sta. A. that go there. Mrs. Oulette and Clara called this afternoon. Aunt Dill and Inez called to bid good bye to Mabel. Monday April 2 Warm, beautiful day. Norine came in today to bid Mabel good bye. All is confusion here today, packing, putting up, lunch, etc. I took Howard and went to the Barber shop and we both got a hair cut. Tuesday April 3 Beautiful day. Every [one] astir early this morning. We had an early breakfast, I said good bye to Mabel and went to work. Anna left the children with Mrs. Burns and went with Mabel to the Depot. And Mabel left for California on the 7:45 A.M. Wabash for Chicago, then at 10 P.M. leaves Chicago over the Santa Fe. Howard felt pretty bad to have his Auntie go and was going to lock all of the doors so she couldn"t get out. Wednesday April 4 Cloudy, some rain. Thursday April 5 Rained all afternoon, turned to snow towards night and was very sloppy and nasty. Got a card from Mabel at Chicago. Friday April 6 Cooler, bright beautiful day. Got a card from Mabel from Kansas City. Mr. Wood, an old Carrier, but out of the service now and who was the first president of the Carriers Association died yesterday morning. And Mr. Reynolds another old Carrier died the other day in Bay City. Saturday April 7 A most beautiful warm spring day. The green grass shows some now especially on well kept lawns. And this is the day Mabel is to reach Los Angeles, Cal. I wonder if she is there allright and I wonder if it can be any better climate there than it is here today, I do not see how it could be. We had not heard from her today. Sunday April 8 Well this is different again than yesterday, rained all the afternoon. I went to Church and did not take an umbrella and had to walk home in the rain but I was not the only one. Monday April 9 Showers, not very pleasant. No word from Mabel today. She is a dandy, I wonder what is the reason. We got a letter from Gummie and she did not seem to know when to expect Mabel. It would be a joke on her if no one was to meet her when she arrived, after they had said everybody would be at the Depot with a Brass band in attendence. Tuesday April 10 No rain today but it looked as tho it would rain all day. Got cards from Mabel at Albuquerque, N.M., so she has got that far and says she is having a fine time. Anna is training the baby to go to bed and to sleep without rocking or attention, and he does fine. For a night or two he cried and fussed but does not now anymore, but just snuggles down into bed and goes to sleep. Wednesday April 11 Clearing today, fine. St. Andrews Church, corner of 4th and Putnam, burned this morning. Got a card from Mabel today saying she could not realize it but she was sitting in Gummies Cottage at Los Angeles, Cal. and they were just talking each other to death. It was written at 1:45 P.M. last Saturday and they were all at the Depot to meet her and shower her with roses. Thursday April 12 Beautiful summery day. Howard is out doors nearly all the time these days and baby has been out on the back steps nearly all day today. Friday April 13 Very warm. Beautiful day till evening, then it blew up a storm and rained hard. Good Friday we kept the day by eating hot cross buns. Stopped on my way home at Berries and got a saddle for my wheel, the old one was not comfortable, this one is a Wheeler Extra and I think I will like it. Saturday April 14 Rained all night and part of forenoon, very warm rain and it just brought the grass right up out of the ground. Easter Sunday April 15 Not a very nice Easter Sunday. Cold, damp and very threatening. Worked. Anna went to Church in the evening with Belle. Monday April 16 Beautiful, bright day, chilly. Tuesday April 17 Beautiful day, warmer. Opening game of Base Ball today, the fans are all enthusiastic over the weather. Worked raking the lawn today. Wednesday April 18 Very warm and pleasant. The papers say an earth quake has distroyed the City of San Francisco, Cal. Hundreds of lives lost and great and costly buildings collapsed and ruined, water supply cut off and fire sweeping through the whole City, and the fire department helpless because they can get no water. They think the disaster will rival any in the history of the world. Thursday April 19 Papers say this A.M. San Francisco in ruins. Dead and injured number thousands. Horror unprecedented in this Country"s history. City helpless to check the Devastation, People can but flee. Nearby Cities suffer as much as Metropolis. Friday April 20 Beautiful day, very warm, 70°. Every paper is full of the horror in San Francisco and surrounding towns. Fire still raging, 3/4 of the buildings burned. Beautiful Nob Hill with all its millionaire residences burned. People begging for water and food. A famine is immenent, rich and poor are camped together in public squares and parks, 300,000 homeless. The dead estimated anywhere from 300 to 10,000. Men made to work burying the dead and to fight fire at the point of the revolver and sword. Thieves shot down by soldiers on sight. Los Angeles had slight shocks yesterday but no damage done. We are wondering how our folks out there are in body and mind. I bet they wish they were back in Michigan. Aunt Dill and Inez called. Saturday April 21 Cold, damp, some rain. The fire in San Francisco has about burned itself out. About 1/4 of the City will be saved, but all of the business part and best part of the whole City is burned. The famous China Town that they have wanted to get rid of so long because of its filth and wretchedness and vice and disease is at last gone and I guess is the only blessing of the disaster. The question now with them is to relieve the homeless of thier immediate wants and to get things back into systematic order and begin all over again to build a new City. In the confusion following the shock families were separated and now it is almost impossible to locate any individual and so some are frantic because of thier inability to find one another. Harrowing tales are told by individuals of thier experience and all the tragedies will never be known. Anna down town after supper. Sunday April 22 Cold, cloudy, some rain. Worked for 101 today. Home all the rest of the day. The paper today is all pictures and stories of the California disaster. The whole Country is responding generously to the need of funds for the hungry and homeless. The Carriers are raising a fund. The paper says the fire is out and the people are able to look about them and to plan for the future. Famine is averted by the prompt shipping by rail and boat of supplies of food and necessaries, and I suppose in time things will right themselves and a new City will be built, altho many have lost their all, some their lives and of course some will never again see the same prosperous and happy times of old. It has been a terrible calamity and one that no one can appreciate except those who went through it and even they I do not believe really realize the magnitude of the disaster. Monday April 23 Cold, cloudy, more winter coat and gloves. Got a letter from Los Angeles today, they did not seem to think the earth quake very serious, guess they had not heard much. Several Detroit people were there and one Detroiter was killed, a Walter Burrell. Those that have escaped tell awfull experiences. It occured at 5:15 A.M., they were awakened by the awful swaying and twisting of the building and terrible groaning of the earth. Some were thrown out of thier beds, furniture was thrown down and the plaster fell upon them. Most people rushed frantically and utterly crazed down stairs and out into the streets in thier night clothes only to find walls tumbling all about them and men and women running about crying and screaming, begging and praying to be saved. One man says he offered a hackman $50 to take him to a park or open space and another man with a family came along and got the hack by paying $100, then he walked bare footed to the park and paid a Dr. $15 to pick the glass out of his feet. And most people escaped in that way by walking over the debris of walls and stones, and some say jumping cracks in the earth, running the gauntlet of falling walls, brick, fire, etc. It is said that people paid as high as $1.00 for a loaf of bread and 10¢ a piece for crackers and water sold at exorbitant prices. It all happened in the business district and fortunately before the stores and shops were opened or many more people would have been killed as it was it was only the people in Hotels that got caught. Thursday April 24 Fine day. Took washing up to Mrs. Cushing last night and went and got [it] tonight. The San Francisco disaster has about passed into history. I suppose people there are just beginning to get back into the realization of life and the need of doing things again. It must be awful for those who have lost everything to know that they have got to start all over again. The papers are full of pictures now of the fire and scenes of happening at that time. The next thing will be a book written on the Calamity and I have already seen card to agents tell them to wait for the only authentic history of the disaster to be written. Went to lecture at Church, on U.S. Navy. Wednesday April 25 Showers and thunderstorms. Thursday April 26 Beautiful day. Mrs. Walker started sewing for Anna today. Howard has a bad cold today. Friday April 27 Fine day. Mrs. Walker here. Letters from San Francisco are going through the mails without envelopes or stamps, the P.O. delivers anything from there, sometimes only a torn bit of paper. Saturday April 28 Beautiful day. Anna and both children about sick with colds. The baby got out of his bed after his nap today and came down stairs alone. Mrs. Walker here. Sunday April 29 Beautiful day, very warm. Anna and children [have] bad colds. Baby tried to repeat his trick getting out of bed today and took a tumble out of bed onto his head. Worked today. Mr. Whitehead called to see me but I was at work. Howard was so uneasy I took him for a car ride to the Water Works Park, the park was fine but no flower beds were made yet. Edna and Clarence called. Monday April 30 Beautiful day. Mrs. Walker here. |
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May 1906 Tuesday May 1 Heavy rain nearly all the P.M. Everything green and beautiful. Trees just leaved out enough to look that delicate shade of green, the most beautiful time of the year I think. Mrs. Walker here. Wednesday May 2 Very warm, showery all day. Mrs. Walker got through at noon and went next door at Burns for the rest of the day. Edna came in at supper time to say she had got a bill from Dr. Bell and he wanted to know if we could not raise the rest of Mothers account as he had a large payment to make, so I gave Edna my share of the remainder, $33.50. I was intending to pay it this month any way and am glad it is paid. Thursday May 3 Chilly, a fire feels good this morning. I have a sore throat today, I guess I have caught the cold from the rest of the family as that is the way it starts. Commonwealth Ave. is being paved from Calumet. Friday May 4 Warm today, I guess I will let the fire go out it dont seem as tho we could have any cold weather now. I feel wretched today my cold and then something was wrong with the baby last night he kept us awake till near midnight. Anna went down to Miss Knabs eve. Saturday May 5 Chilly. Sunday May 6 Fine day but very chilly. Everybody up early, all took a bath. I shaved and Howard and I took the 9 oclock car for Northville, the reg. car was crowded but there was an extra following on which I got a seat and held Howard on my lap but he could not get next to the window. He sometimes makes a fuss about it but fortunatly he was as meek as Moses this time, but he soon got there as the passenger got off and so he was happy, and was as good as gold all day. We went to Mothers for dinner and supper, went up to Norines in the afternoon. We had a fine time and came home loaded with canned fruit, maple syrup and some pansies. The spring is not quite far enough advanced to be at its prettiest and it was cold, we had our overcoats and they were none too warm. Got home at 7 oclock. Anna is not very well, the baby called and called Howard all day she said. Monday May 7 Very chilly and cold. Frost this morning, over coats, gloves and fire feels good, cloudy. I am miserable with a cold. Tuesday May 8 Cold, miserable rain all the forenoon. Had to change shoes, stockings and trousers, bad. Wednesday May 9 Very cold and cloudy. Thermometer near the freezing point, frost this morning. Went down town at noon instead of coming home. Paid gas bill and ordered groceries and bought me a pair of Emerson shoes, paid $5, which I guess is the 2nd pair I ever paid that much for. Thursday May 10 Very cold, heavy frost and froze ice in still places. It seems as tho we have a cold spell ever May then it gets warm and we have summer. Our stove is going yet and we need it this weather. Anna went down to Miss Knabs and got her new hat then came back wondering if she was going to like it. I and everybody else that saw it like it and so she felt better. I put both kids to bed. Baby I put on his nighty and took him up and put him in his bed and he seems so glad to get there, he waived his paddy and smiled good night, and I left him and got Howard ready and put him to bed, and not a sound from either of them. It is a blessing to have them go to bed that way without any trouble to go to sleep. Friday May 11 Warming up. Bright and fine. The papers say the frost of yesterday did lots of damage throughout the country to fruit. Saturday May 12 Well it is hot today, clothes are uncomfortable. Baby understands a good many things we say to him, we found out today. Anna told him to throw a stick out of the open window and he went and did it, then said "dah". Then Anna asked him to bring the pussy cat "cloth", and then the dollie and the ball and he went and found each one in turn and brought them. I asked him where the stove was and he went to the stove in the kitchen. He can say ball, by by, and just now he was calling Ma Ma, Ma Ma, Mama was upstairs. Anna went down town after supper and when she got back I went down. I went to a meeting of gold mine stockholders but got there just as they [were] getting through. Sunday May 13 Rain, bad wet day. My day to work but my alternate owed me a day and is paying it today. Anna dressed up in her new suit and hat and went to Church between showers. I took care of the kids and also washed up the dishes. Monday May 14 Rain, damp all day. Fire in the baseburner went out this A.M. I tried to revive it because it was so damp and cold but it was too far gone. Tuesday May 15 Well this is different again. Hot, thermometer away up around the 80°, doors and windows open, people out enjoying it till late in the evening. Wednesday May 16 Very warm and pleasant. Baby Bennett 16 months old today and he has just got his eighth tooth, 4 up and 4 down and he ought to have 12 by now. But he is a fine baby he seems more on the quiet order and plays around so quietly that you would scarcely know he was around. But eat, my it is a mystery where he puts it all and he is never satisfied at meal time, he has his mouth open panting for more all the time and dont want his Mama to put a single mouth full in her mouth because he cant wait for his turn. Norine and Clarkson came in this morning to stay a few days. Thursday May 17 Very Hot, nearly to 90°. Anna & Norine and kids went down to Aunt Dills this Eve. Everybody out in scanty attire sitting or laying on the lawns. Friday May 18 Very Hot. Carriers in shirt waistes, "is it hot enough for you?" is the greeting one receives everywhere. Blew up cooler this evening. Norine and Clarkson went home tonight. Norine got a cold and Clarkson got strenuous and unmanageable and at night teased for his "own bed". Howard and Clarkson got on together pretty well except an occational tiff. The baby objected to being loved quite as fiercely as Clarkson insisted on loving him. Clarkson would want to hug him and the baby would just howl. Saturday May 19 Decidedly cooler, coat and vest instead of shirt waist today. Anna, children and I went over on Grand River this evening and bought Baby a pair of shoes and Howard a peanut scoop cap, and a prouder and happier boy you never saw than he was over that cap. We met Lou Cudworths wife over there. Sunday May 20 Quite cool but pleasant. I got up and helped get breakfast then I washed the dishes, cut up a pineapple, shaved, washed my feet, peeled potatoes for dinner, while Anna went to Church. Then I washed the dinner dishes while Anna got the kids ready, then we went for a walk up to McLeods but they were not at home. Bought some candy on our way home. Anna went over to call on the Hardenburgs after the kids were in bed. Howard was so happy over his little cap he had wanted one for sometime. He took [it] to bed with him, hung it on the bed post and this morning appeard in his nightie and his cap plastered on the back of his head and he did not want to take it off even when he was eating his meals. Every boy has one of those peanut scoops as they call them plastered on the back of his head and Howard thinks he is a big boy now. Monday May 21 Fair day. Attended the annual meeting of the Northern Developing Co. Paymaster Mine this Eve. held at the G.A.R. hall. We listened to a very rosey prospective speech, hope it will. Tuesday May 22 Fair day. Wednesday May 23 Heavy shower this morning, threatening all day. Took down the baseburner after supper, my what a job, dirt and dust, lift and tug. I put it in the closet off of the dining room, it is a great treat for Howard to watch me take down pipe, clean it out and take the stove down. You ought to see Bennetts eyes as I was tipping the stove down onto the floor, we thought they would come right out of his head. I finally got it down and into the closet, took a bath and went to bed. Thursday May 24 Very warm, threatening. Feel sore and old today from lifting and tugging at the stove. Put on my summer underwear this A.M. The Lowes have been moving all the week, just got moved today. Friday May 25 Very warm, evenings and nights are warm. Howard and baby are just having a grand time these days in a pile of sand in the back yard, but such dirty kids at night, they have to be bathed before they are put to bed. Saturday May 26 Very warm A.M., heavy showers about 10 A.M.. Got awfully dark at noon and blew up cooler. Cold enough for an overcoat in the evening, beats all how the weather can change, shirt wastes in the A.M., overcoats and fire in the evening. Sunday May 27 Worked. What a miserable, miserable day. Thermometer below 40°, rain and wind. We built a fire in the little round stove in the kitchen and lived in the kitchen all day. Gloomy, gloomy day. Children got cross and we got cross and it was a relief to have night come. Monday May 28 Well the sun showed up again today but it is very cold and we have a fire in the kitchen and are living there these days. Tuesday May 29 Fine day, very cold. James E. Scrippes died this morning. Wednesday May 30 Rained nearly all forenoon. We had planned to take the children to Palmer Park this afternoon as I do not have to work, but concluded it was too wet and cold. Anna went down to see Edna but Edna was not at home. I staid at home all the afternoon and tinkered around cleaning out tool box and putting things straight. Thursday May 31 Fair, fine day. Anna [went] down to see Edna after supper, took Howard. Mrs. McLeod called. |
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June 1906 Friday June 1 Beautiful day, warm. Put up kitchen screen door tonight, took the wire screen out of the front door and put it into the back one. The children have a sand pile in the back yard that they carried there with the help of the neighbor boys and they do so love to be into it, but oh such dirty boys. They have to be scrubbed a half dozen times a day and our yard seems to be a camping ground for all the kids in the neighborhood and they all just bury in the sand. I guess the sand pile will have to go over the fence. Saturday June 2 Beautiful day, warm. Went down town after supper and purchased shoes for Howard. He wears out a pair every 4 months, got number 8 this time, $1.50, little wonder. Got underwear and socks, shirt waistes for me and Groceries at Peter Smiths, met McLeod. Sunday June 3 Beautiful day. Lived here [210 Avery] just 5 years. All got up got breakfast all took a bath. I scrubbed my head and after dinner read till after supper. We all went for a walk, called on Oulettes down were we used to live on Noble St., they were not at home. Called on Bert Hart, cor. 6th and Irwing, they were there and Chas. Blair and wife also. Called on the Harts, Berts father. And finally got home about 9, baby asleep, Howard cross and all tired out and glad to get into bed. Monday June 4 Aunt Vina Joy and Lydia called to bid us good bye. Lydia is going to California for her health and Aunt Vina to Kansas, start tomorrow morning. Tuesday June 5 Warm and rain. Wednesday June 6 Fearful hot and sultry. Rain this A.M. I cut baby Bennetts hair today, he looked so hot and uncomfortable. He looked so cute after it was cut but one is inclined to shed a tear over the first cutting. There is doings in the Smith house back of us on Forest. Grace was married and they are having the reception now. Anna has just gone over to pay her respects, etc. and of course there is music and chattering and visions of loveliness flittering about. She marries a Jew (and she is a Protestant) by the name of Frankenstien. Thursday June 7 Very warm, close and sultry, sticky and uncomfortable. Heavy showers. Edna called this evening. Baby Bennett calls everything "bow bow". A dog, cat, horse, cow, any old thing is a "bow-bow". And he is afraid of a cat and screams every time one comes near him. Friday June 8 Close and sultry, awful. Heavy showers. Down town at noon and paid gas bill. A terrific wind and rain storm struck us about 5:30 P.M. The rain blew in sheets against the front windows untill I expected to see it break the windows in. The water came through and the edges of the windows considerable damage was done around. Saturday June 9 Fine day, a little rain in the evening. Finished painting the front door screen. I have been trying to get it newly screened and painted all week. Anna has made Howard two new suits this week. Sunday June 10 Cooler, more heavy rain. Howard dressed in his new white suit went to church this A.M. with Belle, Roy and Elmer, it was childrens day. I worked so Anna could not leave the baby to go. Anna and Howard went to church in the evening. Monday June 11 Cold. Tuesday June 12 We are having a cold spell, almost frost. People are wearing overcoats. Wednesday June 13 Still cold. I went down to the Detroit Opera House this evening to hear the students of the College of Law graduate. Mr. Hawley, Engineer of Engine Co. 21, in my route wanted me to go down and hear this son, they did fine and some of the speeches were well worth hearing. Thursday June 14 Fine day, warming up. Had a Sub out learning my route this P.M. My vacation begins saturday, I wish I could afford to go to some quiet resort and just rest and fish and see, but you see I have not got the dough. Friday June 15 Cool, threatening. Had a Sub all day today. I am afraid he will have his troubles. Saturday June 16 Well my vacation is on. Howard and I went up to the Detroit Go Cart Co. this morning and purchased a cart for Bennett. We got just a plain one for $3.00 and that was supposed to be wholesale price. Howard rode in it coming home and said it was quite comfortable. Didnt do much today, took the kids for a walk in the P.M., got a letter from Mother saying Herbert and Harold were there. Sunday June 17 Nice day, but cool and threatening. Howard, baby and I took a long walk A.M. Anna, Howard and baby and I took a walk P.M. We expected Herbert to come in but he did not come. Monday June 18 Well it seems good not to have to hustle out early mornings. Heavy rain nearly all night. Herbert came this morning. He and I went down and took a trip on the observation car Yolanda. George is Motorman on it and we visited all we could with him on the trip. Then Herbert and I went to the ball game, N.Y. vs. Det. Detroit won, not a very good game, the ground was wet and slippery and caused a good many errors. I have not seen a ball game in a good while and I enjoyed it. Found Harold here when we got home. Tuesday June 19 Fine day. Herbert, Howard and I went to the Island A.M., visited the Aquarium for the 1st time, it is certainly worth while to go and see it. We came home and in the P.M. Herbert, Harold and I went to the ball game again, Det. beat the N.Y.s again but this was a good game. Harold to Northville P.M. George over in the evening. Wednesday June 20 Threatening all day, rain eve. Got up early this morning. Herbert left for home on the 7:25 A.M. train. Then Anna and I worked like mailers and got the kids ready and started out about 10:30, went down and took boat, rode around one trip then got off at Belle Island, ate lunch and had a fine time till about 4:30 then took boat and car home. Tired but feeling as tho we had enjoyed it. The children were as good as gold, never a whimper. Anna does not feel very well and has gone to bed with the kids and I am sitting here writing this, just what for I dont know unless it is because I want to. Thursday June 21 Rain, not very pleasant, cool. Helped around the house A.M. Started for the ball game P.M. but it rained so I went to the Temple Theater instead. Friday June 22 Cold, rainy, gloomy day. Hardly stepped out side of the house today. We intended to go to Northville today but the weather was so bad we put it off till tomorrow. I am getting one of my colds and it makes me disgusted to have to have a cold while I am on a vacation. I sometimes think a vacation is not much good anyway we can never do what we would like to on account of expense, etc. but I suppose a change is some good. Saturday June 23 Nice day. We got started for Northville on the 9 oclock car and had a beautiful ride thro the green country. Went to Auntie Norines for dinner. I went to a ball game in the P.M. and to my Mothers for supper. All staid to Norines over night. The country is so beautiful and quiet and the children are so happy there, it makes us want to live there. Sunday June 24 A most beautiful day, the really most cleared up and summery day we have had in a long time. Well we are at Northville and it is so beautiful here. Norines porch is as fine as a summer resort and it has a beautiful view of hills and valleys, green vegetation, wood, etc. We went to Mothers for dinner, then Norine and Clarkson came and we went down to the Clarkson home. It does not seem much as it did when Gummie was there, the grass has not been cut, the garden not planted and the house looks forsaken. Grandpa lives there alone but only uses a couple of rooms and does no more than he positevely has to. I took a couple of shots of the group, then we went back to Norines. Monday June 25 Fine day, at Northville. My cold rather spoils my enjoyment. The children have such a fine time. Clarkson is a restless mischiefous little rascal and he and Howard have thier differences and troubles. Howard does not like to leave there but when he gets down to Gummie Deans he really seems happier and more quiet and contented. As for Bennett, he is the happiest kid anywhere he is, and everybody says what a lovely baby, so good. Went down to Mothers A.M. and Anna and Mother put up strawberries nearly all the rest of the day. Mother is gaining strength right along and seems more like her old self than she has since her sickness begining a year ago last Dec. and an operation for gall stones last Aug. We came home to Detroit in the evening. Howard is coming down with a cold like mine. Tuesday June 26 Beautiful morning. Well we woke up in our own beds this morning conscious that we had rested better than we did in strange beds. My cold is better but Howards is worse. He sneezes and sneezes and every time he sneezes someone has to run to his assistance with a handkerchief. I bought him a hammer at Northville and of course he is making something now out in the back yard. He can make wonderful things with two or three small sticks and about a million nails. Bennett is rather cross this morning and is pulling and hauling at my elbows so I can scarcely write. He went and got a box to stand on so he could reach me but he turned the box wrong side down and got in it to stand and yelled because he was not high enough. Howard told Auntie Norine when he was out there that he was so hungry that his stomach bent in, so he says. Bennett has just gone to sleep laying across the big chair like this [sketch]. Went to the Ball game P.M., Detroit vs. Cleveland. Detroit won in the 9th inning with 2 men out. Wednesday June 27 Beautiful day. Howard barked like a dog this morning with his cold. Baby is getting it, but I am better. But we thought we must do something to make my vacation count. It seems an almost impossibility to get the kids ready to go anywhere and it discourages Anna from going, she [would] rather stay at home than to try to go. But we got ready and went to the Water Works Park about 11 A.M., ate our lunch there and in the P.M. went to the boat and rode all the afternoon. Howard enjoys going so much and is as good as can be. The baby enjoys it but gets restless. Aunt Vina is back from Kansas and called this evening. Thursday June 28 Raining hard when we got up. But sun was shining by 8 oclock as this is the day of the Bois Blanc Sunday School Excursion. We may go this P.M. but not on the A.M. trip. The morning paper says they had a terrific explosion down there on Fox Island yesterday creating a panic, injuring two Detroit men and breaking windows for miles around. 545 boxes of dynamite, 50# each. We went on the P.M. boat to Bois Blanc, had a nice ride on the river, ate our supper on the Island and came home on the boat. As usual a big crowd was on and this always detracts from the comfort and pleasure of any trip. The children are pretty good, but even so two small children to get ready and watch and wait upon is rather a trial than a pleasure. A good many of the neighbors were there. Friday June 29 Hot, fearful hot, 94°. But we must enjoy our vacation so we worked like the dickens and sweat and jawed the kids, and fairly jamming lunch into a box and the children into their clothes, and ourselves into ours. Sweaty and hot and with no hope of catching the boat. We missed the cross town car, walked to Grand River and of course a cross town car got there as soon as we did. We took a Ferry Loop and got there 10 minutes late, but the boat was also 10 minutes late and by running and jumping on we got on as the boat was moving away. A policeman fairly threw Howard across the space between the dock and boat. But we had a most beautiful ride up the river to Tashmo on the City of Toledo, ate our lunch at Tashmo and in 1/2 hour took the Tashmo back home. A delightful ride, the childrens greatest trouble was "I want a drink". We traveled the length of the boat and up and down stairs at least forty times for a drink. Saturday June 30 Hot but a nice breeze. Well this is the last day of my vacation and I am sorry to have it come. A taste of play even with the troubles incident to the care of taking the kids and helping with the house work in order to be able to go and have my family go is a pleasure after all, and it creates a desire for more and wish that I was able to take a vacation oftener. But you see I must knuckledown again, give up all such ambitions and work, work, work for the privilege of living and respectibility and being a family man. Well I guess I ought to be content as long as I am as free from real trouble as I am. Anna went down town P.M. I was in all day except to go to the grocery store after supper. |
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July 1906 Sunday July 1 Cooler, cloudy. Went to Church A.M. Did not go to work today because this happened to be my Sunday off. Monday July 2 Raining when I woke up and I thought my first day back at work would be to work in the rain, but it cleared and was quite decent all day. I got pretty tired today, wish I was rich and didnt have to work, only when I wanted to. I guess I wouldn"t want to very often. Tuesday July 3 Well back into the same old rut just as tho I never had a vacation Wednesday July 4 Beautiful day except a shower towards evening. Quite cool evening, worked 1/2 day, at home the rest. Howard wanted some flags and fire crackers, so I took him over on Grand R. and got some. Then I bored a hole in the end of a stick and let him shoot the firecrackers in that. He enjoyed it immensely and in the evening when the fireworks started along the street he was all excited. Donald next door had a few and Howard was right in the midst. It was so cold we put his over coat on and he was out till 9 oclock. Baby Bennett did not know whether to be amused or frightened. Bert Hart and his wife called just as we were opening a quart of ice cream so we shared with them. It was rather a quiet 4th all over the City. Big crackers and pistols were prohibited, consequently no serious injuries. Thursday July 5 Well the 4th has come and gone some how I feel relieved when it is over. I do not enjoy the "explosions". The papers say over 30,000 people enjoyed the boat rides afforded by the river. The Ferry Co. brought out a new boat, [thier] 4th, the Britania her maiden trip was down the river to Bois Blanc loaded to her limit. Harold came in this evening. I had received a letter from Herbert with the money in it for Harold to come home. Friday July 6 Harold and I went to wonderland this evening and saw a fine Vaudeville show. Saturday July 7 Harold started for home this A.M. on the 7:25 train. When I come home now and sit down to take off my shoes the baby goes to the closet and brings my slippers, then takes my shoes out in the kitchen which of course seems so cute in a baby. He is a very good natured and sweet baby when he feels all right. Howard still has an imaginary little boy that he converses with, and we ask where his little boy is and he some times says he is sitting up on a picture or he is at the table eating or walking with him over there. It always makes one feel a little uncanny because he is so much in earnest about it. Sunday July 8 Fine day but very hot. I went to work today and about noon I felt an ache come in my back and I knew what was the matter, it was my annual gripp. Yet I could hardly believe it because it was so small a spot but it spread and by the middle of the afternoon I was so achey and sick I thought I would die. I came home and went to bed without eating any thing and continued to ache till morning. Inez Hart called and took the baby away with her for a walk. Monday July 9 Very hot. My ache was gone when I got up this morning but I felt weak and as tho I had been sick for a long time. I went to work but it has been a long day. Tuesday July 10 Very warm. Feel better today. I guess I will get over that spell without losing any time. We have to pay life insurance the 1 of Sept. and we seem shorter of funds this year than ever. I guess we get poorer instead of richer every year, well it is no wonder everything is so dear. Wednesday July 11 Very warm. We got our pictures that I took on my vacation printed today and they are fairly good, one or two fine. Inez Hart and her Mother were here this P.M. Inez took Howard for a ride on the car. Thursday July 12 Fine day, cool breeze. I get so tired at my work I cannot help but wish I could earn a living in some easier way but I cannot seem to devise an easier plan so I expect I will have to keep on getting tired. This is Father"s birthday and he is as hale and hearty as a man of 50. I think he must be 78 today. Friday July 13 Very hot and close. Everybody hot, tired and cross. Saturday July 14 Very hot. Sunday July 15 Very warm. Nothing doing. Did not work or go to Church. Staid at home all day except a walk in the evening with Anna and the children. We went over on Grand River and I peeked into the windows of the new Sta. H. P.O. which opens for business tomorrow. Of course it looks all nice, new and clean, but it seemed small. Monday July 16 Rained nearly all the forenoon and was awfully hot in the afternoon but got quite cool in the evening. Tuesday July 17 Quite cool early in the morning, the sun came out hot. Over to the Hardenburgs in the evening. Anna down town this afternoon. Wednesday July 18 Warm pleasant day. Bessie Clifford Hahn, a baby boy born today. They now have a girl and a boy, the girl is 5 years. Thursday July 19 Very warm but nice breeze. Friday July 20 Very warm, threatened rain all day but did not rain but a very little. Saturday July 21 Fearful hot, awful. Sunday July 22 Awful hot till evening, then we had a good thunder shower and it cooled off. Worked today nearly melted. Went and got Ice Cream for dessert and it saved our lives. Howard and Bennett both are very fond of it and Howard teases a great deal for it, "come on Papa and buy some ice cream." Bennett calls everything he drinks "wa wa". Wa wa for water, wa wa for milk, ca ca for cracker. "Down" is a word he finds a great deal of use for. He will [say] ma ma or pa pa to get your attention then he will start in on a long baby lingo as serious as anybody conversing and he will bring into it all the words he knows, mama papa, Howo, down, etc. He has a new double tooth we just discovered, he has gone so long with his 8 front teeth that we was afraid he was never going to get anymore. Monday July 23 Cool even chilly. Dont seem as tho the weather could change so quick. Just before the rain last evening it was so hot one could hardly breathe and this morning a wrap is comfortable. Tuesday July 24 Cool delightful day. Anna and baby Bennett went over and called on Mrs. Kenny who used to be Mrs. Tom Stringer that kept store out at Nankin. She lives just across the way at 205 Avery now. Then all of us went down to call on Edna after supper. I subscribed 10¢ a month for a year today towards a Letter Carrier"s Home. The Letter Carriers are trying to raise funds to establish one at Colorado Springs. Wednesday July 25 Cool delightful day. Thursday July 26 Cool delightful day. Friday July 27 Rained nearly all last night and again this afternoon. Aunt Dill up this P.M. Inez is out to Aunt Maria Blairs who is just alive and not expected to live long. And Anna Fry is in bed there sick too. Anna got a long letter from Gummie today, they are camping at Uncle Walters [Nash] waiting for thier home to be finished in California. Saturday July 28 [No entry] Sunday July 29 Heavy rain last night, showers today. Anna went to Church, I [stayed] at home with the children. All went for a walk P.M. Baby Bennett knows where his hands, toes, mouth, tongue, teeth, hair are. Say where are your eyes and he will wink them tight shut and his nose he will snuff. And most objects in the room he knows. When I come home and go to take my shoes off he will run to the closet and bring my slippers throw them at my feet and say "dare pa pa." Monday July 30 Cool and fine. Edna and Clarence up in the evening. Tuesday July 31 Cool and delightful. Mother and Father came in this P.M. They say brother Ernest has a little daughter born the 26 of this month. I was very much surprised as I thought they was immune. |
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August 1906 Wednesday August 1 Very warm. Mother and Father took dinner with the Hardenburgs. Mother and Belle H. went to Belle Island in the afternoon and Mother came home pretty well tired out. She is getting better right along but is not as strong as she used to be. Clarence and Edna came up and visited in the evening. They have bought a 40 acre farm out north and west of Birmingham and nearly [talk] you to death on the farm question. They want Father and Mother to go and live on it but I hope they wont, they are too old to go to farming. Thursday August 2 Just fearfully hot, up in the 90°. Mother and Father up to Georges all day today. Anna and children went up in the P.M. and staid to supper. I did not [go], got to hot and tired. They all came back in the evening. Friday August 3 Fearfully hot again today and I do not feel first rate, cannot sleep nights very well, something new for me. I hope I am not coming down with some sickness. I am discouraged of meeting my expenses this fall now and that would cap the climax. Mother and Father went down to Ednas today and expect to go home to Northville tonight. Howard can count up to 13 today with a miss then he says 16, 19 and a hundred. I dont know what got him to counting, nobody has tried to teach him. Baby Bennett is at this moment sitting in a big chair playing with his bare toes. He has his nighty on ready to go to bed, now he has got down and is stubbing around the room trailing his long nighty behind him. Howard is in the Kitchen getting his feet washed before going to bed. They have both been bare foot all day. Now it is kisses all around and night night, baby waives his paddy and the children and Mama disappear up the stairs, 8:30 P.M. Most too late is it not for kids, but it is so warm. Saturday August 4 Hot, whew it seems to me this has been the hottest day I ever experienced. But the weather man says it has been hotter this summer, but it is the humidity that makes it seem so hot. I wanted to go down town this evening but it was so hot I could not bear to start out. I took a cool bath and we sat on the steps till late then went to bed but it was too hot to sleep much. Sunday August 5 Just so hot today till night then it blew up cool and a little rain so we could sleep better. Worked today. Monday August 6 A little cooler today and more air, makes it more bearable. The pleasure boats were taxed to the limit yesterday and a good many did not get home till morning. Anna and kids took a walk down to Aunt Dills after supper. Tuesday August 7 Hot, the thermometer does not get far away from 90° these days. Wednesday August 8 Still hot, a little rain. Thursday August 9 Hot, does not get any cooler, a little rain. Went down town at noon paid gas bill and made a few purchases. After work took the trolly car to Birmingham with Frank Buchanan who had a little business to attend to there, got home at 8 P.M. found Edna & Clarence here. Howard was up yet would not go to bed till he saw whether I had got him a mouth organ or not and he was tickled when he found I had and went to bed and blew on the thing till he went to sleep. Friday August 10 Hot, awful hot. Saturday August 11 Fearful hot and sultry. Came home from work at night took a bath, ate supper, shaved, then I got ready and Anna, kids and I went over on Grand River to find me a shirt and shoes but I could not see anything to suit me so I got onto a car and went down town and Anna and kids came home. I got my things and came home and went to bed tired out. Sunday August 12 Well it turned cool last night and today has been a delightful day. We got up this morning got ready and all took the 10 oclock car out to Clawson to visit Uncle Azel and we had a fine time and the children enjoyed the chickens and moo cow and the country to their hearts content. After a delightful day we came home about 7 oclock glad we went. Uncle Azel is very poorly and they think he cannot live long. Monday August 13 Well it is quite cool, almost chilly this morning but the sun is warm. We got a letter from Gummie today saying they had got moved into their Bungalo and was happy and that Auntie Frank was to start East that day. Tuesday August 14 Fine cool day. Anna and children went down to Aunt Dills to see if Auntie Frank had arrived yet but she had not and Aunt Dill & Inez had gone to Bois Blanc. Wednesday August 15 Warmer. Aunt Dill and Inez up, nothing more heard from Auntie Frank. Thursday August 16 Very warm again. Put a new spoke in my wheel. Friday August 17 Very warm and sultry. Baby Bennett has another new double tooth, this is his tenth tooth. Saturday August 18 Fearful hot and sultry, some rain. The weather man says it is all in the humidity. Anna went down town after supper and made a few purchases. Sunday August 19 Rain, hot, sultry. Worked. The children have been fearfully trying and patience is well nye exhausted. Children some times seem like a dear and discouraging luxury and I dont wonder at men who spend an occasional evening at the club. The papers are full of the Valparaiso, Chili earthquake, nearly as bad as San Franciscos and similar. Monday August 20 Hot, I believe I never saw it so hot. It was 80° as late as 9 P.M. Everybody laying around in scanty attire and panting for breath. A real estate agent called on me this evening and nearly talked my arm off of me. Some times I am a notion to buy a place but most times I think it is cheaper to rent. Tuesday August 21 Well I believe it is hotter than yesterday, up in the 90"s and then the humidity makes it almost unbearable. The children go barefooted and with as little on as possible. Baby Bennett says papa hello, papa hello, papa hello when I come home and he wants to rock and sings lock lock-lock lock and always tries to mock Howard in his cries and sayings. Wednesday August 22 Still Hot, the hottest stretch of weather I ever experienced. My clothes are ringing wet every day. I take a cool bath ever night then find it hard to sleep with no covering at all. The baby is broken out all over his body with the heat and just tumbles and thrashes all night. Howard seems to stand it much better. Aunt Frank arrived from California last night. She stopped at [blank] on the way and says she just simply suffered with the heat and dust. She, Aunt Dill and Inez were here this evening and we visited, fanned and mopped our faces. Thursday August 23 Well the heat spell was broken this afternoon about 3 by a heavy rain and thunder storm. I had to walk in the pouring rain all the P.M. but even that was a relief from the heat. The papers say it was the hottest on record. Friday August 24 Cool last night but nearly as hot again today. Saturday August 25 About as hot as ever. Goodness but what a week it has been. Anna and Mrs. Burns went down town after supper, and it rained nearly all the time she was gone. Sunday August 26 Hot, sultry, rains. Howard and I took the 10 oclock Pontiac car to 3 miles north of Birmingham, Circle City and walked west up hill and down dale for a mile to Ednas and Clarences farm. They do not live there but spend Sundays there. We had a fine time and Howard more than enjoyed it. I brought home some crab apples. Edna, Clarence, Howard and I walked back over the hills after dark and took the car home. About the only unpleasant thing about going on a trip like that is the crowded cars. Auntie Frank an Inez were here when we got home. Monday August 27 Rained all night. They had a bit [of] rain, thunder and lightening storm here yesterday but out where we were we had just a little shower. Howard told Mama they had one crab apple tree in front of the house and another in the "ostrich" (orchard). Tuesday August 28 Well it was actually chilly this morning but just a delightful day. Wednesday August 29 Cool, perfectly delightful day. Ted, Norine and Clarkson in at dinner today. They, Anna and Kids went to the Island this afternoon. Took thier lunch, the Harts, Blairs, Auntie Frank and the rest of us were there. They had a fine time and got home about 8 oclock. Ted and family took the car down town for home. Thursday August 30 Cool, beautiful day. I suppose the State Fair opens today and it is free this evening but I will not be there. I expect to go some evening, they certainly cannot kick on the weather today. Friday August 31 Cool, delightful day. May and Dorothy here at supper. I went with them this eve. to see George. He was not at home but saw Anna and George Jr. May and Dorothy then went to Mrs. Rockwells. |
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September 1906 Saturday September 1 Cool and fine. Anna went and had her teeth all finished up today. I went down town after work and paid my premium on my New England Life. Sunday September 2 Very fine day. Worked. Went over to the Hardenburgs this afternoon to pay our respects to Aunt Julia this is her 80th birthday. And they wanted us to stay for tea so we did. Mother was expected to come in but for some reason did not come. We hear the Meinharts barns and every building except the house burned the other day. Monday September 3 Beautiful day. Labor day. Went to the Fair this afternoon, biggest crowd of people I was ever in. Cars just jammed, 115,000 people. Saw William Jennings Bryon, saw the Air Ship go up, circle around and come down in its place, the first I ever saw. Came home tired out. Tuesday September 4 Beautiful day. This is our 11th wedding anniversary but we are just working like poor folks the same as any other day, only one cant help but think how fast the years are going by. Wednesday September 5 Beautiful day, chilly nights. Annas birthday, 33 years old. Auntie Frank came in the morning and spent the day. Inez and Aunt Dill came after dinner. Uncle Henry came for supper, be went home soon as he did not feel well, the rest staid all Eve. Aunt Dill made a lovely birthday cake for Anna and it was fine. Thursday September 6 Beautiful day. Friday September 7 Fine day, getting hot again. Last day of the Fair I suppose, they certainly have had fine weather but one rain storm and that at night. Saturday September 8 Very warm, most as hot as it was that hot week. Uncle Herbert Clarkson from Chicago here for supper and evening. Howard quite sick, his stomach and bowels, too much candy and watermelon on Annas birthday I guess. He seemed to have a little fever when he went to bed. Anna gave him a dose of Castoria. Sunday September 9 Just fearful hot, it seems as tho there is no let up to the heat. Went to Church. Laid around till eve., went and got some ice cream and we ate it, then I went over to call on Leonard Stringer. He has lived across the street all summer and this is the first I have called. We used to [be] neighbors and go to school together when we were kids. I found him all alone and we had a good visit over old times. Monday September 10 Still fearful hot. The Anderson Carriage Works burned yesterday. Fierce fire, several firemen were overcome with heat and smoke. Another big fire out near the Belle Isle bridge at Wolffs, several yachts burned. School begins today. Tuesday September 11 No relief from the heat yet, this has been the hottest summer I ever experienced. Wednesday September 12 Hot, fearful hot. I dont see how it could be so hot at this time of the year. The weather man predicted a frost and the thermometer went up nearly to 90° at 9 this eve. it was 89° but a cool breeze has just sprung up. Anna & I was sitting on the porch and felt it when it arrived and remarked that it felt good. Thursday September 13 Cooler, getting cooler all day, by night we were shuting up windows and doors. Friday September 14 Cooler, almost chilly this morning. It is a great relief and suppose it wont be long now before we will be complaining of the cold. I wore my coat over my shirtwaist on my route today for the 1st time since sometime in June. Baby Bennett is beginning to feed himself at the table now. He uses a spoon quite handily. Saturday September 15 Cool but warmer than yesterday. Sunday September 16 Warm, every Carrier had to work on account of the increased mails caused by the Primary Elections this week. Home all day. Monday September 17 Very warm. Station A. gets 3 new Carriers today and they need them badly. Baby Bennett has a new double tooth, I think this is the 9th tooth. Tuesday September 18 Well it seems as hot as ever again, beats all how hot is keeps, and dry fearfully dry, the trees begin to look like fall but the weather does not seem like it. Registered and voted tonight at the Primaries. I voted for W. B. Thompson for Mayor. I do not take much interest in politics, I suppose I ought to. I dont seem to have any party, I vote for the best man if I know him, but usually vote the Democratic ticket then cut to suit me. Wednesday September 19 Hot. Took Howard to the Dentists and he filled two teeth and said Howards teeth were in fine shape for a kid. Thursday September 20 Drizzly rain this forenoon but not any cooler and the rain did not do any good to speak of. Went to meeting at the Armory to hear the Codd Hutchings Franchise discussed. Friday September 21 Awful hot and sticky, something fearful, I guess it will never let up. Saturday September 22 A little rain, not much cooler. Sunday September 23 Beautiful day, cooler, quite chilly by night. Worked. Howard, Baby and I took a walk P.M. Baby is quite sick teething, he has another double tooth, this makes 4 in about 6 weeks, 12 in all now. He was so long getting the double ones after he had eight and then they came so fast and the heat about used him up. He is pale and thin and his eyes are faded and lusterless and he wanders around aimlessly and lifelessly, looks at and plays with his toys indefferently and wants to "lock lock" a great deal. His bowels are bad and he has passed some blood. We give him Castoria or Castor Oil. Monday September 24 Beautiful but very cool, about 45°. This A.M. instead of sweating in my shirt waist as I did Saturday, I had my coat and vest on. I have had my route cut a little, I go to Greenwood instead of 3rd but I have to come down 12th and deliver the Knockdown Mfg. Co. at the corner of Kerby-12. Tuesday September 25 Beautiful day, warm and delightful. Baby Bennett pretty bad yet. His bowls are green with a little blood and pass several times a day. We got some rhubarb syrup today and are trying that. He seemed a little better tonight. Anna is worried and tired out tending him as he is cross and cranky. I went over to Cunninghams and had one gold and one silver filling in my teeth this evening, $2.50. Wednesday September 26 Rain quite heavy. Baby Bennett not much better. I guess he is not seriously sick as he has no fever and keeps up and going but cries a good deal. Thursday September 27 Fine day. Mr. Boomer came today and commenced to paper the front room upstairs. He is to paper that and the hall and bath room. My route is being cut up to Greenwood and I have got to move at the office and take a new case and I am getting out labels and getting the case ready. Baby Bennett seems better but he looks thin and peaked. Friday September 28 Cool day, threatening rain. A man came along the other day and took Howard and Bennetts picture as they were sitting on the steps and of course he came yesterday and wanted to sell them and of course Anna bought 1/2 dozen. They are cut but the kids do not look very well groomed. Saturday September 29 Rain, rain and more rain. I paddled around all day in the rain, not very cool. They finished papering today. Bennett still rather bad, cross & whiny. Sunday September 30 Cool, quite chilly and windy but bright. Home all day except for a walk with the kids P.M. Bennett is a little more like himself today but still not right. He is very white, thin and big eyed. He weighed 22 1/2 lbs today. Not a soul called today and we were strictly en familie all day. Well I expect this is the last day of Sept., how fast the winter is coming and how I dread it. We have had a long hot summer and there has been a few days that we have prayed for cooler weather, but as soon as winter draws near then I want summer back again. |
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October 1906 Monday October 1 Fine cool day. Some say there was a frost but I did not see it, it was pretty chilly this morning. Tuesday October 2 Cool fine day. I carried Route 230 today and Pardee carried mine to test it. It is the first time in 7 years I have carried any route but 129 and was rather an experience, made me think of my subbing days. Then I came home and layed the matting in the front room up stairs and I was pretty tired when I went to bed. Wednesday October 3 Warmer, beautiful day. I feel old and lame today, it always makes me lame to do anything out of the usual. Bennett acts like himself today and eats by the ton. Howard said "Mama I have been pretty good boy today havnt I?" Yes prety good today says Mama. Then Howard said "well I dont know about it". Why? says Mama. "Dont you remember?" says Howard. Mama says no what? "Dont you remember when I bothered the baby?" Thursday October 4 Rain nearly all day. Friday October 5 Fair but threatening. Saturday October 6 Lots of rain again today, cold, fire and overcoat feels good. Went down town after supper and bought Howard a pair of shoes and a few other things. Went to the Carriers meeting a little while, the Postmaster Homer Warren was there and the Supt. of Delivery from Washington, D.C. was there. Auntie Frank, Mrs. & Miss Hart called. Auntie Frank staid. Sunday October 7 Cold but beautiful day, fire in grate all day. Worked. The hours for work were changed from 9 to 1 to from 8:30 to 12:30. All is quiet today. Auntie Frank here. Howard is very proud of his new shoes. Monday October 8 Rain, windy, warm. Auntie Frank left here this P.M. Tuesday October 9 Windy, tuning cold. Took my shoes down to "Georges" on Grand River near Brooklyn to get them taped at noon. Went down town and paid the gas bill after work and got my shoes on my way home I rode my bicycle. Wednesday October 10 Cold, I wore my winter coat today and it was none too warm. The house is all torn up, Anna is cleaning down stairs. The carpets have gone to the cleaners. We have to have a fire all day and it is not any to comfortable at that. It snowed a few flakes today. Thursday October 11 Well it was 26° above when I got up the windows were covered with ice, vegetation was frozen limp and black, ice was 1/2 inch thick on water. I wore winter coat and gloves and nearly froze and I want the good old summertime back again. The carpets came back and I put the dining room one down. Of course the kids are a great help at such times they want to help and they are always where you want to get. Friday October 12 Cold, about 30° above A.M., getting warmer. Put the filling down in the parlor this evening. Saturday October 13 Warmer, beautiful, put my summer coat back on today. Anna went over on Grand River after supper to do some trading. When she got back I went to the grocery then down town to Political meeting but there was such a crowd I could not get in so walked around bought Howard a whistle and Bennett a cart at the 10¢ store, some candy and came home put the things where the kids would see them as soon as they opened thier eyes. Took a bath and went to bed so tired I ached in every muscle. Sunday October 14 A beautiful day, just grand. Bennett found his 10¢ cart and Howard his whistle and they were as pleased over them as tho they cost $100. It was so nice a day that Howard and I went to Northville to see my Mother & Father. The car was packed full so full the sides must have bulged outward but we had a fine visit and got home easier than going out. Brought a basket of canned fruit home. Anna said the baby bad been so good and Edna came up and was here to dinner and all the afternoon, and Auntie Frank called and so she had a fine time too. Monday October 15 Beautiful day, warm and fine. Tuesday October 16 Grand day. Norine and Clarkson Merritt appeared on the seen just at dinner time. Clarkson always makes lively times for us when he comes. Wednesday October 17 Beautiful day, Indian Summer days. Norine and Clarkson went home this A.M. He is a terror, he can do more mischief, more damage, more confusion, more noise than any kid of his age I ever saw. My kids can only stand and look on in dumb wonderment. I went down to the Main P.O. to sign the pay roll after work. Frank Buchanan and I rode our wheels down and back. Thursday October 18 Rained all the afternoon and evening. Went down to the Light Guard Armory to a franchise meeting in spite of the rain. The building was packed to the doors with people. Mayor T. L. Johnson of Cleveland was the star speaker, he is not in favor of our new Codd Franchise. Friday October 19 Raining this morning but cleared up and was a nice day. Saturday October 20 Beautiful warm day. Auntie Frank came to supper and Mrs. Way of Northville came with her and they and Anna went down town to do shopping. I put the kids to bed then went to sleep in my chair. Sunday October 21 Warm and bright, worked. Anna, the children and I went down to Aunt Dills to supper. Auntie Frank was there, she expects to start home this week. Monday October 22 Some rain, not very pleasant. Went down town to the Light Guard Armory to a Republican Political Meeting. "Uncle" Joe Cannon, the Speaker of the National House of Rep. was the principle speaker of the evening. He is over 70 years old but is full of fire yet and gave a very impressive talk. Thomas W. Palmer presided but he too is very old and only presided to honor the distinguished guest. The hall was packed to the doors and everybody hurrahed and whooped in regular campaign style. Tuesday October 23 Fine day. Put up the base burner in the dining room today noon and evening. It is not very cold yet but thought I better get it ready. Bennetts eyes stuck out as he watched me do things and I guess nothing escaped him that job was a source of wonderment to Howard and I guess is to Bennett too. Wednesday October 24 Heavy rain about 1 oclock but warm. Went to the Art Stove Works at noon and got a Magazine for the stove and I guess I will have to go again as this one does not fit very well. Went down to the gold mine office after work and bought and used a 10 for a quarter ticket. The St. R.R. has placed on sale these and 6 for 25¢ tickets to test the new franchise they are to vote for. It looks to me as tho they were trying to bribe the people to vote for the franchise by putting these tickets on sale in advance but I hope they will not succeed because it is 3¢ fares the people want and I wont vote for anything else. The people are greatly stirred up over it, opinions seem about evenly divided for and against it, but I hardly think it will pass, and I also think and hope the Mayor "Codd" who brought it out will be defeated, but we will see when election is over. Thursday October 25 Threatening, windy, some rain. Went back to the Art Stove Works today noon, but could not get a casting that would fit my stove so got my money back and came home and put the old one back on. Went to another franchise meeting at the Fellowcraft Club Hall, Judge Hatch and Lawyer Clark spoke in favor of it and F.A. Baker and Dr. Carsous in opposition to it. A vote of those present was taken and resulted in a verdict of 93 against and 19 for. I think I am being educated to the no franchise belief. The Lawyers pointed out so many weak clauses in the proposed franchise that I am beginning to think it is unwise to give any at all, just let the Company operate on an agreement with the City, to be readjusted as new conditions in the future warrant. Friday October 26 Nice day, warmer. I started the fire in the base burner last night but we do not need it today. The stove acts just as it always does when I first start it, it does not draw at all and it is impossible to get any heat out of it for a day or two then it will be all right. Saturday October 27 Mercy but this has been a fearful day. It has rained every minute I guess since morning. I came home at noon and had to change my clothes and then go out into it again all the afternoon and the wind blew a gale making it impossible to keep dry with an umbrella. I was glad to get through and get home and the fire felt good too. Sunday October 28 High wind all day, not very cold by the thermometer but the house seems as chilly as a barn altho we have a good fire. I guess the wind finds a few cracks in this old house. I wish we could afford a house with a furnace. Went to church this A.M., in the house all the afternoon. Anna made fudge "P.D.S." as Howard calls it. We used to call it that when we did not want Howard to know what we were talking about but he finally cought on. When I am in the house the children think they must be on my lap all the time. I can not have one without the other and Sunday nights especially I actually ache where they have sit or wiggled and twisted and walked and climbed all over me. And my collar always has finger marks on it but then I suppose that this is life, they are paying me for what I did to somebody else a few years ago. Monday October 29 Snow at noon turning to rain. And a fearful afternoon rain and slush and mud, cold. These days are strenuous ones for Anna. The children are in the house all day and restless and noisy and night finds her tired and out of patience and about ready to sell out. And she is behind in her sewing and I guess she is pretty well discouraged. Well I am too over expenses. Tuesday October 30 Cloudy. Cold, the thermometer says only freezing but it seems as tho I never suffered so with those chilly chills as I have this fall and the house seems as cold as a barn. Wednesday October 31 Cold, cloudy, disagreeable. Oct. has been a bad stormy cold and disagreeable month. We had a Halloween supper for the children tonight. The table was set with a pumpkin for a center piece, ears of corn (pop corn) and apple arranged around that in sunburst fashion, and English walnuts and chestnuts scattered over the table. We had grapes and a funny face and a toot horn for both kids. Candles on top of the pumpkin and in the funny faces. The children did not see it till it was all ready and lit up, then they just thought it was grand they would not eat. Howard said he just wanted to see and so he saw and tooted his horn which Anna and I enjoyed of course. The baby didnt seem to know what to make of it and he couldnt make his horn go. |
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November 1906 Thursday November 1 26° above zero, but a beautiful bright day and I hope it will continue for the whole month. Friday November 2 Fine day. The Codd Hutchins street car franchise campaign waxes hotter and hotter as the time draws near for election. The D.U.R. is spending money lavishly on all sides distributing "what they call educating literature" through the mail, and by hand advertising in all the papers and working tooth and nail to carry the ordinance through. And the people naturally think that what the company wants so bad they do not want and but few seem to favor it. Saturday November 3 Fine day, getting warmer. Howard asked his Mama today that if the sky should fall down, could he and the baby go out in the back yard and pick up the Moon? Well I dont know, could he? The baby talks a great many words but does not have so many funny pronounciations as Howard did. He says "Mama down" "Lello" celar, "up tairs". After dinner or supper he sometimes asks to "up stairs bed". "Tue tee" is cookie, "bow" is bread or bread and butter. When he wants potato at the table he asks for more "din din" but he can say "ta to" and he loves "ta to" and eats and eats it till you would think he would burst. He still says no for yes, and no for no, and it is only by the way he says it that you know which he means and all kinds of drinks is "wa wa", milk is "wa wa". Howard nearly everyday puts him thro a catechism of baby say this word, baby say that, and the baby never hesitates to say the word and it is funny to hear them. Sunday November 4 Beautiful day. Every carrier worked today expecting to be flooded with election stuff as we have been all the week, but only the ordinary mail materialized, it has stopped short and I hope never to go again. Edna called, Inez and Mother called. Edna and Clarence called in the evening. Monday November 5 Nasty foggy morning but cleared into a beautiful day. Well tomorrow is election [day] and today seems like the calm before the storm or after the storm in this case. I predict that the franchise will be badly beaten, and that Mayor Codd, its supposed Father and supporter, will also be beaten by his opponent W. B. Thompson but I dont expect he will be very badly whipped. I will vote that way any way, so we shall see how good a prophet I am. Tuesday November 6 Beautiful day after a foggy morning. Warm. Aunt Maria Blair at Northville died Sunday night at 9:30. Her long sufferings are over. Her sickness has been a great trial for her and I suppose it must have been to the family. And her husband is so bad he is not expected to long survive her. Election day very quiet, voted this forenoon about 11 oclock. Went down town after work, done some trading, came home and spent the evening wondering how it was coming out, of course the state ticket will be all Republican but the City and county might divide up a little. It is now 9:30 and I have bought two Extras but no results are returned yet. Wednesday November 7 Find day, a little threatening. Well the Election returns are coming in very slowly, even yet. The counting is a very slow process especially the new way of sending all the ballots to a central point and counting them all together instead of in the booths where they were voted. Reports came in extra papers occasionally all day. Thompson in the lead most of the time, but once in a while Codd would be reported ahead so it kept it very exciting all day. But there is no doubt about the franchise that was buried by a 2 to 1 vote. Mrs. Graham called. Thursday November 8 Fine warm day. Thompson will be our next Mayor by a majority of a little over 3000. Robinson our prosecuting attorney by 3 or 4 hundred and our sheriff by several thousand. I voted for Thompson and Robinson but not for Burns. Anna and Howard went to Grand River after supper. Friday November 9 Beautiful day, quite warm. Saturday November 10 Fine day, threatening. Rain this eve. I have a terrific cold and I feel like jumping off somewhere. Sunday November 11 Rough day, some snow, some wind, some sunshine. Worked. Home all the rest of the day. Belle and Elmer called. Monday November 12 Fearful forenoon, it snowed a wet snow all A.M. and I just paddled thro the slush. I went down to the M.C. Depot foot of 3rd street today noon to see a wreck that happened about 7 this A.M. An Engineer of a switch Engine thought that a passenger train was about to run into his Engine from the rear so to avoid the collision he turned on full steam then he and his fireman jumped off only to find when it was too late that the Engine was making a race for the Depot. It ran thro the bumper, thro the gates, across the platform, thro the wall of the Depot, and so it was clear into the waiting room, tearing down the partition between the waiting room and the hall of the main entrance and letting down walls, floors and ceilings clear to the roof. One man was killed and 4 or 5 injured and there the Engine sat right in the waiting room all covered with brick and mortar and debris. Tuesday November 13 Cold raw windy day. My cold is better but I have an awfully lame back. The children have a cold now and it is a nuisance. Mrs. Graham here all day. Wednesday November 14 Cold, 22° above, but a beautiful day. Howard and I [went] over on Grand River after supper, bought each of us a pair of rubbers. Thursday November 15 Gray and threatening, raw. Friday November 16 Beautiful day, warm and bright. Saturday November 17 Damp day, rain evening. Anna Blair Fry has a 9 pound boy, born the 15th. Sunday November 18 Warm pleasant afternoon. Home today, no one called. Had a chicken dinner. The children and I took a walk after dinner. Anna does not feel very good these days and does not like to get out in public anyway. It seems as tho Bennett can talk anything now, Howard did not talk hardly at all before he was 2 years but Bennett if he wants anything he asks for it in plain english. He asks for "drink wa wa". Usually when he wants anything he says "some Mama, some Mama." Today Mama told him the crackers were all gone. He says "see tackers gone gone Mama", then he asked "Mama fix pants." He hurt his eye today and he said "Mama fix eye". When he is sleepy he says "tairs bed". Howard always knew a freight or construction street car from a regular car by the sound and would run to the window to see the "funny car" and now Bennett has begun to run to see the "finny car", he can tell it by the sound too. Monday November 19 Rain P.M. Mrs. Graham here all day helping Anna sew, sewing for that new daughter we expect to arrive sometime next month. Tuesday November 20 Rained all night and all forenoon, it seems as tho it is raining a good share of the time this fall. Howard and I went to Grand River last evening to make some purchases and Howard wanted a box of paints so bad I got him a little box and he was so pleased and told all of the things he was going to paint and could hardly wait to get at it, but it was so late when we got home he had to go to bed. He felt terrific and as he was going upstairs he said Mama write it down on a piece of paper, write what down I says Mama "paints", so I wont forget them in the morning, says Howard. Jim Joy brought us a bushel of apples and 5 bn. of potatoes today. Wednesday November 21 Well it has rained nearly all day today and towards night a terrific wind came up and it is just howling outside now. I started to varnish the bath room tonight. Thursday November 22 Cloudy but no rain. Mrs. Graham here all day. Norine and Clarkson came this afternoon to make a visit. Friday November 23 Beautiful day, quite warm. Aunt Dill called. Norine and Clarkson here today, they went down to attend Wonderland but children under 5 were not admitted. Saturday November 24 Beautiful day. Norine and Clarkson went home this A.M. Clarkson certainly is a corker, he wants things and he never lets up begging for them. He takes them away from Bennett or Howard, he will slap, hit, throw, smash, howl like an Indian. When he eats he just gulps, musses, spills, spits and then gulps up wind and howls for more. He makes our kids seem like little angels and when he goes away the kids take a rueful inventory of their toys to see how many have really escaped destruction. Sunday November 25 Warm pleasant day. Worked. Quiet day at home, read, popped corn and played with the children. Edna and Clarence called in the evening. Monday November 26 Warm rain this forenoon, pleasant afternoon like spring, warm enough to go without wraps. Did a little more varnishing in the bathroom this evening. The childrens cold hangs on and they do a good deal of coughing both day and night and have to be greased and flanneled every night. Bennett is saying "nose Mama" about half the time. Tuesday November 27 Cold damp rain forenoon, not so bad afternoon. Wednesday November 28 A little colder, cloudy threatening. Thursday November 29 Thanksgiving. About 23° above, cold, clear beautiful day. Got home from work about 11 A.M. Had a good chicken dinner. Then I went upstairs followed by the kids and the whole family and swept the whole upstairs. Anna dusted and the kids ran through the dirt, tumbled over the beds and under the beds. They got scolded jawed and they laughed and cried and got good natured again. Then we sat around amusing and being amused by the children. Ate a lunch, put the children to bed. Anna and I spent the evening looking over old letters, cleaning out the writing desk. I guess we consigned as much as a half bushel of old letter, receipts, etc. to the stove. Then we went to bed and so ended the Thanksgiving of 1906. Friday November 30 Well I woke up early this morning and it was raining sleet against the windows. It didnt seem possible after such a beautiful day yesterday but it soon stopped and was quite decent all day, but threatening. Belle, Bessie Hahn and children called. Georges wife and kid called. |
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December 1906 Saturday December 1 Colder. Cold raw wind all day. Went down town after supper. Went to the Carriers Meeting and voted, then went and bought Howard and Bennett each a pair of shoes, Anna a hot water bag, myself some underwear, and came home with an arm full of packages and left them on the table for the children to undo in the morning. They enjoy opening packages so much. Sunday December 2 Rather cold, cloudy. Went to Church A.M. Home all afternoon. The children found the pkgs. this morning and had a fine time opening them and were delighted with thier new shoes and Bennett has gone to bed tonight with his in his arms. They both have bad colds and cough fearful, Howard barks all night long. Monday December 3 Fearful cold wind, 16° above at 9 P.M. Went down town at noon, paid gas bill and made a few purchases. Blacked stoves in the evening. Tuesday December 4 18° A.M. and 32° above P.M., threatening storm tonight. Went down town again today noon, bought a $20 couch, paid $10 and the other $10 I am to pay the 1st of Feb. at Keenan & Jahn. We have wanted a couch for so long but felt we could not afford it, and dont now, but got it any way. Wednesday December 5 Well what a day. It snowed all the forenoon wet heavy snow about 2 inches. Then afternoon it turned to sleet, then at night to rain. And a good stiff wind to make it a little interesting, a most fearful day to be out. We are getting ready for a baby event and are trying to get the house and everything spick and span and in its place. I covered a box tonight for a bath room footstool. The bath room is the finest room in the house now, newly oiled, papered, etc. Anna is working more than she ought perhaps, cleaning, mending, sewing, arranging things in thier place, Etc. Thursday December 6 Warm this morning, snow all gone. Some rain, wind blowing a hurricane turning cold and by night freezing cold. Put down oil cloth for stove in front room upstairs, blacked the pipe, took the stove up and put it up. It took me till 10 oclock and I went to bed nearly dead. Friday December 7 Bitter cold, about 16° above A.M. and did not go up any all day, and in the evening was down to 14° and a high wind makes it seem a good deal colder. I feel rather old and lame today from putting up the stove last night. I do not get my accustomed rest these days. I have my share of the house work to do because Anna is not able to do as much in her present form. I swept the upstairs today noon, and it is so cold tonight that we have a fire up there which makes it seem very comfy. Saturday December 8 About 16° above this morning but it got warmer and by night was up to 30°. Sunday December 9 About 30° above. Went to work this A.M. on the new hours from 7 to 10:30 A.M. Took a walk with Howard P.M. and found the McLeods here when we got back. Monday December 10 About freezing, this was one of those slippery mornings when everything is covered with sleet and you have to walk with a short shuffle step. Some rain. Tuesday December 11 Cold, about 23° above but a clear fine day. Wednesday December 12 Fine day, not so cold. Took lunch and went down town all noon hour. Bought Howard a chest of tools, and two story books, the Night Before Xmas and Natural History. I got the Baby Bennett a music cart or wheel and two books, Red Riding Hood and a little picture book. I dont think we will do much christmas this year, money is scarce and we need more than we have without drawing it out of the bank and I do not like to do that. Thursday December 13 Misty, nasty, muddy. Baby Bennett has an eye tooth we discovered today. Friday December 14 Nasty, rainy, foggy miserable day and so warm ones clothing feels hot sticky and uncomfortable. Saturday December 15 Clearing up quite a decent day, turning cold, quite cold by night. Went down town after supper and bought me another suit of underwear and a few other things. Came home about 10 oclock and took a bath and went to bed and might glad to get there. A Mrs. Durfee called this P.M. to see about coming to work for us. Anna engaged her to come Monday at $3.00 a week. I dont see how we can afford it but I suppose we have just got to and there is an end to it. Sunday December 16 A beautiful day, clear and bright. Not very cold, about 26° above this A.M. I have been at home all day. Nobody has called. I was in hopes this would be the day Anna would be sick so I could be here but no signs as yet. The children are tiresome at times. I cannot sit down but both of them want to be on my lap and if I lay down they are on top of me jumping, crawling, kicking and quarreling. Howard bothers the baby so and is so childish about it that it actually worries us, what the baby does he must do, what the baby has he wants, and if he thinks the baby is going to want anything he wants it first. He wants everything I may bring home and he wants to be waited on first. The poor baby has to stand back and take the leavings. All the talking and spankings and compellings to give the baby a fair deal seems to be lost and of no avail, really it is discouraging and Anna is driven distracted and I guess nearly out of the house every day. Monday December 17 Colder, getting colder at night. Mrs. Durfee came today and for one so old pitched in to work lively and as tho she meant business. I hope we will get through this business all right, I dont like it. I dont like to have strangers around, some way I never feel comfortable and at home. Tuesday December 18 Cold, about 12° above this morning and staid cold all day, but clear. I fired our old Milk Man Coleman yesterday, we thought he must be doping the milk and I engaged milk of the Maplecroft Creamery but they did not show up this A.M. so we had no milk. Wednesday December 19 About 20° above, threatened snow this morning but cleared into a beautiful day. Thursday December 20 Warmer, about 30° above. Beautiful forenoon, began to snow towards night. Friday December 21 About 30° above, snowed lightly all night. The trees and wires, etc. were clothed in white this morning, beautiful to look upon but oh how hard to walk through and I am completely tired out to night. Saturday December 22 Fine day. Hard work, considerable Xmas mail in. Went over on Grand River after supper and bought a few more things for the kids, little broom & horse and candy cane for Bennett, snow shovel and big candy cane for Howard. Awful tired, getting cold. Sunday December 23 Perfectly beautiful cold winters day, 10° above at 6 A.M. A New Son today. Howard was sick to his stomach all night and Anna was up and down with him several times, then she was taken sick herself about 2 A.M. I got up about 4, waited on Howard, got the fires going. At .... was only 10° above zero, the ground covered with snow, the windows with frost but the house was soon warm. I got some breakfast, Anna drank some coffee. And about 6 oclock things were getting so interesting for Anna that I went over to Smiths and rang thier bell and Mrs. Smith by prearrangement understood and called up the Dr. and nurse over thier phone. We got Mrs. Durfee up and got ready for business. The Dr. was here in 1/2 hour. I had to go to work as soon as he got here at 6:30, they was to phone me if I was needed but when I got home at 11 oclock I had another son, born between 7 & 8. Howard slept till it was all over and baby Bennett was up and dressed but was down stairs. They had not seen the baby when I got home so they went up with me. Howard had asked Mrs. Durfee, he wondered if the Dr. hadnt brought us another baby he said he heard something that sounded like one. Howard seemed more pleased than Bennett. Bennett seemed over come by the strangeness of things and wanted his Mama more than he wanted a baby, and the poor little fellow had to be pushed aside and he only a baby himself, seems too bad. Howard went and told Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Smith, then he and I went over to the Hardenburgs. Aunt Dill and Inez called. Mrs. Graham called. Monday December 24 Fine day. Cold, about 14° above. The mail fearful heavy, I could not stand it to work like this very long. Anna getting along fine. Mrs. Graham, Aunt Dill and Inez called. Tuesday December 25 Fine day. About 16° above, about 3 inches of snow, just a fine Christmas day. Got up at 4:30 got me some breakfast and was at work at 6 and it took me till 2 P.M. Came home so tired that xmas was a misery. The children got heaps of things from Aunties and cousins everywhere. The new baby got a beautiful white rose bud and that was all. Howard got a box of tools, several books, a box of paper houses and a good many things. Bennett got a roller music, a Teddy bear, horse, sweater, jacket, several books, blocks, etc. They had thier stockings hung up in Mamas room. I was at work so did not see them get thier presents and I was so disappointed because that is all the pleasure there is in the giving them things is to see them when they get them. Edna & Clarence called. Wednesday December 26 Fine day, about 14° above but getting warmer. I am glad we have such good weather, it makes it that much easier to get rid of the mail anyway. I had a heavy load this forenoon but this afternoon had scarcely anything. Belle called. Thursday December 27 Warm, misty, snow soft. Anna getting along fine. I have a hard cold coming on. Friday December 28 Warm, soft snow slushy. Took my bicycle to Berrys to fix the tire. I am about sick with a cold. I have to get up a good many times during the night to wait on Bennett, he wants "drink of water" so many times that it seems as tho he would burst, it makes me feel very bum. Saturday December 29 Warm, about 40° above. Soft and slushy is the walking. I am awfully tired tonight. My cold is better, I took Humphries 77 last night and I guess it did me good, but I was up a good many times with Bennett. I guess he must have worms he was so restless. He wants to be fixed, he must have his hands up under the pillow just so. He will begin to cry then he will want his nose wiped, then he will want a drink. Poor boy he has no Mother now and I suppose he feels lonesome and strange and uncomfortable in body and mind. Anna is doing fine, the Dr. says she is disgustingly healthy. The baby weighs 9 lbs. We about decided to name him Laurence Clare, his Auntie Mabel's middle name is Clare although it is a boys name and we thought it would be nice to name him after her. Sunday December 30 Warm, rainy, hard rain at night, muddy and nasty. Everybody worked today but it was not at all necessary. Home all the rest of the day, no body called. The Dr. did not come today, Anna doing fine. Monday December 31 Warm, up in the 40s. Snow all gone and the rain last night made the streets look a little better. No Dr. today, I guess he thinks Anna does not need much attention. Well this is the last of 1906. I have 3 sons instead of two, but not so much money as I had a year ago. I get richer in sons but poorer in money, but I dont know either I have $500 in the Building & Loan and $400 in the bank, but $50 of that in the bank has got to come out to pay for the new baby, nurse and housekeeper. The Dr. will have to wait. I have got to pay for 2 tons of coal, a uniform coat and the 1st of Feb. $10 on the couch. Well I suppose it will get paid but I will have to use my ticket money and Annas private money. But we are to get our $1,200 a year now. Asst. Post Master General Hitchcock in an article in todays Free Press says so many Clerks and Carriers are resigning that the sevice is being impaired and to make it more attractive to good men and to hold those he has, that the salary be increased to $1,200 and 30 days vacation instead of 15 days. Well I wonder if we will really get it, I hope so. |
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