Bennett Luther Dean
Personal Journal, 1914

February 1914

Sunday February 1     And it looks like Feb. outdoors. The snow is about 8 inches deep on the level and paths everywhere make it look much deeper. But it is a bright beautiful day and not very cold, about 26 above. The 3 boys went to Sunday School but otherwise we were home all day and nobody disturbed us. The boys and Louise went out and waded through the deep snow for awhile, and baby June took a nap out on the back porch tucked all snug and warm in her buggy. And just now every kid has made a grand rush for bed, that is about the way they do business. One will start and the rest will make a rush to beat him into bed, but Mama always has to go with them to scare the bogeyman away.

Monday February 2     Groundhog Day and he saw his shadow all day. It was a bright beautiful day and warm, the snow melting fast and this evening the icicles have been dropping and the eaves dripping all the evening. Howard has a bad cold and a bad eye caused by his cold I guess.

Tuesday February 3     Fine and warm. Went down after work and bought me a hat at the Traver Bird 1/2 off sale. Got Bennett a pair of suspenders the first he has ever had and of course there were wonderful things to him. They were blue with a white stripe down the center. I got Howard a pair of slippers and Laurence a sweater, but it was too small for him so Louise clamed it and I guess she can get the moneys worth out of it so we will not change. I came home about 7 o'clock so tired I did not know my name. The walking is fearful, when I got home my suit I bought Saturday was here and I found it was all right, but my had that I thought was dark gray and matched my suit was by daylight green and I have got to take it back and change and I thought it first suited me and by lamp light it was a dark gray.

Wednesday February 4     Fine beautiful day but it turned cold and was real snappy about 18 above I guess. The walking is very treacherous and hard and so I am prettily well done up when I get home and I have to walk to work and home again at night.

Thursday February 5     Another fine day but rather cold this morning about 14 above but was bright and clear. 5 fine days in February that helps some. I always think when Feb. is gone it cannot be very awful bad so everyday it is decent I think we are just that much ahead.

Friday February 6     Snow. It came down like it did a week or so ago. It began about 10 A.M. and the rest of the day was a misery. And there was so much election stuff we were ordered to report at 1 P.M. instead of 1:30 and work overtime if necessary to clean up and get the stuff out. It rained in the P.M., fearful walking.

Saturday February 7     Rained last night turning to snow, fearful walking. And we had to report at 6 this morning instead of 6:50 and I worked about 2.30 overtime today. Then after work I went down to Traver Birds and exchanged the green hat I got the other day thinking it was gray. I also bought Laurence a pair of shoes, $2.50 for $1.88 and came home after dark stopping at Nashes for meat and got home about 7 P.M. tired, completely wet, and the kids watching and waiting wondering what was the matter.

Sunday February 8     Whew but this is different again, down to 2 above and stayed about 5 above all day. And now at 9 P.M. it is 2 below. The house has not been very comfortable all day. The wind was high and it must have been fierce out of doors. Nobody stepped outside today. Howard has been quite sick for a couple of days and did not go to school Friday at all and thursday afternoon. We do not know what is the matter, we may have to get a Dr. yet. The boys and I are studying telegraphy. I know a little about it and I was surprised today to find that Bennett knows the alphabet and can make them on the machine. I just got a book of instructions and an automatic machine but it does not amount to much.

Monday February 9     Very cold but fair, about 2 below, fearful cold, no comfort anywhere, such weather as this. Did not come home to dinner, got a lunch at the "help yourself". It costs me usually 20¢ for meat, potato & gravey, side dish, tea and bread. Paid the electric light bill at the bank. I worked overtime again today.

Tuesday February 10     Fine clear day but cold, not so cold as yesterday, about 10 to 15 above. Voted today for the new City Charter but it was defeated and now I suppose they will get up something else. Came home to dinner, and afternoon I went over and paid our grocery bill at Nashes and went on down to the Drug store on the corner of 14th and Stanley to pay the gas bill. I saw my brother Geo was moving today out of 3 Mil W., over the dry goods store corner Woodward but I do not know where yet. He has lived where he was for 10 or more years. Worked overtime again.

Wednesday February 11     Fine day but cold getting much colder in the evening. I have to get up in the middle of the night and go down and make a new fire these nights. If I did not the house would be like a barn. Howard has not been to school this week. He complains of his knee and we do not know what to think of it, he does not seem very sick but he can not bend his knee very well. We hate to have him out of school so long. We think each day we will get a Dr. then he seems fairly well and we do not. Anna is miserable too and thinks maybe she has the same thing. Most everybody has a cold even June. Bennett barks like dog and Laurence snuffs and wipes his nose a dozen times a minute.

Thursday February 12     Lincoln's birthday, 1/2 holiday. 5 below. Fine day but fearful cold and something has busted, our front yard is flooded. It is piled up with snow and ice but the water comes up and floods the side walk and gets into the cellar also. I suppose it is the water pipe from the main in the street and will have to be dug up and fixed as soon as possible. Bennett and Laurence went to school as usual, but Howard is still out.

Friday February 13     Cold and clear about 3 below and it stays down around 10 above all day. Big mail today. Got lunch over at the "Help yourself". Sent a plumber up to see about our busted water pipe and he said he could not do anything untill it moderated. The street is full of water, the sewer is so covered over with ice and the curb so piled with ice and snow that water cannot run off. I got home early and Anna and I went down to the Farr and Organ shops to look at pianos, they had a selling out sale. We did not decide on anything. The Piano Players are from $250 up, for about $350 you can get a very nice one but that seems like a great deal of money and we can not afford it. Edna came up and had supper with us and spent the evening.

Saturday February 14     Not quite so cold about 10 above but plenty cold enough. Valentine day and that means a big day in our P.O. The children get quite a few and I always fool them someway by putting one on the porch, knock and run for each and they think some of the neighbor kids do it, but Howard I guess caught on but he did not let the rest know. Howard out today for the first time for over a week.

Sunday February 15     Cold but not quite so bad, about 10 above and in the evening it snowed hard for a while. None of us went anywhere and nobody came. Anna is feeling miserable and telephoned the Dr. yesterday from the Harts and then Eve and I Went to the Drugstore, car Milwaukee and 14th and got some medicine. Howard was sick for over a week and lost a week and a day and a half of school, now it will be hard to catch up.

Monday February 16     Clear and fine day, cold about 6 above. Howard went to school today. I hope the weather will moderate. I am getting tired of the cold. The papers say they are having terrible blizzards in the east. We got about 2 inches of new snow this morning. My sister Edna's birthday, she must be 41.

Tuesday February 17     Warmer, about 12 above this A.M. and snowing. We got about 3 inches more snow and there was enough before, and it makes fearful walking and fearful bicycle riding but I managed to ride to work and home again tonight. I did not come home to lunch.

Wednesday February 18     Fine day, just about the same as yesterday it keeps cold but clear. Aunt Dill and Aunt Cornelia called.

Thursday February 19     Cold, just about the same. I get my lunch over at the "Help yourself" restaurant. It is so hard to ride over the snow it is so rough. Mrs. Burns called, Mr. Burns has been sick for a few days.

Friday February 20     Fine day, seems a little warmer but is not hot at all yet. Got my hair cut today and I guess I caught cold in doing it.

Saturday February 21     It seemed like an awful cold morning. It was about 6 above but damp. The house was only 44 above when I got up, as cold as any this winter and it was that kind of cold that just humps you up and shivers you to death. Out it got quite a bit warmer by night.

Sunday February 22     Geo. Washington birthday and I did not step outside of the house. It was down to about 7 above, and a little more snow came. Howard and Laurence went to Sunday School. Bennett begged off, he said his throat was sore, but I guess he just did not want to go. Belle Hardenburg came up this afternoon and made a long call. She brought the news that Aunt Olivia Joy [Olivia Brown Durfee Joy, wife of Samuel Joy] was dead. She died January 23 but we had not heard of if before. She lived in Kansas and was a dear old soul. Bennett is trying to read Uncle Remus to Laurence but he makes hard work of it. It is 7 o'clock and dark outside. Anna is getting supper. Louise is putting chairs to the table proud that she can help. June is sitting in her buggy pulling her shoes and stockings off, she has one bare foot now and is grabbing her foot and trying to get it into her mouth. Howard is trying to get up sentences to fit the words in his school book, but his Mama and Papa have to do most of the fitting. Bennett is reading "where is my money, Oh give me my money, eh Lordy, Lordy."

Monday February 23     Cold, fearful cold east wind, the thermometer was down to zero and did not get much higher all day. Once it was up to 7 above but it was mostly 2, 3 and 4 and the wind made it almost unbearable. 1/2 holiday and I stayed in the house every minute. I cut Laurence's hair but I did a poor job of it. He is pretty good but his head is rather loose, but it takes me nearly an hour so it is no wonder. The schools do not close either for Lincoln or Washington birthdays and the kids have to go just the same. Laurence still goes 1/2 day only, I think he has always gone for a 1/2 day on account of room they have to sessions.

Tuesday February 24     Down to 2 below this morning but it did not seem as cold as yesterday because there was no wind. It was a bright beautiful day but I hope the extreme cold will soon be gone. It got quite a bit warmer by night it was up to 12 or 14 above. The house has been fine and warm and we have been more comfortable this cold snap than ever before when it was as cold. Anna is completely done up tonight and is asleep on the couch. June is asleep in her buggy and the other kids are all in bed.

Wednesday February 25     About 3 above, got up to 20 above. Beautiful bright day. It seemed quite warm towards night this certainly has been a cold Feb. but still we have not had any very bad storms. East and west have had fearful storms, blizzards, wind and rain. Los Angeles, Cal. has been flooded with heavy rains and washouts have done fearful damage and some lives were lost, so we have escaped very fortunately.

Thursday February 26     Still cold but bright, a little warmer at night.

Friday February 27     Well it got quite spring like today. A bright beautiful day, warm enough to start the snow and ice running rivers down the sewers. The schools closed today on account of the death of a school inspector. Howard took care of the small kids and Anna went down to Traver Birds sale of boys suits and bought Howard and Bennett each a $7.50 suit for $2.45 and they were fine, $15 worth for $4.90. The 3 boys now have new suits. (Bennett went with her)

Saturday February 28     The last day of Feb. and a beautiful warm day. A little rain in the eve. The first 2 or 3 days of Feb. were warm and fine and so were the last 2 or 3 days, but all the rest were what you might call zero weather. But still we have no very disagreeable weather outside of it being so cold. But it is that time of the year that everybody longs for, Spring, and I seem to long for a warmer clime. As I grow old I dread the cold more and more. Howard and Bennett came over to the P.O. after my day was over and we went downtown. It was raining a little and the streets were nasty and slushy. We went to Travers Bird to a shoe sale but I did not like the shoes so I did not get them and I went to Douglass and he was out of Bennett's size, and by that time the other stores were closed, so we wandered around a while, went to Peter Smiths and got coffee, barley, June some Education teething rings and popcorn and maple sugar and came home after dark. I am always so tired I can not go around with the boys half as much as they want me to and I would like to too. I enjoy taking them. Howard's teacher wants the scholars to see and know about the historical spots so I pointed out Pingree and Maybury monuments and the soldiers Monument, the Cadillac chair, Public Library, City Hall and etc., things that we know are there but never realize them when we are going by.

April 1914

Wednesday April 1     All fools day, and a foolday it was. I guess it has rained every minute all day long, although it was rainy and mud I raked the back yard and sowed some grass seed. The children had considerable fun tonight, they went up stairs and played tricks on each other, and by the banging and tumbling, and noise, we thought the house would come down and we thought we ought to stop it but let them go for once and they improved the time in good shape.

Thursday April 2     More rain and more mud, but was not as bad as yesterday. Mrs. Burns was up. Louise had a party in fun today and invited Mrs. Seannell and Mrs. Burns came accidentally. They had cocoa and cookies and of course Louise had a fine time.

Friday April 3     Fine day, but it was rather cold for real spring like comfort. It was about 30 above when I got up this morning. We all claim June says Papa, anyway she makes a noise that sounds like it and she will say it when we ask her to so of course she can say "Papa". We are getting worried about her not having a tooth, it is past the time the others all had a tooth and we weighed her last night and she has hot gained a bit, still weighs 12 1/2 or maybe 3/4 lbs.

Saturday April 4     Cold, cloudy and it snowed lazily nearly all day but melted as soon as it fell.

Sunday April 5     Beautiful bright day but cold, 26. In the house all day. Anna, Laurence, Louise and June went to call on the Harts. They have their house all papered up fine. My I wish we could have ours decorated inside and out for it needs it badly and I have got to get some shingling done before winter comes again. I could spend $250.00 on the house easy, but I hate to take it out of the bank because we are not saving anything the past 3 or 4 years except what we pay on the contract[?].

Monday April 6     Snow, rain, slush and then some (2 inches of snow). It was freezing cold this morning but is warmer tonight. Hard day today, and I taped Howard's shoes tonight.

Tuesday April 7     About 2 inches of snow on the ground. Cloudy and cold. This is vacation week and the children are home all the week. Anna is trying to make them help her but it is hard work.

Wednesday April 8     Whew but it is cold, about 20 above and a cold wind makes it as bad as midwinter. The milk was frozen in the bottles and frost was on the windows just like January. We have had scarcely a day of real Spring like weather yet. It has been steady cold since the first of February, and I guess it is going to keep it up till summer. Howard, Bennett and I went to a lecture on our Navy over at the Burroughs Adding Co. Hall last night.

Thursday April 9     As cold as yesterday, about 20 above and stays cold all day, probably gets up into the thirties. The milk was frozen, and a light covering of snow make it look and feel like midwinter and everybody is disgusted, but that does not make it any warmer.

Friday April 10     Warmer, about 30 above. High wind. Hot + Bun day and we had 3 dozen and the kids ate like pigs and Laurence is sick. He has sick headaches every few days. We think it is the way he eats and of course what he eats. He bolts his food and we try and talk to him to get him to quit, but he forgets and down it goes. He is up stairs now sick and vomiting and Howard and Bennett have gone with Roy Kiefer to a lecture and picture exhibition at the little church on the corner of 12th and the Boulevard.

Saturday April 11     Cold and windy, not a very pleasant prospect for Easter. So much mail we had to work overtime and I do no like the way they make us work overtime.

Sunday April 12     Easter, and for a wonder it came out bright and warm. The thermometer stood at 40 and went up to nearly 60. The afternoon was partly cloudy and threatening a little but nothing happened and I suppose the ladies that had new gowns to show off were happy. So far as we spent the day at home except a walk in the afternoon, the 3 boys went to Sunday School and after dinner they teased to go for a walk and Anna said she could not get ready, so I went. Howard, Bennett, Laurence, Louise and I went up 12th to the Boulevard and down the Boulvd. to Dillon then on Dillon to Holden, up Holden and Milwaukee to Hecla and down Hecla to 309 Home, and I was utterly astonished to see the way it had built up above the Boulevard since I was up there surely it cannot be over 6 or 8 months and it seems like a new city where it was only a big vacant field. The children had a little fun giving presents to each other, mostly candy, Easter eggs. We had Leg of Lamb for dinner with a pot of flowers for a center piece.

Monday April 13     Beautiful Bright day, about 26 this morning. Worked overtime again today. Put in 10 hours and it makes a mighty hard day of it. I got my lunch over there at the "Help yourself" restaurant. Louise got a package today from Mrs. Ambler in Northville, Easter eggs, candy, and a Easter basket. It came Parcel Post and was badly smashed and of course she was tickled to pieces. Mama says we can safely say that June creeps, but with a heap big effort. She puts her head on the floor, then gets up behind, then falls forward. And she sits alone on the floor but she has nary a tooth in her head, and we are wondering why and beginning to worry for fear she never will. She says Papa but we are not sure she knows what she is saying, but she says Papa as plain as can be. But poor girl she has but scanty attention. She sits or lies in her buggy nearly the whole time and if anybody appears at the side up come her hands to be taken up. She sleeps a good long sleep nearly everyday on the back porch all tucked warmly in the same old buggy.

Tuesday April 14     Beautiful day and warm (from 40-60), the first this season that really felt like summer. I put on my summer coat and perspired at that. Aunt Dill over with letters from California. The children dug in the sand pile today, and June was out there in her buggy watching proceedings. And Baseball starts today and Detroit won in thirteen innings.

Wednesday April 15     Bah, not so nice. Rain nearly all day but did not get very cold, but was miserable and nasty.

Thursday April 16     Better than yesterday. Warm, fair day. I expected it would turn cold after yesterday's rain but it is true and warm.

Friday April 17     Beautiful day, bright and warm, but it is very tired weather and I do not feel well either. My feet have a couple of corns and they bother me more than I ever had them before.

Saturday April 18     Well this is summer for sure, the thermometer got nearly to 80 and people walked the streets with their hats on the back of their heads and coat thrown open. And I sweat untill I was miserable. I do hope it stays warm I am nearly out of coal and I do not want to buy anymore. Louise June has just got plunked down on a quilt spread out on the floor. She sits up in the midst of it and grins a broad grin at her Papa and tries to jam her mouth full of a talcum powder box. Louise has got out her toy piano and is entertaining her while June tries to grab it away from her. Mama is getting supper, Laurence just burst through the side door and rushed upstairs. Howard and Bennett have disappeared. The back yard has been full of kids, but they have flew for some other place just now. Howard had another bilious attack last night but he seems lively enough today. Laurence has a bad tooth today and his cheek is swelled up and I suppose that means a Dentist, I guess we all need a dentist. Howard said they had a teeth lecture at the school house the other day to teach children to take care of their teeth, but they don't offer to pay the bills.

Sunday April 19     Rain this morning and cold by night. I went to Northville and to Plymouth today to see my Mother and Father. Father has been sick much like he was last summer, loses his mind and does not know anybody, but he knew us today and was up around, but feeble. Lafayette Dean was there, Uncle Asa and Aunt Lizzie. Edna & Clarence and Mrs. Weed, and Maggie Joy Dickerson all were there to call. Father got pretty tired talking so much. He is 86 now and I hardly think he will last long. I came home by way of Wayne on the electric cars and got home about 7 P.M. and it was so cold I was mighty glad I took my overcoat, which I felt foolish to take in the morning.

Monday April 20     Cold again, down around the freezing point, but pleasant day. Went downtown at noon to sign the payroll. Snowed a little today. Had to build a fire again this morning.

Tuesday April 21     Pleasant day but still chilly, between 30 and 40 this A.M. and the papers say that we have declared war with Mexico and already taken the city of Vera Cruz. 4 Americans killed and several wounded, and I do not like it. I think war should have been prevented at any cost of what the nation call their honor. Old Huerta and Mexico are not worth American blood. Huerta did not salute the flag, but he did not want to, he wanted war because the rebels against him were fast gaining and would drive him out in a short time so he wanted the U.S. to mix in to spite the rebs. Uncle Sam might better keep out, they might get into a war that would last for years.

Wednesday April 22     Fine day and a little warmer. Anna with June and the buggy and Laurence and Louise took a long walk this afternoon down to the Burns and then to the Hardenbergs.

Thursday April 23     Cloudy and chilly. Anna went to an entertainment at the new Northwestern High School this evening. Anna, Mrs. Summers' sister with Beatrice Summers, Mrs. Kiefer and children went together. At Mrs. Kiefers invitation. Mr. Thurs. Summers are in Europe.

Friday April 24     Cloudy, raw and chilly. Anna went down to the Farrand Organ Factory to look at pianos. They are selling out and pianos are sold at bargain prices. I do not know whether we will make out to buy one or not. Even bargain prices seem like a lot of money. You can get a good one for $175.

Saturday April 25     Warm but rain. Several heavy showers, some thunder. The fire went out today the first time for a week. The papers are full of war and I suppose there are things a doing in the army and navy. The situation is about the same since the taking of Vera Cruz, but there are rumors that Americans in Mexico City are being killed and others thrown into prison, but I guess there is no certainty about it.

Sunday April 26     Turned out warm and fine. We made a fire in the morning and by night it was so hot we had to open doors and windows to cool off. I intended to go to Plymouth to see how Father was. I know he is worse than he was last Sunday and I thought I ought to go out again. I tried to call them up last night but could not get Dickerson, he has a telephone, mother does not have. But I did not go it was so late before I was ready. So the whole family went down to call on the Burns and found Mr. Burns so much worse we did not see him at all. The Dr. was there and he, Mr. Burns , was so bad that he was unconscious. But the Dr. did not say what was the matter. Mrs. Burns was beside herself with anxiety, so we did not stay very long. Howard and Bennett had walked on down to see the old school, Dickinson School, where Howard used to go. We came home by way of Harts and stopped in there a few minutes then came home and we got a quart of ice cream at Farmers and ate that for supper.

Monday April 27     Warm and rain in the evening. I went down to the Farrand Co. and bought a piano. Anna was down the other day and picked out a McFail but the one she picked was sold, it was mahogany but there was another McFail in Walnut so I took that for $175. It fairly makes me sick and feel as tho I had committed a sin to buy a piano but perhaps we will get our moneys worth. I hope I will not be sorry anyway. And I guess Anna feels just about as I do. She wants one bad enough but feels that maybe we ought not to afford it. And Anna got word by telephone that Mr. Burns died last night at 12 o'clock and nobody thought he was so near death. Mrs. Burns thought he was bad but he had such spells like that before and she thought he would get over it in a day or two. They got the Dr. again and he stayed untill Mr. Burns was gone. He has been having bad spells since last summer when they lived in Highland Park. He had the first one there and they thought it was sun stroke as it was very hot, but it seems it was apoplexy all the time. And this time a blood vein burst on his brain. They were living at 588 Warren West and intended to move on to Avery this week some time. The funeral will be Wednesday. Anna went down there this afternoon but everything had been done that could be done, but it was so sudden to them not realizing it was so serious that they were not prepared.

Tuesday April 28     Very warm and sultry. Showers. I wore my shirtwaist this afternoon. I went downtown to the Peoples State Bank at noon and drew out $175 to pay for the piano. I drew $115 from my account and $60 from Anna's. I wanted to even up somewhat for the $80 she drew from her account last summer to pay the expenses of her mother coming here and going back to California. Father died today at 4 P.M. Clarence came up in his auto and told us. So father's 86 years of life is ended. What changes in the country and all things he has seen. Born in York State in 1828 he came with his father's family to Michigan in 1832 when the country was entirely new and crude. The family settled on a farm at Newberg. Woods were everywhere and Detroit was only a village. I have heard him tell of teaming to Detroit when he was a young man and the trouble with awful roads and conditions then. Indians were still in this country and I have heard him say that he had hunted with them. In 1852 he, with a party, teamed it to California over the plains and the journey took 3 months. He started on the steam cars as far as they went, which was not quite to Chicago, and at the end of the line they and their goods were thrown off in the woods. And that was as far as the rail roads went in those days, Chicago was only a few houses. He went to Sacramento, Cal. and I guess was there about 2 years and came back mostly by water, but I do not think he went around the horn. He married Lydia Joy who was a York Stater too. He ran a grocery store at Wayne, Mich. where I was born in 1868 and when I was a year old he came back and as owner, run the Nankin Mills for 15 years. Then to Northville, Mich. for 3 years and on the Fisher Farm near Plymouth for 3 years. Then to Det. and back on a farm near South Lyons, then back to Det. and Northville again, and finally to Plymouth, 5 or 6 years ago. He was not a soldier and was a Democrat all his life. Was Justice of the Peace for many years at Nankin. Was a very good man, kind and loyal to his family. I do not think he ever joined a church but was a Free Mason and believed in a God. And today ends all of that life of 86 years. It seems strange and makes me feel strange and sad. Although he was so old and died of old age, it seems strange that the end must come sometime and to everyone. He has not been long sick and but a short week helpless. He has had spells for a year that forebode the end, but was not called upon to suffer very much or require much help or attention. He has enjoyed good health for many years and been able to care for himself. Mother still lives but is rather feeble. He has 4 living sons and one daughter, ranging in age from 41 to 56: Herbert, Ernest, Geo., Bennett and Edna. Two children were lost in their infancy.

Wednesday April 29     Cloudy, cool. I got off this afternoon and Anna and I went to Mr. Burns funeral. We left Louise and June at the Harts. The funeral was at the house, 588 Warren West. Anna stayed at the house while they went to the cemetery. I came back home and the Farrand Co. delivered the Piano and I paid the $175.00 and of course the kids lined up in a row and began thumping. If the piano survives maybe Anna will get a chance when the novelty wears off. It looks fine and they gave us a bench and an old stool so the children could adjust it to their heights. They wanted me to believe I got a bargain. One man said that he paid $340 for a cheaper grade of the same make at Farrand Co. store downtown. Well maybe so, I don't know, everybody likes to think they have got a bargain.

Thursday April 30     Fine day, and this day we buried our father. Anna, Louise, June and I went to Plymouth to attend the funeral. We left Howard, Bennett and Laurence in the charge of the Harts. It was almost more than we could do to get ready and go. We got there about one and the funeral was 2:30. Father looked fine and natural and the casket was covered with flowers. They held the services at the Presbyterian Church and buried him in the old cemetery. It was a nice unpretentious funeral. Horses and carriages, how many there were I do not know, mostly the relations and old friends. Some of them I had not seen for nearly 30 years. Mother seemed very feeble but I did not get much chance to talk with her. All the children were there except Herbert who lives in Montana. Mrs. Burns and Donald came up and stayed here last night and today they move out of the house where Mr. Burns died, to a house on Avery near their old home.

May 1914

Friday May 1     Bright but cold, the thermometer was only 3 or 4 degrees above freezing, and it does seems so cold especially in the morning. I went back to work after a day and a half away, and of course found plenty to do, it being the first of the month. And Anna has had to let things go this week untill work is piled up on every side. It has been a strenuous week but of course such things come and have to be met with what so ever comes.

Saturday May 2     Beautiful day and a little warmer but a little fire still feels good. I do not feel very good. I do not know whether there is anything the matter with me or just too heavy work. Our loads are fierce and I am awfully tired every night. Too tired to go or do anything. So much needs to be done to the house and I feel entirely unequal to do the extra work.

Sunday May 3     Beautiful day, but rather cool anyway in the house. I tried to have a little fire but I guess it went out and the house feels chilly. The boys went to Sunday School and this afternoon they tease me to take a walk but I declare I feel more like going to bed. They want to walk out 12th to what they call the 32d woods, where that is I do not know but out 12 a ways there are 2 or 3 patches of woods and that probably is the place.

Monday May 4     Some rain especially late evening. Edna came up to supper and stayed quite late in the evening.

Tuesday May 5     Rained hard nearly all night. Fine day. Took my bicycle down to Slocums, 10:30-12, to get a new fork. I just noticed mine was cracked nearly in two. Took lunch at the "help yourself". Got in so late I did not come home.

Wednesday May 6     Beautiful day. Went down to Slocums and got my wheel. Howard and Bennett went with me. Mrs. Burns was up, they have got moved in the house on Avery next to Hardenbergs, but they found everything out of repair and fearful dirty and I guess she is pretty well discouraged. Aunt Dill over. June has felt fine today. She said Papa and Mama into Aunt Dill's deaf horn so Aunt Dill heard it and that tickled Aunt Dill nearly to pieces. And she has been especially cute today. I guess she is trying to be worthy of her one year of life on the 2nd day of June.

Thursday May 7     Nice day.

Friday May 8     Rained nearly all day. Did not come home for dinner it rained so hard.

Saturday May 9     Beautiful warm day. Anna borrowed their vacuum cleaner next door and did the whole house, that is carpets and rugs. She tries to get the boys to help all they can Saturdays, but while they do splendid sometimes, most of the time it is harder to get them to work than it is to do the work herself.

Sunday May 10     Fine day, warm. I took Bennett and went to Plymouth today to see mother. She is going to break up house keeping and get rid of her things or most of them and probably make her home at Edna's. I presume she will feel rather lonesome and like she had no place of her own anymore. It is pretty hard to get old because nobody quite appreciates it. She will probably visit around. Bennett and I had quite a time getting out there. It took us so long we just missed a car at 10:30 so we took a city car to the city limits, then an Ann Arbor car to Wayne and waited at Wayne a half hour or more for the Plymouth car. So while we were waiting at Wayne we tried to find the house I was born in, but I have never been able to locate it. I presume it is gone or changed or moved away. Anyway, I cannot find it. Edna and Clarence were at Mother's, they go out in their auto. We got home about 8 o'clock all right. Inez Hart over.

Monday May 11     Rain, rain, my how it has rained all day. And now at 9 P.M. it is raining hard and thundering and lightening. The children have all gone to bed. June is asleep in her buggy, once in a while she squeaks a little and Anna stops darning to jiggle the buggy untill June is quiet again. June is changing in appearance and looks like she is fat and plump. She is getting fed on bottled milk with oatmeal and lime water in it, but no tooth has showed up yet and she does not creep to amount to anything. I guess she will walk without ever creeping much.

Tuesday May 12     Rain, rain every minute all day today. The papers are full of flood news. Highland Park is flooded, sewers cannot carry the water and cellars are full. Ford Auto Shops are shut down on account of water in their basement, and all around the outlying districts the streets and land are flooded. The papers show pictures of houses surrounded with water and men on rafts to get to and from their homes. And of course I got soaked.

Wednesday May 13     It did not rain today but it was cloudy and threatening and not a bit pleasant and we have a fire right along, it is so cold and chilly.

Thursday May 14     Fine day but cold air. I went down to the main P.O. tonight after work to attend a meeting of Auto Aspirates. The P.O. wants the carriers to bid on the Parcel Post job, buy and maintain their own machines and do the work. Most of them think $100.00 a month none too much, besides their salary. The Post Master thought $75.00 enough, he wants to cut down expenses. The P.O. is paying outside contractors $7.00 a day for machine and a driver. The carrier goes along and makes deliveries. I thought I might get easier work and maybe make a little extra money, but there is all kinds of risks to yourself and to the auto and damages you might be made to pay to others in an accident. The machine depreciates at least 25% and takes it all around it makes $100.00 a month look rather risky. But still it may be enough. I do not feel competent to judge so I did not dare bid especially at the $75.00 price but they are to get more figures and have another meeting.

Friday May 15     Fine and bright but cold air. Anna took a walk over to Nashes and paid a months grocery bill.

Saturday May 16     Fine day, beautiful day outside but the house is chilly. I cut Laurence's and Bennett's hair this evening.

Sunday May 17     Beautiful day outside, but I built a fire so we could take a bath comfortably. The 3 boys have gone to Sunday School and Howard took 30¢ to buy a quart of ice cream on his way home. I am writing and whirling June back and forth with my left hand to keep her asleep untill Mother is ready to give her a bath. Anna and Louise went down on Avery to call on Mrs. Burns and the Hardenbergs. The 3 boys went for a walk and June and I were here alone. Anna did not get back untill 8 o'clock.

Monday May 18     Beautiful day. I began to get out the screens and clean and paint them. It seems like real summer weather.

Tuesday May 19     Beautiful day again. Anna got a letter from her mother and one from Mabel in California. Mabel says she has a new diamond ring and of course we know what that means. Anna went over to the Harts after supper and told them the news. Auntie Frank is on the way here.

Wednesday May 20     Beautiful day, warm, almost hot. I am painting screens these days. I ordered a new ladder today. I have got to do some work on the roof and I am no good at borrowing, I have to buy. All the kids have gone to bed except June and she is acting up in great shape. Anna is rocking her, patting her on the back and doing everything to get gas up but June keeps on howling.

Thursday May 21     [No entry]

Friday May 22     [No entry]

Saturday May 23     [No entry]

Sunday May 24     Cool, almost cold. The 3 boys went to Sunday School. Howard and Laurence with new brown hats and Howard with new elk shoes. They look quite decent like. Auntie Frank and Inez called this Evening.

Monday May 25     Well, the weather changed again and it is too hot for comfort today. Anna and Auntie Frank went downtown today and nearly tired themselves to death doing shopping. Mrs. Burns came up and stayed with the kids and got dinner too. Anna expected to get home to get dinner but she got a late start.

Tuesday May 26     Hot again, fearful hot. I went down to the Main P.O. after work to attend another automobile meeting again, but very few were there and nothing definite was accomplished.

Wednesday May 27     [No entry]

Thursday May 28     [No entry]

Friday May 29     Very warm and sunny. Took down the old chimney and fixed the hole it left in the roof. We threw the bricks one by one over into the vacant lot next to us. I have lots of help with the kids or that is they are always Johny on the spot and right in the way.

Saturday May 30     Fine beautiful day, warm with a cool breeze. 1/2 holiday today but I did not go anywhere. Tinkered around the house, fixed some missing shingle places on the roof. Some of Mother's things arrived today, some man drove in with them. Took most of them to Edna's and the rest of them up here. Howard went down to Edna's and stayed nearly all day.

Sunday May 31     Fine day except a shower or two in the evening. Mother came up this afternoon and stayed untill Clarence came after her in his auto. She has broken up house keeping and divided up her House Hold things and is now without a home. She will probably stay at Edna's but she is afraid she will be lonesome there as Edna goes to work and is gone a great deal in the evening. She came in from Plymouth yesterday. Dickerson, Maggie and Uncle Asa brought her in their auto. The 3 boys went to Sunday School.

June 1914

Monday June 1     Beautiful day, delightful air.

Tuesday June 2     Beautiful day, cool and fine. And June is one year old today. And she came down stairs about 6 A.M. hanging over her Mother's arm just as usual. I was cutting bread for breakfast and she teased for a crust. And I gave her one and she sat up in her buggy alongside the table while Mama and I ate our breakfast and she gummed and sucked and mussed the crust of bread as contented as tho it was just the bestest stuff that ever was. She weighs just 15 lbs and 2 ounces. She can creep slowly over the floor taking each creep as tho she had to learn each time. She can pull herself up onto her feet and stand uncertain and wobbly hanging to a chair or table leg or something like that. She can say Papa and Mama and tried to say bye bye and of course can talk baby language to perfection. She is getting to look plump and pudgy since she was weaned. She eats milk and barley water like a big girl. But not a tooth has showed up yet. I guess she is going to be toothless. She is usually happy and contented, and easy to care for. She sleeps all night long and does not bother her Mama nights at all. She does not eat at night either which helps her Mama lots. She had a birthday cake with one candle on it but she did not eat a speck of it herself. She would not even look at it as it sat in the middle of the supper table with the one candle burning. Her face was pointed at it but she persisted in looking at something else. The rest of us ate the cake but we had Ice cream in honor of the occasion but you bet she ate her share of that. She eats and eats it and cries for more and if she does not get it she throws herself back and yells. Auntie Frank and Inez Hart called on her in the evening and brought her a fine baby hood for a birthday present and I guess it was all the present she got. We thought we would get her a spoon someday but we did not get out to find anything. And this is Lillian Oehler's birthday and Louise was invited to a party there from 3 untill 5. Anna has worked for several days, all she could to get her something to wear and she was dressed in a white dress with pink ribbons running through it, pink ribbon in her hair, white stockings, and white slippers and she looked very dainty and pretty. She carried a hair ribbon done up in tissue paper tied with baby ribbon, with a little bunch of forget me nots under the ribbon for a present to Lillian. And when she came home she told all about it in her comical draggy speech. Fred Fry and wife came over in the evening and took Anna, Louise, June and Laurence for an auto ride out through Highland Park and back. And so June's birthday has been quite a day for all of us.

Wednesday June 3     Fine day, cool. Nothing happened.

Thursday June 4     Heavy rain every minute of the forenoon, and nearly all night last night.

Friday June 5     Cool, rather chilly. Auntie Frank over for dinner.

Saturday June 6     Fine cool day. Howard finished taking the old chimney down about a week ago. I took it down from the roof and patched the roof, then last night I got most of it out of the attic with the help of the 3 boys. I let the stuff down into the bath room in pails and baskets and the boys took it out into the back yard, but we did not get it all down, so Howard got the rest of it down so when I came home from work he had me go up and oh what a fine job it was. Anna said Howard had worked so hard all day she should think he would be about dead. And Bennett got into a scrape, he took Bernie's papers to deliver tonight and he got about 1/2 through [when] the numbers on his list got rubbed out and he could not tell what they were so he came home in great distress. And Anna could not make them all out but finally Howard and Bennett went out and got all but a few, but one man was so mad because they were so late that he gave them the money and said he did not want the paper anymore. And they were scared about that and Bennett was made to go to Bernie's house and tell his mother and offer the money for his work back, but she would not take it and told him to keep it anyway.

Sunday June 7     It rained last night and today it came out so hot that we nearly suffocated. Howard and Bennett went to Sunday School but Anna could not get Laurence ready. Whew, but it is hot at night, everybody cross. The kids are all in bed now and Anna is trying to get a letter written to California. Yesterday (Sat. A.M.) we discovered June's first tooth just through.

Monday June 8     Hot, so hot that you do not like to move, but work must be done. It beats the Dutch how this old world must be kept turning no matter what the cost or what the discomforts.

Tuesday June 9     Just as hot as yesterday., nothing can be said that expresses it. Went down to see mother at Edna's after work.

Wednesday June 10     Hot, just as hot as ever.

Thursday June 11     A little cooler, but not freezing yet.

Friday June 12     Fine, quite comfortable. Anna went downtown to make a few purchases preparatory for June's baptism Sunday. I bought her a pair of little shoes over on Woodward, black patent leather with white soles and white uppers. No1.

Saturday June 13     Fine day. Cool and fine. I went to the carrier's meeting tonight and did not get home untill after 12. I wanted to hear the automobiles for Parcel Post discussed, but even then I came home before they were through and did not hear what I wanted to. Every kid was sent to bed all bathed and ready for tomorrow. 4 pairs of shoes stood in a row on the kitchen floor all blacked and shiny and clean clothes laid out for tomorrow.

Sunday June 14     A beautiful cool day and we got ready in time to get to the church and have June baptised. We got up at 6 o'clock and had breakfast and then got the 3 boys ready and sent them on ahead to Mrs. Burns down on Avery to go with her to the church and then we got Louise and June and ourselves ready and took the Trumbull Car to the church. We got there in good time and everything went off fine. There was about a dozen babies and two or three whooped her up in good shape, but June never whimpered. We marched up in front, and the minister, Rev. Raymond Huston baptised her June Evelyn. He dipped his fingers into a dish of water and but a drop or two was placed on her head. June had her face turned away and I do not think she knew when the minister baptised her. Anyway she neither looked around or made a sound. She was dressed all in white and looked very sweet. When all the babies were baptised, a lady gave each baby a white carnation, then we went and found a seat by Aunt Edna, and stayed untill the exercises were over. June was perfectly good and finally went to sleep. After church we went to Mrs. Burns house and had dinner, then we called on the Hardenbergs who live next door to Mrs. Burns, then we walked down to Edna's on Calumet, just off of Avery, then we started for home and stopped at Mrs. Burns to get something left there and she insisted we eat a little supper. Then we walked home about a mile I guess and the kids all tumbled into bed tired out and so we had quite a day of it. (June was baptised at the Presbyterian Church on Trumbell & Grand River)

Monday June 15     Cool, threatened some and cloudy. The children are finishing up the term of school and about all we hear is exams and passing, etc.. Aunt Frank came over with an express order that she wanted me to cash or get cashed, so I got that and went over to the Ford Auto Office and got catalogs. I thought I would study up on the business. I may get an auto and go into the Parcel Post business.

Tuesday June 16     Cool, chilly, fine day, and this is the first day of my vacation. And I did nothing but sit around and take a nap, Etc., tend baby while Anna went ... stairs and dug. We want to rent a cottage on some lake but the cost and trouble of getting there and back and the cool weather scares us out.

Wednesday June 17     Fine day. This afternoon Howard, Laurence and I took a car ride to Grosse Point. We walked along by the lake and by the beautiful homes, lawns, trees, shrubs, Etc. for a mile or more then came back and stopped downtown and bought Howard and Bennett a Bathing suite, then I, or we, came up Woodward to the N.E. P.O. and I got my pay and we walked home. Bennett could not go because he had promised to go with Bernie Cornell over his paper route so he could carry it Thursday and Friday.

Thursday June 18     Cool, blew up a storm in the afternoon. Worked around the house, put down a couple of carpets and made myself so lame I can hardly move. Bennett and Howard took Bernie's papers with Roy Kiefer and William Davis as assistants and it looked so like a big storm I took a couple of umbrellas and went after them but they rather go in the rain than bother with one so they did.

Friday June 19     Rained A.M., cleared P.M., cool, chilly at night. We are glad we are not at a summer cottage these cold days. We had to cover up like winter to sleep. Put down matting in the hall upstairs and it was a job to figure it out, the matting was so scarce it did not go anywhere.

Saturday June 20     Fine day but rather cool. This afternoon the 3 boys, Laurence, Bennett and Howard and I took a car to Belle Isle bridge, walked over the bridge and rented a row boat on the Island and rowed all the way around the Island up our side and down the Canadian side and we rowed across and landed on the Canadian shore so we could say we had been in Canada. I guess it was the first time for the children. It took us just about 2 hours and 1/2 to make the trip. Then we walked back over the bridge, ate a dozen bananas, then took the car downtown and went to the Family Theater 10¢ moving pictures and Vaudeville. Laurence was taken sick awhile in the theater and I had to take him out and wait outside untill the show was over for Howard and Bennett. Laurence went to sleep on the car coming home. We got home about 8 o'clock.

Sunday June 21     Rain and cool most all day. Mother came up and stayed all night last night. When Edna and Clarence want to go anywhere in the evening they have to bring mother up here to stay. Clarence came after her this evening. Mrs. Burns and Donald called.

Monday June 22     Rainy and muggy. I took this day when I could not do much else and started in to clean up the cellar and I certainly got into a fierce job and I did not quite finish.

Tuesday June 23     Bright and warm. I took Howard, Bennett and Roy Kiefer down to the Central High School to take a swimming lesson but the first day was taken up in enrollment so they will start next Tuesday and take one lesson a week. We were down there by 9:30 so to please them I took them to Belle Isle and they went in bathing there and had a nice time.

Wednesday June 24     Beautiful day although it rained a little. And we managed to catch the boat for Bob Lo and had a fine ride and day at the Island. Howard and Laurence stayed at home. Howard to peddle the papers and Laurence because he always gets sick and he was persuaded to stay at home. Bob Lo is s beautiful Island kept up in fine shape by the boat Co. It has all resort conveniences, dance hall, Merry go round, playground, swings, and everything. It is down the river just at the entrance to Lake Erie, about 1 1/2 hour ride and 6 or 7 hours at the Island and crowds and crowds go there everyday. Fare roundtrip 35¢, children 25¢.

Friday June 26     Fine day. One shower in the afternoon and because Mother here, Anna and I took June and went out Woodward on the car to Pontiac and back by Orchard Lake and Farmington.

Saturday June 27     Cool. Nothing doing today. I did not go anywhere at all.

Sunday June 28     Horrid day, dark, windy and threatening all day, chilly. Anna wanted to go to Northville today, but it was so threatening that she did not dare start out. Mother here yet. Uncle Henry called.

Monday June 29     Chilly, threatening. Anna took June and Louise and went to Northville on the 2 o'clock car and home at 9. I went with her as far as the Grand River City limits and walked back. Walked by Roy Hardenbergs new house on Columbus. He is just married. Then I went over on Lincoln and called on Eng. Co. 21, I used to carry mail there and knew the firemen pretty well. Mother went back to Edna's this evening. Clarence came after her. Aunt Dill and Inez called.

Tuesday June 30     Fine day, cool. And this is the last day of my vacation. And so I went to Lake Erie this afternoon. It is a fine trip out there, takes about 2 hours and it is a beautiful lake, has a passenger steamer that runs around the lake every hour. I made two trips on it 10¢. I was surprised to find so fine a place or lake, the village isn't much. Edna and a miss Ford called this evening.

July 1914

Wednesday July 1     Rain all the forenoon (heavy rain in the eve.). I went back to work today and a dandy day it was for a starter. I traveled around all the forenoon in the rain and my feet felt like a pail of water. And I went downtown after work to chase up a shoe bargain for the children at Valpeys, but of course the best bargains were gone. I got Louise a pair of patent leathers for 68¢ and Bennett a pair of elkskins, $1.45.

Thursday July 2     Beautiful day, cool. Things went a little better today, but the mail is heavy on account of the first of the month bills. Anna went over and called on the Harts and in the eve went up to Kiefer's, they intend starting on a trip through Canada tomorrow and come back Monday.

Friday July 3     

Saturday July 4     Beautiful day, cool and delightful. One trip today, and in the afternoon I patched up the side porch roof with shingles. We did not celebrate except what few cents worth the kids bought. They got up before anybody else and were shooting firecrackers and they had a few "nights works" as they call them, but we let them just as little as possible and have any peace at all. We do not like Forth of July things at all, so many get hurt and injured that we discourage it all we can and believe in a Sane Fourth. The more sane the better. June has 3 teeth all in a row downstairs now and it is the [first] time any of the babies have got their teeth out of the perscribed rule. They ought to get two lower, then two upper. She creeps everywhere now, she is not very swift but is always in the way just where you do not want her and you have to look before you take a step always. She is most always hanging onto Anna's skirts and every time she wants to move she has to reckon on June. She paddy cakes, waives her hand bye bye, she tries to talk and mimic and whistle, and most everyday she has some new accomplishment and is just at the age when they are so cute, but oh such a ....

Sunday July 5     Fine day. The 3 lads went to Sunday School and I went in the afternoon out Jefferson past Grosse Point and along by the Lake St. Claire to see Glenwood Gardens. They were highly advertised and sounded so fine but of course it was only a new ploughed street running back from Jefferson and nothing to attract at all. An old house that nobody lived in burned up while I was there, they just had to let it burn because they had no facilities to fight the fire. It is mighty fine between Jefferson and the lake. I would like to have a lot there but they ask as high as $100.00 a foot. The Glenwood lots were $350.00 back 1/4 of a mile or more from Jefferson and it does not seem as tho they would advance very much but maybe they will. Henry Ford the Automobile man has bought about 700 acres they say, all of what is called Gaulkler's Point.

Monday July 6     Fine day, bright and sunny but a cool breeze. Anna got a letter from Mabel in California and she says she has gone down and got married to a man by the name of Geo. A. MacDonald. They were married June 27. We do not know him as he is someone that she has got acquainted with in California. Mabel is the last of the family to get married and everybody supposed she was going to remain an old maid. Anna over to Aunt Dill's this eve.

Tuesday July 7     Fine day except hot. Cool nights.

Wednesday July 8     Fine day, hot. Everybody tired out with work and heat.

Thursday July 9     Fine but very hot and close.

Friday July 10     Fearful hot, but cool nights. Howard went to Bob Lo today on a Sunday School excursion. He went with the Kiefer's and had a fine time. Bennett had to peddle all of the papers, Howard's and his own too, about 80 papers. And with his wagon and Laurence and one of the Bruder twins to help he got along pretty well. He came out 2 short and had to go clear over to Farmers on 14th & Antoinette to get the two papers and poor boy he was so hot and tired that nearly put him out of business, but he did it and got rewarded with 5¢ from Mama. And he spent 15¢ over at the paper store for 3 ice cream cones and he said the top of his fell off onto the sidewalk and a dog ate it up and he only had a taste but we had ice cream for supper so he was pretty well satisfied anyway. A Mr. Cady realestate agent called. We are thinking of investing in a lot out Grand River.

Saturday July 11     Hot, fearful hot. Anna wanted to go to a picnic over on Belle Isle today but it was too much to get ready and go with 2 or 3 kids. The picnic was the gathering of all the people in Detroit that ever lived in Northville, and there are a good many.

Sunday July 12     Still fearful hot. This afternoon a real estate automobile took Anna and I, June and Louise out Grand River 8 miles to School Craft Sub. to show us the lots, the sub. has been open just since spring and nearly all the lots are sold. And they are going to open another across the street. I took an option on a lot to face on Grand River to sell for about 30 a foot. The lots are 20, 26, &30 by 100 feet but it seems like a fearful price to pay. Grand River is all torn up and we were taken away out Warren and when we came back we went north of the Ave and down 14th.

Monday July 13     Hot, dreadful, rained. The McLeods were down yesterday when we were away and Howard, Bennett and Laurence had to entertain them and we wanted to see them the worst way. Chope Stevens Co. where Edna works burned last night, struck by lightening in a thunder storm the stock and building burned up completely.

Tuesday July 14     Rained a little and threatened a whole lot. Howard and Bennett went to swimming school at the Central High today, and June did a great stunt today. She climbed all the way upstairs, she got started while Anna was upstairs and with Anna and Louise to encourage and applaud, she climbed and climbed patting the stairs with her paddies in high glee. She put a knee up on to a stair and slowly and laboriously pulled herself up each time. My but she was tickled and happy and seemed to fully appreciate the wonderful feat she accomplished.

Wednesday July 15     Hot, just dreadful. Although it was so hot I went down to Edna's house to see Mother. Edna is working with the rest of the Chope Stevens crew to get straightened around to do business again after the fire. They have moved into a fine building out at the corner of Fort and 12th. It seems a little far out but a good many wholesale houses are moving out that way, and it was the best they could get on short notice.

Thursday July 16     Hot. It seems to me this has been the hottest day I ever put in and with my sore feet it has been a miserable day. And it is 10 o'clock all the kids are in bed after a treat of ice cream except June and she is making life miserable for her Mother and the neighbors I presume, by just howling and keeping it up. Aunt Dill called.

Friday July 17     Not quite so hot as yesterday and towards evening it got quite cool.

Saturday July 18     Cool time of day and such a relief from the awful heat. Anna and June went downtown. Mrs. Burns went with them and they bought a new runner rug for the hall and other things. Louise is sick with a bad stomach and sore mouth and she lays around most of the time but I guess castor oil and peroxide will fix her all right.

Sunday July 19     Fine and cool, threatening but only made it cooler, almost chilly. Went up to return McLeod's visit here last Sunday when we were not at home. And they were not at home when we got there and we were disgusted and so tired walking up there and back we was ready to eat someone. It is a beautiful walk along the Boulevard from 12th to Grand River. The beautiful trees and the LaSalle Gardens and the Automobiles along the Boulevard go in almost a solid procession. And the new Ferry Field High School just getting finished tennis courts, baseball and the courts and diamonds were all occupied too. But we were awful tired when we got home. Howard and Laurence did not want to go so they took the 14th car clear around and out Oakland to the City Limits and back and we beat them back.

Monday July 20     Fine day, warmer than yesterday and now June has got about what Louise had ailing her and crosser than the dickens. Anna is not feeling well, and it must be the weather I guess.

Tuesday July 21     Went out to Redford to look at a 50 foot lot on Grand River just west of a cobble stone Bungalow, but the lot was so low that it would take too much to fill it in. It was advertised for $550. Howard was with me and we went to see another lot but did not buy.

Wednesday July 22     Hot, fearful hot. And I went downtown today paid the water tax for 6 months $3.65 and went to the P.O. and signed the payroll and got $1.67 overtime that has been coming for a long time. Clara Hart called. Auntie Frank here at supper.

Thursday July 23     Fearful Hot and muggy. I don't know where the thermometer is but it must [be] up in the nineties.

Friday July 24     Hot but not so hot as yesterday and it rained about 4 o'clock. I got wet and the kids got soaked peddling papers. We intended to go to Belle Isle and go in bathing but it rained and we were all wet and it takes so long to get there, one hour to get there and one to bathe and one to get home makes quite a trip, but it is a shame the kids cannot get there oftener and enjoy the Island. And I am anxious to have them learn to swim. But I cannot afford to lay off and it is so late when I get through work and I am too tired to enjoy it. Howard and Bennett goes to the Central High School every Tuesday to take swimming lessons but they do not learn very fast and I guess from what they say the teacher does not do a thing to teach them , does not show them how or say a word to them just sits around and does nothing.

Saturday July 25    [No entry] 

Sunday July 26     Fearful hot. I and 4 kids, Howard, Bennett, Laurence and Louise, this P.M. and took the Grand River Car to the east Jefferson City Limits and investigated Fox Creek. I never knew what it was like. We walked along it clear to the river or Lake St. Clair about a mile I guess and was a long and dusty walk especially for Louise and it was not much of a sight, nothing beautiful except at the Lake edge the Detroit Motor Club has beautiful grounds. The road I think is the Altar road. Boat houses line the west shore of the creek but they are most all unsightly shacks.

Monday July 27     Still very hot. I went downtown after work and bought me a vice at Gregg's Hwd. sale for 98¢ but it is a cheap one. Then I went to B. E. Taylor's realestate office to see about the lot business, but their prices seemed so high that I felt discouraged about that.

Tuesday July 28     Cooler.

Wednesday July 29     Fine day. And this evening Howard, Bennett and I went to the Gentry Pony show held out at Philadelphia and Hamilton Boulvd. Laurence wanted to go but we coaxed him to stay at home. I was fearful tired and my feet are so sore I hate to step on them but of course Father's have to go to the shows for their children's sake. It was very nice and their trained [ponies] are truly wonderful. Howard and Bennett paid their way with their paper money, they have paid me back all it took to buy the route and to pay a week in advance for the papers and each a paper sack.

Thursday July 30     Fine day, and today or this eve, Mr Cady of the B. E. Taylor Realestate came here 3 times to induce me to select a lot but I had grown cold on the proposition the prices seemed so high but this eve. he took me out there in an auto and I finally thought I would plunge anyway and see how I would come out so I took a corner lot facing on Grand River, 28 foot wide by 100 foot long. Cash price $870 or $990 on time. It is 8 miles out and not much built up all the way but the sub. is nicely fixed up with side walks Etc. lights, sewers and they expect to get water and I suppose someday it will be valuable, but I am afraid it will be a long time to wait.

Friday July 31     Fine Day. This noon I went downtown and to the Bank and drew out $835 and but a $10 bill with it and $25, that I had deposited for a choice of lots a couple of weeks ago and the whole $870. I paid for lot #144 in the B. E. Taylor's Sub. out Grand River and received a deed for a little piece of land 28 by 100. I paid the money over to B. E. Taylor (or agent) in his office in the Ford Bld. Bennett went and took his first music lesson. (12 tons coal was put in today while I was away).

August 1914

Saturday August 1     Beautiful day but getting warm and the evening was very warm. I took Howard over to Woodward Ave after work on my bicycle handlebars to get a pair of Oxfords but they did not have any that he wanted and it was his money so he would rather go without so we came home.

Sunday August 2     Couple of thunder showers and then sunshine in between cool and fine. Boys went to Sunday School. Anna expected to go to the Depot to meet the Shoemakers who are coming to spend their vacation in Detroit and resorts, but as usual Anna could not get ready. She went over to the Harts to see Auntie Frank for the last time as she, Auntie Frank, goes back to California tomorrow. The Shoemaker tribe arrived tonight and called on us and then went to the Wayne Hotel to stay overnight.

Monday August 3     Beautiful, cool. Aunt Helen Shoemaker stayed with us overnight. The rest of them have a room over on 12th in a new flat. Roy Shoemaker & wife and boy about Howard's age. Bell Shoemaker who is now Mrs. Master and her step daughter about 6, and Aunt Helen Shoemaker. They are here on a vacation and want to see the sights.

Tuesday August 4     Beautiful cool day. Everything is war now over in Europe. 4 or 5 Nations are at war, and the papers are all war. Great headlines that you could read a mile off is in every paper. What it is all about I know but very little. Thousands of foreigners are going back from here to fight for their country, and everything is all excitement. Americans in Europe cannot get back home because there are no boats running, and it is said that the U.S. has got to send boats to bring them back.

Wednesday August 5     Beautiful day, cool and fine. Went downtown at noon today, paid gas, elec. and City taxes on our house and lot $22.85. Then I took my deed to the lot I bought out Grand River to be recorded in the Wayne Co. building. They kept it to mail to me when it was recorded. The fee was $1.06 then I went and got a bit of soleleather to fix the kid's shoes. It just about uses me up to put in my noon hour walking around downtown. The Shoemakers come and go, they were all here just now. Aunt Helen stays here nights. Louise is out of sorts with a bad stomach. Tonight she complained that her hand hurt, then her feet hurt, then the other hurt, and then her fingers would cramp. We worry about it for fear it is something serious.

Thursday August 6     Hot day, fearfully depressing. I was all in this morning. Did not hear anymore about Louise's peculiar ailment.

Friday August 7     Very warm but better air. The Shoemaker tribe are out at William's Lake attending a Bradley reunion.

Saturday August 8     June sometimes stand alone for a minute, but she does not try to walk yet except when she has a hold on something. She creeps on her hands and feet instead of her hands and knees and she makes a funny sight as she walks on all fours like a baby Elephant.

Sunday August 9     Rained in the afternoon. Home all day and nobody came.

Monday August 10     Hot and heavy, rain in the evening. The Shoemaker gang came from their encampment and came up here to call on us and it rained so that they could not get home for supper, so we sent out and got a supply of eggs and bread and things and got up an impromptu supper. There was 13 in all of us. Uncle Herbert Clarkson from Chicago, Mr. Thurs., Roy Shoemaker, Mr. Thurs. Masters from Independence, Kansas. And we played on the piano and sang and had a fine time. Uncle Herbert stayed over with us but the rest of them went to their rooms down on Avery & Forest.

Tuesday August 11     Hot. Uncle Herbert here today except in the afternoon he went with the gang to Tashmoo.

Wednesday August 12     Beautiful day, grand cool day. Everybody went to Belle Isle today. Anna and the kids all went. Uncle Herbert C. went with Anna and helped her over there. There was Anna and kids, Uncle Herbert Clarkson, the Masters, the Banks and Shoemakers. Howard and Bennett came home alone in time to take their papers, and the whole gang was up here in the evening. Uncle Herbert went away with them and was to take the 11:25 train for Chicago.

Thursday August 13     Cool and a heavy rain in the afternoon and I was soaked from my knees down, and Howard and Bennett were worse than I when they delivered their papers.

Friday August 14     Uncle Banks and wife Aunt Helen called in the afternoon and Anna went down there at Mrs. Burnses in the evening. She took Louise and left the rest.

Saturday August 15     Fine cool day. Bennett is quite sick, bilious, headache.

Sunday August 16     Fine day, forenoon rather doubtful but the afternoon was fine, but it rained in the night after we went to bed. Uncle Banks and Aunt Helen Shoemaker was here at dinner and stayed untill evening. In the afternoon Bert Bradley and wife called, and Mr. Masters of the Shoemaker gang and his wife who is Aunt Helen's daughter came up and stayed untill the rest of them went back. Roy Shoemaker and family have gone home. Mr. Masters is very fond of babies and he gets June as soon as he comes in and amuses her. Plays with her, carries her around and loves her pretty nearly to death.

Monday August 17     Oh it has been fearful hot today, one of those sticky days and so uncomfortable. And it seems as tho everybody is cross and irritating, especially me.

Tuesday August 18     Hot, fearful hot. The humidity is unbearable.

Wednesday August 19     Hot, fearful, sweat, I had to change my underwear and take a bath. I guess the thermometer was not up much above 80 but the humidity was fierce. We had the Masters here at supper and they spent the eve here and then bade us goodbye. They leave for home Fri. morning.

Thursday August 20     Still as hot as ever. Rain last night and this morning. June started out to walk in earnest today and walked all alone for quite a distance. She gets up on her feet in the middle of the room and then wobbles off slowly and shaky. The Bankses came up and bade us goodbye tonight.

Friday August 21     Hot, fearful, we get rain but it does not cool us off any. June is getting to be quite a walker it [is] comical to see her start off. She is very shaky and wobbly and very small steps. And the desperate attempts she makes to balance herself, her arm up and flopping and a funny way she has of laughing. She wrinkles up her nose and half shuts her eyes and breathes had through her nose, that is the way she laughs. And every few steps she sits down good and hard but up she gets and tries again, always sniffing through her nose. And she has a habit of feeling her eye, like a kid sucking its thumb, she is forever feeling and polking at her eye especially when she is still.

Saturday August 22     Well I guess it was a little better today but still very warm. I tried to get a picture of the children in the back yard. We wanted a picture of June creeping across the yard the way she creeps on all fours like a little elephant and I tried to get a picture of her trying to push the wagon with Louise in it.

Sunday August 23     Hot but looks like rain and did rain towards night. Bennett is crying with the earache and is making it interesting for everybody. When he is sick he just howls. I do not know how hard it aches but if it aches as bad as he cries it must be pretty bad.

Monday August 24     Well yesterday [was] so hot you could hardly breathe, and today it is so chilly wraps feel good.

Tuesday August 25     Chilly at night and warm in the sun.

Wednesday August 26     Cool.

Thursday August 27     Cool.

Friday August 28     Fine this forenoon, but it is raining this evening and chilly. Mrs. Burns called this afternoon. Anna, Louise, June and Laurence went to call on the Harts this afternoon. Bennett came home from peddling his papers and set the table, got the tea kettle hot, and went to the store for a loaf of bread, and of course Mama was glad and gave him a great deal of praise. This was all done when Anna was away and it was a surprise for her when she came home. Bennett is the best one in the lot to help his Mama. Howard will not do a thing unless you drive him to it.

Saturday August 28     Well it rained and rained all last night. I am talking of putting on a new roof but I guess if it did not leak last night it cannot be very bad. I cannot make up my mind whether to put on shingles, or put on the new kind of colored rubber paper roofing that imitates slate.

Sunday August 30     Some rain, cloudy forenoon, the afternoon was fine and bright, warm. I slept nearly all the afternoon. I do not feel first rate, had a headache. Howard was the only one to go to Sunday School. Home all day and nobody came. June walks all the time now. She is rather wobbly yet and gets a lot of falls but gets up and goes at it again. Some-times she will stop in the middle of the floor and start to patty cake and toss it up as high as she can reach and waver her hand good-bye. She shows off all of her accomplishments all together when she gets started and she knows her piggies now and will begin to pull at her dress to find them when you ask her where is her piggies.

Monday August 31     I suppose the city [is] full of G.A.R. men but we do not know [if] there is anything going on. The city is so big that we never know anything about what is going on downtown except as we read it in the papers.

October 1914

Thursday October 1     Beautiful day, warm and fine. Nothing much to write about.

Friday October 2     Fine day. Anna walked over on 14th and back and I rode my bicycle down to Mother's after work, but nobody was home.

Saturday October 3     Fine day, fine weather. Bennett did not go for a music lesson because his teacher's mother is dead.

Sunday October 4     Beautiful day. And I got ready and went to church at the Trumbull Ave. Presbyterian Church at the corner of Grand River and Trumbull. I went to pray for peace. President Woodrow Wilson issued a Proclamation for all Churches in the United States to Pray for peace in Europe. And so I thought I better go. The sermon and prayer was peace talk. In the afternoon Anna and Louise took the car and went to call on Mrs. Burns. They now live at 690 Wabash. And June in the buggy, Howard, Bennett, Laurence and I went to the car with them and then we walked to the Boulevard and along the Boulvd. watching the thousands of automobiles pass and repass along the Boulvd. then home.

Monday October 5     Beautiful weather. Anna went for a walk over on 14th. Paid the groceries bill at Nash Bros., went to the Dr. to show him the progress her finger was making, he thought it was slowly getting better, then they called on Mrs. Fuller on Vermont.

Tuesday October 6     Fine day, although it threatened rain. It is getting pretty dry. Nothing to do but work. Aunt Dill came over this afternoon.

Wednesday October 7     Beautiful day, hot sweaty weather. The air is filled with little flies. Anna went out in the back yard for something and when she came back June was very quiet and no where to be seen. Anna looked all around and finally went upstairs and there at the head of the stairs to meet her was June with a happy proud smile all over her face. She had crept upstairs all alone. (Painted the side porch)

Thursday October 8     Rain in the afternoon and night but is still hot, fearful hot for this time of the year.

Friday October 9     Rained nearly all night last night but it is hot and close today, threatening.

Saturday October 10     Rain heavy this forenoon and this eve. Howard went with his Sunday School teacher and class to the Art Museum and Owens Park. They were to take a train up, but it was so wet they did not think it best. He was gone all the P.M. and Bennett and Laurence peddled his papers.

Sunday October 11     Beautiful day, some cooler and I made a fire to take a bath but it is not comfortable with out a fire. Mrs. Burns and Donald up this morning. The 3 boys went to Sunday School. And after dinner as soon as we could get ready, we all walked with June in the buggy down 12th to Calumet to Edna's house but no one was at home so we went up Avery to Hardenburgs and called on them. And we met Roy Hardenburg's Bride and liked her very much. June seemed to take a liking to Sam H. and sat on his lap a long time. Aunt Julia Hardenberg, old and blind, felt June all over and asked about her. June did not know what to do about that but she did not cry or act afraid. It was after dark when we got home and now all is quiet. The kids all asleep in their beds and Anna has laid her head down on the library table and gone to sleep.

Monday October 12     Some rain. Anna did the washing today just to save 50¢, we are very low in finance and have to borrow off the boys to keep us going untill payday.

Tuesday October 13     Cloudy, threatening and a little rain. Real chilly and we have a fire of course.

Wednesday October 14     Some rain, cloudy, threatening.

Thursday October 15     Cloudy, threatening, rain in the evening but warm today. Anna discovered that June had another upstairs tooth. This makes 7 teeth, 4 down and three upstairs.

Friday October 16     Cloudy, threatening, some rain.

Saturday October 17     Came out fine today and warm. Went down to the Main P.O. to get money and sign the pay roll, after I got home from work. Took Bennett with me when we got back, about 7 o'clock, mother was here, came to stay a day or two.

Sunday October 18     Perfectly beautiful day and warm. We have a fire on Mother's account. We left all the kids with Grandma and Anna and I went out to the School Craft Sub-division and stood on our lot. The realestate man there had his little office on our lot, No. 144 of the 2nd sub. on the south side of Grand River. The 3rd lot west of ours was being excavated for a building to be a Drug Store. And a Grocery Store was to be built down the St. aways and on the north side of Grand River. There are 4 or 5 houses being built on the Subdivision but otherwise it is vacant but I guess our lot will sell most anytime if we want to sell it. We had a hard time to get back to the city. It was about 5 o'clock and 4 or 5 cars went by so crowded they did not stop.

Monday October 19     Beautiful day, quite warm. Counting mail this week, I had 1,000 pieces today. Edna came after mother this evening. Mother thought June was just about right. She enjoyed holding her and rocking to sleep.

Tuesday October 20     Beautiful day, so warm I went in my shirt waist this afternoon. This evening Anna is trying to write some letters she owes and June woke up howling with gass and had to [be] fed wintergreen. Laurence went to bed sick and without any supper, he went with some other boy down in the alley near Stanley and took a stick that looked like a broom handle. And we made him take it back tonight and put it where he got it from some factory down there and I guess it made him sick. He was afraid to go and was bound he wouldn't go, but we made him take it back and Howard went with him. Howard said Laurence went as near the place as he dared then threw the handle and ran for all he was worth. I hope it will teach him a lesson to let things alone.

Wednesday October 21     Beautiful day. Warm enough to go without any coat. Seems like summer and everybody speaks of the beautiful weather. We are counting and weighing mail this week and it is always such a nuisance and bother. I am always glad when it is over.

Thursday October 22     And another warm beautiful day. Worked all day with out a coat. Anna and the small kids and Mrs. Seannell took a walk up into the LaSalle Gardens.

Friday October 23     Beautiful day, not quite so warm but I worked all day without a coat. A chilly breeze came up last night and I thought it was all off with the warm weather, but the sun came out fine and warm again. I took Louise's picture today noon, as she was hanging out her washing in the back yard. She washes and hangs out the clothes nearly every day and delights in it. She washes her dolls clothes mostly and she irons them too when Anna gets through ironing with the electric iron she lets Louise iron. I guess she is going to be a house worker all right. She has washed the dishes all alone several times. We hear Anna Fry is very sick and was taken to the hospital and operated on for appendicitis today.

Saturday October 24     Rain, nasty rain all the forenoon, fierce.

Sunday October 25     Beautiful day again, cool but not cold. Remarkable weather for this time of the year. Anna and Louise and Mrs. Burns went to Northville today. Anna got dinner ready while the boys were at Sunday School. Ate a little herself and then met Mrs. Burns at Grand River and 14th about 1 o'clock but missed the one o'clock car and had to wait for the 2 o'clock car, but had a beautiful ride and fine time and got home about 6:30 P.M. June was as good as gold all day with the boys and I. She went around the house for a while calling "Mama, Mama" but did not cry and was asleep when Anna and Louise came home.

Monday October 26     It was raining when I got up and I thought I was in for another rainy day, but it did not rain anymore. But got cold and windy and by night was fearful chilly and the wind went right through one and it was so cold that gloves and knit jacket felt good.

Tuesday October 27     Whew but it was cold this morning. The ground was covered with white frost, the first of the season. And the thermometer was about 30 and it froze ice in places. It felt like real winter and I do not like it. It makes me want to get out and go to a warmer country. This evening I am all alone with the children and except June they are all upstairs and asleep. June is here and in her buggy fast asleep. I can hear her breath and once in a while I can see the buggy move and I [am] scared that she may wake up. Anna has gone with Inez Hart to a recital at the Y.W.C.A. It is now nearly 10 o'clock.

Wednesday October 28 - Saturday October 31     [No entry]