1904

January 1904

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 1904

Monday February 1 Bitter cold, about 1° below at 7 A.M. and 3° below at 10 A.M., then some warmer but bright beautiful day. We have had now 7 weeks of sleighing, the snow that came about the 1st of Dec. is on the ground yet. We have had some rains but they have only added a new coat to the solid bed of ice on the ground. The snow on the streets is as hard as a rock, the rails of the R.R. and street R.R. are at the bottom of a groove of snow from 2 to 6 inches deep and the least new snow puts the cars out of business or nearly so. This Winter is one that will be referred to for years as the hard winter of 1904 and really I would rather refer to it than experience it. Anna finished with the dentist today. Flora went home this P.M. I seem to be contracting a bad cold, dont want it.

Tuesday February 2 Not so cold. The Bear saw his shadow at 2:30 P.M. just a flash of sun, and a little at 4:30. Terrible afternoon, high wind from the W., snow drifting terribly, cars nearly out of business. Bought a pair of shoes at Griffins on Grand River.

Wednesday February 3 About the same as yesterday, cold and blustery. My cold is worse and I feel pretty grippy. Wrote letters to Mother, W. F. Bellville, Maher Bro.s & Seabury & Johnson.

Thursday February 4 Bitter cold, bright A.M., cloudy P.M. Did not go to work today, pretty sick with the gripp. Flora is taking lessons in photograph coloring.

Friday February 5 Warmer, 10° above this morning, at night 30° above and looks like rain or snow. Did not feel able to go to work today, not so bad as yesterday but bad enough. Took a trip to Grand River after some Bromo Quinine, left my watch to be regulated, cleaned up the celar a little, and intended to go down town but gave it up.

Saturday February 6 Cloudy but very warm, about 45°. Rained a little last night, snow going very fast today, sidewalks are rivers and streets are oceans. Worked, walking so bad I did not get in till 1 P.M., lunch at Sta. Down town eve., bank & some shopping. Flora went home.

Sunday February 7 Rained hard in the night and I thought I heard one thunder roll. Ground bare in a few highspots, streets solid ice, growing cold P.M. At home, very quiet, Mabel out to dinner.

Monday February 8 Zero again, clear bright but bitter cold, not above 6° all day. Papers say Baltimore, Md. burning since yesterday noon. No control over fire yet, bids fair to rival great Chicago fire in 1871.

Tuesday February 9 Zero, bitter cold all day, bright. Baltimore fire under control. Papers say war has begun between Russia and Japan. My sympathies are with Japan but I do not see how they can hope to win.

Wednesday February 10 Zero, bright, bitter cold. All of our coldest days have been our brightest days. Winter is dragging and I am awfully tired of shivering. The papers give Japan credit for a decided Naval victory off Pt. Arthur.

Thursday February 11 Zero, bright, bitter cold all day. I guess my shivering has brought the gripp back as I felt that achy feeling coming this A.M. and by night I was so sick I sent for Dr. Bell in the evening. He said dont try to fight the gripp, take a dose of physic and go to bed, I did.

Friday February 12 Zero, same old thing. Well I did not feel as if I could go to work, not so very sick but I am weak and feel as tho I would collapse any minute. I think I better get my vacation and rest.

Saturday February 13 Not so cold today but cloudy, a little wind and snow in the evening, not much. I still feel weak and wobbly. I got my vacation to begin yesterday so I would not lose the time. I did not want it now, I was looking forward to having it in May or June but I suppose I need the rest now. Mabel went home.

Sunday February 14 Warmer. Elmer hung a valentine on the door knob for Howard last eve. Miss Shafer “where Mabel works” sent him a valentine Jumping Jack and his papa gave him one almost like it. Clarence & Edna were up to dinner today. Mr. McLeod & Donald called, Mabel back.

Monday February 15 Turned cold again and is getting colder all day, clear and bright. I am just resting, do not feel like getting out. Bitter cold this eve., 7° below at 10 oclock.

Tuesday February 16 Last night and today the coldest yet, 11° below this morning and did not get above 2° above all day but a clear, bright, beautiful day. I got out just to go to store and over on Grand River for some rubber tissue for mending. Mabel came back from work sick this A.M. Senator M. A. Hanna of Ohio died last evening at 6:40.

Wednesday February 17 8° below. I went to the store and down to Ringes for molasses this A.M.

Thursday February 18 Warmer, about 5° above and blustery, about 3 inches of light snow. I was not out of the house all day.

Friday February 19 Still warmer, about 10° above A.M., bright beautiful day. Went down town P.M. did some trading, most too cold to enjoy being down town. My vacation is going fast and I do not seem to be getting much fun out of it, just resting.

Saturday February 20 Cold, started at zero but got quite warm & pleasant, hardly stuck my nose out of doors all day, staid in and read. Anna went down town P.M. got Mabel and did some shopping. Mabel did not go home. Howard says “dont” for no or quit. Tell him to get down, he says “dont”, come to mama “dont”, want to go to bed “dont”, etc.

Sunday February 21 Warmer and rained slightly all day till the streets and walks were rivers. Anna & I waded to church both A.M. & P.M., Rev. Bruske preached a beautiful sermon A.M. & a memorial for Rev. H.J. Miller in the evening. If you say the rhyme “Hy Diddle Diddle” to Howard and stop at the words fiddle, cow, moon, dog, sport, dish, way, spoon, he will supply them. It sounds so cute to hear him say fidla, cow moon, gow-gow, port, dish, we, poon.

Monday February 22 Washingtons birthday and it is turning to be a beautiful day. It froze up last night and the streets and walks are just a glare of ice, good skating, good sleighing and very good wheeling. The kids are just more than enjoying the skating, as there are ponds every where. Took Howard for a little ride, then went over on 16th St. A.M.

Tuesday February 23 This has been a soft sloppy day, thermometer up over 40°. Went to the avenue theater P.M. Called on Edna at Paige Chope Co. and Keenan & Jahn to see about chair.

Wednesday February 24 Colder and blustery. Anna, Howard & I went to Northville to stay till tomorrow night, left Mabel here to stay alone. At Clarkson’s for dinner. Anna & Howard up to Merritts P.M., I over to Mothers. Bowled 3 games with Dave eve. Very cold tonight.

Thursday February 25 At Clarkson’s over night, thought we would freeze, 6° below but bright day. Went all of us down to Plymouth to Uncle Asa’s for dinner, back to Mothers for supper, home at 8 P.M. found Mabel playing “solitaire”.

Friday February 26 Cold, about 10° above and cloudy. This is the last day of my vacation and I declare I do not feel able to go back to work. I still feel achy and weak and have a strange pain in my lift side near the small of my back. This winter is knocking out a good many. Father & Mother are not at all well and they seemed so old it frightened me. Mother has at last sold the farm to Ernie for $1500, $100 a year more without interest for 8 years, then 5%. I think the farm business has worried Mother terribly. Ernie has been so persistent to buy and Mother did not want to sell now, they had trouble about it and that has worried her. Minnie Hopkin & son Howard called.

Saturday February 27 About 32° and seems like spring, thawing quite a bit. Back to work and it went pretty hard the 1st day. I got awfully tired and do not feel first rate.

Sunday February 28 Worked. Real summery today, 40° above, thawing fast. The banks of snow along the walks keep the water in and some places it is over ones shoes, so it is the proper thing to walk in the streets. There is from 4 to 8 inches of solid ice on the streets. We are sitting in the parlor today which seems like a treat. Mabel gone down to Aunt Dills.

Monday February 29 Well if this is the kind of weather we have on the 29 of Feb, I am mighty glad we do not have another one in 4 years. Snowed a wet sloppy snow last night and rained torrents all day, and the slush and water in the streets would put the oceans to shame. And it thundered and lightened in the bargain, and of course we had a big load of mail. I am dead tired tonight, could not get home to dinner.

March 1904

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 1904

Friday April 1 This is more like a march day than yesterday, no rain but looked all day as tho it would any minute. Down town after work, bought curtain stretchers. Saw the ice fountain in front of the Cadillac Hotel, looked a little sickly but nearly as large as ever.

Saturday April 2 Cold, about freezing and high wind, snow squalls. All went to Northville P.M. Anna, Howard & Mabel on the 3 oclock car, I on the 5, and Mother came in here so we did not see her.

Sunday April 3 Cold, below freezing, but a beautiful day. At Northville visiting at Clarksons & Merritts, came home on the 5:30 car P.M.

Monday April 4 Cold morning, 20° above, but it warmed into a beautiful day. Mother here today. Father came in at noon. Anna, Howard, Belle, & Mother went up to Bessies but she was not at home. Anna & Howard came home, Mother & Belle went to call on Lew & Perkins. Lew’s wife brought them home in carriage. Flora here today getting ready to go to California.

Tuesday April 5 Beautiful bright day. Mother & Father staid here last night, all of us up to Geo. at dinner. Anna & Howard came out Milwaukee to meet me at work. Mother & Father went to Ednas for the night, going home tomorrow.

Wednesday April 6 Damp and rainy all day. Howard is jabbering away telling his Mother stories this Eve. in his own language of course.

Thursday April 7 Warm beautiful spring like day. Down town after work at gold office. Cerk McNamara has been fired, cought using canceled stamps and putting the money in his pocket. Howard discovered some time ago when his Mama was undressing him that his arm was “broke” where the arm bends at the elbow. “See Mama boke” then he kissed and said “dare, fixed” and just the other day he discovered his heck was “broke”. He has both eye teeth now, one just come through, has been coming for 4 months. We let him have a little meat now cut up very fine. If you sigh he will say “tired” “west” at night when he is tired he says “tired, nightie, bed, seep.”

Friday April 8 Rained pretty much all day. Down town after work, got 2 gallons of maple syrup from Edna.

Saturday April 9 Colder, some rain, cloudy. Down town at noon, bought Flora’s ticket to Los Angeles, Cal. via Denver-Tourist $39.75, Tourist sleeper $7.00 extra. Drew $20.00 from bank, we bought out Flora’s Building & Loan, it amounted to $40.00 for 4 shares, been running a year and a half. Mabel home.

Sunday April 10 Cold, about freezing, raw wind, cloudy, threatening rain all day. Worked, at home all P.M.

Monday April 11 Cold, 30° above, fair A.M., rained P.M.

Tuesday April 12 Cold, 30° above, raw cold N. wind. Flora and her Mother [here] today. Flora starts for California tomorrow. Inez Hart and her Father called Eve.

Wednesday April 13 Cold, only 22° above, water froze in the ditches, bright fine day tho. Anna, her Mother, Howard and Mabel went to Depot at 7:40 A.M. to see Flora off for California. The Cadillac Automobile factory burned this morning. I saw it at about 8:30 as I was on my way to my route. The building was a complete mass of flames then, the largest fire I ever saw. One or two employees were quite severely hurt.

Thursday April 14 Cold, 22° above, a little snow flurry. Wearing gloves and fur cap. Fire going as hard as ever. I guess we are not going to have any summer.

Friday April 15 About freezing, snowed all A.M. about two inches fell between 2:30-10. Colder in P.M. and it blew and sleeted and rained and was about the worst imaginable. I guess we will remember this winter all right.

Saturday April 16 Colder, about 18° above zero. To get up and look out this morning you would not think it was the 16 of April, frost on the windows about 2 inches of snow on the ground and the slush of yesterday froze harder than a brick. The milk was frozen when I brought it in and it seemed like the 16th of January. The sun came out bright and by noon the snow was nearly gone, it is a beautiful day. Father to Edna’s all week helping put in a bath tub, etc. Father, Mother Clarkson and Mabel home to Northville tonight.

Sunday April 17 Warmer, about 40° above. Beautiful day. Anna went to Church, Howard and I at home. I took Howard out for a ride P.M. Sam & Belle called. Mrs. Parks called.

Monday April 18 Cold, but pleasant A.M., P.M. threatening storm.

Tuesday April 19 Below freezing. Rained turning to snow last night, ground white with snow this morning. Cold blustery snow squally day.

Wednesday April 20 Cold, below freezing but pleasant.

Thursday April 21 Below freezing but a beautiful day, getting warmer by night.

Friday April 22 Little warmer, rained evening. Went to see Warde & James in Julius Caesar, “fine”, came home in warm rain.

Saturday April 23 Well this is different, the thermometer went up to about 78° today, the first really warm day we have had this spring, “beautiful day.” Punctured my front tire today, fixed it after supper., Howard helped me immensely. Anna went down town Eve. and bought cloth for a new dress. Mabel went home.

Sunday April 24 Very warm, some rain. Worked. Anna & Howard went walking in the afternoon, Anna Church Eve.

Monday April 25 Cold again and windy, cloudy. Nothing going on, same old thing over and over, day after day.

Tuesday April 26 Cold, about freezing and windy.

Wednesday April 27 Thermometer not much above freezing and a very high north wind. I made out application to join the Y.M.C.A. today, they have a good many lectures and entertainments that I thought I would like to hear and see. Just the regular member course, $3.50. I also bought a ticket, $2.00, for the course of Automobiles, Gas Engines, Etc. lectures. Anna went to Church. Mabel went some where. Howard & I entertained a couple of real estate agents.

Thursday April 28 Warmer, light rain all A.M. & P.M. Went down to the Y.M.C.A. to hear a lecture on Automobiles. The talk was on tires tonight, I was a little disappointed for my 1st lecture. I suppose I am a memeber of the Y.M.C.A. now for a year.

Friday April 29 Cloudy, threatening.

Saturday April 30 Nasty rainy day, we still have a fire in the house, dont seem so very much like spring, the lawns are quite green but the fields are brown and the trees are budding but no signs of spring leaves yet. I went this Eve. down to the gold office, 1007 Majestic Bld., to attend a meeting of the promoters of the Nothern Developing Co., Mabel went home tonight.

May 1904

Sunday May 1 Warmer, gradually cleared into a beautiful day by afternoon. Howard and I stayed at home and Anna went to Church. Anna, Howard & I took a walk P.M. I went to Church Eve. Rev. Jacquess preached, they are trying ministers. I went out without an overcoat for the 1st time today.

Monday May 2 Warm and beautiful, really seems something like summer. Went to automobile lecture at the Y.M.C.A. evening. Anna began cleaning house today.

Tuesday May 3 Beautiful, so warm I put on my new summer uniform today.

Wednesday May 4 Beautiful weather and every body out enjoying it. Anna & Mabel went [to a] prayer meeting. Howard played out doors till nearly 9 P.M. jumping, running and playing with the rest of the children and I could hardly get him in, “pay more” he said.

Thursday May 5 Beautiful, warm, every body has doors & windows open. Trees look a little green, leaves will be out soon if this weather keeps up. Attended auto. lecture at Y.M.C.A., the Nothern Auto was demonstrated.

Friday May 6 Still fine weather. Father here at dinner. Fire in the baseburner went out today.

Saturday May 7 Beautiful day. Aunt Vina in. Maggie Joy & Belle called in evening. Mabel to opera. Anna and Howard down town P.M., bought Howard shoes & stockings. Howard crawled out of the parlor window and dropped to the steps this evening and nearly frightened us to death. Some of the neighbors saw him crawl through and ran to catch him but he had dropped before they could get to him, but it did not hurt him but we are wondering what he will do next.

Sunday May 8 Beautiful, a little rain. What a beautiful week of weather and how the leaves have come out and how the grass and all vegetation has started. I even saw one dandelion. Put on my thin summer underwear today. Mabel here today.

Monday May 9 Colder today, some rain. Went to auto lecture tonight, the Cadillac was demonstrated by Mr. Brush the designer of the machine.

Tuesday May 10 Quite cold and rainy. Mrs. Walker here today sewing.

Wednesday May 11 Cold, nearly freezing this A.M., have a fire in the kitchen. Mrs. Walker here today sewing. Anna and I went to prayer meeting.

Thursday May 12 Cold morning but by the afternoon it [was] up around 80°, quite hot. Hair cut. Mrs. Walker here yet. Auto lecture tonight, Ford machine.

Friday May 13 Some cooler today, rain P.M. Mrs. Walker here yet.

Saturday May 14 Cold today. Howard went home with Mabel. Anna and I went to Northville on the 8 P.M. car. Mrs. Walker finished about 7.

Sunday May 15 Rained last night, so cold that we did not enjoy ourselves very well out here at Northville today, they still have a fire in the baseburner. At Clarksons for dinner, at Mothers supper. Clarence and Edna were out too. Clarence, Edna & I came home on the 7:30 car.

Monday May 16 Very cold, but pleasant. Anna and Howard came home at 6 oclock P.M. Mabel home at night. Attended Auto lecture in evening, Carburetters was the subject. Picture of Harold and Dorothy came today.

Tuesday May 17 Still very cold, but bright. Piled up ashes in the evening.

Wednesday May 18 Cold, cloudy, rain in the evening, still keep fire in the little stove. Put down carpet in the hall upstairs.

Thursday May 19 Cold rainy day, rained hard all last night, damp and nasty. Auto. lecture tonight, Franklyn.

Friday May 20 Cold, rainy and horrid. Cleared towards night and sun came out warm. Mrs. McLeod called evening.

Saturday May 21 Came out warm and bright, beautiful day. Anna went down town after supper and when she got home I went down to the stock holders of the Paymaster Mine meeting, election of officers.

Sunday May 22 Fine warm day. Worked. Mabel at Northville today.

Monday May 23 Warm rain early in the morning but turned out fine day, went to Auto lecture in the evening.

Tuesday May 24 Beautiful day. Howard is out doors all the time these days. The fields and a good many lawns are just yellow with dandelions. Carried the ashes into the alley tonight.

Wednesday May 25 Very hot, thermometer up around 90° in the shade. I am very lame from carrying ashes.

Thursday May 26 A little cooler and very windy, big rain storm about 5 P.M. Had a new U.S. Cactus tire put on my bicycle rear wheel today ($3.00), the Majestic was on less than 3 months and was not much good. Went down to Russells Automobile stables tonight, the Auto lecture class met there.

Friday May 27 Beautiful day, but quite cool.

Saturday May 28 Fine day, cool.

Sunday May 29 Cool, threatening all day. Anna went to church. Howard & I kept house while she was gone.

Monday May 30 Rained all night and all forenoon, did not rain in the afternoon but was cold and damp. Holiday this afternoon, took the stove down, did not go any where at all. Circus in town today but did not see anything of it as it was located out by the water works this year. Mabel at Northville.

Tuesday May 31 Cold, cloudy, and gloomy. Fire in the small stove all day. Automobile lecture this evening they gave a luncheon and had a few speeches.

June 1904

Wednesday June 1 Cold, cloudy and damp. So cold I put my winter coat on today and it was none too warm. Got a tack in my new tire today, but fixed it with jiffy.

Thursday June 2 A little warmer but still dark and gloomy and horrid.

Friday June 3 Warm and fair.

Saturday June 4 Cool morning, little rain but got very warm. We can just see Howard grow these days. He wants to be “dow doors” all the time. He likes to go to Burns house and especially loves to slip out of the yard at every chance and go pattering down the street. If he wants Mama he says “Mama hey, Mama hey” I guess he means “Mama here.” If anything drops or slips away from him he says “whoa pony” or sometimes he says hey “boss” I guess he must be a farmer. He keeps saying “Howard big boy climb fence” that seems to be the hight of his ambition to climb fences like he sees other boys do. And everything he climbs over in the house he says “Howard climb fence.”

Sunday June 5 Very warm, worked. Anna, Howard and I took a walk in the afternoon, then spent the evening visiting with the Hardenburgs on their steps. Mabel at Northville today.

Monday June 6 Warm, threatening rain A.M. Our washer woman is away so Anna is doing her own washing today.

Tuesday June 7 Colder and rainy.

Wednesday June 8 Cold enough for an overcoat, rain. Anna not very well these days. Howard teased so for a hammer that I took him over on Grand River and bought him a little one, he has been pounding every since.

Thursday June 9 Cold, cloudy and threatening. Went down to the Y.M.C.A. this evening and was given a ride in an automobile.

Friday June 10 Cold, cloudy. Aunt Cornilia, Myrtle and baby called this P.M., I did not see them. We hear from Northville that Aunt Maria has suffered a stroke of paralysis, have not heard how bad.

Saturday June 11 Fine day.

Sunday June 12 Beautiful day. Went to church, Dr. Service was there, they raised enough money to pay off all debts on the Church. The rest or the day quietly at home.

Monday June 13 Another beautiful day, warm. Can wear shirtwaist such weather as this. Mabel came back from Northville tonight.

Tuesday June 14 [no entry]

Wednesday June 15 Went to Church in the evening, they voted to call Mr. Jacquess as pastor, he is now at Albion. A terrible boat horror happened in New York today, the boat Gen. Slocum loaded with Sunday School excursionests took fire and burned to the waters edge, between 700 and 1000 lives were lost, mostly women, children and babies.

Thursday June 16 Cold morning and evening but beautiful day. The papers are full of terrible tales of the New York boat horror, it must have been fearful.

Friday June 17 Cold morning and evening but most beautiful day. Anna cleaned dining room. Miss O’Brien called evening.

Saturday June 18 Beautiful day. Anna, Howard and I took a walk over on Grand River evening, bought socks, medicine, screen, and Howard a garden set, rake, shovel and hoe, he was tickled most to pieces. Grocer Osborne has sold out to another man by the name of Osborne.

Sunday June 19 Beautiful day, worked. Childrens day at the Church, Anna took Howard and he behaved fine. Chas. Bevis & wife called this afternoon.

Monday June 20 Big rain last night and showers all day but very warm. Mabel home this week on a vacation. Met. Mrs. Rockwell.

Tuesday June 21 Warm, some rain. Anna and Howard went to Northville this noon to stay the rest of the week.

Wednesday June 22 Cool and fine. Painted at the kitchen floor this morning and at noon, very tired at night.

Thursday June 23 Nice day. Finished the kitchen floor at night, tired out and do not like getting along at all.

Friday June 24 Cool shower early in the morning but came out hot and awfully hot in the afternoon. A man by the name of Charles A. Swayse shot a Miss Effie L. Aloord, on the 10 floor of the Chamber of Commerce Bld., then jumped out of the window and was killed, this forenoon.

Saturday June 25 Cooler than yesterday, made a big threat to rain and storm, but only rained a little. Went to Northville on the 6 oclock car, it was a fine ride out and Howard saw me coming and ran laughing and jumping to meet me.

Sunday June 26 We have had a most beautiful day at Northville, saw every body and had a fine time. I came home in the evening, Anna and Howard staid to come tomorrow. Howard just loves it out at Gummies house and plays out doors all the time. The Mulberries are ripe now and he eats bushels of them and strawberries too. and he likes the flowers, he holds a flower up and says Papa “ponch”, that is the word he uses for smell, ask him to say smell and he will say “ponch.” He says Howard “giggle” posie, for Howard get the posie, “brimborre” for window.

Monday June 27 Beautiful day. Anna and Howard came home this afternoon. The kitchen floor remained sticky for a day or two but seems all right now. Mabel came back tonight. Got a letter from Herbert today.

Tuesday June 28 Cool today and threatening rain.

Wednesday June 29 Fine day till 5 P.M. then rained. Did not work today, Anna, Howard and I went to Bois Blanc Island on the Trumbull Sunday School excursion. We had a very fine time, all of our neighbors were there. Howard just more than enjoyed it and he ran and jumped and rolled and dug all day long to his hearts content. It rained towards night but did not spoil our fun.

Thursday June 30 Fine day, hard shower about 4 P.M. Feel a little stiff and old today after my outing yesterday. This is Mabels birthday, we got her only a box of candy. Howard has a slight cold today, but keeps on the jump just the same.

July 1904

Friday July 1 Cool and rain, hard shower about 4 P.M.

Saturday July 2 Fine day. Howard quite sick last night. Hair cut. Anna, Howard and I went down town after supper, bought Howard brown shoes, stockings, etc. It is rather hard work to take Howard down town in the crowd but he enjoys it so, we enjoy it too.

Sunday July 3 Cool but very fine day. Worked, spent the rest of the day very quietly at home. There is considerable 4th of July going on around here today. I have no love for these big fire crackers, etc., they cause the loss of too many eyes, hands and even lives.

Monday July 4 Fine day, threatened rain all day but did not rain till evening, then it rained lightly 2 or 3 times. Hardenburgs had a gathering of relatives, Mother & Father, Asa Joy wife and daughter, Jim Joy & Family, John Hahn & family, Will Perkins & family, Etta Cudworth & friend, Delia Hopkin & Howard Hopkin, Edna & Clarence, Vina Joy & Mother, Geo.s wife & baby, and my family. We had a fine time but the 4th seemed rather more quiet than usual. The Putnam people had a big celebration.

Tuesday July 5 Beautiful day. Mother & Father staid here last night and went home this morning. The paper is full of 4th of July accidents this morning, lives lost, eyes put out, hands blown off, etc. along with several drowned and the terrible disaster at sea, the Steamer Norge went onto rocks and sank with nearly 700 lives lost.

Wednesday July 6 Cool, rainy day.

Thursday July 7 Cool, cloudy and some rain.

Friday July 8 Cool and rainy. McLeod here at dinner.

Saturday July 9 Hot, close and rains. Mother Clarkson came in, Mabel did not go home.

Sunday July 10 Hot and close. Went to Church A.M. Gummie Clarkson here.

Monday July 11 Hot but fine day. Anna, Howard and Gummie went down to see Judge Durfee but did not succeed, he was so busy. Gummie went home in the evening.

Tuesday July 12 Cool and a delightful day. Howard has both stomach teeth now, one has been through for a month or more the other one just through. His teeth have all come in the regular order. He always had a sick spell when one started, it seems as tho they have come awfully hard but caused no serious trouble. He is getting so he talks right along now and is so cute with his funny words and ways of expressing himself.

Wednesday July 13 Beautiful day, cool and delightful. Anna, Howard, Mabel and I went to Belle Isle after work. Went over on the Canadian side and ate our lunch on the bank of the river, then walked back to the Casino by way of the animals, then took boat home. It was fine, Howard enjoys it so, it is a pleasure to take him.

Thursday July 14 Threatening all day a little rain. Al Houston dead.

Friday July 15 Very warm but fine.

Saturday July 16 Very warm.

Sunday July 17 Hottest day yet, up into the 90s. Worked, mail light. One can only sit and pant and perspire today. Howard is rather cross these days I guess he is getting his double teeth now, any way he acts like it. The report that 30,000 Japs had been blown up by “mines” out of Pt. Arthur was only a fake. The Japs are doing things to the Russians right along and it seems to be the opinion now that they stand a good chance to win.

Monday July 18 Another scorcher today, as bad as yesterday only a little more breeze.

Tuesday July 19 Still very hot.

Wednesday July 20 Still very warm but better than yesterday. Inez Hart called this evening.

Thursday July 21 Fine day, cool breeze all day. Anna & I went up and called on Frank Geppart & wife, she was Vivian Lake. They have a fine new home on McGraw near Grand River and a baby girl five months old today.

Friday July 22 Quite cool, big rain and hail storm about noon. Anna quite miserable today.

Saturday July 23 Cool and threatening a few drops of rain. All went to Northville today.

Sunday July 24 Cool, a few drops of rain, at Northville today. At my Mothers for dinner and Clarksons for supper. Home in the evening. Howard calls Grandma “Gummie” and Grandpa “Kuffo”. He talks every thing now and is very cute about it. Kitchen is “kitch”, Papa go “kitch” get “Howo”, “wink gas” drink glass, he says.

Monday July 25 Quite cool but fine day. Lydia Joy here at supper. Belle Hardenburg was taken with one of her fainting spells Saturday night, but is better today.

Tuesday July 26 Fine day. Ted, Norine and baby Clarkson came in today. Ted went to the races P.M.

Wednesday July 27 Fine day, rained last night. Ted & Norine & baby went home today. Some rain about 2 P.M.

Thursday July 28 Cool day, some rain. Went up to Bellers with 5 or 6 Carriers, and went in bathing but it was so cold that I could not stand it more than a few minutes, we then went over on the Island for a while.

Friday July 29 Cool but fine day.

Saturday July 30 Fine day, warmer. Herbert came today he has been East to attend the Fishery Association meeting at Atlantic City and is here for a week on his way home. He went to Northville this afternoon but came back this Eve.

Sunday July 31 Fine day, worked. Herbert here today resting up. Quiet all day.

August 1904

Monday August 1 Cool and fine. Herbert here visiting around City.

Tuesday August 2 Fine day. Up at Geo.s at noon to see if he could go to Put in Bay, we are trying to get a family party to go. Geo did not know then. Herbert and I went up to Geo in the evening to make a visit , Geo thought he could get away tomorrow.

Wednesday August 3 Beautiful day. Herbert, Geo and I and family (Edna could not get away) went to Put in Bay on the “Frank & Kirby”. We had just a delightful trip, cool and calm, hardly a ripple on the Lake. We went up to see the Hotel Victory but took our dinner at a Hotel near the dock. We certainly had a fine day and a fine time. Howard enjoyed it to the full and was as good as good could be not a whimper all day long. One can enjoy taking such a kid as that.

Thursday August 4 Fine cool day. Back at work just the same as tho I never had a holiday. Herbert went to Northville this A.M. Mrs. Debow & friend this eve.

Friday August 5 Fine cool day. Do not feel well today.

Saturday August 6 Fine cool day, getting very dry, we need rain. Herbert came back from Northville this P.M. and went to ball game. We went down town after supper. Mabel did not go home today, went to stay with Miss Shafer tonight.

Sunday August 7 Fine cool day, very high wind. Got up early this morning and went to the Depot with Herbert, he took the 7:40 A.M. Wabash for home. The train was about an hour late. After he was gone I went down town to the river and watched the boats for a while. The river is so beautiful I wonder every time I see it why I do not go oftener.

Monday August 8 Fine but rather cool. Gummie Clarkson, Mrs. & Miss Vauzile came in this A.M. took dinner here, then they and Anna, Howard & Mabel took the P.M. boat to Bois Blanc. Mabel went home with her Mother in the Eve., she is on her vacation this week. I went down to the boat to meet them Eve.

Tuesday August 9 Cool, almost cold today.

Wednesday August 10 Thunder showers today and we needed them badly, very cool.

Thursday August 11 Fine day, cool.

Friday August 12 Fine day, cool.

Saturday August 13 Cool.

Sunday August 14 Fine warm day. Worked. Edna & Clarence up this afternoon.

Monday August 15 Fine day. Mail very light for a few days. Mabel back after a weeks vacation.

Tuesday August 16 Warm, rained last night. Howard says “shoot” when anything provokes him, and he says “I say not” and he is beginning to ask questions about everything.

Wednesday August 17 Cool and fine. Hair cut.

Thursday August 18 Cool, fine, very cool evening. Hanna is painting his house.

Friday August 19 Cool, rained all the afternoon and night.

Saturday August 20 Fine. Anna, Howard and Mabel went to Northville in the afternoon and I followed in the evening.

Sunday August 21 Very warm. At Northville, Howard enjoys being out here so much we just hate to take him away. Anna & Howard staid but I came home in the evening. They are just beginning to work on the grade seperation at Grand River & R.R. and at Warren & R.R. it must be they are doing both at once. The Grand River cars run down Humbolt to Warren then over Warren back to Grand River.

Monday August 22 Warm and rain A.M., cool P.M. Mabel came back but Anna and Howard did not come.

Tuesday August 23 Nice day. Anna and Howard came home this afternoon.

Wednesday August 24 Fine day. Down to the Gold office after work. Paid premium on my New England Life Insurance, $56.95.

Thursday August 25 Warm morning, cool P.M., heavy shower about noon.

Friday August 26 Very cool this morning. Anna went to see Dentist and called on Mrs. Ouelette.

Saturday August 27 Fine day.

Sunday August 28 Fine day. Worked. Went to see Dr. Bell about my lip, I have had a little sore on it for some time and was afraid it might be some serious like cancer or something but he thought it nothing serious. Anna & Fred Fry and Inez Hart called.

Monday August 29 Rained pretty much all of the forenoon. Fred & Anna Fry here at supper, they with Mabel went out for the evening.

Tuesday August 30 Very cool.

Wednesday August 31 Fine day, cool. Anna went to the Dentist and left Howard with Mrs. Burns, the 1st time she ever left him with any body but the family, he got along fine.

September 1904

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday September 6 Nice day.

Wednesday September 7 Cool, rain in the evening.

Thursday September 8 Cool, cloudy.

Friday September 9 Fine day, cool.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday September 16 Beautiful day, cool.

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

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

Monday September 19 Fair day, warm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday September 26 Fair day.

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

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

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

Friday September 30 Cooler today.

October 1904

Saturday October 1 Cool but not at all cold. Cloudy and a few drops of rain in the evening. Kate Kingswell and Mrs. Graham called this afternoon and staid to supper. They arrived from Los Angeles, Cal. last night. Kate has lived there now for 9 years.

Sunday October 2 Cool but pleasant. Home today, have not been out of the house. Had a good time with Howard, I enjoy a day with him when I am not so tired as I am work days.

Monday October 3 [no entry]

Tuesday October 4 Cold, damp and a misty rain. Kate Kingswell & Mrs. Graham up nearly all day.

Wednesday October 5 Cold, damp and some rain. I got a ton of coke but I cannot succeed in getting a fire in the grate, it does not ignite like coal. I guess the coke is too large. Mabel went to stay with Kate tonight.

Thursday October 6 Cold, but clear and beautiful. We have to have a fire now. Yesterday and again today Howard came to his Mama and said he was so sleepy & tired, ‘Howard go up and seep till Papa come home’, so up stairs he went and got into his bed and went to sleep. His Mama went up a few minutes later and found him fast asleep and all covered up as nice as could be, and he slept till I came home for dinner.

Friday October 7 Fine day, Beautiful. Anna and Howard took a walk down to Aunt Dills in the afternoon.

Saturday October 8 Warmer, rain A.M. and evening. Kate up and staid last night and went to Northville with Mabel this afternoon. I have a bad cold in my head but I went down town in the evening and bought supplies and a little cart at the 10¢ store for Howard. I put it under his bed and he found it in the morning and was very much pleased, he said “Howard so tickled.”

Sunday October 9 Warm, quite warm. “Worked”, so warm we had the doors open, and sit on the steps. Anna, Howard and I took a little walk P.M.

Monday October 10 Very hot, up into the 80s, big rain storm about 6 P.M. Mabel came from the Trumbull car in it and was just soaked to the skin.

Tuesday October 11 Cooler and rainy. Kate here, she and Mrs. Graham took the 4 oclock boat for Buffalo, it is not very pleasant for a boat ride, rained but was not windy.

Wednesday October 12 Cold again, cloudy and threatening all day. Mrs. Parks called. Potatoes 6 bags, and a big barrel of cabbages, squashes, turnips, pumpkins, Etc. came from Northville today. Mabel went to Northville this afternoon to attend the wedding of Beth Wheeler. Put small stove up in the dining room.

Thursday October 13 Cold, cloudy. Got in 50¢ worth of kindling wood from the McGreger Mission. Hair cut.

Friday October 14 [no entry]

Saturday October 15 Beautiful day, warming up. Anna and Howard went to Northville, I intended to go this evening but all Carriers are ordered to work tomorrow on account of the election stuff going through the mails, so I could not go. Went down town and went to the temple theater.

Sunday October 16 Beautiful day. Worked from 10 to 12 then took 12 oclock car for Northville. The country is just beautiful, the trees are in their autumn dress and it was such a fine day I felt well repaid for my trip. Came home at 8:30 car.

Monday October 17 Another one of those beautiful fall days, warm and pleasant. I had 98 lbs. of mail this morning, got in at 12:45, could only get to the factories P.M. Anna and Howard came home this afternoon, it seems a shame to bring him home he has such a fine time out there. Anna said he just had more fun playing in the leaves and did not want to come home.

Tuesday October 18 Beautiful, warm and delightful. We are weighing the mail again. Kate Kingswell came back from Buffalo and the Falls today.

Wednesday October 19 Still beautiful. Registered and voted today.

Thursday October 20 Fine but not quite so fine, cooler and cloudy. Fire today. Anna, Howard, Kate and Mrs. Graham went down town this afternoon. Anna bought herself a long cloak and Howard a new pair of shoes. Howard acted so proud and pleased with his shoes it is the first time he has acted proud over anything.

Friday October 21 Not so nice, cold wind, cloudy and some cold rain this P.M.

'Northville Record' 10/21/1904, p.4, c.2

Saturday October 22 Cold, some rain, windy. Went down to shoemaker Geo. and got my shoes, 75¢. Too tired to go down town evening. Mabel went to Pontiac to stay over Sunday.

Sunday October 23 Cool but pleasant. Went to Church, fine serman. At home the rest of the day. Kate left us today to go to Mrs. Grahams.

Monday October 24 Cold and fearful windy, terrific wind from the S.W. Gummie came in to stay a few days.

Tuesday October 25 Cold and raw, threatening. Anna gave a dinner to several Aunts today. Mrs. Graham, Kate Kingswell, Aunt Dill, Inez, Mrs. Pratt, Gummie, Mabel, and us. I went down to the Light Guard Armery this evening to hear John Sharp Williams, he is not a very distinguished or well groomed looking man but a smart and impressive speaker.

Wednesday October 26 Cold, raw and threatening, a few drops of rain. Kate and Mrs. Graham started for Canarada [sic] today. 131 N. Boulevard taken off of my route today.

Thursday October 27 Cold, froze ice last night but was bright and pleasant. Washed the windows outside.

Friday October 28 Cold but pleasant. Gummie came back from Clawson tonight.

Saturday October 29 Beautiful day. Mabel and her Mother went home today. Anna, Howard and I went down town in the evening, bought curtains at Elliotts, meat and a few things and came home tired out.

Sunday October 30 Beautiful day, worked, the rest of the day quietly at home. Mabel came back tonight.

Monday October 31 Still Beautiful weather, cold nights but beautiful days. This is Halloween and the kids are out in force with their Jack Lanterns, “funny face” (Howard calls them) and their tappings and yells. I suppose they are just more than having fun. They put a “funny face” up at our window some time ago and frightened Howard so that he dont want any thing to do with them or see them. He never knew what it was to be afraid before but now he is afraid to go into the dark anywhere and even screams out in his sleep about “that funny face.” It seems such a shame that it happened.

November 1904

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

Wednesday November 2 Beautiful weather.

Thursday November 3 Still Beautiful.

Friday November 4 Grand weather.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday November 29 [no entry]

Wednesday November 30 [no entry]

December 1904

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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