Gladys – October 28, 1970

Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
W. Lafayette, Ind. 47906
October 28, 1970

Dear David, Bonnie and Debby,

We have made plane reservation to fly to Boston November 24^th (will be there to celebrate Dad’s birthday the 25^th). We will arrive in Boston at 6:49 Tuesday evening on TWA. Will return home on Sunday – leaving Boston at 5 PM American. We will travel via Chicago going and coming.

Monday evening we went to Kentland. Dad gave a program for Rotary. I went to Johnsons and Dorothy and Lucille and I went to the NuJoy for dinner. After dinner we went to Mrs. Myers and I showed them some of our slides from Japan. We are to go to Kentland for Bridge Club Sun. evening and I have promised to see Mrs. M. again before club. She keeps asking me about you and if we have heard from you. She feels so alone now since Harold and Doris are not living in Kentland now. They manage to go over form Monticello about twice a month and see her. She has a few people who help her with her shopping and take her to the foot doctor. She never gets out of her apartment except to go to the hair dresser and to the foot dr. I wish you would take time to write her at least once a week, if only a few lines. It would mean so much to her. I know you are busy, but a few minutes of your time would mean so very much to her.

Tomorrow I have to go to Rochester (Ind) to a Conference meeting. Heard on the radio today that the temperature is going to drop some before morning. It has been warm and raining today. I was out twice today and didn’t wear my boots the first time and I know my shoes got soggy. The second time out, I was prepared for rain. Dad had said at noon it if stopped raining this afternoon he would rake leaves when he came home—you can guess he didn’t. He potted some bonsai trees instead. We have a new lamp post for the front yard. The court is so dark, we figure it will be worth what the electricity costs, just to have the light. There has been a rash of robberies close to Glenwood Heights, so we have been leaving the kitchen light on all night.

I hope our plans meet with your approval, but at this time of year we figured we had better [plan] the plane reservations a little

[page 2] ahead of time. We were afraid we had waited too long as it is.

Let us know.
Love Mother

P.S. Hope Bonnie’s hair hasn’t gotten too long by the time we get there. Will see if Shirley still has anything of Becky’s that Debby can wear.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/28/gladys-october-28-1970/

Fayette Friday – Eudora R. Scofield, January 9, 1883

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Letter transcription:

Bloomington Ill. Jan 9^th 1883.
Miss Lena Scofield
Connersville Ind.

Dear Aunt Lena:

Perhaps you think less of me for not being more prompt in Answering. O! it so hard for me to write any more. I would be pleased to get letter from you every week and I do hope we will commence [?] to do. I write as often to you as any body. I am so home sick all time that I can hardly live. You can see great many changes there I suppose. I wish I could get a look once more of “home,” You

[page 2] ought to see us. I am going to be the smallest. LeRoy & James are so large and Minnie would scare you. She is every way larger than I am. Floy is just as nice & sweet as ever. Little Taddie is waring [wearing] pants and to keep his feet dry—we were forced to buy him rubber boots. “He will coast with neighbor boys,” he is out half time this bitter cold weather, when he is in doors every thing takes tumble—after he leaves house looks like whirl wind had pass through. Then he is quick smart (can sware little) [to much]. He does now not much, but for awhile Ma could not do anything with him, she would call him home and talk to him—he would listen while she talked, then after she thought he would be alright

[page 3] he would look at her and laugh—say same thing over, before he got off porch. O we did have time with him for awhile. He is a pretty child. The boys spoils him. Orthar is growing—He is little [?]fied yet. His dimples stays with him. How did you enjoy Christmas? And you remember the New Years surprise at our house. Now I often think of the beautiful times we have had together. I heard Aunt Ella had baby is it so—If boy name it Frankie—ask [?] Ross why I like the name. Or Wilbur I went with a splendid young man by name “Wilbur May” last winter. I rece’d for Christmas gifts—a silk handkerchief from Mr. S. A book—“Byron’s peoms”—from Mr. K A Christmas card—from Mr. T Also card from one [?] scholars. I have class

[page 4] in Christian school numbering twelve boys. At Mission in after=noon I has six girls. So you see Sunday is laboring day for me also. I clerked at [?] store during Hollidays, and bought me new dress which I finished last Saterday week ago. [casmire skirt and plush basque] Do you ever see R.N.S.? I wish he would write: tell where he is. He got mad. I think over a yellow envelope but he sent me one—[Perhaps through a mistake] but I sent him home back. Never heard of him since. Does J.K. drink yet? Who did Charles Robinson marry? I wish you was near I would divide my New Year’s candy with you. I am making me silk quilt send me piece of your silk dresses the pattern is log cabin (in strips) you know.

[to page 1] I do not know much to tell that would interest you. We are all well. The protracted meeting begin here next week. This week is week of prayer here—This after=noon the meeting was at our church—The people will meet in different churches this week. I went this after=noon. Have some place to go every evening if I could have time to go. LeRoy and Minnie takes music [instrumental] lessons of Miss Wolcott. I could if I would

[top of page 4] but I will not for two Scofield is enough in one family. James goes to night school. Minnie and Floy goes to day school. I did start to study latin but my teacher, had company from Ind and so I would not intrude so I have let it go by. I close with love to you and all inquiring friends.

[top of page 3] Do you ever see Jessie Pennington? She owes me letter tell her. Do you ever see Eva Barnard who does she go with?

[top of page 2] From your Neice,

Eudora R. Scofield

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/27/fayette-friday-eudora-r-scofield-january-9-1883/

David’s Diary – October 28, 1970

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Wednesday, 28 October 1970

Up a few minutes before 9:00—up too late really. I shaved hurriedly, then went to Rev. Bailey’s home—we 4 clergy (Bamforth, Nutting, Bailey and myself) had agreed to meet every now + then to discuss our beliefs. It proved to be an interesting morning—Bamforth had to leave early, but the rest of us stayed until after 12:00. I came home, we had lunch then I turned to working at my desk. Around 2 o’clock or so I went to visit John Wicky—he is home from the hospital now. I had a long chat with him and Bertha—ranging over a wide range of subjects. Came home, returned to my desk. I’m slowly getting things cleared away there, but there’s still much to do. Late in the afternoon I had a long phone conversation with D. S. Mac White. Bonnie went out to do shopping. When she returned home I helped her unload the car, then did some work on the kitchen cabinet doors before supper. After eating we watched CBS news. Then the evening followed the same pattern of many recent evenings—had the TV on and worked on getting doors on. I finished the bathroom doors, then got going on the painting of them. Got two done, then relaxed, watched TV. Helped clean up. Bathed, watched some of Johnny Carson. OBLO, c. 12:30.

Thursday, 29 October 1970

Up shortly before 8:00 after Θ, Shaved, had breakfast—I left town about 8:45—I had an appointment with Don McGaw in Lynn—got there about 9:32. My main concern in going to see him was to get suggestions, guidelines, advice on pre-marital counseling. I’ve never done it before, on any real basis, and it’s part of my professional life which is sadly underdeveloped. He was able to offer a lot of helpful suggestions. I wouldn’t know where to begin, and now I think I have some ideas. We went out to eat—got onto route 1—then he drove me back to his house to get my car—he hadn’t been thinking, or I’d have driven my car to the restaurant too, then I could have gone straight on into Boston. As it was about 10 min. late to my appointment with Richardson. It was quite an hour with him; I said probably no more than 10 sentences. He had the exam in front of him, and went through it from beginning to end, picking it apart; I haven’t the faintest notion when (or if) I’ll be prepared to write an exam to his satisfaction; he made bibliographical suggestions—and I spent some time in the library getting them together and xeroxing. Left Boston about 3:40—got home about 5:00 (stopped to buy a pecan pie), had supper, watched CBS news; went so see Bertha Wicky—whose brother-in-law died; came home; 8:00-10:30 at Patriquins watching Ironsides; came home, relaxed, bathed, OBLO c 11:45.

Friday, 30 October 1970

Up about 8:45 after Θ. Had breakfast, then spent some time puttering—hanging cabinet doors. Then shaved. About 11 o’clock I went over to Pigeon Cove, picked up a book from Sue Lee, Two Children by Choice; we’d loaned her the book, and I need it for preparing Sunday’s sermon. Then I went to see Mrs. Prindall, whose husband just died; I’ll be doing his funeral tomorrow. It was a short visit; I was home by about 11:30. Went through the mail—Carol Lewis was here with Chris. We all had lunch together. Bonnie left for work, then Carol left shortly thereafter. I had intended to get to work on the sermon, but was very tired; I napped until about 3:00. Then I decided to get more painting done; so I did the back (i.e. inside) of the cupboard above the sink. When I finished this I called Don McGaw to tell him that I won’t be going to conference tomorrow because of the funeral. Finally late in the afternoon I started on the sermon. But shortly after Bonnie got home we fixed supper. We caught only a few minutes here and there of CBS news because we discovered fungus on some of the fish and had to start the salt treatments. At 7:20 went to the Lewis’s for the evening; watched Sargent/White debate, played password, just talked, watched Nixon speech. Home about 12:15; treated fish; very weary; OBLO, 1:10.

Saturday, 31 October 1970

Up about 8:30 or 9:00. Had only juice for breakfast, and got to work on my sermon. There were interruptions and distractions, but I did make some progress. About 11 o’clock Bill McKinney was knocking at the door—he’s up from NYC for the weekend. We had a brief visit—Bonnie arrived home from errands with Debbie while he was here. Two books came in the mail. I worked further on the sermon, then shaved before eating. I made a little more progress on the sermon, and while I was preparing to go to the funeral, Wm and Cameron Sesto appeared at the door! I had to leave almost immediately for the funeral however. 2:00-3:00 was spent at the funeral home + cemetery—William Hanson Prindall, Bertha Wicky’s sister’s husband—90 years old. When I got home I returned to work on the sermon. We also were occupied off and on during the day with the fish—another died. Don’t know whether we’ll be able to save them or not. Wm + Cameron went out photographing part of the afternoon—but they had supper with us and left shortly thereafter. Then I spent the evening working on the sermon and preparing the service—the sermon is lengthy—so I eliminated some other items in the service. Finished up about 11:30. Bathed; OBLO c. 12:30.

David’s Diary, October 31, 1970

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Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/26/davids-diary-october-28-1970/

David’s Diary – October 24, 1970

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Saturday, 24 October 1970

Didn’t get out of bed til almost 10:00. Thus the morning was rather short. Tried to get going on the sermon, but when the mail came I went through it. The biography of John XXIII which I’d ordered came. The weather was simply beautiful—warm, sun out—so I decided to get some outside work done, i.e., cleaned the mower, put in new oil, prepared it for the winter. Debbie “helped” me—and in the process got rather wet; she had great fun with the hose. When the mower was ready, I brought the hose in, hung it in the basement. We then had lunch, it was after 1:00. I showered before eating, so right after was reading to go calling. I went to the Hannibals first, then went to the Den-Mar to visit Esther Longley; then I came home briefly—then went down to see Lucy Patience. I left her home about 5:30—dropped in to see Kay—stayed and chatted with her and Les about 20 min or so. Came home. Bonnie was preparing supper—I helped with it. She did her Xmas shopping this a.m., i.e., bought some things to send to her folks. After supper I had to devote the evening—aside from a couple of breaks to play with Debbie—to preparing for tomorrow. Worked on the sermon, which was a remake of last year’s reformation sermon; did bulletins; prepared SS lesson. Our mother Mollie had her babies—we noticed about midnight—put her back in the main tank. Bathed, OBLO; 1:35 (but time change, gain hour).

Sunday, 25 October 1970

Up about 8:15—shaved, prepared to receive my class—all were late—had 4; we read through Genesis 1-3, discussing differences and important features. About 10:40 I arrived at the church. An average attendance; I preached on the theme of the Reformation’s contribution the Bible study + reading. When we got home from church I set about moving fish around, i.e., Black Mollies back to tank #1, so that the new baby mollies could be put in tank #2 (only the neons and a lazy cat fish). We had lunch, I finished monkeying with the fish, tied to relax—I actually napped—fell asleep between 1:45 and 2:15. Got up, prepared to leave. Hazel Brady arrived at 2:30—we went to get Gladys Haskell, and then went to Wesley Church Gloucester for C.A.M.P. meeting. Main item of business was the drug program—also I got paid $280.00. This was over by 4:30. Came home, Hazel visited with us a while, then left. We prepared supper—the evening was spent working. I sanded the rest of the doors for the kitchen cabinet, Bonnie varnished. Then I started work on the doors for the bathroom shelves—i.e., I worked on the piece to mount the doors on—this had to be fitted. TV was on most of the evening—a series of good programs on channel 2; Bonnie introduced mother cat to the fish, who hadn’t noticed them yet. She is quite interested now! Bathed, read in bed; LO, c.12:50 Θ.

Monday, 26 October 1970

Up between 9:00 and 9:30. Had breakfast, shaved. My main concern for the morning was to get two Eagle articles prepared—the regular church news, plus an item about the upcoming drug program. I had to do some phoning—and got a return call before I could do the second one however. So in the meantime I took care of other things, i.e., some desk work, looking through mail. Then I went to the Eagle office very late in the a.m.—from there to the Post Office to mail Bonnie’s Christmas package to her parents. Then I went to L.E. Smiths + Building Center for paint and door hardware. Got home after noon, we had lunch, Bonnie headed for work. Early in the afternoon I napped for a while, did desk work. But my main concern was to get posters ready to put in the high school—tonight is an open house. I found the package of drug posters from last July program, simply altered them slightly—although this did take some time. About 4:45 I began working on supper and it was about ready when Bonnie got home. We ate, watched CBS news. Just when this was almost over, I went to the high school with the posters—came right back so that Bonnie could be at Chorus Rehearsal by 7:30. My evening was then spent working on the doors for the bathroom shelves—had TV on. I finally finished these—bathed about 1:00—up much too late; OBLO 1:40.

Tuesday, 27 October 1970

Up at 10:00. Had only a cup of coffee for breakfast—my main preoccupation for the day was desk work. I got a lot done—but there’s plenty more yet to do. Bonnie went out shopping part of the morning, and Debbie played with me in my study—I was doing things that didn’t require great concentration. We may be making some progress with her toilet training—she used her potty-chair today twice, once in the a.m., once in the evening. We’ve got it in her room, wired to the radiator so that she can’t carry it all over the room. After Bonnie got home from shopping we had lunch around noontime—then she left for work. I spent the afternoon at my desk—making phone calls, getting caught up on correspondence. I also prepared some more posters about the drug program. I had supper prepared by the time Bonnie got home, so we were finished eating by about 6:00. I then set off delivering posters. Took one to the community school, (stopped at Hazel Brady’s to pick up a check re: C.A.M.P.) went to the Tarr school, then to Pigeon Cove school. Stopped at Ornes for another check, chatted briefly with them—then came home about 7:30—The remainder of the evening I spent working on the doors for the kitchen shelves. By the time I quit about 11:15 I had the doors in place, with only routering edges and sanding yet to be done; bathed, watched some of Johnny Carson; OBLO 12:50.

David’s Diary, October 27, 1970

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David’s Diary – October 20, 1970

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Tuesday, 20 October 1970

[Top panel: 2 photos]

Up about 8:30. After breakfast tried to get going on desk work. My main involvement for the morning was putting together an order for Sunday bulletins. Late in the morning, after the mail arrived, I got out the lawn mower. I hadn’t mowed the lawn in months—and it’s on my list of things to get done—I mowed for about 45 min—up til exactly noon. Stopped for lunch. I had hoped to mow more in the afternoon. But I didn’t want to go outside until Debbie had settled down for a nap—which she didn’t do until about 4 o’clock. Before that I worked at my desk, put up the long bulletin board above my desk, trimmed it with blue paint. I’m slowly making progress getting some order to my desk + study. I napped about ½ hour before 4:00. Then about 4:15 I went out to mow—which I continued until about 5:20. At that time I came in, relaxed briefly, Bonnie came home, we worked on supper. Right after supper I got to work cutting out the rest of the doors for the kitchen + bathroom doors. I spent most of the evening on this; about 9:00 we discovered Debbie in her room. She had emptied a can of talcum powder all over the room—what a mess! Took two photos. I finished sawing about 10:30—10:00–11:00 watched CBS news special on TV on campaigns. Watched news, J. Carson, bathed; OBLO, midnight.

Wednesday, 21 October 1970

[Top panel: 2 photos]

Θ before arising shortly after 9:00. I shaved, then had breakfast. One of the first things to do was to put Debbie’s new deacon’s bench toy box into her room—I took a couple of photos. Homer Orne stopped by with a check I requested to be sent to Whittemores for bulletins. When the mail came I looked through Newsweek—I made some further progress in putting my study in order. We ate about 12:00—then we prepared to set out on our afternoon’s project: we went shopping at Mals, the[n] drove down to Beverly; we visited two pet shops, got more accessories for our fish tank—plus got another tank! –because it was on sale, for 5 or 6 dollars. Also got 9 more fish. We came home shortly before 5:00. There was a book on tropical fish just inside the door. I called Carol Lewis later and she confirmed that she had left it—it’s from the library. I spent a while tending to the fish tank, and helped with supper. We ate about 6:30. The evening was busy. The TV was on, but I worked on getting the doors ready for the kitchen cabinets. The offset grooves had to be made, plus the edges rounded off—I did both jobs with the router. Bonnie put more varnish on the frame over the radiator. After finishing with the doors, I relaxed, had snack, watched Johnny Carson a while; read briefly in bed after bathing; OBLO 1:30.

Thursday, 22 October 1970

Not up til about 9:30. This was one of those days I need very few of. It started off very well—I was making progress at my desk—then the mail came—about 11 o’clock—a letter from Dr. Beck: I did not pass the qualifying exam. He indicated that he thought it was a pass, but Dr. Richardson didn’t. I was quite stunned, shaken really. About 11:20 I tried to reach Dr. Beck on the phone—he was in conference. I tried again at 12:00—we had a brief chat—and agreed to meet tomorrow morning at 10:00. I also tried to reach Richardson no luck. I then told Bonnie—I wanted to try to get my mind off of it, so I went out to do the mowing. I did this for a while, came in about 1:45 for lunch. Kept trying to reach Richardson. Bonnie went off on errands, Debbie was asleep, so I did more mowing. I interrupted this to place a call again to Richardson—this time I got him—he’ll see me next Thurs. at 1:00. (He’s to be in NY earlier in the week). I finished the mowing, then went over to the hospital to see John Wicky, stopped at the pet shop on the way home to get some more aquarium supplies, went to see Bertha Wicky, then came home about 5:30. We ate about 6:00, watched CBS news; evening was spent watching TV (e.g., Ironsides), sanding cabinet doors, messing around with the fish and aquarium; bathed; OBLO, 11:52 Θ

Friday, 23 October 1970

[Top panel: Drue’s baby delivered last night at 11:41: Jennifer]

Got up at about 7:30. Shaved, had a hearty breakfast. Left for Boston about 8:30—driving rain. The Mystic River Bridge was backed up, so I didn’t get to Beck’s office until just about 10:00. We conferred about my failure on the qualifying exam: it was quite obvious that he was distressed that Richardson did not want to give the exam a passing grade—he didn’t feel that the exam was great, but he did consider it passing. So my next move is to see Richardson next week (my appointment with him is for Thurs.)—and Beck suggested also that I begin reviewing Eissfeldt again. I left his office shortly before 11:00, did a few errands, then headed home—got back to Rockport about 12:30. Had lunch, relaxed—rather weary. About 2:45 Margaret Reilly arrived; she had called last night that she was coming over. We had a nice long visit—til about 4:15—we had tea and cake together, talked about Alan, politics—especially Canadian—she thinks she witnessed the fleeing getaway car in the LaPorte kidnap.[1] After she left I did some work on supper, but tired to nap before Bonnie got home. When she arrived we had supper, after I went to Richdales on foot. Watched CBS news; went to hospital, saw Drue, Sully, John Wicky; came home, talked to Don McGaw on phone; tended to fish; sanded; bathed; watched some of Johnny Carson. OBLO c 12:41.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Laporte

David’s Diary, October 23, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/24/davids-diary-october-20-1970/

Random Records – Samuel Port a Foreigner

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Fayette County (Indiana) Civil Order Book D: 397 (Image courtesy of FamilySearch.org)

Fayette County, Indiana
Spring Term 1841
Civil Order Book D: 397

In the matter of }
Sam^l Port a Foreigner }

Samuel Port a native of Ireland in the Kingdom of
Great Brittian now comes into open Court and files a decla-
ration of his intention to become a citizen of the United
States as follows, under oath, to wit, “And now at this day
to Wit, 9^th day of April 1841 perally comes in open Court
Samuel Port Senr. aged seventy one years, who is now a resident
of the county of Fayette, who being duly sworn upon his oath
saith that he was born in the county of Derry in Ireland,
that he sailed from the port of Belfast on the first day of June
1832 and landed in the City of Baltimore about the first day
of August in the same year, that he now resides in the coun-
ty of Fayette where he has resided for at least eight years that
it is bona fide his intention to become a citizen of the United
States, and that it bona fide his intention to renounce all al-
legiance to any foreign prince potentate state or sovereignty what
soever and more particularly to Victoria Queen of the United
Kingdoms of Great Brittian and Ireland
Sworn to & subscribed in open Sam^l Port
Court this 9^th April 1841

G. Ginn Clk F.C.C.

©2017 transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
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David’s Diary – October 16, 1970

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Friday, 16 October 1970

[Top panel: a letter from Whitfords today that they have a new baby boy]

Up about 9:00. Had breakfast, then headed for the Building Center. I had to get some wood—some pine to replace the shelves which I ripped out last night. Also ordered 2 sheets of plywood for making doors for everything. When I got home I got to work with the pine which I’d brought home—Bonnie went shopping for aquarium supplies—just as the router is turning out to be my Xmas present, so the aquarium is turning out to be Bonnie’s. She got home shortly after 12:00—we fixed lunch, and she left for work after eating. I put Debbie in her room after she finished—she went to sleep. I continued for a while on the building—then took a break—while I was on the break the Building Center truck arrived with the plywood. I got back to work about 3:00. Had the shelves all up and two side pieces of the frame in place when Bonnie got home. I put chicken in the oven—while moving the TV into the living room I stepped on the cord so that it came loose from the back of the set—threw a spark—so now TV has to be repaired. After supper I went ahead working on the framework around shelves. Bonnie worked on getting the aquarium set up. I had to spend quite a bit of time rebuilding the marble-top table which is usually in the front hall—Bonnie has chosen it for the aquarium, but it wasn’t strong enough; back to work on the framework—finished it essentially, then bathed, OBLO about 2 AM (!)

Saturday, 17 October 1970

I didn’t sleep well last night—despite the late hour of retiring—then too, the fire siren blew erratically during the night and morning—so sleeping wasn’t easy. But I made it out of bed about 9:00—had some breakfast, but really felt lousy. Bonnie took off for Gloucester—to get TV cord replacement and some fish. She got back with cord but w/o fish—pet shop didn’t open til noon. While she was out I tried to figure how to put frame and doors on corner shelves—too many problems—so we decided to let those go. We fixed lunch, then after eating all three of us went to the pet store. We bought 8 fish and some supplies (also some water plants), got home about 2 o’clock—Bonnie put the plants in the water, we let the fish float in the plastic bag in the water for about 20 min—then released them. Then we left for the garden—did(n’t) get there til about 2:45. We worked for a while, but I was just too exhausted—we came home—I collapsed into bed. Later Bonnie came to nap too—and Debbie was out of it. About 5:45 I began puttering in the kitchen—baked a cake. Gary Wait arrived about 6:30. We had supper together, then spent the evening watching a film on TV—The Russians Are Coming—before which Gary and I did the bulletin for tomorrow’s service—after which we talked about fish; B + I bathed together; OBLO, c. 12:50 Θ.

Sunday, 18 October 1970

Up about 7:30—shaved, had a quick breakfast—we left about 8:15 for Cambridge. We followed Jerry + Carol Lewis—Elizabeth Knowlton rode with us. We got to the Quaker meeting about 9:20—left Debbie and Chris in the nursery—meeting lasted about an hour. Predominantly young people—the children left about 9:55—only 2 people were moved to speak. It is a form of worship one will have to get used to, but I find it more meaningful than the Methodist—or general Protestant—liturgy—words, empty words. I wish that we could go more often. Someday. We had a coffee hour after meeting was over—then headed home. Jerry + Carol came for lunch, and Gary Wait too. Elizabeth couldn’t stay that long. Early in the afternoon we visited with our company. But by 3 o’clock they had all cleared out—about 3:00 Gary went out for a walk. Then Bonnie and I napped—Debbie was already asleep. I got up after 5:00. Did some sketches for a stand to hold 3 fish tanks. About 6:30 I had some supper. Gary came in (with a friend) and left for the train soon after. The friend had come to Rockport on the train earlier in the day. At 7:00 I picked up the Ornes, we went to the subdistrict meeting in Ipswich—re: Special Session of the Conf. on Oct 31. Got home about 10:00. Had a snack, did some sanding in the kitchen, but tried to relax. Read in bed briefly; LO.

Monday, 19 October 1970

Up about 9:00—and not feeling a bit like getting up. I wrote a brief article for the Eagle and took it over to the Eagle office. The rest of the morning I did some light reading, tried to get started on desk work, played with Debbie in the yard. About 11:45 I began getting lunch for us all. Bonnie had spent the morning varnishing the deacon’s bench, and shelves in kitchen, and was rushing to get them done. Just about noon, I got a call from the hospital: John Wicky, Bertha’s husband, had been admitted to ICU. I arranged to have Sarah Orne babysit with Debbie, shaved, got dressed, then went to the hospital at 1:00 with Bonnie. I saw John briefly, then returned to Rockport and spent about an hour chatting with Bertha. John’s condition doesn’t appear to be too bad. I returned home, Sarah left, (I found one of our tropical fish dead on the carpet) began desk work, which I continued until about 4:40. I hurriedly put supper in the oven; Debbie was just waking up. We then got in the car and drove over to get Bonnie. Came home, had supper, watched CBS news. Bonnie went to Community chorus rehearsal during the evening. I worked on the doors for the kitchen cabinet. Got two cut out, grooves cut, edges rounded, watched TV during this evenings work. Knocked off about 12:00; bathed; OBLO, c.1:15.

David’s Diary, October 19, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/22/davids-diary-october-16-1970/

David’s Diary – October 12, 1970

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Monday, 12 October 1970

This has been a more leisurely and relaxed day. We got out of bed when we felt like it—at least we stayed in bed until Debbie was too loud to be ignored any longer. I suppose we were all up by 9:00. We had planned to return to the lake to sail, but Marty didn’t feel like it—and the day was overcast like yesterday, though there was not as much fog. Finally we decided to go to a brand new shopping center. So we spent the late morning and early afternoon there. We bought a tablecloth, new sheets—two sets of brightly colored flower prints. Bonnie also bought some flannel for making nightgowns for Debbie. We didn’t get back to P + M’s house until after two—we had lunch—then most of us just felt like collapsing. I napped for a while—as did Paul, Marty, Debbie. Bonnie had energy, however, so she went to a shopping center to do a load of diapers and to get groceries. After she got home, we all came to life slowly—and had a delightful time just sitting around talking. Early in the afternoon I called Sears in Boston and ordered a router set—on sale $25 off!—watched CBS news—then about 8:00 we all went downtown for a Chinese dinner—delicious. Then home after 9:00. P + M headed for bed; I wrote rough draft of a letter to Rev. Scobie re: Harris baptism; OBLO, c. 11:00.

Tuesday, 13 October 1970

A tiring day. We were awake with Paul + Marty around 6:30–7:00 when they had to leave for school. But Bonnie, Debbie + I went back to bed when they had gone. We didn’t get up til about 9:00. We hurriedly dressed, packed, ate breakfast and loaded the car. We left their place about 10:15—we went across town to see the Stoners for a short while. Then after a visit there, and getting gasoline, we were on the NY thruway by about 11:45. We made good time getting home—we stopped a couple of times. We headed directly into Boston—traffic in the city was distressingly heavy. We went to Sears to pick up the router I had ordered. Luckily everything went smoothly. After leaving Sears we headed out of town, went to the N. Shore Shopping Center—we arrived there about 4:45. We were interested in locating a copy of Better Homes + Gardens Handyman’s Book—and we found it. Then we piled into the car again and headed home. We were here by 6:00. We busied ourselves with unloading the car and looking through the mail. I fixed supper for Bonnie, but wasn’t hungry myself. We relaxed, watched CBS news. About 8:00 I then fixed myself some supper. Debbie was in bed early—she was exhausted too. I spent the evening trying to figure out my new router—it’s quite a machine. Bathed about 11; OBLO c. midnight.

Wednesday, 14 October 1970

Up about 8:30 or so. Had breakfast, then worked on my letter to Rev. Skobe—he baptized (or is soon to) the Harris baby—which I refused to do—I wanted him to know my understanding of the situation. Then Bonnie, Debbie and I went to the Building Center; we got hardware for the kitchen cabinet doors I’m making—but no luck on certain router attachments. We came home, I called Building Center in Gloucester—then I went over there in the car, but no luck there either—went to Sears—ordered a part. Came home, had lunch. Bonnie left for work, Debbie played then slept in her room, and I got back to work on the kitchen shelves over the radiator. It took me all afternoon to get the frame out on, which will hold the doors. The house isn’t true, so that took some planing and some careful fitting. When Bonnie got home from work we called Jerry + Carol Lewis—invited them to come over for dessert at 8:00. We then had supper in the midst of carpentry mess—I continued working before and after supper until the Lewises arrived. We had a pleasant visit with them. While they were here I phoned in the order to Sears for several items which I’ll pick up tomorrow; also called Dr. Beck. The Lewises left about 10:00—then we watched TV as I continued to work on the frame around shelves—final nailing + sanding; bathed; relaxed, OBLO, c. 11:30 Θ

Thursday, 15 October 1970

Not up too early—by 9:30? Had breakfast, after shaving, which I hadn’t done since Monday evening before going to the Chinese restaurant. My main concern was to get the new frame around the shelves over the radiator sanded and varnished—this took me up til about 11:45. Then I went to the dump. Came home, prepared to leave for Boston, had lunch. Left about 1:00—got gas—but had to return—I was about to Ancher Inn when I remembered that I’d left the transfer of credit slips at home. Then I set out again. Got to BU about 2:30—large crowds outside CLA—a bomb threat. The next hour and half I bought Playboy, contacted Beck, checked on grade for one course. Had to see Beck at 3:00 and at 4:00—so glance(d) through Playboy in the interval. After seeing Beck 2^nd time left BU for Sears (also saw Elaine Follis at BU)—picked up several items: anchor bit, aquarium, tool box, house slippers. Headed home in heavy traffic, rain. Got here about 6:15. We ate supper, watched CBS news, looked over our new things. Relaxed, tested new router anchor, watched Flip Wilson. 8:30–9:30 Ironsides. Then I set to work on cabinet above sink, i.e., ripped out old shelves, sanded wall, measured, prepared to start building tomorrow; bathed, watched Johnny Carson; OBLO 12:50 Θ

David’s Diary, October 15, 1970

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield, December 21, 1882

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Letter transcription:

Muncie Ind. Dec 21/82

Dear Sister

You will no doubt wonder why I have not written but had the opportunity to look in on me some day you would soon divine the reason. I have been so busy that I have not spent an hour with Minnie since I left home, or in other words since I came here. Ettie was there one eve. last week but as I went to prayer meeting I did not spend much time there.

Ettie staid alone last Sund−. Jeff came up in the afternoon he went through the whole house, said “You keep things

[page 2] pretty clean.” We have both been well ever since I’ve left home. We have our house fixed about—as we expect to have it—for some time.

I got a bookcase but will need another some time, for it will not hold all my books now. Our house is as nice inside as could be desired, but the yard is mudy enough.

I am to preach here 2 Sund− in each mo.− this year $[?]25. At Hillsboro once per mo. and the other Sunday at Bethel or Tabon, I don’t know which yet.−

I expected to come home last Monday but could not. I will be down Monday week.

There is one thing I wish to speak of i.e. we have no cistern here and I want get that big barrel

[page 3] for rain watter. I will name several things I want to get. Sugar Box, Thermometer, sealing wax ladel, starch can, those two parlor chairs, Father’s picture, old pair low shoes, lard can & C&C.

It about mail time can’t write much more at present− How are you along? When will you leave home? When will Uncle be home? How is Ella?[1] How do the people like Bro W.− Where will Bro. Wiles preach next year?

Write soon, love to all, Ettie sends love, When will you be able to visit us?

Your Brother
Eugene

In haste.

[1] Likely a reference to their sister Ella, who just gave birth to her third child December 5, 1882.

David’s Diary – October 8, 1970

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Thursday, 8 October 1970

This turned out to be the morning to make a baby! I.E. yesterday Bonnie’s temperature was down sharply—indicating ovulation—hopefully. So we followed Dr. Settle’s [1] method for sex selection. Douche with water and baking soda—we tried to time it as close to the time of ovulation as possible—and we had abstained for two weeks to increase the sperm count—so if all went well, it’ll be a boy in 9 months. Θ+. Bonnie stayed in bed to remain in a horizontal position. I got up, gave Debbie her breakfast, also brought Bonnie hers in bed. During the morning I worked on the Deacon’s Bench. Bonnie got up about 2 hours after we’d had sex—but she was very lethargic—about 1:00 she fixed lunch. Early in the afternoon I finally finished the bench—sanding and all. I then cleaned up the dining room. Also earlier I’d received a phone call from Gary Wait, more details re: Sunday Service—and he’s coming up tomorrow so that we can leave for Schenectady on Sat. In the afternoon Bonnie stained the deacons bench, and I did some surveying and calculating concerning the shelves Bonnie wants in the kitchen. Went to the building center shortly before 5:00—got advice, tomorrow materials; I fixed supper when I got home. We watched TV—CBS news. Early in the evening we called Paul + Marty; went to Patriquins to watch Ironsides; Kay informed me that Scobe is baptizing the Harris baby—which I had refused; came home about 10:30—called Don McGaw; bathed, OBLO c 12:25.

Friday, 9 October 1970

Θ with foam—up about 8:30?—we had breakfast, then all got into the car and went to the Building Center. I bought a beautiful level—$9—but it’s a good one. Also bought the odds and ends for making the kitchen shelves—plus pine—the plywood for the doors will have to come next week. Just as we were arriving home the mail-man arrived—so I looked through Life magazine + I.F. Stone. Then I got to work on the shelves—we ate in the carpentry mess about 12:30. For the whole afternoon Debbie either played in her room or slept—and I went ahead on the shelves. I took a break around mid-afternoon. Bonnie got home about 5:15—then I went about rounding up my work—when I finished we cleaned up the dining room. I got the planks in place—next week I’ll do the framework and mount the doors. We worked on getting the house in order until about 6:45—then I went to the train station. As usual, the train was late—about 7:10. Picked up Gary Wait, who is here for the weekend to house sit, cat sit and preach for me on Sunday. Gary had never been to our house before—and it has been a long time since we’ve seen him to visit for any length of time. After supper we conferred on the Sunday service and bulletin—but we also had a chance to visit before and after I did the bulletins; we started heading for bed about midnight. Bonnie and I bathed together—OBLO, c. 12:45.

Saturday, 10 October 1970

Up about 8:00—we were eager to get on the road, but several things had to be done. After breakfast, I shaved—2 days worth—then Gary and I went up to the garden. We wanted to bring some vegetables with us to Paul + Marty. Got several eggplants, tomatoes, cucumbers. When Gary and I got home, we then walked down to the church—I wanted to show him where it was, the procedures for the service, etc. We then came home, a few minutes after 10:00. Then Bonnie and I busily began loading the car. We had wanted to get off by 10:30. But we didn’t quite make it. We didn’t leave Rockport until about 10:45. We made several stops on the way—for lunch at a lousy Howard Johnson’s—for a rest stop, for gas. We finally got to Paul and Marty’s place about 4:15. Their boat, the Abi Yoyo [??] is setting right outside their home—so the first thing we did was take a tour of it. Debbie seemed quite interested. We unloaded the car, relaxed—then set about fixing supper—I gave Marty some assistance. We ate about 5:45—a delicious chicken dish—with pecan pie for dessert. In the evening we viewed slides of their trip up the St. Lawrence River. Kay and Ellen came over—but everyone was rather tired, so it wasn’t a late night; OBLO by 10:30.

Sunday, 11 October 1970

Up about 6:45—hardly my idea of sleeping in on Sunday on vacation—but we wanted to get an early start to the lake—we left here just after 8:00—had to stop a couple of times to find a service station to get air in the tires. But we finally were whizzing on our way—the 5 of us in Paul’s car—in rain + drizzle. But by the time we arrived at the launching place (called “topaz”) near Lake Geo Village—the rain had stopped. There was still heavy overcast, fog. But we launched anyway—there was plenty of wind, which was rather chilly. Debbie seemed to enjoy the sailing, but the boat proved to be too small for someone so active. We sailed probably for more than 3 hours—we had lunch shortly after setting out. When we got back to the launch place, where we left the boat for overnight, we were pretty tired. Marty drove back to Schenectady—we piled into the house. Paul + I collapsed. Debbie was active since she’d slept in the car. Bonnie + Marty fixed supper. We ate about 5:30. The evening was spent “rotting our minds”—as Paul puts it, i.e., watching TV. We did this until about 9:00—then turned it off. Then we just sat around gabbing for a while—too pooped to do anything else—finally we headed for bed. OBLO, c. 10:55.

[1] Actually, Dr. Landrum Shettle— updated version of his book

David’s Diary, October 11, 1970

Genealogy Lady

Connecting history to the present generation

Gladys – October 28, 1970

Fayette Friday – Eudora R. Scofield, January 9, 1883