David’s Diary – June 18, 1970

Thursday, 18 June 1970

Not up until after 9:00. Had breakfast, then got to work again on Roberts’ OTTV—this again was my main preoccupation for the day. Late in the morning, after passing page 200, I shaved and bathed—actually about noon. Then I did some errands, e.g., changed the wayside pulpit. When I got home we had lunch, then I got down to reading again. Bonnie went off to do grocery shopping, Debbie played in her room. For lunch we had our first “crop” of strawberries—about 6–8 apiece! Few—but they were delicious. About mid-afternoon I had a long phone conversation with Jim Bussey. I was able to make some progress reading, but late in the afternoon I helped prepare supper. Read more after supper, made a phone call to Don McGaw to see if he’s going to keep the xerox copy he made of my doctrinal statement. About 8:15 we went down to Patriquins to watch Ironsides. We came home right when it was over—a thunderstorm was threatening. Rolland Villars was moving out next door—he was in a bad mood because Eddie Garcia wants him out by 12:00—when his lease expires—he wrote hate-notes, attached with knives; I photographed them—we discussed the situation til about midnight. Read, OBLO c. 1:00 A.M.

Friday, 19 June 1970

Up about 9:00—the first thing I called Mr. Howard Keeley at Gordon D.S. inquiring about Rolland Villard—and reporting his strange behavior. Then I had breakfast—and spent the morning trying to finish Roberts OTTV. There were various interruptions, so it took a while. Debbie has a cold apparently. Very runny nose, and it doesn’t take much to upset her. After Bonnie had left for work I finally succeeded in finishing Roberts. Then I had my lunch. The next order of business was the sermon, and this preoccupied me for the rest of the afternoon. During one break I watered the tomatoes and strawberries. I had most of the sermon done when time came for me to start thinking about supper. About  5 o’clock I lit the coals for frying hamburgers. When Bonnie came home (she went to the garden first, for salad greens) we worked on supper together. It was very delightful in the yard. After eating I went to Grace Harris’ to pick up baked goods for tomorrow’s sale. Came home, finished sermon, then we went for a walk down to Bearskin Neck. I got my peace medalion. Came home; I frosted a cake for the sale, did my bulletins; Sestos called—want me to write a letter of reference. Bathed about 11:00; read; OBLO c. 12:00 Θ

Saturday, 20 June 1970

Up about 7:45—ugh! I had to get shaved, get some breakfast, then be at the church by 8:30 to help transport baked goods to Wesley church in Gloucester. About 9:15 Gladys Haskell and I headed on over to Gloucester with the back of the Squareback filled with food. I came on home again about 10:00. I spent the rest of the morning puttering in my study, especially trying to get things straightened up. About noon I was about to have lunch when I got a call from Wesley church; the food sale had fizzled out over there—and they wanted to bring the rest of the food over to our church. So I immediately went to Gloucester and brought food back—helped Gladys + Hazel Brady get set up. Then I came home, had lunch, then napped for about a half hour. About 2:30 I arrived at the garden; planted squash, weeded in the tomato area. Came home about 5:00—spent the rest of the day in the kitchen really. Bonnie had a bad cold and sore throat—and Debbie has a cold. I made a custard for Bonnie, fixed supper, made a cake, cleaned up the kitchen. I wasn’t out of it until about 10:00. Then I relaxed—sat in my study for a while—then I had some of the cake I’d just made. Prepared the service, practiced the sermon; bathed; read; OBLO, 12:30.

Sunday, 21 June 1970

We got up about 7:40. Debbie was coughing—her cold has worsened—and Bonnie’s cold is still pretty bad. Debbie stayed in bed most of the morning. I had breakfast after shaving; I was up early enough not to be rushed; I picked the suckers off the tomato plants. I went to the church about 9:30. We had an average sized crowd; I reported on Conference, the sermon was called: “Keeping in Touch.” I got home about 12:30. Debbie was up running around—but coughing horribly. I fixed lunch—after going over to Bussey’s to get their vaporizer. About 2 o’clock I went over to the garden to cultivate the tomato plants—and to pick off the suckers from them. Left about 3:00—stopped by back beach on the way home to chat with Margaret Reilly—whom I saw strolling along. She’d seen Alan + Maria—they’d been up; Alan’s not in very good shape. I came on home. Had a snack with Bonnie. Relaxed, was in no mood to read, napped. Then we thought about supper—after I bathed—in order to get my hair washed. After supper I spent in evening reading—back to the “qualifying” worked—now I’m in Wurthwein. [1] About mid-evening we called the folks—to wish RSY happy Father’s Day; had a nice chat. Then spent the balance of the evening reading; OBLO, midnight.

Diary entry for June 21, 1970


[1] Probably Ernest Wurthwein, The Text of the Old Testament: An Introduction to the Biblia Hebraica

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/10/davids-diary-june-18-1970/

David’s Diary – June 14, 1970

Sunday, 14 June 1970

Up at 5:45 (ugh!)—shaved, got ready to go; we were on the road by 6:30. Arrived at the Bishop’s breakfast at 7:30. This lasted until about 9:00. There was breakfast as well as exhortation by the Bishop. After this broke up we assembled at Andrews Hall for the processional to Meeham Auditorium. The morning service began at 10:00. It was a long service—lasted 2 hrs. 40 minutes—out at 12:40. Included the ordination, sermon, 3 choirs, Lords Supper. When I was ordained Don McGaw joined in the laying on of hands. The most memorable part of the ceremony was Bishop Pickett’s addressing of the questions to the Elders elect. Bishop Pickett (86 years old) assisted Bishop Matthews throughout the service. We headed for Avon about 12:55—got there about 1:45. Had lunch out in the yard—a beautiful sunny day. Then I napped; I was exhausted and had a headache. About 4:00 we started loading the car—preparing to go. Left about 5:00—arrived Rockport at 630—unloaded, took Virginia Bate home, had supper, relaxed; then about 9:00, we went down to Patriquins to share our experience and to catch up on what’s been happening. But we came home shortly after 10:00—it has been an exhausting day, bathed together. OBLO, c. 11 o’clock.

Monday, 15 June 1970

Up about 8:30 after Θ. Went to Richdales for milk, bread, yogurt. Had breakfast, got to work writing this week’s article for the Eagle. I then shaved, and took the article to the Eagle office. From there I went to Mals to purchase a frame for my Elders ordination certificate. Came on home, framed it. Virginia came over to pick up some things she’d left. The morning went quickly. Bonnie left for work about 12:40. I had my lunch, gave Debbie hers; we then went for a walk down to Bearskin Neck. I was wanting to find a peace medallion—but had no luck. We came home; Debbie played in her pen in the yard (as she had this morning)—and I went about watering and applying Rapid-Gro to the strawberries and tomatoes. The strawberries are coming along well. I ate one today—the first of the crop—and it was pretty good. About mid-afternoon Debbie went down for a nap. I tried to read, but became drowsy—so I napped myself. I was just coming to when Bonnie arrived home. We fixed supper; watched CBS news. I got about a half hour of mowing done before Bonnie left for Community Chorus Rehearsal at 8:00. I then puttered at this and that but finally got down to reading in Roberts OTTV—this occupied me for the balance of the evening; had snack around 11:00; more reading; OBLO, 12:25.

Tuesday, 16 June 1970

[Top panel:  Debbie 22 mos today]

Up about 7:15—read while Bonnie was still in bed. After a while I decided to shave and bathe. Bonnie got up while I was still in the tub. My main concern for the day was to make progress in Roberts OTTV. So I spent the morning with this. Bonnie went to the garden to get some weeding done. After she got home, and before she went to work, I did some mowing. When she left I put Debbie out in her play yard while I had lunch. I let her play out there about an hour. It was hard for me to get much done while she was out there—it’s hard to supervise and study at the same time. Since she’d gotten sunburned yesterday I didn’t want her to have too much exposure today. I took a few pictures of her—with Christine [??] in one—in honor of her 22 month birthday. About two I put her down for a nap and she didn’t object. I then was able to study for the rest of the afternoon. Late in the afternoon I put a chocolate cake together—also helped Bonnie with supper—watched CBS news. Photo of Debbie + choc. cake. About 8:00 we left Debbie with Kay Patriquin, then we went to the Gloucester Drive-In to see a movie: Ann of 1000 Days—not bad—but not great. This was out shortly after 11:00—we picked up Debbie, came home, prepared for bed; OBLO midnight.

Wednesday, 17 June 1970

Up shortly before 9:00. Had breakfast, got some reading done in Roberts—this was my concern for the morning. In mid-morning, as a break from reading, I bathed and shaved. After lunch—which we had about 12:30—I went on errands. I went to the Rockport Library to look at Books in Print, I went looking for the peace-medallion again—but the shop that has them was still closed. Went to Gloucester for charcoal briquets + groceries. When I got home—about 1:45 I got back to reading. About mid-afternoon I got a call from Francis (Mrs.) Smith—a visitor in town—her father had been pastor here in 1923—C. B. Ware—she wanted to see the church. I called Homer Orne. We spent about an hour with her, at the church and parsonage. Homer remembered her as a little girl, even had some photos. We took pictures. When she left—her college age daughter was with her—I got back to studying, until about 5:00 or 5:30 when I [?began?] preparing for the Wesleyan Fellowship. Had to get the barbeque ready, get tables + chairs from the church. I lit the fire about 6:45. There were 10 altogether including us; 6 stayed after supper to play PoKeNo[1]—it broke up about 10:00. We had a snack, then I got some further reading done for about an hour; OBLO, c. 11:20.

Diary entry from June 17, 1970


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

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/09/davids-diary-june-14-1970/

Fayette Friday – An invitation to Miss Idea Zellers

[Editor’s note: I am unsure as to the identity of Mr. Fred G. Cotton. Census records do not show Mr. Cotton living in Connersville area in 1880. There are a couple scattered records for a Fred G. Cotton in later years, and in different regions of the country, but nothing conclusive. As for Miss Idea (or Ida) Zellers, there were two living in Fayette County, in 1880.]

Transcription:

Compliments of
Fred G. Cotton to
Miss Lena Scofield and
if agreeable he will be plea=
sed to accompany her
to Miss Idea Zellers tomorrow
evening

Nov. 9th 1881

 

 

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/08/fayette-friday-an-invitation-to-miss-idea-zellers/

David’s Diary – June 10, 1970

Wednesday, 10 June 1970

We got up about 7:30 or so. Had breakfast, shaved, prepared to leave Avon. Got in the road about 8:45—arrived at the Myles Standish State Forrest [1] about 9:45. We got our campsite—in Bartlett 1. We spent the rest of the morning getting set up and relaxing. What leisurely reading I got done during the day was in F.C. Grant’s, The Gospels. About noon we fixed lunch—used our Coleman stove for the first time; it worked very well. And we were delighted to see how little fuel it used. In the afternoon we tried to go swimming—but the water was cold, the sky was overcast—and the nice beach was on the side of the lake with the cold breeze. In the middle of the afternoon I went into Plymouth for a can-opener—and Ernco-foam! [???][2]  When I got back we drove around for a while, then took a drive around the park. Then came back and fixed supper. When we got supper over with we decided to take Debbie for a ride to Plymouth. She’s got a bad diaper rash and is out of sorts—we were gone c. 7:30–8:30. When we got back we prepared Debbie for bed—put her in the back of the VW. Then we bedded down for the night—by 9:30. Θ

Thursday, 11 June 1970

I slept relatively well; we got up about 7:00. Fixed breakfast, prepared to leave. The mosquitoes were driving us crazy—we were literally itching to get out of there—we did about 9:15. We arrived back in Avon about 10:00. Unloaded the car, then I put on my swimsuit and washed the car. Then Debbie and I played with the hose and lawn sprinklers—and the watering-can—she got thoroughly soaked, but was enjoying it very much, the day was so hot. Shortly before noon Debbie + I bathed together—Bonnie took her out, then I finished; had lunch, then I set about getting my hair washed, shaving, getting groomed again. Then relaxed for a while; about mid-afternoon I decided to nap since we’d be up so late tonight—I went sound asleep. We had supper about 5:35 or 40. We made good time to Providence—in about 65 minutes we were at the parking lot at Brown. We registered, then killed time by strolling around, browsing in a book store. Returned to Alumni Hall about 8:00—greeted Charlie Whitford; 8:30-10:15 we saw Dick Water’s play, The Son of Man.; 10:15-10:30 break in the fresh air; 10:30–11:15 caucus [???]—then drove home, arrived in Avon c. 12:15; had snack OBLO 12:50.

Friday, 12 June 1970

Up by 6:30. Shaved, had breakfast, left for conference—felt I should be there by 8:30—The Board of Ministry’s report was scheduled early. As it turned out things were behind schedule. But when the time came I was introduced to the Conference—and along with several others was voted to be ordained Elder. [3] Not long after I got there I met Don McGaw and we spent most of the day together—we had lunch together. The afternoon session was largely devoted to Black Methodists for Church Renewal—their request for money. I left about 4:30—came back to Avon—then Bonnie and I went back to Conference after supper. The evening program was not an official business session—but a celebration of unity. A major part was a modern interpretive dance with sax + trumpet—it was overly long—and hard to grasp. But after this was over the conference members + visitors joined the young people on the floor of the auditorium for singing and generally going wild—it was really a blast. Afterwards Don McGaw, Merlin Levering, Artis Smith, Charlie Whitford and Bonnie and I went looking for a bar in Providence—ended up in a gay bar!—finally settled for Howard Johnsons! We broke up about 12:30—we got back to Avon about 1:30—and got right to bed.

Saturday, 13 June 1970

Θ before arising at 8:00. I hurriedly bathed, shaved—I needed to leave by 9:00. Just a few minutes before I left Lee Sandwen came in from Amherst—Emil’s grandson. I left about 9:05—got to Meeham auditorium just at 10:00. But important business, i.e. BMCR, didn’t really come up for action until the afternoon session. Don McGaw and I again had lunch together. I.e. I had much [??] sack lunch as yesterday, and we went somewhere for him to get a meal. Today it was to Kentucky Colonel for fried chicken. Then we went brouzing [sic] around book stores—but we got back to Conference about 1:30. The afternoon debate was long and tedious—and the BMCR proposal was really weakened. It is disappointing to see the church so rigid. Jesus once said to a man overly concerned with property: “Sell your things, give to the poor.” But Methodist Conference is unwilling to do such a thing. Our Conf.—so said one speaker—has $51 million in property + investments—can’t we find $1.5 million for BMRC? –I left conference about 4:30. Arrived Avon 5:30. Very weary, had supper, then sacked out—really tired—didn’t come to until about 8 o’clock. Visited with the household, including Lee—all but Bonnie + I retired before 10:00. We read; at c. 11:15 I got a call from Dr. Beck that he can’t be in Providence tomorrow; a great disappointment. OBLO c. 11:30

Diary entry from June 13, 1970


[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Standish_State_Forest. Coincidentally, Bonnie’s family is descended from Myles Standish, and the line is proved via The Mayflower Society.

[2]  I have no idea.

[3] There are (or at least were at that time) two levels of ordination in the Methodist Church: Deacon, then Elder, which is the highest level. So, officially, all “reverends” and bishops are simply Elders. The story was told of a bishop who was acting too arrogantly, and a few pastors decided to intervene; they addressed their letter to him: “Dear Brother Elder.”

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/07/davids-diary-june-10-1970/

David’s Diary – June 6, 1970

Saturday, 6 June 1970

[Top panel:  called Bob Driscoll re: drug program]

Θ before arising about 9:00. Had breakfast; much of the day in the earlier part was devoted to desk work. I made out a pulpit exchange schedule to be followed by Bussey, Delp + myself. I turned to working on bulletins. I typed two different stencils for putting information on the front of our bulletins—so that I’ll have more space inside. This occupied me until I had lunch. Bonnie was off weeding for a while in the AM—but came home because of rain; then she went off grocery shopping. I had my lunch while she was gone. In the early afternoon I prepared the bulletin for tomorrow. Then I set about another major task: putting bars across Debbie’s back window. It had a screne [sic], but we’d feel better if she’s behind bars too! [1] This required two trips to the building center. I made the bars out of 1 inch closet dowels. This occupied me both before and after supper. I finally finished about 8:00. Then I turned to other things at my desk—making phone calls, getting the place straightened up in general. I also read further in Shaw’s Caesar-Cleo for tomorrow night’s play reading. Finally I turned to working on the service—the sermon had been done for several days—but other details—as always—needed attention—watched 11:00 PM news; practiced sermon; bathed, read; OBLO 1:35.

Sunday, 7 June 1970

Up about 8:00—shaved, had breakfast—had to be at the church by 9:00 to rehearse the girls taking part in the service. Bonnie and I did this from 9:00 to 9:45. Service at 10:00—the hour for summer worship. We were home and had lunch completed by 12:00. I then turned to finishing straightening up in my study—finished read(ing) Caesar + Cleopatra for tonight’s play reading. About 1:40 I stretched out for a nap—fell asleep—but got up about 2:20—I went to the garden for planting—helped get out the witch grass and helped with the planting of corn. Came home about 5:00. Put supper in the over, then went back to the garden to pick greens for the salad. Had supper around 6:00–6:30. Then I prepared an article to go to the Rockport Eagle tomorrow; I am going to try to use very regularly the space available for the churches—it replaces a newsletter really. About 7:15 we left Debbie at Patriquins, then went to Lewis, from there drove (to) Hardy’s—the hosts for the play reading: Caesar and Cleopatra—a long play—and some of the parts weren’t well read—the director really didn’t do his job well either. Finished up about 11:00; took Lewis’s home—picked up Debbie; home in time to watch 11:25 weather; bathed; OBLO 12:30.

Monday, 8 June 1970

Up before 9:00. Shaved, had breakfast—ran several errands, including taking the church news article over to The Rockport Eagle. When I came home Eddie Garcia was ready to dig—enlarge the garden. So this occupied us from about 11:00 to 1:00. We got the ground all prepared, and put the stakes in for tomatoes. I had lunch about 1:45. Then I got Debbie ready and we went calling—went to see Daisy Jodrey and Grace Harris. One of her patients died a few weeks ago: Josephine Frost—wanted to die on her feet. Had a spell lasting from one evening til the next morning—she wanted to stay on her feet. And she was, about 5 o’clock, when she saw the morning sun striking the house across the street, she said “Now”, and died—on her feet. Went with Debbie to the building center, then to see Lucy Patience. Came home, got busy putting up a simple rope fence around the tomato patch—to keep out the kids. About the time I finished this we had supper. Watched CBS news. Then in the evening I planted the tomatoes in the soil we’d prepared. Gave the new ones a dose of Rapid-Grow—the new ones were growing wild in the community garden. I then turned to rigging up a “gate” for Debbie’s play area. Then I came in—read, relaxed, did phoning, then I did next Sunday’s bulletin. Straightened up desk. Bathed at 11:30, watched Johnny Carson; OBLO, c. 12:30.

Tuesday, 9 June 1970

Up shortly after 9:00. Had breakfast, then got right to work on the frame (for the cheesecloth) to cover the strawberries. At 10:00 I went to get Virginia Bate and her things—she’ll be spending some time at the parsonage while we’re gone. I was occupied with the frame until about 12:30 or 1:00. Then I ate lunch, shaved, prepared to go to the funeral home—I had the funeral of Arthur F. Olsen. I buried his wife last June. The funeral was at 2:00; I went to the cemetery. Didn’t get back home til about 3:00. Then we loaded the car. Finally about 4 o’clock—after searching for Bonnie’s keys which she’d left in the trunk of the car!—we got on the road. We got to Boston—went to the day old bread bakery outlet to stock up on things—this was a store that the Albees had shown us—and it was closed down! We then went to Warren Hall—to leave a copy of the Sunday bulletin with Tom Raper; then to Sears to pick up our set of camping dishes. Then we headed for Avon—didn’t get there til about 6:30. It was really too late to start out camping, so we are spending the night here in Avon. We had supper, relaxed, went shopping at Kings—came back—visited with Janice (relative of Bonnie)  showed our lantern; relaxed, visited, OBLO, c. 11:15.

Diary entry from June 9, 1970


[1] To prevent any attempts at escape.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/06/davids-diary-june-6-1970/

Gladys – June 3, 1970

Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
W. Lafayette, Ind. 47906
June 3, 1970

Dear Bonnie, David and Debby,

I am enclosing a check for your wedding anniversary. Sorry to be so late with it, but I was struggling with an infection (kidney) last week and attending Conference, so between sessions I would come home and do nothing I didn’t absolutely have to do. The enclosed are the “things” which our Section on Social Witness tried to get before the Conference. One didn’t get out of the Legislative group and the other died a quick death, and all for $5.00. When Conference was about to close a man asked for permission to speak and said this session did not deal with any of the controversial issues of today. I said to myself, “well we tried.” The Bishop replied that he thought many important matters had been dealt with. He said in his sermon at the ordination service (which I did not attend) he thought he had dealt with the issues which are vital today. Of course, we didn’t go on record as having dealt with issues. However, there is something in the pre-conference minutes which heals with military spending and the creation of a task force to study same and to get some meetings going in which military spending will be discussed.

We had a letter from a woman in Kentland who is interested in buying the office building. We went to Kentland and showed her the place. She has a nice home out in one of the new additions but said she had too much room and too much yard. The back of the office lot meets the property of her sister—Mrs. Lacey and she thought it would be a good idea to be close to her sister. The woman I am referring to is Mrs. Rasher. Her husband died about three years ago and one son who lived here in Lafayette was killed in an automobile accident about two years ago and her other son lives in Tenn., and she feels like she wants to be close to her sister, since they are both widows. If she decides to buy the office, it would make an ideal location for her. She is to let us know Sunday when we go to Margaret Zell’s wedding.

I stopped to see Mrs. Myers. She had been to the beauty parlour to have her hair done. She told me that Doris and Harold are now living in Monticello. Harold is working for Geo. Kingsley. They are trying to sell their home and buy something in Monticello. At present they are living in their summer cottage. She said she felt like little orphan Annie. I was surprised when she said she would be willing to go to Monticello to live. However, Harold told her to stay where she is, that Doris would come over every two weeks and take her to the beauty parlour and do her grocery shopping. I didn’t suggest that she move to Lafayette. She seemed to think she would have to go where they go. Harold said he wasn’t sure he was going to like it in Monticello and that they might come back to Kentland. So far they haven’t had much luck in selling their home.

We plan to go to Brazil Saturday to attend the wedding of one of Wilma Yegerlehner Bell’s daughters. Tomorrow we are going to Champaign to have the Mercedes worked on. We won’t spend the night, since Dad has to work on Friday. Also we have dinner guests coming Friday night.

[page 2] Page #2

The Chinese boy—William Yue and his father are coming. Also Dr. and Mrs. Miller. William is a brilliant student and is graduating from Purdue. He plans to continue his graduate studies at Cal Tech next fall. Since they can get the best of Chinese cooking when they return to Hong Kong, we are going to have steak and baked potatoes, etc. Also strawberries. Last year when Mr. Yue was here attending the Methodist Men’s meeting, we took him out to Morris Bryant and he had strawberries for dessert and said how much he liked them. One delicacy he doesn’t afford in H.K. They aren’t grown there.

We have a 20 days tour for our stay in Japan. It will take us from Tokyo to Nikko and back, then from Tokyo to the extreme east end of Japan—Nagasaki. We will have probably a day and a half at Expo, at the end of our tour. We return to Osaka on the 9th and then on to Tokyo the 11th for our flight back on the 12th.

I sent Dru and package. Was in Loebs yesterday and saw a cute little outfit for a small baby and thought she might like it. I didn’t remember her address and couldn’t remember Sully’s first name, so addressed it to Mrs. Dru Sullivan c/o Miss Elaine’s Beauty Salon, Rockport. I hope she gets it.

One of the nurses who used to work in Dad’s office while her husband was going to Purdue sent us an announcement of the arrival of a daughter. She was born April 19th and weighed 4 lbs. 8½ ozs. I didn’t think much about that weight at the time, but one of the nurses at the health center received a letter from the mother recently and she said the baby has a cleft palate and a deformed foot, and had been born prematurely. From her letter she indicated that she was afraid the baby was not doing so well. Dad said since the father is now in Service, they would have access to the best medical help.

Since we have to make an early start in the morning, I had better get this finished. Dad is on duty today, so we can’t leave until 7:00 AM tomorrow.

Love Mother

P.S. There are two mother raccoons coming for food every evening. They are getting so tame I think they would come in if they had the chance. I am anxious to see their little ones. One brought her little ones up to the door last year.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/05/gladys-june-3-1970/

David’s Diary – June 2, 1970

Tuesday, 2 June 1970

Up about 8:15. Had breakfast, shaved; called Mrs. Lilja to ask her to play for our summer hymnsings—she agreed to. Went to the P.O., letter to David Watson, to the church—to change the wayside pulpit; went to town hall to leave off the petition at selectmen’s office re: traffic on Broadway. Then I went to Mill Brook Park—visited with Anna and Alvina, Ethel Leary, Gertrude Parsons and Ellie Martin; then I stopped briefly at the Ornes to pick up a paper. I got home in time for Bonnie to leave for work—about 12:35. I had my lunch. In the afternoon I watered the tomatoes and strawberries, fixed the arm chair, put a piece of peg-board wood as a retainer along a shelf on the back porch. Also—Margaret Reilly came by to look once again at Garcia’s downstairs apt. They had left the key with me. Just before Bonnie came home I started mowing—I’m trying to conquer a little of the yard each day. The grass is very tall in some sections. Mowed from 5:20–5:25. Watched CBS news—had supper. About 7:30 I went to see Dick Manson re: leading hymnsings—but he didn’t answer the door. Came home, did phoning, desk work, also worked on my sermon—a short one for Children’s Sunday—finished about 10:10—wrote to my folks. Stopped to bathe c. 11:30.

Wednesday, 3 June 1970

Up shortly after 9:00. Had breakfast. Shaved, typed out a draft of a letter to the Wesleyan Fellowship members. Took this to Jean Crowell at the bank for her suggestions and approval. Came home, mowed. Stopped around 11:30—typed the stencil for the letter, ran it off—mowed some more—until about 12:45. Had my lunch. Went to the P.O., dropped the letters off at the bank with Jean. Spent the afternoon calling. Saw Louise Rich—Grace Harris wasn’t there. Saw Esther Longley at the Den-Mar; Rip Hannibal—Bertha Wicky and family. I came home about 5:30. Storm clouds gathering, so I rushed to do some more mowing done—but the rain came before I finished. We fixed supper, watched CBS news. I then did some phoning, fixed the door to Bonnie’s study (the small door to keep Debbie out)—it was off the hinges. Then we tinkered with our Coleman stove and lantern—while watching Nixon giving a “progress report” on Cambodia—a tactical success supposedly—but what about long range consequences? What he left unsaid about the whole situation was more important than what he said; wrote a letter to Mrs. Myers. Bathed about 11; off to bed to read; LO c. 12:00.

Thursday, 4 June 1970

Up about 9:00 after Θ. The first thing I did was mow—I had just a little to finish. Then I had breakfast. Then cleaned the lawn mower. Shaved, prepared to leave for Gloucester—Debbie’s regular checkup with Dr. Kline at 11 o’clock. We arrived right on time; as usual we had to wait a while. But were out about noon. Debbie passed with flying colors. We came home after one stop in Gloucester. Had lunch, did some planning for our camping trip next week. I did some calling. I got to Jodreys just as Mrs. Jodrey (+ her son the judge) were preparing to leave on errands—so I’ll see her again next week. I went then to see Mrs. McMartin who is leaving for Scotland tonight. After this visit I came on home—tended to various things: finished cleaning the mower, worked with the clothes line pole in the back yard—anchored in a large chunk of concrete. I don’t know how we’re going to get rid of it. Late in the afternoon I helped Bonnie with supper. Watched CBS news. At 7:30 I left for the Board of Selectmen meeting—presented request for one way (with parking) along Broadway. Home about 9:15. Relaxed, then we asked the Garcias to have a des(s)ert with us. They came over about 10:00—we had a warm pudding-cake. Talked til about midnight—they went home. Read in bed briefly, LO 12:40.

Friday, 5 June 1970

Up about 9:00. Shaved, had breakfast. About 9:45 I left for Gloucester; Jim Bussey and I had a 10 o’clock appointment with Jack Roberts. We arranged for C.A.M.P. to sponsor another drug education program for adults. When we were finished—by 10:30—I stopped briefly on the 2nd floor to see Mrs. Quinn—a member of the Bible class who recently had surgery. I was home by 11:00. Shortly thereafter Bill Crowell arrived with his car and trailer—we hauled odds + ends to the dump, including our incinerator—no more burning—we’ll take everything to the dump. I visited for a while with the Garcias—then Bonnie left for work. I had my lunch. I puttered most of the afternoon. I placed sod where the incinerator had been, read some, napped. I worked on supper. We ate about 6:30—watched CBS news. After supper—about 7:30—I went over to see Dick Manson—he’s going to lead a hymn sing for us. I came home, put the picnic table top on, then for the rest of the evening turned to desk work, telephoning. About 9:30 Bonnie gave me a HAIRCUT—about 10:30 we called the Kings [1] in Detroit. He can’t make it out for my ordination—worked at my desk til about 11:45. Read, bathed, OBLO 1:00 A.M.


[1] Levon King, the minister who married us. He ended up in a different career—and met a tragic end. He died in 2016 in the crash of a small plane that he had built himself:  http://www.pressandguide.com/news/dearborn-couple-killed-in-ohio-plane-crash/article_9f21bc1c-650c-5b7f-8001-1426c8041625.htmlf

Levon King (Photo from Detroit Free Press online, 2016)

© 2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/04/davids-diary-june-2-1970/

David’s Diary – May 29, 1970

Friday, 29 May 1970

Up about 9:00 I guess. Had a quick breakfast, then got to work again typing my theological statement. I worked at it pretty steadily during the morning—Bonnie went to weed at the garden—finally!—I finished it! About 12:30. So I had lunch, took care of Debbie, who was finishing up her lunch; Bonnie had left for work. Little did I suspect, however, that the whole afternoon would be consumed with the thing—I had to very carefully—slowly—proofread both the sermon and the theological statement, put them in binders. About 4:45 I put Debbie in the stroller, and we went to the post office—and I got rid of the two documents that had taken so much of my time. Came home, and Bonnie arrived too—just about 5:00—she got off work early. I read the newspaper, then did some straightening up in my study—worked on this til about 6:30. Bonnie and Debbie had supper; about 6:50 I left for the high school—I gave the invocation and benediction for the High School Sports Banquet. It was a good meal and an interesting evening. Got home about 10:00. Tended to things around my desk. I inscribed and wrapped the books which I’m giving to Bill Elwell + Karen Haskell on Sunday. Read; bathed; read; OBLO, 12:30. Θ

Saturday, 30 May 1970

Up after 9:30 ^(?)^ The Garcias got in last night—we heard them after we’d turned out the lights—so we saw them this morning. My main concern for the morning, after breakfast, was to make some progress on my sermon. By the time I quit for lunch I was only about ¼ done. Debbie got to play with the Garcia tricycles—and she just became hysterical when she was separated from them. I shaved at around 12:30. Had lunch, then went to the garden—got there about 1:20—went early to haul compost. Worked all afternoon—planting tomatoes—actually I didn’t plant them—drove stakes mostly (or dug holes for them). We came home shortly before 5:00. I ran off copies of a letter in Life magazine—from the fiancé of one of the girls killed at Kent State. This will be a bulletin insert in the morning. After supper (6:30 – 7:00) I went to Busseys to cut these on their paper cutter, and to give Jim some. Came home, did the bulletins, prepared the service, prepared a letter to the Selectmen re: Broadway Avenue. I’d talked with Anne Fisk about it this afternoon. Finally turned to finishing the sermon—bathed about midway—finished at 1:45 (ugh!), OBLO 2 A.M.

Monday, 31 May 1970

Up about 8:15—shaved, had breakfast, practiced sermon. My class arrived at 9:30. Today was our final session together—I gave them books—to Karen I gave the Peake Commentary; to Bill I gave the Oxford Annotated RSV. I went to the church about 10:30. Preached a sermon on the call to worship which we’ve been using. Home by 12:30. Had lunch—saw the Garcias. Had a call from the folks wishing us Happy Anniversary. My main concern for the day was putting in a tomato patch—9 X 7 feet—it was thick tough sod—and it was a major project to get the ground prepared. Bonnie took most of the sod and put it in Debbie’s play area. I worked from shortly after 1:00 til about 2:30—then had to go to C.A.M.P. meeting at Riverdale—took Gladys Haskell. I was back by 4:15 and got back to work. Broke for supper about 6:15. I was desperately hungry. Watched the news—relaxed—then got back to work at 7:00. Finally got the ground ready—we put out 6 tomato plants—will put in 2 more. We bathed, then about 9:00 went to the Patriquins for mug-ups—this was about the most spectacular way this year that we’ve observed our anniversary—didn’t even exchange gifts—saving our money. Came home, Θ+ , LO, c. 11 o’clock.

Monday, 1 June 1970

[Top panel: phone call tonight to Ed Drake   Malden]

A hot humid day; up about 9:30. Had breakfast, then went to Silva Bros. Florists to get some more tomato plants—got two in one pot. Came home, separated them, planted them. Spent the morning working with them and the strawberries—the mail man brought word from the Board of Ministry that it had been finally voted to ordain me. I shaved about noontime, had lunch. Bonnie went to work. I did some work in my study—made a list of things to do—wrote a letter to David Watson. About mid-afternoon I went back to Silva Brothers—took Debbie along—I pushed her in the stroller. Got 2 more tomato plants—which I didn’t separate. And I put two of our very tiny plants on the same stake. Debbie was in her play area—kept shouting Hi! to me—it’s definitely her favorite word these days. She got tired—I put her down for a nap about 5:00. I turned to get some mowing done. I was doing this when Bonnie arrived home. I mowed the very tall grass at the side of the garage—for the first time of the season; had supper at 6:30—watched CBS news; Bonnie went to Community Chorus rehearsal—I tried to get something done on next Sunday sermon; when Bonnie got home we talked about vacation; bathed; OBLO 12:06.

Life Magazine, May 29, 1970, Letter to the Editor, p. 20A, col. 1 (Image via Google Books)

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/03/davids-diary-may-29-1970/

David’s Diary – May 25, 1970

Monday, 25 May 1970

The mumps infection has not left me entirely—last night I had very painful left jowl—one sore spot just below the ear. This woke me up about 4:45. I got up to take a Darvon—also took time to write the Invocation and Benediction to be used in the service this A.M. I went back to bed about 5:30. Got up later—about 9:30, after getting some sleep. I had breakfast, shaved, then about 11 o’clock headed down to t-wharf. I found Margaret Reilly there, so I had someone to chat there while waiting for things to get started. Finally all the bands and groups marched up—and I did my thing; it was a very short ceremony. I don’t think I’ll be in Rockport enough more years to be invited again—which please(s) me. Came home—an insipid letter from Earl Landgrebe answering my letter on Vietnam. Typed more of my rough draft of doctrinal statement—had lunch, worked further in the afternoon. Bonnie feeling miserable with her period, Debbie slept. About 5:00 I gave Debbie her “lunch”—then about 6:30 we had our supper. In the evening I did more composing and typing on the doctrinal statement. Called the Folks; their 41st anniversary. From 9:00-11:00 we watched movie on TV: I’ll Take Sweden—a mediocre comedy—but fun. Finished the doctrinal statement about 11:00! Watched news, bathed, watched few minutes of Johnny Carson; OBLO 12:10.

 Tuesday, 26 May 1970

Up after 9:00. While I was eating breakfast Margaret called. She’d had more talks—on the phone—with Alan. Maria is on her way back. The main concern of my morning was to put my two ordination documents into final draft form for typing. I got this done essentially in the morning. Late in the morning Bonnie took Debbie and went over to see Carol Lewis. When they got back she fed Debbie and went to work. I was occupied getting my study straightened up. I had a simple lunch early in the afternoon, then began working on my lesson for Bible study tonight—on the pseudepigrapha. [1] About mid-afternoon I got very sleepy—so I took a nap. My left jowl isn’t as sore today, but I still am on sulfa. Late in the afternoon I got up, read the newspaper, tended to Debbie. When Bonnie got home from work I helped with supper. We had supper, watched CBS news. The Bible class arrived at 8:00. 7 in attendance besides Bonnie + myself. The discussion following was lively, re: generation gap, sex, communism, Vietnam—I still remain baffled how Xns can tolerate the Vietnam war—it is so overwhelmingly evil and morally outrageous in my sight. Bonnie and I had a snack—I began typing on my ordination sermon; bathed at 11:30; watched Johnny Carson; OBLO, 12:45.

Wednesday, 27 May 1970

Up shortly before 9:00. Shaved, had breakfast. I had to be at the funeral home by 10 o’clock to read the service for William Lamar—only 2 friends were there. After this was finished I went to see Homer and Sarah, had to confer with them briefly. Got home about 11:00. I then read some in Newsweek, also did more typing on the ordination sermon. Didn’t have lunch until around 1:00. Then Bonnie went off shopping. Debbie played in her room, I typed. Again—as yesterday—about mid-afternoon I became sleepy—but napped only a few minutes. I then went about reading through my theological statement one last time, revising, refining, polishing. I got one page typed before supper, but discovered one major flaw—so the whole page would have to be done over. Had supper about 6:00. At 6:40 I picked up Gladys Haskell at her home, we went to Wesley Church for a nominating committee meeting to select a slate of officers for C.A.M.P. for next year. This was over by 7:30. I took Gladys home, then stopped to see Jean Crowell, to ask her to serve on the committee. I got home, did some phoning, retyped page 1. The[n] 9:00-11:30 watched a movie on TV: Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation—a comedy with Jimmy Stewart which I’d seen some years ago. Watched a few minutes of Johnny Carson; then more typing; bathed, OBLO 1:00 AM.

Thursday, 28 May 1970

We found ourselves still in bed at 10:00. I had a quick breakfast, then got to work typing—my main concern for the day has been to get the Theological Statement for ordination as nearly done as possible. As of now—12:45 (Fri AM—at night) I have 16 pp typed—it will be about 20 pp. long. I worked on this until our late lunch—shaved before lunch, about 1:00. Then back to the typing—Bonnie went grocery shopping and took Debbie along. I continued typing. About 3:15 I stopped, cut some lilacs for Lucy Patience, then went to see her; I hadn’t called on her in many weeks. I stayed until about 4:15, came home, had a small snack—then back to the typing—until the newspaper came, which contained the letter which is attached to this page—Alice Marr’s reaction to my last two sermons. [See below] I can’t say that I was upset, but it is rather stunning—and distracting—it was hard to keep my mind on other things. We had supper about 6:30, watched CBS news. At 7:30 I returned to typing—had a phone call from Rev. Bamforth re: Alice Marr’s letter—he wanted to assure me [of] his support and encouragement. 8:30–10:15 we spent with Patriquins. When we came home I returned to typing—worked til after 12:30. Stopped to bathe; OBLO, 1:20

Letter to the editor, Alice M. Marr, Gloucester Daily Times, 27 May 1970


[1] A quick Google search reveals: “spurious or pseudonymous writings, especially Jewish writings ascribed to various biblical patriarchs and prophets but composed within approximately 200 years of the birth of Jesus Christ.” (Wikipedia)

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/02/davids-diary-may-25-1970/

Fayette Friday – Eudora Scofield #3

Letter transcription:

Bloomington Ill. May 25th 1881
Miss Lena Scofield
Connersville Ind

Dear Aunt: Now I don’t know wheather you are married or not, But if so, I know once your name was “Schofield.” You ask me to remember you—I think a day has not past since we parted. That I have not thought of you. Every day something occurs which reminds me of the good old times we have enjoyed together. Last Thirsday eve we gave a “social” at our church. I thought of when

[page 2] we had one in our church and the Rev. W. K. was there what a time we had. & then again while the band was playing Saterday eve “—when at home” we would meet every body al[?]—chat to the “Johns” & “Jamie” “Cliffords” “Frosts” “Harlans” others to numerous to mension. O—yes—don’t you remember at Jennie B.’s “party”—wonder if Jennie is still afraid to sleep in that bedroom yet with window up and if you have stayed all night with “Jennie” and sliped “home” in morning like you did the morning I caught you by [?]. Just think what silly games we played at the first “party” in that house—I can see the hens and roster up there yet,—“in the chair”—[in my mind.]

Eudora Scofield letter, May 25, 1881, pages 1 and 4

[page 3] The next thought is back to an other “party” of “Jennie’s”—for as I know out of that first table full only two are married “Charles Frost & “Samuel Powel” and may be you. I am elected to be an old maid, which I choose, Although out of “four sucker”—I may chose, one to promise him that I will see that he don’t marry another. So far do my thoughs [?] back that I could can not express them all Now should I try. But I confess I do think of “home” too much. To day is “show day” and very warm—I have just return “home” from the Steets.—I never suck a crowd. Every size color and ugliest people you could im [imagine?]. why the most fun we could have at

Eudora Scofield letter, May 25, 1881, pages 2-3

[page 4] the window see people pass—A trunk hauler came pass the other day with his wife. She was one of these tall bony women had on large bonnet with purple flowers in front—well just as I got the first glance of her she was [appeared to me] very sick. But when I look more heard her husband say “sit up here now, and don’t make a fool of your self”—which was [?] seen—that she was very drunk and the [?] evil her face, till the greese almost flowed in stream. Well it was just horrible pictures I ever look at. Last Sunday every person almost seemed to have new buggies—and

Eudora Scofield, May 25, 1881, page 5

[page 5] so had a colored couple—The lady wore an old sun bonet and he had on a high plug hat—he while talking to her would stop and look under her bonet—It was a splendid give away to buggy riding. So much on witty side. This City is beautiful Now especially Every where things are all arrange so nice. I want to visit the “grave” yard, where I have not been yet—it is said to be beautfil and of course large. Pa has been there. O to ride up and down from Normal on St. car is plendid—past two “Universities” one at Normal and the other in Bloomington—They are on

[page 6] stight line two miles apart. Then I want to go to “Orphant’s home”—in Normal when LeRoy went I was too tired to go with him. On 14th Jun we have our annual Sunday school picnic—going to a “grove” some miles away—on special train—for to get to groves one haft too go quite a distance—not like at “house” &. Well this morning I will add more to this unfinished letter—last night I went to the “show” and afterwards we stoped at the “ice cream sallon”—where I said to [Men] that I was thining of friends at “home.” You remember how we cheated LeRoy. I will enclose a card he wishes you to have—he is [?] on one “girl.” O I am left. But she is sweet. Smart and a fine performer—“look up”

Eudora Scofield, May 25, 1881, p. 6

[page 6 top] on piano. A beautiful Alto singer. This “merry six”—have a band of their own—all members of same church

[page 5 top] go together, all time and all are splendid boys. James has been last three weeks traveling for the “New York store.” Arthar is quick and cute as ever. Minnie is going to school and learns fast look to the other page.

[page 1 & 4 top] Thaddie has had a time with the measeles. Had two “Coctos” for him But Floy had them right at first so she did get well soon—But little Thaddeus suffered terrible, for nine days the child never slep a miniet—The measles did not come out right at first—went to his “brane”—also with this had “lung trouble” “information of the bowels”—The Doc said he would have never come out all right had he not the best of care. Floy is same sweet light hair girl. We are all rejoicing to see Thaddie better and getting so fat—and is to smart to talk about wants Ma to kiss him all the time when we kiss Ma he rubs it off and kisses her over. Pa kiss Ma this morning and he rub it off just laughs like “Huston.”

[page 2-3 top] “Space will not permit more” So love to you all and inquiring friends. Your niece Eudora R. S. “write soon.”

Eudora Scofield, May 25, 1881, envelope

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/01/fayette-friday-eudora-scofield-3/