David’s Diary – April 20, 1970

Monday, 20 April 1970

Up about 7:30. Set about preparing to leave. Had breakfast, shaved, tended to a few things. At 9:00—shortly thereafter I went to get Virginia Bate—she is staying with Debbie. We left Rockport just about 10 o’clock—reached the Mass/Conn state line about 12:00. We ate lunch in the car. The weather was disappointing—rain. We had no trouble in NYC. We arrived at our hotel—Quality Court at 50^th Street and 10^th avenue—by 4:00—got settled, It wasn’t a long walk to the theatre—at 245 West 52^nd . We picked up our tickets—then went over to Broadway and had supper. Then we came back to the motel—Bonnie was feeling very tired—so she napped and I went out for a walk again. Wandered around Broadway—taking in the sights. It would be great to have several days to wander around Manhattan. I got back to the motel around 7:00—relaxed, then about 7:40 started to the theatre—did some window shopping before getting to the theatre and in our seats. Curtain was a few minutes late—but the performance was magnificent! Helen Hays and Jimmy Steward were in fine form. The play [note: which was Harvey] was out about 11:15. We walked right back to the motel. Bathed—showered together—which was fun! Then right to bed—Θ+—LO

Tuesday, 21 April 1970

Didn’t sleep too well—city noise, narrow bed—too soft. Bonnie was awake at 6:15, suggested that we get on the road—I didn’t mind since I knew I couldn’t get any more sleep. We were on our way by 6:45. We had no trouble getting out of the city—about 8:30 we stopped for breakfast in Connecticut. We made good time—arrived home in Rockport just about 12:30. Took Virginia home, but we weren’t in a mood for lunch. Bonnie decided to go to work (she hadn’t planned to)—but I sacked out. Debbie had been asleep when we arrived home, and we both slept til about 3:00. I changed her, she played, and I puttered around at this and that—really moving in slow motion—still very weary after an inadequate night’s sleep and a 5 hr 45 min drive. About 5:00 I began working on supper. About 5:20 Paul and Marty arrived—we didn’t know for sure whether they were coming. Bonnie got home about 5:45. We had supper, watched CBS news—then played with Debbie for a while. Then we sat around talking. We are all very tired—Paul especially so—they’ve been boat-searching, hoping to buy something. After having a small snack + drink, we all headed for bed. OBLO, 10 o’clock.

Wednesday, 22 April 1970

Got up at 8:00—had breakfast—the others got ready to go to Marblehead to look at boats—I shaved, tended to various matters, including writing a letter to Cokesbury. About 10:45 I left the house, left 25 drug pamphlets at St. Mary’s Church, went to P.O., saw Margaret Reilly briefly—went to the train station. The train was about 15 minutes late. When I got to Boston, the trolley was jammed—and behind schedule. Didn’t get to BU until about 1:20. Ate my lunch, did errands, attended OT Theology class from 2:00-3:00. Then got some xeroxing done—visited with Elaine Follis—helped Beck with the tea. Seminar 4:00–5:45—chatted with Beck. He filled me in that I can’t be hired to teach Hebrew this fall—no funds available. It will go to whoever gets the tuition assistantship. Left BU, got the 6:40 train from N. Station. Arrived home about 8:00. The folks were all set to go out to eat. We all went to Captains Courageous—Debbie included—although she’d already eaten. We had marvelous seafood suppers—it was after 9:30 when we got back. We more or less collapsed—very full and weary—I didn’t bother to bathe; went to bed to read c. 11; LO, 11:05 Θ

Thursday 23 April 1970

Up by 8:00—Paul and Marty were preparing to leave—to go to Hull to inquire into getting a boat—they don’t expect to return here. When they had gone I spent my morning puttering at my desk—not very hurriedly. We figured out our expenses on the NY trip—also I made final computations on money re: the drug program. Shaved, went to the bank. When I got home I wrote a letter to Tom Ruper re: the Sunday service. I caught the 11:15 train, which was about 10 minutes late. Got to BU after 1:00. OT Theology from 2:00 to 3:00—the last class. When it was over the class gave Beck a standing ovation. From 3:00–4:00 I worked with the qualifying books again—also did some xeroxing. 4:00–5:30—the last Aramaic class—halleluia! Took the trolley to N. Station—rode with Elaine Follis to Park Street. Caught the 6:40 train home, read Finkelstein’s The Pharisees on the way—got home about 8:00; had supper—then did more calculating on page numbers on the qualifying exams—approximately 15,000 pages in all. About 9:00 we went down to Patriquins. Had a nice visit with them, relaxed. Came home about 10:30. Watched TV, bathed—still rather weary—after-effects of the NY trip; OBLO, 11:40.

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David’s Diary – April 16, 1970

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Thursday, 16 April 1970

Debbie 20 mos old—we took several pictures—of her working with her shoes, etc.

Didn’t get up til after 9:00. Had breakfast, then I got to work where I left off retyping, revising my Dead Sea Scroll lecture. This occupied me in the morning—and early afternoon. I had phoning to do—and I stopped to handle the mail—more registrations. We had a later lunch, then I got back to work. Maria called from Margarets. She and Alan were about to leave for NY. When I finished my lecture, I shaved—and Margaret phoned during this: Maria and Alan had just left—and she gave me her analysis of the situation. I finished shaving. We prepared to leave—all three of us went to Boston. While I was in class, Bonnie + Debbie went to see the Sestos. Elaine Follis wasn’t in Aramaic—she had phoned earlier to tell us this. Richardson didn’t want to read the assignment without her—so we discussed a few points in it—and talked about the Dead Sea Scrolls. Bonnie picked me up at about 5:45. We went to Andover, to Wally Aufrechts. We had supper with him—his father is visiting him—then at 8:00 we went to the church (Bonnie stayed at the apartment)—I gave my DDS lecture. About 15 people there. This was over just about 10:00. We had refreshments back at the apartment—arrived Rockport about midnight—relaxed OBLO, 12:32.

Friday, 17 April 1970

Up about 9:00—after Θ. Had breakfast, then left for Wesley Church—had to meet with Bill Crowell to set up the sound system for tomorrow’s meeting. We were finished with this by 10:30—I went to the photo shop (duplicate slides of the Fisk organ—not back yet)—returned home—relaxed for a few minutes—went through the mail when it came. We had lunch around 12:00—watched the splashdown of Apollo 13—the astronauts are safely home after the emergency in space. Shaved while watching the coverage. Then straightened up my study. Jim Gould arrived at 2:00—he had an appointment to see me. We chatted in the living room. His problem had to do with faith and belief—he believes in God—but doesn’t go for the great stress on Christ—I had to agree with him to a large extent. I think that our talk made him feel better. The rest of the afternoon—he left before 3:00—I spent reading The Miracle Worker. When Bonnie got home we fixed supper. Watched CBS news. At 7:30 I went to Addison Gilbert hospital to see Jerry + Carol Lewis and their new baby. Then to Wesley Church to do some final setting up for tomorrow. Got home about 9:30. Relaxed, puttered in my study; outlined sermon; bathed together; read OBLO 12:35.

Saturday, 18 April 1970

Up about 6:30—shaved, had breakfast, left the house at 7:30—picked up Gladys Haskell—we went to Wesley church. The drug program was scheduled for 8:00–12:30. 8:00–8:30 people were arriving and having coffee—shortly after 8:30 we got under way—saw a film and a film strip. Then about 30-45 minutes of panel discussion. A short coffee break, then 11:00–12:30 the people broke up into 8 small groups—there were about 115-120 people in attendance. I was on the go most of the morning. Finally left after 1 o’clock—brought Gladys home to Rockport. When I got here, George + Lynn Collins [Collis?] were here—they were up to tour Rockport. They had lunch with us. Then we had to go planting—we arrived at Fisks, at the garden, about 2:30. We had various assignments—my main task was to put up the chicken wire for the peas. Josiah Fisk (13 yrs.) + I did this. After working we had tea with the group—Jerry + Carol Lewis stopped by—the baby was home with the grandparents. We came home about 5:00—napped—had supper 7:30–8. I then spent the evening working on my sermon, took a break 10-11 to do bulletin; finished the sermon by 12:00. Bathed together, read; OBLO c. 1:00 AM.

Sunday, 19 April 1970

Up about 8:30. Had breakfast, shaved, worked on the service—left for church about 10:30—preached on The Impossible God—about the barbaric ideas about God in the Bible. Home by 12:30. Had lunch. I spent the early part of the afternoon puttering in my study—got the narrow blond bookshelves set up by my study chair. I had to take some time to raise the top shelf to accommodate the atlas. About mid-afternoon I got sleepy. Stretched out on the bed, read briefly, then dozed—fell asleep. Didn’t get up [til] about 6:00. Then began warming up supper. After eating I spent the whole evening working in my study—straightening up—putting things in order. I ran off about 35 sheets about next Sunday’s Methodist Men, got them in envelopes ready for mailing. We got a phone call from Paul late in the evening—he and Marty are going to NY City tomorrow too—we might meet them there—they might come home with us—there appear to be several alternatives. Early in the evening we sat down with road maps and looked ahead to how we’ll go tomorrow. We stopped to bathe—but not together about 11:00; watched the news—we got the bad news that it’s supposed to rain tomorrow—ugh! Got to bed about 12:10.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/08/20/davids-diary-april-16-1970/

My Path to Certification – Issue No. 5

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Last week I was immersed in my pre-service teaching days and getting to know my new students. My school district is converting to a new online records-keeping system so the next year will be a learning experience for everyone. I spent little time working on genealogy, although I did sneak away for a few hours last Wednesday to the Family History Center.

Mostly I continued to scan the civil court records for my ancestor’s county. So much good stuff! I found one record for a man exposing himself in public. Oh my! And another for a woman accused of adultery. Apparently she had been living in sin with the gentleman for quite a while. The court’s punishment was to spend one minute in jail. However, the best part of the afternoon was finding the divorce record for a many times great aunt.

Judgement from the adultery case of Nancy King

Indiana appears to have been quite lenient in granting divorces in the 19th century. Most every quarter session of the civil court has two or three divorce cases in my county of interest. I figured my aunt had to have been divorced because I found two marriage records and the first husband appeared to be alive after the second marriage. The complete court records spell out very neatly why she wanted a divorce. Her husband had deserted her. Five years previously he had been wanted for larceny. It seems he fled the county and hadn’t been seen since.

Since my last post, I received a sampling of documents from the Indiana State Historical Society. I found a manuscript in their collection online through ArchiveGrid. I can’t recommend ArchiveGrid highly enough at the moment. Managed by WorldCat, ArchiveGrid is an online catalog of manuscript collections around the world. Unpublished manuscripts are an untapped resource for genealogical and historical information. They are also the least likely to be digitized, and can only be accessed by going to a repository. Or in my case, contacting the repository and/or hiring a researcher.

The document in question was an 1830s account book from a local merchant. I had no idea if any of my ancestors favored this merchant—there was more than one store in town. But I had to find out! I sent the historical society a preliminary surname list while the research form and my check followed in the mail. My ancestor appears over thirty times in the register. Below is one of my ancestor’s entries, likely purchases by, or for, his wife.

Account book entry for my ancestor

Jackonet is a lightweight cotton fabric. During the 1830s, Greek and Roman motifs/style influenced fashion.

The Rubrics

Another essential part of the portfolio process is understanding the rubrics. As a teacher, I rely on rubrics whenever I correct writing assignments or score non-multiple choice test questions. My biggest complaint during the Boston University Research Certificate program was the lack of rubrics. (I graduated many years ago so I do not know if this aspect has changed. I just know what it was like when I participated.)

I do not like to be graded in a vacuum. How do I know if I am achieving the goal of an assignment? Students perform better when they know their expectations. The same is true with the BCG portfolio. The portfolio rubrics are available to download on the BCG website. Two books are referenced in the rubrics: Genealogy Standards: 50th-anniversay edition and Val Greenwood’s The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy. These books should have a place in every serious genealogist’s library.

Other Genealogy Related Activities

I submitted six lecture proposals for the 2018 SCGS Jamboree. Hopefully, at least one will be chosen!
Yesterday was the monthly meeting of my DNA study group and my volunteer hours at the local library. I consider volunteering or mentoring others as a valuable component of my long-term education plan. One of my clients had a branch of her family who immigrated from Canada in the 1920s. There were many great record groups that I explored with her. I do not have anyone in my family who immigrated to the United States in the 20th century, so I have no reason to look at those records. Helping others is a great way to learn about records you might not access regularly.

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Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/08/20/my-path-to-certification-issue-no-5/

David’s Diary – April 12, 1970

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Sunday, 12 April 1970

How lousy I felt this morning! Got up about 9:00. Shaved, then went to work on final preparations for the service, practiced sermon—no Sunday school class. Got to the church about 10:35. Set up tape recorder—I preached on Pope John XXIII—had a tape of him which I played (about minute + a half) to open the sermon. Got home—had lunch, spent some time out in the yard. Tried to nap, but little luck. So we went for a walk. Stopped in to see Barbara + Hazle Lord—and I went to Loyd Starretts to give him $20 for the youth group’s handing out leaflets. After visiting with the Lords we came on back home. Took Millpond pictures.—sacked out, Θ—while we were trying to nap, Dick Bamforth came to the door—with check for $100—in payment for my Lenten lecture series. We didn’t nap after that. I worked at my desk—wrote some letters—to BUST faculty acknowledging my acceptance of the Fellowship. Sent money to New York for our theatre tickets. We ate supper about 6:30. Then took Debbie to the Lewis—Carol now 1 week overdue—they didn’t want to go to the play reading—but we went while they kept Debbie. Play reading at Rapps: A Case of Libel. Picked up Debbie, home by 11:00; watched news, bathed together, OBLO, 12:15.

Monday, 13 April 1970

Can’t recall when I got up. Had breakfast, shaved—while I was doing this Maria called—from Margaret’s apartment—where she had spent the night. She + Bill Matheson had put Alan in the hospital yesterday—after he had suffered a convulsion on the beach near his house. After the mail came I went over to Margaret’s—saw Maria. Then shortly before noon I went to the Post Office—and to the Super. of School office (Mrs. Gardner) to leave the leaflets on the drug program. Came home, had lunch. Bonnie left for work. Debbie played + napped in the afternoon. I napped a while too, but also spent a lot of time with desk work—wrote to David Watson. Just for the fun of it I started on an interesting book: The World of the Vatican—I’ve had it in my library for some time, but my interest has been sparked by last week’s reading on Pope John. Fixed supper. We ate about 6:30—watched CBS news. We got a call from Carol Lewis—her water has broken. During the evening I did some phoning, read more in the Vatican book, also did work on the annotated bibliography for seminar—started reading Russell’s book, The Jews from Alex. to Herod. Stopped to watch the news at 11:00—trouble aboard Apollo 13—power failure; when Bonnie got home we bathed together; watched Johnny Carson; OBLO, 12:55.

Tuesday, 14 April 1970

Pulled out of bed (before 8:00) by the telephone—Jerry Lewis calling—Carol gave birth around 6 o’clock to a boy = Christopher Paul. We went back to bed—but didn’t get back to sleep. Got up, had breakfast. I needed to go to Gloucester. Got gas, went to the Post Office with letter to David Watson + Mrs. Myers—I dashed off a note to her after breakfast. In Gloucester I got some note-book paper and typewriter ribbon. On the way home I stopped at the Rockport Library and got a copy of The Miracle Worker. Home in time for Bonnie to keep her appointment with Drue at 11:00 for a haircut. Read in The World of the Vatican until mail came—then read further. Fixed lunch. Debbie fell down the front stairs—bruised, mouth bleeding—but apparently nothing worse—we were sure scared. Ate lunch—Bonnie left for work. Took two photos of D. in living room—Debbie napped—I read more in World of Vatican—pleasure reading. Also did my Aramaic assignment. Late in the afternoon Debbie and I spent some time in the yard and I took several pictures. I got back to Aramaic—she napped. We got a simple supper when Bonnie got home—ate, watched CBS news. The situation with Apollo 13 is tense. Administrative Board 7:30-8:45—here at parsonage. More reading; phone calls with Margaret re: Alan—out of hospital—nasty again; worked on Dead Sea Scroll lecture; phone call from Marty in Schen.; bathed; watched news, more work, OBLO 12:35.

Wednesday 15 April 1970

Up about 7:00—shaved, had breakfast—caught the 8:15 train to Boston. Arrived in the city about 9:30. Took the trolley to Park Street—it was a beautiful spring day—I walked down Washington Street, the(n) cut across Boston Common—went to 14 Beacon to the Mass. Council of Churches office to pick up a box of pamphlets on drugs. Then walked back to Park Street station—got off subway at Copley—spent some time in Cokesbury—bought several books—then headed to BU. As soon as I got there I found out that seminar had been canceled. Elaine Follis was at home ill—and it was her day to present a paper. I did various errands and did some bibliographical work. Then I left about 2:15—went to N. Station, caught the 3:00 train to Rockport. Arrived home about 4:15. Relaxed, read—we had an early supper—because Bonnie wanted to do some sewing with Drue. Ate about 6:00. Then watched CBS news. In the evening I finished The World of the Vatican, did phoning—called Elaine Follis—also Don McGaw—re: directions on getting to NY city. The latter part of the evening was spent working on my Dead Sea Scroll lecture—getting final form typed—which I hope will remain fairly unchanged for a long time. 11 o’clock watched news; bathed together—watched 30 min special on Apollo 13—few min. of Johnny Carson. OBLO 12:45.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/08/19/davids-diary-april-12-1970/

Fayette Friday – Eudora Scofield #2

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Letter transcription:

Bloomington Ill. Nov 28^th 79
Miss Lena Scofield
Connersville Ind.

Dear Aunt:—

We enjoyed our ride far as Indianapolis—There we had good rest, But from “there” it was very rough road to travel—The car was warm then cold—Ma took very sick about an hour before we arrived—Pa was in to meet us—went to the Tavern—staid until about ten o’clock—If Pa had staid half hour—

[page 2] longer [Tavern] I would had “fit”—for I had not slept any—until hour before he came with the carriage—then was asleep—They had a time to get me awake & I was sick when I awoke—Well just before I got home was very much better—never saw a more beautiful place—you must not think I am bragging to much—for I never saw many places “you know” But—Connersville is the best place in the winter & how I wish was home, write soon tell all about the weather and every thing—will be of interest to me, but here is no gravel or hills, springs,—all black clay—it has

Eudora’s letter, pages 1 and 4

[page 3] rained last three days—and the mud—have mercy on us if we don’t write as soon as you expect for can not get to the city while it is so wet horses sink not feet—it is worse than sinking in the “Snow Drift.” It was very beautiful here the first two days This is a beautiful place—so many houses around us, all are large two story frame houses. Ours is one of the same—about as far from the raod as your house is—a large veranda in front—an other on the south—extending from the parlor to the kitchen—two front rooms, back there a large

[page 4] dinning room—has seven doors—two windows—I was glad when they were all cleaned back, this room—bed room and kitchen—back the kitchen an other room—with pump [?]—a place to go down celler, which is under all the six rooms, at the left a wood house well I have describe this enough to say, this is a very nice house every thing so handy—closets and wardrobe in every room But the parlor,—the house is painted very nice, If you only could get a crowd to come

Eudora’s letter, pages 2 and 3

[page 5] out to see me I would be fixed—It will be a grand place in the summer time, I like the—place very much—But am so lonesome nearly spoils it all—I can now realize how it is with Aunt—Minnie, try to come out next Spring! There is five suckers south as [brothers] close as Faircer is to Gilchrist—when I speak of suckers—mean those males older than myself An handsome one lives east—he was here yesterday—is going to school in the City—this is his last year at school.

[page 6] Then there are twelve North of here, the city is west—when I find out how many is there will let you know. All these neighbors live close, as you do to Martins’. a Tileing factory is south west—also a brick yard about two equars, what I have seen of the neighbors here, are rich and very nice. A school teacher lives in the second house south. The school house is a mile east from us. But we think sending Arthar & Minnie to school in the City—which will be about a mile and half for them walk. We expect to have Uncle

Eudora’s letter, pages 5 and 8

[page 7] Doc Sunday for dinner. We can hear the Christin Bell ring—beautiful tone. I have not seen any young ladies yet. Tell J. S. poor chance in the west. Hope that he may get one before he starts. You & him can elope with me a week or longer.—plenty room for six or less. I am going to rais chickens. Turkeys, gooses—We have our pigs and cow and Organ. Tell J. S. I am going to rais a Turkey especially for him, Hyatt L. can have all prairie-chicken he wants—You ought to have been here second day the three boys and Pa went out to kill a

[page 8] prairie chicken that was in the Garden I never laugh more—they m[?] it, and LeRoy came in saying he wore Eugene’s boot—instead he had wore out here one Pa’s. Then we all laught until we cryed. I haven’t smiled since until yesterday—you can gues who to, “He is a Daisy” I have not been to the City since I left Sunday. I have wrote this in Haste so please excuse mistakes from your Neice

Eudora R. S.

Eudora’s letter, pages 6 and 7

P.S. if R. H. S. comes back you see him tell him to write—

[top of page 7-8] as he promised if I left Connersville the hours how swifty they past. Goodnight. Give my love to all Aunts, Uncles cousins—and Friends. To yourself especially we are all well at present hope you are the same Amen

[top page 1] I have looked through everything “But was all in rain.”—for my earrings. You have not found them please watch maybe you will see or find them Obige your Neice.

Envelope of Eudora’s letter, addressed to Lena Scofield, her aunt

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/08/18/fayette-friday-eudora-scofield-2/

David’s Diary – April 8, 1970

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Wednesday, 8 April 1970

Up late—in view of the hour when I got to bed—about 9:45. Had breakfast, then went over to Wesley Church in Gloucester with my 13 stencils. Finished up by about 11:45. Came home, had lunch, watched the noon news. Shaved. At 1:00 I watched the special CBS News coverage of the vote on G. Harold Carswell to the supreme court. Cause for rejoicing! He was rejected, 51 to 45. I then read through my paper and left for BU at 2 o’clock. Got there just about 3:00. Ran various errands + made tea with Dr. Beck for seminar. I was stage center today—I read my paper: The Use of the OT in Matthew. I didn’t have to field any impossible questions. After class was over I invited Ned Albee + family up to Rockport in May. I left BU at 6:15—arrived home about 7:15. We took Debbie down to Drue + Sullys—then went to Wesleyan Fellowship. There were 10 there. After supper there was discussion. There was no decision to disband. Rather they will meet quarterly—and the money will be held onto—with the youth group a priority item. Next meeting will be a barbecue in June at the parsonage. We headed home—or rather to Drue’s—9:30. We were home by 10:00. I was weary.We bathed together, OBLO, 11:07 Θ+

Thursday, 9 April 1970

Up about 9:00. Had breakfast, then got right to work on Aramaic—the whole assignment had to be done. And I kept at it pretty consistently until about 3:00. I did take time out for lunch, to shave, to stroll around the yard—the temperature was up in the 70’s. Carol Lewis came over just as we were finishing lunch—and Bonnie took her home just before 3:00. At just 3:00 I left by car for Boston. I arrived at class just 1 or 2 minutes late. Class from 4:10–5:30. But I didn’t get away from BU until about 6:00. Arrived home just about 7:00. Had supper—watched What’s My Line? Then went to visit a new family in town: the Kohle’s [?]. She was originally from Rockport—they’re about 50—will be transferring membership to our church in a few months I gather. I was home by 9:30. Then turned to several things: made out post card re: Administrative Board meeting—got a phone call—play reading is this Sunday evening, did some up-straightening in my room—but not very much. I listened to the tape which Don McGaw made for me—he recorded the small record of Pope John XXIII which I borrowed from a seminar member—I’ll be playing part of it this Sunday. At 11 o’clock watched the news; also bathed together, watched an hour of Johnny Carson; read briefly OBLO 1:10.

Friday, 10 April 1970

We allowed ourselves the luxury of staying in bed til late—not up til about 9:45. The very first thing I went to the P.O. with cards to Administrative Board members—also changed wayside pulpit. When I got home I had breakfast. The rest of my day was spent at my desk—trying to plow through the mountain of clutter. We had lunch about 12:30, Bonnie left for work. Debbie played all afternoon—I was at my desk all afternoon. Among other things I got the pre-registration organized—about 25 so far. Late in the afternoon I put on the beef—began preparing supper. Bonnie got home about 5:30—I had supper just about ready to serve. Late in the afternoon I made a start on Alden Hatch’s book, A Man Named John: The Life of Pope John XXIII. We had supper—left Debbie with Kay Patriquin, went to Gloucester to the 7 o’clock show: They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? The acting was quite good, but it was a depressing story if there ever was one—not really what I was in the mood for after a long week. We went to Patriquins. We showed them our latest movie—and one about a year old—it’s hard to believe the difference in Debbie. We came home about 10:30. Relaxed, read newspaper. Watched news, didn’t bathe. OLBO 11:53.

Saturday, 11 April 1970

Not up til about 9:30 (?)—after Θ. I immediately went down to the Baptist church with the leaflets to be handed out by the JYF kids—then came home, had breakfast. Then got to work reading Hatch’s book on Pope John—in preparation for the sermon. I shaved about 1:30. Then ate lunch, then went down to Patriquins to watch the launch of Apollo 13 on their new color TV set. It was the first time I’d seen a launch in color—and it was quite spectacular. After a few minutes (when they started showing dignitaries after the launch, e.g., Agnew) I left. Came home, got back to work with the Pope John book. Read until 6:00—the(n) watched news—Apollo 13 has been blasted into a lunar-bound trajectory. We fixed supper. Then I got back to work on the Pope John book, which I wanted to finish before starting on the sermon. I finished about 9:00—but then wanted to do the bulletins. Had to call Ornes—also had a phone call—so they slowed me down. Got the bulletins done about 10:30. Had a piece of pie, then finally got started on the sermon after 11:00! Stopped about 1 o’clock to bathe—finished sermon about 2:30—wrote this—as the handwriting indicates! OBLO, c. 2:30.

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Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/08/17/davids-diary-april-8-1970/

David’s Diary – April 4, 1970

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Saturday, 4 April 1970

Up shortly after 8:30. My first concern was to get leaflets to the young people of the JYF who have their work-day today. I took them down to the Baptist church—also changed my own wayside pulpit. When I got back I had my breakfast, and then got to work on my sermon. Mail man brought a letter from May Federick—they seem to have accepted Alan as more or less already dead—for their own mental health this might be just as well. Got more work done on the sermon—about half—when I stopped for lunch—went to Richdales for bread + milk. Came back, ate—Bonnie not feeling very well—headache. I went out calling for the afternoon—saw Rip Hannibal—his wife is in Florida, Esther Longley, Lucy Patience. I was home by 5. Finished sermon. Then we had supper. Watched NBC news. Bonnie left for dress rehearsal, Community Chorus. I played with Debbie—got a phone call from Maria—she was over at Alan’s—is returning tomorrow to NY. Wants to get her stuff. I did my bulletins—she arrived; we had a long chat (a girlfriend of hers was along). Bonnie arrived home shortly after Maria left. I worked on the service, then prepared my Sunday School lesson. Stopped to bathe 11:35.

Sunday, 5 April 1970

Up shortly after 8:00. Shaved, had breakfast. Maria arrived to pick up her TV set + plants. She didn’t stay very long. My Sunday School class—both Karen + Bill arrived. We met until about 10:30. I left for the church. An average sized crowd again; communion Sunday. When we got home about 12:30 the Sestos were home. After lunch I got to work doing some more reading to revise my seminar paper. Bonnie spent most of the afternoon with the Sestos—helping them pack. About 2:40 I left for the C.A.M.P. meeting at Wesley church—took Gladys Haskell along. This was over by 4:30. We tended to details re: the April 18 drug program. When I got home the Sestos were just finishing getting the car loaded. We saw them off—then I got back to work—then napped very briefly before we had supper. Mrs. Paradis came over while we went to Community Chorus—I sat with the Bamforths—of course Bonnie was in the chorus. It was a good performance—especially the Orff Carmina Burana. Bonnie was the “cat’s meow” for the last number. This was over before 9:30—we stayed around chatting—but we were home by 9:45. There was a message for us to call Paul + Marty. We did. They’re coming out to see us later in the month. And Marty’s parents around May 1—his health is deteriorating. I bathed about 11:00 after more reading; watched news; OBLO, 11:40.

Monday, 6 April 1970

We got up in the middle of the night—about 3:30—to view the comet in the eastern sky—plainly visible with the naked eye. In the morning, Θ before arising. I got up about 9:30 to answer the phone—a call from Don McGaw with details about where we’re to send money for our theatre tickets. While eating breakfast Ellie Martin called—wanted to talk to me. I shaved, arrived at her apartment about 10:40. She was depressed, feeling low—so we had about an hour’s chat. From there I went to get a list from Gladys Haskell. Came home—a post-card from Uhlinger—the request for FFR grant for the drug program was rejected. We fixed lunch. Bonnie left for work—just as she was leaving Debbie was waking up. I gave her her lunch. Watched TV coverage of the vote to send G. Harold Carswell’s name back to committee—this was defeated; final vote Wed. My afternoon was devoted to my seminar paper. By supper time I had finally gotten to the point where I’m ready to cut stencils. We had an early supper—as soon as Bonnie got home. At 6:30 we took Debbie to Patriquins—went with Lewises to see What Do You Say to a Naked Lady? [1]—very explicit nudity—very funny. We went to Patriquins; had mug-ups. At 10:00 I went to see Margaret Reilly—she’s finally home. Reported fully on Alan. Arrived home c. 11:15; watched rest of news, Johnny Carson; OBLO 12—

Tuesday, 7 April 1970

Up about 9:00. My main concern today was the seminar paper—getting the stencils typed. I got to work on this in the morning. Bonnie went shopping with Carol Lewis (now 2 days overdue). When she got home we fixed lunch. She mentioned that Leona Mitchell wants drug program leaflets to give to the doctors. So I called Rev. Bailley and he brought some up from the Baptist Church w[h]ere they were left on Saturday. When Bonnie left I shaved—then got back to work at the typewriter. At 2 o’clock Alice Mae Heslin arrived to interview me re: the drug program for an article to appear in the Rockport Eagle. While she was here I gave Debbie her lunch. She was gone, and I was back to work by 3 o’clock. I worked on until Bonnie for home—but I didn’t quit until about 6:30. Then I fixed supper—watched CBS news. Got back to work at 7:30—worked steadily all evening. During the evening I got a call from Marty in Schenectady. Marilyn + Arthur will let us know if we can stay with them in New York City on the 20^th—Paul + Marty are coming to see us that week—Marty’s father + mother might be visiting us on the 30^th of month. About 10 o’clock I’d finished the main body of the paper—but still had footnotes, bibliography, tables to do. Did]n’t] finish til about 1:10. Bathed, together, OBLO 1:45.

[1] A hidden-camera reality film by Alan Funt, released in 1970

Gladys – April 3, 1970

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Letter transcription:

Apr. 3-1970

Dear Bonnie –

The wrap-around came, and I have used it every time I cook or clean the kitchen. I like it very much – even the colors.

I am attending a training session in Cincinnati (Missionary Education – Christian Social Relations – Spiritual Growth). Will be here until Sunday noon. May 7-10 will be going to Houston to assembly. Incidentally, is anyone from your area going to assembly? N. Indiana Conference is chartering a plan for our women. Will be going to Valparaiso next Wed. for Ind. Conf. Meeting.

We had a snow storm yesterday morning and we were not sure I could come – but by the time to come here the roads were all clear and by the time we got to Cincinnati we could see no snow, but lots of green grass. Dad drove me to Frankfort and I came with a Wesleyan Service Guild member who was coming. Her husband is manager of Wesley Manor (Home for retired).

Love Mother

Hello David & Debby

David’s Diary – March 31, 1970

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Tuesday 31 March 1970

Up before 9:30—snowing again! Had breakfast, shaved, puttered at my desk until about 10:45—left for the cemetery for the brief committal ceremony for Louise Bailey. Home by 11:10. The mail man brought a letter from May Fedrick, Alan’s mother—mailed last Wednesday—before the crisis came to a head. She expressed her gratitude to me and her foreboding—well justified foreboding as it turned out; I await word on how his father is getting along after such a grueling week. We had lunch about noon—Bonnie left for work. Debbie played very hard! I worked on my II Isaiah lecture. On one visit to her room I opened the dormer window, set her on the window sill, and we played in the snow—big fluffy flakes—we got about ½ foot during the afternoon; I took some photos in the yard. Late in the afternoon I finished the lecture—also I practiced reading through my paper for seminar. Then read the evening paper. Started working on supper. We ate shortly after 6:00. Watched CBS news 6:30-7:00. Then prepared to leave. The Sestos looked after Debbie. Due to the snow my crowd was cut down at St. Mary’s. My lecture was over shortly after 9:00. Then we came on home after socializing for a while. Visited with the Sestos. I worked on bibliographical recommendations for seminar tomorrow; we bathed together; watched news + a few minutes of Johnny Carson. OBLO 12:15.

Wednesday 1 April 1970

Up about 9:00. After breakfast my main concern was to get the stencil finished with the reading list for next week’s seminar. I ran off several copies. I rode into BU with the Sestos, who were taking a load of things in to their new apartment. Ezra stayed with Bonnie + Debbie. I was let off at BU—just about 12:00. Bill Sesto drives too fast, very unsafe, and no seat-belts. At BU I had lunch with Kent Millard and Elaine Follis—Dr. Rowlingson joined us as we were finishing up. Between 1:00 and 2:00 I did some errands—got 2 books on Pope John 23^rd , to prepare my sermon coming up. 2:00-3:00 went to OT theology 3:00-4:00 had an opportunity to visit with Dr. Beck, also Norman Vaillencourt gave me some information on several of the slides which I’d had duplicates made of. 4:00-6:00 seminar—which per usual was dominated by Jim Bank—who loves to impress on everyone his great learning, i.e., a crashing bore. This was over by 6:00. I met Sestos out by the Union building—we drive home—again at break-neck speed—45 minutes from the Mystic River Bridge to home in Rockport. Arrived here just a few minutes before 7:00. Had supper. The evening was spent in leisurely fashion—pretty weary. But later in the evening I began reading in Lindar’s book, NT Apologetic. Stopped to bathe C. 10:30. We bathed together, OBLO, 11:30.

Thursday, 2 April 1970

Up about 9:00 after Θ+. Shaved, had a quick breakfast, then left for Addison Gilbert Hospital—heavy rain—which lasted all day. 10 o’clock meeting at the hospital with Dr. Culter [?], Jack Roberts and Rev. John Lilly—from the Quadrennial Emphasis Committee. The was assigned to interview [perhaps should be: this was assigned?] re: our proposal first hand. After the meeting I discussed a few matters with Roberts, then came home, got here after 11:30. Mail came, we had lunch, watched noon news. In the afternoon Bonnie went shopping, I tried to get some studying done. But I still seem to be suffering some fatigue from last week. I just haven’t been back to normal as far as getting work done is concerned. In mid-afternoon I napped. When Bonnie got home I helped put away the groceries. Then took a cup of coffee to my study—tried to get some work done. Bonnie ordered me to stay away from the downstairs for a while. The after she’d made a quick trip to the hardware store I was allowed to see her innovation: she’d purchased new curtains for the dining room. We had supper about 6:30. Watched CBS news. I tried to study in the evening—not much luck. About 9:30 I gave up—watched TV with Bonnie—we turned if off after about 15 min. of Johnny Carson. OBLO 12:00.

Friday, 3 April 1970

Up by 9:00. Bathed. Had breakfast. Worked on the article to go in the newspaper on the drug program. Late in the morning a woman came to the door with the plant food which we’re supposed to give to the elm tree out back. Mail man brought the film which we took last Sunday. We invited the Lewises over for this evening—to bring their projector. We had lunch around noon. Bonnie went to work, Debbie went to sleep, and I got to work on my seminar paper—i.e., preparing the tables that are to accompany it. This was my main concern for the afternoon—though I didn’t work at it too hard. I glanced through the paper when it came: Nixon is asking Congress to raise the price of a stamp to 10¢! Bonnie was in the mood for sweet and sour pork. On her way home from work she got the ingredients which we lacked—I went to work preparing this shortly before 6:00. I really don’t care for it very much. We watched CBS news; on What’s My Line? Norman Rockwell was the first guest. I like his work no matter what the critic say. At 8 o’clock the Lewises arrived. We viewed the film from last Sunday—and also our earlier films—and we were astounded at how Debbie looked a year ago! After the Lewises left I worked some in my study, read some; watched the first few minutes of the Tonight Show (Flip Wilson) OBLO 12 o’clock.

Diary page from Friday, April 3, 1970

David’s Diary – March 27, 1970

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Friday, 27 March 1970

Up about 8:00. Shaved, had breakfast—got a call from Alan’s father that Alan was taken to the hospital last night. Id’ been planning to go to Thurston Point anyway—so I just speeded up. Arrived there about 9:00. Stayed and talked with Mr. Federick until about 10:40. We went through some of Alan’s papers. Then I returned to Rockport at 10:45—had to be at the Burgess + Mackey funeral home at 11 o’clock to read the funeral service for Louise Bailey. Not a member of the church—but she had stipulated a Methodist funeral. After this I returned to be with Alan’s father for a while, but then returned home by 12:45. Had lunch, Bonnie went to work. I was weary—and spent the first half of the afternoon—until about 3:00, on the bed. Debbie was playing in her room. Got up, did desk work, did some jotting for my sermon—?—finished with this when Bonnie got home, but I helped with supper about 6:00. We had supper watched CBS news. About 7:30 I left for the hospital. Saw Alan. His friend Bill Matheson arrived. After visiting hours, Bill, Mr. Federick and I spent about 2 hours at the Capt Courageous restaurant, discussing Alan. Home about 10:45, Bathed; watched a few minutes of Johnny Carson. OB Θ+ LO.

Saturday, 28 March 1970

Another chaotic day—thanks to Alan Fedrick. Up about 9:00. Had only a small breakfast—went to Gloucester, to Wesley church to tend to a few details—since the Busseys are leaving on vacation tomorrow. After getting home I shaved, had phone call from Alan’s father regarding a hospital in Waltham which Dr. Mann was considering for Alan. Delivered bulletin inserts to Baptists + Congregation. We had lunch about noon. Grandma + Emil arrived shortly before 12:30. I worked on sermon while they went shopping with Bonnie. Got a call from Ed Nutting—needed more inserts—I went down to his office. Shortly after 3:00—at least before 3:30—Bonnie called—Mr. Fedrick wanted me immediately, Alan was leaving the hospital. I rushed home, then rushed to the hospital, Alan + his father had already left. I then went to Alan’s home. His father had reached the breaking point. Alan was abusive, offensive—entirely unmanageable. He left to go get groceries. His father and I left came home, made phone calls—between 6:00-7:00 I typed my stencil. At 7:00 we left for Logan airport. Got there shortly after 8:00. I stayed with him til he boarded his plane. I left Logan shortly before 10:00; did bulletins at Wesley church on way home. Arrived home, relaxed, bathed, returned to writing sermon—worked on it til 2:00 AM—very weary, OBLO 2:00 AM.

Sunday, 29 March 1970

Got out of bed about 8:00—feeling rather lousy. Had breakfast, then worked on the service, practiced sermon; left for the church about 10:20. A huge crowd. It started snowing during the church hour—a storm that had developed into a howling nor’easter during the day. We were home about 12:30. Had lunch, then I made a trip over to Alan’s. I had to give him the house-keys (which his father had accidentally carried off), and a 50 dollar bill. I stayed less than 5 minutes—I told him never to call me again—and not to show up here at the house with Maria when she comes to retrieve her things. Came home, tried to nap—was on bed til about 3:30. Had a call from Alan’s Brandeis colleague Bill Matheson. I went downstairs, had something to eat, then spent the late afternoon playing cards with Bonnie, grandma + Emil. We had supper around 6:00. The evening was spent in leisurely fashion. We took a roll of movie film, to send to Bonnie’s folks. We took some footage downstairs, and some in Debbie’s room. Then after Debbie was down for the night we showed our slides taken since Christmas. Then I showed my slides on Qumran—but I raced through them since Emil didn’t seem to grasp. Prepared for bed with storm still howling; OBLO c. 10:45.

Monday, 30 March 1970

Θ about 7:30. Bonnie got up about 8:30, when we heard Grandma + Emil up—I didn’t get up til about 9:00. We all had breakfast together. They left immediately. I got their car out of the snow and turned around. My main concern for the day was to make some progress on my lecture for tomorrow night. But I was still pretty weary from the ordeal with Alan. I began reading II Isaiah. Late in the a.m. Bonnie went shopping. We ate lunch about noon when she had returned home. She left for work about 12:45. I was able to finish II Isaiah during the afternoon. About mid-afternoon I got supper going, then I napped. About 5:30 I got up, looked through the newspaper—Bonnie got home, we worked on supper. Watched CBS news. In the evening Bonnie went to Community Chorus. I looked over the calendar for next month—it’s hard to believe that the last seminar is only 3 weeks away. Played with Debbie also. But she was sleepy and wasn’t anxious to drag out playtime. I did some reading on II Isaiah, then turned to making notes for the lecture. Did about 4 pages. I had hoped to be done with the lecture by this evening—but I just wasn’t able to push myself today. Stopped to bathe about 11:45. Watched the first 45 minutes of the tonight show—it’s great on Maria’s color TV! OBLO, c. 12:30.