Gladys – March 26, 1970

Letter transcription:

March 26, 1970

Happy Easter – and I hope this reaches you before Sunday. I am sending Debby a present for Easter, but you may not get it before the Day, but since she won’t know the difference maybe it won’t make her too unhappy. I have been taking therapy on my right arm and find I am having a struggle to get my muscles back in shape. After having a cast on the arm 6½ weeks, the old muscles don’t want to go back to work. I go to the Health Center every day at 3:30 and it takes about an hour. I am out by the time the Doctors get off work, so we (Dad & I) come home together. I have to take Dad to work every day after lunch, because we cannot have two cars on the campus at one time.

We are planning to go to Japan July 22^nd and return home August 12. That is the schedule for the plane for the Purdue Band. We have bought one tour which will take us to Expo, but we will have more time than this one tour takes. I have an acquaintance who is a missionary in Nagasaki and if she is going to be home at the time we are in Japan, we will probably go and see her and do some sight seeing in that area.

John just called. He is coming over for the weekend and will be here tomorrow evening. I had thought about having Mark’s children come for a few days, since they will be having spring vacation, but my therapy has been keeping me so tired, I am afraid I couldn’t meet the effort it would take. According to the weather forecast we are to have cold weather for the weekend and that would mean they couldn’t play out of doors, so I am afraid they wouldn’t like staying too much.

We plan to go to Kentland Tuesday – Dad has a dental appt. I will visit Mrs. Myers.

I am going to Cincinnati April 2 to 5^th to attend a training session for my new job as Chairman of Missionary Education for the Conference.

I thought you might enjoy seeing the enclosed picture taken from the slide. The colors are not too good, but the picture turned out better than I thought it might.

Love Mother

Mark and his family, summer 1970

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Fayette Friday – Fannie L. (Gilchrist) Merrell #2

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A second letter from Fannie Gilchrist to Lena Scofield. It is not clear whether this is the first letter or the second, since last week’s letter did not include the year. While this letter describes part of Fannie’s journey to Iowa, it could have been written months afterwards. Fannie becomes a great contemporary witness to the fire that destroyed Chicago in October 1871, as she mentions traveling through a burnt section of the city.

Letter transcription:

Marion, Iowa Dec 14^th, 72

Dear Lena

I received your letter and was very glad to hear from you. I thought you was going to wait until I wrote. O! how I wish I could see you and tell you all the news you want me to tell you all about my journey it would have been very pleasant – if I had been well it makes me have the head ach to write on the cars It was in the after noon when we crossed the Mississippi and the sun was shining and it did look so pretty I wish you could of seen it there is an island in it with two houses on it – there was a lady on the cars that told me they was not nice people that lived there. Lake Michigan was so pretty the sun was shining on it – which made it look beautiful. Did you ever see a wind mill? I saw so many of all shapes they did look so funy. On getting off the cars

[page 2] at the great Union Depot at Chicago we had to get in the to go to the well street Depot and going from one Depot to the other we passed through the burnt part of the city. I saw a great many people there was a carrage passed us and I think the women that were in the carriage was Nun’s they did look so funy. I reached the end of my journey between 8 and 9 o’clock I was very tired. I spend my Thanksgiveing at home I was invited out but did not go, Miss Small was here for dinner. Are you making any Christmas presents? Lena pleas tell Em and Min I would like to write to them but have not time I send my love to them. Is Mary there yet? You say you wish I could see Zella I would like to very much. I send my love to Pauline and ask her if she does not want to take a sleigh ride this winter. You want me to tell you all about my school I am acquainted with all of the girls of my size and most all of the large ones I have not had an introduction to any of the boys and I do not want any the boys here are

[page 3] are no better than they are there. I like some of the girls real well. I sit with Alice Cook I think she is a very nice little girl. Alice and I got weighted and I weigh 104 Miss Small think I am flesher than when I first came. I go with Effa Whipple the most of the time she is my cousin she is as large as I but not as old. I have not been to see her but twice since I been here and she does not live far from our house I was over to her house yesterday evening and we had a real nice time she played on the Piano and I sang. Aunt Abbie said I might go to the Literrary so Effa Anna and their Ma called for me and I went with them. We had a real nice time it was at the public school there are three Literrary socities here. Are they going to have a tree Christamas at our church? We were going to have a supper Christamas eve I gues they are going to put it off until the horses get better so the country people can come and then we are going to have a sleigh ride before supper won’t that be nice? I should think

[page 4] Anna Quinn would have been ashamed of her self that piece that was in the Gazette, was she not? What made them put it in? Does Ella Quinn go over to our house? You ask me if I do not think of staying here two years I would like to go to school two years for I think I know very little for a girl of my age. How can they get Mr. Bippetoe when He is superintendant of the College? You ask me if it is so that Emma was going to be married I don’t know what you mean I never said any thin about her going to marry. Lizzie has not answered my letter yet. Have you heard from Ella lately? The wind is blowing real hard to day you ought to hear it – some time I know it would scare you. My new dress is done it is trimed with satten of a darker shade it is made with a polinase buttoned up behind it has three folds on the upper skirt and a ruffle and Miliners fold above that and between the two there is a fold of satten on the lower skirt there is a broad piece of bias satten I think it is very

[top margin] pretty. I am going to wear it tomorrow. You did not tell me what you did on Election day did you ride on the wagon? It was as still as could be here it seemed so funny for it was all ways so noisy there. Next week is examination. I have to learn sum poetry this afternoon for next Friday. I wish you would tell me all about the Rivel Sisters and Bone of Contention Aunt does not take that paper she take the Presbeter. I am readying that story I think it is real interesting. There is some snow on the ground – When you write please tell me what they done with Dickey. Are my flowers growing nice? O! how I wish I could see you. I was invited to a party not long ago Aunt thought I had better not go she said she did not like for me to be out at night and the boys and girls were not as old as I. I found out afterwards that they danced and cut up high. They always have refreshments at parties here. How do you wear your hair

[top margin 2] I cannot [?] mine fit to be seen my [?] teeth are broke and my come is to big. Emma all ways fixes it on Sabbath for me. I send my live to our family tell Ma I will write next week When you write ask me all the questions you want to about my school or anything else I belive I have told you every thing I can think of pleas write soon and pleas excus all mispelled words. I shall look for a letter evry week now from your Friend Fannie L. Gilchrist

P.S. I send my love to all a good part of it for you good by write soon

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David’s Diary – March 23, 1970

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Monday, 23 March 1970

Up about 8:30. A busy morning; made several phone calls re: Alan and the April 18 drug program. Shaved; worked on getting the stencil cut for the drug program bulletin inserts. About 12:15 Bonnie and I left the house at 12:15. Virginia Bate stayed with Debbie. I left Bonnie at the hospital, dropped in to see Alan, then left for the airport. Got to Logan just about the time the plane was landing. Had to wait only about 5 minutes to get Mr. Federick. We then drove back to Thurston Point. I described Alan and the last ½ year as much as possible. We were back to Alan’s about 2:30. They had a chance to greet one another—then it was decided that his father + I should go get food. We drove to the Stop + Shop—were back by 4 o’clock. I made phone calls—Alan + his father talked. About 4:20 a phone call came as expected from Mrs. Federick. After this was completed Alan broke down, wept in his father’s arms—a very sad scene. I took Mr. Federick to the hospital to have a shot (his monthly shot fell due today). We picked up Bonnie—then left Mr. Federick at Alan’s—came home, took Virginia home, fixed supper, watched CBS news, dozed, had supper. Bonnie went to rehearsal; I finished stencil; worked on Jeremiah—put a few thoughts in order; bathed about 11; OB, Θ+ , LO –

Tuesday, 24 March 1970

Up about 9:00. Had breakfast. My main concern for the day was to get the Jeremiah lecture ready. So I spent the morning on this. Just before 11:00 I got a call from Don McGaw confirming whether or not he was to have lunch with Alan’s father—I said yes. I continued with the lecture. Bonnie + I had lunch, I shaved—she began feeding Debbie, then had to leave for work. While I was working in the kitchen, Don McGaw walked in with Alan’s father. We had a conference—I think that spending the night with Alan—and really seeing his condition—was a shattering experience for the father. We called Murray Sachs, because Mr. Federick wanted to see him; so Don drove him to Brandeis and back. I spent the afternoon on the lecture—then about 4:30 began preparing supper, since I expected Don back. He came in a few minutes after six—had supper with us—we conferred more on Alan. Then Don had to get on back to Medford. After 7:00 I prepared to leave for St. Mary’s. The lecture went well; Bonnie + I stayed around afterwards chatting with Ed Nutting + the Bamforths. Picked up Debbie from Drue, then headed on home. I then got to work typing the stencil for Easter letter + Wesley Fellowship letter; OBLO, 12:45.

Wednesday, 25 March 1970

Up about 8:15—shaved, had breakfast. Left for Gloucester, after getting gas and going to the dump. Jim Bussey and I ran off the bulletin inserts on the drug program—also enough to leaflet the supermarkets. Also ran off my Easter letter + a letter to the Wesleyan Fellowship. We finished up about 11:30. I went over the see the Federicks. Alan was asleep, but his father was awake—he’d been able to get a good night’s sleep. We talked at length about Alan’s future—and the situation is so difficult. Every alternative is fraught with difficulties. I threw away some marijuana which Alan had. On my way home I stopped in Gloucester and got my slides—the duplicate[s] of Fr. Vaillencourt. Got home about 2:00. Had lunch. Then attended to the Easter letter—Bonnie went shopping, I took Debbie on my back. We went to P.O., Epis Church, to Rockport Nat’l bank to leave the Wes. Fellowship letters with Jean Crowell. Home again. Put Debbie down for a nap—and wasn’t much in a mood myself to study; napped. Read the paper when it came. Fixed supper;—when Bonnie returned; Watched CBS news. In the evening I mounted my “scissor” or “accordion” lamp by my chair; worked on Aramaic most of the evening. Bathed about 11:30. More Aramaic; OBLO, 12:20.

Thursday, 26 March 1970

Up about 7:00. Shaved, had breakfast. Got on the road shortly after 8:00. Arrived at Carter Memorial Church in Needham Heights about 9:10. Communion service already in progress in the sanctuary. After this was over we went downstairs—this was, by the way, the Bishop’s Study Day—had coffee + chatting. Then the morning was spent discussing a chapter from a book by Harvey Cox.[1] Then after lunch there was discussion of COCU [2]—Bishop Mathews is in the thick of things, so he was able to give us some good information. The meeting broke up about 2:30. I headed in to BUST. Arrived about 3:00. Did some errands. Also—Dr. Brown informed me that the faculty voted me a $500 Fellowship—although I haven’t been notified yet. Had Aramaic class from 4:00 to 5:35. Then I came directly home. Rainy. Got home about 6:50. Had supper and watched the end of CBS news; it appears as if Nixon’s nomination of G. Howard Carswell is going to be rejected. It’s very rewarding to see this happen. I only hope Congress has the stomach to keep rejecting as long as Nixon’s nominees are inferior.// Ate quickly went to the church. 7:45-8:45 Communion service with Jim Bussey preaching—the service didn’t go off too well; we went to Lewis’, who had Debbie, stayed a while; home by 11:00; bathed; watched some of Johnny Carson; OB, read, LO 12:35.

[1] Leading Protestant theologian at the time.

[2] Consultation on Church Union. Not a very popular initiative; people called it “cuckoo.”

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David’s Diary – March 19, 1970

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Thursday, 19 March 1970

Up ? –before 9:00 after Θ. Worked a short while at my desk on Aramaic. Phone call from W. Aufrecht—he’s to be at BU today [for] Richardson’s Lowell lecture—then we all had breakfast. After breakfast I got right back to Aramaic—and this was my main concern until I left for BU. I was on the phone several times with Jim Bussey regarding C.A.M.P. matters—drug program + Black History film. Late in the morning Bonnie took Debbie for a stroll—I continued on Aramaic—then stopped to shave. Bonnie + Debbie came home, then we had lunch. Then back to Aramaic until c. 2:30—at which time I prepared to leave—took off about 2:45. Arrived BU about 3:45. Went across Commonwealth avenue + bought two records, then went to Aramaic class; this lasted until about 5:45 Headed home; drove by Federick’s—saw Maria in the window so I know she’s still alive. Had supper when I got home; watched a Dr. Seuss show: Horton meets a Who (?). Then spent a few minutes in my study. At 8:35 went over to see Loyd Starrett to confer re: JYF—i.e., the steering committee—he too was disgusted by last Sunday’s meeting; came home by 9:30. Spent the evening puttering in my study. Hung my new Palestine map. Stopped to bathe before 12:30. OBLO, 12:50.

Friday, 20 March 1970

Up about 9:15. Had breakfast—then was off on errands. Took envelopes and mailing list to Mrs. Cooney for Easter pastoral letter. Took a couple of items to Jim Bussey, chatted with him briefly. Then went to the Camera Shop and left 29 slides with them to be duplicated—Father Vaillencourt’s. Looked in 3 stores for a right kind of lamp—no luck. Went to Norman’s office supply for mimeo-paper. Came on home. Glanced through Life magazine. Bonnie, Debbie, Cameron and Ezra came home from a walk; we all had lunch together. Bill arrived home just as Bonnie was leaving for work. I started to shave—Maria called. She arrived shortly thereafter to pick up things—and divulge more info on drunk Alan. After she left I continued shaving—and finished after another interruption—phone call from Bussey. Then outlined sermon. In mid-afternoon Bill Sesto took pictures of me; then I continued working on sermon. Then turned to fixing supper, since Bonnie was delayed getting home. Watched CBS news. After supper worked on sermon and consulted with Margaret Reilley on whether to write to Alan’s parents. About 9:00 we went to Sestos to see the photos. Also got involved in a wierd [sic] philosophical/religious discussion; home after 12:00; bathed; OBLO, 1 A.M.

Saturday, 21 March 1970

What a day! Up about 9:30. Had breakfast, then got to work on the sermon—but about mid-morning I was interrupted by a phone call from Maria—could I take Alan to Mt. Pleasant Hospital in Lynn. I said yes. But then I called the hospital and they won’t take him—it was an involved affair. They had to call Brandeis, Sachs, insurance co.—and I found out about 12:30 that we’d have to bring $400 with us to admit him. I called Sachs—he suggested we try using an ordinary hospital. I went over to Thurston Point about 1:00. We called the local Dr. Wachman—colleague of Mason [?]. He arranged for Alan to go to A-G, then Villa Atlanta tomorrow. Alan is in sad shape. We put him in the car, took him to the hospital, drove back to Thurston Point, loaded Maria up—she left. I came back to Rockport—stopped briefly to see Margaret—then headed home. Dr. Wachman on the phone: Alan was signing himself out of the hospital. More phone calls, but there was nothing to be done. I tried to relax and take a nap (after eating “lunch”). The rest of the day spent on sermon, bulletin, stencils for tomorrows meeting. In mid evening Maria called, Alan called. He gave me his father’s phone number; I called England—asked him to come. Had to work very late preparing for tomorrow. Bathed c. 1:15; practiced sermon; OBLO, 1:55.

Sunday, 22 March 1970

The phone woke me at 7:00—Mr. Federick calling from England. He’s coming tomorrow; I’m to pick him up at the airport. After hanging up I went back to bed. Θ. Up again about 7:45. Shaved, had breakfast. Worked at my desk until my *about 9:30 a call from Murray Sachs. Class arrived—just Karen Haskell today. We had about an hour’s lesson—I left for the church about 10:40. Had a good crowd—54. Preached on “The Tale of 3 Cities.” Home by 12:30. Did more work preparing for the charge conference, had lunch. About 2:00 I went to the Ornes for more data, then went to Wesley Church to run off my stencils—their machine is marvelous—mine is not making a good copy. After finishing that, at 3:30, went over to Alan’s—he was asleep—I came home, then went on down to the church for the meeting—very poor attendance: only 8, beyond Bonnie, Dr. + Mrs. Uhlinger + myself. There was quite a bit of fear concerning my desire for a committee to “have conversations” with the Episcopal and Congregational churches. The meeting was over shortly after 6:00—we came home. Uhlingers ate with us, then went on to Wesley for its meeting. I then drove over to Thurston point to check on Alan again; he was awake, but collapsed in bed again while I was there; came back to Rockport. Visited with Margaret about a half hour; came on home; did some work. very weary; watched 11 o’clock news. OBLO, 11:45.

Dr. and Mrs. Uhlinger

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David’s Diary – March 15, 1970

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Sunday, 15 March 1970

Up about 8:00; had a bowl of oatmeal at my desk while practicing the sermon; then shaved—greeted my class at 9:30, i.e., Billy Elwell showed up. When this was over I left for the church, after 10:30. A moderate crowd at church; preached on “The Missing Link”—home by 12:30. We had lunch, then I worked on Greek; about 2:15 Maria called—she was on her way over with boxes to leave with us. She arrived shortly thereafter. She thinks Alan is getting worse; she wants to get out as soon as possible. She stayed only a few minutes. At 2:50 I left, picked up Winnie + Kay—went to Den Mar nursing home; lead the service from 3:00–3:30. Came home. Did some more Greek, then turned to reading further in Finkelstein’s book on the Pharisees. Napped briefly. About 7:00 we thought about getting supper. After supper we played with Debbie briefly—then I spent the evening with C. H. Dodd’s According to the Scriptures—doing further reading on my Matthew paper for seminar. I left off this after 10:00. Then Bonnie and I looked through the Sears catalogue section on camping equipment. Then I caught the 11 o’clock news. We bathed together; then went to bed to read briefly; LO, 12:03. Θ+

Monday, 16 March 1970

Up about 8:00. Had breakfast—shaved. About 9 o’clock left to pick up Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Haskell. We went to the hospital to talk with Jack Roberts re: the drug education program for adults. We set it for April 18—Sat morning 8:00–12:30. This conference was over by about 10:00. On the way home we stopped at Stop + Shop—then came home. After watching Sesame Street for a few minutes, and after mail man came I went to Richdales for bread and milk. Came home. We had lunch around 12:00. Debbie napped through it. It doesn’t do any good to wake her up—she doesn’t want to eat. Bonnie left for work. I studied Greek. Debbie woke up, and I gave her lunch about 2:00. She then played for the rest of the afternoon and I studied. After leaving the Greek I turned to Dodd’s book. Snoozed briefly in the late afternoon. Read the paper about 5 o’clock. When Bonnie came home she fixed supper—we ate early. But we watched CBS news. After supper, this being Debbie’s 19 month birthday, we took some pictures before Bonnie left for Community Chorus Rehearsal. When she left I studied Greek some more. Then finished Dodd—then I turned to working on Micah—in preparation for tomorrow night. Late in the evening when Bonnie got home I listened to a record with headphones. Started Lindars NT Apologetic; bathed together, OBLO, 12:22.

Tuesday, 17 March 1970

Up at 9:10 after Θ+. Had breakfast, then went to work reading Micah—by noon I had read the book once. We had lunch, then Bonnie left for work. Debbie played all afternoon. At one point I took a picture of her, with her rubber pants stuffed full of blocks! The afternoon was devoted to preparing the Micah lecture. Making notes, rereading the book; also read 30 pp. from Bright’s History of Israel. Around supper time I made several phone calls re: C.A.M.P.’s drug education program and Black History film program. Ate supper, watched CBS news. Then about 7:00 prepared to leave—walked to St. Mary’s—Bonnie took Debbie to stay with Jerry + Carol Lewis. The lecture began as usual at 7:30. The attendance is holding up pretty well. After it was over we sat around chatting with Ed Nutting, the Bamforths + brother Jerome (?). When just the Bamforths + we were left, Dick told me that his representatives to the JYF Steering Com. had resigned because of last Sunday’s long meeting—glad to know that others objected. We picked up Debbie at Lewis’—stayed about a half hour—but then headed home. Didn’t bother to bathe—too tired; OBLO 11:30.

Wednesday, 18 March 1970

Up before 9:00. Bathed, had breakfast—shaved. The morning slipped by. About 10:00 Bill Sesto called—wanted a lift out to 128 where he’d left his car last night (out of gas) Bonnie took him. I straightened up my study somewhat, then did a little Aramaic. Shortly before 11:00 I took Debbie over to Cameron—then left for the train. Virginia Bate went to Boston with me. At the Beverley (?) station Henry Cabot Lodge got on the train. Virginia and I made sure that our peace buttons were in clear view! We arrived at BU about 1:00. Had lunch together in the refectory. Then I went off running errands. Then at 2:00 we went to OT Theology. Beck began by passing out lolly-pops! After class was over Virginia left for home. I went across the [???] to browze [sic] at a book store. Then returned to Beck’s office. Made the tea for seminar; seminar from 4:00 to 5:50. Left for N. Station. Caught the 6:40 train, walked into the house just about 8:00. We had supper. My map of Palestine and the Inter-linear Greek NT had arrived. I relaxed + did phoning, and started Aramaic in earnest after 9:30. Made one trip to Sestos with Bonnie—they’re doing some photo work for us. Worked on Aramaic til about 12:30. OBLO, 1:00 A.M.

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David’s Diary – March 11, 1970

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Wednesday, 11 March 1970

Up shortly before 9:00. Had breakfast. *Phone call from Wally Aufrecht—we arranged my DSS program with his church. Then tried to get some Aramaic done. But I didn’t have time to make much progress. Had to shaved [sic] and prepare to leave for Boston. Carol Lewis came over and was here when I left about 11:00. Walked as usual to the train station. Took the 11:15 train. Got to BU shortly before 1:00. Had my lunch, then did some errands: did some phoning. Then made it to OT Theology from 2:00–3:00. Followed Beck to his office. Helped with the tea, we also went across Commonwealth Avenue to buy some cookies for seminar. Got back + had a cup of tea together. Seminar met 4:10–5:50. The paper today was on eschatology; I really wasn’t too interested today. Left about 6:00 for North Station; took the 6:40 train—arrived home just about 8:00. Pictures had arrived from Mail-A-Way. We had supper, and I looked through the photos. The new roll of b + w wasn’t so good—but on the whole we now have a good big batch of photos to send away. Will send 18 to Penang. I wrote a letter to Mrs. Myers, included some pictures. Then spent 9:30–11:30 on Aramaic—Codex Neofiti-Genesis 4; 11:30 bathed, watched Johnny Carson; OBLO, 12:40. Θ+

Thursday, 12 March 1970

Up shortly after 8:00; had no breakfast; took a glass of juice to my desk—worked on Aramaic translation. I worked on this til about 9:45. Then shaved, went to Gloucester, to the Addison-Gilbert hospital to pick up the 41 copies of the FFR proposal for a grant. On the way home I stopped at the grocery store for Syrian bread. Came on home—arrived shortly after 11:00, and got back to work on Aramaic. Bonnie called me to lunch a few minutes before 12:00. After eating got ready to leave; caught the 1:15 train to Boston; did Aramaic on the way. I first went to 581 Boylston St. to leave off the 41 proposal copies, then went to BU; glanced through the Playboy magazine which I’d bought a[t] N. Station. Then did a few errands—went to do xeroxing—Elaine Follis was there doing some items for Dr. Beck. Then we had Aramaic together from 4:00–5:30 with Dr. Richardson. When this was over caught the trolley (Elaine rode as far as Park St.) to N. Station, took the 6:40 train home—arrived shortly after 8:00. Had supper, relaxed, after playing with Debbie, after 9:00—we went to Patriquins; we came home about 10:40. Relaxed, bathed; watched Johnny Carson—Helen Hayes was a guest; OBLO, 12:40.

Friday, 13 March 1970

Not out of bed til after 9:30. A miserable stormy day outside—snow + sleet. I went at a leisurely pace today. The day was spent “puttering” for the most part: getting caught up on desk work. The morning was short, so I didn’t get much done then. We had lunch around 12:15—then Bonnie left for work. Debbie slept most of the time she was gone. I continued at my desk. Late in the afternoon I wrote a long letter to Bonnie’s folks—describing the 20 photos that we’re sending. After Bonnie got home I walked down to the church to change the wayside pulpit. When I got home we worked on supper and decided to go to a show; watched CBS news. Early in the evening I worked on Greek. I’m going to try to renew my knowledge in this area. About 8:30 we left Debbie with the Sesto’s, then went to Gloucester to see John and Mary. This was over about 10:15. We returned home—i.e., to Sestos—they invited us to stay for tea—so we chatted with them on a variety of subjects. We didn’t come home til about 12:30. // Saw a funny skit on Sesame Street this a.m.—re: blowing the banana—“that’s weird, man” // we bathed together. Then OBLO; LO, 1:12.

Saturday, 14 March 1970

Up about 9:30 after Θ. My first concern was to get the letter ready to send to Bonnie’s parents—after breakfast, that is. Also I wrote a letter to David Watson. After the mail man had delivered our mail I went to the post office—$1.50 to mail the letter to Penang. Came home, shaved worked on Greek until lunch time. While I was fixing lunch (Bonnie was over seeing Cameron Sesto) I called Margaret Reilly—she was finally home!—with her broken arm. I arranged to see her for tea at 3:30. Then we had lunch, and I started out on my calling; went to see Hannibals; from there I went to Esther Longley’s. Then I came home; walked to Margaret’s apartment. She wasn’t home yet (gone of beauty shop)—but I waited inside til she came. We chatted about Alan until 4:30. Then I went to see Lucy Patience. I stayed with her until about 5:30. Walked down to Richdales for yogurt. Came home—Bonnie had supper in the oven. I worked on Greek again until 6:30. Went down to watch the news (NBC) we had supper. Then I had to work on the service: did the bulletins—then I started on the sermon. I’d been planning for days what to write—so it wasn’t too great a chore. I finally finished all preparations after 12:00. We bathed together; OBLO 1 A.M.

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David’s Diary – March 7, 1970

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Saturday, 7 March 1970

Up about 9:00. Had breakfast; finished typing; I was hoping to get started on my sermon, but Maria called. She wanted to bring some things over. When she got here she brought the news: Alan has been fired by Brandeis. And his heavy drinking continues. After she left we had lunch. Then we were preoccupied by the Solar Eclipse. 96% total—this was achieved at about 1:47. It became noticeably darker—but nothing at all approaching darkness. After this was over I could focus my attention towards sermon writing. After pushing hard this week to write the paper, I wasn’t much in the mood. But after relaxing briefly I began worked—and made fairly good progress. Then late in the afternoon the Sestos arrived home!—with their new son Esten. They had supper with us. Then at about 8:30 we started (Bonnie + I) to get ready to go to the show. We left Debbie at Patriquins. We saw Cactus Flower—a good comedy. Then we picked up Debbie, and came home; I finished doing the bulletins, which I started when Sestos were here. Also searched around the house for Sully—he’s missing. Also worked further on the sermon and bathed; more on sermon; OBLO 1:30.

Sunday, 8 March 1970

Up about 8:00; had breakfast, then went back to work finishing preparations for the service—after discovering where Sully was. I went exploring around the house at 15 Hale Street and heard him meowing. After Bonnie had left for Sunday School I was able to contact the owner. He came over and we rescued Sully. I then shaved, practiced the sermon. My class didn’t meet because Karen Haskell is trying to avoid doing to[o] much—she’s had a severe cold. Left for the church about 10:40. We had about 60 in church because there was a delegation of Girl Scouts. I preached on a sentence from John 18—“Are you not also one of his disciples.” Home by 12:30. Fixed lunch. Then I turned to getting my study restored to order—after things had gone to pot during a week of work on my papers. Then at 3:30 I went to Loyd Starrett’s home for a meeting of the Joint Youth Fellowship’s Steering Committee—what was to last 1 hr lasted 3. I was really angry. Revs. Nutting and Bailey rebell [sic] at the idea of the Steering Committee just being managerial—they drug the meeting out on issues of philosophy. Didn’t get home til after 6:30. Ate hurredly [sic]; left Debbie with Sestos. Jerry + Carol Lewis picked us up after 7:00—we went to the play-reading; we did Little Foxes—we were home by 11 o’clock; bathed together; then OBLO. Θ+ , LO c. 12:25.

Monday, 9 March 1970

Didn’t get up til about 9:30. Bonnie was immediately going about getting ready to go shopping with Cameron. After they left I had breakfast, then turned to working on my Hosea lecture. Before Bonnie got home I had managed to read most of the introduction to Hosea in the IB. When she got home I helped unload the groceries from the car. We then fixed lunch. After she went to work I turned back to Hosea. The post-man brought a package—Time-Life Library of Art on Copley—I took time briefly to look through it. In mid-afternoon I gave Debbie a snack. She had very little to eat for lunch since she was so sleepy. Late in the afternoon she finally settled down to nap. I went ahead with Hosea then napped myself. When Bonnie got home I went to vote—voted for Anne Fisk, Dick Short, Roger Martin—and fluoridation. Then came home—after getting milk + yogurt. Fixed supper—liver + french fried onions. Watched CBS news. Left about 7:40 for the Concerned Citizens Executive Com. meeting at Gloucester Baptist church. This broke up about 10:00. They agreed to co-sponsor two C.A.M.P. events. Came home, worked further in Hosea. Then about 11:30 stopped. Bathed—together. Watch[ed] Johnny Carson; OBLO, 12:40.

Tuesday, 10 March 1970

Up about 9:30. Had breakfast. My first concern was to finish preparing my Hosea lecture; I had most of it done by noon time. We had lunch around noon. After Bonnie left for work I put Debbie down for a nap and she slept all afternoon. I finished preparing the lecture; then I wired a book end to the my book case that I have right to the left of my chair. In retrospect my afternoon seems to have evaporated. Late in the afternoon I got around to beginning my translating for Aramaic class in codex neofite—the targum; working in Genesis 4. When Bonnie got home we turned our attention to supper. Watched CBS news. Then I prepared to go to the lecture. Bonnie stayed home this evening since we’d left with Debbie with a sitter the last three nights. My lecture this evening was on Hosea, built around selected passages. After the lecture I had a chance to chat with Dick Bamforth—I expressed some of my negative feelings re: Joint Youth Fellowship Steering committee. Dick also told me that Margaret Reilly is out of town because she broke her arm/Fell in her apartment. I got home about 10 o’clock. Had to do some phoning—we had a snack of pie which Bonnie made. Then I turned to do Aramaic for a little while. Then we bathed together; watched Johnny Carson; OB—read; LO, 12:45.

David’s Diary – March 3, 1970

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Tuesday, 3 March 1970

Up between 8:30 and 9:00. Had breakfast; the main concern for the morning was to get Mother to Logan airport, so I made no attempt to study. But I did read further in The Little Foxes. I also put the can of Lamb Omastram into mother’s suitcase—without her knowing it. We left here a few minutes before 10:00—after taking a few pictures of her with Debbie. We made very good time—no traffic, a clear day. I simply left her at the sidewalk at American Airlines—then headed home—was back by 11:45. We got our lunch, then Bonnie went to work. I relaxed by reading The Little Foxes; I finished it, then turned again to working on my Matthew paper—doing some further reading. Called Don McGaw re: Harvey. I played with Debbie briefly a couple of times. She was very good all afternoon. We started working on supper shortly after Bonnie got home. Watched CBS news. At 7:30 Bonnie left for town meeting, but I stayed home and worked on paper. Made some progress; did some phoning. Also had a phone call from Margaret Reilley—she’s getting indications that all is not well with Alan Federick these days; I worked until almost 11:30. Bathed; watched Johnny Carson; OBLO 12:45.

Wednesday, 4 March 1970

Up at 9:30. Had breakfast, shaved, then turned to working on my paper—again this was my main concern for the day. Worked past noon time. I’m usually not home on Wednesday. About 1 o’clock I was giving Bonnie a backrub, and we got a little carried away; i.e., I seduced her (Θ)—in the middle of the day! So it was a long noon hour. Didn’t have lunch until about 2:00. Then I got back to work on the paper. Late in the afternoon Carol Lewis came over—she and Bonnie went shopping in Gloucester. I continued working. Stopped for news about 6:30—watched CBS—Had supper. Then again back to work after playing with Debbie. Had several phone calls in the evening. From Jerry Lewis—he has cast his Sunday play—I’ll be Oscar. Also spoke with Margaret Reilley. I called her—because I knew that she was to be having Maria for supper. Maria was still there and I spoke with her. Things with Alan don’t seem to be improving—he’s drunk, he missed the day at Brandeis—he told off Murray Sachs—Maria is ready to leave. I don’t see how Alan can possibly keep his job; Maria is afraid he might get violent; had call from Don McGaw re: Harvey; stopped work on paper about 11:30. bathed; Johnny Carson OBLO 12:50.

Thursday, 5 March 1970

Up about 9:15. Had breakfast—then back to work on my paper—doing some reading. Carol Lewis came over—since she had to take their car to the garage on Broadway. I took a break late in the morning and chatted with her and Bonnie. She stayed to have lunch with us. Just as we were finishing I got a phone call from Maria—she was calling from a pay-phone; she wanted to store some things with us. So I told her to come on over—which she did. Alan is quite drunk; has been drinking for 3 days. We had a long talk with Maria. Don McGaw happened to call while she was here—re: play tickets, but we discussed Alan briefly. After Maria left I wrote a letter to Pat Harry, since Maria had said that Alan has been writing to Pat—and had called Pat. I told Pat to stay away from Alan. After writing the letter I prepared a packet to go to Mail-A-Way. Then I got back to work on the paper—again reading. I stopped about 6:00. Watched the news, had supper. At 8:00 Bonnie went to a Jewelry Party at Patriquins. I stayed home with Debbie—and got some more writing done. And had a phone call from Maria. I stopped to bathe about 11:30. Bonnie arrived home, we bathed together; OBLO, 1 A.M.

Friday, 6 March 1970

Up about 9:00; had breakfast, shaved—then to work again on the Matthew paper—I’m pretty tired of it by now. But I was able to make pretty decent progress—slowly by surely. We had lunch around noon. But Debbie fell asleep late in the morning—so we didn’t wake her for lunch, she was too out of it. When Bonnie left for work, I went back to the paper. Debbie woke up about 1:30. So I gave her lunch. The mail was very late today—didn’t get her[e] until about 2:00. I looked through it while Debbie finished her lunch. Debbie played by herself for most of the afternoon. My breaks from my writing were to play with her. She’s very good about occupying herself—I can come and go and she doesn’t seem to mind. When the newspaper came I took time to look through it. Then back to the paper. When Bonnie got home we worked on supper—I was almost to the end to writing on the paper. We fixed and ate supper, watched CBS news. We had expected Billy Elwell + Karen Haskell to show up at 7:00 to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. But Karen called at 7:00 that she has a cold—wouldn’t be here. When Billy got here—I sent him home—actually he had to go to Sea Scouts; I worked on the paper; finished writing, typed. Had a call from Maria; bathed 11:00; watched Johnny Carson, Θ.

Fayette Friday – Fannie L. (Gilchrist) Merrell #1

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During the early 1870s, most likely 1872 or 1873, Fannie Gilchrist moved from Connersville, Indiana, to Marion County, Iowa, with her family. Fannie’s sister Zella has conflicting birth locations in 1872, either in Iowa or Fayette County. While Fannie’s brother Clifford, born in 1873, always claimed Indiana as his birthplace. Regardless, Fannie’s family seems to have moved back and forth between Fayette County and Iowa. Fannie married in Fayette County, in 1877, and remained there until the deaths of her husband and son in the early 1910s. Fannie’s parents moved to Iowa before 1900 and were buried across the border in Kansas.

Lena and Fannie most likely attended school together in Connersville as young girls and teenagers. Born in November 1856, Fannie was about 16 when this letter was written.

Letter transcription:

Marion Iowa May 30^th

Dearest Lena

I thought I would send you a little note with Ma’s letter to let you know that I have not forgotten the nice times we use to have. I hope you will excuse me for not answering your letter, I intend to as soon as possible. O! I want to see you so very much. I am so sleepy I will have to close this long note. P.S. Please excuse paper. From Fannie to dear Lena.

David’s Diary – February 26, 1970

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Thursday, 26 February 1970

Up shortly after 9:00. Shaved, had breakfast, prepared to leave for BU. On the way out of town I stopped at the bank for $4 in nickels, stopped at the dump. Arrived at BU around 11:30. I went immediately to the library—got 2 books. Then went downstairs to have my lunch. Ate in Oxnam lounge—saw Gary Wait briefly—also talked with a girl (forget her name) about Dwight Conrad. I didn’t take too much time with lunch. I got back to the library to find articles for my paper. Had my collection pretty well complete by the time I went to class at 2:00 OT Theology—discussion today—rather a dud. Between 2:00 and 3:00 I went to the Mugar library with my articles to get them xeroxed. Returned to Oxnam lounge—had my pie and some coffee. Then went to Aramaic at 4:00. We met for a long time since we’ve met so seldom—didn’t get out til about 5:45—it was a pleasant session though. After class got one more book; at 6:00 I arrived at the car. Walked in the door at home just at 7:00. I ate hurredly [sic]—then went to the church for the special Ad. Board meeting—arrived just at 7:30. The Board voted to allow the Teen Center Youth to use our church one night a week. Also agreed to sign Project Equality. Home by 9?; Played with Debbie; read on Rembrandt. Bathed about 11:00; watched news + Johnny Carson; OBLO 12:15.

Friday, 27 February 1970

A slow start this morning—not up til 9:30? Had only juice for breakfast—continued reading in W.A. Visser’t Hooft’s book Rembrandt and the Gospel. But dozed at my chair. Late in the A.M. we had a caller—a young woman who claimed to be an exchange student from Mexico but turned out to be selling magazines. We were both disgusted at such trickery—worked against the young person, and against us. When she had left Bonnie got to work on lunch. We ate about noon. I shaved. Then I took Bonnie to work—Debbie rode along. Then I came back home—put Debbie down for a brief nap. But then about 1:45 got back in the car, we went to Logan airport to get GRY. Her plane was on time. We had no problems. We made our way to the car—headed home. Stopped at Addison Gilbert to pick up Bonnie—she left work early. When we got home we fixed supper—had a chance to visit. Watched CBS news. After supper played with Debbie, sat around chatting, showed slides; then while Bonnie cut out a bathrobe for mother, I worked some on sermon; then visited more; watched news + Johnny Carson; bathed; OBLO 12:53.

Saturday, 28 February 1970

Up about 9:15—by the time I got downstairs the others had eaten. But I had my breakfast—then I had to set my mind on the sermon. This was my main concern for the day. I did take several breaks—went down to Richdale’s. We had snow last night and most of today—not a heavy nor-easter—but several inches—maybe 6 to 10. So I did some shoveling. Also after lunch went to pick up mom at the beauty parlor. Late in the afternoon Bill Sesto drove up—he informed me that Cameron had her baby on Wednesday—a boy—Estin Sesto. I was almost done with my sermon and finished up as Bonnie and Mother were returning home from shopping. Debbie had slept while they were gone. Then I helped with supper. We had a big turkey. We watched NBC news—this being Saturday. After supper I got to work on the bulletins—then wrote the pastoral prayer, prepared the service, practiced the sermon. The sermon was easier to write than I thought it would be—I found more to say after I got going. Perhaps one of my better sermons—although its hard to tell; also today A.M. turned down Sue Harris’ request to baptize their new baby; watched 11 o’clock news; B + I bathed together; OBLO 12:05.

Sunday, 1 March 1970

Up about 8:15. Shaved, had breakfast; Billy Elwell called to say he wasn’t coming to class—so I called it off. During the class hour I worked in my study—polished my sermon. Mother and I drove to the church about 10:35. I took along 3 books with Rembrandt paintings in them; put them on display—was preaching on Rembrandt. When we got home from church we had lunch—finished this about 1:30. I relaxed for a while—half-napped. Then I got to work—started the long process of doing a seminar paper, i.e., read the basic material—at least made a start: Matthew’s gospel. Read about half by supper time—made brief notes on OT passages. After supper I was able to do some more—but also set up for showing slides. Took B + W and color pictures. About 8:15 I set out to pick up Virginia Bate, Ann Jewell and Hazel Brady. I showed them my Dead Sea program—the main reason for putting it on was to let Mother see it. After this was over we had cake together—visited for a while. But we didn’t drag it out; it had been a long day for both Virginia + Ann. I had taken them all home by 10:30. Came home, relaxed, visited—after 11:00 Bonnie + I bathed together, then headed for bed; OBLO, 11:55. Θ+

Monday, 2 March 1970

Up at 8:30. Shaved; had breakfast—then left for Gloucester. Had a 9:30 appointment with Jack Roberts at the Addison Gilbert hospital. We again discussed the drug proposal which C.A.M.P. is submitting to the F.F.R. The meeting proved to be short—I was on my way home by 10:00. The rest of the day I tried to spend on my paper. In the morning I finished Matthew’s Gospel. We had lunch around noon; Bonnie left for work. Mother tended to the kitchen + Debbie. And I tried to make some progress in the afternoon on my paper—but the time did go by quickly and I didn’t seem to make too much progress. But I seem to have a better idea about possible approaches. When Bonnie got home about 5:30 we had our supper. Watched CBS news. Then shortly after 7:00 we got ready to go. Mother stayed with Debbie while Bonnie and I went to the town meeting—we’d never been before. I had been asked to give the invocation. It proved to be an interesting evening. Adjournment came about 11 o’clock—to be continued tomorrow night. We came home, watched the news—visited, and watched Johnny Carson show. He had Jimmy Stewart + wife as guests—Stewart is now in a revival of Harvey; I’d like to see that. We finally headed for bed; LO, 12:55.