David’s Diary – February 10, 1969

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Monday, February 10, 1969

The candle was out at 12:25, but I couldn’t get to sleep. The wind buffeted the house, the bed vibrated. About 3:00 I got up, worked for a while on the Dempster questions—by candlelight (6 of them). But about 4:15 I went back to bed—again no luck getting soundly to sleep. At 6:30 I called Alan Frederick to advise him not to go to Brandeis. I did get some sleep until about 9:00 or so. For the day we moved into the dining room—sealed it off with plastic—kept it warm with stove heater. During the day I did little but nap, eat, and make phone calls. At first I did clean off car, + clear away front door, when we had contemplated going to stay with the Lords. Took outdoor pictures with the new camera. Napped in afternoon; baked two pies. Bonnie made Brownies. After supper we spent the evening at the Patriquins. We came home about 11:00, still no electricity. Got ready for bed, played with cat; candle out 11:50.

Tuesday, February 11, 1969

We slept in sleeping bags in the dining room last night—I got more sleep than the previous night. The electricity came on about 7:00 AM. But it was not a normal day. We got the dining room put back in place; I freed the car from the ice and snow. We had lunch about 12:00; I didn’t get up until about 10:00. After lunch I was exhausted, and from about 1:00 to 3:00 napped—got some sound sleep. After 3:00 we all went shopping in Gloucester. We had to get groceries. I carried Debby on my back. We got home after 5:00. Bonnie had to give Debby a bottle, so I set to work getting supper and putting away the groceries. We ate about 6:30, watched CBS news. I tried to work at my desk, but was very weary. About 8:45 I took a bath—1st since Sat. night. Off to work in bed 9:20.

Wednesday, February 12, 1969

Up about 8:00; breakfast; shaved; went  to train station to catch the 9:20—but it was delayed; didn’t leave Rockport until 9:45. I didn’t feel like studying on train, so I watched the scenery—cluttered with storm damage. Arrived 11:45. From North Station I called Sears to order movie camera. Went to Jordan Marsh, got Marion Anderson record. Other errands, then to BU. Got there about 12:30. Had lunch. Had several things to get done about the Dempster; had a chat with Larry Burton; relaxed for a while. About 3:30 I went over to Sears and got the movie camera. Came back to BU to class at 4:10. Left class at 5:40—went to N. station, caught 6:40. Arrived Rockport 8:30—rushed home to the Official Board meeting. When this was over, had snack, listened to Anderson record, bathed, off to bed; lights out 10:35. θ+

Thursday, February 13, 1969

A long day; up about 8:30—had breakfast, then started to work on the lengthy questions to be answered for the Dempster. By noon I hadn’t made much progress—interrupted by the mail among other things. By the time we had lunch I’d finished the first question. I shaved after eating, went to the post office, took letters off wayside pulpit, came home, shoveled a little snow. Back to work; I got out my old paper written 4 years ago—the “autobiography.” It helped me get ideas. About 6:00 I got phone call from a Bible class member—not coming. That made 4 that couldn’t come, so I called it off. Worked on Dempster all evening after supper. Finally finished writing about 10:00, then got to typing. About midnight had snack, took last photos on roll; work on into the night; off to bed about 3:50.

Friday, February 14, 1969

It was hard to get up—but I got out of bed about 8:00; did some final work on the Dempster application; proof-read. Had a small breakfast, shaved quickly electrically. Left for Boston after 9:00. The roads were relatively clean. I didn’t spend much time at BU—not more than 10 minutes. I headed back to Rockport and was home by 11:45. Looked over the mail, had lunch, and then napped—from about 1:00 until a little after 3:00. Got up, then Bonnie + Debby + I went to Gloucester; stopped at Mals to get batteries for the new movie camera. Then went to Busseys for a meeting to plan Ash Wed. service. Rev. Clark never showed up. We visited with Busseys + stayed for supper with them. Came home about 7:30. Tried to get sermon idea, bathed, worked on attendance chart, off to bed at 11:10.

Saturday, February 15, 1969

Got up about 8:30. Went to work on the attendance charts, stopped for breakfast, then back to work. Mail man brought a letter from Gene Moncel, who is working in Earl Landgrebe’s office. [1] Back to work on charts. The wrote a letter to Mrs. Myers. Stopped for lunch. Shaved; wrote a short note home—telling mother that she can come for the visit she suggested; about 1:30 went to the Post Office + then to Ornes. About 2:30—after filling out forms with Homer—went up to see the Hannibals. About 3:30 returned home. Worked on the charts briefly, then got to work on sermon. Stopped to help with supper; after supper I did the bulletins, then returned to work on the sermon. About 10:15 bathed, θ+ then back to work on the sermon; this was finished + service relatively ready about 1:15. Debby pulled herself up to standing position today; off to bed at 1:20 θ+

Sunday, February 16, 1969

Debby one-half year old

Up about 8:30. Shaved; breakfast, practiced sermon, off to church about 10:15. Preached on Matt 10:39; fair sized congregation, about 38. Arrived home about 12:30. We looked over the new movie camera, had lunch, then got ready to take movie. Phil Parker came over with some figures for annual report; we set up time for Wesleyan Fellowship in March. After he left, we took a movie out in the yard—very bright sun reflected off snow. We went down to Patriquins and Drue took film of us with Debby—we shot the whole 50 ft. roll! We visited with the Patriquins, but about 3:45 I came home, Bonnie stayed; I napped when I got home. Got up shortly before 6. Watched TV, had supper. At 7:18 took pictures of Debby—just 6 months old. Desk work most of the evening. Worked on German too for a while. Bathed; off to study in bed. Lights out 12:45.

[1] Gene was a pal in college—conservative Republican—and Landgrebe was a state senator of right wing persuasions.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/20/davids-diary-february-10-1969/

David’s Diary – February 5, 1969

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Monday, February 3, 1969

Lights were out last night by 9:30—but I had a restless night. At about 3:30 we were awake; θ+ Bonnie got up to read, I stayed in bed. I can’t really say when I got up. I decided to stay in bed all day—bad cough, very weak. I tried to read, but became drowsy. Bonnie brought me breakfast in bed. I slept off + on until 1:00 or 2:00. We had lunch. In the later afternoon I read a little, but not with too much ambition. Bonnie went on errands. I worked slowly on translating Psalm 110. We had a late supper, about 7:00. Bonnie went to the community chorus practice at 8:00; I called [Kl….?] worked on Hebrew translation, dozed, did first paragraph in a French article. Watched 11 o’clock news; off to read in bed; lights out about 12:35.

Tuesday, February 4, 1969

Another very blah day. We had breakfast before 9:00—I was very hungry. The whole day was spent in bed for the most part. I didn’t get anything accomplished as far as studying is concerned. Bonnie was out for a while this afternoon. I have been staying away from Debby as much as possible to avoid giving her the bug. Around supper time I got a phone call from Geneva Parker asking help on a paper she’s doing for school—she wants to research the Death of God movement. After supper Bonnie did phoning to notify official Board and the Bible class that I’m ill this week. Had mild fever this evening: 100.3˚  Watched some TV, read in bed. lights out at 12:30.

Wednesday, February 5, 1969

Another day in bed. Again I didn’t have much ambition. In finished the Peanuts Treasury which Bob + Lea gave us for Christmas. When the mail had come I was able to read in Newsweek. We had a late breakfast—and so late lunch—not until 3:30. Bonnie made a trip to Gloucester. We both napped in late afternoon. I got up to watch TV—CBS news. After then I came back to bed—we ate supper in front of the TV, and recorded some more of Debby’s chatter. Bonnie took the VW over to Roy Lee to be taken in tomorrow. She spent the evening at Partiquins and I read in bed, working on Jeremiah with the IB [1]; shaved, bathed too. Lights out, after θ+ 12:45.

Thursday, February 6, 1969

I was up most of the day, but I didn’t move too fast—very tired. After breakfast I worked for a while at my desk; wrote letters in the afternoon (or late am.—can’t recall) to Harrell Beck and to Eddie Bauer Co. in Seattle. 1:00 – 11:30 watched  live TV broadcast of Nixon news conference. Earlier I called Wayne Jones, registrar at BU to ask about my file re: Dempster. During the afternoon I managed to get the bulletin run off for Sunday and got one ready to send to Rev. Doug Smith, who is preaching here Sunday. Bonnie went to the post office. Roy Lee brought the VW home; late supper, CBS news; Virginia Bate stopped by for a visit; read in Isaiah this evening, recorded more Debby, bathed; off to bed—12:10 to sleep.

Friday, February 7, 1969

Didn’t stay in bed too late—up about 9:30, had breakfast after shaving. Sat at my desk for a while, still weakened by my cold. Mail man brought our reprints of Debby’s pictures—so I wrote a letter home and put 6 pictures in it. I got to work on the sermon, using an old one as a basis. We had a late lunch around 2:00; sent in for posters of Debby snapshot—i.e., got the order ready. I ventured outdoors for the first time this week. Went to the Post Office + went to the church to change Wayside Pulpit. Cold air didn’t do me any good—caused pressure to build up in sinuses. We took Debby to Hazel Lords—went shopping. Napped when came home; fixed supper; CBS news; worked more on sermon; worked on Dempster application. Took bath; lights out about 11:30.

Saturday, February 8, 1969

Up about 9:00. θ+ before arising. For some reason I got to writing letters; wrote to Nixon, Kennedy, Brooke, Bates, Hartke, Bayh and Landgrebe  urging support for efforts 1) to cancel anti-ballistic missile systems, 2) to ban TV cigarette advertising. Also wrote to Uhlinger. Had lunch after 1:00. After this took tomorrow’s bulletins over to Homer Orne. The Bonnie, Debby + I headed off shopping; we went to a camera shop in Beverly, then to one in Salem—where we bought a $140 outfit for about $108. After this we located the church where I am to preach tomorrow. The headed home; stopped briefly to see the Busseys in Gloucester. Came on home, had supper, studied our new camera. From 8:30–9:30 I visited Geneva Parker to help her on a school paper; home; took a few photos; worked on service, bathed; practiced sermon; off to bed 12:20.

Sunday, February 9, 1969

Not a routine day. Up about 8:15, shaved, had breakfast, about 9:00 took off for Lynn. Preached at Lake Shore Park UMC, as part of pulpit exchange on behalf of  Fund for Reconciliation. It was snowing when I left—roads bad, worse on the way back. A big storm underway. Home about 1:00. Had lunch, then relaxed. At 3:00 we had a meeting at Loyd Starrett’s home—Joint Youth Steering Comm. After this stopped briefly at Lord’s; home about 5:00. Relaxed again; tried to nap—not much luck. Supper about 7:00. Watched TV til 8:00—program on photos from space. Worked at desk—storm raging. Talked to Alan Frederick on phone. Shortly before 9:00 went outside to look at the front of house; lights went out; we went to Patriquins; home about 11:30—but still no electricity; write this by candlelight. Off to bed, candles out 12:25.

[1] The Interpreters Bible

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/19/davids-diary-february-5-1969/

Gladys – January 28, 1969

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
West Lafayette, Ind. 47906
January 28, 1969

Dear David, Bonnie and Debby,

Yours received yesterday. I should have written to you sooner, to tell you you have been assessed. I don’t know who gave me the wrong information at the Court House, but last Monday I went down and the clerk showed the evidence that your VW and our two cars had been assessed, so you won’t need to send the tax statement back.

You wouldn’t know my den, or office, so whatever you want to call it. I still have to paint the walls and Dad has some more storage spaces to build above my new desk. We took out the old desk and put it in the upstairs bedroom for me to use as a sewing table and the drawers for storage. We place the little filing cabinet over by the window and the new desk is just about 20 inches wide by a little less than 4’ long. There is a tier of small drawers just above the desk on the wall where I keep the things I need. I have been cleaning out drawers and files and have thrown away heaps of things I had filed (Christian Social Relations and Christian Social Concerns). Also I have been on a throwing away binge and I am really getting rid of things I don’t need. You just wouldn’t believe how different the room looks. The rug shop is having their annual sale and we got a piece of 10.50 carpeting on sale for about $3.50 a yard and Dad and I put it on the floor last night. It makes a great improvement in the room. Now I won’t have to close the door when someone is getting the 75₵ tour.

As I probably told you (or maybe I didn’t) I am still on a Church Board – that is a Conference Board. The new North Conference named the former Christian Social Concerns Board, Christian Outreach. I went to Rochester (about 4 miles north) to a Presbyterian Retreat Center to attend a meeting last week one day and was elected to attend a Convocation in Washington the week of March 3 to 7. The way the new board is set up one section is called Social Witness, and I was named Chairman of that section. We are still in the planning stage and are to meet February 4th to set up our definite goals. Just hope all the people under Social Witness will be present.

When Dad read your letter yesterday he was in agreement with some of your sentiments about the inauguration. He especially liked the one way in which you described your reaction to a certain world famous evangelist’s (I think he gave the benediction, didn’t he?) as you called it, “sermon.”

Sorry you won’t be able to meet us in Switzerland, but understand you have to make your plans to meet your needs.

We have heard much about the Reconciliation Program and I made our pledge last November at the Uniting Conference in Indianapolis.

I saw Mrs. Myers Sunday evening. We went to the Ross home for bridge club. She still talks about Debby. She says she thinks she is just about the perfect baby. She also is beginning to talk about having to go to a nursing home and said she thought the one here by us would be the best place. However, I think it will take her a while to talk herself into making a change. I told her if she got one of those spells where she has to be taken to the hospital, to have Jess bring her down here and that she wouldn’t have any trouble getting a Doctor. I am going to have my old hair dryer repair (if possible) and take it to her. She has not been able to go to the shop recently, so Mildred goes over there and does her hair for her.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/18/gladys-january-28-1969/

David’s Diary – January 27, 1969

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Monday, January 27, 1969

Up around 9:00. Didn’t work too hard in the morning. Had breakfast first, then shaved, read in articles for archaeology class tomorrow. Took some time with the mail when it came. Late in the morning became very drowsy, Napped briefly. Finished an article by Mendenhall [?]. We had a late lunch around 2:00. I spent the afternoon making calls. Went to Cape Ann Nursing Home to see Ellie Martin; then to Ethel Leary’s, then to Anna Ikass; then briefly stopped to see Thelma Malone about next Sunday. Home by 5:30. Bonnie + Debby were at the Lord’s apartment—so I joined them. Home about 6:00. Worked at desk until 6:30–watched CBS news, supper. At 7:30 returned to my desk. Bonnie went to Community Chorus rehearsal. I worked on archaeology articles all evening; Bonnie gave me a HAIRCUT when she got home about 10:00. Bathed; finished article by Wright; desk work, packed briefcase; off to bed at 12:30.

Tuesday, January 28, 1969

Up at 8:00; shaved, breakfast; caught 9:20 train to Boston. From North station I went to Dr. Klugman’s apartment—took subway car all the way to Cleveland Circle. From 11:00 to 12:00 I read German with him. He’s a very gentle and helpful man; I’ll enjoy working with him. Got to BU about 12:30. Had lunch, found in my mail box the forms for the Dempster, talked with both Oliver + Wayne Jones. At 2:00 – 4:00 had archaeology seminar—Richardson had some potshards + plaster from neolithic Jericho which the class examined. 4:00–6:00 had Isaiah class with Fr. King. Caught 6:40 train home. Had supper, then a leisurely evening. Listened to FM—also fixed the toilet seat. Read I.F. Stone’s Weekly; bathed; off to read in bed about 11:40; lots of work to do; talked after lights out; θ+.

Wednesday, January 29, 1969

Up after 9:00. Didn’t accomplish too much this morning. Read some in Wilson’s book, The Burden of Egypt, wrote letter, read in Playboy. Read here + there in Newsweek when mail arrived; also examined Nat’l Geographic article on the moon and moon map. Lunch around noon, shaved, read more in Wilson until 2:00. We dropped Debby off at Patiquins, headed for Boston. Went to Harvard Square, to look for a book—no luck—then to BU for class, but Richardson was ill. Bonnie had gone off shopping (picked up projector), so I waited at school + read. She got there about 5:30. We went to Peek’s apartment; ate our sack supper with them there. About 7:10 we left there to walk to the Abbey theatre; saw Romeo + Juliet—an excellent film; this was out about 10:00; we headed for Rockport, picked up Debby, were home by about 11:30; got ready for bed. Lights out by 12:30.

Thursday, January 30, 1969

Didn’t accomplish very much today. Got up around 9:30, most of my morning was spent trying to get a good sermon idea—but not much luck. Had lunch at noon. I got involved reading Romeo + Juliet—and spent time with that. Bonnie went grocery shopping in the afternoon—I stayed with Debby. Late in the afternoon we got out the tape recorder and tried to get some sounds from Debby. She had been quite sociable until we got the recorder ready. We had supper about 6:30—watched CBS news. Waiting for the Bible Class I read more in Romeo + Juliet; 6 showed up for the class; did Jeremiah 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43; broke up about 9:30. Bonnie + I had a snack; called Kent Millard to arrange a Saturday meeting. Bathed; off to read in bed; θ+ to sleep by 12:30.

Friday, January 31, 1969

Up at 6:30. Had to take the car over to Roy Lee’s for him to drive it to the VW place. Back home to bed. About 8:30 he called to tell us that the car needs a $100 valve job! To be done next week. After I got up—had no breakfast—worked on sermon—but I wasn’t in a rush—lingered on the mail. Stopped to fix lunch about 12:30. Worked on sermon afterwards—this took me the greater part of the afternoon. Did some telephoning. After 5:00 Roy came back with the car, I drove him home. By about 6:30 I finally finished the sermon. Barbara + Hazle Lord had supper with us since they’re in the midst of moving. At 7:30 Barbara + I moved her stereo over to her new apartment. I went from there to Ornes about 8:25. We had a conference all evening long on the church + its problems; finally came home about 12:15; Bonnie + I had snack; off to bed; lights out 1:10.

Saturday, February 1, 1969

I was up about 8:30 when we heard the moving van pull up to Barbara’s apartment. I worked during the morning getting the bulletin finished, being disturbed by the moving—also gave some attention to the mail. About noon we had our lunch. At 12:30 we set out in snow storm for Newton to visit the Millards about living in Cambridge. Weather improved as we went west + south. Got there about 2:15. Left about 4:45. Stopped at Jordans on way home to get fountain pens. Home before 6:30. Fixed supper watched TV. After this we played with Debby, did some more recording; also recorded her in the morning. Then  I gave attention to getting the service ready for tomorrow; bathed about 11:30; off to read in bed; lights off after 12:00.

Sunday, February 2, 1969

Up about 9:00. Small breakfast; shaved. Congestion in chest; coughing. Off to the church about 10:20. Practiced sermon—though not from pulpit. 36 in church. Preached on “The Judgement of God?”  Home about 12:30. Relaxed while Bonnie was getting lunch. We finished eating—Alan Frederick joined us, we left Debby with the Lords, picked up Jim Bussey in Gloucester and headed for the Lynnfield-Wakefield Church for meeting on the Fund for Reconciliation; our delegation was 19—the largest there. Meeting lasted from 3:00 until about 5:00. We headed home, visited with Lords, came back to the parsonage. We were both exhausted. Fixed supper—very lethargic. After supper I relaxed reading article on the moon in the Nat’l Geographic; bathed; off to read in bed.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/17/davids-diary-january-27-1969/

David’s Diary – January 20, 1969

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Monday, January 20, 1969

Up about 9:00. Small breakfast—got to work reading in Wright. At 10:00 turned on the TV to watch the Inaugural of President Nixon—listened to his address—had lunch. About 2 o’clock returned to reading—this time again in Kathleen Kenyon’s book which I hadn’t touched for many days. Dozed for a while in the afternoon. About 5:15 we left Rockport, went shopping at the N. Shore Shopping Center. Then we went on into Medford to have supper with Don McGaw + Lorry Reed. Gary Wait was also there, and 2 other fellows. We had a nice supper, listened to records, chatted; we headed for home about 11 o’clock; we arrived back in Rockport shortly after 12:00. We bathed and then headed to bed; I watched a few minutes of Inaugural Ball on TV; lights out 1:00 a.m.

Tuesday, January 21, 1969

Up shortly after 8:00. Shaved, had breakfast, caught the 9:20 train to Boston. From North Station I took the MTA to Harvard—to Widner Library. They didn’t have the books I needed. Took trolley back to BU—got there about 12:00. Had lunch with Bob Peek, Charlie  Whitford and Larry Carter. This was broken up by 1:00; I started my afternoon’s errands: finding books, getting Xeroxing done. This took quite a while. At 4:00 the Isaiah class met—Father King wants to pursue the discussion method rather than lecture, which is just fine. This was over at 6:00. Took trolley to N. station + train home. Got here about 8:00. Had supper, made phone calls. Bonnie + I examined the sleeping bags which arrived this morning (while I was shaving). I’m tired; we decided to get to bed early; bathed, took book to read in bed; θ+; lights out about 11:00.

Wednesday, January 22, 1969

Up by 9:00. Had breakfast, went to work preparing the service for today’s noontime observance (week of prayer for Xn unity) I had this all done by 11:00. And I didn’t have to work too hard at it. Looked at the mail when it came; list of Cambridge Classes from Harrell Beck. Shaved; at about noon I went to the Baptist church for the service; it was over by 12:30. Changed wayside pulpit—home again, had lunch. The rest of the day was devoted to reading passages from books by Frankfort + Engnell on Ancient Near Eastern Kingship for the messiah seminar. I had to have the books done so that Jim Bussey can take them to BU tomorrow. Stopped for supper about 6:30—back to reading at 7:30. Finished about 9:30—went to Bussey’s, stayed about an hour, home by 11:00. Glanced through Mowinkel’s He That Cometh; bathed; off to bed at 12:15.

Thursday, January 23, 1969

Up about 9:00. Had breakfast—desk work, read in Hookes (ed.) book, Myth, Ritual + Kingship—didn’t make too much progress. Mail came—I have been turned down by the Danforth Foundation—which was really expected. Bonnie did grocery shopping in the morning. She got home shortly after 12:00. We had lunch. In the afternoon I worked on the chapters in Jeremiah for the Bible Class. Used Bright’s Jeremiah. About 4 o’clock Bonnie + I went for a walk (Debby on my back) over to Patriquins; I asked Kay to go to a meeting a week from Sunday. Then we walked over to Gamages, and I asked Winnie the same. Home shortly after 5:00. Visited Barbara + Hazle briefly. More work on Jeremiah. Supper; CBS news. At 7:00 I went to see the Haskells—Gladys + Karen agreed to go to meeting; Bible Class 8:00 – 9:30, chpts 35, 36 37. – 5 attended. Went over to see Roger Smith about the fund. Home by 11:00; desk work; wrote letter home; off to bed about 12:30.

Friday, January 24, 1969

A lethargic day; awake about 9:00, but not out of bed until 9:30. Had breakfast, puttered around at my desk until mail man came (also went down to get a newspaper to look up theatres). Mail man brought a letter from Harrell Beck, which I promptly answered. We had a late lunch—not until about 1:30. I was able to get part of my sermon done before that. After lunch I finished the sermon and did the bulletins. About 5 o’clock we left Rockport. Stopped at Jordan Marsh (N. Shore)—I couldn’t find the right fountain pen. Then we went to Boston Baby and bought a feeding/play table; on into Boston, ate at Open Latch, then went to the camping exhibition at the War Memorial Auditorium—a disappointment. We left after 10:00; home by 11:20; bathed; off to read in bed; lights out about 12:25.

Saturday, January 25, 1969

Awake around 9:00. θ+ before arising, which was about 10:00. Had only juice for breakfast, got dressed, shaved, greeted mail man, then drove over to Roy Elwells about 11:00. I asked him to go to the meeting next Sunday in Lynnfield—he agreed to if he isn’t too tired. Home by noon. Helped Bonnie fix lunch. Took pictures of Debby in her new feeding table—both inside the house + outdoors. Wrote letter to Bishop Matthews suggesting that the church solicit Pres. Nixon’s endorsement for the Fund for Reconciliation. About 2 o’clock helped Barbara Lord move heavy things out of her apartment. Took communion to Gazella Dodd at her home; returned home, read while Bonnie fed Debby, then took Debby on my back for a walk. Stopped to ask Helena Raffey to go to the meeting; visited Hannibals; visited Ornes. Home about 6:00; supper; worked on the service; 8 o’clock we went to Patriquins to see Debby movies; home before 11;00; bathed, read. lights out 12:15.

Sunday, January 26, 1969

Up about 8:45. Shaved, had breakfast; dressed, went down to the church about 10:00. Wanted to talk with the Sunday School teachers about going to the meeting next Sunday. About 3 or 4 agreed to go. Service at 11:00. Served communion. Home by 12:30. Had lunch, relaxed, about 3 went to see Thelma Malone; she was napping, so chatted with her father for ¾ hour. At 4:00 pm went to the train station to greet Dr. Brown. Brought him back to the parsonage. Shortly thereafter, phone call came from Leslie Whalen; he + his wife were here in town + wanted to visit—they came on up, and we all visited until about 6:00; Whalens left, and then Bonnie, Dr. Brown + I went to Riverdale Church for Methodist Men program. Had supper, then the program; about 9:00 I drove Brown to Gloucester station; came home, relaxed; bathed; read; θ+; lights out about 11:00.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/16/davids-diary-january-20-1969/

Down the DNA Rabbit Hole – Second Cousins

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A few weeks ago I noticed a new cousin in my father’s match list at AncestryDNA. The new match was the top person in the third cousin category, an “extremely high” connection sharing 189 centimorgans (cM) over 8 segments. Based on the averages from The Shared cM Project  (version 2.0) graph, my father’s newly discovered cousin landed squarely between a range of second cousin (2C) and second cousin once removed (2C1R).

Using Ancestry’s “shared matches” tool, I discovered that our new cousin (whom I will call Fred) also matches my father’s two first cousins on his maternal side, as well as a couple extended cousins on the Foster side of the family. At this point, the additional shared matches have allowed me to narrow down which branches of the tree I should explore. I do these steps before I ever try to contact a match. I like to have an idea of how I am connected to a new cousin to increase the likelihood of having a productive correspondence. How many of us have received generic queries such as “I don’t have any of those surnames in my tree” or “How are we related?” Doing preliminary research saves time and frustration later.

Since Fred matches my father’s first cousins, I checked to see how many centimorgans they share with him. Cousin A shares even more than my father does: 264 cMs across 8 segments. Cousin B shares considerably less: 46 cMs across 4 segments. Such is the randomness of recombination! However, if I average the amount of shared DNA between these three first cousins, the amount is 166 cM. The amount still falls between the average ranges of 2C and 2C1R.

Armed with my growing excitement and an arsenal of data, I contacted Fred. He responded within twenty-four hours! A miracle! And then, I learned, Fred was adopted at birth. He knew only sketchy details of his origins, including the city where he was born. I have heard that some people shy away from matches once they learn a person is adopted, however I provide all the assistance I can. I knew Fred was connected to a specific branch of my family, and relatively closely. Based upon Fred’s information and his DNA test, it is likely that my family was a paternal match, not maternal. If Fred was possibly a 2C or 2C1R, I needed to determine who the potential males of my family tree were at these ranges.

Finding the Second Cousins

Most of us know who our first cousins are. For me, it’s very simple. I can count them all on one hand and still have my thumb left over. I am a little sketchy on how many second cousins I have without my family charts in front of me. I’ve never actually counted them! Both my parents had plenty of first cousins, resulting in many more second cousins for me than first cousins. Going further back up the tree, I needed to know how many second cousins my father actually has. In order to help Fred solve his mystery, I needed a firmer grasp of my tree. For Fred, his DNA was a small needle in a very large haystack. He had no idea where to begin looking to solve his puzzle. Whereas I had several clues and a very narrow field of possibilities.

My father’s second cousins on his maternal side

It turns out that my father has twenty-seven known second cousins on his maternal side. This type of research falls under the category of collateral line research, in my opinion, since one must trace all the descendants of a targeted pair of ancestors. Because Fred’s shared amount of DNA with my immediate family falls between the range of 2C and 2C1R, I also had to consider that Fred was likely the child of one of the second cousins, making him a 2C1R. Fred is closer to my age than to my father’s, so there is a potential generational difference between Fred and my father.

Some Foster relationships in comparison to Fred

Since I did not find any likely candidates for Fred’s father amongst my father’s second cousins, I tried to find as many of their children as possible. This generation would be my third cousins or my father’s second cousins once removed. They were a little more difficult to find as many were born after the 1940 census, but other records (like obituaries) became more useful. So far, I have identified over twenty-five cousins in this group. Of these, one male fits all the criteria, including being in the right place at the right time, to be Fred’s potential biological father. Granted I haven’t tracked down all of the cousins in this group, but I feel fairly confident that we have found a highly probable candidate.

In the future we have several options including: sitting back to wait and see who else tests (just this morning a new known 2C1R on this branch of the family popped up), or be more proactive and solicit one of Fred’s potential half siblings to test.

©2017 Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/16/down-the-dna-rabbit-hole-second-cousins/

Gladys – January 18, 1969

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
West Lafayette, Ind. 47906
January 18, 1969

Dear David and Bonnie and Debby,

The enclosed letter from Bookshelf was opened by mistake – sorry about that. I don’t suppose you really want it, but here it is.

Saturday morning and Dad is home working on the new desk unit I am going to have here in the den. I went to the Health Center this morning to have my head X-rayed. Dr. Trout insisted he wanted to see how I look on the inside after a month. I feel fine and haven’t had any more trouble, but thought I had better do what he says – I may need him again.

Now the weather is mild and the snow is almost all gone, but I suppose we will have more severe weather before spring. We followed the weather as you drove back to Rockport and hoped you had good driving all the way.

Last Saturday we have appointments with Dr. L., and I spent about half an hour with Mrs. M. She seemed a little down in the dumps until she started talking about Debby. I asked her what she thought about her and she couldn’t say enough about how she thought she was the “most.” Of course, I agreed with her. She said something I had forgotten. Becky would not have anything to do with Mrs. M. when she was small and the way Debby took to her delighted her. She was so happy that she could hold her. She mentioned how large Pat’s baby is and that he was too much for her – of course, he weighed 10 lbs at birth and by the time he could visit Mrs. M. he was much larger.

Bonnie left these figures on your intangible tax on my desk. I didn’t know whether you needed it, but thought I had better send it along.

We went to see Camelot last night. Went to the early show – 7 PM and when we left the show the lobby was filled with late comers. 2001 is on at the other theatre and people were lined up for nearly a block to get in.

Love Mother

P.S. We are going to see Imogene Coco & King Donovan in “You Know I Can’t Hear You When the Water is Running” at Music Hall tonite.

[page 2] For some reason we were not assessed on the cars (a must if one is to get new license plates each year). I called the assessor’s office and was told to bring in our tax receipts for last fall, so you will have to send us yours – you must have taken it back with you – since you had to have it the day we got our permits at the court house so sent it back as soon as possible so I will be able to get you assessed.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/15/gladys-january-18-1969/

David’s Diary – January 13, 1969

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Monday, January 13, 1969

Hard to get up this morning—can’t even remember what time it was. I didn’t move too fast today. In the morning I called Ornes to tell them that we’d gotten back—and Homer came over with a check for us. Completely unloaded car—and visited with Hazel next door. After lunch I had to take a nap. Slept solidly perhaps more than an hour. About 2:00 Bonnie woke me up so that she could leave Debby to go get groceries. I worked at my desk—tended to mail. This took a good part of the afternoon. I helped fix supper, which we had around 6:00. We watched TV until 7:30—Bonnie dozed. I caught a short nap too. After 8:00 we went down to the Patriquins. We came home after 10:00. I did more desk work + tried to get ready for class tomorrow. Bathed; off to bed after 12; ISNθ, lights out about 1:00.

Tuesday, January 14, 1969

Up about 8:00; breakfast, shaved, caught 9:20 train to Boston. Ordered slide projector but it is out of stock. Arrived at BU shortly after 11:00. I found my last semester papers in my mail box—A on Greek paper; A- on Jeremiah. I got my grades to[o]—same as paper grades, with an A- in St. Paul directed study. Had lunch about 12:00—visited for a while with Hobart Farrell. Has class from about 1:00 to 2:30—archaeology. Was free for hour + half. Relaxed, talked with Jim Bussey, got books. 4:00-6:00 Fr. Kings class on Isaiah—should be an interesting semester. Caught the 6:40 train home, got here about 8:00. We had supper, I played with Debby, got to work at my desk. Made phone calls, wrote letters to Harrell Beck + to the Houstons; read magazine; bathed; off to bed at 1:00 AM.

Wednesday, January 15, 1969

We were not in any rush to get up this morning. Finally made it out of bed after 10. I busied myself at my desk—ordered bulletins, wrote a couple of business letters. About noon I shaved, we had lunch, I made a stop at the post office on my way to the train station; I took the 1:15 train to Boston. Got to BU about 3:00; finished registering and paying…just in time to make it to the 4 o’clock class—“Messiah in Ancient Israel.” I got some books then headed to North station; caught the 6:40 train home. Got here about 8:00, had supper. Called Roger Smith about Friday meeting. Shortly after 9:00 we went down to the Patriquins—I wore my new sports coat which Bonnie made. We watched TV with the Patriquins and came home about 11:00. I bathed—took some books to bed; Lights out about 12:20.

Thursday, January 16, 1969

Up about 10. θ+ before arising. This morning I wrote a letter to David Watson, made out an order for a book to Cokesbury. Just about noon I took these to the post office. Went over to Ornes to give them a pamphlet on the Fund for Reconciliation Crusade. Came home, had lunch—very sleepy, took nap. Bonnie went on errands, I stayed with Debby. I made progress in G. E. Wright’s Biblical Archaeology. Bonnie came home, I read a copy of the pamphlet I gave to Ornes. Had supper, fed Debby, about 8:00 pm went over to see Roger Smith to talk about the fund crusade. Home shortly after nine. Phone call. Didn’t get much studying done. Bonnie and I discussed going to Europe. We think we’ll wait until Sept 1. Bathed, off to read in bed at 12:30.

Friday, January 17, 1969

We stayed in bed late. Weren’t up until after 10:00. We had a large breakfast; I worked at my desk, trying to get the clutter cleared away; I made a list of the contents of my wallet. We didn’t have lunch until late. I tried to do some more reading in Wright’s Biblical Archaeology but I became sleepy. Napped a good part of the afternoon—both Bonnie and I; we got up about 5:00. I fixed supper. After supper I shaved, got ready to go; at 6:30 Roger smith picked me up; we (Home Orne too) went to Malden Center Church for a meeting launching the Fund for Reconciliation Drive. We saw a play. “The Insurance Company”—weak in places, but had an impact (included a vivid riot scene); Rockport church is asked to raise $2670 in 4 years. Meeting was over about 10:00; home before 11:00; snack; read in Wright; lights out 1:10.

Saturday, January 18, 1969

We were dragged from bed about 10:15 this morning by a phone call from the Whitfords—who wanted to make sure we’d arrived back safely from Indiana. I worked at my desk after getting dressed. No breakfast. Tried to get sermon under way. We had our lunch around noon, and I worked on the sermon. I was left to baby sit; Bonnie went shopping with the Lords. I finished the sermon and did the bulletins—finished by about 5:00. I then read briefly in Wright until Bonnie got home. Helped fix supper. After supper we visited with Barbara + Hazle—listened to some of their new records—came home about 8:30. I was very sleepy—had a cup of coffee. Read in Wright for a while; bathed; worked on tomorrow’s service; off to read Wright in bed; lights out shortly after midnight.

Sunday, January 19, 1969

Up about 8 o’clock; breakfast, shaved, practiced sermon: “Methodism Responds to a Crisis”—about the Fund for Reconciliation. Read for a brief time in Wright. Off to church about 10:30. 34 in attendance. Home about 12:30. Neither of us felt like having lunch—so we went for a walk, to the grocery store and then to 11 Granite Street to see Barbara + Hazle in their new apartment. They are fixing it up—haven’t moved in yet. We rode home with them; had our lunch. Then relaxed—I dozed briefly. At 3 o’clock Alan Frederick arrived for a visit—stayed 1½  – 2 hrs. told us of his desire to pledge $200 to the Fund. After he left I read + did desk work—napped briefly. At 8 o’clock I went over to Ornes to fill out a form with Homer. Home about 9:30. We had supper; then both of us took our baths; I got some more read in Wright; —in bed too; lights out 12:20.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/14/davids-diary-january-13-1969/

David’s Diary – January 6, 1969

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Monday, January 6, 1969

ISN before arising. Another day of relaxation. Up late—just visited—and commented on the severe weather. Bob + I had big breakfasts. I continued reading in Mrs. Moore’s book. We had lunch, listened to one of Bob’s comedy records. I finished Mrs. Moore’s book. –and started on the autobiography of Marion Anderson. Got sleepy, so took a nap. When I woke up, John was here. I got up, feeling pretty groggy. We had supper, then watched TV: the Laugh-in. The others worked on double crostic puzzles. I read in Marion Anderson. Later we watched more TV. About 12 John went home—we said our good-bye. Lea, Bonnie and I stayed up talking until quite late; finally decided to go to bed; lights out about 3:30 (Eastern time)

Tuesday, January 7, 1969

Don’t recall when we got up—but it was in time to see Bob off for work. We had a leisurely breakfast, I shaved, packed the car—John came over to see us off. We left Champaign about 12 noon Eastern time. Highways were mostly clear and we had tail winds, so we were in Lafayette in a little over 2 hours. Mother was here alone. Rest of the day was spent relaxing; I called Helen Correll to arrange to visit her tomorrow. Watched some TV in the evening, an interview with the Smothers Brothers, but I got more reading done in Marion Anderson autobiography. I’m about 2/3 of the way through. I’m pretty sleepy tonight, since we were up so late—and I didn’t have any luck trying to nap in afternoon. Off to be around midnight.

Wednesday, January 8, 1969

ISN before arising. Another leisurely day for the most part. By late this evening I had finished Marion Anderson’s autobiography—and had made slight progress in Kathleen Kenyon’s book Beginning in Archaeology. We had planned to go up to Wolcott this evening to see Helen Correll, but an ice storm began late this afternoon, so I called to cancel plans. Got some of the reading done, and watched TV. Had a very sound nap this afternoon after taking Mom to the church. I found Miss Anderson’s book very rewarding—I found some good excerpts—I might do a sermon on her soon. And I must get some of her recordings. Bonnie + I read after the folks had gone to bed. Off to bed ourselves after 12:30.

Thursday, January 9, 1969

Around 8:30 or 9 Mother called us out of bed. The temperature had dropped during the night to about 5º—and our car had to be started—I doubted that it would go, but it did. I took Mom to the grocery store and then took the car for the state inspection. The mechanic suggested it needed a brake job to pass inspection—but he also suggested we skip it since we were going back to Mass. Home for lunch; changed license plates on car. Took Mother to the bank, came home, shaved, picture taking. Mom + I went to pick up Edna Wallace—dad’s former secretary—she had supper with us. After supper—watched TV. About 9 took Edna home, more TV—this has been a relaxing vacation; after 11, had a snack. Bathed, off to bed about 12:20.

Friday, January 10, 1969

Up after 9. Had small breakfast, was occupied with getting the car loaded. Did some cleaning in it as well. We had a steak lunch as a send off. We left Lafayette about 1:15. Stopped in Wolcott to see Helen Correll, but she was in school as we suspected. We arrived in Gary about 3:30 our time. Paul + Marty were still in school; we had to wait for them in the cold cold car for 1 hr. 45 minutes. We got warmed up when they finally came, visited a while; decided to go out to supper; had a very good supper, came back to their apartment—spent the rest of the evening talking, about family, about politics—about the woes of teaching in Gary. About 1 o’clock our time decided to get to bed.

Saturday, January 11, 1969

Up about 9:30. Had a leisurely bath, shaved, had breakfast. It was a short morning, since we were still on Eastern time, but Paul + Marty were on slow time. We finally got all our things together and got on the road shortly after noon—our time. We got up to I-94 and were able to make good time—I was able to maintain 70 MPH much of the time. We had a flat tire about 75 miles west of Detroit. We arrived at the Kings about 5 pm. We had a nice visit and a pleasant supper. About 8, Levon and I went to a service station to have my tire fixed—didn’t take too long; we came back + put it on the car—the rest of the evening we spent visiting. Mattijane seems to be coming along well after her mental collapse. Off to bed about 12:30.

Sunday, January 12, 1969

We got up reluctantly just after 7 this morning. We had breakfast with the Kings and were on the road by 8:30. By 2 o’clock we had reached Buffalo, N.Y. We didn’t make any extended stops. I drove 150 miles east of Detroit, then Bonnie took over until we were on the NY Thruway. I took over again. But she got us to Schenectady, where we stopped for an hour + a half with the Stoners—had supper. Arrived there about 7:30. Left about 9:05. We stopped then only twice and arrived in Rockport at about 1:20. We had driven just 800 miles. Jim Tanner was here when we arrived, he hadn’t gone to bed yet. There was a huge pile of mail which I must attend to tomorrow. It was good to see the cat again. We unpack partially, read some mail—and got to bed c. 2:30.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/13/davids-diary-january-6-1969/

David’s Diary – December 30, 1968

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Monday, December 30, 1968

Up around 8 or 8:30. Had breakfast, loaded the car, said good-bye. We were on the main highway by 10:20. We made very good time; no head winds today, so we could achieve a speed of 70 mph. Arrived in Lafayette about 12:45. Debby was in a good mood to meet her grandparents. We had lunch + visited. Paul + Marty arrived about 3. We had our gift exchange—more visiting. A slow afternoon; I became very tired—reclined on the bed for a few minutes before supper. Supper about 6:45. After supper we watched TV: “The Laugh-in.” Then Bonnie got the slides out, put them in the trays, and we showed all our slides. After this, Dad + Mother began heading for bed, so did John. Paul + Marty + Bonnie and I sat talking about the Gary experience.[1] Too tired to bathe. Off to bed at about 12:40.

Tuesday, December 31, 1968

A leisurely day. Up about 9. Sat around doing nothing much and visiting. John went home to Champaign in the morning. We have arranged to go over there this weekend. I called Mrs. Myers  to tell her we’d be up on Saturday. We took a lot of pictures this morning of Paul + Marty + Debby + Bonnie + mother and myself. I called Gary Myers’ [2] parents to get his address: South High Gardens, Apt. #12. Rural Route #4, Shelbyville, Ind. 46176. After lunch Paul, Marty and Bonnie + I played cards—we also had a chance earlier (in morning) to talk further about Gary schools. Supper was marred by an argument about the Israeli-Arab problem. Mom + Dad siding with Israel—the rest of us arguing for the Arab cause. After supper Marty + Paul left for home. The rest of the evening was spent watching TV. Bonnie sewed. Bathed; off to bed a few minutes after 12. Celebrated the New Year’s with ISN; lights out by 12:30.

 1969

Wednesday, January 1, 1969

Got up around 9. Another wasted day. Didn’t do much of anything this morning. Mark, Shirley + family arrived about 11 AM. The kids are really wild; we ate about noon. Some attention was paid to the Rose Bowl Parade on TV. Floyd + Ruth + Steve arrived early in the afternoon. I found it a dull day. Tried to avoid Mark + Dad, since they inevitably get into arguments. – didn’t care to sit all afternoon watching football. Wrote letter to Gary Myers. Spent the afternoon chatting with Ruth, Shirley, Bonnie + Mom—took more pictures. About 5:30 we had supper and then all the visitors headed home. I napped briefly. Mom + Dad went to an open house. Bonnie worked more on my sports coat—I slummed=watched TV all evening. Called Bob Geiselman + Mrs. Myers to arrange Friday trip; bathed, off to bed at midnight.

Thursday, January 2, 1969

Another true “vacation” day; got up around 9—in the middle of the morning we all decided to go downtown to get the auto licenses for this year. We went downtown and did some shopping too; mailed letter to Gary Myers. I got some gloves at army surplus. We got home about 12. –I had carried Debby on my back. I napped in the afternoon, listened to records, read in Jenny Moore’s The People on Second Street. We had supper around 6. The listened to TV news + to Hal Holbrook’s Mark Twain Tonight. During this Levon King [3] called from Detroit inviting us to stop through there on our way back to Boston—which we shall do. Watched more TV, had a snack, then back to reading in Jenny Moore’s book; also started Marion Anderson’s autobiography.

Friday, January 3, 1969

Up around nine. Put off breakfast to make it an early lunch. Read for a while in Mrs.  Moore’s book. Had lunch, packed suitcase. Tried several times to get the car started—with no luck. Had to call tow-service to have the car started. Bonnie, Debby + I left for Kentland shortly after noon. About 1 we arrived at Mrs. Myers’ home. We had a nice visit until about 4 o’clock. We left town about 4:25. We headed west—toward Champaign. Strong headwinds—so we didn’t make good time. Arrived at John’s about 6:30—went over to Bob + Lea’s. Had supper there, visited during the evening; played password too late—had a very good time together. Finally off to bed at about 2:45—our time.

Saturday, January 4, 1969

In view of the time of retirement, I slept late; did awake when Bonnie fed Debby and got up herself, but was able to get some more sleep. Finally got up around 11 o’clock. Had juice for breakfast; shaved; at about 12 we all went over to John’s for lunch. Lea + Bob left—But Bonnie, Debby + I stayed with John for the afternoon. We relaxed, visited, listened to records; we came back over to Bob + Lea’s for supper. After supper, watched TV; Bob, John + Bonnie worked on a very difficult cross-word puzzle. Lea + I watched TV: movie starring Cary Grant: “Father Goose.” Lea had to leave for work about 10. Bob, John Bonnie + I visited until late; about 1 John left and we all went to bed. Lights out about 1:20.

Sunday, January 5, 1969

Again slept late. This was another day of relaxing and goofing off. Lea had worked the night shift last night, so she slept all morning. Bob + Bonnie + Debby + I went over to John’s for lunch. I read some in the afternoon in Mrs. Moore’s book—I did done in the forenoon also. Napped in the afternoon. About four we headed back over to Bob + Lea’s. Lea was up. We watched TV and visited. We then got ready and went to eat—went to a Chinese restaurant: the Tea Garden. We were home in time to see the Smothers Brothers. Turned TV off and spent the rest of the evening playing password. About 1 AM we decided to quit—and discovered that a howling snow-storm was going on. John got home alright, however. Off to bed about 2:15 (Eastern time).

[1] They lived in Gary, Indiana—or had at one time—and we had visited them there.

[2] My college roommate at Indiana University.

[3] He was the pastor who married us, along with I.U. Prof. Harold Hill.

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

Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/12/davids-diary-december-30-1968/