Tag Archives: diary

David’s Diary – 26 April 1971

Monday, 26 April 1971

Up about 8:15—Carol Lewis arrived to leave Chris here for the day—she was substitute teaching. I shaved, had breakfast—left for St. Mary’s. Went to the Post Office first. Spent my morning reading in Gray’s The Canaanites. About 11:40 I went to our church. The W.S.C.S. was holding an all day meeting—making things for the Fair—I just dropped in to say hello. Chatted with Winnie re: organist. Then about 11:50 went to the Congregational church for the Public Affairs Luncheon—the speaker today was Josiah Spaulding (he ran against Ted Kennedy for the Senate last year). He’s a very dynamic person; he spoke about Common Cause. [1] The luncheon was from 12:00 to 12:30, then the speech + discussion period 12:30–1:30. I was impressed by him—I hope he makes it to higher office someday. After the meeting was over, I chatted with Ed Nutting briefly until about 2:00, re: my discussion with Ernie Bailey yesterday. I went back to the Episcopal church, read further—but I got very sleepy. Came home and lay down for about 30 min. I tried to read after that, but didn’t get much done. After Carol picked up Chris, Bonnie went to the lumber yard, and Debbie was “on the loose” out of her room. Helped with supper, then read, 6:00–6:30. Watched CBS news, etc. Then read, played with Debbie, read, helped Bonnie put shelves in her closet in our bedroom. Prepared post cards to mail to Ad. Board re: May 5 meeting. Read, bathed, OBLO c. 12:15.

Tuesday, 27 April 1971

Up at 7:50  Shaved, had breakfast, made it to St. Mary’s in time for morning prayer. Then read in Grays, The Canaanites. The league of women voters held a meeting—thus I had to use my earplugs to drown out the chatter—but when I finished Gray’s book about 11 o’clock I came on home. Bonnie + Debbie were away shopping. A record had been delivered by the mail man—guitar + mandolin music. Shortly after I got home, B + D arrived—I help get groceries out of the car, and helped with the preparation of lunch. During the noon hour, after eating I relaxed—played with Debbie on the swings. After Bonnie left for work (she gave her two weeks’ notice today) Debbie went down for a nap. I began Gurneys book on The Hittites, napped briefly. Don McGaw appeared at the door about 2:00—he was accompanied by the young man (layman) who does work with youth at Christ Church Lynn. His main purpose in dropping in to see me was to give me (rather Bonnie + the new baby) a painting (?—medium unknown) entitled “Circus Time”—appropriate for a child’s room. It had won first prize at their Arts Festival—and he wanted us to have it. He didn’t stay more than 15 min. Then I went back to reading in Gurney—for the balance of the afternoon. Fixed supper—we ate shortly after Bonnie got home. Went to the church to turn off the heat. Watched CBS news etc.—interrupted by phone call from Homer. I spent the evening—except for a doze—reading The Hittites. Found the moon fish dead—I’d been suspicious of his behavior for days. No bath OBLO midnight.

Wednesday, 28 April 1971

Up shortly before 8:00. Shaved, had breakfast, made it to St. Mary’s in time for morning prayer. Read all morning, except for a conversation with Dick Bamforth and Ed Nutting. I left for home about noon. Debbie had played hard all morning, so when I walked in the door I found Bonnie trying to get her off to bed for a nap (she’d had lunch).  I took her to her room, got her calmed down (she didn’t like the word “nap”) and she went right to sleep. Bonnie and I had lunch. I then relaxed with Newsweek, then turned again to The Hittites—before napping for a while. About 2:45 Debbie awoke—and played the rest of the afternoon. And I continued with my reading—finished Hittites—at which time I began working on supper. We ate shortly after Bonnie got home. After eating I went to the church to turn off the heat, then came home, began looking over Saggs The Greatness That Was Babylon, watched CBS news, etc—then we played with Debbie for a while before she went to bed. Then I returned to reading in Saggs. A very good book—its not on my list, but on the revised list, which Beck gave me “for my information.” But I’ve decided it would be wise to read as much on the second list as possible. I will read only the first 153 pp. in Saggs, which deal specifically with the histories. About 9:30 I see Saggs aside, had a snack and coffee, and turned to working on the sermon for Sunday. Am preaching for the next 3 Sundays on the Lord’s prayer. Stopped to bathe about 11:15. OBLO 11:45  Θ

David’s diary, 28 April 1971


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

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/01/14/davids-diary-26-april-1971/

David’s Diary – 23 April 1971

Friday, 23 April 1971

Can’t remember what time I got out of bed—after Θ. Shaved, had breakfast. My main concern for the day was to get my sermon finished. I got down to St. Mary’s, and devoted my time to the sermon. I was finished with the rough draft by about 11:30. Came on home, after stopping at Riverdales for bread. Ate when I got home. After lunch I set about fixing the door to Debbie’s room—bottom section had to be glued back on. Bonnie left for work, then I remounted the shade in Debbie’s room. The window isn’t finished yet, but the shade is needed. Then Debbie went down for a nap, and so did I. About 2:30 I got up, worked on the sermon for the balance of the afternoon—also put together a squash pie—I finished the sermon about 4:45. After Bonnie got home Debbie and I went outside. She had been asleep all afternoon. I set to work turning over the soil in the garden plot out in the yard—worked at this for a while. Got almost ¾ done on the larger plot. Debbie and I also played on the swings for a while. About 6:45 the Burtons arrived. We had supper, visited—it’s been over a year since they were up here, and they’re moving to Colorado in June. Larry brought me some Fritz Wunderlich records which I asked him to buy for me in Boston. So we listened to those, played with Debbie for a while. Spent a good amount of time recalling BU and church relationships. OBLO  c. 12:05.

Saturday, 24 April 1971

[Top panel: took pictures of Burtons, harbor from headlands]

Up about 9:20. We had breakfast, after which I shaved. It was a glorious day—warm, sunny—so we all went for a walk. We showed the Burtons the church—took a picture on the steps—then we walked down to St. Mary’s; I gave them a tour of it, too. From there we walked down to T-wharf—and out to the headlands. We headed home about noon. We parted from the Burtons in Dock Square. They wanted to walk down the Neck—and we were weary, especially Debbie, for whom it was proving to be a long walk indeed. When we got home Debbie had lunch, then went down for a nap. We relaxed, had lunch on the table when Larry + Mary Kay returned. After eating we had to prepare for going to the garden. Among other things this meant getting Debbie up out of a very sound sleep. We got to the garden about 2:15—the Burtons drove up too, just to see it—but then they left for Boston. It will probably be many years before we see them again. Then it was work. I took one of the roto-tillers, and didn’t let go for a full two hours—no breaks. About 4:20 I finally shut it off—joined the party for refreshments. We picked up Debbie at the Lewis’—where she had gone for a nap—but didn’t take one. We got home shortly after 5:00. I went to Gloucester for Kentucky Fried Chicken—since we were too weary to cook. Then flopped after eating—watched NBC news. Spent the balance of the evening working on service; made brief trip to the church; practiced sermon. Listened to music; bathed, read in bed. LO. 11:30.

Sunday, 25 April 1971

Up shortly before 8:30—we lost an hour due to the time change. Shaved, had breakfast. 3 showed up for my class. We began the story of Joseph. Got to the church about 10:40. Medium sized crowd. Preached on “A Formula for Coping.” Bonnie taught Sunday School today—as for the next few weeks—so she’s not in church. I was home by 1:15—got lunch going. I tried to read a while after eating, but was too weary. Napped, Θ. Got up about 3:45–4:00 —read for a while, then went down to the Universalist Church. They were having a 4:00–6:00 o’clock “tea” —in celebration of their 150th anniversary. It proved to be a negative experience for me—not that there was anything wrong with the tea itself—rather the conversation that I had—with Ernie Bailey, the Baptist minister. I had been given the task of approaching him regarding participation in the Joint Church Committee—the group trying to find out how local churches can cooperate. He’s a great ecumenist, but he has the theory that the Cape Ann area is the smallest viable unit for ecumenical work, and thus he doesn’t want to participate in strictly Rockport ecumenical effort. It’s a stupid theory. In any case his reaction was wholly negative—and I found the whole conversation very irritating and annoying. After I got home I relaxed, we had a late supper, then I spent most of the evening until 10:00 working on reading—Gray’s The Canaanites—snacked, wrote my weekly letter to Mrs. Myers (copy to folks)—puttered at this and that. no bath, read in bed briefly. LO 12:20.

David’s diary, 25 April 1971

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/01/13/davids-diary-23-april-1971/

David’s Diary – 20 April 1971

Tuesday, 20 April 1971

Up just about 9:00. Shaved, had breakfast. I then had to spend some time working on the poems for the funeral—had to copy them out from books. About 10:45 I got to St. Mary’s—not much left of the morning, but it did give me time to make some progress. Came home by about 12:20. Had lunch. Debbie went down for a nap after Bonnie left for work. Shortly thereafter Virginia Bate arrived. The funeral director’s assistant called for me about 1:30. Took me to the funeral home—at two the funeral for Evelyn D. (Mrs. Thomas) Hendrickson—64 years old, dropped dead last Sat morning. The funeral was longer than usual, since I incorporated poems into the service at the request of the family. Also a soloist sang two pieces. And the burial was at Locust Grove—all the way over at Lanesville—the first burial over there that I’ve officiated at. Got home about 3:30—Virginia went home. I then did some more reading until it was time to put supper together—very simple, remains of a beef roast. We ate shortly after Bonnie got home. I read 6:00–6:30, then watched CBS news etc. Historic supreme court decisions today—unanimously upheld the legality of busing. Debbie was in bed about 8:00; Bonnie went to the executive committee meeting of community chorus. I spent the evening reading. When Bonnie got home she gave me a HAIRCUT. Read, bathed OBLO  c. 12:10.

Wednesday, 21 April 1971

Up by about 8:30—didn’t bother to shave, had breakfast. Bonnie and Debbie were preparing to leave for Avon. It was a beautiful sunny mild morning. Debbie and I played on the swings together for a few minutes, then I left for St. Mary’s. I was able to get Jones’ book, The Herods of Judea finished. Virginia Bate came in while I was there; she had come in to return some books she’d borrowed. After finishing my book I came home—about 12:30. It was so lovely out that I decided to do the roto-tilling at the garden. Some weather reports had indicated rain for tonight and tomorrow—and that might have made roto-tilling impossible on the weekend. So I got my lunch, relaxed with Newsweek—waiting to see how the weather was developing—there had been some sprinkles while I was eating—but the dark clouds moved out. I borrowed Herlihy’s car, went to the rental place in Gloucester, then headed to the garden. I roto-tilled without a break from about 2:30–4:30. I had to stop in time to get the machine back to Gloucester. I found to my dismay that my work gloves were in our car—i.e., in Avon. So I had to work without them, and after 2 hours at the roto-tiller my hands were a wreck—a few blisters—and itching, stinging. After returning the tiller—came home, thanked the Herlihys for their car. Collapsed with the newspaper. Had supper, watched CBS news, etc. took a walk to the church to turn off the heat, bought a copy of Playboy. Spent the balance of the evening working at my desk, watching TV. OBLO  c. 1:10.

Thursday, 22 April 1971

[Top panel:   called A. B. Dick]

I awoke about 7:00, but turned over and went back to sleep—and it’s amazing how late one can sleep without an alarm clock such as Debbie. I didn’t awake again until 9:45! I got right up, shaved (2 days worth), carried a glass of juice and some cookies to my study, and continued working on sorting, filing, getting things straightened up in general. I was still doing this at noon. About 12:30 I stopped to eat. But then completed work at my desk. I then did some stock-taking re: reading yet to be done for the next exam. I made two lists of things that have yet to be covered—one on history, one on archaeology. About 3 o’clock ? I went to the post office, then to the church. I’d forgotten to turn on the heat at the church—so I dropped in to see the boys—only 2 there. Then I headed home. I looked through the paper when it arrived—but then turned to working on my sermon. Didn’t even have a topic selected—so I had to do some hunting in my “sermon material” folder—old “sermon starters” from the Xn advocate. I finally settled on an idea that I’d jotted down long ago when I’d done some sermon planning. About 4:45 I started on supper—and Bonnie and Debbie arrived home. We ate about 5:30. After supper I helped Debbie with her bath. Relaxed, watched CBS news etc While watching TV I clipped old articles from New Republic. Watched a program on childhood; Ironsides. Then worked on the sermon further. Bathed 10:45. OBLO 11:10.

David’s diary, 22 April 1971

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/01/10/davids-diary-20-april-1971/

David’s Diary – 17 April 1971

Saturday, 17 April 1971

Up about 8:00, after Θ. Shaved—2 days worth. Had breakfast. As I was about to leave for St. Mary’s to study, got a call from Mrs. Bamforth asking if Bonnie and I could be witnesses to the signing of their wills this afternoon (Dick witnessed ours)—at 3:00, at Starretts—I said “yes.” Then I went to St. Mary’s—had to come back home, because I forgot my book!—i.e., it didn’t get into my briefcase. But once I got to work I made progress—reading in Meek’s Hebrew Origins. Came home about 12:30. Relaxed and read after lunch. About 1:45 I went to see the Hannibals. I took the tape of Bishop Mathews’ sermon. This was over just at 3:00—I then left, picked up Bonnie and Debbie and went to Starretts. We witnessed all the signings—also stayed to watch a play worked up by Starrett and Bamforth children. We got home about 4:00. I walked down to Richdale to get milk, but lay down for a nap when I got home—and got some helpful rest. About 5:30 I got a call from the funeral home—Mrs. Thomas Hendrickson died suddenly this morning, funeral to be on Tuesday. We had supper, then I returned to reading—About 7:45 I went over to see Thom Hendrickson—many of his family were there—I stayed til about 8:30. When I got home Bonnie went down to Patriquins—Kay just returned home from California. I worked on tomorrows service, practiced the sermon, but then returned to reading in Meek for a while, bathed. OBLO  c. midnight.

Sunday, 18 April 1971

Up shortly before 8:40. Went downstairs, read in Meek til shortly after 9:00. Dressed, shaved, had breakfast, practiced my sermon. Got to the church about 10:30. The “post Easter slump” was definitely in evidence—about 25 in church, including the choir! I preached on “God’s Reputation”—home before 12:30. Ate, relaxed—but had to be at St. Mary’s by 1:30 for a Joint Youth Fellowship meeting. Ernie Bailey didn’t get there til 2:00 (he had to be called, he thought the meeting was at 3:00)—we didn’t break up til sometime after 3:00. The main thing discussed was the apparent favorable response from the Universalists and RC’s on being asked to join. After the meeting I stayed on at St. Mary’s to study. Finished Meek, made a very small beginning on Jones, The Herods of Judea—but came home about 4:30 because I was so weary—I napped until about 6:00—at which time we had supper—at 7 o’clock I had to be at the Congregational church for the final C.O.C.U. sum-up session. The attendance was pretty slim—and we broke up about 8:30—a committee will draft a final report for the Rockport effort as a whole—and of course individual evaluations will be sent in. I got home about nine. Bonnie had made some bread pudding and cookies—so we had a nice snack. Then I read in Jones—about 10:30 I stopped this—wrote an article for the Eagle, then wrote letter to Mrs. Myers/copy to folks/ no bath/ OBLO 12:10.

Monday, 19 April 1971

Up about 9:00—seems hard to get going on Monday morning—shaved, had breakfast. Didn’t get to St. Mary’s until about 10:15 or so. Read for about an hour. Then drove over to the Eagle office with my article—from there went over Stop + Shop to get chicken livers. Carol was invited to supper tonight, since Jerry was out of town—and I was planning our new dish with chicken livers and coconut milk. Today being the holiday, [1] many of the stores were closed—so I had to buy the livers at two small shops in Gloucester. Got home shortly after noon. Relaxed after lunch, tried to find a suitable poem for tomorrow’s funeral. About 2:00 I got back to St. Mary’s. Read for the afternoon—in Jones, Herods of Judea. I came home about 4:45—Carol was here. She and Bonnie chatted and supervised Chris + Debbie while I worked on supper—and I think it can be judged a success. I varied the recipe somewhat from last time: more curry—no peanuts—except those sprinkled on top. Relaxed after supper, then watched CBS news, etc. As I was preparing to go to the funeral home, Carol was gathering up Chris to go home. I stayed at the funeral home about 1½ hours. That is not very usual practice—but after seeing the family, I got into conversation with the new owner of the funeral home, Mr. Greeley III—35 years old—quite a change from Mr. Mackey. After I got home I went to work searching for suitable poetry again. This took quite a while—didn’t get back to reading as I had hoped. Bathed. OBLO c. 12:20 Θ+


[1] Patriots Day, in Maine and Massachusetts

David’s diary, 19 April 1971

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/01/09/davids-diary-17-april-1971/

David’s Diary – 14 April 1971

Wednesday, 14 April 1971

[called General Theo Library, Boston]

Up about 7:20. We had to be ready to take Chris Lewis—Carol got a call to substitute teach today, so since we are on her list of prospective sitters, she called us—this was arranged yesterday. After I had shaved and had breakfast, they arrived. Carol was running late, so she left hurriedly. I naturally was able to make it to morning prayer at St. Mary’s since I was up so early. But the preparations for the rummage sale were still in full swing, so I went to the congregational church. Studied in one of the Sunday School rooms. About 10:30 I went to St. Mary’s for coffee—got involved in looking at the book table—bought several books. Went back to the congregational church—read for a while, then came home about noon. Bonnie was finding it taxing to care for two kids, especially since Debbie wasn’t in a very cooperative mood. She has been displaying jealousy toward Chris—very possessive of some toys. After eating I read a while, but was pretty pooped, so lay down for a short time, then got back to reading. Carol got here shortly before 3:00—she’d had a bad day, no discipline in the class—we went over to Gloucester to get surplus food. Bonnie stayed with the kids. After getting home we relaxed, I read while B + C chatted. Fixed supper about 5:00; made trip to church to turn off the heat (which I’d put on at noon) watched CBS news, etc.—Men at Law—a great drama tonight slamming the Vietnam war. Read the rest of the evening—bathed about 10:30  OBLO c. 11:15  Θ

Thursday, 15 April 1971

[Top panel:  called Burtons]

Up about 7:45. Shaved, had breakfast. Made it to St. Mary’s in time for morning prayer—then went to the Congregational church to study. About 10:35 I went to St. Mary’s for coffee break, but returned to study about 11:00. Read until coming home about 12:15. Had lunch, relaxed, but read too. About 2 o’clock Carol Lewis arrived—she and Bonnie went to St. Mary’s to look at rummage sale goods. Debbie went down for a nap before she left, so I had was able to work. After finishing C. R. North’s book, OT Interpretation of History, I turned to writing my sermon. Bonnie and Carol got back by about 3:15. At which time I went back to the congregational church—continued to work on my sermon—by the time I headed home about 5:30 I had it about 75% done. I stopped on the way home to turn off the heat at the church—which I’d put on at noon. Ate supper as soon as I got home. Relaxed after supper, watched CBS news. What a remarkable break in Chinese-American relations has come with the ping pong match! [1] I just hope that Nixon will have the sense to respond in full—make every effort possible to open up relations. Between 7:30–8:30 I worked further on the sermon. Helped put Debbie to bed—playing the role of the “cookie monster”—she hides in the closet, then gets on my back—and I dump her in her bed. 8:30–9:30 watched Ironside. 9:30–10:00 worked on sermon—finished rough draft. 10:00–12:00 watched Academy Awards while doing other things—mimeographing parish letter service. Also called Burtons—who were supposed to come tomorrow. They’re coming out next weekend. Watched news after Academy awards. OBLO  c. 1:00 AM.

Friday, 16 April 1971

[Top panel: took several pictures of Debbie—inside the front door; called Moody; called Bob + Lea]

Up shortly before 8:30. Didn’t bother to shave, since I was somewhat behind schedule. Had breakfast, then went to the Congregational church to study. Got there about 9:20. I read all morning—no coffee break—didn’t go to St. Mary’s because of the rummage sale in progress. I started on Theophile Meek’s Hebrew Origins—read it several years ago, but must be reread. Got home shortly after noon. Bonnie and I had lunch—Debbie had gone to sleep about 11:30. In the mail was a letter from Lea asking about her coming out this summer to help with the new baby, etc. When Bonnie left for work I got to work reading—also dozed. Debbie awoke about 1:30 and I spent some time with her. About mid-afternoon I gave her a snack. But I turned my main attention to writing the final draft of my sermon—and I got it all finished by supper time. We had a roast for supper, so I had supper all ready by the time Bonnie got home. After eating, I read for a while in Meek before CBS news. How strange it was to have the opening list of reporters topped by the one in Peking! The films were very interesting. 7:30–9:00 I read and took time to play with Debbie—“cookie monster” and bean-bag. About 9:00 we called Lea to gladly accept her proposal. At 9:30 we were all set to watch The Odd Couple—but it was preempted—as last week!—by a basketball game—how infuriating—read after watching TV for a while—bathed, read in bed briefly, LO. c. 12:20.


[1] http://www.history.com/news/ping-pong-diplomacy

David’s diary, 16 April 1971

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/01/07/davids-diary-14-april-1971/

David’s Diary – 11 April 1971

Sunday, 11 April 1971

Had trouble getting to sleep last night. Got up about 12:30, read until about 1:45—slept downstairs, to avoid disturbing Bonnie with my tossing and turning. Up about 8:30 this morning, had breakfast, then shaved (2 days worth). Practiced sermon again. Got to the church by about 10:30. Had a crowd of about 70—preached on “trust”—after the service was over we went to Lewises for lunch. They had been in church, and Vicky had taken care of Chris along with Debbie. Carol had prepared a delicious beef stew. After eating we did a lot of relaxing. Toward the middle of the afternoon I made trip home to get the flash attachment so that Jerry could take pictures of Chris (we were celebrating his first birthday today, since Jerry has to be in New Haven on Wednesday). Also stopped at our church and St. Mary’s for music that Bonnie + Carol wanted for practicing guitar + singing. When I got back to Lewises, I then joined Jerry at the garden—exploring a huge rock in the middle of the garden—after much digging we found it too large to be taken out. We (D, B + I) came home about 4:30—utterly exhausted—napped—all three. I really didn’t get to sleep. I still have sore throat, and a lot of drainage with it when I’m lying down. Up about 6:30. We were to[o] stuffed to have supper (after returning from the garden, we’d had a delicious cherry cheese cake). We gave Debbie some supper. Then about 7:15 went to the Hardy’s for play reading. Took Debbie along—she went right to sleep in her crib in the bedroom. The play was hilarious—“The Last Analysis” [1] by Saul Bellows. Got home by 11:30. Bathed  OBLO 12:25.

Monday, 12 April 1971

Up about 9:15 after Θ. Had breakfast, then set to work preparing article for the Eagle. About mid-morning Bonnie left with Debbie on a walk—to the drug store and to see Drue. I went to the Eagle office. Also drove over to Stop + Shop and to First National looking for ingredients in the special dish which I wanted to prepare for supper. I got home about 11:45. Shortly thereafter Bonnie + Debbie arrived home. We fixed lunch. After eating Bonnie left for work, Debbie went outside to play on the swings. She’d been going strong all morning, however, so she didn’t resist when I shortly suggested that it was time to go in to nap—we went to her room, and built a “tower,” i.e., with building blocks—at the top of which we prepare a “room” for the puppets to “go to sleep”—then she went down for a nap. I returned to reading—started Sat. in Bright’s Early Israel in Recent History Writing—was continuing with this. My taxing weekend had taken its toll—very weary still—with several aching muscles. So I napped to[o] for a while. Then back to reading—and began preparing supper: chicken livers in coconut milk. It was a surprise for Bonnie. We ate shortly after she got home; we rather liked it, but thought of ways that it could be improved. Bonnie needs the liver for her anemia. Read briefly after supper. Watched CBS news, etc. In the evening I read in Bright, but also took time out to write to Mrs. Myers (copy to folks) and David Watson. Read further; bathed about 11:30. OBLO 12:05.

Tuesday, 13 April 1971

[Top panel:  called Dr. Beck]

Up at 8:30. Shaved—2 days worth. Had breakfast. Then prepared to leave the house. Went first to St. Mary’s to leave my briefcase (and 2 packages of mimeo-paper to return to Ed Nutting). I discovered that preparations were under way for the Friday rummage sale, i.e., no peace + quiet for studying. I went to the P.O. to mail letters to Mrs. Myers, Folks and David Watson. Then stopped at the church to pick up the congregational screen. Stopped at St. Mary’s to pick up my briefcase + the paper. Went to congregational church—and found a room to study there—until about 11:45. Headed home; stopped in briefly at St. Mary’s, saw Carol Lewis. Stopped at our church to turn on the heat. Home for lunch. After eating Debbie + I played on the swings, but then as Bonnie was leaving for work, she consented to come in for a nap. She slept most of the afternoon, after we’d built a “tower” for the puppets to nap in. I turned to reading, finished Bright’s Early Israel etc—after dozing. 4 o’clock called Beck. I turned briefly to read in Rowley’s From Joseph to Joshua before fixing supper. After eating I walked to the church to turn off the heat, went to Richdales. Watched CBS news etc, then returned to reading. I changed books—Rowley’s book is largely on archaeology—so I’ll take it up when I turn to that subject in earnest. Began on C.R. North OT Interpretation of History. About 9 o’clock snacked. Then read further. Bathed about 10:30. In my phone conversation with Beck I set May 4 to go in to consult. Read after bath—OBLO 11:30.


[1] http://www.nytimes.com/books/00/04/23/specials/bellow-playanalysis.html

David’s diary, 13 April 1971

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/01/06/davids-diary-11-april-1971/

David’s Diary – September 16, 1968

In 1968, a month after I was born David began writing in a daily journal, or diary. It is a habit that he continues even today. Gladys’ letters continue, and at this point, David’s responding letters did not survive. I have my father’s permission to share these diary entries. He began transcribing them himself a few years ago, and even annotated them! Over the next phase of the blog, I will jump back and forth between Gladys’ letters and David’s diary entries. At this time, David was a graduate student at Boston University and the minister of the Rockport Methodist Church.

David’s Diary Entries

Monday, September 16, 1968

Deborah one month old. AM desk work; assignment for Paul D.S.[1] PM, worked on Paul assignment, meeting with Dr. Uhlinger[2], Forrest Clark, Jim Bussey[3] on C.A.M.P[4]. Late supper; study Greek—John 1; tired today, last night little sleep. Going to bed—11 o’clock.

Tuesday, September 17, 1968

9:20 train to Boston; Greek class 11:15 – 12:15; Lunch with Larry Carter, Hobart Farrell, others. Talked politics, foresee Nixon victory; Xeroxed Journal articles for Thursday Jeremiah DS; Paul D.S. 3:00 – 4:00 (1st meeting). Includes 3 of us: Dr. Oliver, Dane [Dave?] Mitchell and myself. Looks promising—should be very interesting. 5:15 train home—exhausted, headache; desk work, study in evening: Bright’s History of Israel; 11:30 to bed.

Wednesday, September 18, 1968

Up around 9 o’clock; reading for DS (Jeremiah): Bright, HI, Chronicles of Caldean Kings by D. J. Wiseman—very interesting. 3 articles from journals. Big breakfast (before reading), late lunch, 2:15; supper 6:30; 8 o’clock visit Mr. & Mrs. George Harris, re: baptism of their son; neither had done the reading—home by 8:30; not a very intelligent pair; read short while in Bright, Jeremiah, introduction; study Greek past midnight. In bed 12:20.

Thursday, September 19, 1968

Overslept—up at 7:50; still managed to catch 8:15 train. No breakfast, shaved electrically. In Boston by 9:30—to Mass. Bible Society for copy of Greek NT, to Bank on Beacon St; to BU; Greek 11:15 – 12:00; lunch with Tod Hitchings, Hobart Farrell, Larry McGee; Hobart asked if I call myself an atheist—told him “agnostic” better term[5]; Tillich, I pointed out, in strict sense of the word was atheist. Discussion of the Acts-Pauline problem; xeroxed Paul D.S. article after lunch; DS Jeremiah 2-3—1st meeting—should be rewarding work for the semester; after meeting rushed to xerox two articles; delay at Gov’t Center station—almost missed train (4:10 to Rockport); home 5:20; 6:20 leave for German course at Gordon—this should be helpful too; 10 o’clock home again; desk work. To bed 12:15. Letter from Sen. McCarthy today. Thurs. cont—on the way to bed at 12:15, baby’s feeding time, read while Bonnie fed Debby, looked over some of Fosdick’s sermons—lights out after 1.

Friday, September 20, 1968  Debby 5 weeks old

Slept late—up around 10 o’clock. Big breakfast; spent most of the day, unfortunately, trying to get the special pastoral letter ready. Stencils from Cokesbury no good—too short + all stuck together. We went to Gloucester (to Busseys’) to borrow some stencils, stopped at Mals + market on way home; late lunch around 2 p.m.; worked on pastoral letter. All run off, signed, stamped sealed by 6:30—Bonnie was washing kitchen floor. Debby has gone long periods between feedings = 5 hrs last night, 4 + 5 hours today. CBS news indicates strong support for Wallace in Unions. After supper, tried to deliver letters to Mrs. Cooney—not home. PM—work at desk, on sermon-outline finished; bulletins completed; further reading in Bright’s Jeremiah (Intro.). On way to bed, shortly after 1 a.m. [margin: middle of afternoon short visit over with Ornes—needed to pick up check for postage.]

Saturday, September 21, 1968

Up at 8:50; large breakfast; took letters to Mrs. Cooney, changed Wayside Pulpit; Bonnie had call from new resident in Rockport who wanted to attend our church. 10:30 Debby’s 1st doctor’s appointment; everything fine. He pronounced her “a perfect baby”—she was in a good mood. Worked on sermon, lunch, worked on sermon further. Around 2 o’clock went up to see Rip Hannibal, talked about his daughter in Florida, politics; home by 3:30 to greet Dr. Frederich (sp?)—the new Rockporter. He is an Englishman, teaching presently at Brandeis University, French. We have a common interest in music—although he doesn’t care too much for opera. He left shortly after 5 o’clock; back to work on the sermon; supper around 6:30; then back to the sermon again. Finished about 7:30. Bonnie and I gave Debby her first “solid” food—a soupy rice cereal. She was rather perplexed, very wide-eyed, probably swallowed very little! Further preparations for morning service; translated LK 19:1-10 for scripture reading. Bonnie baked pumpkin pie this evening, so we had a snack after 11 pm; read further in Bright’s Jeremiah; off to read in bed 12:30.

Sunday, September 22, 1968

Up at 9:30; shaved, practiced sermon, then off to church. No processional—only 3 in choir. Used Greek NT for first time for scripture reading from the pulpit. Sang in the choir. Sermon topic: “How to Stand Up + Take It.” (Fosdick’s title and idea.) Could have been preached better by one who is thoroughly theistic. Fosdick is so grounded to belief in a personal loving God, it is difficult for me to appropriate many of his sermon ideas.[6] Home Orne reported that attendance was 32. I was home by 12:30—rested shortly after lunch; 2 o’clock had to be at the church to baptize George Samuel Harris III; took altar flowers to Lucy Patience; went with Loyd Starrett + Dick Bamforth[7] to Gordon Divinity School to interview another candidate for youth ministry—Jim Tanner. We agreed to hire him. Dropped in on the Busseys at their open house, saw Uhlingers briefly. Home after 5—unsuccessful nap. – very tired. Supper around seven. Began reading for Paul DS. (Schweitzer: Paul and his Interpreters). Took break around 10:45 to bathe and fill out Bible Class postcards—read til about 12:30—finished first 100 pgs of Sweitzer book; off to bed at 12:30; read til 1:10.


[1] Directed Study

[2] District superintendent?

[3] Friend from seminary who served church in Gloucester

[4] Cape Ann Methodist Parish

[5] I am surprised that I was that much of an non-believer in seminary.

[6] See previous footnote.

[7] The Episcopal pastor.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/04/24/davids-diary-september-16-1968/

Book of Me – Prompt 6: Diaries and Journals

book of meThe Book of Me – Written by You is a weekly blog prompt created by Julie Goucher of the blog Angler’s Rest. This is a fifteen month writing project to highlight my life so that I will have something to leave behind for my descendants. Week six asks about personal diaries and journals. For those of you who have been following along, this week I am not using my traditional 3rd person narrative. I did not feel that the prompt supported that format.

  • Do you keep a diary or journal?
  • When did you start?
  • What information do you record?
  • How do you keep a journal – written or electronic?
  • If you have a written journal, do you always buy the same one or buy whatever takes your fancy?
  • What are your succession plans for you journals & diaries?
  • Do you include pictures & other items as a way of recording events?
  • What do you use to write your journal – a special pen, or a fountain pen, or even the closest writing implement to hand?
  • Have you inherited any? If you have what are your plans for them?
Failed journals

Failed journals

When I first read this week’s prompt, I admit my first response was to be a little flip. Do you keep a diary or  journal? No. When did you start? Not applicable. What information do you record? Not applicable…and so on. I have attempted to write a journal in the past. It was mostly in my young, carefree and unattached adulthood. Back when I had time to spare, and little responsibility to anyone beyond myself. I never wrote one when I was a kid, at least that I recall. I do have the four journals that I attempted to use to express my feelings and daily activities. These were all purchased in the late 1980s or early 1990s. One is filled with poetry that I liked at the time. Another is virtually blank. It was also purchased to record inspiring quotes and poetry. The third book I used as a travel journal on my big adventure through Great Britain in 1991, although it had been started a couple years earlier as a combination budget book and who knows what else. Again, the book is only half filled. The fourth book does have some more traditional diary like entries but it is not completely used either. Half the pages are empty, like a broken promise.

The fact of the matter is I am just not that kind of a person. I have my daily routines, like having tea first thing in the morning, every morning, rain or shine, no matter what. I can’t stand coffee. I even travel with my own tea bags so I can have my tea. But writing is not part of my routine. As I stated in one of my early blog posts last year when I began my blog, I have never thought of myself as a writer. I’m an artist. I express myself in other ways. I have never used words as my medium before. So the questions remain hanging in the air. Do you keep a diary or journal?

No, but I have other things that paint a picture of my life. There are the quilts that I have made for myself and my children. I have the programs of all the theatrical shows I worked on during my college and graduate school years and some from later on when I started to work professionally. I have renderings of costumes I designed, pictures of costumes I constructed (and sweated over), and clothes that I have made for myself. I am the family photographer. I have photographs. I have scrapbooks that I made using some of those photographs. I manage the collection of photographs that chronicle all the trips we have taken, the special events and holidays, and the ordinary. A picture is worth a thousand words, right? And now that I have taken the steps to “become” a writer, I have my blog. Granted the major focus of my blog is transcribing the letters of my grandparents. But doing that is part of my daily routine. When my descendants look through my daily chattel, they can deduce what I did every day for 3 or 4 or how many years it takes me to get through this immense stack of letters. And in today’s (and the future’s) age of technology, I am sure my descendants will figure out a way to see all my ordinary everyday Facebook posts. That’s about as close as I am ever going to get to writing a journal.

The above photographs were all taken by Deborah Sweeney

P.S. On a side note, my father has been keeping a daily journal since I was one month old. Let’s just say I am officially middle aged so that is a really long time! I have already made my case as the family archivist that I want those journals and he has already made provisions for the journals to be passed on to me when he is gone. So no, I haven’t inherited any journals yet but I will someday but I am more than happy to wait.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/05/book-of-me-pro…s-and-journals/