Tag Archives: genealogy

David’s Diary – 12 March 1971

Leave a reply

Friday, 12 March 1971

Up at 9:00. Shaved—2 days worth. Ate breakfast. I worked briefly on the order of worship to be used Sunday. Then before 10:30 I went down to the church. I knew that the heat would be on—for Lois Clapp to practice, and I wanted to get the banners tied—they are on the wires with hooks—just setting on the wires really, and if someone brushes against a banner, one hook can come loose, so the banner swings, hanging at an angle on one hook only—very unsightly. So I tied up all the hooks to the wires. Also got out a lot of old hymn books, dusted them off—placed them in the pews along with the new ones. I got home shortly before lunch, looked through the mail until lunch time. We ate, Bonnie left for work about the usual time. I measured the window in Debbie’s room, which is an advanced stage of disintegration, and ordered a new one by phone from the Building Center. For most of the afternoon I read and baked—i.e., another chocolate cake. Also late in the afternoon began preparing a pizza for supper. We ate as soon as Bonnie got home about 5:30. Relaxed with the paper. Worked more on the order of worship. Watched CBS news, etc. I had intended to mimeo the bulletin stencil, but decided instead to read in Albright, which I did. Took time out 9:30–10 to snack and watch The Odd Couple—an especially funny episode tonight—what a great show that is; Tony Randall [1] is a great actor. Back to reading. Bathed about 11:30. Read—OB; LO 12:30.

Saturday, 13 March 1971

[Top panel: photos of Debbie (black + white) in her room]

Up shortly after 9:00. Shaved, had breakfast. The preparation of the bulletin for tomorrow morning proved to be very time consuming. Very slow going because I departed from the normal ritual—and quite a few things had to be put into the bulletin itself—affirmation, confession, responsive scripture. I had the stencils ready by lunch time. After eating Bonnie went off shopping—to Gloucester to get a turkey for Sunday. I ran the bulletins on one side, then washed the kitchen and bathroom floors—too strenuous for Bonnie. Got phone call from Bishop Mathews—confirming his visit tomorrow, wanting to know driving time, location, etc. After Bonnie returned I finished the bulletins. I went down to Tuck’s pharmacy to buy recording tape, dropped in to Ed Nutting’s office to fold the bulletins on his folding machine—then to the church. I spent some time setting up the tape recorder and getting details tended to. Came home, fairly pooped. Bonnie was putting a casserole together for supper. 5:00–6:00 we tried to get some rest. About 6:00 we had supper. Bonnie spent the evening house cleaning after getting Debbie to bed. We played with her for a while—I took some photos, so that we could get some color film into the camera for tomorrow. I spent the evening working in my study: cleaning up my desk—restoring order all over the room, also prepared the service for tomorrow. Late in the evening relaxed, listened to radio, bathed  OBLO 12:35.

Sunday. 14 March 1971

[Top panel: several photos, color, wayside pulpit, Bishop Mathews, etc.]

Up about 8:15. Had breakfast, shaved, was busy with details, final preparations etc. Went to the church about 10 o’clock. Choir rehearsed in the few minutes before the service. Bishop and Mrs. Mathews arrived about 10:20. It was a marvelous service. Over 200 in the congregation—what a long line of people to shake hands with—the response seemed to be overwhelmingly favorable—so the Joint Church Committee shall have to do some concrete planning in that direction. We were back to the house between 12:15 and 12:30. We rode up to the house with the Mathews. Shortly after we got here the Bamforths and Nuttings arrived. We had a big turkey dinner together—and a nice visit; the Bishop had warned that they couldn’t linger long—but they didn’t really rush off. It was a very enjoyable visit. But I do feel sorry for them—Both he and Mrs. Mathews seemed weary—the “bishop grind” must be frightful—always in demand, always on the go—they left about 2:00 I suppose—we took some photos. The Bamforths and Nuttings stayed until about 3:00. After they’d left I went to the church to get the recorder—the recording is pretty good. Came home, exhausted—but not able to rest. Picked the turkey clean. Relaxed, listened to radio and tape of the service. At 7:00 I went to the church—took the altar plant to the Ornes, visited with them. Home by about 8:20—we went to Patriquins—games and “mug-ups” until about 10:30. Came home, relaxed. Bathed, read briefly in Albright. OBLO, c. midnight.

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

David’s diary, 14 March 1971

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/20/davids-diary-12-march-1971/

David’s Diary – 9 March 1971

Leave a reply

Tuesday, 9 March 1971

Up at 9:00. Had breakfast, shaved. I was on the go for most of the morning. I went to the church to pick up the music for Lois Clapp to practice for Sunday. Then went to Ed Nutting’s office. Picked up the advert. he had made up for Bishop Mathews visit. Lois was at the organ, I gave her the music. After chatting with Ed for a while, I went to Gloucester. Went to the Gloucester Daily Times office—I arranged for the two adverts on Wed and Friday, also spoke to Peter Olson about getting an article about the Bishop, as well as pictorial coverage. Went on to Norman Office Supply, and from there to Mals and Stop + Shop. When I got back to Rockport I stopped at the church and changed the wayside pulpit—picked up some milk, arrived home about 12:15. Bonnie had lunch on the table. After eating, Bonnie left for work, Debbie and I played together briefly. I lay down briefly. Call from Bishop’s office, with the word that he and his wife will probably join us for lunch—also sermon title and scripture. I read the COCU paper for tonight. Also wrote my weekly letter to Mrs. Myers; then turned to reading in Albright’s FSATC. Getting into an interesting section, dealing with ancient man, stone age etc. I had supper ready when Bonnie got home. Relaxed with the paper after eating; watched CBS news, clipped more articles from Old New Republics. 7:30–9:30 C.O.C.U. meeting here—a good group. Mostly old people—but most of them open minded—I hope it rubs off on my members! Snacked, read; OT Ez 41  Luke 11; OBLO c. midnight  Θ

Wednesday, 10 March 1971

Up about 9:00. One of the first things to attend to was the heat—or rather, lack of it—at the church. Even before eating I went to the church, went to the basement to read the fuel gauge—it appeared to be empty. When I got home I called the Building Center—they said they’d look into it. Had breakfast. Later got a call from them; fuel had just been put in yesterday—so they’ll send a service man—within the hour. Bonnie went to Gloucester to pick up one month’s supply of surplus food; I shaved. Bonnie came home empty handed because distribution wasn’t to start til 1 o’clock. Just as we were finishing lunch, the service man arrived, and we went to the church. A minor fault in the thermostat which he corrected easily. I was able to devote part of my afternoon to reading in Albright. We fixed supper about 5:00 (Bonnie had succeeded in getting the food early in the afternoon), then prepared to leave. We left the house, all three of us, about 6:20. Drove to Lynn, to Don McGaw’s house. He had invited us to come hear his Lenten concert-vocal recital. We got to his place shortly after 7:00—sat around for a few minutes. He had arranged for a sitter to stay with Debbie—who arrived just as we did. The program at the church lasted from 8:00-8:45. But there was a sit-down reception following. We didn’t get back to Don’s house until about 10:15. We stayed for a while, relaxed, listened to a tape of the concert—part of it. Left about 11:30. Came home, went straight to bed. c. 12:30.

Thursday, 11 March 1971

Yesterday evening had been strenuous, so didn’t make it out of bed til about 9:30. Started bath water, and also started working on the letter to the congregation re: Bishop Mathews’ visit—it was all written, but I began typing the stencil. But I bathed, and then finished it. Also typed two stencils with facts on the Fund for Reconciliation—for both sides of one sheet. Didn’t finish all the mimeographing until about 12:30. Went to the church to turn on the heat for the rock group to practice. Came home, had lunch—Bonnie had to leave about 1:15 for her regular doctor appointment. I tended to getting Debbie away from the table and down for a nap. Then I sat at the dining room folding table, stuffing, sealing, stamping—getting the mailing ready to go out. When I finished that I read for a few minutes to relax, then went to the Post Office—and stopped in to the church briefly to look in on the group. Came home, got back to reading until about 5:00. Then began working on supper. We ate about 5:45 or 6:00. Read through the paper—Both in the Times and in the Eagle there was good coverage of the Bishop—both printed the pictures which I’d given them. Good articles too (I wrote the one in the Eagle!) watched CBS news, etc—did straightening on my desk while this was going on. Read until 8:30 when Ironside came on; watched it, snacked; then back to reading—all reading today has been in Albright FSATC. Read til about 11:15—in bed—LO c. 11:15 Θ.

 

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/19/davids-diary-9-march-1971/

David’s Diary – 6 March 1971

Leave a reply

Saturday, 6 March 1971

[Top panel: called Sesto]

A busy day—on the go—once I got started. Up about 9:30 after Θ (w/o o.) Shaved, had breakfast, went to the church to work on banners. Got two news ones put up: “O Magnify the Lord with Me” and “Let Us Exalt His Name Together”—got home shortly after noon. This was the day that the Sestos were scheduled to come, so since they weren’t here yet, we called—and they’d forgotten all about it—so they’re coming in two weeks. After eating I set off on an afternoon of calling. Went to see the Hannibals. Met their daughter Janice—also saw Rip, Jr. and his wife. I showed them the letter from Alice + Alex. Rip and Florence were horrified. From there I went to see Bertha and John Wicky; had a pleasant visit. Then about 4:00 I went to see Charles O’Reilley—he had lost some fish—same problems that we’d had; it simply take patience and determination. Came home about 5:00. Had supper, then lay down for a nap. Didn’t actually slept, but I did feel somewhat refreshed. About 7:00 I went to the church to finish banners. This took me til about 9:30. I finished the two: “By Him we are called to hear his word” and “By him we are called to do his will.” Rearranged the banners, cleaned up all the banner making mess. 9:30–10:30 did the bulletins after getting home. Then mimeographed Parish News Service; + new set of rules for the rock group; prepared the service. OT: Ezekiel 38; NT: Luke 8. Bathed about 12:45. Practiced sermon. OBLO 1:25.

Sunday, 7 March 1971

Up about 8:00—snow had been predicted, but there wasn’t anything coming down yet. Shaved, had breakfast, practiced part of the sermon before my class arrived—3 came. I went to the church about 10:30. This was the morning the banners were supposed to be taken down according to the Marr ultimatum—so I guess we won’t get their $50.00 for the paint fund. I preached on the 6th commandment, You Shall Not Kill—and devoted about 3 pages to Vietnam, stressing our guilt in killing that is done in our name and which we help to pay for. Both Alice and Alex were visibly agitated. Got home about 12:15. Bonnie drove Linda Cameron home—she’d stayed with Debbie (she hadn’t been to SS class, but came when we called to ask her to—Vicky is sick). After eating we all went down for a nap. Θ sleep. About 4:00 or 4:30 we were awake—there was a ring at the door. I dressed hurriedly—it was Homer with our check which he’d forgotten to give us. We had a long chat with him. Then not too long after he left, Dick Short paid a call—he’s running for selectman—election tomorrow. After he’d gone we fixed supper, then went over to see Aimee—Virginia wasn’t there. I had agreed to let Aimee see a copy of my sermon. Got home about 7:15. Left Debbie at Patriquins, drove to Rapps for play reading—Private Lives (Noël  Coward). Bonnie had the lead. To Patriquins about 10:30. Home about 11:00; OT: Ezek. 39. NT: Luke 9. Relaxed, tried unsuccessfully to find an old article on Vietnam I’d written. OBLO c. 12:40.

Monday, 8 March 1971

Up shortly before 9:00. Had breakfast, then got to work at my desk. I wrote a brief article on Bishop Mathews, going on the fact sheet which his office gave me. Also wrote my usual article of church news. While I was doing this Bonnie went to vote, Debbie was occupied with Sesame Street. When I finished my articles, I shaved. The mail man came just before I shaved. A letter from Busseys. They seem to be getting settled alright in Arizona—they mentioned that Paul and Marty wrote them inquiring about Arizona. So, who knows, perhaps P + M will end up going out there. The climate is certainly better. After shaving I drove to the Eagle office with the two articles, then went to vote. Voted for Dick Short for selectman; Eleanor Hoy, school committee—voted against Hazel Bell Brady. Got home just about noon. We had lunch. After Bonnie left for work, I napped a short while—Debbie was already down for a nap too. Don McGaw called—re: how much the rock group charges—their figure of $125-150 was far too much. The remainder of the afternoon I spent backing and reading. I baked a loaf of anadama bread [1] and a chocolate cake. Had supper all on the table when Bonnie got home. I frosted the cake after we ate. John Ingerman called and offered to pay $20.00 more if the rock group can practice on Tuesdays as well—I agreed. Watched CBS news etc. Bonnie went to Chorus rehearsal. I read, put Debbie to bed after a play session. OT: Ez. 40. NT: Luke 10. Spent a good part of the evening reading in Albright FSATC. Snacked when Bonnie got home; read; bathed. OBLO shortly after midnight.

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

David’s diary, 8 March 1971

 

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/18/davids-diary-6-march-1971/

David’s Diary – 3 March 1971

Leave a reply

Wednesday, 3 March 1971

[Top panel:  called Peter Smith  Magnolia re: check for NUVA]

A rather slow and short morning. Not up until about 10:00I suppose—after Θ. Did some puttering at my desk, spent some time with the mail when it came. Shaved. About 11:45 went to the Post Office to mail my letter to Mrs. Myers. Stopped briefly at the church to change the Wayside Pulpit—i.e., remove the NUVA announcement. Had a brief chat with Virginia Bate on the street. Shortly after getting home we had lunch. Early in the afternoon Bonnie went off shopping in Gloucester, Debbie settled down for a nap. I got down to studying; OT reading Ezekiel 34-35; NT: Luke 5. I cannot recall ever having made a point to read Luke—I can’t recall having done a paper on any of it—like I have on the other 3 gospels in some form or another. I am struck by its peculiar nature—for some reason I like it better. Began reading Albright’s From the Stone Age to Christianity. I have had this book for many years—can recall reading it when I was at IU-summer school 62 or 63. But it’s all new now. Read until late in the afternoon. Then spent some time doing preliminary designs for new banners—my answer to Marrs! Not long after Bonnie got home we had supper, Then prepared to leave for Town Meeting. We left Debbie with Kay Patriquin. The meeting concluded tonight shortly after 11:00, after covering articles 32–81. Howling snow/sleet storm kept attendance very low. Picked up Debbie, came home, had snack, relaxed, read, OBLO.  c. 1:10.

Thursday, 4 March 1971

Up shortly after 9:00 due to a phone call, but I went back to bed for a few minutes. Got up, even before eating went to the church and turned on the heat. Came home, had breakfast. I gathered together a few things for banner making—just as I was ready to leave the house Jack Roberts called to offer thanks for my help with NUVA. Just as that conversation was over the mail man arrived—a letter from Bonnie’s folks—they hope to be arriving in Boston in late August. Enclosed in the letter were 3 snapshots (same, one for each of us, P + M, Gdma). I went to the Congregational church, saw Ed Nutting briefly, then went to our church, worked on banners, made quick trip back to the Congreg. church for the paint brushes I’d forgotten. Worked on the banners then until about 12:30. Came home, ate lunch, worked on reading Albright’s FSATC—then about 2 o’clock went back to the church. Worked on banners for the afternoon. My Sunday School Class was supposed to arrive to help with the banners, but none showed up. I wasn’t alone, however. The boys in the rock group were there practicing. I finished 2 banners; quit about 5:30. Came home, relaxed, had supper. This was the first evening for relaxing in a long while; watched CBS news and other TV. Started going through the stack of old New Republics—taking out articles to save. Watched Nixon’s news conference on foreign policy—also Ironside. Then we went downstairs; had snack, bathed. OT reading: Ezekiel 36; NT: Luke 6. Very weary by the end of the day; Town Meeting is a strain; OBLO c. midnight  Θ

Friday, 5 March 1971

Didn’t move too swiftly this morning. Up between 9:30 and 9:45. I had breakfast, then shaved. 2 days worth. The mail man arrived shortly after I’d finished with this. My check to Fleishman’s Yeast ($1.50) for a cooking thermometer was returned to me: I’d forgotten to sign it! I got that ready, then about 11:30 went to the Post Office and to the church. Turned on the heat for Vicky’s organ lesson in the afternoon. Did some work on the banners, i.e., took wood pieces off of two of them, to be transferred to the new ones. Went from the church to Richdales, where I met Winnie—she told me Vicky is ill, so the heat needn’t be on. She stopped by the church to turn it off. I came on home; while I was eating my lunch she stopped in briefly to see the new carpet. Bonnie left for work, Debbie was still asleep (she had no lunch). I spent the afternoon working on my sermon. 3 whole pages on Vietnam—Alex and Alice will be furious! Two callers in the afternoon—Ruth Robinson returned Pedersen books; Mrs. Hardy brought Sunday’s play by. I had sermon rough draft 99% finished and supper under way when Bonnie got home; she’d stopped in Gloucester to purchase a seat for Debbie (to raise her up at the table) and a super-large [???] lamp for my desk. After supper we watched CBS news, etc—and I did more clipping from old New Republics. Except for the Odd Couple at 9:30–10:00 I spent the evening on the final draft of my sermon. OT reading: Ezekiel 31; NT: Luke 7. Bathed about midnight, read briefly in Albright  OBLO  c. 12:45.

David’s diary, 5 March 1971

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/17/davids-diary-3-march-1971/

David’s Diary – 28 February 1971

Leave a reply

Sunday, 28 February 1971

[Top panel: Ezekiel 31  NT: Luke 2]

Up shortly before 8:00, and feeling pretty droopy—hadn’t slept very well. Practiced sermon before eating and shaving. My class arrived—all 5 today. Lawry worked up in my study—Don went out for a walk. I got to the church about 10:40. Preached on commandments 5 and 7—stressing the theme of protecting the family. After the service, and the choir rehearsal—we all went home (Don received as many compliments on his voice as I did on my sermon!) We went to Oleana’s for lunch—but a long line, so we went instead to Gloucester to Captain Courageous—had a delightful meal—really stuffed ourselves. When we got home—about 2:30—Don and Lawry took off for Lynn—then Bonnie and I napped—Debbie also went down without the least resistance—she was exhausted. Θ —then napped. I got up about 6:00. Worked at my desk until about 6:40 then went to the Congregational church for the “mid-term” COCU meeting—the 3 groups meeting together. It was a good meeting—a lot of expression of gratitude for the opportunities of getting to know one another—also favorable reactions to suggestions about how the three churches could cooperate further. 8:30–9:00—had chat with Ed Nutting. When I got home I called Judge Jodrey on the phone—inquired about parliamentary procedures re: town meeting. Joined Bonnie + Debbie at Patriquins; came home shortly after 10:00; worked at desk—typing up the rules for the rock-group using the church; made notes for next Sunday’s sermon  OBLO 12:25.

Monday, 1 March 1971

[Top panel: telephoned Bishop’s office]

Up at 9:00. Shaved early in the morning, put together my article for the Eagle—both a brief article on Bishop Mathews and my regular church notes. About 11 o’clock I set off on my errands—went to the Eagle office, then to the Rockport Nat’l bank to see Jean Crowell. I wanted her to review the “rules” which I had in draft form re: the rock group using our church. I also showed her my letter from Alice and Alex Marr—she was indignant. Saw Homer and Sarah Orne briefly outside the church. Showed them the rules too. Then drove out to see Gladys Haskell about the rules—and showed her the Marr letter. She literally gasped! Got home shortly after 12:00. Put together lunch. When Bonnie left for work Debbie went down for her nap very soon and slept all afternoon. My afternoon was devoted mainly to desk work—mimeographed the rules—read I.F. Stone’s Bi-Weekly which came in the mail today. I also collected a few thoughts re: what to say about Project NUVA. I had supper ready almost when Bonnie got home; ate supper. Drove to NUVA in Gloucester by 6:00—picked up 5 or 6 hundred fact-sheets on NUVA—stopped at Kramers on my way home to give rules to Steve. Prepared to go to Town meeting—saw first few minutes of CBS news. 7:00–11:00 at Town Meeting—how tedious and drawn out: covered only 6 articles! Home shortly after 11:00; OT reading: Ezekiel 32, NT: Luke 3; relaxed bathed; OBLO 12:45.

Tuesday, 2 March 1971

From my bed untimely ripped—by a phone call from Jack Roberts—he wanted to report that Essex had voted money for NUVA last night. I went back to bed, didn’t get up til about 9:30. Did phone calling, had breakfast, shaved. About 11:30, after more phone calls, went to the Building Center to pick up another of their calendars, to use at the church so that the rock group will always know when there’s to be a church function. Went from there to see Virginia Bate’s apartment to show her Alice + Alex Marr’s letter; stopped briefly at the church on the way home—to see that the heat was off. Didn’t have any lunch. Bonnie left for work. I was feeling rather like I do when I’ve been up half the night working on a paper—so I napped. I wrote a letter to Mrs. Myers, then napped—not really sleeping—2:00–3:00. Then I got to work preparing my “remarks” to Town meeting re: NUVA. Bonnie got home early, so I went to NUVA to pick up the several hundred more fact sheets that had been prepared. Came home, we had supper. About 6:30 I took Debbie down to stay with Kay Patriquin, went directly from there to Town Meeting. (Bonnie came later with Homer + Sadie). The meeting finished Article #6—then forged ahead. We finally got to #25 about 10:15—I gave my speech—several others spoke—we got $1700 for Project NUVA—shortly after 11:00 the meeting stopped—having completed 31 articles. Picked up Debbie. Came home, relaxed, bathed  OBLO c. 1:15.

David’s diary, 2 March 1971

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/16/davids-diary-28-february-1971/

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield, 8 April 1884

Leave a reply

Letter transcription:

Muncie Ind. April 8, 1884

Dear Sister Lena

Yours came to hand in due time. I am truly happy to learn that your health is improving, and that you are so much stronger than in the past. We are well. I have seen A.J. since his return and he says he enjoyed Beacher’s lecture very much.
It is snowing this morning. Yesterday was election day in our city—everything was quiet.
Last Sunday week I spent at Winchester—had a good time. On Monday following I went down to a church 10 miles in the country to preach a

[page 2] funeral, Ettie accompanied me.
10th 1 p.m.
I was interrupted at this point, my sheet has been neglected.
We were at Minnie’s a few minutes last eve. She is coming to spend the afternoon with Ettie.
We are getting along nicely in our church work. 15 have been added to our number this year. Last Lords-day Sister Highland’s and her daughter Carrie united by letter. In this week’s “Standard,” is an obituary of her husband.
Yesterday and the day before the Women’s Christian Temperance Union held a district convention in this city, quite a number were in attendance.
Tomorrow night the public schools of the city will give an entertainment in the High S hall for the benefit of the city—

[page 3] library. The school children are canvassing the town for purchasers of their tickets. Several pairs of the little “scouts” have dropped in on us, besides several one’s. I think it will be a success. 10 cts.
I see by the “Enquirer,” that Elix Morrison has been elected to fill the place of Squire Dale. And that Press Kensler is the Republican nominee for county treasurer. And I suppose “he will get there Ely!”
I received a copy of the “times” a few week ago, if you sent it accept thanks. Send more.
Would like to see all of you but under the present management finances are not found on the public highway.
We had a fearful storm 7 miles south of us last week. I have not visited the ruins.

[page 4] but think I will go tomorrow.
I received a letter from Bro. Wiles yesterday, and was glad to know that the Church at Springersville is growing so fast.
Some miserable incendiary nailed the doors of a fine barn, several miles above this city, a few evening since, then set fire in each manger, and some 8 or 9 horses perished in the barn as none could be gotten out.
Is Sherman in C— yet. Give my love to all. Ettie sends love. Write soon,
Your Brother
E.B. Scofield

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/15/fayette-friday-eugene-b-scofield-8-april-1884/

David’s Diary – 25 February 1971

Leave a reply

Thursday, 25 February 1971

Up about 9:20. A rather lethargic morning—didn’t get around to doing things until late—for some reason I was moved to attack the large pile of papers on my desk that needed to be filed. About noon time a big truck from Almy’s arrived with our new dining room carpet. They brought the right carpet but the wrong pad. But we accepted it since the delay would have been 8 to 10 days. Fixed lunch, then I went back to work on the pile of papers. Finished about 2:00; then I shaved. Set off on some errands. Returned a rug to the church—the one we’d been using here in our dining room. Stopped at town hall to check on procedures for challenging on floor of town meeting the “indefinite postponement” of article #25. Then I set about setting up and re-arranging things at the church in preparation for tonight’s meeting on NUVA. Went to Amelia Fisk’s to get cookies she’d baked for tonight. Came home, relaxed, worked some at my desk, had supper about 5:30. NT reading: Matt 27-28. OT: Ezekiel 28. Watched the first few minutes of CBS news, but then left for the church. All the panel showed up—but only 10 in the “audience”! We all sat around one table. For the most part talked about strategy for Town Meeting—responsibility seemed to devolve on me for organizing the drive to get #25 adopted. Home shortly after 11:00. Relaxed, bathed. OBLO 12 o’clock   Θ

Friday, 26 February 1971

Up about 8:40. Even before eating I immediately composed a letter to the editor of the Gloucester Daily Times—as was requested by the NUVA meeting last night. Bonnie had to take Debbie over to Gloucester to Dr. Klein for a vaccination, so she took it to the newspaper office. After they’d left I had some breakfast, did some phoning. The mail arrived: a letter from Dick Marr (and Alex), to the effect that they would give $50 to the paint fund if the banners come down from the sanctuary! Needless to say, I will not yield—even if they offered to pay the whole $520! What a deplorable, childish tactic—as if there were no opinion but theirs in the church. Again we see that they regard this church as their private chapel. We fixed lunch during the noon hour—Bonnie left for work. Debbie and I went to her room to build a “house” with the building blocks. She surprised me with her immediate identification of “hexagon”! Bonnie had taught her the word. She knows square, circle, triangle—and hexagon! Also several numbers and letters. She’s at the stage of noticing letters on cereal boxes, etc. During the afternoon I baked bread and worked on my sermon. Late in the afternoon I put together a meat loaf. We had supper not too long after Bonnie got home; watched CBS news. 7:30–8:15 I worked on my sermon; got 90% done—rough draft. 8:30–10:30  we spent at Patriquins—watched The Odd Couple with them. Drue was there—all were disgusted by the Marr letter. When we got home we cleared out the dining room for laying carpet tomorrow; bathed; OT: Ezekiel 29; NT: Luke 1:1-25. OBLO 12:15.

Saturday, 27 February 1971

Up about 8:00. Sydney Gamage arrived about 8:30. We set to work laying the carpet in the dining room. I had never laid carpet before, so it was a learning experience. We hammered the tacked strips of wood into place all around the edge of the floor. Put down pad, cut it; then put down the carpet and began fitting it exactly to the wall. After getting me started, Sydney left, but he didn’t take his tools, so I went ahead. And this took the whole morning—it was about 12:30 when I finished. We hurriedly put things back in the room, including the dining table—ate lunch. After eating I shaved, rushing somewhat because I had a 2 o’clock meeting. I returned Sydney’s tools, then walked to the church. The 2 o’clock meeting was a negotiating session with the boys in the rock group and some members of our Ad. Board: Gladys Haskell, Jean Crowell, Homer and Sarah Orne. We met for about an hour, and worked out the rules for the boys using the church. When I got home, Carol Lewis was here—Jerry had gone to the shop and left her to visit with Bonnie. After visiting for a while I tore myself away to work on my sermon. I hadn’t got much done when Don and Lawry arrived. Jerry also arrived, so the Lewises left soon after D + L arrived. We relaxed, visited, fixed supper. Ate, relaxed more. But I finally had to get back to work on the sermon and preparing the service. Bathed about midnight, but still had to work; OBLO  c. 1:00 AM  OT: Ezekiel 30; NT: Luke 1:26-80

David’s diary, 27 February 1971

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/14/davids-diary-25-february-1971/

David’s Diary – 22 February 1971

Leave a reply

Monday, 22 February 1971

Days like today I do not need—the fewer of them the better. Up about 9:30 after Θ. Had a hearty breakfast—tended to desk work and to Debbie (she watched Sesame Street) while Bonnie went off shopping; wrote my weekly letter to Mrs. Myers. When Bonnie got home about 11:30 I went to the P.O., then to the Eagle office. Also stopped by Virginia Bate’s apartment to return her gloves which she’d left in our car. Amy was there—and she recounted their experience of the previous evening. Family problems between Virginia and her son and his family. Virginia had been very upset—harsh words, crying. Virginia came in while we were talking. About 12:40 I arrived home, Bonnie left for work. I made bread in the afternoon; did desk work too—but all equilibrium was shattered by an hysterical phone call from Hazel Brady—she was very upset about the boys at the church with their band. She won’t come back or contribute as long as they’re there. We exchanged heated words, i.e., I lost my temper. Later I got a more balanced report from Sarah Orne—there had been an unfortunate confrontation between the WSCS ladies + the boys—largely provoked by Hazel. This upset my day for the most part thereafter. Fixed supper, had it almost ready when Bonnie got home. Had phone conversations with Jean Crowell and Gladys Haskell. In the evening Bonnie went to community chorus rehearsal. Watched CBS news, on phone, shaved. At about 9:00 I drove over to see Steve Kramer—apologized for Hazel, who had told the boys they had no right to be in the church. Home by 9:45. Relaxed, snacked; OBLO 11:40.

Tuesday, 23 February 1971

[Top panel: called Beck for Ed Nutting]

Rather surprised to see it was almost 9:30 when I looked at my watch when I woke up. Got up, had breakfast. After eating had a long phone conversation with Gladys Haskell re: the upcoming program on NUVA. Mail man brought slides; we projected them in Bonnie’s room—its one of the rooms in this house than can be reasonably darkened in the day time. The last few minutes before the noon hour both Bonnie and I lay down—weary for some reason. I had had a big breakfast, so I didn’t eat lunch. And Bonnie was having slight stomach upset, so she didn’t eat. She left for work at the usual time. I worked in my study in the afternoon—organized publications which I’ve received over the last 3 or 4 years from the American Schools of Oriental Research—I’ve just been throwing them in a box. I prepared—either today or yesterday—renewal of my $15.00 membership. Today wrote out check ($9.00) renewing I.F. Stone for two years. Worked at my desk most of the afternoon after reading the COCU assignment for tonight. Bonnie got home early, just about 5:00, as I was preparing supper. Ate about 5:30. Shaved; watched CBS news. Had the COCU meeting at the Congregational church 7:30–9:30. When I got home we worked at transferring fish from one tank to another. 10:00–11:00 watched CBS special: “The Selling of the Pentagon”—how the Pent. spends $190 million this year on self propaganda. NT reading: Matt 25, OT: Ezekiel 26; bathed c. 11:30. 3 more guppies born while I took my bath! OBLO  12:20.

Wednesday, 24 February 1971

[Top panel:  guppies born in early morning hours]

Up about 9:15. After eating I turned my attention mainly to preparing a letter to go to the congregation re: the fund drive to raise $520.00 to paint the side of the church facing town hall. It had to be composed, then the stencil typed. I took some time with the mail when it arrived. About 11:45 I went over to the Orne’s to get Homer’s signature on the stencil. When I got home I shaved—while shaving phone call from Carol Lewis—they had been out of town for about a week but are now back. Finished shaving, then we had lunch—finished up with this about 2:00. Then I set off on an afternoon of calling. First I left the letter to the congregation and envelopes with Rip Hannibal; he’s going to do the work. Then I went to see: Gertrude Parsons, Ellie Martin, Virginia Bate, Anna and Alvina, Ethel Leary—then I went back to see Virginia’s aunt Amy, who was asleep when I’d been there earlier. Virginia wasn’t in, so we were able to lay plans for a surprise birthday party for Virginia next month (24th). I got home about 5:45. Bonnie had supper just about ready. After eating I relaxed with the newspaper and watched CBS news. 7:30–9:00 I was at Town Hall—an open meeting re: the proposed new Teen Center, to be financed with $12,000 of town money. When I got home, glanced through Town Warrant, relaxed; OT reading: Ezekiel 27; NT: Matt 26. When we got up this morning we found 12-15 new guppies (altogether). Bathed together OBLO  c. 12:00.

David’s diary, 24 February 1971

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/13/davids-diary-22-february-1971/

David’s Diary – 19 February 1971

Leave a reply

Friday, 19 February 1971

[top panel: Black + white photos of Debbie]

Up about 8:30. Shaved, had breakfast. Did some desk work. About 9:30 walked to the P.O., then to Ornes’ house. Wanted to bring them up to date on the Joint Church Committee’s actions last night. Also wanted to tell them about the $10 (which) Ed Nutting will pay for our heating if the boys will come up with matching funds—since the Congregational church has no place for the boy’s band—but would still like to help. I got home about 10:30. The mail had just come, I spent some time with it. We called about the carpet which was supposed to be delivered yesterday—it won’t come til next Thursday. Bonnie made it clear that she thought it was pretty poor business to miss delivery date by a week. 11:15–12:00 we went on a walk down Bearskin Neck—took some B + W photos. When we got home we fixed lunch. When Bonnie left for work Debbie went down for a nap. Part of my afternoon was spent outlining my sermon, calling on the phone re: the drug program next Thursday—so many details! —also I spent some time stapling the Jesus Christ Superstar libretto together—Ed Nutting’s secretary made the copies—about 7 sheets. Started writing the sermon proper, fixed supper. We ate shortly after Bonnie got home. About 6:00 I went to the church hoping to find the boys there, but no luck. My evening was then spent on the sermon—up to 9:30 when we watched The Odd Couple—then back to the sermon; finished the rough draft. NT reading: Matt 21. OT: Ezekiel 22; Bathed OBLO  12:07.

Saturday, 20 February 1971

Up about 9:00 or so—phone call from Ed Nutting—we had a long chat as I was waking up. He had received a phone call (while eating breakfast) from Mrs. Lester Dow—wife of the fundamentalist minister of Pigeon Cove Chapel. She was trying to be bubbly about Christ, but Ed set her straight on just how he felt about fundamentalism. He wanted to know if I had any good books defending liberalism. After the conversation was over I had breakfast, shaved. Then I left the house. Stopped at the church, the boys were there. I proposed to them that they might do the janitorial work in return for using the building; they agreed. Went to see Ed Nutting, returned paint brushes and screen. We had a long chat. Got home about 12:30. Had lunch. Then about 1:30 visited Ornes; they are acceptable to having the boys as the janitors. About 2:00–3:00 I spent with the Hannibals. Then I stopped back by the church to confer with the boys—to let them know that the janitor business has been finalized. About 3:00–4:00 spent with Grace Harris and Louise Rich. 4:00-5:00 spent with Charles O’Reilley. Got home about 5:30. We had supper, then I turned to writing the final draft of the sermon. I lay down for a little while, but continued copying the sermon until about 8:15 when Margaret + Fred arrived. Showed them the Dead Sea Scrolls slides. They left about 10:30, at which time I returned to the sermon, finished it, worked on preparing the service; NT: Matt 22; OT: Ez 23; OBLO, c. 12:05  Θ+

Sunday, 21 February 1971

Up shortly after 8:00. Shaved, had breakfast. Had a full class today—5 girls. Class was over by 10:20, I went to the church. Average sized crowd—too much ice for many of the older folks. Preached part II in the series on the ten commandments—on the Sabbath. Got home about 12:30. Had lunch, relaxed, did a little work in my study, tried to nap a while. About mid-afternoon I sat down with the libretto of Jesus Christ Superstar and made some notes—for the purpose of giving a summary before playing each side tonight. About 4 o’clock I went down to the church and got chairs set up. Came home, read I.F. Stone, which had been setting around unread for several days, which is unusual. Also read 3 articles on COCU in the recent Xn Advocate. Fixed supper, since Bonnie was sacked out. Ate about 6:00. Then went to the church at 6:30. Got the record player all set up—I took it to the church in the back of the Squareback. About 30 people showed up. Mostly elderly! And they seemed to be very impressed. Sarah Orne’s reaction was typically conservative—Mary Magdalene she thought was too sexy—Sarah’s Jesus is quite sexless. Margaret Reilly was there with Fred. She was impressed too. Even asked me for my autograph! I changed the wayside pulpit, came home by 10:00. Relaxed after getting the record player back into place. Had snack, wrote letter to the editor, GD Times, re: Thursday’s drug (NUVA) program, bathed, wrote my Eagle article. OBLO  c 12:05.

David’s diary, 21 February 1971

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/12/davids-diary-19-february-1971/

David’s Diary – 16 February 1971

Leave a reply

Tuesday, 16 February 1971

[Top panel: finished roll of film—Debbie   NT: Matt 15   OT: Ezekiel 18-19]

Up about 9:00 to answer the phone; then back to bed, Θ. Up about 9:30. Shaved, had breakfast. It was as if my week were just beginning—my morning was like Monday. I.e., I wrote my weekly letter to Mrs. Myers—sent her 5 photos. Also wrote an article for the Eagle. The mail man brought a package for Debbie—we knew it was coming—mother mentioned it in a recent letter. It was a red teddy bear. I took a couple of photos of Debbie with it. It was for Valentines day—but it was appropriate that arrived on the day that she was 2½ years old. About 11:20 I set off on errands, to the post office, then to the Eagle office, then to Ed Nutting’s office—picked up movie screen—took it to our church for use tomorrow evening, Also changed the wayside pulpit, announcing Jesus Christ Superstar being played next Sunday evening. Got home to eat lunch. After Bonnie went to work Debbie went to her room and slept most of the afternoon. I made bread, worked at my desk, re-read chapter 6 of the COCU Plan of Union. Debbie has an eye infection—her eye has a boo-boo as she says. After Bonnie got home we had supper, she brought medicine. We applied the eye drops, much against Debbie’s will. Watched CBS news. Then 7:30–9:30 I was leading the COCU group at the congregational church. Got home shortly after 10:00. Debbie has been ill—vomiting—we speculate it might have been the apple cider served at breakfast. I reviewed my Qumran lecture; had snack  OBLO 11:50.

Wednesday, 17 February 1971

Up about 8 o’clock. One of the first things I did was to go to the church to turn on the heat—for making banners and for the Wesleyan Fellowship meeting in the evening. After I got home I shaved, and then we all had breakfast together. After eating I gradually got everything in order for going to the church to make banners. Also got the roll of film ready for sending to Mail-A-Way. The latter part of the morning was spent at the church cutting the paper, making the designs. Home about noon. Had lunch, then went back to the church about 12:50. Three of my sunday school class girls showed up. We all worked on the banners. But it really was time wasted, because I just wasn’t satisfied with the banners. Was making 2 sets of two, and neither pleased me. So about 3:00 I have up, cleaned up the mess and headed home. I was extremely weary. Bonnie was already on the verge of a nap. I read a while in Newsweek, but then napped too. The phone got me up about 4:30—but I tried again after that—not much luck, so I did some reading. NT reading: Matt 16; OT: Ezekiel 20. Relaxed, dressed for the evening. At 6:45 picked up Virginia Bate for babysitting, then Bonnie + I went to the church for the Wesleyan Fellowship. After eating and a business meeting I showed my Dead Sea Scroll slides. Home about 10:30. Bonnie gave me a HAIRCUT. Then I bathed. OBLO  12:20 Θ.

Thursday, 18 February 1971

[Top panel: NT: Matt, 17-20   OT: Ezekiel 21]

Up about 8:00; shaved, had breakfast. Left the house shortly before 9:00. Went to the Granite Savings Bank for 2 rolls of nickels, caught the 9:20 train to Boston. Arrived at BU shortly after 11:00. Had a conference with Beck—went over several questions. He gave me a revised reading list for the second exam—one which he and Richardson have worked out together. But he stipulated that this new list does not supercede the list given to me some time ago. However I shall certainly make use of it in preparing for the exam. I left Beck about 12:00. Then was able to catch Richardson for a few minutes while he ate lunch on the run. I asked him about Song of Solomon for a possible dissertation topic. He pointed out that Marvin Pope is working on a massive volume for the Anchor Bible—thus it might be dangerous for me to enter this area. But he liked the idea of my choosing a pericope [1] and writing on the history of its interpretation. Did xeroxing after seeing him. About 2 o’clock had lunch at a small place on Commonwealth Ave. Ran into Larry Carter in book store—we had a nice chat. Back to BU—finished xeroxing, caught 4:10 train home, arrived Rockport about 5:30. Had supper—relaxed before 7:30–10 o’clock meeting of the Joint Church Committee at St. Mary’s. When I got home about 10:00 Paul was on the phone with Bonnie. We chatted for about 15 min. Relaxed, had snack. Bathed about 11:45. Read briefly. OBLO 12:22.

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pericope

David’s diary, 18 February 1971

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/11/davids-diary-16-february-1971/