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David’s Diary – April 12, 1970

Sunday, 12 April 1970

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

Monday, 13 April 1970

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

Tuesday, 14 April 1970

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

Wednesday 15 April 1970

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

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David’s Diary – April 8, 1970

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Wednesday, 8 April 1970

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

Thursday, 9 April 1970

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

Friday, 10 April 1970

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

Saturday, 11 April 1970

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

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David’s Diary – April 4, 1970

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Saturday, 4 April 1970

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

Sunday, 5 April 1970

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

Monday, 6 April 1970

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

Tuesday, 7 April 1970

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

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

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David’s Diary – March 31, 1970

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Tuesday 31 March 1970

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

Wednesday 1 April 1970

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

Thursday, 2 April 1970

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

Friday, 3 April 1970

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

Diary page from Friday, April 3, 1970

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David’s Diary – March 27, 1970

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Friday, 27 March 1970

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

Saturday, 28 March 1970

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

Sunday, 29 March 1970

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

Monday, 30 March 1970

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

Emil and Grandma, holding Debbie, 1968

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Gladys – March 26, 1970

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Letter transcription:

March 26, 1970

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love Mother

Mark and his family, summer 1970

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David’s Diary – March 23, 1970

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Monday, 23 March 1970

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

Tuesday, 24 March 1970

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

Wednesday, 25 March 1970

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

Thursday, 26 March 1970

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

[1] Leading Protestant theologian at the time.

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

David’s Diary – March 19, 1970

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Thursday, 19 March 1970

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

Friday, 20 March 1970

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

Saturday, 21 March 1970

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

Sunday, 22 March 1970

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

Dr. and Mrs. Uhlinger

David’s Diary – March 15, 1970

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Sunday, 15 March 1970

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

Monday, 16 March 1970

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

Tuesday, 17 March 1970

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

Wednesday, 18 March 1970

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

David’s Diary – March 11, 1970

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Wednesday, 11 March 1970

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

Thursday, 12 March 1970

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

Friday, 13 March 1970

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

Saturday, 14 March 1970

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