Tag Archives: Massachusetts

David’s Diary – March 31, 1969

Monday, March 31, 1969

Slept late—wasn’t up until about 9:30. Had only a small breakfast; talked for several minutes with Alan Federick on the phone. Got to work writing my report on the Late Bronze Age Level at Tell Beit Mirsin (Stratum 6). This took me longer than I thought it would. Wasn’t ready to start typing until supper time. Bonnie still not feeling too well. I fed Debby at noon, cleaned up the kitchen. After supper, watching news (Eisenhower funeral) I finally got to work typing—after consulting with Alan again on the phone about a sentence in Latin in Coppens article (Psalm 110). I didn’t feel rushed in my typing, but I suppose I should have—didn’t finish, and get my briefcase all packed until 1:00 AM! Stopped to bathe. Called in morning, Rev. Bamforth about COCU Sunday; he seemed cool—I have little patience with people who are so confident about how to worship! –off to bed; lights out 1:28.

Tuesday, April 1, 1969

An exhausting day; up at 8:00; shaved; had breakfast, looked at my German lesson briefly, left for Boston by car about 9:40—made very good time. Was on Storrow Drive 45 minutes later. Stopped at a bank drive-in window for $5 worth of quarters. Went to Klugmans. Worked on German until about noon, headed to BU. Had lunch with Walter Aufrecht and Charlie Whitford. Went to do xeroxing, had to do about 20 [?] pages, five times—took quite a while, then I had to arrange, cut, bind; 10 minutes late to class. Archaeology class from about 2:20 til 4:00—presented my paper on Debu [?]. Isaiah class from 4:00 til 6:00. As dull as usual; left class a few minutes early, left for Rockport; home at 6:55. Had supper, relaxed, tried to work, but too exhausted. Bonnie went to Patriquins. I napped; bathed about 10:30. Went to bed 11:00. Bonnie came home; θ+, snack, off to bed again 12:30.

Wednesday, April 2, 1969

Up shortly before 9:30. The first order of business was to get my Easter letter to the congregation done—stencil typed, mimeographed, folded, put in envelopes. Bonnie helped with that. Looked through Newsweek when mailman arrived. Shaved about noon; ate lunch, watched some of the Eisenhower funeral. Caught the 1:15 train to Boston. Was at BU by 3:00. Did some preliminary investigation on messiah paper due next week;  went to class (messiah in Anc. Israel) from 4:00 to 5:45. Left for North station, caught 6:40 train, worked on sermon on train; home by 8:00. Had supper; invited Alan + Pat over to watch Arsenic + Old Lace. Also showed them our slides. Their visit lasted longer than expected; after seeing slides we listened to our Tom Jones record. And then to a little of Tom Lehrer. They didn’t leave til about 1:30! Off to bed then; lights out 1:53.

Yegerlehner - 1969-03-15 #2

Debby and the family cat, March 1969

Thursday, April 3, 1969

Didn’t get up until 10:40! A slow start. Prepared news for C.A.M.P. newsletter. My main concern today was to get my sermon done—as I go to bed it is largely done—needs a conclusion—and a page or two remain to be typed. Didn’t drive myself today.  Took a picture of Debby on the floor looking into a small round mirror. Bonnie went shopping in the afternoon, but Debby slept, so I made progress with sermon. Late in the afternoon I turned to preparing for the Bible Study: Obadiah + Jonah—and a few comments on archaeology. Had supper, which I helped fix. Watched CBS news. Bible class from about 8:00 until 9:20. 8 in attendance (not including Bonnie + myself) After the class was over had a snack, worked on the sermon some more. Trying to preach a sermon to inspire a vision of what our church can become; using Ezekiel 37. Stopped about 11:00 to bathe, typed some more; off to bed; lights out 12:00.

Friday, April 4, 1969

A long day; up a[t] 7:00; had breakfast, left about 8:00 for BU—stopped for gas here in town; changed the wayside pulpit—was in the library at the school of theology studying by 9:30. In the morning I did more work on Tell Beit Mirsim. In the afternoon worked on my assignment in the Pseudepigrapha. In the morning chatted briefly with Donovan Roberts—who is back from England; he said they went $4000 into debt to make the trip—18 months. So we are reconsidering our course. Left BU around 4:30. Stopped at Jordon’s on the North Shore to buy shoes. Was home by 6:00. Helped with supper, relaxed, gave Debby her bottle after her bath—Bonnie took a couple of pictures—and I didn’t shave today! In the evening I worked on sermon, wrote Dr. Beck, did the bulletin—Bonnie spent later part of evening with Becky Bussey—miscarriage threatening; bathed and off to bed; lights out c. 1:00.

Saturday, April 5, 1969

Hard to get up—finally out of bed about 8:45. Shaved, had breakfast, went to the post office. Home by 10 o’clock for worship committee meeting: Karen Haskell, Sandra Dawson, Sue Lee. Meeting over about 11:30. Relaxed. We were just getting ready to fix lunch when Bonnie’s grandmother and Emil arrived. We had lunch, visited, took pictures—I napped in the afternoon—later in the afternoon went to the church to practice my sermon—want it to go well. Later I rigged up a board to attach to the pulpit. Fixed supper, while Bonnie visited. After supper—steak by candle light, we showed them our slides, set up our tent, I went back down to the church to rig up the pulpit. Home by 10:00; worked on the service; feeling rather tired—not getting much school work done; off to bathe about 11:10; then off to bed; lights out c. 11:45.

Sunday, April 6, 1969

120 in church

Up about 8:30. Shaved, had breakfast, dressed off to church about 10:00. Worked on the service for a while—had a good Easter morning crowd—over 100. Preached on Ez. 37, “The Valley of the Dry Bones”—tried to suggest that resurrection is possible for our church. Home by 12:45, had a nice big turkey dinner with G’ma + Emil, relaxed afterward, tried to nap. About 2:30 Bonnie + the others went for a walk, then G’ma + Emil left for Avon—I worked at my desk while they were out for the walk. Talked with Jim Bussey on the phone—Becky seems out of danger re: miscarriage. About 3:30 Alan + Pat came over to bring Bonnie an ash tray! (For Alan to use when he visits us) Alan + I surveyed the yard and picked out a spot for a garden. We all walked to the post-office—Debby on my back. Bonnie, Deb + I came back home. I tried to study, but too bushed. We all 3 napped until 7:00! Had supper, got to work c. 8:00 on Debir + Jerusalem. Bathed about 12:30. Off to bed. Lights out 1:05.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/29/davids-diary-march-31-1969/

David’s Diary – March 24, 1969

Monday, March 24, 1969

Such a tiring day yesterday. Didn’t get up until almost 10:00. Found it hard to get to work—too much on my mind re: the church and the Marrs. Finally did get down to work in Simon’s book on Jerusalem. Had lunch after 1:00. Got some solid work done in Simon in afternoon. Also read some in Kenyon’s book Jerusalem, and began to get a clearer view of Late Bronze Age Jerusalem. Worked until after 6:00. Had supper, watched CBS news. After 7:45 dropped Bonnie off at community chorus practice—went with Debby over to Haskells to talk about last night’s meeting and to ask Karen to serve on board + on worship committee. Home about 9:00. Got back to work on archaeology preparing for tomorrow. I plan to invite youth group to hold dance in our church; off to bathe about 11:45; off to bed; lights out 12:35.

Tuesday, March 25, 1969

A tiring day; up at 8:00; shaved, breakfast—caught 9:20 train to Boston; worked on German on the train. Got to North station, but the trolley service was shut down—not electrical power. No bus service to BU—so started walking to BU. Finally on Beacon St., a block or two before Kenmore Sq. finally caught a bus the rest of the way—arrived about 11:40. Had lunch with Bob Peek—then Charlie Whitford. Worked getting ready for class—archaeology, from 2:00 to 4:00. Isaiah from 4:00 to 6:00. Left class a few minutes early. Got to N. station in plenty of time. Caught 6:40 train home. Got here about 8:00; had supper; shortly before 9:00 went over to see Bob Dawson, then to see Phil Parker about a dance for the teenagers in our church vestry. They both agreed to it. I got home by 10:30. Bathed, prepared for bed; today I got word that I have received Edmund Beebe $1000 fellowship; off to bed, lights out 11:41.

Wednesday, March 26, 1969

Up by 9:30. Had a big breakfast; wrote 3 letters: to Worship Commission, to Motive mag, and to Engage magazine—for resources to help the worship committee I’m getting together of the young people. Wrote letter of acceptance to the Bebbe Fellowship. The mail man brought our slides—and we were quite pleased with them. Had lunch around 12:00—shaved, then caught the 1:15 train to Boston. Arrived about 2:30, went to Jordan Marsh, bought a shutter-release cable and a record, went to BU. Ran errands, went to class from 4:00 to 6:00; really a rather dull seminar—not worth the time; good training in ways not to conduct a seminar—will keep in mind for the future. Caught 6:40 train home—arrived about 8:00. Had supper, then at 9:00 went to see Henry Coty and Carol McDonald—will be marrying them in a couple of weeks. Home by 9:45—we went to Patriquins to show our slides; home by 11:00; bathed, took a picture of Bonnie; off to read in bed; lights out after 12:30.

Thursday, March 27, 1969

Up about 9:00. Had small breakfast. Went over to see Homer + Sarah Orne—to tell them about my plans with the youth; i.e., dance, helping in Sunday worship—they weren’t too enthusiastic—but are willing to see if I have success. I hadn’t planned to stay as long as I did—didn’t get home until after noon—was rather depressed. Very weary too. Tried to nap after lunch, and to work on Bible lesson for tonight. About 3 o’clock I got ready (shaved) to go see Ethel Leary—she got a birthday plate for Debby. Some kids were out in the yard; I helped them get their kite up. After I got back from seeing Ethel, I worked on Samson story for tonight—until supper time; watched CBS news. Got projector ready to show slides tonight. Bible class began to arrive about 8:00; 7 in attendance besides Bonnie + myself. Did Samson story; Judges 14 ff.—then showed slides; broke up about 9:30. Desk work—tried to plan work for next two weeks; off to bathe about 10:15. Read in bed; lights out at 11:15 θ+.

Friday, March 28, 1969

Up shortly after 8:00. Wanted to get to work on my Psalm 110 paper. Bonnie didn’t get up—turns out that she’s sick—upset stomach, fever later in the day, I took care of Debby today—that is, fed her lunch + supper, bathed her. Bonnie spent the day in bed; I brought her medicines and what meals she wanted. I spent the better part of the day working on the Psalm paper—made good progress. Stopped shortly after noon for lunch. About 12:50 on radio hard of Eisenhower’s death. Turned on TV from 1:00 til 2:00 watched special Eisenhower documentary (CBS); worked on paper in afternoon. Late afternoon made a trip to store for milk, ice cream, coke; fixed supper for Debby + myself. Back to desk; took picture of the cat on my books; during the evening took picture of outdoor lamp. Worked on the paper til after 11:30. Stopped to bathe. Got Debby’s bottle ready for morning; relaxed, read in bed; lights out 12:50.

Saturday, March 29, 1969

Up by 9:30. shaved, had small breakfast; tried to get sermon idea—not too inspired. Read the mail when it came; fixed a light lunch for Bonnie + myself. Early in the afternoon I went down to see Lucy and John Patience—took the slides along; they seemed to appreciate it. Home by about 3:00. Got to work on the sermon—but not very satisfied with it. Worked on getting supper—Busseys arrived about 6:30. They have just bought a very good camera—over $200. We showed them our slides. We put up our tent in the living room, visited and took pictures of one another. I still had not finished my sermon, however—and neither had Jim. The[y] left by 9:30. Spent some time on the phone with Winnie Gamage—then finally finished sermon; did the bulletin; haven’t put things off so late in a long time; off to bed at 12:55.

Sunday, March 30, 1969

Up about 8:00. Worked on getting the service ready, after bathing. Shaved about 10:00, dressed, headed for the church. Bonnie stayed at home, still not feeling up to par. 55 in church; preached on “The Discomfort of Following Jesus.” Home by 12:30. Helped Bonnie with lunch. Prepared the scripture readings for the Den-Mar service; relaxed for a few minutes. Off to Den-Mar at 2:45. Home by 3:40. Committee meeting here at parsonage at 4:00.—Committee to study the future of our church. This broke up about 6:00. Helped Bonnie with supper and cleaning up the kitchen. Had to take a nap before trying to get work done; went to the post office with report on Fund for Reconciliation: $3,958.00. Home again, got to work on Psalm 110 paper again. Much longer than I had anticipated—I would enjoy it more if I weren’t so pressed for time. Stopped about 12:00 to prepare for bed. Fed the cat; off to bed, lights out 12:23.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/27/davids-diary-march-24-1969/

David’s Diary – March 17, 1969

Monday, March 17, 1969

Up at 6:00. Had breakfast, packed briefcase, shaved, caught 7:10 train. Arrived at BU in time to get the library books in by 9:00. Spent the rest of my time at BU working on Debir—reading articles of Stratum C. Had lunch about 12:00. Ate with Mike Miller + John Waters. Did some xeroxing—continued working on Debir—more material than I had thought, didn’t make as much progress as I had hoped. Left BU about 3:30. Caught the 4:10 train home; dozed on the train. Home by 5:30. Until 6:30 I made phone calls for Wesleyan Fellowship meeting—about 15. 6:30–7:00. Ate, watched CBS news. 7:00–7:45 visited with Mr. + Mrs. Haskell at their home. She will accept office + will come to the meeting on Thursday. Home before 8:00; Bonnie went to choir practice, I translated German + stayed with Debby. Bathed after 11:00; off to study in bed. Lights out, 12:13.

Tuesday, March 18, 1969

Awake before 8:00; θ before arising. Finally got up about 8:20. Had breakfast, shaved. Caught the 9:20 train to Boston; studied German on the train—caught the trolley from North Station, arrived at Klugman’s at 11:00. Worked on German until a little after 12:00—headed for BU. Had lunch with Charlie Whitford. Worked during the afternoon on Jerusalem archaeological assignment. Relaxed, talking with Walter Aufrucht from about  3:15 until class at 4:00. (Isaiah) Left class about 5:50 to go to North Station; was there in plenty to time—was on the train by 6:20. Worked on German; translated almost a page on way to Rockport; home by 8:00; had supper, Bonnie went down to Patriquins, I prepared 2nd newsletter on the Fund; talked with Alan Federick on the phone while folding + stuffing the letter; after 11:00 bathed; off to bed; lights out 12:15.

Wednesday, March 19, 1969

Up at 8:45. Prepared for the Bible Class—after having breakfast and completing the mailing for Mrs. Cooney. Shaved about noon, had lunch, caught the 1:15 train. Went from North Station to Sears, picked up the tripod, then went to BU. Did a few errands and then went to class at 4:00. Read a paper on Psalm 110—although the final form of the paper is yet to be written. I left class early, shortly after five, in order to catch an early train home. Got here about 7:00. Had supper; then set up the camera and the tripod; took two pictures of Debby. Bible class arrived, and Debby certainly entertained them. We read the book of Haggai. Then talked about prophetic religion in general. After Bible Class I drove the car over to Lee’s; Sue drove me back and took the car home—after a chat. I took a photo of our lamp in front of the house. Wrote a letter to Harrell Beck (with news that the Dempster was fouled up); bathed; off to bed; lights out.

Thursday, March 20, 1969

Up around 9:00. Spent time today trying to prepare for the meeting tonight. Ran off some sheets describing the new structure, and prepared my presentation. We didn’t have lunch until late. Alan Federick was over twice today to borrow and then bring back the vacuum cleaner. After lunch—and after finishing preparing for tonight—I went to the post office to mail letters—including one to Beck. Late in the afternoon I worked on German; did this until time to go to the meeting. Covered dish supper, followed by discussion at the church on the future of the church. There was frank and open discussion—and several proposals. Two committees appointed to come back with proposals—generally an encouraging meeting. Didn’t get home until about 10:30. Took Hazle Lord home; bathed; worked briefly on German; off to bed; lights out 11:50:  θ.

Friday, March 21, 1969

Up about 9:00. Very small breakfast; went over to Ornes to tell them about last night’s meeting. Was home again by 10:30. Read the mail when it came, but I worked some in the morning on my sermon. Also made some progress on it after lunch and after shaving.  At 2:00 Bonnie + Debby + I left for Melrose. We arrived at Uhlingers at 3:00. Had a talk until about 4:30—about the church and our plans. Left for Rockport, stopped briefly to see the Busseys. Home shortly after 6:00. Helped with supper, watched CBS news; took a picture of Bonnie + candles. Got back to work on my sermon—on the 23rd psalm. Bonnie did [not] want to sit at home all evening, so she went to Patriquins. I finished sermon. Typed up the bulletin, then worked on German until about 12:45. Stopped to bathe; Alan Federick’s lady friend Pat arrived from England today; Relaxed; off to bed; lights out 1:35.

Saturday, March 22, 1969

Up about nine—but weary. Had a small breakfast and got to work preparing for the Annual Meeting tomorrow. Had to go over to Homer + Sarah’s to get some figures—we got into a conversation on COCU. [1] Sarah is against it; was home before or about 1:00. Had lunch, back to work on the reports. Had to do phoning; after 3 o’clock went to see Mr. + Mrs. Patience, then went on down to see Kay Patriquin to get figures. Bonnie came down after I’d been there a while, but we shortly came on home and had supper. I went upstairs to nap. By about 7:00 I was up again, working at my desk. I had to cut about 3 stencils + run some material off for the meeting tomorrow. About 10 o’clock I went through the service for tomorrow; then set to work getting my desk straightened up. Finished about 11:30, then stopped to bathe. Bonnie joined me in the tub; she went to bed to read; I studied German about an hour; off to bed; light out at 1:00.

Sunday, March 23, 1969

Up about 9:20. Breakfast, shaved, dressed and off to the church. Had a good attendance—over 40; preached on the 23rd psalm—more pledges came in; by the end of the afternoon we had pledges for $3,648.00—136% of our Fair Share Goal of 2,670.00 Had lunch when we got home from church; got to work making final preparations for the charge conference. Stretched out for a few minutes around 4 o’clock. Off to the church about 4:15. About 20 at the meeting; Alex Marr was quite upset over suggestion in the air to sell the church building—it became a heated meeting. We didn’t break up until about 7:00. We came back to the parsonage with the Uhlingers. Had supper; they rushed on to the meeting at Riverdale. I went over to wee the Crowells—who seemed to be upset leaving the meeting tonight. We had a chat for about 2:00 hours. Came home—Bonnie had gone to the Patriquins—so I went down there too. Home about 10:00; bathed; off to bed; lights out about 11:40.


[1] COCU: Consultation on Church Union: talks that dragged on for years, aimed at merging major denominations. A colossal waste of time, dubbed “cuckoo” by many.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/26/davids-diary-march-17-1969/

David’s Diary – March 10, 1969

Monday, March 10, 1969

A full day; up about 9:00, got to work immediately working on Fund newsletter. This occupied my morning; mother offered to take us to Captain Courageous restaurant for lunch—with Hazel Brady. We left here shortly after noon. We had a nice time with Hazel. When we got back home I got to work on the newsletter—it took more time than I had expected. Bonne + Mother helped stuff envelopes, fold, etc. When they were all finished I took them over to Mrs. Cooney. Was home around 5:00. Had a 7-Up, got to work straightening up my desk. Glanced through books for preparing for tomorrow. Had supper at 6:00. Bonnie went to the community chorus, I worked all evening on archaeology. When I finished that I turned to German. Had a snack—mom + I conferred on [Gumson?]. Bathed; off to study in bed 12:15; lights out c. 12:35.

Tuesday, March 11, 1969

Up shortly after 7:00. Shaved; breakfast; left at 8:30—taking mother to the airport. We arrived at Logan about 9:30. Said our good-byes and I headed for Flugman’s. I  was there by 10:00. An hour early. Luckily he had the hour free. I left there about 11:00; went to Sears, picked up the movie-camera light—headed to BU. Arrived shortly after noon. Had lunch + a nice visit with Bob Peek. I was under the impression that archaeology class was supposed to meet today in Richardson’s absence (he’s in Israel!)—but we didn’t—so I did work on my seminar presentation for tomorrow. Went to Isaiah class at 4:00. Left during the 5 o’clock break. Was in Rockport by 6:30. Had supper, relaxed, did some work on seminar report; at 8:30 we went to Loyd Starretts home to arrange our wills; home by 10:00. Worked on seminar; bathed off to bed, lights out, 12:10.

Wednesday, March 12, 1969

Today we had cats hanging around the house; ours is in heat.

Up shortly after 7:00. No breakfast. Went to work preparing my presentation for seminar this afternoon. This took all morning—although I didn’t have to rush.  Had lunch about 12:30, shaved. About 2:10 I left for BU—made good time—was there by 3:15—and found a parking place right in front of the school. Until 4:00, worked in the library. Seminar from 4:00 til 5:45. I didn’t get to give my presentation, since we ran out of time. Got some library books, then headed home. Stopped at Bussey’s in Gloucester to get materials, then came home—arrived about 7:20. Had supper, fed Debby, worked at my desk—wrote letter to [Rev Blaising?] in S. Indiana Conf. about my ordination. Very weary this evening; bathed 10:00—off to bed, θ+!!!; lights out 11:20; more θ !!!

Thursday, March 13, 1969

More cats around the house today; the cat should be pregnant! Didn’t get up too early—around 9:00 I suppose. Wrote letters to people at Gordon about organist; called Pamela Van Twuyver to see if she’s ready to be our organist again—no. Wrote to Mrs. Myers. When the mail man came we stopped to look at our slides—again a very good roll. We had lunch around noon—watched the live coverage of Apollo 9 splashdown. Shaved after eating. At 2 o’clock went for my doctor’s appointment. Waited for an hour—but I had a book with me. He took the stitches out of my arm. Filled out my physical exam form for ordination. About 3:30 I left; Dr. Clapp gave me figures on my eyes—we (his wife too) chatted about music + organists. Home before 5:00. Desk work; contacted Dr. Alton [Bymon] at Gordon about organist. Supper, CBS news. Looked at our slides again. Desk work; about 9:00 we went to Patriquins; home about 11:15. Bathed; off to read in bed; lights out 12:30.

Friday, March 14, 1969

Θ+ before getting up. Finally out of bed about 9:00. Had breakfast. Desk work, more phoning about organist, worked a little on Sunday service. I really didn’t accomplish too much this morning. At noon listened to President Nixon’s news conference—his announcement to build a limited ABM system—too bad he didn’t junk it altogether.  Went to the church, changed wayside pulpit, came home, had lunch. Finally got a slow start actually writing the Psalm 110 paper. Didn’t make very much progress before we had to get ready to go to Burtons. We left here about 5:30. Ran into slow traffic in Boston; arrived at Burton’s about 6:45. Had supper, visited, showed out slides, played Tripoli—and took some pictures, two of a group of candles. Left for home about 11:00. Got here about 12:00. bath. Off to bed, lights out about 12:30.

Saturday, March 15, 1969

Up by 9:30. Had no breakfast—got to work immediately working on the bulletins—did phoning about organist. Margaret Kerr called me from Gordon—(I had written her), and agreed to come in the afternoon to see the organ. Had lunch around  noon—after getting the bulletins all done. In the afternoon did calling. After working for a while on the service, meeting Miss Kerr at the church for a few minutes—went to see Esther Longley and then up to Rip Hannibal. Showed our slides at both places. Stopped briefly to see Barbara + Hazle Lord. Was home about 6:00. Had supper, helped bake pie, dusted off our slides. At 8:00 Alan Federick came over to see the slides; he left at 9:00. We had snack. Then I got back to working on the service, listen to radio briefly—bathed. We took several slides today. Very weary after bath; off to bed; lights out 12:13.

Sunday, March 16, 1969

Up about 8:30. Had breakfast, worked on the service, shaved—left for the church about 10:40. Service didn’t begin until 11:15, since we had to wait for the organist to come from the Episcopal church. 36 in attendance; preached on “Judge not…” took $2,840 in pledges for the Fund For Reconciliation. Home before 1:00; had lunch; went to work at my desk preparing for the nominations committee tonight—didn’t get too much accomplished—the afternoon really vanished. Had supper around 6:30. The nominating commit arrived around 7:30, the meeting lasted until almost 10:00. We discussed more than nominations; talked about the meeting this Thursday night to discuss the future of our congregation. Very few people are willing to spend the time necessary to keep the church going; bathed after they left, off to bed; lights out 11:18.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/25/davids-diary-march-10-1969/

David’s Diary – March 3, 1969

Monday, March 3, 1969

Debby is getting into sitting position well—and doing better at crawling.

Up about 7:00, shaved; while shaving phone call from Dr. Brown canceling my 9:00 AM appointment because of the snow storm. To be tomorrow at 8:00. After breakfast, I got to work on translating French. About 9:00 I got sleepy, so took a nap. Got up by 10:30. Worked the rest of the morning on the French. Took pictures of Debby. After lunch went to the Post Office—sent another roll of film to Mail-away and sent the Debby poster to Bonnies folks. Spent the afternoon after this on the French article—for the most part. Stopped about 6:00. Helped with supper, watched the news. 7:30 back to the French. At about 8:00 I went to Alan Federick’s apartment to check my translation. Home by 9:30—had a snack, but then got to the translating again. About 11:00 stopped to bathe while listening to the news; back to my desk for brief period; off to bed; lights out 12:00 —θ+.

Tuesday, March 4, 1969

Up at 6:45, shaved, slight breakfast; walked to 5 Corners, where Barbara Lord picked me up and took me to the hospital. Right at 8 o’clock Dr. Brown started working on my arm—removed two lipomata. He was finished by 8:30. Bonnie arrived at 9:00, so I was home early for a morning of study. Also took pictures outdoors. Worked on trans. French. At 12:00 I was in need of a nap and the pain killer was fading. Tried to nap, got up at 1:00 to fix lunch. After lunch worked on French. At about 4:00 the mail man came with our tent! Finally! Ordered more than 3 months ago. After we got it up in the living room, I got back to worked, finished the French article. Succeeded in napping from about 5:30 until after 6:00. Got up, had supper, watched news; desk work. About 8:45 Alan Federick arrived for dessert + to check my French. We visited; he left after 10:00. Bathed; off to study in bed; took 6 aspirins today. Lights out 11:50.

Wednesday, March 5, 1969

Up before 9:00. Had a hearty breakfast, began work at my desk trying to get clear in my mind the new church structure. Late in the morning Bonnie went off on errands. Debby became fussy, so I fed her her lunch, changed her, and put her to bed just as Bonnie got home (also earlier took some pictures of her in the playpen). Bonnie had purchased a board to cover the fireplace to keep Debby out. After out lunch I continued work at my desk, did more on material to show the decline of the church for a meeting on the 20th. Late in the afternoon I burned trash + helped Bonnie stain the board. Prepared for the Official Board meeting. We had supper around 6:30—watched CBS news. A little after 7:00 I left for the church. 13 at the meeting—no opposition to the Fund for Reconciliation. Home by 9:00; had coffee, worked on German—Bonnie busy with patterns + watching TV movie; bathed about 11:00; back to German. To bed about 12:00.

Thursday, March 6, 1969

Wasn’t up too early this morning; it was after 9:00 I believe. My day was spent largely in preparing for this evening’s Bible Class. In the morning I worked on Habakkuk with the Interpreters Bible. We had a late lunch—weren’t finished until about 2:00—and I got back to work. Went from Habakkuk to Zephaniah. About 3:00 Bonnie went on a trip to Gloucester, I stayed home studying—Debby slept the whole time. Mother called to tell me her arrival time tomorrow; Fr. King called to tell me he approves of my paper topic. Bonnie got home after 5:00. I stopped to watch 6 o’clock news. We didn’t have supper until 7:00. I sorted + counted buttons for Bonnie while watching the news. 8 o’clock, Bible class; 7:00 in attendance besides Bonnie + I. Over by 9:30. Alan Federick stayed for coffee and consultation on German. After he went, worked on German; about 12:00 bathed; German in bed; lights out about 1:03.

Friday, March 7, 1969

Up at 9:00. Worked in study, trying to straighten things up. Debby was crawling around into everything. Worked on letter to members of the Wesleyan Fellowship. After the mailman arrived we had a late breakfast. Shaved, got ready to go to Boston. Left here shortly after 1:00. Arrived BU about 2:10. Got needed books, arranged to get refund check. Left for the airport shortly after 3:00. Arrived about 20 minutes before the plane was due—but it was delayed. Finally mother arrived about 4:40. I shot a few feet of film of her walking away from the plane. Got her luggage + headed home. Arrived Rockport about 6:25. Had supper—then Debby got up from her afternoon nap—during the evening we viewed slides, played with Debby, visited—took some pictures. But we were all—mother especially—pretty tired. Took bath about 10:30; off to read in bed; lights out 11:15.

Saturday, March 8, 1969

Up about 8:45. Had a large breakfast. Got to work getting the service ready for tomorrow—started working on the sermon. The mail man brought both boxes of slides—so we were delighted and threw them on the screen immediately. On the whole we were very pleased. Mother went to the beauty parlor about 11:00. After she got home + had seen the slides, and after I’d shaved—we had lunch. In the afternoon I worked on the service and made a trip to the church. Tried without success on the phone to get an organist for tomorrow. About 7:00 we had supper—I had finished the sermon. Worked on bulletins. At 8:00 we went to Patriquins to show slides + visit. Came home about 10:00. I finished bulletins—we listened to Tom Lehrer, visited, bathed; did more preparation for service; off to bed; lights out 12:55.

Sunday, March 9, 1969

Up at 8 o’clock; had to finish working on the service, and get the record player down to the church. Had a small breakfast, shaved, left for the church in the car about 10:00. About 10:30 I had everything set up, then took the car back to the house—rushed back to the church. A good service—44 in attendance—preached on Marion Anderson and played 2 of her songs. After lunch I got to work at my desk, worked on membership list; took it to Mrs. Cooney. Prepared Wesleyan Fellowship letters—this occupied me until supper time. After supper went to the church—shortly after 7:00—for C.A.M.P. meeting, about 9 went to see Roger Smith for his signature. Home about 9:30. Relaxed, visited, had cup of coffee. Wrote Sen Brooke for books, took pictures. Had my arm dressed; bathed, composed pastoral letter on the Fund; off to bed, a busy day—but got no studying done! θ+ lights out 12:15.

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David’s Diary – February 24, 1969

Monday, February 24, 1969

Up about 9:00. Breakfast, worked in Kenyon’s book on Late Bronze period—we were anxious for the mail to come—and what we wanted came: our first slides taken with the new camera—and they are excellent—movie came too. After lunch we decided to go down to Patriquins to see the movie + share our slides. Big snow storm underway; leaving Debby with Kay we went around Rockport taking pictures—even out at the end of Bearskin Neck. Back to Patriquins for a while. I came home to get to work. Didn’t get much accomplished. 6:30–7:30 watched TV while cutting up a piece of pork for Bonnie. Supper over by 8:00. Worked on archaeology. Snow storm proving to be major indeed. During the evening I took 2 photos out front of house—our post-lamp from two different positions. Worked on archaeology until 11:00. Watched weather report; bathed; off to read in bed—read in book of Esther—lights out 12:55.

Tuesday, February 25, 1969

Up at 7:00 to try to find out if the trains were running—not much luck. It had snowed all night—possible another foot of snow on the ground. Decided not to try to go to Boston. Went outside to knock snow off a tree to keep it from breaking—took several pictures. Bonnie joined in the fun. About mid-morning I got to work, reading Isaiah. Stopped to clear off front door area. It snowed all day—is still snowing at 12:30 9:00 AM Wed. Worked on Isaiah during the afternoon, stopped at 6. Watched news, had supper, got back to work on Isaiah. Jim Bussey phone in the afternoon. Newspaper reported Gloucester received 30 inches—and that was 9 hours ago. Trains had not made it to Boston: 10 ft drift at Manchester proved impassable. Worked on Isaiah (with IB) until about 10:00, got up to chpt. 24. Snack; German; bathed; off to read in bed; German; lights out 1:00 AM.

Wednesday, February 26, 1969

Snow, snow, snow! Up about 8:30—still snowing with high wind. Had breakfast, made phone calls to cancel the Official Board meeting for this evening. Called mother to tell her not to come tomorrow—she’ll come late next week. Worked some this morning further in Isaiah. After lunch I went on another picture taking trip—to Post Office and back—but no mail in or out of Rockport since Monday. Came home, built a snowman outside kitchen window. Inside a little after 2:00. Exhausted; took nap til about 4:30. Studied German some. Helped with supper. Alan Frederick came for supper—we spent the evening visiting—showed him our new slides, listened to records. He went home about 10:30.—still snowing + blowing—but worst is over—so we’re told! Bathed by 11:00; watched news; off to bed; θ+; lights out 12:00.

Thursday, February 27, 1969

Don’t know when we got up. Saw Alan Frederick clearing his car of snow, ran over and chatted very briefly—came back, had breakfast, then went out to try to free our car. Worked until about 11:00 when the mail came—first mail since Monday. Read Newsweek while having a cup of coffee. About 12:00 I went back out again. By 1:00 I had freed the car—dug a wide path out to the street. Had lunch, Bonnie went off to Gloucester to shop. Relaxed. About 2:30 I took Debby to Patriquins while I went to Dr. Brown’s office. He looked at the lump on my left arm. Will remove it Monday A.M. for analysis. I could have von Recklinghouse’s disease. I was home by 4:40. Bonnie arrived just ahead of me. I put groceries away, she went to Patriquins. Napped; had supper, watched CBS news; read in bed for a while—we observed Debby get into a sitting position alone. Bathed; off to bed—lights out by 11:00—very exhausted.

Friday, February 28, 1969

Didn’t wake up until 10:00 this morning. Didn’t get much accomplished before the mail man arrived. A roll of film came from mail-away. We had trouble threading it, and I rolled the leader back in the cartridge. Bonnie spent about 45 minutes in the closet getting it out! And we’re not sure if it got exposed. I worked at my desk, we had lunch after 1:00, and I spent the most part of the afternoon working on the sermon. And we took pictures today. Late in the afternoon Barbara + Hazle Lord came over. We showed them our slides + they had supper with us. Also late in the afternoon I walked down at the church to survey the snow situation; conferred with Homer Orne + others: we called church off. In the evening I called Indiana—letter came here today for mother. Made other phone calls, studied; Debby is getting better at crawling. Again today she manage[d] to get into a sitting position; bathed; read in bed; lights out at 12:25.

Saturday, March 1, 1969

Up about 9:00 or 9:30. I phoned several people about calling off church—then had breakfast. Off and on today I tried to read in Isaiah—made some progress. Stopped when the mail man arrived—he had a letter from Bob + Lea—they have agreed to act as Debby’s guardians in the event of our death. After noon I went after bread, went to the church to put the “no church” announcement on the wayside pulpit; lunch; back to Isaiah. About 3:30 or 4:00 we all three went over to Gloucester to Mals—bought a supply of film. Went over to see Busseys, came home about 5:30. Watched news—more snow on the way! Had supper, then I went to call on the Haskells. An elderly relative died—I will do the funeral tomorrow. Home by 9:00. Played with Debby, worked some more in Isaiah; bathed; θ+, watched news + weather; off to bed at 12:00. Got up to read by 12:30; to bed 2:40.

Sunday, March 2, 1969

About 9:30 was up. Had no breakfast, tried to study but was too groggy + sleepy. 10:30 tried to nap—but got up again at 11:00. Desk work—at 11:30 helped with lunch, watched weather forecast to see about the storm. While we ate lunch we watched live broadcast of President + Pope Paul meeting. Phil Parker called briefly to give me a list—names for Wesleyan Fellowship meeting. Shave, got ready to go to funeral home—went about 1:45. Only Mr. + Mrs. Haskell in attendance: the deceased was his mothers cousin: Miss Hayward, age 85. Home by 2:15. Worked at my desk in the afternoon; decided on paper topic—wrote to Father King. Helped with supper. After supper I got to work on the French article for my paper due next week. Bonnie went to visit Hazle and Barbara. I worked all evening. Bonnie home after 10:00. 10:45 stopped the bathe. Caught weather report; off to read in bed. Lights out at about 12:10.

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Gladys – Mid-February 1969

Letter transcription:

Dear David & Bonnie,

I will be flying from Chicago on United flight 236 at 2 p.m. and scheduled to arrive in Boston at 5:02. Just hope there isn’t a snow storm next Thursday the 27th. Also hope Allegheny gets from here to Chicago on time. I will have about one hour and 45 minutes between flights if Allegheny is on time.

So far this week we have had spring like weather, but snow or rain is in the forecast.

The raccoons came back last night – at least I saw one. I think they have been back before, but last nite was the first itme since last November I had seen one. The fat I had been putting on the bird feeders had been disappearing too fast. The birds eat some but not that much.

Will see you next Thurs.

Love Mother

P.S. I wrote to Irene in Conn. And told her I would be visiting you Feb. 27 to Mar. 3. I hope it is agreeable with you if they decide to come up while I am there. Joyce is in either the Middle-East or Europe now.

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David’s Dairy – February 17, 1969

Monday, February 17, 1969

Up about 8:30. Got to work immediately at my desk. Completed a Conference data form, wrote letter to Bob + Lea about being legal guardians of Debby in the event of our deaths. Wrote letter to members of the nominating committee. Wrote in response to a letter from Bill + Sue Kaster, made up the of classes at Cambridge to be approved by BU, filled out my Ph. D. plan of study for BU faculty. I stopped for lunch after the Kaster letter, but finished the others about 2:30. I had some coffee, sorted some more books to be taken out of the library, and finally got to work on the French article for the Messiah course. I stopped this about 6:20, had supper, watched CBS news. About 7:30 got back to my desk, worked on French. About 9:00, I switched to German, worked on this until Bonnie got home. We bathed, had a water fight! Off to bed shortly after 11:00. Tickling match.

Tuesday, February 18, 1969

A very busy day; up shortly after 8:00, shaved, breakfast; Bonnie took me to the train station on her way to leave Debby with Hazle Lord for the day—Bonnie + some others went to two mills. I studied German on the train, which was about 30 minutes late into Boston. So I got to Klugmans apartment a half hour late. Left there about 12:15, got back to BU about 12:40. Had lunch with Charlie Whitford. Between 1:15 and 2:00 I tended to seeing Schilling (handed in my course of study at Cambridge), getting some articles on Psalm 110 xeroxed. At 2:00 I had archaeology seminar; we examined Late Bronze Pottery. 4:00 – 6:00 had course on Isaiah. During the 5 o’clock break I went to BU Bookstore for paper, happened to see Tom Lehrer’s record, That Was the Year that Was. Bought it. After class, caught 6:40 train, home about 8:20. Supper; looked at cloth Bonnie got—some for 2 more coats for me; listened to the new record; typed sermon for tomorrow; bathed; off to bed 12:30.

Wednesday, February 19, 1969

Up shortly before 9:00, but didn’t get too much accomplished in the a.m. Got news together for C.A.M.P. newsletter,  cleaned up the desk, practiced the sermon for this evening. Glanced through Newsweek when the mail arrived. Jim + Becky Bussey dropped by about noon to borrow the turkey pan; we played our new record (Tom Lehrer) for them, they had lunch with us. While they were here I shaved, and shortly after they left, I left—for Harvard to get an article in their library. Xeroxed, then on to BU—several errands attended to before class at 4:00. Out at 6:00, got book from library, headed for Riverdale Church—arrived about 7:25. Went over the service with the other clergy; I preached the sermon on the parable of the Prodigal Son; home by about 9:45—picked up Debby at Patriquins, home, had supper, relaxed, bathed; off to bed at 11:10.

Thursday, February 20, 1969

Up about 9:30—Bonnie and I had a talk trying to resolve some misunderstandings… Late in the morning, after a small breakfast, I got to work at my desk. Began writing a letter to the Official Board about next week’s meeting. Small lunch about 12:30. Back to work on the letters. About 1:30 I went over to Alan Frederick’s apartment to go over difficulties I’ve been having with my French translation. Home about 2:30—finished the letters, put them in envelopes, went to Post Office—home again. Shoveled ice + snow away from front door. Had snack; Barbara Lord dropped in for a visit; I worked on the Bible lesson for tonight. Fixed supper about 6:30. Watched CBS; Virginia Bate arrived early; Bible class 8:00 – 9:30. Discussed Jer 44; Nahum; took Virginia home; back home; bathed, relaxed; off to bed, θ+; up to read—to bed at 1:00 AM.

Friday, February 21, 1969

Finally got up about 9:30. Had breakfast, went to the church to change the Wayside pulpit. My main preoccupation today was preparing the sermon. I worked on finishing Trueblood’s book, The Humor of Christ. It has some merit to it—but he seems to press his point too far. About 1:00 I stopped to fix lunch. Bonnie was preoccupied working on a multi-colored patch quilt for Debby. After lunch shaved; went over to Rev. Greenwood’s home to pick up a box of books he was giving me; only a few worthwhile books in the lot. Worked rest of afternoon on Trueblood—finished late in the afternoon. Napped 6:00-6:30. Watched CBS news—back to sermon at 7:30. Bonnie went to the Patriquins. I worked on sermon all evening—then did the bulletins. Then straightened up my desk. Bonnie—after getting home—worked sorting Life magazine. Bathed; off to bed, read, lights out 1:55.

Saturday, February 22, 1969

In view of our late hour for getting to bed, I slept late—wasn’t up until 11 o’clock! Worked at my desk, looking at material on new church structures. We had lunch at 12:00. Shaved, then more work at my desk. I did calling in the afternoon. Bonnie went to Gloucester to shop + see Becky Bussey, so I made some calls—took Debby along. Saw Ellie Martin—just home from the nursing home; Ethel Leary; Grace Harris + Louis Rich. Home about 4:00. Rather fatigued. Relaxed for a while, Bonnie got home, showed me her purchases. I took a nap—didn’t get up til after six. Fixed supper. After supper I practiced the sermon and prepared the service. Worked on German. About 9:30 we went down to Patriquins. Showed our slides—didn’t leave til 11:30. Home, bathed; off to read, study German, in bed. Debby is now appreciating peek-a-boo; lights out about 1:00.

Sunday, February 23, 1969

Up about 9:30—small breakfast, shaved, dressed—off to church. Crowd of about 35—preached on the humor of the Bible. Home by 12:30—we had lunch after 1:00—a delicious turkey. Sleepy after lunch, napped; at 3 o’clock Alan Frederick came by to discuss the sermon + biblical humor. We had tea and listened to some of the Tom Lehrer record. He went home after four. We took some pictures of Debby on the multicolored quilt that Bonnie made. We saw her make her first actual crawling movements. From 5:15–6:00 I worked on German. 6:00–7:00 we watched TV (21st Century + news) and I took the meat off the turkey. At 7:00 I went to the Riverdale Church for Meth. Men meeting: Rabbi Geller gave strong pro-Israeli talk. Home about 9:30. Worked on German; bathed; German; θ+; fixed us a snack; read; lights out 12:45.

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David’s Diary – February 10, 1969

Monday, February 10, 1969

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

Tuesday, February 11, 1969

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

Wednesday, February 12, 1969

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

Thursday, February 13, 1969

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

Friday, February 14, 1969

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

Saturday, February 15, 1969

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

Sunday, February 16, 1969

Debby one-half year old

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


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

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Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/20/davids-diary-february-10-1969/

David’s Diary – February 5, 1969

Monday, February 3, 1969

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

Tuesday, February 4, 1969

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

Wednesday, February 5, 1969

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

Thursday, February 6, 1969

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

Friday, February 7, 1969

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

Saturday, February 8, 1969

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

Sunday, February 9, 1969

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


[1] The Interpreters Bible

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