Tag Archives: Methodist Church

David’s Diary – July 16, 1970

Thursday, 16 July 1970

Up about 8:30 after Θ+. Had breakfast—Bonnie headed for the garden as soon as she could—our section needed weeding. I turned my attention to getting the mailing ready. I had one stencil ready, re: the Summer Fair. I prepared another on the hymnsing, about Lawry Reid and Don McGaw. Also one about the pulpit exchange being called off. I had everything run off, and was ready to fold and stuff when Bonnie arrived home, having been rained out at the garden. I finished the mailing right after we ate, Bonnie head(ed) to Gloucester with Debbie to do some shopping. I went to the P.O. and went on a walk around town collecting the drug program signs. When I got home I read until Bonnie arrived home; I helped her unload the groceries—then she left immediately for the hair-dressers—for Drue to give her a haircut. I did some more reading, read the paper—then when Bonnie got home I went to the garden. Tended to the tomato plants, dug (with hands) potatoes, got some snow peas (which are past their prime) and some lettuce. Came home, had supper; watched CBS news; tried to spend the evening reading. Watched Ironsides + Dragnet. Took photos of Debbie in bed; bathed about 11:30. OBLO, c. midnight.

Friday, 17 July 1970

Up at 7:15—the first item of business was to go to the garden; I wanted to pick some vegetables for the Becks. I got some squash and purple beans (I got potatoes last night); came home about 8:00. Shaved, had breakfast, then prepared to leave for Lexington to see Beck. I arrived there shortly after 10:00. We had a very productive chat, ranging from Vietnam to OT matters. He gave me my reading list of OT passages for the Hebrew exam. I left his house about 12:30—drove to Boston—went to Sears, picked up the p.j’s I’d ordered for Bonnie—then went to BU. Bought the latest issue of Playboy, glanced through it as I ate my lunch. I checked in at the library concerning a book which they notified me twice was overdue—I found it on the shelf (the book on Pope John)—I then took the trolley to Park St. Station with the sack full of unsold drug pamphlets—took them to the Council of Churches. Strolled around the common area, took the trolley to Boylston, to N. Station. Found Hammett Co. at 48 Canal St., bought paint—made my way back to BU by 4:00. Headed home; picked up Bonnie at the hospital at 5:00. We came home, fixed supper—we sat for Chris Lewis from 6:30–9:00. We were so exhausted; Bonnie fell into bed before 10:00. I stayed up reading, bathed c. 10:40; OBLO, 11:00. Up again at 12:00, wrote on sermon in bed at 1:00.

Saturday, 18 July 1970

Up about 9:00—after I gave Bonnie some gifts—two sets of earrings and a nightgown—Θ. I went down to Richdales for milk. After breakfast I got to work on the sermon. I got it done by the time we had lunch. Then I did the bulletins, prepared the service. I had shaved right after lunch, so as soon as I got done with the bulletins, I went to call on the Hannibals. I didn’t cut my visit short—as so often I’m in a hurry—but stayed til after 4:00. Then I came on back home and we prepared to leave for Lynn. We got on the road about 4:50. Traffic was heavy, and we made one wrong turn, so we were about 20 minutes late. We spent the evening with Don McGaw and Lawry Reid. We were at the parsonage, which they’d moved into. We haven’t had an evening together with them—just the 4 of us—since Christmas time. We had supper out in their small back yard, then moved inside. The first part of the evening we played Tripoli, but then about 10:00 we decided to play password—which they’d never played before. It proved to be fun. We didn’t knock off until after 11:00—and we didn’t leave there until about midnight—got home about 12:50. Went straight to bed, utterly exhausted.

Sunday, 19 July 1970

Up about 8:15. Bathed, shaved, ate breakfast, practiced the sermon. Left for church about 9:40. In church today there was a woman who used to babysit for me when I was 3 years old, in Liberty, Mo.—when my folks were living there during the war! She’s Sherrill (Mrs. Russell W.) Aubrey—formerly a Thrailkill, daughter of George + Velma—the whole family are in Rockport vacationing. She and her husband (+ 2 daughters) were in church, along with her father. We got home, had lunch, I half-napped while it was cooking. I had a hard time trying to get to studying early in the afternoon. The tenants next door were sitting in the yard talking. Finally I went down to the church—but dozed off in the chair; but I did get some reading accomplished before going home about 5:30. I baked a cake, we fixed supper. I tried to get some more reading done, then took a break to frost the cake. But Bonnie said she’d prefer I’d spend the time working on her lid rack, which I did. I actually got most of the work done on it. But I didn’t get back to reading a soon as I had planned—but I did get some done. However, I was weary, and gave up reading relatively early in the evening. Had a piece of the cake, bathed together, OBLO, c. 11:05, Θ+

David’s Diary, July 19, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/18/davids-diary-july-16-1970/

David’s Diary – July 12, 1970

Sunday, 12 July 1970

[Top panel: took 3 pictures of rainbow about 5:45]

Up about 8:30. Shaved, had breakfast, practiced the sermon, headed to the church; preached on “Ishmael and Emmanuel”—on suffering, God hears, God is with us. We took up the special collection on Peru this morning; Jean Crowell called me later in the day with the report that #141.39 was received, which is pretty good. There were a lot of visitors in church; we got home, had lunch about noon. About 12:30 Jerry and Carol Lewis left Chris (3 mos.) with us—they were off for an afternoon of sailing with the Lash’s. Bonnie was preoccupied with him—I got to studying—began reading the book of Deuteronomy, before reading von Rad’s book. About 2:30 I had to get ready to go to Den-Mar. Left about 2:45, took Kay Patriquin along. We had a nice service, since some elderly ladies who had been visiting in church decided to show up. Two even sang a duet! After the service several of us called on Esther Longley, who is in the Den-Mar. I was home by 4:00. Went back to reading in Deut. About 5:30 Lewises arrived home—soaking wet. Traffic jam. They’d left their car on Main St—and run up here in a downpour. We’d been working on supper with them in mind, so they stayed. We had supper and a nice visit together; they left about 8:00. Then I got back to reading—which I kept at until about 10:45. Bathed. OBLO c. midnight Θ+

Monday, 13 July 1970

Up by 9:30. Had breakfast, typed an article for the Eagle—took this to the Eagle office about 10:15. Came home; Homer Orne was here with the check representing the “Peru” offering—$142. I’ll mail it in. Went down to the church to change the wayside pulpit, take photos of the two banners which are up. Came on home again. Finally I got to my reading. Finished Deuteronomy—after Bonnie had left for work—before breaking for lunch. I shaved before eating. Just as I was finishing, the doorbell rang—Don McGaw—a free afternoon, he came to Rockport to return my sports coat (I left it in Medford the night I was coming down with the mumps) and to shop. We had a nice visit; I woke Debbie up, and we all went to the garden; Don was impressed. I gave him some snow-peas, potatoes, squash, lettuce. We came on back home; he went down to the house of glass. I stayed home, puttered around, read the paper; I didn’t feel like getting involved in my reading. Don returned, then took off. Bonnie got home, we had supper. Watched CBS news. Bonnie spent the evening at Community Chorus rehearsal; I forged ahead with reading: von Rad’s Studies in Deuteronomy—not easy to read; knocked off about 11:15, bathed; OBLO, c. 12:15.

Tuesday, 14 July 1970

The fire-alarm went off around 1:00 AM last night, hence, I was a while getting to sleep. At 9:00 AM I was sound asleep when the phone rang—Jim Bussey re: tomorrow evening’s drug program. After I hung up I crawled back into bed for a few more minutes. Got up about 9:30. Had breakfast—after I took envelopes to Mrs. Cooney to be addressed and went to the P.O. Then I got right to reading. I spent the rest of the morning reading (von Rad’s Studies in Deuteronomy) which I finished shortly after 1:00—Bonnie had gone to work after feeding Debbie. Debbie slept most of the afternoon. I had my lunch, wrote a letter to Nancy Funk—I had received an invitation from her to a class reunion. After eating I typed this up. —Then began work on Mowinchel’s The Psalms in Israel’s Worship. I will be occupied with this book for several days now. If I can have quiet and concentrate I find it not difficult reading. The translator has done a good job. I started supper about 5:00, but continued to read, even after Bonnie came home. Read til about 6:20. Ate supper, watched CBS news. Then I spent the evening reading—i.e., quit about 10:00. Called Don McGaw re: hymn sing. We have invited him and Lawry to come up for supper that evening too. Bathed; Θ+ LO, 11:10.

Wednesday, 15 July 1970

Up about 8:30—had to meet Mrs. Cooney at the back fence with the envelopes she’d addressed, for mailing to the congregation. After having breakfast I went to Gloucester, to Wesley church, to get things set up for tonight’s drug program. I stopped first at McDowell’s in Gloucester to get name tags. Came on back to Rockport, removed Jim Bussey’s name from the wayside pulpit since he’s left for Indiana—so no pulpit exchange. I shaved in the early afternoon after having lunch. I had called the phone company after getting home in the morning, because the phone wasn’t working. It gave a busy signal instead of a dial tone. I tried to get reading done in Mowinckel, but didn’t make much progress; the phone repair man came about 3:00—was here until c. 4:30, and I didn’t get very much accomplished while he was here. We had to have an early dinner—about 6:00 we had planned, but the chicken wasn’t quite done—so 6:15—I had to rush to leave about 6:35. Picked up Gladys Haskell. The evening was spent at Wesley Church—not a very good turnout for the drug program—about 50. Lasted from 7:00 to 11:00—but Gladys and I didn’t get away til about midnight. Came home, bathed, then got to bed about 12:50.

David’s Diary, 15 July 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/17/davids-diary-july-12-1970/

David’s Diary – July 8, 1970

Wednesday, 8 July 1970

Up shortly before 9:00. I shaved while Bonnie went to Richdales for bread. After breakfast I wrote a letter to the Gloucester Daily Times, drawing attention to the drug education program which Project NUVA is presenting (sponsored  by C.A.M.P.) on July 15 at Wesley church in Gloucester—took it to the P.O. Unfortunately this was one of those days when lethargy seemed to have the upper hand. This combined with noise all around the house, kids and neighbors, kept me from making much progress—trying to get a good start in Gunkel’s The Legends of Genesis. About mid-afternoon I decided to go down to the church, and I did find peace and quiet there. So I did make some progress. I came home after six; we had supper, then about 7:30 we took Debbie down to Kay Patriquin, then went to see the film at the N.S. Theatre in Gloucester: Woodstock—a color documentary on last year’s Woodstock rock music festival. It was an excellent film, very interesting—although not being a fan of much of the music, some sections were overly long. It grants very clear insight into a youth culture that has developed in our nation—so distant, alienated from the silent majority or what have you; we got home, after picking up Debbie, c. 11:30. Bathed, OBLO about midnight.

Thursday, 9 July 1970

Up after 9:00. Had breakfast—went to the church to read. It’s much quieter down there. I stayed until about 12:30. Came home, had lunch, then returned. When I got there I found that the Kramer boy had his electric guitar all set up, but he was no where to be seen, so I resigned myself to the fact that he was probably going to be returning—and he did. The sound was deafening, so I decided to leave. I went to the Rockport Public Library, hoping that there might be a quiet corner there—but no luck in being able to really concentrate. So I came on back home, continued reading in Gunkel’s Legends of Genesis, which I finally finished shortly after 5:00. Bonnie took Debbie for a stroll—so there was some quiet—although this was broken by the twins next door. After finishing the book I looked over my tomato patch, then started working on supper. Watched CBS news. Then did some phoning, then turned to reading for a while. At 8:30 watched Ironside, then Dragnet, after which I returned to reading—now in Wright’s introductory article to Deuteronomy in IB. Bathed about 11:00; Bonnie + I had a long talk about sex, our problems, feelings—solutions—then Θ+ –didn’t fall asleep until late.

Friday, 10 July 1970

Up rather late—about 9:30. After a quick breakfast my main concern was the sermon. My thoughts crystallized quickly—with the help of “sermon-starter” in Xn Advocate. I worked on it in what was left of the morning, and was about half done when I stopped for lunch at 12:30. Bonnie left for work, and I put Debbie in her room. I continued on the sermon, and finally finished about 2:45. Then I turned to doing the bulletins. These were done by about 4:00, then I spent another hour preparing the service, i.e., pastoral prayer, “words of explanation” to the responsive scripture. Thus I was ready for Sunday morning! I even practiced the sermon once before Bonnie came home. We fixed supper, watched CBS news; I baked a cake and iced it. Saw Eddie Garcia out in the yard, back from a week in NYC. He had received a reply from Gordon-Conwell regarding his letter about Roland Villars—in which he’d sent photo copies of Roland’s hate notes. Gordon-C seems genuinely concerned. I had planned to get a fair amount of work done this evening, but there were interruptions—two long phone conversations. One with Becky Bussey, then one later with Jim when he returned my call. But I did get some reading done. I had a late snack about midnight; we bathed together; OBLO, 1:00 AM.

Saturday, 11 July 1970

Up about 9:00. Shaved, had breakfast, then spent my morning on the go. I had to put posters (concerning the Drug Program) all around town. On foot I covered key points in Rockport, then drove to Gloucester, and home the long way through Annisquam. I wasn’t home until shortly after noon. We had lunch, then about 1:15 we went to the Lewis’s. Jerry and I walked over the Fisk’s to get swimming passes—then we drove to the pit. It had been cloudy most of the morning, but the sun came out beautifully for the afternoon. We had a delightful time. I stayed out of the water most of the time; chatted with Mary Ann Lash. But for about the last ½ hour I was in the water; David Milke—a BUST student while I was there on STD—showed up; he married Dr. Brown’s daughter. About 4:00 we went to the garden with the Lewises; got potatoes, lettuce, peas, beans, squash. Came home, fixed a delicious supper with these things—along with ham sandwiches. We napped 5:45–6:30. Virginia Bate arrived and we went to the show at Little Arts: “True Grit”—and average film, enjoyable. Got home shortly after 9:00; I took Virginia home; had a snack, practiced the sermon; then finished Wright’s intro article on Deuteronomy in IB; bathed; OBLO, 12:07.

David’s Diary, July 11, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/16/davids-diary-july-8-1970/

David’s Diary – July 4, 1970

Saturday, 4 July 1970

Up by 9:00. Pouring rain! The garden will certainly grow wildly, weeds and all. I had planned to get my sermon half done, then go to Gloucester to get the bulletin inserts from Jim Bussey, but things didn’t work out that way. After breakfast I shaved, then went to Gloucester about 10:00; came back to Rockport, delivered the bulletin inserts to Epis. + Congre. churches. Came home, worked on the sermon with Eddie, Daniel, Christine, Debbie and Bonnie all carrying on in Debbie’s room. I got about ½ done when it was time to keep an appointment with Margaret Reilley—she’s in her temporary—an old barn—apartment on Drumlin [?] Road. We got there about 12:30—stayed til about 2:00. Then went to the garden—Margaret came along to see it. We picked sweet peas. Came on home, I went to see Lucy Patience briefly—took her some sweet peas. Came home, napped til about 4:15, then finished the sermon, typed my bulletin stencil; worked up til almost 6:00. We then went to Lewis’ for supper. We spent an enjoyable evening with them, drove to the party after supper, sat around chatting, planning banners to make for the sanctuary, listening to Jerry play the guitar + sing; came home about 10:45, ran off the bulletins, prepared the service. bathed; OBLO, 12:40.

Sunday, 5 July 1970

[Top panel:  called Beck]

Up about 8:30. Shaved, had breakfast, practiced the sermon. Arrived at church about 9:40. A small turnout—Communion Sunday; I preached on “Our Greatest Enemy” (i.e. apathy). As we were leaving the church a young couple came up to the door, wanted to go in and pray—I said—sure, go ahead. They left after about 5 minutes. I went on home, we fixed lunch. After lunch I tied up my tomato plants. I tried to get to reading, but was drowsy. So I napped in the middle part of the afternoon. Bonnie and Debbie went to the beach. I finally got a little reading done. When Bonnie + Debbie came home we left Debbie under the supervision of the next door neighbors, then went to the garden; we weeded, tended to the tomatoes—and picked a huge batch of snow peas. There’s still 1,000’s left. When we got home we fixed supper; I baked a Duncan Hines butter fudge choc. cake. After supper I got a little more reading done, called Dr. Beck to make an appointment to see him—I’ll go to Lexington on the 17th. I iced the cake; at 9:00 we went down to the Patriquins, had mug-ups—and a nice visit. We came home about 10:40. I then took my bath, and did further reading in von Rad. Certainly didn’t make much progress today, LO midnight.

Monday, 6 July 1970

[Top panel:  called Mass Council of Churches in Boston]

Up about 8:30. My morning was filled with errands and church matters. After a piece of cake for breakfast, I typed the stencil for a letter to the congregation on Peru—appealing for funds. I signed the letters, folded them; then I wrote two articles for the Eagle: one the regular church news, the other on the upcoming drug program. I took these over to the Eagle office, then returned home, shortly before 11:00. I then finished work on the mailing. About 11:45 I shaved, then went to the post office. Stopped at the church briefly, went to Richdales for yogurt, then came home in time for Bonnie to leave for work. I had my lunch, then after 1 o’clock finally got to my reading. Didn’t make much progress at first—Debbie napped in mid-afternoon. I called Paul Kenyon at the Gloucester Daily Times re: an editorial on behalf of the drug program; he informed me of Robert Carter’s death—a man in the play reading group. I worked on reading until late afternoon—then worked on supper. We ate about 6:00; watched CBS news. Tonight Bonnie went to the Community Chorus Rehearsal—I kept to the reading—still in von Rad—very good book—but slow going. Debbie went down for the night about 9:00. When Bonnie got home about 9:45 we had a snack together, then read further until about 11:15. Bathed, read further in von Rad, OBLO, 12:38.

Tuesday, 7 July 1970

[Top panel: Life Art Book came—World of Bernini]

Up about 8:45. Had breakfast; then we all went to Mals in Gloucester—to get paint brushes, small ones for doing posters. Then we went to Bussey’s to pick up the copy of my doctrinal statement which I’d loaned them. We came back to Rockport, then I went to Hatfields to get poster paint; at the church I got set up for our making posters this evening. Came home—the house was full of kids, so I didn’t get much done—but I was rather weary anyway. It was almost noon, so I went about getting my lunch. When Bonnie left for work Debbie took a nap, so I had the afternoon to myself. I napped briefly, then got to reading von Rad. I finally finished reading it shortly before 5:00. Then I set about straightening up my study, which occupied me until supper time; we ate, watched CBS news. At 7:30 we went to the church; Jerry + Carol Lewis (+ Chris) joined us for making posters. At one point I made a quick trip to the Fisks to get my hammer. But we spent the evening making the banners. We made 2—3 X 8 feet. One on the theme, “Who is my neighbor?”—the other, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” We were finished about 10:30. Came to the house, had cake, then the Lewis left. We set a date for making two more. I took my bath; read in bed; LO, 11:45.

David’s Diary, July 7, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/14/davids-diary-july-4-1970/

David’s Diary – June 30, 1970

Tuesday, 30 June 1970

Today was a perfect day for reading—it rained all day. I was up about 8:30. Had a quick breakfast, then got to the reading—continuing in von Rad’s Genesis. I’m not able to make as much progress as I’d like; the reading is slow. The translation isn’t as good as it could be—ambiguities. I stopped shortly before noon, had lunch, then was back reading shortly after 1:00. I kept at it consistently all afternoon. Bonnie went grocery shopping, took Debbie with her. Late in the afternoon I shaved, bathed. Also late in the afternoon the Stoners called from Boston—planning to arrive about 8:00—we had an early supper—about 5:45. I had to leave about 6:30. Picked up Gladys Haskell; went to the Lexington Methodist Church for a district conference—and to meet the new D.S.—E. MacKinnon White. We arrived before 7:30. The program didn’t begin until 8:00. There was the business of electing district office(r)s and choosing the name for the new district—“crescent” was selected. The business was over by 9:30, then there was a reception downstairs. I saw Charlie Whitford briefly—but Don McGaw wasn’t there; he might have left for California already. About 10:30 Gladys and I left, after meeting the D.S.—arrived Rockport after 11:00; the Stoners had arrived were already in bed; prepared for bed—read; LO, c. 12:15.

Wednesday, 1 July 1970

Up by about 8:30 (?) Had breakfast, then got to my reading. When I heard Mrs. Stoner up and chatting with Bonnie, I went downstairs to greet her. I got a little more reading done, then we made a trip to the garden; we wanted to show it to Dorothy. Then after we returned I tried to get back to von Rad, but didn’t make too much progress. About noon Bonnie and Dorothy got back from a shopping expedition, we fixed and ate lunch, Bonnie left for work. Dorothy went off shopping again. I got back to reading. About 2:15 I stopped to wash my hair and shave. I’d planned to walk down to the wharf to meet Joe’s boat by 3:30—but it had come in early—and they drove up just as I was ready to leave; Bonnie arrived home early because of light work in the lab. The Stoners stayed only a short while longer. After they left Bonnie, Debbie and I went for a stroll along Bear-Skin neck. Then we came home, fixed supper. We had an early supper because we were going to the show. So supper was over by 6:00. We left Debbie at Patriquins, then went to the Little Arts Cinema—to see The Secret of Santa Vittoria—a good film. Came home—I got right to reading—Bonnie went to get Debbie; I spent the rest of the evening on von Rad. Didn’t make as much progress today as I’d have liked; OBLO, c. 11:45.

Thursday, 2 July 1970

Up after 9:00. Had just a small breakfast, then got to my reading. My progress for the morning was not as great as I had wanted; for one thing, I. F. Stone’s Bi-Weekly came, and I read through it immediately as I usually do. Bonnie went to the garden in the morning to do some weeding. We had lunch about 12:30. Then I got about 2 solid hours of reading done, 1:30–3:30. Then I went to the garden. The tough grass was threatening to crowd out the pole beans, so I wanted to work on it. I came home by 5:00—and spent the next 1½ hours—reading. Then had supper, watched CBS news. After 7:00 shaved, prepared for meeting: the C.A.M.P. council met at the church at 7:30. The attendance wasn’t great, but we made plans for the drug program coming up on July 15. We decided too to invite Mac White to preach at a special installation service in September; set the date for the 2nd C.A.M.P. food sale. The meeting was over about 9:00. Beck(y) Bussey was up at the house here with Bonnie, so Jim and I walked up—then they went home. I watched the rest of Ironsides, then got back to von Rad. I can’t read this book rapidly, but I’m finding it very interesting, very rewarding; bathed about 11:30. Read briefly, OBLO, 12:10.

Friday, 3 July 1970

We were in bed late—didn’t get up til after 9:30. My hope had been to get reading done—but there were distractions. Bonnie wanted to get weeding done—and I wanted to go to Gloucester to get envelopes for my mailing on Peru. So I took Bonnie to the garden, then went with Debbie to Mals. Came back to Rockport, left the envelopes with Mrs. Casey to be address(ed). Came home, looked through the mail, then about 11:45 went back to the garden to get Bonnie; we picked sweet peas. We fixed lunch as soon as we got home, Bonnie left for work. Debbie went down for her nap. I worked in my study—got some more reading done in von Rad, wrote a letter to the new D.S. Also about mid-afternoon put Debbie out in her play yard. I wrote a letter to Mr. Jacob Berkover (Dept Highways) regarding a church sign for the edge of town. Also prepared the rough draft for my letter on Peru. About 5:00 I began working on supper, shelling the peas. We fixed steaks when Bonnie got home; had supper, watched CBS news. I tried to devote the evening to von Rad—since my reading had been neglected so far in the day. There were interruptions, but I did make progress; read til 12:45. Bathed, OBLO, 1:08.

1970-07-03 diary

David’s Diary, July 3, 1970

© 2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/13/davids-diary-june-30-1970/

David’s Diary – June 26, 1970

Friday, 26 June 1970

I had set the alarm for 7:30—but didn’t make it up. Θ before getting up about 8:30. I had breakfast, then got to reading in Nielsen—more tough going. When the mail man came I looked through Life magazine. Also slides came from the processor. So we looked at them; a pretty good batch actually. I worked more on reading until Bonnie left for work. Debbie and I had lunch. Debbie then went down for a nap—she slept all afternoon—I continued working in my study. It was a quiet day—raining; so the Garcia kids were all inside. I worked on the sermon most of the afternoon. I had it more than half done when Bonnie got home from work. I fixed supper. We ate shortly after 6:00. Watched CBS news. Then I got more work done on the sermon; by 8:30 I had it about ¾ done. We then took Debbie to Patriquins, then we went to the Little Arts Theatre to see a movie: “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”—it had a heartbreaking ending, but nonetheless was an excellent film. This was over shortly after 11:00; we picked up Debbie, then came on home; had a snack, then I did more work on the sermon for about another hour—got it completed except for the closing paragraph. The steady rain continues, which means the garden will grow! OBLO c. 1:00 A.M.

Saturday, 27 June 1970

Another morning for being in bed late. We got up about 9:15 after Θ. Had breakfast—then tried to get to work on concluding my sermon. But somehow this was delayed. When the paper came I found that my letter to the editor on smoking on commuter trains had been printed in full. Late in the morning the mail came, with a note from Mr. Villars that my JBL would be returned in the fall! I showed this to Eddie and gave him the slides taken in his upstairs apt. the night that Villars had moved out. Late in the morning—actually 12:00-1:00—I spent making a sign to go on the church door tomorrow about the hymn sing. Much of my time today was spent on the phone trying to locate a copy of God Bless America—but with no luck. Also in the A.M. I date(d) the latest box of slides. After eating (c.1:30) I shaved, then did some calling; went to see the Hannibals, then to Esther Longley. Then I went to the garden, got some things for us and for Lucy Patience. Came home, helped with supper. After supper I worked at my desk; read an article on sex selection of a child—we’ll be using its techniques in a few months; I did my bulletins, prepared the service, then practiced the sermon—bathed after 11:00. Watched the news; OBLO, 11:55.

Sunday, 28 June 1970

Up about 8:15. Had breakfast, shaved, practiced the sermon. Headed for the church about 9:30; preached on “Christian Patriotism”—I had some flack from people who like Agnew—but also had some support. We were home by 11:45—long choir rehearsal. Fixed lunch, worked with my tomato plants. After lunch I got down to doing some reading—finished Nielsen’s Oral Tradition. Then I baked a cake and got started on von Rad’s Genesis—I made some progress in what time I had left for reading. We had supper about 6:00. Then I read, and listened to the Boston Pops. At 7:00 I went down to the church. Bonnie went to Patriquins instead of to the hymnsing because her throat still is not in good shape—and she sang this morning. We had a small crowd out for the hymnsing—about  25—Dick Manson led; Mrs. Lilja played. This was over by 8:30—I enjoyed the sing very much tonight—we sang some of my favorites. Went directly to Patriquins—did stop at home to get the cake and the movie screen. We showed them out latest box of slides—had mug-ups. But we didn’t stay late. Came home about 10:15—immediately we bathed, together. Then I turned to get some more reading done in von Rad—but became to(o) sleepy to(o) quickly; its a good book, but requires close attention; OBLO, 11:15.

Monday, 29 June 1970

Up about 8:30 (?) Had breakfast; wrote article for the Eagle—read a while, shaved; shortly after 10:00 took the article to the Eagle office; then I dropped in to see Mrs. Niemi, to inform her about plans to merge parts of the Sunday school; then I left our check for the church—and last night’s collection—with Jean Crowell at the bank. Came home—mail had arrived; there was an invitation to attend my high school class reunion—the day after tomorrow! I did some reading before having lunch—which I had just before Bonnie left for work. I tried to devote my afternoon to reading. Debbie spent the early part of the afternoon in the play yard—and I did my studying downstairs while she was out there. Then about mid-afternoon I brought her in for a nap. But I continued to read downstairs—just for a change of scenery. About 5:00 I began preparations for supper—but continued reading until about 6:15. Had supper watched CBS news. At 7:30 I went to St. Mary’s Church for Joint Church Committee—to work out more details on merging part of our Sunday schools. We made further progress. Decided to rely largely on UCC materials. We’ll meet again in July. Home by 10:30. Had a snack, but then got to reading again. Made a little progress. OBLO, 11:45.

Diary entry for June 29, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/12/davids-diary-june-26-1970/

David’s Diary – June 22, 1970

Monday, 22 June 1970

Up before 9:00. Had breakfast, shaved, Long phone chat with Gladys Haskell. Wrote article (very brief) for the Eagle. Then I started out on various errands. I took the article to the Eagle. Went to the P.O. Changed the wayside pulpit at the church—indicating next Sunday’s Hymn Sing. Also went to the Orne’s; I wanted to check the minutes of the Annual meeting for the exact wording re: the committee for talking with the Episcopals + congos. I was home slightly before noon. Debbie is better today, but Bonnie continues in poor shape. I fixed lunch—cleaned up. In the afternoon I tried to get reading done. I napped briefly at one point. Debbie doesn’t feel like being quiet when she’s sick, but we couldn’t let her out of the house. So she was getting tired of being confined. Late in the afternoon I wrote the letter of recommendation which Carl Sesto asked me to write—to Dean Musfelder [?] at Endecott Jr College. Also wrote them a note that I’d done it. Shortly before 6:00 I took this to the P.O. Also the envelope for R. Villars to send back my JBL in. [1] When I got home I fixed supper; watched CBS news. I cultivated around our strawberries and tomatoes. But most of the evening I spent reading; late I took a break to get the kitchen cleaned up from supper. I finished Wurthwein TOT about 12: 20, then OBLO, c. 12:35.

Tuesday, 23 June 1970

Up about 9:30. It was one of those mornings when I was very lethargic—just couldn’t get going. And my efforts to get to studying were several times thwarted. Debbie hasn’t been outside since Sat. I believe—and she’s been very restless and bored. So in her search for interesting things to do she explored her diapers—and decorated her room with the contents. That mess then had to be cleaned up. She had to have a bath. I got a little reading done before we decided to get lunch. I had to go to Richdales for bread + milk before we could eat. After lunch I went to the drug store for more cough medicine, then I made a trip to the dump. Then I got back to reading. I took one break to pick strawberries, this picking was for Garcias. More reading, then about six I went to the garden, picked snowpeas and lettuce—the garden is coming along well. We had supper, watched CBS news. We got a call from Stoners—they’re coming a week from today. We left Debbie at Patriquins at 7:45 and went to see a movie, Paint Your Wagon—an enjoyable “fun” movie. We got back to Patriquins about 10:30. Then came home about 11:00. Had a snack, read a while; OBLO, c. 12:00.

Wednesday, 24 June 1970

We were in bed til late—not up until almost 10:00, after Θ. I had only a small breakfast, then got to reading the Jeffrey article in IB. [2] I wanted to get this finished as soon as possible. But there were interruptions. When the mail came there was a form letter from the new D.S. [3] Mac White—calling for a meeting next Tuesday evening in Lexington. So I had to do some calling regarding that. When I finally did finish the Jeffrey article it was early afternoon. Then I scoured out the bath-tub—Bonnie is not feeling strong enough yet to do that—then I shaved and bathed. Then went to Richdales—finally had lunch, just before 3:00! After lunch I wrote a letter to the Editor of the Gloucester Daily Times regarding the smoking ban on commuter trains. I went to the P.O., stopped briefly to confer with the Ornes, then went to the garden. I picked quite a lot of snow peas. I got home a few minutes before 6:00. Cleaned some of the peas, took them to Lucy Patience; came home, had supper, watched CBS news. At 7:30 went to St. Mary’s Church for meeting of the Joint Church Committee—Epis, Cong. + Meth—exploring common possibilities; we discussed church school. I was home about 10:00; got to reading—read prolegomena to Biblia Hebraica, glance through Nielsen’s Oral Traditions; OBLO midnight.

Thursday, 25 June 1970

We weren’t out of bed until about 9:30. I immediately got to reading—in Edward Nielsen’s Oral Traditions. I had hoped to be able to get this book finished in a day, but it didn’t turn out to be quick reading. Quite the contrary—the author isn’t nearly as coherent as one would like. I arrived at a stopping point shortly after 12:00. Had lunch—read in Newsweek. I got back to reading about 1:30. I got drowsy—dozed a little in my chair. Read til about 3:30—then I stopped to make some signs for Sunday’s hymn sing. Bonnie went shopping, took Debbie along. I went down town to distribute the signs—bought a copy of Playboy—looked through it when I got home. Then returned to reading. The Garcias have guests—arrived in the afternoon—3 kids—so now the noise level around here is even higher. When Bonnie got home from shopping I helped fix supper—got ½ hour more reading done. We ate at 6:30, watched CBS news. Then I read some more until about 8:00—at which time we went down to Patriquins to watch Ironsides. Afterwards “mug-ups”—with the spice cake which Bonnie baked at supper-time. About 10:00 we headed home—and I returned to reading Nielsen—which I did until about 11:40. Prepared for bed; OBLO, 12:07.

Diary entry for June 25, 1970


[1] Probably Journal of Biblical Literature.

[2] The Interpreter’s Bible

[3] District Superintendent; the church official who oversaw the local clergy, and reported to the bishop.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/11/davids-diary-june-22-1970/

David’s Diary – June 18, 1970

Thursday, 18 June 1970

Not up until after 9:00. Had breakfast, then got to work again on Roberts’ OTTV—this again was my main preoccupation for the day. Late in the morning, after passing page 200, I shaved and bathed—actually about noon. Then I did some errands, e.g., changed the wayside pulpit. When I got home we had lunch, then I got down to reading again. Bonnie went off to do grocery shopping, Debbie played in her room. For lunch we had our first “crop” of strawberries—about 6–8 apiece! Few—but they were delicious. About mid-afternoon I had a long phone conversation with Jim Bussey. I was able to make some progress reading, but late in the afternoon I helped prepare supper. Read more after supper, made a phone call to Don McGaw to see if he’s going to keep the xerox copy he made of my doctrinal statement. About 8:15 we went down to Patriquins to watch Ironsides. We came home right when it was over—a thunderstorm was threatening. Rolland Villars was moving out next door—he was in a bad mood because Eddie Garcia wants him out by 12:00—when his lease expires—he wrote hate-notes, attached with knives; I photographed them—we discussed the situation til about midnight. Read, OBLO c. 1:00 A.M.

Friday, 19 June 1970

Up about 9:00—the first thing I called Mr. Howard Keeley at Gordon D.S. inquiring about Rolland Villard—and reporting his strange behavior. Then I had breakfast—and spent the morning trying to finish Roberts OTTV. There were various interruptions, so it took a while. Debbie has a cold apparently. Very runny nose, and it doesn’t take much to upset her. After Bonnie had left for work I finally succeeded in finishing Roberts. Then I had my lunch. The next order of business was the sermon, and this preoccupied me for the rest of the afternoon. During one break I watered the tomatoes and strawberries. I had most of the sermon done when time came for me to start thinking about supper. About  5 o’clock I lit the coals for frying hamburgers. When Bonnie came home (she went to the garden first, for salad greens) we worked on supper together. It was very delightful in the yard. After eating I went to Grace Harris’ to pick up baked goods for tomorrow’s sale. Came home, finished sermon, then we went for a walk down to Bearskin Neck. I got my peace medalion. Came home; I frosted a cake for the sale, did my bulletins; Sestos called—want me to write a letter of reference. Bathed about 11:00; read; OBLO c. 12:00 Θ

Saturday, 20 June 1970

Up about 7:45—ugh! I had to get shaved, get some breakfast, then be at the church by 8:30 to help transport baked goods to Wesley church in Gloucester. About 9:15 Gladys Haskell and I headed on over to Gloucester with the back of the Squareback filled with food. I came on home again about 10:00. I spent the rest of the morning puttering in my study, especially trying to get things straightened up. About noon I was about to have lunch when I got a call from Wesley church; the food sale had fizzled out over there—and they wanted to bring the rest of the food over to our church. So I immediately went to Gloucester and brought food back—helped Gladys + Hazel Brady get set up. Then I came home, had lunch, then napped for about a half hour. About 2:30 I arrived at the garden; planted squash, weeded in the tomato area. Came home about 5:00—spent the rest of the day in the kitchen really. Bonnie had a bad cold and sore throat—and Debbie has a cold. I made a custard for Bonnie, fixed supper, made a cake, cleaned up the kitchen. I wasn’t out of it until about 10:00. Then I relaxed—sat in my study for a while—then I had some of the cake I’d just made. Prepared the service, practiced the sermon; bathed; read; OBLO, 12:30.

Sunday, 21 June 1970

We got up about 7:40. Debbie was coughing—her cold has worsened—and Bonnie’s cold is still pretty bad. Debbie stayed in bed most of the morning. I had breakfast after shaving; I was up early enough not to be rushed; I picked the suckers off the tomato plants. I went to the church about 9:30. We had an average sized crowd; I reported on Conference, the sermon was called: “Keeping in Touch.” I got home about 12:30. Debbie was up running around—but coughing horribly. I fixed lunch—after going over to Bussey’s to get their vaporizer. About 2 o’clock I went over to the garden to cultivate the tomato plants—and to pick off the suckers from them. Left about 3:00—stopped by back beach on the way home to chat with Margaret Reilly—whom I saw strolling along. She’d seen Alan + Maria—they’d been up; Alan’s not in very good shape. I came on home. Had a snack with Bonnie. Relaxed, was in no mood to read, napped. Then we thought about supper—after I bathed—in order to get my hair washed. After supper I spent in evening reading—back to the “qualifying” worked—now I’m in Wurthwein. [1] About mid-evening we called the folks—to wish RSY happy Father’s Day; had a nice chat. Then spent the balance of the evening reading; OBLO, midnight.

Diary entry for June 21, 1970


[1] Probably Ernest Wurthwein, The Text of the Old Testament: An Introduction to the Biblia Hebraica

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/10/davids-diary-june-18-1970/

David’s Diary – June 10, 1970

Wednesday, 10 June 1970

We got up about 7:30 or so. Had breakfast, shaved, prepared to leave Avon. Got in the road about 8:45—arrived at the Myles Standish State Forrest [1] about 9:45. We got our campsite—in Bartlett 1. We spent the rest of the morning getting set up and relaxing. What leisurely reading I got done during the day was in F.C. Grant’s, The Gospels. About noon we fixed lunch—used our Coleman stove for the first time; it worked very well. And we were delighted to see how little fuel it used. In the afternoon we tried to go swimming—but the water was cold, the sky was overcast—and the nice beach was on the side of the lake with the cold breeze. In the middle of the afternoon I went into Plymouth for a can-opener—and Ernco-foam! [???][2]  When I got back we drove around for a while, then took a drive around the park. Then came back and fixed supper. When we got supper over with we decided to take Debbie for a ride to Plymouth. She’s got a bad diaper rash and is out of sorts—we were gone c. 7:30–8:30. When we got back we prepared Debbie for bed—put her in the back of the VW. Then we bedded down for the night—by 9:30. Θ

Thursday, 11 June 1970

I slept relatively well; we got up about 7:00. Fixed breakfast, prepared to leave. The mosquitoes were driving us crazy—we were literally itching to get out of there—we did about 9:15. We arrived back in Avon about 10:00. Unloaded the car, then I put on my swimsuit and washed the car. Then Debbie and I played with the hose and lawn sprinklers—and the watering-can—she got thoroughly soaked, but was enjoying it very much, the day was so hot. Shortly before noon Debbie + I bathed together—Bonnie took her out, then I finished; had lunch, then I set about getting my hair washed, shaving, getting groomed again. Then relaxed for a while; about mid-afternoon I decided to nap since we’d be up so late tonight—I went sound asleep. We had supper about 5:35 or 40. We made good time to Providence—in about 65 minutes we were at the parking lot at Brown. We registered, then killed time by strolling around, browsing in a book store. Returned to Alumni Hall about 8:00—greeted Charlie Whitford; 8:30-10:15 we saw Dick Water’s play, The Son of Man.; 10:15-10:30 break in the fresh air; 10:30–11:15 caucus [???]—then drove home, arrived in Avon c. 12:15; had snack OBLO 12:50.

Friday, 12 June 1970

Up by 6:30. Shaved, had breakfast, left for conference—felt I should be there by 8:30—The Board of Ministry’s report was scheduled early. As it turned out things were behind schedule. But when the time came I was introduced to the Conference—and along with several others was voted to be ordained Elder. [3] Not long after I got there I met Don McGaw and we spent most of the day together—we had lunch together. The afternoon session was largely devoted to Black Methodists for Church Renewal—their request for money. I left about 4:30—came back to Avon—then Bonnie and I went back to Conference after supper. The evening program was not an official business session—but a celebration of unity. A major part was a modern interpretive dance with sax + trumpet—it was overly long—and hard to grasp. But after this was over the conference members + visitors joined the young people on the floor of the auditorium for singing and generally going wild—it was really a blast. Afterwards Don McGaw, Merlin Levering, Artis Smith, Charlie Whitford and Bonnie and I went looking for a bar in Providence—ended up in a gay bar!—finally settled for Howard Johnsons! We broke up about 12:30—we got back to Avon about 1:30—and got right to bed.

Saturday, 13 June 1970

Θ before arising at 8:00. I hurriedly bathed, shaved—I needed to leave by 9:00. Just a few minutes before I left Lee Sandwen came in from Amherst—Emil’s grandson. I left about 9:05—got to Meeham auditorium just at 10:00. But important business, i.e. BMCR, didn’t really come up for action until the afternoon session. Don McGaw and I again had lunch together. I.e. I had much [??] sack lunch as yesterday, and we went somewhere for him to get a meal. Today it was to Kentucky Colonel for fried chicken. Then we went brouzing [sic] around book stores—but we got back to Conference about 1:30. The afternoon debate was long and tedious—and the BMCR proposal was really weakened. It is disappointing to see the church so rigid. Jesus once said to a man overly concerned with property: “Sell your things, give to the poor.” But Methodist Conference is unwilling to do such a thing. Our Conf.—so said one speaker—has $51 million in property + investments—can’t we find $1.5 million for BMRC? –I left conference about 4:30. Arrived Avon 5:30. Very weary, had supper, then sacked out—really tired—didn’t come to until about 8 o’clock. Visited with the household, including Lee—all but Bonnie + I retired before 10:00. We read; at c. 11:15 I got a call from Dr. Beck that he can’t be in Providence tomorrow; a great disappointment. OBLO c. 11:30

Diary entry from June 13, 1970


[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Standish_State_Forest. Coincidentally, Bonnie’s family is descended from Myles Standish, and the line is proved via The Mayflower Society.

[2]  I have no idea.

[3] There are (or at least were at that time) two levels of ordination in the Methodist Church: Deacon, then Elder, which is the highest level. So, officially, all “reverends” and bishops are simply Elders. The story was told of a bishop who was acting too arrogantly, and a few pastors decided to intervene; they addressed their letter to him: “Dear Brother Elder.”

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/07/davids-diary-june-10-1970/

Gladys – June 3, 1970

Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
W. Lafayette, Ind. 47906
June 3, 1970

Dear Bonnie, David and Debby,

I am enclosing a check for your wedding anniversary. Sorry to be so late with it, but I was struggling with an infection (kidney) last week and attending Conference, so between sessions I would come home and do nothing I didn’t absolutely have to do. The enclosed are the “things” which our Section on Social Witness tried to get before the Conference. One didn’t get out of the Legislative group and the other died a quick death, and all for $5.00. When Conference was about to close a man asked for permission to speak and said this session did not deal with any of the controversial issues of today. I said to myself, “well we tried.” The Bishop replied that he thought many important matters had been dealt with. He said in his sermon at the ordination service (which I did not attend) he thought he had dealt with the issues which are vital today. Of course, we didn’t go on record as having dealt with issues. However, there is something in the pre-conference minutes which heals with military spending and the creation of a task force to study same and to get some meetings going in which military spending will be discussed.

We had a letter from a woman in Kentland who is interested in buying the office building. We went to Kentland and showed her the place. She has a nice home out in one of the new additions but said she had too much room and too much yard. The back of the office lot meets the property of her sister—Mrs. Lacey and she thought it would be a good idea to be close to her sister. The woman I am referring to is Mrs. Rasher. Her husband died about three years ago and one son who lived here in Lafayette was killed in an automobile accident about two years ago and her other son lives in Tenn., and she feels like she wants to be close to her sister, since they are both widows. If she decides to buy the office, it would make an ideal location for her. She is to let us know Sunday when we go to Margaret Zell’s wedding.

I stopped to see Mrs. Myers. She had been to the beauty parlour to have her hair done. She told me that Doris and Harold are now living in Monticello. Harold is working for Geo. Kingsley. They are trying to sell their home and buy something in Monticello. At present they are living in their summer cottage. She said she felt like little orphan Annie. I was surprised when she said she would be willing to go to Monticello to live. However, Harold told her to stay where she is, that Doris would come over every two weeks and take her to the beauty parlour and do her grocery shopping. I didn’t suggest that she move to Lafayette. She seemed to think she would have to go where they go. Harold said he wasn’t sure he was going to like it in Monticello and that they might come back to Kentland. So far they haven’t had much luck in selling their home.

We plan to go to Brazil Saturday to attend the wedding of one of Wilma Yegerlehner Bell’s daughters. Tomorrow we are going to Champaign to have the Mercedes worked on. We won’t spend the night, since Dad has to work on Friday. Also we have dinner guests coming Friday night.

[page 2] Page #2

The Chinese boy—William Yue and his father are coming. Also Dr. and Mrs. Miller. William is a brilliant student and is graduating from Purdue. He plans to continue his graduate studies at Cal Tech next fall. Since they can get the best of Chinese cooking when they return to Hong Kong, we are going to have steak and baked potatoes, etc. Also strawberries. Last year when Mr. Yue was here attending the Methodist Men’s meeting, we took him out to Morris Bryant and he had strawberries for dessert and said how much he liked them. One delicacy he doesn’t afford in H.K. They aren’t grown there.

We have a 20 days tour for our stay in Japan. It will take us from Tokyo to Nikko and back, then from Tokyo to the extreme east end of Japan—Nagasaki. We will have probably a day and a half at Expo, at the end of our tour. We return to Osaka on the 9th and then on to Tokyo the 11th for our flight back on the 12th.

I sent Dru and package. Was in Loebs yesterday and saw a cute little outfit for a small baby and thought she might like it. I didn’t remember her address and couldn’t remember Sully’s first name, so addressed it to Mrs. Dru Sullivan c/o Miss Elaine’s Beauty Salon, Rockport. I hope she gets it.

One of the nurses who used to work in Dad’s office while her husband was going to Purdue sent us an announcement of the arrival of a daughter. She was born April 19th and weighed 4 lbs. 8½ ozs. I didn’t think much about that weight at the time, but one of the nurses at the health center received a letter from the mother recently and she said the baby has a cleft palate and a deformed foot, and had been born prematurely. From her letter she indicated that she was afraid the baby was not doing so well. Dad said since the father is now in Service, they would have access to the best medical help.

Since we have to make an early start in the morning, I had better get this finished. Dad is on duty today, so we can’t leave until 7:00 AM tomorrow.

Love Mother

P.S. There are two mother raccoons coming for food every evening. They are getting so tame I think they would come in if they had the chance. I am anxious to see their little ones. One brought her little ones up to the door last year.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/05/gladys-june-3-1970/