Tag Archives: Rockport

David’s Diary – January 6, 1969

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Monday, January 6, 1969

ISN before arising. Another day of relaxation. Up late—just visited—and commented on the severe weather. Bob + I had big breakfasts. I continued reading in Mrs. Moore’s book. We had lunch, listened to one of Bob’s comedy records. I finished Mrs. Moore’s book. –and started on the autobiography of Marion Anderson. Got sleepy, so took a nap. When I woke up, John was here. I got up, feeling pretty groggy. We had supper, then watched TV: the Laugh-in. The others worked on double crostic puzzles. I read in Marion Anderson. Later we watched more TV. About 12 John went home—we said our good-bye. Lea, Bonnie and I stayed up talking until quite late; finally decided to go to bed; lights out about 3:30 (Eastern time)

Tuesday, January 7, 1969

Don’t recall when we got up—but it was in time to see Bob off for work. We had a leisurely breakfast, I shaved, packed the car—John came over to see us off. We left Champaign about 12 noon Eastern time. Highways were mostly clear and we had tail winds, so we were in Lafayette in a little over 2 hours. Mother was here alone. Rest of the day was spent relaxing; I called Helen Correll to arrange to visit her tomorrow. Watched some TV in the evening, an interview with the Smothers Brothers, but I got more reading done in Marion Anderson autobiography. I’m about 2/3 of the way through. I’m pretty sleepy tonight, since we were up so late—and I didn’t have any luck trying to nap in afternoon. Off to be around midnight.

Wednesday, January 8, 1969

ISN before arising. Another leisurely day for the most part. By late this evening I had finished Marion Anderson’s autobiography—and had made slight progress in Kathleen Kenyon’s book Beginning in Archaeology. We had planned to go up to Wolcott this evening to see Helen Correll, but an ice storm began late this afternoon, so I called to cancel plans. Got some of the reading done, and watched TV. Had a very sound nap this afternoon after taking Mom to the church. I found Miss Anderson’s book very rewarding—I found some good excerpts—I might do a sermon on her soon. And I must get some of her recordings. Bonnie + I read after the folks had gone to bed. Off to bed ourselves after 12:30.

Thursday, January 9, 1969

Around 8:30 or 9 Mother called us out of bed. The temperature had dropped during the night to about 5º—and our car had to be started—I doubted that it would go, but it did. I took Mom to the grocery store and then took the car for the state inspection. The mechanic suggested it needed a brake job to pass inspection—but he also suggested we skip it since we were going back to Mass. Home for lunch; changed license plates on car. Took Mother to the bank, came home, shaved, picture taking. Mom + I went to pick up Edna Wallace—dad’s former secretary—she had supper with us. After supper—watched TV. About 9 took Edna home, more TV—this has been a relaxing vacation; after 11, had a snack. Bathed, off to bed about 12:20.

Friday, January 10, 1969

Up after 9. Had small breakfast, was occupied with getting the car loaded. Did some cleaning in it as well. We had a steak lunch as a send off. We left Lafayette about 1:15. Stopped in Wolcott to see Helen Correll, but she was in school as we suspected. We arrived in Gary about 3:30 our time. Paul + Marty were still in school; we had to wait for them in the cold cold car for 1 hr. 45 minutes. We got warmed up when they finally came, visited a while; decided to go out to supper; had a very good supper, came back to their apartment—spent the rest of the evening talking, about family, about politics—about the woes of teaching in Gary. About 1 o’clock our time decided to get to bed.

Saturday, January 11, 1969

Up about 9:30. Had a leisurely bath, shaved, had breakfast. It was a short morning, since we were still on Eastern time, but Paul + Marty were on slow time. We finally got all our things together and got on the road shortly after noon—our time. We got up to I-94 and were able to make good time—I was able to maintain 70 MPH much of the time. We had a flat tire about 75 miles west of Detroit. We arrived at the Kings about 5 pm. We had a nice visit and a pleasant supper. About 8, Levon and I went to a service station to have my tire fixed—didn’t take too long; we came back + put it on the car—the rest of the evening we spent visiting. Mattijane seems to be coming along well after her mental collapse. Off to bed about 12:30.

Sunday, January 12, 1969

We got up reluctantly just after 7 this morning. We had breakfast with the Kings and were on the road by 8:30. By 2 o’clock we had reached Buffalo, N.Y. We didn’t make any extended stops. I drove 150 miles east of Detroit, then Bonnie took over until we were on the NY Thruway. I took over again. But she got us to Schenectady, where we stopped for an hour + a half with the Stoners—had supper. Arrived there about 7:30. Left about 9:05. We stopped then only twice and arrived in Rockport at about 1:20. We had driven just 800 miles. Jim Tanner was here when we arrived, he hadn’t gone to bed yet. There was a huge pile of mail which I must attend to tomorrow. It was good to see the cat again. We unpack partially, read some mail—and got to bed c. 2:30.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
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David’s Diary – December 16, 1968

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Monday, December 16, 1968

Debby 4 months old.

Up after 9 today. We had breakfast—Bonnie was feeling lousy. I worked on my Greek paper, did the pastoral Christmas letter; stopped at about 2 to fix lunch. Bonnie napped in bed, I brought lunch to her upstairs. After lunch I worked on a letter to Judge Wynanski in Boston on behalf of Howard Marston, Jr. I took this to the post office + went for bread + milk. Home again, went back to work on Greek. About 5 stopped to clean up kitchen, start on supper; Bonnie came down, she was feeling much better. I went back to the Greek paper. Stopped for supper about 6:20. Had supper watched CBS news, relaxed until 7:30 or so—then back to work. About 9:30 stopped for pie + coffee. Bathed, then came back to work on the paper; have most of section I finished. Must have it done by tomorrow night. We took pictures this evening. Lights out at 11:45. ISN

Tuesday, December 17, 1968

Up around 9. Breakfast, back to work on the Greek paper—until mail arrived; many Xmas cards—letter from Paul + Marty, + Dr. Beck. Bonnie went to the WSCS Xmas party at about 12:15—I stayed with Debby. Worked on my paper. Finished writing about 1:30. Stopped to shave, have lunch. Cleared off my desk—set up card table for the Greek typewriter right next to my desk. This occupied my attention for the rest of the day. Very slow going; must type the page in English, then swing over to the Greek machine + type in what words are required. Stopped about 6:30 for supper—helped fix it. Back to work shortly after 7:30. Bonnie started to work on making my sports jacket—she is overwhelmed by the difficulty of the task. At about 10, we stopped for a snack. Back to work by 10:20. Stopped typing at about 1. –on page 11 (typed). Must be finished by noon tomorrow. Bathed; off to bed; lights out at 1:40.

Wednesday, December 18, 1968

Very hard to get up this morning. Finally out of bed about 9. Ate breakfast, got to work typing—stopped when mailman arrived. I had wanted to be done typing by noon—but no such luck. Bonnie took Debby for regular Dr’s appointment at 2:30 and I worked on; I was just finishing up at 5:30 when she came home. I took catalogue over to Barbara + Hazel, also invited Barbara to come to Bible study tonight. Worked some in my study until 6:30—had supper, worked in my study until Bible class started arriving. We had quite a lively session. 9 in attendance; we discussed Luke 1 + 2. Sarah Orne disagreed strongly with my interpretation—she is fundamentalist. Didn’t break up tonight until 10 pm! I went to work on the Jeremiah paper. Had researched basic 29 words in 20:14-18 by 12; coffee break. Worked on until about 3:00. Off to bed at 3:30.

Thursday, December 19, 1968

Up about 9:20—rather weary; went right to work writing on the Jeremiah paper. Stopped when mail arrived, but not for long—didn’t even read I. F. Stone. Stopped for lunch around 12:30 or 1. Today as I worked on this paper, Bonnie worked on my sports coat—got it cut out, and by this evening had enough sewed together that I had the first fitting. I finally got to the “typing” stage about 6 o’clock.  Stopped about 6:45 for supper, but at 7:30 got back to work. Had to do page 1 three times because of mistakes and difficulty with copying out the Hebrew. Worked all evening. Stopped about 12:15 for a cup of coffee. Bonnie took her bath and went to bed. I worked on, finally finished the paper completely at 2:15. I’m not too satisfied with it—just didn’t have enough time to do a good job. Bathed; off to bed about 2:50.

Friday, December 20, 1968

On the go all day long; up at 8:45—Shaved, compiled Jeremiah DS reading list, proofread papers; gathered together library books—headed for BU about 10:45, in the car. Got there about 11:30. Took paper to Richardson, and the Greek typewriter. Took Greek paper to Kim’s office. Picked up my mail, ate lunch; looked up the Peeks—at their apartment at 115 Bay State Rd. Wanted to see how his work was coming. Headed home around 1:45. Arrived back home at just 3. Went down to see Virginia Bate; took her her Xmas gift, a framed photo of myself—she was very pleased. Back home, worked on the wedding ceremony for tomorrow—had to type it all up. About 5:45 Bonnie gave me a Haircut; then I got dressed and left for the church. Wedding rehearsal from 6:30 – 7:45. Got Bonnie, we went to Old Farm [?] Inn for dinner with wedding party. Home about 10:30. Bathed. Off to bed; ISN; lights out 12:20.

Saturday, December 21, 1968

Up about 7:30 to watch the blastoff of Apollo 8. It was on schedule at 7:51. I then went down to the church to put wedding announcement on the wayside pulpit. Home again to work on the marriage service. At 10:30 tuned in CBS news. About 10:41 the Apollo was blasted toward  the moon. Worked on the wedding service (ate lunch too, and shaved) until time to go. It was a very nice wedding—everything went smoothly. Over by 3:00. We (Bonnie + I) went to the wedding reception at Gloucester House Rest. Didn’t get out until after 5. Came home, visited with Barbara + Hazel who had kept Debby. I came home, worked on writing the “7 o’clock news” for the church service tomorrow. At about 7:45 the young people came; we went to the church to rehearse. Home by 9:30. Did bulletins, worked on sermon; off to bed at 2:10.

Sunday, December 22, 1968

Up at 9. Practiced sermon; breakfast, shaved, off to church at 10:35. Quite a big congregation—75. Preached on “Silent Night Vs. Violent Night”—with the sermon being introduced with “Silent Night + the 7 o’clock news”—sung by 4 teenage girls and narration by Peter Haskell. Some favorable reaction—by [but] Alice Marr was very mad. Home by about 12:30. Lunch. Napped for a short while. At 3:10 was up again. Bonnie, Debby, Barbara, Hazel and I went up to see Elizabeth Gates. Had a nice visit; we were home shortly after 5. Desk work. At about 6 we went down to Patriquins for supper; spent the evening with them, just goofing off. Came home around 10 (?), Desk work, Jim Tanner came up and we gave him details about care of the house and the cat. He left about 11:40. Bathed off to bed for ISN at 11:40.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
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David’s Diary – December 9, 1968

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Monday, December 9, 1968

Up about 9:30. Went to work immediately on translating Psalms 1 + 23 from the Hebrew. When I finished this I began working on translating them from the LXX—found that I had mistakenly xeroxed the 22nd Psalm—so could do only the 1st.  Broke for lunch around 1. Shaved. Didn’t go outside at all today—beastly cold out—in the teens! With very strong winds—chill factor about 20° below! In the afternoon, finished Greek work, turned to translating parts of a German article on Paul; this took all afternoon—Bonnie + Debby went down to Patriquin’s for an afternoon of knitting. I stopped studying about 6:15—had supper. I was left with Debby for the evening while Bonnie went to Community Chorus practice. Debby wasn’t so good—fretful. I worked on my Paul paper. Finished about 11:30. Bathed; studied Greek for a short while, off to bed about 1.

Tuesday, December 10, 1968   Karl Barth – DEAD[1]

Up about 8:20. Shaved, breakfast; caught the 9:20 train to Boston. Greek class 11-12—we worked on ps. 1 + 23. Lunch, 12:-12:45, with Mike Miller. After lunch I worked on getting material for my papers. Looked through JBL for article on Jeremiah-Job passages, xeroxed an article on Jeremiah 20:14ff.—began translating it out of the German. Charlie Whitford brought the tent heater for us to use en route to Indiana. Found out at 3 that Dr. Oliver is ill—couldn’t meet, so I caught the 4:10 train home. Tired, dozed on train. Home shortly after 5. Began work on the German article again. Had supper around 6:30. Watched CBS news—Karl Barth died today at 82. 7:30, back to work on the article. Stopped about 10 for coffee, then back to work. Shortly after 11 stopped to bathe, got some concrete ideas on what to write about [for] my “essential values” for the Danforth Foundation. More German briefly; off to bed around 12:30.

Wednesday, December 11, 1968

Up about 8:30. Went right to work preparing my statement for the Danforth Foundation. Had breakfast. The spent the rest of the morning on the statement. I wanted to have it in the mail by 5 p.m., but this proved impossible. By late afternoon I was stalled on the last question. So I turned to translating the German article. I worked on this until supper time, about 6:30. Back to work on German at 7:30. Got a few minutes work in before the Bible Class began to arrive. We worked on Matthew 1-2 tonight. 7 in attendance. Over about 9:15. I went to work briefly on German, and then turned to the Danforth statement again. Finally finished—did take 5 minutes off at 10 pm to see the beginning of Nixon’s TV announcement of his cabinet. Began typing on the Danforth statement finished question one by about 1; off to bed at about 1:20.

Thursday, December 12, 1968

Up at 8. Went right to work typing on Danforth essay. Had breakfast at 9:30. Back to typing; finished around 11. Bonnie took it to the post office. I began work immediately—after shaving—on finishing translating the German article + briefly reviewing some other material for Jeremiah D.S. I didn’t go to Greek class this morning. We had lunch after 12.—then left for Boston around 1. Got there in time for my class at 2. This was over by 2:30. We went to the Paperback Booksmith in Copley Square, stopped to shop on the way to Rockport—bought cloth for Bonnie to make me a sports jacket. We were home about 6. I set up the Xmas tree which Bonnie bought this morning. We had supper, then decorated tree. We went to Mals to get more ornaments. When we got home, took amplifier + whole system to Lords—set it all up; back home, decorated tree, bathed, off to read in bed at 11:30. Lights out about 11:50.

Friday, December 13, 1968

Slept late. Not up until after 9. It was a mild day, so I decided to work out of doors. In the morning I didn’t do much, did a little reading. Helped get breakfast. After the mailman came, I went to the post-office, changed wayside pulpit, went to the building center, bought a caulking gun + two tubes + weather-stripping. Came home, worked on caulking the windows for a while, stopped for lunch, put the weatherstripping on the back door, went back to caulking—up til about 4. Came in had coffee, relaxed. Then we all went down to Bearskin Neck (Debby was on my back) to look for Christmas gifts—no luck. Back home again; fixed supper, watched CBS news; relaxed. I went to work in my study, made several phone calls, began work on my sermon. We took a break for a piece of pie, then more work on sermon; bathed; few more lines on sermon; off to bed at 12:40.

Saturday, December 14, 1968

Up after 9. Breakfast, worked on sermon. Phone calls. Got most of the sermon done by lunch time. Jim Bussey came over to use our garage to work on his car. We had lunch; we invited him to stay but he couldn’t. After lunch, Bonnie began wrapped Xmas gifts. I shaved, Mrs. Roffey left off a gift for us, a Xmas candle. I finished the sermon, began working on the bulletins; had to print on back, so many announcements. About four I went over to see Miss Longley—took communion to her, drove up to Hannibals—nobody home, went to Haskells to make arrangements for next Sunday’s service; home again, finished bulletins; had supper, watched TV, worked on the service; we went down to Patriquins about 9. We gave Drue + Sully their gifts—pictures of them with Debby—they gave us gifts= tie, perfume, toys; I came home about 10:15, work on service, cleaned desk; Bathed; read; lights out about 12:45.

Sunday, December 15, 1968

Up about 9:30. Shaved, breakfast, off to church about 10:40. 46 in church; preached on “Christmas According to St. Luke.” Home about 12:30. Had lunch, relaxed. At 1:30 I had to be at the church to meet John Moulton—a possible organist. He agreed to take the job. Called Jean Crowell, she came to the church to meet John. At 3:00 went to the Den-Mar Nursing home to lead short service, Bonnie went along and several others. Was home by 3:40. A few minutes later Pat Crowell + Gary Holmes arrived to talk about their wedding next Sat. They have revised the service—we sat and talked until after 6. Bonnie and I had supper. At 7:15 she left for Rockport Community Chorus production of the Messiah—I stayed home to work on Greek paper. Stayed with Debby—she slept all the time. I got about 4 pp. written while Bonnie was gone. She returned about 10:30. I worked on—got two more pp. done. Stopped about 12; bathed; sketched sermon ideas for next Sunday; off to bed at 12:55.

[1] Conservative German theologian, known for his huge ponderous tomes. One of my professors once remarked, “No one knows 8000 pages about God, not even in German.”

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David’s Diary – December 2, 1968

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Monday, December 2, 1968

Up shortly after 9. Slow getting started. Got to work in Funk’s book. Stopped when mail arrived. Shaved, went to the post office to mail the film back to New York. Changed WaySide pulpit to announce next Sunday’s hymn sing. Chatted on the street with Ed Nutting for a while. Was home by 1—after going to the grocery store. Ate lunch. Back to working in Funk—very largely for me a dull book—a tedious assignment. Dozed off. Mail delivery of our camping equipment; sleeping bag + pads; tent is on the way. Brief nap. Worked further in Funk—unenthusiastically until about 6. Reviewed what I have to do for Greek tomorrow. Supper, CBS news; back to Funk. Spent the evening on Funk, although I couldn’t work at it to(o) intently. Finally finished reading—ground out the paper. Bathed; typed—finished + off to bed at 1:20.

Tuesday, December 3, 1968

Up about 8; big breakfast; caught 9:20 train to Boston; checked in at Lafayette Radio to ask about the amplifier; went to Greek class 11:15-12:00. Ate lunch alone, Bob Peek didn’t show up. 1-3, attended to various errands, dozed, studied some German. 3:15 – 4, Paul directed study. Assigned to read a German article for next week—had to Xerox this after class was over. Missed 4:55 train; took the 5:15, which, however, didn’t leave Boston until about 6. Didn’t get home until about 7:30!  We had a very quick supper, since the Official Board meeting was at 8:00. Had a good sized crowd, about 12. This was over shortly after 9; I told them of our plans for vacation to Indiana later this month. After meeting, we relaxed, selected pictured to mail to folks; planned to study German, but my heart wasn’t in it; bathed off to bed at about 11:10.

Wednesday, December 4, 1968

Up around 9—or rather awake ISN. Got up, got breakfast. Didn’t get enough accomplished in the morning—some desk work, got letters + pictures ready to go to folks + Mrs. Myers. Read a little in Newsweek when mailman came; package of materials from Danforth Foundation. Did some studying, translating Jer 20:14 ff. Had a late lunch, about 1:30. Was going to Post office, but it was raining very hard; the poor cat was so frustrated because she couldn’t go out. Spent afternoon unenthusiastically working on initial research for Jeremiah paper. Also studied German, especially in late afternoon, in earnest. Ate about 6:00. Left for Gordon about 6:30. Class was switched to tonight instead of Thurs. Bible class cancelled this week. Home from Gordon about 9:15. Snack, wrote letter to Harrell Beck, filed out registration material, bathed, worked on Jeremiah; bathed, cat jumped into tub! Off to bed about 1:00 AM.

Thursday, December 5, 1968

Up about 8:30—shaved, breakfast; took 9:20 train to Boston. Left our old amplifier off at Lafayette’s. Greek class 11:15 – 12. Had lunch with Dr. Brown; we talked main(ly) about—of all things—Jack Benny. 1:15-2:00 worked on Jeremiah material. 2-3 had Jeremiah Directed Study. Saw Charlie; did many errands, including registered for next semester. Mailed letter to Harrell Beck. Xeroxed Psalms 1 + 23 from LXX. [1] Got some necessary books from the library. Left BU around 4:30. Caught 5:15 train; was home by 6:30. Bonnie + Debby met me at the train. Came home, had supper, relaxed, weary, no ambition to do much of anything. After 8:30 we went down to Patriquins to visit; we saw the TV program on Cistene Chapel + Michelangelo. Debby did quite well in showing her ability to roll over. Came home about 11. Bathed; read briefly in New Republic + Newsweek; off to bed about 12:20.

Friday, December 6, 1968

Awake about 9:15—up about 9:45. Had breakfast. One of the main preoccupations of the day was to try to find an organist. Pamela van Twayer (?) had twin boys last night—sooner than expected! Was on the phone several times today with Jean Crowell. Desk work in AM. Bonnie + Debby + I went to Gloucester about 12:20 to do shopping—got some Christmas gifts. Groceries too. Home about 2 or so. I went to the town Hall to ask Mrs. Dolloff (?) if she could play the organ for us; she can’t. Came home, had lunch around 3. Back to my desk, but very weary. Around 4 o’clock Bonnie + I napped—until 6! Had supper about 6:45. 7:30 back to my desk—finally got an organist for Sunday—several calls to + from Jean Crowell. Visited briefly with Barbara + Hazel Lord; Desk work, worked on the sermon. Not very much ambition this evening. Some done on sermon; bathed; off to bed at 1:10 ISN

Saturday, December 7, 1968

Up about 9:30. Breakfast. Worked during the morning on the sermon—just before lunch began on the bulletins. Finished with sermon by 3:00. Went down to Patriquins to get signs for Hymnsing Les had made—headed for Gloucester. Left one sign with Jim Bussey. Went over to Riverdale church, left one there. Went back to the Cape Ann Nursing Home to see Ellie Martin. About 4 o’clock headed home—stopped at grocery store (Stop + Shop) for a half-pint of heavy cream. When I got home, Bonnie + Debby weren’t here. I made a batch of eggnog with the cream I’d bought. Back to the desk—finished typing stencil, ran bulletins off. Bonnie + Debby home. I folded the bulletins, practiced briefly at piano for anthem tomorrow. Back to desk, got it straightened up. Fixed and had supper, played with Debby; back to desk, practiced sermon, worked on Greek paper, tomorrow’s service; bathed off to bed at 12:45.

Sunday, December 8, 1968

Up about 9:20. Shaved, breakfast, ran through the sermon. Off to church early to see the organist—but he was late in arriving. The service went well—even though organist was unfamiliar with our service. Preached on “Xmas According to Matthew”—32 in attendance. Was home by about 12:30. Had lunch, relaxed, played with Debby. Began working on Greek paper—this took my afternoon. A very careful slow translation of Mark 4:1-12—including careful attention to all variations in the textual apparatus. We had supper around 6. I went to the Congregational church to see Jim Tanner; arranged to see him after the Hymnsing. Went to the church. Hymnsing at 7:30. A disappointing crowd. This was over by 8:35. Ask Jim Tanner to stay in the parsonage while we’re in Indiana; he agreed. We went to the Patriquins after the hymnsing. I came home about 9:45—back to work on the Greek paper. After 11, bathed, more work on Greek; off to bed about 12:20.

[1] The Greek Old Testament

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David’s Diary – November 25, 1968

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Monday, November 25, 1968

Up about 10 am. Talked with Lucille Cressy on the phone about advertising for our film next Sunday. Mail came, letter from Smythes in Colorado. Typed up + mimeographed letter to Cape Ann Clergy about the film. Lunch after 12. Typed letter to Mrs. Myers—sent her some more pictures. * dropped pie on floor! At about 2 Homer Orne came over. Bonnie went to WSCS—we left Debby with Hazel Lord. Alan Frederick had the VW, so Homer took me to post office—mailed away more film to be developed. We went to deliver letters to Forrest Clark, saw Ellie Martin at nursing home; saw Walter Raymond at Hosp. Back to church by 3:30. I borrowed film projector from Congregational church. Came home, relaxed. Previewed some of the film before supper. Supper about 6:30. Bonnie spent evening at rehearsal; I previewed more of film; studied some Greek; phone calls. Bathed. Off to read in bed at 10:40.

Tuesday, November 26, 1968

Letter from Home today; mother against idea of camping with Debby outdoors next month. Lights were out last night at 11. But we were up again at 12 because we couldn’t get to sleep. Bonnie knitted and I studied Greek—and she made some pudding. Off to bed at 2 AM. I got up at 6. Bonnie was so out of it that she didn’t even hear the alarm. I got breakfast, fixed a sandwich for lunch. Left to pick up Bussey at 6:40. We got to BU around 8. I wasn’t good for much of anything—did get some books for Jeremiah paper. Greek class, 11:15 – 12.  Headed home—I had eaten lunch before class. Was home before 2. Napped from 2 to 4. Before supper, checked over my old stereo system which I’m selling to Barbara Lord. Visited with Hazel + Barbara. Fixed supper since Bonnie was so tired. Finished previewing Gospel Acc. to St. Matthew. Didn’t have ambition to do much this evening—to weary. Bonnie is in the same condition; baths over by 10. Bonnie feeding Debby—I read in bed, previewed reading for next week; lights out at 10:35.

Wednesday, November 27, 1968

Up around 8:30. A very busy day. Had a big breakfast; shaved; took projector back to Congregational church; changed Wayside pulpit; home again; worked on getting bulletins ready for tonight’s Thanksgiving service. This took much more time than I had anticipated. Lunch was late, not until after 2, but I still didn’t have the bulletins finished. I asked Hazel Lord if I could borrow her flowers for the altar. Went to the church about 4. Had to set out black hymnals, arrange chairs, tack down wire and get light fixed up. Made trip with Homer Orne to get items for lighting. After I got home, finished folding + stuffing the bulletins. Had supper about 6:45. Arrived at church about 7:35. A good service, with cellist, violin, harpsichord—c. 175 in attendance. Home around 9:30 after putting sanctuary back in order. Alan Frederick was here. We visited, played Victor Borge records til after 11; desk work; bathed; off to bed; lights out—12:25.

Thursday, November 28, 1968

THANKSGIVING

Up around 8:30. We had a large breakfast, loaded the car, and headed for Avon. We took the cat along, and, as usual, she was uneasy. We arrived at just 11 o’clock. Emil’s son and family were there. Passed the time with a card game before Dinner. We ate after 12. A huge meal, left me feeling very sleepy. I don’t know where the afternoon went. Napped, dozed—didn’t do a single thing! After 5 we had a small supper, then we showed slides, mainly of Debby. After this was over we headed home. We drove home in the rain, arriving here shortly after 8:30. Called Homer Orne to let him know we’re back in town. We had a snack of pie + coffee. I worked on trying to get a sermon idea, and succeeded—made outline. Fiddled for a while with the tape recorder—might use it on Xmas Sunday. Didn’t get any German done today. Bathed, off to bed; lights out at 12:10.

Friday, November 29, 1968

Up at 8:15; immediately went down to the church and changed the wayside pulpit. Came home, had breakfast. Desk work; worked on German. Stopped when mail man came. Letter from Harrell Beck, with encouraging information. Glanced through Newsweek + Life. More German. Took a break to do the church bulletin for Sunday. Was finished with these around 4. Got back to the Deutsch. Didn’t stop on this until about 6:15. Had supper, watched CBS evening news—interrupted by phone call from Homer Orne. After supper was watching Debby in crib; she turned herself over from back to stomach. This is the first time I had seen it; she was able to get her right arm out from under herself successfully. Becky Bussey came over to visit Bonnie this evening. I finished the Review lesson in the German Book; now ready for chpt. 6. Wrote most of sermon—bathed. Off to bed at 11:40.

Saturday, November 30, 1968

Up at 8:15. Big breakfast. Took Bonnie and Debby over to the Bussey’s. They and Becky went over to the mill in Lowell—also to Whitford’s. I came home and worked. Finished my sermon, then turned to German—but not too enthusiastically. Interrupted by mail man, during my coffee break. Some photos from Mail-away came—more that we’re giving as Xmas presents. I studied for a long time a not-too-legible post card from them asking more money for a recent order. Had my lunch, began reading in Funk’s book, LHWG. Bonnie and Debby arrived home. Bonnie had bought 11 pieces of cloth, most brightly colored, 15 ½ yards. I went to Cape Ann Nursing Home to see Ellie Martin, then up to see Rip Hannibal. Home before 5:30. We went next door, visited with Barbara + Hazel Lord, came home, studied briefly; supper; back to work in Funk—a difficult book. Bathed, worked on service; read Funk for 20 min; off to bed at 12.

Sunday, December 1, 1968

Up around 8:30. Big breakfast; worked on the service, practiced choir numbers. Off to church around 10:35. Preached on “Forgive Us Our Christmases”; 55 in attendance. Home again shortly after 12. Straightened up my desk, had lunch. At 1:30 Pat Crowell and Gary Holmes arrived to talk about their wedding. They stayed until shortly after 3. They want to write their own service—I have given them complete freedom to do what they want to make a memorable service. Back to my study after they left. Busy work, back to work on Funk’s LHWG. Dozed off; Bonnie called me to supper. Got read(y) to go to Berman (?) school for film. Hazel Lord arrived about 6 to babysit for Debby. Alan Frederick arrived too; he went with us. We arrived about 6:30. Bonnie sold tickets, I collected; crowd about 75—we lost money, but film was very good. We were home by 10. Had snack, bathed. Read briefly in Funk. Off to bed at 11:30.

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David’s Diary – November 18, 1968

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Monday, November 18, 1968

Up about 10. Went right to work on II Cor.; read it and most of Kümmel’s commentary by noon. Stopped for lunch, watched noon news, shaved. Finished Kümmel on I Cor. Went to post office, mailed letters to Mrs. Myers, Folks, Paul + Marty. Went to Gloucester Daily Times office—they gave me the negatives from the pictures they took of me. Went on to the hospital; saw Karen Haskell, she agreed to sing on Sunday before Christmas. Called on Gazella Dodd at her home. Came on home package for Debby arrived from Mark + Shirley, Lee + Mary Lou Weber. I got back to studying—Romans. Bonnie went over [to] the Ornes, to borrow a pattern. Debby woke up, she sat contentedly while I read. Earlier this afternoon—before I made my calls—she rolled over by herself for the 1st time. I was scared because I thought Bonnie was trying to tell me that she’d rolled off something. Worked in Romans; supper after 6; CBS news; repaired wallpaper in kitchen (water damage from recent rain); Bonnie left for choir practice; Mrs. Myers called from Indiana; worked on Romans, Phillipians, Colosians; WORKED ON GREEK (LK1) off to bed at 1:45.

Tuesday, November 19, 1968

Up at 8:30—felt ghastly from staying up so late. Caught 9:20 train to Boston, dozed on the way. 11:15 – 12:00 Greek class. Lunch with Bob Peek—we hadn’t gotten together since the election. Very tired after lunch, hard to study, but did get a little done. Directed Study in Paul, 3:15 to 4. Mike Miller offered me a ride to North station; train home, read Playboy on the way. Home shortly after 6. Supper, shaved (used only the electric this AM), Office Board arrived at 8. Only 5 attended beside Bonnie  + myself. Over by 9. Made sign for Gospel Acc. to St. Matt. film, wrote + mimeographed the pastoral Thanksgiving letter. Our slides came today of New Hamp. trip + more of Debby. Most of them very good. Bathed around 11:30. Had to sign all the Thanksgiving newsletters—I forgot to sign the stencil! Debby was doing quite well at sitting alone this evening—not for very long. Off to bed at 12:10.

Wednesday, November 20, 1968

Up around 10. Desk work; Bonnie did the folding of the Thanksgiving newsletter. Worked in Bright’s Jeremiah, straightened up my desk somewhat, called Whittemores to order Bulletins for the Joint Thanksgiving Service. We had a late lunch. Worked more in Bright; Bonnie + I made selections of slides to be enlarged as color prints for Christmas gifts. She went off on errands with Debby—delivered newsletter to Mrs. Cooney, took sign + tickets for Dane [Dave?] to sell. More work in Bright. Also worked on Directed Study material (Jeremiah) for tomorrow. Called Ethel Leary—her birthday (72nd). Called to supper about 6:30. Watched CBS news. 7:30 began work on Greek for tomorrow. continued until Bible Class started arriving. 7 in attendance this evening; did chpters 31, 32, 33, 34. Over by 9:15. Had cup of coffee, back to Greek. Bathed, continued to work on Greek (Luke chapter 1, and chp. 10:25ff. ISN about mid-night. Not really prepared for tomorrow; will be glad when this semester is over—the load is too heavy; off to bed at 12:45.

Thursday, November 21, 1968

Up about 8:35. Phone call from Lucille Cressy wanting details on Gospel According to St. Matthew for newspapers. Caught 9:20 train to Boston. 11:15 – 12. Greek class. Lunch with Bob Peek; 1 – 2, tried to find copies of Funk’s Language, Hermeneutics + Word of God for Paul directed study—some reviewing for D.S. in Jeremiah. Dr. Richardson half-hour later; had a long chat with Snag Ho Lee. Had short meeting with Dr. Richardson. Discussed my term paper topic—will compare Jeremiah 20 with Job 3. 3 o’clock, caught ride home with Jim Bussey. We helped his neighbor on rt. 128 with flat tire; didn’t get home until about 5. Had supper, studied some German. Off to class about 6:30. Home shortly after 10. Went down to Patriquins, where Bonnie + Debby had spent the evening. We come home about 11. Took bathes. ISN; Bonnie fed Debby. I glanced through German NT which I got tonight; off to bed at 12:55.

Friday, November 22, 1968

5th anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination

A wasted day. Up before 8. had to go to a meeting of the Rockport Clergy for planning the Thanksgiving Union Service next Wed. Was home by 9:30. Put the crib together that we’ve borrowed. Took our crib downstairs and adjusted it into a playpin. Not feeling at all ambitious today. Had lunch around 12. Had some of Jay Patriquin’s clam chowder and I ate too much of it—my stomach was mildly upset. Tried to nap after lunch; about 2 we all went over to Alan Frederick’s apartment. Listened to records, visited. Came home around 4. Again tried to nap briefly. Felt like doing something out of the ordinary tonight, but really too tired. We had supper around 6:30—and then spent the whole evening—until 1:30!—working on a picture puzzle (instead of going to a movie.) Bathed, off to bed around 1:40…..a whole batch of photos came back today. Bonnie’s efforts with B+W 35 mm proved fruitful.

Saturday, November 23, 1968

Got right up when the alarm went off at 7:50. Felt lousy. Ray Lee was supposed to arrive to look at the car. After I dressed, I dozed on the bed downstairs. 8:45 I got a cup of coffee. Roy finally arrived, diagnosed the car’s problems. I continued to work on the puzzle. So did Bonnie + Roy joined us. This was another day of little accomplishment. We had an early lunch. I shaved, changed wayside pulpit, mailed negative (for my portrait) to Mail-away. Visited Ethel Leary and Grace Harris (+Louise Rich). Worked on sermon outline. Finished puzzle. We (Bonnie + Debby + I) went over to Roy’s house to visit—and get the Playboy magazine he’s giving me. We came home around 5. I took a nap. Got up for supper. Relaxed. Worked on sermon. During a break we sorted photos to be sent to my folks, Bonnie’s folks + Mrs. Myers. About midnight ran off the bulletin; worked more on sermon. Finished about 12:45. Bathed; off to bed at 1:50.

Sunday, November 24, 1968

Up around 8:45. Again—felt lousy. Worked on the order of service, practiced the sermon. Off to church about 10:35. Nice crowd: 48.  Preached on “The Eye of the Needle.” Challenged the idea that American abundance is a gift from God. Home about 12:45. Visited with Hazel + Barbara Lord who were cleaning out their car—a mild day for this time of year. Had lunch, but was extremely tired. Went to nap after lunch. Put in my ear-plugs and was out for the afternoon. Up again about 5. Had supper. Went to St. Mary’s church to see Jim Tanner about preaching for me in December. Must check with Ed Nutting. Home again, relaxed before going to Methodist Men. After this was over, went to Alan Frederick’s apartment. We are lending him the VW tomorrow. We talked about the sermon + religious questions.  Home after 10. Phoned RSY to wish him happy birthday. Bathed; fed Debby; off to bed for ISN at 12:10.

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David’s Diary – November 11, 1968

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Monday, November 11, 1968

Up about 10. Began working immediately in Kömmel’s Introduction to the NT, the section on Paul, for tomorrow’s directed study. Worked on this until about 11:30. Put lunch in oven, shaved. Phone call from Charlie Whitford; he + family planned to come to Rockport in the afternoon. We had lunch. At 12:30 went back to studying. 1:15 we left for Gloucester—meeting at the Wesley Church parsonage. This was over about 2:30. We came back home, I got back to studying until the Whitfords arrived. They didn’t leave until almost 10. We visited, played records, had supper together. It was a good time, but I am ruined as far as study is concerned. Back to the books at 10:00. Studied Greek. Worked on Mark 16; Matt. 26. Bathed. Worked on Greek, packed briefcase, off to bed at 12:45. Not at all prepared for Paul D.S. due to Whitford visit. So much work to do everywhere.

Tuesday, November 12, 1968

Up at 8:30. Breakfast, caught 9:20 train to Boston. A terrible day weatherwise—very high wind, rain. Greek class 11:15 – 12:00. Lunch with Dr. Rowlingson, Hobart Farrell, Les Strong. Read newspaper + magazines for a while; worked on German. 2:45 had coffee with Bob Rogers; he + his wife had spend a year in England + he was able to offer ideas + information. 3:10 I was off to Paul DS., but I met Oliver in the hall and he said that he couldn’t meet today—and I wasn’t prepared! So I was able to catch the 4:10 train home. Arrived around 5:30. We called off the official Board meeting because of the weather. Had supper, watched CBS news. Worked on Quiet Corner. Took pictures of Debby. Around 9 we went down to Patriquins. Home around 10. Back to work on the Quiet Corner. Hair cut; bathed. Bonnie and I looked over pictures deciding which to give as Xmas presents. Off to read in bed at 12:40.

Wednesday, November 13, 1968

Up about 10. Worked on finishing the Quiet Corner. Finished about noon. Watched noon news, ate lunch, shaved. Mrs. Cooney dropped off the mailing list here at the house. I went through it to make notes for Dick Gray. Bonnie went to the bank. About 2, I left for Gloucester. Took the Quiet Corner to the Times office, had my picture taken. Went to the hospital, saw Karen Haskell and Gazella Dodd. On my way home left the membership list at Wesley Church with Dick Gray. Stopped at grocery store, came on home. Had cup of coffee, back to work at my desk. Studied in Bright’s Jeremiah for the Bible study. Worked til about 6:20. Stopped for supper, watched CBS news. Back to work in Jeremiah at 7:35. Worked until Bible class began arriving. 6 in attendance. Did chapters 27 – 30. Over at 9:30. We had coffee + snack. About 10, back to work in Jeremiah. Bathed about 11. Back to work; read in Bright and in Leslie. Off to bed at 1:15.

Thursday, November 14, 1968

Up at 8:30. Caught the 9:20 train to Boston. Greek class, 11:15 – 12. Had lunch with Dr. Richardson. He forgot to tell me that he couldn’t meet with me today for our directed study. So neither of my directed studies met this week. I was able to catch the 1:45 train home. Studied a little German on the train. Was home at 3 o’clock. Bonnie was out with Debby grocery shopping. I worked on German after a coffee break until about 6, then had supper. Left for Gordon early so that I could go to their book store—but it was closed. Class from 7 to 9. Was back home by 9:45. Worked on making the tickets for the showing of the film, “The Gospel According to Saint Matthew,” Dec. 1.  11 o’clock had cup of coffee + watched news. – soon after I got home this evening we called Paul + Marty (his birthday was yesterday). We talked about 12 minutes. After 12, bathed. Looked over work ahead in next few days; off to bed at 1:15.

Friday, November 15, 1968

Up about 10. Began studying for the Paul directed study. Read I + II Thessalonians, with Kümmells Introduction.  Stopped to examine the mail. Material from the Danforth Foundation to apply for Kent Fellowship. Glanced through Newsweek. 12 had lunch, watched the news. After lunch, back to Thessalonians. About 2, mailed letter to Harrell Beck with Kent Fellowship endorsement form. Went to Gloucester to get heavy paper. Visited Mrs. Martin at the Cape Ann Nursing Home. Came home; mimeographed the tickets for the Gospel According to St. Matt. Film. Got back to work on Paul—reading in Galatians. Finished Galatians, stopped for supper after 6. Watched CBS news, etc. Watched TV—Jacques Cousteau program on whales. Cut the mimeographed tickets while watching. Back to my study about 8:30. Great difficulty giving birth to a sermon idea; took all evening. Studied some German. Bathed at midnight. German briefly; off to bed at 12:45.

Saturday, November 16, 1968

Debby doing pretty well sitting up today – Debby 3 months old

Up around 9:45. Worked on the sermon. A letter came from mother. No reaction to our announcement of moving to Europe—we expected her to insist that we come to Indiana for Christmas—which we plan to do anyway. About 11 went to the church: WSCS Fair. Visited + chatted, came back home, worked more on sermon, back to the church with Bonnie + Debby for lunch. Went to see Virginia Bate—sick in bed. On home to work again on sermon. This took the afternoon—along with doing the bulletin. At 6:10 we left Debby with Barbara + Hazel Lord. We went to the CAMP loyalty Dinner at Wesley. A rewarding evening. Milton Smith played and sang, Richard Harding delivered address. We went to Busseys for a few minutes after it was over. Home again before 11. Watched news, had snack. Bonnie borrowed a book on campsites from Busseys. She found a place for us to stay on the way to Indiana. Worked on service; desk work bathed; off to bed at 1:15.

Sunday, November 17, 1968

Up around 9:20—Home Orne’s phone call finally got me out of bed. Practiced my sermon, shaved, dressed, off to church. More than 30 in attendance. Year ago was my first Sunday at the Rockport church—62 attended! Today I preached on loneliness: “Lonely in the Crowd.” Again, I borrowed heavily, this time from a book by Alan Walker. Home about 12:30. Had lunch, desk work, Alan Frederick called. He’s had an auto accident + was bruised up, but not too seriously. We are loaning him the VW on Tuesday. Meeting at 3 here at parsonage; Joint Youth Steering Committee. This lasted too long. Not out until 5. Had supper, the Lords visited with us as we ate. After supper wrote letters, to Mrs. Myers, Folks, Paul + Marty (sent them Quiet Corner). We took Debby’s hand + foot prints. We put them in the baby book, also on Mrs. Myers letter. Didn’t get to studies until about 10:30. Read I Corinthians, bathed TOGETHER; read in Kümmel on I Corinthians; off to bed about 1:30.

Deborah’s hand and footprints from the baby book

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David’s Diary – November 4, 1968

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Monday, November 4, 1968

Up about 9:30; small breakfast; read in Bultmann until noon. Didn’t spend too much time with the mail. Fixed lunch at 12. Watched news—got lunch for Bonnie, she’s still in bed. Back to reading Bultmann. Took nap in the afternoon, but read until 6:30. My thoughts wander to the election—it’s hard to study. Most signs still point to a Nixon victory—by a narrow margin, but CBS news tonight carried the Harris poll showing HHH 3 pts ahead of Nixon—and indicated that California might not be so solidly for Nixon. 7:30, back to studying—Bultmann. 9:30 took coffee break, watched final campaign programs, Nixon + HHH—both shows were well done, impressive. It will be a close election—might be thrown into the House. Was back to work by 10. Read until 11; did some writing on the paper; listened to 11 o’clock news, bathed; back to writing—then did typing; off to bed at 2 AM.

Tuesday, November 5, 1968

Up at 8:30; took train to Boston. Greek class 11:00 – 12:00. Lunch with Bob Peek. My main preoccupation today at school was to find out what I could [do] about the possibility of study in England next year. As far as I can tell, everything can be arranged—so we shall start planning to move in June. Talked with Rowlingson, Schilling, Richardson, Jones—no objection whatever to my proposal. Had directed study in Paul, 3:00 to 4:00. Caught 4:55 train home. Arrived home about 6 o’clock. Bonnie was nursing Debby in the living room—watching the beginning of the election coverage. I told her we could start packing. We had supper—in the evening we took TV upstairs to bedroom to watch election returns. All evening observed a very close Nixon-HHH race. I write this at 1:40, and the presidential race is still very much undecided. At 2:30, it looks like Nixon might pull through; off to bed at 5 AM—Nixon is probably the next president. If he loses California, The House must decide.

Wednesday, November 6, 1968

Woke up at 10 AM. Rushed downstairs to see the outcome of the election. Bonnie was already up. Nixon has been given California while I was asleep, but Illinois was still in doubt. But around 11 o’clock, CBS declared Nixon the winner in Illinois. I phoned Rip Hannibal + Virginia Bate. Called Home Orne; I needed a check for postage. Shaved, went + picked the check up. Just at noon I got home in time to see HHH conceding; ate lunch; at 12:30 Nixon had short victory speech. I went to post office—also bought envelopes. Got the mailing ready, took it to Mrs. Cooney. We took Debby to her doctor’s appointment 2:30. Dr. was on emergency. I came home to get Bright’s Jeremiah; had cup of coffee because I was so weary. Went back to dr.’s office. At 4 we went to Grants to have our picture taken. Home shortly after 5. Worked more in Bright, got supper. 7:30 Virginia Bate + Ann Jewell arrived, 8:00—Bible class til shortly after 9. Relaxed, bathed; 10:15 – 11, watched CBS summary of the election; off to bed ISN, light out 11:30.

Thursday, November 7, 1968

Slept til 10:30—still recovering from my loss of sleep Tuesday night—Wed. morning. Desk work til noon. Had lunch, watched news. We got a letter from a woman in Maine; we had met her + her husband—a minister—on our New Hampshire trip with the Peeks. We met them at the lodge at [?] Notch at the foot of Mt. Washington. After lunch worked on German.—actually didn’t have lunch at noon. At about 11:30, I decided to have Alan Frederick over for lunch; couldn’t get him by phone (information didn’t have his number) I walked to his apartment; he wasn’t there, but I found him on the street; he came up for lunch about 12:30. He went home about 1:45.—then I got to the German. Wrote a letter home with news about moving to England. Went to the Post Office; late in afternoon really buckled down to German. Supper about 6; 7 – 10 German class. Home by 10. Talked on phone with Bussey. Watched news; desk work; bathed; looked at camping equipment in catalogue—off to bed for ISN at 1:15.

Friday, November 8, 1968

Up about 10:15. Spent what was left of the morning at my desk, straightening up. Had lunch at noon, watched the news. Wrote letters in the afternoon, to Harrell Beck, to Kent Fellowship Program, sent for camping equipment catalogue. About 2 we set out on errands—had to push the car down the hill to get it started. Bonnie left me off at Hannibals with Debby, she went grocery shopping. 3:30 she came back, we went home, had cup of coffee, went out to the end of Bearskin neck to watch the water—its been a windy day. Came home, I wrote to Paul + Marty about our move to England next year. Tried to get sermon idea. Supper between 6:30 – 7:30. Watched CBS news. Back to working on a sermon idea. Finally decided to use one of T. P Ferris’ sermons. I’m too tired to write one myself. Ordered camping equipment; worked on sermon; bathed; looked over work to be done in German, Paul DS, Jeremiah DS; off to bed at 12.

Saturday, November 9, 1968

Up about 10:15. Desk work, worked on sermon, read in Newsweek about the election after the mail man had arrived. Went to the church to change the way-side pulpit. Wrote letter to Jerry + Pam Harris in Boston. Lunch shortly after noon; watched noon news. Shaved. 1:00 – 2:00 worked more on sermon. Debby sneezed a mouthful of beets all over Bonnie. At two o’clock headed for Addison Gilbert Hospital. Saw Gazella Dodd. Went to Cape Ann Nursing Home to see Ellie Martin, then to Daisy Jodrey’s home to see her. Home by 4. Jim Bussey was here to get the big piece of furniture in our garage. I helped him put it on his car. Then studied until 5:30. Bottle fed Debby—her first time. More work on sermon til 6. Helped with turkey supper. At about 6:30 the Bussey’s arrived for supper with us. They left about 8:15. Back to work on the sermon. Watched movie on TV (To Kill a Mockingbird) off + on with Bonnie; finished preparing the service. Bathed at 11:30. Snack, a few minutes with German. Off to bed at 12:50.

Sunday, November 10, 1968

Up about 9:30. went through sermon, shaved, dressed—off to church about 10:40. A wet day—raining heavily + steadily. Only 24 in church. Preached on “At the End of Your Rope.” Home by 12:30. Had lunch, left-overs from yesterday’s turkey. Began work on German, had to fight to keep awake, but succeeded. Took one break to go out to the end of Bearskin Neck again. High wind + rain, a spectacular view of the sea. Came home, ISN. Studied further. 6:20 went down to St. Mary’s Church to talk with Karen Haskell, but she wasn’t at the meeting; she’s ill. Came home, we had supper late, around 7:30. Back to German, worked on it all evening; Das Rheingold on radio. After 11, turned on news, played with Debby. She laughed for the first time. In the past we’ve had big smiles and pleasant noises—but tonight a full-fledged laugh! Worked on “Quiet Corner.” Bathed; worked on QC some more. I am making it quite a strong statement; off to read in bed at 1 A.M.

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David’s Diary – October 28, 1968

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Monday, October 28, 1968

Up about 9:30—called out of bed by the phone, Jim Bussey. Went to work immediately on 1st Corinthians. Worked until bout 11:30. No mail at all today. Had lunch, watched noon news for a few minutes, then back to work. Bonnie went shopping. When she got back I helped unload the groceries. We left Debby with Hazel Lord. Bonnie had doctor’s appointment and I had to make three calls in the hospital. We were home about 4 o’clock. Alan Frederick came by for tea and we told him of our hopes of moving to England next June; he was enthusiastic about the whole idea. He left after 5, and I returned to working on Corinthians. Stopped for supper at 6:20. watched CBS news; their pre-election analysis, HHH, 3 states + DC; Nixon 28 states, Wallace 5 or 6 states; back to work at 7:30. Bonnie went to community chorus practice; Debby slept; I worked on Corinthians assignment all evening. Bathed around 10. Wrote + typed paper. Off to bed at 12:40.

Tuesday, October 29, 1968

Up at 8:30. Caught 9:20 train to Boston; worked on Greek on the train. Got tuition refund check: $237. Greek class 11:15-12:10. Had lunch with Bob Peek and Tod Hitchings. Gary Holmes came over to the table and indicated he + Pat wanted to get together for talking about wedding plans. Chatter briefly with Hobart Farrell and Larry Carter; Larry now feels that Nixon will be elected. After lunch, studied German a little, tried to find Cambridge U. catalogue at the library, called passport office, saw Charlie Whitford. Had Paul directed study 3:15 to 4. Caught 4:55 train from North Station. Home shortly after 6. Relaxed, watched  CBS news: Nevada bookmakers give 5-1 odds on Nixon. Had a letter from David Watson. 7:30 began desk work; made phone calls. Read first seven chapters of Deuteronomy, then turned to German. Also—before beginning study read 10 pp. in book on pre-marital counseling. 10:50, stopped to bathe. Worked further on German, Read chpts 8-15 in Deuteronomy. Off to bed at 12:15.

Wednesday, October 30, 1968

Up about 9:20; no breakfast; began right away reading in Deuteronomy. Continued with this until the mail came after 11 o’clock; Newsweek magazine arrived—thinks Nixon will win. Had lunch around 11:30. Watched first part of 12 o’clock news. Back to work, finished reading Deuteronomy. The began reading von Raab, Studies in Deuteronomy. In the middle of the afternoon, switched to reading in Bright’s Jeremiah in preparation for Bible class. Finished around 4:30. Relaxed for a short while, looked at newspaper. Looks like Nixon can carry Illinois and Texas. Studied Greek until after 6, translated Mark 3-4. Supper, watched CBS News—a bombing pause or halt seems very near—maybe HHH will get the boost he needs. Bible class arrived at 8 o’clock; had 8 in attendance. Did chapters 17 –22. 9:30 – 11, studied in Jeremiah, mainly on chpt. 13 and the meaning of תרפ. Bath at 11:00; by 11:30, back to work on Jeremiah; read some more in von Raab’s book on Deuteronomy—packed brief case. Off to bed at 12:30.

Thursday, October 31, 1968

Up about 8:30; breakfast; caught 9:20 train to Boston. Studied German on the train. 11:15-11:50—Greek class. Lunch, sat with Larry Carter + Hobart Farrell. Studied German after lunch. 2:00 – 3:00 Directed Study in Jeremiah. Caught 4:10 train home. Home by 5:30—supper, watched 6:00 news, had to leave for German class at 6:30, picked up mailing material from Riverdale church on the way to Gordon—class from 7:00 – 9:00—home by 9:30. President Johnson has halted the bombing of North Vietnam. Talks to begin next week. Saw Nixon on an hour program, 9:30 – 10:30. How much will HHH be helped by the bombing pause. This close to the election it may appear as a political maneuver. Nixon seems to be slipping—but can HHH overcome by Tuesday. Relaxed 10:30 11:00. Bathed, listened to news. Studied some in preparation for Sunday sermon; made list of things to do this weekend. Off to bed at 12:30.

Friday, November 1, 1968

Up around 9:30. Began working at my desk. Made up an order to go to Whittemores; did various phoning; mail came—letter from Harrell Beck. He approves of my studying in England next year, but indicates that there’s a lot of red tape + academic confusion involved. Ate lunch, shaved. Bonnie and I went down to the bank (took Debby along) to see a notary public to cast our votes. I voted for Hubert Humphrey. Took Homer Ornes ladder back to him; mailed ballots changed wayside pulpit; went over to Gloucester. Left notices for CAMP newsletter at Wesley Church, went to the hospital to see Dodd, Martin + Jodrey. Left hospital at 3:50. Went to jeweler to get my watchband fixed; stopped to  buy baby food. Read paper when I got home, napped briefly. Worked on German til 6; fixed supper (Bonnie has a bad cold), watched CBS news; 7:30 back to the desk; wrote to Harrell Beck, typed pastoral letter; studied German; typed bulletin; mimeographed. Bathed; off to bed at 12:30. Mother’s birthday; called her this evening.

Saturday, November 2, 1968

Up about 10. Began work immediately on my sermon. Chatted with mail man, read newspaper; Bussey wrote “The Quiet Corner” for this week—a good piece; called him to complement him. Didn’t bother to read I.F. Stone Weekly when it came in the mail, too busy trying to get sermon written. Lunch about noon. Worked more on sermon, shaved, called Rip Hannibal to tell him I wouldn’t be up today. 1:45 we left for Newton to see Kent Millard (Beck recommended in his letter that I talk to Kent, who studied at Cambridge). Kent gave me a lot of good information—and I am more confident that my hopes for study at Cambridge can be worked out. From Newton we went to Avon. Arrived shortly after 5:00. Visited, [1] had supper, watched TV, worked on my sermon, finally finished it; we left shortly after 10. Heavy fog—slow coming home, arrived about 12 midnight; practiced the choir piece for tomorrow. Bathed. Off to bed at 1AM—rather 1:20—read I. F. Stone.

Sunday, November 3, 1968

Up around 8:45—worked on the service, practiced the sermon; off to the church at about 10:35. 31+ in attendance; preached on the book of Deuteronomy: “Claimed by God.” Went to Allan Frederick’s apartment after church to brief him on what I’ve found out about Cambridge. Came home—Bonnie still in bed—bad cold. Went to the store for milk, etc., got lunch for Bonnie, had my own lunch. Changed clothes. At 2:30 Roger Smith + others picked me up to go to a meeting in Hamilton about the new church structure. Home about 5:45. Heard on the news that one opinion poll now puts HHH slightly ahead of Nixon; relaxed; fixed supper, ate. 7:15 began nap—didn’t wake up until 8:45. Began reading in Bultman’s Theology of the NT, read until 10 o’clock; 10 til 11, watched CBS news election special: they give Nixon 26 states, HHH 10 + D.C.; Wallace about 5. 11 o’clock, back to reading Bultmann. Bathed, back to Bultmann. Off to bed about 1 AM.

[1] With Bonnie’s  grandmother and her second husband, Emil.

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David’s Diary – October 21, 1968

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Monday, October 21, 1968

Up around 9:30—got a cup of coffee, got right to my reading of Whiteley’s The Theology of St. Paul. Read in this until the mail came after 11—after reading article in the New Republic, back to Whiteley’s book until about noon. Stopped to have lunch and watch the news. Shaved, back to Whiteley’s book at 1:00. Sleepy; napped from 1-2. 2-3 read more in Whiteley’s book. 3-4 went over to the hospital (stopped at Clark’s office on the way to get absentee ballot application for Gazella Dodd). Saw Mrs. Dodd briefly and visited with Mrs. Ellie Martin; she had broken ankle. Home shortly after 4. Decided to work on German—review for possible test Thursday evening. Worked on German until almost 6:30—with one short break at the piano to practice the anthem for Sunday. Supper at 6:30—watched CBS news—their poll: Nixon, 28 states, HHH, 3 states + DC, Wallace 6 states. More German after supper—then back to Whiteley; Virginia Bate[1] called—she’s back in town. Bonnie went to rehearsal, community chorus. Debby + I alone. Worked on Whiteley, wrote paper—finished typing about 12. Bathed; packed briefcase; off to bed after 1 AM.

Tuesday, October 22, 1968

A tiring day—not enough sleep last night; up at 8:30, breakfast, 9:20 train to Boston—studied Greek on train; Greek class 11:15 – 12:00. Had lunch with Nancy + Bob Peek + Larry Carter. Carter thinks HHH will win—Bob agrees with me that this is not likely. 1-3 o’clock—studied some on Jeremiah, but very weary—not too much accomplished. 3-4 directed study on Paul. 4:20—off to North Station—4:55 train to Rockport; 5:20 train stopped because Beverly Bridge wouldn’t go down. At about 6, decision was made to take us back to Salem—then we were bussed to our destinations. I got home at 7:30—terrific headache. Phone call from Jean Crowell—general approval of my singing in the choir from regular attendees she talked to. Supper—relaxed; 9:00 – 10:15—we were over to Patriquins—mainly to practice the anthem for Sunday; home, bathed by 11:30. Did some German exercises, but I am too tired to benefit much from them—I would have accomplished more on German this evening if the train hadn’t wrecked my schedule; off to bed around midnight.

Wednesday, October 23, 1968

Slept late—up around 10. Got glass of orange juice, went right to studying. Worked on German. Didn’t get as much done today as I had hoped—although I didn’t waste time. Lunch, shaved, while listening to news. Worked on Jeremiah D.S.; reading Sheldon Blank’s book Jeremiah: Man + Prophet up to around p. 65. Then began working in Bright’s Jeremiah for Bible study tonight. Had quiet afternoon. Bonnie + Debby went shopping after one or one-thirty—not back until around 5. After reading in Bright’s book, I began analyzing words in Jeremiah 7:1-15, to see if they occurred general in Old Testament, or were peculiar to Jeremiah + Deuteronomy. Had supper at 6:30—watched CBS news. Worked some more before Bible class arrived. Had 9 in attendance. Did 11:18 – 16:21. Right to work on word analysis as soon as the class was over at 9:30. Had to organize thoughts on Hyatt + Skinners treatment of 7:1-15. Bathed, packed briefcase. Off to read in bed at 12:10.

Thursday, October 24, 1968

Up about 8:40; Breakfast; took 9:20 train to Boston; Greek class 11:15 – 12:00; noon, had lunch with Bob Peek, Larry Carter + Don Richard; made Xerox copies of pages from Vincent Taylor’s book on Mark; last minute preparations for D.S. on Jeremiah—saw Charlie briefly before and after this class. It was rewarding today—not that it isn’t usually rewarding, but it seemed more so today—our concern largely was in comparing the temple sermon on 7:1-25 with parallel version on 26:4-6; caught 4:10 train home—worked on German, in which I am far behind. Home before 5:30; letter from Dr. Beck. Had supper, relaxed, then off to class at Gordon. We had a test. I am sure my grade would have been poor if I were taking the course for credit. Home shortly after 9. Bonnie + I decided to see about moving to England next June for studying; wrote to Beck for his advice; wrote to Kenneth Klaristenfeld; bathed, off to read in bed at midnight. ISN, lights out at 1 AM.

Friday, October 25, 1968

Up around 9—no breakfast. Began working on my sermon. Bonnie slept, I took Debby downstairs with me. Worked on the sermon on the dining table. Took time to look at the mail when it came—did not push myself working this AM. Lunch about 12:30, watched noon news. After lunch, shaved, went to Post Office with the letter to Harrell Beck, picked up vote application for Ellie Martin, changed wayside pulpit. Came back home, finished sermon shortly after 3:00. Went to make calls at hospital: Ellie Martin + Gazella Dodd. Found Mrs. Jodrey there too. Went directly from hospital to Rip Hannibals. Was home again shortly after five. Two phone calls to Homer Orne + Forrest Clark. Helped Bonnie with supper. Peeks arrived before 6; we had supper, watched CBS news. Bonnie fed Debby, I did the bulletins, then we spent the evening looking at Peek’s slides of Europe. Had pie + drinks at 11 – 11:30; more slides—finished shortly after 12; prepare for bed—off to bed at 1 AM.

Saturday, October 26, 1968

Up a little after 8; shaved, small breakfast; shortly after 9 we were off with the Peeks to New Hampshire. Our main destination was Franconia Notch and the “Flume.” This was Debby’s first extended trip, and she was wonderful. We put her in the back carrier—on my back—while hiking—and she seemed to enjoy it. We walked a couple or three miles through the Flume, had lunch in the car near “old man in the mountain”—drove around through the mountains. We wanted to go up Mt. Washington, but the weather was too bad: 19°, 90 MPH winds, 8 ft. drifts. We stopped at the ski headquarters where Peeks often go. We started home shortly after 4. Made it home in record time probably; Bob drives very fast (we were home shortly after 7:30); at one point he was going 105 MPH! Had supper with Peeks here at home—they left about 8:45. We relaxed. I prepared the service for tomorrow, having already done the sermon + bulletins; watched 11 o’clock news—bathed—off to bed at 12—we have set clocks back—1 extra hour of sleep!

Sunday, October 27, 1968

Slept late; ISN, up around 9:30. Shaved, ate light breakfast. Reformation Sunday, preached on “Luther’s Discovery.” Sang in choir, Alice Marr didn’t stay for practice; perhaps she’s dropping out. Bonnie sang in the choir—Vicky Gamage  + Carol Gahn [?] took Debby out in the buggy. Home by 12:30. Had lunch, napped most of the afternoon! Still somewhat fatigued from yesterday. Called Alan Frederick after church to invite him up for tea; he had other plans, will come up tomorrow after 4:00; got up from the nap after 4:30, went to work trying to restore order to my desk. Had supper around 6:30; went over to Loyd Starrett’s to deliver materials on films + programs for youth program. Went to Wesley Church in Gloucester for Methodist Men program; told Jim Bussey of our possible move to Europe. Home again around 10; desk work; watched news at 11; 11:30 – 12 saw Nixon interviewed; bathed; off to read in the bed at 1 AM.

Painting by Rutledge Bate (1891-1964) of Rockport, Massachusetts (Image from the MutualArt website)

[1] One of the truly remarkable spirits in Rockport. Widow of an accomplished artist, intellectual, anti-war activist.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/04/30/davids-diary-october-21-1968/