January 1932

Jan. 1 – – Saw New Years in with Whitmires & Potschners at Gertrude’s. Slept at Whitmires. Gertrude’s Family Stew for dinner and supper. In evening Mr. Whitmire, Gertrude, Fred, Harold & I went over to K & M’s. Arrived back at Whitmire’s at 10:30. Talked ’til 12:30.

Jan. 2 – – Breakfast at 10 – Dinner at 12 – Ran down to Gertrude’s for farewell – Left for home at 1:30 – arrived 6 o’clock.  Kids fine. Had lunch then to store & library and read in bed ’til 2. 

Sunday Jan. 3 – – Didn’t get up ’til 10:45. Took kids to church at 2:30. Dinner 4:30. Welkers came over in eve. Made fudge and played bridge. Read ’til 12:30.

Jan. 4 – – Ripped up quilt in a.m.  Mrs. Welker over in afternoon.  In eve saw Eddie Cantor in ‘Whoopie’ & George O’Brien, Sally Eihlers, Jack Kirkwood in ‘Holy Terror’.  Both Splendid.

Jan. 5 – – Rained all day.  Went to town in afternoon.

Jan. 6 – – Worked on quilt all a.m.  Mrs. Welker over in afternoon. Washed in eve.

Jan. 7 – – Worked on quilt again – finished top today.  Harold & I saw Joan Crawford & Clark Gable in ‘Possessed’.  Fair.

Jan. 8 – – Took down Christmas tree with Jimmy & Billy’s help. Cleaned downstairs.   Mrs. Welker over in afternoon.  Spent afternoon discussing quilts. Ironed in eve.

Jan. 9 – – To town shopping in a.m.  Met Harold at 1 o’clock and came home for lunch.  To library in eve.  To bed to read.  Snowed most of day.

Sunday Jan. 10 – – Miserable lonesome day.  Harold & I hardly on speaking terms.

Jan. 11 – – Started another quilt. Mrs. Welker over in afternoon. Hurt my foot in eve and Harold had to carry me up stairs.  Nearly knocked me out.

Jan. 12 – – Spent terrible night.  Had to keep Betty home today. Couldn’t put my foot to floor.  Sewed on quilt most of day.  Rained most of day.

Jan. 13 – – Washed most of day.  Like an April day – hung clothes out of doors.  Foot better.  Worked on quilt in eve.  I sure have the quilt fever.

Jan. 14 – – Very, very warm.  Like summer.

Jan. 15 – – Letter from Will (what a relief).  Poor fellow nothing but sorrow in his life.

Jan. 16 – – To town in a.m.  Met Harold and went to show in afternoon.  Douglas Fairbanks, Bebe Daniels “Reaching for the Moon”.  Wheeler & Woolsey in “Caught Plastered”.  Rained all day.

Sunday Jan. 17 – – Jimmy not feeling good.  Billy & I went to Church at 11:30 – a little ride in afternoon.  Beautiful Sunshiny day.  Read all evening and listened to radio.

Jan. 18 – – Jimmy sick all day.  Dr. said may be measles.  Went down to Cut Rate for medicine in eve.  Letter from Ada.

Jan. 19 – – Jimmy still sick, and spent most of day with him.

Jan. 20 – – Spent most of day writing letters.  Wrote to Rose, Irene, Francis Ailene [niece], Ca, Ada.  Letter from Kate.

Jan. 21 – – Wrote to Mrs. Weaver, Gertrude.  Worked on quilt.  Betty home ’til Mon. examinations.  Rained all day.

 Jan. 22 – – Worked on quilt. Rain again.

Jan. 23 – – To town in a.m.  Rained all day. In afternoon – saw Clark Gable, Greta Garbo in “Susan Lenox” and Ed Lorie in “The Spider”.  Both good.  To library in eve.

Jan. 24 – – Jimmy & I to Church at 11:30.  Walked home and it was so cold.  Billy on couch all day, and we stayed home all day.

Jan. 25 – – Billy sick – called Dr. because he was so much worse.  Sent Ca birthday card.  Letter to Francis Aliene, Ada, Gertrude.  Letter from Eleanor.

Jan. 26 – – Dr. called to tell me Billy had Diphtheria.  Came in eve to give all kids Antitoxin.  Harold spent last night here for time being.

Jan. 27 – – Put in terrible night with poor little Billy – suffered terribly.  Mrs. Ruihle, Mrs. Welker, Mrs. Vande Water, Mrs. Fehr called up.  Dr.  came in a.m.  Harold came to dinner.  Letter from Kate.

Jan. 28 – – Nurse came to put sign on house.  Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Vollmayer,  Mrs. Vande Water, Mrs. Welker called today.  Harold came, brought us some eats.  Wrote to Kate and sent her dress.

Jan. 29 – – Washed in a.m.  – another nurse came in afternoon.  Took cultures of all our throats.  Dr. came in afternoon.  Harold came home to stay.  Boys lots better.

Jan. 30 – – Nurse called and told me to take sign down.  Extremely cold today.  Harold & I saw “Suicide Fleet” – Bill Boyd, Robert Armstrong, James Gleason – also “Fighting Sheriff” – Tim McCoy.

Sunday Jan. 31 – – Still terribly cold.  To Church alone at 11:30 – stayed home rest of day – played Rummy, Anagrams.  To bed early to read.  Kids up all day.

Jan. Memo – Worried all this week about Will [younger brother] too.

January, 1931

  Blue Grandpa – Harold Russell Morris, born 1890.

Thursday Jan. 1 – – Harold [husband] and I saw New Years in alone.  Jimmy [eldest son-5 yrs. old] and I went to church at 11:30.  Harold & I saw Will Rogers in “Lightning” in afternoon. Very good.

Jan. 2  – – Bought purple chiffon dress in a.m.  Worked on Scrapbook in eve.

Jan. 3 – – Daily routine.

Sun. Jan. 4 – – To Church in a.m.  Visited the Huts [neighbors] –  drove home in fog and rain – arrived at 10:30 p.m.  Had a nice visit.

Jan. 5 – – Dismantled Christmas tree.  Loafed rest of day.  Tried to read “Babbitt” (Lewis) – no luck.

Jan. 6 – – Snowed all day – very cold.

Jan 7 – – Letter from Will [Grandma’s youngest brother, currently living out West] – still no job.

Jan 8 – – Will’s birthday.  Had a letter from Celia. [friend from Dover, Ohio – often calls her ‘Ca’. ]

Jan 9 – – Letter from Kate [younger sister].  Enjoyed ‘Chances’ by Gibbs.

Jan 10 – – Saw ‘Royal Family’.  Frederic March, Ina Claire, Mary Brian, Henrietta Crossman.  Enjoyed it immensely.  Went alone.

Sunday Jan. 11 – – To Church at 11:30.  Took a ride after dinner.  Thackara’s [neighbors] came about 5 o’clock.  Had a nice visit ’til 10:30.  Listened to F. Gibbons.

Jan. 12 – – Card from Will – a job at last tho’ not a good one.  Poor boy.

Jan. 13 – – Joe Weaver [ ] called in afternoon. Came out in eve. Had a good talk about old times.

Jan. 14 – – Nothing exciting. Very very cold. Letter from Irene. [friend from Denver]

Jan. 15 – – Edith J. & I saw ‘Ladies Must Play’, with Dorothy Sebastion, Neil Hamilton, Nadine Moorhead,  John Holland – very entertaining.

Jan. 16 – – Sewed all day.  Read ‘Undertow’ – K. Norris.  Very good.  Made myself Blue-Black dress.

Jan. 17 – – Worked all morning. Went shopping & to Library in afternoon. Harold & I went to see Jack Oakie in ‘Gang Buster’.  Card from Karl & Mary in Florida.

Sunday Jan. 18th – – Took kids for long ride in afternoon. Harold & I went to Thackaras and spent eve discussing Movie Stars.

Jan. 19 – – Uneventful.

Jan. 20 – – Wrote to Celia & Will. Very cold and snowed all day.

Jan. 21 – – Listened to Maurice Chevalier on radio – Enjoyed him so much.

Jan. 22 – – Letter from Kate telling of loss of house [Memphis, Tenn.].  Wrote immediately asking her to come here.

Jan. 23 – – Daily Routine. Made Jimmy & Billy [second son, 3 yrs. old] a suit this week, just alike.

Jan. 24 – – Went to town in a.m.  shopping & to Chiropodist.  Wrote to Kate in eve and went to Library.

Sunday Jan. 25 – –  Billy, Jimmy & I to Church in am. Called for Thackara’s in afternoon – Lunch at our house.   Harold, Walter, Edith[neighbors], & I went to State [local movie theater] – “Free Love” – Conrad Nagel, G. Tobin, Zara Pitts – real good.

Jan. 26 – – Jean & Edith came up in afternoon. Fixed Jean’s skirt.  In eve Harold, Walter, Edith, & I went to see ‘A. Lincoln’ –  stupendous.  Sent Celia birthday card.

Jan. 27 – – Celia’s birthday. Letter from Gertrude [Potschner-friend from Dover, Ohio].  Made Jimmy a waist [shirt].  Wrote to Mrs. Weaver.  In eve Jimmy, Billy & I took a walk.

Jan. 28 – – Jimmy, Billy, & I to town in am.  bought Diary –  Dr. Daniels came in p.m. to examine me.  Harold didn’t come home to dinner.  Letter from Kate refusing offer.

Jan. 29 – – Uneventful – Just heard Francis [brother in law – married to deceased younger sister Ailene] was married today.  Girl named Stella Richards.

Jan. 30 – – Letter from Mrs. Whitmire and Mrs. Seeholzer.  Hair Marcelled in eve.

Jan. 31 – – Talked to Edith about six times on phone.  To Library in afternoon. Harold & I saw ‘The Big Fight’ = Fair.

February, 1931

  Blue Grandma – Mary Harris Morris, circa 1920.  

Sunday Feb. 1 – – Jimmy & I to Church at 11:30.  Mr. & Mrs. Daily here for dinner. Played bridge in afternoon.  Took them home at 7 o’clock.  Came home & read paper.

Feb. 2 – – Didn’t do a lick of work all day.  Read ‘Mistress of Shenstone’ by Barclay.  Played with Jimmy & Billy in evening.

Feb. 3 – – Letter from Kate – moved to 1292 Beauregard [Grandma’s younger sister Kate Goggin lives in Memphis, TN.]  In evening Jimmy, Billy, & I took long walk.  Finished ‘From Strange Beginnings’ (B.A. Williams) – good.  Beautiful day.

Feb. 4 – – Daily Routine.

Feb. 5 – – Letter from Edith.  Harold & I went to see Wheeler & Woolsey ‘Hook Line & Sinker’ – a scream.  Wrote to Kate.  Subscribed to some magazines.

Feb. 6 – – Letter from Rose.

Feb. 7 – – To town in am.  Shopping – bought pair black shoes.  Saw ‘Scandal Sheet’.  George Bancroft, Clive Brook, Kay Francis.  Would have enjoyed it I suppose had not my heart ached so about Will.  Spent a miserable evening.

Sunday Feb. 8 – – Eleanor’s birthday.  Jimmy & I ploughed thru ice to Church.   Sun came out – melted ice – Went for drive in afternoon.  Edith & Walter were coming in evening but disappointed us again.  Listened to Radio – to bed early.

Feb. 9 – – Letter from Will – sent him money & letter.  Wend to town bought black hat.  So relieved to know Will was O.K.

Feb. 10 – – Wrote Will & Rose.  Jimmy, Billy, & I took walk in evening.

Feb. 11 – – Uneventful.

Feb. 12 — Went to town in am.  In evening Harold & I saw Richard Dix – Irene Dunne in ‘Cimarron’.  Very good.

Feb. 13 – – Edith & I talked about an hour on phone.  Harold went to Equitable [Harold’s employer] Stag Dinner at Club.

Feb. 14 – – Harold & I went to Equitable Banquet at LaSalle & Koch.  Had a most delightful time but came home hungry.  Wrote to Kate.

Sunday Feb. 15 – – Jimmy, Billy, & I to Church in am.  All took ride in afternoon.  Stayed home in evening.  Went to bed early.

Feb. 16 – – Letter from Will refusing to come here.  Letter from Rose.

Feb. 17 – – Nothing happened.

Feb. 18 – – Sewed all day.  Letter from Kate.  Wrote to Rose.  Harold didn’t come home to dinner.

Feb. 19 – – Daily Routine.

Feb. 20 – – Baked bread – coffee cakes, cookies.  In evening went to Church – took Jimmy & Billy.

Feb. 21 – – Went to town – saw ‘Honor Among Lovers’ – Splendid.  Cast- Fredric March-Claudette Colbert-Chas. Ruggles.  Met Harold at office – told him to go see it.

Sunday Feb. 22 – – To Church in am. alone.  All took ride in afternoon.  Spent evening alone.  Heard Ed Guest  talk on future Presidents.  Lonesome.

Feb. 23 – – Harold & I called on Walter & Edith in evening.  Wrote to Ca.

Feb. 24 – – Sewed all day.

Feb. 25 – – Letter from Will.  He is so discouraged.  Wrote him immediately.  In evening Jimmy, Billy, & I went for ride with Harold.

Feb. 26 – – Jimmy, Billy, & I went to town in morning –  wrote to Kate & Will.  Finished ‘Backwater’ by Stribling.  Good.

Feb. 27 – – Letter from Rose & Eleanor.  In evening Harold & I saw ‘Fast & Loose’.  Light but entertaining.  Made bread, coffee cakes, two cakes.

Feb. 28 – – To town in am.  Bought curtains for kids room.  Wrote to Will.

March, 1931

  Jimmy & Billy, ca1930

Sunday March 1 – – Jimmy & I to Church in A.M. Took ride in afternoon. Spent evening alone. Harold varnished floor (kitchen & bedroom).

March 2 – – Under the weather all day. Letter from Kate.

March 3 – – Sick all day.

March 4 – – Letter from Mrs. Whitmire and one from Mrs. Weaver. Mr. Whitmire’s Birthday.

March 5 – – Our Wedding Anniversary. Letter from Will [Harris, younger brother].  Job at $1.00 per day. Such a life. Poor little Jimmy & Billy have colds. Edith called in afternoon.

March 6 – – Up with Billy most all nite. Went to Lenten Services in evening.

March 7 – – Stayed home all day – terrific snow and windstorm. Letter from Kate.

Sunday March 8 – – To church alone at 10 o’clock. Harold & I took a ride in afternoon. Played with kids until they went to bed. Listened to Floyd Gibbons & Ed Guest. To bed to read.

March 9 – – Edith’s birthday. Wrote to Kate.

March 10 – – Billy sick all day – had Dr. Green see him in afternoon.  Jimmy awake all night with ear ache.

March 11 – – Dr. for Jimmy. Letter from Irene.

March 12 — Jimmy & Billy better today. Edith called me in afternoon.

March 13 – – Wrote to Mrs. Hut. In evening Harold & I saw J. McDonald and Joe Brown in ‘Lottery Bride’.

March 14 – – To town in morning. To Library in afternoon. Dr. again for Jimmy, eye all swollen.

Sunday March 15 – – To church alone at 11:30. Walked both ways. Stayed home rest of day. Made candy & played anagrams in evening.

March 16 – – Entertained Jimmy & Billy most of day. Wrote to Gertrude [Potschner]. Little boys all well again.

March 17 – – Washed in A.M., sewed in afternoon – in evening listened to John McMormack and rest of Irish program. Harold out as usual.

March 18 – – Letter from Kate. Will has 6 wks. job at last. Big snow storm. Wrote Kate in evening.

March 19 – – Letter from Gertrude inviting us down there Mar. 28th. Edith called on phone in A.M.

March 20 – – To church in evening.

March 21 – – To town in A.M.  To library in evening. Gernhardt’s came in evening and we played bridge. To bed at 1:30.

Sunday March 22 – – To church in A.M.  Jimmy, Billy & I up to Monroe [Michigan] in afternoon. Took 1st lesson in driving. Hut’s came while we were gone.

March 23 – – Made Jimmy suspender suit.

March 24 – – Made Betty coat. Betty home sick with cold.

March 25 – – Jimmy, Billy & I went to town in afternoon.

March 26 – – Worked like a slave getting ready to go to Dover. Harold bought Jimmy overcoat. Edith called in afternoon.

March 27 – – Gertrude called saying Mary Ann [Potschner] has Mumps. So disappointed. Were all ready to go. To church in evening.

March 28 – – To town – Harold & I saw Ruth Chatterton in ‘Unfaithful’ & Warner Oland in ‘Charlie Chan carries on’. Disappointed in ‘Unfaithful’.

March 29 – – Jimmy & Billy and I to church at 11:30. In afternoon Persings came – played bridge, stayed till 11:45. Cold & windy.

March 30 – – Letters from Gertrude & Irene. Card from Will.

March 31 – – Sewed all day. Card from Mrs. Hut.

Memo – – Read ‘The Callahans and the Murphys’ – by Kathleen Norris. Enjoyed it so much.

April, 1931

  Will Harris, born 1900 – grandma’s youngest brother.

 April 1 – – Made cookies to send to Will. In afternoon Mrs. Fehn was locked out – she came over here.

April 2 – – Went to church in afternoon – in evening Harold & I went over to Welch’s and talked flowers until 11:30 – Letters from Kate, Ca, & Eleanor. Harold fixed cold frame.

April 3 – – Cleaned house – too tired to go to church in afternoon – went in evening with Jimmy, Betty, Billy. Planted sweet peas in the rain.

April 4 – – Aliene’s Birthday.[Aliene Harris, younger sister]  Baked all morning – In afternoon painted fence. Played Easter Bunny. Went for little ride. Card  from Mrs. Whitmire.

Sunday April 5 – – Easter Sunday. Went to 8:30 Mass – Huts came at 12 o’clock. Had dinner at one. Went for ride in afternoon – went home about 8 o’clock.  Pretty sunshining day.

April 6 – – Sewed all morning – planted seed in cold frame and worked in yard all afternoon & evening. In evening went over to Mrs. Welker’s  – Billy wet the floor.

April 7 – – 18 yrs. ago today, Mama, Will, and Aliene arrived in Denver. Letter from Gertrude in evening, special delivery.

April 8 – – Year ago today Will came to Toledo – how I wish it had been to stay.

April 9 – – Jimmy & Billy both have colds.

April 10 – – Aliene gone 3 yrs. today. Billy better – Jimmy’s cold worse. Worked ’til midnight getting ready to go to Dover. Letter from Will.

April 11 – – Left for Dover at 11:30 – arrived at 4 o’clock. Mrs. Whitmire + Gertrude [Potschner] + Ca [Celia] waiting for us. All played cards at Gertrude’s that night. Whitmire’s + Potschners up until 2 o’clock. Had a wonderful time.

Sunday April 12 – – Spent morning looking at flowers. Had dinner – took nap – all went to Karl P. for supper – listened to radio & talked till Ca & Betty took kids home – then played cards ’til 2 o’clock again.

April 13 – – Went to Mrs. Whitmire’s early in A.M. Gertrude came out later. Went down to Shoenbruin’s. Decided to stay until Tuesday – took nap – planted seed in cold frame – Whitmire’s, Potschners, Sue Gray – and we played  bridge.

April 14 – – Left Dover at 9:05 – home at 2:30 – planted stuff Fred [Potschner] gave me from 3 to 7:45. Went to bed at 9 o’clock – slept thru til 7:30. Had such a lovely visit – beautiful weather.

April 15 – – Finished putting in plants. So stiff I can hardly move. Talked to Edith on phone.

April 16 – – Edith was coming but didn’t. Letter from Kate. Wrote to Gertrude.

April 17 – – Edith coming again but didn’t.  Planted garden (part of it) – so hot and windy.

April 18 – – Harold & I worked all afternoon in yard.

Sunday April 19 – – Jimmy & I went to 11:30 [church] – Harold came after us. Very hot. Took ride in afternoon. Learning to drive.

April 20 – – Letter from Irene. Went over to Welch’s in evening. So nice & warm.

April 21 – – Jimmy &  Billy & I went to town. Got drenched coming home. Rained most all day. Jimmy & Billy little villians.

April 22 – – Fell over cat – sprained ligaments in foot & leg – couldn’t walk. Dr. Green came. Cold – rainy & windy.

April 23 – – Loafed all day – couldn’t work on account of foot.  Read until eyes were tired. Still cool but sun-shiny.

April 24 – – Cleaned home in afternoon – sewed in AM. Ironed in evening. Mrs. Welch came over, we went back with her and Harold dug up some sod for her,  came home & went to bed to read.

April 25 – – Cleaned front room upstairs – scoured it. Finished at 1:55. Got ready and went to meet Harold down town. Saw ‘City Streets’ – Gary Cooper,  Sylvia Sidney (good) – ‘Doctor’s Wives’ – Warner Baxter, Joan Bennett – Fair.  Wrote to Mary Potschner. Letter from Irene.

Sunday April 26 – – Such a dismal day – rained, snowed, hailed and wind blew all day. Went to 11:30. Took Jimmy & Billy.  In afternoon took another driving lesson – not as good today, nervous.  Wrote to Mrs. Whitmire.

April 27 – – Letter from Kate.  Fixed fress for Francis Aliene [niece]. Finished waist for myself. Plants came from Bobbink & Aitkins. Took Mrs. Welch’s over to her. Too cold to plant anything – nearly froze planting aconitum.

April 28 – – Hectic day – sweeper wouldn’t work – iron cord out of commission – wringer on the blink – locked out of garage. Couldn’t do anything. Terrible wind – blew clothes over in lot. Set out plants.

April 29 – – Ironed in AM. Worked in yard all afternoon & until 8:45 in evening. Rather cool. Wrote to Kate.

April 30 – – Worked in yard all day – about paralyzed tonite. Billy fell on sidewalk and got an awful scar on face.

April 31 – – Make myself a suit – two waists, a skirt – Reading Best Stories in Delineaton (Half a Loaf) Murder at Hazelman (Good Housekeeping) no time anymore for library books.

Memo – – Spent most my evenings this month covering up flowers to prevent frost harming them.

May 1931

  Billy, Betty, Jimmy  ca1928

May 1 – – Cool May 1st. Worked in house today. Read until mid-night. Made two cakes tonite.

May 2 – – Cakes a fizzle so made another one. Cleaned spare bed room from top to bottom, hardly able to move. Betty burned up three pearl handle knives.

Sunday May 3 – – To Church with Jimmy & Billy at 11:30. Dinner early. Took another [driving] lesson, better today. Beautiful day.

May 4 – – Heavy frost last nite, first nite I failed to cover things up. Washed in a.m. Worked in garden all afternoon. In eve Mrs. Welch came over – ironed ’til 10:30. Nice day.

May 5 – – Worked in garden all morning. In afternoon went up to Round Lake. Had a delightful ride – good dinner and nice visit with the women. Played bridge. Very warm today.

May 6 – – Cleaned bath room. Worked in yard too – rained in afternoon – went to bed early and started ‘Foolish Virgin’ (Norris). Wrote to Irene.

May 7 – – Cleaned hall up stairs – fed up on house cleaning – poured down rain all day. Real cool. No letters from anyone this week. Jimmy and Billy have a cold.

May 8 – – Sad news about Will today, accused of crime he didn’t commit. Poor kid – will his troubles never end. Went to Entertainment at Deveaux School in eve. Took Jimmy & Billy.

May 9 – – To town in a.m. Wrote to Will. Bought two Denver papers. Nothing in them about Will. Bought a bleeding heart – so appropriate. Poured rain most all day.

Sunday May 10 – – To Church at 11:30 – Took another [driving] lesson this afternoon – so nervous I hardly knew what I was doing. Rained most all day.

May 11 – – Cleaned lavatory and cleaned out all drawers in our room. Went down town in eve to get some Denver papers – nothing in them.

May 12 – – Harold went to Dover [Ohio] – cleaned out room – at least worked ’til 9:30 on it. Slept with Jimmy. Went to town in afternoon.

May 13 – – Thought Clara was coming back with Harold. Worked so hard getting house in order – then she didn’t come.

May 14 – – Worked in yard all day.

May 15 – – Worked in yard all day today, too. Letter from Mrs. Hut. Planted cherry tree. Had my hair cut – tired of it long. Dad’s birthday.

May 16 – – Wire from Will saying everything was O.K. This is day mama was operated on. Harold gave me present – 2 pair silk pajamas – so pretty. Harold & I worked in yard all afternoon.

Sunday May 17 – – To Church at 11:30. Took another lesson – little better today. Harold & I played anagrams in eve. Wrote to Will.

May 18 – – Letter from Kate – went over to Welch’s in eve. Worked in yard all day. Hot today.

May 19 – – Too tired to do much of anything today – wind blowing a gale any way. Mrs Welker & I went over to Welch’s in afternoon.

May 20 – – Jimmy’s birthday 5 yrs. old. Wrote to Kate – washed – made bread, coffee cake & Jimmy’s birhtday cake (green icing). In eve Edith phoned & came out (mystery).

May 21 – – Letter from Eleanor [Spellerberg]. All day washing wood work in kitchen. In eve Harold & I  went to Rivoli, George Arliss in ‘The Millionaire’ – 8 acts of Vaudeville – Best show we’ve seen in long time.

May 22 – – Cleaned dining room & most of living room. Worked ’til 10 o’clock. All in. Very cold. Heavy frost ruined all my beans and 1 dz. tomatoes.

May 23 – – Finished living room. Took car out alone – got into dead end street and into farm yard – had heck of a time backing out. Harold broke washing machine wringer.

Sunday May 24 – – To Church with Jimmy & Billy at 2:30. Ironed in a.m. Drove down town and did pretty good but Harold bawled me out and I cried. Finished ‘Sorrill & Son’ – peculiar but good.

May 25 – – Went to town in a.m. Bought Betty shoes – Jimmy & Billy overalls, underwear, socks. Washed in afternoon. Letter from Irene.

May 26 – – Ironed 7 pairs of curtains and all the ironing – worked in garden rest of day. Planted corn – sweet pear – gladioli. Edith called twice.

May 27 – – Cleaned back hall – front porch. Harold painted porch in eve.

May 28 – – Cleaned home – getting ready for guests. Had hair marcelled.

May 29 – – Worked like Son-a gun all day. Gertrude, Fred, Mary Ann, Jack [Potschner] & Clara arrived at 7 o’clock p.m. Had dinner. Edith & Walter came – talked ’til 10″30 after Edith & Walter left. Gertrude, Fred, Harold & I took a moonlight walk. Very hot.

May 30 – – Left for Irish Hills [Mich.] at 10:45 – sprinkling when we left – rained all day. Brought lunch home and all ate dinner & supper here. 13 for dinner – 14 for supper.

Sunday May 31 – – Went to Zoo in a.m. Home at 2:30, got dinner – kids took nap – went to Thaskara’s for supper – Home at 11:30. Real cool today.

Memo – – Had most delightful visit with the folks [Potschners]. Such good company. Disappointed about picnic, but had good time anyway. Took ride Sat. afternoon in rain – sight seeing.

June 1931

 Harold, Jimmy & Billy – 1928

June 1 – – Folks intended to leave right after breakfast but stayed ’til after lunch. Worked in garden for while – came in took 2 hrs. nap. Planted green peppers in eve. Mrs. Welsh came over in eve.

June 2 – – Washed in a.m. To town in afternoon. Bought Betty dress for graduation. Worked in yard ’til dark.

June 3 – – Worked in yard all day. Took nap in afternoon 3 to 4.

June 4 – – Letter from Will – wrote to him tonite. Rained all day. Storm at night.

June 5 – – Edith called, visited for 1/2 hr. Took long ride in eve. Another storm this a.m.

June 6 – – Billy fell down basement stairs. Not hurt but for bump on head. Made no cakes for a change. In afternoon Harold & I saw ‘Seed’ with John Coles, Genevive Tobin & Lois Wilson (Rivoli). Not so good. Left before end on acct. bad storm. Rained most all day.

Sunday June 7 – – My birthday. Took Jimmy, Billy to Church in car. First time alone. Rained all morning, real cool. Fire in furnace. Took ride in afternoon – learning to back. Played anagrams ’til 10:40 – read ’til mid-nite.

June 8 – – Fire feels good today. Miss Dot brought me dress to make.

June 9 – – Washed & ironed all in one day.

June 10 – – Sewed in a.m.  To town in afternoon. Bought Paul Thackara tie for graduation.

June 11 – – Finished Betty’s white dress. Talked to Edith on phone.

June 12 – – Letter from Rose. Painted trellis. Betty finished 8th grade. Summer is here.

June 13 – – Hot today. Letter from Celia. Made two cakes. Cleaned house. Finished Miss Dot’s dress. Went to library. Wanted to go to Paramount but too short funds. Terrible to be so poor.

Sunday June 14 – – Jimmy, Billy & I to Church at 11:30. Took drive in afternoon. Went to Thackara’s in eve but they were not at home. Went to bed and read.

June 15 – – Didn’t go to sleep til 2 a.m. Got up at 7. Did our wash and one for Barnes. Harold was peeved because I did it.

June 16 – – Made myself a white shirt.

June 17 – – Letter from Gertrude [Potschner]. Worked in yard most of day. In eve Harold & I saw “Men call it Love”. Adolphe Menjou, Leila Hyams, Norman Foster. Good.

June 18 – – Worked in garden in a.m. To town in afternoon to buy white shoes. In eve looked at some homes open for inspection. Wrote to Will & to Bess.

June 19 – – Worked in yard in a.m. Made 3 loaves bread, 3 coffee cakes. Went back to hair curlers to conserve. Edith & Walter came out in eve. Surprise. 92° today.

June 20 – – Worked all day mending, sewing, ironing and baking. Hot today.

Sunday June 21 – – To Church alone at 8:30. Made ice cream. In afternoon picked sweet cherries at Thackara’s. Saw Wheeler-Woolsey in ‘Cracked Nuts’. Fair.

June 22 – – Worked in garden all a.m. because Mrs. Fehier was here. Canned cherries in afternoon. Baked pie for Edith & ourselves. Took hers down to her.

June 23 – – To town in a.m. Bought nice spring coat for $4.00. Came home Betty had wash done. Ironed in afternoon. In eve went over to see Mrs. Welch’s garden.

June 24 – – Made white shirt over. Finished ironing. In eve Jimmy fell on drive and almost ruined his dear little face. Mrs. Welch & Mrs. Welker came over. Cool today.

June 25 – – Up at 6:30. Thackara’s came over in eve. Scorching hot today. Poppies are gorgeous.

June 26 – – Poor Dad gone one year today. Letter from Mrs. Weaver & one from Bessie. Two bad storms – one in a.m. & the other in eve.

June 27 – – Washed hair. Went to town in afternoon. Hot. Bought Betty shoes. To library in eve.

Sunday June 28 – – To Church at 8:30. Harold went to Ball game in afternoon – rest of us took nap. Went for ride in eve. Stormed tonite.

June 29 – – Washed & ironed. Another hot day. Letter from Kate. Will out of a job again. Mrs. Owens & Mrs. Welch came over. Then we went to Welch’s.

June 30 – – Another storm at 4:30 this a.m. Too hot to breathe. Went down to Thackara’s but they were not at home.

Memo – – This was a hot stormy old month.

July 1931

 Jimmy& Kelly Tire Car

July 1 – – Another hot day.

July 2 – – Made bread & coffee cake. Edith & Walter came over in evening.

July 3 – – Made two cakes & three cherry pies. Two for Edith. Finished ‘Beloved Woman’ by Norris. Very good.

July 4 – – Stayed home all day. In eve went to Walbridge Park to see Fire works.

Sunday July 5 – – Jimmy, Billy & I to Church at 11:30. Suffocated. Harold went to Ball game. Will left one year ago today.

July 6 – – Got a permament wave this a.m.

July 7 – – Wire from Joe [Weaver] that he & his Mother would be here Wed. Hustled up to get my washing & ironing done. Card from Will from Livingston, Montana.

July 8 – – Mrs. Weaver & Joe arrived at 3:25. Joe left at 5 o’clock for Cleveland. Aliene’s Wedding Anniversary date. Would have been married 11 yrs.

July 9 – – Stayed home all day and talked about old times. In eve went for ride.

July 10 – – Mrs. Weaver & I went to Paramount in afternoon. Saw Sylvia Sydney, Phillips Holmes, Norman Foster in ‘Confessions of a Co-ed’. Not as good.

July 11 – – Home all day. Joe came about 10:30 a.m.  In eve went for long ride. Wire from Elmo saying he couldn’t come.

Sunday July 12 – – With Jimmy and Mrs. Weaver to Church at 8:30. Took a ride up the river. Had dinner at 1:30. They left at 3:06 for Chicago.

July 13 – – Card from Will from Seattle, Wash. Letter from Eleanor. Billy has a sore eye.

July 14 – – Washed, ironed all but two shirts.

July 15 – – Letter from Mrs. Weaver. Billy looks like orphan. Sore eye and broken out with heat.

July 16 – – Too hot to work. Spent day trying to keep cool. Temp. 99 today. All in.

July 17 – – To town in a.m. bought orchid hat.

July 18 – – Made two cakes (Zula). In afternoon took kids to Ottawa Park. In eve took Billy to Dr. Green to see about eye. Looks so bad.

Sunday July 19 – – Slept till 9 a.m. To Church at 11:30. Harold went to Ball game in afternoon. Stormed. Took ride in eve. To bed at 9 o’clock.

July 20 – – Worked in garden all morning in the rain. Wrote to Eleanor.

July 21 – – Wrote to Mrs. Hut. Washed & ironed today. In eve Harold & I went to Rivoli – “Smart Money”. Edwin Robinson, James Cagney & Evelyn Knapp. Very very good. Not a dull moment.

July 22 – – To town in a.m. looking for job – no luck. Letter from Kate. Poor thing is disgusted with life. Nice and cool today. Letter from Mrs. Weaver. Took a little ride this eve.

July 23 – – Hardly able to navigate today. So hot.

July 24 – – Loaded most of today. Worked in garden until it got too hot.  Billy’s eye almost well.

July 25 – – Mama’s Birthday. Have terrible cold. Card from Eleanor. Letter returned from Will. Wrote him again at Billings, Montana. Also wrote to Kate.

Sunday July 26 – – Slept ’til nine o’clock. To Church at 11:30. Took kids to Ottawa Park in afternoon. So hot. In eve took nice long ride.

July 27 – – Did immense washing today. Curtains for our room and kids room. Another hot day. Had long chat with Mrs. Toby in eve.

July 28 – – Sick all day. Dr. Green came in eve to look me over. So hot.

July 29 – – In bed all day. Mrs. Welker came over in afternoon. Terribly hot. Wrote to Eleanor.

July 30 – – Letter from Irene. Still in bed most of day. Harold stayed home in eve for a change. Wrote to Irene.

July 31 – – Betty did big washing. Wasn’t able to help much.

August 1931

  The Paramount Theater, Toledo, Ohio.   Maurice Chevalier in ‘The Smiling Lieutenant’ is showing.  Blue Grandma saw this movie on August 11th, 1931 and reviewed it as ‘pretty good’.

Sunday Aug. 2 – – Got up at 5:15 to go to meet Eleanor. Had breakfast. Left for Round Lake – Rented cottage – had dinner – Went to Welker’s cottage at Sunset Beach. Home at 9:45. Hot today.Aug. 3 – – Left home at 9:30 for cottage at Round Lake. Harold had dinner with us and then left for Toledo. Had good time in water and boating. In evening played anagrams and bunco. Nice and cool. Aug. 4 – – Went easy today for me, we’re all so sun burned. Ideal weather. Talked to Galliers at Hotel. Played games in eve. To bed at 10:30.Aug. 5 – – Had gorgeous time today. In water a long time. Walked up to farm in eve for ice. Took ride in boat. Talked ’til mid-night.

Aug. 6 – – So hot today. Sat in water about 2 hrs. talking to Mrs. Galliers. Harold came in eve to spend rest of week. Letter from Will.

Aug. 7 – – Went over to Manitou Beach. Sent card to Will. Had grand time in water. In eve went to Somerville Center. Visited beautiful home of Mr. Mc.?. Home of Mr. Mc. ? has numerous of beautiful gridges made of cement to simulate old branches of trees, old boards, etc. Cement work by Frank Cordosa.

Aug. 8 – – On Lake most of day or in it. Weather ideal. In eve went down to Adrian. Came home and took ride on Lake. Played cards and to bed at 11.

Sunday Aug. 9 – – Rained in a.m. Took swim in early afternoon. Had dinner and got ready to come home. Arrived at 7:15.  Letter from Celia saying she was coming.

Aug. 10 – – Had a whale of wash. Clothes got wet & everything. Celia came at 6:35. Had dinner and talked till 12:45. Real cool today and rainy.

Aug. 11 – – Took Celia downtown. Harold took her to Station. Eleanor & I saw Maurice Chevalier in “Smiling Lieutenant”. Pretty good. Met Harold. Came home & made waffles. In eve went looking at houses.

Aug. 12 – – Ironed. Visited around neighborhood in eve looking at flowers.

Aug. 13 – – Letter from Kate.

Aug. 14 – – Loafed around house most of day and read.

Aug. 15 – – Kate’s birthday. Wrote to Kate & Will. In eve went down to Point & to library. Mrs. Welsh & Mrs. B. came for a little visit in eve.

Sunday Aug. 16 – – Eleanor, kids, & I went to Church at 11:30. Stayed home until eve when we went to town to see if any excitement account of bank failures.

Aug. 17 – – Spent most of day talking about bank failure. Washed in a.m. In afternoon Eleanor & I took long nap. Played anagrams in eve. (Four banks closed their doors today) Cards from Celia.

Aug. 18 – – Very hot. Mrs. Gernhardt called on phone. Mary P. called up and later she and Karl came out. Stayed until 7:30. Harold mad because I sent Will money. Eleanor, kids & I watched people play mini-golf.

Aug. 19 – – Started a patch quilt today. Made 11 squares. Card from Irene. In eve played mini-golf.

Aug. 20 – – Worked on quilt most all day. Took a little nap and in eve took ride with Harold.

Aug. 21 – – Nice & cool today. Took Eleanor down to train 10:30. Excursion didn’t start ’til eve so she couldn’t go. Went shopping at Tiedtkes. Worked on quilt all afternoon. Eleanor left at 7:25.

Aug. 22 – – Very cool. Talked to Welkers all afternoon. Cut quilt patches in a.m. In eve to stores and home to read until mid-nite.

Sunday Aug. 23 – – Jimmy, Billy, & I to Church at 11:30. Harold & kids went to park in afternoon. I stayed home. Rather lonesome day. Not even a ride.

Aug. 24 – – Took nap in afternoon. In eve went with Harold making calls. Nice ride out to Sylvania.

Aug. 25 – – Card from Eleanor. Wrote her a letter, also wrote to Mrs. Whitmire.

Aug. 26 – – Card from Irene. Busy on quilt.

Aug. 27 – – Letter from Will and one from Celia. Real cool today.

Aug. 28 – – Eugene’s birthday [younger brother]. Met Irene & Marvene at train at 11:00 a.m. Came home and talked & talked & talked. Had dinner at 5:00 and took them to Station at 6:25.

Aug. 29 – – Real cool. Letter from Gertrude [Potschner] inviting us down for Labor Day. Sewed and mended all day. In eve went to stores & library. Met Edith & Walter – had quite a chat.

Sunday Aug. 30 – – Slept ’til 9:30. Made pancakes by request. Jimmy, Billy & I to Church at 11:30. Talked with Vollmayers. Stayed home all day. Very cool again today.

Aug. 31 – – Washed & did most of ironing. Nearly froze last nite under two blankets and very cold today.

September 1931

Sep. 1 – – Took kids to town for shoes and such a time, worn out. Bought Billy a sweater. Letter from Kate. Poor thing, things are getting worse and worse.

Sep. 2 – – Wrote letter to Kate, to Fran and to Irene. Received notice of Elmo’s promotion to Asst. Gen. Pass Agt. C + A. Sep. 3 – – Sent Mrs. Whitmire a card. Went shopping for a hat and bought in first place I went. Spent rest of day mending and fixing up clothes. Very cold but nice and sunny.

Sep. 4 – – Letter from Will and one from Eleanor. Washed & ironed and got things ready to take to Dover [Ohio].

Sep. 5 – – Mrs. Whitmire’s birthday. Left for Dover at 9:45. Stopped at the office. Stopped at Canton and arrived at Dover at 4:30. Had lovely birthday dinner and nice visit in evening with Potschner’s & Whitmires.

Sunday Sep. 6 – – To Church at 9 o’clock. Had dinner at the Potschners. Had Dutch Lunch at Mary’s at 6 o’clock. Spent most delightful evening. Whitmires went to Cleveland to a game.

Sep. 7 – – In a.m. went sight seeing gardens. Had lovely dinner, listened to Cleveland Indians ball game. Fred & I picked flowers for me to bring home. Left at 4:30, home at 10 o’clock. Lovely weather all the time.

Sep. 8 – – Worked in garden all day putting in stuff Fred gave me. Went out in country for chicken manure.

Sep. 9 – – Spent most of day reading ‘A Lantern in her hand’ by Bess Streeter Aldrich. Wonderful.

Sep. 10 – – Getting ready to go to Lake. Left at 2:45, arrived at 4:15. Took swim in Lake, had lovely chicken dinner. Letter from Kate. Played cards, to bed at 12:45.

Sep. 11 – – Up at 6:50. Bath in Lake, breakfast at 8:30. Meeting at 9:30. Wonderful talk by Mr. Anthrom. Lunch at 1 o’clock. In afternoon went over to Somerset Centre. Swim and then dinner. Speech in evening by Mr. Anthrom. Venetian Parade and Weiner roast, bed at 11:45.

Sep. 12 – – Got up at 6:45. Took bath in Lake and took up courage enough to swim out to diving board alone. Meeting at 9:45, Lunch at 1 o’clock. Went down to Hallers cottage, collected rocks and left for home at 4 o’clock.

Sunday Sep. 13 – – Jimmy & Billy & I to Church at 11:30 – Very hot. Took ride in afternoon, bought ice cream. Went to bet at 8:10 and read until 10:30.

Sep. 14 – – Jimmy enrolled in Kindergarten. Poured down rain. Made jelly, canned tomatoes. Betty started to High School. Card from Will.

Sep. 15 – – Took Jimmy to school and called for him too. Busy day, washed, made bread, rolls, coffee cake. Turned very cool tonite. Worked on quilt.

Sep. 16 – – Very hot today. Ironed, cleaned home and canned tomatoes. In evening Harold & I went to see ‘A Free Soul’. Norma Sheares, Lionel Barrymore, Clark Gable. Very good.

Sep. 17 – – Ironed again, make Plum Jam. To bed early to read. Reading Barberry Bush by K. Norris. Hot again today & so sticky.

Sep. 18 – – Canned tomatoes. Finished patch quilt. Read ‘Half a Loaf’. Lewis. Fair.

Sep. 19 – – Started another quilt. Jimmy has bad cold. Canned tomatoes and worked all day. To library & store in evening. Special Delivery from Mary Potschner.

Sunday Sep. 20 – – Washed and hung out clothes. Harold went after dirt & finidhed pool. In afternoon he & I worked on pool. In evening we went for ride and bought peaches.

Sep. 21 – – Very hot. Canned peaches and planted a box of things Mary P. sent me. Too tired to move tonite. Went to bed at 8 o’clock and read until 11:30. ‘A White Bird Flying’.

Sep. 22 – – Canned peaches, bought some tomatoes to can. Billy has bad cold now. Wrote to Clara & Will.

Sep. 23 – – Canned Tomatoes. Card from Will from Worland, Wyoming. Mailed him a card. Kids & I went with Harold in evening.

Sep. 24 – – Canned peaches & tomatoes. Letter from Rose. Harold & I saw ‘Five Star Find’, Edw. Robinson, H.B. Warren. Too tragic but wonderful acting.

Sep. 25 – – Cold & Rainy. First furnace fire. Rained all day long. Letter form Irene. Made cake in evening. Finished ”Half a Loaf’ by Lewis. So-so.

Sep. 26 – – To town in a.m. Bought Bety umbrella, Jimmy raincoat. Made grape jelly and grape juice after coming home from Library. Letter from Clara.

Sunday Sep. 27 – – Slept ’til 9:15. To Church at 11:30. Ride out in country in afternoon. Usual Sun. night performance. To bed early and read ’til mid-nite.

Sep. 28 – – Letter from Mrs. Hut from Chicago – moving to South Bend, Indiana. Made grape jelly & pickles. In evening went over to Welch’s. Very cool today. Wrote to Mrs. Whitmire.

Sep. 29 – – Wrote to Eleanor. Worked on quilt again. Have the fever bad.

Sep. 30 – – Washed and ironed. Worked on quilt.

October 1931

Oct. 1 – – Too tired to do much work. Listened to World Series in afternoon. Harold came home with bad cold so he could listen too.  To bed early.

Oct. 2 – – Listened to World Series. In evening went with Harold making few [sales] calls. Letter from Eleanor, made beet relish.

Oct. 3 – – Nice warm beautiful day. To town in a.m. Shopped ’til noon, then to Paramount. ‘My Sin’, Frederic March, Tall. Bankhead – Very good.  Gernhardts cam in evening and we played bridge.

Sunday Oct. 4 – – Another beautiful day, almost hot. Went up to Irish Hills and to Mich. State Park. Took our dinner and had a most  delightful day. Got some bitter sweet & some rocks. Betty [oldest child] sick but went anyway.

Oct. 5 – – Worked in yard all morning. Washed in afternoon. Started ‘Mother Mason’ by Aldrich.

Oct. 6 – – Hot today. Made grape juice. Listened to World Series game. Cardinals got a walloping, 3-0. Read Mother Mason & worked on quilt.

Oct. 7 – – Did little ironing but loafed most of day. Not feeling so good. In evening saw ‘Caught Plastered’.  Wheeler & Woolsey. Funny as ever. Harold went down to see H. Forbes.

Oct. 8 – – Started woolen quilt for Billy’s bed.

Oct. 9 – – Letter from Mrs Whitmire. In evening went with Harold on calls. spent afternoon listening to World Series.

Oct. 10 – – To town in a.m. To Dentist in afternoon. To Butcher & Library in evening. Cardinals won World Series 4-3.

Sunday Oct. 11 – – To Church at 11:30. Dinner 2:30. Pasted pictures in Jimmy & Billy’s books. Worked on quilt, went for ride in evening. Harold & I saw Claud Colbert in ‘Secrets of a Secretary’, good.

Oct. 12 – – Columbus Day.  Washed, ironed, sewed, made cookies. Wrote to Clara & Eleanor. Letter from Will. Jimmy has a bad cold. Very cold today.

Oct. 13 – – Letter from Irene telling of Frances Ailene’s party. Mrs Welker here most of day. Jimmy’s cold little better.

Oct. 14 – – Sent package to Frances Ailene. Jimmy not so good today. In evening went with Harold and sat in car in rain for 2 hours. Just poured.

Oct. 15 – – Jimmy lots better. Have the quilt fever. Started another one today. Letter from Kate. Went over to Welch’s in evening to look at her antiques. Mr. & Mrs. Welker were there.

Oct. 16 – – Made bread, coffee cake & rolls. Worked on quilt. In evening Betty & I cleaned house.

Oct. 17 – – Took kids to Paramount to see Circus. Circus good but rest of show bum. ‘Road to Reno’. Lilyan Tashman, Buddy Rogers, Peggy Shannon.

Sunday Oct. 18 – – To Church at 11:30. Worked most all day. Took ride late in afternoon. To bed early to read and eat popcorn & apples. First killing frost last nite.

Oct. 19 – – Frances Ailene’s birthday [niece].  Jimmy went back to school today. Now Billy has a cold. Beautiful day and I spent it working. Hard work. Harold bought me a purse today. Lovely.

Oct. 20 – – Just worked all day. Read ‘Soul of Ann Rutledge’ in evening, by Bernie Babcock. Very good.

Oct. 21 – – Made Betty a Middy. In evening Harold & I saw ‘Star Witness’, Walter Huston, Chic Sale, Frances Starr. Very exciting.

Oct. 22 – – Betty’s Birthday. Letter from Frances and one from Gertrude. Made Betty’s cake. Made bread, worked in yard and worked on quilt. Warm today. All in.

Oct. 23 – – Real warm. Another beautiful warm day. Cleaned downstairs thoroughly in a.m.  Visited with Mrs. Welker in afternoon, worked in garden.

Oct. 24 – – Rainy today. To town in a.m. saw ‘Secret Six’, Wallace Berry, Clark Gable – and ‘It’s a Wise Child’, Marion Davies: Real good – came home with headache.

Sunday Oct. 25 – – To Church at 11:30 – After Dinner took kids for ride. Excitement in evening. Called fire Dept. for Richley’s [neighbor] – fake alarm. Mr. & Mrs. Travis called. Harold went to show.

Oct. 26 – – Washed in a.m. and visited with neighbors all afternoon. Didn’t even get my clothes dry. Gossiping about false alarm.

Oct. 27 – – Kept Jimmy home he has such a bad cough. Harold came home early and made cabinets for breakfast room. Rainy today.

Oct. 28 – – Nothing exciting this week. No mail or anything cool today. Wrote to Frances. Letter from Irene and one from Eleanor. 

Oct. 29 – – Cut out some P.J.’s, went to Florist and bought some Ivy. Little plants. Mr. Forbes came for Diner. Talked until after mid-night.  Letter from Mrs. Weaver.

Oct. 30 – – Washed in a.m. Cleaned house. Made bread. Rained all day.  Harold stayed down town for dinner. In evening I went to Welch’s.

Oct. 31 – – To Dentist in a.m. Came home and got things ready for kids for Halloween. To library in evening. Started ‘Partners in Crime’. Harold started ‘Mystery of Blue Train’. Both by Agitha Christie.

Memo – – Oct was a beautiful month. Nice, warm most of the time.

November 1931

Sunday Nov. 1 – – To Church at 11:30.  Took Billy and Bebe to show in afternoon. Then Harold took kids & I for ride.  Called for Billy.  Had lunch & then Harold & I saw ‘Sporting Blood’. Clark Gable, Madge Evans, Ernest Firrence.  Very good, exceptional.

Nov. 2 – – Mrs. Welker brought me some mums. Cut out overcoat for Billy in a.m. and worked in yard all afternoon.  Am retiring at 8:30. Sleepy & tired.  Wrote to Mrs. Whitmire this a.m.

Nov. 3 – – Worked on overcoat all morning.  Worked in yard in afternoon. Wrote to Kate.

Nov. 4 – – Worked on overcoat all day. Fehn’s [neighbors] came over in evening and we played cards ’til one, had a lunch[snack?] & talked ’til 2 a.m.

Nov. 5 – – Letter from Will. Terrible wind today. Made bread & coffee cake.  Washed [laundry] in evening.

Nov. 6 – – Card from Mrs. Whitmire saying they were coming up here. Finished Billy’s overcoat.

Nov. 7 – – To Dentist in a.m.  Took kids to see ‘Caught Plastered’ in afternoon.  To library & Smiths in evening.  To bed early. All in.

Sunday Nov. 8 – – To Church with Billy at 11:30. Worked in yard all afternoon. In evening saw Ina Claire in ‘Rebound’. Very good.  saw Edith and Walter.

Nov. 9 – – Washed [laundry]. Clothes dried like in summertime. 66°. Washed all windows downstairs, in & out. Ironed green curtains & put them up. Harold went to dinner with Rotary Club in Waterville [Ohio].  Very warm today.

Nov. 10 – – Card from Mrs. White. Edith called on phone.  Made bread, ironed and washed dishes many times.  Retiring at 8:30.

Nov. 11 – – Armistice Day. Rain most of day. Letter from Celia Weaver. In evening listened to Armistice Day Program.

Nov. 12 – – Bad storm. Washed and cleaned down stairs. Mrs. W called at about 3 o’clock from Edith’s. Harold & I saw ‘Street Scenes’. Sylvia Sydney, William Collier, Estelle Taylor – sordid.

Nov. 13 – – Warm beautiful day. Mr. & Mrs. Whitmire came out for little visit in a.m.  Did lot of cooking today. They came back at 10 o’clock to stay. Talked ’til about 1 o’clock.

Nov. 14 – – Letter from Gertrude [Potschner]. Mrs. Whitmire & I went to town right after breakfast. Shopped, had lunch and met Harold & Mr. Whitmire at 2 o’clock.  Went to see ‘Flying High’. Charlotte Greenwood, Bert Lake. Good but rather raw.  Played bridge & Michigan in evening.

Sunday Nov. 15 – – Mrs. Whitmire & I went to new Cathedral at 11:15. Dinner at 2:10. Went for ride late in afternoon. Played bridge in evening. Mrs. Whitmire & I won 2 out of 3. Lunch [snack?] at 11 p.m , and to bed at 12 o’clock.

Nov. 16 – – Whitmires left at about 9:45.  House seems awful quiet. Rained most of day. Warm.

Nov. 17 – – Not so good today. Spent most of day reading ‘Outlaws of Eden’, P. B. Kyne.  Ironed some tablecloths in evening. Warm again today.

Nov. 18 – – Letter from Mrs. Whitmire. Started Jimmy pair of pants. Harold came home at noon. Went to look at new home.  In evening saw “East is West”, Lupey Valey, Edwin Robinson, and ‘Putting on the Ritz’, Harry Ridman, Joan Bennett, Lily Tollman. Both good.

Nov. 19 – – Letter from Kate. Sent her Special Delivery.  Jimmy has another cold. Finished pants. Finished wash tonight that I started last night.

Nov. 20 – – Warm summer day. Jimmy stayed home today on account of cold. Made bread & coffee cake.

Nov. 21 – – To town shopping all day. To library in evening.

Sunday Nov. 22 – – Jimmy & I to Church at 11:30.  Harold had cold so we stayed home all day.

Nov. 23 – – Cut out waist[shirt] for Jimmy. Worked in yard all afternoon. Very warm – like summer, wore no sweater and comfortable.

Nov. 24 – – Rainy today. Loafed a lot. Feel all in.

Nov. 25 – – Loafed most of day. Letter from Kate, Clara and one from Frances Aliene. Went with Harold to make [sales] calls in evening.

Nov. 26 – – Thanksgiving.  Washed in a.m.  Chicken dinner at 2. Ride in afternoon. In evening Harold & I saw ‘Bad Girl’. James Dunn, Sally Eilers. Very good.  Afraid Jimmy has chicken pox.

Nov. 27 – – Ironed all morning. Went to Taube’s funeral in afternoon. Had Dr. Orwig come for Jimmy. Good case of chicken pox and sore throat. Slept with him all nite.

Nov. 28 – – Stayed home all day, lonesome, dreary day. Jimmy lay on couch all day. In evening Harold & I went shopping and to library.

Sunday Nov. 29 – – To Church at 11:30. In afternoon Harold & I saw Anna Harding, Leslie Howard, Robert Williams in ‘Devotion’. Very good. Had chicken sandwich, hot chocolate and to bed to read.

Nov. 30 – – Nurse came to see Jimmy and man came to see about trees.