Monday
July
1, 1907.
Got up at six o’clock and helped mama. Did an errand for Gramp this noon, and he gave me twenty cents. Got a letter from H. this morning and have decided to go to the camp to-morrow. Went to Lucille’s this afternoon but she wasn’t at home so went to B’s where Doris was. Annie Simmons, Mabel Adams, B, Doris and I were there. We had some sherbert and at about five started out. I went to Lucille’s again and D. waited for me on the Adam’s piazza. Lucille was at home and I had a nice though short, call. B. and Mabel went to the library and I soaked B good for saying things about Alfred and Billy Vis. Billy walked part
88
way home with D and I as he had an errand to do. This evening went to the library with D. and Mama and I had some ice cream. Bed 10. Hot!
Tuesday
July
2, 1907.
This has been a strenuous and hot day. Doris and I took the 8:21 train for Wayland and then walked from the station to Sherwood Camp. It is the longest two and a half miles I ever walked. Had a good time when we got to camp though I should hate to stay there two weeks. They played base-ball in the morning and D. and I played, too. H. D. and I had lunch together in H’s tent instead of with the others in the “Palace.” In the afternoon we went in bathing (D. didn’t). The water was fine and Mr. Seikel showed me the swimming movements. He’s awfully nice. We got the 6:25 train back and got home about 7. I was tired, yet not very. We have walked ten miles today. I am glad I didn’t go to stay. Bed. 9:30.
89
Wednesday
July
3, 1907.
Got up half past nine. Ma had a nice young book agent in the parlor and Lucille and her mother came to be sure I was going to-night. She has eight people, though I thought she had given it up. Her mother is comical as time. They had hardly gone when Mrs. Wheeler came and stayed until lunch time. After lunch I stayed in except to do some errands. The little bird I found Sunday is still on the ground, and the mother comes down and feeds him. I am lame from so much walking yesterday and the back of my neck is awfully sore. Started for Lucille’s about quarter of eight. Wore my new plaid dress. Billy came half way down Harvard St. to meet me. He had a lot of cannon crackers and when we got to Lucille’s the boys set them off. They all had some. Warren and Ray Pearce, Lucille and Levi, Alfred, Billy, and I made up the party. Jennie Oates who was invited, did not come. We sat on the piazza and put off cannon crackers and “spooned” and then went up on the veranda and played whist. War-
90
ren won a horn and Ray a silk flag. We had some dandy fruit punch. Al raised Cain all the evening and then calmly announced that he was chaperoning us. After we got through our whist we had some fine ice cream and cake and then went to the bon-fire. It was 50 feet high and 30 feet square and it was just glorious! We stayed in couples, though, pretty well to-gether. Thousands and thousands of people were there and they almost all had revolvers or rattles. It was lovely! There were two fires, one early in the evening and another about a quarter after twelve. Billy and I wanted to go but thought we’d better not. Mrs. Parker thought she and Mr. Parker had better walk with Billy and I, but Billy promptly sat on her, for which I was devoutely thankful. When we got home, we set off what remained of Billy’s cannon crackers and then Ma made some lemonade and we had some cookies with it. Billy went
91
away about one o’clock this morning, and then we went to bed. I at least perfectly happy.
Thursday
1907.
Fourth
of
July.
Got about four hours sleep last night and rose at six this morning. Mama, Grandpa, Doris and I went over to the Common about half past seven this morning and saw the parade. It was very good. Uncle Frank rode as a cowboy and had Pa’s big horse pistol. Buster Johnson was a clown. Doris and I saw it three times, and got home half past ten and did dishes, etc. It is a lovely day, sunshiney and yet comfortably cool. At twelve the bells rang and the cannon from the Watertown Arsenal was fired. Went to sleep for about an hour this afternoon, and started for Cobb’s (man Pa works for) silver wedding anniversary in Dorchester at about half past five. They are Jews and I never was in such a mess before and hope I never will be again. There wasn’t a sign of a present and they had a regular dinner. They gave
92
us some nasty liver mixed up mess first and then some dandy chicken and potato. I ate some of that but the other I hardly touched. They had about ten different kinds of liquor. The wine was awfully strong. All the people had their children. Even tiny babies squalling about and it was awful. Still, they were very good to us and did the very best they knew how. There were a few Americans there and we came to Dudley Street with a Mr. and Mrs. Green from Winthrop. They were nice and about the only decent people there. We got home about midnight.
Friday
July
5, 1907.
Quite warm though yesterday was cool. Answered H’s letter yesterday. Got up at ten this morning. Late hours are too much for me. Mrs. Whiting came out at noon for lunch and the afternoon. She’s awfully tiresome, but went home early. I went out this afternoon and bought some post-cards to send to Sherwood. Mama and I went to the Park this
93
evening. The play was very good. There was a Chinaman who sang in German, English, Irish and Chinese with a fine baritone voice. The other “acts” were good too.. We got home about ten.
Saturday
July
6, 1907.
A rather warm day. Got up late and didn’t do hardly any work. Doris came in late this morning and while she was here I started a knit washcloth. We planned to go to the Hospital this after noon but she went to the park so I stayed in until this evening. Then went to the library, sent my post-cards, got my pictures, etc. Read until 9:30 then went to bed.
Sunday
July
7, 1907.
This is Papa’s birthday but I doubt if he knows it. Ma and I went to church this morning and stayed to communion. Mr. Webster’s sermon was very good. Billy was there but Al wasn’t. Billy has a new straw hat. Looks funny but I will like it when I get used to it. I guess. Al had on one of those awful, brown sort of college hats that all the Varsity
94
boys wear, with the AWA on it Wednesday night. He looked pretty slick in it. Frank was here with the children when we got home. I made some fudge this afternoon but didn’t go out. Roger Brown called on Gram this evening. He’s awfully comical. Mama and I sat in the sun reading until about half past ten this evening. I wore my green muslin skirt to church and Ma is going to fix the waist into a jumper. D. I ‘spose is in Norwood now. I’m going to do some type-writing for Gram’s to-morrow.
Monday
July
8, 1907.
A very hot day. Mama and I washed this morning and I washed Peter. Made some fudge this afternoon, then went out. Wore my green muslin with the waist fixed over. It’s awfully pretty. Went to the library, and to Wooley’s for a book of type-writing paper I’ve got a lot to do for Grand
95
pa. Met Billy outside the library and he went to Wooley’s with me. He showed me a letter from his German correspondent. It's great. I wish I had one. Billy is going to take Pa up river when he gets home so that Pa can judge of Billy’s ability, etc. to take me up. Alice Wormwood came down this evening and stayed until about half past nine.
Tuesday
July
9, 1907.
Another warm day but with a lovely breeze. Got up rather late and helped with the work while Mama ironed. We expect Papa home sometime to-day but we are not sure. Went to the library with Irene this afternoon. Got a very pretty post-card from Mrs. Whiting. Papa didn’t come, though we waited until two o’clock and walked over to the train.
Wednesday
July
10, 1907.
Same as usual this morning. Swept the parlor and my room this afternoon and then went out. Went to Lucille’s. She wanted me to go up to her grandmother’s and see her aunt’s twin baby boys.
96
The house is way up on Dale street, almost to cousin Eda’s. On the way up we caught a glimpse of Mr. Visconte. He is a perfect type of Italian but rather good looking I should say. The babies are perfect dears and awfully good. We saw Mrs. Brown, Lucille’s grandmother, and she makes me think of Gram Newton only she is nice. When we came back Al was standing in front of his house and he walked down with us until Lucille found that she had forgotten her key, so we went back. Al was shooting rats in the dump and let us try his gun. It's lots of fun shooting it. I got home about 6. Went to the post office and found a letter from H. She is having a dandy time, she says. Ma and I stayed up ‘til about half past nine.
Thursday
July
11, 1907.
I got into Mama’s bed last night and we were talking to-gether, when Papa came! He looks well, but mighty funny because his mustache is shaved off. We didn’t go to bed again until about eleven, and then I didn’t sleep very well. Dreamed that people, everybody, were saying things against my Billy. When I woke up I was mighty glad that I had only dreamed it. Got up earlier than usual and did things around the house. Got an awfully pretty post-card from Warren yesterday. The Melvilles are having a telephone put in. Mr. Rutter, D’s Josiah’s father, died yesterday. I did some errands this morning and a little type writing. This afternoon It rained hard all the time, and I didn’t go out but read, typed, and knit a little. This evening did some German in Lucille’s “Duer Deribber” for she brought over a German dictionary this morning. I’m going to her house to-morrow to do German with her. Bed 9.
Friday
July
12,1907.
Rained this morning but cleared off along towards night. Worked about the house and did errands this morning and this afternoon went to Lucille’s. Doris cam home to-day and went over as far as the
98
gas office with me. Had a good time at “Kittens” and got home about 6. Pa wants to take ma canoeing Sunday and have Billy and I go, so I wrote to Billy and asked him to come over to-morrow. Mailed the letter on my way to the library this evening.
Saturday
July
13, 1907.
The circus is in town but I didn’t go. Saw the parade, though. It was good too. Helen has got home from camp and was down this morning. While she was here the parade came. Did some type-writing, etc. this afternoon until Billy came about four o’clock. He can’t go to-morrow because his father is to have company and the boys have to stay home and entertain him. Nevermind, we can go some other day. Billy went away a little after six with the eyes of all the Melvilles upon him. Ma and I had supper alone as
99
Pa went yachting to Marblehead and only got back about nine. Went to bed at ten. A lovely night. Billy is a dear, and I like him, but I like Al, too.
Sunday
July
14, 1907.
Got up late and went to church. Mr. Webster wasn’t there and Mr. Murray preached. His sermon was good but awfully long. Al wasn’t at church, but I didn’t miss him much because Billy was there and walked home with me. Showed me pictures of the choir. They’re dandies. Billy’s is good, but he takes a good picture, anyway, and Al’s is better than he usually takes. Frank and the babies were here and stayed all afternoon. The children were both good. H. and I called on Miss Wilson late this afternoon. She is nice and I love her. She gave us some foreign coins and also her address in France. Had a lunch at H’s and then went to church with her. I am mighty glad
100
I am not a Baptist. Got home at eight and went to bed at nine. Mama not very well and inclined to worry and to be cross.
Monday
July
15,
1907.
Am about sick with an awful sore throat to-day but helped Ma with the washing just the same. Stayed in most of the afternoon until about five. H. came down, as I was going out and so she went to the library and for a walk with me. Mrs. Wheeler, H., Alice, Ma and I are going to Winthrop to-morrow for the day. Pa got home quite late (7) and after dinner he and I lay out in the hammock until about half after eight. We had an awfully nice time. I got confidential and told him lots of things. I love Pa, sometimes more than others. Have got to get up early to-morrow so am going to bed early.
101
Tuesday
July
16, 1907.
Still have a sore throat but went to Winthrop just the same. Started on the electrics a little after eight and got there about ten. H. and I had lots of fun on the way. Mrs. Littlefield, who is a friend of the Wheeler’s and at whose house we stopped, is lovely. We had lunch on her piazza, it was great. Mrs. Wheeler had a lot of good things to eat and we ate ‘em. We sent some post-cards this morning. I sent six, one to H., one to D., one to Alice Wheeler, one to Lucille, one to BIlly, and one to Alfred. After a walk on the beach we went in bathing. The water was fine and we enjoyed it very much. Started for home about six and arrived here at eight. Pa had got his own supper and was just going to wash the dishes but Ma wouldn’t let him. Went to bed at usual time.
Wednesday
July
17, 1907.
The hottest day this year I think. My throat is sorer than time. Mama thinks it is canker caused by my
102
Stomach. I wish it would go away. Haven’t been out all day. H. came down this afternoon and we did German. Lucille was to have come but she phoned that she wasn’t feeling well. Went to bed early. H. is going to Maine Friday.
Thursday
July
18, 1907.
Had some nice showers last night which the night a little cooler out, spoiled any chances of seeing any stars. Billy and I are both trying to see seven stars for seven nights. If you do, the first person you shake hands with is to be your husband or wife as the case may be. It is very hot to-day. Almost as hot as yesterday. Mama ironed this morning while I did the other work. Washburn’s Animal Training Show are in Waltham to-day and I saw the parade about 12 o’clock. My throat is a little better but it was so hot this afternoon that I didn’t do anything. Billy came over
103
about five and stayed until six. He wants me to go Canoeing to-morrow and Mama said I should! I’m awfully glad. While he was here we played the type-writer. It was fun to watch Billy. Gram came to the door and told a story and she doesn’t know Billy to speak to. She said afterward that she thought he was William all the time. Papa went to Paragon Park this evening and Mama and I stayed here and had some ice-cream. Doris has been down to Plymouth and back to-day. Irene came up this evening.
Friday
July
19, 1907.
Not quite as hot as yesterday. Haven’t done much all the evening except house work. Billy came about two this afternoon and we got started about half past. Walked up to the Canoe Club. The canoe is nice and has very comfortable fittings. Half-way up the river we met Warren Green all alone. (Ray’s away). He came with us to the spring and up on
104
Norumbega Tower. It was very hot up there and we didn’t stay long. Warren left us pretty soon after because he was afraid he was “butting in,” and we went up to the B.A.A. bridge. Started back at ten minutes of five, and got to the Club house at half past. Mama had told us to be home at that time so I telephoned that we were all right. Got home about six and mother scolded Billy for not getting here on time. He stayed about half an hour. Pa was madder than a hatter, and tore ‘round at a great rate when he got home, because we were late. We got some water lilly buds and gave ‘em to Mama. I hope they will blossom. Went to the library after dinner and then sat around and went to bed. Papa got over his tear and said “When you go out again,” so I guess he’ll let me. I want to, I’m sure and I think Billy does.
105
Saturday
July
20, 1907.
The lilies have blossomed and are lovely. Has been very hot to-day, but a ripping thunderstorm cleared the air to-night though spoiled any chances for seeing stars. Doris is ill with brown tail moth poison, her face and arms swelled up; so I went down this afternoon and we read aloud. Irene came too. This evening went to the library and afterwards to Doris’s again. Got home about nine and went to bed.
Sunday
July
21, 1907.
A warm day, but with a nice breeze. Got up late and went to church. Mr. Webster is back and preached. Al was there for the first time in several weeks. He doesn’t look at all well, it seems to me. Didn’t do much of anything the rest of the day, except to make fudge. My throat’s all right. Has been the last two or three days. Frank was down as usual with the children. The boys didn’t walk home from church with me and I was mad at first but now I don’t care.
106
Monday
July
22, 1907.
A warm day with a few showers this afternoon. Ma and I washe, etc. this morning and this afternoon I went to the dentist to have him look over my teeth and then to Doris’s. Mable Adams and B were there but soon went. D. is much better. We went to Irene’s awhile and then to Main Street on an errand. Lay in the hammock awhile this evening. Read awhile in bed before going to sleep.
Tuesday
July
23, 1907.
Another hot day. Mama ironed and I did most of the other work. Got a letter from H. and a post-card from “Kittens” this morning. Answered H’s letter and mailed it on the way to Ruth Garfield’s. Walked up there about three o’clock. Billy and his father were at work on the new fence when I went up. Had a nice time at Ruth’s as I always do. Maud, Frank’s wife, and her two little girls were there. The children were dears. Aunt Eda107
Went away with them a little after I got there. When I started home, Ruth walked down with me, she introduced me to Mrs. Andrews, and we played with the baby awhile. We stopped and talked with Billy a long while. He was still at the fence. Ruth is nice, and comical as time. Al was on the front piazza reading and we talked to him a little. Al’s all right. I got home about 5:30 and did some errands and made some fudge. This evening sat in the hammock awhile and then went to bed. Pa has got through with Mr. Cobb.
Wednesday
July
24, 1907.
I have worked hard to-day. Mama and I cleaned all the silver this morning and early this afternoon I swept the parlor and my room. Lucille came about three and we had a nice time all after noon but did mighty little German. We went out about five and bought some post-cards and I went to the library.
108
Got home and did some more errands. Pa went to Quincy to dinner with a friend and Mama and I sat in the Den and read awhile and then went to bed.
Thursday
July
25, 1907.
*******
It rained awfully hard last night but is pleasant this morning. Morning same as usual. Made some fudge this afternoon and then did a lot of type-writing. Pa got home about 5:30 and so we had dinner early. Went to the library with Doris (or rather she went to the library with me) and then stayed at her house with Irene until nine. Will and John were in Gram’s this evening.Sent some post-cards while I was out.
Friday
July
21, 1907.
*******
Did some errands and the usual work this morning. Type-writer this afternoon then went to Lucille’s. Did quite a little German and had a good time otherwise. Got home about half
109
After five. Doris and Irene came just before dinner. D. had a letter from H in which she said, “Tell H. (me) not to marry Billy until I get home as I want to attend the wedding.” and furthermore, “Tell H. that she can’t marry “Vis” because I shant give my permission, and as I am her “mother” I intend to make her toe the mark until she is twenty one at least.” H. is a queer duck. Did some errands with D. and I. after dinner and then went to D’s where I read aloud until nine.
Saturday
July
27, 1907.
******
Quite cool and a strong breeze. Morning as usual. Errands this afternoon. Library closes for a week to-day, so I returned my book. Made some fudge this afternoon and did a little type-writing. Met Mr. Ward and the baby. The baby is cute, but homely and very solemn. Went to Doris’s this evening and stayed until nine. Pa and Ma are going yachting
110
to-morrow and I shall be left alone. I don’t care. I hate yachting, though I was invited to go, too.
Sunday
July
28, 1907.
*******
Got up rather early and did all the work except the dishes before church. Ma and Pa started about half past eight. Mr. Webster’s sermon was about Joy, and it was very good. Saw Billy and H. after church and Billy walked way home with me. He is a dear, and I love him. He wants me to go up to his house someday with Lucille. Frank was here with the children and as it was Read’s birthday he got some ice-cream and we had a nice time. I had Read most of the afternoon. He was very good. Aunt Anne and Uncle Will and John came down late this afternoon, but I went down to the William’s and so hardly saw them. Had kind of dull time at W’s, and came home about six. Supper with Gram and
111
Gramp and sat awhile with them in the evening and awhile in the hammock. Pa and Ma got home about nine, as I was in the den reading. They were tired and cross and didn’t have a very good time. I am thankful I didn’t go. Got to bed at eleven!
Monday
July
29, 1907.
*******
Another pleasant day, but I’ve worked like time. I hate wash day. We didn’t get through until about one o’clock. Doris came up early this afternoon and stayed until just before six when we did some errands. Pa got home later than usual and after dinner D. and I went down to Farmer’s and got some sherbert. Then I sat on her steps and swing until nine. This week is Old House Week in Boston and the papers are full of it. I got my cold cream jar filled at Hall’s to-day and got some tooth powder in my powder jar. Got a card from Warren this morning, and sent one back this afternoon and one to Lucille and one to Helen Hutchchinson.
112
Tuesday
July
30, 1907.
*******
Another cloudy day in the morning, anyhow. It is a little after eleven and the ironing and most of the other work is done. Got a post-card from Helen Hutchinson and one from Agnes Whittier and a letter from Helen Wheeler. It is as comical as time. I washed my pongee waist this morning and pressed it this afternoon. Got dressed about three and went to Mrs. Wheeler’s to make a call, but she wasn’t there, so I went across the street and talked awhile to Tina Nutting. On the way home stopped at Doris’s a few minutes. Did some type-writing and this evening some errands and then went to Irene’s yard, where D, I, and later William were. William is shocked at me all the time and it’s awfully uncomfortable. Not that I care for him, though.
113
Wednesday
July
31, 1907
*******
7th night
Mama and Gram went to a car ride this morning, and were gone all morning so I did the work. I got a post card from Helen and one from Guy. Jimmy is having his vacation and the new post man is funny. Lucille was over this morning to see if I was going to-morrow night. She is going to have a surprise party for Levi. It is his birthday. I am going. Type-wrote and and made fudge this afternoon and then did some errands. Got a new Tabard Irm book. Telephoned to Mrs. Wheeler to let her know I had been up there. She is going to Maine to-morrow. The Watch Factory shuts down to-day for vacation and there are crowds on the streets. This evening I laid in the hammock, etc. and went to bed rather early. I have seen seven stars for seven nights (to-night is the seventh) and now I’m scared of who’ll I’ll shake hands with. I shall be careful not to do it unconsciously. Sent some post-cards to-day.