PRIVATE DIARY OF
RUTH CATHERINE RICHARDSON
Part I
RUTH CATHERINE RICHARDSON
Part I
1907 - '08 - '09
416 E 5th St., Winona
Northfield, Minn.
Northfield, Minn.
Born June 6, 1892.
Who reads this book without my permission, is no true
friend of mine.
This book shall never, under any conditions, be read
except to very particular friends of mine.
+++++
PRIVATE DIARY
January
January 1, 1907
Tuesday
Tuesday
This is Ella's and Florence's first year of teaching away from home. Ella is small, both ways, and quite pretty. I guess that Bernard Street likes her pretty well. She is very sweet tempered and obliging, but she isn't very orderly. She is neat about herself but not about her room. She is very undecided. She can never decide what she wants. For instance, she had been needing a new dress and it was to be either blue, brown or red. She had decided on the blue but when she came back from town she had the red. She then remembered that brown was to be the leading color for spring, so now she is going to lay the red cloth away until some future time and get the brown. She has a good time because quite a few boys think she is pretty nice. She is only twenty-two and she doesn't look that old, either. She is always making such funny blunders. We always laugh at her but she doesn't care if we do. Ella can play the piano and sing.
Florence isn't so pretty. We both look alike, people say. She has pretty brown hair which she does very nicely. She is about the same build as Ella but people get the impression that she is larger because her face is quite plump. She only weighs 111 lbs. But Florence is a dear. I love her so much. Florence isn't as good a cook as Ella but she always makes us children have lots of fun. She is twenty-one. Florence can draw simply fine, ‑I‑ think but she never has had a chance to take but a few lessons. She is teaching in Morton this year. Ella is teaching in Windom. Claude Street (teaching in Utah) has been ‑quite‑ nice to Florence for nearly a year. He isn't ‑nearly‑ as nice looking as his brother but I like him the best. So does Florence.
Mamma is short and plump but really, she isn't what you could call fat. She is so good it just makes me ashamed of myself. No matter what I do, break dishes, spill things, spoil the breakfast food, she never loses her temper. She is 45 years old but you wouldn't know it. She has hardly a grey hair in her head. She is a dandy cook and housekeeper in general. She belongs to the Pioneer Club and she does quite a bit of reading for that.
Papa is just about the same height as Mamma but stouter. His hair is getting grey and their is a spot where there isn't any hair, grey or otherwise. He is 52 years old. He works so hard for us. Oh, he is so to me. He is always joking with me about something. He gets dreadfully tired tho. He can play the best game of checkers of anyone I ever saw. He always beats me, but then it is fun to play with him anyway. I guess he has quite a good income, but we always spend more than he can afford. Isn't that awful! But it is so surprising how fast a dollar will go.
Aunt Emma is Papa's sister. This is her home where she comes at the holidays. She and Florence both teach at Morton. She is so good to all of us. Why! she is kind of a second mother. She used to be sick a great deal and so she was home a great share of the time. She is good height and good form. She has beautiful golden hair without a grey hair in it. She dresses very tastily and prettily.
Then next come my two brothers Fay and Russell. They make a pretty good pair. Fay was thirteen in Dec. and Russell will be twelve in April. They are almost the same height, but Fay is gaining on Russell a little. Fay is dark and Russell is light. Fay is quite good looking but Russell is a handsome little fellow. Fay and Russell are both so good to me. Fay explained all about his workshop to me the other day. He knows all the names of the tools. He has a business head on him I tell you. I think Russell would make a good doctor. He has always said that he was going to be one until a little while ago. He says that he isn't going to be a doctor.
And me! They call me Ruth. I don't see how I look like Florence because I am so homely. I have dark hair, greenish-blueish eyes, large mouth. I am short and stout, but never-the-less, I have a very good time all the time. I have been taking painting lessons lately. I just love to paint but I can't do much at it. I have taken piano lessons for a long time. I enjoy it very much but my school work is to heavy to take any more lessons until spring. I like to read and sew, but, oh! I love to skate. I could skate and never stop unless I got tired. But cook! I can't cook to save me. I like to straighten the rooms up but I don't care much about cooking. I like school very much, also. It is so interesting.
There is a boy, David Weeks, that is always wanting to take me home from skating. About a week ago he asked if he could take me home. I told him that I had to do a lot of errands on the way home - I really had only one but I guess he is kind of mad. Anyway, I haven't seen him since. I don't care much though. He'll be all right in a little while, I guess. I am fourteen years but most everyone thinks that I am about twelve. I am 4 ft. 11 in. and weight 104 lbs.
Well, so much for family description.
I went down to the Church for New Year's dinner. I had quite a good time, although none of the girls that I go with were there. Fay and Russell asked me to go sliding with them. I had a fine time but I got cold so I came home.
Bernard Street has just come to see Ella. She didn't say so, but I think she would just as soon have me stay upstairs. My! but he is handsome!
Fay and Russell popped some corn. We all played a game of "Flinch." Russell and Florence won. Papa played a game with me of checkers. He won, of course but he didn't beat me very much. Fay and I had a game and I beat him quite a bit.
Jan. 2, 1906/7
Wednesday
It is very disagreeable out today. I cannot tell whether it is raining, hailing, or snowing.
This morning Florence told me that she was engaged to Claude Street. She told Mamma and Papa and Ella last night. We are not to tell anyone until next June. They think that they will be married next Christmas. And then Claude will carry her away down to Utah. She can't even come home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It costs an awful lot for the round trip from here to Park City, Utah. Aunt Emma or Fay and Russell don't know it yet. Claude is getting ninety dollars a month and this is his first year teaching. Papa thinks that he is a fine fellow and that it is just as well to be married quite soon. I don't think that there is much sense in waiting and waiting as long as he is getting a good salary. I don't suppose that Florence will teach next year. Won't it be fun to have her home! Of course she will just be home until Christmas.
Jan. 3, 1907
Thursday
This morning I slept later than usual because I didn't sleep very well during the night. I was all done with breakfast before half-past nine, tho.
Then I worked on the raffia bag that I am making.
After dinner I went over to Eloise Schmidt. Eloise and Margaret and Margaret Hoppin and I coasted down Greg's Hill until 4 o'clock. We had lots o fun. I steered twice and I nearly ran them into a telephone post once. After that we went up to Schmidt's house. We were all hungry so we made or rather, Eloise made some lemonade. It was real good. We each ate two cookies. Then we went into the other room and told each other's fortunes. They found two invitations to a party at Hazel Barnard's. I telephoned home to see if I was invited, but I wasn't, yet. Margaret Hoppin was invited, too. I was beginning to think that I couldn't have been invited but when I got home there was my invitation. Ruth Pyatt had written me a letter, too. She writes very interesting letters.
This evening Mamma and Ella had their Sunday School class up. We played several games and then we had refreshments. Sandwiches, pickles, ice-cream, cookies, cake and candy. But I thot they would never go home. Mamma finally had to tell them (in a very polite way) to go home.
I get a dollar a month for my allowance. I have 80₵ left. I think that I am doing pretty well.
Jan. 4, 1907
Friday
I haven't been feeling well today. The boys' party doesn't seem to have a very good effect on me.
I have my bag almost done. It will be quite pretty. Bernard Street took Florence out for a long ride this morning. Ella and he have gone coasting this afternoon. Jessie Richardson came over to spend the afternoon. She said that Lucile was almost over with the mumps ‑[Uncle Earl's daughters]‑.
Oh! I feel so sick and uncomfortable. Not really sick, but sickish.
I wrote part of this in the afternoon. I am feeling better now. Frances Tchann and Carrie Stern were up this afternoon.
An accident happened over at the hill this afternoon. Eloise Schmidt was steering their bobs coming down the hill when someone got in the way. In trying to steer out of their way she ran into the boys' bobs and then ‑into‑ the bridge. As she was the front one she received the most of the shock. It knocked her senseless for a few minutes but she walked home. It threw Fay (he was pulling the other bobs) several feet into the air and bruised his shins. He hurt two of his fingers. He doesn't feel very good. He has been asleep all evening.
I wrote a letter to Kathryn Keene and a postal to Ruth Pyatt today.
Ella and Florence and Aunty were invited down to Mr. [Rev. F. A.] and Mrs. Cone's for supper. Florence and Aunty are not home yet but Ella has been home. She was invited to a party over at Street's so Ralph Payne took her to the party.
Russell and I played "Rival Armies" tonight. It is something like checkers. He won.
I have been as cross as a bear today. I told Mamma that I had and she said, "Have you? Why I hadn't noticed." But really I have. I guess I didn't feel very well was the reason.
Papa went to "Lodge" tonight. He just joined a little while ago or maybe he hasn't joined ‑yet‑, but anyway, he went. I guess that he belongs to almost every club in town.
Florence and Aunty just got back now. It just struck nine a few minutes ago. I think that I will go to bed.
Jan. 5th, 1907
Saturday
I felt real good today. A little before dinner I went down to Mrs. Wade's to get a book for Mamma. Then I stopped in to see Norma Cone. Helen Wade and Norma both said that they would stop for me to go to the party. Right after dinner I went coasting up at Johnson's with Elizabeth and Charlotte Bierman. Then we came in the house and got some apples and played games. Pretty soon Aunt Maggie and Milford came over. Milford is growing so. He is a perfect dear.
After a while I took a bath and began to get ready for the party, which began at half past seven.
We had supper early because Ella had to catch the 6:52 train. She went about six. Oh! It is so lonesome without her.
Just about the same crowd was invited as usual. I like almost all the girls, but for the most of the boys I don't care a snap. All went all right until about 10 o'clock. They were having an auction of the girls' feet. We had to stick our feet out in under a screen and the boys didn't know whose feet that they were buying. Well, Fletcher (or Jake, as they all call him) Ware got me. Oh! I was mad but I thot that I would be polite and not act mad. He was mad, too, and so he went and bot another girl. Now, there were just enough girls for one apiece so when Jake took two, it didn't come out even and Alison Blodgett didn't have a partner. So he took Eloise. Oh! I wish that he had taken me. She was the second one that Jake had bought. Well, Jake didn't want to sit with me and anyway we had taken up so much time that there wasn't room for us now, so I just got up and came home. Oh! Oh! Oh! I was so mad. I just hate him. I know that I hadn't ought to but I can't help it. When I got home everyone but Papa was over at Mowry's. He held me a long time and I cried and cried. He told me if ever I went to another party where Fletcher Ware was, to put my things on and come straight home. I went upstairs to bed and when Mamma came home I cried some more. She said that I would make myself sick if I cried any more and if I would promise not to cry any more that night that Florence would come and sleep with me. I promised.
Jan. 6, 1907
Sunday
I didn't go to Church or Sunday School this morning. I guess that I cried too much last night. I don't hardly ever cry because it most always makes me sick. After church Florence had to hurry to pack before 8 o'clock. I went over to the train to see her and Aunty off. Papa and the boys went too. We popped some corn this afternoon. I went to Epworth League and Church. After church Papa had to get something down to the store so I went with him. While I was there I got a box of kitchen utensils to save for Florence. Papa thot that I was a little ahead of time, I guess.
Jan. 7, 1907
Monday
School began today. It seemed rather good to get back to work, but still, I would lots rather have vacation. I found out that I only got 94 instead of 98, as Eloise told me, in that Latin test that we had last Friday. Miss Bishop and Miss Livingston have both got the mumps! Nellie Ferguson and Minnie Dilly substituted, but several of the classes didn't meet, my 9:15 Algebra class among them. Everything went all right.
About 5 o'clock I went skating. (The skating rink was free tonight.) After supper I went to Glee Club over at Miss Williard's. We had so much fun. After we were done singing we adjourned to her room and voted for the different offices. Miss Williard passed around the peanuts and candy. We passed a vote that we should be fined 5₵ for absence each time and that with our surplus capital we would have a spread every month. At nine o'clock we all went home. We are to meet at Helen Wade's next week, and the week after that at our house. When I have time I will write a list of the members of our Glee Club.
Jan. 8, 1907
Tuesday
Tonight I will write as many as I can remember of the members of our Glee Club: Bernice Cone, Norma Cone, Rilla Drake, Chestine Thompson, Hazel Davison, Miss Grimes, Mildred Ware, Mary Riddell, Hazel Barnard, Eloise Schmidt, Gertrude Norton, Helen Wade, Anabell Johnson, Blanche Strong, Myrtle Hatfield, Alice See, Kathrine Lee, Nettie Weeks, Mary Wilson, Ruth Lathrop, Ruth Richardson, "Peanut" or in other words, Miss Bennet (she has a ‑terribly‑ small waist).
We had chicken today for dinner. Marion Watson has such a hard cold that she didn't go back to school up at the city. I took Florence's watch down to Hulburg's this afternoon. Mrs. Mowry is over this evening, studying with Mamma. Fay and Russell got three and a half quarts of milk tonight. Last night they didn't get quite two and a half quarts. [Borrowing from Aunt Emma, they had bought a cow and calf, repaying her from profits by selling milk and the calf.]
Jan. 9, 1907
Wednesday
David Weeks had the mumps all vacation. That is why that I didn't see him until school began. He isn't mad at me a bit, either. In Latin I failed three times this morning, but my mark is not below grade, yet. I am afraid that I won't get much ‑this‑ month. Helped Fay with his Arithmetic. He had some hard examples. He got all but two and he will get those tomorrow in school. We had company for supper, a friend of Papa's, I can't remember his name. It is very cold in my room tonight.
Jan. 10, 1907
Thursday
I didn't fail in Latin today for a wonder. Judith Anderson came over this afternoon and we worked Algebra together. I think that she is very nice. She is very good in Algebra. Papa didn't come home for supper or dinner today. I got a letter from Florence tonight and a postal from Ruth Pyatt. We were racing to see who would get to bed the quickest so I had better hurry.
Jan. 11, 1907
Friday
Friday! Oh I am so glad because tomorrow is Saturday. Today I just found out that I am getting a double chin! Oh! horrors! I am going to exercise it a lot. Papa went to Lodge and Mamma to church. This is the week of prayer. I did the dishes. I am going to draw all my dresses.
Jan. 12, 1907
Saturday
This morning, after the dishes were done, Mamma and I made the beds. Then she swept my room and I dusted it. After dinner I went down town in search of a red ribbon for a tie of my plaid waist. I went to every store in town and I couldn't find what I wanted. After I came home, I tried to do my Algebra but I couldn't do it so I went over to get Helen Orr to help me (her class in Algebra is ahead of ours so she knew how to work it). Then I came home and studied Latin.
This evening we made candy. It was all right. Fay and Russell went skeeing this afternoon. I studied my Sunday School lesson tonight. It is about the creation of Adam and Eve. 10 o'clock, so I must stop.
P.S. Mamma is making me a new dark blue serge school dress. Don't know what it will be like, though. It will be pretty, I think. Oh! yes! I think that Florence Street is such a dear! She always is so nice to me.
Jan. 13, 1907
Sunday
I went to Church and Sunday School. We ate dinner at home today. Papa went to Chicago this afternoon. I went over to see Jessie this afternoon. My! she looked funny. She just has the mumps on one side. Miss Livingston is all well. I got a letter from Ruth Pyatt. She wants the postals of St. Olaf and the Carleton Library. She only has "Gridley Hall" and the "Annual Carnival."
Aunt Maggie was over this afternoon. She has a beautiful new fur-lined coat. They had Milford's picture taken and they are going to give us one. They said that the picture is fine.
Jan. 14, 1907
Monday
Everything at school went all right. I think that I got 10 in Latin. I got my composition on "Scott's Diction" back today. I only got 91. I went to Glee Club tonight down at Helen Wade's. Gertrude Norton, Eloise Schmidt and Hazel Barnard and I stayed after all the rest had gone. We had a circus.
I got a letter from Ella tonight and Mamma got one from Florence. Florence is busy sewing. She says that Claude has written to his folks and told them. It is cold tonight. Examinations begin Thursday. I think that I see my finish.
I went down town this afternoon. I got four postals that I am going to send to Ruth Pyatt. They are four for a nickle. The big it that I was, I forgot to get any one cent stamps so I will have to trot down again tomorrow on purpose to get some one cent stamps.
I nearly got bawled out this afternoon. Eloise and I were whispering and I happened to look up and Prof. Albert was just ‑staring‑ at us. My! I tell you! I worked hard the rest of that period. I expected that I would have to stay tonight, after school, but I didn't have to, for a wonder. Today Miss F. said that I (and a lot of others) wrote a very neat paper.
Jan. 15
Tuesday
Today was bitter cold. It always turns cold when Papa goes to Chicago. I went down town after school and got those four stamps. Elizabeth and Charlotte went with me. Fay and Russell and I fooled around until supper time but we worked hard after supper. Mrs. Taylor (from Dundas) was here for a few minutes before supper. She had left a package over at Mrs. Kinsey's at the thimble-bee. I went over after it.
Miss Lamp was over this afternoon to see Mama about Fay. She says that he hasn't been doing very good work this year and is afraid that his marks will fall below. I would rather stay out a year to help Fay than to have him fall behind in his classes, because I am afraid that if he dropped behind, just one class even, that he might get discouraged and not want to go to school.
The class for Bible Study met here tonight. Mr. Cone and Mamma are having quite a controversy. Mrs. Taylor wants me to come see her when it gets a little warmer. I hope that she don't forget. One more day of regular lessons, and then examinations. But I am really kind of glad because it is very tiresome having regular lessons.
Jan. 16
Wednesday
Everything went all right in school today. I haven't felt well today and I have been cross. I was awful cross to Charlotte today. I am ashamed of myself. I found out what my average was in Latin - 85. Not very much. I guess that I am coming down with the grip or something or other.
David asked me to a sleigh ride party for Friday night. I guess that I will go, for all that I know now. I think we will have lots of fun. I don't have to go to school tomorrow morning or Friday afternoon on account of the examinations. I don't have to go until the middle of the morning, Friday. I wrote a letter to Ella.
Jan. 17, 1907
Thursday
I went to school this afternoon and took two exams. Sleigh ride is postponed until next week Friday. Found that my daily average in Latin is 90 instead of 85. I am glad. I cut my third finger on my right hand and I can hardly write. Wrote to Papa this morning. Mamma had a headache today. Roy Turner telephoned to see if I cared if he asked David to go to the Epworth League sleigh ride. I told him that I didn't care. I wish now that I had asked Roy Turner to have David bring his sister, Nettie along.
Jan. 18, 1907
Friday
I took the Latin exam today. It was a fright! I didn't have to go in the afternoon. I went over to see Baby Milford. He is so fat and such a dear. I went to the sleigh ride tonight. Had lots of fun. Ella Hendrickson told me that she watched Miss Fligelman correct my paper and that I got 100. I am sure that Ella must be mistaken, because I couldn't get such a high mark.
Fay and Russell went tonight and I guess that they had a good time. David didn't go.
Jan. 19, 1907
Saturday
I went over to Watson's this afternoon. I had lots of fun. Annabel Johnson was there, too. Elliot is sick and has been for about three days. It is a regular blizzard outside tonight. I am going to sleep with Mamma.
Jan. 20, 1907
Sunday
The snow is drifted pretty bad so none of us went to church. I didn't feel very good, either. Papa came home this morning. His train was about two hours late. Russell is popping some corn this afternoon. Clara Watson came over. I wrote a letter to Florence. Papa went to church this evening. I haven't been outside of the house today. I don't see how people stand it that never go to church. This has been such a long lonesome Sunday that I am almost glad it is over.
Jan. 21, 1907
Monday
I got 87 in Latin Exam. 92 Algebra and 100 Classics. I told David that I couldn't go to the sleigh ride. Helen Wade isn't going and if she doesn't why I don't want to, because I don't know the rest of the girls very well. He was awfully sorry and said that he wouldn't go either but I told him to go and take someone else. He said he didn't want to take anyone else, didn't know anyone, etc. I told him that he had better take Blanche Strong but I am afraid that she won't go because I think that she knows that he asked me before.
I had the Glee Club at our house tonight. Four people were absent. Next time we meet at Hazel Barnards. We had quite a bit of fun. We are going to give a recital when we have learned enough pieces. We do not know much yet, though. Kathryn Lee left her handkerchief here tonight.
Jan. 22, 1907
Tuesday
This morning D.W. told me that the sleigh ride was all busted up. I felt awfully consience-stricken. We had a written lesson in Latin today. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, Park, and Delphine were here for supper. Mrs. Carpenter and Delphine came earlier, in the afternoon. They are all ever so nice. Delphine is just as dear as she can be and Mrs. Carpenter is lovely. I always thot that Mr. C. was a regular bear, but he is real agreeable. Park knows so much! Oh! my! Why I am ashamed of myself. I think that I had better study Algebra a little tonight.
Jan. 23, 1907
Wednesday
Got my report. Classics 97. Comp. 97. Algebra 97. Latin, no mark yet. Miss Green was here sewing on my dark blue serge dress.
Jan. 24, 1907
Thursday
Awfully cold tonight. Russell and I went skating tonight down at the rink. Pretty near froze.
Jan. 25, 1907
Friday
We had Mr. [D.F.'s former partner] and Mrs. Ferguson and Maude over for tea. Mr. Ferguson and Maude each had engagements for the evening, so they couldn't stay, but Mrs. Ferguson stayed and spent the evening. She is very pleasant.
I have worked over an example in Algebra and I can't get it. It is so very hard.
Jan. 26, 1907
Saturday
It has been very cold today. Mamma got a letter, today, from Florence. She said that she got a nice letter from Mrs. Street. I am so glad that Mrs. S. has written. Florence's work is ‑very‑ heavy, even heavier than it was before.
My blue dress is finished. It looks something like this:
It is just for school. I think that I will wear a plaid tie with it. It is longer than any of my other dresses by about an inch - it comes nearly to my shoe-tops.
I went over to Mrs. Greaves after some eggs tonight. I have been helping Fay with his examples. Russell bought some candy this afternoon and I do believe that Fay and I have had more than he has had. He is the most generous little fellow that I have ever seen. Fay is generous too, but not so much. I must stop in order to take a bath. It is nine o'clock now.
Jan. 27, 1907
Sunday
We all went to church this morning. I wore my blue Sunday dress. It was very cold, going, but warmer coming back. I wrote a letter to Hannah Hansen and one to Florence and a postal to Kathleen Lowe. I went to Epworth League. Ruth Foster led and the subject of "World Wide Missions." She did very well. I never realized before how great is the need for money. I went to church. Mr. Cone preached on the Bible, the parts that we are to beleive and not beleive. It is kind of a muddle in my brain. I hardly know ‑what‑ not to beleive.
Jan. 28, 1907
Monday
I went to Glee Club, as usual, up to Hazel Barnards. On the way home some of us girls serenaded Miss Stuart. She never came out and thanked us either and we sang just fine.
Jan. 29, 1907
Tuesday
I was invited to a surprise party for Verne Gilbert. They were mostly all boys. It was a candy pull. Had some fun. After school tonight the Freshman Class had a class meeting. We are going to have a party next Friday night out to Clara Berg's. I don't think that I care to go.
Jan. 30, 1907
Wednesday
Our Glee Club sang in chapel this morning. We sang just awful. Worse than we have ever sung when we were practicing. I guess that I will go if it isn't too cold.
Oh! I did the funniest thing! This morning I wore my apron to school. I didn't even know that I had it on until I got there. The Latin class took the exam over again this morning. I guess it wasn't as hard as the other one that we took.
I am afraid that Mamma is coming down with the grippe. I am so sorry for her. I ought to have written to Ella tonight but I forgot about it until it was to late.
Jan. 31, 1907
Thursday
Eloise Schmidt got 95 in the Latin exam. I think that is simply splendid. David asked me to go to the party. He makes me kind of tired. I told him no. I didn't even thank him. Wasn't I awful? But I have written a real polite note telling why I couldn't go with him and thanking him for asking me. I guess I was kind of mean so I will be real nice tomorrow.
Mamma was sick this morning and I got breakfast. I didn't get very much, though. We got our dinner down to Strong's today, except Mamma. I asked Charlotte H. to stay at our house tomorrow night after the party. I think we will have lots of fun. I wrote a letter to Ella tonight. I got a letter from Ruth Woodis. She said that she had turned granny (wearing glasses). I am sure that she wouldn't look funny with glasses because she is so pretty, anyway.
I went over to Mrs. Greaves after some eggs tonight. I have been helping Fay with his examples. Russell bought some candy this afternoon and I do believe that Fay and I have had more than he has had. He is the most generous little fellow that I have ever seen. Fay is generous too, but not so much. I must stop in order to take a bath. It is nine o'clock now.
Jan. 27, 1907
Sunday
We all went to church this morning. I wore my blue Sunday dress. It was very cold, going, but warmer coming back. I wrote a letter to Hannah Hansen and one to Florence and a postal to Kathleen Lowe. I went to Epworth League. Ruth Foster led and the subject of "World Wide Missions." She did very well. I never realized before how great is the need for money. I went to church. Mr. Cone preached on the Bible, the parts that we are to beleive and not beleive. It is kind of a muddle in my brain. I hardly know ‑what‑ not to beleive.
Jan. 28, 1907
Monday
I went to Glee Club, as usual, up to Hazel Barnards. On the way home some of us girls serenaded Miss Stuart. She never came out and thanked us either and we sang just fine.
Jan. 29, 1907
Tuesday
I was invited to a surprise party for Verne Gilbert. They were mostly all boys. It was a candy pull. Had some fun. After school tonight the Freshman Class had a class meeting. We are going to have a party next Friday night out to Clara Berg's. I don't think that I care to go.
Jan. 30, 1907
Wednesday
Our Glee Club sang in chapel this morning. We sang just awful. Worse than we have ever sung when we were practicing. I guess that I will go if it isn't too cold.
Oh! I did the funniest thing! This morning I wore my apron to school. I didn't even know that I had it on until I got there. The Latin class took the exam over again this morning. I guess it wasn't as hard as the other one that we took.
I am afraid that Mamma is coming down with the grippe. I am so sorry for her. I ought to have written to Ella tonight but I forgot about it until it was to late.
Jan. 31, 1907
Thursday
Eloise Schmidt got 95 in the Latin exam. I think that is simply splendid. David asked me to go to the party. He makes me kind of tired. I told him no. I didn't even thank him. Wasn't I awful? But I have written a real polite note telling why I couldn't go with him and thanking him for asking me. I guess I was kind of mean so I will be real nice tomorrow.
Mamma was sick this morning and I got breakfast. I didn't get very much, though. We got our dinner down to Strong's today, except Mamma. I asked Charlotte H. to stay at our house tomorrow night after the party. I think we will have lots of fun. I wrote a letter to Ella tonight. I got a letter from Ruth Woodis. She said that she had turned granny (wearing glasses). I am sure that she wouldn't look funny with glasses because she is so pretty, anyway.
Feb. 1, 1907
Friday
I went to the party with David. I think that he is terribly silly. Charlotte Hertzberg stayed at our house. We had two great big bobsleighs from the livery stable and there were four horses on each one. We had lots of fun. Miss Fligelman was the chaperone. Prof. Albert never turned up and so we went off without him. Miss F. made up a class yell for us:
Friday
I went to the party with David. I think that he is terribly silly. Charlotte Hertzberg stayed at our house. We had two great big bobsleighs from the livery stable and there were four horses on each one. We had lots of fun. Miss Fligelman was the chaperone. Prof. Albert never turned up and so we went off without him. Miss F. made up a class yell for us:
Dribble-drabble, dribble-drabble,
Zip, zoom, zam,
We're the class of 1910.
Miss F. told our fortunes, too. Mine was: I am artistic, practical, affectionate, but I often allow people to think that I like them when I don't. I am going to be married twice. I have a good brain, very good, excellent (Ha! ha!). My life is to be quite long.
We got home at just exactly half past one. We nearly froze coming home. The wind howled and the snow blew and ‑we‑ shivered and shook. I had quite a bit of fun. David asked me to go to "Our Boys." My! I am glad that the Schmidt girls have asked me before. I don't like him very well. He makes me so sick. Oh! he's alright, I guess, but I haven't taken much of a fancy to him.
We got home at just exactly half past one. We nearly froze coming home. The wind howled and the snow blew and ‑we‑ shivered and shook. I had quite a bit of fun. David asked me to go to "Our Boys." My! I am glad that the Schmidt girls have asked me before. I don't like him very well. He makes me so sick. Oh! he's alright, I guess, but I haven't taken much of a fancy to him.
Feb. 2, 1907
Saturday
Charlotte and I slept ‑awfully‑ late this morning. After we had breakfast (about 11 o'clock) she was bound that she had to go home. The snow was so drifted that I didn't like to let her go, but she went. She telephoned that she got home alright.
I studied all afternoon and evening. Our whole family is invited down to Carpenter's for supper Monday night. I guess that I will have to skip Glee Club.
Saturday
Charlotte and I slept ‑awfully‑ late this morning. After we had breakfast (about 11 o'clock) she was bound that she had to go home. The snow was so drifted that I didn't like to let her go, but she went. She telephoned that she got home alright.
I studied all afternoon and evening. Our whole family is invited down to Carpenter's for supper Monday night. I guess that I will have to skip Glee Club.
Feb. 3, 1907
Sunday
I went to church this morning. It was very cold. Fay froze his nose. He has frozen his nose four times since Christmas.
Papa wrote to Claude this afternoon. I let him write on my nice note paper.
Sunday
I went to church this morning. It was very cold. Fay froze his nose. He has frozen his nose four times since Christmas.
Papa wrote to Claude this afternoon. I let him write on my nice note paper.
Feb. 4, 1907
Monday
This afternoon when I came home from school there was no one here. The funniest looking man came to the door. He said he represented the telephone company and he wanted to test our 'phone. I let him in, but instead of calling up Central, he called someone else, by name. He just laughed and hung up the receiver.
I was kind of scared because I didn't believe that he belonged to the telephone Co. at all. I watched [him] go down the street - he didn't stop at any of the other houses "to test the 'phone," either. When he got down to the middle of the next block he cut across the street by Norton's. I was so afraid that he was coming back again thru some back alley that I didn't know what to do. I suppose that I am awfully silly, but I couldn't help it.
About five o'clock Mamma came home from club, and we went down to Carpenter's. We had a very pleasant time. Mr. and Mrs. Hibbard and Lawrence were invited, too. Delphine wasn't feeling well. I think she is coming down with the grippe.
Monday
This afternoon when I came home from school there was no one here. The funniest looking man came to the door. He said he represented the telephone company and he wanted to test our 'phone. I let him in, but instead of calling up Central, he called someone else, by name. He just laughed and hung up the receiver.
I was kind of scared because I didn't believe that he belonged to the telephone Co. at all. I watched [him] go down the street - he didn't stop at any of the other houses "to test the 'phone," either. When he got down to the middle of the next block he cut across the street by Norton's. I was so afraid that he was coming back again thru some back alley that I didn't know what to do. I suppose that I am awfully silly, but I couldn't help it.
About five o'clock Mamma came home from club, and we went down to Carpenter's. We had a very pleasant time. Mr. and Mrs. Hibbard and Lawrence were invited, too. Delphine wasn't feeling well. I think she is coming down with the grippe.
Feb. 5, 1907
Tuesday
There was a Ladie's Aid business meeting here yesterday. Nothing in particular happened to me. I had an awful lot of lessons to get.
Tuesday
There was a Ladie's Aid business meeting here yesterday. Nothing in particular happened to me. I had an awful lot of lessons to get.
Feb. 6, 1907
Wednesday
I paid Bernice Cone my ten cents for being absent from Glee Club. Our English classes are going to play "Cricket on the Hearth." I am to be Dot; Eloise, Bertha; Helen Wade, May; Roy Turner is to be the Carrier. I think it will be lots of fun.
Mamma was sick today. Poor Mama! she has such hard headaches. Papa is just about sick with the grippe.
Wednesday
I paid Bernice Cone my ten cents for being absent from Glee Club. Our English classes are going to play "Cricket on the Hearth." I am to be Dot; Eloise, Bertha; Helen Wade, May; Roy Turner is to be the Carrier. I think it will be lots of fun.
Mamma was sick today. Poor Mama! she has such hard headaches. Papa is just about sick with the grippe.
Feb. 7, 1907
Thursday
Lucile's [9th] birthday was Tuesday. She got a violin from Uncle Earl. Isn't that just fine!
I don't beleive that I ever described Northfield. There are about 3500 in habitants. It is a college town and nearly everyone is educated. The colleges are St. Olaf (a Norwegian school) and Carleton (a Congregational school). There are three schools, Washington, Central, and Longfellow.
Thursday
Lucile's [9th] birthday was Tuesday. She got a violin from Uncle Earl. Isn't that just fine!
I don't beleive that I ever described Northfield. There are about 3500 in habitants. It is a college town and nearly everyone is educated. The colleges are St. Olaf (a Norwegian school) and Carleton (a Congregational school). There are three schools, Washington, Central, and Longfellow.
Feb. 8, 1907
Friday
Went coasting tonight with David. Blanche Strong and Harold George went, too. Harriet chaperoned us. Ha! ha! We had lots of fun. David and Harold treated us to chocolates. Wasn't that nice of them?
Mrs. Johnson got Ella's brown‑ dress done tonight. It is ever so pretty, the waist is like this:
Friday
Went coasting tonight with David. Blanche Strong and Harold George went, too. Harriet chaperoned us. Ha! ha! We had lots of fun. David and Harold treated us to chocolates. Wasn't that nice of them?
Mrs. Johnson got Ella's brown‑ dress done tonight. It is ever so pretty, the waist is like this:
She got it done just in time to get it off on the evening train. David asked me, the other day, to go to "Our Boys" with him. I turned him down but I kind of wish that I hadn't now.
Feb. 9, 1907
Saturday
I worked in the morning and washed my hair. In the afternoon I went up to Mrs. Spear's to see Merlin Brubaker and Mrs. Brubaker. I had a very pleasant time. Mrs. Spear asked me to stay to supper but I thot that I hadn't better.
I made candy in the evening.
Feb. 10, 1907
Sunday
We went to church this morning and had dinner at Mrs. Strong's. Russell was sick to his stomach this afternoon and vomited. Mrs. Featherstone called on Mamma.
Sunday
We went to church this morning and had dinner at Mrs. Strong's. Russell was sick to his stomach this afternoon and vomited. Mrs. Featherstone called on Mamma.
Feb. 11, 1907
Monday
I went to Glee Club up at Schmidt's. We sang just fine, I thought.
Monday
I went to Glee Club up at Schmidt's. We sang just fine, I thought.
Feb. 12, 1907
Tuesday
Eloise Schmidt and I went skating in the morning. Had lots of fun. We were the only two, except Mr. Rice, down at the river.
Tuesday
Eloise Schmidt and I went skating in the morning. Had lots of fun. We were the only two, except Mr. Rice, down at the river.
Feb. 17
Sunday
I have caught a very hard cold and I can hardly speak aloud. I didn't go to church this morning but I think that I will go to Sunday School. I have been so busy this past week that I have not had time to write hardly any in my diary.
Sunday
I have caught a very hard cold and I can hardly speak aloud. I didn't go to church this morning but I think that I will go to Sunday School. I have been so busy this past week that I have not had time to write hardly any in my diary.
Mar. 2, 1907
Saturday
I have not written for a long time.
Went out to Charlotte H. Friday night. Came home about ten this morning. Am going to Junior Class Play with David W. We practiced [the cast for Cricket on the Hearth] over at Ware's tonight. Had lots of fun. Harry Ackerman and Carl Bjoraker took me home.
Mamma got a letter from Ella tonight. Oh! it was so blue. Poor girlie! She is having more than her share of troubles I am afraid. I guess it wasn't such a very good thing for her and Bernard to be together. I am afraid not.
I guess that Florence and Claude are to be married this summer. Oh! it is so very, very near. Oh! my sister! my little, little sister! Away down in Utah. So far away.
I am not going to write in here any more for a while. I am tired of it.
Saturday
I have not written for a long time.
Went out to Charlotte H. Friday night. Came home about ten this morning. Am going to Junior Class Play with David W. We practiced [the cast for Cricket on the Hearth] over at Ware's tonight. Had lots of fun. Harry Ackerman and Carl Bjoraker took me home.
Mamma got a letter from Ella tonight. Oh! it was so blue. Poor girlie! She is having more than her share of troubles I am afraid. I guess it wasn't such a very good thing for her and Bernard to be together. I am afraid not.
I guess that Florence and Claude are to be married this summer. Oh! it is so very, very near. Oh! my sister! my little, little sister! Away down in Utah. So far away.
I am not going to write in here any more for a while. I am tired of it.
Mar. 19, 1907
Tues.
Received word Grandma is dead. Aunty has started out there. [to Denver; "Grandma" was Rachel Elizabeth Silver, "Lily," Grandfather G. W. Richardson's second wife.]
"Cricket on the Hearth" is coming off Friday night. Have had lots of fun lately. Went to Junior Class Play a little while ago with David. It was fun. He isn't as silly now as he used to be.
Mamma is going up to the cities to meet Florence Saturday. Ella is not coming until a week later. Ella is going to teach in Windon next year but Bernard is not.
Papa has a bad cold.
I bought some new stamps for my collection yesterday. Went down town this noon to have my stamp picture taken but they had closed up.
My room is all cleaned up. Fresh curtains, too.
The "Gypsy" makes the second play I have been to this year, 1907. I am doing well.
Tues.
Received word Grandma is dead. Aunty has started out there. [to Denver; "Grandma" was Rachel Elizabeth Silver, "Lily," Grandfather G. W. Richardson's second wife.]
"Cricket on the Hearth" is coming off Friday night. Have had lots of fun lately. Went to Junior Class Play a little while ago with David. It was fun. He isn't as silly now as he used to be.
Mamma is going up to the cities to meet Florence Saturday. Ella is not coming until a week later. Ella is going to teach in Windon next year but Bernard is not.
Papa has a bad cold.
I bought some new stamps for my collection yesterday. Went down town this noon to have my stamp picture taken but they had closed up.
My room is all cleaned up. Fresh curtains, too.
The "Gypsy" makes the second play I have been to this year, 1907. I am doing well.
Mar. 29
Friday
Florence is home this week but is going away Sunday. Ella comes tomorrow morning. Grandpa came this morning and Aunty this afternoon. Aunt Jennie's folks [The Milnes] were all here for supper. Had lots of fun.
Went to a party at Eloise's last night. !Twas the most unique party I have ever been invited to. David took me home. I think that Harold George would have taken me home if David hadn't been there. I kind of wish ‑he‑ (Harold) had taken me home. Jake W. was there but he was alright.
Our play came off last Friday night, fine. We had a spread afterwards at Wares. Oh! we had so much fun. Harold G. took me home. About 40 saw the play. They all liked it. Mrs. Ware and Mildred are so nice. After the dress rehearsal, Harold G. took me home. He is a gentleman. (Some other people don't have any extra manners.)
Grandma made the funniest will. The Silvers get almost everything. Aunty doesn't get more than about $200 and there, she will have to give up a good salary for poverty, to take care of Grandpa. [The assumption was that Grandma Lily, 20 years younger than Grandfather Richardson, would outlive him. Nearly everything, including their home, was willed to her heirs, and Emma had to recompense them $600 for their inheritance so that Grandfather could continue to live in the house. Emma, then 33, did have to give up teaching for several years, until Grandfather Richardson died in 1911 at age 86.]
Friday
Florence is home this week but is going away Sunday. Ella comes tomorrow morning. Grandpa came this morning and Aunty this afternoon. Aunt Jennie's folks [The Milnes] were all here for supper. Had lots of fun.
Went to a party at Eloise's last night. !Twas the most unique party I have ever been invited to. David took me home. I think that Harold George would have taken me home if David hadn't been there. I kind of wish ‑he‑ (Harold) had taken me home. Jake W. was there but he was alright.
Our play came off last Friday night, fine. We had a spread afterwards at Wares. Oh! we had so much fun. Harold G. took me home. About 40 saw the play. They all liked it. Mrs. Ware and Mildred are so nice. After the dress rehearsal, Harold G. took me home. He is a gentleman. (Some other people don't have any extra manners.)
Grandma made the funniest will. The Silvers get almost everything. Aunty doesn't get more than about $200 and there, she will have to give up a good salary for poverty, to take care of Grandpa. [The assumption was that Grandma Lily, 20 years younger than Grandfather Richardson, would outlive him. Nearly everything, including their home, was willed to her heirs, and Emma had to recompense them $600 for their inheritance so that Grandfather could continue to live in the house. Emma, then 33, did have to give up teaching for several years, until Grandfather Richardson died in 1911 at age 86.]
Mar. 31,
Sunday, 1907
Norma Cone, Clara Larkin and I went to early Easter service this morning. It was very interesting, the first one I have ever been to. The flowers were beautiful. Mr. Nichols is so good about lending the plants.
Ella is engaged to Bernard Street. Everybody is getting engaged. Papa said he was going to be pretty attentive to Mamma so that some Street won't get her. They won't be married for 2 years or more, yet.
Grandpa is quite contented here. Mamma has given him her room. Florence and Aunty went on the 3 o'clock train this afternoon. Ella has gone to the Congregational Church with Bernard tonight. Papa went to church, too.
Mr. Nichols gave each one in our S.S. class the lovliest red rose.
I went riding this afternoon with Fay and Russell. 'Twas rather cold. I can't find my mink fur. Don't know where it could have gone to. Guess I have lost it. Oh! dear! I won't have another for a long time, either. I lost one of my best gloves today, anyway I can't locate it. I guess I ought to chain up my belongings.
Tomorrow I begin school, April Fool's Day! Won't it be fun!
Mamma has been letting down all of my last year's summer dresses. They were so short! She made me one, thin, white, dotted Swiss waist to wear on Sundays.
We ate dinner at home today. I hate to go to Strong's for dinner - I would rather stay home and wash dishes, even, than go there.
Had my teeth cleaned by Dr. Riddell yesterday. They look and feel fine. No matter how often I clean them by myself I can't keep them perfectly white without some help.
I hear Ella and Bernard coming home. I guess I had better stop and go to bed before Ella comes in to go to bed.
Sunday, 1907
Norma Cone, Clara Larkin and I went to early Easter service this morning. It was very interesting, the first one I have ever been to. The flowers were beautiful. Mr. Nichols is so good about lending the plants.
Ella is engaged to Bernard Street. Everybody is getting engaged. Papa said he was going to be pretty attentive to Mamma so that some Street won't get her. They won't be married for 2 years or more, yet.
Grandpa is quite contented here. Mamma has given him her room. Florence and Aunty went on the 3 o'clock train this afternoon. Ella has gone to the Congregational Church with Bernard tonight. Papa went to church, too.
Mr. Nichols gave each one in our S.S. class the lovliest red rose.
I went riding this afternoon with Fay and Russell. 'Twas rather cold. I can't find my mink fur. Don't know where it could have gone to. Guess I have lost it. Oh! dear! I won't have another for a long time, either. I lost one of my best gloves today, anyway I can't locate it. I guess I ought to chain up my belongings.
Tomorrow I begin school, April Fool's Day! Won't it be fun!
Mamma has been letting down all of my last year's summer dresses. They were so short! She made me one, thin, white, dotted Swiss waist to wear on Sundays.
We ate dinner at home today. I hate to go to Strong's for dinner - I would rather stay home and wash dishes, even, than go there.
Had my teeth cleaned by Dr. Riddell yesterday. They look and feel fine. No matter how often I clean them by myself I can't keep them perfectly white without some help.
I hear Ella and Bernard coming home. I guess I had better stop and go to bed before Ella comes in to go to bed.
April 2, 1907
Tuesday
School has begun again. Have survived April Fool's Day and am still alive. Today is very warm but I have caught cold some way.
David Weeks just makes me sick. He writes about two or three notes every day. I never answer except when it is very necessary to, to keep him good-natured. Some days I think he acts fairly sensible, and then again I get so disgusted with him I could slap his face.
Ella and Bernard went hunting or shooting, rather, this afternoon.
Poor Papa is so tired tonight.
Monday,
Apr. 15 [1907]
Florence's wedding is coming in August - Ella's will probably be in about a year.
Examinations come this week. I will write some of the marks on my compositions down: 89, 91, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100.
Made me the dearest little chamois "if I do say it as shouldn't." I am going to make Mama one, too. Mamma and I have the best times together. She is just like a girl.
Hazel Runnels was over to see me Saturday afternoon. Eloise and I amused ourselves this afternoon by writing descriptions of people. First I would write one and then she wrote one. It was very interesting.
Tuesday
School has begun again. Have survived April Fool's Day and am still alive. Today is very warm but I have caught cold some way.
David Weeks just makes me sick. He writes about two or three notes every day. I never answer except when it is very necessary to, to keep him good-natured. Some days I think he acts fairly sensible, and then again I get so disgusted with him I could slap his face.
Ella and Bernard went hunting or shooting, rather, this afternoon.
Poor Papa is so tired tonight.
Monday,
Apr. 15 [1907]
Florence's wedding is coming in August - Ella's will probably be in about a year.
Examinations come this week. I will write some of the marks on my compositions down: 89, 91, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100.
Made me the dearest little chamois "if I do say it as shouldn't." I am going to make Mama one, too. Mamma and I have the best times together. She is just like a girl.
Hazel Runnels was over to see me Saturday afternoon. Eloise and I amused ourselves this afternoon by writing descriptions of people. First I would write one and then she wrote one. It was very interesting.
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