Tuesday May 28, 1918

Tues. Pleasant weather.

Sun eve Grace Gurney & Abbie Quackenbush called. Mon. eve Miss Goodrich & Donald came after school. I called on Mrs. Storm, Mrs. Young & Mrs. Smith. Heard from Mabelle tonight father helped me put out my plants. Had a card from Robert & finished his letter to send tomorrow.

Notes: See previous diary entry for scan of this page.

Letter: Josie Bumpus

My dear Friend,
First I must beg your pardon for not replying sooner to your good letters. I have thought of you so many times & have heard from you often through Maybelle.

These are such beautiful days. I am out a good deal looking over God's wonderful landscape. I do not like to stay indoors more than I can help. Our son has been down for a little visit. He left last night for Detroit. My heart ? home ? very very often. It is Natural of course. Mr. Bumpus is my comfort sake and I expect to make a trip to Ruttenville very soon. Have been here three months to day. You will not know the sanitarium when you come again. Dr. Strand and Maybelle have transformed it into a very different place with all new decorations & paint, varnish & c&c oil - looks fine and Maybelle graces the place as Matron beautifully. She lacks a good deal of being well but she is better. How thankful all her friends must be to have her in Dr. Strand's care as he possibly loved her as a daughter and she is a great help to him. She is real happy - she probably writes you of all her doings. Mr. Bumpus enjoys seeing the improvements going on - I think they expect some new patients soon - Mrs. Strand retired from Utica last January - been up ? you know. Faith cures I believe. Draw your own conclusions of the ? This is such a lovely morning wish you were here and we would walk the town over. I got a great deal of pleasure walking around this old town. Was down to Cooperstown a few days ago. I think it one of the most beautiful spots I have ever seen. The lakes. The hills & the old pine trees have a great charm for me. I suppose these are all busy days with you - teaching the young ? how to shoot. I went to teacher school once upon a time, years ago - I did not like it a little bit.

Maybelle's husband has been here quite a little of late, his work is somewhere in this locality. She hears good news from her kiddies. Do you I think Maybelle a fine character. She is always full of sunshine and never burdens anyone with all her suffering. I am so glad she has found such a friend in Dr. Strand and if anyone in all the world can cure her he certainly will.

Mr. Bumpus & ? Grille play dominoes as normal & must take a lot of comfort for they keep at the game at the old pace.

They will soon let up then laffe and walk out & sit in the shade of the old apple tree I suppose.

I hope your father & mother are all over neuritis. The name warm weather will do much for them I am sure.

When are you coming up again. I look forward to seeing you again &having a longer visit. "Daddy" often speaks of you - surely you have a warm place in all our hearts.

Do write me soon again and I won't wait so long again before replying. Shall report to Maybelle that I have written.

Hoping you are real well. ? these May days.

With love, I am sincerely yours,
Josie P Bumpus

Richfield Springs N.J.
May 17th, 1918

Notes: Sorry I am not able to completely transcribe this one. This woman had some... interesting... handwriting. If anyone can make out something I missed please let me know. (Or if you disagree with any of my transcriptions.)

Sunday May 26, 1918 (Part 4, Final)

After leaving the depot at 1 I went to Assembly Hall to untrim & staid til 3. Ruth Burnside came & came home with me & we visited til after 5. Then I thot I'd change my dress before supper & before I had my skirt on Molly came over & asked me if I wanted to go and see the fire, by that time flames were high above the trees. We hurried & by the time we reached Gilbert Street corner, the flames were so hot & high, we walked out that street & were very excited as we saw one after another house roof catch on fire. We saw 8 right along. I went to Anna Smith's & Molly came home. Helped Anna pack as every one around thot that whole section would have to go - but Oneanta arrived soon - & helped. As it neared night ot rained. The fire was awful & every one was helping to do everything possible. I went over to Aunt Almena's. They were ready to leave - but the wind veered towards the tract & took Bloxham's Feed & coal business instead. Bainbridge, Unadilla, Walton, Oneanta & Norwhich Fire Departments came. Anna & I walked over about 10 (we had supper at 9) & it was very spectacular to see the huge piles of lumber & coal on fire. Household good were piled or thrown everywhere & Mr. Sherwood's lawn resembled a a picture of Belgian Refugees paused for a rest. Every one between the tracks & the river & Novelty Work & Main Sts expected to be burned out. Many places caught from burning shingles.

Went to church today but there was none. Every one helping fire sufferers or working for Red Cross. Bessie & I walked over around devestated region; then I sat for a while on her porch watching the committee stopping autos for fees. Came home, had dinner & am sitting down to write for the first time in 10 days. Have had letters from Ida, Mrs. Bumpus, Helen Sprague, & "Pat" Lapp. May write some later. (Wrote to Louise P.) Sent special fire copies of Record to Don, Lottie, Mae, Berta & R.J.

Notes: According to the Oneanta Daily Star the fire mentioned here occurred on Saturday May 25, 1918, so Calla's entire entry that I have been transcribing for days now was all written on the Sunday following the fire.

According to the paper the fire started at the chimney of the Novelty Works, a plant making bathroom fixtures, and spread to another inductrial building close by which stored large quantities of lumber. It then spread to Bloxham's Feed Store where he had just received 3 train cars worth of coal. In all 35 buildings suffered some damage, 15 houses were totally consumed, 18 families were displaced, The storm that Calla mentions also caused damage as a lot of families had removed furniture to their lawns in an effort to save it and it was then drenched by the rain.

The paper estimates that the fire caused $300,000 dollars in total damages. The article makes a detailed account of whose houses were damaged, and how much they lost, as well as how much they expected to recover from insurance.

Ephemera: Library Conference

Back to the epic Diary post tomorrow, but I thought this note from Elizabeth Blackall should be posted here since Calla mentioned it in the section I transcribed yesterday.

Sunday May 26, 1918 (Part 3)

I took some more pictures of Blanche, & one of her mother. Saw Heman and Stanley Backus pass in a car with Mr. and Mrs. Backus. Blanche's deafness grows worse & Mr. Moffatt (?) totally I fear. After lamp light we looked at magazines awhile & then retired. Blanche was tired & restless & I was glad when 5 o'clock came. Had an early breakfast & took the auto stage for N.B. about 6 o'clock. Mrs. B. D. Phillips who teaches at South Edmeston was on the stage. She and her husband expect to go to Idaho July 1st. I arrived at the Depot at 7 & as I had nearly an hour to wait I posted a letter & called at Ballard's store where I saw Lewis Frink & Lew Smith.

I bot some cookies & cheese & Lewis sent some candy to mother. It did seem good to see him. On the train I saw Mrs. Lyons from Lathams & Rockwells Mills. Arrived at school before Chapel was over. I was so glad I went for one should not forget old friends while forming new ones - & there is no place that clings so lovingly in the memory as those associated with one's girlhood days.

This week has been one mad rush of school, Junior Ex, & work & the week seemed to end before it was fairly begun. Wed & Thurs Zora was down. One day Gladys McKeever Raithel called at school a minute to see me. Thurs. I went to Oneanta to a District Library Meeting. It was in charge of Miss Hall of Endicott Public Library. She was a very pleasing speaker. Other speakers were Miss Alden, Miss Chase, Mr. Hemstreet, Miss Scatchard, Mrs. Hoye, & Mrs. Blackall. I met Miss McDonald who is to have 6th grade here next year, also Library work. Bessie & I together with Misses Rawley & Smith from Edmeston, Miss Eels & Mrs. Bassett from Walton & Miss Cope, Oneanta had lunch at the "Pioneer." The afternoon Session was entirely a discussion of recent War Books & I got a terrible headache. After buying a pair of silk stockings I went to "The Oneanta" where I rested till dinner time. Got here a little late for the dress rehearsal of Junior Ex. By going to that I had to miss a very important Red Cross Drive meeting & a good speaker.

The Junior Ex was up to its usual standard - the Swings & swing songs were attractive, but the tiny swingers & the three occupants (Lucile Walling, Virginia Dunn & Godfrey) were more attractive. The operetta a fairy poppy play in which a pink parasol, a girl, a gardener & a hat were figured was pretty, especially the costuming & everyone thought the stage trimmed attractively. Miss Gurney from Earlville & Miss Sprague from Endicott were back to it. I saw Helen awhile next day & feel encouraged regarding going to Endicott to teach.

Sunday May 26, 1918 (Part 2, Interlude)

Back of a small pine whose branches reach the ground, and sitting in a velvety carpet of moss & short grass, with skirts carefully tucked around me lest they crush the violets which bloom everywhere - I must add some lines to my journal. It almost seems worldly to even think of journals in such a worshipful place. The stillness is broken only by the rippling musical babblings of the brook, and a far away bird call. The afternoon is perfect (My! heart stood still for a moment then as a huge crow came so near that it seemed like some large animal in the bushes!) I started from Mrs. Prosser's about 2, and after visiting with Jack, & taking his horses picture, I came down across the old farm. I sat on a log up in the pasture enjoying a concert by a big bob-o-link, he was sitting where mother used to like to hear them sing. In other respects the old place has changed. Barns and trees grown old & bent like old people. I had a long visit with Mrs. Bancroft, then came over here to drink in the beauty & poetry of the place. I'd like to fall asleep like Rip van Winkle - for it seems as though fairies must visit the place. It's drowsy too like "Sleepy Hollow" but I cannot sleep if I call at Beatty's this afternoon. I'm pressing some flowers for "keep sakes." I found the very same violets that greeted me 15 years ago I couldn't pick them - I could have stooped down to kiss them as one greets an old time friend.

Sunday May 26, 1918 (Part 1)

(Note: I'll be breaking this entry into at least 3 posts as it is nearly 12 pages long.) The out of doors called so loudly that I decided suddenly to go up to Pittsfield & I went at 9:20 a.m. Sat the 18th. Went up with Mr. Hoag on the auto truck & put the mail out I the boxes for him. Mrs. Prosser did not seem very surprised to see me as she said she expected to have me come back. Juan has the measles but I found him making a nice recovery. After eating a nice lunch of bread & fried ham, cake & canned raspberries I started out for a walk over the old farm land hills. I went across where Jack was dragging for Islan Fletcher the new owner of the Light farm I took their picture & then crossed the back of our old farm. (see third page) (Note: See tomorrow's entry) After about 3 hours spent reminiscing I returned to Prosser's. My brown shoes were wet & muddy my blue suit skirt was soiled & I was tired; but I changed to my pumps, purple silk skirt & yellow silk waist & was soon over to Beatty’s. Saw Anna & Blanche, & after a little visit A.G. came in for a while. Near supper time Blanche & I went for a little walk. We gathered violets & went to see the kittens down in Tommy’s barn. Then we called at Mrs. Wait’s & I saw Marjorie one of May Davis Faye’s girls. I Staid to Anna’s for supper- neither of us speaking of one who was often in our minds. I got back to Jack’s around 9 o’clock. We visited till near midnight & I slept in the bed with "Who's Afraid" on the wall at the foot. Had breakfast (codfish cream gravy, potato & griddle cakes) at 8 next morning; & after taking 2 pictures of Juan & one of the family, I started out for a visit among the old neighbors. I never saw so many beautiful purple violets. I stopped & picked a large bunch just beyond the old pine tree north of our house. I carried them to Jennie Gregory, whom I found at home. She has been very ill the past winter & has aged fast. Their dear old flower gardens looked lovely & Jennie gave me a bouquet of the English cowslips, a flower one rarely sees. Flossie and her husband from Oneanta stopped a moment while on their way to her home. After taking Jennie's picture I went on skipping down the path where for years I journeyed back and forth to school.

I stopped at Kenny Matteson's & found Mr. & Mrs. Matteson, Jennie & Will at home. Was glad to see Will as he was one of my first small school mates in that old District School. Jennie is a beautiful young girl & attending the Morris Training Class. I staid there for a long call & then went cross lots (as of old) down through the sugar bush to the old school - so surrounded by new trees that it looks like some old hidden ruin. I stopped awhile & the stillness of everything except birds & babbling brooks seemed so awesome & lovely that I hastened on up the hill to Moffatt's. Norris sat on the porch, Mr. & Mrs. Blanche were asleep & dinner long over, so I didn't have any dinner but did not miss it at all & at an early supper I made up for the lost meal. The ones asleep were soon awake & we had a good visit.

Notes: I'm not really sure why the blank areas were left on the pages. Maybe she intended to paste in some of the photos she mentions in the pages?

The only Prossers listed in Pittsfield are Jack Prosser and Ester Prosser.

Anna Beatty and her husband Alex Beatty had two daughters Anna Beatty and Blanche Beatty.

News Clipping, Approximate Date

Seniors Vs. Juniors
The seniors and Juniors of Sidney High School met in their annual clash last Thursday evening on the lawn at the home of Miss Adelia Root one of the teachers in Sidney school. The 15 Seniors overwhelmed the 3 Juniors, after a long and arduous struggle, the latter being strongly reinforced by a large number of Sophomores. No lives were lost nor other serious casualties reported as the result of the engagement.

Enjoy Annual Picnic
The Daughters of the Covenant of the Congregational church enjoyed their annual picnic Wednesday afternoon at the home of Miss Calla King on Riverside. The outing was to have been held in Beale’s park, but weather conditions were unfavorable so the hospitality of the King home was extended. A most enjoyable afternoon was passed by the society and a few invited guests, and a fine picnic supper was served.

Clifford Godfrey Home
Clifford Godfrey, who has been at the Oneanta hospital since he was injured so seriously at the fire May 25, was brought to his home on Pleasant street, Saturday afternoon. Mr. Godfrey received a fractured skull and for several days his condition was critical, but under the skillful care of the hospital surgeons he has made a good recovery and with the prospects that it will be a complete recovery in a short time.

Something of a Record
Miss Dorothy Smith, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. C.M. Smith, has a school record of which she certainly has a right to feel proud and which is seldom equaled. Miss Smith has finished her third year High School course and during this time she has not been absent or tardy. This devotion to school duties is certainly worthy of recognition. Miss Smith is also an exceptionally bright student and stands high in her studies.

Pressed Flowers

Blossoms picked up in the field where father & I picked such an immense quantity of straw berries years ago. This year it looks as though there would be as many.

News Clipping, Approximate Date

VOTED AT EIGHTY-SIX

Mrs. Prudence P. Church, Venerable Norwich Resident, is Active for Her Years

Norwich, April 19—Mrs. Prudence P. Church, of North Broad Street, celebrated her 86th birthday anniversary Tuesday by casting her first ballot. There was no prouder woman in Norwich as she beamingly announced that she had voted dry.

Mrs. Church is the widow of Daniel Church, years ago an employee of the Chenango Union printing office. She has always lived in the vicinity, making her home in North Norwich when not a resident of this city. In spite of her length of days Mrs. Church is active and able to get about without much assistance from others. She is the mother of Amelia Jewett of Plano street.

May 16, 1918

Thurs. May 16, 1918
Perfect Weather. Lilacs in bloom. Drilled play after school. After super, I put out my gladiolas, father spaded up the place. My pansies are pretty. Tonight I’m going to bed early.

News Clipping, Approximate Date

An event of considerable importance last Saturday in Sidney was the organization of Delaware Chapter, Order of the Daughters of the American Revolution, instituted by Mrs. Benji Spraker, of Palantine Bridge, N.Y.

The meeting of the Chapter for organization was held at the home of Mrs. F.H. McKinnon, the rooms being decorated in patriotic colors appropriate to the occasion. Those eligible to membership are lineal descendants of soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War under Gen. Washington. Thirty names were placed on the roster as charter members and the following officers elected:

Regent, Mrs. F.H. McKinnon; Vice Regent, Mrs. C.W. Spencer; Rec. Sec’y, Mrs. V.D. Keeler; Cor. Sec’y, Mrs. R.W. Silver; Treasurer, Mrs. Clinton Taylor; Registrar, Mrs. Jas. L. Clark; Historian, Mrs. Dora J. Turner. The Directors elected were: Mrs. P.S. Young, Mrs. L.M. Day, Mrs. Allie Printy. After the business meeting, during which Mrs. Spraker gave a fine address, four course dinner was enjoyed by the new chapter, Mrs. McKinnon acting as hostess for the occasion. The menu was exceptionally well served. The tables were prettily decorated with flowers and American flags, candles with red shades, reminded one of the colonial period, the memories of which the D.A.R. desire to perpetuate.

The new Chapter starts out with good promise of a large and desirable increase in its membership.

Ephemera: Flag Article

News Clipping, Approximate Date

Mr. Derrick in Demand
We note that Calvin Derrick has been engaged to take charge of the Westchester county penal problem; to open and operate the new Penitentiary, install the system of control, and train for the work a new superintendent and officials. He will continue for a time also as director of certain matters in the New York City Department of Corrections.

Mr. Derrick is also delivering a course of eight lectures at the New York University, and a series at Columbia University on “Criminology and Criminal Psychosis,” under the auspices of the Rockefeller Foundation.

We all take much interest in watching the successful course of Mr. Derrick in his profession, because he is an Otsego county man and was for four years principal of the Morris school. He has become a man of National distinction as an expert of Criminology.

Notes: This probably was included in the letter that Calla mentioned receiving from Mrs. Derrick yesterday.

May 14 & 15, 1918

Tues. Beautiful day after storms.

Rec’d letters from Cora Watson Derick & Edna J. Bedell. Wrote to Don, Kate, & Lottie. These are Clandine and Catharine Bedell.

Bought this little tag today. The Children at school are selling them for the Red Cross. Helped Flora tonight.

Wed. May 15
A beautiful day. After school Catherine Goodrich, Donald & I walked to see the big land slide on the Sage farm. A piece of an oat field along the river broke off & went to the river below. The piece was about 1000 ft long and 12 to 15 wide. It carried trees & bushes with it. The abutment of the D. & H. R.R. Bridge were moved 5 miles. Mrs. Storm sent mother a bouquet of purple lilacs. To-night I met Georganna at the Movies. The play was splendid.

Notes: Mrs. Storm is likely Ada Storm, wife of Jacob Storm of Sidney.

Letter: Charlotte King

Dear Calla
How glad our letters have finished crossing, perhaps we can start on an equal footing again.

Well, I suppose you are wondering what excuse I have for not paying that promised visit, here it is—Natalie has the measles and another cough, so that,I will be obliged to postpone my trip.

If you knew how homesick for the country your last letter made me feel! I can shut my eyes and almost see the valley from your front porch. Never mind, when I do come I can assure you my visit will be well earned.

To be honest, I hate to lay off now when the fight is fiercer than ever and the little I do seems so small & insignificant & I only feel comforted when I am so tired that I am ready to drop.

Every day I wish I were a man, there is so much great work to be done which only men can do.

We have had the Blue Devils” of France visiting New York. They are fine specimens of manhood and have a look in their eyes which speaks of glimpses into another world. Some of them have been wounded 6 times & most of them twice.

Wasn’t it very sad about Horace Beale. I am so sorry for his father. His life has never been strewn with roses and this last blow seems rather too much.

Natalie was so excited over the Nanny goat. I hope Grandpa has not traded it.

Maybe this hot spell will wend the neuritis into Kingdom Come. Let’s hope so.

I have rheumatism so badly but have tried not to think about it only when it wouldn’t let me sleep, as one’s physical comfort is a matter of little importance & should not be given much thought.

Dear Calla, I hope I can come soon but will not make any promises.

Give my love to grandma & grandpa & I would hope they will soon feel well again.

Lovingly,
Lottie

Notes: Charlotte King is Calla's sister in law.

Letter: Kate Voeglin

Dear Sister & all at home,

I have been thinking of you all today and do hope that you all are feeling good if Father & Mother are not on the pick up. The nurse here tells me that Dr. Greys glycerin compound is a very good tonic & body builder. I am staying here until the woman gets well, to take her place. The work is very easy & the hours are dandy. Half past nine until five and half the day Saturday. I am getting a rest & quite a bit of sewing & mending done.

Clayton has not been feeling very good. Raymond & Grace were up Sunday it was his birthday. I wish you was here this afternoon for this is baby clinic afternoon & I do enjoy it all.

I guess Mrs. Cunningham is going to look on, she is a nurse now and interested in babies. Does father have strength to plant much. The garden was so hard for Will & it would kill me I rather work for the vegetables I eat, how does the pain in Father & Mother’s shoulder get along I do hope it is all gone. Let me hear from you if can find time for it is willing but hustle all the time.

Well I must stop and write to Joe. It will be three o’clock and the clinic is from three to five o’clock.

Love to for all.

Your off sister
Kate V.

Notes: Kate Voeglin is Calla's sister.

News Clipping, Approximate Date

Sidney Red Cross Workers Hold Tea

Comfort Bags are equipped by Workers; High School Nine Beats Oxford

Sidney, May 15—Nearly $105 was realized for the benefit of the Sidney Red Cross Chapter at the tea and reception held at the Automobile clubroom by a group of Sidney ladies of which Mrs. Maude McKinnon Selkregg was chairman. Mrs. R.W. Silver was chairman of the decorating committee and Mrs. H.A. Truesdell and Mrs. P.O. Wheeler poured tea. The rooms were decorated with the National colors and the flags of the Allies, apple blossoms and other flowers. The table decorations were daffodils.

The collection was taken by three little Misses, Helene Kipp, Marion Wills and Louise Pudney, who were costumed as Red Cross nurses. Hand-painted bookmarks, decorated by Mrs. James Keeton, Jr., were sold by Misses Elsie Gibson and Leona Silver. A musical program was furnished by Francis Larkin. During the reception over 80 comfort bags were equipped by the guests.

The Sidney High school baseball team defeated the Oxford High School nine by a score of 8 to 1 on the local diamond Saturday. The game was closely contested. There was a large attendance.

Notes: Calla mentioned this baseball game yesterday.

A Word

I'd like to encourage the people reading this to comment or add their own research in the comments. If you have found something from/by/about one of your relatives in these pages I'd love to know about it, or if you can add information about some event that is mentioned here I'd also love to know. Thanks for your continuing interest in this project!

May 9, 1918

May Thurs. 9, Fri. 10, Sat. 11, Sun. 12, Mon 13
Here it is Monday night at 8:45 but I’ll write a line or two before going to bed. Thurs. after school Miss Goodrich & I cut out poppy petals & then I came home & cleaned the front porch. Fri. after school I went to Mrs. Hartings for Miss Griffith & she staid til 5 o’clock Sunday Night. We had a good visit. Sat. A.M. did shopping & after dinner went to first Ball Game of the season S.H.S. 8-Oxford-1. Had Grace Wood & Margaret Perkins over to supper. Sarah & I walked back with them & went to the movies- saw Alice Brady in “ “

Sun. went to church & S.S. Had Anna over for dinner. We visited til 4:45 & then went for violets. I walked over with them & called on Mrs. Smith. From there went to choir rehearsal & staid to church. Reached home just before an awful storm.

Today has been very rainy.

Put play together tonight under difficulties. Called at King’s & found her sick in bed. Brought the boys home for supper & took hers over. Have been doing school work til I’m “crazy tired.” Sometimes think I’ll never bring any more home to do. Will go to bed now. Good night!

Notes: Calla doesn't actually name the movie she saw, and I can't speculate since Alice Brady was such a prolific actress.

Mrs. Goodrich is likely Rhuby Goodrich, she has been mentioned here before.

Ephemera: Map

I can't place where this map is. Most of the names are common for the region, and it could be any of several cities that Calla lived in or visited during the period of the diary.

News Clipping, Apr 25, 1918

William A Moore Dies at His Home After Short Illness

IN PRACTICE THIRTY YEARS

Had Given Freely of His Time to Advancement of Surgery

Dr. William Moore died at his home on Washington Street at 10 o'clock on Thursday night, following a stroke which he sustained on Wednesday during an illness which began earlier this week.

He was 59 years of age, and is survived by his wife and three daughters. The funeral arrangements had not been completed today, save for the announcement that the services will be held Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock.

Dr. Moore was one of the foremost physicians and surgeons of this part of the state, and began his practice in this city more than 30 years ago, after his graduation from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. During his college days he was one of the famed athletes and oarsmen in the university.

Up to 10 years ago he acted as chief surgeon for the City Hospital and gave freely of his time and interest the institution into one of the best, and placing it on a high plane of efficiency. With Dr. Overton he built the Moore-Overton hospital on Henry street and was a part owner of it, an institution regarded as one in the front ranks as a private hospital.

For many years he had been surgeon for Lackawanna, and D. & H. Railroads, and the Binghamton Railway Company. He had been recently appointed a member of the Council of National Defense at Washington, and was chairman of the local medical advisory board in the selective service army. He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of many medical and surgical societies, including the Binghamton Academy of Medicine and the Broome County Medical Society. He had been a dierctor of the Broome Humane Society since its organization.

Ephemera: Liberty Lunch

I can't for the life of me figure out what these are. I know they are part of some War Effort, but I can't figure out what they are, or what they mean. Does anyone know what a "Liberty Lunch" was?

May 8, 1918

Wed Night May 8th. Mill Days.

Trees are "leafing out" rapidly. Yesterday saw my first oriole. The myrtle warblers are migrating. Mon night attended the Daughters of the Covenant meeting at Mrs. Chafee's. There was a good attendance. Election of officers was the order of the evening. Anna Smith did not care to be re-elected, but she was. Grace Wood was made Vice President, Lydia Fairbanks Sec'y & Molly Hatfield Treasurer. Mrs. Bristol & Mrs. Chafee were put on Flower Committee. The next meeting is a picnic to be held here in Beale Park.

Yesterday staid to drill Act I & walkeda round with Miss Goodrich. After super I ironed five waists, my middy & gingham dress. Miss Goodrich & Donald called in the meantime and I didn't get through ironing until 10 o'clock. Yesterday heard from Josephine Mazzarella, Luella (returned shoes) & had business letter from A.B.C. Today after school I attended the Red Cross tea served in the Auto Club Rooms. Stopped at work room and put together three Comfort Kits.

In school today we did Red Cross work & tonight after supper I basted edge of quilt for French Relief. Tonight I expect to write that "put off" letter to Mabelle & a letter to Gladys Parthel.

Ada Blevis brought me the post card pictures of the teachers to-day.

Notes: Mrs. Chafee is eluding me in the census records.

I find two Anna Smiths in Sidney in this era, one a single British immigrant, the other a younger boarder in one of the houses.

Mrs. Bristol is likely Nellie Bristol, wife of Archie Bristol. Lydia Fairbanks is the wife of Burton Fairbanks. Grace Wood is the wife of Charles Wood. Molly Hatfield is listed as Mary Hatfield in the census, wife of Harold Hatfield.

The only unmarried Goodrich I see is probably too young to be the one mentioned here. She would have been 8 at the time of this writing.

A "middy" is a "sailor dress." A dress based on a Mid-shipman's Naval uniform. A waist is a term for a shirt made to look like a man's shirt, with buttons and a collar. Short for "shirtwaist."

UPDATE: I don't know how I missed it before but the Goodrich listed is likely Rhuby Goodrich, wife of Walter Goodrich.

May 5, 1918

Sunday, May 5.

Yesterday & to day have been perfect as far as weather is concerned. Yesterday I washed, cleaned & ironed finishing up about 10:45. In between after supper I went to the Library did shopping called on Anna at store & called on Ethel White. Today I got up at 9 went to church & S.S. Tonight the class. For dinner we had our first short cake (strawberry), lettuce & bacon & eggs. I've cut bread out of my diet (as a War measure). After dinner I went to Kipp's to call. Mrs. N. was there. She spoke of the Red Cross needing buttons, so I came home & in our button boxes mother & I have found 200. Mother's arm still keeps bad, so she can't comb her hair. We sat out on the porch for the first, saw a warbler in the trees. Wrote an addition to my letter to Bob. Mr. Deane came on 6:31. I balanced up register & made our report; also added up book list. $142.39 is the total of this order. (a splendid lot of books). Should go to bed but will write a few lines to P.J. for old times sake.

Letter: Fayette King

Dear Baby,

Your Pa rec'd your letter and postcard and was tickled 2 death. I asked the Dr. what I should tell you for him and he said to tell you he sent his sweetest smiles boxed up. Daddy says you can head the procession when you come again. Stuart Holdredge wrote like this to the Dr. It beats all how you get all the nice girls up with you. Let me know when she comes again and I will come up. This may not be the exact wording but it has the meaning. Ha Ha. Say what a good time you had with your Pa. Try it again soon. My what a lot of germs is marching around here. I have to let my feet hang out the window to make room. Our new paper is nearly all on. Your Pa has been sick in bed since you left. Had awful pains in my head but are better now.

Now Baby be good and write Pa soon.

Lovingly,
Your Dear Pa

900000000 kisses with love

May 3, 1918

May 3rd
Yesterday was pleasant. Luella phoned that she would come down on the 6 o'clock & go back at 8. She came but the freight didn't pull up to depot until 7:30 & as we had to get Clyde B. to open store so she could get a pair of shoes, she missed her train. She bot a copy of "Laddie in Khaki."We had cream and went to the "movies." She went home this forenoon; she works now at Borden's at Mt. Upton counting bacteria.

Today has been Arbor Day, but you would never know it at school. We did War Relief work this P.M. made Comfort Pillow covers. Yesterday rec'd letter from Don & today a card from Kate.

Notes: Counting bacteria? Did I transcribe that correctly? I suppose it makes sense if Borden's is a dairy maybe?

I chose not to transcribe the poem as it is by a fairly famous author, and so not really of historical value here.

Arithmetic Grades

I am guessing at the date and placement for this item, but I consider it to be one of the prizes of the diary. I am not going to transcribe the document, since it is pretty easy to read for yourself, but this appears to be Calla's class' grades for arithmetic. So that the names are searchable by search engine I'll list them here: Ralph Benedict, Ada M Blevis, Helen M Bloxham, Lucy Campbell, Emily Cunningham, Margaret Higgs, John Hubbell, Ruth Johnston, Frederick Kirby, Clifford Laraway, Harry Lewis, Marguerite Palmer, Eugene Palombo, Andrew Patrick, Nellie Seeley, Ethel Smith, Russell Struble, Alethea Tilford, Arthur Truesdell, Esther Wilber, and Henry Yarter. A good many of these names appear on the 1923 Alumni Roster for Sidney High School.

Letter: Louisa

51 Broad St.
Endicott N.Y.
Apr 18 1918

Dear Calla,

Fully expected to write you before our vacation telling you how pleased I am that you are to be in Endicott next year. I am sure you will like it after becoming acclimated.

I am wondering where you will be located. I hope where I may see you real often.

Several of mine have left so I have only 32 on my register, at present. Several are absent these days and I am wondering when they will ever make up lost work.

This evening Helen and I have been to Prayer Meeting which we do not attend every Wed. Eve, our pastor is attending Conference but expect that he will be returned for another year.

Spent pleasant ten days vacation at home. Olive and Laverne were with us part of the time.

At present, Miss Sprague and I are getting our own breakfasts and taking our other meals at the restaurant. It seems about the only way.

Are you going to visit the schools here this spring? Think it would be a pleasant experience.

Kind Regards to your people,

Sincerely,
Louisa

Notes: I am still not sure of Louisa's last name, but you may remember that Calla remarked on her leaving Sidney to go teach in Endicott in the April 13, 1917 entry of the diary. She also mentions a Miss Sprague in that entry, possibly the same lady mentioned here.