Life of Mary Caroline Findley (from Her Diary Entries for 1948)

See an overview of the years 1938 through 1947.

See an overview of the years 1948 through 1957.

See the diary entries for 1947.

Thursday, January 1, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy. Nothing special to start New Year.

Friday, January 2, 1948 (age 60): Snow. Another lot of snow piled on what we have.

Saturday, January 3, 1948 (age 60): Eva Dea 56. Snow. Stayed in. Letters from the Tucker kids thanking me for the money. Got Andover Press notice of wages earned and withholding tax.

Sunday, January 4, 1948 (age 60): E. Ramsdell's 36th birth. Cloudy. Went to church. Eleanor told me the Ormmsby baby died. 2 days old, just as mine was. Looked in on the Carters at noon & had a piece of pie. Took handkerchief over to Eva in pm for a birthday present. Took down Xmas trees.

Monday, January 5, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy. Bought 1948 diary & some callus pads. Took down some letters to remail for Mrs. Powers, also a box of stuff which came from Virginia. Had permanent in afternoon at Addis'. Then went to birthday com. meeting at Mrs. Adams'. Took down outside decorations.

Tuesday, January 6, 1948 (age 60): Sun trying to come out. Stayed in and made out bills. Nellie called up & wanted to know if Jean was going to Law. but she had already gone with R. & Jimmie who had to go over about his eye.

Wednesday, January 7, 1948 (age 60): Snow. Letter from Mrs. Johnstone. Mr. J. has heart trouble & she is going to live downstairs as he can't go over the stairs. Went downtown & gave in bills. Also sent in withholding tax return. At bank Mr. Whittemore didn't know but what I'd have to declare the interest on the grandchildren's bank accts. but a man there said not. Played rummy at home.

Thursday, January 8, 1948 (age 60): Fair. Jean & R. went to movies in afternoon & I took care of JA. Went to Carters at night. Went downtown & signed bill list I'd forgotten to sign. Took old fountain pen into bookstore to have fixed.

Friday, January 9, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy--some snow in a.m., warmer. Letter from Eleanor saying Ed had been at Gov. Island in NY since June & now is being sent to Philippines & they are going too next summer for 2 years. Wrote to E. & mailed it, also sent Dr. Currier's bill down to Earl Powers.

Saturday, January 10, 1948 (age 60): Fair & cold. Letter from Mary telling about their Christmas. Chris & Butch got a piano & Chris is going to take lessons. They seemed to like what we sent.

Sunday, January 11, 1948 (age 60): Cold & fair. Stayed in all day except just to walk up as far as Marion Wilkinson's at night. She wasn't home so came right back. Wrote to Ethel & Mrs. Johnstone.

Monday, January 12, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy-- cold. Down to zero this morning. Got a letter from Garden Club thanking me for participating in Christmas decorations even though I didn't get a prize. Wrote to Mary. Got a card from Mrs. Harry Sillars inviting to Thrift Shop tea on Jan. 22. [the following written in pencil] Sent book about New England to Peg for birthday.

Tuesday, January 13, 1948 (age 60): Snow & sleet-- slush. Stayed in all day. Letter from Mrs. Gardner from Niles, Calif. where she & Mr. G. spent Christmas with Mike & family. Mike is going to China. Ralph Liggett died in Dillon, Montana.

Wednesday, January 14, 1948 (age 60): Cold & fair. Went to movies & saw The Egg & I. Eva Dea called up & said Minnie's husband died yesterday. I agreed to go in with flowers. Went to Carters after movies & played cards after supper. Wrote to Minnie.

Thursday, January 15, 1948 (age 60): Cold & fair. It was very cold so didn't go out. J. & R. & JA went downtown in pm & got me some ink for fountain pen. Two bouquets of flowers came from Chapin funeral. Finished little red mittens. Wrote to Christine as I got a letter from her thanking me for Christmas gift.

Friday, January 16, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy & cold. Went to Law. & got a pair of shoes & metatarsal arch supports at Lord's. Can't get any bargains. Stopped in at Carters but didn't stay. Played dominoes in evening.

Saturday, January 17, 1948 (age 60): Fair & cold. Stayed in for a while & then went downtown, got fountain pen & had it and book put on charge.

Sunday, January 18, 1948 (age 60): Snow & then clear. The roads are filled with snow. Plows get stuck too. Went over to Eva's in pm and paid 75¢ for Jean's belonging to blanket club.

Monday, January 19, 1948 (age 60): Very cold. Didn't go out all day. Down to 10 below on front porch. Jean & R. went to movies.

Tuesday, January 20, 1948 (age 60): Fair & a little warmer. Paid Blue Cross $4.25. Paid $10 on note & 2 dollars into Xmas club. Met Nellie & she said to come in & stay to supper so I did & played rummy afterwards.

Wednesday, January 21, 1948 (age 60): Snow again. Sent for 5 spoons with coupon & $1 from Gold Medal bag. Stayed in all day. Played cards at night with J. & R. * Alec Dundas died suddenly in Miami Springs, Florida.

Thursday, January 22, 1948 (age 60): Roland's 49th birthday. Cloudy-- icy on roads. Received $12.10 on my income tax return. Census taker Mr. Elliot came. Went to tea at Mrs. Harry Sellars & heard report of Thrift Shop. Made over $30,000 last year & sent out of that commissions of $13,000. Went to Carters afterwards. Gave R. box of soap.

Friday, January 23, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy cold. Cashed check & paid Mrs. Addis $8 which I owed her for permanent and $4.75 to bookstore. Brought home some groceries. Started to snow in pm again. Roland working.

Saturday, January 24, 1948 (age 60): Cold & snow. 10° below. Regular blizzard adding a foot more snow. Didn't go out. R. worked in a.m. and at night he & J. went to Johnsons to play cards.

Sunday, January 25, 1948 (age 60): Trying to clear. Lots of churches were closed there was so much snow, but not here in Andover. Didn't go to church. In evening went up to Marion Wilkinsons for a visit. She said Dot & Alec Black had finally got an apartment in Miss Carter's house.

Monday, January 26, 1948 (age 60): Fair & cold. Had a wash & wave. Bought a pencil sharpener for Nellie. Mailed letter to Jerry & Ruth Haviland & a card to Miss Farmer.

Tuesday, January 27, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy again. Letter from Minerva, funny as usual. Mr. D. let the wash bowl in his toilet run over & there was a flood down there. Joe saw it coming down into the men's toilet. I helped mop it up & then was so dizzy I had to lie down.

Wednesday, January 28, 1948 (age 60): Nellie 72. Fair-- cold. Had bad headache again so didn't do much. Got JA to sleep for his nap. Invited down to Carters for supper. Lucy Eaton was there & we had supper in dining room & played rummy afterwards.

Thursday, January 29, 1948 (age 60): Fair & cold. Letter from Ethel but no mention of Minnie in it.

Friday, January 30, 1948 (age 60): Fair-- very cold. Worked at Thrift Shop.

Saturday, January 31, 1948 (age 60): Fair & cold. Got one mitten done of the red pair.

Sunday, February 1, 1948 (age 60): Fair & cold. Didn't go to church but went over to Eva's in pm. No further word from Minnie. Finished other mitten of the red pair.

Monday, February 2, 1948 (age 60): Fair--a little warmer. R., J., & JA took Jimmie Douglas over to the Dr. McCavitt in Law. to have his foot fixed in pm. Went over to Ella Curtises in evening with Lucy to a birthday com. meeting. Carroll Rhodes came back from Florida but didn't go home to hubby. Wonder why. Came to Ella's as if she was going to stay. Wrote to Ethel & Minerva. Gave $1 Salvation Army.

Tuesday, February 3, 1948 (age 60): Fair & cold. Got birthday cards for Feb. for K.D. Took Annie's pin down to Billings to have pin put in & got her some stamps. Took book into Press to have binding fixed. JA's book. A young fellow who was working here fell off roof chopping ice & got a bad cut. Taken to hospital after doctor saw him but was all right.

Wednesday, February 4, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy--snow--cold. Went over to Ella Curtis in pm & sewed with birthday committee. Have the birthdays of old people & bought cards & have sent one to Mary Sanborn thinking Thurs. was her birthday but its Feb. 7.

Thursday, February 5, 1948 (age 60): Sydney's birthday. Fair & cold. Still working on roof. Jean made big cake for Sydney. She & Bea went to Law. & got things. Bea is giving a party Friday at her sister's house for Dottie. She's feeling blue about Frank so I sent her out.

Friday, February 6, 1948 (age 60): Fair-- a little bit warmer. Bea heard from Mrs. Thornton that she wanted her things & the dining table belongs o her. Asked Eva about the dining table Mrs. Derrah left in Ethel's room. Took over money for Bea & Jean. Got some valentines and sent to Chris, Butch, & Janna, also birthday card to Mamie. Called up about working in Thrift Shop.

Saturday, February 7, 1948 (age 60): Mamie's birthday. Fair & cold-- warmed up. Worked in Thrift Shop from 10-1. Melted quite a bit & R., J., & JA got splashed all over when they went for a walk on High St.

Sunday, February 8, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy--warmer. Stayed in all day. A Mr. Barrett, Mrs. Miles Ward's father, came here for a while. Got supper, wrote to Mary & sent 2 snow pictures. Bea here all day. Read.

Monday, February 9, 1948 (age 60): Fair--cold. Wind icy. Took bills down & $10.50 Mr. Barrett paid in advance. Lucy Eaton called up & asked me to supper with Carters. Went down & L. Gibson too. Roland drove us down & Thaxter back. Had turkey supper & played rummy afterwards.

Tuesday, February 10, 1948 (age 60): Fair & cold. Lenten notices from church. Bea said D. Fitzpatrick died at Crockett. Also a Miss Burke, both of whom people wanted to get in here.

Wednesday, February 11, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy & cold-- snow at night. Letters from Ethel Har. & Mrs. Haviland. Ethel is to leave the home Sat & go to Reading to be a housekeeper for woman. Mrs. H. said Ruth was going to NY the 22nd & we would plan for a reunion when weather got warmer. Had bad headache & crying spell. Went over to Ella Curtis & sewed.

Thursday, February 12, 1948 (age 60): Fair-- a little warmer. Had hair washed. Took mittens into Mrs. Rackle & the fellow in And. Home Service paid me $1.50. Nellie also paid me 1.18 for potatoes we got for her recently. Jean went to movies free & R. & I played dominoes.

Friday, February 13, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy but breaking through. Didn't go out all day. Snowed at night. Jean took JA downtown in stroller & got caught in snow. Wrote to Ethel Har.

Saturday, February 14, 1948 (age 60): Fair--warm--windy--cooler. Jean having a baby shower for Eleanor, Bea helped decorate the dining room & living room. About 20 came and E. got some nice things. Jean served sandwiches & coffee & cream puffs with icecream. I went down to Carters for a while.

Sunday, February 15, 1948 (age 60): Fair--cold--windy. Went to ch. but I didn't stay to communion. Margaret May Smith came in pm to see room we are going to let her mother have. Harold Cotton was with her. Mr. Barrett paid another week's board.

Monday, February 16, 1948 (age 60): Fair--cold. A little warmer. Stayed upstairs with JA & played with him & read & sang & tried to get him to sleep, as he had a cold, but couldn't. Jean finally did but not for long. Was awake a good deal of the night too.

Tuesday, February 17, 1948 (age 60): Took down Mr. Barrett's board to Selectmen. Thought I'd go to movies in pm but didn't think I'd like picture so went to Law. instead. Bought some talc & some nuts. Looked for goods for skirt but couldn't see just what I wanted. Went to Carters & stayed to supper & played cards.

Wednesday, February 18, 1948 (age 60): Fair. Mr. Winslow called up about reading proof of my report so went down at noon & did it. Only took 5 minutes. Jean went to sewing class & R. & I played dominoes.

Thursday, February 19, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy--warmer. J., R. & JA went to York Beach. Took advantage of better weather. Snow has gone a lot. Mrs. David May came here for a while. Margaret came with her.

Friday, February 20, 1948 (age 60): Fair--some clouds. Warm in a.m. & got colder. Went downtown & got some shelf paper, paper napkins & a ventilator, which proved too small even for back windows.

Saturday, February 21, 1948 (age 60): Fair & cold. Went downtown in pm & bought skirt at Irma Beene's. Took papers home & had supper then went down to Carters to play cards. Miss Chamberlain of York Hospital visiting Jean.

Sunday, February 22, 1948 (age 60): Snow. Stayed in all day. The rest went for a ride in pm & J. & Miss C. went to movies at night.

Monday, February 23, 1948 (age 60): Fair. J., R., & JA went to Ice Follies. Mamie & Miss Chamberlain went with them. I went to Carters after supper.

Tuesday, February 24, 1948 (age 60): Fair. Went downtown & took money for Barrett, Annie & Mamie. Got curtain rods & 2 spats. Went to Red Cross & got stuff that a Mr. Sanders had left. Suits may fit Roland. Tried to find Eva Dea but couldn't. My 5 spoons came as I knew they would after I'd sent a letter asking why they hadn't.

Wednesday, February 25, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy--little warmer. Didn't get up this a.m. as Jean got up to give Mr. Duval bath. She & R. & JA went to Law & got tablecloths, but too small. Went over to Ella Curtis's to sew & they made plans for baked bean supper.

Thursday, February 26, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy--warmer--clearing. Jean got up this a.m. too. My arm is still aching. Neuritis I guess. Went down & got more library books. Read one through last night. Went into Carters for a few minutes. Called up Mrs. Barrett in forenoon re. coffee butter etc. Mrs. Coles called Jean about coming for 3 days 10-7 to help over there.

Friday, February 27, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy. JA had earache in morning. Called Dr. Car. & then said they would come at night. Has chronic tonsillitis-- will have to have tonsils out. Jean worked at Mrs. Coles sanatorium from 10-7. Went to Law. & exchanged tablecloths. Letter from Ruth Rochford about maple syrup & desk.

Saturday, February 28, 1948 (age 60): Snow. Heavy & wet. Weighing down trees again. Didn't go out, but called up some of the K.D. to see if they remembered the supper Monday night. Will be glad when it's over. Bea went out & got my nerve pills bottle filled. Wrote to R. & told her I'd take the maple syrup & desk of Annie's but couldn't pay more than $10 for it. Jean working again.

Sunday, February 29, 1948 (age 60): Snow. Jean went out early so she could have part of pm off. Went down to Carters in pm & stayed to supper. Mrs. May had a lot of company & Alec Black was here trying to make her sell her house. It rather upset her.

Monday, March 1, 1948 (age 60): Fair--some snow flurries. Went down to South ch. & fixed up tables for K.D. supper & took down stuff from here & Mrs. Coles' & Mrs. Clark's. Lots of stuff & everyone thought it a very good supper. Had American Chop Suey & rolls & pickles & fruit gel. & whipped cream for dessert. Had stereopticon of Havana & Florida after. Paid Lucy for Rockport bill.

Tuesday, March 2, 1948 (age 60): Snow. Paid Ford for rolls. Went downtown in pm. Walked back in snow. Didn't sleep very good even though the supper was over.

Wednesday, March 3, 1948 (age 60): Fair. Went downtown in pm & got library book. Up to Carters where I paid Lucy the rest of money for K.D. supper. Played cards. Ethel Harrington sent note saying she had news to tell me when she saw me. Might come to baked bean supper.

Thursday, March 4, 1948 (age 60): Snow flurries all day. Stayed in. Jean had bad headache from cold & sinus I guess. Played dominoes at night & beat R. 3 games. Alice Jaques asked me if I'd work at Thrift Shop tomorrow.

Friday, March 5, 1948 (age 60): Fair & cold. Worked in Thrift Shop in pm & stayed with baby at night so J. & R. could go to the theatre in Lowell. Saw Charley's Aunt with Freddie Bartholomew.

Saturday, March 6, 1948 (age 60): Fair & cold. Went downtown & did a few errands & met Nellie coming to see Mrs. May. Told her to stay to supper. Met George & told him same thing. Tel. Lucy & R. went down & got them & took them home in evening.

Sunday, March 7, 1948 (age 60): Snow & sleet. Stayed in all day. Bad going. Buster Svenson here all pm & even.

Monday, March 8, 1948 (age 60): Fair. Went downtown in pm with Nellie & stayed to supper but felt miserable so came home & went to bed. Was going to town meeting but didn't feel able.

Tuesday, March 9, 1948 (age 60): Fair. Stayed in bed all day. Roland sick too. Morgan came back but R. told him to go as he'd had enough chances. Annie Colange brought me in a birthday card as she thought it was the 16th.

Wednesday, March 10, 1948 (age 60): Rain. Muice [? illegible] here putting up ceiling in dining room. Got it done by noon. Got up but feel pretty weak. Ethel sent me a box of sugar pecans for a birthday present & Miss K. sent a birthday card. Everyone seems to think it a week early. F. Abbott wanted me to put piece in paper again about b.b. supper from 5.30 to 7 now.

Thursday, March 11, 1948 (age 60): Cloudy, then snow in pm. Mrs. May wanted me to call up A. Buchan & thank her for letters etc. so I talked with her about E. Hitchcock. Cold has gone down some so I cough a little.

Friday, March 12, 1948 (age 60): Fair. Went downtown & took payroll, Mrs. May's board & cashed check for her. Got check for 4.44 from Eaton. Gave R. 2.35 for liquor he bought for house. Paid up my loan at bank and $1 in Christmas club. Went up to Eva's & gave her $3 for Bea & Jean & took Bea's dollar in to Mrs. Arnold for Red Cross.

Saturday, March 13, 1948 (age 60): Fair. Sent letter off to Miss K. & Ethel and got letter from Mary. She's been sick. Is going to send suit I sent to Butchie 2 years ago back for JA. Sadie Steeves came here to see Gertie. Sat with me awhile, while Jean was giving her a bath.

Sunday, March 14, 1948 (age 60): R., J., & JA & I went down to New Bedford to see Minerva. After they had gone M. called up Virginia & we had quite a talk. After that she looked distressed & went to bed & was very sick in night with gall bladder attack. Had doctor.

Monday, March 15, 1948 (age 60): M. stayed in bed & had nothing but water. Felt a little better but pain still there. Had some more opium suppositories made up to quiet pain. Called up Jean & told her the situation & said I was going to stay the week.

Tuesday, March 16, 1948 (age 61): 61st birthday. Cloudy. Got 3 birthday cards from J., R. & JA. I wrote to Jean & told her the situation at M.'s. Got birthday cards at home from John & family, Annie, Mamie, Eva, Nellie, & Lucy--also letter on card from Helen Dunlap. Saw these after I got home from M's. Jean also gave me a hassock. Dr. came to see M. & said she could have tea & toast.

Wednesday, March 17, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Did an errand at little store & walked around the block. M. still in bed but pain is going. Called up Eleanor & she isn't going to Philippines till fall. Ed has already gone.

Thursday, March 18, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy--rain. Stayed in most of the day & took M.'s tea & toast to her. She had some cereal today.

Friday, March 19, 1948 (age 61): Minerva got up & felt better but rather weak. She made macaroni & cheese for supper. Joan came home late at night.

Saturday, March 20, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Warm. Came home on the 10.30 bus from N.B. Had lunch in Filenes. Got out here at 4.30. Went up to Carters & found that I was invited out to supper "if I came with Nellie, George, & Miss Ryder as guests of Gertie May.

Sunday, March 21, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cloudy. Warm. Stayed in as it rained toward night. The Cottons came to visit Gertie's but that's all the company she had. Mr. Barrett had his sister & 2 men visit him.

Monday, March 22, 1948 (age 61): Warm. Had hair washed. Went downtown & asked selectmen if we'd been satisfactory & they said yes & I was to be put on as matron again. Will divide my pay with Jean. Played cards with Carters. Sent cornucopia of candy to Chris & Butch, Easter card to Minerva, and one to John.

Tuesday, March 23, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy & colder. Took Mamie & Annie's money down & took books back for Mrs. May. Edythe Jacques called up about working in Thrift Shop Wed. a.m.

Wednesday, March 24, 1948 (age 61): Fair--warmer. J. & R. & JA went to beach in morning as R. was cranky. I telephoned I couldn't get to Thrift Shop & then managed to at 10.30 or 11. Stayed till 1. Had dinner at Verrettes. Gertie had Nellie & Nell Jackson & Arthur Jr. visitors. Went to movies at supper time & saw Rebecca.

Thursday, March 25, 1948 (age 61): Fair--a little cooler in morning. Wrote to selectmen & told them I wanted J. paid $20 out of my pay. They can do as they please about the rest. Said I was going to try for a pension from Allan's war record. Annie gave me an Easter card. Went to Free church with Nellie. George didn't feel like going.

Friday, March 26, 1948 (age 61): Fair & mild. Mrs. May went home. I went over with her and waited till B. Jackson Foster came. She made supper. Went in to see Eva for a few minutes and then downtown & got supper. Mrs. M. gave me $2. I went up to Carters for evening. M. Hewes tel. that there would be a meeting of birthday com. Mon. at Ella's. Got Mamie & Annie some candy.

Saturday, March 27, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Took Mrs. May over a dog doughnuts & her key which I had forgotten to give her. Went into Nellie's for a while but came home for supper & evening. * Inez Thorning died.

Sunday, March 28, 1948 (age 61): Fair & then cloudy. Got up & went to 7 o'clock service. Lots there as many as are generally at church. Got breakfast at Verrettes. Mrs. Billings called me in for cup of coffee but didn't have any. They are going to Calif. tomorrow. Wish I were going along. * Alice McTerner died suddenly after a fine Easter. Irene Judge called up & wanted me for Thrift Shop Tues. a.m.

Monday, March 29, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cold. Stayed in in forenoon & pm till 5 & then took Gertie May's receipt over to her & posted 2 letters. Got 2 hamburgers at Verrettes & went up to Carters to wait for Lucy to go over to Ella Curtis's for the birthday co. meeting.

Tuesday, March 30, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cool wind. Worked at Thrift Shop in a.m. They want me every Tues. a.m. Here in pm & went to Carters in evening to play cards.

Wednesday, March 31, 1948 (age 61): Fair & mild. Jean went to library with JA in morning & to meeting of D.A.R. in pm. I got supper. Went down to Margaret Cilley's in evening & paid Leg. Aux. dues as they had written letter asking Gold Star mothers to pay dues if possible. $1.50. Jean went to sewing class.

Thursday, April 1, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Mrs. May was going out to Ruth's today according to Nellie. Poured in pm. G. Napier called up re payroll & I went down in afternoon & said to give Jean $18 & I'd take $10. Went to Carters & stayed to supper & played cards. Got them town & sc. reports. Baked my arm [???]

Friday, April 2, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy & misty. R. had to have something done to car so Jean took JA in stroller & went downtown. Stayed in all day & blue as deuce. Went up & saw M. Wilkinson in evening & she was taking paper off living room so I helped a bit. Then she made coffee & cheese crackers.

Saturday, April 3, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cloudy--windy. Jean Wood couldn't come as she had a cold. I cleaned up the best I could & then took a bath. Went to Law. in pm & was it cold! Bought "diamond" ring in Super store--foolish as usual. Went in Nellie's for a few minutes & she invited me for dinner Monday night as Lucy & Thaxter are coming, it being Lucy's birthday tomorrow.

Sunday, April 4, 1948 (age 61): Fair. After dinner Jean took JA & walked to playstead where R. was. Then they went down to Dot's & over to Nat's where they stayed for supper. Mr. Duval disappeared but I found him in Bea's room after I'd called the police & D. Nicoll came down.

Monday, April 5, 1948 (age 61): Fair & warm. Went downtown & got some bills. Also went to movies in pm, saw If Winter Comes. Went to Nellie's for supper as she had invited the Eatons. Lucy E. was telling all about Mabel Carter's funeral "going away party" & described Bessie's long drawn-out face & I laughed & of course she wanted to know what I was laughing at.

Tuesday, April 6, 1948 (age 61): Rain in pm. Jean went to Lowell Gen. Hospital to have a checkup. I worked in Thrift Shop this morning for 2 hours--bought 2 chemises Esther Smith brought in. Old-fashioned but good material and embroidery.

Wednesday, April 7, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went over to see Jean but nothing had been done. She wanted her sewing. Called up Lexie but she was going to a meeting at church so stayed at home. Made doughnuts & jello for dessert.

Thursday, April 8, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy & rainy. B. of P.W. men sweeping street with machine. Made 2 pies & gingerbread. Stayed in till evening, then went to Carters. R. went up to hospital & said they told him Jean had a tumor.

Friday, April 9, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy--fair--windy. Tried to clean upstairs a bit & dusted. Made tapioca pudding. Went downtown with payroll & bills. Put $5 in Christmas club & ordered 2 sponge cakes at Fords. Took Jean's shoes into Thrift Shop & told them she wanted $3 for them. Dr. Currier telephoned. Jean would be operated on Monday. Mary Buckley Crowley died. Had shock.

Saturday, April 10, 1948 (age 61): Fair, but cold & windy. Box of clothes for JA came from Mary. Note in pocket said she hoped they'd be usable. I wrote to her about Jean. Went to Carters in evening. Bought a pin at Harborn shop for Leg. Aux. whist party prize.

Sunday, April 11, 1948 (age 61): Fair-- cloudy--cold. Rained in pm. I took JA in stroller over to Eva's & Allen brought us home in his car. Took a pin I bought for prize to M. Cilley.

Monday, April 12, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Jean operated on for a tumor. Dr. Currier says she's ok now. I hope she gets over her nervousness. I had crying spell at night, R. fusses so darn much. Mrs. Howe called up about D.A.R. & letter came from Mrs. Currier saying she could come Wed. May 5.

Tuesday, April 13, 1948 (age 61): Fair & then cloudy. Made bread pudding out of crusts & old choc. cake. Bea is housecleaning & also made cake.

Wednesday, April 14, 1948 (age 61): Rain. I made apple dump. for dessert & B. made cookies in pm. Was so tired didn't go up to see Jean. Went to K.D. meeting in evening with Lucy. Had a ride home in Lawrence's car with Lucy & M. Wilkinson.

Thursday, April 15, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Went up to see Jean in pm. She is still in a lot of pain but doctors say to move around even if it hurts. Was so tired myself I didn't know what to say to her.

Friday, April 16, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went downtown in a.m. to get some cooking spoons. Took payroll down. In aft. Mrs. Howe came over & brought postal cards for me to address, which I did & sent them off in even. with letters to Mrs. Thornton & G. May who had written to me. Went into Nellie's & R. & family there. R. has lost job in Lewiston & is taking 2 weeks vacation & they are going south.

Saturday, April 17, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cool. Went to Law. in pm & got shoes at Enterprise, to wear around. R. went up in eve to see Jean so I put JA to bed.

Sunday, April 18, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Stayed in all day. A. Burchan called re Jean & I suggested she ride up & see her so she did & R. brought her back here & I gave her supper. Has to be careful what she eats on acct. of diabetes.

Monday, April 19, 1948 (age 61): Fair-- showery at night. Had to take care of JA in pm so took him for a walk over to Eva Dea's & around. Went to Carters in evening.

Tuesday, April 20, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy & showers. Had hair washed. R. called up while I was in there that Mr. Moore was coming in to home. Not for 2 or 3 days I guess. Bought Mamie address book. Put $5 in bank--two checks, one from Thrift Shop & one from town $5.38 in all. Had dinner at restaurant. Jean came home from hospital. Mr. Moore came in pm to look over room.

Wednesday, April 21, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Met Eva Dea downtown & she said why didn't she get an invite to meet. of D.A.R. I told her to call up Mrs. Howe which she did & then came down here & had me sign her papers.

Thursday, April 22, 1948 (age 61): Rainy. Jean not feeling so good & Roland sick too. Nearly passed out yesterday, but managed to do wash today. Mr. Moore came down to look over room again to see if it had a wall plug for his radio.

Friday, April 23, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went to movies & saw Three Daring Daughters. Had supper in restaurant & stayed home in even. Bea took Mamie to movies. Mr. Moore called up & said his sister had gotten him a room in Haverhill, so he wouldn't come here.

Saturday, April 24, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Mr. Duvall tried to take some papers which belonged to Mamie downstairs with him but we caught him. Sample Townsmans to most of those in the house. JA said "I love my mummy & daddy. They are sick. Mummy had operation & daddy has a pain in his head & his belly." JA fell & bumped head. Eleanor Svenson had baby girl, name is to be Dorothy Jean.

Sunday, April 25, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cool. Went down to Belmont & visited Havilands after I'd been to church in St. Paul's & had dinner at Childs. Had quite a gab.

Monday, April 26, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cool. Jean feeling a little better. Went up & mailed some letters in evening & went into M. Wilkinson's house & helped her put her rug down.

Tuesday, April 27, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cool. Went to movies after Jean had her picture taken with D.A.R. at Historical house. Sent for window cleaner from Miles Kimball Co. Went to Carters at night. Got some birthday cards for the grands.

Wednesday, April 28, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cool. Stayed in all day.

Thursday, April 29, 1948 (age 61): Fair & warmer. Went to Law. & ordered machine fixed from Toher's. Said they would be over Friday. Ordered birthday cake for JA.

Friday, April 30, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Man came for machine & took away the operative part. The Cobbs stopped in to see Jean & Mrs. Howe also to have some pledges typewritten. Called up Eva but she said Tommie had typewriter & told me to get Frank Mackey's sec to do them & she consented. R. took Joe to ballgame in Boston & was sick part of way home.

Saturday, May 1, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Made 3 pies & doughnuts. Took pie down to May supper of Leg. Aux. & ½ doz. doughnuts to Carters. Letter from Mary with snaps of Chris & Butch, Mrs. Hawes & H's mother.

Sunday, May 2, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Cooked pot roast & it came out ok. Had made 2 pies & had onions & tomatoes. J. & R. & JA went off for a ride in pm & I went over to Eva's after supper for a short time. Wrote to Mary & sent D.A.R. picture & to Minerva & sent piece about the Wessell estate to her.

Monday, May 3, 1948 (age 61): John Allan 3 years old. Fair. Went downtown & put in $5 each for JA & Carla. Put in $5 for Christmas fund. Jean got toys for JA & I got him a birthday cake I ordered at McGregors. Went over to Law. to have feet fixed at Dr. McCavitts. He strapped them up & they felt better.

Tuesday, May 4, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Stayed in all day. Made up books for April as far as I could.

Wednesday, May 5, 1948 (age 61): Fair, rained at night. Worked in Thrift Shop 2 hours in morning. Went to organization meeting of D.A.R. in pm. D. Fucas spoke. Rev. Twombley of N.A. made prayer & read scrip. It was in the old Locke house, formerly Dea. Isaac Abbott's tavern. Had punch & cakes afterwards. Went to movies & saw The Bishop's Wife afterwards.

Thursday, May 6, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Jean, R., & JA went to beach. The water wouldn't come on this morning so we used cold cereal. Had enough for coffee. Came on later.

Friday, May 7, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Went into Boston in pm & got shoes recommended by Dr. McCavitt. Look big. Came home on 4 oclock express & as it was raining took a taxi from the square. Walked up there with E. Napier as she had an umbrella.

Saturday, May 8, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Went to Law. & ordered a closet which came this pm from Racket Store. Also had feet strapped up again & found shoes weren't right according to Dr. McCavitt. Went down to Carters' in even & took Reader's Digest to Lucy. Russell's family there. Ethel & Miss K. got home tonight.

Sunday, May 9, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Took a walk this pm over to Pine St. & saw Margaret out at Betty's. Stayed a while & then walked down with her & saw Ethel's car in Eva's yard & she saw me & waved so went in. Went back with her to Miss K's & had supper. Got box of candy from J., JA, & R.

Monday, May 10, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went to K.D. meeting & supper in evening. Had corn chowder & tomato juice salad. Got 3 prs. stockings from Peg & a card from John, also card with $2 in it from Mary, all for Mother's Day. Jennie Hunter came here to stay. Wrote to John & Peg & thanked them.

Tuesday, May 11, 1948 (age 61): Christine's 10th birthday. Fair. Went to Boston & changed shoes. Got a dollar off as it was another last. Also got 2 chemises in Filene's. Had dinner in there. Went to Carters' at night. Wrote to Mary & thanked her.

Wednesday, May 12, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Stayed in all day.

Thursday, May 13, 1948 (age 61): Rain. R. fussing about a dirty sheet not being soaked & B. got mad. Not too bad, but I got upset again. Went to Law. & took shoes over & they were satisfactory. Dr. Mc said to wear them a week & come over again. Paid $10 on machine. Went to Carters.

Friday, May 14, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Made cake that feels as heavy as lead. Made biscuits for shortcake. Tel to Toher's saying that mach. wasn't right yet.

Saturday, May 15, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Took off strapping from foot & had a bath. Put on new shoes & walked downtown & were they sore. May not be able to go a week without some support.

Sunday, May 16, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy--rain in pm. My day on & I read book while waiting for dinner & supper time. Rained so no one came to call. Doris Johnson married to James McLaughlin of Methuen in Cath. ch. rectory. I wonder how it would have turned out if she'd married Allan. [Newspaper clipping] "Miss Doris E. Johnson, daughter of Mrs. Chester A. Johnson, 75½ Chester street, became the bride of James J. McLaughlin of Hampshire street, Methuen, at a ceremony in the rectory of St. Monica's church, Methuen. Rev. Joseph Holland, the pastor, officiated. The bride wore a white gaberdine suit with white accessories and an orchid corsage. Miss Mary Reilly as matron of honor wore a dusty pink suit with navy blue accessories and an orchid corsage. Vincent Davies of Andover was best man. The reception was held at the home of the bride's uncle, Harry Ashton, on Canterbury street, Andover. Guests were present from Rhode Island and New Hampshire. After a wedding trip the couple will reside at 75½ Chester street."

Monday, May 17, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Had hair washed, also manicure. Waited all pm for nursery man but didn't come. Toher's hasn't been here either. Went to Carters' in eve & had to have R. come after me it rained so.

Tuesday, May 18, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Used up odds & ends in icebox for a salad & made muffins. Walked up the road in evening & mailed letters for Jennie Hunter.

Wednesday, May 19, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cloudy in pm. Jean & R. & JA left about 9 oclock a.m. for Toledo. John [JA] was afraid his daddy would go & leave him. Went to see Sitting Pretty & a Bulldog Drummond picture. Lucy was here to see J. Hunter so I walked up with her & we went into the Rhodes shop & she got a dress. Had hamburgs at A. Lunch.

Thursday, May 20, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy--rain some. Had to go downtown for meat for beef stew & ordered some other things. Put in Jimmie's eye ok I guess.

Friday, May 21, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Didn't go to Law. in pm as planned as it rained too hard. Went down to Carters & took rubbers & umbrella & I needed them.

Saturday, May 22, 1948 (age 61): Frances would have been 29. Rain. Went to Law. after taking payroll down & had my feet fixed & shoes padded. They feel a lot better. Felt cold coming on so took aspirins & soda & went to bed early.

Sunday, May 23, 1948 (age 61): Fair--clouded up but no rain for a wonder. Went to South ch to Mem. exercises. Went down with Lucy & the Lords picked us up & gave us a ride. I waited outside for the Legion Aux. Not many there. Went to Miss K's for dinner & then Ethel drove me home & I laid down.

Monday, May 24, 1948 (age 61): Frances died 29 years ago. Minnie Howell's 67th birthday. Fair but still some cloudiness. Wrote to Jean. Got out of Toledo cards from her & all the inmates did too. Got letter from Christine thanking me for the silver. John Russell called up about 10 & said M. was in St. Luke's hospital N.B. & had had operation. Feeling ok. Sidney set shrubs which came from Kelsey nurseries.

Tuesday, May 25, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy & rain. Went downtown & got meat for dinner & payroll. Sent letter to Christine & got a get well card to Minerva. Changed with B. so I could have tomorrow off. Another card from Jean. Got to Toledo on Friday about 1 oc. Kenny ? from York Beach came in for a short time. Still driving the old car. His class at Wentworth had a wienie roast at Canobie Lake.

Wednesday, May 26, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy--fog & mist. Letter from Jean. Went downtown & got Jimmie's medicine & mailed letters. Went to minstrel show [!!!] at Free church & took Lucy who came up here to see Jennie & stayed to supper. Had a good laugh. Man came from Kussells for Jean's coat. Almost forgot to take up J's supper, so many things going on about supper time. Brought back sewing mach. & says it works ok.

Thursday, May 27, 1948 (age 61): Foggy & hot--cleared in pm. Went to Law. & paid $10 more on machine. Have to pay $5 more for having it fixed. Went to Carters & played cards. Letter from Jerry. Took down payroll this pm.

Friday, May 28, 1948 (age 61): Foggy--clear in pm. Letter from Jean. Her back bothers her. Mr. Duvall fell down while trying to get dressed at night & I had to call the police to get him up as Joe was away. He got up lively enough when they took hold of his arms.

Saturday, May 29, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Bea went up to the Cushing hospital in pm where her brother George went through operation for tumor on brain. Got home about 1 a.m. Said he was still in oper. room at 11, or hadn't come to. Got my meat done practically in pm & left it in oven overnight. Got telegraph check from Virginia for flowers.

Sunday, May 30, 1948 (age 61): Rain all day. Had pot roast, onions & mashed pot. & gravy & gel. & whipped cream. Mrs. Knipe called up about my data for D.A.R. Wendell Kydd brought in some flowers from Sue's bouquet, white snapdragons & glads. Nellie called & invited me to supper Wed. Ethel called up about cemetery & it was too wet to go. B. crying as she heard that George might not live. Wrote Jean & mailed letter.

Monday, May 31, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy but didn't rain for parade. The dedication of the Punchard plaque didn't come till the last of the exercises & I was up there 2 hours before I needed to. Alec Black drove me home & Ethel came down in pm & we went to cemetery. I took bouquet from Sue's that I had on table also lilies of valley & pansies for Frances. Went to Carters in even & played cards.

Tuesday, June 1, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Stayed in except to get payroll in morning.

Wednesday, June 2, 1948 (age 61): Lucy Gibson's birthday. Cloudy but cleared off. Worked in Thrift Shop in pm with Thelma Christie, then went to Carters to supper. Gave Lucy a pretty handker. & a crazy card. Cards from Jean who had been over the border to Windsor in Ontario.

Thursday, June 3, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Made ap. with hairdresser, but Bea's brother inlaw called up from Law. & she said she couldn't go to the hosp. because I was going out but I went downtown & cashed a check for Jennie & told Bea's sister Sally to get in touch with B & got her to go, so she went after supper. Mr. Duvall fell down again.

Friday, June 4, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Had doctor for Mr. D. but no bones broken. Jean & R. & JA cane home--got here about 4. Visited Jack Russell in Syracuse & Eleanor in Baldwinsville.

Saturday, June 5, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Poured in morning & afternoon but cleared at night. I went to Carters after supper & R. went to the movies & called for me. Sent birthday card to Butch.

Sunday, June 6, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cool. Jean & I went to ch. in pm & took Nellie & Lucy along as we met them. Went down to Ed & Flora's & then back thru North Reading & said Hello to the Haywards.

Monday, June 7, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Went over to Ella Curtis for Birthday com. meet. Jean went up to doctor's but he said she was ok except for back strain.

Tuesday, June 8, 1948 (age 61): Oscar & Ella came up to talk about going up to Vermont. R., J. & JA went to Bedford with Mannie but got home before they left. Talked things over & decided to go up Wed. to Vermont. Jean & I went to the Punchard graduation. Found out from Mr. Lovely that David's baby had died. Something wrong with it. John Pingill & Eric Halbach got the Mathematics prizes I gave for Allan. Ordered flowers for ch.

Wednesday, June 9, 1948 (age 61): Allan Jr. 6 yrs old. Cloudy. R. went up to Vermont with Oscar & Ella expecting to stay 2 or 3 days, but things seemed to be in good shape & appraised, so they came home at night. R. brought some photographs.

Thursday, June 10, 1948 (age 61): Allan would have been 37. Cloudy. Wrote to Mr. Kuisman about the Lucky Bag sent to Ellis & Annie by John, also wrote to John about what had been done. Tel. Mrs O'Donnell, who is sec. at church that I was giving flowers for Allan for Church next Sunday.

Friday, June 11, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy & wet. Had a telephone call from John about 9.15 pm from Norfolk. Talked about 20 min. I guess. Wanted to know about Ellis's place & I switched him over to Roland who was upstairs, but I listened. Said Peggy's brother was on cruise & they stopped at Norfolk. He will be a 1st classman next Sept.

Saturday, June 12, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Jean, JA & I went down to the Christ Church fair in pm. John [JA] had a grand time running around the grounds. Took Nellie down some doughnuts.

Sunday, June 13, 1948 (age 61): Rain. B flew up over nothing again, when I jokingly asked her what she was down for at breakfast. Apologized later, but I'm not going to stand it much longer.

Monday, June 14, 1948 (age 61): Sun out in a.m. So much dampness there was fog in early a.m. Oscar brought up some rhubarb. Went to King's Daughters final meet. of season & paid dues. Walked home with Lucy.

Tuesday, June 15, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy part of day. Jean, R. & JA went down to the harbor to see the City home. It was an initiation of the one in charge. About 100 matrons & supts. went from all over state. Dot, Nelson & 4 children drove up but stopped only 15 minutes After Jean got home I went down to Carters.

Wednesday, June 16, 1948 (age 61): Fair but cloudy in pm. Went down to Salem Willows in pm & had fish dinner. Came right back. Went over to Eva's & gabbed a while. Jean, R. & JA went to York Beach & had haircuts in Kittery.

Thursday, June 17, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Called up Hardy re fixing up washing machine or having new one. He said get new one as Toher said he would let him have it for $100. Brought it over.

Friday, June 18, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Paid up Toher for sewing machine. Stayed downtown & had toast & tea & then went to Carters & played cards. Was kind of cool so wore Mr. Carter's coat home. Got letter from R. Hardy about expenses. Told Nellie & George maybe R. would paint porch floor.

Saturday, June 19, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Sent Mary birthday card and handkerchief. Cleared off at night so went down to see Ethel at Miss Kimball's.

Sunday, June 20, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Stayed in bed all morning. Went up to Lovelys for dinner & stayed through pm. David said to have a chest Xray to make sure there was nothing wrong.

Monday, June 21, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Jean, R. & JA went for a ride at night down to Uncle Oscar's & Nat's. Nat said Sonny got out to the west coast in a little over 5 days. Letter from Mary & Butchy has had his appendix out. Was quite sick but a good patient.

Tuesday, June 22, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Dotty's leaving Jr. high so Bea had day off to go to exercises. Eleanor called up & wanted to know if Jean would take care of baby so she could go to see Buster get his certificate. Roland working for Andover Coal Co.

Wednesday, June 23, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy--rain. Got a card to send to Butchy to help him get well & put in 5 dimes. Went down to Pomeroy's camp at Foster's pond for outing with birthday com. of K.D. Jean drove Mrs. Adams & Miss Lindsay & Lucy. When we got on to the dirt road, the car picked up a rock & we thought the whole bottom would come out. Got there after a while.

Thursday, June 24, 1948 (age 61): 40 years ago married. Cool & misty in a.m. & then came off hot. Thunder in even. Went over to Lawrence & got Jean a 2nd hand typewriter. Don't know whether it will be all right or not. Stayed in rest of day. Went to Dr. McCavetts & had him fix the pads in my shoes. He said for me to slow down.

Friday, June 25, 1948 (age 61): Jean 39 years old. Fair & warm. Jean writing letter & finds the typewriter skips. Watched blimp come over in eve. on the back porch. Jean got several cards. R. gave her a nightie that Bea picked out.

Saturday, June 26, 1948 (age 61): Fair. East wind. R. went over to E. Dea's & got bookcase for me & varnished it. It looks good. We sandpapered & washed it first. R. took JA & Jean to see blimp at airport, but it was up in the air, so they went to Law. R. got JA some sneakers & himself a pair of shoes here.

Sunday, June 27, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Went to airport again in pm & took Jean in even. Nellie & Lucy came over & I gave them some doughnuts & Jean gave them some biscuits she made for supper.

Monday, June 28, 1948 (age 61): J. & R. married 16 years. Cloudy. Joe is painting front steps.

Tuesday, June 29, 1948 (age 61): Rain & hot. Thunder showers but didn't relieve heat any, only made it stickier than ever.

Wednesday, June 30, 1948 (age 61): Hot & muggy, cool in Portland. Went down to Portland & had an Xray of throat at Maine Genl. D. Lovely went with me. Had dinner at their house but didn't stay as Eleanor was sick. Has infectional jaundice. Mrs. Lovely there. David gave me 2 prescriptions, one for cough which I haven't filled yet & one for solution for ears.

Thursday, July 1, 1948 (age 61): Cooler. First day of decent weather for a long time.

Friday, July 2, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went downtown in evening & had my supper & then went to Carters for a while but left early as the family was coming for weekend.

Saturday, July 3, 1948 (age 61): Fair. J. & R. went to movies at night. I took JA & went over to E. Dea's & around the block. R. Carter & family up over weekend at Carters. Lucy went over to N.A. for weekend. R. gave desk another coat of varnish & it looks nice.

Sunday, July 4, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Beautiful day-- Went to see Eleanor & kids at Baldwinsville. Had a picnic lunch as we took along stuff. Good time & I wished I could have stayed all summer. Lots of traffic in Lowell as there was a carnival there.

Monday, July 5, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. R. & Joe brought in bookcase & desk. Mr. D. messed up the dining room in pm & daubs of it all over his toilet. Why he doesn't pass out is beyond me.

Tuesday, July 6, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy--humid & then wind changed to east & it was cold. Went to Carters & had to wear George's coat home. N. gave me some lovely roses. Jean took JA & went down to Woburn to visit Lilyan Smith.

Wednesday, July 7, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cool. Took Annie down to bank as she thought it was the 13th. She saw Fred Cheever & had a talk with him. Ronnie Listra, a public welfare case, boy 12 years old came here for a while. Nice boy & John Allan is having a good time with him.

Thursday, July 8, 1948 (age 61): Fair & warmer. Mr. Barrett fell down & we had to call 3 or 4 doctors before we got to Dr. McArdle. Dr. Blake could come but didn't have to. Dr. Look came later & looked him over. Dr. Look has been sick himself. Mrs. Ward came over & decided she would try & get him down to O'Donnell's in B.V.

Friday, July 9, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Mr. Barrett not able to feed self or get up although he tried to & fell again off chair at supper time. Luckily Bea was here to help me get him up. Mr. Ward stayed over night. Wrote to Helen & said I might go up to see her in Sept.

Saturday, July 10, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Letter from Mrs. Johnstone.

Sunday, July 11, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Mr. Barrett was taken to Miss O'Donnell's in B.V. by the ambulance. Jean gave him a bath & R. shaved him.

Monday, July 12, 1948 (age 61): Hot. Went to Law. & took over Ronnie's ball & socks also put in some funny books. Went into Sullivans & ordered chaise longue for lawn & paid $5 down. Got cover for it too.

Tuesday, July 13, 1948 (age 61): Hot. The stroller or chaise longue came from Sullivans but it looked like rain so we put it inside. Jean, R. & JA had gone to Lynn to get some medicine that Mr. Howe recommended for stomach ulcers. R. through working for a while.

Wednesday, July 14, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cooler. Went to Boston & bought me a foundation & blouse in fat ladie's shop. Seems as if my legs wouldn't go. Jean, R. & JA went to York & got haircuts. Was at Carters for a while but Russell came so I came home.

Thursday, July 15, 1948 (age 61): Fair--lovely day. Was tired from trip to Boston so stayed around all day. Roland painting men's porch today. Wrote to Mrs. Johnstone & said I might be dawn that way in Sept.

Friday, July 16, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cooler in a.m. Went down to Harborn shop in pm & bought 2 dresses. Also 2 books they were selling for 19¢ apiece. Went to Carters in eve. & played cards. R. & Jean & JA went up to Canobie Lake.

Saturday, July 17, 1948 (age 61): Fair--Hot. Stayed here all day. Lucy went on part of vacation to N.A. M. Wilkinson came down in evening. R. got women's porch painted.

Sunday, July 18, 1948 (age 61): Hot. Stayed in bed till 11 and didn't go away till 3 oclock. R., J. & JA went to Framingham. I went down to Carters & stayed to supper. G. had his on porch as he was listening to the ball game.

Monday, July 19, 1948 (age 61): A little cooler. Stayed in except to pay $10 to Sullivan on chaisette. R. took me over. Got a letter from Mrs. Roland R. Weeks of Manitowock, Wisc., enclosing the last letter I wrote to Jean out in Toledo. It was sent to her & she sent it "to the Mother of Jean." Quite interesting. I wrote to her & explained situation.

Tuesday, July 20, 1948 (age 61): Hot but not too bad. R. & J. & the Thompsons went to ball game in Boston. I stayed with JA & took him down to Verrettes for sandwich & milk & got one myself, then gave him fruit at home. Had Nellie & George over & took them over to Glennies for icecream. R. played cards with us. Jean got 2 new dresses at M. Jays sale.

Wednesday, July 21, 1948 (age 61): Hot. I worked in Thrift Shop in pm till 4 oc. when R. came after me. Didn't do much business. Jean not feeling very good.

Thursday, July 22, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Went to movies & saw Give My Regards to Broadway. Pretty good. Too bad to have a gangster picture along with it. The Paparellas took the Carters out for a ride & I met Lucy coming back from Town Farm where she was visiting R. Hunter.

Friday, July 23, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Rain in pm. Played cards at Johnstons in evening.

Saturday, July 24, 1948 (age 61): Fair. My knee gave out while walking around. Went down to Carters & Nellie had a knee stocking I think I gave her for George, so she gave it back to me. Kept it on all night.

Sunday, July 25, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Stayed in bed as Jean got up. They went for a ride in pm but I stayed here all day.

Monday, July 26, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Took Mamie & I went to Canobie Lake. Took along Joe Caruso. He & John [JA] had a good time, but John got too excited. Had picnic supper.

Tuesday, July 27, 1948 (age 61): Hot & muggy. Worst feeling day of season. Went to Law. & paid $10 on chaisette. Had hair washed but no wave set on it. Mrs. Addis is so rough, but Helene finished up & it was ok. Bill Doherty gave me a ride home as he was in restaurant.

Wednesday, July 28, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cooled off a little in eve., not so muggy. J. & R. went to Nashua to ball game. JA kind of fussy but finally went to sleep. Card from Mary from a beach in Wash. where she stayed last week with Butch & Chris. Butch couldn't go in water on acct. of infected stitch.

Thursday, July 29, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Not so muggy. Stayed here.

Friday, July 30, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Worked in Thrift Shop in a.m. & J., R. & JA went to beach. So hot at noon I didn't come home but went to movies after dinner but didn't stay through. Hot walking home.

Saturday, July 31, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Bea & Dotty went off about 6.30 on vacation in mountains somewhere. Had lamb for dinner & it was very good. ["Sunday" written over this correction] Felt bad--guess it was heat.

Sunday, August 1, 1948 (age 61): Fair--Hot. Stayed here all day. Nellie & Lucy came over, N. to ask if R. would take her & G. over to Law. Lucy went up to see Jennie a while but too hot for her to stay in room. Good breeze outside.

Monday, August 2, 1948 (age 61): Fair--Warm. R. took George & Nellie over to Dr. Byrne in Law. re G's eye. I went along & paid up for my chaisette at Sullivans. Went into town house re Annie going over to Nevins home & R. Hardy said they were going to send over 2 to see her. He said Joe came to his house at 11 oclock & said he couldn't get in down here but we didn't hear him come.

Tuesday, August 3, 1948 (age 61): Fair--Warm. Put $5 in Christmas Club which brings it up to Sept. 13. Pd $2 to Harborn shop & $1.50 to Lucy Fessenden for fixing my dress. Jean brushed my hair good, but there is still that cakiness on scalp.

Wednesday, August 4, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cooler--cloudy Gets warn in pm but cools off at night. Took prescription from Long Beach for my eczema in my head down to Dalton's & had filled. Called up about Mr. Barrett & Mrs. Ward said he was still in bed, almost blind but comfortable.

Thursday, August 5, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cloudy in a.m. Got covered with soot from laundry chimney as I was crossing square. Had on my white blouse I made from shirt & plaid skirt. Went into library & showed them & got a little off with cold water but then went up to laundry & showed them. Hair black too.

Friday, August 6, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy--cold at night. Had shampoo at Curly Top beauty shop to get soot out of hair. Virginia & Paul & family here for dinner on way home from visiting around. Had been to Gaspee peninsula & stopped in Dexter to see Helen. Jean went to movies.

Saturday, August 7, 1948 (age 61): Fair & warmer. Jean Wood back. Went down to Carters in even. Card from Eleanor saying she & Min would be up sometime next week. Jean took JA to Dr. Currier's to have a shot for measles as he'd been exposed to them at beach. Mrs. Bertoline wrote.

Sunday, August 8, 1948 (age 61): Fair. R. took Mamie to Bedford. Lucy & Nellie came over. Wrote to John & told him JA had been exposed to measles. Also to Helen Higgins saying I might come down the last of this month.

Monday, August 9, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cool nights. Card from Minerva saying they might come Friday or Sunday. Got nerve pills renewed & then walked up Chestnut St to Dot Black's & we had quite a gabfest. Went up to Eva's & she said Minnie was on her way east she thought.

Tuesday, August 10, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Ethel & Miss K came down in eve. R. & J. had gone to ballgame with Bessie & husband. JA went to bed very well.

Wednesday, August 11, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Letter from Helen in p.m. & Mary in a.m. Mary's had a picture of Christine in it on her decorated bicycle. She got 5th prize out of 10 prizes, about 300 in parade. Butch put some little notes in church envelopes & sent them as letters.

Thursday, August 12, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Card from Min saying she was coming by bus to Boston & Eleanor by bus from Gardner to Law. on Friday. Went down to Carters at night.

Friday, August 13, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Thundery. Worked in Thrift Shop in a.m. Mrs. Irvin Welkinson came up too when she found out I would be all alone. Had quite a little business. R. had some work with Andover Coal. Jean went over to Law. & met Eleanor & Minerva came on the 3.13 train & came down in a taxi. Bea & Dot came back. El gave me a box of choc. & nuts & Min gave me 2 handkerchiefs.

Saturday, August 14, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cooler, not quite so sticky. Didn't sleep very well but dropped off at 5.30 & didn't wake up till quarter of 7. Jean was up but told Bea she needn't get up. R. went down to Lynn & got medicine & took the girls & then we went up to Canobie Lake & Jean stayed home.

Sunday, August 15, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Hot during day. Went down to York Beach by way of the beaches and had dinner at the Lobster Claw or some such place by the Bridges friends of J. & R. Saw Eva Tom, Allen Tommie & Olga down there.

Monday, August 16, 1948 (age 61): Fair. This is Bea's birthday but I didn't know it till she got a lot of cards through the mail. Got supper & then went down & got more vitamin pills & tried the Andover Lunch door & it was locked. Closed & going to be under new management. Carters for Cards. El. & Min. went home both to Baldwinsville as Min. wanted to see the children. They had a good time.

Tuesday, August 17, 1948 (age 61): Foggy--cleared. Did some ironing. Paid up Harborn shop for dresses & bought book, Lydia Bailey. Went down to Miss Kimball's in evening & stayed through supper although I'd had mine. Ethel walked up with me to Dantos to get loaf of bread. Expect Minnie next week & said why didn't I come down to Florida on vacation.

Wednesday, August 18, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Stayed here all day--nothing doing.

Thursday, August 19, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Nellie invited me to supper as she had corn. It sure tasted good. Played rummy afterwards. Card from Lucy.

Friday, August 20, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy partly. Wrote to Virg. that I might come out there next weekend, instead of Labor Day weekend. Woke up late but got breakfast nearly on time. Sidney back & I didn't prepare for him but there was enough. Forgot to go to Thrift Shop as planned but Mrs. Wilkinson said it was ok.

Saturday, August 21, 1948 (age 61): Foggy--clearing--Hot. Arm aches quite a lot but of course it's all imagination. Bea went off with boyfriend--a Mr. Lake to Cranston, R.I. & I took Dottie.

Sunday, August 22, 1948 (age 61): Fair--Hot. J., R. & JA off with the Johnsons on a picnic. Got meals ok. They didn't want much for supper.

Monday, August 23, 1948 (age 61): Fair--warm. Walked downtown & had supper then up to Carters for cards. R. Hardy called up there & said a Mr. Prisley was coming down here for a room.

Tuesday, August 24, 1948 (age 61): Hot. Went downtown & got soda & went into movies but didn't like picture so came out. Jean, JA & R. went to Pomps.

Wednesday, August 25, 1948 (age 61): Hot. Jean Dundas surprised me with a short visit accompanied by Grace Lake. Came at noon. Up north with Alex's wife visiting in Connecticut. New man--Mr. Prisley--coming today. Jean went to Lowell to meet Lucy. Wrote to Virginia saying I wouldn't come while so hot.

Thursday, August 26, 1948 (age 61): Hot. It's just making me sick it's so hot, but nothing I can do about it. Called up Mrs. Dee in Gloucester & said I'd be down. She hadn't any vacancies but would get me a room. Sent $5 to Eleanor as a gift for the kids.

Friday, August 27, 1948 (age 61): Hot. Went down to Gloucester & got a room not far from Mrs. Marchant's & Mrs. Dea's but the old lady was going to charge $5 a night & Mrs. Dea called her up & said she wouldn't send anyone else to her so she gave me back $4. Thought it would be cooler but wasn't. Took the Carters along for the ride.

Saturday, August 28, 1948 (age 61): Hotter than Tophet. Mr. M. took me to Rockport & I looked around & had dinner at the "Blacksmith Shop." Couldn't relish it though it was so hot. Came back on bus around beaches & went to movie thinking it might be cool, but I was so covered with sweat my handkerchief was wringing wet.

Sunday, August 29, 1948 (age 61): Windy in pm & cooled a little, but still hot. Mr. Marchant drove Mrs. Dea & me around beaches, Annisquam, Pigeon Cove & Rockport & then I had crackers & milk with them at home. Had dinner at Tavern, but didn't have any appetite.

Monday, August 30, 1948 (age 61): Cooler. What a relief. The old lady wanted to know if I'd be going home today but I said I had another night's board paid for. Sat on Mr. Marchant's steps in pm & got a little supper & bought peanuts & a mystery & read in room couldn't sleep all night.

Tuesday, August 31, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Cleared. Mr. Marchant & Mrs. Dea brought me home in their car as they were going to Concord, N.H.

Wednesday, September 1, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cool. Jean invited Lucy to stay to supper when she came up to see Jennie & she telephoned to Carters but they had to wait for their new roomer to come & he didn't show up till around 8.

Thursday, September 2, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cool. Bea told me she was getting through the 17th & was going to get married. Jean went to dentist in pm & then I went down to Carters & told them the news & went to the movies with Lucy. Saw Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream House.

Friday, September 3, 1948 (age 61): Fair--warm. Went to Thrift Shop in forenoon & had dinner at Verrettes. Got 2 books from library.

Saturday, September 4, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Went down to Carters but Lucy was going over to the Tuckers in No. And. so there were only 3 of us to play. Geo. gets so darn confused some of the times, but he beat twice.

Sunday, September 5, 1948 (age 61): Fair. George walked over here with Nellie but was all in when he got here. R. took them home. He & Jean put up peaches in evening.

Monday, September 6, 1948 (age 61): Fair--Warm. Went to Carters in even. Lucy came home & we played cards. J. & R. went for a ride & ate at Chickland in Saugus.

Tuesday, September 7, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Mamie & I went to see Best Years of Our Lives at movies. I'd seen it before, but was glad to see it again. Wrote to Virg. I'd come this weekend if not too hot.

Wednesday, September 8, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went down over to M. Wilkinson in even. & she had coffee & peanut butter sand. later.

Thursday, September 9, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Need rain. Everything is drying up. Doesn't seem as if there would be any pretty foliage this year.

Friday, September 10, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Left And. for Boston on 10.20 train & got noon train for New York. Got in about 5. Called Virg. up but she wasn't in so had supper in station res. & then called up again & contacted her. Got to Peekskill about 8 oc. They were all at station. Rained a little from New Haven down but not enough to help gardens much. Letter from Eleanor saying she was leaving Sat on Minute Man for Chicago. Expected to reach San Fran. on the 15th.

Saturday, September 11, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went to Peekskill in the a.m. shopping with Virg. & Joyce. Bought slip for Joyce as I hadn't given her anything for birthday or grad. present. In pm went to Yorktown where V. teaches to grange fair. Quite an exhilit [?]. What hills.

Sunday, September 12, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Woke up with headache so sat around all day out doors & finished a book--The Foolish Gentlewoman--which Virg lent me. Paul & kids went to church.

Monday, September 13, 1948 (age 61): Fair--Warm. Paul drove me down to station & went down to N.Y. in uniform for physical exam. Good conversation. Got 9 a.m. train for Boston--one of new cars with big windows, sat beside lady going to Leahy (Lahay?) clinic. Piloted her around & as she had a friend in Bradford she went out on same train with me. Name of St. Onge from Malone, N.Y. Went to K.D. first meeting & supper in even. Had salad rolls & icecream & cookies for dessert. Olive & Joe came--surprised R. & J.

Tuesday, September 14, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cooler. Went to Carters to play cards & when nearly through R. came & said John & Peg were on way from Lowell. Jean & Olive downtown. All got here at once. Took chaisette up to room for the children [Carla & Margot] to sleep on. John looks thin & I guess he's tired.

Wednesday, September 15, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cool. John & Peg took me down to North Reading to see stone house. Called on Haywards & then drove down to Ballardvale & up where we used to live.

Thursday, September 16, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cool. John & Peg took me to Law. & I bought 6 towels for Bea & a pearl necklace for Dottie. We had lunch at Thompsons & then went over to Chelmsford where they saw a Trading Post sign. Bought clock, picture, & coal hod.

Friday, September 17, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. John & Peg & the children [Carla & Margot] left in afternoon. I gave them my soup tureen & plates which were over to Eva Dea's. They had bought a cocktail shaker & cheese dish at Thrift Shop. Jean & Roland went to movies. Olive & Joe at Malden.

Saturday, September 18, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy--warmer. John's check came & I sent it right back. Bea & Dottie left about 6.30 as Mr. Lake came after them. Told folks breakfast at 7, dinner at 12 & supper at 5. Went to Thrift Shop in pm. Mrs. Berry was there with me. Had a few drops of rain & some thunder but didn't amount to anything. R. said it poured in Framingham.

Sunday, September 19, 1948 (age 61): Fair. R.'s aunt Bertha & uncle Harry here for dinner & supper. I walked down to Carters in even & stayed till 8 oc.

Monday, September 20, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy--clearing. Olive & Joe left about 8.30 and got home to Toledo on Tuesday according to letter rec. by J. on Thursday. Drove right along without staying overnight anywhere. Jean got me the pitcher in Thrift Shop for J [John] & Peg & I did it up with blanket & comb they had left behind.

Tuesday, September 21, 1948 (age 61): Fair--Cool. J., R. & JA went to beach in pm & JA had hair cut. Sent off pitcher by express to J. [John] & Peg. Cost $1.13.

Wednesday, September 22, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cool. George Carter's 73rd birthday. Went down there to supper & played cards. Gave him a bottle of rub. alcohol. Went to Law. in a.m. & bought stockings & hat. Bessie Nadeau & husband up for supper & stayed in eve. Had Minnie send off ladle in buttercup pattern to John & Peg. Went to Law. & bought new hat & stockings in morning.

Thursday, September 23, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Went to Legion Aux installation & found I represented the D.A.R. as I was the only one there of that organization.

Friday, September 24, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Jean & R. & JA went to Lynn in evening & got medicine & then took a box of JA's things to Nat & Edie. Nat gave R. suit he is too fat for. Sent for sugar scoop at Billings & told them to send gravy ladle to John for birthday.

Saturday, September 25, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went down to Carters in even. & played cards. Lucy didn't play as she has a cold.

Sunday, September 26, 1948 (age 61): Miss Kimball's 90th birth. Fair. Jean took JA to Sunday school & he got a bunch of envelopes. I took him out for a walk while Jean got dinner. R. has cold.

Monday, September 27, 1948 (age 61): Fair--cool. Went over to Eva Dea's & visited. Minnie had been with Ethel over weekend, but she came back & I stayed to supper. Jean & Mamie went to movies.

Tuesday, September 28, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went over to Eva Dea's & visited. Minnie had be Went to movies with Lucy & saw Life with Father.

Wednesday, September 29, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Jean went to register for sewing class. R. went for her & they didn't get home till after supper. She did other shopping. Went to Carters & played cards.

Thursday, September 30, 1948 (age 61): John's 31st birthday. Cloudy--Some rain but not enough to do any good. J., R. & JA with Mamie went to Boston shopping to get new shoes for John [JA]. J. & Mamie did other shop, & went to show. R. took JA to Malden & left car outside relatives' house on slope. Car started down hill & smashed against house denting in front. Thank goodness no one in it. Had to be towed home by Harry Nadeau. Couldn't sleep & heard them come in.

Friday, October 1, 1948 (age 61): Clearing. R. had to see about car. JA has cold.

Saturday, October 2, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Letter from Mary. Said they had a wonderful trip to Yellowstone--no mishaps. Her mother has just been on a trip to Alaska to see Jane. Flew both ways. Mary saw Janna & took pictures--will send some.

Sunday, October 3, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Took Minnie, Ethel, & Eva over to Thompsons to supper.

Monday, October 4, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Roland working for And. Coal for a week. Letter from Minerva wanting me to come down.

Tuesday, October 5, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Jean went to sewing class in evening. This was on Wed. Can't keep dates straight when I don't write in diary for a week.

Wednesday, October 6, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Jean went to a meeting of directors of D.A.R. at Mrs. Howe's. This was Thurs. Wrote to Mary.

Thursday, October 7, 1948 (age 61): Fair. This was the Carters' 45th anniversary & I forgot to send card. They went to Eatons for supper. Wrote to Minerva.

Friday, October 8, 1948 (age 61): Rain. First time for 2 months. Went to Law. & paid for towels we got Bea for a wedding present. Went into Carters for a few minutes. Paid $2 on ladle I bought for John & Peg & got the sugar spoon.

Saturday, October 9, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Nat & Edie came up in afternoon with baby. Went to South Ch. to see Glenna Draper married. Nat was one of the ushers. Sent some doughnuts to Carters.

Sunday, October 10, 1948 (age 61): 5 years ago I went out west. Fair. Had a crying spell which left me weak but I managed to get dinner & do the work. Jean washed Duval but I fed him. No one came all day. J. & R. & JA went downtown & had supper. Ethel called up re book Brother Van that Minnie brought for Eva.

Monday, October 11, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. J. Wood tel. she would be here Thurs. Felt miserable all day. R. got car back.

Tuesday, October 12, 1948 (age 61): 3 yrs ago got word of Allan's death. Cloudy off & on--some rain. Roland cut foot while chopping stump in Sydney's garden. Dr. Currier took 3 stitches. Nellie & Lucy up in afternoon. Wrote to selectmen.

Wednesday, October 13, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Wrote to John. Jean took JA to library. Took sugar scoop down to Billings & Mrs. B. did it up for me to send by mail to John.

Thursday, October 14, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Can't remember much that happened. Keep putting light on shoulder & while it helps the pain the stiffness is still there.

Friday, October 15, 1948 (age 61): Fair. A. Cole called up & said maybe they could get Duval into Crockett but I asked if he couldn't find someone to come in on Sundays & give us a break. He suggested Mrs. Waldie & I called her & she said she'd come.

Saturday, October 16, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Seemed like Sunday. Jean Wood cleaned closets in pantry & dining room. Took JA out for a ride & said Goodbye to Min. Eva going as far as Baltimore.

Sunday, October 17, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Had Mrs. Waldie come in & Jean showed her what to do with Mr. Duval. Mrs. Alex Rogers died. Went to church & then down to Medford to see MacNears.

Monday, October 18, 1948 (age 61): Rain--Cleared in eve. R. had stitches taken from foot. He & Jean & JA went to Law. in forenoon. I washed bedroom windows & Jean put up straight curtains. Carters at night & played cards. Ethel & Miss K. start for South. Minnie going too.

Tuesday, October 19, 1948 (age 61): 20 years ago Ernest died. Fair. Letter from Eleanor from Philippines. She flew out there. Has a nice house & 2 servants but it's pretty hot & she will be glad to get back home. Jean got Gold Star pin [at] D.A.R. meet.

Wednesday, October 20, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Mr. Prisley went to hospital after Dr. Thornip came & examined him. He telephoned Mrs. P. & then the hospital & then the ambulance & it was all done in half an hour. Strang [Strong?] hernia. Russell Johnson cracked bone in arm playing football. Jean, R. & JA went to beach.

Thursday, October 21, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Men came & put tar hot top on garage drive & under porch. Went over to Carters & took doughnuts & in pm played cards for an hour before supper. Mr. C. burning leaves.

Friday, October 22, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Worked in Thrift Shop in pm & we took in over $120 up to 4.30. I added up cash & it came out right the 1st time. Roland went with Kelly to football game in Law. between Villanova & Bost. Col. for Bon Secours hosp.

Saturday, October 23, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Jean Wood cleaned front room & I washed & ironed curtains. Went down to Carters at night. Met Marion & she wanted me to stop in when I came back but I thought it too late.

Sunday, October 24, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Agnes Waldie came & fixed up Duval. I got dinner but didn't think the meat got done enough. No one came during day but I read. Jean, R. & JA went to Framingham, J. went to church fest [first?].

Monday, October 25, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Had hair washed at Curly Top. Girl had to wash it over as the comb wouldn't go through after she had put wave set on. Jean went out at night to Johnsons to a card party. Got the booby prize, a pretty box of note paper.

Tuesday, October 26, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Cleared off. Jean went to Law. with Bessie & I made corn chowder. Went to Historical Society meeting in evening. Dr. Stearns spoke & cider & donuts served.

Wednesday, October 27, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Had DAR's here & served coffee & donuts which I made. All said they were good. Jean & R. went to movies in evening & the Carters came up & played cards.

Thursday, October 28, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went over to Law. & had calluses removed from feet. Bought some outing flannel for a pr. of pajamas for Sidney. Also got some things to make earrings in Sands & a clip for either veil or scarf for Jean. Jean went to sewing class at night.

Friday, October 29, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Had to sign a lot of papers for R.'s ins. for cutting foot. Fixed earring that had a loose catch on it & now can't find the other one. It was made from old buttons. Found it later. [last 3 words written in later] Helen Higgins gave me. Put 2 more clasps on buttons which came off my dress I bought in San Diego which Mary gave me for birthday in 1944.

Saturday, October 30, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went down to Minerva's in pm by bus, got there about 6. John came & met me at bus station.

Sunday, October 31, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went to church with John & Minerva & both sing in the choir so sat up back with them. Left at 3.30 for home. Made good bus connections.

Monday, November 1, 1948 (age 61): Fair. R. went to Rockingham with Mr. Cobb. Jean took JA out & I got supper. R. took George Carter over to Law. to Dr. Kanan about eyes.

Tuesday, November 2, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Election day. R. took Annie & me & G. Carter down to vote. Got letter back from Olive in which she returned the $6 I sent her for the dresses.

Wednesday, November 3, 1948 (age 61): Fair & then cloudy. Jean went to D.A.R. meeting, Helped decorate Christ ch. in a.m. Card from Minnie from Florida. Eleanor Svenson & baby came up for a while. Went over to Eva's & she's all stirred up over election. Allen was going to N.A. so drove me back & stopped in to see Mr. Wilkinson.

Thursday, November 4, 1948 (age 61): Fair--warm. Went to movies & saw Rope with James Stewart & The Ideal Husband. This was an old-fash. picture but pretty in technicolor.

Friday, November 5, 1948 (age 61): Fair--warm. Jean had sick headache so I got supper & did up the patients. Went downtown in pm & got bills from Dalton & Hill. Miss Farmer died in Chicago. [The following clipping included, with "Fri. Nov. 5, 1948" handwritten at bottom] Miss Nellie H. Farmer. The funeral of Miss Nellie H. Farmer, well known resident of Andover for most of her life, and who died Friday in Chicago, Ill., will be held from the South church Andover, Wednesday afternoon with services at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. Frederick B. Noss, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Tewksbury. The late Miss Farmer was born January 20, 1865 and until recently resided in Andover, moving to Chicago in 1945. She was associated with the Andover Press for 55 years. She was a life member of the South church and a deaconess for many years. She is survived by a brother, Dr. Chester J. Farmer of Chicago; an aunt Mrs. Sarah J. Killam of Haverhill and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the H.L. Farmer & Son funeral home, 36 Summer street, Haverhill from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Saturday, November 6, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy--warm. Awful feeling day. Jean went to Boston with Mrs. Cobb to the theatre. Arm aches a lot.

Sunday, November 7, 1948 (age 61): Rain--cleared off & cooler. Jean went to ch. I got dinner. Arm ached all last night. Took aspirin before going to bed tonight. Nellie & Lucy over in afternoon. J., R. & JA went to Malden.

Monday, November 8, 1948 (age 61): Clear--cooler. Nurise [?] put on storm windows. Went downtown with bills & had a shampoo at Addis's. Went to K.D. meeting & supper. Fish chowder & blueberry dessert.

Tuesday, November 9, 1948 (age 61): Foggy--cool. Jean, R. & JA went to beach. I made muffins for supper & Mamie said they were good.

Wednesday, November 10, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Miss Farmer's funeral at South ch. I went & stayed at Carters afterwards. Lucy brought some flowers up to the Infirmary.

Thursday, November 11, 1948 (age 61): Beautiful day. Punchard won from Methuen 18-6 on Plapstead. Jean, R. & JA went. I didn't go out.

Friday, November 12, 1948 (age 61): A little cloudy. Sent for some iced teaspoons for Jean.

Saturday, November 13, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy & rain. Worked at Thrift Shop & then went to doctor's for another backing. He gave me tablets for pain. Went to Carters to stay with Lucy as they went to Russell for weekend.

Sunday, November 14, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went to church but felt stuffed up. Had dinner with Lucy & nap afterwards, then we went for a walk into Foster Circle & went into the Manning girl's house. It's very compact & nice. Made me wish I'd have a home like that.

Monday, November 15, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Got Xmas club ch. Jean went to Law. In pm she went down to Eleanor's.

Tuesday, November 16, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Stayed in as I wanted to go to Boston Wed. Got supper & put JA to bed as Jean & R. went to movies. Jean & R. got a new lamp at Furniture barn.

Wednesday, November 17, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Went to Boston but so many things got confused. Got set silver for Butchy in Homer's. Only $2.50. May get 2 more sets. Put $15 in JA's, Carla's & Margo's bank acct after cashing Xmas club check. Got 2 pr stock for myself & a gray bag for Jean. Paid $3.95 down for 2 dresses for Carla & Margo. Sent for cheese for John & fruit for Carters & Peggy.

Thursday, November 18, 1948 (age 61): 3 yrs ago Allan's mem. service. Fair. Paid John's ins. thru Dec. Jean went to Law. & got 2 more sets of silver so I'll have one for each of the four smaller grands, except JA who has one.

Friday, November 19, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Jean, R. & JA went down to Cobbs in even. Got tickets from them for theatre in Lowell. I got 2 dresses & blouse at Jonathan Swift shop and have done up some bundles. Also started writing Christmas cards. Sent to Santa Claus Land for Chris & Butch's present, ping-pong & fishing Badminton.

Saturday, November 20, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy & misty. Went downtown in pm & got books changed & went to South ch. Bought a knobby craft pin for Lucy & a marquisite pin at white elephant table for myself 10¢. Jean took Eleanor, Buster & Janet to theatre in Lowell. JA not feeling good. Made 2 doz doughnuts for Aux sale & 1½ doz went while I was there.

Sunday, November 21, 1948 (age 61): Cleared off. Mrs Waldie here. Says they want to get her father in here.

Monday, November 22, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Sent Anna Jane's dress & Chris & Butchy's silver.

Tuesday, November 23, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Addressed Xmas cards.

Wednesday, November 24, 1948 (age 61): Susie would have been 67. Rain. Sent for tool set to be sent to Harry A.

Thursday, November 25, 1948 (age 61): Thanksgiving. Rain. Sent packages to Helped get dinner & then went to Carters where we had chicken. Lucy at N.A. Lay down in pm in little room & had snooze. Punchard won from Johnson 12-7.

Friday, November 26, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Letter from Mary with pictures she took last summer. A number of Janna. Wrote thanking her, & telling her packages on way.

Saturday, November 27, 1948 (age 61): Navy 21, Army 21. Rain--clearing. Navy tied Army in the surprise of the season. Navy hadn't won & Army hadn't lost all season. I didn't listen but J. & R. did. Annie Colange fell as she was going to bed & struck her head on floor & was cut by glasses bow bending.

Sunday, November 28, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went to church. Had dinner at Carters. Went over to E. Dea's & Robbie came home with me to try on R.'s tuxedo which fitted him & he loaned it to him. Used to be Allan's. George Baker died at Cushing hospital after 6 months in coma.

Monday, November 29, 1948 (age 61): Snow in a.m. Clear & cold. Jean went to Law. & got stuff. Did up things for John. Sent Mary's box away. Stayed in & got supper.

Tuesday, November 30, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Took down JA's boots to Thrift Shop & a pr of Jean's rubbers. Got parcels [?] in Law. Found umbrella in barn all good only needs new cover. Sent pencils to Chris & Butch. Had DAR board meeting here. Served coffee & cake. Roland, Mamie & I went up to Websters to see George Baker's being laid out.

Wednesday, December 1, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Mailed more packages & got more stamps. Went over to Law. &

Thursday, December 2, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Sent off cards to the west coast. Took Mannie to G. Baker's funeral & R. stood by with car if they needed one but they didn't. Went downtown & was kind of cold coming home so went into Carters & borrowed sweater. Stayed a while.

Friday, December 3, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Jean, R. & JA went to Woburn in even to see Lilyan Smith. Went in to see if Margo's silver had come but hadn't & Minnie said Jean was admiring some silver & I took it. Jelly server & pickle fork.

Saturday, December 4, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Went to Eastern Stars supper in Free ch. & entertainment. Pot roast supper & it sure was good. Had hair done in a.m. at Curly Top. Took old umbrella over to ship in Law. to have fixed.

Sunday, December 5, 1948 (age 61): Fair--Beautiful day. Jean, JA & R. went to Framingham in pm. Nellie was over here & I gave her 6 doughnuts I had made in the morning. Mrs. G. Brown Alex Gibson here about November Club gifts. Mrs. Waldie said her father was coming here Tues. Haven't heard from selectmen.

Monday, December 6, 1948 (age 61): Rain. Went downtown & mailed cards. Went into Thrift Shop & how it poured. Then as I was in the restaurant the clouds lifted & it was clear. Met Jean Wood & then went up to Eva's. She heard from Ethel & she had mailed 2 tickets to the Toy Tea of Betsy Ross Chapter & Eva said I could have them.

Tuesday, December 7, 1948 (age 61): 7 years ago Pearl Harbor. Fair. Called up A. Cole about Alec Smith coming here & then R. Hardy called up. Said Smith couldn't make up his mind, but they finally decided he'd come. Came about 3 oclock with Mrs. Waldie in taxi. Jean went to DAR meeting & took toys for boys school.

Wednesday, December 8, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Went to movies & saw Rachel & the Stranger. At Carters after supper but Lucy went over to Charles Tucker's as he died early this morning. Came home early. Seem to have that laryngitis cold.

Thursday, December 9, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Jean, R. & JA went to the beach so I got dinner which was all ready to cook & supper. Seems as if more persons called for something or other.

Friday, December 10, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Got Margo's silver at Billings & sent it first class. Tried to get Sydney a piece of cloth for chair cover but couldn't.

Saturday, December 11, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Changed room around as Jean Wood was here to clean. Cards starting to come in.

Sunday, December 12, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy--looked like snow. Went to Boston & heard bishop from Indiana preach on the 2 Bostons. Anniversary of Boston Tea Party. Came home early & went over to Eva's.

Monday, December 13, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Jean, R. & JA went to Lowell in pm to see Santa Claus. Sent box off to Minerva. Cards from Philippines, Seattle, Los Angeles & Andover. Went to Xmas meet. of K.D. Had a swell supper--ham, jellied salad, scallop pot. johnnycake icecream & cookies. Mrs. Burley [?] spoke. Her family, the Weiss, are all Navy. Spoke to her & told her of Allan & John.

Tuesday, December 14, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Cards from Minnie & Ethel. Abbot Academy girls came & brought a big basket of fruit. Also money which I will give them later. Went down & bought another box Xmas cards, a tie clasp for J. & a handkerchief. I put in a Christmas card for Mrs. George Cheever from K.D.

Wednesday, December 15, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Sent off more cards, & got some.

Thursday, December 16, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Walter Howe committed suicide by gas. Mrs. H. was working in Thrift Shop & found him when she got home I believe.

Friday, December 17, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Cards & package from John & Peg.

Saturday, December 18, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cold. Went into Carters for a short time after I'd worked in Thrift Shop in pm with Mrs. O'Donnell. Russell has changed his job again & will be in Exeter N.H. they are coming down for Xmas. Got wreath from C. Kimballs.

Sunday, December 19, 1948 (age 61): Snow in pm. R. took Mamie to Bedford & Jean & JA went along. Gave box of candy Alec Smith gave me to Agnes. Lucy over in pm to see Jennie & me & brought gifts.

Monday, December 20, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy in pm but clearing. Went downtown in a.m. & also in p.m. to deliver cards to the post office. Had supper at Verrettes but didn't stop in at Carters. R. took the men up to see the lights & thought I'd be at Carters so stopped there & shoveled out their back walk. R. Saunders said she stayed with Mrs. Howe all the time after he died.

Tuesday, December 21, 1948 (age 61): Fair. R. took women & Jean & Lucy up to see lights. Lucy had to work later in week so couldn't see them.

Wednesday, December 22, 1948 (age 61): Fair. R. took Carters & me up to see lights. Went in & dropped penny in wishing well & gave a quarter besides.

Thursday, December 23, 1948 (age 61): Fair. November club sent down icecream & cakes also candy & money in cellophane which I saved for Friday.

Friday, December 24, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cold. Had Christmas party for folks after supper. Jennie came down. All got something. Gave Mamie umbrella I had recovered. Slip to A. & a paper to Jennie. Shirts to Jimmie, tobacco pouch to Joe & shaving kits to 4 men. Sydney belt & A. Smith socks & handk. Mr. Prisley a brush. E. Hadley came with K.D. plants & money.

Saturday, December 25, 1948 (age 61): Fair. Had tree in a.m. for JA & he got a lot of things, as usual. His aunt & uncle sent him a desk & swivel chair. I gave him slippers. Mary sent me a bag & R. gave me one too. Got stockings, a vibrator [?] from John & Peg & J's picture & a double framed one of Carla & Margo.

Sunday, December 26, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cold. Went to church & R. came after me & took Lucy up to Pitman's. Went over to Carters in aft. & stayed to supper. R. there & George doesn't look or act very well.

Monday, December 27, 1948 (age 61): Fair & cold. Jean, R. & JA went down to West Lynn to see Nat & Edie & sold the playsuit or rather snowsuit JA had outgrown. Mr. Moses here for communion for A. Visited Mr. Prisley too.

Tuesday, December 28, 1948 (age 61): Jennie Hunter 76. Cloudy. Jean made her a birthday cake for supper. Had hair wash & wave & did a few errands. Started Christmas club again. Went to Carters & played cards. Geo. a little brighter but doesn't look too good. Saw Roy Hardy about A. Colange eyes & he said to take her over to Dr. Kaman.

Wednesday, December 29, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy & rain. J. & R. went over to Law. took Mr. Cobb to hospital. I sent over magazines. Called up Dr. Kannan & the girl said to come anytime. Selectmen to come down here tomorrow.

Thursday, December 30, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy. Fixed Jennie's fountain for her as he never had one before. Selectmen came & looked over place. Found Duval in a puddle in bed as R. was shaving him. Took Annie over to Dr. Kannan to have her eye looked at. He said she had hemorrhage but it would clear up. Stayed over in Law. & got bracelet at Bookstore I bought from East. Star fair.

Friday, December 31, 1948 (age 61): Cloudy--Rain. J. & R. went to a party in N.A. at night with the Johnsons. Had a good time but it was spoiled New Year's by having Mr. Duval mess on floor. Joe also stayed out all night.

See the diary entries for 1949.

See an overview of the years 1948 through 1957.

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