Transcribed by Larry Pearce
2/9/15
(See links for 1951 & 1952 diaries)
When my late, widowed father-in-law Richard Miller (1920-2015) moved from his longtime home on Rt. 601, Hollsopple, PA, to the Arbutus Retirement Village apartments, Richland Township, in 2007, three small diaries of his mother-in-law, Annie “Mom” Krause (1885-1971), were found in his attic. She had come from a strict Somerset County, PA, Amish background [see “Introduction: Krause”] to marry a nearby Cove, MD, Lutheran man, but little changed in the family farm life of butchering, canning, and continual hard work. Little additional explanation of their lives together is needed beyond the words she left in these humble journals, although I am offering a brief commentary later of my impressions. Annie’s diaries are transcribed here and in two other files exactly as written, except for capitalization and added punctuation for clarity, as a way of preserving her comments on her family’s everyday lifestyle and a world that no longer exists. [Whenever possible, corrections and/or meanings are placed in brackets. You may click on a glossary of family names and places for better understanding of relationships and geography. Some names cannot be identified, unfortunately.]
TO COMMENTARY TO 1951 DIARY TO 1952 DIARY
DIARY NO. 1: “DAILY DIARY” (brownish-red, 1950)
1/1 – I went to church; [I] took Davie [Krause?] along there. [I]n the afternoon all went to Hinman [Hyndman] with Ernest to see the ruions [ruins] of the big fire, that burned on Christmas day. I also visited Susie Bittner. [T]he weather was fine.
1/2 – The weather is still warm and damp. I sprayed my plants. Donnie [Krause?] was here; so was Mary and Mart [?]. I started to plait a rug.
1/3 – It’s rainy and warm today. The boys started back to school. Dicks [Miller] and Larry [Krause] were here this evening. Dicks had Susan to the Dr. [S]he has a tooth.
1/4 – It’s still warm and rainy and windy. I washed, scrubbed the porch. Went to Jennerstown and ironed and fixed the clothes and put them away.
1/5 – Still rainy and warm. I wrote to Puds, Clydes, and Mrs. Warner [in the hospital]. I went to Johnstown this afternoon and exchanged my bedroom slippers. We had our missionary meeting here tonight. There were nine women here.
1/6 – Today I cleaned up the house then put some meat in cans [jars?] to boil tomorrow. Mary and Mart were here this evening. It’s so very warm for this time of the year and still raining. I got a letter from Sadie [sister] today.
1/7 – Saturday – It’s cold and snowy all day today. Not very much snow, but snowing. Larry’s were here all day. Larry worked on his car. Ernest took us to Jennerstown for groceries tonight. I canned a ham but didn’t do much else.
1/8 – Sunday – It’s cold and clear today. Dicks and Larrys and Mr. Shulleys [Shawley?] and Mary, Mart and Donnie were here. I didn’t get to church or Sunday School.
1/9 – Monday – This was a nice windy day, not very cold. I washed and cleaned and packed eggs, the I walked down to Johns. I took Fern’s washboard back, then this evening Pop [husband Charlie] and I walked up to Ernest’s.
1/10 – It’s awfully windy today. I ironed and plaited rug in the afternoon and evening. I didn’t feel too good all day.
1/11 – It’s still very windy this morning. This afternoon Ernest helped Pop to dress a pig for Earl Griffith. I finished my rug. Mr. Kaufman cut a piece of glass for [?] then I fi[?] a [picture for Hilda [Miller].
1/12 – Today it’s cold out. We worked up Earl’s pig and this evening Pop went to Ernests to work on the new truck, engine. I got a letter from Jean [Krause]. I cut my finger today and it hurts.
1/13 – Friday – The weather is rainy. I baked some cookies and did some cleaning. Mrs. Wilson was here. She walked over from Jennerstown.
1/14 – Saturday – It’s awfully windy today. Clyde came this forenoon [late morning]. I baked pies and finished cleaning up. Pop was up at Ernests working on the truck engine. 1/15 – Sunday – The weather is nice today. Larrys & Clyde were here for dinner. Mary & Mart came [went] to Baltimore with Clyde. We came down the Super Highway. We stopped at Hanover in a rest room. We got to Clyde’s at ten till seven.
1/16 – Monday – We got up at 9:30 this morning. I took care of the baby [Warren] & gave him a bath. Clyde is working. It’s very gloomy and dark and not very cold. We watched television tonight.
1/17 – Tuesday – It’s dark and gloomy today. Mr. [?] was here for supper. Jean and I went to the movies and saw Adam’s Rib. Afterwards we went to a restaurant and had a sandwich & coffee. I talked with Lizzie [Shrader nee Lee, sister] on the telephone.
1/18 – Wed – The weather is fine. We messed around all day, watched television in the evening. Jean called Lois [Krause] on the telephone.
1/19 – Thursday – It was cold and it snowed a very little. Warren was fussy. Clyde got something in his eye and had to go to the Dr. to have it taken out. We watched television then went to bed.
1/20 – Friday – It’s still cold and the snow is still here, just a little here & there. Jean, Ruth, and I went to see Holiday Inn then lunch [?] their home.
1/21 – Sat – Pop, Lois, Larry, & Barry came down. The weather is cold but nice. Lizzie & Manetta were here. We all went to Rosinas in the Evening. Larrys staid [stayed] over to sleep.
1/22 – Sunday – We came home today and we had a little trouble with the car getting hot, so we had to stop for water 3 times. We eat [ate] before you cross the mountain, before Mconellsburgh [sp]. The weather was fine but cloudy. I’m glad I’m home. We brought three hundred pounds of salt along home.
1/23 – Monday – It’s cloudy and not very cold. I’m [?] things to order. Mary Mayes came this afternoon. I helped clean eggs. Ernest helped to fix the truck. Pop smoked meat. Dicks were here this evening.
1/24 – Tuesday – It’s like summer out today. I washed and the clothes are drying out on the line. Joe Fisher and the Preacher were here in the evening and it didn’t go as bad as I thought it would. I ironed in the evening and made some rug rags in the afternoon. Pop & Ernest worked on the truck.
1/25 – Wed – The weather is still nice. It looks like a summer morning. Ernest & Pop worked on the truck and got it started. Ernest and Mary were here for dinner. I baked a cake. Donnie was here in the evening. It was as warm as in the summer. I also churned. 1/26 – Thursday – The weather was warmer until evening. Now it’s getting cooler. Today I sewed a little and this evening Mr. and Mrs. Russ Friedline were here. Mrs. Friedline brought us a Christmas present. I finished reading The Peaceable Kingdom.
1/27 – Friday – It was cold today. This forenoon I did my Friday’s cleaning and this afternoon I baked cookies and pies and made jello. Mrs. Harry Friedline was here this evening. She brought us [?] sacks for dresses. Pop laid some poison for the rats.
1/28 – Saturday – The weather was cold. I walked up to Ernests in the afternoon. Ernest took me up for groceries. Mrs. Mike Shaffer and Dicks were here last evening. I came in the road [?] with Mr. & Mrs. Jigs Frideline.
1/29 – Sunday – This is a nice morning. We are going to Kings [sister] with Ernest. We had a very nice time in Pgh. It rained in the afternoon but not much coming home. Clydes, Sims [?], and Mrs. Falk were here when [while] we were gone.
1/30 – Monday – It was cold today. I washed the clothes and also some sacks and I helped clean eggs and worked on Alma’s eggs/ aprons [?]. Pop paid 6.00 on our insurance today. I want to write to Jean and Betty tonight.
1/31 – Tuesday – It’s raining and it sleeted and it’s nasty weather. Ernest helped Pop and Harry to dress the big hog. I ironed and put the clothes away and finished Alma’s aprons.
2/1 – Wed – Today we worked up the big hog and this evening I went with Ernest down to Dicks. Mary got her upper teeth pulled today. We have some snow. I’m very tired tonight. For 57.00 sold a hog at the auction.
2/2 – Thursday – It’s raining today and most of the snow is gone. We sent sausage to Pussels & Rosina [restaurants?]. And Larry was here for dinner. He had a wreck with his car. He said Olive & Paul [Adams] are sick. I didn’t go to Missionary Meeting at Stambaughs.
2/3 – Friday – It’s very cold today. Pop and Larry made a seat for the truck. Lois was here for dinner [lunch] too. Then in the evening Dicks came for supper. I canned my sausage and did some cleaning.
2/4 – Saturday – It wasn’t quite as cold today. Pop rendered lard. I did some cleaning and put Larry’s meat away. Now we, Pop and I, want to go to Jennerstown with Ernest. Harry had work today.
2/5 – Sunday – I didn’t go to SS because it was too cold to walk over. Larrys were here for supper. Dicks were here after supper. Prices were down stairs. Ernest was here for a couple of minutes.
2/6 – Monday – Today it rained. Dick helped Pop grade potatoes. I helped wash down stairs. We washed our clothes too. I cleaned eggs and helped put the meat away. In the evening I cut a dress for myself.
2/7 – Tuesday – It’s cool and cloudy. They dressed the lst four pigs today. I cleaned the casings and ironed and went up to Ernests. I’ve caught a cold somewhere.
2/8 – Wed – This is a beautiful morning but cold. Today we want to finish up the pigs. Mary Mayer helped us. So did Ernest. I have a bad cold. The butchering is done.
2/9 – Thurs – Today it’s raining and cold. I carried [?] Dave’s sausage and our meat. Pop smoked sausage and went to Somerset and got potato sacks. I still have a cold. I got a letter from Genevieve [Krause].
2/10 – Friday – It’s still cold and very damp. I went down to Herb’s with Ernest. I also went up to [?] with Olive & Herb and after dinner [lunch] we went over town and then after supper to Snows [?] and to the hospital to see Paul. The olive brought us home.
2/11 – Saturday – Cold and damp. Pop and Harry graded potatoes. I cleaned, churcned, and baked pies. In the evening I visited Mrs. Warner.
2/12 – Sunday – I was very foggy and frosty this morning. I went to SS and church and came home with Carl Airsmans. Herbs and Dicks were here. Herbs for supper.
2/13 – Monday – It rained almost all day. Harrys went to Johnstown. Pop and I went to see Ma & Pa Kettle. I finished my blue sack dress today.
2/14 & 15 – written in faded red ink. Cannot read.
2/16 – Thursday – We have a little snow. [illegible] I went to Johnstown with Ernest & Pop and spent the day at Overdorfs; came home on the 10 o’clock buss. Pop sold some potatoes.
2/17 – Friday – It was cold out. I did my usual Friday work. In the evening we dressed 8 chickens and churned.
2/18 – Sat – This was a nice day. I helped Hildas children while they went to town. Larrys staid here over night. Larry helped grade potatoes.
2/19 – Sunday – This morning it’s snowy and blowing. I didn’t go to SS. Clarence and Sadie came for their meat. The weather was still bad in the evening and roads icey.
2/20 – Monday – It was nearly zero this morning. Mary and Ernest helped grade potatoes and last evening Dick and Donnie helped too after supper. All were here for supper.
2/21 – Tuesday – It’s stil very cold. Ernest and Dick are helping grade potatoes. I finished my dress and want to make a couple of aprons. They graded potatoes this evening.
2/22 – Wed – It’s not as cold today. I washed and Pop and Ernest took three pigs over to the sale. Harry and Dick took a big load of potatoes down to Johnstown this forenoon. I wrote five letters.
2/23 – Thursday – It was pretty cold today. Dicks were here al afternoon. Dick helped grade potatoes. Harry was on the lift all day. Ruth helped grade potatoes.
2/24 – Friday – It’s pretty cold yet. Harry went to Somerset for bags. Dick helped grade potatoes.
2/25 – Sat – It’s very cold today. Pop was in the house all day. In the evning we went with Ernest to see Sands of Iwo Jima.
2/26 – Sunday – It’s afull cold today. Snowing and blowing. I got ready to go to SS, then Alma said it’s too cold. The boys weren’t going. So we just sat around all day. Donnie came over in the afternoon.
2/27 – Monday – It was awfully cold and stormy this forenoon. Then this afternoon the sun came out. Ernests were here this evening. I made Alma two aprons and myself one and one shirt and two pair of pants.
2/28 – Tuesday – It was cold, snowy, and stormy this morning then this afternoon it got warmer and it rained. Ernest, Mary, Dick, and Larry helped grade potatoes. I had 13 for supper and 8 for dinner. Ernest got a call from Kings saying Shirley is in the Homestead Hospital.
3/1 – Wednesday – Today was a real March day. It snowed sometimes and sometimes the sun shone. It was cold. Harry and Dick took a load of potatoes to Johnstown. I went to Ernests this afternoon. Larry and Lois were here for supper. They were in Pittsburgh today. I washed and churned.
3/2 – Thursday – It was awful out today. Ernest, Mary, Mart, and I went to Pgh. to see Shirley in the hospital. We didn’t get home until nearly midnight.
3/3 – Friday – Today it’s still cold. Ernest was here a couple of times. I baked Donnie a cake and some pies and did some cleaning. I’m tired tonight. I was hungry all day.
3/4 – Sat – It was pretty nice all day. Pop and Harry were to a sale and then we went to Ernests for supper and then to a show to see The East Side Boys.
3/5 – Sunday – I went to church and SS. Then Dicks were here for dinner & supper and Larrys & Donnie were here for supper. Olive and the boys were here in the afternoon. It was nice today.
3/6 – Today was really nice and only a little cold. Mary and Ernest and Ruth helped finish the potatoes in the barn. I got a letter from Betty.
3/7 – Tuesday – It was nice out today. Barnett got the last potatoes out of the barn. Pop cleaned up in the barn. I didn’t get much done. Ernest was here. So was Mary.
3/8 – Wed – It looks like rain this morning. I’m washing. Pop wants to take two pigs to the sale. I went to Johnstown with Ernest and Mary this afternoon. It’s awfully windy. It rained all afternoon.
3/9 – Thursday – It’s snowing and blowing to beat the band. And it’s very cold. I ironed and put the clothes away and this afternoon I cut out a dress for Mary and one for Alma. I got a letter from Jean.
3/10 – Friday – It’s cold this morning but it’s quiet out and clear. I did more cleaning and Dicks came in the evening. Susan was still sorta sick.
3/11 – Sat – It was rainy today and not cold. I went to Jennerstown with Harry and Pop went to Somerset with Ernest. Seventeen years ago the Linburgh baby was kidnapped. I baked pies and cookies.
3/12 – Sunday – It isn’t very cold today. No one was here for meals today. Larrys were here in the evening. I was in SS.
3/13 –Monday – It was rainy this morning. I cleaned eggs in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went out to Covers and Schmuckers with Fern. In the evening I finished reading The Apostol, Mrs. Overdorf’s book. It started to snow in the afternoon.
3/14 – Tuesday – It’s cold and snowy today. Fern and I visited Mrs. Annie Shaffer and Naomi.
3/15 – Wed – Today is Shirley’s birthday. It’s cold but nice today. Fern and I visited at All [?] Barnett’s this afternoon. The Balers didn’t come because one man was sick. Dicks were here this evening.
3/16 – Thursday – It was cold today. The hay balers were here for dinner, then for supper. Harrys family were here. Mary Mayer came to show me her new dress.
3/17 – Friday – It’s cold today. They finished baling this afternoon. The men staid for dinner. I baked pies and churned and now I’m going to do some cleaning. I planted my bulbs today.
3/18 – Sat – It snowed and blowed to beat the band. Ernest was here a little and Larrys were here in the evening. I made lemon pies. Me & Mrs. Huffman [Hoffman] in Stiney’s [Stinekerchner’s] store.
3/19 – Sun – This is a nice sunny morning, but cold. The boys and I went to Sunday School this morning. In the afternoon Overdorfs and Hedges [?] and Shirley and Jim and Donnie were here and Dicks and Omars were here for supper.
3/20 – Monday – It was nice out this morning and Dick came for me before he went to work. Hilda and I washed and fixed a lot of socks. This evening Dicks brought us home and it snowed to beat the band, great big flakes. Now it’s sleeting.
3/21 – Tuesday – It was bad this morning, snow over everything. Larrys came up. Lois staid here and Larry cut trees on his lot. I washed and in the evening I went to PTA with Mary M. The by roads were terrible.
3/22 – Wed – Today it’s still bad out. It’s hard to get around. I ironed. Harry didn’t work so he and Pop went to see about pigs.
3/23 – Thurs – It’s awfull out. The snow is deep and it has been snowing all forenoon [all day]. The trees and everything are loaded with snow. This was the worst day since we live here. Larry helped Ernest. Harry didn’t come from work until 9:30.
3/24 – Friday – It was terrible to get around today. Pop walked to Jennerstown to send for strawberry plants. Hilda and the children were here all evening while Dick worked at Hooversville. It thundered a little today.
3/25 – Sat – Today wasn’t too bad. It snowed a little. There were four here for dinner from Portage this evening. Pop and I went to the show and saw Thelma Jordan [movie or person?]. The stars are shining tonight.
3/26 – Sunday – Pop and I went to Shraders with Dicks. We also went to Sims and Billys and I went to Springs with Lizzie. We had a real nice trip. The weather was nice but it was very soft underfoot. Sims weren’t home, only Mrs. Falk.
3/27 – Monday – Today was very nice. A lot of the snow melted. Alma and I both washed and cleaned eggs. This afternoon I walked up to Ernests and worked on Mary’s dress. Also cut a dress for Susan. Pop bring the meal up.
3/28 – Tuesday – This was a very nice day, just like spring. I planned to walk to Jennerstown but Mary came, then I didn’t go. I wrote to Florence, Sadie, Jean, and Genevieve. Dicks were here in the evening.
3/29 – Wed – It’s lots colder today. Pop is smoking meat. In the afternoon it snowed. I walked to Jennerstown and visited Mrs. Friedline. Mrs. Stuft came to tell me what to bring to the Missionary meeting.
3/30 – Thurs [crossed out] Friday – Today was nice but a little cold. I baked and cleaned and this evening Ernest and Mary & Mart were here. Mrs. Bittner came to take orders for writing paper and cards.
3/31 – Friday [crossed out] Thursday – It was cold but fair today.
4/1 – Sat – This morning Dick came for me. Hilda was sick. I had intended to go to the Mission Study Class, but I went to Dicks instead. We had a little bit of snow in the morning then it rained. Dick brought me home and I stopped at the sore on my way home. Hilda was sent to the hospital for a blood count.
4/2 – Sun – Today was nice but the wind was cold. I went to SS and church and walked home. St. James had their service at our church today. Dicks and Larrys were here for supper. Mary, Mart, and Donnie were here too but not to eat.
4/3 – Monday – It was rainy and a little windy today. I washed, ironed, and cleaned eggs and fixed the churning. Pop churned and went to Boswell to pick papers for one of Ernest’s upstairs rooms. Jimmy was awfully cranky. Also got a card from Lizzie saying Sim had a heart attact [attack]. Mr. Ankeny was here in afternoon.
4/4 – Tuesday – This a beautiful spring morning. The birds are singing. I papered up at Ernests all day. We finished one room and started the other one.
4/5 – Wed – It isn’t so nice out this morning. I went to Ernests and helped to finish the papering and in the afternoon and evening it snowed and blowed to beat all. Ernest took me to the M. meeting at Williams. I came home with Stambaughs.
4/6 – Thurs – It was cold all day and it didn’t melt all of the snow. Pop went down to Larrys lot and helped him cut some trees. Dicks came in the evening. I was tired. I baked cookies in the afternoon. Fern was here awhile.
4/7 – Friday – It’s only 16 degrees above this morning. Daves came in the evening. I did my cleaning and we dressed eleven chickens. The weather wasn’t too bad.
4/8 – Sat – Daves were here in the forenoon then after dinner we went with them out to Allen Bakers then to Nellie [?] Krauses then we got Mrs. Suppez [Suppes?] in Somerset then went to the show. It snowed off and on all afternoon and it was cold.
4/9 – Sunday – Easter Sunday and no one went to church. Daves were here and Kings came too. Ernests were here for dinner too then in the afternoon Larrys and Dicks came. It was cold and fair all day.
4/10 – Monday – It was rainy and dark today. The sun came out a little once. I washed and cut out two dresses for Mary, marked one for Alma, and partly fixed Sadie’s. Dicks were here for supper. Ernest worked on the refrigerator this evening. I’m awfully tired tonight.
4/11 – Tuesday – It was pretty cool today. Pop started plowing, I was at Dicks all day. Hilda went to Somerset for x-rays this forenoon. This afternoon we washed, then this evening Dick and Donnie brought me home. Olive told me they were sick. I also talked to Jean. She came to Johnstown yesterday.
4/12 – Wed – It was dark & gloomy in the morning and in the afternoon it started to snow. It’s cold too. I ironed, helped to put the meat away, finished Sadie’s dress, and wrote to Shirley. Larrys came in the evening.
4/13 – It’s still snowing and the trees and everything are all white. It’s very cold too. Mr. Airsman came for straw. Pop isn’t doing anything. It snowed all day. I cut a dress and last evening Dicks were here and it was so cold.
4/14 – Friday – It’s still snowing and this morning it’s only 12 degrees above zero. The trees and bushes and everything are all white. I went down to Dicks and kept Susan while Dicks went to the Dr. It got a little nice in the afternoon and some of the snow melted. We went to see Mrs. Hemminger in the afternoon. Ernest & co. were here.
4/15 – Sat – It’s snowing some more this morning. It’s 21 degrees above zero this morning. This afternoon it got nice. Some of the snow went away. Ernest took us along over to the store. I talked to Mrs. B. Peiffer [Piper]. Ernest’s lights didn’t work.
4/16 – Sunday – this morning the weather was better, so the boys and I went to SS. Larrys, Trostles, and Jean came in the afternoon. Warren was afraid of everyone. Larrys staid for supper. After supper Mary & Mart came. Shirley & Jim were here too.
4/17 – Monday – This is a nice windy morning. I washed and cleaned eggs. Pop is plowing and he hauled manure first. This afternoon I cleaned more eggs and ironed and put the clothes away. Now I want to go down and keep Susan. Davie is sick and Jimmy has a cold. I kept the children for Hilda tonight.
4/18 – Tuesday – It was nice all day today. I went to town with Dick. Lois and I did some shopping, then I went down to Herbs and staid all night. Larry called and said Pop is sick in bed so I called off my visit to Trostles.
4/19 – Wed – The weather is still nice. Herbs brought me home this forenoon and we found Pop plowing. Herbs staid for dinner.
4/20 – Thursday – It’s a little colder today. I did some cleaning and some sewing and I also walked up to Ernests. Ernest is fixing the refrigerator. Pop plowed and harrowed today.
4/21 – Friday – It snowed hard sometimes today. Pop cleaned out the rotten potatoes and in the afternoon he and Mr. Kaufman went to see about little pigs. Larry came in the evening and he and Pop cut some wood in Larrys lot. I kept Dicks children.
4/22 – Sat – This morning the ground was covered with snow and by dinner it was all gone so they planted strawberry plants this afternoon. It’s nice this evening but a little cool. We went with Ernest to see the show, Mrs. Mick. It was good.
4/23 – Sunday – I went to SS and church and Harrys went to Larrys. Dicks came for dinner and this A.M. we went down to Trostles, then Dicks staid for supper. It was rainy and wet all day. The sun shone a little once or so.
4/24 – Monday – I sewed on Hilda’s dress and went up to Ernests because Donnie is sick. In the afternoon I cleaned eggs and cut out a dress for Lois. It rained and was awfully damp all day. We had a thundershower in the night.
4/25 – Tuesday – It’s cooler today and it’s still damp and cloudy. I cut out another dress for Mary M. Ernest fixed the refrigerator. Jean and Trostles came in the evening. Now the refrigerator isn’t working again.
4/26 – Wed – This is a nice day. Cool but sunshiny. I washed and in the afternoon Mary M. Helped me clean the furniture. Jean and I went for a walk in the evening. Pop has the grip.
4/27 – Thursday – Pop still has the grip. The weather wasn’t too bad. Cool and windy. Somehow I couldn’t get much done.
4/28 – Friday – Today was clear and cool. We cleaned up the house and in the afternoon I baked some pies. In the evening Jean, Davie, and I walked up to Ernests. Hilda’s children are sick. Jean and I waited up for Clyde. He didn’t come until almost 12 o’clock. 4/29 – Sat – It’s nice out this morning. Jean wants to wash some clothes. I want Clyde to help me plant some pansies. In the evening Jean, Alma, and I went to the drive-in theatre at Somerset. Overdorfs and Goodwins were here in the afternoon. Pop was still on the lift.
4/30 – Sunday – It was rainy all day & cool. Clydes eat downstairs. Ernest and Donnie were here for dinner and supper. Clydes left in the afternoon. Herbs and Larrys staid for supper. Dicks left because Hilda got peved [?] about her children having colds or something. Pop is still cluching [?]. We turned the clock. I didn’t get to SS.
5/1 – Monday – It’s still cloudy and I think it rained all nigh. Alma went to Aggies to stay until Thurs evening. I cleaned the bedroom an the living room. Mayer was here awhile. Dicks were here in he evening. The refrigerator threw gas so we put it on the porch. I cleaned & packed eggs.
5/2 – Tuesday – Today was nice and sunny. Alma washed. I finished Hilda’s dress and partly made Lois’ dress and cleaned and waxed the bedroom floor. Pop worked in the filed. Ernest fixed the tractor. I felt tough all day.
5/3 – Wed – The weather wasn’t too bad today. I washed in the forenoon. Ernest worked on the refrigerator in the evening, Dot Kirk had a little girl this morning.
5/4 – Thursday – I was very warm today. Too warm for comfort. The Kaufmans were here. Ernest worked on the refrigerator. Mary got me to straighten her dress. I went to Missionary meeting at Jan Shaffers in the evening. Airsmans brought me home. Larrys were here.
5/5 – Friday – It’s lovely out. Pop and Mr. Airsman are sowing oats. I’m cleaning the dining room. In the evening Larrys and Mrs. Sell came here. Dicks came later in the evening.
5/6 – Sat – It’s a beautiful day. Mr. Airsman helped Pop sew oats. Donnie helped me and Ernest worked on the refrigerator too. In the evening we went to the show at Somerset and saw A Daughter of the Mist [?] and [can’t read]. It was almost 12 when we got home. 5/7 – Sunday –It was cold and windy today. No one was here for meals. Larrys were here in the afternoon and Dicks were here in the evening. I was in church and S.S. Dorthy Fischer brought us home.
5/8 – Monday – There was a heavy frost this morning and it was cold all day. I washed and helped clean eggs. Mayse was here.
5/9 – Tuesday – It wasn’t so cold this morning. Anyway it didn’t freeze. I ironed and Pop plowed until it rained. Jerrys were here in the evening. Harrys were down at Dicks for supper.
5/10 – Wed – Today wasn’t cold but rainy until dinner. I fixed Mary’s dress and cleaned the spare room. Pop plowed. I’m tired but I want to go to Somerset to see the show Pinky. Pop says he won’t go. We went to the show and it was good.
5/11 – Thursday – Today was nice. Pop plowed and I cleaned my kitchen. Dicks and Larry were here in the evening. Harrys were away somewhere in the evening. I also helped cleaned eggs. I soaked my feet in soda water and now the feel better.
5/12 – Friday – It’s dark and gloomy this morning. It rained a little. Pop went to plow. Larry and Lois came to stay all night. I did my Fridays cleaning. Pop harrowed.
5/13 – Sat – Today was nice out. Larrys were here. I baked pies and tried to finish my Saturdays work. Larry took us to get the groceries. Larrys went home in the evenng. Dicks were here a little. Pop & Harry helped get Larrys [pigs?] out the [?] Peeps [baby chickens] came and they were a mess.
5/14 – Sunday, Moms Day – I went to church and SS this forenoon. I had a terrific headache. It was nice but cool out. Ernest fixed the refrigerator in the aftgernoon. We went out to Rohlfs and to the greenhouse. Herbs and Dicks were here for supper.
5/15 – Monday – Today it rained all day so Pop had a day in the hay. I cut a dress, red up the spare room, and cleaned eggs. I got a letter from Jeymie [?] saying they moved back to Corpus Christe.
5/16 – Tuesday – It was nice out today, a nice wash day. 3 years ago I fell down the steps. Pop went to Jennerstown for a hair cut. Cuns [?] were here a while this forenoon. They came for potatoes. I did most of the ironing this afternoon.
5/17 – Wed – It was nice today. Alma went down to see Ethel, Davie staid here with us. He and I walked up to Ernests. In the evening Almas and I went down to Ferns and watched television. I sewed on my dress a while.
5/18 – Thursday – It was rainy and cool today. Pop was in the house most of the day. I sewed and cleaned eggs and fixed chairs for the porch. And this evening Kings and Margret and niece came for supper. They were on their way home from Florida. It’s cold tonight.
5/19 – Friday – Was rainy and cold. I did my cleaning as usual and I also baked a cake. 5/20 – Sat – Very dark and cool until towards evening then the sun came and I went down to Dicks for a little while. Susan was under the weather. In the evening Larrys came and we went to the show with Ernest and saw 12 o’clock High.
5/21 – Sun – this morning we had a frost but the sun is out. I went to SS and after dinner I walked up to Ernests. Then Clyde Shraders and Lois Arvin and Larrys came and staid for supper. Ernests were here too It got nice out. The evening was fine.
5/22 – Monday – We had another frost this morning and through the day it got pretty nice. I cleaned eggs and Alma washed our clothes with theirs. Pop harrowed. Then in the night it rained again. They planted some corn today between showers.
5/23 – Tuesday – It wasn’t so cold today but it rained off & on today. They planted some corn today instead of yesterday. Mayses was here. I ironed and cleaned eggs. We got some pigs yesterday. Monday Harry is out of work again.
5/24 – Wed – It’s pretty nice today. Pop and Harry took two pigs to the sale. They finished planting corn. I fixed Almas coat and cut out a dress for her. Larry and Harry fixed me a flower box.
5/25 – Thurs – It’s summer today. They sowed the field below the house in oats. Pop finished plowing. Baughman plowed the garden. Donnie cultivated the strawberries. I planted my flower plants. In the evening it rained hard.
5/26 – Friday – It isn’t cold but everything is soaked. It rained all evening and last night. It was rainy all day. I went to town with Ernest and got a pair of shoes for myself. I used the heat lamp on my arm this evening.
5/27 – Sat – It’s nice and warm out today. The American store moved out so we must do our shopping somewhere else. I baked custard and a pot pie. Pop isn’t doing much of anything. Its so wet out the overhead [?] is nice but it’s wet underfoot.
5/28 – Sunday – this was a nice day, not too hot and not too cold. Dicks and Pop and I went to Dicks for dinner and supper. Then we went up to Grandview Cemetary [sp] then out to Guystown [sp] to visit Rev. Railey and then home.
5/29 – Monday – I washed this morning. The day was nice then in the evening I ironed. I put up some screens.
5/30 – Tuesday – Decoration Day – It was real nice all day today. We went to Idlewild in the evening I planted some flower plants in the yard. Jimmy has a cold.
5/31 – Wed – Today was nice and we made and planted the garden. Then in the evening the pony run all over it and huged it all up [?]. In the evening Mrs. Friedline and Dicks were here.
6/1 – Thursday – It was nice today only the wind was cool all day. In the forenoon I walked to Jennerstown and last evening Fern and I went to Crossroads and got some pepper plants. Larrys were here in the evening. I missed Airsmans at Missionary meeting.
6/2 – Friday – Today was nice. I cleaned four chickens for Larry. He came for them in the evening. I churned and in the evening Alma and I finished the garden. Pop worked in the strawberry patch.
6/3 – Sat – Well today it rained about all day. It was still raining when we went to bed. The boys and I cleaned the summer house. Dicks were here in the evening. This was the second time we went to Boswell for groceries.
6/4 – Sun – It’s very cool this morning. We want to go to Schraders today. We went to Clydes, then to Sims. In the afternoon we went out to the grave yard and then we went through the new Amish church. Herbs & Larrys were here when we came home. It’s cold out.
6/5 – Monday – It didn’t freeze after all but it was cold in the night. We cut about 74 bushels of potatoes today. Mary & Ruth and Mrs. Thomas helped and Larry too. It rained a shower this afternoon. The rest of the day was nice and sunny.
6/6 – Tuesday – It was nice all day today. We cut potatoes all day. Int eh afternoon Pop worked getting the ground ready for planting.
6/7 – Wed – Pop dusted the tomatoes. Today was really summer. I washed and replanted corn and in the evening I walked up to Ernests and cut a dress for Shirley. Pop an Mr. Thomas planted potatoes in the afternoon and evening. Dicks were up.
6/8 – Thurs – Another beautiful day. I ironed and in the afternoon I cut potatoes. They finished the potatoes today.
6/9 – Friday – I went down to Hildas early this morning an helped the children while Hilda went to see Dr. Hays about her ear. It was nice all day.
6/10 – Sat – I had all my cleaning to do today. I dressed some chickens for Sadie and baked some pies. Dot brought her baby up here. Fern was here too. It rained last night and off & on all day. Things are up in the garden.
6/11 – Sunday – This was a beautiful day, not too warm. I went to Pgh with Ernest. Pop took Davie to the zoo. We got back home at 9:30 then Dicks came yet.
6/12 – Monday – It’s grand out. Pop wants to plow corn. I churned and cleaned eggs and strained my medicine and I canned some rhubarb for Sadie.
6/13 – Tuesday – It’s still nice out. I hoed the garden in the forenoon and leaned more eggs and in the afternoon I went over to Jennerstown. I visited Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. Norton. I got some new screen for the door. Larrys were here in the evening.
6/14 – Wed – It rained last night and a little today. I went up to Ernests and partly fixed Mary’s dress. Then Hilda and the children came so I came home. Pop took the tractor down to Larrys lot then Larry didn’t come. I have a terrific cold.
6/15 – Thursday – It was pretty nice out today. I ironed and did a little cleaning. I didn’t feel like doing much work. Only one more day of Bible school.
6/16 – Friday – This morning I went down to Dicks to keep the children while Hilda went to town. They brought me home after supper then I helped clean and pack some eggs. Mary and Mart were here. It rained a little today.
6/17 – Sat – It was cold all day tday. I baked some pies and a big cake and wnet to the store with Harry. Pop mowed some grass. Alma wasn’t feeling good.
6/18 – Sun – We had a frost this morning but I don’t think it froze anything. I went to church and SS and walked home. Ernests and Larrys were here for supper. It’s raining a little off & on.
6/19 – Monday – It was dark and gloomy and drizzly all day today. I washed cleaned eggs and walked to Ernests and finished Mary’s gown. The clothes didn’t dry today.
6/20 – Tuesday – It didn’t rain today but it did last night. It was damp and humid all day. I red off the high porch and churned and cut a dress for Susan and ironed. Larrys were here in the evening. The boys and Pop picked the strawberries.
6/21 – Wed – It rained this morning then got pretty nice. I hoed the garden then in the evening I went down to Lints to a brush demonstration with Dicks. Pop worked with Larry getting his pigs [?] out. Army worms are all around us. I wonder if we get these too. 6/22 – Thurs – It’s a lovely morning. I wrote to Mrs. Ball. Mt head feels like a drum. I did most [?] Tues cleaning today. I finished in the garden in the afternoon. It was nice all day. 6/23 – Friday – This morning Dick came for me before he went to work, so I staid down there until after supper. I had soaked some peas so I planted them after I came home. It was hot out today. In the evening Mr. Ankney came and asked us to be his guests on Sunday.
6/24 – Sat – It rained a little thins morning so Harry set out some late cabbage. I dressed some chickens for Mrs. Bell and Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman came from Edie for potatoes and we had a talk.
6/25 – Sunday – It rained hard until almost dinner time then Mr. Ankney came and took Pop and I to Somerset for dinner then took us out through the country to Ligonaire [sp] then to the Lutheran camp then home. Herbs & Mary, Ernest and Donnie were here for supper.
6/26 – Monday – It’s awfully hot today. I washed cleaned eggs and this evening Ernest took me up to Dr. Korns then I stopped at Ernests for a while then walked home. Pop mowed some hay down.
6/27 – Tuesday – Today I ironed and patched and cleaned eggs and this afternoon the Kaufman women were here. This evening I cut a short for Mary and a dress for her niece. We are having ice cream and strawberries this evening.
6/28 – Wed – It was cold today. I sewed, Pop worked at the hay. This evening Larrys came. Alma and I went to Davidsville with Kirks to see Almas dead grandmother. Mary kept Jimmy. This is the first hay they brought in.
6/29 – Thurs – It was nice today. In the forenoon I hoed my garden and in the Afternoon Cleda Baker and Clara Folk were here and in the evening Fern and I went to the Mt. Tabernacle to church with Edie Paterzoli. I really enjoyed the singing, the preacher’s name was Jonah.
6/30 – Friday – It was nice today. I did some cleaning and baked some cookies and finished my dress and cleaned eggs and hoed my flower beds. Donnie was here for two meals. The men hauled in the hay. The refrigerator doesn’t stop. It keeps on running.
7/1 – Sat – It’s nice this morning. Harry finished mowing the sweet clover. I finished my cleaning and churned. Larrys came in the afternoon. Dicks were here in the evening. Larry took me over town. Ernest fixed the refrigerator.
7/2 – Sunday – It’s very nice out this morning. I went to Sunday School and came home with Carls. We have communion this evening. Herbs and Mary and Donnie were here for supper. I went to bed before dark. It rained all evening.
7/3 – Monday – It’s cloudy but not raining. I washed some things and cleaned eggs and helped downstairs this forenoon. Larrys came this afternoon and Lois wasn’t feeling too good so in the evening Larry got some pills for her from Dr. Fetcho.
7/4 – Tuesday – Such a rainy day. The men hauled logs off & on all day. Lois was sick all day. Ernest brought their [can’t read] supper and we eat here instead of going out somewhere. Sells came in the evening. Lois got worse – they took her to the hospital.
7/5 – Wed – It’s still very wet and rainy but quiet here. Cletus Thomas worked here. Mary and I went to Jennerstown in the afternoon. Larry came and said Lois will be alright. Dicks were here in the evening.
7/6 – Thursday – It was real cool out today. I went to Carl Airsmans to Missionary meeting. Mrs. Hemminger went along.
7/7 – Friday – Pop mowed some hay down today. It was real nice out. Ernest took us down to the hospital to see Lois in the evening.
7/8 – Sat – I finished my cleaning and dressed some chickens and by the time I got done it was evening. Then I went with Ernest to get my groceries. It was nice all day.
7/9 – Sun – It was nice all day today. Kings came then the four of us went down to Dicks for dinner. Then eat supper here . So did Herbs. Herbs took Paul to the hospital today. Dicks came in the evening. Larry staid here at Harrys, Herb’s Larry.
7/10 – Mon – It rained a lot last night and it was cloudy & rainy all day. Mary and I spent the day in town. I got a coat. Paul was operated on today. Larry brought us home in the evening. Dicks & Emma were here in the evening.
7/11 – Tuesday – It’s real nice out today. I helped down stairs this forenoon. Alma is very much on the lift. Mary brought me a sun dress to fix. We washed today. Lois went home from the hospital this evening. Alma went to the Dr. this evening.
7/12 – I ironed for Alma and also for us. It was nice today. They hauled in hay. Mrs. Ringes [?] was her this afternoon. In the evening I wen to the memorial to see Mrs. Shuly [?]. Also Mr. Kaufman.
7/13 – Thursday – It’s raining again all day. Pop was in the house most all day. Ken & Nada were down stairs in the evening. I cleaned eggs and cleaned up the house.
7/14 – Friday – It isn’t raining but it’s dark & gloomy. Hilda & I went to town. First to the Dr. Hays then to the store then Herbs then to Larrys then out to see Mrs. Ball then up to Herbs lot for supper. Dick worked a while then we got home about 9:30.
7/15 – Sat – Pop and Harry are finishing mowing. I hoed my garden and finished my cleaning. In the afternoon Overdorfs and Gardners came and in the evening I helped take care of Jimmy while Alma went to visit her dad.
7/16 – Sunday – Rain Rain Rain then this afternoon it got nice. Herbs, Dicks, and Ernests came. Harry quit his job. I have some rash on my back and it itches. Larry went home after staying at Harrys for a week.
7/17 – Monday – It was nice out today with a few showers. Pop worked at the potato sprayer. Alma and the kids and I went to Ernests for cake and ice cream & watermelon. Pop helped Larry finish his limbes [sp].
7/18 – Tuesday – It was nice out today. I ironed and in the afternoon I walked over to Jennerstown and visited Mrs. Russ Friedline. I got a card from Texas, From Lizzie.
7/19 – Wed – It’s nice today. They are hauling in ha. I weeded my flower beds. Pop and Harry dusted the potatoes this morning. I sprayed the gardenia. They finished the hay. Mr. Kaufman was operated on today. Pop and I went along to Latrobe with Ernest in the evening.
7/20 – Thursday – Today was a nice day. I cleaned the house and washed my hair, then in the evening Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Rummels came. Also their son and his wife & little girl. I got a letter from Betty.
7/21 – Friday – Dicks came after me before he went to work at 6:00 in the morning, then I went down to Larrys while Hilda went to the Dr. In the evening we took Dick to work at Young [?] Blough’s house, then Hilda brought me home. It was a beautiful day.
7/22 – Sat – It’s nice this morning. I want to bake a cake and finish my cleaning. I dressed three chickens in the afternoon an in the evening Pop and I went to Johnstown to the hospital, the to Boswell to the carnival for a little while.
7/23 – Sunday – I went to Sunday School, then Larrys and Dicks came for dinner, then after dinner some of us went over to the farm and seen how they are fixing the farm house, then we went to Reels Corner and tried to find Joe Baker’s cabin and couldn’t find it. The day was cool and fine.
7/24 – Munday [sp] – This morning it’s raining but I washed anyway. The sun came out after dinner and my clothes got dry. Mayer was here. I made Lois’ dress smaller.
7/25 – [out of order] Tuesday – It was nice today. I ironed and put the clothes all away and then in the afternoon went up to Ernests. I also wrote to Sadie, Betty, Clydes, & Sims.
7/26 – Wed – Today was nice. I cleaned p the yard and made button holes for Lois and cut a dress for Mayes. I got a letter from Sadie.
7/27 – Thursday – This morning I went down to Dicks then to town and to the hospital. Then in the evening we took a picnic supper up to Herbs lot and waited until Dick was ready to come home. I got home at 10 o’clock. It was very warm and nice all day.
7/28 – Friday – It’s real nice this morning. I’m doing my cleaning and I haven’t any pep. Guess I’m tired from yesterday. Jerry cut his finger. The refrigerator doesn’t work again. Pop and Harry are cementing in the barn.
7/29 – [days skipped and crossed out] Sat – I dressed five chickens and finished my cleaning. The day was nice. We dragged the refrigerator out on the porch. It was leaking gas. It rained a little shower. The Joe Miller picnic was today.
7/30 – Sun – this was a very hot day. Ernests went to Pittsburgh. I went to Sunday School and I the afternoon Larrys came and in the evening Trostles and Dicks came.
7/31 – Mon – It’s hot today. I’m not feeling very good. I washed and I want to clean eggs. Mary came and said Mrs. Charlie King died last evening. The Dare Devils are to be at the fair ground this evening.
8/1 – Tuesday – Well this is the first day at the fair. It rained a little this morning. Eggs were 52 [?] cents today. The men helped fix the sprayer today. I walked up to Ernests and we had ice cream & strawberries.
8/2 – Wed – It’s nice today. I did a little cleaning and don’t feel a bit good. Pop and Davie went to the fair.
8/3 – Thursday. It was nice today. I went to town with Hilda. Ernest worked at the refrigerator. It got real cold in the evening.
8/4 Friday – It was nice today. The men cut some of the oats. Mr. Kaufman got worse this morning. I did all my cleaning so I don’t need to do it in the morning. Gee it’s cold out.
8/5 – Sat – It was so nice today. This forenoon I baked pies for the reunion and this afternoon Clydes came then the Overdorfs and Aunt Ethel came for supper. I was pretty tired until 12 o’clock when we went to bed.
8/6 – Sunday – It was a beautiful day only cold. Nearly everyone came to the reunion and I believe they all had a good time. The only ones not here were Altons, Puds, Dick Arvins, and Russel Suarts.
8/7 – This morning I went down to Dicks and staid until after five o’clock, then Hilda helped me and we picked and cleaning the beans and cucumbers and also the apples. It was a nice day. Harry thrashed at Raucks and in the evening our oats.
8/8 – Tuesday – I’m washing and canning beans. It was a lovely day and the clothes dried good. I also fixed Davie’s pants.
8/9 – Wed – It was nice today. I ironed and made pickle and tried to week in the garden. It was too dry to do much. It rained in the evening. The men cut oats. Hilda and the children came in the evening.
8/10 – Thursday – It’s cloudy and damp this morning. I went to Jennerstown and got some things to make sandwiches for the Missionary meeting, A missionary from Africa spoke. A Rev. Don [can’t read] Fishers brought me home.
8/11 – Friday – Mr. Kaufman died at noon today. It was a real nice day. I did my cleaning and some weeding in the garden. In the evening I went with Dicks to visit Fern Baker and Mrs. Sculy.
8/12 – Sat – This was a nice day and we couldn’t seem to get done with the work. They brought Mr. Kaufman home to Kirks this afternoon. Harrys went down in the evening. Mary kept Jimmy.
8/13 – Sunday – I helped with the meals at Kirks today. Herbs, Larrys, Dicks, and Harrys were here for supper. Ammon Kaufman came to visit us. Ray Schlossnagles were here too. The day was nice but cool.
8/14 – Monday – I helped at Kirks until after dinner, then Lizzie Krause and Emma and two of Paul George’s boys and wives came. Pop was Paulbares [sp]. I didn’t get to the funeral. Hilda and Mary kept the kids.
8/15 – Tuesday – It was nice today. I helped down stairs with eggs and dishes. Alma washed for both of us. I went down to Kirks in the afternoon.
8/16 – Wed – We canned figs [?] today and peeled peaches for Alma and in thee evening I ironed. The men hauled in oats. It was hot today.
8/17 – Thursday – It was awfully hot today. I staid at Dicks while Hilda went to town. Dicks got their new refrigerator today and we got their old one this evening. The men settled with Ernest this evening. Now we owe Ernest $1600 yet.
8/18 – Friday – This forenoon it was nice and the men hauled up oats. I helped down stairs until dinner time. In the afternoon I did my cleaning. In the evening we had a hard rain which filled the spring.
8/19 – Sat – It rained most of the forenoon but cleared at noon. In the evening we went to the show and saw Asphalt Jungle.
8/20 – Sunday – This is a beautiful clear morning. Pop and I and Dicks went down to Millers for dinner and I think all including Millers enjoyed the day. Ernest, Mary, and Dick Kaufman were here in the evening.
8/21 – Monday –We washed and cleaned eggs and canned peaches. Pop picked a few black berries. Larry and Lois were here in the evening. Larry partly made a new steps at our porch. Pop helped.
8/22 – Tuesday – It’s a very nice day. I’m finishing my peaches and I ironed and made some black berry jam. It has been very cold the last three nights. I went to the show to see Jigs & Maggie go Crest [?]. Pop had headache.
8/23 – Wed – It’s a lovely morning. The men hauled oats today. I cleaned eggs and just messed around. Fixed a few things for Pop to eat tomorrow.
8/24 – Thursday – This morning I went to town with Hilda. The nurse told her she doesn’t need to come any more unless her ear closes up again. I helped her with picking in the afternoon. The men hauled oats and Larry worked at the steps in the evening.
8/25 – Friday – We had fog for a week in the morning, then the days were nice. They sprayed potatoes today. I did all my cleaning including eggs. Mary M. was here in the evening.
8/26 – Sat – Another nice day. We fixed for corn [can’t read] tomorrow. Finished the cleaning and dressed some chickens.
8/27 – Sunday – It was a beautiful day. Schlossnagles were here for dinner and Ernests and Will [?] eat up here. Dicks were here for supper. The kids and I were in Sunday School. Davie and I in church.
8/28 – Mon – Today we washed and ironed and cleaned eggs and Mary was here. I dried a little corn. We had our first corn today.
8/29 – Tuesday – Pop started plowing for wheat today. It looked like rain all forenoon but the sun is out now. Harrys had a wiener roast this evening. It has been very hot these last days. I helped peel peaches at Ernests this evening.
8/30 – Wed – It was rainy and dark all day today. I didn’t get too much done today. The men worked in the barn today. Harry Apples [?] and John Adams and Dicks were here in the evening.
8/31 – Thursday. It rained in the night and it was wet this morning. I’m getting ready to go to Pgh this evening. Pop and Harry are working at the barn. Mary & I went to Pgh in the evening. Harry Beisfes [?] came in the evening. I wrote to Jean & Lizzie.
9/1 – Friday – It was a little rainy today. Marty staid at Kings with us. I went to Glenns for supper then down east for Glenns for groceries. It was very warm all day.
9/2 – Saturday – Well today was Shirley’s wedding. I’m so glad I got to go. After, went to Kings and eat supper before we came home. We eat the wedding breakfast in a restaurant so it was a big day. It rained awfull on our way home.
9/3 – Sunday – I was in Sunday School this forenoon. Mary & Mart were here a while this dinner. It’s a rainy day & gloomy. It got nice in the afternoon. Larrys and Dicks came in the late afternoon. I wrote to Zeda Georg.
9/4 – Monday – It was rainy this morning but we washed anyhow, then in the afternoon we canned corn. It got nice afterall but it was cold in the evening. Pop and I were at Ernests in the evening.
9/5 – Tuesday – Today I made tomato juice and 2 cans of kraut and we husked corn. Pop plowed and in the evening I went to M. meeting. I send Alton’s birthday present today. They got a new tire for the tractor.
9/6 – Wed – It was still cool today. I canned corn and apple sauce and ironed and helped with Alma’s corn and dried a drier full. We got coal oil and gasoline today.
9/7 – Thursday – It was nice all day today. I went up to Ernests and Mary and I made 24 quarts of sauerkraut, then last evening I peeled peaches for Alma.
9/8 – Friday – this is a nice morning and I did my cleaning and my baking. Alma and some of the kids and I went down to Kirks and watched television for a while.
9/9 – Sat – Today I helped Alma some. It was nice out. Nothing much happened. I went to Jennerstown for groceries.
9/10 – Sun – It was a bit rainy this morning. I went to church and SS, then up to Ernests for dinner. Stawbaugh [?] preached his farewell sermon today. Herb and Larrys were here for supper. After supper Dicks and Donnie came when it was bed time.
9/11 – Mon – Today I washed and in the afternoon I helped Alma peel some apples to can. It was rainy this morning but cleared up later. I ironed in the evening.
9/12 – Tuesday – It was pretty nice today. I baked some pies for the ham [?] supper, then in the evening I helped at the fire hall. It got drizzly in the evening.
9/13 – Wed – This forenoon I peeled almost two bushel of peaches for Alma and this afternoon I canned apple sauce. In the evening Fern and I canned 19 quarts of peaches for Larry. Now, I’m tired. It’s thundering and lightening & raining hard.
9/14 – Thursday – This morning Larry and I went for peaches. We got them at Stuvers [?] after going to Thomas Mills first. Larry worked at the steps in the evening.
9/15 – Friday – It’s rainy today. I did my cleaning and the men are mowing the Friedline field over at Jennerstown. I defrosted the refrigerator and now it doesn’t work right.
9/16 – Sat – This morning I dressed some chickens for Sunday and baked some pies. It was cook out, so cool I shut the door. Larrys come in the evening and I went for groceries with Harry.
9/17 – Sunday – I didn’t go to SS or church today. I cooked dinner for Ernests, Jims, and Harrys and Cecil. This afternoon Overdorfs came. It’s cold and Dicks were here for about a half an hour in the evening, I wrote to Jean and Puds today.
9/18 – Mon – It was nice today. They sowed wheat today. I washed and melted some lard for soap and made 17 quarts of tomato juice. Mary was here for dinner and she helped cut the tomatoes. Ernest wired Herb’s place today.
9/19 – Tuesday – It was rainy today. I ironed and in the evening Pop and I went along with Ernest down to Herbs place. Larrys were here while we were gone.
9/20 – Wed – It was nice today, only cloudy. I made apple sauce this forenoon and this afternoon I walked to Jennerstown and gathered some tomatoes and helped Alma with her pears and last ground tomatoes for pickle. Larrys were here.
9/21 – Thurs – It rained all day today. I made pickle and soap today. Pop isn’t doing anything. M. Mayes was here this afternoon. I want to go over to the brick church tonight to hear Mrs. Williams give a book review.
9/22 – Friday – Today I finished making soap. I have about 55 pounds. I did my cleaning too. It was rainy and nasty all day.
9/23 – Sat – I finished my cleaning. It was nice today and this evening it’s cold. I believe we will have a frost tonight. The thrashing machine moved in this afternoon.
9/24 – Sunday – I went to SS this morning. We had a frost this morning. This evening Herbs and Larrys were here for supper. Herbs rook the cupboard in the hall. The smoke from the forest fires in Nevada made the sky look very strange in the afternoon and evening. It got dark very early.
9/25 – Monday – Well we had the thrashers today for dinner. I’ve been putting things away and messing around all day. It is pretty cool out.
9/26 – Tuesday – It was pretty nice today. I washed, ironed, and helped Alma peel apples to can and some for apple butter. Harry helped to thrash for Lee Rauch. Pop mowed up on the hill.
9/27 – Wed. – I spent today down at Dicks. We went to visit Fern Baker. Mrs. Ringer was there too. We canned 20 can of apple sauce, 9 “ of spiced apples, and 18 cans of carrots and got the beets ready to can.
9/28 – Thursday – It’s cloudy today. I canned 6 quarts of apple sauce. Fern, Agnes, and Ethel visited down stairs. Pop has a cold.
9/29 – Friday – Today I did my cleaning. In the evening I walked up to Ernests.
9/30 – Sat – I finished my cleaning and baked some pies. Overdorfs were here for supper. Dicks, Larrys, Mrs. Mike Shaffer, and Eunice H and his wife were here. We planned to take our dinner out tomorrow.
10/1 – Sun – It was gloomy all day today. Kings came and took us along over to Mt. Lake Park to see Aunt Katy. We eat supper at Loyds. Schraders were here while we were gone. Dicks and Bloughs took their dinner out even though we couldn’t go.
10/2 – Monday – I washed today. It was nice and the clothes dried good. Pop and Harry dug a row of potatoes.
10/3 – Tuesday – We ironed this forenoon and in the afternoon we dressed 20 chickens. I also canned some apple sauce. The weather was nice and warm.
10/4 – Wed – I canned chickens and did my patching. The weather was nice. Ernest and his gang were here in the evening. It was cool out all day.
10/5 – Thursday – We have a frost this morning. I helped Mary Mayes to dress 10 chickens today. It’s cold out. In the evening Pop and I went to Somerset with Ernest to see Pa & Ma Kettle Goes to Town. I missed Missionary meeting at Emmerts.
10/6 – Friday – We had a hard frost this morning. I did my cleaning and baked a cake. Dicks and Pops went to see Dr. Haup [sp]. Susan was operated on and Dick has a cold. Pop has rheumatism and sinus.
10/7 – Sat – They started on the potatoes today. In the evening we went to Johnstown with Ernest, then up to Herbs. It was cold tonight.
10/8 – Sun – This morning I went to SS then church. In the afternoon Alma and I went to visit Anna Miller. Lois came up and staid. It was rainy all day.
10/9 – Monday – Toady Pop and Harry brought a cow from Shraders. Lois and Alma and I butchered 14 chickens and canned 10 cans of apples. It rained nearly all day today.
10/10 – Tuesday – It was still drippy this forenoon, then it got nice. Pop and Harry brought the heifer from Shraders. Lois was here and we canned 20 quarts of chicken and 25 pints of apple sauce. Larry had his foundation dug out. Lois went home in the evening.
10/11 – Wed – It’s really nice today but not hot. I’m washing. Harry is working for Larry. It’s too wet to dig potatoes.
10/12 – Thursday – I went down to Dicks early this morning. We dressed 5 chickens for Dicks. It rained hard off & on and was terrible windy. Hilda went to town with Helen and I kept the children.
10/13 – Friday – It was rainy today. Harry got a load of coal. I ironed & patched and cleaned up my house and made apple sauce & cooked beans and helped dress nine chickens. Pop went to the Dr. in the evening.
10/14 – Sat – This morning I cleaned and baked pies, then Pusina and Clara and Jean came and I got them some dinner. Larry was here too. It was rainy.
10/15 – Sunday – I didn’t go to SS or church today. It was nice and Glenn and Russel and Eugina [?] and boys and Jean were here for dinner. After dinner Ernests and Dicks came. I fell when I went for milk in the spring house.
10/16 – Monday – It was very nice today, only the air was cold. We washed and changed the dishes in the cupboards. Pop helped Ernests and Harry worked for Larry.
10/17 – Tuesday – It was really nice today. They dug potatoes and Olive and Donnie were here for dinner. I baked some pies and this afternoon Jean and I red up the summer house and also the porch. Jean eat down stairs this evening.
10/18 – Wednesday – It was nice today. They dug potatoes. Mary M. and Ruth helped Jean and I walked to Jennerstown in the afternoon. Also picked some apples. In the evening Dan Trostle & family came for Jean. It was very warm today. I baked bread & rolls,
10/19 – Thurs – It wasn’t quite as warm today. Olive, Mary, & Ruth help pick potatoes. I straightened up the rooms today and picked some apples and took my begonia bulbs. I started out with three for dinner and ended up with six. I dressed a chicken for dinner.
10/20 – Friday – It was nice today. Herbs, Ruth, and Mary Mayes helped with the potatoes. Ernest and Donnie were here for dinner too. Donnie had his toe nail cut out this morning. Hilda is having a birthday party tonight for Dick. I churned & cleaned and cooked today.
10/21 – Sat – We went to Dick’s party last evening. Olive and the boys helped pick potatoes today. Pop went to the Dr. with Ernest and Donnie. It was nice all day, not too warm. Just right. Ernest took us along for groceries this evening. I’m tired this evening.
10/22 – Sun – It was nice all day. Davie and I went to church and SS. The preacher’s name was Albert Burkholder. Pop and I eat dinner at Ernests. When we came home Scully and Gordons were here. Larry were down stairs for supper.
10/23 – Monday – It was cloudy this morning but we washed and got the clothing pretty near dry, then I peeled 30 lbs of apples for apple butter. I made it into apple sauce. Miss Ball died last evening. I sure would like to go see her. I’m pretty tired tonight. The refrigerator isn’t working.
10/24 – Tuesday – It was nice today. Harrys, Ruth and Mary and Ernest were here for dinner. I made one batch of apple butter in the evening, Hilda and I went to see Miss Ball at Henderson’s Funeral Home.
10/25 – Wed – It was nice all day. They are trying to finish the potatoes. I finished the apple butter and made grapes juice. Ernest and Mary M. were here for dinner.
10/26 – Thursday – Today they finished the potatoes. Ernest & Mary were here for dinner. It was cold today. We had a hard frost this morning.
10/27 – Friday – It was nice all day but we had a hard frost in the morning. I cleaned and churned and dressed chickens. Cleda Baker & baby spent the evening here while Allen & boys went to the ball game.
10/28 – Sat – Today was nice but cool. I baked doughnuts and pies, the I walked up to Ernests. Shirley is home and she gave me their picture. This evening we all want to go down to Herbs. I got my watch back, all fixed.
10/29 – Sun – It was nice all day. I went to church & SS. In the afternoon Dicks & us went over to see the old place. Ernests, Jims, Dicks, and Larrys were here for supper. Jims brought my watch along back.
10/30 – Monday – I washed this morning and then before dinner Clydes came. The men worked all the corn. In the evening Jean and I went to the show and saw Stock Company then we [space] to Bills for a lunch,
10/31 – Tuesday – I ironed. The men picked apples. The weather was wonderful. In the evening we wrote to Puds & Sadie. I broke my glasses & Ronnie glued them.
11/1 – Wed – It was a beautiful day. I churned and peeled apples to dry and Jean washed. Pop and Clyde helped Larry at his house. Harry hunted. Susan is sick.
11/2 – Thurs – It was nasty out today. Jean and I went to Somerset and saw Three Secrets. It rained when we came out of the show. I missed Missionary meeting at Airsmans.
11/3 – Friday – I did my cleaning and in the afternoon Clydes went to Johnstown. Susan is sick. It was rainy.
11/4 – Sat – It was very cool today. Clydes came back from town in the afternoon. I went to Boswell for groceries in the evening.
11/5 – Sun – It was cold but nice today. Clydes left for home right after lunch. Dicks came for supper. Ernests came later. I didn’t get to SS or church today.
11/6 – Monday – It was nice out today. I washed and cleaned two rooms.
11/7 – Tuesday. Election day. I ironed and cleaned and in the evening I went down to Harold Bloughs to a gift demonstration.
11/8 – Wed – The weather was nice and Pop and Harry and Mary worked at the corn. In the afternoon it rained and I went over to the bank and put some money in for Dick.
11/9 – Thursday – It was nice today, not cold. Mary and I went to Johnstown with Ernest. After I came back I helped peel pears until about 8 o’clock.
11/10 – Friday – It was cold today. Pop and Harry worked for Larry. I cleaned, churned, and helped dress chickens for Sadie.
11/11 Sat – It’s very cold this morning and it’s sunny a little. Pop & Harry worked for Ernest digging out his garage. We didn’t get our mail for 3 days.
11/12 – Sunday – It was only 14 [?] above 0 this morning but ti was nice and clear out. We went to Pittsburgh with Ernest, came back part way on the super. We were at Glenns for supper. Jims were there too.
11/13 – Mon – It’s cold but nice out this morning. Pop and Harry went down to help Larry. I want to wash. Overdorfs were here and brought a bad report from Texas, as usual, on Sunday.
11/14 – Tuesday – It was cold this morning. I ironed and the men husked corn. I fixed a cover. Mary heming [?] the drapes for me.
11/15 – Wed – Today I finished a cover and fixed Sadie’s dress and did some other sewing. The men husked corn. I got a gift from Puds. It was cold this morning.
11/16 – Thurs – Today it wasn’t very cold. The men helped Larry today. I worked in the dining room. It rained a little this afternoon. Lindy & children were here for a little to butcher.
11/17 – Friday – It’s snowing this morning. Harry isn’t feeling good so Pop had to do all the work. Alma was sick last night too. Ernest had a birthday supper for me, then after supper we watched television.
11/18 – Sat – The weather was a little better today. I went to Boswell with Ernest, then we went up to Ernest for a while. Larrys were here.
11/19 – Sun – It was nice out today. I went to church & SS. In the afternoon we went with Dicks to see Larrys new house. I got pretty sick riding. Herbs were down stairs for supper. Sells were down stairs too.
11/20 – Monday – It’s very windy today. I still don’t feel good so I just poked around almost all day. Jimmy has some kind of measles.
11/21 – Tuesday – I washed this morning and sewed on my dress, a sack dress. It snowed pretty near all day and it was pretty cold.
11/22 – Wed – It was cold all day today with snow flurries. I ironed and sewed and dressed a chicken for Mary and finished washing some sacks. I went to practice over at the church this evening.
11/23 – Thursday – Thanksgiving Day – We were alone all day. I got us a little extra dinner. Pop worked all day and so did I. Harry had a holiday. Alma sewed. It was snowing all day but not too cold.
11/24 – Friday – It’s warmer this morning and a little rainy. I cleaned and cut out two pairs of pajamas and cut some cabbage for kraut and cleaned eggs. It’s awfully cold this evening, the coldest we have had yet so far.
11/25 – Sat – It’s almost zero and it’s snowing and the snow is deep, too deep for travel. Harry walked over for groceries. Ernest walked over with our bread and Larry couldn’t get in the lane so he carried his things out to the road. I got a card that cousin Marion is coming tomorrow, Monday.
11/26 – Sunday – It’s still snowing and most of the church services are canceld [sp] for today. It’s bad out. Everything is at a standstill. It’s almost down to ). The snow is very deep. I wrote Lizzie a letter.
11/27 – Monday – Today they shoveled open the road. I washed and ironed. My company didn’t come. The busses aren’t running on the Lincoln. No school for a few days. Ernest got a doe today. It got a little warmer today. I baked a cake today.
11/28 – Tuesday – It snowed pretty lively this forenoon. Daves didn’t get here last evening. Daves came this evening just as we finished supper. Dicks were here. They report no snow in D.C.
11/29 – Wed – It was cold and snowing most of today. Daves and Pop and I went to Ernests to watch television in the evening. We had to be shoveled out to come home. 11/30 – Thurs – More snow today. It isn’t quite as cold as it was. We had chicken and potato dumplings for dinner. Ernestine isn’t feeling very good. Guess she eat something that didn’t agree.
12/1 – Friday – Today I cleaned and just messed around. I finished some pajamas and we and Daves went to Ernests for supper. Daves were both under the weather all day.
12/2 – Sat – Today it thawed. Harry got a load of coal. Pop and Harry fixed for butchering on Monday. Dicks were here for supper. Daves eat supper down stairs. Ernestine covered my sewing machine and washes. It’s terrible under foot.
12/3 – Sun – No one went to SS because we didn’t think there was ant. In the afternoon Daves and Pop and I went down to Davidsville to visit Aunt Bertha. The weather wasn’t too bad.
12/4 – Monday – Pop and Harry dressed two pigs today, one for Daves & one for Harry. It wasn’t very nice out and it was cold. We didn’t get much done here in the house. I cleaned casings.
12/5 – Tuesday – We worked up the pigs today. It was pretty cold. Daves eat dinner down stairs. I was awfully tired but Dicks came in the evening. Dave got some ice cream. Too much.
12/6 – Wed – This morning Daves got things ready to go home. They left a little after 12. I washed in the afternoon and cleaning the casings from four hogs. Pop and Harry dressed the hogs. The weather was nice.
12/7 – Thurs – Today we worked up the four pigs. Mary M. helped me. Ernest eat here. Mary eat down stairs. It was awfully windy and rainy.
12/8 – Friday – It’s nice today. Pop and Harry got the other pig. I canned meat and cleaned up the the place a bit. I finished all the meat but a little sausage.
12/9 – Sat – This was a nice day. I went to Johnstown today with Ernest and this evening I went to Somerset. Pop rendered lard all day.
12/10 – Sun – I went to church and SS and afterwards I walked home. It snowed a little and it was cold. I put the address on 30 Christmas cards. Dicks came for supper, then Hilda wrapped my packages. It started to snow harder before Dicks left.
12/11 – Mon – We are having our second big snow. It’s bad out. Dicks plowed in but it was all his car would do. He mailed me some letter and took some lard to Mrs. Nilson. I cleaned eggs this forenoon. Dick brought his parents to the bank. I don’t see how he can take them back home. I have a big ironing to do today.
12/12 – Tuesday – It’s still snowing off & on. The snow is deep and it’s cold. I sewed on Susan’s dresses. They are digging a grave for Eddie Friedline over in the cemetery [sp]. He died Sunday night.
12/13 – Wed – I finished canning sasage [sp] & finished Susan’s dresses and Pop mailed my packages and got a hair cut and Dicks were here for supper. It’s still cold & snowing.
12/14 – Thursday – It was ugly again today, but not quite as ugly as before. Pop and I went to Eddie Friedline’s funeral. I sewed part of the time.
12/15 – Friday – I did some cleaning and some sewing and cleaned casings and cleaned head meat. Dick helped to butcher and was here for dinner. It snowed something awful and the men got me [?] butchering.
12/16 – Sat – It’s awfully snowy and still snowing part time. Clarences came for their meat and I dressed four chickens for them. We worked up three pigs. I went to Johnstown with Ernest in the evening.
12/17 – Sun – It snowed some times today. It’s cold and nasty. I didn’t get to SS or church. It wasn’t fit to walk over. Larrys were here for dinner & supper. I wrote to Jean this forenoon.
12/18 – Monday – It was snowing and blowing to beat the band a good part of today. I washed and ironed. Ernest brought me flour and sugar. Harry brought us a big load of coal and had to dump it down by the porch.
12/19 – Tuesday –It was very cold all day. Pop put some of the coal is this afternoon. I bake some cookies for Christmas and cut lard and did some patching. Dicks were here in the evening. They had Susan to the Dr. again. It is getting colder fast. Ernest was in Latrobe today.
12/20 – Wed – Gee, it was 14 degrees below this morning. At 9:30 it was still 10 below.
12/21 – Thursday – It wasn’t quite as cold this morning. I went to Johnstown with Dicks today and didn’t come home until after supper. It’s still snowing off & on.
12/22 – Friday – I did my cleaning today. It was cold and nasty all day. We were at Ernests two evenings this week watching television.
12/23 – Sat – Today I dressed some chickens for Christmas. It thawed some today and it was nasty walking. Harry and I went to Boswell with Ernest for our groceries.
12/24 – Sunday – The weather was a bit warmer. It thawed. I didn’t get to SS or church because it wasn’t fit to walk over. I thought for we’re [?] could go to the Christmas service but we didn’t have a way. Overdorfs & Gordons were here and had to get a wrecktruck to get out.
12/25 – Christmas – The weather was bad cold & snowing. Ernests, Jims, Dicks, Larrys, & Harrys were here and I thought it was a very nice Christmas. In the evening Pop and I went down to Herbs with Dicks. Herbs couldn’t come because their tires are bad.
12/26 – Tuesday – it was cold and sunny all day, sort of mist in the air and part time snow. I washed and put things away and red up the place a little. Donnie was here for dinner.
12/27 – Wed – 6 degrees below this morning. I had [?] Ruth for the boiler [?]. Mary and Ruth were up here too. Harry worked today.
12/28 – Thursday – It was 14 degrees below 0 this morning. I finished my chairs and stools. It was cold all day. We got our gifts from Puds & Altons today.
12/29 – Friday – I did my cleaning today. Mary was here for a while. It wasn’t quite as cold today. I got a letter from Jean and one from Genevieve.
12/30 – Sat – The weather was cold but it melted a little. We butchered Larry’s pig today. I didn’t get much else done only I cleaned the toilet and the steps for Alma and cleaned eggs.
12/31 – Sun – I went to SS and church today then down to Dicks for dinner and supper. Donnie was sick. Millers were there too. We had a nice time. Harry took Shrader’s potatoes over. I sure wanted to go along but didn’t know he was going.
[THE END OF 1950 DIARY]
I am so thrilled to find these diaries! Clyde Krause was my uncle. He was married to my mother’s sister, Jean Trostle. My mother was Ruth Markley Trostle. I remember visiting Uncle Clyde’s mother’s home. She had beautiful African violets in her window. I was enchanted by her collection. Thank you for posting the family history. This means so much to me. Warren Krause is my cousin. He is one year younger than me. Uncle Clyde and I often talked about art. He built my art supply box that I carried to college. I loved his paintings. He repaired my car for me when I had an accident in college. He was proud of me when I became an art teacher in Baltimore County.
Hello Barbara,
How nice to meet you, and thanks for your kind words. My wife seems to know whom you are, but I’m e-mailing separately for more information. By all means, if you have anything more on the Krauses, do send it along. Regards,
Larry