Diary of AW Flanders

First Entry for 1911

Wednesday, Jan. 4, 1911

Cold but not severe. Mr. Wilson(plumber) brot up 2 men and tools to work putting in our steam heating plant. Located radiators, set up boiler and began on main lines of pipe.

Emily's House Party

Sat. Jan. 7, 1911

A beautiful day thawed a little. I killed 2 chickens. Ralph arrived on the 12-49. Mr. Ramsey on 4 oc trolley. All went skating before supper. In eve occurred Emily's house party to which 8 young people from the village met with our guests. Stayed til midnight. Mrs. St. Clair is helping serve.

Albert and Mary(Gilfillan)Flanders

Sun. Jan. 8, 1911

A beautiful mild day but some muddy walking. The young people all attended church. I stayed home with Minn. Ralph--Mr. Ramsey & Miss Hildreth-left by 4-5 trolley. Miss Bloomfield by 5-5.

We are pretty tired but all had a delightful time.

Albert Flanders Signature 1911 Diary

Ernest's 16th Birthday

Thurs. April 20, 1911

Woke up to a snow storm which ceased before noon about 3 inches. Donald carried Mrs. Cookes cream. Ernest was 16 today & 21 of his friends surprised him in the evening an Initial? Socket Scarf pin. Stayed til 11 30 playing games etc. had ice cream & cake Sanford. Whiting stayed overnight.

First Meeting the Hartness family

Sat. Aug. 5, 1911

A very hot still day. I started on 6 46am via Worcester for Whitefield to make mother a short visit. I stopped off at Springfield to see R for an hour and meet his lady & her father. Arrived at W about 8 15. Found mother quite feeble. Mr. Hartness brought me from his house to Charlestown in one of his autos.

Ernest and Donald see their first airplanes

Mon. Sept. 4, 1911

A perfectly lovely day. The Miller girls came in AM & left on 5 30 electric. Henry left on 4-45. E & D went to N.E. Fair at Worcester(with Geo Welly) saw their first air-ships--???????--They got home about 9-45--Green peas for dinner(Ck for 30 from REF)

Wed. Sept. 6, 1911

Visit from the Hartnesses

Raining when I woke. Poured at breakfast time. Then cleared. I took down a small load. Dug potatoes in PM . Minn & I had PC's from Daughter Belle. She was journeying from Cologne to Mayende via the Rhine. Had phone from Mr. Hartness. Said he and Mrs. H. would call on us tomorrow.

Thurs. Sept 7, 1911

Cool and cloudy with NE wind. Mr. and Mrs. Hartness came about 10 30 and stayed about 30m. We found them very pleasant. Dug potatoes in PM. Adrian gathered grapes etc.

Marriage of Ralph Flanders and Helen Hartness

Tues. Oct. 31, 1911

Threatening in morning & before noon began to rain. The boys & I took 8oc trolley for Worcester. Minn. & Grandma followed on 9oc. All enroute for Springfield, Vt. to be at the wedding(Son Ralph to Edith Hartness) We were guests of the Hartnesses. They met us at B. Falls with big Auto.

Wed. Nov. 1, 1911

Cloudy with occasional glimpses of the sun but no rain. The wedding came off promptly at 12n and was very very pretty. After the wedding breakfast the happy couple started for Asheville, N.C. The boys and I came home arriving about 10-20. We were royally entertained.

AWF Reads Temperance Paper

Wed. Jan.31, 1912

Snow flurries nearly all day but cleared at eve. I went down with cream and skimmed milk. In eve M & I attended Appleton Club at Mr. M*****

I read my paper "The St. Louis Whisky Ring". Think it was well recd. We washed today.

Town votes on Temperance

Sun. Mar. 24, 1912

Woke up to a severe snow storm about 6" it soon turned to rain and rained till evening--later it snowed some more. Mrs. Jeffers came down to dinner. Mr. Stewart carried her home. Big Mass meeting(No License) in town hall in eve.

Mon. Mar. 25, 1912

Cleared off in AM. Cold & disagreeable. Town meeting day I went down at 6AM & voted. Came home & ate my breakfast. Went down again about 10 & again about all the PM. Town went No License. In eve went down and got 2 sitting hens of C. Hiloir.

Farm Work

Wed. June 19, 1912

A cool day more or less. Cloudy but a pretty good hay day. Raked in the morning the grass cut yesterday, shook it out twice and left it in windrows, raked with Kid--planted cabbage & carrots. Farm buyer came. No trades. Sold beets to Mr. Hog and in eve Camp Fire girls.

Sat. June 21, 1912

A fine day. A hay weather in AM. I applied fertilizer to potatos. Ernest sprayed the potatos till about 3 PM. In PM, Geo & 1 horse worked with me cultivating potatos, beans etc. Miss Carpenter went home 6oc trolley.

Farm for Sale, Birth of Elizabeth Flanders

Fri. Sept. 5, 1912

O Dear! More of this lifeless, muggy weather. I went down in morn with potatos etc. A little before noon. A Mr. Hanson from N. Maine arrived. He wants to buy this place. After dinner we carried him down to Mr. Colburn'. I dug potatos & chased a chicken for Miss Fay.

Mon. Sept. 9, 1912

A fine day! I have not been down st. Dug potatoes 6 bu. In PM Emily & he ma went driving-called on Mrs. Woodis. The E attended com. meeting of YWC. Mins side is troubling her a great deal. Our first grand child born today. Helen Elizabeth -F.

Takes job at Brown S**** shop

Fri. Nov. 8, 1912

Cleared off in AM. some windy but not very cold. I pulled about 5 rows of turnips. I secured a job at the Brown S**** shop. Am to begin next Monday. The McCurdys bought the Kimball farm on Ward St. this AM.

A Typical day

Sat. April 5, 1913

Above freezing cool but spring-like. Ernest sawed wood nearly all AM. Laid the floor in the After, which was torn up when house was wired last winter. I went down to adjourned Town meeting in the PM, came home and carried Grandmother down to D.A.R. meeting(Mrs. Montgomery). Paid Mr. Foster for 1 ton coal.

A trip to see the Bosworth's in Rochester, NY.

Friday, Sept., 26, 1913

Written Oct., 7

Beautiful but rather warm day. Minnie and I started for Rochester, N.Y. on the 11:11 train from Worcester. It was nearly 10pm when we arrived there, tired but happy. Ed and Clare and Arthur Norris met us at the platform, also Mr. Snyder with his auto and carried us to Ed B.s home 407 Magnolia St.

Saturday, 27, 1913

A fine day but quite cooler than yesterday. Rested in A.M. In PM Ed and I went to the "Exhibition" while Minn went riding with Mrs. Snyder with her son El**** and Chauffeur. They left her at Ray's(Ed's 2nd son) where Clare met her and they two walked home. Arthur came up in the evening.

Sunday, 28, 1913

A beau(written Oct.7)tiful warm day. We all went to the Westminister(Pres?) Church. From there we went to Mr. Snyder's to dinner after which Mr. S took us on a long auto ride Across the high bridge to Eastman Durand Park-Cobbs Hill etc--Ed and Arthur were with us.

Monday, 29, 1913

Fine +(written Oct 7) warm. Started at about 8-15 for Niagara Falls via Buffalo. Arrived at the Falls about 11. Took a carriage through the Reservation thru a trolley for the great Gorge route. A scary ride but came out safely. Ar** R. about 8 Arthur met us and took us to Ed's after a day of wonderful experiences.

Woman under tree--inserted in 1913 diary

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 1913

Cloudy(written 7") looked like rain. We stayed at Mr. Snyder's over night and till after 4 when Elmer took us for a little ride but through East Ave., Oxford St etc thence to Ed's where we stayed overnight. In AM I walked up to Ed**Clare took me throught the West High School Bldg.

Thurs. Oct. 2, 1913

Cloudy and threatening and a slight dash in eve. In AM Clare, M and I went down St. They did some trading then Arthur took us to lunch. After that to Moving picture show then on top C of C bldg and Sibley and Curss store. Then home. Clare had a party in eve. with singing, reading etc.

Friday Oct. 3, 1913

A fine day(written 7") but cool. In AM I went down St.-and got a shave. Then I went to Arthur's office + we went through Mechanics Institute, had lunch there. Then went over and saw his lathe running. Then to Ed's ***by Auto to Riverside Ave & round to Ray's to supper walking home in the eve. Clare seems beside herself.

Sat. Oct. 4, 1913

A beautiful(written Oct 7) autumn day. We started from R. just about 9am. Ed went down with us to station and Arthur was there to see us off. We had a most delightful Journey home passing through the Berkshires about Sunset. Arr. Worcester 7.20 and home at 8.40. M stood the journey well. We left-Clare a nervous wreck.

Frozen Pipes

Tues. Jan. 13, 1914

8-o here, someplaces in the state 22-o with strong wind. Papers give velocity of wind last eve at 40 to 72 m. thoughout the state. I stayed up all night watching and working to prevent water pipes freezing. The mercury did not get above zero all day. Ernest went to work but did not stay in PM. Could not keep warm at shop. I went down town AM butter, etc.

Weds. Jan 14, 1914

Fearfully cold from 12 to 30 below zero in the state. I sat up again all night-but in spite of all I could do water stopped in 3 places including toilet room. After Ernest got up we suceeded in starting it. Mother moderated some during day. Jesse Baker call on us in PM and played till 9:50 in eve. Ernest went to work at 1 PM.

Facial Neuralgia

Sun. April 19, 1914

A warm summery day. About 80 in the middle of the day. My jaw brought tears to my eyes and **** to my skin one during the night and again in the morning. Since 8 am I haven't had a twinge. Emily and the boys went to church. Min went to bed and I did the work after breakfast. Earle Robbins came home with Ernest to play till tomorrow. They & Emily went to Vespers. Boys stayed in eve.

Visit from Clare Bosworth

Thurs. May 21, 1914

(Written 24") A beautiful day. I planted summer squash and cucumberss also did some spading. Clare Bosworth came today. Ernest met her on 7.22PM train.

Donald Gets A's

Thurs. June 25, 1914

Another hot day but more comfortable than yesterday. In AM I worked 4 1/2 & 4 1/2. In AM trimming round the homefields and in PM getting in hay. M & Walt went away after first load. Mr. Woods loaded the 2nd & last load from Mrs. Geezer's lot. Donald's school closed today. He got -A ! in all studies.Beat Minn 2 games at Flinch.

Christmas, 1914

Fri. Dec. 25, 1914

"Merry Christmas" began with us, by me and boys & Kathryn going out with 10-12 others of the young people of the neighborhood to sing Carols.. Very cold. Our dinner was fine--everything OK. In the evening we had a nice little program of songs & little play by the young people. Mama address of Welcome was the final thing.

Peace Lecture

Mon. Mar. 1, 1915

A cold windy day. Quite marchy. I worked most of the day getting stones together at the barn to be used there later. A Miss Bullock-dressmaker- was here today. In eve Emily & I attended an address in High School of Commerce by Jay Taylor Hudson of Mo. American's message to Europe. It was a splendid "Peace" lecture.

Chickens

Thursday, Mar. 18, 1915

Still colder, dry & dusty. We dusted upstairs. I put in my eggs 32 White Leghorns--S L Wyndots-and 79 RJ Reds. I saw Minn started on 11AM car for Boston. She goes to Helens to stay till after the wedding. I *** honey, H H goods etc I went down in PM to get 5 Doz eggs at Arnolds. Roy & John G called on Emily. Don for 2 hrs. D went to Pastors clas in eve.

Germans Torpedo Ship

Saturday, May 8, 1915

A fine day though quite windy. I planted some potatoes in AM. In PM Ernest & I put missing shingles on barn he went to Choir rehersal in eve. The great Cunard Liner was torpedoed by German submarines yesterday and more than a thousand passengers were drowned.

Ernest heads for Rochester

Monday, July 5, 1915

This is the day we celebrate in place of the actual 4". It was misty and dark and about 9 began to rain & poured for nearly 2 hours. Ernest started for Rochester N.Y. for a 10 days vacation. Mr. Webster & family came out and got 2 pks peas. I also sold a peck to Miss Estabrooks. Donald is better.

Belle Censored

Monday, Aug. 16, 1915

Fair and hot-and excessively humid. I worked on the hen house. Got the scratchin shed mad all but the roofing. We rec'd a letter mostly type-written from Belle Neasly(?sp) written 7 & 8 of July! I have written on Aug cash acct pages my conclusions ****** the situation there.

Weds. Aug. 18, 1915

Pretty cool and windy. I worked on hen house in AM picked a mess of Peas in PM. We had a letter from daughter Belle this morning. I think they are witnessing terrible scenes but the censor will allow nothing more than a hint.

Trip to Barnet

Monday, Sept. 20, 1915

A beautiful mild day. I worked up quite a pile of wood for Avis in the cellar in AM. Avis came home towards noon and suggested going to Barnet via Auto so she hunted up a party. Mr. & Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Knight & sister. We went in Mrs Ks car which balked just after starting. 2 hrs till started again. Went via Lower Lancaster & St. Johnsbury. Arrived Barnet 5:30. Nettie Lang called in eve.

Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1915

Woke up to rain--poured till the Middle of PM. We had no good chance to look over Claude's Hen Ranch. At. 4oc Claude carried us to Oscar Frasers on Monro Plain. The ride down the N.H. side was beautiful. Pretty cold and windy in eve. Oscar has a thrifty far. He & Ruby have a nice family.

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1915

Cold raw AM. There was a funeral in the village 10.30 of a cousin of Grandma's Miss Mary Duncan. We attended. After which Oscar carried us to the McIndoes station where we took the noon train. Ralph met us at W.R.J with Mr. H's big car & chauffeur. We arrived at Springfield about 4 PM via Windsor & Ascutneyville.

Thursday, Sept. 23, 1915

(written 26") Fog prevented frost in Conn. valley. I took a walk on the hills in AM. In PM R. carried me to Claremont in the Buick came home via W. Claremont & Ascutneyville. In eve R. took us to entertainment in Town Hall.

Friday, Sept. 24, 1915

Mild. Threatening in AM with a few rain drops in morning. After breakast Helen took me and Betsy over to Miss Darts. I then made up a box of maple sugar. After dinner R. brought me to Bellows Falls in 35 minutes. Rode down with a Mr. McKing of Providence, arrived home 4.37 found all OK.

Union at Norton

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1915

Awoke to a threatening sky which soon began to send the rain which continued till about dark. A part of the time it rained very hard. I first temporarily repaired the roofing on "leanto" of barn--then repaired floor of same & barn stairs. Last night the committee of "Union" workers at the Norton Grinding Co. works made their request at the office for 48 hour week, 5c per hour increase in wages. 1 1/2 pay for overtime & double pay for Sundays.

From the memoranda section of 1915

Donalds measurements

Mar 1-15

Breast 33

Waist-30 1/2

Leg-31 inseam

Height 5ft-7 1/2

Weight-115

Age 15 next Aug 14

*************

On Aug 16 we rec'd a letter from daughter Belle Harley a missionary at H****

Turkey, Asia, a letter written July 7-8. Reading between the lines & interpeted partly by the meage news in the daily papers, I arrive at the following conclusions. That for some reasons the situation there is becoming more and more unbearable, these conditions being part of a fixed and definite plan to force the missionary's from the country. Apparently they propose to do this by scattering the Americans in some cases by massacres in others by forcing all the men into the army and then removing the women and children far away and thus leaving the schools without pupils even when the war is over and the school buildings free from occupancy of sick and wounded soldiers & the military.

The fate of these poor creatures must be truly terrible especially the women who are no doubt shamefully abused and outraged. I judge the strain on the missionaries must be awful as they are forced to see all this going on while being powerless to prevent. No doubt they themselves are deprived of all the luxuries and many of the necessities of life and I look to see them leave the country soon chiefly because their flock is scattered beyond their power to help and not because of their won hardships.

Ralph Speaks in Boston

Tuesday, Jan 4, 1916

10 degrees. The coldest of the winter yet. Fair in the AM, clouded & moderated in PM. I went downtown & got this diary, some groceries & had hair cut. Also took a treatment of Dr. Auger(1.50). Ralph came on 7PM trolley via Northhampton to Jefferson. Rev. Dr. Knapp came at 6-20, stayed to dinner & in eve. Had Ernest's turkey, pleasant event.

Wed. Jan. 5, 1916

32 degrees. Grew warmer during the day. Rain which froze as it fell before light. Rain in showers nearly all day, SW wind. Ralph went away 9AM trolley enroute to Boston where he speaks at a Metal Trades Association Banquet tonight. Mrs. Raila came & did the washing. I worked sorting my papers, E &E  went to Vandersiles in eve. Minn & I tried to go to Pray eve meeting but got left.

Ralph & family visit

Fri. June 9, 1916

Mrs. Jeffers stayed during yesterday and until 2 oc(I think) this PM, when she went to a nephews in the city as Ralph's family came on 4-35 tram to stay a few days. I went to Holden after supper & came down with their trunk to N.W. Station.

Saturday, June 10, 1916

Pouring rain nearly all day. Also unseasonably cold all this week. R & D went down St. in AM, to select a present for D. a toilet case in leathercase, very nice. I went down to trade in PM. D & Helen gave us music in eve.

Donald Graduates from High School

Fri. June 23, 1916

A clear beautiful day, but cool. This is a "Red Letter Day." in our family as Donald graduated from North High School with highest honors & delivered 1 of the 2 orations. " The Greater Union." Ralph gave us a grand dinner at State Nautical Restaurant, Rev. Mr. Budd our guest. Ralph went home on 4-37PM. Don & Clare played tennis on church grounds later.

Military Camp

Tues. July 11, 1916

Cloudy followed by short showers. Ernest started this morning for Plattsburg, N.Y. where he and Ralph go into the military camp for 4 weeks. I dressed 6 broilers in P.M. for State Nautical Restaurant. Emily and Minn called on the Wardens in eve.

Donald and Haverford College

Wed. Aug. 2, 1916

A beautiful cool clear day. I worked for Mrs. Estabrook 8 hours hoeing. In the evening M & I went to wk night meeting. Emily did not come till 7-15. A letter from Ralph says for Donald to apply for admission to Haverford College.

Donald's room fee for Haverford, 1916

Sunday, Sept. 24, 1916

Fair and cool. All at church bu me. After dinner D. got ready and Emily & I took the train with him here at 4-8 and at 5-7 saw him start on his way for Haverford College, Havorford, Pa. A dear boy. Mrs. Rewkhull loaned him his beaker

Move to Springfield, Vt. proposed.

A fine day. I put in full time. Ralph came at 9-15 PM. He wants us to move to Springfield, Vt. to occupy the house that Grandma Pond has been living in. She died last Monday. It is a very nice house. We will see.

Packing up

Tues. Jan. 2, 1917

A calm mild day, some cloudy. Ernest left on local on his way back to Rochester. I worked in attic picking up etc. At 5PM I went **** to get & carry laundry & to see Masse about moving. In eve EV & DA called at Mr. Fuller's while Min & I took home Mr Richard's violin & made call. Later ER-DA-MS and I played caroms games.

Calligraphy by Ernest?

Mon. Jan. 8, 1917

(written the 16th) So much had been going on for a week that I have not had opportunity or time to write in my Diary. This day saw us on the ***** packing and getting ready to move to Springfield, Vt. The weather is very mild and calm.

Weds. Jan 10, 1917

(written 17) Moderate temperature, fair in AM. Some rain & snow in PM. I went back to the house early and prepared to close it up. Min came up before breakfast bringing a lunch from Mrs. Thompson. Mrs. T & Mrs. C**** helped and by great effort we got away on 11:47 train for our new home. We stayed at Mr. Hartnesses tonight. Very, very tired. Goods did not arrive.

Goes to work at Jones and Lamson

Sat. Jan. 20, 1917

Cold in AM-Milder in PM. I went down to the shop AM to see about work. I expect to go to work next Tuesday morning. Emily came at 4PM from Pawtucket, RI via N. Brookfield & Worcester, Mass. We all went to the Hartness house for dinner. Helen is sick in New York. Phone message from R in eve says she is better.

Tues. Jan 23, 1917

Pretty sharp but a fine day. I began work at the shop. My first job was a filing and polishing job(handwork)Prim work. I went down back way. Rode home in Mr. Hartness car. Went over there an hour or so to read.

7 Cent Sears Refund

Wartime Food Shortages

Tues. Feb. 27, 1917

Cleared off mild and thawy. Very slippery this morning. I did 900 one minute pieces thus gaining 6 hours time 3 hours of which is mine. Potatos are very high $1.00 to 1.25 in the cities. 100 per peck here sugar is scarce and high, fact all articles of food are. There have been riots in New York and other cities.

Appointed Garden Supervisor

Monday, May 14, 1917

Very cold for the season. Windy and rough. I have been appointed Supervisor of School Gardens of the Town at a Salary of $15 per week. I went to the Office of Supt. of Schools, in AM. and took names of those wishing gardens.

Emily's Wedding

Friday, Oct. 12, 1917

Small showers till about dark when it poured. Emily's wedding day. The ceremony was performed in the Hartness Tea house, at 2PM, which with the Pergola was beautifully decorated. Afterwords reception at our home-their pictures taken and at mar 4(?) Ralph carried them(accompanied by E.V. & Clare) to Beardsly cottage Newbury. In eve several of our guests went over to the big house through tunnel and rooms.

Opinion on the War

Weds. Dec. 5, 1917

Pres. Wilson delivered his message at the opening of Congress yesterday & was in the morning paper. He is either putting up a tremendous bluff or he is not in his right mind in my opinion. It is a very grave responsibility to place so much power in the hands of a man with a "Single track mind" as he once described himself. Fine days, 9 hrs.

War news clipping

Thurs. Dec. 6, 1917

A fine winter day. I put in 9 hrs. at the shop. At noon I came to daughter Helen's to lunch, where mama and grandma already were. I predict that the common people in the warring nations will compel the stubborn men in power to make peace without victory and I think it will come by the way of Russia. 15,30 in my envelope.

Ernest and the War

Friday, Dec. 7, 1917

40 This morning--coldest yet. I worked in the shop 9 hours. Ralph returned from New York today where he and several other manufacturers have been to attend annual meeting of A.S.M.E. He brought word that Ernest is going to enlist.

Mon. Dec. 10, 1917

A cold windy wintry day. Ernest reached home about 11:30. It was good to see him. Right after dinner he went down to see Ralph who started for Washington in P.M. with Mr. Hartness. I put in 9 hours at the shop. E called at the shop with R in early P.M. and came down to walk home with me at night. He is a son to be thankful for.

Tues. Dec. 11, 1917

10 deg followed by a very cold day with some wind. Ernest came down & walked home with me both at noon and at night. About 6 he started from the house to return to New York. It may be a long long time before we see him again. I put in full time at the shop.

Thurs. Dec. 13, 1917

Not quite as cold. I worked full day. Had a lot of stock come in yesterday which I am counting and taking care of as I have opportunity. Heard from Ernest that he could not enlist in the Naval Reserve no more wanted.

Year-end thoughts on the War

Mon. Dec. 31, 1917

Another cold day anywhere from 20 to 30 below zero. I had, we are taking the yearly inventory. I had Jackson to help me. It was so cold Lawrence could not go to Miss Dartts so stayed with us.

Well this year closes with the great war still raging and things looking no more favorable for the crushing of Germany than 12 mo ago. Apparently the Almighty does not favor that policy for where some great victory for the Allies seems imminent there occurs some natural phenomenon to prevent as a great storm. The only people who are allowed to speak there desires are the Russians and they are emphatically for peace. My impression is that peace will come eventually through Russia.

Too cold for Lawrence to go home so stayed tonight.

Letter to President Wilson

Oct. 25, 1917

I have written the following letter to Pres. Wilson to be mailed tomorrow morning.

"To his Excellency " etc.

I wish that this nation could see its way clear to stand squarely by Russia and her Peace plan as published in the papers Oct. 21.

I wish there was some nation christian enough to do the Christlike thing now and trust to God for the future. I wish there was some nation noble enough and brave enough to declare in the name of Christ-the Prince of Peace that horrible butchery must cease; that we must stop fighting and all take hold to save the helpless homeless starving victims of war.

Very Respectfully

AW Flanders

One of the common people

Pres. Wilson's War Aims

Weds. Jan 9, 1918

Quite a fine mild day. I recd 20.40 in my pay envelope today. Pres. Wilson has come out in another speech declaring war aim which seem so severe that I see very little hope of its being accepted. I am still believeing that peace when it comes will come via Russia.

Coal Shortage

Weds. Jan. 23, 1918

5 below zero this morning rose to 18 above at noon. The shop started again this morning for the rest of the week. The coal situation is very serious and another big snow storm with continued cold might result in the freezing to death of many people. We had a letter from Mrs. Jeffries today that they had only I handful of coal and many people rich & poor alike were in dire need of coal.

Jan. 23, 1918(from memo) The Government all factories east of the Miss. are to cease running from Fri 18" to Tues the 22 inclusive in order to save coal. The coal situation is alarming and if cold weather snow storms continue there is great danger that many people will freeze to death. The coal situation is also alarming with our Allies in the War. The chief reason why the Govt want to save coal is in order that vessels now loaded can have coal to carry supplies to our allies. Food is very scarce it being almost impossible to buy sugar, flour & meals also are very scarce. There is great suffering--thousands are starving to death in Europe & we are sending vast stores of food across. But the food we are sending is not for them but for the soldiers--those who kill and for the workers in munition plants who are engaged in making instruments of death & destruction.

Hartness Trip to Europe

Thurs. Jan. 31, 1918

10 to 15 this morning. Did not get very mild all day. Snow predicted for tomorrow. Mr. Hartness took passage today for England and France as one of a Govt. Commission of air-craft experts. Mrs. Hartness & Ralph were there to say good-bye. Last night I wired Ernest regarding his draft classification notice which I forwarded to him Special Delivery.

Daylight Savings Time

Sun. Mar. 31, 1918

This morning at 2oc all public clocks in US were set ahead 1 hour to "save daylight" private clocks were set ahead last eve. I fear this may cause discontent among laboring people in large cities who have to start for work and hour or more before shop time. This is Easter. I & Grandma stayed at home & rested. Ralph & Elizabeth came up to supper previous to which we went to walk up over Pine Hill.

Maloc

Sun. April 7, 1918

Fair & warm-some cloudy. All at church but me--1at SS. Lawrence here to dinner. Ralph & I took a walk over last towards Sketch - away-gone 2 1/2 hours. Papers give P Wilson speech in Baltimore yesterday where he pledges force, force, force to the limit. Poor man, "Vain is the help of man." We are worshipping "Maloc" and causing our children to "Pass through the fire." to that heathen God.

Ernest and Clare to be married

Weds. May 1, 1918

Rained till early AM. Colder in PM. I had full time at shop. Pay Day 18.02. Took dinner at Mr. Hartnesses. Had letter from EV saying he & Clare think of being married in June. He gets 150 per mo.

Ernest & Clare Marriage

Tues. June 18, 1918

A beautiful day just cool enough to be comfortable. Full time at the shop. In PM Min & Don started for Rochester N.Y. to be present at Ernest's wedding to take place next Thurs. evening. They travel from Springfield, Mass on a sleeper. Belle Harley keeps house for us in the meantime. I planted 3 hills Hubbard squash late after supper.

Thurs. June 20, 1918

A quite hard frost this morning in some places but as far as I could see did no damage to my garden. This is the date of the wedding of our son Ernest to Clare Bosworth of Rochester, N.Y. The has been cool and windy with promise of frost again tomorrow morning. Full time.

Thoughts on War

Mon. Sept. 9, 1918

It rained quite a little during the night & did not clear till PM. Full time.

The great Allied drive in France continues every day showing more or less advance and many think that the end is drawing near. I hope so but I cant help the feeling that something is going to intervene to cause a peace without "annexation or indemnities." cont p 8

Perhaps the Socialists or working men of the warring nations may be the means of bringing this about. They are engaging to get together in conference & I think they should be allowed to. I think any body of people anxious for peace with justice should be allowed to get together to make the attempt. But the Allies are so sure that only by "Beating Germany to her Knees" and dictating terms at Berlin wherein Germany shall have no voice only to accept can permanent peace be secured that passports will not be given to any peace conference which Socialists or other working men desire to hold.

Thurs. Sept. 19, 1918

Cloudy in A.M. Cleared fine in PM. I did not go to work. I cleaned up the first floor in AM & in PM picked beans at the garden.

The daily papers are publishing what purport to be an expose of the selling out of the Russian Govt. to Germany(continued P 9 memo) (wood in the furnace first fire) by Lenine & Trotsky. I believe it is a lie.

The Spanish Influenza

Thurs. Oct. 10, 1918

A fine mild somewhat overcast--Full time at the shop. The Spanish Influenza is raging here very seriously--Many deaths some cases Father & Mother in same family. I stopped off and paid E Light Gas & Telegraph bills. A lot of fine quinces from Ernest came today.

Armistice Signed

Mon. Nov. 11, 1918

A clear cold bright day 2 hours at shop. This has been a remarkable day in the world's history. Word came this morning thatan armistice had been signed between Germany and the Allies. Not only that but the German Government has been overthrown and a socialist regency set up, so all the world been having a holiday. At 9 AM we went out & from then all days the streets were full of expectent cheering people. A big parade was organized which came off in PM & in eve there was a mass meeting with speech making & flag raising in Town Hall.