March

Monday. March 1, 1909

Still slushy out doors. Mary went away today. Miss Sweet of course made me stay. Didn’t get home until after five. The very idea. Prof. C. advised us to talk matter over with her. Like fun I will. Wonder what she thinks she will profit by picking on Jean and me. She don’t hurt anyone but herself.

2

Tonight had to stay again. Miss S. wouldn’t excuse Jean. D. May was awful sore at her. Played cards all eve. Went up to Jeans to see about algebra, but only stayed a minute. Lots of fun th’o. Miss G. and M. came as usual. Just my luck.

3

Dear Miss Sweet – Jean is to be excused at 4:40 on Tuesdays. Hope it will not be necessary to write another note, this being the second one I have written. Mrs. H.M.W.

Ha!Ha! Pretty good joke I think. Made her sore of course. Kit gave me some coral beads. Beauties. Have them all strung already.

4

Had to help Kit serve at her party. Miss J. and the rest were there. Miss G. is just as dear as she can be. I just---. Hannah was over tonight. Lots of fun. We were fighting and I thot(sic) she would go into hysterics. Papa has gone away again. Was excused tonight at 3:20. Came back th’o.

5

Hannah was down last night and we had a fight out in the hall. Made candy, but it was awful. Gonie and I set it out on the porch to cool and forgot it all. Am going to Jean’s tonight.

6

Stayed all night with Jean. Fun galore. Dressed up in Mr. W.’s hat and coat and painted whiskers. I looked awfully funny. Went riding with Ma and Sid. Ate warm bread, and raisons(sic). Oh my, don’t mention it. Talk about sick.

7

Sick. Didn’t eat anything all day.

8

Sicker. Didn’t eat anything.

9

Sickest. Didn’t eat a thing.

10

Ate a little this morning. Jean and Erma was over to see me. Talk about your neuralgia! Talk about your nine kinds of medicines, 8 kinds of pills and two kinds of powders-oh my!!!

11

Today is my birthday and me sick in bed. Pa gave me $2, ma-paper, grandma gave me hair ribbons and a pretty pillow cover, Erma and Jean gave me hair ribbons awfully pretty, and Nell sent dandy flower guide – peach.

12

Jean and Eva were down a few minutes. I am getting awful tired of lying in bed all day, doing nothing. I wish I could go to school, but I can’t go next week either. Perfectly terrible!

13

Mrs. S. sick – couldn’t come. I layed(sic) on the lounge. Pa brought me some very pretty flowers from S.C. last night. Ate an egg yesterday and it made me sick. Oh my!

14

Was up quite a bit today. Got scared when I looked in the glass, saw how thin I was and went back to bed in the morning. Got up again later. Carrie R. is going to work for us. Oh joy – rest.

15

Was up all day long today. Kit came to see me and then Miss G. I was so surprized(sic) you could have knocked me down. She was as nice as could be and I was so glad to see her. Hope she comes again soon.

16

Irma came over today. We played cards. Beat her four games. Carrie is here – came yesterday. Am so tired of doing nothing but lie in bed all the time. Can’t read or do anything.

17

Feel better today. Believe I will go to school tomarrow(sic), if they will let me. Wonder what all I have missed. Jean was down a little while tonight. Played cards all day as usual.

18

Joy! Went to school this p.m. Took a test in algebra and got 100. The kids wrote me so many notes. Will keep me busy reading. Got excused and went over to Miss Mc’s. Hadn’t been over for ages according to her. “What are you doing up here?”

19

Ma wouldn’t let me go to school today and I wanted so bad to see Miss Gantt’s program. Jean was down tonight and she said it was fine. Trendy must have looked comical washing clothes etc. Ate ice cream. Never hurt me a bit.

20

Went up town today. Then Jean and I went down to Foxes to see Miss Sweet. She made button holes while Jean sat trying to keep up the conversation. We made things lively by getting in a fight. Then we went down to Wallace’s and got one of those Indian pictures.

21

Went to Sunday School and Junior League today. Then over to Hoffman’s to read. Saw Miss G. and M. Walked way up to Wallie’s and then she wasn’t there so came back to church. Talk about sore knees!

22

Went up down this morning. Then Fatty Nichols asked me over to dinner. Fine time. Went to school this p.m. Wanted to take test in English, but forgot to. Miss Sweet got after me for standing on the register (of course).

23

Took the test in English before school this morning. Only got 83. Then took test in music in Latin period. Miss Gantt was sore about it, but I couldn’t help it. Had to take it then or never. My! But I missed a lot. Spose I’ll get terrible grades.

24

Exams began today. English and algebra. Got 92 in English and 57 in algebra. But I’ll get 80 on my report card. Not so bad, as it might be. Am awfully tired all ready and Latin tomarrow(sic). Will have to cram.

25

Phys. Geography and Latin today. Awfully hard. Missed a whole lot in Latin. Went down to Jean’s to cram music and of course Miss Gantt was there. Jean and I went in the other room to study. Miss G. caught Clara R. cheating today.

26

Music this morning. Ought to get a fair grade. Got thru in 20 minutes and had to sit and do nothing the rest of the time. Program and exhibit this p.m. Miss Gantt told me I passed in Latin. Whoopee! Never expected to at all.

27

Jean, Ma, A. Liva and I went to “The Idle Hour.” Pretty good. Ate dill pickles. We went up to the court house and it looks very nice. Went over to Hoffman’s and read “Freckles”. Dandy book.

28

Went riding a little while and to S.S. and church. Jean wanted me to go to Junior League, but was too tired. Went over to H’s and finished “Freckles.” Carrie and I cut C.E. and enjoyed our selves eating out in the kitchen. Mr. Grafton at M.E. church N.G.

29

Am going to Hoffman’s and stay all night. Was home all alone all day. Everybody gone except grandma. Mamma Fox fell down and hurt herself quite bad. Jean was down for a while. Wonder how H.M.S. and H. G. are getting along. Hope Miss S. wears out the edge of her temper.

30

Went roller skating a little this a.m. Am going to Jeans for supper. We had lots of fun. But I don’t believe I like vacation. I am more tired than when I go to school, honestly I am all in.

31

Gee, but this is a lonesome town. Went up to Uncle Eric’s this morning. Annie got married to Ted after all. Gee what I suppose Ruth will be the next one.

*You use altogether too much slang. (Dean P.)

February

Monday. February 1, 1909

Back to school again today. Miss Sweet kindly informed me of the fact that if I wanted to stay in her algebra class I would have to pay better attention. Hum. Raised cain today. Of course had to stay.

2

Jean took her lesson tonight. Nothing much doing today in school except, glory be, Miss Sweet changed my seat. I came almost to kissing her on the spot! I am so glad she did. Ix is behind and Milt in front, Roy on one side and Herbert on the other. I am not much better off.

3

Was over to May for supper tonight then went over to Foxes to see Blanche. Had lots of fun. Miss S. wants me to clean her cupboard, like fun I will.

4

Nothing doing today. Fat K. had his seat changed – sits behind me now. Murder!!

5

Went to church tonight, and then over to Blanches with Kent, We put peanuts in Miss Mc.’s hat. Bet she will be mad as a hornet when she finds out. Lucile, Gladys and Blanche S. were there. Made candy.

6

Jean and I went up to school this a.m. to work in the lab. Had a perfect circus. No one else up there, that is, none of the teachers. This p.m. when we were going past Flannery’s, Miss Mc. called us in. She was all alone and we had a dandy time.

7

Miss M. to church and S.S.. Miss G. home with Miss S. Popped corn this evening. Was down to Jeans this p.m. Gonie and I were at church right behind H. Lots of fun, th’o I was almost dead. “I seen a meadow lark a settin’ on a post.” Will and Olive to dinner concert – Murder!

8

Felt horrid all day long. Snow this p.m., about 2 inches. Had to stay tonight for Miss Sweet and for Cad, about the Indian program Culej. “Indian Education”. Passed my book review in today of “Silas Marner”.

9

Blooming old blizzard out today. No school – thank heaven. No “learning and labor” for me, especially labor. Perfectly terrible out. Drifts higher than my head and the snow is so soft. Hope we have sleighing.

10

Took my lesson tonight. May gave me fits. Had to stay for Sweet tonight too. Made me sit on the front seat. Now what do you know about that? Ran down stairs. Slammed door – Had to come back.

11

Was over to Erma’s tonight. Had lots of fun too. No lab work this week. Got our report cards. Phys. Geog. 78, Latin, 87, spelling 93, Music 81 (5 off for passing notes. Hum), Algebra 86, English 83. Deportment G-. I am going to see Miss S. about that. So there now.

12

We went into the 8^th grade to the program and the unveiling of Lincoln. Dandy time. Miss S. made Jean sit on the front seat and said I was disturbing the whole room just cause I laughed at Roy’s collection of rulers. Jean was down tonight after school.

13

Jean and I went up to see Miss Sweet. She said I oughtn’t to have gotten G – so there. Cold out today. Erma and Gonie Shook were over tonight. No fun. Wanted to go to Jeans to supper but Ma wouldn’t let me. Mean shame.

14

Went to Epworth League with Jean and then down to her house. She and I both went to M.E. church. It was the last of the meetings. Sat right across from Jess and Kit, etc. Poor Jean went home with M. Orr and Randy. Guess she had a hard time keeping up.

15

Had to stay for old Sweet tonight. She threatened to send me to Prof. Now what do you know about that? She made me sit on the front seat too. Ornery old cow! She makes me weary. It certainly is a relief to get her out of my sight.

16

Jean took her lesson tonight. Went to Soo City. Read “Truthful Jane”, got a new coat, shoes, etc. Am almost dead tonight. Had my picture taken. Know they will be rotten. Jinks, I’m tired.

17

Test in music this p.m. easy. Was awfully sick tonight. May was awfully mad cause I didn’t take my lessons. Makes me sick. Land knows I’m sick enough(sic) already. Wanted to go to socible (sic) at Batties, but couldn’t.

18

Had to stay for Latin tonight. Fat got stuck in his seat, but missed the free show. Went up to Jeans this eve. Miss G. and M. came waltzing in and I skipped. I went around instead of straight home. Sassy I suppose. I don't care.

19

Am going to stay down at Jeans tonight. Met Miss G. and M. in at Douglas’s. Miss G. told us how to tiap tack with a tin can. She is teaching us bad tricks. Old sweet Hazel Marie made me sit on the front seat just cause Fatty tickled me. Miss G. wondered if she could go in with her class.

20

Miss G., Jean and I went out riding. Miss G. looked very sweet as usual. Was down to Jean’s this p.m.. Lots of fun. Hazel put snow down Jean’s neck. She’s a case, but – words cannot express—Jean came down later. Mama came home this evening. Mrs. Tone is all right.

21

Dandy day out. Jess and I road all p.m.. Went out to Vinson’s. The roads were awful th’o. Was at church, S.S. and P.E.. Nothing much doing. Made mice in church. No fun at all. Am almost dead tonight.

22

Just finished beating Dad 4 games of cards. Worked on book review until 5:30. Awful storm snow, sleet and wind. I am just too tickled for any use. Am going to quit my music. I am so glad I could just raise Cain.

23

Nothing much doing today. Went to school at eight, to rehearse, Miss Sweet having assured me she would be there without fail. Along came Miss S. 8:35. The very idea! But then what else would you expect from her?

24

Erma, Rob and I were out riding. Then took Miss Sweet for a while. We had lots of fun. I wanted to take Miss M. and G., but they were not there. They had gone to O.O.B. We went past and yelled “getting hungry,” and “Where’s the refreshments?”

25

Jean and I had a great old tiff with Miss Sweet. Had to stay until 5:15. She said, “we might as well settle it once for all.” We went over to see her after rehearsel(sic). She was as nice as pie. She put her arms around us and -- but she makes me sort of weary.

26

Indian programme(sic) today, but I was too sick to go. I guess Jean is coming down tonight. I hope she does. Miss S. gave J. and I a dandy F.L. from Miss G. and M. Well Jean didn’t come and so I am going to skip.

27

Went to Sioux City today. Dr. Knott gave me some horrid medicine. Awful stuff – and he says I must not drink coffee, what will I do? Got some new shoes etc. Wonder how long they will last. Am almost dead.

28

Dandy day out. Was over to H.’s to breakfast and then went walking with Jess. Jean and I went walking this p.m. with Kit. Was at Junior League. Then Jean went to C.E. with me. Lots of fun. Heard from Win at last.

January 1909

Wednesday. January 1, 1909

Stayed all night with Erma. We certainly had a circus. Was over there until about noon, and we plaed(sic) “Sir WinHem” and etc. Was so warm out we played croquet. Jean was down this p.m. Went out walking.

2

Went up to dentist’s and course got half killed as a result, but, thank Heaven! I am all thru now. Jean and I rec’d cards from Miss Sweet, Hum. Dr. Phillips called up tonight and told us Irma had the smallpox. Glory be.

3

It certainly was a swell day out today. Jess and I walked all morning. We went way out to Bernard's. Jean and I walked all afternoon too. Did go to S.S. at the Methodist. So did Shook. Saw the whole gang this p.m.

4

Nothing much doing today in school and actually I didn’t have to stay. Wonder of wonders! Lucile Inah(sic), Cad and I cannot go to school anymore this week. We will have lots of fun.

5

Went over to see Erma and Cad today. Had to go up after my books this morning, and Prof. C. nearly bit my head off, the ornery old thing. Had to take my algebra over to “Sweet Marie’s” this eve.

6

I took my music lesson last night, and was over to Miss Sweet’s again tonight. I wonder what she thinks we are, giving us such long lessons, and Miss Gantt too. They both make me mad, sometimes, especially Sweet Marie.

7

I got “Bob Hampton of Placer” today. I hope it’s good. I am getting awfully tired of staying out of school. Wish I could go back. Went over to

see Erma again, and talked with her quite a while.

8

Took my Algebra over to Sweet’s. She said she would tell Gantt not to abuse Jean and I so much. I wish Miss Sweet would change my seat. Those boys make me disgusted. She said she would but I wish she would hurry.

9

Played croquet all morning with Florence. Erma is going to get out today. Was down to Eva’s this p.m. Dry old time. I will be glad when I can go to school Monday.

10

Awfully cold today, 18° below. I and the pup played out doors and froze. Didn’t go to church once today. Jess and Miss Vaughn were over to dinner today. Made fudges etc.

11

Back to school today, and nearly went straight up at the kids. I do hope old Sweet would change my seat. If she don’t, woe be on to her! I will just raise cain if she don’t.

12

Was out of school and in bed all day long. Read, “Dri and I” and finished “The Lions Shore”. Hope I can go to school tomarrow(sic). Took a spelling test in school tonight and got only 90.

13

Jean and I were over to Miss (erased and crossed out). Talk about nerve! Hum, I think she has her share. It’s all right for her. I didn’t take my lesson tonight. May said I got 98 in Music. Might have better.

14

Mrs. Tone came today. Sid had one of his spells today and tried to be cute, but it was “nothing smart at all.” Was down to see Anna May this noon. She said we were perfectly justified, etc. Guess I will tell Miss Gantt, and see what she will say. Get sore I suppose.

15

Mrs. T. went to sleep today at the programme(sic) today. I nearly died. Went to a supper at Fickey’s tonight and had lots of fun with Jean and Ilithe. Those kids certainly are limits. Was over at Blanches tonight.

16

Nell, Mama and I started for Uncle Eric’s this morning. Papa went to Sioux City to get some flowers. We didn’t get here until about three p.m. Was sick as a dog all day long.

17

Funeral this morning at the house at 12:00 at the church at 2:00. Miss James, we(sic), Prof. Magann etc. were all there. Babe is too cute for any use. “Tell that little baby to come down.”

18

Miss James stopped over this morning. Train didn’t get here until one so I didn’t go to school. We had a dandy bob ride to Hawarden. Was over to Miss Sweets to find my algebra lesson. Was scared to death.

19

Nearly died in school today when Miss G. slapped Ix S. Was over to see her tonight, helped her with the table, Ha! Ha! Certainly got lots of motherly advise(sic) from her, but she’s all right. I like her better every day. Was down to Jean’s this eve.

20

Took spelling and Music today. Got 92 in spelling. I know I will get an awful grade in Music. Had a good lesson tonight. Am glad I did or I might have been fired. May certainly is the limit. Jean and I fooled Red C. and Eva.

21

Had English this a.m. and algebra this p.m. Mad at Sid, ornery old thing unhitched my horse without my permission. Gee, but I dread Phys. Geog. Worked in the lab tonight. Miss G., B. and McOvera there. Pretty cool and chilly.

22

Took exams in Phys. Geog. and Latin. Jean went over Miss M’s tonight. I guess she enjoyed herself. Folks all went to P.E.O. banquet. Was home all alone. Bum old time. I enjoyed my stay in the parlor.

23

Horrid day out, foggy and rainy. Jean and I were up to the school house all p.m. Had lots of fun. Am going to stay all night with Jean tonight. She certainly gave me some great old news from Red.

24

Went to S.S. and C.E. Cold and damp today, but went for a little ride. Was over to Aunt Liva’s and who should come walzing(sic) in but the whole bunch. Gonie and I were scared to death over the dog. Ha! Ha! no more for me.

25

Was out of school today – fever, headache, etc. Certainly was a swell day th’o. Dread getting my exams back I know I will get some awful grades.

26

Exams. Algebra 95, Spelling 92, Latin 86, English 90. Not so bad as it might be. Was up to school tonight after my lessons. Took my music lesson tonight. We are to get our Phys. Geography exams back tomarrow(sic). Glory be! Hope I pass.

27

Back to school again today. Cad gave me hail columbia because I was in the back hall talking to Nell H. or rather, Crank H. She calls me grump. Hot old name.

28

Cad gave Jean and I another lecture cause I fell over Dorothy. Sent Jean to the office. Worked in the lab. It has turned awfully cold out, and talk about wind and snow too.

29

Talk about sow drifts! Walked all the way to school only to learn that there was to be no school. Miss M. asked me if I wanted to see her. I told her no and she froze me again.

30

Worked like a niggah(sic) all day long, and I’m most(sic) dead. Japanese social tonight. Blanche was here today. Gonie, Nell H, and Irene all sang Japanese love songs. Awful cute. Nell stayed all night and so of course chased me out of my bed.

31

Rather cold yet today. Jean and I went out walking; down to Stickney’s and back. She went to C.E. and church with me. Had quite a good time. Miss S. sat there gauking(sic) at the ceiling the whole time.