The Year 1937
Transcribed from Daily Reminder 1924 pages 6 ‑ 44 by Jane
Carlson Babcock
This is the year
1937.
I hope that whose ever reminder this once was will forgive
me for using it for my own purposes. I
believe it must be Miss Elizabeth Qualtrough’s.
I once had a
Diary, a very pretty little diary - Bound in brown leather, and a small gold
lock. It is always open now, for the key
has been lost for a long time. But some
of the pages in that dear little book never saw a pen, and as I look at the
blank pages I wonder what happy tales they could tell if I but had the time to
send the pen across the pages.
And so again I
want to put the filled days of years to come down on a page with a firm desire
that there will be no blank ones.
May each day I
live be as the diary - with no blank pages.
First. I am going back a little. Two months - and jot down some of the major
events. Summer time is vacation
time. Jennette & I went to San
Francisco on the 14th of May, Mainly to see Johny (Kennedy) [3 lines crossed
out] We stayed with cousin Dan, his wife
Cissy & their daughter Thelma. S. F.
is a wonderful town, but home looked good.
We got home on May 30 in time to dash from the station to Mont Toronto’s
farewell to the New Zealand mission.
Pearl &
Jesse left for an indiffinate stay in Oregon with Miller Shurtleff whose
destination was a short distance from Burns where Roland & Lois are making
their home at the present time. P &
J. left sometimes between June 1 & 10.
June 15 - A red letter day for me.
My aching thumb of nine years was operated on by Dr. J. E. Tyree and a
tumor in the shape of a 3 leafed clover was removed from the bone under the
nail.
Mother, Wid
& Edna left for Oregon July 4th. W.
& E. returned following Wed. Mom
stayed. Lois expecting a very welcomed
little one soon. Mom wants to help all
she can. She left for Vancouver about
July 20, to visit her sisters. Mainly,
Jessie Main. Her last letter discloses
that she doesn't believe she is of much help to her sisters in the matter of a
reconciliation between them. But I am
sure she is being guided by our Heavenly Father.
Ray Hemingway
was sent home ill from mission again got here Aug. 1. Mary Alermand was operated on again Aug.
3. Visited her Aug. 5. She is very weak, but looks fairly well.
Before I start
writing from this day forward I have to stop my self, & force myself to
write of another Matter. But no - my
eyes are tired after a full days work, my hand is tired, and my brain is a
little muddled. But then, it always is
on the subject of life, and love. I have
much to learn about both of these and many thoughts of my own that need
expression.
Give me heart tough with
all that live,
And Strength to speak
my word.
But if this is denied me,
Give the strength to live
Unheard.
Edwin Markham
Sunday, August 8, 1937
Before daybreak I opened my eyes. The room was still dark & very little
light was seen thru the windows. Turned
over & was off to sleep again.
Finally roused myself by 8:15 A.M.
Sunday S. this morning & I was 2 minites late for prayer meeting so
didn’t go in. Went down stairs &
arranged chairs. Bro. Schurink was
wringing his hands when he came down from prayer meeting. Ruth Jack was absent - Melba Larsen our
chorester & Sis. Harrison our organist were also absent, and when he
couldn't see me he was sure he would have to take charge himself. Evlyn Johnson saved the day by playing for us
& everything went smoothly. We had a
gay time rearranging classes in the Kindergarten dept. Left Sun. S. early & went home to put up
a lunch - working 1 to 10. Bro. S.
called for me. Took me down to see his
dressing table in the making. Very
beautiful piece of work. Just matches a
small cabinet he just finished. Is going
to make a bed next. Had a Dutch summer
dinner with them. Barley, raisins,
parsley, mint leaves all cooked in buttermilk.
Very healthy dish, & very good too.
Then off to work. Bro. S. took me
to work. He has a heart as big as the
universe.
Work was
pleasant today. Laughed & talked
with girls more than ever did. Worked on
trouble pos.1/2 hr. even with sore thumb.
Home at 10:30 on street car.
Family got a catt.
Monday, Aug. 9, 1937
Work with a start at 6:15.
Alarm usually goes off at 6:00 & didn’t this morning. Had plenty of time to get to work. Tried to get the new kitten & Mix to be
friends before I left. Cat likes to
play, but Mix wont.
Helen met me at
noon. We walked around Z.C. Mrs. Helen Williams ran into us, &
recognized us both. Gave us such a
hearty greeting that it made all the day the more bright. I must try to speak to everyone I know in
like manner. What a happy world it would
be if everyone felt the same as Sis. Williams.
Extremely tired
tonight after coming home eating a bite, washing clothes, taking bath, &
ready for bed by 10:30. Dan & Helen
went out to Lagoon. Jennette had mutual meeting..
Tuesday, Aug. 10, 1937
When Jennette & Helen are home they find so many things
to do they forget to cook any meals. I
got home at 2:00 P.M. Helen was putting
up her hair & J. was sewing on a dress.
They hadn’t had dinner because they were too tired to fix it. And they wondered why they were so
tired. I got a letter from Johny
today. I haven’t written since before my
birthday & I should be ashamed. But
somehow I can’t make myself write to him.
Mary Olsen is going to Evanston with Shewells tomorrow. She came over tonight to say goodbye. I hate to see her go. We are going to miss her in Sun. S. Got a letter from Mom today too. I’m sure she is homesick. But hope she is having a good time. (to bed at 10:30)
Wed, Aug. 11, 1937
Thurs. Aug 12
Went to Oakly tonight with Bro & Sis Schurink, Dale
Miles & Leona Spriggs. 47 miles east
of here to Bro. Lawrence’s cabin. We ate
too much weenie, watermellon, cake marshmellows, & everything that goes
with it. Had a lovely bon fire. Home again after eating too much, & very
tired. Hitting the Hay at 10:45. Goodnight.
Friday, Aug. 13
“Dog day, did they say?”
Anyway its hot. And am I
tired. Got a letter from Johny again
today. If I had half the backbone I’m
supposed to have I would have written long ago.
He is one grand fellow. It’s just
3 years ago this month since he left our city.
I have seen him about 6 times at brief intervals during the 3
years. The first time he told me he
loved me was in a letter. But now
sometimes he is doubtful, even as I am doubtful. And yet I seem to always be working for the
things we planned. I am at a loss to
know what to do. Perhaps we couldn't
decide anything more definate if we did live in the same city. I’m tired tonight & have just got home
from the ward show (Cain & Mabel) but I’m not going to worry about this
triangle. But I do wish Johny could come
here. To bed at 11:00 P.M. Getting later
every night.
Sat. Aug. 14
It’s a beautiful night after the very refreshing storm we
had this evening. I would like to know
shy I feel as I do. Or better still just
how I do feel. Don G. has been on my mind
altho I want to forget him. I force
myself to it. But it shouldn't be hard
when he has given me so much cause to dislike him. But on days like today I seem to be pulled by
an evil force. I can’t explain it. I only know that I am very miserable when
this feeling comes over me. I feel that
I am not much good to anyone, that I am not doing the things I should, that I
am not putting forth my best efforts in my work. Bishop & S. DeYoung were here tonight,
gave us a picture of themselves, very good of S. D.Y but not so much like the
Bishop.
Sun. Aug. 15
Human nature is a strange thing. A person usually wants what he hasn't got
& what he has he doesn’t want. Don
called tonight about 10:15 P.M. and I felt very good when I could hang up
before he could coax me into accepting a date.
I hope that very soon he will stop coming. He is a very fine young man, and many times I
even thought I loved him. But I know I
must stop seeing him before he thinks his life is completely ruined. Sunday S. was very good this morning. I attempted to teach them a motion song &
they really enjoyed it. Wrote a letter
to Mom today. Guess she is back in Burns
by now. Wrote to Johnny too, very
casually & friendly. Hope he can
write in return in like manner. Talked
with Winnie for 2 hrs. this afternoon. Her
boyfriend is out of town.
Mon. Aug. 16
Blue Monday. Not so
blue but terrible lonesome. Up at 6:00
A.M. every morning, & to work before anyone else is hardly out of bed. Home from 12:30 to 4:30 alone. Usually sew or
clean house or cook a little. Back to
work, & home again at 8:00. Tonight
Jennette Helen & Dan went to Lagoon with the mutual & I’m home alone
again. It isn't good for me. I have too much time to think, &
sometimes I don’t do much constructive thinking. Don used to fill many of those lonely hours,
& too often I am wishing he would call or take me for a ride. These thoughts pass quickly tho, & I
usually settle down to work on sewing. I
have a lot of it to do.
Tues. 17
Fern Rus baby girl born Fri 13. Mary Rus Allermand is still in the
hospital. They say she has cancer &
will never get well. And I, in health of
body & mind find cause to grumble.
But its such a beautiful night. One can’t be unhappy. Another letter from Johny today. He is still the same. The dilema is will we like each other after
more than 2 weeks? Is he sure? Am I sure?
Shall we take the chance? Would I
prove myself as a weakling by not taking the chance? Are our common intrests the same? -Well,
anyway, it has been a happier day because of his letter & that is worth
something. I’m still trying to do a lot
of sewing [but I am not any fast enough. ]
Wed, Aug 18
Everything started out fine today but after I got off at
12:30 I went into the Mkt. On 1st So. & Don saw me. He invited himself & Ream Jones down to
dinner. I knew he was only joking &
soon left him & went home on the St. Car.
Winnie wanted to use my pass & I wanted to get home in time. When I got home Ream & Don were
here. I had a lot to do & was
peaved. Before work again I got angry at
Don & Ream took me back. Was 10 min late.
Don was waiting at 7:30. Went up
to see Mary Reas at Holy Cross then went for ride. Had very enjoyable evening until I was ready
to go in. Something inside of me
died. Don offered his ring to me again. But I would sooner remain single than marry
him.
Thurs. Aug 19
Our S. S. Party was called off. I spent a good part of morning calling
teachers. Felt sort of dead inside me
all day. Went down & had dinner with
Schurinks. Stuffed peppers, fried potatoes, everything very nice. Came home put up my hair, made lemon pudding
for supper, buttered carrots, creamed chip beef. Rose buds were sent from Colonel flower
house. Sent for the part of me that
died. Didn't even open them. Took them down to Sis. De Young. Hope she appreciates them more than I
do. Schurinks & Carlsons came at
6:00 P.M. went up Millcreek & had supper.
It was good to be with people that don’t know how to quarrel. Got a letter from Mom today. Wish she were home. I think she wishes it too. Bed about 10:00.
I've let several days slip by without writing. I've merely tried to adjust myself to living
again. Wrote a letter to Mom yesterday
and also mailed Don’s watch back to him.
I didn't register it. & Wid tried to make me believe it wouldn't get
there. I’m glad I no longer have it
tho. I came home this afternoon &
made some candy for the carnival, put pecans on top of it & it looked
good. Stoped off at carnival after
work. Ate 2 hamburgers. Stan Jones made them & put too much
onions on them. Had ice cream cone &
came home. Jennette wasn't feeling
well. Too much nite life isn’t doing her
any good. I sewed on green table cloth
& to bed at 10. I started pillow
slips Pearl & Lois gave me for birthday on street car
Thurs. Aug 26
I’m glad I've got a sister like Helen. Only I wish she understood me just a little
more. I admire everything she does. She has taught me very much & I hope I
may someday be like her.
Fri Aug 27
Jesse got home today.
Boy were we glad to see him. Went
down & had dinner with Sis Glad. She
is a very sweet person. I believe she
really understands how I feel about Don.
I hope she can make him understand.
There is no reason why I should go with him, & every reason why I
shouldn't. [I got a letter from Johny
and wrote a very short note in return. I
do hope I can be strong in all I do and that I will not be small]
Sun Aug 29, 1937
I’m wondering where I’m headed. Last night I definitely told Don goodby. I feel as tho I have been a criminal in doing
it, but certainly neither of us were getting any happiness out of our
association. I took care of Wids baby
last night & today I’m tired. Am
ready for bed at 9: o’clock. Don’t feel
as tho I want to write to Johny only to tell him not to wait for me. Don’t know what is the right thing to
do. Went to church in Emerson Ward with
Don Lund, but couldn't bear to stay to Book of Mormon meeting. Wonder if I’ll ever find my old happy
carefree self again. Wonder if I’ll ever be able to bring anyone anything but
unhappiness. The only thing I can do is
trust in our Heavenly Father, & try .
Mon. Aug 30,
By the time night comes I’m so tired I don’t want to
write. On hours off sewed on green
tablecloth. Making cross stitch pillow
slips on street car, & have almost one finished. Bought pan, egg beater, potato masher &
other small things for Elaine G. shower after work took them down but didn't
stay to the party. Walked home. Beautiful night, so cool & quiet. Dan got letter from Mom, he said a lot in his
letter that worried her & its too bad.
I got a letter from Sally K. from [San Francisco] and from Mary Olsen in
Wyo. But its been a full day & I’m
dreadfully sleepy. Bed at 10:55 P.M.
Pay Day & not half enough money to make the rounds of
bills. But I hope it won’t be long
before we are all out of debt.
[Note: daily journal entries continue through September 23, 1937. To be continued...]
Comforting to know that some days are hard. And fascinating details of personal life! Frustrating boys and all!
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