January 1 - December 31, 1948
(Box 5/Folder 4)
January 1, 1948
A very uneventful day to start a five-year stretch. The snow covered the ground, and we stayed in the house all day. Few cars on the streets because of the danger of skidding on the sleet.
January 2, 1948
Bright, beautiful, warm day; snow melting fast, but it is about four inches deep and melting takes some time. I worked at odds and ends.
January 3, 1948
Another bright beautiful day with more snow melting. I worked another day at odds and ends.
January 4, 1948
Mrs. Goodman & the Davises called but we missed them. Church this morning. Then dinner at the Leakes and a wonderful P.M. & evening. Met Miss Crawford & Dean & Mrs. Thomas. Harold read Mark Twin’s Mysterious Stranger aloud.
January 5, 1948
Back at work again. The weather is still bright and beautiful with the snow melting. There was more of the cloudy weather that usually follows a bright melting day.
January 6, 1948
I had a terrible headache in the night – got up & vomited – felt weak all morning, pretty good in afternoon. Beautiful day.
January 7, 1948
So bright and warm I went to work without a coat, but still some patches of snow left. Bought an electric heater for Mother. Had pleasure of reinvesting 20-yr endowment that matured in December.
January 8, 1948
Another warm day. We took a drive this evening. Mother does not get out much because I get home too late. I bo’t a brown dress. Cost $24.95 – had hoped for sale prices but no chance.
January 9, 1948
(no entry)
January 10, 1948
Got my new dress from the store. I like it (and need it) but still feel guilty about spending so much. Warm but rather cloudy. I called on Miss Campbell who has been laid up with a blood clot in her leg. It is a disgrace that I have not gone to see her before.
January 11, 1948
Went to church this morning. Went to Perkins & visited Mrs. Rusco this P.M. Quincy was there (also his wife & son). He is fine. Warm but cloudy.
January 12, 1948
I spoke to two clubs – outlined Okla. history for Lahoma Club in P.M., & reviewed Prairie City for a circle of the woman’s club in evening. It is turning cold. I have a cold.
January 13, 1948
Colder day but not bad. My cold is bothering me a little. These evenings I am reading A Lantern in Her Hand aloud to Mother. I had never read it before. It reminds me of Prairie City.
January 14, 1948
Bright cold day. Mother has an inflamed eye that worries me. I met a Mr. Sundown, an Indian who is writing his master’s thesis on the Indian in Am. Literature.
January 15, 1948
Mother’s eye looks pretty bad. I made out my income tax report. Otherwise a warm lovely day. Harold Leake brought me the first number of the Okla. Almanac he & Dorothy are publishing.
January 16, 1948
Cold day. Got letter from S. Lottinville that he is not pleased at all with the book I wrote. I am distressed about it but not discouraged. I have written enough to have confidence in myself.
January 17, 1948
Pretty cold day. The radio says this spell hit – 57° in Minnesota – coldest mark in all the states’ history. It was 10° above here last night, which I consider cold.
January 18, 1948
I went to S.S. & church this A.M. Aggie Theatre, one block away, burned down last night. The Becketts and I watched it preparatory to moving out. It is only one block away and the wind was carrying the sparks over us. My dear Esther Potter and her lovely “Missy” called this P.M. Missy is a senior here, but I didn’t know it.
January 19, 1948
I spoke to a club group – reviewed Prairie City. I think it went off rather well. Weather getting nice again.
January 20, 1948
Nothing much happened. Bright nice day. I wrote to Mattie Mack asking if she would read my MS. Too bad I didn’t think of it two or three days ago.
January 21, 1948
Nice warm day. We took dinner with Alice Carlson – spent one of the pleasantest evenings I ever spent in my life. Met the Adams family (I had met charming Mrs. Adams before) and found they are exactly our kind of people.
January 22, 1948
Temporarily ran out of maps so spent P.M. at Vet Village preliminary to some work I may do on hist. of A. & M. Met Mrs. McCurtain, Mrs. Sanders, etc. Wind swept to north this P.M. Getting cold.
January 23, 1948
Only 2 ° above this morning. B-r-r. Sun shining brightly all day but just cold.
January 24, 1948
Snowed most of the day. About two inches fell. Pretty cold but warmer than yesterday.
January 25, 1948
Fairly warm. Most of the snow melted. I went to church this morning – stayed home in P.M. This evening the Becketts took us driving in their new car.
January 26, 1948
Colder again. Patricia Thompson came out for supper. We are worried about the serious illness of Mr. Day, Mr. Baugh and Aunt Mona Potter of Marshall.
January 27, 1948
I went to Newcomers’ Club at college – heard lecture by Dr. Levin on Russia’s foreign policy. This is a terribly cold day. Not far above 0 this morning and not warming up any. I am going to start hist. of A. & M. I suggested it & Pres. Bennett approved.
January 28, 1948
Still pretty cold. Nothing in particular happened.
January 29, 1948
I took bus trip to Guthrie to see assessor and give in homestead exemption. Very cold and spitting snow.
January 30, 1948
Learned Aunt Mona Potter is dead. This seems to be my lamented birthday. It cleared off and the weather is getting rather pleasant. Everyone shocked by Gandhi’s death.
January 31, 1948
Still rather cold but we drove home because of Mr. Day’s illness. Stopped at Covington to inquire about Sid Rogers who has a cyst on his vocal cords. Found Mr. Day very low. Mr. Baugh recovered. Enjoyed seeing several friends.
February 1, 1948
Mr. Day had a good day and so Mother and I both saw him. His family is not encouraged by his apparent improvement. He keeps having strokes. We ate dinner with Mrs. Hawkins. I went to S. St church. Enjoyed a wonderful S.S. class taught by Mr. Ewing. Called on the Clems.
February 2, 1948
Sloppy rainy day – and how the wheat does need rain. The radio says from Enid west it is sleet. I am glad we got home Sat. & Sun. for I am afraid we shall never see Mr. Day again. And what a grand old man he is.
February 3, 1948
Dark, warm, and misty but no rain. I have my article on pre – Chronicles of Oklahoma finished except copying for which I shall have to await letters from O.C.
February 4, 1948
Weather – more of same. Today I began sitting in training class for library workers – taught by Mrs. Juhlin – very fine. I still am out of maps to organize.
February 5, 1948
Snowed all day – about 5 or 6 inches in all. Mother made mince meat. Commodities & stocks are dropping. Is it the crash?
February 6, 1948
Dark warmish day. Snow melting. I am enjoying the library class.
February 7, 1948
Rained a little last night and soaked the snow; then today much of it melted. Dark, sloppy day. Jimmie Beckett is ill, probably flu.
February 8, 1948
Very cold day. Everything frozen. Dorothy and Harold Leakes were here at dinner. We enjoyed them very much. They had read my MSS and gave me some very fine criticism.
February 9, 1948
Dark and sloppy. J.C. Lytton and his mother called. He is a nice boy who is beginning his graduate work in history.
February 10, 1948
Still warm and sloppy and dark. I went this evening to an A.A.U.W. [American Association of University Women] dinner at Willard Hall. The radio talks terrible things about a coming storm.
February 11, 1948
The cold weather struck today. It started sleeting this forenoon and by five o’clock there was a high wind blowing and it was very cold.
February 12, 1948
About two or three inches of snow fell last night and today, but it was not as cold as we had feared. However, drifts are deep in the Panhandle.
February 13, 1948
It is getting warm and thawing. I am enjoying my work at the library. Today it was the document room.
February 14, 1948
Thawing rapidly, and bright and sunny. I took Mother for drive. The mud is very deep off the pavement. Impo Henry & Miss Johnson called.
February 15, 1948
Nice day, deep mud. Bishop Cushing [Cushman] is here to hold a week’s series of meetings in the church.
February 16, 1948
Really warm – still sloppy. I spoke to a circle of the woman’s club – reviewed And Still the Waters Run.
February 17, 1948
Lovely, sunny day. Most of the snow is gone even on the north. I guess our winter is over. It was bad while it lasted.
February 18, 1948
Really warm and lovely. We got the news that poor Mr. Day died this morning – funeral tomorrow. We plan to attend. This evening I ate dinner at the church with Wesley on Service Guild – had fine time – then went to the church for a wonderful sermon by Bishop Cushman.
February 19, 1948
High wind made the trip home very hard for me, but we were glad we went for Mrs. Day clung to Mother all the time. It was warm, but one could hardly hold the car in the road.
February 20, 1948
Our high wind of yesterday brought cold weather. Mother and I are both tired because of our trip home to the funeral. I spoke to Dr. Lewis’s class at 8 this morning.
February 21, 1948
Wrote all day. Am doing a little polishing on my MS – though it is discouraging because of the way the Press is taking it.
February 22, 1948
Heard Bishop Cushman’s last sermon this morning – also S.S. Getting warm and nice. I took Mother for a drive this afternoon.
February 23, 1948
Worked hard all day. Nothing in particular happened. It misted all day, but didn’t really rain.
February 24, 1948
Nice warm rainy day. I paddled around getting groceries while it just poured.
February 25, 1948
Again warm rain. I suppose the ground is still not thoroughly soaked.
February 26, 1948
More rain.
February 27, 1948
Grass is beginning to show a faint green. I looked at hats. Trashy ones cost $13 or $15 – one rather pretty one cost $23. I’ll do without.
February 28, 1948
I got a letter from Nelson Monument Co., which decided us to drive home and get some data about family deaths. The roads are nearly impassible except 74, which had been dragged. We also made arrangements to have our house shingled.
February 29, 1948
Started raining tonight. I enjoyed S.S. and church at Marshall. It was a Layman’s Sunday Eugene Merrell presided and Mr. Page, Mr. Ewing, & Mr. Drak spoke. Drove back this P.M.
March 1, 1948
Warm rain off and on all night & all day. Mr. Low asked Miss Campbell and me to get him some data for a very important project the college may undertake. I am very happy about the project for it needs doing.
March 2, 1948
Miss Campbell and I worked on that data most of the day. Then we met with Mr. Low, Mr. Morrison, and Mr. Monk to thresh out details.
March 3, 1948
It is cloudy and cold and the radio promises snow. J.C. Litton was just over here. He is a fine boy.
March 4, 1948
Cold again. It is either sleeting or raining tonight – raining, I think – not cold enough for sleet. I showed my maps informally this P.M. at a meeting of Pi Gamma Mu.
March 5, 1948
Rained hard last night. Now this evening it snowed and the ground is completely white. Mr. Nelson came from Enid and we decided on a monument for the Cooper lot. (Dr. Chapman and I)
March 6, 1948
About two inches of snow fell last night but most of it melted today. This is really a late spring.
March 7, 1948
Church & S.S. this morning. Grace Sloan Overton spoke. Pretty cold this morning – ground frozen solid. But it warmed up in the sun and we drove to Guthrie to find Mrs. Goodman. She seems to be building up her heart a little.
March 8, 1948
Ground covered and snowing hard when we got up this morning – big soft flakes falling all forenoon. This afternoon most of it melted. Paper said 10 or 12 in. at Okeene.
March 9, 1948
Cold and cloudy. The radio predicts a storm.
March 10, 1948
Howling blizzard all day – fine snow drifting and whirling. Cold too. The radio said Graf’s Hdwe. in Crescent burned down today.
March 11, 1948
Very cold – only 2 or 3 above this morning. Very deep snow all over state – roads all blocked. Sun shone all day but didn’t warm up any.
March 12, 1948
Even colder this morning than yesterday, but the sun shone, and by noon it was melting. It went fast this afternoon. But I can’t get my car out of the garage because of a big drift.
March 13, 1948
I went with the Leakes to the rodeo at the Tulsa stock fair. Enjoyed it very much. The day was warm but sloppy. [Later – see March 11, 1950. I used this experience in my Will Rogers story.]
March 14, 1948
Went to church this morning, to concert of Okla. Symphony Orchestra in P.M., to a lentenplay at the church at night.
March 15, 1948
(no entry)
Or possibly March 16, 1948
Nice spring day. Hard to remember there was snow on the ground so recently. Got a beautiful plant with money from Miss Richardson.
March 16, 1948/March 17, 1948
President Truman addressed Congress today very seriously and frankly about Russia – advised financial aid to Western Europe, and universal military training & selective service. Mrs. Adams and Winnie Branen called – so glad to see them. They had been attending a flower show in Stillwater. They thought we had stowed things away pretty well in our tiny apartment.
March 18, 1948
We are enjoying our blooming plant so very much. It makes me want to see Miss Richardson more than ever.
March 19, 1948
Bad storm hit stillwater (and other places in the state) last night. I didn’t wake up. There was wind and quite shower. This was a beautiful day. We went for a long drive.
March 20, 1948
I worked hard today as usual. I am working over my “Oklahoma” manuscript – not to please the critics but to please myself.
March 21, 1948
Raining most of the day. I went to church this morning, to a student recital in the P.M. In the evening Mother and I took supper with the Leakes and spent the evening reading Conrad’s Typhoon.
March 22, 1948
Some more rain. The Leakes spent the evening here and we finished Typhoon.
March 23, 1948
Beautiful day. I took Mother for a long drive. In the evening a very queer person called – name of McReynolds in the chemistry dept.
March 24, 1948
Another beautiful day. The students are having their Easter vacation – but not I. The libraries have to stay open.
March 25, 1948
Wind blew hard. Looked like rain this afternoon and sprinkled a little. Beautiful piled clouds in the east just after sunset.
March 26, 1948
Surprised to hear a tornado struck Tinker Field O.C. last night – then Wetumpka, Boynton, Eufaula, Sallisaw – killed about a dozen people. Getting cold this evening.
March 27, 1948
We wanted to go home this morning but too cloudy – then it cleared off later but we didn’t go. I worked on my book all day.
March 28, 1948
Woke by fire alarm – pumping of engine close – about 3 o’clock. Heard later it was on Main three blocks away. Heavy white frost this morning, but warmed up & was nice. We went to church and for drive in afternoon.
March 29, 1948
Spent all morning hunting hat and coat – then drove to Guthrie. Prices beyond my reach. But finally found a coat for $17 and jewed down price of a hat to $7 or $8 – I forget which. Terribly tired tonight.
March 30, 1948
Woke tired – tired all day – terribly tired tonight. Yesterday’s shopping was too hard, but I am finding it very hard to live in my salary with these inflated prices.
March 31, 1948
Nothing in particular happened. Mornings I am making some revisions on my “Okla.” MS – afternoons I am straightening out bound magazines in the branch libraries.
April 1, 1948
Had a very enjoyable visit to Doel Reed’s studio. Mr. Reed was very gracious in showing his work.
April 2, 1948
Beautiful warm day. We are planning to go home tomorrow.
April 3, 1948
Terrible wind. Band festival day and how I did enjoy it. I planted 190 onions. They should have been planted in Feb. Our jonquils and daffodils are blooming.
April 4, 1948
I enjoyed church even more than usual. Early this morning I sprayed the plum trees – too windy yesterday. Mrs. Hawkins ate lunch with us.
April 5, 1948
I had the oil changed in my car. I really think spring finally got here.
April 6, 1948
Went to Pi Gamma Mu dinner. Heard Dr. Keso speak on Geopolitics – subject too big for him to handle.
April 7, 1948
Mother got a permanent – cost $2.50. I sent my MS to Dr. Dale who is attempting to arbitrate my misunderstanding with the Press.
April 8, 1948
I spent evening at Leakes – met a Miss Nuff from Chicago, a former WAVE stationed at Stillwater. Very nice.
April 9, 1948
Hard shower this evening. Patricia Thompson was here. It seems she and Harold are going to try it again. I hope they make it.
April 10, 1948
This evening I spoke to a convention of Indian students from the various state colleges. Wonderful group of young people. Called Ittanaha Club.
April 11, 1948
Took things easy. I seem a little tired. Went to church & S.S. – then took Mother for a drive. The redbud is at its peak of bloom.
April 12, 1948
Redbud glorious all the way – wild plum blooms about gone. Took the bus to Carmen, where I am staying with the Boyce girls. It is cloudy and cold – down to freezing in some parts of the state.
April 13, 1948
Genevieve Boyce drove us out to site of T5 headquarters, also to Drum monument, Salt Plains, lake, and dam. In the evening I spoke to a club group.
April 14, 1948
Spoke to school children – started home at ten – waited two hours in Enid, where I had a nice telephone visit with Esther Porter. Reached here about 4.
April 15, 1948
Just working some more.
April 16, 1948
Attended meeting of Okla. Library Assn. – had dinner at Willard. Very pleasant.
April 17, 1948
Attended AAUW fellowship luncheon dinner at Edgemere. Nice time. The redbuds are about gone – lilacs and bridal wreath out – also iris.
April 18, 1948
Church & S.S. this morning. The Davises, Grace Goodman, and a young Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins called in the afternoon. Then I took Mother to the lost town of Mehan.
April 19, 1948
Came home very tired. I do not know why a little work tires me so. Just like Dagwood Bumstead, I guess.
April 20, 1948
Alice Carlson took supper with us. We enjoyed her very much.
April 21, 1948
I got a permanent. It cost $12.50. Hope I’m worth it.
April 22, 1948
Went with Eula Mae to hear college symphonic choir & glee club sing Mozart’s Requiem Mass. Very fine.
April 23, 1948
Packed the car full of winter bedding and winter clothes to take home tomorrow. It sprinkled a little last night.
April 24, 1948
Drove home quickly through Highway 51 facing rain. It really started raining and rained hard all afternoon. We found they had already got 1 ¼ inches Thursday night & Friday morning.
April 25, 1948
Went to church then in P.M. to 4 th ¼ ly conference at Covington. Between intervals gave the house a thorough cleaning. It rained 1 ¾ in yesterday and last night. Everybody very happy about it.
April 26, 1948
Went to cemetery and found our stone badly set. In P.M. spoke to high school students and visitors. It was great to see them again. Then we drove back – got here about 7 P.M.
April 27, 1948
Nothing in particular. Just some more work.
April 28, 1948
Mrs. Rousch, who worked with me on Okla. Guide, called with her son Roy, who is an A. & M. student. She is here on a visit from Oregon. I took them for a drive.
April 29, 1948
Wonderful green and gold day. I took Mother for a drive. The country is beautiful.
April 30, 1948
Esther Porter stopped in for a few minutes this morning. She is a wonderful person. Her lovely “Missy” graduated this year; Dennis is about a junior.
May 1, 1948
Drove home to look at the stones in the Cooper lot. Mr. Nelson says they are set facing that way on purpose, but we still don’t like them. Beautiful drive. We took route 51. Tired tonight.
May 2, 1948
Mother and I drove up to White Eagle to Ponca Mission for church. Enjoyed service very much. Then drove to Ponca for a snack and showed mother the Pioneer Woman. Lovely drive all the way, but got home at 3 P.M. very tired.
May 3, 1948
Light shower this morning; heavy shower with some hail this afternoon. We have not had enough rain yet to overcome last fall’s drought.
May 4, 1948
Library staff luncheon – Dr. Levin spoke about Russia. I enjoyed the meeting very much.
May 5, 1948
Worked at library eight hours today. Trying to accumulate some hours to be ready for extra work on my manuscript.
May 6, 1948
Nothing much happened. Worked at library eight hours.
May 7, 1948
Worked another eight hours at the maps.
May 8, 1948
Very disagreeable windy day. Worked forenoon at library – then did some secret planning for Mother’s day tomorrow.
May 9, 1948
Mrs. Goodman came to spend Mother’s day with Mother. We all went to church, then to Edgewood for dinner, then back home for ice cream and an elaborately decorated cake (cake cost only $1.25).
May 10, 1948
Rained hard most of the night and off and on during the day. We still need more to offset last fall’s terrible drought.
May 11, 1948
(no entry)
May 12, 1948
Attended banquet of Theta Sigma Pi and heard wonderful lecture on India by Margaret Bourke-White.
May 13, 1948
Had my picture made. Mother and I had luncheon with Mrs. Hallenbeck (enjoyed it) and then in P.M. I stood in receiving line at an A.A.U.W. tea honoring the college senior women at Berry home.
May 14, 1948
Worked all day at the library.
May 15, 1948
Loafed a little. I seem to be a little tired this spring.
May 16, 1948
Spent a quiet Sunday. Church & S.S in the morning; then a short drive over Stillwater; then loafed.
May 17, 1948
Found out Mrs. Cross has been disappointed in the coming of a niece who was to take our apartment this summer. I must get busy.
May 18, 1948
Put notice in the paper and people started coming to look at the apt. – pathetic that one can’t supply all of them. I went briefly to library picnic in honor of Mr. Naeseth and Mr. Haltman, who are leaving.
May 19, 1948
Rented the apt. to a young couple named White.
May 20, 1948
Went to Pi Gamma Mu picnic. Enjoyed conversation with Dr. and Mrs. Levin regarding their stay in Russia in the 1930s.
May 21, 1948
Packed up a number of things we can spare to take home tomorrow.
May 22, 1948
Took a load home. Aired out the moth exterminator I put in a month ago. It looked like rain, so came back in afternoon.
May 23, 1948
Spent a quiet Sunday – went to church and S.S. in morning, then went to park in afternoon because it was unbearably hot in the apartment.
May 24, 1948
Rained a little over ½ inch last night with heavy wind. Cool and cloudy today. Radio says about 1 ½ inches at Enid. Hope Marshall got some.
May 25, 1948
Hard rain last night and a little today. It was general over the state. May help the wheat where it is not gone already.
May 26, 1948
Went to Guthrie with Mrs. McMillan, Mrs. Kidwell, & Mrs. Riggs to meeting of Okla. Hist. Soc. Very boresome program but I enjoyed meeting some friends who were present.
May 27, 1948
Met a very intelligent young man who is using maps to trace his experiences in the war in Europe.
May 28, 1948
Spent all morning packing most of our belongings and went home in afternoon. Terribly tired. It is threatening rain.
May 29, 1948
Cleaned and decorated graves in cemetery. Went to afternoon and evening meeting of M.H.S. [Marshall High School] alumni & former students. Not a very good meeting – too general and all hired entertainment.
May 30, 1948
Started back early; ran ahead of a very evil looking cloud, which caught us in a heavy rain on the edge of Stillwater. Rested a little then went to church after the rain ended. Worked at maps in P.M. – went to baccalaureate service in evening.
May 31, 1948
Fine commencement address by Lewis W. Jones, pres. Uni. of Ark. By my count 1,019 bachellor’s [sic] degrees; 133 master’s, 1 Dr. of Ed.; 1 Ph.D. (the first for A. & M.) Hurried home to beat rain, but it didn’t rain. Jimmie Beckett got degree. Spent evening unpacking.
June 1, 1948
Took down heater and cleaned back
Cleaned bedroom closet and unpacked and put away clothing, etc. Glad to get another place in shape.
June 3, 1948
Cleaned living room and dining room and put up curtains. The unpacking is about finished.
June 4, 1948
Cleaned rest of house and put up remaining curtains. Cleaned cellar. Mr. Van Hanen mowed weed-grown lawn ($3 and cheap at price). Now our place is entirely livable.
June 5, 1948
Read and clipped newspapers that had piled up. Attended to some correspondence.
June 6, 1948
Went to church—certainly like the new minister and his wife.
June 7, 1948
Very light shower early this morning, enough to stop combining a few hours. It is terribly dry here – Marshall missed all the rains Stillwater got.
June 8, 1948
(Perhaps this happened June 9) Got letter from my publisher that he is returning my MS with comments by Dr. Dale. We are having trouble with this MS. Some of the publisher’s readers condemned it. I refused to accept their verdict, so it was referred to Dr. Dale.
June 9, 1948
Went to WSCS at Mrs. Hamel’s. Fine group of friends – but what a boresome [sic] meeting! They enjoy it, and it is good for them, so O.K.
June 10, 1948
Am in a hurry for MS to come. My experience with the Univ. Press has not been happy. They asked me to write it – and gave me a straight-out contract to publish. Then some anonymous profs. to whom it was submitted gave it a thorough panning and I was asked to do the whole thing over. Which I won’t!
June 11, 1948
Got my MS with a very careful conscientious criticism by Dr. Dale. I will follow all his suggestions – whether or not I agree – except in matters that seem vital to the integrity of my interpretation.
June 12, 1948
Worked on my MS incorporating some revisions I had made in the carbon during the last weeks. Will take up Dr. Dale’s suggestions tomorrow.
June 13, 1948
Working on Dr. Dale’s suggested changes. His work was done in a far different spirit from that of the anonymous first readers. Some of his ideas are excellent; others do not appeal to me so much but I will weigh them all.
June 14, 1948
Church this morning. Sermon not very profound, but a fine spirit in the congregation. In the evening Claudia Ahrensback called & we had a nice visit. But my head ached all day. Worked too hard yesterday.
June 15, 1948
Our lucky day. Our beloved Gene Goodman called with his lovely wife and our dear Grace, his mother. He is a fine young man – 24 now. Then Bess Truitt of Enid called. I had long wanted to meet her. And in the evening our beloved Winnie Branen came for a nice long visit. And I did work on my MS, too.
June 16, 1948
The wheat is surprising everybody by its good yield. I don’t know how it made it. There was the terrible drought last fall; then this dry spring. The standing crop looks pitiable, but when it is cut it turns out an average yield.
June 17, 1948
Hot wind – terrible day. We are having very bad weather for this early in the summer. The soil is dry beyond anything I have ever seen at this time of year.
June 18, 1948
Another hot dry day, but this evening the wind turned to the northwest and blew up cool.
June 19, 1948
I got so tired writing I quit at three o’clock and washed the front porch (all caked with dust) and the front windows. We got our check from the farm at Okeene – wheat went to 9 ½ bu.
June 20, 1948
S.S. & church this morning. Our attendance is climbing every Sunday. This afternoon it rained!! About a half inch of water. It struck suddenly with a terrifying wind, but did surprisingly little damage. Broke some trees and smashed Jim Bostick’s garage.
June 21, 1948
We got more rain during the night. The ground drinks it up thirstily, but it was really muddy this morning. I washed some more windows.
June 22, 1948
Rained nearly all night last night. I sent off my MS today. Mrs. Burchardt, who has been in Calif. the past two months, returned. Brought Kay and Jackie. We have missed her terribly. It is raining again this evening.
June 23, 1948
It has turned very cold. Rained again last night. Floods in some parts of the state, 11 ¼ in. at Geary, part of Kingfisher under water. We haven’t got too much, however. I cleaned whole house thoroughly and washed all the north windows.
June 24, 1948
No rain here, but threatening. Stories of a 19-inch cloudburst at Hydro. Creek rose and trapped cars on highway – killed 9 and some more missing. Ted McCracken killed in Normandy invasion was buried here. Funeral at schoolhouse – military service at cemetery by Tinker Field contingent.
June 25, 1948
No rain today, but threatening till I was afraid to drive to Enid. For the past two weeks I have been wanting to see the dr. about my appendix. Today I took time and finished some work on a doll that belonged to Aunt Nettie. Mrs. Goodman had dressed her & Mr. Davis had made a rack to stand her in.
June 26, 1948
Heard Mrs. H. D. Hearn had stroke. It rained again last night. These are good rains & not too much except there is no chance to cut the small amount of wheat left. I finished washing the windows. Worked on Nelson’s Memoirs.
June 27, 1948
Heard Mr. Brewster died yesterday. Another rain last night, and still another this evening. Good crowd at S.S. & church considering the mud. No country people but the Clarks. The Hestwoods are fine.
June 28, 1948
It rained two inches last night and again this afternoon. The soil is finally getting wet. I pulled some weeds from the flower garden and found it soaked.
June 29, 1948
Great news! Dr. Duffy says my appendix is O.K. What a load off my mind. Checked Mother and found her fine. We stopped to see Esther Porter & Missy – found Mrs. Engler & Fay there, too. Also stopped at Covington to see the Rogers family.
June 30, 1948
Mother and I went to WSCS at the Ingle home. Big crowd. That society is booming. The Covington ladies were there as guests. Mrs. Baugh called this evening.
July 1, 1948
Nothing in particular. I am working on the Nelson manuscript. I hope Savoie gets back from Calif. today so he can take up my “Oklahoma.”
July 2, 1948
They managed to start back at the harvest today. Most of the wheat was cut before the rain, but a few large fields were late.
July 3, 1948
Just some more work. These days are all delightfully cool, and threaten rain but no rain. Heavy dew at night.
July 4, 1948
Church & S.S. attendance cut some by harvest and holiday week end. This P.M. we drove out to see Marcellette Thomas – had fine visit. Laurine was there, also Alfred Wimberley & wife & boy, & Mrs. Cramer. Marcellette and Floyd are getting ready to move to Enid.
July 5, 1948
This was a holiday but I worked all day on Nelson. I have let it be for some years after I failed to sell it. Now I am making considerable revision.
July 6, 1948
Shower collected but went around. This is primary election day. I took Mother and Mrs. Hawkins down to vote. Tired tonight for no reason.
July 7, 1948
Head ached all day. Going to bed at dark. Several showers went around. We have had delightfully cool weather ever since the rainy spell.
July 8, 1948
Slept eleven hours last night. Worked fine today.
July 9, 1948
This cool weather is fine for me to work.
July 10, 1948
We had a light shower. A very heavy one went around – rained two inches at Crescent.
July 11, 1948
Rained last night – slim crowd at church today. Mr. Hestwood says it was dry as soon as one turned north toward Covington. Attended shower for Ramona Lambert Ralstin at Lambert farm home.
July 12, 1948
Good shower last night or rather this morning. (We were still in bed.) I waxed most of the organ after I stopped working this P.M.
July 13, 1948
Rather hot day – we have had so few since the rains started. I finished the organ. Bought 2 bu. big tomatoes for $1.39 a bu. They were raised east of Guthrie.
July 14, 1948
Canned 28 qt. tomatoes this A.M. (The rest was too green.) Allie Cooper called. We went to W.S.C.S. at Pearl Burchardt’s this P.M. Very hot day. Tired.
July 15, 1948
Shower last night – lovely day. We had Club picnic at Evelyn Day’s – had wonderful time. In evening canned 5 qt. tomatoes. Went out to Henry Seefeldt’s & got ¾ pk. cucumbers for $0.75. Ralph & Allie called. They are watching an oil well drilling on Freelove farm close to theirs.
July 16, 1948
Hard rain this morning just before getting up time. Lovely cool day to write. I am making a dress in my spare time.
July 17, 1948
Light shower this morning. We put up some pickles.
July 18, 1948
Warm day – no rain. Good crowd at church – then had dinner at Lion’s Den honoring the minister. Everyone enjoyed it.
July 19, 1948
Mr. Matthews started building back steps. Got word Gladys and Katherine will be here this week. Will be very happy to see them. Hot day. Worked more on dress.
July 20, 1948
Cleaned house and did some work in yard. Got very tired. Nice day.
July 21, 1948
Mr. M. finished steps. Had lesson at WSCS [Women’s Society of Christian Service] at Mabel Bryson’s. Gladys and Katherine came this evening – great to see them.
July 22, 1948
Took girls to Stillwater to show them college. Then in evening they took us to Enid to visit a Methodist youth caravan group Gladys helped train. The girls are leaving tomorrow.
July 23, 1948
Started raining about 5 A.M., so Gladys & Katherine started out at once without breakfast to get past dirt roads. It didn’t rain much here. I finished my dress.
July 24, 1948
Cut out and partially sewed up a dress for Mother. Nice cool day. I work part of every day on Nelson story.
July 25, 1948
Went to church and Sunday School.
July 26, 1948
Finished Mother’s dress. Wrote some more.
July 27, 1948
Cut out a dress for myself. We are having very hot sultry weather these days.
July 28, 1948
Claudia went with me. Went to Enid and bought me a dress for a trip I am planning. Got it on sale for only $7 – selling out summer dresses.
July 29, 1948
Canned some dill pickles. Got very bad news from my publisher. I don’t think they will ever publish that book – or release it. To be sure I have a contract, but apparently it has no meaning. I don’t know their motive.
July 30, 1948
Canned some more pickles. Went to shower for lovely Esther Bramen who is marrying Ray Semones Aug. 6. Good rain last night.
July 31, 1948
Lovely cool day – even cold this morning. I did some washing, ironing, & sewing getting ready for trip to Kansas. Finished making red gingham all but rickrack trim.
August 1, 1948
Another nice cool day. Went to S.S. and church this morning. Loafed in afternoon. The Earl Gammons are here – came Fri. evening from Calif.
August 2, 1948
Finished my dress. Packed for a trip tomorrow.
August 3, 1948
Drove to Wichita 139 mi. A cloud helped us a little. We are at Allie Cooper’s. Cool this evening.
August 4, 1948
Really cool this morning. We spent the day with Agnes Clark – met her lovely niece, Florence’s daughter Margaret, and Margaret’s darling son Mike and nice husband, Mr. Kingman “King.” Came to tourist camp.
August 5, 1948
146 mi. from Wichita to Mabel’s. Cool day. Picked up Agnes, came to Alta Vista, stayed to see Orrel Fechner, Mrs. Andy McArthur, & Mollie McDiffett Craig, drove around the Welcome neighborhood and came out to Mabel Collin’s home. Wonderful experience – left here in 1899, came back once in 1910.
August 6, 1948
Terribly cold day – I mean cold. Mabel took us to Harris Clark’s – we had dinner & wonderful visit with Harris & Edith & their niece Wilma, who is the image of Mr. Brabb. Had short visit with Lizzie McArthur who married [unintelligible] Horne. In P.M. Mabel took me to [unintelligible] for visit with Anna Fechner (married to Frank Ross) & Frances.
August 7, 1948
This morning Mother & I drove the beloved familiar roads around Welcome. In P.M. Mabel took us to Manhattan & we visited poor helpless Mrs. Brabb. Had wonderful drive there over hills, drove over the campus, returned by way of old Kans. Capital at extinct village of Pawnee & Ft. Riley. Warming up.
August 8, 1948
Went to church at Welcome. It seemed wonderful to visit the old place. Sherry came home from K.C. during the night. He is fine. This evening he took Mother and me across Humboldt Creek & up the hill for a most wonderful view.
August 9, 1948
In very good tourist camp at Marysville. Started away this morning – stopped at Manhattan for a visit with poor Mrs. Brabb. Came to Beattie – after some difficulty found old Dunkard (Fairland) Church and Gus Stosz’s place where we once lived. John Stosz is living there. Phillips Place – another place we lived – has no house.
August 10, 1948
Rained hard early this morning. Cool today. Drove around Beattie and surrounding roads. Found stone house where I was born was torn down. Talked with Nora Story & her mother (aged 91) & Leslie Harry. Then with Tom Tucker and his son & daughter Mrs. Miller at Frankfurt. In tourist camp at Wamego now.
August 11, 1948
Drove to Manhattan through Zeandale, stopped to see poor Mrs. Brabb and Mrs. Jim Teas, then came to Welcome schoolhouse where Ladies Aid was meeting. Lizzie Horne was there, also Crissie Say, and several others. I joined in the quilting. Then we drove past the old place once more, and came on to Orrel Fechner’s at Alta Vista.
August 12, 1948
Drove to Wichita and are spending night with Agnes Clark. She came down with us and we had a delightful visit all the way. We came through Dwight and White City which I remember so well from our covered wagon trip in 1899.
August 13, 1948
Total mileage of trip 934. Raining hard at Wichita. Highway 81 blocked by near cloudburst at Wellington. We had to drive east to Arkansas City to get through. It rained all the way to Ponca & fields were wet clear to Perry. But the dirt road from Covington was dry. We are tired but so happy we took the trip. Car 12 ys. old, passenger 83, driver 58 but we made it.
August 14, 1948
It rained last night and is very muddy. Earl Gammon said the road from Covington was so bad he would not have tried it if he had known how bad it was. He got stuck & left his car ½ block west of the house. I am so thankful we got home when we did.
August 15, 1948
Rather small crowd at S.S. It looked very rainy. No preaching. Jim and family are taking a short vacation.
August 16, 1948
I am plowing through the pile of newspapers that accumulated while I was gone. I have to watch every news item in order to keep my book up to date. Weather still cold.
August 17, 1948
Finished the newspapers. I should enjoy this work more if I had any assurance that bunch of nitwits at O.U. would ever approve it.
August 18, 1948
It is starting to get more like normal August weather. I worked on Nelson book and cleaned the house.
August 19, 1948
Just worked. I started to make some underwear for my mother in my “spare” time. Washed some.
August 20, 1948
Ironed & pressed things we used on our trip. Worked more on the underwear. Got very fine letter from Dr. Dale about my MS.
August 21, 1948
Just worked – took underwear down to Mrs. Hawkins and talked with her while I made buttonholes. Finished first draft of Nelson MS.
August 22, 1948
Went to church. Drove in P.M. Also called on poor sick little Mrs. Hawkins.
August 23, 1948
Wrote letters of inquiry etc. about points I wanted to clear on Nelson MS. Finished the underwear I was making for Mother.
August 24, 1948
Wrote some more. Worked in the yard.
August 25, 1948
Tire went down at edge of town – had to buy a new one -- $16.50. Finished reviewing a book I started July 21 for WSCS. We met at Mary Burchardt’s. Had nice crowd. It is warm these days.
August 26, 1948
Light shower this morning – and a few sprinkles fell during the day. Cool day.
August 27, 1948
It looks like rain but doesn’t do it.
August 28, 1948
I watered the flowers. It is not dry for crops, etc. but is dry for town gardens.
August 29, 1948
S.S. & church this morning; dinner with Mrs. Hawkins, drive with Mother in P.M. The weather is getting hot, but not bad.
August 30, 1948
This is the day I planned to pack, but the people who sub-rented our apartment show no signs of getting out. I did put up the heater.
August 31, 1948
Found out about 10:30 our people are moving, so packed the rest of the day. Probably will not get entirely finished.
September 1, 1948
Packed all morning. Frank Day (and Evelyn) brought our things over to Stillwater in the pickup. Am in the throes of unpacking. Very hot day. Met our neighbors, the Hortons. Fine young couple.
September 2, 1948
Unpacked some more. Worked in library with my maps in afternoon. It is good to get back.
September 3, 1948
Worked all day with maps to make up for missing the afternoon of Sept. 1.
September 4, 1948
Finished straightening the apartment and went down town to stock larder, etc.
September 5, 1948
Went to church, but Mr. Copeland is away so the youth director preached. Our S.S. class is having a vacation too. Called on the Littons this P.M.
September 6, 1948
Spent the whole day (holiday) writing. Started making final copy of Nelson MS. Had a good day. We are having bad weather.
September 7, 1948
The Leakes called – we had a fine visit. Got good news from Savoie Lottinville. They are finally ready to start publishing “Oklahoma.” What grief I have had with that writing job.
September 8, 1948
The weather turned cold last night. It had been pretty bad. I worked all day revising my “Okla.” MS bringing it up to date – for the last time I hope.
September 9, 1948
Still cool. I worked all day on my MS. Will make up the time I lost at the library later.
September 10, 1948
Sent off my MS with what I hope is the last revision. Worked at library in P.M. Nice cool day.
September 11, 1948
Worked in the library all day. Beautiful fall weather but a little warm again.
September 12, 1948
Enjoyed church service with Mr. Copeland back. Went to visit Leakes in P.M. To park in evening.
September 13, 1948
Did odds and ends in forenoon I had postponed because of work on MS. At library in P.M. Drove to park in evening. Pretty tired.
September 14, 1948
President Bennett spoke to faculty – launched the school year. Very fine address – spoke of future of A. & M. – expects continued high enrollment.
September 15, 1948
This weather is very hot – unseasonably hot.
September 16, 1948
Just some more work and some more hot weather.
September 17, 1948
Worked on Nelson book and at library.
September 18, 1948
Fitted boxes in car trunk – getting ready to drive home tomorrow and get some things I didn’t have time to pack when we came.
September 19, 1948
Mother did not go. I took Mrs. Wilson and Norma jean for company. Very hard trip – dust awful, and hot. Enjoyed church at home very much. Then did some hectic packing – another dusty drive – then hectic unpacking at this end.
September 20, 1948
Enjoyed evening at the Leakes’. Pretty hot weather.
September 21, 1948
Judge Florence Kelly was to speak in Stillwater – I started to drive and one light was off – then called taxi & gave wrong no. so it missed me. So I missed Judge Kelly. It sprinkled a little – some relief from heat.
September 22, 1948
Slight shower this P.M. – good one this evening. And how cool it is!
September 23, 1948
Much cooler day. I am making good progress on the Nelson MS. But I am completely disgusted with the OU Press. They just mess around.
September 24, 1948
Nothing in particular – just worked. Still have heard nothing from the OU Press. It has been about two weeks since I sent them some revised pages.
September 25, 1948
Rather coolish, sunny day. I went to the football game (Aggies 14; TCU 21) and got a wonderful lift from the crowd & the game & the afternoon in the open. I stay at home too much.
September 26, 1948
Tomorrow is Mother’s birthday. Mother & I celebrated it by driving to Perkins & attended church & took dinner with Mrs. Hubbard. In P.M. Dwight & wife & four children came – also Ollie (Mrs. McFeater) & daughter from Cushing.
September 27, 1948
Mother is sick with a cold. I was really worried about her this P.M. She is 83 today. We are having beautiful weather.
September 28, 1948
Mother still feels bad. In fact I do not think she shows any improvement. She is not in bed, but her head aches and she is ill.
September 29, 1948
I don’t think she had a cold at all. Mother is still feeling bad – a series of migraine headaches. I do not think she is much better. No use getting a doctor for they know nothing about migraine.
September 30, 1948
Mother still ill. I had intended to attend a Lahoma Club reception but could not leave.
October 1, 1948
Mother seems a little better, but is never free from the migraine.
October 2, 1948
Tried this morning to get myself a dress for work, but no luck. All too expensive. Mother is better but still has migraine. -
October 3, 1948
I went to church this morning – took Mother to a World Communion Service in P.M. She slept most of P.M., however, & I went to Leakes’ to listen to music on radio.
October 4, 1948
Nothing much happened. Mother is around as usual, but migraine never lets up.
October 5, 1948
High wind – serious dust storm in west half of state. I went to A.A. U.W. registration garden party in evening. Mother pretty well, but still has migraine.
October 6, 1948
For the first time since she took sick, Mother has no migraine today. She seems to have suffered less permanent weakness, etc. than one would have expected.
October 7, 1948
Mother is still free from migraine. Library staff meeting at 1 – were introduced to Miss Phelps, Mr. Shelby, (Miss Edwards absent), Miss Hammond, and others. Attended an executive meeting of Pi Gamma Mu at 4. Very high wind – dust storm over half of state. We are a little too far east to get it.
October 8, 1948
“Dr.” Charles Evans was here and Dr. Chapman tried to pin him down to something to plan for the spring meeting of O.H.S. But we only listened to his flow of flapdoodle. He is the most disgusting person I have ever known.
October 9, 1948
I bought two new dresses – $26++ for the two – one dark red, the other a brownish wool suit. Should have gone home today but thought Mother not well enough yet.
October 10, 1948
We went to church & S.S this morning. Then to Guthrie to see Grace Goodman & Mr. & Mrs. Davis – Grace & we went to call on Mrs. Engelbrecht, who is thrilled with life in the Masonic home.
October 11, 1948
Neglected to make entry – do not recall anything in particular happening.
October 12, 1948
Mother and I went to a lecture by Dr. Levin on religion in Russia – very interesting. It was given by Brandeis Club, but public invited.
October 13, 1948
Neglected to make entry – do not recall anything in particular.
October 14, 1948
Finished organizing all summer’s backlog of maps & started on magazines.
October 15, 1948
Worked more at magazines. Am getting a boy named Campbell to draw a map for the Nelson book. A few drops of rain fell.
October 16, 1948
Wanted to go home but it was threatening (or rather promising) rain, so didn’t go. Then it didn’t rain. Dark, cold day – dragged oleanders in garage.
October 17, 1948
No frost last light [sic] in spite of threat. Beautiful bright daylight crisp. We went to church this morning. In P.M. I called on the Hammond sisters, Miss Campbell & Mrs. Hallenbeck (but she was in Tulsa). Found Hammonds knew Leakes in college & neither knew other was here – so I had the fun of reuniting them.
October 18, 1948
First frost of season last night. Official thermometer stood at 31° in Stillwater. Listened to very wonderful chorale concert directed by Robert Shaw – heard queer “Mass” by Poulenc. They did it well, but why do it at all?
October 19, 1948
Just another day.
October 20, 1948
Went to joint meeting of the two Wesleyan Service Guilds & WSCS. Had dinner and study on Alaska. We enjoyed it very much.
October 21, 1948
Mother & I both permanents -- $12.50 each. Last night we had a nice shower – water standing in puddles in alley. This evening Joe & Wight Jones took supper with us. And how we did enjoy it. They are such fine, handsome youngsters I always think it such a pity their father couldn’t have lived to see them.
October 22, 1948
Dr. Clinton called last night after we had gone to bed & told us he & Mrs. Clinton are coming to see us Sunday. It seemed so nice to hear his voice. We shall be very glad to see them.
October 23, 1948
Our beloved Eula Mae & Jimmie Beckett were here to see us. They live at Bartlesville. I tried to take Mother to a place where we could see the Homecoming parade but we missed most of it. Then during the game I took her to see the decorations at the houses. The game was with Temple & A. & M. won. Beautiful day for it. Wish I could have seen it.
October 24, 1948
We really dissipated. I went to 9 o’clock church, skipped S.S. – Mother listened over radio. Then Dr. & Mrs. Clinton came for dinner & drive in P.M. Soon as I got dishes washed we went to Leakes & ate waffles with them & Hammond sisters. I find the Hammonds are daughters of a greatly loved past chaplain at Ft. Sill – They knew Geronimo & others of that place.
October 25, 1948
Nothing in particular happened.
October 26, 1948
Patsy Windler and Johnese Rulbrecht took supper with us. We enjoyed them thoroughly. They are such earnest little freshmen – so level headed and withal so innocent. Fine girls both!
October 27, 1948
My head has ached all day. I guess I dissipated too much. I saw Geo. Jr. Lyons and talked with him a few minutes. He is a very attractive young chap.
October 28, 1948
Nothing in particular. It has been cloudy most of the day – might rain. I am feeling fine today – had been a little tired lately.
October 29, 1948
I went to Norman on the bus to help celebrate the opening of the new University Press bldg. I met Pres. Cross – had a good visit with Gaston Litton, saw Savoie Lottinville and Helen Burton.
October 30, 1948
We drove home today. It was a very busy day for me for I had to get Mr. Matthews top drain the pipes so it wouldn’t freeze up – also got some coal for our occasional visits home.
October 31, 1948
Enjoyed church at Marshall. Worked hard at packing. Mrs. Hawkins ate dinner with us. Was tired when I got back here and got everything I had packed unpacked once more. I taught Raymond Bryson’s S.S. class – nine very fine youngsters.
November 1, 1948
Fine rain last night, much to the surprise of everyone. This evening Dorothy Leake and I went to concert by Ebe Stignani – very fine. Mother was too tired to use her ticket.
November 2, 1948
I am really dissipating. Luncheon of the library group and a very revealing account of building a library at “Ole Miss” by Dr. Foreman of the sociology dept. Dinner of the A.A.U.W. at the Methodist Church – Miss Achison reported on trip to Washington.
November 3, 1948
Everybody (but Truman) surprised over the election. I am spending some time these days with two boys who are drawing maps for my Nelson book – Campbell and Sollars. In the afternoons I work at invoicing the bound magazines in the library. I am pretty tired tonight.
November 4, 1948
It turned cool this afternoon. I feel pretty good this evening – rested from my dissipation of the past week.
November 5, 1948
Should be Nov. 7 A day that turned out wrong. I went around in a circle and didn’t accomplish much.
November 6, 1948
Should be Nov. 8 Church & S.S. this morning. This P.M. I went over to listen to music with the Leakes. Then the Hammond sisters called. They are fine.
November 7, 1948
Should be Nov. 5. Turned two pages. Cold wind with some fine rain falling, but nothing like freezing. I received a copy of America’s Heartland. It looks interesting.
November 8, 1948
Took mother to doctor because I am worried about an eruption on her nose but he is down with flu.
November 9, 1948
Went to Pi Gamma Mu tea this afternoon.
November 10, 1948
Took mother to Dr. Haskell Smith but he seemed very confused – advised a skin specialist, but we decided to see Dr. Duffy Friday.
November 11, 1948
Nothing much happened. I am working on magazines these days because I have my maps all classified. The college had no holiday because of Armistice.
November 12, 1948
I was going to take mother to Enid but it threatened (or rather promised) rain all morning.
November 13, 1948
Took Mother to Enid today. Dr. Duffy sent her to Dr. Shryock, who pronounced it a skin cancer and gave her an X ray treatment. Both of them said they anticipated no trouble with it. Dr. Shryock wants to treat her Mon. & Tues. and he thinks that is all.
November 14, 1948
I went to church & S.S. this morning. Mother, a little under the weather, stayed at home. In the afternoon I went to the Payne Co. Hist. Soc. A young fellow named Melton has some proof that the battle of Round Mt. was fought in Payne County.
November 15, 1948
We drove to Enid for Mother’s x-ray treatment, then came to Marshall to spend the night. We had a nice drive on country roads from Enid to Marshall. We spent some time here with Mrs. Adams. The poor little lady has to be in a cast for two months.
November 16, 1948
Drove to Enid for the last X-ray treatment. Dr. Shryock is sure that will do it. It was a windy day and we saw a sandy wheat field near the creek south of Enid blowing in rippled drifts along the road. Reached Stillwater this evening both pretty tired.
November 17, 1948
We were both tired today. I worked all day the library and will do the same tomorrow to make up for the time I missed.
November 18, 1948
I feel rested today, but Mother’s nose is causing her some discomfort. It is snowing in the Panhandle, and a cold-looking cloud blotted out a warm day here. The radio says we are in for it, too.
November 19, 1948
I went to music appreciation group of A.A.U.W. Snowed enough to make the pavement wet – not enough to do any good to crops. But it drifted deep a little west of here.
November 20, 1948
We had planned to go to Tulsa today but didn’t because Mother’s nose is hurting some. Storm seems to be over.
November 21, 1948
I went to church & S.S. Mother did not go. Then in P.M. went over to listen to music with Leakes. Mendelsohn’s Third (Scotch) Symphony, some Schumann, and a French composer I don’t know. I finished reading Americas’ Heartland.
November 22, 1948
Just worked.
November 23, 1948
This evening I got our neighbor, young Mrs. Bradley, take a letter to Aunt Lisetta. My correspondence is out of hand and if she will do this often it will be a big help.
November 24, 1948
I have been so busy it is hard to realize it is almost Thanksgiving. Mrs. Bradley was to come over again but was too busy.
November 25, 1948
I took Mother to the Edgewood where we ate (very badly cooked) turkey dinner (cost $1.75 each); then we went for a drive. I spent the afternoon pasting illustrations in place for the Nelson book.
November 26, 1948
I took a hurried trip to Marshall to get the oleanders in the cellar ahead of a promised storm. This is a bright beautiful day. I worked in the library as usual this afternoon.
November 27, 1948
It rained most of the day – real water fell – is snowing from Perry on west. It was a dismal day for the A&M – OU football game here but the whole state came and sat in the rain and watched it. It was a wonderful game – OU won.
November 28, 1948
Rained off & on all night. It cleared off this afternoon – pretty day. I went to church this morning – very few there – spent the afternoon (rather 1 ½ hours of it) listening to music with the Leakes.
November 29, 1948
I spoke to club on Nelson book. Grace Campbell died suddenly this morning – I suppose from that blood clot she has had the past year. What will become of her poor invalid brother?
November 30, 1948
I went to Miss Campbell’s funeral at the Methodist Church – a lovely service for a wonderful person.
December 1, 1948
I have the Nelson MS ready to go except I am waiting on a map I got a boy to draw. My mother’s poor nose is so raw I can’t help worrying about it; but the dr. said it might get sore.
December 2, 1948
Last night it rained and the day was rainy. A group came up from the OU library school. I got to see Mrs. Marable and my nice boy, Dr. Gaston Litton.
December 3, 1948
(no entry)
December 4, 1948
We drove over to Tulsa and are spending the night at the Clintons. Mrs. McBirney had dinner here with us. She stayed with Mother while the Clintons took me to hear a very fine Viennese Austrian pianist named Poldi Mildner. She is young & blond & slender, but a genius.
December 5, 1948
We went to Boston Ave. church with the Clintons – a communion service – and then they showed us over the bldg. Dr. Clinton is very proud of the church he helped to build. We returned in the afternoon – reached home about 5.
December 6, 1948
(no entry)
December 7, 1948
(no entry)
December 8, 1948
Mother and I heard two very wonderful lectures by Ralph W. Sockman, who has been brought here to speak to the college.
December 9, 1948
(no entry)
December 10, 1948
This evening I spoke to Pi Gamma Mu. Lila Williams called me up to tell me Mrs. Day died Wednesday. I asked Mother if she wanted me to take her to the funeral, but she thought it would be too hard. And it wouldn’t help Mrs. Day.
December 11, 1948
Mr. Schultz also went along. Warm day. I had a wonderful trip with the Leakes – started at 6 A.M., took breakfast at Norman. I saw Dr. Dale, Mr. Rader, Gaston Litton, Lucy Tandy & talked over phone with Frank Steen. We took lunch at Fayette Copeland home. In P.M. went to see Carousel in the City. It was very fine. I met a Mrs. Nelson.
December 12, 1948
I went to church & S.S. In the P.M. I went over to Leakes’ to listen to the Philharmonic. Then I took Mother for a drive over some very interesting country n.w. of town. It was so warm I wore no coat & went bareheaded.
December 13, 1948
Summer day. I went to Lahoma Club in P.M. – was on reception committee so thought I should go.
December 14, 1948
Wonderful warm day – so warm I wore no coat. Library staff luncheon Dr. Hawkins, head of govt. dept. spoke. In evening heard “Hansel & Gretel” at music listening program of AAUW. Dorothy Leake planned it. It was very fine.
December 15, 1948
Summer weather till middle of afternoon, when it turned cold. Tonight Arturo Michelangeli was her on Allied Arts, but I gave away my tickets. I am leaving Mother alone too much.
December 16, 1948
Rather cold this morning, but nice tonight. I sent Nelson MS to Knopf. Savoie says he is going to start work on “Okla.” Jan. 1. It will be out about six months later.
December 17, 1948
Nothing in particular happened. The Christmas decorations and star are all very pleasant.
December 18, 1948
I got my Christmas letters from the printers today. I had to delay because I wanted news about my book to go in them. I got quite a file ready to mail. I have been sending these printed letters for three years.
December 19, 1948
I went to the nine o’clock Methodist service, then to a Xmas concert at the eleven o’clock Presbyterian service. In the P.M. I took Mother to a very fine singing of the Messiah by the college choir in the auditorium. We enjoyed it so much we feel we have had our Xmas. The rest of the time I sent letters.
December 20, 1948
Worked some more sending letters. It is a great saving to have them printed so I can add a few typed lines and out they go.
December 21, 1948
Harold and Dorothy Leake took supper and spent the evening. We enjoyed them very much. This was the last day of school, but the library will open most of the vacation.
December 22, 1948
This was the last day of school before vacation. Everybody is hurrying about on mysterious business between offices and classes. Of course the library stays open most of the vacation. Spent very lovely evening – Mother & I – with Hammonds.
December 23, 1948
It was a miserable dark day but very little rain fell. I had planned to drive home if the weather had been good. Instead I finished my Christmas cards and letters, worked at revising my MS to bring it up to date, and worked at the library in the afternoon.
December 24, 1948
Nasty, miserable misty day. In the morning I worked at the last (I hope) revision of my “Okla.” MS to bring it up to date. Worked at library in P.M.
December 25, 1948
Listened to Xmas music all morning. Then about noon the clouds cleared and we packed up and drove home. I went over to see Mrs. Adams who was a little blue. This is 60 days she has been in her cast. Pearl B. spent evening with us – fine visit. I broke my glasses & made big welt on my head running vs. door.
December 26, 1948
It was so clod and cloudy this morning we were afraid it would snow so came straight back to Stillwater without staying for church. I went to church here.
December 27, 1948
Holiday at school. I worked all day on my MS. The revision I am doing is changing a word here or there to bring it up to date.
December 28, 1948
I worked all day on my MS. The library is open today but I am entitled to some time off, so I took it now.
December 29, 1948
Worked all day on my Okla. MS.
December 30, 1948
Worked on my MS this morning – at library in P.M. It was nice and sunny but pretty cold today. So very thankful I have such a grand boss as Mr. Low.
December 31, 1948
Worked on my MS in morning. At library in afternoon. Went with Marguerite Smith to see Claud Campbell, who is in a dangerous condition – ill, confused in mind, and alone.