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4. 1950s
5. 1958

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January 1 - December 31, 1958

(Box 5/Folder 6)

 

January 1, 1958

Five years of white pages! I hope I accomplish more writing than I did in the last five. I finished and mailed a 1500-word article about Okla’s state parks to the magazine Okla. Today this afternoon. Perhaps it is a good omen. I will be an old woman when this book is filled. Should be now but missed it. Went to a pleasant party at Mrs. Garrett’s.

 

January 2, 1958

I attended to correspondence that I have neglected a long time. Also cleaned my apartment from top to bottom. The new year still sweeps clean.

 

January 3, 1958

Went downtown and had good luck buying a dress—spent about 20 min. and came back with two instead of one. Both dressy dresses – one lovely lace, the other a lovely jacket dress – and the two together cost only $30.36. All the Boyces came for dinner and spent the evening. I made chicken dumplings and Bess brought an apple pie.

 

January 4, 1958

Found poor old Louis Cromer is in the hospital. Worked at odds and ends – cooked another chicken and made dumplings for a church dinner tomorrow – and drove home to Marshall in late afternoon. It is always pleasant to get back to the little house. I have a form of schizophrenia – love Stillwater and Marshall and can’t live in both.

 

January 5, 1958

This was a day I enjoyed very much. Church in the morning – dinner in the basement – then the yearly meeting. First yearly meeting I ever attended, and I was greatly influenced by the whole souled sincerity, the friendly laughter, and the democratic spirit. I drove back in late P.M. Kay has not come in yet.

 

January 6, 1958

School started today. My classes come tomorrow Nothing in particular happened. I am getting ready for a meeting at the Uni. Of Okla. Saturday. Nice to have Kay back

 

January 7, 1958

Packed and labeled everything in the office. We are getting to ready to move out of the quonsets [sic] to Whitehurst. Those quonsets [sic] were erected as temporary buildings to take care of the G.I. influx at the end of World War II – and the history department has been uncomfortably officed in them ever since. It would not have been hard for me to move my few things, but Dr. Chapman’s are there.

 

January 8, 1958

Got my car tag and a pair of shoes. I never remember my license number but this time I will – 7 -2772. What could be easier? I also asked for plane reservations for a plane trip to Maryland later in the month. Learned good old Louis Cromer died. I am very sad about it.

 

January 9, 1958

Pretty tired this evening. Did some more work getting ready for everything in my office to be moved tomorrow. Went to Bible reading class at Lula McClure’s this evening. Enjoyed it very much. How I wish other duties did not make it impossible to attend Lou Cromer’s funeral.

 

January 10, 1958

Drove to Norman – supposed to have conference with LaVerne Madigan but LaV. was suddenly called to S. Dak. So had conference with Mr. Timmons and Lottie Conlon about tomorrow’s meeting. Then Mr. Lazarus, atty. of the A.A.I.A. [Association on American Indian Affairs] came in and I had conference with him. Am at Lockett Hotel.

 

January 11, 1958

Had all day meeting with Indians and white friends. The American Indian Institute – held at the University of Okla. and the A.A.I.A. Planning meeting for March. I felt that we had a good meeting and probably accomplished some things. One is a publication (to be prepared by me) setting out factual information about Okla. Indians.

 

January 12, 1958

Came home through fog and light rain. Too late to go to church. Rested in PM. I had to get a man to start my car this morning. It isn’t running well these days.

 

January 13, 1958

Got new spark plugs, points cleaned, and some wiring – cost about $17 – and my car runs like new. Worked in my new office today straightening things up, etc. It certainly seems good to get into a real building instead of that old quonset – no luxury, just decent.

January 14, 1958

Nothing in particular happened. It was cloudy and warm just as it had been over the week end, but tonight it turned colder.

 

January 15, 1958

A few flakes of snow fell last night. It still showed on the roofs this morning, but small puddles of water on the pavement were not frozen. I bought my plane ticket to Washington for my trip next week.

 

January 16, 1958

I gave a test to all my classes today – must grade papers forever after. Went to Writers’ Club this evening. Heard a short, short story by a young blond named Lee Head that carried the strongest wallop of anything I ever read. She is a genius.

 

January 17, 1958

Graded blue books all day. Dr. Chapman is in town. He stopped by to get a key to the office so he could dig in boxes and get some of his papers. Beautiful Navajo rug came today. I have always wanted one and Johnie Askey got it for me.

 

January 18, 1958

Graded blue books all day. Wow! Got Johnie Askey’s letter about the beautiful rug. I had given her $50 to invest but her letter says this one cost only $20 and she is going to get me another one.

 

January 19, 1958

It rained most of the day – not much water. I intended to go to Marshall to church but attended here on account of the weather. Heard a fine sermon by Irving Smith.

 

January 20, 1958

I failed to make entry but I think it was another rainy day. I got my blue books finished. It snowed all day – not a big snow storm but kept it up. I got my blue books graded.

 

January 21, 1958

It snowed all day. Not a great deal fell and most of it melted, but it kept it up steadily. This was the last day of the semester last day I shall see my classes. I have developed much affection for those young people. Snow melted some.

 

January 22, 1958

The roads were very slick this morning, but the snow is melting. I got my grades all ready to turn in. This was the last day of the semester but my classes do not meet on Wednesday. I got my grades ready to turn in. Kay went home this afternoon.

 

January 23, 1958

I bought two pairs of dress shoes – one I needed badly, the other sheer extravagance because they were on sale and matched my new dress so well. Bright day – snow gone except on the nerth [sic]. The Bible reading class met with me this evening.

 

January 24, 1958

This evening at 4:22 I took off from the air port – Paul Boyce took me out there in my car – and reached St. Louis about 9. Charles Burchardt and his mother Catherene met me. Stopped briefly to see Janie and came to the Burchardts.

 

January 25, 1958

Mrs. Keck of Crescent also visiting Burchardts. August and Catherene took us to the church headquarters on Chouteau street, the hospital, Eden Seminary, the children’s home, and the park. In the evening we had winner with Charles, Janie, and Cindy. Janie prepared such a lovely dinner. Cindy a darling, much like Janie at her age.

 

January 26, 1958

Attended the 9 o’clock church service conducted by Charles. Charles still has the wide-eyed sweetness of spirit, the appealing boyishness he had when he was small. At noon Dr. & Mrs. Dietz took dinner with us. In the evening we called briefly on Dorothea Pflug – Dr. flug [sic] away. I taught D. in Enid High.

 

January 27, 1958

August and Catherene took me to the plane this morning, and I came to Washington. Took a bus for Frederick, Md. Got to my hotel about 6:30 – tired. I am here for the meeting of the church Commission on Higher Ed. at Hood College campus.

 

January 28, 1958

Had a very full day and night of meetings, but got to see the lovely campus with the mountain wall at the west. We really worked hard. Finished our night meeting about 10:30.

 

January 29, 1958

Finished our meeting at noon. Then I came to Washington on the bus. Am at the Raleigh Hotel. It is fearfully expensive but failed to get a reservation at the Statler. The church pays my expenses and I hate to spend so much church money.

 

January 30, 1958

Left Washington on the 9:40 plane. Spent a little over an hour making connections at Tulsa. Arrived in Stillwater at 4:25. Solid cloud floor practically all the way until we hit Okla. Either the rapidity of flight (Washington to Okla. in part of one day) or the closed off earth gives me a feeling of unreality here at home – like a dream.

 

January 31, 1958

I was tired today and didn’t accomplish much. Looked over my class cards. My classes will be large this year semester, but not so bad as last.

 

February 1, 1958

My Sears typewriter is no good, so today I drove to Enid and returned it – will get a portable by paying $38 – Smith-Corona. Lost $69 on the Tower I bought last summer. Very bad deal buying from Sears. Stopped and visited Velma Payne. Came on to Marshall.

 

February 2, 1958

Attended church in Marshall – had dinner with the Brysons (bless them!). Called on Ruth Cromer but she was not at home. Came back to Stillwater in late afternoon.

 

February 3, 1958

[No entry]

 

February 4, 1958

First time I have met my new classes. They are fine. Somehow Dr. Knight did a better job of starting them off than I can. At least their first assignment was so well prepared it pleased me very much.

 

February 5, 1958

[No entry]

 

February 6, 1958

Went to Writer’s Club. I was on the program and read my article on the historical background of the state parks to be published in Oklahoma Today. A very gifted young woman named Colleen (Mrs. Stanley) Green read a poem. Meeting was at the Arringtons’.

 

February 7, 1958

Roy Beeby and Dean Miller came over and told me of a good meeting of the Marshall Progress Assn. last night. Roy’s term as pres. will expire this year and none of the other committee members will serve. But Harold Phelan would, and so I told the young men I would resign from the committee and now they can elect Harold to fill my place and choose him as president.

 

February 8, 1958

Planned to go home today but it was cold and cloudy and looked like storming and so I stayed. Kay went home with William. Sharon also went along. Nothing in particular happened. I did not accomplish as much as I should have.

 

February 9, 1958

Attended 9 o’clock church service. Heard a good sermon. When I came out at 10 it had started to snow. Snowed most of the day – ground white. I was a little uneasy about Kay and William and Sharon but William said the road had not been dangerous.

 

February 10, 1958

Cold day – ground covered with snow (only an inch or two deep) – too cold to melt. I am about ill with a cold. My new typewriter came today – a Smith-Corona portable.  I wish I had bought it in the first place.

 

February 11, 1958

The sun came and melted some of the snow. Then it clouded up again. It is said that the snow is very deep and the roads closed in the Panhandle and that we are to have more snow here.

 

February 12, 1958

Pretty cold day. I had no classes and so stayed at home and worked.

 

February 13, 1958

Very cold this morning – clouds of steam coming from all the cars as I drove to my eight o’clock class. It warmed up a little by evening.

 

February 14, 1958

Still cloudy part of the day – warmed a little, but the cold weather is not over yet.

 

February 15, 1958

Terribly cold today. I took Kay to work to keep her from freezing. Later I drove down town – walked one block to the bank, and got so cold I ached all day.

 

February 16, 1958

Cloudy and threatening to snow but didn’t. I went to church in Stillwater. Heard a fine sermon. In the evening I went to a mission service at the church with Anna Oursler.

 

February 17, 1958

This evening Donna Boyce took supper with us and then she and Kay went to vespers at the Wesley Foundation.  

 

February 18, 1958

Attended

 

February 19, 1958

Attended a very fine production of the Chinese play, “Yellow Jacket,” by the Theater Guild, a student organization Went to Guthrie to give in taxes and claim homestead exemption.

 

February 20, 1958

Went to Writers’ Club at the home of Rena Penn Brittan.

 

February 21, 1958

[No entry]

 

February 22, 1958

The weather finally got warm – after almost two solid weeks of cold. I took Edith Greenwood to Marshall where she watched the calf judging, ate with the people at the schoolhouse, visited the John Hamers’ farm, photographed Ray Beeby’s wheat, & I took her to Enid to see the elevators. We are staying at Marshall.

 

February 23, 1958

I took Edith to church in Marshall. She wanted to see the life of a small American town and these two days have given her the chance. We started back in early P.M. going by way of Perry where she wanted to pick up some pottery at the Tamac plant. Then we came to my apartment and we listened to the Messiah. Nice warm day.

 

February 24, 1958

Warm day – very pleasant after the past two weeks. I had dinner with the Delta Zeta girls – very pleasant.

 

February 25, 1958

Lovely warm day. Took bus at five and went came to O.C. to stay overnight with Nelle Thomas and her guest at Sorosis Club breakfast. Found “breakfast” is at 12 – so could have driven down tomorrow morning. But enjoying visit with Nelle.

 

February 26, 1958

Attended “breakfast” – very pleasant. Nelle had to hurry to get me to the station for the 3:10 bus. Strange weather. Red dust in sky and barometer lowest ever recorded in Okla. – records go back to 1902.

 

February 27, 1958

Learned of small twister near Ark. line yesterday P.M. Very high wind last night and today – very cold. Thermometer not so low but wind makes it very cold. Went to birthday party of Bible reading class this evening at with home of Graves sisters. Very lovely.

 

February 28, 1958

Another cold day but the wind has moderated.

 

March 1, 1958<

I drove to Marshall today. It was pretty crisp but I hoed part of the flower garden. Richard Jantz came and trimmed back my trees that almost died during the drought of 1956. I was unable to get them trimmed last year.

 

March 2, 1958

Attended S.S. and church at home. Weather quite pleasant as I drove back this afternoon. Mr. Orr and Scott Rouse were buried last week.

 

March 3, 1958<

Nothing in particular happened. Religious Emphasis Week started yesterday but I worked all day today and didn’t hear any of the speakers. Argye Briggs is one of them.

 

March 4, 1958

Heard three of the REW speakers at intervals between my classes and office hours. Took one of my students to meet Argye Briggs. The child has read her books and almost worships her.

 

March 5, 1958

I took my girl, Marguerita Neville, and had breakfast with Argye Briggs. The child was enraptured. Then I showed Mrs. B. thru the library and this time it was she who was enraptured. I did not attend any REW meetings. Stayed at home and worked.

 

March 6, 1958

Went to Writers’ Club. Guests were Donald Day and his beautiful lovely-voiced wife. They are fine people and gave us much low-down on the writing business as it is practiced in New York – especially about the methods of the Readers’ Digest.

 

March 7, 1958

Yesterday I gave an exam to all three of my classes – a total of 130 papers to grade. Today I graded. But I did waste some time. It is hard for me to make myself work. I should have my laziness whipped by this time but I haven’t.

 

March 8, 1958

Rained off and on much of the day. Graded papers. I have a writing job I promised for the Indian Institute at OU – was not able to do it till I got some material I had written for. Now I have it – must finish the grading and get at it.

 

March 9, 1958

I did something I seldom do – stayed away from church to grade papers. And I finished. I want tomorrow to be free to work on the writing. Had a lovely noon dinner with Lois Hastings – Alice H. and Miss Emma Chandler there also. Cold cloudy day.

 

March 10, 1958

Earle Albright committed suicide today Worked on that Indian thing. Winne Branen and Jerry Schaefer came to see me with the most astounding plan. They want an appreciation day for me on March 28. Marshall people have great affection for each other – deserved or undeserved – and this is typical.

 

March 11, 1958

This evening at 4:30 I went with Ruth Hammond to O.C. So pleasant to sit back while she drives. Heard Beethoven’s 9th symphony. Wonderful. Saw Bob and Bertha Douglas at the Anna Maude where we ate. We are staying with Mrs. Jenks. It started snowing big flakes just as we got back at the house.

 

March 12, 1958

It was snowing very hard this morning. About 5 in. deep on the level. Soft wet snow clinging to everything. Traffic in a crazy jumble. Ruth stayed in the City. I came back because of my classes on the first bus I could get. Saw several cars in the ditch. Roads passable from Guthrie on. Snow at Stillwater but not so deep.

 

March 13, 1958

The snow melted very rapidly tho [sic] there is still a lot of it left. (Just the kind of snow that is wonderful for the wheat.) No drift – all soaked in) Ruth came back with her car this P.M. Roads now fairly safe. This evening I attended the Bible reading class at Allie B. Wallace’s.

 

March 14, 1958

Beautiful bright sunny day. I worked as hard as I could on the piece for the Indian Institute. I want to get it done this week end. Kay is staying tonight at the dormitory so she can got [sic] with the girls to a dance.

 

March 15, 1958

Getting cloudy. I worked all day on my Indian article. It seems rather good to work hard under pressure as I used to work. I got things done in those days. Now I waste time.

 

March 16, 1958

Rained (with some snowflakes) nearly all day. For the second Sunday handrunning (and actually the second Sunday in my life) I stayed home from church and worked all day. I got the thing finished and in the mail. I would not have worked Sunday on my own work but this is a service to people who need it.

 

March 17, 1958

Ground white with snow this morning – about 1 inch. Nice wet snow, no drifting, just what the wheat needs. I got my correspondence picked up that I had had to neglect while I was working on my Indian paper. Much of the snow melted during the day.

 

March 18, 1958

Cold today but not too cold. More snow melted. I went to the hospital to see Mrs. Hubbard. She has asthma, will soon be out. She was wonderful to me when I was 17 and teaching my first school.

 

March 19, 1958

I bought a hat today. It cost $13, which is twice as much as I ever pay for a hat. And it is very simple, but has much style. I went in the evening to hear a famous cellist (whose name I can’t recall) on the allied arts program.

 

March 20, 1958

Stories came out in all the newspapers about the party those dear Marshall people are planning for me. I went this evening to the guest night of the Writers’ Club. Dr. Anderson, head of the Eng. & Lang. Dept., spoke. One of the wittiest and wisest talks I ever heard.

 

March 21, 1958

I worked all day at school getting my grades in for mid-term. Raymond and Mable stopped in to clean up a few details about the party next week. They asked for Burton’s address so they could write and so I called Burtin [sic] this evening and learned to my great grief that Dorine has been seriously ill all winter. They hope they have her started now on the road to recovery.

 

March 22, 1958

Failed to make entry but I do remember I went home in the afternoon and pulled weeds out of my flower garden – too wet to hoe. Everybody at home all excited over the lovely thing they are planning for me Friday.

 

March 23, 1958

Failed to make entry but I do remember I went to S.S. and church. Also I know it rained for I got into the mud when I loaded my car to come back to Stillwater. The people – bless them – were in high spirits thinking of the generous thing they are planning. Just like grandparents before Christmas.

 

March 24, 1958

I believe this was the day I finished reading and criticizing a manuscript Mary Shank wrote on “Oklahoma” for her encyclopedia.

 

March 25, 1958

Again failed to make entry but I do remember I drove over to Marshall to vote. Again found the people all happy and excited.

 

March 26, 1958

I believe this was the night I heard a lecture by Dr. Dodge (graduate dean at OU when I got my doctorate). He had gone to Russia to vis see their schools – found them frighteningly good.

 

March 27, 1958

Got letter from Burton Halsted saying he and Nellie are coming to my party tomorrow. Also Nelle Thomas will drive up from the City to attend and will stay with me. I will take Edith Greenwood over but she will retire with other friends to Stillwater.

 

March 28, 1958

Got photo taken for passport this morning. Drove to Marshall as soon as Edith’s school closed at 3:30. Found Burton & Nellie there. Nelle Staton soon arrived. The party was beyond anything I could ever have imagined. I am so very grateful. Very heavy rain. I worry about the people getting home.

 

March 29, 1958

Burton and Nellie left soon after breakfast. Such a long drive for one evening, bless them. Nelle left soon after. The rain last night was very hard. I hope everyone got home O.K. I was too excited to sleep much last night. Am sleepy today.

 

March 30, 1958

Went to church and S.S. found people still happy and uplifted over their pleasure in doing a fine and generous thing. And truly it was wonderfully well carried out. Drove back to Stillwater in the P.M. Heard a lovely rendition of the Messiah in the Presbyterian Church here. 

 

March 31, 1958

I made out an application for my passport. Unless something prevents I will take a trip to Europe this semester using the unexpected salary I received this winter. The main attraction is East Germany, Poland, and the USSR.

 

April 1, 1958

Just a busy day, My classes come on Tues. and Thurs. The sun shone for a wonder.

 

April 2, 1958

I went to Perkins today to take a physical examination (by Dr. Freed) for my trip. I am certainly a perfect physical specimen. Went to the radio center and had two interviews recorded. About Indians. Raining again.

 

April 3, 1958

Bright beautiful day. Easter vacation began at noon. Kay is staying because of her office job. I got a permanent. In the evening I went to the Writers’ Club at Colleen Green’s.

 

April 4, 1958

I wrote letters all day – have many “Thank You” notes to write. The sun shone but the wind rose and the dust came. Kay went home this evening. John Melton took me to see poor old Pistol Pete at Perkins but he is too ill to see anybody.

 

April 5, 1958

Windy day. A fine graduate student from OU named Heyer came with his lovely Korean wife to see me. He is undertaking an investigation of some dirty work being done by the Ind. Bureau to the Ft. Sill Apaches – will report to the Assn. on Am. Ind. Aff. I got a shot in each arm this morning getting ready for Europe, and they got so sore I didn’t drive home.

 

April 6, 1958

Drove to Marshall and went to church – communion service. Went home with the Pete Fickens – enjoyed it very much. Came back to Stillwater in the middle of the P.M. One arm getting better. The other getting worse. Mean windy day.

 

April 7, 1958

I wrote letters all day in answer to the fine ones I got for my party. School will start tomorrow. My arm is pretty sore. The other getting better.

 

April 8, 1958

Taught my classes today. Felt rather weak on account of the bad shot. (Tetanus I guess. One arm is tetanus, one typhoid. I’ve forgotten which.) Raining this evening. Kay came in last night after I went to bed.

 

April 9, 1958

Spoke about Indian policy to a very fine group of women – Altar Guild – at the Catholic Church this evening. Before that, Mary Graves and Mrs. Nettleton and Lovely young Anne took me out to dinner.

 

April 10, 1958

Pretty tired this evening but went to Bible reading class and felt strangely rested as I always do after association with that group. Threatened rain and sprinkled off and on all day. Today the students are celebrating Western Week. They look very attractive in “Western” dress.

 

April 11, 1958

I worked as hard as I could at odds and ends of writing but never once got to the letters still in the box from my lovely party two weeks ago. I have answered about 90, but many still remain.

 

April 12, 1958

Got another shot. The Apaches came to see me this forenoon – fine people, fullbloods, intelligent, honest. Benedict Jozhe & Mr. & Mrs. Kawaykle. They were certainly singled out for dirty work by the Indian Bureau. I was so busy with their problem I gave up my trip home. Philemon Berry came also. Started misty sprinkles this evening.

 

April 13, 1958

I was pretty tired last night and so didn’t drive to Marshall this morning. Attended Methodist Church here. Fine sermon. Heard at church that Loretta & Bob Cheatham have baby girl (Edith) born yesterday. I went out to the hospital & saw Loretta briefly. Pearl, Elmer & Mary were there. The baby is the most beautiful I ever saw – weighs 8 lbs. – not red, just white with pink cheeks, heavenly blue eyes, a lovely little face like Jerry Jo’s.

 

April 14, 1958

Nothing that I remember – making late entry.

 

April 15, 1958

[No entry]

 

April 16, 1958

The sun shone – which seldom happens this spring. I took Edith Greenwood to Marshall to visit the school, while I cut weeds out of my wet flower garden. Probably I just transplanted instead of killing them but I hope I inconvenienced them a little.

 

April 17, 1958

Sun shone this morning but it rained a little this evening. I attended banquet and initiation of Pi Gamma Mu.

 

April 18, 1958

Didn’t rain much last night. Sun with showery looking clouds today. Met young Dr. Beer, who will probably be employed on history faculty next year.

 

April 19, 1958

Didn’t go home today. Have forgotten why not. Failed to make entry The redbuds are just coming out into glorious bloom – because of the late spring they will be at their best on Apr. 22 – as the ‘89ers remember them. Rain with lightning coming up in evening.

 

April 20, 1958

Hard rain last night. Beautiful bright day. I went to church at Stillwater in the morning. Could have gone home but didn’t want to get tired. At 5 took the bus for Tulsa. Am staying at Hotel Tulsa. Redbuds glorious all the way.

 

April 21, 1958

Took plane at 8:15 – non-stop flight to International Airport in New York – reached at 2 P.M. (and lost an hour with change of time besides). Am at Barbizon Plaza. Had conference this evening with LaVerne Madigan on Okla. Indian situation. Nice day – same as Okla.

 

April 22, 1958

Attended meeting of Assn. on Am. Ind. Aff. at Natural History Museum. Dinner and Board meeting in evening. It was midnight when I was ready for bed. Raining all evening. 

 

April 23, 1958

Got up at 5, which was earlier than I needed to catch 7:45 plane at LaGuardia airport. Raining in N.Y. Found weather very hot at Tulsa – 90+. Still lovely redbuds, trees popped out in leaf while I was gone. Spring late but here. Got home 4:25. Kay came after me with my car.

 

April 24, 1958

I taught my classes. Was not especially tired, but got sleepy early. Nice cool day. Yesterday was a freak. Dr. Knight gav took over while I was gone – gave exam I had prepared. Now blue books to grade! Got one set of blue books graded and some correspondence off

 

April 25, 1958

Flora Ward’s father took a heart attack unexpectedly at his place of business and died soon after. We had our Bible class at Lula McClure’s – will send $10 to heart fund as our expression to Flora.

 

April 26, 1958

Got another set of blue books graded. Arline Van Hanen is here visiting Kay. Threatened rain but didn’t. I went this evening to Faculty Club dinner as guest of Ruth Hammond. Grace there – also Lula McClure, Cherrie Garrett, & Mary Graves.

 

April 27, 1958

April 29 – turned 2 pages. Lovely Flora Ward’s Failed to make entry Apr. 29 – can’t remember anything but teaching, attending faculty meeting, and giving late exam at 5. Probably nothing but hard work today.

 

April 28, 1958<

April 30 turned two pages. Took Edith Greenwood and drove to O.C. – staying overnight with Thelma Bailey. Will start at 7 tomorrow on historical tour of Okla. Hist. Society. Lovely coolish day – not raining.

 

April 29, 1958<

April 27 Turned two page I went to church in Stillwater this morning. In the P.M. went to picture show and saw the greatly-Oscared “Bridge on the River Kwai.” It deserved all the Oscars – very fine. This evening Pearl Boyce came and visited a little while. Threatened rain but didn’t.

 

April 30, 1958

April 28 – turned two pages. Rained last night. I finished my last set of blue books. Also finished the last “Thank You” for about 200 letters sent me March 28.

 

May 1, 1958

Started on time – went through Chickasha, Rush Springs, Waurika; stopped at Grandfield for lunch; Frederick, Altus; at Blair saw artifacts collected by Mrs. Mayme Winters at mouth of Devil’s Canyon. Raining hard from Altus on Grandfield on. Staying at lodge in Quartz Mt. State Park. Lovely. Wonderful wheat

 

May 2, 1958 <

High point of trip. Hiked down thru Devil’s Canyon. Came out at mouth where Catlin’s painting showed the Wichita village. A Wichita, Mr. Bates, was along. Threatening rain but didn’t. Spent P.M. at Granite, Lone Wolf grave, big pecan, site of Camp Radziminski. At lodge again tonight. Cool day – wonderful wheat.

 

May 3, 1958

Spent morning at Ft. Sill-met Jason Betzinez, Mrs. Birdsong, and other Indians there. On way back stopped at El Meta Bond site. Reached O.C. about 5. Went to outdoor dinner at home of Daphne Lance & mother – good conversation afterwards. Staying with Bailey. Beautiful wheat.

 

May 4, 1958

Put Edith on bus. Then I drove to Norman for conference with Claude Heyer. Got back to Stillwater about 3 P.M. Altogether this was a wonderful trip. Tire down on way back – ruined it – three good men from Stillwater came to rescue.

 

May 5, 1958

My tires are all getting old. I ruined one yesterday – had to replace it. Found Hulls had 2 nylon Firestones worth $34 they got at a bargain & can sell for $25 so I took both. Will get 2 others after European trip.

 

May 6, 1958

I neglected to make entry. I don’t remember anything in particular except that the sun was shining and the day was lovely.

 

May 7, 1958

Lovely day. I drove to Marshall and for the first time this year I really hoed my flower garden. Always before it has been too wet to do anything but transplant the weeds. I also put away things in the closet, etc.

 

May 8, 1958

Rained last night – sprinkled some today. I took Edith Greenwood to place where Permian laps over Pennsylvania, Round Mts. battle marker, and house built by Pawnee Rice about 1875 or 76 – years before opening to white settlers in 1893.

 

May 9, 1958

I went to Norman to be ready to attend Am. Indian Institute. Rode down with a mature student of mine – Mr. Boyd. Had conference with LaVerne Madigan. Staying with her in Lockett Hotel while her boy Fergus goes camping with Mr. Boyd & his boys.

 

May 10, 1958

Attended Institute. Came back to Stillwater in LaVerne’s rented car. She is staying at Student Union Club. She picked up Fergus in Stillwater this evening. He did not enjoy his outing much – prefers movies to camping.

 

May 11, 1958

Took LaVerne and Fergus to Twin Mounds battlefield and place where Permian Redbeds laps over older rocks. Beautiful day. In afternoon I took them thru the library. Then she and Fergus drove to the City to take morning plane.

 

May 12, 1958

Driving up from Norman Sat. evening with low necked dress – and I failed to put my coat on – in the cool breeze my throat got cold. I find I have a rather bad cough on my lungs and low in my throat.

 

May 13, 1958

May 15 Cold worse but I got thru my classes. On May 15 gave exam – really a final to all three of my classes. Still bothered with cold.

 

May 14, 1958

Cold so bad I lay down part of the day. I had no classes today.

 

May 15, 1958

May 13 I was awake much of the night coughing and was about sick all day. I had to dismiss my third class (last one for the day) because my voice gave out. Stayed in my office all afternoon, however. May 13 entry.

 

May 16, 1958

Worked all day grading papers – got one section graded. Also all the seniors of the three classes for those must be turned in tomorrow.

 

May 17, 1958

Graded another section. Turned in senior grades. In evening had dinner at Union coffee shop with Alice Hastings.

 

May 18, 1958

Took Alice & Lois Hastings and Esther Anderson to Marshall this morning. Beautiful day beautiful wheat. Found I had peonies, lovely roses, beautiful iris and the finest white and red clematis I ever saw blooming in my garden. After church we ate at cafe, drove around to see the wheat and got back at three.

 

May 19, 1958

I finished the third section of exam papers today. In the evening attended Payne Co. Hist. Society meeting where Edith Greenwood showed beautiful pictures of our historical town and I told their historical significance.

 

May 20, 1958

I do not remember anything in particular – am making late entry. I am getting a little sad to think I shall not see those fine students of mine any more.

 

May 21, 1958

Mrs. Garrett took Mary Graves and me to dinner this evening at Clift’s then Mary took us driving.

 

May 22, 1958

Last day for my classes. I have had a fine enthusiastic bunch of kids this semester. I really love them. I love young people anyhow. 

 

May 23, 1958

Kay finished her classes this morning worked this P.M., and went home at five. What a joy she has been to me all winter. The most fortunate thing that ever happened to me was to have her with me.

 

May 24, 1958

I worked at odds and ends – packing etc. – also getting my grades in. Then in P.M. went to Marshall with a load. Put away things and cleaned one room – my bedroom. Had hoped to clean the whole house but didn’t make it.

 

May 25, 19958

Very light shower last night. We needed more Went to S.S. and church in the morning. Took dinner with Kay’s family. Enjoyed it very much. I think a great deal of Fern and Wilbert. Came back in the P.M. Commence [commencement] & bace. [baccalaureate] in fieldhouse stadium in evening.

 

May 26, 1958

Started tearing up my apartment and packing. Always dread it – and this time I do especially because I like the apt. so much. Took down curtains, took up rugs, carried things to attic which I hauled down last fall. Also hauled down boxes. Very hot day. Tired.

 

May 27, 1958

I took down pictures and packed them. Not all done but quit because I got so tired. Very hot day. Got my smallpox vaccination. This finishes the shots. Very light shower last night.

 

May 28, 1958

Threatened rain this morning but cleared off. I worked all forenoon finishing my packing. Esther Anderson had a lovely dinner for me so I didn’t have to stop work – also could pack my dishes. At three Wilbert Seefeldt with Kay and Margaret Windler came with a pickup and moved me home. I didn’t get much unpacking done – too tired.

 

May 29, 1958

Again, threatened rain this morning.  I unpacked all day – spent most time on books and files. Got very tired and house looks awful; but I can do more cleaning up tomorrow. Straightening files is slow.

 

May 30, 1958

I went to the cemetery early this morning. (Lovely morning- light shower last night.) Because of lateness of season I had roses, purple clematis, and Jap. Iris for graves. Rest of day I finished files and cleaned my study sit it looks nice. The rest of the house is awful.

 

May 31, 1958

Spent much of forenoon on some necessary Indian correspondence. Then cleaned bathroom, hall, living room, and dining room, all of kitchen but floor – too tired to finish. Have bedroom closet and back porch still to do.

 

June 1, 1958

Finished cleaning the kitchen – even though it was Sunday. Attended the annual outdoor church service and picnic at Pete Ficken’s – fine service. Went with Schaefer sisters. In evening we went for a long drive. The white wheat is ripening fast and is lovely.

 

June 2, 1958

Cleaned the back porch and the bedroom closet – which finished the indoor job. We are having quite a dry spell but the subsoil moisture is still there. I have beautiful roses and purple clematis and the wheat is lovely enough to break one’s heart.

 

June 3, 1958

I went with the Marshall Woman’s Club to the final picnic meeting at Daisy Thompson’s lovely home near Tonkawa, and of course Griff – but this is women’s doings. The beautiful, beautiful wheat, tall and golden and showing the lovely sweep of the prairie. One combine had started.

 

June 4, 1958

First wheat came to Marshall elevator today. I worked hard on correspondence in morning. In P.M. went to Women’s Guild at church – in evening to lodge.

 

June 5, 1958

Just worked all day.

 

June 6, 1958

Worked some more. Most of my work these days is Indian business.

 

June 7, 1958

Light shower last night. (Or was it the night of June 6? I am making late entry.) A considerable amount of wheat came in today – not a procession the length of Main Street but the trucks did have to wait to unload.

 

June 8, 1958

Went to church & S.S. The wheat harvest is really getting started. Trucks were waiting to unload at the elevator at 8:30 P.M.

 

June 9, 1958

I drove to Stillwater and attended to a number of things – like getting extra key made for my brief case before I take it to Europe. It was a hot day and I got tired. Before I started I went out in the field and took picture of combine.

 

June 10, 1958

Wheat harvest is really going. This is an ideal harvest – beautiful tall grain, immense yield, perfect harvest weather. But because the straw is so tall it ignites from truck exhaust and hundreds of acres have been burned. One fire started today (I think – may have been June 11) in Mewherter’s field burned five acres but our fire dept. got it stopped.  

 

June 11, 1958

It was June 11. Burned 25 A. – 5 A. uncut. For a time our elevator ran out of cars and the trucks lined up the whole length of Main Street. I took a picture – then went out to Pete Ficken’s & took one with drilling oil well in background. This evening a light shower came up with much lightning and threat of tornado.

 

June 12, 1958

I suppose the rain really didn’t delay harvest much. Probably started a little late in the morning. A surprising percentage is cut now. I took Olga Schaefer and drove to Guthrie to see Mrs. Hawkins. Found her very pleasantly situated.

 

June 13, 1958

Edith Greenwood and Elizabeth Brock came over for a brief visit this evening. Edith will leave June 16. It makes me sad to realize England is so far away. She will go to the west coast and return to Eng. Shortly after I return to the U.S. She was greatly interested in the constant loads of wheat dumping at the elevators.

 

June 14, 1958

Ruby Hall told me her men worked at the combines last night till midnight then stopped because the elevators closed. No dew so started work at 7:30 this morning. This is the most wonderful wheat harvest I have ever seen – tall beautiful grain, immense yield, perfect weather. It is unbelievable how much is done already.

 

June 15, 1958

I went to church & S.S. Poor old Mr. McElroy was buried this P.M. I didn’t go to the funeral – lay down to rest and went to sleep till too late to go. We had about the prettiest light shower late this P.M. that I ever saw. It won’t delay harvest long and everything else needed it. 478,000 bu. brought to elevator up to now.

 

June 16, 1958

Had a good rain today – about 1½ in. – the first real rain for a long time. We needed it even though we still have subsoil moisture. Nearly all the wheat is cut, and it didn’t damage that still standing if it quits now. I drove thru the downpour to a lecture at Stillwater at 9 A.M by Dr. Barghoon, a Russian expert. Another in the evening at Phi Alpha Theta dinner. Am staying with Pearl Boyce.

 

June 17, 1958

Stayed to hear another lecture at 2 P.M. – then came home. I had several things to do in Stillwater – also people to visit. This morning Helen Peterson called to say Helen Maynor is coming to do a Cheyenne & Arapaho survey. I told Mrs. P. I would try to watch out for her. She is the lovely young daughter of the Lumlee judge who was in the news last fall at the time the Indians routed the Ku Klux Klan.

 

June 18, 1958

Helen Maynor called today from O.C. so I drove to Guthrie and met her and brought her home with me. She is lovely. No provision has been made for transportation, so I must help her work it out. We had a hard shower this P.M. Lovely, but holds back harvest.

 

June 19, 1958

Dale Wilson loaned Helen a car today. (We could have taken mine but he was good enough to do it.) We drove to O.C. to pick up her mail, then to Concho and met Joe Pedro, young able C.&A. tribal secy. They talked about her work and plans, and he will call tribal chairman to see about transportation.

 

June 20, 1958

The telephone call about Helen’s transportation got thru this P.M. So I took her to Concho and left her there and the tribe will take care of her. It rained again last night. No wheat cut since Sunday. David Friend reported highest yield so far – 20 A yielded 63 bu per A.

 

June 21, 1958

Rained again last night. Good for everything but a few fields of unharvested wheat. The wind came from the north and it was really cold this morning – stayed cool all day. I would have lighted my furnace only I had moved the furniture in front of it.

 

June 22, 1958

Lovely day. Cold in the morning but I closed my house and kept fairly warm. I went to S.S. and church – Dean away so I taught the S.S. class and Roland Ficken conducted the preaching service. In the evening the Johnson sisters, Helen Stuart, and Ruth Moyer called Mr. Bryson is very ill – had a stroke last week.

 

June 23, 1958

It got warm – not very warm I worked hard on the next issue of the Okla. Indian Newsletter, which I hope to get finished before I leave. I put it off until the last minute because Mr. Timmons’ plans are not made. But I can’t delay any longer.

 

June 24, 1958

It got warm – not very warm, but warm – and a disagreeable high wind blew. It was good for the wheat and the combining started about noon and went fast – first day since the rain on June 15. A cloud is coming up this evening. Maxine Haworth called today – visiting in Okla. and attending to business in Stillwater.

 

June 25, 1958

The siren blew at 11:30 last night and everybody went to the cellar. It rained but nothing serious. Then about 3 A.M. it rained very hard – about 2 in. – and the wind blew, but I didn’t wake up. Very cold north wind today. I kept the oven lighted all day to keep from freezing. I went to lodge this evening. The sky cleared in late P.M. and is lovely.

 

June 26, 1958

Cold day but I kept the house closed and kept fairly warm. It was a beautiful day – golden sunshine, green grass, clear sparkling air. No combining yet. The Schaefer girls called this evening. I enjoyed them so much. Got my Newsletter finished today.

 

June 27, 1958

Beautiful day – beautiful world. This is the most perfect spring I ever saw – subsoil moisture, good rains, no floods, perfect harvest weather – except it started rain too soon. But they combined again today. It was cold in the morning but got warm, not hot. I collected things ready to pack.

 

June 28, 1958

Sort of a mean day – not hot but considerable wind. But wind is good for the wheat harvest. Some fields on bottom land where the heavy straw is lying down are still too wet to combine. I packed today.

 

June 29, 1958

Not so very warm – didn’t use fans in church. Went to S.S. & church. Chas. Burchardt conducted the service, wonderful sermon. Then the Schaefer girls took me to the bus at Covington, I am in Tulsa having a wonderful visit with Floy & John Cobb.

 

June 30, 1958

Floy & John took me to the plane and I came to N.Y. Am staying in Church World Service Center. Attended dinner at Pilgrim Cong. Church and met rest of the party. It is really hot in New York.

 

July 1, 1958

Had very interesting orientation sessions today. N.Y. is terribly hot – and no air conditioning such as we have in Okla. I am going this evening to see “Sunrise at Campobello.” Later – Show was fine.

 

July 2, 1958

Had very interesting tour thru UN this morning. Terribly hot day. Hard afternoon in heat getting bags packed – hot at airport – hot in plane (which was late about starting), but finally got off and into cool. upper air comfo Crowded in plane – cramped space.

 

July 3, 1958

Didn’t sleep much but greatly thrilled with dawn, especially looking down on England. Got settled in hotel. Then spent wonderful late P.M. in boat ride from Westminster Bridge to Tower. Deeply moved at seeing places I have long known in feeling.

 

July 4, 1958

Really cold – wool suit & sweater. Went to a meeting this fore-noon with some people from British Council of Churches. Not especially interesting. In P.M. to a Fourth of July reception at residence of Ambassador Whitney (5000 invitations went out.) I didn’t care much for it either.

 

July 5, 1958

Cold – raining some. Wonderful day. Went in morning to Buckingham Palace to see changing of guards. Walked back thru Strand. Wonderful bus sightseeing tour - Tower of London. St. Paul’s. Play “Flowering Cheery” at night- Haymarket Theatre. Also saw “Old Curiosity Shop”

 

July 6, 1958

Also went to Hyde Park in P.M. Church (Methodist) Donald Soper at Kingsway Hall. British Museum in P.M. – Magna Carta, Elgin Marbles, Rosetta Stone. Church in evening King’s Weigh House (Cong.) Daniel Jenkins. He came to dinner with us and gave an extremely interesting talk after. Cool – not so cold.

 

July 7, 1958

Ministry of Health in morning. Also Westminster Abbey. Atomic Energy in afternoon. Then to Parl. Houses – met several members & had tea – Llewellyn Wms. Of Wales took us over the building and some of us even went into gallery & saw H. of Commons in session. High point of whole trip. Two members came to dinner with us & discussed international issues – Labor & Con.

 

July 8, 1958

Packed up & went on bus to Oxford – Bodleian Library. Lincoln College, Mansfield College, Oxford Oh yes Blenheim. Then Stratford-on-Avon and went to performance of the Pericles. Brilliantly staged. First day the sun has shone – wonderful experience driving through green countryside.

 

July 9, 1958

Another lovely drive thru sunny day to London. Stopped at Warwick Castle. Blenheim was crude and ostentatious. This is real. Got to airport about 2. Came to Paris. Lovely crossing – saw white cliffs. Dorothy & Dub Curtis & their boy (Kenny) & girl (Jeanne) I think) were at hotel to meet me. Dear kids! I stayed and visited with them.

 

July 10, 1958

Interesting meetings with political writers – one not so good with a Protestant pastor. Very interesting tour over the city – Notre Dame, Invalides, Champs Eleses [sic], Louvre, etc. Sunny day. Lovely Paris.

 

July 11, 1958

Went out to headquarters of SHAPE in forenoon and listened to a briefing. Louvre in P.M. – Mona Lisa, Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo. Went to opera in evening – saw beautiful ballet, Romeo & Juliet, and some dances supposedly of a Russian tribe (grass huts) who captured a prince. Prince Igor.

 

July 12, 1958

Spent a most profitable day in a farm village – learned about a co-op surprisingly like Marshall – visited a farm – ate in the village restaurant. Then went thru Versailles. In evening some of us took an unforgettable boatride on the Seine. Everything breaking out in flags for Bastille Day.

 

July 13, 1958

Had a devotional service together and a sort of evaluation of our impressions. Took plane for Frankfort – bus to Bonn. Left some purchases in Paris hotel – dumb me! – and spent evening straightening it out. Some of party went to a concert at the Lutheran church.

 

July 14, 1958

Sparkling weather. Went to Bundeshaus (not in session) – to U.S. embassy where German leader spoke of econ, political, & religious, & social situation in Germany. Saw Beethoven’s birthplace. More leades discussion at Hous of Inter Nations in P.M. Walk in evening.

 

July 15, 1958

Bus to Coblenz – boat up Rhine to Wiesbaden. Lovely and romantic. Good hotel – bath in room! First restful relaxed day we have had. Had wonderful meeting with leaders of Gossner Mission in evening – but hard to keep awake.

 

July 16, 1958

Drove over Wiesbaden and Maintz [sic]. Still effects of bomb damage. Then to Frankfort. Luncheon at Ratskeller. Saw Deaconess Mother House. Plane to Berlin. Some rain. Pilot announced, “You are now passing over street named for a great humanitarian, Stalin Alee.”

 

July 17, 1958

Saw Amerika Haus, had interview with Bishop Dibelius. Visited famous training center for deaconssses and settlement of refugee from the East Zone – had interesting talk at hotel from man in charge of public relations for Hilfswerk. Very interesting day.

 

July 18, 1958

Visited a refugee camp & a theological seminary in the forenoon. In the P.M. took a tour through East Berlin. Impressed by the show street of Stalin Allee and the rubble elsewhere. Beauty of Russian war memorial almost overwhelming.

 

July 19, 1958

Free morning. (We) several of us had our hair washed and set. Started at 11:15 to East Berlin & into East Zone to airport. Beautiful day. Level land with weediest fields I ever saw. Took low-flying bumpy Polish plane for Warsaw. Lodged in towering Orbis – owned new Grand Hotel.

 

July 20, 1958

Attended a Methodist service – very moving. Before it the pastor spent 1½ hours with us explaining religious situation here. In evening went to a Polish opera – very fine. Shabbily dressed people crowd in to see & hear. They love music.

 

July 21, 1958

Took a tour of the city this day morning. In P.M. drove out to birthplace of Chopin. Beautiful land (west of Warsaw) – stable looking farmsteads, people working small patches with primitive equipment. Meeting with Ernest Helperin in evening.

 

July 22, 1958

Holiday – celebrating the creation of the Dublin govt. in ’44. People clearly not interested in the meaning but enjoying the holiday. Gout bldgs. ablaze with flags. Great celebration at Lodz. Things closed so we walked around, went thru park, mixed in crowd milling around culture palace, also went to top of bldg. & saw the city.

 

July 23, 1958

Went to country, visited great house of former noble family. It rained and the trip was somewhat spoiled. First time weather has interfered. In evening dined out at swank city-owned restaurant – the Crocodile – in unbombed former cellar of old town. Cold. Wore wool suit.

 

July 24, 1958

Not much Nothing in particular planned. I believe This was the day we called at office of Cardinal Received by secy. Cardinal absent. Walked to American (embassy I think consulate) and received interesting briefing. Then two of us visited in home of a young Polish woman who spoke French. Husband & 3 brothers killed in uprising. Got ready to leave in evening but plane did not fly because of storm over Vilna.

 

July 25, 1958

After another night at hotel where we had once checked out took 6:30 A.M. plane for Moscow. Long wait at Moscow airport. Got pretty tired. Had tour of city in late P.M. Strange, beautiful, fabulous city. Proud, energetic, confident people.

 

July 26, 1958

Spent all morning visiting agricultural exhibits. Supposed to do same in industry but some of us left party, came back to motel and walked to Red Square – also went thrugh [sic] great GUM store. In evening went to fine puppet show.

 

July 27, 1958

Went to famous church and monastery at Zagorsk. Impressed by intensity of worshippers. In evening went to Baptist church. Very hot and people were packed in aisles and out in before open doors.

 

July 28, 1958

Rained all morning. Cloudy in P.M. Saw subway and visited Am. embassy in morning. Shopped in P.M. (intended to visit Kremlin) and in evening saw some wonderful dancers from Ukraine.

 

July 29, 1958

Visited director Institute of Public Health in morning. Very graciously received. At noon visited Lenin Mausoleum. In P.M. visited Kremlin. In evening took train for Leningrad. Threatened rain but didn’t.

 

July 30, 1958

Reached Leningrad this morning forenoon. Staying at Metropole Hotel. Took tour of city. Then visited St. Isaac’s cathedral. Bright day – warm. Staying at October Hotel.

 

July 31, 1958

Bright beautiful day. In the morning we drove out to Peterhoff. Saw subway on return from Peterhoff – very fine. In the P.M. we went through the gloomy old prison of Peter and Paul and then ironically saw the glories of the cathedral.

 

August 1, 1958

Rained last night. Threatened all day. We went to Hermitage Museum in Old Winter Palace, October Revolution Museum near mosque, and History of Religion Museum in Kazan Cathedral. In evening I showed a few Marshall pictures to our guide.

 

August 2, 1958

Visited a pedriatic clinic. Very much impressed by the good work they are doing in an old well-scrubbed building. Went to dinner at Europa Hotel and to an Nl Esthonian a Lithuanian ballet. Some Finns rode back with us in our bus to the hotel.

 

August 3, 1958

Wonderful all-day journey on r.r. to Helsinki. Passed through run-down Karelia (Viipuri is a ghost city), crossed the barrier and breathed free air. Thrifty farmers on poor land – good cows, skee [sic] jumps, saunas. Fine meal at Helsinki with friendly people, living in the shadow of fear but unafraid.

 

August 4, 1958

Tour of city – lovely city. Some brief shopping. Briefed on co-operatives, visited a church a new Lutheran church and had meeting with free church leaders. Took plane in evening – rode through a blazing western sky (rainbow under us) to Stockholm. 

 

August 5, 1958

Briefed on religion and politics. Then visit to labor court. In P.M. tour to new suburb, Vällingby and to Drottningholm Palace. Dinner at Skansen Park and walk over park. Some went to a variety show. I rested. Rainy dismal day.

 

August 6, 1958

Morning shopping, (I got my hair done instead.) Lunch at restaurant Gondolen overlooking the water. Visit to pottery and china factory at Gustavsberg. We feel much at home in Sweden. Still breathing free air.

 

August 7, 1958

Briefed on education. Tour through town hall. Bright lovely day. Wonderful boat trip under the bridges and around the city. Left by plane in early P.M. for London. Bruce met me and I am visiting with him and Girte and Baby Kenny.

 

August 8, 1958

Visited all day with Bruce and his family. He is in the airforce stationed near London. Late at night took plane for New York. It rained dismally all day. We just sat around the fire and visited.

 

August 9, 1958

Arrived at N.Y. Went thru customs with no difficulty. Took noon plane for K.C. so I can report to Bruce’s mother and to Burton and Dorine. They have not seen him for 7 years. One engine went bad but we got in on the other three. Am at the Halsteds’.

 

August 10, 1958

The whole family had a picnic in Swope Park so I could visit them all. A wonderful bunch of young people and babies.  In the P.M. Nellie and George came home and spent the evening with us. Nellie so happy to have this indirect contact with Bruce.

 

August 11, 1958

Took morning plane for Tulsa – afternoon bus for Covington. The Schaefer girls with Marie and Mary met me. I had supper with the Schaefer girls because I had no food at home.

 

August 12, 1958

I spent part of the day clearin hoeing the tall weeds out of my flower garden. I hoed that garden the last thing before I left, but we have had a lovely rainy summer and everything is green – including weeds. I also washed the dirt of two continents off my clothes.

 

August 13, 1958

Hoed out the rest of the weeds. It is pretty hot work. Found my resurrection lily starting to put up a head of bloom – almost buried in weeds. Went to lodge in evening.

 

August 14, 1958

Cleaned my house. And how it needed it! Mrs. Adams called this morning. Poor little thing. She fell and broke several ribs and tore others loose. Is wearing a tight bandage.

 

August 15, 1958

I got most of my accumulated mail sorted and filed and otherwise disposed of. I had been working at it during resting times all week.

 

August 16, 1958

Should be Aug. 17. Went It rained two inches last night. We needed it. It was a lovely cool day. I went to S.S. and church. People were so friendly in welcoming me home it warmed the cockles of my heart. Layman service. The Millers are on vacation.

 

August 17, 1958

Should be Aug. 16. Our beautiful new postoffice [sic] was dedicated today. The most attractive I have ever seen. And George is so proud of it. They really moved in Thursday evening and opened for business yesterday.

 

August 18, 1958

George Beeby asked me to write a history of the postoffice [sic] for the paper and so I worked on it. Gave it to George this P.M. Not a very hot day.

 

August 19, 1958

Worked on my notes. I am having difficulty in some cases reading. Too much happened after I wrote them.

 

August 20, 1958

Rained all day – hard at times but nice. It will do much good and no harm. I got my first roll of developed pictures. England. Some are very good but I am not able to identify all of them. Too much happened after I took them. Went to lodge this evening.

 

August 21, 1958

Nice cool day. Cleared off slowly. I went to O.C. – rode with Dr. Briggs at organization meeting of Okla. Advisory Board of Civil Rights Commission. Impressed at the type of people who serve on it.

 

August 22, 1958

[No entry]

 

August 23, 1958

I am still working on my notes. Sprinkling this evening. Not much water falling.

 

August 24, 1958

Bright beautiful cool day. I went to S.S. and church. The Millers are back. It was good to have Dean in the pulpit again. Last time I heard him preach was June 29.

 

August 25, 1958

[No entry]

 

August 26, 1958

I am working these days on the notes of my European trip.

 

August 27, 1958

Nothing in particular happens these days. It is still cool nights and not very hot days. This evening I went to lodge. We are trying to work up a little skill for an initiation Sept. 3.

 

August 28, 1958

Two fine young people, Chas. And Martha McFatridge drove all the way up from Dallas to see me. They had planned to come yesterday but had car trouble at Paris. I was expecting them tomorrow but they arrived this evening and got a room in town before they called.

 

August 29, 1958

Charles and Martha had breakfast with me and stayed till early P.M. (Dinner down town.) I enjoyed them very much. Charles is greatly interested in writing. They should have stayed overnight with me but they “didn’t want to trouble me” and so got a room in town.

 

August 30, 1958

I did a few things to get ready for Mary and Max Shank who are coming to visit me tomorrow. At this time last year Max wanted a divorce and Mary was heartbroken and I was desperately worried about her; but their story had a happy ending.

 

August 31, 1958

Went to S.S. and church. Then fried a sal chicken, made a salad, etc. for a cold supper. Mary and Max came at four. They look wonderful but Mary turned sick – we don’t know why. But we enjoyed our visit. They are interested in my European pictures.

 

September 1, 1958

Mary and Max left this forenoon. Mary is still far from well. We do not know the cause. But it is wonderful to see them and to see them together. Practiced this evening for lodge initiation Wednesday.

 

September 2, 1958

Nothing in particular happened. I am still working on my European notes.

 

September 3, 1958

We initiated Mrs. Hill in the lodge this evening. I attended church Women’s Guild in P.M. Went to Stillwater to take my record player to repair shop. Had visit with Hammonds and Ester Anderson.

 

September 4, 1958

Hot day. I just worked. Nothing happened. Weather not very hot these days.

 

September 5, 1958

[No entry]

 

September 6, 1958

[No entry]

 

September 7, 1958

Light shower last night – about ½ inch. I went to S.S. and church. Then drove to Stillwater and rode with John Melton and Berlin Chapman to old Ingalls where they had an Old Timers Picnic and I spoke.

 

September 8, 1958

I believe this was the day we had another light shower. Could have been Sept. 9.

 

September 9, 1958

Marshall Woman’s Club had luncheon meeting with Mrs. Stuerke. Very nice luncheon and pleasant conversation. At meeting year books were given out and I spoke about my European trip.

 

September 10, 1958

Good rain early this morning. In evening I went to lodge. Mavin Foor and one of the Harmon boys called.

 

September 11, 1958

I drove to Stillwater and got my record player. The man said it required only a slight adjustment – no charge. I brought it home rejoicing and found it still had a roaring so cannot use it. I drove 140 miles in all – and then didn’t accomplish anything.

 

September 12, 1958

Started to write article for United Church Herald about our European tour. Sadie called.

 

September 13, 1958

Finished and mailed article.

 

September 14, 1958

Went to S.S. and church. Drove up to Covington in P.M. to visit with Ferrol Butts. Looks like rain – in fact sprinkled a little this evening. Cool day.

 

September 15, 1958

Rained last night and much of morning. Cool day. A fire would even feel good but too much work to light furnace.

 

September 16, 1958

I forget whether it was Sept. 16 or 17 I lighted furnace. Anyhow I lighted it.

 

September 17, 1958

Cold day. I attended the dinner the Lions give annually to the teachers. Delightful occasion – good food. Then I showed my Russian slides. People seemed to enjoy them as much as I do. They showed up fine on the screen.

 

September 18, 1958

I went to Guthrie Enid this P.M. and took my record player. Winnie Schaefer went along. We visited poor little Mrs. Hawkins. Found her well cared for but depressing to be with so many old sick people. Saw Mary Miller who is recovering nicely from a complicated operation.

 

September 19, 1958

My European article came back with good words and a few suggestions of minor changes. I worked on it and mailed it. It will be published in Oct.

 

September 20, 1958

[No entry]

 

September 21, 1958

Went to S.S. and church in morning. Loafed in P.M. Miss my record player.

 

September 22, 1958

Went to Enid and got my record player. Olga Schaefer went along. We called on Mrs. Hawkins; then stopped at hospitals and saw Mary Miller, Chas. Burchardt, Mrs. Wycoff, and Ruby McGee.

 

September 23, 1958

Went to Club at Mrs. Baugh’s. AM a fullblood Choctaw boy named (of all things!) Dalton James came by selling magazine subscriptions to help himself thru college. (Of course I subscribed) He lives at McCurtain.

 

September 24, 1958

Went to lodge. Warm day – warm dry wind. I even used my air conditioner in the afternoon.

 

September 25, 1958

I failed to make entry. Can’t remember that anything happened.

 

September 26, 1958

Lovely quick light shower this afternoon.

 

September 27, 1958

[No entry]

 

September 28, 1958

Went to S.S. and church. After this I shall be teaching a class myself. I have certainly enjoyed being in Bill Schaefer’s class. In the evening I showed pictures and told about the situation in divided Germany.

 

September 29, 1958

Took a long hard trip to see some Indians at Wewoka to get some case histories for a man who is writing a magazine article. My trip was a failure – 300 mi there and back. I ran into several showers but it didn’t rain here.

 

September 30, 1958

I didn’t get much done. Spent most of day recovering from my trip. Cold, miserable cloudy day.

 

October 1, 1958

Bright beautiful day. I went with other members of the Women’s Guild to a retreat at Lake Carl Blackwell – Camp Redlands. Very fine.

 

October 2, 1958

[No entry]

 

October 3, 1958

Got a permanent. Learned that Mabel Cromer died last night. It makes me very sad. She was a lovely woman and her life spanned the whole history of this community. Was ten yrs. old when her father staked his claim and founded and named Marshall. Also learned Mr. McCall is giving up his home here. Sad about that too.

 

October 4, 1958

Nothing much happened. I am preparing to review Inside Russia to a book club at Stillwater Monday P.M. and to show my pictures to the AAUW in the evening.

 

October 5, 1958

Taught my S.S. class this morning. It was fine. Then attended at church service was World Communion. In P.M. went to Mabel Cromer’s funeral. She looked lovely in her coffin just like the girl who clerked at her father’s store when I saw her first in 1899.

 

October 6, 1958

Drove over to Stillwater this P.M. Gave the review to a club in the home of Anna Oursler and her sister, Elizabeth Taylor. In evening showed my pictures at a dinner meeting of the A.A.U.W. Staying with Anna & Elizabeth.

 

October 7, 1958

Drove home this morning. (Did stop downtown to buy a house dress and some everyday shoes just like those I wore – and wore out – in Europe.) In P.M. cleaned my rugs, took down drapes, etc. ready for house cleaning.

 

October 8, 1958

Drove to the City to a meeting of the State Advisory Board of the Civil Rights Commission. Stopped at Crescent and got a buffer to polish my floors. In the evening I waxed the kitchen.

 

October 9, 1958

Alice Pipla (lovely young woman) came to help me and we waxed the floors of all but my study and washed most of washed most of the windows.

 

October 10, 1958

Finished the waxing and window washing this morning. Then I put up curtains, etc. Bertha Moore and her husband came to take care of Mr. McCall’s things. I went down to look at the house. It needs a lot of work and money. I may sell it instead of trying to fix it up.

 

October 11, 1958

For a long time I have been needing a door bell but Robt. Blaney was too busy to install it. Today he did. Then I found my living room light was off. Mrs. Overton is very low. I made a tuna casserole for the family. Gladys is too busy to cook I thought.

 

October 12, 1958

It rained most of the day – lovely soft rain. I drove out early to tell Robert about the lights. Then went to church. Mission festival with dinner. (I brought a cake.) Then fine sermon by Mr. Haerlig of Midwest City in P.M.

 

October 13, 1958

Spent some time with people interested in buying the house vacated by Mr. McCall. Bertha and her husband are here getting rid of the furniture and cleaning it up. So different from most people who vacate.

 

October 14, 1958

Drove to Enid this morning. Rained some in Enid but not here. I got there early enough to visit Ethel Hawkins. Then met bus and brought Luella Reeves home to visit me. So happy to have her.

 

October 15, 1958

A little catch in my back this morning but not serious; I took Luella to Perry to see the Tamac pottery plant. We also stopped and visited the Perry library. Very warm day.

 

October 16, 1958

Drove to Enid to get Luella’s baggage, which failed to come when she did. My back really hurt after the drive. Hot day.

 

October 17, 1958

Drove to Yale and followed the Washington Irving trail across country to south of Stillwater. Luella drove the car because my back is really bothering me. In fact she makes the beds and does most of the work. Hot day.

 

October 18, 1958

Hot day. Nelle Thomas and Blanche Goodwin called. I went to see the doctor and he gave me an ultra sonic [sic] treatment and some medicine. Mrs. Overton still lives – her tenacity is unbelievable.

 

October 19, 1958

Back much better. Doctor’s treatment helped. I took Luella to S.S. and church – taught my S.S. class. In P.M. drove out briefly to take a magazine to Gerry Schaefer. I should have done more social things for Luella except for my back. Hot day.

 

October 20, 1958

Took Luella to bus at Hennessey this morning. Of course had to drive my own car home. It didn’t hurt me, so I took Mrs. Stuerke and went to District Women’s Club workshop at Perry. Very hot day – one needs fans.

 

October 21, 1958

Drove to Perry and spent all day at Woman’s Club convention. Very interesting meeting. Cooler today. I even wore my light wool suit – but it proved too warm. Back almost well.

 

October 22, 1958

Went to tea given by women of Disciples Church. Mrs. O.J. Goulter spoke. She and her husband were missionaries in China and saw the worst of the Communist conquest. Very frightening – horrifying. Back worse.

 

October 23, 1958

[No entry]

 

October 24, 1958

Should be Oct. 24 – late entry. Learned Mrs. Overton last night Warm day Went to see the doctor because my back is still not well. Wrote letters to all members of our European seminar. I had written an article about it for the United Church Herald and an editorial ignoramus had changed it till I wrote the letters to tell my friends I hadn’t written it that way.

 

October 25, 1958

Wrote the editor of United Church Herald asking him to correct the serious error in my article. The whole thing was messed up but one statement embarrasses me very much. Warm day. Learned Mrs. Overton died last night.

 

October 26, 1958

Went to S.S. and church. Mission festival at church. All day meeting with pot luck dinner at noon. Pastor of new Midwest City church gave a very interesting account of his work in the am morning sermon. The family of Mrs. Overton has asked me to help in the service. I took the Overtons’ into the church in 1945.

 

October 27, 1958

Mrs. Overton was buried today in the old South cemetery in sight of the farm where she ran over the unbroken prairie as a child in ’89 and the farm where she spent her early married life with her husband. Dr. Dewitt, Mr. Pierce (the Methodist pastor) and I conducted the service.

 

October 28, 1958

I went to Club meeting at Miller home – took Nelle Thomas along. Very interesting program on UN. After club Nelle took me in her car to Stillwater where we had dinner with Lion’s Club & I showed my pictures. She is staying with me tonight.

 

October 29, 1958

Nelle left this morning after a leisurely breakfast. I think I have never enjoyed a visit with her so much. We are having warm weather all the time and the ground is terribly dry. I consulted Francis Ficken and worked on Guild study for next year.

 

October 30, 1958

Guild workshop at church – all day meeting. Women from all the E. & R. churches in Okla. Next year I am to have charge of the study program. Got many new ideas from workshop. Francis Ficken is our president.

 

October 31, 1958

I worked on documents, letters, etc.  about a difficulty in the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache tribal organization. There is a serious conflict in the tribe and the AAIA has asked Claude Heyer to make a study and report – and I am to help him.

 

November 1, 1958

Claude Heyer and his lovely Korean wife, Eva, came up from Norman and took dinner with me. Then we went over the K.C.A. problems in the afternoon. I am getting a bad cold.

 

November 2, 1958

I went to S.S. (taught my class) and then church. In afternoon I took Olga Schaefer and drove to Stillwater – she to visit friends and I to a party given by the Knights honoring Dr. & Mrs. Beer & Mr. & Mrs. Henderson, new people in the hist. dept. I also called on Esther Anderson. Cold still bothers me.

 

November 3, 1958

Attended S.S. teacher’s council at church. Enjoyed it because of the fine friendly spirit. Still have cold.

 

November 4, 1958

Went to lodge. Only six there. I haven’t attended lately – 3 absences I believe.

 

November 5, 1958

Church Women’s Guild met at home of Elizabeth Diedrich. I was leader.

 

November 6, 1958

Attended general meeting at church this evening. Men made and served pancakes. Very happy evening. Everyone in high spirits. Budget was presented and explained.

 

November 7, 1958

It was Nov. 7. I was not sure if it was Nov. 7 or Nov. Mr. Huffer dug holes for new arbor vitae and trimmed shrubs for me. Worked most all P.M. Dug out my old arbor vitae, which never recovered from late freeze three years ago.

 

November 8, 1958

Got some big fine daffodil bulbs as gift from club I spoke to in Stillwater Oct. 6. Planted 5 in garden, 3 in pots. All I had time for. The soil is so hard I have to chip it.

 

November 9, 1958

Didn’t feel very well. Went to S.S. (didn’t teach my class very well) and church. In P.M. two men (Sam Vogel and Leon Ficken) of Every Member Canvass called to get my contribution to the budget and for a friendly visit.

 

November 10, 1958

The country and town is full of small pretty rats – slow soft-haired, not at all like ordinary rats. I got a trap today – caught four, one right after the other when I set it in the garden. I planted the rest of the daffodils.

 

November 11, 1958

Caught another rat last night (5 in all) but no more today. I drove my car and took passengers to Club meeting at Mrs. Griffin’s in Enid. Nice drive. It was my turn to be on the program. Carpenters started working on McCall house.

 

November 12, 1958

Men still working on my house – inside and outside. I met with committee to at church to plan Guild programs for 1959. Caught no rat – so tonight moved trap to garage.

 

November 13, 1958

Caught rat last night – another during day (7 in all). Worked hard on special issue of Okla. Indian Newsletter. Want to tell about denial to Choctaws of privilege of electing chief.

 

November 14, 1958

Caught another rat last night in garage – 8 in all; 5 in garden, 3 in garage. Sent my Newsletter off to Mr. Timmons. He will reproduce it and send it out. Trace of rain early this morning but it quit.

 

November 15, 1958

See Nov. 17 – turned 2 pages Nov. 17 Another rat in the trap this morning. Total 12. Hard shower this morning with hard wind. But it did no damage apparently and the farmers are happy. Turning cold.  

 

November 16, 1958

Another rat in the trap this morning. Got 2 more this evening. Score now 11 – 5 in garden, 6 in garage. Went to S.S. (taught my class) and church. Got wonderful letter from Dorine. Burton will come down Wed. evening and take me to K.C. for Thanksgiving.

 

November 17, 1958

See Nov. 15 – turned 2 pages Nov 15 No rat last night. Perhaps I have them all. Nothing in particular happened. Cloudy but no rain. It is very dry.

 

November 18, 1958

Another rat in trap this morning. Total now – 13. Unlucky number for rats. Hard freeze last night – first one this year. I have even done without furnace the past week. But yesterday’s shower, which we were so glad to get, was part of a pattern of serious storms over the state. Bowlegs suffered most – other tornadoes here and there.

 

November 19, 1958

No rat last night. It is warm again. Lovely. But the colored leaves are all gone – blown off by hard wind and rain Monday. Went to lodge. Visitors from Perry and Guthrie. Good meeting.

 

November 20, 1958

No rat, so I removed the trap. Guess 13 was the number. Lovely warm day. I had no fire most of the P.M. and evening. Carpenter work goes slow on my house.

 

November 21, 1958

[No entry]

 

November 22, 1958

[No entry]

 

November 23, 2958

Taught my S.S. class and attended church. Burton called – has to go to Chicago, so it will not be convenient for him to bring me back Nov. 29. Wanted to stay till Dec. 6 anyhow. Cold spell struck this evening.

 

November 24, 1958

Dark and overcast – looks as though it could snow but not actually very cold. The asbestos shingles are now going on my house. It is beginning to look pretty well.

 

November 25, 1958

Cleared off this morning and I thought our cold spell was over, but in the P.M. a strong wind came in from the north. But it moderated and is not very cold.

 

November 26, 1958

Cold day – and my four arbor vitae came today of all times. I planted them but it was hard work. Had to let a lot of things go that I had planned for today. Burton and Pearl arrived at 1 A.M.

 

November 27, 1958

Got up at 7 – started at 8 – got to Burton’s home in K.C. at 2:20. Sat down to wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. 16 adults, 7 children. Beautiful snow started in P.M. Families had great difficulty getting home. All made it but the Goslins, who got stranded. Burton put on chains and brought them back to spend night with Nellie.

 

November 28, 1958

Don Hartig came with pain of old chains for the Goslins. Burton brought Goslins and Nellie here – served lunch. Then they started out on return trip to Columbia. Beautiful bright day – snow melting, but roads still slick.

 

November 29, 1958

Burton took me to see Truman Library in morning. In P.M. he and Dorine took me to hotel and I went home with June Hossfield. Then we met at plaza (beautiful Xmas lights) and Burton took me home. Dorine and I suddenly attacked with virus infection.

 

November 30, 1958

Dorine and I spent busy night vomiting. Pretty weak this morning but O.K. I pulled out quicker than Dorine. Burton did the work – ironed two of his shirts. Took train this evening for Chicago.

 

December 1, 1958

Dorine and I spent a pleasant day visiting. We are both weak – Dorine more than I. We hear that other members of the family have been hit in their several homes by the same virus.

 

December 2, 1958

George Billings and Nellie and Caroline and the baby took me to see the lovely Latter Day Saint auditorium in Independence. Then we went to Sibley and had a lovely dinner and fine visit with Don and Willa Harris and their handsome boys. Don showed slides.

 

December 3, 1958

Burton came back from Chicago sick with the same virus, was sick all night on the train. He stayed at home from work and looked pretty weak and wan.

 

December 4, 1958

Burton felt better but still not well. He went after Nellie and brought her here for supper. She works at the store evenings – one hour off for supper.

 

December 5, 1958

Burton still did not feel like working but he insists he will be able to take me home tomorrow. (I wanted to take the train.) I think he really is about over it.

 

December 6, 1958

Burton and Dorine brought me home. I enjoyed the long drive. It was a cold day, in K.C. and here also. My house was pretty cold and it took the furnace a while to warm it up.

 

December 7, 1958

Dorine and Burton left this morning. I actually hated to see them go worse than usual because we had been together so long. Cold day but no snow. I missed S.S. but went to church. There are plans to build on to original bldg.

 

December 8, 1958

Warmed up today but wind rose and it got cold. We are having much cold weather lately. I wrote my Xmas letter today, cut a stencil and Dean Miller will run the copies for me.

 

December 9, 1958

Christmas meeting of Woman’s Club. I showed some of my pictures. Cold day. Threatened to snow or sleet, but didn’t.

 

December 10, 1958

I went to O.C. to meeting of civil rights advisory council. Those meetings are very encouraging. Our state is making good progress. Had trouble starting my car. Drove to lodge and left it on street. Cold day but warming up.

 

December 11, 1958

Albert Pipla fixed my car – points. I am sending out my Xmas letters. I was late this year. Most of the carpenter work is done on my house, and Raymond is doing the papering. The men delayed and took days off during the pleasant weather where it would have been very easy to finish it.

 

December 12, 1958

Started snowing about 10 o’clock – snowed hard all day – lovely soft snow, deep all over ground, no drift. I should guess about 6 in. It stopped by nightfall. It is very cold and everything is closed tight. But I suppose it is very good for the land and the crops. I hope it warms up soon.

 

December 13, 1958

Beautiful bright day but so cold it thawed only a little on the roofs. It stayed around 10°. I am still making Christmas letters.

 

December 14, 1958

Thermometer around 0° even -4° last night. This is a really cold spell. Taught my S.S. class and attended church. Huffer baby baptized. Went to open house at parsonage this P.M. Not so cold tonight I think but there was no thawing today. First time we ever had zero or sub-zero weather before Xmas.

 

December 15, 1958

Not quite so cold last night – 4° above zero. Beautiful bright day. Got up above freezing by noon and started to thaw. About half the snow melted. Ground still covered.

 

December 16, 1958

See Dec. 23? I washed today and the clothes froze on the line – stayed frozen till about noon. But it is much warmer – sunny and bright – and snow melted fast. I was able to get to my garage and use my car. We decorated Xmas tree at Church tonight. Enjoyed it.  

 

December 17, 1958

Warm day. Most of the snow is gone. I went to lodge this evening. After meeting we had a program and Xmas exchange. I loathe the latter – wasting money to buy something useless and receiving ditto.

 

December 18, 1958

Went to Enid and spent the day with Mr. Shades at Phillips – spoke to his professional writing class. A truck driver ran into his car and I am a little uneasy for fear he is hurt. Saw Mrs. Hawkins – she has been ill. Poor little thing.

 

December 19, 1958

Nothing in particular happened. Nice weather – bright and sunny, getting warmer every day but still cold.

 

December 20, 1958

Really getting warm. Oliver Seefeldt is painting my rent house outside. Carpenter work done. Raymond Winburn painting inside. Today I scrubbed the floor upstairs – hard job, got only one room done.

 

December 21, 1958

Taught my S.S. class and attended church but today (Wrong date. He didn’t come on Sunday.) a man came to sell me a vacuum cleaner. I said no – have an old one that I sort of inherited. But he had an excellent slightly used Electrolux he priced at $35 and I bought it quickly.

 

December 22, 1958

I am pretty busy on Xmas letters and some Indian business. Pearl Boyce and Donna came for supper after Pearl’s work and spent the evening with me. Donna is beautiful. Is in school at OU – will study nursing.

 

December 23, 1958

See Dec. 16? My S.S. class decorated the church – set up two perfect small trees, one on each side of pulpit. Had pie and coffee afterwards. Lots of fun. [I am sure Dec. 16 is right.]

 

December 24, 1958

Very lovely Christmas program at the church this evening. This P.M. a member of my S.S. class came by with a lovely present – a very fine study lamp.

 

December 25, 1958

Very happy Christmas. Went to 10 o’clock service at church – then had dinner & spent P.M. with Richard and Hulda Weber – other guests, Schaefer girls, Carl Webers, Winnie Schaefer. Got letter that Ollie Nelson died Tuesday. I have a nice Xmas letter she wrote.

 

December 26, 1958

Worked hard finishing up some Indian correspondence I have been working on. I believe I have never enjoyed a Christmas season more than this one.

 

December 27, 1958

Rented my house to the Ashley Alexanders. Used my new vacuum cleaner – and how nice it is. Had the college students (and two girls who work in O.C.) to my house this evening. Showed my European pictures and talked. Dean brou brought the church projector.

 

December 28, 1958

Taught my S.S. class (such fine people) and attended the church service. Stayed home in the afternoon – washed dishes, etc. from last night’s celebration.

 

December 29, 1958

I scrubbed the downstairs floor of my rent house while Raymond painted the upstairs. Gloomy dark day threatening snow and after the early dusk it started snowing. The ground is white.

 

December 30, 1958

Snowed off and on all day but it is not so deep as it was the other time. I could get my car out of the garage.

 

December 31, 1958

Snowed till about nearly noon, then partially cleared off. It is not very cold. Snow was about six inches deep when it quit.