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4. 1960s
5. 1961

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January 1 - December 31, 1961

(Box 5/Folder 6)

 

January 1, 1961

Taught my S.S. class. Communion service at church – fine service, fine attendance. In the afternoon went to open house of golden anniversary of the Bill Diedrichs. White frost this morning, crisp day. I am feeling a cold coming on.

 

January 2, 1961

Worked memorizing ritual and planned business for installation as noble grand of the lodge this week. I never wanted that job but I should appreciate the confidence of the members who elected me. My cold is getting worse. Pleasant day.

 

January 3, 1961

Lovely warm day. A group met at my house to plan visit of foreign students at end of the semester. Not much chance to work on lodge ritual. My cold is worse, but I am not really sick.

 

January 4, 1961

My cold is pretty bad but I was installed as noble grand (along with other officers) of the lodge by a team from Perry. Things seemed to go off rather well. The committees had worked hard cleaning and decorating the room and preparing the ritual. Beautiful warm day.

 

January 5, 1961

I am really sick with my cold today but I drove to Enid and made plane reservations for my trip to Cincinnati Cleveland this month. Beautiful warm bright day.

 

January 6, 1961

Still sick – worst day I have had. But I drove to Stillwater mainly to get a prescription filled. While I was there I took my record player to get the needle straightened at the 78 end, and attended to some other errands. I feel better tonight. Warm bright lovely day.

 

January 7, 1961

Cloudy day but warm. I felt bad all day but in the evening almost normal. I think my cold is over. I am certainly fortunate to be so healthy, I am seldom ill and when I am, not very ill. I learned that Mr. Christian died. The Oklahoma pioneers are falling off fast.

 

January 8, 1961

Wonderful warm day. I taught my S.S. class and heard a good sermon. In the afternoon I rested some though I feel very much better today. In the evening I attended a covered dish supper at the church and after that the annual congregational meeting. Enjoyed very much.

 

January 9, 1961

Attended to various responsibilities I am getting out of the way for a trip to Cleveland. I feel fine only still somewhat weak. The weather is so bright and beautiful it makes one feel like being out all day under the big sky. The birds like it too.

 

January 10, 1961

Attended club at Ila Smith’s. Our club is so small we all to work too hard but it takes the lead in community affairs that no other organization would take. Another lovely day.

 

January 11, 1961

I presided as noble grand at the lodge. Fine group present. All of are new officers were awkward in our unfamiliar places but all were in high spirits. Lovely day.

 

January 12, 1961

Another lovely spring day – we don’t even need heat through the middle of the day. Sixteen of us went to Perry to their lodge installation. It was very well done – much better than we can do. The man faithfully promised to put in my dial telephone today but didn’t.

 

January 13, 1961

The man installed my dial telephone this morning. (Promised to be here at 8:30 – got here at 9:15, which delayed an appointment I had at the beauty shop.) In the afternoon Olga Schaefer (with Hulda along) took me to the airport, where I took the plane for K.C. Burton, Dorine, and Nellie met me. It is so nice to be with them. Lovely spring day in Okla. – colder here.

 

January 14, 1961

I just sat around and visited with the Halsteds. Nellie and Pearl came for supper after her work day was over. Then Burton took her to stay overnight with Nellie. It turned out to be Dorine’s birthday. Burton had the day off, so he went into the kitchen and baked her a cake – decorated it, and put on the candles. I ordered some roses for her.

 

January 15, 1961

Nellie and Pearl came over for dinner. Then we took Pearl to the station for a trip to visit Joyce. In the evening the two young families – Carolyn and Kenneth and their children Kennie and Susan, and Donnie and Martha with Robin and Ricky came. It was all very pleasant. Miserable gray but warm.

 

January 16, 1961

Burton and Dorine took me to the airport at noon. I left for Cleveland, Ohio, where I am staying at the Hopkins Airport Hotel. It had cleared off at K.C. but all the rest of the way there were thick clouds below me and miserable murky weather on the ground. Remains of big snow drifts here.

 

January 17, 1961

The meeting started at 2 P.M. I am sorry I had to come a day early but no plane would get me here by two. The meeting is in the hotel but we have to take a bus to the near-by airport for food. It is very cold, even for so short a dash out of doors.

 

January 18, 1961

Finished the meeting shortly after noon. I took a bus at 5:15 and reached Athens at 11:15 – then taxi to The Plains, where I am visiting Alta and Elva Cooper. It is wonderful to see them. The last time was 1940. It is very cold and there was snow on the ground all the way.

 

January 19, 1961

I am enjoying my visit. Elva and Alta and I are old now but enjoy each other as much as we did when they and Edwin and I were all young and we spent a month together. It is snowing.

 

January 20, 1961

I am enjoying my visit. It still snows off and on.

 

January 21, 1961

Just enjoyed myself visiting with Elva and Alta. It snowed off and on but the snow is not deep. It is very cold outside. Alta says I haven’t stuck my head out since I came.

 

January 22, 1961

- 4^° this morning in Athens, but clear and nice. I took the bus at noon, arrived Cleveland about 7. Am in Hopkins Airport Hotel my visit with Elva and Alta was a very happy experience. Cold this evening. The ground was covered in snow all the way from Athens to Cleveland.

 

January 23, 1961

Left Cleveland at 8:15. Very cold (zero or worse), ground covered with snow until this side of St. Louis. Warm here, but they say it was cold last week. Arrived Enid 4:41. The Webers met me – told me Ed Van Hanen had died and Carl Diedrich had broken his hip and was not doing well. In the evening went to a community covered dish dinner in the Catholic parish hall for two young couples (one from Venezuela, and their baby from Iraq) who are visiting here.

 

January 24, 1961

It turned cold last night and the cold has got worse all day. I attended Club meeting in the morning at Mrs. Stuerke’s and went to Ed Van Hanen’s funeral in the afternoon. I went to the postoffice for any piled-up mail and found a box of the new edition of Choctaw Republic 1934-1961. So much has happened.

 

January 25, 1961

Worked hard attending to accumulated correspondence and business. Want to lodge in the evening, where I have to preside as noble grand. It’s not as bad as I thought it would be. Cold dark day.

 

January 26, 1961

Worked on more letters. The sun came out and it is bright and pretty but crisp.

 

January 27, 1961

Dark day again and still coldish. I wrote letters to various people in the government from President Kennedy down urging the appointment of a good Commissioner of Indian Affairs. I should have done it a month ago but couldn’t get time.

 

January 28, 1961

Cleaned my house. And how it needed it. The weather is beginning to warm up.

 

January 29, 1961

Nice warm day. Taught my S.S. class and attended church. In the evening I showed some slides (and so did Pat Beeby and Marilyn Curry) of divided Germany hoping to arouse interest in a “Great Decisions” series planned by Uni. of Okla. – but it didn’t jell. People too busy to add one more thing.

 

January 30, 1961

Got note that I have been elected an Honorary Member for life by Okla. Historical Society. This is a complete surprise and pleases me very much. I have written some Okla. History and it is nice of them to notice it. My birthday. Finished a report on a M.S. for OU Press.

 

January 31, 1961

Warm lovely day. I saw Nelle Thomas in town and brought her home to dinner. We had lots of fun. I had planned to drive to Enid to see Ethel Hawkins but did this instead. I sent out the M.S. Got a suit Alta sent by mail.

 

February 1, 1961

Warm Lovely day. I went to lodge this evening. I am getting so I am not bad as noble grand.

 

February 2, 1961

Warm lovely day. I drove to Enid and saw Mrs. Hawkins – helped her figure her bank balance, etc. she seemed to be not so well as usual – breath very bad, not able to think clearly. She was sleeping and I woke her and that may have caused her mental sluggishness.

 

February 3, 1961

Nice day. I stared to work on a talk I am to give on Creek history for the B. & P. Women’s Club at Okmulgee Tuesday evening.

 

February 4, 1961

Coldish day – snow on the way says the weather man. I finished work on the talk, also cleaned my house and did some extra cooking. Paul Wu is at Stillwater and we expect him over tomorrow P.M. I’ll drive over after him unless the roads are too bad.

 

February 5, 1961

Soft snow over the ground this morning with ice under it. I slid around driving to church but made it. Had a good S.S. class in spite of the weather. Leo Draper thought it too bad to drive to Stillwater but Paul came over in the car of a young Indonesian, Bur Masas. The boys stayed for supper and we had a fine visit. It is the first time I have seen Paul relaxed and happy. Bur is fine too.

 

February 6, 1961

Snowed all night and all day but not hard. It is lovely soft snow – just what the wheat likes. No drifting and it is not at all cold and there is much melting on the pavement. I called Nell Brachen and told her the roads were too bad for me to drive to Okmulgee tomorrow.

 

February 7, 1961

Snowed last night and a little off and on all day. Still not cold nor windy. So deep in front of my garage I should have had to shovel it out – so thought it easier to walk down town through it after my mail. I’m glad I didn’t try to go to Okmulgee.

 

February 8, 1961

Bright beautiful day with much melting. In the afternoon it clouded up but continued to melt – no freezing this evening. I spent sometime scraping snow from the stairway to the lodge room. There were only six members at lodge but we carried on.

 

February 9, 1961

Another sunny warm beautiful day. The snow went fast and some patches of ground are showing. Clean snow like this is probably beautiful but today when I look across the white fields it seems like an alien and unfriendly world.

 

February 10, 1961

Another bright warm day and the snow went fast. Much of the ground is clear now though some large patches remain. I am finished writing a history of our woman’s club to send to the district historian.

 

February 11, 1961

Another beautiful day. Only a few spots of snow left. I did without furnace heat and opened windows. This snow has certainly been just the right kind. I am reading Hyde’s Spotted Tail’s Folk for the N. Y. Times Book Review.

 

February 12, 1961

The last of the snow melted today. Beautiful day. I wore my spring suit and put on my spring hat (last year’s) to wear to church, but lost my nerve and put on my winter one. I had a fine S.S class and heard a fine sermon. Took a jello salad to the Diedrichs who have their hands full with Carl D. in the hospital.

 

February 13, 1961

Another beautiful warm day. This evening I went with Flora Rubrecht to the Rebekah school of instruction at Stillwater (not in our district). These days I use our furnace only little in the morning and evening. It doesn’t even freeze at night.

 

February 14, 1961

Another lovely day. I went to Marshall Woman’s Club meeting at Frances Fickens’. Good meeting.

 

February 15, 1961

Another bright spring day. The green wheat is lovely. I attended lodge – good group out – of course presided as noble grand. Will be glad when that job is over.

 

February 16, 1961

Foggy this morning but cleared off beautifully. Still warm. In the morning we practiced a skit and went through the service for The World Day of Prayer. Then Ralph Cooper came and we had a nice visit. He stayed to dinner.

 

February 17, 1961

No furnace heat needed yesterday evening (though I stayed up till 11), none today even in the morning. But showers went around late this P.M. and it is getting cooler. World Day of Prayer at the E. & R. church this afternoon. Very fine service.

 

February 18, 1961

The showers that went around yesterday P.M. turned out to be tornadoes – hit southeast O.C., Wewoka, and Konawa (bad). Cold today. Ice Ice in bird bath this morning. I finished my review but didn’t mail it.

 

February 19, 1961

Still cold. I taught my S.S. class. Heard a fine sermon. Went home for dinner with the Schaefer sisters – celebrating Huldah & Richard’s 47^th wedding anniversary. The Frank Fickens were there also, and Winnie Schaefer. Enjoyed an old photograph of the three children – Richard, Winnie, and Mrs. Ficken taken long ago.

 

February 20, 1961

I mailed my review today, Got off a lot of letters.

 

February 21, 1961

I’m not sure whether it was last night or the night before when we had a nice warm rain. (I am writing late.) Last night I guess – misty all day. Warm.

 

February 22, 1961

Misty morning, cleared off in afternoon. I went to lodge but was somehow not very alert in presiding. Several absent because of muddy roads.

 

February 23, 1961

I am working on Cynthia Ann Parker biography for Notable American Women. Drove to Guthrie this p.m. to see assessor and get homestead exemption. Bog Bought two cotton house dresses pretty & of same quality – but one cost $12.85 and the other $9.13 because I got first of Anthony, second at Lintz.

 

February 24, 1961

Feb. 25 Beautiful day. I kept the library this afternoon. I am afraid a skunk got under my house last fall and winter there. I have smelled skunk off and on but thought it was outside last night it was vary bad and seemed to come from under the house.

 

February 25, 1961

Feb. 24 I am copying the manuscript I worked on in 1952 for Grant Foreman. Mrs. Foreman can’t find the original he had. Fortunately I kept a copy. I will make a good copy for her so she can submit it to a publisher.

 

February 26, 1961

Taught my S.S. class and attended church. After church I took the Kochs to dinner at the Student Union at OSU, and then I showed them the library. (Rob took his car.) We were fortunate enough to meet Mr. Low in the library and he showed us the closed part. He invited me to a Browning dinner Saturday. Warm windy day.

 

February 27, 1961

[No entry]

 

February 28, 1961

[No entry]

 

February 29, 1961

Feb. 28 Worked on a biography of Cynthia Ann Parker for Notable American Women. The editor of the N.Y. Times Book Review wants more details of the contents in my review of Spotted Tail’s Folk.

 

March 1, 1961

Rewrote and mailed the review of Spotted Tail’s Folk. Went to lodge. Fine attendance. Gussie Thomas and three quests from Perry visited us. She heard several members repeat the secret work. The Guild met but I didn’t attend. Warm day.

 

March 2, 1961

Mailed the Parker manuscript. Warm day.

 

March 3, 1961

Warm day. We tried to have a meeting of the International Hospitality Committee but too many for good reasons were not able to attend. So we talked and adjourned till next week. Warm day.

 

March 4, 1961

Cleaned my house (and how it needed it) and then drove to Stillwater. Attended the Browning dinner – slides and lecture about the Browning Library by Dr. Harris. Many librarians and other friends there. Had a wonderful time. Staying at Union Club.

 

March 5, 1961

Drove back to Marshall in time for S.S. and church. In the afternoon Rev. and Mrs. Griffin of Crescent called. He has done much writing and publishing and has become a member of the Stillwater Writers Club. Warm day.

 

March 6, 1961

Mr. Best was buried today. He was born in 1867. I remember when they lived for a short time near us on the farm when Anna and Edna and Edwin and I were small children. But I didn’t go to the funeral for I didn’t actually know him very well. He belonged to my parents’ generation. Warm day. The skunk was on another rampage last night.

 

March 7, 1961

The International Hospitality Comee met with me today – decided to have a party for foreign students March 27. In evening I attended a S.S. teachers’ meeting. Lovely Norma Vogel is disturbed about pictures of Bible people in new course for 3-yr.-olds. Terribly high wind and dust.

 

March 8, 1961

I’m writing a week late. I know I went to Lodge and presided as noble grand. I don’t remember anything else. Dist. deputy president Gussie Thomas and other visitors from Perry were there. She examined several on secret work.

 

March 9, 1961

I took plane for Amarillo this P.M. Arrived 10:17. Kathrine Metcalf met me. I am staying with her. Tomorrow I will show Russian pics at ABC, men’s luncheon club.

 

March 10, 1961

Fine audience but either the projection or operator didn’t succeed in showing pics very well. Really a failure. In P.M. I took bus for Canyon to home of Luella Reeves. She took me to Buffalo Lake. Then Ples & Margaret Harper, Hattie Anderson & Mattie Swayne & Miss Graham called. Kathrine came and we had supper & she took me back to Amarillo.

 

March 11, 1961

Kathrine and I called on Gladys Davis and Montye Keeter this morning. In P.M. visited dear little Lucy Jo Loudder briefly in the hospital; Miss Richardson who barely kept awake enough to greet me; and Ethleen Busch and her lovely Anne. Mrs. Wineburg & son at Ethleen’s. In the evening some of K’s friends were in to see my pics.

 

March 12, 1961

Attended S.S. and church with K. at Polk Street Meth. (Fine sermon.) In the P.M. K. took me to airport (also Ethleen & Anne and another a friend of K’s). Very windy & bumpy ride. I reached Enid just before 6, drove home, and made a salad for tomorrow. Heard some shocking news – Buddy Hall drowned this afternoon in Lake Carl Blackwell.

 

March 13, 1961

Went to Perry this morning for Rebekah School of Instruction. 15 of us went. Spent all P.M. & evening there. Reached home at 11. Our lodge furnished salads for the dinner – I enjoyed it but we were all tired. I was drafted to be an altar supporter.

 

March 14, 1961

Poor young Buddy’s funeral was today, but our club had planned a trip to O.C. and so Winnie Branen, Mrs. Orr, and I went anyhow. We had interview with Mexican consul and visited Historical Bldg. Hot day. We have warm weather all the time – very different from last year.

 

March 15, 1961

Worked on a party at lodge tonight for past noble grands. I cleaned the hall because other members were working on other party plans. The party was very nice. Everything went off exactly right. Warm day.

 

March 16, 1961

[No entry]

 

March 17, 1961

[No entry]

 

March 18, 1961

The ground was covered with snow this morning and some flakes still falling. Apparently it snowed all night but the ground was so warm most of it melted. Olga Schefer and I cut some japonica for the altar in the church. Snow all gone before night.

 

March 19, 1961

Dismal drizzly day, but a pretty good crowd at church. Fine sermon. I taught my S.S. class. Had dinner with the Schaefer girls. Pearl Burchardt came home today – has been on a bus trip to Washington. Also Clara Hamiel returned. The rest went on to New York.

 

March 20, 1961

The ground was covered with snow again this morning. Apparently considerable moisture fell last night and we needed it. (I may be a day off – am writing The John Hinkels came over this evening. I tried to use my projector and the bulb was worn out.

 

March 21, 1961

I got in a little work on the Foreman MS but there are too many days I have to work at other things. Alice Moffitt and a 4-H woman from New York called briefly. Nice day.

 

March 22, 1961

Lovely day. I attended lodge this evening and presided as usual. We had visitors from Britton but our own group was small for various reasons.

 

March 23, 1961

Lovely day. We had a committee meeting with Winnie Branen to plan the Club tea next Tuesday. We are planning to have our foreign students as guests.

 

March 24, 1961

Dorine and Burton Halsted are driving down to spend the week week end. Will probably arrive about midnight. I am waiting up for them. It is so wonderful of them to take this long drive from K.C. to visit me. Beautiful sunny day.

 

March 25, 1961

They came earlier than usual – 10:30 I should say. They are charmed by the blooming flowers and green wheat. I needed a bulb for my projector and they wanted to drive through the country anyhow, so we went to Enid – went through Douglas and came back on 81 and 51. Beautiful day. Everything blooming.

 

March 26, 1961

We didn’t attend church because the Halsteds had to leave early. Ate dinner at twelve and they left about one. We had a shower in the afternoon and the thunder was very heavy. The clouds looked bad after they got to the east. The Halsteds had already got ahead of them I think.

 

March 27, 1961

I drove to Stillwater and brought back four students – my lovely Zohara and her husband “Shameem” Husain from Pakistan are staying with me, two boys from India with the Branens. In the P.M. Winnie Branen took us to the elevator Co-op plant (Harold Phelan showed us through) and then for a lovely drive to see the wheat. Planes spraying for green bugs. In the evening there was a pleasant supper and general conversation at the Xn church for eight visitors.

 

March 28, 1961

I took my visitors to visit the school while our Woman’s Club worked at preparing for a high tea at the E. & R. church. We had the tea in the afternoon. Everything went off very well – about 35 women and the visiting students. Then Joe Branen took their boys and my couple home. This has been a very happy experience for us. I find Zohara’s husband very fine. He came here to join her the second semester.

 

March 29, 1961

It rained this afternoon and is still cool and cloudy. I went to lodge (presided of course). There was a small attendance on account of the weather, also a supper at the Xn church. But everything went off well. Got card from Burton. It did rain and hail on them from Kans. Line on – also tornado alert on the way and after they got home.

 

March 30, 1961

Cloudy and Sprinkling all day. Rained hard tonight just as I was getting ready to go to communion service at the church. So I stayed home and played Part II of the Messiah. I made out my income tax form, which was a waste of time because my income is so small I don’t owe any tax.

 

March 31, 1961

Apparently it rained all night and this morning snow was falling. I went out and gathered a great bunch of daffodils (some started blooming a month a go but mine are always late north of the house); but it was not necessary for the ones I left out were not harmed. It is the first time I have had a whole day to work on the Foreman MS. I got a lot copied.

 

April 1, 1961

Thin sheet of ice on puddles this morning, but none of my flowers was harmed. I am enjoying daffodils and jonquils, flags, and grape hyacinths. It was a lovely bright day and got warm this P.M. I worked on the Foreman MS but had some interruptions. I arranged the jonquils picked yesterday on the altar of the church.

 

April 2, 1961

Lovely Easter day. Some of our people went to the Lawton pageant and part of them were hardy enough to get back & attend church. I taught my class – communion service at church hour. I had dinner with the Richard Webers – the Kochs there also. Then came home and wrote some necessary letters.

 

April 3, 1961

I put in a full day working on the Foreman MS. I have had so little time to work on it, but today I got a lot done. Mean, windy day. The dandelions are at their worst. I try to dig out every one that blooms before it can seed. But they blow across from other yards.

 

April 4, 1961

Another full day’s work. I’m really getting the MS done. Less than two days should finish the typing. Lovely warm day – and how the dandelion love it! The grass has barely started. After it takes hold it will choke them out.

 

April 5, 1961

I stayed away from Guild and worked all day (except for a hair shampoo & set) on the MS. In the evening went to lodge. Small attendance at lodge for some reason. I am getting so I really enjoy being noble grand – which I dreaded so at first.

 

April 6, 1961

I finished the MS and mailed one copy to Mrs. Foreman. This takes a load off my mind. When there was only one way[?] something could have happened to it. After mailing one I took one to Stillwater and got Mr. Hinkel to bind it. (He did it free.) I look Pearl Burchardt along for the ride. Beautiful sunny day, beautiful wheat.

 

April 7, 1961

I mailed the bound MS to the OU Pres. I hope they publish it. Then I worked on correspondence, etc. (Also washed). It started out cloudy but cleared off.

 

April 8, 1961

Dark cloudy day. Hard shower this afternoon. I worked on correspondence and started on a talk I must give at O.C. Thursday. I will use lilacs for the vases on the altar tomorrow. The cool rainy weather has held them back from full bloom but they are lovely even so.

 

April 9, 1961

Rainy last night but Good crowd at church, tho the day was dark and threatening rain and very cold. I had a fine big S.S. class – heard a wonderful sermon. Madonna Stahl and her husband & children were there. Easy to see little Madonna has a good husband and a good life.

 

April 10, 1961

Frost last night but lovely bright day. I have my hands full trying to do too many things at once these days – report to club tomorrow, speak to librarians Thursday, start for New York Friday.

 

April 11, 1961

Club met at Frances Fickens. I had to preside because Pres. Winnie away – also had to give a report. But all went off O.K. and we had a good meeting. It looked like rain but didn’t do it.

 

April 12, 1961

I worked on the talk I am to make at O.C. tomorrow. Then lodge in the evening. Lodge not so good. There is not the good attendance we had a while back. Some of the members put in a day of hard work yesterday scraping old paper off the walls.

 

April 13, 1961

Mean windy day, dust in the air. I drove to the City – staying at the home of Mrs. Miller & Miss Jayne Spoke at dinner of school librarians. It went off rather well and I am glad for I hate to disappoint people and sometimes I do.

 

April 14, 1961

Got up early and drove to Marshall. Found letter saying I should present Indian agricultural extension work to Asst. Secy. Carver in Washington. Hastily picked up papers and Olga Schaefer took me to Enid Airport. Came to Chicago and am visiting with Shirley and Ray Worsley.

 

April 15, 1961

This forenoon Shirley took me to Elmhurst College to see Tory Reim. In afternoon we visited. In evening John and family came and we looked at my Mexican and the Worsleys’ Okla. slides. Started raining this P.M. – now seems to be turning to snow.

 

April 16, 1961

Snow deep & still snowing – warm wet snow, but blocking streets. Worst snow Chicago had all winter. I went to church with Ray & Shirley – very nice small congregation like a small town church. We stayed in and talked all P.M.

 

April 17, 1961

Snow stopped during night. Ray had to shovel his car out. Shirley took me to airport. Main highways cleared but airport a madhouse, people stranded by snow trying to get out. I came to N.Y. and attended meeting of Assn. on Am. At gramercy Park Hotel. Speech by Carver.

 

April 18, 1961

I spent the day (raining outside) in my hotel room working on the subject I am to present to Carver in Washington. In evening attended directors’ meeting and dinner at Philleo Nash spoke. He is fine. Member of Indian Office task force and now has appointment to place in Indian Office set-up.

 

April 19, 1961

Came to Washington this evening. Some delay in N.Y. airport. I don’t know why. Anyhow they had to fix up a different plane for us. Raining in N.Y. – not here. A good Samaritan took me to my hotel because his home is right by. Staying at Alban Towers.

 

April 20, 1961

Had conference with Asst. Secy. Of Interior, John Carver and with Indian Office Task Force. I think I did some good. This new Indian administration is wanting to learn the facts and operate constructively. Beautiful day.

 

April 21, 1961

Took plane for Kansas City. Burton met me. I arrived about 6 P.M. Nellie here to spend evening.

 

April 22, 1961

Burton off work today. We all sat around and talked. In the evening he went and got Pearl. Donnie and Martha and the children came over. Nellie too. Warm day.

 

April 23, 1961

Pearl stayed overnight with Nellie and they came for dinner and spent the afternoon. In the late afternoon we went to Don Harting’s and had supper. Pearl of course stayed. Hot day. Tornado warnings out this evening.

 

April 24, 1961

Burton took me to the plane. Left at 1:30 Olga Schaefer met me. In the evening had great excitement. Pearl Burchard’s henhouse (used for storage) took fire from some grass she was burning. Put out by new fire truck which came only yesterday. Learned good old Mr. McCall died suddenly. Buried yesterday.

 

April 25, 1961

No time even to unpack suitcase. I had to hoe around shrubs so Carl Weber could mow lawn (first mowing). Then I went to club – had to preside, pres. away. Then spent rest of day working on a personality tangle in Rebekah Lodge & in renting my house after Atterburys leave.

 

April 26, 1961

Went to lodge this evening. It was a special meeting in honor of the “brothers” and of Mr. & Mrs. Wilkins who have been in Calif. 13 yrs. Had refreshments and I showed Russian pictures. It seemed to go off O.K.

 

April 27, 1961

Drove to O.C. this morning to Okla. Hist. Soc. meeting – Muriel Wright and I were made life members. Had nice visit & lunch with Rella Looney. Then went to visit Elizabeth Devore – and how I enjoyed it! She is one of my favorite people. The mocking bird is singing this evening.

 

April 28, 1961

Got a permanent today. Worked at correspondence the rest of the time. Nice cool day. The wheat is glorious. But it is very dry. When I try to dig a dandelion out of my yard it is like blasting a hole in solid rock. I am enjoying my iris and tulips and bridal wreath – best of all is my old fashioned yellow rose.

 

April 29, 1961

I left my car at the Enid Airport and took Central Airlines plane for Denver. Reached here at 11:30. Am at Olin Hotel. In Enid I stopped to see Mrs. Hawkins. Found her cheerful but her arthritis has progressed shockingly since I saw her last.

 

April 30, 1961

No chance to attend church. Had conference with Mrs. Clark this morning and spent all afternoon in a meeting of the Administrative Committee of the Scholarship Fund for Indian students.

 

May 1, 1961

Put in a hard day’s work, morning, noon, and night with the Selections Committee making awards of grants and scholarships.

 

May 2, 1961

Harder than yesterday – 7:45 A.M. to 10 P.M. with breaks for meals. I called airport and got my reservation changed from tomorrow to next day!

 

May 3, 1961

Finished at noon. Some of the members felt but my plane goes tomorrow morning. I rested this afternoon. Ready for bed at 8 o’clock.

 

May 4, 1961

Really got a good rest and went to airport. But my flight was canceled because of tornadoes forming in Okla. I went to Skyways Motel near the airport. Spent all afternoon re-reading Apache, Navaho, & Spaniard which I am to review for The Annals. Cloudy day here.

 

May 5, 1961

Spent morning writing (with a pen) preliminary review of Apache, Navaho, and Spaniard. Took plane at 11:05. Very rough ride with clouds all around. Reached Enid & drove home. Found there was a good rain here yesterday. Tornadoes at Geary and other places throughout the state. No wonder my plane was grounded. It went only to Lamar, Colo.

 

May 6, 1961

I finished and mailed my review. Lovely spring day with everything blooming. If only I could fond time to weed my flowers and clean my house. The petals of the locust trees make drifts along the road that look like a light fall of snow.

 

May 7, 1961

Taught my S.S. class and attended church. In the evening we had family night. All enjoyed it very much. Took up collection for new dishes in kitchen. $39. Not enough. Threatened rain but didn’t. The mocking bird keeps busy singing.

 

May 8, 1961

Hard rain last night with wind and lightning but I slept through and was surprised to see the mud this morning. Tornadoes surrounded us but none here. My flowers are beautiful but I do not enjoy them. Too many weeds – also no time. I did take time to clean half of my dirty house today and am enjoying it.

 

May 9, 1961

I went to club at M Ila Smith’s. Very interesting lesson about Canada. Winnie Branen told us about her trip to Quebec. Cleaned the rest of my house.

 

May 10, 1961

I did some work on some talks I am to give at Stillwater tomorrow. Went to lodge in evening – party for members by past noble grands.

 

May 11, 1961

Spoke to Catholic luncheon group about present govt. trends in Indian administration. It went off O.K. In the evening I talked to honors freshman about personal experiences in writing. (other panel members Dean Camm & Dr. Campbell) My talk was very trivial though the youngsters were very responsive. Am staying with Cherrie Garrett & Mary Graves.

 

May 12, 1961

I talked too long with my beloved Cherrie and Mary so didn’t get enough sleep. Had a nice drive home in the morning but was too tired to accomplish much.

 

May 13, 1961

Worked on a report I am making on a MS that ought to be published but can’t be until it is worked over. I am trying to show how. Kept library this afternoon.

 

May 14, 1961

Taught my S.S. class (fine big one) and heard a very fine sermon. Had dinner with the Schaefer girls – Webers there, too. In the afternoon Richard W. took us all out to see my farm. The wheat looks fine. (I have only 39 acre – allotment.)

 

May 15, 1961

I worked on a report I promised to make to B.B. Chapman’s Okla. Hist. classes tomorrow. I will tell them about the research that lies back of a statement in a book.

 

May 16, 1961

Drove to Stillwater and talked to three of Chapman’s classes. Lunch with Chapman, John Melton, & Jane Chapman. I told them of method of locating battle of Round Mts. It sprinkled here before I left and the rain moved ahead so I saw muddy ground as I approached Stillwater. We need rain at Marshall.

 

May 17, 1961

I attended May Friendship luncheon – of all church women. Methodists were hostesses. Held in Legion Hut. Then we all separated for our own meetings. In evening there was no lodge (only 2 of us there) and so I went to commencement. Tibbie Shades speaker. Arlon Enmeier won all the honors.

 

May 18, 1961

I washed some clothes – and how many I had piled up. My flowers are beautiful this year but I have been too busy to enjoy them – no time to keep the garden weeded or to chip the edges of the lawn.

 

May 19, 1961

I went to Enid and I made plane reservations for a trip to Penna. to speak about Indian administration at a resort seminar early in June. Bought a dress – jersey, supposed to pack well and drip dry. Cost $13. Looked like rain but didn’t.

 

May 20, 1961

Started some preliminary work on my course at the Indian seminar. I am enjoying the mocking bird. My peonies, old fashioned yellow rose, and iris are quitting. Red, white, and purple clematis blooming.

 

May 21, 1961

Taught my class and attended church service (Pentacost Sunday, communion service). In the afternoon we had a very hard rain with some hail. I doubt that the hail did much damage.

 

May 22, 1961

Also baked date bread & white bread for club picnic. Got off some correspondence so I could work on seminar. Paper full of accounts of tornadoes in various places yesterday – one near Cushing. After the rain passed over us to the east saw that the clouds were not good. Got bad by the time it reached Cushing.

 

May 23, 1961

Lovely day. It was our club party picnic. This was one day we could have had it outdoors but we had already decided to have it in the house – at Winnie Branen’s. It was very pleasant.

 

May 24, 1961

Worked on the seminar. In the evening went to lodge (and presided). Small attendance. (When my phone rings I jump! Winnie called to see if I want to go to Stillwater Sat. evening.

 

May 25, 1961

Did a good day’s work on seminar.

 

May 26, 1961

Finished work on seminar except for some last minute touches – which I hope I shall have time to give.

 

May 27, 1961

Had no time for seminar. Fried a chicken and prepared a salad and went with Brenans to Stillwater. They picked up Zenith Rahim (who will graduate tomorrow and start for Pakistan Monday) and took her to the park, where we had a picnic supper. Coolish weather all the time.

 

May 28, 1961

Made some potato salad and went to annual S.S. picnic on Pete Ficken farm. Cold Cool day. (I use the furnace nearly every morning) Sun bright but wind very unpleasant. I enjoyed the service very much but dinner was too much fighting wind. I came home tired.

 

May 29, 1961

I have some flowers – purple & red clematis, bird of paradise, Jap. Iris – but none very suitable for decorating graves (Roses gone & tamarisk late) so I bought some artificial ones and decorated this morning. In afternoon and evening high school alumni reunion. I enjoyed it – but rather tired. Hot day.

 

May 30, 1961

Hot day. I turned off pilot on furnace. Ralph came to decorate graves and visited a while – I packed and went over my seminar lessons. Gave everything a thorough watering. It is getting very dry. Loads of barley coming in to the elevator.

 

May 31, 1961

Olga Schaefer took me to airport at Enid. I left about noon, reached Pittsburg (after waits and changes at O.C. & St. Louis) at 10:40 Eastern Daylight Time (8:40 Okla. time). Am staying at airport hotel. Hot day in Oklahoma. Wheat lovely – all golden.

 

June 1, 1961

Didn’t sleep much last night for some reason. Got up early and took 7:45 limousine to Hilton Hotel where Dr. Stachowiak picked me up. Stopped for TV interview and then he took me to Mt. Pleasant to home of Gladys Freed. I am having lovely visit with her but am very tired. Cool weather.

 

June 2, 1961

Hard storm last night. Gladys and her sister and nephew took me to the beautiful mountain resort of Seven Springs. Phil Dupré resort owner (with several family members) took me to Somerset at noon where I spoke to Rotarians. Then in P.M. I had an hour (with other speakers) in the evening I was on a panel. Good attendance in afternoon. Not so good at night. Hard rain at night.

 

June 3, 1961

Raining this morning – fog on mountains roads, and so attendance was smaller than it would have been otherwise. We put in a very hard day – 10 A.M. to 10:30 P.M. I had one hour – listened the rest of the time. Very comfortable in the cottage where I am staying. Cleared off this evening.

 

June 4, 1961

Another hard day – 10 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. I had one hour as usual. Bright beautiful day, good attendance in the afternoon. Gladys and her sister, Mrs. Speers, came for me at seven. I am very tired.

 

June 5, 1961

Got up with a very bad headache but worked it off. Had quiet pleasant visit with Gladys. She took me over the town – a typical Penna. town, very old, on hills so steep it reminds me of Drumright.

 

June 6, 1961

Gladys took me to Somerset where she teaches. I had not realized when I talked to the Rotarians there that it was her town. I even met her supt. that day without realizing it. But he came into restaurant today where Gladys and I were eating and we visited.

 

June 7, 1961

Another day of pleasant visiting with Gladys and Mrs. Speers. Lovely weather.

 

June 8, 1961

Gladys’ nephew, Bud Freed, drove her car and they took me to the airport. I had to wait four hours in St. Louis and got home at six. Olga and Clara met me. I learned Floyd Thomas had died suddenly while I was gone. Also it has been raining and the wheat harvest has not started. Wheat not harmed yet.

 

June 9, 1961

Unpacked and took care of my accumulated mail. I am tired. Weather lovely but getting warm.

 

June 10, 1961

Geo. Thornton took out three of my windows and put in new sash cords. I cleaned up the mess, took down my good curtains and put up my summer drapes, and used my air conditioner in the P.M. The Main Street has a long line of barley and wheat trucks. In the evening Olga and I picked wheat, oats, & barley and put it in vases on the altar of the church.

 

June 11, 1961

Summer schedule at church – S.S. at 9, preaching at 10. I taught my class, also Bill Schaefer’s. Attendance pretty good. The dew is so heavy in the morning there isn’t much chance for combining anyhow. Also some men do not combine on Sunday.

 

June 12, 1961

The harvest is going pretty well. The fields are still too wet but they are circling around the low spots. If this weather continues it will soon be dry all over. But it looks like rain tonight.

 

June 13, 1961

More harvest weather. The trucks are lined up on Main Street. But the dew is bad in the morning.

 

June 14, 1961

It rained last night. Nobody is cutting. The men are all standing around on Main Street talking – seemingly having a good time but of course they are worried. I went to lodge this evening. Small crowd.

 

June 15, 1961

Still no harvest. It was cloudy all day but didn’t rain. Dale Wilson insisted on my trying out a Corvair. I drove it some but I don’t like it.

 

June 16, 1961

Beautiful bright day. Really cold this morning. I am still driving the Corvair but I like my 1948 Plymouth better. No combining yet but I saw several on the road. A boy from Cherokee called – had read my books and so stopped by. Name, Gary Tuck.

 

June 17, 1961

I took the Corvair back to Dale Wilson. He was very nice and understanding – said there will be a Chevy next year of medium size – half way between the Corvair and the block-long, awkward standard. It is still cloudy and cold and the fields dry slowly.

 

June 18, 1961

Still cold and cloudy. Good crowd at S.S. and church. In the afternoon the Shaefer girls took me driving. A few combines were in the field. As we approached Hennessey we saw a greater amount of wheat cut. Weeds are starting in the fields.

 

June 19, 1961

I drove to Stillwater this evening and stopped at the Student Union. Attended a dinner and heard a fine lecture on the liberal movement in Japan by Dr. Hyman Kublan, a fine scholar. I was a guest of the History Dept. at OSU. A few combines in the field.

 

June 20, 1961

Attended two more Kublan lectures – rather one lecture and one forum. Had lunch with my beloved Zohara Imtiaz. It rained in Stillwater in the morning but only sprinkled at Marshall. I returned to Marshall in the late P.M. Found more combines in the field. Only six at lodge this evening.

 

June 21, 1961

Hot day. Harvest progressing fairly well. I got information from the Quakers at Philadelphia that there is still hope for Senecas about to be disposed [sic] by the Kinzua dam. I wrote to Pres. Kennedy and Carl Albert. Only six at lodge this evening.

 

June 22, 1961

Wrote still more letters about the Senecas. Studied my S.S. lesson, because I asked Zohara and Shameem to spend the weekend with me, and they may come tomorrow. Harvest still progressing. The combines have to leave wheat standing at soft spots.

 

June 23, 1961

The beloved young people didn’t come. They may come tomorrow. I wrote more letters to members of Congress – also sent for more copies of Seneca booklet. Harvest still progressing. The weather is lovely for June but too much dew for good harvest.

 

June 24, 1961

My fine couple didn’t come. I finished my letters till the books I ordered come. Also I asked Mary Graves if she thought the Catholic luncheon group would care to hear about it. Harvest still in progress – but slow. The mocking bird sings all the time.

 

June 25, 1961

I taught my S.S. class – pretty good crowd in spite of harvest. Heard a good sermon. The Schaefer girls and Alma Friend came home for dinner with me and spent the afternoon. We had a lovely shower this evening but not good for the harvest. However many people are finishing up harvest.

 

June 26, 1961

I worked on a manuscript I am trying to help the author revise so it will be safe to publish. He is telling scandalous facts involving high officials. It should be published but he has not been as cautious as he needs to be in presenting them. Mrs. Foreman (bless her) sent me a $500 bond. Mary Graves called and said for me to speak to the luncheon group Thurs.

 

June 27, 1961

I sent out the manuscript. I hope it will be published with the changes I have suggested. I think the combines are still not working because of Sunday’s rain, but only a small amount of grain is left. The ones who finished are happily plowing, the others plowing but not so happily.

 

June 28, 1961

Worked some on report I am to give in Stillwater tomorrow. Went to lodge this evening – my last time as noble grand. Hot day. Hot this evening at lodge.

 

June 29, 1961

I told that group of Catholic faculty people about Kinzua dam. There were some visitors from the library staff. Several are writing letters to the president and members of Congress. Hot day. I am tired.

 

June 30, 1961

My old school friends, Nelle Thomas and June Horsfield came for a brief visit. They brought Elroy Hoeb, whom I had never met. He married my lovely Alice, who died in 1931. Nell’s [sic] granddaughter came also. Hot day.

 

July 1, 1961

I typed some parts for the Guild program which I am to lead next Wednesday. Also I kept library. Hot day – especially in the library.

 

July 2, 1961

I taught my S.S. class and heard a very fine sermon. Alma Friend and the Schaefer girls had dinner and spent the afternoon with me.

 

July 3, 1961

I wrote letters about the Kinzua dam.

 

July 4, 1961

I wrote letters all day about the Kinzua dam.

 

July 5, 1961

Went to the Woman’s Guild at church, I had the lesson. In the evening went to lodge. (Terribly hot in the hall – hot day, brick wall, and air conditioner not working.) Installation of officers and my successor, Flora Rubrecht, was installed as noble grand. Hurray!

 

July 6, 1961

Drove to cemetery for Lee Chapman service. I cleaned my house – which needed it badly. Got pretty tired, not from house cleaning, but from last night. Went to bed at 8, and early in the evening we had a good shower. I had watered the flower garden thoroughly not long before.

 

July 7, 1961

I drove to Stillwater and got my beloved Zohara and Shameem. In the evening I asked the Pete Fickens to come and I showed pictures. Nice day. I ran into two showers on the way to Stillwater but no rain in Marshall.

 

July 8, 1961

I took Shameem and Zohara back this morning. We drove around by Perry and they went through the pottery plant. It was wonderful to have them here, but I am tired now. Nice day.

 

July 9, 1961

I taught my S.S. class and attended church. But I still felt tired and so I slept most of the afternoon. Nice day.

 

July 10, 1961

Lovely cool day. I felt fine but didn’t get much done. I am still writing Kinzua letters. The response from Government officials is very discouraging.

 

July 11, 1961

[No entry]

 

July 12, 1961

It rained last night. Lovely cool day. I attended a meeting of the Club committee to plan the yearbook – Ila, Frances and I at Frances’ home. Attended lodge in the evening – my term as noble grand is over. Hurray.

 

July 13, 1961

I am reading Cushman’s History of the Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Natchez Indians Mr. Hinkle plans reprint and I am to write a foreword. Nice cool day. Light shower this evening.

 

July 14, 1961

Frightening storm this forenoon. Formed in north and drove straight south across Marshall. Terribly heavy rain, lightning struck a block away transformer north of Covington knocked out, no electricity till late afternoon, country houses still without it (They are on REA, we on Okla. Gas. & Elec. Co) Rained a gain, but quietly, this evening. Later – It was next door. [Arrow points to crossed-out passage].

 

July 15, 1961

Found where the lightning struck yesterday – Pearls TV antenna about 20 ft from my house. Cold day. was tired and didn’t do much. Storm coming up this evening. I watched it without going to bed till I saw it would pass to the north.

 

July 16, 1961

Taught my S.S. class and heard an even better than usual sermon from Rev. Bob. Hot weather again. It rained a little last night I think.

 

July 17, 1961

Hot day. I didn’t accomplish much.

 

July 18, 1961

Hot day. Worked all P.M. with Ila Smith & Francis Ficken finishing club year book.

 

July 19, 1961

Hot day but lodge room nice and cool with air conditioner working. We bought it last summer but the men never fixed a loose belt and it never worked. Now it does. The room was all upset with Raymond Winburn’s painting. The room will be nice when it is finished.

 

July 20, 1961

Rained some last night – nice cool day.

 

July 21, 1961

Lovely cool day. I cleaned my house.

 

July 22, 1961

Another lovely cool day. We have had wonderful weather this summer. I am getting ready for company tomorrow.

 

July 23, 1961

The Hinkels came over in time for church and had dinner with me. Rev. Bob and Joan Koch (plus the lively baby, Bobby) also came. I showed Russian pictures. Lovely bright cool morning but getting hot in afternoon. I had a nice big S.S. class, Frank & Ollie Yeeton here.

 

July 24, 1961

Tibbie Shades called this morning and we had a very pleasant visit. The weather is getting hot again – though the mornings are still cool.

 

July 25, 1961

Betty Adams called this morning. I have missed her since she moved to Crescent. Attended funeral of Raymond Smith this P.M. He was an early day businessman here – retired and moved to Enid. As I looked over the church was impressed by what the years have done to all of us. His contemporaries very aged – the ones like me who were children not far behind. Hot day. Heard the president this evening on Berlin.

 

July 26, 1961

Hot weather these day but cool at night and dew in the mornings. We have had an unusually pleasant summer. I went to lodge. Olga Shaefer went to the hospital – minor surgery and may require major.

 

July 27, 1961

Another hot day. Oh, not bad – but real summer. I am getting caught up on my correspondence.

 

July 28, 1961

Hot day. My flower garden is very dry – especially since the Chinese elms suck up all the moisture.

 

July 29, 1961

I picked a gladiola – the only one I expect to have this year too hot and dry for the others. My day lilies have about quit. I picked some lovely red petunias from Elnora Weber’s garden for the vases on the altar.

 

July 30, 1961

Taught my S.S. and heard a fine sermon. Got the good news that the examination of tissue shows no malignancy for Olga. So thankful. Heard that Charles and Jane Burchardt have a baby girl – born yesterday. Warm day.

 

July 31, 1961

I went to Enid to see Mrs. Hawkins. Poor little sufferer. Also saw Elizabeth Brown and stopped & visited with Esther Porter. Found Olga Schaefer came home from the hospital yesterday and so visited her at home after I came back. Hot day.

 

August 1, 1961

Tired from my Enid trip and so didn’t accomplish much today. This evening I rented my rent house to Ann Anderson. Her husband has been ordered to Europe. The house has been vacant since June 1. Had chances to rent it to strangers working in Hennessey oil field but not young enough for the responsibility.

 

August 2, 1961

Busy day but a good one. Grace Goodman & Beth LeHew & Mrs. LH’s daughter & 2 little boys visited me this morning. Soon as they left I went to Women’s Guild. When I returned my dear friends Harold & Dorothy Leake were resting in my study. We had dinner and I showed Russian pictures. They must leave in the morning. I was overjoyed to see them. Hot day. Missed lodge.

 

August 3, 1961

The Leakes left this morning. I wish they could have stayed longer. I set things to rights and worked on correspondence. Drove over town and picked up a Kinzua editorial I got Elmer Peterson to write for the Oklahoman. I got as many copies as I could. Light shower this afternoon. We need more.

 

August 4, 1961

All I remember was that the day was hot. I believe this was the day some of us worked cleaning the lodge room.

 

August 5, 1961

Another hot day. One evening a very light shower fell. This may have been the evening.

 

August 6, 1961

I put lovely crepe myrtle I got from Olga in the vases on the altar. I taught my class and heard a fine sermon. A rain went around this morning. It is very dry.

 

August 7, 1961

Cooler day. I am working on Cushman’s old book, which Mr. Hinkel plans to publish. He asked me to edit it! I am enjoying it – like to wield blue pencil.

 

August 8, 1961

Cooler day. I picked out paper for my rent house kitchen. Worked some more on the Cushman book.

 

August 9, 1961

Went to lodge – certainly enjoyed it – decorating of walls finished, everything clean, furniture back in place. Hot day.

 

August 10, 1961

Hot day. Worked on Cushman book.

 

August 11, 1961

Hot day. It’s getting terribly dry. The lovely camera I ordered came today – Retina Kodak, cost $129.50 and Mr. Murphy threw in a beautiful $12 carrying case. Mrs. Foreman (bless her) gave me a $500 bond and I am using it for things I should not have got otherwise.

 

August 12, 1961

Fine shower – about an inch. Of course we could use three inches.

 

August 13, 1961

Cool cloudy day threatening rain. Did rain this afternoon. I taught my S.S. class and attended church; then took dinner with Schaefer girls.

 

August 14, 1961

Apparently rained quite a bit during night, several times during the day. With Saturday’s shower adds up to 2 inches. I worked on Cushman book and I wrote letters.

 

August 15, 1961

It must have rained quietly most of the night judging from the looks of things this morning. Lovely cool day – even cold. Cleaned off a little in late afternoon.

 

August 16, 1961

Still cool though it warmed up a little in the afternoon. I didn’t use my air conditioner. Attended lodge this evening.

 

August 17, 1961

Getting warm again. I finished editing the Cushman book, only I must go over it again. I learned the LeRoy Fischers are coming over Saturday.

 

August 18, 1961

Prepared some food for Fischer visit – LeRoy & Marcha, LeRoy’s mother, the children, Barbara Ann 11, Jim 9, John 6. I plan a picnic supper.

 

August 19, 1961

The Fischers came in the afternoon, LeRoy and I had conference re Civil War battle site. Then we had supper, and I showed pictures. (Paper plates, no dish washing.) It rained a little this morning but cleared off. My surprise lilies are blooming – 9 heads. I put 8 in church altar vases, one in my house.

 

August 20, 1961

Taught my S.S. class, heard a very fine sermon. My beloved young family Brian and Louise Harpster and Gregory and Darlene were at church – visiting the Don Huffers. In the P.M. they called on me briefly on way back to Bartlesville. Lovely bright day. Warm in P.M. The lilies on the altar were lovely.

 

August 21, 196[1]

Cool day – really cold till afternoon. I kept the house shut all shut all day to keep the cold out. I usually shut it to keep the heat out. I am enjoying my surprise lilies. This is Vernor Proctor’s birthday. I took the poor fellow a loaf of date bread.

 

August 22, 1961

Babe O’Neill died in his sleep last night. Had worked yesterday – was perfectly well – no warning of heart trouble. Age 53. Geo. Voskuhl’s baby was born with a rectal block. The doctor says it can’t live. Really cold day – wind from north. I’d use my furnace if the pilot light were on. Rained a little last night.

 

August 23, 1961

So cold I really suffered but hated to start the furnace. Lighted the oven on my range. Got a little warmer in the afternoon. I went to lodge. Small crowd for some reason. The poor little Voskuhl baby died. It was badly deformed and I think mentally deficient. I am so sorry for its parents.

 

August 24, 1961

Attended Babe O’Neill’s funeral at the Catholic Church this morning. Did some extra cooking for company Saturday – Kent and Helen Ruth. Cold all night and all forenoon but warmed up pleasantly in the afternoon.

 

August 25, 1961

Cool most of day but was warm for a short time in the P.M. so that I used air conditioner. (I was baking bread at the time.) Rented my house to a nice young couple named Williamson. Company tomorrow.

 

August 26, 1961

Had company all day – Kent and Helen Ruth from Geary. Enjoyed them very much. We showed slides in the P.M. – I of Eastern Europe, they of the American West. The weather is hot again.

 

August 27, 1961

Taught my S.S. class, Heard a laboriously prepared sermon by a divinity student. (Named Beckett or Becker I think.) The Kochs are on vacation. In the evening the Schaefer girls took me for a drive. Warm day – and getting dry.

 

August 28, 1961

Worked on a talk I am to give in Stillwater day after tomorrow. The weather is warm again – not hot like July weather.

 

August 29, 1961

Wrote letters, etc.

 

August 30, 1961

Drove to Stillwater, talked about Okla. Indians to a breakfast group of women, wives of the men who are attending a national math meeting. It went off well. Had lunch with the Mendenhalls and met a charming elderly Dr. Imith once at OSU, now after his retirement teaching in his native Georgia. Got back tired. Stayed at home instead of attending lodge.

 

August 31, 1961

Worked on the Cushman book. In afternoon attended a committee meeting where we planned menu for Marshall Woman’s Club luncheon next Sept. 12.

 

September 1, 1961

Very disagreeable day with high wind from the south. Worked on Cushman book. My young couple is moving into the rent house. Went to Olive Cook’s funeral in the afternoon. She died of cancer. She has been slowly dying for a year.

 

September 2, 1961

One of the worst days I ever saw, except not as hot as in 1936 and 1954. High, hot, dry wind from south. My clematis is a glistening white flower of beauty but I am afraid it can’t take much more of this. I water the garden but they need rain. Big cracks in the lawn.

 

September 3, 1961

Cloudy this morning – The wind high at first but gradually went down. Brief showers during day, gentle rain all evening. Really cold this evening. I taught my S.S. class. Young Mr. Becker preached with a little more confidence this morning.

 

September 4, 1961

[No entry]

 

September 5, 1961

[No entry]

 

September 6, 1961

Attended Guild meeting at Mrs. Friend’s good meeting. A plan was developed for a “family night” welcoming newcomers to the community. Macy Wilson (bless her!) was the one who thought it up.

 

September 7, 1961

I believe this was the day when we had a hard brief shower in the afternoon. And we needed it – and more.

 

September 8, 1961

I drove to O.C. to record a TV lesson in Okla. history. Sweat poured off me driving down and I was not very well satisfied – but I guess it will have to do. It is the same one I have given on two previous years, only this one was recorded. I shall be in Kansas on the day I usually give it.

 

September 9, 1961

I went down to the schoolhouse to the community fair this morning. (Not able to go yesterday.) It The displays were good. In afternoon attended a committee meeting at the church to plan a party to welcome newcomers to the community. Macy Wilson prepared a list of 18 families.

 

September 10, 1961

Taught my S.S. class (a big one – summer over) and heard a fine sermon by Rev. Bob. Had dinner with the Schaefer girls. (It’s getting to be a habit.) Lovely day but somewhat warm in the afternoon.

 

September 11, 1961

I baked bread and made some tomato aspec [sic]for Club luncheon tomorrow. Worked on Cushman book.

 

September 12, 1961

Club luncheon and meeting at Frances Ficken’s. It started mist, then light rain this morning. Our gift from the hurricane Carla on the Gulf – worst since Galveston was destroyed in 1900 – or was it 1901? I remember it very well. I went out to Frances’ house at 10:30 because I was on the committee to prepare the luncheon. Road very slick. Soon it rained very hard, driving home was very difficult but we soon got on the shale. It is still raining very hard – no lightning, just a steady downpour and a strong wind. We had a good meeting anyhow.

 

September 13, 1961

This morning the rain had quit but the wind was still blowing and it was cold. I lighted my furnace and needed it all day. In the evening I went to lodge. I am working hard these days on the Cushman book. I was tired after fighting the mud yesterday. Electricity off most of the morning in my house and a few others.

 

September 14, 1961

Cold day. My furnace feels good. We really needed that big rain though some Okla. towns – Kingfisher in particular – were flooded. I baked some cookies this evening for the party at the church Sunday.

 

September 15, 1961

Nothing much happened. Still working on Cushman book.

 

September 16, 1961

Found the rain had caused my house to settle (it had been so terribly dry) and tore out a connection to the drain to my sink. But Joe Misar fixed it. Beautiful bright day but cold all morning. I have used my furnace every day since I lighted it. I kept library in the afternoon.

 

September 17, 1961

Had a fine S.S. class and heard a fine sermon. In the evening I attended a get-together at the church in honor of the new people in the community. It was a very nice party but none of the oil people came. The teachers came and the young Williamsons. Since the great development of the East Hennessey field many workers are living in and around Marshall – some in good farmhouses no longer needed.

 

September 18, 1961

I worked very hard all day on the Cushman book. I am trying to finish it before I start for Kansas this week. Clear, beautiful day.

 

September 19, 1961

Decided it would be impossible to get the book done – so slowed down. Clear morning but some thin clouds came over in the p.m. No prospect of rain though. So shocked at death of Dag Hammarskjold. Now of all times!

September 20, 1961

Heavy thunder woke me in the night and a hard rain came up. Rained off and on all morning. Cleared in p.m. About 1 inch fell. I got a permanent. Went to lodge in evening. Only six of us there. Roads and streets too muddy – in some places impassible.

 

September 21, 1961

Lovely bright day – cloudless sky. Not tonight. It really dried up the roads. Got hot in afternoon but I didn’t turn off the pilot light on my furnace. I worked on a talk I promised Mabel Collins I would give at her church in Junction City Sunday. Also packed. Also I tried to plug up my porch against my skunk. Clouds in the west tonight. Worst.

 

September 22, 1961

Clouds gathered around but no rain. I drove to Junction City, 258 mi. Brake got weak and I stopped at Florence and had some fluid put in. Stopped briefly at Tonkawa to visit the Thompsons. Am so happy to be with Mabel Collins – my first friend (ages 5 to 9) and her big sister Agnes Clark, now 87. Called another childhood friend, Martha Schewe.

 

September 23, 1961

It rained hard all night and is cold. I couldn’t start my car this p.m. Found the hose from the radiator was falling apart and water ran out and drowned the engine. Got new hose, also new fan belt. Now O.K. Called briefly on Martha Schewe, whom I have not seen since I visited up here in 1909. She is having her recital tomorrow.

 

September 24, 1961

Full day. Attended S.S. and church with Mabel and Agnes. (Fine church service.) Then Jack and Polly Collins and their two boys were here for dinner. At 2:30 attended recital of Martha’s piano pupils. Immediately after, went to supper and family night at the church, where I talked about the Indians’ problems. Rained last night – threatened all day.

 

September 25, 1961

Bright beautiful day. We drove out to the old neighborhood and Mabel and I walked all over our old farm. I had passed it but never walked around over it since we left in the Fall of ’99. Then we drove to Alta Vista over the familiar road – so familiar 1895-99. Visited Mary Doverspike Martenson. After return, had tea with Mabel’s husband’s niece, Mrs. Baughman.

 

September 26, 1961

We drove took Marcha Schewe and all drove out to Paul Fechner’s (the old Fechner farm). Lovely bright day. Got ready for luncheon of old friends Mabel has invited for tomorrow.

 

September 27, 1961

Wonderful meeting with old friends – Lizzie Horne, Crissie Say, Mary Martenson, Alice Morgan, Edith Clark, Blanche Germann, Marcha Schewe, Nina Fechner. Mabel – capable as ever – served a wonderful dinner with effortless efficiency. Lizzie stayed till about 9 – then William came for her and stayed and visited a while.

 

September 28, 1961

Bright beautiful day. We drove back to Welcome and drove around all the familiar roads. Ate a picnic lunch on the old school ground. Visited with Lizzie and she showed us Alaska pictures. In the evening Mabel and I (Agnes too tired) went to visit Martha. Alice McGuire Quinn and Hazel Florence Johnson was there. (Daughter of Myrtle Doverspike).

 

September 29, 1961

I spent most of the morning with Frances Fechner Tully – then had lunch and visited Martha till one of her music pupils came at 3. In the evening a friend of Agnes’s – Florence Barkman – came. Dreary day – high wind, red (Okla.) dust.

 

September 30, 1961

Stayed around and talked. In the afternoon we slept. Then in the evening Florence took us driving. Gloomy day.

 

October 1, 1961

This was a wonderful day for me. We drove out to Welcome to S.S. and church – grandchildren & children of old friends there (and some of our own age) Had dinner at the Clark home with Harris and Edith. Even the shape of the land is dear to me. Called briefly on Martha.

 

October 2, 1961

Drove home. Stopped at Burns, on turnpike for lunch, at Tonkawa (Daisy & Griff) and Perry pottery. Found source of red dust. Hard rains on soil prepared for wheat planting ran top together (leveled it). Crust dried & blew. Farmers can’t get in to harrow and break it up because too wet. Soil really in fine condition if it could be worked. Cold at Junction, warm here.

 

October 3, 1961

I worked hard – probably too hard – on Cushman book. I had hoped to finish it before I left but failed. Warm day.

 

October 4, 1961

Worked all day on Cushman book. Warm day. My house is terribly dirty, but no time to clean it. Went to lodge this evening. I was terribly tired but somehow the meeting rested me.

 

October 5, 1961

Finished Cushman book at noon. Cleaned part of the house this afternoon. Went to lodge this evening. I thought Mr. Hinkel might come after the book but he didn’t.

 

October 6, 1961

In spite of all I had done to prevent it the skunk dug under my porch and then went under my house. Shortly after I went to bed he almost drove me out. I spent a very bad night. I drove to Enid to see Ethel Hawkins and while I was there I bought a trap. High wind. Much of the wheat ground is now harrowed and some planted but the dust blew from unworked fields that one could hardly see to drive.

 

October 7, 1961

I set the trap for my skunk and lost much sleep watching it but he never went near. I am very tired, but I cleaned the rest of my house. Another day of high warm wind. The ground is in beautiful condition as soon as it is worked. The farmers are drilling as fast as they can. But the dust rises in a thick cloud from the unworked fields.

 

October 8, 1961

I had a fine S.S. class. Heard a finer sermon. I sprung my trap last night so I could sleep. Will set it again when I get time. Nice day. Warm.

 

October 9, 1961

I went to the City with Rev. Bob and the Webers to attend fall synod. It is a bad time of year with all our active men planting wheat. It was a fine meeting, too good to waste on so few of our people. It was threatening rain this morning and rained from noon on. No more wheat planting. Hard rain this evening. Jessie Douglas called me for a telephone visit from Knoxville, Tenn.

 

October 10, 1961

Rained hard during the night and most of the forenoon. Cleared off this afternoon. Water is coming into my cellar. I went to Club at Madonna Enmeier’s. Very good meeting. Warm weather all the time. Trees lovely with beginning fall colors, but mostly green yet – all but my sumac.

 

October 11, 1961

Drove to Stillwater this P.M. Very warm sunny day. Staying at Union Club. Lovely Fatima Ali came and spent an hour with me. Had dinner with Mr. Poteet, pres. of Phi Alpha Theta, Mr. Cooper, new Latin-American man in hist. dept., and the Chapmans. Then read a paper on hist. methods to quite a large group sponsored by Phi Alpha Theta.

 

October 12, 1961

Hot day. I had conference with Mr. Hinkel about Cushman book. Spent some time working in the library. Had lunch with Fatima Ali and my beloved Shameem and Zohara Husain. Came back right after lunch. Tired. The Student Union bed is O.K. for most people but I am a softie who like my feather bed. Probably only one still in existence.

 

October 13, 1961

Mrs. Voskuhl called to report on Catholic Guild participation in foreign student project. Stayed for a nice visit. I drove to the City and attended reception given by Okla. Writers Club. Stopped to freshen up with a Mrs. Marjorie Wright. Went home to spend the night with a fine couple the Lloyd Esteses. Hot day. The ground is still very wet – no men in the field – wheat already planted coming up nicely.

 

October 14, 1961

Visited till about ten with Mrs. Estes. Then started home up MacArthur Road. Stopped at Crescent for a visit with my be beloved Betty Adams. First time I have seen her new house. She has had an operation for bladder trouble but is recovering. Beautiful day – still, bright, perfect, warm sun, crisp air.

 

October 15, 1961

I had the biggest S.S. class I’ve ever had, I think. The preaching service was in charge if the men (laymen’s Sunday). It was very fine, especially a talk by Bob Schaefer. Beautiful bright day, warm. Rev. Bob and family have been called away by the death of his grandfather. He would have enjoyed the men’s service.

 

October 16, 1961

My furnace quit today – or perhaps Oct. 17. I’m making a late entry. The weather is so beautiful I am not suffering, but Mr. Oliver will fix it.

 

October 17, 1961

Mr. Huffer worked all day putting metal borders around shrubs and a lily bed. Then he trimmed the trees. In the evening I put a whole box of moth balls under the house hoping to discourage the skunk. Last night he took the bait – and sprung the trap. Lovely day.

 

October 18, 1961

Carl Weber hauled off the tree limbs. Ralph Cooper came to visit me. He has been working on our family graves. I gave him some peonys [sic]. I told Olga and made a quick trip to Enid to buy bulbs – Madonna, regal, and spider lilies. Then I planted them in the new bed. Sid Oliver came and put a new piece in the furnace this evening so I didn’t attend lodge. Lovely day.

 

October 19, 1961

Nice day but cooler. I’m glad I got my furnace started. I spent the day catching up on neglected odds and ends of correspondence, etc.

 

October 20, 1961

Another perfect October day. I need the furnace a little in the morning and that is all.

 

October 21, 1961

Still another beautiful day. Nothing in particular happened.

 

October 22, 1961

Taught my S.S. class and heard perhaps the best sermon I have ever heard Bob preach. How that boy has such insight amazes me. In the afternoon I went to Stillwater to a tea of the history department at the home of the Knights. Hot windy day. A number of farmers are in the field planting wheat.

 

October 23, 1961

Lovely warm day. I planted some tulips I got in Junction City, but garden too wet to plant before.

 

October 24, 1961

Another lovely day. I attended Club at Winnie Branen’s. Lovely moving picture of state parks by Planning & Resources Board. I reset my jonquils, which were too close together. They were in wonderful condition with long roots. I hope my disturbing them will not prevent blooming next spring.

 

October 25, 1961

Another nice day but it is getting colder tonight so that I brought my fern in on the back porch thinking it might freeze outside. I attended lodge – quite a group from Perry there. Very good meeting.

 

October 26, 1961

Regional workshop of women’s guild. It was a very fine meeting. Large attendance. Our new furnace was not functioning for some reason and all the visitors were cold. (So were we.) It did frost a little last night, and though sunny was somewhat cold today.

 

October 27, 1961

Mean winter day, dark and windy, only not cold. I called a meeting of the International Hospitality Committee to make plans for foreign student guests during Thanksgiving vacation.

 

October 28, 1961

Warm and windy – also cloudy but cleared off this evening. I drove to Stillwater this P.M. to attend a tea given by the Pakistani students on the third anniversary of their bloodless revolution. Very inspiring. A very fine group of young people – especially my three.

 

October 29, 1961

Taught my S.S. class and went to church. In the P.M. went to the city with the Richard Webers and the Drapers. Called on Oliver and the Owen Snydes [sic] (Owen just out of the hospital), then attended Reformation “Festival of Faith” in the auditorium. Singing drowned out by the band, sermon by Dr. Alen Wherli mediocre, I wasn’t greatly impressed. (One thing – completely integrated Negro-White service). Very warm, threatening rain.

 

October 30, 1961

Cloudy warm day. The children were enjoying their “Trick or treat,” calling in droves, when a short brisk shower came. It spoiled their fun. Too bad. But they’ll be back tomorrow. A pretty 17-yr. old girl, niece of Alice Draper had a stroke yesterday. She is very low. And Alice’s sister was to have an operation today.

 

October 31, 1961

Another cloudy day. I am sorry for Alice Draper. She was terribly worried Sunday about her sister. And now this niece. She is barely living. Only one child came for a treat this evening.

 

November 1, 1961

Terrible new about Alice. Her sister in Tulsa was coming over last night to help care for the sick girl, got in a fog and was killed in a car wreck. I went to Guild in P.M. (where all our thoughts were on Alice). Then to lodge in evening. Came back in a pouring rain. Made some jello salad to take to the Drapers. Warm day.

 

November 2, 1961

I took the salad out to the Drapers. Poor Alice is taking it hard. I didn’t see her – just gave the salad to Eva Dean Huffer, who is taking charge of things. The other sister is putting off the operation. The niece still unconscious – no improvement. It rained two inches last night. Very warm all the while till the wind swept from the north about 4 P.M. I put up my storm door.

 

November 3, 1961

Beautiful bright day. But it froze ice last night. I drove to Stillwater in the afternoon and picked up my lovely Fatima Ali and brought her to my house for a visit. Met the funeral procession coming from Tulsa to bury the poor shattered body at Hennessey. Our people waiting at Drapers’ to join them.

 

November 4, 1961

Took Fatima to visit Mrs. Beeby this morning. She told poignant stories of pioneer days. In afternoon took her to see the East Hennessey oil field. In the evening the Enmeiers stopped called. She stayed with them last Thanksgiving.

 

November 5, 1961

I took Fatima to mission festival and dinner at the church. She is an earnest Moslem but was an observant visitor. In the afternoon I took her to the 60th anniversary celebration at the Disciples’ church. Wilda Schaefer took her back to Stillwater. Beulah Potter & her husband called this evening. He is fine but can’t remember his name.

 

November 6, 1961

Drove out to see Alice Draper and her mother. Alice is white and weak – looks as though she could hardly sit up – but is doing her housework. A sister-in-law helps with the station books. Roxine is slightly better. And the sister does not have cancer.

 

November 7, 1961

Ruby Romhilde came and helped me with floor-waxing, window washing, and house-cleaning. She helped me only three hours. I worked by myself the rest of the time.

 

November 8, 1961

Ruby helped me 3 ½ hours today. We got the north part of the house done. Nice warm bright day. Went to lodge in the evening.

 

November 9, 1961

Ruby helped me 3 ½ hours today and we finished. (I worked by myself the rest of the time.) Warm but windy.

 

November 10, 1961

Rained a little this morning. Lovely warm day. I drove out to see Alice Draper. She still seems very pale and weak.

 

November 11, 1961

Lovely warm day. I baked a loaf of date bread and took it out to the Drapers. Alice still looks pale and weak.

 

November 12, 1961

So warm I went to S.S. and church without a wrap. Taught my class; heard a fine sermon. In the afternoon took Claudia Ahrnsbrak and saw a truly marvellous [sic] craft exhibit – by foreign students at OSU. Saw Shameem Hussain and Fatima Ali.

 

November 13, 1961

Turned cold in the night. Cloudy all day.

 

November 14, 1961

Rained a little last night and threatened all day. Not very cold. Club met today and I had charge of the program. Showed Berlin pictures.

 

November 15, 1961

Rained last night and most of the day but not cold. I hardly know how much water fell. I stayed away from lodge.

 

November 16, 1961

Cleared off early this morning and the day was bright and beautiful. Last night the wind blew my back screen scr porch screen door with the glass storm sash and completely shattered the glass. I suppose it blew back against the side of the house. Made a bad hole in the siding where the latch banged it.

 

November 17, 1961

Rained most Mr. Huffer planed The Men’s Brotherhood at the church served a pancake and sausage supper. Afterwards the next year’s budget was presented. I wrote my Christmas letter.

 

November 18, 1961

Dreary rainy day. I kept the library in the afternoon. Only one customer.

 

November 19, 1961

Heavy clouds; looked like snowing in the P.M. but no moisture fell and it was warm. I taught my S.S. class and attended church. Then drove to Stillwater and had dinner with the Hinkels. Other guests Martha Merrifield, and Rena Penn Brittan, and Miss Carter (I think). Very pleasant.

 

November 20, 1961

Another warm, cloudy day but not so threatening. I worked at odds and ends and prepared for company tomorrow. (This means I cleaned my back porch and did other household chores I had neglected).

 

November 21, 1961

Two hard rains this forenoon – drizzle off and on this p.m. So bad Don Huffer tried to find time to take me to Stillwater but too much responsibility for Carol broke her arm yesterday. So he admonished me to be careful and I made it O.K. Brought back Kad Mafuza Islam and Siddiqua Katum. Maf-- staying with me, Sid-- with Claudia. We went to a community supper at the Catholic church, then to the school for a band concert. Mud very bad. Warm

November 22, 1961

I took the girls to visit the school while Claudia baked a pie for our supper. We ate lunch at the school. Then we came home and rested. Then Claudia came over and we all had supper here. Then we all went to E. & R. church for the Union Thanksgiving service. After that I showed Russian slides. Claudia then took Siddiqua home. It cleared off beautifully but is still very muddy. Warm day.

 

November 23, 1961

Esther Seinones and two cousins came and took the girls to Branens for a family Thanksgiving. Claudia went to her daughter’s for dinner. I stayed at home. Winnie invited me but I thought I should be quiet & rest. She brought the girls back after supper. Claudia came over and we saw more pics. Warm, sunny, perfect day.

 

November 24, 1961

After breakfast Mafuza and I went to Claudia’s. Winnie came, and took the girls back to Stillwater. Claudia and I went along. Winnie also called briefly on the young Delgados and their baby and Eleana Delgado’s mother. Got back by noon. Warm day but windy.

 

November 25, 1961

Warm day. I don’t remember that anything in particular happened. Am writing late.

 

November 26, 1961

Lovely warm day. I taught my S.S. class and attended church – fine sermon, as always. In the evening the wind started blowing form the north. Perhaps winter is coming.

 

November 27, 1961

Dark stormy day, but not really cold – water not frozen in the bird bath. I thought I should be prepared, and so put some trash around my roses. They still have buds.

 

November 28, 1961

I yielded to temptation and sat down and read Bruce Caton’s [sic] The Coming Fury instead of working at correspondence, etc. I had been reading it off and on for several days but this time I settled down and finished it. It is a wonderful book. Still stormy but not cold.

 

November 29, 1961

Clear part of the day but clouded up. It seems cold but the water in the bird bath does not freeze. I attended lodge this evening. I had missed two previous meetings. I wrote letters today trying to find out what influences were back of the appointment of the Creek chief.

 

November 30, 1961

Nothing in particular happened during the following days – at least nothing I remember, I am writing late – Dec. 6. All the time until Dec. 5 it was cloudy, threatening rain, but not cold.

 

December 1, 1961

[No entry]

 

December 2, 1961

Dec. 3. I taught my S.S. class and heard a very fine sermon. Threatened rain, but didn’t. Not cold.

 

December 3, 1961

Dec. 4. Rained slightly last night. Cloudy and dismal all day. Clear streak in the west tonight. I bought my Christmas tree today.

 

December 4, 1961

Be Dec. 4 on previous page.

 

December 5, 1961

Beautiful bright day. White frost this morning. I drove to Enid and got plane and bus schedules for a trip to Cleveland in Jan. Also saw poor little Ethel Hawkins and got some holly for the vases on the altar at church.

 

December 6, 1961

Beautiful bright day. Our Woman’s Guild went to Stillwater as guests of the Methodist WSCS for their Christmas tea. In the evening I went to lodge.

 

December 7, 1961

Cloudy part of the day. I started writing sending my Christmas letters.

 

December 8, 1961

A flurry of snow this morning. It melted on the ground but some stayed a while on the grass. Miserable rainy muddy day. The hospitality committee met with me this morning to plan for foreign students during the Christmas holidays.

 

December 9, 1961

[No entry]

 

December 10, 1961

Cold miserable day. Our new furnace at the church is fine. I taught my S.S. class as usual and heard a good sermon.

 

December 11, 1961

Really cold – down to 10^◦ or so. Icy pavement. I could drive in town but would hate to try it on the highway where not all drivers would be as cautious as I am. Storming hard tonight – makes us wonder whether it will be safe to drive to club tomorrow.

 

December 12, 1961

Sunny day but very cold. I was going to try driving on the pavement but my car was iced in the garage. But about 10 Madonna Enmeier, hostess of the club, said she saw some signs of melting, so we decided to go ahead. And by two my garage door was deiced and when I got on the pavement the ice was all gone. We had a good meeting. Still very cold.

 

December 13, 1961

Still clear and getting warmer. My S.S. class had its annual Christmas tree trimming party this evening. It was very nice – fun to get the church ready for the program – two lovely trees, lights, curtains for pageant – then refreshments.

 

December 14, 1961

Stormy again, cold and dark. Nothing happened that I remember. Mud – frozen, mostly.

 

December 15, 1961

Another cold gloomy day.

 

December 16, 1961

Hard rain last night with heavy thunder. The electricity went off about 11 a.m. and stayed off for hours. Not so cold but foggy and threatening all day.

 

December 17, 1961

The sun came out this morning and it warmed up. I taught my S.S. class and heard a wonderful sermon. I marvel at the insight of young Rev. Bob. Very muddy but it will dry up if it stays warm. But it clouded up in the p.m. and so will probably storm again. For some unexplained reason the electricity went off for a time. Carolers came by this evening. Wond.

 

December 18, 1961

Miserable dark misty day but warm. I am spending most of my time sending out Christmas letters. This evening the wind rose. I think it is another storm.

 

December 19, 1961

Cold this morning but clear. In the afternoon it warmed up some. I called on Anita Schultz and Pam Cole.

 

December 20, 1961

Another beautiful day. Terrible news. I heard it yesterd It happened Monday but somehow I didn’t hear it. Glenn Roberts was killed in an oil field accident in Texas. Was working on his last tour before starting here to be with his family for Christmas. His poor mother and father and his wife Jerry and his four children. It is terrible. I did not attend lodge this evening.

 

December 21, 1961

Another beautiful bright day. I attended Glenn Robert’s funeral this afternoon. The family is taking his death very hard. I understand he was badly crushed. Only Saturday Jerry told me he sent her a check and said for her to get herself a fur coat for Christmas. Ralph came to put evergreen on the family graves and then came to the house for a nice visit.

 

December 22, 1961

Pearl Boyce and her lovely Dona came by briefly on their way to Carmen to visit Anna and Bess. I enjoyed them so much. They asked me to go along but I could hardly do it on such short notice. Weather O.K.

 

December 23, 1961

[No entry]

 

December 24, 1961

Weather rather nice. I taught my S.S. class and attended the church service. Then went home and cleaned my house superficially because Mable Bryson asked me to go with them to spend Xmas with Jane and Charles. In evening I attended the Xmas program at the church. It was fine.

 

December 25, 1961

Lovely bright day. Mabel and Raymond came by for me at 6:30. Arto Wishard was along. Drove to the home of Jane and Charles at Hesston, near Newton, Kans. Had a wonderful visit with them. Started back around 5 – reached home about 8:30. I enjoyed it very much. Cindy sweet as usual – the new baby, Rita, is a darling.

 

December 26, 1961

Beautiful morning but clouded up in the p.m. The club met with me today. Good meeting. Ila Smith brought art slides and I used my projector. When Mable asked me Sunday to go to Hesston I had to do a little light house cleaning I had planned to do on Xmas to get ready for club.

 

December 27, 1961

Lovely day. I drove a new Chevrolet II and told Dale I would buy it. Went to lodge this evening. We are still shocked to think our beloved Mary Roberts’ son was buried a week ago today. She was not at lodge this evening but sent an affectionate message.

 

December 28, 1961

Lovely day. I took down off my the decorations on my Xmas tree this evening. It was the best tree I ever had, and I am sorry to give it up. Gathered up my Xmas cards and put them away.

 

December 29, 1961

Burned my tree this morning. I loved the little tree so much I hated to burn it. Got sad news from Amarillo – Ethleen Busch’s husband fell dead of a heart attack the Thursday before Christmas. Such a sad Christmas for Ethleen and lovely little Anne. I got a permanent – my last one not good.

 

December 30, 1961

Writing late. Don’t remember anything in particular. The young Williamson’s are leaving my house tomorrow. They didn’t give me any warning because they weren’t sure. They will go to Lamont. Nice day.

 

December 31, 1961

I have a troublesome cold. Nice day. I taught my S.S. class and heard a fine New Year’s sermon. In the p.m. I went to an open house at the church in honor of the Fred Enmeiers’ golden wedding anniversary. The Williamsons got off shortly after noon – Emma Lou very tired.