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4. 1960s
5. 1966

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January 1 - December 31, 1966

(Box 5/Folder 7)

 

January 1, 1966

Remembered to use right date. Lovely warm day. I turned off the furnace and opened the doors. The Dwight Rusco family came to visit me this evening. They had been to Stillwater and stopped on their way back to Isabella.

 

January 2, 1966

Dr. & Mrs. Scales came from Stillwater & visited my S.S. class & went to church with me. Then Pat and Ramona joined us for dinner and afternoon visit. One of the most enjoyable days I have ever spent. In the evening we had our lunch congregational meeting. Elected Raymond Bryson president of the congregation.

 

January 3, 1966

Drove to Stillwater and had lunch with the library staff. Then called on dear Cherrie Garrett and the Hammond sisters. Grace is bedfast but very cheerful although weak. She listens more than she talks. Lovely sunny day.

 

January 4, 1966

International hospitality committee met with me in the morning and made plans for inviting foreign students here Jan. 21. Lovely warm day

 

January 5, 1966

I went to Women’s Guild meeting at the church, Elsie Seefeldt leader. We made plans to welcome our ministry who is coming next week. Beautiful warm weather. I washed in the morning.

 

January 6, 1966

Not much happened. Oh, yes, Half-Sun on the Columbia came today. It is a wonderful book. A year ago the authors and I had just finished it. I mailed the MS exactly one year ago today. Lovely warm day.

 

January 7, 1966

Writing late. Don’t remember anything in particular. Lovely warm day. I have never before seen so pleasant a winter.

 

January 8, 1966

Nothing I can remember – wrote letters & planned S.S. lesson. Lovely warm weather.

 

January 9, 1966

Taught my S.S. class and heard a fine sermon by Dr. Hatt. Learned that Mrs. Rebecca Williams died just the day before her hundredth birthday. Her mind was keen and she had entered happily into all the big plans for the celebration. I visited with her children – stayed overnight – when I was 9 years old.

 

January 10, 1966

I have been reading Half-Sun just finished it this evening it is as good as I thought it would be, a very fine piece of writing and scholarship. Beautiful warm day.

 

January 11, 1966

Went to club at Madonna’s. Fine lesson by Ramona. Threatened storm this morning but cleared off.

 

January 12, 1966

Melvin Swaim took me to Mrs. William’s [sic] funeral in Crescent. I played with her children when I was nine years old. Mailed a manuscript – rather got it ready to mail – I have been reading for Savoie. Pat O’Neill found a place where they sell excellent Kennedy records at 10₵ each post paid – only one has to buy ten. I thought I would – cont’d.

 

January 13, 1966

Turned two pages. Went to club at Madonna’s. Good Nothing particular happened. Nice day. lesson by Ramona. Threatened storm this morning but cleared off. risk a dollar. Found they were excellent records, so have been giving them away – mailing some. Got a second run ten and those are about gone.

 

January 14, 1966

I worked in the library. I went to Enid mainly to spend a gift certificate given me by my S.S. class. Decided on a stapler. I have never had any but the inefficient small ones. Lovely day.

 

January 15, 1966

Pat O’Neill – generous young man as he is – came bringing a gift he had intended for Xmas, a beautiful Horizon Book on Ancient Greece. Took care of the library this P.M. Last night I saw “Wuthering Heights” on Educational TV. I had read the book once but had forgotten some details. At the library I saw a copy of the book and read it straight thru, at the library and after I returned home. Missed my supper to finish it. Lovely day.

 

January 16, 1966

Taught my S.S. class and heard Rev. Ralph Peter’s first sermon as pastor. In the P.M. I had a migraine attack caused I think by my intemperate reading yesterday. After it, I went to bed and slept. Got up weak but O.K. Miserable threatening day but not very cold. Read my beautiful Greek book.

 

January 17, 1966

Meeting of library board at the bank this morning. For years we have been trying to gat an adequate bldg. but all our plans failed. So I offered to give them my rent house which has been without a tenant six months. We went down and looked at it & decided it had possibilities. We are all very happy about it.

 

January 18, 1966

Beautiful bright day. Rev. Ralph Peters called this P.M. He is going to be very active and conscientious in his pastoral work – though not an intellectual he uses all he has – which is all anybody can do.

 

January 19, 1966

Jan. 21 Turned 2 pages. Listened to 7:00 weather report & decided not safe to go to Stillwater. Called Mrs. Levin and found she was getting ready to call me & call it off. But contrary to weather reports it did not snow. I would have been safe to go But it was a miserable dark threatening day. Snow not melting.

 

January 20, 1966

Cleared off last night, no wind, sunny, but cold. 4° this morning. It warmed up during the day but never got to the place where it thawed very much. I cleared a path to my garage so I can wear dress shoes tomorrow.

 

January 21, 1966

Jan. 19 Turned 2 pages. Started snowing this morning, snowed all day. Several inches fell, I don’t know how much, soft, quiet, warm, no drifting, just what the wheat needs.

 

January 22, 1966

Jan 20 Dense clouds all day, but not much snow fell. That on the ground melted rapidly but the ground is still covered. Hard to decide whether to bring foreign students from Stillwater tomorrow. Will decide in the morning.

 

January 23, 1966

I showed pictures of English churches to my S.S. class. Good crowd at S.S. & church. Showed how badly we needed a pastor. Our attendance had been falling off. In P.M. took Winnie Branen & drove to open house at Guthrie library. Interested in bookmobile. Clear bright day but it didn’t warm up much.

 

January 24, 1966

Another dark stormy day with a thin cover of snow sprinkling down.

 

January 25, 1966

Miserable dark day. Rain frozen on pavement until is was hard to drive down town because wheels spun. We were to have Woman’s Club but postponed it till tomorrow.

 

January 26, 1966

Sky cleared & sun came out at noon. Considerable snow melted this P.M. but it did not get very warm. I attended club – very interesting picture at the schoolhouse about genetics, then business meeting at Winne’s.

 

January 27, 1966

Bright day clouded over, turned cold this evening. But a great deal of the snow melted. It still covers the ground in places.

 

January 28, 1966

Wrote club history. Bad day.

 

January 29, 1966

Mailed club history. The sun shone all day but it didn’t warm up. It was 1° above zero this morning.

 

January 30, 1966

I had a fine S.S. class and heard sermon by Rev. Ralph Peters. It was as cold this morning as yesterday but warmed up a little. This morning evening we had a very happy family night at the church to welcome our new pastor. Everyone so nice wishing me “Happy birthday.”

 

January 31, 1966

Miserably, misty, cold day. In the P.M., I went to the church and met Eva Dean Huffer to run run then over a film for Wednesday. When we started home the pavement was so icy I could hardly make the 3 blocks home. I worried about Eva Dean but she made it.

 

February 1, 1966

It was so icy I stayed right in the house, didn’t even step outside. Finally late in the afternoon the ice had gone enough, so I managed to drive down after the mail.

 

February 2, 1966

Sun shone today at least part of the time. Driving not hazardous. We had club Women’s guild at Mabel Brysons. Eva Dean was leader – used a film. Good crowd, good meeting.

 

February 3, 1966

The Sun shone shone part of the day. The snow melted some, but not much. In the evening, Pat and Ramona O’Neill took me to O.C. to a picture show, a take-off on the foolish funeral customs we have.

 

February 4, 1966

Feb. 6 Turned 2 pp. Taught my S.S. class and heard sermon by pastor. Pleasant warm day

 

February 5, 1966

Feb. 7 Very bright this morning. I drove to Stillwater (difficult driving) had luncheon with library staff, and attended to several errands, called on the Hammond sisters. The fog lifted about eleven o’clock and it became windy . I thought yesterday the snow was all gone but saw some this forenoon along the road in the shade

 

February 6, 1966

Turned 2 pages. Feb. 4 Cold this morning but it warmed up and for the first time in more than two weeks we had a lovely day. And how wonderful it seemed! Most of the snow melted except right in the shade. I washed in the forenoon, cleaned my house in the afternoon, then called on Mrs. Stuerke.

 

February 7, 1966

Turned 2 pp. Feb. 5 Dense fog this morning but cleared off and all the snow melted. It seems so wonderful to have warm weather. I taught my S.S. class and heard sermon by Rev. Ralph Peters.

 

February 8, 196[6]

Club met at my house. Warm day, very hard spring shower in late P.M. We needed it. In the evening I visited the O’Neills.

 

February 9, 1966

Beautiful spring day after the rain – birds singing, lawns greening. Everyone is happy about the rain. We needed it.

 

February 10, 1966

Nothing much happened. Not so warm.

 

February 11, 1966

Another nice day. Keith Olmstead called. I saw the assessor at the bank today.

 

February 12, 1966

Lovely weather. Nothing much happened. My jonquils and daffodils are up several inches although they are entirely in the shade and a week ago they were covered with snow.

 

February 13, 1966

I had a fine big S.S. class – good crowd at church. In the P.M. I visited with the O’Neills. Cloudy and getting colder.

 

February 14, 1966

Colder and cloudy. I had a fine S.S. Ground covered with snow this morning.

 

February 15, 1966

I think it was on some of these blank pages that I should have recorded the dinner at OSU at which Dr. Tolson spoke to which I was invited by Dr. Scales & stayed overnight at their home.

 

February 16, 1966

[No entry]

 

February 17, 1966

[No entry]

 

February 18, 1966

The sun was shining so, I thought it was warm – walked down town with only a light jacket and got a deep pain in my thigh but it went away after I got warm. The Peters family spent the evening with me and I showed slides. The two children are very sweet. Parents very pleasant and friendly.

 

February 19, 1966

The house was rather cold when I got up and I didn’t turn the furnace up at first. The pain in my thigh became very serious – sciatica. I could barely step. I must be careful that it does not become serious. Spent much time in bed or sitting with a hot pad on my hip and thigh.

 

February 20, 1966

I taught my S.S. class – strangely driving doesn’t bother me, and I managed to cripple ground enough to get to the car! Didn’t stay for church, and spent most of the day in bed. Much better than yesterday. Rest and heat is what it needs. In the evening I showed slides to the young people at the church. The Bob Schaefers came for me, helped me walk, etc.

 

February 21, 196[6]

Ground covered with snow this morning. I didn’t venture out out even to the back porch. Raymond Bryson brought my mail. Pain much less. I use rest and heat. I don’t want it to get settled as it did for Pearl Burchardt. 

 

February 22, 1966

Snow and ice gone. Ramona O’Neill got some groceries for me, Raymond got my mail. Club was at Ramona’s in this block and she took me in her car. I am very much better. After club still riding with Ramona I went to a fine community meeting at the Lions Den – 23 clubs, churches, etc. represented to plan library drive.

 

February 23, 1966

I am so much better. I made up my bed this morning. It had been left open since Sat. morning so I could lie down. I drove to town and got my own mail.

 

February 24, 1966

I can get around easily without pain – even got the vacuum cleaner and cleaned my house. Am so happy I was able to stop the trouble before it got settled down.

 

February 25 1966

Clear well. Went to Enid to see Dr. Duffy. Flu shot. Back Xray showed good condition. Bought a box spring for my bed. The one I have squeaks. The new one will be delivered Tuesday.

 

February 26, 1966

Cloudy day. Winnie Branen brought a club report on our library project and I spent the day working on it – typing, etc.

 

February 27, 1966

Nice rain all day, just what we need – about 1 in. in all. I taught my S.S. class and attended church. In the evening I visited the O’Neills – fine visit. I enjoy that brilliant handsome young couple so much.

 

February 28, 1966

Beautiful spring day after the rain, bright, warm, clean, fresh. I had to see and call a number of people getting ready for to plan visit of foreign students.

 

March 1, 1966

Meeting in my house this morning of committee planning visit of foreign students. Beautiful spring day after the rain – bright sun, blue sky, clean air. Turned two pages. I am seeing people and getting ready for a tea for foreign students. My new box springs was delivered today. Norman & Bertie Deboard (bless them) put it on my bed.

 

March 2, 1966

Attended Women’s Fellowship at the church. Thelma Ficken leader. Mabel Bryson went to the hospital today to have a lump removed from her breast. It is not considered serious but of course I am worried.

 

March 3, 1966

My bed still squeaked so I drove to Enid and told the man who sold the springs – arranged for the delivery man to bring me new ones costing $20 more and take back the others. Then when I got home I found plates riveted to my bedposts caused the squeaking. Roberta helped oil the place and the noise stopped. Worked this afternoon on a dress Luella Reeves gave me.

 

March 4, 1966

Finished the dress. It required some alteration. Wrote to the man not to exchange the springs. It wasn’t necessary to buy new ones at all. My old ones were O.K. My mistake cost me $40. I will give the old ones to Goodwill Industries. Very hard north wind bringing much dust from Kansas.

 

March 5, 1966

Should be March 3 My new matras springs squeaks just like the old ones, so I went to Enid and arranged to exchange them for one that costs $20 more. Then I found a place on the bedposts where plates are bolted on. I got Roberta to help me move the mattress and we oiled all four plates. Then it quit squeaking. I worked on a dress Luella Reeves gave me. It had to be made over some.

March 3, 1966 The wind continued

 

March 6, 1966

High cold north wind and dust. The TV says it is 16,000 (3 mi.) high in Kansas. I slept all night with no squeaking springs. Wrote a letter to the man not to bring the new ones. It would not have been necessary for me to buy any at all – I am sorry I spent the money unnecessarily but glad I didn’t spend the extra $20. I finished the dress

March 6 Taught my S.S. class. Heard sermon by Rev. Ralph Peters. Cleaned my house in the P.M. Wore my new dress at church.

 

March 7, 1966

While we were having the high wind they were having the worst blizzard in the Dakotas since 1888. Drove to Stillwater for library staff luncheon. Bought some shoes. Cost $16. Terrible! Called on Grace and Ruth Hammond. The club meets with me tomorrow. That was the reason I had to clean the dust out of my house Sunday.

 

March 8, 1966

Marshall Woman’s Club met at my house this P.M. Madonna gave the lesson – one of the best we ever had. It was about the Indian school in Santa Fe and we had an exhibit of Indian art and crafts.

 

March 9, 1966

Was a guest of the Branens at family dinner at Xn [Christian] church and saw slides and heard lecture by Dr. & Mrs. Bonham about their missionary hospital in India. Very interesting.

 

March 10, 1966

Read a history of the Klamath Indians I promised to review for the Annals. It is so bad a book I am going to suggest it not be reviewed. But I painfully read it all.

 

March 11, 1966

[No entry]

 

March 12, 1966

[No entry]

 

March 13, 1966

Taught my S.S. class, heard sermon by Rev. Ralph Peters. In the afternoon wrote letter to Annals saying Klamath book not worth reviewing. In the evening watched Walt Disney program based on a book by Burdetta Beebe who grew up in Marshall. Also watched “Carousel,” which I saw once as a musical comedy.

 

March 14, 1966

Called a good many people getting ready for visit of foreign students March 22. We have had a late spring but it is warming up. The dandelions (curses!) are starting to bloom.

 

March 15, 1966

The Home Demonstration Club had a very nice party for us “senior citizens” – how I hate that euphemism for old people – at the parish house of the Catholic church. My jonquils are blooming. They are later than most because they are on the north side of the house.

 

March 16, 1966

Spe Drove to Stillwater today to see Mrs. Levin and straighten up odds and ends for foreign student visit next week. Spent a very pleasant evening with my beloved young O’Neills listening to new records of Adlai Stevenson’s speeches and Kennedy’s life.

 

March 17, 1966

A Mrs. Hutchinson from Ill. came to consult me on some historical writing she wants to do. Spent a very pleasant evening with my beloved young O’Neills listening to records of Adlai Stevenson’s speeches and Kennedy’s life. We had some good conversation afterwards.

 

March 18, 1966

Writing late can’t remember what happened. Leann Markes and I worked on a film for next Tuesday. Also I went to the school and talked with Mr. Leathers about visit to classes.

 

March 19, 1966

Not much happened. Cleaned my house this morning. Kept literary in afternoon

 

March 20, 1966

Taught my S.S. class and attended church. Getting things in shape for foreign students next week. John Hammer called on an errand and stayed and talked. I think so much of John and Glendora. My jonquils and daffodils are beautiful.

 

March 21, 1966

High wind. Getting ready for our foreign student guests and our tea tomorrow.

 

March 22, 1966

Winnie and I took our cars to Stillwater and picked up 6 students from Iran, Pakistan, and India. They visited in the library till 2 P.M. Then our club had a program and tea in our church. Then Jesse Roberts and Roy Beebe showed them oil wells. Then they visited in homes till 8:30. The Alfred Fickens and Rev. Ralph Peters took them back. I rode along to show Rev. P. where they lived.

 

March 23, 1966

We had a community drive for $2500 – $1500 for library, 500 for parks, 500 civil defense. We all met in the Lion’s den for coffee and instructions. Then fanned out in teams. I went with Jesse Roberts. We called on every family, town and country. In the p.m. I had a committee meeting with Thelma Ficken & Luella Reeves to plan for Sun. evening, Jim Edwards & a Mr. Ron Scroggs called.

 

March 24, 1966

The drive yesterday turned out very well. All the money is not in yet but they have 2100+, and there is about $200 in the bank. I told Joseph Branen to make out the deed giving my property to the town for the use of the library.

 

March 25, 1966

[No entry]

 

March 26, 1966

On one of these days I got a letter from Dr. De Rossier of Uni. of Okla. asking me to teach a course in Ind. hist. to teachers in Indian schools at summer institute in 1967. It is something I have wanted to do all my life. It will be great fun organizing it.

 

March 27, 1966

Taught my S.S. class & attended Church in the morning. In P.M. looked in on Ruby Hall’s antique sale. In evening Rev. Ralph was installed. Very impressive service. Mr. McDougle of Lawton preached. Also communion service. Afterwards reception with cookies and coffee or punch in the basement. The women to whom we assigned the work did a grand job.

 

March 28, 1966

meeting of library board at bank this morning making final plans for remodeling the building. Very happy meeting.

 

March 29, 1966

Working on a speech which I am to make at Meeting of library board to make final plans for remodeling the building. Very happy meeting.

 

March 30, 1966

Working on a speech I am to make later in the month at Okla. library Assn. Attended lenten [sic] service at the church this evening.

 

March 31, 1966

Worked on my speech. Wesley Van Hanen called about the shingling of my house. in the evening I watered my flowers and shrubs. It is getting terribly dry.

 

April 1, 1966

Really warm today. I could have used the air conditioner but didn’t. Thought it was too early in the season. Writing late – forgot what happened.

 

April 2, 1966

Terribly windy day. In the evening I went to Tulsa with the O’Neills to an OCLU [sic] meeting. Enjoyed the drive and the meeting. On the return drove through a big grass fire – saw two more, one north one south. We were all relieved when we got through

 

April 3, 1966

Turned cold – wind turned to north just before we got home last night. I taught my S.S. class & attended church. In the afternoon went to the Catholic parish hall to hear a recording of the Messiah at the convent where Mary Bostick is studying. Mary sang one of the solos.

 

April 4, 1966

Drove to Stillwater to meeti luncheon of library board. Called on the Hammond sisters. Spent the evening with the O’Neills. It frosted last night. Wesley Van Hauen started shingling.

 

April 5, 1966

I think it froze again. Anyhow it was cold. Wesley finished the roof and started putting in a new floor of my front porch. I did not need to shingle the north side. The south side was very bad – also my porth [sic].

 

April 6, 1966

Worked this forenoon getting equipment ready to show pic in Guild. Attended Guild in P.M. at Luella Reim’s home. President Leota Windler had to be away so as V.P. I presided Olga had lesson – showed pic. In the evening attended Lenten service at the church. Wesley had to go to Enid so didn’t work. Learned Albert Staton died.

 

April 7, 1966

First time this week could work on my OLA. talk – finished it. Wesley finished putting in porch and started painting it. The old one was very bad, should have been replaced long ago. I hardly realized how bad it had become. Very dry weather. Wheat is hurt.

 

April 8, 1966

Wesley finished his work this forenoon. I attended Albert Staton’s funeral at Hennessey this morning. He looked in death surprisingly like the boy I remembered so well at our first meeting – our fathers were talking sitting in their respective wagons on the road.

 

April 9, 1966

I worked on a talk I am to give at OBU [Oklahoma Baptist University] chapel. Bought a new hat because none of my old ones will go with the dress I will wear next week. Got a permanent. My adopted granddaughter sent me an Easter corsage of pink carnations.

 

April 10, 1966

The mockingbird came today – also the turtle dove. I heard them before I got up. They timed it just right for Easter. I taught my S.S. class. Rev. Ralph preached and we had communion service. The church was beautiful with flowers and blooming plants including two lilies. Mean dusty day with high wind.

 

April 11, 1966

Worked on talk I am to give next week at Shawnee.

 

April 12, 1966

I attended club at Elnora Cassiday’s. A Mr. Cameron spoke on work Uni. of Okla. is doing in Indian communities. We had a little rain last night – misty today. Beth Le Hew called from Guthrie to tell me Gene Goodman died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage Saturday. Such a tragedy for a man with a family in the prime of life. I knew Gene as such a fine boy growing up, then so pitiably young to be in combat in World War II.

 

April 13, 1966

Still cloudy and cool, little of the moisture we need so badly. I finished my Shawnee speech.

 

April 14, 1966

Got a letter from Dr. De Rossier that he needs outline of course and bibliography for course I am to give teachers of Indian students summer of 1967. Must have it by Apr. 21. And I am so crowded for time, I worked as hard as I could.

 

April 15, 1966

Got the cours [sic] & bib. finished (rather superficially) and mailed. I also had to give some biographical data. Worked very hard. Then gave all my shrubs and flowers a good soaking. It is terribly dry. In the evening went to one of the most interesting programs I ever heard – missionary of our church showed pics and told of his agricultural work in the Philippines.

 

April 16, 1966

I attended to some odds and ends getting ready for next week. I have had too much to do all week. And I did not have a chance to work on my two talks as I should have done. Dry and windy.

 

April 17, 1966

Taught my S.S. class, missed church, drove to Stillwater and had dinner with the Fischers. Other guests Henry Bass, Geo. Shirk, Mr. & Mrs. Reeves and a young man named _____. After dinner drove to place on SH51 where the Indian Meridian crosses it. A huge crowd, fine program, dedication of a marker. Hot day and very dusty at the site.

 

April 18, 1966

Drove to Shawnee. Stopped at Guthrie, had lunch with Beth Le Hew & called on the Schrages. At Shawnee staying at Kerr Dorm. Met Mrs. Neptune, dean of women, very fine. Ate dinner in dining hall with the students. The students are very fine. It sprinkled a little last night & was cloudy most of the day but cleared off.

 

April 19, 1966

A lovely girl named Linda Riedon took me to breakfast down town. Then I met Dr. Rucker & Dr. Jones of the Engl. Dept. who showed me the campus. I spoke to the students at 11:00 chapel. It went off O.K. Had luncheon with Dr. Rucker, Mrs. Neptune, Dean Neptune, Dean Osborn and Linda. Drove home – hard drive – very windy. I am greatly impressed by the university.

 

April 20, 1966

I woke up completely rested. It started turning cold in the late P.M. yesterday and was cold today. Perhaps froze last night. Cloudy all forenoon but no rain. In the evening Dub and June Leathers came by and took me to the schoolhouse to see a beautiful movie “The Land We Love.”

 

April 21, 1966

It froze last night. I saw the ice on the bird bath. I drove to Stillwater at noon, left my car at the home of the Cecil Howland’s, and rode with Cecil and Marguerite and Richard King to meeting of Okla. Library Assn. at Tulsa. Was on TV briefly – taken to studio by publicity people of O.L.A. Staying at Mayo.

 

April 22, 1966

It rained in Tulsa – how I hope it is raining at Marshall. I spoke at the luncheon meeting It went off well. In afternoon visited with John & Floy Cobb, Beulah Clinton, and Louise Whitham. At the dinner meeting heard a fine talk by Lawrence Clark Powell. I am enjoying the meetings with friends.

 

April 23, 1966

In the morning Alice Beth Martin took Marguerite, Leta Dover, Helen Donart and me thru the beautiful new Tulsa library. At the luncheon meeting the Sequoyah Award was given to the author of Rascal. Forgot to say Beth took me to visit the library at Oral Roberts University. We checked out in early P.M. It rained hard all the way to Stillwater, then stopped, but when I got home I learned we had 2½ in. of fine rain yesterday.

 

April 24, 1966

I taught my S.S. class and heard a fine sermon by Dr. Seamons of Phillips. Our pastor is away at conference. In the P.M. I slept. Then I couldn’t keep from doing some work in the yard in the evening. It seems so wonderful to see everything growing instead of dying, and to breathe spring air and to hear the mocking bird singing.

 

April 25, 1966

Carl Weber mowed my horrible yard for the first time this spring. My iris is lovely. I got only two tulips but they are blooming now. I had tried to keep things alive but that was about all. Ferrol Ellis Butts called. I cleaned my dirty house neglected , while I was so busy writing. It rained a little.

 

April 26, 1966

Our club went to O.C. on our annual tour. We visited the retirement home, where I had a brief visit with Elizabeth DeVore. She is very happy there and the place is truly lovely. Then we visited the Cowboy Hall of Fame.

 

April 27, 1966

[No entry]

 

April 28, 1966

[No entry]

 

April 29, 1966

Pat and Ramona O’Neill had supper with me and I showed them pics of Canada and New England – historical mainly Ramona showed me beautiful pics of Pheonix [sic] and Grand Canyon.

 

April 30, 1966

Rained last night and during the day. I don’t know how much water fell. The streets are quite muddy.

 

May 1, 1966

Cloudy day but not much rain. I taught my S.S. class and attended church. In the afternoon I wrote a letter attempting to educate Dean Krakel. It did rain during the night. The streets are quite muddy.

 

May 2, 1966

Got a letter that the Shanks cannot go to East Africa. I had made plans to join them here. I went to Stillwater for lunch with the library staff. Called on the Hammond sisters. Beautiful bright day. Raymond scratched off old paint while I was gone.

 

May 3, 1966

I went to Kingfisher to a workshop for our church women’s society. Came back early (Rev. Ralph Peters driving) to attend a tea by the high school girls who have adopted us older women as “grandmothers.” Found my “granddaughter” is Karen O’Hern. She has been secretly doing nice things for me all winter.

 

May 4, 1966

We are having beautiful weather, just right for Raymond’s painting. The place he has touched looks like a snowbank. Today washed one of the vine trellises on my front porch and removed and washed the storm windows on the front.

 

May 5, 1966

I washed the other trellis and the rest of the storm windows. My iris is lovely and my red clematis and peonies beginning to bloom. Beautiful golden spring days.

 

May 6, 1966

I attended the May Fellowship luncheon and program for church women – held at the Xn church this year. Raymond has one coat finished and part of the second.

 

May 7, 1966

Raymond did not work today. I attended Mrs. Stuerke’s sale. She is moving to the retirement home in O.C. She has lived in that same house since 1903. The weather is getting warm. My peonies are glorious.

 

May 8, 1966

Had a fine big S.S. class. Attended church. My adopted granddaughter sent me a corsage. In the evening I had supper & spent the evening with the O’Neills. Enjoyed it very much. Returned home thru a brisk rain. And I had thoroughly watered my flowers!

 

May 9, 1966

It rained about ¾ in. last night Everyone is very happy about it. Cold today, I used the furnace. I am working on some corrections of my Road to Disappearance which will have a new printing next summer. A scamp stole Raymond’s truck and he spent much time calling the sheriff, etc.

 

May 10, 1966

Our club was supposed to meet but several couldn’t come so we postponed it. I was one who couldn’t come. It was too cold to paint outside so Raymond decided to paint the back porch and I had to move everything out and clean it. I washed the window screens.

 

May 11, 1966

In the night I heard it if thunder, was afraid there might be a storm with hail – and break the windows. I got up and put them on. It was very cold and I didn’t get back to sleep Then Lavonne couldn’t lead Guild and I had to prepare and give the lesson. I am very tired tonight. Learned I can go to Africa.

 

May 12, 1966

Raymond finished the painting. The house looks lovely. I got Janice Malaska to wash the outside of the windows. I worked most of the day and got very tired. In the evening I put the climbing rose back on the trellis, a very tedious job. I got off my revisions of The Road to Disappearance.

 

May 13, 1966

I put everything back on the porch and cleaned the house. My peonies are glorious. I had a little time to work on my Africa tour I had planned to go alone and tour with Mary & Max Shank, but Mary is too ill to make it so I made a belated application to the American Committee on Africa and got my acceptance Wednesday

 

May 14, 1966

I drove to Stillwater this morning and Dr. Freed gave me a physical exam, and a cholera shot. The country is lovely. In the afternoon I kept the library. This evening I watered the flowers. It is not seriously dry but they are blooming so profusely they need help.

 

May 15, 1966

Taught my S.S. class & heard a sermon by Rev. Ralph. In afternoon went to a shower at the Catholic parish house for Janice Malaska, who is to marry Gerald Vrska. My peonies are glorious.

 

May 16, 1966

A very fine woman named Mrs. Flennikin came up from the City to see me. The weather is getting warm. In fact I used the air conditioner briefly for the first time this year.

 

May 17, 1966

We had club today – a film at the schoolhouse and the business meeting at Leann’s. It was very hot. I turned off the furnace for the summer.

 

May 18, 1966

It turned cold last night and was very cold all day. I needed the furnace but hated to light it again, so tried to keep warm with the oven.

 

May 19, 1966

Nice day – not so cold.

 

May 20, 1966

Shocking news. Bob Trenholm died of a heart attack while he was driving his car. No premonition Thought he was in perfect health. A quick shower this evening with much lightening and some hail. I hope it will rain more during the night.

 

May 21, 1966

It rained 2 in. last night. We are very happy about it. It soaked the ground and enough ran off to fill the ponds. Today was beautiful, bright sun, clean air. It had got pretty dry though we still had dew at night.

 

May 22, 1966

The most beautiful annual picnic for our church that I can remember. Cool woods, thick shade, birds singing. Even the sermon sounded appropriate. We had a fine dinner under the trees. Then the adults talked and the youngsters played ball on the green hillside. It was on Alden Grassman’s farm southeast of town.

 

May 23, 1966

I drove to Stillwater for my second cholera shot. Ate lunch with some of the library staff. Called on Cherrie Garrett who has a blood clot in her leg and is staying with Mary Graves. Then I visited the Hammond sisters. Grace is bedfast and Mar Ruth gives her devoted care. Disagreeable windy day.

 

May 24, 1966

Lovely weather. I drove to O.C. in the morning and got Mrs. Stuerke. (46 mi, 55 min.) Took her to club annual picnic at Branen home. In the afternoon I showed slides of English churches. Very pleasant meeting. Ramona took Mrs. S. back in the evening.

 

May 25, 1966

I drove to Enid and spoke to Ruth Scott’s classes at the Enid High School. Fine kids. Our mornings are cool even cold, but it warms up in the afternoon. I used my air conditioner on the drive home.

 

May 26, 1966

I did a little work on the talk I made at the Okla. Library Assn. at Tulsa to make it suitable for publication. Mrs. Bergen, editor of the Okla. Librarian is going to publish it. I mailed it to her in the afternoon. Keith Olmstead called. Lovely weather. My peonies have their last blooms dropping off.

 

May 27, 1966

I had a little breathing spell today. I have been involved in too many things lately. In the evening I did some work in the cemetery, I have 12 graves there

 

May 28, 1966

I drove to Enid to a dinner of the E.H. Class of 1926. They were very happy to see each other but I knew few of them. I taught there when they were freshmen and I had only a few of them in my classes.

 

May 29, 1966

I taught my S.S. class and attended church. In the afternoon the Dwight Rusco family came to see me, then Ralph Cooper. They had been to the cemetery.

 

May 30, 1966

I went to the cemetery early to decorate the graves. Saw a number of old friends but I left before the main crowd came. Mrs. Stuerke came with Fraker up from the City. He went on to Cherokee & she spent the day with me. In the evening I had supper and a very enjoyable visit with my beloved young O’Neills.

 

May 31, 1966

I am to be hostess at Guild tomorrow. I baked a cake by a tried recipe and it fell! Threw it out and bought some cookies. I also made a cheese-pineapple salad. I expected to serve it with cake, alas.

 

June 1, 1966

A film we had intended to use at Guild failed to come. Virginia Kidd was the leader. She and I set up my projector, etc and I went through my slides and selected some on Mexico. So we had our meeting and I served my refreshments such as they were.

 

June 2, 1966

Rained a little last night – not much. I drove to Enid and consulted a travel agency for plane and airport hotel reservations preparing for my African trip. In the p.m. I finished reading a very fine MS by a Navaho boy at the Institute of Am. Ind. Arts. He was not there when I taught

 

June 3, 1966

June 5 See June 5 for June 3 – turned 2 pages. Taught my S.S. class & attended church. In the p.m. there were some scattered innocent-looking clouds. Then the siren blew. We all stood out and watched, several funnels were in sight and the transistor radio was telling of one that hit Enid. I strayed up till 1:00 A.M. watching TV and the sky.

 

June 4, 1966

Kept the library this afternoon. High wind blowing – has been blowing about a week. It is getting very dry. My Madonna lilies are about finished. I will use the last of them for the altar tomorrow.

 

June 5, 1966

See June  for June 5. June 3 Drove 7 mi. to Tinker Field to get a yellow fever shot. On way back stopped at the Le Hew’s to visit Grace Goodman. Grace is very brave about Gene’s death but looks bad. I also got the sheriff to write statement that I had not been convicted of a crime (needed to get into Congo). Also stopped at Masonic Home to visit the Schrages. Mean windy day.

 

June 6, 1966

Learned more about the funnels dropping from those small clouds. Little thunder & lightning. Nothing black or threatening. But much damage in n.e. Enid – nobody killed. Eight funnels in all were seen. Some near Hennessey – I saw one about 15 min. before the siren blew but thought I was mistaken.

 

June 7, 1966

2½ inches Got a nice shower early this morning, then a heavy rain with some hail in midforenoon. We really needed it and it will not harm the wheat because harvest is very late this year. I am still wondering how so many tornadoes could have been bouncing around Sunday out of such small innocent-looking clouds.

 

June 8, 1966

Another tornado alert this P.M. and evening, this time with clouds that could form tornadoes, but nothing happened. I took some pics of the clouds – hope I got the peculiar quality I always associate with tornadoes.

 

June 9, 1966

So cold this morning I would have turned on the furnace except for the trouble of lighting it. Then the sun came out and the day was perfect. I washed. Also worked on a talk I am to make Saturday.

 

June 10, 1966

I decided it could rain. I did not want to fight those dirt roads in the hills to get to Camp Redlands. Listened to 6:15 news weather forecast and it sounded like rain. So got ready in a hurry and drove to the camp. Reached it before dark, which was fortunate for the way is not marked.

 

June 11, 1966

Enjoyed the retreat with the women of the Disciples church. Gave a slide lecture about Canada, which is one subject of study this year in the church women’s societies. It was a full day – inspiring program, good fellowship, lovely physical setting. I could have driven over this morning for it didn’t rain.

 

June 12, 1966

We had an early communion service at an improvised altar in a lovely setting. Then breakfast and I drove home in time to teach my S.S. class. Raymond Williams family was at church. I slept in the P.M. Then Nelle Thomas called. Then they fine boy who is the new Methodist minister. Name Jim Chandler. Emmett Seefeldt died.

 

June 13, 1966

I drove to Stillwater and brought two foreign students over to see our harvest – a young man from Turkey, another from India. They visited the Friends and Reims. The Branens took them back in the evening.

 

June 14, 1966

I went to Kingfisher with Louie and Luella Reims to the funeral of Emmett Seefeldt. His death from cancer is a shock to everyone. He was 49 years old. He was a good man.

 

June 15, 1966

I worked on a review I am writing for the Annals. Rather I am reading the books – six as it happens, for the one I am reviewing is one of a series and I must know the series.

 

June 16, 1966

It rained last night .3 inch. We needed it – and more – and the harvest is about over. The harvest this year was about half what it was last year. Too dry and then a late killing freeze.

 

June 17, 1966

I started writing the review. The book is about the Zuni, People of the Middle Place. I got my check from the farm, better than I expected, about same as last year. Probably it rained more at Okeene.

 

June 18, 1966

Finished first draft of review – only it needs another paragraph somewhere – it is 52 words short of the 800 I am allowed.

 

June 19, 1966

Taught my S.S. class and heard a sermon by Rev. Ralph. Then when I got home I had a light migraine attack – can’t imagine why. Because I felt too bad to anything else I made the final copy of my review.

 

June 20, 1966

Mailed my review. Still weak from migraine attack. My car started leaking water Alfred Ficken installed a pump and a hose and Geo. Voskuhl put in new anti-freeze. It has to have antifreeze on account of air conditioner

 

June 21, 1966

Went to Covington for Dr. DeWitt to give me a typhoid, paratyphoid shot. (He left Marshall in May.) Stopped and saw Ferrol Butts. She has had a miserable time with shingles.

 

June 22, 1966

Drove to Stillwater for several errands growing out of my intended trip. My car leaked water again; was hauled to garage by wrecker & another hose installed. Then on the way home the water poured out again. The mechanic had installed the hose so the fan cut a hole in it.

 

June 23, 1966

Talked to Alfred about my car – on [sic] hose quit Monday, another Wednesday to say nothing of the new one cut by the fan. Lost my anti-freeze 3 times in 2 day [sic] besides other expense. Alfred said he would look at all other hose [sic] so I wouldn’t have trouble again. Too busy to do it before Monday.

 

June 24, 1966

I read a MS for Savoie and got the report written. We have had cool nights & mornings all thru June, not very hot thru day, but it is very dry.

 

June 25, 1966

Learned Mabel Bryson’s father died at Watonga. Should go to funeral but don’t like to take my car out on the road. Also learned Gerry Schaefer was bitten by their dog fighting another and got her ankle by mistake. First really warm day.

 

June 26, 1966

Taught my S.S. class – heard a sermon by a student from Phillips – good sermon. Our paster [sic] is on vacation. Then Don Huffer asked if I wanted to go with them to the funeral. Elizabeth Diedrich and I went with Don & Evadean. Started at 12:00. South of Okeene ran into a terrific rain – also very heavy rain east of Okeene. Evidence started to play out about 10 mil east of Hennessey and at Marshall only a few drops. We did have a brief shower later in the evening.

 

June 27, 1966

The rain is all gone – also the prospect. If only we had got one of those showers we saw on our drive to Watonga! I made some cookies and took them out to Gerry. Her ankle is badly infected yet.

 

June 28, 1966

Got my car repaired – I hoped. Perhaps this was the day I went to Enid and bought a pair of slacks for my trip. I don’t look as awful in them as I had expected. When I got back by car leaked again.

 

June 29, 1966

If it was June 28 When I went to Enid it was today I got still another hose replaced on my car. This time I hope it is final. Got it filled again I had to buy anti-freeze 3 times, and it drained out each time.

 

June 30, 1966

[No entry]

 

July 1, 1966

[No entry]

 

July 2, 1966

Learned that Don Allen died in a motel on his way home with Terry to Calif. Poor Terry! They would have reached home the next day.

 

July 3, 1966

Used a film strip with recording in my S.S. class. Council of Nicaea. Good end to the course I have been teaching the last five months. Heard a sermon by Rev. Ralph. Loafed in afternoon. It is hot these days and terribly dry.

 

July 4, 1966

Worked on clearing up an accumulation of old magazines. In the evening drove out to the Don Hufferes’ [sic] for ice cream & fireworks. Very pleasant. Also liked to hear the church bells ring at noon. Terribly hot and dry.

 

July 5, 1966

My sewer got clogged this morning but Joe Misar came and opened it. There was still time for me to drive to Covington and get my second typhoid, paratyphoid shot. Very hot and dry. Still hot this evening.

 

July 6, 1966

Woke up tired for it was hot all night – 80ᵒ in my house this morning. Tonight I will leave the air conditioner on. Attended Guild at Hulda Weber’s. Alma Friend leader, Fine meeting.

 

July 7, 1966

Left the air conditioner on till 3:00, then opened the house. Felt fine today. Not so hot tonight but I will leave it on a while. Formerly I would turn it off and open up the house in the evening.

 

July 8, 1966

Attended a meeting at Luella Reim’s to plan the Guild work for next year.

 

July 9, 1966

Kept library this P.M. It was quite an ordeal for there is no electricity there – so not even a fan. Terribly hot weather.

 

July 10, 1966

Stanley and Lois Clark came to see me. Visited my S.S. class (fine big class) and then we skipped church and went to Roman Nose park for dinner. Very nice. Then we came home & visited a while. I enjoyed them very much. Terribly dry.

 

July 11, 1966

[No entry]

 

July 12, 1966

[No entry]

 

July 13, 1966

Visited a few minutes with a couple from Chicago – friends of the O’Neills. Found my car is leaking brake fluid. Alfred will fix it tomorrow so I can go to Watonga.

 

July 14, 1966

I drove to see the people on my farm and took them to Watonga to transact some business at the courthouse. Terribly hot and dry. I’m glad I have an air conditioner in my car. Alfred found sand that got in at the factory had worn the place where the brake fluid and leaked out.

 

July 15, 1966

It clouded up this P.M. and there were some showers around. None here but a few sprinkles. But it turned cooler. I turned off my air conditioner and opened the house in the evening.

 

July 16, 1966

I had a fine sleep last night and it was pleasant this morning. It never did get so hot as on previous days. But not a drop of moisture. I got a permanent. Getting ready for my trip.

 

July 17, 1966

Hot as ever, rain prospects gone. I taught my S.S. class, heard a sermon by Rev. Ralph, better than usual. In the evening I had supper with the O’Neills & spent the evening there. Very pleasant. Pat says we’re in a dry cycle like 1893 ff, 1909 ff, the mid 30s, & early 50’s.

 

July 18, 1966

Drove to Hennessey to have my teeth cleaned. Weather worse every day.

 

July 19, 1966

Terribly hot, 110ᵒ at Hennessey, probably more even hotter here for they got that big rain June 26. But this evening it clouded over and got cooler, even sprinkled a little. I drove to Covington & got my last typhoid shot: Called on Ferrol Butts while there.

 

July 20, 1966

It rained last night! A nice soft rain – only ¼ in. but it was water. Then it rained more this morning – probably less than ½ in. in all Nice and cool. I showed Canada pictures in the Disciples Church at Crescent. Marthena McConnell came after me and brought me back. It was night.

 

July 21, 1966

It rained some more today – about an inch today and yesterday. Lovely and cool. I did not use my air conditioner yesterday or today. Winnie and I did some planning for the library. I love to hear the mockingbird these cool days, but he never stopped when the thermometer stood at 110°.

 

July 22, 1966

It rained a little more this morning. I drove to Enid and got my plane ticket, then went to the bank and got my travelers’ checks. This evening the TV said American Airlines may be struck Wed. My ticket is for Tues. All the other airlines have been struck two weeks.

 

July 23, 1966

We had a shower last night with thunder & lightning. More than an inch. We have had about 2 in the past two days. We could use as much again.

 

July 24, 1966

Taught my S.S. class (a good one) and heard a good sermon by Rev. Ralph. In the afternoon Betty Adams called. (I love Betty) In the evening I had supper with the O’Neills. Then they overwhelmed me by giving me a $70 check to pay my trip to Luxor. They are so wonderful to me.

 

July 25, 1966

I did all my packing, not a hard task for I had been getting everything ready. We had a brief hard shower about 5 o’clock this evening. Nice.

July 26, 1966

Got up at 5, did all the things to close my house. Pat & Ramona called came a 6:30 & took me to Stillwater. Reached N.Y. at 3:00 (1:00 Okla. time) So thankful to be here – American Airlines may strike tomorrow. Mr. Robinson took me to dinner & we had a wonderful walk afterwards thru the streets – saw Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, other beautiful sights.

 

July 27, 1966

This P.M. five of us who are going on the tour met with Mr. Robinson in a briefing by the Ugandan ambassador to the UN & his councellor [sic]. The ambassador impressed me very much. Afterward Mr. R. took us to a dinner at an Italian garden restaurant. The dinner was too long and some got rather shrill after cocktails. I got rather bored.

 

July 28, 1966

Had a good flight. Stopped briefly in Paris. Reached Rome at 1:30 A.M. Rome time. Am in airport hotel, ready for bed at 3:00. Airport hotel very primitive. Nothing seems organized.

 

July 29, 1966

Woke at 7:00. The place seems different by day. Spent $25 to get a car & driver to take me to Rome. It was worth it. Was very tired & had to give up room at airport. Our plane was very late –  boarded at 9:00 (our schedule said 6 P.M.) arr. Katanga Kinshasa about 3:00 A.M. Interminable govt formalities. Got to bed in Sabrina guest house at 4:00

 

July 30, 1966

Forgot to set my alarm clock back 1 hr, so woke from sound sleep at 7:00 instead of 8:00. Saw Stanley Pool & Louvanian [sic] Uni. Could have gone to market in P.M. but rested. Must be ready to start at 4:15 tomorrow.

 

July 31, 1966

Got up at the 3:30 and reached the airport in time for early plane but it was late. Very tired. Stopped at Usumbura [sic], where a thief tried to steal my suitcase and stole Wendell Foster’s. Reached Entebbe about 7 P.M. Lovely climate lovely hotel. Prospect of a good rest.

 

August 1, 1966

Drove to Kampala, then by way of Masinda to Murchison Park. Saw many elephants, some hartbeests [sic]and buffaloes and a warthog. Staying Crossed Victoria Nile on a ferry. Staying at a comfortable safari lodge. Can hear hippopotamuses grunting in the river. It rained during the afternoon.

 

August 2, 1966

Wonderful day. Saw Murchison Falls in the morning. What a climb! Went up Vic. Nile on a launch in the p.m. to the foot of the falls – saw crocodiles, hippos, & some monkeys & wart hogs & birds. An elephant is roving around camp tonight. They don’t let us walk to our cabins at night because of wild animals in camp.

 

August 3, 1966

Had trouble with one of our buses so crowded into two & waited a long time at Masindi for another one. Got to Fort Portal after night. I was ill all day – bad cold & diarrhea. Ate some soup and prepared for bed at 7:00. Glad it didn’t happen yesterday. All we did today was travel.

 

August 4, 1966

Aug. 6, turned 2 pages. See Aug 6 page. Drove from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kampala. Dusty drive, got my dirty hair washed & set. Staying at pleasant hotel.

 

August 5, 1966

Very pleasant launch trip from Lake Edward up Kazinga Channel to Lake George. Saw buffalo, hippos, water buck, and many birds. In afternoon took hot dusty drive and saw more game animals but no lions.

 

August 6, 1966

Aug 4, turned 2 pages Should be Aug 4 I slept till my alarm went off at 7:00. Felt weak but O.K. – entirely well this evening. Wonderful day. Drove over pass to west side of Ruwenzori Mts. Saw rain forest and pygmies. Drove to Queen Eliz. Park. Crossed equator Saw buffaloes, wart hogs & many kinds of animals.

 

August 7, 1966

Attended Presbyterian Church in morning. Congregation half Africans, a number of East Indians, remainder white. In P.M. heard very interesting lecture by director of Labor College.

 

August 8, 1966

Spent day in Kampala – badly planned, so mostly wasted. Went to Uni. drove to top of hill. In evening went to a cocktail party at the residence of the American ambassador. It was very interesting. Oh, yes, in the morning we were briefed at the U.S.I.S. Moving experience to see library packed with readers. Learned about AID.

 

August 9, 1966

Had to leave hotel at 6:30 A.M. No breakfast, no porters. Drove to Entebbe [?] in our 3 buses, took plane (it was late) for Nairobi. Left Nairobi in early evening plane late – reached Dar es Salaam at 2:00 A.M. Very sleepy – sleepiest I have been on the trip.

 

August 10, 1966

Woke early. Beautiful harbor. Took a walk. In evening went to cocktail party at ambassador’s residence. Met very interesting people. Visited market in P.M. Drove to beach, saw baobab trees. Had very interesting interview with an official in Education Office.

 

August 11, 1966

Best day we have had. Visited schools for student refugees from Mozambique. Also visited university. Had interview with an American Negro who works in the govt. Sat in gallery of Parliament of Kenya-Tanzania-Uganda. Went to program of African music. Not very good – mostly noise – so some of us came home early.

 

August 12, 1966

Got up at 5:30. Had pleasant 20-min. plane ride to Zanzibar. Had delightful forenoon drive over the island. Loafed in P.M. When we took plane in the evening had to leave our suitcases because load too heavy for little plane. Reached our hotel with only our hand luggage at midnight.

 

August 13, 1966

Find day. Tour of city of Nairobi well planned. Cook-out at 1:00 at Am. Embassy residence and met wonderful people. Drove about 20 mi. out in the evening to a very primitive hotel because we thought there would be a program of African dances but it was a mistake. It is very cold here. Our baggage finally arrived at the airport and our tour director has gone after it. Not here yet.

 

August 14, 1966

We really got cheated on our last night’s lodging. When we finally got our breakfast we drove back to our good hotel in Nairobi. I had planned to go to church but the hotel was so dreadful I wore the dirty clothes I wore in Zanzibar. When I got to a bath tub and decent accommodation it was too late for church. In the P.M. we had a wonderful view of animals in the park. In the evening I had supper and a visit with Philip & Alleson Ngeuta Ndegwa.

 

August 15, 1966

Got up at 5:00, ate early breakfast, & took plane for Cairo. It was evening when we got here because plane was late. Went to party to celebrate Ossie’s birthday. Got to bed about 11:00, so tired I was ill.

 

August 16, 1966

Went to the museum, had drive over the city, visited the bazaar, rode a camel to the pyramids, attended a tea by govt. officials, saw the beautiful pageant “Sound & Light” Got to bed late.

 

August 17, 1966

Got up early, took plane for Luxor, visited tombs and Temple of Karnak. Some problem about over return trip but made it. Packed for return home. Late to bed.

 

August 18, 1966

Called at 3:00 A.M. Left on early plane. Changed planes at Rome & Paris, reached N.Y. at 4:00 P.M. Staying at International Hotel. Had reservation on TWA to Chicago tomorrow but strike still on. Will stay another night hoping strike will end. Can use an extra day’s rest. Have bad cold I got that night at Zambezi Hotel.

 

August 19, 1966

A bug from Africa brought on a disastrous diarrhea. Very bad night – very ill this morning. Called the Worsleys whom I had planned to visit in Chicago – found Shirley is in hospital. Will visit Vera briefly and start back. Slept all P.M. Not so ill this evening.

 

August 20, 1966

Took plane to Chicago. Resumed service today. At Vera Hasselhorn’s. She hovers over me badly worried. Got a prescription from Pattie’s doctor. Slept most of the afternoon, I am not so ill as I was but I still have ① exhaustion, ② diarrhea, ③ sore throat.

 

August 21, 1966

I still slept most of the day. I have eaten scarcely anything since the bug laid me low at the Inter. Hotel till breakfast this morning, nothing else all day. But I am enjoying my visit with Vera Ate

 

August 22, 1966

Ad Ate a good breakfast and relished it – nothing else. Still sleeping most of the day. Slept all forenoon, Then went with Vera to a beautiful shopping center. Feel much better. Ate a good breakfast, luncheon, and light snack.

 

August 23, 1966

Slept all forenoon Felt well today but still have diarrhea. Visited and had dinner this evening with Pattie Donnovan and family. Cool lovely day. Had manicure and saw an apartment Vera may lease.

 

August 24, 1966

Ray Worsley came after me at about 1:00 and I went home with him. So nice to see my beloved Shirley. John and family came. Vera Shirley much better but has to take it easy. Her trouble is arthritis. Ray brought me back to Vera’s about ten. I love Ray too.

 

August 25, 1966

Left on 10:00 train for Perry. Arrived about 2:30 A.M. Pat (bless him!) was there to meet me. He and Ramona turned on my utilities and lighted the hot water heater and Ramona had put food in my icebox for my breakfast. Lovely cool weather. Fine rain last week.

 

August 26, 1866

Cooked the breakfast Ramona had ready. My car started O.K. I went down town, paid bills, collected my mail, etc. Spent rest of day unpacking. Had supper with Pat & Ramona but came home early.

 

August 27, 1966

Burton & Dorine called from K.C. so I had a nice telephone visit Had good night’s sleep but still tired. Washed and made bread in the forenoon. Had appointment at beauty shop shop at 1:00 but canceled it & slept all afternoon. Called on Sarah Baker who was married yesterday. Living in my block.

 

August 28, 1966

Missed S.S. but attended church. Good sermon. Happy to be home. Jim Chapman & Loren Olmstead called. Vera called from Chicago. Slept all afternoon. My surprise lilies are blooming gloriously – the first time the whole row has bloomed.  Effect of rain

 

August 29, 1966

I cleaned my house and wrote letters. (The house wasn’t so dirty as one would expect expect after a month’s absence.) I slept only briefly this afternoon but am going to bed at seven. Cloudy and a little sprinkle of rain

 

August 30, 1966

We had a fine rain this afternoon. I attended a meeting of the Library Board at Winnie Branen’s. We are slowly getting the work done on the building.

 

August 31, 1966

Ten boxes of my pictures came. There are many good ones among them. I spent much of the day going over them and selected the best ones to show.

 

September 1, 1966

I had Pat and Ramona over this evening to look at my pictures. They cover the trip up to the time we drove into the Nairobi National Park.

 

September 2, 1966

Worked at the library – or rather I helped a little while others worked. Winnie cleaned the woodwork in the bathroom while Ruby McGee and Dephanie Dishman papered it.

 

September 3, 1966

Still weak. Slept much of the afternoon. Made date to see dr. Tues. Rained a little in the morning – hard shower tonight.

 

September 4, 1966

Taught my S.S. class – small class. Heard sermon by Rev. Ralph. Jim Chapman called – the young (and innocent) Methodist pastor. Nice boy. Pleasant weather after the rain. Slept a little in the P.M. Ready for bed at 7 o’clock.

 

September 5, 1966

Slept almost around the clock last night but feel better than I have since my return from Africa. Called on Lillian Proctor. She is desolate because Vernon died while I was away. She had cared for him tirelessly since he had a stroke 8 yrs. ago. I did not sleep this P.M. Lovely weather. This is labor day.

 

September 6, 1966

Went to Stillwater to see Dr. Freed. He says there is nothing wrong with me except tired from the trip. He gave me a prescription to help me recover. Slept as usual this P.M.

 

September 7, 1966

Showed pics of Canada at Women’s Fellowship. The women of the Disciples Church were guests. I felt better than usual.

 

September 8, 1966

Called on a young faculty wife – Mrs. Duke to invite her to our Club tea Tuesday. Found her very charming Didn’t need to sleep today.

 

September 9, 1966

Went to Perry to have adjustment made on a battery that cracked – got new one with allowance for the months still to go on the guarantee. Had lunch with Dale and Mary Wilson. Bought some hose and a pair of shoes – also some pottery to replace broken pieces. Called on another faculty wife Mrs. Taylor

 

September 10, 1966

Kept library in P.M. Wrote letters the rest of the day. Feeling much better these days – don’t have to spend P.M. sleeping.

 

September 11, 1966

Taught my S.S. class & attended church service. Slept in P.M. In evening typed some of my African notes. Cold day – threatening rain in morning. I lighted my furnace – a little heat felt good.

 

September 12, 1966

Drove to Stillwater to library staff luncheon. Called on Mable Caldwell, the Hammond sisters (Grace becoming weaker) and Mary Graves & Cherrie Garrett (Cherrie miraculously improved in health, will soon leave Mary’s and go to her own home) The last three four rolls of my pics. Came today

 

September 13, 1966

Marshall Woman’s Club held first meeting of year at Winnie Branen’s. Luncheon meeting, good program. There was a fine rain this evening. It may have stopped some of the farm work but it can’t come amiss.

 

September 14, 1966

Eight of us went to a meeting of the Women’s Fellowship of the Kans.-Okla. Conference at Kingfisher. Good meeting. Saw evidence that last nights rain (a little over an inch at Marshall) was a flood southeast of Hennessey.

 

September 15, 1966

Cloudy day. I didn’t accomplish much. I did go over my last four boxes of pictures which came yesterday. (Writing late – I believe I did that the evening of Sept. 12.)

 

September 16, 1966

Pat and Ramona came in the evening to see the rest of my pics. Pat really thrilled over those from ancient Egypt. Before I left for Africa, I ordered the Horizon Book of Ancient Rome. Now Pat tells me he had already ordered it for me. Dark and drizzling all day.

 

September 17, 1966

Dark & drizzling all day. Pat and Ramona are so good to me. Today I canceled the order for the Ancient Rome. I told Pat last July that I was ordering it and I thought at the time he didn’t show much enthusiasm. No wonder. He had already ordered it. Now his copy has got here – mine hasn’t arrived yet.

 

September 18, 1966

Cloudy this morning but cleared off. Taught my S.S. class – a small one for we still have the 9:00 schedule. Then heard a sermon by Rev. Ralph. Dwight Rusco with Alice & Earl stopped by briefly. They had attended the Methodist Church. Pat brought my beautiful book. He had ordered it for a Xmas present but said there was no reason to wait, since he had to tell me about it.

 

September 19, 1966

Attended meeting of Library Board. TV said Sen. Dirksen (old fool) was going to present amendment to const. weakening religious freedom. Sent a telegram to our senators vs. it – also called members of Woman’s Club and they approved sending telegram in name of club – so Ramona sent it.

 

September 20, 1966

Attended funeral of Fannie Van Hauen in our church. She was found dead in bed Sat. morning. Poor Fannie! She led an unquiet life – nearly my age and her whole life wasted in nervous instability. I suppose God knows how to deal with damaged souls. I don’t. Any Heaven would be Hell fifteen minutes after her arrival. And yet she meant well.

 

September 21, 1966

I learned last week that Mrs. Hearn is in an Enid ny rest home, dying of cancer and Rachel is with her. She left about the time I went to Africa. Every day this week I have wanted to go see Rachel but there was the library meeting and the funeral. And today I had to wash and have my hair washed & set.

 

September 22, 1966

I showed Canada pictures to a Xn women’s group at Perry – rode over with friends from here. Then I went to see Rachel and her mother (who scarcely noticed me). Also did a few errands. It is getting hot. I used my air conditioner on the drive back from Enid. Bricker Dirkson [sic] amendment defeated. So glad.

 

September 23, 1966

Spent the day at the library building with Winnie, Ruby McGee, Mabel Bryson, Thelma Ficken, and Ramona. We washed the woodwork, and the more skilled ones painted it. I am feeling wonderful these days. It must be the medicine the doctor gave me.

 

September 24, 1966

I cleaned my house superficially and picked out some Africa slides to show tomorrow evening. I have invited Dale & Mary Wilson and Dub and June Leathers – also Nancy Wilson and Steve Leathers if they care to come. Warmish day.

 

September 25, 1966

Taught my S.S. class and attended church In the evening Dale and Mary Wilson and Nancy came from Perry, and Dub and June Leathers spent the evening with me and I showed African slides.

 

September 26, 1966

I planted bulbs (tulips) I bought in Enid Thursday. Then did some writing. In the evening Burton called and said they would come to see me Wednesday. I shall be so glad to see them.

 

September 27, 1966

Went to O.C. with Woman’s Club to meet with Mrs. Stuerke. Drafted letters to thank Senators for their vote – club voted to send it. Mrs. S. had a lovely luncheon for us before the meeting. Had good program – educational TV by Ramona. Stayed and visited. In the evening worked hard on report for local newspaper Rained a little here last night and on us all the way to the City.

 

September 28, 1966

Did a little more work on my newspaper story – which had to be brief but I wanted to show our action on “prayer” amendment. Burton and Dorine (bless them) came this afternoon. I showed my Africa slides in the evening. They were very interested.

 

September 29, 1966

Visited all day with Burton and Dorine. Wonderful visit. In evening I showed Egypt and Rome slides – also the ones I had of Santa Fe. Of course they also took pics of S.F. but they like to see mine.

 

September 30, 1966

Burton and Dorine started back immediately after dinner. So good to see them. It turned cold last night and is down to 58° today.

 

October 1, 1966

Beautiful day – crisp and yet warm and sunny. I didn’t accomplish much. Wrote some letters.

 

October 2, 1966

Went to S.S. and attended church – communion service (World Communion Sunday). Rev. Ralph preached the best sermon I ever heard him give. In the afternoon I called briefly on the Friends to learn some things about the early history of our church.

 

October 3, 1966

I went to Stillwater and had luncheon with the library staff. Got a flu shot and called on the Hammond sisters. Got a note from Dorothy Leake. Harold does not recover from an operation he had last April – in and out of hospitals ever since.

 

October 4, 1966

Wrote letters and tried to catch up. I am studying a book I got yesterday about the Roman forum – identifying the pictures I took so hastily last summer. Lovely weather.

 

October 5, 1966

Finished typing and organizing the notes I took in Africa. In the evening I became ill. Virus? Appendicitis? I called Edith Holloway before I went to bed and asked her to call me in the morning to see how I am. Also gave her a key to my house.

 

October 6, 1966

Went to bed about ten and went to sleep at once. Woke in about 2 hours feeling O.K. In the morning entirely well but weak. I ate a part of an apple unpeeled and unwashed just before I started vomiting. It must have been poisoned with spray. In the evening I showed Africa pics to the lions. Such a fine civic minded group.

 

October 7, 1966

Cleaned my house and did some getting ready for company Sunday.

 

October 8, 1966

Selected pics to show at Ponca Monday and read everything I have collected on Africa. These days are very warm and it is getting very dry. I can’t keep my hands off my Roman pics and a book I hav borrowed about the Forum. The trees are turning yellow & red.

 

October 9, 1966

Taught my S.S. class. Rev. Ralph preached a good sermon. He is so earnest that he works hard and improves all the time. In the evening Marguerite and Cecil Howland, Josephine Monk, and Mary Graves came over from Stillwater and I showed my African pics. I enjoyed the visit with them so much. We didn’t need pics to have a good time together.

 

October 10, 1966

Resorted my pics and packed an overnight bag and drove to Ponca City in the P.M. (Saw Daisy Thompson on the way.) In the evening showed my African pics to a very responsive audience in the library. Am staying with Jane Stevens. Hot day.

 

October 11, 1966

Drove home this forenoon. In the afternoon attended Club meeting with Mrs. Griffin in Enid. Hot day.

 

October 12, 1966

Miserable hot windy day. I wrote up article for the paper about the Club meeting and took up some neglected correspondence.

 

October 13, 1966

Had a good visit this evening with my beloved Grace Goodman and a friend of hers (Mrs. Hayes, a very interesting person) who drove up from Guthrie. They are working for the Peace Job Corps. There is a group of girls being trained at the old Catholic school on the hill.

 

October 14, 1966

Spent all afternoon with Mrs. Frank Ficken reading old German records of the church. She did the reading as my German is ausgespielt, especially when in German script.

 

October 15, 1966

Didn’t accomplish much. It turned cold yesterday evening and is cold today. No rain.

 

October 16, 1966

Taught my S.S. class (a big one) and heard Rev. Ralph preach the best sermon I ever heard him preach. In the P.M. went to the Frank Fickens with the old minutes of church meetings and she translated them. When I started home it was sprinkling. Cold day.

 

October 17, 1966

Rained softly all day – not much -- ½ in. – water fell but some. Learned that Mr. Schrage died yesterday in the Masonic Home. He has been senile for a long time. His funeral will be in Guthrie tomorrow but I shall not be able to go because of engagement at O.C.

 

October 18, 1966

Drove to O.C. and showed my slides to N.W. Xn Church. St Very pleasant meeting – C.W.F. groups of the church and quite a delegation from A.M.E. Church. Evening meeting – staying with Mrs. Faye Light, a very pleasant hostess. Cold wind.

 

October 19, 1966

I think it froze last night. It is still cold but sunny. Pleasant drive home. Reached here about noon.

 

October 20, 1966

Am working on a history of our church to be read by Bob Schaefer Nov. 6. Drove out to the Friends’ home to interview Mr. & Mrs. Friend.

 

October 21, 1966

Started writing my historical sketch, when I had some pleasant all-day visitors – Lillie and Ruthie McMeekin who lived here as little girls about 1903-6, and their husbands, all elderly people now. We drove around to the old places and visited people they remembered

 

October 22, 1966

Worked on my history. I am trying to untangle some very faint threads – haven’t started writing yet.

 

October 23, 1966

Dub Leathers presented a fine report to my S.S. class on poverty program in Logan Co. (A vacation for me.) I attended church service. In P.M. went to Guthrie with the Schaefer sisters and the Webers to see Mrs. Schrage. On the way back called briefly on Irma Travis and her father.

 

October 24, 1966

Woman’s Club met today instead of Tuesday because three of our members are going to a district board meeting tomorrow. Met at Ramona’s. Good program by Winnie.

 

October 25, 1966

[No entry]

 

October 26, 1966

Attended district women’s club convention at Perry. Five of us went. Good meeting. Lovely day.

 

October 27, 1966

Two of our junior church group (Mary Huffer and Steve Leathers) washed the outside of my windows, including storm windows today. They are earning money for missions. Ruth Hammond called and told me Grace died last night. What a wonderful woman she was. Her funeral will be Saturday.

 

October 28, 1966

The International Hospitality Committee met with me this morning. I worked all afternoon on my Rome slides. I wanted to take back a book on the Forum when I go to Stillwater tomorrow. Forgot it was Homecoming, so won’t go to the library.

 

October 29, 1966

Drove to Stillwater to Grace Hammond’s funeral in the Meth. Church. It was 9:30. It was the most beautiful service I ever attended. By the asst. pastor named Morton. I came back before the traffic became too dense.

 

October 30, 1966

Taught my S.S. class – heard a good sermon by Rev. Ralph. Took dinner with the Schaefers – Hulda’s birthday. In the evening I showed my Africa slides at the church. Cleaned house in afternoon.

 

October 31, 1966

Worked some more collecting material for my church history. Went out and talked to the Friends in the afternoon. I think I wrote a little on it – perhaps started writing Nov. 1 – making late entry. Children came on Tricks or Treats – mostly for UNICEF.

 

November 1, 1966

Spent the day writing my church history. Interrupted by a few telephone calls and made for additional information.

 

November 2, 1966

Wrote all day on my church history.

 

November 3, 1966

Finished writing – started copying. It has been a very complicated job – records too scanty. I worked till late at night at the copying job, got it nearly finished.

 

November 4, 1966

Spent the morning working on a talk made at World Community Day. It was at our church this year. Started at 1:30. I didn’t make a very good talk. Then I came home and finished copying the church history. Got it done and Bob Schaefer picked it up this evening. I’m tired.

 

November 5, 1966

Worked hard all day doing things I had neglected while working on my church history, but I didn’t find time to straighten up my house. Foggy and cold this morning – nice this afternoon.

 

November 6, 1966

Mission Festival. No S.S. classes. Rev. Ralph preached in morning. Basket dinner. A Chinese Lutheran minister from Garber preached in the P.M. and Bob Schaefer read my history. The people liked my history. Mr. Friend was taken to the hospital this P.M. and I am afraid he will never recover.

 

November 7, 1966

Got started on a talk I am to make at Whitewater, Kans. Sunday.

 

November 8, 1966

Attended funeral in Catholic Church in the morning. Charlie Cassiday’s daughter Marie, whose mother died in the great flu epidemic when she was born. Her grandparents brought her up. In the afternoon went to Club at Winnie’s. Listened to election returns till eleven. Very unhappy about it.

 

November 9, 1966

The election returns are even worse than they seemed last night. I blame the frustration growing out of the Viet Nam war for all of it. People don’t know what is the matter so they just strike out at all constructive movements. In the afternoon I went to Guild. Fine program by Leona Rudy.

 

November 10, 1966

Started again on my talk where I left off Monday. I am going to speak about Senator Dirksen’s attempt to weaken the religious freedom in the Bill of Rights. In the evening I went over my Africa pics for I am going to show them too.

 

November 11, 1966

Packed my suitcase. Rev. Dean Miller called to tell me the weather is good and the roads clear at that end. Same here.

 

November 12, 1966

Got my hair set this morning. Drove up to Whitewater, north of Wichita, in the afternoon. Spent evening with the Millers. Happy to see Dean and Mary and their lovely children. Who have grown out of my recollection. Staying for the night with a Mrs. Marjorie Neal, a very pleasant lady.

 

November 13, 1966

The Women’s Society had charge of the morning church service and I spoke. It went off very well. Only one dissenter, an elderly member of the legislature who was defeated (good riddance) in the recent election. In the evening the Millers took me to Cheney to see the reservoir and visit Dean’s parents.

 

November 14, 1966

I am spending my days (and taking two meals) with the Millers and my bed and breakfast with Mrs. Neal, a placid pretty elderly lady with white hair.

 

November 15, 1966

I am writing late but I think this was the day Mary took me to visit the beautiful Frederick Remington high school and its remarkable library.

 

November 16, 1966

Marjorie Neal was going to have a tea for me but she developed such a bad cold she had to cancel it. In the evening we had a family night dinner at the church and I showed my Africa pics. Somehow I was tired – I don’t know why – and I felt that I didn’t present them well.

 

November 17, 1966

I didn’t sleep much last night. I hope I’m not coming down with Mrs. Neal’s cold. But I drank coffee and a coke on the way and got home O.K. at 11:30. Slept all afternoon. Mrs. Levin called from OSU and says she will have 10 students for us Sundy Sunday.

 

November 18, 1966

I cleaned my house and made a cake and did much calling about Sunday. I have a sore throat but am not sick.

 

November 19, 1966

Got my hair washed and set and made preparations for Sunday. I had invited Dr. & Mrs. Scales and the O’Neills to my house for dinner but when they planned for foreign students I asked them if they wanted to join that and they did.

 

November 20, 1966

I have a bad hoarseness in my throat but I taught my S.S. class & attended church. Margaret Perdue and Alfred Ficken brought over 9 students & Dr. & Mrs. Scales came. We had a basket dinner at the Catholic parish hall and I showed some Plymouth slides. Then brought the Scales to my house also the O’Neills came. We had a fine visit. Meanwhile the people took the students driving around the country and took them back to Stillwater at five.

 

November 21, 1966

I am really ill today with a very bad sore throat. I spent most of the time in bed except for some writing I had to do.

 

November 22, 1966

I was really ill but the club was to meet with me and I hated to call it off. We had a recording of Kennedy’s civil rights message. There is nothing much on the radio this year – apparently people have forgotten – but I can never forget.

 

November 23, 1966

I am still about sick with my cold. I must get better soon for I am invited to the O’Neills’ for Thanksgiving. Did not attend the church service this evening – went to bed early.

 

November 24, 1966

I had Thanksgiving dinner with Pat and Ramona and spent the afternoon with them. I am feeling much better.

 

November 25, 1966

Nothing much happened. I am starting to feel better.

 

November 26, 1966

My throat is still pretty sore but it is getting better.

 

November 27, 1966

I taught my S.S. class and attended church but stayed in bed most of the afternoon.

 

November 28, 1966

I wrote a lot of letters. Felt well enough so I would have washed but the machines are all full on Mondays. I started reading a MS for the OU Press.

 

November 29, 1966

Finished reading the MS. Also washed.

 

November 30, 1966

Mailed the MS today. It is an unusually good one. Most “scholarly” writers are illiterate. This one is a real scholar. Loren Olmstead called this evening and told me Betty Adams is dying of cancer.

 

December 1, 1966

I went through my notes and slides and got ready to show them at a church in O.C. tomorrow. I would have gone to Crescent to see Betty but plan to stop there tomorrow.

 

December 2, 1966

The wind rose in the night and it turned very cold – about 25°. Heavy clouds all day. I was afraid there would be slick roads but they stayed dry. I reached the city O.K. – had dinner and a visit with Mrs. McKay, showed the pictures, and am staying with a couple named Robinson.

 

December 3, 1966

The radio said there might be freezing rain & slick highways but there wasn’t. It was very cold and cloudy but I got home O.K. at 10:45 – afraid to stop at Crescent to see Betty for fear the weather would get worse. This trip was to a Negro church – warm, friendly people.

 

December 4, 1966

It was still cold & threatening today. I was glad to be home. I taught my S.S. class and attended church. In the P.M. I worked on some slides I am going to give Pat & Ramona.

 

December 5, 1966

Worked some more on the slides. The O’Neills are so interested in Egypt I had duplicates made of my Egyptian pictures, and I am typing information about them.

 

December 6, 1966

Worked on letters – finished the slides for the O’Neills. I plan to drive down to see Betty Adams tomorrow. The weather has been too threatening but it is so dry there wasn’t enough moisture for ice.

 

December 7, 1966

Nice covered dish luncheon of the women’s group at the church. Then we had our Xmas program. Then I drove to Crescent to see Betty. She is terribly emaciated, but was so happy to see me and talked so eagerly I stayed only about ten minutes for fear of tiring her. Her daughters take turns in caring for her

 

December 8, 1966

I drove to Guthrie to see Lucille Langston, who is ill, and Mrs. Schrage who is very lonely since Fred’s death. On the way I saw Betty Adams again. She was so gay and eager to talk. I didn’t stay long. It is said she has only three months at most to live. I love her so much.

 

December 9, 1966

I got a permanent this morning. I was going to Stillwater this evening to stay overnight with Ruth Hammond and attend a faculty dinner but the weather became very threatening and snow was predicted so I was afraid to go.

 

December 10, 1966

It was very cold all day but it didn’t snow though it snowed a little at Enid and Panhandle roads were blocked. I kept the library in the afternoon.

 

December 11, 1966

I taught my S.S. class and went to church. In the afternoon went out to John Hammers to return a book. Stayed and visited a while. I wish we had got that snow. It is terribly dry.

 

December 12, 1966

I drove to Stillwater to get letterheads for my Xmas letters. No luck. But Mr. Hock, who will print them, came up with a neat attractive design he can print on. It is still cold but not so cold as the week end.

 

December 13, 1966

I went to club today at Elnora Cassaday’s. Xmas program, very fine. Beautiful crisp day – ony [sic] why doesn’t it rain or snow or something?

 

December 14, 1966

Sadie Goodnight invited me to a turkey dinner of the W.C.T.U. at Ellen Murphy’s and afternoon meeting. Very pleasant. In the evening my S.S. class decorated the Xmas tree at the church and had pie and coffee after. I enjoyed it very much.

 

December 15, 1966

I cleaned my house and attended to some correspondence, etc. I hope my Xmas letters will come tomorrow. I have received some a good many already. In the afternoon I went out to Albert Enmeier’s and bought a tree. Put up all my decorations.

 

December 16, 1966

My Christmas letters came printed by Mr. Hock. I spent the day sending them out typing special messages on each.

 

December 17, 1966

I sent out Xmas letters. The weather is very warm. I turn off my furnace through the middle of the day.

 

December 18, 1966

I taught my S.S. class and went to church. In the afternoon sent out Xmas letters. In the evening the young people came caroling. I love the carols – and the carolers.

 

December 19, 1966

Sent out Xmas letters

 

December 20, 1966

I am going to Stillwater Sat. for a young Chinese couple from Hong Kong to visit over Xmas Sent out Xmas letters. In the evening my beloved Pat and Ramona took me to O.C. to see the Xmas lights. They are beautiful. We had a very happy evening. Very warm day. Turned

 

December 21, 1966

Sent out Xmas letters. In the after noon drove to Crescent to see dear Betty Adams and Ida O’Neill. Ida has been in the state mental hospital many years but Pat brought her to the nursing home at Crescent two weeks ago. She knew me and asked me to come back.

 

December 22, 1966

Finished my Xmas letters. It started raining about 9:00 A.M., then snowed all day, some sleet. No drifting. Just what we so desperately needed, 3 or 4 inches I guess. It has stopped tonight. School Xmas program postponed

 

December 23, 1966

A hard wind blew all night and drifted the snow – to the loss of the wheat fields where it is needed. I started to shovel my car out this P.M. but it is two feet deep and I gave it up. Decided not to go to Stillwater tomorrow. Edith Holloway brought my mail. Shirley Worsley called from Chicago and said Ray had an operation this morning but is getting along fine.

 

December 24, 1966

It Sun shone and it thawed all P.M. The drift before my garage & in my drive is much smaller but my car is still out of reach. Edith shoveled her car out yesterday and today I went to the post office with her. Missed Xmas program at the church this evening.

 

December 25, 1966

Shoveled snow but gave it up before I got my driveway clear. After they had been to church the Hammer family took Nora Frank & me to their home for Xmas. John’s mother, “Posy,” and his sister Glenna Bellethere. Very happy day. In the evening Don Huffer brought me two beautiful books from my S.S. class.

 

December 26, 1966

I got Mike De Board to finish clearing my driveway. He wouldn’t take pay – said it was a “Xmas present.” So I could drive to town today. It thawed some. In the evening the fine Huffer family came over and I showed my Egypt slides.

 

December 27, 1966

Lester Beeby died last night – he was my age, had been feeble a long time. It rained most of the day – no freezing, some thawing but not much. In the evening I visited Pat and Ramona. Water went off at 1:30 P.M. – line broken by freeze.

 

December 28, 1966

Gene Olmstead died. He was 97, made “Run” into Cherokee Strip 1893. I did not allen Dr. Scales came over at 2:00 P.M. Mrs. S. had a conflict. We read a MS he has written re Okla. Political history. Brilliant piece of work. Pat & Ramona came at 5 – we had supper and a pleasant evening. Water off till 4:00 P.M. It made complications. Fortunately I had a pailful on hand.

 

December 29, 1966

Bob, Gerry, and Ronnie Schaefer came this evening and I showed Canada pics Ronnie won a tour to Montreal Worlds Fair by winning first place in state in an oratorical contest. I did not attend Lester Beeby’s funeral today thinking church would not hold congregation.

 

December 30, 1966

Drifts of snow are still very deep though the roads & streets have been opened. It is 1½ ft. deep over my back yard. And again this P.M. some snow fell but not much. Attended Mr. Olmstead’s funeral. Then the Marshall Woman’s Club met at my house – an hour late because of funeral. I showed Egypt slides. When the women started home Winnie Branen got stuck south of my house.

 

December 31, 1966

Gladys Davis & Dorothy Battles came up from O.C. and spent the forenoon with me. They found the roads O.K. They had been at Ft. Worth & were on their way to Amarillo but drove up to see me. In the P.M. Grace Goodman came up from Guthrie to tell me about a bad situation in the Job Corps. Melting day – all of yesterday’s light snow and some of the old drifts. Took down my Xmas decorations this evening.