1. Home
2. Life
3. Diaries
4. 1970s
5. 1971

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January 1 - December 31, 1971

(Box 5/Folder 8)

 

January 1, 1971

In the morning I worked on some changes for a second printing of my book. Then in the P.M. Pat & Ramona took me to see the picture, ‘Tora, Tora, Tora” of Pearl Harbor, the greatest picture I have ever seen except possibly, “Gone with the Wind.” Then dinner at “Sleepy Hollow.” Beautiful warm bright day

 

January 2, 1971

Cloudy and misty day. I had numerous duties in the morning, worked in the library in the P.M.

 

January 3, 1971

It rained about 2 in. last night with much thunder & lightning. Cloudy all day & getting colder. I taught my S.S. class, heard a good sermon by Mr. Burch. We had a dinner at the church & then annual congregational meeting. Those meetings are always interesting because of the great fellowship.

 

January 4, 1971

I worked on corrections and changes to go in a second printing of my book, and mailed them. Cold day but clear.

 

January 5, 1971

Cold bright day, I drove to Stillwater to bring Atsuko Ishahara to a meeting of the club at Madonna’s. I enjoyed the visit with her on the way. She is lovely. Good club meeting. Margaret Perdue reported on the Peace Corps. Frances Peach took Atsuko back.

 

January 6, 1971

Attended Women’s Guild meeting at the church. Mabel Bryson was the leader. Few present but good meeting. Cold day but sunny.

 

January 7, 1971

Mary Lois Bryson died last night. I figure she was 68 years old. There is nobody to mourn her. Her parents loved and grieved over her but they had to put her in an institute to protect the other children, who grew up without knowing her. Now her pitiable life on this earth is ended. Her brothers and sisters have a sense of loyalty to her for their parent’s sake – but nothing more.

 

January 8, 1971

Another cold day. Mrs. Alcott of Stillwater, mother-in-law of my beloved Marilynn A. called briefly. Also two little girls (bless them) Alice Boling & Kim Hall called to tell me of something they had learned in the fifth grade about the Apach Navahos. They called separately – each with the same idea that they wanted to tell me.

 

January 9, 1971

Beautiful day, I attended poor Mary Lois Bryson’s funeral. It was at the undertaker’s at Crescent & she was buried by her parents in the Marshall cemetery. A surprising number of the Brysons’ friends attended. All four of the brothers & sisters were there with their wives or husbands (except Frances’ husband).

 

January 10, 1971

I taught my S.S. class and heard a good sermon by Mr. Burch. Didn’t do much in afternoon.

 

January 11, 1971

Wrote letters to all six of my young second cousins around K.C. regarding family photos in event of my death. I always thought Burton would attend to it – then Nellie. I wrote Nellie after Burton’s death but she did not find time to answer before her own death.

 

January 12, 1971

It turned cold last night. Cloudy and cold today (20°). I attended club at Ramonas [sic]. Madonna gave a very conscientious review of my book. A letter from Ed Shaw says the Press has only 300 left from first printing of 3500.

 

January 13, 1971

I am cleaning up a lot of odds and ends of writing.

 

January 14, 1971

Went to a meeting of the Library Board this evening. Much business but I think we made some good decisions. Money is our main problem. All 8 members & both librarians present.

 

January 15, 1971

Nelle Thomas was to bring a woman up to see me today, but something kept the woman from coming. She told Nelle she would call me but failed to do it. I prepared & waited all day – then called Nelle this evening. She was very disgusted to think I had been stood up.

 

January 16, 1971

Worked in the library this P.M. Shirley Hartig called from K.C. She is greatly interested in family photos and family history.

 

January 17, 1971

Taught my S.S. class – also Bill’s for Bill had to meet a plane. Heard a sermon by Mr. Burch. He seemed to be not well – had trouble in delivery.

 

January 18, 197[1]

Started writing family history to go with family photos.

 

January 19, 1971

Went to Enid to have eyes tested. Right eye 19, left 24. Cold day.

 

January 20, 1971

Worked on family history. Pat and Ramona took supper with me and spent the evening.

 

January 21, 1971

I drove my car with the emergency brake on in the funeral procession of Mary Lois Bryson, so today I drove to Perry to have it repaired. (I had put it on when I parked and forgot to release it as I joined the procession.) I also visited the Cherokee Strip Museum at Perry. When I got home I worked on family history.

 

January 22, 1971

I am still working on my family history.

 

January 23, 1971

Worked on family history. Got it about finished but it needs copying.

 

January 24, 1971

Taught my S.S. class and attended church. Learned that Winnie Branen’s father died last night.

 

January 25, 1971

Worked on a report I am to give at Club – should be tomorrow [sic], only we postponed to Wednesday because Winnie’s father’s funeral will be tomorrow.

 

January 26, 1971

Finished family history and started copying it. In afternoon drove to Covington to the funeral of Winnie’s father.

 

January 27, 1971

Attended club at Maxine Harak’s. I spent the morning working on my report – gave it this P.M. at club.

 

January 28, 1971

I worked hard copying my family history, revising it as I did so. We are having beautiful warm, sunny weather these days.

 

January 29, 1971

Esther Shelby brought her sweet first graders to sing “Happy Birthday. (Friday so a day early) and to present me with their drawings and messages.

 

January 30, 1971

Finished copying my family history. In the evening had supper with my beloved Pat and Ramona in honor of my birthday & spent the evening. They gave me a framed copy of N.Y. Times news of Kennedy’s election as Pres. Raymond Bryson came & spent an hour and brought a present & when I got home I found a pkg. a dress from an African print Rodney Huffer sent & Evadean made. Gorgeous.

 

January 31, 1971

I taught my S.S. class. They surprised me by a corsage. Then after church about 30 of them (couples and children) took me to Hennessey where we ate dinner in a nice restaurant. Another surprise. In the afternoon I saw some errors I had made in my family history so recopied some pages. In the P.M. also Vance Hammer (nice boy) brought me a cake he had made & baked himself. Watched Apollo 14 lift off.

 

February 1, 1971

I drove to Stillwater to the Library Staff luncheon and did some work in the library. Also got my family history xeroxed to send to my young cousins. I am still overwhelmed and deeply thankful at all the wonderful things people did for my birthday. I can’t understand it, I just accept it.

 

February 2, 1971

I sent out the xeroxed copies of the family history to the six young families of my second cousins in the K.C. area. At least they all grew up there – two have moved away. They are the children of my beloved Nellie and Pearl Halsted.

 

February 3, 1971

Our church women’s fellowship met out in the country with Thelma Ficken. Very pleasant. It was my turn to lead the worship service.

 

February 4, 1971

I reworked many pages of suggestions to my executor and my young K.C. relations regarding disposal of keepsakes, etc. in event of my death. Cold day with enough snow to cover the ground. The only snow this winter.

 

February 5, 1971

The sun came out and the snow melted and it turned into a beautiful warm day. Finished suggestions to my executor and my young K.C. relatives.

 

February 6, 1971

Wrote belated “Thank you” notes to all the people who were so good to me on my birthday. Cold day and getting colder.

 

February 7, 1971

Ground covered with snow this morning and more falling. It wasn’t deep and I drove to S.S. & taught my class. The S.S. crowd was small but the church crowd was better. Stopped snowing about mid-morning.

 

February 8, 1971

The sun came out but it was cold & the snow melted slowly. I worked on a MS I am reading for the Uni. of Okla. Press. Also tried to catch up on letter writing.

 

February 9, 1971

Another snowy sunny day. The snow is all gone except where it drifted along the east – west roads and in the shade. Our club met with Margaret Perdue. Very good meeting.

 

February 10, 1971

I have been reading a very interesting MS for the OU Press, a description of Crow use of native products written by a Crow woman. Today I wrote my favorable report and returned it.

 

February 11, 1971

I wrote to Gov. Hall & our members of the legislature urging an effective method of pollution control – a job given me by the club at our meeting Tuesday. This is the first time I have had to attend to it.

 

February 12, 1971

[No entry.

 

February 13, 1971

I worked in the library in the P.M. Had quite a busy day for a Saturday. My secret adopted grand-daughter sent me a beautiful cake – heart shaped.

 

February 14, 1971

I taught my S.S. class and attended church as usual. Then Mr. Burch asked me to go to lunch with him at Vance Airforce Base (He served as a chaplain in the air force.) He is very lonely since his wife’s death before he came here and is unable to adjust to it. He is courting a woman in Tulsa, but she says “No” to marriage. Now it is one in O.C. Both fine women. But he has become self centered. However, we had a delightful dinner. Then called on the Webers at the Rest Home.

 

February 15, 1971

I am writing late but I think this was the day I made an alphabetical arrangement of the letters the good people sent me when Marshall had a celebration for me in ’58. I think I should paste them in a scrap book.

 

February 16, 1971

I called Wm. Byler at Washington and inquired about strategy for the Alaska natives. He suggested a call to Ed Edmondson, but I have written him about something else and I think it better to wait till I hear from him about that.

 

February 17, 1971

We are having beautiful warm weather but we need rain. I tried to call him Feb. 16 but failed. It was Feb. 17 I succeeded. He is not in the New York office but in Washington

 

February 18, 1971

Rainy day but not much water fell. And we need it badly.

 

February 19, 1971

This morning I showed Africa pics to Bonnie Roberts’ children who have finished a unit on Africa. Eula Ruth Olmstead’s children came in too. So sweet, so bright. I had lunch with them. Then drove out to give cake cover to Glendora – Vance brought my birthday cake in it. I love Glendora. Then worked on pics to show at church Sunday.

 

February 20, 1971

I got a letter from my cousin, John Tilden, that his brother Harry died “Last night,” written Feb. 18 and was to be buried today. Our families lived on farms close together at Beattie, Kans. until I was 5, and we have always kept in touch. He was 2 years older than I. His wife, Grace, died 2yrs. ago and no doubt he was very lonely.

 

February 21, 1971

Woke up to a howling blizzard. I did not try to go to church. It snowed most of the day – about 5 or 6 in. I guess the wind is so strong that I am afraid it is drifting badly. If only it would stay on the wheat fields!

 

February 22, 1971

We are still snowbound. I didn’t step out of my house all day. (Didn’t yesterday either.) The mail didn’t come. No school. It started thawing a little this P.M. Also In late P.M. they starting breaking out the streets with the road grader. But nobody is trying to drive on them. Blayne Boling from across the street cleared my walk and driveway.

 

February 23, 1971

Bright sunny day, with much melting of snow in the P.M. Edith Holloway got my mail. Her car is snowed in (so is mine) so she walked. There was no school today. Much of the state is still snowbound.

 

February 24, 1971

Another day of fast melting, but the drifts still high. We had school today but probably only for the town children. I doubt that any buses ran. Edith dug her car out and got mail and groceries for herself, me, and other neighbors.

 

February 25, 1971

It thawed all night, was still thawing this morning. Then when the sun came ougt out it thawed the fastest I ever saw. The snow is all gone now except the drifts. I let Edith bring my mail this morning because I didn’t want to wade thru the snow. I could have got it in the P.M.

 

February 26, 1971

It thawed again all night. I have never seen snow go so fast. This morning it was all gone but some tiny remnants of the biggest drifts. Then it turned cooler during the day, but who cares.

 

February 27, 1971

Nothing in particular happened Cold again.

 

February 28, 1971

Taught my S.S. class. Heard fine sermon by Mr. Burch. Then dinner at the church, service of turning in our thank offering harps. We shall send the money to Rodney Huffer. Then Rodney’s father showed some of Rodney’s slides and I showed slides of Canada Alaska. Gloomy day with snow falling hard for a brief time. All the people had stories of the big blizzard. Geo. Voskuhl who keeps the official record said last Sunday’s snow was 8 in. on the level – only it wasn’t level – and very wet.

 

February 29, 1971

[No entry – space blank.

 

March 1, 1971

Called Congressman Edmondson and he talked frankly and reassuringly about the Alaskan native land situation. Mr. Edmondson has long been one of my favorite people.

 

March 2, 1971

Cloudy miserable day. I went to club at Mary Rouse’s. Fine meeting. In the evening Shirley Worsley (bless her) called me on the phone and we had a long visit.

 

March 3, 1971

Made long distance calls and wrote a letter to be mimeographed about the Alaska native land issue. Beautiful bright day. Drove out to see Madonna Enmeier and was amazed at the remaining drifts.

 

March 4, 1971

Went to Enid to have my eyes checked – right 20, left 21, lowest it has ever been. I was amazed at the huge drifts of snow along the highway and inside the creek banks. Here in town on this high level place the three warm days and two nights cleared it off but great drifts remain through the country.

 

March 5, 1971

March 3 Bright crisp day. I got some needed information and spent the day preparing letters, etc. for the Alaska natives. Drove out to Madonna’s and was amazed at the great amount of snow in the ditches along the road. But we had only 3 days and 2 nights of thawing, then it turned cold.

 

March 6, 1971

March 6 I mailed letters to 118 people – all I have on my list. Gave some to Alwina Phillips to read mail to Methodist leaders. I drove to Enid to see Mr. Edsall about my income tax. Also bought my plane ticket to Johnson City. Miserable warm windy day.

 

March 7, 1971

Taught my S.S. class and attended church. In the afternoons I went to Perry with the Brysons to the 25^th wedding anniversary of Dale and Macie Wilson. Very nice

 

March 8, 1971

March 10 Wrote on the wrong pages. I sent out a large number of the letters to the newspapers about the Alaska natives. They were prepared & directed by the A.A.I.A but I add a sentence to each. Warm weather.

 

March 9, 1971

March 8 I worked hard all day preparing typing directions for the historical tours during Prairie City Days.

 

March 10, 1971

March 9 In the morning a daughter of the Lees where Edwin taught and I visited came to see me. She brought another woman. In the P.M. our club met in Enid with Mrs. Griffin Fern Acton was there, also Mrs. Stuerke. Ramona showed beautiful slides of Ireland. It is surprising how much snow stuff remains in low places, though we are now having warm weather.

 

March 11, 1971

I washed in the morning and in the evening worked hard sending out letters on Alaska to state newspapers. They were prepared by the AAJA – envelopes directed, etc. but I added a sentence.

 

March 12, 1971

March 11 Woke with a headache and felt bad all day for some reason. I don’t know the cause.

 

March 12 Beautiful warm day. I caught up on letters, etc. In the evening I went to the Vernon Bosticks and saw movies of “Prairie City Days.”

 

March 13, 1971

Still beautiful weather. A gang of Lions worked at the library today. Such good men! The jon- daffodils are blooming gloriously and so are the grape hyacinths. Mine are not, because they are in the shade, thus later than others.

 

March 14, 1971

I taught my S.S. class. Mr. Burch was called to Indiana by the death of an aunt; thus Bob Shaefer read a prepared sermon. In the P.M. Ray & Gladys Six called. Then Pat and Ramona took me to the City to see the movie of “My Fair Lady.” We all enjoyed it better than we did the first time we saw it. We had an Italian dinner at Tony’s.

 

March 15, 1971

I wrote letters trying to catch up on my correspondence. A girl with a lovely voice called me from Tulsa – a Pawnee girl named Kay Curley-chief. She had read my letter in the Tulsa paper, and wanted to help. I sent her some material.

 

March 16, 1971

Nothing much happened. I tried to catch up on letter writing. Oh yes, a copy of the second printing of my book came today. The OU Press did a wonderful job of making some corrections I requested.

 

March 17, 1971

Nothing much happened. I am getting some preparation done for a visit of my dear friend, Luella Reeves of Canyon, Texas, who is coming tomorrow

 

March 18, 1971

Bad day with high wind and the air full of dust. Bonnie Roberts took my car (I don’t drive on the highway after dark) and drove to Hennessey to meet Luella. She came at 7:10, tired from the long bus trip in the wind.

 

March 19, 1971

Luella and I drove around some, then rested some, and in the evening Pat & Ramona came for supper and spent the evening. Nice! Some wind but not like yesterday.

 

March 20, 1971

Luella and I drove around the country some more. She enjoys the green wheat. Not a spear of anything green in the Texas Panhandle because of the terrible drought continuing form last year.

 

March 21, 1971

Taught my S.S. class and attended church. In the P.M. was library open house. Very nice. Then some young Chinese friends of Luella came up from the City and took her back to visit them. Only about 40 at open house.

 

March 22, 1971

I was tired. (I’m afraid Luella was more tired.) This P.M. Bonnie Roberts brought her third & fourth grade children. She played on my organ and they sang. I showed them some old time things. They are getting ready for “Prairie City Days.” They are so sweet.

 

March 23, 1971

Our club tour. We went to Phillips Uni., saw the speech therapy center and the chapel windows. Had three foreign students – Winnie Chu from Hong Kong and Conchita Rivera & Alma Medina from the Philippines. Margaret Perdue brought them over; Frances Peach took them back and I went along.

 

March 24, 1971

I attended to neglected correspondence. I am very happy over Congress’ defeat of the supersonic transport.

 

March 25, 1971

[No entry.

 

March 26, 1971

Pat and Ramona took me to the Shrine circus in O.C. Great fun. First circus I have seen since I saw it under the big tent in Enid shortly after World War I. I met the Masons of Ponca City, friends of Pat & Ramona. Got home shortly after midnight.

 

March 27, 1971

Tired today from late bedtime last night. My jonquils & daffodils are glorious.

 

March 28, 1971

Taught my S.S. class & attended church. Mr. Burch Olive anna Olive Olive Mae Holder was ther [sic]. Mr. Burch announced that she had consented to marry him. Great sensation!

 

March 29, 1971

Talked with AAIA in New York. Getting ready for club workshop of this district at Stillwater tomorrow. It is getting terribly dry but the wheat is still green.

 

March 30, 1971

I attended club workshop & had a chance to tell my Alaska story. Then I visited briefly with dear Mary Graves and went to see Cherrie Garrett who has had to go to a nursing home. Very windy hot day.

 

March 31, 1971

Organized Got good news from two phone calls – Congressman Edmondson and Wm. Byler. A man from Washington State has introduced the Alaska Natives’ bill in the House with 25 co-sponsors and Pres. Nixon plans to have an administration bill with 40 million acres of land.

 

April 1, 1971

Alwina Philips came & took me to O.C. for a meeting of the leaders of Okla-Methodist women. There was a crowded schedule with much business but I told the Alaska story and it made a tremendous impression. Those women will help.

 

April 2, 1971

The business was all finished in the forenoon and we started home soon after lunch. I am very tired.

 

April 3, 1971

I am feeling so bad today I don’t know whether I have a virus or am just tired. I lay around most of the day. Winnie came twice – once with chicken stew, once with fruit juice.

 

April 4, 1971

I stayed at home from church and continued all day to feel better. I am about well this evening. I guess I was just tired.

 

April 5, 1971

Frost last night and water froze in bird bath. I stayed at home from the library luncheon writing trying to get in toug touch with Wm. Byler in Washington but failed. I want the latest news so I can send out some letters. I called Marguerite Howland and asked her to get names for interested library staff members

 

April 6, 1971

Got in touch with Wm. Byler. Glorious news! Today the president is sending to Cong. An administration bill giving the Alaska natives 40 million acres of land. I wrote a letter & sent it out to be mimeographed. Worked so hard getting phone call thru & letter written that I was very tired when Dub Leathers came to take me to Crescent & tell the Alaska story & show pics to the Lions. I did it badly but they liked it O.K.

 

April 7, 1971

The mocking bird is here! In the P.M. Mr. & Mrs. James Hill of Norman and their son Ed of Edmond came to see me. Mr. Hill is working on a bibliography of publications about the Cherokees, and he wanted to consult me about it. No reason to consult me. He knows 100 times as much about the subject than as I do. I think he just wanted to talk about it.

 

April 8, 1971

I made cookies for club meeting at my house Tues. Hope they don’t get too dry. Then I directed envelopes for Alaska letters I will send out when Lorray Dyson at Guthrie mimeographs them.

 

April 9, 1971

The letters came this morning. They are just for Oklahomans. I will write one for other people when I get names of co-sponsors of Alaska bill. I sent out about 100 to Oklahomans today.

 

April 10, 1971

The names of committee members of the H. of Rep. & co-sponsors of Alaska bill came today but lacked states and any name but the surname. I can’t use them. Winnie and I made a library display in the drug store window for Prairie City Days. In the evening Geo. & Betty Beeby took me to the square dance. I stayed only briefly. But it was a beautiful sight.

 

April 11, 1971

Easter Sunday. I taught my S.S. class. At the church service the baby of Kenneth Ficken was baptized and Mary Susie Huffer, Carol Phelan, and Janet Shelley were confirmed (God bless them). Also a communion service. In the evening a community choir conducted singing program as the beginning of Prairie City Week Days.

 

April 12, 1971

I had some planning for a busy day to-morrow (refreshments etc. Mr. Benedict Jozhe, leader of the Fort Sill Apaches, came to see me. He is fine. In the evening I attended the “Prairie City” program at the school auditorium

 

April 13, 1971

We took all the school children on tours of sites in early Marshall History. Two trips of three buses each. I guided the first tour, but we have four guides so I missed the second. Came home & rested. In the P.M. the club met at my house.

 

April 14, 1971

No special “Prairie City” activities today. I worked on neglected correspondence. Our drought is becoming very serious – like the 30’s and early 50’s. The wheat has stood up surprisingly well but it is looking bad now.

 

April 15, 1971

Worked in the library with Ramona in the afternoon. It was a very busy time, kids swarmed in to check out books.

 

April 16, 1971

We have been promised rain over the state. It hasn’t come but there are clouds. In the morning I took some articles to the museum that three of our club members are setting up in the Catholic parish hall.

 

April 17, 1971

Busy day. I conducted a tour in the morning. Got back just in time for the parade. It was the best parade I ever saw. Then I stayed at the library (Winnie had arranged a display) in the P.M. Some very interested visitors came. Then I visited the museum kept by Madonna, Margaret, & Selma. It rained a little but not much

 

April 18, 1971

Threatened rain but didn’t! Our Prairie City Days closed yesterday. Every-one tired but fairly good church attendance. I taught my S.S. class & attended church. Slept in P.M. Then put away all the pioneer clothes & other articles I had used.

 

April 19, 1971

We had a hard shower this evening. It had been so long we had almost forgotten water could fall from the sky. There was a little hail but not enough to do any harm. Just a good hard rain. And we may get more.

 

April 20, 1971

The rain gauge showed the rain was 2.1 in. We are all so happy. The sun shone today. Things are already getting green. My redbud has been glorious this year, but it is done now. The white lilacs are beautiful, first time they have bloomed fully since they died down in the drought of the “50’s. My old fashioned yellow rose put out its first bloom today.

 

April 21, 1971

I went to Enid to get my eye pressure tested. Right 20, Left 24. Bright sunny day, the first day we have had that has the fresh growing feel of spring. My lawn has suddenly turned green. I walked around this evening and enjoyed the flowers and breathed pure air.

 

April 22, 1971

Rainy day, hard at times, once hail but no damage. 1/2 in. in all. We are glad to get it. I must go to Enid tomorrow to speak at an Indian seminar. Our phones are out of order; we can call each other, but not outside. Went out during the last hard rain.

 

April 23, 1971

As soon as I started my turn lights went off and my steering went bad. I couldn’t call & beg off so took a chance and went. It rained but not violently. I spoke to the group (told the Alaska story also). Meanwhile a Good Samaritan janitor took my car for repair and I drove back safely.

 

April 24, 1971

Washed in the morning and did odds and ends in the P.M. Sunny day. Lawn green (weeds mainly, but green), real spring weather. I am sure the wheat was damaged by the drought, but it will make a crop.

 

April 25, 1971

I taught my S.S. class and attended church. Threatened rain this morning but cleared off. We could use more rain. We went on daylight saving time today.

 

April 26, 1971

Drove to Crescent and spoke to the high school girls at a tea given by the women’s club there. I used the same on I gave at O.B.U. some years back. It was a very pleasant meeting – the women friendly, the girls sweet. At home of Marthena McConnell. Tornado & bad hail at Enid.

 

April 27, 1971

This was our club guest day. It was my job to go to Stillwater after lovely Atsuko Ishihara, who was to speak about Shintoism. It was a luncheon meeting. After she spoke about Shintoism she spoke of her own deep interest in Christianity, but of her lack of faith. We tried to tell her that religious faith is a development growing out of religious commitment. She and her husband will go back to Japan after school ends. We shall miss them.

 

April 28, 1971

April 30 Turned two pages. Drove to Stillwater to attend meeting of Okla. Writers Federation at Holiday Inn. Evening program (and dinner) an exposition of folklore, especially folk music by Guy Logsden. Illustrated by songs by him & Phyllis. Charming and entertaining but I have never taken that subject seriously. Staying at Ray Six home.

 

April 29, 1971

It rained last night and off and on during the day. Not much water fell but we are thankful for all we get. I shall go to Stillwater tomorrow for meeting of Okla. Writers Federation.

 

April 30, 1971

April 28] Wrote a long letter to Atsuko today on the subject that is troubling her. Also called GFWC [General Federation of Women’s Clubs] office about presenting Alaska native resolution at convention in June. Afraid I botched it. I thought resolutions adopted at state conventions were automatically taken up at Gen. Fed conventions. This is not true & too late now.

 

May 1, 1971

Many good speeches (best by Odie Faulk), barbeque meal at Pawnee Bill’s & tour of house and museum. In the evening awards dinner. Cash awards in many categories on work submitted. Then awards on books published in 1970- Welborn Hope, poetry; Jack Bickham, fiction; my Hist. of Inds. non-fiction. Staying at Holiday Inn.

 

May 2, 1971

Drove home early. Taught my S.S. class & heard fine “sermon” by Bill Schaefer, (Minister is at conference.) Slept some in the P.M. Didn’t have room to say at awards dinner I sat by Danny Stone, son of Willard. Handsome, bright, charming, has beautiful young wife.

 

May 3, 1971

Looking at last year – I still miss Burton terribly. And Dorine almost as much since she will not be visiting me anymore. (She doesn’t drive.) Of course we write and talk on the telephone, so I have not lost her as completely as I have Burton. I didn’t get much work done today.

 

May 4, 1971

Used long distance telephone all day. Called Bill Byler in Washington about Alaska native prospects & procedures and got ready to enlist Okla. State Fed. Women’s Club.

 

May 5, 1971

Drove to Crescent. Am staying with Inez Jones. We had such a delightful evening together. I have loved Inez a long time – since I taught her in Enid High School when she was a freshman in 1919-20.

 

May 6, 1971

Left my car in Crescent and rode down with four Crescent ladies. Am at Hilton Inn in O.C. Fine convention except for an emotional speech with John Birch overtones by a Mrs. Roundtree. Nearly everyone seemed swept away – gave her a standing ovation – but I sat.

 

May 7, 1971

Saw my resolution supporting the Alaska native unanimously adopted. I have been impressed by Mrs. Crouch, the Pres. Rode to Crescent with Fern Acton, picked up my car and came home.

 

May 8, 1971

Wrote letters. Worked in the library in the P.M. My flowers are beautiful – peonies, roses, red clematis. And everything is finally green.

 

May 9, 1971

It rained last night. I don’t know how much. Cloudy today. I taught my S.S. class and attended the church service.

 

May 10, 1971

Wrote letters and organized things left over from the club convention. In the P.M. attended a party given by the Home Extension Group for us old people – euphemism “senior citizens.”

 

May 11, 1971

Our club met on Main Street at 10:30 then drove to Crescent to visit the Head Start children. Watched them playing in the bright sunshine, then ate lunch with them; then they sang for us. It was a moving experience. They are so loving. Came and kissed us. No race barriers here – black & white played together with complete good will. Mrs. Graves who is directing it is a wonder. After visiting the children we came back and held our regular meeting at Winnie’s. Selma DeWitt resigned to our great regret. In the evening went to style show at school. Found lovely Denise Phelan is my adopted granddaughter.

 

May 12, 1971

Had a prolonged telephone conversation with Mrs. Chittenden, the capable, knowledgeable, legislation choirmass of Gen. Fed. Women’s Clubs. I won’t need to go to Pittsburgh convention to take care of Alaska natives. She is doing it at Washington. Drafted a letter to send to concerned friends but didn’t get it finished.

 

May 13, 1971

Finished my Alaska letter and sent it to be mimeographed. In the evening went with Ramona to Stillwater to deliver presents from club to Winnie Chu who is graduating and Kopei & Atsuko Ishihara (K. getting PhD & A came & spoke to our club). Had good night with Winne Chu & Conchita Rivera. The Ishiharas not at home, so left gift with neighbor.

 

May 14, 1971

In the evening attended high school graduation. Very interesting program. Frosty Troy was the speaker. It is getting terribly dry. My lawn is brown and even the dandelions are wilting. My roses are lovely. I took some to Mrs. Cardin, a Vietnamese bride, who doesn’t understand English. She is beautiful and charming.

 

May 15, 1971

My mimeographed letters came and I mailed about 75 (while we still have 6¢ postage. Spent much time writing a letter to Congressman Haley. The pres. of the Arctic Slope Native Native Assn. was very insulting to him at the House hearings and I fear antagonized him. He has always been a friend of the Indians (and that includes Alaska natives.)

 

May 16, 1971

Taught my S.S. class but did it very badly. I was tired. Attended church. Slept some in afternoon.

 

May 17, 1971

I am writing late but I think it was the morning of May 17 that I woke to see it had rained in the night. I don’t think much water fell but it livened up the dead grass in my yard. I sent off the rest of my letters.

 

May 18, 1971

I worked on neglected correspondence.

 

May 19, 1971

Some more neglected correspondence. My mock orange bush is beautiful.

 

May 20, 1971

I went to Enid to have my eyes checked – right 21, left 20. In the evening attended a meeting of the library board. A happy meeting. People have been generous an we have enough money to run us through the year.

 

May 21, 1971

We are still having terribly dry weather. We are afraid it is the beginning of one of those disastrous dry cycles that come about every 20 years. It is just about due. The last one was in the early ’50s.

 

May 22, 1971

Winnie Branen and I made out a schedule for showing slides & films at the library this summer for the children.

 

May 23, 1971

This was the day of our church picnic and it rained. They had in the basement but it was raining so hard I stayed at home. There was no S.S. so I could miss. It cleared off in the P.M. and not nearly as much rain fell as we needed. Just enough to spoil our picnic. I admit I enjoyed staying home from church.

 

May 24, 1971

Teresa came and cleaned the dining room, waxed floors, washed windows – the works. Once she was a little girl helping me. Now she does it. She also hosed the outside of the house, all red with dust.

 

May 25, 1971

Our club had its las meeting of the year, annual picnic, installation of officers, etc. Picnic in Simmering Parts near Crescent. Guests four girls from the Guthrie Job Corps, one from Cuba. Frances absent so I had to preside. In the evening Charles Campbell called. While I was gone Teresa cleaned kitchen, bathroom and hall.

 

May 26, 1971

Teresa cleaned the front bedroom. She works at home in the forenoon, here in the afternoon. In the evening we had a hard shower with some hail. It rained about 1 inch. We need more.

 

May 27, 1971

Teresa with my help in rolling up rug, etc. cleaned the living room. My Madonna lilies are blooming – the latest I ever had them.

 

May 28, 1971

Teresa cleaned my study. This finishes the house & all the floors waxed, windows washed, furniture moved and dusted behind. My house is shining clean. Such a joy.

 

May 29, 1971

It rained a little this morning. I had a migraine attack this P.M. My cousin, Ralph Cooper, came this evening. He is 4yrs. younger than I but he looks pretty feeble. I don’t think he will live very long.

 

May 30, 1971

Rained a little this morning. Taught my S.S. class. Paul was called & returned saying Hulda Weber had just died. They asked Mr. Burch to go on with the service and he did. Hulda has been very low for some time. After church I went to the cemetery and decorated the graves. Then my cousins Allie & Lula Cooper came & Lula’s sister Mabel & her husband. Lula looks well but Allie is pitiably feeble.

 

May 31, 1971

Atsuko called & said she wanted to come over. Mrs. Stuerke as usual spent the day with me. I took her to the cemetery & to visit friends & to dinner on Highway 30. Then at two o’clock I left her with Ameda Grassman & Atsuko & little Marita came just then, so I could visit with Atsuko alone. She has her religious perplexity settled & wanted to tell me. She leaves tomorrow, will be in Chicago thru June and then there will leave for Japan.

 

June 1, 1971

It rained some last night. I attended Hulda Weber’s funeral in the P.M. Richard is so feeble the men put him in a wheel chair and carried him up the steps. Just fours [years] ago less one day Hulda had her stroke.

 

June 2, 1971

We had a very bad storm this evening. It tore up Enid & headed south. When it was tearing up Covington & Douglas the siren blew & we took to our cellars. Blane Boling was alone at home & he came to my place. The electricity went off. High wind, sheets of rain, hail. Then the electricity came back on.

 

June 3, 1971

Nobody was hurt in the storm. Only minor damages to buildings. People spent the day cleaning up, carrying off branches of trees, etc. In the afternoon I showed Indian pictures at the library. The wheat was not beaten down by the hail. The stalks seem tough.

 

June 4, 1971

Nothing much happened. I wrote letters. My regal lilies started blooming. They were badly bruised by the hail but after they open up the bruises don’t show.

 

June 5, 1971

Worked in the Library in the P.M. The girl who was supposed to do it didn’t show up. I called on Mrs. Cardin, the sweet, pretty Vietnamese wife of a young man who was a soldier. This is the third call. I take her flowers. She speaks very little English but is very friendly. This time I took regal lilies.

 

June 6, 1971

People are cutting wheat barley so the church attendance was small. I taught my S.S. class & heard a fine sermon by the Rev. Mr. Moore, director of the Wesley Foundation at O.S.U. Learned that both Richard Weber & Olga Schaefer had to go to the hospital. Too tired taking care of Hulda. Olga, heart; Richard, stroke.

 

June 7, 1971

Drove to Stillwater to library staff luncheon. Did work in the library getting material xeroxed for book on Geronimo. Saw harvest well started, mainly barley. Now this evening it is raining hard. That will stop the harvest.

 

June 8, 1971

Rained off and on all last night and all day today almost an inch. It is lovely, only why didn’t it come in May when we needed it so badly instead of now in harvest? I wrote a letter about the Alaska natives and sent it away for mimeographing.

 

June 9, 1971

I directed 200 envelopes so I can send out my letters when they come. Harvest still halted.

 

June 10, 1971

A very happy event. Nellie Blanche Kinnison who lived in our home a number of years came by. She married Urbane Moorman and we saw her after her marriage but the family finally settled in Calif. and we lost her. Her son, Dick, was with her today.

 

June 11, 1971

More rain last night and this morning. Beautiful but bad at harvest time. It was .8 inch. My mimeographed letters came and I mailed practically all of them.

 

June 12, 1971

Wrote some more Alaska letters. Worked in the library in the P.M. It rained a little, enough to postpone the harvest still longer. The wheat is beginning to suffer. I had a migraine attack.

 

June 13, 1971

I taught my S.S. class, a small one. There was no preaching service, the minister and their his new wife being on their honeymoon. And services at the other churches were at 9:00.

 

June 14, 1971

One of those beautiful blue, green and gold crisp after-the-rain days. And they managed to do some combining this P.M. I don’t know how much. Anyhow loads of wheat came in. The first since a week ago today.

 

June 15, 1971

Another harvest day. There is so much dew in the morning they can’t combine but they work at night till 11:30. Olga Schaefer came back from the hospital today. Richard is very low. He had a stroke a day or so after Hulda’s funeral.

 

June 16, 1971

Another harvest day only heavy dew in the morning. I had two migraine attacks today, one in the morning, one in the afternoon. I don’t know why it I have so many. But they are very light – don’t make me ill as they did when I was younger.

 

June 17, 1971

I felt wonderful today, better than for a long time. I’ve been feeling pretty weak lately, but not today. I worked in the library this afternoon. Rather Winnie worked at checking books, Esther Shelly had a story hour, and I only showed Africa slides the last hour.

 

June 18, 1971

I saw a little skunk run under my porch. It was a pretty little thing, but I am very distressed. In spite of all my efforts to block all possible places the mother had managed to make her home there and rear her brood. Somehow they must be trapped and killed. Sylvia Jarvis and her husband called. I had not seen her since I taught her in 1915. She looks fine.

 

June 19, 1971

Just as I was going to bed last night one little skunk ran into the yard & Edith killed it with a hoe. Her dogs killed another during the night. Winnie Branen went to Stillwater during the night and got Conchita Rivera and her roommate Susan Hamada. They ate dinner with me and then I took them out to see Frances Peach run her combine. Then the girls ran the combine & she showed her cattle & farm operations. Then I showed them the elevators and we all ate supper and spent the evening with the Branens.

 

June 20, 1971

The visitors stayed overnight at The Branens. Then Maxine Harak took Conchita to mass. Susan, a Buddhist stayed at home. I taught my S.S. class & attended church. (Our minister’s new wife was there.) Then Winnie & I took the girls to dinner at Nickerson’s and Joe showed them Guthrie & returned them to Stillwater.

 

June 21, 1971

It rained a little yesterday and today, enough to stop the harvest. (Most farmers are done though.) Three more little skunks have come out from under my house. We are trying to catch them. We think something must have happened to their mother. Lovely cool day. Just before I went to bed we caught one

 

June 22, 1971

An undertaker called from Enid and said Allie Cooper died in Ohio as he and Lula were returning from their visit to their daughter in Penna. He looked so bad when he was here I was sure he couldn’t live long. It made me sad to see him so feeble. Poor Lula, alone on the road.

 

June 23, 1971

Edith & I were up most of the night trapping and killing little skunks. We got 3. We think that is all. Edith did all the work but I am terribly tired. In the afternoon Bill Byler called from Washington that the critical time on the House bill for the Alaska natives is tomorrow and he asked me to get telephone calls to Ed Edmondson. I made calls & got several to act.

 

June 24, 1971

Edith removed the traps from under the porch the porch. No skunks. I think the 6 we got are all. She closed everything around the step so we hope no more will get in. The undertaker at Enid phoned that Allie’s funeral will be Sat. So I made final arrangements with the minister and for the music and church.

 

June 25, 1971

I did everything I could to get ready for Allie’s funeral tomorrow – cleaned my house, put notices over town, filled my refrigerator with food, telephoned people. I think everything is under control. I want to make everything as easy for Lula as possible.

 

June 26, 1971

Allie’s funeral was at 2:00 at the Methodist church. The pastor is absent, so Mr. Burch conducted the service. Luella Grassman played the piano & Lavone & Linda Phelan sang. Three of Lula’s brothers & 3 of her cousins were pall bearers. All of the sons & daughters came, and a grandson from Vietnam. I made preparations for them to come to my house & Edith helped but they didn’t.

 

June 27, 1971

Taught my S.S. class & attended church. In the afternoon Lula and her two sons Melvin & Calvin stopped briefly on their way to K.C. to take the plane for Calif. Lula has fine sons (also good daughters). In the evening we had ice cream & cake at the church in honor of the new Mrs. Burch & presented them a fine set of stainless steel cutlery. They were surprised. Pleasant evening.

 

June 28, 1971

When Lula and her sons were here yesterday, they were anxious to get a copy of Mr. Burch’s funeral sermon. They tried to see him but he and Allie May were away calling on Richard Weber in the nursing home at Enid. Last night at the social I asked him for it and today he and Allie May brought it and stayed briefly. Mr. Burch and Allie May have been most considerate in this time of bereavement.

 

June 29, 1971

At church Sunday we learned that Axel Christiansen had just died in Enid. His funeral was today at 10:00. Catholic mass, and he was buried in the South Cemetery. He had stipulated that he wanted all his friends to gather at the parish hall for a dinner. Some did. I went because I felt we owed it to the friendly old man. He had worked for the O’Neills many years – had no relatives but a brother in Denmark.

 

June 30, 1971

It rained a little today. Not much water fell but perhaps we shall have more. And it was cool and cloudy.

 

July 1, 1971

We had a fine rain last night – .8 inch. We could use more. I got my check from the farm. I am surprised at the wheat yield. Not bad at all. But the oats didn’t do much.

 

July 2, 1971

Alice Pipla cleaned my house today. Teresa has a fulltime vacation job waiting tables at a Hennessy restaurant. I can clean my house but it makes me tired. I cleaned it last week, but I am glad Alice will do it for me hereafter.

 

July 3, 1971

I worked in the library this P.M. The girl who was supposed to do it didn’t appear. The children are making good use of the library this summer.

 

July 4, 1971

I taught my S.S. class & attended church. Communion service. Everybody forgot to ring the church bells in recognition of the day. I am picking out slides to show the Hartigs, who are coming Tuesday.

 

July 5, 1971

I did some things to get ready for the visit of the Hartigs tomorrow.

 

July 6, 1971

The Hartigs come in early P.M. – Don & Shirley, their two boys, and Don’s mother, Bertha Hartig. They will sleep in their camper, all but Bertha. I had everything ready for a cold lunch when they came. I am very happy over their visit.

 

July 7, 1971

The Hartigs stayed all day leaving at 8:30 P.M. to travel in the cool. I have learned to think a great deal of Don. I know Shirley had a good husband but when I visited in their home with Burton & Dorine he was always with Burton while we women were together. This time I came to know him well.

 

July 8, 1971

We are having hot, dry weather. We heard it was 105° at Hennessey yesterday. No doubt the same today – here & Hennessey. I was going to show slides to the children at the library but they had a birthday party and I thought they wouldn’t want to settle down after it.

 

July 9, 1971

Nothing much happened. Just another hot day.

 

July 10, 1971

Winnie and I decided we should have Esther’s story hour for the tiny tots and slides for the older ones on different days, so I showed my Alaska slides today. Still hot and very dry.

 

July 11, 1971

I taught my S.S. class and heard sermon by Dr. Craig, the conference minister. He held a huddle with the Council during the S.S. hour. The problem is that Mr. Burch has signified his intentions to leave at the end of the year.

 

July 12, 1971

I drove to Stillwater to do some work in the college library for changes in a new printing of my Choctaw Republic and a biography I plan to write of Geronimo. Hot winds blowing.

 

July 13, 1971

I worked on the changes I want in Choctaw Republic. Terribly hot and dry. The yard lawn is brown instead of green over much of the area. Fortunately it was still green when the Hartigs were here.

 

July 14, 1971

I got my new pages for Choctaw Republic finished and mailed. Terrible weather.

 

July 15, 1971

Not much happened.

 

July 16, 1971

Got a letter from my beloved Caroline Kline where she and two others are coming to see me briefly on th tomorrow on their way to Philadelphia on some business connected with the St. Michael’s school. The mother house of the order is in Philadelphia.

 

July 17, 1971

Cooked meal, set table, ready to get supper in a few minutes, but nobody came. So at 8:00 I dismantled everything & ate my own supper, sure they would eat on the road. Then at 10 Caroline called from Shamrock, Texas. Said they would go to a motel. Too late to come all the way through.

 

July 18, 1971

Caroline & two lovely young nuns came about 8:30 A.M. They got as far as Guthrie at 7:30 & stayed there. I put out with their help a hearty breakfast & we visited till 10:00. They must make Indianapolis today, Philadelphia tomorrow. I saw them off, then taught my S.S. class & attended church.

 

July 19, 1971

I went to Enid & had my eyes checked. Right 20, left 24. I got my plane ticket to go to Roswell Friday Thursday. Cool day. A great relief from the terrible weather. It was 112° at Hennessey yesterday. Today in Enid it was 77° by the billboard on the bank.

 

July 20, 1971

The sun shone but it was still cool & pleasant. I feel so well. Sometimes I get so weak I think my active years are over. Then I find out it is only the weather. A cool day makes me well again. Bill Byler called. Things are bad for the Alaska natives.

 

July 21, 1971

It is still not so hot as it was. But it is as dry as ever. The yard is dry instead of green. Even the dandelions can’t grow. I watered all my shrubs as well as I could this evening hoping they will live till I return. I shall leave tomorrow.

 

July 22, 1971

Ramona O’Neill took me to the O.C. airport & I took AA to Dallas Texas International to Carlsbad, bus to Ruidoso, arrived after 10 P.M. The Texas managed to leave my baggage at Dallas – a habit they have. The airport gave me a small pkg. with toothbrush, etc. Eva Ball supplied some other things. So I am not too uncomfortably settled for the night. It rained on bus trip.

 

July 23, 1971

Eve took me to Mescalero Res. & I met Amelia Naiche. Fine woman. It rained hard at Mesc. & most of evening P.M. & evening at Ruidoso. Everybody happy. Drought was terrible. My baggage came. In the evening group of students from Artesia college came to visit Eve. She had Mrs. Naiche & Geo. Martine here to meet them.

 

July 24, 1971

July 22 We went to the Reformed church on Mescalero Res. We intended to attend Catholic mass but it was over just as we got there. It rained hard during most of the P.M. People are so happy about it. A number of Eve’s friends called during the P.M.

 

July 25, 1971

July 26 We didn’t get much planned work done but two Indian couples came and we had some good relaxed conversation. The couples are named Palmer (he is an artist) and Martin (he is a Pueblo, she part Navaho). It didn’t rain during the day, but is raining all evening. I took pic a picture window church.

 

July 26, 1971

We drove out on Mesc. Res. to visit a woman named Bernice, cabin where Asa lived, but mud puddle stopped us. Met fine artist from Lubbock, Tex. named Martin. She took us to their cabin. Raining this evening.

 

July 27, 1971

I have lost a day somehow. I have July 27 in July 26 space

 

July 28, 1971

We seem to have all our Indian work done. Eve took me on the reservation to get some pics of timber & stream. It didn’t rain today. First day since I came that it didn’t rain.

 

July 29, 1971

Hard day. Left on bus at 8:40. Waited 5 hrs. at Pecos for plane, 3 hrs. between planes at Dallas. Arrived late at O.C. Gerry met me. We got here after midnight. It had rained but not enough. A cold front came before I reached O.C. so it is delightfully cool. I am very tired.

 

July 30, 1971

My dry brown yard turned to bright green while I was gone. I got a boy to mow it. I unpacked, went over mail etc. Still tired. Saw Gerry in the store and she was fresh as a daisy. Late hours don’t bother her. Cold day. It was 57° this morning at O.C. A record low for all time. Warmed up some during the day.

 

July 31, 1971

Another cold morning and very pleasant day. I worked in the library in the afternoon. I had much business. Winne was there & Mrs. Spore showed slides to the children.

 

August 1, 1971

Taught my S.S. class & attended church. Had dinner with the Schaefer sisters. Other guests (the Burches [sic], the Frank Fickens & Richard Webers). Richard very feeble but mind clear. The men took him to his house first time he has seen it without Hulda. He said, “Beautiful home, but so lonesome.” In the evening I had supper with my beloved young O’Neills & spent the evening. The weather is still pleasant.

 

August 2, 1971

Pat O’Neill took me to an old country cemetery in the hills east of Marshall. We read stories & reconstructed early history especially of a couple killed by their mentally deranged son in 1901. We got back just before noon in time to see the lunar module of Apollo 15 rise from the moon. I have missed much of this because of my Mescalero trip and getting settled after my return.

 

August 3, 1971

Learned that Daisy Thompson died this morning. She was a beautiful girl about 2 years older than I when I first met her in the spring or summer of 1900. We are still having cool, even cold, pleasant mornings and only a reasonable amount of heat in the P.M.’s.

 

August 4, 1971

Attended graveside service for Daisy at North Cemetery at 11:30 (Her funeral was at Tonkawa.) Several of her old Marshall friends were there. I think that was a comfort to Patricia. I spent the rest of the day working on my Mescalero notes. Weather still pleasant, but so dry.

 

August 5, 1971

Ivy Coffey came to interview me this morning for the Oklahoman. I like her very much. Wish I could see her often. Then I drove to Stillwater for a lovely luncheon by Alice Han Moffitt for Jessie Douglas and other friends. Helen Stewart was there also. Very nice. Alice can serve lovely meals so effortlessly. Her sister Maybelle, who lives with her, is good too.

 

August 6, 1971

We lost a good chance for rain. It was cool and cloudy all day and rained at several places in Okla., even between here and Hennessey – but never a drop here. One of my surprise lilies put up one head of blooms. I am afraid this is all I shall get.

 

August 7, 1971

Good news about Alaska natives’ land claim. Subcommittee drafted bill confirming title to 40 million acres before congress adjourned recessed this week.

 

August 8, 1971

The Burks and Pat and Ramona had been Sunday dinner with me. Allie May Burch and Ramona helped on meal & washed dishes afterwards. Pretty soft for me. I taught my S.S. class & attended church. It sprinkled a little and was cloudy but no rain.

 

August 9, 1971

I wrote a letter about the Alaska land issue and left it at the Co-op. to be xeroxed. Then I directed quite a pile of two hundred envelopes. Will direct the others tomorrow.

 

August 10, 1971

Directed the rest of the envelopes – a little over 200. In the evening our club had an emergency meeting at the library to make plans for next year. Decided to meet once a month instead of twice as formerly. The weather warmed up this P.M. – more like August.

 

August 11, 1971

Hot forenoon real August weather. I drove to Hennessey to have my teeth cleaned. Then in the P.M. it turned cool and we had a nice shower – not enough but something. I got my xeroxed letters & mailed half of them. Perhaps it will rain tonight.

 

August 12, 1971

August 13 I spent some time getting ready for my beloved Dehn cousins tomorrow – Donnie, Martha and their four children. Donnie called me for a long telephone visit and August & Catherene Burchardt & their grandson Scot came briefly. Rains went around.

 

August 13, 1971

August 14 It rained last night! The Dehns came. The four children are growing up – Robin will be 15 Monday. Deanna 8. They brought their camper, so are not sleeping with me. We visited the cemetery & hunted for geodes on Grandmother’s old farm.

 

August 14, 1971

[continuation of August 15; no entry for August 14] cousins together. One of the Ferris children, Diana, slept tin the camper with the Dehns. The rest of us slept in the house. Lovely cool weather with rain.

 

August 15, 1971

I didn’t try to go to church. It would have been too complicated for the seven of us to get ready. Also I think the Dehns didn’t bring their Sunday clothes. In the afternoon the five Farrises came. It is wonderful to have these young

 

August 16, 1971

The Farrises left without breakfast. The Dehns & I hurried off to Ft. Sill – I to look up pics at the museum, they to visit the place. Cool day. I love those two families. Now three of these young second cousins & their families have visited me this summer. The deaths of Burton &Nellie have drawn us together.

 

August 17, 1971

The young Dehns left after leisurely breakfast, bathing, etc. The plumbing gave trouble while the Hartigs were and now again. Partially clogged so too much bath water backed up.

 

August 18, 1971

Joe Misar came and cleared the plumbing. I had hesitated to trouble him because he is plowing, but when he started to clear it I was surprised that it carried off just my own household use. It was partially blocked with roots.

 

August 19, 1971

My beloved Dehns came in this evening full of enthusiasm about the Indian Exposition, the Wichita Mts. Wildlife Refuge & the Cowboy Hall of Fame. They also took a side trip to Norman To pick up three of my books from the Uni. of Okla. Press.

 

August 20, 1971

We all went out to the site of my grandmother’s house on the farm (their great-grandmother) and they picked up a stone from the foundation & some broken bits of crockery & china. They hunted for geodes but no luck. In the P.M. they took a tour through the Farmers’ Co-op plant. Hot day.

 

August 21, 1971

The Dehns started back at 8 in the morning. How I did enjoy their visit. They will stop at Abilene to see the Eisenhower Memorial. In the P.M. I worked at the library. Then my beloved Betty Christian came by with some vegetables and a message from Rubye Dabney. I haven’t seen Rubye since the summer of ‘67 at Norman.

 

August 22, 1971

Hot day. Everything burning up. I taught my S.S. class and attended church. In the evening I ate watermelon and spent the evening with my beloved Pat and Ramona O’Neill.

 

August 23, 1971

I drove to Stillwater to get material for a book I plan to write about Geronimo. Terrible weather – hot and dry. In the evening a cloud came over with much wind and a few drops of rain.

 

August 24, 1971

Hot day but still, not so bad as yesterday. I am working on neglected correspondence. This year only one bulb in the row of surprise lilies bloomed. It put up 3 lovely heads but that was all.

 

August 25, 1971

Attended Women’s Guild at Mabel Bryson’s. Gerry Schaefer showed beautiful slides of fantastic scenes of Grand Canyon & Bryce Canyon.

 

August 26, 1971

Finished reading Alan L. Sorkin’s American Indians and Federal Aid and started writing review for The Annals.

 

August 27, 1971

Finished and mailed the review. Read a very fine article about Kate Barnard by Nell Bracken. She wanted my comments. I think it is very good indeed. Still hot & dry. A few clouds but they don’t do anything.

 

August 28, 1971

Started writing a Foreword for Grant Foreman’s Indian Removal, which the Uni. Press is bringing out in a new printing – the sixth. Worked in the library in the afternoon. Why can’t it rain.

 

August 29, 1971

Taught my S.S. class and attended the church service. Cool cloudy day, but still no rain. The drought has become serious.

 

August 30, 1971

Finished the Foreword for Mr. Foreman’s book. I revered the Foremans and this was a labor of love. It was even cloudy and even cold this morning, not very hot even in the P.M. – but still no rain.

 

August 31, 1971

I cut a stencil for a letter to be sent to friends willing to help the Alaska natives. Before this, I have always had the work done in Guthrie. But Mr. Burch was good enough to offer to run them off on the mimeograph machine. Thus it is possible for me to do it here, and much quicker.

 

September 1, 1971

I drove to Enid to have my eyes checked. Good news: right 18, left 21. Mr. Burch brought my letters and visited a while. Then I put them in envelopes I had already addressed & put them in the mailbox to go out tomorrow morning. Ramona asked me to eat watermelon with them. I was too tired so she brought the melon for me to eat at home. Bless her!

 

September 2, 1971

I read a ms. sent me by the Uni. of Okla. Press six weeks ago. I have been very unhappy about holding it so long for of course the author is anxiously awaiting the verdict, but the Press sent it without consulting me & this is the first opportunity I have had to read it.

 

September 3, 1971

Had to work hard on a map that needs to be corrected for a new edition of my Choc. Rep. Got it finished late at night. Wrote and mailed my report on the MS. My verdict: Do not publish.

 

September 4, 1971

For two days we have a terrible wind blowing hot from the south. Now it has clouded up and got cooler and a few drops of rain are falling. Cecil Cooper whom I taught when she was a little girl in 1909 came to see me with her daughter whom I taught as a high school girl in WWII, and her three children came to see me. Very nice. She bought a Prairie City for the oldest girl, Janet, a bright h.s. sophomore.

 

September 5, 1971

It didn’t rain and today the sun shone hot again. It is heartbreaking to see the shrubs and plants suffer. No trees have died yet. Today Gerry Schaefer showed some breathtaking views of canyon parks to my S.S. class. Then I attended the church service.

 

September 6, 1971

It rained last night! About an inch. Now if it would only do it again! And again! And again! Because it was a holiday I took off from my own work and spent the day setting up files for a drawer of important Oklahoma material at the library.

 

September 7, 1971

We are having very hot weather, sultry on account of the moisture in the air. But dying shrubs are perking up and a faint green begins to appear on the lawns.

 

September 8, 1971

[No entry.

 

September 9, 1971

[No entry.

 

September 10, 1971

I am making late entry. I think this was the day I worked terribly hard on a map for the new edition of Choc. Republic. The editor referred it to me for a small clarification and discovered that a railroad was misplaced. Back in 1931 I copied a government map supposing it was reliable. I didn’t know southeastern Okla. so well as I do now.

 

September 11, 1971

I’m working all the time these days on Geronimo material – re-reading what I have and collecting more. I used to travel to do my research – now with Xerox I hope I can do it long distance.

 

September 12, 1971

Learned Almina Wilber was coming up to see me briefly and attend the Methodist Church she attended as a girl. I went to the church at 9 but no Almina. Then taught my S.S. class. Found she had meanwhile arrived so I missed my own church (having attended the Meth. Church at 9) and visited with her & a friend who was with her. They left at about noon to have dinner with Enid friends.

 

September 13, 1971

I worked on Geronimo material. Terribly dry. Cool in mornings, hot in afternoons, cool at night.

 

September 14, 1971

Organized pictures I plan to obtain here and there for Geronimo.

 

September 15, 1971

Planning for a visit from Nellie Moorman tomorrow. Her mother and my mother were first cousins and she lived in our home for some years when she was a little girl after her mother died. It turned cold last night, cool all day, but no rain.

 

September 16, 1971

Nellie came on the bus to Hennessey at 7:00P.M. I could have driven over after her but I was afraid the bus would be late so that it would be dark, and I do not drive after dark. So Bonnie Roberts drove my car over.

 

September 17, 1971

It started raining last night and rained all day. It was very cold. I started the furnace and needed it. I am having a wonderful visit with Nellie.

 

September 18, 1971

Another night and day of rain. It is very cold – breaking September records. The rain has totaled 2.74 inches. We are all very happy about it. I took Nellie through the house where she lived with us. We are having a fine visit.

 

September 19, 1971

I took Nellie to church with me. I taught my S.S. class and heard an especially good sermon from Mr. Burch. I was able to trace a little playmate of Nellie’s named “Fairy.” She married Virgil Olmstead and lives at Perryton, Texas. Cold and cloudy but no rain.

 

September 20, 1971

I took Nellie to the O.C. airport and she took the plane for Los Angeles. It is 58mi. I really dreaded the drive but I didn’t let Nellie know and we made it just fine. I shall not dread it again. This visit with the little girl of long ago was a perfect experience. Beautiful crisp, sunny day after the rain.

 

September 21, 1971

Beautiful crisp sunny day. Our club had its first meeting, a luncheon. Conchita Rivera told us of club work in the Philippines. Then Ramona took her back and Ramona Kim and I rode along. I have been calling on Kim the sweet little Vietnamese woman married to a G.I. She spoke no English at first and we conversed by signs mainly. This is the first time she has attended a social gathering. She was my guest.

 

September 22, 1971

When the Dehns took me to Ft. Sill last month Mr. Griswold the museum director was on vacation and I failed to find the pics. I wanted. Ramona – bless her – said she would take me down again. Today I called Mr. G. and found he would be there.

 

September 23, 1971

Ramona and I had a full day. I got some very fine material about the Fort Sill Apaches besides many pics. We also called on Benedict Jozhe at Apache. It was a highly successful day. I am so grateful to Ramona. It rained steadily all P.M. there, & on the road, and here at home.

 

September 24, 1971

I worked hard on the Apache material I got yesterday. And it rained all day – steady, quiet rain just what we needed. Two days of it. We are very happy about it. Tw

 

September 25, 1971

Rained during the night, was cloudy this morning, cleared beautifully this afternoon. We are all so happy – coming on top, of what we got last week. No run-off, no erosion, just a good soaking of the plowed fields. This last two days gave us 2.8 in.

 

September 26, 1971

Taught my S.S. class and attended church service. In the afternoon I typed some reports by Winnie Branen on the unified Sunday school in our town for all but the adults. It cleared off beautifully this afternoon.

 

September 27, 1971

It got so warm today I used my air conditioner a while in the P.M. The rain is over. I called Bill Byler at the AAIA in New York. Everything still going well on the Alaska native land issue. I drafted a letter to send out when I can cut a stencil.

 

September 28, 1971

I made a stencil for an Alaska native letter and directed envelopes. Mr. Burch kindly ran 225 copies but only about 90 could be used because he ran out of ink. So I retrieved the stencil (or rather he did) and I took it to the co-op.

 

September 29, 1971

Using the same stencil the coop (or rather Larry Bilger) did about 140 new copies. They had no white paper & used gold colored. Anyhow, I mailed 90 copies. Could have done more only the co-op ones were not ready till late P.M. Warm weather.

 

September 30, 1971

I finished mailing the letters – 215 in all. I added special messages to many of them.

 

October 1, 1971

I am spending all the time I can find trying to straighten out Geronimo’s life, expeaally [sic] his wives and children. I shall need to do much work of that kind before I can start writing.

 

October 2, 1971

It rained a little last night and was cloudy all day with a little more rain this evening. I saw a perfect rainbow this morning, a complete half circle.

 

October 3, 1971

I taught my S.S. class and heard a good sermon by Mr. Burch (Communion service.) The rain has quit and people can begin preparation of the ground for sowing wheat. The small amount of rain yesterday kept them out of the field.

 

October 4, 1971

Drove to Stillwater to library staff luncheon. Worked in the library all day. Glorious country, everything green and fresh like spring. Glorious weather, golden sunshine (autumn), no wind. Wheat sowing at full blast.

 

October 5, 1971

Drove to Stillwater for my yearly check-up by Dr. Freed. I am a perfect human being. Truly I am thankful for my good health. I worked in the library all afternoon. Another glorious green and gold day.

 

October 6, 1971

I worked on my Geronimo material. Another day of glorious weather. And the grass on my lawn is soft like spring.

 

October 7, 1971

I had a permanent. Heard Pres. Nixon outline plans to curb inflation after his 90-day price freeze is over. I liked his speech. Only why didn’t he do it sooner? He announced the freeze the day the Dehns took me to Ft. Sill. I didn’t know it that day.

 

October 8, 1971

Went to Enid to have Dr. Shields test peripheral vision. O.K. Pressure: right 22, left 24. Not so good as last time. But not so good I asked him about my increasing ability to read without bifocals. I said what does it lead to. He said, cataracts. And it is changing very rapidly. Of course now it is all to the good not to have a real need for bifocals.

 

October 9, 1971

I worked in the library this P.M. Yesterday it was cloudy and today coolish. Ramona just called. Pat took sick at 2 A.M. She took him to the hospital and stayed with him all day. He vomited blood and kept kept it up all the way to Enid. Poor Ramona. At 3 A.M. driving through the night. He did take some soup this evening and kept it down.

 

October 10, 1971

No S.S. for this was Mission Sunday Heard a preacher from the Bo Mission Board. Dinner at the church. Ramona was in Enid today. This evening she called when she got home and said Pat is better. The doctor can’t diagnose his trouble.

 

October 11, 1971

Lovely little Kim Carden from Vietnam came to see me. She married Carden who was a soldier there. Came here speaking no English. She is learning but I understand about half of what she says. Ramona came in this evening. Reports that Xrays show no stomach trouble – illness still a puzzle

 

October 12, 1971

Ramona had to come back in the P.M. to see about some farm work so she took me back to Enid to see Pat. He look well and feels fine except inability to use his right hand & right leg freely and has an impediment in his speech. The cause is still a mystery. No brain tumor. They tested that.

 

October 13, 1971

Bob Albright from the Oklahoman came and took pictures of me for the article Ivy Coffey is writing. Call form the AAJA in New York says Alaska native bill coming up next week. Get busy. Ramona called and reported a noticeable improvement in Pat – hand almost normal, speech better, leg better. So happy.

 

October 14, 1971

I worked terribly hard today, cut a stencil, directed envelopes, wrote letters to Congressmen, managed to get word to a state Methodist women’s group in O.C. Mr. Burk mimeographed my copies. Will mail them tomorrow. Ramona has not called this evening. Perhaps my line was busy getting through to the Methodists.

 

October 15, 1971

Got all my letters mailed today. I put air mail stamps on all that go out of state. I hope they will get through in time. Good news from Pat. Ramona called this morning. Got home too late last night. He can come home Sunday if he continues to improve.

 

October 16, 1971

I got a little time to work on Geronimo. Pat still improving. We are having warm weather all the time. Not a sign of fall.

 

October 17, 1971

Cloudy day. I taught my S.S. class and attended church. Pat came home this P.M. I did not go to see him for I knew he needed to rest. I took him a loaf of date bread I baked yesterday. He likes date bread.

 

October 18, 1971

I called on Pat today. He was in fine spirits. He walks easily and his speech is only slightly affected. But he tires easily. I stayed only ½ hr. We had a fine rain this morning. Just right for the sown wheat. Not so good for those with planting unfinished.

 

October 19, 1971

The Club met with me today. Then in the absence of the reporter and the secretary I was assigned both jobs and worked on the minutes and a newspaper article all evening. Had no time to see Pat only briefly.

 

October 20, 1971

A good rain last night. The wheat is coming up beautifully. I showed Alaska pics to the school children. Wonderful news: The House passed the Alaska native land bill without amendment this afternoon.

 

October 21, 1971

I really got a little work done on my Geronimo study.

 

October 22, 1971

Worked a little more on Geronimo. I didn’t see Pat today. I call on him nearly everyday. He is improving rapidly.

 

October 23, 197[1]

Lula Cooper with her sister and sister’s husband paid me a brief visit. First time I have seen her since Allie’s funeral. She looks well. Has been to Penna. to visit Lois and stopped on the way. They were going to the cemetery to see the new stone on Allie’s grave.

 

October 24, 1971

Taught my S.S. class and heard a sermon (not so good as usual) by Mr. Burch. In the evening called on Pat and ate a supper of barbecued beef sandwiches and baked apples. Pat is improving all the time. Is in excellent spirits always. My dear friend Gladys is coming tomorrow.

 

October 25, 1971

I got the beds ready, etc. for Gladys’s visit.  She arrived at 4:30. It is so good to see her. She was tired from her long drive from Colorado so we will not spend the a long evening visiting. Beautiful sunny day. Everything green.

 

October 26, 1971

Gladys wanted to see a nephew in Edmond so she and I drove there to make contact with him. Then she took me to O.C. to the Hist. Building where we I worked hard all day. Then we drove back and the nephew and his lovely girl friend, also an Edmond student, drove up and spent the evening here.

 

October 27, 1971

It rained last night. Beautiful day today. Gladys took me to Enid & helped me buy some dresser scarves, and tried to buy a long, narrow braided rug for my hall but failed. In the evening I showed her slides of the trip we took together to Canada & New England and Pa. in 1962.

 

October 28, 1971

Beautiful warm morning but now it seems as though it might storm. Gladys left at noon. Will visit friend in Ardmore, then go on to visit a relative at Fort Worth. I enjoyed her visit very much.

 

October 29, 1971

Good rain last night but the weather is still warm. Cloudy & rain off and on all day. I worked on the material I got at the Okla. Historical Society.

 

October 30, 1971

Rained again last night, cleared off beautifully in the afternoon. Green and gold day. My old fashioned yellow rose that blooms in spring is putting out buds. I worked on an Apache book I borrowed. Trick or treat kids came all evening.

 

October 31, 1971

Frost this morning. The first we have had. Showed a little on roofs. We put our clocks back this morning. I taught my S.S. class and heard a good sermon by Mr. Burch. Pleasant sunny day. Later I think it was dew, not frost It was a very light frost.

 

November 1, 1971

Our club voted to protest vs. weakening weakening Bill of Rights by “prayer amendment.” Ramona was to write our members of Cong. But the death of a friend called R. & Pat to Peru, Ill. So I wrote the letters. Then in the evening I learned Senate passed the Alaska native land bill. A call from Washington urged me to get letters & telegrams sent to conference committee for best terms.

 

November 2, 1971

Very busy day. I wrote a letter urging friends of natives to write to chairmen of House & Senate committees in favor of land selection formula of Senate bill. (House bill bad there.) Then I drove to Stillwater & had 225 xerox copies made. Then I came home & directed envelopes and mailed as many as I could. Perfect weather – golden sun, fresh air, green wheat, trees turning color.

 

November 3, 1971

I directed the rest of the envelopes & finished the mailings. Then wrote my own letters to the two committee chairmen and to Mr. Edmondson & Mr. Haley for good measure. I am scheduled to speak to a group in O.C. Friday and I have shifted my subject to the Alaska issue.

 

November 4, 197[1]

Worked on my speech. It is to the Indian Territory, Western writers, Western buffs & college history profs. All men, but once a year they invite their wives and this is the time. I had planned another subject till I got that SOS Monday night.

 

November 5, 1971

Glenn & Carrie Shirley of the Ceal Howlands came by for me. We had a happy social hour, then dinner at Val Jean’s cafeteria Penn Square. I saw the Dales, the Ruths, Rella Looney, the Fischers, the Logsdons & many other good friends. My talk wasn’t very good but I did make some converts. Before I left Bill Byler called & said some more letters.

 

November 6, 1971

I was tired and took care of neglected housework. Didn’t write anything. In the P.M. I kept library.

 

November 7, 1971

White frost last night & ice on bird bath. First No see Oct 31 frost of season. Taught my S.S. class, then as Winnie Branen’s guest I helpe attended the Xn church celebration of 80^th anniversary. Dinner & afternoon service. It was very fine. Met many old friends especially Elsie, Clem and Velma & Mavin.

 

November 8, 1971

I wrote a letter & sent it to Lovray Dyson at Guthrie for mimeographing. I got a call from Washington to urge Oklahomans to write Camp & Edmondson urging immediate selection by natives of their land. House Bill says select 18 million acres now, let state select 103 million, then natives select rest.

 

November 9, 1971

I directed envelopes for my letters Camp & Edmondson have been appointed on conference committee. They are on the side of the natives but letters from home will strengthen their hands. I have 160 names on my Okla. list. Beautiful weather.

 

November 10, 1971

Got my letters and mailed them. We are having glorious weather. I hope my letters will help to get a better land selection out of conference committee than was provided in the House Bill. I knew of this bad provision but Aspinall, committee chairman told the natives to take it or leave it.

 

November 11, 1971

I finally got in some work on Geronimo. Still this glorious weather.

 

November 12, 1971

I did some more work on Geronimo. But I had a migraine attack. I don’t know what caused it. But these attacks are very light. They don’t make me ill as they did when I was younger.

 

November 13, 1971

Got my royalty checks from Uni Press. Total $8403.54. Hist of Inds. sold about 8,000 copies, royalty $7928 but I owed the Press $194 for map drawing, so got $7734. The rest was Road 248.54 & Choc. 421. I don’t know what to do with all that money. I don’t need it. or even wan

 

November 14, 1971

Taught my S.S. class and heard a good sermon by Mr. Burch. Ate supper with Pat & Ramona and asked their advice about investing my $8000. I might need it if I should have a long time needing care.

 

November 15, 1971

My battery quit yesterday morning so took my I got a new one. I had a migraine attack and didn’t feel very well, so I didn’t work hard. Wrote letters, etc. My old fashioned yellow rose that is supposed to bloom only in spring is full of blooms. It thinks it is spring.

 

November 16, 1971

Our club went to Stillwater and had a luncheon meeting at the Student Union inviting all five of our international girls as guests; Winnie Chu Hong Kong, Alma Medina & Chiquita Rivera from the Philippines, a new girl I Tatan Dineshi and from Iran, and our Nisei, Susan Hamada from Calif. It was a very pleasant occasion.

 

November 17, 1971

Don Huffer came to see me. Rodney will finish Peace Corps work Dec. 15. He has married an African girl, no doubt a fine girl. Don will stand by him but dreads what it will mean to the young couple to live here. If Rodney had fathered bastards in Africa and left them to starve it would have created no stir. But an honorable marriage! It shows us up. Tonight the men of the church served pancakes and presented the budget.

 

November 18, 1971

A cold cloudy miserable day. I went to Enid and had my eyes checked: right 18; left 22. Better than last time. I am thinking all the time of Rodney and his African wife and the Huffers. He has done nothing wrong, but how much suffering it will cause them.

 

November 19, 1971

Clear bright day but crisp. I am not getting much done on Geronimo. Had to wash my trench coat and iron it this morning. (The cleaner is afraid to try it.) In the P.M. I got my hair washed and set. Then I called on lovely little Kim Cardin. Here G.I. husband met her in Vietnam. I wish I could understand her quick flowing English. I have to guess at much she says.

 

November 20, 1971

Worked in the library this afternoon. Didn’t get much done on Geronimo.

 

November 21, 1971

Beautiful day. Wore no coat or jacket to church. (Taught my S.S. class and heard a sermon Showed slides of Rome). In the evening I ate supper & visited with Pat & Ramona. They had star made some inquiries and advised me about my investment of the royalty windfall.

 

November 22, 1971

I sent $8,000 to the Federal Savings and Loan Assn. This was a cold gloomy day, some cold rain. I worked on Geronimo.

 

November 23, 1971

It snowed before I got up this morning. Of course what fell on the ground melted but roofs of vacant bldgs. were white. It was a miserable, dark, wet day. I worked on Geronimo.

 

November 24, 1971

I am troubled about my Geronimo book. One has just been published. I will read it. If it is adequate I’ll drop mine. After 60 odd years why did the idea strike two of us at once?

 

November 25, 1971

I worked hard on Geronimo, planned celebration. But my adopted granddaughter (I don’t know who she is) sent me a Thanksgiving dinner still warm – turkey and all the trimmings. Then in the P.M. Helen and Kent Ruth came by for a brief visit. Sad news: Uni of Neb. defeated OU.

 

November 26, 1971

I missed some sleep last night and in consequence didn’t get much done today. I can’t get along any more unless I have had plenty of sleep.

 

November 27, 1971

I did some reading in connection with my Geronimo project. We are having beautiful weather.

 

November 28, 1971

Taught my S.S. class and attended church. Spent the evening with my beloved young O’Neills. It is getting stormy.

 

November 29, 1971

Miserable dark cold day. I didn’t accomplish much.

 

November 30, 1971

Another miserable dark day. And I didn’t accomplish much. Wrote some letters.

 

December 1, 1971

The Woman’s Guild had a luncheon and Xmas service at the church. Then we prepared some fruit plates for shut-ins. Very pleasant. Dark day, even snowed a few flakes.

 

December 2, 1971

It snowed all afternoon. Quit in the evening but the ground is covered. It must have snowed 4 or 5 inches. I don’t remember any other year when it snowed so early.

 

December 3, 1971

Dark miserable day but the snow is melting. One lone bloom is on my old fashioned yellow rose that normally blooms only in spring. Probably the snow is good for the wheat. There was no drifting.

 

December 4, 1971

Dark miserable day but most of the snow has melted. A fine girl from the Tulsa Tribune came to talk with me about Indians. Her name is Pearl Wittkopp. I hope I can keep track of her. I like her very much.

 

December 5, 1971

Still dark & gloomy. I taught my S.S. class & attended church.

 

December 6, 1971

Mabel Bryson called me this morning to tell me that Mary Miller has died of a heart attack. I loved Mary. And I am distressed about Rev. Dean and the children, boys young teenagers. Cathy recently married. More miserable weather.

 

December 7, 1971

Another dark misty day. I am marking time for 3 reasons: weather too threatening to drive to Enid for Xmas letterheads; waiting to hear about Alaska natives; waiting for the biography of Geronimo to see whether I should give up my writing.

 

December 8, 1971

Very dark day, drizzle. Shirley Hartig called to say Terry’s baby was born Nov.29. Weighed 7 ½ lbs. And they named her Angie. I am thrilled. Shirley’s mother, Pearl, was my first cousin. That makes “Angie” about my fourth cousin. Bless her.

 

December 9, 1971

Sent presents to the youngest Angie. Bad dark misty day. Have been trying almost 2 wks. to get to Enid to buy Xmas letterheads. Scared by prospect of snow or freezing rain. (I almost risked it one P.M. & it did snow.) But it never is very cold in spite of threat. My old fashioned yellow rose is still blooming – thinks it is spring. The Geronimo biography came today.

 

December 10, 1971

It cleared off this forenoon! Blue sky, golden sunshine, beautiful green wheat. I drove to Enid & got my Xmas letterheads & envelopes. The Geronimo book is good but very different from the one I plan to write. So I’ll go ahead with mine.

 

December 11, 1971

Another beautiful day. I worked in the library part of the P.M. In the evening my S.S. class put up and decorated the Xmas tree. It came from Albert Enmeier’s farm. Very pretty. After that we ate pie.

 

December 12, 1971

I taught my S.S. class. Since Mr. Burch is leaving at the end of the year a young Mr. Bulloch form Phillips preached a trial sermon. (Fine sermon.) Then we had dinner in the basement. Very pleasant. In the evening I ate supper with my beloved young O’Neills.

 

December 13, 1971

It clouded up today ready to storm again. I called Bill Byler & learned that the conference committee of the House & Senate has come up with a bill acceptable to the Alaska natives. Not really just but tolerable. I am directing envelopes so I can be ready to send out the news if it comes.

 

December 14, 1971

Call from Washington. Cong. passed an adequate Alaska natives land claims bill this evening. I am so happy. Our club met at Winnie Branen’s today. it rained last night & off & on all day. Hard shower this evening. My spring, blooming yellow rose is still blooming. Mixed up the seasons.

 

December 15, 1971

Bright beautiful day. I worked terribly hard. Wrote a letter telling all about the Alaska bill & sent it to Guthrie for mimeographing. Wrote a Christmas letter including the Alaska news & took it to Stillwater to be printed. Got back home at 5:00 P.M. pretty tired.

 

December 16, 1971

I worked at odds and ends. I have my envelopes all directed and ready to go when my letters come – except quite a bundle (probably 100) of my Christmas envelopes, which are in Stillwater. Cold cloudy day.

 

December 17, 1971

My Alaska letters came today and I mailed all except to those on my Xmas letter list. My Xmas letters didn’t come. Evadean Huffer called, her voice so happy, saying Rodney called from N.Y. He & his wife will be at O.C. at 1:00 A.M. tomorrow, tired no doubt but glad to be home. Lovely bright day. Rose still blooming

 

December 18, 1971

Xmas letters came today. I sent out over 100. Many with Alaska letter. Rodney & Mary are at home. Learned of terrible happening across the street. Evil man seduced his pathetic young daughter. Mother discovered it in the night. About to kill husband. Neighbor, young son, and night watchman intervened in favor of criminal action. Then Assembly of God Church came in droves and persuaded her and the girl to forget & forgive. I can’t call that Christian. Bright day. I worked in the library in the P.M.

 

December 19, 1971

Taught my S.S. class. Rodney Huffer was there, Mary not well enough after long plane trip. Attended church. Then we voted unanimously to call Mr. Bullock to preach for us. In the evening I ate supper with the O’Neills. Enjoyed the visit so much. I am impressed with Rodney’s poise. He has measured the situation and is ready to meet it. He talked with me after S.S. about it.

 

December 20, 1971

I sent out Xmas letters. All the ones about Alaska went out as soon as I could send them. Now I am more leisurely about the others. We have been having crisp sunny days. The last yellow rose is falling off today.

 

December 21, 1971

Another day of sending letters and cards. It has been great pleasure to receive messages from scattered friends. And most of them write so fully, bless them.

 

December 22, 1971

Heavy fog this forenoon, cloudy and raw all day. A cold started to come on last night. I am not really ill but it bothers me. I hope I am well by Xmas. I should have to stay at home to avoid giving it to others. I shall have Xmas with the O’Neills & Sunday dinner with the Brysons unless the cold prevents. The carolers are out this evening. Bless them

 

December 23, 1971

Got the last of my letters out except foreign ones – 7 in all. There was no chance to get them out in time anyhow. My cold is much better, almost well, in fact. Warm, sunny day. I used up 400 stamps the past week – Alaska letters & letters to friends Another day I didn’t accomplish anything. But much of my time is taken reading Xmas letters and nothing is so pleasurable or so important as that.

 

December 24, 1971

My cold still bothers me a little Bob & Gerry Schaefer took me to the Xmas program at the church. Rodney Huffer & his wife were there along with the family Everybody was very cordial to her. She will have some friends at Marshall anyhow.

 

December 25, 1971

Morning log dissipated to a warm bright day, 72° by early P.M. I ate Xmas dinner with the O’Neills & spent much of P.M. there. Then in the evening Pat took me around to see the lights in the houses & yards in the town and country. Beautiful.

 

December 26, 1971

Another day as warm as yesterday. I taught my S.S. class and heard a sermon by Mr. Burch. Then I had been invited by the Brysons to attend a family dinner at the cafe. They were celebrating their 40^th wedding anniversary. Both their children and their families, all Raymond’s siblings & families, Mabel’s brother – there must have been 40 or 50 in all. I enjoyed being with them – I love them all – knew the parents before Raymond was born.

 

December 27, 1971

I wrote letters, answering those that had piled up during the Xmas rush. The wind turned to the north and it is getting cooler.

 

December 28, 1971

Ice froze on the bird bath last night, first time it has been below freezing for a long time. It warmed up in the P.M. I drove to Enid to have my eyes tested. Same as last time: right 18, left 22. Pretty good.

 

December 29, 1971

Very dark misty day, rained this evening – some thunder. Warm again. I read a MS for the Uni. of Okla. Press. In the evening Ramona called me & invited me to call and see Henry & Mary Sue Hellinghausen. Spent the evening. Fine visit. They teach in Phoenix and have a short vocation and numerous relatives but they always come to visit the O’Neills.

 

December 30, 1971

I worked some on the MS. I am reading it very carefully because it has some information can use in my life of Geronimo. This is not stealing for it will be published before Geronimo and then I can give credit. Beautiful warm sunny day.

 

December 31, 1971

Warm, bright day. Dick & Della Clark held open house at the Catholic parish hall to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary Very nice. I love Dick and Della. Also I had a chance to see my beloved Dorothy who hasn’t changed since she was in my H.S. Sunday school class & Donna Ruth.