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4. 1970s
5. 1972

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January 1 - December 31, 1972

(Box 5/Folder 8)

 

January 1, 1972

Got it right the first time. It rained last night & was cloudy all day. I worked on the MS I am reading. Also kept the library in the P.M. but didn’t have a single customer.

 

January 2, 197[2]

Nice warm day. Taught my S. S. class & heard sermon by Mr. Burch. Basket dinner at the church, followed by annual meeting. Very pleasant. Then drove to graveside service for Mrs. Proctor who died at Crescent Nursing Home, more than 100 yrs. old. Went because of Lonnie Goodnight &, Jimmy & Eula Mae Beckett. Lonnie, Sadie’s husband, Eula Mae her daughter. In the evening I ate supper & spent evening with Pat & Ramona. Very pleasant, as always. (Bless them.)

 

January 3, 197[2]

Worked hard all day reading & taking notes on MS. Foggy, misty day. Started turning cold as wind turned to north. Now snow is predicted.

 

January 4, 1972

Strong north wind and cold. Snow covered the ground this morning. In the middle of the day the sun shone, but no melting. I worked on the M.S. Learned Mrs. Newell died. Got an invitation to a wedding shower for Rodney & Mary Huffer. I am so thankful some women of good will are doing this.

 

January 5, 1972

The wind died down but it is still cold. It did melt the snow some this P.M. but I drove downtown and parked and my wheels spun till some boys pushed to get me away from the curb. I worked on the MS. The Fred Enmeiers are celebrating their 60^th anniversary today.

 

January 6, 1972

Nice day; most of the snow melted. I worked on the MS but didn’t accomplish much. Didn’t feel very well. Learned lovely Rachel Hearn Van Horn died. She was a lovely person. I visited with her when I was in Tulsa in Oct. 1970. Oct 23

 

January 7, 1972

Warm day. Some patches of snow left but not much. The high school seniors called & asked me to give their commencement address. I feel greatly honored. Learned lovely Rachel Hearn Van Horn died. I visited with her when I was in Tulsa over a year ago, Oct. 23. She had just learned she had an inoperable cancer.

 

January 8, 1972

I worked in the library in the afternoon. Tomorrow there will be a shower for Rodney & Mary Huffer. It will be at our church but is not a church project. I am very happy about. It will give them some confidence when they encounter discrimination.

 

January 9, 1972

Mr. Burch’s birthday and his retirement from the ministry (65^th). I taught my S. S. class. Church (communion service) shower For Rodney and wife (very fine) supper and a very happy evening with Pat and Ramona. Warm beautiful day.

 

January 10, 1972

Another warm beautiful day. I worked on the MS I am reading. I am still happy about the shower yesterday. It was a very pleasant welcome to Mary. I know the young couple will receve receive cruel treatment at times but this will give them support.

 

January 11, 1972

Another warm beautiful day. I finished the MS and mailed it with very favorable recommendations. I am sure it will be published. With an author of this stature submitting it to a reader is only a form.

 

January 12, 1972

Ramona (bless her) took me to Norman to see the Indian material at the University library. I need to know this for the paper I am to read at the Archives meeting in Washington in June. I worked hard and got very tired. So did Ramona with the long drive.

 

January 13, 1972

I still felt tired, so didn’t accomplish much. I did type out my scrawled notes. Warm day.

 

January 14, 1972

I wrote some neglected letters. Also got a permanent. It kept getting colder all day, and tonight is very cold indeed with some fine snow and high wind. I made some corrections in the 3rd printing of my book.

 

January 15, 1972

Cold day but nice – sun shining, wind gone down. I worked in the library.

 

January 16, 1972

I didn’t feel well for some reason. I taught my S.S. class very badly. Mr. Burch whose last day as pastor was last Sunday came back to preach. His lovely Olive May was along. I spent the evening with Pat and Ramona. The weather is what my mother called “the north end of a south wind,” A mean chilly day with cold wind from the south.

 

January 17, 1972

I worked on the report I am to give tomorrow – the Bill of Rights (with special emphasis on religious freedom, “freedom from enforced prayers”).

 

January 18, 1972

The club met with Frances Peach. She had invited Mary Huffer and Rod’s Rod’s mother, Evadean. I gave my report. It was a pleasant meeting. Weather so warm I drove out to Frances’ home without a wrap.

 

January 19, 1972

I wrote a review of Geronimo by Alexander B. Adams. It is not a real biography but an account of the Apache wars. Nothing that has not been told before, but it is well written and interesting. Very well written and interesting. Very foggy this morning, but cleared off.

 

January 20, 1972

Elizabeth Brock and Idress Cash came to see me. I enjoyed them. It was a dark, gloomy day.

 

January 21, 1972

I didn’t get much accomplished. I wonder if I shall ever find time to write my biography of Geronimo. Dark miserable day. Some ice on the porch this morning.

 

January 22, 1972

Foggy morning, warm, sunny afternoon. I read a very bad MS for Macrea Smith, I hope they won’t publish it. It is supposed to be a juvenile though it is for capable readers. Has stories of Indian uprisings.

 

January 23, 1972

Taught my S.S. class and heard a fine sermon by our new minister. He is very bright – only 24 and his pretty wife 22. Baby boy a year old.

 

January 24, 1972

Merle Swartz and his wife Martha came to visit me. I taught Merle when he was an intelligent, serious – minded freshman in Enid High School in 1919-20. He has grown into a fine man. I like his wife, had not met her before.

 

January 25, 1972

I worked on a review of D’Arcy McNickle’s Indian Man. In the evening attended a meeting of the library board. Fine meeting. For once we are not broke. We made plans for an open house, March 19.

 

January 26, 1972

Finished and mailed the review. It is a fine book. I knew Oliver La Farge (the Indian Man) well but I did not realize the whole scope of his work until I read this book. I was tired. Didn’t get much done.

 

January 27, 1972

It turned cold yesterday evening and this morning there was snow on the ground. It is very slick, they say. (I stayed in the house.) In fact the whole state is a glare of ice or ice on top of snow. Traffic tied up throughout the state – or moves perilously.

 

January 28, 1972

Pretty cold but by afternoon the snow and ice melted so it was safe to get out. The sun shone all day. The snow was not deep, just a shallow hard slick coat.

 

January 29, 1972

It was pretty cold this morning but was warm in the P. M. Olga Schaefer was very ill and now that she is home from the hospital I have cooked somethings for her & Clara. Today I cooked a chicken & made dumplings and ate dinner with them. Clara did everything but the chicken. Very pleasant. Olga is still weak. She had a heart attack.

 

January 30, 1972

My birthday. I taught my S.S. class and heard a fine sermon by our young minister. (Ron is only 24, his wife Carolyn, 22. Then somebody suggested we go to Hennessey to celebrate. The Brysons, Phelans, Rudds, & Alfred Fickens took me to Hennessey and we ate there. In the P.M. Mr. Burch & Olive May called from Tulsa. Everybody is so wonderful. Nice bright day but snow still lurks in the shade.

 

January 31, 1972

I drove to Stillwater and worked in the college library. Also bought some things I needed.

 

February 1, 1972

Five of us club women drove to Enid to visit Mrs. Griffin, who still retains her membership. Ila Smith was there also. It was good to see her. Miserable dark day.

 

February 2, 1972

There was an ice storm with some snow on top. Started in the night, bad all day. I didn’t step out.

 

February 3, 1972

The sun shone and the roads became safe. I organized the letters, etc. I wrote in my effort to help the Alaska natives gain title to their land. Jack Haley of O.U. and Dr. Strickland of St. Mary’s in San Antonio asked for copies, so I had them prepared xeroxed and I arranged them in sets – one for OSU also I usually kept a copy of every letter.

 

February 4, 1972

I believe this was the evening Pat and Ramona brought a (Xmas, then birthday, delayed from Ireland) present, a lovely place mat set of Irish linen. Or perhaps it was earlier in the week and I failed to record it.

 

February 5, 1972

Not much happened but I was busy all day.

 

February 6, 1972

I taught my S.S. class and heard a fine sermon by young Ron Bullock. Spent the evening with my beloved Pat and Ramona.

 

February 7, 1972

Drove to Stillwater for the library staff luncheon and to work in the library.

 

February 8, 1972

A lovely lady Mrs. Cozart of Waukomis came to see me about some letters he [sic] plans to prepare for publication. I seldom see anyone I like so much. Her quiet niece was along, Martha Newman. She also wa is an attractive person.

 

February 9, 1972

Pat and Ramona came to eat some apple dumplings and spent the evening. Pat had been at a Masonic meeting in Guthrie and was very tired but he seemed rested when he left. I am afraid he has not entirely recovered from his illness last fall.

 

February 10, 1972

I organized everything for my income tax. I will get an accountant to fill it out and compute it. It was cloudy all day and some big soft flakes of snow fell in the P.M., enough to cover the ground.

 

February 11, 1972

It snowed some during the night and off and on all day. About 3 or 4 inches I suppose. I didn’t step out. It was soft, no drifting, just what the wheat needs. I worked on Geronimo material.

 

February 12, 1972

The sun came out and the snow melted enough so that I drove down town in late afternoon. I was afraid to get out earlier. Did some work on Geronimo.

 

February 13, 1972

Richard Weber died this morning. I taught my S.S. class but didn’t stay for church. Instead I made chicken dumplings to take the Schaefer sisters for dinner. They asked me to stay and eat with them & I did. In the P.M. I attended a wedding shower for Janie Grassman Castater & her husband. Several relatives of Richard were involved including the Grassmans but it seemed unwise to call it off. In the evening I ate hamburgers with Pat & Ramona and visited till late. Busy day.

 

February 14, 1972

Warm day with most of the snow melting. Lovely Kim Cardin visited me. She does not have English to understand that I should go to the cemetery for graveside services for Maude Griffin. But I saw the family in town later and explained my absence. It has been so long since they lived here that I felt obligated to meet them at the cemetery.

 

February 15, 1972

Richard Weber’s funeral was today – Olga was not able to attend – she is convalescing slowly from her long illness. I would have stayed with her but a niece, also unable to attend, did it. Richard was a good man, very lonesome without Hulda, who died last year.

 

February 16, 1972

Walking to town I stumbled over an unseen rise in the pavement & fell flat on my face, bruised my knees, but no serious hurt. I was so “shook up” I asked Edith Holloway to take me to Kingfisher where I had promised to show Alaska pictures to two women’s clubs. I rested while Edith drove and showed my pics. O.K. But my knees are pretty sore & Edith is doctoring them.

 

February 17, 1972

My knees are badly bruised and one is skinned while the other was scraped far deeper than the skin. Rodney & Mary Huffer have a boy. I hope he will grow up in an increasingly integrated society.

 

February 18, 1972

I worked on Geronimo. My knees especially the deeply scraped one are still causing me pain. It was a nice day and I walked to town trying to practice picking up my feet so I won’t stumble over small ledges in the pavement.

 

February 19, 1972

I got a chance to do more work on Geronimo. Actually I have accomplished very little.

 

February 20, 1972

Had fine S.S. class. Heard good sermon by Ron. In P.M. Pat & Ramona took me to O.C. to see movie of Apollo 15 at Science & Arts Foundation. Met Ramona’s brother & his wife, the Beegles. Had dinner at City & came home early. My worst knee pains me much – does not seem to heal.

 

February 21, 1972

Beautiful warm spring day. Then in late afternoon the wind changed strongly to the north and it got cold. I found time to work a little on Geronimo.

 

February 22, 1972

Had club meeting at Ramona’s. Madonna Enmeier had the program Very good. My knee pains me so that I wonder if I should drive to Stillwater and see a doctor. This evening Ron, Carolyn, and the baby Brooks called.

 

February 23, 1972

Ramona had to go to Enid today and asked me if I wanted to go along and see Dr. Shields. I would have gone last week except for my knee. Today he found right eye 21, left 22. He would like to get them down to the teens but seldom does. Lovely warm day.

 

February 24, 1972

I managed to do some work on Geronimo.

 

February 25, 1972

A Mrs. Nelson came to see me. I had been wanting to meet her because she is interested in Indians (Cheyenne & Arapaho) but I do not like her. She seems so self centered there is no real contact.

 

February 26, 1972

Started work on a lecture I am to give at Johnson City, Tenn. next month. Had to ditch Geronimo.

 

February 27, 1972

Taught my S.S. class and attended the church service We are having beautiful spring weather. The wheat is beautiful.

 

February 28, 1972

I didn’t accomplish much, but I did select some pictures of Alaska to show the Bob Schaefers tomorrow. In the evening I attened a meeting of Prairie City Days Committee. Warm day. Turned off my furnace.

 

February 29, 1972

Gerry Schaefer came after me at 5:30 and took me out there. Gerry’s father Wm. Albrecht & his wife Gussie were there. We ate supper and I showed Alaska slides and we talked. I think so much of Gerry and Bob and the Albrechts. Weather so warm I didn’t even wear a coat.

 

March 1, 1972

It turned cold last night and was cloudy. I was supposed to go to Enid to see Mr. Edsall about my income tax but was afraid it would snow so stayed at home and worked on lecture I am to give in Johnson City, Tenn.

 

March 2, 1972

Clear day. I could have gone to Enid yesterday after all. Started copying my lecture, almost finished it.

 

March 3, 1972

Finished my lecture. Decided I should send some belated letters to women’s clubs of this district expressing appreciation for their good work in winning justice for Alaska natives. Fern Acton told me about what they did when I saw her at Kingfisher two weeks ago. I had not known how active they were. So today I directed envelopes and drafted a letter, which I shall have mimeographed.

 

March 4, 1972

I sent out my letter to have it mimeographed. Got a little work done on Geronimo.

 

March 5, 1972

Taught my S.S. class and heard one of young Ron Bullock’s original sermons. In the afternoon took Mernice Hamilton over the historical tour so she can serve as a guide. In the evening went with Bob & Gerry to Blackwell where Ron was ordained in his home church. Very impressive. 36 of his Marshall church there, also a few from Drummond. After the service we called on the Hadas.

 

March 6, 1972

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, 1972

Made plans for my Johnson City trip. Also arranged the subject I will present to the students in Dr. De Rosier’s class. Thought I would tell them informally how the Alaska native land issue was resolved.

 

March 8, 1972

I believe this was the day I wrote a sketch of my life to go in the family history my cousin John Tilden is writing.

 

March 9, 1972

Possibly it was today I wrote the sketch for John Tilden.

 

March 10, 1972

Rodney & Mary Huffer came to spend the evening & look at my pics of Uganda & Tanzania. Mary was born in Uganda but went to Kenya when she was a child. Also Fern Acton came today and asked me to show my Alaska pics at Crescent Club Monday. I said I would. Also sent out my Alaska letters to the clubs. My mimeographed copies came today. Learned Lula Polsley died in Kingfisher & would be buried here. I couldn’t go to the cemetery because I was having my car washed & lubricated & they didn’t finish in time.

 

March 11, 1972

I worked at arranging Alaska pics. Wish I had kept them in shape after I showed them at Kingfisher. John Tildon [sic] wrote more fully about what he wants me to do. Also sent his table of “lines.” He did a superb job but made some mistakes. I spent 4 hrs. going over the work.

 

March 12, 1972

I taught my S.S. class and heard one of Ron’s original lively sermons. Ramona asked me over for supper and I wanted very much to go but was too busy working on markers for historical tours “Prairie City Days.”

March 13, 1972

A new filing cabinet I bought came today. The color doesn’t match my others but I may get used to it. Fern Acton came after me, took me to the Crescent café for dinner, then to the Crescent Women’s club, where I showed Alaska pics. I enjoyed being with Fern. The club women were pleasant, but I felt my pics didn’t go off well. Perhaps it was an off day for me.

 

March 14, 1972

I worked catching up on a lot of things. My jonquils are blooming gloriously. The purple lilac was full of buds but the cold spell killed most of them. I wanted it to be pretty because Don & Martha Dehn trimmed it up so nice. I wanted to send them a picture.

 

March 15, 1972

I showed slides of ancient Rome to Gerry Schaefer’s class which has just finished Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Among the pics was one erected over of the temple erected over the remains of his funeral pyre, and the heap of uncombustible material itself. Strangely this is on the Ides of March, the exact anniversary of his death 2016 years ago.

 

March 16, 1972

I wrote, but did not make final copy of a family sketch my cousin John Tilden wanted.

 

March 17, 1972

I wrote the family sketch John wanted. Then in the evening Rodney Huffer came after me & took me to the Huffer home and he showed his Africa pictures. They are wonderfully interesting. Rodneys [sic] grandfather & Mrs. Childers were there too. Also Mary & Carol were home. But the baby was the star.

 

March 18, 1972

Got a letter from John Tilden with some things he failed to tell me, so I have to do my work over. John has done a stupendous job on family history but works at a distance from me so we don’t always make connections.

 

March 19, 1972

I taught my S.S. class (a fine one) and heard one of Ron’s interesting sermons. We had open house at the library in the afternoon and it turned out fine. Visitors from Guthrie, Kingfisher, Hennessey, and Stillwater.

 

March 20, 1972

I worked very hard all day doing over the pages of family history. But I didn’t try to make perfect copies. I told John who to work them over and get a good typist to make the final copy. It rained a little. We need rain badly. ½ inch

 

March 21, 1972

March 23, 1972 My jonquils and daffodils are glorious, also my redbud, but somehow I am not so happy about them as usual. I don’t know why. Old age? It is raining tonight. We need it. (Rained only .21 inch.)

 

March 22, 1972

For some reason I didn’t sleep well last night, so was tired today. I drove to Enid and picked up my income tax statement. I have to pay a lot this year – that good royalty I got from my Ind. Hist.

 

March 23, 1972

March 21. Turned 2 pages We had our Marshall Woman’s Club guest day. It turned out fine. It was at the Catholic parish hall. The subject was “America the beautiful” and each of us showed about 25 pics- Alaska (mine) New England (Winnie) Penna. (Merina) Southwest (Ramona) Mesa Verde (Mary) Yellowstone (Frances) Ramona operated the projector. It made a fine program.

 

March 24, 1972

It was cold and cloudy all day – I spent my time catching up on correspondence and started packing my suit case for a trip to Tennessee & N. & S. Carolina. Blue Clark, brilliant son of my friends Stanley & Lois Clark, called from O.C. He is going to Buffalo tomorrow & will stop and see me.

 

March 25, 1972

Ramona and I went to the Holland House in Enid for barbecued ribs. Pat was away at the Shrine Circus. I am getting most every thing done for my trip Monday.

 

March 26, 1972

I didn’t sleep well last night, tired today. I taught my S.S. class (badly) attended church. In the evening there was a dinner & the installation of our minister but I didn’t attend. My packing is all done ready to start tomorrow. My beloved Dorine called me for a long visit.

 

March 27, 1972

Drove to Enid & left my car. Flew on two island-hopping planes that finally brought me to the Tri-City Airport in Tenn., where the De Rossiers met me. No food on either plane so a belated supper & good conversation at the De Rossier home. Ready for bed at 12.

 

March 28, 1972

I didn’t get much sleep last night but managed to do O.K. today. Dolores came and got me in the morning & took me home for breakfast. Then took me around the campus, Dr. DeR’s office etc. I rested in the P.M. In the evening I gave my lecture. The room was packed, people standing, even outside by the open door. It went off well. I have seldom done so well.

 

March 29, 1972

Got up early & Dr. De R. took me and daughter Marcia to Cherokee. Most interesting experience. Dramatic drive over the mountains. Met Mr. White, the agent (fine man) Mrs. Orvle, ed of One-Feather, etc.

 

March 30, 1972

I talked to Arthur’s class this morning about the Alaska campaign and carried on. I felt I didn’t do well. Also TV. – not too well either. In the P.M. attended a lovely tea at the De R. home.

 

March 31, 1972

Sat around and talked with De R. family till about noon, when Arthur & Dolores took me to the plane for Winston-Salem. Dr. Scales met me. He & Mrs. S. took me around the campus. Then a woman from the newspaper came to see me. In the evening Mrs. Scales prepared a dinner for a number of delightful people. She must have served 20. I don’t know how she does it. Delightful evening.

 

April 1, 1972

In the forenoon Mrs. Scales took me around Old Salem. Fascinating. Then Dr. S. joined us for a special Moravian dinner in the tavern. In the evening they had a number of people in for dessert and some good conversation. It is a great joy to see this beloved couple again. The best of everything is just the talk I have with them.

 

April 2, 1972

We went to the Easter service at the college chapel – a Baptist congregation that meets on the campus. Then after a quick lunch, they took me to Sharon S. Caro, a long drive, where I am visiting Grace Goodman and Marilyn & Jimmie Sowells & their family. Dr. & Mrs. Scales were wonderful to me, and now I am with some other wonderful people.

 

April 3, 1972

Grace had to see her doctor so I stayed at the meat locker Marilyn & Jimmie operate in Rock Hill. In the P.M. Grace & I talked & a charming woman, Mrs. Jones, called. We spent the evening with the Sowels.

 

April 4, 1972

Grace took me to a museum and the famous gardens at Rock Hill (too early for the flowers to be their best). Then in the P.M. Marilyn took us to the Catawba Community. Very interesting. But on the return home a traffic officer in York stopped Grace for a violation of which she was not guilty. Tried to collect $15 from her. She refused to pay. Interval at police station, call to the mayor who upholds the officer & she still refuses to pay. Will have a jury trial.

 

April 5, 1972

Marilyn took me to the airport. Grace went along. Left at 9:35, Traveled by small plane with many stops-Reached Enid about 3:30. Picked up my car & drove home. Went thru mu accumulated mail & unpacked my suitcase.

 

April 6, 1972

I worked hard today on all the correspondence that had piled up Also slept some in the P.M. I find myself quite exhausted.

 

April 7, 1972

I felt well and got a lot done of accumulated things. Woodrow Winburn put a new track on my garage door. It had been taking all my strength to slide it open. Now it opens at a touch.

 

April 8, 1972

Busy day I cleared up more accumulated work, kept the library in the P.M., then Winnie Branen & I made a library display in the drug store window for Prairie City Days. Then surprisingly Dr. Arthur Graves called. Had left Marshall 1912 & not back since. In the evening the Prairie City Squares [illegible]. Had me lead the grand march & autograph a book as the door prize.

 

April 9, 1972

Another busy day. I taught my S.S. class (In pioneer costume) attended church, where Ron & Carolyn put on a fine play. In P.M. Albert & Madonna Enmeier & I restored all historical markers that needed replacements. Then an old fashioned S.S. picnic on the lawn between Catholic & United Church of X. Games (for the alert), dinner. Then to schoolhouse for program. Songs, films, ending with movie of last year’s Prairie City Days. [illegible] Graves – enjoyed it all.

 

April 10, 1972

I went to Enid & got plane ticket for trip to Navaho College May 26. Also got my eyes checked. I think it was right, 21, left 22, possibly 23. Hot day. I used the air conditioner in my car and my study after I got home.

 

April 11, 1972

April 12, 1972 Ramona took me to the Gilcrease Institute at Tulsa for material to use in my June 16 paper. The heat broke all records – 100° in O. C., 102° in Tulsa, 104° in Stillwater, the first time Okla. has reached 100° before June. Of course our car was air conditioned, also Gilcrease. But I did get tired.

 

April 12, 1972

April 11, 1972 I am working on my June 16 So busy I missed the high school style show. And I am so sorry I did for our adopted grand daughters revealed themselves. My beloved Teresa came by & told me she was mine. Left me her pic and a closed-in ecology unit she made. Bless her. And I am so sorry I stayed away from the party.

 

April 13, 1972

Worked hard on June 16, paper. Hot day, not like yesterday but hot. It is so dry my dandelions are dying. I cut out everyone I see blooming so only the little ones are left and I find some little ones dead.

 

April 14, 1972

Got June 16 paper finished all but copying. I heard the mocking bird today. Surely he has been here earlier but I didn’t hear him. Still no prospect of rain.

 

April 15, 1972

Surprise! It rained 1.26 inch last night. Everyone happy. Last day of Prairie City week. I guided one tour and rode in Louie Reims ancient T-model Ford in the parade. It was a very fine parade. Also the museum was good. I had a happy day.

 

April 16, 1972

Yesterday got a letter from Grace Goodman telling of her valiant fight against the unjust traffic fine at York. She won. I used her story in my S.S. class. A case study of govt. workings and the way a citizen can act. Stayed for church. Worked hard all P.M. on very changes, etc. on And Still the Waters Run which is coming out in a new printing next fall. Too busy to watch Appollo 16 launching.

 

April 17, 1972

I worked on the photos the Princeton Press. wants to use in my book, I collected them back in the 1930’s but they weren’t used. Then I had a little time left & started copying my June 16 paper.

 

April 18, 1972

I spent all day on my June 16 article, I generally back up, do pages over, etc. when I make a final copy. Anyhow it is finished, the envelope directed and I shall mail it tomorrow.

 

April 19, 1972

Thought and planned a little on my Lecture at Many Farms but didn’t do much. Rained a little this morning, and very hard with hail in late P.M. I got a permanent.

 

April 20, 1972

I wrote 10 ½ pp. of my Many Farms paper today. It was cold and cloudy but no rain only sprinkles. I watched Apollo 6 land this evening – or rather heard the astronauts’ voices from the moon and watched a simulated landing. They gave a lively description of the surface where they landed. I had a migraine attack, very mild.

 

April 21, 1972

Cool day. The sun came out this P.M. I finished the lecture I am to give at Many Farms. It pleases me. I hope it will please the young Indians to whom I shall give it. I am not sure how far along they are in their education.

 

April 22, 1972

Such a relief to get my work all done. I even had time to do a washing, which has been neglected as things piled up. The sun shone and the mockingbird sang, and everything is growing. Glorious.

 

April 23, 1972

Taught my S.S. class and attended church. Heard one of Ron’s lively original sermons. The Grassman family was out in force – a window dedicated to their ancestor who was a charter member. I had a migraine attack during the service. I am worried about Pat. He was quite ill all day.

 

April 24, 1972

I even had time to do my ironing today. it was a beautiful spring day, one of the few we have had. I was at the O’Neills home for a few minutes. Pat still not well but in good spirits. Hazel Lovell died today. She has been ill a long time. She was such a healthy, athletic girl when we were children.

 

April 25, 1972

Last night before I went to bed the “h” fell off my typewriter. This morning I drove it to Enid and left it there. In the P.M. I attended club at Mary Rouce’s. Mernice Hamilton gave the lesson. Very good. All about the plan of the Engineer Corps to dam the Glover River. We sent protests against it. I have my packing all done.

 

April 26, 1972

I got up at 5:30, Ramona at 5:00 & we left at 8:00 for me to take the plane. Hard rain & hail on the way down. The plane couldn’t land at Denver. A snow storm, circled, finally landed at Wichita. Waited many hours. I finally decided to return to O.C. Ramona was at the FV garage getting something done to the car. I called her & she came to the airport & brought me home. Reached Marshall at 5:00. Very tired.

 

April 27, 1972

This was the day I Was supposed to be conducting the “seminar” for the students at Navaho College. But But it couldn’t be helped. The TV. says it snowed 16 in. at Denver yesterday. It cleared off here this afternoon. Beautiful day.

 

April 28, 1972

Beautiful bright day. I went to Stillwater to work in the library. Found my beloved Marguerite Howland in the hospital dying of cancer. The whole library staff is grieving. I went to the hospital to see her but she was asleep. I believe the last time I had a happy visit with her was Jan. 31. I think Feb. 7 she was at home with what seemed to be flu.

 

April 29, 1972

Rainy day. I am still thinking all the time about Marguerite Howland. My baggage left in Wichita in has not reached me yet. I am worried about it. I set all the clocks up an hour this evening. My peonies are in full bloom.

 

April 30, 1972

Taught my S.S. class. The young people had charge of the morning service. Pastor at conference. I ate dinner with the Schaefer sisters. In the evening I visited with the O’Neills. The airline called & said they had located my baggage. My peonies are beautiful but not so many blooms as usual. Perhaps too dry. Many buds blighted.

 

May 1, 1972

Lovely weather. Beautiful green world. I drove to Enid to make plans for my Washington trip & to pick up my typewriter. But they f had forgotten I needed it today. Apologized & loaned me a new one.

 

May 2, 1972

My suitcase came today. Everything O.K. and the man brought my typewriter. Yesterday evening my furnace went off. Same as it did Xmas eve 6 or 7 years ago. I was really cold all this morning but Joe Misar put in a new thermocouple this P.M.

 

May 3, 1972

I started working on my commencement address. Another beautiful day.

 

May 4, 1972

It rained a little last night and during the day. I worked some more on my commencement address but didn’t accomplish much. And now lovely Janet Shelby comes to me with a request that I speak to the 8^th grade graduation. And I can’t turn the darlings down.

 

May 5, 1972

Again I didn’t accomplish much on my commencement address. I seem to put off real work on it. This evening I attended the Democratic caucus. We are uncommitted as to presidential nominee. Elected the three delegates to which we are entitled, to the county convention. I was elected as an alternate but no danger.

 

May 6, 1972

I didn’t accomplish much this day either. In the afternoon I kept the library.

 

May 7, 1972

Taught my S.S. class. Heard a sermon, not very good, from Ron. (Preachers are entitled to their off days too.) In the evening had supper with the O’Neills and the usual delightful visit. It rained last night a little and was cloudy during the day.

 

May 8, 1972

Loafed some more on my commencement address. I must get busy Monday. Worked in the library the P.M. It rained a little last night and during the day. Worked hard on my commencement address. Heard Pres. Nixon say he will enlarge the war.

 

May 9, 1972

I got the commencement address finished. I am terribly distressed about Nixon’s policy in Southeast Asia. He could have stopped the war, putting all the blame on the Democrats, when he first came into the presidency. But his ways are dark and crooked.

 

May 10, 1972

I worked on neglected correspondence. I finally have time to enjoy my flowers. But my concern over the president’s policy in S. E. Asia casts a shadow over my day.

 

May 11, 1972

Tammy Boling, the loveable child across the street almost died today. Her breathing stopped, her father tried mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, the volunteer fire dept. came with oxygen, and the town ambulance rushed her to the Enid hospital. At last reports she had regained consciousness.

 

May 12, 1972

It rained an inch last night. We needed it. I gave my commencement address. It seemed to go off well. The whole program was perfectly planned and perfectly executed. The graduates looked very young and sweet.

 

May 13, 1972

I attended to neglected correspondence. Word from the hospital brings good news about my little neighbor, Tammy.

 

May 14, 1972

So many families were away on Mother’s Day gatherings that our S.S. attendance was very small. My class stayed with Bill’s and he taught. I enjoyed it. Then I attended the preaching service. In the P.M. I visited the Brysons. My mock orange is lovely.

 

May 15, 1972

I am profoundly shocked at the attempted assassination of Wallace. He was a dangerous demagogue but assassination is no way to remove a candidate for office. Not while we have the right to vote. And if too many voted for him that is a national weakness we must accept.

 

May 16, 1972

Our club held its annual picnic. We met with Mrs. Stuerke at O.C. where we held our business meeting, installed next year’s officers, and made next year’s plans. Then we took Mrs. S. to Will Rogers Park where we met a carload of girls (our guests) from the Guthrie Job Corps. We ate our picnic dinner and visited the rose garden. The weather is getting warm.

 

May 17, 1972

I planned a brief talk I am to give to the 8^th grade graduates tomorrow. In the evening Helen Lonart called to tell me Marguerite Howland had just died. I am deeply grieved. I loved her the best of all the Stillwater friends. I hardly see how I can go back to the library without seeing her. Also I shall miss her ready helpfulness.

 

May 18, 1972

I thought all day of Marguerite. My talk to the 8^th grade graduates seemed to go off well. They are a sweet bunch of kids. They had a very clever play and some class day exercises – a will history, etc. so the evening was pleasantly filled and I talked briefly and informally.

 

May 19, 1972

I went to Sill Stillwater to Marguerite’s funeral. Mary Graves and Maxine took me to the cemetery. I think I never saw a whole congregation so grieved. The minister’s brief message was very fine.

 

May 20, 1972

I worked on selecting Alaska pictures to show a women’s club at Guthrie Monday. Also refreshed my memory regarding the pictures. I need to read up a little after the passage of time since I was there.

 

May 21, 1972

This was our annual church picnic. The weather was delightful and the trees on Alden’s farm were beautiful In the evening I ate hamburgers with the O’Neills and spent the evening. Pat is feeling much better these days.

 

May 22, 1972

I drove to Guthrie and showed Alaska pics to the Women’s Club. The meeting was at the library. Murnice Hamilton went with me. Fern Acton was there. I like her so much.

 

May 23, 1972

I drove to Enid to have my eyes checked. Right 21, left 22. Also I got my plane ticket for the Washington trip. It rained .52 inch last night.

 

May 24, 1972

I worked at odds and ends. I am getting material organized for a new preface to And Still the Waters Run.

 

May 25, 1972

Little Tammy Boling is being transferred from the Enid hospital to O.C. She was in Marshall briefly, walked across the street to visit Edith. (I was in town) She is so active it is hard to believe she is near death with malfunctioning kidneys. This evening I went to the meeting of the Library Board. It was a good meeting – as always.

 

May 26, 1972

I went to the cemetery and put artificial flowers on all the family graves (13 in all) I am no longer able to decorate them with fresh flowers on Memorial Day. I worked on my new preface to And Still the Waters Run. My beloved Nellie Moorman called from Calif.

 

May 27, 1972

Rained a little this P.M. I kept the library. In the evening I attended the Marshall High School Alumni Reunion. I was the only one present of the 1913 class though seven of the original nine are still living. We had a business meeting, a dinner, a brief program and a dance. I saw many old friends.

 

May 28, 1972

Rained a little more last night. I taught my S.S. class & stayed for church. Many visitors homecoming. In the afternoon Ralph Cooper came to see me. I think he will not live long though he seems much better than Allie did a year ago.

 

May 29, 1972

Learned Dr. Dale died yesterday. Ruth Rusco and her boy Jerry stopped by very early on their way to the cemetery. Then Elmer Fraker brought Mrs. Stuerke and she stayed with me all day. I took her to the cemetery where she saw old friends, then to Hennessey to dinner. Then she visited Nora Frank and I took her to visit the Schaefer sisters. Elmer took her home at 4 back to O.C. He goes on from here to Cherokee to decorate family graves, then returns here.

 

May 30, 1972

Gerry Schaefer (bless her) called this morning and asked if I wanted her to take me to Dr. Dale’s Funeral. I wanted very much to go, so she took me. He has had a strong influence on my life and writing. I was in his class in my freshman year when he was a beginning instructor. And all the years since. We saw one combine at work.

 

May 31, 1972

They are beginning to cut barley. I drove to Stillwater to see Mr. Errol Hunler about some information for the new preface of Waters Run. Also some pics. for the new edition.

 

June 1, 1972

Grace Goodman called from Guthrie where she is visiting the Le Hews. So I drove down to see her this P.M. Had a good visit with her and Beth Le Hew.

 

June 2, 1972

I worked some on my preface but didn’t accomplish much. Harvest is in full blast now.

 

June 3, 1972

Again I didn’t accomplish much on my preface. Had too many odds & ends to do.

 

June 4, 1972

I taught my S.S. class and attended church. I ate dinner with the Brysons and Bullocks at the cafe. It is usually closed on Sunday but is open now on account of harvest.

 

June 5, 1972

June 9,1972 I spent the day making a final copy of my preface. It is a nerve-wracking job. Just as I started yesterday my “d” became crippled and I have to correct every “d” in the copy with a pen. Finally it stopped writing entirely & I had to insert each one with a pen. There is no time to go to Enid to get the typewriter repaired.

 

June 6, 1972

June 10, 1972 I finished my preface – I have worked hard and am pretty tired. We are having very dry weather. I wish it would rain. The harvest is about over.

 

June 7, 1972

June 5 – 1972 turned two pages I worked on my new preface. Learned Mrs. Stuerke is ill and in the hospital at O.C. The wheat and barley are not turning out well.

 

June 8, 1972

June  6, 1972 I finished my draft of the preface and started to copy it in order to estimate the length. We are having dry hot weather. The harvest is going fast.

 

June 9, 1972

June 7, 1972 Alice Moffitt called me from Stillwater to have luncheon with Jessie Douglas, who is on her way to the retirement home she has chosen in Iowa. I drove over there and enjoyed the visit very much. We ate the new Student Union lunch room coffee shop. Very nice. The rest of the time I worked on copying my preface.

 

June 10, 1972

June 8, 1972 I did a little work on my final copy. Melvin Swain came and visited with me a couple of hours this evening. The Johnson people sent him down from Enid to work with a new young man who is managing the elevator here. I like Melvin so much.

 

June 11, 1972

I worked on my final I’m glad to get on the right page. I turned two pages by mistake, and left two blank while I kept on writing ahead. I taught my S.S. class and heard Ron preach the best sermon I ever heard him preach.

 

June 12, 1972

It showered several times today. We needed the rain badly and most of the harvesting is done. But Pat has a lot of wheat left – about 500 acres.

 

June 13, 1972

More showers today. My guess is that about one inch during the two days. I packed ready for my trip tomorrow.

 

June 14, 1972

Gerry Schaefer took me to the plane and I arrived without incident in Washington. Am staying at the Hotel Washington. Horribly expensive. Surprised to learn from Gerry that our rains from the last two days did not reach them. They got only a trace. Gerry’s garden is drying up.

 

June 15, 1972

Heard 2 very interesting papers by Father Prucha & Dr. Holmes. Others not so good or I was too tired. I got very tired. Met many interesting people but the general conversation of so many at once made so much noise one could hardly hear anybody.

 

June 16, 1972

I read my paper today and it off went well. Commissioner of Indian Aff. Bruce spoke. I like him. The meeting closed this afternoon. I truly enjoyed it.

 

June 17, 1972

Went Came to Pelham to visit Marilynn Alcott & her family. She has a fine husband and children. In the P.M. they took me to N. Y. to the Indian store the AAIA has. Beautiful things. Then some friends came for dinner and we spent a very pleasant evening. Getting to bed late.

 

June 18, 1972

I went to church with the Alcotts. Then Marilynn showed me some old houses. (It was raining.) We went to a pleasant party at the home of some friends. Then came back home. Pleasant family birthday celebration for a gifted homeless boy who is living with them.

 

June 19, 1972

Marilynn took me to the Plane. I arrived in Washington about 10:30. Got settled in at my hotel and ate. Then went out to National Archives and worked all P.M. New friend, Mrs. Peterson, staying at same hotel. We ate dinner together.

 

June 20, 1972

Worked hard all day at Smithsonian Mrs. Peterson and I ate breakfast and dinner together.

 

June 21, 1972

Left Washington about 11:00 A.M. Gerry Schaefer met me at O.C. She said there had been about ½ inch of rain Monday. I got home in time to pick up an armload of mail, buy groceries, and unpack.

 

June 22, 1972

I worked on the correspondence that had piled up during my absence.

 

June 23, 1972

We had a very heavy rain this morning. 1 ½ in. And how thankful everyone is. Pat O’Neill who has had trouble with trucks and combines still has 100 acres of wheat out but Ramona said even he was glad about the rain. She said no damage to his wheat yet. I worked on correspondence, etc.

 

June 24, 1972

It rained again last night Not much I think. Probably 2 in. with what we got yesterday. We I worked in the library this P.M.

 

June 25, 1972

I taught my S.S. class (very small) and listened to sermon by Ron. In the P.M. I wrote letters.

 

June 26, 1972

Hot day. Okla. was said to be the hottest place in the U.S. I worked on my talk to the students at Tahlequah.

 

June 27, 1972

Worked on my lectures a little more. Had to go to Crescent to have my hair washed and set. Marilyn not in shop today. It looks rather stormy. Tornado threatened at O.C. but didn’t drop.

 

June 28, 1972

Two men from the Hist. Dept. – Mr. King and Mr. Halliburton came after me. We had a pleasant ride back talking history all the way. Then a delightful dinner and evening at the Amos Maxwells. Mrs. K & Mrs. H. there also. I am staying at a very comfortable place – Oak Park Motel.

 

June 29, 1972

I gave my lecture to a good sized crowd at 11:00. Then luncheon of Phi Alpha Theta, where some students were initiated I spoke again. In the P.M. Frances Emory Davis came and took me out to their place on Tenkiller Lake. I met her new husband and her mother. In the evening two history men, Mr. Agnew & Mr. Davis took me to the “Trail of Tears,” as guest of Hist. Dept.

 

June 30, 1972

Mr. King – a young graduate student named Donegan came along – and Dr. Maxwell brought me home. More interesting conversation. In the P.M. we got about ½ inch of rain, falling straight down from some small thunder caps. Ready for bed at 7:00.

 

July 1, 1972

We got a hard rain last night. I washed, unpacked, got some slides ready to show my S.S. class, etc. A busy day.

 

July 2, 1972

I showed slides of Paul Revere’s house, Lexington, Concord, Independence Hall, etc. to my S.S. class. Our minister was away so a guest Wm. B. Moorer from Stillwater preached. I spent the evening with my beloved Pat and Ramona. More rain last night.

 

July 3, 1972

July 5, 1972 Bright sunshine but cool day. Teresa cleaned house and waxed floors. Finished kitchen and dining room, almost finished living room. She did all the work but I am tired.

 

July 4, 1972

It rained again last night. I worked a little but not much, wasted the day mainly. Really cold day. The Methodist bell was rung at 1:00. I am not sure about ours. I didn’t hear it.

 

July 5, 1972

July 3, 1972 Turned 2 pages It rained again last night. Teresa was going to start house- cleaning but we thought the floors wouldn’t dry enough to wax, also not possible to wash windows in the rain; so she cleaned the stove and other things in the kitchen and we left the real work till after the fourth. It is really cold this evening.

 

July 6, 1972

Teresa came and with some puny help from me finished the living room and cleaned the bedroom and waxed the floor. She has washed all the Venetian blinds & I have washed the curtains. Pleasant cool sunny day.

 

July 7, 1972

Teresa couldn’t come this morning but she came in the P.M. and finished the house, all but some windows which she will do later. Another cool day. All we get like this shortens the summer.

 

July 8, 1972

I am enjoying my clean house. Nelle Thomas called. We had a good visit. I worked in the library this P.M. It rained a little this morning. A lovely cool day.

 

July 9, 1972

I taught my S.S. class and heard a fine sermon by Ron. In the P.M. Bob and Ruth Roessel with their boy Raymond came to see me. They brought a plaque from Navajo Community College that would have been awarded to me if I had been able to fill my engagement in April. They have decided to make an award each year and this is the first one. I was so surprised and moved I am almost forgetting to worry about the Democratic convention.

 

July 10, 1972

I keep reading what the plaque says – “extraordinary service to the American Indian for presenting the story of his record, achievements, and treatment to Al all Americans” Watched the convention this evening. The fight over credentials will continue through the night.

 

July 11, 1972

It rained this P.M. & evening. Ed Grassman died last night. Sen. McGovern won the Calif. fight last night. I am happy about it. I would have been satisfied with any of the numerous Dem. candidates except Jackson and of course Wallace but the attempt of the pols with the consent of Humphrey to cut down McG’s Calif. victory was so raw I couldn’t stand it. Humphrey & Muskie both withdrew today. I worked hard on Geronimo. Heard fine keynote address by Reuben Askew.

 

July 12, 1972

Rained last night, hard rain this A.M. I didn’t get much work done – cooked chicken to make dumplings for Grassman dinner at the church, attended funeral in the P.M. This evening listened to nomination on first ballot of McGovern at Dem. Natl. Conv. Mary Graves called to tell me that Cherrie Garrett died this morning. To be buried Friday.

 

July 13, 1972

I worked in the library this P.M. Didn’t sit up to hear McG’s acceptance speech. Too tired. This whole convention has been an encouraging experience – grassroots democracy, responsible candidate and seriousness on the part of the delegates. Very different from both conventions in 1968. We have had delightful cool weather in the past two weeks but in late P.M. today it began to get hot. I have used my air conditioner some during part of some days but not much.

 

July 14, 1972

Hot day. I drove to Stillwater for Cherrie Garrett’s funeral in the Methodist Church. She was 92. Quite a gathering of old women, some distant relatives all very cordial to me. I loved Cherrie. It has been sixteen years since Kathleen died.

 

July 15, 1972

Cooler today. Not much happened. It is The ground in my so-called flower garden is very dry. Surprisingly so after so recent rains.

 

July 16, 1972

I taught my S.S. class. Mr. William Moorer of Stillwater preached a fine sermon, Ron being absent. In the evening I visited Pat and Ramona. Not so hot.

 

July 17, 1972

Tibbie and Virginia Shades came to see me. Wonderful to see them, Tibbie is planning a special course for the summer of 1973 at Phillips and he wants me to come along with Scott Momaday and perhaps other writers for two days the last week. I shall enjoy doing it. Marked it on my calendar.

 

July 18, 1972

This should be a Red Letter Day. I started writing my Geronimo book. I have to collect much more information before I can complete it but I have all on this early part. I never before started to write a book until I had completed my research. It rained most of the day. Fine rain.

 

July 19, 1972

Tibbie and Virginia Shades Cool day because of the good rain yesterday. Oh, I used my air conditioner but it was not very hot. I worked on Geronimo. Finished an introduction and started Chapt. 1.

 

July 20, 1972

I worked on writing Geronimo Chapter 1. Learned that John Hinkel died. I feel sad about it. He loved and knew books – just about the only literate book dealer I knew – but he was going blind. The last time I saw him he was well only for his sight.

 

July 21, 1972

I drove to Enid to have my eye pressure checked. Bad news. Right O.K. 21 but left up to 27. I would have gone to Mr. Hinkel’s funeral but my eyes are too important to neglect. I should have gone a week ago but I went to Cherrie Garrett’s funeral instead. Then my car developed trouble & I waited on that.

 

July 22, 1972

I wrote some on Geronimo but didn’t get much done. Teresa finished the windows she left before and cleaned the back porch until it is cleaner than I keep my house.

 

July 23, 1972

I taught my S.S. class (small attendance) & heard a too brief sermon by Ron. Largely wasted the P.M. A brief shower from a thunder cap in the afternoon. Tammy Boling came to see me. She is at home briefly from the hospital at O.C. She is going to be O.K.

 

July 24, 1972

I worked hard on Geronimo. It goes very slowly but perhaps I shall finish some time. Fairly nice day – big white clouds, blue sky, not too hot.

 

July 25, 1972

I worked on Geronimo but didn’t accomplish much. Hot day.

 

July 26, 1972

Finished Chapter 1. Hot Day. It is becoming very dry in spite of the recent rain. So hot it scorches everything.

 

July 27, 1972

I worked on Chapt. 2 – but ran into difficulties so didn’t get much done. I slept well and worked Started Chapt. 2 but I didn’t sleep well last night so didn’t get much done. Anyhow I got a permanent, so that job is attended to for a while.

 

July 28, 1972

Nice day and I felt fine. It rained this forenoon, about ½ inch. We could use more. I worked hard but ran into some difficulty in chapter 2.

 

July 29, 1972

It rained a little last night and today was delightfully cool. I didn’t use my air conditioner until afternoon and used it then only because I was writing. I worked on Chapter 2. Poor little Ricky Bowling across the street injured his hand badly. They took him to the hospital in the town ambulance.

 

July 30, 1972

Taught my S.S. class and attended church service. In the P.M. went to the open house of George and Sandra Voskuhl to see their beautiful new house. They are very happy about it and so are their children. Cool day. I was tired because the dogs kept me awake last night.

 

July 31, 1972

Two Griffin sisters, Pearl Lounsbury called on me and Inez Tate and Inez’s son Guy called on me. Very pleasant. I worked hard on Geronimo. Lovely cool dewy forenoon, but got hot in P.M.

 

August 1, 1972

My cousin, Allie Cooper’s widow Lula and her son Melvin & his wife Adelta spent late P.M. and evening with me. Also Lula’s sister Mabel Kovarick and her husband Joe. I enjoyed them but I was tired all day because the dogs kept me awake last night. I didn’t write very effectively – too tired.

 

August 2, 1972

Hot day. The dogs barked-also a boy ran across my porch – I don’t know why – but I managed to sleep. Melvin and Adelta Cooper came back this morning and stayed most of the day while Lula visited her sister. I enjoyed them very much. I knew Melvin when he was a small boy and got acquainted with him at the time of Allie’s death last year, but had never met Adelta before. They are fine. We talked much about family history.

 

August 3, 1972

Hot day. I tried to work on Chap. 2 but was tired and didn’t accomplish much. Hot day.

 

August 4, 1972

It rained a little last night, was a nice cool day and rained a little again this evening. I worked well on Chapt. 2 Rev. Pastor Dean Roy Miller and Dorothea and Dean’s son, Ron. First time I have seen Dean & Dorothea since their marriage. Both lost their partners & I am glad they found happiness with each other. They both look wonderful.

 

August 5, 1972

Dean and Dottie came back briefly and we ate dinner at the cafe. This morning Mary Graves brought me a Persian rug that dear Cherrie Garrett had wanted me to have. In the afternoon I worked at the library. For some reason I am very tired, too tired to geo water my flower and it needs it badly. Going to bed at 8:00.

 

August 6, 1972

I taught my S.S. class (a fine one) and attended church (communion service) Mr. Burch & Olive May were there. I asked them to come by and advise me about my new rug. They said hang it on the wall. We held it up & it looked fine. So I will. Alma Friend & Clara & Olga Schaefer thought so too. They came home with me from church for Sunday dinner. Clara helped get dinner & she & Alma washed the dishes. In the P.M. I showed Alaska slides.

 

August 7, 1972

Worked on Chapt. 2 but didn’t accomplish much. I got only one head of blooms from my surprise lilies this year. The weather doesn’t suit them.

 

August 8, 1972

Learned that Lillian Weber was found dead of apparent heart failure in her apartment in Enid. When she failed to report for work her boss investigated. I visited when with her when I was in Enid three weeks ago & expected to see her next week. I finished Chapter 2. Listened to Dem. Natl. Commee elect V.P. candidate and the speeches. The commentators say no chance at all, but I am not hopeless. They were wrong before.

 

August 9, 1972

Lillian was 52. Went with Bob and Gerry Schaefer to Lillian’s funeral at Enid, then to graveside services here at our North Cemetery. All her relatives badly grieved – so unexpected. She looked lovely in her coffin. I decided to change all my chronology in “Geronimo” – have him born earlier than the date he set, and loss of his family 8 years earlier. Much rewriting. Lovely cool day.

 

August 10, 1972

Reworked my Chapt. 2. Got Had a good day but there is much to do yet. Cool day for August.

 

August 11, 1972

I didn’t sleep enough last night, so couldn’t work well today. I did finish my revised Chapt. 2 though. Wrote some on Ch. 3 but its n.g.

 

August 12, 1972

I felt fine today and worked well. I got a good start on Chapt. 3. Alice Rusco now married to a fine young man named Jerry Rosamond stopped by briefly to see me. They live in Terrell, Texas where he works in an aluminum plant.

 

August 13, 1972

I taught my S.S. class and attended church.

 

August 14, 1972

I felt fine and worked to good advantage. We had a nice shower this P.M. I should say ½ inch. A little over 1 inch. And how we needed it. A girl named Marcia O’Dell called from Tulsa – wants to come and see me about her doctoral dissertation.

 

August 15, 1972

I drove to Enid to have my eyes checked. Good news: right 20; left 21 (27 last time. That scared the dr. & me both.) I got a rod for hanging my rug, but when I unpacked the box the brackets were inadequate. I’ll try again.

 

August 16, 1972

The young O’Dell couple came from Tulsa – Mac and Marcia. They are fine. I have seldom seen a young couple I liked so well. I hope I shall see them again.

 

August 17, 1972

Finished Chapt. 3.

 

August 18, 1972

I organized material for Chapt. 4 but didn’t start writing. In the evening attended the wedding of Barbara Schaefer. She married a young man named Royce Stratton. It was a beautiful wedding. At our church. Reception after.

 

August 19, 1972

I was tired and didn’t start writing. Attended to correspondence instead. Arthur White and his wife called.

 

August 20, 1972

I taught my S.S. class and heard one of Ron’s original short sermons. After church we had a congregational meeting and voted unanimously to install a new furnace & air conditioning. In the evening I ate hamburgers and visited with Pat & Ramona.

 

August 21, 1972

I drove to Enid for some more brackets I need for hanging my rug. Then I wrote a review – first draft – of Jacobs’ Dispossessing the American Indian. This evening a cloud came over with some wind and a little rain.

 

August 22, 1972

I copied and sent off my review. The rest of the time I worked on my notes. Didn’t write any. It rained a little last night I think and was cloudy all day.

 

August 23, 1972

Beautiful cool sunny day. Teresa came and put up the rug It looks lovely.

 

August 24, 1972

Pleasant cool day. We had a rain this evening with much thunder and some hail. I worked on Chapter 4. Later – it rained about 1 inch. Everybody happy.

 

August 25, 1972

Beautiful cool day – even cold this morning. I worked to good advantage.

 

August 26, 1972

Another beautiful cool day. My rug came loose and fell down. I had used a sticky tape to make a place for the rod to run through supposing it would harden. But it was unsuitable, I didn’t know how it would work.

 

August 27, 1972

I taught my S.S. class. Heard a very fine sermon by Ron. He sometimes works on a sermon, sometimes doesn’t. Today he did. Lovely cool day.

 

August 28, 1972

Worked on Chapt. 4. We are having beautiful weather. Cool – even cold – nights and forenoons. In the P.M. I use my air conditioner some. August 20, 1972

 

August 29, 1972

It rained most of the day. I guess about ½ inch. So cold this evening I lighted my furnace. My old fashioned clematis is glorious. Later – it was 1 inch.

 

August 30, 1972

Joe Misar came and thoroughly cleaned my furnace – took things apart, etc. I always light it myself but he told me last spring I should have him clean it out. Another nice cool day. But I did not need my furnace.

 

August 31, 1972

Teresa came to hang my rug on the wall permanently. One end is 2 full inches wider than the other, so we reversed it and put the narrow end at the top. It looks much better. This is the last time Teresa will be here. She has helped me since she was a little girl. She will take a course in a beauty school.

 

September 1, 1972

Worked hard on Chapt. 4 but didn’t get it finished.

 

September 2, 1972

I worked in the library. Had other interruptions and didn’t get much writing done.

 

September 3, 1972

Taught my S.S. class and attended church. Cold day. I used my furnace all morning; wore a suit to church. In the P.M. Pat O’Neill called me to watch 2 (sometimes 3) hummingbirds that spent the time darting at each other when there were two feeders they could have used. Beautiful sight. We stood right by the feeders & they were all around us.

 

September 4, 1972

Finished Chapt. 4. Lovely cool day. Got a good letter from Edith Greenwood that in England that good dependable Jack Miller died. I learned to think a great deal of Jack and Elsie when I visited Edith at Kinver in – what was the date? – 66.

 

September 5, 1972

Learned Charlie Cassiday died. He has been feeble and senile a long time. We were the same age, teenagers together. I drove to Stillwater to pick up my camera (repair bill $36) and work in the library. Also called on Ruth Hammond, who has had surgery on the outside of her stomach. Lovely cool day.

 

September 6, 1972

Attended Charlie Cassiday’s funeral at our church. He was born Dec. 31, 1889, lacked one day of being a month older than I. I did not go to the cemetery. It was a windy day, cool in the morning but hot in the afternoon – and I was tired. I worked on the material I got at Stillwater on Monday.

 

September 7, 1972

Finished organizing my Stillwater material. Was grieved to learn that Stanly Clark died last month. He was 66 years old, in excellent health, dropped dead of a massive heart attack while playing golf.

 

September 8, 1972

We had an inch of rain last night. I spent the day attending to my correspondence.

 

September 9, 1972

Three of our men were taking a tractor and a harrow over the bridge on Otter Creek east of Edgar Posts. One man Otto Buckmaster was killed, his son badly injured and Jack Beeby was badly injured. I don’t know the first two though I know their family. We had a brisk shower this evening. Sweet little Janet Shelby cleaned my house. She is the successor to Teresa Bostick.

 

September 10, 1972

Taught my S.S. class. A youth group from churches over the state is having a rally at our church and conducted the service. I learned that Fred Goodwin died yesterday. They want me to give a eulogy at the funeral tomorrow. I can’t do it this evening for Pat & Ramona came and ate supper with me. I enjoyed their visit as always.

 

September 11, 1972

Fred Goodwin’s funeral at the Disciples Church at 10:30. I outlined my tribute but didn’t have time to write. Young Bob Dixon, the pastor conducted the service. Very fine. Burial in North Cemetery. The family wanted a copy of my tribute, so I wrote it out this evening. Nellie Thomas called. Also Merle & Martha Swartz. Busy Day. But I got along O.K.

 

September 12, 1972

I drove to Stillwater & got Susan Hamada a nisei girl of Calif & Adel Cruz, a Filipina & brought to luncheon, first meeting of year at Catholic parish hall. Good luncheon, good meeting. Madonna took them back. Warm day.

 

September 13, 1972

I didn’t start Chapt. 5 on Geronimo. I have two two books from inter-library loan I must take notes on. In the P. M. Ray and Gladys Six visited me. Warm day.

 

September 14, 1972

I still took notes on a book. Cool cloudy very nice day.

 

September 15, 1972

Somehow I wasted most of the day. I don’t seem to get into Chapt. 5. Just loaf around on the edge of starting.

 

September 16, 1972

I really got good work done on Chapt. 5. Perhaps it was incubating during those days of unsatisfactory accomplishment. But I had to work in the library in the P.M. I hated to quit my good work on the MS.

 

September 17, 1972

I taught my S.S. class. Then in the P.M. I attended a shower at the Catholic parish hall for lovely Linda Cooper and the fine young man she is to marry. Then called on Mrs. Hatcher who has retired from teaching on the Navajo Reservation. Her husband, also a teacher, died soon after their retirement. She is fine. I like her very much. I am tired tonight.

 

September 18, 1972

I drove to Stillwater and had my annual physical check up by Dr. Freed. Everything fine. Then I spent the rest of the day in the OSU library. Very hot day.

 

September 19, 1972

I am sure I had a fever last night, no doubt caused by my flu shot yesterday. So I felt puny today. But I worked hard taking notes on a book I got from the library. Very hot day.

 

September 20, 1972

Rained all forenoon. Probably not much water fell but it is nice and cool. I did a good day’s work. Used material I got from O.S.U. library and did some writing on Chapt. 5. Felt fine.

 

September 21, 1972

I am sure I had a fever last night, no doubt caused by my flu shot. So I felt puny today. But I worked hard taking notes on a book I worked on Chapter 5.  

 

September 22, 1972

Drove to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Right eye, 19 (Fine!). Left 22 (not so good.) It was really cold today. I ate dinner with Alma ____ can’t remember her name, good friend of Velma Payne who works in Dr. Duffy’s office. Some fields of wheat are up nicely.

 

September 23, 1972

I didn’t sleep well last night, so didn’t work well today. But I tried. In the evening I attended Linda’s wedding this evening at the Catholic Church. It was a beautiful wedding. Her young husband is a handsome, fine-appearing young man. It’s getting warmer.

 

September 24, 1972

I taught my S.S. class and attended church service. Cool morning. We used the new air conditioning but didn’t need it. We should have had it last Sunday. I have decided to write a letter urging Marshall people (especially Democrats) to vote for McGovern. I suppose he has no chance, but I shall at least feel I have done something to stop the war.

 

September 25, 1972

I wrote my letter today. What really decided me to write it was that on T.V. yesterday P.M. I heard V.P. Agnew speaking in Ky against McG’s plan to cut defense spending. It would throw 50,000 people in Ky. out of work & cost the state $450,000,000 in its economy. Such an evil reason for killing people in S.E. Asia.

 

September 26, 1972

I worked a little on Geronimo. In the P.M. I attended meeting of the Marshall Woman’s Club. Good program presented by Mernice Hamilton – first a film at the school house, then an explanation at the library. Her subject was waste disposal. Because of club meeting I was not able to drive to Marsh Guthrie to get names of precinct voters.

 

September 27, 1972

I had intended to drive to Guthrie this morning but I waited till P.M. because it was foggy. Then in the P.M. a man named Raymond from Calif. came to see me. Is visiting his daughter at Yukon. He had read my Choc. Republic. He has some Choc. blood and was very interested in the book and had written to me and wanted to meet me.

 

September 28, 1972

I drove to Guthrie and collected the names and arranged for having my letter mimeographed. Then came home and directed envelopes. I called on Mrs. Struerke at the Masonic Home. She has failed much. Shocked to hear Alden Grassman had a massive heart attack.

 

September 29, 1972

My letters came this morning and I mailed 50. I put a McGovern sticker in each one and I had only 50 of those I got the rest ready – that is nearly all – and Teresa will get more stickers to put in. It turned cold last night. I used my furnace all day.

 

September 30, 1972

I worked on Chapt. 5 and finished it. That is, unless I decide to move some I have planned for Ch. 6 back to it. I had to work in the library in the P.M. We had a light frost last night. It was cool all day, but is warmer this evening.

 

October 1, 1972

Taught my S.S. class – small attendance – and attended church service – small attendance but good sermon. Pleasant coolish, sunny day.

 

October 2, 1972

Drove to Stillwater and attended the library staff luncheon. Worked in the library all day. Teresa brought my stickers, so I sent out the rest of my 100 letters.

 

October 3, 1972

I did a good day’s work. Wrote on Chapt. 6. Also sent some information, which required much writing, to a young navy man at Pensacola. He had furnished the first data I had ever obtained regarding the death of Geronimo’s wife and asked me for some information-about a project he has.

 

October 4, 1972

I worked on Chapt. 6. Received the “Debo” history my cousin John Tilden has been compiling. Am very happy to have it. It has gaps but much information.

 

October 5, 1972

I was doing some good writing today when the “t” dropped off my typewriter. And I couldn’t take it to Enid because Ben Streck has had my car for three days. I brought it to him early Tues. morning. It was running O.K. but I wanted a motor tune-up.

 

October 6, 1972

Ben Streck got my car to me at 9:30 I drove to Enid and traded my typewriter in on a new one. And the margin release key on the new one sticks. I wrote the firm I bought it from and I am sure they will make it right. I will take it to Enid the next time I go.

 

October 7, 1972

I tried to work but didn’t have a good day. Tired I guess. I worked in the library in the afternoon.

 

October 8, 1972

I didn’t teach my S.S. class. It met with Bill’s. He is a good teacher. I enjoyed his class. Rev. Ron preached a good sermon. I am tired today also.

 

October 9, 1972

I tried to work hard but didn’t accomplish much. I didn’t sleep well last night. Old friends – Mrs. Sanford and Maxine and Almina Wilbur phoned they were coming but it didn’t work out. They did drive by briefly.

 

October 10, 1972

I had too many housekeeping jobs tud today. They took much of my time and cut into my writing.

 

October 11, 1972

I didn’t feel very well today but I managed to get some work done on Geronimo.

 

October 12, 1972

I had peanuts lying around yesterday and because I didn’t feel well I kept eating them and I ate too many. I was sick all night Today I was very weak and not able to work. Fortunately I always get my hair fixed on Thursday. It usually cuts into my writing time but today the time wasn’t worth anything. Later – I think it was a virus instead of improper eating. It is going around

 

October 13, 1972

I had a good night and felt wonderful. Did a good day’s work. Finished Chapter 6. I am really encouraged. We are having terribly dry weather. People are still planting wheat.

 

October 14, 1972

I had to work in the library this afternoon. My roses are blooming beautifully this fall. I give them plenty of water.

 

October 15, 1972

Attended S.S. (Bill taught both classes) and church (communion service). In the evening attended a “money tree” baby shower for Carolyn Bullock. She was completely surprised and so sweet and happy, not overwhelmed, just grateful.

 

October 16, 1972

I had letters I had to write. Also had to prepare a lesson at club tomorrow. It is about UN agencies. I will show slides of what I observed in Mexico.

 

October 17, 1972

Club met at the library. I had the lesson about UN agencies. Told of UNICEF work I face saw in Mexico and of what Rodney Huffer told me about the good work he saw in Kenya. Then I told of CREFAL at Patzuaro and showed pictures I took there. Several of our members were unavoidably absent.

 

October 18, 1972

Went to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Tension: right 19; left 23. Peripheral vision O.K. He also tested for glasses (my eyes have changed greatly past 3 years) and I stayed in town all day to get the new ones. They have changed my world. I feel so happy over the new world I see. I had no idea how badly I had needed them. It turned cold last night – cold all day, windy cloudy. It will freeze tonight I think. I picked my roses but all the buds will freeze.

 

October 19, 1972

One of those wasted days – too lazy to work, even too lazy to go to bed. I wonder at what proportion of my 82 years I have wasted. It didn’t freeze up last night after all.

 

October 20, 1972

I worked hard today on correspondence, etc. Arthur De Rosier called from East Ten. State. University to ask me about the Indian Bureau’s Relocation Policy. Fortunately I had material I could send him.

 

October 21, 1972

It drizzled all day, but I doubt that much water fell. I learned it rained 2 ¾ inches. I certainly underestimated it. I got about 50 more letters sent out to help McGovern. Sent to all the high school graduates of the past three years. Teresa Bostick helped me locate them. Everyone says McG. has no chance at all but I’ll keep trying.

 

October 22, 1972

My cousin Pat Donovan called from Wichita that she and her husband John were in Wichita on the way to Dallas & would stop by. So I went to S.S. & we decided my class would merge with Bills. (Bills mother died this morning.) I didn’t stay for church. The cousins came by, their boy Wally, John’s sister, Rosemary and her boy Jeffry. Brief visit but fine. I spent the evening with my beloved O’Neills.

 

October 23, 1972

Representative Coffin came by and visited me. The Republicans here are very active, the Democrats stagnant. He wants a meeting. I worked some new material into Chapter 4 of “Geronimo.” Cold day.

 

October 24, 1972

Attended Alwina Schaefer’s funeral at our church this P.M. I loved Alwi “Winnie” very much but she had become senile the past few years. She was one year younger than I. Went to club at the library. Ramona gave the lesson – very fine. Learned that Alwina Phillips’ husband died. I am so sorry for Alwina.

 

October 25, 1972

No time for Geronimo. Had other writing. Also got permanent. Learned that Alice Potter of my h.s. class of 1913 died evening before last. I am very grieved about it. Too many people are dying. Maxine Austin called and we had a fine long telephone visit.

 

October 26, 1972

I attended the funeral of Alice Potter at the Disciples’ Church this morning. In the afternoon Al and Myrtle Juhlin came by to see me. They had been at O.C. and were on their way back to Illinois. I had not seen them since they left Stillwater about 15 years ago They are among my favorite people.

 

October 27, 1972

I attended to some necessary correspondence. Also wrote a letter to the evening paper which I am pretty sure they won’t publish but lovely Carolyn Bullock wanted me to write it.

 

October 28, 1972

Did some more odds and ends of work. Worked in the library in the P.M. The high school girl who was supposed to do it didn’t appear. My yellow rose is lovely this fall.

 

October 29, 1972

My S.S. class and I are now in Bill’s class. No more work preparing lessons – no more pleasure with that fine group. I heard a highly original sermon on Judas by Ron. In the evening I ate supper and visited with my beloved young O’Neills.

 

October 30, 1972

It rained an inch last night and more today – steady, soaking rain. Just right except for people who have not finished wheat planting. I saw Rev. Ron today to plan Sunday’s service. This was UNICEF night & some kids came but I think the rain spoiled it somewhat.

 

October 31, 1972

It rained last night – I don’t know how much – and much of the day. It has quit now. There was a steady stream of kids this evening for “Trick or Treat.” I read today a book and some files I have for Sunday’s service. The Enid paper did print my letter.

 

November 1, 1972

The rain is over and the sun came out. I worked all day on Sunday’s service but didn’t accomplish much. The total rain was 2 in. And every bit went down.

 

November 2, 1972

I worked on Sunday’s “sermon.” Ron will not be there and he asked me to speak and Bob Schaefer to conduct the worship service. I am going to describe the unholy power of what Eisenhower called the “military industrial complex.”

 

November 3, 1972

Worked on my talk for Sunday.

 

November 4, 1972

Have everything done for Sunday’s service. This was a beautiful day. My yellow rose (“Goldilocks”) has never been so beautiful as this fall.

 

November 5, 1972

I enjoyed Bill’s S.S. very much. At the church service Bob Schaefer did a beautiful job of the worship service and I gave my talk. I don’t know how people took it. A few – Raymond Bryson and Bill Schaefer liked it and I know some others did. It was not a comfortable “religious” subject but people should be aware of such issues.

 

November 6, 1972

Worked on Chapt. 7 – that is, I started Chapt. 7.

 

November 7, 1972

Worked on Chapt. 7. I am very sad about the election. I could can even stand for [sic] more years of Nixon with less pain than I can contemplate the failure of the American people to respond to a moral issue. The war, corruption in govt., surveillance of citizens, denial of fundamental civil liberties.

 

November 8, 1972

I worked on Chapter 7. My yellow rose is breathtakingly beautiful Ron Bullock, our young minister, called He is a Republican but he is as unhappy over the election as I am.

 

November 9, 1972

I just worked on Ch. 7 I didn’t get much done.

 

November 10, 1972

Worked on Ch. 7 Didn’t accomplish much. I am so unhappy about Nixon’s overwhelming victory that I don’t sleep at night and that keeps me from doing good work the next day.

 

November 11, 1972

I had a really good day’s work and I didn’t have to stay in the library – this P. M. My high school girl was there. We had a light frost this morning.

 

November 12, 1972

It drizzled rain all day, now some thunder and harder rain this evening. I was in Bill’s S.S. class & heard Ron preach. It was mission Sunday and we ate dinner at the church.

 

November 13, 1972

I had a good working day. Still on Chapt. 7. It has turned cold and I think it will freeze up solid tonight. And my yellow rose is so beautiful.

 

November 14, 1972

There was a thin film of ice on the lid to my incinerator. It got some water in it Sunday I didn’t sleep well last night so postponed Geronimo Wrote some necessary letters. In the P.M. I attended club. It met at the library. Winnie gave the program. Very fine. Dark cold day. Not freezing.

 

November 15, 1972

Pancake supper served by the men of the church. Then council presented a suggested budget. Fine meeting.

 

November 16, 1972

Attended library board meeting this evening. Fine meeting.

 

November 17, 1972

I worked hard all day.

 

November 18, 1972

It snowed all day, big soft flakes, no drifting. Much of it melted but the ground is covered. I don’t know how many inches fell. Plenty! It is wonderful for the wheat. Learned that Sid Rogers died. My grandparents & Sid’s were close friends in Kansas; then my mother & her bros. & sisters and Sid’s father & his bros. & sisters; then my brother and I and Sid.

 

November 19, 1972

I do not teach my S.S. class any more. It is united with Bill’s and Bill teaches. Fine teacher. Ron preached a fine sermon.

 

November 20, 1972

I didn’t sleep well last night but even so, I had a good day’s work. Finished Chapter 7. It was a lovely day. It has been a week or so since we had sunshine.

 

November 21, 1972

I was surprised this morning to see the ground covered with snow. It was soft and thick and the trees were beautiful with great piles on every branch. It snowed much of the forenoon. I wrote some necessary letters and did no work on my book.

 

November 22, 1972

The sun came out, the first sunny day for more than a week. Most of the snow melted. I got my royalty from the O.U. Press. My Hist. of the Inds. did about half as well as last year – $42,00 $4,200 & my Choc. book did well also. It keeps on selling. In the evening I attended Carol Huffer’s wedding at the church. Her three attendants were her two sisters and sister-in-law Mary. I worried needlessly about Mary just one year ago.

 

November 23, 1972

Thanksgiving Day A heavy white frost and real ice on the bird bath this morning but the sun shone and it was a beautiful day. I didn’t celebrate. I washed this morning and in the afternoon I started Chapter 8.

 

November 24, 1972

We had only one day of sunshine. Anyhow it came on Thanksgiving Day.

 

November 25, 1972

Nothing much happened, I worked on Chapt. 8. Another dark gloomy day. But there are still blooms on my yellow rose. The snow and then the freeze killed the blooms, but the buds have come out.

 

November 26, 1972

I enjoyed Bill’s S.S. class. Ron preached a good sermon. In the afternoon I visited the O’Neills. The sun shone today. Dorine Halsted called me for a long telephone visit. Bless her.

 

November 27, 1972

Cloudy and raining off and on. I didn’t work on my book. Had other things to do.

 

November 28, 1972

The sun shone! I attended club. Winnie Branen showed fine slides of Mexico. In the evening Bob and Gerry Schaefer took me to the schoolhouse where I saw the “Covenant Players” with their clever, provocative short plays with a contemporary religious meaning-twist at the end.

 

November 29, 1972

Cloudy again. I worked all day on Chapter 8.

 

November 30, 1972

The sun shone! I drove to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Right eye 17 (lowest it has ever been), left 22 (not so bad). I also got a pair of shoes. I have good dress shoes, but at my age the high heels bother me. The ones I got today are sufficiently dressy but “hush puppies” and comfortable. The cost $17.00. Woo! Beautiful green wheat, cattle grazing.

 

December 1, 1972

The sun shone! Two sunny days in a row. I worked on Chapter 8.

 

December 2, 1972

The third sunny day! Perhaps we shall have some beautiful fall weather after all. I had a good working day today. My writing went well.

 

December 3, 1972

Three good days were too many. Today was dark and some freezing mist. I did not go to church – was afraid my windshield would coat over. In the evening I visited my beloved Pat and Ramona. While I was there Mabel Bryson called. She had become concerned because I was not at church. Called my home and I didn’t answer. Then called the O’Neills. Good guess. Bless her for her concern.

 

December 4, 1972

Another very bad day. A little snow fell. Jane Taylor called. She is taking care of her 90-year-old mother and some crooks are trying to get control of her – and her property. I told Jane I would write some letters. Her mother is a Choctaw.

 

December 5, 1972

Raymond Bryson brought my mail. Ice on the ground. Edith Holloway and Ramona O’Neill both called to warn me. (Bless them.) The porch and pavement do not show any ice but they are as slick as glass. Schools closing all over the state. It is very cold tonight. I wrote the letters I promised Jane I would write.

 

December 6, 1972

Thermometer at 6° this morning. The sun came out and melted the ice where it shone but it was still below freezing. I did drive to town after the mail but my front porch is still a glare of ice. Back steps thawed by sunshine. I worked on Ch. 8. I started to watch the launch of Appo Apollo 17 but it was delayed so I’m going to bed.

 

December 7, 1972

Another cold day. Ice stayed all on my bird bath. Also on my front porch. But yesterday it was terribly cold all day. Today not so bad. I worked on Chapt. 8. I got up after midnight and saw take off of Apollo 17

 

December 8, 1972

Another cloudy, cold, gloomy day. This is the worst fall I ever saw in Okla. My porch is still icy. I keep my door locked to help me remember not to step on it. I worked on Ch. 8.

 

December 9, 1972

Another dark cold day spitting snow. Not so intensely cold as Tuesday but it has been below freezing all week. I’m getting tired of it. I finished Chapt. 8 Will put the book aside a while and send out Xmas letters.

 

December 10, 1972

The sun shone part of the day but the thermometer stood at 18°. It has never got near to 32°for a week. The ice finally evaporated from my front porch. I attended S.S. (heard fine lesson by Bill) then sermon by Ron. In the P.M. my beloved Pat and Ramona took me to O.C. to a Norman Rockwell exhibit. My kind of painting. Then dinner This evening I put up my Xmas decorations in the house. Xmas decorations & lights few in the cities. Too cold.

 

December 11, 1972

Heavy overcast, with thunder. It sleeted, hard white pellets much of the day The ground is as white as though covered with snow. Virtually every thing in Okla. is at a standstill. Schools closed. I drove to town after the mail when it first started, not realizing the danger. I almost got stuck a couple of times with the wheels spinning. I prepared Xmas letters but don’t know when I can mail them. It isn’t too cold.

 

December 12, 1972

The white pellets of sleet must be 2 in. thick over the ground It cleared off beautifully this P.M. but didn’t melt. It never got above freezing though not as cold as some days. I worked on Christmas letters. The mail managed to get here once Ramona brought mine.

 

December 13, 1972

The sun shone all day. It melted on roofs etc. but never got above freezing. I stayed strictly in the house. It was beautiful outdoors – snow white, but untracked, too hard to track. The white pellets froze together hard as rock. I worked on Xmas letters, but there was no mail today.

 

December 14, 1972

Another miserable dark day. I don’t know the temperature but below freezing. I am getting tired of this house arrest, I don’t even step out. Edith or Raymond Bryson brings my mail. When we have mail. I wrote Xmas letters.

 

December 15, 1972

The sun shone beautifully, and the world was beautiful if one didn’t set foot on it. But the sun thawed it sum & I tried to drive to town in the P.M. But my wheels spun on the drive & I had to give it up. I just about finished by Xmas letters. Joe Christian called. He is a young man of whom any town could be proud.

 

December 16, 1972

Another sunny day but little melting. I finished my Xmas letters except for some strays that may come in and require answering.

 

December 17, 1972

Raymond came and took me to S.S. At the church the ice was so slick I couldn’t have made it except Raymond helped me. In the evening the O’Neills asked me over. Pat came and helped me but the ice was so slick he said we were just lucky. If I had slipped he couldn’t have stayed up either. He brought me back in the Volkswagen – and we live in the same block! Very few Xmas lights up.

 

December 18, 1972

Cloudy day and I thought, “Another storm.” But it was not so cold and the ice melted. On my bird bath the ice melted for the first time in many weeks. The streets are still covered with ice but it is melting.

 

December 19, 1972

It stayed below freezing all night. This morning there was no ice on the bird bath. In fact ice melted all night. I drove to town this forenoon. It seemed wonderful after 1 ½ weeks of house arrest. In the P.M. we had club at Maxine Haraks. Fine meeting. Carolers (bless them) are out this evening.

 

December 20, 1972

One nice day is all we get. Today was cloudy and dismal, with some mist falling. It wasn’t freezing but I wanted to go to Stillwater but and was afraid to risk another storm. I didn’t work on Geronimo. Wrote some letters and visited Bonnie Roberts 3rd & 4th grade children. Learned my English friend, Elsie Miller died. Her good husband died last summer.

 

December 21, 1972

The sky cleared about noon so I drove to Stillwater to get information about Dr. Dale. Warm day, blue sky, big white clouds, greening wheat. Lovely.

 

December 22, 1972

Lovely warm sunny day. Are any other skies as blue as Oklahoma’s? I doubt it. And the graceful tree branches against that vivid blue. I washed – how I needed to do it – and attended to correspondence. Worked all day and accomplished nothing. Will do better next week.

 

December 23, 1972

Another day I didn’t accomplish anything. But much of my time is taken reading Xmas letters and nothing is pleasurable or so important as that. I have dear friends from whom I hear only once a year. Also I had a visit with lovely Betty Christian Williams whom I had not seen for years. She is beautiful – and so fine and bright. Raymond Bryson brought me a beautiful potted plant – white chrysanthemums from him and Mabel. They are so nice to me.

 

December 24, 1972

Put on previous page with Dec. 23. It was Dec. 24 that I saw Betty and Dec. 24 that Raymond gave me the plant. It was Dec. 23

 

December 25, 1972

Dec. 24 Good day at church. Special service this morning also it was a communion service. In the evening the most beautiful Xmas program I have seen for years. Weather still warm.

 

Dec. 25 I had Xmas dinner with Schaefer girls. Wilda there also. Nice.

 

December 26, 1972

I started my essay on Dr. Dale, Didn’t get much done but the starting is the hard part. Weather still nice. Truman died. I was shocked when he became president but he turned out one of the best.

 

December 27, 1972

Worked on Dale art. but find I must change it. Found some new material. Beautiful warm sunny day. Ice thin skim on the bird bath this morning – first time since weather got warm.

 

December 28, 1972

I worked on my Dale article but not very effectively.

 

December 29, 1972

Worked on Dale article. Esther Simmons called. Fine young woman and as pretty as she was as a high school girl. Weather so warm I turned off the furnace. Alternate clouds and sunshine. Hard shower with some hal hail and much thunder this evening. Tornado alert but I’m going to bed. Later – It rained 1.9. in.

 

December 30, 1972

Lovely warm day. I even turned off the furnace. I finished the first draft of my Dale article.

 

December 31, 1972

Beautiful warm day. I am enjoying Bill Schaefer’s S.S. class very much. Also Ron’s original kind of preaching.