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4. 1970s
5. 1974

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January 1 - December 31, 1974

(Box 5/Folder 9)

 

January 1, 1974

Terribly cold miserable day – 13^o but seemed colder. I really had a hard time keeping warm. My furnace wasn’t strong enough. Worked on Ch. 15. Decided to make 2 chapts. of it. Ramona asked me to spend the evening with them but I hated to stir out.

 

January 2, 1974

I finished Ch. 15 all but writing a new page. This is only half of my original Ch. 15. Bob Roessel called, asked to go out to speak to the Navaho College in April. I shall be happy to go. The sun shone and it was a nice day but cold. I drove down town – first time I have been outside the house since Sun.

 

January 3, 1974

Sunny day but cold. I started Ch. 16 (once the last part of Ch. 15) but didn’t get far. Spent much time revising back chapters. Also got a permanent.

 

January 4, 19[74]

Sunny day, not too cold. I showed slides of Alaska to the third & fourth grades. Those children are so sweet. Then I worked in the P.M. on Ch. 16. In the evening I started reading a MS for the Uni. Press. I can’t often take time to do this but the subject is close to my own.

 

January 5, 1974

I put my writing aside and spent the day reading and reporting on a MS. For the Uni. Of Okla. Press. I was able to give a favorable report. I have asked to be relieved of this chore but this particular MS was special. Sunny and not cold.

 

January 6, 1974

Daylight savings time but I managed to get to S.S. A student from Enid preached. Dinner at the church and the annual congregational meeting after. Spent the evening with Pat and Ramona. The sun shone but it was cold. Blue Clark called me from the City – has taken care of my trip to Fla

 

January 7, 197[4]

I got an unbound copy of Thrapp’s Victorio from the Uni. Of Okla. Press today. So happy to get it. I took notes on his MS more than a year ago and used them in my life of Geronimo but couldn’t cite them. Now I have the pages. I spent all day placing these citations properly. It is a hard job. I am about half done.

 

January 8, 1974

I finished Ch. 16, a short chapter cut off from my original 16. In the P.M. went to Club at the library. It was an interesting program, but we made it up informally. We had sent for a film on Western art and it failed to come. It turned cold very fast late this afternoon.

 

January 9, 1974

The streets are covered with sleet. I drove to the P.O. – had to mail a card – but it was bad driving. One can walk safely on the grass but not on the pavement. I spent the whole day placing the Victorio citations in my manuscript. My beloved Nellie Blanch called.

 

January 10, 1974

I had an appointment to have my eyes tested today. Too much ice for me, so Raymond took me. My sight has not failed enough since my last glasses a year ago for me to need new ones. And my tension check was right 19, left 18. But Raymond told me news so bad he cried when he told it. Our former minister Ron Bullock has been having an affair with one of our girls and is going to divorce his lovely wife and marry her. A girl from a church family.

 

January 11, 1974

The sun shone but the sleet didn’t melt much. The thermometer was 9° this morning. I drove to town but very carefully. I worked on Ch. 17. Got tangled up and didn’t make much progress.

 

January 12, 1974

Thermometer at 0° this morning. Bright sun but still cold. I went to turn on the heat in the library and found the streets much slicker than yesterday. I was so thankful to get home O.K. that I didn’t attend Mary Huffer’s wedding this P.M. And I love the Huffers. I got along pretty well on Chapt. 17.

 

January 13, 1974

I found travel by car or on foot so bad yesterday that I didn’t go to church. Also chickened on an ACLU meeting at O.C. where I could have ridden with Domar Daugherty. I rested and wrote letters. It warmed up this P.M. for the first time. Some of the ice melted from the street. Another good day will finish it.

 

January 14, 1974

It was a miserable dark foggy day till the sun came out in mid afternoon. But it was warm and much of the ice melted. I finished Ch. 17. Learned that Mr. Henry Seefeldt died. Funeral Wednesday.

 

January 15, 1974

It was a warm sunny day and the pavement is clear – still some ice in the shade. I drove to Hennessey and had a tooth filled. Worked on Chapter 18.

 

January 16, 1974

Beautiful warm day. Closed Turned off furnace part of P.M. Attended Henry Seefeldt’s funeral. Worked on Ch. 18 but am having trouble with it. It was so warm I went to the funeral without a coat. All the sleet has melted except in the shade.

 

January 17, 1974

Foggy dismal day but warm. It finally cleared off in late P.M. I did a goof bit of work on Ch. 18. This is the day I have my hair done, so that cuts into my time.

 

January 18, 1974

Another dismal day but not cold. I worked hard on Ch. 18. Finished it but I think I’ll go back and change it in a place or two tomorrow.

 

January 19, 1974

Worked on Ch. 19. Did some back work on Ch. 18. But I had to keep the library in the afternoon so didn’t get much done. Chilly dark day.

 

January 20, 19[74]

Attended S.S. & church. Heard a very fine sermon by a man from Phillips. Worked hard all P.M. going over papers written by the ACLU on need of penal reform in Okla. Very foggy in the morning but the sun came out beautifully. So warm I walked all around the bareheaded and no wrap.

 

January 21, 1974

Another beautiful warm day. I worked on CH. 19 but didn’t accomplish as much as I had hoped. Learned Frances Ficken’s mother, Mrs. Wolf, died today. She was old and helpless and I think senile.

 

January 22, 1974

It rained some last night and was cloudy and chilly all day. I might have got a lot done on my MS but our club met in the P.M. Winnie Branen was the hostess, and Maxine gave the program – an especially interesting one.

 

January 23, 1974

Another beautiful day – cloudy in the morning but sunny and perfect in the afternoon. I finished Ch. 19 and started Ch. 20. These later chapters are easier than the others.

 

January 24, 1974

Another beautiful warm sunny day. I got a lot of work on Ch. 20.

 

January 25, 1974

Some beautiful weather. I had to wash and that took some time but I finished Ch. 20. These last chapters are the easy ones.

 

January 26, 19[74]

Another beautiful warm sunny day. (Oh, a few clouds in the morning but soon gone.) I worked on Ch. 21 and made good progress. 

 

January 27, 1974

It turned rather cold today. I attended S.S. & church. Fine sermon by a Philips prof. named Crouse. Pat & Ramona invited me to see the picture “Robin Hood” in Enid but when we got there there were no seats left. Anyhow I enjoyed the tide and the visit but I am afraid they were disappointed.

 

January 28, 1974

Beautiful warm day It rained last night. I finished Ch. 21. Dorothy Holcomb called me. I lost her 25 years ago and have grieved about it. Now I have found her and shall even see her. She lives in Pensacola. Has married a man named Palmer Lowell Edwards, who is a prof. at West Fla. State Uni. I am very happy about it.

 

January 29, 1974

Another warm day. I finished Ch. 22. It is a short chapter easily copied. But I’m afraid it isn’t much good.

 

January 30, 1974

I finished Ch. 23 – death of Geronimo. Started Epilogue. Pat & Ramona gave me a lovely teapot and invited me there for the evening. Two lovely little girls came to bring a box of chocolates. My adopted granddaughter gave me a Cornish hen. And my beloved Ray and Shirley called me from Chicago. Other friends sent cards, Dorine a newsy letter.

 

January 31, 1974

I put in a big day’s work and finished my Epalogue [sic]. There are things to do yet but now the manuscript is in a form that it could be finished by Ramona if anything should happen to me. Another lovely day.

 

February 1, 1974

I felt so free today. I spent some time with Ramona about my MS. Wrote some letters. Visited with Mabel Bryson over the phone. Listened this evening to Sen. Mansfield.

 

February 2, 1974

Got a special delivery letter from my lovely Dorothy Edwards today with plans she has made for us to meet in Pensacola. I had a free day. Wrote letters. Rewrote one page of my MS and worked some on my illustrations. Lovely weather but the wind was a little chilly.

 

February 3, 1974

Attended S.S. & church – heard a fine sermon by a Phillips prof. Then the church people celebrated my birthday by a dinner in the cafe. There were 43 of them. So wonderful of them. They gave me a lovely corsage and the Brysons gave me a potted white chrysanthemum. I can’t understand how how people can be so nice. Don Huffer had called during the week to invite me to dinner but I thought it was a family dinner at their home.

 

February 4, 1974

Celebrated my new freedom by calling on Mabel Bryson and Ruth Cromer. Also wrote some letters and started to whittle down the pile of unread magazines. We have lovely weather all the time – a white first in the morning then a bright sunny day. A national flu epidemic finally hit us; our school was dismissed today

 

February 5, 1974

Packed and in other ways got ready for my trip to Pensacola tomorrow. It will be pleasant with Blue Clark as a companion and a meeting with Dorothy Edwards at the end.

 

February 6, 1974

That nice boy, Blue Clark, came up after me. We stopped briefly at Blue's home in O.C. for a visit with his mother.  She set out a lunch and took us to the airport. After that nothing but trouble. Flights cancelled, schedule changed, three times. Finally got to bed at the motel at 2:00 A.M.

 

February 7, 1974

I slept late and missed first half of mornings session of conference. Got there in time for 2nd session.  Very interesting.  I felt surprisingly rested.  Then this evening I sprained my ankle. Blue got me some liniment Not bad, I hope. A fine young couple John & Kathie Brown spent the evening with me. I enjoyed the visit very much. No night session at the conference.

 

February 8,  1974

My ankle pained me so in the night I couldn't step on it. But it was better in the morning I think the liniment helped. I stayed in bed all forenoon – had my meal sent in. In the P.M. Dorothy & Lowell Edwards took me to hear Blue's paper.  Good! Then back to bed till evening I went to the banquet & read my paper. It went off well. Ankle much improved. I can walk.

 

February 9, 1974

In the morning Blue & I and Mary Young had a fine tour by Miss Pitts who works with local history preservation & Geo Burns of Natl. Park Service. Took us to FA. Pickens & to grave of Geronimo's wife. In the evening Dorothy had a buffet supper giving us a chance to meet her college friends. Lowell came after us the Browns brought us back. More than 40 there. Very fine.

 

February 10, 1974

Dorothy & Lowell took us to the plane. And our trip home was perfect. Lois Clark, Blue's mother, met us. Then Blue brought me home. My ankle hurt some after the long walks at the airport, but I put on liniment and it is better.

 

February 11, 1974

What did I do today? Not much. I saw the assessor and attended to some business at the bank and wrote a few letters. But that was all. I find that I am tired

 

February 12, 1974

I wrote necessary letters this morning. In the P.M. attended club at Ramona's. Frances Peach gave the program. It was fine. Ben Michaels was buried today. I would have gone to the funeral because of his sister, Grace Branen, but thought I should attend club.

 

February 13, 1974

Feb. 14 I read my ms. all morning. The last reading. Found one quotation from Geronimo in Ch. 2 that I had repeated in Ch. 22. So this overall reading pays. In th P.M. I helped Winnie in the library.

 

February 14, 1974

Feb. 13 I wrote necessary letters all morning. In the P.M. I started a final reading of my ms. Found I had to rewrite some pages of Chapt. 1.

 

February 15, 1974

It snowed a little last night, then rained most of the day. We needed it. I spoke to the women of the Domestic Science Club at Guthrie at a luncheon meeting. Mrs. Harris, an Oto, spoke and showed some lovely dresses, shawls, etc. Because of my sprained ankle Mr. Cosby came after me and took me to their Crescent home, then Mrs. C. carried on from there.

 

February 16, 1974

Rodney Huffer came by with a young man named Ben Miller, who was closely associated with him in Kenya. Their visit was brief but I was so glad they came. I read Ch. 4 and changed it in places. It took me all day.

 

February 17, 1974

Feb. 19. I turned 2 pages in writing Feb. 17. Beautiful warm day. I worked at reading my Geronimo ms. It goes more slowly than I had anticipated.

 

February 18, 1974

Feb. 20 Continued reading my Geronimo ms. I have found some serious errors. I wonder how many I miss.

 

February 19, 1974

Feb. 17. I turned two pages I didn't attend S.S. or church. Domer Daugherty and his daughter came by at 11:00. Domer & I attended annual ACLU meeting at Tulsa, (Denise visited her sister and a friend in Tulsa) Alvin Bronstein spoke at the meeting. Very good. Back home at 9:00. Tired. Nice warm day.

 

February 20, 1974

Feb. 18 Rainy day. Tornadoes here and there but no damage. Pearl Boyce came by.  She had been to visit Anna & Bess Boyce at Carmen. Told me of all the family. I was so happy to see her.

 

February 21, 1974

Went to bed early last night. Then the wind blew so hard I got up & packed my ms in my attache case ready to run to the cellar if I heard the siren. Slept all night. Learned this morning there was a tornado at Hennessey just at that time. Nobody killed, not much damage. It rained a lot during the night, and snowed most of today. Not quite freezing so most of it melted but some is still on top of the grass. Rained 1.3 in.

 

February 22, 1974

The sun shone and all the snow melted except in the shade. Most of it melted when it fell. I am still reading my ms and making small changes. It is taking me much longer than I had expected.

 

February 23, 1974

Did a good day's work on my ms. The foot I sprained slightly at Pensacola has continued to bother me. But today for the first time it is better, I think it will soon be well now.

 

February 24, 1974

Bright day but cold.  I went to S.S. & church. Rev. Kelley Brigman preached a trial sermon. Then dinner in the basement. Then congregational meeting voted to call him. Only 3 "No" votes. I was one of the three but I hope I was mistaken.  I voted for Ron Bullock – unanimously “Yes" – and we all made a terrible mistake.

 

February 25, 1974

Read my ms. all day. It has taken me much longer than I had anticipated. My foot is about well.

 

February 26, 1974

Finished reading the ms. this forenoon. Attend church in P.M. Louise Moore was the hostess, Maxine Harak gave the lesson. It was very interesting. I am very tired tonight. Didn't sleep well last night.

 

February 27, 1974

Ramona O'Neill started the final typing of my ms. We both got ready at exactly the same time. The very day finished reading, she was ready to type. Today I typed the bibliography. I must proof read it tomorrow. My foot is well.

 

February 28, 1974

Finished the bibliography and took the whole ms to Ramona. She took only the first chapter yesterday. I needed the rest till the bib. was finished. Attended the style show of the "FHA girls girls at the schoolhouse in the evening. Warm day.

 

March 1, 1974

I organized all the data for my income tax. We are having beautiful warm weather.

 

March 2, 1974

I went to Stillwater to memorial service for Mable Caldwell who died recently. Loren Olmstead asked me to go with him so I didn't drive. I enjoyed the trip over. I had not known he was such an entertaining raconteur. I laughed until I forgot I was going to a memorial service for one I regarded highly. Warm spring day.

 

March 3, 1974

I attended S.S. and church. A Phillips student named O’ Malley preached. In the P.M. I attended the funeral of Marvin Overton at the Methodist Church. He was a person of integrity, intelligence, and genuine good will – one of my favorite people. He was 83 had been in a rest home the past months

March 4, 1974

I went to Enid to see Dr. Shields.  Right eye 20, left 22. Also to see Mr. Edsall about my income tax. So that is done. Warm day but the wind was a little sharp Dr. Shields is pleased about my eyes. I see he wasn't pleased a year ago.

 

March 5, 1974

I worked today on the paper I read at Pensacola. At the time I wrote it I did not know the papers were to be published, so I did not document it. Now I must do it. A big job. Louise Moore called. I enjoyed her visit very much. Lovely warm day.

 

March 6, 1974

Another lovely spring day. I made good progress in documenting my Pensacola paper. Gerry Schaefer called me this evening and says I am to be on TV Apr. 5.

 

March 7, 1974

I finished my documentation and started copying the paper. I must make a new copy with the documentation. I felt fine but had two migraine attacks. They are always mild – do not make me ill as they once did.

 

March 8, 1974

Nice warm rainy day. I worked on my Pensacola paper. Didn't accomplish as much as I had hoped. Joe Christian came by to see me. He is such a grand person.

 

March 9, 1974

Lovely warm day, cloudy. Sudden shower in the P.M., hard rain this evening. I worked at copying my paper. Text finished, started copying documentation.

 

March 10, 1974

Much rain last night. Much more this P.M. Raymon [sic] Bryson took me to church, which made it easier. A Phillips prof preached a nothing sermon. I think he is senile. He used good words and eloquent sentences but said nothing.

 

March 11, 1974

It cleared off today. All the basements are flooded and so are all the floor furnaces. They are getting a pump from the elevator to clear the basements and dipping up the water from the furnaces. I finished my Pensacola paper. My basement has a little water in it but I hope it will settle away.

 

March 12, 1974

I started on a back log of correspondence. Shall I ever catch up? It is clouding up again. And people are still pumping water out of their basements and mopping the water out of their floor furnaces. 

 

March 13, 1974

Worked on correspondence, etc. Didn't get much done. In the P.M. went to a committee meeting about the high school essay contest.

 

March 14, 1974

 Ruby Romhild died rather suddenly in Enid this week. Funeral there, graveside services here. I got ready to go to the cemetery but it looked so rainy I turned back at the end of Main Street. Then it didn’t rain after all. I worked on correspondence.

 

March 15, 1974

I didn't get much work done – got up late, so had a short forenoon. In the P.M. I drove to all the historical sites of the community (couldn't go before because of mud) – found all the markers O.K. but six. In the evening I made cookies for library open house.

 

March 16, 1974

Didn't get much done today either. Had to keep library in the P.M. Then a Phillips student who is writing a thesis on early days in the Cherokee strip came to see me. A nice boy named Shields, don't think I helped him much.

 

March 17, 1974

Attended S.S. & church. A prof from Phillips preached. In the afternoon we had open house at the library. It turned out very well. Then I spent the evening with my beloved Pat and Ramona. Nice.

 

March 18, 1974

The water in my cellar has all soaked away so I don't have to get it pumped out. Most people in town were not so fortunate. And every floor furnace was soaked and had to be sopped out. I got some material from the historian at Fort Pickens -- Mr. Berndt -- so am rewriting some pages.

 

March 19 , 1974

Rewrote some more pages using the material Mr. Berndt sent. In the afternoon attended club at the library. Winnie had the lesson.

 

March 20, 1974

I continued my additions to my ms. It was a cloudy morning and shortly after noon it began to snow. The ground is white. About 2 in. fell. And it is cold. Yesterday I picked daffodils and jonquils for the house. I am afraid those are all I shall have. Brad Shelby came this evening to interview me for a theme he is writing about early day Marshall.

 

March 21, 1974

It froze hard last night, but today the sun shone and the snow melted except on the north side of houses – where my poor little daffodils and jonquils are still covered with snow. I worked on the ms. Also I got a permanent.

 

March 22, 1974

The rest of the snow melted – that in the shade. I finished incorporating the new material in my ms. Now I must go through it and place the new pages, also change the numbering of my footnotes.

 

March 23, 1974

This was a very cold day – much colder than the day of the snow. Freezing rain in forenoon, though it did not glaze the pavement, only the plants grass. I finished the revision of my ms. In the afternoon I kept the library.

 

March 24, 1974

This was a good day for me – I hardly know why. Perhaps I am resting with the book finished – or nearly so. I attended S.S. and church – heard a poor sermon by a Phillips prof. Had some leisure in the P.M.

 

March 25, 1974

My royalties from the Uni of Okla. Press due in Nov. have been delayed till now. Smaller than last year but welcome. I spent the P.M. making out checks to various good causes – which I usually do in Jan. I wanted to go to Enid but feared another surprise blizzard like the one last Wed.

 

March 26, 1974

I didn't get much work done. We had our club guest day luncheon at the Catholic parish hall. Very nice. Program by high school students.

 

March 27, 1974

I went to Enid to pick up my income tax report. The govt. owes me. By paying a little more this will take of my advance payment for 1974. I arranged for my ticket on plane to speak at Navaho College next month.

 

March 28, 1974

I didn't get much done today. Didn't sleep well last night. Took care of some material I got at the Enid library yesterday. It fills some small gaps in my book ms.

 

March 29, 1974

Bill Byler called from the Assn. of Am. Ind. Aff. – wants me to help the Havasupais. I will but where will I get time? I worked some on my preface but didn't get far. I did not write it when I wrote rest of the ms.

 

March 30, 1974

I worked on my preface.

 

March 31, 1974

Attended S.S. & church – sermon by a Phillips prof. (Not very good.) Then a dinner in honor of Fred and Leota Windler, who are moving to  O.C. We shall miss them greatly. In the P.M. a woman from Guthrie called, who has recently been associated with my dear cousin, Emma Young, in St. Joseph.

 

April 1, 1974

I picked up and mailed the essays written by high school students in the Prairie City contest. I worked on my preface. In the evening I attended the meeting of the Prairie City Committee.

 

April 2, 1974

Finished my preface but it must be copied & I don't know when I shall get it done.

 

April 3, 19[74]

Material from the AAIA about the Havasupais came – 200 copies. I started to write a letter to go with them, would send it to Guthrie for mimeographing. Then the new pastor called (he arrived with his goods only Monday). We talked about it & he said he would mimeograph them on the church machine. So I wrote the letter & he did it.

 

April 4, 1974

I got about 100 letters off today. I had to pen some corrections on the mimeographed copies of the whole 200. Also I had to pull off the relevant pages of 200 copies of the AAIA newsletter. All that took time In the evening I directed , filled & sealed about 50 more which I mailed this evening, will mail in the morning.

 

April 5, 1974

Gerry Schaefer took me to O.C. where I appeared briefly on Danny's Day TV program. I wasn't pleased with my performance – failed to put in a plug for "Prairie City Days" but did for the Havasupais (but not very well) We then called briefly on Ronnie & Julie Schaefer and Gerry's good father and his wife Gussie In the evening I finished the letters.

 

April 6, 1974

I didn't work very hard. Wrote a history of the "Prairie City Days" observance, got things ready for tomorrow. I am afraid my beautiful redbud tree was killed by the late freeze. I am sure my roses were. And few peonies will bloom.

 

April 7, 1974

Palm Sunday Prairie City Days Missed S.S. Hugh & Dorothy Cozart came and we went to church together. Then to schoolhouse for basket dinner. Very happy experience. Then program by gospel singers and I awarded the prizes in Prairie City essay contest. We all wore our 1890 (or earlier) clothes. Then Mabel and Daisy Ven Eeten visited me. Very pleasant day.

 

April 8, 1974

Took care of odds and ends from yesterday. Attended a pleasant tea at the Catholic parish hall given by Marshall Home Ec. Club to res older people. Program by school. Very good. Sad to see moving van in front of Windler's house. We shall miss them. Arlene called me for a long telephone visit.

 

April 9, 1974

I wrote letters, several having to do with the Havasupais.

 

April 10, 1974

 I started working on my lecture for the Navaho Community College. Then Winnie came with some pictures she wanted me to arrange for exhibit during Prairie City Days.

 

April 11, 1974

Good rain last night & we needed it. Lovely sunny day today. I worked on my Navaho Lecture but not much. It was the day to have my hair fixed. I did some more work on Winnie's pictures. Then I attended the graveside service of Margaret Swanton of Crescent, one of the Wilber girls.

 

April 12, 1974

I worked on my Navaho lecture but didn't make much progress. I attended the graveside service of Margaret Swanson's brother, Edward Wilber. Two deaths so close. I hardly knew him but I went out of respect for Margaret and their sister Katherine, who seemed so alone.

 

April 13, 1974

Went to Enid, got my plan ticket to Arizona (rather Cortez, Colo.) – also got eyes checked – right 22, left 24. Nice day.

 

April 14, 1974

Attended S.S. & church. Easter service communion service. Two babies baptized, Tony Schler's boy and Verska boy. In the P.M. I went down on Main St. and enjoyed the windows – photographs and clever "Prairie City Days" posters by school children.

 

April 15, 1974

Big day of Prairie City Days.  I guided tour in the morning, rode in the parade in the P.M. Weather perfect except wind started in late P.M. Everything fine – beautiful parade, fine museum exhibit, everybody carrying out responsibilities efficiently. A good community

 

April 16, 1974

Wrote letters, etc. and attended club at Margaret Perdue's. Fine meeting. Ramona gave the program – a fine one on the UN. Lovely bright day.

 

April 17, 1974

Finished my lecture. Worked all day but didn't get much done. Worried about Carolyn Newell who fainted and was taken in our city ambulance to the hospital. I don't know the trouble.

 

April 18, 1974

I drove to Stillwater to a ceremony hanging Mr. Low's portrait in the library. It was a beautiful occasion and Mr. & Mrs. Low were there, also Frances and one of the boys and some grandchildren. I don't know when have enjoyed anything so much.

 

April 19, 1974

Glorious news that obscures everything else! Our club won on our conservor conservation contest by  Shell Oil! – $700. First place in state. Winnie Branen did practically all of the work. Louise Moore typed it for her.

 

April 20,1974

Hard rain last night. I spoke to the Sons & Daughters of the 89ers at Hennessey at noon luncheon. Winnie Branen went with me. Hard rain all the drive back, some hail just as Ive [sic] got to Marshall. Tornadoes various places in state. No damage so far as I know. The mocking bird is here.

 

April 21, 1974

Attended S. S. and church. I think we have a pastor who really works at his job. I am impressed with his energy and earnestness. In the evening I visited the O'Neills.

 

April 22, 1974

Wrote letters about the Havasupais and prepared for trip. Bill Byler called – thinks pressure is alerting members of congress so they won't just pas park bill without looking at its ignoring of the Indians.

 

April 23, 1974

I took things rather easy today, in readiness for a hard day tomorrow. I packed, worked on my lecture, and drove to Crescent to get an orchid corsage for Winnie. The weather is getting warm.

 

April 24, 1974

Left home at 7:00 with Winnie Branen and Mabel Bryson, who are going to state club convention to pick up award.  Joe B. driving.  Joe B. driving. They put me on plane – left at 9:15 for Denver. Then Cortez, Colo. Ruth Roessel met me, drove 140 miles to Tsaile, Navajo Community College Campus. Dramatic scenery. Staying at a dormitory. Going to bed early.

 

April 25, 1974

Big day. Got up early & took pics. of beautiful campus before breakfast. Then Bob Roessel took me around. Met Jerold Judd. At 1:00 spoke to seminar group. It went off well. More visiting with Ruth and Bob. Then Bob took me to Cortez. It rained some during day and on journey. Rain very welcome. Am staying at Turquoise Motel, very pleasant.

 

April 26, 1974

Left Cortez on 10:03 plane. Long wait at Denver. Then to O.C. Arrived 5:50. Gerry Schaefer met me. I am tired but O.K. It was a very pleasant trip and Bob and Gerold & Ruth thought my visit was profitable to them. Hard for me to believe but I'm glad they feel so.

 

April 27^th, 1974

I was not very tired but I didn't accomplish much. Found Hattie Crossfield had died and was buried today. My first peony bloomed. Some are not blooming – buds killed by snow and cold, but some survived.

 

April 28, 1974

Attended S. S. and church. Rev. Kelley preached a good sermon.

 

April 29, 1974

I worked at copying the lecture I gave the Navajo college students. The man in charge of the seminars wants a copy. I should have made a good copy in the first place. We had a good rain last night. Heard Nixon again on how innocent he is re Watergate. Not so well done as last year's effort.

 

April 30, 1974

Our club met today. Frances Peach was hostess but it rained again last night and the road was muddy, so we met with Winnie Branen. Good meeting. Margaret gave the program about uses made of space program. It cleared off this P.M. Cecilia Warren called. I had lost her for years. So happy to find her – in Lansing, Mich.

 

May 1, 1974

Finished copying my Navajo lecture, except I lack one page I left with a man at the college.

 

May 2, 1974

Packed and got ready for Okla. Federation Writers Federation. My peonies are glorious. Some didn't bloom at all – killed by snow and freeze – but some are doing it.

 

May 3, 1974

Geneva Wise came by for me at about 3:30. Staying at Ramada Inn South. Gladys Burris was with her. I love Gladys. The key they gave me wouldn't unlock my door & they had to make one. Very annoying. At dinner a writer of many books (fluff) from Arkansas spoke.

 

May 4, 1974

Program not in my field but O.K. In the evening was the awards dinner. Best published non-fiction went to Dr. Tassin for Stanley Vestal.  He deserved it. They made five of us honorary life members – one for each year of OWF: There will be one such a year hereafter. Vera Codding, Mr. Campbell, Foster Harris, Glen Shirley & I.

 

May 5, 1974

We stopped in the City to visit Geneva's brother's family. The Holcombs, delightful people. Also her lovely daughter-in-law. Ate dinner in City. Reached home about 3:00. I unpacked. Am very tired. My peonies are glorious.

 

May 6, 1974

I washed today and got no work done. One of the kind of days poets used it to write about – only they put them in June.

 

May 7, 1974

Met with a seminar at Phillips conducted by Dr. Rhoades. Fine group of students and I like Dr. R. very much. I had not prepared anything to say, just met with them, but they asked no questions and I talked a great deal and got very tired. Learned Mrs. Schrage died May 5. Funeral today. Sorry I couldn't attend.

 

May 8, 1974

A day largely wasted.

 

May 9, 1974

Another day in which I wasted time and didn't accomplish much. Had a pleasant call from our pastor. He is a very energetic and capable person. I have great hopes for him. The impeachment hearings have finally begun.

 

May 10, 1974

Got some work done on my Carolyn Thomas Foremen article. I used the air conditioner this P.M. and yesterday P.M.

 

May 11, 1974

Marilyn Lowell called me from S. Car. to say that her mother, my beloved Grace Goodman died suddenly and painlessly of a heart attack in the night. Burial at Ponca City Monday,.  Tonight I watch Nixons [sic] address to the graduates at OSU. Everyone seemed to applaud but I know some of the students felt outraged. Pres. Kamm and the regents did an evil thing inviting him. He used the students tied by the day to build up his case. And they were helpless.

 

May 12, 1974

I attended S.S. and Church. In the evening I visited Pat and Ramona.  After the cheap opportunism last night at the expense of the students it as a relief to have conversation with people of integrity, along with their intelligence.

 

May 13, 1974

Lena Hayes called me this morning to ask if I wanted Grace's funeral. Truly I did. I drove to I35 and parked and she came up from the City and took me the rest of the way. I was thankful to go and Marilyn was glad to see me. Her lovely young daughter made the long sad trip with her.  When we got I35 on the return I picked up my car and drove home. Arrived 5:30.

 

May 14, 1974

I was tired from yesterday but attended club at Madonna Enmeier's. Mary Huffer and I had the program.  I showed slides of West East Africa and she explained them.

 

May 15, 1974

I made some changes in my Geronimo ms. because of some new material. In the evening Ramona and I went to Enid to see "Fidler [sic] on the Roof." The film was old and damaged in places but it was still beautiful. Got home tired at 12:00.

 

May 16, 1974

Tired this morning but recuperated during the day. In the P.M. I drove to Stillwater and stopped at Union Student Union Hotel. Then to a dinner in honor of Helen Donart, who is retiring. I love Helen. It was a pleasant occasion. Helen looked lovely, too young to retire.

 

May 17, 1974

Got home at 11:00. Tired. I have done practically no work all week. And I must finish that paper on Mrs. Foreman.

 

May 18, 1974

I was really ill today – had two migraine attacks. Got no work done. Janet (bless her) turned out to be my adopted granddaughter (a high school home ec. proved) and she made and installed a beautiful new curtain over some shelves in my kitchen replacing one that was never pretty and now old.

 

May 19, 19[74]

I didn’t attend church – hated to miss for it was the annual outdoor service and picnic. I worked on some revisions of my bibliography. Then the Stillwater contingent of the A.C.L.U. board came by and took me to the meeting at O.C. Good meeting. Dick Cummins is now president chairman and a good one. Interesting account of how the ACLU contained anxious visit to Stillwater.

 

May 20, 1974

I finished my preface today. Wrote first draft some weeks ago. Now all my writing is finished – I mean on Geronimo. My Madonna lilies are blooming. A good many were frozen in the late snow and severe cold spell following, but I have some.

 

May 21, 1974

Good rain which we needed. Lovely day. In the evening our club members and their families had a cook out at the Branen yard to entertain our Stillwater friends -- Winnie & Alpachai and Adel Cruz. Mr. Moore did the cooking. It was very pleasant and I think our guests enjoyed it. I didn't get much done on article about Mrs. Foreman.

 

May 22, 1974

Another nice day. I finished my Foreman article but it needs copying.  I’ll put it away till I get the answers to some questions. I see it isn't due till July 1. I thought it was June 1.

 

May 23, 1974

Just as I was ready to go to bed yesterday evening the edge of a bad storm hit us. High wind (100 mi. an hour said the Woodring airport at Enid) and a few hailstones hit with great thumps. I learned today that hail destroyed the wheat between here and Enid. No damage here. It didn't rain much. Today I worked at neglected odds and ends. This evening there were tornado alerts but no damage. Here we got a lovely rain. Afterward there was a beautiful rainbow – double and both circles whole.

 

May 24, 1974

It rained last night and during the morning. I attended to some correspondence and spent much time on a letter that I hope will influence the Methodist Conference to help the Havasupais. Called Bill Byler in N.Y. and got latest news. Mark-up on the bill by the House committee will come first week in June.

 

May 25, 1974

Work It rained again last night. I worked in the library. Pleasant visit. The high school class of 1924 having golden anniversary reunion. Velma Clem, Eunice Baldwin, Madonna Husted, Alma Thurlow, & Pearl Griffin came to the library. Wonderful to see them. In the P.M. I decorated my graves. The country is beautiful enough to make one cry looking over the wheat from the cemetery hill. No words to describe it. Golden wheat green trees & grass.

 

May 26, 1974

 Went to S.S. & church. Fine church service on stewardship of the earth. In the evening attended a committee meeting appointed by the pastor to work on worship services. Bill Schaefer, Gerry Schaefer, Rodney Huffer, and Beverly Vogel. Good group, good meeting. No rain last night. Clear this evening.

 

May 27, 1974

Beautiful day – Memorial Day. I am sure the cemetery is beautiful and the level wheat surrounding it even more so. Eulene Gammon visited me briefly. She and Earl are now living in Wichita. Spent the holiday weekend here. I spent most of the day writing Havasupai letters – one to the Enid paper, which I hope they will publish. I also got food prepared for club picnic tomorrow.

 

May 28, 1974

Our club picnic. We picked up 5 (or was it 4?) girls from the Guthrie Job Corps and ate in Highland Park.  The wind blew so hard we were constantly retrieving things that blew off the table. Not much fun. Then we visited the Territorial Museum. Not much there. Tired tonight.

 

May 29, 1974

I attended to correspondence but wasted much time. After 84 years I still waste time. Our minister called. Interesting visit. He is a real worker. Wheat harvest has started. Grain coming in.

 

May 30, 1974

I started making a final copy of my article about Mrs. Foreman but couldn't finish because I lack one book I requested through interlibrary loan a month ago. Wheat harvest is getting active.

 

May 31, 1974

Last night was filled with lightning, tornado alerts, siren screaming. Nobody slept. I stayed up till about 2:00. Nothing happened but 2 ½  in. rain, which effectively stopped the harvest. I didn't accomplish much. Too tired from last night’s vigil.

 

June 1, 1974

I worked on some letters I hope will help stir OSU to name the library for Mr. Low. He so fully deserves it. I worked in our library in the P.M. The high school, who was supposed to be there, didn't appear.

 

June 2, 1974

Attended S.S. and church. Pentecost Sunday. Fine sermon and communion service. I spent the evening with Pat and Ramona O'Neill. Pat thinks there might be a chance to get back in the harvest tomorrow. I saw a ruby throated hummingbird at the O'Neills.

 

June 3, 1974

I read a magazine ms. of an article for the Journal of the Western History Assns Western Historical Quarterly Utah State U. at Ogden. It was no good. I said "Don't publish." It rained a little last night. No harvesting today.

 

June 4, 1974

A book I had been waiting for came, so I finished and mailed my article about Mrs. Forman. It rained today, a lovely rain, but it prevented the harvest.

 

June 5, 1974

I didn't accomplish much today. Wrote some letters. My regal lilies are blooming.

 

June 6, 1974

It rained again last night and has rained all evening. We are under a tornado warning, but clearly there is no threat here. Bill Byler called me from N.Y. & suggested some letters for me to write. I wrote them.  The Havasupai bill will be worked on by the House committee the week of June 11. All seems hopeful.

 

June 7, 1974

It rained again last night. I went to Enid to have my eyes checked.  Right, 22 ; left, 24. I came home immediately after for fear of rain (It didn't rain.) Saw only a little wheat harvested. Combines standing in the wet fields. I saw hail damage north of Marshall; otherwise the wheat looks well, not suffering much yet.

 

June 8, 1974

I worked on Havasupai letters. Didn't notice TV tornado warnings in P.M. till Ramona brought carbon of my ms. to put down cellar. She had put original in  their safe. Then I watched TV. Drumright shattered, then later Tulsa. Funnels cited here & there but only the two hit. I tried to find whether Alma Friend was in Drumright but failed. Earlier in the P.M. O.C. was hit that caused much Ramona to protect ms.

 

June 9, 1974

Alma at church. Had left Drumright. Attended S.S. & church. Lovely sunny day – first this week – strong wind.  Some people were able to harvest in P.M. In evening I attended a very productive meeting of a worship commee Kelley appointed. We planned Fourth of July observance.

 

June 10, 1974

Janet came for spring house cleaning. Waxing floors, washing windows, new paper on shelves, etc.  She finished the kitchen Bright clear day. I hope now we are to have harvest weather. But the dew was so heavy they couldn't start till 3:00 P.M.

 

June 11, 19[74]

Cloudy all forenoon and a sprinkle of rain. But I saw loads of wheat coming in this P.M. I was afraid it would rain hard and the floors wouldn’t dry so didn’t have Janet work on another room. Anyhow I have a shining kitchen.

 

June 12, 1974

Lovely day but so much dew the combines couldn't get in the fields till about 3:00 P.M. Janet (with me helping a little) cleaned the living dining room and washed windows in the living room.

 

June 13, 1974

Ramona finished my Geronimo ms!! It is wrapped and will be mailed tomorrow [sic]. I strained some muscles lifting furnture [sic]. Not a muscle as I found out later. My bones lack lime and I collapsed a vertebra. We finished the living room. Cloudy and some sprinkles this morning but it cleared off and some combining this P.M.

 

June 14, 1974

I mailed Geronimo!! I am having serious trouble with the arthritis always ready to pounce if I strain a muscle. Not arthritis but a collapsed vertebra The pain was so great I could hardly stand it at times. At other times not bad. Janet cleaned the bedroom, waxed floor, washed windows – the works. It rained in late P.M.

 

June 15, 1974

Janet finished the cleaning – my study and the hall today. I am still in great pain – part of the time.

 

June 16, 1974

I had a bad day. My drive yesterday I suppose. The doctor gave me another shot and an ultra sound treatment but i am still in much pain. A good harvest day.

 

June 17, 1974

[No entry.

 

June 18, 1974

June 16, turned 2 pages Stayed away from church. My worst pain is in getting up after lying down.  Several people came to see if I needed anything – Janet, the Schaefer sisters. The minister & his wife wanted to come but I was lying down.

 

June 19, 1974

June 17 Rained this morning but it dried up and there was some combining in the late P.M. Raymond took me to see Dr. De Witt in Covington. What he said isn't encouraging – my spine is disintegrating & pinches nerves.

 

June 20, 1974

June 18 Pain this morning but not so much. Good harvest day. I felt so well later in the day that I drove my car to Stillwater to bring Adel Cruz of the Philippines to see Frances at harvest. Winnie went along.  Mary Rouse took her back. I hope I didn't suffer any harm.

 

June 21, 1974

And so it continued thru the weeks.

 

June 22, 1974

[No entry.

 

June 23, 1974

I didn't go to church.

 

June 24 , 1974

No change except not so well as at first.

 

June 25, 1974

Mabel Bryson (and Janie) took me to Stillwater to see Dr. Freed. He gave me an Xray. Vertebrae damaged, not by the recent injury but long time. Later – There was injury 10 years ago, an old one. But a new vertebra collapsed from moving the organ. Nothing much to be done. Same as Dr. De Witt. Don Huffer called.

 

June 26, 1974

Harold and Dorothy Leake passing thru stopped briefly. Bad day so far as feelings are concerned.

 

June 27, 1974

Bad day. I have not improved at all. Ramona called Dr. Freed. He said he had no idea when the trouble would let up.

 

June 28, 1974

Miraculously I am over my trouble. Got up greatly improved. The severe pain is gone. Only lame and sore. Suddenly out of the blue. Ill as ever last night when I went to bed.

 

June 29, 1974

[No entry.

 

June 30, 1974

Miraculously I got up much better, am greatly improved. The severe pain has left me. I am well only lame and weak.

 

July 1, 1974

June 30 – I showed slides of Lexington, Concord, Independence Hall, etc. at the S.S. hour. Didn't do very well but managed. Didn't stay for church. But I am still greatly improved over four days ago.

 

July 2, 1974

Yesterday I began to read a book I ordered before the injury and took notes on it. Will change a few pages of my ms. in accordance with what I found there.

 

July 3, 1974

I started work on my Geronimo illustrations. I am still weak and in some pain and I lie down a great deal but I am definitely over the bad part.

 

July 4, 1974

I worked some more on my illustrations. Rev. Kelley called and spent some time. It rained. .4 in last night. We needed more – have had no rain since that first bad week of harvest.

 

July 5, 1974

Drove down town to have my horrible hair fixed. Got a permanent. I was very careful and it didn't seem to hurt. All the time Ramona has attended to my mail and shopping, but today I started on my own.

 

July 6, 1974

I had a good day – the best so far. Merle & Martha Swartz came by and visited me. They have a son (or perhaps a daughter) in Enid.

 

July 7, 1974

Just before I went to bed last night Martha Dehn called from Independence to say they were on the way to Cal. – would start in the morning & stop off. They arrived about 7:00 P.M. Bless them !! Martha and the three girls got supper and washed the dishes. And they slept in their camper. No work for me. And it is so wonderful to have them here.

 

July 8, 1974

My beloved Dehns left about 9:00. I enjoyed them so much. The children have grown out of recognition. I expected Robin to be a teenager but Ricky is as tall as his father. And of the little girls only Deann is little any more. Their visit was a great pleasure and no effort for me. I did get somewhat tired but no harm done.

 

July 9, 1974

I felt fine this morning. (Oh I am still stiff and sore.) And I had a lovely visit with Delton & Lenora Phelan. Wonderful people. I know their families but not them. They live in Calif. And this evening my beloved Luella Reeves called from Canyon. But I got bad news about the Havasupais; Taylor of N. Car., who helped the Alaska natives is working against them when we thought he would help.

 

July 10, 1974

I wrote letters to Carl Albert and Taylor of N. Car. about the Havasupais.

 

July 11, 1974

[No entry.

 

July 12, 1974

This was my best day. I got some real work done on my Geronimo pics. Before this I just pecked a little on them. But I still have to stop and lie down often.

 

July 13, 1974

Another good day and some real work done on my pics. Jim Horton called and we had a pleasant telephone visit. He is at Stroud at the Sac & Fox powwow.

 

July 14, 1974

I had a very bad night and was ill all day. Ray and Shirley Worsley called for a long telephone visit.

 

July 15, 1974

Another bad day

 

July 16, 1974

Felt much better and got some real work done on my Geronimo pics.

 

July 17, 1974

Finished organizing the pics. Now must make final copy. In fact I got one page of final copy done. We are having terribly dry weather. And hot.

 

July 18, 1974

I am not feeling any better. In fact no better than last week. Not severe pain as at first but a dull ache.

 

July 19, 1974

I'm working a little but not much because I often have to stop and lie down. I believe this was the day the Worsleys called for a telephone visit.

 

July 20, 1974

Miraculously I feel much better today. This goes by plateaus. No improvement for a week then suddenly, zip, up much better. And I never go back down – stay on that plateau.

 

July 21, 1974

I went to church! Have been absent 7 Sundays. The Branens had a reception this P.M. celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. But I wasn't up to going. Lay down and slept instead. Mary McLean Smith called from Boerne, Tex. and we had a lovely phone visit.

 

July 22, 1974

I still feel well. Almost entirely well in fact. I finished my pho illustrations. We are having terrible weather – 111⁰ at Fort Sill and up to 107⁰, 108⁰, 109⁰ in other parts of the state. Everything is dying.

 

July 23, 1974

It was cloudy most of the day so it was not so hot. Probably there were showers in places but none here. I spent the forenoon writing recommendations for Gloria Weber, who deserves the best – the P.M. making a change on my ms. because I read another book. I felt almost well till I got too tired.

 

July 24, 1974

Ramona took me to Enid to have my eyes checked Tension low –  left 21, right 19. Very good. Cloudy and cool this morning – hot this P.M. We are very unhappy at getting no rain. Winnie called this evening to talk about club. Jim Horton called for another phone visit.

 

July 25, 1974

[No entry.

 

July 26, 1974

There was much thunder and wind and a little rain last night. Not so hot today. I worked on my ms. In the evening listened to the impeachment statements by Judicial Committee members. Disgusted at some of the Republicans for supporting Nixon. This is a matter of integrity and patriotism, not party politics.

 

July 27, 1974

Prospect of rain gone. I worked on my ms. I am finishing some places to change. Listened to Judicial Committee debate on first impeachment resolution but didn't hear the vote. Learned that it passed.

 

July 28, 1974

Went to church in the morning. Spent the evening with Pat and Ramona. The best day I have had.

 

July 29, 1974

Listened Worked on my ms. In the evening I listened to debate on 2^nd impeachment resolution. Impressed by the general quality of the members. Disgusted by a man from New Jersey, Sandman. I didn't stay up for vote.

 

July 30, 1974

Learned that impeachment resolution passed.  The third passed today but I didn't hear it – working on ms except in evening. The one on bombing Cambodia failed. Cong. was implicated, also. Felt fine – best day.

 

July 31, 1974

Worked on ms. Had very good day today – also yesterday. I am beginning to feel almost normal. Still sore & stiff and ache easily except when I am leaning against a pillow. A poor ignoramus who is running for the for the legis. came to see me. 

 

August 1, 1974

I worked on my ms. Should have done all this before I sent it out but Ramona had harvest responsibilities and I was in constant pain because of my back injury. We had a quick shower this P.M. Not much water fell but I think some rain fell around us east, south, north.

 

August 2, 1974

I worked on my ms. The shower yesterday (.4 in.) didn't relieve the drought any but it made today much cooler. In fact cool and pleasant.

 

August 3, 1974

The forenoon was delightfully cool, even cold. Not very hot the rest of the day. I worked on my ms. The Schaefer sisters called. They have been to see me a lot since I hurt my back. Edith's grand daughters will leave tomorrow. They have taken care of my yard.

 

August 4, 1974

No service at our church.  A number of us attended the Methodist Church. It was a happy experience.  Our two congregations should renite [sic]. That was what we hoped when we joined the E. & R. but a remnant stayed. Today was a communion service. This strengthened our sense of renion [sic]. Another cool day.

 

August 5, 1974

Another pleasant day. There was even a little rain last night – .4, not enough to wet the ground. I got requests from two magazines to revise article. And I want to work on my ms, Pres. Nexion [sic] is really getting what he deserves. Republicans deserting him.

 

August 6, 1974

Worked some on the paper I read at Pensacola. Editor says shorten it because of expense. Why didn't he think of that sooner? Showers around us but none here. Lovely cool evening. I watered things and did other yard work for the first time since my injury. And it was really pleasant. I went to Hennessey for dental work.

 

August 7, 1974

I wrote a letter to the Guthrie Leader summarizing the results of a questionnaire I sent to legislative candidates in this district. Spent the rest of the day working on the revision of my Pensacola paper. Another cool, lovely day. But still no rain for us.

 

August 8, 1974

I went to Hennessey for dental work. Heard the President announce he was resigning effective at noon tomorrow. I never heard anything else so disgusting as his speech – so noble, so patriotic. He is simply amoral. Strangely the commentators did not share my disgust. There was no indication that he simply resigned because he would be impeached.

 

August 9, 1974

Wached [sic] the swearing in Pres. Ford and his brief statement. So refreshing – sincere, simple no contrived effects. I suppose I shall agree with his policy but it is the end of a long nightmare to have a man of integrity as president. It rained last night, beautiful rain this forenoon, very hard rain this evening. Total 4. 1 in. The end of the drought and the end of Nixon. Happy day.

 

August 10, 1974

Still working on my Pensacola article. In the P.M. I worked at the library. Rev. Kelley asked me to teach the adult S.S. class. It is a hard lesson (Colossians) and not much time. Bill Schaefer, the teacher, will be absent.

 

August 11, 1974

I taught the class. Rev. Kelley preached a fine sermon on the events of the past week, and all that peceded [sic] it. In the P.M. he called to return a book and stayed and visited. Then Alma Friend called and she and I had a fine visit.

 

August 12, 1974

We are still having pleasant weather weather. I finished my Pensacola article. Cut down seven pages.  Hard work. Heard Pres. Ford speak to Cong. Everybody happy. So am I. He is a good honest, sincere man. His policy won't be what I want – Viet Nam, military spending, etc.

 

August 13, 1974

It is so good to see everything growing I am going to have two heads of surprise lily blooms. I  washed – didn't wash last week – saved it up – the first time I've washed since I hurt my back. Ramona (bless her) did the washing for me. But she finally decided I was well enough.

 

August 14, 1974

I started on the other article – the one about Mrs. Foreman, a dedicatory essay for Arizona and the West. The editor wants some changes. Still lovely weather. Lovely green lawn. I worked this evening in my flower garden.

 

August 15, 1974

Finished the article. But this mail brought me some astounding information, Lenna Geronimo was with her father at St. Louis. Somehow it must be buried in the Okla. Hist. Soc. somewhere for it was never shown me when I was there working on Geronimo. Lovely weather.

 

August 16, 1974

Worked on my ms. putting in new material. Sent for some more from OHS.

 

August 17, 1974

Worked new material into my ms. Sweet little Kim Carden brought me a lovely bouquet. In the evening attended wedding of Debbie Enmeier and John Wolf. Lovely wedding, lovely couple.

 

August 18, 1974

Attended S.S. but didn't stay for church because of ACLU meeting at Norman at the Pierce home. Dick Cummings came by for me. The meeting dealt with plans and projects worked out by committees so I didn't have any responsibility. Was entirely useless. Am tired tonight.

 

August 19, 1974

Worked on my ms. Was rather tired and not very bright. We need more rain. That 4.1 inch was fine but not enough.

 

August 20, 1974

Worked on my ms. Learned Bertha Bennett died today. Ford nominated Nelson Rockefeller for V.P. Ford is getting better and better.

 

August 21, 1974

Worked on my ms. Finished the second careful reading and made a good many changes.

 

August 22, 1974

Attended the funeral of Bertha Bennett in Methodist Church. Didn't get much work done. The electricity went off in the P.M. so I couldn't use my typewriter. We had a shower – not as much as we needed.  I'd guess about 1/2 in or lest.

 

August 23, 1974

Beautiful rain last night & this A.M. Total 1 ¾ in.  I worked on my ms. Got some new material.  Very surprising.  Learned Lenna Geronimo was with her father in St. Louis.

 

August 24, 1974

Poor little Kay Taborsky was buried today. I didn't attend the funeral because I didn't know her. She put up a brave fight against lukemia [sic]. She would have graduated from high school next year. Sammy Vogel & Brenda Hirkes married this evening. I didn't attend. Too tired. Worked on ms.

 

August 25, 1974

Attended S.S. and church. In the evening Pat and Ramona took me to Holland House in Enid for dinner. Very pleasant.

 

August 26, 1974

Finished work on ms. to the point where I am now. May get new material. Had extra time to attend to neglected correspondence.

 

August 27, 1974

Primary election. Too early to know results. It rained most of the day. I went to Hennessey and got new dentures.

 

August 28, 1974

Spent the day in Okla. Hist. Soc. Indian Archives. Ramona took me. She had a full day's errands in O.C. We are having cool weather all the time. I wore my fall suit and was not uncomfortable.

 

August 29, 1974

The material I got yesterday with what was sent me about Lenna makes it necessary to add several pages to the St. Louis Chapter. I worked on it a little, but it was my day to have my hair done and I also told 5-6 grade children about the early history of Marshall. Cold day.

 

August 30, 1974

Good day's work on my ms. It was so cold this morning I got down my electric stove and used it. This is Community Fair day but I am too busy to attend.

 

August 31, 1974

I had a bad night and was about sick all day. But I did go to the bank to see Mr. Murray about burying some Government securities and in the P.M. I kept the library. The girl didn't show up.

 

September 1, 1974

I taught the S.S. class. Bill is away. I really enjoyed teaching it. Heard a fine sermon by Rev. Kelley. We are having lovely cool weather and everything is so green and beautiful. My clematis is glorious.

 

September 2, 1974

Worked on my ms. – Geronimo at the St. Louis Fair. It was rained last night (we didn't need it) and was so cold all day I started my furnace.

 

September 3, 1974

Cold again today – 47⁰ this morning. But beautiful day, blue sky, bright sun, white clouds. I worked on my ms. In P.M. went to Hennessey to see the dentist.

 

September 4, 1974

Another cold day. I worked on Geronimo ms. & wrote a letter about the Havasupais. Rev. Kelley will mimeograph it. My back still bothers me so I went to see Dr. De Witt. Had to wait in the office till after 9:00 in the evening.

 

September 5, 1974

Lovely cool day. I directed 200 envelopes to send out my Havasupai story. Bill Byler will send me 250 memoranda about present progress. My back is no better.

 

September 6, 1974

Lovely cool day. Directed more envelopes. Failed to count them, so directed too many. Didn't know until I put on my 250 stamps.  Rev. Kelley mimeographed my letter. Now I can mail the material as soon as it come from New York.

 

September 7, 1974

New York material came this morning. So I mailed it & my letter. Generous count, so I mailed 258 & kept 2 (260) – one for Blue Lois Clark, one for me.  And I used all my envelopes. I got very tired. But all are in the mail. Lovely cool day.

 

September 8, 1974

Went to Church – missed S.S. Lois and Blue Clark came up in the P.M. to visit me. And Lowell Edwards and Dorothy from Pensacola were passing through and stopped So we had a reunion. Such a happy experience. But sad news. Learned Mr. Krouse died at Okeene , I would attend funeral but have appointment.

 

September 9, 1974

Went to Enid to have peripheral vision tested O.K. And cataracts not developing much. Pressure, 21 right, 23 left. Terribly shocked & sad to learn Pres. Ford had pardoned Nixon. Didn't hear TV yesterday. I had hoped we at last had integrity in the White Hous [sic].  Now back to the old corruption. It is an outrage.

 

September 10, 1974

Took it easy this morning. Have worked too hard on my letters. Club luncheon and first meeting of the year at Catholic parish hall. Very pleasant.

 

September 11, 1974

Worked on my ms. The material I got at O.C. Warmish day. Used air conditioner – first time in weeks.

 

September 12, 1974

I worked on my ms.  Putting Lenna Geronimo in her proper place at St. Louis fair. Cold day. Used furnace Used the air conditioner a little while today - first time in weeks.

 

September 13, 1974

Got Lenna finished.  It involved rewriting several pages and adding footnotes.  It turned cold.  I used my furnace. I worked on my ms. Another cold day

 

September 14, 1974

I worked on my ms. Almost finished. My TV is doing badly. Edith Holloway thinks the machine itself is O.K. The tape outside is bad – Insulation falling apart.

 

September 15, 1974

Attended S.S. and church. In the P.M. Edith Holloway (bless her) climbed on a ladder and put on a new insulated tape with wires that take the place of an antenna for my TV. In the evening went to a committee meeting planning service for World Communion Sunday. It is raining this evening.

 

September 16, 1974

I don't know how much it rained last night. Not much I think, Cloudy today. I finished my ms except for material I haven't received yet. Worked at several things.

 

September 17, 1974

Didn't get much work done, but in the P.M. I drove to Hennessey to see the dentist. I think he made the final scraping and grinding of my new dentures. They will fit from now on.

 

September 18, 1974

Drove to Stillwater and worked in the OSU library for some final checking. I needed addresses of publishers to whom I will write for permission to quote from their books. It got warm in the P.M. I used my car air conditioner on the way home.

 

September 19, 1974

Rained last night & off & on all day – quiet but hard. I'm guessing 2 in. Later - guess was correct I wrote to all the publishers of books I quoted in Geronimo to ask permission. No time to do it before I wrote . If they refuse I'll delete the quotations. But I'm pretty sure they will agree.

 

September 20, 1974

Cloudy all day, rained off and on,  worked  but didn't accomplish much. I tried to get one map ready for George Beeby to make the final copy but it was too rainy for me to take it to him.

 

September 21, 1974

I did a little work on odds and ends of details about my book, but not much. The sun shone and I did my wash. (I don't wash very often.) Then I spent considerable time on my S.S. lesson. In the evening went with O'Neills to the Holland House at Enid for dinner. Enjoyed it.

 

September 22, 1974

Taught S.S. class. Bill was absent. Attended church service. In the P.M. selected slides for World Communion Sunday. I am afraid it is getting ready to rain again. This sets back the wheat planting.

 

September 23, 1974

It rained off and on all day but not much water fell. I worked with George Beeby on a map for my book.  Also did some work on ms. In the evening attended a very successful meeting at the schoolhouse on environmental improvement in the community. They made me chairman. Not a good choice.

 

September 24, 1974

It rained all day – about 1 in. I guess. Wheat planting delayed some more. In the A.M. I worked on typing rules for a school wide campaign against littering we decided on last night. In the P.M. went to a club meeting at the library.  Winnie Branen, leader of program.

 

September 25, 1974

I didn't work very hard today. But spent some time writing a report on Monday's meeting and talking to Ginger Hitt about it so she can put it in the paper. It cleared off.

 

September 26, 1974

Beautiful golden fall day. I drove to Stillwater for my annual check-up by Dr. Freed. All good but those weak vertebrae. Went to college and saw about international students for club and saw a cartographer about map material. The trouble is the supply office at the college didn't have what I needed.

 

September 27, 1974

Read my ms. to see what geographical sites I mentioned, which I must show on my maps. Cloudy day.

 

September 28, 1974

It turned cold last night but not bad. Lovely little Kim Cardin brought me a great armful of zinnias and marigolds and then stayed to arrange them. Seven vases full.

 

September 29, 1974

Taught the S.S. class again. Attended church. Rev. Kelley came in the P.M. to consult me about work he is contemplating at OSU on his doctorate. Lovely bright day. My beloved Teresa called. She was married yesterday evening in a simple home wedding at Coyle. Home of groom's parents. His name, John House.

 

September 30, 1974

Lovely fall day. Took my car out to the Phillips station for Dean Fuxa to tune up the engine, check brakes, front wheels, etc. I worked on a map for "Geronimo."

 

October 1, 1974

Lovely golden day. I worked on a map. In the evening Kelley came and we worked on slides for next Sunday's service. Got pretty tired.

 

October 2, 1974

Another lovely day. I got my car, It runs like new. I finished my map. One more to go. This was of Geronimo's range in N. Mex. and Ariz. It is very hard to find exact locations of places.

 

October 3, 1974

Started map of Geronimos [sic] refuge and raiding ground in Old Mexico. In the evening attended meeting of the library board. No earth shattering business but several details were attended to. Good meeting.  See entry on Oct 4.

 

October 4, 1974

Worked on map. Miserable windy day. Back to Oct. 3. Bill Byler called, asked help in getting bill for Havasupai out of Rules Com. Clem McShadden is member. I got out letters to everyone I knew in his dist. urging him to get it out. Raymond Bryson a personal friend sent him a telegram.

 

October 5, 1974

Another windy day. Spent much time planning pictures with pastor. For World Communion Sunday he will start story from Made New Zealand, showing churches, congregations etc.  around the world to Midway Island.

 

October 6, 1974

Rainy day. World Communion Sunday. I ran the projector while he traced the service around the world. In the P.M. Dr. & Mrs. Theo. Hetzel (Ted & Becky came to see me. Had been visiting Ind. reservations in the West & passed thru . I have been urging him to make a book of some of his magnificent photos & we fixed it for him to consult OU Press.

 

October 7, 1974

Cold, dark day.  I don't know how much rain we got – less than ½ in. think. I worked on my map of Geronimo's refuge and raiding ground in Mexico. Hard to locate places.

 

October 8, 1974

Didn't get any work done. Too many other things to do. In P.M. went to club. Fine film showing need for better juvenile courts. Still cloudy and rainy. This is the day we hoped Mr. McS and others would move Grand Canyon Park bill with provision for Havasupais out of Rules Committee.

 

October 9, 1974

Foggy this morning. Beautiful P.M. I worked on map but found it hard going. Bill Byler called. The Rules Com. reported the bill with Mr. McS on the job. Carl Albert will see that it is acted on this week.

 

October 10, 1974

Beautiful weather, Wonderful news. The House of Reps. passed the Grand Canyon Park Bill with the Havasupai amendment 180 to 143. Now back to the Senate which passed a bill last year cutting the Havaupais out. I didn't have time to work on map. Went to Hennessey to see dentist but he wasn't in.

 

October 11, 1974

I went to Stillwater to see the doctor. Some purplish spots on my pillow mornings. A disgusting symptom of my age but they could have been blood. But the doctor tested and it wasn't blood. So nothing of any significance. I still don't know the cause. Some of my food I suppose.

 

October 12,1974

I attended to many duties today but now work done on my maps. I am concerned about conditions at McAlester prison. Wrote some about that, And I had the joy of seeing the 4-H kids clean up the worst eyesore in town. Result of Sept. 23 meeting.

 

October 13, 1974

Cloudy day. I attended S.S. and church. Wrote letters and read a book in the afternoon.

 

October 14, 1974

Rained last night. Dark a sprinkling all day. Environmental Improvement Com. met this evening. Disappointingly small attendance but we got something done. Very able & enthusiastic group there.

 

October 15, 1974

Lovely golden day.  Attended meeting of Woman's Club at Winnie Branen's. Met a new woman the wife of the asst. manager of the Farmers Co-op – Mrs. Showalter. Very fine, the sort of person we need in this community.

 

October 16, 1974

I had too many letters etc. to write to work on my Geronimo map. In the P.M. dear friends of long ago, the little sisters of my beloved childhood Chum, Alice Staton, came to see me.  Nellis Thomas and Cora Horsfield, a very pleasant man, a friend of their family was with them.

 

October  17, 1974

Beautiful weather today, a year later also. In the morning I listened to President Ford answer questions regarding pardon of Nixon to a sub-committee of the House Judiciary Committee. I was impressed by his evident integrity. He is not a far seeing statesman but it is worth something to have an honest man, even of limited vision, in the White House. I got a little work on my map.

 

October 18, 1974

Another glorious day. I worked on my Mexico maps It goes slow. Sometimes I have to hunt hours through old books (and new scholarly ones) for one little detail. Today I found I had the date of a battle one day off in my ms.

 

October 19, 1974

Worked all day mostly on tag ends of things and didn't accomplish much.  I did finish my map, such as it is, and turned it over to George Beeby. Beautiful golden day. I did read and criticise [sic] a paper written by Rev. Walter Vernon about Methodist work with Indians.

 

October 20, 1974

Lovely weather. I was supposed to attend an A.C.L.U. board meeting but found no transportation. Missed S.S. & church. I must admit I found it pleasant to stay at home. I heard my favorite TV program; Meet the Press," Special Watergate prosecuter [sic] Jaborsky [sic], who is quitting this week. He is fine.  Answer questions directly and logically.

 

October 21, 1974

Went to Enid to have my eyes checked. Good news. Right 18, left 22 – if I remember right. Anyhow lower than usual. Tried to buy a dress but no luck. Squandered an exhorbitant [sic] sum to buy a footstool because my feet swell. It is truly beautiful.

 

October 22, 1974

Spoke to a small informal group at the east side Meth. Ch. in Stillwater this evening. Earl Mitchell came after me. Visited in the home of the pastor John Rusco before the meeting. My parents and his great-grandparents were friends. I lived in the home of his grandparents when I taught my first school. At the meeting I spoke of living techniques of Okla. pioneers.

 

October 23, 1974

Geo. Beeby has my maps finished. I worked on a read and made suggestions on a history of Methodist work with Indians in this area. It is part of a larger study to be published by the United Meth. Ch.

 

October 24, 1974

It rained all day. I finished reading and commenting on the Meth. ms. I hope my suggestions will help the writer. Also I attended to some correspondence.

 

October 25, 1974

Another rainy day. I wrote a letter to Sen. Ferrell about penal reform. Also drafted a letter to be sent to members of Okla. Library Assn. urging them to join ACLU. Finished the Methodist ms. and got it ready to mail.

 

October 26, 1974

Another rainy day. Total this spell 2.4 3 inches. Worked at odds and ends of correspondence, etc.

 

October 27, 1974

Another dark day. I went to S.S. & church. Spent the evening at the O'Neills'. Very pleasant. Then I read a book Pat loaned me till 1:00 A.M. We changed time today or it would have been 2:00 A.M. I am disgusted with myself.

 

October 28, 1974

It rained hard last night, not the drizzle we have been having. I suppose 2 in. – making 5 in all. I didn't accomplish much. Went to bed too late last night. Too much rain. Wish it would quit.

 

October 29, 1974

Beautiful clear sunny day. I went to Hennessey to see the dentist. The wheat is beautiful. But some, including Pat O'Neill, haven't finished planting and the wet weather is bad for them.

 

October 30, 1974

It rained hard this P.M. and continued all the rest of the day and is still doing it. More rain than we need even for people whose wheat is all in.

 

October 31, 1974

It rained some this morning but finally cleared off. Altogether we got about 5 ½ in. Tonight was "tricks or treats" and UNICEF children. Very pleasant. I got a permanent today.

 

November 1, 1974

Lovely clear day. Kim brought a great armload of flowers. She arranged them for me, nine vases full. For some reason I was about ill all day, I didn't get much done. A letter to an attorney about a plan to protect Mrs. Krause's home on my farm as long as she lives if she should outlive me. I thought a lease of the area around the house would do it.

 

November 2, 1974

In the early morning hours to my complete surprise I was awakened by heavy thunder. Then came a very heavy hard rain. It has rained all day and is continuing. Flooded rivers, sighted funnels severe thunderstorms throughout the state. I stayed in all day. Wrote letters.

 

November 3, 1974

I didn't go to church this morning. Hard rain last night, rained most of day – three 4 inches the past two days, and now we are having another hard shower on top of that. Rivers out of banks all over Oklahoma.

 

November 4, 1974

It cleared off about noon. Rain this last spell was 5 ½ in.  More than 10 in. in the two periods. I had an appointment with the dentist at Hennessey but was afraid to cross the Skeleton. Raymond Bryson found out that my garage door had swollen until I couldn't slide it, so he braced it Saturday and today bolted on an iron rod to hold it. Just like Raymond.

 

November 5, 1974

Another clear bright day. I think we had a very slight frost this morning, the first of the season. Election day.  I am pleased and displeased – pleased at election of some good men replacing bad ones in Cong.  and at defeat of Happy camp. Sorry some slimy characters in minor executive offices were not dislodged. I voted for their Republican opponents but they won.

 

November 6, 1974

I went to Hennessey and had a tooth filled. Saw how the Skeleton had flooded the valley but it did not flow over the road, which is graded above the level of the valley. Nobody lives along that creek any more so nobody had to be evacuated. The last family moved last fall.

 

November 7, 1974

Rained last night and was cloudy all day but not much water fell. I tried to work but somehow didn't accomplish much.

 

November 8, 1974

Another rainy day but not much water fell. Looking at the date above this is the 75th anniversary of my becoming an Oklahoman. I remember very well the drive in a covered wagon down to the farm my father had bought. It was a golden day and we passed fields of new green wheat.

 

November 9, 1974

More rain last night and a miserable drizzly day. Somehow I didn't accomplish much. I didn't loaf but somehow I wasn't very effective.

 

November 10, 1974

More rain last night and a miserable dark day. I went to church (mission festival so no S.S.). Dinner afterward. In the P.M. young Jerry Rusco called. I have known his family 4 generations, since I was 9 years old.

 

November 11, 1974

The sun came out today. In the evening went to a meeting of the environmental group but only 4 of us there. So no meeting. Will have to figure out new techniques.

 

November 12, 1974

Lovely day. Had a fine meeting of the Club at La Donna Haken's home. Mary Rouse hostess & used  La Donna's house because we had visitors and Mary's living room too small. Dr. Atwood spoke of ways of helping children with learning disabilities.

 

November 13, 1974

A day in which I didn't accomplish much. In the P.M. went to Hennessey to have more work done to make my dentures fit. It is getting cold this evening. After I got back from Hennessey I cut all the seeds from my clematis. I don't want them to spread.

 

November 14, 1974

Sunny day. I think a slight frost this morning. Willa Farris called. Bless her. I had a fine telephone visit with that beloved young cousin. I called the OU Press. Had heard nothing since I sent my Geronimo ms. in June. They like it fine and are getting ready to start editing it. Will publish it next year. I had not been impatient, just curious. Glad of the good news.

 

November 15, 1974

Worked had at making final (I hope) changes in the carbon copy of my ms. Ruth Lowes called with bad news from Canyon. My dear friend, Luella Reeves, has been very ill with peretonitis [sic] and the surgeon found a severe internal infection source not discovered. She is very low in the Canyon hospital but is gaining. She has little stamina to resist.

 

November 16, 1974

My ms. came this morning and I worked hard transferring the changes I made in the carbon to this original copy. It is a longer job than I had expected. Nice day.

 

November 17, 1974

I attended S.S. but not church, Domer Dougherty came by and I rode with him to the ACLU board meeting at O.C. There are several new board members and an I like them I like them. Always impressed with Shirley Barry's good work as exec. director.

 

November 18, 1974

Wonderful news. Our Marshall high school students won 3 out of 5 categories in state Farmers Union public speaking contest. Three for Marshall 2 for all the rest of the state! Gerry Schaefer is the teacher.  They get to go to Washington, New York, Philadelphia, etc. My beloved Ray and Shirley Worsley called and we had a good telephone visit. Dark cloudy day.

 

November 19, 1974

There was some rain last night but not much I hope. Today was sunny and warm, I finished the changes in my ms, and Ramona (bless her) spent the P.M. checking them. I held the original and she the carbon copy. And I managed to get it mailed just before the P.O. closed.

 

November 20, 1974

Another nice day. I packed and sent my maps and photographs for "Geronimo" to the University Press.  In the evening attended the pancake supper (cooked and served by the men at the church. The budget for 1975 was presented, to be acted on in January.

 

November 21, 1974

Another nice day. I made another trip to Hennessey to have Dr. Binkley do more work on those dentures. I hope this time they will not hurt.

 

November 22, 1974

Lovely warm day. I did some odds and ends on my Geronimo – ordered two pics, not avalable [sic] earlier, made another attempt to trace the owner of copyrighted material I want to quote – things like that.

 

November 23, 1974

Warm day but in the late P.M. it clouded up and got colder. I worked at correspondence.

 

November 24, 1974

Went to S.S. and church. Thanksgiving service and communion. Rev. Kelley had planned it well and it was a very special service. The sun shone but it is cool. Freeze predicted for tonight.

 

November 25, 1974

Little Tammy Boling, who once lived across the street, but now at Carney, is having a kidney transplant today. The kidney became available yesterday. The child objected to going to the hospital till Bonnie Roberts, her teacher late last year, could be informed. So Mrs. B. called over here with the news. Dear little thing. So loving and trusting. I hope she makes it. It froze last night, 30⁰. Bright but crisp today.

 

November 26, 1974

Cold this morning but it turned out to be a golden autumn day. I have one perfect rose blooming on my "Goldilocks" besides some buds. I filled out some blanks the Uni Press wanted life history, and the scope of my present book, the task quite a job. I had delayed it till I should have the pressing work on the book finished.

 

November 27, 1974

Frost this morning but nice bright day. Nothing much happened I worked at odds and ends but didn't accomplish much.

 

November 28, 1974

Thanksgiving Day. I had dinner and spent P.M. with the Schaefer girls. Mrs. Murphy, there also. Very nice. Warm this morning but clouded over and is now very cold. I still have a perfect yellow rose in my garden but it will freeze. Our club had planned trip to Enid tomorrow for our foreign student friends. I spent much time telephoning

 

November 29, 1974

Ground covered with snow this morning. I drove to P.O. & found roads streets very slick. The sun came out and much is melted now  It as well we called off the trip to Enid. It would have been highly dangerous driving.  We have used much telephoning planning another meeting with our student friends.

 

November 30, 1974

Cold last night – somewhere down in the teens – and although the sun came out it didn't warm up much during the day. Most of the snow melted because the ground is warm. I wrote my Xmas letter. Now I must get it printed.

 

December 1, 1974

It warmed up today and most of the snow melted except in the shade. I attended S.S. and church. Loafed in afternoon.

 

December 2, 1974

Drove to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Right eye 22, left 24. Pressure defends largely I think on how much time has elapsed since my morning drops – This time it was about noon. Surprised to see considerable snow drifts between Marshall & Douglas all along the south edge of the wheat fields. Saw lawyer De Clark in Enid about lease for Mrs. Krause so she will be secure on my farm.

 

December 3, 1974

Same drift on the south of wheat fields all the way to Hennessey, but some melting apparent Didn't get any work done. Washed this morning. In P.M. drove to Hennessey to see Dr. Binkley about my dentures. This time I think he trimmed them down so they will fit. In the evening Winnie Branen and I visited meeting of town council. Very interesting. They are considering a plan for waste disposal. Burning will be forbidden by state law Jan. 1.  We have always disposed of it by burning.

 

December 4, 1974

All the snow melted on the north of my house today. I worked on correspondence.

 

December 5, 1974

I spent the day working on a project for publication of letters I have received from a convict at McAlester. The Uni of Okla. Press is considering it and asked me to send some copies of letters. I have the report sealed and ready to mail. It is cloudy and threatening rain.

 

December 6, 1974

It rained all night and all day but not much water fell. I worked on correspondence and on details of a lease on my farm to protect Mrs. Krause.

 

December 7, 1974

The sun shone but it was cold. Attended to correspondence in the forenoon, worked at library in the afternoon.

 

December 8, 1974

Sunny day but cold. I attended S.S. and church, Rev. Kelley has spent much time on the Advent services. His family helps. He cut down a Kings tree and set it up and with the help of Janet Shelby & Susie Huffer decorated it with Christian symbols. I am sure the congregation enjoyed the service and the explanation that went with the symbols.

 

December 9, 1974

Nice bright day, so warm I turned off the furnace in the P.M. I started writing a review of a reprint by the Uni. of Neb. of Lawrie Tatum's book. But I didn't work hard and didn't get it finished. I am disgusted at myself.

 

December 10, 1974

My Xmas letters came today but no time to use them. Attended Club in A.M. at library. It started raining about noon – not much water, but ground wet. Pat O'Neill & Frances Peach still haven't got their wheat replanted. This wheat planting has been a nerve wracking experience this fall.

 

December 11, 1974

The ground was covered with snow this morning but the weather was not very cold and it melted before night. I finished my review and did some other small writing chores.

 

December 12, 1974

Nice sunny day. I started Xmas letters but got only 31 off. It was my day to get my hair done and I also went to Crescent & got a poinsetta [sic] for Hugh & Ramona. I couldn't think of any Xmas present to get them. They seem to have everything they need.

 

December 13, 1974

Nice warm day. There was a partial eclipse of the sun this morning but I didn't take time to see it. I wrote special messages on my letters and sent them out. I have only 67 done in the two days.

 

December 14, 1974

Warm day. Two young men from Phillips U. came with a camera & a tape recorder to interview. They will present it as a sample to obtain a grant (they hope) for a bicentennial project on the Cherokee Strip. I doubt that I helped them much.

 

December 15 , 1974

Went to S.S. Didn't stay for church. Heard Jimmie Carter on "Meet the Press," like I like him. Went to meeting of ACLU board in O.C. Rode down with Domer Dougherty. The Brysons brought a lovely poinsetta [sic] to the church & said it was mine. I couldn't bring it home because I left after S.S.

 

December 16, 1974

Got my lovely poinsetta [sic] from the church. Got galleys on the article I wrote for my Pensacola paper. Worked hard to correct them & mailed them. Didn't have time to send out many letters. I now have an even 100 out. Only a good start. Warm day.

 

December 17, 1974

Lovely day. Our club went to Crescent and visited the nursing home and the head start center. I didn't get many letters written, am only at 111.

 

December 18, 1974

These Xmas messages I receive and write are like visits with friends. But my writing goes slow – only 138 so far and I had all day to do it, with only a little business correspondence. I have been typing a special message on most of them.

 

December 19, 1974

Learned Pete Ficken was killed Tuesday. Started to put his car in the garage. Probably had a massive heart attack with great pain. The car tore off a corner of the garage, ran into a ravine, and was wrecked.  He had been in feeble health for sometime. Was one year older than I. Somehow I learned of his death only this morning.

 

December 20, 1974

Attended Pete Ficken's funeral. I feel sad about his death. He was a gentle person. But he had been suffering from arthritis and increasing feebleness. He was one year older than I. Rev. Kelley conducted a beautiful service. I sent out some letters – total 191.

 

December 21, 1974

Mr. De Clerck finally sent the lease. He has been busy but I told him to have it this week or drop it. I signed it & sent to Mrs. Krause. Now she can stay in her house on my farm as long as she lives even if I die first. Weather so warm I did without furnace nearly all day. I have now sent out 213 letters.

 

December 22, 1974

Attended S.S. & church. Communion service. I took some pics of the church as decorated for Xmas. In the P.M. the Staton sisters, Nelle Thomas & June Horsfield and a friend Mr. Caston called. Pat and Ramona O'Neill came and we spent a very happy P.M. Nelle & June were younger sisters of my little friend Alice when we all went to country school in the 1900s.

 

December 23, 1974

Bill Byler told me today that the Senate had accepted the amendment to the Grand Canyon National Park Bill providing land for the Havasupais. I am so thankful. I won't send out letters till the president signs it. Nellie Moorman called for a telephone visit. I finished my Xmas messages except some where I was not sure of the address – 238 in all – a few were cards instead of letters.

 

December 24, 1974

I worked on neglected odds and ends, but not very effectively. In the Evening Ramond [sic] Bryson, Mabel, and Arlo took me to the Xmas program. It was very good. After that I opened my packages. It has turned very cold.

 

December 25, 1974

Nice warm day, cloudy part of the time. I had Xmas dinner with my beloved Pat and Ramona. Very pleasant visit. In the evening Pat took me to see the lights in the country and town.

 

December 26, 1974

Miserable dark day with a fine mist falling. I worked but not very effectively. I seem to need a deadline to spur me.

 

December 27, 1974

It rained last night. I don't know how much. Today was a beautiful warm day. I even turned off the furnace for a while in the afternoon. I didn't accomplish much.

 

December 28, 1974

Warm day but cloudy. Excitement this A.M. The pipe that carries water from my eves was lying far out in the yard with both ends closed pat. Edith came to help and found a rabbit wedged in. Big roaming dogs had flattened the ends with their teeth but the rabbit stayed in the middle. We released the rabbit, I took the pipe to the machine shop for straightening and Edith put it back in place.

 

December 29, 1974

Attended S.S. & church. The Johnny Smith family joined the church, the parents from the disciples. The two children were baptized. Also Sharon (nee' Enmeier) and her husband who are here from Cal. had their baby baptized. In the P.M. a man named Chas. Bahos came from Tulsa to talk about new material he has on Round Mts. battle

 

December 30 , 1974

Gloomy rainy day but fortunately not cold enough to freeze. I worked on correspondence, and especially to gain permission to quote from copyright material in Geronimo.

 

December 31, 1974

It cleared off – an almost spring like day. I worked on the Geronimo chore and on correspondence.