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4. 1970s
5. 1975

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January 1 - December 31, 1975

(Box 5/Folder 9)

 

January 1, 1975

Warm blue & gold day – turned furnace off. Nixon’s little helpers got guilty verdict – Mitchell (law & order) Haldeman, Erlichman, Mardian. Good way to start the new year.

 

January 2, 1975

Snowed all forenoon, soft, beautiful, deep, no drift. Sun came out in P.M. & much melting. The A.A.I.A. called to say pressure being brought on Pres. to let Park Bill without Havasupai amendment die. I sent telegram to pres. & called a lot of people throughout U.S. & all agreed to do same. Must be signed by Sat.

 

January 3, 1975

Warm sunny day with much snow melting. Edith’s granddaughter Edie who is greatly gifted in art made some very realistic snow figures yesterday, a conventional snow man, and a very natural hen and a sheep. They suffered some damage today but still standing.

 

January 4, 1975

Another warm day with snow melting. Bill Baylor called me about 11:00 A.M. to say Pres. signed park bill with Havasupai provision. Even as late as last night it hung in the balance. Bitter opposition from Dept. of Agri. & Office of Management & Budget (that crook Ash). It was the telegrams that saved it – ours & of course others.

 

January 5, 1975

Went to S.S. and church. Fine sermon, communion service. Dinner at the church and afterward the annual congregational meeting. Rodney Huffer elected to the vacant place on the board to succeed Sam Vogel. Louie Reim elected pres. In the P.M. I wrote letter to send out re Havasupais

 

January 6, 1975

Two fine young people from N.Y. who were here once before spent the day with me. Drove over from Tulsa. Max & Marcia Odell, Marcia is working on her doctorial dissertation at Cornell. Max is already a Ph.D. Marcia had some questions to ask. She is making a study of Cherokee allotments in Rogers Co. & my And Still the Waters Run makes a background.

 

January 7, 1975

Rev. Kelley mimeographed my letter yesterday. Today I got and stuffed all the envelopes – 131 in all – and mailed them with the story of the good news. Those 131 good people (and others I don’t know) actually changed history for that small tribe. We are having lovely warm weather. I turned my furnace off in the P.M.

 

January 8, 1975

Lovely spring-like day. Winnie Branen and I saw Jackie Pollard and School Supt. Moore about cutting down some scraggy Chinese elms in front of the school house and planting decent ones, our club to pay for the trees & FFA to plant them.

 

January 9, 1975

Worked at odds and ends of writing. Didn’t accomplish much. Blue Clark called to say he and his mother would be up to visit me Sunday. I am very happy about it.

 

January 10, 1975

It turned cold today. But we were fortunate. Got only the edge of a bad storm farther north. We often escape in this way.

 

January 11, 1975

Cold day but sunny. I worked at odds and ends of writing and business. Nothing important.

 

January 12, 1975

Terribly cold – 10°. I didn’t go to S.S. because Blue and his mother were coming. Raymond took me to church – said it was too cold for me to get my car out. Blue & Lois were already here when I got home. Lois brought fried chicken, salad, etc. most of the meal. We had a fine visit. Two people I love.

 

January 13, 1975

Elmer Miller (whom I taught when I was 17, he 9) and his brother (too young to be In in school & I forget his name) came to see me. We had a pleasant visit. The weather is getting warmer.

 

January 14, 1975

I attended club at Ramona’s. Interesting meeting. Winnie Branen and Maxine Harak described their jury duty. Warm day.

 

January 15, 1975

I drove to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Good news. Right eye 20; left 20. It was a warm day. After I got home I left the furnace off the rest of the P.M.

 

January 16, 1975

Warm day. I prepared slides and running comment on bi-centennial theme (Paul Revere, Lexington, Concord, Independence Hall, etc.) for Lions. Showed them at anniversary night (wives as guests) this evening. It was one of my bad days and I wasn’t pleased but they said they liked it.

 

January 17, 1975

Mrs. Stephen Jones of Enid came to see me. She is interested in writing. She is young and very charming and I liked her very much. I think she has a good idea which I hope she will carry through. I think our talk may have clarified it.

 

January 18, 1975

Nothing much happened. I attended to correspondence, etc. It was a nice day, bright, crisp, not very cold.

 

January 19, 1975

Attended S.S. Had to miss church. Went to Tulsa – Domer Dougherty came by for me – to Board meeting of A.C.L.U. Good meeting. That organization is functioning well. Mainly because of an efficient executive secy. Shirley Barry.

 

January 20, 1975

Read yesterday’s paper this morning. Learned that Clive Olmstead was bur died Saturday. Attended his funeral at the Methodist church this afternoon.

 

January 21, 1975

Did not accomplish much today. Slept badly last night and feel the effects. Learned that May Burchardt died. Warm day

 

January 22, 1975

I am working on the master’s thesis left here by Charles Bahos. It is such an excellent piece of work I am writing him some suggestions for publishing a series of articles from it.

 

January 23, 1975

Jan 24 Finished a reading of Bahos’ ms. Wrote several pages of suggestions re public preparing it for publication in a series of articles. It is too good to remain on dusty shelves. Warm day.

 

January 24, 1975

Jan. 25  Attended May Burchardt’s funeral. Heard Tim Blaney died. May was 2 years younger than I and Clive and Tim still younger but they were my contemporaries, young when I was young. Warm day – no heat in the church and my own furnace turned off.

 

January 25, 1975

I have a lump in my breast. Must call Dr. Freed tomo Monday.

 

January 26, 1975

Attended S.S. and church. Then those wonderful people from my church and the Xn church took me to the cafe for dinner to celebrate my birthday. I told Edith, the Brysons, and the O’Neills about the lump. It is probably nothing serious.

 

January 27, 1975

Raymond took me to see Dr. Freed. I could have driven over but he took me. (How good he is.) And the dr. says it is no lump in my breast, just a rib. I suppose there is a bump on it. I had even taken a suitcase along in the event I might have to stay. I am greatly relieved. Warm day.

 

January 28, 1975

Club meeting at the library. I gave the program on public financing of campaigns. The next meeting is with me and we moved it up a week. This will rush me. Pleasant day

 

January 29, 1975

I worked at odds and ends of writing. Nice day.

 

January 30, 1975

Rained last night and most of the day, very hard at times. The darling 3rd & 4th graders invited me to their room. I showed pics. of the Nile & of Egypt, pyramids, Karnak, etc. They gave me a packet of sweet letters they had written me. sang “Happy Birthday”, etc. The dear little Brownies also invited me to their meeting – gave me birthday cards they had made and a very pretty pin. I shall keep all these letters and cards.

 

January 31, 1975

I worked hard all day clearing up up things I had neglected. It was cloudy and warm. Yesterday’s rain was 2 in.

 

February 1, 1975

I didn’t accomplish much today.

 

February 2, 1975

Bill Schaefer has flu so I taught the S.S. class. Rev. Kelley preached a good sermon. In the evening Pat & Ramona took me to a pancake & waffle house in Enid. Very nice place and pleasant evening. It is raining.

 

February 3, 1975

Gloomy wet day. Fortunately it is warm, so no ice on the streets and newly sprouted wheat. I didn’t work much. Getting ready for meeting of club at my house tomorrow.

 

February 4, 1975

Club met at my house today. Maxine gave the lesson on “Music in American History. It was exceedingly interesting.” Another dismal day but warm. I think, however, it is turning cold this evening. Wind coming from north.

 

February 5, 1975

It was cold today and now it is snowing. I worked hard on the history of our club this year but didn’t get it completed. I had hoped to mail it today.

 

February 6, 1975

Cold day but the sun came out. Snow was light – most of it gone. Winnie and I met with Gerry Schaefer and worked out plans for the Prairie City Days essay contest. In the evening I attended Library Board meeting. Fine meeting. We worked out plans for open house March 16. I finished and mailed my club history.

 

February 7, 1975

Not quite so cold, but cold. Mr. started to tear down an old eye sore, the old Am. Legion hut. Our club undertook to bring about the demolition and pay half the cost and Rodney Huffer helped. I started to revise the paper I read at the National Archives two and ½ years ago.

 

February 8, 1975

It has turned very cold, I finished the paper. They are now ready to publish the proceedings. (I was in Washington the day of Watergate, left day of the big flood.) I got a permanent.

 

February 9, 1975

Cold day 10° this morning Raymond Bryson took me to S.S. & church. In Then we ate at cafe. It was full of after church group. In the evening Pat and Ramona had dessert (apple dumplings) with me and spent the evening. Pat & Ramona (bless them) offer to take me to see Luella Reeves as soon as she is well enough.

 

February 10, 1975

Warm day (a surprise after yesterday) Ruth Lowes called. I had told her the O’Neills would take me to see Luella and asked whether she was well enough. Ruth says better wait a while. I called Pat and he said let him know when she is well enough.

 

February 11, 1975

Nothing much happened. I wrote letters.

 

February 12, 1975

Letha (Snyder) Anderson came to see me. I taught her during W.W.II here at Marshall, and had not seen her since. She was a sweet girl and is a fine woman. I had supper with Pat and Ramona and spent the evening with them. Warm day.

 

February 13, 1975

I worked hard at various odds and ends of writing. Guy Logdon [sic] called, wants me to speak at celebration of 500,000 books accession at Uni. of Tulsa library. I said I would. There is no rest for the wicked. I was getting to the place where I could loaf.

 

February 14, 1975

Nothing much happened. I worked at various writing chores. Sent some biographical material to Guy Logsdon and did some preliminary work on my speech. It is turning cold.

 

February 15, 1975

Cold off and on but no snow or other moisture yet. Russell Lash has been forced to resign as corrections director. Best news since the Havasupais got their land back. The governor was responsible. He is living up to expectations.

 

February 16, 1975

It rained and then came sleet in the latter part of the night. Then in the early morning snow came with thunder and lightning. I don’t remember ever seeing that before. It snowed about 3 inches I suppose. No drifting and it was not cold. I didn’t go to church. It was snowing hard at that time. I wrote a letter to the editor about prison at McAlester Spent much time on it.

 

February 17, 1975

Thermometer 9° this morning but much snow melted during the day. Ground still covered. I thought, planned, even wrote a little on my Tulsa talk. This evening the thermacouple [sic] on my furnace quit. Joe Misar, bless his heart, came & put in a new one I had on hand. Charged only $1.50. Bad time to be without a furnace.

 

February 18, 1975

Snowed again last night – now 5 or 6 inches deep. But it thawed some during the day. I worked on my Tulsa talk but not very effectively. I don’t step out except on the porch which is clear.

 

February 19, 1975

Much snow melted so the ground can be seen in places. I was able to drive to the P.O. in late P.M. The pavement is about clear. First time I have left the house. I worked on my Tulsa speech. Idress Cash and Mrs. Smith whom I met at Coventry came to see me. Mrs. S. now lives in New Jersey. She is an American woman who married an Englishman during the war.

 

February 20, 1975

More snow melted. Warmish day. Pat O’Neill O’Neill is going to take me next Tues. to see Luella Reeves if she is well enough and roads clear. I worked a little on my Tulsa speech. Some dear little girls (Brownies & Girl Scouts) brought me some marigolds they had planted. The plants are tiny but I will pet them along.

 

February 21, 1975

It rained last night and that finished all the snow except in the shade. Warm today. I am ill with a cold. Afraid it will prevent my visit to Luella. I was in the beauty shop when a girl came in joking that she was so ill that she couldn’t stand the bed, so came to town. Now I have it.

 

February 22, 1975

(It rained last night – apparently a heavy rain. Then by morning a howling blizzard. Air filled with snow all day – falling from the sky, blown by the wind. Roads blocked. Then tornadoes wrecked 3 towns in s.w. Okla. Poor people – out in this cold. Utilities down. Then here the electric went off in the evening. I groped my way to bed. My cold still bothers me.

 

February 23, 1975

It was predicted it would snow again last night. But it didn’t except in the southeastern corner of the state that missed yesterday’s storm. The sun shone here and much snow melted. But much of the ground is still covered & highways still blocked with drifts. I didn’t go to church. Was supposed to attend an A.C.L.U. meeting but didn’t.

 

February 24, 1975

I had hoped I would be over my cold today but it was worse. I had to phone Luella’s friend Dorothy Smith that I couldn’t go to see her tomorrow. The sun came out and some snow melted. I worked on my Tulsa speech.

 

February 25, 1975

I was really ill today – the day I had hoped to see Luella. It was a warm day and the snow melted, so the ground appeared in places. Of course the main highways have been cleared so we could have gone to Amarillo.

 

February 26, 1975

Warm day. Most of the snow was is gone. I feel so well this evening I think my cold is gone, but I had a bad night and a bad morning. I don’t want to risk giving a cold to Luella. I worked on my Tulsa speech

 

February 27, 1975

Another sunny day. It about finished the snow. This is the first day I have been free from my cold so that I thought it safe to visit Luella. Pat says we will start Monday unless the weather is bad.

 

February 28, 1975

Another warm day. Only a little dirty snow is left in the shade in former drifts. I find we can’t visit Luella Monday. They have moved her and she will still be tired. Also she has company coming with children who tire her Sat. & Sun.

 

March 1, 1975

Pat can’t leave later than Monday because he has to watch his wheat, so Ramona will take me Wednesday. I called her friend Dorothy Smith and she said Wednesday would be fine. I finished my Tulsa lecture today. I was an unscionsionable [sic] time doing it.

 

March 2, 1975

Busy day. S.S. and church in the morning. Ate dinner at the cafe with the Brysons. Shower for Linda Phelan at 2:00. Then John & Roberta Gingerich came by. Wonderful to see them. What a fine couple they are.

 

March 3, 1975

I worked on reading and making minor changes in my Tulsa speech. Cloudy day and in early evening it snowed hard. About 2 inches. Level, no drifts. It has quit now.

 

March 4, 1975

It was cloudy most of the day but virtually all the snow melted. Later in the P.M. it cleared and promises well for our trip to Amarillo tomorrow. I am so eager to see Luella I can hardly believe it will happen. Club met today but I didn’t attend.

 

March 5, 1975

Ramona and I started at 8:00, reached Amarillo at 3:00. Found Luella much worse than she has been but Dorothy didn’t tell us not to come because Luella was so eager to see us. She is very low. I think she will never rally again. Saw her only briefly but she was so glad we came Ruth Lowes and Mattie Mack came up and took us out to eat, so we had a visit with them. Staying in a tourist court motel.

 

March 6, 1975

Saw Luella again this morning. She was touchingly glad we came. It was worth the trip. I am sure this is the beginning of the end. We had good travel both ways. I am so grateful to Ramona. It was so warm we used the air conditioner in the car, but there is still some snow in the ditches. We left shortly after 11:00. Reached home in good time. I am very tired and I am afraid Ramona is.

 

March 7, 1975

I slept a lot and feel surprisingly rested. Ramona sys she feels rested too. I spent the day writing letters and reading a new history of Tulsa put out by the Chamber of Commerce. I regret to say I find it unsatisfactory and I am supposed to review it.

 

March 8, 1975

Colder weather. I went to Enid to have my eyes checked. Right 19, left 21.I had many other things to do but because it is Saturday put them off till next time. I got home just at noon. There is still some snow in the ditches along the road.

 

March 9, 1975

Rained last night. Attended S. S. and church. During service heard thunder. Hard rain and considerable ice on our cars. It was too warm to coat the windshield. Just piled up on the hood and trunk. I wish it would stop raining.

 

March 10, 1975

Cold cloudy day. I didn’t do anything but get ready for tomorrow. Club luncheon featuring old time crafts. I got mine ready. Also packed my suitcase for trip to Tulsa.

 

March 11, 1975

Rained last night and poured this morning. Busy day. Hair washed & set at 9:00. Put out handicrafts at parish hall at 10:30. Baked cornbread for old fashioned luncheon. Ate at 12:00 Mrs. Boatright came from Stillwater brought Aruni from Thailand, also Fern Acton came. Old food, old handicrafts because of bicentennial. Then Josh Josh Stroman & 2 girls came & took me to Tulsa. Staying at Mayo.

 

March 12, 1975

Busy day. TV interview in morning. My speech at 12:30. Visits with many people. Then cocktails (I don’t drink) at 5:30, dinner and a lecture about Sherlock Holmes Clubs. Got to hotel late and tired but all went well I did well on my speech (which doesn’t always happen.)

 

March 13, 1975

In the morning I called briefly on Mrs. Whitham. (She is 95, but so alert mentally) Then the same 3 brought me home-Josh, Kathy Kane and Andra Lanford. Heard on TV it started snowing about noon in Tulsa, sunny here. Hope the road was not too dangerous on their return trip.

 

March 14, 1975

Sunny day. I worked on some questions the editor of my Geronimo ms. sent me. I had made one awful slip which he corrected. I am so grateful for his vigilance Rella Looney drove all the way up from the city to visit me. Bless her. And Maine Austin called for a telephone visit.

 

March 15, 1975

It rained again today!! I worked hard on some changes in my ms. Recently I found a book that solved what had been a puzzle for me. It caused only a minor addition but that involved footnotes, bibliography, text all requiring retyped pages to change a few words. Linda Phelan married this evening but I was too tired to attend.

 

March 16, 1975

We didn’t have our S.S. class. Everybody getting the tables etc. ready after the wedding. Conference minister Jackson preached. He is fine. Then dinner at church. Then library open house, which was very nice. But I am tired. Miserable dark day.

 

March 17, 1975

Called to ask about Luella. She is very low, kept under sedation all the time. I am thankful we went when we did. I finished the changes on my ms. and sent it off. It was warm today. Raining this evening.

 

March 18, 1975

Two men from Tulsa’s OKTV came and spent the day taking pictures, interviewing me, etc. Want a feature story. I think they chose a poor subject but it’s their hard luck. It rained more during the night but cleared off beautifully in the afternoon.

 

March 19, 1975

Dorothy Smith called to tell me that dear Luella died yesterday about 11:00 P.M. Dorothy was with her and other Canyon friends. They had changed from milder sedatives to morphine and she slept from morning on. I am grieved to lose her but glad her suffering is over. Sunny day.

 

March 20, 1975

Another sunny day. I started work on my income tax.

 

March 21, 1975

Warm day but getting cloudy. I did some work in my flower garden. Too wet to stir the soil but scraped off some weeds. Finished income tax figuring but I must copy.

 

March 22, 1975

Finished income tax. Alice Pipla planted 3 roses that came 3 weeks ago. They were very expensive and I feared they would die. The ground is still soaked but I had a little dry dirt in a tub and she mixed it with straw. I hope they will live. Clear day but storm threatened tomorrow. I kept library in afternoon.

 

March 23, 1975

Didn’t attend S.S. or church. Domer Dougherty came by and took me to A.C.L.U. Board meeting at O.C. It was a good meeting. New pres. Unitarian pastor named Jones James Jones. I like him Threatened showers didn’t come. Fair day.

 

March 24, 1975

Clear windy day. We could have waited about planting the roses. I went to Enid and saw Mr. Edsall about my income tax. Ruth Lowes sent me a church bulletin of Luella’s memorial service. It was held March 21. Titled “A Witness to the Resurrection. “

 

March 25, 1975

How I wish we had left the roses till today. Still no rain. I attended Herbert Murphy’s funeral. He was my age. I was never close to him but I loved his wife Mildred who died young of cancer. Also, I loved his sisters Virgie and Esther, and Mildred’s sisters, Jessie and Clarice. All were at the funeral. The service was in the Methodist Church.

 

March 26, 1975

Dark day with wind and rain. I read a ms. the dissertation of a young Dr. Green whom I met at Washington nearly three years ago. I have had it for weeks but got to it only today.

 

March 27, 1975

Very hard rain early this morning, about 6:00 I think. Then a sunny day. Worked on Dr. Green’s ms. Learned Ruth Goodwin died. She was a very small girl and I was a middle sized one when we were in school together. She lived in Enid. I don’t remember her married name.

 

March 28, 1975

Surprise! When I got up this morning the ground was covered with snow. And it was as complete a surprise to the weather men. It snowed all forenoon. I had intended to go to the cemetery for graveside services for Ruth but didn’t risk driving. Worked on Dr. Green’s ms. Streets cleared enough that I got my mail in late P.M.

 

March 29, 1975

Cold cloudy day but clearing. I finished any work on the ms. and boxed it ready to send.

 

March 30, 1975

Went to S.S. and church. Easter. I wish all the people who were at church would come every Sunday. Communion service. I spent the evening with Pat and Ramona.

 

March 31, 1975

Worked on Correspondence.

 

April 1, 1975

Attended club at Frances Peach’s. Margaret Perdue had the lesson, a good one on medical discover contributions of space exploration. Lovely warm day. We don’t have many. But it started getting cold and windy.

 

April 2, 1975

Learned my sister-in-law Ida died yesterday. Will be buried by Edwin. After many lonely years she married a good man, Ralph Arrington. He is very feeble. It will be hard for him. But he has children. Very cold day. Hard freeze last night

 

April 3, 1975

Worked at odds and ends. The sun shone and it warmed up a little.

 

April 4, 1975

Drove to Enid to attend Ida’s funeral. Beautiful service. She was a sweet girl. She and Ralph have been married so long I wonder if her brief life with Edwin seemed to her like a dream. But she chose to be buried beside him – after 43 years. I stopped in Enid and picked up my income tax.

 

April 5, 1975

Another sunny day. I worked but I don’t see much accomplishment. Attended to business, writing letters, cleaning my house.

 

April 6, 1975

Busy day. Missed S.S. Cooked for Prairie Start of “Prairie City Days.” Wore old fashioned costume. Cooked for community picnic dinner at schoolhouse. Missed S.S. Went to church, then dinned, and program. I awarded the prizes in high school essay contest. First, Janet Haken, second Teddy Streck. Pleasant occasion. Tired tonight.

 

April 7, 1975

It rained last night. We are ow under tornado alert, but it is raining softly. I am tired today. Prepared slides for club program tomorrow, showing Lexington, Concord, Independence Hall, etc. Bicentennial of Lexington & Concord this month.

 

April 8, 1975

Club met at library. I had the program – showed pics. of Lexington & Concord. Then in the evening there was a Prairie City Days style show by Tri-County Home Dem. Club directed by Gerry Schaefer. Very entertaining. I modeled my grandmother’s wedding shawl (1857) also 1890 hat etc. and others brought it up to present.

 

April 9, 1975

The 3rd & 4th grade room reenacted the Runs of 1889 or 1893. I saw it & took pics. Very realistic. stick horses, toy wagons, staked claims on school ground Beautiful spring day – one of the few this year. Raymond Winburn scraped bad places on my house ready for painting.

 

April 10, 1975

With Jesse Roberts drove the tours to check the roads. Rain threatened so Raymond could not paint. Heard Pres. Ford’s message on “State of the World.” Help S. Vietnam and Cambodia, give more arms to Turkey, keep up our swollen military budget, trust the C.I.A. How can a good man be so wrong. No brains. But at least he is not a crook like Nixon & Co.

 

April 11, 1975

It was cold today but it cleared off at noon. No rain has fallen during this dismal weather. I think we can have our parade and tours tomorrow – and everything else. I helped get the museum in shape for tomorrow, Winnie, Ramona, and Madonna did most of it.

 

April 12, 1975

Beautiful day, one of only 3 or 4 we have had this spring. Lois Clark and Blue came up to spend the day. Blue brought a delicious boxed lunches for all of us. Lois helped me get into my troublesome pioneer costume. I guided one tour. We had a fine parade. Then contests of all kinds, rodeo, and dance. I came home as soon as the parade was over about 4:00 P. M. Tired but O.K.

 

April 13, 1975

April 15 turned 2 pages 1974 and 1975 Another good painting day. Two in a row! I organized slides and a talk about Lexington and Concord related events.

 

April 14, 1975

April 16, 1975 I suspected termites were getting close to my house, so asked McCool to inspect it. He came. No termites had touched the house but were on pieces of wood under it. Found just in time. Raymond painted. In the evening the pastor Dr. Bidwell came after me & I showed my pics. and spoke at the Disciples church at Garber. Dinner meeting.

 

April 15, 1975

April 13 Turned 2 pages two years running. Attended church and S.S It rained last night and drizzled all day. Small church attendance – rainy day and too much yesterday In the evening Bob & Gerry took me to the Youngblood Hotel where they have cable TV to see myself on TV. An ugly old woman with a raucous voice and awkward gesticulations. Hard on my vanity. Bob and Gerry liked it, said it was just like me. So I can’t wiggle out.   

 

April 16, 1975

April 14 page Another beautiful day. I attended to correspondence. Raymond Winburn painted the south side of my house. I had been dreading it but this half day went painlessly. (It was too wet to paint till afternoon.)

 

April 17, 1975

Kim Cardin came to see me very distressed about her two sisters in Vietnam. Her husband is trying to find a way of saving them. I spent the day writing letters to members of Congress urging the cause of priority in evacuating in-laws of service men. Also advised Stanley Cardin as to whom to contact.

 

April 18, 1975

It rained a little last night. The termite men came and treated my house. It was fortunate that I called them. In a little while the termites would have reached it. Now they are dead. Raymond finished my house all but the porch. He will come back later.

 

April 19, 1975

Beautiful day like last Sat. I had been invited to Hennesey’s [sic] celebration, a dinner meeting by the Sons & Daughters of the 89ers. I sat by Happy Camp. He is a phony. I am reminded this is the bicentennial of Lexington and Concord.

 

April 20, 1975

Went to church & S.S. Then rode with Domer Dougherty to meeting of ACLU board at O.C. Good meeting. The Unitarian minister, James Jones makes a fine chairman. Beautiful day.

 

April 21, 1975

Another beautiful day. I should have gone to Enid last week but couldn’t because of painting and termite man. Was preparing to start today when young Mr. Ross came and set some posts in my flower garden. He is very capable, a good workman.

 

April 22, 1975

Cloudy day. I attended club at Madonna Enmeier’s. Madonna also gave the lesson – beautiful slides of Okla. tourist attractions. Sharon was there with her lovely little girl and Janell with her baby boy. The sisters seemed happy to be there together. One lives in Calif., the other in Lubbock.

 

April 23, 1975

I wanted to go to Enid today but rain was predicted. Then it cleared off! But I didn’t sleep well last night, so was too tired to go even if I had known it wouldn’t rain.

 

April 24, 1975

Couldn’t go to Enid today because Dr. Shields takes Thursdays off. Wrote letters. My lilac is blooming gloriously. Also a hedge of white lilacs along the alley is so beautiful. My father set them out in 1929 but this is the first time they have bloomed fully.

 

April 25, 1975

Raymond worked on my porch. Put in some new boards and got everything ready to paint. I drove to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Each eye 21. I did a number of other things at Enid.

 

April 26, 1975

Raymond did not work today. I spent the day attending to correspondence. This is a real job. People write to me and I try to answer and it keeps me writing all the time.

 

April 27, 1975

Cloudy day and a slight shower in late P.M. We need a real rain. I attended S.S and church. Wrote letters in the P.M. Spent the evening with Pat and Ramona.

 

April 28, 1975

Bright lovely day, only too bad it didn’t rain. Raymond painted the porch and trellises, also window screens. I am truly unhappy over the plight of the innocent people of South Vietnam. Helpless refugees, I don’t care about the corrupt exploiters.

 

April 29, 1975

Another lovely lovely day. The trees are in full leaf now and beautiful. Raymond finished my house and put one coat on the garage. I have dreaded this paint job for a year but it was not so bad.

 

April 30, 1975

Raymond finished the garage. House & garage look like a snow bank. Our club went to Stillwater and had luncheon for Aruni and Adel. Adel will get her Ph.D. this commencement, but her family advise her to stay away from the Philippines because of dictator & probable uprising against him. Aruni took us to her class which examined the experimental wheat plots. Very interesting.

 

May 1, 1975

Lovely day, lovely spring, mockingbirds singing, trees leafed out. I tried to work on a speech for the Enid Writers Club but accomplished nothing. Perhaps I will come up with some ideas tomorrow.

 

May 2, 1975

It rained 1 in. last night. Another hard rain this A.M. and sprinkled all day. We are very happy about it. Now the stars are shining. I paid Raymond for painting the house and garage. It cost $416.88, almost half of it for paint, porch boards, nails, etc. I think I have my speech lined out. Started writing it, I am using some things I have said before.

 

May 3, 1975

A beautiful day after the rain. I worked on my speech for the Enid Writers. In the P.M. I kept the library.

 

May 4, 1975

Glorious day after the rain. Went to S.S. and church. Met an interesting couple, ranchers from La Verne [sic]. They are visiting Bob and Gerry Schaefer. He and Bob were buddies in World War II.

 

May 5, 197[5]

Worked on my Enid speech. Ramona got me some verbenas from Crescent and I got Alice Pipla to plant them. I could not plant them before because of the painting. I wanted them next to the porch.

 

May 6, 1975

My peonies started to bloom. I had two happy experiences. A fine young couple, the Keith Merrils came to see me. He has won an award from the Nat’l Cowboy Hall of Fame for a true movie of cowboy life. Now he has $600,000 to do the same for the Indians. In the P.M. my good friends Virgil & Novella Goodman came. I didn’t get anything done on my speech but what a happy day it was.

 

May 7, 1975

Attended Marcella Bostick’s funeral at the Catholic Church. She grew up here but I didn’t know her. I went out of regard for Vermond [sic] Bostick. Three of his sisters have died within the past two weeks. Also learned Maxine Austen’s husband died Sunday. I finished writing my speech.

 

May 8, 1975

Drove to Enid this P.M. Staying at Midwestern Inn. Had intended to stay with Maxine but her husband was buried today. I feel very sad about it. The meeting was a dinner meeting at the Midwestern Inn. My speech went off well and I enjoyed the association with a very pleasant group of people.

 

May 9, 1975

I drove back by way of Hennessey. Tried Tried to buy some petunias at Bison and Hennessey but too late in the season. I was tired all day and didn’t do much but unpack. Mabel Collins called me this evening to tell me of the death of Lizzie Horne. Raining now.

 

May 10, 1975

Did some work on a speech I am to make at Ponca Wednesday. Thinking of Lizzie. She and Mabel and I were inseparable until my family moved to Okla. when we three were nine. This old affection is very strong. Those two were my first and even yet dearest friends. We had a big rain last night.

 

May 11, 1975

I was sick all night. I think it was a virus that is going around. Stayed in bed all forenoon. No S.S. or church. Feel O.K. now but weak. It rained again last night.

 

May 12, 1975

Felt O.K. but weak. Worked on my Ponca speech. Changed the subject Decided to read Ch. 21 of Geronimo because it is linked with Ponca area in some incidents. But I had to explain some things about the Apache prisoners. Lovely day. Glorious peonies.

 

May 13, 1975

Attended club this P.M. Ramona gave the program – a review of Catherine Drinker Bowen’s Miracle at Philadelphia. Her review was wonderful. It rained most of the day, hard during club. We met at the library.

 

May 14, 1975

Mrs. Gerald Sober came after me this P.M. By that time it had started clearing off. We had a pleasant drive to Ponca. Mrs. is fine, I am staying at Holiday Inn. Mrs. S. had invited some people for dinner at the motel. Her husband (he is fine) and others including Harry Hayman and his wife. I had not heard from Harry since I taught him at North Enid 1918-19. He is fine and so is his wife. In the evening I read my Geronimo chapter 21 to the Hist. Society. It went off fine. I also met Mettie Branen, I taught her 1914-15. Had not seen her since.

 

May 15, 1975

Beautiful spring day. Hope Sober brought me back. We have become friends during the two days. We visited the OSU library. ate at cafeteria, saw Helen Donart. Also went to Crescent where Mr. Sober said there was a show car of the 101 Ranch used as an eating house. It wasn’t there so we went to Covington and found it, ate at cafeteria, saw Helen Donart. It was the advance car. Very interesting. In evening went to Library Board meeting.

 

May 16, 1975

Another beautiful day. I did some correspondence but didn’t accomplish much. The rain has spoiled my beautiful peonies, but I have roses blooming. Also iris. My red clematis was so abused in painting the trellis that all the buds were broken off. It has one beautiful bloom.

 

May 17, 1975

Another beautiful day. I wish the whole year could be like this. I worked on correspondence.

 

May 18, 1975

Missed S.S. & church because of ACLU meeting. That meant that I got to hear favorite TV programs, Sen. Mansfield on “Face the Nation.” Shah of Iran on “Meet the Press.” In P.M. drove rode with Domer Dougherty to the City. Meeting and diner afterwards. Also cocktails, of which I disapprove. Forgot to say today was our S.S. picnic instead of regular service. My favorite service of the year & I missed it.

 

May 19, 1975

Worked on correspondence. It always piles up. Mr. Ricky Ross, the young husband of one of our teachers, cut a lot of dead wood out of my tamerisk. It looks much better. That job has needed doing for years.

 

May 20, 1975

Beautiful bright day. My roses are lovely and so is my mock orange. The iris has about quit. I worked on correspondence.

 

May 21, 1975

Nothing much happened. I worked on correspondence. Some had to do with the title of my Geronimo book. Lovely day but turned warm in the P.M. so that I used my air conditioner in my study for a time. Roses lovely.

 

May 22, 1975

This was a lazy day. I didn’t get much work done. We had a hard rain this evening and it is still raining.

 

May 23, 1975

Rained during the night 2¾ in. in all. I thought it might rain more, so I decorated the 14 graves of my relatives. The road was O.K. except one bad mud hole. Ida’s grave was terribly sunken. I did what I could with a hoe (got very tired) but it still looks bad.

 

May 24, 1975

Alumni reunion this evening, one of the best ones we ever had. It was a great jol joy to meet old friends. But the cloud hangs over us that our school will be closed because of its small for enrolment. We started an alumni campaign to help. Rained this evening

 

May 25, 1975

Went to S.S. but too few for Bill to teach the class. So no S.S. for us. At church we had a communion service. I spent the evening with Pat and Ramona.

 

May 26, 1975

Memorial Day but I didn’t go to the cemetery. I was thinking of the mud hole I crossed Thursday. I worked some at correspondence but not very effectively. Elmer Fraker came by briefly on his way back from the cemetery to O.C.

 

May 27, 1975

Our Woman’s Club had its annual picnic. Drove to Cherokee Strip Museum at Perry. Had business meeting, then picnic lunch on the beautiful grounds under the trees. Then we watched visited the newspaper plant where the processes were explained and we saw the press at work. Finally went through the museum

 

May 28, 1975

I worked at correspondence. In the evening attended a meeting called to devise ways to keep our school from being closed down because of declining enrollment. The Lions’ Den was packed. Very earnest Plans were discussed to bring industry and people to town. Committee appointed.

 

May 29, 1975

It rained last night. Cloudy today but I had an appointment to have Dr. Shields test my eyes. He said I don’t need new glasses. Tension – right 22, left 25. I bought a dress. Pretty, but cost $36 plus tax. Also shoes $17 plus tax. Shoes were hush puppies for everyday wear. The last ones I got hurt my feet.

 

May 30, 1975

It was cloudy and cold today. I even turned on the furnace for a short time in the P.M. I tried to work but didn’t accomplish much.

 

May 31, 1975

Bright beautiful day. My purple clematis is beautiful. So are my roses. Two of the new ones are blooming. I kept the library this P.M. Winnie Blair is coming to see me Thurs.

 

June 1, 1975

Cool day. I even turned the furnace on briefly this morning. I attended S.S. and church. In the evening I visited Pat and Ramona. But somehow I was tired and stupid and the talk lagged.

 

June 2, 1975

I worked on a review I am writing on a book, No Foreign Land, but didn’t get very far. A woman named Maria Facchina called me from Washington. She and Helen Maynor Shierbeck are working on a study of five tribes schools and are coming to see me next week.

 

June 3, 1975

Warm day with dry wind. Perhaps summer is here. I finished the review and wrote some letters.

 

June 4, 1975

I started an article in the form of a letter to Indian Affairs telling how willing people were to help me with the Alaska natives and Havasupais. Moral: Go and do likewise.

 

June 5, 1975

Winnie Blair and her husband came from Tulsa to visit me. I enjoyed it very much. I had never met Dr. Blair before. He is a very pleasant person, a biologist on the Tulsa Uni. faculty yes, I think I did meet him long ago when he and some other young college students visited the Max Shanks.

 

June 6, 1975

Finished my article but it needs to be copied. Severe storms around us this evening. Our lights electricity went very low so I turned off lights and everything else but the refrigerator.

 

June 7, 1975

Electricity went entirely off about 2:00 A.M. Siren warnings but I didn’t go to cellar. I didn’t get much done today. Kept library in afternoon.

 

June 8, 1975

Attended S.S. and church (Wore my new dress) Brief shower in early P.M.; hard one in late P.M.; then a veritable flood later in evening. This is a nerve wracking time with harvest ahead.

 

June 9, 1975

More hard showers during the night. Today a fine young woman from the Tulsa Tribune came to interview me. Name Jacquelyn Boucher. And a man to take pictures – Ben Newby. I liked him too.

 

June 10, 1975

More of those terrible rains last night. Helen Maynor Shierbeck and an associate in an Indian education project were planning to come to see me but delayed it a day. They are in the City. Came by plane from Washington.

 

June 11, 1975

Helen and the other girl came to see me. The other girl is named Maria Facchina. I enjoyed them very much but I am sure I didn’t help them any on their project. Helen was here once years ago and I have always thought a great deal of her. She is a Lumbee Indian from N. Car.

 

June 12, 1975

The sun shone today and Janet Shelby and Elaine Cheatham came to clean my house – wash windows, wash floors – the works. They finished the kitchen and dining room. After what happened at house cleaning a year ago I am afraid to help at any real task. Some tentative start at harvesting.

 

June 13, 1975

Exactly a year from my injury from lifting my organ the girls cleaned the very same room. They even rolled up the rug and pad and waxed the floor, then replaced everything. Some real harvesting was done today. It rained around us but only sprinkled here. A bad looking cloud toward Stillwater. Learned that Mrs. Stuerke died at the Masonic home in Guthrie.

 

June 14, 1975

The girls finished cleaning the house. This was a good harvest day except for the heavy dew in the morning. Lovely bright day. Learned of great damage at Stillwater yesterday P.M. as funnels dropped from the cloud. Nobody killed.

 

June 15, 1975

Attended S.S. and church, Pretty good attendance. In the P.M. all were in the field. I hope we can continue this good weather.

 

June 16, 1975

I wrote some letters, etc. but didn’t accomplish much. I think the harvesting went O.K. today but this evening it rained, not much but I am afraid it will continue.

 

June 17, 1975

I think it rained a good bit last night. No harvesting today. I attended Mrs. Stuerkes funeral at the Methodist Church today she was 94, one of the young pioneers of the Cherokee Strip Opening, probably one of the last Also the last living member of our woman’s club organized 1905. I remember her as a young married woman when I was 13.

 

June 18, 1975

Mean windy day with threat of serious storms. But it was O.K. for combining. Three girls from OSU, Adel from the Philippines, Arunee from Thailand, and another Thai girl came to see the harvest. I drove before them and guided them to Frances’ farm.

 

June 19, 1975

Rain predicted but didn’t come, so harvest progressed. Benedict Jozhe, Moses Loco, and Mr. J’s daughter, Sylvia Cates, came to see me. Apaches, fine people, intelligent, gifted. Enjoyed the visit but I shall have to change some pages in my Geronimo book because of things Mr. Jozhe told me. Got a permanent.

 

June 20, 1975

Another harvest day. A thunder shower could have developed but it didn’t Nelle Thomas, Cora Horsfield, and Russell Caston came to see me. We had a fine visit. I knew Nelle and Cora when we went to country school. Worked on Geronimo

 

June 21, 1975

I worked on my ms. of Geronimo, made some changes because of what I learned from Mr. Jozhe and Mr. Loco. In the P.M. I worked at the library. Spent much time on my S.S. lesson. I am to teach the class while Bill is so tired from harvest.

 

June 22, 1975

The S.S. class didn’t materialize and I came home. Didn’t attend church either. In the P.M went to A.C.L.U. board meeting at O.C. Rode with Domer Dougherty. His wife went along so I got to met [sic] her. Her name is Treva. I like her very much. It rained last night – no harvesting today.

 

June 23, 1975

It rained again last night. Again no harvesting. I learned that Alice Draper died suddenly while she and Leo were on vacation in New Mexico (or perhaps Colorado). We are all heartbroken about it. And poor Leo!

 

June 24, 1975

No harvesting today and another rain in late P.M. It was a lovely rain and we are having lovely weather except for the harvesting. Everything is growing. I am making a last reading of my Geronimo ms. Besides what I learned from Mr. Jozhe & Mr. Loco I find some other needed changes.

 

June 25, 1975

Attended Alice Draper’s funeral. In the church they joined when they moved to Enid last year. Luella Reim drove & the Schaefer sisters and I went with her. I am deeply concerned about Leo. It didn’t rain today but no harvesting.

 

June 26, 1975

I finished all the changes in my ms. except in two places where I must wait for more information. It didn’t rain today but the ground is still too wet for combining. Weeds are getting bad in some fields.

 

June 27, 1975

I drove to Enid and got my plane ticket to Chicago. Will visit cousins there and at K.C. It didn’t rain today and the combines worked this P.M.

 

June 28, 1975

Another day of harvesting. Even on the best days they can’t start till P.M., even as late as 4:00. I finished some chores connected with Geronimo.

 

June 29, 1975

Taught the S.S. class. (Bill too tired with harvest. Attended church. Louise Moore called on me. Pleasant visit. She also brought big bags of garden produce. In the evening Janet brought exchange 4-H girl from Wis. Rachel Mueller. Fine girl. No rain today. O.K. for harvest. Some farmers have finished.

 

June 30, 1975

I wrote the story of my grandmother, Angie Willard, for my little namesake. Also wrapped her 1857 (or there about) photograph along with the romantic story. I will give the story and the pic to this youngest Angie when I go to K.C.

 

July 1, 1975

The Assn. on Am. Ind. Affairs is working to correct the wrong done the Pima Indians by stealing their water Today I wrote a letter to send out to people who will help them. Rev. Kelley will mimeograph it.

 

July 2, 1975

I directed all my envelopes, 209 in all, to send out about the Pimas. Some on my Alaska list have died or moved away. Also I cut out some unpromising names. Kelley just called and said he had  finished the mimeographing. I attended the graveside service of Ora Keller, who died in Ponca City. She was a lovely woman.

 

July 3, 1975

I mailed all my letters. They added up to 214. We have had no rain for some time and most of the harvest is over. Pat O’Neill still has a lot to go and some others do.

 

July 4, 1975

Wrote some important letters and packed for my trip tomorrow.

 

July 5, 1975

John Gingerich coming up from the City picked me up at 11:30. Had a beautiful drive to Topeka through the green country. The air conditioner in the car gave a decptive [sic]  impression of a cool day outside.  Having a delightful visit with John & Roberta in their Topeka home. Also Harriet who was a running around baby when they were a young couple at Marshall.

 

July 6, 1975

Attended church service with John and Roberta. Fine sermon  Pleasant visit in P.M. In the evening some of their friends came in for me to meet them. Fine people. Especially taken with Karen Black.

 

July 7, 1975

Visited with John and Roberta. Saw Methodist Bldg. – had lunch with J. R. and Harriett plus some others I met. Roberta took me to State Hist. Soc. Got some new pics of Geronimo.

 

July 8, 1975

 John & Roberta took me to airport. Robin and her boy friend Tom went along. At Chicago met by my cousin Vera and her daughter Patty. Staying with Vera. Talking a blue streak.

 

July 9, 1975

Mainly visiting with Vera. We did a little shopping. Perhaps it was this day that Mrs. Sayles had us for cocktails (Vera & I don’t drink) in her apt. Patty and John there also. Very nice.

 

July 10, 1975

I guess July 9 Vera had a delightful luncheon at her apt. Met a fine woman, Mrs. Edwards, an artist. Also a Mrs. Beulah Miller I met at Central H.S. in Tulsa, friend of Floy Cobb. Back in 1940. Also met the friendly woman Mrs. Sayles.

 

July 11, 1975

Perhaps July 10 John & Patty had us up to supper (should say dinner). My beloved Shirley & John Worsley were there – also John’s & Cathy’s two young sons, Timothy and Walter. Very pleasant.

 

July 12, 1975

Vera had cocktail party for me. Very pleasant. Met a couple named Theo. & Louann Van Zeldt I hope I shall not lose. My kind of people. About 20 present. All enjoyed themselves.

 

July 13, 1975

Spent the day pleasantly and quietly with Vera.

 

July 14, 1975

Ray & Shirley came and took me, Patty took Vera. Went to Van Zeldt home. Met her father, Mr. Herter and fine young son, David.  Pleasant luncheon. Then she showed us wonderfull [sic] collection of Indian art. Mr. Van Z. not able to leave office. Shirley & Ray took me to their home.

 

July 15, 1975

Fine visit with Shirley & Ray. Also some important shopping and sight of wonderful Arlington Schaumberg shopping center. I love Shirley & Ray. Woodfield Mall is the name of the shopping center.

 

July 16, 1975

Ray and Shirley took me to an antique place called Long Grove. Then for a pleasant drive through the country. In the evening they showed pictures of their trips to Italy and Germany.

 

July 17, 1975

Shirley and Ray took me to Lamb Farm. The “lambs” who work there happily for good wages are retarded ”children” who have been taught skills. A wonderful institution built on compassion and understanding. Ate luncheon there, a most delicious meal well served.

 

July 18, 1975

Shirley invited Vera and Patty for luncheon. Patty couldn’t use the family car today so Ray brought them and took them back.  We all rode back with them. Then Shirley & I washed the silver & china and Ray took us to a pleasant place for dinner. Happy days.

 

July 19, 1975

Shirley and Ray took me to the plane. New airport at K.C., half way between K.C. and St. Joseph. Martha came after me. Dorine and Martha’s girls Deanna and Donnie Sue were alond [sic]. Staying with Dorine. In the evening all the Donnie Dehns came over. So I saw Donnie, Ricky, and Robin.

 

July 20, 1975    

One day Dorine didn’t attend church. Dorine and I set table. The Dehns; Don & Shirley Hartig and their boys, also Judy and her boyfriend, Steve Rogers; Terry and “Skeeter” Gibour and 3-year old Angie. All brought food. Wonderful family meeting. Angie is a regular little angel.

 

July 21, 1975

Visited with Dorine. In the P.M. we went out to the cemetery to see the graves of Nellie & Burton. Aunt Ida & Uncle Zeb and Nellies’ hus husband, Kenneth already buried there.

 

July 22, 1975

Dorine took me for a brief visit with her mother Mrs. Harrison. She is slightly younger than I but not much.

 

July 23, 1975

Don & Shirley Hartig came for Dorine and me at 3:00 & we spent the P.M. and evening with them. All the Hartigs were there, also Don’s mother, Bertha, and her sister and the Gibours with that darling Angie. Happy occasion.

 

July 24, 1975

All the Dehns but Robin who is working had lunch with us today. Very pleasant.

 

July 25, 1975

Donnie, Martha, and Dorine took me to the plane this morning. Pleasant ride on little Frontier Airways plane that flew so low I could enjoy the scene below. Ramona met me. Found it had been hot & dry but rained night before last and yesterday, nearly 3 inches. Pleasant day here today. Rained this evening

 

July 26, 1975

It rained last night and there was a brief shower today. Everybody is happy. A nice cool day. I worked on my stacked up mail. Also got my horrible hair washed and set.

 

July 27, 1975

Attended S.S. and church. Called on Pat and Ramona in the P.M. Wrote some letters but have many more to write.

 

July 28, 1975

Worked on stacked up correspondence.

 

July 29, 1975

It rained last night and was cloudy all day. Mrs. Griffith a pleasant young woman from the Enid Morning News came to interview me. The papers are running out of things to write about.

 

July 30, 1975

Went to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Both eyes 21. Bought a winter coat for my namesake. Too early but I wanted to send her something while she still remembered me. In evening went to an inconclusive meeting about our school.

 

July 31, 1975

I didn’t sleep last night and was tired today. Worked on piled up correspondence. My very dearest friend, Mary McLean Smith is in a coma.

 

August 1, 1975

We had a lovely cool night last night. I turned off the air conditioner and opened the house before I went to bed. I had such a good sleep that I had a good day. I worked on correspondence and a change in Geronimo occasioned by two letters I got.

 

August 2, 1975

I didn’t get much done today. I had to wash in the forenoon and had to wait for a machine. It was so hot with the dryers going that I became exhausted. In the P.M. I worked on a pile of accumulated newspapers & magazines.

 

August 3, 197[5]

Attended Methodist Church. Everyone so friendly it was a regular reunion. (Our minister is on vacation.) Somehow I never felt the past so strongly as I sat there and remembered events of the past 76 years. It was a communion service, which made it just right. In the evening visited Pat & Ramona

 

August 4, 1975

Worked on material that has collected during my trip. Gerry Schaefer went to the hospital today. I have worried about her all summer. I hope they can locate her trouble.

 

August 5, 1975

Read a ms. About Kate Barnettard [sic] by Julie Short. Very interesting. I am sure my beloved Mary Smith has died. She was in a coma when her sisters wrote on July 28,

 

August 6, 1975

I worked some more on Julee [sic] Short’s ms. She has done fine research, but her writing lacks organization. I talked with Gerry. She is in good spirits but her test are not completed.

 

August 7, 1975

Finished reading the ms. and started writing my suggestions.

 

August 8, 1975

Finished my comments on the ms. and mailed it. Good research but needs rewriting.

 

August 9, 1975

Letter from Mary Smith’s sisters thanking me for sympathy. They did not give date of her death. Mary was my dearest friend.

 

August 10, 1975

Went to S.S. and church. Spent the evening with Pat and Ramona. Gerry Schaefer is back from the hospital, but she has to take things easy. I don’t want to call her or call on her because it might cause break into her rest

 

August 11, 1975

Got a call from Alice Florence, daughter of my childhood friend Lizzie Horne. She and her husband are coming to see me Friday, then go on to the Indian Exposition at Anadarko. I selected some Alaska pics to show them. The last time I saw Alice’s parents they showed me Alaska pics.

 

August 12, 1975

My pottery plates are cracked. (Tamak plates don’t stand up.) So I went to Stillwater and bought some Frankoma plates. Did some other things in preparation for company.

 

August 13, 1975

I did a little cooking and other preparation for my company Friday.

 

August 14, 1975

It is getting dry. We have had un-Okla. year, rain (often too much) and sultry instead of scorching heat.  I have read that the jet stream south of us has moved north – and closer. That may be the reason for the climate change.

 

August 15, 1975

Yippee! It rained 1¼  inch. Last night George and Alice Florence arrived in early P.M. They are fine. We became friends immediately. Talked over old times at Welcome when I knew their parents when I was a little girl. Many things

 

August 16, 1975

George and Alice got up early and started out for Anadarko for the Indian Exposition. (They slept in their camper and got their own breakfast.) In the P.M. Winnie Branen and I went to Waukomis and rode in the parade closing their fair, Stanley Hitt drove his T-Model Ford. We We owed it to them. They always come to our parade. I got very tired.

 

August 17, 197[5]

I missed church. The Florences came at about 10:30 full of enthusiasm over the exposition. I had dinner for them and Raymond and Mabel Bryson. (Alice & Mabel washed the dishes.) We had a very pleasant visit Raymond & George talked Hereford cattle and we women found plenty to talk about. They left in mid afternoon. 

 

August 18, 1975

I was very tired today and couldn’t do much work. I did do some work on the Addenda for the next printing of my Hist. of the Inds. I enjoyed the visit of my friends and they made it easy, but I get tired.

 

August 19, 1975

Dr. Christopher Smith of the Geography dept. at OU came to see me. He wants me to speak at symposium in December. I said I would. I am still very tired.

 

August 20, 1975

I felt fine and rested today. But I didn’t accomplish much. We are having hot weather, not scorching like Okla. summer weather and belo only in the 90's, but humid and hard to take.

 

August 21, 1975

I worked on the slides of the trip I took to Mexico in 1960. They are organized but somehow I lost the pages on which were identifications and descriptions. It is hard to supply this after 15 years but I am reading the material I collected and trying to supply the missing data.

 

August 22, 1975

Worked on Mexico slides. The work goes slowly. I have forgotten much in fifteen years. Also I had to wash today and that took time. Still hot and sultry.

 

August 23, 1975

Worked on slides. In the afternoon I attended the funeral of Carl Romhild in the Methodist Church.

 

August 24, 197[5]

Attended S.S. and church. Heard Nothing in the service to get excited about. Went to O.C. with Domer Dougherty to a meeting of my A.C.L.U. committee. Made some plans to increase interest and membership.

 

August 25, 1975

I didn’t sleep well last night and in consequence was very tired today. But I worked on my Mexican slides.

 

August 26, 1975

For some reason I trembled today. But I worked on my Mexican slides. It rained last night and was cool today. Had to use the air conditioner only a spell in the P.M.

 

August 27, 1975

Felt well today. Finished Mex. Slides.  Cool day. Didn’t use air conditioner. It rained this P.M. My roses are blooming beautifully.

 

August 28, 1975

It rained last night. I worked at odds and ends. Didn’t accomplish much.

 

August 29, 1975

I felt well but didn’t get much work done. Wrote some letters. Lovely cool night last night but got hot today.

 

August 30, 1975

With the help of my brief diary entries I started organizing and dating many boxes of photographic slides have that have been accumulating since 1970.  Hot day – the hottest we had . Thermometer reached 101° and sultry. Other years we have gone up to 110° and even more, but dry.

 

August 31 1975

Taught Bill’s S.S. class. (Bob is dangerously ill. Heart attack.) Also attended church. In the P.M. I went to “open house” at the Albert Fickens beautiful new house. Then worked on slides. In the evening I visited with Pat and Ramona. Enjoyed it so much. Hot day – and sultry.

 

September 1, 1975

Holiday but I worked. Bad news from Bob. I started to number and type descriptions of the accumulated slides. Finished “Prairie City Days” and Ruidoso and Mescalero Reservation.

 

September 2, 1975

Worked some more on my slides. Five years to catch up. Finished all the Indians including Navajo Community College and some smaller ones. Still very hot and sultry. Later entry – I forgot Catawbas. Must add them.

 

September 3, 1975

Some time ago I got good news from the Assn. on Am. Ind. Aff. about the Pimas. The Senate committee will hold hearings about their water. Our letters helped. Today I sent copies of the AAIA report to all the people who wrote letters to Committee Chairman Jackson and the Secy. of the Int. to tell them the good news. Tired from directing envelopes.

 

September 4, 1975

Went back to organizing my slides. Got a letter from John Donovan that Jimmie will stop to visit me on his way to college in California. Nice of the boy to want to see an old woman.

September 5, 1975

Went to Enid for Dr. Shields to test peripheral vision. O.K. Also pressure, bo right eye22, left 24. In the evening Jack Finley came. I had not seen him since he was a student a OSU in 1940s. Mother and I thought a great deal of him and his wife Ann (They are divorced now.) I enjoyed seeing him but was tired  from my trip and he stayed till 11:00.

 

September 6, 1975

Lovely, cool day.  Used air conditioner only in P.M. Had to keep the library. Learned late that Bill Schaefer is going to O.C. to see Bob and that I must teach his class. Worked all evening on the lesson.

 

September 7, 1975

Taught Bill’s S.S. class. Attended church. Worked on slides in afternoon. Spent evening with my beloved Pat and Ramona. Pat is working so hard preparing wheat ground he lies around all day Sunday and rests. I would have them visit me, perhaps have supper with me, in the evening but it is easier for Pat to stay at home.

 

September 8, 1975

Worked on slides.

 

September 9, 1975

First club meeting of year. Luncheon at Winnie Branens. Nice. Our lovely Arunee Chantaresnit from Thailand via OSU was there. Also Opal Vculek and Kim Cardin as guests.

 

September 10, 1975

I worked on slides.

 

September 11, 1975

Finished slides. They have been accumulating six years, besides the identifications I lost of the Mexican trip fifteen years ago. So happy to have that job done. It’s been haunting me. It rained this P.M. and off and on ever since. We needed it.

 

September 12, 1975

Got blue prints of my Geronimo maps back. The cartographer made many mistakes. I had hoped to have some relaxed time before my company comes but not now. It was very cold today – down to 50° or so in the morning. I lighted my furnace

 

September 13, 1975

Not so cold as yesterday but cool. I worked on the maps.

 

September 14, 1975

Taught Bill’s S.S. class. Bill is very busy because of Bob’s illness. Attended church service. In the afternoon attended a committee meeting planning for church homecoming Nov. 2. It rained last night. Was cloudy all day and sprinkled some.

 

September 15, 1975

Got ready for Jimmie’s visit tomorrow. My cousin Vera called me for a long telephone visit. I told her that her grandson, Jimmie, was coming tomorrow. He had already told her. We had a very pleasant visit

 

September 16, 1975

I met Jimmie shortly after 1:00 at the Enid airport. But his baggage didn’t come. Also he had been missing sleep and I put him to bed when we got home. In the evening I had asked Jimmie Beeby to come for supper but Cousin Jimmie was too sleepy to talk. Bad evening. Jimmie B. left early and Jimmie soon went to bed. The weather is getting warm.

 

September 17, 1975

Jimmie slept till 2:00 P.M. Then we went to the Enid airport and picked up his baggage. He is now thoroughly awake. In the evening I showed pics of Alaska and he was very much interested. He didn’t make nearly so much fuss over the baggage delay as I should have done. But he was glad to get it.

 

September 18, 1975

We got up early and at 8:00 Raymond Bryson came to take us to the O.C. airport. I sat in the back seat and Jimmie and Raymond had good conversation all the way down. Too bad he was asleep when Jimmie Beeby came. Raymond and I got back at noon. Jimmie will arrive at his Calif. college in early afternoon.

 

September 19, 1975

I attended to neglected correspondence and worked on my maps. Pleasant weather. Cool nights, sunny, cool days.

 

September 20, 1975

Finished the maps.

 

September 21, 1975

Bad news about Bob Schaefer. I am seriously worried about him. I taught Bill’s class, attended church (didn’t care for the sermon). In the P.M. saw the movie “Future Shock” at the church. Didn’t care for that either. Rainy forenoon but it cleared off.

 

September 22, 1975

 Got ready to serve as hostess for the club meeting tomorrow – prepared refreshments, etc.

 

September 23, 1975

The club met at my house. Fine meeting. Winnie gave a most interesting program on early history of women’s clubs and beginning of our Marshall club.

 

September 24, 1975

I finished my maps and mailed them. (At least I think this was the day. I am making a late entry.)

 

September 25, 1975

Not much happened.

 

September 26, 1975

Two young women form OSU came to see me, Penny Martelet and Myra Traynor. Both are history minors. Myra interviewed me as a class assignment; Penny is interested in historical publication.

 

September 27, 1975

Not much happened.

 

September 28, 1975

I taught Bill’s S.S. class and heard a good sermon. Good news about Bob. They plan to send him home tomorrow.

 

September, 29, 1975

Went to Stillwater to have Dr. Freed give me my annual check-up. Everything O.K. Bought some water glasses & a toaster. On the way home my car got hot, water all gone from radiator. The Brysons came by & took over. Raymond got water & filled the radiator & drove behind me on the way home. But no more trouble.

 

September 30, 1975

I rode with Domer Daugherty of Enid to A.C.L.U. luncheon with the national director, Aryeh Neier. He really impressed me. Very interesting.

 

October 1, 1975

Started my lecture for the Uni. of Miss. Didn’t get any permanent writing done but sorted out my ideas.

 

October 2, 1975                                                                                                          

Did some real writing on my lecture.  Attended meeting of the Library Board. Good meeting.

 

October 3, 1974

Worked on my lecture. Got a call this evening from a married son of Mrs. Krause who lives on my farm. His unmarried brother who lives with his mother and does the farm work was killed this afternoon. Only last Dec. I made out a life time lease for her thinking she would have a home on that place the rest of her life. Now with her son  gone what will become of her. She can’t live there alone at her age.

 

October 4, 1975

Read in the Enid paper about the tragedy at Okeene. Hillard Krause, who works at the Co-op, went down into the mill that mixes molasses with feed. He immediately became unconscious (reason not known). Two other men went down to help him and they died too; Man with gas mask got out the bodies. I worked on my lecture.

 

October 5, 1975

Taught Bill’s S.S. class and attended church, World communion Sunday. In the P.M. went with the Schaefer sisters to see Bob. He look fine and is in good sprits but weak. Gerry plans to try teaching tomorrow. The school needs her so badly. She will make her day as short as possible and keep in touch by phone.

 

October 6, 1975

Oct. 6, 1975 misplaced on page for Oct. 8.

 

October 7, 1975

Worked hard on my Miss. lecture, but didn’t accomplish much. Tired from yesterday I suppose. Very warm weather these days.

 

October 8, 1975

Oct. 6, 1975 Turned two pages Olga and Clara Schaefer took me to Okeene to Hillard Krause’s funeral. I was glad I went for Mrs. Krause wanted to see me, kissed me and clung to me. She is completely sunk in grief. I don’t know what will happen to her. Her good son and daughter will do all they can. But her way of life has gone.

 

October 9, 1975

Two daughters of John Hedgecock and one of Josh H., of 89'er families came to see me. They left around the turn of the century. One who is 90 remembers the Run into the Cherokee Strip. One (Josh H’s daughter) gave me news of a beloved play mate I lost more than 70 years ago. We spent the afternoon driving around to see familiar places. The daughter of one was the driver.

 

October 10, 1975

I didn’t try to work on my lecture. Had other things to do. Also got a permanent. It was so hot I didn’t feel like working. Should have used the air conditioner but hated to do it in October.

 

October 11, 1975

Attended the funeral of Richard Jantz at Crescent, I knew him when he was in high school in the 1940's, and had a warm spot in my heart for him. He had a long losing fight with cancer. Hot day. Used my air conditioner.

 

October 12, 1975

Taught Bill’s S.S. class and attended church. In the P.M. Alma Friend and I went over slides to be used at Homecoming, Nov. 2 Hot day. Used air conditioner. Bob and Gerry were at church. It was wonderful to see them. Bob still very weak, holds to bannisters.

 

October 13, 1975

I got some time to take up again copyin making the final copy of my Miss. lecture. I have done a little work these last days going through my notes to help Loren & Eula Ruth Olmstead in early history of Meth. Church Hot weather continues. Pleasant nights and early morning, then so hot I have to use air conditioner through the rest of the day and evening.

 

October 14, 1975

Our club took a tour today.  We visited the Head Start Program at Crescent. (Those darling children, and that understanding Gertha Graves in charge.) Then to Guthrie to visit the Logan Co. Guidance Center.  (Very interesting.) It started raining the evening and is still at it. We needed it badly. Hot day but now it will be cooler.

 

October 15, 1975

Cloudy this morning but cleared off. It rained about 3 in. I drove to Enid, got plane ticket to Memphis, saw Dr. Shields (right eye, 22; left; 24). And had very good luck in buying a suit I shall need at Miss. U.  Cost only $28, which is remarkable at this time. Altogether a very successful trip and I’m not even tired.

 

October 16, 1975

Lovely weather after the rain. I got a permanent. Had a visit with Pat and Ramona. Pat not in field on account of the rain. Still has 200 A. to plant.

 

October 17, 1975

Finished my lecture today. It sounds awful but what I write always sounds that way at first. After a time I like it, even like to read it.

 

October 18, 1975

Worked at odds and ends. Kept library in the afternoon. Lovely weather.

 

October 19, 1975

Busy day.  Taught Bill’s S.S. class and attended church. In P.M. went O.C. with Dorner Dougherty to meeting of A.C.L.U. board. In evening attended a committee meeting at the church called by Don Huffer, chairman, on program for Homecoming Day. Last was best. Much planning carried out.

 

October 20, 1975

Worked on correspondence. It’s getting hot again in afternoon. I didn’t use air conditioner but should have done so.

 

October 21, 1975

I spent some time on correspondence. Then I worked in selecting slides of St. Paul’s history (people and events) to show on Homecoming Day, Nov. 2. Used my air conditioner.

 

October 22, 1975

Worked on slides. I have them selected and organized. Must arrange data on some. It is so warm the ants are out working.

 

October 23, 1975

Almost finished my church slides. It turned out to be quite a job. People gave loaned them to me and I worked at selecting, organizing, and identifying.

 

October 24, 1975

Finished my church slides and arranged slides I am to show at a Lions’ dinner Monday – Paul Revere’s house, Lexington, Concord, Independence Hall, etc.

 

October 25, 1975

It came close to freezing last night if it didn’t quite freeze. I worked on the Lions’ slides. Also spent some time on my U. of  Miss. speech and my Church slides. Three ringed circus all going at once.

 

October 26, 1975

Set clocks back this morning. Wish I could do it once a week. I attended S.S. and church. Bill is teaching his class now. In the P.M. I worked on some data for the Homecoming.

 

October 27, 1975

I packed for my Mississippi trip Then in the evening Joe and Winnie Branen took me to Garber where the Lions were entertaining the teachers. After dinner I showed my slides. I came home tired and went to bed late. It wasn’t bright of me to promise to do this.

 

October 28, 1975

I woke tired – went to bed too late. Eula Ruth Olmstead took me and Jeff Hammer to the O.C. airport and I took plane for Memphis. Dolores De Rossier met me there with her mother Mrs. Thompson of Memphis and Jo Inman Dr. De R’s secy and took me to the Uni. Am staying at a pleasant campus hotel, the alumni house. Going to bed early.

 

October 29, 1975

Woke rested and fine. Had a hectic day and enjoyed it all – met history profs, dinner luncheon with law school faculty, then reception with law people. Dolores took me to see Faulkner home. Then dinner with more pleasant people. My lecture, and reception afterwards. All went off fine. Glad my lecture did for that is what I came for. Going to bed late.

 

October 30, 1975

Didn’t get enough sleep, so tired but no mater – Art. De R. And Delores took me to Memphis. Beautiful drive. Superb weather. I took plane for Enid and Eula Ruth met me. Unpacked. Collected my mail. Will got to bed early. The trip went off well. Forgot to say UNICEF and “tricks or treats” night. I was besieged by children and I loved it. I felt better today than any previous day. But I’m still weak.

 

October 31, 1975

Woke rested. Worked all day on my slides for Sunday. Shows history of church. Gaps of course, but very interesting. I have all marked, so can return them to owners. They keep coming in and I find a place in the narrative for them. Change in weather. Cloudy and dark. Our h.s. homecoming football game is this evening.

 

November 1, 1975

I worked a little on my slides for tomorrow but that work is about done. Mainly I worked at neglected corresp correspondence, etc. Rosalie Dale called me yesterday to say she wanted me to stay with her when the tribute to her husband will be ready and today the U. Of Okla. Press said the book is finished.

 

November 2, 1975

My plumbing clogged this morning but Joe Mesar also cleared it with the plunger. Homecoming at church wonderful experience. Sanctuary packed, also back room and vestibule, some (including me) in basement. Rev. Phil Krause preached. Happy greetings. Dinner at school auditorium. Afternoon meeting church packed but no overflow. I showed slides. People enjoyed them. Rev. Kelley gave fine closing message. Then basement reception, conversation, cookies, coffee. It rained last night, cloudy today but no harm.

 

November 3, 1975

It rained last night and off and on during the day. I wrote letters in the morning. In the P.M. I took my projector and slides to show Emma Diedrich, who has too much arthritis to go to the homecoming. Then I organized the slides to send to those who loaned them.

 

November 4, 1975

Still raining. Everybody is happy about it. I spent the evening with the O’Neills. Ramona served fresh strawberries. Pat said he had to plant only a few patches of wheat washed out by the hard rain 2 weeks ago. Finished last week. Wheat all up he says. Wonderful! He is very happy about it.

 

November 5, 1975

Still raining off and on. People are still happy about it. I started organizing my books. Albert Enmeier made me a newspaper rack that can be used as a book case and it gives me much more space. I had books piled up that I can now put on shelves

 

November 6, 1975

Nov. 7, 1975 Nov. 6 on next page Lovely little Kim Cardin brought me an armful of chrysanthemums yesterday. This morning she came back to visit. I wish I could understand her. I catch only a word now and then. Mrs. Enmeier died this morning. She had been very feeble. I saw by the paper that Alice Hamilton died in Wichita. We taught together in Enid H.S. 1919-23.

 

November 7, 1975

Nov. 6, 197[5]. Nov. 7 on Nov. 6 page. Finished the books. Got Xerox copies of my Geronimo maps. Spent much time checking them. All O.K. My roses are beautiful this fall. But not like the O’Neills’ O’Neills’ rose garden, which is the most beautiful I have ever seen. Nice day. Rain over. But we are happy about it. Wheat fields green

 

November 8, 1975

Brother Hillary of St. Gregory’s at Shawnee and his friend, Mrs. Stanfil, also of Shawnee came to see me. He is writing a life of Chitto Harjo. I think I gave him some suggestions.

 

November 9, 1975

Nov. 6 Attended S.S. and church. In the P.M. went to see Ethel Rudd about the danger of losing our high school because of small enrollment. In evening visited Pat and Ramona. Ate strawberries fresh picked from their garden.

 

November 10, 1975

It turned cold last night and got down to freezing. Attended Mrs. Enmeirer’s  funeral at the church. She was to be buried at Norman. I worked on Club program for tomorrow.

 

November 11, 1975

Attended Club at Mary Rouse’s. I had the program, “ A State is Born.”

 

November 12, 1975

I wrote review of Rennard Strickland’s book but must copy it. Governors office called & asked me to serve on Bicentennial commission. I’d really like to do it – may need to keep history straight – but travel problem. The gov’s assistant said I wouldn’t need to attend meetings. So I agreed to serve.

 

November 13, 1975

There was a little white frost on the grass this morning. It didn’t hurt the roses. I finished the review. Dr. Smith called from Norman to tell me of plans now worked out for the symposium.  I must get busy on my paper.

 

November 14, 197[5]

I started my paper for the symposium at the Uni of Okla. in Dec. And today I got a letter from Blue Clark saying he was coming after me to take me to the reception Nov. 23 in honor of the Dale book.

 

November 15, 1975

I worked on my paper.

 

November 16, 1975

Went to S.S. & church. My car wouldn’t start. Was O.K. yesterday. So I walked. Warm day. In the P.M. attended dedication of Disciples Church. Lovely building. Happy congregation. They had service in met in old church this morning than [sic] walked to new for rest of service, then basket dinner.  I didn’t attend that.

 

November 17, 1975

I worked on my paper. But I had letters to write also. Got a new battery for my car. The one that quit yesterday was dated 1972. Lovely weather.

 

November 18, 1975

Worked on my paper. Got a letter saying I am down to participate on a TV series on the Bill of Rights – the supreme court decisions against public ordered school prayers, etc. First Amendment.

 

November 19, 1975

Worked on my paper. It rained most of the day. Turned cold this evening.

 

November 20, 1975

Very cold day. I worked on my TV assignment – Bill of Rights. Also always there is correspondence.

 

November 21, 1975

Another cold day. I worked on the TV subject. And there are always many things I have to do that use up my time to work.

 

November 22, 1975

Packed and got ready for tomorrow. Worked a little on the TV program but not much. Rosalie Dale invited me to stay with her.

 

November 23, 1975

No church today. Blue Clark came at 9:30 and we reached Mrs. Dales home in good time. Dr. Ed Dale and his wife Sarah, son Everett and daughter Julie and her young husband, Steve Day came soon after Rosalie friends, the McHeels, were there already. We ate quickly some delicious soup Julie had made, changed clothes and went to the reception. Very nice. Then we ate an informal supper & Dr. Dale and Everett started back to Uni. of Ark. All the others left but Sarah and me.

 

November 24, 1975

Had a good visit at the Uni Press with Mary Stith & Ed Shaw.  Mrs. John Ezell took Rosalie, Sarah, and me to a delightful luncheon in O.C. Got back just in time for an informal & delightful reception with the grad. hist. Students. Then Blue (dear boy) brought me home. It was a very pleasant two days.

 

November 25, 1975

It has been very cold but sunny the past two days but dark & threatening today. Ramona was going to take me to the TV station to see a program recorded but we decided it was too dangerous because snowing in Enid. Also I was supposed to go to Enid tomorrow and an Enid woman called and canceled that. Now it is snowing here.

 

November 26, 1975

I was supposed to speak to some high school girls in Enid this morning but too dangerous.  Temperature at 10° this morning but sunny. Cold all day. Not much snow fell here but more in Enid and icy roads in many places. I worked hard on my TV program. Pat O’Neill has some books that helped.

 

November 27, 1975

Thanksgiving Day. I finished my TV statement. Had dinner with the Schaefer sisters. Mrs. Murphy another guest,. Weather warmed up – got sunny and pleasant. Spent the evening with my beloved Pat and Ramona. Enjoyed it very much.

 

November 28, 197[5]

I spent my time telephoning Warmish, cloudy windy day. I worked at odds and ends. Typed my TV statement – final copy.

 

November 29, 1975

It rained last night and this P.M. and was so warm I did without the furnace. The wind blew very hard most of the day. It blew my garge [sic] door off the track so I can’t open it. Can’t use my car.

 

November 30, 1975

Went to S.S. and church. Bill Schaefer wasn’t there so I had to teach the lesson without preparation. Sunny but cold. It turned cold last night. Janet Shelby took me to church, the Schaefer girls took me home. Too cold to walk.

 

December 1, 1975

I didn’t sleep well last night, so was not in good form. Mabel & Raymond took me to the studeo [sic] and we recorded the program on the religious freedom guarantee in the Bill of Rights. I did very badly, have seldom done anything so badly in my life. I am unhappy about it for I think the subject is very important.

 

December 2, 1975

I didn’t sleep much last night but took two hours of sleep just at noon. Then after I got up I felt fine and wrote my Xmas letter & Mrs. Murrel Krause came this morning to take care of some formalities in turning the lease on my farm over to Mr. K. His mother is already settled in a house in Okeene, and is doing as well as on [sic] could expect.

 

December 3, 1975

I worked on my symposium paper. In the evening I went to the pancake supper served by the men at the church. (They washed the dishes too.) Very pleasant.

 

December  4, 1975

Drove to Enid to have my eyes checked. Good news! Tension in right, 20; left, 21. I also bought things I needed – typewriter ribbons, envelopes, hose, and most of all, Xmas letterheads and envelopes, which I took to Dorner Dougherty to have printed. 

 

December 5, 1975

Warm day. Did without the furnace except briefly in the morning. I finished my paper and started to make final copy.

 

December 6, 1975

Another lovely warm day. Turned my furnace off. I finished my paper but I don’t like it very well.

 

December 7, 1975

Went to S.S. and church. Spent the evening with Pat and Ramona.

 

December 8, 1975

Went to Perry to have seat covers put on my car. The seat where I sit had a big hole in upholstery. But I had them check some other things (they put in a new muffler) and they got only the front seats covered. I didn’t want to start home too late.

 

December 9, 1975

Went to club at Maxine Harak’s Margaret Perdue gave the program. Very good. Lovely warm day.

 

December 10, 1975

Lovely warm day. I should have packed for my trip tomorrow but didn’t get to it. Pat came and put up a support for a flag staff. I have a flag with 13 stars, the one adopted June 14

 

December 11, 1975

Warm day. A very nice boy came after me at 1:00 – John Caldwell, a graduate student in the geography department. Pleasant buffet supper at the Wilbanks home. Especially liked Dr. and Mrs. Nostrand who took me there.  Then a very fine address by the writer, Larry McMurtry at the Student Union auditorium.  Am staying at the Sooner House.

 

December 12, 1975

The day was crowded with excellent programs, all dealing with the character of Oklahoma.

 

December 13, 1975

I read my paper today and it turned out well. Dr. Gibson, a very fine historian and I were on the program together. My beloved Blue Clark and a lovely girl named Ruby ____ took me to a quick luncheon. In late afternoon John Caldwell took me home.

 

December 14, 1975

Attended S.S. and church. It rained hard during church and off and on all afternoon. It is very warm. I did without the furnace all day and it was uncomfortably warm in church with the furnace turned off.

 

December 15, 1975

Before I went to bed last night it suddenly turned cold and started snowing. There was a thin covering on the ground this morning But we had a sunny day and most of it melted. My Xmas letters came from the printer and I mailed 51.

 

December 16, 1975

Our club went to O.C., saw a lovely exhibit at the Science and Arts Center at the fairgrounds, then the Xmas show at the planetarium. In the evening attended a meeting of the Marshall Improvement Corporation. Didn’t write any Xmas letters. Bright day, not very cold.

 

December 17, 1975

It turned cold last night but the sun shone. I wrote Xmas letters but my time was short because I had to wash. I hate to think how I have let dirty clothes pile up. I had a wash as big as for a family. I have only 86 letters mailed.

 

December 18, 1975

Wrote more letters. Rather wrote personal messages on the printed ones. This was the day I got my hair shampooed and set, so that cut into my time

 

December 19, 1975

Learned that out lovely Thai girl Arunee is coming over tomorrow. So I had to telephone club members and make some preparations. But still I got some letters off. I have about 175 off now, can tell be the number of stamps I use.

 

December 20, 1975

Aruni came and brought another Thai student, Prajuabjit Harnahaturas It was a lovely sunny ad day, several club members came and we had a lovely party. I didn’t get many letters out.

 

December 21, 1975

I went to S.S. and church. Spent the evening with Pat and Ramona. Very nice day. Sent out Wrote some letters but not many. Slept most of the afternoon.

 

December 22, 1975

Miserable gloomy day. I got up so late I didn’t get many letters written Still I am close to the end of the pile. I am enjoying the letters that are coming in from scattered friends.

 

December 23, 1975

Today I finished my letters. And the letters and cards that come to me are like a visit with scattered friends. Then I had real visits – Nellie Thomas, Julie Horsfield, and Russell Caston came. And Nellie Moorman called me from Calif. And Vera Hasselhorn from Chicago for long telephone visits A very happy day.

 

December 24, 1975

I found the ground covered with snow this morning. It wasn’t very deep and it eventually melted But it was a miserable dark wet day. In the evening Raymond and Mable took me to the program at the church.

 

December 25, 1975

I had Xmas dinner at noon with the Schaefer sisters. Other guests were Mrs. Murphy and the wife & daughter of Geo. Schaefer’s son from Calif. I spent the evening with Pat and Ramona. Very pleasant. And the sun came out in the afternoon.

 

December 26, 1975

Worked at accumulated mail. Also worked with Ramona on plans for Bicentennial. Gov. Boren appointed me on the Okla. Bicentennial Commission.

 

December 27, 1975

More catching up on correspondence an and business.

 

December 28, 1975

Attended S.S. and church. Wrote letters in the afternoon.

 

December 29, 1975

More catching up on letters, etc. The ground was covered with snow this morning. Beautiful. On the trees too, soft and fluffy. Much melted during the day. Dark gloomy day.

 

December 30, 1975

Lovely day – golden sunshine, blue sky, white snow, warmish crisp air. And streets cleared so I could go to town. Most of the snow is gone now. It was a pleasant snow. John Donovan called me for a telephone visit this evening. I got all my back work done but two recommendations

 

December 31, 1975

Beautiful day. I wrote and mailed one recommendation. Didn’t get the other written. Put up new calendars to welcome in Bicentennial. Put away Xmas decorations and all the lovely cards. My furnace stopped this evening and I had to get Joe Misar to put in a new thermocouple.