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4. 1970s
5. 1978

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January 1 - December 31, 1978

(Box 5/Folder 10)

 

January 1, 1978

Cold day but not too bad. I attended church. Good sermon by Jack, communion service.  Five years ago I wondered if I should finish my diary. I did. But now I think it hardly possible that if I am living five years from now, I shall be in this house, taking care of myself and seeing well enough to read books or write letters or even keep a diary. 

 

January 2, 1978

Learned Alice Heydeman broke her hip. I didn’t accomplish much today. I did start a sketch of the Debo family for the projected Logan Co. history. It was cold this morning but sunny and pleasant. Warmed up some during the day. 

 

January 3, 1978

I worked hard and accomplished something, mainly correspondence. I had some interruptions – pleasant ones. Pauline Lynch called. I hadn’t seen her for a long time and was very happy to see her. Also Vera Long came for two copies of Prairie City and stayed for a pleasant visit. Nice day. Sunny and not very cold.

 

January 4, 1978

Another nice day. I finished my Debo sketch for the Logan County history and then decided to throw it away and write another. 

 

January 5, 1978

My day to see Dr. Roberts. But I couldn’t sleep last night – no reason – so Raymond Bryson took me to Stillwater. Dr. Roberts said I need not come any more. Dr. Freed’s annual check would be sufficient A ye When I saw him after I left the hospital he said he wanted to see me every three months for a year. Apperantly [sic] he is pleased with my progress. 

 

January 6, 1978

I worked on my Debo sketch but wasted a lot of time and didn’t accomplish much. We are having very pleasant weather. 

 

January 7, 197[8]

I finished my second version of the Debo sketch. Kept library in the afternoon. It is supposed to get cold tonight.

 

January 8, 1978

Cold day. I attended church – good sermon by Paula. Basket dinner and annual congregational meeting in P.M. Jack for some reason gave a long (too long) carefully prepared speech. I came home very tired. 

 

January 9, 1978

Cold day. Had a wonderful visit with Tibbie and Virginia Shades this forenoon. Worked in the P.M. but didn’t accomplish much. Spent 1 ½ hrs. hunting a family picture I had intended to use with my Debo sketch. I had stowed it away too carefully. When I found it, it was too late to mail the sketch. 

 

January 10, 2020

Cold day. Club was supposed to meet but postponed because several unable to attend. I mailed my family sketch and started a brief history of St. Paul’s church by German settlers shortly after the turn of the century. 

 

January 11, 1978

Very cold day. In the P.M. sleet or ice balls started falling. Terribly slick. Now there is a thin coat of snow on top. I worked a little on my church story but not much. My correspondence takes most of my time. I had a lot to attend to after today’s mail. 

 

January 12, 1978

The ground was white and slick and I stayed in. Raymond brought my mail. Edith swept my porch & steps. Such good people. I worked on my church history but didn’t get much done. I helped Eula Ruth Olmstead with the Methodist history and Ellen Murphy with the Baptist – by telephone of course. I have notes on intervews [sic] made when working on Prairie City. 

 

January 13, 1978

I didn’t sleep much last night. Consequently didn’t feel well enough to get much writing done. The sun came out and the snow and ice melted so I could safely drive to town. Blanche Goodwin died this morning of a heart attack. She had been wearing a pace maker. She and I had known each other since 1899.

 

January 14, 1978

The lock in my front door stuck. Brad Shelby came & released it but the lock doesn’t work. Pretty cold this morning. It got sunny & warmer in the P.M. I should have got a lot of work done but didn’t. Learned Blanche Goodwin died this morning. I have a sore spot in my abdomen that troubles me. Started yesterday, seemed very trivial. Got worse today. Grieved over death of Hubert Humphrey. Too bad he wasn’t elected president in 1968.

 

January 15, 1978

Sore spot pretty sore this morning. So I packed ready for hospital if necessary. Called Dr. Freed at the hospital. He questioned me and said see him tomorrow. Raymond will take me. I attended church. In the P.M. Russell & Cora Caston called. Fine visit. Then I went to visit Pat & Ramona. Enjoyed it. Cold day. Starting to sleet tonight. 

 

January 16, 1978

Roads too bad with ice on ground and thin snow covering on top for Raymond and me to go to Stillwater. And the sore is getting better anyhow. I called doctor’s office and said I’d come when I could. Shut in all day. Very cold and a strong wind blowing. I didn’t get much work done on my church piece. Learned Almina Welber Selman died. 

 

January 17, 1978

Raymond took me to Stillwater to see Dr. Freed. He said nothing serious. The road seemed safe but was almost deserted and so was the doctor’s office. Somehow I was tired when I got back – I don’t know why. Went to bed and slept most of P.M. Tired tonight. 

 

January 18, 1978

Had a bad night, very ill this morning. Called Pat. It is snowing. He and Raymond took me to Stillwater-two men safer than one. Saw Dr. [unsure of name] (Freed [?] off today] and he put[?] me in the hospital. Peneallen [?] shots. Bad throat [?] spreading to lung. Very ill.

 

January 19, 1978

Written later. Felt much better. Stayed in bed all day. Infection in throat.

 

January 20, 1978

I believe this was the day Pat and Ramona came to see me. The weather is terrible. 

 

January 21, 1978

& ff Felt better all the time. Weather outside terrible. 

 

January 22, 1978

[No entry]

 

January 23, 1978

Pat & Ramona came after me and brought me home. Ramona (bless her!) had changed my bed linen & washed everything in my clothes hamper. Terrible weather. I am well enough to take care of myself. 

 

January 24, 1978

I believe this was the day Don and Evadean Huffer came to see me. Asked if I would be well enough to celebrate birthday Sunday. I said, Yes. 

 

January 25, 1978

Snowed off and on. I hate it but it was beautiful – great, soft flakes falling so thick and fast. And it wasn’t very cold – just about freezing. 

 

January 26, 1978

I needed to have (Dr. Shields) 18 right; 18 left, Good! check my eyes so went to Enid with Ramona, who had an Enid errand. Got driver’s license at Covington. Don Huffer got my car license one day when he got his. He I got pretty tired. The weather is cold but the roads are clear. 

 

January 27, 1978

I drove down town,  took care of my mail went to bank. Pat and Raymond have been doing this for me. Also I got my hair washed and set. My car started O.K. Last time it was used was Jan. 15. Terribly cold day but most of snow & ice gone.

 

January 28, 1978

Went to town again today. Wrote some letters but I tire easily – don’t have much strength. Cold day but the sun shone. 

 

January 29, 1978

Didn’t feel like going to church. The congregation took me to the nice little restaurant for dinner.  It was packed. So wonderful of the people to do that for me. Don and Evadean were the moving spirits in the celebration. Evadean baked one of her beautiful cakes. Don took me there. Mabel & Raymond gave me a lovely corsage. God bless them all. 

 January 30, 1978

My 88^th birthday. I am not as active as I once was but I have much to be thankful for. My mail box was packed with lovely cards and even more lovely messages. 

 

January 31, 1978

Our club met today at Winnie’s, not the regular time of meeting but we have missed so many this was a make-up one. It started snowing before we adjourned and now the ground is white. 

 

February 1, 1978

It warmed up this P.M. so the snow melted on the pavement and driving became safer. But I didn’t step out. Ramona got my mail. I didn’t get any work done – didn’t feel like working.

 

February 2, 1978

Very cold today. I was afraid to step out, so I didn’t get my mail. I did some real work though – on a Who’s Who biography and some material Blanche Bacus sent for the Logan Co. History. Jim Horton called me for a pleasant telephone visit. 

 

February 3, 1978

It got warm today and melted much of the snow. It seems wonderful. I was able to drive to town. It was even pleasant outside. 

 

February 4, 1978

It thawed enough so I could drive to the post office and the library. But somehow I failed to get much writing done. Miserable dark, cold day. Well, not very cold. 

 

February 5, 1978

The sun shone all day but it was cold.  Anyhow it was good to see the sun. I went to church – heard a very fine sermon by Jack. Had dinner with the Schaefer sisters. Very pleasant. But the weather man says we have a storm coming 

 

February 6, 1978

Terribly cold day and worse is coming. I saw the assessor at the bank & when I tried to start my care [sic] to go home I choked it. Stanley Hitt started it, took me home & left the car at Earnheart’s station. But nothing was the matter with it so Mr. E. brought it home and didn’t even charge me. Good men – Stanley & Earnheart. I started working on a lecture I am to give Feb. 20. 

 

February 7, 1978

About 2 or 3 inches of snow fell last night. No sign of drifting so it will stay on the ground and do some good. Our previous snows have been scanty – only a nuisance. I worked on my lecture. Didn’t step out. 

 

February 8, 1978

Cloudy day. No snow melting. Pat brings my mail. Ramona went to the store today and got groceries for me also. I did some good work on my lecture. Mabel Bryson who has been in the hospital at Enid was to come home today. I suppose she did. The roads are O.K. No ice. 

 

February 9, 1978

Another snow last night, about 3 in. soft and dry, little drifting. The sun shone a while this P.M. and some melted but I still can’t get out of the house. I didn’t accomplish anything on my lecture today. 

 

February 10, 1978

Dismal day but I guess the snow melted a little. The worst storm of all is said to be on the way. I worked fairly well today on my lecture. I think Joseph Branen will have surgery tomorrow. They are not sure until one more test. 

 

February 11, 1978

It was a dark dismal day but warmish. Some of the snow melted but the ground is still covered. And the worst storm of all is on the way. I worked on my lecture. 

 

February 12, 1978

Rain started in the Saturday evening and about two inches of snow fell on top of it. Altogether 2 in. of moisture, which we are glad to get. Pat & Ramona spent the evening with me. I certainly enjoyed it. Stanley & Ginger Hitt brought me a lovely pot of red tulips for a valentine. I finished the first draft of my lecture.

 

February 13, 1978

Started snowing again last evening. By morning ground covered – about one inch. Very cold in the morning but the sun shone this P.M. and some snow melted in sheltered spots. So good to see the sun. A man from Alberta named Myer came to get help about tracking his grandfater’s [sic] history – he was in Cherokee Strip run. I worked on my lecture. 

 

February 14, 1978

Sunny morning, then clouds. Some snow melted. Winnie brought a club scrapbook [?] in a Community Improvement Project for me to type. It was supposed to be mailed today but I worked as hard as I could & didn’t finish till 8:00 P.M. But I called the club officer to whom I should send it and she said it was O.K. to send it later. Winnie had no idea what a big job it was. I am terribly tired. 

 

February 15, 1978

It snowed again last night – about an inch. Every one of these snows has been soft & dry and without drifting. Good for the wheat but I am getting tired of it. Last time I was out of the house was Feb. 6. I finished revision of my lecture. But I was pretty tired and found it hard going. 

 

February 16, 1978

I was getting desperate over the condition of my hair for I must give a lecture at O.C. Mon. and the beauty shop is closed that day. So I asked Mary Fuxa, who owns it if she would come after me and she did. It started snowing when I was there about 2:00. I did step to the store and stocked up on groceries and they brought me home before it got too deep. We got about three inches. It has quit now.

 

February 17, 1978

The snow started again during the night and early morning. Most we have had – about 5 or 6 inches in all. Today was very cold and it must be close to zero now. The sky cleared & the sun shone in the P.M. but it didn’t help. I finished my final copy of the lecture. Mrs. Glenn-Allen from Crescent called. A very interesting woman. She wanted to arrange an interview for her daughter but I am too busy. 

 

February 18, 1978

Thermometer dropped to 0° last night – first time this year. It has been 2 or 3 above, But the sun shone all day and although temperature was below freezing it thawed some in sheltered places where the sun hit. It is cold tonight but not like last night. I spent some time reading my lecture aloud. I want it to be interesting. Slept some. Was very tired. 

 

February 19, 1978

The sun shone most of the day and I think the temperature was above freezing, so more snow melted. Raymond offered to take me to church but I had to wade through too much snow to get to his car so didn’t go. I wrote letters. Also read my lecture a few times. 

 

February 20, 1978

Weathermen men predicted end of snow for week, but it snowed this morning – about 1 in. here, more farther south & east. Then high wind and it drifted badly – both new & old snow. First drifting we have had. The meeting at O.C. was called off. The right decision but all my work is wasted. I spent the day catching up on my correspondence. 

 

February 21, 1978

Should be Feb. 24, I put Feb. 21-23 on wrong pages. Lovely sunny day. I turned off furnace all P.M. & early evening. Worked on report I must make for Club. Got letter from Danney Goble with complicated blanks for recommendation. Glad to do it but it comes at a bad time. Deadline March 1. And I must write Club history by March 1. 

 

February 22, 1978

Should be Feb, 25 Mailed Club report. Worked hard all day on Danney’s recommendation. I hope he gets it. Finished it, will mail it Monday. Sunny day but colder than yesterday. 

 

February 23, 1978

Feb. 21 turned 2 pages. Sun shone all day. Snow thawed. But I can’t get to my garage – afraid I’ll slip on drift. Attended Club. Fine program by Irma Pilatus on redwoods of Calif. Slides. Maxine came by for me. Clear ground between my house and the street. 

 

February 24, 1978

Feb. 22, turned 2 pp. Finally a beautiful sunny day. By evening my back yard was about clear. In the evening I went to family night at the church. Mabel came after me. Met the Weathers family. He works at Co-op. Fine family. 

 

February 25, 1978

Feb. 23, turned 2 pages Lovely day. Golden sunshine, blue sky, warm. Snow all melted on the level. Drifts left. Two Creeks came to seem me about some writing they are doing. Anderson, a real Indian; Dreph, blue eyed, blond. Fine men, good scholars. I drove to town. First time since Feb. 6. Even did my piled up laundry. Learned Geronimo won Western Heritage award for non-fiction. Good news.

 

February 26, 1978

Should be Feb. 24 Attended church. So nice to be free once once more. Fred Brysons & Dale Wilsons there. Ate at restaurant with them & Nancy & family & Dub & June Leathers. In P.M. attended a reception at the Xn church for Dr. Powell. Inted to Intended to work hard on club history & thought it was due March 1. Found it was due Feb. 1, so late and no hurry. Sunny day.

 

February 27, 197[8]

Cloudy day and rained in P.M. I walked to P.O. in morning. So good to get around again. It’s been months since weather was so I could walk to town. I got delicious box of grapefruit from the Worsleys who are spending winter in southernmost tip of Texas. Worked on Club history but no hurry to meet deadline. Already late.

 

February 28, 1978

Miserable cloudy day but not cold.  Attended club at Maxine’s. Mary Rouse gave program on developments in consumer affairs. 

 

February 29, 1978

Should be March 1 Finished club history. Cloudy dark day. Rained last night. Not pleasant but good for wheat. 

 

March 1, 1978 [Scratched out]

Miserable day. Rained last night – and we need rain. But we don’t need

 

March 2, 1978

Rained more last night. So far, so good. But it was miserable, dark, foggy, misty day. I started preliminary work on my income tax. 

 

March 3, 1978

I worked on my income tax but didn’t get very far. It turned very cold last night – the familiar pattern of winter storms. Very cold today but didn’t snow.  Joseph Branen had surgery today but I think is O.K.

 

March 4, 1978

Cold winter day but the sun shone. I had to keep library. But I virtually finished my income tax.

 

March 5, 1978

Attended church. Heard a very fine sermon by Jack. Finished my income tax in afternoon. Spent evening with my beloved Pat and Ramona. Warm day, but windy. 

 

March 6, 1978

Lovely warm day but cloudy. I worked at correspondence and odds and ends but didn’t get much done. 

 

March 7, 1978

Cold, dark, dismal day. I was to see Mr. Edsall about income tax but was afraid the rain would freeze. (It didn’t.) Worked on history of church for Logan Co. Hist. Had it almost finished when I had to go to the hospital in Jan. No time after that till today. It rained off and on today but not much water fell. 

 

March 8, 1978

Ground covered with snow this morning. So I didn’t go to Enid. But the sun came out and it melted. I could have kept my 2:00 appointment with Mr. Edsall. I called this morning and his secy. said I could come tomorrow. I finished my history of the church. 

 

March 9, 1978

Lovely warm sunny day – the kind we used to have. I drove to Enid to see Mr. Edsall about my income tax, but I couldn’t see Dr. Shields because Thursday is his day off. I decided to go anyhow and make another trip to see the doctor. I tried to buy some shoes but all I saw were ugly. There is much snow in ditches along the road from February 20

 

March 10, 1978

Another warm day. I should te have gone to Enid but lost some sleep last night, so thought I’d do it later. I want to be alert when I drive. I started writing a history of Marshall for the Logan County History. 

 

March 11, 1978

Dark day with a cold wind. I worked hard on my Marshall history sketch but didn’t get very far. 

 

March 12, 1978

A very happy day for me. Brian and Louise Harpster came from Bartlesville to see me, brought their lovely daughter Darlene, an OSU student. We all went to church, Don & Evadean Huffer joined us. Then all of us & Raymond Bryson ate together at cafe. Mabel B. has been Ill, so went home after church. In the evening my beloved Janet Shelby called. She is a sophomore at South Wesley. 

 

March 13, 1978

Worked on my history of Marshall. Didn’t get far. In evening went to meeting of Library Board, but no quorum. We are short of money so I must write an appeal to be published in Prairie City Piper.

 

March 14, 1978

Wrote my library appeal but had migraine attack so didn’t work on Marshall history. In P.M. went to club & saw wonderful slides by Frances Peach of her South American trip. Then I had to write this for Guthrie paper & Piper. 

 

March 15, 1978

Miserable rainy day with very little actual water. I planned to go to Enid to see Dr. Shields but weather too bad. Worked on my history of Marshall. 

 

March 16, 1978

Beautiful day. Ruth Cromer with her usual generosity sent me a $10.00 check to take Olga & Clara to a nice dinner. (They write to her every week ad she is grateful. She is bedfast in the Methodist Home.) So we also invited Alma Friend and we dined happily. (I paid for Alma.) Then in the P.M. Dick Clark brought lovely Dorothy for a visit. 

 

March 17, 1978

Lovely warm sunny day. I went to Enid to get my eyes checked. Right 21, left 22. Got a letter from Dorothy Leake that Harold died in Feb. He wrote a cheerful letter Xmas. I am grieved about it, also grieved for Dorothy but we are all getting to that age. It is not like the death of Bob Schaefer.      

 

March 18, 1978

[No entry]

 

March 19, 1978

Attended church. In the afternoon I wrote letters. It seems so wonderful to have warm weather once more. No snow. 

 

March 20, 1978

Finished the first draft of my history of Marshall for the Logan Co. History. In the evening attended holy week church service. Sermon by Dr. Bryan of Phillips. 

 

March 21, 1978

In evening attended church service. Hope Sober came from Ponca City to see me today. She had wanted to ask me about sources in the National Archives, but when I told her most of my research had been done before the National Archives existed, she came to see me anyhow. Wanted to talk about her study of intruders in Cherokee Nation. I enjoyed her so much. She is a real scholar. 

 

March 22, 1978

I didn’t get much done because Woodrow Winburn came to put a new lock on my door. Got all done but a second coat of paint.  That lock quit just before the storm started in Jan. Too cold to repair it. I have kept the door shut with a railroad iron and used the back door. But I could hook my storm door against thieves. Didn’t go to church Too tired. 

 

March 23, 1978

Cloudy rainy day. This evening we got a real rain – and we needed it. I worked some on copying my town history but didn’t accomplish much. I had some letters I had to write. Too damp a day for Woodrow to finish painting door. 

 

March 24, 1978

I had to miss Good Friday service Had to watch for Woodrow. The drain to my kitchen sink has sprung a leak. Everything – well not the top shelf but all the rest – In the cupboard under it was wet and water on the floor. I called Woodrow Winburn and he looked at it but has other more pressing jobs. I can manage without using the sink. Also the Termite Inspector came today. It is a cold day, not freezing but cold. Cloudy. 

 

March 25, 2020

Woodrow repaired my sink this morning. I had everything out drying. Now I put fresh papers on the shelves and put everything back. I finished reading a MS for the Uni. Of Okla. Press and started writing the report. The sun shone but it is still cool. 

 

March 26, 1978

Attended beautiful Easter service at Church. Had dinner & spent P.M. with Olga & Clara Schaefer. Mrs. Murphy a guest also. Had a delightful time. Lovely weather. 

 

March 27, 1978

The Logan Co. History has found an unexpected space problem. Too many family histories. Of course they are delighted with getting so many, but I have to cut down my hist. of Marshall about half. I worked on it all day. In evening went to meeting of Library Board. Attendance 100%. I must write more appeals for money. 

 

March 28, 1978

Attended Club at Frances Peach’s. Maxine took all of us out there in her car except Madonna, who drove over from Stillwater. I had the program but it was easy. The subject was “Pioneer Tales” and I called on the members. They told some interesting ones. I enjoyed the meeting very much. 

 

March 29, 1978

I didn’t get much time to work today – had to spend the time on Club and library projects. But I did manage to finish writing my history of Marshall to the requested 7 pages. Lovely warm day. 

 

March 30, 1978

I did not use the furnace at all today, not even briefly in the morning I worked on my speech to be given at the Uni. Of Tulsa. If is not much work for I am adapting one I used before. I got a permanent. 

 

March 31, 1978

Finished my Uni. of Tulsa speech. Kept library in the afternoon. Failed to make entry. Don’t remember what happened. I guess I worked on my Tulsa speech. 

 

April 1, 1978

Attended Finished my Tulsa speech. Worked in the library in the afternoon. 

 

April 2, 1978

Attended church in the morning. Tried to write neglected letters in the P.M. but I didn’t sleep much last night, so didn’t accomplish much. Once I could work when I needed sleep but not now. 

 

April 3, 1978

I attended to neglected business and correspondence. Also started final copy of my History of Marshall but decided to make changes, so must do it over. We had quite a rain this evening. 

 

April 4, 1978

Got my income tax blanks all compu filled out by M computed by Mr. Edsall.  Was appalled at the amount I owe. Had to cash bonds to pay it. I suppose my royalties from Geronimo put me in a higher bracket. My daffodils are blooming gloriously  Didn’t get much time to write today. 

 

April 5, 1978

Finished copying my Hist. of Marshall. Managed to cut it the required amount. Tornado warning this evening. Reported at Hennessey but apparently didn’t hit the ground. I got everything ready. I was once careless about tornadoes, but not since last May 20. 

 

April 6, 1978

Such a lovely day. and such lovely daffodils in my garden and such lovely red buds and apricot blooms in other people’s yards.  But they did have a tornado yesterday evening in the country near Lawton. It did great damage to a few farmsteads. I wrote the rough draft of a one page history of our school. 

 

April 7, 1978

I finished my brief a sketch sketch of the history of the Marshall school. All is ready to mail except that I am waiting for a picture I ordered. I am dreading tomorrow. Pleased at the award but it will be hard work engaging in the festivities. 

 

April 8, 1978

A full day.  Raymond and Mabel took me to Cowboy Hall of Fame. Luncheon at Country Club by Gene Autry, the pres. Then reception and autograph party. Change to formal dress. Elaborate banquet at Hall. Much ceremony in giving the awards. Dale Evans gave the ones to me and Ed Shaw – writer & publisher of Geronimo. We went up together. Got out about 11:00. Reached home about 12:30

 

April 9, 1978

Apr 9 On Apr. 11 April 11 I had another good night’s sleep but not so many hours. Homer & Ruth Herrington took me home. Lovely day. I enjoyed the drive. Unpacked in the P.M. and straightened up my house. I am tired tonight but grateful that I got through my whole ordeal – April 8, 9, 10, 11 so well. Too much at once but I made it. 

 

April 10, 1978

Awoke rested, and that was important for I talked to Connie’s journalism class and spent some time at the university library visiting with good friends there. Then in the evening I spoke to the Continuing Education people and autographed many books afterwards. I got so tired during the last I got dizzy and was afraid I would lose consciousness but Connie said I seemed entirely happy and relaxed. She was pleased with the whole thing and I am glad. 

 

April 11, 1978

April 9, Turned 2 pp. Another full day. Slept till eight. Put on old fashioned costume but changed because it rained. Attended church, basket dinner at school house, program in P.M. Got back  (Start of Prairie City Days.) Got back home just in time to meet Connie Cronley, who came from Tulsa after me. Pretty tired. Staying at Mayo Hotel. Went to bed at 6:00

 

April 12, 1978

Awoke rested. And that was unp I had some letter writing, etc. I had to attend to so didn’t have much time to work. Started on a lecture I am to give week after next at Canyon. Beautiful day. The weeds in my yard got very tall and I was fortunate in getting the Harak twins to mow and trim it today. 

 

April 13, 1978

I drove to Crescent to present a ten minute report on international relations to a club workshop of the district, then came straight back. The president called on me as soon as I came in. She knows how busy we all are with Prairie City Days. I came home and prepared a display for our P.C. Museum. Then in mid P.M. started work on my Canyon speech. Pleasant interruption. “Sonny” Griffey and his fine family called briefly. 

 

April 14, 1978

Frances Peach, Irma Pilatus and I took all the children in our “Middle School” on historical tours today – four bus loads. Irma took two, Frances & I one each. I heled a little at the museum (not much) and got ready for the big day tomorrow. Sunny day but windy. I got a little time to work on a Canyon lecture.

 

April 15, 1978

The big day. I was at hand to autograph Prairie City 9-10; conducted a tour 10:12; rode in parade 2:00 – Then announced winners in essay contest. Then picked up things I had loaned to the museum. Went to bed at 8:00, very tired. Everyone else worked as hard as I did – or in fact harder but they are younger. Every thing went off O.K.

 

April 16, 1978

Attended church. Good sermon by Jack. Paula is at El Reno – got a job as chaplain at the federal reformatory That is the work she has prepared for, and she is happy to get the job. I had to spend so much time putting away the costume I wore & the articles I loaned I didn’t get much done on my lecture. 

 

April 17, 1978

I worked some on my Canyon lecture. My dahlias couldn’t wait any longer to be planted so I did some garden work today preparing the place. But I get tired so quickly I have to work in short snatches. Then I found out Dale Harak is interested in gardening and I called him. He planted the dahlias and weeded the flower garden besides. I am so thankful

 

April 18, 1978

I did a good day’s work today. I finished the lecture for the Canyon dinner. Then I trimmed the roses and felt so good doing it. I am so thankful Dale relieved me of the garden work that involves working stooping or kneeling – work on the ground. Cool day, turned cloudy in the evening. 

 

April 19, 1978

I worked on my lectures for next week at Canyon. Finished everything. I used material I had used before for some of them. The Canyon people have not heard me say it.  Got a heartbreaking letter from Nieves Fernanded our beloved Fillipina [sic]. Her son has leukemia and she wants Gerry and me to find out about U.S. prospects of cure. Gerry and I think the case is hopeless. 

 

April 20, 1978

Gerry made copies of Nieves’ letter and we made plans to find out advanced experiments in curing this disease. I will write four letters of inquiry (have already written one) and Gerry will try other sources of information. So will Ronnie. Meanwhile I wrote to Nieves not to set her hopes too high. She has such a warm affection for the U.S. she thinks we can perform miracles. 

 

April 21, 1978

I finished and mailed the letters seeking the information Nieves wanted. An enthusiastic couple from Stroud named Perryman came to see me. No relation to the Creek Perrymans. 

 

April 22, 1978

I worked at getting ready for my trip to Canyon. Shirley and Ray called me this evening for a long telephone visit. My iris and Bridal wreath are blooming. Also my old fashioned yellow rose. And the dandelions!

 

April 32, 1978

My beloved Gladys Davis came – also an Amarillo friend of hers named Dorothy (I forget her last name). Arrived at noon. I have been having a lovely visit with Gladys. She and Dorothy went out in the P.M. to visit Beverly and Dean Post. She taught Beverly in high school at Amarillo and B. worships her. Heard a fine sermon by Jack this morning. 

 

April 24, 1978

We ate at the restaurant. Got started at 8:00. Had a very pleasant drive through the country. Gladys doesn’t care for super highways because one sees nothing. But we did take I 40 at about the Texas line. Am staying with Ruth Rowes who has been one of my favorite people since 1924. 

 

April 25, 1978

I believe this was the day Mattie and Alec Mack had us to dinner and Alec showed us through his gallery of beautiful paintings. In the evening I spoke to the Indian History class at the University and a roomfull [sic] of visitors on my campaign for Alaska natives, Havasupais, and Pimas. It went off well. My beloved Montye  Keeter was there. 

 

April 26, 1978

Ruth and I & the Macks had dinner this evening with Ples & Margaret in the P.M. Harper, Perfect! They had a lovely reception for me at the museum. They pulled out all the stops – the mayor met me and handed me a proclamation he had made desegnating [sic] it as Angie Debo day. And my beloved Margaret Camp and Johnnie Asbey came all the way from Albuquerque, 300 mi. Had to be back tomorrow, so drove back tonight. The museum is very fine. It started out well back in 1933 but has greatly enlarged. 

 

April 27, 1978

Spoke to an informal sandwich & soup group at Methodist student center. It went off well. That was noon. In the evening spoke to a large dinner audience, sponsored by Friends of the Library. It went off well too. Everyone was wonderful to me. I had visited Canyon friends but this was my first contact with the college since I left it in grief in 1934. 

 

April 28, 1978

Ruth and I got up at 5:30 and she and Mattie took me to the 8:15 bus at Amarillo. I had to change and wait two hours at El Reno but I had a book to read. Edith met me at Hennessey – I think about 4:30. The trip was hard but I rested each P.M. and it went off very well. 

 

April 29, 1978

Put the beds back in shape and almost finished unpacking. Had to keep library this P.M. Watered my flower garden this evening. The first time this year. We need rain. 

 

April 30, 1978

Heard a fine sermon by Paula this morning. Spent P.M. writing “Thank you” letters to Canyon people. Tornadoes are tearing all over the state this evening. Same as the day one hit Marshall. One hit n.w. O. C. this evening – did much damage. I am staying up and watching. Something got the matter with my right eye this P.M. 

 

May 1, 1978

I had to go to Enid this week to have Dr. Shields check my, so went today. Edith took me because I was afraid my eye wasn’t good enough. But the swelling is going out. I guess an insect bit me. The pressure was right, 23, left 21. The trouble I had might have raised the pressure in the right one, Dr. Shields said. Cold day. I am tired tonight. Eye gave me too much trouble. 

 

May 2, 1978

Cold, cloudy day and tonight it is raining. I finished all the letters I had to write to people connected with my Canyon trip. Oh, I haven’t written to Margaret and Johnie yet, but will do that later. I am so grateful to them for coming. 

 

May 3, 1978

Good rain last night, another good rain today. And we needed them. But it is very cold – 3 in. of snow in the Panhandle, even a little in Ponca City. Seven in. in Tex. Panhandle, 17 in in New Mexico. Ruth Rusco and her son Jerry came by for a brief visit this P.M. 

 

May 4, 1978

It cleared off today, but was cold enough for the furnace except through the middle of the day. My peonies are starting to bloom. I packed and got ready in other ways for my trip to O.C. & the Okla. Writers Fed. tomorrow]. 

 

May 5, 1978

Geneva Wise with Gladys Burris as another passenger came by for me in late forenoon and took me to O.C. Staying at the Ramada Inn North. Listened to interesting program fine speeches by Jody Sherman of Ark. & C.J. Cherryh –stupid one by ignorant Dwight Swain of OU. 

 

May 6, 1978

Another Other [?] fine lectures by Sherman & Cherryh – one not too bad by Swain. Met a fine boy named Michael Starr, who will go far in writing – a Cherokee-Delaware Indian My own lecture was today. It seemed to go off O.K. Awards at dinner meeting. Gladys & Geneva both won in one of several categories. 

 

May 7, 1978

Came home this morning. Missed church. Jack & Paula called. I went to see my beloved Pat & Ramona briefly this evening. Their flowers are beginning to bloom. (My peonies are blooming. Also my Blaze rose.)

 

May 8, 1978

Alice Pipla came to clean house. I helped a little but not much. She finished the dining room. Lovely day. My peonies are glorious. 

 

May 9, 1978

Alice finished my study. I am especially glad to have the floors waxed. I am careful of floors. I don’t want to ever to repeat the ordeal of sanding. Lovely weather. 

 

May 10, 1978

Alice finished the bedroom plus all the windows. My back started to hurt but is better now. Nothing serious I guess but it had me scared. The Neseths came to see me, also their son, Charles. I had not seen them for 30 yrs. Also Domer & Treva Dougherty & took me to lunch. My lucky day except for the scare about my back and it turned out O.K. 

 

May 11, 1978

I loafed most of the day to rest my back. We could have finished the house cleaning today except for that back. I don’t want to go to N. Car. a cripple. Hot day. Tornadoes. 

 

May 12, 1978

I was walking from kitchen to dining room this morning when a sharp pain caused me to collapse to the floor. No hard fall but I struck my head on something. No serious cut but it bled profusely. Ramona took me some to Dr. De Witt at Covington and he took some stitches. Considered my trip seriously but decided I’d probably go. 

 

May 13, 1978

Ramona took me to the O.C. airport and helped me on the plane. At O’Hare I got them to take me in a chair – also at Greensboro. Dr. Scales met me. I am staying at their house. It is great to see him and Betty in spite of my bad Back. It was very cold at Chicago – and is here. 

 

May 14, 1978

Betty & I didn’t attend church. Ate noon meal at a cafeteria Reception in P.M. Baccalaureate service in evening. I sat in audience – didn’t join academic procession. Mr. Routh, who will receive an honorary degree, started to preach but collapsed. No heart trouble. He has had flu & not recovered. They took him to hospital. 

 

May 15, 1978

Commencement this morning. Very cold – 39° and sprinkles of rain. Outdoor service. Dr. Scales arranged for me to sit on the platform, not join procession, and as soon as the honorary degrees were awarded I stepped inside the chapel. Now I am a Litt D., Wake Forest University.  

 

May 16, 1978

The college doesn’t grant these degrees if one is not present and I know Dr. Scales was partially responsible for their choosing me and was greatly pleased. I didn’t want to disappoint him. Dr. Scales took me to airport. Was hauled in a chair at Atlanta & O.C. Raymond and Mabel met me in Enid. I did the right thing by going. I caused some trouble to Dr. Scales and Betty & everyone else but they would have been disappointed if I had not gone. 

 

May 17, 1978

Warm, dry weather in Okla. I thought if I got my back warmed up it would get well but it is not improved But I am glad I went. Dr. Scales was so happy when I was chosen and when one has done a kindly deed he should not be disappointed. And as for me, it was a great pleasure to have the visit with these dear friends.

 

May 18, 1978

My back is not going to improve by the simple device of getting warm So at Ramona’s urging I called Dr. Freed. He said he wanted to see me and set Sat at 9:00. It is cloudy today. It could rain and we need it.

 

May 19, 1978

I have spent all these days loafing & trying to rest my back while Ramona (bless her) does all my shopping, brings my mail, etc. Bonnie Roberts called. She brought me some fresh green onions.

 

May 20, 1978

Dr. Freed said I did right to go to N. Carolina. Ramona took me to Stillwater to see Dr. Freed. He says the people at Rochester seem to have developed a way to build up the bones of osteo porosis [sic] patients. He gave me three prescriptions and made an appointment to see me in June. It rained 1 ½ in, last night. We needed it. 

 

May 21, 1978

Another rain last night. And we needed that too. I have heard that Sally Heydman died. I think it is true. Our church planned its annual picnic, but had to use the basement. Of course I couldn’t go. Mabel sent me a big plate of food. In the P.M. Winnie called and brought a loaf of warm bread. People are so good. 

 

May 22, 1978

This evening I was to give the lecture to the OSU Okla. City class I missed Feb. 20 but I had to miss this time too. Warm day. Everything is blooming. Lovely. 

 

May 23, 1978

A fine lady, Dorothy Cannon of Las Vegas, Nev., and her married daughter visited me this P.M. She is a daughter of Mrs. Burns here in Marshall and her family were early settlers – 89ers in fact. She and I did so much talking her young daughter didn’t have a chance to say much. 

 

May 24, 1978

Sally Heydeman was buried today. Ramona took me to see her at the undertaker’s. She was so thin. I should not have known her. I wish I could have attended her funeral. My back is no better. 

 

May 25, 1978

Still no improvement of my back. My friends are wonderful to me. The weather is getting hot. Alice cleaned my house today, put away some things that have been lying around since I went to N. Car – my suitcase, etc. like bedding. 

 

May 26, 1978

Today my back is much improved. That is in the way it did before – no improvement till a sudden change. My bad time will soon be over. I am writing late but I think we got a good rain during the night Ma Got letter from my cousins Wesley and Lorrain Tilden in Calif that they will be passing thru & will stop Fri or Sat. today or tomorrow. The letter came M May 25. They will stop May 26 or 27. 

 

May 27, 1978

Back still better. I had an appointment with my hair dresser but left a note for the Tildens. Still Lorrain they didn’t come. And Lorraine called from Tucumcari & said they would come tomorrow. I went to business meeting of Marshall Alumni. Gerry took me – but didn’t attend banquet & dance in the evening.  All 3 of the Clem girls came to visit me. I love them. Alumni Reunion today. Very hard rain last night & another today.

 

May 28, 1978

My back still improved but I didn’t attend lunch. The Tildens came at 11:30. I took them to cafe for dinner. They stayed about 3 hrs then went on to Tulsa. They are very fine people. I enjoyed the visit very much. I knew Wesley when he was a boy. I had never met Lorraine. In the P.M. Raymond took me to the cemetery to decorate graves. 

 

May 29, 1978

I felt still better, even drove to the store and the post officer. My car didn’t want to start but it did. Beautiful weather, golden sunshine, blue sky, just warm enough. But most of my flowers have finished their spring blooming 

 

May 30, 1978

Another beautiful day. And I feel still better. Last night after I went to bed I heard the mocking bird singing. My eyes have deteriorated slightly this past month. I can read but they soon tire so I have stopped trying. 

 

May 31, 1978

I’m feeling better all the time. I even washed today. My dirty clothes had piled up. We are having beautiful weather. My Madonna lilies are blooming. 

 

June 1, 1978

Blanche Cummings Bacus came clear from Ft. Collins, Colo. to visit me and Marshall She and I knew each other from 1899 on. She is 2 years older than I and remembers this community farther back than any other person living. Came to Marshall in 1896. Her daughter & son-in-law brought her for this visit. She met Geo. Beeby, Ginger Hitt & Winnie Branen. They recorded her reminiscences. 

 

June 2, 1978

Learned Wesley Van Haven died last night. August and Catherine Burcrhardt called briefly. It was great to see them. My back is a little lame but no severe pain. It seems so good to be close to normal again. 

 

June 3, 1978

After I made last night’s entry a Mr. Williams called to tell me Geronimo has won an award (I do not know the exact name of it) from the S.W. Library Assn. It will be given at New Orleans at a convention of S. W. & S. E. Assns. Oct. 8.  I worked in the library this afternoon. My back is O.K. only a little lame. 

 

June 4, 1978

June 5 We had a good rain last night. We are glad for the moisture but are becoming apprehensive for fear we shall have a wet harvest. The country is truly beautiful. 

 

June 5, 1978

June 4 Attended church, first time since April. In P.M. attended Wesley’s funeral. I s Spent evening with my beloved Pat and Ramona. My back is entirely free from pain. Wesley was working on his combine when he suddenly died. May Gett was with him. I think he didn’t know he had a bad heart. 

 

June 6, 1978

It rained again last night. It certainly makes everything grow and the birds sing. And the weather is lovely, so cool and pleasant. I got the official notice of my winning the S.W. Library Assn. award. I am very happy about it. 

 

June 7, 1978

Violet Poindexter and Sylvia came to see me today with their 101-year-old mother, who is very feeble. They are on their way for a family reunion of five generations in O.C. I am so grateful to them for stopping to see me. It got a little warm today. I used the air conditioner briefly. 

 

June 8, 1978

Beautiful day – not too hot, not too cold. Wheat golden, everything else green. I am getting caught up on some of my correspondence – neglected because too busy, then bad back. 

 

June 9, 1978

Gerry managed to reach Nieves in the Philippines by telephone last night. Learnd Learned the boy died in May. I am sure the family is heart broken. There was never any hope of curing Wally in the U.S. or anywhere. The young Richmonds of Terrill, Tex. called as they were passing through. they have two remarkably handsome children – Dwight, 4, the baby about 6 months. 

 

June 10, 1978

Since it has stopped raining the wheat fields are drying. Today we had a strong wind.  Dry, windy weather just right for harvest. And a very little wheat is being harvested here. I am getting caught up answering letters many months old. 

 

June 11, 1978

Good sermon at church by Jack. In P.M. open house at church celebrating Mary & Elmer Burchardt’s 50^th wedding anniversary. Lovely. Then in P.M. Shirley Worsley called for a long telephone visit. Perfect. In the evening attended an ice cream social at the church at farewell party for John & Virginia Kidd. 

 

June 12, 1978

Got a letter from my cousin Ata [sic] Cooper. She is 2 years older than I and her sister 4 years older. I am afraid their days at home are over. She broke her back. It is well but she is living at the home of a dear friend. Elva had a heart attack and is recovering very slowly at a convalescent home. Later.  Elva never recovered – lived in a semi-conscious condition until her death March 7, 1980. Alta died March 6.   

 

June 13, 1978

My back for no reason I know started hurting. O.K. when I got up but got progressively painful during the day. It is as bad as it was a few weeks ago. I am wondering if I must change my style of living. Just yesterday learned that Elva and Alta have done so. Ralph Casteel died of heart failure. He was 81. I thought a great deal of him and Etta. 

 

June 14, 1978

My back let me rest last night and get up without pain but it became worse during the day. I wonder if possibly it may soon recover. Still it is very bad tonight. 

 

June 15, 1978

Adelia Hanson of Stillwater and her two young sons came to see me today. She is the great-granddaughter of the pioneer Marshall merchant R. J. Castor. My back is better today. Perhaps it is going to get well. Good harvest weather. Ralph Casteel was buried today. Of course I was not well enough to attend his funeral. 

 

June 16, 1978

My back is definitely better today but it still troubles me to think the trouble would come back with no apparent cause when I thought I was well. It was a hot day today – the first we have had. I had Alice Pipla string out the hose and I stood and watered the flower garden. I have some lovely regal lilies. 

 

June 17, 1978

Nothing in particular happened. Harvest here has been in full blast all week. And I have stayed right at home. Haven’t even got the feel of it. People are wonderful. Do my shopping. Bring my mail. Hottest day yet – still hot this evening. 

 

June 18, 1978

We had a lovely rain last night & some this forenoon. Perfect for everything but the harvest. And it cleared off this evening so may dry up soon. We got about 1 in. Of course I didn’t go to church though I think my back is a little better. People are so good – bring my mail, buy my groceries, etc. The Easter lily Mabel & Raymond brought me last year is blooming. Lovely! 

 

June 19, 1978

Nothing happened. My back still hurts.

 

June 20, 1978

Raymond & Mabel took me to Enid to see Dr. Shields. I would have seen him sooner but he was away – returned yesterday. I was badly worried about my eyes. He said nothing serious. Will make careful exam in Oct. My right eye 17, left 17. Never so low before. Rained last night. 

 

June 21, 1978

We had one hard shower with thunder one right after another all day. Just what we don’t need for the wheat harvest. Once for 2 hours we were without electricity. My back was very bad. I think it is worse on cold, rainy days.   

 

June 22, 1978

Ramona took me June 23 to Stillwater to see Dr. Freed. Verdict, discourageing [sic]. The medicine he is giving me is experimental. Developed by the Mayos, who have had some success, some failure. He expects back trouble to continue and get worse unless the medicine does work. Lita Fae Willhouse & her lovely daughter called

 

June 23, 1978

June 24 I am working on a recommendation for an Indian Rights Assn. project. They are asking for a grant. I hope they win. I’m doing my best. My eyes are to bad I can’t read much so Ramona (bless her) helped me. June 24 Charles Ritchey called. What a fine man that nice boy grew up to be. 

 

June 24, 1978

See June 23 entry. 

 

June 25, 1978

Had Sunday dinner with the Schaefer girls. They came after me. Even had bed made on divan so I could rest. Enjoyed it. I mean the visit. Didn’t attend church. 

 

June 26, 1978

Back hurt pretty bad today. Raymond brought a shower spray he found at a store in Hennessey and installed it. It will simplify my bathing. Bonnie Roberts called. 

 

June 27, 1978

I asked Edith if she would take me to places where I need to go – she has been very neighborly but this is business. She agreed. I am delighted. My friends have been wonderful but I see I am going to need much more driving than I could ask them to do. 

 

June 28, 1978

My back is better. I hope it is getting well. Nellie Staton Thomas came to see me. Weather in the 90s, but not at 100 yet. I worked at recommending some young Ph.D.s at a job hunting “lost” Indian groups. It does not hurt me to type. 

 

June 29, 1978

My back is much better today. Raymond and Mabel went to Enid and bought me a hard mattress such as the doctor ordered. Jack Timmons & Raymond put it in place. I hope it won’t be too uncomfortable. Dorothy Cozart spent the P.M. with me. Very pleasant. 

 

June 30, 1978

I feel better today. And I slept on my horrible hard mattress last night with no serious discomfort. Raymond (bless him!) brought a screw-driver and some paint and rearranged some things in my bathroom. 

 

July 1, 1978

July 2 – July 1, next page. I attended church. The Schaefer girls came by for me. But I didn’t hear a word of the service. For the informal summer service Jack leaves the pulpit and comes down in front. And there is no microphone there. And I’m the only one who needs it since Frank & Emilia Ficken died. Hot day. I suppose it reached 100 for the first time. I feel very much better today. 

 

July 2, 1978

July 1 Virginia Shades brought her mother and brother and his wife from Texas. It was grand to see them but they didn’t stay long enough. Tibbie couldn’t come – was putting up hay. They brought some books for me to autograph. And Virginia, being Virginia, brought me 2 doz. eggs and several jars of jelly. 

 

July 3, 1978

This day was a scorcher. It was 100° at Enid probably the same here. I am feeling much better – a lameness but little sharp pain. Today I drove to town to pay my bills and do some shopping. My car didn’t want to start but it did. It seemed good to drive again. 

 

July 4, 1978

The Fourth passed without the usual weeks of firecrackers before and after, not even any today. I wonder why. I am feeling better all the time. Edith is taking it (the typewriter) (and me) to Enid tomorrow to have it repaired.

 

June 5, 1978

Edith took me to Hennessey and I bought two everyday dresses – the kind few stores handle any more.  Then we took the typewriter to Enid for repair. I certainly miss it. Typing doesn’t hurt my back. Hot day. Our weather this summer is sultry – not Oklahoma weather. 

 

June 6, 1978

Nothing much happened except that we received the last number of our little newspaper. Stanley Hitt got promoted, so he and Ginger had to move to Enid and Luella couldn’t find a partner to replace her. 

 

July 7, 1978

It rained a little last night but not enough to do much good. We hoped it would rain during the day but it didn’t. The harvest is all done. Even Pat has finished his 1500 acres. 

 

July 8, 1978

I’m feeling better all the time. This was our hottest day so far. I think it was 104° at Enid. Probably the same here. I kept the library this P.M. Had a good many young customers. 

 

July 9, 1978

Another hot day – 107° at Enid, probably the same here. I am feeling better all the time. I attended church. Drove my car. Sat on the front seat very close to Jack and managed to hear. Later – our thermometers have been all 111° here. 

 

July 10, 1978

Jim Horton was expecting to come today but didn’t appear. It is getting hotter all the time. But I am feeling better all the time. 

 

July 11, 1978

I am feeling better all the time. No sign of Jim Horton. If he doesn’t call tomorrow I will try to get in touch with his Indianapolis friends. I am uneasy for fear something has happened to him. 

 

July 12, 1978

I had given Jim till 10 to call. Then I would try and get in touch with some of [next word crossed out and not legible] his friends. But, he called at 9:00. I called Ginger Hill & she said she would drive down tomorrow. He arrived in mid P.M. Had to go to Enid for a motel. We had a pleasant visit. I set out a lunch, and he drove to Enid. 

 

July 13, 1978

Jim came at 10:00. Ginger joined us and we had a pleasant visit. I took him to dinner at the cafe. Then Ramona called. He had wanted to meet those two. Pleasant visit. Then I showed him where Marshall started – the Run, the Crossroads Store, etc. and the library where he met Winnie and some Club members. Cold snack for supper. Then he left for O.C. on way to Albuquerque. 

 

July 14, 1978

We had hot weather today and all the week. It rained slightly last night. Our thermometers are going up to 111°. We have dew every night and sultry weather all the time – a new kind for Oklahoma. Oh, it is not steamy, but not entirely dry as it usually is in our climate. I feel better all the time. 

 

July 15, 1978

Jim and Nancy DeVore drove clear up from the city to visit me – took me to lunch at the cafe. So wonderful of them, and they didn’t know I had been having trouble with my back. Hot day. 

 

July 16, 1978

Went to church this morning. Slept in P.M. That’s about all. I don’t know why I need so much sleep. No let-up in hot weather. 

 

July 17, 1978

Edith took me to Enid to the dentist. A tooth has been hurting ever since my back started but not very bad so I let it go. He took Xrays and impression for a new partial plate. The one made in the 1940s didn’t fit any more and pressed on the tooth. The bill was very painful - $94.00 

 

July 18, 1978

A pleasant day. I was in town at the laundry with some neglected washing when Alma Friend told me Ruth Cromer had sent her some money to take the Schaefer girls to luncheon. Alma added me and took us all to Hennessey where we had a delightful time. Then in the evening Dorothy Olmstead Curtis brought her sister-in-law for a visit. Very nice. I am feeling well only for a little lameness. 

 

July 19, 1978

I am entirely well except for a little lameness. But I am very careful. We are having terrible hot weather and I am very weak. But I am O.K. However, I have cut down on all my commitments from now on. It is hard to stay out of things.

 

July 20, 1978

[No entry]

 

July 21, 1978

[No entry]

 

July 22, 1978

It was cloudy all day and a few sprinkles of rain fell. It was not so hot as previous days. And now this evening it is raining – even thundering. How I hope it will really rain. Enid got an inch yesterday the TV man said – or was it today. Anyhow we missed it. Dorine called me for a lovely telephone visit this evening. 

 

July 23, 1978

Attended church.  Last Sunday for Jack & Paula. We are grieved to see them leave. They did good work here. In the evening we had a farewell party for them. They both graduated from Phillips this spring. Leaving for Calif, Paula to serve as chaplain of a woman’s prison. Jack as pastor of a church. It rained 1.7 in. last night. We are very happy but want more. It was a lovely cool day.  

 

July 24, 1978

Rain all gone but not so hot today. I am feeling better but so weak and seem to need so much sleep. Perhaps making up what I lost when I had so much pain. 

 

July 25, 1978

It rained a little last night. At least I think this was the day. I’m writing late.) Jim Horton who has been to Albuquerque & is now back in O.C. came to see me and brought a very fine old gentleman – a Creek Indian – to see me. Jim will start back home (Indianapolis) tomorrow. He is a fine and generous person. Some people came to see if they could find where a relative was buried – thought I might know

 

July 26, 1978

My back started hurting again for no cause I could imagine. Not so bad as before, however. We had a light shower this P.M. Bad thunder storms in some parts of the state. I’t got cooler when the rain came.

 

July 27, 1978

Pleasanter day than usual. Nice cool night and forenoon. Alma Friend came to see me. My back still hurts. I had been so well – wanted to see the doctor that way. 

 

July 28, 1978

July 30. Put 28 on p. 30, so must put 30 here. Hot day but cooler this evening. I got all ready for church. Then my back hurt so badly I didn’t go. The Schaefer sisters (bless them) called this evening. 

 

July 29, 1978

Hot day. Back hurts. I kept library in the P.M. I can drive my car in town but Edith drives on trips to Enid, Stillwater, etc. 

 

July 30, 1978

July 28  28. Turned two pages.

Great news. I saw Dr. Freed and he found my back recovering – not the end of a painful period but actual improvement and he is convinced that the medicine is doing it. This treatment is still in an experimental stage but in my case at least it is a success. He will not see me again for 2 mos. 

 

July 31, 1978

Hot but not so hot as some days have been. July is our worst month. It should get better from now on. Mary Rouse called. I love Mary. 

 

August 1, 1978

Not much happened. My back pains me but not nearly so bad as the first attack. Perhaps it is really improving noticeably. 

 

August 2, 1978

We had a hard quick shower this P.M. – about ½ inch. We are happy over it but wish it had rained more. Woodrow Winburn replaced a window weight that had broken loose and wouldn’t let me pay him. Now I can raise that window. 

 

August 3, 1978

Aug. 5 It was so cold this morning I wore my sweater and lighted the oven. (Furnace off for the summer.) But the clouds cleared away and we had a lovely day. 

 

August 4, 1978

It rained most of the day and was so cold I wore a sweater. Would have liked the furnace but I can’t light it. 

 

August 3, 1978 [under August 5]

Aug. 3. Turned 2 pages. It was cool and rained most of the P.M. We are very happy about it. July is usually our worst month and that has passed. 

 

August 4, 1978

I attended church.  A prof from Phillips preached. He is a Methodist, employed by Phillips to help the Methodist students in the divinity school. Pleasant day, not very hot. 

 

August 7, 1978

Another day not so hot. Not much happens. My back hurts; I am very weak; can’t read; can’t hear most of TV programs (can hear the news).; I sleep every day and a long time at night; walk around in the house a little in the yard. 

 

August 8, 1978

Still not so hot. I had a delightful visit with Nancy Huntington. What a fine young woman she is. She came to get some books autographed and stayed for a visit. 

 

August 9, 1978

Edith took me to Enid this P.M. to have a tooth filled. I got very tired lying on my back during the process. Also impression for a new partial plate. 

 

August 10, 1978

It rained all forenoon. Very nice. I have a fine industrious boy pulling weeds in my flower garden. I am so happy to have him. A new family – name Mike Adams, freshman in high school next year. 

 

August 11, 1978

Edith took me to Enid to have my eyes checked. (I thought eyes & tooth would be too much for one day.) Right and left each 18. I also looked at dresses & shoes but no luck. 

 

August 12, 1978

Hot weather again. My back is better today. I worked in the library. Had a good many customers. 

 

August 13, 1978

Attended church. A man named Dr. Anderson (I think) from the hist dept. at Phillips preached.  I started feeling better today. In the P.M. I walked on my own power to the O’Neill home on the other end of the block. First time I have been able to do it. Enjoyed the visit. Hot day. 

 

August 14, 1978

Hot day. I feel still better today. Wrote letters. Just about my sole occupation these days. One surprise lily is blooming. Also my roses and crepe myrtle. So glad to be rid of the weeds so I can see them. 

 

August 15, 1978

Aug. 17. See Aug. 17 for Aug. 15 In spite of the terrible heat I am reveling in the appearance of my place since Mike cleaned it up. And my back is not bad. I am terribly weak. I wonder if it is the weather or if I shall be that way from now on. 

 

August 16, 1978

[No entry]

 

August 15, 1978 [under August 17]

Aug 15 I had Edith take me out to see Gerry Schaefer this P.M. I love Gerry and I have been missing her this past year year – shut in by snow, very busy schedule, bad back. I just wanted a visit with her. She has been busy too – swimming pool, new granddaughter. I hope this swimming pool helps her overcome her arthritis. 

 

August 18, 1978

[No entry]

 

August 19, 1978

Cool day, cloudy and a few drops of rain. I felt almost young again – well at least pre May 10. Oh, my back is lame but most of the pain is gone and the weakness, which may be due to the heat. I washed and did some writing. Wasted no time at all. 

 

August 20, 1978

Cool this morning but I did use the air conditioner in the P.M. Attended church. A Phillips prof preached. Told his name and job but I couldn’t hear it. In the evening the Schaefer girls came for a visit. Nice. In the P.M. Violet Poindexter called from New Orleans. I shall visit her when I go there in Oct. 

 

August 21, 1978

Hot but not so bad. I wrote letters. Learned that my cousin Alfred’s son, Calvin, died. Alta mentioned it in a letter. I didn’t know he was sick. I think he was in his 50s. 

 

August 22, 1978

Primary election. I voted but not very intelligently. Eyes not equal to necessary reading. Had to leave some important places blank. In the evening Mary Shank called me for a long telephone visit. Hot day. 

 

August 23, 1978

Some of the wrong people got ahead in the primary yesterday. They will have run-off but will probably win there. Boren, harmless but the most worthless governor we ever had was ahead in the Senate race. And so on. But some of the worst ones were defeated for various offices. Sipe for senator, Derryberry for lieut gove., etc. Hot day  

 

August 24, 1978

A terrible thing happened yesterday about 5:00 P.M. Larry Rouse, fine boy, 21 years old, driving across railroad on Main St. killed by train. Must have been blinded by sun, or let his mind wander off. I love his parents. They had just reached their vacation spot on Red River. Some of the men chartered a plane & brought them home. 

 

August 24, 1978

Hot day. Nothing much happened.

 

August 26, 1978

Larry Rouse was buried today. Funeral at Christian Church. All business houses closed. I didn’t attend funeral. Thought I would leave that space for some of his young friends. I did go to the undertaker’s He looked so young, so gay in spirit it was enough to break one’s heart His poor parents. And sister. 

 

August 27, 1978

Hot day. I attended church. Phillips prof preached. Busy all day but I hardly know what I did. I did get Selma DeWitt with stand-by help from Maxine Harak & Dorothy Appelbaum to take over my job of responsibility for the library on Saturdays – starting in Oct. 

 

August 28, 1978

Edith took me to see Dr. Dedrick. He pulled my tooth and did much work on the new partial plate I am getting. That tooth had caused me considerable discomfort the past weeks. But I hated to lose it. I also looked at dresses and shoes but didn’t find any. Pretty worn out tonight. It rained about ½ in. last night and was cooler today. 

 

August 29, 1978

Coolish day though I did use the air conditioner some. I felt surprisingly well. Worked some on a brief talk I shall give at N. Orleans in October. 

 

August 30, 1978

[No entry]

 

August 31, 1978

[No entry]

 

September 1, 1978

[No entry]

 

September 2, 1978

Busy day. Got permanent in forenoon. Kept library in afternoon. Our nights are now cool but the days are hot – though not like July. 

 

September 3, 1978

Attended Church this morning. Slept most of afternoon. I don’t know why I sleep so much. Ray and Shirley called me for a long telephone visit. 

 

September 4, 1978

Got letter from Jeannie Darland of Phoenix, Ariz. telling of Daryl’s death. He had been in ill health for several years and suffered much. He was such an attractive little 5-year-old when I taught him in my first school. I was 16. Jeannie is a lovely person. She will be very lonely. 

 

September 5, 1978

Ramona was in Stillwater a few days ago and she had to wait, so looked for dresses for me at Katz store. Found one she liked. Edith took me over there today. I liked it too and bought it. They had several pretty dresses there – very different from Enid. 

 

September 6, 1978

Edith took me to Enid for Dr. Dedrick to do the final work in fitting my partial plate and filling the gap where the tooth was. It feels good and looks good – doesn’t work so well in chewing food. I also bought some small cheap rugs for my kitchen and a pair of horribly priced shoes. I’ve had a hard time finding shoes. 

 

September 7, 1978

I certainly like the new rugs – small samples finished as throw rugs – price 25₵ each! Tibbie and Virginia Shades came to see me. I certainly enjoyed the visit. Also an attractive woman from near Helena who came to get two copies of Geronimo. 

 

September 8, 1978

Nothing much happened only it was a little cooler and there is a short prospect of that desperately needed rain. Learned that Daryl Darland died. Perhaps Sept. 4. Late entry 

 

September 9, 1978

Good prospect of rain all forenoon – thick clouds, sprinkled a little. Then it cleared off!!  I worked in the library this P.M. 

 

September 10, 1978

Attended church. A Phillips prof preached. In P.M. called on my beloved Pat and Ramona. They asked about my plane schedule – objected to my starting from Enid with plane change at O.C. & Dallas. Said Ramona would take me to O.C. Bless them. 

 

September 11, 1978

I called travel agency and by starting at O.C. I can get a through plane all the way to N. Orleans. So good of Pat & Ramona. I had chosen Enid to save Ramona the trip to O.C. I got a chance once more to do a little work on my brief “remarks” at New Orleans. 

 

September 12, 1978

Our club had its first meeting – luncheon at Winnie’s. Very nice I am secy. Took the job under some protest before my troubles started in May. But I think perhaps I can manage it and other members all have important duties. 

 

September 13, 1978

I had a little time today and finished writing my brief “remarks” for New Orleans meeting. Once I could have done this extemporaneously but I can’t trust myself any more. 

 

September 14, 1978

I don’t get much done these days. I am so weak I have to take it in short snatches of activity.  But my back seems entirely well now. I think this is the result of the medicine – a real cure. 

 

September 15, 1978

It is terribly dry and unseasonably hot all the time. This evening it rained all around us but we got only a very slight shower here – too small to measure. 

 

September 16, 1978

Another dry scorching day. I worked in the library in the P.M. I will turn this chore over to Selma DeWitt in Oct. I am not up to it any more.

 

September 17, 1978

Attended church. Heard a good sermon by a Disciples preacher in Enid who doesn’t have a church right now. It really looks this evening as though it could rain.

 

September 18, 1978

Well the rain went around if there was one. We are having terribly hot dry weather. One of the low growing evergreens in front of my porch has died spoiling the symmetry of the row. We are trying to keep a walnut tree in a row on the street alive. I can’t carry water. Alice does it when she comes to clean my house. 

 

September 19, 1978

Went to Enid for final visit to dentist. Teeth cleaned, some final work on partial plate. Then we had a few errands – mainly mine – that wasted a lot of time but I am now square with the world for the first time since I was first busy, then down with my back. I got my plane tickets, which was the pleasantest of the errands. Hot day. 

 

September 20, 1978

It rained .4 in. last night and a little more this evening. We hope for much more. It was cool, even cold all day. Thick clouds. Ramona came and I put my dress on to show her. She liked it. I think it is remarkable that she was able to pick it out for me when I wasn’t there. Of course I didn’t have to buy it but when I saw it I liked it. 

 

September 21, 1978

It rained last night – probably not much. And the day was cloudy and cold. I would have used my furnace if it had been lighted. 

 

September 22, 1978

It was really cold this morning, cool all day.  Geo. Beeby said the two rains we had added up to .91. Of course we need more. 

 

September 23, 1978

Cold this morning. In early P.M. I succeeded in lighting the furnace – all my strength, eyesight, and manual dexterity add up to very little. I worked a long time and was exhausted, but I did it.  Then it had got warm so I didn’t use it. I am sure this is the last time I can ever light it. Not in 1979.

 

September 24, 1978

Didn’t use the furnace I lighted yes yesterday with so much effort but it was pleasantly cool. Attended church. Good sermon by Phillips prof. Learned Olga Schaefer had heart attack early this week. Has been under intensive care at hospital. Better now but I am worried. Daisy Allen died. Edith’s aunt. 

 

September 25, 1978

Nothing much happened. It was cool but I didn’t light use my furnace. Cloudy and rained off and on but not much water. 

 

September 26, 1978

Attended club with Madonna Enmeier in the beautiful new house at Stillwater, as hostess. It threatened rain but didn’t. 

 

September 27, 1978

Daisy Allen was buried today Funeral in Enid, buried in south cemetery. I didn’t attend. Read obituary in the paper of Dewey Shepherd. Buried today in North Cemetery. Funeral was in O.C. or wherever he lived. None of the family lives here now. They were 89ers. 

 

September 28, 1978

My cousin Allie Cooper’s widow, Lula and her sister came to see me this P.M. Lula lives in Oregon, her sister, Mabel Kovarek in Hennessey. 

 

September 29, 1978

Dorothy Friend came and spent quite a long visit with me this P.M.    

 

September 30, 1978

Today I didn’t check on the library for Maxine Harak was the volunteer librarian. And this is my last day. Selma DeWitt takes over in October. Lovely weather but how we need rain. 

 

October 1, 1978

I went to church. Heard a very fine sermon by Dr. Brian. 

 

October 2, 1978

Annual checkup with Dr. Freed. No sign of cancer and glorious news about my bones. My back is healed. He said I could do anything normal – not heavy lifting of course. I asked if I could carry pails of water and he said I could. I can keep some things from dying now. 

 

October 3, 1978

Went to Enid for my annual checkup of peripheral vision with Dr. Shields. O.K. And there is a new drug he wants me to try for the glaucoma that will not prevent normal dilation of my pupils so they can see around the Cataracts. The pressure was 18 & 20 if I remember correctly. 

 

October 4, 1978

Packed for my trip tomorrow to New Orleans. It has certainly been made easy for me. Eddie & Lucy Pyle came to visit me in the P.M. and how I enjoyed them. Eddie is gaining in health since they worked out a new diet for him. He looks fine, only still thin. 

 

October 5, 1978

Ramona took me to the Will Rogers Airport in O.C. Good flight. Left shortly before one – arrived in New Orleans middle of P.M. Violet met me. Wonderful to see her. Mrs. Poindexter, now approaching her 102 birthday is very demanding of Violet. 

 

October 6, 1978

Violet took me around and showed me much of the city. She had a luncheon for me and some of her friends at the country club. She leaves her mother for short periods – say 2 hours. Saw Lake Ponchartrain. 

 

October 7, 1978

Violet took me to French Quarter. Then to hotel at about 3:00. Staying at the hotel. Pres. Howell gave reception for S.E. Librarians & invited me. Met Eudora Welty. Met Bob and Loretta Johnson of Tucson. He is in charge of me & the award. Fine couple. 

 

October 8, 1978

Big day for me. Also for Eudora Welty who won S.E. book award. I spoke briefly but didn’t do very well. Anyhow Mr. Johnson said he was pleased. She read from her book but my hearing has failed until I didn’t hear a word. Spent a delightful P.M. visiting with the Johnsons. 

 

October 9, 1978

Violet, bless her, came to the hotel & took me to the airport. Ramona met me. How sweet of her. This trip was made very easy for me and I am thankful. With my failing sight and hearing and perhaps some failinge diminished mental alertness it is not possible for me to manage. I need help and I had it. It hadn’t rained at home. 

 

October 10, 1978

Attended club at Library. Good meeting. Irma Pilatus showed slides of Turkish naval base where her husband was stationed. I didn’t get much done. 

 

October 11, 1978

Straightened up cub responsibilities. I am secy. When I consented to serve I didn’t know my eyes and hearing would fail so rapidly but I’ll do my best. Today I started different drops for the glaucoma, which will be better perhaps. 

 

October 12, 1978

Worked on correspondence and in the yard. Things (including a young walnut tree) are trying to die and I am watering them. When I saw the doctor he said I could drag the hose and carry buckets of water. I did it. 

 

October 13, 1978

Had a fine visit from August & Catherene Burchardt. I am trying to catch up on correspondence. My eyes with the new drops are brightening up the world. It is glorious The former drops restricted my vision

 

October 14, 1978

Nothing much happened. Oh yes, I did go to see Olga Schaefer who was brought home from the hospital today. Had a serious heart attack about 3 weeks ago. She looks frail. I have turned my Sat library responsibility over to Selma DeWitt. 

 

October 15, 1978

Attended church. Heard a trial sermon by a very old man. He shows a background of education and intellect – more like a prof than a preacher – but I am convinced that he has a mental quirk – perhaps senility, or the results of a stroke. After the service we had a basket dinner. 

 

October 16, 1978

Not much happened. I hoed in the garden. It seems wonderful to be able to conduct normal activities. We are having lovely weather except that we desperately need rain. 

 

October 17, 1978

Went to Enid (Edith does all my driving except here at home.) Dr. Shields found right eye 23, left 28!! The new drug is not working. It is .25% He said to try .5% & come back Oct. 30. It costs $10 for a tiny bottle. 

 

October 18, 1978

Fern Acten came to see me today. I asked her a question about Club work (in a letter) and she answered in person. Had other business in Marshall. I enjoyed her visit.

 

October 19, 1978

and on to Oct. 23. All I remember about those days is how hot they were. Broke all time Oklahoma records for heat on at least two days. I believe Oct. 19 was the hottest.

 

October 20, 1978

[No entry]

 

October 21, 1978

I am badly worried about Olga Schefer [sic]. She has not done well since she was brought home from the hospital. 

 

October 22, 1978

Attended church. A Phillips prof preached. Congregational meeting after the service voted unanimously not to call last Sunday’s preacher. They took Olga back to the hospital today. In the afternoon Russell & Cora June Caston called. Nice visit. But Russell is not well. Cloudy and a few drops of rain. Warm day. 

 

October 23, 1978

It has turned cold but I am afraid prospect of rain are gone. My lilacs are dying. I watered them this evening but shrubs and trees root too deep to be helped much by watering. 

 

October 24, 1978

Attended club at the library. Fern presented the program. Subject was “The International Year of the Child” an emphasis originating with the United States. 

 

October 25, 1978

I went to Enid Stillwater today to have my hearing tested. I miss all group conversation and some private conversation. Also about half of the TV News. But I am afraid a hearing aid wont work for me. 

 

October 26, 1978

I had been on the track of a book for Mike Diedrich ever since his confirmation last May May. It came yesterday and I gave it to him today He came over and stayed an hour reading it and talking to me about it before he carried it home. I love Mike. 

 

October 27, 1978

Nothing in particular happened. Our chance for rain is gone. My shrubs are trying to die. I went out this evening and watered lilacs, spirea, crepe myrtle, and mock orange. I hope it saves them, but they are so big and woody and their roots go so far I’m afraid it won’t reach them. 

 

October 28, 1978

Nothing in particular happened Still warm weather. The nights and mornings are crisp. The sun is warm and the thermometer is up to 78° or even higher. 

 

October 29, 1978

Heard a sermon by a Phillips prof – an unusually good one. Still warm weather. The UNICEF children collected today.  Dressed in their Halloween costumes. 

 

October 30, 1978

Went to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Right eye 21, left 27 I think. He said continue with the new drops but start again on the tablets. He is not seriously concerned. We had to wait a long time and both Edith and I got very tired.

 

October 31, 1978

“Trick or Treats” evening. I always enjoy the children but this year the candy is so expensive that what I got at Woolworth’s in Enid was pretty trashy. Still our lovely warm weather and no rain.

 

November 1, 1978

Don and Evadean Huffer and Susan came. Bless them they found out I had been invited to an autograph party at the Will Rogers birthday celebration at Claremore this coming week end. They will be going to a funeral at Tulsa and would take me on to Claremore. But the funeral will be Fri., too early. They stayed and we had a fine visit. 

 

November 2, 1978

I believe this was our hottest day for some time – at least this is our hottest evening. Edith Holloway is having a new porch floor put in. Of course I supervised the job from my window. 

 

November 3, 1978

Hot day – up in the 80’s – I think in the mid-80s here. Hot tonight. Went to Stillwater today for more measurements on my hearing aid. What would I do without Edith to drive. My royalty checks from Uni Press came today. I am disappointed at small sales of Geronimo. 

 

November 4, 1978

Another warm day. No rain yet. The two Staton girls – Nellie Thomas and June Caston came to see me. I have known them since our first days in Okla. Alice, who died tragically young, was my friend. They were too small to attend school but they were her little sisters. I love them. 

 

November 5, 1978

Mission festival and dinner at the church. Alma was there from Stillwater After the dinner she and I went to see Olga. It is Olga’s birthday. She was dressed and sitting in the living room and looked well. And Clara looks rested. 

 

November 6, 1978

It rained last night - .8 inch. Not all we wanted but it helped. All soaked down. No run-off. It will turn cold tonight. Howard Huffer who had cancer surgery the same time I did and had a quick recovery, has had a recurrence and gone down rapidly, became very ill yesterday & was taken to the hospital. 

 

November 7, 1978

First freeze of the season and not a light frost but thermometer said 28° The sun shone and it warmed up. 

 

November 8, 1978

Warmest weather – no more freezing. Learned that Howard Huffer died last night. He had almost two active happy years after his surgery. Then about a month ago the cancer started up in several places and he went down very fast. He was a good man and I feel sad about his death. But he was in the 80s. 

 

November 9, 1978

Learned after making entry last night that Margaret Perdue has been in St. Mary’s hospital two weeks with a cancer. I tried to call her at her home and Don answered. It was hard for him to tell me – answered my questions with one word. In fact he and J. D. haven’t told anybody & nobody knows about it. 

 

November 10, 1978

Attended Howard Huffer’s funeral. He was a good man. It is terrible how cancer is killing people. Mrs. King came to fit my hearing aid. It does no good – makes the sound louder but does not enable me to distinguish words. I had hoped to join people in normal conversation once more. It turned cold, windy.

 

November 11, 1978

I learned about Margaret from a close friend of J. D. She had a swelling on her stomach (abdomen?) but felt well. The doctor couldn’t diagnose it, so made exploratory incision. Found the case hopeless. Gave her 40 days to live. I am so shocked. Nobody except this close friend even knew she was in the hospital. The two devoted sons can’t talk about it. Just kept it secret. It turned cold today. 

 

November 12, 1978

Rained ½ inch last night, cloudy all day. No freezing. A young minister’s family is here. He preached trial sermon. Pentacostal [sic] type tho he belongs to our church. Attractive family. Comes from UCC church near Kansas City, Kans. Visited Pat & Ramona in P.M. Their wheat is all planted – 1300 acres. Now the rain will bring it up.

 

November 13, 1978

It rained again last night. I don’t know how much. I wrote my Xmas letter and sent it off to be printed. I spend all my working time at correspondence. I am not able to work long stretches of time. I am not ill, but I am weak. 

 

November 14, 1978

Cloudy all day – rained off and on all P.M. & evening. We had club at Mary Rouse’s. I had the lesson. When I was driving home it poured but slackened up while I was getting into the house from the garage. 

 

November 15, 1978

It still rains all night and all day. And we do need it so badly.  Frank Day was killed in a one-car accident.  It is fairly certain that he had a heart attack and his car was driverless. Frank was a good man, a few years younger than Edwin and me but we were all young people in church together. 

 

November 16, 1978

Statehood day. I put up my flag. I have a sheltered place for it. It rained off and on all night and all day. All growing things are smiling but one rainy cloudy day is about all we Oklahomans can take no matter how badly we need it. 

 

November 17, 1978

The sun came out about 2 P.M. Now everybody is happy. We Oklahomans are sun worshippers. Frank day’s funeral was at Perry. Graveside services in our North Cemetery. Billy Conaghan came down from Tonkawa to attend. Then he came to see me, brought some of his writings and early day photos for the library and made me quite a long visit. 

 

November 18, 1978

The sun came out again this P.M. and I used the good weather to dig up my dahlias. I had to neglect them all year but 3 lived. The grasshoppers ate one, but the others produced glorious blooms – one red, the other a sort of peach. They had fine roots and tubers. I have been able to care for them this fall. 

 

November 19, 1978

Cloudy all day – rained some. Went to church. Sermon by a Phillips student who lives at Drummond with her husband. Short business meeting after church – voted to call last Sunday’s minister only one “No” vote. The Sch Bill Schaefers, the Brysons and I went to Hennessey – took today’s minister along – for dinner Her name is Do Metz. 

 

November 20, 1978

Rained again last night. It is fine steady rain that soaks down and we need all of it. But we like the sun. It was cloudy and drizzly all day. I wrote letters. 

 

November 21, 1978

Another dark cloudy day with some rain falling. Cold but not freezing. We had only the one freeze, Nov. 6-7.  I directed some of my Xmas envelopes. I don’t have the letters but if I did I wouldn’t send any till after Thanksgiving. That observance should not be lost because of Xmas commercialism. 

 

November 22, 1978

Rained again last night. Just what we need, but how dismal. Dark all day with a little rain falling.  Planes grounded by fog at O.C. People will miss Thanksgiving. I directed some more envelopes but didn’t get much done. My amaryllis is starting to bloom. I’m afraid it won’t be entirely open tomorrow.

 

November 23, 1978

Rained again last night but the sun came out this morning and it was a perfect day. I even turned off my furnace. It rained 3½ in. this spell including Nov. 5-6 & every drop went down. I ate Thanksgiving dinner with Pat and Ramona. Such a happy visit with them. 

 

November 24, 1978

A lovely warm day. We have had only the one freezing night though there was more freezing in the extreme n.w. corner of the state – even snow in the Panhandle. I worked on correspondence. Didn’t accomplish much. Also called on Olga. 

 

November 25, 1978

Rained last night and off and on through a dark, dismal day. Of course we need the rain. Every drop soaks down. An amaryllis Max and Mary Shank gave me is in glorious bloom. I asked Bonnie Roberts to give me some advice about hearing aids. She stopped at the house to show me and stayed for a nice visit. 

 

November 26, 1978

Rained last night – some thunder and wind. Cloudy & some rain all day. I attended church. A Phillips prof preached. In the P.M. went with Joe & Winnie Branen to celebrate Maude Trey Daugherty’s 94^th birthday at Waukomis. Saw all the old friends I knew and loved when I boarded with the Treys and taught school 1907-1909 and 1914-15. Maud is surprisingly young and active. 

 

November 27, 1978

The sun shown today but it was cold. I didn’t get much done. My amaryllis is glorious. It has 4 blooms 7 in across on one stalk and blooms on a second stock coming out. 

 

November 28, 1978

Froze last night. I think it was about 28°. This is the second time it was below freezing. Sunny but cold all day. I attended club at the library. Winnie had the lesson. 

 

November 29, 1978

It didn’t even freeze last night & was warm and sunny all day. Dick Clark came with new light on the Estes tragedy of1904. Mabel Bryson came to see my amaryllis (& took pics); Domer Daugherty Daughety Dougherty with my Xmas letters – all at once. Very pleasant. Domer was returning from Norman. 

 

November 30, 1978

Cloudy day. Pat heard me say I wanted a thermometer. He happened to see one in Enid and bought it. (I paid for it of course and am so glad to get it. Cost $1.64.) Tonight it says 50°. I forgot to say he put it up on the porch today. Ramona came this morning to see the amaryllis. She was thunderstruck. 

 

December 1, 1978

Warm day. Thermometer in the 60°, which is about average for these sunny P.M.s. Three friends came all at once – Mabel to see the amaryllis (and took pics). Made mistake. Writing late. 

 

December 2, 1978

Miserable dark day but warm. They tell of a cold storm coming – snow, etc. Roads Driving will be dangerous. 

 

December 4, 5, 1978 [?] [under December 3]

Dec. 4, 5 Entry for Dec. 3mistakenly placed on Dec. 5. On Dec. 4 too tired to accomplish much. Dec. 5 went to Enid Stillwater for Gerald Beeby of the OSU speech & hearing clinic make final check on my hearing aids. I told them they were useless. He found one defective (though brand new) both wrongly adjusted. Spent all P.M. working on them and me. 

 

December 4, 1978

Dec. 5 I think I may be able to use hearing aides after all. Will try again. Returned late & soon Bruce & Gitte Dehn came to visit me. On way back to S. Dak. from Texas. Wonderful visit. They went to Stillwater to spend the night. Very cold day. Turned cold during the night  

 

December 3, 1978 [under December 5]

Dec. 3.  Turned 2 pages Clear but intensely cold morning. Thermometer at 18° at 8 o’clock. No snow, no freezing rain. Gerry took me to A O.C. to author’s autograph party at Okla Heritage center. Met many friends, autographed piles of books, had supper at cafeteria. Ate with the Fischers. Very pleasant. But we worked hard too. 

 

December 6, 1978

Saw Gerald Beeby Bruce and Gitte came back again this morning and I took them to breakfast at the cafe. Then they went on their way. So sweet of them to make the two trips to see me. If I had known they were passing thru I’d have put them up here. Very cold day. Turned cold during the night. Joe Christian visited me this P.M. 

 

December 7, 1978

Cold day. Much of the state has icy roads but fortunately no moisture here. I got the last of my Xmas envelopes directed. Olga Schaefer was taken to the hospital this P.M.  “The doctor” – I don’t know which one was heard to say, “I don’t think she’ll make it this time.” I am very worried about her. Very cold day 18° 

 

December 8, 1978

Olga died about noon. She had felt fine and spent a pleasant morning yesterday signing Xmas cards, writing letters, ate a big noon dinner, then settled down for a nap. Clara heard a queer noise and she collapsed in her sleep. They took her to the hospital in our ambulance but she never recovered consciousness I am greatly grieved at losing her but most of all I grieve for Clara. Very cold day – 15° at 8:00 this morning. Thin coat of ice this morning.

 

December 9, 1978

Cold day but the sun shone. The undertaker brought Olga to his little parlor here. She looks lovely, just as she did in life. The funeral will be tomorrow. 

 

December 10, 1978

Olga’s funeral today. We had no church. Everybody too busy preparing for the funeral & evening service “Hanging of the Greens.” Clara wanted me to join the family and so I did – ate the dinner at the church, sat with them, rode to the cemetery with some of them. Dr. DeWitt preached the sermon. It was a big funeral Olga was a quiet, humble person but loved for her goodness. I was too tired to attend the service this evening. The day was sunny but cold. 

 

December 11, 1978

I was tired and didn’t get much done today. Tried to call on Clara and Leone and Carl but they were gone – putting Lou Ann on the plane for Calif. The sun shone but it was cold. 

 

December 12, 1978

Geneva Wise called this morning, picked up two copies of Geronimo she wanted autographed. Went to Cub at Winnies in the P.M. Sunny day but chilly. 

 

December 13, 1978

Went to Dr. Shields to have eye pressure checked. Right 20, left 25. He told me to use the new drops & tablets but to use the old ones once a day – at bedtime. Sunny but cool – clouded up in the P.M. No chance yet to see Clara and the Schneebecks. 

 

December 14, 1978

Thought man would come to put contraption on phone to increase volume of sound, but he didn’t come. I stayed at home all day. These hearing aids I have now really help a little. Sunny but chilly. Using those drops I used just once (at bedtime) took all the brightness from the day and made it much harder to read. 

 

December 15, 1978

Crisp morning, lovely warm sunny P.M. I didn’t get much done. Tried to call on Clara Schaefer and the Sneebecks but they were not home, gone to the O.C. airport to take the Sneebecks home. 

 

December 16, 1978

Beautiful sunny warm day. I am progressing very slowly on my Xmas letters. I don’t have the energy – or the sight. I finally found Clara at home. It was a good day to go afterall [sic], for it was her first day alone. She is very tired and doesn’t sleep nights. 

 

December 17, 1978

Attended church. A Phillips prof preached a very interesting sermon. In the P.M. I wrote letters.  Shirley Hartig called me for a long telephone visit this P.M. Coldish day. 

 

December 18, 1978

Sent out letters. I work pretty slow this year. Started early but will finish late. Sight too bad. I called on Clara. Irene Kittley and Ethel Howell came just as I left. I think the neighbors will help her in her loneliness. 

 

December 19, 1978

Warmest day we have had since it turned cold – 48° this morning, 67° in P.M. Got to mid 70’s in Okla. City. I worked on letters but not much. Didn’t feel very well. 

 

December 20, 1978

Wrote Sent letters but I shall have to send about half of them late. My eyes troublesome so much and I become tired so easily that I get out only a few each day. Perhaps I can try something else next year. If there is a next year for me. 

 

December 21, 1978

Another sunny, warm day. It is cold in the morning but warms up Ramona came on an errand and stayed briefly. Alma Friend came to see me. Nice visit. And brought some delicious food. No reason except that it is Christmas and Alma is such a generous person. 

 

December 22, 1978

As I do every day I worked on Xmas letters. I work so slow because of faulty sight that I shall not finish in time. Written later – on Dec. 22 or 23 – I think Dec. 22 – Earl Casteel struck my car & dented it. 

 

December 23, 1978

Worked on letters but didn’t get many written. Called on Clara, who is doing her best but finding it hard. Spent the evening with Pat and Ramona. The wind cam up strong so Ramona took me home. 

 

December 24, 1978

Attended church. A Phillis prof preached. Sent out a few letters. My last summer yard boy, Mike came to see me and brought a carefully written Xmas card. It pleased me very much. Did not have a way to attend the program – Clara & Olga always took me, or the Brysons who are now visiting Charles and Janice

 

December 25, 1978

Clara didn’t feel like celebrating Xmas at a happy Schaefer family gathering so Mrs. Murphy & I spent it with her. We brought food & Clara baked a chicken. Then Wilda drove up from Ada, so there were four of us. I think Clara really enjoyed the quiet day. It tided over her lonliness [sic]. Beautiful sunny weather. Ruth & Jerry Rusco called this evening. 

 

December 26, 1978

Since I didn’t finish my letters before Xmas I worked on them today. Still not finished. Earl Casteel called John Cunningham at the car body shop in Hennessey and he came after my car. I had wondered how to get it over there. 

 

December 27, 1978

Worked on more letters getting about finished. That industrious young Mike Adams came and cleared my flower garden of dead growth – also watered the spreading trees along my porch. I had been doing this work but I get too tired. 

 

December 28, 1978

Dean and Dorothea Miller came to see me. I had a wonderful visit with them. I never saw Dean look so well. John Cunningham, the attractive young man with the body shop at Hennessey brought my car back. It is just like new. It will cost Earl Casteel’s insurance company $ 102.00 – 102.75

 

December 29, 1978

Dismal dark day turning progressively colder. Frozen mist. I drove to town at about 10:00 and had trouble feeling my way home. Robert Anderson, a convict at McAlester called me for a visit this evening.  He is a convict but a very fine person who should be outside. We have been corresponding for years but have never met. 

 

December 30, 1978

A worse day than yesterday if possible More time for the ice to form on the roads. All Okla. subject to travellers’ [sic] warning. I stayed inside. In the afternoon it snowed a little. White on top; ice below. 

 

December 31, 1978

There was no church today. It snowed last night and a few times today. Not much fell. It is pure and beautiful but I hate it.  Under it is a coat of ice on the ground. Every few minutes TV warned travelers to stay off all the roads in Okla. Nellie Blanch called me for a telephone visit.