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4. 1980s
5. 1985

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January 1 - March 20, 1985

(Box 5/Folder 11)

March 21 - December 31, 1985

(Box 5/Folder 12)

 

January 1, 1985

Well I made another year, but my memory has failed seriously – names and words mainly I can still think clearly, Nellie Blanche Moorman called me for a lovely visit from Cali. And Vera Long from the next street called for a telephone visit. It was a cold day – not zero, around 20° I suppose. Snow on the ground and more fell today. Not deep, but we are shut in. Dark all day.

 

January 2, 1985

Beautiful bright day – golden sunshine, blue blue sky. But it didn’t get very warm. Not much ice or snow melted and it was never very deep. Still we usually have a much worse cold spell right after Christmas. And one week of our winter has passed already.

 

January 3, 1985

Another beautiful sunny day. Warmer than yesterday – all ice fell from the tress and about half from the ground. I felt well. Nothing much happened.

 

January 4, 1985

Another beautiful day. And it must have been a little warmer for all the snow is gone except in the shade. But the sun is so low there is much shade. I felt pretty well. Nothing in particular happened.

 

January 5, 1985

Another Beautiful day and warmer. All the snow is gone except small strips in the deepest all day shade. Raymond came by – stopped and visited a while. He said it had rained 2 inches, I think he meant Dec. 13-19, not Dec. 20 20. We didn’t need the moisture and it was hard on the cattle (he loves his Polled Herefords) and then the snow covered the muddy field and made it worse. But his cattle are O.K. now. He wants to go to the capitol when my pictures is hung with a little ceremony.

 

January 6, 1985

Sunday. Another warm day. I did without the furnace much of the day. Barbara Abrash called from New York. Pleasant visit. She and Martha want to get something for Selma. She helped them so much. I am glad. I am going to suggest on amaryllis bulb. She loves to plant things and it happens she has never had an amaryllis.

 

January 7, 1985

Another sunny, warm day. This morning when the sun was low Selma took me to a window and showed me the fall moon shining brightly in the northwest. Something I never saw before. I knew the sun set in the northwest at this time of year, but I never expected to see the moon do it. Probably The moon never happened to be full and plainly visible on a clear morning at this time of year at any other time of my life before.

 

January 8, 1985

Our beautiful weather is over. It is getting cold. The weather man says sleet and snow is on the way. My toaster refused to start when I starte tried to use it at noon. I am afraid it is fin finished but perhaps it needs to be cleaned of crumbs. I hate to buy a new one if this one is finished, but there are no repair men any more. I thi think it is wrong to throw things away when they can be repaired.

 

January 9, 1985

Rained all forenoon, cloudy and dark all day. A Creek woman (really a Euchee) with a nice voice called me. She is Miss Sunshine King who is in charge of the Creek Museum in the Creek Capitol. Called to tell me how happy she is about the picture Charles Banks Wilson is painting to put in the state capitol. She says all the Creeks appreciate the history of the tribe I wrote. It pleases me very much when Indians approve of my writing. My beloved Pat came briefly this evening.

 

January 10, 1985

It has been months since I felt so well as I did when I woke this morning. It was a dark cloudy day – rained this morning, was warm in the P.M., colder tonight. The lights and gates started working yesterday on our Main Street crossing of the railroad. It should have saved the lives of that fine Rouse son a few years ago, and that family a year ago. Today I gave a careful reading to the contact with the Council Oak Press to publish Prairie City.

 

January 11, 1985

Cold forenoon, even snow but it didn’t stay on the ground. But sun shone in P.M. & house warmed up. Cold this evening.  Don and Evadean Huffer and Raymond Bryson came this forenoon to ask if Jan 27 would be O.K. for my birthday dinner. I said ‘fine.” This started when I taught this Sunday School class, now the church and other friends took it up. So good of them. I worked today on the contract for publication of Prairie City by the Council Oak Press. Got too tired and couldn’t finish the job. Will try tomorrow.

 

January 12, 1985

Forgot to record yesterday. Bill Rouse came to replace an electric switch that after almost forty years was getting ready to quit, He happily told me their daughter Ladonna and her husband had a baby girl. Showed me a picture. Today was beautiful and sunny but cold – 15° this morning.  Warmed up a little, not much in the P.M. But I am happy about the end of the storm. It wasn’t very bad – no snow on the ground, no sleet on the trees.

 

January 13, 1985

Very grieved over a letter from Ruth Lowes saying my dear friend, Gladys Davis has an inoperable cancer. She was so strong and vital. It is heart breaking. I have loved her since I knew her as a student my first year in Canyon 1924. It was a lovely day not so warm as yesterday. It is Sunday – the day of my church’s annual congregational meeting. Also communion Sunday. Rev. Ted came here for the communion service – Raymond with him. Ray and Shirley called for a visit on the telephone this P.M.

 

January 14, 1985

Lovely day, but I was ill all day. Slept badly all night so ill all forenoon. Then I went back to bed and couldn’t sleep, so Ill all evening. Went to bed at 9:00. A member of the history faculty at Tahlequah, whom I know, asked if I will tell his young daughter my memories of Kat Barnard.

 

January 15, 1985

Felt fine when I woke this morning, worked on details of the reprint of Prairie City being planned by the Council Oak Press of Tulsa. The girl called me about Kate Barnard. She will is to give a report about her to her class at school, and wants a recording of my own memory of her over the telephone to add to her own report. I did it for her and she was greatly pleased.

 

January 16, 1985

Cloudy most of the day. I planned to go to Enid to see Dr. Shields but was afraid it would rain – or snow or sleet. Instead I finished a letter to the Council Oak Press at Tulsa insisting they not make new prenting [sic]and illustrations of Prairie City. Just published it as it is.

 

January 17, 1985

Beautiful day – and really warm Getting cold this evening I am afraid. Dorine Halsted called me from the Kansas City area for a long lovely visit.

 

January 18, 1985

Warm but cloudy. But we are told of some very cold weather on the way. The water went off from all the north part of town. When our town put in the water lines in the late 1920’s a plumber told my brother they were not deep enough and would always give us trouble and they do.

 

January 19, 1985

Our water man turned the water back on at late evening. The weather changed to the nor this forenoon with a high north wind. By mid P.M. it was 20° with a strong wind blowing. Now we have a thin snow over the ground. I can’t tell about the wind. Too dark. But very cold. I have used furnace at full blast plus an electric stove in the living room. Managed to keep warm. Later – I was wrong about the snow. It was too dark for me to see clearly.

 

January 20, 1985

Sunday. Beautiful bright day, blue sky, no wind. But cold. My porch thermometer registered 0° at 7:30 when Selma came. No doubt it was 2° or 3° lower during the night. It is usually coldest at about 8:00 A.M. Raymond came before church. I don’t know what I should do without Raymond and Mabel. Selma brought my book Royalty check from OU Press. Came on yesterday’s mail. Due Oct. 1, last Octob year.

 

January 21, 1985

Nothing much happened. It really warmed up some this P.M. and is not terribly cold this evening.

 

January 22, 1985

Warmer day but cold this evening. Charle [sic] Banks Wilson called. He has finished the portrait  Planning some sort of ceremony when it is hung. He is going to Florence, Italy. Thinks will be back, plan, have ceremony I think he said March.

 

January 23, 1985

Another pleasant day. It is pretty cold at night – in the 20°s, but warms up with the sun. I felt fine today. Learned that Anne Morgan with Mrs. Anthony, whom I have not met, and Connie Cronley are coming to visit me on my birthday next Wednesday.

 

January 24, 1985

Signed the contract for the publication of Prairie City by the new Tulsa firm – Council Oak Press. It was a lovely day and I felt well. Evadean Huffer called to talk briefly about next Sunday’s dinner, and brought me a loaf of her good bread. I always made my own bread and this stour [sic] bought kind seems pretty bad. I shall enjoy Evadean’s.

 

January 25, 1985

Pleasant, warm day but it is turning very cold tonight. Martha Sandlin called, She had been in England in the interest of our TV film, and is now back home, I worked on pics for Prairie City. It is not satisfactory to copy from the published books, but I have some originals and can tell the Council Oak Press where to get others.

 

January 26, 1985

It wasn’t very cold today but it got cloudy and may rain. I hope it doesn’t turn cold. My birthday celebration at the cafe is tomorrow after church, Raymond Bryson and Don Huffer came to see me about it this P.M. Some people are coming from Tulsa, Okla. City, and Norman.

 

 January 27, 1985

It wasn’t very cold today, but it rained last night and was cloudy this morning. Selma did her best to dress me up and fix my hair before going to the church she attends at Crescent. Then it started to sleet and she was afraid to drive down. Raymond and Don called off the celebration, phoned out of town people & had the cancelation announced in the churches. Selma came back and changed my clothes. But most of the people ate at the cafe after all. It started snowing, snowed about two inches but never got very cold.

 

January 28, 1985

Not very cold – 20° at 7:30, cloudy much of day but not cold. Most of the snow melted. Gerry Schaefer stopped by at 4 P.M. on way home from teaching at Covington. I wanted her to see the amaryllis she gave me Xmas. Four white and pink blooms on one stalk 8 inches across.

 

January 29, 1985

Warmish day and evening alternately cloudy & sunny. But a bad storm is on the way. Good friends are coming from Norman and Tulsa for my birthday tomorrow and I am, worried about them. Get [sic] letter from Gladys Davis’s niece. Gladys has terminal cancer, is very near death. I am deeply grieved.

 

January 30, 1985

My 95th birthday. Cloudy in morning, then started snowing. My beloved Connie Cronley from Tulsa and my good friend Anne Morgan with Nancy Anthony (a fine person I had not met before, came to help me celebrate. I tried to prevent their coming because of icy roads, but they came. (All got home safely.) Raymond and Mabel came while they were here. Brought a lovely chrysanthemum. Frances Davis called me by telephone. Happy day in spite of weather and all my visitors got home safely.

 

January 31, 1985

Learned Gladys died Jan. 29. But she did get my letter. Jim Horton called from Florida where he spends his winters for a fine long visit. He is very well after several years of ill health. Has found a doctor in Florida.

 

February 1, 1985

Audrey Olmstead died this morning. She had been in a hospital at Enid for about three weeks. She has had trouble breathing for several years – had only one lung – but was brave and fairly active. I loved Audrey. It was a cold cloudy day – 10° last night, warmed up a little in the P.M. Charles Banks Wilson called. Is coming to see me Friday with the painting and a Tulsa Tribune reporter.

 

February 2, 1985

I felt better today than I have felt for a long time. And it was a bright beautiful day, but cold. Then towards evening it clouded up. A lovely bouquet of red carnations was delivered this morning from Crescent – the gift of the New York crew from my birthday. The cafe changed hands today – bought by a family from Cashion. I think the name is Macbeth. They brought me dinner today.

 

February 3, 1985

Sunday. Nothing much happened. It was an unsettled day – sunny or windy and cloudy – and cold. I hoped it would clear off so I could go to Enid to see Dr. Shields tomorrow.

 

February 4, 1985

Dark dismal day, snowed off and on. The ground is covered but I think not more than an inch deep. Audrey Olmstead was buried today, such a bad day for the funeral, But Mabel Bryson told me it stopped snowing while they were at the cemetery. I am glad of that. I loved Audrey. Also her children especially Teddy and Dorothy whom I knew best.

 

February 5, 1985

Cloudy this morning but sun shone in P.M. Not much snow melted. Margaret Ools came to visit me this A.M. She had baked a pumpkin pie and brought me two good sized pieces. I am glad she sold the cafe. She is a lovely person but the job is too hard for her. Also she is not good at business. A sweet and lovely person, not practical enough.

 

February 6, 1985

Dark gloomy forenoon, but the sun came out beautifully in the P.M. and all the snow it hit melted. (Long shadows still covered with the white stuff.) Raymond Bryson and Don Huffer came and talked about our meeting for dinner at the cafe Sunday. Depends on weather. Also they said they could borrow a wheel chair and take me to the capitol for the hanging of my portrait. I had considered it out of the question but I now think it could be managed. It will be March or April.

 

February 7, 1985

A day exactly like yesterday and my good Marshall friends have decided to have my belated birthday dinner at the cafe Sunday but not to ask distant friends to come. Then the weather won’t make so much difference. Just a local party. Martha Sandlin called me from New York about the TV special. Many things piling up.

 

February 8, 1985 ( come back to)

Hard work all forenoon. Charles Banks Wilson came with the portrait, which I like very much. Also a lovely young woman and a very capable young man – I can’t read their names in the guest book – from the Tulsa Tribune, she to interview, he to photograph Mr. Wilson set up his painting equipment, the portrait, daubs of paint, me of went through the act of painting me. I forgot to say  Aletha Hollis was here, also Selma. It sounds simple but they did it very carefully. It will not be published till the public announcement is made. I got very tired.

 

February 9, 1985

Warmer day – melted snow in the shade - … I am afraid it is getting ready to storm tomorrow and we are having my belated birthday dinner then. Glenna Matthew called me from Calif. – Eletha [sic] had called and told her about yesterday. I found out what I had recently suspected. Glenna was the one who stated this film TV project. Suggested it to the Institute for research [sic] in history [sic] and they responded. 

 

February 10, 1985

Sunday. Dark day, some sleet. The Huffers & Ramona Brysons decided to have my birthday dinner today, but not invite anybody from outside because of dangerous roads. And a big brunch came! It was perfect. How I enjoyed it, Brian and Louise Harpster came all the way from Arkansas but they came yesterday and will visit the Huffers a few days. And Penny Williams stopped by on her way from Tulsa to O.C. for legislature. Ray & Shirley called for a long phone visit.

 

February 11, 1985

Beautiful day – 18° when Selma came at 7:30 when it had warmed up some, and continued warming up all day. Rev, Led came briefly with an attractive young German women who has translated our early Church records. So few people at present can read German script. They discontinued it in German schools during Wiemar [sic] Republic. I chose people to take part in hanging of my portrait at capitol. Told Charles Banks Wilson by phone.

 

February 12, 1985

Beautiful sunny day, warmer than yesterday. Selma took me to Covington Enid to see Dr. Shields. Right eye 17, left 24. It was a month over time. Pat O’Neill brought a book to read which he got from the Enid library – Images of Okla. Interesting photographs. It is really helping me in my present job of working on illustrations for the new Prairie City.

 

February 13, 1985

Warm, bright day, Nothing much happened but I got several odds and ends done. Felt well. Bernice Beeby’s (I don’t remember her last married name) husband died at P was buried today. Bernice has lost three husbands. She and Arthur Beeby lived on the old Sylvan Rice homestead, she and her last husband at Perry. She is the granddaughter of Sylvan Rice, the founder of Marshall.

 

February 14, 1985

Still warmer day – barely above freezing when Selma came at 7:30 (30°). I am working on new copies of illustrations for new printing of Prairie City Trying to get originals. Reproducing from the printed book is not good. The picture loses some of its detail. Knopf did not keep the ones I sent in 1983 1943 and I am trying to find other copies.

 

February 15, 1985

Had a spell of chest pains before I got up this morning felt bad all day. But managed to work on illustrations for Prairie City. Warm day but seems to be getting colder this evening.

 

February 16, 1985

Another warm pleasant day. But I was ill all day. Max Phelan (bless him) brought me his fathers pics We hoped there would be some of the oil field of Marshall but there were none. And Roy Beeby (another good friend will help find family pics and take them to Chf’s [sic] at Enid for copies. Such good people And my beloved Pat O’Neill came to pick up a book he had brought me and stayed for a visit.

 

February 17, 1985

I felt well this morning only weak. I had been ill the last two days, but I think I have recovered. This is Sunday. Raymond came this morning as he usually does on Sunday. Roy Beeby and his mother who lives at Perry hunted for a picture his father, Arthur, gave me for Prairie City but it was not in her collection. Roy and George Beeby are very helpful.

 

February 18, 1985

A still warmer day. A holiday for the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln. George Beeby took the picture his grandmother loaned me of Sunnyside School to Cliff’s Photo Shop at Enid today. It had seriously damaged by someone and Ciff’s [sic] will try to restore and copy it for me. If that doesn’t work we may find some copies elsewhere for Prairie City.

 

February 19, 1985

Warmest day yet. I have the furnace at lowest possible place now in late evening Maxine Sanford Austin called me from Enid for a very pleasant visit. Later The P

 

February 20, 1985

Warm day. Cloudy all day – rained in the P.M. when I was sleeping. I think quite a shower. I was ill all day. Later – the P.M. rain measured 1¼ in. in in the rain gauge.

 

February 21, 1985

Dark, cloudy forenoon, started raining before noon (not much I think), cleaned up and sun shone later. I felt O.K. No – news Nothing much happened.

 

February 22, 1985

Another dark, rainy day. And warmer. Not like February. Nothing much happened. I have felt fine all day. Had a good telephone visit with Vera Long.

 

February 23, 1985

Rained hard and thundered last night - rained off and on all day. I felt O.K. But I have lost much in Physical strength, also in memory of words and names these last months.

 

February 24, 1985

Sunday. The sun shone all day blue sky, warm. The soil is so soppy with rain that when people stop on grassy lawns they squish. So they tell me. Rev. Ted brought communion, and Raymond came along. It is the first Sunday in lent [sic]. I talked to Jim Horton in Florida. He and the Florida friend with whom he stays had been in New Orleans for mardi gras [sic].

 

February 25, 1985

Beautiful warm sunny day. I have been notified that I am chosen as one of 6 honorees at the Cowgirls Hall of Fame and Wester Heritage Center at Hereford, Texas. Three of us (the others from Ariz. And Calif.) as Western H. three as cowgirls. I called Margaret Harper who was chosen some years ago & found it is a very good organization. So sent thanks and acceptance.

 

February 26, 1985

Dr. Brad Agnew came from Tahlequah to see me this morning. He was passing by on his way to O.C. The account I gave his 14 year old daughter about Kate Barnard for her school contest was O.K but marred by static and he picked it up on tape this morning. I like him very much – a fine historian. And this P.M. Vera long [sic] came to see me. She is looking much better than she did during her husband's last illness. It was a cloudy day but no rain. Not so warm as formerly.

 

February 27, 1985

Bright, sunny day. I worked hard on some help the Council Oak Press wanted. About illustrations, also reviews back in 1944 when my Prairie City first appeared. Shirley and Ray called me – back from Bermuda. Their 12 days there and in with their grandchildren were perfect. I am so glad there son and his lovely wife gave them this 50th anniversary. They went along but the grandchildren couldn’t.

 

February 28, 1985

Not quite so warm. And I was not very well. I managed, however, to finish and assembling some things for the Council Oak Press, and wrote a letter about them and get them ready for mailing some reviews when Prairie City first appeared, a picture, other things. I am glad this new firm is bringing out a new printing.

 

March 1, 1985

I think this is the warmest day we have had yet. I felt well and worked on my monthly bank statement that has been lying around about a week. Straightened up my income tax figures for the month. I still have not heard when my picture is to be hung in the capitol.

 

March 2, 1985

The day was really hot in the P.M., but not hot enough for me to turn on an air conditioner. I learned by a roundabout way that my “hanging” will be April 9. Got a beautiful pic from Aletha Hollis of Mr. Wilson “painting” my pic Feb.8.

 

 March 3, 1985

Sunday. Dark day, some rain, I called Penny Williams this morning found the I shall be hung, April 8, (Judge Parker and the crowds that came to view his 88 hangings.) The reason I have not been notified is that they have not set the hour yet hour yet. It is an inconvenient time for Raymond for it is the Sunday after Monday after Easter and he planned to go to St. Louis  & attend Charles’s church that day.

 

March 4, 1985

In the evening the TV reported a tornado warn warning stretching across Okla. From southwest to northeast. I didn’t know – don’t hear well enough to watch TV. It came as close to us as Guthrie and Stillwater. Then when I was getting ready for bed the light dimmed. Went off entirely after I managed to feel my way to bed. Came on during the night. No news – our Enid paper misses Monday. It was rather cold today. I got some letters answered.

 

March 5, 1985

Warmest day yet. I went through files of letters that have accumulated since Christmas. Hope I get time to finish before something new comes up. There were violent rain last night but no tornadoes. Across state southwest to northeast reached to Guthrie and Stillwater.

 

March 6, 1985

Sunny day turned cloudy. Doris Rudd Nothing much happened. More sorting of correspondence. brought her sister & sister’s husband and granddaughter to visit me and get a book autographed. I taught the sister, Marie Wortham (now Dawson) in S.S. class when she was a lovely young girl. Family lives in Wichita.

 

March 7, 1985

Warm day – alternate sunshine and clouds. Nothing much happened here but I got a wonderful letter from Dorothy Leake. She is 91 but is active as I was before my collapse in 1978 at age 88. Tomorrow will start on a trip to the south sea islands and is working on drawings for a botany book. Charles Banks Wilson called. Is sending pics of my portrait to key newspapers for publicity.

 

March 8, 1985

Warm, cloudy day but it didn’t rain. I felt fairly well, I have declined much in strength and most of all in my memory (especially of names and words) these past months.

 

March 9, 1985

Cloudy all day, warm. I did use the furnace most of the time, but low. Pat came to ask me some questions about a few things I did in Mas Marshall – teaching during World War II etc. Dr. Scales called him. He has change of the portrait hanging. Always so good to see Pat.

 

March 10, 1985

Warm, cloudy day – no rain, Sunday. Raymond came as usual just after he left my dear friends, Wynona Nelson, came. Had been in O.C visiting a brother and stopped on her way back to her home in Jay. Then just as she was leaving Martha Sandlin called me from N. York. Wants me to do several things I can hardly find time to do. Making good progress on the TV of my life.

 

March 11, 1985

Warm, cloudy. Worked with Selma on labeling pics in a camera album the N. Y. people want for their TV. Connie called called for a long conversation this evening. M. Wilson sent her a picture of my portrait and she likes it very much. So do I.

 

March 12, 1985

Warm day, Cloudy. Jack Beeby died this morning yesterday of cancer of the spleen. He was at my birthday party a year ago. talked with me, back from the hospital and feeling fine. Illness under control. He was so very happy. But he took down soon after and has been very low ever since. I spent today working on material for the N. Y. people working on the TV documentary.

 

March 13, 1985

Warm day, cloudy but no rain and we don’t need any. I finished my income tax. I don’t do as much work on it as I once did. Have that to Mr. Tagge. I got some letters answered that have waited many months. Felt fairly well. Jack Beeby was buried today. Poor Jack. He suffered a long time.

 

March 14, 1985

Bright sunny day. I worked on some material to send Martha Sandlin for the TV project. Connie Cronley and Ruth Lowes called from Tulsa and Canyon, Texas this evening. Mr. Wilson sent them copies of the portrait to use in publicity and they were as happy about it they both called.

 

March 15, 1985

Frost this morning, bright sunny forenoon; clouding over while I slept in the P.M. I am copying some entries from old diaries that Martha Sandlin thinks she might need. She asked me for snapshots of my childhood and early youth. She is too young to know that only professionals had cameras in those days. One went to a studio for a pic or a traveling photographer came by and took a picture of a pioneer homestead. Learned my dear friend Alice Carlson Moffet died.

 

March 16, 1985

Cloudy all day, rained in P.M. ¼ in. I should have worked on some old dairy entries I am copying for Martha Sandlin. But I wasted most of the day.

 

March 17, 1985

Sunday. Raymond as usual stopped in before church. Worked on diary entries Good Clara Shaefer [sic] came for a lovely visit in the late P.M. I haven’t seen that good friend for a long time because because weather too cold or too too rainy. Enjoyed visit very much.

 

March 18, 1985

Sunny day. A reporter on the Oklahoman called this morning, wants to interview me Wed. on “the hanging” April 8 &  Ruth Lowes called from Canyon, Texas to be sure she has the story straight for Amarillo and Canyon papers. Result of some publicity by Charles Banks Wilson. David Henry’s job but he is getting married right now and  has other things to think of.

 

March 19, 1985

Sunny, warm day. Raymond came to go over my income tax with me this morning. He will take me to see Mr. Tagge Friday. Last year I went over it with him just as I did today but he had to see Mr. Tagge by himself because I was still ill with effects of flu. I worked today on copying my diary of 1974 for Martha Sandlin.

 

March 20, 1985

Dark, rainy day. A reporter, a Ms. De France, from the Oklahoman called for an interview. All forenoon. In late P.M I worked on diary for Martha Sandlin but didn’t get it finished.

 

March 21, 1985

This is falling to pieces and today Alice brought me a new one she managed to find for me in Enid.

Worked on coping entries from my 1973 – 77 diary for the TV project. Ready to send Martha Sandlin tomorrow. It was a dark day and rained a lot in the P.M. We don’t need it.

 

March 22, 1985

Raymond took me to Enid to see Mr. Tagge about income tax. We worked together in presenting the figures. He mang manages part of my business & I manage part. Past year he had to see Mr. Tagge alone became I had not recovered from flu. In the P.M I worked on a list of people to whom the governor will send invitations to hanging of any portrait April 8th.  

 

March 23, 1985

Warm, sunny day. I finished the of list of list of people to come to my “hanging.” Connie Cronley has been asked to write the blurb about me. Sent me a copy. Such Beautiful writing I practically believed it myself.

 

March 24, 198[5]

Sunday. Raymond didn’t come this morning. He and Mabel attended a church meeting at Roman Nose State park. It was a warm, sunny day. Clara called this P.M. I gave her one of Letha’s [sic] pics of Mr. Wilson painting my portrait, and 4 more for her to hand to other close friends.

 

March 25, 198[5]

I went to Crescent for a permanent. Juanita gives cold waves to elderly patients, and I can’t stand the regular beauty shop process any more. But even the cold wave turned out to be about all I could take. But I came home, ate dinner, and went to bed, and then felt O.K. Warm, sunny day

 

March 26, 1985

Dark day. I did not feel well. Am terribly worried about Ollie (Bryson) Yelton. Had breast cancer removed 2 years ago. Now has two bumps and apparently one behind eye or on brain. Will have further examination in Tulsa. Try chemotherapy if it is cancer.

 

March 27, 1985

Selma took me to Enid to have my eyes checked. Pressure same as last time: right 17, left 24. I felt especially well today but got pretty tired. Warm day, alternate sunshine and clouds, no rain. Raymond came in late P.M. to report on a trip he made Monday to Okla. City to check on everything for the ceremony at the capitol, April 8. Good Raymond.

 

March 28, 1985

Warm day. I turned on the air conditioner in my study study when I got up from P.M. sleep at 3:00 and it felt good. Vera Long came by this evening. I asked asked her to come so I could give her a pic of Charles Banks Wilson painting my portrait.

 

March 29, 1985

Warm day, but started to turn cold this evening and now is really cold, I worked on sending out notes to close friends about the ceremony of hanging the portrait. People who wanted to know the date. Winnie Branen called for a pleasant visit. I love Winnie. She and Joe are planning to attend the “hanging”.

 

March 30, 1985

It turned pretty cold this evening. The day had been dark and rainy but not very cold. I called Shirley and Ray to tell them the date of the portrait ceremony. And they had made a commitment to have an Iowa friend visit them. If only I had called a week earlier. Things are piling up on me!

 

March 31, 1985

Sunday. Bright, sunny day. And I practically had a party. Violet Poindexter & Sylvia Jarvis from near New Orleans. Talked on phone to Shirley and Ray and the Donovan family in Chicago area; and to Hartigs in Kansas City. All will at capitol Apr. 8. Don and Evadean called for a beautiful visit this evening. Truly a very happy day for me. Also Margaret Ools came.

 

April 1, 1985

Roberta Allen Enid called early this morning, Winnie Branen Tulsa this evening to tell me to tell me they had heard about my portrait and how happy they were. So sweet and generous of them. I am so very grateful.

 

April 2, 1985

Warm, sunny day day. I used the air conditioner in my study during part of the P.M. I think I have some old field pictures located for my new printing of Prairie City. Spent much time running them down. Le Aletha Hollis called to tell me she has got a divorce. Took her maiden name of Rodgers. She is not unhappy only relieved.

 

April 3, 1985

Sunny day and really hot this P.M. and evening. Engaged in much preparation for Monday and at the same time the plans for the new printing of Prairie City. Ramona called this evening. So nice to see her. She is copying some revisions I made on a possible new edition of Footloose to get it ready for 1889 centennial

 

April 4, 1985

Hot day. It seems to be getting ready for a thunder storm. Too many things happening leading up to the Monday Event. I need to be 59 instead of 95 to handle my part of it. Sent out pictures and letters in answer to lovely lovely letters from friends, and answered long distance telephone calls.

 

April 5, 1985

Sunny but not so hot. Too many things are happening at once for me – especially with my failing memory. I had two long distance calls this morning while Selma was trying to put polish on my nails – and so on through the day. I love people for their genuine pleasure over the coming event but it keeps me busy.

 

April 6, 1985

Another pleasant day. And happy telephone visits with Lonie Beth Rawlins and Wesley Tilden (my cousin) both from Calif. And a call from Martha Dehn in Independence, Mo. Also cousins. People are so good to me. That generous Jim Horton called me from Florida and sent me a glorious orchid and Connie Cronley sent me a beautiful shawl for Easter.

 

April 7, 1985

Dear friends are making telephone long distance calls and beloved relatives are already gathering in Okla. City and the Crescent motel for the big event tomorrow. Everything here is under control. The town council even designated tomorrow as Angie Debo Day.

 

April 8, 1985

The ceremony of dedicating and unveiling the portrait was a beautiful occasion and I am more grateful than I can say to the people who planned it and made it possible for me to participate (feebly). I am too tired to write more.

 

April 9, 1985

Rested surprisingly last night. Happy day. Don and Shirley Hartig and Dorine Halsted brought my namesake, 13-yr.-old Angie from K.C. and gave me a long lovely visit on the way home this forenoon. Ray & Shirley Hartig Worsley from the Chicago area stopped on their way back this P.M. Put my beloved Patty on the Chicago plane this noon. I saw her only at the celebration yesterday – same old Dehns. Wonderful relatives!

 

April 10, 1985

Had another good day feeling quite rested. Am enjoying reading the names on in guest books provided by the committee in charge of Monday’s ceremony. Names of good friends and of good people I did not know.

 

April 11, 1985

Warm day. I felt O.K. trying to straighten up things left over from Monday and working on pics Ida Mae Schwarz Schwarz sent me from the McCully well to use in the new edition of Prairie City.

 

April 12, 1985

Hot day. And I did not feel well. I needed my most alert mental condition for a man from in Washington interviewed me for a radio program while Aletha Rodgers came with the equipment to relay it through. I was not as alert as I should have liked to be but I hope he is good at editing out the pauses and stammering. It will be broadcast Sunday and I will listen critically. 

 

April 13, 1985

We had a good rain last night Just what the wheat needed. People say it is doing fine. I felt well today. Spent time getting some photos of Monday’s events, given to me by the planning people, in order so I can send some to special friends and relatives.

 

April 14, 1985

Sunday. The Brysons have two radios so Raymond brought one for me. The national radio newscast (I don’t remember the name) that comes on at 4:00 P.M had my Friday’s interview. The Washington man who recorded its with Aletha here in my house sending it by microphone (I think it was a microphone) and my telephone, did not edit it and it was pretty bad. I was not well that day and did much pausing and repeating. He said he was good at editing but he didn’t do it.

 

April 15, 1985

Warm, sunny day. I worked to organ organize the photographs, news clippings, and official documents given me Monday. Scarcely made a dent on the mass of material. Wrote a few letters thanking people. Afraid the job is too big.

 

April 16, 1985

Warm, sunny day. My tulips are blooming. They tell me my lilac has been lovely and my bridal wreath is starting. Sally Dennison and Paulette Millichap of the Council Oak Books came from Tulsa and we did some hard work on illustrations for Prairie City.

 

April 17, 1985

Another warm, bright day. My bridal wreath is lovely Raymond came this morning briefly to pick up this radio and mainly to bring a lovely flower arrangement Mabel she) made for a school honors program and took home afterwards. Winnie came for some data for her museum exhibit for Prairie City Days. Those two public spirited women

 

April 18, 1985

Warm, sunny day. My peonies are growing fast. May Jette Van Hauen is taking care of me. Selma is going with Betty Beeby’s art class for a two day trip to Muskogee to see the azaleas blooming in the beautiful park at the foot of the hill where the Union Agency once stood.

 

April 19, 1985

Selma Returned this evening. Warm, unpleasant day high wind. I am trying to sort and straighten out letters and pictures from the big day April 8. The more I look back on it the more I am impressed by how perfect everything was. Much hard work went into the planning by good and generous people. Then even the weather cooperated

 

April 20, 1985

Warm windy dark day. Vera Long came to visit me this forenoon. Raymond came to get my guest books from Apr. 8 to copy for Penny Williams. I worked on planning pics. of Apr. 8 to send to friends and relatives who came long distances.

 

April 21, 1985

Hot, windy day. My iris have started blooming. Penny Williams came to see me this evening – brought some books to be autographed. We had a wonderful visit. I owe much to Penny. She is a fine, also beautiful

 

April 22, 1985

It rained ¾ inch last night. My old fashioned yellow rose is blooming but I have not seen it. It is by the garage. Lew Cromer gave it to me. Once I turned up my nose at these roses people brought here when they settled but now I appreciate them. The yellow rose my mother bought from a nursery fades in the sun. The old fashioned one never fades. And it stands every kind of weather.

 

April 23, 1985

Another warm day. I worked at getting photographs ready to send to relatives and friends who came from a distance to the April 8 ceremony. Dr. Bobby Woods of the A.&M. College at Miami gave me many photographs. Everybody is so good. Hard work went into that ceremony

 

April 24, 1985

I didn’t have a good night – some chest pains – and was not well today. Had Alice come instead of tomorrow so Selma could shampoo and set my hair tomorrow I have been trying to catch up on sending out pictures to close friends and relatives. Aletha Rodgers and Bobbie Woods took fine pictures of this portrait business and furnished me with copies

 

April 25, 1985

I felt fine today but didn’t get much done because it was the day for Selma to wash and set my hair.

 

April 26, 1985

Warm day. This is Prairie City Days. Started on Saturday this year. I haven’t paid much attention to the events because I can’t participate any more. Tomorrow they will dedicate the new       at the railroad crossing where so many Marshall people have been killed – and then the parade.

 

April 27, 1985

It rained 1½ inch last night. Didn’t rain today but was cloudy and threatening. I am afraid it kept some people from other towns from coming to participate in the parade. I dressed in my 1890 clothes and rode as usual in Louie Riens’ car. Did not stay to see it. Too hard on me these days. 

 

April 28, 1985

Sunday. And they set the time up today right after “Prairie City Days” with its last night’s rodeo and this morning’s clean up. Got letter about baby girl of Donnie Sue Dehn Kramer a maiden named named Heather Debo (Cramer). They named her that six months ago if she turned out to be a girl.

 

April 29, 1985

Rained off and on all day. Coolir [sic] this evening. The pipe chimney (stovepipe) on my wall furnace has leaked when the rain struck it a certain way for the past 3 or 4 years. Somehow I didn’t tell Raymond till yesterday he got John Bronson to climb on the roof & look at it. It had a crack in it. He patched it with cement in about 2 minutes. No charge. I am so happy about it.

 

April 30, 1985

It didn’t rain except in early morning. We had an election on some referendum questions – 4 of them. I voted “yes” on 2, “No” on two – also Selma took me down the street to see the new railroad         Bonnie Roberts spent the evening with me.

 

May 1, 1985

It didn’t rain today but was dark and gloomy. My flowers are doing their best – roses, clematis, iris – also dandelions. I’m sorry to say, Ramona brought me a lovely American Beauty rose, They found a nursery that specializes in the famous roses of the past. I remember when the American Beauty had great fame around the turn of the century.

 

May 2, 1985

Bright sunny day – and warm. I still have the air conditioner on. I saw a big spider in my kitchen today which maybe a fiddle back. It got away. I am worried. Called Wilda Schaefer for way of killing him. She will call me back tomorrow. Joe Christian now a very well known scientist working on heredity called – fine visit. He grew up in Marshall. I have known him all his life. His mother lives here

 

May 3, 1985

Sunny all day, Not too warm. My flowers are all blooming. Mary is one of our loveliest months in Okla. Gerry Schaefer came by to see me. She is so lovely, Intelligent, pretty, superbly gifted, and good – one of my favorite people.

 

May 4, 1985

Sunny all day. But not quite so hot. Nothing much happened. I have seen nothing of the spider.

 

May 5, 1985

 Sunday Failed to make entry. I seem to remember it was a sunny day. No rain. Raymond came this morning as usual on Sunday.

 

May 6, 1985

Another sunny day. My flowers are lovely.

 

May 7, 1985

It rained last night. I don’t know how much. I felt better than usual.

 

May 8, 1985

No rain. Lovely flowers. Nancy Huntington came to visit me this morning. I have known and loved her since she was a little girl. Haven’t Hadn’t seen her for years.

 

May 9, 1985

Another sunny, lovely day. Roses Blooming. Also red clematis. Nothing much happened.

 

May 10, 1985

Not much happened. Things for me to do are piling up.

 

May 11, 1985

A warm, windy day. Evadean came this morning with a loaf of her homemade bread. Jim Horton called for a good, long telephone visit this P.M Winnie Branen came this evening. My good day.

 

May 12, 1985

Sunday. Did not see Raymond because he and Mabel were at Ollie’s. They came home this evening and brought me a beautiful amaryllis that Mabel  coaxed into glorious bloom a bulb I gave her. I worked on quite a pile of books to autograph for Penny Williams.

 

May 13, 1985

I planned to go to Enid to see Dr. Shields but Selma looked at a cloud to the west and thought we shouldn’t risk it. And we had a terribly heavy rain in the middle of the forenoon. Then it rained again this evening.  A hard rain but not so violent. I didn’t accomplish much. I am very weak these days. My furnace pipe didn’t leak.

 

May 14, 1985

It was a cold, very windy day. And Selma took me to Enid to see Dr. Shields, Pressure in right eye 18, left 22.

 

May 15, 1985

The sun came out and it finally warmed up. All the time since April 8 I have been working organizing photos and letters of those events. I work so slowly I accomplish little.

 

May 16, 1985

Warm last night but was a little cooler this morning. Beautiful sunshine. I felt better for some reason than I have felt for weeks. Vera Long came this P.M. for a very pleasant visit. Vera is such a sweet person.

 

May 17, 1985

Warm day. Not much happened. I started working on a “Living Will.” I started it a year ago but never got it finished. It is so hard for me to write that I accomplish little

 

May 18, 1985

Warm day. Did more work on a “Living Will.” All I can do now until I can talk to Raymond, Don, and Pat, one of whom will have to carry it out. Pat will be out of town till Wednesday. I have told Don I want to see him and no doubt I shall see Raymond tomorrow.

 

May 19, 1985

Warm day, Sunday. Raymond came to see me before church as usual. He is heartily in favor of Living Will. I worked today on an explanation to be read after my death of why I gave the MS of Waters Run to library of OSU instead of OU. (I never suspected OU would publish the book last fall.)

 

May 20, 1985

Warm day. I finished the letter I was working on yesterday. It is to go after my death to the director of the Uni. Of Okla. Press, Selma is taking a trip this week to Colo. to visit her step-daughter, whom sh [sic] lovingly brought up. I shall miss her but I am glad she is taking this trip.

 

May 21, 1985

Cloudy day. Not so hot. Don Huffer came this forenoon, Pat this P.M. when I told them about my living will. Both fully approved. Also both stayed and talked – fine visits. I think so much of both of them.

 

May 22, 1985

Got my “living will” all witnessed and notarized. There is a bill before the legislature now – passed one house – to legalize such provisions but I don’t want to wait. I don’t know why I have neglected it so long. Started last year and then other things pushed it aside.

 

May 23, 1985

Bright, sunny day. I wrote a vote explaining how I copied the misspelling of the Grassmann name from the secretary’s records when I wrote the early history of St. Paul’s church. I want it kept in the copy of my history in the permanent church collection. I will give it to Rev. Ted Sunday.

 

May 24, 1985

May Jette came to take care of me today. Selma is on her way to Colo. I felt pretty well but my loss of memory is troubling me. Forgetting the names of close friends. Warm day, Lovely flowers, I used both air conditions for a time this evening. First time I have used the kitchen one.

 

May 25, 1985

Another warm but lovely day. I seldom step outside but I judge that we are having an unusually pleasant May – at least in our part of Okla. Not very hot, no violent weather, no floods but plenty of rain to make everything grow.

 

May 26, 1985

Sunday. Ted’s last Sunday, also Pentecost. He came to share the communion service with me. (Raymond came also.) It was sunny but threatened rain and is still doing it. Raymond came this evening and got my box of artificial flowers to decorate my 15 graves at the cemetery when he and Mabel decorate the Bryson graves.

 

May 27, 1985

This was the official Memorial Day. It rained a little last night and thundered a lot. Clear and warm today. Dr. Hale of the OSU history dept brought his wife, his fiance, and his mother of Wakomis for a good visit. They are related to the Beard family I knew well in my young girlhood. Then Martha Sandlin called from New York and I had a fine visit with my beloved Velma Payne

 

May 28, 1985

Nothing much happened. But I had a wonderful telephone visit with Connie Cronley – the first time I have talked with her since my portrait was unveiled April 8. She and Jay were away on vacation part of the time and the rest of the time they were out when I called. I owe Connie so much. 

 

May 29, 1985

Nothing much happened. It didn’t rain. Cloudy in forenoon – sunny in afternoon. I didn’t accomplish much. Have never straightened letters, pictures, newspaper clippings, etc. from the capitol ceremony of April 8. Work at it but it piles up.

 

May 30, 1985

Hot day. It was 110° here on north side of house, 105° to 110° at different places in northwest Okla. Broke all records for May 30. No rain in sight. I had good company today. Evadean Huffer came and brought her cousin, the granddaughter of pretty little Lydia Diedrich (Lydia was the youngest child, the only girl, with 9 sturdy older brothers. Her granddaughter is as pretty as she was. Then Vera Long brought Edna Casteel whom I have known almost as long

 

May 31, 1985

Warm day but normal. Bill Rouse came briefly to see Mae Jette about some work, then came in, sat by me and took my hand. He was crying Just before Xmas he came to do some work for me and proudly showed me a picture of the first grandchild, only 2 or 3 days old. Soon after his son-in-law developed symptoms that turned out to be a cancer on the brain. Has only a short time to live. Such a happy young family only a short time ago. But I am glad the young father had a short happy time with his first baby. I know Bill & Mary are desolate about their daughter.

 

June 1, 1985

Warm day, sun and clouds by turn then this P.M. a short violent rain. I just got the porch windows closed in time. Had a long, wonderful telephone visit with my beloved Dorine Halsted. In the P.M. my “little sister” Blanche Moorman called from California, everything is very calm and peaceful tonight. It rained ½ inch during those few violent moments.

 

June 2, 1985

Sunday. Raymond came by before church this morning. It was a normally warm day. Shirley and Ray called me for a long visit on the telephone. I think it rained last night while I was asleep.

 

June 3, 1985

Selma came home from Colo. this evening. News that shocked us all. Ollie Bryson’s husband dropped dead yesterday afternoon. Frank Yelton, such a happy family. I knew he had a cancer but hoped he might recover. He was not ill but tired easily. He did his farm work. And Ollie has a cancer too but is hopeful for recovery. If Frank could not recover he was fortunate to die before the cancer killed him.

 

June 4, 1985

Mae Jette and Elsie were fine but it was good to see Selma this morning. She had a fine visit with her daughter and came back feeling fine. There was no harvest this P.M. and won’t be any for several days. [IA very little was harvested yesterday P.M) But it rained all afternoon today – lots of water fell. Even if it clears off the fields are quagmires.

 

June 5, 1985

It was cloudy all day but, didn’t rain much. Still the fields are muddy – no harvest soon. Winnie Branen came to see me this evening.

 

June 6, 1985

We had another hard rain this P.M. Not much harvest. Barbara Abrash called from New York. They will be in Okla. the last 2 weeks in second week in July.

 

June 7, 1985

Hot day. I spilled a whole glass of water in my lap when I went to take a drink after I got up from my sleep. Got terribly tired changing clothes, mopping up the floor etc.  Still warm out this evening.

 

June 8, 1985

Aletha Rodgers came to do some recording of my experience in writing and publishing Waters Run Brought a friend, a fine young woman whose name I failed to catch.

 

June 9, 1985

Sunday, Selm Raymond came to see me before church as usual. He told me all about Frank’s death – couldn't keep back the tears. Frank & Ollie were here Friday at Raymond’s cattle sale. Enjoyed himself greatly. On Sunday P.M. he was in the yard talking with their daughter when he bent his head forward, then fell back dead. He was a fine man. I knew him well.

 

June 10, 1985

I did not intend to trouble Raymond with putting my fan in the porch window but he came today to do it. It required an hour’s work repairing it in his shop and it is still about to fall apart. But I used it today. Mabel has an appointment to see the dentist in Enid tomorrow and he will try to buy a new one.

 

June 11, 1985

Went to Enid to see Dr. Kusch, who removed a skin cancer from my nose last fall. He wanted to check it in June. So I went. It is all gone. Safe, He didn’t even charge me. I am worried about the air cond. In my study. Makes a queer noise when it starts. Tried to call the air cond man but he was not at home.

 

June 12, 1985

Lovely Ramona came this morning with a copy she has made of some extensive revisions I made to Foot-Loose four years ago. I told her there was no hurry for the present publication would last till 1988. But this year she typed it. Did a wonderful job. Will now make final copies. Man couldn’t repair air cond. today. Will call tomorrow.

 

June 13, 1985

Mr. Dav Jacobs of Crescent came this morning and repaired the air conditioner. It was Alice's day to clean house and she helped him. It is not heavy but it requires two persons to lift it out of the window. It was a cool day.

 

June 14, 1985

Hot day. Nothing much happened.

 

June 15, 1985

Yesterday’s entry will do for today also. Martha Sandlin is to arrive in Okla. today or tomorrow. I think this will finish up her work here.

 

June 16, 1985

Sunday. Raymond and Mabel are at Ollie’s. Poor Ollie – to lose her husband just one week ago. Winnie Branen came this evening to show me notation the notices of the displays she and her committee set up in the temporary Prairie City display.

 

June 17, 1985

I called Mr. Drayton of the Uni of Okla. Press and told him Ramona was typing the addition I want to make to Foot-loose. Formerly he had thought of a new edition in time for the 1889. Okla. Centennial but I suggested that the present publicity about my writing might help he was impressed by a present publication.

 

June 18, 1985

A very fine lithograph of me came this morning from Charles Banks Wilson. Not at all like the capitol portrait but equally good. He made it from one of the sketches he made when he was working with me on the capitol portrait. Vera Long called this evening.

 

June 19, 1985

Our new pastor called on me today. His name is Bob Alpers. He is a very pleasant person. Paul Schler was killed today in an oil well accident. I am heartbroken about it. He and Noreen were among my closest friends. Poor Noreen. Raymond came and told me. He and Mabel just got back from Ollies.

 

June 20, 1985

I spent some time resurrecting my hearing aide. Haven’t used them for years They didn’t help much much. Increased volume, did nothing about pitch and I needed volume pitch. But my hearing has declined so much recently I need increased volume. The batteries were still good so I tried them out I had nobody to talk to me but I hope they will help.

 

June 21, 1985

Visit this morning from my beloved Alice Staton’s family. Her little sisters, Nellie (now 85) and Cora (about 79). And Alice’s daughter. (Alice died tragically young.) I loved Alice from the time we went to school together at age 9.  In the P.M. Edna, widow of Leo Draper and Olive Mae Burch called They had come to attend Paul Schler’s funeral. I am so grieved about Paul. (Loren Burch is in a nursing home.)

 

June 22, 1985

Nothing much happened. Most of the harvest is done now. Yield and quality of wheat damaged by rain and resulting weeds. It promised a great yield yield but June weather damaged it.

 

June 23, 1985

Sunday. Raymond came at before church time this morning. He is going to get me a new porch fan. Etta Miller Casteel came to visit me this evening. Brought a kodak [sic] album with snapshots of the Miller Falls before and after the dam to furnish water was put in. Lovely visit.

 

June 24, 1985

Warm day. Alma Friend came by with Leta Fay and Leta Fay’s young daughter. They were in town for a wedding rehearsal for some young Friend and stopped by briefly to see me. Leta Fay is more beautiful than she was in her radiant young girlhood. She married a young minister I know. Lives in Indiana.

 

June 25, 1985

Warm day, Winnie Branen came to see me this P.M. I think a great deal of Winnie. But Joseph is losing his memory to an alarming extent. He still thinks clearly. Only his memory has failed, not his thinking or his personality.

 

June 26, 1985

We had a sudden, hard shower this evening. No wind, no lighting, just water falling. Most people have their combining finished but the O’Neills are only about half done. Pat plants a lot of wheat. It is really cold now after the shower. I think I will turn off the air conditioner.

 

June 27, 1985

I think it became warm today, but it is really cool on the back porch this evening. The back porch is closed in usually very hot.

 

June 28, 1985

Signed a new Living Will today. Wanted to make it conform to the new Okla. law. Got too tired walking from parked car to bank and business of changing provisions. (No vital change.) Ill all day because of extra effort. I am pretty feeble these days.

 

June 29, 1985

Good day to dry out the ground to harvest wheat – dry & windy. I got a long letter from Martha Sandlin. She will arrive in O.C. July 9, return to New York July 23. Will spend most of time with me. Gave summary of what she has. There are many things I need to clear up. She will spend most of her time with me. I have a bio job on hand.

 

June 30, 1985

Sunday. Raymond was not here at S.S time so I am sure he and Mabel are with Ollie. I have been ill all day. Got too hot I guess. Tried to check my monthly bank statement but found it too hard. Wanted to get it out of the way so I can spend all my time with Martha Sandlin when she comes. Wanted to work on getting ready for Martha.

 

July 1, 1985

I felt unusually well today. Finished my bank statement and recorded transactions in my 1985 income tax folder. Worked some on the biographical material. I am getting ready for the New York people.

 

July 2, 1985

Martha Sandlin called from N.Y. Her call plus a bulky letter she sent me last week calls for much information about my professional problems. I worked today on the way I financed my writing often I started out as a free lance writer. (Severed professional connection.)

 

July 3, 1985

Not much happened. I felt well so but didn’t accomplish much in getting ready for the New York crew. Started to check date in an old diary and got so interesting interested reading I wasted a lot of my spare time.

 

July 4, 1985

Today (Thursdays) is the regular day for Alice Pipla to clean my house. She came as usual and that gave me a chance to ask her to put up the flag. I have not been after to put it up these last years, and it pleased me. Then in the evening she drove back and took it down. It was a hot day but our weather has not been so bad this year.

 

July 5, 1985

Not much happened. I tried to work but didn’t get much done. It is warm these days but not truly hot. Just now Selma called from Enid. She has Steven in the Hospital. He seems to be trying to pass a stone. Poor Selma.

 

July 6, 1985

Bad morning. Nobody here for driss dressing breakfast, hair combing  etc. I managed to make some toast & ate. Then called May [sic] Jette to help me dress. Raymond came and put in a new fan on my porch.

 

July 7, 1985

Steven passed the stone and Selma brought him home. But I told her Mae Jette could continue tomorrow.

 

July 8, 1985

Hot day and I felt bad. Joe Vculik [sic] brought me some tomatoes and cucumbers. Joe and Opal are such good neighbors.

 

July 9, 1985

Hot day. More than 100° I think. Martha Sandlin, Barbara Abrash, and Aletha came and took recordings. Without the noise of air conditioners! But I got through. Al and Myrtle Juhlin called this evening.

 

July 10, 1985

Hot day. The recording group came again and I did the best I could. I am hoping I can accomplish all they need this time.

 

July 11, 1985

Hot day. I was ill this forenoon. The N.Y. trio didn’t call this morning but came on and I couldn’t do any recording for them. So I am afraid they wasted their time. They may have found other things to do in Marshall. I feel better this evening.

 

July 12, 1985

Hot day. Felt fairly well. Worked with the TV reading it this morning. Third day I have done it.

 

July 13, 1985

And on an [sic] on everyday worked with the TV group. They were very considerate but I am very feeble.

 

 July 14, 1985

Sunday. But I worked with the New York crew this morning. I can’t go to church and apparently They didn’t care to. Hot day but I felt fairly well – as well as I ever do these days.

 

July 15, 1985

It wasn’t quite so hot today. Selma was back this morning Bless her! I worked with the TV people this forenoon. It is clouding up. Looks like rain.

 

July 16, 1985

Selma tells me this was the day they visited the art group, saw the lithographs & showed Evadean’s pic of me riding the camel. Barbara had it. They told Evadean they would bring it back next day. She never got it. I was ill today. But the TV trio came for a few minutes. It would have been a fine day to work for it was cool but I couldn’t work We had quite a shower while I was asleep in the P.M.

 

July 17, 1985

And so on and on every day. For three days a fine man named Anthony Forma came to do some photography. That was every hard but managed to get through it.

 

July 18, 1985

It rained all day – sprinkled or poured. Bad for wheat sowing. It was warm and still is. My furnace is turned off now at 10:00 P.M. Selma took me to Enid to see the dentist. He filled one tooth. Fortunately it was only sprinkling when we loaded ourselves and unloaded ourselves at home and Enid. Four times in which we were lucky. I can’t get to the car or home quickly any more.

 

July 19, 1985

It seems to be getting cooler this evening but I still don’t have the furnace on. It was a warm sunny day.

 

July 20, 1985

[No entry]

 

July 21, 1985

[No entry]

 

July 22, 1985

July 21, 22, 23 were the days Anthony Forma was here. Hardest days.

 

July 23, 1985

July 23 worked all forenoon on the pics of me going to post office – Selma taking me in her car. The New York crew left this evening. (Left my house at noon.) They left typewriter with Selma. Did not leave pic of me riding camel. It was Barbara who had it. But Aletha, who has been with them all the time will do some recording starting after two days of rest.

 

July 24, 1985

Rested today. It rained a little. My dear friend, Edith Greenwood called me from England for a visit. Wonderful to hear her voice. It rained a little this evening.

 

July 25, 1985

It rained .6 inch yesterday evening and night. Then more today. Probably an inch in all for the 2 days. People very happy about it. Another rest day. Aletha was getting her master’s degree.(Commencement.)

 

July 26, 1985

Not so hot. Aletha came this morning to take recordings but I did not feel well enough to it, so she wasted her trip. I hope I can manage to finish this series of recordings.

 

July 27, 1985

Not so hot. Aletha didn’t come. Called. She was ill I think. So I had 3 days off. Worked on future recordings. I mean organizing the facts for them. I hope we can finish in the time she has.

 

July 28, 1985

Sunday. It rained again last night. Aletha came over to take recordings. I left bad today but did my best I hated to have Aletha do it on Sunday – Sunday is like any other day to me now – but she is rushing to get through. Roy Dean Miller called this evening. I was so happy to see him. He lives in M Wisconsin. Was pastor of our church after I came back from Stillwater in 1955 and the years following.

 

July 29, 1985

Aletha came this morning. It was a cool day and I did pretty well.

 

July 30, 1985

Selma took me to Enid to have Dr. Shields give my eyes their yearly check. Had the appointment a long time & couldn’t cancel it. Everything all right. Got terribly tired.

 

July 31, 1985

Hot day. Aletha came again and took recordings this morning. A man called this P.M. and told me about the attempt to change spacing on oil drilling in the area of my farm. It might change the status of my gas well.

 

August 1, 1985

Cooler day. Aletha came and we finished except for one small but important detail I forgot. I tried to call her and tell her orally but failed to locate her. I will try tomorrow.

 

August 2, 1985

Cooler day. Selma washed and set my hair which was in a bad way while we spent all our mornings on recording and photographing. Good to be free once more from the TV work.

 

August 3, 1985

Hot day. I worked on finishing up up some things I wanted to tell the New York crew – events that I left untold, pictures, etc. they failed to return, other finishing touches.

 

August 4, 1985

Sunday. The new minister came with the communion service this morning. Raymond came with him. Penny Williams called me for a good visit this evening. Also, Martha Sandlin called. She wants me to do some more recording for Aletha tomorrow.

 

August 5, 1985

Aletha came I felt bad but forced myself. We put in a full forenoon but finished everything. I think. We have to turn off the air conditioner because of the noise. When I wilt down we turn them back on while I recuperate, then turn them off and work again.

 

August 6, 1985

I failed to make entry but I remember I tried to reassemble some of the documents I scattered during the past hectic days. Our weather is hotter than it was in July. And sultry.

 

August 7, 1985

Alice called me this morning. They got back from Florida last night. I can use her. But I’m glad they had the trip. Raymond came to see me. He and Mabel are leaving tomorrow to be with Ollie till Monday – helping her with some business. She plans to teach this fall.

 

August 8, 1985

This was Alice's day to clean my house. It had not been cleaned since she left. And even if she had been here she couldn’t have done it on account of the film crew. She didn’t get it all done but she made great improvements. I am terribly worried about my friend Betty and her family in Uganda in the revolution that broke out Sunday (August 14). Hot day. Worse than July.

 

August 9, 1985

Another hot day. And sultry. Sultry weather doesn’t belong to Okla. It may have been hot and scorching but sultry weather was unknown until recently. I the change came three years ago – summer of 1983. The next year was Okla. weather but the last two were sultry. Our climate is changing.

 

August 10, 1985

It was not so hot today – at least the air conditioner could keep the house cooler. On these hot days they can’t quite manage. Nothing in particular happened. I did have a wonderful telephone visit with Patty and John Donovan. Their voices came through so perfectly. I called Pat about a picture I have and we had quite a visit before we quit.

 

August 11, 1985

Sunday. Hot but not so hot as some previous days. Martha Sandlin called from New York. I also talked with Aletha Rodgers who went to N.Y. to help them. She is very talented and I think she will stay. More of the brain drain from Oklahoma.

 

August 12, 1985

Not so hot. I felt pretty well but didn’t accomplish much.

 

August 13, 1985

Hot day. Sultry. I am trying to catch up on things I neglected when the film people were here. My good friend Vera Long came to see me this evening.

 

August 14, 1985

Enid is having a big Cherokee Strip celebration this year. It rained last night and off and on today and it turned so much cooler I used only one air conditioner. It rained an inch The Council Oak Press people called me. Prairie City is about finished. They will bring some over for me to autograph the first week in Sept.

 

August 15, 1985

It rained about an inch Nothing much happened. I was really ill all forenoon. Felt better after my afternoon sleep.

 

August 16, 1985

(Not so hot today. And I felt fine. Lovely Gerry Schaefer called this evening. She is on school duty this week and classes begin Monday. They start early so as to finish the semester before Xmas vacation A bad custom. She thinks so and she is right.

 

August 17, 1985

Not so hot. Nothing much happened.

 

August 18, 1985

Sunday. Sam and Norma Vogel stopped by on their way to church to pick up some pictures I had for them. They They looked so fine  it was a joy to see them. I think so much of them. And Raymond stopped by as usual on Sundays. He and Mabel have just come back from seeing Ollie. She is to teaching. (school started last week and standing it fine. Will have check for cancer later.

 

August 19, 1985

Rained half the night last night. Cleared up in afternoon. Maxine Austin called me this morning for a pleasant visit. And Shirley and Ray called me this P.M. I had sent them the lithograph Mr. Wilson made from one of the sketches he made while he was working on my portrait. He gave me one and I gave it to Shirley and Ray. They got it today. He made 100 – gave 2 or 3 away. Will sell the others. Shirley & Ray liked it

 

August 20, 1985

It was much cooler today. Nothing much happened.

 

August 21, 1985

Very sultry day. Most of our summer days and nights are sultry. The climate has changed – very different from the scorching days and cool night breezes of the Okla. weather I had known for 82 years. The change began with the summer of 1982.

 

August 22, 1985

Hot day – sultry. Also hot sultry night. Asked my beloved Jerry Schaefer to get me a soft pad to put on my hard mattress. She did but wouldn’t let me pay for it. Today when Alice came to clean my house she put it on, but it was too big and projected over the bed and let the cold in when I tried to sleep this P.M. I called her and she wasn’t home till evening. Then she came & trimmed it down. I think I can sleep tonight. And I need the sleep. Jerry and Alice are so good.

 

August 23, 1985

It is 10:00 – my bedtime. It has been raining the past hour. Is now thundering. I wonder if I should turn off the air conditioner and stay up Till it quits.

 

August 24, 1985

It didn’t rain much last night after all. But the Thunder was bad and I stayed up till it quit (turned off the air conditioner. It quit at 10:30. Today was cooler. My phone quit this evening just after Raymond And I had finished talking. It makes me uneasy.

 

August 25, 1985

Sunday. Phone started working just as I got to bed. Raymond apparently left the recover off & then noticed and put it back on. He called for a good visit this morning, also Bonnie Roberts stopped by on her way to church Stayed quite a while. Her father came from the part of Kansas where I was born and she interested in the pony express roo route there.

 

August 26, 1985

Cooler day. Ollie Yelton’s eye – or rather the cancer back of it – was to be checked in Tulsa today. Etta Miller had a serious stroke Sunday. She is still unconscious. I am afraid this is the end for Etta. Also Pearls Sample has had a stroke and is very low.

 

August 27, 1985

These days are not so hot. Vera Long called for a very pleasant visit this evening.

 

August 28,, 1985

We are having cooler weather, But sultry. I had pleasant company today. Didn’t get much done but enjoyed the visits. Our minister. Bob Alpers, our new pastor, called, with his lovely wife Marlyn Marilyn. She new up in the Panhandle Attended college ther [sic], I like her very much. Then Bonnie Roberts came in the afternoon. I love Bonnie.

 

August 29, 1985

We had a hot day today. Not much happened.

 

August 30, 1985

Same as yesterday. Council Oak Books people called. Had planned to come next Wednesday but asked to change to Thursday O.K. with me. Book all finished, ready to go. Will bring copies for me to autograph. Also a newspaper group for interview. 

 

August 31, 1985

Very hot day. Probably the hottest we have had this summer. Three women in Marshall are very ill. (Not from heat. From strokes and heart). All are my friends – Pearl Sample, Etta Casteel, Mere Merle Cue. All elderly women

 

September 1, 1985

Hot day. Sunday. Raymond came as usual this morning. Also, Bonny Roberts stopped by on her way to church. Her father grew up very close to the Marshall County Kansas area of where I was born  and she is interested in a historical supplement to the county newspaper that I gave her. And my new copy of Prairie City came today. It is an attractive book but contains some errors. I didn’t have a chance to check it.  

 

September 2, 1985

Another hot day. I found serious errors in some of the illustrations to the new edition of Prairie City. I will tell the two fine women who are coming Sunday. Perhaps they can correct up printings.

 

September 3, 1985

Hot day, I worked some on errors in the new Prairie City that need correction. I will talk to Paulette and Sally when they come Thursday. 

 

September 4, 1985

Hot day. I am getting ready for visit of Council Oak Books people tomorrow. I am wondering what I can do about the mistakes. The publishing date in next Tuesday Sept. 10.

 

September 5, 1985

Seven fine people filled my house this forenoon. Three from Council Oak books. No trouble about errors Sally Dennison said they would put in an “errata” sheet in each book. There were two in program from Tulsa TV stations, also a photographer. And Cleda Winburn to let them into the Methodist Church Council Oak had a photographer, who took pics inside. Also fires all around my house – and me. Busy forenoon 9 to 11:30 11:30.

 

September 6, 1985

More lovely Tulsa people. Paulette Mellechap brought two who wanted me to read from Prairie City for a radio program. Had to rush because they were arrested of on the way for speeding, so were very late. But we got through. Now it’s over. I’m not too tired.

 

September 7, 1985

Hot day. I failed to make entry and now I can’t remember what happened. Nothing in particular, I think.

 

September 8, 1985

Sunday. Shirley & Ray called. Wonderful news. We have been so worried about Betty and her children in Uganda after this  revolution 2 weeks ago.  The Worsleys have heard from her. The [sic] managed to run across the border into Kenya with all 3 children. Terrible experiences but all are safe Idi Amin murdered her husband but she has been carrying on.

 

September 9, 1985

Winnie called this morning. We made plans about selling Prairie City It will he published tomorrow. She is going to speak to two clubs this week and she will tell them about it.

 

September 10, 1985

Got letter from Betty Mubiru. Ran across the border into Kenya, Saved all 3 children. (Idi Amin murdered his husband when he was in power in Uganda.) The soldiers (ruffians ) of the rural forces  in the recent coup stripped everything in the town (Tororo) but she and the children are now back home.

 

September 11, 1985

Coolish day. The Council Oak people gave Cleda Winburn a book when she helped them Thursday. Today she brought it for me to autograph and stayed to visit. I greatly enjoyed the visit. I love Cleda, and have not seen her for some time.

 

September 12, 1985

I failed to make entry and now I have forgotten what happened. I know the Council Oak people are staring and babbling about my new Prairie City. I am so anxious for them to succeed in their publishing venture that I seldom think of my own royalties.

 

September 13, 1985

It started out as a cool day and we had a good rain this P.M – 1½ inches. We needed it. Rhonda Streck came to visit me this evening. She is a very sweet girl.

 

September 14, 1985

Cool day. I did use one air conditioner turned on low but that is all My beloved friend, Frances Davis, called one for a fine telephone visit from her home (with Ed, her good husband) on a lake near Cookson. I did enjoy it.

 

September 15, 1985

Sunday. Raymond called before church. He and Mabel went to see Ollie Friday at noon. She taught a half day and they took her in the P.M. for chemotherapy of the cancer behind her eye. She is getting along fine and all the neighbors are wonderful to her but I haven’t much hope for her recovery. It is a cold cloudy day – but no rain. People very happy over the rain of Friday

 

September 16, 1985

It was really cold today though I did use a little help from one air conditioner. I felt bad all day. Didn’t accomplish much.

 

September 17, 1985

Cool day but I did need air cond. In P.M. I felt fine all day. Got some copies of Prairie City ready to mail tomorrow. I think it is going to sell well. Talked to Mr. Drayton about new edition of Foot-loose.

 

September 18, 1985

Cool day. For many years the man picked up Marshall's garbage on Thursdays. Today they changed to Wednesday. It caused all of us to make changes in our weekly schedule. I had a long, telephone visit with my dear young friend Aletha Rodgers, who has been in New York about three weeks.

 

September 19, 1985

Cold day. Had two interesting visits today. This morning with a member of the numerous French Debo clan. Not related to me except possibly many generations ago. Several have made contest with me. This evening with a brilliant member of the history faculty of our Panhandle college who left me his doctoral dissertation on Robert C. Owen. His name is Kenny Lee Brown.

 

September 20, 1985

Ramona finished copying some material I wrote 4 years ago to add to any future printing of “Footloose”. I told her there was no hurry but now might be a good time to publish a new edition. Young James Haken died this morning of a cancer on the brain. I am so grieved about it. Less than a year ago the family was so happy over their baby.

 

September 21, 1985

Cold. Really cold. I used my electric stove instead of my air cond. Would have frozen without it. I worked on getting copies of Prairie City ready to give friends. Also this evening I read the first chapter of Mr. Brown’s dissertation. It is very interesting. I hope he finds a publisher.

 

September 22, 1985

Sunday. Cold but not so cold this evening. Mr. Brown from Panhandle State Uni. came this morning for an interview. Learned Mary Burchardt died. It rained this P.M. Also rained ¾ inch a day or so ago which I failed to record. People happy about it.

 

September 23, 1985

Cold day – not so cold as Saturday. Two well known and well loved Marshall people were buried in our cemetery. Mary Burnchardt who with her husband and family has lived in Enid several years and young James Haken who married La Donna Rouse and the parents of both still live here. The young cot couple have lived here all their lives.

 

September 24, 1985

It was It was very cold today but I managed with two electric stoves. Not much happened.

 

September 25, 1985

Rained 1¼  inches last night and was very cold. The pipe on my wall gas heater furnace leaked. Alice was going to light the furnace but on account of the leak I was afraid to have her do it. Raymond spent the day trying to find a man to repair the pipe. Fortunately, it is getting warmer. Mary Wilson died this morning. She and her husband moved to Perry some years ago. My dear friend Pat O’ Neill came to visit me this P.M. Wonderful visit. I love Pat – and Ramona.

 

September 26, 1985

I had a fine visit with Roy Beeby this morning. I called to him to give him a copy of the new Prairie City. I love Roy. He was a small boy when it first came out in 1944 – too young to read it but he managed. He met me in his Uncle Lester’s store and told me with his eyes shining how well he liked it. He was the nicest boy I ever knew. Alice lighted my furnace.

 

September 27, 1985

The weather is still cold. I certainly enjoyed my furnace. Raymond called me and Alice as soon as the man got the pipe mended and Alice came and lighted it. I turned it on this morning. Dear Vera Long called this P.M. and brought me a piece of delicious cake. Macie Wilson was buried today. Funeral at Perry, burial at Hennessey.

 

September 28, 1985

Warmer day but it was cool. I am enjoying the use of my furnace. Jim Horton called for a long telephone visit. I think constantly of the government disorder in Uganda in terms of my friend, Betty and her children, and of the Mexico City earthquake in erms terms of memory to that lovely place and its mor [sic] recent festering over population.

 

September 29, 1985

Sunday. It rained all last night and all day today. Raymond called on the telephone. Didn't come to see me because Ollie was here. Fred Bryson brought her. Shirley & Ray called from Chicago this P.M. Had several things to worry about this week. Shirley’s Brother’s health (not related to me. The Atlantic storm. (Their son’s family, and some surgery on Ray’s tooth.

 

September 30, 1985

Cold day, but the sun came out and warmed it up a little. I called Mr. De Clerk and told him to change my will to so so if my last illness doesn’t use up all I have some of it will go to I due to Betty Mubiru’s children. I have got a letter from Betty since the coup. She and her children ran across the border into Kenya and escaped the massive slaughter.

 

October 1, 1985

There was a very slight frost morning. It wasn’t cold enough to freeze water. The sun shone all day and it got warm enough for me to turn off the furnace this P.M. Tomorrow I plan to see Dr. Alicia Woods for a check-up.

 

October 2, 1985

Selma took me to see Dr. Alicia for a check up. I got pretty tired. It was a beautiful day – did without the furnace except in the morning. My goldilocks rose is blooming – also the old fashioned clematis is lovely with its seeds.

 

October 3, 1985

When I was state supervisor of the WPO Writer Project in preparing the Okla. Guide of course I wrote the “History” chapter alright turned the completed MS of that chapter was there. But somebody some official wrote an illiterate chapter and substituted it. I didn’t know until the book was published. It had horrible errors. I have been embarrassed about it for 44 years, of for of courses every reader supposed I wrote it. To be continued –

 

October 4, 1985

About the guide – The Uni of Kans. Press is going to publish the guides for Kans., Neb. & Okla. and they asked  Anne Morgan to edit th [sic] Okla. one. She knew about the bad chapter and ask to substitute mine. They cordially agreed. I got her letter all about it yesterday. She wanted my copy. Today, I sent it to her. I am very happy about this. So glad I had that copy. It was a carb carbon but O.K.

 

October 5, 1985

Martha Sandlin called me from New York for a long conference over our TV documentary. She thinks it is coming along fine. It is warmer these days than it was a while back.

 

October 6, 1985

Sunday. A warmer day. Rella Looney and Martha Blaine called to say they are coming to visit me. I am very happy about it. We decided on Tuesday morning.

 

 October 7, 1985

A hard wind blew all day, but it was not cold. Sunshine King called me for a visit. She is a Euchee, and is in charge of the museum at the old Creek capitol of Muskogee – a very interesting person. This will wind will dry out the land for wheat planting. If it just doesn’t rain anymore.

 

October 8, 1985

Martha Blaine and Rella Looney came to visit me this morning. It was wonderful to see them. Rella is getting old. I have not been used to her in that character but she is still active. It has been a very hot day.

 

October 9, 1985

It rained rained off and on all day. This is certainly bad for wheat planting. Selma took me to Enid to see Dr. Dedrich. It happened not to be raining hard when we got in & out of the car. (4 times – 2 at home – 2 at Enid. Lucky!)

 

October 10, 1985

It didn’t rain today but it was dark and cloudy and I am afraid the ground didn’t dry out much for wheat planting.  Nothing much happened. It is not cold today.

 

October 11, 1985

This was a warm day. I don’t seem to have much to write about. I didn’t accomplish much. Wasted my time.

 

October 12, 1985

Sunday. Another warm day. Very heavy fog fog this morning.

 

October 13, 1985

Sunday. Warm day. Heavy fog this morning. Rev. Bob brought the communion service to me. Raymond came with him. Learned Lida Barr died. She lived at Dover. She and I have been friends for many years. She wrote me a fine letter some months ago. I was very slow very slow about answering. I hope she was well enough to read my letter when it came.

 

October 14, 1985

It rained again last night and was cloudy all day. I don’t know when our people will get the wheat planted. A woman from Kingfisher called one. They have no book store & no poor library but some civic minded people are planning to sell two of my books to earn money to start a library. Will bring 50 books for me to autograph.

 

October 15, 1985

It was a bright, sunny day, cold in the morning, warm in afternoon. (Used air conditioner.) A fine couple from Kingfisher (named Buswell) came with 50 books (Geronimo and Prairie City for me to autograph. He had been in the army (a doctor) and had retired and they returned, still young and active to their old home town – full of civic plans of leadership and service. 

 

October 16, 1985

It was a warm day but it is getting cloudy again. I spent some of my time autographing books.

 

October 17, 1985

Cloudy and very warm. Rained in P.M. I don’t know how much. I work worked at odds and ends. Felt fine.

 

October 18, 1985

Cloudy all day. Rained – I don’t know how much -- this P.M. Bad for wheat planting. It was very warm. I am still without any furnace heart. But my “goldilocks” roses likes the warm weather. It is full of blooms. I spent the day autographing the boxes of books brought by the Buswells from Kingfisher.

 

October 19, 1985

Hot day. And cloudy, but it didn’t rain. I finished autographing my 50 – odd books (Prairie City and Geronimo) for the Kingfisher civic boasters who are selling books to raise money for a new library. I tried to write something cordial besides just my name. I finally gave up at the end and wrote just my name in Geronimo.

 

October 20, 1985

Sunday. Warm day and no rain. Raymond came to see me this morning. They didn’t go to church – are going to Watonga to celebrate the 90th birthday of Mabel’s step-mother. Her own mother died was killed in a car accident when the family was driving home from Mabel’s commencement at A.&M. College. She & Raymond were married the following fall – abo just before Xmas.

 

October 21, 1985

Warm day. Cloudy part of the time but didn’t rain Mrs. Buswell came for the 50 odd books the Kingfisher, library builders left for me to autograph. I had a nice visit with her. Then Don Huffer came and I had a nice visit with him. His boy, Adam, in the 7th grade ranked high nationally in a college entrance exam test. Bright kid.

 

October 22, 1985

It was a pleasant day and I felt especially well. I am visiting late and I don’t remember that anything happened.

 

October 23, 1985

Selma took me to Crescent for Juanita to give me a permanent It was too hard on me and I have spent the rest of the day recovering. Vera Long came for a lovely visit in the late P.M.

 

October 24, 1985

Warm, sunny day. Really lovely for people who can move about, but not so exciting just looking out of the windows. But I felt fine. Talked to my lawyer. Mr. De Clerk [sic] today. Am trying to change my will to help my friend Betty Mubiru, educate her children.

 

October 25, 1985

Lovely warm day. I felt O.K.. The nice boy who mows my lawn came over for his pay and stayed and talked a while. I like him so much. His name is Bobby Dickson. Such a handsome kid. Lives across the street.

 

October 26, 1985

Lovely warm, sunny day. They told me it was very foggy during the morning but I didn’t notice the fog from where I sat. Clara Schaefer called me for a fine visit. She lives only a few blocks away but is not very well these days. So she doesn’t drive to see me often.

 

October 27, 1985

Sunday. Sunny day and hot. We set our clocks back an hour today. Raymond came see me briefly before S.S., Then Noreen Schler came to see me. She is being as brave as she can but her heart is broken. She and Paul lived together so happily during the 45 years of their married life that she misses him in every act and thought. (I grieve about Paul, too. Everyone does.) This P.M. the community children collected for UNICEF.

 

 October 28, 1985

It was cooler today and sprinkled off and on. But Selma took me to Enid to have my eyes checked for pressure. Came out, right 18, left 24, Dr. Shields has really saved my sight by keeping this pressure down. I am very grateful. We were lucky. Didn’t have to wait in the office. Returned home soon.

 

October 29, 1985

Cold day. And my furnace quit. Fortunately Alice Pipla was here on her day to clean the house and she was able to light it. I once could do it but not anymore. But it will quit again It needs a thermacouple (sp?) That is not made any more. Woodrow Winburn has some used ones he has picked up, but they sometimes quit. And now he is in the field frantically trying to finish his wheat planting. But If it quits again he will put in a new therm____ when it gets too dark at night to plant wheat.

 

October 30, 1985

[No entry]

 

October 31, 1985

Sunny day. This evening was Halloween. I couldn’t make or buy treats for the children so planned to give each visitor a nickle [sic] & a dime. And I got my young high school friend to open the door and greet them. Forgot to say it was Wanda Rhonda Streck. (Had a hard time to get her to take any pay.) I got 30 nickels & dimes but I ran out. Sorry. The last children were very sweet about it. Said “All right.”

 

November 1, 1985

Another rainless day but the wheat is not all in yet. Dorine called me for a long visit this morning. My furnace is still doing O.K. I would bag a new thermacouple [sic] but I can’t get them anymore. Have to use old ones Woodrow has picked up. So I don’t know what to do trust the one I have, or put in another old one.

 

November 2, 1985

A very light frost this morning, the second. No No ice on the puddles. The other light frost was in September, I think. Mr De Clerk called about my will this morning. I am in a hurry to get it settled. My furnace is still going it fine. I supposed it would quit again. I don’t know why it quit Wednesday.

 

November 3, 1985

Sunday. Sunny day but cold in morning. And my furnace went off again as I knew it soon would when it stopped Wednesday . But the house was already warm and I had the electric stoves. Mission Sunday – all day meeting (with dinner) at the church. Raymond and Rodney Huffer brought a fine dinner. And Woodrow Windburn put a new thermocouple on my stove in the P.M and wouldn’t take pay. He is so good.

 

November 4, 1985

Coldish day. Nothing Happened. Monday is the day I don’t know what is happening. The Sunday paper has provided provided little news. No paper on Monday. And I don’t watch TV there days. Don’t hear well enough. And tomor tomorrow’s paper will assume we are informed about what happened over the week end. Starts on Tues. With a two days’ gap.

 

November 5, 1985

Warm day. Not much happened. I felt pretty well.

 

November 6, 1985

We are still having warm sunny weather. I am losing strength these days. I am afraid I shall not be able to stay in my home much longer. Raymond called this P.M. to see how I was. He is so good. I have not told anybody I am losing strength.

 

November 7, 1985

Cold this morning but warm in P.M. Sun shone all day. Not much happened.

 

November 8, 1985

Anniversary of the day our family ended our covered wagon trip from Kansas and reached the farm my father had bought 4 miles s.w. of Marshall. Okla. Ty. [sic] Nov. 8, 1899 1899. While our parents were unloading we children picked out the spot for our play house. It was a beautiful sunny day like today. I have been an Oklahoman 85 years. Alice closed the opening in our houses foundation today.

 

November 9, 1985

Another warm day. I still use the one air conditioner in the P.M. But the paper said a cold spell was on the way, and now this evening it is really getting cold. I am so glad Alice closed the openings in the foundation of my house yesterday. We didn’t know about termites so we put them under the porch expecting to leave them closed all the time unless we had plumbing trouble. Now we have to open them through the summer, crawling under the porch to make the change twice a year, an unpleasant job.

 

November 10, 1985

Sunday. Raymond came to see me as usual before church. It was cold today but warmed up in the P.M. Cloudy, dismal day. My thermometer on the porch registered 32° when Selma came at 7:30 so I guess it froze. It has become really cold this evening.

 

November 11, 1985

Another cold, dark day. Nothing much happened. But I am thinking of this same date in 1918. I was sleeping with Esther Engler when a siren woke us in the night and we lay there in deep thankfulness that the air was clear once more of the sounds of war. I learned later that my cousin Claude Cooper was on the front that day ready to go “over the top.”

 

November 12, 1985

Dark gloomy day but warmer. It rained in the P.M. and there was some thunder. I hope everyone has his wheat planted. Tomorrow an interviewer will come from Tulsa to make recording about Prairie City for Okla. Educational TV on a statehood program.

 

November 13, 1985

They came – Michael Hightower from Council Oak Books, a lovely young woman who did the interview and a capable man who worked on setting up machinery. (The last two forgot to write their names in my guest book.) I got pretty tired but did my best. Warm, cloudy day. Worried about George Beeby. He has gone back to the hospital.

 

November 14, 1985

We had a very heavy rain this afternoon. I got a copy of my new will from Mr. De Clerk [sic] this morning. It came yesterday but Selma knew I was too busy with my interview to attend to it so did not bring it till this morning. I will point out some necessary changes. Raymond brought me a new electric typewriter he bought me in Enid. I need it. It is very cold this evening.

 

November 15, 1985

I sat by the phone all forenoon hoping to talk with Mr. De Clerck about my will but he was still busy with a client. After I wok [sic] in the P.M. he was still busy. And he will be out of the office tomorrow. This evening I listened to the TV interview we worked on Wednesday. It was terrible. I appeared entirely senile. They must have had the equipment wrongly set up. But I have had more than my share of good luck lately. So I don’t mind.

 

November 16, 1985

Selma reported a real frost this morning when she came at 7:30. The sun was shining and the ground was white. It was a sunny day. Vera Long came to visit me this evening. Such a pleasant visit.

 

November 17, 1985

A beautiful Sunday. Failed to make entry. Now I have forgotten what happened. Raymond did not call this morning as he usually does Sunday mornings. He and Mabel are attending a church meeting at Kingfisher.

 

November 18, 1985

Beautiful warm, sunny day. Selma found her forsythia blooming and her peaches and plum tress are fall of buds. They got mixed mixed in these new Okla. seasons. Mr. De Clerck was able to let me point out some changes in my will. Too busy with a bunch of clients last Friday.

 

November 19, 1985

It really froze this morning. First actual freeze. It turned very cold today. The sun shone but it didn’t help much. Nothing in particular happened. I am greatly worried about George Beeby who has a cyst on his pancreas. Is in an Enid hospital.

 

November 20, 1985

Cold day. Nothing really happened. I am so glad Alice closed the openings. Under the house while it was warm.

 

November 21, 1985

Cold day. Glenna Mathews called from Calif. Somebody sent her a pre-publication copy of Prairie City – I don’t know in just what stage, anyhow not physically finished an she was so happy and pleased she called to congratulate me. (perhaps unbound signatures) It was so generous of her to be so pleased.

 

November 22, 1985

Another cold day but it warmed up a little in the P.M. Cold this evening. Selma’s stepson, Philip and his family came to visit her Will stay a week. They live in Colorado Springs.

 

November 23, 1985

I learned by the obituary page in the Enid paper why Mr. De Clerck has been delayed in writing my will. His brother, a farmer near Carmen, died Friday, will be buried Monday. (This is Saturday) it wasn’t cold this morning but started turning cold this P.M. Very cold this evening.

 

November 24, 1985

Cold day – cloudy. Sunday. Raymond came as usual before S.S. How good he and Mabel are. And a granddaughter of Blanch Cummings Cummings was passing through Okla. from Texas to her Colo. Home. She came here once before when she was a very young girl. Came with her grandmother and her parents. I was so glad to see her. Blanch died last year. 

 

November 25, 1985

I have been troubled increasingly by a bowl disor bowel disorder. This morning was so bad that Selma and I consulted and put me on a diet of a slice of buttered bread and jelly for each meal  -- no milk, no water or little water. I hope it works.

 

November 26, 1985

Cold day. I got a letter from Martha Blaine telling me that our dear friend Lois Clark died very suddenly last week of a heart heart attack. I am so grieved about it. I saw her name in my guest book at the hanging of my portrait last April but I did not get to speak to her because I got too tired and my Marshall friends closed the line and took me me home.

 

November 27, 1985

Cold day. And I’m still having bowel troubles and getting rather weak. Today I got a letter from my beloved cousin Dorine giving reporting encouraging details of Don Huff Farris’s [sic] improvement after his stroke. And I didn’t know he had had a stroke. I am glad they are becoming hopeful but terribly unhappy about his serious condition. I think warm-hearted Willa didn’t want to worry me. So didn’t tell me.

 

November 28, 1985

Cold day. Thanksgiving Day. Selma’s son and his children started back to Colo. Springs after being here almost a week. (The wife did not come.) Selma and her two sons in Tulsa enjoyed the visit. Had Thanksgiving dinner with their mother, then left immediately after. Paul had to go to work in Tulsa this evening. The good people who own the restaurant closed shop but ate their dinner there and brought me mine. So good of them.

 

November 29, 1985

Cold day. I believe I am getting over my bowel trouble. It never did make me sick but I am pretty weak. I am starting to eat some real food. At least I did the last two days. My beloved Nellie Moorman called me from Calif. It was so good to hear her sweet voice.

 

November 30, 1985

Warm day but cloudy and dismal. Then this evening it suddenly turned cold – sleet and snow. Right in the midst of the OU-OSU football game. Steven De Witt was there with his girlfriend. Selma is hoping she urged him to have and start back to Tulsa. If so they may have kept ahead of the storm. It came from the west. I have my furnace on high but still the house is cold.

 

December 1, 1985

This is Sunday. Steven and his girl friend decided to watch the game on TV. Got to Tulsa safe before the roads got too slick. But several accidents and some deaths deaths when cars skidded on the ice. Today was beautifully sunny but cold. Some snow & ice melted. (OU won yesterday’s game 13-0) I felt better today than I have felt for some time. I think I am over my trouble.

 

December 2, 1985

Blue sky, golden sunshine, but so cold. Nothing in particular happened. I felt surprisingly well but still weak. I think I am over my brief spell of bowel trouble. I am slowly starting to eat normally.

 

December 3, 1985

Blue sky, golden sunshine – but still cold. But at one time the sun shone on the icicles on the trumpet vine against the south side of the house so brightly it melted melted them. So for a few minutes it must have got warmer. Vera Long came to see me and brought a delicious small loaf of gingerbread.

 

December 4, 1985

Clear today only foggy in the morning Cold but it warmed up some this P.M. During the coldest weather it got down to 5° below zero Terribly cold for an Okla. November, Raymond cam came to see me this P.M. He had been to St. Louis he & Mabel over Thanksgiving. Took  Ollie. Poor August Burchardt has been a helpless invalid since his stroke 4 years ago.

 

December 5, 1985

Another day of blue sky golden sunshine and cold – but not so cold as it was. I tried to call Mr. De Clerck a few days ago ago. He is out of the office and ill. I am anxious to write that will but there is nothing to be done about it. I suppose it is some virus and he will soon be over it. 

 

December 6, 1985

I had a very bad night last night and was very ill today. Some phlegm from a sinus I think collected in my throat. Selma called Dr. Alicia this morning and she prescribed something to clear it. I stayed in bed most of the day. Feel better this evening. Selma was going to Enid for Xmas shopping but stayed to take care of me.

 

December 7, 1985

Another lovely blue and gold day. Cold, but not so cold as as some days recently. Dorine called me for a long telephone visit. Don Ferris did not return to the hospital after his Thanksgiving at home. Dorine had called their home the night before. He will go back for treatment but will not stay. And he said his paralyzed hand and arm were “a little better.” I hope he recovers the use of it. His leg has come back so he can walk with help. 

 

December 8, 1985

Got mixed. I don’t know which day Dorine called. Sunday. Warmer day last Sunday was beginning of Advent but no service. Too much ice for the pastor to drive from Enid – so had Advent services today And the pastor with Raymond came to my house with communion service. Dorine Halsted (bless her) called for a long lovely visit. She had talked with Don Ferris who is at home. Will not go back to the hospital except for necessary therapy. He said his paralyzed hand and arm is “a little better.” I think it rained this P.M. while I slept.

 

December 9, 1985

It was dark and cloudy all day and is getting pretty cold this this evening. I wanted to go to Enid tomorrow to see Dr. Shields but I doubt that the weather and roads will be fit. I am getting over my throat trouble.

 

December 10, 1985

I had planned to go to Enid today to see Dr. Shields but it was cold and cloudy and threatening. During the day it got colder and sleet formed on the streets here – probably worse at Enid. Glad I stayed at home. I got a letter from Charles Wamsley. As soon as I saw his name alone on the envelope I knew. Dollie died in June. I am very grieved about her death.

 

December 11, 1985

Another cold, dark day. There is a thin skim of ice and snow on the ground – not much on the grass. I can’t remember that anything happened.

 

December 12, 1985

A bright, sunny forenoon – but cold. Then in the P.M. it got warmer but clouded up. I think it may be snowing now. I did so want to go to Enid to see Dr. Shields and the weather was right but he is always out of his office on Thursdays.

 

December 13, 1985

Beautiful day but cold. It must have snowed all night. Morning came with blue sky, bright sunshine, soft, untouched snow about 3 or 4 inches thick (no drifting). It was cold all day, but I was comfortable in the house. My good neighbor, Joe Vculik [sic] came and cleared my front porch. First I knew of him I heard him out there scraping it off. Such a good man.

 

December 14, 1985

Glorious morning – blue sky, golden sunshine and the ground covered with 3 or 4 inches of white undrifted snow, untracked. But cold. It warmed up during the day but not enough to melt the icicles in the sun on the south side of my house. I enjoyed my mail, new babies, trips, all kinds of news goes in Xmas letters. Wish I could write.

 

December 15, 1985

Sunday. Raymond came to see me this morning as usual. It was a beautiful day – bright, sunny (but cold) in the morning. Warmed up some in forenoon and much of the snow melted because the ground is still warm. I don’t think the air got below freezing.

 

December 16, 1985

Beautiful sunny day. Cold in morning but warmed up in P.M. Most of the snow is gone except in shade. Selma took me to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Right eye 18, left eye 21. Especially happy about left. Of course got pretty tired.

 

December 17, 1985

Cold morning but clear and beautiful. Warmed up in late P.M. so for the first time I turned up the off the furnace. Raymond came this morning and taped all the openings shut around my west kitchen window. Good Raymond.

 

December 18, 1985

Another bright, lovely fall day just like yesterday. Mr. De Wi De Clerck was back in his office today but busy with clients. I have lost much time on that will. Anne Morgan called. She is coming to see me Friday. Bring Bri Saturday. Bringing Rennard Strickland.

 

December 19, 1985

1985 Another lovely day but cold. A man from Enid drove down this evening to auto have me autograph. Prairie City, which he bought as a Christmas present for his wife. I liked him very much. His name is Lou Stackler. He is a social worker and his wife is the librarian at one of Enid’s grade schools.

 

December 20, 1985

A little colder and cloudy part of the day. Mr. De Clerck called about my will. He has been ill with flee but is back in the office now. We decided to let the will go till after the holidays. He will send me th the copy tomorrow. But the New York people will work on my TV program during the holiday week. Aletha will take recordings. 

 

December 21, 1985

My close friend Rennard Strickland is visiting my other close friends, the Morgans. Or perhaps planning some writing project. Anyhow Anne Morgan brought him up to see me this forenoon. We had a wonderful visit. Rennard is leaving the Uni. Of Tulsa to be dean of the law school at Southern Illinois Uni. I shall miss him badly. Beautiful day. Turned warm. 

 

December 22, 1985

Sunday. Lovely day. Raymond came in the morning as usual on Sunday. Then my good friends from Stillwater, Jack and Della Thomas spent the rest of the morning with me. In the P.M. after I got up from my sleep Clara Schaefer and Vera Long came. Everyone bought me something good to eat – cookies, a loaf of delicious home-baked bread, etc. I hope I can manage it all. 

 

December 23, 1985

The granddaughter of a gifted Choctaw woman I used to know 45 years ago came to see me this morning. And friends are bringing me so many good things to eat my refrigerator is overflowing. And tonight the carolers came. I love them. I have a feeling this will be my last rational Christmas.

 

December 24, 1985

I had pleasant telephone calls & visits. Penny Williams & Aletha Rodgers called. My beloved Gerry Schaefer called this morning & lovely Ramona O’Neil this P.M. (Both left lovely gifts) But I was ill much of the day. Become suddenly zizzy [sic] and my heart missed beats while I was eating breakfast. But I feel much better this evening. The forenoon was lovely but it is turning very cold.

 

December 25, 1985

Beautiful day but cold tonight. But it is not snowing. And I don’t like snow at Xmas. It doesn’t fit my happy childhood memories of the Oklahoma climate, the clear night sky, and the shepherds grazing their flocks. Everyone is so wonderful to me – letters, telephone calls, visits. The cafe is closed all this week and today Clara Schaefer and Vera Long bought me a delicious Xmas dinner.

 

December 26, 1985

Another beautiful day. Clara Schaefer came for a pleasant visit bringing two books, for me to autograph. One was Geronimo; the other was Prairie City. They are for Dr. Mason (a veterinarian) and his wife, Velma, Clara’s niece). They live in the southwestern part of the state.

 

December 27, 1985

Another lovely day -- really warm in the P.M. I didn’t accomplish much but I did write a few “thank you” letters to people who were so good to me Xmas and I autographed a couple of books. I autographed one for Elsie Seefeldt to her boy (she and her husband had such nice boys). Elsie stayed a little while and I enjoyed the visit.

 

December 28, 1985

Another lovely day. And we usually have a storm between Christmas and New Years. Raymond came this morning to say they will bring my dinner tomorrow. Good Raymond and Mabel! They are having a family reunion tomorrow – Jane and Charles from St. Louis, Ollie, who lost her husband this year, from Delaware, her son & family from O.C., perhaps others of her children. I love the Brysons.

 

December 29, 1985

Sunday. Mabel put up a luscious dinner for me and Mabel’s nephew, Arlo Whisard, came with Raymond to bring it. It has been many years since I saw Arlo. His mother died when he was a young boy and the Brysons took him and his brother into their home and brought them up. We were without water in Marshall since morning until late this evening. We get water from Crescent and the line broke. Marion Pearson Bartlet and her son and his wife came to visit me this P.M.

 

December 30, 1985

Another lovely day. Martha Sandlin called me from New York. Aletha who went to New York with Martha and the others working on the TV documentary is back in Okla. for the Xmas season and Martha wants her to see me and take recordings I hope this is the last time. I need to get that finished I have been losing strength rapidly this year.

 

December 31, 1985

Aletha Rogers came to take recordings for the TV documentary of my uneventful life. She is here to visit her parents and friends at Stillwater during the holidays, but I think New York has captured her permanently. She will be celebrating New Years with her relatives tomorrow and then come back Thursday to resume her recording with me. It was another lovely day – blue and gold.