Diaries, Memoirs, Poems, and Stories from the Center for Lowell History Collections

Harold Cowray

Diary 1823 

October 14, 1923 

Went to Christian Endeavor and walked 

home with Miss Ethel Vance. The beginning 

of the end with Barb! More to come and 

worse of it. 

Monday 15 

Went to work as usual and 

upon arrival home found a letter from 

Barbara. I wrote back tonight and told 

her all she wanted to listen to for awhile. 

Letter dated Sunday night. I showed it to 

Ethel and she found it quite a surprise. All 

former negotiations are broken?! Raining hard today. 

Tuesday 16 

nothing much doing except 

plenty of time to dream as the work came 

slow. Went to bed early. 

Wensday 17 

Late to work. Malcolm caught 

his finger in a “Dandy Rover” and I caught 

mine in the main driving left. 

Saturday 20 

Went down to Ethels and from 

There to the car, thence the Opera House to see 

“Wild Oats Lane.” One dandy play. We enjoyed 

it very much and after the show we caught the 

11:20 home. I arrived home the next day. 

Sunday 21 

Church as usual. I took collection. 

Went down to Vance’s afterwards and 

stayed then till Christian Endeavor. Then home 

to Ethels until 11:03. We made plans to go 

on the following Saturday to the Opera to see 

“The Lady of the Scarlet Poppy” Both delighted 

with events of the last two days. 

Monday 22 

Rain as usual. Funny, every day 

I go to see Ethel it rained next day. Hot dog. 

Nothing much happened this week. Excitement 

sure to follow the calm. 

Saturday 27 

Hurrah! Something doing, about time. 

We went to see the “Scarlet Poppy” tonight, 

pretty interesting but not like last weeks. 

Bot some candy and had a ride home with Nick. 

Sunday Oct 28 

Went to Church and after dinner 

Ethel and I went for a walk out in the pines. 

We landed at my house. No-one home. We stay- 

ed till quarter to six and Frank showed up. 

Christian Endeavor and supper at Miss Vances 

followed in order. A big contract was made 

tonight. 

Monday, Oct 29 

Malcolm fairly kidded my ear 

Off all day. Saw the new Chalmers to-day. 

Burns hit his fingers with a hammer. No noise. 

Oct. 30 

Two centers burnt out. I got hit 

with a steel clip on the lower lip. 

Oct. 31 

Jim fired some more help and kept me. 

Nov. 1-2 

Nothing doing except work and not very 

much of that. Somebody soaked for not ringing 

in their time and Jimmie’s German gets blamed. 

3 

Tommie Martelle was at the Opera so we 

stayed home. No unusual excitement. 

4 

Church and as usual Miss E. Vances company. 

A walk in the woods back of the house and 

then home. Mother had a very bad leg 

so Dad stayed home with her. We stayed 

till 5:45 then C.E. and 35 Watford ~. 

6-7-8 

Nothing doing. Lowell sure is a 

dead hole. Burns had a good joke. 

Malcolm gave me some tips on “How 

and when to do it.” Some secret. 

10 

We went to see “What every girl should 

know.” We found out at the Opera tonight. 

This was a pretty good show. Herb gave us 

A ride down back. 

11 

This afternoon (Sunday) we walked 

up Ledge Hill and through the woods to 

the Isolation Hospital. The usual program 

of events followed. 

Saturday 17 

Lawful Larceny tonight. Good show. She 

liked it and thats all that matters. 

Sunday 18 

Mr. & Mrs. Goddards were there so we stayed 

and kept them company. Emma & Ethel and I 

went to Christian Endeavor and then to Vances as 

usual. A very interesting evening was spent. 

20 

Supper and entertainment tonight at the 

Church. Plans for tomorrow night at 

First Congl. Church made. We went – Nov. 20. 

22 

We went to the play called “Ye Olde 

Tyme Concert” and it was very good. I laughed 

till I cried. Were going to have a slashing 

good time. 

23 

Choir rehersal tonight. Very brightening. 

24 

“It’s a boy” – we went to the Strand 

instead. Good picture and terrible seats. 

I felt like a bull in a china shop. 

25 

Nothing happened to-day. The only thing 

I can see out of the way is it’s Sunday. 

Dec. 1 

“Sky Farm” – we went and found it 

Equal to “Wild Oats Lane”. A very good play. 

Herb gave us a ride down and back. We 

got a shine and then to Kittredges for some 

candy and then to the Show. Eddie Moore 

and Agnes Boyce also occupied or rather 

held down two seats also. 

2 

Church Sunday-school – Ethels – 

Christian Endeavor and Miss Vances 

home completed the days program. Rehersal. 

4-5 

Church Fair two days. Our play 

which was scheduled for the second 

night fell through. I bot an apron and 

gave it to Ethel for a present. 

7-8 

Choir rehersal Friday, pouring catfish 

Out. I went down Saturday night but 

we didn’t go to the show because we did- 

nt care for the title “The Bandit Man” 

9 

We stayed home this afternoon and went 

to Christian Endeavor at night. Ethel played 

her violin tonight. She is going to lead C.E. 

next week. 

10 

Day past quick. 

11-12-13 

Nothing doing. Bot the Sat. eve tickets. 

14 

I went down to Ethels before choir & 

then we both went down together. 

15 

Opera tonight. We went to see “Pierre of 

the Plains” and it sure was a dandy play. We 

had a shine before we went in and a Hot Chocolate 

afterwards and we just caught the car in the square. 

I arrived home at 12:05 – Show out at 10:50 – Wow. 

16 

We sang in the choir. After Sunday school 

we rehersed for the Christmas pageant. Then 

Ethel and I were planning for a ride in a (1924) Oakland 

Coupe (4 PM) Last night I bot Ethels Christmas present at 

Lavallees, a fine gold necklace with a sapphire 

stone. Some peach. If she only will like it. My 

last resort. If she don’t; well – I’m sorry that’s all. 

C.E. as usual then back to Ethels. This was the main 

event since our friendship started. Things happened 

tonight that never had happened to me in all 

my life before. (December 16 – a very big day in my memory.) 

17 

Ethel went to a party of the girls she works 

with an I met her at ten thirty (P.M.) The Oakland 

dealer came up with a ’23 Sedan and I tried it 

out. Then I went to Alices and from there to 

“The Lowell Electric Light Office.” We arrived 

home about 11 P.M. Planned to meet Wednesday 

night. 

19 

Wednesday night I called for Ethel and 

we went up to Francis Graves to make up 

some songs and cheers for the C.E. Union to be 

held Dec. 31 – We left there just after 10 P.M. I was 

a bad boy tonight because I stayed up with Ethel 

talking till nearly 12 P.M. But my reason was 

justified. Tonight she has made me the happiest 

I have ever known in my whole life. I am happy. 

21 

Choir rehersal tonight for the Christmas 

music. I was relieved from strenuous work 

at the Saco. Lowell shops from Dec. 20, 1923 

until Jan. 2, 1924. Two weeks vacation without Pay. 

I bought the tickets last night for “Mary,” 

the Christmas week play at the Opera, Saturday. 

tomorrow night we will probably go to 

see “Robin Hood” at Merrimack square. 

“When you know your not forgotten, 

by the one you can’t forget; 

When you know the girl you left behind, 

Is thinking of you yet.” 

22 

Went to see “Robin Hood” at the Opera House 

tonight. Fairly good show. Rode home with Mr. 

Earnest Wiggin. Left at 11:15 P.M. 

23 

Two day to Christmas. Church as usual. 

Three special pieces by the choir and a short 

sermon. Rehersal for the pageant after church. 

Walked home from Sunday-school with Ethel V. 

After dinner to Ethels then church for the 

Pageant called “Why the Chimes rang.” Got 

out at 8:20 and stayed at “35 Waterford Street” 

till a “reasonable hour.” Monday looks like 

a day of work for me. Details later. 

24 Monday 

Snowing today. Everybody busy. 

Ethel has to work today but not tomorrow. 

Went out this morning & got a Christmas tree 

for Ethel and one for Bid Bartlett. They both liked them. 

In the afternoon, down city for some candy 

and a record. Up in Alice’s and home with Florrie. 

25 Christmas Day. 

Jumped out of bed at 5:45 to met Ethel at 

6:20 to go to the “Candlelight Service” We wouldn’t 

have missed it for anything. Walked home 

with Ethel and found Mrs. Vance sick on the 

floor of the bathroom. Left at 8:15 to feed “Baby” 

then breakfast and Wiggins with the horse. Back 

at 12:00 to shine silver ware until 1:30 then dinner 

at 2:00. Now the presents were opened after dinner. 

From Pa & Ma I recieved a pair of gloves and a 

silk shirt, from Ethel two hand embroidered 

handkerchiefs, from Florrie a silk scarf and 

a pair of collar buttons, from Frank a silk shirt, 

Mrs. Marshall, a box of candy, Herb a silk 

Handkerchief, Alice, a nice woolly sleeping 

Suit and from my sweetheart; a Moores 

fountain pen with a gold band on it 

with my initial H on the band. I love it. 

It was the best present of all my gifts. I 

gave Ma & Dad a “Sonora” talking machine 

and Ma cried like a baby. The biggest present 

in the house. Herb helped me bring it down 

from Marshalls. Then I went down to Ethels 

and she came back with me to see the presents 

and Gladys Cox and Bertha Mountain were their 

to see everything and every body. Then the Christmas 

tree at 6:00 at the Church, Ethels afterwards 

where I opened my present and also I gave her 

my necklace for her. Oh! Boy, wasn’t she pleased. 

I stayed till 12:15 with the hope of seeing her 

Saturday eve to go to the Opera House to see 

the Christmas Play called “Mary.” I have succeeded 

this day in making very happy the only girl 

I really ever loved or hope to love and she made 

me very very happy too. “Good by till Saturday.” 

26 

Rose at 10:15 didn’t do much to-day. 

27 

9:66 light snow coming down, cloudy 

guess more snow is on the way. Nothing unusual. 

28 

Fish day. Snowing like blazes all day. I 

arose at 9:45 and breakfasted and cleaned up 

the house. Did some sewing also. Then to the 

bard to but a new back and upholster the 

rides of the sleigh. Back at 1:20. Bunk and 

Mother go to see “Mary.” Florrie goes out at 3:00 

and I have the house all to my-self. Nothing 

doing except get supper. Just waiting for Saturday 

night. Wish I could see Ethel. No choir tonight. 

29 Saturday 

Fed Baby and did some shopping 

in the new sleigh. A bath and a clean up 

before supper then Ethels to go to the Opera. 

I wore some of my new Christmas presents too. 

My silk socks, my new blue shirt, my new 

silk scarf and ‘neverything. 

29 Saturday Eve 

12:40 P.M. just arrived home 

from “Mary.” A dandy show but the chorus 

was rotten. 

30 

Mr. Carrs 1st sermon after his acceptance to 

the Church. We both sang in the choir. 

(clipping of comic strip “Pantomime: But It Suits Them” by J.H. Striebel inserted in book) 

Home to dinner and Ethels at 3:30, very 

pleasant afternoon enjoyed. Details later. 

30 continued 

Arrived home Dec. 31 – Woke up about 

9:45 and hung around all day till 5:30. 

Ed Moore came up. Mr. Mertrude came over to see 

the Sonora. I left home at 5:35 to meet Ethel in 

front of Wardells at 6:10. Then to Worthern St. Ch. 

to the Lowell C.E. Union supper. Dandy talk after- 

wards. Left at 9:30 and walked home to Ethels and 

watched the old year out and the new year in. This 

started out to be the biggest evening I had ever had 

with Ethel but it did not end so. Arrived home 

quite late. Didn’t get up Jan 1 until 11:30. Dinner 

at 1:30. My mother, father, two sisters and brother 

were taken by me down to Mrs. Cox’s, my mother and 

Dad first, and Ethel & Frank afterwards to enjoy a 

birthday party in the afternoon and a good time 

in the evening. I left Ethel and Frank at Coxes 

at 5:45 and then went up to Ethels. We have 

planned to come up here and enjoy an evening 

alone, play all the records in the Sonora and 

then mark the record book and let her play 

the piano. Details later. 

1924 Jan 1 

Not much doing. Didn’t get up until 11:30. Dinner 

at 1:30. Then at 3:30 I hitched up the mare and took 

Dad and Mother to Coxes (4:00). Then back home to 

take Ethel and Frank down. Left there 5:20. Went 

up to Ethels on the way home hoping she could come 

up home with me; but I met opposition there. I finally 

persuaded Mrs. Vance to let Ethel come till 9.30 but 

no later. We enjoyed, so far, a very pleasant evening! 

10.20: - I took Ethel home at 9:30 and left at 10:00. Work 

tomorrow. Ethel was glad she came up. We had a nice ride 

with the sleigh too. 

Jan 2 Wednesday 

Work today. Late for the first time in the 

new year. Not very much work. Malcolm thanked me 

for my gift. Hurrah! One day nearer the grave! 

Jan 3 Thursday 

Nothing out of the way happened. 

Jan 4 Friday 

Same as yesterday. Fish day. Choir tonight. 

Jan 5 – Saturday 

no work today. Worked at home till 

1.30 then took Florrie to the depot in the sleigh in a 

driving snowstorm. Ethel C went too. Home to dinner 

quite late. A dinner, bath, a clean up, then a 

stroll up for her to go see “Thundering Dawn” at the 

Strand and it was a thundering good picture. 

Home at 11:20. Snowing like blazes all day. Snowing 

When I reached home. Ethel stayed at Whitakers. 

Jan 6 – Sunday 

Drifted quite a bit through the 

night. Horse, breakfast, church, choir, Sunday school 

and home with Hugh to dinner in the Bar? Down 

to Ethels in the afternoon, C.E. & 35 Waterford in the Eve! 

Jan 7 Monday 

Not much work, Shop put on piece 

Work. No orders in yet. Thought of Ethel quite a bit today. 

Jan 8 Tuesday 

Same as Monday. Had a ride to work in 

Genest’s Buick and go in twenty minutes to seven. 

I was hoping Ethel would call up tonight but I 

Guess she has forgotten me. Funny how they forget so quick. 

Jan 9 

Church supper tonight. Ethel’s going and I’m not. 

Wish I could but pay envelope says no! 

Thursday 

Four days this week. Three next week 

maybe. Better than nothing. Went up with 

Malcolm Moir to get the tickets for Ethel and I. 

Friday 

Didn’t get up till 8:30 A.M. and worked 

around the house till afternoon. Then I went 

down and got a shave & haircut and from 

there down city, then to the Moon place, then 

my aunt Tiss’s. Gladys & Leonardo S.S. teacher 

came home to supper but vacated the premises 

directly after the eats. Uncle left at half past 

seven. Mother called up at 7:45 and told me 

E.V. had just phoned to tell me she had a bad 

cold and couldn’t come to rehersal. So I called 

up Ethel and found just her grand-mother 

and her alone. We had a nice chat over the 

telephone with promising news for tomorrow 

night. Played the talking machine and 

piano till 8.30. arrived at the church at 

8.45. Fair rehersal. Rode home in Mr. 

Winthrop Bartlett Ford car ----. 

Saturday 12 

Worked around home all day. 

A bath, shave and change at 4.30 and 

supper at six. Ethels at 7.00. Opera at 

quarter past eight to see “The Love Test!” We

both need it?!; :,. Details of the evenings pleasure 

will be forwarded later by the author in the 

second volume of the series, (to be continued). 

“The Play” 

“The Love Test” was given tonight at 8.25 with exceptionally 

good results. From beginning to end it was a perfect 

success. We have no seen such a play since “Pierre of 

the Plains” and “Sky Farm.” It was simply wonderful.. 

We didn’t get out till 10.50. Down at the Crown Conf. Co 

then out for a car at 11.15. No car in sight so 

we walked home by way of Moody Street though 

Tilden St to see the new Moon roadster in the show 

rooms. We arrived home at 11.45 and I left at 

12.00. Arrived on Varnum Avenue in time to get a 

ride home with Herb & Ethel. Choir tomorrow morning 

We have both enjoyed a very pleasant evening. 

Sunday Jan 13 

Horse, breakfast, church to sing 

In the choir in the morning. My sweetie had a 

Cold so she didn’t sing this morning. 

Joke – “A cat last night swallowed a 

ball of yarn and the next morning when 

the kittens were born they all had sweaters!” 

Promising dates: 

Jan 19 – Madame X. 

Feb 21 – “Prince of Liars” – Colonial 

Hall. Art Lyon leading man – tickets $1.10 Wow – 

Jan – Feb – March – Sleigh ride with Ethel and Peg. 

Monday 14 

Work pretty slack today and getting 

Worse. I got my rating to-day. One roll for 

Every thirty-three seconds, pretty good time. 

Went out the back way and down Middlesex 

Street to the Opera House to get our tickets 

for Saturday Eve. Probably the last time for 

a while as work is too low to be going there. 

Guess I’ll tell Ethel. I guess she’ll understand. 

Tuesday 15 

Work getting us scarce as hens teeth. 

I think we will all be out next week for a 

Months vacation without pay. Malcolm told me 

a funny joke. Received a postal from C.E. 

Business meeting and social tomorrow evening. 

Guess my sweet-heart and I will go. All roll 

covering at the shop finished today. Heard a 

new song today, “Every night – I cry myself to 

sleep over you?” Gee, it’s a peach – I mean a song. 

I am writing this with my new fountain pen 

which Ethel gave me. I guess know I like this better 

than she does her pendant. Its 9:15 – time to 

go to bed. Wonder what another little person is 

doing now. Tomorrow will be Wednesday. 

Wednesday Jan 16 

Work same as usual 

Rumor that a (24) order lot is in stock. Close 

tomorrow night I guess. Went down to Ethels, 

then to the Church to a business meeting and 

social of the C.E. Had a dandy time, arriving home 

at 10.40. 

Thursday tomorrow. 

Pay day? No order in sight yet. After 

Work I jogged up to the Opera House to see 

about our tickets for Saturday Eve. Met Ethel 

at Central & Market Streets and walked home 

with her by way of the Moon Salesrooms. We 

enjoyed this walk very much. Work tomorrow. 

Friday 

All work cleaned up to-day. Jim told 

me to clean up and beat it, and Bob told 

me to come in a week from Monday – Jan 28 – ’24. 

Went down to Ethels after supper, then to choir, 

but she didn’t go because she still has her 

cold. If I was her I would put it in the cold bin. 

Saturday 

Morning work as usual. We lost 

A member of our extensive family last night who 

Resides in the chicken coup. I wish they’d all die! 

4:30 – Bath, shave, change, diary, supper – 

Ethels in the evening to see “Madame X” Details 

later. 

Dates between Jan. 15 and July – 31 – 1924 to be 

held for purpose of raising money to go to school 

in the fall. Amount to be raised $250.00 ---- 

Date for departure to school. Septembre 1. 1924 – 

Madame X. – a very interesting play of solid drama 

clean through. We both enjoyed it very much and 

declare it the best one ever produced by these players yet. 

Out at 11.05 and the Crown afterwards; then caught 

the 11.40 Varnum Ave home. We both enjoyed a very 

pleasant evening. 

Jan 20 Sunday 

My birthday. After I came back from 

the horse, during breakfast, Ethel gave me a 

wonderful pair of mocha gloves just matching my 

overcoat. I was very much pleased with them. After 

dinner I went up to see a fellow at the hospital. Then down 

to Ethels. We went for a long walk up Fourth Ave to Moody, 

and up Moody to Mammoth Rd. in Dracut, Wiggins Corner. 

Then down the road home. Met Ethels uncle when we got back. 

C.E. as usual when we reached home Ethel & Herb were there. 

They had a party to celebrate my birthday, which was done under 

Ethels management. Afterwards, about ten-thirty, Ethel 

gave me her photo-graph in a pretty frame for my birth- 

day. The usual period of events followed during the remainder of 

the evening which concerns us only. At the dinner table to-day my 

sister Ethel made a cake and had a lot of 

candles on it, very prettily decorated. It was very 

good also. My birthday was a wonderful success. 

Monday 

Went down city in the morning and came 

home in the afternoon. Cold as fried haddock out-side. 

I guess skating weather is ahead for all of us. 

Vacation all week without pay for me. “Hurrah!” 

Tuesday 

Same as day previous. Quite dull around here! 

Wednesday – Down city in the morning for a ride in 

the demonstration Buick ’24 Touring, prices touring $1425 

roadster $1400; some peachy roadster. (We both like it.) 

I went down to Auntie’s afterwards and stayed till 

dinner. Afterwards I washed up the dishes and 

swept the floor for Auntie as she was very sick. 

Leonard threw a china plate at me and cut my 

hand open. Then his jackknife and split my knuckle 

open. Whereupon, the Battle of Waterloo was enacted in 

the kitchen. That same night Jim called me up 

and told me to come in to work Thursday. A 

big order had arrived so I started work after a 

four days vacation. Not so bad. Then I 

called up my little gum-drop and told her

all about my good luck and closed with a 

date for Saturday night. Hurrah! And she 

don’t know where she’s going! Then Arthur G. 

Lyon called me up and I promised him I 

would be in the play called “The Prince of Liars”. 

Arthur is the ‘Prince’ and the cap sure fits him. 

I am to be the butler. Ethel and I were 

going to see this anyway. So here’s luck? 

Thur 

work today and plenty of it. Nice & mild 

Out. Thought of her quite a bit today. Funny 

wonder why? Home about 5.45; hung around 

all evening. Went to bed about 8.20 – Whew!?;. 

Fri 

same as day previous. Down to Ethels and then 

to choir in the evening. Saturday night coming. 

Saturday 

Worked this noon. Cold as blazes outside. 

7.00 P.M. called for Ethel and went to see the 

play called “Little Olde New York”, with the new lead- 

ing lady and she is very good. We didn’t get home 

until about 12.00 P.M. Had a good time though 

didn’t we? Gee, but I’m getting tired. 

Sunday 

Usual morning activities. Ethel sang in the 

choir to-day. In the afternoon we stayed at home 

because it was quite cold out. C.E. as usual & 

home to supper. Then the usual period of events! 

Monday 

was a very uneventful day to me at least. 

Tuesday night 

Ethel went over to the First Baptist 

Church for supper to the C.E. really. I went over 

after the supper and we sure would have missed 

a very interesting topic on “The Marks of a Christian” 

had we stayed away. Mr. Crane was the speaker. 

We arrived home about 11.00 P.M. We made plans 

to see the Auto Show Thursday night. 

Wed. Eve 

Day uneventful. A.G. Lyon Jr. called up and 

tok me over to Charles Esterbrooks house for a rehersal 

of the play. I reached home about 11.30 P.M. TIRED. 

Thursday Eve 

We took in the auto show and it sure 

was a big success, after all. We both liked the new 

Ford (4) door sedan and the Moon Sedan. Also the Buick 

Willys-Knight and (Caddilac)? Ford Sedan with Electric 

lights, starter, heater, windshield wiper, sun visor, dome 

light and every thing; $750.00 delivered. We got home 

about 10:30 P.M. Another late night. Tired tonight too. 

Friday 

clean-up day. No murders committed. Have 

placed Ethels picture on the piano where I may see 

it better. ~ 9-12-15-22-5-25-15-21-4-5-1-18 ~ Choir 

rehersal tonight. More later unless death prevents. 

Saturday 

Pruned trees nearly all day on Varnum Ave 

and Dunbar Ave. Went down to Ethels but we didn’t 

go anywhere because the Opera play wasn’t good. 

“The Demi-Virgin”. Home about 10.15. Folks wanted to know 

why I was home so early. Had I had a fight? Wow. 

Sunday 

Church this morning. I don’t think we have 

much to worry about yet. Snowed a little last night 

and now a little bit today. A big week is in store for 

us because I have Ethel engaged for nearly every night. 

Monday 

Work today. I asked R. Morrill for tickets 

to the L.H.S. Play for tonight and he didn’t get them. 

I tried at noon and couldn’t get one. In the after- 

noon Malcolm came over and said “The Opera 

House burned down just now in a three alarm fire.” 

So after work we went up to see if it was true and 

if it was we would see it and if not to try and 

get Monday’s and Saturdays tickets. But it was damaged. 

So we both went to the Strand to see “Black Ocean”. 

Home about 10.30 P.M. Kind of tired. Fairly good show. 

Tuesday 

Work today. About 4.30 Jim told us all 

to go home and not come in till next Monday. 

At night Ethel and I went to Max Fadders surprise 

Party and it sure was a success. They gave him a 

gold masonic ring as a party gift. We had a 

good time to-day through. Getting pretty tired. 

Wed. 

no work. I arose at 1.45 P.M. and hung 

around till 7.45. Then up to Ruth French’s to a rehersal 

for the play. Ethel didn’t come with me tonight. She 

went to a party of the L.E.L. workers in the auditorium. 

I arrived home 11.15 P.M. I was blue all day to-day until 

Ethel called me up at night. 

Thursday 

Still at home. In the evening I called 

for Ethel and we went down to the L.C.E. Union 

play at Colonial Hall. “Getting Acquainted with 

Madge” was the name and it was one dandy. We 

caught the 10.20 Pawtucketville home and I left 

about 11.00. Not very tired. 

Friday 

busy day. dishes, cleaning, etc. Ethel called 

Me up about 8.00 P.M. and said she was all alone so I 

went down until choir rehersal. She didn’t go, having 

caught a bad cold. Planned for a sleigh-ride. 

Saturday 

usual morning work. After dinner I washed 

my collars and pressed my suit and had a bath, etc. 

Herbie came up to supper as we were planning on having a 

birthday party for him, it being his party. I went up to 

the pony about 6.45 and then drove her down to Ethels 

It is getting colder so I guess we’d better take along 

more rugs. I guess I’ll go up Mammoth Road to the 

fork and take the left one past Harold Colburns house. 

That will be a good ride I guess. Details of the party 

and sleigh ride later. Dandy song out, very catchy – 

“Every night I cry myself to sleep over you.” 

Three dozen eggs, two dozen damaged, two bad, too bad. 

The party was a howling success. Herb came up about: - 5.45 

and we had supper about 6.15. We all had bon-bons 

and a ring and paper hat and a verse. Ethel made 

a nice cake for him with thirty-three candles and 

it was very pretty. I went up to the pony afterwards 

(7.00 P.M.) and came back after two rugs. Then down to 

Ethels and away from there about 7.30. I had to 

get some butter so we went down to Connors first. 

Then we turned around and went up Mammoth Road. 

When we reached the fork in Pelham we took the left 

fork and reached the cross roads at 9.15. We turned 

around and started back arriving home at 10.10 P.M. 

Exactly 55 minutes from the cross roads. We sure 

had a good time. A big moon, and plenty of stars and 

a fairly cold night and Major helped us along wonderfully. 

I reached Ethels at 10.10 and after a cup of hot cocoa I 

started home. I crawled into bed about 11.45 P.M. 

Pretty tired but happy over the memories of the ride! 

Sunday 

Horse (1), boiler (2), ashes (3), change (4), breakfast (5), beds (6) and 

Church (7) and S.S. (8) in the morning. Ethels in the afternoon (9). 

Ethel didn’t come down to Church. I guess she is sleeping 

off the affects of the sleigh ride. Details later. 

Sunday afternoon 

Went down to Ethels in the afternoon and 

stayed there till 5.45. Then C.E. as usual. Supper at Vances 

and the usual events followed. We finished up to date 

our “Good Time” book. I left at 10.10 P.M. No murders yet. 

Monday 

No work. I sized up the bathroom walls 

and the kitchen also in the morning. In the afternoon 

I went down town and paid the bank and etc. and 

went up Moody to see if the new Moon had come in 

but it had not. Monday night I went down to Ethels 

to practice for the play coming. Home about 11.20 P.M. 

Tuesday 

I painted the bath room this morning and 

About 11.45 A.M. Jim called up and wanted me to come 

in so I had dinner and went to work in the 

afternoon. At night I went up to Joe Coburns for 

a rehersal on his play. Home about 10.00 P.M. 

Wednesday 

I worked all day and mighty hard too. 

At night I dressed up and went down to the 

Pawt. Church for another rehersal. Mr. Black the 

Director was there and I sure knew it. All of 

us did for that matter. Home 10.45 P.M. 

Thursday 

Worked hard all day. Dead tired! 

Went to bed about 8.15 I guess. Received a dandy 

Valentine from Ethel Vance and also from Ethel Cowdray. 

Friday 

No work again today. My work there 

is like a donkeys gallop – short and sweet! All 

morning I was house-keeping as Mother was doing 

the washing. In the afternoon she went out and 

I gave the kitchen a second coat of paint. Guess 

I’ll go down to Ethels after supper, if I may. Gee 

I haven’t seen that for about three months. I 

also painted the bath seat, a small corner shelf 

and a picture frame all white enamel and they 

sure look good and clean. Choir tonight. I wonder 

where we had better go tomorrow; the show ,a 

sleigh-ride or crazy! One of the three, I guess. 

Saturday 

Usual morning activities. In the after- 

noon I washed two jumpers and a pair of overalls. 

Then I fixed a light in the cellar over the boiler. 

Then change, etc to go to the Merr. Sq. to see “Heritage of 

The Desert and it was pretty good but the seats are very 

poor upstairs. Out about 10.20 and after the Crown 

we walked home. I was home before twelve. 

Sunday 

Horse, ashes, hens, broiler, change, breakfast, beds, 

church etc. In the afternoon Louise B and I went up to 

Coburns for a special rehersal. Over about 3.30 and then 

down to the same place as usual. We stayed home in 

the afternoon because Mr. & Mrs. Vance went out and at 

5.45 we went to C.E. Afterwards We had supper at at 

8. P.M. went down to a girl friends of Ethels on Mt. 

Vernon St. We talked all about electricity and had 

a very good time. A bowling party was mentioned for 

future sport. We left there at about 10.30 and I left 

about 11.30 from Ethels. A very enjoyable time was had by 

both of us before I left however. Interesting for both of us. 

Monday 

No work. Puttered around all day. At 

night I walked up to Coburns and borrowed a Tuxedo 

from Arthur and then to Ethels for a rehersal of her 

play “His Uncles Niece.” Home about 10.30 

Tuesday 

same as Monday. Rehersal at 7.30 at Colonial 

Hall, Palmer St. Ethel just told me Jim said there 

would be more work this week. 

Thursday 

worked around home all morning. In the afternoon 

I went down city and purchased a new shirt, a bow 

tie, a dozen collars, a pair of rubbers, and a new 

cap. Then I borrowed a pair of slippers from Ross 

and went home. About 5.45 I called up Art and 

then I took the 7.30 car and went down to the 

play called “The Prince of Liars” I was the butler 

Ethel and Mr & Mrs Vance got on the car at Stav 

bird Street but Ethel didn’t see me and so sat 

down front. But she waited for me when the 

car stopped. The play was a great success 

and everyone had a good time. The dancing 

was from ten to twelve. Ethel and I sat in the 

balcony and watched them. After packing my 

suitcase we left about 11.45 and caught 

the 11.55 Pawtucketville out of the square. We 

arrived home about 12.10 and I left about 12.30 P.M. 

Wednesday 

I stayed home in the morning. Snow- 

ing hard all day. In the afternoon Ethel called me 

up and we planned to go to the theatre at night. I 

was to meet her after six o’clock at the Y.W.C.A. I had 

to go on the paper route because Frank went to the 

show. I was home about 5.20 and met Ethel at 6.20. 

We didn’t get out until 10.20 from Merrimack Sq. 

and caught the next car home. I left later. 

Friday 

Usual morning activities. I went down to 

L. Bradens and Joe Coburn at Mrs. Cox’s in the sleigh. 

In the afternoon I went down with Baby to Ethels. 

We started about three o’clock and went up Mammoth 

Road to the right hand fork. Bad traveling prevented 

us from going for. When we reached the cross roads we 

cut across country and hit the left hand fork. Then 

back to Collinsville and up the Lakeview Ave road 

to Lakeview and then Mountain Rock to my 

uncle Toms. Here we managed to get warm 

again before starting back. After exchanging news 

we started back via Shermans Mill and Gages. We 

arrived home about 7.00 P.M. About four hours 

traveling. After caring for the horse we came down 

here. Then down to Ethels and had some supper. 

I left about 10.20 P.M. Very good time. We also 

made up our “Good Time Book” to date. 

Saturday 

Usual day activities. I went down in 

the evening but we did not go anywhere. I left – 10.20. 

Sunday 

I caught a cold yesterday and so I 

stayed in bed this morning. Last night I took two 

Aspirins and rubbed on some Vaporub and some 

Capserole. Then I went to bed. Frank fixed the 

horse and hens this morning. I stayed in bed until 

one o’clock. I feel pretty good now so I guess I’ll 

go down and see my “Cherie Bon Bon.” 

Sunday 

3.30 P.M. I went down and stayed home all after- 

noon. Ethel went down to C.E. and I stayed till she 

came back. A very good supper. Then the usual order 

of events. 

Monday 

Work all day. Bed early. 

Tues 

[Work all day] Ethels for rehersal at night. 

Wed 

Work all day. Bed early as Ethel had to play 

for the C.E. play of the first Baptist. 

Thurs 

Work today as usual. Bed early again. 

Fri 

Work today also. Ethels about 7.45 and stayed 

there until 8.30. Then we went down to a rehersal 

in the vestry of the church and didn’t get home till 

after 11.30. Got locked out and had to climb over 

the front piazza with a ladder. 

Saturday 

Spread cinders all morning. Then in 

the afternoon I greased Franks bike and remodeled 

it. Sifted the ashes, took down the coal bin, fetched 

in some more wood and started the border for the 

path. Then had a bath and change and supper. 

About 7.00 I went down to Ethels and we went for a 

good time to the Merrimack Sq to see Gloria Swanson 

in the “Humming Bird”. Very good picture. After 

the show we went to the Crown and then walk- 

ed home. I left about 11.30 P.M. 

Sunday 

Had a row first thing this morning, 

with the whole family lined against me. The sooner 

I get out the quieter the place will be I 

guess, for every one included. Went up to the 

house and then wrote in here after breakfast. 

Went to Church and sat in the back row because 

I did not go to choir rehersal. Ethel sang in the 

choir. Went down to Ethels and stayed till C.E. time. 

Afterwards Ethels for supper and I left the same 

night. We took (11) pictures out in the woods to-day so 

it was a very nice day out! 

Monday 

Work. 

Tues 

Work. (all done). Rehersal at Ethels. 

Wed 

Nothing doing at work. I met Ethel at 

6.20 to go see 

Thur – Fri 

Ethels & then the church for a rehersal 

Sat 

Ethels. Then a show. Pretty good time. 

Sunday 

Ethel sang in the choir. I didn’t. 

Usual activities connected with it. 

Monday 

I met Ethel at the Y.W. and we 

went down to meet the crowd at Pages at 6.30. 

A wonderful supper there. Afterwards 8.00? P.M. 

we went in a bunch over to Keiths to orchestra 

seats for another good time. We both had a 

very good time and didn’t get out until 10.40. 

We caught a car home and had to get out at 

City Hall on account of a fire in the Crawford 

Block. The care on the other end of the line 

did not wait so we had to walk home. But 

we did not mind that, did we? We arrived 

home about 11.40 and I left a little later. 

Tuesday 

No work yet. Hung around all day. 

I went down to Ethels after supper & then we both 

went to rehersal. I got a regular bawling out at 

this part as I didn’t seem to do anything right. We 

arrived home about 10.45. I left after getting warm. 

Wed 

Down city in the morning to by Ma a 

birthday present. (Linger awhile) on a Brunswick. 

Then I bot a wick for the lantern and paid 

for the picture we took Sunday. Then I came home. 

I carried Franks papers yesterday and to-day. 

Snowing both days. Gave Ma the record at 

night. Went down about 6.45 to a supper & 

business meeting by the class. Plans for ministral 

at next Sunday’s meeting laid down. Home about 

9.15 P.M.