Jan. 1st 1890. Portland, Oregon   With the advent of the New Year the usual number of good resolutions are made and among others I have concluded to keep a diary. George says it would be nice   Percy laughed and said it would be nothing but    got baby his bottle   ,    baby cried   ,    attended baby   ,    baby cried again   ,  c. but I will try to have a little about other things. George is not well today has    la grippe    we tell him but he says it is only an old fashioned bad cold. John called to see him a little while. We spent a quiet day. Grace went home last night for fear she might take sick.   Jan 2  It is quite cold so we got up late and it took nearby all day to get the work done. Percy is sick with cold.   Jan 3rd It is still quite cold. Robert went down town and took my spoons to be engraved.   Jan 4  Percy is still sick. We were afraid the water was frozen but it came out all right. Made blackberry pie, darned stockings till    to 12 o' clock.    
        Jan 5    We did not attend church today George and Perry to sick. Robert had a cold.   Jan 6    Awoke this morning to find the ground covered with more snow. The cars did not commence to make regular trips till after two o' clock. The boys are both suffering from colds but could not stay in from coasting.   I must put Constance to bed. She is much excited for the 8    she will be seven years old. She is anxious for it to come. She is such a help and comfort so kind and thoughtful of baby.   7    Today has been a busy one for me. My Swede came to work and we have only finished in time for dinner.   Frank Grubbs called. I have not seen him for years. He is so proud of Waif and well he may be from what I hear. St Nicholas came to gladden Constance heart I read her several stories. She loves to see her name on the wrapper.   Jan 8    George has gone to church as this is the week of prayer. Robert has come in from coasting. Percy has  
        been reading    The Century      I have read a story to Constance from the Interior. Today was her birthday and she found a box of panels awaiting her arrival this morning which delighted her very much. I wonder if all mothers get discouraged at the amount of work they have to do   yet accomplish so little. Robert is so good to help, so I must not despond. He made a lovely jelly cake.   Jan 29    It has been some time since I wrote before but we have all had colds   I have not felt like writing. Today is my birthday. I am forty three but I am sure I do not feel old. The man came with the sewing machine. It works nicely now. Baby put his toe on his mouth today to the great delight of the family. We had a hard hail storm this afternoon and thunder and lightning. Mrs. Howe called   told of her sons visit to Europe. What a delightful time they must have had  Just think of a month in Paris, a ride in Mt. Cenis tunnel, up Mt. Vesuvius and all through Great Britain.    
        Took dinner with four hundred Americans in Berlin. It is time for prayers so will close for tonight.   Jan 30    I have had quite a busy day as I had to iron after the work was done. Just as I finished, Mrs. Gritzmacher came to try my dress on. She was so kind to come so far out as the cars are still blockaded Charley came with her. My dress is to be done for the Williams-Therkleson wedding. The boys made a cold frame for violets tonight. That sounds like spring but we have had quite a cold stormy day half rain and snow. George cut his first tooth today   there was general rejoicing over the event. The dear little fellow is the center of attraction.   I have thought today so much of the past. If one could begin life all over how differently we would live. So much more considerate   charitable. How many lovely traits we could see in one that we had never seen. I see by todays paper Mrs. Hines is dead. One more of the good old missionaries passed over the river. The cars have started again but how long it will last is a question. Constance   baby are asleep and I must follow.    
        31    It is now a quarter to eleven and I have just finished sewing. I made baby a little shirt from an old pair of drawers of his papa's. The boys frame is not large enough so they are to have one made by a man   we are to get some double violets at a green house. Robert read Mark Twains letter in the St. Nicholas aloud to me this afternoon also an article about the launching of the Baltimore. Constance made yeast and it rose beautifully pretty good for seven years   the first time. I am trying to make George some short clothes   I find it up hill work with all the other things to do.   Feb 2    I was so tired last night   it was so late I did not write. It had rained very hard all day. George   Percy came home   told that the Tanner Creek Sewer had broken   the water raised thirty feet. Today Constance   George went to hear Mr Boyd   the boys went to our own church. In the afternoon we took baby   went down to see the Corbett Street Bridge. It is a total wreck from the water; by tomorrow Ross Island will be covered. Yesterday Herm Moller came to see Robert.    
        George said today that Mr Boyd in his sermon said some great author said that the Jews prepared the world for religion   the Pagans prepared it for civilization. Some thing I had never heard before. Percy has gone to church tonight but we thought it to rainy to venture out.   Feb 3    It has rained exceedingly hard nearly all day but has ceased this evening   we all hope the storm has spent its fury. The river very high, Ross Island entirely covered bridges washed away, people moving their goods to places of safety. It is exciting   crowds of people are standing for hours watching the drift pass down. If it clears up we expect to spend the day with the girls, the first day away from home for nine months   the first one the baby has ever taken.   4  Went down to the Williams wedding, but it was so crowded we did not get into Trinity Church. Called at Dr Wells   found the family at home except the Dr. It seemed so good to go out once more with George after so many months at home. Walked to second Street there met Mr Shipley   rode home on the cars it was crowded. The water  
        was up so we had to get out at Washington St.   then we crossed the St. on boards. It is still rising. We have seen houses, barns, bridges  c going down the river all day. It is rather a pitiful sight to see so much going to waste. Powers Factory went this morning. The cars cannot run the powder magazine has gone   the river is filled with kegs of powder. Nothing but water   desolations every where   sad news from all towns up the valley. Mrs. Kirkley came over   kept the children. It is now twelve o clock. Emma Wells, Kittie Holman, Frank   Bittle came out a little while tonight.   7  I have not written for three days. We went to spend the day with the girls Wednesday   found  water water every where   not a drop to drink.  At second   Washington a man was rowing a skiff in the middle of the street yet the people in the Western part of town could not get any water as the water was so high they could not pump. Every one was out to see the unusual sight   it was difficult to get along the street for the crowd.   
        We dressed George in short clothes for the first time on the 5th. He was petted and loved by all. I was so tired yesterday from my trip I did not try to write. Went to see Mrs Himes a few minutes in the afternoon.   Today Robert and I set out some rose bushes. It is still early but we want to do what we can every pleasant day. In spite of the cold weather we find the roses are beginning to bud and Constance actually found a rose nearby blooming on her button rose. The river is slowly falling since yesterday morning   the bridges are still standing although somewhat strained. It has been quite warm   pleasant today   things begin to look spring like.  8  This morning I did my usual Saturday work   in the afternoon went down  street. I met George at Crans   then we went to the different art stores to try to find a copy of Millet Angelus (an Etching) but was not successful as they were all out   I was much disappointed. Fine etchings are so expensive and so beautiful. I wonder why I was made  
        with such extravagant tastes   yet no means to gratify it.  We went to the Golden (??) Bazar   bought quite a pretty vase Worcestershire ware   we are to call it Aunt Mary's Vase as she gave us the money to buy it with. Also got George a house buggy   then came home on the car.  Constance made her first cake   she is quite proud of it. It is a Jelly Cake. The boys planted Pansy seed tonight. Percy got hurt playing with Harry Wood.  9  It has been quite pleasant all day except a slight shower once or twice George and the boys went to church Constance to Mr Boyds Sabbath School   George   I met her. He enjoys his buggy. We took a long walk this afternoon   he was very good. The river is still high but receding fast. What a lovely view we have of the city up near Mr Gillette's house one could stand for hours looking up   down the river. I do not believe it can be surpassed any where. The children commence school tomorrow so we must go to bed early. I hope they can go all this term without sickness.  
        11  Yesterday I stayed at home all day and made baby a dress. This morning my woman came but only stayed till 2 P.M. as she did not feel well, so Constance, baby, and I went out to make a few neighborhood calls. We found some of them out to the Society and not knowing it met at Mrs. Lambersons, went there but did not remain. Made quite a call on Mrs. Gillette found her the same pleasant nice good woman she always was, her money and fine house makes no difference with her. Mr. Gilette is setting out native trees and shrubbery, they will have a lovely place there. Tonight I read an article on Robert Browning. What a good Christian man he was Last night I read aloud from the North American review an article about its late editor Thorndyke Rice. What a brilliant man he must have been and accomplish so much in such a short space of time. It has been a beautiful day warm and sunny. I must do some gardening soon. 
        13  I stayed home all day yesterday   made baby another dress. Today I took him   made a few calls on my neighbors. It is not a delight to call with him but I find it my only way. Mrs Herschel was quite pleasant. Tonight Percy is away. Robert read the  Merry Chanter  in the Century. What a comical writer Stockton is   what ridiculous positions his characters are placed. Loaned Mrs Bowen our Century for last month. I find her a cultivated educated lady who has been unfortunate. It rained some late this afternoon. Todays Oregonian speaks of Mrs. Hatch's death at Salem. I can scarcely realize that her gentle spirit has fled   we will meet her no more. I think she was one of the sweetest   purest christians I ever knew. While a girl at school nothing delighted me more than to spend the afternoon with her   gather knowledge from her lips What she might have been with means at her command I do not know, as it was she was the embodyment of all knowledge to me. She was my Sabbath School teacher.  He giveth his beloved sleep  
        17  I have not written for several days. I have been so busy for the last few days. Constance received a valentine   was much delighted. I went down street Saturday   left the children with Mrs Bowen. I bought Constance flannel for a skirt   myself a pair of shoes. Went to church yesterday the first time for nine months. It did seem so good to hear a sermon once more. The text  Prove all things, hold fast that which is good  was well handled by Mr. Brown. Stopped to see Mrs. Gove on the way home about Robert. Found her quite pleasant. In the evening George went to hear Mr. Boyd. Today have been busy sewing. Pearl came over to see Constance. Robert went down to see Harry (W.) who got quite badly burned with powder which he threw into the furnace. This evening heard Robert's Latin   Higher English. Percy gone to drill. The china man came for the clothes. He had given C. a lily which bloomed out very full, he hovered over it as if it were something sacred   said we were to have  heap good luck  this year because the flower had so many blossoms on it.  
        18 Today my woman failed to materialize   I had to do the washing myself. Rev. Brown called in the afternoon   Lizzie H. came to see Constance. I sent his father a loaf of fresh bread as he is sick. Received a letter   papers from P.E.L. Grandfather is really dead I shall sadly miss his letters, he was such a good correspondent. He had lived a long   useful life of eighty six years  22 Today is Washington's birthday but I should not have thought of it if I had not seen the flags flying from the steamers as they passed up   down the river. George   Percy went to work as usual.  23 Today is the twentieth anniversary of our marriage. It is a long time to look back over   yet I feel very little older than I did then. Of course I must look older   I have added about one hundred lbs to my weight. All things considered, time has dealt very kindly with me.  A great many of my early ambitions have been forever laid at rest   I now know that Gods hand has all the time been leading me in the way that was best. While sickness 
        has occasionally visited us, yet our little family has remained with out a break. I have not felt well today so George   Robert got breakfast. I did not go to church. Schwabs called.  24 It is quite cold today with some snow   rain   a little sunshine  25 My woman came   I have been very busy all day. Mrs Thomas called this afternoon. It is still colder   we will bleed the pipes for fear they freeze.  26 Been busy all morning   this afternoon went to Chatanqua at Mrs Robbs. Had a delightful time   a delicious lunch. It was Longfellow day   we had quite a number of reminicenses by Miss Lamberson who came from Pittsfield Mass.   had often visited the house with the broad hall   the old clock on the stairs. It is the first time I have been out this year to their meetings. I did not know what a treat I was missing,   then they were all so cordial. Arrived home at five to find a nice warm fire   Mrs Bowen, Pearl, Constance   baby all right. Constance has been again promoted so she does not come home till half past 2. Very cold Friday. but pipes all right.  
        27 Some warmer today but still quite cold. Been very busy all day, ironed, made bread   cake, so did not get through till time to get dinner. This evening have read a chapter in Tom Browns School days with Robert. Found it quite interesting. How much more attractive they make school now than the did twenty years ago. No one thought of reading such things in school then.  George read tonight that beautiful chapter beginning.  Ho every one that thirsteth  it always seems such a comforting chapter.  No one called today except three peddlars all women. Percy has gone to drill. Robert   Constance to bed, baby asleep so George   I are alone.  28 Colder again. Found a leak in the water pipe outside, have been very fortunate so far, no breaks in the house  March 1 Constance   baby sick, did not get much sleep last night   fear I will not tonight for between the children   a boil on the back of the neck I am not comfortable Leathe came late this afternoon. 
        and stayed to dinner. George   Robert tried to stop the leak in the pipe but did not succeed very well. Leathe went home on the car. some warmer. Percy went skating, fell in  2  This has been a lovely day, clear, shining not to cold. How I longed to go out but could not wear a dress on account of that boil. George, Lydia,   Grace came over   stayed awhile.  The boys went out for a walk The cars have been crowded all day over sixty passengers each time. Walter came out to dinner with Percy. Constance not much better, but baby is easier. Have not opened a book today. George says they had such a good sermon on Luke. One violet in bloom in the hot bed.  It really begins to feel like spring   I shall be glad for we have had a rather long cold winter while in the east it has been lovely. Peach trees in bloom no snow   we are continually twitted about our eternal Spring  c by our Eastern Friends.  
        3rd It commenced to rain last night   it has continued without intermission all day. Robert   Constance both sick so did not go to school baby better. This afternoon commenced to make Robert a night shirt. Percy gone to drill. It is much warmer   we hope winter has at last gone. By todays paper saw that they were having a fearful storm in the East. Baby has gone to sleep   I must read a story to Constance from St Nicholas.  4  Been very busy all day sweeping, dusting,  c it still continues to rain. Man brought wood. Robert tried to stop pipe but did not succeed entirely. Constance better, baby still sick.  5  Arose early   finished work, started for Lydia's in East Portland but found it quite an undertaking. Went on cars, baby enjoyed it spent the day there   I started home in a drenching rain. Borrowed an umbrella from Lydia as it was so pleasant I did not come prepared for rain. The first time I had been there since last May. Took her some Interiors to read. She has a lovely set of china 
        beautiful ware. I read to her from Longfellow's Morituri Salutamus the last part is so pretty. She is reading Looking Backwards by Arthur Bellamy. Jessie received all Bulwer's works, they are very well bound. Arrived home at five to find Robert home and fire started. Century came and he is reading the Merry Chanter while I get dinner. George has just found a proverb while reading  Where the devil cannot go he sends woman  quite different from the Jewish one  God could not be every where so he made mothers.  8  Busy all day, made cake, pie, bread  c. Constance sick with cold, I scarcely realize how much help she is to me until she is unable to go. Her little feet save me many a step   she is so willing. Robert bought a suit of clothes today. It has rained hard most of the day. I went to Mrs Earhart's a little while yesterday saw Addie   her baby. He is quite pretty I then went down street. Caught in a shower I came home wet   tired. I believe I am getting old I tire 
        so easily   cannot endure nearly so much as I used to.  9  Went to church this morning, left baby with George   Constance. We had such a good sermon. I like Mr. Brown more and more all the time. He must be a great reader. His sermons are a literary treat aside from anything spiritual. How good, it does seem to be able to attend church once more, I fear one becomes somewhat callous if they neglect church or at least they lose interest in such things. I now understand why the one talent unused should be taken away.We soon imagine we can do nothing   the less we try the less we can do. I wonder if I can not do more for the Master, even if my hands are full. I feel that a way will be opened, how I do not know if I only show a willingness for work. My great desire and prayer is for my boys to come forward and become earnest followers of Christ. None but a mother can understand how hard it is to see them ready to enter, but still waiting, waiting. Rainy   snowy   blowey. one violet 
        10 Have little to write about, been busy all day. cut out a night shirt for Robert   partially made it, but one gets so little time to sew, there are so many interruptions.  The Interior came today, we are much interested in a story in it. Tomorrow is missionary day. I do so want to go but I do not like to leave baby for others to take care of.  We had considerable variety in the weather, lovely sunshine, snow, rain and wind. Heard Robert's Latin   Constance's spelling. Percy did not come home to dinner, went to drill.  11  Wrote two letters last night after writing here, one to Prince Edwards Island. Today have been busy with the woman till late, started out with baby   Constance   then went to Mrs. Newhouse a little while, then came home   got dinner. It has been pleasanter today although we had storms   sunshine as usual. Our spring is very late and it still stays so cold. I am patiently waiting to send East for roses as soon as it is warm enough. Usually we have some things out by this time. The roads are in a fearful state. Teams mired every day. 
        12 Mrs DeLin called this afternoon, after she went away, baby, Constance   I went for a short walk, called at Mrs. Hachneys. They were doing a little gardening they have so many nice flowers. She gave Constance two dozen fresh eggs. The boys are making another cold frame as the first one was to small. Sunshiny and pleasant but a little cool. I am so tired and sleepy I must go to bed.  13 A lovely day but have been so busy could not go out to enjoy it. Made cake   pie, did not finish till late, sewed a little   then took baby out in the yard The Hines children came up, then Miss Selin called, then Mrs. Newhouse, Mrs Walker and Parker. Percy gone to drill Robert studying for examination. Constance in bed   baby asleep, George reading the paper. Frogs are croaking so spring is coming although slowly.  14 Another lovely day, but fear it will rain before morning. They commenced to open Kelly Street this morning. Went over to Mrs DeLin's to see about some flowers. All at home   spent the evening reading. I want to do some gardening tomorrow if I can. More violets in bloom.  
        15 Busy all morning. Helped Robert set out some rose bushes. Miss Delin came to send for some roses. Grace came to find something about spiders for an essay. Went down street with Constance to get her a hat   cloak. Could not find cloak. Came home on a hard rain. Baby at Mrs Newhouse. Percy went to party at Dr. Wells. R. bought shoes  16 Did not go to church baby sick cutting teeth, sent to Dr. for prescription Constance went to Sunday School. Robert went to Lydia's after church. We put baby in perambulator   took him out a little while. It seemed to do him good. George   Percy went to church in the evening.  14 Baby sick all night, did not get much sleep, he has been cross all day. George brought him some medicine. Percy gone to drill. Rained steady all day. Not very cold.  St. Patricks Day in the morning   18 Sent for roses this morning. Woman came to wash. Baby better made bread   cake, Mrs. Thomas sent over bread   cookies. Did a little work in garden. Made baby a skirt. Read the Interior. Rained occasionally during the day, mostly pleasant. 
        A lovely day, took Constance and baby and went down to the gardeners to see some plants. They had quite a variety especially pansies. How expensive a pansy is, one can almost see them looking at you with their dear little faces. The beauty and variety of color cannot be equalled John, Roy, Margaret,   Leathe came in the evening.  22 Robert   I did a little gardening today, it commenced raining about noon   cut short proceedings, so we had to stop. Percy came home sick with cold. Constance invited to party at Mrs Hackeney's, not able to go. She does not get very strong since her sickness. Poor child she does not understand that she must economise her strength.  23 George and Robert gone to church. Percy not able. Constance gone to Sabbath School. I did not feel like going I was so tired. I tire so easily now. Is the machinery of life wearing out? Perhaps I expend to much on the unnecessary things of life and like Martha of old am troubled about many things. This a real April day, showers and sunshine alternating, but it is still cool, strong things will grow in such weather but they do and rapidly to 
        Went to hear Mr Boyd preach but he was sick   they had a song service instead. Dr. Plummer, Mrs Boyd   others spoke of the authors of the hymns. It was very interesting. Mrs Boyd speaks without any apparant effort   has perfect command of herself.   24 Robert not very well, did not go to school, so we worked some among the flowers. The wallflowers are nearly in bloom. Set out some currant   gooseberry bushes. Made a bed for roses   spaded around the other things.  Mrs   Miss Lamberson called. They are so pleasant   intelligent. What an elevating influence such women have on society. They seem to live above all the petty trials and vexations of life   yet I know they have troubles to bear as well as the rest of us. Percy bought coat and vest. A lovely day  23- My woman did not come today so I had to do my washing myself. Baby good so finished everything by three o clock and am now reading a little before 
        getting dinner. Pleasant this morning but it commenced to rain at noon   it looks quite wintry  26 The boys have gone to hear Bill Nye's Lecture. Quite pleasant today but some rain. Read to Constance from Longfellow  The Childrens Hour.  They have commenced on Curry Street again I wonder when it will be completed. Mrs Newhouse came in a few minutes, did a little gardening some sewing, read the paper, and so the day passed. Abundance of violets.  27 Went down to the school for Constance   took her down street. Called at Mrs. Plummers   got a slip of Clematis. Took the car   went to see  the girls  then to Mrs. Earharts with some plants I called at Alf's to see Mrs Odell, she is sinking and soon will pass to the home for which she has so longed. One by one the old Pioneers are passing away.  Went to Litts to get Constance a coat found what I wanted. got baby his first pair of shoes. A lovely day cool but clear, I went without a wrap. George gone to the Annual meeting at the church   Percy to drill. Read to C from her new St. Nicholas.  
        28 Took baby out for a walk   made two calls. Brought home some choice rose slips   set them in water to root as an experiment. I read in the Oregonian that was the easiest way to start them. Very pleasant.  29 Robert   I started out early to do some gardening as it looked like rain   sure enough it commenced   has kept it up all day. Every Saturday for weeks it has rained so we could not work at all.  Baby is to stay with Mrs Newhouse tomorrow   we are all to go to church.  30 All went to church this morning, and it did seem so good to be all together again after ten months. It was Communion Sabbath   we had such good services. Mr Brown has the happy faculty of being exceedingly interesting but not tedious. Took a short walk in the afternoon. Rained a little in the morning but cleared of and was beautiful in the afternoon. George went to see Mrs Odell found her very fun.  Spent all afternoon in the garden It is so delightful to work among the flowers. Had some white violets sent to us, set them out after some slips 
        of clematis   other plants. We are getting quite a variety of plants. The boys are so interested in the work. Very pleasant all day.  1st  April Washed this morning. George   Percy came home to lunch   told me they were to have services at Alfs for Mrs Odell at four P.M. So I left everything   took baby to Mrs Bowen's. Mr Brown   Rev. Harrington conducted the service. They go to Salem tomorrow. W.H. Smith met us   came home   took dinner   spent the evening. Frank Wells came out with Percy.    3  Constance not very well today did not go to school.  4 Constance still sick. Telephoned for Dr Wells. He came   pronounced it a case of measles. Mrs Bennet   Boswick called.  5 Pearl came over this morning to assist me. Such a sweet girl, she gives promise of a noble woman. Constance still quite sick.  6 Today is Easter. I had looked forward to this for a long time, but could not go to church. George   boys 
        went   pronounced the sermon fine   the singing by the Courson quire exceedingly fine. Song service in the evening. They all went. Margaret   Leathe came out in the afternoon.  7 Constance some better. Pearl came over to see her.  8 Washed today: my woman not coming any more. Got up early   succeeded nicely. I find it all depends on getting up early. If I can only do that I will succeed without help.  10 Very busy this forenoon. Mrs Earhart Hoyt   Northup called. I had not had time to dress. I wonder if every one has the same experience   is as mortified as I am when caught with every thing in disorder. Mrs E. spent the afternoon. Had a lovely visit Went down street after dinner but was to late to make any purchases Took the car   went to Pfunders to find Constance a lemon verbena but could not get one, so went to Ehlins   found a heliothrope in bloom   took it. She was so delighted to get it.  11 Set out some geraniums   made Constance a flower garden. Lovely day but cool for this time of year. I fear my roses will suffer.   
        11 Snow   hail this morning   it is kept up most of the day. The sun was warm when it was out but that was seldom.  This is one of my discouraged days I accomplish so little   there seems so much to do. Never be discouraged. Mrs C. Ladd called this morning to see about the Ramaibia Society.  17 George taken down with measles   dressmakers came. Am preparing to go to the Presbyterian Banquet tomorrow evening. Mrs K. will take care of baby  18 Baby quite sick. measles well defined. Mollie E. came out a little while  19 Went to Banquet, every thing very nice. The Hotel Portland is certainly elegant, the menu fine   well served did not get home till 1/2 past one. Cars stopped running, took a Gurney  20 Very tired today, did not get much sleep. baby still quite sick  21 Baby better, did not attend church  23 Girl came to wash, entirely to slow for even an Oregonian.  24 Dressmakers finished today.  25 Called on Mrs Himes   Lamberson.  26 Did some gardening. Harold G came to see Robert, also Gussie G. Will S. came home with Percy   stayed to dinner  
        27 All went to church   left baby with Mrs N. Had a good sermon Took quite a walk in afternoon. George went to hear Mr Boyd in evening  28 Washed today George   Percy came to lunch. Went to greenhouse got some flowers  29 Rested today   commenced C a dress  3   May 2  Miss Sabin called this evening. We were all so glad to hear her talk   see her once more. She is so refreshing.  28 was invited to go to see the cable road work. C. sick could not go  29 A long time has elapsed since I have written before but I have been through a siege of house cleaning Jessie   Grace came out to dinner a week ago sunday   we did not have a carpet down or a place to sit. We are once more straightened. Constance is not well so we went to Lydia's. George enjoyed the ride on the cars. John   Roy came  30 John came out this morning and we arranged some flowers for Lou's grave. George went over with him. Lydia   Jessie came in the afternoon   Percy   Jessie went to Fulton Park. John   Roy came to dinner. We had several hard showers during the day. 
        31 Took Constance   George   went to Mrs Hackeneys she gave us some lovely roses.  June 1st All gone to church but George   myself  July 4 Gone all day to see the sights, even the fireworks in the evening  July 17 It has been a long time since I have written any in my diary. So many things to do and only one pair of hands to do it all. Yesterday I spent with Lydia   came home thankful I had so many things to do instead of dying from  ennui . It is better to wear out than to rust out some one said   I believe it. Gussie, Charlie   Robert went black berrying yesterday, Herman Moller came in the afternoon, wants Robert to go to the coast.  We have the most beautiful roses I have ever seen and from this years bushes thanks to Dingee   Conard. We have about forty varieties in bloom now.   Nig  went out hunting with some men   they sent us two grouse today which were very fine.  George is getting so cute, he says  trees   pig   please  Percy  c. Of course  
        we think it very sweet. he has great affinity for stoves   climbs up by one every day to the destruction of his white dresses  18 We are having a strange summer, so much cloudy weather, light rains   but little very warm. One has no excuse to go away from the heat although it might be nice to get away from so much noise even for a day. Less than two years ago we moved here and then were considered out into the country   now it is much noisier than where we were before. The Electric Cars running till almost midnight, a hotel next door and all the appurtenances that go to make up a large city. I fear we will have to follow Greeleys advice    move West young man.  Still we are the only ones on the block   are some what excluded in that way   after one has sown   watered   seen things grow up under their care for even a little while it is hard to give them up. Although the Americans are not wedded to their home as other natives are   even the most sacred spots are desecrated by the ruthless hand of improvement 
        19 Been busy all morning. Jessie   Lydia came over in the afternoon and stayed to dinner. I went with them in the evening to the opening of the Metropoliton Market. The stalls were not all filled but were marked taken. The music was excellent   quite a number were there I bought our sunday roast   we came home at half past nine. Found George with the children at play.  20 Went to church this morning, heard an excellent sermon on faith. Mr Brown must live very near to Christ to be able to preach such good sermons. George did not feel well so Constance stayed at home to help take care of baby. Robert   I came home by  The Portland  to see the  Court  and its flowers. I had never seen an India rubber tree before. The tree palms were also curiosities.  21 Washed this morning. Went shopping in the afternoon. Met Mrs D.P. Thomson   had quite a talk. She has just come from the  Coast    goes back tomorrow. Called at Mrs. W. M. Ladd's had a delightful call. She thinks so much of Percy   is so interested in his plans and prospects. Bought chairs for dining room Tonight  George  wanted the moon 
        and held out his hands for it. A child is no more unreasonable in its demands than a grown person. Very warm today Bought 1/2 doz chairs for dining room.  22 Today is Robert's birthday. He got a knife. fifteen years old. I can scarcely realize that it has been so long since he was born. Such a great big boy as tall as his father. I hope he will grow up to be as good a one. I made a jelly cake for him as that is his favorite cake. George is reading aloud from the Interior but the baby does not allow any literary work to interfere with his enjoyment so he has to stop and hold him. Very warm today.  23 Every one has gone to bed long ago. I have been busy all day making George a dress for we would like to have him baptized next sunday if he is well enough. It is still quite warm Robert wants to get up at four tomorrow as Gussie starts for the coast   he is to take his paper route.  What a beautiful life Walter Scott must have led when a boy with his mother. George was reading to me tonight about great authors   their devotion to their mothers. Among the 
        number were Scott Carlyle   Aggazis. I have a lovely bed of geraniums Four weeks ago I planted one dozen slips   they are now blooming Very good for Oregon.  24 Wrote a letter to Aunt Mary today. Went to Mrs Hines   she gave me some geranium slips. I hope they will grow.  Quite warm again today, but nice cool evenings. The hose bursted tonight but Robert says he will mend them tomorrow The boys are so handy with tools they can mend or make almost anything.  25 Finished the babys dress today for him to wear Sunday. Margaret and Leathe came this afternoon, Margaret stayed to dinner. Robert went down and brought home G alarm clock to keep till G comes back.  It has become quite smoky, but some cooler today. Fred came to call this afternoon, he goes back to Hoquium in the morning. Gracie came with him. Georgie is not very well.  26 Georgie been sick all day, had to get medicine for him. Went out on the side walk with him. 
        27 We had expected to have baby baptized but he is to sick to go. No one went but George to church. Robert could not find his collar buttons. Percy did not find his collar. Constance stayed to assist me. George is no better   I fear he may have quite a siege, but the weather is fortunately cool.  Commenced to read Looking Backward like it very much.  28 Washed today, baby very fretful so did not finish till nearly time for dinner. Constance gone to see Stella Wood. We expect the McNamee boys tomorrow. I hope they will have a nice time and only wish I could devote more of my time to them, but the prospect is not very favorable.  29 Baby had a very bad night awake most of the time so I did not get much sleep, he is still fretful today   I have quite a time getting the work done  30 The McNamee boys came last night   George went to Alfs to see them this morning. They came home with him to dinner   then we all went to Alfs to spend the evening It is now half past twelve   I  
        have just finished the dishes. I must go to bed for I have lost so much sleep lately. The boys are all that could be desired in young men. Very polite and affible. Their mother must be proud of such boys. We heard a funny letter from their pastor Rev. Little that he had written to Alf warning him of their arrival.  31 Nothing of special interest transpired today took baby over to Mrs Thomas' a little while. I think he is some better but wants to be held. It was quite warm yesterday but cooler today, in fact the fire in the kitchen seemed good this evening. The boys are delighted with our flowers they say they are much finer than they have in Indiana    Aug 1 Have been busy all day preparing for company. Made cake, cleaned the parlors, arranged bouquets went down street and in the evening all the Stowells were here, also Rev. Boyd and Mr   Mrs Mann who are friends of the McNamee's. They all said they had a lovely time and left at eleven. There was twenty Grace came to spend the day. Goes to Eugene tomorrow. 
        of us all together. Percy, George and I cleaned the house up   washed the dishes   it was nearly one o clock before we were ready for bed. Georgie did beautifully all evening. While I write he is sitting on the floor trying to catch sunbeams.  2  Alfs   the two Mc's started for Clatsop this morning to be gone ten days. I hope it will be pleasant. I went down street this afternoon and did some shopping for baby, bought him some colored dresses to creep in, two red   one blue   a pair of shoes. Went to the dentists   left baby with  the girls , he was not at all good   cried very hard. When I came home I found Constance there before me, she had made a fire, peeled the potatoes and had them cooking and was just commencing to cook the steak. Pretty good for only seven years.  George   Robert each bought a pair of shoes tonight,  I have to do all my mending yet so must close this evening  Pleasantly warm today.  
        3rd We arose quite late   consequently no one went to church but George in the morning and Percy at night. Spent most of the day in the yard with the children. Read to Constance. Frank W. came in the afternoon. George, Robert   Constance went down to the river as we saw a crowd there   found that a man had been drowned.  4 It is now half past five   I have only just finished my work. It has been an unusually hard day. I heard yesterday Mrs Hackney had quick consumption. She is one of the best neighbors   I can scarcely realize it is so. What her poor husband and helpless children will do without her the Lord only knows.  5 Ironed this morning. Mrs Gritz - came this afternoon. Some children came to play with Constance. In the evening we walked to Mrs Hackney's. Found her sitting up but very weak and coughing a great deal. Her baby sick, Frank's hand burned Poor woman even with a nurse and girl there is a great many things that only a mother can do. 
        Received a letter from Australia.   6 Am to have company to dinner Mr Byers a friend of George so have been preparing all morning Stella Wood came up to ask Constance down there. Cannot write baby pulls my dress so. Quite warm It is now eleven o clock and I have just finished washing my dishes George helped me put things to rights. Our dinner passed of quite pleasantly   in the evening Mr   Mrs Lee and Virginia called. Mrs Lee looked lovely all in white with her gray hair. She is such a fine looking woman and has such a superior air about her. I found that Mr Byers was an old schoolmate of mine, that is he attended at the same time but I was in a lower grade. We have many mutual friends.  7 Sent Constance and Robert to see  the girls  this morning and I followed with baby, arrived about lunch time in the afternoon went to the dentists   then we all stayed to dinner.  Stopped at Mrs Burrels to see her pretty flowers. She has such a lovely place. Five hundred geraniums in full bloom.  
        Came home at half past nine. Warm  8 Swept up stairs today and finished at three o clock. Mrs Raymond called   also Mrs Thomas. Quite warm wind  9 Been busy all day made three dozen glasses of jelly (crab) had such good success. Lizzie H came down to play with Constance. Frank W. to see the boys, but they had gone to Harry's. Must try to go to dentist. Left baby with Constance   Lizzie, he slept all the time I was gone. George received a letter from Alf wanting him to go to the coast today. Miss Arbuckle called. She is such a lovely girl. Baby told her she was  pretty .  10 Spent the day at home except a walk with George   the children in the afternoon. George Constance   the boys went to church   heard Dr. Lindsley preach   then stayed to sabbath school. Read today that when Malt Carpenter wanted to study law, he went to Rufus Choate   was lifted to go   study the Bible. He followed the advice   for seven months devoted most of his time to its study until he could repeat it. He said he never had a case that he did not make some reference to the Bible or a quotation from it. 
        Am reading the Anglomaniacs in the Century. It is a pretty good  take of  on the Americans   the way they sacrifice their daughters on the alters of English aristocracy  11 Been busy washing all day, very tired tonight. Cool and pleasant.  12 Ironed, baked bread  c. Took a nap with baby this afternoon. Constance went to play with Ethel P. Sent her mamma a boquet Tacked up some nasturtium vines   lied up the dahlias. Saw Mrs H. go by this morning in a cab for Wilhoit's Springs. She looked very frail.  Georgie is learning his first hard lessons. He fell out of bed yesterday   hurt his head today he fell down stairs,   then went out in the yard   turned the hose on himself until he was so wet I had to take every thing off. It is very dusty   a high wind blowing. Quite warm in the sun but deliciously cool in the shade. The Alder at the back of the house is a delightful place to sit all forenoon.  
        13 Busy all day preparing for Wilbur and Harry as we expect them tonight from Clatsop. I should have gone to the dentists but could not get away. Baby not very well, this hot weather very trying on him My old girl Anna came with a girl to see if I would not take her. Bless her heart she has never forgotten me   wants all her Swedish friends to work for me. I gave her some flowers   promised some slips in the fall.  Today is Joel's birthday. Poor boy I am so sorry for him away from all his friends. How different it might have been if his mother had lived.  The boat will not arrive till half past two A.M. so we will not see the boys till tomorrow. Very very warm today. We used the hose long   late tonight to cool things down some but did not succeed much. Percy cut grass, Robert raked, George watered   Constance took care of baby while I did the work. 
        14 Harry   Wilbur will not be here till after they go to Salem which will be next week. Mrs Hows came this morning   I gave her some rose slips. The old lady was quite delighted with our garden. Georgie not very well The weather is so hot it is very enervating for him. He stood all alone for the first time.  15 A little cooler today, still it is not by any means chilly. Made a contract for our winter's wood. We gathered twelve different kinds of roses this morning all of them such lovely shades.  16 Busy all day preparing for company Alf, Wilbur   Harry to be here for dinner tomorrow. Constance made a cake, had good success   she was delighted.  17 Did not go to church today. George   the boys went. Been so busy all morning getting dinner ready. They told Constance her cake was lovely. Harry was so pleased with my collection of shells   corals.  18 Lydia came this afternoon   took care of baby while I sewed.  He saw her hat   said by, by. please. 
        19 Received a letter from Agnes   Mrs Church. Went to see Mrs Wood about Harry   the boys going on a trip down the Columbia. I dislike to have them go but I admire the pluck   energy they display   while I will not have a moments easiness while they are away I know one must let them rely on themselves some times. It makes them more manly   self reliant. Called on Mrs Gray. Robert received a note from Harold Gilbert inviting him to spend two weeks with him on the farm. I hope he will accept. They are such a nice family.  20 Went to dentists, left George with  the girls  they said he cried loud   long. Called on Mrs Quackenbush, also to see when Gussie will come home. did some shopping. Found Jessie here when I came home, she stayed to dinner. Had callers in the evening.  21 Swept up stairs today, did not finish till late. Mrs Newhouse called also Mrs Quackenbush to see about a girl. Percy went sailing  22 Swept down stairs, cleaned lamps dusted  c. Went down street, bought some knives, a butter knife, a curtain 
        for bathroom, a pair of bud glasses a salt pot for Constance. Left baby with Constance   Pearl. He is not at all well but slept while I was away. Expect the boys tomorrow.  23 Boys not coming till monday. Jessie came out to dinner.  24 Went to church. Heard such an excellent sermon from Dr Lindsley just what I needed. Florence   Frank Wells came home to dinner with us. Florence starts for Europe soon to be gone two years.  25 Washed   been so busy all day Boys came to dinner. Like them so much. Mabel   Walter came to spend the evening. Had music   a good time generally.  26 Jessie   Mabel came to dinner   spent the evening. Had a lovely time. They went home late. Percy took Jessie   Harry took Mabel. Cars stopped   Harry had to walk home. I went in the afternoon to call with the boys on Mrs Mann. We are to dine there tomorrow   spend the evening. Did not go to bed till nearly twelve. sleepy 
        27 Spent most of the day putting things to rights after last nights dinner. Robert is getting ready to visit the Gilberts.  Georgie is taking his afternoon nap. I have just received a letter from Aunt Mary. She says the boys are having a lovely time  28 Leathe came and stayed with the children while George   I went to tea with W.   H. to Mrs Manns last night. We spent the evening. Mrs Lewis a lady of seventy seven entertained us with reminiscences of her early life. She is a Quaker and her  thee    thou  sounded so sweet and quaint in this artificial world. Mrs Mann has the best collection of curio's in Oregon   we were shown a great many shells, corals, costumes  c from the South Sea Islands   Alaska. A day long to be remembered.  Took a long drive with W.   H   Mabel went to the Dosch country residence It is called Eischenhof Villa.  The boys were perfectly delighted with the fruit in the orchard. They had never seen it grow so luxuriantly. Mrs D. gave us some  
        lovely pears and plums. Came home by the Slaven road it was delightfully cool   shady compared to Mt. Zion.  Wilbur brought me a lovely quilt from his mother orange   blue. The work was nicely done   the combination very effective. They all go up to Bonneville   29 tomorrow but I have concluded to stay at home on account of Georgie. I am so glad George is to go it has been two years since he has been out of the office. I must go to bed for the boat starts at six   we will have to get up early.  30 Arose at four, prepared George's breakfast and after he started, went back to bed, I was so tired. Had rather a quiet day. Rested most of the afternoon. George came home about six had a nice time, but rather cool.  31 While we were eating breakfast the water back bursted   we have been in rather a damp condition all day. If it were any other day but Sunday we could call a plumber, but we will have to wait with what patience we can  
          till tomorrow. Wilbur sent Georgie five dol. for his birthday present.  Sept. 1 Plumbers came about noon and we are once more happy.  We all went to Alfs tonight. They had quite a company. We took baby and he was very good. We missed the last car   had to walk home. Constance was very tired and it was after twelve before we went to bed. I said good bye to the boys as I could not go to the depot to see them off. We have had a nice visit and think they enjoyed it.  2 George did not come home to lunch as he wanted to go to the train   would not have time. The boys go without seeing Mt. Hood as it has been so smoky all the time they were here, it was not visable It rained saturday night   sunday and this afternoon we could see the Mt. but not until the boys were gone. Heard from Robert, all well.  3 I have been so busy all day. Percy and Harry Wood took baby's picture this afternoon. I want to finish Looking Backward   the new Century looks so inviting I can scarcely resist the temptation  
        to read it. Florence Wells starts for Germany tomorrow. Went down this evening to say goodbye to Florence. There was quite a number in and we had such a good social time Mrs Gillette called this afternoon with her sister.  4 Bessie   Gretta came to spend the day with Constance. I made pickled peaches   ironed. Had callers in the afternoon Walter came for the children in the evening. Percy late for dinner.  5 Mr Byers   son to be here for dinner so have been busy all day preparing for them. What a delightful thing it would be if one did not have to eat or at least make preparations for the feast. It would save the women a great deal of weariness and trouble.   With all thy getting, get a Specialty.   6 Went down street this afternoon and had George and Constance sit for their picture. I hope they will be good. Saw Mrs Gill, she says Jessie is to be married soon   she feels old. She certainly does not look like the bright and sprightly girl that graduated twenty-five years ago with me. 
        Went to see  the girls  a little while. Came home to find Robert home from the  Gilberts . He is highly delighted with his trip and tells it in a very graphic way.  Georgie took four slips today.  7 Went to church this morning. Had such a good sermon just suited me. Spoke of the patience of God and made me feel stronger than ever to overcome my besetting sin a hasty temper. Harry Lee came home with Percy   soon after Mabel came   stayed a little while. George has gone to church. Georgie is helping me write I have read some beautiful things from Edwin Arnold   Write me a song unstained by any tear.    Deep hollows where the winter hides away   8 Been busy all day preparing to go to Salem tomorrow to stay a short time. I read a pretty Japanese motto  We are separated by many things besides distance, but you know the blossoms scattered by the waters of the torrent shall meet at the end.  So quaint and pretty for a book mark. 
        9 Well I did not get any farther than the ferry landing on my way to Salem as I received a telegram from Amanda saying they were moving, so we came back home. After all  there is no place like home    one can appreciate it if they go no farther than the Stark Street Ferry. I had Constance sit again for a picture today.  10 Robert made a flower bed for me this morning as I intend to plant some rose slips   get them ready for next spring. The boys want to have a great many more flowers next year but I do not know how we can care for any more than we have. Still I love to have them care for such things.   When dreams come truer through the gate of Horn   11 Made some calls this afternoon but it was rather unsatisfactory work as George was fretful. I did not believe babies care to go calling, at least they do not seem to enjoy it   I know the mothers do not. I have never seen it so dusty before they are improving so many 
        streets   after they are improved they are impassable from dust   will be from mud in the winter.  What a wonderful land Palestine must be and how delightful it must be to travel the same road that Jesus trod. What thoughts must pass through ones mind as they see the ruins of all the magnificent temples.  The solemn Eastern night, purple   diamonded with stars, the mellowness of the delicious sunsets are unconsciously reflected.   12 Went to Mrs Gillette's but found her gone to Astoria. It was so smoky we could not see any thing at all. We will all be glad of a little rain.  13 Late this afternoon went to see Mrs Hacheney, she is much better. Called in Mrs Sears, found her just lovely, a bright active New England woman. She had a lovely picture of Burns.  14 Did not attend church all the rest went except George   I. They all reported a splendid sermon. Robert feels quite proud in a new  dicer    the boys are all calling  where did you get that hat  
        15 Robert   Constance started to school again this morning. Constance is happy in the posession of a Second Reader. Grace came over this afternoon   is to stay all night. I feel so sorry for a motherless child. She never knows where she is to be a day beforehand. Her father is perfectly indifferent to her wants.  16 Made sweet pickle pears today. They are very good. Grace went home tonight loaded with rose and geranium slips. I hope they will grow.  17 Did some sewing on the machine but found it necessary to keep a strict watch as Georgie is anxious to see how the machine is put together.  Constance   I put the baby in the buggy   went down to the little grocery store to get some thing for dinner. Both the children enjoyed the walk.  Our summer is past and I feel as if we have scarcely had any The days have been delightful very fun warm ones, mostly cool and pleasant. On the hills the 
        vine maples are coming out in their new garb - all the shades of red   yellow. Our autumnal woods are not to be compared with any thing I have ever seen in brilliancy of color. Why did the poet write  The melancholy days have come, the saddest of the year, when to me it has so much beauty. It seems to me like the close of a beautiful life, going out through the dark winter to bloom more brightly the next spring So death opens the portals to a more beautiful and blessed life beyond.  18  In spite of slander and mistrust,   Of burdens great and hard to bear;   To that alone that's right and just   Put thou thy hand and keep it there.    Went down street   left the children with Mrs Bowen. Constance was sick all night so did not attend school. Called on Mrs A.J. Brown   Mrs Gibson Then went to the High School   saw Mrs Allen   Gove about Robert taking the Elective Course. They are all opposed to it but as he failed last term I wish to give him one more trial   let him take up Algebra 
        Called on Miss Sabin, found her busy as usual.  Went to Cran's and met Mrs Stroud, had quite a talk with her about her family. She would like to have me come over and spend the day soon.  It is still pleasant but very dusty. I shall be glad when the streets are completed   sidewalks laid we will then have things a little cleaner.  19 Went to Mrs Earharts to spend the afternoon   took baby, came home   got dinner   sewed some this evening. George   Percy finished piling six cords of wood.  It sprinkled a little this morning but cleared up this afternoon. We got excellent photos of the children.  20 Busy all day preparing for the Sabbath. Made bread, pie and cake. Very foggy this morning. Percy not very well. Robert went down this evening and bought a pair of shoes.  I am trying to plan for the winters work how I can get time to read the Chautauqua Course and keep up with my other work. 
        I am going to try even if I fail.  21 Went to church this morning, had a most excellent sermon. A strong plea was made for more young men to enter the ministry. In the evening the services were an  Evening with Cardinal Newman.  What a strange gifted man he was. After writing so many unkind truths about the Catholic Church to go and embrace its religious belief. Yet much as we disagree with him, we cannot but feel grateful for that one grandly pathetic hymn.  Lead Kindly Light.  22 Been very busy all day, washed, swept all up stairs. Percy gone to drill. He feels lost for Frank started last night for Ann Arbor to attend school.  I see by the papers that some one has built an ancient house at Saratoga. It is furnished in the style prevailing at the time of Christ and is called the house of Pansa.  At their meals they never had  less than the Graces nor more than the Muses.  
        Mrs Holbrook called this afternoon  23 Made cake, boiled a tongue and otherwise prepared for a lunch tomorrow as I am to have company.  24 Mrs W. B. Gilbert, Mrs Dr. Wells and Miss Goodwin were here. Miss Goodwin starts for Boston to take a years course in Shakespeare and Elocution.  We had a delightful time. Dorothy came with her mother   George had a nice time playing, although he is a month older he does not walk but a few steps and she goes everywhere, but he can talk. It is quite cloudy and damp and seems like rain.   Reverence the faculty which produces opinion   25 Spent the morning cleaning and putting things away.  This afternoon called at three places. Went to see Miss Arbuckle about the Chautauqua. They are so anxious to have me meet with them but yet I cannot see the way clear. Baby is to young to take and I have no one to leave him with. Can I do it I wonder? Percy is practicing on the bugle. Robert, Constance   Georgie are in bed 
        It still looks like rain.  26 This has been one of the most perfect days I ever saw, clear, bright, but not to warm, such as we have occasionally just before the fall rains set in.  Percy is playing on the piano. It has such a lovely tone I love to hear it.  The Exposition opened last night and they expect it to be a grand success.  Robert   Constance are in bed, but little George is toddling round busy as he can be. He says  poor papa   where papa , G. Bob, and Lela for Sister,  Pershe   c  27 Busy Busy all the day preparing for Sunday. This is a beautiful evening, bright moonlight. The East Portland fire bell pealed forth its notes in thundering tones a few minutes ago.  Oh lovely day - so soft, so calm so bright - the bridal of the earth and sky.   28 This morning Robert was not well so he kept baby while we went to church. As it was quite warm we attended Mr Boyds church and heard Rev.  
        Dunlap from Kelso, Wash. It was an unusually fine sermon. He seems to be quite young and I think will yet be heard in larger churches. In the afternoon went to Lydia's They were much surprised to see us, we took baby and left Constance with mary   Mrs Thomas. George walks every where now and is in to every thing. His busy little feet are never still.  29 Did a little sewing after I finished my work. Percy at drill did not come home to dinner. Robert forgot his Algebra and left it at Dr Wells office so had to go   get it  30 Sent for my Chautauqua Books today so I can commence work. I enter into it with many misgivings for fear of failure, but I know there is nothing done without an effort.  The MacNeils called this afternoon. A lovely day for calling. Miss Alice dressed in white it was so pleasant.   Worked in the garden a little but found it entirely to dry. 
        Oct 1 Prepared Constance   babys picture for the mail to send to Australia and Prince Edwards Island. Also one for Aunt Mary.  Percy brought home a book on china and pottery for me to read knowing my fondness for those things.  A long description of the Service at the White House was given. George   Robert gone to the fair tonight. Percy at work in his room on some invention. Constance and George both in bed.  I read quite an interesting article on the Egyptian Book of the dead. What a wonderful people they were and we are just beginning to understand a little of their great learning.  2 Been busy all day. Looks like rain.  3 Took baby in the buggy   passed the school house and got Constance   went down street. Did some shopping, among other things bought myself a cloak. Baby was very good still I am so tired I shall not attempt it again. Robert has gone to the fair.  4 Sick all day, have a very sore throat   severe headache, have taken cold. 
        5 Went to church. It was Communion Sabbath and our hearts were gladdened by Percy coming forward and joining. God is very good to us and I realize more fully every day, how little I do and how much there is to be accomplished that I might if I would remember to not  neglect the gifts that are in thee.  Hunter Wells also came forward. All the family in now but the two little ones. What a plea for the mother.  George   Percy are at church as it is the Regimental night. Rev. Brown is happy over the advent of a daughter last friday  6 Busy all day, did not finish till late in the afternoon. Lydia came over, gave her some flowers.  7 Went to the Chatauqua meeting, today. Officers elected. I was chosen president. I do not see how I can accept I have so much to do outside   yet they say we must not shirk anything that we are asked to do.  Lovely weather after the rain. 
        8 Busy all day but did not accomplish much. Went with Percy to the  Fair  We went in a jam   came home in a jam   were in a jam all the time we were there. It being wedding night every one was there to see. Two couple were married by Rev. Ghormley from East Portland. The music was the finest I ever heard. The Anvil chorus was especially so. I do not admire many of the pictures. I suppose my taste is not educated to such a height yet that I can unblushingly stand and criticise nude forms  9 Making Constance a dress but do progress very rapidly as Georgie prefers to run the machine. Another perfect day, cool with a slight tinge of frost in the air. Our side walk   street is finished at last after a year of work.  10 Busy all day with Constance dress. It is now eleven o clock   I am just putting the finishing stitches in. George   Robert went to the  Archer  concert they have just come home   pronounce it a success. The organ is perfect   stood the test admirably Percy gone to drill.  
        11 Constance went to Exposition this afternoon with Pearl. Came home with her hands full of picture cards   all the other appurtenances belonging to a great fair. Received invitations to the Gill wedding. Percy   I went to the  Archer Concert  at our church. It was exceedingly fine. I never heard an organ played before.  12 All the family attended church except baby   I. Rev. Thomson from Corvallis preached.  In the afternoon we took a walk on Hoffmans hill where the have laid out a town. It is very beautiful but somewhat inaccessable. Came home   read Esther to Constance. She was much interested in poor Mordacai.  13 Took baby   went to the Chatauquau. He was not a model   I find it a little hard to manage, but like Lincoln I will live today in hopes of tomorrow being better.  Constance has a very severe cold, so has George. A lovely day It is trying to rain tonight. 
        14 Busy all day. Miss McCabe called to see about joining the Chautauquau. I hope she will as she has plenty of time to devote to it. Went to the Fair with G   C.  15 Made quince jelly today glad it does not come but once a year. I feel very tired we walked around a good deal last night met some friends   had a good time generally. Mrs Hacheney called with her baby. She does not look well. Raining hard.  16 Made quince preserves   finished making my jelly. Percy at work tonight. He is very industrious. Robert is sick again   out of school. Constance is talking to me so I can scarcely write. Raining  17 A lovely day cool and pleasant. Anna came over with a girl for one, such a nice looking one. I wish I could take her for a short time. I am so tired I fear I will never get rested. Yet baby is so good I must not complain.  John   Roy came and spend the evening. The first time they have been here for months. 
        18 So busy all day I have scarcely had time to breathe. Did not finish till late in the afternoon George came home early   we went down town together to get some shirts for Robert. It has rained quite hard most of the day. Percy wanted to make a flower bed but it was to wet. Georgie climbed up on a chair, then fell down stairs   wound up by pouring ground coffee all over the floor. Such a little mischief.  19 Did not go to church today, was so tired. I did want to for it was the first sunday in the new church. They said the sermon and music were fine. Mr Gray   Amanda called in the afternoon Robert   I went to hear Mr Boyd in the evening. Had a most excellent sermon on  the way to be saved.  Percy took dinner at Dr Wells. Quite cool but no rain  20 Went to Chantauqua this afternoon and left baby with Mrs Bowen She said he was very good. I did a little shopping for Constance   Georgie. Pleasant today. 
        21 Busy all day with household duties.  22 Robert sick again   out of school  23 Robert still sick. I do not feel like writing for I am tired. We went to the Gill wedding at Grace Church   afterward to the Library to get Greene's History of the English People I wanted it for reference in the Chautauqua in regard to Alfred's life. What a delightful work it is more fascinating than any novel.  24 Did a little sewing on the machine We are having such lovely weather and the leaves on the trees have put on their royal robes and are decked in all the most brilliant colors of the rainbows. Nothing can excell our vine maple for beauty.   Went to see Jessie Gills wedding presents. I could not begin to describe the number of lovely and costly things she received from friends.   It does not seem possible that I attended her mother's wedding twenty five years ago.  25 Went to church. A great many there   an excellent sermon. George   Robert went in the evening. 
        a perfect day.  26 Went to Chautauqua today. Took George, he was not very good. Mrs Thomas came with us. We had a very good meeting. It is to meet at our house next month   I am so glad for it will be easier for me.  27 John Roy   the girls spent the evening with us. Had a nice time Hunter Wells called a little while.  30 Went down town left baby with Mrs Newhouse till Constance came home from school.  31 Went down town with Constance to get a hat. Left baby with a woman I had working for me, he was not very good she said. I went to Shindlers to get some chairs. Found four I liked one rocker   two odd ones besides one pretty little wicker work one. They are to come monday morning.  Nov 1st Did not go to church today. All the others went.  2 Chantauqua met here today There were twelve there and we had a good meeting. It was a delightful day clear and bright. They all admired the place so much. The flowers were in full bloom especially the roses. 
        Blandina stayed after the others had gone   I gave her some rose slips of all I had. Got dinner   George went to the Chautauqua at the church.  3 Busy all day not a moment to spare for any thing.  4 Expected to go calling today but it rained so hard I did not.  5 Leathe came this afternoon while I was at work in the garden taking up plants   so I went calling. Made seven, pretty good as i got started so late.  George went with Leathe to prayer meeting. Mrs Earhart came to spend the afternoon  6 Busy all day setting out roses   other shrubs for winter. Did not know I had so many.  7 Went out this morning   set out some more flowers. Must have taken cold yesterday as I do not feel well today.  8 Am not able to attend church my face is very much swollen   I am scarcely able to sit up  9 Chautauqua met here today but I was unable to attend. Miss McCabe promised to do the honors for me. I do not know how many 
        were here. I feel some better now   hope to be myself again in a day or two.  Percy has gone to drill   George   Robert have gone to hear Joseph Cook the great lecturer.    May 31st 1896    It has been several years since I have written in this book, but Constance found the book and insists on me keeping a diary again The day has been delightful but it turned a little cool tonight and we had a fire in the dining room. I did not go to church today I was so tired. The children went. George assisted me in getting dinner Percy made the salad   Robert cut the cake. Constance   I did the work up and then she   Georgie went to walk with their papa. They brought home such lovely wild flowers, anemones, Solomens seal and wild lilies of the valley. I remained at home   read the life of David king of Israel by Taylor. What a wonderful life and how plainly Taylor shows up his defects as well as his virtues 
        Mr T. Marquam called to see George a few minutes. There is a mass meeting at the Marquam tonight (sunday) the good citizens. Tomorrow is election and politics are so mixed   so many candidates are on the field. I think eight for councilman in this ward. If men only had the courage of their convictions what a difference it would make.  George has gone to the meeting. Mr Rees Thomas called to see George but he had gone. Read to the children about Abraham receiving the angels. The boys picked their first satisfactory boquets today, our roses are so late this season, a  chilling frost  killed all the early ones and we only had a very few for Decoration day. We will have all we want in a few days.   June 1st   This is a lovely day. George went to be one of the judges of election this morning. He does not expect to get home till late. Mrs Judge Bronough called also Mrs Mann   Mrs Rhodee from Indiana It is now twelve o clock   Robert has taken coffee   sandwhiches to his father. Percy brought a new  
        Century and St Nicholas. The Century has an article on the Alaska boundary   as I am reading that country up just now it is quite timely.  June 2 George did not get home till half past eight this morning. The vote was so mixed it took long to count it. There are many sad hearts in Portland today. Pennoyer is Mayor unfortunately, but it may be better than we hope. Percy   I spaded around the roses till we could no longer see. Lovely all day but is raining now   3 George   I came out and worked in the garden awhile, the boys came home to lunch in their  bykes . I went down town and bought a dress for myself also a corset   one for Constance   a waist for Georgie. Called at Mrs Hoelbing with the children this evening. It is trying to rain a little.  4 It rained some last night and things are so fresh and nice this morning. Our vegetable garden looks so green. I went over to consult Mrs Kerrish about my dress and came back and did the work up   made a cake. Georgie came in in great distress to me   said a boy told him he   Mildred would not live long they were so smart. He says it is not so. George went to prayer meeting. Constance   I made a crysanthemum bed. rained hard this afternoon. 
        5 Showery today. John came this morning to get a valise, he starts for Union tonight on a visit.  6 Busy all day preparing for sunday Finished Georgie a waist   made Constance a pair of drawers. Robert killed his chickens.  7 Constance went down to church   brought Leathe home with her to spend the day as she is alone. After dinner took a walk up on the hill, rainy Went to hear Mr Boyd preach in the morning   heard one of the best of sermons. Gus Gritz called in the eve.   8 Busy all morning in the house   in the afternoon out in the yard tying up vines. The lawn is all in order beds all made   every thing growing nicely although the roses are not as fine as previous years. Showery Robert came home late   said he had to go back to the Armory as the militia might be ordered to Astoria on account of the strike. I fear the U.S. greatest danger is from their unrestricted admission of foreigners. Susan B. Anthony here attending the womans Congress.  9 Busy in the morning, cool and showery So tired had to go to bed in the afternoon   10 Commenced to clean house. Finished my room   closet. Leathe came to spend the  
        day and night. Went to Mrs Kerrish to see about my black dress   plan for making it. Had two calls for roses, but Robert had promised all of them for St. Helens Hall. Took a little walk with Leathe   George.  11 Had to go down street this morning to get some trimming for my dress. Leathe went with me. Stopped at Lipmans to make my purchases. very warm. made George a pair of pants   waist.  12 Cleaned Constance room today   the boys closet. Mrs Whitcomb called   I did not get to finish the room. Constance picked her first roses for a pillow today   I picked some sage to dry. George is studying the sunday school lesson he has to take Mr McCamante class, for two sundays as he is to go East. Percy has gone on his wheel. Mrs Ross came over to see the roses. George went to the  merry go round  with Gladys   Mrs Ross, he would like to own one   run it in the backyard  13 Very busy all day. The Mrs. Ross came over   we talked of roses. In the afternoon Mrs Spaulding came to see about Chatauqua. Warm   pleasant. Things growing fast  14 Went to church. It was childrens day. The church was decorated beautifully   everyone was presented with a boquet. 
        Dr Hills address was very appropriate   the children did well. Came home   got dinner. George took Constance   Georgie for a walk   while they were away Mr   Mrs Schwab called. Mrs Ross sent in some Claire Carnot roses. Sang some hymns with the children   had prayers   retired. A beautiful day.  15 Warm   beautiful. Washed most of the day. My new dress came home. It looks well. I am on the last chapter of the life of David. It has been intensely interesting from the beginning. I cannot close this record without quoting some from it.  When God says  Be strong  we get the strength which we need by acting in such a way as implies that we already possess it.  The moment religion ceases to command men to attempt the impossible, it ceases to be religion.  The days seem all to short to read   study all one wants. I think I shall read the conquest of Mexico next. The boys are both at home this evening we watered the geraniums   canna's   also the green house. Constance rode the wheel for an hour or so, she does remarkably well for so little practice   on a boys wheel. She is completely facinated. 
        16 How little we know what a day will bring forth. Last night we went to rest a united family   before twelve o clock the summons came for Robert to go to Astoria to assist in quelling the fisherman. They started at four o clock, we have heard nothing today but they fear trouble tomorrow There have been many heavy hearts in Portland today. Only a mother knows the agony of such a parting. O Lord keep my boy in the hollow of thine hand and make him strong to do that which is right. Washed all day. Warm   pleasant. Pioneer day. Constance marched with the school children. George went down   heard Joaquin Millers poem. Am drying rose leaves to make a pillow, they are so fragrant.  17 Warm   pleasant, rested today I was so tired. No letter from our boy today but we heard indirectly that all was  quiet on the Potomac,  We have fifty six varieties of roses in bloom. Constance brought all her books home today as the exams are over.  18 Cool   pleasant looks a little like rain. Cleaned the boys room today lifted the carpet   put it down again in the afternoon. Looks considerably better. Percy came at noon   said he would be home late. Gecar  
        Wells called. Then John Wells   his wife. He wanted me to use my influence with Mrs Pennoyer to have him appointed city physician. Had a postal from Robert, he has hard tack   coffee   is not very well pleased. I wish he were home. It seems strange that people cannot learn that if they sow the wind they must reap the whirlwind. The people of Astoria hired ignorant, degraded Russian Finns, Italians, Scandinavians to fish   the result is they have no respect for law   order, their city is one of immorality   vice. What a difference it would have made if they had planted colonies of hardy, sturdy, thrifty New Englanders there, but their desire for cheap labor has brought the inevitable result.  19 Busy all day cleaning house. Have nearly finished up stairs. Delightfully pleasant. Gathered one hundred   sixty roses to dry for a pillow   picked five large boquets. Our roses have never done better than this year, the place has been made to  blossom as the rose   20 Cleaned the china closet   finished up stairs. Made over Constance pongee   Mrs Ross made her a belt   bow for her dress.  21 Went to church with Constance   Georgie but did not stay to sunday school for 
        Georgie did not feel well. George went to the Congregational Church   then went down to our own to Sunday School, to teach Mr McCamant's class.   Mrs Ross came over a little while in the evening   then Mrs Hoelbing came. Constance went to Junior branch and then in the evening to the exercises as it was childrens day. The church was beautifully decorated with roses   one magnificent cactus in full bloom. Quite warm in the sun.  Auntie Hanchett was buried yesterday at Eugene. After a life of usefulness and great charity she has gone to her reward. She was the friend of all the poor, sick   oppressed of Lane Co. and many homes will miss her kindly ministrations.  22 Warm   pleasant. Cleaned house again today, washed my lace curtains, they did up beautifully. Percy helped put them on their frames  23 Warm   clear. washed all day. I had so many things that I do not usually have.  24 Still warm   exceedingly dusty. Cleaned the back parlor. Jessie came in the morning   stayed all day. She darned all my stockings, It was such a help. Went in the evening to Jennie Goodwins 
        wedding   then called on Mr   Mrs Hill father   mother of our pastor. They are lovely people   are perfectly charmed with Oregon especially the roses.  25 Took up the hall carpet cleaned it   put it down again. Then took up the dining room carpet   cleaned the wood work. It is ninety two in the shade but we were in the north side of the house   did not feel it so much.  26 Still warm. A china man came   cleaned the carpet   blacked the stove   put the carpet down again so I have the dining room finished  27 Washed   ironed a little   prepared for sunday. Mr   Mrs Boyer called to see the roses. We have hundreds of them   they never have done better  28 We all went to church this morning Dr. Hill preached a good sermon. I have commenced the history of Ireland by Justin McCarthy. He is such an interesting writer.  29 Warm a little like rain. Cleaned the pantry today very tired  30 Clear   warm, washed   then showed Mrs Ross how to stretch her lace curtains to dry. Went to Mrs Strode's the old gentleman died suddenly.  
        July 1 cleaned the kitchen. Jessie came   stayed all day   darned stockings for me. Warm. John came in the morning  July 2 Warm   clear. Georgie Eakin spent the day here. She is such a sweet girl   shows such careful training. All the family gone to the  bike  parade but I was to tired. Even Georgie has gone  3rd Percy is going on a picnic tomorrow so I have been busy making pressed chicken, stuffed eggs   nut cake. Went down in the afternoon to see the boat races. It was cool on the boat house but warm in the sun. clear   warm.  4 George took Georgie down to see the parade I did not feel well so stayed at home   rested all day. Mrs Rose sent in ice cream. Constance went with Mrs Gibbs to the fire works. did not get home till twelve.  5 It was communion sabbath. All went to church. Dr Hill is such a good pastor. He leaves on his vacation of two months   the pulpit will be supplied by various other ministers from the East. Exceedingly sultry. Read some Bible stories to the children. 
        6 Washed this morning   then went in the afternoon to the East side to call on Mrs Forsyth. She had gone to town but spent a pleasant time with Mrs S. Lockwood who was at home. Robert went to Astoria tonight  7 Did not feel well today so I rested most of the time. Commenced the Deemster by Hall Caine. It is a painful story from the first. Why will people bring out the sin   misery   disgrace of life   leave so much of its beauty out.  Gods providence is mine inheritance  was written over the fireplace of the Deemster. Still warm a good rain would be welcome.  Percy showed me his medal he won for rowing, a pretty gold one.  8 Sewed most of the day. Made George another waist. Poor child if the waist is good there is a hole in the pants   when the pants are good a worn waist. He says a nail catches it. He says he is to be a preacher but if he cannot get a  job  right away he will be an iceman. Mrs Ross sent over some raspberry sherbet It was quite acceptable such a warm day. Read to the children about Elisha   the last kings of Israel. 
        9 Went out with Constance   transplanted some flowers. Swept up stairs   served in the afternoon. Had dinner earlier for Percy wanted to go away in the evening. Still exceedingly warm, but we manage to keep cool by closing up the house   watering the lawn well. What a blessing Portland has in good pure water   plenty of it. Georgie came in   said he did not like a boy because he said there was no God because he could not see one.  10 Miss McCabe spent most of the afternoon with me. Constance went down town to get a pair of low shoes.  11 Made jelly   made a success of it. In the afternoon my cherries came   I made sweet pickle. Finished a shirt waist for Constance. Worked in the yard tying up flowers till to dark to see. It is late   I have just finished darning. It is a relief to know that tomorrow is the sabbath the day of rest. What would we do without it. Robert is still away.  12 All went to church. The children stayed for Sabbath school. Judge Ward came to dinner. Mrs Ward is at Gladstone attending the Chautauqua meetings. Took a little walk with the children. 
        in the evening. Much cooler today   chilly this evening. Rev. Blair preached for Mr Boyd   Thompson of Tacoma for Dr. Hill  13 George   Constance went to Alfs this morning on the ten o clock boat to be gone a few days. Percy, Georgie   I are all alone. Mrs Gibbs came over this evening. Had a letter from Lydia. Read to Georgie about Jezebel. He is so fond of Bible stories.  14 Washed this morning   went to missionary meeting in the afternoon. Mrs Hill asked me to lead for August as she will be away. The subject is the McCall missions in Paris. I walked down to Lipmans with Mrs Molter. She recited a beautiful piece for us at the meeting. Did some shopping   then came home it was exceedingly warm. Percy, Georgie   I enjoyed the cool evening.  15 Made three dozen glasses of currant jelly this morning. George came home today Constance will not come till Monday. How I miss her in so many ways. 94 in the shade.  16 Still warm but not quite so bad as yesterday. Grace came over to stay all day. Finished a gingham waist for myself with Gracie's help.  
        had beans   beets from our own garden. They were so nice. Dr Boyd called to ask me to speak to the young people Sunday evening on  what to read . I do not feel competent   scarcely know what to say. The Bible and Shakespere are the only ones I can recommend   if they were well read how much more one would know   how much more elevating our thoughts would be. Dumas says  those who read know much, but those who observe sometimes know more.     Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne, But that scaffold sways the future, and, behind the dim unknown, Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above his own.   17 Made Georgie a pair of pants today. It is still very hot   getting smoky.   18 Robert came home before breakfast from Astoria looking brown as a berry He had the usual number of adventures  c. Wrote a little for tomorrow evening. Heard from Constance, she will be home monday.  19 All went to church this morning heard Dr. Ludlow preach. It was a very fine sermon. In the evening 
        went to the young peoples meeting   spoke to them about what they should read. Mrs Plummer, McComnon   Mr Earl Bronough also spoke. Their remarks were all good. Judge Nard   wife came. Hot.  20 Constance came home this morning   brought some raspberries. She had a delightful visit. What a charm country life has for a child. The woods, birds, flowers,   animals are such an attraction. It is still exceedingly hot   fears are entertained that the crops may suffer   do not often have such a long dry time. It is cooler tonight, so we will at least be able to sleep. The smoke obscures the mountains.   21 Washed today. It is not quite so warm. Constance   I made two calls in the evening.  22 Put up a crate of raspberries this morning   ironed. Have not felt well all day. Had callers. It is much cooler. Georgie wants to go   see the Philidelphia. he calls is  filthydelphia.  He wants to know who anointed George the 3rd King. This is Roberts birthday, he is twenty one today. I can scarcely realize it. Our lawn looks so green   lovely   since we can sprinkle the street it is much cooler   cleaner.  
        23 Did not get up till noon, have not felt well. Constance did the work. In the afternoon did some mending, Constance   Bessie G sewed for their dolls. Had a caller. In reading a book tonight I found that Kent is the only county in all England whose lands are held  by the tenure of gavelkind  - that is where there is no right of primogeniture unless specially established by law, and where the father's estate is equally divided among the sons. Georgie went to see the  Philidelphia , was much impressed with it greatness. He saw an anteater which one of the sailors had. Much cooler.   24 Not well today. Swept today up stairs. Sewed some. gathered our first cucumbers to pickle. Had beans for dinner. Percy went rowing   did not come home for dinner. Amanda   Mr Gray spent the evening. Constance gathered a boquet of roses for them. They thought we had a lovely lawn   I think we have, but one becomes accustomed to their blessing   forgets they are blessings, cooler   25 Am not much better Constance did most of the work. This afternoon she went to see the drill of the men of the Philadelphia. She was much pleased and thought their movements were perfect. Cool   pleasant.  
        26 Cool   delightful. Went to church   heard a most delightful   helpful sermon from Dr. Boyd about the  common people  Took a little walk with the children. Georgie read the 23rd Psalm for us   did it well. What a quiet restful day the sabbath is to us   how we enjoy it alone with the children. I hope we are not selfish in our desire to be alone.  27 It tried to rain this morning but did not succeed very well. It has been cool all day   this evening we started a little fire. Put up raspberries   made jam. Constance has been developing a fondness for the bycicle   rides well. The boys are developing pictures. Read to the children about Jesus making wine at Cana. Georgie knew the story   told me about it.  28 Washed today   made gooseberry jam Did not finish till late, darned stockings   prepared the clothes for ironing. Have been reading about Cranmer   Henry the 8th. How weak   vacillating Cranmer was   what a monster Henry was. It is said seventy two thousand persons perished from martyrdom during his reign. The boys are practicing rowing so did not come home early.  29 Went down street   bought Constance a dimity dress pink   white she is pleased with it Called on Mrs Bell. She loaned me Browning to read his Saul. 
        Leathe came   spent the afternoon. How cheap summer goods are now. Percy brought home the June Century. We are all fond of it   also St Nicholas.  30 Busy sewing all day. Swept up stairs in the morning. Had a letter from Lydia. Gathered cucumbers for pickles.  31 Swept the parlors this morning   ironed, made a corn starch pudding  Aug 1st Busy all day preparing for Sunday. Went to see Mabel in the afternoon, but she was not at home, Mrs Fay treated me to cherries   sent some home to the children  2 Went to church. George was not able to go Leathe   John came to dinner. Took a little walk with the children. Constance wore her new dress.  3 Washed the flannels   in the afternoon called on Miss Breck, MaCabe   Mrs Brunough. I brought home some lively heliothrope. Showery.  4 Put up blackberries, washed, ironed, made cake   bread, Constance tore her new shoe on the  bike . She went out with Mrs Ross for a spin.  5 It has been raining more or less for a week The smoke is cleared away   the dust settled so that it is delightful. Commenced to hem stitch some napkins. Read the paper but it is filled with nothing but free silver or gold. Planted some carrots   
        beets. The boys are still practicing for the boat races. Robert is up   away at five   Percy is not home at night till eight so we have meals at all hours.  6 Miss McCabe called   Mrs Ross brought her work   spent the afternoon. Constance   Mrs R. went out on the white house road on  bikes  this evening. George   I tied up the rose bushes. The roses are coming out again after the rain. cool   cloudy.  7 George   I tied up the tomatoes   he cut the grass. Our garden is such a help, we have all we can use from it. Read Brownings Saul. Some parts I like very much. He is considered so obscure. Constance is practicing on the piano. She is much interested in hem stitching   embroidery.    I have lived, seen God's hand thro' a lifetime; and all was for best.   8 Made bread, cake, brownbread, beet pickles  c for sunday dinner. Mrs Gibbs came in the afternoon. I did some hem stitching bathed Georgie   feel as if I were ready for sunday.  9 Did not go to church today had a severe headache, but slept it of in the afternoon. Read some to the children from the Bible about the prodigal son then read a chapter in Irish history 
        How terribly they suffered, fighting for their freedom. Froude says that  the lowing of a cow or the sound of a plough boys whistle was not to be heard from Valentia to the rock of Cashel.    This has been one of the pleasantest days of the summer, not any dust   cool. I fear the rain is not over   the crops are suffering for the rain has come to late to do any good.  10 I have been busy all day, till late made  Chile sauce  by Mrs Ross recipe, read the Interior   must now find something about the McCall mission in Paris, for tomorrows missionary society. Pleasantly cool   11 Went to missionary society. There was not many out but more than we expected considering so many were out of town. Mrs Davis gave an interesting talk about the  cruise of the Mistery  I afterwards did some shopping   went down to see Jessie   remained to dinner. Not to warm.  12 Spent the afternoon with Miss McCabe. Percy was thrown from his  bike    considerably injured. He had to go to the Dr.   have his head sewed up. Ms Hart brought him home  13 Percy better today. The children went to spend the day with their Aunt Leathe so I am all alone. Have tied   tacked vines   bushes all forenoon. Read a short  
        sketch of Ah. Hoc's life by Mrs Bell. She was a very consecrated christian. weather delightful.  14 Busy all day. I do not think one could ask for a more delightful summer. While people are dying from heat in the east it is cool and pleasant here.  15 Made peach pickle   darned   mended in the afternoon. Went to the meat shop with George   met Judge Ward   walked home with him. Pleasantly cool.  16 Did not go to church. Had to dress Percy's head   get the children ready   then it was to late. Went down to see Jessie in the afternoon   took Georgie. Found Percy   Alice there. On the way home stopped to see the Miss Simpsons who are visiting Killingsworths. They are very lady like   refined. I can scarcely realize that it has been eighteen years since I saw them last. They were mere babies then. rain  17 Busy all day but did not accomplish much. Did some hem stitching. Judge Ward   wife called  18 Started to wash but Rev Pierce   Mrs Ward called the former for me to buy Beacon Lights of History   the latter for me to subscribe for a magazine so did not get much done. Had callers in the afternoon. Cool and pleasant  19 Finished washing but it was cool  
        and cloudy so they did not dry much.  20 George took the children to see the circus parade this morning, they came home hot   tired   Georgie thinks he will have them come by our house so he will not have to walk so far. He wanted to know tonight of the  River of Life was as clear as Bull Run. cool  21 Busy all day. Made soft gingerbread. went with Constance   George to Lowitz to see if he would bud some roses. They have such lovely begonias. Pleasant  22 Constance went to see Jessie. Lowitz came   budded some Marechal Neals on a wild stalk. I hope to have some satisfactory roses next year on the yellow order. Lovely day   23 So warm I did not attempt to attend church. Called in the evening on Miss Ribble Hunter Wells affianced who is on her way to Corea to join him. She is lovely both in mind   form   seems to be highly accomplished. 95 in the shade  24 Busy all day. Cooler. John Leathe   Roy came  25 Busy today. Robert Eakin came a little while.  26 Attended a reception at Mrs Dr. Wells for Miss Ribble quite a number there   had a lovely time. The rooms  
        were beautifully decorated. Called on Mrs Quackenbush   Mrs Hill.  27 Sewed today. Cool and pleasant rained slightly in the morning. Constance went after hazel nuts.  28 Jessie   Grace came to spend the day. Put up a box of peaches   made some plum butter. cool  29 Canned fifteen lbs of beans. hope they will keep they are the first I ever tried. George is not well he went to the Dr. to see if he could get some thing to relieve him. Percy   Robert started for Vancouver B.C. for a weeks outing   attend the  regatta . Percy is stroke for the Seniors   Robert the same for the Juniors I am very proud of the strokes.  30 Went to church this morning with Georgie. Heard a powerful sermon from Rev. Snyder He is certainly a wonderful preacher. his text was from the 13th chapter of Joshua 1st verse. Constance took Percys  byke    went to see Mabel   George went to church in the evening. He was not well but did not like to miss the sermon  31 Mabel   Charlie start for Amherst tomorrow to make their home, so we all went to Mr Fays to spend the evening. 
        Constance stayed all night with Leathe. Georgie wants to know who named papa   grandpa. I told him their fathers did. He said O does it go back that way, then Adam   Eve were named Stowell.  Today is Georgie's birthday he is seven. Percy left a knife for him   I baked a cake. Rained a little.  Sept 1st Washed   was busy most of the day. cloudy and cool.  2nd Went down to see Amanda but she was not at home, so went over to see the Killingsworths since their accident on Mt Hood. I am afraid we will have to conclude that it is an active volcano after all. Clear   cool today. Mr Gray and Amanda spent the evening with us 
        Feb 16, 1897  It has been a long time since I have opened this book to write   many things have happened since. A new year has come   the old with its many joys   few sorrows has passed away. The writer is passing pleasantly but quietly   with the exception of the weekly reading club nothing happens to break the monotony. We are studying the Colonial Period of U.S. History   Shakespeare's Henry the 8th. Last night we met at Mrs Spauldings   Mr Earl Bronough led the class in the 3rd act of Henry the 8th. I have just commenced the Little Minister by Barrie   one passage struck me as particularly fine  The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another; and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it.  How true that is   in the delineation of character in the humble peasant life how well Barrie does his work. I have just finished Sentimental Tommy. Constance class has been transferred to the Harrison school   it will be her last term in the grammer grades. Georgie goes one hour a day to learn to write, but has been sick since Friday so could not go yesterday or today. He feels considerable over the restraint. He has just discovered that we once had a war with Mexico   is much excited over it. Had a letter from Leathe she likes their new home at Union. 
        18 This has been a beautiful day clear   cool. Ironed   made cookies in the morning. Mrs Earhart came to spend the afternoon. Mrs Lolan called We have been making a sweet pea bed. Georgie went to school   took a writing lesson. I have not read any thing today have been so busy sewing on a dress for myself trying to make  auld claus look amaist as well as new  Miss Breck called yesterday   we had a nice long talk.    August 12 1898    It has been a long time since I have written in here.   We arose earlier than usual for Percy, wanted to take a family group. George started for Sitka Alaska   we all went down to the train to see him of. The house seemed rather desolate when we came back   Georgie thought there was no use getting lunch if papa was gone    13 Been busy all day. Lenore, Bella   May came to spend the afternoon with Constance. Mrs Geary came over.  14 Constance   Percy were the only 
        ones to go to church. Georgie went to sabbath school. In the afternoon Mr   Mrs Thompson   Dr. Siger called. I read to Georgie some. Mr   Mrs Ross came over a little while. We then read in the Bible, had prayers   retired.  15 Busy all day. Cool   pleasant Read a chapter in the Queens of England about Anne Boleyn.  16 Washed today. Mrs Gibbs called   afterward Mrs Judge Ward. The children went to a picnic to Johnson creek with the Gregory's Have commenced a letter to George. Letters are rather unsatisfactory things after all,   yet what would we do without them.  17 Ironed this morning. Mrs Strode called. Robert came to lunch but Percy did not get here Constance went to Jessie's to stay a few days.  18 Finished my letter to George   sent it away. Georgie   I went to the meat shop. After dinner called at Mrs Gibbs. The papers are full of war news. How very deceitful the Spanish are   how priest ridden   ignorant the masses of the people are. Our Manila boys will  
        soon be turning their face westward. Robert has just come in. It is nearly twelve   I must retire. Robert   I have been talking for over two hours. cool   pleasant today  1  19 Georgie   I are alone tonight, the boys have gone to Astoria to row   Constance is still away. Mrs Ross came over a little while this afternoon   brought some custard. Have been reading Walt Whitman for the first time.  O  Captain My Captain   I like but I do not think he would ever be my favorite. Georgie wants me to read  The Jubilee story book  by Stead. Rained last night.    20 Did not do much today in the house as we are still alone. Called on Mrs Gregory in the afternoon,   at the Hamlins in the evening. He is not so well again. Read to Georgie   then finished the sketch of Jane Seymour   commenced Anne of Cleves Poor Anne but still she was happier away from such a wretch.  Her family motto  Our Faith is spotless.  The terms of peace have not been settled on yet but I hope we will keep all we have won,   show to the world what a Christian nation can do.  
        21 Georgie   I went down to Jessie's to spend the day   take dinner. Had fried chicken   ice cream, which George enjoyed very much.   The cars were crowded with excursionists going to the Parks to spend the day. I did not feel right in such a crowd, it seemed such a desecration of the sabbath. They had their lunches, hammocks, blankets  c. Yet many of them were apparantly working people, whose only outing is on the Sabbath. So it is a hard question to decide. Isaiah 58:13 14. Came home read in the Bible   had prayers, also read a chapter in Anne of Cleves. The motto on her wedding ring,  God send me Well to Keep.  Rained last night. cool.  22 Received two letters from George one posted at Juneau, he expected to arrive in Sitka last Saturday. Washed a little today. Heard Georgie's lessons, he wants to start a restaurant   sell tomato soup. Helen and Robert came in for the evening. Have finished Anne of Cleves. Cool and pleasant today. Have picked 3 gal. of cucumbers for pickle. Sweet peas glorious.  
        23 The children went to Johnson creek on a picnic. Did not reach home till late. Dr   Mrs Geary called. The Twomeys came home Katherine came over to see Georgie.   It has been exceedingly warm today. They have been rolling Corbell Street today   the crunching of the roller on the stones has been very disagreeable, but it will be a lovely street this winter. Commenced the life of Catherine Howard tonight. Received news tonight that the Hawaiian Republic is no more  24 Very warm today. Passed the afternoon on the lawn with the children. Georgie   the Geary boys had a tub of water out there   took off their clothes except a pair of pants   had a great time swimming Heard that some of our boys at Manilla have died of typhoid fever. In that hot climate disease claims more victims than war. Read to Constance about K.H. Constance took flowers to Edith Campbells.  25 Cooler   pleasant tried to rain  26 Still cool   raining slightly in the morning  27 Wrote to George today for the steamer sails for Sitka on the 28  I can scarcely realize he is so far away. Lenore   Mr Williams  
        called   afterward Charles Gritz   his mother. He has just graduated from Amherst.  28 Did not go to church today. Georgie   I all alone. Constance gone to the country with the Williams. Took Georgie on the cars to Montavilla. we walked up the hill beyond. I was surprised to see so much fruit going to waste. Many poor families would be glad of the opportunity of gathering it up  29 Had a letter from George the first one since he arrived at Sitka, was glad he had such a nice trip. Cool   pleasant  30 Rained some today but managed to dry clothes between showers. Raked up the lawn some. The leaves are beginning to fall.  31 This is Georgie's birthday he had a little party only ice cream   cake for refreshments. Mrs Thompson   Mrs Ross came over to see the children. Bessie Gibbs   Constance entertained them. Had another letter from George He is much pleased with his position.  Sept 1 Mrs Gray came up this morning   we went there in the afternoon   did some shopping, bought George a suit   Constance material for a dress skirt. Came home late. The children bought Georgie some  
        birthday presents. The boys gave him the money the day before.  2  Made Constance skirt, pickled   preserved peaches. The children cleaned out the greenhouse. Sent my regrets to the Wards, could not attend their reception. cool   cloudy They are all flitting home from the coast now the cool days have come  3  Mended   cooked preparing for Sunday In the evening played Authors with the children.  4 Did not attend church, but sent the rest of the family. Went to see Mr Hamlin in the evening. He is worse poor man. I fear his days are numbered  5 Washed some   made Constance a shirt waist. Had a telephone message from Jessie wanting Constance to come down tomorrow to stay a few days. Commenced the life of Mary, Henry 8  daughter Read to Georgie from the Queens Jubilee Book. Bessie S. came to lunch.  6 Washed today, very warm   windy. Alarms of fire are continually being rung   forests fires are raging so it is disagreeably smoky. Mrs Geary came over in the evening.  7 Ironed today, still quite warm but no dust as our street is improved 
        and it is an improvement. Dr   Mrs Hill called   I entertained them under the Walnut tree. It was delightfully cool   pleasant there. The boys are both rowing for a regatta again so were not home to dinner. Georgie   I ate alone. I must read to Georgie about London Bridge. warm.  8 Ironed nearly all day. Mrs Bodley called this afternoon. Percy took George   Everett Geary out boating this evening they report a lovely time. Georgie has just gone to bed I read the last of Jubilee Book to him. He wrote a letter to his father addressed it and all. Of course he felt quite proud of his first letter. He is improving in his writing and I have him practice every day. Constance came home this afternoon Read several pages from Mary. warm. Called on Mrs Pierce tonight, also at the Gregory's.  9 Swept up stairs. Heard Georgie's lesson. Went up stairs early with the children   was called down by Helens   Robert. Served peaches   grapes which Mrs Geary sent over. They were from southern Oregon   were delicious. so sweet. much better than they have in market here. A bright light in the west over the 
        hills indicate a fire somewhere. cooler  10 Busy all day preparing for the Sabbath Went over this afternoon to see Mrs K. start East. Poor woman she has been a great care to the neighbors. I hope she will arrive safely in Albany. Had Georgie's shoes half soled Read a chapter in the Life of Mary Constance called on May Gray this afternoon. cooler.  11 Spent today quietly at home. The children went to church   Sabbath school. Read in the Century a description of the Colossus of Rhodes   Diana of Ephasus. Have just had prayers   must retire. It has been cool   cloudy all day.  12 Received two nice long letters from George today. It was such a pleasure after two weeks of waiting. Percy   Georgie also received one. The children started to school today. Georgie bought his first geography which pleased him so much. I find my hands full with them all away, but if they only do well I will be more than paid. cool   cloudy  13 Washed today. Mrs Twomey   Katherine came in the afternoon. Made up a package of papers to send to Sitka. Assisted Georgie to commence a letter to his father  
        Helped Constance with her physiology. After dinner Percy cut some wood The boys are practicing for another regatta. Read the 39. Psalm  14 Have been so busy all day. Put up a box of pears   some tomatoes. Read to Georgie Made up a package of papers for George   a bundle of clothes for an old woman. I must now hear Constance lessons. Delightfully cool   pleasant, ideal Sept. weather.  15 Ironed today   read George's letter to Grandma Ross. Went to see Mr Gregory about street improvement. Read from Mrs Mitchell Greek Sculpture. What superior advantages she must have enjoyed.  16 Jessie came to lunch   spent the afternoon. Constance came from school   brought Lenne they went to the kitchen   ate brown bread, butter   pickles. Very warm today for this time of year.  17 This was a Jewish holiday   the boys were at home. They spent the time mending the front steps   putting glass in the hot house. It is very warm for this time of year   quite smoky We do not need fires   sit comfortably on our front porch without a wrap all 
        evening. Sent a letter   papers to George today. Georgie is getting to be quite a help, he split   carried up all the wood today. Read a chapter on the Parthenon last night from Mrs Mitchell's Sculpture.  18 This is the Sabbath. Constance   Georgie went to church   sabbath school. They met Bessie   Gretta who have come over to attend school at the Academy. Robert   Helen came in the afternoon   in the evening we read in the Bible   had prayers   then I had to tell Georgie the story of Samuel.  19 The wind blew hard last night   this forenoon it rained with considerable thunder   lightning. It was welcome as we had a great deal of dust   everything was very dry. Constance   Mrs Geary went to the High School tonight to hear some one lecture on music.  20 Washed today. Miss McCabe called in the afternoon. Put up some tomatoes. Mrs Geary brought over a pan of peaches   Mrs Twomey some pumpkin pie. I took some rye bread to Mr Hamlin Mr Strode called to see about the street assessment. It has been pleasant all day but is raining again this evening. We have had a lovely fall   we cannot complain of a little rain now. 
        21 Been rainy all day with considerable wind. Ironed   made soup which the children enjoyed very much. Read to George from an English book about giants. Percy came home late. Read a chapter on Queen Mary.  22 Wrote a letter to Seathe tonight. Read to Georgie. Mrs Bowen called to see about the street there seems to be much disappointment about it being a poor job. It still rains but more like April showers than Sept.  23 Slightly showery today. The lawn is green   pretty once more   the roses are blooming again. Even the sweet peas have put on a new dress   are blooming. Mrs Geary spent the evening here   Everett came over. Read to Georgie   read the 47  Ps.  24 This has been an ideal autumn day, clear warm   sunshiny   after the rain everything so clean   sweet. Constance   Georgie went to Mrs Thomsons to Evelyn's party   I went to Mrs Hamlins to sit with him while she went down town. Poor woman she is kept in so closely now. Read to Georgie   read the Interior it is always so fresh   racy.  25 This is the Sabbath. The children did not go to church as they both have colds, but went to Sabbath School.  
        We read in II Chron. 14 chap. also in Eccles. 7   8 chap. It has been a very beautiful day clear   warm   the cars have been crowded all day. People know that not many such days are in store for us   are taking advantage of every minute  26 This was a Jewish holiday   Percy worked all day in the greenhouse, preparing things for winter. Each one of the family received a letter from George except Georgie. They are so full of information about that country especially that quaint old town of Sitka, with its wonderful Greek Church   valuable oil paintings.  27 Washed   was busy all day putting up tomatoes rained slightly.  28 Went down town today to pay the A.O.U.W. assessment   called on Mrs Thomsons   then on Amanda but she had gone to Forest Grove. raining hard.  29 Still rainy   cold. Ironed   sewed some  30 Went to Mrs McKenzie's to a high tea   reception for returned missionaries. A great many there in spite of the cold rain. In the evening took the children   went to the Exposition. Miss Bloch sang Star Spangled Banner. Nearly twelve when we got home tired   damp.  
        Oct 1st Went down town   bought Constance a jacket gloves, shoes, handkerchiefs   umbrella, and Georgie shoes   umbrella. Still cold   rainy Robert brought Helen up in the evening.  2 Today communion Sabbath all went to church. Several joined the church. Did not go tonight. It was rainy   cold Amanda came this afternoon   stayed awhile. Read George's letters to her.  3 Cleaned the parlors today   then went over to Dr. Wells in the afternoon. Saw Florence's baby   a picture of Hunters.  4 Washed today. Mrs Geary   the children came over in the evening. Clear   cool.  5 Went to the Art Class this morning quite a number there   I think the work will be interesting. Sent papers to George. Robert   Helen came up to spend the evening.  7 Busy all day preparing for company. Had Dr   Mrs Geary, Mr   Mrs Thomson   Miss Ward Mr McKinley   Miss McCornack   the Ross'es served cake   coffee.  8 Rained most of the day, Georgie mashed his finger   fear he will lose the nail.  9 Constance   Percy went to church. Georgie to sabbath school. In the afternoon Mrs J.B. Stowell from Eugene   her daughter Alice   husband   Amanda came out to see us. Read the book of Esther 
        in the evening. Rather pleasant.  10 Busy all day. Rained some. R. brought a dog  11 Washed   was busy. Read in the evening about Scopas   Praxiteles. rainy  12 Went to Art Class in the morning   then to see Fred K. in the afternoon, did not find any one at home. Saw a beautiful picture of St. Cecelia at Bernstein. Showery. Had a letter from Sitka which was very welcome as it was overdue two days.  13 Warm   pleasant today. Named the dog Beppo. Went to the Camera Club exhibit. It was exceedingly good especially a moonlight view of Mr Hood   a head of Joaquin Miller. Met Mrs Sherman   Mrs Arnold. Heard today that Mrs Kerrish was dead  Nov 16 Georgie took cold yesterday   has been in bed all day. Went to hear a lecture on prints at the library by Mr. Torrey last night. It was very instructive, the house was full. It was given under the auspices of the Art Class. Had a letter from George today the first for nearly three weeks, which is a long time for to be without mail.  Portland Oregon  
        Oct 15. 1900 Sitka Alaska  I resume this diary after a long silence of nearly two years. Many things have transpired in that time. Roberts long sickness   death the 13 of March 1900 has cast a shade of sadness over the household that will never be effaced. Helen came home with me   we arrived the first of April 1900 she remained till Sept 4 when she accompanied Constance to Portland Helen to go back to her fathers house after a brief married life of only sixteen months.   Constance to enter the High school after a years vacation. My life in Sitka has been a pleasant one aside from our great sorrow   I have found pleasant companions   plenty of work both at home   for our little church. Reading classes have also been established in which I have taken a lively interest. The Society of Ethnology has been revived   good meetings were held all last winter. I hope it will be as profitable for all this winter.  Went to have a dress fitted this afternoon worked on my first piece of lace a little   started to hemstitch a handkerchief. Mr   Mrs Apperson called Very rainy   stormy tonight. 
        Oct 16 Sewed this morning on a sofa pillow, also did some hem stitching on a handkerchief for Constance. Went downtown in the afternoon,   bought some linen for more   lining for Georgie's pantaloons   a pair of drawers for Georgie. Received an invitation to dinner for tomorrow evening at Mr Appersons Went to take Miss Shaw some milk tonight with Georgie. Pleasant   clear most of the day   clear tonight. Wrote a little on a paper I am preparing on basketry.   August 25 1906. Sitka Alaska    After several years of silence, at George's solicitation I again commence this diary. Today has been a busy one, picking raspberries   other household duties George's vacation will soon be over   he will return to Portland for his last year in the High School. We will be left all alone for another year, but lonely as it is I know it is best for him to go. The day has been cloudy but no rain. Mrs Rowe   Mrs Tapscolt called Sold  1.50 worth of raspberries, they have been so plentiful this year. Called at Mrs Stuart, but did not find them at home.  
         
        The writer of the foregoing died February 4, 1916. Why she discontinued writing in this Journal is not known, perhaps however because of other pressing duties she neglected it. She had fair health until the summer of 1908, when annoying female disorder developed. In the Spring of 1909 she was operated upon for the trouble. She was in the hospital about two months. While at the hospital a diagnosis of her case disclosed that she was afflicted with diabetes. By strict dieting the disease was held in check until the spring of 1914 when it took a decided turn for the worse. Not receiving very marked benefit from the best physicians of Juneau Alaska, where we then lived, in August she was brought to Portland Oregon for treatment by a specialist. She received temporary relief, but no permanent benefit. During the latter part of 1915 her decline was rapid. To add to her discomfort, cataracts formed over her eyes and for about eighteen months prior to her death she was unable to read or write. For one who received so much pleasure from reading this was a great deprivation.   Early In January 1916 son Percy, came to take us to Portland, as I was seriously sick at the time also. Janette was so seriously sick that the removal of her such a long distance was a serious undertaking, but as there was a strong trained nurse employed to come to Portland with us to care for her on the journey, this difficulty was largely minimized. Altho it was midwinter the weather was clear and calm and the water as smooth as glass. We arrived at Portland January 17, 1916, where she lingered, most of the time in a semiconscious state until the early morning of February 4, when the  vital spark of heavenly flame  quit her mortal frame.   Janette McCalley Stowell was a person of strong individuality. She possessed a rigorous and well trained mind and a bodily frame of unusual energy and force. She was a graduate of Willamette University 1865 of Salem Oregon, and taught a while, just after her graduation in the primary department of that institution.  She was a great admirer of classic literature, and the range of her reading was wide. Her favorite book,  
        were Shakesperes works and the Bible.   Altho a lover of literature she was not a bookworm. She took lively interest in current events, and was active in every effort that had for its object the civic betterment, social uplift and moral advancement of each locality that the vicissitudes of life cast her lot. She was a natural leader and always forged to the front in every society and association with which she became identified, without personal effort and sometimes against her will. She made many warm friends in each locality in which she lived.  Many daughters have done virtuously but she excelled them all.   Portland Oregon George Stowell,  December 19, 1918    Addenda  Jannette McCalley was born in Kirkcaldy a suburb of Edinburg, Scotland, January 29, 1847, came to America with her parents in 1851, and to Salem Oregon in 1859. She was married to the writer of this sketch February 23, 1870, in Springfield, Oregon, where her father and family then lived. Four children were the fruitage of the union, - three sons and one daughter, of whom two sons and one daughter are, so far as known, still living.