My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of April (2nd part), 1941

 

My first years…  

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of April (2nd part), 1941

 

[A 1941 Plymouth 4 door sedan]

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]


Month of April (2nd part) highlights:

Mon. Apr. 14 - Went in to Mom’s & washed. Really windy. Painted the upstairs floor & woodwork again. Clark Lee came to sell us folks old car. …
Tues. Apr. 15 - Painted upstairs floor before dinner. …
Wed. Apr. 16 - Up early. Real busy getting ready for Workers Conf. Lite Co. came in P.M. & set poles. … Had 15 adults & 7 kids. Served prune whip & white cake, nuts. Tired at nite. Eating soup when folks came. Took us for a ride in their new Plymouth 4 door. Home to bed early.
Fri. Apr. 18 - … Kathleen born at 6:30 a.m. [Leo & Ida Kinnick]
Tues. Apr. 22 - … Had lites when I got home so I did my ironing. Really seemed grand.
Mon. Apr. 28 - Nice day. Dandy wash day. First time I did the washing here. It surely seemed good. Billy still cranky. Cutting 3 more teeth. First sow had 8 little pigs.

 
My comments:

Finally got electricity on the 22nd!!

Paul Kinnick had new Plymouth 4 door - wow! Dealer sold Mom and Dad their old car!?!

Kathleen was born…

With these important items taken care of… think we’ll take a break from these weekly reports… Thanks for your interest!! ;-)


Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of April (1st part), 1941

My first years…  

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of April (1st part), 1941 

 

 These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

 

Month of April (1st part) highlights:

Wed. Apr. 2 - Up in good time. Did sep, took Billy to Norma’s. Took Ruth B., Marg B., Eunice to Achievement Day at Carroll with me. Shopped at Noon. Ate at Meth. Church. Saw Clayburg’s. Rained all way home. Norma said Billy slept from 1 - 5 pm. Glad of it. Really tired. Did dishes, soaked clothes, ate, went to bed. Came to wire this morning.
Thurs. Apr. 3 - Up early. Boiled all my wash. By hand. Ed here wiring again.
Sat. Apr. 5 - Made butterscotch cookies. Lyle & Howard sheered sheep. They were here for dinner.
Wed. Apr. 9 - Bussy & Mom came out again. Willard & E wiring in house again. Finished most of it in here. Bussy feels lots better. He took a nap in P.M.
Thurs. Apr. 10 - Willard & Ed Parker came to finish wiring. Billy & I went to Club at Ruth Grim’s. Mom & Buss out here. Dad comet for supper.
Sun. Apr. 13 {Easter} - Nice day but windy. Went to church. Sang in choir. They had a nice program. Folks to Leo’s so we went in there & got dinner. Fried ham, got some ice cream. Came home early. Hung pictures. Folks stopped. Went down to Rasmuses to get Buss. Chores, went to show. Left Billy with folks. “Second Chorus.”


My comments:

Hard to remember they didn’t yet have electricity. Wiring going in. Lines yet to arrive at the farm.

Enjoy seeing the events in which she participated!!

Sheering sheep - we didn’t have any sheep in later years… (just a few years later)




Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of March (2nd part), 1941

My first years…  from Eileen's Diary
Highlights of March (2nd part), 1941

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

[My original highchair - still have it!]

Month of March (2nd part) highlights:

Mon. Mar. 17 - [Date with swirly circle - their anniversary!] - …Took Billy to folks. Went to Bayard. Good time. Hal Stewart played song  for us. 3 years today.
Tues. Mar. 18 - …French toast for breakfast. In town after Billy. Got mattress. Home to dinner. Billy went to sleep in his chair. Put him to bed. Pete cut pigs. Did up work. Waxed closet floor and put curtains up. Straightened up bedroom. Read cont’d story in Journal. Chores.
Mon. Mar. 24 - …Went to Mrs. Palmers to Bundles for Britain Committee. …
Wed. Mar. 26 - Did up work. Went in town. Saw Rita. Got Billy’s hair cut. Up to Mom’s for dinner. … Rita came about 2:00. Visited quite awhile. They’re moving to Minneapolis. …
Fri. Mar. 28 - Did up usual work. Pete helped me and we canned 12 qts. corned beef. Billy & I outdoors all afternoon & evening. I raked a little bit. Corned beef didn’t come off until 8:30. Went to bed right afterwards.
Sat. Mar. 29 - Did up usual work. Pete and Billy over to Orrin’s after hoof trimmer. LVene came to have hair set. Del delivered seed corn. Cleaned the house. Got dinner. Max came to have her hair set. Got ready to go to Ev. Shulze shower. Stopped at Julia’s & fixed hers & Margaret’s hair. To shower. Big crowd. Came around & got Billy. In town. Shopped. Got new rug. Cleaned living room at nite. Put rug down.
Mon. Mar. 31 - Nice day but I didn’t wash. Bussy pretty sick with hives. Put on 6 qts corned beef. Painted a little bit upstairs. Ate dinner & Billy & I went to Pruitt’s to practice music for Achievement Day. Pete took corned beef off. Mom called & said Buss was pretty sick. Had to give him Hypo. Down to Norma’s after setting eggs but didn’t get any. Home, did chores, ate, did dishes, went to bed early.

My comments:
To dance for their anniversary… no surprise there!! ;-)
Still working on house… every couple of days…
Note: Bundles for Britain Committee - USA not in the war yet!
Rita and Grant Ballard moved to Minneapolis!
Fixed LOTS of corned beef… Dad helped make it! ;-)
Impressed by her continued increase in different activities she got involved in, in the community!


Families are Forever!  ;-)

What I have in common with Steven Spielberg…

‘Sharing Memories’ series of stories...

What I have in common with Steven Spielberg…

[The B-52]

Back in 2012-13, I wrote a series of posts under the theme, Sharing Memories, that came to my attention again today. I was reading the 9 October 2015 (current) issues of the magazine, “Entertainment Weekly.” On pager 40, there is an interview with Steven Spielberg, related to his new movie, with Tom Hanks, ‘Bridge of Spies,’ about to be released (Oct 16).

It was the first few lines of the interview that caught my attention:
“Headline: Steven Spielberg Remembers Looking Up a Lot as a Kid
At night, in wonder. In daylight, at the warplanes lifting off from one of the Air Force bases around Phoenix. “The sky was a crisscross of contrails during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and I could assume these were B-52s going to their fail-safe points,” the filmmaker, 68, says. “It exacerbated my deepest fears that the world was about to come to an end.” his father, an engineer with General Electric, had visited the Soviet Union on a peace-program exchange and tried to reassure his son. “My dad always said, ‘Don’t worry about this, there’s never going to be a war,” he says. “But I never believed it.””

Also referring to the days of the Cuban Missile Crisis, this is what I wrote as my first, of several, memories:

“Probably the most common story I tell (have told) about this time period was that for several days (a week or more) there was never a moment, day or night, when there were not military aircraft in the air, moving east and west, flying over our mesa and house in Winslow, Arizona, in preparation for eventualities 'if' the Cuban missile crisis was not settled peacefully.” From: http://drbilltellsancestorstories.blogspot.com/2012/01/sharing-memories-cuban-missile-crisis.html

It is the first time I recall someone else telling this same story of their observations on those days. Neat!


Families are Forever!

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of March (1st part), 1941

My first years…

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of March (1st part), 1941

 

 

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]  

 

 

This image is from a year later, but I couldn't pass it up when they mentioned chickens....  ;-)


Month of March (1st part) highlights:

Sat. Mar. 1 - … Buss & Mom came out. Papered the pantry. Boys brought the chickens over. Dad came out at nite. Leo, Ida, Karen came. Played Cherokee Rummey till 11:00. Dad slept. Kids danced, played cards, etc.
Sun. Mar. 2 -  …Leo, Ida, folks came for dinner. Scrubbed, waxed kitchen floor. Cleaned porch. Moved separator to wash house. …
Tues. Mar. 4 - Quite cold. Billy & I went into Mom’s to wash. Really had a big washing. Sang at Tom Herron’s funeral. Lillian, Jack R., Dale T. & I. Ironed when I got back. …
Sat. Mar. 8 - …I made 2 cherry pies. …Pete & I went in town. Got paint from Keister & picked out paper at Bowman’s. Hangers are coming out Monday.
Sun. Mar. 9 - … Buss & Mom here all day. Dad at bank. Painted pantry w.work & green in kitchen. …
Mon. Mar. 10 - Paper Hangers came at 9:00. Papered kitchen & then I got dinner for them. They went over to Eunice’s after dinner & papered a room and then came back here & papered the dining room. I washed my hair, Pete chored early. Took Billy in to folks & we went to Max & Orrin’s for duck dinner. LVene, Verle, Toots there too. Home at 11:30.
Tues. Mar. 11 - Got up in good time. Paper Hangers came at 11:00. They had papered Norma’s kitchen. Here for dinner. Finished dining room, bedroom, hall. I painted pantry woodwork & started the kitchen. …
Wed. Mar. 12 - Paper Hangers came at 8:00. Papered upstairs bedroom & closet. Here for dinner. Pete & I picked up the paper & burned it. He went down to help Don with his hog house. I swept all rooms, finished painting the kitchen, gave closet 1 coat. …
Thurs. Mar. 13 - …Scrubbed dining room, hall, living room & waxed dining room. … Really tired.
Fri. Mar. 14 - Went in to Mom’s. Ironed 7 pairs of curtains. Zumwalt pressed 3 pairs. Left Billy at folks. Home & we cleaned up & met the gang in town. Surprised Arnold & Julia on their Anniversary. Arnold was sick in bed. Helen R., Liz, Virginia, Ed, Elmer, Iva D., Erna, Orel, Marg., Don, Norma, Ramons, Lloyd, Edith T., Helen B., Edith, Harold. Ice Cream., Cake, Sandwiches, Coffee. Home at 1:30.
Sat. Mar. 15 - Kinda tired. Went in town after Billy while Pete finished chores. Mom & Bussy came home with me. Straightened up dining room & kitchen. Put up curtains. Surely makes a difference. Dad came out for supper. He’s so glad Income Tax is over. They left early & we went to bed.

My comments:
We get a pretty fair view of how big the new house was… 2 floors, etc. Wash house. Loved the stories of the “Paper Hangers” and how she had them for dinner a few times… they were working all over the neighborhood. Mom and Dad got to clean up after them. My, how times have changed, in some ways. Painting the woodwork… over and over. And, fixing meals while all the work is being done. Most interesting.
Mom sang in a mixed quartet for funeral… first time I’ve noticed that activity!! ;-)
Also noticed that Billy got left over night with Grandpa and Grandma, in town, several times. What fun! ;-) Love how she lists all the people involved in visits. P.S. I’ll bet Arnold was surprised… in his sick bed… but they had the party, anyway!! ;-)


Families are Forever!  ;-)

Stephenson County, IL, Research Trip

Stephenson County, IL, Research Trip

 

 We haven’t taken a genealogy research trip for a while, so kind of fun for a change. We have a wedding, Nancy’s side of the family, this coming weekend, in Dubuque, Iowa. A few miles east of there is Stephenson County, Illinois, where a couple of Nancy’s 3-times great-grandparents migrated to from Union County, Pennsylvania, in the 1840s. She has been wanting to visit Stephenson County for a long time, to check out some details. So, we left a couple of days early and stayed in the historic Stephenson Inn, eight story building, right downtown. Built in 1915 as the Freeport Inn; for the past 8 years it has been a Hampton Inn. We got room 801, and this is the view from our room:

 

The courthouse is next to the spire in the middle… probate records, wills, etc. and the public library is just tot he right of the high building on the right.Here is a street level view, last night. The entrance is between the glass lights on the right. Both images look to the north, toward Cedarville, where we visited the cemetery earlier today.

At the Cemetery, we actually found both the 1868 tombstone of Jacob Hartman, her 3rd Great-Grandfather, as well as his son, also Jacob, and his wife, Priscilla - they shared a marker. It is here:

 Here is Nancy with the 1868 stone...

They are actually just across the driveway and up a little from each other. Nancy spotted each of them first, as I was walking around, looking for them. Good homework paid off!! We are now in our room resting. Successful trip. Successful day. Tomorrow, off the the wedding and family visits.

Families are Forever!! ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of February (2nd part), 1941

My first years…  

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of February (2nd part), 1941

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

NOTE: I’ve skipped the first six weeks of 1941. Cold, snowy, everyone had colds… pretty normal stuff. Two things going on in the background, not really any details, but I know what was happening:
1. Pop’s estate was being discussed among Dad’s siblings… what to do… again, no details, but a ‘lot of talking’ - you can feel the tension - that did come to a conclusion, but I don’t know when… perhaps will say, later. AND
2. Pete, Eileen and Billy moved on February 28, as rental farmers often did (March 1 changeover). Not mentioned until Feb 26!! But, they had been doing so much work on house, and barn, I thought maybe was later, but no… so, a lot on this in the next couple of postings.

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strike_Up_the_Band_%28film%29]

Month of February (2nd part) highlights:

Sun. Feb. 16 - … Max, Orrin, Gary, Judy here for dinner. Max bro’t beefsteak. Put Billy to bed after dinner. Folks stayed with him. Went up home to talk things over. Had quite a time.
Mon. Feb 17 - … Toots came while we were eating. They talked quite awhile….
Tues. Feb. 18 - …Pete chores and went to Carroll (Cooney). [Think this was the attorney handling the estate.] …
Thurs. Feb. 20 - Greenwald died - pneumonia.  … Gathered eggs. Got 30. Made cherry pie, pancakes for supper. Sewed Billy’s sleeper up, put him to bed and did dishes.
Sat. Feb. 21 - … Billy & I went to Linette Cretsinger’s shower at Albert Carpenter’s. Large shower.
Sun. Feb. 23 - …Mom & Bussy came out in P.M. Dad went to Greenwald funeral. He was pall bearer. Buss & Pete went hunting, got 2 pheasants, we cleaned them & had them for supper. We kids went to “Strike Up The Band.” Folks stayed with Billy. …
Wed. Feb. 26 - Did up usual work. Just had spuds & eggs, pineapple for dinner. Pete put on a load of oats. He, Billy & I went over to Anderson’s. Saw the whole house. Some things about it are nice and other things aren’t. Home at 2:30. Put Billy to bed. Pete took over another load of oats. Sorted things out in living room. Made a spice cake. Billy has another tooth. 17.
Thurs. Feb. 27 - Awfully cold. Ate, cleaned up & went to Club at Freyda Thomas’. Left Billy at Mom’s. Mom & Buzz came home with me. Carrie called & said they were moving tomorrow. So we worked hard. till 10:00. Took folks home. To bed at 11:00.
Fri. Feb. 28 - Quite cold. Really busy. Took Billy in to folks. Took Norma to help. LVene, Lillian, Max helped me. Loaded before dinner. Ate, & unloaded. Surely were in a mess but we got here any way. Folks came out & brought Billy. We all slept fine.


My comments:
Will continue in new house next week, of course. They had moved. Oh, my!! Decision had obviously been made before the 26th, but not a mention… she hadn’t seen the house till them. On 27th, apparently prior renters had moved out… they moved right in… P.S. no electricity, we learn in a day or two.
She seemed amazed that they “all slept fine” that first night… exhausted, of course, likely accounts for that. Quite an experience. Much more to come. This place was over on the county line, three or four miles east, couple of miles north of the place they lived the first two years.
Billy had 17 teeth, now, if I read that right. Got 30 eggs. Another important stat!  What a life! ;-)


Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of December (2nd part), 1940

My first years…  

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of December (2nd part), 1940

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

[This is six months later, but I suspect this is the table and chairs I got for Christmas]

Month of December (2nd part) highlights:

Sat. Dec. 21 - Cleaned kitchen a little and went to Carroll at 11:30. Got a new song, saw Dr. Walter. Billy had empitigo. He surely fixed him up. Home at 4:30.
Sun. Dec. 22 - Went to Sunday School. To see David afterwards, over home and Irene told us Bob Garst had given us $35.00 for Christmas to get whatever we wanted. Home and had roast pork dinner. Stayed home all afternoon. Mom and Dad came out a minute. Scrubbed and lacquered dinning room floor at nite, went to bed.
Mon. Dec. 23 - … Chored early & Irene went with us to Carrroll. Got chair and ottoman and what not at Matt’s for $35.14. Got Billy table and chairs. Ate supper at Johnston’s. Bro’t Irene to town. Pete and I to Rees’ to sack candy but they were all through. Boys played cards awhile and they served ice cream. Got Billy and came home.
Tues. Dec. 24 - Washed and set my hair. Levee came to have her hair fixed. Matt’s brought the chair set, what not, and Billy’s little table and chairs. Did he like them. Pete and Toots went in town. Toots and LVene went home at 12:30. Ate, Margaret came and had her hair fixed. Did dishes, Billy took a nap and then he and I went in town. Took cream in and got clothes from cleaner. Had Billy’s hair cut. Home and cleaned up and went to church program. Got perfume, scrap book, salt & peppers. Rode in town to see lies.
Wed. Dec. 25 - Pete and Billy gave me an end table. Was I ever surprised & is it every nice. I gave Pete a zipper bill fold. Finished wrapping up presents and cleaned the house. We all took baths & went to Smith’s to dinner. Had turkey & ham etc. Betty gave me P.Js. Verle gave Pete a shirt & tie. Billy got a climbing monkey, ten pins, $2, a drum, a tractor, hankies. Home at 5:00. Chores, went in to folks. Leo’s & Delbert’s there. Had goose. Apron & pounder from Lillian. Pillow cases from Ida, hanky from Louises. Billy got a tea set, blocks, book of Jesus & rubber bear, wagon (red). Mom gave Pete and me socks. To Phitipino dance at Carroll. Not many from Coon. Home late.
Tues. Dec. 31 - … and went to Gertrude’s. Lee & Gleason & Billy Brideson, Ila Jean & we kids were there. Had noisemakers, hats, balloons, etc. Had potato salad, chicken sandwiches, date pudding, olives, pickles, coffee, celery etc. Sang, played cards. Billy went to bed & slept all the time. Drove over in the dark in the fog Lights burned out at Otis Teters. Home at 2:30. Gary in hospital with pneumonia.

My comments:

Lots of fun details, hated to leave any of it out. Really get a feel for the times… At least I do!
The food details, the gifts, all very familiar from years later… most interesting.
Typically, I slept through New Years Eve celebration… that seems about right!! Party animal, for sure! ;-)


Families are Forever!  ;-)

Sunday Obituary - Mark Charles Thomas

 Sunday Obituary

Mark Charles Thomas

From the Coon Rapids Enterprise - Thursday, September 10, 2015, Page 2:


Longtime civic leader and esteemed local attorney Mark Thomas died Sunday afternoon at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids (Iowa).
Funeral services will be held this Friday, September 11, at 10:30 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids with Reverend Joyce Webb officiating.
The visitation will be this evening from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Ohde Funeral Home in Coon Rapids. Interment will be at the Union Township Cemetery outside Coon Rapids.
Following that, a luncheon will be held at the Coon Rapids American Legion Building.
Casket bearers will be Larry Schwenk, Mark Coder Thomas, Charlie Nixon, Alan Bolger, Mark Textor and Ron Brower.

Mark Charles Thomas
 
Mark Charles, son of Wesley Lynk and Mary Elizabeth (Tumbleson) Thomas, was born August 23, 1951, in Carroll. He spent his entire childhood in Coon Rapids, graduating with the great Coon Rapids High School Class of 1969.
Following high school, Mark moved to Iowa City to attend the University of Iowa, where he majored in medieval history. After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1973, Mark briefly pursued a graduate degree in medieval history and worked as a telephone installer in the Iowa City area. He later enrolled at the University of Iowa College of Law and earned his J.D. in 1982.
On February 16, 1980, Mark was united in marriage with Jacquelyn (Jacci) Fisher in Clinton, her hometown. After Mark finished law school, the couple purchased an acreage outside Coon Rapids, where Mark established a thriving law practice. He soon took to “farming” trees and vegetables on his spread, starting his plants from seed indoors during the spring.
During his time on the acreage, he cultivated an affinity for woodworking and target shooting, and became quite skilled at both later in life.
Mark was a pillar of the Coon Rapids community. He served as city attorney for 27 years; member of the Coon Rapids Development Group for more than a decade; member of the Coon Rapids–Bayard School Board for 14 years; and president of both the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs at various times.
Mark was active in the Coon Rapids United Methodist Church as well, singing in the church choir, playing in the bell choir, and serving on the finance committee. He was also a longtime member of the Iowa Bar Association, served on the Carroll County Board of Health and was a founding member of the recently formed Community Foundation of Carroll County.
After Jacci’s death in June 2014, Mark remained in the family’s home and continued to practice law until August 2015, a month after he was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Though he put up a strong fight against the illness, his health declined precipitously through late August. Mark passed away at the Thomas Rest Haven Nursing Home in Coon Rapids on Sunday, September 6, aged 64 years and 14 days.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents and wife. He is survived by his daughter Dr. Helen (Nelli) Thomas and her husband Brian Martucci of Minneapolis, MN; brother John Thomas and his wife Leneice Wu of Falls Church, VA; nephews Mark Thomas and family of Annandale, VA, and Charles Thomas of Los Angeles, CA; and many other relatives and friends.

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of December (1st part), 1940

My first years…

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of December (1st part), 1940 

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

[David, Billy, Buzzy, July 1942]

Month of December (1st part) highlights:

Wed. Dec. 4 - Birthday note: David T. - LVene & Verle’s baby born at St. Anthony’s at 10:10 a.m.
Sun. Dec. 15 - Snowy. Up late. Didn’t go to church. Billy didn’t feel good. I went with Edith & Erna to church in pm. to practice. Surely snowing. Home at 5:00. Were supposed to go to Max’s for Chili Birthday Supper, but Billy was feverish & I didn’t want to take him.
Mon. Dec. 16 - Really snowed all day. Monday sees to be a bad day. … Billy felt quite a bit better but he still has a cold.
Tues. Dec. 17 - Really a lot of snow and quite cold. Made aprons for Louise’s girls. Wrapped quite a few gifts.
Thurs. Dec. 18 - Scrubbing kitchen wood work & rendering lard. To church in morning to practice. Home and washed and set my hair. Cleaned up and went to Edith’s & Erna’s program at church. I played for them. Pete stayed home with Billy. The girls gave me a set of salt & pepper shakers. Foggy. Home at 11:30. Had cake and coffee.
Fri. Dec. 20 - Did up usual work. Pete went in to sale. He got me a few more Christmas presents & cards. Scrubbed kitchen wood work and rendered lard. Chores early, bathed, took Billy in to folks and went to Don & Norma’s to grab bag Sunday School Party. I got a box of chocolates & Pete got a whistle we put in. Got Billy and come home at 12:00.



My comments:
Getting the feeling of preparations for Christmas. Lots going on. Weather and illness. Pretty normal.
“Scrubbed kitchen wood work and rendering lard” seemed important activities.
Dad got what he put in at ‘grab bag’ - I suppose that happened from time to time… ;-)



Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of November (2nd half), 1940

My first years…  

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of November (2nd half), 1940 

 

 These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

 

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_for_Conquest]

Month of November  (2nd half) highlights:

Sun. Nov. 17 - Fried 2 chickens and took them to Gertrude’s. Robert, Edna, Lucille’s, Ila Jean, Pauline, & baby Gretchen, Marian, Naomi, Genevieve, Geneva, Wilbur, Ping, Pauline Bower, Duane, Mildred, Lillian’s, Uncle Will, the folks, Leo, Ida, Karen & us. I washed all the dishes. Played the piano, Ila Jean fixed my hair. Home & chores & took Billy to the show, “City of Conquest.” Good show.
Mon. Nov. 18 - Aunt Grace came at 9:00 a.m. … Went to Adult School at night. Had a good time. Sat with Ruth Bolger.
Wed. Nov. 20 - Betty was having Workers Conference so I went up there. Nancy, Kay & Billy had quite a time.
Thurs. Nov. 21 - Went to Edith T. for Sunday School party at night. 20 there.
Wed. Nov. 27 - … Made a choc. cake to take tomorrow. Lil & Del came after it in case I decided not to go.
Thurs. Nov. 28 - Cleaned a chicken then decided to go to Leo’s. Toots & Pete picked corn down here. Snowed most of the way up. Billy & I rode with Lillian. Had best dinner. Turkey and everything else. Folks there too. Came home with them. Kids had quite a time. Billy really tired.
Sat. Nov. 30 - … Ran out of gas up at Charlie & Bertha’s. Charlie had Roy send up gas. Up and saw Timmie’s Baby Thomas Franklin. New baby. … Getting colder. Pete & Toots picking at Scranton.


My comments:

Big Kinnick gathering for Uncle Will on Sunday. On Monday, Aunt Grace arrived. She would have been 53, also from Buda, Illinois… but apparently not with brother-in-law, Uncle Will. Grace was youngest sister of Lon, so she was a Great-Aunt to Mom. Treated with respect, like family, of course.
Adult School a regular part of their lives.
“Nancy, Kay & Billy” - interesting playmates - eventually married Nancy. Kaye McLaughlin always a good friend. She was in the class ahead of us. I attended here wedding to Nick and took photos.
Thanksgiving at Leo’s became an annual tradition. Have some great photos a year or two later!
Note that Dad and Toot's trying to get the corn all picked before the snow, in spite of cold! ;-)
“Roy send up some gas.” Love the old small town friendliness!!!
Tom Galloway was the baby, of course.


Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of November, 1940

My first years…  

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of November (1st half), 1940

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

Will and Emma (Kinnick) Carper, Buda, Illinois, c. 1894

Assume this is a photo at time of their wedding

Month of November highlights:

Sun. Nov. 3 - Billy & I went to Sunday School.
Mon. Nov. 4 - Had Billy hair cut. Cut out & started sewing my brown dress when I got home. Betty, Toots and Pete went in to Adult School at nite. Billy & I stayed home.
Tues. Nov. 5 - Really cold. Left Billy up home with Betty & I went to Home Project Meeting at Louella Schultz. Ruth Bolger & I fixed cinnaman (sic) apple salad. I played piano. Had a nice time. Voted for first time for Wilkie but Roosevelt won.
Wed. Nov. 6 - Lowden & Smith started working on foundation of the barn.
Fri. Nov. 8 - Got ready for shower. Went with Lillian in her new Chevy to Wichita to shower for Mildred Betts Herron.
Sat. Nov. 9 - Rained all day. Mom called & said Uncle Will had just come so we did up the work & went in there for dinner. He looked just the same as ever. Went down town in pm. & did shopping. Dad went to Iowa-Nebraska game with Charley Thomas.
Sun. Nov. 10 - Still a little rainy. Made frosting for the cake and fired the chicken. Did dishes, sep, got ready to go to Gertrude’s to dinner. Edna’s, Lillian’s, Gertrude’s, Uncle Will and the folks & us were there.
Mon. Nov. 11 - Really cold & windy & snowy. Couldn’t keep the house warm for the wind. Pete stayed in all afternoon. Put Billy to bed in kitchen. …fixed our bed in dining room & slept out here.
Thurs. Nov. 14 - Indian Jim Smith came in to warm his hands. They’re working on the barn.
Fri. Nov. 15 - Were eating breakfast when Toots and Betty came. Did dishes, sep. We peeled spuds here & then went up there for beefsteak dinner. Ate & then boys went down on the 80 after the tractor. Took Billy’s snow suit in to the cleaners.


My comments:

“Uncle Will” was an annual visitor, I do believe. He was about 73, lived in Buda, Illinois. His wife, Lon’s sister, Emma, had died in 1935. He lived until 1955, died at 88. He was Mom’s Great-Uncle, of course.
I’m sure Mom voted straight Republican, regardless of who was running…  ;-) At least she knew!
Lillian had a ‘new Chevy.’ That would be important to Mom, of course! ;-)
Game was in Lincoln, Memorial Stadium - I’ve been there, too - Nebraska, ranked #12 on AP, won the game, 14-6. Iowa had a 4-4 season after being so good (6-1-1) in 1939 with Nile Kinnick,
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1940_Iowa_Hawkeyes_football_team]
I shivered hearing how cold and windy it was… ;-)
Anyone remember “Indian Jim Smith” ???


Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of October, 1940

My first years…  

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of October, 1940 

 

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.] 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mortal_Storm
“The Mortal Storm was one of the few directly anti-Nazi Hollywood films released before the American entry into World War II in December 1941.”

Month of October highlights:

Oct 1-9 mostly blank
Thurs. Oct. 10 - Went in to folks for dinner. I took a chicken. Mom kept Billy. Went up to Mildred McLaughlin’s to club. Had quite a meeting. Chores & went in to show “The Mortal Storm.” Best show ever saw. A Nazi picture. Margaret Sullivan, Jimmy Stewart.
Only a couple of sentences between Oct. 11 and 16
Thurs. Oct. 17 - Sunday School Party at Smith’s. Supposed to be Hard Times Party but just a few dressed for it. Had pumpkin pie & chicken sandwiches.
Oct. 18-19 blank; then back to regular entires
Sun. Oct. 20 - Went to church. Played for Lillian. Up to Smith’s for Maxine’s Birthday Dinner. Everyone there. Don, Norma, too. Leo, Ida Marie, Karen & folks here for pancake supper. To bed early. Gave Karen her birthday present.
Thurs. Oct. 24 - Betty came down & we went to Club Party at new Library Recreation Room. Surely nice. Lillian sang and I played. Home at 10:30. Up to Lillian’s for dinner. Practiced. Arthur Phelps there picking corn.
Fri. Oct. 25 - Went to Homecoming Football Game with Manning. Irene Anderson Queen. Manning won the game. Afterwards over to Rollo Sissel Dance at Bayard. Darryl Hilgenberg turned car over 3 times on Hiway east of Max & Orrin’s. Home at 2:00. Edith T. & Margaret there.
Wed. Oct. 30 - Betty fixed 3 chickens & I fixed rest of the dinner for shellers. There were 8 of them here.
Thurs. Oct. 31 - [Halloween] Quite cold and rainy. Pete up home again. I did my ironing. All of us have colds. Jack Bowman came down with a couple of songs for Jr. Class Play. He stayed until 9:30. Put up the dining room stove. Good music on the radio so we danced until 1:00. Ed Alex came to see about trapping our land.


My comments:
Very interesting to see her comments about the movie on Oct 10. She doesn’t often mention political things. Doesn’t mean they weren’t going on, or talked about!!
Fall Harvest was in full force… mentioned just about every day that she wrote something.
I noticed she has been mentioning playing the piano for people more that earlier…



Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of September, 1940

My first years…  

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of September, 1940 

 

 These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

 

A Game of Rummy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rummy

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

Month of September highlights:

Sun. Sept. 1 - Fried 2 chickens, made potato salad, took 2 pies to Louises’ for dinner. Folks went too. Had a good dinner. Home at 4:00. Sent a sow & a cow to Omaha. Chores. Jean & Bob came & we played Rummey til 10:00. Ate apple pie. To bed at 10:00.
Mon. Sept. 2 - Up & washed. Cleaned a chicken, made a pie. Bob, Jean, Bobby here for dinner. Toots came in pm & the boys played cards. I folded my clothes. Kids left at 4:30. Chores & ate. June & Ralph came & stayed until 9:30. Read & went to bed.
Thurs. Sept. 5 - Betty & Toots came down. Betty picked pickles, Pete & Toots went in town. I cleaned a chicken, made fresh rolls. They stayed for dinner. Ate late, they stayed until 4:00.
Sat. Sept. 7 - L’Vene, Marg., Pat, Will came to have hair set. Washed & set my hair. Cleaned up the house. Lyle hurt in fall from Hay Stacker. Fractured his skull. Chored, got ready to go to town. Car in front of Barber’s. Got groceries & went up home. Lyle no better at nite, still unconscious.
Sun. Sept. 8 - [Birthday note: LVene] …went to LVenes for chicken dinner. Irene. Toots. Betty. LVene. Verle. there. Played ball in pm. …Lyle to hospital, Carroll.
 - - Only two sentences between Sept 10 and Sept 30 - - rest blank

My comments:
Labor Day weekend made me tired just reading it….
Interesting mix of activities…
Lyle Kinnick lived until 2007, so survived… father of Ray Kinnick - scary stuff!!



Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of August (second half only), 1940

My first years…  from Eileen's Diary
Highlights of August (second half only), 1940

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

Month of August (second half only) highlights:

Fri. Aug 16 - Billy doesn’t feel very good. He ate too much watermelon.
Sun. Aug 18 - [Birthday note: Dad & Bussy]
Sun shone again. Fried a chicken, made 2 apple pies & went in to folks for dinner. Ida Marie, Leo, Karen there. Ate, roller skated, sat our in front yard & watched kids on horses & motorcycles.
Tues. Aug 27 - Washed. But couldn’t get them dry. Rained a little bit. Busy getting ready to go. Ironed 3 shirts, washed & ironed 2 dresses at nite. Went in town & got Pete’s pants & my skirt from Cleaners.
Wed. Aug 28 - {Birthday note: Louise N.]
Dad bro’t Mom & Bussy out. Cloudy. Mom hung up clothes. Pete had to help Jersey have a calf. Made us late leaving about 11:00. Got to Jean’s & Bob’s at 2:00. Went down town & ate and then went out to the Fair. Saw several exhibit blogs. in pm. Ate supper with Rippey’s, Thomas’s, Eyestomes (sic) on grounds.  Went to car & rested awhile & then went to Griff Williams Dance. Dandy orchestra. Stayed for all of it. Slept on sleeping porch at Jeans.
Thurs. Aug 29 - Nice day. Ate breakfast at Jean’s & then went to see Pearl, Ida & Gladys. To Jean’s for dinner. Bob came home. Went & saw Frances & then went out to the Fair. Stood with Elmer, Verle, Arnold & watched the man selling Hum-a-Tunes. Walked around awhile. Ate at church place. Went to Louis Armstrong Dance. Really swell. The grandest drummer. To Jean’s & got our clothes & then came home. Stopped at Adel & Guthrie for coffee. Home at 3:00.


My comments:
I haven’t cared for watermelon ever since…  ;-)
Going to the State Fair, but Dad had to take time help a cow have a calf. Farmer to the core!!!
Thought her detailed listing of getting clothes ready was fascinating…
Made family visits while in Des Moines… to Fair in afternoon and evening.
Interesting how many other Coon Rapids folks they spent time with there.
Note: Think that is likely “Seastroms” - she apparently didn’t know them well, yet…
Louis Armstrong!! ;-)
Three plus hour trip each way, it appears… About half that, or less, now, with newer cars and roads… ;-)



Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of August (first half only), 1940

My first years…  

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of August (first half only), 1940

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

Month of August (first half only) highlights:

Mon. Aug 5 - Edith L. called & wanted me to go to Lakes. She & Julia & I left at 1:30. Got there at 6:00. Stopped & shopped at every big town on the way. Helen Bower, Helen Rafferty, Arlene Rafferty, Virginia Welch, Elizabeth Welch, Edith Thomas were there. Got there just as they were through eating so they fed us. Cleaned up  & went down on Midway. Played bingo, rode ghost train, ate hambrgs & went home. Julia & I slept together.
Tues. Aug 6 - [on top] [Erna & I danced & Edith T. & Arlene R. We were the only ones who stayed]
Didn’t get up until 9:30. Edith Thomas & Erna got breakfast. Everyone fixed their hair. Went down on the pier & played awhile.Erna, Edith L., Julia & I rode over on the other side to see the swell homes. Had 2 ice cream bars apiece. Home at supper at 5:00. All but Julia, Edith T. & I went on the boat ride. Got ready & went to Claude Hopkins negro dance. Really wonderful. (Bed fell down with Erna, Edith T. & me. Home at 2:00)
Wed. Aug 7 - Up at 8:30. Started for home at 11:30. Got off the road & went to Newell. Stopped in Carroll & had a sandwich. Home at 4:30. So glad to see Billy & Pete I cried. Folks stayed for supper & then we went in town awhile. Back early. Really seemed good to be home.
Fri. Aug 9 - [Birthday note: Pete & Betty[
Fixed a chicken, made an apple pie, ice cream. Don came to help Pete castrate hogs & Norma came for dinner too. Had watermelon in afternoon. Rainy. They left about 5:00. Chores & went in to show “Curtani (sic) Falls.” {She surely meant “Curtain Call” 1940} About poorest show I ever saw. Home early. {no stars in movie - crummy plot: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtain_Call_%281940_film%29}
Receipt in diary - Cash and Carry, T. W. Mozena, Prop., Fairwary logo, “Everything for the Table”
Handwritten for Pete Smith: H.B. Coffee - .26, Bd - .10, Weiners - .22, Lettuce - .05;
total - 63 + (assume tax) 1 = .64 That was the groceries they picked up. No date.
Sat. Aug 10 - [Birthday note - Edith Lund & Ray Kinnick]
Betty & Toots came & she got her hair fixed. They plan to go to Nebr. tomorrow.
Sun. Aug 11 - [Birthday note - Toots S. & Harold S.]
Rainy. Did dishes & sep. & went to LVene’s. Lester Cedar, Iva, Eileen, Joyce & Betty were there. Had a swell chicken dinner. Played kitten ball in the pasture. Max, Orrin, Don, Norma were there too. Home & chores & rode around awhile. Had a bottle of pop & came home. Irene, Betty & Toots at LVene’s too. And Aunt Lena.
Mon. Aug 12 - [Folks Anniver]
Went down and picked cucumbers. Made 3 qts. bread & butter pickles. 3 gals. sweet pickles & 4 qts. of beet pickles. Busy with pickles most of the day. Sewed on Billy’s sun suits a little bit & went to bed. Had French Toast for supper.
Tues. Aug 13 - Rainy. Don & Dan Weaver here to vaccinate the hogs… we went in to see Rabuck’s about renting their place. I finished 2 sun suits for Billy.
Thurs. Aug 15 - Took care of pickles. Canned 6 qts tom. after dinner & got tom preserves ready to can. Went to S.S. party at Gymer’s. Billy with Mom.

My comments:

Hated to leave anything out about her trip to “Lakes” - quite an adventure with the “girls” there.
Glad she enjoyed the music.
I believe Cedars were from Nebraska - Betty and Toots trip delayed, to see relatives, in Nebr.
I get really tired, just reading about all the pickles she made… and all the other stuff, as well!!
Oh, and 10 cents for a loaf of bread at “Cash and Carry” - how about that!! ;-)
Sun suits must have been very cute on Billy!! ;-)


Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of July, 1940

My first years…  

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of July, 1940

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grapes_of_Wrath_%28film%29]

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

Month of July highlights:

Mon. Jul 1 - [Birthday note: Billy]
Billy is one year old today. I canned 9 quarts of cherries. Edith & Erna came over in p.m. & bro’t him material for 2 suits. Up to Lillian’s after Mom & Bussy. They had picked cherries. Had a pint of ice cream to celebrate Billy’s birthday. Home at 10:00.
Tues. Jul 2 - Put Billy money in bank $14.23 now. Had his hair cut at Rex’s. He didn’t cry at all. Just got along fine.
Wed. Jul 3 - Lost 2 sheep last night by dogs.
Thur. Jul 4 - Fixed fried chicken. Mom & Bussy went to Spring Lake with us for picnic. I skated awhile, watched them dance. Home & chores. Mom kept Billy & we went back again to dance. So hot & crowded & the floor was terrible. Didn’t stay very long. Had good fireworks.
Tues. Jul 9 - Wet in morning. Pete picked 2 pails of beans. I looked them over. Mom canned them. I drove tractor on binder until 6:00.
Blank pages, Jul 11 - 18. Two words on 19: Started threshing.
Sun. Jul 21 - Pete, Billy & I went on picnic at Squirrel Hollow… …went to “Grapes of Wrath.” A dreary show but some wonderful acting.
Jul 22-24 blank
Rest of month about feeding threshers at different farms. Collective activities…


My comments:

My first birthday important, but just one of many activities.
Mom drove tractor all day!! ;-)
Picnic at Squirrel Hollow… interesting bit of news.
The Blank Pages in the diary would indicate she was very, very busy with work, in the heat! ;-)
Her reaction to “Grapes of Wrath” movie were most interesting, to me. I’d have probably felt about the same, actually.


Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of June, 1940

My first years…

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of June, 1940

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Tom_Edison]

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

Month of June highlights:

Sun. Jun 2 - Made a meatloaf. Pete went in after ice & then froze a gallon of ice cream. Took a cake too to Williams Picnic at Lillian’s. Nearly 60 were there. Played piano awhile & then we played volley ball over the fence. Had a keen time.
Mon. Jun 3 - Billy up. Left him at LVene’s & I went to Bible School. I taught the beginners. Got Margaret B. to teach them from now on. … Lizzie Moylan died this morning at 9:30. Surely feel bad about it. Pete finished planting beans over on 80.
Blank until 12th… Down to Myrtle Daileys to committee meeting.
Thurs. Jun 13 - Entertained at Julia’s for club. Made 2 white cakes. Had ice cream. About 60 there. Quite tired at night.
Blank until 18th… Mom & Bussy here. Canned 10 pints of peas. Quite a job.
Wed. Jun 26 - [Birthday note: Mom] Mom & Bussy came out. Made ice cream at night to celebrate Mom’s birthday.
Sun. Jun 30 - Pete & Irene picked cherries. Had leg of mutton for dinner. Orel, Margaret, LVene, Verle, Arnold, Julia, Patty, Wilson came in pm. We shipped 2 sows & up home they sold a bull. Home at 6:00. Clored and took Billy to show with us “Thomas Edison the Boy.” He slept right through it.


My comments:

Always enjoyed the Williams-Kinnick family reunion picnics… lots of cousins we rarely saw!
The month’s entries all seemed hurried, and a bit frazzled. She must have been very busy, and very hot… working hard!
Mrs. Moylan died.
Mom was really active in a lot of clubs at this time…
Interesting to me to see which family and friends groups got together at which time! ;-)
My first movie!! ;-)


Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of May, 1940

My first years…  

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of May, 1940

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

1940 U.S. Census, I'm the bottom line, above

Month of May highlights:

Thurs. May 2 - Pete plowing on 80. Another sheep had a set of twins. Census taker here in morning.
Tues. May 7 - Rained. Howard Patrick papered kitchen. … Hal Stewart Fireman’s dance. Had the keenest time ever.
Thurs. May 9 - Got ready to go to  Club Luncheon at Mrs. Wheelers. The had a nice dinner. Sat by Mrs. Krenmyre & Julia. All were there except Lou Schultz. They bro’t my new refrigerator when I got home.
Sun. May 19 - Orrin woke us at 5:00. They have a new little girl. Judith Ann. Born at 3:30.
Wed. May 22 - Cleaned up & went to Workers Conf. at Ruth Grim’s. Laura, Lula, Rhoda, Hazel, Gurtha, Agnes, Josephine & the kids were there.
Tues. May 28 - Billy cut 7th tooth.
Wed.  May 29 - Mrs. Moylan so bad we couldn’t see her. [At Carroll, at hospital]

My comments:

Got included in 1940 U. S. Census, for sure!!
“keenest time ever” - she was still only 21 years old… ;-)
Assume this is the same refrigerator we grew up with!! ;-)
Judi Hilgenberg born!!! ;-)


Families are Forever!  ;-)

Book Giveaway - last chance

Book Giveaway - last chance

Many of you reading this have already received your free PDF copy of my 23K word eBook, “The Kings of Oak Springs, Vol. One” (Some say it reminds them of a ‘Little House’ story)… for signing up for the free Dr. Bill’s  “The Homeplace Saga” Newsletter.


Join us in discussing family saga and family-related story-telling and reading... ! ;-)

You can still get your free PDF copy today, by simply signing up here with name and email address:
http://eepurl.com/bpPujv

If you share this URL with your friends, and they sign up, they will also receive the free PDF.


Families are Forever! ;-)

Dr. Bill  ;-)

Ancestor-based eBook Published

Ancestor-based eBook Published

Currently available at: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/drbillshares

Latest eBook finished..."Weston Wagons West," James Weston and later, his descendants join the John and Mary Kinnick family to Ohio, then Illinois, and some on to Iowa, where I showed up...

In 20 episodes, first published at: http://drbill-wml-smith.hubpages.com/

Compiled in eBook (ePub format) for ease of reading in one spot.

Covers one full ancestral line (mother's father's surname line: Kinnick) from 1640 to early 1900s...

Families are Forever! ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of April, 1940

My first years…

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of April, 1940 

 

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

Month of April highlights:

Mon. Apr 1: [Birthday note: Delbert Ford] -
Did my washing. Clothes dried real good. Cleaned the dining room. Aired curtains. Wiped the walk etc., waxed the kitchen floor. Pete in town getting tractor repairs. Really tired at night. …
Leo Williams was at Mom’s & we talked with him awhile.
Fri. Apr 5- Billy, Mom & I went to Carroll in pm. … & then had to wait on the Dr. …Dr. said he’s getting 2 more teeth. Weighs 24# 10 oz.
Thurs. Apr 11 - Pressed new white blouse & skirt & got dinner. Ate & then went to club at Ruth Bolger’s. Really was a big crowd there. Sat with Lil. Bertha Thomas gave a talk on Mexico.
Fri. Apr 12 - Left Billy at Moylan’s & we went to Edith’s school play & pie social at night. The place was clear full. She had the best program. Stayed & talked afterwards. Home at 11:30. Mrs. Moylan has help. She doesn’t look very well.
Sun. Apr 14 - At nite we left Billy at Lund’s and we went to the show “Fighting 69th.”
Tues. Apr 16 - Had sheep shearers here for dinner. 2 of them. Pete finished sowing oats on the 80. I went to S.S. Worker’s Conference at Margaret’s. A lot there.
Fri. Apr 19 - Folks came out at nite to show us their new car radio.
Sat. Apr 20 - Roy Holliday gave me a music lesson.
Sun. Apr 21 - Left Billy at Lund’s & we went to “Gulliver’s Travels.” Good in cartoon technicolor.
Sun. Apr 28 - Decided to go to Leo’s with the folks. Left at 9:45. Mom, Dad & I went to church there. Karen baptized. Had fried chicken. Surely have a nice home in a nice town. Rained hard. Went down to the bank & rode around. Home at 7:30. Rained all the way. 

My comments:
I was less than a year old, but many of these activities we were also doing as I grew up. Went up to Lohrville many, many Sundays. I even remember visiting “the bank” and driving around, in later years.
Folks’ new car radio was interesting… an add-on accessory, as American Pickers would point out!
“Roy Holliday gave me a music lesson” was a fascinating thing to see!!
I made note of Mrs. Moylan being “doesn’t look very well.” - more on this in next couple of months.



Families are Forever!  ;-)

Birthday (July 1) - 4th of July Special Offer

Birthday (July 1) - 4th of July Special Offer

I made this offer on Facebook, and was pleasantly surprised at how many signed up.
I want to extend it to all my readers, in case you missed it:

I will send you a free PDF of my 23K word eBook, “The Kings of Oak Springs, Vol. One” (Some say it reminds them of a ‘Little House’ story) when you sign up for my free: Dr. Bill’s “The Homeplace Saga” Newsletter. Sign up here today (free): http://eepurl.com/bpPujv

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of March, 1940

My first years…  

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of March, 1940

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

 Was this the 'nursery chair' he 'finished?'

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

Month of March highlights:

Fri, Mar 1 [Birthday note: Ruth Bolger] - (Pete) pulled the new John Deere Spreader home with Delbert’s tractor. Had swiss steak for dinner. … Pete finished his nursery chair and I read until 10:00.
Sat. Mar 2 - I got up and built the fires. Really icy out. Pete worked on the cupboard.
Mon. Mar 4 - Pete took Jno.Dr. & went up to Bolger’s after his binder. … He took the tractor up to Delbert’s & I went after him. … Ruth & Glenn came. Figured on ch. cupboard & played cards until 11:00.
Wed. Mar 6 - …took Pete & lumber up to the church. I came home, fixed chicken & noodles & went up there for dinner. Glenn’s, Verles, Beryl’s, Gurerney’s, Don’s, us were there. Spilt Billy’s milk & went up to Ruth’s after some more.
Thurs. Mar 13 [Birthday note: Ida Marie] - Planned on having Leo’s here for Ida’s birthday tonite, but it snowed too hard. … Roads all blocked again.
Sun. Mar 17 [2. anniversary] - Nice day. Went to church. In to folks for dinner. Leo, Ida, Paul there.
Been married 2 years. Mom gave us $1; Ida gave us stationary.
Wed. Mar 20 - Dad went with Charley T. to the hockey game in Omaha.
Thurs. Mar 21 [Birthday note: Leo Kinnick] - Up early. Left for Des Moines. Edith T., LVene & Betty went along. Ate dinner at Bolton & Hay. Coat at Robinson’s. Shoes at Berland’s & hat at Sibyl’s. Home at 5:45. Chored, ate & went to S.S. party at Brown’s. Played Rook. Mom and Buss stayed all night again.
Sun. Mar 24 [Easter - Billy was baptized] - Got ready and went to church. Quite a few were there. Jack B. sang - girls had an exercise. Didn’t have any class. Real cold day but we all wore our new coats.
Sun. Mar 31 - Leo & Ida moved to Lohrville.



My comments: Good peak into their life in the winter.
I remember seeing Grandpa Paul Kinnick had gone to hockey game in Omaha with Charley Thomas and a couple of others, in the Enterprise. Would never have guessed… but true! “Mom and Buzzy” always came and stayed with Pete and Eileen, when Paul out of town. Interesting.
Quite a shopping spree in Des Moines. P.S. She sent the coat back to Robinson’s in Des Moines, and got another at Ellerbrock’s in Carroll. Must have decided it was too expensive. ;-)
Jack Bowman sang on my baptism day! That was nice!! ;-)
This confirms when Leo and Ida moved to Lohrville!!




Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of February, 1940

My first years…  

from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of February, 1940

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

Billy in snowsuit, Eileen, Pooch

Month of February highlights:

Sat. Feb 3 - Pete finished the play pen. …  Pete played piano…
Sun. Feb 4 - Listened to radio, wrote in books, & Pete played the piano.
Mon. Feb 5 - Pete cleaned out the chicken house. Chores, ate supper, read, Pete played piano & we went to bed.
Tues. Feb 6 - Got ready to go to Farm Bureau meeting at Mrs. Turners in town. LVene took Billy up to Smith’s. They kept him. Truman’s home is real nice.
Wed. Feb 8 - Snowing and blowing.
Mon, Feb 12 - Polly & Merle left for Calif.
Tues. Feb 13 - Betty showed me how to crochet.
Thurs. Feb 15 - Pete went up and helped Delbert & Lilian move.
Friday Feb 16 - Pete worked on sandpapering play pen, I worked on books.
Sat. Feb 17 - Snowing. … took Billy in to Mom’s & Pete & I went to Carroll. I practiced in F.B. Women’s Chorus.
Thurs. Feb 22 - I made a choc. cake. Took it to pot luck S.S. party at Glenn & Ruth’s. Played cards & games & sang. Home late. Hazel Bolger kept Billy.
Sun. Feb 25 - Folks came for supper & then they stayed with Billy while we went to Vic & Ger. farewell party. Levee, Verle, Julia, Arnold, Edith, Betty, Irene, Toots, Glenn, Ruth, Ruth, Harold, Brannan’s, Don, Norma, Berle, Gurtha, Beulah, Guerney.
Mon. Feb 26 - Pete worked on nursery chair.




My comments:
Dad seemed to tire of playing the piano, after a few days.
I had not realized that Polly & Merle left for California this early in 1940. Nice to see the record.
Delbert & Lillian Ford moved. Vic & Gertrude Ford “farewell party.” ??
Still working on play pen. “Nursery chair” I assume is the one I still have!! All wood. Neat!
Thurs Feb 22 - First time Hazel Bolger kept Billy, that I’m aware - many times, over those early years. Assume she probably had Bob, Carolyn and Nancy, as well!! ;-)



Families are Forever!  ;-)

My first years… from Eileen's Diary - Highlights of January, 1940

My first years…  from Eileen's Diary

Highlights of January, 1940

These are highlights from the diary of my mother, twenty-one year old Eileen KINNICK SMITH, 75 Years Ago. She kept a diary from 1932 as a freshman in high school until she left us, too early, in 1999.

[Rather than posting each mundane entry, I've chosen items of interest to me, as I knew my family (or didn't). Also, significant events Mom noted, as seen by me, looking back. Comments at the end.]

Month of January highlights (I was six months old on Jan. 1):

Wed. Jan 3 - Had w.c. shot for Billy. Got our corn money.
Sat. Jan 6 - Took folks a load of cobs & bro’t home a load of coal.

Wed. Jan 10 - Ate dinner at Carroll… Mom had her glasses changed. Billy had his last whooping cough shot.
Thurs. Jan 11 - Chored early & went to Ruth and Glenn’s for oyster supper. Moylan’s kept Billy.
Sat. Jan 13 - It really is snowing. Real deep. … Billy - 2 more teeth.
Sun. Jan 14 - Quit snowing but blowing terribly.
Tues. Jan 16 - Pete in to lumber yard. … Pete started play pen.
Wed. Jan 17 - Pete working on Billy’s play pen.
Thurs. Jan 18 - Really was cold. About 20 degrees below.
Sun. Jan 21 - Showed Pete a little about the piano…
Mon. Jan 22 - Pete worked on Billy’s play pen.
Tues. Jan 23 - Pete played piano awhile…
Thurs. Jan 25 - Pete took me & Billy to club at Mrs. Wheeler’. He slept all the time. …
… went to Gymer’s to S.S. party…Polly kept Billy.
Sat. Jan 27 - Pete went up home & helped butcher a beef. … Pete played the piano awhile…
Sun. Jan 28 - Pete played piano a little…
Mon. Jan 29 - Pete worked on Billy’s play pen.

My comments: Didn’t know Dad ever had interest in playing the piano…
Sure put a lot of effort into “Billy’s play pen”…
Interesting to note the people who cared for me when they ‘went out.’ More than I realized.
It was a really hard winter. Snowed in a lot, but rarely more than a day…


Families are Forever!  ;-)

Sunday Obituary - Dennis Ford - 1938-2015

Sunday Obituary

Dennis Ford

1938-2015

Dennis was my first cousin, once removed, and in my graduating Class of 1957 at Coon Rapids, Iowa. [He outlived his doctor's 6-8 months by nearly two full years...]

Dennis Ford passed away May 18, 2015, at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson.  He was 76 years of age.  Per his wishes, no services are planned at this time.  A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future.  Memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society.

Dennis Kinnick Ford was born December 1, 1938, at Carroll.  He was the son of Lillian Kinnick Ford and Delbert Ford.  Dennis graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1957. Through his high school years, he participated in 4-H and FFA.  Dennis attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, studying accounting and business.

On August 28, 1960, Dennis was united in marriage to Sandy Fagan at the Glidden Methodist Church.  The couple farmed around Coon Rapids for a time, then farmed south of Glidden for 10 years, where they also had a small dairy herd.  They lived near Dunbar Slough for a few years and then moved to Lake View, and then back to Coon Rapids.  In 1973 they made their home in Jefferson where Dennis remained for the rest of his life.

Dennis worked as a welder at Parker Manufacturing in Jefferson, and then worked for 24 years in building maintenance and engineering for the Jefferson and Jefferson-Scranton School District.  He retired in November 2000.

Together, Dennis and Sandy mowed lawns and did snow removal in the Jefferson community for more than 30 years.  Dennis enjoyed playing cards and was an avid reader of western books.  He belonged to First United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee and was head usher for many years.  Dennis volunteered throughout the community by delivering congregate meals, working for the food pantry, Greene County Medical Center auxiliary, and securing  hosts for the seasonal operation of the Mahanay Bell Tower.

Dennis was a member of Morning Star Lodge #159 A.F. & A.M. (Masons), Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, and the Odd Fellows Lodge.  He loved being around people.  Comaraderie and service to others was important to him.

Surviving are his wife Sandy Ford of Jefferson; children Jeff (Terri) Ford and Deborah (Don) Wills of Jefferson, and Gene (Greg Lacey) Ford of Des Moines; grandchildren Jennifer (Brent) Oakes of Paton, James (Mindy) Ford, Josh (Jessica Wolf) Ford and  Megan Vaughan, all  of Jefferson,  and Jada Lacey of Des Moines,; six great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

The family is assisted by Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home of Jefferson, 515-386-2171.

Source: http://greenecountynewsonline.com/2015/05/19/dennis-ford-1938-2015/

Families are Forever! ;-)