Diary of Irene Dixon Bamford 1889 part 1

Diary of Irene Dixon Bamford

1889 part 1

Transcribed by Thelma Moye

Jan.1st. (1889) Tuesday : A cloudy mild day. Wind S.W. River rolling wide and blue ground bare. Bill Laura & Rachel went to Kingston today. Bill left Rachel and Laura there. Wells threshing peas. Johny choring around and helped me chop mince meat and apples, pare potatoes. Bring wool Eva knit. Finished Wells socks. Grace knit some. Maud behaved very well. Will came for gun powder said baby has ring worm on her face. Eben Bates called for Johny and both are now gone to Samy’s to a new year party.

William Cornwell gone to Cape (Cape Vincent, NY) to a new years ball this eve. I would like to know what my Wellie and Voltie are doing to day. Seems a long time since I saw Wellie, Voltie or Belle. I cleared out the cupboard drawers. Ev helped me wash dishes.

Jan.2nd (1889) Wednesday: Cloudy morning. Wind South & light. Weather very mild. Got breakfast early so Wells & John could go to Millians Bay (NY) for oil they went in Niles Skift and were gone just two hours. Snow quite heavy while they were gone. Cleared up towards noon & sun shone out most all day.

Wells went to O’Brien’s P.M. to get horses shod. Two candidates for office called to see Wells to get him to vote for them. Messrs Mc Dowel & Horn.

John spilt wood and done chores. Evaline washed dishes, cleaned floor and worked on a rugg. Grace cut carpet rags & knit. Jane Niles & Shelly made us a visit. A dark cloudy evening. Wind S.W. freezing a very little.

Nearly twelve O’clock I wrote to Welly and Volty. Oil all out the lamps and lanterns. Had to search and hunt around for kerosine found it at last door hid under the washing machine but no matter there is kerosine on the place somewhere petroleum. John made Niles Folks a visit this evening.

Jan. 3^rd (1889) Thursday: A dark cloudy morning . Wells got up at 3 fed the houses built a fire before I arose. But I got his breakfast and put up the butter for market and started him on the road between 4 and 5 O’clock. But so dark can scarcely see anything. Wind south and warm. Wells went with the horse wagon and carried two bags of wheat to mill. Good crossing (\\\crossed out ) Pierpont making regular trips between Kingston and Ferry.

Twelve O’clock noon wind blowing strongly from south. Sun shinning brightly warm frost leaving the earth. A blue smoky haze like mid summer in the air everywhere. John gone up towards Bills, said he was going there, but I think he has gone to Breakey’s Bay skating. But there is very little ice outside the bridge. Grace’s throat cankered again this morning she gargled & swabbed her throat 2 hours this morning with plum bark ,salt, alum, tannin and another throat mixture. She says it’s better now. Evaline not well got colic doctored her with star relief & ginger tea. Niles and Joy are going to have a time or two about school teacher. They partly hired Old Mrs. Flynn’s grandaughter a La Fleur girl when they knew they didn’t want her, and as John Flynn was elected trustee at last school meeting we will see how it all ends & as “All’s well that ends well “ Shakespere”

Will came and brought me some turnips. Wells came between 7 & 8 O’clock brought Tom Clancy home with him and a bag of coal. Clancy stayed over night. R & L ( Rachel & Laura) stayed in Kingston yet. Will stopped here on his way home from prayer meeting. A rosy sunset and a beautiful star light evening very warm.

Jan.4th. (1889) Friday: The sun rose warm and bright. ‘Tis the loveliest winter day I ever saw excepting there is no snow. River so still ‘tis like a mirror all day. A blue hazy mist like a sultry day in August is in the air. There is not a breath of wind, but the air is south. Devero Breakey is making maple sugar, boiled down 12 pails full this morning. T Clancy bought the old red cow & white one of Wells and gave 24 dollars for both. Then Wells went with him to Breakeys and then drove with him as far as Smiths. High Mass at Morgan’s today.

W. Burnham’s sent word they were going to visit us today, but instead Wellington and Ebb went to Marysville. George Wallace & Jack Niles and Frank Woodman here playing base ball with Johny. Sylvia here in afternoon. Bill S. Went to Kingston for R & L Evaline and Grace working at the rag business(cutting rags to make rugs) Great time again about town election. Morgan is trying to crowd himself into notice by offering himself for deputy race. We think he should count his friends by the number of votes he gets. He wants to make himself conspicuous if not popular, S going here to day to get Wells to vote for him. A beautiful stormy night A light wind North.

Jan.5th. (1889) Saturday: Wind North, colder but rather mild & cloudy. Sun shone out dimly for a little while at noon, then cloudy again, wind increasing to a strong breeze from North. Wells fixing fence so the cows can not get into the orchard. Will came for oats for his poultry. Rachel came and brought a letter to post for Breakey. Lilly and Shellie here. Mrs Niles sent some little aprons and dresses to Maud W. John brought water and chopped Sundays wood, and went for the mail and stayed and played base ball with the boys in Sam’s pasture. John carried home Niles flour. Wells went to Bill’s and borrowed a little wire to finish the fence. We were disapointed in not receving letters from Welly and Volty. Eva helped do all Saturdays work, and cleaned floors,& gave John a pair of socks & finished her rug, and commenced another pair of socks. I don’t know what I done---- I forgot – puttered around. E fixed the chair.

Jan. 6^th. (1889) Sunday: A strong wind from North, raining and freezing all day, Everything encased in ice & destroying many fruit trees The Northern spy standing in front of the house completely broken down besides splitting other trees in the orchard. The tops from the maple trees in the garden have fallen and great limbs from the old maple. The damage to trees throughout the country must be immense. Very quiet at home all day. No one made us a call. No crowd in church today. Wells, Eva & Grace reading. Grace popped corn. Our barrels and tubs are rapidly filling with rain water.

Jan. 7^th. (1889) Monday: Snow every where this morning and snowing yet. The trees loaded with snow and ice and broken down. A terrible wreck and ruin. This is town sheriff election day. Every man turns out to vote for his favorite candidate ,and some of the women vote too. Charlie drove over with Bell and the children. Evaline washed all the clothes, set table, washed dishes, cleaned floors, knit. Grace helped do some thing. I don’t remember what. I cooked beans and fried cakes. A soft - damp snow falling all day. The trees so burdened with their weight of snow and ice. A falling and crashing all day. Mc Lain drove down for Rachel and carried to the Irvine School house to vote. Wind North. Devero Breakey called in the evening to see Wells about driving the cattle to the Ferry tomorrow. John visiting Sam’s this evening. ( On side of page she wrote Our school commenced today.)

Jan 8^th. (1889) Tuesday: Rose early and got breakfast for Wells & john they started at 6:30 O’clock. John driving the cattle ,Wells drove the team and went over to meet Dee’s and help him along with his cows. Rachel came over and stayed all day and all night working on a rug. Evaline commenced a new rug. Grace knit on her mitten. Will came over and brought Charlie and they played on Organ & sung. Rachel danced. Wind S. W. Eves running water all day Cloudy roads bad. Morgan had 19 votes at election. Wells & John came early & brought a letter from Welly for E. Welly wrote he had received a letter from Volty.

Jan. 9^th. (1889) Wednesday: A dark cloudy morning. Wind North commenced raining at 8 O’clock. W. Burnham & wife came to visit. Rained all day raining harder towards night. Rachel went home when Burnham’s went & Evaline went with them. Will & John Morgan here in the evening and went home in the storm. Wind changed to S. W. With a vengeance & with squalls. We doctored Marjorie for pin worms.

Jan 10^th. (1889) Thursday: The wind howled and roared & blew a high gale all night which shook the house so I could not sleep. It blew down fences unroofed J. Niles horse barn and fish were thrown from the waves on to the shore. The wind has been blowing a gale all day our last two ducks are gone. John Niles made us a call. Bell knit and takes care of the children. Grace knit mittens. John went down to Patterson’s to look for Shep but Patterson had killed him. Wells chopped wood and worked in barn. The old St. Lawrence is wild today. With difficulty John got a pail of water but it so muddy it is not fit to use and I boiled rain water for tea. Our tubs and barrels are filled with rain water. Wind west all day.

( I remember my grandmother Marjorie telling that the rapids in the St. Lawrence river purified the water so that it could be drank straight from the river without boiling it and after the seaway went thru they were unable to do that again.)

Jan. 11^th. (1889) Friday: Wind South West a strong breeze dark ragged clouds flying overhead all day. Somewhat cold. Smith came while we were at breakfast for his barrel of swill I had been saving up for him. Bell intended to make Will’s a visit but just as she was ready to start Charley came for her & the children to go home. So they went home. Alvira brought Eva home at noon. Eva finished another rug.

Wells went to the old barn came back drew wood for Will. John chopped a fallen apple tree for stove wood & in evening went to Niles to borrow a robe. J N going to use his robe so went to Sams and borrowed his. ( on side of page) We sent Welly Utica Globe. Will here in evening to borrow butter basket but I have none for him, he left a letter here to mail for Lindsell

Jan.12th. (1889) Saturday: A medium cold morning. Wind West cloudy. Wells built fire at half past 8. I got breakfast for Wells & Eva so as to get an early start for K. They drove over for Jen long before daylight very dark. Sleighing not very good not much snow on ground more ice than snow. This is the finest day for a long time. Sun shone all day. Johny went for the mail We did not get any letter from Volty. Perhaps Evaline will get it from the Marysville post office. Will came over a little while. Wells & Eva came home early. She got a letter from Welly but none from Volty. I wish I knew why he don’t write. Seems as though something terrible had happened to him. Only one letter since he went away from home and that not written by him I can’t sleep nights for thinking of my dear boy. I wish I knew where he is or what has become of him. I don’t think I can write in this diary any more till I hear that he is alive and well. Every morning I think he will come home before night or I will hear from him but day after day and weeks come and go and all is silent about Volty no word from him no nothing not one word. ( written on side) George & Wall Niles here visiting J & G & Wells brought 4 bags of coal.

Jan13th. (1889) Sunday: The sun rose clear. Wind North moderately cold, clouds gather afternoon. And snow. Grows colder towards night the moon shows faintly through the clouds. A dreary lonesome Sunday Will came over and had dinner with us said Jen had toothache Says he thinks Volty is all right. Jen had a letter from Watson with a dollar in it. Rachel is visiting her Aunt Laura. Bill sent to Winnie For, 15 cts. To pay his fare to Kingston. She sent him a dollar.

Wells is reading. Eva is reading. John is reading. Grace is reading. John went to church in afternoon Watson talks of suing Will for labor two weeks work getting wood. If I only knew where Volty is to night I’d be very happy but I don’t know. A beautiful moon lit night. Wind is hushed and gone to rest.

Jan14th.(1889) Monday: A beautiful January day,sun shone and warm. The river so still it is like a mirror. Air North Wells threshed peas at the old barn and called on Will’s folks. Johny is gone to school commenced this morning. Sylvia made us a visit wants red cedar for her father to smoke, he got toothache. Will was here went with Sylvia. to get red cedar and carried some home for Jen she got toothache too. Will fixed our sewing machine shuttle and carried Rachel an old shirt that once was Skinner’s.

Eva and Grace ironed and sewed carpet rags. A bright moonlit night not a cloud to be seen cold, river freezing light wind east. Wells went to Mc Fadens for a sheep.

Jan.15th. (1889) Tuesday: A fine warm day scarcely any wind. Johny at school. We washed and Grace & Evaline cut and sewed carpet rags. Wells threshed peas at the old barn. Smith went to town for his girls. They came home just before dark. Jen and Rachel came over R stayed all night. John went skating in evening on Flynn’s bay. A clear moonlight night.

Jan. 16th. (1889) Wednesday: A fine warm day rather cloudy. Some ice along the shore. Johny at school. Wells threshing peas at old barn. Evaline rinsed and hung out the clothes then E. & G. Cut and sewed rags. Rachel doubled and twisted yarn. Wind changed at evening to S.W. and blew loud and strong with rain. An eclipse on the moon. John went to Smith’s in evening . I made pudding for supper. I brought in all the cloths. Good night

Jan. 17^th. (1889) Thursday: Rain is over, clouds moving North. A strong wind South. Ice all gone from the river. Ground bare, all mud, no snow anywhere. John gone to school. E & G sewing carpet rags. Rachel piecing her quilt. Wells patching his horse blanket in the kitchen. Pierpont passes up on her way from Kingston to Cape Vincent, and back again. around the foot of Island. Wind blowing all day from S. W. And cloudy no snow or rain. John stays at home this evening. Tis nine O’clock and all a bed but I.

Jan. 18^th. (1889) Friday: A cloudy morning Wind west looks like snow. Partly clears at nine sun shines out through the broken clouds. River clear of ice, no snow on the ground anywhere. The earth is bare and brown. John gone to school. Will came for Rachel’s spinner. Rachel went home with him at eleven O’clock. Wells building fence and cutting fallen limbs down towards Ebbs. Maud called and asked for Shakespeare didn’t stay. A dark cloudy evening Wind S.W. Johny went to debating school. I wrote Lindsell a letter concerning Shakspere.

Jan.19th. (1889) Saturday: A bright cold morning Wind North river steaming, ground frozen & bare not a particle of snow to be seen any where. This is mail day again. I expect to get a letter from Welly and hope to get one from Volty. I sent Lindsell a letter this morning. Smith was seen going to post office too. I surmise Lindsell got a letter from Miss Win Nun ( could be Niles). Wells threshed peas at the old barn & drew broken limbs in afternoon for fire wood. Wells made Wills folkes a call too Will said Bill & Win were at their house last evening. I received letter from Watson ,Volty & Irene. A clear moonlit night a light breeze North cold & river freezing over. John out making Wills and Smith folks a visit. ( on the side of the page) Morgan’s team ran away this morning & broke his buggy and hurt Mrs. Morgan.

Jan 20^th. (1889) Sunday: A clear cold day Wind N.E. terrible and rolling water cold would freeze if there was no wind to disturb the water. Ground bare and brown and hard frozen. Johny at church. Wells reading Whig. Eva reading Livingston travels in Africa. Laura & Maud at church. Grace has just gone over to Wills. At noon it begins to cloud for a storm and snow falling fast at dark. John came home in time to do the chores & says Will, John M.(Morgan) Jen & Maud and Win Smith are coming here this evening. I sent John back for Grace but he met Grace and Jen coming They had been to Smith’s for Win and Maud but Win refused to come and forbade Maud coming, too. Win has got Shakespeare pretty bad. But Will John M. & Reube Mc Faden came and we managed somehow to get along & to amuse and enjoy ourselves with out the presence of “ her Royal Highness” Ten O’clock snowing very fast. J. M. Stayed all night.

Jan 21st. (1889) Monday: A snowy morning with 6 inches of snow. Good sleighing river frozen over. At nine O’clock the wind sprang up from the south and breaks up all the ice in the river. Wells shoveled paths through the snow. John at school. Grace and Eva at the rag business. Snowing & blowing. Wells threshing peas at the old barn says they don’t thrash out very well. Maud very obstinate and bad tempered. We churned snow badly drifted wind blowing fiercely from the west all day and cloudy.

Jan.22 nd. (1889) Tuesday: A beautiful day, sun shinning brightly all day. John at school Wells thrashing peas. Eva & Grace cut and sewing rags snow very deep from house to the river had to melt snow to get dinner with. Sylvia called hereon way to Smiths. Smith called here with sleigh for coal and milk. Syliva drove with Smith to his house. Wells drew a big pile for fire wood from the old house. John gone to Wills or Smiths or both places in evening. Scarcely any wind at all though the day and west zephyr changed south at night fall dark clouds lying off to the south. Ed Rattrays awful sick with worms Evening Ed came up for Laura (Lobehias ) to get some medicine. She gave him Lobehia stopped on his way home at Wills & mother said not give Lobelia ( she spells this a couple of different ways) but give him sage, summer savory & wormwood instead.

Jan.23rd (1889) Wednesday: A fine day Wind South breaking the ice clear from the American shore . Water on the ice Pierpont comes as far as Garden Island for passengers. Smith went up today Maud ,I and Syliva went with him he was too late for first boat Girls went to Kingston, Smith came home without them. Wells threshing peas. John at school. Eva washed carpet rags Grace sewed rags. John made Smith and Wills folks a visit in evening. Wind blows strong from South all night.

Jan.24th. (1889) Thursday: A cloudy morning Wind blowing strong from South all day. Ice all broken up and flooding down the river thawing all day, fields are begining to look bare again clouds clear away towards evening a rosy sunset. John at school. Wells drew wood from the old house. Will came over with Wells & I lent him Clyeopedia ( must be Encyclopedia). Smith went up again today Maud came home with him. Eva washed the clothes, cleaned floors & cut and sewed rags. Grace sewed rags. John went to prayer meeting and after meeting called on Samy’s folks. A beautiful starlit night.

Jan. 25^th. (1889) Friday: A lovely winter day sun shinning clear and warm. A white frost on trees & ground. A hazy mist all day in the air. The ice lying along either shore with a wide open space of the St. Lawrence rolling between. John at school. Wells cleaning up peas at old barn. Eva & Grace at the carpet business. Rachel came at noon stayed until after dinner. Maud W. Went home with her and stayed until Wells came back from the old barn. Charlie Woodman & John drove sleigh to debating school and had with them Grace and Win ,Maud S. ( Maud Smith lived near Bamfords) and Sylvia. There was a great deal of noise & fillibustering without much talent. Wellington B. Chairman decrious , free trade.

Jan. 26^th. (1889) Saturday: Rose early at three O’clock. Wells going to Kingston. Very fine day Wind South. 3 P.M. changed North East. John chopped some wood. Done all chores went to Smiths. Evaline swept and dusted all the rooms. Swept chamber and papered rooms. Grace helped do Saturdays work. Till and Shell here. Wells came home early, left the groceries in Kingston at Hendersons. Crossing to town very poor, have to walk to Garden Island and then go to Pierpont. No letter from anyone today. Will D. And Welley B. Here in afternoon play the organ singing and drinking cider. W. B. And wife & son visiting at Will’s. John went to Smith’s intending to take Smiths girls to Morgan’s for an evening visit, but Smiths cutter out of order so didn’t go. Wells brought 4 bags of coal. ( written on side) Rachel sent Petries folks a letter which had better been left unwritten.

Jan. 27^th. (1889) Sunday: A cloudy morning rather cold Wind North East. Wells drove with E. Down to Burhaims came back and left Eva. At Wills & brought milk home with him. Wells and John reading all day. Commenced snowing about two O’clock. Wind blowing strong from N. E. And very cold. Snow falling fast all afternoon and night. Wells carried mother home at dark and brought Eva home. We set up reading till ten O’clock and go to bed. Jim Michea with inflammatory ( looks like) reumatism. ( written on side) Dr. Jolliffe at Michea’s to visit James.

Jan. 28^th. (1889) Monday: A cloudy morning. Wind South warmer again river full of snow and some ice. Commenced snowing again at noon. More snow on the ground now then anytime this winter. John at school. Wells at the old barn threshing peas. Eva washed more carpet rags and knit stockings and lace. Grace sewing for Maud and herself. Ted Joy tells John how that Wellie is going to stay in Michigan very glad to think someone knows his business better than I do.

Jan. 29^th. (1889) Tuesday: A beautiful winter day. Wind North. Light breeze. River frozen close Earth covered white with snow. Grace began going to school to day. John at school. Wells drove both J & G to school, then drove to old barn, came back with pea straw. At half past one O’clock & brought R with him. She stayed till W went back again & went home. She told us all about Win & Mauds visit at their house on Saturday. Smith carried his dressmakers to K today and tumbled them out into a big snow bank just by our schoolhouse. Eva washed the clothes. Cleaned floors, knit & sewed carpet rags. A rosy sunset. John gone over to Wills this evening.

Jan. 30^th. (1889) Wednesday: Rose at 4 O’clock. Wells gone to Kingston. This is a very fine day it has been snowing just a little but the wind is not blowing and it is quite warm. It will soon be the first of February as there is only one day more in this month. The ice is formed in the river but is covered with snow. So it will not amount to much unless there is a thaw and more cold weather I think the people of this house are very industrious as I see all kinds of work pertaining to household affairs are being carried on . Carpet rags a speciality. Don’t admire this spelling for I have been kindly invited to write in this book by its owner and dared not refuse for fear I would not get my dinner. ( here the handwritting changes to a small neat script which leads us to think other people made enteries from time to time.) Minnie Obrien came home with Grace from school to accompany her to Tilly Niles birthday party. Tilly is twelve years old today. Will came over and helped Johny saw wood and then Johny went with the team and helped Will draw wood. Will came back and stayed till Wells came home and and helped Wells unharness and take care of the horses. The ice to tomorrow will bear up one horse to cross over to Kingston.

Jan. 31th. (1889) Thursday: The last day of the month is a very stormy one. The snow is falling very fast and the south wind is blowing. Wells drove to school with Grace and John. Smith drove in here to see Wells about the price of hay in town & brought home one old washing machine and then drove to Wills and brought Jen and the children here to make a visit. Jen told us about Billions getting a tub of swill at her house and after taking it home through a mistake poured the swill in to Lobelias soap barrel. And then threw soap and swill together out doors.

Wells went for Grace & J but had to drive to Mauds for G. Then came back and carried Jen and children home. The snow is very deep and the roads are drifted. The ice is covered deep with snow and not good.

Feb. 1^st. (1889) Friday: A bright windy day cold wind. Wells drove with John & Grace to school. Volty came home today. We were not expecting him. He is the first that has crossed the ice. The ice is very poor in places. Wells went over to the old barn for hay. Will came home with him and stayed for dinner. They went over for more hay, Volty went to. Will came too and after supper they went to the debate. A cold starlit night and a new moon.

Feb.2 nd. (1889) Saturday: (As you read this entry you will notice it was written by an unknown person and not grandma Bamford as the handwritting was different and grandma was refered to as Aunt Irene. I can’t think of who it would be.)

Very stormy in morning. Cleared up about noon sun shone bright in afternoon. Voltie and John went over the river after Voltie’s clothes came back in time for dinner. Aunt Irene brought in snow and melted water to mop and get dinner with. Grace cleaned lamps, washed dishes and swept up stairs. Eveline swept and dusted parlor, bedroom and setting room. I ironed and done some mending made a lambrequin and pincushion. Aunt Irene cooked a pudding and got supper, Bamford’s women folks feel pretty happy because they all got letters from their sweethearts. Mrs. Bamford got one from Watson and also one from Lindsell in regard to Shakespeare telling her to keep the book as long as she chooses and then to mail it to him. So ( ?? Looks like Veggy ) Veggy Nunn won’t get those cat-like claws of hers on it. “Three cheers for Lindsell” Well this is about all the events of this day so I will lay by my pen.

Feb. 3^rd. (1889) Sunday: A cold bright day. Wind S.W. John went to Wills and stayed all day. Volty went to his Uncle Smiths and from there went with John & Spencer to Wills. Will cut John & Spencers hair. Wells at home reading the Whig. Grace reading Evaline reading Mrs. B. Reading Shakespear John came home just before dark. Volty came home at ten A.M. A nice sunset but a very cold night.

Feb.4th. (1889)Monday: A clear cold day. Wind S. E. but falling looks like a storm gathering S.E. Wells drove both Grace & John to school and went for them at 4 O’clock. Wells threshed peas at the old barn. Volty & Evaline took the carpet up from sitting room and cleaned the room & put the carpet down again. Commenced snowing at bed time.

Feb.5 th. (1889) Tuesday: A very snowy morning. Snow falling all day and is very deep every where. Welldidn’t go to school house this morning. John went with Sams folks. Grace at home sewing carpet rags. Wells built a fire in kitchen and made an axe handle. After dinner drove over to the old barn. Horses wallowing through the snow to get there. Some people prophicied there would be no snow this winter. We wonder what they think about this the snow on level above the top of the fences and still snowing as fast can pour down. Wells managed to get a jag of hay from the grange. Eveline washed the cloth to finish the rug for the organ stool and then E & V sorted the paper rags from the carpet rags & after dinner Evaline worked on the rug with great difficulty. Volty can get water from the river to cook with. We have to melt snow but there is a plenty of it. John Morgan here playing ( looks like) ouchre with E. & Y. & V and will stay all night. Half past nine and snowing.

Feb. 6 th. (1889) Wednesday: Cloudy morning but brighting up. Intensely cold. Milk froze in pantry. Snow two feet on level and badly drifted. John went to school with Woodman’s boys. Wells drove over to the old barn to break the road after dinner drove back for wood from the old house then went again for hey and threshed more peas and froze his face. Volty went down to Smiths and to Wills and then went with his father for hay and wood John Morgan Stayed ‘till after breakfast and then went down to Smiths. Wind west and very cold all day.

Feb. 7 th. (1889) Thursday: Cloudy morning & snowing, cleared up at noon. Wind west intensly cold. The coldest day this winter. Wells didn’t try to go to the old barn. But as cold as it is Volty shoveled a path to the river and brought water for Evaline to wash and clean floor. Johny went to school. Grace sewed and trimed lamps. ( must be trimed the wicks on the lamps)Wells hung Volties axe and done chores. Volty choped wood at bright sunset, Charley Woodman & Harlow drove with Sylvia down to Horns. She went to go over the river.

Feb. 8 th. (1889) Friday: Weather a little warmer stormed all day from South West. Pa and Voltie went over to the “far barn “ after hay. Got stuck in snow and had to shovel the horses out. John went to debating school at night no one there that had any sense. Eveline knit and ironed colored clothes Grace sewed. Ma done housework cooking & cleaning. Voltie used the stick on Maud in order to make her act a little rational.

Feb.9 th. (1889) Saturday: Weather still moderating (?) Wind South in morning changed to North at night snowed a little. Sun shone in pm a little. Voltie went over the river with Niles. Pa & John went over to the other place after hay and wood. Ice not very good. Charlie Woodman went up to the Ferry on the ice for the first time. John went to the P. O. Eveline got a lettle from Wellie saying he will start for home on the 11 th. Pa got a letter from Hugh. (His cousin) Grace and ma done general housework. Eveline fixed Grace’s dress and washed carpet rags, hung out the clothes. Maud squalled all-day. Bulger’s wife appeared to her then she felt better.(?) ( written on side) Will Cornwell came back with Volty and Niles. They saw Sylvia crossing the ice when they were coming over.

Feb. 10 th. (1889) Sunday: Sun rose bright heavy white frost on the trees which in day warmer weather. Scarcely any wind, a light breeze from the North but warm. A most beautiful day. John over to Will’s all day. Voltie reading, fiddling, play an organ. Mouth - Organ and courting Maudie. Grace is ciphering and reading. Pa & Ma reading. Eveline reading and sleeping. Maude slept and cried and learnt her lesson.

Feb. 11 th. (1889) Monday: A stormy morning. Snowing and blowing from South all day. John went to school with Sam’s boys. After a while Wells concluded ( ??) To drive to school with Grace & came back and fixed an old worn sleeved overcoat and then Volty & his father started to drive to the old barn for hay. Went as far as Wills snows & blows so Wells came back. Volty stopped at Wills. Wells mended his old horse blanket and fixed his old coat ground shears and after dinner chopped wood and drove for Grace & put a knob on cupboard door. Eva ironed after bring all the clothes then and sewed carpet rags. John went over to Wills and played euchre til after eleven O’clock P.M. A fine moonlit evening Evealine ( her name is spelled in a couple different ways so I put it in as it is written)finished Volty’s socks. ( Written on side of page) Old Mr. Ranous died. (My mother also copied the diaries in 1976/1978 by hand she has Mrs. Not Mr.)

Feb.12th. (1889) Tuesday: ( This looks to be in Grandma B’s handwritting) A fine clear day high

wind west rather cold. Wells & Volty drew wood and hay from grange. Evaline cut and sewed carpet rags. John went to school Grace sewed carpet rags. Rachel came over on the load of hay & stayed all night. They played euchre till ten O’clock . Rachel is eating beans says they don’t have much to eat over to their house. Only hodge podge. (Next three words crossed out) She gone to bed to eat beans she says they have no beans or cider at her house. ( I copied it the way it was written) On side is a note “ Bell married 5 years to day.” ( Isabelle Bamford married Charles Victor Holliday/Halliday on Feb 12,1884)

Feb. 13 th. (1889) Wednesday: A clear bright wintry day bitter cold. Wind North. Rose early for Volty to go to Kingston for Welly is expected home today. I hope he will be there Wells drove over to the old barn and threshed peas and drew two loads of fodder for Will, drove back again after dinner. John at school Evaline washed we melted snow to wash with. Rachel moped floors. Maud squalled kicked and hollered. Volty went to Kingston in Niles cutter. Volty came home at sundown without Welly said he was not in Kingston. Volty brought Mauds cloak, cards & little stove her father had left at Wins. Wallace Niles came with Volty, Frank Woodman, Will Dixon and George Niles came too and then Welly came home. Volty had missed him in Kingston. He came across to Marysville with Dr. Spankie and drove down with Jim O’brien he froze one of his ears. We were very glad to see him home again and he was pleased to get home once more. Rachel and boys played euchre. A clear cold moon lit night. ( on side of page) William Horn lost his oats for horse feed on ice & John found it.

Feb.14 th. (1889) Thursday: A clear cold wintry day Old Mr (? Mrs.)Ranous buried today. Wells went to funeral. John gone to school. Rachel walked home after breakfast and Jen. Rachel and Jen went ,walked, to funeral. Welly and Volty brushed a road to Linda’s Island ,found ice good for a double team. Bamford’s folks nearly on verge of starvation. No sugar, flour, or kerosine, and several other things wanting. Live in hopes of better times. Evaline making up a combination suit. I done some coloring. Grace done all sorts. A bitter cold day, wind west. Nothing to carry to market now can scarcely make butter enough to eat. What milk we do have is all frozen up in pantry. Our apples are nearly stopped out too, but then “we never starved a winter yet”. Our coal is most all gone, but we have three packs of cards in the house, and some potatoes. We play euchre every night which is some comfort, besides there is plenty of tobacco. But then our is most all gone too, and not a hog on the place. But we have a new box of starch, and a barrel of carpet rags and about a ton of rags not sewed yet. Our tea is most too. But then we have two barrels of cider so we will have something to drink if the river don’t run dry. The preacher promised to call and pay Wells for house rent but he forgot to keep his promise for of course a preacher could not tell a lie. Good night. ( on side) St. Valentines Day

Feb.15 th. (1889) Friday: A fine day scarcely any wind. Wells gone to Kingston to mill. Welly gone too. Smith was up today. Horn called here for his oats he lost on the ice last Wednesday. Almond in the sleigh with Horn. Made a resolve on two subjects of which I shall not record in this diary, until I see how well I perserve in what I have undertaken to accomplish. Syliva came home to day from her Sand Bay visit. Rev. Watts called to pay Wells the house rent. Will came over for Volty to ask for pea straw from old barn to feed Wills cows and went back with Volty. Brought his fiddle a squash, and some pickles. After dinner Volty went to help Will run his fish net. Jen went to Kingston with Wells to visit her sister Mrs. Billar. Hard times are brighting a little what with squash and pickles and 25 dollars by Rev. Watts, but of course Hugh is gaping for the money, and will get it. Tis 4 O’clock and Maud been so good all day. Wells & Welly came home at 6 O’clock and brought flour, tea, sugar, coal and oatmeal A letter from Victor. ( Her brother Victor Dixon b: Sept. 1,1850 d: unknown)

Feb. 16 th. (1889) Saturday: A very cold morning. Wind North cloudy At ten O’clock weather changed. Wind south Well to much by the head carries to much ballast feels very important. Maud sick with worms. Eating too much candy last night vomiting and sick most all day better towards night. Bob Berry came down to try the ice to Millens Bay. Wells went across with him and brushed a road. After dinner Wells and Volty drove over with cutter to Millens Bay and got 5 gallons of kerosene commenced raining while they were gone and rained all day. Welly ,Volty and John drew straw or hay from the old barn. Evaline finished Graces dress I cleaned floors, churned & cooked. Grace helped and knit her stockings. Ten O’clock and raining hard. Welly went down to Ebbs to day.

Feb 17 th. (1889) Sunday: Rained all night tub & barrel full of rain water. Wind South. Wells & boys at home all day & reading. Maud half sick and cross. Cloudy soft weather Wind changed to west towards night and colder.

Feb. 18 th. (1889) Monday: Wind North and increasing to a snow storm The worst snow storm this winter. Wells got a bad cold but helped Volty & John draw hay from grange. We have plenty of rain water so Evaline washed and hung out the colored clothes and helped clean floors. Welly went to Ebb’s for axe handle timber came back in time for dinner made an axe handle and hung his Mich axe. A bad storm to do chores saw wood and bring water. Maud had temper tantrums at evening.( Written on side) Will came over and brought butter for Wells to carry to market stayed all evening and played euchre with our boys.

Feb 19 th. (1889) Tuesday: Wells intended going to Kingston this morning but roads so bad did not go. Wind west cold and blustering. Wells & the boys did not go to the grange to day. Evaline made Wells a shirt. Grace washed dishes and knit. Evaline moped floors. Welly made an axe handle. John went to school. Volty mended his boots. Wells sorted over beans for Smiths and made leather buttons for his old overcoat. Will came over and stayed awhile says he has no wood or any thing to feed his cows only potatoes. John Niles made us an evening visit. Welly and Volty went to Wills at evening and played cards. Maud acted very bad indeed. I have to adopt a new plan for Maud. Smith here looking for his turkeys ( on the side) Wills says Smith’s fowls are at his place.

Feb. 20^th. (1889) Wednesday: A fine morning. Wells went to Kingston Volty went to Spinks on Grindstone Island - went on skates. Snow squalls commenced at 10 O’clock. Squalled and blustered all day. Wind west . John and Will drew three loads of hay from grange. Will here for boiler. Welly made skate wood.. Eveline moped commenced Volty’s mittens and ironed and filled a sack of paper rags. Wells came home at 25 minutes to 8 O’clock P.M. and Jen with him. A very cold wintry night. Jen and baby very cold. Will here waiting for Jen. It is cold. Jen stayed all night.

Feb. 21 st. (1889) Thursday: Laura went to Mullet Creek. Bob Barry’s moved across the river today. A cold day. Wind south all day. Sun shining but looks very much like a storm. John went to school. Wells & Junior drew three loads of hay from grange. Wind blew so strong could not draw hay in afternoon. Jen went home when went for second load. Will here helped them draw hay too. Win & Sid put in their appearances this P.M. Were filled with J. Niles cider but managed to stow away 4 qts. More. Over looking around about buying horses. Been to Flynns, Morgans & Niles & etc. sat around here awhile spouted & blowed went out to the barn two or three times hoping Wells had a little whiskey at last wells hitched up and “drawed “ them away but as it was Van could scarcely tear himself away from our cider barrel but they are gone at last and we pass a very pleasant evening. Welly and Johny made Samys folks a visit. I forgot to mention B. Bobbitt started to learn her trade today poor Sylvia gone to the bad entirely. Wind blowing a gale.

Feb. 22^nd. (1889) Friday: A windy stormy morning snowing all day. A south wind in morning changing to north very cold towards night. Welly went to Kingston with Charley Woodman on a load of grain. Started at eleven and returned at four. John at school. Wells choring around. I don’t know how Will gets along for wood and hay. J. Morgan & J. Flynn called in evening. Welly and John went with them to debating school only six there. Eveline sewed carpet rags finished and began another mittens for Volty. Grace cut & sewed rags knit etc. on Mauds stockings. I wrote Victor and Watson.

Feb. 23^rd. (1889) Saturday: Wind north a terrible cold day. Sun shining. Wells, Welly and Johny drew hay in fore noon could draw none in P.M. Wind blow so strong and cold. Wells soldered tin pail. Evaline washed ,mopped colored made neck tie for Welley. Swept and dusted the room and arranged things generally. Grace done chamber work. Knit Maud a stocking washed dishes, etc. Will and Jen came over tonight after hay. Cows had nothing to eat in four days. Wells Sr. Got a letter from Hugh. No Valentino’s for Bamfords folks. Quite a disappointed family.

Feb. 24^th. (1889) Sunday: Got up late sun rose clear and bright. Quite cold. Weather moderate towards night Wind south. Changes to west at night. Grace went visiting up to Niles. John went down to Smiths at night. Wells Jr. Called on Wills folks Will came back with him after tobacco. Brought the broiler home. Rachel sent over word she was coming over to have her dress fixed over.

Feb. 25^th. (1889) Monday: A beautiful day, sun shining clearly all day moderately cold. S.W. wind Grace walks to school this morning. John started to go but stayed at home. Wells, Welly, & John drew hay & wood from grange. Rachel came over & brought her new dress for Eveline to alter the skirt for she can’t get into it. Jen and children went to George Gillespie to make a visit. Will went with her to carry Charlie. Eva washed ,mopped, knit on V. Mitten. Maud has been a very good girl today.

Feb. 26^th. (1889) Tuesday: A fine day. Wind south. John & Grace at school. Wells andWelly drew a stick of timber from down stream and hay from grange. Will made us a call. Volty came home today. Was at Clayton ( New York) Spinks & Kendalls & called at Brad point and stayed all night. George and Wallace Niles here in evening. Boys played cards. Charlie Smith brought Laura home from Lafargeville ( New York) Jen came up from Burnhams to G. Gillespies and came home at evening. Smith went to the city. A general turn out for Kingston today. Eveline finished Volties mittens and commenced another for Wells Jr. Volty picked up all the rags from the closet up stairs. Charley Smith made Wills an evening visit. Clouds begin to gather towards sunset and snow falling at evening.

Feb. 27^th. (1889) Wednesday: A light wind, south warm snow falling all last night and all day long after breakfast. Wells drove over for R and went to Kingston. John and Grace at school. Grace stayed at O’Briens over night. Volty made Will an axe handle. Will came for it. A wedding on Grindstone today. The contracting parties are Marshall and Rattray. E knitting on Wells Jr. Mittens. Smith and pard have drove up on ice Suppose they are gone to engage a carpet weaver. A very dull day indeed. A great dept of snow every where and yet snowing. Our hens don’t lay eggs, our cows don’t calve. Hard times no mistake. But thankful we are all well. Teams are going up and down the ice most all the time. Wells and R. Came home long before dark. Wells brought Rachels organ, sugar, oatmeal, rice, and lamp chimneys. Will here in evening and played pedro with our boys.

Feb. 28^th. (1889) Thursday: Muriel born Thursday Feb. 28 ( Muriel Bamford was first child of Wells William (Welly) Bamford & Eveline Joslyn Bamford. Grandma’s Irene Bamfords grandchild she grew up and married Raymond Comins on Dec. 25,1910 she died Feb.22,1973)

This is the last day of February 1889. A mild fine day. Wells drove to Marysville and brought back two bags of coal. Welly and Volty cut ice for the ice house. Johny went to school ( I washed and dressed the baby and slept two hours.) Rachel done house work and cooked. Will here. Jen came over in evening. John Niles & Will Cornwell here – more card playing going on. I sat up most all night.( There was about 2 or 3 lines crossed thru for today and the 1^st couldn’t read)

March 1^st. (1889) Friday: A mild rather cloudy morning. Very quiet. Wind south,Wells went to Gananque with Devero. Welly, Volty and Will filled ice house. Rachel and Grace done general housework . John went to school. I take care of Eveline and baby. Wells came home early and boys didn’t let the hens out by the coop.

March 2^nd. (1889) Saturday: A bright warm day. Wind south very light Welly and Volty went to Chaumont ( New York ) for fish nets. Came home at 8 P.M. Mrs. Niles here to see Eveline and baby. Rachel washed and moped floors. I forgot what Wells & John done. Welly and Volty carried the rags to Mullins Bay got calico. Old uncle Kilborn came.

March 3^rd. (1889) Sunday: A beautiful day Wind S. Johny went to Bells. Charlie & Bell came and brought the children. Grace went home with them. Jen and Will came over toward night. John did not come home but stayed all night. Smith here at the barn clearing up stories about his character.

March 4^th. (1889) Monday: A fine bright day. Wind S. I washed and hung out the white clothes and took care of E. And baby. Welly and Volty drove to Chaumont ( New York) for nets and sailboat did not come home, stayed all night. John came back from Charlie’s and stopped at the school all day. I looked for the boys ‘til 12 O’clock midnight.

March 5^th. (1889) Tuesday: A cloudy morning Wind south warm thawing. Froze last night. Wells went to Kingston with Smith and came back with Al Joslin. I washed and hung out dark clothes. W. & V. Came home at 2 O’clock P.M. John went to school. Kilborn went to Kingston with Smith.

March 6^th. (1889) Wednesday: A fine warm day. Wind south. Wells, Welly, and Volty drove over the river for the boys sail boat. Wills children and Jen sick with a distemper. Welly went to Al’s to report boat.

March 7^th. (1889) Thursday: A stormy morning. Snow all day Wind W. Volty & Alec Liddy drove to Pittsburgh for a heifer came back at 4 O’clock . Wells went across the river with them and carried lantern came back after dark. Welly & Will setting fish nets. John went to Corners for calico. Walked over with J. Niles. Charlie Halliday called here to borrow a muffler for Bell to wear “ to corners” for they are going with Tom & Milly to get married. Tom Hall & Milly Carley were married today by the Rev. Thompson. Kilborn stopping at Smiths. Caroline Cummins came here from Wills and stayed all night.

March 8^th. (1889) Friday: A stormy morning Wind north. Wells went over the river. Caroline walked over to Wills. Wells Jr. & Volty set fish nets. John went to school. A picture show at the church admission 20 cts. Volty and John went. Expected Grace home from Bell’s but she did not come. Old K. Here in evening.

March 9^th. (1889) Saturday: A very pleasent day. But rather cold. Wind n. Our boys and Wells all at home. J. Cornwell , Ben Percy came here from J. Niles nearly chuck with cider. Called here and swilled more. J.C. so drunk can’t walk Staid but fell down lost one his over shoes crossing the river. Talk horse all the time racing and betting spurious sports. Don’t amount to anything. Poor folks.

March 10^th. (1889) Sunday: Sunday morning rather cold. Wind West cloudy lonesome day. Rachel went over to her house and stayed til night. Will came back with her. Will got a bad cold. Wells reading his old newspaper. I working all day as usual. Grace at Bells yet. E and the baby not very well. Johny,Welly and Volty at home.

March 11^th. (1889) Monday: A clear bright day. Wind west. Wells went over river to see Alec Liddy. Will came over A.M. Will ,V & W. Jr. Went to their fish nets but got no fish so took the nets & brought them home. Wells hewing a log. Lots of cutters on the ice today some horse trotters are out. Mrs Peter Paterson has sent out today, sent for Mrs. Wm. Smith who came home and reported a boy, but soon after Paterson drove up for the Dr. Gone just 3 hours. Our boys set another fish net just past the house. Rachel picking our duck that died. I am very sleepy.

March 12^th. (1889) Tuesday: A cloudy morning but, soon clears up and sun shines bright. All day. Wells went to Kingston, our boys got two sturgeon. Will came over for Rachel. Mother is sick. John went to school. Irene worked all day stepped high, light and wide.

March 13^th. (1889) Wednesday: A very fine day wind south. Will came over said mother is better. Wells went for Grace and we were all glade to see her home. John at school. Irene washed a few baby clothes and ironed. Boys set more fish nets. Wells hewing a log. Hens laid 2 eggs. Another new calf.

March 14^th. (1889) Thursday: A very fine day rather cold. Wind west. Grace washed a big washing and hung them on the line. Rachel came over after dinner. Jane Niles with Shelly and Johny came at noon and went home at 3. Towards night Volty called out “ more visiter’s” and in walked Doradane (Her name is spelled differently in others place of genealogy she is a sister to William Wells Bamford, born to Albert and Cordelia Gotham Bamford in est: 1832 married Floyd Smith, she died Feb. 19,1906 and is buried in Sand Bay Cem.,Cape Vincent, Jefferson Co. New York. In 1865 census her name was spelled Danebary and on Cem. Stone Doradanam )with her bag snuffing away as prim and precise as ever. R stayed and moped floor. We eat supper after dark.

March 15^th. (1889) Friday: A soft warm thawing day. Wind south. Grace ironed. Irene done housework and cooked. Boys hauled fish nets and building wharfs. John went to school. Wells chored around and hewed log. Dane went over to Wills visiting. John Niles, Eddy Bates and Hiriam Joslin here in evening.

March 16^th. (1889) Saturday: A very fine day rather cold wind west. Wells called up early this morning by W. Burnham wanting to go to Kingston with Wells. After W. Had gone Dodge came from Mullins Bay to go ,too. But went with Charley Woodman. Smith & wife went visiting at W. G. Woodmans. Drove on ice in cutter. Irene cleaned floors, churned, baked and done general housework. Boys building wharfs and run nets but no fish. John done as he had a mind to. Grace washed dishes. Doradane came back from Rachels & R came over in evening. Wells,Volty and Wellington came home long before dark brought 1 coal, 10 sugar, 4 tea, 5 rice & etc.

March 17^th. (1889) Sunday: A find day thawing. Wells drove over to Bells with Doradane. Grace and Maud made an all days visit. Rachel came over and helped get dinner & washed dishes. Boys went skating. Wells and the others came home early. Will came over in evening. Rachel went home with him. Looks like a storm. Maud cried because she had to go to bed.

March 18^th. (1889) Monday: A very pleasant day. Wind north. Aunt Rachel came over early to go to town with Pa. But he did not go so she stayed here and riped her dress to pieces ( Maybe the one she was going to make over to fit.) Grace and ma did a big washing today. The boys got a sturgeon out of their nets. John went to school. Will got a pickerel in his nets. Eva not feeling very well. The baby very good today. The boys are working on their pier. Rachel, Jen, and Will quarreled last night so Rachel came over here this morning without her breakfast. Pa is hewing on some timber. Maude is raising the dickens around the house. Aunt Dany here yet. Beatrice 2 years old today.( Beatrice 2^nd. daughter of Charles & Bell Halliday)

March 19^th. (1889) Tuesday: A fine day. Wind north froze some last night. Dane and Rachel walked down to Ebbs this morning on the ice. Welly working for Niles building a kitchen. Wells hewing a log in the grove. John, Volty, & Will built a pier. Rachel came up towards night on the land, with wet feet, ground all mud and slush. Two men trying to cross but can’t.

March 20^th. (1889) Wednesday: Rachel brought some apples from Burnhams and Welly brought some from Niles. A fine day. Wind north. Snow dissapears rapidly no crossing, ice good for nothing. Will & Volty pulled nets out the river. Welly working for Niles. Wells went to Burnhams manure bee. Rachel went too to help Alvira cook. John, Volty, & Will drew stone for dock.Irene cleaned floors. Grace helped & etc. Evaline sewed on Graces dress.

March 21^st. (1889) Thursday: A cold day. Wind north, sunshines. Volty helped clear up the kitchen. Irene washed. Eveline sewed and cut Rachel’s dress. Baby very good indeed. Welly went to Al Joslin’s A. M. For fish nets. Welly and Volty both worked for Niles in P.M. Wells pottering around all forenoon cleaning up peas and drew hay for Will in afternoonfrom Burnhams. John stayed at home. Irene cleaned kitchen cupboard in P.M. and got supper. Channel open clear through. Irene washed all baby’s little clothes.

March 22^nd. (1889) Friday: A fine day no wind, no rain, no snow, no clouds. Froze some last night. Ground looks bare and brown with patches of dirty snow scattered all around. Wells gone to George Gillespies manure bee. Welly and Volty working for Niles. Johny at school. Mother walked over with Will this morning. Evaline cut & fitted another dress for Rachel. Grace walked over to Will’s for sewing machine shuttles. Till ( could be Lill) went down to Smith’s with milk. Hard times yet no pork, no beef, only a little butter and I am very sleepy no wood and I have to scrape up pine hewings to prepare the dinner. After Wells came home from bee, he drove back with Rachel & mother. Boy’s came home early from Niles. We spent a very pleasant evening.

March 23^rd. (1889) Saturday: A fine bright ( I think she forgot day) wind south a wide open space in river clear of ice. Will came over a little while. More trouble at their house. One of our turkeys died. Wells hewing timber in the grove and drawing hay from grange. John helping draw hay. W. Jr. & Volty working for J. Niles. Evaline sewing and helped get dinner and wash dishes. Grace working around. Irene cleaned floors etc. Made custard pie for dinner if we had pork I could save butter to sell.(would use pork lard for cooking instead of butter.) Wells jr. & Volty made Will a visit in evening.

March 24^th. (1889) Sunday: A fine day wind south. Our boys at home. Johny made Smith’s folks a visit. Wells reading. Charles and Henry Holliday came over. Grace went home with them. Will came over for his mail. John & Jane came over in the evening.

March 25^th. (1889) Monday: A clear bright day.Wind north cold thawing in the sun. freezing in shadow. Wells and John drew hay from grange. W Jr. & V mending the skiff. John went to school in afternoon. Rachel came over to finish her dresses. She got a very sore throat and bad cold. Evaline washed baby’s clothes,ironed and helped R. On her dress. I baked bread.

March 26^th. (1889) Tuesday: A fine day somewhat cloudy looks like a storm. Wind West Wells went to A. Berries bee moving a barn. J.Niles called here in morning for W. Jr. To go with him over the river. Did not go with him had other work to do fixing skiff. Ebb called too on his way to the bee but went back to help John N. Out through the ice to the open water. Stoped on his way back to see the baby. Volty and I cleaned up the kitchen. Samy’s boys here in the evening playing euchre in the kitchen. Rachel’s throat better she helped do the work. Ebb called again Welly went to Ebb’s for boat nails. John went to school. I sick (on side) myself and worked all day.

March 27^th. (1889) Wednesday: A lowsy day drizzly day. Wells hewing timber. I sick with a bad cold. Wind S.E. Wells Jr. Working for N ( Niles) Volty mending sail upstairs. Johny at school. Eveline fixing R’s dress over after Win Smith’s botching. Rachel doing all the house work. I went to bed. Volty took the apples out the pit. Turkey laid too. & we have another new milk cow. Smith brought home Well’s stove pipe. Our boys went over to Will’s to play cards in evening. Will building a punt.

March 28^th. (1889) Thursday: Wind W. Ground covered with snow. This morning cold. Had bad headache all night, couldn’t sleep. Wells & J(Johny) and Volty drew hay from grange. & then Wells got out posts for a barn he intends to build sometimes. Well’s Jr. Working for Niles. After dinner Volty went over to Wills to help carry lumber for Will’s punt. Ice clear from the other shore and but a very small strip on this shore but our water hole left yet. I went to bed and slept sunshone clear all A.M. but heavy wind clouds in P.M. and last nights snow all gone. R (Rachel) doing cooking E (Eveline) doing R’s dress. Got it done. Edy & Eben Bates, George Niles and Wallace Niles playing ball. A clear sunset.

March 29^th (1889) Friday: A fine day. Wind S. W. River filled with floating ice. John went early to Ebbs to borrow soap. But as good luck found no one at home so came back & helped V. Carry leach barrel into kitchen which was set up early last spring by the hen park. John then went to school. Welly went to J.N.’s to work. Volty ,R and I tried all day to make soapbut failed the first day. I forget what Well’s done. Hewed, I guess. Fried eggs for supper. Evaline sewed and cared for baby. Eddy, Eben & Hiriam here in the evening sunset playing base ball.

March 30^th. (1889) Saturday: A cold day. Wind north. We managed to make one kettle of soap. Eveline washed all the clothes. Cleaned, swept and dusted made beds tended to baby. Wells hewed & made neckyoke. Welly worked for Niles. Volty brought water and chored around. John went over to Wills for the cows caught Uncle Smith dogging them. R. Cooked the meals. Irene cleaned floors. Charley W.(Woodman) went for the mail on horse. A letter from Watson. George and Wally Niles here playing base ball. Welly went down to Ebbs for paint and played base ball. Brought home 2 ½ lbs. Sugar and some apples then Welly & Volty went to Mr. J. P. for coal.

March 31^st. (1889) Sunday: Last day of March. Snowing all day ground white with snow. Wind N. In morning. Then S.E. & S. Rachel went home after breakfast Welly went with her. Wells reading Evaline not very well. Baby very good. Maud very good. Volty at home all day. John went over to Wells after dinner. 9 O’clock in evening and snowing fast. Sylvia 26 years old today.

The Islands: Diaries: Irene Bamford: 1889 part 1