Diary of Irene Dixon Bamford
1889 part 2
Transcribed by Thelma Moye
April 1st. (1889) Monday: A cloudy morning snowing yet and good sleighing. Wind north. Wells hitched up after breakfast and drove to Marysville for groceries. First drove over to Wills for their butter. Welly worked for Niles. John played April Fool all day. Volty went to Ebbs for punt to set a fish net. Will came over to help set net but wind blow so from North didn’t set the net. Smith and Paterson went to ferry. Rachel and Evaline washed. I forget what Irene done. Snow that fell all day yesterday & last night dissapeared. Wells came early at 4 O’clock.
April 2nd. (1889) Tuesday: A cloudy morning. Wind north Wells hitched up after breakfast and Wells, Volty and Irene drove over to Charles for a barn Raising. 28 men there to dinner and supper. Old crackie says “if the Scot act is carried as a law he will leave the country.” Our boys set sturgeon nets early this morning. Johny went to school. Rachel & Eva finished washing. Eva made a lounge tick,(tick means mattress) cradle tick, and little pillow for the baby. Welly worked for Niles. Volty stayed over to help Charley shingle his barn. A disagreeable evening, dismal and cloudy. Wells drove home very slowly.
April 3rd. (1889) Wednesday: The sun rose clear but soon grew cloudy. And snowing thick and fast at 10:00. Volty and Grace at Bell’s. John at school Wells gone to William Rattrays bee putting rafters on his new cheese factory. Welly helping Evaline “clar” up the chamber (bedroom). Rachel picking over peas for soup. I am writing and rocking cradle so sleepy I go to sleep with pen in hand. Didn’t sleep much last night. Smith and Patterson gone up to P.P. farm above the ferry. Gone in a skiff. Guess they will have a hard time to come down this eve on account of ice and weather . William S and P.P. a great freinds. Smiths man Sinclair went with them. The roads are half snow and half mud. Some goes on wheels some on runners. The road between J. O’Brien and Rattrays corner is filled with snow three deep but the up and down roads are a bed of mud. The ice between Wolfe and Howe Island remains fast locked in unbroken. While the Pierpont makes a regular trip each day as far as Garden Island and in P.M. goes around the head of the Island to Cape Vincent. Volty came home at bed time.
April 4th. (1889) Thursday: Smith walked to Marysville from P.P. place and hired Billy Card to bring him home to his dear Lobelia.(written on side) A cloudy morning wind S.W. clears up toward noon. The earth completely covered with sno whic soon dissolves under the influence of wind and sun. Wells ,V and J drew hay from the old barn then Wells went to Election to vote for to elect the devil for chief magistrate for 3 years in the county of Frontenac. Wells Jr. And Volty working on sail boat. Rachel and E. Washed breakfast dishes. R. Cut paper for pantry shelves. Looks very nice indeed another cow to be milked. Will came over and I pay mother part of her butter. Sent Jens things home this morning. Welly went to Ebbs we sent home their sugar. Eva ironed the clothes.
April 5th. (1889) Friday: A fine day Wind W. Rather cool Evaline washed and Volty helped E. Clean up the kitchen and scrub florrs. Johny went to schools last day. Wells chopping over by Snow place. Welly and Volty putting ribs in sail boat. Rachel done something I forgot what. I have forgotten what I done. I’m so sleepy I can’t remember. A sugar party at Mich O’Briens. John attended.
April 6th. (1889) Saturday: A fine day. Wind north cool. P. Patterson and Will Woodman came early in morning for W. Jr. And Volty to go with skiff way up the island to P.P. farm to build P.P.a house. He is going to move his family soon. George Gillespie went with them after breakfast. Wells started to cross the river in G.G. skiff but Horn had gone over and went to Percys to see about buying seed wheat found Rob gone from home came back at night supperless and hungry from Hungry Bay. Price on Rob’s wheat $1.25 per bushel. Rachel went visiting to J. Niles and got warm sugar,made her sick. W.J. and V. Came home at dark hungry and tired. John brought home water and done house work of all kinds. Maud very good and baby slept in cradle. Wellington and Will came for their mail. A beautiful evening.
April 7th. (1889) Sunday: A lovely day scarcely any wind. South wind froze a little last night river scaled over with ice its so still. Expected Charley over to bring Grace home but didn’t come. Welly went early this morning to carry N. Sail home and borrowed some solereotus. (??) Will came over awhile. Wells went to Niles to borrow his boat for tomorrow. John after dinner went to Hannah Flynns came home at 11:00 oclock P.M. a beautiful evening.
April 8th. (1889) Monday: ( on side: Will Cornwell gone sailing. A clear bright day. River like a mirror. All day zephyr S. froze last night. W. Genge commenced school. John went to school. Grace at Bells yet. Ought to be at home to go to school. When she comes she will go. Wells chopping wood all A.M. Went over to Sand Bay. A.M. with J. Niles and George Farr. Volty putting coal tar on “sail boat”. Welly gone up the island with P.P. to work on P.P.’s house. Eva and Rachel done great washing. I cooked and washed dishes. E.cleaned kitchen floor and painted lounge and chair and ironed clothes. Plenty of work and not much to eat and no kerosene. Genge stoped and talked with Volty at the sail boat. Johny went to N. In evening.Kerosene all gone and we burn a XX(crossed out) stut.
April 9th. (1889) Tuesday: A cloudy morning. Wind south looks like rain. Clears up early sun shines all day. Wells commenced plowing all day. Johny at school Volty tarring the sail boat. Grace at Charley’s yet. Welly didn’t come home working for P.P. Eva washed a lot of carpet rags. Will come over for flour,butter,saleratus and I gave him some corn meal. E out trying to get wood & Will chopped one of Wells pine rails. If Wells finds it out he’ll jaw. I hid it in the oven and it makes a good fire. Rachel went to Wills for tea. Smith got a bee tearing down the old barn . Didn’t invite Wells or the boys or Will,he has no need of them for he is not running away from Rutland now. Grace is fifteen today. Snow nearly all gone from corner of fences. Shelly Niles here visiting Maude. Welly came from Pattersons.
April 10th. (1889) Wednesday: A fine day. Wind South & chilly. Wells plow all day. Volty tarred sail made hot bed and planted potatoes. John at school. Evaline cut and sewed rags. Smith came up for his heifer and said it was a very fine day. Rachel helped cut carpet rags. Welly helped tar boat & went up to Morgans in evening and stoped at Niles.
April 11th. (1889) Thursday: Wells got 5 gals. Of kerosene. (Written on side) A fine day. Wind south. Rachel and Welly and Volty mended sails for the boat. Wells went over the river to Beadles for seed wheat. Came back for dinner and plowed til dark. Johny went to school. Maud didn’t behave very well. E and R. Sewed on carpet rags. Look s like rain at dark.
April 12th. (1889) Friday: A foggy morning. Wind north Wells and Johny went to Cape Vincent in skiff came back to Beadles and got 5 bushes of seed wheat and a bag of potatoes. Wells brought 4 lbs. Tea, 10 lbs. Sugar, & 1 lb. Saleratus. Fog cleared up at 8 oclock and a fine day. Welly and Volty rigged out and launched their sail boat. And took Ebb home. Mrs. Murdock here for peas. Boys carried her and daughter in boat down to Ed. Rattrays. R & E sewed carpet rags. E. Rattray has a stone bee today tis 10O’clock P.M. Wind blowing strong from north Welly carried N. Sail and oars home this evening and I sent Janes tea and soda home.
April 13th. (1889) Saturday: A fine day no rain. Wells went to Kingston. Went off without his breakfast. Came home early brought Grace boots and Mauds. Volty’s boat too big. 10 sugar, 3 seeds. And a bottle of pills. Wade’s Mandrake. Volty drew hay from Burnhams for Will and plowed a little in garden. Welly went to Samys with a letter. Brought water and he & Volty went around the foot to Breakeys Bay to set fish nets so much ice couldn’t lift nets to joys. John chored around and didn’t clean horse stable. E cleaned floors and done everything. R. Made a Johny Cake. I forgot what I done. Guess I washed something.
April 14th. (1889) Sunday: A beautiful day. No rain. Charley and Bell came brought Grace home. Boys went to Joslins Bay for sail boat. Welly , Volty, Johny, Evaline, & Grace went for a sail. Went far as Morgans. Fiddled and sunny. Genge went too from Niles. Wells didn;t read much. Visiting with Charley. Johny went to Niles in evening. And stayed late. Charley and Bell went home early. Wells went with far as O’Briens. R,G, and Maud went to J. Niles for horse radish. Genge made us his first visit with George and Wally Niles in evening.
April 15th. (1889) Monday: A fine day. No rain a white frost this morning. Wells squared accounts with Smith today. And they quarreled. Welly and Will set nets John dragged at home. Volty plowed. The pasture at home. Patterson’s moving. Evaline washed. Don’t know what Rachel done she made Johnny Cake. Grace commenced school. Wells sewed grain.
April 16th. (1889) Tuesday: A beautiful rosy morning. Wind north no rain. Wells gone to the city. Started early long before sunrise. And I sitting here alone writting. Very sleepy. Fire all gone out. No wood only pine hewings and none of those in the house. Welly planted potatoes. Volty made garden and J. & V. Drew manure banking from the house. Grace went to school Eva cut and sewed rags. Welly and Will went to their nets. Volty and John went speering fish after dark and had a concert at Bulgers. Mother came over. Wells came late. (On side of page: Jane N. & children here in morning.)
April 17th. (1889) Wednesday: A fine day no rain no wind. N. Very warm. Wells sowing oats on grange. John dragging. Volty plowing Grace at school. Jen visiting at Niles. Rachel went to Wills and stayed all day til supper time. Will here and Grace at school. Genge here in evening. Eva cleaned floors and sewed rags. Boys had a concert at Flynns came home at eleven P.M. Lewy Joy 10 years old today. Baby cried.
April 18th. (1889) Thursday: A beautiful warm day. No wind n. no rain. Wells building fence all day. Pasture fenced Welly plowed down by Ebbs A.M. Volty set onions A.M. Welly went to his nets P.M. John drag oats. Volty plowed in P.M. Grace at school today is the first Welly has plowed in three years. Pierepont came in today for the first this season. R went to the city. Maud Smith came home today. Windmill girls here for fish. Don’t know much odd and silly. Welly & Volty went spearing in evening. Genge walked home no school till Tuesday. Volty opened outside cellar door. Set up for the boys to come. Got sleepy waiting & gone to bed.
April 19th. (1889) Friday: ( On side of page) Wells Jr. And Volty speared lot of fish last night until came home late at 12 O’Clock.
A fine morning. Wind south breezy and warm. Afternoon cloudy looks like rain no wind. Wells building fence. Valty plowed. John cultivating. Eva washed and ironed. Rachel making an apron. Welly brought water A.M. afternoon went to Al Joslins for net. Will caught 12 pickerel. Grace at home no school Easter Hollidays. Lizzie Morgan visiting Smiths. No rain. Very dry, Sun shines out, 4 O’Clock. P.M. With wind evening thunder lighting and shower. Boys all at home,went to bed early.
April 20th (1889) Saturday: A foggy morning wind south. Cools breezy fog clears towards noon. Wells worked on grange. Volty plowed. John dragged. Rachel cleaned floors. Grace visiting at Niles, came home at dark. E. & G. Put the rooms in order. E. Mopped pantry and my bedroom. Welly covered a ball for Ed. Bates and went to his nets.
April 21st ( 1889) Sunday: A clear day wind west. Breezy cool. Wells at home reading. John dressed up and went to see Eddy Bates. Eddy came home with him at noon Will came over and brought me some fish muskelunge. Volty at home all day. Welly went to see to his sail boat. Wind blowing hard. Grace went over to see her grandmother and stayed till after dark. Jen went with Will to Breakeys Bay.
April 22nd (1889) Monday: A clear day wind west and cold. Wells,Volty and Johny working, draging, sowing, and plowing. Welly went to run the nets.A.M. wind blow so couldn’t come back and went to J. Niles to finish the kitchen.E. went up to J. Niles to sew on Janies sewing machine. I slept an hour. Grace made jam and run away to J. Niles. I am not very well pleased she been there once today for a pitcher of soap. Welly brought calf from J. Niles.
April 23rd (1889) Tuesday: A fine day wind south. Wells building fence. Volty plowing. John cultivating. Welly started to go to his nets. A.M. didn’t go wind blow so. Welly and Will run nets P.M. Will caught 19 pickerel Welly 14 pickerel a half barrel of perch came home long after dark. Tired and hungry. Dark clouds hanging over our domestic horizon. Dear Welly. God bless him Grace at school. No soap no soda genge came at dark and E.and E. Bates. E. Fixing her dress and caring for the babe. Rachel help cook. E. Washed babys clothes.
April 24th (1889) Wednesday: A fine breezy day. Wind south. Wells and John working on grange. Welly went for the fish at Breakeys Bay intending to go to the Cape. Volty took team and brought them to Joslens Bay. And put them in sail boat. Welly came home at 10 O’Clock. Rachel and I fed calves. Grace at school. E. Ironed baby things and knit a lamberquin. Rachel worked around house all day. It is raining hard. Rains all night.
April 25th (1889) Thursday: Genge here in the evening. A damp rainy morning. Wind Wells drove to dock with Rachel. I sent 4 lbs. Butter and 1 doz. Eggs. Welly and Volty went to Cape with the first fish at 2 cts. Per pound and 1ct. For perch. Grace at school. Eva cleaned floor, knit and pieced quilts. John drawing banking from house. Wells repairing cultivator and on grange a showery evening.
April 26th (1889) Friday: A cloudy foggy day raining part of the day. Wells drew stone and trimmed orchard on grange. John drew stone. Volty plowed and drew fish. Pound to Breakeys Bay. Welly went to the nets at eleven came back after dark. Grace at school. Eveline and Rachel washed some of the clothes got dry Commenced raining again towards evening. Wind N. In morning and S in P.M.
April 27th (1889) Saturday: A cloudy drizzly morning. Wind South. Wells went to the city. Started late. Welly brought water to clean floors and then went orstarted to go to his net but went to Howe Island with Al Joslins to carry fruit trees and came back long after dark. Volty went to Burnhams for potatoes came back and grafted trees in P.M. Grace washed her clothes and went to Smiths rag bee. John pottered around in A.M. and plowed garden P.M. Rachel cleaned floors. E. Scrubbed chairs, swept and dusted and ironed her clothes. Raining hard at dark John went for Grace after dark and went home with Till. Wells came home first but late. Grace came next and Welly last.
April 28th (1889) Sunday: A rainy morning. Wells reading. John went to church but no preaching. Sinclair rowed Laura and Maud up for church but soon went home again. Rachel went over to Wills and stayed to dinner. Welly and Volty at home most all day. Very cold for the season. Wind west blowing some.
April 29th (1889) Monday: Welly and Volty built a fence around the garden. A rainy morning. Wind west
,cold and disagreeable weather.Wells drove to ferry with Rachel to go on the Princess Louise and he went to city. Grace went to school. Eva made my waist. Welly tried to run nets wind blows so can’t. Volty worked all day at something, making garden I think. John puttered around.
April 30th (1889) Tuesday: Another cold raw day. Wind west. Tubs and barrels full of water.Tis so wet and cold. Grain can’t grow much. Wells wheat coming up. Welly brought water for Eveline to wash. E done big washing and washed two bed quilts. Grace went to school at noon. Volty worked in garden making beds and planting. John and wells worked in fields. Wind blows hard and cold all day. Baby cried. Miss Woodman made Smiths an evening visit.
May 1st (1889) Wednesday: A cold raw windy ,cloudy day. Wind west. W. Wells and johny worked at home dragging and sewing. I churned or Welly did and made 10 lbs. Butter for market and sent one to Jen. And half of eggs. Grace went to school. Volty worked in garden Welly stayed around home and chopped wood and done all kinds of work ,bringing water and etc. Wind blows strong and cold from west. Wells says if the wind should hush there would be a frost. Eva irons all the clothes. Baby cried.
May 2nd (1889) Thursday: A market day Princess came in for the first time this spring. Wells drove to the dock with Grace. Cloudy and still. Wells Jr. Went to his nets came back at 3 O’clock and had a big haul of fish. 4 sturgeon, 14 pickerel ,mullets, perch, suckers, and etc. Wells sowing grain. Volty & Johny dragging and cultivating. Eva washed another quilt. And brought 6 pails of water. Baby didn’t cry ,shes got castoria. Cold weather yet and cloudy.
May 3rd (1889) Friday: A chilly cloudy morning. Wind west. Wells, John & Volty gone to springs work. Wells Jr. Gone to his nets. E. Bringing water again and washing baby clothes. No school today. Arbor day. Genge gone home. Grace at home washing dishes. Maud as mean as ever. Eveline and Welly went to Burnhams for flower plants. Called at Ebbs and had tea. Mrs. Niles went down to Smiths with John N. found the women folks from home. Visiting at Horns. Came back and made me a short visit. A cold chilly evening.
May 4th (1889) Saturday : A mild fair day. Wells , Volty, & Johny working in fields. Will and Welly gone to Cape. With fish. Came home at three. Eveline swept rooms and cleaned floors. I done general housework. Grace raked the door yard. Will lost 5 lbs. Sugar, left it at the Cape.
May 5th (1889) Sunday: A beautiful day. Wind south after washing breakfast dishes I went to bed. Slept awhile
and then walked over to Mothers. I gave Wells and boys lunch before I went. Johny went as far as the corner of the pasture to help me over the fence. Wells came over and went to the grange for greens, called on his way home and I went home with him. Got supper.
May6th (1889) Monday: A fine warm day. Wind south very light. Wells plowed and sowed. Volty and John helped Eveline washed. I churned. Grace went to school but no teacher there. Welly and Will went to their nets. Welly mending sail boat.
May 7th (1889) Tuesday: A beautiful warm day. Volty and Will went early this morning to their nets. Welly finished repairing sail boat. Then Will and Volty brought the fish home and launched the craft and W & V went to Cape with fish. Wells and Johny working at farming. E making a dress for Irene. Gracie at home. Wall Niles here said Mr. Genge was carried to the Asylum yesterday. Stayley called here gathering old iron. Says he got hemorrage of lungs. Set the milk in cellar this morning cellar all dirt yet. Not fit to set a swill pail in.
May 8th (1889) Wednesday: A warm fine day. Wind South and light. Wells Volty & Johny drawing stone and clearing up over on grange. Welly not very well fishing his nets.Eveline making Irene’s dress. Grace doing general house work. I churned and made prints for market and set them on cellar bottom and covered them with a table cloth. The rats ran over it in the night.
May 9th (1889) Thursday: A beautiful day warm wind south. Rose at four O’clock for Graceto go to market. Wells drove to the dock. Maude Smith went back to the city. Sylvia came home visiting and is very airy but does not call on Bamfords. Goes to Smith’s. John and Volty and Wells work in field in A.M. after dinner. Wells goes over the river to see Alex Liddy about wire fence. He came home late and ate supper after dark said Gloyds folks are coming over to Bells with us Sunday. John drove to dock for Grace. Eva ironed and cleaned floors and done other housework. Welly not very well tended to fish nets. It’s so long since I have written in this diary I have most forgotten what we done.
May 10th (1889) Friday: A fine warm day. Wind south. All the men folks at work. Welly at the nets in P.M. Afternoon Eddy and Eben help Welly plant pototoes Wells ,Volty, and John drawing stone ,plowing and sowing. I have forgotten what Eva and Grace done or I either. Apple tree man here in evening and Will Dixon too. Eva washed clothes and a quilt. Rained hard at 3 O’clock boys went to barn. A squall from the north. We bring in part or most of the clothes. Wallace Niles is 10 years old on the 10th of May 1889. John worked in field with team and then went to Sam’s to ball play. Grace went for mail.
May 11th (1889) Saturday: A fine warm day wind north in morning. Changing south at 4 O’clock . Rose early
this morning for Wells going to city. Gone now. Looks like rain. Wells carried umbrella. Campbell the apple tree agent went up with W and came back while canvasing for trees he boards at Wills. Welly and Volty went to cape with fish. Wells brought home some milk pans. I picked a pail of greens for Bell. Jen came over for Wills groceries the boys got for him at Cape. Will planted sweet corn and covered potatoes for Welly. I lent Jen a bottle of Kerosene I have paid Janes soap.
May 12th (1889) Sunday: A still warm day. Very fine weather. Everything growing finely. Trees just putting out the green leaves. Mr. & Mrs. Gloyd came over at 8 O’ clock A.M. and we went in the waggon at nine taking Maud with us, met 3 loads coming to church. Found Charley, Bell, & children well. Had a good visit and got home at dark found all well and pleasant at home. Work all done so I had nothing to do but read and go to bed. James and Mary Anne went home across the river. I understand Johny had a bath in the river getting out of the sail boat.
May 13th (1889) Monday: A fine morning. Wind south and warm. School today. Grace at home Eva washed hung all clothes out before dinner. After dinner scrubbed floors, swept, dusted, made beds & etc. Wells, John, and Volty drawing stone ,plowing, and getting in grain. Wells took up and changed most of his nets. Perleey here for Welly to go for his pig. I gathered greens for dinner. Grace sowed her flower seeds. Eva reeled all the carpet rags to be colored. A rat in the trap this morning.
May 14th (1889) Tuesday: Sun rose clear this morning grew cloudy and began to rain. Wind changing from the south to North and rain pouring at noon. Campbell apple tree man here to dinner. Rain cleared after dinner tree man went up the Island . Volty brought fish and put them in ice house. The rag, rubber, bone and bottle man here. Grace went to school in A.M. came home for her dinner and stayed here. Eva colored, blue,violet,brown and another color can’t tell what it is looks kinder yaller and kinder brown. It is called scarlet on cotton. Welly gone to nets and for his pig. Wells, Volty and Johny working in field A.M.. Al Barrie raising his barn today. Wells and Volty invited. Volty went. Wells stayed at home. Everything growing since the rain . Cows giving big quanity of milk. 20 pans at night, scarcity of pans.
May 15th (1889) Wednesday : Wind north. A cool day. I not feeling very well. Have caught cold but churn and make butter prints for market. Boys at home helping their father draw stone. Grace done housework . I have almost forgotten what any of them done tis so long since I have written in this diary.
May 16th (1889) Thursday: Sylvia went back to Wins. Today. Rose early to go to Market A cold windy morning and cloudy. Wind north. Wells drove to the dock. Princess came in this morning. We came back on the pierepont. I did not sleep much sick all night with neuralgia. Grows colder toward night. I sat by the engine coming home to keep face warm. Found all well at home bought one package of carpet wrap. Laura went up . I saw Win in the store.
May 17th (1889) Friday: I don’t know much about what is going on today lay abed sick all day. Sleep on the lounge at night so not to disturb Wells. Don’t know which way wind was only know it was cloudy.
May 18th (1889) Saturday : Am better this morning . But Evaline sick a bed with tooth ache. I work all day and do the best I can. I forget what the rest of the family done but I got a dun from Peo says if I don’t pay him he make me trouble.
May 19th (1889) Sunday: A fine warm day no wind south. Mother came over and we had greens for dinner. I forget what the men folk done. John dressed up and went to church. Edd Bates here.
May 20th (1889) Monday: A cloudy still day. Light wind south. Welly run the nets A.M. Evaline washed in A.M. Welly went with her to Miss. Wetmore with carpet rags and wrap. Maud went too. Wells and Volty building water fence. Volty got both feet wet. I forgot what I done.
May 21st (1889) Tuesday: A fine warm day. Wells and boys drawing stone. Wind south. Evaline papering her room up stairs ,so long since I wrote in this diary. I have forgotten nearly everything which transpired today it being the 4th of June and I have not written since the 14 th of May. ( Note from Thelma: My mom would do that at times let it go a week and then sit and remember back what we did)
May 22nd (1889) Wednesday: A cloudy cool day. But I churn and made 40 prints for market.( Note from Thelma: The prints I believe is in reference to the indented print put in the top of the butter to make it look nice I remember my grandmother having them. They would make the butter in a small round container and make a print of a maple leaf or acorn and etc. in the top. )Evaline working up stairs. Wells & boys drawing stone. Forresters had a serenade in the church shed in evening. G. Morgan Jr. Came for our boys and came down cellar while Volty and I were straining milk. Jay Lee and Dell Windmill married today.
May 23rd (1889) Thursday: A fine morning wind. West carried 40 lbs. Of butter to market. Went on Pierepont came back on Maude. Laura went, too.A cold morning but there was a good fire in the stove. Met Watson on the wharf. Mrs. Golophy carried two baskets for me to the market house and Watson carried two baskets for me. So I had nothing to carry. 16cents for butter. Very low price. Winnie came home with her mother. Mrs. Holliday (note Thelma: Margaret Notter Holliday ) came home from Charlottes. Wind blowing strong. Mr. Watson came home with me to see Maud. Will Dixon came over.
May 24th (1889) Friday: A cool morning. Grace walked to the dock very early and went on the Maud to Halliday’s and walked from there to Bells. Came back on the Princess. Boys at home helping their father. We had a good visit with F. W. W. Grace came home at dark. It proved to be a very fine day. Wind south but changes to north before Sat. Morning.
May 25th (1889) Saturday: A cold morning. Wells and Watson went to Kingston. Volty lent F.W.W. (??) His overcoat. Grace cleaned floors. Wells came home early. A heavy frost last night water froze thickness of thin glass. Which will be very bad for vegatation of all kinds. Especially fruit trees which are just now white with blossoms.
May 26th (1889) Sunday: Cold day wind north. Wells half sick can scarcely walk around. Welly and Volty went to Spinks. I went to bed had a long nap. Arose and got dinner. Welly and Volty came home from Grindstone Island after dark. We had oatmeal pudding and milk for supper.
May 27th (1889) Monday: A cloudy morning. Wind north began to rain at 10 O’Clock A.M. Rained nearly all day. A sugar party at A. Barriers this evening. Everybody invited. Volty and Grace did not attend the party on account of rain. John went had a pleasant time but not many there. John stayed all night. The weather cold. The night dark and the wind blowing fearfully from south all night. Volty made bee hives. Forget what the others done. Evaline washed in forenoon. Grace washed afternoon could not hang the clothes out but put them in tub and set them under eaves and next morning tub was running over with water. Wells sick with lame back.
May 28th (1889) Tuesday: Baby 3 months old today ( Muriel Bamford) A cloudy cold day . Wind south blowing a gale. Fences blown down A terrible time on Lake Ontario Bavaria lost on this lake all hands lost. Wells, John and Volty fixing pasture fence in the forenoon fixed baseball ground in the afternoon in our pasture. Eveline went down to her grandmothers towards night.
May 29th (1889) Wednesday: A cold cheerless day. Wind north east . I churned and got ready for market. Wells ,Volty and John fixing pasture fence. Wells Jr. Planting corn for Eb Joslin. Eveline cleaned bath floors. Grace done house work. Liz Morgan called here. Boys played baseball at Sams.
May 30th (1889) Thursday: I went to Kingston carried 34 lbs. Butter left groceries and carpet wrap. Mr. Croe did not send them to the dock or boat I mean. Wells, Volty and John fixing pasture. Wellie planting corn for Eb. Grace done all the housework. Eveline sewed and took care of the baby. Cloudy day. Wind north rained towards night. Just as they came home from the dock.
May 31st (1889) Friday: A rainy nasty day. Wells drove to the ferry after groceries left carpet wrap at Wetmores also. Wellies shirt cloth. Wellie, Volty and John built fence. Until the rain commenced. Grace worked on her dress. Eveline washed and mopped the chamber. I done house work. Wells got home at 3 O’Clock got wet and got some fish. Gave some to George and Charley.
June 1st (1889) Saturday: A wet nasty day. Wind south . Grace ironed and mended ,swept the parlor. I cooked as usual Boys intended to go to Welshs to play ball but rained so they can’t go . Volty made boxes for bee hives. Welly made a bat. John went to Niles for shellac and to Sam’s after the mail. Wells reading Utica Globe. Boys played ball in P.M.
June 2nd (1889) Sunday: A warm fine day everything growing after the rain. Wind south. Wells at home reading. Wells Jr. ,Volty, Charley W. Went over river in sail boat. Volty came back. Wellie stayed there awhile. Volty went back for Welly Will came and Wall Beadle came over and went to J. Niles. Grace ,Maud,Will Dixon ,Max
well and Volty went over to Wills. Will and Jen came back with them. After that Grace and Maud went rowing up and down the shore in punt with Shelly and Tilly.
June 3rd (1889) Monday: A sunny day. Wind south cool. Wells,Volty and Wellie ( she somtimes spells Welly & Wellie) building pasture fence. John went to school. Grace washing and put the clothes out in forenoon. Eveline made a dress for Muriel. I wrote in this diary today for first time since 14 of May. Towards night Welly ,Eveline and the baby went down to Mr. Ebbens Joslins in skiff rained quite hard while they were gone. Eat supper there. Came home while we were at our supper. It rained very hard in the night and thundered.
June 4th (1889) Tuesday: A clear day. Wind south east blows hard. Wells and boys built pasture fence and after dinner the boys went up the island to play baseball with the Taylor nine but there was no one to play with them. They came home early. Eveline washed and dried her clothes. Grace washed some more clothes I went to bed,slept 2 hours. John went to school.
June 5th (1889) Wednesday: A clear day. Wells and volty building pasture fence. Welly planted corn and churned. After noon base ball up the Island. J. Morgan and Elmer Woodman had a fight. George Morgan came home with Welly for alum to cure his mouth.
June 6th (1889) Thursday: A very pleasant day cool. John drove with me to the dock. Went on Princess to market. Butter 14 cents. Rachel selling fish scrapers. Talked very mean to Mrs. William Rattray and George Woodman. Everything at home very tidy. Floors all cleaned. Copper tea kettle bright as gold. Eveline done it all. Churned and Grace helped do the work. I am very tired and sleepy. Grace went at dark and carried Janes soda home. Will and Wells JR and Volty went spearing fish but got none. Wells came to the boat for me. Mrs. S. Woodman sick with reumitism.
June 7th (1889) Friday: Wind south. A fine morning dark clouds rising in south at noon. Commenced raining at 4 P.M. and raining hard at bed time. John at school. Wells working in the orchard. Volty helping him. Volty working at bee hives. Eveline done housework I made a shirt. Grace sewed on dress. Welly wrote a letter to Robert. Jen here for Volty to hivea swarm of bees,but none to hive.
June 8th (1889) Saturday: Rained all night raining now at 5 A.M. Last year scarcely any rain from March till August. A super abundance of rain. This wind south light warm. Wells ,Welly and Volty building water fence for pasture. Lowry damp day. George and Will Niles here. Our nine intended going over river to play with the Sheeleys. Rained so couldn’t go. Partly cleared at 2 O’Clock . John Burnham here. Spink here. Ebb Joslin and Will Cornwell here. Will Dixon here. Frank Woodman here. The boys play baseball in our home pasture. J. Burnhams and M. Spink stay here all night. Wind changed North. Commenced raining again at bedtime. Eveline cleaned the floors ,etc. Grace finished her dress. Very cool.
June 9th (1889) Sunday: Will hived a swarm of bees today. North wind rained all night and all A.M. cleared awhile then thundered and rained again. Tubs all full. Lowlands covered with water. Cleared again towards night. Burnham and Spink here yet. Very cool day. No sleeping. Gip howling Maud squalling. Baby wears here first short dress today. Spink very melancholy about something. John Burnham swearing. Will here. Spink went home with him and stayed all night.
June 10th (1889) Monday: A bright warm day. W. Burnham drove in here from milk factory. Spink came back from Wills. Stoped awhile and went home at 8 O’Clock A. M. Boys run hoop net and took it out the river. Welly and J. Burnham went to Clayton, after they helped Wells ,Volty, and Johny drive the horses and cows to the lower pasture. Smith painting his house orange. Jen came over for Volty to hive bees. Johny churned. Wells working on Grange. Eva washed baby’s clothes. Till and Shell here in evening . Grace gave Shell a cap. Wind south Wellie brought a pig from Wetmore.
June 11th (1889) Tuesday: A very fair day. Somewhat cloudy. A picnic in Breakeys grove. Welly, Volty, Johny, and Graceand John Burnham gone to picnic and baseball play. A big crowd. Will went, too. Jen and children came over here. Eva cleaned floors and helped me do housework. All came home at dark. Well pleased with their day out ball playing and dancing. Welly went for a load of picnicers from Sand Bay. A dance at Morgans tonight. John and Volty churned. Rather cool day. Wells plowing ground for potatoes.
June 12th (1889) Wednesday: A fine breezy day. Wind south. Cool Will went to Morgans last night. Eveline washed breakfast dishes and worked on her dress. Wells picking up stone all day. Jen came over for tea for dinner. J. Burnham , Eddy Bates planting potatoes for Will. A.M. Wellie, Volty, and Johny hoeing potatoes at home. Grace doing house work . Grace picked a tea cup full of strawberries. Johny churned. I print butter for market. I am very sleepy. J. Burnham helping the boys hoe now. He said,they had a nice time up to Mr. Morgans dance. Grace went up to Mrs. Niles for the market basket. The Woodman boys came down in the evening for to play ball.
June 13th (1889) Thursday: Very pleasant day wind south. Ma , John, and John Burnham went to town. Some yankees went to town today too. Bertha Cornwall , Kate Shelbour,David Reasoner. Eva washed her clothes. Voltie (sometimes with ie and other times y) hoed in the garden. Wells Jr. Tended baby awhile for Eva. Grace did housework. Maud has been high for diddled all day. Pa worked in the field. Alea carried up 31 lbs. Buttle. Evaline ironed in the afternoon and when Wells Jr. Went over to Wills after Ma to the Wharf Eva went over to Wills with him. Thundered a little in the afternoon. It looks like rain.(note from Thelma: sounds like Grace made this entry)
June 14th (1889) Friday: A very bright warm day. Light wind south Our first swarm of bees . Out today. Volty had just hived the bees when he had a call to Wills to hive a swarm for him. Volty made a flower bed for Grace. John cleaned the cellar and drew a wheel barrow of gravel to stop the rat holes in cellar. Welly rowed J. Burnham over the river this morning I don’t know what he done the balance of the day. Wells picking up stone on grange. John pulled mustard out of the wheat in P.M. and went to lower pasture with Wells and Volty To milk the cows. And then John and Grace went to grange and Wins birthday party in evening. They are 21 years old today. Eva. Sewed for self and tended the baby. Helped wash supper dishes. Welly and Volty took up the fish nets. And got big stinking fish a pickerel. Volty and Welly gone fishing this evening. I am very sleepy I got to rise early. Good night most eleven O’Clock and a beautiful warm moonlit night very still, no wind . A propellar just going up passing the house. Grace washed the clothes. Jen came over for Eva to cut a shirt for Will Good night.
June 15th (1889) Saturday: Rose early to go to lower pasture to milk so Wells could get an early start for Kingston. Rain commenced pouring down soon after Wells , Volty and John were to milk and rained hard all the time they were gone . They came back drenched to the skin. After breakfast Wells went to the city cleared up and a fine warm dayrather cloudy. Wind south A baseball game in the pasture P.M. about 50 present. Volty made caps for bee hives. Welly churned. Grace and Johny came home at 4 O’Clock this morning from Mr. Rattrays party. Grace slept til nearly 12 O’Clock. Eveline cleaned floors, chairs and washed breakfast dishes. Grace helped get dinner and then with Tilly went to the ball play. Shelly here Maud and Shell picked the green strawberries. Wells came home rather late. Volty and Johny had to draw the milk can home on the wheel barrow. Ebb Joslin here . Wills bees swarmed today. Will here in evening for his mail. A letter from Victor and Watson. Welly , Eveline and baby gone to W. Burnhams visiting. A cloudy evening. Very still and warm no wind good night.
( The next few weeks entry’s are made mostly by Eveline while Irene Bamford spends time at Belle Holliday’s her daughter who gives birth to her 3 rd child and Irene’s namesake Irene Eliza Holliday who was born on July 9,1889. Her first two daughters were Beatrice two and my grandmother Margaret ( Marjorie) Irene Holliday who was five at the time. Note from Thelma)
June 16th (1889) Sunday: Light wind south. Fair day. Wells Sr. Drove over to Bells with Mrs. Bamford she has gone to stay with her daughter for a couple weeks. Voltie made ice cream. Grace went to church. C. Wood & C. Harlow here all the forenoon. Wellie and I came home from Burham at 6 O’Clock. Mr. Bamford came a little later. Wellie went up to Sam’s to get tobacco.
June 17th (1889) Monday: Rained in the morning cleared up in forenoon. Wind blows hard from the north. I washed and mopped in the A.M. made a cap for Volty in the afternoon. Grace done housework. Mr. Bamford plowed . Volty hoed. Wellie and John went over the river stawberrying.
June 18th (1889) Tuesday: Light breeze from the north fair day. Mr. Bamford Plowed Volty hoed ,etc. Grace washed . Wellie and I picked over strawberries in forenoon. Boys went over the river. To play ball in P.M. Grace took to hive a swarm of bees and failed. Mr. Bamford had to hive them at suppertime. Boys came home at dark. Supperless as usual said they beat the Sheley nine.
June 19th (1889) Wednesday: Alberta Joslin is 2 years old today. South east wind all day. Clouded up and sprinkled towards night. John and Voltie up at Sams to a bee. Wellie at home in A.M. picked berries in afternoon. Mr. Bamford picked some strawberries , pulled mustard on the lower place. Grace worked at the butter business all day. I done most of the housework, ironed, mopped, baked bread. Maud as mean as ever. Volty baptized her because she wouldn’t wash. (Note : I think Maud to be about 4 or 5 years old she was close to my grandmothers age.) George called in the evening for someone to play ball with him. Wellie went to Niles to get some tobacco. Fair day.
June 20th (1889) Thursday: Wind south. Grace gone to Kingston. Boys at Howe Island playing ball. Mr. Bamford Maud, Muriel and I at home all alone. I done housework John came home first. Wellie, Volty and Grace got home at half past two.
June 21st (1889) Friday: Wind south. West Mr. Bamford drove to Hollidays and then went to Howe Island after the groceries that were left on the boat. Rained at noon . I washed in fore noon. Grace done housework . Grace put up some berries in afternoon. Volty and I cleaned out the bedroom and closet. Wellie worked at J. O’Briens all day don’t know what John done. John churned ,I found out 3 weeks later.
June 22nd (1889) Saturday: Wind south fair day. I cleaned the parlor in forenoon with Wellies help Rained a little in the morning but cleared up and fine day. I mopped all the floors in afternoon. Grace washed some and done the housework. John drew a load of wood in P.M. Volty hived. Mr. Bamford went to Kingston. Wellie helped me most all day then went strawberrying.
June 23rd (1889) Sunday: Wind south fair day. Jay Lee and wife Dana and Will Cornwell here. Wellie and Volty went berrying John went out to grandpas with Will Cornwell. Grace went to prayer meeting wasn’t any. Carrie Joy here.
June 24th (1889) Monday: Very nice day. Wind south Carrie stayed most (Tuesday) all day. She went home in the afternoon . Eva cut out Mauds dress and apron. Carrie basted up the sleeves the boys did 2 churnnings. Wells Jr. Went across the river. Volty hoed potatoes. Grace washed in the fore noon. Wellie picked some berries across the river and in the evening. We picked them over. George Niles and Wallace came down after the potato plough. Volty got a half bag of potatoes from Mr. Niles.
June 25th (1889) Tuesday: A very pleasant day. Wind south the people of the neighborhood went to Smith’s Raising. In the afternoon they came up to clean up the picnic ground. Mr. George came today and helped the boys. Wells Jr. went over the river to shingle Addie Percys house. Frank Bamford with him to go to the picnic in the evening the boys went a spearing and got some eels.
June 26th (1889) Wednesday: Today is the day appointed for a picnic but I guess they won’t have any as it is raining hard clears up towards night. Wind south Men folks in the house part of the day. Grace made out the butter. John churned. I mopped made pies and done general housework. Frank Bamford here. John Morgan here Reuben McFaden and C. Easton stopped down the river and talked with the boys. W. W. Genge came down in the evening & worked on Volty’s Silo. Jen came over in the evening and stayed till 10 O’Clock and Will had to come after her. Volty hoed in P.M.
June 27th (1889) Thursday: Grace and Jen went to Kingston this morning. The steamer Maud called into the wharf. Fair day Wind south. Wellie worked over the river. John went up to Niles to take the punt home. Volty helped me around the house. Mr. Bamford ploughed. Grace got dinner about 8 O’Clock. Muriel 4 months old.
June 28th (1889) Friday: A fair day Wind south Wellie worked over the river. Volty and I papered the hall. Mr. Bamford and John worked on the road. Piano tuner here. Miller from Watertown.( Note: That would be Watertown, Jefferson Co. New York.)
June 29th (1889) Saturday: Very warm day. Light breeze. North. Wellie Sr. Went to Kingston. Wells Jr. Went over the river and John Morgan in forenoon. Volty and George Niles ploughed out the potatoes in forenoon. Volty churned in P.M. John worked on the road. Grace done housework . I washed in A.M. and Mopped floors in P.M. Wellie and I went over to Gloyds in the evening. Volty went to O’Briens after Jack and Spear. Will and Volty went spearing and got 4 eels.
June 30th (1889) Sunday: A fearfully hot day. Volty worked at the bees all day. Wellie and I at home. John went strawberrying. Mr. Bamford, Grace and Maude went over to Halliday’s. Irene came here in afternoon.
July 1st. (1889) Monday: warm day. Wind south east. Thunder shower came up toward night. Grace washed. I helped do the work. Volty and Irene went after gooseberries. Mr. Bamford and John went to work on road but Breakey not there. Came home again. Wellie went over the river in P.M. with Niles. Got wet comeing home.
July 2nd (1889) Tuesday: A wet day. Mr. Bamford and John hoed. Volty picked gooseberries. I washed in A.M. Wellie worked for Addie in P.M. Grace done housework. Irene came from Wills at night.
July 3rd (1889) Wednesday: Fair day wind south. John and Mr. Bamford on the road. Volty churned and hoed. Wellie over the river. This is Grace’s cellar day. I done the housework. Charley Halliday came down after peas.
July 4th (1880) Thursday: Fair day wind blew hard from south. Mr. Bamford and Volty hoed all day. John and Wellie went to Clayton. Grace went to Kingston. I at home. They all came home late. Volty helped Ruth milk. Mrs. Bamford sent me a dress and pair of stockings. Wellie got himself a pair of shoes and me a pair of slippers.
John got him a cane and his picture took.
July 5th (1889) Friday: Fair day wind north. Wellie at home. I washed and sewed. Grace done housework. Mr. Bamford hoed and John hoed and Volty hoed. John churned. Pa & John went over to the dock for the grist. And Irene came home with them. Spink came here this evening drunk. G. Niles and Wall and Frank Woodman and W. Genge came down here. Genge brought his banjo. W. D(probably Will Dixon) played on the violin. And Spink made a fool of himself a singing.
July 6th (1889) Saturday: Fair day. Mr. Bamford went to Kingston. John went to Mc Faddens to a bee. Wellie hoed a little. Cut grass around the house. Grace picked green peas for dinner. Wellie and I went to Wetmores took Muriel. Volty worked in garden or hoed. Genge rode to the ferry with pa.
July 7th (1889) Sunday: Wellie started today for to go to work for Robert. Wind south fair day. Volty , Irene and Grace went over the river to take Wellie. Grandpa called in A.M. I stayed at home all day. Grace went to prayer meeting.
July 8th (1889) Monday: Fair day Grace washed I done housework Irene went to Wills. Men commenced haying today. I started me a rug .
July 9th (1889) Tuesday: ( On side of page –Bells baby born 9th of July. Irene Eliza) Men haying. Big thunder storm at night. Grace done housework I worked on my rug. Irene over to Wills.
July 10th (1889) Wednesday: 27 lbs of butter for market. I helped do housework Grace made out butter for market. Men churned and haying some. Fair day rather warm day. Irene came over about five in the afternoon.
July 11th (1889) Thursday: Grace went to market. A very nice day. Wind south Eva and Maud alone all today. Grace got 14cents for her butter. A rain storm came up at noon men in hay field working.
July 12th (1889) Friday: A beautiful day. Wind south Irene here. I washed and sewed. Grace done housework and made the school a visit. Volty, John, and Grace took Irene up to W. G. Woodmans at night.
July 13th (1889) Saturday: A fine day Wind north. Mr. Bamford gone to town to meet Watson but he did not come. Boys working in hay field. Grace done housework I made Volty a shirt in forenoon. Ironed in afternoon swept out the parlor and made the beds.
July 14th (1889) Sunday: Wind north cool and cloudy at home. That intends to stay at home. Will called. I went up to Niles in evening. Mr. & Mrs. Niles came home with me.
July 15th (1889) Monday: Wind north rather cold. I am sick today. Grace does the housework Men haying on the grange yet. Mrs. Bamford still at Belles Mr. Says they had better quit if they have to keep her over there all the time. A snowy day.
July 16th (1889) Tuesday: Wind south blowing hard. Fair day. Mr. Bamford gone to Kingston gets home at 3 O’Clock boys haying on the grange. Will helping them stuck a pitch fork into John. Grace washed today in steam boiler. I do housework and take care of Muriel. Mr. Bamford hears at the ferry that Sammys post office has been robbed.
July 17th (1889) Wednesday: Fair day wind north. Men folks haying. Grace getting ready for market. I do housework in A.M. sew on Mauds clothes in afternoon. Watson comes about eleven O’Clock stayed at Hallidays night before.
July 18th (1889) Thursday: Grace and Maude Watson gone to town. Men folks still working on the grange. Muriel and I are alone all day. Fair day wind south. Miss Villar and Mrs. Duggins came down to Wills tonight.
July 19th (1889) Friday: A wet nasty day rains all the P.M. Grace and I both wash. John working at O’Briens and his father worked on the grange till rain commenced. Volty and his father churned.
July 20th (1889) Saturday: Wind north cloudy and cool. Volty hoed in the forenoon. John cleaned out the cellar. I mopped and swept the house all over. Grace done general house work. Perley and Eben up here after old Kit.
July 21st (1889) Sunday: A beautiful day. Wind south. Charlie (Halliday)brought Mrs. Bamford home. Margary(Marjorie my grandma – note from Thelma) Beatrice and Annie Goodearle came along to Grace going back with Charlie . Boys at home all day. M & B gone over to the other place.
July 22nd (1889) Monday: A nice day. Wind south Men worked on grange. Mrs. Bamford cleaned rugs. I ironed and finished papering the hall. Men churned at night.
July 23rd (1889) Tuesday: A nice day. Wind north looks like rain towards night . Mrs. Bamford does housework and cleans cellar steps. Volty broke machine down working yet on grange. I made two shirts for boys. Princess went close by. Rachel waved her hankercheif. Volty caught a sturgeon.
July 24th (1889) Wednesday: Wind North in the morning. Changing to south then west in afternoon sun shines bright Mrs. Bamford gone to Kingston to get his tongue repaired or a new one. Boys haying it. Mrs. Bamford churning and making out butter. I wash and help do what work I can. Muriel very good today. Mr.Bamford gives a little advice to certain party’s.
July 25th (1889) Thursday: Fair day wind south. Mrs. Bamford gone to town. With 44 lbs. Of butter. Men folks worked at haying came up early at night. I done housework and took care of Muriel. She is sick today. Volty drove over to the dock at night.
July 26th (1889) Friday: Wind north fair day. Men folks haying Mrs. Bamford done housework. I colored rags and tore some. Went up to Wetmores at night. Volty stopped at O’Briens to get shoe fixed for machine. Brought our sitting room carpet home.
July 27th (1889) Saturday: Wind south rained most all day. I mopped floors in A.M. Mrs. Bamford tended to milk and butter. I made ten towels and fixed Muriels pink dress in P.M. Volty went fishing in P.M. John went after the mail. Volty took off some honey. Mr. Bamford worked on his tongue and painted it. Wellie came home from Dixons about 8 O’Clock.
July 28th (1889) Sunday: Wind blowing hard from south. Sun shining. Grandma and Charlie came over. Wellie and Voltie gone to look at his colt in A.M. Mr. Bamford picked some currants & berries. Wellie cut John and Voltys hair. I made a squat (?? Note: Don’t know what it is but written plain) cake for dinner. Wellie went back about 5 O’Clock . Will and George Villar ( could be Pillar) came over about dark. I entertained them in the parlor with Muriels assistance. Volty went to O’Briens and Levie Borders. Joy came home with him and staid all night rained hard at night. Muriel 5 months old today.
July 29th (1889) Monday: Rained all the forenoon cleared up in afternoon. I washed. Mrs. Bamford done housework and tended to butter. Boys churned in A.M. Volty moved hay in P.M. Mr. Bamford moved barley with a scythe in P.M. John worked for Will Wind south all day.
July 30th (1889) Tuesday: Wind south raining hard all A.M. churning done by John. John cleaned cellar.
(Note from Thelma :: The rest of the entries are done by Irene Bamford herself. But skipped from July to Nov. 1st. These pages could have been lost with time but more likly they were too busy to write. There are a few enteries with no date. When ever I can’t fit one in I will add it to the end.)
Nov 1st (1889) Thursday: I went to Belles on the Pierpont and Rachel came down on Pierpont at night. I lost Widow Bedot (???) in the river and W. G. Woodman and Charlie Halliday rowed out and picked it up.
Nov. 9th (1889) Saturday: Wells and John plowed Eveline cleaned floors. Volty at Tickburne (note: not very clear) Rachel washed herself a dress. Grace cleaned chairs and helped me do housework. Rachel went to Wills for dinner.
Nov. 10th (1889) Sunday: A fine day. Wind north light. J. M. Here. Wells fixed window. Cooked chicken for dinner had a quiet pleasant day. Grace went to J. Niles & stayed all evening service. John Morgan here awhile playing violin. And then J.M. & B. Went to Wills. Mrs. M and Jimmy went to Wills for John Morgan.
Nov. 11th (1889) Monday: A warm day Wind south light looks like rain Grace washed .I churned. Rachel & Eveline put a quilt on frames and tacked it before bed time. I baked bread used all the flour in barrel. Wells and John plowing. Welly threshing for Flynn. Volty at Tickburne. Every thing jolly ,Merry and pleasant.
Nov. 12th (1889) Tuesday: A beautiful warm day. Wind south. Wells and John plowing. Wells Jr. Threshing at Flynns. Volty at Trickburne. Rachel and I went over to mothers in P.M. stayed till after dark. Anna came up the road too. And went to church and home with Woodmans for Irene and Edith are here. Eveline washed her clothes.
Nov. 13th (1889) Wednesday: Warm cloudy morning Wind light. A fire at or above Millens Bay early this morning at half past five. No kerosene. Had to get breakfast in the dark. Latern went out. Welly threshed at Joys got done at Flynns yesterday. Wells and Johny plowing by Ebbs. Volty at Tickburne. Expect him home tomorrow. Grace at W. G. Woodmans. Willy came home at noon after dinner. W.Jr. And Will went to Millens Bay for Kerosene. Indian summer most warm for butter.
Nov 18th (1889) Monday: Wells butchered beef. Rachel came to get Edith to make her dress over. Anna here to borrow boiler for Jen. Anna went to Barrys to get her dress made. Grace washed. Welly sick yet. Mr. & Mrs. Niles here in evening.
The Islands: Diaries: Irene Bamford 1889 part 2
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