The Islands: Written Word: Diaries: Irene Bamford 1888

DIARY OF IRENE DIXON BAMFORD 1888

This diary starts with the Sept 4 entry. She probably made the other entry’s which were just lost with time.

Transcribed and Submitted by Thelma Moye

Tuesday : Sept. 4,1888

A warm bright cloudless day. Wind south. Volty is in Watertown. Welly, Eveline, Johny and Grace are gone to a picnic in Breakey’s grove. Wells, Maud and I at home. Wells has a lame knee, but has gone down by Ebbs to water the young stock. Bill and Will are gone to Kingston to conclude the “Bargin” for Wills place. Will Woodmans child is very sick with Erystashia. I just finished writting a letter to Watson. James O’Brien came to see Wells about the school house fence. Four ministers at the picnic including Thompson and his family and old John Lackheart the Bible agent.

Wednesday : Sept. 5,1888

Welly is 23 years old today. Rained some in the night Wind changed to north. Cool all day John went early this morning to Wellington’s to help thresh, but didn’t work until towards evening. Welly went over to Rattrays and helped fix the machines and moved to Burnhams. After carrying Eve down to Burnhams to help Alvira. They came back again in the evening and stayed all night. John Morgan called for Welly to go to the Cape with him to the fair Wells drew manure from the barns and swore because Grace broke up a little wood with his axe.

Thursday: Sept. 6,1888

Maud came here one year ago today the 6th . Very cold wind north. A clear day. Welly and Eveline got up early and went down to Burnhams. John stayed there all night. Wells milked all the cows and drove with Grace over to the dock and went from there to Burnhams to help thresh. I have to look around and find wood best I can. Silve came down for Rachels cloake. Jen and little Charley came up to borrow flour. Maude and I here alone most all day. It’s a terrible time for flies. The grass and all vegetation very green after the most severe drought and dryest summer we ever experienced.

Friday: Sept. 7,1888

A clear bright day. Wind north changing to south in forenoon. Welly and Johnny thrashing for Burnhams & Horne. Welly got up early and went down there. John stayed all night. Wells at home choring around. I done big washing. Grace and Eveline hung them all out. Will and Jen here in evening. Lizzie Jex buried today.Sylvias face poisoned with ivy. Looks like rain towards evening

Saturday : Sept. 8,1888

Wind south rained hard all night. Wells and Will intended to go to Kingston but rained so couldn’t go . Cleared up in afternoon. I mopped floor. Eveline ieoned. The boyts came home in afternoon in time for dinner. Tilly came for Welly to cut her hair in P.M. but Welly not at home. We brought in most all our cloths but they were rather damp. I cooked beets and stewed apples for supper. John received a letter from Volty with $5.00 dollars in it. Grace done general house work. Bill Smith made us a call.

Sunday: Sept. 9.1888

A fine bright day. South wind and warm. I broke the sabbath by scouring the teakettle. Grace & Eveline went to church. Tilly and Shelly came home with them. Welly cut Till’s hair. Will and Charley here. Wells and Will fixed Wills fence. Grace went home with Till and Shell. Welly cut Eddy Bates hair. I picked corn for dinner and made cake and biscuits and Eveline washed dishes while I finished a letter to Victor. ( Her brother Victor Dixon Born: Sept 1,1850 and Died after 1871.) Wellycut Johnnys hair. Jen came up in evening and I went home with her and we went out with latern and picked apples from old Niles tree (sweet) to cook in sugar. Will had gone down to Smith’s to borrow his buggy to drive to the ferry in the morning Welly ,Evaline,Johnny and Grace went to prayer meeting. In the evening I studied the history of England awhile and went to bed.

Monday : Sept 10,1888

A fine day wind south west. Will couldn’t get Smiths carriage but went early and borrowed John Niles. Smith had lent his to Pelton the picture man from Watertown.Jen came early this morning. Welly and Johnny went to Horns to thresh. Hiriam Joslin drove here for Welly. I picked beans and corn for dinner. Grace and Evaline ironing and sewing on Johnny’s shirt. Wells went tp O’Briens to help fix the buggy and stayed till eleven O’Clock.

Tuesday: Sept 11,1888

John went after dark to borrow Wills buggy for Will but he had lent it to Burnham to go to the fair and borrowed Al Joslins instead. A fine day wind south rose very early for Johny and Wells went to Breakeys to thresh. Grace went to Bells on the boat and came home in eve. And brought Marjorie (my grandmother who would be about 5 at the time. Thelma) with her. Welly went to Chaumont. I forgot to send Victors letter by Welly . Evaline went to Sams to help to help Silvia make her dresses. Wells and John helped set the machine to Sam’s and threshed all the P.M. Wells had an awful time milking all the cows after dark got mad and swore. Mother came up to get Wells to go to Kingston with Will. Maud and I alone most all day. I did not hurt myself with work today. Laura Smith went to Kingston to stay all week.

Wednesday : Sept. 12,1888

Rose early so Wells could go to Kingston with Will. Evaline went to sew with Syliva. John threshed for Sam. It looked like a rainy day and did rain some in forenoon. A.M. fair and extremely warm had bad work to churn butter . It is so soft and warm our ice all gone. I forgot to send Victor’s letter tp post. Wells saw Norman Petrie,Martin Smith,Mattie Smith, Charley Chuton ?? And Charley’s girl in town. Jen came up with butter and eggs for Grace to carry to market tomorrow. Welly came home in afternoon for his papers he forgot when he sent away and said he was going straight back again to go to Watertown to get Bills money from Norman. He went to Sam’s and helped them finish threshing. Johnny came first and watered horses then took the team and went to Jim’s for ice. I worked over butter and made butter prints long after dark. Syliva and Eveline came home with Welly and stayed the evening. Marjorie and Maud carrying on all evening. Wells came home half past twelve. Wind south changing to West at night.

Thursday: Sept 13,1888

A very fine day. Wind south rather cool. Rose very early so Grace could go to the dock. Maud came in today for passengers. John went to fair and so is Grace and Bell. Bill Smith made us a long call and said Welly needed to go to Watertown for the money Norman had sent it to him. Will went to Kingston today again on business. Wells went to water the young colts and brought up some corn. Eddy Bates called here for his vest that John had wore down from Sams. Old Mrs. Tuttle burried today. Laura went down yesterday on the St. Lawrence to Alexandria Bay. Eveline came home and gone to sweeping and patching Wells overalls after dinner Eveline washed dishes and she and Wwelly went down to Burnhams in skiff. I skimmed milk and churned it. Rains some wind in north. Marjorie and Maud agreed about one thing to make all the nose they possibly can. Wells gave Grace a dollar to spend at the fair. Eveline helped Wells milk.

Friday : Sept. 14,1888

A clear fine day. Wind south . Evaline went to sew for Sylvia. Maryanne Barry drove O’Briens horses to Joslins pond. Sam’s black colt missing since yesterday morning. Irene washed and baked bread. Sylvia and Cornwell here tonight. Wells Jr. And John threshed for Niles and now We have all retired. ( gone to bed). ( At times her diaries refers to her self as Irene. I think one of the other girls would write in it for her. Thelma)

Saturday :Sept. 15,1888

Sylvia made us a call. Irene made pumpkin pies and skimmed milk and washed and then went up to Belles. Eveline washed dishes and ironed. Grace mopped and put the pies together. Minnie O’Brien here. Wells Sr. Went up to Belles. John & Welly threshed for Niles. Very warm wind south.

Sunday : Sept. 16,1888

Got damp quick.Syliva here today. Grace getting dinner. John is taking his rest. Wellie went out to the barn and slept all the forenoon. John and Syliva went down to Wills. Will came back with her. Grace spanked Maud just before retiring. Wind north east, very nasty day. Ma over to Belles all day. Aunt Laura and Aunt Alma Smith,Charles Tuttle and wife made grandma a visit this A.M.

Monday : Sept. 17,1888

Got damp quick again. Very nasty day. Wind north. John, Charles Woodman went to Millens Bay. John Morgan called. Afternoon Sylvia here. Twice today.

***The following entries look like she came home from her daughter’s ( Belle )and made. No date skipped until the 20th -- Thelma ****

I stayed at Bells from Saturday till Thursday and came down on the Princess so I don’t know much that transpired at home. I know it rained all day Sunday & Monday and Wells and I went over to Bells to carry Marjorie home. Threshing at Hollidays. Bell urged me to stay and I stayed intending to go home Sunday. Next day Bell, Charlie & children were coming home with me but rain prevented. Didn’t get through threshing at Hollidays until Monday noon. Then Michea moved machine to Berry’s. Charlie, Henry, Dick (Holliday) went to Barries Beatrice sick all day. Wind south on Monday Belle washed. Tuesday Charlotte went home leaving Bessie but taking Charlie and Lottie with her. Mrs Holliday went home with Charlotte. Clear & warm Wind south Wednesday the old dog churned ( had a paddle or treadle the dog ran on) I helped color carpet rags blue , green and I went up to McDonald place to see the house and brought corn and pumkin. Very tired when I got back. Wells & Will came for me but Beatrice sick & so I stayed. Thundered and lightninged in the night. Wind south warm and bright Thursday. Maud came in this morning. Belle went to boat dock to see if Grace was aboard.

Thursday : Sept 20,1888

Belles anniversary (??) Birthday 26 years old. ( Her birthday ,but wedding anniversary was Feb 12,1884 )A fine day Warm wind south. I colored carpet rags garnet & cardinal red. Beatrice is better. I was rather sorry this morning I didn’t go home last night when they drove so far for me. Six miles,but Belle felt so bad about my coming away I stayed another day. I don’t see her often. Mrs. Ira Burnham & Mrs. Horace Ingerson and Mrs. Alec Liddy on the boat. Young capt. Not aboard. He was married last Monday & went to Toronto on his Wedding tower (?) His father aboard. Wells and Grace came to the boat for me. I found Evaline & little Maud at home and I think they were pleased to see me. Anyway the dogs were. And I was glad to be home although I had a pleasant time. Everything at home was nice and warm and cheerful and supper was all ready. Wells came home about 11 P.M. Thursday no marketing done for Bamford folks. Butter too soft and not much of it. Cows all drying up. No feed in Pasture plenty just over the fence. Our 9 cows are as profitable as a setting hen that has set on eggs 8 weeks.

Friday : Sept 21,1888

It had rained a little in the night grass very wet. Wind north but a bright morning. Maud sick with worms. Gave her a dose of caster oil after breakfast . I , Evaline and Welly went down to Wills to see her babys sick too. I carried caster oil and parregoric. Jen gave the baby 8 drops of the goric and Charlie got the bottle and drank the rest of contents we had started home again when mother came running to tell what Charlie had done afraid he poisoned. Grace went to Mrs. Niles for wormwood. She had none after dinner Wells went across the river a man called to see Wells but he was not at home. Sylvia made us a call. Welly went to the ball playat A. Barry’s Wells got back at dark. Grace milked 7 cows. The black horse got loose and Wells & Welly looking for him long after dark with lanterns found him and put him in stable. It rained at sunset. Welly came home at dark. John came home too about 8:00 P.M. In evening I mended socks and at last we all went to bed.

Saturday: Sept. 22,1888

Rose early and got Wells breakfast by lamp light so he go to Kingston. Welly went early with Ed. Rattray to R. Irvins to thresh. Somewhat cloudy. Wind north cool. I wrote a letter and mailed it to Volty this summer sent John to Sam’s Wm. Smith and wife out very early trolling & they went to post office after dinner. Evaline, Welly, & Johny went to the baseball play. Frank Woodman drove here for E. And Sylvia went to. Spaffs boy Albert brought the post auger. Our boys beat the Ferry boys at base ball. Spaff joy & Rattrays returned from the West. Spaff rode down with Wells and said they put Trume Merrills wife in the asylum. While he was there and also he has bought a right in a sawmill & is going back in 5 weeks. 2 letters from Hugh (Bamford) and Wells saw Mrs. Stevenson on Kingston dock that old hag that used to work for us Bill Smith called here. Grace milked all the cows. I fed hogs, skimmed milk, fed calves , brought water, got supper and sick and gone to bed. They all came home after dark. I received a letter from Watson the old monkey I feel just like kicking him.

Sunday: Sept.23,1888

Layed a bed late all the family seemedto be lazily inclined. Mrs. Bamford and Grace gotbreakfast. Eveline & Grace done up the work. Mrs. Bamford sick in bed almost all day. George Niles came to tell us that old Kit had hurt herself. Mr. Bamford went up to doctor her. John went to church and over to Niles and up to Morgand. Grace and Eveline got dinner and washed up the dishes. Then went after some black cherries and down to Wills. Grandma felt bad to think of moving. Will brought us up some fish for dinner. Mrs. Bamford made some good soup for supper. Sylve went over to Rattrays to hear about the west. Wells Jr. Went to Choumont. Quite cool today wind north.

Monday: Sept. 24,1888

A very beautiful day. Wind south getting ready for threshers. Pa and John drawing oats. Pa killed a sheep this afternoon. Grace went to Wills , Sams < and Niles. Evaline worked like a heroine all day washed dishes, mopped, and cleaned windows and everything. Welly not home yet. Ed called for him this morning but not at home. Will promised to work in Welly’s place today. But he got a sore throat. He came up this morning for sulphur but I had none. Sylve called in the evening. Wellie came from chaumont at 12 O’Clock at night. Had been to Watertown. Saw Voltie.

Tuesday: Sept. 25,1888

Threshers came just before dinner. Wellie went up the Island to thresh. Eveline washed & went down to Burnhams in afternoon. Grace & Mrs. Bamford waited on threshers cooked and churned etc. Mrs. Bamford not feeling very well,bad cold. Wind south towards night, sprinkled.

Wednesday: Sept 26,1888

Threshed until noon. John went down to W.H.Woodmans to thresh in afternoon. Mrs. Bamford in bed almost all day. Very sick. Grace and Eveline waited on threshers. Grace went down to Wills in P.M. Eveline went down to E. Joslins with Sylvia. Two cattle buyers here. Mr. Bamford did not sell. A man from Gananoque called to see Will and Mrs. Bamford. Mr. Smith called Wills throat still continues to be sore. Wellie threshing. Wind south very pleasant.

Thursday: Sept. 27,1888

Mrs. Woodman had her fortune told today relative to their lost colt. Wind south blowing a gale dark clouds. Raining in afternoon squally with heavy thunder. Grace went to market today. And had 12 lbs. Of butter to carry but forgot to take 4 and left them at home. John 17 today. I sick with a bad cold . Will sick with inflamed throat and yes Bill Smith took their child to ferry to see a doctor. I went to town today. Mrs Holliday ( Margaret (,N:ee Notter), Holliday –T.M.) hurt by an awning rod in town knocked her seneless. Caused by heavy wind. Pierrepont brought down the passengers. Princess went around foot to Cape.

Friday: Sept 28,1888

Fair day wind west rather cold. Wells went over the river in Ebbs boat came back early. John threshed at Snubs, came home early. They broke down. Sylvia called here on her way over the river stoped again in the evening all night. I worked most of the day but sick all night. Wills eyes are very much inflamed can scarcely see anything. Jen here and sent Grace to Mrs. Niles to dun(?) John for Will. Jen going to Kingston tomorrow with Wells. Eveline ironed and worked all day. Welly up the Island threshing. Wells fixed fence for Will all P.M. to keep their yellow cow out of Wills garden and orchard.

Saturday: Sept 29, 1888

Wells and Jen went to Kingston Grace rose early and got her fathers breakfast. Sylvia went home after breakfast. I sick with a cold yet feel very bad but set up all day and mended socks. Baseball match at Sams this A.M. Grace and Eveline gone. I and Maud alone at home. Volty was to come home today but no one went to Millens Bay for him. William S. here A.M. Will Dixons eyes very bad yet. Our boys beat the Taylor nine. Wells and Jen came home at dark and Jen stayed to supper. Wells went down to Wills and tied their cows under the barn. Laura stayed at Wills all night. Wind south.

Sunday: Sept. 30,1888

Volty came home, he stayed all night with George Liddie Very pleasant and warm . Charlie and Bell came down. Were here to dinner.

Monday: October. 1,1888

Rain and cold wind all day. Grace was to have an apple cut but the rain will hinder. Mother is not very well. She has been in bed most all day. Uncle Bill Smith is here cleaning oats. John is helping him. Evaline cooked for the party this afternoon.

Tuesday :October 2,1888

Wells drew grain (barley) to the scow. John helped clean barley and W.S. clean oats. Volty went to Rosiere (in New York) for his trunk. Evaline done a big washing Wells came home in the evening. Wills eyes very sore. I don’t feel well.

Wednesday: October 3,1888

Evaline ironed. We churned and made butter prints for market. Volty, John, and their father cut the corn and drew it home. Wills eyes not well yet,nor better. Sylvia here. Welly threshing at Rattrays. Came home at dark. I don’t feel well yet. Wind north.

Thursday: October 4,1888

Wind south cloudy dark day rain hard all P.M. Welly, Volty, & Grace wentto Kingston and Eveline finished ironing made pies, cake and cleaned floors. Uncle Smith here twice Laura doctoring Wills eyes. Wells & John draw beans and pumpkins. Some thief stole our applesagain this year over in the far orchard. Grace left her basket ,and pail, towels, butter rags, slippers, and rubbers in Kingston. Welly brought me a bottle of cough medicine. Volty brought 6 apples barrels. Sylvia here John Morgan here in the evening. Maud sick with cold. Wills eyes a little better. Jen called.

Friday: October 5,1888

Eveline is 20 years old today. Till and Shell here. Sylvia here. Dark cloudy day. Wind north Welly went to Rattray’s to thresh. John to W.H. Woodmans. Wells and Volty gathering grange apples. Evaline at Sammys and stayed all night.

Saturday: October 6,1888

dark rainy day rather cold wind. North. Wells went to Kingston. Welly threshing at Joys. John threshing at Mackeys. Volty filled 6 apple barrels. With apples. Grace mopped kitchen floor. Charley Halliday 28 years old today

Sunday: October 7,1888

Wells Jr. Got some honey for me from Mrs. Gloyd. A bright warm day. Wind south river still. Bill & Laura made us a call. Laura called for her cups and saucers. Volty went home with them. Wells Jr. And Evaline married today. Sylvia here . John over to Rattrays. Wells went over to Joys to see when Spaff is going to Gananoque. Grace went over home with Sylvia.

Monday: October 8,1888

A dismal cloudy cold rainy P.M. Wind north afternoon more cheerful. Wells Jr. Went to Flynns to thresh. Volty stoped all night at Smiths and went to Micheas to help thresh P.M. raining. Wells Jr. Came home afternoon and made a baseball bat. Wells went to Hennessys to a bee. John went to find the cattle. Eveline moped dinning room and helped make Maud dress.

Tuesday: October 9,1888

A fair cold day froze last night. Wind north west. Volty gone to Fishers Landing to row Laura. Bill brought a cup of smokey sour honey for me. Clinton Smith came on the Island this morning to visit his Uncle Smith. John gathering apples and pumpkins. Wells reaping oats. John Niles reaping oats. Wells Jr. Went to Flynns this P.M. Machine not moved yet. Went again A.M. John Flynn here looking for threshers. Maud Watson squalled most all day. Volty came home in evening and said he only went as far as Clayton.

Wednesday: October 10,1888

A bright fine day. Wind south Wells , Volty, and Wells Jr. Threshing for Flynns. Frank Woodman here for butcher knives. Johny & Frank brought 3 pails of water for Evaline to wash and then John went to the church where they were painting and stayed nearly all A.M. and then went to gather apples from grange. Till Niles here for hog hook old George Torrey called to enquire the way to Sams. Clint Smith made us a visit. Johny & Volty went down to Smiths with him in evening.

Thursday: October 11,1888

A fine bright day wind north. Volty and Jen went to market. Grace went to Bells on Princess Louise. Wells and John drew in all the oats. Welly threshing to Flynns. Eveline ironed. Smith and Clinton went to Kingston by the road. Volty bought 5 more apple barrels. Colder toward night a circle around the sun. Wells went to mothers in the evening to get them some wood.

Friday: October 12,1888

Old Mrs. Flynns sister and brother-in-law came to make them a visit from Boston. Wind north rained all day. Welly threshing at Morgans but came home in afternoon and J. Morgan with him Volty digging potatoes for Smith and carried Clinton across the river and brought Laura back and Volty stayed all night. Grace went to school the last day and also J. Niles. S. Joy and James O’Brien. Wells worked down around Wills and went down in the evening and brought up our rooster. I have forgotten what John done.

Saturday: October 13,1888

A fine day. Wind south changing to north P.M. Grace went to Jens to get the steelyards. Wells plowed all day. Welly finished threshing for Morgans and moved the machine down to Ed Rattrays. Laura, Volty, and Maud gathered apples at Wills. Bill and Mother4 quarreled. Volty and maud came here in afternoon in time for dinner Maud stayed all night. ( Must be Maud Smith ,because Maud Watson would still be a toddler –Thelma) The boys played ball at Sams all P.M. It was so dark couldn’t find all the cows so they went without being milked. Welly came home with a toothache. John threshed at Morgans til 6 O’Clock P.M. Wills eyes are better finished painting church this morning.

Sunday: October 14,1888

A bright fine day. Wind north. Volty carried Maud home after breakfast. No service in church today. Wells Jr. And Johny went up to W.G.Woodmans for Wellys Skiff John Morgan came home with them. Wells reading Eveline & Grace went for haws (??). Volty came home at evening time. Grace went to Sams awhile.

Monday: October 15,1888

A bright day and warm wind south. Somewhat cloudy toward eve. A circle around the sun. Evaline washed. Wells and John cut peas. Welly and Volty got apples for Will. Smith did potatoes at Wills. In afternoon Patterson & Eben Bates helped our boys gather for Will Sylvia came here for shellac but E stayed and went with John for grapes when he went for cows and lost her wedding ring. Grace carried Janes starch home. Welly & Wells, John Niles and Jane went down to Wills in evening.

Tuesday: October 16,1888

Tis ten O’Clock P.M. and raining hard wind south. The sun shining part of the time but wind rain hard and thunder, squally, Wells and Johny went for the cider press. Welly and Volty made a barrel of cider and looked for the ring but didn’t find it. Johnny and Wells cut some peas W. Smith came up and quarreled with Welly. Welly settled up with him and paid him 10 dollars.

Wednesday: October 17,1888

A fine day wind south. Wells and John plow all day. Welly and volty made a barrel of cider and went over to grange to gather apples. Evaline moped and made Maud a dress. Evaline and Grace went to look for Evalines ring but did not find it. Welly found Voltys watch charm under an apple tree. Boyea made Wells a visit in the field. Wells killed 2 turkeys for Jen and carried them to her in evening. J made butter prints and dressed 2 turkeys for market. Mrs Flynn here to hire one of our boys,but couldn’t get one. Wells Jr. And Volty went to Wills this evening. Most eleven O’Clock and I will go to bed.

Thursday : October 18, 1888

A fine day. Wind south. Wells Jr. And Volty went to Kingston on Princess. Wells and John plow all day. Grace stayed with her grandmother and went over to the dock at evening time. Eveline helped John milk the cows at night. Welly Jr. And Volty came home and brought J. Morgan and young Melville with them Watson came too. After supper boys went across the river to Percys to a husking and dance but when they arrived there found they had another kind of party and came back went to Howe Island to a dance at Besaws. Got home again at 5 O’clock this morning. Smith here in afternoon to unburden his mind of his grief and trouble poor boyka. Sam got drunk and offened the preacher. Jen went to market.

Friday : October 19,1888

A clear rainy day. Wind north Wells and John cut peas all A.M. Boys slept part A. M. And made a little cider in P.M. Rained steady Volty went down to Uncle Smiths and get the rest of my Harpers. Wells went to O’Briens. Evaline put her quilt on the frams. I took an afternoon nap and patched Wells coat and set up and baked bread most eleven O Clock and I will retire Old Mrs Mc Mullen buried today at Cataracqut.

Saturday : October 20,1888

Wells brought my eye glasses home and brought Johnny a pair of new boots $ 3.25. Weather variable. Wind south blowing a breeze all day. Dark wind cloud rolling away to north. Squally with hail. Wells and Watson went to Kingston this morning. Welly went to see Ed Rattray and gone all day. Johnny plowed all day. Volty gathered apples and choped wood for Jen and Smith came up for apples for Smith. Evaline quilting Grace and I cleaned floors,colored yarn. Volty dug potatoes over to grange. John brought them home at evening. Wells came home just after sundown and brought me a bottle of cod liver oil and said Min O’Brien went to ferry with him she going to her granfather Dees to go to Catholic school.

Sunday : October 21,1888

Quite a fine day. Wind south . Wells reading his newspaper. Wells Jr. Went down to Ebbs and brought the skiff home. John went to church Volty went down to Smiths came back towards night fall and brought Maud Smith with him She stayed awhile and Volty rowed her home again in the boat. Then they rowed George Horn across the river. Here is a catalogue of all our callers. Syliva & Frank Woodman , Fred Joy , George Niles , Maud Smith , Henry Holliday ( Halliday) , Bob Forbs. Grace went to gather hickory nuts and Maning berries (???) Fred stayed all night. Volty came home at 9:30 O’Clock. Wells Jr. Found Evalines ring.

Monday : October 22,1888

A clear bright day wind south. We rose early. Wells went over to see Spaff. And then came home and Wells and Johnny drew peas all day. Volty digging potatoes for Smiths and brought all he raised down at Wills for 30 cts. Per bushel. Smith , Horn , and Volty drew 18 bushels here in A. M. And put them in cellar went back to dig and get the rest of the potatoes Wells Jr. Went over to Spaffs to arrange about going to Michigan. Spaff takes his team with him. And Fred and Lewis. Welly went to Niles for money and Ed Rattray called to pay him. Welly went up to Plunkers in P.M. to get money on order by Ed Rattray. Evaline fixed and mended Welly’s clothes and Ed called and paid Evaline 4 dollars. Johnny drove over to Bells with Welly ,Evaline went too and not come home till Thursday. Welly is going to Michigan with Spaff. George Farr called in evening for school tax on Linda’s Island ( A small island just off of the point near Bamfords that they owned at that time. They used to cut a lot of wood from there. – Thelma ) Sylvia came this A.M. for half gallon vinegar and came again in P.M. Mrs. Niles went down to Wills to make them a visit called here on her way home. Mrs. Niles & Syliva were here when Welly started after supper. Wells went to Wills to chop some wood for them and Volty came home with him from Smiths. Tis after 10 O’Clock and John has not come yet. All the others in bed but me. I set up till half past twelve John not here yet and I go to bed. Clara Luella Kilborn Blossom at Wills. Jiles Kilborn & Blossom gone down the river fishing.

Tuesday : October 23,1888

A cloudy day. Wind north looks like rain. John and Evaline came home at eleven O’ Clock and brought squashes from Bells. Volty and Wells drawing and cutting peas. John helped cut peas in P.M. Mrs Blossom came here and had dinner. And is “so glad” she is married. Till and little Johnny Niles here. Mrs. Blossom went back to Wills. Wells went in evening to cut their wood. A rainy evening. Welly went on the Princess to Kingston from Holliday point and will take the 4 O’Clock train for Petoskey, Michigan.

Wednesday : October 24,1888

Sylvia called here for Eve’s jacket. A cloudy squally day. Wind south blowing half a gale. Evaline quilting John & Wells plowing. Volty gathering apples and making bins in cellar. Carpenter Grant here to see about repairing the house occuppied by Rev. Watts. Johny went to William Horns “stun” bee in P.M. Volty drew apples. To store house. One barrel for to sell. And some barrels for Will for market and helped J. Niles butcher a hog for market. Came home done chores and milked all the cows & went and helped carry J. Niles pig in house. Mother walked down to Smiths to coax him to buy their place. I suppose Smith brought her home. Mrs. Blossom at Wills yet. Wells went down and carried 2 turkeys and chopped wood . Welly on the train going west.

Thursday : October 25,1888

A clear warm day light wind North. Wells drove over to wharf this morning with Volty. Grace and Rachels organ taking it to Kingston for repairs and then Wells and John plowed all day. Smith made Wells a visit in field. Don’t talk very favorable about buying the place. Evaline finished quilting. Syliva gone to town to get her winter clothes. Sent 6 ducks to market. Wells Jr. Sent his picture home taken with Pat Bulger. Jen went to market. Mrs. Joe Blossom at Wills yet. Jen not feeling in very good humor tonight.

Friday : October 26,1888

A beautiful warm clear day. Light wind south. Wells & Johny plow all day. At noon Wells & Volty went to Wills to move stove but stove red hot and Wells wouldn’t wait for stove to cool so came home hitched up and went afield to plow. Volty stayed there and J. Morgan helped move stove. Volty gathering apples and make cider. Syliva here twice once to bring Evalines wrap home and once to borrow a paint brush. Jen here and appears rather down hearted about something. Grace was down there today and said her grandmother and Jen were disagreeing about something, did not know what. Mrs. Blossom there yet. Evaline put binding on her quilts doubled and twisted yarn. I do same as every day. Cook and wash dishes and general housework. Volty, Jen and Grace gone to Morgans to a party this evening. John Morgan made us a call this afternoon. Mr. & Mrs. Niles made us an evening visit. Tremendious firing of canon at Cape Vincent long after dark. I guess I’ll go to bed. I suppose I will rise early as Wells is going to Kingston. Welly must be almost at Petoskey by this time.Well good night and pleasant dreams. Johnny and George Morgan came at midnight for fiddle strings. Will Cornwell 30 years old today.

Saturday : October 27,1888

Rose early and got Wells breakfast by lamp light. Raining quite hard. Wind south. Half past four and very dark. Our children not home from party yet. Wells has gone long before daylight through the rain but not very cold this morning. Smith promised Wells to go up about the place again but he I don’t believe will go. Grace ,Volty, Johnny came home from the party at eleven O’Clock. I colored yarn for Evaline and she went down to her grandma Joslins. Calling at Wills on her way there. Grace went to bed and slept til ten O’Clock. Volty and Johnny done chores and made cider and did not milk the cows but once today. I done Sat. Work alone. Moped kitchen floor. A dark dismal day with rain and wind from south. John Morgan called in evening. Volty went at dark to chop wood for Will . John out after dark fixing fence. Wells came home just after dark and brought onions and we had a bright warm fire and a good supper all ready. I cooked chicken and a pot pie and boys came home to supper, too. Welly and Spaff must be in Michigan by this time. Mrs. Blossom at Will’s yet. Mrs. Jimmy rode down with Wells from ferry.

Sunday : October 28,1888

Rather a cloudy day wind south. Rained in A.M. We did not get up very early. Wells reading his newspaper. Johnny at home all day reading and sleeping After dinner Volty dressed and went down the Island courting. Mother came up to dinner has not been here in a long time. She talked over all her Smith trouble and went home at dark. Wells went down to chop wood. Grace went down for nanny berries. Eddy Bates came to go to prayer meeting with Johnny. Hiram Joslin and Eben Bates came up with Grace to go to church , too but there was no meeting. So they stayed here and made a visit. Drank cider and had a great time. Wells thought we ought to have a letter from Welly last night. I am sorry to record I had to spank Maud but I think it done her good. Evaline came home with Wells and I made a hasty pudding for supper. Mrs. Blossom at Wills yet waiting for Joseph and says they will miss her when she goes home.

Monday : October 29,1888

A midling fair day. Strong breeze from the west. Cold but not freezing. Wells ,Johnny and Volty butchered beef A.M. Wells and Johnny plowed all P.M. til dark then choped wood and milked and took care of horses. Volty went to Morgans after dinner for John Morgan to help dig Wills potatoes. George Horn helped too. George here to dinner and came up in P.M. for cider for J.N. & Volty they dug 22 bushels. Mrs. Blossom helped Jen wash and hung the clothes out. After dark Will went down to Smiths to coax him to buy the place. Smith has agreed to go to Kingston tomorrow and Wells is going too. Grace went to Sams for Kerosene but they had none. They told Grace that Smith had been there talking against her grandmother. John went to Wills after dark for oil. Boyky and Laura went to Niles for 3 barrels of apples. Evaline knit on Wellys socks. Maud acted mean all day kicked and squalled.

Tuesday : October 30,1888

Grace and Mrs. Bamford washed and done general housework. Mr. Bamford went to Kingston to see about Wills place but Smith did not go. Mr. Bamford came home rather vexed at Smith for not going and swore considerable. Volty dug potatoes for Will and went down to the foot of the Island courting in the evening. John plowed and drew wood and done chores. Will Dixon made us a visit and Mrs. Blossom made us a call and now she has gone home to Cape Vincent. Evaline sewed on Grace’s dress. Maud Watson behaved tolerably well. Quite a fair day. Wind south west light breeze Wells Jr. Sawing ( We presume to say ) Eveline knit some on Wellies sock. Sylvia did not put in an appearance. Now Well all expire in time. Good night.

Wednesday : October 31,1888

This is the last day of October and all Saints Day. A very fine day. Wind south east changing to south towards evening. Volty finished digging Wills potatoes. 4 ½ rows. Wells and John plowed and drew Wills apples and cider barrel here at noon. Will and Volty made cider for Will in P.M. Volty went to Cooks courting and returned about 2 O’Clock A.M. Smith went to Kingston said he couldn’t or didn’t go yesterday because he had a headache. We stoped along side road to talk with Wells says he will buy the place now says he means business. Now right straight from the word “go”up tomorrow Laura must buy the place cause he is “ afeared” too wants Wells to go down there tonight. Wells goes after supper comes home about eleven finds us all a bed excepting Evaline. She sets up to finish Wellys sock. Evaline finished Graces dress too. Sylvia here early this morning for turkeys. Will and Jen here this evening for turkeys.

Thursday : November 1,1888

Today has been one of the most beautiful days of the season. Wind south,very light. Wells went to Kingston on the Princess also Grace and Volty. Wells went on the Smith and Dixon business again. John plowed at home and done the chores. Irene ( Mrs. Bamford ) done general housework. Maude behaved well today. Stuck her foot in a kettle of water thought she had burnt it but guess not bad. Will C. Dixon made us a call and Volty staid in Kingston. John and Eveline went to the dock. Mr. Bamford came home vexed because he had to walk from the dock and swore considerable. John Morgan called to tell us Sams dog was eating up the beef. The bargin for the place was concluded today. Laura paid $50.00 dollars in the office. Great flocks of wild geese in river and flying away south. Mrs. George Farr and Ell Farr went to Kingston on Princess. Edith came down on Princess today. Her trade is learned I suppose.

Friday : November 2,1888

Wind south strong breezey not cold. Wells plowed all A.M. on grange John plowed at home. Volty in Kingston. After dinner Wells went over to the store house to get his flour which was left the last night and brought some wood home old rail etc. Eveline knitting for Welly and piecing for a quilt. Grace making sheets and I mopped kitchen floor and scalded beef barrel. Wells brought in the fore quarters of beef that hung on a tree by the river since he butchered last Monday to keep Sams dogs from eating it up. Jen here for her flat irons. I forgot to say Wells left the hind quarters of beef hanging in the tree yet. I suppose he thinks it hangs so high the dogs can’t “chaw” that. Mrs. George Farr & Ell Farr visiting at Mrs. Niles. Wind blows hard they can’t cross river. Smith commenced work today. The “All Saints” dressed up Delmors old cow with horns harness last night A rainy night.

Saturday : November 3,1888

Wind south rainy morning. Wells and John plowed all day at home. Volty came home from Kingston in P.M. stayed at Welches all night. Smith plowing on his new farm. Evaline recieved a letter from Welly. I received a postal card from Watson. Will and Jen here making cider. Will Cornwell came over and stayed at Niles. John went down to Ed Rattrays after dark. Wells cut up his beef. A rainy evening.

Sunday : November 4, 1888

A very pleasant day wind south. Wells husked corn and read newspaper. Will Cornwell here in A.M. Volty and Johny went down the Island and stayed all day. John went to Joys. Sylvia and Charley Woodman went over the river with Ell Farr early in morning Cornwell home. Syliva saw Cornwell I suppose she feels better. John Morgan called and went down to Wills and they then down the Island and from there J & Volty went to Brad point and staid all night. Will came up early for me to go down home with him but I did not go till after dinner. Maud went with me and we stayed till after dark and came home by the light of the lantern.

Monday : November 5, 1888

A fine day for this time of the year. Wind south strong breeze. Wells and Johnny plowing at home. Volty came home before dinner and made some cider. Built a covering for Wellys boat and plowed towards night while Wells went over to Liddys. Volty then went to Brad point to a dance at Hicks. John went down to dun Ed Rattrays for his father. Evaline went to Sams at dark came back and helped me milk the cows all but one. So dark we couldn’t tell cow from bull and I went out after dark and fell over the pumpkins and into a hole the boys had dug to bury apples.

Tuesday : November 6,1888

Stormy breeze from south. Cloudy looks like rain. Wind blowing a gale all night. Wells and Johnny plowing nearly all day til the rain drove them in. Volty came home in the afternoon. Stayed all night at Hicks on Brad point. Hicks and family started for Brooklyn today. Syliva here this morning to borrow wash board and brought it home again towards evening and stayed til nearly dark and went home in the rain. Will came up awhile to see if Wells had gone to Kingston. Wells intended to go to Kingston with Smith but he did not come so Wells plowed. Volty went to Ebbs to borrow a bottle of kerosene. I patched most all day. Evaline finished Welly’s sock , pieced quilt and knit lace. Grace done house work. Maude done as she pleased. Alvira Gillespie visiting Jane Niles.

Wednesday : November 7, 1888

A fine day. Wind north and cool . Rose early had breakfast at day light. Wells and Johnny plowed all day at home. Volty eat breakfast and went to Brad point for Smiths boat that J. Morgan had taken from the foot yesterday. Came home at noon with Smiths skiff. Charley Woodman went with Volty to Millens Bay for kerosine. Got back at 4 O’Clock while Syliva was here to borrow Evelines jacket to wear to Kingston tomorrow. Charley came for his kerosene in evening while J. Morgan was here lifting the kerosene and bolting for out doors saying as he went out. “ What do you think of that.” Will here for basket to carry apples in to market and some russets to finish filling a barrel for market. Wells sent John down to Wills with team and helped Will load two barrels of apples. John came home with cows & Will drove over to store house. Will lost his key to the store house. Came up here inquiring if it is here. We said no. Volty rowed Smiths boat home and ate supper there. Grace and I washed clothes. Dressed turkeys ,ducks, and churned and made butter prints for market. Cooked 3 meals and swept chamber, washed dishes and ironed and patched Johnys pants. Maud eat apples all day. Evening very dark and cloudy no moon. Looks like a storm before morning. All abed but me. We will have to get up at 3 O’Clock tomorrow morning for the boat comes in at half past 6.(6:30)

Thursday : November 8 , 1888

A still cloudy morning. Light wind north. Rose at 3 O’Clock . Wells drove over to the dock with John and Grace. I got breakfast twice this morning. Maud awoke cried and squalled around for Grace. Volty went to ice house in the dark to cut beef for second breakfast for Wells carried one lantern to the dock. And the other lanterns is at Wills. Wells and Volty plowed nearly all day until commenced raining. Wells milked cows and done chores. Volty drove to the dock before dark came back nearly 8 O’Clock.. Spent a very quiet afternoon. Rachel came home from Kingston and brought a bottle of Irish Whiskey and had a noisy evening. ( Aunt Rachel was known to take a “NIP” and she also smoked a corn cob pipe....Thelma) Rained all night. Gowdy took Grace’s turkey money away from her and kept the turkey.

Friday : November 9,1888

Rained all day. Wind north. Rachel went down to Wills. Will here and John Morgan played on violin sung and Mr. Bamford and John at O’Briens to help him move straw. Volty down to Wills to get his hair cut. Threshed beans and done chores.

Saturday : November 10,1888

Wells got up early to go to town. Rained could not go. Wind north cleared up towards night. Rachel settled with Ed and concluded to let Will have the place. J Niles come and got the cider with Volty buried apples. Wells and John went over towards night and drew wood. Bill Smith made us a call for his pail and jar. John went to the post office got a letter from Wells. ( Welly Jr. ...Thelma)

Sunday : November 11,1888

Wind west some what cold not freezing. Volty went to Brad point in Smith’s boat. Wells reading ,John went to church. But no service road so bad minister could not come down. Will came up and Rachel went home with him and stayed all night. Johnny went down to Smiths from church. Came back in time to milk. Hiriam Joslin with him. Evaline , Grace , Johnny and Hiriam went to prayer meeting . Wind blowing a gale. Volty not at home yet. Half past nine A.M.

Monday : November 12, 1888

West wind cold. Wells sent John to Mr. Niles to borrow Mr. Niles big kettle early A.M. Volty came home at 8. Having stayed over night at Brad Point. Will came up and John, Wells, Will and Volty butchered the pigs after dinner. Volty, John and Will took the team to move Wills stove. The stove got broke by moveing. So they drove over to the Breakey house for Rachels stove that has been there since last spring. When Will ,Wellie were fishing . Johnny made Mr. Niles family a visit in the evening. Grace made them a visit in afternoon and carried home their starch and kerosene. Wells and Volty brought in the dogs at night. Eva moped all the floors and knit and helped do everything . Maude afraid of Niles big kettle.

Tuesday : November 13, 1888

A very fine day. Wind south. Arose at half past three. I got Wells breakfast so he can get an early start for Kingston Expect J. Niles to accompany him. Volty and John got up early and helped load the pig in the wagon for market. Volty helped me get breakfast again. Eva sent Wellie a letter. Volty worked for Uncle Smith digging post holes and went there for dinner. John took team and helped move Will. Johnny plowed at home in afternoon. Eva washed a big washing and hung them on the line early and knit on Wells sock. Jen made us a call for B. Sylvia “ne” Betsey Babbitt ( or Bobbitt) gone up towards J.N’s. Expect she is going across the river. I scoured tea kettle.

Wednesday : November 14,1888

A fine day. Wind south. John and Wells finished plowing at home. P.M. helped Will move. Volty dig post holes and set post for his Uncle William. Rachel came over for her things to go to Kingston. Evaline visiting at Mrs. Niles. I wrote to Wellie and Watson. Old Mrs. Berry buried today at Marysville.

Thursday : November 15,1888

Cloudy and warm. Wind south. We had to rise early half past three. Gave Volty his breakfast. John drove him over to the dock. Wells and John plowed all day on Grange. Wells salted the pork in the barrel at noon. Grace went over to her grandmothers for bowl and chopping knife and came back on the wagon. John Morgan came home with Volty. Had supper and played euchre in parlor. 9 O’Clock and the calf in the barn not fed since yesterday. Going to feed him bye and bye. Tomorrow Wills folks have pidgeons for dinner.

Friday November 16,1888

Wind north. Cloudy looks like rain. No snow yet. Wells plowing all day John went to corners for plow point in Smiths Skiff. Volty helping Smith stretch wire on posts. John plowed in afternoon. Morgan drove Ranous cattle to pound. A beautiful sunset.

Saturday : November 17,1888

Wind West blowing a gale. Up at 8:30 O’Clock. Wells gone to Ferry for pigs. Morgan drove Ranous cattle to pound again at 8:00 O’Clock this morning. Cold day. John plowed and ate dinner at Wills. Volty helped Smith strech barbed wire. Evaline made coal fire in both stoves. Cleaned all the floors and made pies. A cold raw wind all day. Blowing a strong brezze all day. Wells went to Kingston could get no pigs. Bought cabbage, onions, mustard, and two Utica Saturday Globes. Eva received a letter from Wellie.

Sunday :November 18,1888

Pleasant day but cold. Wind north. John went after breakfast over to Rachels stayed till nearly dark. Volty went down to Smiths. Will came up for cider. Evaline wrote to Welly. Wells sending whig. Grace went to Wills. Came back at dark. Rachel came with her. John Morgan came home with Volty and stayed till 9 :00 O’Clock. John and Grace went to prayer metting and Rachel went home.

Monday : November 19,1888

Snowed in the night but turned to rain before morning. Wind south blowing a gale. Rained pouring nearly all day clearing up towards night with wind changing to North. Wells threshing beans at the barn. Volty white washing or calciming for Smith. Laura helping clean house. The house full of rats and Smith shooting them with a double gun. John hunting in A. M. And afternoon. Puttering around the house and doing chores. Coal fire don’t work very well in cook stove today. I am from eleven O’Clock until 3:00 O’Clock getting dinner. Mr. B_____owser most starved. Not fire enough at supper time to boil tea kettle but everything all right at last and We have a pleasant evening. John made someone an evening visit don’t know who. Volty came home from Smiths hungry. Has cold dinners every day. Evaline finished the lace and set up Wellie’s mitten.

Tuesday : November 20,1888

A clear bright day cold wind north. Ground frozen no snow. Volty working in the house for Smith and helping him move. John carried Niles kettle home and than drew manure and banked the house. Wells drew the lumberhome and afternoon plowed sward (??) On grange. Eveline done big washing and cleaned floors and knit on Wellie’s mitten. Will had one team to move and brought it home. Eat supper with us. George Niles and Tom Redman called in evening after supper. Johny and George and Tom carried in 9 bags potatoes. River steaming. Weather so cold. Volty 21 years old today.

Wednesday : November 21,1888

A cold day ground frozen hard. Can’t plow today. John banking house. Wells drew manure towards the old maple. Volty helping Smith butcher worked for him all day. Smith’s folks made sausage. Eveline ironed and knit. Grace knit on mitten. Wind east – Rachel came over for starch brought home the globe and borrowed another. Wells helped Will move old red cupboard and other things.

Thursday : November 22,1888

A cold morning. Slight flurries of snow but clears away. Wind north cold increases towards eve. River steaming. Wells and I got up at 3 A.M. John drove Volty and Grace to dock. Volty going to the city. Grace to Belles. John banked the house. Wells drew 6 loads of manure on potato e ground. Smith banked his house. Laura Lobelia went to Kingston. We moved into the dining room again by building a wood fire in dining room stove. Will came over for ___. I forgot what. I am fifty four years old today. The years are rolling away, on and on.

Friday : November 23,1888

A clear bright morning. Sun rose clear. Wind north river steaming but stills down (weather) and grows warmer towards noon. Volty carries the bees in the cellar. Spink made us a short visit. Will came with him and borrowed my boiler for Rachel. Weather quite mild wind south. Light breeze. River still a rosy sunset. John banked house and filled the out side cellar way with pea straw and boarded it alone. Wills drew wood from the old house. Marjorie was 4 years old today. Volty went got the horse shod at O’Briens.

Saturday : November 24,1888

Got up at half past three.Gave Wells his breakfast and he started for Kingston. Knit for awhile and got breakfast for family. Volty and Johnny milked the cows late. Will came over for Johny to draw wood for Will. Eat dinner there came home with a load of wood for us. Came late and drew one load of manure to bank the house. Went for the cows at dark but could not find them. Volty built a covering for the skiff buried a barrel of apples. Smith went up for coal. Brought water to clean the floors. Choped wood built fires etc. I moped scrubbed chairs,made pies,baked beans. Etc. Evaline finished Johnny’s mittens and knit lace. Grace finished her mitten and made a sheet. Wells came home half past seven. Brought 10 80 lbs. Coal and the globe. A fierce wind from south changing to north towards evening. A clear sunset. Eveline received a letter from Welly.

Sunday : November 25,1888

A clear bright day. Wind north in morning changing to north west. And increasing to a gale all P.M. and night. Cold ,no snow. Ground bare. John went to church. But no service. After dinner Volty went to Smiths Will came over and cut Wells hair. And shaved himself. Wells sending his newspapers. Eva and Grace reading and doing as they please. Maud kiacting around as usual. Volty after dark moved his bed into the hall. Everyone abed but me. And I’ll go too. I’ll get a drink before I retire and now good - night. Gone to bed.

Monday : November 26,1888

Wind north blowing up a gale all night with snow and rain. Wells built a fire in the old stove and made axe handle. Volty brought water put heads in apple barrels and pared 3 bushels of apples and helped churn. John helped churn and went over to Wills to get his hair cut. Eva made Grace’s dress over and in the evening Volty ,Evaline, John and Grace pared apples till 10 O’Clock and hung them to dry on the clothes bars. 10 O’Clock and the storm raging yet. Wells gone to bed and Maude asleep on the lounge. I expect there will be a “time or two” getting her around up for bed.

Tuesday : November 27,1888

Wind north a drizzly mozzily (??)day not cold. Volty brought water to wash. Pared pumpkins to dry and helped do all the chores . Wells and John fixing cow stable and draw wood from the old house. Evaline made Maude night dresses and in the evening Volty , Eva , and Grace pared and strung a barrel of apples. Grace washed and Eva hung the clothes out to dry in the rain. Ground most bare snow melting away. Sam Woodman found his lost colt at Grimshaws.

Wednesday : November 28,1888

Cloudy with scarcely a breath of wind what there is is south. River still looks like brightening up but in afternoon thickens up again. And looks like rain and rained just enough to catch ½ tub of water. Wells working at barn most all day. Volty churned and John and Volty drew wood from the old house. Eva fixed her grey dress. Elsworth Woodman brought Edith down here at night. Weather warm. Front door open part of the time. Volty killed two turkeys and picked them for market. Rachel came over for salt. Will cut John’s hair. I cleaned floor and made butter for market. Volty , John and Wells drove the calves to dock.

Thursday : November 29,1888

A quiet cloudy day. River like glass all day and foggy. The ground all mud with patches of dirty snow along the fences everything seems sad and lonesome. Got up early this morning at 4 O’Clock got two breakfasts. Volty went to Kingston. Grace went to Bells going to stay a week to help more. Weather very mild and melancholy. Eva and Edith knitting. Clothes hung out since Tuesday not dry yet. Wells and Johny drawing manure. Maude Smith came home and stayed here for tea. Volty went home with her. John drove over to dock and Edith went with him as far as Wills. Rachel went to Kingston and brought Will a pair of boots. Volty brought a pair of boots. Volty heard in Kingston today that Joy and Merrills had dissolved partnership and that Spafford was coming home.

Friday : November 30,1888

Wind west rather chilly. The sun peeping from behind the clouds now and then. No snow, no rain. John drawing manure. Wells went down the Island to E. Rattrays. Ebb’s and Delmar’s came back while we were eating dinner. Volty working for Uncle Smiths I think The clothes must be dry and will being them in before bedtime. Sent Laura a pail of butter milk by John when he went for the cows. Eva moped all the floors washed dishes and got dinner, finished her cushion and made two holders. Knit lace ane etc. I churned. Maude kiacted.

Saturday : December 1,1888

Wind west quite cold freezing a little. Cloudy. Ground lightly covered with snow. Stuble and bare ground showing through everywhere. Wells and John drawing manure all day. Volty working for Uncle Smith all day. Grace at Bells. Eva’s cleaned chairs and floors, knit and ironed all the clothes I cooked and washed dishes and colored mittens for Johny and Maude. Shelly and Tilly Niles here. Tilly went to Sams for our mail had to wait for it had not come. Eva received a letter from Welly. John Morgan made us an evening visit. A clear starry evening. Freezing.

Sunday : December 2,1888

Syliva returned home today. Cornwell rowed her over. Nearly sunrise when Wells built a fire. A clear bright day. Wind S. W. Blowing a breeze. Rather cold. Volty went to Brad Point. Johny went to church. Rachel came over and stayed all day. Maude S.and Edith D. Came here from Smiths. Edith went to church just as service was over to go home with Plunkars folks. Henry Holliday and Will Irvine here to dinner. Hiram Joslin here. Came with John from Church. John and Eva went to prayer meeting. Cloudy again this evening.

Monday : December 3,1888

Dark cloudy day. Looks like rain or snow. Wind S.W. chilly trying to snow. Rachel stayed all night and twisted 15 knots of yarn she had doubled last April. Wells and John drawing manure all day. Volty not come home yet and tis 4 O’Clock in P. M. Eva knit her mittens and washed dishes. Rachel went home just before dark and carried her yarn with her. Johny went down to Smiths in evening to make a visit. Came home about 10 O’Clock and Volty came home with him. Volty went to Gananoque today with Cooks. Got back to Brad Point at 5 O’Clock. Took tea with them. And then started again at 6 O’Clock for home. He had McKays old skiff. Minnie Delmars came home with John and Lizzie Morgan. They having been down to Delmars yesterday visiting. Tis eleven O’Clock and snowing furiously.

Tuesday : December 4,1888

Snow this morning ground covered not very cold. Thawing. Wind south. Light breezy till afternoon then cloudy again. Wind rising . Eva washed and hung the clothes before dinner. Volty helped put them on the line. Then Eva moped chamber and cleaned all the floors downstairs. Volty went to help Uncle Smith tear the shingles from the old barn but he was not ready for him to work so he came back and helped churn and helped John draw manure in afternoon. Drew 8 loads . Wells drew manure. Rained some at night. George and Wallace Niles here to borrow bags in the evening. Tis nine O’Clock P. M. And wind blowing hard. Volty and Evaline went and brought in all the clothes.

Wednesday : December 5,1888

John Morgan was at the barn,and said Spaff had returned home and Fred Lewis ,too. Will was here a little while. Wind south and thawing ground bare ecept along the fences. Wells ,Volty, and Johny butchered beef in A. M. After dinner Volty got ready and went across the river. Johny went with him to row him over tis 9 O’Clock and Johny has not come yet but the river is still. Wind south very light until after dark, it changed north. Not blowing very hard but cloudy looks like snow. Barometer low. Wells drew two loads manure. Johny helped churn. Eva repaired Voltys clothes. Wrote Welly and gave Volty a pair of mittens she had knit for Welly and is going to knit Welly a new pair.

Thursday : December 6,1888

Maud Smith went back to Kingston this morning on Pierrepont. Freezing cold wind north light breeze changing at noon to south and fair day ground bare. Wells cut up and salted the beef A. M. Worked at ceiling the piazza in afternoon. Johny put more banking at the cellar door. Will helped John and then Johny went to help Will get wood. John drove to the docks this morning Rachel went to Kingston. I am sleepy all day but I cleaned the teakettle and tried out tallow. Took down the dried apples and hung them away. John came late last evening. Young Spencer helped him row Volty over the river. John called at his Uncle Smiths and made an evening visit. And eat supper there. Eva helped me wash dishes and knit her mitten. Welly gone most 7 weeks and Volty gone too so the children grow up and go from home. Belle married and gone from home most five years. Welly married and gone to Michigan and Evaline going ,too. John drove to the dock for Grace and Rachel and had to wait till 12 O’Clock for the Pierrepont broke down at Howe Island dock and McKenzie telephoned for the Maud to bring the passengers home. Grace went to Kingston today from Charley’s. ( Charles Holliday/Halliday ,Bells Husband –T.M.).

Friday : December 7,1888

Maude Watson 4 years old today. A cloudy looks like rain or snow all day. Wind north but changing south before night warm. Ground bare. Wells and John fixing cow stable all day. Grace helped me and darned socks. Eva done housework and strained tallow and boiled mince meat. In the evening Eva, John, and Grace went over to Spaffords to make them a visit and hear about Michigan. They took the lantern with them and drove across the bridge. The wind hushed and gone to sleep. The night so dark can see no more then a blind man. They came home at half past eleven cold and hungery but appear to be well pleased with their visit for Grace tee hee’s and laughs all the time. She eats her supper. Betsy B. Has not visited us in a long time.

Saturday : December 8,1888

Got out of bed about 3 O’Clock I think the clock an hour fast. I’m so sleepy I can scarcely dress myself but got Wells breakfast and got him started for Kingston. I washed and boiled potatoes and made tea with about 2 quarts of water. I can’t get the second breakfast till daylight for there is no water to boil teakettle. A very light breeze north, clear, stars shining brightly. John done chores and chopped wood for Sunday. Eva double twisted, washed, and colored yarn. Commencing Welly’s mittens. Grace helped do housework choped mince meat went to the post office. A young chap boarding at E. Joslins Spencer by name. A skedaddler from Depauville came as far as our wood pile with Eddy and Eben Bates on their way to post office and stopped and gabed awhile with John. What he run away from is not tellable. I cleaned floors and cooked. Eva received a letter from Welly. Young Joy came over to make us a visit in evening and stayed all night. Will came in evening and they played and sung. Wells came home early and brought Grace’s basket she left on Pierpont. Couldn’t find Smith’s glasses and nails so Wells bought him some nails and brought home two Utica Globes.

Sunday : December 9,1888

Wind north cold cloudy no snow, ground bare. Got up late had breakfast at ten. Wells reading all day. I working all day fried cakes and made mince pies. John and Joy went to J. Niles and stayed all day. Fred told us all about Michigan and the “ moss back’s” Grace made Uncle Smiths a call. Rachel came over awhile. Fred told how his father got lost in the woods going to Michigan on horse back 50 miles through the wilderness said the wolves might have eaten him.

Monday : December 10,1888

Wind south cloudy all day. Looks like rain, warm, ground bare. Wells worked fixing cow stable’s all day. John helped Will butcher his pigs. Evaline knit on Wellie’s mittens. I churned and done house work . Grace sewed on a jacket for herself. Maude out most all day riding a stick and the balance of the time squalling or teasing somebody.

Tuesday : December 11,1888

A cloudy day dark and dreary wind south. Grace washing. Eva knitting Wellie mittens. Wells fixing barn. Johny chopped some wood. George Niles and Albert Joy called for John to go with them to W. H. Woodman’s brush bee. And after bringing water enough to wash with they went to the bee. Maude very troublesome today. Nothing pleases her but squalling. I think she is the meanest young one I ever saw. No rain no snow. Warm and foggy. And at three O’Clock a fine misty rain falling but sky clears at 4 O’Clock with a rosy sunset wind hushed. Eleven O’Clock clear and freezing. Wind north west moon shining brightly. John not home yet from Snubs bee. All the others a bed except myself. I just brought in the clothes from the line. A cold strong breeze from N.W. Turkeys all roosting in the tops of the oak trees. This cold windy night. I am tired of waiting for Johny. Think I’ll go to bed. Guess he is visiting his relatives. Fire in coal stove gone out. John came before I retired.

Wednesday : December 12,1888

Clear cold day wind north. Frost on the windows. Wells mended the Swifts and in afternoon worked in the barn John brought water, built a fire in coal stove and pared pumpkin to dry. Maude very good in A.M. but squalls all P.M. Grace doubled and twisted yarn. John not very well. Caught cold. Wells got a lame neck. Eva got a lame arm she hurt so much. Grace got sore eyes. I did not expect company but first came Rachel she brought me some sausage. Next came Bill Windmill to stay over night so as to embark for Kingston in the morning, next in order came Delavan to stay all night for the passage to Kingston. Had to get supper for them and then came Will Cornwell and Quinn Beadle to make an evening visit. Rachel made the butter prints and I got supper and picked turkey for market. Most eleven O’Clock and I’ll lie down a little while to sleep. Cold not a cloud to be seen ground bare and frozen.

Thursday : December 13,1888

Rose early and got breakfast for I,Delavan, Bill Windmill and Grace to go to Kingston. John drove them over to the dock. John drew a load of wood and a load of manure. Chopped wood went down and made Boyka a call. A clear sharp cold day river steaming. Wind N.W. Wells fixed Maudes chair and another old chair and then worked in barn. Will Cornwell and Q. B. Stayed overnight at J. Niles. They called early this morning to accompany Van (Delavan)and Bill to dock at Horns and went to Kingston. Sid Percy and wife lodged with Sammy’s folks enroute for the city. Jen went too and made a discovery in Graces basket of her letter, which had beengoing to R. To mail the Thursday previous. I suppose it was a good thing to forget to mail it. Eva fixed her dress. I pottered around twisted 10 knots yarn. Hung the colored clothes to dry.

Friday : December 14,1888

A sharp cold day. Clear sky wind west. Wells working at the horse stable. John pared pumpkins to dry. Eva worked on her dress. Grace made two aprons. Rachel made us a call and said Smith made them a visit while she and Jen were in Kingston yesterday. Jens letter business which if mailed might have created a dirty mess all around. Turned out OK. By being forgotten and so all things are amicably adjusted for the present peace proclaims for a few days at least. John made “Samy’s” folks a visit this evening. I colored yarn. Grace set and began mittens for her father.

Saturday : December 15,1888

A beautiful , bright morning. Wind south, light breeze. Got up very early for Wells to go to Kingston. Ten O’Clock wind blow cold and strong from S. E. Clouds gathering for a storm . John made a saw buck and sawed and chopped a pile of wood for Sunday. I received a letter from Victor ( her brother , Victor Dixon–TM) and Eva one from Welly. He don’t like Michigan. I will write him and tell him to come home. John Morgan made us a call. Will brought me Victor’s letter which had been overlooked in the post office. Eva finished her dress and made fried cakes. Grace washed dishes. I cooked and cleaned floors. Wells came home early and brought a Utica Globe. Had a bad time crossing to Kingston through the ice Pierpont broke down again. The steamer Hiriam Calvin brought them back. Nine O’Clock wind blowing no rain or snow. Ground bare. I expected a letter from Volty but got none.

Sunday : December 16,1888

A cloudy morning with fierce wind from south at ten and stayed til after dinner. Commenced raining at 3 O’Clock Charley called at post office and went home in the rain. Wells reading most all day. John went down to Uncle Smith’s awhile and came back in time for dinner raining from south. Eva got a bad tooth ache and I don’t feel very well.

Monday : December 17,1888

Cloudy wind south warm very still scarcely any wind. Had breakfast ready by daylight. Wind changed north at nine O’Clock. Foggy with a fine mist , little rain. Eva washed her clothes and then went to bed with neuralgia in face. I sent Grace to her grandmothers for hops for Eva. Wells working in the barn. John went to Snubs to ask him for Eva’s money but did not get it. Grace sewing on night dress. John helped churn. A dark dreary day. Will Cornwell passed here this morning with 4 “fowls” under his arms from his uncle. John’s going to celebrate his grandmothers birthday next Wednesday. Ten minutes past 9 terrible storm from North blowing a gale. Raining and freezing . Wells reading Globe. Grace reading Bones. Worst pen I ever used. Smith got a pig from O’Brien. Pig got out the pen had a time or two getting it back again swore some. Will went up the river in punt for wood this A.M. Montgomery took his girls across the river. Called here to get a boat, but got Ebbs. John gathered Evelines clothes from the line after dark to keep the wind from blowing them away. Wells mixed mortar and plastered cellar. Good night.

Tuesday : December 18,1888

A wild wintry morning ground covered with snow but badly drifted - sun peeps out from the mist over head once in awhile. But cloudy all day. Wind north. Wells working in barn all day. John pared pumpkins and brought water. Eva sick abed all day. Did not sleep much last night, poor girl. Grace sewing on night dress and Maude’s drawers. Tis not so cold as last Friday. John went down to Uncle Williams for caster oil. Smith bought a quarter of beef of Ebb.

Wednesday : December 19,1888

A fine bright day. Wind north rather cold. I churned and made prints and dressed a turkey and duck for market. Wells worked at stable. John done chores went to Wills and down to Smiths. Eveline sick abed all day. Grace knitting on mitten . Wind still down a fine sunset everything quiet. I set up til late writing a letter to Victor.

Thursday : December 20,1888

Arose very early to get ready to send John to market. A beautiful morning very still. Wind south. Wells drove John to dock, stopped at Wills for Jen. A great crowd had gathered at whrf to embark for Kingston, but were disapointed when boat passed on with out stopping for them on account of ice. As it was ,a terrible storm from the south commenced at noon the wind blowing a gale with snow.

Friday : December 21,1888

I wrote Welly a letter. Storm and wind from south all night. John went early in morning and brought in all Eva’s clothes that had whipped in wind all night. Storm lulled for a short time and then commenced for fierce than ever. Snow blows so can’t see the barn. John chopping and sawing wood so he can go too with his father to Kingston tomorrow. Wells working in barn. Eveline better but not well. She knitting most of the time.

Saturday : December 22,1888

A clear fine morning. Light north wind cold thick frost on the windows plenty of snow. But not drifted. Wells and John gone to Kingston with sleigh. Grace and I brought in snow in wash tub to melt for cleaning floors and chairs. Will came and brought me two pails of water from river and carried home a bushel of oats for his hens and came again in afternoon and done the chores at the barn. Grace had to chase the cows out of the orchard twice. Eveline sick yet. Jen went to Kingston and went with Smith to the ferry. She came back on eleven boat and got home early. Wells and John came late commenced storming again about noon and very cold. Grace went to post office twice. Eveline received a letter from Welly . Expected a letter from Volty but got none. Eva , Will and I sent letters to Welly. River scaled over with ice.

Sunday : December 23,1888

A fine day wind south. Wells drove over to the old barn stoped at Wills and Rachel came home with him and brought Eveline some camphor. John went to Ebbs and from there to church. Grace went visiting at Mr. Niles at eleven A.M. and gone til dark. Till came home with her , both hungry. Grace nothing to eat since she left home. She went sledding on the bay. George and Will came after Till. All stayed til late and went home. Rachel stayed all night. Wells reading all day most. Eva better. Wind south , but chilly . River all open again.

Monday : December 24,1888

A fine morning. Wind south. Wells drove over to barn and Rachel went home in sleigh. Grace got up sick this morning with pains in her arms and stomach. I gave her star relief and ginger tea. Wells drove over to Breakey’s for hemlock. Evaline much better and made Maude a dress and a apron. Grace better in afternoon. Grace dressed Maude’s doll in evening. I cooked beans and we all had bean soup. Gets cloudy again towards evening. The snow begins to dissapear. Maude hung up her stocking for Santa Claus. Four ducks flew to river. Two at home. ( note: I remember as a little girl my mom and grandma would make new outfits for all my dolls. I was just as thrilled as if they had bought them. — T.M. )

Tuesday : December 25,1888

Christmas Day ; A dull dreary rainy day. Snow all gone again. Nothing but mud and bare ground except in hollows and along the rail fences. River still, very light wind, south. Caught a tub of rain water. Wells at the barn most all day. John went to J. Niles to a Christmas dinner. They had oysters. We didn’t work much today rather lonesome for a Christmas Day.

Wednesday : December 26,1888

Wind south this morning and cloudy. Very still river, still and like a mirror with floating ice. Rained a little this A.M. Wind north in P.M. then changed south again at eve very warm all day. Doors open part of the time. We washed and hung clothes all out on the line. Wind blows hard again. John went to look for the ducks but could not find them. Sylvia here to bring home the sugar. John went then for bird seed this evening. Ten O’Clock . I have just brought in all the clothes from the line got my feet wet. Wells and John resting sweetly in their warm beds.

Thursday : December 27,1888

Wind changed west at night and is colder freezing some. Evaline knit and ironed on socks. Grace knit and ironed. Bill Smith here for paint oil. I did not know where Wells keeps it so got none. A very rainy morning. Wind south, south east ground all mud. Snow all gone but very little along the fences very warm no ice in river. I rose early knit a little on wells mittens and got breakfast. Wells chopped a cabbage. Door open part of the day its so warm after breakfast. Wells went down the Island to look for ducks came back about 3 O’Clock without them. I don’t ever expect to see them again. John went over to Rachel’s in A.M. Peo there at noon selling fruit trees. Had dinner here. I bought strawberry plants and raspberries. Wind blows hard all day. Cloudy with rain signs again.

Friday : December 28,1888

Wind blowing a gale all night from west. Ground frozen and bare. Sun rose clear. Tis 10 O’Clock and wind blowing hard yet. Wells making a flair in kitchen. John gone to Rachels to get some tea. Evaline making John a shirt. Grace washing breakfast dishes. Maude pottering around as usual and I must now cook beans and pies and etc. Rachel came over for vinegar and said war is at their house. But I don’t think washing a few clothes and turning grindstone is anything to quarrel about. Eva made John a shirt and tore carpet rags and made Maude a dress all by hand. Grace knitting and in the rag business. John went to mail Eva’s letter in evening and went to Wills for kerosene. Gets cloudy in P.M. Wind S.W. weather mild. Hiram Joslin 15 years old today.

Saturday : December 29,1888

A cloudy morning light wind with weather very mild. Sun shining P.M. Grace got a cankered throat tonsils, sore but she is not sick pieced on her quilt. John brought some water and then went to help Will chop some wood. Wells built fire in kitchen stove and made door latches for barn. We heat water on kitchen stove to clean floors. Eva moped, cleaned chairs, fixed old rocking chair and dust pan. Helped get dinner washed dishes and knit. Tis three O’Clock mail just came Maude behaved very well today. A baseball game play at Samys. I hope to get letters from Welly and Volty today. Grace wanted to go for the mail. Evaline went and we received 3 letters from Welly and one from Volty. Welly says he not coming home. Pens are all played out nothing to write with but a pencil. Clouds gathering for a storm. Grace sick all night on the lounge. I brought out the couch and lay down on it. John went to Bill for sulphur.

Sunday : December 30,1888

Shelly Niles 7 years old today. Cloudy morning wind south warm ground bare and thawing. Sun shines out occasionally. Grace sick yet. Wind blow hard all day. John went to the bay to skate with 20 other boys. Gone all day. Wells trying to read but can’t. Maude acts very naughty all day. Rachel came over awhile. Came round by way of Smiths. Said she and Jen had quarreled again. It is a terrible thing for them to live so. Evaline reading tis evening and now Grace is better. John has come home after attending prayer meeting Maude and Wells are asleep and John is just going to so goodnight.

Monday : December 31,1888

Miles Grimshaw down to see Sam about that colt business. Wind south a wet dirty morning warm. Ground bare, and all mud. No going to Marysville and we all out of eatables. No flour, no sugar, tea, kerosene, or anything else. Smith intended going up and arose at 3. It rained so went back to bed. He came here just as we were sitting down to breakfast. Grace better this morning. John went to Niles and borrowed 25 lbs flour and then went to Wills brush bee. Wells went for plum bark. Called at Wills. Some one there sent me a cup full of tea. Grace wiped dinner dishes and sewed carpet rags. Eva wash dishes, knit, and sewed and etc. Cloudy all day. Broke away a little after dark. Wind hauls around to N.W. Wells says it freezes a little. This is last day of 1888, and sincerely thank our heavenly father who watches over and cares for us all. That my family are all alive and well. Though some are separated but can often hear from each other and I hope we may live so that we may all dwell together in the great here after.

The Islands: Written Word: Diaries: Irene Bamford 1888