DAILY
REMINDER
1926
Mary Jean Simpson
East Craftsbury, Vt.
THE STANDARD
DAILY REMINDER.
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FOR SALE BY ALL STATIONERS
Published in U.S.A. by
THE STANDARD DIARY COMPANY
1
2
Friday, Jan. 1, 1926
Busy flying around all A.M. preparing
to go on the 11:50 train. Finally reached
the station to find that the train for M.
went at 11:00. Taxied home, ate lunch and
took bus to M. Very dirty, crowded &
uncomfortable but not very cold. I
have had a bad cold in my head since
last evening which was not improved
by our journey. missed Dora & Noonie of
course but got to M. in time to get
dressed for the reception which was
very nice. Gov. Billings and Mr. B. were
most cordial and we saw a good
many people we knew. Dorothy H.
was there looking very well, also Judge
& Mrs. H. Mr. & Mrs. Weeks, Mr. Young &
Mollie Beals etc. We were invited to
the Harvey's for supper and had
just tine [time] afterwards to get the 8:25
train for Roxbury where Dora met us
& we went to her warm cosey house
2 m.
Saturday, Jan. 2, 1926
and after sitting around the open
fire for an hour listening to the
New Year's radio concert we went
to bed and I slept as I have
not slept for weeks. Up late this
A.M. & had a leisurely breakfast
and did the work. Dora and I went
up to the P.O. and station and found
a message from Charlie saying
that he would be home at noon.
My cold seemed some better so this
P.M. Charlie and I walked up to the
quarry. Very interesting but gave me
a chill it is so deep. There is an old
one now full of water said to be 145 ft.
below the level of the road. Noonie
went to Northfield this P.M. & Dora &
Mother stayed in. Nice dinner
tonight and we stayed up listening to
the radio and talking
politics until very late.
3
Sunday, Jan. 3, 1926
Beautiful day with sunshine. We
decided to stay home and listen
to the radio service as Dora said the
church would be very cold and
Mother still has sneezes. The others
went to their church at eleven. We
tried to get the South Church, Boston
but it was not clear enough to
be satisfactory so we finally heard
an Episcopal service from St. George
church in Schenectady, very clearly.
Father Lynch called to see us this
noon as he was on his way home.
Dora certainly got us well warmed
up this morning. The house was hot.
at 4:50 we left for B. Trains very
crowded with College students.
Long wait at Essex Jct. where the cold
breezes blew around my silk-clad
ankles. Home at last to find lots of
mail but none very interesting
4
Monday, Jan. 4, 1926
Richford Woman's Club Eve.
This morning I went out to shop
and upon my return found that
Washington. D.C. was calling me. afte [after]
great trouble establishing a connection
I got thro' and discovered that Mr.
Dale was on the wire wanting me
to come to W. to consider a position
for the session which he had to
dispose of. I was and am much thrilled
Told him I would go tomorrow night.
Got the train for St. Albans at 2:30. met
Charlie on the train and he is to get my
reservation for me. Tedious trip to Rich-
ford but finally arrived. Mrs. Puffer
met me & we went to her house
for supper. Mr. P. & I talked politics
until time for the meeting. Very good
audience. I did not have my talk
so well in hand as usual owing to
the excitement of the day. Refreshment
& home. Set up until 12:45 talking
5
Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1926
Up early to get the first train back
to Burlington where I found
Mother with a very bad cold in
her head caught from being too
warm at Roxbury and too chilly
at Burlington, no doubt. Busy all
afternoon getting things in order
to leave for Washington tonight. Tried
to take a nap but failed. Train left
at 10:20 and as there was no
porter in sight I had to carry two
bags, an umbrella and my
fur coat, change at Essex Jct.
& another lugging of luggage.
but at last safely landed
in my berth. Did not sleep
very well as the air was poor
and we jerked about a good
deal. Very foggy and damp.
There will be no curl in my hair
when I get to Washington.
6
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1926
En route to Washington.
met Mr. & Mrs. Edgerton from
Rochester on train.
Woke up this morning and tried
to peer thro' the fog to see where we
were but it was useless. I never
saw such a dense blanket of
fog. The train just crawled and
I found upon inquiry of the porter
that we were late. We got into N.Y
just about 9:30 and I ate my
breakfast while we were waiting
in the station. I was so sleepy that I
could hardly keep my eyes open all
forenoon. We got into W. about 2:30
and as I walked down the long plat-
form of the train shed I felt a
bit quaky but when I saw Miss
Southwick's friendly face at the gate,
and had met Mrs Dale I was reassured.
we drove around the Capital, my
first view of it, and then home
to the lovely Dale house where I
was shown to a beautiful room
7
Thursday, Jan. 7, 1926
Clifa [Klifa] Club - Burlington.
with an old four poster bed, cheval
mirror, etc dating back to Lord Baltimore
days. I dressed for dinner and went
down. Met Mrs. Prohibition Director -
Andrews
(can't recall her name) Dinner bro't Senator
Dale home. He was silent and ate cold
food unconscious of its lack of heat. Met
"Gigi" and "Beanie" the two dogs, also a
Miss Jackson, and several other
people. To bed in the four poster, too
weary to think. This morning went
up to Senator Dale's office to hear about
my job. He was as cordial and
affable this morning as he was cold
& silent last night. Had a most satisfactory
talk with him, met Col. Thayer,
Sec. of the Senate, and decided
to take the job. Home for lunch packed
and caught the Montrealer
at 2:30 for home. wired John
but he could not get in to meet me.
8
Friday, Jan. 8, 1926
Went to bed in New York State and
woke up at daybreak at White River
but took another nap and was up
and ready to get off at Essex Jct.
Gov. Billings & Ed Lawrence were
on the train from N.Y. and I had
pleasant chats with both. Home
at 8:30 to find poor Mother ill
in bed with grip, having been taken
the night I left. She had had Dr.
French and the D.N. and was better
but I saw at once that she would
not be able to start back to W. on
Sunday. Tried to get off from my
Springfield engagement by telephone
but failed so I shall have to arrange
to go someway, tho' just how it can
be compassed I do not know.
Late this afternoon Mr. Knapp telephoned
to say that Merle Howard had died
very suddenly this noon after
9
Saturday, Jan. 9, 1926
Cold and stormy. snow.
only a few days illness. Dreadful shock to
us all. I shall go to the funeral.
Very busy today with packing and
a thousand errands. Had my
hat fixed, bought a new one,
packed things to send home, had
to refuse an invitation from Mrs.
Shaw to a tea at her house tomorrow,
had a call from Nina who
brought Mother some food
and much cheer. I think she is
a good bit better tonight but very
much saddened by Merle's death.
I have the trunks just about
packed and I begin to feel as
if we could get away by Tuesday
or Wednesday. I wired Senator
Dale to the effect that I would
not come tomorrow. I shall be glad
to get to a warmer climate. It
seems as if we had had four
months of winter already.
10
Sunday, Jan. 10, 1926
Cold & damp. Snow.
Mother some better this morning but
still in bed. I got ready for tomorrow
and then took the eleven o' clock train
for Montpelier. The Harvey's had a taxi
to meet me and I went up there
for lunch which we had in front
of the fireplace. Mrs. H. much troubled
by something "queerness" but I could
do very little to help as I had to leave
at three for the funeral. Found George,
Ella, Dorothy and the children
at the Parish House. I felt dreadfully sorry
for George who looked very sad. Dora
& Charlie were there. The funeral was
in the Church and was largely attended by
the National Life people. There were beautiful
flowers. I went out to the chapel where
Merle's body was put into the vault
while seems worse to me, than putting it
into the ground. Had time for a little
chat with Ella before Train Time. Home
11
Monday, Jan. 11, 1926
Springfield Woman's Club
Springfield, Vt.
Great rush this morning to get the 11:00
train for Springfield. Met Ella at M. Jct.
and we had a nice chat all the way
down. Pretty cold today and snow
flying in gusts. Left Ella at Charlestown
where I got onto a green, dinky electric
R.R. to go to Springfield where Mrs. Lovel
met me and took me to her lovely
home on one of Springfield's many
slippery hills. Mrs. Wilcomb, the club
chairwoman, called, also a Mrs. Mc
Quade, a friend of Cora's who made
me think of her so much by her manner
that I could have shut my eyes and
believed Cora herself to be there. Mr. Lovell
came home to supper and we had a nice
visit before it was time to go. The
meeting was a success, a good crowd etc.
Had coffee & sandwiches afterward at Mrs.
Wilcomb's. Then I got the 11:25 car to Charleston,
& the sleeper there. Changed at White River
12
Tuesday, Jan 12, 1926
En route from Springfield to
Burlington 2: AM. - 8:
and had a great time finding a berth
finally got an upper and tumbled in
My night's rest was so interrupted that
I could hardly be said to have had
any and worse I came to about seven
I felt as if I had been thro a campaign
twice over. Train was on time and I got
home just as mother was about to have
her breakfast. She was surprised but
also very glad to see me. Finished packing
Dorothy came and we had ample time
to rest before the tax came to take us to the
train. I was stupid for lack of slip and even
forgot to get the trunks checked until just as
the train was called. Scramble ensued
and finally, aided by Dorothy & Mr.
Dempsey, got on. Very tired & found the
trip long & tedious. Got in late. John met
us and took us to the Brevoort as Phil
did not go and there was no room at
the apt. for us. Unutterably weary
but stayed up talking with John
until eleven. To bed gladly.
13
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 1926
New York City
Mother quite low this morning and I was
afraid she couldn't go. I went up-town
to meet Mrs. Orvis at the Republican
Club where we had a half-hour's con-
ference on the Education Project for
the Republican club. Then to Grand
Central where I found Aunt Kate, Jean
& Bunny. Caught the bus back thinking
we were to leave at one but found
that John had reserved seats on the
Congressional Limited for 3:05. so we
had a quiet lunch in our room with
John and took our time in getting to
the Penn station. Wonderful train which
makes the run in 4 3/4 hours instead
of the usual 5. Full of interesting people
but I was too sleepy to care whether I
saw them or not. Arrived in Wash.
at 7:45 and as we came out of the
station got our first glimpse of the
Capitol. To the Grace Dodge Hotel & to bed.
14
Thursday, Jan. 14, 1926
Washington, D C.
Very busy day with a morning full
I went to Mrs. Dale's at 10:00 and she
& Mrs. Southwick took me over to
look at rooms. not very encouraging
as the $40 one is dark & gloomy and
the $70 one is up two flights of
stairs which mother can't do. Mr. Dale
asked me to come to his office, which
I did, and he told me he had made
an appointment for me to meet the
reporters & photographers tomorrow at two.
Home to lunch, had my hair waved
and this P.M. mother and I made
a second tour of the rooms and
finally decided to take the one at $40
which with a few changes may be
fairly comfortable tho' there is no
running water in the room and
the bathroom is upstairs. Had dinner
tonight with the Dales, very interesting
group there, including Harry Whitehill.
15
Friday, Jan 15, 1926
The Grace Dodge Hotel
Clear &
cold.
I woke up feeling somewhat rested
this morning and had my breakfast
with an egg included, to give me
strength for the ordeal of the first day
at the office. The men were
all very nice to me except Mr.
Ives, the Printing Clerk, who
showed me quite plainly that he
resented my intrusion into his
masculine paradise; I got very little
out of the morning's routine except a
blur in which Senate Bills, record
books and Calendar days were
badly mixed up. Expected to move
today but Mr. Beer telephoned we could
not come until tomorrow so we stayed
here and had a pleasant evening
in the lovely parlor where I wrote
letters while mother read. I wish
we could stay here but there
are no permanent rooms left.
was interviewed and photographed by 12 reporters and
a
movie
man
16
Saturday, Jan. 16, 1926
Beautiful day.
This morning I had a quiet
breakfast alone and hurried up to
the Capitol, quite proud of myself
that I found my way to my office
without asking the way. My patient
teacher did his best to show me the
ropes and I really learned quite
a good deal about the office routine.
Another man came to photograph
me and barring that the day
was uneventful, I left early in order
to pack and move to 109 First St.
Hated to leave the Hotel but had to do it.
Tonight we went to dinner at our
new boarding place and had a
very good meal. The room is hopeless,
big and poorly lighted and no end
gloomy but fairly clean. I hate such
a place but don't know how we
can do any better at present. It
is nearby anyway.
17
Sunday, Jan. 17, 1926
warmer.
This A.M. we slept late for we
were both very tired. After breakfast
we set out to find the First
Presbyterian Church. We wandered
long and far before we located
it and the service was half
over when at last we got inside.
The church, built in 1795, is a
huge, square building with the
high pulpit and organ loft in
back. The music was good but
the sermon was not very thrilling.
We came home by the G.D. Hotel to
get a paper but found nothing
in it about my new job. Had a very
good dinner, took a long nap and
woke up with a feeling of gloom
in no wise lightened by the
sad looks of Mother. In fact we
are both a good bit homesick in
this gloomy room but what can
we do?
18
Monday, Jan. 18, 1926
Washington D.C.
Rain.
Waked up early this a.m. after a more
or less sleepless night to find it pouring
rain and very dark and dismal.
Not very keen for breakfast but went
over and ate some. Mother feels
a little more cheerful today but
in such gloomy quarters one can't
be exuberant. I got to work on
time and Mr. Benoit was waiting
to show me the morning's procedure.
Very little came in to do and I
was all thro at the end of an hour.
Thereafter I read the Congressional
Record for Sat. and tried not to be
bored. This noon had lunch at the
Methodist Home Cafeteria - good. This
P.M. nothing much doing. Mr. Gibson
came to call on me and Mr. Crockett
conducted me to the gallery of the Senate
where I heard Mr. Borah, Mr.
Swanson and Mr. Walsh on the W.C.
19
Tuesday, Jan. 19, 1926
The same thing over again
today. Mr. B. says "wid and
widont," being French -Canuck
by extraction and not equal
to a plain Anglo- Saxon "th". He
is a good scout and has much
patience with my many short-
comings. The whole thing seems
at this juncture, like a huge
cross word puzzle but I've no
doubt that it will clarify itself
by degrees. Received today an
invitation to the Vermont Association
meeting to be held on Saturday eve.
at the Hotel Continental which I
shall hope to attend. The Senate
is getting down to business now
on World Court Protocol so we
have to stay until well after
six every night. A good deal
of the time, however, there is not
20
Wednesday, Jan. 20, 1926
a thing to do except sit in
one's chair. I shall take some
work or a book over to read
tomorrow. I was upstairs again
today to listen to the debate - the
galleries were crowded and
it was hard finding even a
back bench empty. I have now
progressed far enough to identify
the men in the office. Mr. Haskell,
otherwise known as "Steve" is a
real Down-Easter from Maine.
He is Messenger Clerk and I
suppose he must have duties
of some kind tho' I never see
him performing any of them.
He is a bachelor, wears very latest
Kuppenheimer suits with a
necktie and a handkerchief to
match, chews gum, smokes in-
numerable cigarettes and is very
21
Thursday, Jan. 21, 1926
kind and comes in after with
an offering of gum or candy. He has
a somewhat strange sense of humor,
never reads anything but fiction,
and likes the ladies but he is a
good sort. Mr. Perkins, the Enrolling
Clerk, sits at the desk next to mine.
He is a man about fifty-five,
who reminds me a lot of Arthur
Finn. I fancy he has a mean streak
in his disposition but he is very nice
to me. He is married and lives here
with his wife, his children being all
grown up and married. He is fond
of giving sermons on politics and
his favorite expressions are: "In
other words," and "as a matter of
fact." He thinks he is wondrous
wise and I suspect he is pretty
shrewd but I think he would be
small and mean about
22
Friday, Jan 22, 1926
little things. I propose to keep on the
right side of him. Mr. Peter Wilson,
the Resolution Clerk, is a dear
old man, a Southerner of the
old school, very chivalrous and
courtly. I suspect he feels very
sorry for me because I'm not
married and have to work in
an office. He wears a strange,
1870 style, plaid necktie, quotes
the classic Greek poets and
loves books. He is very frail and
I don't think he does much work.
Mr. Staight, another elderly
man with a quid of tobacco
always in his cheek, is Asst.
Printing Clerk. He makes prophecys
about the weather, answers
the telephone and is very deaf.
He lives alone and has confided
to me that he hates boarding-
homes.
23
Saturday, Jan. 23, 1926
Cold but clear.
This week has gone by much more quickly
than last week did; probably because
I'm getting more used to the work
and it is more interesting. Today
was busy and I came home
feeling very tired. My feet have
been giving me a good deal of
trouble for a few days but , and
all this afternoon I have been
fighting off a sick headache. I
would have yeilded and gone to
bed after dinner but Mother
wanted to go to the Vermont meeting
and so did I, for that matter, so
we took a taxi and went. The
first part consisted of a lecture
with pictures about the Carlsbad
Caverns. Interesting. Mother met
some old St. Johnsbury friends
and had a nice time. My
head is splitting tonight.
24
Sunday, Jan. 24, 1926
I planned to get up early enough this
morning to go downtown to the Presidents'
Church for S. S. at 9:30 but mature
consideration decided me against
it as we can't have breakfast on Sun.
before 9:00. We took the car downtown
and had to wait in the icy wind until
the President should arrive before we
could go in to church, which was very
crowded. A fine chorus choir and a
fair sermon. Then more standing on
a cold street car platform waiting for a Takoma
Park car to take us out to Bessie's. I was nearly
frozen before it came but we finally got there.
Bessie has a cosy home, a nice husband and
two adorable little boys, especially Roger,
the younger one, who is a regular Sunshine
baby. We had a very nice dinner
and a nice visit and enjoyed
the afternoon. Came home and went
down to the Grace Dodge for supper.
25
Monday, Jan. 25, 1926
Light snowfall.
This morning I was hindered and
delayed to such an extent by various
vissicitudes about getting dressed
that I was late to work, not that
it mattered much as I'm not yet
on the pay roll and therefore not amenable
to the rules. Dull morning in the office
but exciting enough upstairs where
the final debate on the Cloture Rule
took place and the vote was 26-68
in favor of Cloture. This noon after
lunch went over after my iron but it
has gone up, filament all burned out. On
way home met Evelyna Pine on the st.
who recognized me and spoke. She
is now Mrs. Lowe and her husband is
sec. to Repre. of Mass. Mother
of Mrs. Mosly came to visit me today and
on the way out we met Senator
Watson of Indiana, a hale and
hearty gentleman.
26
Tuesday, Jan. 26, 1926
world Court protocol drew
crowds to the Capitol today
and I could not get in when
I went up to listen.
31
Sunday, Jan. 31, 1926
Founder's Day Luncheon.
32
Monday, Feb 1. 1926
Mr. Benoit, true to his promise, came
this morning to help me through my
first day, "on my own", and it was
well he did for we had Calendar
Day and many bills and so forth
came in which would no doubt have
swamped me, had I been alone.
Tomorrow I shall have to "sink or swim"
by myself. I was duly sworn in to my
official title, duties and right to a pay-
check this morning and now I shall
have to be on time and pay close
attention to my work. It is very int-
eresting and I am sure that, once
I have mastered the details, it will
be fun doing it. Came home tonight
rather weary from the day's
work but was able to go downtown
to the pictures in spite of it.
41
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 1926
Snow storm
43
Friday, Feb. 12, 1926
Night session. 11:00 P.M.
Vote on Tax Bill.
Much warmer this morning and
before noon a good deal of the snow
had melted. I was tired when I
got up, and when I arrived at
the office and found that I
had made a mistake on a report
sent to the printer last night so
that it had to be reprinted I was
much dejected. Mr. Ives and Mr. Watkins
were very nice about it but no doubt
they were no end annoyed and I do not
wonder they were. Very stupid day, not
much work from Senate except reports.
Mr. Benoit called this P.M. and this A.M.
Luthur [Luther] Johnson, editor of the Randolph
Herald, came in to see me. Mr. H. has a
grudge I guess, as he has not brought
me any gum today. Went home to dinner
very weary: came back and stayed until
nearly eleven. Tax bill passed after
some fireworks on the floor. Met Mrs. Brooks.
45
Sunday, Feb. 14, 1926
This morning I woke
46
Monday, Feb. 15, 1926
This morning I drew my first pay,
$120, in good U.S. greenbacks, from
the U.S. govt. I put $25.00 in an
envelope and sent it to H. and
sought out a bank way up on
Pennsylvania Avenue where
I waited in line for half an hour
in order to get a cashier's check
for the rest to send home. I was so
long doing that that I was 15 min.
late back at the office and poor
Mr. Perkins had to wait for his
lunch. He was in no very happy
mood when I got back but I
apologized and he went, returning
later in better spirits, having had
some food. Senate did a big lot
of work today so I was very busy
all afternoon and came home
very tired tonight.
49
Thursday, Feb. 18, 1926
Rainy.
50
Friday, Feb. 19, 1926
Gloomy, rainy, day.
Went over to work this morning
and found enough to keep me
busy until noon but then I
came home and did not
go back as there was nothing
to do that I could see. Told
George, the negro boy, to call me
if Mr. Crockett needed me and
not hearing from him I took a
nap; sewed, went away up
Pennsylvania Ave. doing errands
and got some flowers for Miss
Shepherd, who is ill in bed with
a cold.
52
Sunday, Feb. 21, 1926
Beautiful Day.
This morning I was up early and
off to my S.S. class by 9:30. It was
a beautiful morning, all blue &
gold with sunshine and much
warmer than it has been before since
we came. When I came back Mother was
out so I went down to the Hotel Plaza to
find her but neither she nor John were
there. They came at last and I surely
was glad to see John. He had to go back to
New York tonight but we had lunch together
at the Continental, later taking one of the
White line busses to go out to Arlington St.
Was beautiful and we enjoyed it. The
place is much more extensive and far
more impressive than I antici-
pated it would be and the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier quite moved us and
we had dinner at the Grace Dodge
tonight and then came home and
chatted until John had to leave
53
Monday, Feb. 22, 1926
to get his train. He has had an offer
from the Gleason Firm and is now
seriously considering leaving Murray
Aldrich. We hesitated to advise him
but I rather think the change would
be a good thing as there is no prospect
for a partnership where he is, at least
not for a long time. He must decide
this week.
The Senate took no holiday today
but noted the day by having Senator
Bingham read Washington's Farewell
Address. I went up to the gallery
to listen but could not get a seat
where I could hear so I finally left.
The city is crowded with delegates
from the N.E.A. and the Senate
galleries were packed. Several reports
today and a good bit of other
business so it surely did not
seem like a holiday.
62
Wednesday, March 3, 1926
"The Student Prince"
The busiest day I have had
since I came to the Capitol
as we had a lot of bills sent
over from the House. For the first
time I could not finish all
my recording before I left. Had
a wire from Grace Miller saying
she will be here tomorrow. Came
home, had supper and got dressed
to go down-town to see "The Student
Prince", for which Ruth got tickets
yesterday. Our seats were rather far
back but we enjoyed it, especially
the lovely colors in the Court
scenes and the fascinating
hoop-skirted costumes. The Prince
was noble to the core and
most ravishing in his white &
red cape. I feel that a cape
will make most anyone look
ravishing. I must have one.
63
Thursday, March 4, 1926
This has been a typical March Day, bright
but cold and windy. Washingtonians
complain but I like it. To be able to
go without one's rubbers in March
is luxury to me and as long as
a sooty fog does not settle down
on us I am thankful. Grace and
Ernest Miller arrived from Atlanta
and New York, respectively, today and
came up to call on me. I'm always so
glad to see Grace and I was glad to
meet her husband, "Buddie as she
calls him. He is quite Western, a good
bit bald, very much in earnest and
crazy about Grace. I planned to go to
supper with them but we was held
up in the office so late by a bill which
was all wrong, that I could not
get away until well toward seven
and so did not go. They planned
to come up this eve, but Grace was
too tired. So was I.
64
Friday, March 5, 1926
March wind today.
Busy morning at the office
and very busy afternoon until
four-thirty where they went into
Executive Session for one hour and
three quarters - usually it is ten
minutes. Mr. Watkins came in
and talked to me so the time
went pleasantly enough. Mr. Lee ?
appointment as U.S. marshall for
So. Dakota was confirmed so I have
no doubt he will be leaving for
Spearfish in a day or two. I dressed
and went down to the Grace Dodge
where I met Grace and Ernest
Miller, aso a friend of theirs: Mrs.
Dance who does Vocational Therapy
in the Veteran's Bureau. Ernest gave
us each a rose and we had a
nice dinner and chatted until
time for them to leave for New York
on the sleeper.
65
Saturday, March 6, 1926
6
I hoped that the Senate would adjourn
early this afternoon so that I could
go downtown and get my hair cut
but they did not finish until
nearly four so I went to the Grace
Dodge and had it washed and
waved with no cut. Busy day at
the office and I was tired. We
went over to dinner tonight and
afterwards mother wanted to go down
town to a show so we went. Tried to
go to see "Irene" but could not get
in so went finally to the Rialto to
see "Stella Maris" - very ordinary and
I was frightfully bored. Two very
unattractive people danced the
Charlestown [Charleston] which is also most
unattractive. I was glad to come
home and go to bed. I think it
will be raining by tomorrow
morning. Much warmer.
66
Sunday, March 7, 1926
Dinner with Senator & Mrs. Dale
Bleak, gloomy morning with rain
so we decided it would be most
unwise to go way out to Petworth to
church. Mrs. Dale called up and
invited us to dinner, saying
she would send Ralph for us.
We took the car down to Dr. Clark's
church. Only a few people there in
spite of the fact that is [it] was
communion Sunday. Very lovely
service. We got home to find Ralph
waiting for us. A very hurried
change and we were ready. Had a
very pleasant time at the Dales'.
Mr. & Mrs. George R. Dale, the Senator's
son and his wife were there. She is a
Southerner and her name was Simpson.
This afternoon it stopped raining so
I went down to the church to the
Lenten concert which was very
lovely. three harps and a soloist.
83
Wednesday, March 24, 1926
Dinner at Mrs. Husband's
Had a very busy day which lasted
until nearly six and would have kept
me longer except that Mr. Perkins offered
to send my work down to the G.P.O. &
I left early in order to get ready to go out
to Mrs. Husband's. Had to dress in a rush,
got a car & rode, rode, & rode, before
we reached Macomb St., twenty minutes
late. Mrs. H. has a most attractive home,
we had a delicious dinner and there
were old friends there, all Vermonters -
judge & Mrs. Stafford, Ex-Gov. & Mrs. Gates,
Mr. & Mrs. Fairbanks, nee' Luella
Morrill, who was my music teacher
years ago in St. Johnsbury. Much
interesting conversation, Vermont
anectdotes, etc. Mr. Gates has a
hobby, or rather two - gladiolii &
maple sugar. I sat beside him
and we had a cosy time. Judge
Stafford brought us home.
84
Thursday, March 25, 1926
"Carmencita"
Ruth Sheppard called me up this
morning and asked me to go
with her tonight to see the Russian
player in "Carmencita", which
I was very glad indeed to do.
mother is all in today from
too much gayety so we left her
quietly at home. The opera, if it
is opera - was most interesting.
The cast rotate as to roles and the
performance was featuring a
plump lady with an unpronounceable
name as "Carmencita". She was not
a great singer but she could act.
The interpretation was quite a far
cry from Mary Sarden whom I
saw in New York, but I enjoyed it
very much indeed, especially
the very artistic setting. Got an
invitation today to write an article
for the "Vermont Record", a new magazine
85
Friday, March 26,1926
Dinner with Aunt Mary
to be published in Chelsea in May.
Shall try to comply with the request.
87
Sunday, March 28, 1926
Palm Sunday
Beautiful Palm Sunday but not so
very warm. After breakfast I
went down to Sunday School and
Mother and Aunt Mary came later.
They got seats where they could see
the President and I sat with Mr.
& Mrs. Schram. A Dr. Scheltze spoke
and altho' he is supposed to be very
fine, I thought it was a very illogical
and rambling discourse. We had
an unusually poor dinner at Mrs.
Bier's and I wrote a few letters.
At four Mrs. Mansy and I went
down to the "Eastertide Cantata," it was
lovely – a chorus of sixty voices
and the organ. Tonight I vistited
Ruth Sheppard to go down to the Grace
Dodge to supper: Aunt Mary joined
us and we had a very cosey
party and a good supper
as well - Stayed a while.
88
Monday, March 29, 1926
When mother went down today
to see Aunt Mary she found
her in bed with a bad cold
and finally sent for Dr. Shoup
to see her. She caught cold
yesterday someway and coughs
badly today.
I had a busy day and
being a little tired from yesterday
was all in tonight to that
I did not care about any
supper. Emma Hallett called
up to know if I could come out
there tonight to speak but I just
couldn't. Miss Josephine Wood of
St. Johnsbury came tonight to
see me about insurance.
I have more now than I
can pay for.
89
Tuesday, March 30, 1926
The Hatian Debt Settlement is holding
the floor in the Senate this week so
there has not been so very much to
do. This A. M. Mr. Watkins came
at 7:45 to take us to ride. It was a
beautiful morning and we surely
did enjoy every minute of the ride.
We went out by the White House and
the Lincoln Memorial to the Park and
then along the Speedway where the crocus
and daffodil buds and just opening.
There were very few cars out and we
could go along in peace and comfort.
we circled back by the Washington
monument, getting home just before
nine. I had to forego my breakfast
but it was worth it. Aunt Mary
has a very bad cold and we
feel she should have the Doctor today
so I called Mrs. Dale's doctor, Dr.
Shoupe, who thinks she will be better soon.
90
Wednesday, March 31, 1926
speak at Vt. Ass.
Very nice day, cool and bright
but not very balmy. Very busy
at the office but took a few
minutes to review my thoughts
for tonight. Got out my white silk
dress to wear and found it very wrinkled
to sent it to be pressed. How long all
the dresses seem which I wore last
summer. Then I felt they were almost
indecently short. Busy afternoon but
came home in time to get supper and
dress for the meeting leisurely. Mrs. Mansey
and Ruth went with us. We went to see
Aunt Mary first and found that the poor
dear had coughed all afternoon. Good
crowd at the meeting and I enjoyed
giving my talk. They were all very
nice afterward and Mr. Webb said
I ought to write it for the Saturday Eve.
Post; tho' why he should imagine
they would want it, I don't know.
91
Thursday, April 1, 1926
Dinner at Continental
with the Shephardson's.
Busy day but not too busy.
Aunt Mary seemed better when
mother was down this noon. Had
a simple lunch and have been
writing letters this afternoon as
the Senate were discussing the
Debt Settlement and so no work
came in. I went up to listen for
about an hour and heard Mr.
Borah vs. Mr. Reed (Pa.). It was
very interesting but I must confess
that international finance is
too big a subject for my comprehension.
Mr. Benoit called today for a
minute. Tonight we went down
to the Continental; first calling on
Aunty Mary, to have dinner with
Mr. & Mrs. Shepardson and Mrs. Chapin
Very nice time. Saw my old friend
Mr. Olney in the dining-room
with his wife and daughter.
92
Friday, April 2, 1926
Vt. Association meeting at
Husband's.
Dinner at the Dales.
This morning I felt decidedly
low and very tired but after
breakfast I felt better. Had a very
busy morning. Came home to find
mother laid low in her bed with
a faint feeling and a dizzy
head so she was obliged to regret
Mrs. Dale's invitation to accompany
her to the Congressional Club. I had
lunch with Mrs. Dale at the Methodist
Building, and went back to more
work which lasted until well
on to six o'clock, seven reports
coming in at the last minute. Hurried
home, dressed, went over to the Dale's for
dinner, was called from the Govt.
Printing Office; had to get Ruth & Mrs.
Mansey and go over to my office in
search of a lost report. Mr. Dale took me
to the meeting at Mrs. Husband's and
we were all right getting home.
93
Saturday April 3, 1926
The pace I have been living at
this week begins to tell and this
morning I surely was tired and
have been all day. Felt too queer
to want any lunch but took my
noon hour to go down-town to buy
an Easter lily for Aunt Mary,
some lovely white tulips for Mother,
a few cut flowers for Mrs. Harrison,
and some lovely red tulips for
Mrs. Dale. The Senate failed to
adjourn for today but they
did finish up fairly early
with the calendar and I got
out before five so I could get
a nap before supper. Went up to
the Congressional Cafeteria for
our supper as I could not bear
the thought of ham and
baked beans. Much colder tonight.
I have no new clothes for Easter.
94
Sunday, April 4, 1926
Cold but clear & lovely.
Easter
This A.M. I got up at six and Ruth
and I went down town to the
outdoor Sunrise Service at Temple
Heights. I was wise and wore my fur
coat for it was very chilly. Ruth did
not and caught cold. The service was
interesting. We came back to Child's &
had a very welcome breakfast and
then walked home. Stopped to see Aunt M
but could not get in. Home, got Mother & we
went to Trinity to hear Bishop Freeeman who
is a splendid man & a fine preacher. Back to
Continental to find Aunt Mary ill in bed
with the Doctor so we stayed, had our
lunch there, and got a nurse for her for
the night. Enormous crowds every
where so we waited nearly an hour
for our table in the dining-room. Saw
Mr. & Mrs. Shepardson and also Mr.
& Mrs. Ulney & their daughter. Dr. rather
frightened me about Aunt Mary
95
Monday, April 5, 1926
So I wrote Agnes this afternoon. I came
home and tried to get a nap. Found
lovely roses waiting from John for
us, also violets from James for me
& roses from him for Aunt Mary &
mother. I carried hers down to the hotel
& stayed until the nurse came.
I was not much impressed with the
nurse, a Miss Tillett who won't be
very much good. I fear. Home finally
to bed. Monday Came home
from office at noon to find Mother
dropping with weariness on the bed
& much disturbed about Aunt Mary
so I got a day nurse from the registry
to go at once. The other one was no
good - wouldn't do a thing, but is
to come back tonight so Aunt Mary
won't be alone. Agnes called up tonight
from New York but I advised her
not to come yet anyway.
96
Tuesday, April 6, 1926
mother went down town today
and bought herself a new dress
and a very pretty hat. I am
quite proud of her. She will
be ready, next time she is asked
to go anywhere. She read today
about the luncheon which she
missed yesterday at the Mayflower
and greived. Capital crowded
with tourists both yesterday & today.
Yesterday 48,000 people were in
the White House grounds to watch
the Egg-Rolling. Hundreds were at
the Capital too and this morning
the lawns look as if a going
army had camped there. Mr. Burke's
two children were in with their
gaudy baskets yesterday. This a
pretty custom and the children
surely enjoyed it.
97
Wednesday, April 7, 1926
Mrs. Dale's musicale
8
Very busy morning at the office
with lots of House Bills to paste
in. How I do dislike pasting.
Came home to find Mother
resting for the afternoon so
I laid out all her things
and got everything ready
so she could go easily. When I
came home at six she was
just home having had a
perfectly beautiful afternoon.
A woman chorus from Toledo
had furnished music, also a
pianist, etc. and there had been
good eats, as well as pleasant
conversation with Mrs. Senator
Williams, Mrs. Means and others.
She looks very well in her new
gown and hat and seems
to have had a most successful
afternoon. Letter from John today.
98
Thursday, April 8, 1926
Very warm sticky day and
saw my first Cardinal bird
this morning as I was going to
work. Not very busy in the office
as they are still busy on the Brookhart
election case so we got out about
four. I seized that opportunity
to go over to the tailor's with my coat
and to the milliner's up on C. St.
where I found a very pretty hat
for $10.00 which I bought to wear
tomorrow with my green dress.
Went down to see Aunt Mary
tonight after dinner and found
that she had been much upset
Miss Tillet, the former no-good, nurse
who had come in last night after
I left and demanded more
pay on the grounds that she was
the first nurse on the case and
should have been retained.
99
Friday, April 9, 1926
Congressional Club. 3:00 P.M
Woke up with a queer feeling and finally
realized that it was a touch of
"nerves" on account of this being the
day I was to speak at the Club. I
arranged with Mr. Perkins to leave
at 1:30, come home, got dressed in
my green dress & new hat and was
all ready when Mrs. Dale came. The
Club House I found most attractive
and in spite of several conflicting
affairs there was a good audience who
were attentive and interested so that I
lost all my nervousness and quite
enjoyed speaking to them. Mrs. Chalmers
introduced me with a little poem about
Vermont and after I was through mother
stood with Mrs. Dale, Mrs. Hadley, Mrs.
Chalmers & me in the line and "received"
Beautiful flowers, good "eats", merry
company and home with Mrs. Dale
for dinner: then ended the day
100
Saturday, April 10, 1926
Lunch with Dick
I went to work early this morning
to make up for yesterday but found
that very little was doing. Dick Scacedrett
called me about eleven and asked me
to join him & his sister at lunch at
the Willard at one. I arranged with
Mr. Perkins to go, expecting to be gone
about an hour but I did not get
back until 2:40 and was almost
ashamed to come in. I had a wonderful
time for as usual Dick had enlarged
his party to include Mrs. Willebrandt,
Mr. Donovan & Mr. Marshall from
the Dept. of Justice, and Mr. Gilbert
author of "The Mirrors of Washington," who
is to be Dick's host tonight for the Gridiron
club. Good food, excellent conversation
and I enjoyed it tremendously but
for my fear of being gone too long.
Down to see Aunt Mary tonight &
to call on Marion Gary & Mrs. G.
101
Sunday, April 11, 1926
Dinner with Marion & Mrs. Gary
Woke up this morning to the sound
of gentle rain which has lasted all
day. Went to S. S & church but
did not care much for the sermon
came home expecting that mother
would go down with me to have dinner
with Marion, but she was too tired
having walked off somewhere to church
while I was away. We had to wait
outside the door for almost an hour
before we could get into the dining
-room but when we were once
in there we got a very good meal.
I stayed until four and then
went over to see Aunt Mary whom
I found sitting in the writing room
looking jaunty as ever. Home in
the drizzle and decided against
going anywhere to church this
evening as we are leaving at
7:30 to see the cherry blossoms
102
Monday, April 12, 1926
Not very fit in either mind or body
this a.m. and made several silly
mistakes in my work as I could not
concentrate on figures successfully. Mr.
Inman came in to ask me if I would
enjoy going to the Military Order's
Ball at the Mayflower tonight, I felt
perfectly sure that I would enjoy it
very much indeed and so I accepted
Marion Gary came up to have lunch with
me. Mother spent the day at the wet
& Dry Hearing where the Law Enforcement
delegates were given a couple of hours to
present their case. I did not get home
until six as the Steck-Brookhart vote
came at 5 and poor Brookhart had to
vacate his seat, not but that he
deserved it but still I felt a sneaking
sympathy for him. Thro' Mrs. Moore I was
able to get hold of a hairdresser who did
my hair very nicely. no time for
103
Tuesday, April 13, 1926
dressier but Mrs. Bier sent me over a piece
of lemon pie. Found my beaded dress so
long that I had to take the hem up before
I could wear it. Had a beautiful time at
the party, saw some good dancing, some
pretty dresses: danced with a Filipino
officer and the Chilean military attache
resplendent in gold braid & buttons.
Today the Senate convened at eleven
to enable the august Senators to ad-
journ at two to attend the opening
ball game of the season. I was so busy
with reports that I could not go to lunch.
Mother was Mrs. Husband's guest at the
Law Enforcement luncheon and did
not get home 'til six. I went downtown
after the Senate closed and looked
for a coat but failed to find one. Bought
shoes, gloves, & pale lavendar hose
to wear with my new slippers. Down
to see Aunt Mary tonight.
106
Friday, April 16, 1926
Fair & like spring
Mother has quite a cold today so
I persuaded her to stay in bed all
morning. It has been quite warm
today and I was too warm with
my heavy coat. I just must get a
coat somewhere or other before long.
Mrs. Dale called up to ask if I would
help her entertain the D.AR. Vermont
delegation on Sunday night. I started
my "Vermont Record" article yesterday
but it does not move along very
swiftly. I lack the proper mood or
inspiration or something. Aunt Mary
has decided to go to New York on Monday.
Marion and her mother are going
tomorrow. I went down this eve to
get my amber beads which she
bought for me. They are perfectly
lovely and I am pleased to own
them even if I don't need them
one always needs beautiful things
107
Saturday, April 17, 1926
Cold & windy
Got up early intending to have an
early breakfast and get to the office
at 8:30 to work on my article but
had to wait so long for the chance
to get into the bathroom that I was
barely five minutes ahead of the
game when I got there. Very busy
day with a good deal of work, lots
of reports, etc. Had a little time to
write but was not very much in the
mood. Mother & Aunt Mary went down
to the White House but failed to see the
President. This afternoon the Senate
adjourned at 2:30 so I was home
soon after three and wrote a bit
but was jumpy and didn't get on very
fast. Supposed to go out to Husband's
tonight but could not leave my work.
Wrote until 11:00. Think I can
finish it by tomorrow night
and mail it. Hope so.
108
Sunday, April 18, 1926
Snow this morning; cold, grey, day.
Rainy.
This morning when I looked out I was
surprised to see the air full of snowflakes
which, by the time we went to breakfast,
had turned to rain. I have a little cold
and was not very keen on going down
to S.S. but I went and had a very
good sized class. I did not stay for
church but wormed my way out
through the crowds around the door
and came home. We went down to the
Continental to have dinner with
Aunt Mary. Very poor dinner, I
thought it was but Mother and
Aunt Mary liked it so well. Home to
finish my article for the "Vermont
Record and to get ready to fo to Mrs.
Dale's.
121
Saturday, May 1, 1926
warm.
Very busy day and my hopes
of an early adjournment took
another drop. Anyway the English
trial will
hopefully be
put over until fall,
that is one comfort. Jame [James] telegraphed
that he would come this afternoon
we adjourned about three so
I sped down-town to get my hair
washed and waved at Hecht's.
They did it at lightning speed
and it looked it but anyway
it was clean. Left word for James
to come up after dinner and we
went along with Mr. Mangly
and Ruth, out to the Fort to
see the Society circus. It was fine -
wonderful riding - splendid display
of artillery and fine jumping.
It was warm and we had to
wait a long time for a taxi to bring
us home. very tired tonight
122
Sunday, May 2, 1926
Beautiful Day, warm.
I was up and off to my S. S. early
this morning and upon my return
found James here reading
the Sunday papers. Mother had gone
to church, against my advice, so we
walked down thro' the Botanical
Gardens and sat on a bench in the
shade while James told me the details
about Willis Moodies' death etc. Came
back and James took mother and me
to the Grace Dodge for dinner; very
good and I was hungry and enjoyed it. Very
warm this afternoon. At four we started
out to Takoma Park to have supper with
Bessie. Met some very pleasant people,
one of whom brought us part way back.
Came home and sat around visiting
until convention demanded that
James leave. He bores me terribly and
I am ashamed to admit it. How can a
really nice man for whom one has so
123
Monday, May 3, 1926
much respect and, as in this case, real
affection, be so uninteresting. I know
before he opens his mouth, almost exactly
what he will say on any given subject.
I hate to hurt him: he has been such a
good friend, so loyal, and so kind - too
kind, in fact, but how he can any
longer suppose that we would ever be
happy together is more than I can see. I
am inclined to believe that it is only
his Scotch obstinacy which makes him
refuse to give up the idea. On the way back
we stopped at the station and waited
for the 10:30 train in order to meet
Aunt Kate and Jean and saw them
safely started toward the Mayflower.
Mon. This morning I woke up feeling
as if I had been on a wild party for
a week, too tired to get up. Had to and
later came to myself somewhat.
Aunt Kate & Jean came up to the
124
Tuesday, May 4, 1926
Capitol and I introduced them to Mr.
Duval, Senator Wadsworth's secretary
who got cards for them to go to the W.H.
where they shook hands with Mr. Coolidge
and had a most successful time
this P.M. Aunt Kate and Jean went
to Arlington and this eve. we went
down to the Mayflower and had
dinner with them, very nice. It
was actually warm this A. M. but a
shower cooled the air so it was chilly
tonight. Tues. This morning Aunt Kate
and Jean came up again and
Jean took us to lunch at the Methodist
Bldg. not very good. I had to hurry
away and left them to go to see
the Mayflower, after which Mother
and Jean spent the rest of the
day in the Senate gallery and
Aunt Kate went out to
Georgetown to the Jesuit school.
125
Wednesday, May 5, 1926
Dinner at Grace Dodge.
Tues:
Beautiful day. Aunt Kate and
Jean took mother with them to
see the mayflower this morning
and this afternoon they all went
down to Mount Vernon. Mother
enjoyed it all immensely and
in spite of being tired was none the
worse
wed
Tonight we took Aunt Kate
and Jean to dinner at the
Grace Dodge before they left for
New York, and Jean piloted us
up to the Congressional Library
after dinner where she walked
us about until mother and Aunt
Kate just could not go farther.
They brought us home and went
on back to the Mayflower to get their
bags, taking the 12:30 train home.
we were so tired that we
tumbled straight into bed.
129
Sunday, May 9, 1926
10
Beautiful day, not too warm.
This morning I was up early. Ruth went with
me to S.S. and afterwards we stayed to hear
Bishop Hughes preach. It was a Mother's Day
sermon on the text: "And He took a little child
and sat him in the midst of them." The music
was unusually good. When I got out I
tried to find Mother but she got out
first and was home before I was. John sent
some lovely red and white carnations
to her which were waiting when she got home.
After dinner Mr. Inman came over to
get a flower to wear and stayed a few
minutes to chat. Later Mother and I
took a Somerset car out to Cleveland
Park where we called on Mrs. Harvey and
her daughter, Mrs. Field. It was lovely out there,
many trees, shrubs and flowers. Came back to
have supper at the Cafeteria. This evening Mrs.
Mangy and I went down to the First Church
to hear Bishop Fisher of India speak.
Interesting but not very orderly address.
130
Monday, May 10, 1926
night session.
Woke up feeling fairly tired this
morning. Had a very busy day.
The work grows more exacting now
as the close of the session approaches
and the rush begins. My private
telephone, recently installed, rings
constantly and I hardly have time
to finish an entry without several
interruptions. Tonight we went
home at 5:30 and came back
at eight for a night session on
the Calendar which adjourned
at 11:00 having, in the meantime
passed 82 bills. Mr. Ives brought
his wife in to see me. She is a
very attractive woman who was a
Nebraska school teacher before she came
to Washington to work, just after the
war. Mrs. Brookes also came
It was raining when the session
was over and Mr. Burke brought me
131
Tuesday, May 11, 1926
home. Woke up this morning feeling
rather weary and have felt so
all day. nothing much happened
except that Col. Gibson came
in to see me and offered to bring
the Vermont papers in for me to
read which I thought very nice
of him indeed. Very busy with
a great many reports and
other routine work. Mr. Haskell
ill so he had to go home. Letter from
Jean saying that Aunt Kate was
sending me a book. The sugar
cakes came. They have set an
evening session for Friday night
which is the date for my talk at
the A.A.U.W. Club. I don't quite
know how I shall adjust
the matter but no doubt I can
get off for I can do all the
work just as well the next day.
132
Wednesday, May 12, 1926
Beautiful day but fairly
warm. Busy as usual. Not
feeling very well this week,
very jumpy and back-ache
most of the time. Tonight
after work, Mother came over
and Mr. Watkins asked us
to drive down by the speedway.
which we were glad to do. It
surely was lovely all of fresh
and green with the most beautiful
scarlet tulips and purple iris
all along the way. We got home
just in time for dinner, after
which I went directly to bed.
Mother is getting anxious about
going home but I hate to have
her go alone. John wants to go
up for Memorial Day but I
see no prospect of being through
here then.
134
Friday, May 14, 1926
A.A.U.W. Club for talk.
135
Saturday, May 15, 1926
Hopi Snake Dance.
M
138
Tuesday, May 18, 1926
Vermont Association
Sugar party.
146
Wednesday, May 26, 1926
Mother went home today
147
Thursday, May 27, 1926
Church Women's Association
P.M.
Rutland.
148
Friday, May 28, 1926
Parent Teacher Association at
Rutland
Windsor
155
Friday, June 4, 1926
Tea at Mrs. Wilebrandt's.
179
Monday, June 28, 1926
College week - June 28 - July 1.
184
Saturday, July 3, 1926
Congress adjourned.
185
Sunday, July 4, 1926
Cool but nice.
This morning it was right cold when
I woke up but after the sun came out
it was warmer. I did not go to S. S. as Mr.
Capshaw came at 10:30 to take me to
church. we went to the New York Avenue
Presbyterian. It was Communion Sunday
Dr. Sizoo preached, not quite so well
as he does sometimes. Later we walked
all the way up to the May flower where
we had a most delicious dinner. I rather
like Mr. C. He is alert, intelligent, talks very
well, is interested in his profession and
in politics and has nice manners.
I came back as far as 3 St. & then went
to the A. A. U. W. Club House for tea with
Mrs. Monnihan. Met some right nice
girls there. Bessie was there and after the
party she & Bernard & the boys brought
me home. I have been so cold this eve.
that finally I had to go to the Library
to get warm. Strange weather for June.
186
Monday, July 5, 1926
Woke up this morning not feeling
at all fit. The cold weather has con-
tinued and it looks as if it might
rain today. Had a busy day at
the office and came home feeling
decidedly tired. Had dinner with
Ruth at the Methodist Building
and a very good dinner it was
too. We later went down to the
new Willard to a concert for
which Ruth had tickets. It was
given for the benefit of the blind
and was positively the worst
thing in the way of entertainment
I ever listened to. We came out
after about two-thirds of the program
was over and walked down F
St. looking in the windows, etc,
until we were half way home. I
was frightfully tired when I
finally got to bed and cold
187
Tuesday, July 6, 1926
warmer.
Had good letters from Mother and
John today which cheered me a
good bit but I do feel absolutely
rotten. I just know that I've got
something quite wrong with myself
and as soon as this Session is
over I'm going to the best doctor
I can find and discover what
it is that makes me so all in.
It is still cold and gloomy but not
so bad as yesterday and finally tonight
it has cleared off beautifully. We
had a night session lasting until
eleven o'clock but did not
accomplish much except to pass two
much discussed bills, the Oil & Gas Leasing
Bill and the Pittman Silver Purchase Act.
Home to my bed heavy with
weariness. Someone had picked
the magnolia blossom I had selected
for myself, before I got there.
188
Wednesday, July 7, 1926
Absolutely all ill today. Faint and
shaky all morning, Came home at
noon and went to lunch. stayed
long enough to get a couple of
bites and, fearing a total collapse
I came back & laid down until
time to go to the office. Thought once
I couldn't go but made it finally.
Had two pages of reports, the busiest
afternoon I've had for a long while
was too busy to be faint so I
got through the afternoon after a fashion
and came home to bed. went over to
supper and to the drug store after a thermometer
by which I ascertained that I had a
little temperature so I went to bed.
Mr. Inman collided with a messenger
boy on a bicycle this evening and
hurt the boy quite badly. It happened
out at our corner. That is getting
to be a regular place for accidents
189
Thursday, July 8, 1926
M
Woke up feeling a little bit better but
by the time I was dressed my
poor back ached frightfully. went to
work but came home about eleven
for a while, went back and
have felt better this afternoon. Ruth
came in this evening to say
that she is going home tomorrow.
I'm glad for her but very sorry
for myself as the house it most
lonely. There are new people coming
and going all the time but no
very attractive ones. Rumor of an
adjournment next week and
other rumors of July first. If it stays
cool they probably will dilly-dally
along another two or three weeks.
I'd be willing to have a hot wave
if it would speed them up a bit.
Wadsworth has come out today on a
wet platform: Borah - Dry. Interesting
190
Friday, July 9, 1926
Feeling a bit more like myself today
It is much warmer with the
threat of thunder storms in the air.
I spent the evening writing
letters about the History Survey
none of which will be likely to
result in much. I wish I
would ever learn not to put
things off until it is a mad
rush to get them done. Had a
letter from Mother. Ina has come
so she won't be so much alone and
she seems much more cheerful. Had
the sad news today of Dorothy
Hodgdon's death. There have been
so many deaths among the
people at home since we went
away last fall. Fred Root, Kate
Thompson, Mr. Macomber, Charlie Wylie,
and Willis Moodie; now Dorothy. She
had a baby, poor thing, and no doubt
191
Saturday, July 10, 1926
worked herself to death before I came.
The Dale's are still in Vermont and
Mrs. Conway reports that the effect
of their visit has been most encouraging
both as far as the campaign is
concerned and on Senator Dale as
well. I hope he can win. Mrs. Orvis,
it seems, is staging, under the guise
of Republican Club work, some ardent
propaganda for Stickney and against
the direct primary. She has a Mrs.
Farrar there from New York who is
apparently a disciple of Wadsworth
and she is strong against Federal
Aid, primary, prohibition, etc. I wish
I could have headed that off, but
of course couldn't, even if I had known
about it. I sent in my report for the
Education Committee to Mrs. Orvis and
am through with it. Let someone else
tackle the problem.
211
Friday, July, 1926
"The Merchant of Venice" Greensboro
224
Thursday, Aug. 12, 1926
Chautauqua begins.
228
Monday, Aug. 16, 1926
Presbyterial Convention
W.M.S
229
Tuesday, Aug. 17, 1926
Young People's Christian Union.
Convention.
Beautiful day but cold.
246
Friday, Sept. 3, 1926
247
Saturday, Sept. 4, 1926
Up at five and off with John McClung
to Montpelier to meet John and Phil
A cold, snappy morning but very
beautiful. We found them eating
breakfast at the Hotel, poor Engel very
low with a huge boil on his side,
but Phil in fine form. Left John Mc
at Hardwick where he took the train
back to Greenwich, sorry to have him
go as he has been most satisfactory
help and thoroughly dependable.
I drove the boys home where another
breakfast must needs be prepared
and it seems to me as if I have done
nothing all day but get meals or
work up after then. This evening we
had a rehearsal at the Common. I
was tired and my costume looked a
perfect fright. I just never can wear
any such mess and I won't. Rehearsal
went extremely badly to my mind.
248
Sunday, Sept. 5, 1926
Busy day, too busy to make church
as the boys dallied over their breakfast
and so delayed the schedule. I have
racked my brains as to what I
can contrive between now and
tomorrow night by way of a
costume for I just won't wear
what Jean has devised for me.
It is too awful. I did experiment
wth a hat which won't be too bad.
Cold, dreary day so the boys stayed
in and read & smoked. John feels
a little better today I think. Phil is
to all apprearances enjoying himself
hugely doing nothing. Went to C.E.
this evening, Jean led - very good
meeting but a very small
attendance. Cold dreary weather
and a fire feels good indeed.
John not so well tonight & had
Dr. Easton come down.
249
Monday, Sept. 6, 1926
"Romeo & Juliet"
N. Craftsbury
most hectic day. Boys had a late
breakfast and I went over to get
Mrs. McLaren to sew on my
costume. Cold, rainy morning
so John & Phil stayed in by the
fire most of the time Mrs. M.
cut my doublet much too large
but we finally got it somewhere
near right; also the brown plush
cape. I dyed a man's union suit
green to match the cape lining &
had green hose which looked quite
snappy. Made my hat myself. Had
to get two dinners rushed. The boys
packed up and Rosaire took them
with me to the common where he
left me & took them to the train. The
supper party at hotel great success. George
& Betty Howard there. Play went very
wll and we had a big crowd
for a wet night: about $150. Home to bed.
250
Tuesday, Sept. 7, 1926
"Romeo & Juliet." Hardwick
I surely do miss my deft-handed and
light-footed Ina. Very weary this A.M.
but needs must be up to get breakfast and
do a thousand and one other things
that have to be done; also get ready
for this afternoon's jaunt to Hardwick.
I made some slight changes in
my costume and then with Rosaire
at the wheel, went up to the C. to pick up some
of the girls and we were off. I've some rehearsal
not feeling very fit: had some lunch very
kindly contributed by Helen from her generous
store: rehearsed, went downtown in pursuit
of green hose - found some: suggested to Helen that
she wear a mustache - was severely repulsed. "On with
the play." Went off very well. When I came out to go
home found a motor cop in possesion of my car
Rosaire had taken it without permission & had run
into the Socony man on the Gulf road. Then
instead of waiting to see the extent of the damage,
he was off, leaving the scene of the accident.
251
Wednesday, Sept. 8, 1926
Rutland, B.D.S.A meeting.
thus laying himself open to a heavy fine. My
car was badly dented, one hub cap gone, but no
serious damage. I drove home, needless to say.
He is to appear on Thursday night at the State's
attorney's office for trial. Today has cleared
off beautifully and we got started for
Rutland about eleven o'clock. I drove but
took Rosaire in case of emergency which was
well, as we had a flat tire just after we
crossed the Randolph bridge, which delayed
us an hour nearly. Off again, stopping for a
bite of lunch on the mountain and arrived
at 94 Grove St. in time for the main business
of the day. Hon. D.C. Fisher, Miss Fletcher, Dean
Patterson, Miss Farr and Miss Crumton
were there. Had tea and started at once
for home via Stockbridge, were to follow
Rose Lucia, but she did not catch up with
us until we got to Randolph. Then a
hard drive thro' Northfield Gulf. Supper at
Montpelier. Rosaire drove as far as Woodbury
but I was too nervous so took the wheel
252
Thursday, Sept. 9, 1926
Rained hard.
myself the rest of the way which seemed
long indeed. Finally got home between
ten and eleven and was glad to go
at once to bed. Woke up to find it raining
hard which it continued to do all day.
This evening I felt I ought to go with
Rosaire to Hardwick which I did thro'
the pouring rain. He was fined $25.00
and costs, which ought to prove a
useful reminder in future. Home
thro' the deluge and very gladly
to bed. Too wet today to get the flowers
and vegetables gathered for the fair
so that has to be done tomorrow morning.
Have arranged to meet Col. Gibson at
Hardwick or have someone do so. I'm
only hoping that it will be a good
day. The clouds are breaking away
a bit tonight. Mother and I both
very tired but must be up early to
make doughnuts and get ready
253
Friday, Sept. 10, 1926
Community fair.
cooler.
Fair
clear & much cooler. V. T. went to Hardwick
for Col. Gibson the whilst I helped Rosaire
gather vegetables and flowers and transport
them to the Common. Also had doughnuts
to make, or Mother did, and vegetables to
fix for the salads for dinner. Finally
ready but found that my peach dress
which I wanted to wear, had shrunk
disgracefully - all I had - must do. Drove
to the Common, found Col. Gibson with
Horace Graham and took him for a drive
thro the town - over home, to call on Neil, back
to Mills and beyond, then back to Fair. The
Fair not a great success - poorly managed -
no head - food gave out at dinner, program
dragged - Col. Gibson obliged to cut short
his speech - on whole think it far inferior
to what it has been other years. Col. Gibson
wanted to get train at St. J. so I drove him
over there, Rosaire going along. Home to get
supper - dead tired - to bed.
254
Saturday, Sept. 11, 1926
Cold day.
This morning Rosaire was here
so he and I went up to the
Common to help Mary Bailey with
the cleaning up from the Fair.
It is a beautiful day but cold.
Mary and Adelaide Dustan and
several others were there. Mary B. was
much of my opinion about the Fair
She is gradually losing her naturally
optimistic view of life. Just now she is much
disturbed about the lawlessness of the
young men at the Village. I don't much
wonder, inasmuch as her own two
nephews are among them. Mother &
I are both tired today. This P.M. the Buick
agent came from Newport to show
us the 1927 Coupe and as I had to take
Rosaire home, I drove it down there. It
is a very attractive little car, not
so little either, but seems so after
a five passenger one.
255
Sunday, Sept. 12, 1926
Dreary, cold,day - most dismal
with a very small congregation
out at church
259
Thursday, Sept. 16, 1926
A rather busy day because I had
the weekly cleaning to do this A.M.
and the dinner to prepare this
P.M. not feeling very fit as I have
the pain in my back and side again
which I thought was gone for good. It
poured all day, most gloomy. I went
up for Ella and stopped to get the
meal at Machender's but could
not find anyone in so came home
without it. Aunt Kate, Aunt Mary,
Jean & Bunny were here for supper
and we had a real cosey time.
Jean & Bunny helped me with the
dishes afterward and there we
all sat about and chatted
until late, still pouring so
I know what the road will
be like tomorrow. Very weary
and quickly to my bed.
260
Friday, Sept. 17, 1926
Montpelier to meet M. G. & see
Gov. Billings
Still pouring when I woke up but
I felt I should go to Montpelier so we
started about 9:30, took Cousin Ella
and mother and picked up Cousin
Gertie at Hardwick. Roads very wet
and slippery so we had to go slowly.
Arrived 20 min. late and found
Marion already closeted with the
Governor. He is ready to incorporate
in his outgoing speech something about
the teacher training situation if we will
write it. We had lunch at the Tavern &
afterward saw Dorothy Howard and
George & Helen. I got the fender fixed and
did errands until five. The drive
back was hard as it started raining
again and at Hardwick I had to have
the chains put on again. Slippery
drive home and I was too tired
to do aught but go to bed when
I got here.
261
Saturday, Sept. 18, 1926
Beautiful day after storm.
Very weary this A.M. Went for Mrs. Hanson
but decided not to have Rosaire. Had
to wash the car myself and it surely
was a very large job for the mud
was thick. Finished just in time to
get some lunch and go to Mr. Davison's
funeral. Went up after Cousin Ella
first. There was a large crowd of
people at the funeral and the
most beautiful flowers I about ever
saw, both alike testifying to the
love and esteem in which Mr. D. was
held. Thought once of going to the Albany
Fair but decided against it. Stopped
to leave Aunt Mary's wedding gift
at the Peterson's and saw Marion
but was not presented to the groom.
Home and took a nap on the south
porch. Lovely moonlight tonight
and much warmer than for
several days. Writing letters tonight.
270
Monday, Sept. 27, 1926
Due in Washington, D. C. today.
275
Saturday, Oct. 2, 1926
To Burlington and New York today.
This morning I was up early and
busy with preparations for our trip to B.
Had my bags packed ready for New York. Miss.
McLaren & Helen went with us. It rained
on the way down but cleared up later. Mother
and I shopped & I got a green felt hat to
wear to N.Y. Had lunch at the Vermont.
and there met Mr. & Mrs. Harvey. Did
errands until three when Mother and
the rest left for home first delivering me at
Nina's Where I rested and had my
supper with Bob, as Nina & Robert
were going out for supper at Mary
Shepardson's. I read to Bob, put him to bed
and then Howard came down and
stayed with me until train time. He
seems to be getting on very well so far
with his college work but has not found
anything definite to do yet to earn
money. To the train and very gladly
to bed but not very restful night.
276
Sunday, Oct. 3, 1926
Woke up to see the shimmer of sun on the
Hudson River and arrived in N. Y. right
on time. Called John from station and was
almost peeved to find him in bed and with
a baseball engagment on so he could not
meet me until night. Could not have my room
at the Commodore until afternoon so I called
Kate Wilcox and arranged to go up there which
I did, on the Riverside Bus. Very warm here &
smells so strong of gasoline that I'm nearly
smothered. Found Kate feeling better so we decided
to go to Dr. Poling's church on Fifth Ave. which we
did & then back to the Maple Grove Tea Room
on 57th St. for lunch where I met my old friend,
Harold Powell, who is manager there. Left Kate &
went back to the Hotel for a bath & a nap. Very warm
indeed. John came at seven and we went to
Mori's for dinner. Wonderful food, very
good music and interesting people,
tho' hardly prohibition crowd. Home to
bed, very hot & weary.
277
Monday, Oct. 4, 1926
New York City.
This A.M. woke to find the hot sun
pouring in on me and the thermometer
at about 85°. Breakfast at the Hotel & then
to Franklin Simon's to shop for some new clothes.
Finally bought some shoes and a sweater
but could not find a dress. This P.M. went
to 600 Lexington Ave. and was present at
my first Rural Communities Dept. meeting.
Miss. Hamra, National Y.W.C.A. president
was there - most charming woman; also
about fifteen others. I did not find out
much about what was expected of me
but I tried to look intelligent. Met a Miss Taylor
who has worked in Vermont, whom I liked &
will have lunch with her tomorrow. Called Alice
and will have dinner with her tonight
after which John is going to take me to see
'Broadway". Very warm - nearly 90°
at noon. Good dinner with Alice at
the Firenze. Very good show - real old -
fashioned melodrama.
278
Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1926
Hot still in N.Y.
Slept over this A.M. and had to hurry
to get errands done. Bought a red dress,
which I think is very pretty, also a brown
checked tweed for street. Had my hair done
at Franklin Simon's and very well done
too. Met Miss Taylor at 12:30 and
had lunch with her nearby. She is a very
interesting girl - not nearly so cut-and-
dried as some of them; she has been
in Vermont recently making a survey
of the rural school teachers and told me many
interesting things about them. After lunch
I did more errands, bought gloves, etc.
and met Phyllis in time for dinner
Which we had at the Commodore. She had
an engagement for evening so left early.
John came at eight and we went
to see "Cavalieria American," a very clever
musical comedy - a satire on American
modes & manners. Very warm in the
theatre and even worse outside.
279
Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1926
Brattleboro Woman's Club.
P.M.
Mrs. Howard Rice in charge.
Took an eight o'clock train from N.Y. for
Brattleboro - raining - a hot, stupid ride -
terrible lunch on train. Arrived at B.
in time for the club meeting. Col. Gibson
was at the train and also a very nice
lady with a car who took me up to
Mrs. Rice's home where I changed
my dress, telephoned home, etc. Splendid
group of women to whom it was a pleasure
to speak. My legislative acquaintances,
Mr. Maynard and Mr. Crane were there,
also Mrs. Margaret Farber, who presided.
Very well dressed and very intelligent
audience but I was really too tired and
distracted to do my best. Had tea and
then back to Mrs. Rice's to change my dress
and get train for White River. Upon arriving
there found that the hotel was full and
no outside rooms available. Telephoned Mrs.
Watson & Mr. W. came down and took me
up there for the night, Grand visit and
280
Thursday, Oct. 7, 1926
Hartford, Vt Harvest Dinner
a pleasant time but the best part was
getting to bed where I was asleep almost
instantly. Up for breakfast to find the sky
clearing and much cooler. After breakfast.
Mr. & Mrs. Watson took me in the car, for
a lovely drive over to Hanover where we
visited the Dartmouth gymnasium and
saw all the other buildings from the outside.
Back to a delicious lunch with fish,
ordered especially for me, and two
pieces of pie. Then I spent an hour looking
around the garden and was just beginning
to get worried about Glen when he appeared
and we soon left for home. Meantime it had
cleared off beautifully and the autumn
colors were especially gorgeous - I don't think I ever saw
anything lovelier than the hillsides up thro'
Williamstown Gulf, a route I had never
taken before. I just can't forget how the red
maples stood out against the brown of the
hillside & the green of the furs. We got
281
Friday, Oct. 8, 1926
home in good time, even before mother
expected us and were regally fed on
Scotch broth etc. I find I'm very tired,
which I suppose is not to be wondered
at at all, considering the week's
schedule which is behind me.
Found Mother rather tired but in
good spirits and looking forward
to having John home next week. She
had been entertained over at Jean's
and had attended the dedication of
the new Methodist Church on Wednesday
at the village, as well as the Harvest
Dinner at the church on Thursday for
which she had to make a Boiled Dinner.
Mrs. Kendrick undertook to reprove her for
being too tired, after having done that, to
come to the dinner itself, but I have
laughed her out of her worry over that.
sorry to miss these local events myself
but one cannot be everywhere.
285
Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1926
Trip to Castleton.
Today has been one of the most perfect fall
days I ever saw. We hurried with our
work this morning and at one o'clock
left for our trip to Castleton. We gathered Barbara
Davison in as we went and took a new
route, thro' Waterbury, Waitsfield, Warren
and down thro' Granville Gulf to
Rochester. The woods are beautiful, all
red and gold, and the loveliest soft
haze hung over everything. The trip
thro' the Gulf was as beautiful a ride
as I've ever taken in Vermont, tho a
wild, lonesome forest with a stream over
which the highway crossed and recrossed
many times. We were charmed with Rochester
and I would have liked to stop to call on Mr. &
Mrs. Edgerton but had not time. Left Barbara
at Proctor and went on to Castleton where
we arrived about nine o'clock. Got a
bite of lunch in the village and then up
to school. much fuss made over us by C.S.W.
286
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 1926
saw the school building and were most
regally entertained by everybody concerned.
Lovely room to sleep in and I was ready
for it
Western District, Vermont Federation
of Women's Clubs, Poultney, 11:00 A.M.
Woke up rather reluctantly this A.M. feeling
that more sleep would be nice. Had breakfast
in the dormitory dining-room with Miss. W. all
very pleasant. Went to chapel - Mr. Dempsey and
Dr. Winship there: all spoke - had to hurry
away to get to Poultney for meeting at 10:30. Got
off road once - hazy smoky day. lovely ride
to Poultney. Got there in time - good crowd,
interesting reports from clubs - Mrs. Preston
presiding - not too well. I spoke before lunch &
got on well enough. Had dinner at the hotel
while Gertrude Murphy Derveu took charge
of Mother. Met Katherine Morse of Amherst. In
P.M. Mrs. Frances Parkinson Keyes spoke - very interesting
but much too long. We had to leave at midst - came
out to find it pouring rain. Gertrude begged
us to stay for supper but I felt we must
get on so we started. It simply deluged
287
Thursday, Oct. 14, 1926
rain but Glen was gone and after
a while we got to Proctor where Mertie
persuaded us to stop and have supper
before going on which I was glad enough
to do. She has a most attractive little home
and an adorable young son, Jack, We gathered
Barbara in and got started home about
eleven thirty. It poured all the way over
Sherburne mountain and to Bethel but
stopped there so I relieved Glenn and drove
the rest of the way. Several near accidents but
no actual ones so me reached home
safely about midnight whereupon we
made a fire and had hot cocoa and
so to bed. Today has been lovely and
so Barbara and I went to Morrisville
where we visited P.A. and made a
few calls. I left Barbara at her house
on the way home and we came
on to find Mother with supper all
ready. Very tired so to bed.
293
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 1926
Oyster Supper, Seaver School
294
Thursday, Oct. 21, 1926
Montpelier A.U.U.W and Vt. Women
Teacher's Club.
298
Monday, Oct. 25, 1926
Hectic day. Gloomy with rain. Many
household duties and in addition
had to go up into the store room and
elsewhere seeking out properties, decorations,
etc. for the Halloween Party. Too wet to
get leaves or corn for that purpose as
it poured all P.M. Glen & Ina helped
at church and we got quite a
bit done when in a sudden gust
of wind, all the lights went out and
did not come on again. Most unpleasant
evening as we had to resort to kerosene
lamps, which smelled to high heaven, and
candles, which dripped grease over everything
Mother too tired to move after supper so
I sent her to bed and washed dishes by
candle light which John repaired to the P.O.
to chat with Neil. Started picking up
things ready to pack but so tired
finally gave up and went to bed.
299
Tuesday, Oct. 26, 1926
Halloween Party - Hill.
Republican Rally, Orleans.
Most hectic day - housework all A.M.
Mother not feeling at all well. Over
to Jean's for lunch and then Glen
& I went to the church to finish the
decorations for tonight's party. We
worked hard all afternoon and
got through just in time for supper.
The church certainly looked very well.
Ina was there to help. Glen took her home
& then it was time to get started for
Orleans. Roads fine, good trip out
there. Met at the hotel and was
escorted by the band to the hall.
Mrs. Alice Rowell, Mr. Gilpin, Mr.
Prouty, Mr. Cushing of St. Albans,
and Congressman Brigham spoke. Very
enthusiastic audience and a good
crowd. Saw Mr. & Mrs. Sanders, also
the Leonard's from Glover where I
am to speak tomorrow night. Tho't
my speech tonight "went over" pretty well
300
Wednesday, Oct. 27, 1926
Spent balance of morning conducting
Mr. Gelpin & Judge Weeks around the town
to the various school houses. Cold, dreary
Rutland Community Club.
(Evening - Tallk on Washington).
Marion Gary telephoned to say she would
let me off from my date in Rutland
in view of the political activities in which
I must needs be engaged this week. Today
John has been hunting and I have
been busy at home. Tonight it has
cleared off very cold and the drive
to Glover this evening was a bit chilly.
John & Mother went along, much to my
satisfaction. Hall was full and the audience
was attentive. Judge Weeks, Mr. Brownlee, Mr
Gilpin and I spoke, Mr. Leonard presiding.
Very good meeting. Afterwards we went over
to the church & had light refreshments
before the ride home. Met for the first time
in twenty years, my old school mate,
Gertie Mason, now Mrs. Merriam and
mother of two very pretty daughters. Cold
ride home but beautiful with
moonlight & frost on the grass.
301
Thursday, Oct. 28, 1926
Beautiful day.
(Y.M.CA. Council at Rutland,)
11:00 A.M. Republican Rally at
Newport. Busy morning. Left at
10:30 for Newport. Lattie & Ham along.
flat tire but got there in time. Had
a very good lunch at Masonic Hall.
and, because of failure of Mr. Gibson
to arrive, was drafted to speak
along with Weeks, Jackson and
the county candidates. Liked Jackson
very much. Crowd nut [not] large. but
very attentive. Drove home as guide
to Mr. Jackson & Mr. Weeks. Beautiful
evening, clear, cold, and snappy.
Mother had supper ready - hot
soup which was most welcome
to me and even more so to Glenn.
Was scheduled for a Town Committee
meeting but called Leo & got off
as I was just too tired to go.
John feeling much better today.
302
Friday, Oct. 29, 1926
John is feeling much better today
and went off hunting with much
of his ancient vim. Aunt Kate
left for New York this morning by
motor. Busy day with arrears
of housekeeping and much outdoor
work to look after. Mother has been
getting very tired, due to my protracted
absences and no help so I have
tried to have her rest today. After
supper Glen drove me to the
Village to a meeting of the Town
Committee at which we added Geo.
Alberton, Wendell Sage & Leo Williams
to the Committee; Let Glen take the
car to go to the Common to the faculty
social. Worked late on letters and
clearing up odds & ends in my
desk, preparatory to packing on
Monday. To bed finally at
one A. M. very weary.
303
Saturday, Oct. 30, 1926
Lovely morning.
ending in heavy rain storm.
This morning the sun was shining
and I felt compelled to go to Burlington
in spite of Mother's objection. Helen went
with us. and we made good time,
arriving at the Ethan Allan Club
promptly for the Alumni Council
meeting, which however, was so late
in starting that I was obliged to
leave in the midst, in order to keep
an appointment with Guy Bailey
at which time I tried to sound him
on the Castleton matter and at the
same time gave him a line on what
the A. A. U. W. are planning. Had a
lovely lunch at Hotel Vt., not daring
to take time enough for the Alumni affair
Got to dentist on time. Got my fur coat &
started home early. Rained all the way.
Had a blow-out near Morrisville; delay
of two hours, had to buy new tire - home
just in time to get John to train.
304
Sunday, Oct. 31, 1926
Gloomy day, cold, dreary.
Slept late this morning but did
manage to get the church where I
had to play, Alice being absent.
Good congregation, fair sermon.
Spoke to Will Anderson's class to urge
them to attend C. E. this winter. Taught
boys class - very few there. Home &
to Jean's for dinner where we had
a very good feed. Home early to write
some pressing letters and get things
packed. Drove over to Mrs. Hanson's
& gave Guy the ukelele which I
trust he can learn to play. Down
to settle with Glen and home
again. Roads very muddy - car
a sight. This evening went to C. E.
John Hudyn, leader, did not live up
so we had a "Round Robin", meeting
which was very successful.
Voted to have meetings in the
P. M. hereafter to get younger ones.
305
Monday, Nov. 1, 1926
21
Clear & cold.
Hardwick Fortnightly Club. Evening.
Started in packing in earnest today
and managed to accomplish a
good bit. Clifford came to help
with various duties, notably to
wash the car, which was as dirty
as it ever had been since I had
it. It took him three hours to
clean it and even then I had
to help at the last. I had not
a moment until after supper
to think about my speech and
was too tired then to do it justice.
Drove my own self to Hardwick, picking
up Clifford & Annie for company
on the way. Very cold so I was
chilled when I got there. Had a
fairly good audience, very
attentive. Uneventful trip home
and to my bed quickly. Wore
my new red dress. Liked it.
306
Tuesday, Nov. 2, 1926
Election Day. Snow & blizzard
Leo Williams elected.
Typical election day weather with
the ground white with snow and
more falling. I could not bear to get
my clean car all dirt again so
I asked Jean if we might ride
with her. The morning was very
hectic with packing and closing
many last things outside. Clifford
came and helped cover the rose-
bushes, put in windows, etc. We
went down to vote at 2:00 and
stayed until the box was turned.
Lev, of course, was elected, tho' there
were 26 votes for Cowles and many
blanks. No news yet of the state
election but I think Cowles will
get it. Busy evening. Helen was
in and also Jean. Worked at
my desk until after midnight
clearing up various odds &
ends. To bed, very weary.
307
Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1926
Left E. Craftsbury for Washington,
via Montpelier.
Storming, snow.
I woke this morning with the feeling
that I could never get all done that
had to be done but with Ina to
help, I got on nicely. We had dinner
at Helen's, a good one too, and I
was quite hungry enough to
enjoy it thoroughly. Brewster
came a half hour before I had
told him to so I was not ready but
we managed to finish shortly and
he drove us to Montpelier where we
met Dora, Charlie & Miss Noonan.
Had supper together at "The Tavern,"
and rode as far as Roxbury with
them. Then we got speedily to our
beds but it was so hot & close
that I could not get to sleep. I
remembered at M. that I forgot
to pul away the typewriter and lock
the safe but I phoned Bunny who
said Jean would do it for me.
308
Thursday, Nov. 4, 1926
Beautiful Day but cold.
Woke up to find myself, in Washington
almost New York
and after a hectic scramble got
dressed. We were on time but
had enough leeway to get breakfast
on the train. Saw Mr. Olie Greene
from Morrisville on the train en
route for Florida. John met us and took
us to the Pa. Hotel but not being able to get
the room which he had enjoyed until P.M.
we changed to the Martinique. Went to
Franklin Simon's and got a coat for
Mother, also a dress, wisteria georgette
and a plain red crepella office dress
for myself. Had lunch at Child's and
then to Altman's where Mother found
a plain shirt dress, very pretty. I had
a nice shamppo & wave at Franklin's &
then home for a nap before dinner
to which John took us at the Waldorf.
not feeling very good. Took train at 10: &
got right to bed, not to sleep for some
309
Friday, Nov. 5, 1926
warm
time. Better night than last night,
however:
for it was so warm that I had a
very unattractive night on the sleeper:
This morning I woke up reluctantly
and only the spur of necessity drove
me to get up and dress. Went to
the office and found Mr. Perkins,
Mr. Haskell and Mr. Bailey already
on duty, the others to appear in
force on Monday or Tuesday.
All indications point to the fact
that the impeachment proceedings
will not come off, Judge English
having resigned, so I do not quite
know what my schedule will
be for the next month but I
shall no doubt be on duty part
of each day anyway. I got "Wild
Geese" at the library and retired
with it to my bed this P. M.
After dinner I went down to
meet Mother who had a nice
trip on the Congressional Limited.
To bed, very weary.
310
Saturday, Nov. 6, 1926
warm and sultry.
I decided not to go to the office today,
there being nothing much to do there
anyway but instead we went down-
town to do some necessary errands
and see about trunks etc. It was
so warm that a coat and wool
dress were a burden. I left my
beads to be fixed, my dress to be dyed
and got some necessary adjuncts
to the toilet in the form of soap, powder,
also two pairs of new corsets which cost
me $32.00. I shall never put on the ones
which hurt me again. We have decided
to move, the first of the week, to the first
floor room in order to avoid the
stairs which do not get any shorter.
Had a letter from Jean today. Also
wrote several. We were going to
the movies tonight but thought
better of it and went to bed
early instead.
311
Sunday, Nov. 7, 1926
Washington, D. C.
Warm,
sultry day.
This morning I woke up with a
great feeling of depression not
lightened by the consciousness that
my back was still very lame and
that my poor stomach was none too
good. A warm, sultry day. After
breakfast we dressed for church
and went down to the New York
Ave. Presbyterian where we heard
a very good Armistice Day
sermon by Dr. Sizoo on the text:
"Sir we would see Jesus." He called
it "The Eternal Quest." A good
dinner and a nap restored me
somewhat and this evening we
had supper at the Congressional,
after which we went over B St.
and across the park to a
Presbyterian church where the
tallest man I ever saw preached
a very obvious sermon.
312
Monday, Nov. 8, 1926
To the office this morning and
stayed all morning, though there
was very little to do. After lunch
Mr. W. asked me to go to drive and
we went out thro' the Park and
along the Creek; very beautiful
russet coloring, everywhere, with
birds and a good deal of green
grass & some late flowers. Came
back via F st. & stopped for an
orangeade. Unpacked some tonight
and also moved downstairs as to
trunks but must wait until tomorrow
to finish. This evening Mother and
I went to see "Bardeley, the Magnificent,
very good - Louis XIII, well done. I still
feel very lame as to my back and
wish I could feel real fit before
work actually begins. Very warm &
uncomfortable tonight with no air
to speak of - close.
313
Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1926
Woke up feeling less rested than
when I went to bed, due to breathless
air and hard bed. Today we
moved downstairs and I think
we should like it very much as we
have a larger room with a huge
bay window and we share our
bathroom with only one other person.
Came home early today to
and worked with perspiration pouring
off the end of my nose, until nearly
six. No air stirring and this
evening a drizzly rain began to fall.
Had a sharp thunder storm this P.M.
and tonight's papers tell of a tornado
at La Plata, Md. where 66 school
children were killed. Wind rising
here this evening and it is a
bit cooler. Hope to get some sleep
tonight.
314
Wednesday, Nov. 10, 1926
Senate Convenes -
Slightly cooler today but I'm still
too tired from the orgy at home to
feel fit at all. went to the office
but came home early as there was
very little to do there and a great deal
to do here by way of straightening
out the room, putting things away, etc.
Letter of commendation and thanks
from the Republican State Commision
today. Does not pay for gas and
wear on me but is appreciated
Down-town on errands, too warm
to be comfortable. The Senate convened
today at 12:30 and Mother came over
and we went up to the gallery to watch
Impeachment off - court adjourned
until Dec. 13th. Then the new Senators
Stewart from Iowa was sworn
in, resolutions, etc, read on Fernald
& Cummins and it was all
over until Dec. 6th.
318
Sunday, Nov. 14, 1926
Beautiful day.
Today we went again to the N. Y.
Ave. Presbyterian church where Dr. Sizoo
preached a most splendid sermon on
"The Outlook For Religion." The music was
unusually fine - "Send Faih [Forth] Thy Light,"
being one selection. After dinner
Mrs. Marbury invited us to go to ride
with Mr. Marbury & herself. We drove
out towards Baltimore, thro' a very
beautiful farming country, lost our
way, got onto a steep and rough
back road, but came out finally
on the main highway and sped home
thro' the early dusk. Had supper at
the Congressional and then Mother
& I went to a Presbyterian church
on B. St where we heard a very
indifferent discourse on Raphael's
Transfiguration. Home to my bed
very weary and quickly to
sleep. Feeling better today.
319
Monday, Nov. 15, 1926
70°.
Today has been most uncomfortable
muggy, oppressive, with a feeling of
thunder in the air but no rain
yet. I spent the morning at the office
and went down-town this P.M.
to have my hair washed and to do
errands. I went to Hecht's but my old
barber had left and I was obliged to
try a new one, a youthful Frenchman
by name Marcel who is a late
importation from Emile's, one of the
fashionable shops uptown. He did it only
fairly well. I also shopped for a
book rack, etc. had a mid-afternoon
lunch at a tea-room and got home feeling
very messy. A hot bath and my dinner
restored my poise and I was able to go
for a walk with Miss Thompson and spent
the rest of the evening listening to the
radio in Mrs. Marbury's room.
To bed but too warm to sleep.
320
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1926
Rain. Cloudburst.
This morning I woke up to the sound
of wind and rain. When I left the
house, a little after nine, it was still
raining but not hard. I stopped for
my paper and had gotten about
a third of the way across the park when
a perfect deluge began to come down, with
a terrific wind. In a moment I was wet
thro', my umbrella went wrong side out
& I saw I could not get across the plaza so
I fled back to shelter but not until
I was soaked. Did not get to the office
until noon. Home to mend, etc. and
eat a frugal sandwich. Called on Mrs.
Dale this evening. She was full of
political gossip. Has just imported a
couple of Vermonters to work for her. Home
to read and then to bed. Mrs.
Dale gave me a great bag of Machintosh
Red apples which I have distributed
about the house.
321
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1926
22
Clear & colder.
Lovely day but fairly snappy.
Spent the morning at the office,
then had lunch and Mother and
I went downtown in pursuit of
a hat for her. Could not find
one that suited us but in Raleigh's
did find one for me, a black
felt, very pretty. Also found
a very neat and pretty blue
crepe trimmed with grey which
was not expensive so I got it to
wear when it is too warm for a
wool dress at the office. Wrote
letter to Judge Weeks, at Marion's
request, anent the appointment of
Miss Lucia to State Board. Also
wrote to Jim Dewey asking him
to put his word in to that end.
Don't know that it will help but it may.
Ins. Agent came this evening and
pestered me.
322
Thursday, Nov. 18, 1926
Rainy day.
Threatening weather today. I came
home early from the office to lunch
but had to go back for the P. M. as
Mr. Perkins was not there today.
About half-past four it began to rain
and continued to pour all evening
and all night, hard so I did not
go out anywhere. After dinner we
sat around the living room, Miss J.
& her mother being there, and
chatted amiably until nearly bed time.
John writes that he probably cannot
meet us in Philadelphia on Thanksgiving
Day but maybe can get down for
Saturday and Sunday which makes
us feel that perhaps we would rather
wait until Christmas and have a
longer time together. In that case I may
go to Virginia on Friday night,
returning Sunday.
323
Friday, Nov. 19, 1926
Lovely day.
Spent a very busy morning at
the office, not doing any office
work for there was none to do,
but have addressed nearly half
of my Christmas cards and have
them all ready to send. Also
wrote several letters. After I left
the office Mother and I took a
car and rode up Conn. Ave for
several blocks, then got off and
walked back, "window-shopping"
along the way. I bought some very
pretty handkercheifs but they were
fairly expensive. Had lunch at Reeves
and shopped vigorously. Got John's Xmas
gift - a pigskin case with bottles for
alcohol and witch hazel in it. Very pretty, should
have gone to the Doctor's for Life Ins.
examination but it was late and we
were tired so did not go. Home
to dinner & movies at Stanton Park. poor.
324
Saturday, Nov. 20, 1926
M.
Much colder
This morning there was a decided
"feel" of snow in the air and a damp,
cold wind penetrated to my poor bones
as I crossed the park to the Capitol.
nothing much doing at the office
as nearly everyone was away. I
wrote about a hundred Christmas
cards and read the papers which
constituted my morning's work. I was to
meet Amy Wilson ? '11 at one o'clock but
she telephoned she could not come and as,
I was not hungry and did feel cold &
rather ill, I stayed home and kept
quiet all afternoon and evening. Mother
came home from downtown with a new
hat which I did not especially like and
I read "the Thirtieth Piece of Silver." No
letters today. I got several Christmas
presents done up ready to send and
practically finished the cards
which I have ready to address.
325
Sunday, Nov. 21 1926
Cold but clearer.
This morning I was still feeling a
bit low and had a touch of cold
so I decided not to go to church.
Mother started for the U. P. church
but got discouraged and went
to N. Y. Ave. instead. Spent a quiet
morning; had dinner and
this P. M. wrote a long Christmas
letter to Elma which I can't now
remember mailing but which I
can't find so suppose I must have
done so. Amy came in at six and
we went down to the Grace Dodge for
supper. Had a very nice visit with
her. Am trying to persuade her to
go to Virginia with me on Saturday
for the Phi Beta Kappa Sesqui-
Centennial. Think I can if it does
not cost too much to get there.
Has cleared off beautifully tonight
but is still cold.
326
Cold.
Monday, Nov. 22, 1926
The usual routine in the office and
in addition we had a sight of the erstwhile
jovial senator from Indiana - not quite
so fat and self-satisfied looking as he
was in July - but in his own words: "I'm
a remnant but still fighting."
Wrote to Bernice Bartlett and to Pres. Bailey
in response to a request as to Howard's application
for a loan. Went home at one, had a poor
lunch at the Methodist building and later
journeyed down-town to arrange about
having pictures furnished for Christmas,
also got shoes against my trip and
found out about trains, at the station,
for Williamsburg on Friday. Found I can
go Friday eve. at 10:00 P.M., arrive
at Richmond on Sat. A.M, have breakfast
and go on out to Williamsburg for the
exercises, returning at 10:00 P.M. to
Richmond & Washington that night.
Home weary: to bed early.
327
Tuesday, Nov. 23, 1926
Beautiful Day.
Early at the office this morning but, as
usual, very little to do. Wrote several
letters and did accounts - very stupid.
Got my first "close-up" of a dirigible
this A.M. where one of the army "Blimps"
fly back and forth over the Capitol,
sparkling in the sunlight and looking,
as Mr. Wilson remarked: "Very like
a whale." I left at 12:30 and after
lunch mother and I walked down
thro' the mall as far as the Smithson-
ian Institution where we spent a
couple of hours looking at the U.S.
Historical collection. I was most interested
in the costumes of the White House ladies.
Walked back to F. St. had tea, saw a
pretty hat in the window, which we
bought for mother, home to a hot bath, a
short nap and dinner. Tonight Col. Gibson
and Miss Gibson called on us. Wire from
John saying he cannot make Phil. this
328
Wednesday, Nov. 24, 1926
week so I will go to Williamsburg I guess
instead. Wednesday. nothing of
moment at the office. Tried to get
tickets for "The Constant Wife," for tonight
but failed so after doing a few
necessary errands, Miss Thompson &
I tried our luck in line for the P.M.
matinee and luckily, got very good
seats. Ethel Barrymore was lovely, and
has a charming slimness which she
did not have the last time I saw her.
Also lovely clothes. Clever play, very
"modern", satirical, scintillating; enjoyed
it thoroughly. Found mother feeling
some better when I got home. Tonight
the sorority crowd over while Mrs.
Burgess & Mrs. Moore area presiding genii
had what they called a "Tacky Party
at the house. If involved, horrible
costumes - "tacky indeed," and much
noise from a very jazzy orchestra.
329
Thursday, Nov. 25, 1926
Thanksgiving Day.
at Bessie Thayer Chandler's.
Takoma Park, Md.
Also food. We hung over the stair rail for a
while and went to bed with the din
still on. This A.M. Mother thought she
could not go out to Bessie's but
after a while felt better. We met Bernard
& Edmund at the Cosmos Club, picked
up Dr. Thompson, whom I had not
met before and went out to Takoma
for dinner. Bessie has bobbed
her hair and it would be very
becoming were it waved. The boys
have grown a lot since June and
Roger is not so cunning as he was.
Had a nice dinner and a
great deal of interesting conversation.
Bernard brought us home thro' Rock
Creek Park. We ate a frugal lunch
in our room and went to the Library
for a couple of hours. Much surprised
to find it raining when we came
out. Home in a taxi to bed.
330
Friday, Nov. 26, 1926
Gloomy Day.
Rather more busy than usual at the office
this morning. Left about one and went
downtown as far as the station to get tickets
etc for Richmond, then to Grace Dodge for
hair dresser, then on to F. St. to buy a red
flower for my coat, etc. In the meantime it
began to get cloudy and finally poured
while it continued to do nearly all
evening. After a very poor dunner [dinner]
I packed my bag or rather Mother's which
I borrowed, called on poor Mr. Inman who
is ill in bed, and got off at 10:30 for my train.
Clambered into my upper birth and was soon
asleep. Woke up at seven to find myself in
Richmond. In the dressing-room I found
three other ladies bound for Williamsburg, a
Dr. Peters - very homely, from Syracuse, a friend
of hers from Goucher, a Miss Pistorio from
George Washington, and a very pretty young
woman from Leland Stanford, by name
Mrs. Ernest Smith, representing her
331
Saturday, Nov. 27, 1926
Phi Beta Kappa Sesqui-Centenial
Williamsburg. Va.
fraternity. We joined forces for breakfast in the station
restaurant then took a taxi across to the C. & O
station and got on train to Williamsburg. There
we were met by autos and taken to the college
where we registered, were shown to our rooms
& came out after a hasty powdering of our
noses, to join the half-mile long academic
procession led by various intellectual
notables and gay with the rainbow colors of
academic hoods. We met at last in the lovely
Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Bldg. and listened to
a very interesting and entertaining program. The
main address on "An Aristocratic Democracy",
given by Dr. Van Dyke was a joy, also one
by the Vice-Rector and the poem by John
Erskine. A buffet lunch in the Refectory and
then we were taken by a young Biology professor
to Jamestown where we visited the Old Church,
saw Pocohantas & John Smith in bronze, keeping
guard over the shores where 300 years ago they
lived in the flesh. This is a beautiful place
332
Sunday, Nov. 28, 1926
but a cold wind blew off the yellow waters
of the river which sent a shiver thro' us. Back to
W. and then we were driven around to see all
the places of interest there, including the beautiful
old Bruton Parish Church, one of the loveliest
if not the very loveliest I've ever seen. We saw the
"Audrey House" made famous by Mary Johnston's
novel, the Peyton Randolf House etc. Home to dress
for dinner which was a gay affair with
very much food including roast chicken,
roast ham, fried oysters, sweet & white potatoes,
tomatoes, celery, salad, pies, two kinds,
ice cream & cake - Very good speeches by the
Pres. Dr. Chandler, the Toastmaster, Mr. Shepardson,
Mary E. Wooley & Dr. Finley. Whom I went up &
spoke with afterwards. Presented my letter of into. [intro.]
to Dr. Montgomery who was nice. Sat next to a very
attractive man. Pro. Jones. Had a good time. Home to bed.
This morning saw campus, took train for R.
met Mr. Wilard Reed of Boston, friend of Mr.
Ballard's & Miss. Dorothy Wilson. ΚΑΘ from
333
Monday, Nov. 29, 1926
Goucher college - very attractive. Home in mid-
afternoon and then to church with
Mother to hear Dr. Brown of Yale who
preached a fine sermon on "What It
Means to Be a Christian." Home to
supper, read and to bed, very tired.
This morning is beautiful and I
was up early, being wakened by the
laundress lady. To the office as usual
nothing of excitement happening. Started
to "write up" the Williamsburg trip but
it goes slowly. I am not able to command
the language necessary to do it. Wrote
several letters and did some other
work. No letter from John today and
therefore Mother is in a deep gloom.
Went down-town to return the case
to W. & L. and then on to Conn. Ave.
for a physical examination for Life
Insurance. Very simple and
soon over. Spent evening in conversation
334
Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1926
with the group downstairs and reading.
Not feeling quite good this morning but
have improved as the day wears on.
Not busy at the office but have been
busy on my Κ.ΑΘ account which I
should finish tomorrow. Mother came
over and to quiet her anxiety over
the failure of John to write I wired
him and late today had a reply in which
he said he would come Dec. 24th for
Christmas. I hope he really wants to do it.
I would much prefer N. Y. where the gayety
and the prospect of seeing some of my
friends would make Christmas much more
agreeable to contemplate. If John comes here he
will be bored to tears, will sit and smoke
& invent excuses for going back as soon as
possible and will go, leaving nobody
with any happy memories of Christmas,
but, of course, Mother can't see that and
I'm willing, if he is.
335
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1926
Damp. cold, dreary.
Fairly busy in the office today. Also
had calls from Miss Josephine
Wood, Insurance and from
and an old gentleman, hailing from
Brattleboro, Vt. Who called to
pay his respects to a fellow
Vermonter. Nothing yet for Barbara
and I'm afraid we won't get a job
for her that will pay enough to live
on. Went down-town this afternoon
to return John's case and then to the
Life Ins. examiner who listened to
my heart, etc. I don't see quite how
he knows whether I'm sound or not, but
that is his look-out, not mine and
we will let it go at that. Walked
back down to F. St. bought myself
some chocolate peppermints and
came on home. Quiet evening
at home with Erskine's Galahad.
336
Thursday, Dec. 2, 1926
Cold - windy
I woke up in the night to hear a
wild wind blowing and the doors
all rattling. This A.M. when I went
out an icy blast greeted me. Mother
broke her tooth off at breakfast and
is in a deep gloom therefore. Busy
all monring. Intended to go down-
town this P.M. but finally decided
against it on account of the damp
wind and my own lassitude. Called
up & found that Ruth Shepard was
back so we went to dinner
together at the Methodist Bldg. and
then came home & sat quietly in
conversation until late evening.
Did up Christmas parcels and
went to bed early. Letter from
Castleton asking for sources of
Persian legend used as an
illustration last year Oct. when I
spoke there. Don't know where
337
Friday, Dec. 3 1926
23
Rent due
today.
I got it but think from a sermon
of Hugh Black's preached at Holyoke when
I was a student there. Warmer this
morning but damp and gloomy.
Mr. C in today for a long harangue
on prohibition, ethics, sex equality
and so on. I went down-town
at eleven and bought Mother's Xmas
present, a lovely bag @ $19.75 - black
pin seal, with much room in it. Also
got bath salts, etc for aunts. This
evening had an appointment with
Insurance agent, and then spent
the rest of the evening doing
up Christmas parcels and writing
cards. To bed but not very
good night's sleep. Dreamed I was
lost in a sugar-woods with
many brooks winding through it
all looking alike.
338
Saturday, Dec. 4, 1926
Cold, gloomy, damp, day.
Had a letter from the owner of the car whom we
scraped on Oct. 30 on way home from Burlington
who wants $7.50 for having a new fender.
I sent it to Bill Gallagher to adjust, knowing
quite well I have no responsibility.
This afternoon I went down to the
Grace Dodge to get my hair washed
and later down-town to shop and
do various errands. The stores are
already crowded with Christmas
buyers. and it is difficult to get a
clerk to wait on one. There are
beautiful things in the stores which
quite make one's mouth water but
it is rather difficult to chose with a
long list and a small amount of
money. Nevertheless it is fun and I
don't want it to be a bit different.
Wrote a bit on my article for the
Theta Journal but couldn't
finish it.
339
Sunday, Dec. 5, 1926
Conference on Cause & Cure
of War - Dec. 5- 10.
Hotel Washington, D. C.
Sleet and snow against the windows
woke me up this morning. We went
to church and in spite of the storm
there was a good audience and the
sermon was excellent. Home to dinner
and after wards we sat around in
the parlor until suddenly I realized
that it was time to go downtown
to the opening meeting on the cause
and cure of war. It was at the Belasco
theatre and I had to walk thro' the
snow several blocks before I located
it. Was too late to hear opening address
by Gen. Bliss but heard one by an Englishman
and one by a German; the latter text
was clearly "Deutschland uber alles." as
usual. Home to dress & went to Hotel W. to
supper. Met there Gladys Gleason Brookes,
Mrs. Preston and saw several others
whom I knew. Very good supper
and good converstion. Cold.
340
Monday, Dec. 6, 1926
2nd Session, 69th Congress, 1926
opens.
We were all in place this morning
and I went up to listen to the opening
guns of the 2nd Session. The new senators,
Hawes, Stewart, Walsh and Gould were
sworn in. Sen. Walsh (Mont.) tried to start
something about Gould which produced
a moment's embarrassment. I spotted
Francis Parkinson Keyes in her red dress &
hat in the gallery. Soon over and we
adjourned for the day. This evening I
went down to the Conference. Very
interesting session on armaments and
the Seneca Conference - several people
spoke including Congressman Burton,
Norman Angell, etc. Saw Gladys
Gleason Brooks, who, as usual
looked stunning. I can never make
her out but she wins my admiration
for her way of doing her hair, her
posture and general methods of
appearing, at least, to be
341
Tuesday, Dec. 7, 1926
at the top of the world.
Today was very busy because the
bills delayed yesterday by the early
adjournment came in in dozens.
The total was not
342
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 1926
Dinner as guest of Miss Hope Thompson
343
Thursday, Dec. 9, 1926
Banquet of Conference.
344
Friday, Dec. 10, 1926
Dinner at Grace Dodge.
346
Sunday, Dec. 12, 1926
very tired this morning so I
decided not to go to church. Mother went
to N.Y. Ave. After dinner I called Ruth
and arranged to meet her at the
"Allies Inn" and go for a walk. Visited
the Red Cross Bldg. walked down
towards the river and were caught
in the rain by the memorial so had to
take a bus home. Called at the hotel
for a few minutes. Home: had supper
at the Congressional: felt I should go
to church so went to the Temple thro'
the pouring rain and was much dis-
appointed to hear a very poor sermon
which neither edified nor inspired
me. Home to read Kathleen Norris
"Hildegarde" which I was so much
interested in that I hardly could believe
that it was midnight. Quickly
to my bed. Pouring rain all
night.
349
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1926
Snow storm.
Recieved a letter from Aunt Helen
today saying that Aunt Harriet
has been very ill for a couple of
weeks. Is now better but none
too fit and plans to go to Florida as
soon as she is able. Also letter from
Dora saying she and Charlie are
planning to come to Washington on
Dec. 24th for the week-end. Rather
complicates the program but I cannot
be helped so I wired her to come on.
Very busy day at office and did
not get home until after six. Ruth
came for dinner and we later went
to hear John McCormack at the
auditorium. Enjoyed it thoroughly,
especially the ballad numbers. Had a
great time getting the right car home.
Very much colder tonight and
very slippery as the snow has frozen in
a thin film on the walks.
350
Thursday, Dec. 16, 1926
M
Coldest day so far.
I spent last night getting up and locating
things which rattled. A cold wind blew
all night and I nearly got a chill in
my bed. My fur coat still out of Commission
so I had to wear a sweater and galoshes
to work. Very slippery indeed. Had a very
busy morning but rather a stupid
afternoon with long waits between work.
I went up to the gallery to listen to
Mr. Heflin's denunciation of the Fall-Dohemy [Doheny]
case decision - very much stirred up, he was.
Home for dinner and spent early
evening in the parlor downstairs in
pleasant conversation. Mr. & Mrs. Henry
came in. Later to our room and did
up Christmas packages for upwards of an
hour. I am nearly thro' with it now
tho' I have pictures still to send to
various people. To bed and to sleep
almost at one; not awake until
7:30.
353
Sunday, Dec. 19, 1926
24
Very cold day.
Mother and I were invited to go to
the Foundry Methodist Church with
Ruth to hear Bishop McDowell.
we had to walk several blocks and
I nearly froze, or so it seemed to me.
The sun shines today but the mercury
is only 17° above and a cold
wind blows. Very good sermon on
the miracle of the feeding of the
five thousand. Came home on the
car part way then Ruth and I stopped
off at the Allies Inn and had
a very good dinner after which
we went across to the Corcoran
Gallery and spent a couple of
hours looking at the pictures
which were very interesting. Home
toward night and had supper
with Mother at the Congressional.
Did not go to church again I
was so cold.
356
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 1926
Congress adjourned
for Christmas recess.
Very hectic day with a good deal
of last minute work on the various
bills etc. but finally Congress
adjourned until January 3rd. at
12 M. for which I was thankful
and still am. I am unable to decide
about whether or not to go to the V.P's.
dinner tomorrow inasmuch as I
did not have a chance to see Mr.
Crockett to consult him. Mr. Burke and
Mr. Watkins are strongly in favor but I
think there is a question. Very busy at home
doing up packages still. Finally got Jean's
picture framed and packed and Morten
guided me to the Senate P.O. to mail it,
also Mrs. McLaughlin's tea. Telegram from
Dora to the effect that she will arrive on
the Washingtonian on Friday P.M.
Mr.
357
Thursday, Dec. 23, 1926
The Vice-President's Dinner
I could not make up mind to go to the
V.P's. dinner but when I came to work
I had almost decided I would not. Then
Mr. Crockett & Mr. Halsey came in and
gave me some thing to do and said of
course I must go, so I hurried home
to change into my chiffon dress &
came back. Was escorted over by Mr Wilson,
sat between Mr. Craven & Mr. Fester,
had a good dinner, got on very well
with my speech, had a grand time
met Mr. Dawes & had a nice chat
with him. Col. Thayer & Mr. Ives gave
me flowers from the tables, we had
our pictures taken about ten times
and I surely was glad I went.
fortunately I had had my hair
done early this morning and
was ready. Home about four
and later went down town
to shop. Crowds everywhere -
358
Friday, Dec. 24, 1926
This morning I did not go to the office
at all but hied myself downtown to
finish some last-minute shopping and
get Dicky a book. He already has so
much that he won't know what to do
with it all. Ordered Mrs. Dale's flowers
went three times to the station to
meet D. & C, finally they arrived 1 1/2 hours
late, but looking fine and feeling in a
holiday mood. Thro' Mrs. Rogers I got
tickets for them to go to the midnight
mass tonight. As I was walking over to
get the ticket I met Mr. Perkins who told
me there was mail at the office so I
came over for that and some fruit which
we were given by Col. Thayer. Had supper and
at 7:45 went to meet John at the train.
Which was 15 min. late. They were singing
carols in the station. John arrived and we
all went to the White House, got a glimpse
of Mr & Mrs. Coolidge, listened to the music
359
Saturday, Dec. 25, 1926
Christmas Day. Rained hard.
On way back found James who with D. & C.
& John came up to the house and stayed late.
Woke up feeling a bit weary this morning,
due, no doubt to several nights of too little
sleep. Down to breakfast and back to open
my gifts which were unusually lovely, useful
and thoroughly acceptable. Mrs. Dale called
to ask James and me to dinner which was
a bit upsetting to my plans but James
agreed, we drove down and called on Dora & C.
and explained it to them and I got cards
to make place cards for the dinner. Mrs. D.
wanted us to get the ice cream from Rancher's. We
went but it was not ready: waited and had a
close connection with lunch. Finally got there.
The Greene's did not come so I sat beside
Senator Shiptead [Shipstead] who was very jolly. Had a
nice time. Home for a nap. This evening John took us
all to dinner at the Willard and then we went
into the rain but in James' car, to see "Betsey", a
musical comedy which was quite
good. Home and sat around the living
room until one o'clock. Very tired indeed.
360
Sunday, Dec. 26, 1926
Clearing sky, colder.
I woke up feeling very weary indeed and
as the room was a sight with wrappings,
presents, etc, in fine disafrray I did not
go to church but stayed home to get order
while Mother went. John & James came
up at one for lunch and we afterward
took a long drive in James' car - I
went over to take some gifts for the
Burke children, then to call on Dora
who was out, then down the speedway
to the Memorial and home again.
The boys went down to the hotel to pack
Mother took a nap and I took Dora
& Charlie over to call on Mrs. Dale. Got
out just in time to join James, John &
Mother for supper at the Union Station
restaurant before John got his train
for New York at seven. James brought
us home and stayed until about
nine-thirty. He is to start back
to Phil. early in the morning.
361
Monday, Dec. 27, 1926
Almost too weary to get up this morning
but finally made it and got over
to the office about ten o'clock where
I found still more Christmas cards
and letters waiting. No work to speak
of and very few of the force on.
Home almost noon and spent
the afternoon on the bed in a doze.
Dora called about four and later
I piloted her and Charlie to the
Congressional Library which they thought
was as much of a sight as they had
seen anywhere in Washington. They
asked Mother & me to dinner with
them but she was too tired. I went and
had a good dinner at the Grace Dodge
and later Dora treated us to a
show "The Vagabond King" which was
very tuneful and entertaining.
Home to bed grateful for a
chance to go there.
362
Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1926
Poured all day
woke up to hear the rain and it has
been coming down in tons all day.
I went to the office at 9:30 and
stayed until 1:30 then had lunch
at the Methodist Bldg. and went
home to spend the afternoon washing
and mending and taking a
nap. Put away my Christmas presents
and got a modicum of order. Still
raining this evening so I stayed
in and sewed and read. Still
tired but gradually coming to. Dora
& Charlie left this morning for N.Y.
We surely had a lovely Christmas, one
of the nicest for many years with so
many of us together. I had such pretty
gifts and everyone was well and in
a good humor. I am invited out
to Bessie's for lunch tomorrow at
one and mother is asked for
Friday. To bed weary.
363
Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1926
Spent the morning at the office
leaving at 11:45 to dress to go out
to Bessie's. She telephoned that if I
would be at the Pennsylvania ticket
office on 14th St. at 12:30 I could ride out
with Mrs. Collinwood. I was there promptly and
waitied exactly one hour for Mrs. C. who finally
came and we got out there quickly. Had a
nice lunch and pleasant visit. I could
hardly hold my own in a conversation
concerning children's adnoids and family
budgets, and problems of infant feeding but
I was a good listener. Got home just in
time for dinner and was glad to
spend a quiet evening in the
house. Have decided that I will
make my usual New Year's attack
on a cash account , and a
better book keeping system. It
will last two or three months
maybe.
364
Thursday, Dec. 30, 1926
Spent the morning at the office
arranging my books ready for
work on Jan. 3rd and writing
Christmas notes. After lunch I
went to the train to meet Laura
Hayden, conducted her to the Grace
Dodge and later took her on a
tour of the Capitol and the Library
and brought her home for dinner
after which we went downtown
to a movie - Colleen Moore in
"Twinkletoes", quite good by very
poor supporting vaudeville.
Home to bed finally, very sleepy
and glad that the office is not in
great need of my services tomorrow.
Had a nice letter from Bessie
Heidger and one from Aunt Mary.
365
Friday, Dec. 31, 1926.
Cold, raw day.
This morning I decided not to go to the
office as I had many errands to do and
no more vacation. Went down to Becher's and
ordered a canvas case made for my lovely
blue bag which cost $15.00, a frightful sum
but the only way to keep it nice. Had a most
annoying time trying to change my slip
at Hecht's, could not get an appointment for a
hair trim. Delayed so long couldn't get home
in time on car so I had to take a taxi and
even then was too late to see Mother who
had already left for Takoma Park. I pursued her
over to the car line & got there in time to put her on.
Home and down to meet Laura there to lunch at
Happiness Store, back to Hecht's for a hair cut and
then loitered along the street and finally
helped Laura buy a hat. Home at four and
had a bath and a nap. This evening
Mother and I went to church at 11.00
& heard a good sermon. lovely music. Out onto
street in time to hear the bells and
366
Memoranda
whistles ushering in the New Year. We
walked down F St. and were deafened
by the cries of horns, and all kinds
of other noises. Home to bed ready for
New Year's Day. The year 1926 has been,
on the whole, a good one for me. My work
saved me from all sorts of things. I have
enjoyed it all and so far have not lost
the sense of expectancy with which I go to
it every day. I realize that my physical
powers are not what they were like years
ago. And I don't think they are what they
ought to be. but in every other way I feel
more equal to life than ever before, having
acquired some philosophy and a certain
freedom of spirit which I wish I might
have had years ago. It takes time to outgrow
youthful inhibition. I hope that the next
year will hold as much of progress and
growth as has the one which passes
tonight and more of physical vigor.
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