The following is the diary of my great aunt, Julia D. Greene, formerly of Lansing, who lived with us in the farmhouse on Ford Rd. for fifteen years, approximately from 1899 to 1914. [Transcription by Mary Lillian Lathers, AKA Lillian, b. 1901, d. 1978]

Jan. 1^st, 1901

Bright and fair. We were all rather slow about getting up, because it was a holiday, I expect. I have done some chores, filled lamps, wiped tea dishes. After lying down a while, wrote letter to Lottie Leonard & got Robert to mail it this p.m. when he went with his mother to see Amy Straight. Julia wanted to celebrate a little, and as she could not go anywhere, sent Emily to invite Alice Lathers, Henry, and his mother here to tea. She did some baking and slicking up in preparation. The children had a great deal of a frolic after tea, and skated this p.m., Cyrus taking his first lesson. I have stitched a little on Julia's work and tatted and read this evening. Robert read aloud some this evening after company had gone.

[Robert & Julia were my father and mother, Emily my seven year old sister; Lottie Leonard was a Lansing cousin]

East Nankin. Cold, with snow. Jan. 2d

Quite a covering of snow on the ground, but before night thawed and dripped a little on the south side of the house. Have wiped dishes, emptied slops, done little mending for myself, and ironed underwear. Tatted quite a bit this p.m., have written four pages on a letter to Sally C, but was called to supper before I had finished, so in view of noise and confusion likely to follow till children have gone to sleep, decided to put letter off until tomorrow.

Henry L. brought our mail when he came from school (he attends at Wayne) and a piece of a roll of sausage brought to us by Emily Cavanagh and sent by Sarah. I had letters from Jennie Greene and Laura Stevenson.

[Our post office was Inkster, 2 1/2 miles away. If any neighbor chanced to be going and the carrier had not left, they would bring the mail to us and other neighbors. Emily Cavanagh was my mother's younger sister, Sarah Everett her mother. I do not know the identity of the other correspondents. When Auntie wrote a letter, she first wrote it on scraps of wrapping paper, later copied it on letter paper.]

East Nankin, Wea. Fair, Thurs. Jan 3d 1901, temp -9.

Was awake at 1:30 for a while, and again at 3:30 and most of time thereafter, heard Robert putting wood in the stove during the night. My room was very nice and warm, though this was the coldest night of the year.

Robert not feeling at all well, is quite hoarse, but has worked most of the afternoon. This afternoon went to his father's to help butcher pigs.

Emily coughed considerably at breakfast time. Cyrus came to visit me in my room this morning, but most of the day has been with his father. Robert, Mrs. Southwell and Julia between them have churned, killed and dressed seven chickens, and prepared both butter and chickens for market. They have ironed considerably, and done the housework.

I have done chamber work, swept back steps, and done some regulating of workbasket and closet by putting away of clothes not needed. Wiped dinner dishes, brushed up sitting room, mended little for self, tatted and read, finished writing letter to Sallie.

Has been a beautiful sunny day, but cold.

[The market mentioned was the Western Market in Detroit. Each farmer had a "stall", a space reserved where he could sell produce of various sorts.]

East Nankin, Fri. Jan. 4^th temp 28

We were up earlier than usual, as Robert goes to town with his chickens, eggs, butter etc. I sent for diary and spool of thread, and Sallie's letter to be mailed. Also $10.00 bill to be changed, on return paid Julia $5.00 on Dec. board. Emily Cavanagh was at Inkster as planned, and drove the horse back. Spent the day with us and Emily Jr. went back with her for a day or two. Julia, Emily C. and Cyrus went to Johnnie's for an hour or two this p.m., had a pleasant visit. Have emptied my green chest and replaced the contents, put more things in my trunk, but could find no black woolen stockings. Have done little mending, sewing and tatting, and read a little.

Had letter from Sally telling of having received the Michigan Presbyterian, our letters crossed each other on the way somewhere. Cyrus, while bringing in wood this p.m. dropped a stick on his left great toe and he has had a very nervous crying spell all evening.

East Nankin, Wea. Fair Sat. Jan. 5^th 1901 temp 11

Lighted lamp about 2:00 to see what time it was, lay awake most of the time after 3 a.m. Undertook to wash my feet last night at bed time, but forgot to put cold water on my head and so had a spell - first I knew of it was when I waked, found myself in bed with underskirt and two pairs of drawers on, no soapstone, and my things around the room as I would never have left them, and I did not remember washing my feet. The folks heard me fall, and Mrs. Southwell came and looked after me. I got very nervous over Cyrus's crying and actions last evening.

Have cut out and nearly made white baby slip, did stitching and all in my room. Have cut out and pieced two pring sweeping caps. Filled and cleaned five lamps. Emptied slops. Cyrus called on me with a banana this a.m. and stayed a little while. He has been quite lame from his hurt toe.

Been in house all day.

Jennie came in tonight with mail.

Julia had letter from Sarah.

East Nankin Wea. Fair, Sun. Jan. 6^th, 1901

Were a little late getting up, I did a few chores, trimmed my corns, nails, and fine combed my hair and lay down for a while. Robert went to Wayne for Emily Jr. & dinner was likely to be a little late dressed for church before it. Robt., Emily & I were the only ones at SS [Sunday School] & church from here. The S. S. exercises were shortened to allow the annual election of officers for the S. S. Voting was done by ballot, but old officers were elected entirely, & Grace Stewart for librarian (had none last year). I had 4 votes for Asst. Supt.

Mr. Wetmore preached from the text Matthew 16-2, he stopped with Mrs. Will Stringer. Notice of Miss. Soc. Meeting handed to Mr. Wetmore & read after people had started for home.

Session meeting held after church, so after waiting till all others had gone, walked home. Cyrus's foot has been quite troublesome, Julia poulticed it today, he went to sleep on lounge and was there when Robt. came from evening service. Julia not feeling well had gone to bed. I have played a few tunes and read some. Snowed little bit.

[Note: Auntie had a beautiful little rosewood melodeon, on which she played old tunes, and sang in quite a spirited fashion. Two favorites were "Softly and Lightly" and "Wild roved an Indian maid, Bright Alfaretta".]

East Nankin, Mon., Jan 7^th, 1901.

I got up soon after 6, much warmer this morning, had been dressed little while when Julia called me to breakfast. Did chamber work, washed and salted my towel, lay down little while for my health. Sewed tatting on neck and one sleeve of baby's slip, made enough for sleeve, also made buttonholes and put on buttons.

Have wiped dishes every time today. This afternoon have taken more of contents from flour chest in search of woolen stockings, but found none, rearranged chest, putting some of things otherwheres. Had copy of Lansing "Weekly Republican", they have made some arrangements and are not going to send semiweekly any more.

East Nankin, Tues, Jan. 8^th

Up in good season, Took salt towel. Morning so dark we needed a lamp at worship. Have done chamber work, and washed and cleaned two lamps. Have had straw bed emptied, as Robert was having the straw stack put into the barn. He carried the fresh straw tick for me. I have given my room a thorough cleaning, swept the hall and down the stairs, did not get through before noon. Have finished tatting and sewing for Baby's slip, and done four inches besides. Have done considerable basting and stitching on sweeping caps. Cyrus came up about 3:30 to say that Mrs. Stewart was below & wished to see me. I went right down, found her with ther sewing, so after while got my tatting and worked at that. Mrs. S. and Julia urged her and she stayed to tea. Grace and the boys came to walk home with her about 7:30. She went to my room and we visted for a little while. She wanted one of the sweeping caps - shall let her have one. Have had sunshine, mist, etc. today, this eve some rain, thought not much. Have shaken some rugs and read some after company left.

[Note - I have no idea of the purpose of the "salt towel" treatment.

Morning worship was held every morning, before the day's activities began.

The "straw tick" was used quite frequently instead of a mattress]

East Nankin, Wea. Windy, Wed. Jan. 9^th 1901

Up at 6:30. Took salt towel. Stirred around my room some after dressing so Cyrus came to call me to breakfast, but was all ready to go down. Have done my usual chores and back door work & brushed out a little, then lay down for 3/4 an hour or so. Have dusted my room (did not think it settled enough yesterday) have done more basting and stitching on sweeping cap. Mrs. Jennie Lathers was in this p.m., brought me a letter from Mary Pomeroy, acknowledging and thanking me for my Christmas remembrance, hair combs for herself, and handkerchiefs for Julia and George. Cyrus's foot much better, so he has had on shoes and walked over to Johnnies to do an errand for Julia.

Exceedingly cloudy this p.m. and quite windy. Has been rather free from wind for a few days.

East Nankin, Thurs. Jan. 10^th, 1901

Had stormy night, between snow and rain, very muddy this morning. Emily brought me some snow water to wash in, after usual chores were done, I washed out two pairs of black stockings in snow water. (We are having a rain water famine) and hung them on towel rack in my room.

Lay down for 40 minutes or so before dressing to go to Missionary meeting at * Mrs. Stringer's. Mrs. Southwell drove over with me about 10:30, Julia did not feel equal to going. There were 14 in attendance before we got through, but Mrs. Wallace was the only one when we arrived.

$2.00 collected. Sang "A Shelter in the Time of Storm", Alice L. played the organ.

Subject - The mountaineers of our country.

Some short articles read, scripture paragraphs, closing with prayer.

Mrs. Stewart brought some worsted pieces and had blocks cut by ladies toward a comforter. I worked at tatting as I had no tools for the other. Came home in time to take Emily from school. I wiped tea dishes, have written, read, and played * turns. Has been a very cloudy and gloomy day.

Robert away this eve.

[Note 1 - Mrs. Lizzie Stringer was the wife of Will Stringer, lived on east side of Inkster Rd., 1/2 mi. south of Ford. A very dainty vivacious little woman.

Note 2 - "Turns" always refers to a few songs played on the melodeon]

East Nankin, Fri. Jan. 11^th

Was nearly 7 when I got up. Took salt towel, dressed, & was down a few minutes before breakfast. Have done my usual chamber work. Wiped breakfast & dinner dishes & darned on pair of stockings I washed yesterday, and wrote letter to Henry Everett asking for money, also one this p.m. to Flora Skinner of 4 pages, handed the letter to Fannie Lathers this eve (she was in to get *beeswax) to mail for me tomorrow. Rec'd a nice noted from Lottie Leonard. Have made over 1/4 yd of tatting & sewed some nearly around one of the sweeping caps. I have lain down little while twice today.

Weather changed during night, and we have had a NE snow storm all day from early morning. Julia has baked bread and worked good part of the day at carpet rags. Cyrus has torn some of them for her and been quite full of chatter. Robert has been to Inkster & off somewhere since he brought Emily from school. He **read aloud some after Richard Lathers left, he was here about an hour.

[Note* - Housewives ironed with a heavy iron that was heated on the stove. They rubbed it on beeswax to prevent sticking. Papa always had that commodity, as he kept bees and we had our own honey.

Note** - My father quite often read aloud in the evening, sometimes, from the "Youth's Companion", the daily paper, or favorite authors, as Tennyson, Scott or Byron. Mark Twain was a great favorite.]

East Nankin, Wea. Clouds - Sat. Jan 12^th, temp 29

Not so exceedingly cold this morning, but heavy snow all around. Robert shoveled path to privy, and I swept good deal of snow from porch and steps.

Snow this morning not so heavy, but drifted. Have gone through a usual routine of work, sewed a little, lay down half an hour, and spent some time copying the day's records from last 11 days into this book

Julia came to my room this a.m. bringing materials for me to cut out and make a little garment. I cut out two little garments, till I became perplexed over the piecing and lack of material, put it aside till Monday. Have sewed a little, read some, washed some dishes & on retiring took part of a bath.

East Nankin, Sun., Jan 13^th, 1901

Nearly 8 o'clock when we got together, have done usual duties and lain down a while. Looked up S. S. lesson, Cyrus us up to see me in my room and I taught him the golden text.

Robert drove to Inkster to get Rev. Wetmore. He will stop with us, he was to have stayed with the old people, but as Grandfather is laid up with a hurt he received yesterday they did not find it convenient to keep him, so requested us to. Mrs. Southwell rode to S. S. with Cyrus, and Emily walked with Mr. Wetmore.

Robert stayed with Julia.

I played the organ in S. S., (Alice being absent) only 9 teachers present, Mr. Wetmore acted as Supt. & teacher, (as Wm Lathers was not present). Attendance 22.

Col 26 - text Mark 11, 13. Robert went to evening service with Mr. Wetmore and took him to Inkster to get the interurban. When he returned had Mrs. Harrison with him as they feared from Julia's feeling she might have her confinement before morning. Dr. Bennet followed soon, 10:20 or later when I went to bed.

East Nankin, Wea. Snow, Mond. Jan. 14^th, 1901, Temp mild

After 12 when I got to sleep. Quite still around this morning. Dr. B., Mrs. Harrison, & Robert took care of Julia all night, but nothing to show for it so both went home. Emily went to school with them. Julia dressed and around good. Ollie was here most of the day, brought her hand work, Johnny came this afternoon with mail, brought my Republican.

Robert has taken load of wood to Jenny and carried the washing to a Mrs. Williams in Inkster to do it, I put in a few things. After doing morning chores and lying down a while, I put in some time on the little white shirts till daylight gave out and Emily came around. This eve. read my paper when not sewing.

Has been a very snowy day.

East Nankin, Tues. Jan. 15^th, 1901, Temp. mild.

Nearly 7 o'clock this morning when Robert lighted the fire, he was more tired than usual last night. He and Cyrus have been mending the chain broke yesterday. Went down cellar and was weighed this morning, 125 lbs. Cyrus was up in my room to visit me this a.m. Have spent my spare times on the little shirts, embroidering the edge and making buttonholes, so finished one.

Julia proposed me going to call on the old people and I dressed to do so, but the walking so very bad and my right foot so painful that I gave it up.

Have done little writing and reading, and by night lay down a while when the light failed.

My eyes seem not to be in as good condition as usual this evening. I had a severe nervous strain from the children's extra noise and confusion, so after sitting a while without reading, I went to bed early, taking part of a bath first.

Julia has worked at carpet rags.

Robert has drawn wood from woods to the house.

East Nankin, Wea very windy, Wed., Jan 16^th

About 6:35 when I got up to stay. Had been up before and shut my door and window have done morning chores and lay down an hour or two.

Have buttonholed neck of little shirt and made buttonholes & finished it.

Have written some and read a little, made 6 inches more of tatting.

This p.m. Cyrus and I went to Grandma Lathers' to see how they were. The grandfather is better of his hurt, but he is very feeble, was asleep propped up in rocking chair. I helped Grandma get him on the couch. Alice is better of her grippe. We sat for an hour or two, then walked back, the road snow so as not to be muddy, but much water and ice in the deep ruts. Wind blew hard all night and was strong all day. Was 4 o'clock or later when Robert got off to Inkster and nearly 7 when he returned bringing mail and clothes from wash woman. He has had his cows dehorned today & has gotten a new calf. Julia has worked at carpet rags and little sewing. Mrs. Southwell has done a little washing.

East Nankin, Wea. Variable, Thu. Jan. 17^th 1901 Ther. 22

Up before 6. Had lain awake 2 or 3 hours and then had short nap about 5:30. Stayed in room a while after dressing. After usual morning routine of dressing and laying down I mended my old rubbers and one shoe, washed pair of woolen stocking & hung them upstairs. Have done considerable cutting, basting, stitching on calico wrapper for Julia. Wiped tea dishes, have read some in Herald this eve. Clock stopped at 6:15 a.m., & had much trouble to get it going again, put on little kerosene oil at last. Julia & I went to barn after dinner to see the new calf, his name is Billy. Julia has done mending, ironing, and housework & lay down a while this p.m. Robert took load of wood to Inkster this p.m. & did some errands. Emily went to Aunt Jennie's after school with some forgotten mail & rode back when Robert came. Cyrus took mail to Johnny's this p.m. & Ollie called here.

Had heavy snow during night and strong wind all day. Hemmed towel this p.m.

East Nankin, Wea. Windy. Fri., Jan. 18^th 1901, 16 Ther.

Not 5 o'clock when I lighted my lamp and heard folks stirring below. Lay down few minutes, dressed and was downstairs before 5:30. Julia sick. Robert's trip to city deferred. Sent for Dr. & nurse at 4:30 by Richard instead. I returned to my bed for a while. Child born at 6, just before Dr. B. arrived. I was greatly surprised at hearing it cry. Mrs. Harrison had it washed and partly dressed when I went down a little later. Julia quite sick afterwards. Dr. & Mrs. Harrison went to Inkster at about 9 o'clock, and Emily Cavanagh was there to bring the horse back. She stayed all day, took care of Julia, and helped Mrs. S. with the work. Robert drove to Inkster with them at about 4:00. She will come again tomorrow. Cyrus spent good part of day at Jennie's and Emily took dinner there. Jennie returned with Cyrus to call again about 8, and stay the night with Julia. Sarah Lathers called I held baby some. Basted & stitched good deal on Julia's dress. Wrote postal to Mary Pomeroy & wiped tea dishes. Mrs. Harrison wrote the news to Sarah. Has been quite a cold day, sometimes bright, with lots of wind. Baby's weight 7 lb.

[Notes - This was the day of my birth - a cold blustery day, an unheated bedroom, a frail mother, and no doctor. Childbirth was a grim business on the early Michigan farms. Miraculously my mother lived, and I throve.]

East Nankin, Wea. Fair, Sat. Jan. 19^th 1901 ther. 12 - 16

Very windy night, came in N.E. window very boisterously, so I got up early and closed it. Was dressed and ready when Mrs. Southwell called to breakfast at about 6:35. Jennie stayed little while after breakfast, combed Emily's hair and cared for Julia somewhat. Cyrus and Emily have spent good part of day there, Emily taking skates and skating with Henry. Mrs. Williams was here this a.m. doing Julia's washing, left right after dinner. I wrote postals this morning to Abbie Everett and Alice Skinner, and sent with Robert when he went to the city with butter and eggs.

Expected Emily this a.m., but she came to Mrs. Harrison's this p.m. and Robert met here there and she returned with him about 5:30. Mrs. Southwell has fed and cared for the baby & Julia. I have done usual chores, wiped dishes once, and sewed and basted some on Julia's dress, darned pair of stockings for self, crocheted some. Read aloud to Julia to try and induce sleep and succeeded. Read in "Christian Endeavor Saints". This evening cut off towels for Julia and read in State Republican & wrote little. Ollie was in for a little while. Very windy this a.m., more quiet this p.m. Took bath at bed time.

East Nankin, Wea. Fair, Sun. Jan. 20, 1901, 30 Ther.

Struck 7 before anyone got up, except to attend to night affairs, after 8 before we had breakfast. Emily C. cared for the baby and Julia during the night, laying on couch between times. I have tended to my usual duties and lain down a while for health. When I went down a little after 12 found Julia lying on couch & Dr. Bennet talking to the family. Dinner hardly started so I returned and dressed for church. Robert, the two children and I were the only ones who went to S.S. and church from here. Alice was not out, so I was invited to play the organ again.

Rev. Wetmore started the first time in S.S. and the Doxology without the instrument. His text was Matt. 21, 28 "Son, go and work today in my vineyard". A good sermon, thin congregation. S.S. attendance 26, coll. 37 cts.

Robert took Emily C. to Inkster about 5:30 to take car for home, and Cyrus went with her - he has been very uneasy and irritable. Have had quite a bright pleasant day today but windy part of the time, has thawed considerable. None of us went to evening service.

East Nankin, Wea cloudy, Mon. Jan. 21^st 1901, 18 Ther.

Got up at 6:30, took salt towel, was all dressed at 7, have slept quite well, read quite a while downstairs before breakfast. Helped Emily dress. Have washed out my red flannel drawers & done usual chamber work, lay down little while, read diary a while to get information concerning some of my effects. Shall have to read more. Have basted & stitched 4 roller towels for Julia.

Soon after dinner Mrs. Stewart came to call, stayed till 2:30. She took the print tatting trimmed sweeping cap I made, and said she would pay the Miss. Soc. something for it.

Sarah came this p.m. with Jennie when she brought Henry from Inkster. Sarah came from Wayne with her. She left Arthur and Cora to stay with Cyrus. Have visited some with her and felled the 4 towels, tatted a little. Robert took load of wood to Wayne to Emily C. Had short letter from Cora & Arthur. Ollie L. in today. Got in my flannels and hung on rack in my room.

East Nankin, Wea fair, Tues. Jan. 22^nd 1901, 22 Ther

After 6 when folks got up, I took salt towel & dressed. First morning this winter that I have not lighted a lamp to dress by. Have measured & remeasured over 30 yds. of unbleached cotton & cut it into 6 sheets for Julia. Basted and sewed little on it. Lay down for little while after morning chores were done. Have wiped dishes twice with Sarah to wash them. She has made and put in new sleeves to Emily's school dress, cared for Julia & baby, & helped Mrs. Southwell a good deal about the housework. Mrs. S. had a good deal of ironing left from last week. Robert has been drawing wood from the woods from home use.

I have spent all p.m. & more too on planning & cutting, basting & sewing, trying to upholster Robert's old spring chair, fixing strips to wind the framework of the back & arms. A slow disagreeable job, but got along very well. Not feeling quite as well as usual, pain & uneasiness in bowels, went to bed early, after reading some & going out.

Alice Lathers up for a while this p.m.

East Nankin, Wea. variable, Wed. Jan. 23d, 1901, 30 ther. Colder in p.m.

Slept as well as usual, 6:30 when I got up, a very dark cloudy morning. Brightened up for 2 or 3 hours, then clouded again. Soon after 1 o'clock began to storm, sleet and snow & has stormed most of p.m. 9 o'clock or later when Mrs. Williams came to wash. Some of clothes first hung out got dry enough to take down, but others were quite soaked come night. I spent best part of a.m. in my room dusting, moving furniture & trinkets, sweeping with sweeper & wet broom & after resting a while swept part of hall, brought down and cleaned 3 rugs, washed crocker and filled pitcher, sewed some on sheets, also stretched hem on one that Sarah sewed up. Jennie was in this a.m. to see Julia & Cyrus went home with her & stayed till Emily came from school at night. Sarah has written a card to Mary Pomeroy & Julia B. about coming to see us next week & note to Emily C. She has helped Mrs. S. about the housework, cared for Julia & baby. Julia not so well tonight. I have worked all p.m. on Robert's chair, he has gone to Inkster. I wiped the dishes - have read some this eve.

East Nankin, Wea. snowy, Thur., Jan. 24^th 1901, 36 Ther.

Slept full as well as usual, hear clock strike 4 & 5. Wind went down & had quiet night. Wrote up diary last eve & read some, waited till Robt. came from mail, got my Herald & Presbyter & letter from Abbie Everett. About 10:30 when I went to bed. When morning chores were done, I went to work on Robt.'s chair & since dinner have finished it. Have wiped dinner dishes, Sarah washed them. She has read aloud to Julia and sewed up & basted another sheet & I stitched the hems. She has ironed quite a bit while Mrs. Southwell lay down & read. I invited her to my room to see Christmas presents & picture & read some letters & she came & sat a few minutes. Robt. drew load of wood from woods & took it to Inkster this p.m. was going to Wayne on the car to do an errand for his father. Julia feeling better than last night. Cyrus spent part of day at Jennie's.

Have tatted little & read some.

East Nankin, Wea. clouody, snow & colder, Fri. Jan. 25^th 1901.

Got up about as usual, did the morning chores. Wiped breakfast & supper dishes as Sarah washed them every time. Lay down for my health this a.m., ironed my blue calico dress. Have written long letter to Sallie C. & enclosed my last one from Adrian for her to read & then return. This p.m. have sewed up half a sheet and basted hems. Sarah has worked at the sheets when not busy with nursing or housework. Julia was out on the couch some hours, Robert carrying her in his arms both ways. She took her dinner there. I played several tunes and sang some. Said she liked it, and asked for more, after a while I played again some of the old "war songs". Robert has worked all day at his sweet corn for seed. Mr. Stewart came this a.m. for some live roasters. Came in to see Julia & the baby & Grace came after school for the same purpose. Emily went back with her to Jennie's for the mail. Sarah had letter from home. Cyrus spent most of a.m. at Aunt Jennie's. Ollie & Fannie spent the evening here.

I have made little tatting & read little. Have had some snow, & at sunset a little shine.

East Nankin, Sat. Jan. 26^th 1901

Ollie chattered so incessantly last night that it made on very nervous & I was late getting to sleep & did not sleep well but was dressed before 7. Have done my room work & given machine and extra cleaning & oiling & stitched hems in two sheets. Lay down a while, combed hair, cleaned teeth, then went below & finished corners of sheets & mended Emily's dress where she had torn it this a.m., blue worsted dress she wears to school. Since dinner bated hems & stitched another sheet, then changed dress & went to Grandma Lathers's with mail, & I found ours in the box, took her also my book "Christian Endeavor Saints" to read. Found her baking bread and glad to see me. Began to snow just as I left home, & when I came back 3/4 of an hour later about an inch on the ground & snowing quite hard. I swept porch. Julia improving, baby kept her & Robert awake more than usual last night. Emily & Cyrus at Jennie's this p.m. skating etc.

Went to my room early, & took good bath before retiring.

East Nankin, Wea cloudy, Sun. Jan. 27^th 1901, Medium Ther.

Quite covering of snow on the ground. I swept path to privy, wiped breakfast dishes. After worship Robert drove to Inkster to meet the Cavanaghs, had to wait a little for car, but all got here about 11 o'clock.

Robert, Sarah, & I started for S.S. in a buggy. He stopped at his mother's to see if she would go, but Alice rode instead. Robert walked, children had walked on previously. Mr. Wetmore taught the Bible class at Mr. Lathers's request. Att. 26 - coll. special to get book for library $1.39.

Sarah & Everett, Cyrus & I sat together in church. Emily and Will walked up to the church sevice. Mr. Wetmore before the service made extended remarks concerning Queen Victoria giving many statistics concerning her birth, marriage & reign, was quite complimentary and interesting.

His text was Matt. 22, 11-12. Not having on the wedding garment. I played at night & Will & Emily sang tunes with me. Was 7 or later when Robt. took them to Inkster.

None of us went to evening service.

Read a little this eve.

East Nankin, Wea. variable, Mon. Jan. 28^th 1901, cold ther.

Heard clock strike 5 after I had been up and closed my door and windows, lay 1/2 hour before getting up for the day. I wiped breakfast dishes, did chamber work, & held baby 1/2 an hour or more before going to my room for a while. Lay down & read some. Sarah sent up the 6^th & last sheet by Cyrus to be hemmed. I hemmed it & put it in wash. Mrs. Williams has been here and washed. Dr. Bennet was here just before dinner to see Julia, and I told him of my bilious condition & he left me medicine. He could not change my $1.00 so I am left owing him 50 cents. Lay down as usual this p.m. My medicine left me feeling rather bad. Have written card to Julia B., Julia has had her clothes on today, sat up quite a while, and took her dinner at the sitting room table & since she has been lying on the couch, has taken a nap. Robert has been working at his corn. Sarah has ironed some and helped at the homework and sent cards to Julia B. & Emily Cavanagh about coming. Have done a little mending today. Cyrus went to Aunt Jennie's about 11 o'clock. She was here a while this morning. Have done little mending for myself, at night walked to Johnny's to borrow a paper, Christian Endeavor World of Jan. 5^th. Have been reading the story "Born to Serve" by Charles Sheldon & that one was missing, did not stay long. They were at supper, have read this eve.

Took some of Dr.'s laxative pills & retired early. Has been quite windy.

East Nankin, Wea. sunshine & snow. Tues. Jan 29^th, 1901 mild ther.

Waked before 4, but was after 7 when I got up, as the folks below were a little slow. Wiped breakfast dishes, ironed my nightdress, & did my other everyday chores.

Lay down this morning, also a while in the p.m., as the medicine left me feeling rather bad. Julia has been up and dressed, took dinner at the table. Cyrus has been to his grandfather's & Johnnie's on errands, this p.m. went to Aunt Jennie's

East Nankin, Wea. snowy, Wed, Jan 30^th

Snowed last night & this morning, Have done morning chores, then lay down for a while and read a little. Have done little mending. Have looked over Mr. Esselstyn's letters to better understand the matter, and have written him long business letter & one of 2 long pages on family & social affairs to Mrs. E. Took me a good part of the day. Had short one from Abbie Everett containing $2.00, Cyrus brought it up to me in my room.

While I was writing Grandma Lathers came up to see the baby, I did not see her. Baby had quite a cry this a.m., had a touch of colic, I guess. Julia has been dressed & in sitting room most of the day, lying on couch a good part of time. Robert worked at his corn. Sarah has been a little under the weather, but has kept around all day. I have swept snow some, wiped dishes, read some in "Janice Meredith". Filled shuttle & tatted a little. Fannie Lathers was in this eve. Sun shone part of the day.

[Notes - Johnny Lathers was my father's first cousin. He was a "gentleman farmer", boarded race horses & put most of his farm in hay and grain. He lived on the farm across from us with his three sisters, Fannie, Ollie and Lizzie. None of "the girls" ever married, but devoted their lives to "looking after Johnny". They were kindness itself to my mother, and made a second home for us.

Dr. Bennet, who attended my mother, was head doctor at Eloise.]

East Nankin, Wea. variable, Thur. Jan. 31, cold ther.

Up somewhat earlier than usual, as Mrs. S. had gone to Detroit to do shopping. Robert took her to the car about 8:30. He returned & churned, & Sarah took care of the butter & churn. I wiped the dishes, ironed an apron, patched Cyrus's mitten & Robert's drawers & Julia's wrapper. Did some chores about the house. Played four tunes while Sarah was getting dinner. Henry was in before noon to see the baby. Julia is improving, was dressed when I went down this morning. Has lain down considerable, combed Emily's hair for first time since her sickness.

I have done little writing & read much in "Janice Meredith" & a little in "Black Rock".

Lay down both morning & p.m.

Robert had scales in sitting room this a.m. & weighed us all, baby 8 lb, Sarah 102, Julia 108, I 127 & Cyrus 34. He went for Mrs. S. about 4:00. She got a little imitation granite teakettle for me to heat water on my drum, birthday present from herself and Sarah.

Ollie & Fannie brought 15 doz. eggs this eve. for Robt. to take to city tomorrow.

[Note - The "egg money" was the countrywoman's pin money, and it usually was my father's lot to take the eggs for Johnny's household, Aunt Alice, & Aunt Jennie, which he did patiently along with varied errands.]