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]
Sarah's, Mrs. Howell's, Wea. shower, Wed. May 1, 1901
Was up early, Sarah mixing bread. Helped do the morning's work, dressed & picked together the things I wanted to use & rode to city with a young lady who drives down each day, 8 miles to attend business college. I got out at foot of Lenawee St. & called on Mrs. Rose, then called on Mrs. Carr, then walked to Mrs. Cooley's, found them all glad to see me. Mrs. C. could not lodge me, so after resting a while, went to store and dentist Colman's, had to wait a while, as he was out. Went to Mrs. Bennet's for advice about my skirt, she took measure for my jacket & may get time to cut it out before I go on Friday. The Cooleys had finished dinner before I got back, but she soon set out some good food for me. I worked part of p.m. on sofa pillow & wrote little, then, as it began to look like rain I picked up my things & went to Mrs. Howell's. Mrs. B.F. Hale was calling there, but soon left. Mrs. Taylor & Carmen & other neighbors were in before bed time. Cora drove around to take me to Sarah's if I wanted to go, but I thought better not. Talked an hour or two with Mr. Howell this eve. Had third shower tonight.
Lansing, Mrs. Howell's, Wea. fair, Fri., May 3, 1901, Cooler
Slept better last night, and was a little behindhand getting to breakfast. Wiped dishes, took care of my room. Visited a while in the kitchen with Mrs. H. while she ironed. Then picked up my work & started for Mrs. Bennet's, went by Donseraw's store & got 1 1/2 yds. tailor canvas to line jacket. Mrs. B. soon began measuring and cutting, wanted some lighter canvas to line the back, as she thought what I had bought was too heavy to be satisfactory. I went to Knapps and got 3/4 yd, also spool of basting thread & returned & went to work on dress skirt, had my dinner at Mrs. Bennet's. Called at the Green girls for little while this p.m. Intended to go to Mrs. J.R. Esselstyn's this p.m. but my feet pained me so, and I was too tired to admit of it. When Mrs. Bennet was through with me I returned to Mrs. Howell's. They were just sitting down to supper, and I was made welcome. They have gone out this evening to make a call on an acquaintance. I answered the telephone for the first time in my life & now I have just had a telegram for Mr. H., & signed my name to the book.
Mrs. Howell's, Wea. Fair, Sat. May 4, Ther. warmer.
Quite cool last eve. but warmer this a.m. I was a little late at breakfast, wiped dishes & have done my room work. Took few stitches on my dress skirt, & sewed little on pillow ruffle & figured a little. Mr. Howell left this morning for Lane, a northern village where he is to assist in the dedication of a church. Went in to Mrs. Toylor's this a.m. Wiped dishes, then walked to Mrs. J.R. Esselstyn's & visited two hours or so. They are having their porch painted. Had pleasant call. Left book belonging to Mrs. J.J. Bush for Mrs. E. to return. Stopped at P.O. & church, where the division are selling baked good. Mrs. Howell bought some this a.m. I called at Em. Staley's to see if any one was down from Sarah's. Cyrus called for me at Mrs. Howell's about 5:40, I soon had my things packed up. Uncle Elmer had a 2nd stroke since midnight. Read letter Sarah had from Julia.
Lansing, Sarah's, Wea Fair, Sun. May 5th, 1901
Up in good season. Wiped dishes & after a little took a good bath, dressed for church, & got on my bonnet etc., thinking Cyrus & Sarah were getting ready to go, but I was mistaken. Was too late for Cyrus to get himself and horse ready, neither did he feel able, so as Cora had company, & Arthur had gone to the woods with his chums, I took off my things & resigned myself to reading the Herald & Presbyter. After while got sleepy & lay down, did the same this p.m. At Cyrus's request had some music this eve. Arthur & Cora have been in, & Elmer's Charlie called this a.m.
Lansing, Sarah's, Wea. Cloudy, Mon. May 6th, 1901, Mild
Was only 5:30 when I got to kitchen so lay down again for few minutes. Picked together my things & rode to the city with Cyrus. Left my things at Mrs. Howell's. As Cyrus was going down to Saginaw St. I rode down to Mrs. Hilton's and made a call, then rode back & went to Mr. Esselstyn's & talked business a while. He reported $70.00 paid in interest on Murray mortgage & $5.00 on Dougherty note & $5.00 on Sherman note, $80.00 in all. He gave me leave to move my furniture to his basement & went & spoke to Boyne about it.
Sprinkled when I started out, so I called at Myron Green's & borrowed umbrella, then on to Mrs. Carr's & sat a while. She had the misfortune to break her right arm & sprain her right ankle yesterday while Mr. Carr was at S.S. Fell while going down steps to her wheel chair to take a ride. Allie at home with her today & doing for her, as the girl is washing. I went to Mrs. Cooley's & had dinner, to Mrs. Bennet's with pieces for my work, then to Mrs. Howell's & stayed rest of day. She is not at all well, is cleaning house with woman to help, had notice of company coming from Detroit tomorrow. Mr. H. came home today. Worked on sofa pillow this p.m.
Lansing, Mrs. Howell's, Cooley, & Stella's, Wea. variable, Tues. May, 7, 1901
Mrs. Howell sick this a.m., so Mr. H. & I had breakfast alone. She had to take hers before she could get up. Woman came to help her. We telephoned Mrs. Esselstyn & found my things were moved yesterday. I left with my things for Mrs. Cooley's, early so as to be out of the way. Have written postal to Flora Skinner & some in diary. Worked on sofa pillow some. After dinner drove with Mrs. Cooley to Mr. Esselstyn, wardrobe wo securely packed I concluded not to open it. Went to Bryant's & arranged for the ex. table to be sent to Mrs. McFadden. Did not see J.R.E. as he had not yet come from dinner. Will waited on us. On way back I stopped at Myron Greene's as he wished to talk to me on business. Mrs. C. drove on. Sprinkled, so Mrs. G. loaned me an umbrella again. I went to Miss. Soc. 16 or more present. I subscribed for "Woman's Work" for year with Mrs. Preston. Stopped at Stella Phelp's to call, she had me stay to tea. Mrs. Grove also stayed. Tea was late & Angeline came in about 7:15 & ate with us & stayed in eve. Rained balance of eve & thundered, was after 9 when Stella loaned me rubbers & shawl to go to Mrs. Carr's. Still raining.
Lansing, Wm. Carr's, Wea. Rain, Wed. May 8, 1901
Was a little late and wet getting to Mrs. Carr's last night, but have slept tolerably well. Wiped dishes for Anna North (Jesse's girl working for Mrs. Carr). Worked a little on pillow & have read some this a.m., & looked over my business papers some more. Went to Mrs. Grant's for dinner, as she had invited me last night, had my work and sat a while. Then went to C.F. Hammond's office & explained matters & got advice, he had a little typed legal form for me to sign. I told him I would give $30.00 towards paying church debt. He wrote my note and I signed it, paid him $10.00 of it, took receipt. Rained quite hard while I was in office & I waited some time in hall below, but as it did not slacken much I went on to dentist Coleman's & he fixed my teeth a little after I waited, came back to Mrs. Grove's for my work. She loaned me her umbrella to go to Mrs. Carr's. Carried Stella's shawl & rubbers home this a.m., & saw Angeline at her steps with her.
Carr, Wea. Rain, Thur. May 9th, 1901
Was up some little time before breakfast. Have done part of my room work, & sat some with Mrs. Carr. Have done little sewing for Allie on Roy's waists, & feeling cold & not very well, lay down & went to sleep. Was on the bed over an hour, felt better on waking. This p.m. Mr. Lane spent some time arranging & copying business papers, I worked on my sofa pillow. Has been too stormy for me to be out in my condition.
Mrs. Carr has had pleasant calls from Mrs. Dr. Hull & Mrs. Bacon & Dr. Dodds, all of which I enjoyed, & from several of her neighbors with whom I was not acquainted & therefore did not listen to. Towards night Mrs. Bryant came around, finally stayed to tea. Soon after that was over, she left to do errands, then went to prayer meeting. It was so stormy I did not dare venture.
Mrs. Carr's, Cloudy a.m., Sunshine p.m., Fri. May 10th, 1901
Got up about 6, did little work in my room. When Mr. Carr left to take Roy & Anna Knott's 2 little girls to Kindergarten school at Universalist Church on Ottawa St. I rode along. Left my watch at Richmond's to be regulated & then rode to Mrs. Bennet's. Had my dress skirt along & worked on it. The finished up my jacket while I was there, I paid Mr. B. $4.00 for that & the work done on skirt. Calvin, Flora & Edith called, had been to several places for me, we arranged for me to meet them at 1:00 o'clock. Mr. C. came to Mrs. B.'s for me, but I had given up his coming & had walked on, he overtook me within a block of home. I rode to Bryans this p.m. with Carr's folks, they took the 2 barrels, 3 chairs, zinc & hammock. Then I went on to J.R.E.'s & they took some little things from there & went on. I attempted to unlock & rearrange a couple of boxes, but gave it up as unpractical. After a little business talk with Mr. E. came on & gave knife basket to M. Green. Cyrus & Sarah came to Mrs. Carr's to say their big wagon was coming tomorrow.
Mrs. Carr's & Sarah's, Wea. fair, Sat. May 11th 1901, Cool
Up in good season. Got Mr. Carr to go to Mr. Esselstyn's about 9 o'clock & got 2 bags of books & fancy crockery, repacked them, adding 34 copies of our old First Presb. Church Hymn book which I am going to take to East Nankin Ch. for their use. Have done little picking up of my things, gave Mrs. Carr a book of the Weeks writing, one she gave me, a vase to Allie & Testament to Roy. Paid Mrs. C. $2.00 for my stay here, 4 lodgings $ 10 meals. She hesitated about taking it all, but was glad to have it. This p.m. played few tunes for the little boy, after a little started out. Returned Mrs. Grove's umbrella, & got 1 1/2 yds of gray serge, to have enough to make waist for my dress, & buttons for jacket, have sewed them on. Found Mr. Hammond too hurried to give me more than five minutes, so left document & am to call again. Bought umbrella & returned to Mrs. C's, when Arthur called for me soon with big wagon. Big load of boxes, drove slow, was quite windy & growing colder, my feet quite painful, soaked them in warm water with little salt on going to bed. Cyrus's rheumatism some better, but all are quite tired tonight.
Sarah's, Wea. Cold, Sun, May 12th, 1901
Rained during night, sometimes quite hard, & has rained during day up to 10 o'clock, quite cold. Cyrus & Sarah did not favor driving to church, so I slicked up a bit & sat down to read, after having some music. Soon got to sleep, was after 12 when I woke. Arthur, Cora & Hazel drove down this a.m. Sarah & C. had some callers through the day, but not for long. Towards night a Mrs. Hilliard, who lives 7 or more miles away, (1 1/2 miles from Ben Skinner's) came here on her bicycle, she had engaged to help Sarah clean house. Arthur & wife brought some corn meal to make mush, were here to supper. Arthur gave us little music this eve.
Sarah's, Arthur's, Wea. Fair, Mon. May 13th
We were up early. Mrs. Hilliard has torn up & cleaned the 2 large chambers, cleaned & put down the carpet & mostly settled the rooms. Sarah has helped but little, as she has been busy with housework below. This p.m. Cyrus drove to city with the dirty clothes which Sarah picked up, I put part of mine in. He got wall paper for the dining room & this eve. Mrs. H. cut & trimmed the borders. Towards 10 o'clock I went to Arthur's to visit, & do some packing & unpacking, but felt so tired & poorly that I spent part of time on my pillow. Did little writing while Cora was getting dinner. Arthur opened my box & trunk for me, I gave him my fire tongs & Cora some rag carpet. Had nice visit, & good dinner. Arthur has been plowing most of the day, & gotten along well. It has been a fine day to work, neither too hot, nor too cold. There have been several here to see Mrs. H. & get her help to clean, Mrs. North among them.
Sarah's, Wea. Fair, Tues. May 14, 1901, Not cold.
Through breakfast at 6:35. I wiped dishes & worked little besides, but have spent 2 hours or more in the kitchen at work on my dress skirt, as they were tearing off wall paper in the dining room - too dusty to sit there. Cora was down, & Cyrus & Sarah invited both her & Arthur to come to dinner. They did so, she made a Johnny cake. I spent an hour after dinner pickingoff paper & soon Mrs. Hilliard began to put on paper. Cora helped her a little with ceiling paper. Mrs. Pleiss called and sat a while, took 26 eggs & bag of seed corn. I enjoyed seeing her. Mrs. H. did not get side walls all done but had cleaned considerably upstairs in morning before beginning on papering. Sarah has baked bread. Arthur plowed this p.m. Cyrus drove over to call on Elmer but was very lame with his rheumatism. Sarah had letters from Julia, Emily, & Alice Skinner. About 3:45 Cora & I went up to the house carrying few things I packed in a box to go to Elmer. Sat a little, on returning worked on pillow. Retired early, too tired & sleepy to read. Carried part of my things upstairs, wiped dishes.
Sarah's, Wea. Fair, Wed. May 15th, 1901
Got up soon after 5 o'clock, carried more of my things upstairs & helped remove things from the bedroom and parlor, wiped dishes & sat in kitchen & did some writing, wiped dishes, & did some writing. Wrote long letter to Julia at Sarah's request, telling her she might expect me next week. Dressed to go to city, Cyrus got ride for me with the mail carrier, made many stops, but they were short. He left me on Capitol Ave. Horse started up & tipped me over in buggy & I got some bruises. Walked to Mrs. Howell's, she was busy, but I sat with her in kitchen a while, she was fitting mosquito netting to her windows. Mrs. Carmen & others stopped in, but I talked with her what I could, in between concerning my perplexities. I was tired, and so late when I got around that I did not get to C.F. Hammond's office. Mrs. H. telephoned to know when he could see me & found he had left city, to be gone till Tues. next. I was disappointed. Visited with Mr. & Mrs. H. most of evening. Then went to Mrs. Carr. Mrs. H. walked with me to the avenue. Has been pleasant day. Carrs were expecting me.
Lansing, Mrs. Carr's. Wea. bright, Thur. May 16th, 1901
Was up quite a while before breakfast. When Mr. Carr took the children to school I rode to Richmond's for my watch, got legal papers for writing. We returned by J.R.E.'s & I got my business done.
Have spent some time looking over & copying my notes, so I could know how my affairs stood. This p.m., after I started out on foot, called on Mrs. Row few minutes, gave her sofa pillow cover I made for her. She was pleased. I walked up to W. Ave. & waited for Mr. Carr. Returned papers to J.R.E. & talked little, then went to Mrs. Green's, returned her umbrella. Myron is moving Sheridan house to back of lot, she thought he would be home soon & asked me to stay to tea and see him. I finally did so. She had a good supper. I wiped dishes, then we went to Prayer meeting at the church. Rev. Howell presided at Rev. Dobb's request, as he was too weary from moving to be present. Not very large attendance, but good meeting. Walked home with Mr. Carr. Has been a beautiful day.
Mrs. Carr's, Wea. lowering. Fri, May 17th, 1901
Was up and ready when called to breakfast. Rode with Mr. Carr to P.O., then to Ella Green's to see if they would send one of Windsor girls around to me, if anyone should come, but no one has appeared. Have read aloud to Mr. Carr from Eben Holden and some from Republican. Worked little on pillow this p.m. while Mrs. Carr was having call from Mrs. W. Wiley. I wrote some in diary. Mrs. Stevens, sister to Eliza Foote & neighbor of Mrs. Carr, was in this a.m. I walked to Mrs. Cooley's this p.m. & settled with her for my one night's lodging & 5 meals at 10¢ each. She paid me for the dish cupboard, and will take my feather bed for $5.00, if I will wait on her for the pay, & is to send me the $2.00 for the ex. table when Mrs. McFadden pays it. Mrs. C. was sewing on her carpet and being read to. Read more to Mrs. Carr & visitors this eve. Mr. Carr has been mowing lawn & working in garden. Have mended my gloves a little.
Mrs. Carr's, Wea. Fair, Sat. May 18, 1901. Warm Ther.
Lay awake from about 3:30 this a.m. Allie Hill stayed home today to do some necessary work for her mother's comfort & rest her brain. I started out about 10, called at Mrs. Howell's a little while, then went to drug store to get something for comfort for my bunions, then to L.C. Blood & consulted him a while. Returning stopped at Mrs. Sprang's & sat a little. Sybil wrote me a recipe for pile ointment & gave me some to try. They seemed pleased to see me. Got to Mrs. Carr's in time to read to her quite a bit before dinner. Worked on the ruffle for pillow while Allie was combing her mother's hair, airing bedding & straightening the room. Was so engaged when Arthur & Cora called for me. Dr. J.B. had stroke of paralysis this morning while at the breakfast table. Drs think his condition is critical. Wiped dishes & have written in diary. Quite hard cool wind this p.m. Soaked my feet at bed time.
Sarah's, Wea. Rainy, Sun. May 19, 1901, Chilly wind
Up soon after 5:30, Sarah up at or before 5, I had lain awake most of time since 2:40. Wiped dishes, picked up things, & have given my head fine combing. Sarah thought no one from this house could go to church, but before 9:00 o'clock Sam Clapham & sister drove up here & could have had chance to go with them as they are going back in time to attend Methodist service. The weather is unfavorable, but thinking it might clear a little I got all ready and waited. After much hesitation I gave up. It rained considerably soon after they started out & more or less every hour during the day & I was glad to be under cover. Have been too stupid & sleepy to make much headway reading, have lain down 3 different times. Sam & Arthur caught & killed 2 fowls. Sarah cooked one, & Cora the other. Cyrus has complained of his knees paining him good deal. Tonight put on turpentine & vinegar. Mrs. Plees called at door and Abbie's boy Henry has been in, he came again afer visiting Elmer's & reported him better.
[Notes: Most of the people Auntie (Julia Greene) visited are just names to me. They were cousins and old neighbors that she knew when she lived in the old Greene house in Lansing and kept house for Great-Grandpa Greene, who was one of Lansing's pioneers and a fine cabinet maker. He had his own little shop until the time of his death. After his death Auntie came to live with us. She could not live alone because of being an epileptic. Cyrus & Sarah Everett were my maternal grandparents, and Arthur Everett (called Artie) was my mother's younger brother. He and his wife Cora lived nearby; when Grandpa became helpless with rheumatism they sold the house, and moved in with the old folks.
It was a pleasant old house, two large bedrooms, each with a fire place, and a smaller one, the "hired man's room" upstairs.
Downstairs three large rooms, parlor, sitting room, dining room, two bedrooms, kitchen & basement.
A pleasant yard with many maple trees, and a spacious barn, a circular drive from Cedar St., which is now a 5 lane highway.
My mother, Julia, was the eldest and most beloved daughter and her visits were the occasion for much feasting and rejoicing.
Many times the surrey was brought out and the placid chestnut horses carried us all to visit the many old friends and relatives. Within my memory Grandpa was a helpless invalid and when the day came for departure he would cry, then my mother, until there was a general session of weeping. It was hard for a child to understand, as was my mother's speaking of "going home" when planning her visits. Why, when her home was here in Nankin, with us!
Postscripts: One of the highlights of a visit to Lansing when I was small was to see the lighted dome of the Capitol against a darkened sky, and to be taken there in the daytime to look up into the great dome and see the wonders of the "State House".
Mich. State College then was known as M.A.C., just a little "cow college". It was of great service to all the farmers of Michigan, giving help and advice on putting in a bathroom, culling chickens, breeding cattle, and for the ladies, help with diets, best canning methods, home decorating, etc.]
Sarah's, Wea. lowering, Mon. May 20th, 1901
Was up early, helped somewhat about the morning's work. Sarah got Arthur to bring big box from his house, & open it, I put in 3 doz. or more magazines for her to take to Julia.
Sarah & Cyrus drove to city this p.m., but she did not find those at home that she came to see, and consequently did not get her errands done. Cora, Arthur, & I drove down with what freight was there to the depot & saw it weight, 500 lb. We returned & reported it to Mr. Esselstyn - he had marked it for us, & agreed to get a dray & send that in his cellar to depot, likewise. When through with errands went to Mrs. Fitzsimmonds where I found Sarah, & after visiting a while with Mrs. F., we went with Cyrus when he called for us. Mrs. S. Gave S. & I each a lovely rose. We looked at the plants some.
Byron Sutton buried this p.m.
Worked some on pillow.
When we got to Sarah's at night, found Will Troop there ready to keep the house.
Sarah's, Wea Rain. Tues., May 21, 1901
Nearly dressed when clock struck 6. Wiped breakfast dishes. Spent best part of day till nearly 4 o'clock on sofa pillow, making ruffles & getting it together. Made yellow ruffle for one for Sarah. She has cut out work & done considerable stitching to take along with her. She & Cyrus have driven to Elmer's to see how he is and say goodbye, was raining when they started, but thought they must go. I sent the rose Mrs. F. gave me to Elmer, with my regards. Dr. Hull buried this p.m., I planned to catch a ride and go, but storm prevented.
Has rained most of the day, men had to quit work & stay in house. Will Troop's father appeared about 3 o'clock, just as W. was about to start to city to look him up. They have talked one most to death. Sarah had letters from Mary Pomeroy & Emily C. & I had one from Robert saying the assessor down there wants list of my taxable stuff, description of mortgage, notes, etc. Sarah & Maud Troop have done some washing (but no drying) and some baking. Had little music this eve.
Sarah's, Mrs. Howell's, Wed., May 22, 1901
We were up in good season & hurried round to get to the city, Sarah to get her bonnet fixed & Cyrus to get coat & take a steam bath for his rheumatism, & I on legal & money business. We drove in to H.C. Everett's yard as we went down, he paid me the remaining $3.00 on his old note. I reported it at Mr. Esselstyn's & talked of several items of business, lastly of Mr. E. taking pay for doing my business, would not consider doing it for $25.00, which was what Mr. Blood had said was a liberal price, he said for me to let Mr. B. do it for that price if he wanted to. He said he did not want to take the responsibility.
I then called on Mr. Hammond & with his help arranged the codicil & he showed me a paper he had dictated for me to sign relative to an agreement between Mr. E. & myself. I carried Mr. H. the Latin lexicon & Virgil for his children, he expressed himself pleased. When I got onto street Cyrus was just coming for me & we drove right home. Called & asked Mr. Blood if he would be willing to serve if I should change.
Sarah's, Julia Lathers. Wea. variable, Thurs., May 23, 1901
+ Had a spasm during the night, found my pillow badly mussed this morning & felt sick, but got up & continued my packing. Wrapped up my large picture of Pa thoroughly, but we at last concluded that I better not carry it, so it was undone & hung up. We took 9:04 train to Elm, we were at depot ½ hour before train left, got to Elm in due season. Sarah & Cyrus got off at Plymouth. I found Robert & children there for me. Took the freight I shipped, all but the screen. My head ached all day, I ate nothing at all but a spoonful of oatmeal in the morning. It was a very warm day in the cars, but when we got outdoors to ride, there was a nice breeze. I lay down most of the time after I got to Julia's. Found letter from Cousin Sallie & Lottie Leonard & some papers. Did some unpacking of my things at night.
Julia's. Wea. lowering. Fri. May 24, 1901
Had one or two showers during the night, thunder & lightning quite sharp & some hail. We were up in good season & Robert went to city with eggs, the others came straggling down to breakfast after a while. I have read some, and done a good deal at putting away my things. Had a call from Fanny, she brought me a little mail. Junia Lathers brought some this p.m.
Nankin, Sat. May 25, 1901
Rained during night again. Were up in good season. Julia has baked bread & pie, Mrs. S. done the general work. The children went to Aunt Jennie's & Grandma Lathers's, & Robert & Julia drove to Wayne to see friends. I have tended the baby some, & torn off & made an apron for Julia out of shirting print. Have done little writing, & read some in Eben Holden. Robert & Julia carried home Emily's heating stove, then returned at 6 o'clock. I was too sleepy this eve. to read, took bath at bed time.
Baby has been quite troublesome, have given my room quite a good cleaning.
Nankin, Sun. May 26th
Rained during night again, looked very unpromising out this morning, but we did the usual chores, & got ready for church. Service held in a.m. now. Julia, the children & I rode when the time came, & Robert got ride with the girls. Clarence S. drove to Inkster to meet the Cavanaghs & Everett. They were to attend service there before starting. We went through service & S.S. before they arrived & had held an extra business meeting of the congregation between the two, to vote on whether to retain Mr. Wetmore another 6 mo. or not. Few out, but rec. 19 out of 20 votes to stay. A special effort made raise money to pay up indebtedness. They did quite well, I gave $1.00.
Rev. W's text - John 14-16.
S.S. Att. 12, Coll. .48
Mrs. Southwell drove to Inkster with the Cavanaghs after supper. Robert attended evening services. Cyrus & Sarah remained all night. We had some music this p.m.
Nankin, Wea. variable, Mon. May 27, 1901
Was up & dressed at 6 o'clock. Wiped breakfast dishes & did some other chores. Julia has washed, & Sarah & Mrs. Southwell helped her some. Robert & Cyrus E. went to Inkster this a.m., & about 10:30 Robert & the children went to Elm with the hayrack to get the balance of my goods. They returned just as we were finishing dinner this p.m. Robert & Clarence got them uncrated & up on the porch, & I have carried in and sorted many of them & Emily has carried some to the kitchen & some upstairs & many are in parlor, waiting for a fair day to hang them on the line outdoors. Baby has been quite troublesome & we have all taken care of her somewhat.
Rested from my labors of unpacking till 8 o'clock this eve. when Charlie Hough helped Robert carry the wardrobe cupboard & drawer upstairs & set them up. I partly unpacked the drawer.
Nankin, Wea. Stormy, Tues. May 28, 1901
I slept better than usual, was nearly 6 when I waked for the day & was raining considerably. I got Robert to take down my drum & pipe & I have taken up oilcloth & rearranged carpet & swept & done a good deal at rearranging closet & packing thing away. So stormy Julia did not expect Mary Pomeroy, but about 3 o'clock Emily Cavanagh walked in here & reported her at Inkster, so Cyrus E. drove with E.C. to get her. Robert, Cyrus Jr. & Clarence Southwell having gone to Wayne on business errands. Julia has done some baking & ironing. Sarah has helped, & sewed some on a calico dress for Emily. The assessor called this p.m. to see me & get a description of my property so as to tax me, reckoned it to be worth $2370.00 besides $1000 lying in the bank. Ollie & Fanny made us good call this p.m. Robert got around with Mary about 4 o'clock. She had got tired of waiting & gone back to Wayne before seeing Emily. I gave myself up to visiting after she came.
Wed. May 29, 1901
Slept well, some of the folks were up & downstairs when I waked. I have taken books. bedding, carpets, etc. from lower ½ of wardrobe, & 2 boxes, had Emily help me about carrying books upstairs. I packed away carpets & bedding in little bedroom as it will be too wet for a day or two to hang them out. I have worked at regulating upstairs some. This has been Cousin Mary's birthday, 65 years. Julia had a large chicken pie for dinner, very nice & plenty of it. Cousin Mary has been knitting on a rug, narrow striped silk. Sarah has sewed some for Julia & tended baby some. Julia has ironed & baked & done other housework & Robert has been busy on the farm when not on the road. He took Mary to Inkster in time for the 4 o'clock car. Ollie sat a while with us this eve.
Nankin, Wea. fair in a.m., Thur. May 30, 1901
Slept well. Robert & Mrs. Southwell were up early & he went to the city with 2 swine, which he sold for $42.00, was about 5 o'clock when he got home. Mrs. Southwell went with Mrs. Jennie L. to spend the day away. Henry was here to dinner, & an extra man besides. This p.m. Julia & her father walked over to Johnnie's & sat a while. The children have been spending the p.m. with Henry at his house. I have packed up the feather bed to go to Mrs. Cooley & put in my 2 chromos for Calvin's little girls, a bed quilt & newspapers for Flora & sheet music for Bess. Bed quilt & hassock for Abby Everett & nailed up the box. I have worked some upstairs trying to unpack from chest & dispose of its contents. Have had some pillows & cotton mattress on the line, took few stitches for Julia this p.m. helped some about the house & held baby a little. Went to bed at 8:30.
Nankin, Wea. variable, Fri. May 31st, 1901
Got up about 5:30. Have wiped breakfast dishes & done some morning chores. Carried my large chromo upstairs & hung it, rehung some other pictures, dusted some. Brought down & aired some woolen skirts & blanket & stair carpet, they got sprinkled on before I could get them in. Looked over bureau drawers, chest, etc. have packed away large satchel full of things & put away others. Julia & Sarah walked up to sit a bit with Grandma Lathers this p.m. I would have gone too had I not been so tired & lame. As it was, I worked on a shirt for Robert cutting out the smaller pieces & basting, stitched some on my machine. Robert & Cyrus & Cyrus Jr. drove to Inkster on errands & this eve. Julia, Sarah & Cyrus have gone to call at William Lathers's. Sarah went to Johnnie's this a.m. with one of the children for company. Had a beautiful sunny morning, but the p.m. has been quite lowering.
Soaked my feet at bed time with salt water & sal soda. Mary Montgomery & Fanny were in for a while this eve. I did not see them, was in parlor.