Calhoun-Perry-Talladega County AlArchives History .....1913 Diary - Written By Roberta Aurelia Roberts Of Oxford, Alabama 1913 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Shirley Mellon Dewberry dewberry@cableone.net July 27, 2010, 3:43 pm Diary of Roberta Aurelia Roberts of Oxford, Alabama Year: 1913 March 1, 1913 Last Monday afternoon Miss Seymour’s (Celeste L. Seymour – Music Teacher) pupils gave a recital and as most of them were beginners in music. It was peachy. The cutest thing they had was when Paul Bomar (Paul V. Bomar – Vice- Pres. Judson College) played the violin and little Ida McCollum played his accompaniment. Beginning with Monday, a Dr. Hall gave a series of lectures and as they will illustrate we enjoyed them immensely. The subject Monday night was “The Scott Land, Tuesday night, “The Lakes of England and Wordsworth”, Wednesday night, “The Land of Shakespeare”, and Thursday night “London”. In the middle of “The Lakes of England” the lights went out and we were left in the dark for quite a while. Finally, Miss Brown (Miss Margaret Brown – Lady Principal) got so scared that some M. I. (Marion Institute) boys would say something rude in front of us so she went out and found four little candles to light the auditorium with. Wednesday night “The Land of Shakespeare was almost washed away by a storm and those poor boys had to go home in it. After the last picture of London was a shower and the boys put up a plea like this “Miss Brown, please give us a reception” and for a wonder she did it. Dr. Hall has a daughter, Elinor, over here (Judson College) and a son, Joe, at M. I. (Marion Institute). Wednesday afternoon, we played basketball and I am just recovering from my soreness in time to play again as this is my day to meet “gym” (Jim) again. Nellie and I went to walk yesterday by way of R. D. Kemp’s store and purchased ourselves some Hersheys. A week ago today, Alvin sent me the grandest box of fruit and it sho’ was good. In a few days Mr. Wright, sent Nellie (Nellie Wright) a box of candy and “Cootie” (Stella Gaines Roberts) sent me two boxes of sandwiches and one marguerites so we have been living high. Last Tuesday afternoon, Miss Kirtley (Anne E. Kirtley – English Teacher) took us on an English walk and it was a walk too. We went everywhere and saw everything but were more than tired when we landed back in Judson. One afternoon last week, I was in Blanche Wood’s room and we were discussing a picture of the M. I. (Marion Institute) boys. The hall servant, Aunt Liza Banks, was in there and she heard me say Wyatt Rushton is related to me so she proceeded to tell me that she knows “him and all of his folks”. I told her that mother used to live here and when she found out that she knew her, she almost beat me to death and hugged me worse than an old bear. She told our hall servant, Aunt Liza Terry, about “whipping me” and Aunt Liza Terry almost jumped on her. Our Glee Club left last Monday for Tuskegee, Auburn, Opelika, Roanoke, and other places where they did “little stunts” and will come back this afternoon. Tonight, we are to have a reception in the club parlors in honor of Miss Cecil Ayers who is to give a recital here Monday night. Her father was formerly director of music here so of course we look forward to her coming. Although she is real young she is famous through out England, France, Germany, and Norway and is known as “the bewitching elf of the piano”. This is her first recital in a Southern college. March 5 Miss Ayres didn’t come as we expected Saturday night as the engine to the train broke down and she had to stay over in Selma. Of course we didn’t have the reception but had club as usual. The Glee Club came back so we had them to tell a continued story of their trip at club and they seem to have had the time of their young lives. All kinds of exciting things happened to them and they came back with a pocket full of money. Sunday morning, Miss Henderson left for the infirmary in Selma. It has been reported that her knee was broken clear into and has begun to fester but I can’t say how true it is. If it is true her leg will have to be taken off. Sunday afternoon, Louise (Louise England) came up and spent the afternoon with us. Wyatt (Wyatt Rushton) came to see me and Annie Bell told him I was spending the day out so of course I didn’t get to see him. Monday, Ebbie Bedgood (Ebye Bedgood – Per Judson College 1913 Yearbook) was taken up in the express wagon to the infirmary. I asked Miss Brown to let us go up to Cousin Mamie (Mary “Mamie” Blassingame England – D/O Robert Durant England & Mary Elizabeth Hornbuckle England & Spouse of John Murphy Bates – Note: Feb. 15, 1935 – Lila Roberts Mellon referred to Mary Blassingame England Bates (Mrs. J. M.) as Cousin Mamie. She also mentioned Cousin Mamie lived behind the Presbyterian Church in Marion.) for a while in the afternoon and she gave her permission, but Nellie had to play in a recital in Prof. Power’s studio so she didn’t get to go. I went over to Annie England’s (Anne Dainwood England) and got her to go and we had a time. Cousin Mamie wasn’t at home so we decided to slip over to the ice house. Miss B- told me positively not to go any further than Cousin Mamie but what do I care for expenses when there’s not any. Cousin Will (William Hornbuckle England Jr.) weighed us and we almost broke the scales. Annie weighed 125 and I weighed 123 ½. When we left there we came by Annie Mason’s but she was not at home so we went back to Cousin Flora’s (Flora Wylie Dainwood England – Wife of William Hornbuckle England Sr.) and had more fun than a little. The next day was Louise’s (Louise P. England) birthday so we made candy and had a good time generally in her honor. When I got ready to leave they gave me a sack of cake and candy. That night, Miss Ayres gave her recital and everyone was held spell-bound. She was such a little ___ and played such grand pieces. She is indeed a wonder and deserves her name of “the bewitching elf of the piano”. Everyone is crazy about her. She is so charming but is really ugly. Tuesday afternoon, we had a tea for her in the club parlors and she is a perfect baby. We made her an honorary member of the club. Miss Kirtley has been on a high horse for several weeks and has been taking her spite out on me but thank goodness! She didn’t sit on me this morning. Nellie is piled up in bed this morning with the rheumatism. Mar – 15 On Thursday (the 6th), we went over to M. I. (Marion Institute) to a lecture that was given by “Brother Peter Rabbit” Mallory of Selma. I am sorry to say we almost froze on the way and then didn’t enjoy his talk as much. Our redeeming feature was I had the extreme pleasure of sitting by a guy. Edward was only two seats in front of us and looked “plum cute”. Saturday night, we went to club and were bored to death with “Henry IV”. Sunday, when we got ready to come home from preaching it was simply pouring down rain and we had more fun than a barrel of monkeys. There was not a parasol in the crowd so we had to wait for Miss Browne to send after some. We got wet as drowned rats but what did we care for expenses when there were not any. Wyatt recd. Message that his mother (Mary Josephine Wyatt Rushton) was dead. Monday afternoon, Nellie gave her recital assisted by ten other pupils. She only played one piece which was quite a success and the next mail brought her millions of requests for engagements. (10th was Mary’s birthday.) (Mary Gowan Roberts B. 3/10/07) Tuesday, is one day that can never be blotted out of my memory as Anne Kirtley, the famous, gave me a rather impressive lecture. She boogered me up for fair and the next day put me on the front row in class. Thursday night, Walker Bradley Tripp read Henry IV for us and it was miserable. The weather was awful, he was tired and the audience was small so all of it made a rather bad mixture. I slept thru most of it and almost broke my neck nodding. Friday night, we went over to M. I. (Marion Institute) to a lecture on “education of girls” (queer subject for boys). The guy, Dr. Palmer, president of the school at Montevallo, read every word of his lecture from “Ladies and Gentlemen” to the end and most of it was advice to all of us to get married early. March 20 - Nellie’s birthday. (Nellie Wright) Saturday night, at club the teachers told us about the pageant we are going to have Commencement. Sunday morning about fifteen girls skipped church and for the first time this year Mrs. McCollum (Mrs. Drue Collins McCollum – Matron of Judson College) suspected and found us, some under the bed, some in, on or under wardrobes and every other place imaginable. Nellie and I were occupying a handful of space behind the wardrobe and felt like ---- when she found us. All she said was “Bless my girls” but of course she reported us. Miss B – sent for us early Monday morning and campus Nellie and for my reward I have to go to study hall and campus too. Some punishment, eh? We don’t mind a little thing like that tho’. They may think they can keep us on the campus but that is just one of their thoughts. Monday afternoon, there was a recital in the auditorium and after it was over we slipped over to see Annie and Louise (Annie & Louise England). Juliet Irby was over there so we made egg nog and after it went to our heads we got happy. Miss Kirtley went to Selma Monday and didn’t get back in time for us to have a lesson Tuesday but Wednesday she came full force and gave us a final exam on one of our books. It was quite a surprise to us and we had to stand it in an hour. She is always surprising us in some outlandish way. This morning she sent Genevieve Hood up here for me and I can’t imagine what she wants. Later. She only wanted to see me about Mother being in the pageant. April 3 Ruth and Gowan have a little daughter (Margaret Ruth Roberts) who was born on the nineteenth of March. She weighed four and a half pounds and was very weak. Ruth has been real sick and I am wild to hear form them. How can I wait fifty-three more days? One consolation, we can call it next month. On the twenty-fourth of March there was a pupils’ recital in the auditorium and it was quite enjoyable. The last thing on the program Gene Cloud from over at M. I. (Marion Institute) played an organ solo and the boys brought him are ______”cabbage head”. All during the next week I wrote letters and cards for Miss Kirtley until the girls called me her private secretary. I also helped Miss Henderson (Miss Mary D. Henderson), business manager of the Annual and a perfect angel with some Annual work. We fixed the pictures and put them in the right classes and had a good time generally. Am afraid Miss Bacon (Laura I. Bacon – Art Teacher) would have been at the art room with us. Saturday night, we went to club. The week before we skipped to wash our hair and Miss Kirtley preached Nellie a sermon and we had to pay our fines too. Monday, Miss Brown went to Selma to do some shopping and only spent the day. That night she took us to study hall and told us we could have holiday the next day because we have been so good. The glorious part was we didn’t have to observe triangle and could sleep as long as we pleased just so we were at the library at nine-thirty. We slept so good but felt rather unnatural. They wanted us at the library to practice for the pageant we are going to have during Jubilee week and it will be beautiful. We chased all over the campus in the boiling sun until eleven-thirty where we had lunch. Soon afterwards we left for the woods and were regular country crackers. Miss Kirtley wore the funniest old hat I have ever seen and cut up to beat the band. She had more fun than a little and was as spry as a cricket. We walked a mile and then had a picnic. It is impossible to tell all of the things we did but will have some Kodak pictures that will tell some things. Miss Kirtley said that before we could have any supper we must find a bay leaf, a heart leaf, and a partridge berry. We were hungry so found them even if we did have to climb over fences, creeks, trees, varments, and every thing else doing it. Our supper was sent to us and every thing was so nice. There were over a thousand sandwiches, dozens of eggs, gallons of pickles, “millions” of cakes and several other things. We sat in a ring and the teachers served. Miss Brown made lemonade but we had to bring the water. About dark we came back to Judson tired to death but happy. The day before Annie (Anne Dainwood England), Nellie (Nellie Wright) and I made some Kodak pictures so maybe out of all of them we can get some good ones. Sunday, Wyatt came over to see me and where his card was brought to me I almost died. I was in my gown and had to do every thing from combing my hair to putting on my slippers. Nothing was in the right place and to make bad matters worse Nellie sat up and laughed at me. Finally I found every thing and we had a lovely time. Yesterday, after school we went over to M. I. to a ball game. The boys in the North building played against those in the South and it was quite an exciting game. Of course we were delighted when the South comes out with the score ahead. Francis and Edward were both on the side that won and Edward made the score that brought them to victory. Apr 10. Saturday afternoon, we went to another ball game at M. I. and had a lovely time. Jim Carver found an old mule somewhere so he rode around on it and amused the crowd. Several of the boys tried their hand at it but the most comical sight was when Gene Cloud got on. During last week Miss Brown excused me from study hall and I am free once more. Saturday night, Kate and Blanche Wood came around to our room and we made candy. Monday night, Marie Kemp gave her senior recital in piano and she played beautifully. She received loads of beautiful flowers and presents. Miss Kirtley has turned our English class over to Miss Townsend (Mary Hays Townsend – English Teacher). Praise is! April 18th Friday night a Dr. Harper gave an illustrated lecture in the auditorium. Saturday night, there was a lecture given by Dr. Thos. Owen of Montgomery over at M. I and afterwards there was a reception. Wyatt asked me to stay and I had a lovely time. We spent most of the time in the Jefferson Hall but stayed in the Franklin some and I met lots of cute guys. They had some of the best punch I have tasted. Virginia Harrison, Louise Waits and I went with Wyatt, Tom Owen and Ben Shivers all of the time. Sunday afternoon, I took a nap and just after I woke up Annie Bell brought me a card like she always does when I am undressed. It was Houston this time and we had a lovely time. Monday afternoon, we went to a real live picture show for the first time since Xmas. The pictures were cut so we enjoyed it all the more. Miss Perryman (Bertha E. Perryman – Voice Teacher) took us and there was about eighteen in the crowd. Monday night we went around to Kate’s and Blanche’s room and made hot chocolate. Tuesday night, the Blackfriar Dramatic Club from the U. of A.(University of Alabama) gave a play “You Never Can Tell” in the auditorium and it was too cute for words. It lasted from eight or eight-thirty until quarter of twelve. One day last week, I sho’ did fool Mary. I wrote a note to her and signed Miss Kirtley’s name so it was perfectly natural that she should be scared to death. Miss Kirtley had me writing some more letters to preachers about coming to preach the Baccalaureate Service and yesterday I addressed at least 150 envelopes for her. April 22nd Most of my time tonight has been spent at the library hunting for material for my argument on Resolved – That Bruce Ismay’s conduct on the Titanic was that of a coward.” However my hunt will be in vain. We spent Saturday night with Kate and Blanche Wood and slept four in a bed. It was great sport and we raised so much noise Miss Parks (Charlotte Whitfield Parks – Assistant Lady Principal) had to come in there three times and quiet us down. We didn’t mind a little thing like that tho’. Sunday afternoon, Houston came to see me and Miss Brown refused to let me go down, but a few minutes later Wyatt came and she let me go to talk to him. As usual I was in bed when he came. The M. I. boys and Mississippi College played a series of ball games last week and M. I. won the best two. I only went to the last one and wouldn’t have gone to it if Wyatt hadn’t sent me a complimentary ticket. He also sent one to Louise Watts so we went together and almost roasted as it was unusually hot. The game was very exciting. One of our “Senior Neighbors”, Leta Hargrove (Birmingham, Ala.), who rooms just across the court from us, has been having a very romantic experience for the past few nights. She and Ed Nelson, an M. I. boy, are very muchly in love with each other so for several nights he has been coming over here and gets some where near her window. She and her room mate, Erin Blake (Sheffield, Ala.), sing to him and he answers them by whistling. The first night he came was Saturday night. The boys had a night shirt parade in honor of their victory and after they left he lingered. The parade was too funny for anything. Some of them wore pajamas, some pulled their shirt tails out, others wore night shirts and two came in niddy blouses. Schinpy (?) did several little “acrobatic stunts” and they had a regular circus. Monday afternoon, Nellie and I went up to Cousin Mamie’s (Mary “Mamie” Blassingame England) and actually found her at home. Monday night, Ruth Pettus (Huntsville, Ala.) gave her senior recital assisted by Della Hudson. They both did beautifully and received lots of flowers and gifts. This afternoon, we went to the picture show again. The picture was “Parsifal”. Only thirty-three more days and then we can go home!! Apr. 30 On Thursday night, the 24th, there was a recital in the auditorium and Nellie played. There were twenty one numbers and all of the girls did beautifully. Friday, Memorial day, we had a half holiday and enjoyed it immensely. If it had not rained we would have had to go to the Episcopal Cemetery where the soldiers are buried and listen to an address by Pro. H. O. Murphy but the rain saved us from that. They had planned to sell cream to us on the court so they, John Lockhart and T. B. Carter, brought it up here and sold it. Believe me, it was good too! Louise came to see us Saturday afternoon and that night there was a debating contest at M. I. but all of us didn’t go. Sunday, Dr. Patrick (Robert G. Patrick) preached at the Baptist Church and we were so interested in his sermon we slept thru most of it. Monday night, Mittie Lou Edwards organist, and Katie McEachern, pianist gave their senior recital and it was perfectly beautiful. It was the last recital we are to have and all of the girls have done beautifully and received lots of nice presents. All of Mittie Lou’s and Katie’s ushers were girls so some near took the whole business out autoing yesterday. Last night, Dr. and Mrs. Patrick gave the seniors a reception and the dresses they wore were perfectly lovely! Only twenty-five more days!!! May 7 Two weeks from tonight my mother is coming and won’t I be glad! Believe me, I will!!!!! On the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of this month the M. I. and Auburn boys played a series of ball games and Wyatt sent me a ticket to the series so I took them all in. On the 1st the score was 6 to 4 in favor of Auburn, on the 2nd, 4 to 3 in favor of Auburn and on the third it was 3 to 2 in favor of Marion. All of the games were exciting and unusually interesting. During the second game an M. I. man was hurt. The first day I went with Minnie Gorrie of Montgomery, the second with Lizzie Hollingsworth of South Carolina and the third with Julia Nichols of Roanoke. Sunday, the 4th, Wyatt came to see me. Monday afternoon, we spent sewing and Annie England came up to see us. Yesterday, we slipped off and went to Cousin Flora’s. We were sitting over there as big as Pete when here come two teachers. Miss Pickett (Frances Pickett – Librarian) and Miss Read (Anna Ethelynd Read – Voice Teacher)! We were scared silly but they sat on the porch and we were in the parlor so they didn’t see us. This afternoon Cootie (Stella Gaines Roberts Orr) sent me two new dresses and they are adorable. One is white poplin with an allover waist to wear in line and the other is pink linen. June 3rd Lots of things have happened since I wrote in you old journal but I can’t begin to put them all down in black and white. The M.I. Commencement exercises were carried on for about a week during the middle of May but we were having our exams just at that time so couldn’t go to all they had. On the sixteenth Prof. Stocton Axton of Princeton University made an address and presented some stained glass windows in the chapel. Afterwards there was a reception and Edward (Son) Gresham invited me but it was a rainy day and there was lots of fuss about us going so I didn’t get dressed in time to go. It was an awful disappointment for I am a goose about “Son”. On the eighteenth their Baccalaureate service was preached at the Baptist Church by Dr. Ra______ _____, an Episcopal minister. It was perfectly grand!!! The Judson, M. I. and Seminary Seniors wore their caps and gowns. On the twentieth I went to the graduating exercises. Wyatt was valedictorian and won a medal also. Thos. Owen got about three. The Baccalaureate address was delivered by Cousin Gus Evans of Chicago. On the nineteenth, Miss Brown gave me an awful shock by letting Mildred Smith and me go to two ball games between M. I. and S. U. with Wyatt and Mr. McCutchean. Mr. and Miss (Mrs.) Rushton had just come over in the car from Montgomery so we were making use of it. After the games Wyatt and I went down to the station to meet Mother and Lydia. Louise was there too so we all piled in the car to come home and Wyatt couldn’t start the car. We had left the chauffeur up town so we were in a mess but some man gave us a start after so long a time and everything was pretty. That night Nellie and I took supper at Cousin Flora’s and we had one more time. It seemed too good to be true that my mother was there. The next afternoon, Nellie, Carrie Herring and I went down to see Mother and persuaded her to take us to town that night. Nellie couldn’t go as she had to practice for the pageant but Mother asked Miss Brown if Carrie and I could go and she consented. Ruth Sims, Dora Maude Johnson and Eva Moody found out that we were going so they went up and told Miss B. that we wanted them to go with us so she let them and we had a time. Mother had charge of eight girls and one boy, John. Wednesday morning, we practiced for the pageant. We took dinner at Annie’s and in the afternoon went to town. Mrs. A. O. Humphries and Miss Clara Wright came so they came to Judson that night. Thursday morning, we had the Pink and White Processional and it was beautiful. We had garlands of roses and ivy and went to the site of the old Judson. When we came back we went to the auditorium and there were sixteen billion tiresome speeches made. The pageant was to be that night but it was put off on account of the rain and an Alumni concert given in its place. There was also an address by Cousin Gus. Friday was Alumni Day and awfully interesting but rather tiresome. At last the Sunset Pageant at six. It was beautiful and I had such a good time. Following it was a reception at Dr. Patrick’ but I didn’t tarry long there. I was tired so went to my room and undressed. As luck would have it Joe Hare wanted to see me in the parlor but I sent him word I was sick in bed. Saturday was Class Day and the seniors received their dips. In the afternoon we had a club meeting. That night there were two plays, Browning’s “In A Balcony” and Shaw’s” Dark Lady of the S____” given on the law by Thalian Players. Sunday, the Baccalaureate sermon was delivered by Rev. R. J. Bateman of Troy and it was perfectly beautiful. That night the S. S. Dips were given out by Prof. Powers and one address by Dr. E. E. Ayers, who was once Director of Music at Judson. During Jubilee there were hundreds of visitors in town but most of them left with the girls Monday. In a way it was sad to tell the girls good-bye but I didn’t weep. June 8th When the girls left on the special we went down to the train and Nellie cried like a baby when she told us good bye. It was the second time we had been to the station that day as we took Roger Butler down that morning. He and Flora had been visiting at Cousin Will’s, Mr. Curb took us down there and back in his car so we had a time. It seemed rather funny for me to leave Judson and go to Cousin Will’s but I did it gladly. I found Momma, Cousin Willie Wyatt, and Cousin Addie Evans (Adeline Evans) had gone out to the Hornbuckle Plantation to spend the day. They are crazy about tracing kin people so went out there to find some Blassingames, Earle, Gowan, Gaines, Wyatt or some king of family Bibles, but their trip was all in vain. They had a good time tho’. The kids in the family took in the picture show that night. The next day we cut up as usual and that night tore up Jack. Cousin Will (William H. Hornbuckle England Jr.) was away so we took charge and had a few operations. The characters were as follows – Dr. Tally ---- Annie D. England (Annie Dainwood England) Miss Dainwood ---- Flora Butler Miss Roberts --- (a nurse) “Me” (Roberta Aurelia Roberts) Miles---------------- “Lispe” England (Elizabeth Durant England) Susie --------------- Louise (Louise Phillips England) The first two operations were on Misses Dainwood and Roberts, who took things calmly until Dr. Tally because too vigorous with a wire brush. Then they turned on him but even with the help of Miles and Susie they couldn’t manage him. He flew to shelter in the back room and held the door firmly for some time but finally we burst in upon him only to be dumb founded by his flying pass us and rushing into “Son’s room. We followed immediately and broke into the room but he waved his hands wildly and no one could go near. Once more he broke thru our line and went back to his old shelter, the back room. This time he locked the door and we were on the outside again. Only a few days before he had sung “Alma Mater” so lovingly with his graduating class at Judson College so we secured combs and toilet paper and played this touching song very engagingly but without the desired result. Miss Roberts then tried her influence by rendering some attractive piano solo. Still there appeared us, Dr. Tally and upon investigation we found he could not unlock the door no matter how hard he tried. This was indeed unfortunate but as luck would have it there had been a door cut thru onto the front porch only a few days before. We made our way out of this door and continued our attack on Dr. Tally. He stationed himself between two beds and behind a cot with a corset as a shield and one other weapon, the name of which I don’t know. Miss Dainwood did her best but was dangerously wounded so Miss Roberts came to the front, picking Miss Dainwood up and protecting her with the wall-broom. Miles drew nearer to Dr. Tally as the opportunity was afforded him and at the operative time seized him around the waist and threw him upon the cot. We all sprung upon him but were beaten back by his waving his legs frantically. Several were wounded and the noise became so great we were requested to quiet down which we did. Miss Dainwood always slept with Dr. Tally but it was with great fear that she did so that night. However, Susie and Miss Roberts slept with in five feet of them and Miles had a cot near so we all promised to protect her if she needed protection. The door could and would not be unlocked so we went to bed prepared for any emergency such as fire and burglars, but none came. Next morning Susie and Miss Roberts got up rather early to play tennis and as they had no clothes in the back room we had to wrap up in the gayest quilts we could find and promenade around the front porch and in the front door. Later the others came forth robed in some of Dr. Tally operating clothes. The door stayed locked until after I left Marion which was several days later and each night you could see white robed figures steal around the porch and each morning they would return wrapped in quilts. The next night the “Old Maids Convention” met to discuss a plan which would give the future members an outing. Finally it was decided that I would be hostess for a house party and the members with their guest would travel to Selma in a covered wagon driving a cow where they will meet and then they travel in cars. Since the trip is to be inexpensive the cow will be fitted in roller-skates and tied to the back of one of the cars and brought all the way. If necessary Son will ride her. Numerous plans were made for the transportation and to show my hospitable nature I will meet them in Talladega with more cars for the comfort of those live ones and a hearse for all dead. Wednesday afternoon Manivera had a letter from Foster (William Foster Mellon) saying William Gaines (William Gaines Mellon) was sick so we tore out Thursday morning for home. We spent about three hours in Selma but it didn’t seem long as we bummed around. Soon after we left Selma there was an old lady, a Mrs. ____, who got separated from her suit-case and I was going to be very nice and get it for her so I picked it up and a good-looking young man came up and said “Let me move that for you”. I thanked him and was going to show him where to put it when he put it down by his chair. I thought well you are the biggest goose! When it dawned upon me that maybe it was his! I looked up very muchly surprised when the guy with him called his name and said “You had better start to put your suit cases in the baggage car”. My mouth flew open with my eyes and I said “Is it yours?” He assured me that it was and I felt like a goose but begged his pardon. Momma was watching me and it tickled her nearly to death. They got off at Calera and took one last look at me like they thought I was goosie. At Talladega Ruth, Gowan and Joseph (Ruth, Gowan and Joseph Roberts) met us but we could only say “Hidy and Goodbye”. We got to Anniston about eight o’clock and were met by Foster (Foster Mellon), Earle (Earle Roberts), Robbie (Robbie Leon Draper – 1910 Census – Main Street, Oxford, AL.) and Attalene (Attalene Draper – Robbie’ cousin). Papa (Richard Gaines Roberts Jr.) was in Chattanooga at the Reunion. Saturday, Sister Margaret (Margaret Richey Roberts) entertained the Sewing Club and I served punch. While there it began to rain and Sister Margaret begged me to spend the night so I did. Friday morning Lila (Lila Lane Roberts Mellon) and I went to Anniston shopping. Friday afternoon, I wrote as hard as I could go until late, then I went up to Robbie’s. We were down town when it began to pour down rain and we were without a parasol so had to stay. We went to Humphries’ and phoned Momma that I was going to spend the night with Robbie (Robbie Draper) and she didn’t object so we had a time. I came home early next morning and went to the Chautauqua with Miss Sue Bagley. I am invited to a party at Roberta Cooper’s Tuesday night which is to be given in honor of her visitor, Ruby Timmerman. Sister Margaret, Stella and Lila are going to give a series of parties in my honor next week and I think it is the cutest thing I have ever heard of. Different crowds are invited to different parties. Sister Margaret’s is to be Tuesday morning, Lila’s is Wednesday morning and Cootie’s Thursday morning. June 14 One day or night last week Sister Margaret went to the Chautauqua with Earle and they were caught in a hard rain. It made her sick so we had to change the dates for all of the parties. To set things off it rained and turned cold for the first time in June - ninety-six years. Lila had her Tuesday and we had a mighty good time even if it did rain. There were four who sent their regrets and sixteen present besides Mother and William Gaines. We played “forty-two” and Bess Steward won the prize which was a fan. Our score-cards were in shape of hearts and had small “kewpies” pasted on them. Stella’s was Wednesday and it was a Judson party with only Judson girls there. Chester Bell is the only one who didn’t come and there were eleven there besides Mother, Lila and Stella. We made adorable “Beatrice Butterfly Books” and gave them to the one whose name we drew. There was one visitor, Ruby Timmerman from Ga., there and one Jessie Ingram from Birmingham, at Lila’s. Lila served a vegetable salad with dressing, coffee, wafers and a sweet sandwich. Stella served chicken- salad, tea, wafers, pickle, pimento cheese sandwich and two sweet sandwiches. When the girls got ready to leave we took some Kodak pictures. Sister Margaret’s was Thursday and we had a contest and played “forty-two”. Mattie Wakefield won both prizes sweet peas but one was a tie so she gave it to Etta Constantine. There were two visitors, Marian Bain from Lexington, Ky and Tommie Gray, both mightly cute and attractive. Two sent their regrets but there were fifteen present besides Stella and S. Margaret. She served deviled crab on the half-shell, ice tea, pickles, wafers, a sweet sandwich and a salad made of English peas and potatoes served in pastry cups. The baby show was the same day and Lila and Mother brought William Gaines down there after the “show” was over. He got a blue ribbon, of course. Tuesday night, Roberta Cooper gave a party in honor of her visitor, Ruby Timmerman and it was a real Judson party. Everything was decorated in red and black crepe paper. The punch bowl sat in the reception hall and was on a table covered with black paper and red apples were around it. The score-cards were made with Kodak pictures of Judson mounted on white cards and tied in the colors. We played a Judson game and when they were ready for us to progress Eugene rung a triangle but it didn’t sound like Uncle Abe. I went with Dominique and he came in the car. Believe me, I was glad too because it had been raining and was cold as everything. When we started home the car didn’t work very well but he worked on it a little bit and everything was pretty. Yesterday afternoon, the Constantines entertained for their visitor, Marian Bain, and we had a lovely time. The invitations were cut in the shape of a slipper and had a rosette ___ in pink. It (the party) was for a bride, Nelle Bagley, too so the score cards were cut in the shape of diamond rings and Nellie’s had a tiny bridge pasted in hers while Marian’s had a wish-bone in it. We played “forty-two” again and Marie Willison won the prize, As soon as we went in we were carried to the punch bowl, then we registered in two books, a guest’s book and a bride’s book, that were afterwards given to Nelle and Marian, the honorees. In place of punching our cards, we were given tiny red hearts with glue on them so we could stick them on. Yesterday, our Sunday School Picnic was in progress and all of the Baptist turned out. Sister Margaret and her three, Stella and Bro. Jim and Mother represented our crowd. Late yesterday we received a message that Annie Roberts Wallis died about two o’clock. I am invited to a party at Mrs. Urguhart (1910 Census – McKibbon St. near Ross Street) this afternoon but of course won’t go. It is to be given in honor of Tommie Gray. Am also invited to a linen shower at the Europa Club will give for Nelle Bagley next Saturday. July 14th Lila, Stella and I went to the shower that was given for Nelle and had a lovely time. It was given at the Pinson house. The next week, the only “social affair” I went to was a moon-light picnic given by the boys of the town at Boiling Springs in honor of the visitors. Phil (Phil Whiteside – 1910 Census – Snow St., Oxford, AL) and I went in the car with Leila Turner and Hugh Anderson. I enjoyed it more than I have any thing for ages. The Sunday night following Phil came to see me and we went to church. One morning that week, Mattie Nora Wakefield (1910 Census – Mechanic Street, Oxford, AL) and I went calling and giggled until we couldn’t. Thursday morning, Fay Gladden entertained at a breakfast at the Lake in honor of her visitor, Ruth Cunningham of Talladega. She furnished all of the breakfast and we had a mighty good time. That week, Stella tried to teach me to sew so I spent my morning with her and as our meeting was held that week and the next I would spend my afternoons and evening at church. On the twenty-ninth of June, we had a mighty sad death, Claude Harrison (1910 Census – Main Street, Oxford, AL) had typhoid fever and was sick only a few days before he died. He was only nineteen years old and so handsome! Only a few days later Herman Allen (1910 Census – Oxford to DeArmanville Rd. – Miss Amanda Allen’s brother) died. He was about seventeen years old and had typhoid. Was sick only a few days. The following Wednesday, I went to a wedding for the first time in ages. Marieta Disheroon and Floyd Bagley were the bride and groom. From there Stella and I went over to Mrs. Urquhart (1910 Census – McKibbons St. near Ross Street.) to call on Tommie Gray. On the twenty seventh of June, Frank came and Rob was mighty glad to see him. He came to see me on Saturday afternoon. Sunday night and we wanted to go to the Lake Monday night but ---- the meeting. The Saturday night (29th) before I stayed with Stella and we went down to Mrs. Cooper’s to play “42”. Harry was there and we had to play partners. We weren’t on the best of terms but acted decently and several nights later he came to see me. The next Saturday night, Florence and Mildred T_______ gave a lady party in honor of Ether Duke (J.C.’s) of Gadsden and Helen Anderson of Selma. I went with Phil and had a lovely time. Sunday night, I went to preaching with Harry. The next night there was to be a dance at the lake and I was to go with Harry but declined. Every afternoon that week I walked up to Robbie’s. On Wednesday Jaunita called me up and asked me to go to walk so I did and we ate until we could hardly walk. Frank came home with me that afternoon. The next day I left for Talladega in the rain. Talladega. July 24th For two weeks, I have been in Talladega with Ruth and Gowan and have had a lovely time. I came on Thursday and it was simply pouring down rain but it didn’t stop me. Got to the station about three minutes before the train was due and Frank had told me he was coming over so just as the train blew here he came running. When I got to Talladega it was not raining and hadn’t rained much so I didn’t get wet. Buddie Gowan met me. Later in the afternoon Ruth and I went to town and as we were coming home with Gowan we were caught in a rain and had to stop at Mrs. Toole’s. That must have started us for nearly every day since then we have been to town. Friday night, Henry Hine (?) took me to a “tent show” and the play was “At the Mercy of Tiberius”. It was peachy! Morris Lewis (Info from WWI Draft Card: Court St, Talladega, AL – Born: April 17, 1892 Talladega, AL) and his mother sat just in front of us so, of course, I got to speak to them. Saturday morning, Margaret and Kathleen Jemison came in from Clairmont Springs so Ruth and I went to meet them. After we had been home a while Margaret and I went to ride and brought Gowan home from town. That afternoon Frances and I took in the picture show. Sunday morning, I went to Sunday School and preaching with Margaret. We were caught or almost caught in a hard rain but Gowan came after us in the surry. We went to the Methodist Church and that night I went to the Presbyterian Church with Henry. Most every morning, we went to ride so we did Monday and that night I went over to Margaret’s and we played “forty-two”. Tuesday night, I went to the picture show with Henry. Wednesday night, Frances gave a masquerade dance for To-- Collins and we, Margaret and I dressed alike as country lasses and wore big house aprons and our bonnets. My beau, Mr. Wesley, dressed as a country dude – Margaret’s beau, Mr. Garrett dressed as an Englishman, Bessie dressed as an Indian maid and Henry went with her dressed as a cowboy. When time came for me to talk to Morris he suggested that we ride so as went out to his car. Bessie and Mr. Garrett called and asked to go with us. We went down town and my next date with Henry (Harry?) so I didn’t care about rushing back. He was awfully mad when we did come. Every time we would get to talking Morris and Wallis Elliot would come to worry Henry. I was always glad. They broke in two or three times, then Hal Graves and Edward Argo twice, then Morris Striplin one so Henry was disgusted and finally left. He laughed until he got us started and the more we giggled the louder he laughed. Frances had to leave the room and every body was tickled to death because they all knew we were laughing at little crazy Lipscomb Dowdell. Thursday, I packed up my duds and moved over to Frances. She had a date with her lover, Charley Ruse, manager of the ball team, and he told Frances he would bring someone to see me. Late that afternoon Morris called me up to make a date for the next night and asked me what I was going to do that night. I told him Frances made a date for me but I didn’t know who with. He kinder laughed but I didn’t think anything about it so bless Pete! When Mr. Reese came he was with him. Friday night, Bessie Jemison, Mr. Garrett, Morris and I went to ride. (What could be nicer than moonlight, a box of candy, a “Cadillac” and Morris?) We had quite an exciting time as some country boys tried to keep up with us. They almost run the mule to death and were screaming at the top of their voices so Bess and I were scared silly. Later we almost had a fall as we skidded toward a deep ditch and my, how scared we were! Saturday night, I had a date to go to the picture show with Wallis but it rained so we stayed at home. Sunday night, I had my first date with Dick, the immortal. He is too sweet for words! Monday night, Mrs. Irwin, who boards at Mrs. Jemison’s, gave a progressive set- back party for her visitor, Mrs. Dietrich. We had a mighty good time. Tuesday night Dick and I went to the picture show. I would love him harder each time I would see him and that is saying lots because he boarded at Mrs. Jemison’s too. His room was across the hall from ours and every morning when he would go to work he would knock on our door – bless his heart! He isn’t sweeter than Morris tho, or Alvin either. Wednesday night, I had a date to go to the picture show with Mr. Sykes but it rained, thank goodness! So we stayed at home and played set-back. We had two tables so progressed - Mr. and Mrs. Irwin, Mr. Hammond, Mr. Wise, Frances, Mr. Wesley, Warren and I were playing. Thursday night, Mrs. Jemison took up to the picture show. Friday night Dick and I went to the talking picture business at the Elk’s theatre. Saturday night, neither of us had a date. Frances never has dates except with Charley but when he is in town be lives there almost. He gave us a pass to the ballgames so we took them all in. Sunday, I thought Frank Aderholt (1910 Census – Second St., Oxford, Alabama – Son of Samuel & Ophelia Aderhold – Graduated 1911 with Roberta Roberta) was coming down to see me so we went to meet him but he didn’t come. I found out later that he didn’t get my letter asking him down until Monday – hence, his non-appearance. That night, Mr. Reese, Frances, Morris and I were going to ride but Mr. Reese got sick and couldn’t go so Wallis Elliott (1910 Census – Court St., Talladega, AL) and Alva Gay (1910 Census – Talladega, Alabama) went in their places. We came to Anniston and had a lovely time. It was ten o’clock when we got to Anniston but we got something to drink, a box of candy and some chewing gum. It was almost twelve when we got to Talladega and there I had to pack my clothes to go out to Chandler Springs on the house-party. It was one thirty when I went to bed and we had to leave Talladega at five thirty the next morning so I was good and sleepy. That was one of the longest days I have ever spent. In the crowd there was Alva Gay, Mable Hubbard (1910 Census – South Street, Talladega, AL), Returne Coker (1910 Census – Anniston, AL – Music Teacher), Esther Barfield, Frances and we – the boys were Barclay Storey(1910 Census – North Street East, Talladega, AL – Lived next door to Curry Golden), DeWitt McCargo, Henry Hine, Curry Golden (1910 Census – North Street East, Talladega, AL), Wallis Elliott and Fred Lewis, the chaperones were Mrs. W. Z. Jackson and Mrs. T. P. Williams. Mary Dobbs came out and spent two or three days with us and Morris spent Wednesday night with Messrs. Jackson and Williams were out for Saturday night and Sunday. We had a might good time but nothing to compare with last year. Generally we played cards all of the morning, slept all of the afternoon and danced all night. Some of us would go, either, in bathing or wading every afternoon. The boys weren’t so bad about playing tricks on us as they were last summer. They threw an old dog in the window one night and stuffed some snake skins and put in our beds. That scared us all silly and Mable had hysterics. We had a dandy place to dance and after we had put meal and two boxes of wax on the floor you could hardly stand up. We had some swell Germinous (?) and especially the one given on my birthday. The day before we left (Sunday) Curry and Returnee, Fred and Esther walk up to Clairmont so we struck out about five o’clock. It was six miles up there and we were until after dark getting there and oh, how tired! Just as soon as we got there we got something to drink and some candy and chewing gum. We were sitting at the stand when a train blew and it almost scared us green because we were going back to Chandler’s on the train. Curry and Returne led the way and we almost broke out necks getting down to the station but after all of our exertion it was only a freight! We spent about an hour there and we were getting hungry so Wallis stole a box of crackers. We got back to Chandler’s about eight thirty and were awfully tired but made out that we weren’t. We were late getting to bed, but we got up at two o’clock and had a masquerade dance. We left that place about eight-thirty and looked like really country crackers. One thing I forgot to mention was that we visited the school one day and the teacher gave us an example to work. After so long a time Wallis and I worked it. Esther recited for the kids and almost tickled them to death. Monday morning, Frances and I went to town and on the way Mr. Reese and Dick took up with us. Monday afternoon we went to the ball game. Monday night I had a date with Dick and Frances with “Charlie”. Tuesday morning, we went up to see Ruth and the kids. Tuesday afternoon, I came home and everybody was shocked to death. Frank and Alvin were in camps at B’ham with the military company but they came home Wednesday night. Thursday night, Alvin called me up. Last night, Frank came to see me and is coming Sunday and Monday nights. He wanted to come tonight but that was most too much. Harry called me up last night. Aug. 23rd ’13 – Montgomery, Alabama This is my second day in Montgomery and I think it is an awfully pretty place, quite a little city. As I came to Montgomery and on Thursday Robbie (Robbie Draper) went to Maplesville so we were together most of the way. We had to change trains in Calera and both had to wait about two hours. It was not a case of necessity with Robbie but she did it to be with me, bless her heart! And I surely will miss her as I go home. There is nothing to do there but walk around and go the drug store but we did that to a fare-you-well and flirted with the ticket agent, a Mr. Stein. Every time we would turn a corner we would run unto a new family of pigs, turned loose on the street. The train to Montgomery was late but I left “the city” a little while before Robbie. On the Montgomery train I met a cute girl, Rosalee Goldberg of Bessemer, and we had quite a pleasant conversation as we knew some of each others friends. Cousin Willie couldn’t meet me as she had some new boarders but she sent a Miss Frances Griffin in her place and she is certainly a character. Seventy years old and as spry as a cricket. Knows everybody and everything. Has been everywhere. Thursday night they took me to ride. This morning she took me to the Capitol and several other places of interest. While at the Capitol we saw Thomas Owen, an M. I. (Marion Institute) boy. We have just gotten home and I am hot. Aug. 26 Am “blue” as the dickens this morning as the postman brought me a note from Morris’ stenographer saying he is real sick. Saturday night, Cousin Willie, Miss Fannie and I took another ride. This time it was out to Cloverdale and we passed Woman’s College. Sunday afternoon, we went to Picketts Springs and it is a might pretty place. Coming back when we had to transfer at the square there was not room for us all so Miss Fannie and I waited while Cousin Willie went home to fix the boarder’s supper. The boarders are a queer bunch. First come Mr. and Mrs. Kohler and little son, Alvin, who are Jews but lovely people. Then Mr. and Mrs. Peagler, the newly weds – nuff said! A queer little woman, Mrs. Trimble, takes dinner here. She is very fond of composing poetry which is very sick and foolish. Her religion like Mrs. and Mrs. Peraglers is Episcopalian and she believes discussing it with anyone. It is quite a pleasure for Miss Fannie and Mr. Kohler to bring up the discussion to see how fast Mrs. Trimble will leave the room. Mr. Kohler is Jewish of course and Miss Fannie has none. Yesterday, I went down town with Miss Fannie and we took in a picture show. I saw another Judson girl, Elizabeth Sheppard at “The Fair”. Last night, Marion Rushton took supper and spent the night here. He is much better looking and more of a “ladies man” than Wyatt. He is only nineteen years old and a student at Harvard. Yesterday, I had a letter from Frank and a card from Lee Stein, ticket agent at Calera. This morning the bad news from Morris and a letter from Alvin came. This afternoon I am to go to a U.D.C. meeting with Miss Fannie and I am not crazy about the idea. Mary Ellen Harvey told Marion last night that she was coming to see me this morning and I hope she will because I have hardly seen any young folks, much less been with any since I left home. Have read “The Lady of the Declaration” and “The Spinner in the Sun”. Aug. 30th Mary Ellen came and brought Sara Ferrell with her. Both were awfully cute! Think of me writing before breakfast! It seems that the atmosphere that prevails in “The House of Seven Gables” has some curious effect on me as I am always awake early and have some time to write. Tuesday, I went with Miss Griffin to a U.D.C. party, in place of meeting and had a very descent time. It was at the house of Mrs. J. Warren Jones on Hull Street and her daughter, Mrs. Jack Lovett, gave it. Since Miss Fannie is the smartest thing in forty-seven states she asked to make a talk, which she did beautifully. Her subject was “Southern History” and she dwelt more on the Confederacy. I was with Ella Holt and a visitor from Mobile most of the time and like them very much. Just before we left the house, Wyatt called me up and visited. That very same day Morris sent me a mesh purse and I am crazy about it. I have since had a letter from him and he is in Birmingham - Went to see his physician. Wednesday morning, bright and early, I went out to Grandview for a day and night. It is a dandy place for summer time and I enjoyed my visit very much. The boys built a “shoot-the shoot” down on hill and up another so we had loads of fun riding on that and they have a nice pool so we went swimming. I came in yesterday and Wyatt came with me so we went to the “Grande” to see “Les Miserables”. It was awfully long but interesting. When we got home our key failed to unlock the door and we didn’t know what we were to do when Mr. and Mrs. Peagler came along. All four of us were on “the outside looking in” When Cousin Willie (Willie Wyatt) came to let us in, but she couldn’t unlock the door. from the inside so we were in a mess. Finally we went around to the side door and made it all o.k. Sept. 1st Yesterday morning, Mrs. Peagler and I went shopping. We went from one end of this village to the other and enjoyed the shopping expedition very much. In the afternoon Fannylu Wheeler called me up and invited me out to stay some with her. Guess I will go Wednesday and stay until Saturday, then I will be Oxford bound! Last night, I slept downstairs with Cousin Willie (Willie Wyatt) and such a time! In the middle of the night I had a horrible dream and when I awoke Cousin Willie was snoring to beat the band and a bat was flying furiously over the room! Speaking of being scared! I am green from it! I got up, woke Cousin Willie, let the bat out and went back to bed – but to sleep? Oh, no! A cat fight!!!!! I wonder where Morris is today. Sept 9th On Wednesday I went to Fannylu’s. She came to see me the day before and said she would come after me the next day but Mary Ellen took me to ride Wednesday morning so I met Fannylu downtown. The Sunday before I had gone calling with Cousin Willie and met an awfully cute girl, Melanee Gordon. That night we went up to Mary Ellen’s and I met a cute boy, Joe White. While I was at Fannylu’s we had a good time and I enjoyed it but it wasn’t especially gay as she doesn’t know many people there. We would go to town and to the picture show, ice-cream parlors and all such junk. Annie Laura Lamar, a good friend of Fannylu’s took us out autoing. Elise Smith came over one night and we had a mighty good time. On Sunday Mr. and Mrs. Tom Wheeler and little son and Will Glass spent the day with us. In the afternoon Fannylu, Virginia and I went to walk and to see Cousin Willie but she wasn’t at home. For almost a week before I left it rained but we would go in the rain just the same as sunshine. Monday morning, bright and early I left the City of Montgomery. Fannylu and Annie Laura went to the train with me and I hated to tell them good bye but was glad to go home. Soon as I landed on the train some old sister thought I was her niece so she came over and begun talking to me. Her name was Mrs. Stockdale and she was from Memphis. After she had told me all she knew she brought her niece, Mary Daughdrill of Mobile over and we had a very good time together. Lots of people got on the train at Clanton and among them was a good looking Mrs. Jones. He was with his sister who was going to Lineville to teach school and they both had pretty eyes, but his were the most beautiful I have ever seen. They got off in Calera and got on the same train I did but we all had two hours to wait there. I talked to Mr. Stein and Miss Jones some but spent most of my time at the drug store. Robbie was on the train when I got on and I sho’ was glad to see her. We had a lovely time flirting with Mrs. Jones and a friend sho was with him. They got off in Talladega and Morris was at the station! He looked so cute and Robbie almost fell in love with him too. We got home all o.k. and nothing exciting has happened since. Sunday, Frank called me up but I was not here so Stella talked to him. He left for Birmingham yesterday morning. September the 19th Have been at home almost two weeks and nothing exciting has happened yet. Have had only one date and that was with Oscar Stephens on Thursday night. Friday night Hugh Fitz Gerald called me up and wanted to come down that night but I told him I had a date. Tuesday afternoon, the Holly Bachelor Girls met with ____ ____ at Mrs. John Stewarts. We were supposed to sew but played “42” I went with Mattie Nora, Nelle Pinson & Jauileta and came back with Blanche and Eloise. This afternoon Cootie and I went to Anniston. I have to go back to Dr. Layden Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock. Sept. 24th Saturday night, Momma, Bro. Jim, Cootie and I were playing forty-two when the phone bell rang and who should it be but Frank! He came home from Ensley the night before and Sunday night he came down to see me. Neither of us mentioned the little disagreement we had the last time he was down here so we got along beautifully. That afternoon I saw him up town as I went up to Robbie’s and we went to the post-office to mail a letter. Harry walked home with me when I came and it was the first time I had ever seen his lordship since my return. He wanted to come down Sunday night and I was delighted because I had another engagement. While Frank was here I found out that the Xmas present he sent to me and the boy carried to Eura Robertson was a manicure set, the very thing I wanted bad. Monday, I went to see Miss Gussie and Jauileta (Bagley girls) but they were away from home so I went over to Alleta’s (Alleta Walker). Frank came home with me that afternoon. That night Stella, Bro. Jim and I went to the college to hear “Betsy Hamilton” (Mrs. Moore of Talladega) recite. Tuesday morning, I went to the dentist and am going back Friday. Last night, I went with the Bagleys and Davenports to Powers, Woodruff Opening. Everything was beautiful. Thella Bagley and I slipped off and went to the “Alamo” (picture show) with Blake Disheroon (Lived on Choccolocco as per 1910 census). This afternoon, Lila went to the sewing club and every body went somewhere, leaving me with the baby. It is needless to say I had the time of my life! Really he was right good so I dressed both of us and took him down to Mrs. Mellon’s (Sarah Ella Foster Mellon). Neva and Bettie (Mellon sisters) were at home so we had a good time. When I came home I met Robbie in town and we went to the drugstore. Albert Hubbard “set us up” and he and Norman Snow talked to us. Oscar Stephens came home with me for about the fourth time lately (wonderful!!!!) and we are going to a picture show tomorrow night. Oct. 5th On the night of the twenty-fourth after Oscar and I had been to the picture show we were sitting on the porch telling ghost tales when an old screech owl started up a tune right behind us and almost scared us silly. I have been going to the dentist every morning lately and am just about tired of it. Monday morning on the way I got a letter from Morris asking me to go to see Anna Held’s all varsity Jubilette with him Wednesday. I was delighted of course and Tuesday night he called me up to ask me to get another girl to go as another boy was coming with him. I got Nellie and we had the time of our young lives. The show was awful!!!! The girls were almost naked and in one scene we saw Anna in her “Teddies”. I will never get thru blushing. Thursday, Katie Neal (?) and I went tout to see Miss Lou Luttrell, who is very ill. Oscar walked home with me. Friday, Mrs. John L. Dodson died at Seller’s Infirmary where she had been sick only a few days. That night Oscar and I went to the New Noble to a talking picture show. Oct. 27th From the fifth of this month until last week nothing of much importance happened except Cousin Willie and Elizabeth England came to see us. “Lispe” is teaching school at Iron City and they were on their way out there so she spent only one night with us and Cousin Will spent two. Friday night, Nelle Hubbard entertained for Frances Willward (?) of Lexington, Ky. She had only six couples or three tables of “forty-two” and I made highest score. D. Pruith (?) was my partner every game except the first and we distinguished ourselves. Those invited were Mary and Etta Constantine, Frances Willward, Jessie Bentley, Lucille Howle, “Miss Roberts”, Albert Hubbard (1910 Census – Gray Street, Oxford, AL), Phil Whiteside (1910 Census – Snow St., Oxford, AL), Earl Cary (1910 Census – Mechanics St., Oxford, AL – Bookkeeper Cotton Mill), D. Smith, Norman Snow (1910 Census – Spring St., now 2nd St., Oxford, AL) and Hugh Anderson (Per WWI Draft Card Reg.: James Hugh Anderson - Lived 131 Snow St., Oxford, AL – He was the Athletic Director – Anniston Presbyterian College, Anniston, AL) Hugh was my “beau” and it was the first time I have ever been anywhere with him. Saturday night, Mrs. D. K. Miler entertained almost the same crowd for Frances, Lucille and Hugh were not there but Frank McCraw (?) took one place. Etta won the prize which was a deck of beautiful playing cards. Albert was my “beau” that time. At both parties we had lovely times. Coming home Saturday night, Albert and I made a trade to go to ___. The next morning and by that very transaction I got my business in a jam. Our secretary of the Philathea Class resigned and by heck! They elected me! That afternoon, I went to see Robbie and we went or rather started out walking but two very gallant young men came along in a car and took us to ride. They were none other than Mr. Blake Disheroon and Russell Elder!!!! Blake called me up this afternoon and later Alvin called me up. We talked for about an hour for the first time in ages. Next Friday night, our club is going to have a swell Halloween party at Nelle Pinsons and we are expecting to have a lovely time. Oscar is to be my lover. On the twenty-fourth of last month Stella entertained the “Forty-two” club and the next day I entertained the “Jolly Bachelors” – About two weeks later Papa had a letter from Alice (Alice Roberts Terrell) saying Uncle Jimmie (James Madison Roberts) died the twenty fifth of September. It was the first we had heard of it and it simply made Papa sick. The news came on Saturday as I went to tell Aunt Linie (Nancy A. Roberts Newsome) and spent the day. Momma went to Talladega that day and stayed until Monday. That night I stayed with Robbie and Sunday night stayed with Nellie. In the afternoon we went to walk with James Meredith and Paul Iuensele (?). That night Paul came to see me. He is from Pensacola, Fla., but is in school at the A.P.C. (Anniston Presbyterian College). Nov. 7, ‘13 On Halloween, the Jolly Bachelor Girls entertained in grand style at Nelle Pinson’s home. It was quite a sweet affair but oh! how we did have to work. Each of the girls could invite a boy and no town girls were invited, only three visitors, Frances Willward, Lucille Scarbrough of White Plains and Mary Tendal of Tenn (?). The girls walked and met at Mary Constantines. There the boys had to come up there after us. I took supper at Sister Margaret’s so I would be near and Lenda Pace and Lucille Scarbrough spent the night at Mrs. Whitesides (next door) so we went together. When the boys all came they had to draw numbers to correspond with the ones we had pinned on us and we walked down there together. We were entirely covered with sheets and masks so they didn’t have the slightest idea who they were with and the whole way down there not a single girl spike a word. It was loads of fun and the boys acted as big fools as they could trying to make us laugh. There were more girls at Mary’s than they were boys so Mattie Wakefield and I walked with a Dr. Williams of White Plains. He seemed to be rather bashful since it was his first appearance in Oxford society and he let Mattie fall in a ditch. It was imply too funny to see her stretched out in that ditch and I thought laugh I would but we both did beautifully and didn’t laugh out. We got Arthur Stokes (The Stokes lived next door to Earle & Margaret Roberts on Main Street) to sneak and fool the boys so Lonie Anderson drew his number and didn’t know until after we unmasked that he was walking with a boy. The entertainment committee planned several things for us to do so we were kept busy and everyone seemed to enjoy it. We served punch, a salad course, sandwiches, roasted marshmallows and candy besides all kinds of fruit. Mary Constantine, Blanche Eichelberger and I were on the refreshment committee and we and a time fixing things. One funny thing happened in connection with the party was – as some of the girls came through town with their masks on, Louise Ragan (Niece of Wm. H. & Fannie Cooper) and Mattie Wakefield stopped in the drug store. Leonard Thomas was in there and he just thought it was some little boys so he caught Louise by the arm and said “Come here, boy and let me see what kind of britches you have on! Louise almost fainted. Sunday was “Buddie” Earle’s birthday so we had them down to dinner and Monday was his and Sis Margaret’s tenth anniversary so they had us down to supper. We had quite a swell time and played “42” after supper. This morning Mamma and Papa left for Talladega. They are only going to spend the day. Tomorrow, I leave for Iron City to spend the weekend with Elizabeth. December 11, 1913 I spent the weekend, I spoke of in Iron City but nothing worth writing about happened so I will pass it up. Elizabeth (Elizabeth England) has spent a weekend with me since then. It was just after Thanksgiving but there was nothing doing. We went up to see Ella and bummed around the afternoon after she came and the next day we spent at Earle’s and Sister Margaret’s. Brother Jim and I took her to the train that night. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////// On the twentieth of last month, William Gaines (William Gaines Mellon) swallowed an open safety pin and we were miserable until it passed. He swallowed it on Thursday and passed it on Saturday. We, nor the doctors, could do nothing but feed him solid food but it caked around the pin and bent it so it couldn’t stick him. We were certainly a thankful family when it passed or as Foster (William Foster Mellon) says “after the delivery”. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////// It seems that when it rains it pours. Stella has been on the verge of a nervous break down for some time and Brother Jim has to be operated on soon. Lila (Lila Roberts Mellon) has been in the bed since Saturday night with a bad case of tonsillitis and tonight, Lydia was carried to Birmingham for an operation. Dr. Williams says she has an acute appendicitis so she was carried to Dr. Tally’s Infirmary and we are scared to death. Earle and Sis Margaret are both with her so Mary and James are down here. They are my bed fellows and I am not expecting much sleep. Our club has met twice lately. Once with Mattie Wakefield and yesterday with Jauileta Bagley. Both times there were invited guests and we played “42”. At Mattie’s, Nelle Pinson got the prize and yesterday Linda Pace (Daughter of Woody & Fannie Pace) got it. Carl Pace and Eugenia Thornton are to be married the Tuesday after Xmas. Mr. D. Smith gave me a beautiful deck of “42” cards yesterday. He has walked almost home with me several times lately. Morris hasn’t written to me in ages. The end of the diary. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/calhoun/history/other/1913diar342gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 68.3 Kb