The Bookbinder Diaries

We were married 11.15 A.M then went home and had dinner then had some fun in the afternoon with the guests and then went to our own home on the 5 o’clock train and arrived here at seven o’clock. Nice weather but rained in the evening.

Stormy weather. Richard went to work. I stayed at home in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went in the stores and in Richards shop. I wrote a letter to Mama. Mrs Brown and daughter was here to see us in the evening. We received letters from Uncle William and Helene.

Cloudy weather. Richard went to work. I visited Mrs Rockett in the afternoon and in the evening Richard and I went into the stores and Library and got a book.

We got up at eight o’clock went to Church and then ate dinner then we went out and made Elliots a visit and brought home the little dog. In the evening we wrote seven letters to Maybelle, Mamie, Laura, Saboch, Uncle William, Father Eisold, Lynn Strickard. Nice weather.

It snowed. Richard went to work. I took the letters to the P.O. and visited Mrs Brown a little while. Mrs Rockett was here to see me a little while. We received letters from Tosca, Laura, and Curt and Mamma and I wrote a letter to Mamma.

Nice weather. Richard went to work. I stayed home the forenoon and went in Richards shop  the afternoon and write a Postal Card home.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Papa and Mamma came here at two o’clock on the train and went home at five o’clock. I took them at the Depot until they were gone. Miss Brown was here to see me in the forenoon.

Nice weather. Richard worked. I went in the stores and in Richards shop. Received a letter from Maybel Whitney.

Lousy weather. Richard worked. We went at noon and had our pictures taken. Martha went with Mrs. Brown to the Doctor. I fell down the back stairs it was so icy.

Rainy weather. Richard worked. Martha was over to Mrs Brown to pay the rent and went home to Ludlow on the 5.03 train.

Nice weather. Richard was home alone. Mr Frizzel was here to see him.

Richard worked. Nice weather. Martha came back on the evening train from Ludlow.

Snowy weather. Richard worked. Martha washed for the first time here. Wrote a letter to Mamma and took it to the P.O.

Cloudy weather. Richard worked. Martha went to the Photographer to take the proofs there. Went to the Library and in Richards shop.

Rainy weather. Richard worked. Martha stayed at home all day.

Richard worked. Nice weather. Mrs Elliott and Mrs Smith was here and I went up street with them.

Nice weather. Richard worked. We done our shopping in the evening.

Rained most all day. We stayed at home all day and read papers.

Nice day. Richard worked. Martha went to the store and bought some things. The stone fixer was here and went to put in the bricks but he couldn’t. They wont fit.

Rain all day. Richard worked. Mr Elliot came and ate dinner here. Martha went over to Mrs Brown a while.

Cloudy weather. Richard worked. Martha stayed at home all day only went up in the shop in the afternoon to mail a letter and look at some books.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Mrs Smith came over in the afternoon and I went up street with her.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha went shopping in the forenoon. Mrs Smith was here in the afternoon. Life Insurance agent was here.

Nice weather. Colder. Richard worked. We went shopping in the evening.

Nice weather. We stayed home all day. Read the papers and learned how to sew books.

Snowy weather. Richard worked. Martha washed the clothes.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha stayed home all day.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha went up Street in the afternoon to get the Photographs and buy some things.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha stated at home and ironed. Minnie Brown was over here a little in the forenoon.

Weather clear & cold. Received wages at noon. Martha paid a bill & bought a few little things. Richard got home at 4.45. We left here by the 5.02 for Springfield. Stopped in Stuckerts, took the 6.20 carr for Jenksville where Ernst was waiting and arived in our Ludlow home at 9 o’clock. Made & received presents & had lots of fun.

Weather started clear & cold, went milder toward night with little snowing. Killing time was our hardest work for the day. Played different games domino at night.

Cloudy. Slightly warmer. Being trying hard to kill time best we could. All of us been sleepy. Richard had the Toothache (irish) as ever. We’ve been reading & talking most of the time. Got to bed early and forgot our prayers. Marthas face looks lovely spotted, but seems to better.

Richard went home to work. Left Ludlow with Papa. Went to Springfield first on a little spree. Tented to some business and arrived in here at 12.50 o’clock. Walked all afternoon. Weather was fine. Mailed 5 letters to Germany and forgot to mail 6 others for we didn’t write them. Richard feels like an old bachelor again, only not so happy, but awfull lonesome. How is Martha feeling? I miss her awfull.

Weather clear & cold. I was to tired or lazy to get up at time in the morning so I was about one hour late. Martha aint got back yet. This noon I ate nudles cooked on the kerosine stove. The meat I cooked last night. It is cold in the rooms all day, for I only make fire evenings after 6 o’clock. I wish Martha was back. Spent 38 cts to day.

Weather clear & cold. Slightly warmer towards night. Got a roaring fire in the old stove for the last time I guess, for I bought a new stove today for 26$. The Plumber is going to put him up to morrow noon. Maybel Whitney was here to day, but she could not go in the house, so she left a letter. There was also a letter left for her from Boston which I sended to Willimansett, Mass, as she required us to do. It seems allmost unbearable to stay here alone. I lost my appetite and dont feel good. I wish Martha was back. All I ate today was 3 fried eggs, 1 slice of stollen and three cups of coffee. I did wash dishes to night and now got to shave myself.

Found 2 in. snow in the morning. Weather was nice and warm. Received a letter from Mamie Conors and wrote to Martha. Exchanged Books in the library. Lost 2 hours work with setting up the new stove. Dont know yet if it will be any better. Mr Lee took the old stove in part of payment. I hope this to be the last night that I am alone. Ate nudles.

Ther will be a hot time, in the old town, to night for Martha is coming back with the 6.25 and then we celebrate New Years Eve in old good German fashion. Snowing hard to day. Expect to get good Haying. Got a letter from my wife this morning. The new stove seems to be O.K. Ate fried meat & eggs to day. Martha got home at 8 o’clock. The freight train got drifted in and so we had to wait till they were dug out again. We stayed up till 15 minutes to 12, had a good old time.

Editor’s note: Their first child, my grandfather, was born nine months later.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha went shopping in the afternoon and we went together in the evening. A Box came from Uncle Wilhelm from Richmond Va containing a Silver Fruit dish as wedding present and Richards Microscope. Put up lace curtains.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha went shopping in the afternoon and we went together in the evening. A box came from Uncle Wilhelm. We put the curtains up.

Nice weather but cold. We went to church to gether and stayed at home in the afternoon and read and wrote 5 letters in the evening. Richard has got the backache.

Nice weather, but cold. We went to church to gether and stayed at home in the afternoon, and read and wrote 5 letters in the evening. Richard has got the backache.

Richard worked. Martha washed and went up Street in the afternoon. We fixed the curtains.

Richard worked. Martha washed and went up street in the afternoon. We fixt the curtains.

Snowed a little. Richard worked. Martha went up street to buy some things. We put up a shelf in the Sitting room.

Snowed a little. Richard worked. Martha went up street to buy some things. We put up a shelf in the sitting room and put on draperies.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha ironed and stayed at home all day. Insurance Agent was here in the evening.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha ironed & stayed at home all day. Agent from Metropolitan Life insurance spent his evening here.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Auntie and Oscar came about two o’clock. We all went up to Richards shop to see him.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Auntie & Oscar arrived here at about two o’clock. We all went up to Richard’s shop. Oscar was liked to death.

Nice weather but warm. Richard worked. Martha, Auntie and Oscar walked up to Elliots and came back with the car. We stopped a little while to Abby Smith.

Nice weather, warm. Richard worked. Martha, Auntie & Oscar walked up Hospital Hill to Elliots place. Took the cars back. Stopped a little while at Abby Smiths Home in South Str. We all got wet feet.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Auntie, Martha, Oscar went shopping in the afternoon.

Nice weather, Richard worked. Martha and Auntie & Oscar went shopping in the afternoon.

Nice weather. Nettie and Bertha Seuss and Clara Findeisen was here. They stayed here and ate dinner with us then Martha and the girls went to Florence to see some German people and got back just in time to catch the 5.35 train. Richard was home with Auntie.

Nice weather. Nettie & Bertha Seuss and Clara Tindeisen was here. The ate diner with us, then Martha and the girls went to Florence to see some German people. Got back just in time to catch the 5.35. Richard stayed home with Arthur & Oscar.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha went to the Butcher shop in the forenoon to get some meat. Martha, Auntie, Oscar went up to the Library and read a while and then I took them on the train on the 5 o’clock.

Das ist der Tag des Herrn. [This is the day of the Lord.]

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha went to the Meat market in the forenoon. In the afternoon we went to the Forbes and the Clark Library and walked all over the town. Martha went with Auntie and Oscar to depot to  the 5.03 o’clock train.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha stayed home all day and sewed, crochet. Men came and put in the glass.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha stayed at home all day and sewed and crocheted. Man came at noon and put in two new window panels.

Rained most all day. Richard worked. Mrs Rockett was over to see me in the forenoon and I was over to Mrs Browns in the afternoon.

Rained most all day. Richard worked. Mrs. Rockett was here in the forenoon and I was over to see Mrs. Brown in the afternoon. Mrs. Brown presented me with a nice glass vase.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha went up street in the forenoon to get some meat and in the afternoon went up street and in Richards shop and went to Rocketts a little while.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Martha went up street in the forenoon to buy meat and in the afternoon went up street in Richards shop and later to Rocketts a little while.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Got a registered letter from Papa. $10.00. Martha got it in the afternoon and went in Richards shop. Mrs Brown was over here in the evening.

Nice weather. Richard worked. Got a registered letter from Papa with 10.00. Martha got it in the afternoon and went up in Richards shop. Mrs. Brown was here in the morning. Had a quite a long talk.

Martha dont feel well. Snowed most all day. Richard worked and went shopping alone in the evening.

Snowed most heavily all day. Martha did not feel well. Richard worked and went shopping alone in the evening.

Nice weather. We went to church in the forenoon then we came home and ate dinner and then we to a walk to the Hockanum Ferry and to the Hospital and looked at the stock in the evening we read papers.

Nice weather. Went to church in the forenoon. After we took a walk to the Hockanum ferry and to the Hospital, where we looked all over the barn buildings and the stock. Got home rather late & spent evening with reading.

Nice weather but cooler. Richard worked. Martha washed and went up street in the afternoon.

Nice weather but cooler. Richard worked. Martha washed and went up street in the afternoon. Bin to Richards shop. Visited Rocketts in the evening.

Weather clear & nice but verry cold. Martha took a letter to the post office and went up to Richards shop. Richard only worked half a day. Martha had tooth ache. Richard wrote a letter to New York for position.

Weather nice & clear, a good deal warmer. Richard had no work to day, but made a diary for our own use. We received a letter from papa and wrote him a postal. Martha went to the Academy of Musick and in Richards shop in the afternoon. Got still toothache and backache.

Had Snow, Rain & Hail. Warmer weather but awfull foky & nasty toward evening. Marthas wash is still on the line. Richard did not work in the forenoon and only about 2 hours in the afternoon. Wrote a letter to Mamie Connors and received one from Father Eisold. At night we went to the Salvation Armee service. Martha wanted stay there all night. It was to interesting for her. I guess she is got converted.

Weather cloudy & warm. Richard put in 1/2 days work. Martha went to the Academie of Musick in the afternoon with Mrs. Brown & ironed in the evening. He is got a nice cold. Richard exchanged Library books. We have water enough in the cellar to take a bath.

Cloudy & warm. Martha left here with the 1.40 to visit her parents in Ludlow. Richard went to the shop, but did not work. Letter received from Mama Hiersche. Richard received only 4.00 in wages for the week. Some work came in.

Sunday again. It snowed overnight about 4 inches. Heavy rain all morning, warm & windy. I had to shovel Snow & do housework. Went out to buy a paper and then stayed at home all day, feeling as old bachelor again. Spent the time with reading, studying & writing. Finished the Newspaper article about the colonisation of german East Africa and will mail it during the week.

Windy. Clear sky & frosty. Richard worked as usually. Went to the depot at 6.25 evening. Martha got back in time. Received letter from Lizzie Springer.

Clear & nice, but a little cold weather. Richard worked most all day. Martha felt sick but took a walk in the after noon to pay off the old coal Bill and saw Mr. Lee. Got in 1/2 a ton of coal. Wrote a letter to papa and Mama in Ludlow.

Got up late in the morning, found over 6 inches of snow on the ground. Kept on snowing all the forenoon, cleared of at noon. Richard went to the shop but didn’t work. Took a walk with Martha around the block to get 1/2 doz eggs. Spent the evening with fooling & reading.

Got up later than ever. Weather fine. Clear & cold. Richard went to the shop expecting work, but there was none. Martha took a little a walk and went to the Butcher shop, buying some meat. Richards cold aint over yet. Martha is still got the toothache & is awfull sleepy. Received a letter from Charlie Mausner, Meriden regarding lodg business. Ate Flicke & Bacon for dinner.

Snowed during the night about 1 inch. Clear & cold during the day. Richard went to the shop, but there was no work. Martha visited Mrs. Charlie Smith in the afternoon & Richard came after. Went home together at about 6 o’clock. Had Liver and mashed Potatoes for diner. Received a postcard from Mama, Ludlow.

Cold & cloudy, snowed a little. Richard did not work. Received 5 Dollar. Went shopping with Martha in the evening. Received bad news from Washington. Letter came from Mabel Whitney, Ludlow. Had Bacon & Eggs for diner.

The coldest day on record in this winter. 14 below at Hockanum ferry. We’ve been in Church and bought a newspaper. Spent the rest of the day at home, reading and writing letters to Meriden, Mabel Whitney & our folks in Ludlow. Ate Sausage for diner.

Terrible cold. Little Snowing in the morning, kept on all day and worked itself up towards a first class blizzard towards evening. Martha washed. Richard went to work. Didn’t put in a whole day. Mailed letters and sent check for 1.20 to his lodge in payment of dues. Ate “Leipziger Allerlei” with Beef for diner. Martha couldn’t move for about 4 days, so Richard went to the drug store and bought some bills. Brought home some eggs.

Slightly warmer. Kept on snowing to about noon. Richard had quite a job shoffling this morning. Went to the shop about one hour late. Didnt work full time. Letter received from Mama. Martha is feeling better. Had Cabbage & Beef for diner. Wind is blowing bustily. Bought Meat for to morrow. Received a military calendar from Father Eisold, Germany.

Nice & Cold. Richard worked. Got a letter from Mamie Connors. Martha went to Forbes Library to exchange Books. Call in the shop. Had fearful Cramps. Had Nudels & Beef for diner.

Coldest day for this winter. 12 below at corner Elm & Main Str. at 7 o’clock AM. Neighborhood reported allways from 16 – 28 below. Richard worked. Martha ironed. felt good to day. Got Herring & Murphys for diner. Bought Fish for tomorrow. Mrs. Rocket was here in the after noon.

Weather fine and cold. Richard worked. Ate Fish for diner. Martha didn’t feel well. I guess she is got to take some more pills. The water pipe is busted.

Cloudy & warm. Little rain in the afternoon. Richard worked. Papa & Mama came here to a visit at 2 o’clock P.M. Richard didn’t get all his money. Martha & Mama went around town in the afternoon & went shopping in the evening. Papa & Richard stayed at home and drank a few bottles of beer. Got lots of talk. Had fried Eggs for dinner.

Clear, suny & warm day. Regular Spring weather. Richard went with papa to the hospital farm with the sligh. papa afterward gave Martha a ride around town. Ate a good chicken diner. Papa and Mama left here for home at two o’clock. Martha went with them as far as Holyoke and came back with the 4.10 train. Spent the evening with reading.

Clear & mild. Richard went to work. Martha received letters from Mabel Whitney, Laura Smith & Mama. Martha went out for a short walk. Mr. Lee sent the wash wringer. Plumber fixed the water pipe. Mrs Johnes and Mrs Elliot been here for a short visit. Wrote a letter to Ludlow and sent Lodge dues to Meriden. Had Sunday scrabs or diner. Martha is now eating apples and Richard drinks cider. I guess he prefers the apple juice for the apple meat. That is all for the day.

Spring weather. Richard went to work about 1/2 a day. Martha went to the Library in the afternoon and to the post office. Later came to the shop and went off with Richard, buying some meat. Mailed a letter to Rochester concerning them trees. Had Pork for dinner.

Little cloudy & verry warm. Snow is running off fast. Discovered another break in the water pipe. Richard worked. Got home at half past 5 o’clock and made a bench for the washtubs. Martha didn’t leave the house. Had “Pambus” for diner. Richard was presented with a pair of good mettens from Mrs. Ch. T. Lawrence, LH. Martha takes a hot foot bath every evening. Richard made a “tagebuch” or Mama.

 

Editor’s note: a tagebuch is a diary.

Nice weather. Richard went to work. Ch. T. Lawrence was here for dinner. Had…grune Klose and sauerbraten. Richard brought Mama’s tagebuch home, will send it to her sometime during the week. Plumber was here again and finished his job in the cellar. Martha went out for a little walk in the afternoon.

Cloudy & warm. Richard went to the shop but didn’t work. Martha stood at home all day. No mail received. Ate Beef and Potatoes for diner.

Cloudy in the morning. Rain later. Letter from Mama. Martha paid Fitts the Rest of the Bill. Richard went shopping alone. Did not work to day. Ernst & Arthur came here with the 6.24. Miss Brown was here. Ate Herring and Potatoes with marjoram for diner.

Weather nice & warm. We did not got to church on account of the Boys. Martha took a ride with them in the electric cars to Williamsburg. Richard stood at home and cooked diner, kartoffelkloesse (potato dumplings) & Hamburg Steak. Ate diner at 1 o’clock and later all of us took a ride all over the city. Played a few games of card at the evening.

Weather started to be fine, but rained and snowed in the afternoon, cleared up in the evening. Richard worked. Martha went with the Boys to the Library and got a pair of Rubers in Alberts Store. The boys left with the 1.45. Martha took them to the station. Sent 1 month dues to Meriden and letters to M. Whitney, our parents, and brother Arthur congratulating him to his birthday. Received a forgetting Bill from Fitts, amounting to 1.36$. Must be a mistake somehow. Sent a pair of Rubers and a letter back to Robert Smith, Springfield. Had Rice & Beef for diner. Martha changed Books in Forbes Library and called on Richards shop twice.

Clear & nice, snowed heavy late in the afternoon and evening. Richard worked. Martha had her washday. Ate Potato Stew & Beef for diner and griddles cakes for supper for the first time. Sent a letter to Lizzie Springer. S.S. Maine U.S. blown up in Habana Harbor. Accident? No.

Das Wetter war den ganzen Tag stürmisch. Schneite gegen 8 inches und machte Schneewehen überall. Richard war im „shop“, hat also nur einige Stunden gearbeitet. Musste morgens noch Schnee schippen um aus dem Haus zu können. Robert Schmidt hat geschrieben und 500 Briefbögen bestellt. Brief erhalten von Mama und Arthur. Richard ging nach de Abendbrot zum Hospital und mal schon um 7 Uhr wieder zurück. Mrs. Rocket was nachmittags hier für einen kurzen Besuch. Martha war bei ihr des Abends. Schrieb Briefe zu Robert Schmidt und nach Hause. Hatten Sauerkraut mit Speck zum Mittagessen. Fürchterlich kalt zur Nacht. 

Translation:

Weather was stormy all day. Snowed about 8 inches and made snowdrifts everywhere. Richard was in the “shop” so only worked a few hours. Had to shovel snow in the morning to get out of the house. Robert Schmidt wrote and ordered 500 letter sheets. Received letter from Mama and Arthur. Richard went to hospital after supper and was already back by 7 o’clock. Mrs. Rocket was here in afternoon for short visit. Martha went to her in the evening. Wrote letters to Robert Schmidt and home. Had sauerkraut with bacon for lunch. Terribly cold at night. 

Klares kaltes Wetter aber windig. Richard ging zum „shop“; aber hat nur einige Stunden gearbeitet. Martha hat geplättet und ging nachmittags einkaufen und besuchte Mrs. Rocket. Hatten Flecke für Mittag. 

Translation:

Clear cold weather but windy. Richard went to the “shop”; but only worked a few hours. Martha ironed and in the afternoon went shopping and visited Mrs. Rocket. Had tripe for lunch. 

Cloudy & warm. Richard went to the shop but didn’t work. Martha stayed at home all day. Had Fish diner.

Cloudy. Richard went to work. Martha left here with the 12.45 to visit her folks and the Grange in Ludlow. Letter received from cousin Molly, Richmond, Va. Ate Pigs Knockles & Sauerkraut.

Regen, Hagel und Schnee hier die ganze Nacht und heute schneite es den ganzen Tag. Martha hat schlechtes Wetter Besuche zu machen. Richard hat das Haus nicht verlassen. Verkorkster Sonntag mit Lesen, Schreiben, Essen, Schlafen usw. Hatten gebratene Kartoffeln und Eier für Mittagessen. Schnee und Hagel liegt ungefähr 3 inches hoch und ist mit einer guten Eiskruste überzogen. Richard hat Schmerzen im unteren Ende der Wirbelsäule und fühlt sich einsam und verlassen. Der Zeitungsjunge hat uns wieder vergessen. Bin Neugierig was sich noch aus der Cuba Angelegenheit entwickeln wird.

Translation:

Rain, hail and snow here all night and today it snowed all day. Martha has bad weather for her visits. Richard did not leave the house. Lazy Sunday with reading, writing, eating, sleeping, etc. Had fried potatoes and eggs for lunch. Snow and hail is about 3 inches high and covered with a good crust of ice. Richard has lower spine pain and feels lonely and abandoned. The newspaper boy has forgotten us again. Am curious how the Cuba affair will develop further. 

 

Hail storm all day, slightly colder. Richard was in the shop as usually but had no work at all. Frizzell went to the Chicopee falls attending to a funeral so R. had to keep the shop open. Received a letter from Arthur Hiersche, Ludlow. Had Salt pork & Murphys for dinner. Martha is expected back with 6.24 to morrow, if she dont prefer to come at noon. I wish she would. Wrote a letter to Louis Stuckert, Springfield. Expect news from Germany.

Regular Snowstorm. Richard didnt work. Went to the depot at 11.45 for nothing. Martha got back with the 6.24. Brought back more than she took home. Had Rice & Stewed Beef for diner. Just remember this day on the (Merk B.). Heute haben wir es ausgefunden. 

Translation:

Today we found it out.

 

Editor’s note: I suspect this is the day Martha’s pregnancy was confirmed. My grandfather was born September 23 of this year.

Snowed in the morning but cleared up and turned out to be a fine afternoon. Richard went to the shop but didn’t work. Had Cabbage and Stewed Beef & Potatoes for diner. Martha went shopping & mailed a letter for home.

The finest day we had for a long time. Richard went to the shop but had no work. Wrote a few advertisements for the boss, to send them to the surrounding Librarys. Abby Smith was here in the afternoon and went out for a walk with Martha & later called in the shop. The most talked of topic all around is now the possibility of war with Spain. Sured preparations for such are surely made. The government is, I think on the lookout and ought to. Had Sauerkraut & Pork for diner.

Fine weather but a little damp. Richard hatte auch heute keine Arbeit. Martha schickte einen Brief an Mamie Conors, Wilbraham. Hatten Hering und Kartoffeln zu Mittag. Fühlen beide gut. Sind schon ¾ 8 zu Bett gegangen als rechte Schlafmützen. Es sieht mit jedem Tag ernster aus, so dass auch wir beinahe an einen kommenden Krieg glauben. Der City Clerk annonciert für Freiwillige. Viele melden sich. 

Translation:

Fine weather but a little damp. Richard had no work today either. Martha sent a letter to Mamie Conors, Wilbraham. Had herring and potatoes for lunch. Both feeling well. Went to bed already at ¾ 8; we are real sleepyheads. It looks more serious with each day, so that we too almost believe in a coming war. The City Clerk advertises for volunteers. Many sign up. 

Clear & cold in the morning. Warmer & cloudy later. Richard went to the shop. Had no work. Took a walk with Martha in the after noon and bought Groceries. The war talk grows stronger. Had Boiled Ham & mashed potatoes for diner.

Clear & cold. Been to church in the morning. Decided to take a walk after diner but didn’t come to it. We wanted to take a nap for about one hour and so slept up to 5 o’clock. Spent the rest of the day with reading. Klose & Sauerbraten.

Got up at 1/2 past five. Nice Weather. Richard helped Martha a little in washing and then went to the shop. Took a walk in the afternoon. Stopped in the City Hotel for a glass of Beer, and bought eggs & meat in Clapps Market. Richard then went to the shop again and worked to 6 o’clock. Martha visited Mrs. Currencers and took in the washing. Received letters from Father Eisold & Mama. Had “aufgewarmtes” for diner. City Clerk Clapp enrolled 62 Volunteers so far.

Editor’s note: aufgewarmte – reheated things

Fine Weather. Richard went to work. Martha ironed. Received a letter from Lizzie Springer and mailed one to Ludlow. Martha went to the postoffice. Had “Leipziger Allerlei” for diner.

Editor’s note: Leipziger Allerlei is a German a vegetable dish.

Schönes Wetter. Richard ging wie gewöhnlich zur Arbeit. Martha brachte Nachmittags einen Brief zur Post und war zur Auktion. Bekam einen Löffel geschenkt. Hatten Rindfleisch und Nudeln für Mittag. Brief war für die Zivildienst Kommission, Hartford; Postkarte nach Easthampton.

Translation:

Beautiful weather. Richard went to work as usual. Martha took a letter to the post office in the afternoon and went to the auction. Got a spoon as a gift. Had beef and noodles for noon. Letter was for the civil service commission, Hartford; postcard to Easthampton. 

Snowed in the morning, but cleared up at about 10 o’clock. Richard went to work. Received a letter from Hartford & Tax bill from Springfield for last year. Wrote & mailed a letter to the U.S. Civil Service Commission, Washington. We expected Mama here to day, but in vain, the weather must have kept her back. Martha went out for a little walk and went afterward to the Library to exchange books, called in the shop and then went with Mrs Charles Smith again to the auction and again received a small Teaspoon as present. She only got back from her stroll a few minutes off 6 o’clock so we had supper late. Spent evening with writing & reading and sat up rather late. Ate “grune Klose” and boiled Ham for diner.

Cloudy in the morning. Snowed towards evening. Richard went to work. Martha went to the meat market and the shoemaker in the afternoon. Wrote a letter to Sister Helene, Wilken. Ate Ham & Eggs with mashed murphys for diner.

Fine & clear weather. Richard went to work. Martha went shopping in the after noon and attended the auction. Was presented with a napkin ring this time. Received a letter from Mama & Mamie Connors. Martha paid rent. Mrs. Smith was here. Sent off the letter to Sister Helene with 1$. Baked bisquits at night. Martha was homesick. Richard bought 1 dozen bot. Beer.

Fine weather. Got up unusual early for a Sunday morning. Did not get to church for Richard was ashamed to go with his old shoes and Martha wanted a new hat. Had our diner, consisting of Roast Beef & Potatoes & Sauerkraut at 12 o’clock and then took a walk to Joe Priest in Olive Street to look at a Tenement. Could not see in and so went to visit Smiths in South St. Got home at 5 o’clock. Ate supper as usually and spent evening with reading and writing. The big walk on dirty str. tired us pretty well out, so I guess we go to bed early, to have a good solid rest.

Schönes Wetter. Richard ging zur Arbeit. Bekam Nachricht von Washington. Martha ging aus Nachmittags und brachte ein Inserat in beide Zeitungen für Logie. Hatten Reis und Rindfleisch zu Mittag. Mailed letters to Meriden, Lichenstein, and Ludlow.

Translation:

Fine weather. Richard went to work. Received message from Washington. Martha went out in the afternoon and put ad in both papers for housing. Had Rice and Beef for lunch. Mailed letters to Meriden, Lichenstein, and Ludlow.

Brilliant Weather. Richard went to work. Martha went out in the afternoon. We received nine answers of our ads. 8 from the Herald and 1 from the Gazette. Will go to morrow to look at some of them. Had a lively maus (note: mouse) chase in the evening. Had nudles and Beef for diner. Trank a bottle Beer after supper and spent the rest of the evening with reading.

Das schönste Mützenwetter. Keine Arbeit. Martha & Richard gingen nach dem Essen auf die Logiesuche. Nichts gefunden. Müssen morgen wieder gehen. Haben noch 3 offene Angebote. Turnips & Rindfleisch. 

Translation:

The most beautiful weather. No work. Martha & Richard went in search of lodging after dinner. Found nothing. Will have to go again tomorrow. Still have 3 open bids. Turnips & Beef. 

continued nice weather. Awfull warm, that makes the snow go with a limp. Richard went to the shop, but there was no work. Went on the look for tenement, found one suitable in 23 Green Street. Have not taken it as to yet, but properly will. It is nice and nearer the shop. Bin expecting Mama up here and so, went to the depot to the 1.43 and 2.20 trains. Got terrible disapointed, for, nobody came. Not even a letter as usually. At Sausage for diner.

Hot, as in July. Was quite foggy in the morning. Martha was sick yesterday, but feels O.K. to day. Richard went to the shop, without having work. If this things continued, we may have to go somewhere else. Martha went to the auction once more and received another small teaspoon as present. Richard came for her at 5 o’clock. Got home to gether and spent the evening reading etc. Richard wrote to Springfield, Ludlow and New York. Had tripe & sour Potatoes for dinner. There was no mail.

A warm rain all night & through most the whole day. Awfull foggie towards evening. Richard went to the shop, but there was no work. Had a shave and haircut. Paid and ordered coal and went shopping. Mrs. Charles Smith was here and Martha took a walk with her & visited Mrs. W. Striker, Pleasant St. Richard met Martha and Mrs Smith on Main St. Went together to the Meat market, bought Meat & Eggs, and from there, went to Beekmans Candy store and then home. Received a letter from Mama and a business letter from Enterprise, Easthampton, containing samples, etc. Looks more like war now, than it ever looked before. Richard would like to go, Martha won’t let him. Had fried eggs & mashed Potatoes for diner. Richard changed Library books.

Cloudy. Very little fine rain & snow. Got up late. Did not go to church for Martha dont want to go unless she is got a new hat, so stayed at home all day. Richard only went away a few minutes buying a newspaper. Spent the day with reading, in the evening wrote to Mama. Ate fried liver for diner.

Schönes Frühlingswetter. Richard ging zum shop hatte aber keine Arbeit. Verkaufte 500 Briefbogen. Mama und Albert waren hier. Martha ging mit ihnen durch die Stadt und um 5 nach dem Depot. Richard und Martha dann gingen nach dem Shop und dann nach Hause. Hatten Nudeln und Rindfleisch. Sandten Briefe nach Wilbraham und Easthampton. Mama konnte einen Brief selbst mitnehmen. 

Translation:

Beautiful spring weather. Richard went to the shop but had no work. Sold 500 pieces of letter paper. Mama and Albert were here. Martha went with them through town and at 5 brought them to the depot. Richard and Martha then went to the shop and then home. Had noodles and beef. Sent letters to Wilbraham and Easthampton. Mama was able to take a letter with her. 

Fine Spring weather. Little colder. Richard went to the shop, had little work. Had to take a picture book to pieces at home for it was all pasted to gether and he had to soak it in the washtub. Was a quite a sight, hangen on the washline. Martha ironed in the forenoon. We both went out for a walk at about 1/2 past three, visited Mrs. W. Striker and walked down Pleasant St to look at a tenement. Only saw it on the outside and left, dissatisfied. Walked back & up Main St to State. There Martha went home and R. to the shop looking for work, mail & paper. Spent evening at home reading & writing. Our neighbors, “Rocketts” are going to move day after to morrow. We soon to may move. We long ago would have done it so, if only R. work was more certain. Hoping, in vain, for better times to come. Had pork & Sauerkraut for diner. Received mail from Springfield, stating that R. is got to pay his taxes there. It looks more like a coming war than ever.

Clear & cold in the morning. Clouded up and rained most all day long. Richard went to the shop but only a little work. It is to bad that there is nothing steady in this county. Martha did not feel good, this morning. Ate too much candy, I think. Is feeling better to night. Springfield is now getting his share from the war preparations. There are to be 1200 men added to the Labor force. Letter received from Rev. Francis, he will not apply for Edwards Church. There are plenty of tenements now and we will find some that suits us. Had Stew for diner. Richard framed Papa’s picture to day.

St. Patricks day. Raining in the morning but clearing up at about 10 o’clock and was the finest day we ever had. Richard went to the shop, but had no work. Received a letter from Mama and a postal card from papa Eisold congratulating R. to his birthday, 11 days to soon. Papa E. is feeling better now, and we are glad to have such good news. Rocketts moved to day, this was a hot time in the old town, the landlady attached goods for rest of rent. Mrs. R. made us a present with barrels, boxes and such things, useful for us. Martha went out after dinner for a short walk. Later visited Miss Brown and then R. & M. went to the shop, getting R. pipe, which he had forgotten and to the Herald and Gazette Office delivering some letters for business purposes. Had Bacon & Eggs for diner.

Fine weather. Richard went to the shop, had 1/2 a days work. Will work to morrow, properly all day. Martha went out for a walk, after diner, exchanged Books in the library, came to the shop. Then went with Mrs. Ch. Smith to the meat market and took her home. Wrote a letter to the New York World, advert. for a position in next sundays paper. Business dont seems to pick up at all, great promises but nothing substantial. The items Richard wrote yesterday are in to nights paper. The snow is most gone now and we expect to have nice weather continued. Martha is got a headache. The poor girl got lots of ailments. I wonder if she ever gets trough. Had baked beans for dinner. M. went to Lees to get the Water kettle back, but he wasn’t done yet, well, she is got to go again.

Rainy morning, cleared up towards noon. Richard went to work. R. & Martha went out shopping after supper. Bought Meat & Groceries and a new hat for Dick. We are awfull rich to night. R. earned 5 doll. this week. Took a order for more work. Martha talks about going home, properly Monday, in time to attend the grange meeting. I will go this week to, properly Thursday, to Papa’s birthday, anyhow saturday. Had carrots and pork for diner.

Sunday again. It was cloudy and stormy all day. We got up in time. Didn’t go to church. Martha baked good bisquits for breakfast. I went out to get a newspaper and then delivered 150 letterheads to Mr. Carley the newsdealer. After diner we took a walk to the Hadley Bridge to see the high water. It is not as high as we expected to see. But it was awfull windy, we had to keep our hats in our hands the most of the time and could often hardly stay on our legs. Lots of peoples went out the same way, as I judge, just for a walk to take in the sights of the Conn. River. Wrote a letter to Mama. Chase yourself. That is what Martha just told me to do, but I wont, though. It is to good to stay. Had Hamburg Steak & mashed Murphy’s for dinner. At about half past 11 o’clock last night, a thunderstorm and lightening awoke us from a good sleep. It was the first this season. Martha was terrible frightened, she clung to me as the honeysuckle to his vine. It didn’t last long and peace was restored.

War ziemlich trüb und nebelig am morgen, schneite etwas; war aber im großen und ganzen schönes, aber kaltes Wetter. Ich ging zum „shop“ hatte aber nichts zu tun. Ging nach dem Essen mit Martha zum Ch. Stewarts Hause um Bestellungen auf Bücher zu nehmen. War OK. M. ging zum Fleischer und zur Post mit einem Brief für Mama. Hatte vergessen ihr den Hausschlüssel zu geben und so hatte das Vergnügen sie im „shop“ zu sehen. Empfingen Brief und Zeitung von Ludlow und einen Brief von l.F. Lawrence, E.H.. Hatten Schweinefleisch und Kartoffeln für Mittag. Martha wollte Mrs. Rocket aufsuchen, ist aber, weil schon Besuch dort war, gleich an der Tür wieder umgekehrt, ohne sich sehen zu lassen und besuchte dann Mrs. Brown. Verbrachten den Abend mit Lesen. 

Translation:

Was rather dull and foggy in the morning, snowed a little; but was on the whole nice but cold weather. Went to the shop but had nothing to do. Went to Ch. Stewart’s house after dinner with Martha to take orders on books. Was OK. M. went to butcher and post office with letter for Mama. Forgot to give her the house key and so had the pleasure of seeing her in the “shop”. Received letter and paper from Ludlow and a letter from l.F. Lawrence, E.H.. Had pork and potatoes for lunch. Martha was going to see Mrs. Rocket but, as there were already visitors there, turned back already at the door without being seen and then went to visit Mrs. Brown. Spent the evening reading. 

Snow & rain most all day. Richard went to the shop, but had only little to do. Received a telegram from Burroughs Bindery, Schenectady, NY as answer of my “ad” in the Sunday World, answered the same immediately. Found an “help wanted” in the Springfield Republican from the Eagle Bindery, Pittsfield, Mass as foreman and applied at once for position. I sincerely hope to get something soon, better paying as my present job. Mailed some German papers to Father Eisold. Martha went to the post office, took a little walk and visited Mrs. Currency. I got home at five and went out after supper to buy meat for to morrow. Sent C. Rew with the samples to Amherst. Frizzell paid half the fare. Had “Klose” and Beef stew for dinner. Martha dont like to move much farther away from Ludlow, her old home, as we are now, but I fear we got to, as bindings are not as plentyfull in this county. The war fever is still growing and I would not be surprised if war is the final result.

Rain, Snow & sunshine all mixed up in “oodle moodle”. I went to the shop and finished a music book. It took me about 1/2 an hour, but was my whole days work. Received a letter from Burrows, Schenectady, NY, stating the kind of work he wants me to do. As it is heavy machine work and finishing only I dont feel as I wanted to go. Have to wait for an answer from Pittsfield, Mass. I went out with Martha to buy her a new hat, but we could not get any suitable. Well, she goes Springfield to morrow and there, may have more luck. Wrote a postcard to Ludlow and one to Easthampton. Martha received letters from Mamie Connors and Mabel Whitney. M. visited Mrs. Rockett after diner and now is full of praise of Mrs. R new tenement. I dont know if we will ever move, It wont hardly pay, in case I got to go out of town. Had Rice & Beef for diner. I cleaned the stove last night. M. baked Bread in the morning and got a good fair bake.

Fine Weather, cold. I went to the shop, had no work. Got back here at nine o’clock a.m. and went with Martha to the depot. M. took this early train to meet her folks in Spr. and congratulate papa to his birthday. I expected her back but got sadly left. She made me a straw widower. Will I go out to on saturday and fetch her back. Had Potato ships and Beef for diner.

 

Editor’s note: A straw widower refers to either a wife or husband who lives temporarily alone. separated from their spouse. A previous post refers to a grass widower, which is essentially the same.

Got up as usual after a very restless and uneasy night. Prepared my breakfeast and looked out for the weather. It was an unusual fine day. Went to the shop as all ways, first reading the paper in the Livery office put in 1/2 days work and will do so to morrow. Got home eleven o’clock. Found a letter from Bertha Seuss and mailed a postcard to Pittsfield, Mass. Went at 1/2 past 1 o’clock to the shop, and found two letters waiting for me, which I wish would never have come, at least not yet. It is only a few days ago that I received comunication from my father, stating his health improving, and to days letter tells me of his sudden death on heart failure. I can hardly believe it, but still it is the truth. My good old father, happy the man, who could call him by this name. Mother was taken from me, now three years ago, and he never got over it. How glad I am, that I went home two years ago, to shake once more Hands with the best father, any human being can have in the World. It is hard, to be in far away countrys unable to help and assist the old folks, who are living in the old world. This was the case with my dear, beloved mother and now again, with father, it nearly breaks my heart. How will I end? And how the one I love? God give them peace.

Fine Spring weather. Got to work. I take the 5 o’clock train to Ludlow and will stay out there, properly a weak. Work will be better, when I come back.

Got back here at 11.10 a.m. Regular snowstorm. The time I stayed in Ludlow past quick. I helped around the farm, burned brush on my lot, set up fenz posts, went to the Sawmill with logs u. o. f. Attended Church with the boys and Martha…and got with Pa to Three Rivers. Martha visited the grange yesterday. Received letters from Curt, Easthampton, and N.Y. Took the 7 o’clock cars to E.H. and got home at 9. Had fried eggs for diner. Promised Mr. Warnack to move next Wednesday April the 13th in his house.

Fine and clear, but cold. Went to work. Received a letter from Helene and from Mr Sheehan, E. H. Gave Frizzell some coal, paid rent. Martha cashed 4$ from Mr. Carley for Letter heads and mailed a letter to mama. Martha visited Mrs. Curenzie. Took the 1/2 past 6 cars to Easthampton and spoke to Mr. Sheehan about a position, which Martha waited outside. Promised to let me know by saturday if he takes me or not. Got back at 1/ 2 past 8. Martha did all her washing to day. Had Beef and Potatoes for diner. There is no war yet. McKinly is a fool and makes laughing stock out of us for the whole world. It is a shame.

Fine Weather continues and the war talk is still going on. I went to work. Martha went out for a walk and visited me in the shop. Exchanged Library books. Received a letter from Uncle William. Started to write an answer to Helene. Had Sauerkraut & Pork for diner.

Very pleasant Weather. I went to work as usually. The work on the State Street electric line is going rapidly. Received a letter from Incel Hiersche (Grandfather) and a Bill from Lee the Plumber. He charges all we had lately, though we paid him more than 12 dollars already. Must give him hell. War now, is sure to come. Finished the letter to Helene. Hired Albert Wade to move us next week. Had Stew & Beef for diner. Martha went out for a long walk after diner and visited Mrs. ?, Mrs. Currencie’s sister. Paper sellers now make good money.

Good Weather, rich air. I went to work. Martha went out for a little walk after diner then came to the shop and we both went shopping and paid Mr. Lee 5.25 & Fitts 76 cts. of old bills. War shall begin Tuesday, April 12th. Mailed Helenes letter. Received $9.50 this week. Had Rice soup and Eggs & Bacon with mashed Potatoes for diner.

Easter Sunday. Cloudy & rainy. We went to church at morning & evening service. Took a little walk up Green street and spent the rest of the day reading. Martha got up first this morning and had breakfast ready as I came down. The music given was nice. Had Veal steak & Mashed Potatoes for diner. To days Papers are full of war news, contradicting each other, but war seems to be inevitable. Well, let it come, we are prepared and dont fear the least.

Schönes Wetter. Ich ging zur Arbeit wie gewöhnlich. Martha war beim Fleischer des Morgens. McKinley hat endlich seinen Bericht eingereicht. Bangroft weiss noch nicht, was zu tun. Bekamen einen Brief von Mama und einen von Burrows Bindery, Schenectady. Martha hat angefangen die Teppiche aufzunehmen, Kleinigkeiten einzupacken usw. Hatten Nudeln und Rindfleisch zu Mittag. 

Translation:

Fine weather. Went to work as usual. Martha was at the butcher’s in the morning. McKinley finally turned in his report. Bangroft does not know what to do yet. Got a letter from Mama and one from Burrows Bindery, Schenectady. Martha started taking up the rugs, packing odds and ends, etc. Had noodles and beef for lunch. 

Fine Weather. I went to work. Mailed a letter to Mama. Martha did not leave the house to day. Finished taken out Carpet tax. We will start to night packing some things, to save trouble by morning. I hope the good weather, we now have will continue, so we got easy moving. Congress did not answer the presidents message yet. I wonder what they are going to do. Had stewed Beef and Potatoes for diner. Will take the shop on Monday next on my own acount.

Fine Weather. I went to work. Went up Warnacks place to tell them, that we are coming to morrow. Martha mailed a letter to mama. Had Pork & fried Eggs for diner.

Cloudy and chilly. Had everything packed up last night to be ready to move. Expected the expressman Albert Wade at about 1/2 past 7 o’clock, but he didn’t come. Waited for him to 1/2 past 10 o’clock then ordered Dewey, who followed the call quick. Got trough moving at 15 min. past one. I helped to unpack and layed the straw matting in the bedroom, set up the bed and did other little jobbs, to straiten things up. Martha visited Mrs. Currecie in the morning and then went up here first, to await the team. Mr. Warnack was with us in the evening. Talked and read the paper. Everything got up safe. I went to the shop and worked for about one hour. Ate diner at 1/2 past 6 o’clock P.M. containing Liver & Bacon with Murphys.

Heavy rain. Kept on all day. Helped Martha a little to straiten things up. Went to the shop as usually and worked all day. Didn’t do much in the evening for Martha is got most everything ready. I got full work to morrow and so am able to make a little this week. Awaited a letter from Mama but got left. Had fried Eggs as diner. I guess we like it here all right. It is a little further from the shop as the old tenement, but I like it better.

Rainy in the morning, cleared up after diner. I went to work. Received a letter from mama. Martha came to the shop at about 1/2 past 2 o’clock. Paid Mrs. Brown $2.00. Tried to pay Mr. Dewey for moving, but didn’t find anybody at home. Went shopping with Martha. Ordered some furniture and bought Beer, Meat & Groceries. Layed the Carpet in the parlor and got up the Lace Curtains and did other little things. Ordered and received 1 doz. Lager. Spent the Rest of the Evening reading. Had sour Potatoes for diner. Our new home looks pleasant now and will be still better in a few days.

The first real hot day we had this year. Was clouding up in the afternoon and sprinkling a little towards evening. We did not go to church. I went to buy a newspaper and after diner took a walk with Martha around to the campus as far up Elm St. as Elm St. house and then back. Got acquainted with our new neighbor Mr Grenier a German tailor. Ed Frizzell was here in the later P.M. for a short visit, to see our new home. Had roasted chicken for diner.

Schönes Wetter. Habe heute die Buchbinderei auf eigene Rechnung übernommen. Ging mit Leippell zum Notar Pierce um die Papiere auszumachen, welche dann durch den City Clerk archiviert wurden. Habe bis jetzt 81,20 Cash eingenommen und hoffe, meinen Lebensunterhalt zu verdienen. Wir werden uns freilich einschränken müssen, wenn wir auf einen grünen Zweig kommen wollen. Also ich habe in Martha eine gute Frau gefunden, und sie wird mir gewiss helfen soviel in ihren Kräften steht. Die Rooms kosten 6 Dollar und die Unkosten 4 Dollar den Monat. Ich habe etwas Material an Hand, so dass ich nicht gleich stock kaufen muss, und werde mich, wenn ich nur etwas Geld zur Hand bekomme schon durchschlagen. Schrieben Briefe an Mamie Connors, Mamma und andere Geschäftsbriefe. 

Martha hat mich am Nachmittag im shop besucht und wird dies nun, da das Geschäft mein ist, öfters tun. Hat ihr Taschentuch verloren. Fitts hat heute die am Sonnabend bestellten Möbel, also 6 Stühle, einen Schaukelstuhl, einen Küchentisch und 6 Roleaux, abgeliefert. Jetzt haben wir bald von allem genug, nur noch etwas…und ein Sofa, dann haben wir auf lange genug. Kaufte potatoes und Eier. Milch haben wir jetzt im Hause. Hatten Reste von gestern zu Mittag. 

Translation:

Nice weather. Took the bookbindery into my own name today. Went with Leippell to Notary Pierce to fill out all the paperwork which was then filed by the city clerk. Have taken in $81.20 in cash so far and hope to make a living with this. Admittedly we will have to cut back if we want to get ahead in life. I have found a good wife in Martha, and she will certainly help me as much as she can. The rooms cost $6 and the overhead is $4 a month. I have some material on hand so I don’t have to buy stock right away, and will get by if I can just get some money on hand. Wrote letters to Mamie Connors, Mamma, and other business letters. 

Martha visited me in the store in the afternoon and will do so more often now that the business is mine. Lost her handkerchief. Fitts delivered today the furniture ordered on Saturday, that is 6 chairs, a rocking chair, a kitchen table and 6 roleaux (some kind of blinds or curtains). Now we will soon have enough of everything, just a little more…and a sofa, then we will have enough for a long time. Bought potatoes and eggs. We have milk in the house now. Had leftovers from yesterday for lunch. 

A rainy, nasty day. I did not work to day because it is a Holy day. Went to the shop in the morning, bought a newspaper and then went home again. Fixt 6 Curtains. At about 1/2 past 3 o’clock P.M. I went to the mill river dam, fishing. Martha was with me. We didn’t get a bite, this, and the unpleasantness in the weather, drove us home in short time. Martha ironed to day. Our new tenement is fully agreeable and we both enjoy it much. I hope to have good business, now that the shop is myn. Had Rice and stewed Beef for diner.

Rained all night and it was cloudy all day. I went to the shop and made 2 doz of napkin rings. Ordered some handbills printed and advertisments in the Gazette & the Herald. Martha visited me in the shop and then made a short visit to Mrs. Rockett, our old neighbor in Center Str. Exchanged Library Books. No mail received. Had “Flecke” for diner. Congress and House agreed to free Cuba. McKinley signed the Bill to day and sent ultimatum to Spain. Begin of the war expected by saturday, without formal declaration. Spain Minister leaves for Canada to night. Troops assemble on the south coast. Business is rotten. All expectation.

Sunshine and showers, pure & good April weather. Went to the shop as usual, no work came in. Martha stayed at home all day. Had fried “Klose” for diner with caned peaches. Spain gave our Ambassador Woodford his pass, so that war at least is actually declared.

Cloudy and changing. I went to work. Martha visited me in the shop. The war has begun with the capture of a Spanish steamer and the blockading of Cuba. Had Frankfurts and Sauerkraut for diner.

Rainy weather. I went to work. Had nothing to do. Martha stayed at home. U.S. captured two more sp. ships. I went shopping alone. Expect Mama 7 pa to morrow. No mail. Had fried eggs for dinner. Saw a fire in south str. at about 1/2 past 8 o’clock.

It was a dreary, rainy sunday so we did not go to church. Tried to visit our neighbors Reiner, but got left, for they took a nap and we had to go back. Stayed at home the rest of the day, reading & fooling. Had sausages and mashed potatoes for diner. Expected Companie did not arrive. America took some more spanish Ships. Soldiers will be landed in Puerto Rico & Cuba to morrow. 125,000 volunteers are called and will enlist to morrow. Dont know yet how much county volunteers will receive. Guess $500.

Still rainy. War was offically declared to day. I went to the shop but had no work. Received a letter from Mama and answered right away. Martha had wash day to day. Had potatoes and sausages for diner. Martha will go to Springfield and Ludlow Thursday.

Rain all day. I went to the shop. Had no work. Martha visited me in the afternoon. Had Beef Stew for diner.

Cloudy, damp and chilly with rain. Went to the shop as usual. Had no work. Received Magazines for sale. Barley & beef.

Fine and warm in the morning. Went to the depot. Rec. Spr. papers. Martha left at 8.30 for Spr. Left her umbrella in the shop on acount of the good weather, but got badly left, poor girl, for the weather changed. Was cold enough for a snow storm. Rained heavily all the rest of the day. Sold an paper.

Cold and rainy. Went to the depot and shop. Had no work. Sold 2 papers. Lew Warner escaped from justice. Was president of Hampshire Bank. 150-200,000 $ missing. I feel awfull lonesome as grass widower. Mrs. Warnack sent a bowl of Stew. Today was my mothers birthday. Letters received from M. Conors, Papa and Martha.

 

Editor’s note: A grass widower is a man whose wife is temporarily away from him.

Fine Spring weather. Went to the depot for my papers. Sold 13. World & Journal didn’t come. Rec. a little job for a college girl. Ordered 100 apple and other fruit trees from G.C. Stone, Danville, NY. Bought Meat for to morrow and monday. Paid 2.50 to the Gazette as partly pay for ads. Mrs. Warnack again presented me with a dish of boiled ham and murphys. Must pay her back some of this days. I wish Martha was back. Think of her at all the time. War wont go ahead. The fellows in Washington are regular fools, need military education the worst. The poor soldiers got to suffer. They dont know what to do.

Bin zur gewöhnlichen Zeit aufgestanden. Ging gleich nach dem Frühstück zum Bahnhof um die Zeitungen zu holen. Verkaufte ziemlich gut. Konnte infolgedessen nicht zur Kirche gehen. Habe am Nachmittag gelesen und geschlafen und beschäftigte mich am Abend nur mit Zeitunglesen. Ich hoffe Martha kommt morgen zurück. Es ist so einsam ohne sie. Heute war schönes warmes Wetter und etwas windig. Extra Neuigkeiten sind nicht zu verzeichnen. Sieht jetzt wie Gewitter aus. Hatte Erbsen und Schweinsknöchel zu Mittag, was ich gestern Abend kochte. 

Translation:

Got up at the usual time. Went to the station right after breakfast to get the newspapers. Sold pretty well. Could not go to church as a result. Read and slept in the afternoon and occupied myself in the evening just reading the papers. Hope Martha will be back tomorrow. It is so lonely without her. Today was nice warm weather and a little windy. No extra news to report. Looks like thunderstorms now. Had peas and pork knuckles for lunch which I cooked last night. 

Rainy & cold. Did my routine paper duty and worked some. Received a letter from Martha to await her back to morrow afternoon. I am so glad she is coming. I got a good idea not to let her go again, and leave me all alone. Papers sold good this morning, so I hope to get a good trade by and by. Got some work to morrow. One naval battle was fought in the Philipine Island. Victorious for America. Commodore Dewey was the comander. More and harder battles will follow. This victorie will not do much good, for he has not troops on hand and so maintain the positions taken. Must depend on the insurgents and, I am afraid, will turn out to be a failure. However we must hope the best. Our volunteers got orders to leave tomorrow morning at 8.24. I wish them luck.

Raining as usual. I went to work. Our Volunteers left this morning for the camp. I never saw a bigger crowd and more enthusiasm as to day. College girls were crazy. Presented the boys with flags, candy & other articles. Martha got back with the 6.24. I now feel better, that I aint alone any more. It is to lonesome. Paper sale is going to be better. Received Bill from Fitts & other mail matter.

Cloudy & rainy. I went to the shop. Martha stayed at home. Mailed a letter to mama. Spent the evening as usual with reading. Ate Rice & Beef for diner.

The day started fine and warm, but ended in rain. I went to work. Paid the coal bill and ordered a new stock. Mr. Cutter promissed me to day the library work. I hope he is Keeping his word. Bought eggs for to morrow. Martha has got a terrible cold. Mrs. Warnack was sick so Martha did help her a little. Had to loan a kettle of coal. Ate Pork and Sauerkraut. Received Bill for apple trees and shrubberies.

Cloudy but nice & cool. I went to work. Martha stayed at home all day, nit. She was in the shop during the afternoon. Had Eggs for diner.

fine weather. I went to work. Make better business with papers now. Hired boys to peddle them on the road. Expect a big sale to morrow. The officialle report is here from Commodore Dewey. Reports are confirmed that the Phillipine Islands are in the hands of the Americans. It was a good job of our blue jackets. Martha went to Easthampton this P.M. Got books to be rebound for Mr. Miller, super. of schools of E. H. Gave me a little company in the shop and then delivered a book to Mrs. Treskan at 50 college Lane. Spent a part of the evening on our book plusse reading. It was a fine evening. Will be nice to morrow. Must get up early to sell my sunday papers. Martha went shopping alone. Bought chops for sunday and liver for monday. Had pancakes for diner. Awaited a letter from Mama but got badly left. Expect them to visit us soon.

Sunday again. I got up early to sell papers. Weather was clear and mild, but awfull windy. Martha came to the shop at about 9 o’clock and brought me a light lunch. I was in need of it tough. Got home at 1 o’clock and spent the rest of the day with reading and sleeping. Did not go to church. Had “Klose” for diner.

Fine Weather. Went early to the depot & sold pretty good, this morning. Received a letter from Mama and wrote one to her. Expected 300 evening papers, the New York World, but got badly left for none came. This Paper business tires me pretty well out. Martha visited me in the shop this P.M. and took a Lexicon to pieces. She will be a quite a good Bookbinder before long. Had Murphy’s and fried Liver for diner. Quite a good thing.

Fine Weather. Only a little windy. Went off in time to do my regular morning duty. Took in a little job binding. Papers sold good. Martha was in the shop in the after noon. At night we both attended to the meeting of depositors of our savings bank in city here. It was an intresting gathering. Voted to oppose town receivers and have the savings bank continued. It would be the best way. Got home at 1/2 past 9 o’clock. Martha exchanged Books in the Library. I bought meat. Went twice to the depot expecting evening World’s, but got badly left. Ate Pork & eggs with mashed Potatoes.

A rainy day is past, and it looks like more. Well, let it come. May ought to be wet & cold as he is. Got up to early. Paper sold bad this morning. Did a little shop work and made myself a new stand for my outdoor sale of papers and magazines. One of my boys cheated me out of ten cents, he took a few papers, and boy and papers I never saw again. Well, let them go. I expected Martha in the shop, but she did not show up, was afraid for the rain. Agrees. Evening papers are full of last nights meeting and the peoples got something to talk. The different lawyers are working like beavers to catch a fat job out of that bank business. Martha visited Mrs. Grenier to day. Got presented with some house plants. Had barley and Beef for dinner. News got here that the long waited for Spanish fleet didn’t come, but got back in home waters. The are evitendly afraid for the Yankees.

Das Wetter war heute hauptsächlich trüb und windig. Fing an zu regnen gegen 5 Uhr nachmittags und regnet jetzt noch in Strömen. Verkaufte nicht viele Zeitungen, bekam aber viel Arbeit was mich für ca. 1 Woche beschäftigt. Martha hat mir den ganzen Tag geholfen. Tante Ida kam ganz unerwartet auf Besuch, war nass bis auf die Haut. Heute Abend hatten wir das erste Gewitter. Habe mir einen…gebettelt von Nachbar Greiner. Hatten Sausage for diner. Böse Nachrichten erwartet von Cuba. 

Translation:

Weather was mostly cloudy and windy today. Started raining at about 5 o’clock in the afternoon and it is still raining cats and dogs now. Did not sell many papers but got plenty of work which will keep me busy for about 1 week. Martha helped me all day. Aunt Ida came to visit quite unexpectedly; was wet to the skin. Tonight we had the first thunderstorm. Got a…that I begged for from neighbor Greiner. Had sausage for diner. Expect bad news from Cuba. 

Fine Weather. Went of in time to tend to my morning routine. Auntie stayed here. Visited me in the shop with Martha. Admiral Sampson bombarded St. John of Puerto Rico and Maret Castel. Received and wrote a letter to Mama. Business was slow. Had “Paprica” for diner.

Fine Weather in the morning. Cloudy up towards noon. I went to work as usual and later had a shave and haircut and then went to Easthampton to deliver som Books while Martha and Auntie stayed in the shop to tend to the retail business. Expected to get paid, but got left. Paid John Wade 1 dollar for a load of wood. Auntie left here at 1.40 for Springfield. Ate Pork chops for diner. Martha went with us to the depot, to see her off. Martha then visited Mrs. Curencie and afterward stayed with me in the shop till 5 o’clock, when we went shopping to gether. Got home early and spent the rest of the evening reading. Got to bed early.

Cloudy in the morning, Raining Pitch forks after noon & evenings. We didn’t go to church. Martha stayed at home all day. I left the house at 7 o’clock and went to the shop. Had the best day in paper selling so fare. Got home at 1/2 past 1 o’clock and ate Ham and “Klose”. Spent the afternoon with reading. Got to bed early. A few days ago, after the relief expedition left for the insurgents in Cuba, I predicted in this book, that such an exped. could not be caried out as planed. My predict. was true to the letter. Americans got…and had to go back, without having a chance to land a single box of the cargo. It was a foolish idea, but smells strong like Washington. If a war gets directed by politicians it will be more or less a failure and unnecessary loss of life and propertie.

A rainy day. Papers sold fairly well. received and wrote two letters to Mama. Mama again sent us 10 dollars. I deposited the money in the Northampton National bank, subject to check. Paid off my papers and worked a little. Martha was in the shop most all day. I hope she’ll get acustomed to do the selling, so I can do my work in the shop, that I dont need to stop the paper sale, that paper business was the onliest means for our living. Talk about the starving Cubans. We must starve here, if we dont go begging, and this is harder work, than hard labor. Had Potato cake for diner. Paid the rent to day with check.

Awfull foggy in the morning, but cleared up and was a pleasant day. I went off a little late but did fairly well with papers. Martha came to the shop and got the late papers. Had company from Hampden to day. Mrs. Billings and Gottsche. Had diner, Ham and Eggs, with us. Came to the shop and left with the 4.20 train to Springfield. Martha accompanied them to the depot. Mrs. Gottsche ordered a weekly Republican. Received a letter from New York to day, to sell or better pass counterfitt money. Will give this letter to the Gazette for publication, and properly to Chief Maynard for further action. To morrow I will sell the Union besides the other papers. The agent was here to day. Also Mr. G.C. Piper from Springfield, to repair my ruling machine. He only asked 16 dollars for it and the job was worth two dollars anyhow. Paid rent to day to Mr. Warren, it is a day ahead of time, but he was in need of it. I expected Library work from Forbes Libr., but got badly left. He rather sends it to Boston and we here pay tax for it.

The weather was fine & warm. I did my usual routine duty. Martha came to the shop and stayed to about 10 o’clock a.m. Did feel bad, so went home early. Mrs. Charles Smith visited here in the afternoon, she then took a walk with her to the church and shop. Went home together. Had Pork and Sauerkraut for diner. Bought Meat and Flower pots.

The early morning was beautifull. Had a big rainshower at about 8 o’clock. It did, however, not last long and was fine until 7 o’clock when a thunder shower set in. Martha planted flowers and baked bread to day. Had awfull Toothache to night, and feels generally speaking, no good. Had Beef stew with potatoes for diner. The new fixtures for me new inline machine arived to day, but had to send back one part of it, which was broke. Miss Grenier visited Martha in the afternoon. Did good paper business with small profit for the boys sold more than I did. Receiv. a bill from a New York paper for advertisements. Spoke to the librarian again, and gave the boys some of my handbills to distribute. Was banned to take one of my street signs down, what I did with a… It was the most attractive one I had. Took in two dollars for the binding of two Magazines. Received a letter from Mrs. Gottsche, Hampden, with one dollar for an year weekly republican. The heat now is suffocating. Martha stayed at home all day to day. That is all. Mailed a letter to M. Conors.

Schönes aber furchtbar heißes Wetter. Arbeitete wie gewöhnlich. Bekamen Briefe heute von Kurt und Mama. Erwarten Mama morgen. Martha war nachmittags im shop. Hatten Bier-„Hash“ für Mittag. Gingen abends ein bisschen spazieren. 

Translation:

Beautiful but terribly hot weather. Worked as usual. Received letters today from Kurt and Mama. Expecting Mama tomorrow. Martha was in store in afternoon. Had beer “hash” for lunch. Went for a little walk in evening. 

Schönes Wetter. Ging zur ersten Stunde zur Arbeit. Brief von Kurt. Pappa, Mama und Oskar kamen gegen ½ 6 Uhr abends. Martha kam in den „shop“ und dann sind wir den Eltern entgegengegangen. Martha und Mama haben von innen zugesehen und ich ging einkaufen. M.,P. und Osk. gingen nach dem Supper spazieren und P. und ich kauften Hafer fürs Pferd. Gingen spät zu Bett. 

Translation:

Nice weather. Went to work at first hour. Letter from Kurt. Pappa, Mama and Oskar came at about ½ past 5  in the evening. Martha came to the “store” and then we went to meet the parents. Martha and Mama watched from inside and I went shopping. M.,P. and Osk. went for a walk after supper and P. and I bought oats for the horse. Went to bed late. 

Fine Weather. Papa drove me to the depot to get my morning papers and then went with Oscar for cars to Easthampton. Mama & Martha stayed at home. Had early company. Mrs. Grenier was here at 6 o’clock and R got our… in the bed. Had Hamburg steak for diner and plenty of Beer. Our company left at about 4 o’clock p.m. Oscar didnt like to go home, would rather stay with me. Paper business was a little dull to day, but expect a boom to morrow. Auntie wrote a letter.

Rainy & chilly all day to day. Went of a little late, but did good business. Paid for papers to day and shipped returns. Had Pork and Nudles for diner. Martha had wash day to day. Must write to Curt soon. One private of…died in camp in Georgia on pneumonia. The first Northampton Victim.

Cold & rainy. I went to work. Had bad business. Martha stayed home all day. Exchanged Library books. Received letter from Mama with a 5 dollar bill to pay for apple trees. Will do it to morrow. Wrote a letter to Brown Brothers Co. Rochester, NY. Returned Magazines and dailys. Had…Pork Ribs for diner. I am awfull sleepy to night. Martha aint got over her cold yet. Dont know what to do. Paid for Wood and Beer to day and ordered 1 doz. lager for saturday. Feel bad in the stomack, will sleep well.

Another rainy day. Business was a little better to day in spite of the rain. McKinly called again for 75,000 volunteers making 200,000 in all. A third call, will sure being made, some of this days. Martha stayed at home all day. Had a bottle beer after supper. Had Meat and peas for diner. Didnt had any battle yet, but expect it soon. Wrote a letter to Mama & to Brown Brothers Co., Rochester Nurserys, N.Y. Martha is feeling better.

Nothing but rain. Little business and no mail. Nothing new from the front. Paid 9.50 for my apple trees, which are all set out. Nudels & Beef for diner. M. visited me P.M.

Wolkenbruch. Miserables Geschäft. Martha besuchte mich im shop. Milchreis zu Mittag. Mrs. Warnack sent Martha a cup of chicken broth. Played domino in the evening. Must visit some one next week to pick up work.

Translation: 

Cloudburst (downpour). Miserable business. Martha visited me in the store. Rice pudding for lunch.

Must repeat what I said about the weather above. Rain stopped at about 2 o’clock but did not clear up. Slow business. Received a letter from Helene & Franz and an answer from Brown Brothers, Nursery. They decline to know anything about my business transactions with Mr. Hiersche. Well, Patt Powers, thyr agent can prove my statement. Expected one of the boys here to day, didn’t come. Had Bacon & eggs for diner. Wish for nice weather to morrow. U.S. landed supplys and food for the insurgents in Cienfuegos, Cuba. It will be a long war.

Cloudy & sprinkling all day, the sun looked out for a few minutes. Didnt go to church. Martha visited me a little while at my paper stand. Mrs. Grenier was visiting us in the afternoon. Spent the rest of the day with reading & talking. I dont think Martha feels good, but she wont say what ails her. Will see the parade to morrow. Had “culash” for diner.

Prachtvolles Wetter. Habe heute nicht gearbeitet, nur Zeitungen verkauft und ziemlich gutes Geschäft gemacht. Martha besuchte mich heute am Stand. Nach dem Essen gingen wir beide zum Memorial Platz, hörten einige Stücke Musik und gingen dann in die City Hall um der Feier der alten Veteranen beizuwohnen. Dieser „Memorial“ oder „Decorationsday“ ist dieses Jahr ausnahmsweise gut eingehalten worden. Nach der Hallenfeier gingen wir zum Kirchhof und beobachteten die Häuserschmückung und ließen die alten Veteranen an uns vorbei marschieren. Beim Nachhause gehen machte Martha Mrs. Miller in Union Str. einen kurzen Besuch. Später trafen wir Mrs. Lewis mit ihrer Tochter und Cousin. Kamen gegen 6 Uhr, ziemlich müde wieder zu Hause an. Hatten nach dem Abendbrot einige Spiele Domino und gingen beizeiten in die Klappe.  

Translation:

Splendid weather. Did not work today, just sold newspapers and did pretty good business. Martha visited me at the stand today. After dinner we both went to Memorial square, listened to a few pieces of music and then went to City Hall to attend the celebration of the old veterans. This “Memorial” or “Decorations day” was well observed this year for once. After the hall celebration we went to the church yard and watched the house decorations and had the old veterans march past us. On our way home, Martha made a short visit to Mrs. Miller in Union St. Later we met Mrs. Lewis with her daughter and cousin. Arrived back home at about 6 o’clock, quite tired. Had some games of domino after supper and went to bed quite early.  

The weather was fine, cool & bright. Had lots of writing to do. Business was awfull dull this morning. I sent returns & checks to Union, Republican Springfield News Co. and paid Carley & Towne. Martha visited me in the shop, where we rushed the growler. I spoke with the librarian from Forbes Library & went to see Mr. Seelye, Pres. of Sm. College. Must call at him again to morrow forenoon. Received two letters from Mama and wrote to her and to my sisters Theoline and Tosca. The war seems to be going on in earnest now, for some 80,000 troops embarked from Tampa, Florida to go to Cuba. This the slowest and most expensive war I ever witnessed, it may take years from now and business is allmost at a stand still in most every branch, which is not connected with Army delivery or such things. We dont need to send food to Cuba or other places abroad, we need it badly ourself.

 

Editor’s note: Rush the growler is a term referring to the act of sending someone out to purchase beer in a growler – the verb rush, implies a sense of speediness.

A bright, fine and warm morning and day. Business slaker than ever. Martha visited me in the afternoon. Went home together. Visited our neighbor Grenier in the evening. Received a letter from Mabell Whitney.

Cloudy & cool. Went to work early. Business awfull slow. Martha came to the shop at 2 p.m. Spoke with Mr. Cutter. Will properly order some german magazines. Received sad news at 4.30 p.m. Mama wrote that papa got run over by his team. I sent Martha home at once, make her it a little first and acompanied her to the depot. She took the 5.48 express to get connection to the Red Bridge. Earnest properly was at the station, to drive her home. I hope it wont be serious with papa, but still, I am afraid, for he is not healthy and little thing will finish him. I pitty Martha, the good girl was over excited on reading the news. I hope it wont do her no harm. In her present state of health carrying a Baby, will such sad news affect her badly. She loves her parents dearly. I hope with all my heart, that nothing serious will happen, at least not to our unborn child as this would kill the mother to. I would gladly have gone with her to protect my good wife from all harm but business, and necessity holds me tight to the shop, but I will go Ludlow sunday, and see for myself how things stand. Hope it will turn out better than expected.

Cloudy & cool. Rained little toward evening. Received a letter from Martha, stating that papas health is improving. All the nighbors being very kind, asking about his feeling. The are taking much intrest. Mrs. Warnack sent me up a plate of baked beans. Finished my private library Books to day and brought them home. Business is at a stand still. I hardly know what to do if it keeps on this way. Cant think of nothing else to make a living, except going back in Liquor business. Expect Martha back monday.

Cloudy & cool. Stormy & sprinkling. Got up as usually. Business was rotten. Did not receive later news from home. War brings accidenc. The U.S.S. Merrimack has been blown up in Santiago Harbor. No news about the killed or wounded. 8 Americans are made prisoners. I feel lonesom alone. Hope Martha will be back as promised, monday afternoon.

To day was a fine warm weather. Business was pretty fair, so I was satisfied. I only felt terrible lonesom, being at home all alone. Ed. Frizzell promissed to visit me but didn’t come. Tought of going to evening church, but stayed home.

Got up as usually and tended to my routine business. The weather was clear and awfull hot most all day.  A couple of good showers however cooled it off considerable. I went to the depot to the 6.24 train. Martha arived in time. I am so glad, she has got back in good health. I fear for her and our baby. Papa is feeling considerable better and I am glad of it. My apple trees are allright as Martha says and of a good stock. We will have fruit in 4-5 years, more as we can consume. Bought myself a new pair of shoes to day in Alberts. Mr. Rahar wants me as waiter for evenings in his Beer garden. Dont know yet it I will do it. Brown Brothers in Rochester still bothering papa about them trees I ordered, but didnt take. They are foolish. I cancelled that order on February the 8th. That should be sufficent for anybody, not to deliver goods, when the order is taken back in time. It seems to be a poor lot of business men.

Fine Weather. No work. Little better with news papers. Had Rice & boiled Beef for diner. Received a letter from Mamie Conors, she and her sister are going to visit us next Sunday.

Fine weather. Not quite as hot as yesterday. Business fairly good. Martha wrote a letter to the Connors, but we forgot to mail it. Martha has got awfull cramps in her right leg, and toothache most every night. There is a wedding in the nighborhood to night. Got Beer, Whiskey, Wine and other things, with musick. Raise the devil now all ready and will surely fight each other before long. All irish.

Fine weather. Business middling. Martha visited me in the shop. Made a new book shelf after home made pattern. Finished a Book for college, and did a nother little job. Received a letter from Mama.

Fine Weather still prevailing. Got up early. Business was rotten. Did a little shopping. Trimmed the shelf in the parlor and hung up the bookshelf. It looks O.K. Had Frankfurts and mashed Potatoes for diner. Talked about erecting a brewery. Mrssrs. Gamwell, Frizzell, Grenier and others want to join the corporation. Will take matters in my hands and realize the plan, when possible. If things goes good we are to be able to open up May first 1899. The war is going on slowly. But we will soon take troops on shores and push things along. Still it may take longer as expected as it here usually goes. Nothing was prepared for it. Paid 40 for boards and 1.50 for shoes to Alberts.

Rained quite heavy in the morning but cleared up towards noon. Business is the same as ever. Martha was busy all day, preparing for company. We both went to the depot to the 6.59 train on which Mamie and Anie Connors arived. Had a pleasant evening, got to bed a little later than usual. I had to do the shopping alone. Had wild rice for diner.

A awfull hot day, with a little thunder shower after noon. I went of a usual tending to my paper business. Martha and the girls went to the catholic church and then made me a visit and took a walk around the campus. The girls left here with the 1.30. Martha acompanied them to the depot then came to the shop and we went home together, spending the afternoon with reading and later went out for a little fresh air. Business to day was good. Had pork chops and new potatoes for diner. Strawberrys, Radishes, Pie and cake. The biggest diner we ever had, since we are here. Mamie Connors presented Martha with a pair of knitted slippers and her photograph. It is smoldering hot now. But we can stand it all right.

A mixed up day. Rain, sunshine and thunder shower. Martha had wash day. I found a side…and caught a Robin. Got it in a cage now and hope to keep it alive. To day was moday. Parade were O.K. I bought liver for to morrows diner. The days papers published the first land fight our troops had on Cuban soil. 4 killed, one wounded and many missing on our side. Started to sell evening paper. Journal didn’t come. Union sold fairly good. Local papers not at all. The heavy rain at evening spoiled the whole business. Had scraps for diner. Wrote a letter to Mama, telling her of our intention to be out in Ludlow Sunday next. Martha will leave Thursday noon and I sunday noon. Business is still rotten and I may have to look for other work when it keeps on the way it is now. We must live on hopes more than anything else. Paid several bills to day and am not able to pay house rent, must try to get it somewheres. Got money coming, but that wont do me any good. Mrs Grenier loant us a bird cage.

Mixed up weather. Rain, storm & sunshine. Business was rotten this morning and still worst at evening. Give up the sale of evening papers. Spoke with Rahar again and may most likely work for him as extra waiter, at evenings. Had Liver for diner. Wrote to presid. Seelye. Frizzell will tend to my business next monday.

Fine weather, dull business. Wrote a letter home. My bird died.

Clear and cool. A fine June day. Dull business. Got home a little before 12 o’cl. Acompanied Martha to the depot. Left for home with the 12.45. Was not feeling good the last few days. Will see her and her folks next sunday. Take the 1.30 train.

Fine Weather. A little hotter than yesterday. Got up early, no business, Feel awfull lonesome. Warnacks cow took sick. Don’t know what is the matter. Expected a letter from Martha. Got left. Nothing new.

Rain most all day. Business was fair. Went shopping in the evening. Bought candy, Bananas, and other stuff to take home. Got my laundry, shaved myself and did House work. Framed two pictures and took them home. They look quite nice in our parlor. Paid Rent to day.

Sunday again. Half rain, half shine. Business was better than ever. Left here at 1.30 for Ludlow. Stopped in Stuckerts for a few glasses of Beer. He wants to engage me for steady the work way. Took electric to Jenksville. Had to walk pretty well out of the town before I met Arthur with carriage. Had a good time in our old home. Got to bed late. My orchard looks better than I had expected. Will be fine in a few years.

Got up early. Worked with Martha all over the farm and garden. The most of the crop is a few weeks to late. Hay stands splendid. Raising of spring chickens was a failure this year. Went off with Papa, Oscar, & Albert to the cars. Met the Conors girls, arrived in Springfield at 1/2 past 9 o’clock and worked hard all day. Martha came at 8 o’clock, evening. Went home together with the 10.15. Frizzell tended to my shop. Paper business was rotten.

Got up as usual. Tended to my paper business up to 9 o’clock. Martha came to the shop and stayed there, while I left with the 9.25 to work another day behind the bar. Got back at 1/2 past 9 evening. Found everything all right. The weather was mixed. Tried to…the Sunday Republican, but failed. Must try it again other wheres. Carley gets to…, so I must fix him some ways.

Was awful cold in the morning. Had a little thunder shower. New York papers did not come in, on account of a Railroad wreck near Bridgeport Conn. Business was dull. Received the first work from the library to day and a promise to get more. I hope the librarian will now stick to his word. A hard job for him, for he seldom does. Had Pork and french fried potatoes for diner. Received a little job from Easthampton and finished our bible and another little Book from our private Library. My business cards came in to day. The look fine and I hope, they’ll do good service. Martha stayed in the shop the afternoon. I rushed the growler, but Martha declined to drink and acted foolish otherwise. I was real mad for the first time that we are married.

Schönes, nicht zu heißes Wetter. Zeitungsgeschäft war nicht schlecht. Etwas Arbeit angenommen. Habe dem Rew geholfen und werde wahrscheinlich morgen dasselbe tun. Martha besuchte mich im shop. Gingen zusammen einkaufen und dann zum Depot. Habe ihr die Brewster Bank gezeiegt. Nach dem Abendbrot sind wir noch etwas an die frische Luft gegangen. Heute kam der erste Tour Rapport dass unsere Truppen in Cuba und die Deutschen in Manila gelandet sind. 

Translation:

Nice weather, not too hot. Newspaper business was not bad. Took on some work. Helped the Rew and will probably do the same tomorrow. Martha visited me at the store. Went shopping together and then to the depot. Showed her the Brewster Bank. After supper we went out to get some more fresh air. Today came the first tour report that our troops have landed in Cuba and the Germans in Manila. 

A bright fine day. Business was fine to. Martha and Mrs. Warnack came in to the shop in the afternoon and later went to the auction. Martha bought a refrigerator, 1 center table, Pictures and other usefull things. I got John Wade to fetch the stuff home for me. I framed one more of our pictures, and it looks fine. But Lucia charges to much for the frames and I will not give him a nother job as long as I can help it. Expected a letter from Mama, but got left. I rushed the growler and the women finished it easely with me. Martha did a little shopping. Mrs Brown brought me some work and later met M. in Gothic Str. at the auction. Business seems to be picking up. I hope so any how for I need it badly, can hardly make both ends meet. Now we must only buy some oil cloth for the dining room and a loung and then we got most all we need. Had Rice & Beef for diner and now got a big pot of Lemonade to quench our thirst.

The day was the hottest we have had this sumer. Our boys, who are fighting in Cuba will feel this a good deal more than we do. They had a big battle and showed himself to be good fighters. Business was fair this morning and supposed to be O.K. to morrow. I hope so anyhow. Will open another route in spite of Carley. Got to go early to make it… Had Cabbage & Beef for diner.

Another week is going by and business didn’t improve much. If I did not make a little money on newspapers we would actually have to starve or go begging. Martha did not feel well so she stayed at home. Will go in church next sunday when possible. Paper sales was fine to day and I will stick to it as long as the bindery is slow. We intended to take a walk in the afternoon, but falled asleep and so stayed at home all day. Only walked around the block, taking the mill river road. If I had more work I would feel better. Cant give Martha any comfort.

The weather to day was a little more comfortable, but still hot enough to roast. Martha did washing to day but it taxed her awfull. I wish I could earn money enough to give washing out, as long as she is under such circumstances. I got up as usuall, tended to my paper business, paid up some bills and took in a few little jobs. Papers sold slow this morning, but I expect better sale to morrow. Went down stairs after supper to cool of and had a little conversation with Mrs Grenier. She sent some roses to Martha. Wrote a letter to mama. Will mail it to morrow.

Weather continues hot. Got plenty work in now. Took an engagement to do table waiting in Rahars In during evenings. This will fetch me a little money.

More work came in. Paper business continues good. Martha visiting me in the shop every afternoon. Mrs Brown came for her Album,

Received and wrote a letter to mama. News came in, about a fierce battle around Santiago the Cuba. Both sides rappport a victory…Our losses have ben very heavy.

Terrible hot weather keeps on. War tax becomes a law to day. Government expects to collect from 500 to 700.00 over a year on revenue. An honest income tax would be a good deal better, for it would not meet the laboring classes so heavy.

The day was a roaster. Paper sale was good. Martha came in the shop as usual and helped working. We rushed the growler. Went shopping after 5 o’clock. Martha visited Mrs    while I was working in Rahars. Got home to gether at about 1/4 of twelve o’clock. I am pretty well tired out.

Still hotter than ever before. Thermometer showed 110 at 1/2 past 9 o’clock. Paper sale was the best I ever had. Took in nearly 10 dollars. Stayed at home to about 5 o’clock then took the cars to Florence, visited Mrs Lewis, took a little walk around the village and rode back to the depot. Walked back home. Made a new acquaintance. Second Mass. Reg. lost heavy. No names given yet. Many a familie is anxious about sons, brothers and other relations. Did not go to church.

To day was the hottest we had so far. All my papers was sold out by 1/2 past 7 o’cl. Didn’t have a quarter enough. Better report about the battle are coming in. Stayed at home most all day. Shouting and hollering began early this morning, mixed up with thundering in the distance. Hope it comes here to cool off and clear the air. Our little rosestock was full of lice, but I hope we pull him trough all right. Want to take a little car ride, but must wait for the shower to go by, as Martha is awfull afraid. Got myself pretty well rested now and feel strong enough, to put in another weeks hard work. Tug some earth for Marthas flowers and got to buy a few more tulips. Took in a piece of ice and found it to be a pleasing thing in such weather. Mailed a letter to Ernst with a little birthday present. We left for Meadow Park at 5 o’clock by the electric, then walked to Easthampton, listened to the concert and trank a few glasses of beer in the Turn hall. Got home with the cars and arived here at about 1/2 past 9 o’clock. The night was cool and refreshing & we slept like the Lord in… Martha is feeling pretty well, after this long walk.

To day is splendit weather. Cool and clear. Paper busines was fair. Report came in that Santiago has surrendered. I hope it is true. Martha got scared out of her wits to day. Mr. Yanceys dog jumbed at her as she past his house. The nighbors been very kind to her. I made complaint to the city clerk and now they got to keep the dog tied down or else he gets shot. Martha is feeling better now but it was a terrible scare.

Hot weather. Slow business.

Terrible hot. Business fair. Received a letter from Belchertown Library and from home. Martha helps me now in the shop in sowing books and doing other little jobs.

Hot weather continues. Paper business was good. More work came in for binding. Went to Belchertown with the 2.15 o’clock train. Secured a good job binding and took a job, distributing Sample copies of the N.Y. Herald. Got back at 5.00. Took a walk with Martha. Did not work at Rahars to night.

Got up late. Had rained a little. Weather was fine and cool and business fairly well. Must hustle now to get the work out. Went shopping with Martha. Had a busy night in Rahars.

Weather fine & cool. Took in 11 dollars and 20 cts. The best sunday sale I had so far. Took a ride with Martha to Leeds, tried to get a glass of Beer in the Hotel, but got left. Had to drink soda. Mrs Grenier & daughter was up, for a short visit. Got to bed early.

Fine weather but awfull cold. Had to get more blankets to keep warm in Bed. Business for this week started good. Wrote a letter to Mama and paid off bills. The war is going on slowly. Our sick death and wounded count up to about 2,000 so far. Our generals all got a big month but aint worth much. There is not much progress, except with promises and blowing, what the can do, but we don’t see any results.

Clear and cold. Business was fair. Martha delivered papers to my customers. I was late this morning, so I found that a few papers were gone without being paid for. Martha visited with me in the shop after diner. Went home to gether. I stayed home after supper for it was to cold outside so I didn’t expect any business in Rahars. Got to bed early. Had fresh native cabbage for diner. Tasted fine.

The much needed Rain appeared this morning, it was about time to, for the lands, fields, meadows & s. f. been awfull dry and burnt up. Farmers must have all the haying done by this time. It was the best favorable weather for them. I received my first evening N.Y. Evening Journals last evening, sold 73 copies of them. The jew Heffernan is terible mad that I got this papers, for he would sell them all alone. Received a letter from the german Publ. Co. Holyoke, asking me to take agencie for the New England Staaten zeitung. Dont know yet if I will do it or not. Martha stayed at home all day. Admiral Dewy again made 400 Prisoners, captured an island and plenty ammunitions. He has done good so far. Harvey was annexed to the United States on Monday, July the 11th. Other colonies will follow. Comodore Watson shall go to Spain with a big fleet, to scare the Spaniards at their own border.

Weather was fine. Business fairly. I moved my news stand in the…room, where it makes a better show. Martha visited me after diner.

Awfull hot weather. News came in from Cuba and the Philipines. Payed house rent to day. Business was fairly good to day. Opened the box of books from Belchertown. Martha worked in the shop afternoon. Got shopping in the evening.

Hot and clear. Business was slow. Got surprised. Arthur came here at about 10 o’clock to stay here with us for a few days. Yellow fever broke out between our troops in Cuba. I went to work as usual in Rahars. I took first, however, a little walk around town with Martha and Arthur. Rahar paid me off.

Fine and middling hot weather. Business was slow. Took the train from Warnack to get up my papers. Arthur came with me. News got in that our flag would be raised over Santiago at 9 o’clock this morning. Remains to be confirmed. Had a nap after diner and then we all took a ride with the electric to Bay State. Played domino in the evening. Got to bed early. Pork chops for diner.

Hot mockey weather. Slow business. Did not go to work in Rahars. Went fishing with Arthur and angled 1 Bullhead. Santiago was turned over to the Americans at 12 o’clock yesterday with 23,000 Prisoners of war. Ships started on to Puerto Rico.

Had a heavy thunder shower last night, today hot and mockey. Went with C. T. Lawrence to Mt. Holyoke, while Martha stayed with Arthur in the shop. Business was rotten. Delivered the Forbes Library books to day, and started on the Belchertown, which I will finish next week. Money much needed, will then come in. Received letters from Mama and Gotsche. Expect another shower.

Fine Weather. Slow business. Worked in Rahars.

Fine Weather. Little showers. Arthur left for home. Martha stayed at home all day. Rotten business.

Weather fine & cool. Business rotten. Went with Martha to the concert in Meadow Park.

Fine weather. Not too hot. Business rotten. Martha visited with me in the shop in the afternoon. Went shopping together in the evening.

Fine Weather. Sunday business slower than a week ago. Left Frizzell in charge of business and went with Martha to Ludlow. Had more companie. My apple trees grow fine.

Fine weather but a little cloudy. Left Ludlow with Martha & Mama at about 9 o’clock a.m. to Springfield. Martha will stay away until Thursday. Stuekert paid. Business this morning was rotten. Everything else O.K.

The long waited for rain came to day. Business was rotten. No mail. Feel lonesome without Martha. Paid running debts. Engaged two more boys to peddle papers. Delivered Bill to Forbes Library.

Hot Weather & showers. Bought two new carts for peddling newspapers. Business was rotten. Martha feels good. Received letters and photographs from my sisters.

Hot & cloudy. Thundering from afar. Business was a little better then last week sunday. Stayed at home all afternoon. Can not work in Rahars any more. Must work overtime in shop. Got plenty school work.

Cloudy and rainy all day. Paper business is going to be rotten. Carley cut me out with the Republicans. Bindery seems to be picking up. Martha helps me now every day in the shop, taking books apart and doing other little things.

Hot with showers. Papers aint worth selling. Binding good. Put E. C. Frizzell to work yesterday to get the school books done in time.

Clear & hot. Unsere Verwundeten Freiwilligen sind heute auf Urlaub gekommen. Die armen Kerle sind schlimm dran, wurden aber gut aufgenommen. Das Zeitungsgeschä hört beinahe ganz auf.

Translation:

Clear & hot. Our wounded volunteers arrived today on leave. The poor fellows are badly off, but were well received. The newspaper business has almost stopped completely.

Hatten letzte Nacht ein heftiges Gewitter. Schönes aber heißes Wetter den Tag über und ein Regensturm gegen Abend. Brief von Mama bekommen. Wir erwarten Papa und Mama hier am Sonntag zu Mamas Geburtstag. Unsere Arbeit geht gut vorwärts und ich hoffe die Bücher zur rechten Zeit fertig zu pressen. Habe noch mehr Arbeit bekommen, und so, ganz günstige Aussichten auf besseres Geschäft. Habe lange nicht mehr erwähnt was wir für Dinner essen, weil es für die heißen Tage nicht viel Abwechslung gibt. Die „Mosquitos“ ist eine ganz miserable Plage; haben Martha beinahe aufgefressen. 

Translation:

Had a heavy thunderstorm last night. Nice but hot weather during the day and a rain storm toward evening. Got letter from Mama. We expect Papa and Mama here on Sunday for Mama’s birthday. Our work is progressing well and I hope to finish pressing the books in due time. Got more work, and so, quite favorable prospects for better business. Haven’t mentioned for a long time what we are having for dinner because there isn’t much variety during the hot days. The “mosquitos” are quite a miserable nuisance; have nearly eaten Martha alive. 

Heißes aber schönes Wetter. Zeitungsgeschäft faul. Binderei gut. Martha hilft mir jeden Nachmittag im „shop“. 

Translation:

Hot but nice weather. Newspaper business rotten. Bindery good. Martha helps me in the shop every afternoon. 

Trüb und regnerisch. Nachmittag und Abend Zeitungsgeschäft rotten. Habe die ganze Woche Überzeit gearbeitet. Brief und Bilder von Kurt bekommen. Hat ein allerliebstes Baby. Erwarteten Papa und Mama, aber vergeblich. 

Translation:

Cloudy and rainy. Afternoon and evening newspaper business rotten. Worked overtime all week. Received letter and pictures from Kurt. Has a most adorable baby. Expected Papa and Mama, but in vain. 

Sunday again. Fine hot weather. Expected company did not come. Paper business was rotten. It was the dullest sunday I ever had. Took in only 3.57. Dont know what to do. Stayed at home the rest of the day, only took a walk around the block with Martha, to give her a little fresh air. Expect to get a little one, soon. Wonder what it will be. Boy or girl.

Hot Weather with showers. Paper business rotten. Bindery good. Finish Belchertown work to morrow. Martha helped me all the afternoon in the shop. Paid 3.80 for groceries. Had help in the Bindery all week last and got in more work to day. I hope it keeps on, to get a little money for the coming kid. Rew sold out. So we got another shop nighbor. Letters received from Mama and Bertha Seuss.

Showers & rain. Rotten Business in papers. Make good Headway with school books. Martha now stays at home. She dont feel well.

Cool. Rain & sunshine. Work goes along nicely. Boxed the books for Belchertown Library & will ship them to morrow. Did not work overtime to night, but should do so right along.

Cloudy and cool. Fine weather to work. Received a letter from Curt with money. Deposited enough in the Northampton National bank for the House rent and brought the rest, 35.00 in the Savings bank. Shipped Belchertown books to day and delivered one in to Forbes Library. Gave in Aplication papers for situation as Mail Carrier. Finished a book for Charles Gramwell and bought a bench for our dining room. Martha feels fine to day. Wrote a letter to the Republican. I must give up paper business when I cant get this paper, not having it, spoils my business. Lee bothers me for money. Will pay him as soon as I get the check for school work. Hard times all over and no prospect for better.

Schönes Wetter, schlechtes Geschäft. Rechnungen kamen aber kein Geld. Preliminary Frieden mit Spanien heute abgeschlossen. Der Krieg war kurz und unblutig. Amerika hat mehr Soldaten durch Krankheiten im eigenen Land verloren als im Feld gefallen sind. 

Translation:

Nice weather, bad business. Bills came but no money. Preliminary peace with Spain concluded today. The war was short and bloodless. America has lost more soldiers to disease at home than have been killed in the field. 

Light rain in the morning. Cleared up at about 9 o’clock. Paper sale, rotten, Bindery good. Mama, Papa & Albert arived here at 10 o’clock team. Martha is feeling good. Went shopping with all of them. Bought Mama a new table cloth for a birth day present and gave Albert one of my paper carts. He was as happy over it as a bed bug. I worked in Rahars to night and Martha was there with the whole company to hear the concert and drink a glass of beer. We all went home together at 1/2 past 11 o’clock, so, got to bed late.

Sunday again, and nice & cool weather. Papa drove me to the depot to get my sunday papers, then went after the Springfield & Boston papers, tended to the stand while I drove off with Albert, to deliver a few papers. Business was good this morning. Had “grune klose” and chicken for diner. After diner Papa and me hired a team from Dav. Wright and drove with the women to Easthampton, had a few glasses of Beer in the Turn hall and went back in a hurry, because Albert felt sick. P would stay here to monday but went home at about 6 o’clock for fear that Albert would get more sick, We both been disapointed but could not help it. Martha cried a quite a while after they left, but is all right. Night after night we got a picknic killing Musquitoes.

Got up in time. Helped Martha to get theyr washing in working order. Got fine weather and not to hot. Paper business was rotten. Received more work. Received a check from Forbes Library and paid the News Co., Carley & Heffernan. Must have more money or die. Will sell out or give up Paper business, for Martha soon goes home to await her confinement so I would like to have a chance to go out Sundays to see how she is getting along. Received a letter from Mama, some bills and a letter from a Springf. lawyer. Piper will bring suit to recover 16 dollars for work done on my ruling machine. I will refuse payment, because the machine is not yet in working order. Got a Tax bill for the amount of $8.20. Dont know yet, how I can pay it. Money is to scars.

Schönes Wetter. Martha hat geplättet und Bücher geheftet. 

Translation:

Fine weather. Martha has been ironing and stapling books. 

Slight rain in the morning. Fine & cooler afternoon. Martha went with me in the shop and helped there. I worked in Rahars to night. Mailed a letter to Mama.

Cloudy with temporary showers. Martha came with me to the shop. Paper business was rotten as usual. Bindery is good & money is coming in.

Rained pitchforks but cleared up in the afternoon. Had to letter books in Forbes Library and must do so all day to morrow. Took in, and delivered more work.

Good weather. Worked all day in the Library but did not quite finish the job. Worked at night in Rahars and pulled 85 cts besides my wages. Martha stayed in the shop after diner. We worked over time every day last week and must do so a few days this week to finish school books.

Fine and cool weather. Business was O.K. and will still be better next week. Martha stayed at home all day. Saul Elliot was here. I wonder if we ever can go to church again. Martha can now hardly leave the house, and will be more confined after baby is born. Must soon write to Dr. Webber, Wilbraham.

Nice but warm weather. Paper business rotten. Got in more work and got more promissed for next week. Martha was with me in the shop and helped working. Bought some apples & other eatables. Tried 9 diff. stores to get colored silk, but all in vain. Received a letter from Mama & Mabel Whitney. Forbes Library sent check for 6.20. Sent check to News Co.

Cloudy and sticky all day. Didn’t like to work a bit to day, it was to close, but still made good process on schoolbooks. Finished some of them and a few more little jobs. Wrote to Dr Webber, home & M. Whitney. The heaviest shower I ever witnessed came up at about 1/2 past 5 o’clock P.M. I got caught in it near the post office but hustled home to give Martha Companie, for she is so awfully afraid. Put 8.00 in the savings bank. Will make the 50 full as soon as possible and buy more land, properly a wood lot with P. Hiersche tocgether. Cooled off nicely now. Martha is feeling fine a good deal better than we could expect. Most all off the babies dresses and other things are finished, so can “die geschichte jetzt losgehen. Was wird es sein?” (The story starts now. What will it be?)

Das Gewitter von gestern Abend hat die ganze Nacht gewütet und erst heute früh um fünf Uhr aufgehört. Klärte dann bald auf und war ein ganz schrecklich heißer Tag. Das Zeitungsgeschäft geht jetzt schlecht, nur der Sonntag ist noch ziemlich gut.  Muss noch mehr Probe-Zeitungen rumschicken für den N.Y. Herold. Habe heute die die ersten Briefe für die Holyoke deutsche Zeitung geschrieben welche wahrscheinlich am Freitag gedruckt werden. Bin schon um fünf Uhr nach Hause gegangen indem ein großes Gewitter im Anzug war und Martha sich fürchtet allein zu sein. Scheint ebenso toll wie das gestrige und scheint auch wieder die ganze Nacht anzuhalten zu wollen. Hat gestern hier und in der Nachbarschaft einen Schaden getan und hält mich von der Arbeit ab. Musste vorgestern mal eine ganze Nacht durcharbeiten. Werde das Zeitungsgeschäft bald aufgeben indem die Buchbinderei jetzt gut geht. Martha war den ganzen Tag zu Hause so muss ich jetzt die Einkäufe besorgen. 

Translation:

Last night’s thunderstorm raged all night and did not stop until five o’clock this morning. Then it cleared up quickly and it became quite a terribly hot day. Newspaper business is going badly now, only Sunday is still pretty good.  Must send more sample papers around for the N.Y. Herald. Wrote the first letters today for the Holyoke German newspaper which will probably be printed Friday. Went home at five o’clock because a big thunderstorm was coming on and Martha is afraid to be alone. It seems to be as bad as yesterday’s and seems to want to go on all night again. The one from yesterday did some damage here and in the neighborhood and keeps me from work. Had to work a full night the day before yesterday. Will give up newspaper business soon because the bookbinding is going well now. Martha was home all day so now I have to get the groceries. 

Schönes Wetter und schlechtes Geschäft. Arbeit ist gut. Muss jeden Abend Überzeit arbeiten. Martha hilft mir nach 7 Uhr abends. Brief von Mama. Schrieb den Springfield Linie Maschinen Menschen mich in Ruhe zu lassen. 

Translation:

Nice weather and bad business. Work is good. Have to work overtime every evening. Martha helps me after 7 o’clock in the evening. Letter from Mama. Wrote to the Springfield line machine people to leave me alone. 

Fine Weather. Paper business slow, no mail. Worked overtime.

Fine weather. Paper business slow. Co. O arrived to day, coming back from Cuba on a 60 day furlough. The most of them are sick. One is actual crazy, others are weak and some more may have to die. A big crowd was at the depot ad every one fo them was arrived home in hacks & carriages. I did the shopping. Martha & me worked in the shop to 12 o’clock nights.

Sunday again and a fine day it was. Paper business was O.K. Got home at 1/2 past 1 o’clock. After diner went with Martha to the shop and worked to 8 o’clock. Finished all the schoolbooks. Frizzell made us a visit in the shop. Got to bed early and took a good rest.

Feines kühles Wetter. Zeitungsgeschäft war nicht gut. Martha schrieb nach Hause, hat Dr. Webbers Brief eingelegt. Er will die Geburt unsers Kindes überwachen und nachhelfen, wenn es nötig wird. Habe mit Frizzell die Schulbücher abgeliefert, dann den „shop“ ordentlich reingemacht, Zeitungen zurückgeschickt, und schoolmagazines fertig gemacht welche ich morgen früh abliefern werde. War in dem Post office und habe Fleisch gekauft. Habe seit langer Zeit wieder einmal einen Abend für mich, was mir ordentlich gut tut. Einer meiner Artikel in der deutschen Zeitung scheint böses Blut gemacht zu haben, schadet aber nichts, die Sache wird schon schief gehen. Mrs. Flag schickte Martha einige Birnen. Waren abends an der frischen Luft. Haben Reiners besucht und wurden mit Bier bewirtet. Martha hat heute gewaschen und fühlt sich gut. Habe ihr ein Bügeleisen gekauft. Bekam..von der Hatfield Bibliothek. Habe jetzt viel zu tun und kann bald meine Schulden bezahlen. Hoffe das es so bleibt. 

Translation:

Fine cool weather. Newspaper business was not good. Martha wrote home and enclosed Dr. Webber’s letter. He wants to supervise the birth of our child and assist if necessary. Delivered school books with Frizzell, then cleaned the shop properly, returned newspapers, and finished school magazines which I will deliver tomorrow morning. Went to the post office and bought meat. Got an evening to myself for the first time in a long time, which is good for me. One of my articles in the German newspaper seems to have caused some bad blood, but it doesn’t matter, things will turn out all right. Mrs. Flag sent Martha some pears. We went out to get some fresh air in the evening. We visited the Reiners and were treated to beer. Martha did laundry today and feels fine. Bought her an iron. Received…from the Hatfield library. Have plenty to do now and can soon pay my debts. Hope it stays that way.

Fine weather continues. Paper business as rotten as usual. Will have a chance to sell out, Bindery is good.

Terrible hot weather. Martha stayed at home untill evening when she went with me to the shop where we worked to 10 o’clock on Forbes Library books. Bought some new Flat irons for her. Received a letter from Mama. Wrote another letter to the german Newspaper. Didn’t get any orders yet, but I hope to get some by and by.

Still hotter than yesterday. Had a little thnder shower at about 1/2 past 5 o’clock. Paper business is rotten. Sold it out to Heffernan to day for 10.00. It is this to cheap but I must get rid of it so I can visit Martha when she is at home. M. is feeling good and helped me in the shop to night. Sent check to the News Co.

War wieder schrecklich heiß. Schwerer Sturm und Gewitter fing an um 7 Uhr abends, war aber schnell vorbei. Martha hat schreckliche Angst und steckt mich beinahe an. Habe an die verschiedenen Zeitungs-Expeditionen geschrieben keine mehr zu schicken. Kann sein, dass ich später wieder anfange im Falle Hoffmann nichts aushält. Kann mich in der Zwischenzeit ausruhen. Wir beide fühlen uns gut, habe nur unter der Hitze zu leiden. Sandte einen weiteren Bericht zu der deutschen Zeitung. Wir wollten heute Abend wieder im „shop“ arbeiten, gingen aber des Gewitters wegen nicht. Habe für Martha Äpfel geschält zum Apfelmusskochen. Schmeckt schon schön. Bringe morgen alle Bücher von der Forbes Library in den Shop und denke dieselben bis Donnerstag fertig zustellen. Zeitungen verkaufen schlecht.  

Translation:

Was terribly hot again. Heavy storm and thunderstorm started at 7pm but was over quickly. Martha is terribly frightened and almost infects me. Have written to the various newspaper offices not to send any more. May start again later in case the bookbinding won’t last. Can get some rest in the meantime. We both feel good, just suffering from the heat. Sent another article to the German newspaper. We were going to work in the shop again tonight, but didn’t go because of the thunderstorm. Peeled apples for Martha to cook applesauce. This tastes really nice. Will bring all books from Forbes Library to the shop tomorrow and think that I will be able to finish this by Thursday. Newspapers are selling poorly.  

Hot Weather. Roasting hot. To hot to do anything. A little shower in the afternoon. No cooling of. Hottest night on record. Martha stayed at home all day. I did the shopping. Papers sold rotten.

Another hot day. Light showers. 1/2 past nine now. Raining pitchforks. Wrote a letter to Ludlow. Laying in the grass after diner. Read papers and played domino. Later studied Geography of America. Hoping of cooler weather. Took in 6.80. Last Sunday for my paper sale. Bindery is good. Hope for the best. Must soon go church again.

Another hot day, but a little more tolerable. Paper business was rotten. I expected a good sale as we had Labor day. Worked all day and took a little walk with Martha in the evening. It now looks like a thunder shower. Paid the grocery bill, Georg Wade and other little debts. Made good process with the library books and will finish them by saturday. Martha is feeling fine, but can not walk far.

108 Grad Hitze um 8 Uhr früh! Ganz schönes Mützenwetter. Zeitungsgeschäft unter aller Sau. Muss es aber doch bis Sonnabend fortführen. Kann bei dieser Hitze nicht viel arbeiten, heißt zu langsam. Haben heute 6 mal den…Kostet mir 10 cents. Kaufte heute früh Fisch und am Abend Leber und Frankfurter. 

Translation:

108 degree heat at 8am! Quite a hot weather. Newspaper business is at its worse. But must continue until Saturday. Can’t work much in this heat, I mean I am too slow. Did the…6 times today. Cost me 10 cents. Bought fish this morning and liver and frankfurters in the evening. 

A nice hot morning as of usual. My paperboy did not show up this morning so I was quite in the soup. Sold out the paper, besides what I delivered on my customers. Left the shop at 1/2 past 11 o’clock to hustle home to Martha on account of a thunder shower. This was the heaviest shower we ever witnessed. Lightning struck all around us, but fortunately escaped us. Martha was awfull afraid and so was the other women around here. Martha sewed some books at home and so did I. I hope still to finish them by saturday. Wrote to Papa, Springf., New York Herald, and Chapin, Hartford. Bought 1/2 pint Brandy, Stamps & postal cards and meat and payed 25 cts for express for goods, received from Boston. Had Liver and Frankfurts for diner resp. supper. Expect letter from Mama to morrow and then make up our mind to take train or team, going Ludlow.

Schönes kühles Wetter. Schlechtes Zeitungsgeschäft. Brief bekommen von Mama. Martha ging abends nach 6 Uhr mit in den „shop“ wo wir bis um 10 Uhr gearbeitet haben.

Translation:

Nice cool weather. Bad newspaper business. Received letter from Mama. Martha came to the shop in the evening after 6 o’clock where we worked until 10 o’clock. 

Fine, cool weather. Did not receive any papers. Took in more work & must finish some to morrow. Hired Rob. Warnacks team to drive home Ludlow to morrow. I go back monday morning and leave Martha with her parents to await her confinement. Mrs Brown visited Martha this afternoon. Mrs Flagg sent her some cucumbers. I bought 1/2 doz. Lager and meat for to morrow diner. The days are fine now, and we will have a pleasant drive. I forgot this weeks report to the german paper, but will do better next week. Expect to get the library work out by Thursday next week. Bought bolts and nuts for one of my paper carts. I hope, Heffernan makes a success out of the stand so there will be no trouble, to get my pay.

Fine cool weather. Gave list of customers & instructions to Heffernan. Hired Warnacks buggy & horses and left here with Martha at 1/2 past 4 o’clock. Stopped in Hadley to buy candy and cigars and then drove on to Ludlow, where we arrived at 8 o’clock. Met Ernst and Arthur on the way home. The all expected us to come with the train and so sent the team to the depot, but got left. It was a pleasant drive, and we both enjoyed it pretty well. Went to bed late to night, but slept like the Lord in france.

Extra fine and cool weather. Martha & I stayed in bed, till we got called for breakfast. Then hung around the house, went all over the farm, looked at our apple orchard, etc. Our trees are growing fine, and we will have a good orchard in a few years. At about 5 o’clock I hitched up Old Bill and gave Martha a ride to Louis Freitag and around the lot. We both took very much pleasure in it. Got to bed early.

Got up early this morning, and a fine morning and still better day it was. I had to leave Martha at 1/4 past 8 o’clock to come back here in good season. Martha was crying and I had to hustle away from her, as would have joined her crying myself. I arrived here at a1/4 of 11 o’clock after an easy drive. There was not a hair well on my horse. Took in two more little jobs in binding and must work a few days in library. Looked around for a farm hand for papa without success.

Another splendid day. Went to work late this morning. Found some Unions in front of the shop. I wrote them fellows a quite a while ago, not to send any more, but the dont seem to care. Well it is theyr loss & not mine. Wrote to Martha and the news Co. and returned all the headings, papers and Magazines what I had here and much now settle off and collect my claims. Heffernan was in the shop to talk over Business matters. It looks as when he wants to go back on his word. His clerk didnt tend to the business and he tries to blame me for it.

s. o. s.

I feel awfull lonesome without Martha and wish with all my heart, that she may return soon and in good health. I am most certain that we need not be afraid but still I am anxious as to her welfare. I hope it will not take long, till this thing is over and hereafter we are to be more careful in in cutting One.

Fine weather. Got up early, worked a little while in the shop and then went to the library. Rec. the germ. paper.

Same as yesterday feel lonesom.

Rained a little. Got up early and worked a few hours in the shop. Then went to Forbes Library, lettering books. Cashed a check from 59.80 dollars from city and paid rent, Team, Frizzell, Lee, etc. Have not much left. Worked in the shop from 6 to 1/2 9 o’clock. Mounted some Maps on cloth.

The same as yesterday. Went to Court this morning. Piper or his counsel didnt apear, so I dont know what to make out of it. Will leave here by the 5.40 to visit Martha. Coming back monday noon. Flowers and everything is all right so far. I wonder when the Baby gets born. Hope Martha will have an easy time with it.

Martha war glücklich mich wieder zu sehen. Auch ich war des Wiedersehens froh. Wir waren die ganze Zeit zusammen. Habe geholfen Heu Ballen aufladen, einfahren und abladen. War schwere Arbeit für mich. Musste aber getan werden, indem ein schweres Gewitter am Himmel stand, was jeden Augenblick über uns loszugehen drohte. Haben jedoch alles gut unter Dach gebracht. Martha und Mama haben mir geholfen. 

Translation:

Martha was happy to see me again. I was also happy to see her again. We were together all the time. Helped load hay bales, bring them in and unload them. Was hard work for me. But it had to be done, because there was a heavy thunderstorm in the sky, which threatened to hit us at any moment. However, got everything well under roof. Martha and Mama helped me. 

erließ Martha heute früh um 9 Uhr. Bin nach der Station gelaufen. Meine Apfelbäume wachsen gut. Martha fühlt sich besser als ich unter den Verhältnissen erwarten konnte. Habe einen Zug nach Springfield genommen und Georg Rose besucht und mich für Pappa nach einem Mann umgesehen, um auf der Farm zu arbeiten. Habe versprochen einen hinzuschicken für $10 den Monat. Hatte schrecklich Kopfweh wie ich nach Hause kam und habe mich eine Stunde aufs Bett gelegt. Habe Kohlen und Sullivan bezahlt und wieder gekauft 2 Tonnen Kohlen, eine Axt, einen Sägebock, einen Schleifstein und eine Säge. Dieses alles wird mir zu gute kommen, wenn wir im Stande sind eine Farm zu kaufen, was vielleicht bald werden kann. Das Wetter war heute schön und warm. 

Translation:

Left Martha this morning at 9 o’clock. Walked to the station. My apple trees are growing well. Martha is feeling better than I could expect under the circumstances. Took a train to Springfield and visited George Rose and looked around for a man for Papa to work on the farm. Promised to send one there for $10 a month. Had a terrible headache as I got home and laid on bed for an hour. Paid for coals and Sullivan and bought again 2 tons of coals, an axe, sawhorse, grindstone, and a saw. This will all come in handy when we are able to buy a farm, which may be soon. The weather was nice and warm today. 

Schönes, kühles Wetter. Habe an Martha geschrieben und fünf Dollar an die Lady geschickt. Muss jetzt jede Minute erwarten nach Ludlow gerufen zu werden um bei der Geburt, wenn möglich, oder nicht viel später zur Stelle zu sein. Heute ist keine Arbeit rein gekommen, habe jedoch verschiedene Arbeiten fertig gemacht, zwei Dollar eingenommen und an der Hatfield Arbeit angefangen. Von der Forbes Library werde ich bald wieder etwas bekommen und die Arbeit für die Beldings Brothers muss Anfang nächster Woche fertig werden. Werde ein …buch fürs College einbinden und der College Library zum Geschenk machen, damit die Leute sehen, was für Arbeit ich tun kann. Habe heute die Kohlen und die Sachen von Sullivan bekommen. Brauche alles nötig und würde gerne mehr kaufen, wenn ich das nötige Geld hätte. Wenn nur Martha nicht so viel auszustehen hat und gut gebärt, dann werden wir schon über den anderen Trouble hinwegkommen. Arbeit, denke ich, gibt’s jetzt immer. Wenigsten hoffe ich so, dass Mutter und Kind sich nicht zu sorgen brauchen. Werde nächsten Sonnabend wieder nach Ludlow fahren, wenn ich nicht vorher dorthin gerufen werde. 

Translation:

Nice cool weather. Have written to Martha and sent five dollars to the lady. Must now expect any minute to be called to Ludlow to be on hand at the birth if possible, or not much later. No work came in today, but finished several outstanding jobs, took in two dollars and started on the Hatfield work. I will get some more from Forbes Library soon and the Beldings Brothers work must be finished early next week. Will bind in a …book for the college and send it as a present to the College Library so people can see what kind of work I can do. Got the coals and the other stuff from Sullivan today. Need everything and would like to buy more if I had the money. If only Martha doesn’t have to go through too much and the birth goes well, we will get over the other trouble. Work, I think, will always be there now. At least this is what I hope, so that mother and child will not have to worry. I will go to Ludlow again next Saturday, if I am not called there first. 

Fine weather, but cold. I did not get a call as yet but expect it every minute. Northampton looks lively again as the College students get back. Improved business will soon follow. I chopped some wood in the morning & spent the evening with reading. Got to bed early.

Cool & cloudy. Rented the Hackney to Ch. Rew. Feel awfull lonesome.

Got up as usual and went to work. A rainy day. Received a telephone call at 12 o’clock from my wife. Left here at 12.40  and arrived on the farm at 1/2 past 3 o’clock. A nice boy was born to us at about eleven o’clock, waying 9 1/2 lbs. Mama and Baby are feeling well. I stayed the most the time with mother & Kid only went out at intervalls and trimmed my apple trees. The are doing well. I was kept quite buisy, writing the news to all our relations & aquaintances. I was a happy man, since ever I am married, but are still happier now, that we got a child, and a boy it is, smart, strong & heavy, looking just like me. I sincerely hope that we can bring him up, healthy & well. If business goes allright, there will be no troubles. I am awfull glad, that mother & child are feeling well, so far. Martha has got over it first class and I dont anticipate any further trouble.

Cloudy & rainy. Mother & child are doing well. I stayed with my wife most all day to day. The boy is tip top and we got the best hopes.

Cloudy and rainy. The boy seems to feel tip top but Martha has got kind of fever. Milk fever I should call it. I stayed with them most all day, but had to leave them at 1/2 past seven o’clock p.m. to come home here and tend to my business. I am not afraid now for the future, because everything seems favorable. The child is healthy and the mother got the usual sickness only. I hope with all my heart that nothing comes between. I will soon get out again and see, how things are going on.

Went to work as usual. The weather was cloudy and threadening. We made the boy well, as I rushed the growler and been setting up for friends. I slept well last night, but got a quite a cold to day. The satchel, which I forgot at the depot platform, friday noon, is lost entirely, they don’t know anything about it at the depot. Well, let that go as it is, the boy is better to have as a few old things. I expected to take in some money to day, to see Martha with it, but my hopes didnt get realized, so I must wait to saturday, as gladly I would like to go twice this week.

Fine cool weather. Wrote a letter to Martha & my boy. Expected to take in some money, but didnt. Had Rew here for diner. Must go collecting.

Weather is fair & cool. Mr Phelps paid me to day. Got my laundry and a haircut & shave from the new german barber. Got word from Forbes Library to get more books to be bound. Quite a number of people visited me to day and congratulated on our little prince. It does me good, to hear the compliments. If only Martha was here with the boy. I feel awfull lonesome without her. I wanted to see her to night, but could not afford it, for lack of funds. Will go out saturday evening and stay over sunday. I hope she is feeling well.

Schönes, klares Herbstwetter. Habe mir heute wieder Arbeit von der „Forbes (Trosbes)“ geholt. Bekam eine Postkarte von Martha. Beide befinden sich wohl. Muss Sonnabend zur Zeit gehen, dass ich den Anschluss in Springfield nicht verfehle, damit ich mein Volk wieder sehen kann. Habe die Hatfield Arbeit bis zum vergolden fertig. 

Translation:

Beautiful, clear autumn weather. Picked up today again work from the “Forbes (Trosbes)”. Got a postcard from Martha. Both are well. Must leave Saturday right on time not to miss connection in Springfield so I can see my folks again. Finished the Hatfield work as far as gilding. 

Fine & warm weather. Overslept myself and went to work at 8 o’clock. Paid my pole tax to day and bought Martha a corset in Rileys. Spoke with Heffernan, he wants to cut me down still more, but I wont do it. He is got a good thing, cheap, and know it. Took in 1.65 to day and expect more to morrow & next week. I will leave here at 5.46 to morrow p,m. to see Martha & my boy.

Habe Northampton mit dem 5.48 Zug Sonnabend Nachmittag verlassen, die erste Verbindung bekommen und traf pünktlich ½ 8 Uhr in Ludlow ein. Ernst erwartete mich mit dem Wagen an der Haltestelle. Frau und Kind waren gesund und guter Dinge. Alles was meine Martha jetzt noch troublet sind Schmerzen im Rücken und aufgesprungene Titts welche aber beginnen besser zu werden. Der Bub ist ein klein guter Kerl, er „bothers“ seine Mama nicht viel, Nimmt seinen Drink und schläft viel. Während der Woche in der ich ihn nicht gesehen habe, ist der Bengel tüchtig gewachsen. Ungemein freut es mich, dass Martha sich so gut fühlt. Sie stand gestern frühzeitig auf und ist erst ½ nach neun Uhr Abends wieder zu Bett gegangen. Am liebsten hätte ich die beiden hier, namentlich Martha fehlt mir zu sehr. Wenn alles gut geht, werde ich sie heute über 8 Tage mit nach Hause bringen. Sie war eine gute — Frau und hat das schlimmste gut überstanden, so dass ich jetzt gar keine Angst mehr habe. Jetzt heißt es aber auf’s „Baby“ aufpassen. Der Junge ist gesund und soll es auch bleiben. Wir wollen gewiß tun, was in unseren Kräften steht! 

Gestern besuchten uns: Mamie & Anie Conors, Family Gotsche, Herr Hampden and Mrs. Deerfield und Tochter von Monson. Gratulationen zu unserem Jungen sind uns von allen Seiten zugegangen. Martha wäre gern schon heute mitgekommen, aber es war doch noch zu früh! Haber wieder etwa Arbeit bekommen und 1,75 Dollar eingenommen. 

Translation:

Left Northampton on the 5.48 train Saturday afternoon, got the first connection and arrived at Ludlow promptly ½ 8 o’clock. Ernst was waiting for me with the car at the train station. Wife and child were healthy and in good spirits. All that troubles my Martha now are pains in her back and chapped tits; but they are beginning to get better. The boy is a little good guy, he doesn’t “bother” his Mama much, takes his drink and sleeps a lot. During the week that I have not seen him, the boy has grown a lot. I am very happy that Martha is feeling so well. She got up early yesterday and didn’t go to bed until ½ past nine in the evening. I would love to have them both here with me, especially Martha I miss very much. If all goes well, I will bring them home with me today in 8 days. She was a good — woman and has survived the worst well, so that I am not afraid at all anymore. But now it is time to take care of the “baby”. The boy is healthy and should stay that way. We will certainly do everything we can! Yesterday we were visited by Mamie & Anie Conors, Family Gotsche, Mr. Hampden and Mrs. Deerfield and her daughter from Monson. Congratulations on our boy have come to us from all sides. Martha would have liked to come with me today, but it is too early! Got some work again and took in 1.75. 

This was one of the hottest days on record for this time of the year. Work, under such heat progressed but slowly. Wrote a letter to Martha and mailed Theos letter to Uncle William. I ordered a lot of things to day, to have everything in good order when my wife comes back to her home with our boy. If work only keeps on that I am able to give them two a little comfort. That is all, I now wish for.

It rained pitchfork all day to day so the cattle show is to be postponed to tomorrow. I didnt go home got diner. Rew, Clarence and I, bought a loaf of bread, 1 lbs. of cheese and rushed the growler, and so had our diner in the shop. The german paper came in time this noon. Carroll brought the groceries up to the shop and I had to carry them home. Had to change the…

The day was fine and cool weather. Just fine for the cattle show, which is to day and to morrow. I will not go there, because the ask a good stiff price for admission and have hardly any atractions. I went home at noon as usually to eat my diner, but got left badly, as I forgot my keys. So I went back and bought a lunch in Parnells which I rinsed down with a glass of lager. I am now cooking split peas for to morrow and, you bet, look out for the keys. Wont forget them again. Mr. Sanderson from Hatfield was here to get his books. The payment for them arrived at noon. Finished most all the jobs on hand, but have promise for more. Sent checks to Steiger & Co, and Houghton, Mifflin & Co. and wrote letter to Hatfield and germ. am. Pr. Co. Holyoke, the last named, containing this weeks report. Received more groceries. Started to make up Marthas new washline, cleaned the stove and dit other house work. One book received from the Forbes which I promised to bind and deliver to morrow p.m. Received a letter from Martha. Everything is all right out there. Wife & kid are well so that I think I can take them home on monday next. I hope so anyhow for I would enjoy myself better, having them here. I am so glad that all is O.K. how Martha says. Bound 3 story books from our private library. Will bind more when I get the chance.

The day for me began bright and early in the morning, with the best weather we could wish for. The streets were crowded, so the cattle show must have been well attended. There was a fire last night in the freight yard and two, or properly three tramps where entirely burned to ashes. The fourth was still alive, as the burning carr was opened, but died a few hours later in the hospital. I did some little jops to day and delivered the Forbes books. Must work in the library to morrow and properly 3 – 4 days next week, lettering books. I took in a little money this week, paid some bills and expect more cash coming in next week. Will leave with the 5.48 to morrow p.m. and, when possible, bring Martha & our boy home with me on monday noon. This morning I chopped a little wood and did other housework, and, during diner hour, put up the clothesline, a la trolley so Martha has got it more easy. Went up to Hospital Hill to night to buy oilcloth for our dining room, but didnt meet the partie, so I visited Elliot, got home at about 1/2 past 7 o’clock. At supper and shaved myself. Will now study a little and soon go to bed.

I left here as usual with the 5.48 saturday and arived in Ludlow in due time. Martha & the Boy was feeling O.K. We had some company on Sunday, but spent the day quietly. Left at Ludlow monday morning with the 9.35 train. Our boy behaved fine, he didn’t feel a bit uneasy. The hack has been waiting for us at the depot and so, everything was O.K. Our boy is now in his own home and feels tip top, so far. Martha also, feels good, after her trip and so do I. I worked to day in the shop and will go to the library to morrow. Took in 23 dollars to day and bought meat & groceries in advance. We are both tired and will go to bed soon. Richard is asleep.

We didnt have much trouble last night and slept pretty well. The day is cloudy and stormy. The boy was uneasy in the morning, but was as fine as silk p.m. I got a job to day for the election, worked in the library and bought Cocoa and Beer for Martha and other things. Our boy had qwite company as the nighbors kids have been here. He also received a present, as Mrs. Warnack gave him 25 cts. In Youngs house is the scarlet fever, so we have to be awfull careful, not to come in contact with them.

Last night was awfull rainy and stormy, but warm. It cleared up at about 8 o’clock and was good weather for Belchertown Cattle show. We passed a restless, sleepless night as our boy was awfull uneasy. He felt good, but the wind bothered him much. He was to good a boy during day, so we may well expect another troublesome night, but never mind, we get trough it all right and dont mind it much, if we can only keep the boy and raise him to be and become a big man. Received a letter from Mamie Conors to day with a good present for our little fellow, being a pair of knitted shoes; she made them herself. Mama sent Martha gloves, enrapped in newspapers. Had to pay five cents fine, for putting a letter in third class mail matter. Did not work in the library to day but must do so to morrow. Got in two little jobs and hope, soon to get more. Wanted to pay Carrolls Grocery bill to day, but he didnt show up. Sent a bill to Miss Rend for 2.25 and bought a lbs of Rock candy for the babe. Mrs Flagg and Charlie Smith showed up in the shop to inquire for Martha and the Kid. Took in a dollar to day. Must write to Mama to morrow. Expecting letters from Richmond and soon from Europe. Mrs Warnack didn’t cry much to day.

 

Weather clear & nice and cool. Babe didnt bother much last night, and is now fast asleep. I chopped a little wood in the morning. Left here at 7 o’clock sharp, worked in the shop untill 1/2 past 8 o’clock, and then to the library, lettering books. Bought Fish for to morrow. The college girls had her, so called Mountain day to day, and went of with great…Martha is feeling pretty well, only tired and weak, as natural. I wonder that her breast wont hold the milk, they are flowing unnatural, keeping her wet all the time. She hasnt got a sore breast as yet, but still it hurts her to have the Kid drink. I sincerely hope that it’ll soon be better. She has got over it all right so far, so I got great confidence in the future.

Klares kaltes Wetter heute früh, wurde trüb nachmittags und regnet jetzt in Strömen. Habe 2 ½ Stunden in der Bibliothek und dann im shop gearbeitet. Der Bub hat beinahe die ganze letzte Nacht durchgeschlafen und war auch heute früh so ruhig, dass wir es auch beide verschlafen haben. Mrs. Flagg war hier um unserem Jungen einen Besuch zu machen. Habe die – an den Küchentisch gemacht und das „Scrapbook“ eingeweißt. Brief fortgeschickt an Mama und verschiedene Einkäufe gemacht. 

Habe 60 cents eingenommen und da die B.B. Bücher beinahe gefertigt, so dass ich dieselben morgen abliefern kann. Martha ist müde, fühlt sich aber gut.

Translation:

Clear cold weather this morning, turned cloudy in the afternoon and now raining cats and dogs. Worked 2 ½ hours in library and then in shop. The boy slept through almost all of last night and was so quiet this morning that we both slept through it too. Mrs. Flagg was here to pay our boy a visit. Made the – to the kitchen table and white-washed the “scrapbook”. Sent letter to Mama and made several purchases. Took in 60 cents and the B.B. books are almost done, so I can deliver them tomorrow. Martha is tired but feels well. 

Cold, cloudy & stormy with Rain showers. Baby feels uneasy and Martha weak & tired. I stayed at home to two o’clock, helped her doing housework to give her a chance for a most needed rest, which, to all appearance, did her very good. For the same reason I left the shop at 4 o’clock. Tended to Baby and housework, while Martha rested herself, she is now laying on the sofa, feels a good deal better and only complains over headache. I did some carpentering to day, took orders for two window seats, bought lumber and other necessarys and took an order for storing a box for a college girl. It all helps a little. Mailed a check of $5.00 to “Enterprise” Easthampton & tried to deliver Belding Bros. books, but got left, as the close the office at 12 o’clock noon, saturday. Bought stake for diner, and six bottles of beer, which must last, at least, one week. We had beef & nudles for diner & enjoyed it very much. Even Martha ate hearty, this was, when I remember right, her first good meal, since we are back here. I made her it more to night, where she did, so I expect her, to restore her old robust strengt soon. Expected a letter of Mama, but got dissapointed.

It is a nice sunday to day. Clear & fresh, only a little to windy for the boy. We couldn’t take him out doors since we got him at home. We got up late to day. I did most of the housework, and at about 12 o’clock went for a paper. Our company was here Daisy & Emma Kreiner. I wrote a letter to Theo, who is now posibly maried in „Wetter an der Ruhr“. Martha will propaply write her a few lines to morrow so we can mail it. The boy behave splendid today, but we must soon feed him with something substantial he is growing to quick. Got to bed early to secure a good nights rest.

Fine bright autumn weather, not quite as windy as yesterday, but still to much so for our prince. Martha is feeling well to day, only her breast bothers still. I finished 2 window seats to day and delivered them. The girls promissed to pay to morrow and I hope they’ll keep their word. Brought away some goods which was started in my shop and delivered the books to Belding Bros. Not any money came in to day, but I paid out $10.00 & got to pay interest & shop rent to morrow. I dont know as yet where to get the money from. Wrote letters to day to the Union, Belchertown Library, White Son Co., the Hang Co, & E.J. Carroll ordering goods and paid little bills. Made a box for my own use to put in types, which are my private property, that is to say, they dont belong to the goods, mentioned in the bill of sale. Martha did most of her washing to day and is now fairly tired out, and no wonder. I would not let her doing it, so she persisted & I had to shut up. Work is slack now, but I got hope for more.

Fine weather continues. We could have taken the boy out a little while, but the little fellow slept untill 1/2 pat 5 o’cl. I did not work much to day, only finished Gamwells book and made a savings box for our boy, a box which we can not open without cutting it open, so the money saved for him, will safely stay where we put it. To day I wrote to cousin Robert and Easthampton Library. Sending Robert a check for 80 cts. Took in $5.00 and paid shop rent. Richard was a little bothersome last night, because the wind (colick) troubled him considerable. I tended him for about two hours, to give Martha a much needed rest, and later on, helped her finishing her washing. We received the long looked for letter from Mama and one from Nettie Seuss, she will call on us on sunday next, to see our boy. We also expect our boys gramie and grandpa. So the house will be quite full. Mother & boy are now both asleep and I got to be awfull quiet, not to wake them up. Earned $5.00 to day in cutting paper for the Herald. Will mail Theos letter to morrow. and also answer Mamies & Netties letters. I have not much to do in the shop yet and only wish some work may come in, to keep us afloat. Warren raised my shop rent to day. Our boy became his first boiled meal to day & it seems to do him considerably good. He shall now have some every noon.

Regnete Lausejungen den ganzen Tag und regnet noch. Schrieben an Mama, Nettie Seuss, Theoline usw. Auch Dav. Wright wegen Pappas Pferden

Martha hat Kopfschmerzen, aber sonst geht es ihr sehr gut. Auch der Bub fühlt sich OK. Hatte einen kleinen job Karten zu schneiden was mir 35 cents einbrachte. Habe Richards Sparkasse fertig gemacht, sie sieht schön aus und hat Martha eine Freude gemacht. Frizzell und Rew haben gleich was hinein getan, ebenso Martha und ich. Auch die 25 cents von Mrs. Warnock haben wir der Kasse gespendet. Im Laufe der Jahre wird schon etwas zusammen kommen. Wenn’s nur drin bleibt. 

Translation:

Rained cats and dogs all day and it is still raining. Wrote to Mama, Nettie Seuss, Theoline, etc. Also to Dav. Wright about Pappa’s horses. Martha has a headache but otherwise feels very well. The boy is also feeling O.K. I had a little job cutting cards which netted me 35 cents. Finished Richard’s piggy bank (a box for savings; does not say it is actually in the shape of a pig); it looks nice and made Martha happy. Frizzell and Rew put some money in right away as did Martha and I. We also donated the 25 cents from Mrs. Warnock to the piggy bank. Over the years, the money will add up. If only it stays in it. 

Fine clear weather and warm. Went to the shop as usually, but did not get any work. Finished sawing wood for the coming winter, and had a generally job cleaning. It now looks decent. I made a box to day, for Martha, to put her writing materials in, looks like a book and so great many will get fooled. The weather was so fine & clear & warm to day that we had a chance to take our boy out. It did him and Martha wonderfully good, specially Martha needed an airing the worst way and she took good advantage of it. Mother & child will have it as often as possible now, when the weather permits it. I did a little shopping & came home hungry and glad as usually.

Gloomy, rainy weather. Babe had to stay in the house all day, poor creature. I mailed some letters and did a little work in the shop. No work came in during working hours, but about at 7 0’clock a man came in from Baystate with a little job, making blocks for the Grinders Union. Baby was a little restless, toward morning, but was a fine behaving kid during all day. We expect lots of company to Sunday. I hope the will come. Martha finished her ironing and is feeling well. I am rather discouraged in not having sufficient work, but still, hope for the better.

Trübes regnerisches Wetter bis gegen 3 Uhr, dann wärmer und besser. Hatte keine Arbeit, nur etwas Papier zu schneiden. Habe den shop ordentlich aufgeräumt. 

Translation:

Cloudy & rainy weather until about 3 o’clock, then warmer and better. Had no work, just some paper to cut. Cleaned up the store neatly. 

The day began cloudy & cool but cleared up soon. We got up early to get ready for our expected company. I helped Martha a good deal about the house and went to the depot at 10 o’clock, where I met the two Seuss girls & Clare Findeisen. I first showed them trough my shop and then fetched them home. A little later Papa & Mama came with Erenst as driver. Our boy received rich presents from all sides. Papa gave the girls & Martha a ride to Easthampton while Mama and I stayed at home tending to the boy and housework. We played a few games after supper and then acompanied the girls to the depot, when the left with the 8.35 train for home. Our folks ar staying here over night.

Fine & clear weather. Papa came with me to the shop, so did Ernest. Papa however went home soon to lay down, he caught a cold some where and now got to suffer it, for, what I call his own neglect of his person. I came home from the shop at about half past 10 o’clock to give Martha a chance to have a stroll with Mama down town which she heartly enjoyed. I made diner ready, tended to Pa and did other work, while Ernst chipped a little wood. At about 7 o’clock I went with Ernst to the stable to get the team. We first went to the freight depot after my post board and got here at two o’clock, having the team loaded with newspaper and other articles. At 1/2 past two they left. Martha gave the boy a little fresh air & so everything went off nicely. Martha has got a fearfull headache but feels good in the average. I wrote a postal card to Dr. Webber.

Fine weather continues. I went to the shop as usualy, though having no work to do. It started so nicely a few months ago, that I had good hope, work would continue, but I got sadly left, so it seems and I get allmost discouraged, having no work come in, and no money either, though both is promissed. Martha is got a severe cold and our little one dont seem to feel good neither. I hope he wont get sick. Received a letter from Mama. They got home all right. Papas sickness turned out into rheumatism, so I am afraid he will have to suffer a good deal. Our cellar is now well stocked with coal & vegetables so we can eat in peace if I am only able to earn the rent and a few other necessitys. I hope I will earn it. Allmost hope against hope.

A nasty, rainy day, but warm. Received a little job for South Hadley rom cath. cemetery. All are feeling well to day. Our little couldn’t move for a few days but to day Martha gave him a soap stick so, everything is hunky dory. I suppose Auntie is coming to morrow to give my wife a chance to take a little fresh air once a while.

The morning was warm & nice but it did not keep on. A cool wave was setting in toward 10 p.m. and now it is cold enough to snow. Our boy feels uneasy and Martha is got a cough. No work came in to day. We expected Ida to day, but she failed to appear. Mailed a letter to Mamie Connors. Bought Meat for the week. Must write to Lyn to morrow for a position.

Weather fair & cool. Auntie arrived here at eleven o’clock. Went with Martha down street shopping. Chopped a little wood and did other house work. Wrote and mailed a letter to Mama. Got home early to night, tended to the cellar and later played a few games of domino. The boy & Martha are feeling well.

Weather cloudy & cool. Snowed a little. I finished the book for Hadley Cemetery. Phelps came for it in time and paid. Martha went to the Academy and I did the shopping. Took in #3.00. Sent check of $2.00 to Boston for paper. Must work a little to morrow to finish the election lists. Rec. Postal card from Belchertown. Must get some books for rebinding. Dont know yet how to get them here. Spent quite a little money to day & ordered a load of wood.

The whole sunday was a rainy afair from beginning to end, so we had to stay in the house all day and killed time as best we could with games of different kind. Mrs. Grenier was here for a short visit. I left here at about eleven o’clock and worked in the shop for about one hour, then went home, chopped a little wood  and did some other housework. Had two women in the house but still had to cook supper. The boy is not feeling extra well having diarhea. Martha is feeling good.

Weather is cloudy, springled a little, but cleared up in the afternoon. Baby is feeling a little better to day. Martha is doing her washing, helped by Auntie. It is to bad, that I got to leave the house every morning without breakfast, going to work wth an empty stomach. I never did that before I got married, but must do it now. I can not do up breakfast myself having other work to attend, before I leave, and cant say nothing, to avoid fuss & trouble. Expected Martha in the shop after diner, but she did not come. Auntie was out for a little wolk and did some shopping. Phelps brought a book to bind but called for it later, to take it home unbound, so I got left with the job. Played domino at night. I wrote a letter to mama, paid my gasebill and sent money to Boston.

The day was as beautifull weather as anybody could wish for. Received a letter from Mama and a new corsetwear for Martha. I made a tobacco box for my own use, and began to make a cushion cover from small leather remnants. It will look fine when done. Had great company in the shop to day as my boy was there with his mama and Ida. Auntie & Richard stayed in the shop while I took a walk with Martha. All went home early and the Kid is sleeping well. A little airing does him awfully good and he should have more of it.

Mixed up weather, clear & cloudy, still & windy. No work came in. Wrote and mailed a letter to Mama. Martha took a walk down street and visited me in the shop. Auntie took a little walk around the college block. I finished a box for Auntie and a billow cover from small pieces of leather. No money came in, thoug I need some the worst way, having just 20 cts left to last for the rest of the week. Don’t know what to do if money is not forthcoming speedly. The boy is feeling fine to day, but the little stinker would stay in his bed towards morning, he wants to sleep between me & Martha. He is growing quick and is quiet healthy and my onliest wish now is, to keep him well and alive.

Fine & clear weather. I went to the shop as usuall, but had no work. I took Baby to the shop after diner & carried him home at about 1/2 past three o’clock. He had a great outing. Martha & Auntie are feeling well, but baby is bothered with wind colic, it is to bad. Received a letter from Mama and mailed one for Lynn, applying for position in the publ. Library. Hope to get it, to. Played domino to night and Auntie won two straight games, the first winers she had, since we play together. Went to bed early.

Another fine day. Last night was the heaviest frost, we had so far, there was ice on the water timples this morning. Last night was the worst night, we ever had we the baby, he had the colick terible the poor chap and we can hardly give him any help against it. I must get the doctor if it keeps on. I worked in the library to day and think to have 1/2 a day to morrow or more when I can stretch it. Martha visited me in the Library and went shopping, while Auntie and baby stayed at home. Received no mail and no money and I need some the worst way. Martha visited Mrs. Rocket and had a chat with Townes. He wants to get our custom back, but I dont know if I will or not. Cutter wants me to learn one of the… the lettering of books, but I don’t know if I will, it would take the butter of my bread, but if I refuse it may take the bread to. Martha & Auntie are both feeling rather sick. I am all right, not counting a little head ache. Frizzell stayed in the shop a little while this afternoon. I cut some paper for the herald  and took in a small job, to make a scrap book for one of the college girls. Been playing domino to night and Auntie lost, as usual. Now we must go to bed and try to get a little rest, for I expect another restless night, with our little fellow.

Cloudy but warm weather. I finished lettering in the library & took in two little jobs binding, August, the Jew, was here and brought us a bundle and a letter from Ludlow. Mama sent us a piece of pork and some money for Auntie. Ida was down town and bought a few things, and later Martha was in the shop. I bought an yeast cake candy and the evening paper & we went home together. The boy was feeling a little better and so, we can help for a little better rest to night. I did send out a few bills and collected 10 cts, a big pile of money. We played two games of domino. Auntie won one, and that made her feel as good as a bed bug. Got a doz. of beer for which Auntie paid. I did not speak of our plants lately but will say that they are now doing fine. We will raise tomato and pansy plants this winter, to sell them coming spring.

We had a surprise last night after we went to bed to see heavy lightning. It is very uncommon this time the year. Our boy slept fairly well and so did we. Got up late this morning and hustled around the house. Had grune close for diner and had all a hearty meal. Mrs. Donovan was here to pay us a short visit. Martha and me went in to the shop, mailed a letter, and visited the new chemical college building. On going home, we met Mr. Stark, who showed us around the college. I took a walk with Martha trough the campus. Them we played a little bb and after supper a few games of domino. Auntie wanted to go church, but did not go, for laziness I guess. We wrote a letter of 8 pages to our folks to Ludlow. Theyll be surprised to get such fat a letter.

Cloudy & windy. Rained a little in the morning amid sunshine. Finished a book for A. Watson and delivered it, but it was just my luck not to find him in, so I received no money and had to give my last dime to Martha to buy meat for to morrow. The boy slept well last night and felt fine all day to day. Martha did her washing in the morning & visited me in the shop in the afternoon. I took in a job and nearly finished that scrap book, besides doing some cutting for the Herald. To morrow is election day. I hope Wolcott gets defeited, but don’t think so. I lost my vote in not going to see if I am registered or not. Got work to morrow and have good hopes for more work coming.

Fair weather, a little warmer. Worked most all day to day and took in $6.40 from which I paid a grocry bill to the amount of $2.40. Eletion day was awfull guired and not many votes were cast. Martha visited me in the shop and handed a bill to E. E. Wood jr on Elm str. The little one is again bothered with winds. It is to bad that we cant take him out more, it would do him good.

Fine warm baby weather. Massachusetts elected mostly republicans. Baby, Martha & Auntie visited me in the shop, the latter went shopping & baby stayed with me. Received a letter from Curt, and one from Belchertown Library. Finished a Scrap book & a few boxes & did some little jobs. Will get plenty of work this week and a good thing it is, I need it badly.

The day was the most disagreeable day for a long while, it rained pitchforks from early dawn till night. I had some work to day and will have more to morrow & saturday so that I possibly have to work over time. Now, that plenty work is in sight we are all feeling well. I must save money now as fast as possible so we will be able to buy a farm soon. Our boy is doing well and so is Martha and everything will be hunky dory when we get a place in the country, if there once, there wont be any more trouble and I can give my boy & wife a good home and the later a good education. I bought some tings today and Martha paid for milk.

Cloudy & windy. Had work to day & received a pile of books from Forbes Library. Went to the meat market this morning and bought a fish. Martha came in the shop at about eleven o’clock to take the fish home. Came again in the afternoon and I went with her down street, mailing some business letters and one for mama. Received a postal from Mama & a letter from Mamie Connors. Finished a little job & did some cutting for the Herald and some shopping. Must have more stock, but haven’t money to buy it. Hope to get the goods trusted some wheres. The boy is feeling O.K., & so is Martha, who had an awfull head ache last night. Cold weather is coming on now, but we dont mind it much as we are good suplied with wood, coal & vegetables etc. Rent day is coming nearer, but no money is coming in, so I am afraid that I can not pay in time. Well, Warren has got to wait a few days, that is all. Have rent will be all right. Expect money from different sides soon, which will put me on my legs again.

Weather was fair but cloudy & windy so we didnt have a chance to take the boy out. The little fellow was so bothered with the wind colick that I had to give him some medicine before I left this morning. I think it did relieve him considerable, for he felt fine all day. I had full work to day. Martha came in the shop at about 2 o’clock and helped taking some books apart. We went home to gether, after I did a little shopping. Martha & Auntie went down street after supper to look through the stores. Auntie bought Martha a head shawl etc. Mr. August, the jew was here again & brought the Belchertown books, 2 lbs. of butter and a letter from Mama. The small boys out there got the Houping cough and it is possible that we have to stay at home Thanksgiving insteadt going Ludlow. I expected to receive money from different parties to day but got badly left, for not a cent came in. Clarence did not pay as promised, so I took down his bench and made him move.

Weather cloudy & cold. Warmer & rainy towards night. Auntie went to church while Martha & me stayed at home, attending to house work. I chewed a rag with Martha last night. The poor girl has the impression that I am not honest with her, because I do not tell her all the goings on, and troubles of business. I will not do so, because she takes everything so severe, and broods over it, with out finding, or trying to find a way out, so I better fight my own battles as much as possible and keep details for myself, so, Martha wont be bothered with depressing thoughts. I am now married most a year and we never had trouble to gether so far and wont get any neither as long as I can help it, we had success so far & will go along all right with a little privation. We will still go on better when Martha gets more aquainted with city life and gets a better eye and understanding for business and social matters. We had a few games of cards after diner, read a little, and then Martha & I took a little walk around the block. After supper we played a few games of domino, and gave Auntie 3 “raugels” which she took in good style.

Editor’s note: “Chew the rag” is an English expression for gossiping or making friendly small talk, or a long and informal conversation with someone.

Cloudy & rainy in the morning. I now have plenty of work and begin to feel good. Martha did washing to day and visited me in the shop afternoon. Received a check from Forbes Library from $17.35. $1.50 from Clarence and 75 cts from Smith College. I must have $27.00 and dont know yet, where to get it all. Martha did some shopping and made a new…from all…for baby. Baby troubled most all night, last night and Martha had to give him medicine to day. The wind (colick) bothers him to much. Auntie needles a pair of stokins for baby, and is now chewing a rag with Martha of olden times so I got cheated out of my usuall game of domino. All are feeling good to day but me, I feel like trowing up and got a big head ache.

Schönes Wetter heute. Tante muss uns plötzlich verlassen, weil sie notwendig von Mama gebraucht wird. Die Buben sind krank und machen viel Arbeit. Habe heute die bitz. Rep. zum binden bekommen. Arbeit ist jetzt gut. Muss heute beim Bazar bartenden. Brief von Mama. Martha war vormittags im shop während ich kleine Einkäufe besorgte. Gegen Abend habe ich Tante zum Bahnhof begleitet. Der Bub fühlt sich heute gut. Habe den Gedanken aufgegeben zu Thanksgiving nach Ludlow zu gehen. Unser Bub könnte krank werden. Bezahlten die Miete. 

Translation:

Nice weather today. Aunt has to leave us suddenly because she is needed by Mama. The boys are sick and there is a lot of work to do. Got today the bitz. Rep. for binding. Work is good now. Have to bartend today at the bazaar. Received a letter from Mama. Martha was in the store in the morning while I did some shopping. Towards evening I accompanied aunt to the train station. The boy is feeling well today. Gave up the thought of going to Ludlow for Thanksgiving. Our boy might get sick. Paid the rent. 

Cloudy, with little rain showers. Work is plentyfull now and I wish it would keep on. Got registered last night for city election. Stayed in Rahars to eleven o’clock. Business was awfull slow so I made no tips. Martha & boy is feeling good, so do I. To night I work a little at home.

Rainy weather, and a full grown rain it is to. Keeps on pouring down in good shape. Our boy is a little sick to day, feels uneasy. Expected a letter from home to day, but we got left. Rahar wanted me again to night, but I had to refuse, having work here. Will not refuse him again. More work is in sight and things seems to come my way. I hope it keeps on. Received glue & tissue to day and paid a few bills after collecting some little money.

Rained again & seems to keep on. I was lazy to day, but, still did some work. Baby & mama are feeling fine to day and so do I, only the weather is supressing. Received a letter from Mama.

The same rain continues to pour down. Work is all right & the folks are feeling well. I cleaned the shop up a little to day. Frizzell helped me cutting books. Heffernan paid down 5$ off his bill. Received 50 lbs glue to day and took in an order for Elliot. I did some shopping and got home at about 1/2 past 5 o’clock. Patched up some books after supper and played a few games of domino. Each of us lost one game. The Northampton volunteers got paid of to day and are now busy to kill theyr money. It is quiet stormy to night, promissing a clearing up to morrow.

Nice warm sunday weather but windy. I took out the boy a little while but he couldn’t stand it, he swalloed wind an I was afraid he’d get the colic. I went down street to buy a paper. After diner we played a few games of domino and wrote a letter to Mama, which Martha mailed after 5 o’clock. A little walk like this, does her good and she should have it every day, but she wont dress so often. We had a fine diner to day & must live now on remnants for two days. Thanksgiving is drawing near and then we want to have a great good diner in celebration of our wedding day. We are all feeling well to day, specially the boy is tip top.

Fine weather to day, so that Martha was able to give the boy a great outing and both are feeling well after it. I most finished the forbes books to day and have still more work at hand. Received a letter from Mrs. Deerfield, with an invitation to Thanksgiving diner, but I know some body who wont go. Martha wrote a letter to the Connors.

Cloudy & warm weather. Finished forbes Library books and patched up the rest of Belchertown books. Had a chewing match with Warren. He lets me stay for seven dollars this winter. Baby is feeling fine.

Baby is two months old to day and is feeling first class. I stayed at home this morning to give Martha a chance to go to Springfield. She left with the 9.30 and came back with the 1.05. Met Mama & Papa in Springfield and bought a few things. I tented to Baby, did the house work and sewed a few books. Baby behaved himself fine. Received a letter from Auntie and a postal from Lynn Publ. Library. The weather was cloudy but warm. I went in the shop at 1.30 and did a few little things. Sewed a few books in the evening while Martha does a little washing & ironing & makes preparations for Thanksgiving diner.

To day began cloudy & ended with regular snowstorm. We had our Thanksgiving diner at home by ourself. I only invited Frizzell but he didn’t come. We played a few games domino, I lost four straight games and only got one. Our diner consisted of chicken, cranberry & squash pie, grune klose and some things etc. I worked a little in the house. About 5 o’clock I made a good hot drink. The other time we spent fooling & playing. Our boy was fine all day. Slept most the time.

Clear & cold. Everything is frozen stiff. It is the first time since I am in this country that the winter sets in so soon and promises to be very severe and long. A year ago was our day of wedding and we lived trough this year without disharmony or fight, we had of course some privation to get trough, for money was scarce most all the time, but take it all in all, we gained considerably. Work is at hand & still coming in, so we can realy on the near future, this helping us well over the winter and then “wird wieder rath” (translated: will be advised again). Our boy is better & better every day and he gets smart now, beginning to realise things, he is laughing and trys to talk most all the time he’s awake. Delivered the library books and sent in bill. Took in $1.35 and gave out 85 cts. The night will be cold and we got to remove the flower pots from the window, else the will freeze.

Cloudy, windy & cold. Finished the Belchertown Library books, a book for A. Watson and some little jobs and took in $1.05. Bought meat & rock candy and arrived at home at 6 o’clock. August was in the shop and brought us a box & a letter from mama. The agent of the Union called to get his money. I owe him $12.35 and must pay him soon. Snowing began at about 1/2 past four and turned to be a regular blizzard. Mama & Papa wanted to come to day, but luckily they didn’t or the would have been confined with us. We played a few games of domino, changed our underwear for the winter and after reading our papers got to rest.

Snow & storm all day & is keeping on in good shape. I shoveled and swept the porch and stairs twice but it is pretty well covered again. So it was a dreary sunday as we was compelled to stay in the house. We played domino most all day. I lost 5 and made 3 games. Made up the inventory of our belongings and put it down at the end of this book. It is quite little and not fully covered with insurance. Our boy was in fine spirits all day to day and so was both, me and M. I only felt a little dull towards evening. We want to go home X mass, but may get cheated out of this trip to, as it now looks Martha is now soaking her washing for to morrow. It is early yet, but we want to go to bed to get fresh strength for to morrow.

Der Tag begann mit schönem Sonnenschein und ohne ein Lüftchen. Es war so warm wie im Frühjahr. Habe, bevor ich zum shop bin noch etwas Schnee geschaufelt, damit Martha ihre Wäsche aufhängen kann, welche sie heute früh gewaschen hat. Habe ein Buch zum Binden bekommen, was morgen fertig werden muss. Schrieb einen Brief nach Hause und nach Easthampton. Habe den Bub eine halbe Stunde an der frischen Luft gehabt, was ihm augenscheinlich sehr gut getan hat. Letzte Nacht hat er von ½ 6 Uhr bis 4 Uhr früh geschlafen. Es geht immer besser mit dem Jungen. Habe zwei Briefe nach dem Harold und der Gazette gesendet und Fleisch gekauft. 

Translation:

The day began with beautiful sunshine and without a breeze. It was as warm as in spring. Shoveled some snow before I went to the store so Martha could hang up her laundry, which she washed this morning. Got a book to bind which must be finished tomorrow. Wrote a letter home and to Easthampton. Had the boy out in the fresh air for half an hour which apparently did him a lot of good. Last night he slept from ½ 6 o’clock until 4 o’clock in the morning. Things are getting better and better with the boy. Sent two letters to the Harold and the Gazette and bought meat. 

Nice weather prevails. I did very little work to day but made out a new price list which I will have printed. Wrote to Mr. Bartlett, the Ludlow job printer & will do business with him if possibly. Shipped the books & mailed the bill to Belchertown and finished a forbes Library book. Went twice down street, bought stamps & meat & other little sundries. Our boy had a little airing to day, he feels good generally but is troubled with his movings. It is a hard job for him to clean out.

Cloudy with little snow fall, windy in the afternoon. Took in 65 cts. to day, delivered a library book, finished the voter lists and delivered the bill to E. O. Clapp. Wrote letters to the Hang Co., White…Co, and Am. Germ. Publ. Co. Frizzell mailed this letters for me. Received a letter from Bartlet, Ludlow, saying that it is to far, to send work up here. I expected him to come up to see me, but he wants me to call on him. Martha has got a headache to day. I think she never gets acustomed to closed rooms, we must go in the country soon, to live there for good. Played a few games of domino to night. Baby is feeling well, sleeps, however, the most the time. Fetch’d home a little work for Martha, a few books to be sewed. It was getting warmer towards evening and propably will clear of the snow and change for better, only the real winter sets in.

Weather warm & nice, only a little windy, so we could not take Baby out. He was rather uneasy to day. The poor little fellow must have some trouble inside which we could not decide on yet, his excrements are green and is a hard job for him to clean out. We may give him a little Caraway tea to night or to morrow morning. Martha is feeling comparatively good this day, a little back ache seems to depart. We played two games of domino to night, which I both lost. Received a little job from Mr. E.O. Clapp to day, which I will finish to morrow. Expected a letter from home, but got left, so we hope to get company on sunday next. Ch. Gramwell got back from Conecticut and visited me to day. Promissed work from Easthampton did not come in. As yet, neither have I any idea when the city reports come, I hope soon, for there is more work in sight.

Cloudy & warm. All are feeling well. Finished a book for the city clerk. Hope to take in a little money to morrow. Need it badly. Tried to borrow a baby cariage, but in vain. We wanted to have the boys picture taken, but sidewalks are so slippery that we cant undertake to carry him. Received a letter from mama.

Clear & warm. Baby is not feeling extra good to day. Martha & I are O.K. Finished a job for the war department. Received 33 volumes magazines from Williston Seminary & gave my new price list in print. Had to borrow 70 cts. to pay express on the magazines. Did shopping myself. Took a few books to price and played domino. I won.

After a heavy storm during the night it cleared up considerable but set in snowing again. We stayed at home all day, spending the day, with playing cards & domino. I had a notion to go to church, but gave it up on acount of the weather. Baby was feeling fine. We wrote & mailed a letter to mama.

Cloudy, rain & snow, all a mixed up cuddle muddle. I worked hard on the Williston Books and Martha helped me considerable, taken some apart. Figured on another bigg job & expect to get them to.

Cloudy & warm. Baby is bothered with colic, there must be something wound in his little belle. I hope to find it out somehow, so we can cure him. Martha was sewing books at home. I worked to eleven o’clock last night and was rather tired as I went to bed.

Fine warm weather. Work is going on smoothly. Got all the books sewed, pasted & glued. Our boy was feeling fine to day, so we had his picture taken. He had his first carriage ride to day and enjoyed it very much. Received a letter from Mamie Connors. Martha is feeling fine now. Expect Mama to morrow. I hope she is coming here so we won’t get dissapointed again.

Fine weather to day, but to windy to take out baby. Received work from Florence. Mama & Papa came here on expected time. Mama stayed with Martha while I took a sleigh ride with P., visiting August, the jew. We did not meet him but his wife treated us with wine. Frizzell helped me in the shop, cutting books. I got the cut from the gazette office & the proves for our pictures. Cooked pasta at home. Charlie Smith bought 6 bottles of beer. We all chipped in. Mama made us a present with a coat for Baby. She is to good for anything and we must strive to pay her back, sooner or later. Auntie is telling papa about us, so we better give her the dickens some times. All are feeling well, and the boys at home got over theyr cough. Bought a bottle of castor oil for the little boy. He looks cut on his picture.

Kalt und windig aber klar. Habe die Pool-Bilder (?) zurück geschafft und 6 Stück von jedem bestellt. Habe die Bücher heute alle angesetzt und denke morgen mit dem Rücken fertig zu werden. Der Bub und Martha fühlen sich gut. Er hat heute ohne [– –] und fängt, wie es jetzt aussieht, an zu zahnen. Martha näht mir jetzt Knöpfe ans graue Jackett. 

Translation:

Cold and windy but clear. Brought the pool pictures (?) back and ordered 6 of each. Got the books all set today and think to finish the back of them tomorrow. The boy and Martha are feeling good. He went (or did ) without [– –] today and is starting to teethe by the looks of it now. Martha is sewing buttons on my gray jacket now. 

Fair & cold. Did but little progress on my work but took in 8.75 from Belchertown & 3.75 from Dr. Hickey. Put $6.00 in the bank, paid back Martha and bought groceries & beer for $1.92. Had Marthas shoes soult to day. Cost 50 cts. Baby was feeling fine. Martha and me are feeling sick in the stomach, don’t know, what is the matter. Came home early to give M. a chance to go down town to buy little things, but she didn’t go. Prefers to go sometime during day. Played two games of domino to night, won one game each. Got more work promissed coming in. Expected a letter from home, but did not get any. Must write to morrow. Things look well now, so I think we can have a little x mass after all.

Cold & cloudy. Martha stayed at home all day. I left hear at about 11 o’clock, taking back the Baby cariage, went from there in to the shop & took a few books home to be sewed. Spent the rest of our sunday as usually with reading & playing games. Looked at Warnacks new parlor stove and wrote a big fat letter to Curt. He will be astonished to get such a big one. Poor fellow, he never had a big letter of me so far, but I promissed to do better. Our boy is feeling fine to day, and so are we. The weather seems to be getting ready for a snow storm.

Was cloudy in the morning, began to snow at about 9 o’clock and kept on faithfully, so we may expect to get a good slaying. I borrowed $25.00 on my bankbook from the Northampton National bank to buy stock. Sent money to the Hang Co….Chapin, Hartford. Sent a promise to pay on March 15th to White, Sons Co. Boston & wrote to Shillart, Heffernan & Belchertown. Took in 10 cts. Did not make much progress on my work, for I have to wait, till I get the sample copies from Mr. Salzer. No other work came in. Ordered magazines for my own use & for Charlie Gamwell. Received a letter from my lodge in Meriden, must pay dues. Martha did her washing to day and is feeling fine, so is the boy, he was in extra good humor all day. Received a postal card from Mama.

Nice weather, but awfully cold. No more work came in, but I took in 65 cts. Had to pay one of Rews Lumber bills to the amount of 50 cts. Martha went down town after diner to do a little jobbing while I stayed with baby. Made a letter & bill pocket for papa. Worked at home to about 10 o’clock, sewing books for Dr. Hickey, Florence.

Clear & bright, about 10 below zero but is getting warmer towards evening. Baby again was bothered with colic. Martha did her ironing. I worked on the Florence job and began lettering the Easthampton books. Buyed a board for Marthas House plants and made it up at the kitchen window. Played two games of domino to night. I lost one & won one game. Had to give the little one tea to night.

fine, clear & cold. Baby & Martha are feeling well. Began to make a new day book. Received a letter from Mama with 50 cts. to buy a sweater for Albert. Martha was cranky evening. Played a few games of domino.

Fine weather but awfull cold in the morning. Baby did not feel so well to day but sleeps fine now. Martha feels cranky to night. Paid the House rent. Took in a few little jobs. Got home at 7 o’clock. M. was tired so we didn’t play, only read our paper. Wrote and mailed a letter to Mama. Expected to get a job from the county officials, but got left. I hope the weather keeps on so we wont have much trouble going home.

Warm & cloudy. Took in 60 cts. Bought Meat & Groceries & paid out 51 cts. Took in a few little jobs, which will keep me busy Monday. Martha is mixing bread. Baby is feeling fine. Must work nights now, most every day next week. Forbes Library didn’t pay yet, so I am in a bad fix, haven’t money enough to pay the fare home. I must try to get a little money some wheres. Bought some groceries of Town’s. I wasn’t in his store for a quite a while.

Warm & nice. A nother sunday where we didn’t go to church. The little one felt uneasy to day. We went to the shop with him and so gave him a good airing. Now he sleeps like the lord in french. We played fife games, where I lost 4.

Raining & freezing, but clearing up later. Martha took Baby out for a little while at noon. Received work from Hatfield Library. I took some of the books home, where Martha took them to pieces & patched them up. Mailed a letter to Mabel Whitney.

Everything is one ice crust to day. I went to work as usual but it was a hard case to walk on the sidewalk. Martha & Baby is feeling well. Took in 80 cts. and a few little jobs. Martha sewed some books at home.

Weather the same as yesterday, growing warmer & rainy, thus takes off the ice. Took in a few little jobs and $1.80. I figured on a job to make 200 Portfolios for the Forbes library and got to make them for 16.00 a hundred. Must order post board & paper, the other goods I have. Went shopping after 6 o’clock, bought meat, rock candy for baby and a pair of rubbers for Martha. Received a letter from Mama, it looks as if our fun may get spoiled. Oscar is feeling worst than ever and so we dont know if we can go home for x mass or stay here.

A nasty rainy day. M. & Baby are feeling well. I got home at 1/4 of eleven o’clock and tended to diner & Baby while Martha went shopping for x mass presents. Our fun is spoiled, as I expected, we received another letter from Mama & got advised from the Dr. not to go home, as it is to dangerous for Baby. I will however send Martha out Saturday night, leaving here at 5 o’clock p.m. & returning with the 11:15.

s.o.s.

Martha had her washing on the line for three days & it isn’t dry yet, so she must take it in and bake it at the stove. The “grippe” is everywhere around here, and no wonder, as this weather keeps on. I am most sure, we all will get her as company. It is to bad that we cant go Ludlow for x mass we hoped for it such a long time, but under circumstances we better stay at home and take no chances.

 

Editor’s note: Grippe is German for the flu.

Fine weather to day, seems to be come better now. Didnt take in any money but a new big job.

Another fine day. I worked hard to day to get a few things ready. Got home at 4 o’clock, when Martha dressed up to go to Ludlow. She left with the 5.48 and got back with the 11.50 acompanied from Arthur. I bought Oilcloth and put it down, to surprise Martha, but she had caught on to it, for that fool, the driver, talked out of the school. 1 pair of shoes was all I bought for M. M. took home all the presents for the folks and fetched hers back. She was richly presented, also our boy has had his share. I stayed up, till M. & Arthur came and had the table set and the lamp lit. The boy was awfully uneasy, so he keeps me well awake. Nettie & Bertha Seuss wrote and sent us theyr picture. Our pictures didnt get finished so we must go for another sitting, as I disliked the position in which Shillart had us aranged. Bought a chicken of Warnack.

Sunday, as christmas day broke on bright & nice and kept on so to the end. We got up late but managed to have the house work done in the usual time. We are all feeling well. We started after diner to play a few games of domino. Frizzell came here after diner and stayed to most 9 o’clock. We spent the time as holy days are usually spent with reading, eating, drinking & playing, and can call it quite a nice day.

Fine weather. Arthur went with me to the shop, bought some meat & carried it home. Baby was very uneasy this morning after bathing so he stayed at home and tended to the little one. He was troubled I think, in not moving since Thursday. I most finished the Hatfield books so they are ready to morrow. Arthur left here with the 12.40. I came home from the shop at 4 o’clock to give M. a chance to take a walk down street, but she declined and so kept me company. Played a few games of domino and are going to bed early. Richard is now feeling better. We gave him tea and a soap stick, it was a relief to the little one for he cleanded himself out nicely.

Cloudy & little snowing cleaning up towards diner. Began on Library work. Boy was feeling good to day. M. wrote a letter to Mama.

Cold & clear, but looks changable. Received 110 books from Forbes & began on another big job. Took books home for Martha to take them apart. I patch them up after supper.

Warm & moggy, good weather to get the la grip. I am now quite busy in the shop, so is Martha at home. Baby is feeling O.K.

Rainy & warm. Ordered and received groceries & bought a big pile of meat. Received 40.00 dividend to day from the Hampshire Bank. Frizzell & old man Gamwell were setting up on it. Baby feels good but Martha feels uneasy and got a headache.

Rain, snow and hail, a good weather for the last day in the year. I worked hard all day. Baby feels uneasy & Martha back in unexpected company to day, it is just one year that she did not had it. I am afraid that she got to take off the little one, for it might do him harm. We are going to stay up to one o’clock to see the new year in. I bought a little whiskey, so we can have our customary new years punsh.