Emma #114: December 1936
The Christmas season—cantata, bazaar, gifts—sundogs, candy, and a letter from Chris
As we come to the end of 1936, it’s been a little over 2½ years since Emma and Tell sold the last of their belongings and left their temporary home on the farm in Hardin County. They have stayed with various family members, sojourned in Grants Pass, Oregon, and now are back in Iowa where they are staying in the home of a friend. Ruth and Bob are living in Denver, Katherine is teaching school in Cleveland, and Gerald and his family are in Mexico, MO.
Tue 1. Dad gave the floor upstairs & the stair a coat of paint. I finished cleaning downstairs and we decided to drive to Beresford. It is a lovely day to go. Got started about 11 AM. Got to Beresford about 4:30 PM. Called on John & Florence a minute in Denison. Found when we got here that Harry had broken his finger or hurt it badly yesterday. Linnie had written us & had we waited about an hour we would have gotten it. Do not know yet what we will do. Weighed 164 lbs today.
Emma’s comments about her weight always seem to be made when she is at Linnie’s. While bathroom scales were available at in 1936, they weren’t as common as they are today, and I am guessing that there was one at Linnie’s house, but not at Miss Malen’s where they were staying.
Wed 2. This is another lovely morning. We will phone Harry after awhile. Since Harry is not able to use his hand we have decided to go home today. Linnie decided to go with us. We started for home about noon. Got here about 5 PM. Had a pleasant trip today.
Harry, Emma’s nephew, is a dentist and has been working on her teeth.
Thu 3. We—Linnie & I—have had a good visit today. We got up late, hooked rugs & did not do much all day. It has been a lovely day. Dad has painted the floors another coat. We have been talking of going to Denver but decided it was not the thing to do.
Fri 4. This has been rather a cold day. Did a bit of ironing. Got several letters today—Katharine, Miriam, Chris, Beulah, Gertie & John. We were glad that Gerald got his job back. So much trouble in the world! Got the bug to write to Luther today for some clothes for Jerry & Betty. Hope they have some. We went over to Leonards tonight to hear Bobnruth. Linnie went along. It came in fine.
Luther Troutman was one of Emma’s brothers. He and his wife Lucile lived in South Dakota. Bob and Ruth had a radio show on a Denver station—Emma first used the “name merge” of Bobnruth last month.
Sat 5. It snowed about 4 inches today. Linnie & I went to the bazaar about 3 PM and it was all over with. I gave the woman there 50¢. We got a letter from Rev. Randolph today. We have been studying our SS lesson this evening & also working on Linnie’s rug. Canned 5½ qts of mince meat today. Hear that Mr. Pratt of Grants Pass is dead.
Many churches hold annual bazaars as fund-raisers. They typically include sales of baked goods, crafts, and food, along with “white elephant” tables of used items for sale, silent auctions, raffles, and children’s games.
One of the most popular children’s games is the Fish Pond, in which a quilt or blanket is hung up between two poles, and children are given a fishing rod with a clip at the end of the line. They drop it over, and volunteers hook on a prize, then tug on the line to signal that a “fish” has been caught. Here are instructions for making your own.
Sun 6. It is very cold this AM. There are two sun-dogs out this morning. Tell has been out shoveling snow. Linnie is “worried” about the weather. We had a good time at League Sunday night. Mr. West led. Not many there.
Sun dogs are atmospheric phenomena that develop due to the refraction of light through ice crystals.
Mon 7. Linnie and I worked at a hooked rug almost all day. Did not quite finish it. We are talking of canning chicken tomorrow.
Tue 8. Today has been busy. We canned ten chickens—or got them ready for canning. We put them all in the cans. We’ll boil them in the morning. Tell invited the preachers in tonight. I was so tired I cried. But we cleaned up—made candy & pop corn—and when they came we played dominoes, and had a good time.
Wed 9. Today we finished Linnie’s rug. She hemmed it or nearly so. It is now ready for sizing. We boiled the chickens this A.M. 10 qts, 6 pints not so very full. We had ten chickens—weighed 32 lbs @10¢ per. We got a letter from Miriam today in which she told of Geralds being in jail again. I can not understand why he does so. Under $1000 bond. Looks pretty bad for him. We went to prayer meeting this evening. I had to play. I put on the chair seat pattern and started it today.
Sizing is the application of a substance to material to increase its stability and strength. Here’s a recipe from an old brochure on making hooked rugs.
Thu 10. Rev. Johnson drove to Carroll this AM to take Linnie to the train. We went along. Had chicken for breakfast—a can not tightly sealed!!! Have worked on the chair seat almost all day. I hope to finish it tomorrow. We got a nice letter from Lucile saying they were sending some things for Miriam & the children. We got a box of lovely Christmas cards from Katharine—also some stamps. She is so thoughtful. The preacher was here today. Asked that the SB [Standard Bearers] serve the Commercial Club supper.
Fri 11. Our bright spot today was hearing Bob & Ruth over KOA Denver. It is like having a nice visit with them to hear them play and sing. I went to Mrs. Roberts to the WFMS. We heard the abdicating King of England speak over the Radio. I do not think I’d give up a throne for a twice-divorced woman. We got a package from Lucile today containing some material to make over. Some is not worth much.
Edward VIII, the great-grandson of Queen Victoria, became king in January of 1936. He wanted to marry Wallis Simpson, an American who had divorced her first husband and was in the process of divorcing her second. This created political difficulties, and Edward relinquished the throne to his younger brother George VI.
Sat 12. We got a letter from Gerald today. I am so sorry for the poor boy. He surely has a lot of grief. If he would only serve the Lord he would not get into such a lot of trouble. So much to do today!
Sun 13. I taught Mrs. McNaught’s SS class today. Went to church, SS, Cantata practice & League & church at night. We had some chicken today (canned).
Mon 14. Have been busy cleaning up the house today as Miss Malen is to come home this evening. I helped serve the Commercial Club with the SB’s. There were only 19 there but Mrs. Alsin got almost everything donated so we cleared $12. After the supper was over Rev. & Mrs. Johnson came down to see Miss Malen. Mr. Davenport was here. We had a nice time. We have been talking of going to Mexico & Keytesville [Missouri]. Dad went to Carroll with Rev. J.
Tue 15. Dad and I did the washing today.
Wed 16. Today I did the ironing. Have been working on the Cantata. The Standard Bearers met at Lola Smiths this evening. It is not so very encouraging to work with these girls. Dad & Miss Malen went to prayer meeting.
In the family documents, there is a letter written on this date by Tell’s brother Chris in Wewoka, OK. He had a lot of pithy opinions and observations on the world, and I’ve included excerpts from it at the end of this post.
Thu 17. Mr. & Mrs. Walling were here for dinner & supper today. Dad & Miss Malen went with them to Coon Rapids this afternoon. I did not go as I wanted so badly to finish a coat for Betty which Lucille sent. I get so tired and blue at times, thinking of Gerald and his family. Surely he will soon be saved. I am so in hopes he will. Today we got a nice letter from Katharine and one from Gerald.
Fri 18. I have worked on Betty’s coat today. Have it all done but pressing. I hope she likes it. Dad and I went to Carroll today with Rev. Johnson. We waited an hour or more for him. Were almost afraid we would miss Bob & Ruth over KOA but we got home in time. It is such a joy to hear them sing. I loved “O! Little Town of Bethlehem”! After the broadcast we went to the church to practice the cantata “The Lost Star.”
On my musical curiosity traiI I learned that the US and the UK use different tunes for “O! Little Town of Bethlehem.” Here’s Frank Sinatra with the US version, and the King’s College Choir, Cambridge, with the UK version. And I found a number of newspaper articles from this time period about performances of “The Lost Star,” which was a 2-act drama by Dorothy Clarke Wilson, set in Bethlehem on the eve of the first Christmas and 30 years later in the first year of Jesus’ ministry.
Sat 19. We sent a box to Miriam, Jerry and Betty today. Sent Betty’s coat. I hope it fits her. We put up a Christmas tree today. Mr. Roberts came down to practice his part this evening. We are having a time to get it all learned—especially the men. Mrs. Golding asked me to teach her class tomorrow.
I am not sure where Miriam and Gerald’s other daughter, Peggy, was staying at this time. She would have been about 11.
Sun 20. Dad and I went to SS & church. I taught my class & Dad taught Mr. Moore’s classes. We had a wonderful sermon. We went to the church to practice this afternoon. I am going to Dedham with Rev. & Mrs. Johnson & Miss Malen. Got fooled on going to Manning to see the camels etc. on the lawn.
Mon 21. Today we have all been busy. I have been working on a coat for Ruth today. Was so glad to get word from Miriam that we did not need to make a coat for Jerry as she had one. We went to the church to practice the cantata this evening. It did not go off so well. Hope we get by OK Thursday night.
Tue 22. Of all days to be sick when I have so much to do. We got a lovely box from Katharine today. We found several gifts in it. A Silex coffee pot and a big box of candy. We sent Gerald a bunch of things—a pair of Oxfords, some old things to wear, candy etc. Sent Ruth a box of fruit and Katharine a raincoat. Hope she likes it. Sent a few Christmas cards today too.
Popular candies in the 1930s included Boston Baked Beans, Sugar Babies, Red Hots, and candy dots on a strip of paper. Here’s a candy box panel from 1936. “Rich in dextrose! The sugar your body uses directly for energy.”
Wed 23. Today is Ruth’s birthday. How we would like to see her. Her Christmas package came to us today. I have been feeling punk for a couple days. Do not feel so much like being in the cantata as I wish I did. We went to practice last night. Mr. Davenport came after us. I did not feel equal to walking. The practice went fierce.
Thu 24. Tonight is the Cantata. I will be so glad when it is over.
The Cantata is over. I have not felt very well today. Dad was loud enough but had to use his book a lot. After the program we went down to May Davenports to a Christmas tree. Such a lot of lovely gifts were on it. Mrs. D. served a buffet lunch—sandwiches, pickles, olives, radishes, cocoa or coffee. We came home at a late hour pretty tired out.
Fri 25. Christmas Day! What a wonderful thing it is to have Christian friends! We were invited over to Leonards for dinner and supper. We had such a lovely dinner. We got a letter from Ruth (Special Delivery) telling about their program being an hour earlier so we got to hear them today. So many lovely gifts from Ruth & Katharine—a lovely Silex coffee pot, diary, candy, dress, hose, powder puff from Katharine. A cake holder, bag for my purse, cellophane wreath from Ruth. The girls each sent Miss Malen a gift.
Sat 26. Today has been busy. Miss Malen had several guests for dinner. Mr. Davenport, Mrs. Dodd & Jenny Lou, Mr. & Mrs. Virgil Davenport. We had meat loaf, scalloped potatoes, asparagus, pumpkin pie, apple celery & nut salad. Everything tasted good. Mrs. Dodd sewed awhile on the curtains. She will probably come up to help finish them. Miss Malen left for Colo this evening. We got a nice letter from Jerry today.
Apple, celery, and nuts in a mayonnaise dressing is a common version of the Waldorf Salad, first created at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in 1896
Sun 27. Dad has not felt well today. Did not go to church or SS. I had four in my SS class. Wrote letters this PM. Went to League and church this evening. Rev. Overholtzer.
Mon 28. Today is marked by sorrow. To know that Gerald has to appear for trial and be sentenced has caused me much grief. How I have prayed that God’s will be done. He doesn’t realize how much suffering he causes others. I worked from 8 AM till 8:30 PM on Ruth’s coat but did not finish it. It will be warm and nice and I hope satisfactory in looks. It has been warm for about a week. The preacher has been away & Tell was supposed to keep his fires. It has not been a hard job so far. Tell has felt better today but not like working. Sent out my family letter.
Tue 29. I got up and fixed the fires this AM. Had planned to wash but it has been raining. Will finish Ruth’s coat I think. Katharine gave me a new diary. This one has been rather unsatisfactory. Have kept a diary for many years. Only two more days in the old year after this. I finished Ruth’s coat & Dad mailed it to her. Finished hooking the chair seat for Alice & took it off the frame. Did the washing & cleaned up but did not hang it all out. Dad has felt miserable with a cold today. We did not hear Jerry’s fate. Got a letter from Ruth today. She had a nice Christmas. I wrote her.
Many of Emma’s journals were gifts from Katharine. The 1937 volume is about 4x6” and covered in a black leatherette.
Wed 30. Ethel Dodd came to spend the PM & we sewed on Miss Malen’s curtains. In the evening I went to prayer meeting at Lola Jones’. Not many there. Dad felt too sick to go.
Thu 31. The last day of the Old Year. I wrote to Gerald in the AM. Do not feel at all well. Ethel Dodd came again & we spent the PM sewing on the curtains. Went to bed early.
Letter from Chris
The Boylan family “Round Robin” was a collection of letters forwarded from one sibling to the next, with each recipient withdrawing their previous letter and adding a new one. This one, from Chris in Wewoka, OK, was dated 16th Dec. 1936 and was a full two pages of his observations and opinions. I’ve pulled some excerpts from it here.
Expected Elaine for Christmas but she writes she must use the time on her book. They must have it ready for the printer by the 15th of January.
WAR! Spain is being raped as was Ethiopia, and by the murderous forces of Fascism. Sinclair Lewis has for the title of his book—”It Can’t Happen Here.” But we cannot be sure. Fascism is making inroads in this country, and Europe seems to be preparing for its next bloodbath. Many of us will probably live to know about it. In some ways it will be the most terrible in the history of the world.
King Edward was too liberal for the old ladies who really govern England. He nosed about among the lower classes, and saw how they existed, and said something had to be done. They did not like that and were mighty glad to get an excuse to ditch him. George VI will be just the figure-head they want.
Books. Twas “Gone with the Wind,” but came back, and that is a book that gives a good picture of the old South in Civil War times and the reconstruction period. It’s worth reading. You will laugh at some of the foibles and social customs of the day.
A few lines from Vincent Sheean, a newspaper writer—Western Europe, Russia, China, North Africa, Palestine. He knew the game. “I could never again believe what I read in the newspapers…because I could not believe the politicians who inspired what was printed there…because I had seen them squirming about, the poor powerless ferrets, trying to find a way out of the system in which they were imprisoned.”
Newspaper reports and writers color every story in a way to suit the boss. I say every. Let me give you an example of a newspaper story that I know about. One will do. Back in Gov. Robertson’s administration 1918-22, we had what was called the “Crazy Snake Indian Rebellion,” in Creek County. It was nothing. There was just about as much a rebellion as is in your back yards at this minute. I believe a few Creek Indians did not want to accept their allotments. But the newspapers had glaring headlines of an Indian uprising, and it was heralded all over the United States that Okla. had a terrible Indian rebellion on its hands. In the great emergency the governor called out the national guard to cope with the situation, and the officers got a chance to strut their stuff. What was it all about? The house had voted impeachment of the governor, and he needed something to distract the attention of the people, and so an Indian uprising—and, well, the Governor escaped impeachment. I don’t say the Rebellion did it all, but it doubtless helped. Read every newspaper story with your tongue in your cheek, and you will be on the safe side.
Red Cross Drive has been on, but not for me. I would not not pay if I had money. I understand the head of the Red Cross gets $75000 a year. That is too much money to pay the head of any charitable organization. Millions out of work, and more millions on the edge of poverty and despair, and one man $75000 a year!! I don’t want to help the racket. If I can give any money to charity I will use it locally where I can have some idea what it is to be used for. (Maybe that $75000 a year is just another newspaper story.)
CBB
I hope you’ve enjoyed this installment of Emma’s journals. See you next week for January 1937.