As this month begins, Emma and Tell are continuing to work the farm in Lake City; I had fun with a few side trails in putting this entry together—learning new things every week! And a family letter provides some insight into what’s going on in the world outside of the farm.
Fri 1. Have been busy today. Made some grape jams. Intended going to a “Rebecca Kensington” at Mrs. Lochners but changed my mind. I was rather tired. Went to town with Dad & inquired about a permanent at the Golden Glo Beauty Parlor. Made a date for 8:30 tomorrow.
What on earth is a Rebecca Kensington? I almost let this one go by, but ended up going down a really interesting curiosity trail. It started with a 1946 newspaper article that described the 1921 founding of a club called the “Arlington Rebekah Kensington,” named after the Arlington, Nebraska branch of the Rebekah lodge, the women’s association of the International Order of Odd Fellows. As I continued to search, I found quite a few other newspaper mentions of clubs and events called “kensingtons.” The term was so common in the 1920s that it seemed clear that everyone at that time understood what it meant. So I went back a little further. 1910, 1900, 1890… The earliest mention of the term I could find in US newspapers was in 1886, when a Miss Kate Phillips of Cincinnati entertained a number of her young friends at a Kensington tea party. Further digging revealed that a Kensington tea was a gathering of women that involved hanging out, doing needlework, playing cards or engaging in other entertainment, and enjoying refreshments. A newspaper article in 1896 gave this tongue-in-cheek description: “one of those places where you go out to eat your neighbor out of house and home. You are permitted to take along your sewing, socks, patchwork, and other mending, and put in your spare moments darning or talking as the case may require.” It appears that over time many Kensington clubs formed to regularly hold these events; they would occasionally throw larger events to which men were invited. I got one final clue about the origins of this tradition in an 1897 story about a Kensington club meeting that said, “this is the fourth year of this club, and a right royal time is expected at every meeting.” A little more digging turned up this article on the origin of afternoon tea, which apparently began in the 1840s when a duchess and lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria who got hungry in the afternoons began to invite her friends over for snacks. By the 1880s, this became a fashionable social event among upper-class women. It sounds like it crossed the pond not long thereafter. The Orangery in Kensington Gardens, next to Kensington Palace, is still a popular place for afternoon tea in London.
But the last word in this digression, which is what brought the story back home for me, was this paragraph in a British Museum blog post on Victorian afternoon tea by food historian Tasha Marks:
“Fragile teacups aside, I believe that Victorian afternoon tea could be considered a radical feminist act. While coffee occupied a more masculine external world in 19th-century London, the interior realms of tea were a more feminine affair. Afternoon tea allowed women to entertain mixed company at home without their husbands and was therefore liberating, both socially and practically. This freedom continued into the dresses they were wearing, which were designed to be worn indoors, in the intimate company of friends and family and away from the public eye. As a result, they used less boning to hold their shape and were made of light, flowing fabrics. Free from some of the Victorian era's performative and literal corsetry, afternoon tea was a place where women took centre stage and were able to exchange ideas, opinions and a healthy dose of gossip.“Although there were many places in Emma’s world where women gathered, they were mostly focused on “good works” and church activities. The idea of enjoying the company of friends, doing some sewing and chatting, and sharing refreshments sounds marvelously restorative.
Sat 2. Went down to the Beauty shop at 8:30. Did not get through until after twelve. Was going down town to the pantry sale but something went wrong with our car. It wouldn’t go so I phoned & they sent a Mrs. Cleveland after my cottage cheese. Dad fixed the car & went after sand for the church. I have typed a first copy of my words for contest. Mrs. & Dr. McCrary brought me my frozen strawberries from the sale. Guess she wanted them.
Sun 3. A warm Sunday! No church in our church because the pastor is at Conference. We went to the Pres. Church for morning worship. We partook of communion there in a very beautiful service. Had our frozen strawberries today.
Mon 4. I did most of the washing alone—tho’ it was not so very large I got terribly tired. Went down town in the PM to buy some hose and some panties. Effie Bell called that they would be after me to go to Branch meeting at Cherokee. Mrs. Townsend & Bess Williams called. Mrs. W. said she would come to SS if I would teach the class.
This is the first appearance of someone who becomes a long-time friend of Emma’s.
Tue 5. Went to Miss Puringtons today. Sold 35¢ worth of butter. Called at the parsonage. Took Mrs. W. some cream and butter. Ran out of gas and had to phone the Standard Oil Station to bring some. Sold 3 doz eggs & settled all up with the Home Grocery. Effie Bell phoned they would be after me about 11:30. Dad went to the church to a Steward Board meeting.
Here’s a Standard Oil station in Iowa City from about this time.
Wed 6. Left home about 9 AM to come with Rev. Johnson to Branch meeting at Cherokee. Was disappointed not to meet Linnie here. She is coming down later. Robert was just married last Sat. in Washington DC. Am staying at Mrs. Nelsons with the Ft. Dodge women. Sleeping with Mrs. Nelson.
Robert was the youngest son of Emma’s sister Linnie (Muilenburg). He would have been about 23 at this time. He went on to become a physician and passed away a few years ago, having moved back to South Dakota in his later years after living most of his life in the Washington, DC area. According to his obituary, “Dr. Muilenburg was a gifted pianist, inspiring his children and grandchildren to pursue their inherited love of music.”
Thu 7. Have had a nice time. Went to the anniversary breakfast this AM. Gave only $1.00. Am pretty tired. Have been in meeting all day. My song got third place. We are all down home getting a bit rested for tonight.
Fri 8. Took my bag with me this AM as I am going home tonight. Mrs. J. O’Nelson took all her eight delegates to the hotel for breakfast. Ate a lunch at the church with Mrs. Townsend, Gustafsen, Johnson, Fowler. We had a wonderful meeting today. Stayed for the final banquet and drove home with Rev. Johnson. Got home about midnight. Mrs. McNaught, Miss Bell, Joy Simons, Betty, Rev. & Mrs. J and I made quite a load. Found Dad in bed.
Sat 9. Have not felt like doing much today. We skimmed up the milk and by evening it was ready for cheese and the cream ready to churn. We made 3½ lbs of butter. Sold some cheese, butter & eggs. Am getting ready for Mrs. Townsend & Mrs. Williams tomorrow.
Skimming is the process of removing most of the fat from whole milk. You need raw or unhomogenized milk to do this. The fat is used for butter and cream, while the skim milk can be used for cottage cheese.
Sun 10. Got up about six. Spent a busy day as I had invited Mrs. Townsend and Mrs. Williams for dinner. We went to SS and church. Had a nice dinner. They staid till five o’clock. Dad has gone to church but I am staying at home. Found letters here from all the children.
Mon 11. Had the washing out & the morning work all done about nine this morning. I picked up about a bushel of nuts. A card from Ruth today. No news about a job. I went to the cooking school movie but did not get a gift & as it is repeated tomorrow think I will not go. Dad has gone to the church. He plans to go to Glidden tomorrow to have the car fixed.
Tue 12. Dad went to Glidden today to have the car fixed. I sent Mrs. Johnson some butter. He came home in a car of Mr. Hall’s & has to go back tomorrow. I did the ironing and wrote some letters & then worked on Katharine’s quilt. Cut all the pieces out to applique that were left. Have washed till nearly 10 PM. It is some job but I will enjoy it if my eyes hold out. Tomorrow is Ladies’ Aid. On Friday I am invited to a TO [tithe offering] at the Pres. church. Got a card from Ruth today.
Wed 13. Dad went to Glidden today to get his car finished. As he did not get home I walked to the church & saw to the fires. Staid for Ladies’ Aid. Mr. & Mrs. Ripley brought me home. Dad was out picking corn for Mr. Pisch. After supper we drove to the church—took the silver to Walkers and then called on Brassfields. They just got back from Oregon. Did not see Gertie.
Thu 14. Today we moved the cot in from the porch. Am going to use Florence’s room for Owen. Have been changing things around in the dining room preparing for winter. Dad had to build a fire at the church for choir practice. He was gone about an hour. We are anxious to get at the corn picking.
Fri 15. It snowed a little last night. Dad went down town for his gloves and husking pin. He is already to go. We looked for Owen today. I went to the Pres. church to a Missionary TO meeting. Baked some little cakes for a Mrs. Hamilton—40¢. Katharine sent us a lovely “down puff” for our bed. It is so light and warm.
Picking and husking corn by hand is rare today. Here’s a video of a modern-day corn-husking competition in Illinois. Wow, are they fast!
Sat 16. It is still cold and cloudy. I churned this AM. Sold 1¼ lbs of butter and 62¢ worth of cheese—$1.12 today. Got 10 eggs today. Went to the Art Exhibit at the Community Hall. Just a few good pictures. Went to the library. Got some “Good Housekeeping” Magazines & “The Rim of the Prairie” by Bess Streeter Aldrich. Think we will read it aloud. It is still rainy.
Emma has read other books by Bess Streeter Aldrich, which often focus on heartland/plains pioneer history. This one, published in 1925, is set in 1920s Nebraska, with a heroine, a hero, and a bit of mystery.
Sun 17. Dad went to the church about 6 AM. It is not so cold but cloudy & raining some. I have the chicken frying. Am taking my usual bottle of cream to the preachers. Started it in Sept I believe. Wrote Ruth & Katharine yesterday. Will write Gerald today.
Mon 18. I washed a few things this AM, then we finished hulling and washing the walnuts. After dinner was over our corn picker Owen Malen drove up. It is too rainy to work & is raining hard tonight. Wrote an acceptance card for Boone Conf. No one else here is invited. Got a letter from each of the girls today, also one from John Lohr. Mr. Swallum died yesterday. Will be buried tomorrow.
Black walnuts have an outer husk that surrounds the shell and needs to be removed within a few days of harvesting. They can then be cured, dried, and shelled.
Tue 19. The big day has at last arrived. Owen & Dad started to pick corn—32 bu. this AM & 25 this PM. Dad worked at the church awhile. We sent the two coats to Miriam. I wrote both the girls. Got a letter from Mrs. Robertson.
Wed 20. We had a chicken today. It was fine. Dad saw another hen with a bunch of chickens out in the corn field. He & Owen picked 52 bushels today. Missionary meeting meets tonight. Am too tired to go. No letters today. Dad drove me up to Miss Rowes at 7:30. Guess it does not begin till 8:30. I did not get home till after 11.
Thu 21. Corn picking goes pretty slowly. It gets Dad’s shoulders. Dad got him some heavy over shoes to wear. It is pretty cold.
Fri 22. I am so tired tonite. Dad had to go to the church to build a fire for choir practice. Owen washed his feet & went to bed. I dug the vegetables & put them in the cave, also cleaned the basement and did a little washing. Am ready to call it a day. Have 235 bu. of corn picked.
According to this source, corn sold in Iowa for about .46/bushel in Oct. 1937, about half what it brought the previous year.
Sat 23. This has been a lovely day. Dad spent most of the forenoon at the church. I have been busy baking—making butter & cottage cheese etc. Sold $1.43 worth of my products. Spent quite awhile at Mrs. Brassfields. Thought the SB were to meet today but they didn’t. Got “Gone With the Wind” today at the Library. They picked 46 bu. of corn today. Dad & Owen went to the “Goulash supper.”
Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind was published in June 1936 and won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1937. The movie version came out in 1939.
Sun 24. Dad got up so early this AM to go to the church. I want him to give up the janitor job. We went to church & SS. I had five in my class—three last Sunday—none the same. Picked a chicken to send K tomorrow so it would be cold. Also cracked some nuts for her. We went to the Pres church in the evening.
Mon 25. Did the washing today. Dad & Owen are picking corn.
Tue 26. Did the ironing. Am reading “Gone With the Wind.” Am not going to get it finished by Sat. Dad had to go to the church this evening. Rev. Walker offered him the use of his old radio. A phone call from Linnie said Uncle George died yesterday. I was just reading a letter from her saying they would be down next week.
George Jameson was the brother of Emma and Linnie’s mother Adella Jameson Troutman. He was a grocer in Vinton, IA. Here’s his obituary.
Wed 27. A wonderful morning. Dad went to the church. Got the Radio. When he told Rev. Walker he would take good care of the radio, Rev. Walker said—it is yours. There are no strings on it. We have it up and going. Am getting the program from Ames. Am planning to go to the church this PM to the Ladies’ Aid.
It’s been a while since Emma and Tell had a radio. I’m sure they are happy to have it!
Thu 28. Today is Katharine’s birthday. Hope the chicken arrived safely. This is also the day of Uncle George’s funeral. I wish we could have gone. It is a beautiful day. Dad & Owen are getting an old building ready to hold some more corn.
Fri 29. This has been a hot day. Some places registered 80°. We have 514 bu. of corn picked. 69 more rows to pick. I got a letter from Ruth containing a cross-word puzzle which I worked. Finished Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. It gives a terrible picture of the South during the Civil War & also afterwards during the reconstruction period. Do not like it very well. Too dirty! Our radio is now on Des Moines.
Sat 30. Another lovely day. Not so warm as yesterday. I sold $1.00 worth of stuff today. Bought a small scales. Went to a SB meeting at Smiths today. Virginia Green led the devotion. So glad she led in prayer. Katharine sent us $10. Was so glad to get it.
Sun 31. Dad got up real early & went to the church. Found it all covered with dust in the basement. Had to work nearly four hours cleaning it up. We still have Owen here. Went to church to League at night. Looked for Linnie & Gerrit but they did not come.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this installment of Emma’s journals. See you next week for November 1937.
Special Feature: Letter from Chris
The family “robin” was was sent from one branch of the family to the next, with each recipient adding a letter and forwarding it along. Here are excerpts from a letter that Tell’s brother Chris, living in Wewoka, OK, wrote in the fall of 1937, with comments for many of the relatives.
John J., it hardly looks like the world is growing better. “Better and better every day,” didn’t we use to sing? The Fascist powers seem determined to disturb the peace of the world, and the democratic powers seem to be helpless. If the Fascist powers are not curbed in some way, the world is in for a terrible mess. [John J. Lohr was the widower of Chris and Tell's sister Maloa.]
Will T., I was sure Old New York State had plenty of big apple trees, but did not think of your having seven footers right in your back yard. I will just have to call our big apple tree only a sapling now. But I don’t feel bad. I know the climate of New York is better for apple trees than Oklahoma. [Willam Tell Lohr was John and Maloa's son, living in Tioga, NY]
Gerald, talk about ticks and chiggers. I sure got into a mess of them at Margaret’s. There seemed to be billions. I raked the yard and got a good dose. Every night we had a de-ticking time. [Gerald was Emma and Tell's son, living in Missouri.]
Don’t know what you folks think, but I think Minnesota has one of the best congressmen in the United States—J.T. Bernard…he was the only one in the house who had the guts to vote against the abortive, fascist neutrality bill…if Roosevelt applies it, it will work in favor of Japan and against China, and the vast majority of people are favorable to China.
B.B, have just wondered if Bandon by the Sea ever built up any again. From what we could see the night Lou and I stayed there it had passed its heyday and was already in a bad decline. When forests are cut away they don’t grow up right away again. On the beach at Bandon was the greatest amount of drift-wood I have ever seen. [Berne was Chris and Tell's brother, living in Salem, Oregon.]
Tell Emmett—yes, tell us about that corn crop when you know. Suppose you will hardly be able to tell in your next, as you will hardly have it gathered in October.