Emma #127: January 1938
News of the world, inspirational books, making a pomander, and a special Monday Club feature
In this month’s entries from the farm in Lake City, I was struck by the number of news updates Emma shared—she seems to have been listening to “the Radio” a lot!
Sat 1. The New Year has begun. Another lovely day but I have been feeling punk all day. We were at Glidden at a New Year’s party. We had a lovely time but found much to make us sad when we got home. Gerald decided quite suddenly to go home so we drove to Lohrville to take him. His train goes about 9:05 PM.
In the last 1937 entry, there is a hint that they came home to find that Gerald, their son visiting from MO, had been drinking.
Sun 2. Slept & slept this morning until 9:15 AM. Had planned for some one to take my SS class but I feel like going this morning. We went to the Pres. church in the evening.
Mon 3. It is a lovely day. Called Dr. Doby & Beresford. We telephoned Linnie or tried to about the Glidden acreage. They had gone to Beresford. Called Mrs. Oakes at Beresford. We look for them down right away. Read Miriam’s letter. She is expecting??
Gerald and his wife Miriam had 3 children ranging from about 10 to 15, and Miriam had a child who died at birth in Dec. 1931. Given all the trouble Gerald has recently had, it sounds like Emma was surprised to hear of this new pregnancy.
Tue 4. We washed today and put it outdoors as the weather is so nice. Also did an ironing. Bess was here awhile. Were not surprised to see Gerrit and Linnie drive up. Green gave Dad a check that Gerald had given him for $1.00. We were so sorry about it.
In previous posts, Emma talked about Gerald being in jail for writing bad checks. It sounds like he may have done that again.
Wed 5. Dad & I, Linnie and Gerrit went to Glidden to look at the acreage. We were gone for some time but they did not decided to take it as the rent is so high. Got a letter from Gerald. He arrived home safely. Dad wrote him not to check on him any more.
Thu 6. Dad had to spend a lot of time at the church today. Linnie & I did the ironing. Mr. Bullock and his father drove up to see Linnie & Gerrit about renting the place but they could not get together. We churned, worked on caning the chair, played dominoes, etc. Got a nice letter from Ruth. She began her work at International House on Monday and likes it. Mr. Grooters was here.
International House Philadelphia was founded in 1918 as a community for students coming to Philadelphia from other countries who often faced housing discrimination and loneliness. A newspaper story from 1935 describes it as “the centre of international affairs in the student life, not only of the University of Pennsylvania, but of 25 other educational institutions in this district.” Although it no longer provides housing services, IHP continues to organize events and activities for international students and scholars. In 1938, when Ruth started working there, it was housed in this mansion at 3905 Spruce Street.
Fri 7. It turned much colder today. Linnie, Gerrit & I went down town. Tell has been building a cupboard in the bathroom. Used the one the Ladies’ Aid gave him. I sold 75¢ cheese today. We got a nice letter from Katharine and a card from John Lohr. Katharine has a new group of “dummies.”
Sat 8. It is snowing this evening. Gerrit drove home and left Linnie here to visit awhile. We have been listening to the Radio. Pres. Roosevelt is to speak at 8:30.
Sun 9. Snow covered the ground this AM. Daddy has had a long day at the church. Got up at 2:30 AM. I taught my SS class. Read “Treasure Found” by Grace Livingston Hill this afternoon. It is a sweet simple story. How I long to get a letter from Gerald saying he means to lead a new life. No doubt in my mind as to why he does not keep a job. What a record he has written about him! But how wonderful to know it can all be erased never more to appear against him. When will prayer avail for him. How I long to see Miriam and Gerald establish a Christian home.
Grace Livingston Hill is best known for writing romance novels that deal with real-life struggles and have a strong emphasis on salvation through Christ. She wrote over 100 books. “Found Treasure” was published in 1928 and focuses on a romance between tomboy Effie Martin and football hero Lawrence Earle.
Mon 10. It was pretty cold this morning but has moderated considerably. I walked to Mrs. Weaklands to attend the Monday club. Dad went to the Hibrid Corn Movie. Linnie staid at home. We churned again. Got nearly 2 lbs. of butter. Brought home “The Collect” to copy and learn. Mrs. Brassfield phoned for help in devotions at Ladies’ Aid. I gave her “Bitter Rinds” to read. Sold 5 doz eggs today. Worked on my hooked rug a little while today.
The drought resistance of hybrid corn seeds during the Dust Bowl spurred greater investment in this area and, of course, marketing and educational campaigns for companies selling hybrid corn. This article from the Chicago Film Archives focuses on Venard Productions, who made films for clients such as Caterpillar and Crow’s Hybrid Corn Company, possibly including the one Tell watched. I had fun digging around and watching a number of vintage Venard clips, including this 13-minute 1942 film of an Iowa barn dance with the Hoosier Hot Shots.
Tue 11. Dad had to fire the furnaces for a funeral today. I have been busy. Cooked, washed, scrubbed, dish-washed, baked, hooked?, dominoes, typed, read and otherwise kept busy. Day has warmed up. Yesterday an airplane of the NW airlines crashed in Colorado killing eight people. Ruth wrote that she played for a solo—sung between acts of a church play in which there was smoking. Shades of Caesar’s Ghost! What are we coming to? Got a letter from Mrs. Golding thanking me for a Bible I won New Year’s night and passed on to her. Wrote three letters tonight.
Wed 12. Another day! How fast they pass. Did a bit of washing and got a chicken ready for dinner. I went to the Ladies Aid at Mrs. McCauley’s. Had a nice time. For our entertainment Mrs. Newman interviewed each of us on a broadcast hour. I stepped on the bathroom scale. It registered 170. Dad settled with the Home Grocery today. We had a credit of 7.38 from Dec. 18 for eggs and cheese. All hope has been given up for the Samoan Clipper which went down.
Two aviation accidents in two days! The Northwest Airlines Flight 2 crash killed 10 people on a mountain in Montana (not Colorado), and the Samoan Clipper was a PanAm air mail flight from New Zealand to Hawaii that exploded when returning to port after developing an oil leak.
Thu 13. It has been decided that an explosion destroyed the Samoan Clipper. All aboard—seven in number—were lost in the sea. Terrible war news came over the Air tonight. Strikes, murders, mine disasters fill the newspapers. Musick—captain of the fatal plane was considered a most careful driver.
Fri 14. It is another lovely day. Linnie and I went to town. I went to buy a dress but came home without one. The money disappears so fast. I bought a shirt for Tell. Had trouble with the car. The starter would not turn on. It cost me 50¢ to get it fixed.
Sat 15. Saturday and a lot to do! Letters, sewing, cleaning etc. Made two pairs of pillow slips out of an old spread. Linnie made some good raised coffee cake. We cut out a smock for Linnie today.
A raised coffee cake is one made with yeast, as opposed to baking powder, as the leavening agent. Here’s a recipe with several topping options from Red Star Yeast.
Sun 16. It has turned so warm that Dad did not need to go to the church so early to build a fire. We are having wonderful weather. I wrote all three of the children yesterday as we were invited to Jim Green’s for dinner today. We had a lovely dinner and a nice visit. Helen Mount and her father were there for dinner. They are soon to move to an acreage near Lohrville. In the evening Linnie and I walked to the Christian Church to see a Temperance play which Dad was in. The church was very crowded.
Mon 17. We have been working on the smock & house coat for Jen today. Notices that the 200 in. telescope is to be finished six months to a year sooner than expected. It is called “The Glass Eye.” Chas. Reed says there is to be aplenty of winter yet.
The construction of the Hale Telescope, funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, was begun in 1936. While the structure itself was completed in 1939, it took until 1947 to complete the 200-inch mirror disk, and the telescope was dedicated in 1948.
Tue 18. It has been snowing today tho’ it is not cold. I have been sewing for Linnie all day. Bess was here today. She is coming after us to take us to WFMS at Mrs. Walker’s this evening. I am taking her a pint of cream. Linnie is looking for Gerrit this PM. I sold some eggs and cheese today. Had a nice time at WFMS.
Wed 19. Linnie and I did the washing today. Dad worked at the church. Mrs. Sufferlein called and asked me to sell tickets for them which I did. Mrs. Walker asked me to go in her car to Farnhamville on Friday to a tea & pottery exhibit put on by the club there—if roads are good. I bought some meat and was given some other things to bring home. The G-men have captured the abductor and murderer of Charles Ross. His name was Peter Anders. He is likely the slayer of the Mattson children in Washington.
The kidnapping of businessman Charles Ross was one of the early major cases investigated by the still-young FBI.
Thu 20. Linnie was terribly disappointed that Gerrit did not get here today but the roads were very slippery and fog was bad near Orange City. He will probably come tomorrow. The marriage of Egypt’s boy king Farouk (17) to Farida just 16 was reported today. It was a brideless ceremony. His father was King Fuad—proclaimed king in 1922. A new state may be formed out of part of Texas. Mrs. Ellsworth Richardson of Eddyville is the first to announce herself as a candidate for Dem. Nom for US Senator. Sen. Gillette has announced he will vote for farm plan because Iowa farmers want it. He is really against it. Gave Mrs. Brassfield a gal. of milk & some cocoa for SB party. Mr. & Mrs. Grooters called today.
This article gives the whole backstory of the marriage, and here’s a short video about the “brideless” wedding.
Fri 21. Tell is feeling bad today. Has been in bed nearly all day. Gerrit drove in about three PM. I wrote a letter to Gerald Jr. Sent him 20¢ and a birthday letter. Hope I can get it mailed. It is a nice warm day. Tell has kept the radio going listening to the Radio while Linnie, Gerrit and I played dominoes. Tell listened to a prize fight. We have been reading a book on the Sovereignty of God by Arthur W. Pink. Jimmie Braddock knocked out the man from Wales in the prize fight (Tommy Farr).
Sat 22. Tell and I are both having bad colds. It has been unusually warm today—50° above zero. Radio reports such large sun spots that there was not short wave radio service for nine hours today. Largest sun spots ever noticed—even visible to the natural eye. We are anxious about our rent money. Have not decided whether to sell our corn or borrow some more. Senator Allen Joseph Ellender made a senate speech which lasted a whole week. He began speaking Jan. 14, paused on Jan. 20. Took time out to sleep. He was talking against the federal proposal to stop lynching.
Sun 23. Not so pleasant a day. Cold and foggy. Tell did not feel like going to church. I went to SS & church. Taught the two classes today. The sermon was about “Remembering our dreams.” It was interesting. I wrote several letters today.
Mon 24. The wind makes a disagreeable day. Linnie and Gerrit started for Orange City this morning. After they were gone we moved the cot back to the dining room and we will sleep in our own bed tonight. Dad took me to town after dinner & I had my hair waved before going to the Monday club at Mrs. Walkers. I enjoyed the afternoon but was sick all night. Have taken a bad cold. We heard today that the Baptist church had asked Rev. Shepherd to resign. I am sorry for them. It is a year ago that Mrs. Alex Miller died. Road Patrolmen observed the day by wearing a black band on the arm & placing a wreath on her grave in Washington, Io.
At the end of this month’s entries you will find a special feature about the Monday Club.
Tue 25. Radio reports a bad storm over most of the country. Floods, rain and snow have caused lots of suffering. It seems quiet around here without Gerrit and Linnie. Have spent a lot of time lying down today. I wrote Mrs. John P Minchin Carroll in regard to her inquiry about the Boylan genealogy. No mail today!! Hard to believe.
Wed 26. We just did as we pleased today. Ate fried chicken and ice cream. Read. Worked on a hooked rug. Did as we wanted to with no one to say we should or should not. Mr. Grooters called in the PM but could not stay for supper. I wrote Ruth, Katharine and Miss Malen. The tragedy of the day—No Mail! Worse because no mail yesterday. Heard Mrs. Henry Ross yesterday tell how to make a “pomander.” Fill a thin skinned orange with whole cloves as thick as possible then roll in cinnamon & orris powder. Wrap in tissue paper for a week. Then take out and hang in closet or room to send forth its sweet scent for some years. It will not decay because of the preservation power of the cloves. The orris powder may be omitted.
Here’s a how-to article on pomanders. Orris powder is made from the root of the iris plant, and is frequently used as a stabilizing ingredient in cosmetics and potpourri.
Thu 27. Dad plans to go to the Mount sale today. Helen M. & her father are moving to Lohrville. It is sunny and bright here tho pretty chilly. Andy is reporting snow some places. Gen fair tonight & Friday. Rising temp Friday, says Andy. I am listening to the radio while I churn. Heard Miss Clayberger, Ass. Ed. of Woman’s Home Co. over Ames talking about Consumers Buying. Dad got home from the sale. Did not buy anything. We got letters from Ruth, Katharine & Uncle Gerrit. Ruth says Bob is improving. Finances low! Katharine is very busy. Wants some new undies made. Gerrit reports they got home OK. Got my hooked rug ready to roll. Some job. One end is ½ inch wider than the other.
Fri 28. It has warmed up considerably today. Report says snow tomorrow. Tell walked up town. Took some cottage cheese & eggs. Our hens are not doing so well. Mrs. Brassfield came down to have me help her fit a dress which I did. I have my rug pretty well lined up again. Finished reading a book “I Followed the Road” by Anne Byrd Payson—the story of a life transformed through seeing Christ through the window of a book “Christ of the Indian Road” by E Stanley Jones. She is a psychologist, a musician, and has an extensive vocabulary. She has tried to follow thought patterns about Christ and give them to others. I have found it a helpful book. Mrs. Cox asked me to have devotions at Ladies Aid next Wed. We killed a chicken & got it ready to send to Ruth along with a pound of butter.
In Jones’s Christ of the Indian Road, “he recounts his experiences in India, where he arrived as a young and presumptuous missionary who later matured into a veteran who attempted to contextualize Jesus Christ within the Indian culture. He names the mistake many Christians make in trying to impose their culture on the existing culture where they are bringing Christ. Instead he makes the case that Christians learn from other cultures, respect the truth that can be found there, and let Christ and the existing culture do the rest.” Payson’s I Follow the Road is a memoir of her own personal journey as influenced by Jones. [The links are to PDFs of these books, which are now in the public domain.]
Sat 29. Dad and I drove out southwest of town to see about getting some gravel for our yard. The car slides around in wet weather. Mr. & Mrs. Williams & Billy were here about noon. I treated them to ice cream and cookies. We are going to buy two bred sows from them soon. I went to Margaret Ann Smith’s today to the SB [Standard Bearers—young women’s Methodist Episcopal group] meeting. We had a nice time. I feel this is doing the girls some good. Sent Ruth a chicken, 4 boiled eggs, a pound of butter and some popcorn. It cost 47¢ to send it. Also sent the Readers Digest to Jerry. It is turning much colder with snow predicted. Tomorrow is Tell’s busy day. He had to be up by three.
Sun 30. It is cold and stormy this AM. Dad got up at 3 AM & went to the church. Came back about 8. Walked both times. I decided to go to SS & church too tho’ I had to walk. I got pretty cold but was glad I went. Hilma Green brought us home. Spent the rest of the day at home. Dad walked it two more times but I couldn’t. Wrote letters to the children & Linnie. The last Sunday of the month!!! Means $15 tomorrow.
Mon 31. I have spent a lot of time on my hooked rug. Have made it look a little nearer finished today. We set a hen in the basement today. She has been on the nest for several days. Ought to have a fry by the “Fourth.” Got a letter from John Lohr advising us to get another cow. He will let us have some more money I think. Mrs. Townsend called to ask if I could bake 8 doz. cookies by Wed. I told her I would. Said they would pay 30 to 35¢ per dozen for them. They are to send to Knoxville to the disabled veterans.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this installment of Emma’s journals. See you next week for February 1938.
Special Feature: Toast to the Monday Club
I found a three-page typed document with a long toast written for the Monday Club. Here are some excerpts:
The Monday Club changes from year unto year Some members are leaving, new faces appear. To you now belonging—how happy your state, A Monday Club member in 19- 3- 8. A toast I'm proposing to one always ready With roll-call response in voice clear and steady. Yes, I'm suggesting a public avowal To our president's mother, Mrs. B. Howell. And now we'll be toasting our hostess and friend Mrs. Ashford, so gracious, her fine home to lend. We have one charter member—just one we can claim Mrs. Hopkins, we toast you—we honor your name. A braided coronet she wears Her hobby? Farms to run. We toast her charm and dignity Her name is Ferguson. Artistic to the finger tips She brings us great delight A toast to one who's never wrong Because she's ever "Wright." This one I toast is good and true In naught is she a slacker We trust our money in her hands— Sweet little Anna Packer. If our Monday Club were called a wheel I know who'd be the hub Let's toast sedate Miss Howell The president of our club. Fellow members, hale and hearty At our anniversary party There is really not a one we'd call a chub You are all so wise and witty I should really toast Lake City That she has within her fold "A MONDAY CLUB."