Tue 1. I cleaned the back kitchen this morning. It is a lovely warm day but the mud is surely annoying. The geese ran away today and Dad paid a Green boy a dime to bring them home. We now have them shut up in the barn yard. Mrs. Brassfield brought a coat for me to see if I would make it over for Betty. She will wash it. Bess came in this PM and I helped her cut out a couple dresses. In the evening I went to Mrs. Andersons to help the SB girls practice. Florence Sullivan called up to see if we could come to stay while she went to a funeral.
According to one of my favorite vintage fashion sites, “the year of 1938 was a transition year between the Great Depression and the coming World War II. In fashion, life was looking cheerful with richer colors, slightly bigger floral prints, smaller hats, and charming footwear. Hemlines were rising from ankle high in the early 30s towards the knee length of the 1940s. Skirts were no longer only bias cut but also A-line, pleated, and flared. Just as skirts loosened, up so did shoulders, into the iconic puff sleeve. Shoulder pads were also introduced to add more drama up top and the illusion of a slimmer natural waistline. Coats were as colorful as dresses, and not just in spring. Winter coats came in bright hues of blue, green, burgundy, and yellow. Some had large fur collars, while most featured wide lapels that could be folded up around the neck. Hemlines covered most of the leg, but left enough of a view of fabulous shoes!”
Wed 2. A foggy-cloudy morning! Florence called about eight but think she has decided not to go. However she had not fully decided and if she decided to go will call at noon. Both Tell and I feel that she will go, but hope not. I dread the responsibility of all the chores and the church, and staying alone. Glory be! We did not hear from Florence so Tell will not have to go to Denison. Have been sewing on K’s quilt today. Mrs. Brassfield invited me to her class meeting this evening. I went & had a nice time. It was about eleven when I got home.
Thu 3. A terrible flood occurred in Los Angeles last night. Heavy rains, people homeless. Another airplane lost! World getting ready for war! Mr. Hammond phoned for some cheese this AM. We will not make much more from this cow. John Lohr said he wanted to help us buy another. Florence Sullivan phoned that she & John would be over this P.M. to visit awhile. We hurried and killed a chicken and got a good dinner ready for them. Made a custard pie. John looks bad—can not work at all. I went with Tell to the church in the evening to practice with the SB girls.
The 1938 Los Angeles flood was caused by two Pacific storms that generated almost one year’s worth of precipitation in just a few days. It caused $78 million dollars in damage (almost $2 billion in today’s money) and killed over 100 people.
Fri 4. Have worked some on the quilt. Went to Mrs. Brassfield’s in the afternoon and from there to the Baptist church to attend the day of prayer service. It was a bad day and not many came. After the meeting I went again to Brassfields to plan for our SB meeting at the church tomorrow. Went to bed early. Mr. Grooters had been here in the afternoon and Dad gave him the $2.00 Besse had left.
Sat 5. It is snowing this AM. I am hoping it will clear before evening. I am cooking about 13 lbs of meatloaf for tonight. I went to the Beauty parlor about 1 PM and then to the church to work. Did not get home till 10 PM at night after the dishes were done. It was a long day. I was rather tired. Bess came home to stay all night with me. We fixed her up a bed on the cot. She gave me a roll of hamburg. Miss Sterrit told of a little three year old who had been told the church was God’s house, etc. etc. Came home one day and said he had seen God out sweeping his walks. (Dad)
Tell was doing maintenance work at the church. What fun to think of him as God out sweeping the walks!
Sun 6. Dad got up early as usual to go to the church. Bess & I got up, had our breakfast and walked to the church. Had but four in my SS class. The geese were out on parade today so Dad came home from SS. He was pretty tired anyway. I staid for church. Dad went to bed. Have done little today but work a cross word puzzle, make ice cream, and write letters. We are not going to church tonight—too far to walk.
Mon 7. We did not wash today because I wanted to go to the Monday Club. It met at Mrs. Hutchison’s. Mrs. Walker gave a paper on “Women in the Air.” It was interesting. After it was over I went to Brassfields to plan a coat for Betty. Brought it home with me.
Women played a significant role in the early days of aviation. Here’s an interesting exhibit on pioneering female aviators from the Henry Ford Museum.
Tue 8. Today proved to be a nice washday. Dad went to Williams after the trailer today. He plans to haul in a lot of ashes on the drive. Mrs. Williams spent part of the afternoon here. Mrs. Brassfield brought me some materials for lining Betty’s coat. Later Helen Hamilton and Mardella Sifford & Mrs. Brassfield came to write a letter to the girl in Ceylon.
Wed 9. Dad has had to be at the church a lot today as they are having a luncheon. I went to the church for dinner and then to Brassfield’s to try on Betty’s coat. In the PM I attended Aid. Had the decorations and then came home to sew. Mrs. Williams came in after supper and staid till ten. Did most of the ironing after supper.
Thu 10. Worked all morning on Betty’s coat. Got it done by noon. Went to Brassfields after dinner. Took Betty’s coat. They seem well pleased with it. I charged her $3.00 which I let apply on what we owe them for hauling gravel and the sows. Dad has been busy hauling ashes for the last few days. The hen I tried to kill is still alive. She may make it.
Fri 11. A beautiful day. Dad spent all forenoon hauling ashes on the driveway. Ed came after the trailer in the PM. I went to the WCTU with Mrs. Couchman. Not many there! In the evening Mr. Grooters called. He said I could go with them to Orange City on Sunday AM if I could get to Rockwell City by six AM. I am planning to go. Wrote the girls yesterday. Got my first goose egg today.
According to this article, goose eggs are nutritionally dense, with very hard shells, and about three times the size of a chicken egg.
Sat 12. I baked cookies and pie. Got the house in order etc. because I plan to go to Orange City tomorrow. However Mrs. Walker called up and asked me to go to Fort Dodge which I did. Stayed with Mrs. Grooters all night.
Sun 13. We got up early this morning & started for Orange City from Ft. Dodge. It is a nice day. We arrived in OC a little before 8 A.M. Phoned Gerrit & Linnie before they were up. Have decided to stay here until Thursday and ride home with Ed Kinn. We went to call at Jennie’s this PM. Had coffee and cake. Harry & Mildred came down this afternoon. Brought “Rusty” their cocker spaniel. He sure is cute. Linnie is going to let me take a rug.
Mon 14. This is a lovely morning. Linnie is phoning about having washing & cleaning done. Today Hitler goes to Austria to proclaim himself dictator. Radio messages are filled with Hitler’s speech about a United Germany. It was a short speech. He said he had not thought of doing this four days ago. Finished the first half of the quilt tonight about 10:30. Linnie & Gerrit have gone to bed. She and I are planning to go to Soo Falls tomorrow. Heard a Lux play from 8 to 9—“The Big Boss.” One is on the air every Monday night.
On March 12, 1938, German troops marched into Austria. On the following day, Adolf Hitler announced the annexation of Austria to the German Reich (the Anschluss). Here is the text of his speech. On March 15, he entered Vienna before a cheering crowd of 200,000.
According to this article, Lux Radio Theatre—sponsored by Lux Soap—was a weekly show that ran from 1934 to 1955, broadcasting an hour-long adaptation of a popular film or Broadway play. Here’s a link to a recording of the episode Emma heard. It was produced by Cecil B. DeMille, and featured Edward Arnold, Fay Wray, and H.B. Warner.
Tue 15. It was raining this morning and Linnie and I decided not to go to Soo Falls today. Instead, we came down to stay with Mother Muilenburg while Jen & Ed went to Soo Falls. Linnie has done her washing & I got most of the dinner. I have been working on the quilt today. It has been raining off and on all day. Do not know yet how I will get home since Ed does not have to go to Ames on Thursday but perhaps Gerrit and Linnie will take me.
Wed 16. The radio tells of terrible storms in Iowa and Ill. It is a lovely AM. I am listening to a book read from Ames. It looks as though I might have to stay until Saturday. Mr. Rock will drive to Ames and I can go with him. Will help Linnie with the bedroom today. About 4 P.M. Gerrit came from the store and announced he was taking me home. We had just given up going. We got here about 7:45. Came south to second paving from Orange City. Followed 20 to Storm Lake. Took 5 to Lytton—then east, south, east & south to LC. Found a letter from Gerald & Miriam. All have been sick. Betty & Margaret had mumps, Jerry had his eye hurt, Gerald was out of his head for a day, Miriam not able to do much. Landlord threatening to turn them out. Trouble? I say.
Historic Route 20 runs from Boston, MA to Newport, OR. I found this interesting article about Historic Highway 20 (as it is called in Iowa) from Darcy Maulsby, an Iowa historian and storyteller,
Thu 17. A lovely day. Gerrit & Linnie went home this AM. I am going to have her rug to use for awhile. I am so glad to have it. A letter from Katharine yesterday, one from Ruth today cheered us. The weather is lovely today. World conditions are terrible. Germany is taking the surrounding countries. Jews are being persecuted. Life is most uncertain. Dad is all tired out this Spring. He is so blue all the time. Got a big goose egg today. It looks like a double-yolked one. Gave Linnie some eggs, a chicken and a couple bags for laundry cases.
Organized attacks on Jews in Germany broke out in 1933. In 1938, persecution escalated dramatically.
Fri 18. It has been a lovely day. Dad has been cleaning outside & I inside. I am so glad to have the rug Linnie lent me. It will make my rooms so much more “homey.” H.R. Gross says 20 hours more will determine whether there is to be war in Europe or not. Thousands of innocent people have been killed by bombing planes in Spain.
The Bombing of Barcelona was a series of airstrikes by Italy and Germany in support of the nationalist army during the Spanish Civil War.
Sat 19. Dad spent the morning at the church and I baked a couple pies. In the afternoon Mrs. Brassfield came to study the SS lesson and in the evening Bess came. It was about ten when I got to bed. I started a letter to Lou but did not finish it. Sent my report to Mrs. Held. It has been almost a perfect day—warm and bright. It makes one anxious to clean house.
Sun 20. Another lovely day. I taught my SS class & staid for church. Dad sung in the men’s choir. Am going to lead the League tonight. Bess was here this PM. It is possible that we may go to Glidden tomorrow. I must write some letters to the girls & Louisa.
Mon 21. Today I went to Mrs. Jansen’s to the Monday Club. Went to town afterwards. Paid Hilma or rather the other girl 1.00 on the budget. Bought Tell a shirt and a pair of work pants. Tell is cleaning up the orchard. Finished my letters to the girls & Lou. We got a special delivery letter from Gerald today asking for money. Said they would be put out in the street. We just can not help them.
Tue 22. Dad & I cleaned the cistern today. It was some job. Just got through when Mr. Todd came to help. I baked cookies and shortened Dad’s shirt & pants I bought yesterday. Have worked some on the quilt and am tired. Besse came here awhile. Had a bad storm north of us—a tornado. Tore the roof off the court house of Rockwell City. Did $50,000 worth of damage in four counties. Not bad here. I set a hen today in the basement. Am going to try to keep her on. Another goose egg today. Have four ready to set.
Wed 23. We did some house cleaning today. Have the “Spring Fever.” We got letters from Ruth & Katharine today. No more word from Gerald.
Thu 24. Have been working on some curtains this PM. Mr. & Mrs. Grooters came for awhile. We talked about the “kids.” Florence came home today. Began to get milk this evening—1 pint. The second goose began to lay. The first egg is small. I have five from the first goose. She laid six but her first one was too small to set. Think Mrs. Brassfield is coming to spend the evening.
Fri 25. We started the day by washing & then went out to work in the yard. A telegram was brought to us telling of Luther’s sudden death. I called Linnie and she said she would call me this evening about funeral arrangements. It is so sad. I have been trying to find a way to go to Carnarvon. Our car is in shop getting fixed. Mrs. Brassfield will take me in the AM. I got ten curls put in around my face. Cost $2.00. Hope it lasts. Bess came in in the evening & I sent the goose eggs home with her.
Emma’s youngest sibling Luther was 40 years old and a machinist for Intertype, a typesetting machine used in the newspaper industry. He had moved to Indianapolis with his wife Lucile and their son Robert in 1937 to take a job. According to his death certificate, he died of encephalitis, possibly as a rare complication of influenza.
Sat 26. It is now nearly 8:30 AM. The day is lovely. The ride over to Carnarvon was so quickly over. Had a visit with the agent at Carnarvon about real things. He listens & believes Coughlin. Seems to be a good man. Came to Sioux City, changed cars, had about 15 minutes. Got a cup of coffee. Reached Alton at 1.15 P.M. where Linnie & Gerrit met me. Found that Gertie is on her way and that Charlie went to Indianapolis to help Lucile pack and get things ready to leave for she will not go back—at least we think that—for there is nothing to do there. How terrible a thing to have happen to one. We are wondering if Charlie will be coming on out here. Think we will go to Howard tomorrow. Luther’s body is to arrive at 4 P.M. there tomorrow. Gerrit hates to drive his car. Ed is going to use his.
Luther was the first of the siblings to die, and the now rest of them are gathering—Linnie from South Dakota, Gertie from Oregon, and Charlie from Washington, DC.
Sun 27. This has been a beautiful day. Not cold, but bright & sunny. Have spent rather a quiet day. Did not go to church. Have had several callers—Jen, Ed, Mrs. Muilenberg, Cora, and Helen Grooters. I wrote some letters. Went home with Helen. She is starting on a concert tour today. We had a nice visit. Cora invited us out there for supper. It was a good supper and we enjoyed being there. I am feeling tired & ready for bed. We are dreading the morrow. Suppose Tell is lonely. I wish he were here with me. I dread the drive.
Mon 28. We left Orange City about noon today. Linnie, Gerrit & I drove to Soo Falls. Found Harry & Mildred gone. Left there about 4 P.M. arriving here a little after six. Found Charlie, Lucile & Bobby here. Gertie arrived about 8 P.M. We are all so glad to see each other but so grieved over the one gone. Gertie & I stayed at Mrs. Jensen’s last night—a friend of Gertie’s.
Tue 29. It looked so bad last night & some rain fell that we are happy today to have a nice sunny day. It is the day of Luther’s funeral. We ate dinner at Larsons. All the daughters were there. Mr. & Mrs. Whitcher from Pierce, Mrs. King from Mitchell, Mr. & Mrs. Adkins & son from Norfolk Nebr., Gerrit & Linnie, Gertie, Charlie & I heard other relatives. We went to the funeral at the Methodist Church at 2 PM. Rev. Wilkinson preached the sermon. We all sat in a side room. The Masons came in a body with their white aprons on. The flowers were beautiful. Lucile wept and was almost faint as the funeral ended. Luther was buried at in the Howard Cemetery, the Masons taking charge of the service at the cemetery.
Lucile’s family name was Laurson, and I think this was her parents’ house, with her family gathering to support her and son Robert (Bobby).
The fraternal order of Masons uses a white apron as a symbol of innocence and purity. New Masons receive one that is decorated to show their first-, second-, and third-degree ranks. According to this site, “once the mason completes his three degrees, he no longer needs to wear the white aprons. It becomes a keepsake for the rest of his life. The masons wear it again in death to symbolize hope. The white apron is even worn by the fellow masons at funerals as a sign of respect towards the deceased.”And for a little delightful diversion, here’s a lively recording of The Dubliners playing an Irish reel called the Mason’s Apron—I had heard it but didn’t know the origin of the name.
Wed 30. We thought this morning that Chas might come home with us but he finally decided to leave for Washington from Soo Falls. Linnie & I went to town for awhile. Gerrit went to the doctor & has decided to come back to Soo Falls to take treatment. Gertie, Linnie, Gerrit & I came to Orange City today. I think Gertie & Linnie will go with me to Lake City tomorrow. It has snowed today. Life must go on just the same. I rather think we will go tomorrow.
Thu 31. Gerrit took Linnie, Gertie & me to Alton to take the train for home via Soo City. We left about 7 AM. Arrived in S.C. about 9 AM. We shopped around awhile. I bought some material for a dress & some fringe (ball) for my curtains. We got pretty tired. Came on to Wall Lake about 3 P.M. Rev. Walker met us at 6 P.M. We were pretty tired. I was glad to get home. Tell was glad to have us come. The car is not ready yet.
Wall Lake and Carnarvon (mentioned earlier) were small train stations about 20 miles west of Lake City.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this installment of Emma’s journals. See you next week for April 1938.