Emma #131: May 1938
Planting corn & raising turkeys, WFMS program, plum upside-down cake, James Edward, and Dr. McCurdy's choir
Sun 1. It is a windy afternoon. Dad & I went as usual to SS and church. I gave a short talk on Missions. We invited Florence for dinner. Had our last young chicken from last Fall. Have some Spring ones big enough to eat. It has rained hard this evening.
Mon 2. [A note made earlier: Goose eggs should hatch.] Only one egg left and that is a big one. Have hopes of selling my geese. Did the washing this A.M. Also baked bread, made Cottage cheese, churned butter. Went to Glidden for my programs. Not ready. Bess & I called on Miss Malen. Got home & went to the SB meeting. Had a part on the program. Bess took the programs home with her to cut them out. Wrote short notes to the girls.
Tue 3. Helped plant the garden awhile this A.M. Bess came in to help cut the programs out. She & I worked all day till 4 PM and got them all ready to staple. Mr. Pratt said I could get them done at the school house. I will be glad when the day is over. I surely wish they could find some one else. Tomorrow I must get ready. I want to get a black slip and have my hair waved.
Historic Central School in Lake City, IA, described as a “rare architectural gem,” opened in 1884. It now serves as a museum and cultural center.
Wed 4. I did the ironing this AM. Tell is working on seed corn. Hired a grader for 50¢ but is not satisfied with the seed. I just got soaked today. Walked down town and back in the rain. Hope I do not take cold. Got my hair fixed for tomorrow. Bess came in to stay all night.
Corn grading is the process of evaluating the quality of corn kernels. Here are some of the things a grader would look for.
Thu 5. Mrs. Waters took Hilma, Bess & me to Lohrville to go with Mrs. Fowler and her son to Eagle Grove. We had a nice trip. Went around the square before we found them. Then we drove most of the way in the rain. We had a good convention though not many were there (SB). I had charge of the evening program. Got back to Lohrville about 9 P.M. & waited a couple hours on Mr. Green. Bess staid all night. Found a box full of lovely things from Katharine—a dress slip, two pair of hose, and a shirt & tie for Dad. It was lovely to have them. Also found an entry blank for Margie Jean.
I found the program from this conference in the files! Emma is listed as the Superintendent of Young People’s Work—she worked with the Standard Bearers, a young women's group. The Fellowship Supper that she was in charge of cost $.35. The other side of the program shows that each of the presentations during the day reflected the theme of “GO YE”: “Go Ye” with Tithes and Offerings, “Go Ye” with Singing, etc. Emma’s special program at the Fellowship Supper was called “Go Ye” with Bullets or Bibles?
Fri 6. A lovely day! I have been busy this A.M. getting the dishes done and the house cleaned up. It was some job. Tell is building the garden fence. In the evening I went to Mrs. Brassfield’s to study the SS lesson. She came after me & brought me home. Had a nice time.
Sat 7. Tonight we had our first spring fry. It weighed about 2¾ lbs. I dressed it for tomorrow and then Bess asked us there for dinner so we ate it for supper. It was good. Bess was here this PM. Mrs. Brassfield called to ask me to take her class and to have Bess take mine. I sold over $2.00 worth of stuff today—eggs, cheese & butter. Got a letter from Mrs. Daggitt & a card from Gertie. She is at Rapid City on her way home. Also had a nice letter from Ruth.
Emma’s sister Gertie had come in from Grants Pass, OR, for the funeral of their brother Luther. It’s about 2000 miles from Iowa City to Grants Pass, so probably quite a long train trip.
Sun 8. Mother’s Day! After SS & Church Dad & I went out to Williams for dinner. We had a nice time. Bess came home with us to go to church tonight. I must write a letter to Gerald today. I taught Mrs. Brassfield’s class today. She & Floyd went to Cherokee. Bess & I went to the Christian church tonight. I do not care for an evangelist like Rev. Chamness. He is too much on the vaudeville order, but he may do some good.
Mon 9. The morning has been cold & dreary. Dad has been working out doors—making a garden fence. It will be so fine to have our garden enclosed. I set out some tomato plants tonight. I wrote several letters yesterday. Dad mailed them—Linnie, Katharine, Ruth, Gerald, John Lohr.
Tue 10. This is a beautiful morning. I had my washing out by eight. Then did several other things. Margie Jean came to have me trim her “formal”—rather even up the skirt. Then I churned & went to “Civic”. The garden club put on pictures which were interesting. As I am to help with Aid tomorrow I am planning for that. Mrs. Daugherty & I will serve upside down plum cake. Then I met with the calendar committee for Monday Club. Did some shopping and Mrs. Daugherty brought me home. Supper, dishes, clothes sprinkled and it is time for bed. I am very tired.
According to this site, Margaret J. Williams was in the 1938 graduating class at Lake City High School. I’m guessing the formal was for her prom. Here are some prom dresses from 1938.
Wed 11. I set two hens on turkey eggs from Mrs. Nelson’s. One in the garage on table, one in old garage. Have finished my ironing, made my upside down cakes and am ready to rest a bit before going to Aid. Mrs. Daugherty and I are furnishing the eats at Mrs. Pierce’s. Sent a letter to Alice. Wrote a card to Mrs. Held telling her I would try to be at Spirit Lake June 29-30-July 1. Mrs. Daugherty came after me & brought me home today. This is a fierce time for our car to be out of order.
Plum upside-down cakes! Here’s a recipe I found.
Thu 12. We put in some garden today. Mrs. Brassfield came down to study her SS lesson. Bess came in also but had to go home before we got at the study. I will be glad when the Monday Club is over tho’ I want them to come. I met with Mrs. Snow & Mrs. Jenson after the Civic Club in a com. meeting last Tues. It will take some work to make out the calendars. Think we will take the program on our Heritage.
Fri 13. Have been busy cleaning house, and then in the PM I went to the WCTU with Mrs. Weakland. Did some shopping and waited for her to bring me home as it was raining. In the evening Bess wanted me to go to the Community Building to see the decorations for the Jr.-Sr. banquet. Margie Jean is graduating and I went with her. We went over town and she treated me to ice cream. Then she came home with me and staid till eleven o’clock.
Sat 14. This has been a busy day. We have been planting garden, cleaning house etc. Also had a SB meeting at the church—a pot luck supper and a talk by Carrie Bartlett which was very interesting. After supper Bess walked home with me and staid awhile. We washed the dishes and Mrs. Nelson brought the rest of the turkey eggs which we set. I have one in the manger and two at the south side in the barn. That makes 71 I have under hens. I hope I can raise a lot. We are to get our other chickens on Monday. Mrs. Brassfield went with me to meet the train—when Miss B. came.
A clipping tucked into Emma’s journal, entitled “Farm Topics / Farm Stock Must Have Ample Fare / Figures are Given on Feed Demand of Animals,” had this section underlined:
Sun 15. This has been a beautiful Sunday. Bess came after me so we did not have to walk to church but we walked home. Mrs. Walker gave me some tulips for my bouquets tomorrow. She seemed all fussed about something, because of a misunderstanding about the WFMS convention—not knowing where the missionary staid etc. but I had nothing to do with it so I do not know what it is all about. Miss Sterrit asked me to sit on the platform and lead the prayer this AM. It was rather hard but I did it. I had a larger class than usual today—Mrs. Reed, Fill, Devitt, Williams, Smith, Brace, Hallister & Miss Bartlett. I would like that many all the time.
April and May are prime time for tulips in Iowa, where there are many festivals and you-pick farms.
Mon 16. Such a busy day! I am to entertain Monday Club today. Mr. Summerfield & his boy are to be here to work. Mr. Grooters is coming for dinner. The baby chickens are to arrive, the cow is bawling, and the geese! Well, I shut them up!…..The day is done. Had a big crowd. Served 19. Besse came in to help me. I served plum upside down cake with whipped cream, coffee & tea, & mints. Only 1 took tea!! I was just too tired to go to Mrs. Johnsons where the Federated Art Club is entertaining the Monday Club. Mrs. Walker, Weakland & Nokes, Howell & Hutchinson did not come. But there were several guests. I fitted Bess’s new dress.
Tue 17. Found six little turkeys hatched this morning. I went out to powder the old hen—not her face but her feathers! It is a gloomy day. So much rain that Mr. Summerfield can not plant corn. He only got 20 rows planted yesterday. I planned to wash but since the WFMS meets tonight, think I will write a letter, sew and get my report ready. Bess came in. Helped her with her sewing. She went after some baby chickens for me. We got 100 from Reynolds & 25 more Reds from Wernick.
Here’s some guidance on raising poults (baby turkeys), in case you want to try this at home.
Wed 18. (Note written earlier: First turkey eggs should hatch today)
And they did. Will have eight out of ten eggs. Dad & I have washed & I cleaned the little shed. We put the turkeys out doors in a pen. They look OK. It has turned very hot after the rain. Mr. S. has come to plant some more corn. Betty Brassfield is having a serious time with poison ivy on her face. Bess had her lights yesterday. She has been waiting for weeks for current.
Thu 19. It looked so rainy this A.M. that we were afraid Mr. Summerfield could not finish planting corn but the rain held off and it is almost done. I have finished the ironing, got dinner, done dishes and am ready for a rest. Dad is glad to have the corn in.
Fri 20. (Note: Turkey eggs should hatch today.)
But they were not as much ahead of time as the first bunch. Dad & I did Mrs. Brassfield’s washing today as Mrs. B. has been so busy caring for her sick girl.
Sat 21. We fixed a place for the second bunch of turkeys today. She has six. That makes 14 and I think there will be one or two more from the eggs Bess gave me. I sold a young 3½ fry for 1.00 today. Also sold 75¢ worth of produce to Miss Purington. Bess took me to town today. We called on Betty B. who has had poison ivy all week—rather ivy poison. Wrote each of the children today. Tried to help Gerald with a contest essay. Florence got home today & got things as near ready as possible for Bess’s birthday dinner tomorrow.
Sun 22. Today was lovely. Everything looked so pretty out of doors. Dad & I walked to church. As it was Besse Williams’ birthday, I had them all in for dinner. We had a nice dinner. Dad taught Mrs. Brassfield’s class & I taught my own. Williams went home about 4:30 PM. Mrs. Green, Hilma and the daughter in law & her baby & Mrs. Johnson (calls husband Short) & her child were here. I gave them the plate of goose that was left.
Here’s a recipe for roast goose. Step 1: Bring the goose to room temperature.
Mon 23. Tell & I worked out doors today morning and raking the yard. It surely looks better. We mowed across the road in front of the pasture & it surely helps the looks of the place. The family letter came today & I wrote for Tell. Answered Fred Hicks’ explosions. He thinks Easter means nothing and that there is no hereafter. Churned 2½ lbs of butter. Will sell Mrs. Brassfield some—to apply on that everlasting bill. Am thinking it is time to write about the Group meeting.
Tue 24. Got a card from Gerald that James Edward arrived on Sunday May 22. He arrived at 8.20 A.M. & weighed 8 lb & 6 oz. I am so glad it is over. Jerry says in a P.S. “A regular Boylan—no Hough to him.” Dad & I have spent several more hours on the lawn this AM.
In an earlier post we learned that Gerald’s wife Miriam (maiden name Hough) was expecting, and that due to financial issues they and their three children had moved into a small apartment in Mexico, MO. Now the new one has arrived.
Wed 25. We fixed up a place for the chickens to run this AM. In the PM I went to the Ladies’ Aid and Dad started to make a lawn chair. I walked to the P.O. & to Ripleys & home. Am glad it does not tire me out to walk. We are going to the Commencement exercises at the Community Hall tonight. Mr. Harper, pres of college at Indianola, is to speak. He has accepted a chair at Iowa City. Sent the family letter and some cards & letters today.
Simpson College is a private Methodist liberal arts college in Indianola, IA. According to this article, Earl Harper became the director of the University of Iowa School of Fine Arts and director of the student union, founding an annual summer Fine Arts Festival and authoring numerous books on church music.
Thu 26. This has been a beautiful day. I have washed, baked and churned, and generally kept busy. Tell is working on a lawn chair. Florence went to Glidden with Ernest Wetter to be gone over Memorial Day. We got a nice letter from Betty telling about the new baby. Also got a letter from Katharine and John Lohr.
Fri 27. Today was ironing day. Did not finish it till afternoon, & Mrs. Brassfield came down to study the SS lesson. Bess got 1½ lbs butter today. I am getting 3 lbs of lard of her.
Sat 28. Made butter again. Sold Georgia 1½ lbs. Also sold Mrs. Ripley & her neighbor 1 lb. of cheese each. Took some to the store. Am to take her cream tomorrow. I cleaned out the chicken house this P.M. Bess brought my lard in and spent the evening. I have one baby turkey which I have put with the rest. Hope it lives. That will make 15.
Sun 29. This is a beautiful morning. We are listening to a Memorial Service from a Phil. Pres. church. Bob & Ruth are singing in Dr. McCurdy’s choir. It seems good to even know they are there. We will soon be seeing them as they will be starting home on Wed. Dr. Chas Yelcher, Newly Director Moderator Pres. church spoke there in Philadelphia today. Dad & I went to SS but did not go to the Union services. In the evening we went to the Baptist church to hear Violet Hefner. She was very hard to understand. Bess was here for supper & took us to church & back. I wrote a “goose story” today.
Alexander McCurdy was the head of the organ department from 1935 to 1972 at the Curtis Institute where Bob was a student. He became organist and choirmaster at Philadelphia’s Second Presbyterian Church in 1927, retiring in 1971. Here is a lovely profile of him done by his grandson Eric Schultz.
Mon 30. Decoration Day! I spent the morning at home. Got some rose bushes ready for the plant sale. In the afternoon I went to see Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. It was very interesting. The Brassfields brought me home. I am tired tonight. We got a letter from Ruth today, all about coming home. We will be so glad to see her.
Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) was the first animated feature film produced in the United States. It is still considered one of the greatest animated films of all time.
Tue 31. Have two baby geese. Just hearing about two daring child abductions—one in Princeton, Fla. & one in California. No mail today! The corn is up so we can row it. I wrote to Katharine, John Lohr and Jerrys. Bess brought in some turkey eggs to put under one of my hens. They are for her.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this installment of Emma’s journals. See you next week for June 1938.