As the month begins, Ruth is in the hospital after the birth of her daughter Roberta Ruth. Bob is studying at the Curtis Institute of Music and working hard to earn a living, teaching voice lessons and singing in church choirs and on the radio. Emma is visiting, and Tell is at home in Iowa.
Wed 1. I have spent this day cleaning up the house—washing & ironing the kitchen curtains getting ready for Uncle Chris. They were to start today. I am glad the baby is here. It will be so much better for Ruth. Robert & I were invited over to Moores for dinner this evening. We had a nice dinner. Left right afterwards to go to see Ruth. Had about an hour with her. Took the letters, the little cookies the ladies sent last, night her Pictorial Reviews in to her. She gets pretty lonesome tho. Robert and I both phoned her today. I want to get another rose for her tomorrow. We came home and I wrote to Dad & Robert wrote to his folks. It is now about 12:30 & I must get to bed.
Pictorial Review was a ladies’ magazine published from 1899 to 1939. Here’s the cover of the February 1939 edition.
Thu 2. Robert had to go on the Elevated today because he hasn’t got his sticker for the car. I also went down to the hospital to see Ruth that way. Had my hair waved today. Bought a rose for Ruth today—this was a red one from her Daddy. Ruth’s room mate was moved into another room. She has such a bad cold. Ruth is lonely. She has been so worried because the baby would not nurse but it takes the milk from a bottle. Found a telegram from Chris saying they missed connections & would get here at 5 on Sat A.M. Mr. & Mrs. Elliott came over bringing some comforts & pillows & a bathinet. Got a letter from Daddy today.
The Market Street Elevated (aka “The El”) opened in 1907. Its trains and trolley lines were a major stimulus for population growth in West Philadelphia. It was replaced in 1955 by a tunnel that carried trains and trolleys under the Schuylkill river to Center City.
Fri 3. This has been a rainy day. I did the ironing this morning. Ironed the curtains for Ruth’s room. Made the bed up with fresh linen for Chris & Lou. Took a nap and went to the hospital for a visit with Ruth. I went about 4 & staid till nearly nine. Ruth has been lonely since the other patient was moved. She had a bad cold. Gertrude Sweeny called and I walked with her to the elevated station. I was glad for company. The Lord always sends along somebody when I need help. The baby nursed better today. I hope it is clear in the morning when we go to meet Chris & Lou at 5:02. Wish Daddy were here.
Sat 4. Bob & I went to the train. Chris & Lou were in the depot waiting. Got a taxi & brought them out to Upper Darby. Cost 1.30. Bob finally got his sticker this morning. He was not home till evening. Lou, Chris & I had lunch together then we went to 69th St. & bought Ruth a tablecloth. We went on the bus. We plan to go to see Ruth this evening. Bob did not get home till about 8 P.M. We hurried to the hospital. Ruth was anxiously waiting for we had not seen her all day. Robert had called her when he got home. Chris’ train was delayed on account of a landslide west of Little Rock.
Sun 5. This has been a lovely day. Chris, Lou & I went to the Episcopal church where Robert sings. We went early & did not get home until 1 P.M. Got dinner and Robert went in to see Ruth. I planned to go in the afternoon but Lou felt too tired. She went to bed while I did the dishes and then crocheted on her bedspread the rest of the P.M. I wrote a few letters. We are planning to go sightseeing tomorrow. Will stop to see Ruth again.
Mon 6. We went with Robert this morning to the Junkman to get a new handle for his door. Came back to the house & found a letter & Robert got a phone call about his music for Radio program. We stopped to see Ruth a few minutes and then went to the Curtis Institute & heard Robert sing several songs to get the time on them for radio. Lou & Chris did not comment about his singing in any way. We ate dinner at Curtis—it was very nice. Then we went to Independence Square. Saw the Liberty Bell, Museum, Old Christ Church, Benj. Franklin’s grave & drove down to the wharfs where we saw the big ships & loading docks. Came home & I got dinner while Robert went back to see Ruth. I wanted to go in this evening but Lou felt too tired. Chris went to Wilmington with Robert. Lou & I visited & played dominoes. She told me of Chris’ being a socialist & spending so much money his family needed. I sent Dad a letter today.
A big day! Here is a walking tour of Independence Square that hits all the historic high spots. Chris was one of the wealthiest members of the Boylan family—he was a bookkeeper for oil leases in Oklahoma, and had been involved in setting up the lease agreements that provided revenues to Tell, Emma, and other family members for decades. Chris and Lou were on their way to Venezuela on an oil-related trip when they stopped in Philadelphia to visit with Ruth. I became curious about the reference to socialism and wondered what the term might have meant to Lou and Emma, since it has meant many different things at different times in the U.S. As far as I can tell, at this time the main focus was on building workers’ organizations and abolishing capitalism; there was also a good deal of disagreement about whether the New Deal didn’t do enough or whether it went too far. And then I found these definitions that Katharine had sent to her father, Tell, at about this time…her note on the bottom says she was sending them to Uncle Chris as well:
SOCIALISM
If you own two cows, you keep one, and give the other to your neighbor. COMMUNISM
If you own two cows, you give them both to the government, and the government will give you some of the milk.
FASCISM
If you own two cows, you keep both, give the milk to the government, and it will sell some back to you.
NEW DEAL-ISM If you own two cows, you will shoot one and pour the milk from the other down the sink.
(As a very random side note, it turns out that the last Socialist Party of America candidate for president, Darlington Hoopes, was a very distant relative on my father’s side of the family!)
Tue 7. Robert took Chris, Lou & me to the hospital when he went to school. Lou & I staid with Ruth while he & Chris went to Curtis. Robert came again after one & took them to the train to go to New York. I staid till Robert came at 7:15 after choir practice. He & I came home and then he dressed & went back to a concert at Curtis. He tried to get me a ticket but there were no more available.
Wed 8. Today was the day Ruth expected her baby and it will be two weeks old Sat. and she will be coming home. She is feeling badly because the baby can not get enough from the breast. It may have to be put entirely on the bottle. Robert decided to give up his opera work today. I am so glad for he is really overdoing and Ruth needs him home at night. Ruth is getting ready to come home. I am taking her robe & baby clothes in to her tonight. Dad wrote Monday and said Florence Sullivan said that John was getting weaker, also that Helen Smith’s father died. I sent Lou the book of directions that she left. Robert is giving a lesson. We are going in to see Ruth after supper. Bess sent Ruth a lovely blanket.
Thu 9. This has been a Spring-like day. Robert did not have a class till noon so he took the bedding back to Elliotts.I got up a couple hours earlier than Robert. Kept busy till time to go to the hospital. Got there about 1 P.M. Robert came at about 5:30. We staid till nearly nine & Ruth did not want us to go then. I fixed some sandwiches & milk & we drove to Fairmont park & sat by the Schuylkill river facing the railroad bridge. It was a great sight to watch the line of cars going on the highway on either side of the river. Their lights reflected in the water below. I never saw so many cars in my life as I have on this trip. I was very tired. Then a train crossed the bridge & its whole length was reflected in the water. It was a most unusual sight. Ruth will be home Sunday. I expect to start home a week from tomorrow. Got a letter from Dad, Linnie today. Also a card from Chris.
Here’s a picture of the bridge and the park that was probably taken near where they were sitting.
Fri 10. I spent the day, afternoon & evening with Ruth. She is getting along nicely. I went to the hospital after dinner on the bus & Elevated. Did not have any supper till I got home. Ruth did give me a piece of chicken & Robert brought a little candy. The doctor says Ruth can come home tomorrow. We played dominoes this evening. I got a letter from Dad & Robert heard from his mother. Howard broke his arm.
Sat 11. Robert said he thought this was the happiest day of his life because he was bringing Ruth & baby Roberta home from the hospital. He had to go to Wilmington today but got home early. I wrote letters to Katharine & Dad telling them I would likely stay a week longer. Ruth is to stay upstairs for two weeks. I have worked on Katharine’s quilt today. Perhaps I can finish it next week.
Sun 12. Have celebrated Lincoln’s birthday in an unusual way. Have been with Ruth all day helping get the baby washed, dressed, etc. Got breakfast & dinner & did the dishes. I was awake for a couple hours last night so felt rather tired and took a nap. Ruth could not get up till about noon today. We brought the dinner upstairs and ate with her. Robert has been away for the three services as usual. He will eat at the church tonight. We had a broiled steak for dinner. I got it too done. Made another upside down cake. Ruth & the baby are doing fine. We made her first formula today— Milk, water & Malti Dextrucel #1. It will cost over a dollar a week to feed her I am sure. More later. I have written six letters this evening. Bess, Brassfield, Greens, Johnson, Grooters & Dad.
According to this article on the history of infant formula, nutrition scientists were focusing on making its carbohydrate and fat content closer to that of human milk, and supplements with maltose and dextrose were common additives to cow’s milk.
Mon 13. Ruth is upstairs. It means lots of steps up & down but I seem to stand it OK. This is the day Robert is home. He has been painting his car top. A neighbor offered him enough paint from his gallon can. We went up town. Bought a few 9¢ articles at the store. Robert drove to Wilmington to teach—the doctor Chalmers who had an audition when I was with him decided to take lessons & took his first one.
Tue 14. Today has been a busy one. I did the ironing, cleaned up the house, got the meals. We eat upstairs with Ruth all we can. Robert was not at home for either dinner or supper. We had choir practice. Ruth got a gift of two night gowns from Bernie today. I got a nice letter from Katharine but none from Dad. Do not get one on Tuesday. Am nearing the end of the applique work on K’s quilt. I walked after a stamp & down to mail a letter to Dad. Robert brought Ruth a rose & a hot water bag. The baby fussed a lot after 10 P.M.
Wed 15. This has been a warm rainy day. It just kept it up all day. Robert felt sick when he waked up. Did not go to school. He ate a little breakfast but no dinner or supper. I think he has been overdoing & losing sleep. It has been so hot in the house today & a letter from Dad says it is so cold there. Ruth feels pretty well. I am sleeping down on the couch and was wakened by the door bell. It was Mrs. Elliott with an electric bottle warmer for Ruth. Mrs. Dixon called tonight (phoned). I finished the work on this piece of K’s quilt with the exception of pulling out some basting threads. That will take some time.
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Thu 16. It has been much colder today tho the sun has shone brightly. Robert is feeling better and went to school today. I did a big washing by hand—I am pretty tired tonight. Marge Moore was here a long while today. I am not going to stand the work and being awake at night so much for long, tho’ the stair climbing seems a bit easier. Called Mrs. Elliott to thank her for Ruth. Guess I’m a little homesick tonight. I want to cry.
Fri 17. Robert brought our breakfasts upstairs. I was awake with the baby for several hours. Have kept busy most of the day doing this and that. Sprinkled the clothes but was too tired to iron. Finally have the quilt piece ready to press. I walked up town for a few things & found Robert home. He had not expected to come till later. Mrs. McCurdy’s mother died in Cal. She was buried yesterday. The choir practice was given up. This was the day I planned to go home. Am afraid I will not get to see very much as I have no money to pay streetcar fare & Robert has so little time to drive. Am glad he is better today.
Sat 18. The morning is bright & sunny. Did not get to sleep till 12 P.M. so my head feels a bit thick. Have taken a morning bath. It is so nice to have the hot & cold water to use. The day has been pretty full. I did the ironing and some mending. Then worked a cryptogram puzzle. The day has not been long. Robert went to Wilmington. Earned $6.50. He was asked to sing at a Bible Federation Dinner Tuesday night. Nothing in it but his dinner. I asked to go with him. It may be I can. Ruth went down stairs for the first time today. The baby has gotten back to its birth weight. She looks well. Is changing.
A cryptogram is a short piece of encrypted text that is typically solved with a letter substitution process. Here’s one from a 1939 Philadelphia Inquirer. The solution is at the bottom of this post.
Sun 19. Ruth & I got dinner today. After dinner I went to the Pres. Church with Robert to hear the Vesper Service at 4:30 P.M. The choir sang selection from B Minor Mass by John S Bach “Kyrie Eleison—Christe Eleison”. It was lovely. The church is very beautiful—built in the form of a cross with large archways, all of brick. The organ & choir are in the balcony at back. They wear robes & process from the side front to the back. Robert sang in the last chorus. I sat in the car for about an hour & read & watched the people go by. Got a quick lunch. Mrs. Moore came to call. It has been lovely today. Just got a Special Del. letter from Katharine. Wrote her & Dad each a card. They have gone on mail wagon now. Robert took some pictures of me & the baby & Ruth. Hope they are good.
Here’s the piece the choir sang.
Mon 20. When Bob’s Radio program was called off on account of the Air Mail plane dedication he decided to take me to see Atlantic City. We crossed the Delaware River bridge into NJ about noon. Took us about 2 hours to drive it. It was a wonderful privilege to see the Atlantic Ocean. Picked up some shells. Walked on the famous Board Walk. Visited the Heinz pier & saw the moving pictures. Saw the shops with their many bargains, the hotels, etc etc. Drove to Wilmington. Crossed the ferry at Pennsville. It was a great day. Got home about eleven, pretty much tired out. Robert gave his lessons at Wilmington in the evening. Ruth was alone all day. The baby had been pretty fussy. Had my picture taken on the Board Walk. It was misty part of the day but quite warm.
It’s about 75 miles from Philadelphia to Atlantic City. The Delaware River Bridge is a suspension bridge now called the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, opened to traffic in 1926. The Heinz Ocean Pier, built by the H.J. Heinz Company and free to the public, had shops, sundecks, and lounges. It was demolished by a hurricane in 1944. Note the big “57” sign.
Tue 21. I decided to do the washing today. I want to get things all done up before I go home on Friday. Ruth played for Bob to sing this P.M. Mrs. Clark came to see Ruth this afternoon. Brought her two pretty blankets. Robert went to sing for a banquet. Supposed to do it for nothing but some one gave him $2.00. Another lady asked about a concert. Robert hopes for a lot of contacts out of it. The banquet was the annual dinner of Men’s Bible Class Org. 350 people there. Said he never had such an ovation.
Wed 22. Robert did not have to go to school today. Thanks to G. Washington, he took me and Mrs. Dickson sightseeing. Robert had a service at the Epis. Church. Mrs. D & I went to the S.S. Times building, but as it was a holiday it was closed. We visited Wanamaker Store. Saw the big eagle in the centre aisle. Went to the room furnished on the Budget plan. Saw the lovely quilts & hooked rugs in the Art Department. Ate dinner at the Gimbel store & then went to the wonderful steel building—PSFS—where her brother works & got passes to the Observation Tower—480 feet high—& looked out over the city. Saw the Delaware River, Christ Church—many places where I had been. It was so wonderful to have this privilege. Passed the Franklin Institute, Baptist Temple & many other places of interest. Found Mr. & Mrs. Elliott here when we got home. They said “Good Bye” to me & W.J. sent his regards to Tell. Ruth & Roberta got along fine. I got supper, did dishes. We had an evening devotional time & came upstairs to bed. I love Mrs. Dickson. Had a wonderful day. The church in Media wants Robert to attend their Choir Rehearsal Tuesday night.
Washington’s birthday—the first federal holiday to honor an individual’s birth date—was celebrated on the actual date of February 22 from 1885 until 1971, when the Uniform Monday Holiday Law changed the date to the 3rd Monday in February and led to the shift to Presidents Day. I could write a whole post just on the details from her day in Philadelphia! The Philadelphia Saving Fund Society was founded in 1816 as the nation’s first operational savings bank, established to make financial services accessible to the working class. The PSFS building (now the Loews Philadelphia Hotel) was the first modern skyscraper.
Thu 23. We have been busy today for I am leaving tomorrow. Before going downstairs I fixed up some trousers for Bob & the hems on some dresses. It was rather late before I got the work done. Miss Mitchell phoned she was coming this P.M. Bob went to school. Miss Mitchell called. Said she was making me a bag & just as she left she gave me a lovely handkerchief. Mrs. Moore called to say “Goodbye.” Bob & Betty McCleary came in the evening also. Robert saw McCurdy last night about taking the Media job. It is 6 miles. McCurdy advised him to take it. He is to go out tomorrow evening.
Fri 24. The day has started out cloudy. I am about to start for Cleveland. Left 30th St. Station at 10:09 AM. Mrs. [name and address omitted] got on the train and sat with me as far as Harrisburg. We had a nice visit about Wm Ridgeway. Her husband goes to his Iron Rose class. Her teacher is CL Huston. Her daughter attends Drexel Ins. I gave her Bob’s name as a singer. It may amount to something for him sometime. We crossed the Susquehanna—followed it for miles. Have electric trains from Harrisburg to Phil. Tiny walled in cemeteries. Woman in seat ahead is racing with the stork from Phil. to Cleveland. We had two hours wait in Pittsburg. I wrote Dad & Ruth. Katharine met me at the Euclid Ave Station. Got a taxi to come home in. Soon went to bed & had a good sleep.
Sat. 25. Katharine took Bess to the hospital. We went down town. Katharine made a date to have my feet manicured. He put my ankle bone back in place. Told me to bathe my feet in potash solution once a week. We ate lunch down town & I bought me a new hat. It has snowed a lot today. Came home & Katharine got a good dinner. Talked to Bess’ friend. Found she had to have the bones in her arm re-set. They had not begun to knit in the three weeks. Have been having a good visit with Katharine tonight. It is 11:15—time to go to bed. Am planning to go home tomorrow. Sent Daddy a night letter which he will get tomorrow.
A night letter was a telegram sent at a reduced rate for delivery the following morning.
Sun 26. The heavy snow which fell yesterday is melting so fast this morning it sounds like rain. Katharine and I did not get up so very early. We got dinner and then went to call on Besse. She had put in such a hard night. From there we drove to the station and I took the 4 P.M. train for Chicago. Got in there in time to make a 10:30 train for Carroll. It was a nice coach & I slept quite a bit on the way. Arrived in Carroll at 7 A.M. Dad & Rev. Robinson did not get there for 1½ hours. I called home & Dad had not started. Wrote an Ivory Soap sentence today for Katharine. Hope she gets a car.
Mon 27. I see by the preceding page that I ran Sat into Monday. Anyway I ate a lunch for breakfast in Carroll. We drove home and I unpacked & put away most of my things. The roast that Katharine sent was delicious. We had some for both dinner & supper. I wrote cards to the girls. I miss my little Roberta Ruth. It has been snowing quite a bit since I got home. Dad went to town with the cream. I am about ready to go to bed. Called up Brassfields. Most of them are sick. Got a card from Mrs. Homer about their baby boy.
Tue 28. Have busied myself cleaning the cupboard today. It is good to be at home. Talked with the Brassfields today. They have all been down with the Flu. Guess Dad is glad to have me at home. We had a terrible blizzard today. Trains & buses were not running. It was a good thing that I came home yesterday for I might not have got here today. I wrote a letter to John & Alice & one to the girls.
Special Feature: Birth Records
In February 1939, Tell received a note from his brother John T.:
Dear Sister and Brothers,
Kate, Tell and Berne:
Having executed an affadavit as to the date and place of birth of Chris, so that he and Lou might obtain a passport to travel on a foreign country, I thought it might be an advantage to each member of the family, perhaps, to have such a record. One may not always know that such will be useful.
In duplicate I am enclosing such to each of you. We were each born before the law was enacted in Iowa requiring that record of each birth be kept in the office of the Clerk of the Court of each county, also each death, the facts to be reported by the doctor attending.
Today the sun is shining bright with perhaps three inches of snow on the level. But the world is in great turmoil, never knew of the like.
Best wishes and love for each. JNO. T.
The document he enclosed included the specifics of Tell’s birth date and location, John’s relationship to tell, and the specific facts that he is relying in to support his affadavit. It was sworn before the Clerk of the District Court of Hardin County, Iowa, and contains the imprint of a seal.
Cryptogram Solution:
The difference between great minds and weak ones is, the first have purposes and the others have only wishes.
