Thu 1. We got up early & drove to Ft. Dodge for some Jersey Giant chicks. Got back at 10 A.M. Got our chickens home safely. They cost us $10.39 for 140. I hope they are mostly cockerels for I want them caponized. We stopped in Rockwell City and bought our driver’s licenses—50¢ each and no examination. Had Mr. Ripley for dinner again. He told me to separate my cockerels from the rest after caponizing but to give them all the water they want before & after. Keep them on very light diet for three days— shut them up till they get rambunctious. Mrs. Brassfield came after me to go with her to Days.Cecil, the youngest boy who graduated this Spring, died today. Found they are related to Zugmeiers at Hubbard.
Fri 2. Mr. Ripley finished cultivating the first time today. He did a good job. Lightning surprised us by presenting us a heifer calf. I have named her “Thunder.” I am going to try to raise her. I baked a pie and a batch of cookies today. This P.M. I drove out to Besse’s to help her cut a dress out. I staid a couple hours. Dad went with me to choir practice & then we put the 28 chickens in the shed. Have the little pigs separated from their mothers, all but two or three. Got our first gas bill today—49¢. Louise Green was married to Mr. Bronson yesterday.
On the June 22 page, Emma had written: “Lightning’s calf should arrive.” Looks like it came quite early!
Sat 3. Bernadine’s baby calf arrived this morning about 6:30. It is a heifer too. Think we will raise them both. They look a lot alike. Both have white faces. Maybe we should call them June the second & June the third. It is so cool this A.M. we have a fire in the range. So glad I have a brooder for my baby chicks. Dad says we might name the calves Myrt & Marge—Myrt belongs to Lightning. It seems strange that a calf born this A.M. needs chasing off the highway tonight. We attended the funeral of Cecil Day this P.M. Saw Mrs. Zugmeier & Lucile from Hubbard. She is Mrs. Days cousin. Have lost 3 baby chicks. I sent some flowers out to Days but I did not see them at the church. A punk sermon.
Sun 4. We went to SS. Taught our classes. Staid for church and heard Dr. Davis tell of his trip to the Unholy Holy Land. It was very interesting. Bess came home with us. Staid for dinner and until six o’clock. We took Myrt & Marge away from their mothers & they did not fuss much. We were tired and went to bed early.
Intense and rising conflict in Palestine was coming to a head at this time. It was a very complex and violent struggle that has ancient origins and continues to the present day. This opinion column from June 1939 presents one view of the situation; if you would like to dig further, here is a Wikipedia article that provides a more comprehensive account.
Mon 5. It was not so hard to teach Myrt & Marge to drink milk. We fed them early & about ten. Dad is going to get some hay of Pitman & I am going to the Monday Club picnic. I dressed a chicken Sat & Mrs. Snow is cooking it. I picked a heaping qt of strawberries this A.M. Drove Mrs. Fell’s car to the Monday Club. We started getting ice today.
Tue 6. We fixed up the yard for the baby(iest) chickens today and let them out doors. Dad fixed a shelf in the back kitchen by the ice box. It is going to be very convenient. I went to Besse’s to sew this P.M. Had a fierce time to try to fit her dress as she is so fat. She gave me some little turkeys that had just hatched, also some eggs that may hatch. Also gave me some meat and some things to make over for Betty. Put 3 gal. of gas in the car. I got $4.00 worth before going out. Got a letter from Miriam and a card from Ruth. She says they have a new car.
The average price of gas in 1939 was .19 per gallon, which is about $4.31 in today’s dollars.
Wed 7. We fixed up a chicken pen this morning for the little chickens. I am glad to let them get out awhile. Besse was in town. We went up town & got her & took her back. She got a wave to go to Des Moines tomorrow. I picked 4 qts of berries & gave Besse one. Florence went to Glidden with Ernest this evening.
This reference to getting a wave got me curious about hair trends of the day. The 1939 World’s Fair included a World of Fashion exhibit with demonstrations of hair styles and equipment. Here’s a blog post with a story and more images.
Image Source: New York Public Library
Thu 8. Today was Ladies’ Aid. I had charge of devotions. Spoke on the Bible. Went to call on Mrs. Clark after Aid. Took Mrs. Westering with me & then took her home. We churned this evening. Dad called Rev. Robison out to get some buttermilk. I gave him cottage cheese. Mr. Grooters got his roosters tonight. There were 12. I got 3 sacks of feed & $1.00. We have a lot of rats.
Fri 9. Was so busy with my chickens and other duties I neglected WCTU today. Sorry. Mrs. Brassfield came up in the evening to study. A tramp came along today and we gave him his meals & paid him to clean up the yard & chicken house.
Sat 10. Picked strawberries in the rain today—7 qts. Will have a good picking on Monday as it has rained. Baked cookies. Had my hair fixed. The tramp helped look over strawberries while we listened to the King & Queen of England arrive at the New York Fair—of course I washed them over. Tomorrow I go to the pulpit in First Church Ft. Dodge. I drove to Ft. D. Started about 10 till 2—stopped at Engles. Did not see her. Sewed for Mrs. Grooters till after 7 P.M. Mr. G brought me to Fowlers for the night.
According to this article, the 1939 New York World’s Fair, at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, included exhibitions from 62 nations, 35 states, and 1,400 organizations, with over 45 million people attending. It was based on “The World of Tomorrow.” King George VI and Queen Elizabeth paid a brief visit to the fair.
Here is a newsreel that shows some of the World of Tomorrow exhibits.
Sun 11. Had breakfast at Mrs. Fowlers. We went to the church. Attended the women’s class. Gave the Thank Offering address. Got $98.00. $20 had been paid in. They gave me 4.00 for my expenses & Missionary money. Went to Grooters for dinner. Had a nice visit with Stella. When I got ready to start my car wouldn’t start. A neighbor Mr. Johnson fixed it for me. Drove home without any trouble. Found every thing OK but several chickens were dead. They got cold. We did not go to church. Dad had a disagreement with the preacher in S.S.
Emma saved the church bulletin from this event. At the upper right you can see the announcement of her giving the Thank Offering for the WFMS.
Mon 12. It was such a lovely morning but grew much colder toward night. We washed, scrubbed, picked peas and strawberries. I sent some home with Mrs. Brassfield for Irene’s party tonight. We are selling 2½ gal. of milk each night to Brassfields.
Tue 13. Fixed up my program to be mimeographed today. It took a lot of time. Besse phoned and we went after her down town—brought her here for dinner & then took her home. She gave me some side pork & some boxes for strawberries, to put them in her locker. I put in 8 pints and 2 qts. Did not get my ironing done. The girls came down to pick out some camp songs. I am so tired out. The family letter came today. Churned, sold 50¢ worth of butter & $11.30 worth of eggs, 50c milk—$12.30. It all helps. I must finish the ironing & sew tomorrow.
Side pork is sliced meat from the pork belly that has not been cured or smoked (as is done with bacon).
Wed 14. It rained nearly all day, off and on. I picked over 6 qts of strawberries. Did the ironing. Finished the cultivating the second time. I had Mr. Ripley for dinner. We canned many beans today—6 qts, 6 pints. Made 4 pints of strawberry & pineapple jam.
Thu 15. Sold the two sows today—710 lbs @ 5.00. Receipt 35.50. Also got the oil check $22.65. We will have enough to pay for the cultivating. I went to Manson to the Group meeting today. Had 50 register. It was a fine meeting. Was so glad to have Mrs. Schaffer of Klemme take the missionary to Algona tomorrow. There were two carloads from here. Katharine was to start for the Cartmans today with “Cookies.” She thinks she will be home for awhile in July—I surely hope so. Got a letter from Miriam saying her money did not come so she could not send Betty & Jerry now. Thought Ruth would come but she writes that the doctor won’t let her bring the baby. Went to choir practice. Green brought me home. Worked several hours on Mrs. G’s dress.
Fri 16. Got up and worked hard all day. Finished and sent Mrs. Grooters’ dress. Wrote to each of the children. Picked about 4½ qts of strawberries & 2 gal. of cherries. Dad paid for the hay—$10.93. 4370 lbs. Have the oil so we will have enough to pay Mr. Ripley. Miriam writes that she can’t send the children this month. Our summer company is dissolving. Brassfields are still buying milk. I have a boil or something under my right arm. It bothers me some.
A boil is a painful lump caused by a bacterial infection, with a carbuncle (mentioned below) being a cluster of boils.
Sat 17. My carbuncle under my arm gives me much bother & pain. I baked cookies and pie this A.M. Got a letter from Ruth. Went down town and did a number of errands. Had my hair waved. Went to Brassfields to study the SS lesson. Got a new pair of brown Selby shoes at the sale—$7.50 pair for $4.90. Also got new hose and a girdle. Wrote Margie Jean a letter & Miss Malen a card. Called Florence up. She had been home a week. Said she wrote us a card but we did not get it. Asked her and Lehman for dinner but they were going to Council Bluffs. Dad & I went to the church dinner. It was windy & hot & the dinner was pretty heavy.
Sun 18. Dad & I vibrated between the bedroom and the porch last night. It was hot & windy. Went to church & SS. Had a 4 lb chicken for dinner, and strawberries. Gave Florence a qt. as she had company (Vera). We get about 1½ doz eggs a day now. My boil is disappearing. We have had a storm this P.M. & it is not yet over. The sky-coloring this evening has been gorgeous. We are not going to church since the clouds are so threatening. Vera has spent the day with Florence! A happy pair!
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Mon 19. Got a letter from Charles today & one from Grooters. I wrote him and Linnie also. I have not felt at all well today. It has been good not to have much to do. Threw up my supper, & have a lot of gas pain.
Tue 20. It is a beautiful morning tho I “threw up” my breakfast. Was able to do my morning work but have been on the cot or bed all most all day. It is a pleasant place to be sick. Dad got some crackers & bulion cube—guess there is not bull in bulion—or maybe there is? I ate half a cup & some cookies. So far it has staid down. My mother took a spell of vomiting and from that time on could not keep nothing down—till her death several weeks afterward. Her gas pains were terrific. It is evening. I am feeling much better. Put Katharine’s quilt in again today. The chickens do not take so much care now. It was just before the Monday Club that I took K’s quilt down. Hope I can soon finish it. WFMS tonight. Do not feel much like going.
That must have been scary for Emma! Her mother, Adella Jameson Troutman, died in Hubbard, Iowa in 1917 at age 60, which was very close to Emma’s age as she wrote this entry.
Wed 21. I went to Miss Raines to WFMS though I did not go with Bess as planned. She did not come. Dad took me & Mrs. Brassfield brought me home. I took the candles and read a story on Stewardship. We went to Stella’s cottage today for a picnic with Grooters and Boyds. Gave them up and ate our dinner but they got there about 1 P.M. We had a nice time & left about 3 P.M. It rained all the way up and part of the way back. I took a fried chicken, beans, bread, cream, butter, and strawberry & pineapple preserves. Have been quilting this evening. Got a letter from Gerald, a card from Katharine, a card from Miss Malen today.
Thu 22. I picked a few gooseberries today. Did a little quilting. The SB girls got out and sold their hangers today and have enough money to go to camp. I have decided it is best for me not to go for I do not think Dad is very well. Had the front of my hair “re-permanented” this AM. It was all out. Hope it stays.
Fri 23. Today Mary Margaret would have been 23 years old. I want to see her. I wonder if she will know her mother. Is she grown up? I’d love to know. Wash day! A lovely cool day & part of the ironing is done. Dad fixed up the porch curtains & is sleeping out there. I canned 5 pints of gooseberries. Bess drove their car in today. She gave me a recipe for rheumatism which I think I will try:
Put the juice of 3 lemons
1 rounding Tsp Creme Tartar
2 rounding Tsp Epsom salts.
Put in a quart jar and fill with water.
Shake well. Take first thing in the morning. Use in 2 weeks.
Rest awhile. Take again.
Sat 24. Made my rheumatism medicine today. Florence phoned they could not come over tomorrow. I have spent a busy day—cleaned up the house, set out some plants, did the scrubbing, finished the ironing, dishes, meals & separator, cleaned a chicken, picked & podded peas—& in the evening Mrs. Brassfield & I went out to Besse’s to study the SS lesson. Came home & quilted for an hour. It is now 11 P.M. so guess I’d better go to bed. Dad helped me string up some morning glory strings. Have 2 plants left & 1 poor one. It has been cool today. Dad finished hoeing the sweet corn. Guess I’d try to go to Camp if Dad feels OK. He says I should.
According to this article, morning glories make a great covering for a bare fence or empty trellis, but need lots of sunlight and vertical wire or string to help them climb.
Sun 25. I went to church & SS this AM. Dad did not feel like going so I had all his class. We had a hard shower & three chickens died from getting wet & chilled. I am drying out some in a basket with the electric iron for heat. We will not have the man here to cultivate tomorrow since it has rained.
Mon 26. Have been getting ready to go to camp tomorrow. I hate to leave Dad but he says for me to go. I will take two chickens, ten cans of beans, 2 of plums & a peck of potatoes. We have 17.26 besides our eats.
Tue 27. Got up here to camp about 7:30 P.M. The rest of them—Rev. Robison & load got here about 3:30. We have managed to keep busy getting settled. Tomorrow the camp opens.
Wed 28. We attended the service this morning. Time went so fast. We all went in for a morning dip. It had rained & we thought we would not go but changed our minds. Felt fine all day. Am going to try to finish up the Course on Leadership while we are here. Tonight is Stunt Night. We are going to put on a preview of the 1939 millinery.
Thu 29. Lightning went visiting today. We got up and took a morning dip. Attended the service at the camp. Am going to take the Study Course—“My Leadership in the Growing World.” Spent the early part of the afternoon working on my course. We were all thrilled to have a motorboat ride with Rev. Robison. He took us in relays. He threw up a minnow and a sea gull got it in the air. I sat up till midnight to finish my course and it is done. Was so glad to get Dad’s letter enclosing letters from Mrs. Johnson, Daisey & a card from Katharine. Heard of Mr. Johnson’s death (Ft. Dodge).
Emma often used the top margin of the notebook for calendar events. I assume this note meant the cow was being bred; this would help her anticipate the due date of a calf.
Fri 30. Turned my course in today. It is pretty cold thisA.M. Mrs. B & I did not go in bathing. We attended the SB meetings this forenoon. Mrs. Held expected me to lead devotions but did not say anything to me after I got here about it so I thought it had been arranged. I took the Quiet Hour for her instead. I went down to see the Water Sports—attended a business meeting of the Branch officers at Mrs. Shroyers. Called on Mrs. Sheldon and then went home and ate some waffles. Washed the dishes & since we decided to go home after the meeting, packed up my things. Mrs. Brassfield decided to stay till Sunday—I guess. We got home about 1 A.M. It was a lovely moonlight night. I bought a fish for Dad. Glad to get home. Card was here saying Linnie & Gerrit might come tomorrow P.M.
