As this month opens, it’s summer in Iowa. Emma has just gotten home from church camp, and the growing season is in full swing. She and Tell are hoping to have visits from some of the family.
Sat 1. I have had a busy day cleaning up the house, washing dishes and getting ready for company. Katharine wrote she will not be home till around the 15th. No word from Ruth. Dad got a little hay from old man Pitman. The corn & garden has grown. I picked peas and then went to town for some groceries. It is nearly nine and the folks have not arrived. We are going to bed. Linnie & Gerrit got here about 10:30 P.M. We were asleep.
Linnie and Gerrit were Emma’s sister and brother-in-law—they lived in Orange City, IA, a little over 100 miles away.
Sun 2. Dad & I got up rather early. We went to church & SS. I taught Mrs. Brassfield’s class and Dad taught mine & his. Linnie & Gerrit came to church. We came home, got dinner, & Besse came. She helped me with the dishes and the rest all went to bed. We also had a nap on the porch after the dishes were done. We visited & rested. Did not go out at night. Mrs. Brassfield called me about seven after they got home from the lakes.
Mon 3. Dad & I got up early and had the work done before Gerrit & Linnie got up. We sold our cream & eggs today. Dad bought some trousers. We took the old ice box down to the market day sale but it did not sell. He also sold a little corn & got some oats. Linnie and I have been quilting today. It is more fun when one has help. Gerrit bought a meat loaf.
Tue 4. We got up this A.M. and after breakfast went for a ride—Linnie & Gerrit, Dad & I. We drove to Rockwell City, east and home by Lohrville. Went to the PO. Got a package from Ruth containing some baby pictures of Roberta Ruth. Saw Besse & Margaret Jean & gave her a qt of berries from the locker. Came home, got dinner, did up the dishes, made the meat loaf, made ice cream and quilted. It has been pretty hot this P.M. A couple girls called and I subscribed for a magazine. Dad has slept several times today. It has been so hot. Guess Linnie & Gerrit will go home tomorrow.
This site lists daily temperatures and precipitation in nearby Rockwell City. In July 1939, the highs ranged from 80 to 99.
Wed 5. We borrowed the Brassfield’s freezer and froze the rest of the ice cream this A.M. We ate of it twice before Gerrit & Linnie got started. Linnie took Katharine’s tulip quilt to work on, and Ruth’s to send to be machine quilted. They got started home about 11 A.M. It was cool this A.M. after a hard rain but got very hot and sultry this P.M. Mrs. Brassfield & I drove out to Mrs. Gordons to Ladies’ Aid. Did not stay so very long. Besse was there—not ready to speak to Mrs. Brassfield yet over a fancied wrong. I have been quilting today. Got a letter from Ruth today.
Here’s a tutorial for tulip quilt blocks in case you’d like to make one yourself! I also learned that although hand-quilting was still common in 1939, machine quilting services were readily available.
Thu 6. It was so very warm this A.M. that we decided not to wash. It was warm till about 5 P.M. when we had a hard wind & electric storm with much rain. The lightning seemed very close. The wind blew so many apples off that I must have picked up nearly a bushel. Gave some to Mrs. Brassfield & Bess. Have quilted all day. It is now 10:10 PM so I must go to bed. Rev. Robison was here to check out the money in my World Service Account. Besse was here & wanted me to go to the show but I was too tired. Got a card from Katharine today. Think she will be here next week.
Fri 7. It looked so much like rain that I did not wash, except a few things. Have quilted pretty steadily all day. Dad & I took the eggs to town & find we owe Miller $1.67. I hope I can get the quilt all done in a couple weeks. Really it is not going so bad. Am nearly half done. The heavy wind yesterday blew down a loaded plum tree and shook off a bushel of Dutchess apples. I made up some rheumatism medicine. The salt should be Epsom Salts. I only have about 125 young chickens. I did not realize I had lost so many. There were a lot died at first.
Duchess of Oldenburg is a widely cultivated apple, good for cooking and eating fresh, but fruits do not keep fresh very long.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Sat 8. I got up at 5 and built a fire & put the water on to wash. Did the washing, scrubbing, baked a pie and generally kept busy. Mrs. Brassfield came down to study & Bess drove in & wanted me to come out for supper & come in about seven so I went. She came in with me & as they were not going home till 12 I staid here till the second show so I got my clothes sprinkled & now at 10 P.M. the clothes are ironed & mostly put away. Besse got sore at Mrs. B. about not going to camp with us but guess she is all over it. We got a “left hand” letter from Chris today. A card from Alice. She wants her machine. A card from Katharine—she was to be in Cleveland by this A.M. She could be here on Monday.
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Sun 9. Dad did not got to SS or church. I taught his class. We had a chicken for dinner. We have had a restful Sunday. Slept quite a while this P.M. Read awhile. Mrs. Brassfield was here awhile. We are hoping Katharine will come tomorrow.
Mon 10. This has been a delightful day. Dad cleaned out the garden and I planted a quarter’s worth of peas. I hope they do something for me. It has been so rainy the past week or two that they may come on OK. I have been quilting today. Helped Besse fit two dresses. Picked some beans tonight and have them on cooking. We will can them tomorrow. Sold $1.39 cream today. Will have some eggs to sell tomorrow. We have been screening the basement windows so we could have them open. It got so musty down there.
Home canning has long been a common method for preserving food, but guidance on safe techniques continues to evolve. Here is a 1939 guide on canning non-acid vegetables.
Tue 11. It is 10 P.M. Have just finished quilting half the quilt. It is a big job. I only hope it pleases Katharine. Canned 7 qts of beans today which I got ready last night. Besse was in for dinner today. We had enough beans for dinner and I gave her a qt all cooked. She keeps my needles threaded. A letter from Ruth came today. She is lonesome and would like to come home. I thought we would hear from K again today or get a telegram to meet her. Old man Fickle called this P.M. We gave him some apples. It has been very hot this afternoon. Sold $1.25 worth of eggs today.
Wed 12. Started quilting on the last half of the quilt today but did not get much done as it is so hot. 98° on our porch. It is fierce to try to sleep tonight. Katharine wrote that Betty wanted to come over for the week end so she will not be here till the 17th. Besse was in. Was losing her chickens from caponizing—tho’ she had the woman? do it. Mr. Grooters was here this P.M. Stella has her cottage rented for six weeks so Miss Malen can’t get it. Went down to see Mrs. Brassfield. She has been sick.
In the May 1939 post, Emma had similar problems with caponizing her male chickens.
Thu 13. We had a chicken today for dinner—enough for supper too. Do not hear from Miriam as to when Jerry is coming. It has been pretty hot today but not quite so bad as yesterday. Mr. Kamphoefner stopped for a visit today. He is collected money for the retired preacher’s fund. Have quilted some today but am afraid I’ll not get this row done by Sat night which I want to do. We are so anxious to see Katharine. Dad fixed the buffet so it does not sag.
Fri 14. We got word from Katharine that she would be here Monday. We are so glad. I have been quilting some today. Went to the WCTU today. Bought a crate of apricots to can. Mrs. Brassfield came down to study the SS lesson—staid till after six P.M. After supper we went to the Lutheran church to hear the Piney Woods Singers. They were pretty punk. A male quartette & manager. We got a pint of ice cream. Dad just discovered a pig is out.
The Piney Woods School in Mississippi was founded in 1909 as a boarding school for African-American students, and had several touring musical groups. There’s more information about the school and its musicians in the August 1930 post, when Emma went to see one of these groups. The group she heard this time may have been a quartet of blind students (later to become the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi) under the direction of Archie Brownlee. According to this article, “the group popularized the ‘hard gospel’ style of quartet singing, and Brownlee’s dramatic vocal approach, accented by moans, shrieks and wails, influenced soul singers including Ray Charles, James Brown, and Wilson Pickett.”
Sat 15. We got word today that Jerry Jr. would be here next Monday. He will come to Glidden at 2:30 P.M. Katharine comes to Carrol at 8 A.M. This has been a lovely cool day and we have accomplished a lot. Canned a crate of apricots & 7 qts of K.W. beans. Churned, washed and ironed, scrubbed and quilted. It is now 11 P.M. & I am ready for bed. Had a good sleep this P.M. Besse was here tonight. I should not neglect to say we travelled miles running after the pigs, calves & turkeys. Dad was pretty tired. Talked to Miss Malen yesterday. She is not at all well.
Jerry Jr. was Emma and Tell’s grandson, the oldest son of Gerald and Miriam who were in the process of getting a divorce. He would have been about 11 at this time, and was visiting from his home in Mexico, MO.
Sun 16. It seemed quite cool and pleasant this A.M. but a dusty hot wind made the afternoon rather unpleasant. I went to SS & church. Dad did not go. He feels like lying down most of the time. Mr. & Mrs. Green called this P.M. I gave her some apples. She sent some corn out to me. Think I will sell some chickens tomorrow. Dad says he is going to SS next week but he will not pay this man or go to hear him. Well—we will see.
Mon 17. We left home before seven this A.M. to go to meet Katharine at Carrol. Her train was an hour late. We waited over town doing some shopping. It seemed so good to see her. We hurried home, cooked chicken & went to Glidden to meet Jerry Jr. About 7 miles from Glidden we were crowed off the grade. It was on a detour & we went into the ditch. Katharine & I were both thrown out of the car. We finally decided to phone Glidden & found Jerry had been there for two hours. We had not read the time of his arrival right. A neighbor drove us down for him and they were just getting the car out when we got back. It was a close call for us & the more we think it over the more we realize how fortunate we were. Jerry slept awhile, played ball & went to bed again soon after supper. I hope he does not get homesick. Katharine brought me her iron, two hand-woven towells. She brought Dad a ruler made of 12 kinds of wood. I quilted awhile tonight.
Here’s an undated photo of the train depot in Glidden, where Jerry arrived from Missouri.
Tue 18. We talk about the accident we had yesterday and think of how close a call we had. Mrs. Brassfield brought her SB girls down to plan their program for Ladies’ Aid. It will be tomorrow P.M. Katharine is busy sewing.
Wed 19. Rev. Robison called this A.M. I went to the Beauty Parlor to have my hair fixed. Had just churned so Dad gave the preacher a drink of buttermilk. Mrs. Ripley asked to take me to Aid so I went with her. It met at Mrs. Blairs. The SB girls put on a nice program though a little long. Came home & Katharine and I went down town. Jerry picked beans. In the evening Mr. & Mrs. Grooters called. She helped me look them over. Will can them tomorrow.
Thu 20. Canned 7 qts of beans. That makes 14 so that will be all the green beans I’ll want. We dressed three hens & canned them today. Had noodles for dinner and supper. We had 5 pints of solid chicken and 2 qts of bony pieces for noodles. We have an air-plane out in the Golf course giving rides—today Dad & Jerry went over to see it. Katharine has made a big hole in her sewing. Finished my dress, besides one for herself & also one almost done, and some mending. I have quilted a little. Went to choir practice. Find everybody in bed.
Fri 21. We decided to go to Carrol today. Dad, Katharine, little Jerry and I drove over this P.M. Most important thing that happened today: Dad, Nothing. Jerry, Fed calves. Katharine, Did not find goods for skirt. Mother, Another turkey dead. Have only four left. We took the corn sheller home this A.M. and Besse was in tonight. Mailed letters and cards today to Ruth, Miriam, etc.
I think this may have been a picture of Jerry during his visit to the farm.
Sat 22. It seemed cool & pleasant so we washed today—the third Saturday we have done so. Next week we will have corn to can. Katharine has been sewing & ironing today. Jerry made a feeder today. I went to Mrs. Brassfield’s to study this P.M. Little Jerry is lots of help. The family letter came today.
Sun 23. I got up early this A.M. and did up the work but felt so weak that I did not go to SS or church. Dad taught my class & Katharine got dinner & did up the work. Dad has gone alone to church tonight. We had a chicken for dinner. Have done very little all day. Wrote the family letter for Dad. It came yesterday.
Mon 24. Today we made up the blue goods which has been here for several years into a dress for Katharine. It is stitched in darker thread and looks well. We also finished the ironing and are ready for new worlds to conquer tomorrow. Mrs. Brassfield gave me some cucumbers & I gave her apples.
Tue 25. Katharine & I went to Carrol today. K. bought goods for a dress for me and one for Ruth. We had a nice time. Came home via Glidden. Stopped to see Miss Malen. She is not feeling a bit well. We came home and got Katharine’s jumper nearly done. Saw a new way to make a rug.
Wed 26. It has been very warm today. We churned this A.M. Picked a gallon of apricots. Have sewed today. Got a dress made for Ruth—all we could do. I went to the community building to plan for Aid next week. Little Jerry is so fine. He does not give a bit of trouble. Does his work well and is a fine little lad. He likes to play with his lariat. Besse came down in the evening. I took the car to the com. meeting. She came home with me. I bought 5 ice cream bars. She walked back. Katharine has been busy sewing.
Cowboy themes and outfits were very popular at this time. I found this comic strip from the period featuring a lariat.
Thu 27. I did not do a lot this fine noon. Sewed on an apron. Katharine gave me a piece of cloth left from her blue & white checked dress. Then the men came about 10 A.M. & caponized 47 of my chickens. I have about 150 now I judge. After the dinner work was done I took a nap and about 3 we started my dress. Got it near enough done that I can finish it any time. It has been hot all day but is much cooler tonight. The wind has blown a lot of apples off which I will can tomorrow.
Fri 28. The moonlight is so bright it is like day outside. Last night it was storming and lightning at this time. We have just returned from a conference at the church. The preacher plans to go on a two weeks vacation starting Tuesday. Money is very slow coming in. Made cookies today. Jerry wanted me to & I said I would if it was cool & it was. It was hot yesterday. Also canned 7 qt of apples. Went to town this P.M. & Katharine bought me a pair of white shoes—3.85—at a sale. Were 5.00. I will be glad to have them in the Spring. It is 11:15 & I can not sleep.
Sat 29. We cleaned the garage today. Katharine and I sorted the rags and Dad & Jerry carted a lot of stuff to the junk pile. We want to make some rag rugs on rope or heavy twine. This afternoon we went to town attended the B&B opening & were treated to ice cream. Got Jerry’s hair cut and got him an ice cream cone. Sold two chickens today @ 15¢. Got 1.07 for the two of them. Besse was here tonight and talked over plans for the Aid. We got a nice letter from Ruth today.
Here’s a tutorial on making a rag rug on rope. Looks like fun!
Sun 30. Dad, Jerry & I went to SS & Katharine came to church. I taught Mrs. Brassfield’s class & Dad took his & mine. I had to do the playing & the praying this A.M. Sang in the choir. Katharine, Jerry & I went to the program in the park at 5 P.M. No evening service. We slept in the PM. Pigs got out at night. Jerry played with a clock all afternoon. He seems so happy here. We had a 5 lb chicken for dinner. Also Strawberry short cake.
Mon 31. This has been a washday at our house! It has been windy & we are all tired. Jerry has been cleaning up the little shed for a bed room for him and Betty. Mrs. Brassfield called this P.M. We churned today. Made nearly 4 lbs of butter.
