As this month begins, Emma and Tell are finishing the corn harvest and selling off their livestock; the mouth problems Emma started having last month are a sign of a larger issue.
Wed 1. It is still pleasant. Guess we will have 1000 bushels of corn besides what has been picked and fed. Now paying .40 a bu. for shelled corn. We will get 38¢. The weather has been warm and we have had no snow nor rain. We sold the 16 hogs today for $187.60. They took so much care. I am glad they are gone. The biggest one weighed 255 lbs @ 6½¢. There were three we got 6½¢ for. Several were smaller. I hoped to keep one to kill but Dad says we can buy one. Bess & I went to the drawing today. Harry Blue got the money.
Thu 2. We got 52 bushels of corn picked today. There will be a couple days more picking. Owen says he is going to stay over Sunday. Am not able to put my teeth in yet. My gums have been so sore. I hope to soon sell the chickens. Wish I might get $300.00.
Fri 3. We are still selling milk to Brassfields’. We have been getting along on a quart or two a day. I have put my teeth in this A.M. They do not seem to fit very tightly. I think I will go to town today for a hair-curl. Had my hair waved. Hope it lasts awhile. Got a machineless permanent.
In several earlier entries, Emma got perms that involved octopus-like machines with wires. The cold perm, which used chemicals rather than machines and heat, was invented in 1938 by Arnold F. Willatt, an electrical engineer.
Sat 4. Dad & Owen picked the last of the corn today. Think they have cribbed & fed 175 and with what Dad picked have had 1212 bu in all. Not a day they could not pick since Owen came. He plans to stay till Monday. I have been quilting a little & picking out nuts. Am starting on my third quart. Sold 1¼ bu this year. My permanent was $3.00 but I paid $1.00 with eggs, cream & squash. Am going to a SB meeting at three P.M.
This was the third year they harvested corn on the Lake City farm with the help of visiting picker Owen. In 1937 their yield was 900 bu.; it was 1150 in 1938.
Sun 5. This has been a lovely Sunday. I went to SS and taught both Dad’s and my class. Asked Florence for dinner. She got home yesterday. We had oysters for dinner. Owen plans to go home tomorrow. The time has seemed short.
Mon 6. Today was our Anniversary party for Monday Club at Mrs. Gartrells. We had a nice time. I had gone to the Hospital before Club to take a Urine Sample for a sugar test. Stopped afterward and had some bad news. They tell me to enter the hospital for observation & diet test for several days. I decided to try dieting at home and to take another 24-hour test to them soon. It is a hard thing to understand but I am not the first one. Anyway, I have Eternal Life which can not be taken away from me. Owen did not go home today. It was a bit rainy and he wanted to settle up before he left. It is going to cost us $60.00 for our corn picking for three years.
I knew from my mom’s stories that Emma had diabetes, and this was apparently the day when she was officially diagnosed.
When I first read through these journals before starting the project, I was fascinated to learn how this disease has been diagnosed and treated throughout the years. In 1939, her doctors would have used the Benedict copper reagent test, developed in 1908 and the best available test until about 1945. It involves adding Benedict's reagent (containing copper sulfate) to a urine sample and heating it; if glucose is present, it reduces the copper ions in the solution, causing a color change from blue to green, yellow, or brick red depending on the glucose concentration.
Tue 7. Today is lovely. The sun is shining. We have planned to go to Somers this afternoon. I do not feel much like talking but guess I can. This news of my condition is very depressing. I seem to need a lot of chastening—but will try to meet it as I should. I hope it doesn’t mean giving up our trip. Mrs. Brassfield, Dillavon, Williams and I went to Somers to the Unit meeting. We had a nice time. Saw Mrs. Johnson. She says this may all clear up—that it often does. Says anyway it will give me a youthful “figger” to diet. I hope I will not have to weigh all my food. I hate to write the girls about it.
Treatment for diabetes at this time included insulin, but also emphasized dietary changes—primarily reduction in calories—along with monitoring urine for sugar content. Blood glucose testing was not yet commonly available. I also found this NIH article from 1946 on the prevalence and onset of diabetes mellitus. It sounds like there was some “popular wisdom” and advice being shared. Emma also seems to have felt that this was some sort of a judgment on her. Here’s a recent women’s magazine article on the stigma that still surrounds Type 2 diabetes.
Wed 8. Another lovely morning. We are alone again as Owen left yesterday. He has to be paid $60.00. I am going to the dentist about eleven. Dad killed a chicken and I have it on to fry. He has the hens and capons housed. We are letting the young chickens run awhile. We have a nice lot of hens. No mail today! Mrs. Brassfield called.
Thu 9. This has been rather a long day. After doing up the work we came to the hospital to bring a “specimen.” It was still so heavy with sugar that the doctor advised me to stay. I have been given two doses of insulin and have a specimen taken every two hours. I went home from two till four today. Quilted! Perhaps I can do that every day. It shortens the time. Florence brought Dad in some bisquit. Besse called. Dad was here a few minutes this evening. My head aches. Brassfields do not want the milk in the morning—I guess. They are to call.
As a detour from the focus on Emma’s health, here’s a letter that Tell’s brother Will (a bachelor living in Carthage, MO with two unmarried sisters) wrote to the family. It tells of an exchange he had with Frank O. Lowden, a Republican politician who grew up in rural Iowa and been a schoolmate of Will’s. Lowden was a former governor of Illinois, U.S. representative, and a presidential candidate in 1928. Will had sent him a newspaper clipping of a story about a former teacher; Lowden responded, and Will shared his reply.
Fri 10. It is morning. Had a pretty good rest tho’ they began doing things with me at 5:30. Had a test—a little later more insulin and breakfast at 7. I got up and took a sponge-off and dressed. It is now nearly 8:30. Find I am supposed to eat everything that is put on my plate as it is all weighed and the insulin given balances it. It is evening. Had no insulin at noon or this evening. Ate the prepared supper—bread & butter, cheese, dish of asparagus, ½ cup milk & tea. I am glad I can have both tea and coffee. Went home & quilted for a couple hours today. Dad looked so tired. I hope I can go home tomorrow. Both Bess & Thelma called today. Tomorrow is Armistice Day.
Sat 11. This is a bright sunny day. Got a letter from Katharine. She had a TB test & is negative. Dad was here a few minutes. Dr. McCrary came awhile he was here and said he thought I would not need to use insulin if I would follow the diet. That is going to be hard but I can do it. I want Dad to have a sugar test too. I plan to go home again at two. Mrs. Brassfield came to the hospital with me at four & staid till supper time. Bess came after supper & staid till 8:30 or 9 P.M. I did not sleep very well as I drank coffee for supper and a new baby arrived about 10 P.M. However I slept better after that. A baby’s cry—especially a newborn baby—brings many memories. Some are sad and some are glad.
In addition to her three living children, Emma had a fourth child who died shortly after birth.
Sun 12. It is Sunday A.M. Have had breakfast & a bath. Heard the Family Altar Broadcast & some other broadcasts. Went to the Kitchen to pick out my next three meals. My breakfast is so big. The 1800 calories I am on is about evenly divided & that makes my breakfast heavy. Dad stopped a few minutes on his way to Sunday School. It is a bit tiresome to stay here. The doctor just called (Dr. Peck). He says I am running very little sugar. It is evening. Dr. Peck called & it doesn’t look so good. I may have to use insulin. I was having a little cry & feeling sorry for myself when Mrs. Robinson came to call. She was very sweet. Hilma & her mother called. I went over to hear the man at the Adventist church on Prophesy.He had a “man” made up like Daniel’s Vision.
The biblical Book of Daniel is in the Old Testament among the major prophets. It includes a number of apocalyptic visions and themes. The man in Daniel’s vision appears in Daniel 10:5-6.
“I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz. His body also was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a tumult.”
Mon 13. I am still in the hospital. Have had breakfast & have listened to the Radio Story “Life Can be Beautiful.” I do not keep it on much for fear it will bother others. I was so afraid after what Dr. Peck said last night I would have to take Insulin but did not have to before breakfast. I will be so thankful if I don’6t. Dad was going to build fence this A.M. He sold the corn stalks to Emo—who lives north of us—for $16.00. He paid $5.00. Rev. Robinson called this morning. Bess was here till nine o’clock tonight. Mrs. Brassfield was also here awhile on her way to a SS Board meeting. Am feeling pretty blue as I am running sugar heavier again.
Tue 14. Had a dose of insulin while I was eating breakfast as a “test” this A.M. Listened to “Life Can Be Beautiful.” Went down & weighed up my dinner. Have been crocheting. I feel like crying when I think I have to be this way but there must be a reason for it. One feels so depressed when he is just set aside—not needed anymore. Life used to look so interesting. Another dose of insulin before supper tonight! I went to the dentist’s today & had my plate fitted. Dad came after me & I went home for a little while. Quilted a little. Sometimes, when I think how quick this all happened I have to pinch myself. But it might be worse. I read awhile to Mrs. Swanson who has been in bed 6 weeks. Mrs. Barber called as I was coming to hospital. Mrs. Brassfield was here in the evening. I went to the Advent church to see the pictures.
Wed 15. I am still in the hospital. Dad brought me the letters—Katharine, Linnie, John Lohr & Carthage. I ate dinner & got to go home all afternoon. Looked over the capons. Not many weigh eight pounds. Bess & Mrs. Brassfield were down. We all came up to the hospital. A new baby came this evening at the hospital. Dr. McCrary was just in. He says I run sugar on the diet I am on. Was surprised to find Dad here this evening. He visited a little while and then Mrs. Brassfield came. She brought me a book to read. I crocheted awhile & went to bed about 9:30.
“Running sugar” means that there was sugar in her urine when tested.
Thu 16. Thurs A.M. Did not sleep till between 2 and 3 this morning. Was so nervous and worried over finances. I have had my bath, made out my menus and wiped the dishes for Mrs. George. She is not a well woman. I feel like it is time for me to go home before I get sick. I have to hear a baby cry, smell cigarette smoke, be on a meagre diet etc. It is enough to make one sick. I went home at noon today. Did the dishes—a little quilting—rested a bit, washed a little & got here at hospital for the four o’clock specimen. I have written to Katharine, Ruth & Gerald. Dad & I are planning to go to the church after awhile. Then may be to the Adventist Church. Had insulin again tonight. Went with Dad to the church supper—of course could not eat. Then Bess & I went to the Advent church. A day so warm we needed no fire at home.
Fri 17. Another lovely morning. Dad thought some of our capons had been stolen night before last—I hope not. Tried to take my own insulin this A.M. Went home after dinner and staid till four. Learned to test my specimens this evening. Am running pretty free of sugar. After supper Mrs. Brassfield called—Bess came—and Betty, Mable Leathers & Margaret Ann Smith brought me a lovely bed jacket. I think I will go home tomorrow.
Sat 18. Was down testing my specimens this A.M. I am go to go home after dinner. Take insulin (5 units) about 20 minutes before eating at noon & at night. Can put some of my calories from breakfast to noon. Have to test my specimens every 2 hours and watch my diet. I will be glad to get to go home. Got supper. Took my insulin for the first time alone. Have to boil the syringe for 3 minutes. Have some red areas on my leg where the syringe has been used. Got my weighed supper. Got some Mineral Oil which I am to take every night. Mrs. Brassfield & I studied awhile. Read awhile & then went to bed. Finished dressing a chicken.
Disposable syringes for insulin injection were not introduced until the 1960s. Until then, reusable syringes needed to be regularly sterilized and sharpened.
Sun 19. Got my “weighed” breakfast but did not have to take insulin. Went to SS but did not stay for church. Went to the hospital to show these red spots to the doctor. He did not suggest anything to do about it. Got dinner, & Dad says he will do the dishes. Just discovered an old hen with seven baby chickens. It is so warm and nice out but I’m afraid they will get cold before they grow up. We were surprised to have Florence Sullivan drop in. We had just finished the dishes. She had not had dinner so I got her some. She staid till about 6:30. We gave her a chicken. Took my insulin in my arm and ate my weighed supper. It is surely a bother.
Mon 20. I planned to quilt today but Mrs. Brassfield wanted me to help today with her dress so I did. We got it fitted and finished all up. I spent all afternoon with her. Bess came in the evening. I am having “hives” where the hypo is put in. It at least acts like hives. I put it in my arm today both times. My leg was bad & now my arm has begun. We got letters from Ruth & Katharine, Berne, Nora & Daisey—Mrs. Held today. All are praying for me. I wrote Linnie to come down and wrote the Winans Produce Co. not to come.
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Tue 21. We had a trailer load of corn ground this A.M. Florence’s stove got away from her today and filled the house so full of black smoke we couldn’t see through! I called the doctor about my arm and he said to leave off insulin today. I have large red spots around the places where the insulin was injected. The test in the morning will tell whether I’ll need to keep up insulin, I suppose. I am so glad to not have to do it these two meals. Hope never again. Am taking mineral oil every night. I think perhaps that helps. No mail today. We sold our capons tonight—$65.63. Paid Wernick what we owed him. Will have enough to pay John Boylan & some to John Lohr.
Wed 22. Today is Ladies’ Aid day & I was supposed to be the chairman. However Besse did it for me. She baked the cakes. Cost us 71¢ each. I took a qt. of cream to whip. Did not have to take any insulin today. Am being careful to stay on the diet. It is hard to measure every thing but I can do it. We were too tired to go to Night school. We took Besse down to the school house. She brought her sweeper in for me to use. I got a letter from Margaret Jean.
Thu 23. It was foggy this A.M. but as it cleared up later we decided to wash. I had not washed for three weeks except little things. Had a big one and they dried nicely. I wrote two carbon letters—7 copies. We have given up our trip east. It is very disappointing but seems the best thing to do. It means too big a sacrifice.
Emma and Tell had planned to go to Philadelphia for the winter to visit with Ruth, Robert, and little Roberta Ruth. Little Roberta Ruth is 10 months old today. According to her baby book, at 10 months old she was over 20 pounds, feeding from a cup, had tried lots of new foods, and had exceeded development age standards for sitting, standing, and walking with help. And she was saying Da-Da, Ma-Ma, and Jesus.
Fri 24. Did up the morning’s work & went to the dentist at 1 P.M. Got my lower denture fitted. It had been sent away for repairing. Cost 4.50. Bought two pair of 50¢ hose. Went to Brassfields to sew up a comforter top. Mrs. B had gone to Omaha. Floyd’s father & mother came just after they had gone. She surely is crabby. I’d hate to live with her. Sent a “sympathy” card to Mrs. Jensen for the Monday Club. Called at the hospital to report my condition. Visited four of the patients. Bess came in the A.M. to make mince meat. Brought me her cleaner. Stopped & helped clean the davenport. Bought eggs. We got 3 doz today. Did not iron any. Weigh 164½.
Sat 25. We have looked for Linnie & Gerrit for several days. Hope they come today. It looks a bit cloudy. Thought I would get to quilt but after doing the work up—a big ironing—I tied a comforter. Covered the wool comforter. Bess came in the evening. She had been selling mince meat. She threaded up my needles before she left. We sold over 9 doz eggs today.
Long ago I used to thread needles with ease. I now understand what a blessing it must have been for Emma to have someone with sharp eyesight to do it for her!
Sun 26. We went to SS & church today. Taught our classes. Got dinner, did dishes, read & rested. Tell cracked some nuts & I picked out over a pint. We plan to dress some chickens to send to the children. It has been a pleasant day. Cloudy but warm.
Mon 27. The day has been full. We dressed chickens & sent to each of the children for their Thanksgiving. It really cost too much to send them—92¢ for three chickens (postage). Dad has been building a frame for the chicken feeder & waterer. Mrs. Brassfield was here awhile today & Bess brought her dress in to be fixed. I did not get to quilt much. Went to the Monday club at Mrs. Snow’s this evening. Could not eat anything. It is rather hard. Got a nice letter from Ruth & one from Linnie today.
Tue 28. Haven’t done much but quilt today. Besse was in awhile in the afternoon. We went to Hilma’s in the evening to WFMS. I had charge of the Stewardship part, but did not eat anything.
Wed 29. Am looking for Gerrit & Linnie today. I sure hope they can come and stay for a day or two while we go to Eldora. I hope I can bring back Alice’s machine. I am still dieting and testing for sugar. Have had none since coming from the hospital. Linnie & Gerrit arrived about 2:30. Besse was here. We went down to the drawing—of course I did not get the money. Took about 8 doz. eggs down. Got only 19¢ in trade. Linnie & I played three games of dominoes—I beat two of them.
Thu 30. We were glad Linnie & Gerrit could be here today. We had a chicken. Of course I could not eat much but did indulge in a small piece of pumpkin pie. We played dominoes and quilted.
1939 was known as The Year of Two Thanksgivings. While the holiday had traditionally been celebrated on the last Thursday of November, it was not a fixed holiday and was proclaimed by the president. Roosevelt, under pressure to allow a longer pre-Christmas shopping period, moved the date to Nov. 23 for 1939. According to this story, it caused a great deal of controversy, and many people (including, it appears, Emma and Tell), stuck with the original date of Nov. 30.
