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January
1-1902
While the bells were ringing
in the New Year this morning I made my New Years resolutions.
I resolved to be more faithful in my schoolwork and also to
be of more use in the home and I hope with God's help I may
keep them. Then I went to bed and arose at six. I worked all
day but in the evening I dressed up and we played cards ate
peanuts and taffy. After that I read until it was time to
take my bath, did my gymnastics and retired. This is the first
New Year's Day I have ever spent away from home and I was
naturally rather homesick.
Jan.2
This morning I went to School. (Probably the Normal School,
Cleveland OH where she earned a teaching certificate. See
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 1902 below) Miss Clark, my favorite teacher
read to us from Tennyson's "In Memoriam", also his New Year's
poem for opening exercises. Our recitations, today, were unusually
easy so that I had time in school to write a letter. Mr. Stewart
came today to teach music. In the afternoon we had our first
lesson at the public library. I think I shall enjoy these
trips very much. Our work for today was to draw a plan of
the library, locating all the departments and to find a list
of books. I went into Crow and Whitemarsh's to see Cherie
(Childhood best friend) and while waiting there I saw Marie
Walter. She had just bought a beautiful coat.
Jan. 3
Today the thermometer dropped to zero and the wind has
been very Strong. I wore my new coat to school for the first
time. Our lessons today were dreadfully hard. The last period
we had rhetorical. Miss Merritt gave us two readings "Home
is where the Heart is" and "Hans and Gretchen". I darned stockings
all afternoon and studied all the evening. This week has passed
very slowly, I got a letter from Mabel today telling about
their New Year' Eve dinner. (Mabel Edna was her older sister)
I was sorry I couldn't have helped prepare it for I remember
what fun we had last year and also how good the dinner was.
Auntie went to club this afternoon and I was alone. (Her parents
were likely living in Revenna, Portage OH which is 35 miles
SE of Cleveland. May have been a long train ride to school.)
Jan.4
I went to see a basketball game between Yale and Western
Reserve Colleges. It was a fine game. The score was 25 to
24 in favor of Yale. I have never seen such good teamwork
as Yale did. The Reserve men were unusually fortunate but
were nervous and made a great many fouls. And the Yale couldn't
miss goal on a foul. I saw Cherie on the car coming home tonight.
She had just quit working. Stirling Barlow was ill today so
Auntie and Uncle Addie went over to dope him tonight. (Uncle
Addie is probably Addison M. Barlow who was married to Alice
Bradshaw (1852-1925) who was Florence's father, Homer Bradshaw's
sister. Curious about the meaning of dope here) He has a very
bad but was some better when they left.
Sunday-Jan.5.
I spent the day with Cherie today. We had some of their New
Years plum pudding for dinner. It was delicious. In the afternoon
we took a long walk and were nearly frozen when we got home.
In the evening, we ate popcorn and read. I love to spend Sunday
with Cherie and get rested. We went to bed rather early and
read for along time.
Monday, Jan. 6
We got up at the last minute this morning and Cherie hustled
down town and I off to school. Mr. Jones came today to give
us our first music lesson. It seemed good to have him for
a teacher again. This afternoon, I did the ironing. I got
a letter from Willie today. This evening Mr. Sam Phillips
called and stayed all the evening. (Boy friend?) I studied
very little and read less.
Tuesday, Jan. 7
The professor gave me a happy surprise today. He said that
my grade in science for the last term should have been 91
instead of 75. Nina went to a masquerade this evening. She
represented a district schoolgirl and looked real cute. I
have such a cold that I can hardly speak aloud.
Wednesday, Jan. 8
I went to school as usual today. My voice is still very
uncertain so it is hard for me to ricite. This afternoon,
Auntie went away and I served and got supper. I studied in
the evening.
(Skipped 5 weeks)
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 1902
School was very ordinary today only Miss Prentiss is ill so
we didn't have to recite in composition. Uncle Addie and Clifford
went to Perry's to dinner tonight. I kept house again this
afternoon. Pauline stayed with me. Burt McCann called. He
is house hunting. Nina is ill today and Peel is also. Nina
and I made fudge. Ethel Slade and I beat Mr. Copeland and
Florence Slade this evening at Whist. I got an awfully funny
letter from Roy today. I can hardly wait till he is in Cleveland
all the time. (Probably younger brother Roy Russell 1885)
Wed. Feb.19
I went down town today and while in Crow and Whitemarsh's
talking to Cherie, Mabel came walking in. We were awfully
surprised to see her. We went down town to the library and
then home. In the Evening Fred and Carl called. They stayed
very late.
Thursday
I went down town again today and met Mabel there. Cherie spent
her noon hour with us. We went to the library again. As we
were going through the Arcade we met John McDonald. While
we were talking to him Charlie Goddard joined us. He is getting
awfully cute. Mabel and I then went and had our Lunch and
shopped a little and then went to Weber's. Mabel is coming
up here to work in a week and we were hunting a boarding place
for her. She is going to room there at Weber's and get her
meals anywhere. Jack came to see her in the evening. We all
played cards.
Friday
Mabel went home this morning. Nothing unusual happened today.
I went to school, came home and Sewed, made a drawing & played
cards in the evening.
Saturday
This has been a very busy day. We washed and did part of the
ironing and swept & dusted and scrubbed. In the evening I
studied a little and we played whist.
Sunday, Feb. 23, 1902
I went to church, S.S. vesper services & C.E. today. Ernest,
Edith and the baby were here to dinner. In the afternoon,
I went upstairs, studied & wrote letters. In the evening I
continued my letter writing And read until bedtime.
Monday, Feb.24th, 1902
We had class meeting after school today so that I was rather
late in going home. Grace was on the Car when I went home.
(Street Car) I made pies in the afternoon. Nina spent the
afternoon at the dentists.
Tuesday, Feb. 25th, 1902
This afternoon Auntie went to Ellen Bow's and I sewed and
read "Reign of Law". I helped Nina make a stock. In the evening
I finished my book and studied very hard. I got a letter from
Mama today.
Wednesday
I went to the library today. Our work there didn't seem quite
as hard as usual. I went in and visited Cherie and did a little
shopping. After that I went to Cherie's house and stayed all
night. We read and ate candy and planned for her party until
very late.
Thursday-Feb 27
Cherie & I didn't get up until the last minute this morning.
This evening I studied and played 66 with Nina and Florence
Slade. Pauline gave me one of her photos today.
Friday
Lilla Spelman sang at school this morning. She sang very well
and everyone enjoyed it. This afternoon Auntie went to club
and I dusted the house. Pauline stayed with me. I went to
prayer meeting with Nina tonight and visited with Mrs., Goodrich
while Nina was being interviewed by the Session. She is going
to join the church next Sunday. Burt McCann walked up to the
church with us.
Saturday- Mar.1
We washed this morning and cleaned up the house generally.
Auntie and Nina went to Mrs. McQuigg's to luncheon. Roy came
bag and baggage as they were going. It will be awfully nice
to have him here. Mabel came with him but she is going to
board at Webber's. I washed my hair this p.m. and while I
was drying it Burt McCann came. Nina and & I played cards
in the evening & I did some mending for Royal. (Brother Roy
was must have been close to her. He was the best man in her
wedding)
Sunday
Went to church & S.S. Sterling was baptized and Nina joined
the church. Mabel and Royal went with us. This p.m. Nina,
Mabel and I went to Aunt Anna. (A Russell?) Ernest, Edith
& Sterling came over. We went to Vesper and C.E. in the evening.
Cherie came out and spent the evening. We acted awfully silly.
Monday-Mar.3
I went to school this morning, of course. Our science recitation
was horrible today. Mr. Patton had samples of rubber to show
us and the odor was dreadful. This was Mr. Jone's day to come.
We sang a piece, which we used to sing in the A Grammar and
it rally made me homesick. This afternoon Miss Biers & Helen
Kings bury called on me. Roy got along nicely, I think for
his first day. He seems to like the work but he got very tired.
This evening I worked on my science notebook and psychology.
Tuesday-Mar.4
Immediately after school today I hustled over to Mrs. Hoag's
to help get Cherie's birthday dinner ready. She had a birthday
party. The guests were Leona Johns, Charlotte Bacher, Francis
Williams, Mamie Mirsh, Mabel Bradshaw & my humble self. The
menu for dinner was Roast chicken, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes,
Sweet Corn, Celery, Bread, Butter, Coffee, Ice Cream and Cake.
The birthday cake had a ring in it and Cherie got it. She
had several very pretty presents. Miss Williams, Miss Bacher
and I stayed all night. Jack McDonald called for Mabel.
Wednesday
I got up as late as possible & get to school in time. We had
a very good breakfast. I went down town this afternoon called
on Mabel and went to the library. All my spare time today
I have been studying psychology. Mablel & Carl came out this
evening and brought some candy, which Jamie sent to me.
Thursday -Mar. 6
We had the much dreaded psychology exam today and lived through.
It lasted three periods. This afternoon we went to Giddings
School to hear a geography recitation. The teacher was one
of the Normal Girls who is out training. I walked home with
Peirce Lunpherar. I met Mabel Carr on the street and talked
with her awhile. This evening I studied assiduously.
Friday Mar. 7 - 1902
Something very unexpected happened today. The assembly room
is being reseated and the professor excused us at the end
of the fifth hour. We had our arithmetic exams today. Auntie
Nina and I went to prayer meeting this evening. (Is Aunt Nina
a Barlow?) Miss Goodrich spoke about the mountaineers.
Saturday
We washed ironed, baked and went to market today. It is the
first time I ever went to market so it was quite a treat for
me.
Sunday, Mar9, 1902
I studied this morning and went to S.S. This afternoon I wrote
2 letters. Edith, Cherie, Mabel and Fred came to see me this
afternoon. I wrote another letter this evening. I have to
work just as hard on Sunday as any other day it seems to me.
Fri. Mar. 14th, 1902
I have been too busy to write in my diary this week. Auntie
has been ill & it has been examination week at school. I learned
to my great delight today that I got 98 in my psychology exam.
Ernest, Edith and the baby spent the day here.
Friday, Mar. 21th, 1902
These busy days I neglect my diary. Our school went for its
annual outing today to a sugar camp near Bentleyville. We
had a long ride on the suburban car and then a long walk over
a country road and fields. (Bentleyville is a village 20 miles
E-SE of Cleveland. With 1902 transportation 20 miles was a
trip) It was a lovely day and we had a grand time. The maple
sugar tasted fine.
Saturday
I swept, dusted and scrubbed all day today. Mabel called me
up by phone in the afternoon. (Phone must have been rare)
Edith and the baby were over for a few minutes in the afternoon.
Nina went home with them and stayed all night.
Sunday.
I went to S.S .today. After that I went to a fire on Oakdale.
It didn't prove to be very serious. In the afternoon I went
down to Cherie's. Arthur Parsons was on the car. After that
we went to Mabel's and we three took a long walk. I am ashamed
of myself. A long walk completely tires me out. I went to
lunch with Mabel and we went to Plymouth Congregational Church
and to C.E. there. Dr. Morgan Wood is certainly a wonderful
speaker. There must have been nearly a thousand people there.
Ray came down after me and we took Mabel home.
(Major jump in the diary. Florence had graduated
from Normal school and taught in OH. Her parents moved to
Horsepasture in 1905. Irisburg is 15 miles SE of Martinsville
and close to both Horsepasture and Burgess Home Place in Ridgeway)
Irisburg, Va.
Sept. 30, 1906 Sunday
After an interval of four years I will resume my writing.
I am now a country schoolteacher - principal of the Irisburg
School. This morning unpacked my trunk and dressed for S.S.
Although my first Sunday, they made me teach a class. As I
was easy, I did it. Stayed to church. After church I greeted
my friends of last year. (Must be second year at this school)
Nothing is changed. This P.M. the Jones & I went for a walk
over the plantation. Miss Ellen Lampkin called this P.M. Between
times I wrote letters.
Oct. 1 Monday
Rainy. I opened school today but owing to the inclement weather
only six came. It was a great disappointment to me. After
school I strung beads and read magazines. In the evening I
helped the children with their lessons and visited with Mr.
& Mrs. Jones about the fireplace.
Oct 2 - Tuesday
Gloomy
Still had an extremely small school-only fifteen today. However
I enjoyed it rather more than yesterday. After school I darned
stockings. In the evening I helped the children with their
lessons and read magazines.
Wednesday - Oct 3
Rainy as usual
Everything at school the same as usual. I received three souvenir
post cards today - one form Clayton Hart in Roanoke - one
from Cumberland, Maryland form Clifford and Grace and one
from Mabel Hall in Cleveland. I am getting might tired of
teaching a handful of children and of rainy weather.
Thursday, Oct. 4
Clear
Glory Be! It hasn't' rained at all today. School still small
but have seen several people. "Father" walked to school with
me this morning. Leslie Turner brought the key this forenoon
and chatted a bit. Mr. Kellam came on an errand this afternoon
and Grady Noman came by after school so things weren't quite
so dull.
Friday - Oct 5
Sunny It was a beautiful day today and we had a larger school.
Some of the older girls came so I had someone to visit with.
Three of the boys went to a pond at noon and were late so
we kept them after school and Mrs. Semples whipped one of
hers.
Saturday - Oct 6
Showery
"Dullissimost"
Today has been the longest day of my life. All the morning
I spent repairing my clothes and stringing beads. After dinner
I went to the P.O. after mail but got none. No events during
afternoon or evening.
Sunday, Oct 7
Clear. I went to S.S. this morning. Taught the Bible class.
After S.S. we went to Mr. Meadon's to a possum dinner. It
was certainly great. Jim Richardson called in the evening.
After he left I wrote to Mabel and read a while.
Monday - Oct, 8
When I got to school this morning I found a big crowd of children.
They all seemed so glad to be there and we were certainly
good to have them there. Mr. Richards fixed our chimney before
school this morning so it wouldn't smoke. Hurrah! Dr. Kellam
brought Luther to school and chatted a bit about how well
he like my teaching. "O salverino - O smearadons"
Tuesday - Oct. 9
Fine. Had about the same school as yesterday. Leslie Turner,
the R.F.D. Mail carrier brought me a post card from Mabel
Hall. This afternoon I got letters from Mabel Thayer & Cherie.
Both very interesting.
Monday - Oct. 15, 1906
Papa and a Mr. Newcomer (a home seeker) came to see me today
after school. The children got much alarmed. They thought
Papa was going to take me home. I was just tickled to death
to see him. Mr. Newcomer is going to buy a farm here in Irisburg.
Papa bought me the Republican & a letter from mama. Carl has
returned from California and Carl & Mabel are going to mover
over to Mr. Earls. I am going home Friday evening. Glory be.
I had a letter from Posye Burgess today. (Aunt Posye Burgess
Airheart was maid of honor for her brother Abe a Florence's
wedding) Had two new pupils today.
Oct. 22 - Monday
Rev. Henderson & Willis commenced a protracted meeting at
True Vine church tonight. I went with Mr. & Mrs. Jones. Mr.
Richardson brought me home. He had his pockets full of chestnuts
much to my delight. The ministers together with Mr. Clement
spent the night here. Mr. R & I put a grasshopper in the bed
in the parlor for the preachers then I had to sleep there
in the shift. However forewarned was forearmed.
Oct. 23 - Tuesday
I took my school to church today. They behaved very nicely.
Received the announcement of Fred Smith's wedding, which took
place last Wednesday. "Fickleness thy name is man." Also rec'd
postals from Frank Williams and Carl Thayer. Mr. Richardson
took me to church tonight. After I had left John Burgess called
so Mrs. Jones sent him on to church and I was in a mess. But
Mr. Richardson very graciously withdrew and took Miss Pearl
home. John and I had a dandy time. (First reference to John
who she married November 14 the following year, so this was
courting time. Interesting that her other suitor was Mr. while
Granddad was John.)
Oct. 24. 1906 Wed- rainy
Today was my red letter day. Got letters from Mabel T. & Mabel
Hall, Grace Barlow and Posye Burgess. As it rained the preachers
came to the schoolhouse and had the service there. Mr.Willis
gave an excellent talk to the children and I tho't it one
of the best meetings I ever attended. A nice little drummer
spent the night here.
Sunday-Oct.28
I spent today at home in Fontaine. (Fontaine is 5 miles south
of Martinsville and 5 miles East of Horsepasture. Perhaps
her parents lived here prior to Horsepasture.) John and Posye
Burgess came to see Mabel so she invited Roy, Howard & me
over to dinner. Roy decided to take Posye home & John to bring
me back here. (Howard is her younger brother.) On the way
back we forded the Smith River the first time I had ever forded
the river. Very thrilling. (It was a much shorter route to
ford the river). I went to church in the evening with Mr.
& Mrs. Jones.
Thurs Nov 1.
Cassie Turner professed Christ at meeting today. Tonight was
the last night. (Must have been the last church revival meeting.)
John B. came over and went with me to church. They had a very
impressive service. Got postals from Carl & Mabel Hall.
Sunday. Nov 4
This has been a very eventful day. Mr. Henderson preached
at True Vine church. In the afternoon Mrs. James Meaors was
baptized at Long Island Ford. John & Posye Burgess came and
went with me to both. I wore a white dress, pale blue girdle
and blue beads. After they left I finished "Man on the Box".
It is an awfully cute book.
Friday Nov. 9
Finished reading "In the Brooding Wild" this morning and liked
it very well. School progressed as usual. The children were
very good. John came for me about ten minutes before four.
I dismissed at once and we had a pleasant drive to his home.
We stayed up awfully late and then Posye and I talked half
the night. (Spending the night at the Burgesses. Getting serious
now.)
Saturday, Nov.10
Got up to early breakfast this morning. Helped Posye do the
dishes. We spent the forenoon reading magazines. Went to the
mailbox about noon. In the afternoon we went to Ridgeway with
John on the wagon and had a dandy time. We didn't get home
till about eight and sang everything we knew on the way home.
Sunday, Nov.11
Posye and I "diked" up this morning. Posye wore a white lawn
over pink and I wore my blue silk waist and blue voile skirt.
We looked for Carl and Mabel but they didn't appear. About
four we started back for Irisburg and how did I hate to come.
On the way back John made a great many confidences.(?) He
seems very blue about his work. (Must have been hard working
the Old Home Place farm. Not surprising that he sold the farm
as soon as John Henry died.)
Friday, Nov.16
Went home with Mrs. Semple after school tonight. We stopped
at Mrs. Meador's on the way. Spent a very pleasant evening.
Hattie & I slept together and talked very late.
Saturday- Nov.17
We didn't get up till very late this morning, which I enjoyed
immensely. Had breakfast about eight. Mr. Shackleford played
lots of pieces on the graphophone, which I certainly enjoyed.
I stayed their till about eleven. Hattie walked part way home
with me. Miss Pearl gave me four beautiful chrysanthemums
for my room. In the afternoon I went to Dr. Kallam's to have
a tooth fixed. He showed me some of his collections of gems.
I enjoyed it greatly.
Sunday- Nov.18, 1906
It rained so we couldn't go to Aiken's Summit as we had planned.
The children & I went to S.S.. I had a tolerably large class.
In the afternoon I read Vanity Fair & slept. After supper
I read the Bible to Uncle Brooks.
(Skipped 5 months)
Saturday April 23, 1907.
I am visiting at Burgesses for a few days Posye and I went------
today. At the burning we agreed to meet a year from today
and fess up. I wonder if we four can possibly get together
then. Here's hoping. This is the most delightful weather imaginable
and we have only one week more. (Could school have ended by
May 1?)
(Last entry. Married John and ended her teaching
career.)
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The
Diary of Florence Bradshaw Burgess
