Irene Dixon Bamford

Monday 27th February 1905 A beautiful fair morning colder. The effect of yesterday's debauchery by Van Bamford and Ben Percy is still very depressing to mind and memory. Did not do much this day. A dance at Flynns this evening. Maude dont go. 2 eggs.

Tuesday 28 February 1905 Cloudy this morning snowing a little in the night. Maude went to post office carrying a letter for Belle to Marjorie and one I sent to Grace & Robert. She brought back the news that Shell & Byron are married last night at 7 Oclock pm. A regular sneak weding [sic] a Niles weding. Alice Mackey here for turnips. Only White and Northern Agriculturist. A clear starlight evening. 0 eggs to day, hens ate them up. Nothing looked after as it should be when Voltie is gone.

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Saturday 14 February 1903 Not a very bad day. Voltie goes over the river to help move Frank Woodman after taking a snooze in bed. Belle goes over with Voltie as far as James Gloyd's leaving here she cried some but was a very good child all the while her mother was gone

Sunday 15 February 1903 A very pleasant day everything quiet till noon when Voltie comes home bringing Rachel, Belle and Henry and while we are yet at table, Van Bamford and Ben Percy comes and the quantity of hard cider they can stow away inside their jackets is wonderful. Belle and Ben sing and play a few old favorites. Van goes out to see the pigs, gives V money to buy 30 lbs sugar in Kingston, shoulders his tea and then the two old swill tubs go [illegible] over the river to their home towards [illegible] Voltie goes with R lantern in hand to get her [illegible] pancake griddle, &c &c got back in

Monday 6th March 1911

A fine day. Emma walked to school only 3 pupils, Alden Morgan, Anetta OBrien and Emma. I worked all day on my feet walk walk till I was tired. V churned and made butter prints for Market. Drove over to R and brought her eggs over 14 days. Wells Sr got a lame back cant do much work only sit by the fire and observe things. I manage to write three each to Watson, Maud & Grace

Tuesday 7th March 1911

How quickly the days, weeks and months pass away and April will soon be here again. The day is bright, clear & cold wind North. Voltie gone to Kingston with butter and eggs. The eggs mostly belong to Rachel. He is bringing back the sawed lumber from the second oak log from the big tree that he bought from Jerry. Emma walked to school her shoes not very good. I didnt want her to go but she insisted upon going so I let her go. Van Bamford and Lib came over and went to Sams visiting. Drove by the house & I didnt' see them. Wells was walking with them. V came home early. Well Dignum came down with him and helped V bring in the grist. Whig and a letter from Grace.

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Sunday 15 February 1914 A very fine day. Anniversary of Emmas birth. Emma 15 years old to day Van Bamford drove over and called for cider even before he came in to house. Of course V gave it him and in less than an hour he was foolishly drunk noisy, swearing, indecent talk. He didnt make a move to go home when it was sundown. V rung for Wallace to come and help V pile old Van but it was thick and snowing a little with moon in the last quarter so the critter stayed all night.

Monday 16 Feb 1914 A beautiful day. Van went home and I am glad. went towards night. I never never heard any man use so much profanity and obscenity in their common conversation. Realy it is terrible and shocking. How can Lib live with him. V went over to see how R gets along these days. V's apples standing in dining room.

Tuesday 17th February 1914 A vry good day. V this morning after doing chores loaded 5 barrels of apples on the sleigh and started for Kingston. Edith at school. A lonesome day at home with only Emma and I and Emma out doing the chores. I sent a card to Lottie and Belle. Emma went for the mail, 6 letters and a package of papers from Watson. V came about 9 p.m. and Charley Woodman with him very much intoxicated. C staid to supper and couldnt go home alone.

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Thursday 19 February 1914 A fine day. Van brought Lib over early while I was washing dishes. Van drove home and left Lib to negotiate with V for a load of hay

Friday Feb 20, 1914 Another bright but cold day some deg below zero. Voltie gone to Kingston with another load of apples came home at 8 p.m. had stopped to the horse races. Emma done all the chores. Edith went to school. Edy McDermot came for cider 1/2 gallon and in morning Ed came for 1/2 gal which makes 1 gal

Satuarday 2/21/1914 A very good day. Al Joslin came up to help load hay for old Van & Lib. Emma cleaning floors. Ed wont do any work without she is drove to it with the very hardest persuasion. I washed dishes. Wellie and Hiram came in time for dinner. Wallace came. CW sent for cider. A dinner Voltie hitched up and with Wellie and Wall drove to Kingston they returned at nine p.m. Wellie brought V a horse as a gift.