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.

Saturday 19 September 1908 No rain. Not so much smoke as yesterday. North wind blew the smoke southward to where it came from. Stella home from school and doing her washing. Maud baked bread, cakes, cookies, & cleaned floors. V threshed part of the day at Flynns came home to supper. Stella walked up & from Irvines for music lessons. Belle came down driving old Jake accompanied by Henry. Rachel came over accompanied by Ethel for her milk and potatoes. In the evening, Maud goes home with Ethel and Rachel, and stays all night. Belle & I sit up till after 11 pm, then we go to bed.

Sunday 20th September 1908 A chilly morning. No rain. Awoke this day morning to find Belle and Henry here. Rachel & Ethel soon came over. I wash all the dishes & separator while Maud dresses herself, V & Stella and Ethel and the Kid Henry go fishing while Belle and Rachel sit visiting out on the veranda. Belle get dinner. R says she dont

Monday 21st September 1908 No rain. Smoky. Voltie gone to Flynns to thresh; finished there, moved the machine to Morgans; ate dinner there, finished threshing and came home at 3 p.m. then threshed beans &c Len Patersons wife Cassie & Ethel Woodmans here for tomatoes. They left them here while they went down the shore looking for hickory nuts on Snyders. And as Snider had started to come here to see if V could shoe his horse and was walking fast with club in hand consequently nearly came unaware upon the nut gathers who started and ran while Snider for fun ran after them. And they were frightened of course at nothing. I make sweet apple preserves. Ethel and R came over. In evening the Dignums drive here with Ethel calling for Maude and Stella to go visiting at Geo Gillespies. Maud goes Stella stays home and helps me wash dishes and goes to bed with tooth ache. Poor dear girl.

24

Friday 19 Dec 1913 This is the next day after Kingston market. Voltie drove to dock with Emma and the last day of school. Emma and Edith go to school in am to recite their pieces; a rehersal, came home at noon, dress all in white and return to perform before the audience. The Morgans, Flynns, Dignams, OBriens, Woodmans & George & Inez. Nina had a christmas tree for the kids. Show out at 3 p.m.

Saturday 20 Dec 1913 The usual amount of work done, mopping, sweeping, churning, getting the meals. I take of the butter and wash the churn. Emma cooks the pigs feet and V begins his new shop by drawing stone and putting up a frame. 2 hens on their nests but dont lay. Old Ben sick with indigestion.

Sunday 21st December 1913 A very mild day for the season Cloudy ground bare. Old Ben better this morning after V was up doctoring him all night. Emma went to church. Rachel came over, gave her her cards. Mrs Higg and Mrs Dignam and Delaval Calendar. After dinner and dishes washed Emma goes visiting Sylvia and Ruth. after awhile Aunt R goes home and we are once more left alone to read and study. Ground bare.

Tuesday 8 August 1916 A lightning & thunder storm about midnight a heavey roll of thunder awakened me. soon after that the rain came pattering on the roof. I closed the window to keep the rain out. Arose quite early. Everything at 630 around here. Oh but that old kitchen is hot and the west door and window closed no air. I try to work around but my feet and legs refuse to not more than hobble. This is a close hot, old fashioned folks used to say "a muggy day" and I believe such "muggy" days will bring more rain. V and Wm moving the pigs to the yard behind the hen coop. I'm sleepy since I ate dinner. Once more the rain comes pouring down in torrential speed for 3/4 of an hour and in the midst of it a boat came across the river containing Mr & Mr H Esford, Mrs and Mr Jackson also Miss Jackson and their baby. They gained shelter in our boat house while awaiting for the rig to come for them which came after awhile. In the evening Wm, Emma, Voltie & Miriam all go to Flynns to play and sing. I sit up till they come home. I write a letter to Benjamin Watson. Received word that Belle will soon be here. Coming Sunday. V is to meet them at Delavan's. I made myself a new white petticoate.