Mary B. Brooke, 1898

2 January 1898 they will come tomorrow afternoon.

Tues 4th. Clear and warmer.

Stirring round early. Fixed everything. Eatable provisions etc. to go over to "The House". Mother, Auntie Brooke and I walked over. Aunt Eliza came up in the morning stage, and met us there. Put on the finishing touches, and set the tables with all their pretty new things. Father bought Agnes, the silver and supper over. About 3 - Sister and Brother French came - looking so sweet, and well and happy - lovely to see them once more. We all had so much to say, and did not get half done ! - Father stayed to our cozy little reunited dinner and left immediently after. They went all over the house and seemed very much pleased. Is it really Cissy married, and in a new home of her own? Aunt Eliza walked out to Longwood for the night and we all walked home with Charlie as escort, tho' l did have a pressing invitation out! - Ed. went over to Howard Co. Heard of Dr. Edgar Janney's death.

Wedn. 5- Clear and warm

Linie came to stay in Agnes' place for a few days. Ed. went to Gaithersburg with wheat and brought back crab. George went to Brookeville Mill. Soon after breakfast I started with old Dolly to Dr. Green's

January 1898. buggy, drove very slowly over to Brookeville. and spent the day with Sister. So much to do and to hear. Dr. Green was away all day. back to dinner for a for a little while. A little after 3, we started home. Charlie leading Dolly. and I walking. Sister and Dr. Green brought me a beautiful book. "Social Life in Old Virginia," by J. H. Page. Mother and Auntie B. had a busy day, setting the house to rights. Father called at [Shathand] and, and took dinner at Springland. No mail for two days. Evie Paschal's and Mr. Ryan's birthday.

Thurs. 6th. Cloudy, rained later. Churning- that means a great deal. About 9.30 I started out on my wheel, went to Olney, met Dr. Green and went on to "The Hours"- surprised Sister, Anna came a little later and we both stayed to dinner - a nice visit. I came home, joined Annie and [Lottie] [Griffith] [?]. Uncle Jain called and brought the mail - a new good photo. of "D. D." -- After tea Father, Mother and I went to Mundon. to see Nellie who came home from N.Y. Today. She looks so much better and was very bright. Called a minute at Mt. Olney. got the mail, and came home. Auntie B. made my pretty new black skirt.

January 1898.

Fri 7th Clear warm & lovely. Wrote letter to the West.

Ed took calf to Olney, early, to go to town by John Snowdin. A little which after breakfast Mother and Auntie Brooke walked down: the former to Fair Hill, the latter to [Hirm on?], thence to Norwood and Riverside. Father went down later and he and mother took dinner at Fair Hill. I spent the morning smuping and cleaning--blew the horn at dinner time--the first time I have ever done it. The men cutting ice off our pond. At 2:30 Dr. [Quinn?] came by, and left Sister. returned later, and called, and took her away again. The little Markall baby died last night. An eclipse of the moon, but we could not see it. I wrote ten letters for Sister. All the world looks blue, tonight.

Sat. 8th Cloudy - cleared later

Men hauling in - half filled the house. At 7:30 Elizabeth telephoned they were going to gold statements, so I hustled round and with Father's and Mother's help,, started off on may wheel - reached the Insurance office at exactly 8:20 started to work in 10 minutes, and kept up until 5. with an hour at noon off. Jennie Stabler, Mary Magruder, Dora Iddings, Sadie Moore, Bessie Robison, Jane Brooke, Augusta Thomas & I. Mother drove over to the House and took dinner. [Linie?] walked over, and Agnse walked back. Aunt E. walked home later, and was tired. Mother came round by

January 1898

Olney and brought me home. I left my wheel at the store. All disppointed at Gould's defeat and Shafers election as Speaker of the House of Delegates of Ind. Consin C. A. I. worse.

Sun. 9. Clear but rained hard in the eve.

Late breakfast. About ten, Father went to Sr Jones' to call, to Olney for the mail, to Fair Hill to dinner. At 11:30 Sister and Brother French came - stayed to dinner - lovely to have them. After dinner they and Mother and Aunt Eliza went to Olney Church to the funeral of little Machall baby. Mr. Haviland came, stayed to tea. Cousin Charlie about the same. Uncle Jim called for mail.

Mon. 10 Cloudy

Father and Mother started early to Rockville as delegates to a meeting of the Anti-Saloon League. Mr. [Mear?], Mssrs. Hawkins and Hines came on business to see Aunt Eliza - quiet, peaceful day. Mr. Joe Nicholson sent for 15 bushels of oats. Father and Mother returned about 6 - brought me a long letter from Georgie Moury - the first I have heard for nearly two years. Finished "Social Life" - a prettily written book. as choicr language and how much more satisfying than "Choir Invisible."

6 January 1898. Tues. 11th. Dark & Cloudy.

Ed took potatoes to town. Harriet here washing. Father went to Uncle Jimie, and about 11- to Gaithersburg. Charlie came over for milk, and brought a note. Sister called us up from home, on their own telephone - so glad it is moved. Aunt Eliza and I went to Auburn to [illegible] for the night. Mother mending broken china.

Wedn. 12th Cloudy & threatening

Churned. George rode down for the mail at dinner time. I left Norwood early, after a nice visit. Edith and Elsie Ebbey spent the evening, and I enjoyed the music so much. Went to the Insurance Office at 8.30 and worked until 10.45. All the same girls there, and we earned $1.94. Took dinner at NorwAuburn, and Aunt E. and I came home right after. Mr. Fisher here fixing clock. Ed came from town, brought my wheel from Olney. Heard of Mr. Sheppard Hermans' death in N.Y.

Thurs. 13th Cloudy & Cleared later

Nellie telephoned early that Uncle Granville had been taken sick in the night. Father, Mother and I went down right away. Found him relieved. Mother stayed there, and Father and I went on to "The House". he stayed to dinner, and I stayed all night. Mother walked home. We had three callers. Mr & Mrs. Boyden & Mrs. Parsley. a pleasant evening. Dr. Green un