The Diary of a 1920's Housewife...

The Dixie Handicap - Sunday February, 22 1925

2010-07-20T08:24:00.000-04:00

Warm today. Rain

Girls went to SS. B. went to SS. and church

Took a ride in afternoon + went to P.S.1

at Falls. "The Dixie Handicap"2 very good.

6 doz eggs @.45

Saw a robin today.3

Girls washed dishes.

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1. Picture Show

2. "The Dixie Handicap" - Starring Claire Windsor and Frank Keenan. This romantic drama only used half the clichés of the typical horse racing story. There's the impoverished Colonel (or in this case, a judge) and his pretty daughter, who may have to marry the bad guy who has the mortgage on the family home. At least the story draws the line at this juncture -- there are no drugged or kidnapped jockeys and the heroine doesn't put on the jockey's outfit to ride the horse to victory, which is the way most racing melodramas end. Judge Roberts (Frank Keenan) is living a life of genteel poverty, but he doesn't let his daughter, Virginia (Claire Windsor, photo left), know. He rears her in luxurious circumstances by selling off his land, bit by bit, until all that is left is the old homestead and a racehorse, who is about to have a colt. But the horse gets out of the stable during a rainstorm and dies after giving birth. The colt, Dixie, just barely survives. Johnny Sheridan (Lloyd Hughes) is down on his luck, and Judge Roberts takes him in. The young man works in the stable and when the colt, Dixie, is badly injured, he saves its life. Dexter, a trainer for a neighboring millionaire (John St. Polis), finally tells Virginia the truth about her father's circumstances. Dixie is entered in a big race and wins 50 thousand dollars, saving Virginia from marrying the man who carries the mortgage on the old homestead. It turns out that Sheridan comes from a good family, so he is able to marry Virginia.

3. I thought this was the sweetest thought - like she is longing to see Spring!

Evening Ride - Saturday February, 21 1925

2010-07-17T08:02:00.004-04:00

Warm today- Rained today

took a ride in the evening

Paid to M. Zimmerly1 $25.00

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1.Wonder who M. Zimmerly is...$25 is a lot of money for them. I haven't found a "M Zimmerly" listed anywhere online for that year that I can confirm. There's a Mary and a Maud in the vicinity, but nothing showing on the 1920 census for Akron.

Magazine ad for 1925 Chrysler Open Touring car

Window Cleaning - Friday February, 20 1925

2010-03-07T21:41:00.001-05:00

Quite Warm.

Cleaned windows inside and outside up + down stairs.

Telephone Bill1 $3.50

Sanitary Belts2 $1.50

Rec'd from B. $75.00

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1. So I am not sure if the phone bill was small, or that sanitary belts were expensive, but $3.50doesn't seem too high for this new technology.
2. So first of all when I think of Sanitary Belts, I always think of the book "Are you there God, it's me Margaret" - but I suppose it was what women had to deal with for decades - but eee gads, it looks painful! Here is an insert from a 1925 sanitary belt package.

Washed Clothes - Thursday February, 19 1925

2010-03-06T21:34:00.001-05:00

Washed clothes in the P.M.

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1. One of the very first Maytag wooden washing machines - 1909 - 1925. You could never get away with calling this "The Hired Girl Washer" these days!

Masons Concert - Wednesday February, 18 1925

2010-03-05T21:19:00.003-05:00

Warm today.

Went to M.E. church1 to concert given by the Masons2. very good. I surely feasted my soul on the violin music2.

Came home and played 500 until 12:45.

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1. Methodist Episcopal Church: a development of the first expression of Methodism in the US. This 1850 map shows a large concentration of M.E. Churches in the Akron Ohio vicinity.
2. I love that she writes this - she sounds like she really enjoyed herself this evening, not sure if she gets a chance to do that often.

Won Prize - Tuesday February, 17 1925

2010-03-04T21:04:00.001-05:00

Warm again.

Dinah got her proofs1 today. very good.

Dinah went to a party at Wilma Brigg's.

Won prize (perfume) for getting the most

names out of Mrs. Penrose.

B, H, R, and I played 500 until D came home

then D took H's place until 1:00

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1. Proofs - possibly senior photo proof?

1925 Cheramy Perfume ad

Plumbing School - Monday February, 16 1925

2010-03-03T21:00:00.002-05:00

Quite warm today.

Bill went to Plumbing School.

Returned at 12 1

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1. Presumably 12 a.m., which is a little late it seems for Plumbing School...

Miss Bluebeard - Sunday February, 15 1925

2009-12-05T09:22:00.007-05:00

Again quite warm.

This is a red letter day for me. I heard Reva laugh twice today1.

Girls went to S.S.

Bill went to S.S. + church

Went to Orpheum - Bebe Daniels in "Miss Bluebeard"2 Funny, walked around town and looked in store windows3.

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1. Not sure what this means, but as I read thru these I get the impression that either Reva is a moody teenager, or is she maybe suffering from depression as I am thinking her mother may be?
2. "Miss Bluebeard" a romantic comedy starring Bebe Daniels (1901-1971). Here is a modern-day review of this film being shown in a revival theater in New York in 2002, a little harsh, and it was probably a fine movie in it's day!

Bebe Daniels is talented and gorgeous, but this movie, is, largely, a series of of title cards... about the equivalent of reading a tersely-written play with a lot of photos from the New York production, which opened and closed in one night. However, when Raymond Griffith walks in, everything busts loose. The men are staring moony-eyed at the talented Miss Daniels -- we know she is talented, because we've seen her shine in Harold Lloyd comedies and in 42ND STREET -- as Raymond Griffith tries, unsuccessfully, to take a nap. He tries to get to bed -- only to find Bebe Daniels in bed with him, whereupon everyone rushes in to find her hiding under the bed and him cowering under the blankets. He wanders about in pajamas and a top hat. He collapses under the weight of fainting fiancées. Raymond Griffith is alive in this movie, while everyone else is, at best, posing. He is the one pleasure in this cardboard cutout of a movie and makes it worth seeing. If you are fanatic about seeing everything surviving with Mr. Griffith in in -- and his performance here, as in the handful of his starring Paramount vehicles that survive have made me anxious to -- then you'll want to see this, at least once. The rest of the movie, however, will stop you from seeing it again.

3. Since it sounds like they walked around town in the vicinity of the theater I am supposing the Orpheum is in downtown Akron, but I have yet to find any info on the place. But it sounds like she had a lovely day out...still not sure why she does not attend Church with the rest of the family. Is she staying at home to care for the mother-in-law?

A Beautiful Sinner - Saturday February, 14 1925

2009-12-03T09:04:00.006-05:00

Quite warm today.

Went to Ravenna1 with Bill this P.M.

Stopped in Ravenna on way home

and had dinner - Steak etc, good

went to P.S. - " A Beautiful Sinner"2 so so
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1. The town of Ravenna is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Akron. Quite a distance for a days drive in the 1920's.

2. Movie is actually titled "The Beautiful Sinner" released in 1924 starring Williams Fairbanks and Eva Novak. Eva is best known as western star Tom Mix's love interest in 10 of his movies. Tom taught Eva to do all her own stunts in the daring western adventures. With the advent of talking pictures her career faded.

Basketball Game - Friday February, 13 1925

2009-12-01T15:52:00.001-05:00

Quite Warm.

Went to Basket Ball Game at Armory1

North + South. North ahead until

last quarter - 29 - 24 Some Game.

Came home played 500 until 1:00

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1. The old Akron Armory was condemned in the early 1980s. Often used for musical performances and athletics, the Akron Armory is best remembered for wrestling matches that were held here for decades.

So this is Marriage- Thursday February, 12 1925

2009-11-30T15:42:00.003-05:00

Harriet's Birthday today

D. had pictures taken at Eichelberger's 4 roses.

Went to Falls Theatre-

" So this is Marriage?"1 so so

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1. So This is Marriage?, 1925 starring Eleanor Boardman and Conrad Nagel. Conrad Nagel (16 March 1897–24 February 1970) was an American screen actor and matinee idol of the silent film era and beyond. He was also a well known television actor and radio performer.Conrad Nagel

Esquino Club - Wednesday February, 11 1925

2009-11-19T09:47:00.007-05:00

Warm today
Bert went to Esquino Club1 dinner at Miller
brot a rubber rose home also a water bottle

Oneil's - Victrola2 acc't $10.00

Oneil's - Sweeper3 Acc't $6.20

Oneil's4 - Reg acc't $10.00

Polsky's5- Reg Acc't $15.00

Dinah for Dues $2.00

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1. The tranaslation for Esquino is Eskimo. Rubber Rose would be a plastic rose by todays terminology, which must have been a great amusement since rubber or celluloids were used sparingly in the 1920s.

2. Victrola - The Victor Talking Machine Company was founded by Eldridge Johnson in 1901, The term Victrola thus applies ONLY to internal horn phonographs made by the Victor Talking Machine Company, and is not a generic term for all old phonographs. In November, 1925, Victor introduced the "Orthophonic" Victrola, which could be what the family had purchased.

3. Sweeper, or vacuum cleaner

4. O'Neil's was a regional department store chain based in Akron Ohio. Founded in 1877, the store grew to several locations throughout northeastern Ohio. In 1989, the chain was merged with May Company Ohio.

5. Polsky's Founded in 1885 and also based in Akron Ohio, the Polsky reputation for fashion leadership goes back to 1890 when this store pioneered in the distribution of ready-made apparel.

1925 Victor Orthophonic

Pattern + Valentines - Tuesday February, 10 1925

2009-09-27T10:32:00.000-04:00

Warm but a trifle cooler than yesterday.

Harriet went to town + Reva.

Gas $9.48
Light $5.85

Goods for H's dress
3 yds @ $1.39 - $4.17
Thread $.10
Pattern
Valentines1

Rec'd from B. $75.00
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1. Beginning in Europe in the 17th century, lovers would exchange small tokens of affection for Valentines Day. By the mid 18th century it was common for people of all classes to exchange handwritten greetings to friends and lovers, and by the end of the century commercial Valentine notes were being mass produced.

1920s Valentine Card

Honor Bead - Monday February 9, 1925

2009-09-26T10:16:00.001-04:00

Still very warm, but trying very hard to rain. Showers.
Cleaned cellar today, washed stockings.1

Went with Bill this P.M. to Ravenna.2

Ret'd at 6:00, Reva was getting dinner. Wanted to earn an honor bead.3 Girls also washed dishes.

Bill went to P. School. Ret'd 12:10.

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1. With the shorted length dresses of the 1920s, stocking became more fashionable, often being designed to match the color of the dress or adorned with patterns.
2. Ravenna Ohio. - approximately 15 miles from the Akron Ohio area.
3. Honor Beads are given out in the Camp Fire Girls program, similar to earning badges in Girl Scouts.

1920's era Camp Fire Girls

Flat Tire - Sunday February 8, 1925

2009-09-25T08:53:00.001-04:00

Still very warm, sun trying to shine, very little fire1 and doors open.

Baked a ham overnight.2

Bill set clocks ahead 1 hour + got us all up early.3

Had dinner and went for a ride, flat tire.4 Stopped at Ast's and had it fixed, went to Thomas' + B. bought 3 dozen eggs @ $.50.

Came back + went to Nixon + saw Gloria Swanson in "Her Love Story",5 very good. Back home at 8:30 and read, had lunch6 + to bed.

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Wow - eventful day!
1. Many homes in the 1920s did not have a central heating system - even those in urban areas. Most homes were heated with room furnaces or kitchen fires - as it sounds like our writer has in their home.

2. I recently found a cookbook dated 1897 titled "Mothers Cook Book" and I have been using this for some reference material - my first "go to" cookbook is always "Joy of Cooking" however this was not published until 1931, so I had to find something older. According to this book, to bake a ham you must:
"Cover your ham with cold water and simmer gently to loosen skin so that it can be pulled off" (remember this ham was probably not from the butcher!) "Then pour over it a teacup of vinegar, one teacup of hot water, in which dissolve a teaspoonful of English mustard, bake slowly. Then cover the ham to a depth of one inch with coarse brown sugar and do not baste until it has formed a thick crust. Let it remain until it becomes a rich golden brown." YUM sounds wonderful - I may have to try this neck time, of course my ham already being skinned first though.

3. What? Was this a mistake or his version of daylight savings time? Daylight Savings began in WWI and was formally adopted in the US in 1918 - however there was no federal law until 1966 so state and communities chose whether to abide by it or not.
4. A flat tire doesn't sound like it dampened the afternoon - Ast's must have been a local handyman or repair shop.

5. "Her Love Story" a romantic drama was released in 1924 and starred Gloria Swanson as Princess Marie. Below is a review of the film from the New York Times on October 7, 1924 (click the link to read the full review)

Her Love Story (1924)

October 7, 1924

By MORDAUNT HALL.

Published: October 7, 1924

Having satisfied her different whims by appearing as an apache, a society woman and a shopgirl, the versatile Gloria Swanson blossoms out this week at the Rivoli as the fun-fledged but much-troubled Princess Marie of Vlatavia in a film called "Her Love Story." It was translated to the screen from Mary Robert Rinehart's novel. "Her Majesty the Queen," a narrative on the Graustark order, which, as told in the shadow form, is a most fantastic affair.

Doors Open - Saturday February 7, 1925

2009-09-13T23:06:00.003-04:00

Very warm + sun still shining, very little fire + doors open.
The earth still wags.

Bill came home early.
Baked Bread + Kuchen.1

B., D., H., R., + M. played 5 handed 500.
Bill won 1 game, D.-1, R-1, H-0 + m-3. Played until 12:10 P.M.

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1. In researching a 1920's era recipe for the Kuchen that was probably made in this area of Ohio, I came across an interesting website about food timelines and regional food differences. I thought this would be interesting since our writer makes Kuchen frequently so she may be descended from those German and Amish in the area:

Ohio's early culinary heritage

"Ohio was settled by veterans of the Revolutionary War who were given land grants...The pioneers in Ohio experienced many of the same lifestyles as their forefathers when they settled the East Coast. Cooking was done in iron pots in the open hearth. Food was raised of hunted. The pioneer women baked once a week in the hearth oven. Cookies and bread were baked first, followed by cakes and pies...Almost every farm home had a bean separator, since beans were a major ingredient in the farm diet. This hand-made machine, which threshed...beans, could be operated by dog power...Other items of the early Ohio kitchens were sausage stuffers and a lard press...Many settlers brought their native customs and cuisines to Ohio. The transplanted New Englanders brought with them their recipes for baked beans and salt pork and molasses. Dumplings makde with sour milk, chicken potpie...Some of these early settlers used bread stuffings for pork and beef, mainly to stretch a meal...The Germans brought their love for sausages, sauerkraut, and hearty meat and potato meals. Czech immigrants brougth one of their favorite dishes--fish boiled with spices andserved with a black sauce of prunes, raisins, and almonds... No fruit was more imporant to pioneer life than the apple...John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, left a trail of apple orchards throughout Ohio...Many of the first permanent settlers of Ohio were Germans from Pennsylvania...Cincinnati was established after the War of 1812 and became an elegant metropolis. Oysters were the luxury food...In the mid-nineteenth century Cincinnati was the world's greatest pork-packing center, turning hogs from Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky into hams and sausages."
---Taste of the States, Hilde Gabriel Lee [Howell Press:Charlottesville VA] 1992 (p. 159-161)

The World is Going to End - Friday February 6, 1925

2009-09-13T22:38:00.004-04:00

Very warm today + sunshine.

This is the day the world is going to end, but it won't.1

Reva stayed at Gidding's for dinner.
+ went to see "Peter Pan".2

Bill, D., H., + M. played 500.

Mrs Gidding's bro't3 Reva home + stayed a short time.

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1. What?? When I searched this date online I could not find any prophecy or prediction for Feb 6 specifically; however, I did find this from "Watchtower" magazine. Watchtower magazine predicted: "The year 1925 is a date definitely and clearly marked in the Scriptures, even more clearly than that of 1914; but it would be presumptuous on the part of any faithful follower of the Lord to assume just what the Lord is going to do during that year." Is this some sort of published prediction, or is this a personal feeling about something going on in her life?

2. "Peter Pan" released in 1924 starring Betty Bronson as Peter Pan.
3.I'm always amused when she used bro't instead of brought.

1924 "Peter Pan" advertisment and promotional photo

Nellie + Jim - Thursday February 5, 1925

2009-08-31T08:19:00.002-04:00

Very warm today + sunshine.

Nellie + Jim here to dinner.1

Jim + I wont 5 games of 500 to Bill + Nellie's 4.

Bill + I took them home.

Borrowed $2.00 from Bill.2

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1. I found a mention of a Mrs. Nellie G***** on Ancestry.com...So Jim could be B.'s brother. This makes sense because in an earlier entry she mentions that Jim took B's mother home. Can't find any mention of a James or Jim G****** however. Sorry but I am still keeping the last name private.
2. Maybe if he gave he the money he promised she wouldn't need to borrow from her husband!

Sunshine - Wednesday February 4, 1925

2009-08-31T08:14:00.003-04:00

Washing clothes today + sunshine very warm, need no fire really.

Bill went to Plumbing S.
The girls + I played 500 while Bill was at Plum

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1920's Rush Hour

Olive - Tuesday February 3, 1925

2009-08-31T07:57:00.003-04:00

Frosty this A.M., but warmed up later.

Took Olive Shannon to hospital didn't really know what was the matter.

Bill stayed home.1

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1. Is this meant to be emphasized that Bill did not go to the hospital with them? Or did he just stay home from work??

Still not sure who Olive is. Census records online list an Olive M. and an Olive E. both in Ohio. Olive M. is listed as in Summit Ohio, presumably Summit County which is in the Akron area. She is listed as born in 1896. She could be a neighbor, or a boarder?

Typical 1920's Hospital Scene

Ground Hog Day - February 2, 1925

2009-08-29T09:10:00.005-04:00

Ground Hog day. Snowed this A.M. quite deep, at least 6 in.
B. came home to breakfast, had 2 eggs.
Olive S.1 came home sick had been home all the week before.
I borrowed S.'s2 snow shovel + cleaned the walks and sidewalks.
D. went to town.
Bill went to P. School Ret'd 12:10.

On Eden3 $5.00
2# Butter $.94
Car Fare $.25
Papers $.04
______
$6.23
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1. Who is Olive S.? Our writer makes it sound like she is living there too. A boarder maybe? Friend? Another relative? We have already discovered the mother in law lives there, but we don't hear much about her unless there is a disagreement. Maybe that is why our writer doesn't go out much, mainly to church or S.S.
2. Who is S.? Must be a neighbor.
3. And what is "On Eden" - I have searched books, and other titles of On Eden from the 1920's...nothing. Is Eden a person? Is this a secret code for something? $5.00 is a lot of money for her, and books, music, films wouldn't cost nearly that much. What would she spend $5 on???
A lot of questions today!

Lost Pocketbook - Sunday February 1, 1925

2009-08-27T08:26:00.004-04:00

Warm today. Girls went to S.S.
B. went to S.S. + church.

We took a ride, stopped by Kohler's then went and got eggs. 6 doz. at 65c.
Stopped at Jensen Foundry1, wonderful work he does.

Lost pocketbook with $.75 in it2.

Went to P. Show "Hot Water"3 not so good. Came home had lunch and went to Clara's. Played 500. Ret'd at 12:15 P.M.

Rained.

D. S.S.
D. Church
H.
R.4

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1. Presumably an artist's foundry, rather than an industrial one. Can't find any mention online of a foundry owned by someone names Jensen in the Akron OH area during this time. Could be a local artist?
2. I can only imagine the conversation after losing her pocketbook - especially since her husband isn't giving her the money he promised and that she is borrowing money from her daughters weekly!
3. Imdb.com lists a movie claled "Hot Water" released in October 1924 - likely this is what they say. This is a film starring Harold Lloyd.
This is the plot synopsis they give:"Episodic look at married life and in-law problems. Adventures include a ride on a crowded trolley with a live turkey; a wild spin in a new auto with the in-laws in tow; and a sequence in which Hubby accidently chloroforms his mother-in-law and is convinced that he has killed her. When she begins sleep-walking, he thinks that she has returned to haunt him."
Our writer thought this movie was "not so good" - guess she doesn't like comedies!
4. This is money given to the kids for Sunday School and Church - she doesn't list amounts. Maybe she is still seething amount the lost $.75!

1924 Harold Lloyd in Hot Water

Breakfast in Bed - Saturday January 31, 1925

2009-08-25T08:45:00.002-04:00

D. bro't us our Breakfast in bed. Quite warm today.

B. said he would give me $50.00 on the last of ea. month but he didn't. He gave me $15.00 said he paid the rent but had no receipt.1

Went to B.B. Game.2 North Juniors + West Juniors played 12-16 North. North + West 23-21 West.3 Wonderful Game.

Coffee $.52
5 radishes $.20
Papers $.04
25# sugar $1.75
Parsnips $.25
Butter $.47
Apples $.30
1pk Potatoes $.30
4 G.Fruit $.25
5 Peppers $.25
2 Toilet P.4 $.25
H.Radish $.15
Onions $.05
Eggs $.65
______
$5.43
L.H.J.5 $.10
______
$5.53
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1. We still don't know what husband Bill does for a living. He does attend Plumbing School at night, but we have discovered he spends a lot of his time at the pool hall. Is this why he is only giving her $15 instead of the $50? Did he pay the rent??
2. Basketball Game
3. North High School and West High School in Akron. North High School at this time was located in what is now Jennings Middle School. West High School is now a housing complex for the elderly.
4. OK - without getting to personal, I would like to know how she stretches toilet paper usage in a family of 6, she only seems to buy a couple of rolls every 2 weeks or so. We seem to go thru the mega roll package from Samsclub each month, and we only have 2 in our household!
5. LHJ? Is this someone she lent money to? If she was paying someone back, she would have noted borrowing it, wouldn't she?

What Luck! Here is an actual photo of the North High School Mens Basketball team from 1924-1925! I also found and incredible website that should help to provide some other answers!

Started to Iron - Friday January 30, 1925

2009-08-25T08:38:00.004-04:00

Still warm. Dusted upstairs today and started to iron but didn't do much.
Girls ironed when they got home H+R, H until dinner, Reva 1 hour.1

B. went away after dinner. Ret'd at 11:30.

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1. Only 1 hour - sounds like kids haven't changed much in the last 80 years...

"Empty Hands" - Thursday January 29, 1925

2009-08-20T09:41:00.004-04:00

Warmer today. Am so tired this A.M. actually feel weak.

D. went to party at E. Myers' Sunday school class, took 12 Ham sandwiches. Returned at 11:30.1

B., H., R., + I went to P. Show.
Jack Holt2 in Empty Hands.3 very good.

Borrowed $.35 from R.4

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1. Not sure why I never thought of this - but she must be writing most of these entries in the middle of the night. She always notes when everyone, esp. her husband get home late at night. Does she have trouble sleeping? Or just waiting for everyone to be home safe in bed?
2. Jack Holt 1881 - 1951 - leading man of silent films and early talkies. He became one of Paramounts early stars particularly of Westerns - even making a cameo appearance late in life in the 1948 version of Treasure of the Sierra Madre.
3. "Empty Hands" - listed in the IMDB.com database as a 1924 drama romance, starring Jack Holt and Norma Shearer, directed by Victor Fleming.
4. 3 day this week she has borrowed money from her daughters - this time from her youngest.

Still picture from film Empty Hands - Norma Shearer and Jack Holt

6 below - Wednesday January 28, 1925

2009-08-20T09:08:00.005-04:00

6 below this morning.1

Washed clothes today, washed all of the downstairs floors + cleaned cellarway. D. went to a party at Harriet's returned at 11:45.

B. went to P. School, Ret'd at 12:20.2
D. Mummer here this P.M. + to dinner. Cooked a whole ham as M. Washington3 cooked it + it was delicious!

Made collar + cuffs for D.'s green dress.

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1. Yikes - cold!
2.So does she really think that Plumbing School continues until past midnight? As we have seen in other posts, his nightly plumbing school often brings him home much later than this...
3. M. Washington? Martha Washington? The White House Cookbook was published in the 1880's, but it does not specify recipes from certain administrations. She may just be referring to an old style of cooking Virginia Ham. There is a modern book entitled "Martha Washington's Booke of Cookery and Booke of Sweetmeats" which is described on the Mount Vernon website as "being a Family Manuscript, curiously copied by an unknown Hand sometime in the seventeenth century, which was in her Keeping from 1749, the time of her Marriage to Daniel Custis, to 1799, at which time she gave it to Eleanor Parke Custis, her granddaughter, on the occasion of her Marriage to Lawrence Lewis." The book contains over 500 recipes dating from Elizabethan and Jacobean time in a classic that captures the essence of early American folk culture". Sounds like a fascinating read! I must find a copy soon!

1920's Plumbing Fixtures Ad

Asleep as Usual - Tuesday January 27, 1925

2009-08-20T08:55:00.004-04:00

Very cold + Icy 4 above1

Bill came home for lunch had pancakes, cleaned up + downstairs, cleaned out buffet drawer.

Cleaned hot plate + part of cellar.
D. went to town with H.B.1, Harriet went to campfire. D. went to H. Wylers with H.B.

Bill stayed home, but asleep as usual.

Borrowed $3.00 from D.2

Paid 7.J.C.Co3 $3.00
Butter
Cabbage
Papers $.04

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Who is H.B.? could this be a boyfriend? There is a family friend named Helen, but she usually mentions her by name.
2. Our writer borrowed $0.50 yesterday from her daughter, and today $3.
3. Not sure what this means at all... when I search J.C.Co, only JC Penney comes up, could be, but I don't understand what the 7. is for? But this is definitely where the borrowed $3 went to.

1925 J.C. Penney ad

New Classes Today - Monday January 26, 1925

2009-08-16T08:16:00.004-04:00

Warm today + trying to rain, very icy.
Girls started in their new classes today.

Bill went to Plumbing School, Ret'd at 11:30.
Helen came over + typed a letter.
H. + R. went to town, met their father and he took them down.
Reva went to campfire.

Borrowed $1.50 from D.1

Very windy + cold by 3:00 P.M.

Reva was double promoted in Music.

Fine on Library books.2
1 doz. eggs $.65
1 bread $.08
papers $.04
1 lb cheese3

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Borrowing money again from her high school age daughter.
2.Interesting that she doesn't list the amount of the fine - wonder if that was why she borrowed the money
3.No cost for cheese, or totals listed - could it be that she didn't want her husband to see the amount of the fine?

1920's Campfire Troop

500 - Sunday January 25, 1925

2009-08-14T08:50:00.004-04:00

Warm today. Girls went to S.S.
B. went to S.S. + church.

We went to Vernon's today. Had dinner there.
Nellie is the very least prepared to serve meals but she is the only one who ever asks us to a meal1.

Nellie, Jim, B. + I played 500, won 5 games2 each and B. + Nellie won the rubber, had coffee and cake + came home at 12:15.
It was as warm as a spring night.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. This comment just made me giggle.
2. 500 was created in the early 1900s as a card game based on Euchre, copy-written by the US Playing Card Co, and is now the national card game of Australia. There are 3 versions, Australian, American, and Canadian with variations listed from Minnesota and (coincidentally) from Youngstown Ohio. She refers to the series of games as the "rubber" similar to playing bridge.

1925 Typical Family Ladies

Eclipse + Bankruptcy - Saturday January 24, 1925

2009-08-11T08:31:00.006-04:00

Quite warm + fair today.
Eclipse of sun today, wonderful the sun was almost covered1.
Carl stopped by this noon and had lunch. Said he was going into bankruptcy2.
B. did not telephone or come home until 12:00 P.M., said he worked3.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Solar Eclipse is actually east of Akron Ohio, according to the map from NASA, which could explain why she mentions it is "almost covered". We have also found film footage of the actual eclipse taken from a dirigible over Long Island. Fascinating to find an actual account (although short) of the historical event!
2. We have now determined that Carl is husband "Bill"s brother.
3. Doesn't sound like she believes him.

Solar Eclipse path from NASA.gov

Graduating Exercises - Friday January 23, 1925

2009-08-09T08:13:00.003-04:00

Cold this morning. Reva was the only one who went to school this A.M. Ironed clothes this P.M.

Girls went to School this P.M. + were Promoted. D. to 12H1. Harriet to 11B. Reva to 7B, a jun.High2.

Jim4 stopped by the eve + took B.'s mother home with him. Bill came home at 7:00 - we hurried thru dinner + went to graduating exercises at Harris3 then drive to C.'s but they were not at home.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Not sure if she is writing an "H" or "A". Could each semester be "A" and "B" ? But not sure why all girls wouldn't be the same. Further research has found that the area high school was North or North Hill High School, which in 1925 was originally located at what is currently Jennings Junior HS. The current North HS was built in 1931.We have found both older daughters on graduating lists for North (Hill)(more on the details later...). More information on North HS.
2. Not sure which junior HS she is referring to.
3. Harris could be Harris Elementary School. Formerly Caldwell School, annexed by Akron Public Schools in 1916, and current school constructed in 1922.
More information on Harris.
4. Is Jim a relative of our writers husband? Another mention of the mother-in-law, I supposed she is living there, but funny how she doesn't mention her much except when someone takes her away for awhile.
Overall sounds like an exciting day for the family.

Typical 1925 High School Seniors

Played Cards - Thursday January 22, 1925

2009-08-07T08:07:00.003-04:00

Warm today. Thawing - Wind started to blow rather cold this evening.
D., H. + Harriet B. went calling1 to town.
Mrs. Harris here this afternoon.
Nellie + Jim here to dinner. Pork chops, French Fried Potatoes, Cooked Tomatoes, Baking P. Biscuits2, Butter + jelly. Peach pickles, Custard Pie, Milk + Coffee.
Played cards later. Bert + Nellie won 1 round.
Jim + I the next and Bert + Nellie were 1178 when we went out on last round, some game! Bert took them

2 toil. paper $.25
Times + B.J. $.04
6 cups3 $.60
P. Masher4 $.20
Perc. Tops5 $.05
1 Pk. Potatoes
1 can tomatoes
2 ct. milk
6 Ivory

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Visiting
2. Baking Powder Biscuits - see recipe below Sunday Jan. 18 entry
3. 6 cups - coffee cups?
4. Potato Masher
5. Looks like she wrote Perc. Tops - but I have not seen a 1920s era coffee percolator which requires a filter or something that needs to be replaced.
Not sure if she just gave up on adding $ amounts or ran out of time, but there is no total or $ amounts listed for the last few items.

Washed Clothes today - Wednesday January 21, 1925

2009-08-05T07:52:00.006-04:00

Frosty this morning but warmed up and was thawing. Washed clothes today + floor.
D + H taking exams. D + R went to town.
Mrs. Morris here this eve.
Bert went to P. School. Ret'd at 11:00.

Bro't For'd
20.43

Lge Starch
.48

    Paid Bal. on Corset5
 $3.25
Blueing1
.10

    *Real Silk Socks6
5.05
Sml Bread
.08

    Shoes

5.00
1 box matches2.07

1 Dress7
.84
Crackers
.16

15 Ammonia 10 Borax  14 Lye

.39
2 Pencils
.10

    Tel. Bill

3.85
4 Papers + 15 W.H.C.3.19

    Candy

.35
Bloomers4.50

    Car Fare

.25

22.11

    Safety Pins

.20
Ret'd to D.
.55

    Elastic 12 yds

.90

22.66

    Lingerie Tape8
.35

$20.42

*Bill paid $6.35 for shoes so owes me $3.20 on socks.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -1. Blueing - a cleaning agent that whitens fabrics.
2. Many national match companies were located in the Akron Ohio area; Diamond Match,Akron,  Ohio Match Co., Wadsworth.
3. amounts are not quantity, but prices she has added together
4. underwear
5. Pricey Corset!
6. Interesting how she seems to emphasize Real Silk Socks - is that a sound of disapproval or resentment? Is that price for one pair?  Seems a lot to spend for this family to spend on socks!
7. Could this price be for a dress pattern rather than a dress - not much to spend on a dress after the pricey socks!

Picture Show "A. Lincoln" - Tuesday January 20, 1925

2009-07-28T09:21:00.003-04:00

About 6 inches of snow fell in night.
Quite warm.
Shoveled snow this morning + then went to bed. Harriet did not go to school this P.M. She was exempted from English. D. takes History exams this P.M., am very much disappointed in D.'s grades this semester, do not think she applies her self to her lessons, at all as she should.
H. went to Campfire.
D. went to Senior Class party, was usher.
B. + R. went to P. Show A. Lincoln1.
H. studied Biology.
Borrowed $.54 from D.2

B. Powder $.50
Paper $.04
______
$.54
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. SilentEra.com lists a movie called "The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln" released in 1924. Short title Abraham Lincoln. The film stars George A. Billings and Nell Craig. Bios of George Billings show only a handful of films in the '24 - '26 years. Billings died in 1934. Nell Craig went on to perform in numerous films through the 1940's, most of them uncredited, most notably in The Women (nurse) and the Dr. Kildare series (Nosey Nurse Parker). No photo stills were found of the Abraham Lincoln film. The website states "The film is presumed lost : a fragmentary print exists in the Library of Congress film archive"

2. I guess our writer didn't have money for today's bills, so she borrowed the $.54 needed from her daughter.

Only clear photo we could find of Nell Craig,

1947 film "Possessed" with Joan Crawford.

Craig is listed as Nurse, and uncredited.

Monday January 19, 1925 - In the Pressing Business

2009-07-27T08:48:00.003-04:00

Still Frosty.

In the pressing business today.
Pressed my pleated skirt, some job.
" " D. red waist, Reva's Brown dress, Harriet's brown waist + green dress partly.
D. did not come home from school until 6:00. Stayed to Censoire Farewell party for Seniors1.
D. went to H's in evening, Ret'd at 11:00 P.M.
Bill went to P. School, Ret'd at 11:30 + brot some apples.

Reva went to Campfire. Said Mr. Nelson said he was going to double promote her.

Papers $.04
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1.Even after re-reading this several times, I am sure she wrote Censoire...but I haven't found any record of what this could be, or even a meaning of the word. Obviously some sort of graduation party.

Everyday Fashions - 1925

Sunday January 18, 1925 - Orange Sponge + Custard Pies

2009-07-26T10:15:00.004-04:00

Colder today. Bill, H + D went to S.S.
" " " + R. went to Church.
Carl + Lill came at 1:00 P.M. Bill told them to come, we wanted to take a ride. But we didn't.

May came + we all had dinner. Had Fried Chicken, B.P. Biscuits1, potatoes, gravy, cold slaw2, jelly, Orange Sponge + Custard Pies - coffee. B + I took May home, Ret'd at 11:30.

Girls went to Baccalaureate Services at M.E. Church. Rev Smith of Trinity Church preached the sermon3.
Harriet made C. Slaw and broke crock.

Times + Leader $.20

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Presumably Baking Powder Biscuits - below is a recipe from the Clabber Girl website. Clabber Girl, one of the oldest American food brands still in use, began in 1899.

Baking Powder Biscuits

2 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon Clabber Girl Baking Powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening, margarine, or butter
2/3 cup milk

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together flour, Clabber Girl Baking Powder, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening till mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in center; add milk all at once. Using a fork, stir just till moistened.

On a lightly floured surface, knead dough for 10 to 12 strokes or till the dough is nearly smooth. Pat or lightly roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut dough with a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter, dipping the cutter into flour between cuts.

Place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a 450° oven for 10 to 12 minutes or till golden. Serve warm.

2. "The popular salad made of shredded cabbage was originally “cole slaw,” from the Dutch for “cabbage salad.” Because it is served cold, Americans have long supposed the correct spelling to be “cold slaw”; but if you want to sound more sophisticated go with the original." from Paul Brians "Common Errors of the English Usage". Cole Slaw was also commonly called Cold Slaw in England until the late 1800s.
3. Upon further research, I have found that the high schools of the time in this area, had graduation services in January and June - did schools run year long? Was the opportunity to graduate in January somehow due to harvesting schedules like some schools in the Southern U.S.?

Saturday January 17, 1925 - Yea Yea and Nay Nay

2009-07-24T08:41:00.003-04:00

Arose later as usual on Sat.
Warmer today. Cleaned house washed windows + put up clean curtains.
Bill came home at 6:00, Carl + Lill came this eve. We went to B.B.1 game at Harris North + Lakewood2 33-21 Lakewood. Mike's last night for North.
Took H. Butlers home and arrived home at 9:15.

Rec'd the $2.00 from Bill that he borrowed.

Have made up my mind the only way to keep from arguing with B's mother is as the Bible says. Let your words be Yea Yea and Nay Nay.3

W.H. Coffee4 $.67
3 Onions $.25
Catsup $.15
1/2 pk potatoes
1/2 pk crackers
cabbage
cheese
Papers5
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Basketball
2. I am assuming these are schools, but I haven't found any record of high schools in the area with these names. Am I looking in the wrong area after all?
3. "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." Matthew 5:37
4. White House Coffee
5. I guess she got tired of writing the amounts, and decided to just list items.

1919 White House Coffee advertisment

Friday January 16, 1925 - Got Grease ready for Soap

2009-07-21T08:27:00.008-04:00

Snowed early this A.M., a clinging snow. Thawing very fast today.

Bill came to lunch at 1:00.

Baking bread and "Kuchen"1 today, also ironing and washed Reva's brown dress + got grease ready for soap2.
Baked Pie.
Finished ironing this eve. Clara came this evening stayed to dinner. Bill went to Sweeney's3, Ret'd at 9:00. We took Clara home, Ret'd at 1:00, girls still not in bed yet.

Papers $.04
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. German for cake - typically a coffee-cake or strudel topped cake.
2.Here is a modified basic soap recipe from a 1920's recipe book:

1 can of lye, 12 ounces
3 pounds of lard
Water

Pour 3 cups of very cold water into the 2-quart saucepan. Slowly add the lye stirring it with the a wooden utensil. Above all use no metal. The mixture will get very hot. ( a sassafras branch can used to stir, imparting a fragrance and insect deterrent for mosquitoes, lice, fleas and ticks.) Let cool at least one hour in a safe place. Meanwhile, the unwrapped lard should be warming up to room temperature. Slowly pour the lye in with the lard. The lard will melt. Mix thoroughly, at least 15 minutes, until it looks like thick pudding. Let it set until the next morning, then cut it into bars. It will get harder after a few days
3. Not sure what this is - bar? Person's house?

Thursday January 15, 1925 - Jane Eyre

2009-07-20T09:24:00.004-04:00

Pleasant today. Kids sure have had a good chance to slide this winter. Didn't earn my salt today1.
Bill came to lunch at 1:45.
Mr & Mrs Kohler here this evening.
Harriet went to town this afternoon.

Bill went away after dinner, Ret'd at 11:45.

Papers $.04
Car Tickets $.25
3/4 yd. Gingham $.21
2 Bias Bind $.38
______
$.88

I mentioned the other day that as often as I read "Jane Eyre"2, (I) seemed to like it better each time. Now everytime some one calls B's mother3 must tell them what an awful book it is, not fit to read, and of course they agree with her.

Quite warm this evening.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. But she doesn't mention why or what she didn't do
2. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte 1847
3.What?? Her mother-in-law? Where did she come from? Does she live there too? If so, must not be very important since we have heard no mention of her yet. Maybe this is why our writer doesn't get out much.

Wednesday January 14, 1925 - Esquino Club Dinner

2009-07-18T08:47:00.004-04:00

Frosty this A.M. Sun shone later.

Washed clothes today. Harriet's + Reva's green dresses, D.'s red waist, + H.'s brown waist + silk waist1.

Washed up kitchen floor + cellar steps - ran vacuum cleaner2.
Carl stopped by on his way home from work, traded his Coupe for a touring car3.
Bill went to Esquino Club4 dinner at Portage, then to Plumbing School, Ret'd at 10:30.
Loaned B. $2.00
Edith here this afternoon.

Papers $.04
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Originally I thought when she mentioned "waist" she was referring to a Waistcoat or vest - but recently I saw a 1920's fashion article mentioning a "waist-line" dress..."for those who's clothes demands were not so serious."
2. It could be that her vacuum cleaner was a "Hoover" which began just "down the road" from Akron in what is now North Canton, Ohio. The Hoover Company of New Berlin, Ohio (now North Canton) built the first electric vacuum cleaner that used both a cloth filter bag and cleaning attachments starting in the year 1908. It was invented by James Spangler of Canton, Ohio the previous year. Inventors-about.com
3. Touring Car - open car or car with convertible top
4. Esquino Club - I am assuming this is a fraternal organization or men's club, but I can find no record of it anywhere.

Tuesday January 13, 1925 - Married a Dummy

2009-07-16T08:42:00.005-04:00

Thawed in the night. Colder today.
Bill went to Cleveland with W. Caskill.
Doctor Koeler here.

Sewing again more slips.
D. + Helen went to P. Show "Unguarded Women".1
Ret'd at 11:00P.M.

Papers $.04
______
$.04

Bill returned at 8:00 P.M., hadn't had his dinner.2

It seems the queerest thing but B. can stay out until morning but as soon as he is home before dinner or after, he is asleep.
Might just as well have married a dummy. Would have been just as pleasant a companion.3

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Silent Movie : "Unguarded Women" 1924, starring Bebe Daniels, Richard Dix, and Mary Astor in a minor role. This Paramount drama was based on the novel Face, by Lucy Stone Terrill. There are no copies of the original film, or photos. Below is a photos still from another Mary Astor film of the same year.
2. This is the first evening we have seen the writers husband stay home in the evening. Which must be why she is so bothered later in this entry.
3. Wow. So I guess it does bother her that he stays out every night. I'm impressed that she had the guts to write about her feelings about her husband. I wonder if he knew about this diary, or how she hid it from him.

1924 "Beau Brummel" Mary Astor and John Barrymore

Monday January 12, 1925 - Twilight Tea

2009-07-15T08:19:00.004-04:00

Quite warm today, thawing -
Bill home to lunch at 12:00.
D. came home from school at 6:00 "Twilight Tea"1
Sewing slips today + collars.

Reva said she rec'd A+ on her violin lesson.
Reva went to Campfire meeting.2

Bill went to Plumbing School, Ret'd at 11:00.

Bal. $43.54

Milk acct. $20.00
Emb. floss3 $.10
2 - Mer. Thread3 $.16
2 - Toilet paper $.25
Times + B.J. $.04
______
$20.55
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Twilight Tea - a school social event?

2. Gotta Love the uniforms! Before there were Girl Scouts, there were Camp Fire Girls. The Camp Fire Girls was an organization founded in 1910, in Thetford, Vermont , by William Chauncey Langdon and his wife Charlotte, to create a female counterpart to the Boy Scouts of America.

3. Embroidery Floss
4. I am assuming this is Mercerized Thread - a thread that has been treated to give a lustrious finish.

Mrs. Coolidge + Camp Fire Girls in uniform - 1921

Library of Congress

Sunday January 11, 1925 - 4 doz. Eggs

2009-07-14T07:49:00.003-04:00

Colder today. Girls went to S.S., Bill went to Church1.
Bob + Joy were here. Bill, Reva, + I went to Thomas for eggs2, stopped and left Bob + Joy at home.

Bill bought 4 doz. eggs3.

Larger Times out today Price 10c.

D. Church $.50
R. + H. $.10
Times + Leader $.20
______
$.80
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Still no mention of our writer ever going to church.
2. I think this is the first mention of our writer leaving the house - except I would presume she leaves to purchase the items she lists each day, but I guess this isn't important enough to mention?
3. I thought it was interesting that she mentions "Bill" bought the eggs, rather than "we" bought eggs. Which I guess is why she doesn't mention the eggs in her daily spending list. According to Wiki-Answers.com the price of a dozen eggs in 1925 was typically .25c, so maybe our writer can't afford $1 out of her daily budget.

1920's Egg Production Farm

Saturday January 10, 1925 - Girls went coasting

2009-07-13T08:27:00.005-04:00

Lovely weather today.
H. + R. went to town. D. went to school.
Bill came home at 11:00 noon had lunch, left and did not return until 10:30 P.M.1

Girls went coasting2. Ret'd at 11:00 P.M.

    For'd
19.93
Gas Bill5.85    Lettuce
.30
Light "
6.60
    2 Crystal W.S. Chips6
.45
Payment on 3 lots of R.S. Hose3
3.00
    10 cakes "   "
.41
5# Butter @ .47
2.35
    6   " " Ivory
.45
1/2 pt. Peanut Butter
.12
    1 Ivory Flakes
.10
1 pt. olives
.25
    1 salt 14c   Dry O.  .09c
.23
Ret'd to D.4
.40
    12 Oranges
.55
W.H. Coffee
.62
    6 G. Fruit
.30
Radishes
.20
    12 S. Eggs
.50
1/2 pk. potatoes
.20
    Nutmeg .05 - 1#  Peanuts .15
.20
Radishes5
.34
    Times + B. J.
.04

19.93

$23.46
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -1. Does husband ever stay home in the evening? Where does he go??
2. Coasting - the dictionary defines coasting as "sledding" - so what did she mean when they went "sliding"? Ice skating?
3. R.S. Hose - at first I thought they were ladies nylon hosiery, but payment of $3 is a lot! I think it may actually be some sort of radiator hose.
4. Repaying daughter for money borrowed earlier in the week.
5. More radishes?
6. ok - I guess another soap flake, but I can't find anything about it.

Friday January 9, 1925 - Borrowed 11c from D.

2009-07-12T09:33:00.003-04:00

Frosty this A.M. lovely today.
D. did not come home from school until after 6:00P.M.!
D., H. + R. went sliding1 after dinner. Ret'd at 10:30.
Carl + Lill here, had Mil + Bet.
Finished ironing this P.M. Washed + pressed D.'s wool dress. Cleaned bathroom thoroly2.

Borrowed 11c from D.3
Times + B.J. $.04
Beans $.08
______
$.12
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Sliding? - Sledding? Skating?
2.Writer underlined misspelled word - I have bolded it.
3. Just borrowed money 2 days earlier from same daughter

Children sledding 1920's
outside school.

Thursday January 8, 1925 - Wonderful Moonlight

2009-07-10T08:19:00.006-04:00

Quite warm today. The snow has melted from the sml limbs of the trees, just coats the larger branches. Harriet hurried back to school at noon to see basket ball game.1
Mrs. Rians + Mrs. Houston here this P.M. I ironed.
Bill went away after dinner.
Ret'd at 12:00.
Nellie + May here.2

Wonderful moonlight.

Post3 $.05
Papers $.04
______
$.09
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. So not sure if girls come home for lunch - or is school only 1/2 day.
2. Not sure who these are - maybe the daughters friends? She seems to always refer to her friends by Mrs so and so.
3. Post - mail?

1920's Ohio High School
Boys Basketball team

Wednesday January 7, 1925 - The Earth was Beautiful

2009-07-09T09:18:00.003-04:00

Arose at 6:55. A trifle colder today.
Washed Clothes today. Borrowed 25c from D.1
Bill went to Pl.S.2 Ret'd at 11:00.

The earth was beautiful. Large flakes of clinging snow fell + everything was covered.
Pressed 3 waists3 + 2 skirts this eve.

Times + B.J. $.04
T. Paper4 $.15
______
$.19
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Dinah - writers school age daughter. The writer underlined this line, but in "blogworld" I had to bold it.
Must have been hard for the mother to borrow $.25 from her young daughter.
2. Pl.S. - Plumbing School, as opposed to P.S. she uses for Picture Show. Seems that husband Bill stays late at Plumbing School quite a bit.
3. Waists - presumably she means waistcoats, or vest.
4. toilet paper - pretty pricey

Tuesday January 6, 1925 - Lovely out Today

2009-07-08T20:02:00.007-04:00

Arose at 7:30 A.M. Lovely out today. Sun is shining + snow is thawing.
Miss Ekret + Miss McAlonan here this A.M. Bill came home for lunch at 1:45.
Bill went away in evening, Ret'd at 11:00.
D.1 went to Helens.

2 boxes C.W. soap chips2 $.45
2 " " " " $.09
1 Fels Naptha soap chips $.06
1 Ivory soap flakes $.10
1 box matches $.06
1 Sml Bread $.08
Times + B.J. $.04
______
$.88
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Dinah - writers daughter
2. Must be wash day! Not sure what C.W. soap flakes were - any ideas?

Monday January 5, 1925 - Beggar $.25

2009-07-07T08:04:00.003-04:00

Arose at 6:30 A.M. Warmer today. Sun tried to shine, but couldn't make it.
Girls went back to school today.
Bob + Joy here to dinner, Anna + rest came later. Carl + Lil here this eve.
Snow again this evening.
Bill said he went to P.S.1 all day. Ret'd at 11:00.

Beggar $.25
1 bolt 7/8 Bias Bind $.15
1 doz. Buns $.15
Lettuce $.27
Papers $.04
Peanuts $.15
Nutmeg $.05
Paper for D's notebook $.10
Pencils for D + H $.10
______
$1.26
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Presumably P.S. means Picture Show again. But from her tone it's obvious she doesn't believe he was there all day

I think the note in her budget about the Beggar is interesting - for someone who tracks every penny $.25 must have been a lot..

Sunday January 4, 1925

2009-07-06T08:00:00.005-04:00

Trifle colder this A.M. Girls went to S.S. Bill went to S.S.1 + Church. Mrs. Thompson + Mrs. Weidie here. Mrs. Butters + Helen + Harry here in evening.
Clarence + Mrs. Wilson have a baby girl.
Reva spent the entire day at Kohlers, Bill + Harry finally went after her.

D's2 Church + S.S. $.55
Reva + H.2 $.10
Times + Leader3 $.17
______
$.82
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Sunday School
2. Dinah, Reva, + Harriet, writers daughters
3. Not sure what newspaper this is, there is currently a publication called the Westside Leader in Akron, but I haven't found if this paper was around in the 20s.

Not sure what or who Kohler's is. Interesting that she does not attend Church with her husband and kids.

Saturday January 3, 1925

2009-07-05T08:03:00.003-04:00

Arose at 10:30 A.M. Light snow fall. Cooler today.
Bill was already away and came home to lunch at 2:30, went to Hudson1 ret'd at 12:30 P.M.
Had a card from Mrs Aitch.
Anna + Jim here.

1 sack Mother's Flour $1.40
25 lb sugar $1.98
Yeast foam $.10
1/2 doz. D. Pickles $.25
4 boxes lye $.56
Repairing + Shoe heels $.75
3 skeins of floss $.10
3 C. Rods2 $.30
Times + B.J.3 $.04
Ret'd to O'Shannon on toll call $.15
______
$5.63

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. Hudson Ohio - approx. 15m from the writers Akron home
2.Presumably curtain rods
3. Probably the Akron Times Press and Akron Beacon-Journal

Friday January 2, 1925

2009-07-04T08:04:00.004-04:00

Quite a heavy fall of wet & packy snow.
Arose at 10 A.M. Quite warm.
H. & R.1 went to town. Mended R's brown skirt.
Ironed. Dinah1 built'd snow fort with Grant.
Helen, Vance, Marg. B. helped + Reva later.

Bill2 went away after dinner. Rtn'd at 11:30.

Times & B.J.3 $.04
5 yds curtain goods $1.00
8 yds crepe @ 28c $2.24
12 3/8 yds satinette @ 39c $4.83
5 lbs butter @ 49c $2.45
Machine Oil $.15
Carfare Tickets $.35
______
$10.96

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. these are the writers 3 children. Ages not yet determined.
2. husband
3. Probably the Akron Times Press and Akron Beacon-Journal

Thursday January 1, 1925

2009-07-03T22:29:00.004-04:00

Quite cold this A.M. Warmed up some later. Arose at 10 A.M. Had dinner at 6 P.M.
Mr & Mrs Neitzling stopped by for a short call. Started to snow this P.M.,warmer.
Bill & Reva went to P.S., "Big Brother"1.
Baked bread + "Kuchen" + 3 pies.

Times & B.J.2 $.04
Pebeco 3 $.50
Woodbury Cream 4 $.25
______
$.79

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1. throughout the diaries, the writer will refer to Picture Shows as P.S. I have not found anything online or in filmographies of any movies released in 1925 or late 1924 called Big Brother. There was however a film released in 1923 starring Tom Moore called "Big Brother"
2. Probably the Akron Times Press and Akron Beacon-Journal
3. Pebeco - toothpaste
4. Woodbury Cream - ladies cold cream

Bro't For'd	20.43
Lge Starch	.48	Paid Bal. on Corset5	$3.25
Blueing1	.10	*Real Silk Socks6	5.05
Sml Bread	.08	Shoes	5.00
1 box matches2	.07	1 Dress7	.84
Crackers	.16	15 Ammonia 10 Borax 14 Lye	.39
2 Pencils	.10	Tel. Bill	3.85
4 Papers + 15 W.H.C.3	.19	Candy	.35
Bloomers4	.50	Car Fare	.25
	22.11	Safety Pins	.20
Ret'd to D.	.55	Elastic 12 yds	.90
	22.66	Lingerie Tape8	.35
			$20.42

		For'd	19.93
Gas Bill	5.85	Lettuce	.30
Light "	6.60	2 Crystal W.S. Chips6	.45
Payment on 3 lots of R.S. Hose3	3.00	10 cakes " "	.41
5# Butter @ .47	2.35	6 " " Ivory	.45
1/2 pt. Peanut Butter	.12	1 Ivory Flakes	.10
1 pt. olives	.25	1 salt 14c Dry O. .09c	.23
Ret'd to D.4	.40	12 Oranges	.55
W.H. Coffee	.62	6 G. Fruit	.30
Radishes	.20	12 S. Eggs	.50
1/2 pk. potatoes	.20	Nutmeg .05 - 1# Peanuts .15	.20
Radishes5	.34	Times + B. J.	.04
	19.93		$23.46