1960 Diary
(transcribed by Charles Miller)

April - June

July

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1960- First Friday. We went to 7:30 Mass & brought Catherine & Phylis, Linda, Tom & Johnie home with us for the day. In the morning I wrote letters to Joe, Ronny, & Bro. John. Sent Culligan Soft Water check and Ann. card to Meredith Milder. Had a good fish dinner - that the children brought for me to fry. Pop & Gene worked up at Fairchild’s in the p.m.. In the eve Dad & I & Gene & Betty went to Paul’s in our car & spent the eve. Had a real nice time.

SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast I wrote to Catholic Messenger about our picture & also letters to Gertrude & Moe’s. Gene done some mowing for Dad so I gave him his dinner as Betty worked late at Leonard’s. In the afternoon I did cleaning & dusting, then Betty came over & vacuumed for me. In the eve we had quite a surprise when Louise brought Margaret & Mary Agnes & her 5 children out for a little visit. After they left it rained quite a bit.

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. Woman’s Sunday. After breakfast we got ready and went to Dick & Regina’s. Got up there in good time. Had a real nice meal and in the afternoon Gene & Dick went fishing & Reg Betty played cards against Dad & I. we won 4 games, they won 3. We started home around 5:00 p.m. our time. Stopped at Cedar Rapids for hamburgers etc. Came home & then Gene & Betty stayed & played cards for a while.

MONDAY, JULY 4, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. Had a good breakfast. Then started the washing, also got a good chicken dinner for Dad & I. After dinner Dad helped me carry the clothes over to the line & I hung them up. Legs & knees hurting very badly this p.m. so had to rest some. He helped me get the clothes off the lines. Got a good supper. Libb & Lyle & family came. We watched fireworks & had ice cream & cookies. Late to bed.

TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. After we got home from Mass Mrs. Deforne called & said they couldn’t get their car going so Dad went over to see before he ate breakfast. Then I dampened the clothes & ironed before noon. Lillian & family, all but Tom, stopped in on their way home from town before dinner. After dinner I rested & said my prayers and put clothes away & mended some. In the p.m. we had about 3/8 inch of rain. In the eve I went with Louise to our card party and came in about 3rd. After I got home I made my late Holy Hour of the month. So I made up 2 hrs. on account of fast time.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1960- Went to Mass. So very tired & all in today, so tried to rest a while this a.m. Then I did run the sweeper over some of the rugs & dusted floors. After dinner did up my work. After reading the mail, read some of my prayers, then mended some. In the eve Roseann & Lee came & then later Pat & Glenn & family came. They brought ice cream so I had Kool Aid & cookies to go with it. We played 3 games of cards. we won 2.

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1960- Went to Mass. After Mass I wrote to Bro. John. Pop went down to the Drs. office & Dorothy dressed his hand. I worked around here & in the afternoon Wilma, Connie, Tony & Ann came out & later Marilyn & children came. I mended some this evening & we were all alone this eve. No company. Betty stopped in a few minutes.

FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1960- Went to Mass. I wrote letters to Veatress & Harold, also Myrtle & also sent card to Betty for her birthday. Busy as usual. Got in a bunch of lettuce & cleaned it up. In the p.m. I did some mending. Pop’s hand some better. In the eve Roseann & Lee came, also Gene & Betty. We played cards & had Kool Aid & cookies.

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1960- Went to Mass. It started raining after breakfast & kept it up most of the day. By the time we went to Confession in the p.m. we had 2-1/2 inches. I cleaned most of the day, dusting etc., then Betty came over & vacuumed for me. Then Gene & Betty brought out hamburgers for our supper. We also had ice cream & cake. After our supper we went to Paul’s for Betty’s party & ice cream & cake. Pat’s family & Louise’s 3 & Leonard’s 5. We all had a nice time.

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. Men’s Sunday. Did up my work. Then got ready to go to Maurice’s for dinner, Terry’s birthday. Got there in good time & had a real nice time. Very good dinner & lunch too before we went home. It got pretty warm in the afternoon. Went out to Robinsons & May Drug Store on the way home - Betty looking for shower gift for Roseann. Then home, changed clothes & rested. Gene & Betty & Chas came & played cards. I still don’t have any luck. Paul’s stopped in on way home from Eldon’s.

MONDAY, JULY 11, 1960- Went to Mass. Sent card to Schapprelds. Joann & Jimmy came out for a while this morning & visited. I did my washing. Hang out starched clothes & overall - mended & rested some this p.m. Pop started to do a little work again in the shop putting an iron plate underneath his lawn mower. In the eve Roseann & Lee, Gene & Betty were here. We played cards - then later Roseann & Lee bought a pizza pie & brought it here for me to help them eat it.

TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast I wrote letter to Sister M. and one to Moe’s and sent 2 checks to Great Plaines Gas for repairs & parts on water heater - also for our cement blocks. Visited with Bee Bee W. Then got in a big pan of lettuce for dinner & to put in the refrigerator. After dinner did up the work. We had a hard rain, more than an inch. I rested & read my prayers. In the eve Betty went to a shower. Gene & Chas came here & also Anita, Dean & Joyce and after Gene went after they stayed & played a while longer.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1960- Went to Mass. Tommy was here when we got home from Mass - so he could help Dad. Betty came over & we went downtown in our car so I could get the birthday presents for Pat & Kathy, also the gift for the new great grand children to come. Got home & had dinner in time. In the p.m. I did up the work & made Kool- Aid for the men. Lillian stopped in for Tom & Betty was over for a while. In the eve Gene & Betty & Charles were here & played card. Kennedy was nominated - I stayed up late to see it. So did Connie.

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1960- Went to Mass. Wrote to Bro. John & watered the plants. Pop mowed the lane out to the back place & then they took the mower off the tractor so Gene could take the tractor out to Glenn’s. Then Betty drove our car & took Dad & I & her brother Johnie & we went out to Kasper’s. We helped her what we could. I dressed some chickens & Betty ironed. Pat took the girls to the dentist. We stayed for supper & then came home. Pop was pretty tired. Lyle’s came up to Gene’s. Roseann & Lee came here & we watched TV to find out who was nominated for Vice President.

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1960- Went to Mass. Then we went directly out to Pat’s so could help dress 10 chickens. Later Gene & Betty & Johnie came out. Betty helped get dinner & the boys helped hay. Pat took the chickens in & I went along. She took me up to Mrs. Brown to get my hair fixed and then when she got home, Betty came home & then came up to Mrs. Brown’s for me. Gerald & Pauline came & brought me a birthday gift & shower present for Roseann. Watched TV. The last of the convention.

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1960- Went to Mass. Started to write to Cindy after breakfast but Mrs. Weakland came over with the rent. We had coffee & visited. Then she left & Joanna came & we had more coffee & visited. Then I had to get dinner. In the p.m. I made a coffee cake, also a spice cake & a cottage cheese cake to take to the birthday dinner. Louise came over & put our tiles on bathroom & also fixed the kitchen floor. In the eve Gene & Betty came & played cards. Then after we said the Rosary Lee & Roseann came for a little while.

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1960- We went to 7:300 Mass & then home for a good breakfast and getting ready for my birthday picnic dinner at Libb’s. I cooked a hen for noodles among other things that I took. Paul’s came & ate their breakfast here. Then we all went. We took Bessie with us & there were 66 there during the day, 6 were guests & also V. & Harold & Bessie. All seemed to have a good time. Pop hurt the muscle of his leg while playing horse shoes so I put hot packs on it from 11:00 p.m. until about 12:00 a.m. - then put on Ben-Gay. He slept real good.

MONDAY, JULY 18, 1960- We didn’t get to Mass today as Pop didn’t feel like it, but he got up & hobbled around today anyway. I did a good sized washing. Gene carried most of them over to the other place for me to hang up. I also hoed the flowers & beans this forenoon - and it got pretty hot today. I was quite tired. No company this eve.

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1960- Went to Mass again. Pop getting around better. Pat called & Glenn wanted him to come out with Gene to run the tractor while they put hay in. So I stayed home on account of my big ironing, which was a 2 wks. one. It was after 3:00 p.m. when I got through. In the eve Gene & Betty took Dad & I over to Louise’s for the eve. We had ice cream & cake for my birthday.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1960- My 69th birthday. Went to Mass. Finished writing my letter to Cindy that I started last Saturday. Put out my presents that I recd. last Sunday. I also recd. towels & wash cloth from Velva in the mail & several cards. After dinner Pauline brought Catherine & baby Wayne here for C. to take care of while Pauline took the boys to the park. Gene & Betty took Dad & I out to Pat’s for birthday supper for Kathy & I had nice time. Steak fry outside.

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1960- Went to Mass. Gene & Betty also. Then They took our car down to have it worked on & Gene brought us home. After breakfast I wrote to Velva, Ronnie & Bro. John. Gene took Pop down to get our car. In the p.m. I rested some & dusted some. After supper we decided to buy a big fan with some of our anniversary money so went downtown to Ford Hopkins & bought an air cooler. When we got home Paul’s were here. Then later Libb’s came. Then Pat’s family & then Ed’s & later Lee & Roseann. All for a birthday surprise for me. 31 here. We had 5 games of cards going.

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast I made a fruit salad, then I went out & hoed out the old lettuce & pulled up all the radishes & then cleaned them. I got a big dinner & had the mess of Catfish - from Ben - also sweet corn that Mary brought. Had Gene & Betty over for dinner. Gene & Pop hoed in the garden this a.m. In the p.m. fixed water leak over at old house. Then Pop made screen for the breezeway. Betty put my hair up. I straightened up the house some & rested a little. After supper I went to Weaklands to Stanley party. Good luck tonight, won the $1.00 prize.

SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast we went with Gene & Betty out to Pat’s & we dressed 14 chickens. 3 for Betty’s mother, 5 for Betty & Gene & 6 for us. Got home around one o’clock. Betty put our chickens over in their deep freeze. Then she came over in the p.m.. & we cleaned the house. Then later Dad & I went to grocery store. Pop’s legs hurt so bad & my knees hurt so much we can hardly get around.

SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1960- Went to Mass. No company today. Joann, Joe, Benny & Stevie came out for eggs and that was all that came anywhere near us today. we ate good & did quite a lot if reading and I also wrote a big letter to Mrs. Gibbons and got it ready to go. In the eve we watched TV quite a while & kept cool with our new cooler.

MONDAY, JULY 25, 1960- Went to Mass and then did my washing this forenoon & dried all my wash in the dryer this week. Rested some in p.m. & folded & put clothes away. Gene was over & he & Dad fixed a few things around here. In the eve Gene & Betty came over & we played some cards.

TUESDAY, July 26, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast I wrote a letter to Aunt Ell & sent checks to Modern Woodman & Telephone Bill. Then did all my ironing before noon. After dinner I did up the work - put clothes away & then went to see Aunt Anna - had a real nice time. Looked for Gene & Betty tonight but they got company.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast I wrote letters to Joe Frantz & to Rose Gladall & sent Culligan Soft Water checks. After dinner Betty & I rode with the men to Riverside to get repair parts for pump at the old house. Then we came home & went over to their house for a grilled hamburger supper. Marilyn Frantz also was out - then they came over here & played Badminton. Paul’s came also Lee & Roseann.

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast I wrote to Bro. John, also Veatress & Hattie & sent picture clippings. In the p.m. I made a batch of Pineapple cookies and had little Jerry for company and later on the girls & Rosemary. Pop worked late getting the tire fixed on tractor then we had supper. Wilma, Clarence, Carol, Tony & Ann came for a while. Also Betty stopped in.

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1960- Went to Mass. Little cooler weather. I wrote to Sister Margaretta this a.m. & also got a big dinner as Glenn was bringing the combine in to do the Timothy, but after dinner they tried it & it wasn’t dry enough so Pop took Glenn home. I did up the big bunch of dishes and rested some. And it got pretty warm & threatened rain. In the eve Gene & Betty came over and we played cards.

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast I washed my hair & put it up. Put away my birthday presents that I didn’t put into immediate use and got dinner. Legs bothering today so don’t feel to good. Helped Betty dust & then she cleaned the house up for me. I rested some. Gene & Pop went to a sale. Pop bought some lumber scraps for $5.00. No company at all this eve. We watched TV.

SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. Thought we would be alone today. Paul’s didn’t stop in after Mass. Bessie called & could come out so that was fine. Then before noon Dick & Reg came. We had 5 for dinner. Gene & Betty came & they & Dick & Reg & Pop went for a ride. Bessie & I stayed home & I got Bro. John’s letters read to her. Then Libb & Lyle came with Mr. & Mrs. Leo Seelman for a visit & to look at the house. Then we went down to the store & got some things for supper & then Veatress & Harold came out & Betty brought her cake over & we had it for supper. After supper Frances & Louise came & also Lee & Roseann.

August

MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1960- Went to Mass. Did my washing, 3 batches. Hung the starch clothes over at the old house. Mrs. Weakland & Betty both paid their rent today. County busy working on our road today. Roseann & Lee came this eve so we watched TV a while & then played 5 games of cards. Men won 3, us 2. All satisfied ( I think)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1960- Went to Mass. Pretty nice day - a little on the warm side. Pop just sitting around today. I did all my ironing this a.m.. pretty big this week. In the p.m. I put clothes away & did a little mending. In the eve I went with Louise to our card party. Pat won 2nd again. She & M. Hammer were Hostesses. Gene & Betty & Pop went to Cedar Rapids.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 1960- Went to Mass. I went out & got a few weeds out of the flowers. Then wrote to Ronny & then I dusted all the flowers & the furniture since they got through fixing our roads. we should have less dust. In the p.m. I rested some. Had early supper & mended a little. Gene & Betty had Carol & Marilyn Frantz out for supper. Then they came over in the evening & we had lemonade & played cards in the breezeway. Not much luck.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1960- Went to Mass. Sort of damp this morning. Just misting a little & much cooler. Pop went downtown to the bank. I wrote out checks for Great Plaines Gas & Dairies & Light & power and also a letter to Bro. John. Worked around in the p.m., mended a little. In the eve Gene & Betty, Lee & Roseann, Libb’s, Pat & Glenn, Gene & Jerry, Paul’s ( all but Phi & Ron ) and we had a good time playing cards at 4 tables.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1960- Went to Mass. went over to Mrs. Weakland a little bit in the a.m. & gave her some cucumbers. Then I stirred up noodle, did dishes & went to get my hair fixed at 10:30. Pop got his hair cut also this a.m. In the p.m. I rolled out the noodles & cut them before supper & had Gene & Betty over for supper. Then they went to Ed’s for the evening. Gerald & Pauline & boys came to visit us & got some fruit jars. We saw the Vatican over Person to Person on the TV.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 1960- Went to Mass. Very tired this morn so rested a while after breakfast. Then packed up my noodles & did the work. Lillian brought Kay here so Pat’s could get her, which they did in the noon hour. Then we had dinner & Betty came over & helped me clean. Then Pop & I went to Confession & to MeToo grocery store - home & then Louise came for eggs & we visited a while. Mrs. Osborne sent note over for us to get the Police Department to try & find Mr. Osborne at Waterloo - to get him to come home. Gene & Betty came over & we played cards.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 1960- A beautiful day. Went to Mass. Women’s Sunday. After we got home I started frying my chicken to take to the Hipple Reunion. We then had breakfast. Paul’s stopped in for a little while. We got everything ready & Lyle & Libb & Bessie came by for us & we left around 12:00 our time - got there in good time. Had a wonderful time. 70 some there. I was especially glad to see Roena Gill & my cousin Verda. We got home in good time. Pop slept all eve until around 9 p.m. then we watched TV a while & went to bed.

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1960- Went to Mass. A real nice day. Pop worked in this cellar at getting ready to put shelves in for our fruit. I did my washing, pretty good sized. Dried the first batch, after that the dryer wouldn’t dry them any more so called down to Light & power & they will send a service man out tomorrow so had to hang the clothes out on the line at the old place. watched TV a little this eve & then Gene & Betty came over & played 2 games of cards. Men won both, I bid to high.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1960- Went to Mass as usual. This a.m. I baked pie crusts & cake & cup cakes. Glenn & family came in early afternoon & he started in combining the Timothy. Pat took lunch to them & she brought her ironing in & I ironed about all p.m. I also did my ironing in the p.m., then got a big supper as they all stayed & worked until around 7:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1960- Went to Mass. Worked at the dinner this a.m. fried a chicken & made filling for a pie. Glenn & family came before noon & he combined a little. Pat helped me with dinner. In the p.m. she helped me with plants & a little sewing and late in the p.m. took the men lunch. They worked until 8:00 p.m. & finished & had a little trouble in the p.m. All stayed for supper. Gene & Betty went to the fair.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast wrote letters to Bro. John & Ronny. Glenn & his Dad came in & hauled the Timothy seed down for us. we got $124.92 for it, will help some on the taxes. Then Glenn took the combine home & Betty & Dad & I went out to Pat’s & helped dress 20 chickens to fill an order they had. We brought Jerry home with us. Glenn & Pat & family wanted to go to the fair. In the eve Dean & Anita came up to Gene’s, then later they all cameover with Jerry and we looked at some of Gene’s slides & then played cards a while. I kept Jerry until the folks came.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1960- Went to Mass. Wrote letter to Moe’s. Pop went downtown. Later on we all had a scare that mark Lockwood ate some headache pills. So Frances took him down to the Dr. & had his stomach pumped out. Mrs. Dappen & Mrs. Weakland & I all out talking together in the p.m. I rested a while, awfully tired - then dusted the floors. In the eve Gene & Betty & Dad & I went to Libb’s to see Joe as he just got home today. Had a real nice time.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1960- Went to Mass. Betty had been over & cleaned by the time we got home. then spent all forenoon polishing here & there & cleaning lavatories etc. etc. In the p.m. cleaned out in the breezeway. Pop put the mower on & mowed the weeds all around the fields. Then Len came & got the tractor & scoop as he wanted to haul some dirt - so he helped Pop take mower off & put scoop on. Moe & family came & brought along eats for supper & we had a good supper. Gene & Betty - Lee & Roseann here in the eve.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. After breakfast Paul’s stopped in for a little visit. I got a good dinner and rested some in the p.m. Betty came over for a while & then Gene & Charles came & we played cards - after supper Gene & Betty came back. we played a few more cards & they went home early.

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1960- Went to Mass at 8:00 a.m. as it was Holy Day. I worked at my letters & bills & got a bunch of stuff throwed out, warmed up dinner from yesterday. Later in the p.m. Gene drove our car & Betty & Pop & I & Joe & Bob drove to Cedar Rapids for repair for tractor brakes - home early. In the eve I had Leonard’s 3 little ones here. Betty came over & helped me. Then Ed’s came & visited a while. We played 2 games of cards. Men & women each got one. Had lemonade & cookies.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1960- Went to Mass. Joann & Mike & Jerry & Jimmy came out this morning, brought back Pop’s tools & visited a while - then Pat called. I got a late start at washing. Dried 2 batches & hung out the rest over on our old line. Pop got the brakes on the tractor wheel fixed. Louise came over for eggs & we visited a while - she told us they got the new cement pavement poured today. In the eve Lee & Roseann came for a visit and we played cards as usual.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1960- Went to Mass, Betty went along and Phylis was waiting for us after Mass. Then we all went out to Pat’s & had breakfast with them so we could get an early start on the corn. So dad & Glenn got the corn & we all pitched in and got around 50 pt. ready for the deep freeze in a little over 2 hours. we came home early & left corn 7 tomatoes at Ben’s, then left Phylis at Mrs. Brown’s to get her hair cut. Came home & 2 Osborne girls were here with a note from their mother so Dad took them home - then went downtown to find Mr. Gene & Betty went to the fair & they got rained out.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast I washed my 2 light dresses - then wrote a letter to Bro. John & Gertrudes - then just barely started ironing and it was time get dinner. After dinner dishes & looking over the mail I started ironing again & it was after 4:00 p.m. when I got done - and was quite tired. In the eve Gene & Betty & Charles came & we played a few cards. I made my Holy Hour later.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1960- Went to Mass. Wrote to Regina this p.m. & did some dusting. After dinner I worked at the floors & then got a big supper. Fried some more of Gene’s big fish & had Gene & Betty over. Then had a big surprise when Louise called and said that Ronny came there - so Gene took our car & went after him & we had him for supper. We hurried up with the work & then took him home. Then spent the evening there. Lee & Roseann also came so we played cards at three tables.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1960- Went to Mass. Betty was over & had the cleaning done by the time we got home from Mass so I had it easy today but was so tired I couldn’t do much anyway. Ben & Joann & the 5 smaller boys came out to get their old bike & visited for a while. Then dad & I went down to Confession & to Me Too for groceries. After supper I washed my hair & Betty came over & put it up for me. Gene & Betty went to C. R. to the fair. Took Tommy & Ronny & girl friend.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. After breakfast I made filling for my pie & cooked the noodles & put in chicken I had prepared yesterday to take to Paul’s for the picnic dinner for Ronnie & Joe who are home from the Army on their vacation. We were the first ones there & there were 50 that came - making 58 with Paul’s. All seemed to have a good time & played lots of cards. Gerald’s & Lyle’s & Lee & Roseann left, the rest stayed for supper. Then Louise, Wilma’s, Pat’s & Eldon’s & Ed’s all went home. Richard’s & us & Marilyn & Charles stayed & played more cards. Got home around 10:30 p.m. Stomach not feeling good the last few days.

MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast Decided to wash one batch of clothes as water was pretty yellow to do sheets & pillow cases & kept them for next week after we get new water softener hooked up. Then I forgot to put the hose over & flooded the floor. Then Mr. Benda, the insurance agent, came & he pitched in and helped clean up the water on the floor. Finally got it cleaned up & my washing finished. After dinner we started on the peaches. Pop peeled most of them & we got 18 qt.. canned and I was sure tired, could hardly drag, but glad to have them done.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1960- Went to Mass. Had a good breakfast. Did up the work & then did my ironing before dinner. Frances L. stopped in for a chat. In the p.m. did up the work, rested a little and mended some. Fairly early supper. Gene went up to Paul’s to go fishing with Wilbur. Betty was over for a little while. Then later Roseann & Lee came. We watched TV, then played 5 games of cards. We won 2 games.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1960- Went to Mass. Betty went along & we brought Johnnie home with us as Lillian was working & he is serving Mass this week - he really does fine for a little boy. I wrote letters to Sister Margaretta & Ann & a birthday card to Ann, also checks for Telephone, Soft Water & Woodman Ins. and got a pretty good dinner. Pat, Glenn & family came out & brought their dinner as they brought our eggs out. So I really didn’t get much done & it was quite hot. Late in the p.m. we went to see Louise & Carl’s house they finished lately. All alone in the eve. I worked on a quilt block. to bed fairly early.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1960- Went to Mass. Wrote to Bro. John & letter to have the Catholic Messenger sent to Sister Margaretta. Talked to Joann quite a while, also Pat. After dinner Betty brought over some mending to do on the machine. Also Frances L. was in and talked for a while. After supper we went with Gene & Betty & Ronny to Libb’s, got Marilyn to see Joe before he left for the Army tomorrow. Had a nice time. Made my H.H. in the p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1960- Went to Mass. Johnnie Milder came home with us for the day again and we kept Mark Lockwood while Frances went to the Court House to the meeting to hear about the zoning of the County. Pop & Betty also went to the meeting. They came home after noon & it still wasn’t over & we still don’t know the outcome of it. Lillian came this p.m. to get Linda. Pat brought her in. Then Paul’s went back to Pat’s in eve for corn. Gene & Betty were to Paul’s for supper & then went to a show taking Ronny & girl friend.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 1960- Went to Mass. I cleaned up around the house this a.m. Did lots of dusting. In the p.m. Betty came & vacuumed for me. Gene worked for Carl in a.m. then went fishing late in p.m. Betty went with Pop & I to Ben’s for the eve. Had a nice time seeing how they had fixed up their house. Played cards & had ice cream, cookies & pop.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. Brought Pat’s children home with us as they were going fishing with John & Janice. Betty came over & helped a while in the a.m. and again about 3:00 or later in the p.m. Gene & Betty took Pop & I & all the children out to the park. I sat in the car with the baby. Then hurried home looking for Pat & Glenn to get the children. Pat & Janice came some after 5:30. Then Gene & Betty stayed for supper & then we hurried & got ready & went to Ed’s. Only Dean & Joyce & Anita there but had a good time & brought home some melons.

MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 1960- Went to Mass. Then did all my washing but the sheets, waiting with them until the water softener is changed. Anyway I had 3 batches & dried 2 - hung starch clothes on ironing caddy. In the p.m. Dad & I & Betty went out to Pat’s - helped her with her peaches and then she helped us with corn. Got us quart & Betty got 10 pint. Got home in pretty good time. Paul’s came in the eve, also Gene & Betty came & we played cards. Had a good time.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast I started getting things ready for dinner as this was to be a big day. Lillian & family - all but Ronny - came, also Pat & Glenn & family to help move the fruit over from our old house. So we sorted out what we wanted & what the girls wanted & the rest they hauled to the junk. We had a big picnic dinner for all & Paul also came down for dinner in the p.m. Stephan, Marge & Beth & Ann came. Anna visited with us while Stephan’s shopped. Then when they came back they visited a while & we had W. melon, ice cream & cake. Lee & Roseann came in the eve. They helped me with anniversary book.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1960- Went to Mass. Wrote letter to Bro. John & sent Press Citizen subs. in. Louise came for eggs & we visited a while. She brought me 3 small heads of cabbage, so with what I had in refr. I made 4 qt. & 8 pt. jars Sauerkraut after dinner. Then cleaned up. More trouble with the well over at the back place. So after dinner Gene & Ronny went over with Pop & they pulled the pipes & then went to W. branch & got repairs and then put it back together. Seemed to be working pretty good. Gene went to Paul’s - Betty went to her mother’s & then stayed here till Gene came.

September

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1960- Awful hot today. Went to Mass. Then after breakfast I did my ironing. Then when to Pat’s to help her. Got there around 11:00 and she picked her tomatoes & we got 13 qt. in the jars before noon. After dinner Glenn went after cabbage while we did dishes. Then pop cleaned it up & I & Pat cut it & she packed it & we made around 42 qt. of Sauerkraut. Then we hurried home. No water at the back place & Pop went over to see about it. After supper we went with Gene & Betty to Paul’s to see Ronny before he left. Lyle’s also came - they had been here first.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1960- 103 downtown today. First Friday. Went to Mass. Paul’s children came home with us. Kay & Phylis rode with Louise. They were her for breakfast & the day. Ronny & friends left Hills around 6:00 a.m. for Ft. Leonardwood. Pop & Tommy worked at the well but had to give up & we called Latta’s at Riverside & they will come tomorrow. We hope they will get it fixed for good. The girls helped me good & this p.m. the helped put pictures in our anniversary book. I washed & ironed slips & dresses this a.m. & got a good dinner. Lillian came after the family & visited a while. Gene & Betty came over & we played 3 games of cards & B. & I won all of them. Later Lee & Roseann came also Libb & Lyle & family. Played more cards - had Kool-Aid & cookies.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1960- Gene & Betty took me to Mass as Pop thought he should stay home to wait for the well men. They got along fine & fixed it up good. Now we hope the bill won’t be to high. I dusted all over the house & cleaned the breezeway & mopped the floor out there & watered the plants etc., etc. After dinner Betty came & vacuumed & cleaned the bathroom floors & all sinks etc. & other work. I iced cake for to take to Milder reunion tomorrow. Then we went to Confession & to Me Too for groceries - came home & had supper. Betty stopped in after supper - then later on Al came & stooped in for a little visit with us. I patched & darned sox this eve.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. After breakfast I started getting things ready for the Milder Reunion. I took an Angel Food Cake, Baked Beans & toss salad, which went real good. Another hot day. Around 55 there & 2 guests. There were 40 of our family there. Had a real nice time. Bernie & Valeria W., new president. Leonard & Marilyn new Sec. & Treasurer. Came home - cooled off & visited with Mrs. Weakland then did my dishes. Wilma’s family came & we had a real nice time. Then later I went over to baby sit at Leonard’s.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1960- Went to Mass. A very hot day again. I washed 4 big batches of clothes and Betty hung them all out for me. Pop just taking it easy today. I rested a little in the a.m. then got my clothes folded & put away - also ironing dampened. In the eve Gene & Betty came also Gerald’s for a while. Gene showed his latest pictures.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1960- Still very hot. Went to Mass. I made out checks for gas & milk & then missed mailman so Lillian was here & was going to mail them for me. I did my ironing in the forenoon & put them away & mended some in the p.m. I also put up my hair for tonight & watered plants, so kept pretty busy. In the eve I went with Louise to our card club. Had a nice time.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1960- Went to Mass. I feel some better today. After breakfast we went downtown so I could get Bessie’s birthday gift - also Pop had bank business. I got a good dinner then & started getting things ready for vegetable soup - to freeze - so I finished it in the p.m. and had around 11 pt. Betty & Gene came over & we put up their corn - around 10 pt.. We also worked up all their carrots, so I’m sort of tired - glad it’s done & they got a nice lot of things for their freezer. No company this eve. Marilyn went to hospital around 11:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast we looked at the mail. I sent letter to Bro. John & my Insurance to Bankers Life, got a pretty good dinner for Linda & John. Paul brought them out. Lillian came in the p.m. & brought us some Lima beans & then went after the kids at Regina. I made my Holy Hour before supper & then after supper we went with Gene to Ed’s. Betty didn’t go on account of staying with Leonard’s children. Their baby girl born this eve.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast I looked at the mail again. Pop worked some at the patio. I mopped the kitchen & got a pretty fair dinner for the children again. I podded the Lima beans & put some in the deep freeze - besides having a good mess for dinner. In the p.m. I did up the work. Mrs. Lockwood was in for a little while. Had telephone calls from Betty, Louise, Aunt Frances & Pat. Lillian stopped in for a while. Quiet evening, no company. Pop went to bed early.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1960- Went to Mass. Cooler weather, wore coat to Mass. Made cup cakes & iced them, Made chili for dinner & had Gene eat with us as Betty is at Leonard’s. They did the cleaning today too as she was busy. Gene & Pop worked over at the old house getting a hole pounded through to put tile in the basement. Roseann & Lee stopped in for a while on their way to Ia. City. I am tired & weak today, don’t know why. Regina’s Blue & Gold Carnival going on today & tomorrow.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass, Men’s Sunday. After breakfast I got started to getting ready for the Smith Reunion. Gene took us over to the park but they didn’t go for dinner as Betty had to help out at Leonard’s, but came late in the p.m. Not so very good crowd today, 42 + 2 guests of which 33 were one family. 6 of Bessie’s & Harold, Veatrice & Myrtle. Gene brought us home - then after supper came over & played cards - then later when Betty came from Leonard’s we had some watermelon to eat.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1960- Went to Mass. Then did my washing - 2 big batches & dried them in dryer & on hangers. Fried a chicken for Dad for his dinner, wrote letter to Sister. Joann called 2 times & talked quite a while. Pat called & Gerald called to see if Dad would go with him down to Muscatine for the Littrell trip so I may not get to Mass tomorrow. Pop & Gene went down to put Mrs. Parizek’s new hot water tank in but it didn’t come. After supper Pop went over to help Gene open up his sewer. Then Gene & Betty came over & we played a few cards.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1960- I went to Mass, rode down with Gerald as he & Pop were going to Muscatine for Kent Feed Excursion. Then Betty & L. & M. & kids came after me in Leonard’s car. Lillian was here - went shopping in the p.m. She had dinner with me & in the p.m. she took me to Mrs. Brown’s to get my permanent. Then Betty came after me in our car - then he went down to help Gene install Mrs. Parizek’s new water heater. They had to finish after supper. Louise & Roseann came in the evening. We played 3 games of cards.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1960- Louise’s birthday. We went to Mass. After breakfast Betty came over & got me & took me over to see the new granddaughter. Real cute baby. Pipe Lineman here and gave us $15.00 for damages. I made a Devil’s Food cake before dinner & then iced it after dinner to take to Louise’s this eve. I worked around & we had supper in good time. Then gene & Betty came & took us along over to Louise’s. They took ice cream & I took cake. We played 3 games of cards. Us girls won 2 out of 3 games.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1960- We went to Mass. Lyle was here when we got home, he had brought up some eggs - then told us how much work Libb had today so I told him Dad & I would go down. We helped with corn & canned 42 pints - for Roseann or how much she would want - then I helped dress 6 hens for Roseann too - that Libb was going to can for her. Then we came home & we put up around 4 pt. in the deep freeze. No company this eve.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1960- Rainy day. Went to Mass. After breakfast I tried to can some pears but they were still green & wouldn’t scald - I managed to get 3 pt. Pop went downtown to Bank & pay bills & get groceries. I got pretty good dinner & fixed peach tapioca for tomorrow, but don’t know if any of the girls will come to help clean or not. In the eve Lyle, Bob, Johnie, & Rita came while Libb went to a shower. We had a nice time. Watched TV & played cards. Dave & I against Dad & Lyle.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1960- Went to Mass. When we got home Louise was here already cleaning. Then all the girls kept coming. Lillian & Betty & Libb. Ed bought Mary & Pat came & left the little folks here while she took Kathy to Catechism. Then she came back - also Wilma & Ann came & all worked & did a good thorough cleaning from one end to the other. Windows inside & out, floors all waxed etc. then all left for home. Pop & I to Confession. In the eve Dad & I went over to Gene’s & had a nice time. Paul’s family was also there so we played cards, a 4 hand & 6 hand game.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. Another chilly morning & sort of a rainy day & alternated with spells of sunshine. I was rather busy getting prepared for supper for company. My cousin Howard Gill & wife, which I hadn’t seen for years - they came to Bessie’s & she came out with them & Veatress & Harold also came. Bessie brought a cake & V. brought Carrot salad & cheese. we had a nice supper - chicken loaf, potato salad, relish plate, jelly, etc. etc., ice cream & strawberries. we all had a real nice time & enjoyed talking over old times & showing pictures etc. Then Gene & Betty & Marilyn Frantz came over. Gene brought over the projector & some slides.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1960- Went to Mass. Sort of misting this morning & cold & damp. I did washing, 2 batches & run into more rust, pretty disgusting. After dinner I took care of some extra corn & put 2 more quarts in the deep freeze. So I found plenty of little extra jobs around here to do. Quiet eve & no company. Pop went to bed early.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1960- went to Mass. Pop went down after breakfast & paid the taxes. $322.05 so that makes $644.11 the taxes were this year on our property. I started in on the pears and Pop helped peel some. I got 5 pint. In the p.m. he picked peaches & we canned 7 qt. of them - they were not to nice. In the eve we went with Gene & Betty over to Harold’s for some paint for Gene. We had a nice time.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1960- Went to Mass. Had a good breakfast - did dishes & got potatoes ready for dinner. Then went over to the garage at the old house & started sorting over things that were stored there. Then came home, had dinner, read the papers and back over there again & worked until after 4:00 p.m. Pop had to stop & go get some cement at Carl’s that he put in for part of our walk. I talked to Mrs. Yeggy, Lillian & pat on the phone. Betty came over & we sewed a little on her skirt. Pop went over to Wood’s for eggs. Quiet eve, no company. I wrote to Bro. John while watching TV.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1960- We didn’t get to Mass as Osborne’s were out of water again - so Pop had to go over & see what the problem was & it needed a new pulley on the motor. So I didn’t get much done this a.m. either what with telephone calls & Joann out for a while. then after dinner we went with Gene & Betty to Pat’s to help out a little. Betty ironed & I peeled a lot of home grown peaches for Pat that needed to be worked up. She canned them & made preserves. Pop & gene were also out & we stayed for supper. After supper they caught up their pullets then we played 3 games of cards.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1960- We got to Mass this morning - a rainy day. Pop went down for the groceries & I peeled & canned 6 pt. little peaches. In the p.m. after getting things cleaned up I did my ironing. Libb & Lyle, Roseann & Lee came for a while & brought eggs. Then Louise came for eggs & Betty stopped. Then I got a big supper for Gene & Betty & cooked his catfish. Then he & Dad went out to Glenn’s to get his gun fixed so we had a late supper. Moe’s came, also Lee & Roseann. Pat left the children here while they went to Rosary for Frank Neuzil.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1960- Went to Mass, it was a rainy forenoon. I cleaned up the inside of refrigerator, made a coffee cake before noon. In the p.m. I cleaned up sinks & stove & dusted & washed out some clothes & made fruit salad for tomorrow. Betty came over & vacuumed & watered plants, a big help, was so tired. I cleaned up & then started mending dresser scarf. First football game, Iowa won 22 - 12 over Oregon. Leonard’s birthday, 29 yrs. old.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1960- A very beautiful day. Went to 6:00 Mass. Then Glenn, Pat, Kathy, Mary Lou & Gene came out for breakfast & then a little after 8:00 a.m. we were ready to start on our little trip. We arrived at Smallest Church in the World at around 11:00 a.m. Prayed inside the Church & registered, bought some things - the lady a cousin of Sister Anthony De Padua - gave me some Tulip bulbs & plant slips. Then we also ate dinner there & left around 12:00 & went to Shillville to see the Bily Bros. Clocks & Museum. Then went on to Niagra Cave & was there until between 4:30 & 5:00. Dad & I didn’t go in the cave but the others did. We went as far as Decorah and stopped and ate our supper with the dirty birds for company. We left for home around 6:00 p.m. Stopped for ice cream - got home before 10:00 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1960- Went to Mass. Another lovely day. I worked around with pictures this a.m. and some with plants in the p.m. and got my work done up pretty good. In the eve we listened to the Kennedy - Nixon debate and Pop got to bed in pretty good time. I mended on dresser scarf. Pop went down & ordered tile & cement. Paul came & ate his dinner here. Lillian & children stopped in after school. I ordered the Catholic Digest from Phyllis.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1960- Went to Mass. Culligan man here early so I got my washing done this forenoon & hung them all outside after dinner. In the p.m. I was pretty tired & had a back ache. Betty came over & took them down & folded most of them. We got the sand & rock for the patio etc., etc. Pop slept for a while on the davenport after supper. No company tonight. I continued to mend on dresser scarf.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1960- Went to Mass. I washed bedding & rugs today & hung out the rugs & 2 smaller comforts. Pop started laying the blocks for the patio right after breakfast & a little before noon he got a sick spell & couldn’t even talk. He got to feeling some better, but they kept coming back. Had the Dr. out & he gave him some medicine & he slept for a while, but they kept coming back. The Dr. came back again & said to put him in hospital, so Leonard, Charles & Gene carried him to the car & he lay down & took him to the hospital. I went down with Gene & Betty. He seemed some better after getting to hospital. We hope so.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1960- Went to Mass. Betty took me, then we had breakfast together. Then later Betty went downtown to the hospital & to the Dr. & found out Dad wasn’t so good - had a slight stroke. Pat & Glenn also came out and immediately started calling the children to tell them. Then called Sister M. in the p.m. & to see if she wanted to come - and then sent Telegrams to Larry & Bro. John. While we were in to the hospital this p.m. Dad was anointed. He seemed quite bad. In the evening when we went to see Dad he seemed better. Ed & Mary got Sister and arrived here about 9:00 p.m. She went down a little while to see Dad & she stayed alone.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30. 1960- Betty took Sister & I to Mass and then home for breakfast & Lyle brought Gertrude home. She had stayed all night with Dad. He had a good night she said. Then at 9:30 Betty took me to the beauty parlor and Sister down to the hospital to stay with Dad & Betty then got groceries. Then picked me up & we went & got Sister at 11:30 when Wilma came to stay with him. We took Sister to Hills to see the Sisters for a little while, then home for a good dinner. We went down to see Pop and relieve Wilma & he was sleeping & resting so good, we sat & watched him. Then Marilyn stayed with him. Betty stayed with him during the supper hour. Sister M. & Gertrude got supper. In the eve, counting Gene & Betty there were 25 to see Pop. Our first great grand child, a boy Lyle Hoyt Howell was born today.