April 29
Laura M., age 15, North Carolina
April 29, 1997
Better day in school. I was much more awake. Zach said he asked Mike if he liked me and he said “I don’t know.” I’m not too worried about it. Driver’s Ed. We got kicked out ’cause of being 1 minute late from break. Bitch. Came home and laid down in Mom’s bed with stomach ache, homework, and Woodstock. Ate dinner after feeling better. Went to writing class. Good. Shellie’s here! Did homework till 11:00!
Anna L., age 75, Illinois
April 29, 1960
Mrs. B. called me to come over. Had coffee. Stayed quite a while as she had interruptions. Cleaned all around. Out to cabin, Lo trimmed around bushes. Cleaned up kitchen floor etc. Also did down stairs bath room. Dead bugs around.
Marcy S., age 19, Missouri
April 29, 1944
Very mild. Almost hot. We’re on Aristotle now in philosophy. Good lunch. Betty and I went to town afterwards. Had a silly fuss but made up. She tried on white pumps at just about every shoe store in town. Finally got a pair of very cute dressy ones. We just about melted with sweaters on. Back to hall about 2:30. I subtly (!) persuaded Betty to go to show although I guess we should have stayed out and played tennis or something. Anyhow we went to Hall at 3 and saw Joel McCrea in “Buffalo Bill” in technicolor. Scenery beautiful but Betty and I decided we were too old for a wild Western to thrill us. Out at 5. Very warm and lovely. Card from Mum. Betty got letter from her Mom saying they had decided she could go home from Harriman via New Orleans and Los Angeles, visiting her grandmother at the latter. Well, Betty practically had hysterics!! Got me all excited, too. No hot water so couldn’t wash clothes. Good dinner. Cloudy. Betty went to library after dinner and I wrote Mum. About 8:20 we went over to auditorium and found our reserved seats — good ones near front. At 8:30 the annual Burrall play started. “Thunder Rock” with Mr. Waite and Mr. Berry in leading roles. Both were excellent and so was the entire cast. The play certainly gave me things to think about. Out about 11. It was wonderful! To bed late.
Marcy S., age 16, Tennessee
April 29, 1941
Lovely, still warmer. Elma and I spoke to Mrs. C about Mary’s coming to the banquet. Mrs. C is going to see Coach about it. Beta Club meeting during chapel in library. So bright and beautiful was the morning outside. Like summer. Bunny absent. Test in typing. Made 93. No fifth period class on account of Variety Show at 2:00 at other building sponsored by Drill Team. I didn’t go. Stayed in office last period. Copied Mary’s Latin words for her ’cause she went to the show. They all came back just as school was dismissed. Roberta and I had a friendly fight on the steps. At last I got home. Phoned Mary to borrow typing manual. After music lesson, I took Barbie for a walk around the block. She repeated everything I said. We blew the fuzz off the dandelions until Barbie started eating it. Then she cried when I took her home. Worked on history theme. Early supper. At 6:40 I left for town. Met George who was returning home after showing a corporal around town. One hundred and fifty soldiers are camping in the park tonight -- mostly Negroes. Saw some at town. I was there early, so Goody said I could go down to the Webbo. Talked to Mary a few minutes. Told her a secret. Back to Princess. We all fourteen met there and then at 7:50 Mr. Bevel let us in to get seats (Beta Club). I sat with Mary L. She told me about a party at Suddath’s last Saturday which she was ashamed to say she attended. Saw Deanna Durbin in “Spring Parade.” Very good. Felt grand. Then we all went to Chase’s Drug Store.
Henry S., age 26, Michigan
April 29, 1888
I stayed at home this forenoon and cared for Una, while Kate and the rest of the folks were at church. We went over and took dinner at father Queal’s. I attended church this evening. It is not so hot as yesterday.
*(R. Henry Scadin Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville)
Henry S., age 25, Michigan
April 29, 1887
We had the Dr. give us some advice about the baby this morning, and we hope we have started on the right course to sure her of the trouble she has been having for over a week. She has not had so bad screaming spells tonight, yet as she had for 2 nights before. I went over home to dinner again today. Showed uncle Robert how to tie up the grape vines for this year. Pa was planting some garden stuff. Effie showed me her wedding dresses. I translated some telegraph writing in Henry’s autograph album for him. I wish I could have telegraph practice all the time; I like it so well. The weather is cool now with a north wind all the time. Clear tonight.
*(R. Henry Scadin Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville)
Cornelia H., age 26, North Carolina
April 29, 1863
I cut out a chemise each for the negro women & a table cloth. I made the table cloth. Matt Tidwell is sewing on Atheline’s chemise. Sister Matt & I read a good deal this evening. She is going home next week. I am very sorry of it. I shall miss her sadly. We take a long walk every evening. She is a good girl. Her & Dora think of spending some time in Ten. this Summer with Sister Jane & return by here. I want to go down home with them this fall as it has been nearly three years since I was there. Willie is not well, has a cold & wheezes like he was threatened with croup. Others all well.
*(Fear in North Carolina: The Civil War Journals and Letters of the Henry Family, Eds. Karen L. Clinard and Richard Russell, used with permission.)
Cornelia H., age 25, North Carolina
April 29, 1862
After cleaning up the house, which I done by 8 o’clock, I sewed on my chemise till after dinner. I then took Fannie & Pinck & went to the hotel yard & got some shrubery. I fear it will not live. Old Quinn is grafting some in the nursery up there in the garden. Mr. Henry got up some things for one. We set them all out before night. I was up in the garden this morning & gathered some lettice for dinner. Went down to see Mary Taylor, she is poor in house hold goods certain.
*(Fear in North Carolina: The Civil War Journals and Letters of the Henry Family, Eds. Karen L. Clinard and Richard Russell, used with permission.)
Samuel P., age 36, London
April 29, 1669
Up, and to the Office, where all the morning, and at noon dined at home, and then to the Office again, there to despatch as much business as I could, that I might be at liberty to-morrow to look after my many things that I have to do, against May-day. So at night home to supper and to bed.
*(The Diary of Samuel Pepys M.A. F.R.S., edited by Henry B. Wheatley F.S.A., London, George Bell & Sons York St. Covent Garden, Cambridge Deighton Bell & Co., 1893.)