January 12
Laura M., age 14, North Carolina
January 12, 1997
Up at 9:30! Went to IHOP for breakfast. Chilled all day. Sean called me! Went home. Talked to Sean and Karen and Janna. Chili for dinner. Can’t wait to see Sean tomorrow…
Anna L., age 75, Illinois
January 12, 1960
Rained all nite and still at it. Mrs. B. to have her hair done then to Milli’s for dinner at noon with the women. Ironed what was dry, then out to feed cats and Lo fed ponies. Home to get ready for Bank dinner at Marian Hi School. A bad nite. They made it O.K. Went with Doc and Helen.
Marcy S., age 16, Tennessee
January 12, 1941
Bright, milder. Woke at 8:30 to cold room, climbed in warm bed with Mom and read “House of 7 Gables” while Dad got breakfast. Studied history 7 hours in all -- yesterday and today. Good lunch in Mom’s bedroom. Mom able to sit up in room. Mary came about 3:30 and we went riding. Then to Christian Education. Afterwards Helen set George and I up at Norris Creamery. George gave Helen and I numerous cave-man kisses on way home. Beautiful full moon. Good dinner. Finished studying. George said he hated Mary -- Mother says it is jealousy. “Bittersweet” is on tomorrow and Tuesday.
Henry S., age 25, Michigan
January 12, 1887
After breakfast this morning I wrote some copies and prepared for the lesson in writing this afternoon. Then Fred and I went over in my woods to saw up some wood for me, but we only just got nicely started when the sheriff came and summoned us to appear as special jurors. We had to hurry up to the court house, but we were not drawn on for any case, so at noon we were free again. I got two letters from Kate and one from ma tonight, so I feel happy. Fred Neill has been making some sweet cider today. I brought my flour & oatmeal over here today and am making myself at home. It was warm this morning, but colder tonight.
*(R. Henry Scadin Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville)
Cornelia H., age 25, North Carolina
January 12, 1862
A beautiful clear warm morning. Spring like. I almost listen for the birds & frogs it is so pleasant. Nothing new going on in the country. All are well. I want to take a long walk this evening with Mr. Henry it is so pleasant. I must stop now as dinner will soon be on & I heard Willie crying just a minute ago. I am writing down on the branch. The rippling of the water is music to my ear. Old Smith & Mr. Henry are sitting on the back piazza reading newspapers.
Mr. Henry & I went to Capt. Moore’s after dinner, had a pleasant ride as it is so warm today. We came back about sunset. He rode Zona up to the stables. Pinck & Hanes rode John.
*(Fear in North Carolina: The Civil War Journals and Letters of the Henry Family, Eds. Karen L. Clinard and Richard Russell, used with permission.)