July 14
Laura M., age 15, North Carolina
July 14, 1997
Up at 8:30. Em took me to “Hot Ink” writing class on Carolina campus at 10:00. Stayed till 3:00. It was pretty cool. Had lunch on Franklin Street. Dad and Sandra picked me up. Came home and chilled. Had dinner. Talked to Ashley about Zach. :( Renee picked me up. We went to Zach’s till 10:30. About 10 people. Fun. Came back to Renee’s. We tried on clothes, watched T.V., did nails, and talked in the dark till 3:00.
Laura M., age 14, North Carolina
July 14, 1996
Got up at 11:30. Alex came over when Mom was at store. Made out, etc. Watched “Dirty Dancing.” Called and dumped Alex. Didn’t feel right. Spent the night with Shannon. Crush on Tim.
Anna L., age 75, Illinois
July 14, 1960
Did some baking and cooking. K.J. to have hair trimmed. She went with G.B. down in Bull Valley. I dozed in a chair while K.J. was up stairs. Found her having a crying spell but did get over it. Very unhappy about the situation at Lake Geneva. No one blames her, too tough to begin with. Went to see the little colt and chased pigs. Then to cabin and back home to go to funeral home for Bruce L. Lily going with us and on to take K.J. back. Trying to settle things in her own mind.
Marcy S., age 20, Tennessee
July 14, 1944
I’ve been thinking lately about a great many things. Cheerfulness is one of the most important traits a person can possess. I mean being cheerful when you yourself are unhappy — being cheerful when it’s the hardest thing in the world to do. When I’m feeling good and when everything is going fine, I go around with a cheerful face and a smile — and I just can’t help bursting forth into song ever so often. But when I have a headache or some other internal discomfort, when life is dull and the day is dark, then I have to force myself to be happy and gay — or rather, cheerful. Gay sounds so superfluous. I used to be a very strong believer in sincerity at all times and in all circumstances (though I didn’t always practice it), but to go around with a long face just because you sincerely feel that a long face is in keeping with your mood of the moment is a bad thing. Cheerfulness, like anything else, is only a virtue when it is hard to practice. I have vowed that if I every marry I’ll be happy and cheerful if it literally kills me and I’ll never complain of my ailments in front of my husband or children. That will be a very difficult thing to do but I’m trying to learn that lesson now. * * * * I read once that a mother had told her children to love everyone until he proved himself unworthy, then pity him. Ordinarily pity is something not to be indulged in but in that sense it would certainly be better than hate. I’m not sure what love is — perhaps it’s what you give to people when you try to make them happy, when you are kind and thoughtful. I want to love people — but my own selfish self is always getting in the way. In my better moments what I want more than anything is a world, a nation, a town where there is peace and brotherhood and where all men can build together and work and play and dream together. That would be the kingdom of God, I guess, but if all men had it in their hearts, then it would come. That is what I must dedicate myself to no matter what I become — a teacher, a business woman, a wife and mother. That is the biggest job of all — and cheerfulness is a part of it. I do believe in the spirit that makes men like God, that raises them to heights of courage and nobility and devotion.
=
Nice morn. Rather cloudy. Hot again. Wasn’t very busy in morn till just before noon when an old woman came in and I took a letter for her case. Home late for lunch. Had headache and cramps. Felt awful. In the afternoon it clouded up. Did one paper. About 3 it started to rain and it was so glorious I wanted to jump out the window and embrace the wet green trees waving madly in the wind. Cleared around 4. Quite a few people came in. Mr. H. let me go about 4:45. The sun was shining and everything looked fresh and lovely — but still hot. I started up to Kimmie’s but met Pan going down to Max’s where Kimmie would be soon. Just then Nancy Speed arrived on the scene — Kim. finally got in touch with her and she’d come up to meet with us. We 3 walked down to Max’s. George works there. We played records. Pan bought a volume of Tommy Dorsey. Soon Kim. came and about 5:15 we 4 left and walked up to the Acme for drinks. While waiting to be served — and what a wait! — I got out paper and pen and made a list of the Christian Education crowd and what each was to bring. Nancy and Kim. helped and we soon had all the plans made. Ashley came in once but I don’t think he saw us. Just as we finished Ella and Josephine came in so we told them our plans. Then we 4 went on up to Kimmie’s and Nancy, Kim and I took turns calling the various members. We had planned on the Ahlers’ car but Mr. A. has to work and can’t go so — in desperation we called Bobby Jo and she can get hers. Nancy begged me to play so I rendered the Aeolian Etude and she and Kim. and Pan couldn’t understand how my fingers went so fast. I couldn’t either! ’cause they usually don’t! I left about 6 after Kim. and I had made arrangements for tonight. Pan doesn’t like Nancy. She is rather odd — being very mature for her age. I got along fine with them and felt very good about the whole thing. When I remember how unsatisfactory I used to be in all social situations I feel very encouraged, though of course I have a long way to go. Hot and tired when I got home. Took a bath and then we ate supper. Mr. Brewster came to see Pop. Around 7 I got dressed and nearly sang the roof off the bedroom. I stopped for breath once and heard Ashley singing next door. He has a very nice voice. So I lifted up my voice again and had a wonderful time. He was still warbling away when I left for Mrs. Shaefer’s with an offering of gingerbread. She lives all alone and her companion of many years — a huge cat — went to his reward a few months ago, leaving Mrs. S. destitute (or something). Anyway, she thinks she’s going any time now herself and is always lamenting the fact that “no one loves me” (everyone is so kind to her!) and scaring her poor neighbors half to death by calling them up informing them tearfully that she is dying. She’s been spoiled all her life and just has to have the spotlight. Mum and Pop are disgusted. She ’phoned Mum yesterday with a tale of woe about not being able to walk and Mum called the doctor. He says there’s nothing wrong with her physically — that she’ll probably live for years. Well, she wants me to type her will so I went over and read it and then she wanted to pay me. I refused so she found some little things that she’s going to leave to me when she goes. She said the doctor told her she’d live 3 or 4 years (doubtless an understatement!) and I said “Of course you will — you don’t want to die.” But she insisted that she was ready and she didn’t very much want to live. As Mum says, what she needs is some interest outside herself. I tore myself (!) away about 7:30 and walked home. Mrs. Rodgers was visiting with Mum and Pop in the front yard. I went over to George’s and found he and Harvey in the sun porch — George’s bedroom. I told the former about the picnic developments and he informed me that he found out he had another engagement and couldn’t go. The old drip! Just then Kimmie passed and spying us, came in. Then Clure came out and laid down the law to her son and heir. According to her, if he goes anywhere Sunday he’s going with us — and she usually wins! G. had invited me to play badminton but I told him about Kimmie’s coming. K. and I left and G. and H. went up to A.B.’s to play badminton. Mrs. Rodgers was still there. K. and I went in and started sight reading Mozart’s first symphony (4 hands). We really murdered it. About 8 Pop chased us out to listen to a radio program so we went up to A.B.’s to watch the fun. The Stowers weren’t home but George and Charlie were having a fast game. Kim. and I made appropriate remarks. They are both excellent players — from my limited knowledge. They played till it was too dark to see the birdie and then lost it in the hedge. Charles departed home and G. decided he’d go back with K. and I and suffer through the rest of the 1st symphony. Out front we met Pan and Kay on their way to my house. It was just 8:30 and Pop relinquished the living room. Mrs. R. and Mum were still chewing the fat. Pan and Kay immediately became interested in my Stephensophia but George stuck by Kim. and I and helped us over some rough spots (come to think of it, there was nothing but rough spots!) by counting out loud and getting Kim. back on the track when she got lost. We nearly melted it was so hot. Mum brought us cold drinks and gingerbread. Yummy. Then she and Pop drove over to school to watch the ball game. Got Kay to play a piece — beautiful. Then I obliged George with his favorite “Under the Double Eagle.” Then “Aeolian Etude” at Kimmie’s request which Kay thought lovely. Then Kim, George and I went to work and finished 1st symphony about 10, completely exhausted. I walked up to Mother Lane’s with the girls. Met Ashley in front of Stowers and he said “Howdy, girls.” Pan almost turned around and pursued him!! I got ready for bed and Mum and Pop returned. Hot but beautiful starlit night. Had fun this afternoon and tonight!
Henry S., age 26, Michigan
July 14, 1888
Pa finished drawing hay this morning, having one little load to draw. We fixed up the old binder this forenoon, and tried to sun it this afternoon. We got it to sun almost right when I broke the knotter knife, and we had to stop. Pa went to Dexter and got a new one, some twine and groceries. Our wheat is quite green, so we don’t worry. Cool and very dry.
*(R. Henry Scadin Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville)
Henry S., age 25, Michigan
July 14, 1887
Finished putting up the window shades this morning. Fred brought us a big chunk of ice when we went to the farm. I did it up in woolen blankets and it has lasted all day and I think will do for a good while tomorrow. We have had beef soup today, which tasted good for a change. Kate got Mrs. Beck and drove up town to get the washing; she got back about noon. We had strawberries for dinner and supper. I have tinkered at various things today. It has been quite warm. I expect to go out with Fred in the morning to help him in the haying. Don’t know how I will stand the work.
*(R. Henry Scadin Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville)
Cornelia H., age 26, North Carolina
July 14, 1863
Headache very badly all day Monday. Got a little easier towards night & this morning. I feel very feeble from it. I done nothing till after dinner today then finished Sam’s pants Atheline has been at work on yesterday & today. No news of importance. We still have a heap of rain. We sent off the mail return yesterday.
*(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
July 14, 1862
Harrie & Mr. Henry went to Asheville this morning. I expect I have seen Harrie the last time. He has a dreadful cough & expectorates a good deal. Very bad looking mucus. I felt badly all day, did not sew much. I finished John’s pants. My head felt badly & I felt weak. Harrie sent a can over to put some coffee in. Atheline & Hanes ground some this evening. Mail brought no news.
*(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 34, London
July 14, 1667
Up, and to my office, where sat all the morning. At noon home to dinner, and thence all the afternoon hard at the office, we meeting about the Victualler’s new contract; and so into the garden, my Lady Pen, Mrs. Turner and her daughter, my wife and I, and there supped in the dark and were merry, and so to bed. This day Bosse finished his copy of my picture, which I confess I do not admire, though my wife prefers him to Browne; nor do I think it like. He do it for W. Hewer, who hath my wife’s also, which I like less. This afternoon my Lady Pickering come to see us: I busy, saw her not. But how natural it is for us to slight people out of power, and for people out of power to stoop to see those that while in power they contemned!
*(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.)