July 7
Laura M., age 15, North Carolina
July 7, 1997
Up at 10:00. Chilled with Em. She took me to the bank and to work at 12:00. Stayed till close (with Ann). Came home and showered. Watched story and blowdried hair. Went to Courtney’s. Me, her, and Liam went to Applebee’s for dinner. Then to Baskin Robbins. Came back and watched “Scream.” Me and Courtney were in bed by 1:00.
Laura M., age 14, North Carolina
July 7, 1996
Hung out and was bored out of my mind until 2:30 when I went to play tennis with Dad. Came home at 6:30. Ate dinner. Watched T.V.
Anna L., age 75, Illinois
July 7, 1960
Did a few things before K.J. got up. Lo had perm. at 11:00 so after 1:30 took us out to cabin. She came home from office and mowed back and front then came out. After eating etc. came home for K.J. to have bath as she had fooled with ponies and got real dirty. Carrie was to ride with us but had callus so didn’t go. Will some other time. She wanted it that way but it was such a beautiful eve. the moon so perfect.
Marcy S., age 20, Tennessee
July 7, 1944
Cloudy and damp. Quite busy. Letters from Mary Lamm and Mr. Dawkes. Got involved with a photographer but got out of it. Cleared in late afternoon. After supper I went up to Mother Lane’s and took her some cake. Went in and visited. She said almost first thing that I should be a nurse — I’m so quiet and calm. Mum laughed when I told her that! :) People are always getting the mistaken idea that I’m calm! She said Mum had such a sweet, low, caressing voice — which compliment I passed on. Mother Lane is so sweet and we had a nice visit. I felt happy when I got home. Sat out in yard and read the Lasting Peace book. Mum sewed. Pop went over to play softball. We kidded him about his glasses! Then went in and listened to radio — Tom Howard and George Shelton. They were a scream. Listened to music and sang. You know, Diary, I sometimes doubt my mentality. The way I fall for people without any good reason is most discouraging! I thought it over very seriously and decided that I loved them all in a nice friendly way — Don and Mc on the train, Jim, Ashley. It isn’t real love but just the kind you unreservedly give to a dog. Not that there’s any resemblance but that’s the only way I can describe it. I felt so much better after I’d been honest with myself.
Marcy S., age 17, Ontario
July 7, 1941
Cloudy and cool. Felt like walking. So accordingly, after work Mary and I walked up shore and out on beach opposite Main Station. Ever since Mother’s thoughtless remark that night we were at Auntie Edith’s, Mary has teased me about Prof. When I came back from a glorious walk in the water Mary had written Pat + Prof all over the sand. We walked awhile and then rested. I love Oliphant so -- I never want to leave and when I die I want it to be here and I want to be buried here. Pleasant thoughts but they’re true.
Somehow I’m disappointed. I had thought that every moment with Mary would be beautiful, and that we could take long walks together and talk, but it’s not that way. She isn’t ever serious nor the Mary I love. I believe she suspects this but I tease her when she mentions it. I wish George come have come. And yet if he had I probably wouldn’t have been satisfied, either. Isn’t human nature strange?
When we came back we were both so tired that after dinner (at 2:00) we took a nap. No swim today. No letter from Mary’s mother -- she is getting worried. To bed at night. Think we played some games -- Chinese checkers -- with Mother before, though.
P.S. Before our walk up the shore we took Ted for a short one on his leash.
Henry S., age 26, Michigan
July 7, 1888
It was very cloudy this forenoon, and not very good for curing hay. I went to Dexter this morning, Kate and Una going as far as Queal’s with me. I went to see the Dr. about my ear, but could not see him. Willie moved this forenoon, and this afternoon we cocked it up and drew in one load. It was a good drying afternoon. Kate has been making currant jell for me to take to Detroit to eat on bread and butter. She has a bad headache tonight.
*(R. Henry Scadin Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville)
Henry S., age 25, Michigan
July 7, 1887
When I was out to the barn doing my chores soon after 5 o’clock this morning, the sheriff came and summoned me as a juror, to appear at the Justice office at 1 o’clock this afternoon, he also summoned Fred Neill. I went over to the Court house to get a letter mailed for Kate, and the clerk sent her some nice pond lilies. I hoed some in the garden. After dinner I went up town with Fred. We both served as jurors, and spent a hot afternoon at the Justice office. Walle Lewis was convicted of assault and battery, but the old Justice got milked up and what will come of it, I don’t know, but I don’t expect to ever get my pay for serving.
*(R. Henry Scadin Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville)
Abbie B., age 22, Kansas
July 7, 1871
This a. m. went to Roses and ground a lot of coffee. Sometimes I pound it in a bag. Mr. Rose brought me a big letter from my home. He said “Miss B – if you dont get decent letters, you need not expect me to hurt myself carrying them to you.” He keeps a suply of quinine on hand, and some other drugs, and suplies those who have ague— and there are several afflicted now.
But it is Mrs. who is the Good Samaritan in this locality. One day when I was there, she was taking care of a sick hearder, who was lying in the shade of the house. She was making broth for him ct.
*(kansasmemory.org, Kansas State Historical Society, copy and reuse restrictions apply)
Cornelia H., age 26, North Carolina
July 7, 1863
I made Sam a pair pants today & made some rasberry pies for dinner. They were very nice. Mr. Henry & Harrie gathered the berries. Uncle Welch staid here last Sunday night. There is a deranged woman in the neighborhood. I fear she will come here.
*(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 7, 1862
I cut out some of the negroe’s pants today & finished Uncle Sam one pair. Very warm today. Mr. Henry went to Asheville this morning, took Pinck & Jimmie Common. He got two bunches of thread No. 12. Gave $3.00 a bunch. No news from Richmond. They had a terrible battle last Tuesday.
*(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 7, 1667
Up, and to the office, where Kate Joyce come to me about some tickets of hers, but took no notice to me of her being married, but seemed mighty pale, and doubtful what to say or do, expecting, I believe, that I should begin; and not finding me beginning, said nothing, but, with trouble in her face, went away. At the office all the morning, and after dinner also all the afternoon, and in the evening with my wife and Deb. and Betty Turner to Unthanke’s, where we are fain to go round by Newgate, because of Fleet Bridge being under rebuilding. They stayed there, and I about some business, and then presently back and brought them home and supped and Mrs. Turner, the mother, comes to us, and there late, and so 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.)