1941 (Nov. 1 – Nov. 15)

[...the continuing 1941 diary of Sicily Island, Louisiana native, Bea Bryan Denham. References to WWII are in red.]

November 1, Saturday

First frost of the season.  Cold and clear

Letters from Lil and Edward.  The men came and hooked up the heater, but made a mess of the hot plate. Earl came in, said “Let’s go home,” – he wasn’t allowed to work Sunday, so home we went right away.  We got to singing “Old Black Joe” and I thought of C.L., and how he loved to sing the old songs and it ended my happy mood. The dead would not like casting such shadows, but somehow sadness comes easily to me lately, happy moments are always followed by sad thoughts.  It was so good to get home again and find everybody all right.

C.L. Guice (my grandfather and Bea’s first cousin) and family on a trip to the Smoky Mountains (May 1941, four months before he died)

November 2, Sunday

Sunny and warmer

Earl and Edward went huntin, Kidd came up pretty early.  We ate dinner at Mamma’s went home and to Julia’s, got off at 4:15.  The woods are still green and pretty, there’s been no frost at home.  We got turnips mustard and radishes out of Joe’s garden pecans, etc. and Mamma fixed us milk and butter.l  I was awfully glad Earl got ot go home, it’s his first visit in nearly two months.  John Crawford said he was coming near the end of the week.  We got back to Minden at 7:45, and to bed we go, but everything is surely messed up for tomorrow.

November 3, Monday

Sunny, pleasant

Today has been a busy day with me, I moved things around to get the heater a safe place, washed, ironed, mopped and worked hard generally.  I’m tired right now, but Earl is shaving, so I guess we will get to bed soon.  Velma wrote Fery had her operation and is doing very well.  Letter from Momma, too.  Earl played dominoes with Walter til I was too sleepy to think.  I helped him, and he beat Walter two games straight.  Edna parched peanuts, so we ate during the game, too.  Mrs. Boyett was here awhile.

November 4, Tuesday

Threatening rain, not cold.

I suppose this has been a day just like my days usually are.  Earl went back to the dentist and Charlie and Daisy came over and stayed awhile.  Germany has torpedoed another boat, the day before the sinking of the Reuben James. This must be about 12 so far.  I think they got 22 in the last war before we went in.  Just anything can happen now, and it seems to me we are going to have to fight in the Atlantic and Pacific simultaneously.  This war keeps one’s spirits at the lowest ebb constantly.  I wrote Mamma, Velma and Lil. [Woody Guthrie wrote a song titled "The Sinking of the Reuben James".  Although Bea mentions other boats being sunk by Germany, the Reuben James was the first U.S. Navy ship sunk in WWII.]

November 5, Wednesday

Cold and rainy

We got no mail today, but the package came, and I think we are all “heeled” for winter.  Earl has everything he will need now, and Jo Anne has all but a nice dress.  I didn’t get anything except a slack suit, it hasn’t come yet, and some ski boots.  If we don’t go anywhere I’m all right, but Earl really needs a suit and I an outfit.  It probably would be good policy to buy now, by next winter we are sure to be at war, and probably can’t buy good things any more.  We read the Post, –“The Phantom Filly, and will go to bed early.

November 6, Thursday

Clear, windy and cold.

Today has been a Jonah to Jo Anne, — I put two sweet sandwiches in her lunch and two meat ones in her Daddy’s; she forgot to take her gym shoes; she lost a tassel off her new boots; worst of all, got an F on physical education on an otherwise grand report.  I tried to tell her it didn’t matter in the least but she can’t bear to have it there.  Earl has felt badly all day – earache.  Jo Anne forgot her homework, and when we went to get it the building was locked.  We finished reading “The Phantom Filly.”  My slacks came.  I spent most of the day at Mrs. Boyett’s taking up Earl’s new pants in the waist and letting down Jo Anne’s in the legs.

November 7, Friday

Cold, but beautifully sunny

Today is my birthday but nobody knew it until Earl happened to ask what date this was after supper, and of course I had to grin and give myself away.  We went to the bank and he and Jo Anne decided we’d have to celebrate, so we went to see “Dive Bomber” and they bought me a box of candy.  We didn’t get any mail, but I started trying to write something to try for Harper’s prize.  “My Great Aunt Jessica,” – a story of Jose’s life I intend it to be.  O how I wish I could do something worthwhile.  It is so discouraging to be always turned down, and to wish so much to accomplish something.  I got the new issue of “Time,” but haven’t had a chance to read it.

November 8, Saturday

Cold, but sunny.

Jo Anne, Mrs. Boyett and I went to town this morning, I bought groceries for the week, I hope.  It took almost all morning to get them and put them away.  Mrs. Boyett fixed a chicken for me, so I cooked it for supper, and read to Jo Anne and Earl.  We didn’t get a bit of mail.  I worked some more on my story, but I’m afraid it will be like all the other things I’ve worked so much on.  It sounds easy but it is most difficult.  Earl and Jo Anne tickled each other til I was afraid our home wouldn’t stand it any longer.

November 9, Sunday

Still cold

We were lazy today, didn’t get up til about ten, after I had got Earl to work.  Then we went to take a bath, and the water got really cold after we had soaped our heads. There was nothing to do but finish, but it wasn’t pleasant.  We took Jo Anne’s bicycle and had the tires aired, and she rode a good while.  I felt so badly I just lay down in front of the fire and read.  When Earl came we had supper and read some more.  This surely isn’t a very stirring life.  We will be regular old clods soon.

November 10, Monday

Cold but sunny

All of today I’ve tried to write, tried to complete Chapter One.  What a fake I am!  I can’t write it.  I’m only good for nothing.  I had a letter from Minnie Lea today, haven’t heard from home since we left.  When Earl came he wanted to go to Shreveport to a union meeting, asked us if we wanted to go, so we didn’t and spent the evening at Belle’s and Sidney’s.  Had an enjoyable evening. They have a pretty house, and are expecting a new baby.  Aunt Florence is going to live with them.  The baby is not any time soon.  They promised to come see us soon, she has been sick ever since she became pregnant.  Bed 10:45.

November 11, Tuesday

Warmer and sunny

Mrs. Boyett came over and made me wash my clothes at her place, but it took most of the morning.  I stopped to hear Roosevelt. [Roosevelt's Armistice Day address] We went to town and found all the stores closed, no mail delivery.  I have read over Chapter One, with intense dissatisfaction of course.  I can’t do it.  We went over and looked at some new trailers that are beauties, but of course our tent is quite good enough for us.  When Earl came Charlie drank coffee with him and they said “When Ladies Meet” was a good show, so we went.  It was full of laughs, but Joan Crawford is so vulgar and cheap looking I don’t like her shows.

November 12, Wednesday

Beautiful, but cold, cold

I fixed the clothes to iron, and cleaned up pretty well, but we decided to go to town so Mrs. Boyett and I went and got back to get the mail. We had letters from Mamma and Love.  I was so glad to get the letters.  Love said she was going to send me a cake.   I am awfully afraid I’ve lost Love, in spite of the fact that she said she’s still my Love.  But the jobs they have are most likely permanent since they’re working for C & M.  Charlie came over and showed us the plan for his new shop.  I hope he can make it work out as he hopes.

November 13, Thursday

Cold, but beautiful

Edna came over and wanted to go to town, so I wrote to Mamma and Margaret, and mailed them when we went.  After we got back we waited for the mail, and got letters from Velma and Margaret.  Margaret said they had kept Cecil on, he still likely be there until March.  I guess they won’t come on over her now because it’s so ear time for the baby to come.  Mrs. Summers is coming to stay with her.  When Earl came we decided to go to the show, and asked Daisy and Charlie.  It was “Hold Back the Dawn,” and was pretty good.  I didn’t touch the book today.  I’m afraid I can’t do anything about it.

November 14, Friday

Perfect Day

I bought next week’s groceries, put Earl’s check in the bank, and mailed letters to Minnie Lea, Velma and Julia.  Kidd and Edward sent my fountain pen, and Love sent me a birthday cake.  And was it good!  Jo Anne said what we needed now was ice cream.  It was sweet of Love to do that for me.  I cut it and made coffee, Daisy, Edna and Mrs. Boyett came over and ate some with me.  Then I gave Earl and Charlie some when they drank coffee.  We played dominoes with Charlie and Walter, and Daisy and Edna parched peanuts and made candy, so we had a right enjoyable evening.

November 15, Saturday

Sunny and warm

We cleaned up and Jo Anne read most of the day, we had good baths and washed our heads.  I sewed some.  Mrs. Boyett and Daisy were here for a while.  I wish there was something to do that is worthwhile.  Instead I wash and iron, cook and clean up, and never feel as if I‘ve done anything at all.  I read “Time” today, too.  Letter from Kidd, but not much in it.  Earl had his bath and I read to them the Post continued stories.  We are turning in early tonight since there’s nothing else to do.

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1941 (Oct. 16 – Oct. 31)

[...the continuing 1941 diary of Sicily Island, Louisiana native, Bea Bryan Denham. References to WWII are in red.]

October 16, Thursday

Rain and cloudy all day.

Today I cleaned up until twelve o’clock, washed, cleaned everything except the floor.  Daisy and Edna were going to town and asked me to go, so I did.  Daisy and I decided to fix an anniversary supper on the 30^th for Edna and her husband.  Had a letter from Mamma, she enclosed one from Minnie Lea.  Mamma wrote us a nice long one.  I hope they are all right, but I can’t help feeling uneasy and wishing I could see them.  They’re so good and so very dear to me.

October 17, Friday

Raw and rainy, better in the afternoon.

Had a long letter from Margaret, said Cecil was still at Camp Polk.  She is getting along nicely.  I do hope she has twins.  I had a horrible dream last night, all mixed up with Earl and C.L.  I bought tar paper to fix up the tent with, and, I hope, enough groceries to last a week.

It doesn’t seem possible we could spend as much as we do with as little to show for it.  This is the 4^th time we have put $40 in the bank, and we’ve spent $40 every week.  No clothes, very little besides actual expenses.  Went to town, the Whittons were all over tonight for a little while, playing dominoes.  Germany torpedoed a U.S. destroyer today.  We are in.

October 18, Saturday

Today we cleaned most of the day, trying to get everything ship shape in case Kidd and Edward come.  I hope they will bring Mamma and Joe.  We scrubbed the floor and fixed up everything.  Charlie drinks coffee with Earl most every evening, and after he left and we had supper Earl decided to put the roofing around to stop leaks and cold.  Walter and Edna came and helped us, and Walter came back and played dominoes.

October 19, Sunday

Hot – cool at night.

I’ve taken a bad cold and after we cleaned up I went back to bed and read Time.  Jo Anne has been at a loss all day for something to do, she is tired of reading, and there isn’t anyone to play with.  It worries me.  I guess I should have taken her to Sunday School, but I really felt badly all day.  Earl felt badly, too, and we didn’t go to church.  Mrs. Boyett brought Jo Anne some sugar cane and peanuts.

October 20, Monday

Hot.

Same old round and no mail.  Went to town with the Mrs. Whittons.  Mrs. Boyett dressed a chicken for me.  I was awfully glad to get it but ashamed for her to fix it for me.  I made an appointment with the dentist for Earl, he’s been feeling so bum, and thinks it might be his teeth.  The dentist pulled one, told him to come back next week.  After he got through there we went to see “Underground”, a picture based supposedly on revolt in Germany.  If true, it must be awful to live there.

October 22, Wednesday

Hot

Earl hasn’t felt very well since he came over here,  I’m worried about him.  I wish he would see a doctor.  His face is swelled today, and has hurt a good bit.  Mrs. Boyett  and I went to town, and I washed and ironed as usual.  Letters from Mamma, Kidd, Julia and a card from Minnie Lea.  I wrote Mamma, Kidd, and Dabbs.  Earl wants Jo Anne and me to go home Saturday morning, so I guess we will, and get what things we need from there.  We read the new Post, until Earl was sleepy and wanted to go to bed.  I wish he would get to feeling right again.

October 23, Thursday

Hot

Letter from Velma, she is awfully worried about Fery, who is to have an operation this week.  She said they might come home this Sunday, guess we will see them if we go home.  I’ve been trying to get all the things out to take home, making a list of things to bring back.   And trying to leave enough here so Earl will have plenty.  I’ve washed all the clothes and ironed them, but I have to get the things from the laundry.  They went in our car today, but the Whittons asked me to go to town.  I didn’t go, though, didn’t need anything.

Groceries 10/17 – 10/24         $14.85

October 24, Friday

Hot

Letters from Inez, Kidd, Minnie Lea and Velma.  Inez said she was coming to see me, and I’m so anxious to see her!  Guess we will leave early in the morning.  Went to town, and got most everything done.  Mrs. Boyett came over for a while.  When Earl came we took Walter and Edna after their car, and Daisy and Charlie came and talked a while.  We put our money in the bank and went to see “Manpower”.  Earl made a list he wants me to get at home for him.  I’m tired tonight.  Bought a Time but never did get to read any of it.

October 25, Saturday

Cooler.

Jo Anne and I left at 7:25, after we got everything cleaned up.  At 10:45 we were in Sicily Island, 144 miles.  We stopped at Lil’s, but only lost about 10 minutes, she wasn’t there.  Inez hasn’t been here, I’m so disappointed.  We ate dinner at Mamma’s and I went to the shop, cleaned up and posted.  Kidd and Edward came, and we all came back to Mamma’s.  Westbrook came by, too, and after supper we went to Margaret’s, but she wasn’t at home, so we stopped and talked to Mrs. Dewitt awhile.  Mamma has practically made Jo Anne a dress this afternoon.  I made out bills tonight.  I surely do miss Earl.  I know he wanted to come home, too.

October 26, Sunday

Cooler, rain in the afternoon.

Mamma spent the morning making Earl a cake, and doing the rest of the machine stitching on Jo Anne’s dress, because she said the ox was in the ditch.  We went to the shop and visited with Margaret and Cecil, went to our house, but it looks so lonesome and neglected it makes me sick.  We ate dinner at Mamma’s, packed up, and left at 1:45, stopped 30 minutes at Lil’s and got back to Minden at 5:45.  Earl had eaten supper with the Whittons, Edna was sick.  We went over there and talked awhile, got everything put away enough to put down the beds.  I’ll have a job with it all tomorrow.

October 27, Monday

Turning much cooler.

I washed but didn’t get to iron, and Mrs. Boyett and the two Mrs. Whittons went to town with me.  I paid the rent, and made arrangements for gas to be installed.  We went to see “Our Wife”, which was rather entertaining, hurried home to hear Pres. Roosevelt.  It certainly does bring us face to face with facts to hear him talk and to realize that we are certainly going to be fighting very soon.  Moscow is bound to fall, and it looks like Hitler will acquire world domination much sooner than anybody could have expected unless we decide to go all out for his defeat, and quit this everlasting stalling.

October 28, Tuesday

Cold, about 50^o.

It has been so uncomfortable in this tent today.  I have done little except try to stay warm.  I read Time and cleaned and cooked, went over and drank coffee with Mrs. Boyett, put the sleeves in Jo Anne’s dress.  The gas man came and brought the meter, but so far we haven’t got it hooked up.  Earl got his boots tonight, and we read “Prescription for Murder.”  No mail.  I wrote Mamma, Velma, and ordered the things from Montgomery Ward, some velveteen for a jacket for Jo Anne, cloth for that comfort, and some for Mamma’s living room curtains.

October 29, Wednesday

Cold but warmer.

We have about completed plans for the supper tomorrow night, have our place cards, napkins, table decorations, the menu about worked about worked out.  I wrote to Kidd, Minnie Lea, Inez, and Marcia today, and have been studying Montgomery Ward for some winter wearing apparel.  The man still didn’t hook up our gas today, and Walter came over, wants us to use the same meter because they don’t know when they will be able to get one.  Earl went to the dentist and got three fillings, now he’s got his teeth all in good shape.  Wish I was sure mine were as good.  We finished the “Prescription for Murder” story in the Post.

October 30, Thursday

Raining and much warmer.

The Whittons didn’t work, so we postponed our supper.  Its been an awfully nasty day.  I suppose this is intended to be written in diaries, but this morning we were drinking our coffee together, Earl still in bed, when he said, “Sugar, I’m thinking you are going to be a pretty old lady, too.”  Now what nicer compliment could a seventeen-year-married wife ask from her husband?  Letter from Velma.  I’m still pouring over the catalogs.  Went to see “That Hamilton Woman,” and two cops stopped us, told Earl he was drunk, that he was staggering.  I guess his boots being new and it raining and muddy he must have slipped.  We had a time convincing them, and then got a very poor apology.

October 31, Friday

Cold and rainy

I went to town with Mr. Boyett and her husband, we got groceries and clothes for Marie.  Edna and Daisy got back, so we all had supper together, not all we had planned, but we had the cake and at any rate it did very well.  Earl, Jo Anne and I went to the Bank, barber shop, etc.  I’ve been trying to decide on what to buy to keep us all warm, I guess I’ll order it, seems to be a pretty good selection, and I can’t find anything in Shreveport when I go.  Besides, it’s easier to buy like this if you can get what you want.  I wrote to Mamma but haven’t mailed the letter yet.  I wish we’d get a little mail, did get a letter from Velma yesterday, she’s still worried about Fery.

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1941 (Aug 16 – Aug 31)

[...the continuing 1941 diary of Sicily Island, Louisiana native, Bea Bryan Denham.  References to WWII are in red.]

August 16, Saturday

Hot

Today is Jo Anne’s birthday, and the picnic just suits her.  Tucker and Julia, Lillian and Sidney, Annie and Edward, a Mr. & Mrs. Vance White, Mr. and Mrs. Major, Mr. and Mrs. Orrey, Mildred and Buck, Sonny and Mickey, Cora and Ibo, Alice and Pluto, and the rest of their families were all here. We went to Ibo’s, had a nice day altogether.  Letter from Florelle, and Velma, and Velma sent Jo Anne a birthday card and a dollar.  She had a nice birthday and a good many presents.  We ate supper at Momma’s, and came home to read “Let the Gun Talk.”

August 17, Sunday

Hot

I cleaned up, even put wax on the floors, because I couldn’t seem to get to them before, and Earl had to work anyway.  Lil and family came in the afternoon, so did Kidd and Edward, and we all went to the Lake and swimming, then had supper on the bank. We had a nice time, Mamma and Joe also went with us.  Poor Earl, it was two o’clock tonight when he got through with that tractor. The papers are full of discussions on the meeting last week of Roosevelt and Churchill.  This war situation continues to look worse and worse, as Russia gives ground.  Poor people!

August 18, Monday 

Hot

Kidd and Edward came this morning as I was dressing after having cleaned up.  We went uptown and Kidd got Mamma a pretty blue rug for the parlor, after we ate dinner here we went over there and put it down.  I helped Joe paint some on the ceiling, and we straightened up the parlor.  Mamma made out the order for the canvass and paper for her room Earl, Jo Anne and I went swimming just before sundown, and read “Attack Alarm” in the Post just after we had supper.  It’s a scorching night.  I wish we’d hear from Minnie Lea, I’m worried about her.

August 19, Tuesday

Cloudy and hot

Jo Anne got Patsy to spend the day with her, and we went to Mamma’s early.  I finished painting the ceiling at noon.  We read the new Post issue of “Let the Gun Talk,” at noon, and I felt so bum I stayed in bed until five o’clock.  When Earl came we decided to go on down to Kidd’s, pick them up, and go to D.T.  The people out there seem to be a better class than we have had for tenants yet.  They have a right good crop.  We came back to Kidd’s, ate supper, and Edward and Earl went fox hunting, got home at two.

August 20, Wednesday

Cooler

I’m awfully worried about Jack [their dog].  He seems to have something wrong with his back and won’t eat, can hardly get up.  He’s so pretty. I do hope he’s not going to die.  The new Montgomery Ward Catalog came today, so Jo Anne and I have been looking at it all day, everything is advancing in price. Oh how I wish one of those jobs would open up!  We are going to have so much piled up we will never get out form under if it doesn’t break soon.  Mr. Chambless came down and talked awhile tonight, he’s interesting.  We read “Attack Alarm.”  Kidd and Edward didn’t come today.

August 21, Thursday

We took Jack to the Vetinary, he didn’t know what was the matter unless Jack had had a lick.  He wouldn’t give him anything.  “Time” came, and I was reading it this afternoon when Ruth came.  Rowland and Velma were at Pop’s.  We went over there and later all went swimming except Velma and I, we fixed a supper to take to them after a swim.  We went down to Kidd’s a little while, and by Mamma’s too.  The paper and canvass for her room has come.  Guess we will get to it Monday.

August 22, Friday

Getting warmer

We all slept late this morning, fixed dinner, etc.,  — I’m so blooming awkward about cooking.  We just sat around mostly and talked all day.  Rode around awhile after it got cool, took Julia, went to Catherine’s, and after supper Kidd and Edward came.  The men went fox hunting, and the women all went to see “Here Comes the Navy” – Then we came by where they were hunting, and all got in about twelve.  Letter, long awaited from Minnie Lea, — she said she was feeling pretty useless, especially since they aren’t through with the house.

August 23, Saturday

Hot again

Julia asked us all to dinner so we spent most of the day there, I crocheted a little bit.  Margaret came on the bus, and we took her home, then went to H’burg, visited Laura McLaughlin and found Edith there.  Came home, went to DeLita’s and Mrs. Coan’s, then after supper to Miss Mamie’s and to Holy Roller Church, then rode about Wisner.  Rowland and Velma hadn’t been there in a long time and enjoyed seeing the changes that had taken place.  We also went by Kidd’s a few minutes.

August 24, Sunday

Hot

Velma and I fixed dinner, asked Pop and Julia.  We picked a bucket, the first, of scuppernongs [muscadines] for Mrs. Anderson.  Delita came and asked us all for coffee so before Rowland and Velma left we all went up there, had a right nice visit.  After they left we went to Mamma’s, Emma had been there.  We went to John’s, but he wasn’t at home When Kidd and Edward came they brought Mamma and Daddy, May Usher and Meloin came by, too.  Mamma and all ate supper here.  We want to go to bed early so Earl can get off early in the morning.  Shut Bep up.

August 25, Monday

Hot.  Light shower

Earl got off at five, I went back to bed when I should have been cleaning up, and finished last weeks Time.  Then when I did get up it was so late I dint’ get to half clean up, so I hurried over to Mamma’s and we worked like Turks getting room papered, but it does look awfully pretty.  Kidd came late in the afternoon and helped us finish, then Jo Anne and I went home with her, to spend the night, I’m going to help Edward with an abstract he’s making for D.T.  My how I miss Earl!

August 26, Tuesday

Mostly hot, light shower in afternoon

I went to the office with Edward, stayed an hour, then took Kidd to Ferriday to the doctor.  Mrs. Peck came in while I was there.  We got back a little before twelve, and I looked through records all afternoon with no luck.  We had just got home when Earl came, he had no luck either.  Man told him it would be two weeks more.  We stayed til after supper and came back to Mamma’s so Earl could see the room.  It looks awfully nice, Mamma had cleaned it up and Daddy is going to put baseboards around it tomorrow.

August 27, Wednesday

Hot

Alvin and Lil Guice Walvoord

C.L. and Marcia Guice

Jo Anne and I spent the whole morning cleaning up, got our bath and dinner, and had just lain down when C.L. And Marcia [my grandfather and grandmother] came by on their way to Lil’s [C.L.'s sister].  I heard yesterday that Oswald Henry died Sunday, and was certainly sorry.  Oswald had one of the most pleasing personalities I’ve ever known, Goodness knows why he went berserk these last two years and ruined himself with drink.  Nelson and Faye came with C.L. and Marcia so they went with us to Kidd’s, and we had supper there, Earl, Jo Anne and I read Attack Alarm when we got home.

August 28, Thursday

Hot

Faye was here this morning.  I helped her pick scuppernongs [muscadines].  C.L. came and ate dinner with us.  [C.L. died  only three weeks from this diary post at the age of 36.  It is the last time that Bea Denham would see him.] We went to Mamma’s too.  I read Time, and Kidd and Edward came, Edward to go fox hunting, so when Cader and Mrs. Aplin got here, we let the men go to the fox chase and we all went to see “Power Drive,” a very good light show.  Earl thinks maybe William Peck will buy our car, the old one.  I do hope so, I’m so anxious to get rid of that last note.  Then I guess we can manage the rest somehow til Earl gets work.

August 29, Friday

Plenty hot.

Jo Anne and I went to Harrisonburg about ten o’clock, which was a s soon as I could make it, with cleaning up to be done first.  We worked on the abstract for D.T., and finished it up, but still could not find about 25 years between 1819 and 1846.  I wish I could work in the Clerk’s office, it’s very interesting work and I could find out so much I’d like to know.  Letter from Velma.  Jo Anne and I went to Margaret’s and she surely looks as if she is going to have twins, she’s huge, with three months yet to go.

August 30, Saturday

Cooler morning and evening, Hot midday

Worked at the shop all morning making bills and posting, in fact it was 4:45 when I finished and came home to wax the floors.  Card from Lillian inviting us to another picnic with Mr. Tucker and crowd.  Letter from Florelle.  She’d been to Leesville and didn’t come on to see us.  Kidd and Edward were here for dinner, she’s better.  We went swimming close to dark. Card from Lil asking us to supper Sunday night, but I wrote her we couldn’t make it, I don’t’ feel like it.  Went to Mamma’s too.

August 31, Sunday

Cooler, Cloudy

Jo Anne and I cleaned up and hung the curtains this morning. Cecil and Margaret came and stayed awhile.  Earl worked nearly all day.  Roy Strickland came with Carter, bought our old Ford, or bargained to, with $25 down.  That certainly does relieve us, because it clears our car completely, and we’ve nothing left to pay except $45 on this roof and life insurance.  Oh, I wish Earl could go to work right away.  If he were working, we could go on and pay these bills, but as long as he’s only making expenses, we are afraid to spend all we have.  Saw “A Woman’s Face” to night.

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1941 (Oct. 1 – Oct. 15)

[...the continuing 1941 diary of Sicily Island, Louisiana native, Bea Bryan Denham. References to WWII are in red.]

October 1, Wednesday

Hot

This has been a long hot day, but I’ve been right busy.  I did the usual housekeeping chores, cut Jo Anne’s dress, and started sewing it by hand.  It will be quite a job, but I guess I can make it.  Went to town with the Mrs. Whittons, and helped Glyn and Jo Anne get their home work.  Roy and Floris came just as we finished supper, but didn’t stay so long.  We started “Botany Bay”, and read the rest of “District Attorney” – No mail.  Everybody’s forgotten us.

October 2, Thursday

Hot, but cloudy partly

I was sick this morning, stomach upset and feeling pretty badly, but a little girl brought me a letter from Mamma saying Minnie Lea’s baby has come, a boy, on Sept. 26, and that made me feel well again.  A letter from Velma, too – I’m so glad about the baby.  I wrote Lil, Florelle, Pop, Mrs. Peck and Commercial Securities.

October 3, Friday

Hot

Well, one day is so like another that there is practically nothing to say.  Get up in the morning, make coffee, fix lunch while the water boils.  Fix breakfast while Earl dresses.  Get Jo anne off to the bath house, and clean up the beds, make room to eat.  Wash, iron, fix supper and wait for Earl and Jo Anne.  Roy was here tonight, said he was going to send Commercial Securities a check for the balance he owed them.  We went to town, deposited $40.00 and went to see and Andy Hardy picture.  Took Mr. Luther with us, somebody ran over a soldier, Roy’s car was parked there, but we didn’t stop.  An ambulance went out after him.

October 4, Saturday

Hot, shower in afternoon

We went to town with Whittons this afternoon, fooled around about three hours.  When we got back we had a letter from Mamma, and one from Margaret.  The doctor told her she wasn’t going to have twins.  Cecil is still working at Camp Polk.  I had hoped Kidd and Edward would come and bring Mamma and Joe, but I guess they aren’t.  Earl had a fever when he came home tonight, felt awful, didn’t eat a bite of supper and I had cooked chicken, too.  We can’t get a Post for this week, got one for next , but that leaves us wondering about our stories.

October 5, Sunday

Cloudy and cool, slight shower

Jo Anne and I both had an attack of dysentery today, she was worse than I.  Earl went to work, but I know he didn’t feel very well.  They didn’t pay him all of his check, missed last Sunday.  He complained to the proper authorities so I’m hoping he will get it straight.  We didn’t even have a story to read tonight, decided to go to town and get a coke.  Earl met a man he knows and he had another man with him who turned out to be from Jonesville, named Richards.  We took them riding a while, they were lonely and had no car.

October 6,  Monday

Hot, shower in the afternoon

Jo Anne still was upset today, and since she said she wasn’t able to go to school, I didn’t make her go, not being about to tell just how badly she felt, but she could have very easily gone.  We went to town in the afternoon, saw a doctor about those shots for diphtheria again and about typhoid shots.  Also complained to the Health Unit about these toilets out here.  When Earl came we went to town again, and to see “Blossoms in the Dust.”  It was a good show had some of the cutest babies imaginable in it, but we’ve had too sad and experience to be completely sympathetic to it.

October 7, Tuesday

Hot

I got Jo Anne off to school today in spite of her objections, washed the dirty clothes and tried to work on our family tree, with very little accomplished.  Went out and talked to the Whittons and while I was out there, saw a trailer that looked much like Mrs. Boyett’s come in.  Finally saw her, and went over and spoke to her.  I am so glad they’re here, it’s awfully lonesome with as few people you know, and more that you know intimately.

October 8, Wednesday

Hot

Passed the morning in the usual manner.  Went to town with the Whitton’s, and when we got back had a letter from Kidd.  She said Mamma had sent my comfort by Carter, so as soon as Earl came and we could eat supper we went to Doyline and got it.  It’s the prettiest one I ever did see.  Everybody raves over it.  Now I’ve got to get Mamma to fix the other one for Jo Anne.  I hope I can keep it from getting dirty in this tent, but that’s going to be a problem.

October 9, Thursday

Rainy and threatening

Letter from Florelle

Charlie Whitton was sick today, so he and his wife left, and Edna came over here and spent the morning.  I enjoyed talking to her, she’s had a hard life in a way, in the worst way, the way it hurts her pride.  I hope all that is over for her.  We went to school, and Jo Anne’s teacher said Jo Anne was an excellent pupil ( I knew that!) and she enjoyed teaching her.  A class of Jo Annes would be a teacher’s heavenly dream, only she’d better not be lazy, they’d work her to death.  We played dominoes with Walter Whitton and Mr. Luther til nine.

October 10, Friday

Rain in the night, considerable wind; cooler.

I wrote Mamma and Florelle today, and went to visit Mrs. Boyett a little while.  Crocheted some, and did the regular work. I am planning to go to Shreveport tomorrow.  We went to town when Earl came, his check was $10 short this week, and they paid him the $15 he was short last.  We went to see “Shepherd of the Hills,” it was only fair.  I got a “Time,” too.  I’m afraid it’s only a matter of days until Germany will have Moscow in her hands.  It’s dreadful.

October 11, Saturday

Cold

We left as soon as we could get ready, went to Mrs. Boyetts aunt in Shreveport, then finally found Belle’s house, but nobody was at home, so we came on to town and did our shopping, which was quite unsatisfactory.  Our chairs are to be delivered sometime next week, and that’s about the only purchase I made of any consequence.  Our radio has gone hay-wire, I suppose we will have to send it to Dabbs.   We took it to town, but the man was out of reason about it.

October 12, Sunday

I read” Time” today.  Mrs. Boyett came over for a while, and I had a nice long letter from Mamma.  Wrote to her, Minnie Lea and Kidd.  I’ve felt wretched all day long, this last day business is quite as bad as the first.  Jo Anne has been playing with Barbara June back of the camp on some sand hills, seem to have been having a good time.  The Whittons have been gone all day.  We all went to church tonight.

October 13, Monday

Cooler, sunny

I had a lot of clothes to clean this morning, and it took a good part of the day to wash and iron them.  Mrs. Boyett and I went to town, mailed letters and bought groceries.  I had a letter from Kidd, Velma,, and a card from Julia today, which helps a lot when you’re homesick.  When Earl came he wasn’t to go to a Union meeting, — rather he thought it would be good policy to go, so then he and the Whittons went, and the women wet to the show, “Bad Men of Missouri.”

October 14, Tuesday

Warmer

This morning we found that Belle and Sidney had come last night while we were gone.  Earl seems to be feeling better, but Jo Anne doesn’t.  She is too edgy and nervous.  I had letters from Kidd and Fay today.  Kidd said Miss Lula Garner died Saturday.  Faye said Marcia [my grandmother whose husband died three weeks earlier] was going to make an apartment in part of the house and rent it so she wouldn’t have to be alone.  Poor Marcia.  Without Earl I’d be completely useless.  As it is I’m only useful to him, seems like I can never accomplish anything on my own merits.  I wish I was some good, but I’m not – nothing whatever can I accomplish.

October 15, Wednesday

Rain in the afternoon

Mrs. Boyett sent us some fried apple pies, and they were surely good.  Didn’t get any mail.  I was busy most of the day, but goodness knows what I did besides write letters.  I mailed seven tonight.  Earl, Jo Annd and I went to town and got a Post, and Outdoor Life, and Agatha Christie mystery, and a Mickey Mouse for Jo Anne.  We read “Botany Bay.”

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1941 (Sept. 16 – Sept. 30)

[...the continuing 1941 diary of Sicily Island, Louisiana native, Bea Bryan Denham. References to WWII are in red.]

September 16, Tuesday

Hot

Wrote Marcia and Florelle, read “Time” all morning.  I wish we had a way to get to town, everything is closed by the time we get there in the evening, and I can’t even mail my letters.  Earl screened the front of the tent this evening and put up my other shelf.  He tried to fix the iron, but the element wasn’t right.  In a few more days we ought to be fairly well straightened out.  We have got to buy chairs, a rug, some paint, and a folding outfit in which to hang our clothes.  I think I can make the tent pretty nice if I could go to Shreveport for two or three hours some day.

September 17, Wednesday

Hot

This has been a terrible day for me.  I’ve felt awful all day long.  I stayed in bed most of it, but when Earl came I had fixed supper and we went to Minden, swapped irons, and decided to see Clark Gable in”They Met In Bombay.”  It was nothing, hardly light entertainment.  Jo Anne has been pretty lonesome today, there are no children her age, and she doesn’t care much for spoiled ones, anyway, so she doesn’t have much association with them.

September 18, Thursday

Hot

Today we washed everything that was dirty, and when I started to iron the iron wouldn’t heat. Mrs. Gorey was over here, and offered hers, so I got the clothes all finished.  Read an old cheap novel “Jungle Captive” by E.M. Hull, in the afternoon, simply because I had nothing else to read.  It wasn’t diverting in the least.  After supper we went to town and swapped for a new iron, then drove down to Roy’s a few minutes.  Earl fixed the funnel in the floor for me when we came in, after we had watched the stars awhile.

September 19, Friday

Hot

Today was pay-day, Earl got $30.94 for 2 ½ days last week.  We went to town and cashed his check, bought groceries.  School will begin Monday, I guess Jo Anne will go.

September 20, Saturday

Hot

We fixed up a place to iron and I crocheted the last medallion for the set, washed and put away everything.  When Earl came we played dominoes awhile, read the Post stories and went to the store.

September 21, Sunday

Hot

We only fooled around today.  Mrs. Whitton and I took Glenn and Jo Anne to the park and let them play, also to the school house to see it. We drank coffee with the Whitton’s (Charlie) when Earl came in.  I got a nice letter from Mamma, Mrs. Culbertson brought it down, We read the rest of the Post stories.

September 22, Monday

C.L. (my grandfather) and Anna Claire (my mother)

Jo Anne went to school today, so did I and stayed until 12, when they let them all come home.  Around three Mr. Culbertson came, said I had a long distance call.  It was Edward, Nelson had called him and told him C.L. died today.  Earl hasn’t come in yet, and I don’t know what to do.  Poor boy, he had just got ready to live, it is terrible.  And his poor kids will never know what a Daddy means.  Marcia must be completely bewildered.  Edward is taking Mamma and Joe down.

September 23, Tuesday

Clear, hot

[Nothing else is written for this day.  The photo to the right was taken in May of 1941.]

September 24, Wednesday

Rain, Gulf storm

The last days have been a kind of nightmare of long grey roads stretching toward something I didn’t want to reach, yet which I found myself frantically trying to get to.  The pity of young death, of young families torn and the aching hurt is always more than I can bear if I’m not personally concerned, and C.L. is the nearest to a brother I ever had.  Poor Marcia, she loved him to the exclusion of any other interest, and the little girls are too young to realize what is it means to them.  Though children suffer far more keenly than grown-ups realize, as Anna Claire, “Why couldn’t God let my Daddy live to be an old man like Uncle Joe?”  Their hearts will ache many a time for him.

September 25, Thursday

Cool

Jo Anne went to school today, I wrote Marcia, Faye, Mamma and Velma.  Then washed all our soiled clothes and pressed them.  When Earl came we went to Roy’s and got other references.

September 26, Friday

Cold

Jo Anne started to school, decided she was sick and didn’t go.  I was terribly angry with her when I found that she wasn’t actually sick, and disappointed, that she’d pretend to be something she wasn’t.  I know it’s hard to change schools when she knows not a single soul, but she needs some adjustments like that, she hangs too closely to grown-ups, and it will be good for her to learn to rely on herself, and make her own way among strangers for a little while.

September 27, Saturday

Warmer

I did nothing today except read “Time,” rinse out the clothes Earl wore yesterday, and sit around talking.  I bought $6.64 groceries and had a band put on Earl’s watch.  After supper we talked to the Whittons awhile, and read the Post story –

September 28, Sunday

Hot

The big “Red” and “Blue” battle ended today, and there has been a constant sound of guns, planes, and of equipment being moved all day.  We did nothing all morning, sat and talked to the Whittons all afternoon, and when Earl came home and got his supper and bath, we went to Church with the Walter Whittons.  It was right enjoyable. I had a letter from Velma, but nothing from Mamma.

September 29, Monday

Hot

Paid the rent, $2.50, and washed, ironed and cleaned.  I had supper ready when Jo Anne came, helped her with her lessons, and after Earl came we rushed and left at 6 o’clock to go to Shreveport to the circus [Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey}.  The traffic was awfully heavy, but we made it fine, and I think Jo Anne thoroughly enjoyed it all, but most especially the horses, The crowd was immense, and Lt. Gen. Ben Lear was there, but we didn’t see him.  We saw the famed apes, Gargantua and M’Toto, and very good tight-rope, acrobatic and animal acts. It was after twelve when we finally got home.

September 30, Tuesday

Hot

The days are so much alike. Only mail helps.  Mamma and Kidd both wrote today.  Lil said Marcia had her mother with her, which is good for a little while.  I wrote Mamma, Kidd, Minnie Lea and Marcia.  There is nothing to change the monotony of the days, I guess I should try to make Jo Anne’s dress, but I dread making it on my fingers.  We read “District Attorney,” and sat out on the grass talking to the neighbors until around nine o’clock.  Jo Anne got her lessons.  She seems a little better about school.

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1941 (Sept. 1 – Sept. 15)

[...the continuing 1941 diary of Sicily Island, Louisiana native, Bea Bryan Denham.  References to WWII are in red.]

September 1, Monday

Rain

We got up at 4 this morning, got ready by five, and went to Mildred’s.  There were fifty six at the picnic, and we had a very nice time.  Mr. Tucker didn’t know any more about a job than he had known though, and we are no closer to work than before.  Thank goodness the car is paid for though, which makes everything much easier than it was.  So many people were at the picnic – Tuckers, Sid and Buck Smiths, Demaggios, Ed Smith and Ed Guss, Sonny Smiths, Sumners, John Crawford, Yelvie Bondurant, Joe Enright, Leo Hardin, Carter, Red Francis, Owens and Irma’s and Ethel’s families, Coney’s, Orrey’s, another of Tucker’s sisters, Albritton.

September 2, Tuesday

I cleaned the house, Jo Anne did the dishes and we had just finished bathing when Mrs. Peck came.  She brought me a book to read and I sent Barbara Jane four, she’s sprained her ankle.  We went to Mamma’s, and stayed awhile.  Jo Anne had a crying spell because she wants to be grown, and she is still a child.  We had a long talk, but I don’t feel like I did her much good.  She feels like I can’t understand and that discounts anything I might say.  Hubert Garner was here for coffee.  We read all the continued stories in the Post and Country Gentlemen.

September 3, Wednesday

Rain, much cooler

Patsy spent the day with Jo Anne.  I finished the Post, and went to Mamma’s. Two years ago today the war began; it has now completely enveloped Europe, parts of Africa and Asia.  And with the passage of the new tax bill, there will be left no American who does not feel its scourge.  What foods, medical care, even luxuries to make life more pleasant, could have been furnished the world’s millions with the billions which have been squandered on this awful denizon (?) of War!

September 4, Thursday

Hot, clear

Kidd came before we finished cleaning up, asked us to supper tomorrow night for Edward’s and Mamma’s birthdays.  Also said Nita is coming Saturday, and asked us to go to Alexandria with her to meet Nita.

Earl worked on Mamma’s pump, but didn’t do it any good.  Joe is turning corn, and was completely exhausted when he came in.  I read Time today, and it must be simply awful in France, where there is no unity, and even one’s own family may be in favor of Vichy France, or outright German collaboration.

September 5, Friday

Hot and clear

Joe had cramps all night, didn’t get up til noon, but he felt well enough to go with us to Kidd’s, for Mamma’s and Edward’s birthday supper.  We enjoyed it, and it was grand to celebrate it.  We got the car note back from Roland, have to change some of it and go to Monroe, and then to Shreveport, I guess.  Earl is talking of going on to Texarkana, Monday.  Oh, how I wish he could get something else good to do.  We are going with Kidd to Alex tomorrow to Meet Anita, and Mrs. Aplin is to go, too.  I wish Love would come back, and would help Mamma with Jo Anne when we leave but there’s no telling how long she will stay in Leesville.

September 6, Saturday

Hot

Letter from Florelle.  Earl took us to Harrisonburg and we left to go to Alex about 9:30.  After dinner we window shopped, and we got Edward and Earl a letter opener, one a sword, the other a rifle with bayonet.  Also got two patterns, a book “Bambi,” and pair of shoes for Jo Anne, and a piece of punt for Mamma.  Anita has grown awfully tall, and is very thin.  Myrtle didn’t meet her at all, didn’t see her.  I don’t understand how a mother can so neglect her own child, the kid has not clothes, their shoes are too little, and she looks really badly, but Myrtle hasn’t seen her since March, not even written to them.

September 7, Sunday

Hot

Earl worked all day, Alvin made him mad this morning, and he said he was going to straighten up.  This water question once and for all, so Alvin came over and we finally threshed it out, he paid his interest in it for the eleven years’ water bill he owed.  Kidd, Nita and Edward were at Mamma’s for dinner, and Jo Anne and I went over there and we stayed until nearly dark, then I came home and pressed what clothes we had that needed it, so we could go to Shreveport with Earl tomorrow.  We took Bep and Tuffy to Mamma’s and ate supper there, came home about nine and I packed our suit cases, but Earl and Jo Anne both went to sleep before I could get through.

September 8, Monday

Hot

We left home around six, had to wait about an hour to see Mrs. Woods, get our papers straightened up, and Earl decided it would be better to have our speedometer fixed here in Monroe, because we’d have to wait somewhere anyhow.  Met Ernest Kiper and talked to him awhile.  We ate dinner in Ruston, went on to Shreveport, and back to Roy’s, where we spent the night.  The army was passing right in front of the house, and we sat up til one o’clock watching them.  There were jeeps, armored trucks, a sort of cross between a truck and a tank, and several sizes of tanks, motorcycles, ambulances, wreckers, all types of armored equipment, moving south for a battle with the Blues:  we saw soldiers constantly, it was all most interesting.  My greatest consolation was that so far, it’s all sham except the training.

September 9, Tuesday

Cool, shower

We came to Carter’s for breakfast, Earl went in at the plant and saw all the Camp Polk bunch, then we went back to the Union office and spent the day.  Clark never did come in.  Earl feels terribly badly because they haven‘t given him work, it’s awfully discouraging.  It’s depressing to go to the Union office, see all those men sitting helplessly around, waiting and wishing to go to work, and can’t even see the man to get “no,” much less “yes.”  We brought a little boy (man) home from the office who is broke, says he’s been there six weeks, and he’s more despondent than Earl.  We will stay at the Mason’s tonight.

September 10, Wednesday

We sat all day at the Union office waiting for Clark, I read the two continued Post stories to Earl and Jo Ann, crocheted, and we killed time every way we knew and were so very discouraged after talking to Clark late in the afternoon, but we were so persistent that he finally have him an order out as a mill wright.  Jack Hale told Clark so many nice things about Earl Clark couldn’t very well not send him out.  He got his August union stamp, too, and we brought the little Martin boy back out with us, I’m sure he’s broke, and still not on.  I hope he gets on soon, there’s nothing any more wearing than this waiting.

September 11, Thursday

Cooler

I wrote Mamma and Pop this morning, it’s so cool it’s uncomfortable.  Earl left at seven.  When he came in about 4:45, he said he’s got along nicely, made 5 hours today.  I think it’s decided that Jo Anne and I go home in the morning and move, be back Sunday morning.  We listened to Roosevelt’s speech tonight, and we are undoubtedly quite as near to war as I expected that we were.  We went to town and bought groceries, something to fix lunch with, took Lawson Mason and the two little girls. The day wasn’t as long as I expected it to be, I’ve read, slept and crocheted some more.

September 12, Friday

Warm, clear

Jo Anne and I left at 7:15, after Earl had gone to work, and made pretty good time.  Looked at the trailer camp we expect to move into and got mixed up in army maneuvers, too.  Stopped at Lil’s about an hour, and got home at 12:05.  Found we’d just missed Flossie, Herbert, and Mrs. Hobgood.  Ate dinner at Mamma’s and came home to pack up.  I got a lot done, but I’m so tired.  Delita and Kidd came by for awhile.   I got all our dirty clothes washed, and worked til after nine marking off the wool comfort Mamma is making for us. She gave it to us Christmas, and it is surely pretty.

September 13, Saturday

Hot

I pressed all we had washed yesterday, went to Mamma’s and packed all day.  Kidd and Edward came right after dinner, and Edward and Joe loaded the trailer.  Pop and Julia brought us coffee, Margaret came for a little while.  Cecil and John got terminated Monday, rehired Thursday, after they had moved home.  We decided to leave about seven tonight, and came by Jena, Winnfield and Ringgold.  It was a real trip, trailer driving was new to me, but we made it all right.  I don’t know what I’d have done without Edward.  We got to Mason’s about one o’clock, to find Earl has to work tomorrow.

September 14, Sunday

Cloudy and warm

Edward and Mr. Mason have certainly worked today.  They got the tent up and the top on by noon, screen and all.  Then Edward hung the door, and put up two of my shelves, we hung the curtains, and moved everything in.  It’s still pretty well messed up, but I guess I’ll be several days straightening up.  Earl put the wire in as we could get lights.  We ate supper after Mrs. Walter Whitton left, up town, and hunted something to fix lunch with.  I am certainly ready for bed this night, and awfully glad to get settled once more with Earl making some money.

September 15, Monday

Cool and cloudy, shower at night

I’ve felt so tired today I’ve accomplished very little, but did get the things put out of sight, and the clothes washed.  I mopped the floor, and cooked supper, too, besides writing to Mamma, Pop, Minnie Lea, Velma, Faye and the Commercial Security Company.  There is a fair little store with meat counter and milk across the street, which is a good thing, since Earl has to take the car.  We went to town and got a few little things we needed, and came home too late to do anything.  Sat in front of Whitton’s trailer and talked a little while, but I’m glad to get to bed, I’m so worn out.

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1941 (July 16 – July 31)

[...the continuing 1941 diary of Sicily Island, Louisiana native, Bea Bryan Denham.  References to WWII are in red.]

July 16, Wednesday

Clear, hot

Earl said the paper said the job at Columbus wouldn’t open for another month. It surely does worry me, we need the money. Earl is making the trailer. We went to Ferriday and got some things we needed for it, took Pop. Met Luther and went around to his house a few minutes, they have moved back to town, Bookie had a wreck and broke his leg again. We bought watermelons and ate them at Julia’s with Nelson and Faye. Miss Willy came to see me a little while, she wanted news of the wedding to send to the paper.

July 17, Thursday

Clear and hot

Nelson and family left today, Earl finished the trailer and painted it. It looks really nice, and I’m so glad he made it. I varnished the table top one coat, and painted some on the dog house roof, it was Jo Anne’s job. It’s a horrible color, but Earl said we’d keep it from rusting and paint it again later, when we fix the house. I went to Mamma’s a few minutes, Joe and Pop drank coffee with us. Jo Anne helps me so much, she doesn’t seem to mind washing dishes nor helping in any way. She’s a sweet kid. We have had no mail in several days.

July 18, Friday

Sunny and hot

We started to build the tent today. It has gone very slowly. We got the floor figured out in sections, and put together. Kidd and Edward came pretty late and went to Mamma’s, also to the corn patch for roasting ears. We read “Silver Spoon” before going to bed.

The war news seems about the same. The Russians are fighting, but slowly giving ground, it looks like soon Hitler will have full control. We are waiting to be picked off like Holland, Belgium, and France.

July 19, Saturday

Very hot.

As soon as I could clean up, I went to the shop this morning. We got the tent completed by working all day long, with Joe helping us, too. It was a big job, but I hope now we can assemble it easily. We went to Kidd’s after dark, she said she’d had fever. I wrote a paper for her. Mamma went with us. Carter and Eula May came back. Poor Mamma, I wonder how long, she’s going to have to put up with that. Goodness knows it’s surely not right. I’d as soon die right now as think I had to live a month with Eula May, and she’s been there a month this time.

July 20, Sunday

Rain in the afternoon

Earl decided to work today and give Pop and Oliver the day off. I cooked dinner early, then Julia asked us to eat with them, so we did. We stayed at the shop for a long time, read “Silver Spoon”, and Earl fixed the light on the clock and glove compartment. Then we decided to go get Bep [dog], and did. She’s terribly poor, and ate like a starved thing when she got home. She was glad to get here, too. Julia let Jack [dog] out, so I guess we will keep them both. Earl had a letter from Cecil saying it didn’t look like the Columbus job would open in less than 90 days.

July 21, Monday

Rain

We ate dinner at Mamma’s, and Earl worked on Alvin’s tractor all morning. Pop and Julia were here for coffee. Jo Anne found the termites had eaten holes in her baby book. She made candy. I had a letter from Florelle, she wants us to come out there, but I’m afraid we can’t go. I wrote to her, Minnie Lea, Velma, and Fortuny. Earl called Edward and told him to come go to see “Arizona” with us, which he did. Miss Mollie fell and broke her leg today, and her blood pressure is 280.

July 22, Tuesday

Rain

Today the news that greeted me when I got to the shop was that Dee Wade had committed suicide. Nobody seems to know why, but the idea is that he and his wife were having trouble. It’s such a pity, he was one of the most pleasant men I’ve ever known, always smiling or joking. You can never tell what troubles are gnawing away at the heart, regardless of what sort of courage one faces the world with. And I can never find it in my heart to condemn a person whose trouble is so great that life no longer has a meaning nor a value to him. I don’t believe it’s the right solution, though.

July 23, Wednesday

Hard rain before we got up, clear afterwards

Earl loaded the trailer with the tent etc., and cleaned out the the blacksmith shop to put it in. It’s been terribly hot today. And Earl and Edward went fox hunting tonight. Got in about 3.  Mamma, Jo Anne and I rode out and listened to the dogs awhile, but the mosquitos were bad so we came in. I’ve read everything in the house, waiting. My, it’s hot all day and all night, too. Saw Burk this morning, he and Augusta had just come from Hot Springs. He said Mary is better, but this is a hard time for her, the anniversary of Roy’s death.

July 24, Thursday

Sunny and hot.

We cleaned up and went to Mamma’s awhile. It’s too hot to do very much. Mamma and Joe are thinking of going to Baton Rouge, I do hope they will. We read “Silver Spoon”, and started “Aloha Means Goodbye”, in the Post. I read “Time” all day.

Japan is moving in on French Indo China, and I am afraid the war is nearer to us than we think. The U.S. began the freezing of Japanese credits this morning, so that means Japan is definitely off the fence she has tried to straddle so long and is in the German camp.

July 25, Friday

Hot

Letter from Velma this morning, she thinks they will go to Grand Isle for two weeks. They want us to come down Sunday, but I don’t know that we will even think of it. If Earl would, and hunt a job Monday – but it isn’t going to be easy to know what’s right to do. Kidd came today, we went to see “The People vs. Dr. Kildare” tonight, which was pretty good. Eula May and Carter went to Olla, which they should have done long ago, or down to the camp, one. Now it’s doubtful if they will be gone long enough to miss them. Margaret came by, just got in from Leesville.

July 26, Saturday

Hot and sunny.

Jo Anne and I cleaned up, and when we went to the shop Earl had decided to clean and polish the car, so we went to Mamma’s and got soft rags and worked on it all day long. I’m afraid I won’t be able to sleep tonight, we’ve worked so hard. War seems very near, to me. I know there are lots of things that must come first, before the people will be ready, before public opinion has been molded, but a right good incident, manufactured or otherwise, would turn the trick in 3 days.

July 27, Sunday

One of the hottest; cloudy late, but no rain

Earl spent the morning talking to Cecil and John; we all spent the afternoon at Miss Mamie’s. Earl wanted that little tiny organ they used to have, and she wouldn’t let him have it. I’m sorry, it’s pretty, and quite an old relic, Earl has a right to it, but no more than she, of course, so if she wants it, he’ll have to do without it.

We went to Mamma’s awhile tonight. Came home and read “Aloha Means Goodbye”. I curled Jo Anne’s hair, but it simply won’t stay curled long at the time. Poor kid, she wants it to curl so badly, it’s a shame. I wish she could have mine.

July 28, Monday

Hot, no rain, cloudy in the afternoon

Earl was to go to John’s and get the truck to make a trailer, but started to work on Steele’s pump, and has been there all day. Jo Anne and I cooked dinner and stayed at Mamma’s all morning and all afternoon. Earl came just before dark, and he and Jo Anne got the figs off the tree. We read “Aloha Means Goodbye”, finished it and read all but the last issue of “Silver Spoon”.

July 29, Tuesday

Hot, no rain

Earl is still working on Steele’s pump. They had to pull it, and put down another one. We stayed at Mamma’s all morning, came home and read “Me Calls’” and went back to Mamma’s. Old man and Lady Rodriquez came by in the afternoon, also went to Miss Mamie’s. I went to Dick’s a little while, til Earl finished up, and we came home, had early supper, and read the last of “Silver Spoon”.

July 30, Wednesday

Hot.

They finished the pump today. I spent a good while at Mamma’s, crocheted some on that buffet set. Jo Anne spent the day with Patsy, who has an abscessed tooth. Mr. Chamblers came up and talked awhile, and while he was here, Earl got a long distance call from Rowland, said Earl had been recommended for a job to the Equipment branch of the Minden project by Drexler to a Mr. Grosjean, in charge, and he ought to go to Minden and see about it. I’m too excited to sleep, I hope Earl gets it, Rowland said it might be better than the job he had at Camp Polk.

July 31, Thursday

The hottest yet

Mamma’s pump broke down today, Earl worked on it awhile, we ate dinner there.  Earl had to go to Furr’s and Seal’s, has been busy all day, got too hot and has an awful headache.  I read a new Post story to them for awhile, “Rendevous,” but he soon go too sleepy to listen.  We are thinking of buying Sonny Smith’s trailer, he wants $60 for it, but we could probably get it for $50.  Kidd came home, she’s supposed to graduate next Wednesday, I guess she will go back for that.  I made out bills today and mailed them, cleaned up the desk, etc.

 

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1941 (July 1 – July 15)

[...the continuing 1941 diary of Sicily Island, Louisiana native, Bea Bryan Denham.  References to WWII are in red.]

July 1, Tuesday

Sunny and hot.

Jo Anne went to Vacation Bible School, and as soon as I finished cleaning up I went to Mamma’s.  Earl had already gone.  He and Carter worked all day, got the cold water lines run, but no hot ones yet.  Oh, I’m so glad it’s being done, I’ve surely wanted them to have water in their house long enough. I wish we could fix the commode, but I guess we will have to be satisfied with this awhile.

 

July 2, Wednesday

Earl worked all day on the water system at Mamma’s, and I tagged about after him.  They got the hot water almost finished, but it will take a little while in the morning to finish it up.

July 3, Thursday

Showers.

Rowland called Earl this morning about a car, so Earl and Carter finished the water system about 11, and we began getting ready to go to Thibodaux.  Dave Clark and his family came by, but we got off at 2 after eating dinner with Mamma.  Visited May Usher a few minutes, and also Nelson and Faye.  The car was considerably more than we wanted to spend, but Earl said it was a good buy, and if we can sell ours it won’t be so bad.  It was $650, we paid $300 down, and want to pay the rest before 60 days to eliminate the carrying charges.  It was after 12 when we got here, in Thibodaux.  We are going to Grand Isle tomorrow.  Saw Kidd on the road.

July 4, Friday

We left about nine and drove down to Grand Isle, got two rooms in a private home, and went sight seeing.  It was too hot to swim, so we went to the docks and hired a boat which took us out beyond Grand Terre, where we looked at the old Fort Livingston, built during the war of 1812, and now partly in the sea.  We saw porpoises swimming about, and surely did enjoy the ride.  Later we went swimming, but Jo Anne enjoyed it most of all.  She really learned to take the waves as they came.  It’s a nice place to stay awhile, we met the Easterly’s down on the beach.

July 5, Saturday

Showers.

We swam early, stayed in a long time since there was no sun.  Jo Anne and I were sick in the night, but seem to be all right today.  We also went back in this afternoon, with the Easterly’s and got a pretty bad scare when we found ourselves too deep.  It’s lots of fun swimming where the waves break.  We have had a real nice time all the trip, I’m so glad we came.  I think both Jo Anne and Earl enjoyed it immensely, and I always love to see them do things they enjoy.  We will swim early, and leave early in the morning.  The sunset was beautiful today.

Sunday, July 6

Sunny

They all went swimming this morning but Velma and I stayed and packed up, got ready to leave. Easterlys left, too, Earl and Rowland helped them get the trailer out and going. We left Grand Isle around eleven, got to Thibodeaux about two, but ate dinner in Golden Meadow, wasted a lot of time. Brought Elaine and Lily Belle up to Baton Rouge, came on out to Quitman’s, where we’re going to spend the night. The car seems to be all right, we will conclude the bargain tomorrow. We hated to leave Grand Isle, we all enjoyed it, but Jo Anne especially did.

Monday, July 7

Sunny and hot.

We came into town and fixed up the papers on the car, notes of $175 for Aug. 7 and Sept. 7, and left it to be gone over. We visited Aunt Leona a good while in the afternoon, Anna, Anna Bess, Anna May, Dollie, and Tom came in while we were there. We also went to Jewel’s, and found them living in a negro cabin, just about so bad as they’ve ever been. Came back by Quitman’s and decided to spend the night with C.L. When we got out there, Kidd had been calling us, so we went to the University, she had letters from Margaret and Florelle for us. I am going to be glad to get in bed, I’m tired tonight.

Tuesday, July 8

Sunny and quite hot.

C.L. with my mother at their place – c.1935

I thought we were going home early this morning, but Earl got to fooling with C.L’s garden tractor, so Marcia and I decided to go see a table Beverly [Kate’s husband] had made Kate [Marcia’s sister], and on to town for a pair of shoes for me. We got the play board for the bridge table, and went to see Sis. Fooled around at C.L.’s the rest of the day, left them at 6:00. Had to drive both cars, Earl said Jo Anne should have been twins, so we’d each have a daughter to ride with. Jo Anne said it was my fault she wasn’t, that I could have borned two as easy as one. We stopped at May Usher’s, got home at 10:45. Ate supper in Natchez. Trip cost $25.00.

July 9, Wednesday

Sunny and hot.

I’ve cleaned and put away all day, and the house still looks like a wreck. Went to Mamma’s and Julia’s, and fixed dinner, washed underclothes, took clothes to Liza, and have been busy the whole day with no results. Well, I guess that’s a cross section of life. Wrote Minnie Lea, Velma, Florelle, Marcia, and asked Fortuny for the ninety eleventh time to send my manuscripts back to me. We went to see Edward awhile tonight, took Mamma and Daddy. Burk is getting better but is still in the hospital. The pipe for Mamma was $16.26.

July 10, Thursday

Rain

Margaret came this afternoon and asked me to go to Monroe tomorrow. I guess I’ll go, I want to get Sprague a wedding present. We spent a good while at Mamma’s, I wrote Easie and Aunt Leona. Seems as if I’ll never get all the letters written.

The Battle of Britain is rather quiet, but the Battle of Russia is raging. Russia is bound to lose, but at least they’re putting up a fight. England is bombing German and French cities pretty briskly, seems as if she is just beginning to take the offensive.

July 11, Friday

Rain

Went to Monroe, got a beautiful pair of pillow cases for Sprague. Mr. Dewitt got a suit to wear to the wedding. We stayed till about 1, but I didn’t buy anything except a belt for Earl and some ribbons for Jo Anne. We were in a terrible rain coming back. I left my dress and Earl’s suit in Wisner, guess I’ll have to go after them tomorrow.

July 12, Saturday

Cloudy, no rain

We cleaned up good for Sunday, I got everything ready for our early departure tomorrow. Kidd and Edward came in this afternoon, we went to Mamma’s and stayed most of the time. Kidd and Mamma went to Wisner with me after the clothes. Daddy spent the day, and is to stay the night, in Winnsboro, visiting friends and Aunt Florelle, who has been sick. We tried to get Mamma to go to Harrisonburg but she wouldn’t, decided we’d take Pop and Julia. We stayed til about ten, at Kidd’s, came back by the Holy Roller church and watched them awhile. Today was Aunt Minnie’s birthday.

July 13, Sunday

Rain

We got up early; Cecil, Margaret and Mr. Dewitt went with us to see Sprague and Hazel married. It was a beautiful home wedding, Hazel looked awfully pretty. Cecil said all the bosses were terminated Saturday, and it undoubtedly won’t be long until the other job will begin. Nelson and family came this afternoon, we went to Wisner to see “Ziegfield Girl” – fair. Edward took our old car, said he’d try to sell it if he could. We need to get rid of it as soon as possible. Everything is going up, especially groceries.

July 14, Monday

Rain

Earl went to Leesville after the tent lumber today, got in at 12:30 tonight. Said they had a nice trip. Nelson went with him and Carter. He said it seemed the job will open this coming Monday. I washed and ironed, and spent a while at Mamma’s. I wrote Florelle, and must try to do the posting at the shop tomorrow. Faye was here a little while. Mr. Dewitt was out here with no way to get home, so Jo Anne and I took him out there.

July 15, Tuesday

More rain

I’m afraid the cotton will ruin, it’s raining so much during the blooming season. I posted at the shop, got everything straight so far as I know. Jo Anne, Patsy and I went to Harrisonburg to get tires for a trailer, Earl has been working on one all day long, so far it’s cost us $12. I do hope we get orders to go to work Monday, it’s awful waiting and nothing coming in, but all you’ve saved going out. Wish we could sell our old car, that would make us certainty of the payments on this new one. Went to Mamma’s, but didn’t stay very long.

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“House Calls, Hogs, and Heartbreak” – Life and Times of a Country Doctor (Episode 3)

The following entries from the  Alanson Wood Moore Diary  and Dr. Cicero Guice’s ledger contain facts and figures of my great-grandfather’s life as a doctor in the rural north Louisiana community of Winnsboro at the turn of the century.  As you will see, a country doctor’s life was physically and emotionally demanding, and often his work underpaid.  Many aspects of practicing medicine were quite different than today and yet, some things like the reality of life and death, and the necessity of receiving and paying for basic care stay the same.

In the following ledger entries of Dr. Guice, listing the “services rendered” and “payments received,” the disparity between the two can be seen:

– Mrs. Branson who already had a balance of $34 from the “old book,” added to her account twelve visits by Dr.Guice between January of 1904 to July 14, 1906 totaling $46 at $3 or $4 per visit.  Her total debt would be valued at ~ $1800 today.  Her only payment in 1904 was of 10 bu. of corn valued at $7.  In January of 1906, she paid the good doctor with 1 hog, valued at $10.  Her total payment back to the doctor in today’s terms was ~$400.

– Mike Jennings and his family required the services of Dr. Guice over ten times between 1904 and 1911– several visits being valued at $10 — for a total of  $78 ($1800 today).  Over the course of that time he paid the doctor:

1 hog – $ 7

30 lbs lard – $3

Stove wood, 3 loads – $5

Wood, 1 load -$1

Potatoes, 1 bu. – $1

Wood, 1 load – $1

Cash – $10

Cash – $10

Turkey – $2

(unreadable) – $5

Total – $45 ($1041 today)

______________________

In these AWM diary entries the precariousness of life is evident:

9th May, 1898, Monday

To E.M. King’s: John Brownell and I drove up some cattle. I banded one black and white heifer and banded and castrated one red yearling.

Came home by Bob’s, his wife, Rachel, [who was pregnant] was sick.

10th May 1898, Tuesday

Plowed out my corn patch, four furrows to the row, throwing the dirt to the middle and hoed ten rows. I bought a new plow of Tom Lowery, price $2.50. Tom Turner carried it home for me.

Rachel confined last night: the child was removed by force. The doctors C. Guice and Thompson, said it was jammed and could not be delivered. By forcing it, killed it. Lucy went down there this eve. The child was buried.

Cloudy all day. No sunshine.

——————————————-

6th November, 1898, Sunday

At 2 o’clock P.M., Alonzo and myself started to T.J. Matthews, getting there between sunset and dark: found Drs. L.M. Griffin and C.L. Guice there: he had been sick abed about three weeks, was first attacked with erysipelas in feet
and now to his body. Has constant fever and now has symptoms of swamp fever. Remained there all night.

7th November, 1898, Monday

He is nearly clear of fever this morning and say he feels better, feels like he could eat a little beef.

We left about 9 o’clock A.M., went down to the “John Buie place”, up by W.B. Grayson’s store, there saw G.B. Frazier and J.C. Humble and on home by train time 4:15. Dr. Griffin went home this A.M. to return tomorrow eve.

The cotton fields are white to the harvest. Roads are very dry and dusty.

I learned for the first time today, that Miss Mary Buie had cancer on the breast and it would perhaps prove fatal before long. In Matthew’s case, the doctors are fearful that either blood poison or swamp fever will develop itself and in either case, they dread the consequences.

———————————————

16th March, 1901, Saturday

Nothing out of the ordinary transpired today. Some people about and in town from the country.

Mr. Thompson of Collinston, whose dwelling, with its contents, recently burned there. And he and his family came down here, and today moved into one of Mr. R.M. Steches(?) houses-formerly owned and occupied by Isaac Fife, but more familiarly known as “Bud Fife”.

Nolan had a light chill and fever today.

Dr. Cicero Guice came by and called in and reported that Mr. Joe Bryan [Cicero's uncle-in-law] was at his house-quite sick. He is about 67 or 68 years of age, born in Harrisonburg, but spent the greater part of his life in Franklin Parish.

17th March, 1901, Sunday

Pleasant day-very spring like.

Rev. J.A. Snyder filled his regular monthly appointment here. I did not attend.

Called to see Bro. Riggs who is at Mrs. Buie’s who is suffering from a boil on his right knee cap.

In the afternoon, went to Dr. Cicero Guice’s to see Mr. Joe Bryan whom I found very feeble and apparently suffering a great deal. The immediate trouble with him is “indigestion”. For ten days or two weeks has been “malted milk” and “beef tea”. He vomits occasionally and emits a black something which has a very unpleasant stench. He has no fever but constant pain in stomach and bowels and gradually wasting away.

——–

24th March, 1901, Sunday

Rev. J.M. Henry, P.E., on this Monroe circuit M.E. church South preached here today and administered the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Reasonably good sized congregation was in attendance.

In the afternoon, Lonzo and I went to Dr. C.L. Guice‘s to see Joe Bryan who is quite low and is not expected to recover. He is getting old and the chances to recover are against him. He can eat nothing or very little and what he eats does not digest and after some days is vomited up in the same state it was taken into his stomach. Dr. W.W. Lee of Gilbert came up this morning to see him.

Dr. C.L. Guice and myself, or rather I accompanied him to Mr. Nolan’s-on Billy Robinson’s place-to his daughter Addie who was suffering with sore throat. The Dr. lanced her tonsils which bled freely and seemed to give her some relief.

Mr. Christmas of Rosedale, Miss. came in this eve to see me in reference to some land owned by Mrs. M.A. Flower known as the Dorsey place.

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10th April, 1901, Wednesday

Still cold. Hitched Jewel to the buggy to take the children to school but she acted so badly and broke one of the shafts and the children had to walk to school.

Miss Bessie Banner came to my house this eve to go before the school examiners tomorrow.

Joseph Bryan, a citizen of this Parish for the past 50 years or more, died this morning about 10 o’clock at Dr. C.L. Guice’s where he had been confined to his bed for a month or more. He was born in Harrisonburg, La. in 1833 and had spent his life there and here, except about three years in Ark. and four in the army 1861-1865. Was a prisoner of war
18 months.

Dr. Guice asked me to go with the cortege to the grave at the Matthews place in Boeuf prairie tomorrow, which I promised him to do so far as I now know. Circumstances are such that I cannot go to the grave and so informed him early this morning.

The day is cloudy and raining and cold. Fire in my office. The corpse and cortege started to the grave about 8:30 o’clock a distance of 20 miles.

The community of examiners for the examination of “white” applicants for certificates to teach the public schools, or to get the public school funds, are in session today. Quite a number of applicants are and will be before the committee; it will be in session tomorrow also.

———————
16th September, 1901, Monday

J.H. Knight started two wagons loaded with his household plunder to Florence where he will make his home in the future.

Heavy rain fell about 3 o’clock P.M. E.M. King and three of his children and two of Mr. Steele’s children at my house during the rain.

The high school opened this morning.

For a week or more, I’ve had an itching on both feet. They had turned very red, but were not sore. This eve, I consulted Dr. Guice about it, after he examined my foot, gave a prescription, which I had filled at the drugstore and applied as he directed.

Mamie Brashear’s youngest child is quite sick of fever.

Dr. Guice’s baby has the erysipelas on the left side of its face, covering the eye.

——————————

L to R – Dr. Cicero Louis Guice, C.L. Guice, and Clara Bryan Guice

My great-grandfather, Dr. Cicero Guice, continued to serve the Winnsboro, Louisiana community until his death at age 57 in December of 1919.

Alanson Wood Moore, the author of the previous diary entries, was an attorney, a member of the Louisiana State Legislature for many years and was instrumental in rewriting the  State Constitution of 1898.  He was also a Methodist Preacher on the Winnsboro Circuit and was helpful in defeating the Louisiana Lottery. His diaries contain his concerns and reactions to events in his home area and only rarely record events of national importance.

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“Murder and the Stolen Horse” – Life and Times of a Country Doctor (Episode 2)

As an historian I attempt to read and understand primary sources in the context of their culture and times without passing judgement on the words and actions of the people involved so that I can better understand why people did what they did.  Here is such a case.  Many things said and described in the excerpts from the Alanson Moore diary below would be considered out of place and even offensive in our culture and times today, but because his writings occasionally mention my great-grandfather I wanted to share some of Mr. Moore’s accounts in this episode of the “Life and Times of a Country Doctor.”

Winnsboro, Louisiana – excerpts from the Alanson Wood Moore Diary

19th March, 1898, Saturday

Dr. Cicero L. Guice and his horse

Still cloudy and warm. Spaded a little in garden: ground just dry enough from last Monday’s rain, to work and pulverize well.

It is reported here this morning that Gus Grimble, a negro living at Jno. V. Munn’s, some time last night, inflicted on the person of his wife which will likely produce her death. It seems that during the early part of the night, they were quarreling and fussing to such an extent that John V. Munn went out and ordered quiet. He heard no more from them; but this morning early she was found lying on the gallery of their cabin in an unconscious condition, though breathing. Upon examination, her skull was found fractured by some blunt instrument and her throat cut, to what depth my informer did not know.

Gus Grimble could not be found and Munn’s buggy animal, a nice large mare he had recently bought, was also gone. The man was tracked down the road a short distance, then through the woods to Turkey Creek above town. The supposition is, Gus rode the mare and swam the creek. It seems he left his house with his clothes, but failed to bundle them securely and several articles were found along the road and from the appearance of the mare’s tracks along the road, she was going at rapid speed.

News came in that Gus Grimble did not ride Munn’s mare, as was first thought, but he rode Dr. Cicero Guice‘s horse and that the negro woman is dead.

The report came in town from Ogden’s place, the former home of Gus Grimble this P.M. that he had suicided by cutting his own throat.

H. Block came in town today from New Orleans to look after his ownership interest in the Mills property. A very pretty warm eve. A good many people in town today.

News afterwards came in that Gus Grimble had not suicided, but attempted to do so and was prevented. He was arrested by Isaac M. King, Constable, of the 8th Ward and lodged in jail.

The stolen horse part of the story happened not long after Dr. Cicero had come to Winnsboro after graduating medical school.  His letter to Clara in the previous post on this blog was written only a month after his horse had been stolen.  I’m assuming the horse was returned to him after the arrest of Gus Grimble.

What happened to Gus Grimble…

24th October, 1898, Monday

Civil term district court opened this morning with the smallest docket the district court ever had in this Parish. The day is warm and pleasant; no frost this morning.

W.H. Burn commenced work on the scaffold or gallows on which Gus Grimble is to hang next Friday the 28th Inst.

W.H. Brown went with a two horse carriage to meet Billy Earle, who had been in the U.S. army over a year and was in the cavalry at the engagement at Santiago de Cuba and was wounded in the hip, sent then to New York and it is reported that his wound is incurable, but it has got well enough for him to come home, tho he will be a cripple. He is at home.

28th October, 1898, Friday

On the 4 March last, John Grayham was hanged, by the Sheriff in the front of the jail; see an account of it in my diary of that date. On the 19th of said month, Gus Grimble, murdered his wife, see an account thereof in my diary of that date. Today is the time fixed by the governor for him to pay the penalty on the gallows for the dead of 19th March. But the hanging will be within the four walls of the jail unlike that of the 4 March.

There are very few people coming to town. No one seems to think or care much about the transactions of today. By 11 o’clock there was quite a gathering of negroes in town. The day is bright and clear, tho a little cool. I estimate 200 negroes in the court house square at 1:30 o’clock P.M. But all quiet and orderly. The hanging took place about 2 o’clock P.M. The convict died hard, tho he had frequently said he was ready and anxious for the day of execution to come. This can be accounted for from the consideration that the event was inevitable, the last spark of hope for deliverance had been blown out. Under such circumstances, the mind can be wrought up to that degree of frenzy as to assume the attitude of perfect indifference and quiet resignation to the pending fate.

I will be posting other stories from this diary that mention my great-grandfather.  If you would like to read this diary in its entirety click this link -  Alanson Wood Moore Diary – 1898 – 1909 Winnsboro, Franklin Parish, LA .  Each diary year is linked separately at the bottom of that page.

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