Tuesday, August 31, 1920

Overcast warm day. Showers at noon. Arose 5:15 A.M. Breakfast. To city alone with Ford. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Talked with Merlin on telephone. To country. Some muddy. Helped father. Read paper etc. To bed 9:30 P.M.

**********
I wonder what a telephone call cost back then? According to one website, in 1920 people were still calling by way of switchboard and operator. Dial service didn't become available until 1921, and it took a strike against the resistant Bell Telephone to persuade the company that it was necessary.

I'll be glad when Stanford gets back to school so there's more to annotate!

Monday, August 30, 1920

Fair warm day. Very foggy in A.M. 6 of us to city in Ford. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Father, Ruth & I to country place by way of Scotia. Put up steps for Mr. DeMartin etc. Greased Ford. Played piano, read, talked etc. To bed 10 P.M. Thankful for health, friends, opportunities.

**********

Sunday, August 29, 1920

Rainy cool wet windy day. Arose 8:30 A.M. Merlin, Lew & I for 4 mile walk around block. Fooled around. Talked, played piano, red etc. To Burnt Hills Baptist Church in evening. Good sermon. Home. To bed 10 P.M. Thankful for health, friends etc.

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Four mile walk around the block? That's some block!

Saturday, August 28, 1920

Beautiful bright warm day. Some rain at nite. Arose 5:15 A.M. To city with Ford. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 to 11:30 A.M. Took bath shaved got hair cut etc. Lew Larkin, Merlin, Gertrude Anthony & I to country. Played tennis etc. Will etc called. To ice cream social. To bed 10:30 P.M.

**********

Friday, August 27, 1920

Pleasant clear mild day. Rose 5:15 A.M. Breakfast. Father & I to city with Ford. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Helped father candle eggs. To Swaggertown. Supper. Father and I washed Hudson Car. Some job. Read. Played piano. To bed 10 P.M. Thankful for strength.

**********

Thursday, August 26, 1920

Beautiful bright clear day. Arose 5:15 A.M. Breakfast and twalay. To city alone + Irene with Ford. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. To Park Site. Supper out doors. Read paper. Played piano etc. Thankful for friends.

**********

Wednesday, August 25, 1920

Beautiful clear cool day. Arose 6 A.M. Breakfast. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Folks +Irene from upstairs to Country. I out with Ford later. Called on Glindmyers. Nice visit. Read paper. To bed 10 P.M.

**********

Tuesday, August 24, 1920

Merlin's last day. [frowny face] Pleasant mild day. Arose 6 A.M. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Nellie left for Mankato about noon. Home. Cleaned up, shaved, took bath etc. Out to 'Reynolds' in S.S. Dorothea's 18th birthday. Very enjoyable time. Home 12:30 P.M. Thankful for friends, health, etc.

**********
I wonder why Stanford put Reynolds in quotes? And I wonder why today was Merlin's last day--last day for what? Work at the Warehouse? Maybe.

So August 24, 1920 was Dorothea's 18th birthday. It looks like I have the right Dorothea, then.

Nellie is going to Minnesota for a job, apparently, though Stanford doesn't say. The Closson Genealogy transcribes her obituary which says she worked in social services in Minnesota, among other places, before ending up at Washington D.C.

Monday, August 23, 1920

Cool fair clear day. Arose 5 A.M. Father, I and Mr. Brasefield to city. Other folks down later in S.S. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Home. Stayed in city. Helped Nellie with trunks etc. Merlin & I out for walk. To bed 11 P.M.

**********
Nellie must be going somewhere.

Sunday, August 22, 1920

Overcast very warm close day. Arose 9 A.M. Nellie to city to see lady from Minn. Brasefields and we to Center Glenville church to service and S.S. Some rain at nite. Rode to Charlton. No service. Called on Plummers. Read etc. To bed 10 P.X.

**********
These Plummers are probably the Plummers mentioned in the 1919 diary, Tom and Ida. Check out the blog post on July 20, 1919 to read about them.

Saturday, August 21, 1920

Mr. Finch laborat at U.S.A.R.D. Most marvelous bright hot day. Arose 5:15 A.M. To city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. To Country place. Chicken dinner. Brasefields and we for ride to Amsterdam, Mariaville etc. Called on Uncle Charlie. Much better. Ate lunch with Ross's at Lake. To city for gasoline. To Country. Fooled around. To bed 10:30.

**********
It's nice that Finch could get a job at the Warehouse. It sounded like he pretty much hated the job he had previously.

Friday, August 20, 1920

Warehouse rat.  Thumbnail came off. Marvelous clear warm day. Arose 5:15 A.M. Twalay. Father & I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Mr. B to city in P.M. Back with us at night. Fooled around in evening. Stunts etc. To bed 10:30 P.M.

**********
By "twalay" I'm pretty sure Stanford means toilet.

Thursday, August 19, 1920

M.J.F. at South Sch'dy. Lunch together in woods. Wonderful bright warm clear day. Arose 5:15 A.M. Breakfast. Nellie and I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.  Folks all to city. Took bath. To Ballston Lake with both cars. Left ford at Stoodleys Corners. Nice picnic supper. Walked around. To bed 10 P.M.

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Stoodley Corners is an actual place--a crossroads now near the Schenectady Airport. Here's the map:

Wednesday, August 18, 1920

Merlin works at Warehouse. Beautiful mild clear day. Arose 5:15 A.M. Breakfast. Father & I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Talked with Finch on telephone. All to country. Fine supper. Folks to prayer meeting at Center. Ruth, Nellie & I home. Wrote R. letter, read, played etc. To bed 9:30 P.X.

**********

Tuesday, August 17, 1920

M.J.F. working at U.S.A.R.D. with me. Pleasant warm clear day. Arose 5:15 A.M. Breakfast. To city all alone. To work at U.S. Army Reserve Depot. To Park Site. Cleaned up. Brasefield and we out riding in evening. Called on Uncle John. Ice Cream at Wilsons. To bed 10 P.M.

**********

Monday, August 16, 1920

Fair warm day. Little rain. Arose 5:15 A.M. Father, Merlin, Nellie and I to city. Ruth down with S.S. after Brasefields (Mr., Mrs., James 5 and Clayton 3). To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. To country. Talked and played with kids. To bed 10:30 P.M.

**********
I looked for the Brasefields in Schenectady environs, but was unable to find any but those who lived in Easton, PA, more than 200 miles from Schenectady. There are two children of the right ages and names, but Easton seems very far for Ruth to be driving, so either they were in town and visiting others, or they were by then living nearby. There are no Brasefields listed in the Closson genealogy, so they are probably not relatives.

Sunday, August 15, 1920

Fair mild humid summer day. Arose 8:30 A.M. Breakfast. Family + Uncle John & Aunt Gertie and Merlin Finch to Scotia Reformed Church. Dinner. Fooled around in P.M. Read, walked etc. Took Uncle John and Aunt Gertie home. To Burnt Hills Baptist Church. Home. Talked etc. To bed 10 P.M. Thankful for health, good parents etc.

**********

Saturday, August 14, 1920

Overcast mild day. Rained in P.M. Arose 5:15. Merlin & I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 to 11:30 A.M. Cleaned up. Merlin, Nellie & I to Swaggertown. Picnic. Uncle John, Aunt Gertie, Moreys etc. 17 altogether. Marked tennis court but rained. To social at hall. Fine time. Battery depleted. To bed 11 P.M.

**********

Friday, August 13, 1920

Overcast humid day with little rain. Arose 5:15 A.M. Breakfast. Father, Nellie and I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Father & I to country. Merlin there all day. Supper. Candled eggs before leaving. Went after milk, talked etc. To bed 10 BELLS.

**********

Thursday, August 12, 1920

Up to see Goewey at Weavers with ford.  Rain in night. Cleared warm during day. Arose 5:15 A.M. Nellie and I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Home to Swaggertown Supper. Helped pick berries, grease auto etc. Merlin out in evening on wheel. Stayed overnight with me. Talked. Played piano, read etc. To bed 10 P.M.

**********
He and Merlin are obviously good friends.

Wednesday, August 11, 1920

Overcast in A.M. Fair and warm in P.M. Arose 5:15 A.M. Father & I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Father, Mother, Nellie and I to country. Supper. WENT by way of Scotia. Store business. Lots of beautiful flowers. Chored around. Read etc. To bed 10 BELLS.

**********

Tuesday, August 10, 1920

[Greek writing] Warm muggy overcast day. Heavy rain in A.M. Arose 5:15 A.M. Father, Nellie and I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. More rain at night. Rolled tennis court and other odd jobs. To bed 9:45 P.M. Merlin Finch's last day of torture. Brot [sic] safely back home.

**********
Good grief! What were the Reynolds doing to Merlin?

Monday, August 9, 1920

Hot fair close clear day. Arose 6 A.M. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Father, Nellie & I to country place by way of Scotia. Father let Scotia store to T. DeMartin barber. Supper. Worked on Ford. Talked with Ruth. Wrote letter. Played piano etc. To bed 10:15 P.M.

**********
So, I guess the Clossons will not run the store anymore. I didn't get the impression they were doing that anyway, though. Interesting . . . Trying to find the barber Mr. DeMartin, I found a barber from Italy living in Schenectady in 1915 whose name was Tamy DeMartin. He may be the guy.

Sunday, August 8, 1920

Very bright and hot in A.M. Arose 8 A.M. Breakfast at Gollupa. climbed mountain etc. To Morning service. Good. Dinner at dining hall. Started home 3 P.M. No rain at Sch'dy but passed thru showers. Nice trip. Out to Reynolds in evening. Cordial reception. Nice visit. To bed 1 A.M.

**********

Saturday, August 7, 1920

Ruth home from Auburn. Overcast warm day but no rain. Arose 6 A.M. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. Home. cleaned up. Father, Mother, Nellie & I started for Riverside 2 P.M. arriving 7 P.M. Stopped for Uncle John & Aunt Gertie. Supper along road. Stayed at Gollupa cottage. Good evening meeting. To bed 12:30 P.M.

**********
Not sure what Gollupa cottage is. Could it be a friend's house?

Friday, August 6, 1920

Beautiful bright clear warm day. Arose 5 A.M. All to city with both cars. To work at United States Army Reserve Depot S.S. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Supper. All stayed in city. Candled eggs. Shaved. Took bath etc. To bed 10 P.M. Thankful for health, friends, opportunities, parents, etc.

**********

Thursday, August 5, 1920

M.J.F. beaucoup laborat. Marvelous bright hot clear day. Arose 5:15 A.M. Breakfast. Nellie & I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Good dinner. N.M.C. and I to Park site. Worked around place picking berries etc. To bed 10:30 P.M. THANKFUL.

**********
Merlin is working hard, apparently.

Wednesday, August 4, 1920

Most beautiful bright warm day. Arose 5:15 A.M. Breakfast. Nellie, Father & I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. To country by way of Scotia. Father to see barber. Father, Mother, Nellie to Uncle Johns. I wrote letters. To bed 10 Bells.

**********

Tuesday, August 3, 1920

Beautiful bright clear mild day. Arose 5:15 A.M. To city alone with Ford. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. transferring stuff. Nellie and I to country. Supper. Helped father around place at odd jobs. To bed 9:30 P.M. Thankful for worldly comforts.

**********

Monday, August 2, 1920

M.J.F. working at Reynolds 1st day. Nice fair warm clear day. Arose 5:15 A.M. Breakfast. Father Nellie and I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. To Park Site Swaggertown. Helped pull weeds out of early potatoes etc. Read paper, played piano. To bed 9:30 P.M.

**********
I'm assuming that Merlin was working for their friends, the Reynolds. I wonder what he was doing?

Sunday, August 1, 1920

Most wonderful bright mild day. Arose 8:15 A.M. to Scotia to church. Communion Service. To Mariaville to see Uncle Charlie. Much better. Picnic lunch. Nice visit. Mother, Father, Nellie to call on Myers. [drawing of an eye] called on Reynolds. Nice visit. To country. To bed 10 BELLS.

**********

Saturday, July 31, 1920

Overcast warm day. Rain in evening. Arose 6 A.M. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 to 11:30 A.M. Home. Dinner & bath shave etc. To country place. Picked berries. Mowed lawn etc. Played piano. To bed 8:15 P.M. Thankful for health, friends, education, opportunities etc.

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I think I would've taken my bath after I picked berries and mowed the lawn. But he must have been tired since he went to bed so early.

Friday, July 30, 1920

Overcast cool breezy day. Some rain in A.M. Arose 5:15 A.M> To city by way of Scotia. Father to see barber about store. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Helped father candle eggs. Merlin & I down street. Bought shoes. Bowled at [star]. Talked on church steps. To bed 12:30 P.X.

**********

Thursday, July 29, 1920

Fair warm day with some breeze. Arose 5:15 A.M. Nellie & I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. N.M. & I to country place. Supper. Helped father wash Hudson. Out riding. Took Uncle Henry home. Nice visit. To bed 10 P.M.

**********

Wednesday, July 28, 1920

Beautiful hot hay day. Arose 5:15 A.M. Father, N.M.C. & I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. To country place by way of Scotia to sea [sic] barber about store. Lots of cars from other cities and states pass thru. Took Uncle Henry out riding in evening to Charlton, Rittle, Troy etc. To bed 9:45 P.X.

**********
Not sure why they were seeing the barber about a store(?).

Tuesday, July 27, 1920

Goewey stayed over nite with me. Uncle Henry here. Beautiful bright, hot day. Arose 5:15 A.M. To city with Ford alone. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Downtown on errands. Nellie & I to country place. Hay cut by Schlensker. Out riding in evening to Uncle John's. Ice cream at Wilsons etc. To bed 10:30 P.X.

**********

Monday, July 26, 1920

Ruth left for Auburn. Bright fair clear day but quite cool. Arose 6 A.M. To U.S. Army Reserve Depot to work 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Supper in city. Father, Mother & I to country with two cars. Picked 8 qts purple berries. Talked. Played piano. Wrote in diary etc. To bed 9:45 P.X.

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Since Stanford's been working, his social life has somewhat diminished.

Sunday, July 25, 1920

Bright and overcast intermittent. Arose 8:15 A.M. Toilet made and breakfast eaten. To Scotch Street to church. Dinner. Took nap in P.M. Marcus Rose & Jesse here to call in P.M. Picked berries for R's & F's. Ruth, Merlin & I to city on errands and thence out to Reynolds to supper. Good eats, fine time. To bed 1:15 A.M.

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This was Nellie's 34th birthday, apparently, at least according to Stanford's pictures. Here they are; they're kind of cute, really.

Nellie died a little more than 30 years later on August 25, 1950 in Washington, DC. Below is her death notice that appeared in the Schenectady Gazette the next day.

Saturday, July 24, 1920

Beautiful bright warm clear day. Arose 6 A.M. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 to 11:30 A.M. Cleaned up. Family + Merlin Finch to country place. Picked berries etc. To ice cream social at Glenville Center at nite. Walked to Weaver store. To bed 11:30 P.X.

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There were quite a few ice cream socials back then, it seems . . .

Friday, July 23, 1920

Overcast wet mild muggy day. Arose 5:15 A.M. Father & I to et with Ford. Mother, Ruth, Nellie, & D. go later with S.S. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 to 4:30 P.M. Supper. Helped father candle eggs. Took bath, shaved etc. To bed 11 P.M.

**********

Thursday, July 22, 1920

Fair in A.M. Some rain in P.M. Arose 5:15 A.M. Nellie & I to City. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 to 4:30 P.M. To Swaggertown. Out riding in evening. To Uncle Johns, Wilsons for ice cream, soft drinks, peanuts etc. Home. On D talked R porch S front with. Vale nox ><. To bed 11:15 P.X.

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Kind of a clever way of saying Talked on the front porch with D.S.R. I guess you could call that an anagram of a sort? A scrambled sentence? Vale nox is Latin for Good night, I think, so he apparently obtained a goodnight kiss from Ms. Reynolds.

Wednesday, July 21, 1920

Fair mild clear day. Arose 5:15 A.M. Nellie, father, Merlin & I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Dorothea out in A.M. to stay with Ruth for couple days. Home. Played tennis. D.S.R. Ruth & I to store cross lots rain. To bed 11:30 P.X.

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Here is a picture Stanford drew to illustrate the weather.

Tuesday, July 20, 1920

Marvelous bright mild clear day. Arose 5:15 A.M. E.M.C. and I to city. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. To country place with Nellie & Lizzy. Supper. Picked berries. Walked, talked etc. Merlin out in evening on wheel. Stayed over nite. To bed 10 P.M.

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I guess the country place was close enough for Merlin to bicycle out there. They must have been close friends.

Monday, July 19, 1920

Fair warm clear day. Arose 6 A.M. To work at U.S.A.R.D . 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. To country place with S.S. Father out later with Ford. Chored around. Played piano. Went after milk etc. To bed 9:30 P.M. Thankful for health, friends, worldly comforts, opportunities etc.

**********

Sunday, July 18, 1920

Overcast cool windy day. Roads muddy. Arose 9 A.M. To Charlton to church in A.M. Good service. Et dinner. To Center Glenville to church 2:30 P.M. Communion service. District Supt. presided. Supper. Ruth & I to city and then out to Reynolds. Nice visit. To bed 11 P.X.

**********
Wow, how can he go so long without bowling? Hard to believe.

Saturday, July 17, 1920

Beautiful bright mild day. Arose 6 A.M. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 to 11:30 A.M. Home in city. Dinner. Candled eggs. To country place. Worked around. To Burnt Hills to ice cream social. To Ballston Lake to meet Ruth. To bed 11:30 P.X.

********** 

Friday, July 16, 1920

Marvelously bright warm day. Arose 5:15 A.M. Family to city with truck. To work at Warehouse 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Home. Took bath. Cleaned up. Out to Reynolds with Ford. Kingsburys & Greggs their [sic]. Nice visit. To bed 1:45 A.M. Thankful for health, friends, and parents etc.

**********

Thursday, July 15, 1920

Rain in early A.M. Roads muddy. Arose 5 A.M. Nellie & I to city in Lizzy. To work at Warehouse 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. To country place with Ford. Supper. Mowed lawn. Picked currents, berries etc. Wrote, read, played piano etc. To bed 10 BELLS.

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I guess the Lizzy is the Ford?

Wednesday, July 14, 1920

Overcast in A.M. Showers in P.M. Arose 5 A.M. Father & I to city. To work at Warehouse 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. handling barbed wire. To country place. Mowed part of lawn. Read. Talked etc. To bed 9 P.M. Thankful for wonders of nature.

**********

Tuesday, July 13, 1920

Alternating fair & overcast. Rain in P.M. at Swaggertown. None in city. Arose 6 A.M. To work at Warehouse 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. To Park Site with Ford. Mother, Nellie & Father up in A.M. with S.S. Rolled tennis court. Played croquet. Read, played piano etc. To bed 11:30 P.X. Wrote letter to D.S.R.

**********
I guess he is referring to himself as "S.S." here?  Hmmm . . .

Monday, July 12, 1920

Wet muggy day. Thunder showers with intermittent sunshine. Arose 6 A.M. To work at U.S.A.R.D. at S.S. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Home. Supper. Played piano. Read paper. candled eggs. Wrote in diary, wrote letters etc. To bed 10:30 P.X.  [Some indecipherable Greek word]

**********

Sunday, July 11, 1920

Overcast hot day but no rain. Arose 8:30 A.M. Breakfast and morning worship. To Round Lake to church. Nice ride. Fine sermon by Bishop Quayle. Slept read etc. in P.M. Back to city 9 P.M.Walked & talked with Russell. To bed 12 P.X.

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Bishop Quayle was a Methodist bishop, I'm guessing. Here is an excerpt from an article in the Methodist journal, Christian Advocate for September 23, 1920.

Saturday, July 10, 1920

Wonderfully marvelous bright hot day. Arose 6 A.M. To work at Army Reserve Depot 7:30 to 11:30 A.M. Home 12:10 M. Cleaned up. Father, Mother & I to Uncle Johns to dinner. Talked etc. Fine time. Russell up in P.M. To Park Site. To ice cream social. Nellie up. To bed 12 P.M.

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Was he working Saturday to make up for the holiday? Hmmmm . . . 

Friday, July 9, 1920

Beautiful bright hot day. Arose 6 A.M. To work at Warehouse 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Helped father candle eggs. Up to see Russell. Took bath. Chored around. Wrote in diary etc. To bed 11 P.M. Thankful for health.

**********
I wonder what he did at the warehouse?

Thursday, July 8, 1920

Fair mild day. Cloudy by spells. Arose 6 A.M. To work 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Home. Candled eggs. Played tennis with Merlin and Russell and Pleasant Valley Park. Out riding in Norris Fliver. To D.S.R. All in bed. Walked around. To bed 1 A.M.

**********
Well, now he's with his friends, isn't he? So they're not gone, then?

Wednesday, July 7, 1920

Few drops of rain in A.M. alternating fair and overcast. Rain at nite. Arose 6 A.M. To work at Army Reserve Depot 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Supper. Played piano. Read paper etc. Candled eggs. Wrote letters etc. To bed 10:30 P.M. Thankful for health, good parents, friends tho absent etc.

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Ah, so it's not just girls he's lonesome for but all his friends! Maybe because he's working every day he doesn't have time to socialize?

Tuesday, July 6, 1920

Marvelously beautiful bright warm day. Arose 6 A.M. To work at United States Army Reserve Depot 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Delivered and candled eggs. Played piano, read paper etc. Wrote letters to nobody. Changed my mind. To bed 10 BELLS.

**********

Monday, July 5, 1920

Cool damp and windy in A.M. Fair bright & warm in P.M. Arose 6:45 A.M. Hoed in garden, froze ice cream, on errands etc. Mr. Hamid of India spent day with us. Moved back at night. Talked with Merlin and Russell. Candled eggs. To be 10:30 P.M. Fireworks.

*********
I guess since Independence Day was on a Sunday this year it was celebrated on Monday with a day off. That would explain the fireworks' being a day late. 

Sunday, July 4, 1920

Cold, windy, damp day. Some rain in P.M. Arose 8:15 A.M. Mother, Nellie, Father and I to Burnt Hills Baptist Church. Called on Uncle John. Dinner. Took nap in P.M. Called on neighbors. Telephone to Russ and Merlin. Supper. Wrote in diary. Wrote letter to Stella etc. Lonesome. To bed 10:30 P.M.

**********
No fireworks? I wonder if it was because of the weather. Well, there will be some tomorrow, as I see looking ahead.

This is the first mention of loneliness I've seen in the diary. Interesting . . . All his girlfriends must be out of town.

Saturday, July 3, 1920

Cool, damp, dark day with rain in A.M. and P.M. Arose 6 A.M. To work 7:30 to 11:30 A.M. Home. Took nap in P.M. Candled eggs. Mother, Father, Nellie and I to country place. Picked strawberries. Played piano etc. To bed 10 P.M.

**********
Looks like Stanford got off early the day before a holiday. Good for him!

Friday, July 2, 1920

Bright hot day in A.M. Rain in Evening. Arose 6 A.M. To work at U.S.A.R.D. 7:30 A.M. to 4 P.M. Paid. Home. Down street. Supper. To Fannie Ham's after sandwichs [sic] by wheel. Candled eggs. To bed 11 P.M. Thankful for health, friends etc. Ruth left for Camoirs.

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Not sure what Camoirs is, or even whether I have the right word--it's a little hard to decipher.

Thursday, July 1, 1920

Most marvelous, bright mild clear day. Arose 6 A.M. To work at U.S.A.R.D.A.S.S.N.Y. 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Mother, Father, Ruth and I to Swaggertown to work on farm. Picked bushel of strawberries, Hilled potatoes etc. To bed 11 P.M. Thankful for health, strength, friends, education.

**********
Is Swaggertown where their farm is? Hmmmm . . .

I'm not sure what all the letters signify, but I think he's making a joke with his abbreviation. The ASSNY is probably "at South Schenectady NY."

Wednesday, June 30, 1920

Fair in A.M. Rain in P.M. Cool damp etc. Arose 6 A.M. To work at warehouse 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Ruth on picnic with her S.S. class. Candled eggs. Wrote letter to Hanford. Mailed it P.O. Took bath. To bed 11 bells. Thankful.

**********
I wonder where Hanford is staying while working at Asbury Park? Is he working as a chauffeur? If so, perhaps he's staying at the house of his employer.

Tuesday, June 29, 1920

Fair in A.M. Deathly hot in P.M. Thunder showers. Very strong winds. Several trees blown over. Traffic tied up etc. Arose 6 A.M. To work 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Supper. Helped S.T.C. candle eggs. Read, played piano etc. To bed 10 P.M. Thankful.

**********
Interesting that he refers to his father as "S.T.C."

Monday, June 28, 1920

Marvelous bright hot dry day. Arose 6 A.M. To U.S. Reserve Depot to work. Put in 8 hrs. Home. Washed up etc. Mother, Father, Ruth & I out to Reynolds to call 7:30 to 9:30. Nice Visit. To bed 11 P.M. Helped father candle eggs. Read, Played piano etc. Thankful for health, friends, conveniences.

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Sunday, June 27, 1920

Most beautiful bright hot summer day. Arose 8:45 A.M. To Church & S.S. at Glenville Center. To Hardins Crossing after Ruth, M.J.F. and D.S.R. Fooled around in P.M. at Park Site. Walked, talked, read etc. Back to city. To E.L. {R-M, S-D} to Reynolds. Eats etc. Fine time. Moonlight. To bed 1 A.M.

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I'm not sure, but I think the letters (R-M, S-D) means that Stanford was paired up with Dorothea and Ruth was paired up with Merlin. I wonder how long they went out?

Saturday, June 26, 1920

Wonderful perfect clear hot day. Arose 6 A.M. To work at South Sch'dy 7:30 to 4:30 A.M. Cleaned up. To first M.E. church picnic at High Mills in Reynolds car. Wonderfully fine time. Walked to country place. Mowed lawn. To ice cream social at Center. To bed 12 P.M.

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Sounds like a fine day, indeed!

Friday, June 25, 1920

Very nice fair warm hot day. Arose 6 A.M. To work from 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Family out to meet me at Warehouse and thence to Mariaville to Love's home to see Uncle Charlie who is fairly comfortable. Ate supper by Lake. Made toilet by Lake. Fine ride. Candled eggs. To bed 11:30 P.X.

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Not sure what "made toilet" meant back then--perhaps to get cleaned up? That would make sense, since he didn't have a chance to get cleaned up after his day of work.

Thursday, June 24, 1920

Beautiful bright hot day. Arose 6:15 A.M. To S. Sch'dy. Worked from 7:42 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Read. Played piano, wrote in diary etc. Delivered eggs. Candled eggs with S.T.C. Wrote letter to D.S.R. Walked around to P.O. etc. To bed 11 P.M.

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The Warehouse, as some of you may recall, is the Army Reserve Depot. Stanford went to look for a job there in 1919, unsuccessfully, I think. I wrote about this place in my July 14, 1919 blog post.

Wednesday, June 23, 1920

Beautiful bright warm summer day. Arose 6 A.M. To Warehouse at South Sch'dy to look for job. Worked from 8:33 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Shifting goods around etc. Home. Supped. Played tennis with Merlin at College. Talked etc. To bed 10:45 P.M.

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I guess Stanford got a job, then?

Tuesday, June 22, 1920

Some rain and sunshine. Arose 6:45 A.M. To Warehouse to look for job. Home 9:15 A.M. Helped father. Out on business. Helped father put ceiling in bathroom 144 P.P. Mr. Munir and Hamid to call in evening. To bed 11 P.M. Thankful for health, education, friends, opportunities, etc.

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Still not clear who the two Indian gentlemen were.

Monday, June 21, 1920

Cool overcast rainy wet day. Arose 8:45 A.M. Helped father. Candled eggs in A.M. & P.M. Downtown on errands. Home in evening. Wrote letter to S.E.S. Wrote in diary etc. Ruth to Albany to State College Dance 10-4. To bed 9:45 P.M. Thankful for health.

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S.E.S. is Stella Sanford, I think.

Sunday, June 20, 1920

Beautiful bright hot day. Arose 9 A.M. To Church & S.S. Good Childrens Day Exercises. Prepared E.L. topic. Out walking with M.J.F. Led E.L. Meeting at 6:30 P.M. aided by M.J.F. Out riding with D.S.R. Family & + M.J.F. to Albany to put H.H. on night boat for N.Y. Position in Asbury Park. To bed 11:45 P.X.

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Hmmmm. It sounds like Hanford has a job in Asbury Park? Wonder what it was?

Saturday, June 19, 1920

Beautiful bright hot day. Arose 8 A.M. chored around. Helped father etc. On Epworth League sub. district picnic in P.M. About 125 on 4 buses to Round Lake. Home 9:15 P.X. Rode back on mud guard. Fine time. Our chapter took silver cup in sports. Talked etc. To bed 11 P.M. Thankful.

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Round Lake is halfway between Schenectady and Saratoga Springs. Here is a map of the area. Round Lake is marked with "A"--it really is round!

Friday, June 18, 1920

Cloudy cold rainy day. Arose 7 A.M. Out with father for business till noon. Candled eggs etc. To George Weavers funeral 3 P.M. Nice flowers and ceremony. H.H. took Uncle John & Aunt Gertie home. Anna MacDonald here. Downtown with H.H. & R.E.N. To bed 11:15 P.X.

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Thursday, June 17, 1920

Extremely rainy, wet, cool day. Arose 7:30 A.M. Home. Chored around. Broke eggs for baker etc. To Canton to dinner with Nellie & H.H. Delivered & Candled eggs. Cleaned up joint. H.H.  & I to Finch's to supper. Gloversville gang home. To Proctors. To bed 12 BELLS.

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I'm not sure what was in Gloversville that they all went there. I'm also wondering why Stanford was breaking eggs "for baker"??

Wednesday, June 16, 1920

Overcast day with rain in P.M. Arose 8 A.M. Out on business. Chored around. Father, Mother, Ruth, Uncle John, Aunt Gertie to Gloversville 1:30 P.X. Candled eggs. Out on hike with gang in evening. Soaked to the hide. Fine time. H.H. and I stayed overnight with Finch's. To bed 12 P.M.

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Tuesday, June 15, 1920

Beautiful bright hot day. Arose 8 A.M. Chored around. Helped father. Father, H.H. and I to country place. Garden fine. Home. Talked on front piazza with Russell Norris and H.H. George Weaver died 4 P.M. Thankful for health. To bed 11:30 P.M.

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George E. Weaver was the son of Hannah Westgate Closson and Benjamin R. Weaver. Hannah was one of Thomas's daughters, hence a sister to Charles. George was therefore Stillman's first cousin.

Monday, June 14, 1920

Marvelous bright hot day. Arose 7 A.M. Candled eggs, chored around. To Union College Commencement at First Presbyterian Church. To circus in P.M. with D.S.R. and Ruth. Fine time. Ruth, H.H. & I to Troy in P.M. to Russell Sage Dramatic Asso. production. Fine time. To Albany. To bed 2 A.M.

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Ah, the circus is in town again. Russell Sage is a women's college in Troy, NY.

Sunday, June 13, 1920

Overcast cool breezy day. Uncle John & Aunt Gertie here over nite. Arose 9 A.M. To first Baptis. To F.M.E to S.S. Arville Weaver here to dinner. George operated on in P.M. To church to E.L. Rode around town with D.S.R. Out to Parker's Corners. Refreshments. Talked etc. Hopped ride back. To bed 12:45 P.M.

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I wonder if he means George Weaver? And what kind of operation did George have?

Saturday, June 12, 1920

Goldarn nice bright hot day.  Rain at night. Arose 8 A.M. Candled eggs. Down town on errands. Alumni parade. Took bath, cleaned up etc. To Union-Rutgers baseball game. Score 13-5. Stunts at nite. '21 won song & stunt. Bowled etc with H.H., M.J.F., R.E.N. To bed 1 P.M. [A.M.?]

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I think Stanford liked the heat. He would've liked California, I think.

Friday, June 11, 1920

Fair and hot in A.M. Windy toward night. Arose 8 A.M. Helped father. Candled eggs etc. To class day exercises in Jackson's garden in P.M. Fine. Wrote in diary etc. Read etc. Wrote letters to D.S.R. and S.E.S. Walked around. To bed 10 P.M.

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I wonder if either Dorothea or Stella kept any of Stanford's letters? It would be interesting to read them.

Thursday, June 10, 1920

Beautiful bright but quite hot. Arose 8:45 A.M. Helped father wash Ford and then painted it. Looks good and bright. Washed up. Played tennis at college with H.H. and Finch. Family & Uncle John and Aunt Gertie to Ballston Lake for supper. Talked on porch. To bed 11:15 P.M.

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They painted their truck? Hmmm . . . I wonder how it turned out?

I'm glad to see that Merlin and Stanford are still friends.

Wednesday, June 9, 1920

Most beautiful and extremely hot. Arose 9 A.M. Helped father etc. H.H. and I on bicycles to see wreck near Hardins. Some sight. Then out to our country place. Worked in garden. Home. 9:30 P.X. To bed 10:30 P.M.

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The wreck Stanford refers to was a train wreck that involved two trains colliding. Ultimately 15 people were killed and many more injured. Here is a brief article that describes the event, published June 9, 1920 in the New York Times:

Tuesday, June 8, 1920

Beautiful bright hot day. Arose 8 A.M. Candled eggs. Out with father. Took egg cases to freight house etc. Played victrola and read. Ruth, H.H. Merlin and I to river to play tennis. To ice cream social at Church. Rode home with D.S.R. Walked back. Met Merlin. Talked. To bed 2:30 P.M.

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I wonder what he and Merlin talked about? Girls? God? Friends?

Victrolas were starting to wane in popularity by this time because of the upsurge of radios in the home.
Here is a 1921 ad for the product:

Monday, June 7, 1920

Cool overcast day. Arose 8:15 A.M. Fooled around. Read, played piano etc. Helped father. In late afternoon to Mariaville to see Uncle Charlie. Some better. Called on John and Anna on way back. Nice visit. Home 9:30 P.X. Talked etc. To bed 11 P.M. Thankful for health.

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I'm glad Uncle Charlie is improving.

Sunday, June 6, 1920

Overcast cool wet day. Muddy in country. Arose 9 A.M. To church and S.S. Ruth, H.H. and I out to Reynolds to dinner. Fine eats and time. In to E.L. Rode around town. Out to Parkers Corners. Walked back. Home 12 P.M. in bed.

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Saturday, June 5, 1920

Dark, gloomy, rainy, wet day. Arose 8 A.M. Fooled around. Read letters. Played piano. Over to church. Down town. Dinner. Bowled at Morse A.A. Helped grease cars. Shaved, washed hair, shined shoes, pressed suit etc. To bed 10:15 P.X.

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Wonder what all the sprucing up was for?

Friday, June 4, 1920

Fair mild day but not very bright. Arose 8 A.M. Chored around. Helped father. Sprouted potatoes, cleaned cellar. Father, H.H. and [I] to country. Cultivated, hoed etc. 2-7:30 P.M. Cleaned up. Walked around with Merlin. Sat on front porch. Talked. To bed 11 P.M.

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Is college over with for now, then? Must be.