June 1908 Mary Emma "Lewis" Martin Diary

June 1 – 50̊ above a.m., 68̊ above warmest
A bright cool day although cloudy this morning. Strawberries for breakfast. I took Phil and family home 9 AM, also washing, stopping at Keller’s for groceries. William harrowed garden with disc Harrow – finished. Lucien planted bamboo cane, beets and potatoes. William cultivating big cornfield. After lunch Phil phoned his father to come to meeting at 2 PM of directors so we picked a large box of strawberries, peonies and lettuce for Phil and whilst Lucien was at meeting I visited at Nell’s and Nell went to dentist and I stayed with Jack until about 4 PM. Met Lucien downtown. Brought home lilies, one half dozen, Livingston sent from Columbus and we planted them after supper.

June 2 – 50̊ above a.m.
Mrs. Mithoff’s Birthday. Lucien and I took her some flowers and strawberries. 83 years old. After we went to bank and Lucien cut the first coupons on Salem bonds. Bought Paris green for potatoes, got Lucien’s laundry. Letters from Chic to Nettie and Mary Lewis to me – she and Billy will leave on the 11th for California on four weeks trip. Lucien and William took pigs up one hill and the little red ones are back. William cultivating corn and Lucien blackberries. Elizabeth Wood very sick and Kate Martin still not well. Wrote Putnam’s for writing paper and envelopes and cards for both Antoinette and myself. Filled up sweet pea bed today.

June 3 – about 50̊ above a.m.
Looks and feels like rain. Lucien and I took early start and went to town, shopped a little and went to Phils and Phil and Lucien went toward station looking for Mr. Matthews. Nell, Jack and Lill are going to Fultonham this morning. Phil going as far as Zanesville to see railroad people. Lucien went to Dr. Beery’s to see about Ike’s feet and legs swelling. Lucien working in Orchard – hoeing. Mr. Matthews – tank builder – telephoned to Lucien at 10:30 AM, and Lucien directed him to take the same train Phil will take to Zanesville so Lucien will not have to go to town. William cultivating corn in big field, raining today.

June 4 – 62̊ above a.m.
Day of Mrs. Woodin’s reading and musical. Bright morning but still cool. Phil rented room for office yesterday. Lucien helped me gather flowers for Mrs. Woodin’s party – roses and syringa. After, Lucien drove to town to see Mr. Hayley intending to bring him to lunch. Waited lunch until 1 PM and men did not come. Lucien called up later and said both Mr. Thompson and Hayley were there and they lunched downtown. Lucien tried to get a driver for me, but could not, so he came out and took Nettie and I down to party at 4 PM, taking his satchel with him, going to Evansville Indiana. Very nice time at Mrs. Woodin’s, about 50 ladies. House decorated beautifully with my flowers. Phil called up to know if we got home safely.

June 5 – 60̊ above a.m.
Another bright day and not too warm, cleaned downstairs this morning. No letters or mail of any consequence. Very nice letter from aunt that yesterday, still in Cleveland, but will return to Lake Harbour next week. Shirley and Curtis going later. Lucien went to Columbus with Mr’s Thompson and Haley on his way to Evansville, Indiana. About 5 PM Philip walked up to stay all night and after tea he and I drove to Dr. Beery’s for medicine for Ike, who does not seem quite so well. No callers today.

June 6 – 62̊ above a.m.
Another bright day and seems quite warm. Picked a box of strawberries for Phil to take to town for his lunch. Gathered a basket of roses for Miss Marie Ewing’s party today, to which Nell was invited to meet some southern girls, visitors of Miss Ewings. Had a late supper expecting Phil, but he did not come. Iken about the same, feet still swollen. Put Bradley and her colt in Orchard with Harry and Red Coat and turned the workhorses in bluegrass pasture for the first time. Phil came late, about 10 PM

June 7 – 89̊ above at noon
a bright and glorious morning. No news for motion. Second mass of spinach. We need rain very badly – strawberries are not so fine on account of lack of rain. Phil walked to town after dinner. Wrote Mary Lewis. Phil walked to town after dinner and walked back in time for supper. Mr. And Mrs. Peters, Mrs. Rising and Miss Sally Mumaugh called this evening and we gave them some roses. Mrs. Peters went out with Phil to see our hackney colt and thought he was fine.

June 8 – about 70̊ above a.m., 89̊ above at noon
A shower came up at 5 PM. An exceedingly warm day. Gave Phil lunch and took him to town, stopped at his house – Ms. Lill Allen there are since Saturday with Ann. Had Phil stop at photographers, and got a postcard of our bridge. Still no rain and strawberries are all dried up tonight – the last mess for dinner. Telephone from Lucien to meet him at 6:15 PM at traction. He phoned from Columbus. Phil called up later and will wait for father. Had William hitch up Surrey and went for boys 6:15 PM. Ike seems some better, but weak.

June 9 –76̊ above at noon. Cooler this morning, but too bad did not rain. More yesterday. Took Lucien and Phil downtown in Surrey as they have engagements with three parties in regard to tanks. Mr. Jacobs, Mr. Nixon’s man, and Mr. Adamson. Got my dress from the Dyer’s and looks very well. William hoeing potatoes. Lucien telephoned me to come for him at 3 PM – he met me at Eagle works. Gave him a lunch and he went up to Orchard to help William hoe. After supper watered the garden. Kept Phil’s supper, but he did not come – had to meet some of the boys after supper.

June 10 – 60̊ above a.m.
Cool this morning, but bright. You should watered the garden again early, and then went to help William in Orchard – hoeing. Letter from Chic, Mother Wood critically ill. Lucien and I walked over the upper Orchard and then to the Hill pasture to see cattle, pigs and horses etc. Then through big cornfield by Hill pasture. Corn coming up in growing finally. Strawberries all gone – dry weather is the cause. Phil walked out after the ball game. Phil had letter from Nell, all well and ready to come home. Everything in garden watered again this p.m.

June 11 – 60̊ above a.m. another beautiful day. Next he and I picked currents for jelly. Lucien and Phil drove to Phil's office. Lucien selected patterns, Mr. Haley sent, and returned same by mail. He wrote a number of business letters and took all to town. Made 57 glasses of currant jelly. Boys home to lunch, had the first Peas. The boys returned after lunch to town. Postal from Rebecca, can rent Antoinette’s house. Also letter from Kate Martin to Nettie. The boys have not heard definitely from carbon people in regard to land for sale – for glass plant. Filled carbide house. Lucien came home in Ray Strickler’s automobile. Phil drove Harry home 9 AM.

June 12 – 60̊ above a.m.
Lucien and Phil took early start to town to see Mr. Hill of Albany, whom they want for manager, and to attend to other business. The boys took lunch in town. Lucien returned about 5 PM. Phil did not come, he will take supper at home with Ann and Ms. Lill Allen, who is visiting. Phil goes to Cleveland and from there to Fultonham to bring home his family. Lucien waters the garden every night and morning – nothing seems to grow, too dry. And if rain doesn’t come soon vegetables will be killed. Letter from Kate Martin to Nettie. Am embroidering table mat covers. Rebecca Clarke of Bridgeport died Wednesday, June 10. Will be buried today.

June 13 – 62̊ above a.m., 90̊ above warmest
a very warm morning. Lucien had a message from Steve Hopkins, Mold maker, who is in town – so we hitched up and went to market and then to the boys office. Mr. Hopkins waiting, he looked the pieces over and priced them but too high. Lucien answered the mail and went to hotel to see Mr. Hamilton’s man, he not being there, he met and talked with Bruce Walker – railroad agent about the destruction by fire of part of our meadow from spark from engine. Mr. Walker also talks of taking stock in new factory. Postal from Mary Lewis, Chicago, on their way to Yellowstone and California.

June 14 – 80̊ above at 9 AM, 55̊ above 5 PM
Rained hard during the night for a short time, and vegetables look improved. Have not heard from Phil yet. Second mass of peas today. Lucien and I walked all over the garden and upper Orchard. Tomatoes pretty good size, have set on. Roses still blooming beautifully and have lasted so long almost a month. Showers at intervals all day. Wrote Chic. No word from Phil. Very cool tonight, could not sit out very long. Lucien surprised me at noon with a box of strawberries, were seedy, but good.

June 15 – about 50̊ above a.m.
A very cool morning. Lucien and I drove to town early, got the Lancaster glass company mail and went to express office and got package of stationery and cards for self and Nettie – all from Putnam’s New York and then we went to office of Lancaster glass company, and Lucien answered all mail, also letter to manager of carbon company, whom Phil went to see and wrote them to make deed to Lancaster Glass Company as they wish to know by letter this morning. So Phil must have secured the property or land. Returned in time for lunch. Lucien sowing more bean seed, whilst he was working Charles Gill came to see him. Phil telephone this afternoon, just returned from Fultonham, with his family, where he went from Cleveland. William took big horses to Fairgrounds, also brought coal. Lucien going to town to see the boys after supper, so I’ll go with him to see children.

June 16 – 50̊ above a.m.
Williams says 45̊ above early. Lucien cultivating his new Orchard. Picked 6 quarts of currents and 2 quarts gooseberries for Nell. Mr. Greenwald put in pasture another horse. After lunch Lucien and I drove to town, Lucien to office and I to Nell’s with fruit, peas, radishes and water. About 4 PM Nell and Jack and self drove to express office and hitched and all to Phils office, where we found Mr. Kober and Graham. Lucien then went to dentist and made an engagement and Nell took Jack to the barber and had his hair cut. Went to Keller’s and then home. Still quite cool. Letter from Chic, she and Will leave today for Washington and to New York to see Alice off on her trip abroad. Sails on Saturday on steamer St. Louis.

June 17 – 55̊ above a.m.
Bright and delightful. After breakfast, Lucien and I drove to town. Lucien to dentist, he was away, and then to office, and I to Nell’s with her silver and jar of buttermilk. Antoinette met me at Pike, and we drove to Curtis White’s to engage him for “haying season.” Mr. Brockunier of Indiana is in town to make a bid on tanks. Lucien at office all day – took lunch with Phil. Mrs. Dickey and Mrs. Wiseman here to call. After Lucien phoned and I hitched up and went for him. First new potatoes for dinner.
Meeting of convention this week in Chicago for president.

June 18 – 65̊ above a.m., 82̊ above 7:30 PM
A few large drops of rain out of a clear sky fell this morning. 6:30 AM. Gathered the last peas and divided with Phil – first planting. Lucien has some stomach trouble caused by new potatoes and cookies I think. Went with Lucien to town, he stopped at office and I to Nell’s with peas and water. Lucien came soon after and we took Jack down to new location for factory to find Phil, missed him as he left 11 AM with engineer of C. & M.V., so we brought Jack home with us as Phil and Nell go to a dancing party at Wiley’s tonight. Nell bought new silk gown for occasion. Lucien brought grinder for blades of large mowing machine for cutting hay. Deed of new factory has not come. Put old hen into with 12 chicks and New Guinea chicks. Jack helped by carrying chicks. Taft elected on first ballot for nominee for president.

June 19 – 72̊ above a.m.
A very hard day and so dusty, everything and place so dry, rain needed so badly. Did not sleep last night on account of Jack being on my mind – awake nearly all night to take care of the bundle of sweetness and dozed towards morning, and low and behold Jack fell out of bed. Lucien took Jack and I with him to Westside to engage two men to come this afternoon and help with clover hay. Lucien went to office, and I took Jack home. Stopped for Lucien and home early. The two men here this afternoon to help harvest - two loads brought in, and then heavy storm came up and put stop to everything. Quite cool tonight. Lucien has trouble with stomach.

June 20 – about as warm as yesterday
Lucien picked enough strawberries for a small dish this morning for me. He had William run out some furrows, and I drop in corn in three rows – five more to do this p.m. Then Lucien and William cultivated all the garden. Lucien up very early and hoed a good deal before breakfast. After the work, Lucien and I drove to office, and I then to Nell’s and waited for Lucien. Home to lunch. Mr. Brinkman of Anderson Indiana at office all day – have nearly given him the contract for tank making. After lunch, took Lucien back to office, and I to Nell’s to wait. Brought the children and all came out about 5 PM. Brought home some ice cream. After tea Lucien and Phil finished sowing the five rows of corn.

June 21 – about 70̊ above early
Heavy storm early this morning. Lucien has not been well for several days, better this morning. Got him some new medicine yesterday. Put Bradley, colt, Red Coat, and Harry in Lane to eat. Garden looks fine. Lucien and Phil up to hill pastures to salt cattle. Showers all morning. First lamb roasted this spring, had new potatoes also – third mass. Alice would sail yesterday morning, on her foreign trip. Chic and Will went to New York to see her off. Gold Coin (bull) got in Wiley’s Woods.

June 22 – 80̊ above the warmest today
A great deal of humidity. Rained and stormed during the night and rained hard early, but sun came out about 9 AM. Did not sleep last night. Lucien and William had to go to Wiley’s Woods for bull– and after he hitched up to go to town with Phil, but had to change every garment as he was drenched through. Lucien came home to lunch. Nell and Phil picked almost a box of currents, so I gave her a loaf of fresh bread and took her and Jack home about 3 PM. Stopped at Kirby’s and bought two small dishes, and at Woodin’s and paid bill, then to Phil’s with Nell and Jack. Lucien and William weeding the strawberry bed. Lucien and Phil had desk, letter file etc. moved from Ohio Flint.

June 23 – 70̊ above a.m.
First beets today. After breakfast, took Lucien to office, and then to Ohio Flint and then back to office – the two rooms for office etc. are more convenient and models can be kept out of sight in the small room. Went to see Mr. Tobias about his machine for locating oil or gas. Lucien went to Phil’s for lunch. Jack started to kindergarten school – first day. Went to Curtis White’s from office, but he and family are away. William ready to bring in some hay, but no one to help. Will go for Lucien about 3 PM. Went for Lucien and he met me on Pike, he went right into the hay field and only worked about one hour, when furious storm came up and he had to come to house.

June 24 – 70̊ above a.m.
Three men came to help harvest from the Cole Glass House, all were previously farmers. After Lucien got them to work, he and I drove to town, he to office and I to Nells. Little Jack would not go to school, when he saw the children, “did not want them to look at him” - one of his shy moments. So Nell and I drove to school with him but he would not stay and after we drove to shoe store, grocery and meat store as the three harvest hands stay to dinner. Came home with Lucien 11 AM. After lunch, Lucien went into field with men. The order of Masons are having a great time this week, dedicating their temple etc. The three men that were working left at 4 PM. About three loads and part of another put in barn. Commenced to excavate for factory today. Grover Cleveland died, aged 71.

June 25 – 65̊ above a.m.
Bright and cool. Three men came to work in harvest field 9:45 AM. Lucien and I went to town after, packing Lucien’s satchel, went to office and I to Nells with water, lettuce, radishes and new potatoes. She was not home, left things on the porch. Nell took Jack to school, kindergarten. I then went to office to see Lucien, he left at 11:30 AM. Paid telephone for long-distance message, bought some Irish moss for Iken, and then home at noon. Men had to go home about 4 PM on account of hay being so green, could not bring in any more. Cow, Reddy, came up with a bull calf this evening. Phil telephone. Garden looks fine. Cleaned the upstairs.

June 26 – 60̊ above a.m.
Clean the downstairs this morning and put (something) in the front veranda and cleaned it nicely, freshens it up so. William got early start and went for corn, five bushels in spring wagon and Lucy. Took Reddy’s calf away at noon from her. Three men came to work this afternoon, will finish the upper hayfield. Very cool today, and simply perfect, although this has been the hottest June for many years. Letters from Mr. Thompson and Charlie Gill to Lucien. Grover Cleveland, ex-president of the US, buried today at 5 PM. Very quiet, were the burial services. No eulogy or military display! Iken not very well today, another little attack of his stomach. Phil wrote Mr. Thompson his father would not be home Sunday.

June 27 – 60̊ above a.m.
Bright and cool. The three men finished bringing in hay 5 PM yesterday, so I paid them off $10.95 for all the men for parts of three days. William cultivating corn. At noon had William bring an old hen that was killed in the chicken house by some animal – throat cut – during the night. Put a wire on the window of chicken house so I can close them up tonight. Washed new napkins. Children not coming out. Shortened white Batiste today also skirt I wear with it. A little warmer this evening. Taking calomel all day, not well. Phoned Phil this morning, all well.

June 28 – 60̊ above a.m.
Partial eclipse of the sun this morning about 9:30 AM. Sent Iken to get a piece of smoked glass ready. A beautiful and perfect day, and not very well, pains severe under my shoulder blade and chest. Liver trouble and indigestion. Put on mustard plaster about 5 AM. Mr. Clark and friend, who used to live here drove through to see the old place. Wrote Mrs. Bowly. Phoned Phil, all well. Nell went to church. Mr. Henry putting tile under switch for railroad at new factory site, so as not to keep back the work excavating. William and Family returned in time to milk. Mr. Thompson and Mr. Haley here, rather in town – Mr. T wanted to see Lucien

June 29 – 70̊ above a.m.
Rained during the night. Lovely morning. William cultivating corn. A big demonstration in town tonight for Vorys – his return home from Republican convention at Chicago. Two postals from Lucien at Evansville. Phoned Nell, Jack went to kindergarten. Phil took lunch at Hotel Martins with Thompson and Haley. He bought some more things at Ohio Flint. Phone Miss Mummagh and she told me of the preparations for the evening, the Vorys were making. Two men here for work. Raining at intervals all day. Telephone from Lucien at Columbus, will leave Columbus 9 PM.

June 30 – 60̊ above a.m.
Lucien came on car that reaches Lancaster, 10:45 PM last night, so I waited up for him. This morning, he is weeding the garden. Called up Howard Hazlett and had him sell 30 shares, Republic I.&S. At $.65 – bought it at $.57 ½ and have had two dividends of 2% in six months. After lunch Lucien and I went to town. Lucien to office to see Phil and I to Nells with potatoes, beets, beans, radishes, onions, lettuce and water. Took washing also. Lucien got certificate of stock from vault of bank for me and I signed and Phil sent by registered letter. First stringless beans today. Elizabeth Wood in very critical condition. Dear Little Jack came down to his father’s office with me and buggy.