THE DIARIES
OF
EGBERT WELLS
Of the Years 1913 - 1964
Transcribed by Allen R. Wells
December 1, 2012
Egbert Wells was born in 1886. He kept diaries from 1913 until 1964. He died in 1968. His
son, Allen R. Wells, transcribed all of his available diaries, creating this document.
Egbert Wells at his desk
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THE DIARIES OF EGBERT WELLS
Table of Contents
1913..................................................................................................................... 5
1914................................................................................................................... 19
1915................................................................................................................... 29
1919................................................................................................................... 40
1920................................................................................................................... 50
1921................................................................................................................... 61
1922................................................................................................................... 67
1923................................................................................................................... 70
1926................................................................................................................... 81
1929................................................................................................................... 86
1931................................................................................................................... 98
1932................................................................................................................. 109
1933................................................................................................................. 121
1934................................................................................................................. 131
1935................................................................................................................. 142
1936................................................................................................................. 155
1938................................................................................................................. 166
1939................................................................................................................. 178
1940................................................................................................................. 189
1941................................................................................................................. 202
1942................................................................................................................. 213
1943................................................................................................................. 225
1944................................................................................................................. 237
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1945................................................................................................................. 253
1946................................................................................................................. 268
1947................................................................................................................. 282
1948................................................................................................................. 297
1949................................................................................................................. 312
1950................................................................................................................. 327
1951................................................................................................................. 341
1952................................................................................................................. 355
1953................................................................................................................. 368
1954................................................................................................................. 382
1955................................................................................................................. 396
1957................................................................................................................. 415
1958................................................................................................................. 427
1960................................................................................................................. 440
1963................................................................................................................. 453
1964................................................................................................................. 468
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THE DIARIES OF EGBERT WELLS
About a century ago, January 24th, 1913, on his 27th birthday, Egbert Wells, my father
began a diary of the year.
The earliest days of 1913 had already passed, so the first pages of dates were actually
used to record the events of beginning 1914, until he could buy a real 1914 diary with the printed
dates carefully altered to match the real dates, for the corresponding day, of 1914.
Dates already prepared for the diary began with September 29, 1912, but the 1912 pages
appear to have been used for a variety of notes, not necessarily matching real dates.
On so-called “December 31, 1912”, Egbert wrote, “I have no diary for this year, yet, so I will
start here until I get one.” The 1st of January, 1913 is, therefore a chronicle of the events of the
1st of January, 1914. This continued, day after day, until Tuesday, the 4th of February, 1914
when, presumably a new diary was obtained. After rewriting the 1914 entries, the 1913 pages
were then crossed out so certainty might prevail.
The first actual real entry for 1913 was written on March 7 and there was only that single entry
until the 31st of March. After that, there was an entry almost every day until the end of 1913.
These details are given because some of the early 1913 comments actually apply to 1914. I will
transcribe them as they run, even though the 1914 entries in the 1913 diary had been crossed out.
This is not the result of confusion but simply a memorial to a time when purchases had to be
delayed and waste avoided.
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1913
(with early 1914 entries in January and the first few days of February)
Inside cover: This described recently introduced (U. S.) postal rates. They were 5 cents for the
first pound and 1 cent for each additional pound, within a city or rural delivery area. 1800 miles
and over the rates were 12 cents for the first pound and every other pound. This was all printed.
Egbert Wells’ first handwriting consisted of writing a girl’s name, first as Mabel and then as
Maleb, and a recipe for gopher poison at the bottom of the page – “White oxide of arsenic mixed
with chopped wheat.”
At the top of the next page is another memory aid. “My P & O stubble shear is D268”
Then comes My Full Name, Egbert Wells. January 24th, 1913. Wellsville, Alta. Box 177.
There is a faintly written, unexplained date, “1876”. Then there are a series of initials, possibly
birthday reminders, “Jan. B. S. M. July, Nov. May, Feb. Mar. And Nov. 1 month Tues. Friday L.
D.”
There are notes, “165 lb., 5 feet 9 inches and age 27.” At the very bottom of the page is a space
to indicate “Person to notify in case of accident” but the notations there are in faint pencil and
don’t seem to refer to any prospective next of kin.
Page 2: A coloured map of the Panama Canal. (The present Panama Canal was completed in
1913 and opened in 1914)
Page 3 is printed information describing the features of the ‘diary’, which contained many extra
sections, prepared by Laird and Lee of Chicago; prominently displaying 1913.
Most of the childhood stories of which you’ve ever heard were published by Laird and Lee, as
well as dictionaries and other reference books. This was their fourteenth annual diary.
What is then labelled “Page 3” gives “The Great Panama Canal record” and the State flowers of
each of the United States.
There follows a full page calendar of 1913. and overleaf the last 6 months of 1912 and the first
six months of 1914.
On what was designed to hold comments for September 29-30 and October 1-5 of 1912 are a
series of punch lines for jokes or cartoons which Egbert recorded.
September 29: “Am I to take care of the baby or your husbant”
September 30: “You look warm. I’ve been chasing a hat.”
October 1: “Get away from me. I wouldn’t have you touch me for a dollar.”
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October 2:
October 3:
October 4:
October 5:
“When we are married, dear, will you expect me to make my own bread”
“Oi hear your wife is sick, Moike. Moike: She is that. Is it dangerous that she is.”
“if you had been half a man, you’d have helped me in”
“rotterdam” “I didn’t intend to buy. I was looking for a friend.”
Page 6
Prepared for October 6-12, 1912, this page was used to record purchases.
April: Ink, goggles, 22 BB, seeds, corn, turnips peas, elastic.
bits, Waghorn’s Guide, oil of anise, stew kettle, varnish, cobbler’s set,
sole leather, It has cost me 42.50 for 8 ton, 120 lb of coal since April 10/12
to April 2nd/13, stove bolts, Glen willow, (illegible faded pencil)
May 26
Wilson’s wheat, gross 6670, tare 1410 Net, 5260,
Page 7
Skelding’s weight. Gross 6905 Tare 1670 Net 5235
Elevator 6892 1660 5230
Log wire 117 yds by 65 yds required
Iodide radish seed raison bread onions cheese butter
Day groceries at station Alum $185 three fays
Page 8
Boracic acid for to take a scum off a horses eye.
Land commission ones
(Three faded pencilled lines)
Carriage dusted
Miss Ethel Gowies, 296 Lark Street, Port Arthur, Ontario (Site now an arena)
Willie Fleming, Macrorie, Saskatchewan. (SW of Saskatoon)
Page 9
Music coffee book binder twine lumber hen and cock were 4.50
lard gun violin string twine whip file coffee coulter shank
three horse leveller coal elastic (faded illegible line) commercial tins
sulphuric acid.
Ringworm biniodide of mercury mix with an ounce of lard
Registrar Lands Title Office
Page 10
These prices for the transport are
P151-2 - $1.00 P153-254 – pack
50 cents P 148 – 25 cents
Total 1.75
Singletrees 5.59
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Detroit Car Supply Company, Detroit, Michigan
gasoline engines
Music stand Lamp wick 6 bread 6 bolts 1X7 6 bolts 3/8 X 3
6 bolts ½ X 3 Square nails 3/16 and 3/8
Page 11
When a girl starts to worry herself sick because she’s too tall, it’s
because of some man who’s too short.
It’s easy enough to be good when the devil has nothing really interesting in sight
2.54 franhit
Davies nineteenth wheat for Gillen 106.40
Page 12
McConnell 109 freight
“
113
Oil for harness
1 gal neatsfoot oil 1 lb tallow 2 lbs beeswax. While heating add 2 quarts castor oil.
Stir in 2 oz. lamp black. Mix well Strain through a thin cloth then bottle
Wash harness first with warm water and soap
Macleod H. Myers lamp – 1.00
Page 13
Writing paper bread matches boots stove
Two pkgs Dyola dyes light blue dark red
Plow share and coulter shank.
Tea, jam, ink, paper, cake, Drug store violin bridge writing paper, flour, cafe
Beattie R107. C Beattie 383
Savage 11.70 Winchester 12.15 Remington 14.40. (He bought the Remington, first rifle I
ever shot about 30 years later.)
Page 14
32 short C.F. Dom, .35 for 50 32 short C.F. Amer .50 for 50
(Comparing
32 long C.F. Dom. .40 for 50 32 long C.F. Amer .60 for 50
ammunition)
Pages 15, 16 and 17
Blank
Page 18 was printed to receive the news of the beginning of January, 1912, but lacking a 1914
diary he had used it to begin the events of 1914, by changing the dates.
(the daily entries begin)
New Year’s Day, 1914: drifting, not very cold, home all day.
January 2: fair, quite warm, H. Doyle here. Got mail. Dance at P Wintemute’s house
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3 Came home from dance about 6. Found P laying up against the stack of green feed. Took S.
Rollins over to D. Gillens. Had dinner and tea there. Had 4 drinks – rye and rum.
4 Sam and I went down to river. Had dinner here; tea over home.. It was a grand day no wind.
Page 19
The accounting of 1914 continues. The first entry was printed for “Sun 5”
Egbert had replaced the 1912 “Sun” with a “Mon” to match calendar 1914 reality.
5 I took Rollins (later to be his father-in-law) to town. Had dinner with MacBeth (later to be
his brother-in-law). Snow nearly all gone quite warm and windy
6 warm and calm put flutes on fence snow all gone roads dry
7 Pa helped me plow today there’s a little frost in the bottom of the furrow, not much.
8 snowed until about 2 o’clock warm and mild at the end of the day about 2 inches of snow.
9 mild snowing tonight dance at F Wintemute’s but I got a bad cold and didn’t go.
10 snow nearly all blew off last night the weather was kind of a duks mixture today.
11 fine day, over home, had the violin over St. Georges all there.
Page 20
12 lovely day some snow on the ground yet helped Pa kill 2 pigs I got one, 114.
13 windy snow melting a little
14 draw out a little manure from horses feet
15 went to town got Ma & Mary get a jug. Fine day. (Mary was his sister)
16 fine warm day dance in P. Wintemutes house. I went alone.
17 over on reserve to buy a horse from F R C. nothing doing.
18 (Printed Sat corrected to Sun) over home a while.
Page 21
19 cold and mild Ma and Mary went to Beatties I got Bruces harness
(Bruce was a brother)
20 cold, mild, I went to Macleod to dance invitation.
21 went over to McNeils to look at some seed wheat my first trip I called on
Liz Clark
very sick
22 snowing about two inches now bred black sow to Peords took white sow to Russels left her
all night.
23 cold calm got white sow today H. Doyle here.
24 cold & mild over home a few minutes this afternoon 35 below lyola Clark died this
morning
25 milder but cold yet cold tonight
Page 22
26 went to town to funeral very cold about 4 in of snow now.
27 cold over home for mail drew out one load of manure.
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28 cold
29 the west wind started some time last night gosh how the snow did fly until noon today
30 windy fairly warm
31 windy by Juko fairly warm put a blister on Plat
February (1914)
1 just like winter snowing and blowing from north east
Page 23
2 this is bear day it is a cold misty day
3 dance in Scool big crowd I got it up
Blank for rest of Page 23, 24, 25, 26, most of page 27
(the real 1913 entries begin here)
March 7 finished well at 75 feet deep there was 64 feet of gumbo and 9 ft of gravel before I
struck water.
Page 28, 29, 30 blank
Page 31
March 31 killed pig, weighed 127 lb. sold to Maggie 12 cents 15.00 (I assume the extra 2
pounds were liver, maybe parts of head, etc. or scales were suspect)
April 1 took a load to town for John (a brother) roads very bad loaded car stayed in town
2 scarcely any snow left roads very bad mud freezes hard nights we done no work on the land
yet
3 I brought 2480 lbs of cole from town yesterday when I came but it was two much for one
team.
4 (blank)
5 went to town took K for a drive got home about 12 oclock got a new collar for prince.
Page 32
6 wrote one letter to town
7 started discing it is hardly dry enough in spots to disc yet
8 discing
9 discing
10 discing fine now has quit freezing nights went to a Liberal lector at school
11 went to town tonight in Clems car to a Liberal meeting Arthur Sifton spoke
12 went to town today no work all play (Saturday. Probably an intentional rhyme)
Page 33
13 home all day
14 discing finished sod at noon put in the afternoon at stubble
15 started seeding wheat at noon today got about 16 acres seeded this afternoon sent a l.
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16 raining today from the NW only a little started seeding today at 4:20 killed a pig
17 started seeding today at 6:10 am finished the 30 acres about 9:15 am then went and voted
and
18 went to town and got home at 1:30 am
19 Tom cut his foot in a fence bled about 14 hours (Tom, prince, Ned etc. were horses)
Page 34
20 found the old black sow in the straw stack with 8 little pigs a day or so old
21 started plowing stubble today worked about 5 hours used Ned
22 used Dandy today plowing
23 used Nancy this for noon plowing and Dandy this afternoon harrowing
24 went to town this afternoon got back about 2 had tea at Maggies she went to the show I
kept K
25 plowed this afternoon turned Tom out at night used dan, today
26 plowed this afternoon turned all the horses out tonight
Page 35
27 home all day C Clark in this evening wrote two letters, one to N the other to K
28 seeded another 5 acres of wheat today that I had used for oats seeded 4 ¼ acres of oats and
barley plowed this afternoon
29 started to snow last eve about 5 and is snowing a little yet snowed quite a bit all day today
30 there was about 2 inches of snow this morning melted quite fast with a SE wind horses all
out except dandy
May 1 Stuart and Hartford (brothers) helped me to put in two gates and fix the fence
2 got a load of sheaf oats from Patterson this morn 8:00 plowed this afternoon used dandy
3 snowing this morning and all day from the N W real soft quite warm
Page 36
4 froze ice in the tub last night thick enough to hold me up got 2 hens and ruster today it was
nice
5 froze quite hard last night was plowing used D planted quarter bag of early irish potatoes I
had them with no frost one
6 plowing
7 went to town it was snowing quite a lot this morn I driove Dandy on the R H S O B (I
suspect that was the railway right of way)
8 plowed this for noon used Tom rained all the afternoon
9 raining a little this fore noon no work today painted buggy (Note spelling of forE noon for
first time. Also an earlier upgrade from “scool” to “school”.)
10 plowed all day used Tom
Page 37
11 rained quite a lot last night in the night
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12 plowing used Tom commenced to rain about 4 this eve
13 plowing – Tom commenced to snow rain and hail about 4 and a lot of water fell in about 30
min
14 finished plowing the 25 acres on east side of trail this for noon plowed this afternoon north
of Ps shack
15 harrowing this for noon cleaned and formaldehyded 40 bushels of oats this afternoon
16 raining and snowing today I am drawing out a little manure between showers
17 plowing some rain planted a bag of spuds over near the line
Page 38
18 a little rain not much
19 some rain this for noon seeded oats this afternoon
20 this afternoon finished the drill talleyed 19 ½ acres
21 no work went to show drove D on the L H & O B C T to the town
22 planted 2 ½ bags of potatoes
23 finished seeding oats and barley mixed this fore noon planted some more potatoes after N
24 finished spuds today planted about 4 bags or a little over
Page 39
25 went to T got some bolts for wagon box Tease was awful ugly
26 I went to Wilsons got a load of wheat and I had 4 horses 87 bushels
27 took it to T today I see my early potatoes are up I noticed them this evening
28, 29, 30 No entries
31 went to town stayed up for a fine show C Prince off tonight
Page 40
June 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 No entries
7 took D MacB to train got home 12 N had a colt
Page 41
8 rained a little tonight about 10 oclock
9 a light thunder storm by about 10 oclock we were greatly in need
10 drove Philips big mare for the first time dry
11 drove B B mare
12 I think the spring grain is awful late this year my spring wheat is not more than 4” tall yet
13 drove the big mare over to B Lennon for a load of wheat
14 ... and took her to town for chop and back. (illegible)
Page 42
15 B Nellie left today for --- by CN.
16 --- the heat took it
17 in town today it is very dry
18 John’s uncle not a handy man (?)
- 11 -
19 Plowede on J B place yesterday afternoon and this afternoon got a show last night and one at
5:30 today
20 Plowing on J. B. this a.m.
21 town
Page 43
22 went to church
23 showery today
24 P O J B P this pm some rain 7 chickens
25 showery
26 showery bought R. A. Downey out today
27 showery
28 english church missions picnic for lunch I took M S E P
Page 44
29 a little rain George Robertion here drove Tom in my sleigh for the first time
30 R O J B this afternoon
July 1 Tried to break but hadn’t finally
2 Went to farmers picnic on Pigan Reserve some rain this morning
3 bought Maggie out last night but not here at ten already now we have lots of rain
4 pulling weeds
5 went to town got a crate of straw berries 1.40
Page 45
6 took Charlie Clark home
7 disc this am on J B
8 discing on J B this fore noon went to town to Uncle Tom’s Cabbin
9 went to English Mission picnic this afternoon the ground seems quite dry
10 disc on J B this fore noon got a dandy shower this afternoon showery
11 showery dug in one hill of potatoes got one potato as big as a hens egg lots big enough to
eat
12 got a good rain today went to town to a show (This was a Saturday)
Page 46
13 P Layshounty here today hot had Houston for colt had new potatoes for dinner Chas
Clark here came with me from town
14 (No Entry)
15 went to town for binder
16 started to set it up myself
17 Young here setting up binder tried it out in green wheat
18 Pat Gillen here we drove over on reserve to buy a horse
19 Tom has blood poison in his foreleg had the Vet over today
- 12 -
Page 47
20 (No Entry)
21 Got some wheat and cracked it brought two bags home
22 went to town for medicine for Tom leg awfully swollen Exursion to Banff
23 (No Entry)
24 went picking berries today Maggie went with us
25 went over to dig W Joysts well but two much gass cant work
26 went to town for more medicine for Tom got a good rain yesterday
Page 48
27 Took M P home from C Toms leg broke yesterday morning in two places
(Which is to say the infection ‘broke’ not that the bone broke.)
28 raining hard this morning cut about load of hay this afternoon
29 put a new tongue in the rake Pa came home from Sask
30 Fixing the mower nearly all the afternoon Tom’s leg is a lot better
31 picnic at O’Briens took old sow to town weight 380 - $19.00 got 3.50 lbs of twine
August 1 started to cut Pa’s fall wheat at noon it is light crop
2 cutting fall wheat today very warm
Unnumbered section of 12 coloured maps – China to Cuba
Page 49
3 (No Entry)
4 stacking hay for Pa on Pattersons the severest hail storm I ever saw grain almost a complete
loss
5 some more rain
6 went to fair M P got home about 11 o’clock
7 finished cutting 2 acres if fall wheat of the boys on my place started cutting some spring
wheat the hail left it was a good crop
8 rain
9 rain
Page 50
10 (No Entry)
11 cutting spring wheat that was lashed
12 bred Nelly second time
started cutting fall wheat the hail hit it is a sick crop
13 cut this forenoon went to meeting at Allanfield school rain
14 cutting oats for Pa that was hailed good crop of straight cutting
15 noon finished started with 2 friends at my fall wheat
16 finished fall wheat this am went to town this pm
- 13 -
Page 51
17 rain
18 stooking for Pa
19 stook twine back
20 stooking hardred wheat for feed
21 stooking hardred wheat
22 went to whitfield ranch to get whear
23 stooked to town bought 710 lb of coal
Page 52
24 Philip got the horses today and is here now
25 went to whitfield for 110 bushels red wheat
26 took it to town today
27 finished cutting the wheat only cut ten acres
28 stooked grain got frozen
29 got a load of wheat
30 took it to town got there by Pas road
Page 53
31 tried a date but it rained
September 1 rain last night
2 I went to Whiffler for a load of wheat and took it to the train station
3 went to town with wheat
4 preparing the binder and moved it down to Pearson
5 cutting for Pearson
6 cutting for Pearson froze about half an inch of ice last night killed everything
Page 54
7 came home and got some twine and a rack
8 starting for Young when dry
9 threshing for Young very windy
10 Cut for D this fore noon stoking this afternoon left there about 10 to come home
11 went to town got a crate of plums and peaches
12 Jainy died today awful hot
13 warm and windy
Page 55
14 rain took M P to C
15 over on reserve to get Indians to help stook nothing doing
16 went to town to get some stuff for Toms leg
17 over to Youngs and Knickeys for help to stack both town nothing doing
- 14 -
18 have had considerable light showers this fall but for all the ground seems very dry to plow
got a good shower today also last night
19 went to a dance at Burdeau’s took Mary and Manda followed
20 I went to town John wrote of freezing and one of fair
Page 56
21 home all day
22 got half the hay a little rain and lots of floods made a gate
23 went to R N Wilsons for a load of wheat 98 bushels arm weight
24 town weaning a colt
25 Wilsons 114 bushels 4 boxes
26 town brought out 5930 lbs of coal great weather warm calm dry
27 started to dig spuds they are only a fair crop 2 bags wee windy
Page 57
28 took M P & C to church thanksgiving service
29 got a load of wheat dug two bags Wee McGregor’s
30 went to town got 3 tires it has cost me 7.00 for tire settings
October 1 Got a load of wheat and to Pearsons girls over to the church to the presentation on
Mr Chips
2 went to town with wheat today 114 bushels
3 got a load of wheat today
4 snowing
Page 58
5 home all day about 3 inches snow
6 snowed yet tonight but it thawed all day froze hard
7 Edgar Young turned 8 yesterday
8, 9, 10, 11 (No Entries)
Page 59
12 (No Entry)
13 went to town stayed in all night went to show
14 wrote a L to K came home today
15, 16, 17 (No Entries)
18 went to town took K for a drive
Page 60
19 went to McConnells for a load of wheat
20 went to town with co gave Kay
21 old Joe here got a load of wheat
22 came home this fore noon K ate at MacBeths
23 left one team in town went for a drive yesterday or last night
- 15 -
24 took a load of wheat for McConnell snowed a little last night
25 went to town took K for a drive
Page 61
26 (Scratched out)
27 (Scratched out)
28 took in the dance in the Grills with E
29, 30, 31 (No Entries)
November 1 went to town took K to the Barrica
Page 62
2 brought K out to Indian Island
3 Walter Loust helped me to stack today
4 plowed this afternoon on my premption east of track for Pa
5 Hartford helped me stack this afternoon
6 I started to plow on my premption west of track this forenoon this afternoon Pa Stewart and
Hartford helped.
7 Stewart and H helped me plow this forenoon and we were all 4 at it this afternoon
8 Pa and Hartford helped me plow the fore noon Stewart and Hartford this afternoon
Page 63
9 I took the violin and went home for tea F St George there
10 plowed this fore noon
11 helped Pa thresh this afternoon and there were 33 bushels for me
12 went to town came back for meeting in school a light snow fell last night K no drive
13 helped Pa finish threshing
14 Pa and H helped me to plow today
15 Pa and H helped me plow it flows great windy
Page 64
16 went to town took K for a drive left team at C. F. both sick too much wheat K and I had
tea at M
17 plow H and S helped
18 no plow sharpened shear
19 plow H and S helped in forenoon
20 P and H helped plow it was froze quite hard until noon
21 frozen too hard to plow
22 (No Entry)
Page 65
23 froze last night but it is quite fine today warm with the door open
24 I tried to plow but it was frozen two hard to plow
25 tried to plow frozen two hard
- 16 -
26 I went to town to C fishes dance
27 plowed today P H helped
28 plowing cold frozen about two inches no help
29 plowing P and H helped frozen about two inches all day
Page 66
30 went to F Wintemutes lovely day
December 1 (No Entry)
2 went to town had a gas with K tea at MacB gave Jack 1.00
3 went down to Furdas
4 It has been the nicest weather I ever saw the ground is frozen too hard to plow but lots of
people are discing
5 went to town sent K a L then to Rathwell dance not good then went on out to Burdeaus had
a good time
6 went to town got suit of clothes went to picture show saw K sent a letter from R. H.
Richardson store great weather roads
fine
Page 67
7 awful windy today not cold no snow stayed home all day
8 not cold but quite windy could plow now there is no frost in the ground the wind has taken it
out
9 (above entry overlaps two dates)
10 went to town to C Fishers dance spoke to K at MacB Henry Doyle went with me left town
20 to l
11 plowed today it goes quite as good as it ever did George Robertson here
12 plowed H and Pa helped went to Walterton dance
13 plowing H and Pa helped finished to this side of coulee
Page 68
14 had dinner and tea with bridge gang at Taylors
15 plowing P and S helped this pm with J mailed a L to K looks like a big night tonight windy
not cold
16 Plowing no help saw a gopher today got a letter from Blanche
17 Plowing today
18 Plowing
19 went to town took in a show at town hall then sent K a L from Queens
then went to Ezra’s dance in grill
20 got home at 4 slept until 10 oclock no work
Page 69
21 I went over home for a few minutes tonight kept all the horses in tonight cold
22 nothing doing today mailed a letter to Madoc got the horses all in cold
- 17 -
23 cold nothing doing
24 cold went to town nothing doing
25 I had dinner at fathers Mary and I went to Watterton to a dance
26 went to Fishburn for 3 bushels of oats came back to and stopped with G Robertson all night
27 came home today not cold but windy
Page 70
28 over home a while this afternoon not very cold but windy
29 drawing out manure it is a grand calm warm day just like summer
30 took two sows to Fundas it is a little colder today went to Burdans to A Sullivans dance
31 went to town got a tire set on the buggy brought S Rollins out it snowed about 2 inches
today and tonight
There are 12 printed pages labelled “Cash Account” One of them was slightly used
There are three printed pages describing “Rates of Postage” one on Canadian Populations, one
on Canadian postage, one on foreign exchange, one on U S populations, a wages table to
calculate wages, working 26 days a month, pages of detailed U S populations by community, a
page about Mexico a page of 1911 automobile records and a map of the United States. Some
parts of that map are cut off but that is not important as they do not contain any of the features
discussed – Indian reservations, irrigation projects, forest and timber preserves.
Here so ended the diary of the year 1913.
- 18 -
1914
(the entries for January and the first few days of February were copied from the 1913 diary by
Egbert Wells)
January
1 drifting not very cold home all day
2 fair quite warm dance at P Wintemute’s house H Doyle here
3 got home from dance about 6 found V laying up against the stack 4 of rye took S Rollins
over to the gillens for a dinner and tea
4 lovely day Sam and I went to river dinner here tea over home Mow went lost
5 snow nearly switched warm and windy took Sam to town had dinner at MacBeths
6 snow all gone lovely day roads dry put blister on Prince
7 Pa helped me plow today little frost in bottom not much
8 about 2 inches of snow fell today warm and mild
9 mild snowing dance at P W had bad cold didn’t go
10 all kinds of weather today snow all blew off last night
11 lovely day had the violin over home all the St George kids their
12 lovely day some snow yet helped Pa kill 2 pigs I got one weighed 114
13 windy snow melting a little
14 drew out a little manure trim colts feet
15 town got Ma and Mary got a guy lovely day
16 lovely warm day dance at P W I went alone
17 went over on reserve to buy a horse from F RC no good
18 over home a while
19 Ma and Mary went to Beatties I got Bruces harness cold & mild
20 cold & mild I went to town to dance invitation
21 cold & mild went over to McNeills to look at some wheat first try called on Lyola C very
sick
22 cold snowing about 2 in took black sow to Peards white one to Russels
23 cold mild H doyle here
24 cold and mild over home few minutes 30 below Lyola Clark died
25 cold and mild
26 cold and mild about 4 in of snow went to funeral
27 cold & mild
28 cold & mild
29 started to blow from west some time last night gosh how the snow did fly untill about noon
30 windy, fairly warm
31 windy by Jerks quite warm blistered Pet
- 19 -
February
1 Just like winter cold snowing and blowing from the N E
2 Bear day cold and misty
3 Cold but not so cold s it was a year ago
4 Cold snowing and blowing from the N E put a blister on Prince
5 Very cold coldest last night we have had 34 below in town I was in stayed for The Glass
Eye got heater
6 Milder wind got in west after 12 last night made snow fly for a while calm this P M down to
P Mills
7 cold 34 below last night
8 milder, home
9 milde but blowing like hell from the west
10 colder than yesterday wind in NE not much below zero
11 warmer the sun was fine but a cold breeze took turns from every direction
12 zero in the shade thawed a little in the sun at noon
13 about like yesterday
14 Windy thawing
15 Windy but thawing out
16 Sent old sow to Russells folder until noon then thawed fast went to town took in band show
and dance
17 did’nt thaw much today snowed a little this After 4 p,m. One pullet layed
18 colder no thaw Bred white sow
19 War, and nice. Got another egg, 2nd this winter Got a can of coal oil
20 thawed very fast this afternoon got an egg
21 Cold snowy Pa went to town for Ma and Mary they brought Beatys, Charley one egg
22 warmer over home
23 thawed a little C Clark fire over to the school for socialist meeting they no-come two eggs
24 thawed very fast put blister on pet dance in school no go
25 thawed fast this afternoon got two eggs
26 very windy thawing a little Patterson has meeting at school
27 warm could disc but hate to start so near the end of week and month
28 warmer Pa and I went to town took in show I was over to MacB K there
March
1 windy
2 windy started to disc I was the first in this settlement some spots the disc strikes frost in
bottom
3 cold and windy disc this forenoon put new boxings in L H half of disc this afternoon
4 cold and windy thaws a little in the afternoon & freezes hard at night disc this afternoon
- 20 -
5 cold and windy thaws in P M disc this P M
6 lovely day disc this P M
7 lovely disc this P M put new boxings in R H half of disc
8 windy over home Charley came over with me first time he was here
9 calm snowed about 2 in last night some left yet today blistered Prince
10 calm lovely day put out gopher poison some snow left yet
11 windy snow all gone discing this afternoon shot a jack rabbit used feats Chris colt head
12 windy this forenoon milder this afternoon discing all day haven’t seen Rex since last night
13 windy discing
14 Very windy disc the A M quite a shower of rain tonight first rain this year
(note) Joe and Josie
15 windy wrote 6 letters
16 calm froze ground quite hard where it was wet last night
17 windy discing started snowing about 6.30 this evening dance at P Wintemute not go
18 cold north wind no work
19 modestly warm tried to cultivate but it didn’t work I had Killorns cultivator
20 yesterdays should have been today I made a mistake Look at October 9th
21 fine went to town
22 Lovely Mary and I went over to F Wintemutes snowed 4 in at night
23 Lovely cool day went to F Killorns for part of cultivator not much work
24 Cold snowed about 2 inches bad storm from N mail didn’t go
25 10 below mail went today snowed a little all day about 3 inches now
26 Cold about 5 inches of snow now
27 Cold took back sow to Pearces
28 Cold thawed very little town got one ton chopped oats 22.99
29 Lovely day it is thawing steadily in the sun
30 Lovely thawed quite a lot today set one hen on 12 eggs
31 Lovely day snow going fast
April
1 fine snow about all gone fixing fence
2 cooler snow all gone fixing fence
3 Lovely Pa H and I killed a pig
4 Fine went to town got 50 bushels of wheat 45.00 Pa & Stuart plowed this AM
5 raining a little all day
6 raining & snowing a little all night & nearly all day no work on the land too wet
7 Cool some people plowing took Killorans cultivator back home
8 Nice went to J Wardles got 82 bushels 12 lbs oats $28.00 took tom and Browney
9 snowed about 4 inches up there came home today roads heavy first half fair remainder
- 21 -
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
lovely day discing this afternoon
nice froze some night went to town
warm quite windy I believe the ground is wetter this spring than I ever saw it so early
nice discing the quarter half
windy discing
warm this forenoon windy this afternoon discing Stewart help this afternoon
all kinds of weather Stewart help disc
cold S & H disc I went to town got drill stayed all night took Joie driving
little rain last evening white frost last night left town about 7.30 morn got home about
11.30
19 windy
20 cold trying to snow formaldehyded wheat and cleaning it
21 started seeding wheat seeded 12 acres today it was a nice day
22 fine and warm seeded 22 acres
23 nice cleaned wheat this forenoon seeded 7 acres this afternoon
24 windy seeded 8 acres making 43 ¾ acres seeded to Marquis
25 nice went to town got bread, stove, stone chopped oats
26 nice Pa and I drove tom over to reserve to see a horse
27 nice started plowing the 40 acres on the east side of the trail, for oats. (HIS comma)
28 little rain last night plowing P M no help with gang plow got can coal oil
29 plowing Pa help with gang this forenoon froze ice last night two chickens
30 plowing froze ice last night no help I got about 12 acres plowed tonight 5 chicks
May
1 no plow warm broke plow planted 295 hills early rose two and two feed rows
2 nice went to town got 1400 of coal Isa out had tea at MacB came around to see me at Jeff
fururon
3 rained a little all day its a good thing the ground was getting dry my wheat has not sprouted
yet
4 cold N W wind town for piece for plow didn’t get it
5 got casting off Knisely plow this forenoon plowed 10 miles this afternoon quit at 4:30
6 froze ice last night plowed 20 miles today fine day
7 froze ice last night nice today plowed 20 miles got over 20 acres plowed A S lear here cut
colt
8 nice Pa and S helped plow I made 20 miles they less
9 Pa and H helped plow Stewart drag spring wheat up about 3 inches
10 kind of cold north damp wind cloudy
11 fine getting dry plowing no help froze ice last night
- 22 -
12 hot froze ice last night I helped to seed some wheat on the 25 acres east of trail A M leath
plowed P M
13 froze ice H finished plow I started seeding oats 1 ½ bushels per acre
(In the margin is written: The drill was set to sow 1 ½ bushels
per acre and it covered 42 acres with 80 bus seed)
14 fine Henry Doyle seeding 11 acres I planted spuds
15 fine H Doyle seeded Hartford put on his team for three hours they seeded 19 acres (I
planted spuds)
16 Hot Pa finished the oats on the east side drill talley 37 acres Henry Doyle and I went to
town
17 Hot took H.D. home
18 hot black sow had pigs in old stack lost all seeded 6 acres oats and 4 acres wheat got W
from R
19 fine seeded 21 acres got 35 bushels from Mal cleaned it got a great shower this area
20 to wet to seed drove peggy first time
21 warm seeding
22 warm seeding Pa I Ma brought Isa out oats are up about one inch
23 finished seeding 39 acres wheat at noon took Isa to town
24 cold and windy
25 cold and windy killed two white pigs
26 nice went to town one pig weigh 158 lb other 149 brought Isa out
27 went to town got 500 shorts 400 oats drove peggy town
28 plowed this afternoon for Pa windy drove 10 miles
29 windy Ma Mary I Isa went to town Mary & Isa stayed in plowed 10 miles
30 calm plowed 11 miles fore noon went to town after noon took Isa drive stayed in all night
31 very hot at a wedding at MacBeths bought Isa & Mary out
June
1 very hot some of the first potatoes planted are up planted May 1st
2 hot Isa and I were down to Heartons light thunder storm
3 cooler Isa and I were over to catholic friends
4 cooler raining a little this forenoon took Isa to town after 3.30 back at 1.30 this morning lost
my pipe
5 cooler rain a very little this morn
6 cooler cloudy scarcely any rain yet this spring everything is very dry
7 windy town tea at MacBeths late potatoes up
8 windy home more chickens blistered peggy
9 windy and cold scarcely any rain yet this spring ground is awful dry
10 calm town cold night
- 23 -
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
some calm some wind very dry grain late not more than 4 in tall yet
calm and windy by Jerks 11 pigs old white sow 1 dead
cool and cloudy sprinkled rain but oh so dry went to town
cool and cloudy got home from town at 4.30 this morning military parade
hot dry and calm
hot and calm all day
hot and windy
hot and calm fore noon windy and hot
calm and windy by Jerks
hot and calm forenoon windy afternoon
cold and very windy regular ciclone
cold and very windy ciclone
sprinkled in fore noon calm and windy by Jerks
light shower at night
rained all last night wind NE stopped at 4 o’clock today
windy and clear
got back to town from Calgary about 2 oclock stayed in town all night
came home from town about 11.30 raining a little some early potatoes are burnt I don’t
know how we can ever
29 get more than 5 bushels per acre this year my Marquis wheat is heading out it is only about
6 inches tall yet
30 set hen it is very warm here
July
1 went to town very warm dance at Hazelmere
2 very warm and calm
3 got hail insurance very warm Dandy had a bad cold had him in to vet
4 cooler some wind and a little rain cleaned and moped shack
5 light showers last night and this forenoon
6 very warm blistered Prince rode Peggy with saddle cut pigs planted tree in front of shack
7 warm all the potatoes are in blossom except the wee Mcgregor & honey eye Rose
8 a little breeze U F A picnic sold two pigs $26.55 weight 425 (6 ¼ cents/lb) got 400 shorts
9 very warm U F A meeting at school
10 very warm
11 Nellie had colt last night it is 90wo pigs $26.55 weight 425 (ney eye Ros
12 101 in shade today I went to town Isa back from Whitla got home about 130 this morn
(Whitla is a town 182 km east of MacLeod near Medicine Hat)
13 some cooler tried to rain but nothing doing
14 windy
- 24 -
15
16
17
18
19
town Isa and kids came out to picnic light showers cooler English Mission picnic
warm Mary Isa and I were down to Woods picking berries
warm over home Isa and I were driving this eve old hen died
warm put paris green on spuds
some wind warm bred Nellie 8:30 am left colt in stable first time drove Nellie took Isa to
town
20 warm windy down to Roberts picking berries
21 town Isa and I were out driving windy and cool
22 windy excursion Banff
23 warm town Isa and I had tea at grill got a crate of raspberries 3.50
24 little breesy by spells Indian wattered his horses at Pas place
25 went to town stayed in all night very warm Maggie went visiting yesterday
(The pages from July 26 to September 5 have been
carefully torn out probably by Isa Rollins when she
became Isa Wells. My brother, Egbert Wells, was
born May 6, 1915)
September
6 lovely bright day stayed in town all night
7 left town at 10 to 6 this morn home 10 after 7 finished my stacking 4 loads (illegible) left
8 some rain last night and this forenoon cold and windy this afternoon plowing this afternoon
9 very windy plowing all day told Mary tonight about the wedding
10 quite windy sharpened shear in forenoon moped shack in afternoon
11 I went to town and got Isa her first trip home
12 rain all day no work
13 a little rain and cloudy took Isa out to school had tea at Maggies
14 fine plow this p m
15 snowing went to Glen Willow
16 plow this p m light shower this evening
17 white frost last night first Ive seen blow all day shot two rabbits
18 went to Isa’s school brought Isa out home (the ‘ was in the original)
19 helping Pa thresh this P M Isa went over with me I had 22 bus wheat
20 took Isa to school lovely day
21 Help pa thresh all day just a little windy this P M
22 fine day plowing blistered Prince
23 lovely warm got 114 bus 20 lb wheat for Wilson
24 lovely town rode out to Glen Willow (Glen Willow was a rural school mentioned in the
Macleod Spectator, August 16, 1917, where Isa taught)
25 lovely warm day got load of wheat at Wilsons
- 25 -
26 took it to town lovely day Hartford brought brownie and nelly home I kept old tom in all
night
27 fine day I got a buggie at stable took Isa out to school and brought waggon home
28 started to blow at noon
29 plowing lovely weather
30 plowing lovely
October
1 plow A.M. little rain not much went to St Georges phone to Isa
2 plow all day fine day
3 snowing like sam hill this morning wet went to town
4 wet snow all day
5 snowing like hell yet took Isa out to school I left town at one o’clock 4 hours coming home
6 froze some last night clear and fine and warm freezing hard tonight
7 lovely warm snow went slowly freesing a little
8 warm snow went little rode over to R N Wilsons
9 lovely day lots of snow yet drove tom to town
10 fine day Isa and I went to Lethbridge at noon back 6.30 eve cost 2.60
11 fine day
12 fine day took Isa out to school and came home this afternoon roads awful bad
13 nice day tried to dig potatoes but there is near 2 inches of snow on them yet so I didn’t dig
any
14 Isa’s time is up (crossed out but still legible) Lovely day went to river got some willow
berries for beads
15 Lovely day digging spuds big but not many in a hill went to J Derossig to phone Isa
couldn’t get Central
16 dug spuds fore noon Mary and I went to town this afternoon
17 Maggie went to Okotoks this morn Mary came home with Ma today left Isa and I alone
18 quite windy Isa was sick stayed in town all night tonight
19 windy took Isa out to school this morning got home 20 to 4 dug some more spuds
20 finished spuds this fore noon
21 cool & close (big ink blot, possibly “disc”) fore noon plow this afternoon
22 plow this forenoon disc this afternoon fine day
23 went to town at noon lovely day took Isa’s trunk over
24 lovely day Isa and I went to show this evening
25 lovely day
26 lovely day froze hard last night took Isa out to school this morning
27 lovely day Pa & I went to Monarch I had over 800 lbs flour from 14.00 wheat weening
28 lovely came home from Monarch via Macleod weaning colt
- 26 -
29 windy disc p m shut up 3 pigs to feed
30 windy disc a m took Mary to Glen Willow to a dance
31 nice came to MacBeths house and went to bed
November
1 windy took Isa out to school Mary and I came home 9:30 got a dog
2 disc little all day awful windy cold
3 awful windy disc all day cold
4 disc all day
5 snow little no work bank house
6 went to town got apples 2.60 per bbl drove tom
7 cold & windy Isa and I went to show that eve
8 Cold and Windy
9 cold & windy took Isa out to school came home brought apples disc P M
10 cold finished disc A M plowing P M
11 cold plow little all day about 6 hours in all
12 Cold plow all day 5 hours Pa & Stewart help Pa fed dinner here
13 snowing went to town drove tom went out and got Isa
14 cold got about 4 inches snow Isa made her second batch of bread at Maggies
15 15 below last night
16 I took Isa out to school today came home at noon 15 below last night
17 started to blow from west some time last night warmer but still cold & windy
18 blowing hard all day land drifting killed 1 of the white pigs
19 warmer but windy
20 windy went to town John Blakely there came out with Pa
21 windy Isa baked
22 windy
23 took Isa out to school came home this fore noon went over home got lumber Pa brought out
for me
(Written at side: Nearly 12 o’clock these three nights when
I got to bed)
24 town fine warm snow did some plowing got Isa’s trunk and furniture J. Blakely gone
home
25 fine pa and I plowed single plows he helped me to lathe in shack Ma and Mary here help
paper
26 Pa plowed fore noon H helped colt Ma helped paper
27 Pa helped lathe fore noon went after Isa P M Ma helped paper
28 Isa here lovely day
29 took Isa to town fine day cold last night
- 27 -
30 took Isa out to school got home at noon pa tried to plow to hard
December
1 calm and chilly worked a little at shack help pa kill a pig
2 Cool & calm Ma and Stewart help me paper in afternoon
3 calm and cool shot a rabbit telephoned Isa work little at shack
4 drove tom to town got Isa and came to Maggies she is home since last two
5 rheumatism in right shoulder
6 cold 18 below
7 cold snowing little took Isa out to school
8 cold work at shack Mr Gillen helped in P M Pa helped all day John came home tonight
9 very cold last night Mr Gillen helped all day and Pa also to work at shack
10 very cold work at shack Pa help 3 hours or 4
11 papering shack Pa help cold Isa came out with Ma and Hartford
12 milder west wind
13 west wind blew little last night thawed some in sun today took Isa to town
14 took Isa to school John loaded car got home at 8 o’clock eve did Pas chores
15 Cold did Pa’s chores this morning Pa H and S stayed in town all night Pa bought me out
1380 lb coal
16 Cold west wind drifting lathing Pa help some this afternoon
17 Cold west wind drifting killed 6 chickens rusters have 26 hens and 2 rusters left
18 Cold and windy Mary and I went to town Mary Maggie and I went out to Isa’s xmas tree
19 got back to town at 2.30
20 Cold & windy Elevator burned in town 1.30 this morning
21 took Isa out to school and back this morning brought Mary back this afternoon had tom
22 papering shack Ma & H helped windy
23 finished papering shack went to town after 6 o’clock
24 had Xmas dinner with Maggie Isa and I came home at 5 12 eve Ma and H mopped shack
(Notice that ‘mopped’ has replaced ‘moped’)
25 Cold white frost white xmas Isa and I had dinner over home
26 Cold & windy
27 Cold & windy Mary & Bruce here for dinner and tea got Morris cow
28 Cold & windy
29 Cold & windy Ma and Mary had the buggy to take Bruce town went to
30
Glen Willow dance and got home about four o’clock
31 Cool and Windy got a bag of flour from the granary and baked out of it today that is the first
bag I have used
Here so ended the diary of the year 1914.
- 28 -
1915
January
1 New Years Day Lovely. Thawed all day
2 SW wind all our folks here for dinner yesterday
very windy Hartford helped me kill a pig with about 75 lb dressed
3 nice day Isa and I were over home for dinner A McFadden and family there
4 Little snow all day Isa and I did our first washing blistered Prince colder
5 (No Entry)
6 Windy got 2170 lb of coal today from R H C Hilliard got home at 3 30
Ma was here
7 got Mr. Gillen to put the door on the bedroom
8 got 2350 lbs of coal today got home about 4 oclock
9 cold windy
10 very windy
11 Pa and I went to school meeting
12 little windy Hartford helped me put the coal down cellar
13 Isa and I went to town lovely day had dinner at Maggies house she is away
14 calm cold
15 got about 6 in of snow last night
16 very windy drifting
17 windy got our first egg this year
18 lovely thawed fast with SW wind
19 lovely thawed fast in wind
20 snowing all day from NW
21 snowing
22 drifting, west wind
23 snowing got 3 eggs today
24 cold and mild apples all done
25 storming NE got 21 two cent stamps and 1.00
26 storming little mild and cold
27 drifting horrible
28 nice cold
29 lovely cool Isa and I were down to Pearsons
30 Hartford and I went to town lovely day
31 fine warm SW wind
February 1 lovely day
2 Bear Day he could not see his shadow it was a misty dark day
3 snowed nearly all night and nearly all day warm
- 29 -
4 drifting
5 nice in fore noon drifting this P.M.
6 Isa and I were over home making some coffee
7 lovely thawing little
8 windy
9 lovely
10 snow nearly all night and day
11 lovely blistered Prince
12 drifting
13 stormy and super dirty from the north
14 drifting from west got 5 eggs today
15 lovely thaw little
16 lovely thaw fast
17 lovely thaw fast
18 fine day I went to town saw a gopher
19 snow
20 nice
21 fine day Isa and I were over home
22 fine
23 lovely day went to town and back in 4 hours got a calf $9.00
24 lovely day sold a rooster to Heath 75 cents
25 lovely day brought over a bag of flour but we have enough of the first bag yet for another
baking.
26 lovely day found a dead hen in the stable have 25 hens left
27 fine day Frank St. George buried
28 fine day Isa and I went to town stayed all night
March 1 colder and stormy little came home from town Glass left here to trade
2 got a yearling heifer from Pagault 20.00
3 lovely
4 lovely Hartford here helped me kill pig weighed about 100 lbs
5 lovely day took Isa to town to dentist
6 lovely day thawing fast
7 lovely thawing fast shot my first gopher this year
8 lovely day Pa and I went down to Glasses traded roosters
9 fine day I took Isa to the dentist
10 went to town for 78 bushels of oats took Chris meat sold Maggie pork $2.25
11 thawing fast in sun
12 went to town for 60 bushels of wheat and Pa brought me out 60 bushels bale hay 80 cents
- 30 -
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
50 bushels wheat and I got one bale hay 80 cents
bred Mary’s cow thawing fast in rain snow nearly all gone
windy first wind in a long time
took Isa to dentist
took two sows over to A Brewsters snow nearly all gone
fine day town got 9 bales hay an orfam bag
little snow last night got the two sows from Brewsters
snow all gone w3ent to J got 1275 lb of coal
bred white sow with nick in right ear very warm took the two sows back to Brewsters bred
the white and left the spotted one
22 Pa dragging for me this fore noon plowed this afternoon I dragged this afternoon
23 raining and snowing put some potatoes under the stove to sprout
24 nice day froze hard at night
25 fine day froze hard at night
26 went to town got 4 bales hay and 1500 chopped oats
27 went to town got 200 lb chopped oats
28 lovely day over home for tea
29 (long entry scratched out)
30 (long entry scratched out and replaced with) snow
31 dragging this afternoon forenoon Pa and H plowed I was dragging
April 1 went to town got 1700 hay
2 I and Ma took white sow with notch in left ear to town this forenoon
3 I plowed this afternoon plowed this forenoon lost one white sow
4 Easter Sunday got the pig from A B lovely day
5 seeded 5 ½ acres
6 seeded 8 acres
7 plowed with single plow this fore noon and used the gang with four horses this pm
8 very windy I plowed all day with gang Pa and I this pm 10 chickens
9 very windy I plowed with gang Pa and H with single plows
10 fine day I used the gang Hartford used the single plow
11 lovely day
12 fine day I used gang Hartford used the single plow
13 some wind I used gang H single plow Stewart took sow to A B this am got a load of hay
from Indians
14 a little shower last night Pa H and I plowed this p m and dragged
15 H and I finished plowing today S dragged
16 H seeded 11 acres for me I leveled very warm
17 went to town got 1680 lb chopped oats Isa and Mary drove Tom in
- 31 -
18
19
20
21
22
fine day the wheat that I seeded on the 5th and 6th is up fine
fine day I seeded and leveled
fine day seeding and leveling
cold north wind no work snowed a very little
fine day seeding all day H leveled this afternoon 2 fellows had dinner here and planted a
bag of early rose potatoes some of them had sprouted
23 lovely day I seeded 15 acres and Pa seeded 9
24 finished seeding wheat tonight I seeded 16 acres Pa 9 Pa seeded from 10 to 2
25 lovely warm day
26 windy town got 8 bales hay 660 lbs
27 nasty cold wind sprouting potatoes
28 started to plow the oat ground 4 horses on the gang
29 windy Dr McCafrey cut the black colt
30 some rain and an awful electric storm last night cold north wind and some rain today
May 1 some rain from NE last night, this morning and this afternoon NE wind
2 fair some wind took Isa to town this afternoon and left her there
3 nice plowing drove Dandy to town single tonight with an open bridle
4 plowing fine rain this afternoon and tonight
5 drove Dandy to town single today with open bridle fair got home at 11
6 got a phone from RM that Isa was sick rode in hospital at 5 at 2 oclock morn
7 Isa had a boy at 10:30 yesterday morning hospital 5.00 livery 2.00
(Birth announcement of Egbert Rollins Wells)
8, 9 (No entry except a note at the top of the page – sprouted potatoes may be up 10th) (and a
second one at the bottom of the space prepared for May 9th: “6.00 for horse in stable”)
10 the potatoes I planted the 22nd of april are up plowing gang plow some wind
11 plowing with gang Pa half with single plow some wind
12 brought 27 bushels 20 lb of wheat got $37.25 for it (Almost exactly $1.36/bus.)
13 little rain last night and a lot all day Pa brought tom and buggy in
14 rain a lot all night sent telagram Pa took nelly and tom into home barn if rain stops be
sowing potatoes
15 rain & snow all night & all day
16 fair and very light showers took May and Jhon (stet) to hospital (to see the baby or horses
he was driving) planted potatoes Hartford helped
17 AM fair light showers PM took May and Mollie to hospital
18 came home from town this afternoon lot of rain tonight
19 fair calm
20 lovely day H and I planted 13 ½ rows of potatoes
21 fine day Ma drove me to town with tom I stayed in Mrs Rollins got to town 6.30
- 32 -
22 lovely day
23 fine day lovely shower
24 fine day lovely shower took Isa out of hospital to MacB
25 fine day came from town with Pa
26 seeded 3 acres oats light showers sowed the small seeds in garden
27 got about 80 chickens altogether
28 seeded oats lovely day
29 fine day finished oats this forenoon went to town stayed all night
30 lovely day Isa doing nicely at Maggies came home tonight
31 plowing Pa & H helped all day I used gang
June 1 plowing alone Pa & Stewart helped kill 2 pigs tonight raining
2 rain a lot all night Ma brought Molly, McB out last night I took her in this P M stayed all
night
3 rain a lot last night came home from town 6 oclock tonight
4 finished plowing 15 acres south and east sides of trail got a very heavy rain this evening
5 went to town some light showers stayed in all night got a cot bed
Same 12 page maps and table of wages insert as in 1913 diary
6 lovely day came home from town lots of rain so far this spring
7 25 acres oats east of trail is all up fair
8 fair moped and painted the shack floor
9 harrowed leveled some and tried to seed some rye grass but it was to windy
10 rode dandy to town some rain
11 rain real hard nearly all the afternoon early potatoes are budded to flowers
12 went to town stayed in all night
13 brought Isa home from MacLeod rain
14 high river nicest place on line stayed in Macleod all night rain 12 15 left Macleod at 9 30
15 got to Calgary about 5 rain /15
16 I was drilling downtown this afternoon went to town got load of lumber rain
17 drilling Mr Middleton here building kitchen S help rain Maggie the boys and Mrs R came
18 largest machine made 32 on the 100 yds 22 on the 200 yds out of a possible 70
Pa, H help at kitchen rain
19 memorial for a tch clas (?) was downtown this evening missed car and took carpenter Mag
& kids to town he walked back got enough lumber for closet rain
20 misunderstood orders and am under arrest fair very windy got off
21 plow for all AM spring wheat on 25 acres east of trail 32 in high fenced from 7 to 10
22 plowing or haying
23 got in about 1 oclock plowing for Pa
24 rain nearly all day town to skating rink
- 33 -
25 mustard parade got a very heavy rain (I believe military references on 15, 20
25 had to do with training at Calgary’s Sarcee Camp for the cavalry reserves)
26 helmet excursion left for home about 8 oclock morn got to town about 2 pm
27 left town to come home about 9.30 some of my wheat is 35 in high
28 fine very warm clean out pig pen and drag 15 acres east of trail south end
29 sowed 9 acres western rye grass 46 lb set the drill to sow 1 bus peas per acre Pa went to
John Blakeleys
30 went to town for coal Isa and Ma went to town drove tom in Mrs. Rollins went to town
yesterday
July 1 Isa and I celebrated the 1st at home plowed for Pa
2 H & I cut hay fore noon and loaded up a load P M had new potatoes for supper
3 got a creat of strawberries sent up to Maggies
4 Mrs Rollins and Maggie went to Calgary yesterday
5 Pa home from red dear (from visit with his cousin, John Blakeley and family)
6 town got Mrs Rollins and boys they got to town from Calgary early this morning
7 got Chris plow to break
8 breaking for trees very hot Ma & Mrs Rollins were picking gooseberries
9 fine plowing for trees breaking for yard bread Isa’s heifer
10 went to town with S N and Ma got ½ crate raspberries
11 fine day Mr and Mrs Gillen here evening
12 went down to Sonys got a mare to break cultivated potatoes
13 rode dandy over to Joe McNabs AM breaking pig yard PM rain little
14 drove Dandy and Jock up to P Warringtons
15 Mrs Rollins went to town with Isa took Jack and Donald H help me drive Sonys bronc
16 (No Entry)
17 very heavy rain all day today
18 fine warm day Isa and I were down to Skeldings
19 very warm day down to Pattersons
20 Mrs. R and Jack came out with mail Maggie and Donald came with me Nellie had her first
mare colt last night
21 very warm rode D down to Joe McNabs heavy electric storm last night
22 very warm drove Sonys mare second time no help little rain last night
23 drove Sonys mare little rain
24 drove Sonys mare disc the tree ground and the yard with Jack
25 Isa and I drove D and Jack to Allenfield church
26 white sow with notch in left ear had 8 pigs took Mrs R, M and kids picking saskatoons
27 (No Entry)
- 34 -
28 Isa and I drove D and Nellie to town left colt in stable bred Nellie to Coffer bill colt 9 days
old
29 rain all day
30 took Maggie, kids and Mrs. Rollins to town got big shorts
31 fine day cut around the wheat
August 1 very warm
2 very warm
3 very warm
4 very warm
5 very warm took underwear off
6 went to Claresholm to demonstration farm fair 85 return left Isa at Maggies 10 pigs
7 very warm left town about 9 at night to come home
8 went to watterton to church
9 drove tom and Sonys mare up to D Wilsons very warm mosquitos very bad
10 very warm
11 very warm
12 very warm down to Joe McNabs he started to cut his fall wheat
13 very warm
14 very warm down to Joe McNabs
15 Isa and I went to town I didn’t go to McB house
16 Isa and I were down to Pattersons very warm
17 cutting fall wheat and rye for hay used Sonys mare first time in 4 horse team
18 breaking some for garden back set some that I had broken earlier rain last night
19 cool and cloudy
20 cool and cloudy rain very hard last night knocked a lot of grain down
21 drove Tom and Bronco to town got coal and twine Isa and Ma took Dandy brought Don out
22 warm Don and I drove down to river met E Gowsell in town yesterday
23 very warm started to cut the 13 ½ acres that I seeded April 6
24 Isa, Mag, Mrs R came out in car
25 finished the 13 ½ acres and started the fence left on S.E. corner and back to coulee
26 very warm cut little
27 warm cut
28 Don & I went to town took disc in to sharpen
29 took Isa to church
30 all the wheat is dead ripe
31 Don went to town tonight with Virthe had C E Clyde this afternoon
September 1 cutting Clyde stoked
2 cutting this forenoon Clyde stooked rain this PM no work
- 35 -
3 rain this AM no work cut this PM
4 cut windy Robert Wolf started stoking at 3 afternoon
5 I took Isa and Mrs R to the gillens
6 cutting wheat two men stooking
7 finished the wheat Mrs R went to town with Old Bill Glass cut once around oats
8 Isa and Ma went to town Isa stayed in fellow here enlarging pictures
9 all rain no work
10 rain fore noon cut onto Pa paid Charlie Clyde 14 and Wolf 7.75
11 all went to town brought Fortier out coal and disc
12 first frost of the season last night ice in water barrel all day
13 very cold yet cut oats of Pa on J.B. C. Fortier stooking brought Jack and Donald to town
14 stayed in town all night Maggie her mother and kids went east brought Isa out windy
15 cutting oats about ¼ threshed out in yesterdays wind
16 cutting oats
17 finished the oats this forenoon
18 went to town took C Forestier 6.25 brought Santor out
19 nice day froze ice
20 froze ice last night stooking oats Santor started to work
21 went to town got load of lumber
22 went to field houses for team drove black mare
23 rain house cleaning drove black
24 drove black work at granary dry this afternoon
25 work at granary drove black and dandy over home
26 (No Entry)
27 stooking wheat PM
28 went to town very little rain last night
29 Stacking wheat and oats for feed
30 very windy stacking feed oats
October 1 stacking feed oats very windy little rain
2 rain
3 chicken dinner Ma Mary Hartford Charlie here for dinner
4 fixing lines nice
5 dug 4 bags Wee McGregor potatoes snow rain hail no work after 10 oclock killed a pig
weighted 141 lbs dressed
6 started to wean the 10 pigs
7 dug spuds
8 finishd spuds had 7 bags Wee McGregor 9 bags fancy eye rare 16 bags pearsons white 1
bag early rose
- 36 -
9 Isa sick last night stooking for Pa
10 snowing
11 building corral fence
12 threshing rye and wheat for Pa 686 bushels
13 Took 66 bushels of wheat to town for Pa 79 cents had 4 horses got 1910 lbs coal Bay mare
weighed 1280 Black mare weighed 1320
14 Santor helped me dig spuds yesterday and today
15 ploughed garden took out one bag beets 2 bags of turnips Santor helped Pa dig spuds
16 discing and sowing rye Santor helped dig spuds
17 lovely day Isa and I went to church and up to Hilliards
18 finished seeding 6 acres rye Santor helped to stack
19 both help Pa stack fall wheat
20 both help Pa stack fall wheat
21 lovely took a load of wheat to town for Clem Santor help Pa stack fall wheat shirt 1.25
22 lovely Pa and boys help me stack fall wheat
23 H and S help me stack oats put up 23 loads
24 all over home for dinner
25 Santor started to plow on west side of wheat field
26 Santor plowing fixing granary
27 Santor plowing got a set of harness from Chris
28 Santor plowing
29 got a load of wheat from Verns took it to town with Nellie and May had 67 bushels Santor
plowing
30 Santor plowing took a load of wheat to town with May & June for Vern had 2880
31 (No Entry)
November 1 Santor plowing in wheat ground
2 Santor plowing
3 Santor plowed
4 Clem started threshing for me Santor plowing in oat ground
5 threshing Pa took a load of wheat for me Santor and I took in two loads
6 Pa took in a load of wheat
7 (No Entry)
8 threshing stooks
9 went to town got lumber for shack snowing
10 threshing stacks
11 threshing stacks went to town got lumber for bin
12 threshing stooks
13 62 bushels 40 lbs wheat $30.25 town got lumber for second bin
- 37 -
14 cold wind
15 threshing
16 finished threshing this afternoon started to snow little tried to plow frozen
17 paid Santor half for thresh stacks
18 half for a thresh stacks
19 went town got plow 67 bushels 18 ½ lbs $32.60
20 help pa finish threshing
21 Mrs. Gillen & Rose here fine day
22 took in 69 bushels at .769 = $52.45
23 shingling shack
24 shingling
25 work at shack
26 town took 67 bushels wheat at 76 cents
27 bank
28 Isa and I were down to Glasses
29 George Hagerty here lovely day
30 lovely day Isa sick
December 1 December
2 halling for pa
3 halling for pa
4 71 (bushels) 20 lb 84 cents $59.50
5 lovely Isa and I were over to turners
6 74 bushels 86 cents $63.65 paid Great W $32.70
7 79 bushels 90 cents $71.76 forenoon afternoon took in 67 bushels for pa
8 took 7120 lbs into (railway) car
9 wheat 76 bushels transferred to car to Pacific elevator Pa took 96 Hartford 62
10 snow last night a little Vern took in 119 bushels
11 Pa took in 94 bushels I took in 77
12 Isa and I were over to Youngs for dinner
13 took in 162 bushels got a man
14 Fred Lochs took in 78 bushels
15 Harold Young took in 124 Fred took 78 Isa and I took Dandy
16 Harold Young took -- Fred took –
17 Harold Young and Fred took in wheat to finish car
18 (No Entry)
19 cold windy Isa and I went to church
20 fred went to whiffles for wheat
21 took it to town Isa and I went to Calgary
- 38 -
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
came home from Calgary fred went to whiffles for wheat
took it to town
lovely day fred went in for pump
Christmas over home for dinner
windy
fred got 78 bushels wheat from W. Siffle took it to town Isa and I were to town
snowing
piping pump
I went to Calgary this eve
came home this eve
got the pump to work
Here so ended the diary of the year 1915.
- 39 -
1919
January
1 Bertie weighs 36 lb Isa -142 lb I -162 lb cold with wind little snow
2 drifting from west
3 kill 2 pigs sent one to Maggie 90 lb ours 125 thawing
4 thawing windy
5 thawing wind
6 town drove home without mits
7 8 9 10 Single entry: No frost
11 started to rain then turned to a very soft snow cleared off before noon lovely
12 clear & nice Isa Bertie and I down to McFaddens for dinner
13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Single entry nice weather all this week
18 Isa her mother Baby and I all to town
19 May and Walter Loist were here for tea
20 Margaret Isabella arrived about 9 20 this morning grand day
21 town in car took Bertie got 459 lb hay
22 (No Entry)
23 got ton coal ½ ton hay
24 (No Entry)
25 Pa and I to town in car got our first egg
26 Hartford took Mrs. Rollins to town to see doctor got egg (Note at top of page says Got 10
eggs in January)
27 McFaddens here got egg Baby weighs 9 lbs.
28 lovely got 1 bag bran 200 hay Isa had chil
29 lovely 1 egg Pa went with me to town got 400 hay
30 lovely this has been the grandest open warm Jan ever saw no snow or anything but just
lovely
31 bright warm days 3 eggs
February
1 Pa Bertie and I town in car lovely 4 eggs
2 lovely clear and quite cold
3 clear and cold baby weighs 9 ½ lb 10 below this morning 2 eggs
4 clear cold town got 3 bales of hay $150.00 4 eggs 10 below this morning
5 clear cold 4 eggs Isa sat up today 10 below this morn
6 Isa had dinner and tea with us in kitchen 1 egg quite clear and cold yet
7 town got 300 hay 4 eggs
8 town got 300 hay turn warmer
9 warm thawing quite a strong SW wind got 5 egs
- 40 -
10 Baby 10 Warm & Windy got 5 egs took Isa out to Miss Charles Mary Gillen and her
mother were in a while Mary was over a while
11 town car bought ½ ton chop $26.50 Brought 300 in car home 3 eggs 9 pigs
12 Got car hay brought out 8860 lb I got 5760 for 21.00 found sow in stack with 9 pigs 2
eggs’
13 finished hay Hartford 3810 Pa 3990 me 3980 total 21,430 lb 10 ton 1430 put 12570 lb
over home
14 all up to Gillen Ma came home Gert is with her
15 went to town Pd Day 185.00 for the car of hay Girts mother and pa went to town.
16 Lovely Mr & Mrs McFadden here and Mr and Mrs Gagnon, Pat Strain and the boy
17 snow little took Mrs. Rollins to town in car she went home
18 town brought 300 lbs chop left the car battery at the farmers
19 Down to McFaddens this afternoon lovely day
20 snow all day sold sow and 4 pigs to Bob Carrell 30.00 got 12 eggs
21 lovely day thawing in sun Chris got waggon
22 cold North wind snowing and drifting Mary & Nellie here for tea
23 cold North wind Gert Nellie and Marnie went to town on their way Carstairs shut up two
pigs to feed
24 cold snowing
25 cold snowing
26 cold snowing
27 cold clear with a lovely sun
28 cold
March
1 Cold
2 all over home for dinner cold
3 town got $150.00 bought ton chopp 2120 coal barrel gasoline cold chopp cost $63.00
4 nice day
5 lovely
6 lovely
7 lovely kill two pigs each around 150 lbs Pa and Stewart help
8 lovely fixing engine
9 we all went to McFaddens in waggon lovely day but poor roads
10 town sent pig 150 lbs Maggie to sell sent her 19 lbs pork and crate eggs
11 lovely turn cold at 6.00 snow little
12 cold 5 eggs
13 cold
14 Cold
- 41 -
15 little warmer took Isa and kids to town in car got battery from farmer $5 took Mrs
(illegible) from hospital for (illegible) (Large ink blot)
16 fairly nice home Lillie D were here
17 thawing very fast SW wind
18 Baby 12 ½ lbs 10 eggs
19 Town in car very bad roads
20 Lovely day Stewart help me kill a pig
21 Lovely
22 Loverly town took in a pig to Benson got 1050 coal 600 chop no roads
23 Lovely day Ma Mary and Kathleen here for dinner and tea
24 snow last night drove flossie cut pigs
25 snow 19 eggs
26 lovely kill pig dressed 140 sold to empire hotel $28
27 got lumber and shingles for hen house 30.00 4 bags of chopp
28 Stewart helped enlarge hen house
29 Pa helped enlarge hen house
30 Lovely day all out to Gagnons
31 plow fore noon and drag after noon rain a little
April
1 plow 30 eggs
2 plow 19 eggs
3 town sent 5 hens and rooster to Mrs Rollins plow afternoon
4 leveled all day
5 I was down I start fog heavy leveled all day town at night
6 Snow very little Bert Patterson got 3 pigs
7 Cultivated lovely
8 Cultivated killed pig weight 228 lb live Isa well
9 Pa disc fore noon dragged after noon I sent pig to Maggie disced afternoon
10 Pa dragged I disced
11 town got 400 coal 2000 lbs chop very windy no work
12 Nice day Pa drag I disc
13 all over to Youngs for dinner
14 Pa drag I disc
15 disc on barley ground cold
16 finished double disc the 15 acres of barley
17 all town in fore noon clean wheat in after noon
18 clean wheat 75 bushels over home for me 158.00 very windy
19 seeded 11 acres bred june to foremost he is 2 years old
- 42 -
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
windy 8 pigs
seeded 20 acres wheat pigs 20.00 calf 25
seeded 20 acres wheat
town for feed no feed
seeded 20 acres
seeded 21 acres wheat Chris cow had calf
town in car lovely warm Grady Walche here April 25
(No Entry)
Got 1300 chopp 35.75 very dry no rain yet this year
Planted 1 bag Irish Cobbler East of trees West of granary 1 bag o our early south of trees
Tillie Davis here
30 1 bag Country Gentleman next to road balance Irish Cobbler
May
1 nice this has been the driest spring and the driest ground I think I ever saw here
2 Snowing from N
3 snowing NW very windy Cold and blustery terrible out
4 quite a nice day there is larger snow banks around than we have had any time this winter
5 terrible day snowbanks as high as the gate snowing and blowing from NW my yearling had
a calf white
6 town got 1250 lbs coal 4.80 5 bales hay $5 nice day my two year old had heifer calf from
Chris bull
7 town got 2050 lbs hay from long $25.50 sold 6 bags wheat $32.16
8. lovely got load of hay from hart mission fore noon help paper church after noon
9 Help paper
10 (illegible)
11 Down to McFaddens for dinner they here for tea
12 Annie got her trunk Gagnon got 20 turkey eggs $5 nice day oil harness
13 Coaldale car
14 Nice day Mrs. Gillen got gobbler
15 fine day
16 Fine day Isa’s yearling had bull calf from our bull
17 town lovely
18 Very warm Down to McFaddens this evening the new preacher there
19 very hot dry wind sold colt and 2 pigs for 20.00
20 Margaret weights 16 lbs at 4 months Isa 126 fixing fence
21 nice day fix fence sold 2 pigs to Scott $10 Bred fannie churn 1st time Grady and inspector
were here
22 town car took Chris hay home hot dry wind
- 43 -
23 down to Minnotts at 3 yokes for cows 1.50 hot dry wind
24 very warm
25 windy home
26 town very dry and windy 300 chopp 8.25 gasoline 2.60
27 very windy dry lots of grain blew out town convention
28 town convention rain little
29 bred fannie sold 8 pigs 15.00 to Tom Gautier. Clear windy rain
30 windy rain
31 rain
June
1 lovely over to Bob Carrells for tea Mrs Brewster here evening
2 fine day fix fence rain a little at night
3 Violet had calf rain a little fix fence 400 chopp $11.00
4 fix fence
5 Started to plow Walche here Dr McAfee cut colts
6 nice day help Stewart to put wire on line fence
7 200 chopp 5.50
8 Johnsons for dinner lovely day
9 plow little afternoon light thunder shower
10 fair
11 fair
12 fair Chris bull at the heifer I got from Chris
13 little rain Pa and I to town
14 all to town windy
15 McFaddens here for dinner & tea electrical storms evening
16 Lovely
17 Lovely 200 chopp 5.50
18 Lovely Norman came up
19 very warm then dry shower 200 chopp 5.50
20 very hot Bertie and I to town
21 Pa went with us all to town very hot
22 very hot dry wind
23 town 300 chopp 8.50
24 all town
25 very warm
26 town chopp 8.50
27 town
28 town
- 44 -
29 tea over home very hot dry
30 town chopp 5.70
July
1 picnic at river got Annie from Youngs
2 went to Calgary Isa took me to station
3 Calgary
4 Calgary
(Cavalry reserve training)
5 Came home
6 windy
7 (No Entry)
8 came to Calgary in car
9 Isa went home on train
10 I started home broke car and went back
11 Came to Macleod on train left car
12 Came home with Pat Strain
13 Birk brought Walche and Inspector out
14 town Norman up
15 very hot Mr & Mrs McDonald out here this evening
16 town with Stewart
17 cool
18 Norm went home 12 tonight
19 Plow this afternoon very dry
20 Margaret 16 lbs McFaddens here Annie went to Youngs
21 Plow P M
22 Left at 12 at night for Sask
23 Left Melfort at 8 this morning
24 Got to Regina this evening
25 got to Kelliher past 4 this morning cut hay
26 cut hay Isa and Maggie went to town
27 (No Entry)
28 Isa’s dad went to town with democrat
29 fog
30 stacking hay
31 rain all fore noon went to Station after supper
August
1 20 to 4 railway time left Regina 9.00
2 got to Macleod at 4 train left for Calgary at 5.30 light shower Hartford Dr. Here
3 lovely rain this afternoon
- 45 -
4 rain all night
5 lovely drove colt
6 rain last night cut some wheat
7 down to fair with Glass home with P Strain
8 down to Mennotes (probably Mennonites) got another pope cow
9 nice rain
10 drove buggy to McFaddens
11 left for Calgary rode bicycle to town
12 brought car left Calgary 25 to five got home 25 to twelve
13 (No Entry)
15 cut wheat
16 cut wheat fore noon rain after noon
17 over to Carrolls and down to McFaddens for tea
18 cut wheat Pa half
19 (No Entry)
20 Marg weighs 17 ½ lbs
21 (No Entry)
22 finished wheat
23 sent 8 ½ lbs (illegible) to Maggie
24 Gagnons here
25 thresh for Pa
26 thresh for Pa am us pm 4 loads loose wheat (not tied into sheaves)
27 thresh 3 loads loose wheat
28 town Ma Mary Stewart went to lakes came home Sept 3
29 (No Entry)
30 Sent 4 lbs butter
31 took Hartford to town McFaddens here
September
1 Mr and Mrs C Thompson here
2 Took Mr. Thompson and Pa to town
3 Took Mr and Mrs Thompson to town to catch the train at 4 this morning came home took Isa
and kids in
4 light rain this evening
5 very windy
6 lovely town
7 (No Entry)
8 dipped cattle cut calves bred violet
9 sold 21 chickens to McEwen for 10.50 windy
- 46 -
10 town sold 3 dozen eggs dentist
11 (No Entry)
12 town to dentist rain all night
13 town evening sold Jack to Mr Conkley
14 (No Entry)
15 7 lb butter 32 chickens to Maggie that we got from Glass
16 started for Sask
17 on the road
18 Regina
19 got to Kelliher about noon out to Rollins
20 Kelliher gas
21 (No Entry)
22 Kelliher 2 loads got barrel coal oil
23 home here
24 took Pa to town he went h9ome Hired tom and june out at 2.50 day
25 thresh for Weice at Hendersons
26 thresh Hendersons
27 snow last night getting out logs for straw shed
28 (No Entry)
29 threshing for Hendersons
30 threshing for Hendersons
October
1 rain all day all night
2 rain
3 plow fine
4 plow fine
5 (No Entry)
6 lovely day dug spuds and turnips
7 thresh for Lund
8 plow Mr R thresh
9 cold Mr R thresh
10 cold Mr R thresh
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 30 (No Entries)
21 took 77 bushels barley to town snow
22 building stable used sleighs
23 (No Entry)
24 sale
25 chopping
- 47 -
26 (No Entry)
27 (No Entry)
28 down to F Walkers
29 put poles on stable Isa sick
30 (No Entry)
31 (No Entry)
November
1 At Frank Walker sale bought pair sleighs 30.00
2 down to Walkers place
3 moving down to Walkers place using sleighs
4 moving
5 got cow 1 load hay
6 got calves
7 got 1330 lbs oats
8 town
9 (No Entry)
10 Over to C Hendersons wedding reception
11 got the rack
12 draw 5 loads straw
13 dad here fix cupboards
14 up home for load stumps
15 lovely day
16 lovely day snow melt very fast
17 town got trunk from Maggie
18 got load dry wood
19 Rollins here C Henderson
20 lovely day used waggon digging well
21 lovely day all up to dig in well
22 lovely day very stiff Mr R and I Mrs Riollins stay with Isa
23 nice turn very cold snow blow like hell from NE
24 cold
25 cold Margaret weight 20 Bertie 40 Isa 120 I 160
26 cold
27 cold up home got load stumps sack potatoes 2 bags oats
28 cold cut wood
29 cold drifting from north
30 cold clear
- 48 -
December
1 got 61 bushels 16 lbs oats and got ton chaffed
2 cold bright paid 4 loads straw
3 got 50 tubs oats put in our bin
4 got 55 tubs oats put in our bin
5 went to town got cloth drier
6 got load dry wood
7 all up home for dinner very cold bought Jack & flossie down
8 very cold
9 very cold
10 cold
11 cold got 60 tubs oats
12 took the 60 tubs oats to town had 82 bushels got $59.05
13 got load of stumps and sawing machine brought foremost down
14 Is cold
15 about zero a lot warmer got load dry poles up home
16 Mr & Mrs Rollins here for dinner he help me cut wood
17 haul 3 loads straw lovely
18 got load dry wood up home help dad cut wood
19 got load dry wood up home kill 4 pigs brought one down 87 lbs
20 clean out stable and hen house lovely day
21 grand day warm C Henderson and wife here
22 got 55 tubs oats got em chopped Henderson 2.50
23 bred violet xmas tree at school house 10 above zero blustery Mr and Mrs Rollins here for
dinner
24 town got groceries from eatons
25 Mr and Mrs Rollins here for dinner we up there for tea
26 load dry wood up home
27 load dry wood up home Mrs Calder here
28 nice day
29 nice day dig in well up home
30 cold stormy flour
31 cold clear cut wood
There followed 6 ½ pages on “The Chronology of the World War” which had
ended the year before. It was in exquisite detail, naming each captured town.
There were 12 pages set out for Cash Account – never used - and much else
Here so ended the diary of the year 1919.
- 49 -
1920
January
January 1-8 (No Entries)
9 town got the engine 1 eg
10 got Williams saw cut wood 1 eg
11 up to Hendersons got five gal gas 1 eg
12 saw wood with engine 1 eg
13 cut wood fore noon took saw home after noon 1 eg
14 cold east wind everything in
15 very windy from S E
16 saw wood for dad got thermitor 28 below got fork & axel for waggon 2 egs (From here on
temperatures are exact, with the new thermitor)
17 40 below cold and clear 1 eg
18 14 below storming 1 eg
19 38 below this morn got load green wood
20 30 below took 47 bus oats to town got back flour 2 egs
21 34 below 2 egs
22 42 below Bred Isa’s heifer 1 load wood 3 eggs
23 36 below 2 loads green wood 3 egs
24 46 below 1 load wood Mr & Mrs R here 3 egs
25 20 below Isa 122 Bertie 41 I 174 M 20 Mr & Mrs Blocksidge here 2 egs
26 26 below 3 loads straw 4 egs
27 40 below 4 loads straw 4 egs
28 1 load straw 4 below 2 egs
29 4 below got load wheat 1 eg
30 14 below cold wind took load wheat to town 2 egs
31 zero 1 egs
February
1 zero nice day 1 eg
2 28 below 1 load green wood Mr & Mrs R here 2 egs
3 2 below brought junes 2 oldest colts & prince down 2 egs
4 8 above got 60 tubs oats from Mr R 1 egs
5 2 below took the oats to town had 79 bushels 5 eggs
6 55 tubs oats chopped 4 above 5 egs
7 4 above clean stable 4 egs
8 20 above snowing yearling died 5 egs
9 zero got 29 tubs oats 7 egs
- 50 -
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
14 above Mr & Mrs R here saw wood by hand 6 eggs
6 above help Mr R cut up green wood got 4 loads bought Jay Ally some 6 egs
28 above snow slow bred Isa’s heifer 8 egs
22 below cold clear 5 egs
38 below 1 load green wood with Calder 6 egs
clear cold 4 egs
2 above all up home 5 load green wood for dad 5 egs
18 above snowing 4 egs
20 above drove queen 5 egs
2 above haul 59 bus barley for blocksidge 6 egs barley 8 cents/lb 4.72
14 below got this book today nice day haul barley for W Blocksidge Mr & Mrs Rollins
here made 2 trip to town 63 bus barley and 79 bus barley 12.36 got 2 bags flour 6.75
each 13.50
21 zero 2 trip to town with barley 75 and 76 bushels barley town for Blocksidge 12.08 Total
for week 28.16
22 2 above 7 egs
23 10 above took barley 77 and 79 bus town two loads for P Blocksidge 12.45 made 40.75
drawing barley for Blocksidge 5 egs
24 6 egs 2 below at I Klines sale cold raw wind snow little
25 8 below 8 egs 3 loads straw dad got 1 Mr & Mrs R here
26 12 below 12 egs 2 loads straw dad got 1
27 4 above 9 egs haul 2 loads straw dad got 1
28 6 below 7 egs nice day drift little from N town sent calf skin to be tanned sent 6 lb butter
to Maggie at 65 cents 3.90 got 300 bran 7.50
29 8 egs 8 above all up to R
March
1 15 egs 4 above 4 loads green wood for dad
2 20 below 12 eggs 3 loads green wood
3 30 below 11 egs Miss drayton here
4 19 egs 36 below 4 load green wood
5 8 egs 22 below cold blow
6 21 egs 22 below
7 13 egs 8 below
8 16 egs 6 above I help Sweatman clean grain
9 10 above 12 eggs 4 load green wood
10 21 egs 4 above
11 20 egs 16 below sold 11 doz 6.54 took in 65 bushels oats for fraser
12 23 egs 10 above got 56 bus oats from Fraser at 65 cents 38.64
- 51 -
Fannie was bred the 29th of May, 1919 had calf today rain little
23 egs 28 above
21 egs 14 above wild no school everything in wild
26 egs 14 below nice day
24 egs 16 below south wind 3 loads straw
30 egs 6 below lovely 3 loads straw
22 egs 6 above 2 loads straw
28 egs 10 above Marg weighs 23 lbs town sent Maggie 12 doz eggs 33 lbs butter
34 egs 10 above all up to R
28 egs 20 above Bertie went to school
34 egs 10 above snow blow from north
28 egs 4 above
34egs nice day 14 above Chris little heiffer had a heiffer calf this eve over to Clarks to salt
Bred june 12, 1919
26 36 egs 20 above snow some dad here
27 24 eggs 18 above town 50 lbs sugar
28 29 egs 10 above church nice
29 snow wild
30 snow, fierce Isa got her 126.50 I got my 10
31 snow
April
1 27 egs 6 below clear cold
2 24 egs 10 below Mrs R went home
3 8 egs 10 below all up to Lunds
4 18 egs 10 below N wind clear
5 21 egs 6 below cold
6 7 egs 4 below cold North wind
7 10 egs 6 below
8 9 egs 4 below
9 10 egs 4 below milk 4 cows tonight
10 12 egs 20 below lovely day Isa and I went to town
Kelliher
11 13 egs 20 above thaw very fast dad here fine
12 17 egs 14 above 10 bags chop
13 22 egs 12 above
14 16 egs 20 above dad here got his paper from eatons
15 17 egs 20 above
16 16 egs 22 above
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
- 52 -
17 20 above set grey hen
18 15 egs 28 above
19 32 eggs lovely day sold daisy and chris heifers calf to Hans Aamodt 150.00 not much
snow left lots ducks
20 32 egs 32 above try home
21 28 egs used waggon today for first try 32 above
22 22 egs got sow snow little 28 above used sleigh
23 16 egs clean out well at school32 abov
24 25 egs rain all day
25 24 egs 18 above set hen
26 21 egs 10 above got load hay
27 20 egs load hay
28 36 egs 32 above got load hay over to frazers took oldest colt up home
29 24 egs 10 above load hay
30 30 egs 20 above set gang up home dad here
May
1 26 egs windy 280 lbs spuds 1.20 from Williams
2 21 egs 30 above
3 28 egs snow
4 plow fore noon cut wood for calder P M 30 above
5 cut my wood forenoon plow afternoon 40 above
6 32 above plow
7 40 above plow
8 plow
9 Church Lundt here
10 33 egs 50 above plow 9 pigs all died E wind
11 plow E wind
12 help Sweatman at his house E wind
13 Plow A M finished 28 acres seeded P M
14 seeded 28 acres yesterday P M and today
15 town Banked 160
16 dad here
17 plow
18 plow fore noon rain P M
19 Plow
20 drag A M seeded P M
21 froze ice drag A M seed P M
22 put in garden planted spuds town with Calder
- 53 -
23 up to Lunds Rain P M
24 Rain A M plow P M west of house
25 Plow
26 rain all night all A M plow P M
27 Plow
28 Plow P M took Mrs R home
29 plow A M town P M
30 Isa up home
31 rain all night plow all day
June
1 rain all day all night no work
2 plow
3 plow
4 plow
5 finished 40 acres and plow west of garden
6 Isa up home
7 seeded 16 acres killed pig
8 seeded 14 acres
9 finished 40 acres plow all day dad help he used dandy fore noon his 4 year old afternoon
10 rain all day not much work
11 plow for green feed dad Help rain
12 out to Frazers to a farmers meeting home about one plow dad help
13 70 above rain last night there is no grain covering the ground yet got pigs 5 weeks old
14 Plow A M seeded 10 acres P M sent 12 doz eggs to Maggie
15 seed 9 ¾ acres A M fixed fence P M
16 finished seeding
17 fixed fence disc
18 disc Isa and Bertie went to picnic
19 finished discing set two hens
20 Entry “eggs to Maggie split wood” scratched out
21 Little rain split wood eggs to Maggie
22 started to break broke whiffle tree worked about 2 hours
23 Mrs. Rollins went up home work about 7 hours
24 Late starting work about 7 hours
25 took chopp over to Hendersons work about 7 hours
26 went to town got Jim for plow
27 28 29 30 (No Entry or entry scratched out)
- 54 -
July
1 break
2 break Bred a fifth heifer
3 town Bred fannie
4 (No Entry) (Sunday)
5 break
6 break
7 fixed fence
8 plow ½ day cultavated P M
9 plow ½ day fixed fence
10 fixed fence
11 (No Entry)
12 plow ½ day cultivated Calders spuds
13 plow ½ day
14 town to fair
15 cut 1 load hay
16 town got dads mower set it up cut 2 loads hay
17 put in 3 loads hay 90 above
18 Steeves bred beatrice to our bull 90 above very dry and no crop here
19 cut hay
20 put 3 loads in shed
21 went to foam lake with Aamodts to fare
22 started to rain fore noon rain quite a bit all day by spells
23 rain a.m.
24 plow all day
25 , 26, 27 (No Entries)
28 cut hay
29 stacked Calders hay
30 plow all day
31 town
August
1 up home
2 finished summer fallow
3 rain a nice shower 8 oclock this morning
4 got a jag hay rain this evening
5 drag fornoon loaded hay P M
6 cut hay a.m. load p.m.
7 2 loads hay today 15 loads to date
- 55 -
8 drove Queen and Nellie up home
9 clean out stable and got a load of barley from Calder and got it chopped dad got ice
10 fixed fence
11 clean hen house
12 Maggie came home today cultivated Calders spuds second time
13 town got Maggies trunk drove Queen
14 help dad stack
15 everybody here to eat turkey
16 help dad stack got the binder
17 started to cut oats at noon
18 cut oats
19 cut oats
20 froze ice last night cut oats
21 8 degrees frost at 6 o’clock this morning town this p.m.
22 Isa up home
23 town got twine finished the hall cut 4 hours for Calder
24 cut for Calder and Weese kids stooked yesterday and today
25 cut ten acres north west corner
26 cut for Calder
27 cut for Calder 8 hours
28 cut all day for Calder
29 (No Entry)
30 cut six hours for Calder rain
31 rain
September
1 cut green feed P M
2 cut green feed P M town evening
3 started 40 acres
4 town
5 took colts up home Frank Walker here
6 Sold Fannies heiffer calf from our bull to the Preacher $35.00 5 ½ months old cut oats
7 cut oats
8 Bred Steeves black cow he gave me 10.00 for the first two cut oats
9 finished the 40 acres at noon cut green feed
10 town to school fare cut oats fore noon
11 rain little finished cutting took binder home Mrs R and baby here Mr Rogers and family
here tonight
12 look for Aaas black steer
- 56 -
13
14
15
16
rain stook P M on 40 acres
stook rain very hard about 4 o’clock
2 degrees frost stooked
finished the 40 acre in an hour got 6 of oats from Fraser got 3 bags of barley from
Sweatman
17 draw in one load green feed a. m. Stook p.m.
18 town
19 (No Entry)
20 stack two loads put 1 in stable
21 Violet had bull calf this morning stacked 1 load and put 1 in stable
22 started to thresh at 5 o’clock this evening
23 thresh rain in the afternoon or evening
24 rain
25 clear
26 (No Entry)
27 finished thrashing morning
28 Took 48 bushels of oats to town cold
29 nice took 92 bushels of oats to town with tank 98.10
30 May weighs 1390 lb Darky weighs 1230 with harness on harness weight 34 lb to each half
set
October
1 lovely town oats 11 bushels
2 nice 108 bushels oats town Isa drove tom to town
3 got $100 for Chris heiffer from William Rogers
4 oats town sold the bull to Aamodt 120.00
5 oats town
6 oats town
7 oats town
8 rain Isa and Bertie went to town to Chautkua (Chautauqua) with Calders
9 sick no work
10 (No Entry)
11 got the new seperator cost 68.00 town oats $152 rain
12 rain last night oats $138
13 rain
14 tough roads oats $121
15 oats $118
16 Mr & Mrs P J Gillen out here oats $133
17 took P Gillen down to lake
- 57 -
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
took load of oats to town afternoon P J Gillen came with me Isa took the women oats $136
town oats $130
My big heiffer had a bull calf oats $142
lovely Walker and dally here
rain
rain
Up to Hendersons Aamodt and Rollins were there
Draytons bull in our field our fannies calf out watch her
left town about noon got to melville left abut 8 30
got to rivers about 6 a m left 9 15 got to portage la prairie 3 20 short stop got to Winnipeg
about 9 o clock
28 Winnipeg lovely
29 left Winnipeg about 6 30 this evening lovely
30 got to Kelliher at 6 30 this morning Isa met me with old tom
31 dinner at Rollins got the two black colts and Prince
November
1 Percy Broadworth came here yesterday at night I took him to town
2 up to Hendersons for Maggies
3 clean out stables
4 took Violet to Aamodts 67 lb of pork
5 town 16 bags of chop got seporator bowl terrible roads
6 (No Entry)
7 up to Rollins
8 took oats to Aamodts to get chopped 12 bags 1.20
9 cold snow
10 cold snow
11 cold blow snow from the north fire in school
12 Got chop from Aamodts and check for Violet used sleigh got 200.00 for Violet
13 town in buggy had dinner at Gillens terrible rough roads
14 up to Rollins
15 lovely
16 Steeves sale lovely day sold cow 100.00
17 Helped dad move
18 took calf to preacher $35
19 sold a calf to Frazer $20
20 took cow to town rain and sleet
21 up home
22 kill cow and pig Mr R help me nice day
- 58 -
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
14 degrees frost deliver beef
town buggy Frazer got horses
got a load of dry wood
got a load of dry wood
kill 44 chickens and one duck
(long entry scratched out)
lovely Dad got packed Jag straw roast beef half pig 39 chickens (long accounting of
weights at side)
30 Took dad to town sent Maggie half a pig 81 lb chicken and 1 duck
December
1 22 degrees frost
2 (No Entry)
3 (No Entry)
4 all town in democrat
5 6 7 (No Entries)
8 town took engine
9 up home for work
10 (No Entry)
11 took steers home
12 (No Entry)
13 packed Isa helped
14 over to school to fix pipes
15 Listock
16 a jag of dry wood up home got a check for 100.00 and 20.00 from Mr. Rollins for three
steers
17 clean stable
18 town democrat
19 (No Entry)
20 cold Frazer here clean out stable Got check for 50.00, Lien note for 175 from Mr Peter
Frazer for two black horses Got check for 75.00 and check for 50.00 for dandy and green
feed
21 cold and clear
22 town Xmas tree in school
23 cold
24 22 below
25 up home for xmas
26 cold and clear
27 started to load car
- 59 -
28 finished car started at 3 30 got to melville at 7 oclock
29 left melville 8 oclock got to Regina at 11 eve transfer on to CP 6 oclock left Regina 6
oclock
30 got to Moose Jaw 3 a.m. left moose jaw 3 p m
31 got to swift current 1 15 got to Dunmore 12 30 left Dunmore 13 30 got to Lethbridge 2
oclock Switch at Kipp until 8 Macleod 10
This ‘diary’ was different. The dates were on the left hand page and the right hand page was for
accounts Egbert Wells used both sides – I simply added right hand information where
appropriate
Almost all of these events are a mystery to me. He appears to have made two trips to Kelliher,
Saskatchewan and perhaps lived there for a time. At one time he went to Winnipeg and returned
to Kelliher almost immediately. Similarly, at the end of the year, he went from Macleod to
Kelliher with a lot of goods and returned to Macleod almost immediately. At times he refers to
visiting Aamodts and Hendersons almost on the same day, yet they lived many miles apart unless
Aamodts moved to Saskatchewan, where I knew them, later.
The front of the diary gives his address as Horse Lake, which is in Saskatchewan
As with all diaries, this one has postage information and a small section of other information
Here so ended the diary of the year 1920.
- 60 -
1921
January
1 Got to Macleod about noon H & P brought out badt (?) for me windy
2 lovely day
3 Lovely day Hartford took Isa in in the car
4 fixing shack
5 fixing shack
6 fixing shack
7 fixing shack stayed here all night for first windy
8 nice day
9 lovely day
10 nice try to chopp
11 went to coal mine got 3 tons coal nice
12 came home from mine windy this afternoon
13 unloaded coal windy 2 egs
14 very windy 2 egs
15 snowing fierce from north 2 egs
16 1 eg clear 3 below
17 town got calender cold
18 thawing 3 egs got bag of loinc (?) 4 bags of oats chopped 1.60
19 3 below 5 eggs calm nice over to B. Patterson
20 12 below 3 eggs town car lovely
21 20 above 7 eggs got load hay from Indian 15.00 drifting terrible
22 thaw 4 eggs
Pages torn out Next entry February 20
February
20 4 below 12 eggs Got Gagnons table took Bertie up Pa got us broom
21 4 above nice 15 eggs clean stables phone Isa
22 20 above 15 eggs blow town got beds
23 34 above 14 eggs chinook took bed up to Isa sloppy
24 grand 38 above 14 eggs
25 38 above 23 eggs Isa
26 34 above 18 eggs town barley churn
27 34 above 24 eggs lovely
28 Plowed this is the first time I ever plowed in February this has been one grand open winter
March
1 Plow 36 above pack drove 2 drivers
2 Plow 18 above white frost 33 eggs got 87 bu oats chopped load hay 16.00
- 61 -
3
4
5
6
7
Plow 54 above at noon 46 eggs
Plow fore noon 24 above 39 eggs snow P.M.
Fix my plow 48 eggs
Took Isa up to school snow some this evening
Plow weed foremost this afternoon first time he had harvest in cold some snow on ground
plow used dick fore noon his first day used foremost afternoon 57 eggs snow
(Foremost and Dick were horses)
8 Plow forenoon used dick he is three years old snowed all afternoon got 48 eggs
9 snow all day got duck eggs sacked oat chop fore noon sacked and plowed afternoon
10 fore noon packed and plowed afternoon 10 below cold snow
11 L flow from north got duck egg 45 eggs (45 chicken eggs were laid that day)
12 52 eggs sow this afternoon cold
13 20 below cold clear 43 eggs snow P M
14 43 eggs cold lovely
15 town lovely thaw 38 eggs
16 (No Entry)
17 lovely 37 eggs clean 120 bu wheat set 2 hens
18 clean 60 bu wheat 40 eggs snow this afternoon
19 snow 10 above 50 eggs
Pages torn out March 20 to April 2
April
3 Snow 45 eggs
4 snow draw in straw a.m. Plow p.m. 46 eggs
5 52 eggs Plow cold north wind
6 snow fierce from north went to town to get 2 shears pointed and buggy pole fixed
7 plow P.M. 10 miles cold north wind 47 eggs
8 Plow a.m. Hartford pack a.m. Pa plow all day 48 eggs
9 Fannie had a calf this morning Plow 52 eggs
10 set a hen on duck eggs lovely 42 eggs
11 Plow lovely load of hay 10.00 54 eggs
12 Plow west wind 62 eggs
13 Plow 45 eggs
14 finished the 40 acres a 10 this morning got 41.40 bu chopped 52 eggs
15 Isa 42 eggs
16 town 47 eggs
17 57 eggs
18 started to seed seeded 10 acres Red Bobs levelled 20 acres this a m.
19 seeded 15 ¾ R 54 total 56 acres Pa packed 56 eggs
- 62 -
20
21
22
23
level on the 40 acres very windy 48 eggs
town coal 9.25 sweet clover seed 100 lbs 16.00 very windy 45 eggs
seeded 10 acres 40 eggs
took 465 lb wheat to mill got 291 lb flour 100 lb shorts 45 lb bran total 456 lb 29 lb
dockage cost 2.65 needed rain
24 44 eggs
25 seeded 40 eggs
26 49 eggs finished 48 acres Isa got girl
27 44 eggs plow on the 112 acres
28 42 acres got oacjer pack & plow p m.
29 48 eggs plow snow
30 37 eggs
May
1 got 2 pig 11.00
2 36 eggs plow 14 rounds load hay B. Glass 15.00
3 Plow
4 Plow
5 Plow rain last night bit
6 Plow
7 rain town
(I’m sure you’ve figured out this means ‘It rained. I went to town’)
8 rain
9 make leveler plow p.m. Pa help with single plow
10 took 68 bu wheat to D Greer got 200 broom grass 30.00
(‘broom’ = ‘Brome’)
11 levelled Isa 125
12 seeded 15 acres wheat & broom
13 finished 100 acre paid 10.00
14 town T & Gus wheat 200 broom 30.00
15 (Passed over – Date changed to 16) seeded wheat 8 acres on stubble sussie sick
16 changed to 17 15 acres wheat on stubble
17 changed to 18 seeded 17 acres wheat on stubble 140 acres wheat in now.
18 changed to 19 plant spuds rain a grand shower a m plow p m
19 to 20 plant spuds rain
20 to 21 clear town circus
21 (No Entry)
22 rain nice shower
23 load hat B Glass 15.00 finis spuds and finis wheat 1.45 set 2 hours
24 plow gang
25 plow gang Pa plow single
- 63 -
26 Plow froze ice
27 Plow finished the corner net rail froze ice
28 town
29 got pig 148 lbs 6.00 Gagnan here plow single
30 spuds up the first planted in April plow single
31 plow single Bred two heifer to Pattersons plow used gang
June
1 fix fence
2 rain
3 town got watch chautauqua Isa
4 finished planting the oat ground west of trail Used gang P M Packed P M
5 (No Entry)
6 leveled
7 started to seed oats and alfalfa sweet clover and broom grass
8 finished the clover mixed with broom grass seeded oats with my drill and broom grass
9 finished seeding oats and broom grass
10 got 51 bushels oats chopped and some leather from the Men(nonites)
11 town got 27 gal gas 12.90
12 (No Entry)
13 Plow pig yard harrow potatoes
14 seeded pig yard
15 started to plow on 15 acres
16 rain very little on and off all day
17 plow
18 town
19 (No Entry)
20 poison grasshoppers a m plow p m
21 plow a m got colts shod p m 9.00
22 town got 300 poison bait
23 put out bait a m plow p m
24 plow p m put out bait a m
25 (No Entry)
26 (No Entry)
27 Plow
28 Plow p m the 22 acres on Primptor
29 cut some rye for hay
30 cut & rake rye for hay
- 64 -
July
1 draw in 3 loads of rye for hay Isa
2 started to rain about 10 this morning & rained untill 9 30
3 rain all night all day
4 town lost 2 shoes of colts got crate of st berries
5 draw in 1 load rye kill pig 153 lbs
6 cut rye p.m. draw in 2 loads
7 cut & rake
8 cut & rake
9 stacked rye got 3 small loads
Insert: Table of wages by the week and by the month 12 pages of maps
10 started for Edmonton Hartford took us to town warm and nice
11 left town 6 30 bed 1 75 breakfast 75 cents
12 left Calgary 2 40
13 saw Don and went up to fair
14 left Edmonton 12 Calgary 7 30
15 Isa left Calgary 4 30 I left Calgary 6 45 Macleod 11 00
16 got home about 6 this evening
17 dinner over home
18 elections poison potato bugs
19 town 63 bus wheat @ 1.53 94.25 got buggy tires set 100 lbs broom 14.60
20 bred Fannie
21 stack one load
22 Down to Men(nonites) May & Flossie
23 town p m
24 dinner at H C Wintermutes
25 started to plow 15 acres of rye rain very little this afternoon oil harness sprout potatoes
26 fain one oclock this morning plow
27 rain a light shower plow all day calf
28 Plow
29 Plow
30 oil harness and town
31 dinner over home W A Day and family there for tea
There were no further entries August to December, 1921
At the back of the book were several “Account” pages.
For February 25 Isa got check Received 91 - Paid 25 00
For November four counts, names not striking
- 65 -
On the very last page there were payments due names not striking
Inside back cover was a calendar for 1921
In the front were a variety of pages about distances and so on
Here so ended the diary of the year 1921.
- 66 -
1922
There were no entries from January 1 to April 28, 1922 and then very scattered entries
thereafter
April
28 rain all night out to Gagnons no work on the land yet it has been very wet here so far this
spring
29 (No Entry)
30 Planted som spuds
May
1 put in some garden started to disc the first of the season
2,3,4,5,6,7 (No Entries)
8 seeded Red Bobs and broom grass at 1 ½ bus per acre 1.6 acres 39 acres on each side of trail
9 red bobs and broom 9 acres and at 1 ¾ and 10 acres red bobs
10 19 acres red bobs 15 of it on the summer fallow on Premption east side
May 11 to October 7 (No Entries)
October
8 started to thresh little this morning threshed over 200 lbs sweet clover 995 red bobs off 60
acres 345 R F
9 thresh Pa took 8030 gross 400 (illegible) Tare 1790 net 104 beet 102 bushels at 75 cents =
76.30
633 bus red bobs on 40 acres
10 thresh finish about 1:30 1330 wheat 240 oats cost 194.50 thresh for Pa p m
11 thresh for Pa
12 thresh for Pa
13 thresh for Pa finish tonight
14 town got some alumn
15 (No Entry)
16 dug vegetables double waggon box full
17 went to coal mine
18 got home from mine
19 sold 4 ½ tons coal to Gaboon 9.00 per ton
20 went to coal mine
21 (No Entry)
22 got home from coal mine
23 sold 4 ½ tons coal to Mcewan $9 per ton
- 67 -
24
25
26
27
28
106 bushels wheat 1-30 104.30
106.40 wheat 1-40 105.10
105-10 wheat 1.30 103,40
gross 106-40 dockage 1-40 net 105
110 gross 2 bus 108-20 net
Sold 506-30 net at 87 ¾ =$462.00
No entries through to November 9
November
10 cow 150
20 went to coal mine
22 got home sold 4 ½ tons to Obrien 24.50
23 (No Entry)
24 sold 90.10 lbs wheat less 1.30 = 88.30 @ 80 cents $70.80 bought cow 200 freight 8.40
from Strathmore
No entries through November 30
December
1 95-20-1.20 94 net
2 98-40 – 1.40 98 net
3 (No Entry)
4 102 30 dock 2 30 100 net
No entries through December 31
Cash January contained miscellaneous notes:
See Grain Growers elevator
See S. G. Fream 11 30
Fred Locke 712-23 Ave
Glass
Got letter from Bert Eckmire
Tatting cotton pink and blue in 15 cents store
Rubber for Bertie
McRoria wheat 82 Oct. 6th
914 or 1206
McRoria United Grain Growers Calgary wrote August 4th 1924
- 68 -
Inside the diary is a clipping outlining the results of grazing tests at the SwiftCurrent
Experimental Farm which concluded that “Alfalfa-/ Ryegrass” was the best pasture (for sheep)
Here so ended the diary of the year 1922.
- 69 -
1923
January
1 All to Hartfords for dinner 12 egs
2 11 egs Violet had heifer clf
3 13 egs Clean 50 bushels oats & 50 bushels wheat
4 12 lbs butter 7 egs Clean wheat
5 19 egs B Strathmore
6 19 egs Sold 10 lb butter 3.50 7 doz eggs 3.15
7 13 egs
8 16 egs 182 bushel red bobs 41 bushels Mark (Marquis) finished cleaning wheat
9 21 egs 1592 lbs chopped at longs 1.80
10 18 egs snow little bred black sow
11 17 egs bred violet
12 19 egs Margaret MacFadden rode down here from Ardenville
13 23 egs got drake sold 14 lbs butter 35 cents 4.90 home eggs total 8.00
14 19 eggs H & Bertha Joe and Ida Herd here
15 21 egs set hen
16 28 egs
17 26 egs snow
18 27 egs churn 17 lbs
19 22 egs blow fierce
20 34 egs sold 15 lbs butter at 35 cents 5.25 12 dozen eggs 40 cents = 4.80 = 10.00
21 29 egs
22 29 egs
23 39 egs
24 36 eggs pull davie out of snow
25 38 egs butter 16 ¼ lbs
26 33 egs bred Violet
27 41 egs 14 lbs 30 4.20 20 doz egs 35 cents 7.00 11.20 total 35.40 for month
28 33 egs cold snow blow from north
29 40 egs cold B Strathmore
30 36 egs got bag flour
31 35 egs 65 doz in Jan
February
1 41 egs 15 lb butter blow fierce
2 39 egs cold clear
3 37 egs sold 21 ½ doz 35 cents 7.55 14 lb butter 30 cents 4.20 Total 11.55
4 28 egs
- 70 -
5 33 egs nice B Violet
6 39 egs thawing
7 33 egs
8 40 eggs got 7 turkeys
9 31 egs snow blow from north
10 15 egs sold butter egs 10.70
11 22 egs snow blowing from North
12 20 egs very cold
13 19 egs cold 40 below
14 12 egs
15 17 egs
16 9 egs 3 geese
17 8 egs thawing 8 doz egs 2.80 14 butter 4.90
7.70
18 18 egs thawing 38.20 from E & Bruster in Jep
19 12 egs
20 13 egs Bred Strathmore
21 19 egs lovely
22 15 egs 16 butter
23 18 egs
24 25 egs sold 7 doz 2.45 14 lbs butter 5.60
8.05
25 30 egs Pats for dinner
26 35 egs set 2 hens
27 45 egs got some posts
28 45 egs posts 62 doz and 8 eggs in Feb
March
1 (No Entry)
2 54 eggs Leurick here Cold Clear
3 62 doz egs sold $12 85 butter and eggs bought Shetland started to blow from west
4 62 egs blow all day
5 62 egs nice sent 11 doz egs to town with pa
6 69 B Violet
7 62 egs sharp 2 shears $10
8 65 egs
9 71 egs got calf from CPR
10 62 egs sold egs 12 25 butter 5.55 17.80
11 72 egs all at Reids
12 74 egs
13 68 egs
- 71 -
14 76 egs
15 69 egs B Strathmore
16 81 egs set hen duck egs
17 64 egs butter 6.80 egs 7.40 14.20
18 70 egs 2 chickens out set hen on du kegs
19 67 egs 9 chickens out
20 64 egs 8 pigs set 2 hens
21 72 egs
22 71 egs
23 59 egs set hen on hen egs
24 16 lbs butter 6.40 19 doz egs 3.80 10.20 sent crat egs to Maggie 69 egs
25 60 egs set 2 hens duck
26 69 egs got load hay 7.00 and pair boots
27 68 egs 4 bags shorts 5.60
28 74 egs set hen duck egs
29 69 egs went to sale
30 68 egs May here
31 76 egs B 5.20 Egs 4.60 9.80
64.80
April
1 68 egs snow little cold east wind
2 65 egs snow little
3 60 egs
4 69 eg 2 goose 2egs snow set 5 hens in granary
5 66 egs 2 goose egs snow all day Ma got back to town from Ontario
6 57 egs
7 48 egs B Strathmore butter 15 lbs 6.00 egs 24 dozen 4.15 10.15 Set 5 hens
8 67 egs turkey eggs
9 58 egs 2 goose egs 1 turkey eg load hay 8.50
10 52 egs 2 goose 1 duck
11 47 egs 2 turkey 1 goose 2 duck egs
12 47 egs 2 goose 2 duck 2 turkey 1830 coal cost 5.70
13 60 eggs 1 goose 2 turkey 3 duck
14 54 egs 2 goose 5 duck 3 turkey oat & barley chop 6.15 sold egs 4.20 B 600 10 20
15 56 egs 4 duck 2 goose 2 turkey egs
16 39 egs 4 duck 2 turkey got McFaddens drag
17 57 egs 3 duck 3 turkey 2 goose burn thistles
18 60 egs 4 duck 1 goose 3 turkey Pony Min had colt disc
19 66 egs 3 duck 3 turkey 2 goose
- 72 -
20 49 egs 2 duck 2 goose 3 turkey
21 55 egs 1 duck 3 turkey sold butter 6 00 egs 4 80 total 10.80
22 50 egs
23 56 egs
24 60 egs set goose egs got drag cart little pig and 5 00
25 53 egs Isa had flu
26 48 egs
27 60 egs
28 55 egs utter 6 00 egs 3 90 9 90 total 44 05 for month
29 50 egs
30 50 egs pigs 4 all dead about 125 chickens out to date total 46 05 for April
May
1 plow furce all the land
2 sold 2 pigs to J Hetherington 10 00
3 scott 2 pigs 10 00
4 (No Entry)
5 butter 5 20 eggs 2 70 7.90
6 (No Entry)
7 seeded 21 acres wheat
8 seeded 20 acres some corn and 10 acres sweet clover
9 Ketchiner 1 bushel planted 2 rows early potatoes
10 plow
11 plow
12 butter 6 00 egs 3 10 9 10 paid $3 to get 2 shears sharpened
13 Gagnons for dinner rain even
14 rain & snow lots moisture
15 plow
16 plow
17 rain last night grand kill pig 166 lb dressed
18 finished plow plant spuds
19 1340 coal 4 20 butter 5 50 3 empty boxes 25 cents
20 disc and burn thistles
21 burn thistles
22 burn thistles
23 seeded 5 acres broke drill
24 seeded 21 acres
25 planted some potatoes in garden
- 73 -
26 B 4 20 egs 2 05 6 05 some potatoes are up (Rarely, his addition is wrong. I’ve left them
as is.)
27 total 29.64 from butter and eggs in May
28 plow ½ day plant garden
29 plow got cow from Corrigan
30 got granary plow ½ day rain little
31 Plow Stewart brought his cow up rain all night last night
June
1 rain all night
2 Butter 5 10 egs 3 00 8 10
3 rain
4 rain nearly all night nearly all day B Jay
5 clear plow single plow 4 horses
6 plow gang
7 finished 25 acres seeded 4 acres wheat
8 finished 21 acres wheat total 92 acres
9 Burn thistles Butter 5 70 E 1 00 6 70
10 (No Entry)
11 finished burning thistles A Hatton here
12 cultivate for oats
13 sale
14 cultivate
15 plow
16 B 5 25 E 1 20 6 45
17 Hattons got mower
18 cultivate
19 disc ½ day
20 disc
21 rain last night and all day
22 rain last night scrape yard
23 coal 5 05 roofing B 5 10 E 2 80 5 90
24 rain little last night potato budded to blossom
25 seed 12 acres oats
26 seeded 8 acres used 50 bus oats on 20 acres
27 Put roofing on stable
28 clean out horse stable
29 Cut some S clover down to Men (He consistently used “Men” for Mennonites)
30 Total 32 80 in June rain B 5 20 E 45 5 60
- 74 -
July
1 river
2 Fanny had her second calf heiffer plow used single plow
3 Plow
4 Plow ½ day stack sweet clover
5 Plow turns
6 Plow single plow
7 B 4 00 E 1.90 5 90
8 Herds here Moreash here
9 Cultivate am plow pm gang
10 cut hay am B Jay plow pm Pa went Sask Mrs Hatton here
11 cultivate potatoes plow gang rain 2 hours grand shower
12 plow gang bred Jay
13 rain little H took load wheat town got Bertha
14 B 3 75 E 1.40 5 15
One page wage calculations by week and month 15 pages maps insert
15 pail berries
16 rain put dirt in stable got ½ sheep 3 60
17 clean cellar AM fix Chris line fence PM
18 river no berries Mary brought twins home
19 Plow AM Stamfeed PM
20 Plow all day gang Pa came home from Sask
21 B 4.70 E 1 40 6 10
22 Plow AM paris green potatoes PM
23 Plow all day gang
24 (No Entry)
25 Plow all day gang
26 Plow gang finished 45 acres
27 Cut hay Isa went town
28 Cultivate B 4 00 E .90 4.90 22 05 total
29 (No Entry)
30 cultivate AM kill pig 250 lbs rain all night
31 rain all night
August
1 Cut some S clover and wild oats
2 dug post holes east of Trail & set posts sack flour $3 00
3 Cultivate garden Cut some S clover
4 coal 1630 gas 1.58 barley 300 oats 300 B 4 50 E .90 5 40
- 75 -
5 (No Entry)
6 Cut some hay
7 took bull to fair
8 went to fair
9 fair rain very hard eve
10 B Abbekirk
11 B 5 40 E .90 6 00
12 Mrs McFadden and Margaret
13 Stack 4 load
14 Fanny Margaret went home stack 4 loads
15 Stack 4 load
16 Stack 5 load
17 Herd got bull stack 2 load
18 Mrs McFadden went home Isa & Bertie went town for Calgary B 4 50 E .75 = 5.25
19 returned binder knife
20 rain putting wire east of trail fix binder
21 town got Isa fix binder
22 cut some green feed with binder
23 cut some S. clover took mares up to Days place
24 (No Entry)
25 B 3 60 E .75 4 35 Total 25 00
26 (No Entry)
27 rain forenoon cut wheat PM
28 Cut wheat
29 Cut some wheat
30 Cut wheat
31 finished 41 acres cut Kitchener
September
1 Cream 50 B 5 60 E 1 45 7 55
2 (No Entry)
3 fanny cut wheat on 20 acres west of potatoes
4 Belgian colt mare finished 20 acres west of trail
5 stook
6 stack to load horse feed
7 stack to load horse feed cut some s. clover
8 B 4 90 E 1 05 5 95
9 (No Entry)
10 Cut wheat seeded June 8th
- 76 -
11 Finished cutting wheat
12 stook school fair
13 Bred Nellie got one buggy tire set cut some oats
14 Cut some oats Set waggon tire
15 B 5 25 E 1.95 7 20
16 (No Entry)
17 stook wheat
18 stook AM stook 3 load wheat for horse feed
19 finished cut oats stook some
20 stook oats
21 rain fix granary door
22 froze ice in tank first time B 5 40 E 1 05 6 45
23 Moreash here
24 dug spuds about 40 bus
25 finished big patch potatoes about 50 bus
26 stook
27 coal mine
28 home 2 ¾ tons
29 got suit B 5 60 E 1 50 7 10
30 (No Entry)
October
1 Paint tank
2 finished spuds
3 (No Entry)
4 load wheat for Alexander
5 (No Entry)
6 B 5 60 E 1 00 6 60
7 (No Entry)
8 rain last night and today
9 Bran 2 30
10 finished stooking
11 pull corn
12 fanny pull turnips
13 B 5 60 E 1 00 6 60
14 (No Entry)
15 start thresh
16 Gagnons load 138 bus - 40 lbs Net 137 20
17 finished threshing sweet clover
- 77 -
18 64 bu – 20 lbs 129 10 – 40 lbs 128 30
19 73 bu – 80 lb 72.3 70 30 bu – 80 lbs 70 bus 121 bu 80 – 80 lbs = 121 bus
20 128 bus 10 lbs -40 127.30 B 480 E
21 (No Entry)
22 128 20 – 40 127 40 lbs
23 132 40 – 40 131 30 lbs
24 135 bus – 40 134 20
25 133-40
26 132 40 – 40 132 bushels
27 load wheat for Fred Killoran 129 30
B 4 80 E 1 00 5 80
28 (No Entry)
29 138 bushels for F Killoran
30 143 bus for F Killoran
31 143 bus for F Killorn very windy brought Fred out 2520 lbs coal
November
1 141 bus for F Killoran
2 141 bus for F Killoran
3 left Macleod 1 35 left Lethbridge 4 20 got Carm 6 00 B 4 80 E .80 = 5.60
4 left Carmangay 12 30 night got Lethbridge 6 10 Macleod 9 30
5 143 bushels for Killoran
6 119 bushels Pa 5430 oat for F Killoran
7 136 bu for Pa
8 $139.40 for leather sent $257 to Carmangay for 3 cows
9 $132.40 Leather got $22.15 from Leather
10 140 bus for F Killoran stayed in all night Isa came home B 480 & 60 = 640 (540?)
11 brought out 3 cows
12 got 137 30 bushels for F Whipple
13 took it to town
14 got 142 10 wheat F Whipple
15 took it to town check 33.60
16 got 142 bu wheat G Pearson
17 took it to town windy B 440 & 180 = 620
Pages torn out Nov 18 to Dec 1
December
2 (No Entry)
3 cold nasty day
4 Lovely day
5 Pelldind Porch Pontiac bull calf
- 78 -
6 79 10 gross 77 bus
7 80 20 gross net 78 2 40 dockage total 77 + 78 = 155
8 (No Entry)
9 got load wheat for Fred Killoran
10 took 84 10 wheat town for Fred Killoran got beaver board 12 sheets 1380-365 freight
11 got load wheat for F Killoran
12 took it to town 125 bushels
13 kill geese
14 kill turkeys
15 sold six turkeys 58 lbs at 17 cents = 9.86
16 Hattons here for dinner
17 lovely day no wind & warm put on 2 storm sash
18 Mr Gillen help put a partition in the house
19 Mr Gillen help tear down granary and put up walls of stable
20 work little at stable
21 bred both sows to white boar
22 town sold 11 turkeys
23 (No Entry)
24 killed old gobbler 19 ½ lbs for dinner
25 xmas snowing this morning Pa had dinner here and at Harfs Bertie got watch cold
26 (No Entry)
27 West wind drift little town 15 lbs butter 5.70 6 doz and 10 eggs 325 Sent $60 for calf
work around stable
28 (No Entry)
29 very cold 40 below used tank heater first time this year
30 cold
31 clear but cold
so ended the year 1923
Belldina Abberkirk should calve April 20, 1924
Belldina Porch Pontiac Nov 27th, 1923
Strathmore Ormsby Queen Jan 7th, 1924
Strathmore Queen Abberkirk May 10, 1924 bred August 10, 1923
Violet due Dec 6, 1923 bred March 6, 1923
Jay, April 12, 1924 bred July 12, 1923
Fanny July 12, 1924 bred Oct 12, 1923
- 79 -
There were a few other notes. The Residence phone was R1102 Physician: Kennedy 168 lb. 5
ft 9” Shoes size 9
Here so ended the diary of the year 1923.
- 80 -
1926
There are no entries from January 1 to 15
January
16 got this book F Lock over this evening There has been no winter yet. Just grand weather.
17 snowing
18, 19, 20,21 22 (No Entries)
23 Fred Lock over this evening.
24, 25 (No Entries)
26 try new stunt
27 Mrs. Stephenson here this afternoon
28 school ¾ day sale looking for house up on the hill windy
29, 30, 31 (No Entries)
February
1st to 17th (No Entries)
18 B down to Rumley school 4 05
19 (No Entry)
20 rented farm
21, 22, 23 (No Entries)
24 Rumley school
25 theory
26 theory
27 (No Entry)
28 (No Entry)
March
1,2 (No Entries)
3 Left for Macleod. Took Margaret with me.
4 (No Entry)
5 came to Calgary
6 Moved to Crescent Heights
7 School
8 School
9 School10,11,12,13,14 (No Entries)
15 Went to Macleod this morning
16 Ma, Stewart and I brought pa up to Calgary
17 Ma and Stewart here pa at Western Hospital
18 Hospital
19 I came back
20 Went out to oil refinery. Pa had an operation
- 81 -
21 Palace theatre
22 (No Entry)
23 colder snow little
24 Stewart started for home
25 Exams
26 Exams
27, 28, 29 (No Entries)
30 took tractor down to Sawyer and Mary
April
1, 2, 3 (No Entries)
4 Took pa out of hospital
5, 6, 7, 8 (No Entries)
9 Pa and Ma went home
10, 11 (No Entries)
12 sold bull to E McBride, Benalta, Alberta bought bicycle
13th to 30th (No Entries)
May
1,2 (No Entries)
3 Old bull to doc
4 (No Entry)
5 Went to Macleod 7 00
6th -19th (No Entries)
20 Started to work on an elevator at 1 oclock work 4 hours
21 Work 8 hours
22 Work 8 hours
23 (No Entry)
24 work 10 hours
25 work 10 hours
26 work 10 hours
27 work 10 hours
28 work 10 hours
29 work 8 hours little rain lot of wind
30 (No Entry)
31 work 8 hours got check 55.90
June
1 work 8 hours (using ditto marks)
2 “
3 “
- 82 -
4 work 8 hours finished got check 26 00
(81.25 cents per hour)
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (No Entries)
11 snow & rain quite a lot
12 clear
13 rain quite a lot
14 rain a lot last night and today Isa and Margaret went to Edmonton 4 45
15 rain very hard about 1
16 rain grand shour this afternoon got letter from Isa
17 (No Entry)
18 rain nearly all day and all night
19 Rain nearly all day steady. Bertie and I went to Grand Theatre
20-24 (No Entries)
25 Went to farmers meeting w8ith Mr Foreman
26-30 (No Entries)
July
1 rain all night
2, 3 (No Entries)
4 (No Entry)
5 Bertie and I went to the pirade and fair
6 Bertie went to fair I went to phone
7 Rain
8 F
9 took Jack Cook out to Connors Mr and Mrs Carson here for supper
10 (No Entry)
Wage scale calculator page and 15-page map section inserted
11-21 (No Entries)
22 went to High River 7 oclok evening
23 started to work on elevator work 10 hours
24 work 10 hours very warm
25 (No Entry)
26 work 10 hours
27 went down near Claresholm in car back 7 20 p.m.
28 set braces
29 cribbing 10 hours
30 cribbing 10 hours
31 cribbing 10 hours
August
1 (No Entry)
- 83 -
2 cribbing 10 hours
3 cribbing 10 hours
4 cribbing 10 hours finished cribbing putting on roof and studding
5 putting on cornice and shingling 10 hours got check for $35 00 (possibly 35 cents an hour)
6 shingling
7 helping John put in the head went home in ford
8 came down on blood line
9 helping John put in head and flooring
10 spouting
11 spouting
12, 13 (No Entries)
14 Finished at High River 200 hours
15 (No Entry)
16 home no work
17 went to Mr Karins funeral
18 , 19 (No Entries)
20 meeting tonight
21-30 (No Entries) BUT
31 worked 80 hours at Midnapore in August
September
1 (No Entry)
2 work 5 hours start at noon
3 work 8 hours start at 9 oclock
4 Work 10 hours
$43.50
5 (No Entry)
6 work 8 ½ hours 9 finish 5 oclock Isa went to Wood house 8 20 fare $2 75
7 rain and blow fierce from NW
9 cribbing and build driveway 9 ½ hours 10 hours
10 rain all day
11 work 4 ½ hours went to Macleod 10 17 fare 75 cents
12 went out home and back stayed 2 nights at Liberty Cafe
13 left for Woodhouse 7 oclock started to work at 8 oclock worked 9 hours
14 turn very windy and cold north wind
15 worked 10 hours finished crib cold north wind
16 put up Cupaloo cold 9 hours snow a little
17 shingling 10 hours snow and cold wear sheepskin all day
18 got check for 22 00 Midnapore snow 11 70 board 3 60 total from Woodhouse
19 (No Entry)
- 84 -
20 snow
21 snow
22-27 (No Entries)
28 town nothing doing
September 29-October 2 (No Entries)
October
3 Went to Sandstone with box Mr Voss
4 Started to work with engine leveled
5 Leveled
6 got disc and disced
7 calm all night
8 Came to Calgary this evening
9 (No Entry)
October 10-20 (No Entries)
21 Went to Minneret 4 45 2 05 sick all night (Minaret is 97 km from Calgary, toward Red
Deer)
22 Went back to Calgary 5 09 cost 1 70 worked 2 ½ hours this morning
October 23-26 (No Entries)
27 Went to Minneret 8 05 fare 2 05 work 6 hours
28 work 10 hours
29 work 10 hours
30 work 10 hours
31 (No Entry)
November
1 Raised Cupuloo and shingled 10 hours
2 shingled 5 hours laid off went to Calgary fare 1.70
November 3 – December 31 (No Entries)
Addresses: 125 ford phone W1174 324-5th Ave W
Allie Thompson 819 3rd Ave W, 10645 106 St., Phone 2092
Telephone Directory 5 entries one of them an actual telephone number
Here so ended the diary of the year 1926.
- 85 -
1929
Preliminary pages:
Egbert Wells Wellsville Alberta Res. Phone R1114 Truck weighed 3150 45 cents for
diary
Mar 6th Sold R B dressed 168 lb got Dec 6th
Aug 14th got Bull tobias
Sept 1 black twin bull
Sept 6th Heiffer
Hammersley
Nov 16 Abby B. C.
Dec 2 white T heifer Dec 6 B.C. from Hammer
Dec 31 Heiffer calf Hammer
Started the 2nd 25 lb calf meal on Jun 6th 1929
Got 3rd 25 lb calf meal on Feb 14th
Mar 9th R Bull Tobiason 7 00
To calibrate the drill multiply the circumference of the wheel by the width of the drill in feet and
divide by 43.560. this gives the number of revolutions to seed one acre. To lessen the work,
take one-tenth.
The diary contained, as did most, 18 printed pages describing census populations, postage rates,
antidotes , interest data, 16 pages of coloured maps including Arctic and Antarctic exploration,
ruled pages for accounts, memoranda ...
January
1-7 (No Entries)
8 got this book through mail today lovely day found pup
9 , 10 (No Entries)
11 loaded 2 loads wht for town and cleaned out one granary and moved the wheat up to red
granary
12 took 84 20 and 85 20 bushels wheat to town Bertie drove blacks grand day
13 Morash out
14 (No Entry)
15 Mr and Mrs Hatton and Kris here this evening
16 Took Abby to Day’s to bull
17 Took sow with split ear to Alcocks snow very little
18 cold
19 cold
20 cold South West wind
21 took black twin to Hatton cold and stormy
22-25 (No Entries)
- 86 -
26 Very cold and stormy all week no wind
27 cold
28 about 30 below last night
29 cold
30 cold
31 cold
February
1 John and Charlie came out this evening old
2 Cold pumping water for stock by hand caught a dog in a trap
3 Took John and Charlie down to Pat’s in a sleigh old
4 cold John went home
5 cold
6 10 above
7 10 above
8 blow drift mail late
9 warmer put 2 loads hay in barn made 13 lbs butter
10 lovely day
11 nice not much wind sold 2 lbs butter and 3 doz eggs Mrs Trotter 1.85
12 nice
13 nice
14 town with sleigh first trip downtown this year got incubator sold 26 lbs butter & 10 doz
eggs got dog
15 drifting very dirty
16 cold put 3rd load hay in barn
17 cold 30 below tonight
18 very cold this morn 30 below started to blow from west went to 10 above
19 terrible winds mail stopped here until after dinner and stopped in town all night
20 town 1770 coal 5.95 broke sleigh got B Beaties sold 10 lb butter 4 40 6 doz egs
21 took B Beaties sleigh home
22 hens out today for first time since about 15 Jan thawing
23 Hens out not very warm
24 Hens out nice day thawing
25 nice day hens out thawing 25 eggs
26 quite a cold day took white twin to Day’s in waggon 20 eggs
27 nice day 31 eggs
28 nice day
March
1 very windy took 14 doz egs at 40 cents and 22 lbs butter at 40 cents to town got 38 egs
- 87 -
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
nice day got piece of horse for dogs got 30 egs
48 above 40 egs just grand
very windy thawing 40 egs Pat had dinner here
turn cold Bertie went to dentist with mail Mrs. Hatton here
Hartley out got veal calf weighed 167 lbs paid me for 163 lbs at 14 cents $22.82
Hornburger moved here this evening to chopp
chopped 90 00 cost $9.00 three 3-deck boxes
took Bertie to dentist took 12 dozen egs @ 35 cents and 12 lbs butter at 40 cents & got a calf
from Tobiason $8.00
10 one sow had 10 pigs from Pearson’s hog blistered Min
11 lost 1 little pig and Bill Glass helped me kill 1 dressed 208 lbs
12 Isa and Margaret went to town with Mrs. Hatton and sent a crate egs to Mrs. Polick
13 clean stable nice day
14 took in 82 bushels wheat 1 30 dockage = 80 30 @ 94 cents = $75.65 grand day
15 pulled walter out of stack second time fix fence and load a load of wheat
16 took 80 bush wheat town got Little incubator from Andrews
17 snow little Moreash here colder
18 snow about all gone again
19 Bertie and I got 150 bus wheat tobridge nice day
20 kind of cold wind
21 started to disc at noon on broom grass sod
22 colder some snow
23 took 24 dozen egs 12 butter and 7 bus 46 lbs wheat to Days sent for Berties incubator
24 Mr and Mrs Hatton here 10 above this morning quite cold no wind
25 Disc
26 Disc
27 disc 38 chickens first hatch from incubator
28 disc
29 snow all night and all day
30 town 16 00 coal 4.60 8 lbs butter 2 dozen egs cold took Margaret to barber
31 south-south-east wind
April
1 thaw little clean wheat
2 took heiffer to Pearsons
3 put bees out and fixing drill
4 fixing drill
5 Bertie help me move up two granaries forenoon I disc p m
6 snowing this morning cold snow
- 88 -
7 calf weighted 79 lbs when I got it gained 60 lbs
8 cold
9 town got Berties incubator cost $23 40
10 cold wind
11 white twin to Pearsons some snow yet
12 snow about all gone
13 got 195 egs from Ida Herd to set set 2 hens for Margaret
14 set 150 eggs in Berties incubator 2 on top
15 finished discing on broom grass sod
16 fix drill started to drill about 9 acres very windy
17 seeding cold& windy finished about 16 acres
18 seeded about 16 acres
19 seeded finished the broom grass east of trail 52 ½ acres used 52 bus 48 lbs
20 snow last night and nearly all day has 57 acres seeded no work today
21 snow about all gone drying up fast there was a lot of moisture fell
22 started to plow at noon on oat stubble started to rain 9 o clock turned to snow
23 ...all night snow all day
24 clear Plow p m 4 horses used sulky sold 2 pigs C Hall $8.00
25 seeded p m
26 seeded all day have 70 ¾ acre seeded 27 ½ acres in sweet clover pasture on trotters ¼
27 cultivated all day used 8 horses very heavy 128 egs left in Bert’s incubator 139 lb calf
mentioned on 7th weight 168 lbs live, now.
28 fix fence fore noon sold six pigs $24 Ida Herd got 60 egs got 4 gals gas
29 rain fix drill harrow clean stable holstein heiffer away
30 town 2970 coal 5 90 20 gals coal oil 4.80 5 gas 1 35 10 lbs axle grease 1.85 = 8 00
Imperial
May
1 seeded 5 acres barley on broom grass and 8 acres on summer fallow and dragged the 8 acres
2 cultivated 8 horses
3 cultivated fore noon rain and snow all p m
4 town got 68 bus R B cleaned cost 3 08
5 nice drying day clean stable
6 finished cultivating on Wilbert A M Bertie and I started to seed 2 drills P M
7 finished seeding on Wilbert 135 acres tally at 114
8 finished plowing the 20 acres sweet clover plow all day 4 horses single plow
9 snow and rain all the fore noon clear and drying P M clean stable
10 Cultivate on Pre emption all day Sow had 4 pigs from Alcocks hog
11 Cultivate all day Bertie seeded about 20 acres on pre emption
- 89 -
12 nice day Margaret Moreash out They went to river
13 cultivated A M Bertie seeded I finished seeding about 45 acres on pre emption
14 rain or snow nearly all day no work
15 Pat got 2 bags spuds I put two discs together burn stubble
16 disc some on the 40 acres
17 drag Isa went to town Mrs Hatton
18 cultivate Bertie seeded on the 20 acre field both finished the wheat 7 30
19 grand warm day
20 started to plow for oats on PreEmption
21 Plow
22 Plow fine and warm
23 Plow very windy
24 Plow Bertie help with single plow
25 Plow fore noon Bertie help single plant some potatoes P M cold and windy
26 over to Whiffles place looking for a three furrow plow got 8 duck egs wild ones
27 clean stable and fix corral fence
28 seeded 17 acres oats
29 seeded 7 acres oats and packed 24
30 drag oats and some wht fine day
31 start to hail about 5 o clock and rain fierce
June
1 rain everything flooded
2 rain
3 rain sharpen plow shares
4 scrape out yard
5 cut w. pig finished plant potatoes
6 churn fix plow
7 sold the calf to Tony weighs 162 lbs @ 14 ½ = 23.49 at 3 months cut some hay very hot
took sow to Alcocks
8 All to town in democrat rain little at night
9 clear
10 3290 lbs oats to Mennos to chop Cost 3 30 Bred Bess Shut up little pigs
11 fixing bin for chop
12 fixing bin for chop and fixing plows
13 fixing bin for chop and fixing plows very windy
14 disc little 6 acres two discs two wet
15 started to plow on 30 acres 12 horses and two gang plows
16 cold and windy
- 90 -
17 rain last night clean stable & plow off corners on 50 acres West of track
18 Plow little very windy
19 plow fore noon very windy broke evener down to Gillens Moreash here and tobs
20 very windy fix evener fore noon cut load hay
21 plow P M
22 plow A M draw in load hay cultivate
23 (No Entry)
24 Plow all day good day very warm
25 plow all day fair day very warm
26 Plow all day
27 Plow all day
28 Plow all day
29 finished 50 acres on Pre at noon 8 days
30 very dry warm put rack on truck B. Glass helped he had dinner here
July
1 sharpened two shares this fore noon plow on 20 acres this afternoon
2 plow all day on 20 acres windy got crate of eg from Mrs. Long 25 cents a doz
3 finished the 20 acres on Pre emption
4 town sold 1640 wht 1.11 18 65 bought sack flower 5 00 2180 coal 7 00 paid telephone 5
00
5 cultivate potatoes and cut some hay
6 sharpen 8 plow shares rain last night and today Fix oat bin in barn P M
7 Showery some of our wheat is heading about 12 inches tall but a nice crop Pat and family
up for supper
8 Plow on 40 acres cut Pat’s pigs and got his rack
9 plow small day haul load hay Pat and Harry up this evening
10 drag finish 60 acres on Pre West of track cold and windy
11 put 5 loads hay in barn 2 alfalfa 3 broom
12 fix Harry’s car fore noon Bertie rake draw in 3 loads alfalfa
13 Draw in 4 load alfalfa Saras brother here for tea
16 page map insert
14 very hot
15 got new roofs for shingles plow on 42 acres Bertie cut hay very warm
16 plow on 60 acres sharpen two plow shares
17 took 3010 oats Skeldings chop 13 bus wheat 1.30
18 haul 4 loads alfalfa very hot put new top box on bees Jary went this morning
19 6 loads poor hay Preacher and Moreash out Bertie went town with them
20 very very windy no work
- 91 -
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
windy
disc after noon Paris Green potatoes fore noon Bertie cut hay nice very dry
put in 6 loads good hay some alsack
put in 3 loads hay cut some broom grass Paris Green potatoes
cut hay on Wilberts found first queen cells made new nuclei Pollicks came down
warm dry finished cut on Wilberts plow garden put thistles on track
Pollick came after his family took Isa Jean and Mary to town our new hive swarmed
very hot went through all the bees found what we thought is a new queen put queen cell in
Berts hive
29 sold load hay 3 00 got in 4 ½ upset one load lost little pig very hot broom grass trotters
30 put in 6 loads broom grass off Wilberts
August
1 put in 4 loads hay
2 2 loads hay
3 rain little last night took 102 bus wht to town chop took 12 bushels wheat out of it got 1 20
or 17 25 cost 5 00 to get it out and chopped rain nice shower
4 nice down to Pattersons put new rubber on hives
5 tried to plow 12 horses and 2 plows very dry and hard
6 started to cultivate and disc 12 horses on the 60 acres east of track
7 cultivate and disc went down to R N Wilson
8 cultivate and disc fore noon rain just a little afternoon shorten cultivator points
9 cultivate and disc 4 horses finishd the big piece
10 sold 98 bus oats at 49 cents = 48.25
11 nice day
12 started to cut whts and barley at noon
13 cut all day Isa went to town with mail
14 cut all day Isa and Margaret went to Cardston with Moreash
15 start on the broom grass at noon new man start stooking Mr Gunn here kill pig lost
Holstein bull
16 pig dressed 176 cut up pig and cut wht
17 afternoon stook Bertie disc cut stook and disc
18 found new queen in Berties hive windy sold 1 00 honey to Long sold honey 1 20 to Harold
19 Cut all day Bert disc
20 finished cut the broom grass barley and sweet clover pasture 79 acres used 200 twine
21 fixed fence
22 town 250 lbs twine at 13 ½ G James finished stooking & cut thistles on track
23 cut all day 12 horses hanged on the Trotters place
24 finished cutting on the trotter place used 100 lbs twine
- 92 -
25
26
27
28
clean out granarys Moreash brought Margaret out nice day machine moved here
rain nice shower moved 200 bus oats up to high granary moved 2 granarys a m stook P M
thresher left this evening threshed
got new truck took 3570 wht 1.32 received $68 took 4 loads wht 56 bus, 57 bus, 73 ½ and
76 1/3 bus
29 cut oats took 74 bus 30 lbs to town got 94.95
30 (No Entry)
31 finished cut oats took 74 bus 30 lbs to town P M 98.35 got extractor 4.85 freight
September
1 nice day extract and clean garage
2 rain last night and all day clean stable
3 took Bertie to town school very slippery froze ice last night cut wht P M
4 cut wheat on pre E rain little evening
5 Finished cutting on PreEmption start on last 20 acres cold put on underwear
6 finished cutting at 20 to 8 froze hard last night
7 man finished stook at noon I took 2 loads wht to town one to Pool for Ma 76 30 got 99.40
5 ½ days J
8 Barrel got 14 70 used 525 lbs twine put new sills under granary put binder away nice and
warm
9 took Bertie to school took load wht to Pool got load gravel James help 2 hours
10 plow for noon James fix fence took load wht to Pool James plow 12 horses P M
11 James plow all day I sharp shares and clean pig pen
12 J went Chris H I plow 12 horses
13 took 74 bus 20 lbs wht for Albert Hatton forenoon Plow p m
14 plow a m 12 horses took 53 bus wht at 1.32 62.95 Pay $45 for Berties bike 2 days for
Jimmie
15 rain last evening Mr and Mrs Reid here sold them 2 ½ lbs honey Mr Glass 5 and Mr Long
25 lbs at 15 cents a pound
16 took Bertie to town sold little load wheat Draw 3 loads wht for Mr. Reid
17 draw 9 trips for Mr Reid
18 draw 8 trips
19 draw 8 trips
20 finished plowing the summer fallow
21 Took Isa and Margaret town Isa went to Lethbridge sold 70 bushels wheat 1.27 88.90
22 Bertie help move 3 granarys
23 took Bertie town fix track in barn and shut door
24 fence
25 James fix fence fore noon took Margaret to school fare
- 93 -
26 Jimmie and I fix fence all day
27 started to dig potatoes dig spuds Jimmie help
28 finish spuds Jimmie help 4 days this week for Jimmie
29 (No Entry)
30 draw 6 loads wht for Pat
October
1 draw 6 loads for Pat
2 draw for Pat
3 draw for Pat fore noon total 17 loads 1303 bushels 10 lbs at 5.5=71.66 windy
4 very windy Jimmie help take pumpe out
5 took Isa to town went to hospital to see Vern
6 down to Harold Youngs
7 (No Entry)
8 sold 74 30 lbs at 1.16 = 86.40 John started here at noon
9 sold 75 30 lbs at 1.16 87 00 finished threshing wht tonight
10 rain
11 (No Entry)
12 sold 73 bushels at 1.24 = 90 50 Lethbridge 2 ton coal 9 50
13 took John to Piegan for clothes
14 took 2 loads wheat to Pool sold 76 bus to Long at 1.24 = 94.85 John disc p m 6 horses
15 3 loads to pool paid Clif 114.00
16 3 loads to Pool John disc 6 horses
17 1 load to Pool John disc 12 little pigs
18 3 loads to Pool John plow 4 horses
19 1 load to Pool John disc got 2 ton stove coal Lethbridge 49 miles to Lethbridge
20 3 loads to Pool John disc grand day got 2 calves tobiason
21 (No Entry)
22 79 20 frozen to Longs 77 30 No. 3 84 45 = 109 bushel
23 went to Beatties sale got piece for disc
24 moved up 3 granaries 90 bushels chicken feed or No 3 wht
25 took 35 20 old oats and barley to chopp cost 3.50 Skelding John disc
26 Over to Gagnons nice day John disc got box apples 2 10
27 Snow and rain
28 Snowing took Bertie to school John clean stable and get some straw
29 put roosts in granary grand day shut up turkeys black twin heiffer
30 fix track in barn thawing little snow little more today bred red and white heiffer
31 took John to town P M
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November
1 took Isa and Margaret to town P M
2 fixing up for sale some snow yet but nice day
3 (No Entry)
4 getting ready for sale
5 Pat Ma and Mrs Gagnon here getting ready for sale
6 Sale snowed last night nice today cold
7 town bought 2 milk pails old Bill went today
8 Mud went to Pearce today
9 moved old wooden water tank nice day
10 nice day all over to Hattons for tea
11 Mr Glass got the black twin today he paid 101 00 at sale we made some roof no snow
12 got 2 ton coal at Coalhurst for Mr Cahoon got 71 bushels wheat for Mr Cahoon
13 got 2 ton coal for Mr Cahoon took 61 bus wheat back
14 got 2 ton coal for Mr Cahoon to bus wht back
15 2 ton for us Lethbridge
16 75 bus wht 79.20 1.07 2 ton Gagnon 18.00 cost 9.00
17 Snow little last night and today Dr out Margaret Scarlet fever
18 (No Entry)
19 cold little snow drove Sandy first time Mr Glass got 4 turkeys
20 cold dull drove Sandy with dick
21 snow drifting terrible everything in
22 (No Entry)
23 (No Entry)
24 (No Entry)
25 John moving dirt
26 fixing fence
27 fixing fence
28 (No Entry)
29 took 3150 lbs oats and barley to Mennonites (Yay!!) cost 3 10 for chopping John & I went
Windy
30 clean stable used Sandy
December
1 nice day John road Maud over to Hattons for mail
2 grand day cleaned stable used Sandy Dr Kennedy called Irene Hatton brought her baby
home
3 nice day moved old binder and start wrecking
4 nice day Plow 4 horses used Sandy John moving dirt
- 95 -
5 got frunt ¼ beef A Gitten 11 cents 15 40 terrible windy sent $5 in to Bertie
6 move some dirt frozen little
7 clean stable
8 bred old sow to our hog cold stormy all the horses except Min in
9 (No Entry)
10 (No Entry)
11 Cold bred 1 sow for Albert and our red shorthorn
12 cold bred 2 sows for Albert and 1 for us moved 68 roosters from little granary
13 cold clear about 4 inches of snow here now
14 cold
15 cold Joe Herd got 2 turkeys weigh 11 and 12 lbs
16 Just around zero snowing some more
17 calm not cold pump by hand
18 took Dr Brighton to Deikers 20 below this morning about one foot snow
19 fumigated today we went to Herds for dinner nice day took sleigh
20 Kill some turkeys Mr Gunn came out
21 kill rest of turkeys Mr Gunn brought out I took him town and turkeys got Bertie drift
22 nice day no road
23 drift terrible
24 blow hard John walk to town came out with Albert Hatton thawing fast
25 thawing fast about 40 above
26 clean hen house snow very little last night
27 took 3200 chopp to Men cost 3.20 Nellie weighs 1670 dick 1600 foremost 1440 june 1440
about 30 above
28 bred smallest sow re bred one for Albert thawing fast
29 grand day
30 All to town in truck P M got load of posts
31 heiffer had bull calf threshed 2502 wheat
1148
485
4135
barley
440
oats
800
5395
Mott 401 39th Ave S.W.
Jerseys at Killam, Alta
Red Polls Mrs Paulson Ponoka Alta
For shale in radiator
1 qt muriatic acid to
5 gals watter for 5 min
- 96 -
John Longdon 9859 Jasper Avenue Edmonton
Berties incubator cost 17.45 freight 4.15 duty 1.80
Total 23.40
There were 4 pages of Memoranda detailing about 60 purchases and sales of grain and
chickens 1122.30 gross
Here so ended the diary of the year 1929.
- 97 -
1931
January
1 very quiet not cold no snow
2 glorious day draw manure from barn
3 nice day Mrs Mc ewen here finished drawing manure
4 nice day Bertie got 4 lbs butter from Mrs Hatton
5 took Bertie school about 7 gallons cream sent 15 doz egs Mrs Pollock
6 60 egs help wash bred red and white Shorthorn to our bull set hen on 12 egs nice day
7 , 8, 9, 10 (No Entries)
11 nice day
12 Isa went in and stayed at Mrs. Moreash sent 5 gals cream claresholm 5.37
13 black 2 year old bull calf
14 nice day Marg went to school Jean and I alone
15 Nice day
16 sent 15 doz eggs Eatons sold 15 dozen around town 1 chicken 75 cents and pint cream 30
cents took Jean in
17 snowed very little last night 3 lbs butter from Mrs Hatton 65 cents
18 colder but nice
19 took Bertie to town Jean came out with me 15 dozen eggs W Hall 3.22 Ida Heard came
out with me
20 Mr Gunn here for dinner He took Isa hospital 2 o clock this morning baby 11
21 took Jean and Margaret to town to see Mother and Allen
22 grand day 48 above
23 , 24 (No Entries)
25 town took Marg
26 took Bertie town sent can of cream Claresholm 5 07
27 nice set hen I guess at grain box
28 nice day Mrs Hatton came house and cleaned up for us
29 grand weather
30 4 little chickens Maggie came out with us got piece for Stockholm (the cream separator)
grand day hens out
31 grand day bees out like summer fed them from honey
February
1 grand day
2 lovely
3 grand day
4 109 eggs grand day started another hen in barrel
5 took Hilda to Pearsons
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6 snow little this morning brought Isa out Mr Glass went in with us
7 (No Entry)
8 4 lbs butter Mrs Hatton 90 cents
9 took Bertie town got milk paid Mrs Moreash thawing set hen in barrel
10 nice day thawing set incubator total 23 chickens
11 grand
12 grand Mr. Moreash Mr and Mrs Ferguson Mr and Mrs Hatton and Marie here
13 sold 15 doz egs to W.H. and 12 doz to customers at 20 cents 3 lbs butter Mr Glass 60 cents
nice day
(W. H. = White Hall)
14 nice day
15 nice day
16 sold 15 doz eggs W.H. 2.48
17 windy but nice
18 very windy
19 nice
20 took 42 doz eggs town average about 15 cents 43 lbs cream Mr Hatton Mr Hatton went
with me Bertie went out to Cannings
21 105 eggs left in Berties incubator grand day
22 windy but nice Mr and Mrs S Fraser here from Pincher Creek 125 eggs
23, 24 (No Entries)
25 killed lamb 113 lbs live 57 lbs dressed Mr. Glass help
26 (No Entry)
27 took battery to charge got Bertie took Maggie and Jean
28 got C Halls gander
March
1 our red gobbler bred 2 turkey hens to date sold Hilda’s bull calf 2 months old 20.00 Albert
Hattons bred cow
2 (No Entry)
3 start snow evening terrible wind all day
4 snow all day white sow 9 pigs
5 nice day Mr and Mrs Hatton here used sleigh lost one little pig
6 town Vern and Glass went took 42 dozen eggs one sow 11 pigs last night one sow 10 pigs
this morn
7 nice day 26 pigs left on 3 sows 134 eggs left in Eatons
8 Mr Seers Pincher Creek here he has potatoes Maggie went up with him Cold north east wind
9 cold stormy black bull calf died
10 cold stormy Margaret home Maggie went to Pincher Creek Sunday the calf died last night
- 99 -
11 Frasers brought Maggie back
12 nice
13 Isa went town took in 27 dozen
14 grand day
15 took Maggie and Marget to Gillens set Berties incubator
16 Took Bertie Maggie Margaret to town she went home
17 nice got 2 loads wht from trotter
18 nice
19 50 chickens in Eatons incubator from 153 eggs
20 nice lots of people on the land
21 got 2 loads wht from trotter
22 sold Sandy to Domnic Cyr for fare B red bull calf and 80 00
23 Mr Cyr came down today started to disc 8 horses nice day
24 Mr Cyr took Sandy today disc afternoon 8 horses
25 got our first 2 goose eggs and duck egg snowing cold
26 cold
27 cold
28 cold still some snow
29 nice thawing SW wind got our 1st turkey egg
30 got 2 ton coal Lethbridge 4.50 ton
31 nice disc P M 8 horses
April
1 snow last night real wet today
2 nice day snow a little more last night bought 2 calves 10.00 from Downing
3 got Meechims oat cleaner clean little
4 clean some more oats and took 2755 lbs to Mennonites cost 2.75 nice day west wind
5 had turkey for dinner nice day
6 finished cleaning 115 bushels oats took 2900 to Mennonites cost 2.90 got 100 flour 5 gal
gas total cost 4 45
7 disc Bertie took the oat cleaner home
8 took Bertie to town got 2 ton coal for Glass cost 9 00 very windy
9 disc afternoon
10 disc fore noon took in 53 bushels and 10 lbs wheat for glass also took Vern and 2 barrels
Marg and Jean Brought Mrs Russell out
11 disc all day Bertie and Isa got a cat at Woods kind of cold
12 set goose on 11 eggs put bees out 1 dead Mr and Mrs McAwn here nice day
13 took Bertie town disc afternoon on Wilbert place finished
14 disc 3 hours forenoon terrible wind
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15 terrible wind disc 3 hours east of barn Albert help me kill a pig P M
16 Cafton got half the pig 70 lb at 1.04 = 70 00 disc all day
17 disc for noon terrible Windy town
18 finished discing the 20 acre field windy and cold
19 very cold North wind very windy
20 took Bertie to school disc forenoon nice
21 very cold & north wind very little snow
22 disc all day nice Kathleen Pattersons burried today
23 disc
24 disc A M town P M
25 sent 2350 lbs of oats 60 bushels of wheat to clean cost 4.35
26 sold 24 little pigs to W A Day 72 00 got Brownie cut the Red Poll bull
27 started to seed 8 acres on Wilbert 4 horse Bertie seed P M I disc 6 hours nice day
28 Bertie seeded 21 acres I disc 6 hours grand day total 24 acres seeded 0n Wilbert
29 started to seed wht on Pre N E corner Bertie seeded I disc
30 Bertie seeded I took 8 pigs to Lethbridge
May
1 Bertie seeded I disc
2 seeded and disc have 73 acres of wheat in now
Maps insert
3 cut little black calf Cyr brought the white bull calf down and bought a hive of bees for $22
tried to rain nothing doing
4 snowing little this morning bred two sows to Alcocks got 8 73 for the veal from Hartley 97
lbs at 9 cents
5 finished seeding 32 ½ acres N E corner of Pre drag P M
6 disc on P emption and cornered piece by tracks very windy
7 snow clean stable took Gagnons fanning mill home took Isa Jean and Allen to baby clinic E
Murphys
8 disc fore noon town took in 77 bus wht Vern got him 3 bbls gas
9 planted garden & spuds
10 nice day Mrs Russell and Nellie tea got some Black Minorca hens from Mrs Hatton
yesterday
11 rod weed aft town fore noon
12 rod weed
13 rod weed
14 seeded all day Mr gun came out at noon
15 seeded fore noon town p m
16 finished seeding the 25 acres (drawing of a rhombus) east of track on Pre
- 101 -
17 veal 12 and 16 dressed got girl from burenis very cold and windy (veal 12 cents front, 16
cents hind)
18 67 hens Tony 314 lbs at 1.29 = 37 70 snowed little by spells all day
19 cultivate on Wilbert all day 4 horses glass up and Vern got rod weeder
20 cultivate all day 6 horses rain little shower Burns out to see black calf
21 (No Entry)
22 seeded wheat A M town Isa and Jean went
23 Bertie seeded I cultivated 4 horses
24 Bertie Isa Jean Allen and Antonia went to Herds Margaret to church very dry
25 Bertie seed I cultivate Pollocks down for dinner June had colt last night
26 finished seeding wheat 80 acres in the big field on Wilbert total 160 acres
27 Plow little fore noon town got 100 chickens plow P M
28 rain little last night plow little all day Joe and Ida up one potato up
29 Plow fore noon Isa Jean and I town
30 Bertie took 2600 chopp to Menn 2 65 I disc fore noon fix fence p m Albert help kill pig
this evening very hot & dry
31 Pig weighs 315 dressed took red sow to Alcocks very hot and dry
June
1 town A M plow P M
2 Plow rain little last night
3 Plow
4 Plow
5 plow all day town after tea
6 fix fence
7 nice Bertie went fishing
8 bred Pinder heiffer to shorthorn took Bertie town got 25 bus rye cultivate for p m
9 rain little last night disc oat ground
10 disc oat ground
11 drag oat ground
12 finished dragging the 47 acres oat ground town p m
13 fix fence
14 nice Bertie fishing mix 25 bus rye and 52 bus oats oil drill terrible dry
15 took Bertie school seeded 9 acres wheat-oats-rye
16 seeded 18 acres wheat ots rye
17 seeded 14 acres wheat oats rye terrific wind
18 seeded 7 acres p m total 48 acres oats and rye old and cloudy
19 fix disc cloudy Isa Jean and I town p m
- 102 -
20 bred Big Nellie to Mennonite colt 9 days old make some strike out on N W corner K pd
milk 6 cows
(The colt was not 9 days old when it bred Nellie nor was Nellie bred to a Mennonite – she
had had a colt 9 days before. The general practice was to keep horses and cows barefoot
and pregnant with astonishingly short turn around times)
21 tobiasson bull calf Jersey Cyr down Bertie went to school with them Gagnon over very
hot and dry
22 started to plow on N W corner of Pre Cold & windy plow all day
23 plow all day cold and windy Heard took our cream to town
24 Plow
25 Plow
26 Plow a m town p m
27 Cut 2 loads hay and draw it in
28 (No Entry)
29 Plow A M Isa took Bertie to finish exams rain nice rain this p m
30 got 2 pullet egs pulled hatched June 30, 1931 plow fore noon terrible windy picnic
July
1 Plow all day N W corner warm & nice
2 Plow all day
3 rain little last night clean hen house & stable Hartley got the black calf I got from Downing
got 1 pullet egs
4 town a m veal brought 11.84 plow p m Dick and Bertie fishing
5 rain good last night
6 plow fore noon rain 2 or 3 showers p m
7 Plow took out about 20 lbs honey
8 Plow
9 finished 58 acres N W corner Pre A M plow little on the 25 acre strip P M
10 town fore noon Norman is picking berries P M
11 Plow A M on 25 acres Pick berries P M 2 year old half Holstein had R. P. Heiffer this
evening
12 Stewart McNeil from Stavely here windy
13 disc fore noon six horses plow on 40 acres 2 bottom plow disc
14 Plow A M on 25 acres P M on 40 acres
15 plow all day on 25 acres down to Longs Mrs Long dead Tobiason here
16 Plow a little all day very hot and dry
17 I went to Mrs Longs funeral met Norm and Katy they came to town Tuesday
18 plow fore noon on 25 acres cut some feed p m
- 103 -
19 Isa went to Wiards very hot and dry down to B Glass & Heards over to Hazlemere school
to church
20 Plow A M on 25 acres P M on 40 acres draw in one small jag hay
21 Plow A M on 25 acres P M on 40 acres
22 Plow all day on 25 acres weed inspector Bill McNab Bertie got flour at Mennonits
23 Plow all day on 25 acres extract 50 lb honey
24 Town A M finished the 25 acres P M very hot and dry 7 days plowing
25 cut thistles all day fixed fence around bee yard
26 Mr and Mrs Hatton down Antonia went to church with Gagnons Bertie got 7 fish
27 cut little wheat broke and fixed binder
28 fix binder canvas
29 Cut little fore noon Norm and family came out fore noon
30 rain nice shower at 3 A M
31 Clear all to town but Bertie Norm went to town took his family
August
1 cut the rest of the 20 acres used 10 lbs twine very warm.
2 cut at Gagnons got some disc
3 disc all day 6 horse
4 disc all day 6 horses used threshold is full wht
5 draw in 5 loads green wheat and wild oats
6 Draw in 6 loads
7 draw in 2 loads all to town P M got rod weeder
8 rod weed Bertie and Isa took some chickens to Tony very warm and dry
9 Fishing P M Downey for dinner
10 disc and rod weed
11 Norm came up rod weed fix Norms car
12 rod weed Norm and Katie went this afternoon very warm and dry
13 disc little fix rod weeder
14 disc little A M rod weed and town P M
15 finished disc and rod weed put in two loads feed 15 loads
16 fishing 3 fish very hot and dry
17 draw in 4 loads wheat and wild oats bred black ½ holstein Murphy got stings Antonia went
to Wiards
18 Mr and Mrs Gallagher came down this evening cut wheat on 29 acres
19 Cut on 29 acres on Wilbert
20 finished the 29 acres and cut P M on 50 acres on NE corner of Pre killed the gassy veal
21 Town A M cut wht P M
22 got bbl gass went home got Ma took Isa and kids to town
- 104 -
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
I sting 4 times
cut wheat on 50 acres
finished the 50 acres used about 50 lbs twine Cut on Wilbert very hot and windy
cut on Wilbert rain very little this P M
cut all day on Wilbert 8 horses
Finished cutting wht A M white sow 12 pigs lost two
draw in one load feed extract about 175 lbs honey from 2 hives + one super Bertie Ida and
Isa went to Gillens
30 Ida Joe Pat Mary and kids here
31 took Bertie to school everybody went Pat got red bull
September
1 oil waggon and axle sold Greenwood the Pindian heiffer and the Hatton heiffer for $45
2 took the heiffers to town and got gov. bull Mr. Wiard and Antonia up
3 fix waggon rod oil and grease truck
4 to Lethbridge 3800 coal
5 (No Entry)
6 fixing Verns and Glasses racks took them to trotters
7 windy holiday for Bertie extract 100 lbs honey Mrs. Hatton down
8 raining took Bertie town rain all day and nearly all night
9 rain Margaret went to school clear up this fore noon the best rain this year
10 stooking wheat
11 town for Bertie clear
12 stooking rain a little at noon
13 rain little today Vern here also Nellie Russell and her mother
14 took Bertie school got 25 gals gas 1 39 four broke down wind started Gagnons over
15 (No Entry)
16 (No Entry)
17 finished stooking clear
18 town tie Jack up rain little at night
19 rain kill spring pig dressed 122 lbs shut up some hens
20 took Bertie to town rain and snow hail & rain P.M. thunder
21 Bertie to town rain and snow red sow 12 pigs from Alcocks
22 clean stable A M
23 froze hard last night got the harness from trotters
24 (No Entry)
25 Miss Patterson stayed here all night Her man rode Min some
26 dug the spuds down by the straw stack good but scarce 2 bags planted
27 took Isa and kids to Gillens for dinner grand day
- 105 -
28 took Bertie town Stewart and wife in there
29 plow little 3 horses
30 very windy Isa Jean Allen I down to glasses
October 1
1 Pat and Mary up brought 46 lbs veal up for trade Plowing nice day
2 No Entry)
3 started to threat about 4 o’clock rain last night took 68 bus 50 lbs
4 (No Entry)
5 Bertie to town 6.48 70 30 Pre emption R.G. 61 bus 40 lbs red granary
6 rain last night took in the threshers and red granary 69 bus 10 lbs
7 took in 69 30 wheat got 35 dollars 43 gals coal oil at 15 cents 76.75 oil 25 40 John came
out to work
8 took in 69 40 and 69 50 John rake stubble Stewart out
9 finished threshing 1390 bushels took in 68 bus 40 lb red granary
10 draw in 7 loads rakings
11 nice day took Glass rack and Verns rack home
12 holiday draw in 3 ½ loads rakings
13 town got 4400 coal for Glass cost me 7 15 got 17 60
14 took in load wht sent 15 doz eggs Mrs Pollock 15 doz W. H.
15 Joe down nice day John cultivated
16 took in 2 loads wht John cultivate
17 took in 1 load wht Isa & kids
18 Over to Grahams and down to Skeldings got a white gobler and 2 white turkey hens
19 took the last load wht Mr Ellot out Ormsby had her first calf bull
20 cultivate A M finish 60 acres start to plow on 38 acres at noon
21 plow all day 9 horses 2 plows
22 plow all day 6 horses on 3 bottom disc 3 horses on sulky Gibby had calf tonight
23 barrel distollate 5 85 6 bag potatoes 3 90 for 540 lbs sold 5 lbs butter 1 00 7 doz eggs 2 25
24 got a ram from Moat a.m. took 25 bus wht to Menn got 875 lbs flour 400 bran 1 50 shorts
cost 6 25 a gallon got a white drake
25 (No Entry)
26 Lethbridge coal 3200 7 20 10 lbs axle grease 1 60 5 lb gun grease & 5 lbs hard oil 1 75 gal
pack
27 started to plow on Wilbert 86 acres
28 Mr and Mrs Hatton here for dinner Bred the long tail lamb Plow on 28 acres 2 plows
29 John plow disc plow
30 John plow
31 calf dressed 258 lbs John went town John went town eve Sent Pats 49 lb veal home
- 106 -
November
1 Stewart out put new rings in truck Bertie went in with Stewart and shorthorn bull calf
2 town got John 65 lbs veal at 13 cents to hospital Mr and Mrs Herd up recharged battery
3 plow 2 plows sold 2 geese to Walter hatton 5 ½ lbs honey 55 cents
4 plow 1 plow all day shorten shear for sulky got yarn at Men 3 lbs for $4 2 00 bats 2 00 6
00 total
5 made 22 ½ lbs butter 5 gals cream bred Abby Hilda heiffer pure bred
6 4300 coal for farm cost 7 00 took Marg and Bertie Bred Ormsby save 1 mess cream to
churn windy
7 4400 coal Herd Isa Jean and Allen went little windy
8 colder little snow last night
9 Lethbridge 4600 coal for Glass cost 7 41 got 18 40 45 gal distolate 5 85
10 John quit paid him total of 10 00 Lethbridge for coal 4600 7 45
11 Mr and Mrs McCowan up over to Ferdd our short tail sheep second time
12 very windy
13 town took Glass bred long-tailed sheep second time turkey Dr
14 put in stack old hay cold snow little
15 cold tie up colts
16 cold cream up more 19 00 Bull inspector here
17 cold snow little
18 bred the old yew turn warmer wind SW
19 cut tail off Jeans sheep Bred the small yearling sheep West wind all day turn North start
snow churn milk
20 cold
21 Bred Ormsby second time get Bertie today not so cold
22 3 45 for rod 1 90 for labor saw police today
23 nice took Bertie school got a new connection rod put in truck total cost about 5 00
24 out to Alberts Jean and I Glass here
25 snow North wind
26 Pat brought the red bull home Gagnon got the Pollies
27 town blowing
28 Mr Glass and Mrs Fitchet over bred Abby 2nd time put bees in
29 long tail sheep 35 00 traded for a ewe lamb nice
30 took Bertie town nice day
December
1 nice day
2 Gagnon half one full the red pole 2 year old steer dressed 549 lbs 139 & 132 hinds quarters
3 colder but still nice
- 107 -
4 town Glass went took 20 lbs butter White H
5 got ram from Glass traded 2 roosters from Trobridge
6 sold 24 roosters to Tony 109 lbs at 1.19 -= 12 00 6 pullets at 50 cents = 3 00 little colder
7 took Bertie school nice Mrs Hatton and Marie down Ida and Joe here
8 down to photo Glasses calf nice
9 windy Mr and Mrs Walter Hatton over this evening
10 made 28 lbs butter Walter Hatton got valve lifter snowing nearly all day
11 town took in a lamb for Glass Mable and Fin went to Lethbridge
12 drifting
13 drifting
14 took Bertie to school drifting
15 nice
16 sold 2 old sows 6 44 2 pigs one 211 one 187 398 at 2 ½ cents = 9 95 Total 22.83 Bred
Hilda
17 alowing Pierce Pat came and got Isa Margaret Jean and Allen for Xmas tree
18 Isa and Jean went to town nice thawing fast
19 grand day took white sow to Menn clean hen house
20 grand day got load straw
21 nice got 2 turkeys from Skelding 31 ½ lbs pulled up granary got Jalnes fanning mill
22 cleaned 100 bushel wheat grand day
23 kill turkeys and churn clean 50 bus wht grand day
24 got recharged battery got barrel distolate 6 85 took the turkeys in
25 bred red shorthorn to dupe got white goose from Mennonites grand day no snow
26 town sent Berties suit back to eaton’s for a larger one
27 nice
28 nice day
29 Queen Petestge had heiffer calf snow little A M finished cleaning 200 bus wht
30 sold almost 70 bus wht went to High River got 100 bus oats at 2 29 per bushel
31 kept 45 bushels at home put in some soft wht got the 2200 lbs chopped in town took H
James fanning mill home and went to Reids nice day
Page of (many) fixed and movable festivals included
Account page largely dealt with cost of Ogden’s fine cut tobacco – 75 cents cigarettes and
papers laundry
Weight of 7 horses given 1410 to 1670 lbs
Address of Dominic Cyr – Holsteins Pincher Creek
Here so ended the diary of the year 1931.
- 108 -
1932
January
1 Nice, took H. Johnne’s fanning mill home. Isa, Jan, Allen and I to Bairds
2 I took Isa to Dentist this P M
3 Bertie Isa Jean and I drove to Photo Glass yearling second time nice day
4 Took Bertie to school Ten days since Xmas
5 nice day
6 Down to Bertie Metzi and Patterson Ormsby Rose Pontiac on the tear got bushel flax from
Long
7 Chinook very windy
8 very windy Chinook town got Bertie
9 nice got load straw and some wheat for chickens
10 Went down and got all of Glasses for dinner and took them home windy
11 took Bertie town turn cold P M North wind & snow
12 snow & blow north wind
13 20 below took battery out of car Bred red shorthorn second time
14 cold got load hay from Indian 7 00
15 warmer Glass went to town with me got 2 hens from Miss Mansal
16 nice got load straw
17 nice
18 nice took Bertie to town Mr and Mrs Hatton brought rooster down
19 Mr Gillaspy out bought cow $60 and 2 roosters bred Abby 3rd time
20 nice day Margaret 13 and Allen one year
21 Over to Gaboons windy
22 took red and white shorthorn to Gillaspies and black calf to Bensons total 69 40 9 40 for the
calf
23 three year old Holstein lost a calf about 5 months over to Walter Hattons very windy
24 very windy eat a goose
25 took Bertie school took battery for radio 2 50 for sack hen feed
26 got 5 loads hay for yearling ½ holstein 2 lbs butter and 12 00
27 Glass over nice day bred Ormsby Rose Pontiac to Duke
28 nice got straw & wht churn
29 cold got Bertie and dick got radio battery
30 Cold
31 About 30 below took Bertie and Dick to school
February
1 cold 30 below
2 west wind 20 above
- 109 -
3 coldder pump by hand
4 Warmer hens out thawing in sun
5 town Glass went with me 45 gals gas 5 85 3 gals oil 2 25 total 8 10
6 cold clean hen house get straw & wht
7 nice the two calves I took to Lethbridge weighed 480 lbs at 5 cents 24 00
8 got licence 32 00 4800 coal 6 60 Bertie with me got battery for radio 2 39
9 nice unload coal
10 colder but not cold
11 nice but not warm churn
12 town cold took Jean over to Margarets valentine party
13 dressed two little pigs about 66 lbs dressed - 87 lbs live worth about 5 cents/lb dressed
cold
14 one pig dressed 61 lbs put new licence plate on truck 32.50
15 snow took Bertie school
16 cold calm
17 blow fierce A M Chinook P M A Hatton red and white cow
18 grand got load hay H Black water 7 00 gander bred white goose
19 grand day took in 33 bus wht for Albert Bertie got the horses out by Gagnons
20 colder snow nasty
21 cold Ida and Chris Hatton down this evening
22 took Bertie to town Mr Glass got a glass in car door also 20 poles from Ben
23 Ben got sack flour and dressed pig
24 very windy sure has cut the ice water all over
25 very windy churn 15 lbs from 4 cows
26 town took Jean nice thawing
27 very windy last night and today kill pig 282 lbs dressed
28 nice down to Gagnons and Reads
29 snow took Margaret to dentist got balance of Pole from Ben got new points on car
March
1 grand day got straw ad wht for feed
2 cold snowing from north
3 not so cold bull bunted me sent for Bert
4 Bertie and Glass went to town in the truck got Charley Carrity Sold 33 doz eggs at 22 cents a
dozen 1 week
5 snow
6 Albert took Bertie to town in truck + 10 doz eggs
7 cold
8 cold
- 110 -
9 very cold clear
10 Albert brought his cow back clear and nice but cold used red bull
11 Mr and Mrs Hatton took over 21 dozen egs in brought out the battery little warmer
12 Bertie stayed in grand day
13 cloudy but not so hot thawing little
14 grand day
15 colder bred Glasses roan shorthorn to Duke Albert brought his gobler down
16 Alberts gobler bred 4 turkeys
17 Pat up set hen in barn
18 glass over soft knock in truck cant drive it
19 sent 39 dozen egs to town with hattons Charlie over to glasses
20 Stewart & Lucille came out put new cam rods in truck
21 started truck then took engine out of it main bearings gone
22 Stewart went in with Jack NcNeal
23 grand day some mud shut up some hens to get started again
24 Joe and Ida up sow some wet muddy
25 snow all night a soft wet snow Mrs Hatton took Isa in to get her mother
26 (No Entry)
27 Clear and old got first duck eg
28 got first goose eg grand second duck egg Isa’s sheep died would have had two lambs snow
NW
29 got goose egg help Charlie draw out manure thaw very little
30 got 3rd goose eg Charlie and Bertie draw 3 loads straw
31 Bertie went town on bike Charlie draw manure I churn and help wash windy
April
1 Albert bred the same cow 3rd time windy clean hen house
2 Two hives bees dead Isa town with Mrs McEwen
3 put one hive bees out Bertie road bike to school windy
4 shut up four buff hens and rooster start to drag 6 horses plow 3 horses let some cows out all
the dry ones
5 Charlie drag I plow 3 horses Sold 30 hens Tony 119 lbs 16 80
6 charlie drag I plow 3 horses
7 Got Pats drill took all day Charlie drag
8 Bred red cow for Albert also one mare for Albert set hen on B O giants (Buff Orpington)
9 Bertie road bike out Isa went in Mrs Hatton I seeded 16 acres oats 1 bus per acre Bertie
drag Little Nellie horsing
10 grand put 3 hives bees out set goose on 13 eggs white goose
11 Daisy heiffer calf shorthorn seeded 20 acres oats total 36 ½ acres Old yew dead lamb
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12 seeded 9 acres oats on Wilbert and 10 acres wheat on Pre emption very hot
13 seeded 18 acres wheat Charlie disc P M 20 in shade got 2 lambs Min 1 60
14 bred black pol 13th seeded 18 acres wht total 91 acres seeded 45 acres (rhombus shape) east
of tracks
15 seeded all day NW corner of Pre emption
16 seeded all day NW corner of Pre emption
17 Marg Jean Isa went to watterton to church with preacher
18 Bertie rode bike town yearling ewe lamb bred 16th November finished 57 acres NW corner
Pre E
19 seeded 6 acres alfalfa 1 acre in garden sent engine to Calgary Charlie seed on Wilbert I
seed 8 acre
20 seeded 6 acres A M C plow 6 passes A M cut red bull
21 Bred big Holstein heifer that lost her calf second time snow and rain little snow and rain all
day cows in stable
22 snow and rain all day 2.11 inches rain Lethbridge
23 Mrs Hatton brought mail out and took 27 doz eggs up home on her way to home clear grand
day C draw manure Isa sick also Gonny
24 raining nearly all day Tobiason heiffer her second calf a heifer Bertie stayed in town
25 rain set old goose 60 chicks in our incubator
26 frose hard last night clear 46 chicks in Berties and 70 in our incubator 116 in all
27 frose ice last night Charlie draw manure AM sick PM I plow PN wash AM
28 seeded 9 acres on Trotter Charlie disc cold Scott took the Tobiason cow to Pinders ben S
Wolf got the sheep
29 showery snow and rain Charlie sick in bed all day I fix disc set Inc
30 Plow AM seed 10 acres PM total 187 acres to date with Pats drill Charlie sick 33 acres on
Trotter
May
1 took Pats drill home Charlie went town with Gagnon
2 rain A M plow P M
3 Plow froze ice last night
4 rain a little all day by spells churn
5 Plow nice day
6 Plow harlie and I Bertie came home tonight
7 nice planted 7 large spuds Isa went town Mrs. Hatton
8 sold Tony 71 hens 328 lbs at 10 cents = 32 80 nice day fix drill Bertie start to board at
Hilliards
9 Plow nice Charlie haul manuer
10 drag and drill north wind dirty Charlie haul manure Gagnons up
- 112 -
11 seeded 12 acres wht our drill Charlie haul manure Mr. Gillan here dope black cow lice 71
cents
12 seeded 11 acres on Wilbert total 66 acres seeding on Wilbert 210 total
13 Plow nice C fix fence
14 Charlie quit Bertie and I built corral rain very little
15 Nice day put bull in corral Bertie road town Isa and girls to church
16 froze ice last night nice day plow
17 finished plow on trotter and seed 6 acers the Mennonites yew had a lamb from Glasses ram
18 finished seeding acres total 223 acres 78 acres wheat and 9 acres oats on Wilbert
19 strick out and start to plow AM on summerfalow east of barn rain very little P M
20 plow little 3 horses single plow hot
21 rain good rain last night and great rain tonight dam full
22 rain little more last night nice
23 very windy fix fence on hog yard
24 windy plow little gang
25 drag potatoes 2 up Mrs Hatton took Isa Gony Jean Allen to town
26 Bred L Nellie drag all day on the 20 acres some wht on Wilbert
27 Bred black Holstein second time Plow little
28 fix fence cut little pigs 6 wks old nice day
29 nice day real warm everything on the road Jack had 6 pups 2 dead 4 live
30 Bred June to our sorrel drag fore noon 6 horses Plow 3 horses P M
31 Black ½ holstein calf her second calf both heiffers rain very little off and on
June
1 rain steady all night wind straight west rain some today set duck and turkey eggs B.J.J. lots
potatoes up
2 nice
3 windy cut some hay alfalfa pretty short Kill pig dressed 100 lbs
4 rake load buck brush and draw it in
5 Bertie and I drove Brownie and Little Nellie down to river got some sand
6 cultivate 6 horses narrow teeth A M plow P M
7 cultivate A M plow P M Isa went to town Joe and Ida here warm
8 Drove Brownie and Nellie town waggon got truck engine rain little
9 put engine in truck
10 finished truck fore noon cultivate P M cut some hay for bull
11 draw in hay
12 very warm Gill Glass over
13 took 8 pigs Lethbridge 1040 lbs took 1 calf Lethbridge 260 lbs advance 20.00 gas cost
3.00, oil 80 cents
- 113 -
14 Cultivate ½ day 6 horses cultivate spuds in upper garden Bred grey mare for Walter Hatton
15 finished double cultivation on the NE corner Pre cultivate spuds rain very little
16 rain very little last night plow P.M. Bred 2 year old for Hovas
17 Isa and I Allen and Jean to town for Bertie got some brick for barn I went to hospital to see
Mrs. Fitchet
18 cut load sweet clover for hay on 20 acres put it in the barn dry and hot cows on road
19 sheared 2 sheep yesterday over to Glass & Gahoons warm and dry
20 Plow all day Isa went to town with Heard I took Heard home
21 Plow fore noon all to Mennonites P M very hot
22 plow all day very hot bred a mare for Alcock rain nice shower evening
23 Mrs Russell and Nellie up plow hot
24 fix mower and cut some S clover
25 rake and draw in bred cow for Hovas got 6 50 for drawing 130 bushels wheat for gaboons
Pd July 2
26 rain July 2 bred June also July 14
27 disc the piece I had cultivated
28 disc 5 acres on trotter cut SW corner took 64 bus wheat town for Cahoon and another one
29 town A M got Bertie all to Maggie for picnic I cultivated P M
30 put in 2 loads S clover ½ load broom hay cultivate lower garden very hot and dry
July
1 new man this morning disc A M cut hay P M Bertie and man fix fence
2 rain last night cut little hay went to Menn got mower knife welded Over to Cahoons
3 Cut bee tree on J Heard McFaddens here nice
4 took Isas mother to train rain last night good rain Plow P M Bertie and man kill pig and clip
2 sheep
5 bred black mare W Hatton cow Hovis Bertie cut hay Jim help Isa wash
6 paris green potatoes and plow
7 put in 5 small loads hay Plow A. M cut P M warm cut alfalfa
8 draw in 1 ½ loads hay cut hay A finished plowing the 47 acres east of barn
9 cut alfalfa A M boys draw in 2 loads paris green garden P M I took Isa and kids town P M
(Map inserts)
10 Bertie and Jim fishing 3 fish I over to Toms Pats and Alberts and down to McCowins for
wheat
11 Cut sweet clover Bertie and Jim draw in 3 loads alfalfa A M got 2 pails berries P M
12 Cut sweet clover all day Bertie Jim and Isa got 2 pails berries P M
13 2 ½ loads hay cut sweet clover A M got 1 ½ pails berries at Dave Mills
14 cut hay and fix fence Bred June 3rd time put turkeys below track
15 cut hay A M town P M Mrs Moreash came out with us put in 2 loads st clover
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16 put in 3 loads st.c. got 2 ½ pails at Collars
17 Bred Alcocks black mare 2nd time and Big Nellie 1st time tried Alexanders put 3rd top box
on
18 draw in 8 lds st clover rake rain light shower evening
19 cut little wild oats binder finished cut alfalfa A M 3 loads hay P M
20 put 3 loads hay in barn and 3 in stack
21 put 6 loads in stack total about 40 (could be 45 or 46) loads
22 town took Mrs Moreash & girls town 2560 coal for Cahoon cut and rake
23 cut broom put in 2 loads hay in barn very hot
24 very warm and dry found turkey setting in garden
25 stack 7 loads st clover wild oats
26 stack 6 loads st clover and oats
27 Bertie and Isa and Jean town Bred 2 mares for Pat cut wild oats put 2 loads broom in barn
PM
28 put in 4 loads broom and 2 loads s. clover in barn took Skillings to Murphys put in 4 loads
feed oats
29 (No Entry)
30 put in 4 loads hay total 77 loads Disc all day on Pre N W corner
31 got a swarm of bees out of h Moores house windy put patch on ram (The “patch” was a
piece of belting tied around a ram, hanging from stomach as a form of birth control to prevent
lambs too early in spring)
August
1 Sold 100 lbs spuds 1.50 disc A M Bertie cut hay town P M got 200 twine Bertie disc P M
6 horses at N E corner ram lamb weighs 98 lbs
2 I disc N E corner Pre A M Bertie rake I cut 9 acres oats Wilbert P M B disc 6 horses east of
house
3 cut wheat A M oats P M Bertie disc all day Jim stook
4 Bertie finished disc 47 acres east of barn I cut oats A M took Isa Jean Allen and Ida to
Cahoons
5 put in 3 loads hay total 80 loads Isa & Jean & I town P.M. sold 200 potatoes got 1 50 twine
and pork
6 rain light last night clean stable kill pig move granary disc 5 acres on Wilbert got load
wheat sheaves for hens
7 Dick his dad and Heugh came out
8 Cut wht east of track on Pre E Bred heaths long mare rain very light shower evening
9 bred 3rd mare for Pat cut wht A M thresh 212 bu oats and 37 wheat rain little in the night
10 cut little wht A M rain very little cut little P M rain 4 30
11 wet clean stable A M cut wht P M windy
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12 Trotter got 27.5 lbs X 55 pails oats Cut & stook
13 cut wht all day put in 5 loaves oat sheaves
14 Mrs Russell and Nellie here for tea Tobe and his boy here extract one 60 frame heufer
15 aprinked rain a m bred mare for Pat 2nd time cut on NW corner Pre E
16 finished the NW corner finished oats moved up to start to finish Wilbert
17 cut on Wilbert put electric knotter on electric storm not much rain
18 cut on Wilbert
19 town P M Bertie cut
20 cut on Wilbert terrific storm 9 o clock eve dam full
21 over to Walter Hattons he died in hospital at 5 this morning
22 stook little disc little cut little Ormsby bull from Gov bull
23 finished cutting A M W Hattons funeral P M boys stook rain little evening
24 stook on NW corner started to plow 3 horses on 60 acres broom grass p m rain little clean
stable p m
25 Get Glasses plow plow p m Bertie plow all day Jim stook rain sprinkle
26 Plow all day 2 plows
27 Plow all day gang Start clean Bertie and Isa went town Nellie
28 extract three hives off No 5 total of 3 off 5 some left Marg went Deckers Isa Allen Jean I
Glasses
29 plow all day good day 2 plows trotter got 2 eight lb balls twine rain very light Isa town
Heards
30 disc A M 1 load oats “feed” Plow P M Gagnon got binder
31 plow all day 2 plows cold and windy
September
1 Isa took all the kids to town school Jim clean stable rain very little I wash dishes Plow 2
plows rain eve
2 Plow all day 2 plows Isa and kids home from school eve
3 disc NE corner Pre boys draw in kill pig dressed 86 lbs 4 loads feed oats
4 shut door in barn
5 Bertie and I plow all day on 60 acres very hot used aud on lead June lame
6 took kids town a m finished plowing broom Jim fence stack rain light eve
7 stack 7 loads oats grand day
8 stack 3 small loads oats a m windy cultivate p m clean stable bred ½ Holstein
9 stack 3 loads oats a m town p m Isa went dentist
10 Bertie cultivate all day Jim and I stack and dig 7 bags spuds
11 over to Alcocks Reids and Pats horse back
12 took kids town a m Jim cultivate stook p m
13 stack A M windy bull inspector here A M bag some itaties A M
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14 finished spuds Jim cultivate P M Eva and Mrs Reid here bee inspector windy
15 stack 10 loads NW corner Pre grand day
16 stack 8 loads NW town get kids Isa Jean and Allen went Lena here
17 stack 4 loads windy
18 charge battery Isa went to church with Eva
19 Took Isa and kids to town had y first cup tea at Mas stack 4 loads wheat P M
20 wet windy cold windy in every direction rain little
21 stack 7 loads grand day
22 stack 8 loads grand day Total 49 loads 6 stacks on 57 acres
23 hilda black bull moved granary made strike out 57 acres NW kids out with McEwan
24 Mrs Cahoons funeral Bertie cultivate Jim plow 3 horses
25 nice down to hovis p m
26 took kids town sold 120 lb lamb at 4 cents 4 80 thresh oats and thresh in red granary
27 thresh finish stooks haul in 3 loads
28 Paid Trotter 101 00 thresh threshing finished this eve about 2400 bus wheat 465 oats haul
5 loads
29 draw 4 loads wheat grand day
30 1 load estate Lethbridge 4100 coal 6 45 new tubes radio
October
1 Took Jim to town pd 51 90 = 4390 cash 6 00 tab took 2 loads estate
2 Bertie and I down to Menn they got our line straight Friday
3 sold 108 lb lamb Burns load ult estate kids town order eatons Paid Andrews kill pig dressed
110 lbs
dressed 6 60
4 Jim came out took pig to Burns load soft wht for Macleod Motors plow p m 9 horses 2
plows grand
5 plow 9 horses 2 plows windy kill pig for us dressed 109 lbs
6 snow snowing nearly all day wsh and churn kill pig for burns 113 lbs dressed
7 froze hard last night town got kids sold 111 lb pig dressed to burns 6 65 paid Stewarts 41
65 total debt
8 snowing today cold
9 clear cold put up stove in room
10 Thanksgiving snow up to Hattons for supper
11 took kids town and lamb 87 lbs at 4 cents a pound 3.48
12 Tie Jock up plow 9 horses nice
13 Plow windy
14 Plow A M took Isa and Jean town “wheat” Lena kept Allen got kids
- 117 -
15 Bertie cult8ivate A M Jim plow windy took Isa and kids Reids got 2 chickens from
Maggie
16 snowing
17 took kids school load wht got Mrs Hatton she made a cheese took her home
18 plowed all day good day bull jumped out
19 plow colder windy Ida Herd married 8 oclock eve
20 very windy no work Abby heiffer Due 19th
21 sick sore throat Jim cultivate took load whet Isa and kids town
22 Jim plow single plow
23 snowing Reids up Deckers 2 girls Nellie and Mrs Russell cleared up and left
24 no snow sold Brownie $35 took kids school load wheat red cow Jim plow P M
25 windy clean grane rye Ormsby on the tear
26 plow all day nice Pinder out got 22
27 plow A M town wheat PM Jim finished 57 acres N W corner Pre snow
28 town kids Isa in dentist took lamb lass 112 lbs
29 nice some snow
30 Mr and Mrs Gagnon up tea nice Put bees in
31 took the last of 832 bus wht for estate got 4800 coal Cahoon 3 20 thawing in SW wind
November
1 Cahoons 48 00 coal cost 14 40
2 Aarnes fixed chimney nice
3 rose had a bull calf Nov 4
4 Jim left at noon took glass and his lamb Isa went to dentist
5 sold 73 bus wheat got Glenwood got a check from ins Men ram bred old ewe
6 killed steer 15 hinds weigh 157-160 front 150
7 Lethbridge took herd 4600 coal 6 35 used 4 gas 1 32 2 oil 1 20 oyster shell and laying
mash grand day
8 nice Bertie took truck town
9 took Gagnons fanning mill home kill pig 290 lbs dressed
10 Isa Jean and I town dinner paid for truck 43 30 coal Cahoon 45 gals coal oil 8 60
11 Isa Jean Gillens got 2000 lbs oats chopped 450 lbs bran total cost 4 00
12 Bertie I to Lethbridge 4500 coal cold cost 7 90 2 qts oil 45 cents 5 gls gas 1 25 profit 4
59 over town price
13 snow bred our fat ewe
14 took kids town cold paid Mrs hatton 3 00 for gobbler
15 bred old Mennonite ewe Pat and Gagnon help kill red steer pump with engine cold
16 hinds of beef 156-160 Gagnon got one front ¼ beef turn warm 7 oclock eve
17 bred sow Alcocks he got our engine gave me pig turn cold evening
- 118 -
18 town for kids turn soft evening got 2 storm windows 3 00 glass 1 70
19 colder tank put one window on
20 Mrs Hattton up glass and cummings here in sleigh glass lamb for Men
21 took kids to town got new rings for truck cost 2 50
22 bred little white ewe
23 grand day
24 nice roosters out
25 Grand Isa Jean Allen town Isa dentist
26 draw in 4 loads hay from stack grand Bertie sick cold
27 Jean Allen Isa I to Reids for dinner up to Hattons Bertie sick in bed
28 took Margaret school brought Frank Wintemute out got 100 sugar 6 80
29 put new rings in truck took Frank in
30 nice day
December
1 nice day
2 took Glass cream Isa went to dentist Bertie kept Allen he was home all week windy
3 nice day 150 lbs hind 1/3 beef to hospital at 7 cents 10 50
4 nice day start to snow evening
5 snowing yet this morning got 500 lbs robin hood flour 10 50
6 cold Stormy north wind
7 cold not much wind glass got the ram today
8 cold
9 cold got Bertie Margaret home all week
10 took sow to Alcocks to late met Dad and Gony 10 o clock night 30 below old Trotter died
11 5 egs cold wind turn west and snow
12 took kids town our road drifted badly
13 delivered mutton to Gagnon from Wilbert drifting fierce
14 Grand day Pump with engine
15 got window old Glass brought cream up drifting Jock had 6 pups
16 Bred Ormsby town kids
17 7 turkeys hovis
18 drift fierce
19 took kids school went out through Chris field
20 nice draw in jag feed
21 kill turkeys nice draw in jag feed Isa Dad Gonny Jean Allen Xmas tree nice
22 nice
23 took turkeys town
24 took some oats Men chop
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25 Isa and I over to hattons for mail nice
26 draw in a load off top of 3rd stack
27 nice draw in load stack
28 nice draw in 3 loads from stack
29 windy Bertie went town with Joe Herd
30 draw in one load windy
31 (No Entry)
`
There are appendices to this diary listed under “Memoranda and Addresses”
I had 3 veal calves here. I sold the best one to Benson Jan 22 it weighed 145 lbs dressed at 6 ½
cents a pound = $9 40.
On Feb 8th, I took the other 2 to Lethbridge. One weighed 250 the other 230. Got 5 cents live or
$24 less $2 commission
When we burned the connection rods and main bearings out of the truck it cost $13.80 for four
new connection rods $15 to tick and $4 freight Total $28.89 Had it fixed on 10th June, ‘32
I took 8 pigs and one veal calf to Lethbridge. Brought home $21 cash at a total cost of $3 for gas
and 80 cents oil.
There are itemized entries for Charley’s six purchases of rolled snuff and plug tobacco totalling
6 45 and of Jim’s 9 tins, during July-September Ogden’s Fine Cut tobacco totalling $8 00
(actual total 7 25)
The 1932 truck licence number was T8-058 The new tag for the bull was LSB 41
There are many printed pages of information
Here so ended the diary of the year 1932.
- 120 -
1933
January
1 25 egs Nice day
2 turn colder Margaret went to Deckers put in 3 loads feed 24 egs
3 (No Entry)
4 Bertie and Isa town Allen sick
5 Bertie and Marg drove truck school Bred glasses red heiffer
6 nice kids truck to town school
7 geese playing in watter all over
8 nice
9 nice Bertie drove truck school
10 Colder school meeting rode Min over
11 windy Marg and Bertie drove truck to school 32 egs
12 nice hens out thawing
13 nice hens out thawing kids drove to town all week
14 nice tried to chopp steam horse power
15 start snow last night north wind all day milk 5 cows
16 ten below last night
17 west wind 10 above no school blowing
18 School Jean measles
19 cold fixing wheelbaro not much wind until evening
20 windy
21 Dad Gony Isa Allen and O Gagnons for dinner got red gobler closest a m total 3 50
22 Hilda’s calf is 4 months old and weighs 300 lb nice day
23 nice day bit windy
24 grand put in 3 loads of last stook
25 nice wash
26 about 20 above rode Min over to A Hattons got hair cut Mr and Mrs Hatton here to phone
evening
27 bull 2 30 p m Pontiac
28 bred Matilda glass got 6000 got about 3000 lbs chopp cost 2 00
29 Tomilson nice
30 wash grand day
31 windy
February
1 draw in one load from stack sold Hildas calf W Miller Carmangay Mr and Mrs Gagnon up
to phone
2 (No Entry)
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3 nice
4 Dad, Gony, Isa, Jean and Allen went to Thomilson got gander
5 grand then turn cold snow & drift from north
6 Cold north wind cold no school put in 5 loads the last of the stacks
7 cold about 30 below no school to cold to go
8 to cold to go to school this has been a terrible spell
9 west wind 10 below cold
19 not so hot
11 Dad and I town one and a half cans cream not so hot
12 (No Entry)
13 took kids town to school
14 clean out hen house Mr Pearson burried
15 took kids to school got new spring in car cost 45 cents installed hens out
16 Bertie and Margaret to school truck nice thawing little hens out
17 nice kids school thaw little windy hens out
18 grand hens out kept bull in barn gander bred white goose
19 nice day Jim Ganmorel got old gobler 2 00
20 nice quilting
21 grand day thawing Dad went to Gillens quilting
22 got $42 00 coal for Cohoon Marg and Bertie home Dick died tonight
23 nice truck to school Margaret home with a cold
24 nice Margaret home with a cold
25 nice
26 nice day
27 nice day Bertie and Marg drove truck to school
28 drove truck to school colder
March
1 snow little last night two Jews selling fish stayed fire all night
2 bred red moully snow little last night Bred Abby Mr Reid and Mrs Reid five ten
3 set Isa’s incubator 153 eggs evening
4 black Holstein heiffer calf this morning
5 grand day
6 kids home Bertie sick got Meecham’s oat grader clean 55 bags pigs
7 dad Gonny Isa Jean I town snow little soft snow nearly all day
8 clean oats fore noon 1900 lbs or 68 bushels to Mennonites chopp 1 95
9 finished cleaning 172 pails of 12 lbs each oats kids to school cold 2 little pigs died
10 nice day 65 egs
11 trade 55 bushels 12 lbs wheat with Read for 610 barley all down there for dinner and tea
- 122 -
12 nice day Stewart and wife out in his Oakland car
13 nice bred cow for Alcock haul 2 loads manure and clean hen house
14 draw 2 loads manure from correll kill calf for veal 84 lbs dressed
15 Isa went to Dolly Longs funeral very warm
16 hot
17 sold 27 bus 36 lbs wht 9 80
18 chopped 2100 oats Mrs Hatton Irene and teacher here
19 Ana Decker here
20 nice start to make waggon box
21 snow last night and today real soft snow
22 snow last night and today cleared got McEwen Inc
23 Put out Goffer poison A M 2 loads straw P M lot of snow yet
24 school nice fix waggon box
25 nice fix waggon box
26 nice
27 nice kids town school quite muddy
28 kids home nice draw 3 loads straw put ring in Gov bull
29 nice built stand in garage
30 drove billy, Bessys sorrel 3 year old in May drove him 2 times
31 got 59 bus oats G Stewart at 25 cents 14 25
April
1 fix old closet up to hen house set white goose drove Bessys second time.
2 grand day have everything ready to start disc Fred Beatty down
3 start to rain turn to snow kids home
4 turned windshield kill calf 140 lbs dressed cool north wind kids town school
5 start to disc Dad went town with kids got some lumber to put a top on bake cabinet
6 disc on rod on south side Wilbert
7 sow last night and all day
8 snow at E at night snow some all day
9 sow yet this morning clear up drove Billy and foremost up to Alberts Reids and Pats Old
Mennonite ewe had two lambs, not due until 15th
10 nice but cold last night Kids school Dad and I put out gopher poison Lena Decker here
work
11 Lena here yet Isa and Jean went to town with Joe and Mrs Heard
12 Men lamb had lamb last night grand morning nice
13 nice total of 10 turkey eggs 3 today
14 disc on broom milder out traded yearling to E Wintemute 300 lbs sweet clover seed S
Wintemute
- 123 -
15 Dad Gonny Isa Allen Jean and I to town milder out Bert finished a day on broom
16 got 1600 oats from trotter he got it Aug 12/32 cut 9 little pigs let 3 lambs out put 2 hives
bees out
17 snow North wind
18 nice draw 3 lds straw Joe Herd and Mrs Gillen both here Wind from North Mr Gillen got
pup
19 the Old yew had a lamb grand day draw manure total about 180 chickens
20 draw manure nice day
21 took load 2200 oats town went out to Millers got Hattons fanning mill
22 clean 12 bus barley a m Bertie drag p m Dad and I went out to Men got lamb
23 nice fix drill’
24 drag a m start seed on SW corner Wilbert oats 5 acres Dad and Gonny went home
25 seed 11 acres on broom rod a m got 60 bus wht Hovas cultivate on stuble for Barley
26 finished 17 ½ acres oats and 5 red bobs wht a m 7 ½ acres red bobs p m
27 10 acres wht a m total 40 acres seeded at noon 10 acres wht p m total 50 acres
28 snowing snow 3 or 4 inches soft wet town sold 14 bus R B wht 5 40 got 780 coal 2 60 and
3 gals coal oil 1 00
29 traded bulls with C Miller got Millers Hays Coronation rain little
30 nice tied the Miller bull out tied to the black ½ Holstein
May
1 finished 61 acres on brome sod and 6 acres R B east of track on Wilbert sold black ewe 3 50
2 sent 47 hens 241 lbs to Tony at 8 cents cultivate a m seed 6 acres barley p m
3 cultivate a m seed oats p m have 50 acres wheat 10 barley 21 oats got 5 new scrapers 5 00
4 cultivate am seed 8 acres oats pm cold windy total oats 29
5 cultivate am seed 10 ¼ acres wheat pm total 99 acres
6 rain tonight plant some garden fix some fence all the milk cows out for first time
7 Jean and I up to Peardies and Reids in truck Bertie and I down to hovas waggon
8 rain fix at drill Anna Decker here
9 rain last night and today clean 40 bus oats and 40 bus wheat kids home
10 fix drill a m drag p m kids to school
11 disc on NE corner Pre emption little Nellie had her first colt last night
12 disc on N E corner nice day pig dressed 145 lbs
13 kill old sow plant spuds got 128 oat sheaves from Reid 4 35 Anna Decker here
14 nice but windy Isa and kids church
15 seed wheat N E corner Pre
16 snowing a little got 4 turkey egs Bertie clean wheat
17 snowing a little got 4 turkey eggs Alex Martin Wapella Sask no work
18 seed 3 acres broke drill rain little today
- 124 -
19 got a piece for drill from A Gillen fix drill and seed 7 acres p m windy
20 got 154 sheaves 8.5 lbs each 1309 lbs 40 cents a hundred 5.23 finished NE corner Pre 56
acres totl 150
21 took Hattons fanning mill home got some eggs from Tom Alexander
22 cultivate on 38 acres east of house windy
23 cultivate A M disc P M on 38 acres east of house windy
24 disc windy Bertie fix drill disc on Wilbert P M
25 disc on Wilbert for oats
26 disc on Pre east of track for wheat
27 got Pats drill not much work
28 nice Bertie got a fish
29 seed 21 8/10 oats drill windy sold 235 lbs sheep Burns
30 Maud colt last night seed wheat east of house
31 finished 49 acres east of track and seed oats
June
1 seed oats Minnonite clipped sheep
2 finished 33 acres of oats total 264 acres Pats drill
3 fix fence cultivate garden
4 windy tobe here Bred bay mare at McAllisters
5 fix mower windy very dry grass hoppers bad
6 took 230 lb hog Leth got 10 00 used 5 gals gas 2 quarts oil Cost 3 15 used about ½ the gas
and oil
7 took Pats drill home windy plow 3 horses p m single plow
8 very windy fix mower bred heiffer for Alcock ground blowing
9 very windy got 400 lbs grasshopper poison
10 put out poison start to plow 6 horses
11 nice all to church
12 very warm and very dry plow used Billy on drag
13 very warm and dry fix mower and cut some hay in garden got 400 lbs hopper poison
14 put out grass hopper poison a m draw in first little jag hay
15 cut some hay rake some hay draw in one small jag very dry and hot 2 new queens hatched
16 plow gang Billy on drag kids home bred 2 bay mares Alcock very hot and dry
17 took Isa Jean Allen town very hot and dry got Queen from eatons
18 the ½ Holstein had a heiffer calf from Duke
19 Plow hot and dry Bertie has exam
20 Bertie and Marg town poison hoppers a m plow p m hot and dry
21 tried to cut some hay
22 Cultivate spuds rake some hay June colt bred mare black V Barr up to Hattons
- 125 -
23 draw in load sweet clover cut some very hot and dry
24 very hot and dry got 1 load sweet clover cut some
25 thunder and light shower
26 very windy rake little S clover cut little broke mower
27 made 130 ft hay rope used 32 lbs twine draw in one load hay very dry and hot
28 Bred mare for Albert rain nice all day first rain this year Eva Reid up eve
29 plowed the pig yard and disc it Bred mare G Northy cultivate some spuds
30 bred Maud colt one month put 400 lbs grasshopper poison Big Nellie mare colt
July
1 windy put in load hay
2 Margaret McFadden & Gahoons here nice
3 cut hay cultivate potatoes hot and dry
4 cut hay on 20 acres pasture very hot and dry not much hay Mrs Walter Hatton here saw SSB
man (Soldier Settlement Board)
5 Bred mare Mr Hatton cut and raked hay town eve to hear Mr Aberhart very hot dry
6 draw in 3 loads hay very hot and dry cut Mauds colt 5 weeks old
7 very hot and dry rake hay put in 3 loads
8 all town but Bertie put in 2 loads hay sold 6 chicken 18 lbs at 12 cents 2 25
Map inserts bright and glossy Same areas
9 very hot and dry
10 rain very little last night but blowed hard all day tighten up box on car
11 put in 4 loads hay very hot and dry 4 loads of the 23 acres about 17 loads total
12 fix mower a m cut some wild oats and barley very hot & dry
13 Bertie cut I hoed 7 rows potatoes
14 sold 1 twin lamb 95 lbs April 9th born Bertie raked took Jean to dentist sold 12 chic @ 1 30
= 4 80
15 Bertie and I went to Leth got 2200 coal $3 45 put in 8 gals gas 1 80 1 qt oil 25 total 5 50
16 nice hot and dry put ring in Gagnons bulls nose
17 windy put in 1 ½ loads wild oats & barley a m fix mower p m
18 windy dry put in 4 small loads wild oats and barley
19 cut very little barley terrible windy rain very little 7 o clock p m
20 cut little more and rake bred some mare Northy second trip
21 two loads barley and oats Isa and I town sold lamb 90 lbs 4 50 pig 4 00 100 lbs live
22 2 ½ loads hay went to Mennon kill pig 83 lbs live 57 dressed lost 27 lbs
23 very hot and dry Mr and Mrs Hatton here Pat got his girls Hovas phoned the ant
24 very hot and dry cultivated east of house where the grass hoppers took the wheat
25 cultivate the 10 acres where I cut the barley
26 start to cut oats on the broom grass poor Abbys Daisy
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27 cut oats Bertie help wsh and stook p m very poor crop shut 6 pigs up
28 cut olds sold 9 purebred Black Giants Miss Monroe 6 60 1 mo heap 50
29 finish cutting oats yesterday extract 15 lbs honey
30 Isa and kids to river Bertie caught 4 fish Mr and Mrs Reid here eve
31 sold 6 chickens Mrs Hovas 14 lbs 1 68 start to cut wheat on broom sod very poor
August
1 cut wheat on broom and cut thistles east of track
2 Bertie cut wheat I cut with mower
3 Bertie cut I rake rain very light sprinkle 5 30 eve
4 town Bertie finish 43 acres on Wilbert
5 put in 2 loads feed rain best rain this year at 12 o clock at night
6 Bertie took fiddle to Herols Bill Glass here
7 Bess dead this morning cultivate east of house
8 cultivate NW corner Pre very hot and dry
9 got 333 lbs flour Men took 9 bus wht kill 2nd pig born July 22nd
10 cultivate Bertie town
11 Joe Herd got ready to thresh Trotter didnt come
12 thresh 115 bus wheat 475 bus oats 59 bus 30 lbs feed 30 25
13 Gagnons for tea Isa and I Marg & Jean to Deckers
14 Start to cut wheat on NE corner Pre very dry and hot
15 Bertie cut I plow 3 horses single plow on Pre
16 cut wht and plow 3 horses
17 cut wht and plow
18 cut wht and plow bred Daisy to Duke
19 Bertie cut for Alcock Isa kids and I town windy
20 rain last night and some today Albert and Mrs Hatton here looking for his cows
21 cut wht east of house Bertie helped wash engine
22 Bertie cut wheat I cut some with mower
23 finished cutting put binder away Marg and Allan McFadden here dinner
24 rain last night and fore noon clean stable P M
25 tried to cultivate to wet took two points off cultivator made it a 11 tooth
26 finished cultivator and used it P M
27 Bertie and Dick Canning fishing Isa Jean and I up to hattons for haircut
28 draw in 2 loads A M cultivate P M Bertie stook
29 cultivate Bertie stook
30 rain last night and this morn I raked some used Billy and Foremost
31 Put board on ram I left for Edmonton with Margaret McFadden at noon
September
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1 got to Lacombe about 1 this morning and Edmonton about 8 o clock
2 left for Calgary about 7 1st got to Calgary about 7 a m Macleod about 9 p m
3 bred Abbys white calf to Duke Isa Jean to church
4 cultivate nice day
5 took Isa to Edgars and Heaths Bertie went to trotters to thresh to tough
6 Kids school churn and clean stable
7 Cultivate Kids to school
8 cultivate Bertie and Marg to town to school calm & warm
9 kill pig weigh 153 dead 115 dressed
10 rain little got waggon at Alcocks drove Billy and Foremost
11 thresh this p m for trotter rain little ½ day nice day
12 thresh ¼ day for trotter nice day
13 thresh all day for trotter and McEwen nice day
14 thresh all day for Ferday nice day
15 very windy fix granary and disc little p m Ormsby bull calf
16 dug some spuds Isa Jean Allen to town p m
17 nice day Isa and kids to church took 4 of deckers Pat and kids up to supper
18 rain very little Margaret rode Min to Allenfield and school
19 Bertie and I dug some spuds thresh 351 bus wheat total 466 bushels wheat total 475
bushels wheat
20 draw wheat up from field to house
21 finished dig spuds no good
22 cut some green oats A M cold went to town P M
23 cut oats all day cold
24 snow last night and a lot today
25 snow little more last night clean hen house and put dirt in it turn Billy out
26 went town Joe Herd cold snow about all gone
27 wash with engine and churn Margaret at school Mr and Mrs Cewin eat alone
28 Plow Bertie and Isa kill 4 turkeys and goose sold for 1 00 each
29 town P M plow A M sold Mrs Moreash 16 lbs butter
30 Put in a load green oats Plow P M
October
1 cold and clear all to church tie Jock up
2 plow all day used Billy nice Margaret to school
3 plow all day nice
4 Plow all day windy
5 Plow all day calm and warm
6 finished the 49 acres A M took 11 turkeys town warm
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7 windy over to Hovas Bertie to town Mrs Hatton
8 all but Bertie up to Hattons for dinner and tea
9 cultivate east of barn
10 took Duke to town bred Hilda Albert help shut up colts
11 cultivate bred black heiffer for Alcock
12 churn windy bred June
13 Isa Jean Allen I town got a tire 2 50 + 50 cents repair tube
14 out to Jim Imantowns and town froze ice last night
15 Imanson bought 3 grey horses Mr. Hatton Holstein cow
16 took 3 pigs Leth 550 lbs at 23 88 5 lambs 330 lbs 3 03 got 1700 coal 3 00
17 took glasses plow home bred ½ Holstein
18 snow nearly all day cold north wind Cold
19 took Nellie and the two grey colts to J Imistons got 100 00 snow little
20 took 2 loads wheat town cold lots of snow sent $85 Edmonton
21 cold
22 rode Maud down to tell him Mrs Gagnon was in Macleod cold snow
23 drove Billy and foremost down to Mennonites & Swans cold used sleigh
24 went to town with Jack McNeil Reid in with sleigh Mr and Mrs Hatton here
25 start to thaw last night warm today over to old Scotts to see his sleighs
26 took Abby and the Miller bull to Carmangay cold and foggy bad roads cost 4 20
27 Isa Allen Glass and I town Marg and Jean went to Allenfields Halloween party
28 over to glasses got his old sleighs Stewart went to States
29 Glass over for dinner
30 nice Margaret to school
31 nice days snow nearly all gone Margaret to school
November
1 took 144 40 lbs wheat to town for Mother saw Jobe snow Margaret home
2 snow like fun nearly all day cold foot pair socks Hattons Gagnons here tea
3 Bertie and I town got free freight certificates
4 took balance of wheat
5 Gagnon for dinner used sleigh got Reids sleighs
6 took load town on sleigh
7 took load town on sleigh soft
8 started town broke sleigh Dan Giles came up took truck 2 loads
9 one load town truck got Reids sleigh fixed got a pair from Indian
10 1 load town truck and some poultry sold hay ordered car
There are no entries from the 11th to 16th. The family was moving to a
farm near Wetaskiwin. On arrival, there was no water, no inhabitable
- 129 -
buildings The decision was made to continue to Sam Rollins farm in
Saskatchewan and seek refuge there.
17 Faith had heiffer calf at Wetaskiwin
There are no entries in the diary from the 18th to the 23
24 Got to Fome Lake
25 got to West Bend cold
There are no entries in the diary from November 26 to December 8th
December
9 took two cows to Kelliher and back cold
10 cold
11 cold work at shed
12 (No Entry)
13 cold choppy here N E wind chopp 75 bushels oats and barley
14 red moley bull calf
15 Faith on tear Moffat got Foremost and sleigh
16 went with Fred over to Dons for hay took June and Prince
17 over to Dons nice loaded load hay
18 came home roads full and heavy cold west wind second load hay from Dons
19 cold stormy
20 cold
21 got our first load wood Prince and June ran away cold Marg got her books
22 Dad and Gonny went to Kelliher cold Jack came over shipped cow cream Malville
23 Dad and I went to West Bend cold Jack went home shipped can crem Fome Lake
24 Cold
Cold
25 very cold do chores
26 cold got load dry wood at lake
27 cold
28 cold
29 cold
30 Jack and I went to West Bend shipped can cream Foam L
31 cold enough yet
At the end of the diary there were entries for
January 1, 2, 3 and 4, 1934 I’ll include them with 1934
Accounts: in January I got 3 00 from Gagnon, 6 00 from Glass February 15 00 for calf
Here so ended the diary of the year 1933.
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1934
January
1 cold
(The entries for Jan 1-4 were
2 cold
written in the back of the 1933 diary)
3 sawed wood for Jack and us ours cost 85 cents P Moffatt got hay
4 grand day chopping Dad and Jack went to Kelliher
FARM WAS AT NW 9-28-2 west 2nd
5 -24 (No Entries)
25 took faith to Hendersons chopping P M
26 sawing 15 loads wood and some for Leahy
27 Bertie and dad went to dons for hay got this book today cold and stormy NW
28 cold
29 cold NE wind dad and Bertie came home today
30 unload the hay got load straw and split little wood Maggie came over this evening nice day
31 nice day got one load straw for Jock and one for us
February
1 Dad Gonny and Maggie over to tom Baileys nice day
2 Grand day Dad Gonny and Margaret over to Hendersons Don came over
3 Kill cow Martin Aamots cooler took cream to W B cooler turkey dinner
4 Maggie and Don went home took pup Dad and Gonny went to church
5 Bertie and I got second load wood Dad over to Wises
6 Dad and I went over to T Baileys colder got a pig from Wise 176 lbs at 7.5 cents = 13 20
7 got 3rd load wood Mr and Mrs G Willams over eve
8 NE wind regular blizzard haul 1 load wht straw
9 grand day got 4th load wood and split some got one load oat straw
10 Grand Dad and Gonny went to Kelliher got 2 loads straw
11 Grand thawing Isa Jean Bertie and I went to Swetmans & Calders
12 Bertie and Marg to school grand day draw straw
13 Start a well Dad and Gonny help Jack grand teacher sick
14 nice day water stock at slough Gonny help Vena well down 6 feet
15 dug in well Dan did chores grand day Isa over to Hendersons
16 dug in well Dan chores struck sand grand day
17 nice Jack and Dad took cream town we dug in well no sand yet
18 Don came over Bertie and I got gobler Latin Lunds early Icy
19 Bertie school Dan and I did chores split little wood 4 eggs Icy
20 got a load of straw at Jacks Bertie walk to school icy
21 saw wood at George Williams colder Dan did chores Bertie school
22 cold
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23
24
25
26
Cold put two loads straw in barn
Cold put two loads straw in barn
cold
Warmer got 2 loads wood 110 lbs hind ¼ beef George Williams 6 60 2 00 pd Got 7 loads
wood total
27 got 2 small loads wood Ice warm
28 got 2 loads ice put 2 small loads in ice well White goose mated thawing fast
March
1 got last load ice thawing fast
2 Dad Bertie I town Kelliher roads very bad lots water not much snow
3 Prince weights 1440 June 1380 put two loads straw in barn dug ½ day in well at water
4 nice day all home 7 egs
5 very windy got ar 7th load wood no thaw NW wind 18 egs largest day yet
6 2 egs today cold got 9th load wood 2 loads straw Mrs Baily and Mrs Purdy over
7 got 3 loads wood Bertie school Margaret home with cold
8 18 egs got 2 loads straw cold Bertie school Marg home with a cold 1 load wood 13th load
Dan went to Burdays nice day
9 (No Entry)
10 Bert Lunan here Dad and I went to West Bend Dan came over home with us calf black
cow
11 Grand day
12 Grand day Weise here
13 Weise chopp and move to George Williams
14 Nice saw for Liaghy & saw 14 loads for us a total of 29 loads we got in two sawings and 6
hours saw
15 North wind light car on the road Dan Dad and I split wood
16 split wood Dad and Gonny went to Jacks
17 finished splitting wood 29 loads Don and Maggie over
18 Don Maggie and Vena had dinner with Gonny
19 got 2 loads straw put disc and plow together Don and Maggie went home took a calff Inc
20 snow little Dad took 10 hens and rooster to Jacks got a load straw at Hendersons B & M
school
21 got fanning mill clean 75 bus wht colder Vena stayed here last night
22 clean 82 ½ bus wht and 60 oats Colder Bred Rose
23 clean 120 bus oats took mill to Hendersons dad help Jack saw wood
24 went to Dons for hay with fred light snow last night got turkey egg
25 nice day over at Dons
26 brought a load hay home nice day some bare ground
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27 went over to L Lunn looking for road kill old Steeves cow 14 years old
28 wet to Dons for hay lots of icy and bare roads ring 3 bull calves for Don and load up
29 came home roads bad heavy
30 start in windy haul 3 loads straw with waggon turn calm
31 clean hen house got a load straw a m
April
1 snow last night Bert and I took Democrat to Swetmans Dad took sleigh to church
2 Dan Dad and I over to Bert Atridges with sleigh not much snow
3 Dan and I put 6 ft crib in well and did some took Queen cow to Hendersons second time
4 Dad Bertie and Isa went to Larsons sale
5 Got 100 bus oats from Sawchuck for floss
6 Dad and Gonny went to Kelliher Dan and I fix yard fence put all our horses in and fed Billie
7 Weise came here chopped 200 bus oats & barley got 10 00 sent to Excelred I took cream
West Bend
8 snow nearly all day Readle boy here
9 clear calm Marg and Jean school Bertie help draw in the hay stack
10 got a jag wood took pump out of lower well snow little North wind
11 Lost the ¾ Holstein heiffer 10 months old in well pump well out and fix rings in crib
12 got 2 loads straw sharpen pickets grand day
13 Bertie stayed home and help us dig in the well went over to Hendersons to trade a horse
collar
14 dirty cold stormy day dad and dan built hot bed
15 cold and snow by spells Bertie went to Redals and Dan went to Mrs Purdays
16 help Isa wash dad and dan got some poplar posts turn warmer took stove out
17 help house clean had a girl
18 clean 50 bus barley George Williams came help house clean had a girl
19 got load straw at Hendersons A M plow P M 6 horses on 14 inch gang Don and Maggy
over
20 drag all day 6 horses seed P M with three of dads horses froze hard last night
21 Dan seeded all day I drag & plow A M Dad Jack I took cream W Bend got cribbing
22 very windy drifting dirt fierce
23 Dan finished 25 ¼ acres wheat I dragged cold today
24 Dan and I plowed 3 ¼ acres wheat land seeded it P M I drag the P M
25 Moved over to Baileys I leveled and Dan seeded10 acres
26 Dan seeded 22 acres I levelled and harrowed
27 Dan finished seeding 28 ½ acres wht on A M on summerfallow on Baileys I harrowed
windy
28 Dan plowed P M 27th Both plowed today windy
- 133 -
29 Very windy dirt showing fierce shut up 3 steers to feed
30 Bertie and I plowed at Baileys very cold snow little last night Dan sick
May
1 Dan and I plow A M I plow and Dan seed 6 acres wheat on Baileys total 36 acres
2 finished 47 acres wheat on Biley start plow for oats
3 plow all day for oats Dan came home brought drill last night rain
4 I stayed all night and plowed today Dan picked some stone and got a load chopp and seed 6
acres oats
5 Dan seed oats all day I planted 3 bags spuds A M brought Bund P M
6 Berties birthday nice Vincent Swetman and 2 Ridals here
7 Dan Bertie and I work at well and pump
8 plant rest of spuds 1 bag Bertie and I took pump out and put it in again Dan seed barley 19 ½
acres
9 Dan and I plow at Baileys very windy
10 Dan seed oats at Baileys I plowed cold
11 Dan seed oats I plow
12 rain A M Dan seed and plow P M I plow finish Baileys 22 acres oats total 46 wheat and 22
oats 68 acres
13 Used 35 bushels oats on 22 acres Nice
14 drag 22 acres oats Bertie and Dan fix fence warm set 45 turkey eggs
15 Bertie and I fix fence at Mrs. Baileys Dan work for Bailey stayed there
16 I drag on the 27 acres oats and barley got a new collar 19” from C. Henderson + 156 eggs to
set
17 drag A M Daisy second heiffer from Duke
18 rain light shower A M plowed little for oats P M 3 horses
19 Bertie and I help Dad bild fence nice Margaret over to Ridals
20 Dark and cold rain very little
21 Plow 3 horses cold and damp
22 Bertie went for hay rain very little plow 3 horses finished the 5 acres showery P M
23 Bertie came home nice day drag
24 Dad and Gony went to Maggies I seed the 4 ½ acres and harrow it old sow 4 pigs
25 Pack the 4 ½ acres A M and took the packer back to Williams
26 dug hole and move closet Isa Allen Jean and I went to West Bend
27 Very hot and dry Jean and I over to Williamsons Scaffels here for tea and Vincent
Sweatman
28 hot and dry disc A M 2 horses P M 6 horses
29 disc 6 horses very windy hot and dry P M Jack got plow to plant potatoes ours up
30 not much work very dry
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31 just poke around hoe little in garden help Isa plant 31 tomato plants
June
1 nice hot and dry no work look over the bee hives sprout potatoes
2 Isa Jean and I went to Kelliher with G Williams rain very little
3 George Williams took Isa Marg Jean Allen and I over to Maggies nice day
4 Bertie went to Dons for hay the 7th load
5 Bertie came home Dad and I tun some cattle over on Don 90 chicks from Mr Hendersons W
(hite) L(eghorns)
6 rain nice rain last night took disc and 2 colts to baileys Abbys calf had a bull calf Maud
mare colt
7 horses in grain A.M. got them in and fix fence rain P M Dad went to Saunders
8 Rain Bertie home I over to Clay hendersons got home for mower
9 clear rain nice shower evening Bertie Dad fix fence A M I fix mower and hoe
10 nice A M clear colder rain set 107 of Maggies eggs
11 help Isa wash sow little S clover George Williams break Dad build cystern
12 cultivate garden A M cultivate summer fallow P M tull cut brush
13 disc on Mrs Bailey very hot Moskuitos very bad
14 cut some hay on Baileys Gold Coin budded to blossom cold pups
15 disc at Baileys kids at picnic at Gilbert school rain
16 Isa Jean and I West Bend nice day but muddy
17 nice Bertie went to Ridals froze the potatoes quite bad tonight
18 nice warm day finished discing at Baileys and brought the disc home
19 election day and raining rain ½ the night
20 drove Maud and foremost to Kelliher nice rain little
21 drove Maud and Nellie to Kelliher rain little at night
22 disc 6 horses showery
23 very windy soil drift disc 6 horses
24 nice Raymond Ridal and Aarick Swetman here
25 very hot start to plow for Mrs. Baileys summer fallow rain all night
26 took Bertie to town to try bad roads
27 Weiss start break
28 took Bertie to town to try got up at 3 15 left here at 15 to 6 dad got his horse from Jack
29 Plow at Baileys thunder at noon rain at 5 evening
30 Plow at Baileys rain very little
July
1 rain early this morn nice shower showery all day G W Williams over P M
2 nice cut some hay Bertie Kelliher with Redals clear and nice
3 rain showery draw in one load hay & one of straw fix mower G. W. baby boy
- 135 -
4 rain little A M start binder everyone to H(orse) Lake picnic nice P M
5 took Maud to Kelliher sired her to standardbred cold NW wind Bertie plow single chopp
froze hard
6 Bertie got load hay I plow Isa and kids to picnic at Eastward nice day
7 nice cool day plow at baileys
8 Swetmans here nice showers then fine our garden badly frozen July 5
9 plow at Baileys very hot and dry
10 plow hot and dry rain evening
11 plow at Baileys cool and windy W wind tully got finished 26 days $15
12 plow at Baileys very hot and dry load chopp 2 50
13 finished plowing Mrs Baileys 30 acres summer fallow warm here nice
14 Red Mully Bertie plow single A M got 2 jags hay and 1 straw P.M. sent 2 shares sharp 60
cents Colder Break
15 Nice Bertie went to Redals Eddie went home Hilda heiffer calf weight 84 lbs
16 nice start to plow Dads summer f. very windy the rest pick saskatoons
17 Plow nice sent Aamodt a bee hive & look in his bees smoke and veil
18 fix pump A M Plow P M warm Isa pick Saskatoons
19 I plow Bertie and Eddie Weise cut hay Isa pick berries
20 Put 6 loads R grass hay in barn cool windy Isa pick berries
21 Bertie and I put in 4 loads R grass little rain Eddie up north Dad cut some and rake very
little
22 Sick rain very heavy Maggie brought Margaret home Raymond here
23 Plow Dad cut some Rye Grass Ormsby bull calf night
24 Plow Dad went to Kelliher with Clary
25 Eddie here 3rsd day I plow Bert and Dad cut rye grass
26 I plow Dad took chopping to Aamodts Bertie and Eddie chore Ed rake P M I finish plow
27 stack R grass with buck pole 1 day Eddie
28 Shower last night stack R G Dad cut stack 65 feet X 15 feet R grass 1 day
29 Vincent Swetman here for dinner Isa Jean and I over to see the wht at Baileys Bert at
Readals
30 put 1 load hay in barn 5 in stack June lost her colt 6 weeks too soon
31 Bertie and Dad cut green oats at Baileys Bertie and I stack
August
1 rain little work on binder
2 Eddie and I stack 7 loads Bertie and Dad cut oats and hay at Baileys very warm Dads roan
got 17 lbs pork from Jack
3 Eddie and I stack have about 54 loads up Bertie and Dad cut over on Henderson Bay Joes
hot
- 136 -
4 Eddie and Bertie rake oats Baileys I cut 10 acres barley 3 ½ balls twine
5 Very hot and dry got a hair cut at G Williams
6 Bert and Eddie cut hay at Joes Ed rake at Baileys I stook barley very hot
7 stack 7 loads wild oats at Baileys brought one home Dad rake at Joes
8 stack 6 loads wild oats 1 home Tull rake Dad sold 1 load barley windy
9 stack 6 loads oats & 1 hiome Tull rake sold 1 load barley 42 cents per bushel
10 stack 4 loads oats and brought 1 home Isa town with Maggie and Dad tull stack hay at Joes
11 Bertie Eddie and I stack 7 loads at Joes Dad tull and man 7
Map Insert 8 maps all Canada
12 Bertie took sample butterfat of cows milk to test 15 lbs day 3 nice
13 Start to cut wheat I made 3 rounds Dad 1 Ed went home at noon
14 I went to west bend got 250 lbs twine $25.65 Cut P M 2 binders Ed stook
15 finished cut wht AM cut oats PM poor crop Ed tull and Bertie stook
16 Finished oats AM Ed and tull stook all day Bertie and I West Bend P M repairs for binder
17 Cut wht Baileys 2 binders tull and Eddie stook oats very hot
18 cut wheat Baileys 2 binders windy 3 stook
19 nice Maggie over dinner home supper at Kennedys extract honey for Aamodt
20 cut wht at Baileys 3 stook Dad brought his binder home
21 finished cutting at Baileys brought binder home Spuds froze for 3 rd time
22 Dad and Tull stack hay at Joes Eddie stook at Baileys Bert and I finish oats
23 Dad and Tull pick stones I fix binder George Williams baby died cloudy and very cold
snow
24 Isa Jean Allen I Kelliher yesterday Mrs Hen got home axle for deson binder 1 70
25 Cut wht for Jack Dad Tull and Bertie finished Joes hay Mr Bloucher dairy inspector here
26 extract Swetmans honey nice day Isa took jean and Allen 3rd time to vaccinate whooping
cough
27 Help Don finish cutting his crop nice day
28 Stack and load 1 load for Mrs. Bailey and 2 for us 1 there and 1 here bought a pig from Dan
11 00 and dressed it eve
29 Stack 4 loads at Baileys
30 Finished cutting at noon Bertie rake at Baileys red cow to George Williams rain little at
night
31 Disc P M on breaking froze ice tonight
September
1 fix granary got load oat hay at Baileys Bertie went to dentist with Aamodt
2 Raymond Riedel here Isa and I over to Leakys to phone Mrs. Budd and John Calder
3 Thresh 395 bus barley 850 bus oats 39 50 Barley 50 oats per acre
4 Gertie went to Aamodts finished 560 bus wheat here 20 bushels per acre
- 137 -
5 thresh at Hendersons finish moved to Baileys
6 finished at Baileys 980 bushels wheat 117 oats sold all our share 65.51
7 help Don thresh AM George Williams took Isa and I Kelliher p m nice
8 thresh at Kennedys for Bertie he went to dentist
9 vaccinate the calves bred black cow 2nd time to Williams bull
10 Norm and family here bred Hilda to Henderson nice day Bertie threshing at Aamodts
11 finished cutting hay on this place A M made some beet syrup
12 rain little last night put a tongue in Dads cultivator
13 rain Bertie came home I help wash Dad got a second-hand truck
14 Bertie and I Kelliher with George Williams
15 wet got a new 22 rifle and some freight dug potatoes colder
16 All to Ridals for dinner
17 got the beets in Bertie thresh Aamodts ¼ day went to dentist
18 fencing hay stacks Bertie got a gasoline lantern 17th Margaret start to school in 11th grade
19 snow last night plastering the hen house
20 snow last night again took Daisy to Hendersons finished plastering the hen house got 1 load
hay
21 Cut hay at Baileys brought 2 loads home
22 brought 4 loads oats hay from Baiieys Dad finished cutting snow
23 about 2 inches snow this morning Bill Redal here Bertie there
24 snow more last night haul manure with sleigh
25 West Bend with sleigh Got 600 lb Robin H flour 15 00 paid Eddie 10 00 for 8 days
stooking
26 Bertie and I town Kelliher Democrat cold thaw little
27 Chinook got 2 loads straw 9 pails oats for chicken feed
28 Pick stones Bertie went to Kelliher with Redals Dad and I got load posts haul logs
29 red cow to Clarys paint sleigh
30 Nice Bertie and Bill went to lake I over to Clarys Dad and Gonnie over to Jacks for dinner
October
1 clean hen house Eddie help Dad change fence
2 Eddie finished fence A M Isa went to school P M Dad went Foam L Bertie and I load straw
3 finished threshing 214 bus oats and thresh for Clary Bertie at Aamodts 850 + 214 = 1064
oats
4 rain Bertie and Dad went to lake for slabs
5 help G Williams stack oats A M Bertie thresh at Clarys P M I fix fence in yard
6 Dad sold his old sow I bought 2 little pigs from Reidel nice Bertie thresh for Aamodts
7 nice Rose lost her calf Bertie thresh at Aamodt Anna Beth Redal here
- 138 -
8 Dad and Gonny went to Maggies nice Bertie thresh Clary Clary finished his threshing
pulled in
9 Bertie finished at Aamodts I wattered Dads cattle
10 put up two loads hay for Mrs Bailey brought 2 home
11 put up two loads hay for Mrs Bailey 2 for us
12 rake hay brought 2 loads home
13 Bertie and I Kelliher Jack went in with us North wind
14 Bertie at Redels I got load weed seed at Baileys and fix cofee chores Isa at Jacks
15 Isa and George Williams over to Bakers stack 3 loads Mrs Bailey and 2 home
16 rake 28 acres wheat stubble at Baileys and brought 2 loads home colder
17 brought 2 loads wht rakings home Bertie and Dad went to sale with George Williams
18 got 2 loads hay at Baileys A M cold and windy Dad disc
19 got 2 loads hay put one in barn and one in stack got load oat straw
20 Bertie and Dad went to Kelliher sale with George Williams
21 nice Bertie got a generator from B Weise and put it up
22 Bertie and I fence oat straw stacks Dad hire new man
23 Dad and Bertie went to Ike Klines sale I cleaned hen house
24 bank pig pen snow help Isa wash
25 took Isa to Aamodts ladies aid
26 two loads hay 1 in barn 1 stack 2nd black cow Hendersons
27 2 loads hay in stack 1 in barn Dad kill yearling
28 got the 2 colts at Baileys nice
29 Went to Pontrilus drove to Edfield with Clay Henderson
30 , 31 (No Entries)
November
1,2,3,4 (No Entries)
5 Went to Arberfield today rain at night
6 came home from Pontrilus Clary met me at Edfield Norm took me to Tisdale
7 nice G Williams plow I haul straw Bertie to dentist
8 snow from South Dad and Gonny went Maggies I town G Williams got collar for June
9 nice Murry works at new stable Dad to West Bend I got one load oat straw
10 nice Dad and Murry work at log stable I help Bertie sick
11 grand morning bull here also Eddie Weise
12 took 2 loads hay from stack at Bailey to Eddie and also 2 home
13 2 loads oats for Mrs Bailey and 2 for us home. windy
14 grand day got 4 loads oat hay at Baileys
15 nice Budd drag P M got 2 loads hay from stack at Baileys and 2 from slough B.
16 got 2 loads hay at Baileys turn cold bull here hew logs
- 139 -
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
cold snow very little got 2 loads hay
half nice Murry took Gonny and Margaret church Bertie at Redals snow little eve
snow all day work at Dads new shed
Dad went West Bend Bertie and I got some posts AM and work at shed PM
help Dad with shed got load straw Bertie cut some posts
Murry Bertie and I haul manuer & bank pig pens Dad and tull work at stable
do chores haul 1 load oat straw
Bertie town dentist with Redal Murry I bank house made 14 lbs butter
nice Bertie got a weasle Bill here for dinner
snow little Dad and Gonny went to vote Bertie and I got load posts
took 106 30 lbs wheat West Bend for Dad 2 loads Bertie got 2 weasels sold 2 27 butter
took 2 loads wheat West Bend 108 30 for Dad total 215 bushels G Williams took old folks
Kelliher
29 took Ed Weises waggon home and clean hen house
30 took cow to Kelliher for Dad he went Maggies sold 1.40 butter
December
1 sold 97 bus oats at 27 cents 26.20 sent 25 00 Excelsior life
2 Dad left Friday to go to Ontario Bertie had dinner Redals
3 Clarence Weise here chop (unstated number) bus for Dad Bertie and I work at our shed
4 Clarence Weise finish chopping and chopp 50 bushels for us Murray and I got load straw
5 Bertie went to dentist I help Isa wash Murry got load hay rye grass
6 took Ormsby and red cow to Hendersons Bertie and Murry got load hay on Joes
7 Murry and I cut wood at Clarys Bertie and Isa kill hens
8 Cut wood at G Williams kill hens
9 got a 3rd load rye grass hay nice
10 Kill turkeys got 4th load rye grass Murry and Barney kill pig nice
11 Isa and I took 22 00 worth of turkeys and hens to Kelliher nice day
12 Jack went to Parkerview kids home Murry got hay
13 Bertie and I got load poles Murry got hay
14 kids to school Bertie and I got load oat straw also rye grass flax Murry at girls
15 Murry got mail took girls home tonight Bertie and I got load hay
16 Bertie at Redals
17 nice kids home sick
18 cold Bertie and I got load poles and wheat straw for shed got 7th weasle
19 warmer Bertie Murry West Bend Bertie got 2nd 22
20 Bertie and I got load straw and bank shed nice
21 nice Bertie and I got load poles Xmas tree all but Bertie and I went
22 North west wind took Hilda to Hendersons drifting and cold
- 140 -
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
cold
cold got load straw and hay
cold listen to World Broadcast
very cold I got load straw and hay
very cold got load poles for shed
cold
cold Margaret got the mail
not to cold but not hot yet
cold S W wind Gonny and Vena went to Kelliher on way to Saskatoon
The days from January 1 to February 8 were written in
this diary. They will be entered in the 1935 account
Under “Accounts” there are entries for butter, cod fish and a gallon of gas for which Egbert was
owed $2.99 by Jack at the end of the year. There are other records of potato varieties planted
May 5, 1934 of Early Eureka, Gold Coin and Dauphen Early Ohio. All were up by May 20 and
all were ultimately frozen 3 times.
There are records of Eddie’s work and Clarence Weise’s chopping bills and other miscellany
Here so ended the diary of the year 1934.
- 141 -
1935
January
1 quite nice Bertie and I drove down to Lake shot 4 bush rabbits
2 colder and snowing Bill redal here Dutch married 31st and Ethel Aamodt 2 weeks ago
3 (No Entry)
4 nice Bertie and I took 9 lbs butter to Redals got 2 jack rabbits
5 (No Entry)
6 (No Entry)
7 Murry took load oats West Bend for Jack
8 nice not two cold but not hot
9 nice snow little last night cut 2 calves for Dad
10 nice Isa and I went to school meeting at Horse Lake
11 nice Bertie and I over to Skafels shot at a coyoote
12 (No Entry)
13 cold
14 Queen had a black calf from Hendersons over to Skafels
15 cold got straw
16 9 bus barley Kelliher 30 cents got 2 70 got 3 gals gas sold 1 00 worth rabbits sold 23 lbs
butter 17 cents a lb 17 35
17 took Ormsby to Hendersons cold Jack came back from Saskatoon
18 phone Barney to bring oats Barney took 4 horse load oats to Kelliher & stayed in all night
Bertie and Murry did their chores tonight
19 42 below on radio this morning I got mail
20 took Faith to G Williams cold
21 Jack just got home from Saskatoon tonight cold he stayed 6 days in Kelliher
22 Bertie went to Wises for parcel
23 cold
24 warmer Bertie and I kill 6 months old Holstein bull Barnie and Murray got hay
25 Gonnie got home from Saskatoon we got a load of wood
26 went to Kelliher for Dad not so cold
27 grand day Dad and Gonny went to Jacks Bertie and I went to Readels
28 Murry and I saw at G Williams preacher here
29 Murry and I saw AM at Leakys preacher start to work here
(All entries to
Feb 8 were in
30 grand day Bertie and I went to Lake for dry wood
1934 diary)
31 grand day
- 142 -
February
1 grand Jack and Barney help kill a steer and 2 pigs one pig 180 steer dressed 616
2 grand day got 2 load wood at Lake 4 went 2 team
3 Bertie went to Redals for dinner and supper
4 cooler Jean and Margaret went to school Bertie and I got a load of hay
5 nice Dad went to Kelliher Jean promoted to Grade 3 (age just under 7) Bertie and I got load
of straw
6 Murry and Dad got load dry wood at Baileys
7 Murry and Dad got load dry wood at Baileys Bertie and I green at Lake
8 Dad and Murry got load dry wood at Baileys Bert and I took Hilda G.W.
9 I got the mail and this book and new Baker jack knife nice Jean Pollock sent this book
10 nice day Bertie and I to Lake got 11 bush and 1 Jack Rabbit
11 nice McMillan and I saw wood at Clarys Bertie and Murry cut bush Dad to West Bend
12 nice hens out got first egg this year Bert and I got load straw Bertie and McMillan brought
2 loads green wood
13 nice Dad and his men got 3 loads wood Bertie and I help wash
14 nice got 3 eggs today chopper here
15 old goose M sawing little wood 1 egg nice day hens out
16 Nice Miss Redal here Mr Tripp died put 2 loads hay in barn got 2 eggs Dad got mail
17 grand rain very little Bertie went to Redals 1 egg
18 2 egs windy Isa went to Trips funeral Bertie and I clean at shed
19 3 egs Bertie Jean and I Kelliher windy and colder
20 6 egs got ice Bertie and I got straw and took Abby to G Williams
21 3 egs not so hot Bert to Swetmans Isa Allen and I to Trips Murry got 2nd load ice
22 8 eggs Murry and Dad took 1 steer and 1 calf $35 calf for us $7 Kelliher we got load hay
23 7 eggs got 3rd and last load ice last load straw
24 colder Bertie to Redals on bike 11 eggs
25 Murry and Willie haul wood Bertie and I clean at shed cold 8 eggs
26 14 eggs Murry and McMillan chopp wood Bertie and I help wash cold total 70 eggs to
date
27 13 eggs Dad and Gonny to West Bend Murray and preacher cut wood Bertie 7 rabbits I
foot* 3 socks churn
(* my father had a knitting machine. It did the tubular part of a sock easily by turning a
crank Someone, including me but, in this case my father, then knit the fooling around
turning at the heel and completed the foot of the sock.)
28 15 egs Rose to Hendersons I got load wheat straw Murry draw wood total 98 eggs in Feb.
Maggie and Don back from Ontario
- 143 -
March
1 14 egs Isa Allen and all of Dads over to Jacks sawing Bertie and I got load hay for barn
2 17 egs cool wind Maggie and Don here
3 18 egs Bertie went to Redals Murray and I took Faith to Leakies
4 17 egs cold NE wind cleaning wheat Carter disc McMillan quit
5 18 egs Bertie and Murry went to Redals for hair cut got his horn clippers
6 17 egs old man turned our heiffer out and put Sandy and black in kids home
7 18 egs Bertie and I got hay and straw Mr and Mrs Rollins to Kelliher preacher came back
we got load hay
8 20 egs Murry hall 2 loads hay and some manuer Whitney here
9 20 egs snow I got mail Murry and Bertie got rope straw made (128 egs)
10 22 egs took Ormsby to Leakeys
11 23 egs not so hot Murry got load wood Preacher sick I churn Bertie solder
12 23 egs nice nice took Abby George Williams Murry and Preacher got 2 loads wood
13 24 egs nice sent some butter to Kelliher Aamodts Murry got load straw from Jack clip
horns of white heiffer 3 black calves
14 24 egs grand day took Isa to ladies Ade at Hendersons Murry and Willie haul hay B(red)
old black turkey
15 28 egs cold North wind We got first load slough hay got 303 egs 25 dozen and 3 egs
16 23 egs nice I got the mail and took Hilda to Hendersons new bull
17 28 egs Nice Bertie went to Redals Jack over
18 24 egs nice windy Dan and Eddie over here for dinner Murry got load straw from Jack
19 27 egs churn Jack over bought 8 doz eggs and 4 lbs butter Murry got load hay
20 29 egs Jack bought Berties calf for 8 50 and 3 batteries it weighs 300 at 5 months
21 26 egs colder Dad and Murry went to West Bend I got jag of hay at hen house
22 23 egs nice Dad took last wht West Bend Murry and I a load straw from Jack took Rose to
George Williams
23 23 egs nice took 2 egs W.B. 535 lbs
180 egs
24 29 egs nice some watter in the sloughs Bertie Bill here for dinner
25 33 egs thawing fast saw wood and chopp here Maggie over
26 25 egs folder N wind Maggie went home chopp some more Murry got a load hay Dan got
16.5 barley 5 00
27 27 egs terrible day blow fierce N E put Tomy and Nellie in shed first time this winter
28 21 egs not so bad got a load straw at Jacks
29 19 egs not to bad help Murry get a load straw at Jacks Whitney and Phinook
30 22 egs snow little took crem to W B got check for 2 pigs 31.64
31 21 egs nice reedals here Bertie came with them 53 doz and 7 eggs in March
- 144 -
April
1 17 nice Murry and I got a load straw Jacks and a load hay
2 23 egs Dad went to Kelliher Murry and I got load straw & took pump out
3 23 egs put new leather on pump and put it in Jack and Don and Vena here nice
4 22 egs got load straw Jacks nice
5 20 egs Murry and Dad took old cow, 3 yearlings and 3 year old steer to West Bend $150
6 21 egs Murry Dad and I to Kelliher sold Foremost 126 egs in 6 days Ed Johnsons sale
7 23 egs Bertie and Bill here for dinner Maggie went to Jacks last night & Dad got her today
8 25 eggs cold NE wind dirt blow some Don and Jack over Anny Brickshaw here
9 23 eggs snow Dan got some barley from Dad I took plow to W B got beam straightened 5
1/3 bushel barley
10 23 egs nice day Murry took banking from house I trim horses feet
11 32 egs took Isa to Ladies Aid at Larsons got a Jersey heiffer from Blocksedge
12 25 eggs Dad and Maggie went Kelliher with Democrat lots of watter in sloughs I got jag
hay Finook got 6 calves
13 27 egs nice day Jack and Margaret got mail with Democrat Maggie stays here
14 21 egs cold and stormy Bertie home Don Jack Vena & Barney at Gonnys dinner and tea
15 23 egs sale here sloppy around windy
16 25 egs N E wind cold putting new handles on plow
17 21 egs took Murry to Sawnders Dad took Maggie home
18 20 egs took a log to sawmill got drag bar sawed got load hay
19 24 egs Dad got back Anny went home fixing drag nice drying fast wore boots today
20 Dad got new bed West Bend Marg mail Jack got shot gun
21 Murry Bertie and Sweatman boys here fix new generator left cows out
22 Abby to G Williams start to plow here grass sod 3 days later than 1934 very windy today
and yesterday drift fierce
23 Dad and Gonny Kelliher I plow chilly
24 I plow Isa and Jack went over Dons for berry bushes used gang 4 horses
25 plow all day in rye grass sod 4 horses on gang turned horses out tonight
26 finished plowing the 10 acres grass and dragged nearly half of it truck took cream to Foam
Lake
27 drag cold
28 snow little last night and cold today Georges bull bred Dads cow Bertie Bill and Murray
here
29 disc AM 4 horses drag PM cold Dad W Bend
30 got Leakes drill turned Billy out and got them May 1st at Lunns
May
1 hunt horses AM dope and seed 7 acres wheat P M kids walk to school new teacher
- 145 -
2 Snow yesterday PM and this AM Isa and I Kelliher got bees 4 90 + 2.67 Total 7.57 set
goose 17 eggs
3 seeded 1 round this AM broke tongue and put in new one & seed about 8 acres PM turn bees
out 1 sick sick and 1 dead other sick
4 seed 10 acres AM seed 20 acres wheat today total 36 acres wheat seeded
5 Bertie here for dinner went away early
6 finished seeding 44 ½ acres wheat on summer fallow took drill to Leakeys and drag PM
Margaret and Jean Kelliher to King’s jubilee
7 fain AM fix yard fence rain sleep
8 rain haul 3 loads manuer and fix yard fence rain wet
9 fair and clear disc AM plow PM Dad and Isa got 26 bus at Blocksidges 70.5 = 17.85
10 plow all day 4 horses on gang cold Tull came over AM Dad to West Bend
11 cold disc AM drag PM Tull and dad fix fence Jack sent Dad a piece ford
12 Bertie here also Bill and Murry horses out
13 seed 13 ¼ nacres garnet 10 ½ on rye sod total 14 acres on rye 59 ¾ acres wheat seeded
14 drag all day Isa plant garden & potatoes seed Isas reward wheat in garden
15 plow all day Nellie drag Cold and windy SE
16 Nellie drag left the cows out tonight Tull clean oats and barley
17 plow all day Isa and Dad Kelliher got 2 pigs Tull went home tonight first wheat up
18 cold and windy SE plow all day Isa plant garden
19 nice Bertie and Murry here
20 nice plant some potatoes and plow 2 ½ hrs AM plow PM Isa plant garden and strawberries
21 nice finished plowing for oats AM seed 1 acre wheat and 13 bus oats on 6 acres total 7
acres seeded PM
22 seed 9 acres oats AM seeded 8 acres oats PM Total 23 acres oats to date used 50 bus oats
on 23 acres = 2.323 Maggie over
23 plow 3 1/8 acres AM seed to oats total 26 1/8
24 very windy drag 38 acres wheat and oats rain grand shower eve Isa plant spuds
25 start to plow on SE corner for barley plow all day Dad got mail
26 cold windy and showery Gertie Bill and Murry here
27 rain good last night clean stable put toung in sulkey plow little AM plow PM
28 Plow all day Dad got load hay plant Lacombe potatoes Eureka at East Ohio and Gold Coin
29 Potatoes up planted 15 days
30 Warm Plow all day
31 Cooler Plow AM seed 5 acres barley PM
June
1 seed 8 acres barley rain all day Barney got mail Bred mare Leakey
2 rain all day nobody here seed a little barley by hand out by the bees
- 146 -
3 showery got and cleaned some oats AM doped and mixed rye grass and barley Tull went
home
4 seed 5 ½ acres barley and rye grass AM finish 20 acres barley PM and reseed 4 acres R
Bricksawe here
5 rain all night and snow morning seed 8 acres oats in stubble PM
6 froze Plow on last piece Dad took a load oats and barley Aamodts to chopp rain nice
shower
7 nice and warm plow AM finished seeding 5 1/8 acres oats PM 6 weeks and 5 days
8 Isa Jean Allen and I to Kelliher nice got a collar for Prince Tommy 1310 Nellie 1300
9 got 2nd Jersey calf from Blocksidge born May 31st 56 White Leghorn and Wyandot chickens
10 nice fix up breaker and start to break
11 rain last night start to break and broke the 4 horse evener fix up the sulkey went one round
12 I fixed plow and got some oats AM break 15 rounds PM bred June 12, 13, 14, 15 got
second package bees
13 Help Dad get a load hay at Kennedys AM rake 1 round PM rained Dad and Isa Ladies Aid
Jacks
14 Break 3 rounds and poplar evener AM all to picnic PM I break little grubbed out my first
trees PM
15 Break little AM rain PM Barney got mail rain very heavy Make doubletree waggon
Map insert 12 pages Mexico to Philippines Western Canada Eastern Canada
16 Rain Took Nellie to Georges Bertie home very wet
17 showery haul 2 loads manuer AM took Isa to Ridals PM
18 clean stable fix a little fence made gate on the road oil set harness and cut little brush
19 Maud had a standard bred colt last night 14 days over took Margaret to Kelliher to try Bred
Leakys mare
20 took Abby to Georges and pull a little brush grand day
21 Bertie brought rifle down Marg came out from town bred Leakys mare
22 pull brush Dad got mail
23 rain nice shower Bertie and Murry here for dinner & tea Marg went Kelliher eve
24 Break little bit Dad and Gonny went to Maggies
25 Pull little brush AM help Isa wash PM
26 Make gate and fix yard fence Isa Allen and Jean to H L picnic I pull bush
27 Break little AM Fix harness and single tree PM Dad came home brought man
28 took Maud to Kelliher to breed very warm
29 Pull brush Windy
30 Bertie home rain like fun last night and today
July
1 Break little rain some PM boared 3 horse hitch for Leaky Daisy black bull
- 147 -
2 Break all day warm nice wind
3 Break little today very hot
4 took 47 bushels oats and barley to chopp at Weises Isa Margaret and Jean at Redels
5 Break little hot pulled brush PM
hoed Lacombe spuds Ohio and Gold Coin budded
6 roped Nellie pulled brush AM Mike and I took colts West Bend PM got 2 pigs
7 rain last night warm Murry Bert Mrs Aamodt & Pearl Finney here bred black heiffer second
time
8 nice shower at noon
9 pull rush bred mare for George Williams
10 roped Nellie pulled brush Blocksidge took tommy down to try Dad Gonny Allen Marg
West Bend
11 Break A M used Bill clean stable and cultivate potatoes and corn PM used June cool and
windy
12 Break all day Windy Dad took Isa Jean & Marg West Bend picnic
13 Fixed mower lower cut a little hay and draw in one small jag Dad & Mike hoe No 4 hive
lost her queen had a new one start new hive
14 garnet seed April 13 headed 14 July hot and dry today no one here Paint Leakeys drill try
Maud
15 very hot got 75 00 check for Tomy bred Maud Isa and Margie picked goose berries
16 break little AM very hot draw in jag hay and straw burn little brush bred Nellie and start
wood
17 Very hot Break little and hoe a little George got 125 lbs oat chopp Mike got back about 3 o
clock and start wood pile
18 I went to Kelliher with Finook got check cashed for Tomy Mike split wood
19 I fix mower Mike split wood finished it and fixed little fence cut pigs burn brush
20 Pick stones and burn brush on breaking hot and dry bred Nellie
21 led colts to Martin Aamodts Merty home Dan Maggie Don Jack Vena over
22 Went to Foam Lake cream truck and to Saskatoon fare 3 90
23 Left Saskatoon 7 15 fare to Calgary $10 60 got to Calgary 12 50 night
24 went to teck
25 left for Macleod went to see Ma Mary Hattons stayed at Gagnons
26 Got the waggon from Mr Day left for Calgary about 3 o clock
27 Left Calgary 2 30 for Red Deer
28 all night last night at Blakleys came to Lacombe stayed night at McFaddens
29 downtown today and got tire fixed 1 50
30 Went to Edmonton and started after 6 for Saskatoon
31 got to Saskatoon about 10 30 night stayed at Canada Cafe 24th St and Ave B North
- 148 -
August
1 Went to see Dick Downey and stayed to dinner left about 2 30 and got to Dafoe called up B
Blakley rain all day
2 left for Foam Lake 8 30 a m flat tire got to foam lake 1 00 got stuck and stayed on road all
night and got home 3
about 11 30 noon Bertie took truck to Aamodts
4 Bertie and Bill here
5 Maggie came at 5 30 am Donald drowned yesterday took Isa and Dad Kelliher & 25 bushels
chopp to Aamodts try Maud
6 Bred Nelly stack hay nice Isa and Dad at Regina to burry Donald I stack 6 loads one in barn
7 nice
8 stack 6 loads thunder evening
9 stack 7 loads Maggie and all here Bertie got truck
10 stack 2 loads A M Mike went home P M I rake Dad and Gonnie dinner at Jacks got first
honey from 2 frames
11 rain Bertie Swetmans and A Lund here
12 cut little hay and fix mower got 77 lbs hind ¼ bef from George
13 Mike cut I rake A M start to cut wheat at noon
14 cut wht Mike stook Dad and Gonny went to school meeting
15 Put 4 load hay in stack and 2 in barn Marg over to Collins
16 Marg to Redals Mike rake in a m Dad and Gonny West Bend a m froze last night and
tonight
17 4 loads hay in W end barn cut wht p m Mike stook Jack took Dad and Gonny to Maggies
18 rain
19 Haul manure I went to Richards got a wagon tire set Mike haul manure (Note: correct
spelling of wagon and manure after 22 years)
20 Mike stook A M I owe him $19.30 Mike went home Marg Allen I West Bend Dad home
21 Cut wht all day nice
22 Finished cutting 40 acres wheat A M Isa and I stook P M.
23 Put bad hay in barn and stook Dad to Foam Lake
24 Took Maud to Kelliher Bertie got truck Dad help Marg and I stook
25 extract for Hood Marg went to Redels Jean to Aamodts
26 cut barley cold
27 cut barley broke Pitman cold
28 rain little fix waggon box Dad and Gonny and Jean West Bend
(waggon?
Manuer is next to return)
29 finished cutting barley preacher and Dad finished stooking 45 lbs twine barley
30 I started to plow 10 acres rye grass Dad and preacher cock and rake hay
31 Plow A M took 2 loads wheat to Aamodts to thresh Dad put up 6 loads hay
- 149 -
September
1 Margaret at Redals Bertie home evening brought the wheat threshed Sat
2 Plow AM Dad & Gonny went to Maggies cut oats P M
3 rain off and on all day Help Leaky fix his binder got 8 lb ball twine Leaky 86 cents
4 Cut oats Dad and Gonny got home from Maggies
5 Cut oats Dad Gonny Isa went to funeral stook little
6 rain last night
7 finished lowing 10 acres rye grass Dad West Bend
8 nice Bertie and Vincent here and Murray took Daisy to Georges
9 Dad and man stooking Isa and I town AM Disc sod P M Dad and man got load hay and
stook P M
10 Dad and Morris stook AM I disc all day got Georges bull bred Dads old black cow
11 Disc Dad cut some Hay & finished stooking oats bred beauty
12 Break little by lower well move granarys for Leaky
13 Took 45 pails oats and barley to Aamodts to chopp took H Bay collector Foam Lake 2 00
got generator fixed 7.50
14 Dug Lacombe spuds moved granary and raked little hay
15 2 Sweatmans Bill Bertie & Murray here & Sondness red cow bull calf
16 Disc Isa and Dad West Bend got us 100 lbs flour
17 finished discing rye grass sod Aamodts machine came
18 Started to thresh
19 thresh wheat Pd 40 00 haul 5450 5940 5860
20 (No Entry)
21 sold 42 bus barley at 17 ½ = 7 35 got 1200 Robin Hood at 2.75 = 19.26 all to Kelliher
truck
22 nice Murray here and Bertie evening Sent Mike 19.30
23 Dug some spuds grand day Billy Chapman help load stack little
24 Took load wht W Bend Hans Aamodt got box plums 1.25 rain
25 Snow
26 Isa and I to foam Lake Dentist Terrible roads
27 Dig spuds beets turnips carrots etc
28 Went to Wishart took load wht Aamodts to Kelliher eve Dad Morris haul manure
29 Bertie Leroy Anna Beth Murray and Joe here nice day start to wean Mauds colt Dan
30 Plow Dad haul cabbage and fence stack windy
October
1 Plow nice day windy
2 Plow
3 Plow cold froze hard last night
- 150 -
4 took 2 loads wheat West Bend Hans total weight 177 bus 29 bus 20 lbs spuds Kelliher got
barrel gas
5 took 1 load wht 4.62 and 1 load Kelliher Dad grand 2.40 gas
6 Murray Bertie and Bill also Mildred Lyal and Billy here nice got Georges bull tonight
7 Plow Dad Gonny Isa and Allen to Williams sale “nice”
8 Got load wood at Williams Dad one Snow and rain
9 I got 2 loads wood and Morris one AM lad chop oats Aamodts Dad Gonny looking for horse
10 took Dad Aamodt Murray Bertie Marg Jean & Isa to Foam Lake terrible roads
11 Plow Morris got 2 loads wood
12 Got 2 loads wood Morris 1 AM Took 63 bus wheat Kelliher for Dad gas oil 2 60
13 Bertie Murray and Aaric Swetman here nice day rain little last night
14 Plow all went to vote at Poplar Hall at noon
15 Plow Dad and Gonny went to Maggies nice day
16 rain last night plow Sweatman got the beets Paid 5 00 owes me one cold
17 Plow windy
18 Very windy Finished plowing the 41 acres Dad and Gony came home tonight
19 Colder Isa Jean Allen and I got mail
20 Got Georges bull bred No 6 Mable Bertie quit Aamodts
21 Took 84 bus oats Kelliher @ 17 cents – 14 28 got lining for stove 6.35 six gas and quart oil
2.35 Dad got 20 bus wht from Jack
22 Took Dad and George to Kelliher
23 Bertie and I over to Martin Aamodts drove Billy and Nelly Bertie and Bill hunting Dad
got 67 bushels oats and barley
24 Martin Aamodt cut Bill Isa Allen and I over to Maggies Marg and Jean at Collins Bertie
Redals
25 disc on back setting used Maud grand Leighton Lund bought red cow $27 00
26 finished discing used Maud Leighton got cow grand day
27 All to Swetmans for dinner
28 snow last night over to Bombury post office Bertie and Bill hunting 3 egs
29 snow took Nellies No 2 to Georges all the horses in
30 Snow Dad went to R Sandness Bertie hunting
31 froze ice in house last night cold and clear today bank house put up heater
November
1 Cold chase coyote got little straw Jean home all week Bill Patterson new Premier (news
released on Nov 3rd)
2 clear and cold
3 nice day Murray here Bertie at Redals for supper
4 Margaret rode Maud to school to take Jean
- 151 -
5
6
7
8
Bertie Jean and I to town in truck
mild Dad took Isa to Jacks I went to G Wrights and got load straw Murray and Joe here
mild Bertie and I got Aamodts bull
Bertie went to Kennedies to work Dad got some slabs at lake and took Isa Jean and Marg to
Silver Wedding
9 I got mail
10 Clear and nice Murray here
11 stormy got load straw and hay Dad Gony over to Jacks Marg took letter to Redals
12 Marg took Jean to school Got turkey in bush and load wood
13 got load hay and straw
14 Dad and Gony help Jack kill calf I cut little wood used new manuer boat to clean stable
15 got 110 lbs front beef ¼ from Redals Marg took Jean to school
16 got load hay and got Bertie at Kennedys Dad and Marg got mail grand day
17 nice Murray here Bertie and I over to McCans P.O. Dad and Gony over to Jacks eve
18 Nice Dad and Gony over to Jacks Bertie to Brombury P.O. I got straw Redals chickens
Robert Carloo Nihill married Marie Hatton
19 Got 3 loads wood Mrs. Weise visiting Gony
20 Dad and Gony West Bend We got hay and straw 1 load dry wood 1 green
21 got 3 loads green 1 dry wood nice
22 got 1 load hay & 1 straw 1 load green wood
23 got 1 load green wood AM Bertie hunting Dad got mail P M
24 Maggie Jack Vena and fred here I drove Grey Nelly and Bill today Murray here
25 got load hay and straw took mail to Bromberg Isa visit with school teacher this evening
26 nice clean ice well and got load ice
27 Got second load ice Colder
28 got 3rd load ice grand day
29 Dad Kelliher cream I took 46 bus 30 lbs oats W Bend @ 16 cents – 7.35 Drove Bill and
Nellie grand
30 Nice Dad got the mail We got hay straw and some poles at the lake
December
1 nice the teacher and Family here for dinner also Bill Marg went to Redals evening
2 Dad got 70 pails oats 20 pails barley We got hay and straw Marg dentist
3 Fred bought Gony home We got load ice Margaret got home today from school
4 Nice got load straw Drove Nellie second time
5 kill pig 168 live 123 dressed grand day sold 59 lbs Gonnie 10 cents
6 2 loads hay 1 straw Dad and Gony Kelliher
7 Bertie and Dad took black cow W B nice
8 nice Murray here Vena Jack and baby at Go9nys for dinner and tea Bert at Ridals on bike
- 152 -
9 cold Bertie look at trap I cut wood in bush
10 Blow very hard last night and cold I got up at 4 a m and kept on fires
11 nice got 2 loads hay 1 straw Jean at school
12 nice 2 loads wood Jean school
13 nice 3 loads wood Jean school
14 Bertie and I got mail grand day drove Nellie the 3rd time Dad and Gony gone to Jacks at
night
15 nice all to teachers Bert Bertie Bill and Murray here for supper
16 grand got hay and straw drove Nellie and Bill to Lake shot at a coyote on rack
17 grand day got 3 loads wood Ormsby had her first heiffer calf last night
18 Colder got one load hay Bertie rode bike to town with Bill Dad and Gony took Allen and
Marg W.B.
19 cold Bertie came home today got one small jag straw
20 got 1 load hay and 1 straw took Hans bull home and our sow to Hans Hog Dad took all but
Bertie and I to Xmas tree
21 Bertie and I got mail and pig from Hans grand day drove Nellie and Bill
22 snow little colder Bertie and I took Wetaskiwin to Laten Lunds
23 Cold got one load hay and one of straw Bert Lun here for dinner got dog Old Man
Johnston died
24 No work Bertie made ice cream today and yesterday
25 Cold Runciman family and Bill Redell here Jack and Vena at Gonys Johnstone funeral P M
26 Cold got one load hay and straw Dad got mail at Hendersons
27 cold got one load straw and hay tied Jack up
28 Bertie and I got mail drove Nellie and Bill
29 Bertie chased a coyote Dad and Gony took Allen to church
30 Isa Marg and I to Kelliher Marg got 6 teeth filled quite cold
31 quite cold Bill Redal here and Joe Collins got load hay and jag straw Dad got 2 loads dried
wood at well
R B Ramage, Greenway Manitoba Shetland pony colts $20 Dec. 18 1935
1295 oats 522 wheat 439 barley
It costs 1 85 for 30 doz, 1 15 for 15 dozen 1 00 for 12 dozen to ship eggs from Kelliher to
Calgary
Walter Boucher Provincial Field Man
Colonization Corporation
H B Summerfield local farm manager for the
- 153 -
Potatoes in May 28 up good June 14th 18 days
1300 at Kelliher
Sold Foremost $50 and Tomy $75
June 8th, 1935 Tommy weighs 1310 and Nellie
Here so ended the diary of the year 1935.
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1936
Received this book Dec 14
January
1 Marg and Bertie drove to Redals Dad and Gonny had dinner with us little warmer
2 got load hay and straw nice Joe Collins got his battery Bertie got 35 cents for charging it
3 Cold got load hay and straw
4 Cold Dad got the mail
5 cold Leakey here Margaret took some letters to Redals to mail
6 30 below put rack on sleighs for the first time
7 Cold turn warmer this eve Bertie over to fix Jacks radio rawley man here
8 took 0V04 over to Lunds Dad West Bend AM nice
9 got 2 loads hay and 1 straw
10 saw wood 5 hours at 85 cents = 4.25
11 chopp 83 bus oats = 2 50 cold and stormy
12 Cold Bertie rode Maud down to Redals
13 cold got load hay and straw
14 saw wood for George Bertie rode Maud West Bend nice
15 6 hours saw for George saw little for Leaky got 1 load straw & hay
16 Cold black cow calved Watkins man here Bertie over to Weises
17 30 below
18 not so cold Dad went to Horse Lake school meeting
19 cold all home no one here
20 cold Bertie and I drove Nellie and Bill West Bend 42 below King George V died
21 cold got small load straw and hay
22 cold south east wind generator run all day 30 below
23 cold not much wind today
24 cold North wind Margaret went to Collins we got load hay and straw we got a weasle
25 cold Jack got mail I knit pair socks
26 cold Bertie paid hans $25 on threshing and went to Martins and Redals
27 Cold got load hay and straw
28 Cold listened to the King’s burial Bertie went to jacks to fix his radio
29 cold
30 cold got load hay and straw
31 cold all but Bertie over to the school teachers to a party
February
1 cold Dad and I West Bend got 100 lbs meat meal 50 lbs boan meal Bill here
2 Cold Bertie went to Redals
3 cold 40 below got straw and hay
- 155 -
4 cold west wind generator run
5 31 below at regina
6 36 below at regina cold calm Bertie went over to fix Jacks radio Big Jersey
7 cold got load hay and straw
8 cold Bertie and I took 2 pigs West Bend and got mail
9 cold Bertie rode Min to Redals
10 cold got hay and straw
11 Cold Hilda had a bull calf last night
12 47 below at Regina this morning
13 Cold got hay and last load oat straw
14 49 below at Regina Dad went to Kelliher with cream Man. Rose calved 30 below
15 46 below at regina got 1st load barley straw George got mail
16 terrible day cold and very windy
17 Cold & windy
18 30 below at Regina
19 Chopp 83 bus oats 2 50 nice in sun Bertie set coyote trap at Redals
20 Not so cold Jack George and us helped Dad kill his cow
21 Cold got hay and straw
22 Jack and Dad got the mail not so hot Bertie rode Maud to West Bend
23 about zero Bertie rode Maud over to Collins
24 zero at Regina this morning snow got hay and straw
25 25 below at Regina nice sun at noon Help wash got 1 bag flour
26 31 below at Regina got one load straw
27 6 below at Regina cold S E wind
28 not so hot got hay and straw
29 4 below Regina and a strong S wind Dad and I West Bend got 100 oil cake 100 meat meal
and mail
March
1 grand thawing Bill here made ice cream pups
2 grand thawing got jag straw school started at Henderson Fire Fly
3 little colder got load hay and straw
4 10 above zero at Regina
5 2 above at Regina cold SE wind
6 nice day got load hay and straw Bill here Dad got Aamodts faning mill
7 nice snow little Bertie and I got mail and trase Dad West Bend Aamodt
8 grand thawing Maggie over at Jacks
9 grand Bert and I Kelliher first time this year Maggie came over
10 nice Bertie over to Eustache Carter disc here Maggie went to Jacks
- 156 -
11 nice solder water tank got load hay and straw
12 13 above at Regina not so hot SE wind
13 15 above at Regina got load straw snow
14 took 74 bus oats W B Bertie got mail Bertie and Margaret Redals to Pats party
15 Bertie and I got old Ford engine from Eulett drove the 2 Nellies
16 Nice SW wind Dad took oats to Weises to chopp
17 75 bus oats to West Bend
18 73 bus oats West Bend Bertie rode Min over to Wrights
19 74 bus oats West Bend tiny and Dandy $99 cash total 296 bus in elevator to date
20 77 bus oats West Bend
21 81 bus oats West Bend sent 2 calves Winnipeg
22 Snow and blow from north finished paying Aamodt total $100 they were here
23 16 above Regina snow and blow North
24 16 above North Wind snow 6 in official last night Winnipeg
25 2 above Regina NW wind snow and blow all night the worst drifts of the year
26 10 below at Regina got little hay and take some of binder apart
27 Zero Regina bright took in balance of hay at barn
28 5 above Regina Jack got mail
29 cold west wind nasty cold blustry day Aric and Ronalt Sweatman here got bee hives 6 00
30 Kelliher cold
31 took second load town Kelliher cold
April
1 took 3rd load cold Bill here
2 cold 4th load town Bill here
(What was everybody
loading? All the
3 Cold Bertie and I 2 loads town Bill here
Egbert Wells possessions, to
move to Vermilion, Alberta,
4 I load cold
to a new farm)
5 Cold 2 loads town Hans loaded and dutch Redal loaded
6 cold 6 loads left Kelliher 10 30 eve
7 nice Saskatoon Battleford 12 00 noon
8 Battleford to Vermilion
9 1 load out home all out for tonight
10 1 load today 100 sheaves 2 50
11 1 load sleighs 1 on waggon
12 froze last night all home
13 Bertie and I took everything out of car piled on platform
14 clean stable and got a small jag wheat straw Shields
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15 Bertie and I town 4 horses on rack Bertie went to river got 2 M. Rats PM (muskrats)
16 I clean stable A M and Bertie fix chopping engine Bertie river PM
17 clean stable AM Bertie and I town PM
18 Bertie and I town load
19 grand pick up 175 sheaves
20 Bertie and I town got second hand chopper 6 10 broke ours
21 Both town got load chopped little AM
22 snow got load AM
23 got load AM all out but horse power and disc plow
24 pick up load feed and fix fence Maud and Min and grey and Dan out
25 Isa Jean Allen Marg all to Vermilion with Shields in car I took waggon got some coal and
feed wheat
26 nice 6 men here today 3 rode
27 sowing today went over NE got some feed oats 15 cents Marg town school Bertie chopp
28 town got 25 baby chicks cold wind
29 hot started to plow
30 Colder plow used grey on drag Marg home sick Jean school
May
1 broke plow used single plow
2 I plow single plow AM Town Robinson PM Bertie plow
3 cool and dull Mr and Mrs Jory and family out also Pat Cummings and Jace Shields over
4 Nice Plow single
5 Nasty cold wind little rain Plow single plow
6 rain no work got disc from Karns
7 Disc nice
8 disc bought 40 bushels 2 C W oats 19 ½ cents
9 disc A M used Maud and grey Bertie fence use Bill and Nellie Isa I town PM Bertie disc
rain
10 nice Bertie went to Cummings I was over to Forbes
11 nice disc rain shower PM Bertie town bike
12 nice disc finish the big piece and start on SE corner piece
13 disc SE corner
14 Disc S E corner A M got 60 bushels wheat @ 50 = $30.00
15 Took No 6 Camrons Plow some garden AM seed8 acres wheat P M
16 Seed 13 acres wheat used Maud and Grey Bertie fix fence.
17 nice Jory and family brought out 2 hens and rooster Bertie at Cummings
18 June had mare colt last night finished seeding 31 acres wheat on S S broke drill (Soldier
Settlement Board)
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19 Bertie and I town AM got 40 bus oats setting 10 duck eggs seed 3 acres wheat P M
20 Disc A M got Shields drill and seed 9 acres total 11 acres S E corner windy
21 Disc AM Seed 8 acres P M total 9 acres seeded on oat stubble took drill home
22 disc all day
23 Fin discing on SSB AM got 10 bushels more wheat 5.00
24 Bertie at Cummings Forbes girl here Potatoes up rain eve
25 got Shields drill and seed 10 acres wht total 19 acres on oat stubble total 60 on SSB
26 town P M got 20 00 for old DeLaval very hot
27 Drag A M fix fence P M very hot and dry
28 finished 30 acres AM got 30 poles PM very dry and hot Bertie town P M
29 got some poles and fix up pigyard Put old sow in yard Clean stable rain
30 fix some more pig fence Isa Jean Allen I town got 10 gal gas
31 Bertie over to Cummings the rest of us home nice
June
1 Start to disc on east corner
2 disc all day east quarter south side of it Bertie got Davies saw cut wood
3 Got 10 bushels wheat 5 00 and seed 9 acres for feed froze ice last night
4 plow sulky 4 horses dry
5 got load dry wood and plow very hot and dry
6 plow AM town PM 2 shares sharp $80
7 Jorys out turkey dinner
8. Fix little fence and plow little Jack died this eve
(I’m fairly sure Jack was a dog)
9 Plow very dry and hot Bertie town with Shields
10 Plow very dry and hot Renfrew man and family out this evening
11 Plow very dry and hot
12 Plow very dry and hot Dr Cowan here to test cows (Dad had one of the very few
tuberculosis tested herds)
13 Move closet and saw wood A M Isa Allen and I town got pair plow shares Eatons
14 Marg and Jean away Dry and hot Shut cows off wheat
15 Bertie town I plow dry and hot start to sprinkle little today
16 rain last night good Abby H. calf rain quite lot today
17 kill Ormsbys calf rain and hail like fun Bred No.8 our bull Jean school got boar
18 town A M Marg and I Plow P M sold 40 lbs veal Jory he brought his chickens out
19 Plow all day nice and warm Jean to school exams
20 cut little hay and plow little
21 Pat here for dinner He and Bert went Camerons PM rain little
22 rake & haul in little hay Bert cut some I plow PM used June to rake
23 cut and rake got load hay
- 159 -
24 town got 10 bus wheat 4 55 Paid 2 40 owe 2 15 Bertie got load hay got little more hay PM
25 Plow AM cut little rake little & draw in ¼ jag PM
26 electric storm in the night Plow AM cut, rake and draw in load hay
27 very windy rake hay and disc
28 Bertie over to Cummings Mr & Mrs Forbes here eve rain
29 Plow all day rain eve Marg to school dance Bred B.
30 Bertie make stone b(oat) rain very little plow Marg stay in town all night everybody but
me to picnic
July
1 rain A M clean out tool shed Plow PM Bertie sharop cultivator points
2 plow AM hot Margaret to town mail
3 plow am got load hay pm rain evening
4 pick stones 2 teams a m Bertie rake P M Allen I town
5 I rode Maud to McCagues Marg at Forbes Bertie at Shields
6 I pick stones A M Bertie cut hay draw in 2 loads P M
7 rain got 1 load am cultivate potatoes a m rake p m Isa and I pick pail berries
8 got pail berries pick stones P M cut hay hot dry
9 put 4 loads in barn hot and dry
10 Got 2 pails berries A M and 2 loads hay P M Total about 14 loads
11 Bertie and I town P M rain little clean stable A M
12 Pat here for dinner Jorys for tea hot and dry
13 Bertie plow Isa Jean and I got berries hot and dry
14 Bertie plow we got pail berries I went to town P M Andrews out evening Rain very little
evening
15 Isa and I got 3 pails berries at Karns Bertie plow hot and dry
16 Bertie cultivate I fix fence
17 Bertie cultivate I clean calf pen took cream town got 49 lbs flour
18 cultivate I clean calf pen took crem town got sack oats
19 Shut up Abbys calf last night
20 Bert help Jory unload flour I plow Bertie stay in
21 Plow all day Bertie in town
22 Bertie finish plowing A M I town disc P M I clean hen house
23 Bertie town today I fix stable
24 all but Bertie to Vermilion Fair dinner at Jorys lunch on grounds
25 Fix fence A M Bertie to town to fair P M
26 Over to Bill Barrs windy Beauty bull calf
27 very hot dry Bertie work in town I disc
28 Bertie cut hay I fix stable
- 160 -
29 Margaret I town Bertie cut hay Kill Abby’s calf at night
30 rake little A M Mrs Gory got 26 lb veal @ 6 1.56 Bertie town on bike P M
31 Bertie work in town today I hoe rheburb (rhubarb) and help wash
August
1 Allen and I took cream to town I got Jean She went in 30th
2 Bred Maud Camerons here Bertie rode bike to town Answer Harrys letter
3 Took cream to town and took Renfrew separator back Got 49 lbs flour
4 Pick berries Allie help Nellies No 2 calf
5 Took Allie town she went home Carns got disc
6 Got Davies rack and got ½ load hay
7 Got load hay Bertie quit elevator got 2nd load A M
8 Got load hay and took cream to town P M
Map inserts – Canada
9 very hot and very dry not much crop here this year
10 Got ½ load hay and took Davies rack home got load dry wood S(oldier) S(ettlement)
B(oard)
11 Town got sack wheat and 50 lbs (illegible)
12 fix at binder bred Nellie Isa and Jean at Forbes
13 Bertie town Dentist Helen Forbes here fix at binder rain at night
14 rain all day the best rain this year Bertie and Pat town
15 I took cream town AM Bertie bike in P M got some spokes
16 Isa Margaret and Jean over to Cummings Bertie at Shields I over try Min at fair grounds
17 Start cut wheat P M very poor crop
18 cut wheat I stooked a days cutting in one hour
19 cut wht
20 finished 30 acres at noon I finished stooking it used about 15 lbs twine
21 cut on east side I stooked one days cutting in 2 hours
22 rain little last night Marg and I town Bertie rode in evening
23 Took Maud Sandburns 2nd time bred Daisy
24 Finished cutting wheat P M I stoked
25 Finished stook A M Bertie raked
26 Allen and I pick stones A M Bertie start to thresh Bred Min P M
27 Marg Allen and I town Isa wash I got 4 gas ½ oil 1 gal coal oil thresh at Camerons
28 thresh at Camerons
29 thresh at Camerons Isa Jean and I town evening Bertie home eve
30 drove June and Lizzie up to Twinnings Bertie home
31 disc on east ½
- 161 -
September
1 took kids town sold calf $5.35 11 lbs 4 ½ (or nearly)
2 disc on east ¼
3 fix fence on S.S.B. place
4 went town with truck and home A M finished threshing 169 bus wheat at 69 cents bushel
5 Isa Allen and I town sold 6 chickens 2 00 Bertie came home
6 Pat Calvin and Robbie and Helen Forbes here Bertie and Calvin went Camerons
7 took cream and 46 bus wheat town
8 took ___ bus wheat town settled with SSB also paid 11.75 for threshing
9 windy windy draw in 3 loads rakings
10 I fix at barn Bertie cultivate on east ¼
11 Vesta help us move granary Bertie help cultivate Dr Cowan here sold him 8 chickens
12 cold and windy rain very little Isa and I to Armstrongs sale
13 cold and windy took June Minn and Maud to Twinnings
14 Bertie Margaret and Jean to school I disc very windy and cold
15 Bertie Margaret and Jean to school I cut little wood cold wind
16 Dug spuds bred Maud to black lost 1 duck
17 Disc chopp
18 Disc
19 Town saw little wood got 10 gals gas chopp
20 took Min Twinings 2nd time Jories out and their two brothers Calvin and Peter here
21 disc AM town PM Marg and Jean drove Forbes buggy school Bert Rode Maud
22 disc finish the 10 acres S E corner Disc on south end 3 to school
23 Disc south end A M Plow SE corner P M 3 to school
24 Plow S E corner Lost turkey 22nd Jean stayed at Jorys all night
25 Bertie to Lloydminster Isa and I town Marg home
26 colt got 2 loads wood and cut one
27 took June to J B Sandburns
28 disc all to school
29 clean pig pen rain some a m disc p m all school
30 got Cummings drag and drag all school
October
1 traded 10 bus wheat for 10 bus fall rye cold all to school but Allen
2 got load dry wood and fix pig pen little
3 chopp little and saw some wood
4 drove Minn to town single got 2 cream cans
5 Disc A M got load hay Cameron
6 No 4 lost calf last night disc
- 162 -
7 disc little got load clay to plaster hen house Greg out
8 I disc P M Help Mike plaster hen house
9 disc A M seed 5 acres rye P M Kids town dance eve
10 chopp some wheat got load wood took Daisy to Jorys eve
11 rode Maud over to McHague Peter out
12 holiday cut wood
13 Start to plow Gang Broke share old sow 12 pigs
14 plow single 3 horses
15 plow single 3 horse
16 sold 3 pigs 885 lbs = 61 10 Os $60 on rent
17 Hennessy drove Dan single on lines Bertie and I fix fence & chopp Isa in town Doctor
18 Hennessy drove Dan Bertie away the rest home
19 Plow all day cold sow little eve
20 Plow cold snow little night
21 Cold little snow last night Left cows in stable night first time
22 fix barn door cut little wood got barrel water clean stable cold
23 took Jorys chickens town Cummings all here
24 got 2 loads wood old snow Pat got 180 lbs spuds freight frozen for us
25 Harry Gates got Molly No 4
26 clean stable got 2 loads wood
27 Fix barn and hen house went to sale with Cameron nice day
28 Disc A.M. Clean stable P M
29 clean stable fix at buggy got load wood colder today
30 snow sold 1 pig 190 lb at 62 cents $11.78 Got 100 flour 4.66 ?
31 cold fix little at barn
November
1 cold clear Bertie over to Cummings
2 cold clear all to school
3 snowing little got 1st pullet egg
4 used sleigh first time got load green wood
5 got second pullet eg got 3 egs, two new ones
6 Help wash
7 1 egg Got Cummings saw dinner at Cummings Isa and I drove Min town Bert chopp
8 2 egs Allen Margaret & Bert over to Cummings I up to Manville to see Shetland
9 2 egs town got cutter M H separator and meat meal grand 8th and 9th
10 4 egs got a black calf Cummings grand
11 2 egs cut little wood fix little at buggy
12 5 egs cut little wood kill black bull Pat took Jean school Bert took saw Shields
- 163 -
13 fix at buggy kill bull (lucky it wasn’t a cat)
14 fix buggy and cutter Bertie in town this evening
15 5 egs Grand day fix little at buggy and cutter Bertie Camerons Marg Cummings Pat
16 3 egs grand day clean stable cut load wood Marg and Jean took our buggy school
17 5 egs nice day 1 load wood broke reach
18 4 egs 1 double Isa Allen and I took duck and turkey and rooster to Cummings to trade
19 5 egs grand Isa went town with kids
20 6 egs nice colder Bertie went to dance tonight with Davie
21 6 egs 2 loads dry wood Isa and Jean to town twins birthday
22 6 egs nice Jorys here for dinner brought Jean home from party Bertie to Panters and
skating
23 5 egs all to school nice got load dry wood north of lake
24 8 egs Webb here eve got load dry wood Isa went town with girls home with Pat, Ruby
25 5 egs Hans Myers here from Vegreville nice help Isa wsh
26 8 egs traded Nellies colt with Hans Myers, Vegreville for bull calf Grand
27 8 egs Grand Allen and I town No 7 calf Bert skating river eve
28 10 egs Isa took Irene Jory town she stayed here all night Bertie town eve
29 11 egs snow little some colder
30 12 egs clear got load wood
December
1 11 egs 1 load dry wood rain and snow all P M
2 16 egs snowing took Marg school P M Jean home Bertie rode bicycle roads ice
3 13 egs cold Bertie home all day Marg in town all night Jean home
4 7 egs all town to school concert but Allen and I
5 18 egs cold Davie help kill old sow Bertie town tonight all horses in
6 18 egs half frozen Cold SE wind all home used tank heater black cow in stable
7 15 egs nice all to school in buggy
8 18 eggs Isa and I and Allen to town sleigh the kids school in buggy
9 16 egs Marg home sick I put shoes on Mins front feet colder today
10 8 eggs Isa took Jean to school A M Marg sick sold 7 roosters
11 8 egs nice I got gobbler at Cummings kids school put pigs in log stable
12 11 egs grand day got Davies saw and cut little wood put barrel water in Ice wells
13 13 egs Mr and Mrs Cameron here Bertie at Cummings nice day
14 10 eggs grand saw little wood Help Davie kill 2 pigs all horses out
15 15 egs nice day got load green wood all horses out
16 182 eggs December to date 13 egs grand went town with Davie AM Kids school
17 22 egs nice day got load green wood
18 15 egs tested cows TB grand day all to Christmas tree but me
- 164 -
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
20 eggs nice out cut some wood and chop some wheat
23 egs nice Bertie over to Camerons
17 egs nice got load dry wood
20 egs finished testing cows all O K went to Islay nice day
27 egs colder school closed at noon today Marg stayed for dance
22 egs Isa Allen and I town 100 flour 3 85 colder snow little last eve
24 egs nice Marg and Jean to Camerons Bertie at Cummings
28 egs about zero Isa Allen and I at Cummings for dinner
26 egs nice Isa and Jean walk up to Camerons everyone else home
24 egs colder Isa took cream to town Faith calve got load straw at Calvins
27 egs cold got load straw at Calvins Bertie got first weasle shot at a coyote
22 egs cold got load straw at Calvins
25 egs about 10 below I took cream town 6 doz egs at 20 cents = 1 20 cows made 22.19 in
December and we sold or got 573 egs in December 47 doz ¾ at about 20 cents = $11.25
Here so ended the diary of the year 1936.
- 165 -
1938
January
1 Bertie took 10 gal milk to Hartley 1.60 20 above nice
2 10 gals milk and took Bertie in to catch bus He went back to Normal Nice day roads icy
3 Jean and Marg school took 10 gals milk 1 dead sheep
4 10 gals milk nice
5 10 gals milk 30 above
6 10 gals milk grand
7 10 gals milk grand Attfield car stuck in ditch
8 No milk got 540 coal $1.25 10 bus oats 3.70 gal gas 50 cents and 2 oil 69 cents
9 10 gals milk Margaret took it and Justina Weans she came out Friday eve nice
10 10 gals milk Marg and Jean school I got load straw at Attfields turn colder
11 10 gals milk school 10 above zero cow fat Jan 10 3.9 also 35 bus rye clean Clean ice
well
12 (No Entry)
13 sold 10 gals milk 1 pig 240 lbs 1.35 = 16.53 1340 coal = 2.80 300 bran 3.30 10 gals gas
$2.68
14 10 gals milk nice sold pig 230 lbs 7.35 - $17 00 10 gal coal oil 2.38
15 10 milk Margaret took it got tooth filled box apples 1.40 Got load wheat straw Hasnook
& 300 lbs oats 4 00 snow
16 10 gals milk Margaret took it in Jack here dinner and tea Isa Jean and Allen Camerons P M
10 above
17 8 gals milk town chopped little oats
18 9 gals milk took sow to Irving Bells about zero got load of wood
19 3rd load straw 50 cents Went with Forbes to Shields
20 nice day 9 gala milk Dr Cowan tested cows evening & had supper here Isa and Allen
21 grand got 4th load straw 8 gals milk
22 10 gals milk Marg took it I went team got 13 ½ bus oats 2 00 Bran total 7.70 oats 37 ½
Bran 1.10 nice day
23 9 gals milk nice over to Calvins got 2 gals milk Calvin
24 10 gals milk colder about zero finished testing cows
25 9 gals milk 1 load straw nice
26 Got 5 gals milk Calvin 20 above
27 10 gals milk load straw
28 5 gals milk took in last pig got some coal colder
29 30 below 10 gals milk Margaret took it
30 778 milk 5 gals milk Calvin took it in cold I got load straw Carns
31 9 gals milk 36 below Jean home Marg went to school took milk $40.81 milk in January
- 166 -
February
1 5 gals milk got load straw Hasnook cold
2 5 gals milk got wood & load straw Paid Davie Shields for two loads got one
3 5 gals milk town got 2070 lbs coal $5 00 cold about 10 below snow little
4 5 gals milk cold got jag green wood Forbes got his 5th sheep Robinson sent ton hay $10 00
5 5 gals milk Calvin took it Magaret stayed with Justeena Weens 2 men had dinner here load
straw
6 5 gals milk Calvin took it in 4 below zero Margaret went with Calvin and came home with
him today snow
7 9 gals milk cold about 20 below
8 5 gals milk got load straw from Davie cold
9 5 gals milk cold
10 5 gals milk snow like fun about zero Jean home all week
11 5 gals milk 14 below Jean and Margaret school load straw Karns
12 5 gals milk cold Calvin took it in I town got 400 shorts 2 00 bran 6 05 snow
13 5 gals milk Calvin took it got jag wood S S B Calvin took Cummings milk sleigh today
no cars
14 4 gals milk Calvin took it Jean and Marg school got load straw Carn’s cold Allen at
Cummings
15 4 gals milk Margaret and jean took it 38 below got 1.40
16 4 gals milk Marg and jean school got load straw Carns 30 below this morn
17 No milk all home nice day Maud colic in stable all night got few sticks green wood
18 zero 5 gals milk Margaret and Jean took it + 5 gals for Calvin
19 town Min no milk got 1.50 from Hartley sent Bert 2 00 10 above zero P M
20 about 10 below this morning East wind
21 about zero got load straw kids school
22 grand day 38 above kids school
23 Pair lambs grand 30 above sent little cream straw Karns
24 40 above SW wind thawing fast hens out
25 grand 40 above got 970 lbs coal 2 20 200 lbs hind quarter beef 10 00
26 grand Isa and Allen town got load dry wood and load straw Karns total 18 loads straw
27 grand put cows and horses over on SSB some barley ground got 1 egg
28 got load straw Davie paid up to date Allen started school 2 eggs
March
1 Nice Allen and girls school got load straw Davie owe 50 cents 5 egs 1 live lamb and 1 dead
one 2nd ewe
2 Allen and girls school colder cows out saw little wood buck saw 4 egs
3 7 eggs about 6 degrees frost got jag wood all at school
- 167 -
4 17 eggs about 4 degrees frost oxford ewe 1 lamb and 1 died 3 living now Allen school all
week
5 19 white eggs 1 brown another lamb came and went 56 eggs this week got 22 cents Friday 1
½ doz
6 zero this morning 25 egs 2 brown ones
7 got load straw Cameron and 12 bus oats F. Cameron 26 eggs 3 doz town 60 cents
8 23 eggs 4 of them red 3 doz town 60 cents got load green wood Rawleigh man here not to
hot
9 22 egs 2 doz town Shields here cut 3 jags wood 14 above morning thaw little P M
10 1 dozen eggs town I went with sleigh traded pump jack for mandrel
11 24 egs pair lambs Isa went town with Davie on (probably “one”) load wood .29 egs 40
above Justeena came out eve
nd
12 2 load straw Camerons pair lambs saw gopher
13 30 egs Jack and his mother here in car & Mr and Mrs McGinniss grand day
14 6 ½ doz eggs town grand got 3rd load straw Cameron left three cows and bull out 24 egs
15 took buggy to town school today pair lambs evening turn Maud and colt out 35 egs
16 got small jag green wood 1 lamb school buggy
17 31 egs nice about 40 above split little wood
18 about 30 egs got load dry wood 36 above Aarnos out PM buggy school 4 days
19 36 eggs got load wood Isa Jean and Allen at Cummings
20 Isa Jean Allen Margaret over to Risbacks nice
21 snow little last night cut little poles for wood sheep all out
(Single lamb 21 died 22 1 lamb 14 pair lambs 26 one died 29 – Summary of Fun With
Sheep)
22 sheep out got the load wood cut yesterday clean 2 loads sheep manuer out of hen house
23 the ewe that had dead lamb yesterday died got 5th load wood
24 got load wood once all night 25 Prince June and all the cows out
25 Got load wood Kids home Margaret had boil Isa got battery Cummings
26 town Min pair lambs evening everything out all night
27 Isa Allen and Jean Attfields Margaret home nice
28 nice dig 2 post holes got horses in start to harrow four lambs 15 lambs from 13 ewes
29 snow zero North wind 2 lambs died left 7 cows in tonight left sheep in all day
30 Snow and blow this has been a terrible storm let sheep out to feed pair lambs eve
31 clear up PM got load straw PM Camerons 1 dead lamb in hen house
April
1 fanny had full calf at noon got load straw Camerons Marg town cattle feed
2 nice got one load straw Camerons used sleigh
3 Pat came with car and took Margaret to Risbacks to party McGinnis here looked at Rose
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4 all school buggy 4 deg’s frost at noon
5 16 degrees above this morning school, buggy, pair of lambs
6 warmer snow little all school
7 clean stable and take last load sheep manuer out of hen house
8 1 load sheep manuer out of sheep pen 50 above all school
9 very warm town PM waggon roads fierce
10 all home Windy Wagner cow the 11th all the horses out
11 Margaret school & Jean Allen sick cold
12 Drove Bill and prince Hillchucks nice Allen home cold
13 drag on east ¼ Jean & Marg school Allen home with cold
14 drag on SSB Isa took Jean and Allen town PM Jack brought Bertie out tonight bred cow
Davie
15 Bertie and I fix sheep fence
16 town got 150 flower 100 salt axle grease gopher poison battery
17 nice day Bertie at Cummings tea fix little sheep fence
18 disc all day east ¼ four horses very windy some snow squals
19 got load oat straw Hope 1 00 AM disc PM windy Isa town Min bought 35 bushels rye
20 Disc cold rode Dan got seed from Cunday 21st
21 disc AM Bertie disc PM used Maud I took Bill and Lizzy town 22 bushels rye and 15 oats
22 disc cold Mr Robinson out noon snow night
23 snow Bertie and Marg town Min snow cold
24 Over to Iring Bells got 28 bus Regal barley Jack here Bertie Camerons Pat Eve
25 Marg and Allen town school Bertie drove Lizzy up to King Edward school disc cold
26 disc not so cold one lamb at noon
27 Disc nice
28 Disc nice pick stones AM & start to disc cross ways
29 Disc cross ways Bertie came home tonight
30 Fix Calvins line AM Disc PM Isa Bertie and Jean to town car PM
May
1 took Bertie town to go Edmonton nice Mr Carns here eve bus left at 7 20 eve
2 raining this morning saw a lot all day ground very wet sheep out since noon
3 Marg and Jean school fix fence AM Disc garden and clean stable 1 lamb faith calf
4 pair lambs disc cold and rain shower Marg and Jean school Allen cold
5 cold disc 5 horses Allen home Jean stayed all night with her teacher
6 no school Isa Jean and Allen went at noon to a festival cold disc Cowan here
7 Cold snowing 3 lambs this morning Marg went to Weins town Davie
8 2 single lambs Edna H. calf Jack here I fix fence all day
9 town got 35 bus oats and 15 bus rye clean stable AM Wetaskiwin H calf
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10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
calf this morning (see 9) disc
Jersey bull calf last night disc Mr and Mrs Cameron here evening
pigs last night finished discing on east 1/4 noon Bred Min to Dan rain little P M
very windy land blow like fun plant potatoes laid on 1 pig
Isa and Jean town I cultivate 4 horses east of house
fix little garden fence Margaret away PM robinson and Gwen here
all school Plant potatoes AM got Karns drill PM
seeded 11 acres rye windy Kids school Jean stayed to party
I seeded 7 acres rye AM seeded 5 acres rye PM total 23 acres rye finished
seeded 9 acres barley nice day occenton few drops morning east wind morning west wind
afternoon
20 seeded 3 acres barley am total 12 acres east ¼ cultivate P M
21 Cultivate AM Isa town
22 got 55 bus wht Cameron 1.12 bus Jack here saw wood Wetaskiwin gave 58 lbs
23 Seeded 9 ½ acres West Too Karns drill home Cultivate P M Edna gave 60 lbs milk
24 cultivate 4 horses all home
25 disc 6 horses Daisy H. calf 2 lambs 7 with long tails
26 disc Clarence came out at noon 2 more lambs 9 with long tails
27 disc hot a m windy p m bred mare for N Tucker sorrel Clarence fix fence
28 Disc AM Isa and I town Min p m Clarence went eve we got calf meal rain shower last
night
29 Mr and Mrs Webe and tailer & Jack am Clarence came back tonight
30 Plow on this place 5 acres oat ground Clarence fix fence all school
31 plow am got drill and seed 4 acres wht SSB east side
June
1 seed 12 acres wht SSB 1 lamb Norman tucker got Dan a m
2 seeded 12 acres wht SSB total 24 acres wht SSB got 2 lbs bees
3 Norman Tucker brought Dan back took Carns drill back and pick stones Justin brought kids
home from school
4 Margaret went back to meet Bertie Isa and Bertie town p m Min
5 Jack here Bertie Cummings p m Norman Tucker brought mare and colt here Sold Fannie to
Weise
6 got Karns drill seeded 6 acres rye and 3 barley SSB
7 plow SSB 1 lamb bred Forbes mare she got in our field
8 Plow SSB very windy a m rain fix harness P M
9 Plow got 100 lbs Sweet Clover seed
10 plow bred 3 yr old sorrel colt N Tucker the 11th
11 plow a.m. town got 30 bus oats Jory repairs binder $6.94
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12 page map insert Back to Mexico and the Philippines
12 Cut 4 colts for Mike Illchuck very hot
13 Nellie h. calf seed 4 acres barley SSB nice finished plowing seed 1 acre barley & 6 acres
oats SSB
14 north and west side of SSB very dry Isa town Shields Kids home Min very lame
15 Plow very dry and hot Bertie teded 2/3 day
16 Margaret rode Maud town exams I plow Bertie took Jean and Allen Isa got them
17 Bertie took Jean and Allen to school car I plow Tucker here
18 finished plowing A M fixed Calvins line fence P M Isa town
19 All but Margaret to Hendersons dinner and supper Jack came and stayed with Margaret
20 pick stones AM cultivate P M Isa town for Allen Jean stayed in
21 pick stones AM cultivate PM
22 pick stones a m drag p m Isa town p m to Allens mothers day
23 pick stones SSB a m cultivate p m
24 Bertie took kids to school a m Isa went after them Bertie took spelling exam shear 39 sheep
25 finish sheep cut lambs seed 10 acres oats and sweet clover Shields took cream 10 cents
26 Spitko cow 45 left rain very little Jack here Bertie Camerons ball game
27 took sow to Bells Isa town for Jean and Allen rain little more
28 fix fence and pick stones Bertie teach King Edward Pat cow Jean stayed at Jorys Isa got
Allen
29 got sow at Irvings rain Bertie looking for school Isa took Allen school got Jean
30 Bertie cut hay I cultivate potatoes AM all to Indian Lake school picnic I cultivate spuds
July
1 I fix lane Vince Pt and Bertie fix line fence Spitko cow
2 Jack and Margaret away got first little bit hay Isa took cream straighten plow beam Bert
town eve
3 rain little yesterday afternoon last night and a nice lot today all home
4 plow disc gang in sheep field rain little Isa took cream town and home
5 saw some wood draw some manure Shields took cream 10 cents
6 Plow disc plow Isa took cream town All to Chatsworth picnic P M Bred Karns mare Bred
Jorys heiffer
7 Plow disc plow very hot Roy took cream town
8 plow hot Mr and Mr Collins out rain nice shower evening
9 finished pig yard disc plow Isa took cream Bertie town Willie Carson dinner eve
10 Margaret rode Maud over to see Jack
11 rain little last night disc pig yard kill fannies calf veal 3 ½ months old
12 finished pig yard got 14 bush oats Mrs Talford 5 40 Bertie in town playing ball
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13 seed 5 ½ acres oats 8 ½ bushels Margaret took cream Isa Jean and I got pail berries Karns
pm
14 Bertie fix fence I town to bee day at College
15 I took cream and got new sickle stone and piece for plow welded
16 Ruby Cummings married Isa took cream we got load hay nice sold faiths bull to Moses
8.00
17 Jack Margaret and Bert to Hendersons P M I took Faiths bull calf to Moses 8 00 P M
18 Isa Jean and Allen went to Edmonton on bus Margaret took them in sold Ford $39 00
19 Bertie took cream I start to plow SE corner SSB I got 50 lbs flower Robin Hood
20 Plow hot and dry Bertie took cream
21 Plow used disc plow very hot and dry Bertie took cream
22 Plow Bertie took cream and brought Jean home from Edmonton
23 Jack here warm bred Daisy second time
24 Jack here nice day Bertie home all day
25 Bertie took cream I finish plowing 15 acres SE corner 6 days rain nice shower
26 Bertie took cream got a school and brought Isa and Allen home from Edmonton cut hay PM
27 Bertie cut hay I fix sheep fence
28 took Jean town she went to fare Willie Carson come out here
29 Jack took Bertie and Margaret fare I rake nice and warm
30 got 2 jags hay Bertie cut little Isa took cream Margaret still at fair
31 Nice day Bertie up to Camerons eve & at Pats AM Willie Carson went today
August
1 cut wood AM rake hay PM Bertie cut hay PM June lost her colt eve
2 left for Kelliher for truck got ride to Saskatoon got there about 10 eve
3 left Saskatoon at 5 to 6 eve by train fare 4 35
4 got a ride out with W Rogers and had dinner at Aamodts
5 put tires on car and pump them up and drove team over to Jacks
6 Took Hans to West Bend and got gas then took Dad and Gonnie to Maggies
Notes at top of page: 463 miles from our house at Vermilion to Gonnys at Kelliher Bull out
bred Davies cow
7 Left for Saskatoon about 10 o clock got to Saskatoon at 6 30 used 1 tank of gas 164 miles
via foam Lake
8 left Saskatoon about 10 a m got out home about 1 at night rained some about all the way
9 Isa and I took crem to town with truck got 100 twine Jory twins and ran
10 fix little on binder
11 town got binder knife welded took wool in 217 lbs and Jory twins cut P M
12 Cut barley AM finish cutting barley on Nix place
13 Bertie and I town truck stook barley PM rain evening and Sunday morning
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14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Nellie had a mare colt Aug 5 Bred her again Aug 14 to Illchucks horse
Mr and Mrs Jory brought out 17 lbs blue berries @ 119 per – 1.87 rain evening
I painted truck Bert cut hay kill Bessys calf eve Helen and Bob here supper cow Davie
rain Isa Allen and I took cream got 20 gals gas Bertie cut hay I stook barley PM
rain last night & until noon. George took sheep out noon
rain again fix fence Isa sick
Margaret and I took cream Bertie stook barley and rake hay I scattered some hay
rain nearly all day Jack here George herd sheep
frost last night took cream to town got jag wood
Frost last night turn hay AM cut wht PM
rain Isa and I took cream town Cut rye PM used 8 lbs twine
finished this wht used 40 lbs twine to date Bertie truck Cummings eve
stack 6 jags poor hay in field Bertie went to Clemore to a party eve
stack one jag AM took crem and stack 2 loads PM Bertie and Marg town eve
rain little AM Took Bertie to fidality school PM Isa at Camerons (The school was Fidelity
school which celebrated its 100th birthday in 2008; Premier Ed Stelmach present)
29 took cream and Margaret to try exams she stayed all night
30 stock 1 load rye hay I think Maud lost coalt
31 98 flour 3 10 AM stack 1 load PM
September
1 stack 1 load AM 1 load PM bred blue roan cow Davie
2 stack 2 loads hay very hot Attfields got rake
3 stack 1 load and saw little wood AM put 2 in the barn Isa and Bertie took cream
4 Jack and Margaret took Bertie to school Vera Henderson
5 cut little wht on SSB 15 acres east side
6 took kids school and back AM cut wht PM
7 Isa took Jean and Allen to school a m and got them p m I cut wht rye and barley PM
8 took kids to school and took bessy $30 00 sold 2 lambs Davie 193 lbs $10 60 rain 1.0 inch
9 town school fair no fare bred cow Davie stook wht p m
10 Isa Jean and I town and up to Hendersons got Shetland 3 years old for Allen Margaret stook
11 Jack over PM little while Bertie home yesterday few minutes I didn’t see Lizzy today she
brought her first colt a mare home this AM
12 cut today used Nellie Isa took kids town school
13 cut grand day Isa took kids to school and got them
14 cut little very warm Bertie came home today and got truck to take his kids to school fair
Allen Jean and Isa to fair I stook
15 (continued above entry)
16 Margaret took kids school Bertie came home in truck
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17 Bertie went to school P M on bike stack load hay Isa kids I town truck PM
18 took Lizzy over to Burrows horse
19 Isa and I took Allen school Jean rode and brought Allen home
20 stack last load hay clean stable and cellar very hot and dry
21 sold 2 lambs to Davie
22 sold 75 sheaves to Davie cut a little
23 start to thresh about 9 oclock
24 finished threshing AM Margaret went town with Jack
25 Margaret and Jack came home evening C Robinson here PM
26 got little wood Jean sick kids home
27 took kids school Min sick got vet cut Dan took sheep to sale Armstrong
28 took kids school and got them dug spuds sheep went all but lambs
29 dug spuds great crop
30 chop some more and took 25 lambs town for Robinson Jean stayed in town all night
October
1 Karn got disc Bertie came home Isa and I town got Jean Bertie and Marg and Jack town
2 Forbes got water here cut little wood
3 sold 40 bus wht at 50 cents a bushel got 100 lbs flower 20 lbs R oats
4 cut oats rim dug some spuds
5 Pat took 108 bus wheat to town to pay for threshing
6 Bertie went Manville clean stable
7 cut oats nice and windy Bertie came home at night
8 Isa and I town 2 times today sold 100 oat sheaves 2 25
9 Willie Carson came today Jack took Bertie up to School
10 Fence hay stack Willie help AM Isa and Allen went to Kelliher last night
11 start plow A M rain Jean rode Min town school
12 plow PM finished garden all but turnips
13 Webb here town AM got lame back
14 got 2 jags wood
15 Mr and Mrs Henderson here Jean and I town a m Marg and Lewis town evening
16 cut little wood cold wind about 31 degrees frost last night
17 Forbes took fence line stook very little took cream town and about 60 pumpkins
18 took calf to town for Vanwagen(ingen) 2 lambs Davie 76 lbs each @51/2 lb = 8 35
Margaret town with me
19 stook Davie got pig 128 and raffle Sent 8 00 Brantford to rig Beauty calf
20 Ken Attfield and Davie Shields stoked oats Ken plowed PM lost sheep
21 Marg and Lewis at Shields eve old sow 8 pigs last night Ken plowed I fixed fence
22 plow Bertie home town last evening & Marg and Jack to town tonight kill pig
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23 Bertie and Marg to town Lewis and Ken home I took Bertie to school
24 Ken drag I took in SS Board wheat got 200 of flour Jory 2 loads green feed SSB
25 Sold Davie 2 lambs and a calf put in 22 loads green feed SSB
26 put in 2 loads oats Nix place AM 2 load oats PM
27 Got Davie and put in 3 loads oats AM & PM Nix place total 12 loads
28 John drag AM and seed fall rye PM I town
29 seeded total 8 acres fall rye I took wheat to town for Nix got Isa and Allen
30 Margaret and Jack, Ken and Lewis town last night
31 Took Jean town and left her for Halloween
November
1 snow all day
2 stack last 2 loads green feed and final stack
3 fix shed snowing
4 sold lamb Davie 82 lbs 4 10 got Jean and Bertie took ½ lamb Robinson Ferguson got
balance of Robinson 4 head
5 Bertie got 20 gals gasoline He and I went Manville Lewis and Ken quit Marg over to Jacks
all night
6 took Bertie to school nice turn ram out
7 cut little wood got pedigree for beauty and calf
8 took cream town and bag of spuds Jean rode to school
9 (No Entry)
10 Jean home cold
11 20 above zero cut little dry wood and pump engine
12 Davie Shields married Isa and I town truck cold
13 Jack here cold and snow little
14 took Jean to Sinclairs and brought Justina Weins out used chains on hill zero
15 nice today all over to see Davies new wife & got load dry wood from Davie
16 take two young sows to Cummings boar the fat one had two rings in right ear 1 got 50 pails
rye and 50 pails barley chopped at Davies
17 clean stable and pump water knit 5 pairs churn and wash socks
18 rain took Justina and Margaret town and left them brought Jean home
19 sold 100 lbs turnips 1 00 50 lbs parsnips 1 00 Stephens and got jag dry wood SSB place
20 nice day Pat in a minute Bred 3rd young sow at Cummings
21 took Jean town got 930 lbs coal 1 85 Jack brought Margaret home took pig Cummings
the largest of the 3 young ones
22 (No Entry)
23 nice solder gas tank on pumping engine saw little wood Forbes here looking horses
24 (No Entry)
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25 Isa Allen and I to Jeans school only I didn’t go to the school took 2 little pigs to Burrow
26 got load dry wood SSB AM Jack came and got Margaret got bed at Jorys for Allen
27 Jack took Isa and Margaret up to see Bertie he away
28 grand day Isa and I took Jean school shut up little pigs to wean
29 trouble with pump engine
30 got load dry wood on east ¼ P M grand day 2 eggs
December
1 took old sow to Cummings that makes 4 sows bred grand day
2 Margaret and I town got Jean
3 Bertie got chance ride home took truck to Manville dance got back this morning and went
town and Manville and brought Jack and girl home for supper then took them town picture
show
4 I saw wood yesterday Jack took Bertie school
5 Isa and I took Jean town grand day
6 got 2 loads dry wood then over to Spitkos try trade rooster
7 got 2 loads dry brush north of lake pump with engine
8 got 2 loads dry brush north of lake grand day pump engine
9 Isa and I and Allen got Jean windy snow little eve got 15 gals gas took 1 pig town
10 Davie and I took 2 pigs three weigh 620 got 52.22 got 2000 coal Jack got Margaret
11 nice day
12 nice day took Jean to school Jack brought Margaret home
13 Jack came over at noon and help saw little wood had a party here for Alumin(umware)
14 Jack stay all night and help saw nice day
15 Isa and I took Mrs Camerons plates home nice day
16 Isa Allen and I got Jean tied colts up to wean
17 took rack off waggon put it on sleigh got some hay Jack took Margaret home this AM
18 nice day Jack brought Margaret home we got a turkey Mrs. Shields
19 nice Isa and I took jean to school
20 nice got jag hay east ¼ got a turkey Mrs. Shields
21 nice got jag wood mostly green
22 nice
23 Isa Allen and I town got Bertie he bought a new radio had dinner at Sinclairs
24 little colder got load hay Bertie town PM truck
25 terrible storm last night and cold Jack here for dinner all home
26 cold and clear got load hay
27 40 below clear all home
28 50 below clear calm
29 50 below clear calm
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30 about 10 below Bertie went to Manville with truck and back at 3 in the morning
31 20 below Isa town with Davie Bertie went with Pat
(Two Pages of Memoranda original written in columns for ease of adding)
Jan 8th spent $6.25 Jan 13th pig 240 lbs @ 7.35 cents $16.53 Jan 13th 10 gals gas $2.68
Jan 13th Coal $2.80 Jan 13th 3 bran @ 1.10 $3.30 gal oil .85
Jan 14th Pig 230 lbs @ 7.35 cents $17.00
(Values of pigs don’t compute)
th
14 box apples 1.43 50 lbs salt .89 cheese .47 Total $2.74
14th coal oil 10 gals 2.38 tax .70 (29%) gas 10 gals 1.93 tax .70 (36%) Total 5.71
Single Tree for cutter 1.00 Horse medicine 1.65
April 14th Sold Rose $40.00
Ledger plates, binder 1.44 Binder knife, Macleods – 3.05
Wool sacks 1.20
Blacksmith coal 1.50
Dry Kill 3.90 (Probably Dri-Kill used to kill lice on chickens)
(Various other purchases were noted)
Here so ended the diary of the year 1938.
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1939
January
1 the summer fallow is 230 rods long, the stubble 270
(Notes on space left until diary
arrived on January 13)
2 250 acres broke on Fentons place
3 (No Entry)
4 (No Entry)
5 Kill Ram
6 got Jean truck nice day
7 (No Entry)
8 Jack took Jean to school
9 , 10 (No Entries)
11 Bred cow for Pat he got 35 bus rye I owed him Clean ice well
12 drove Shetland on cutter
13 got this book today burnt out a connection rod in truck (Friday the 13th)
14 Jack got Margaret and took her home nice day
15 Jack brought Margaret home and took Jean school
16 nice got load hay east ¼
17 nice got jag dry wood
18 Grand day Margaret and I saw wood
19 got jag dry wood
20 Isa and I town team got 110 flour 2.70 29 lbs oats .85 = 3.55
21 drifting fierce cold 20 below
22 Isa and Allen took Jean town with milk Jack here car 20 above
23 nice tried to saw but couldn’t start engine
24 my birthday nice day
25 got little dry wood
26 got jag dry wood
27 Isa went for Jean colder
28 Bred cow for Fred Attfield colder about 10 above
29 Davie had cow here Isa took Jean school Allen went for ride Jack here car eve
30 got jag hay at stack
31 cut some wood buck saw around zero or colder
February
1 cold 20 below
2 40 below Margaret went up for Bertie the 3rd but he didn’t come with her
3 16 below Bertie and Winnie walked out from town tonight Rawley man stay all night
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4 34 below cut little wood Bertie and Winnie and Isa went town Davie got 15 gallons gas
took battery to charge
5 28 below Jack was here in car for supper
6 28 below
7 42 below
8 48 below got jag hay east ¼
9 34 below 39 below Calgary Ram lamb A.M.
10 48 below Attfields got out mail and battery
11 18 below turn colder got jag hay east ¼ 39 below evening East wind Isa sick bed
12 24 below snow
13 14 below Margaret took Jean school I cut little wood engine
14 44 below
15 4 above windy drift quite a bit cut wood engine
16 10 above zero
17 32 above rain 12 o clock last night Isa got Jean Karns here got hay east 1/3
18 6 above snowy blow fierce from East
19 10 below nice
20 zero Isa took Jean to school and 2 bags spuds got jag dry poles Ken Attfield here team
21 36 below saw load dry wood I got yesterday
22 2 below got jag wood
23 10 above got jag hay sold 1 bred sow to Ken Attfield $30.00
24 4 above Isa and I town got Jean 1100 lb coal
25 28 above snowing saw little load wood P M
26 10 above Jack came over on skees Margaret took Jean school Cummings here tea Faith 4th
calf
27 Mr and Mrs Cummings took Isa and I to Attfields to vote Herd law
28 8 below put 3 barrels water in ice well
March
1 10 above the black faced ewe lamb aborted put 7 barrels water in ice well 1 egg
2 1 egg 12 above
3 12 below 5 eggs Isa went for Jean 2 men had dinner here on way to town with cattle
4 26 below got jag hay 1 egg
5 7 egs Jack came over on skees 30 below this morn
6 20 below I took Jean school 1100 coal
7 6 below Isa town cutter I sold Cummings sow $30
8 4 above snowing Kennies sow had 8 pigs Pats had 11 both bred same day
9 zero got hay and straw east ¼ Ken Attfield down
10 zero Isa and I got Jean took radio battery in to charge
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11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
6 egs 10 below Margaret sick in bed sore throat
zero Jack here on skees
Isa and I took Jean school roads drifted full
I went town with Davie and Edmonton bull cost 1.50 Vegreville 1.80 from there up
Came back tonight with Nix and walk home
20 below morn young sow had 13 pigs last night lost 1 & 2 & 2
10 below 6 pigs left this morning Jack went home
30 above this morning Bertie came home on his new bicycle Isa and I town 3 bags spuds
50 above at noon
19 nice I took Bertie to school eve got back 11 30 eve thawing fast
20 nice Isa and I took Jean to school and went out to McGilvey
21 20 above calf over to Calvins
22 30 above drove Bill and Prince over to Edys snow going fast
23 30 above old sow had 17 pigs 4 dead ones
24 30 above 13 pigs we kept 12 in the house all night
25 30 above nice old sow kill 2 pigs 11 left town Davie
26 20 above still have 11 and 6 young pigs 2 sows
27 10 above Isa and I took Jean to school thaw today got jag straw and hay
28 thaw fast today Isa and I to town see Mooney F Hattfield took truck to town
29 20 above this morning car on road this a m
30 28 above this A M
31 Isa and I and Jack took truck to town got Jean Jack stayed in
April
1 short wool ewe had pair lambs both died Isa and I town waggon Jack came over in oil truck
tonight
2 Bertie rode bike home I took him back to Ottawa Mr and Mrs Cameron down old sow kill
one pig
3 took Jean to school and 4 bags spuds Stephens used truck snow
4 zero got little hay and straw used sleigh Jack over with truck
5 long wool ewe had twins and Allen ewe 1 lamb PM Isa and I town truck AM 3 lambs
6 Isa and I town waggon Bertie rode bike home Jean home for easter Bert rode bike to town
and Manville
7 10 degs frost Good Friday Bertie and Winnie walked out night Willie Carson here
8 Bertie Isa Allen and I town truck Justina and her fellow out to tea Kill Faiths calf
9 about zero
10 got 1000 lbs chopp from Davie for barley Bertie took Winnie and Margaret picture show
truck
11 Isa and I took Bertie and Winnie town they went to Manville got Berrys calf Jack here
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12
13
14
15
Isa and I went over to Pains to see his farm and one south of town Mable calf
Bertie Isa and I to Minards 6 miles south nice day we had dinner Sincklairs
home all day grand put new crank ratchet on truck
Bertie Isa and I town sold Davie Meat Market 3 last year’s lambs snow Jack came and got
Margaret and Bertie took truck town night
16 Bertie took bike to school about 5 this morning Isa Allen and I took truck to Camerons PM
17 Isa and I took Jean to school and went to Fentons near Islay sold 15 little pigs to Jas
Cameron
18 Jack and I took binder to Fentons got $65 for 15 little pigs
19 (No Entry)
20 Isa and I town got Ivan to take load 7. 00 I took jag wht to mill to clean
21 I took 73 bus wht to fenton place cost 1.43 to clean 4 gal gas 1 qt oil sow 22
22 took 150 bus barley to Fentons got home daylight Sunday morning
23 I took Bertie up to Ottawa school
24 got Ivan to make 2 trips to fentons cost $14 had Wagner Davie and Roy take cattle and
horses got Ken
25 I went to Vermilion brought rye and Jack brought load
26 started to disc used May for first time just went one round Dr Cowan tested cows Ken
disced
27 (No Entry)
28 Ken disced Bertie and Winnie came home evening Jack here
29 Ken and I drawed in 5 loads oat sheaves 1500 sheaves = $7 00
30 Jack Justina and Gordon here Bertie and Winnie went on bus
May
1 I went to Islay with Min Beauty H. calf
2 Ken disc oat stubble
3 fix drill
4 start seed wht P M Isa got some strawberry plants from Goulds
5 seed wht rain eve
6 Plant spuds Sold bull Margaret went to Vermilion
7 Jack brought Margaret home eve
8 seed wheat I went Islay Mrs. Giles got sack Thatcher wheat from Dad
9 rain clean stable sold 2 sows 40 00 start little engine and cut some wood
10 finished seeding summerfallow eve got 5 gals gas Ronigans
11 start drag rain mud 6 horses Isa town Mrs Giles
12 Ken finished dragging and start to disc PM
13 Margaret got mail disc finish and start to plow Bred Wetaskiwin to Prince Romeo Ken to
Vermilion eve
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14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Mr and Mrs Gillies and 2 kids here & Jack Ruben brought Ken back
Ken start to plow disc plow 3 bottom
Ken plow I fix fence West line Nellie lost colt wheat up
rain little last night Ken plow used Maud on drag
Plow used Maud Margaret Vermilion Mrs Giles I fix fence
rain little eve
Plow I to Islay Min cold windy Jack brought Marg home
Jorys here for tea cold
Plow cold and windy Mrs Jiles and Rosy Van Patten here P M set turkey
Ken plow kill old sow eve got 80 bard Rock chickens
Isa Islay buggy Ken seed wht I let him go at noon $40 00 for the month got 2 pks bees
Bowser brought them
25 finished seeding wht 1 round and a piece Thatcher on west side and start barley
26 finished the 40 acres plowing about 20 barley and 20 wheat start drag
27 finished dragging the 40 acres strip east side Isa took kids track meet Islay
28 all up to Gillies for turkey Jack here
29 start plow NE corner
30 Plow NE corner
31 Plow NE corner
June
1 Plow NE corner AM look for bull PM Margaret and Jean Vermilion Mrs Jiles
2 Bertie and Winnie came home eve June 1st cut some wood Pats
3 Jean went to Wainwright to see King Bertie and Winnie to Manville I plow
4 Jack brought Justina out rain light showers PM
5 rain kids walk school I fix little fence around yard
6 Isa Islay got 40 chicks total 120 chickens to date
7 rain AM plow NE corner PM
8 Plow all day Bill Gillies dug hole for toilet AM cut posts PM rain noon
9 plow AM Bill cut posts seed little rye PM Percy Kilpatrick here all night
10 Isa went to Vermilion with Percy and got some teeth out bill poison gophers and I seed rye
11 rain Jack here
12 finished seeding rye and did little barley Mrs Bowser and girls up turn cows on
13 Mrs Jiles place eve finished seeding barley AM NE
14 fix corral fence Margaret Islay Min put top shallow supers on bees
15 drag on rye
16 rain drag little Bred Beauty and lost her look for Beauty eve
17 rain Isa Islay for chickens that didn’t come got some wood and look for Beauty
12 Page Map Insert – Mexico to China
- 182 -
18 over to Andersons and Crosses looking for Beauty
19 finished dragging rye and start to disc rain
20 Disc Isa Islay
21 disc all day
22 cut quack grass hay for C. Bert
23 cut hay on C Bert look for cow eve rain PM Jack stayed all night
24 cut wood Jack took Isa and Margaret to Vermilion Marg and Jack married
25 rain all night Willie Carson up 24th eve rain A M look for Beauty P M
26 rain a lot last night and all fore noon tried to solder tank and pump water
27 plow for oats on summerfallow
28 rake hay Charley Bert seeded 25 acres oats 29 and 30
29 got 70 bushels oats from Raymond Mercer for 50 bus barley
30 found Beauty lost 2 weeks stack 3 jags hay 1 in barn Bill took 1 load home
July
1 rain last night clean stable AM rake hay PM Jack came out eve
2 Jack left 6 o clock AM
3 Bertie and I put up 7 loads hay 1 in barn
4 1 load in barn AM drag oats PM Jean herd cows Jack here and Mrs Gillies and Chrissie
bred Lizzie AM Bred May eve
5 draw gravel all day 1 team
6 draw gravel on road AM 2 teams rain very heavy noon Mr Lord here eve tea
7 got load posts and fix corral fence
8 Bertie and I draw 12 loads gravel Jean Islay on Min Margaret and Jack Vermilion
1. 9 I herd horses and cattle on road Jack brought Margaret out home eve
10 draw gravel all day kids herd cows very hot
11 Bertie and I draw gravel AM string wire PM Isa Islay Margaret herd cows
12 Bertie and I putting up new electric fence Chas Tompson came here eve and wife
13 Bertie and I fence Isa Vermilion with Miss Bowser
14 Bertie left 6 30 a m bus for Vermilion and Manville I fix fence Jean and Allen herd cows
15 everybody went Manville to Berties wedding I fix fence they got back 11 p m
16 tried all day to get pump engine going nothing doing Jack brought Margaret home
17 cultivate garden and fix fence
18 plow 2 little pieces west of house
19 disc east of hog yard Charlie Thompson and his wife here stay all night left 20th AM
20 disc AM plow PM seed 3 little bits oats
21 plow little very hot and dry Bertie and Winnie here a few minutes
22 fix electric fence AM plow PM Marg Vermilion
23 Jack brought Margaret home and stayed all night rained very little
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24 Plow all day Very hot and dry
25 Plow all day look for bull in evening got first frame honey
26 look for horses AM plow PM Margaret Islay Min AM
27 Jack took kids Vermilion fare eve I plow all day
28 Plow all day used Tomy on drag PM very hot and dry
29 Plow all day
30 took 3 cows to Vandendollars bull
31 plow used Tomy on drag Jack and Margaret came home
August
1 rain nice shower last night plow Isa Islay PM
2 finished plowing eve
3 took cow Nellie to Van Pattens bull fix pig yard fence
4 build at pig yard fence very hot and dry
5 I went to Islay took radiator of truck got 100 twine 9 00
6 Margaret Vermilion cut little wood rode over to Percers PM
7 Van Patten I Jack repair barn
8 fix at binder very cold and windy
9 went to Islay am fix at binder pm
10 took Wetaskiwin black bull am gillis shear sheep fix at binder pm
11 start to cut wht p m Jack and Margaret came took out honey
12 Jack went Islay repairs for binder cut 3 rounds
13 solder patch on water tank Jack and Margaret went Vermilion 12 eve back on 13th
14 cut wht Bertie and Winnie came home evening old sow had 15 pigs 15th morning 11 living
15 Bertie cut I stook Isa and Winnie Islay a m rain light shower
16 cut green rye for hay I stook
17 cut wheat I stook Prince colic used Lizzy
18 cut wht and stack very cold wind young sow pigs
19 cut some barley I stook
20 Isa Jean Allen and I over to Bowsers and Gillies
21 cut barley I stook
22 finished cutting barley Isa and Jean Vermilion cream truck Isa got all her teeth out
23 cut wheat 20 acres east side
24 finished cutting wheat 20 acres east side & start to cut green barley feed
25 clean stable and cut little barley Bertie and Winnie went tonight
26 pick up little dry wood AM stook PM
27 Very hot and dry took Nellie cow Vandendollars
28 saw little wood
29 cultivate PM narrow teeth 4 horses horses killed little pig
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30 I went Islay AM Min
31 stook
September
1 stook rain little eve
2 fix fence stook Isa Islay Bowsers Jack and Margaret over eve
3 Allen and I rode over to Deprees
4 stook Jean and Allen school Willie Carson here clean chimney
5 stook Jack and Margaret here evening froze night
6 cut little rye P M Isa Islay A M
7 stook rye P M put ampron on ram a m caught skunk
8 went Islay got grub for threshing
9 thresh wheat Fred Gould truck wht I draw to granary
10 Over to Bowsers to get waggons Jack and Margaret here
11 rain all day took waggon home all threshers home but 2 last 2 threshers here clean stable
12 Last 2 threshers went home school fair 11th rain clean up around 1 stack
13 clear took load screenings to Bowser to chop
14 went Islay got car radiator paid for twine and groceries
15 plow garden and pig yard paid Fred Gould 29 bushels & 10.00 for wheat hauling
16 stook more barley got jag rye file Mauds teeth Jean over to Margarets
17 took truck Islay and got air in tires kids and I to river
18 finished threshing cost $81 744 wht $32.08 144 rye @ 7 = 10.08 297 barley @ 6 = $17.80
wild oats $1.00 Total $80.98
19 white frost last night
20 Got jag rye hay Isa and I Islay no school teacher sick Mrs Jiles 2 sacks chopp
21 All to Vermilion in truck got sack flour $3.05 Jory
22 dig spuds small and very poor crop
23 finished spuds very poor crop Jean Allen and Mickey rode Islay
24 All to Bowsers for dinner
25 I rode Dan over to McLellands cold froze ice last night
26 took battery Islay to charge
27 snow clean pig pen shutt up chickens
28 snow little more last night
29 took load wheat Islay got 850 lbs coal 5 gals gas box plums 1 of peaches 10 lbs sugar
30 sold Nellie cow to Alex Monk $40.00 Bertie and Willie home all night
October
1 Bertie left for school at noon nice day
2 draw in green rye hay cold and damp turn everything in grain field
3 (No Entry)
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4 Isa and I Islay and got a grey goose Mrs Jiles
5 rain pump by hand left cows in stable all night
6 clean stable pick up little wood
7 Isa kids and I Islay took little engine to get fixed
8 Bertie and Winnie came down we all went to oil well got Jack and Margaret for supper
9 Bertie help cut pigs kill calf he took ½ it home with him today
10 took canvas off binder cut some posts very windy
11 went Islay got new rings for piston 2 ½ L D engine put them in and saw some wood
12 snow last night bring some wood up and put it down cellar
13 (No Entry)
14 saw little bit more wood
15 Bill Gillies brought mail Mr Money bought Daisy $36
16 took Daisy to Mr Mooneys came back took Isa and Marg to Bowsers got 20 gals coal oil
Incubator oil
17 draw in 3 loads hay from C Burts
18 Crippled up with rheumatism
19 went to Islay got 2200 coal 7.70 got some TRCs for rheumatism rain little
20 (No Entry)
21 got in 1 load hay windy
22 bad storm snow (forecast for) Monday nice today Willie Carson and friend here on Motor
Car
23 help Jack put on paper went to Vermilion got 100 lb sugar 7.35 pair felt socks and rubbers
for Allen
24 help Jack put paper on shack went Vermilion got 500 (lb) Robin hood flower 2.85 less 75
cents = 13.50 snow
25 got last load hay from C Burts place got 1 load straw Jack help snow little
26 help Jack with his shack
27 help Jack paper his shack
28 Isa went Vermilion with Jack nice
29 Mrs Jiles 2 girls and Mickey here
30 help Jack paper his shack grand day
November
1 help Isa dress 6 chickens cold and windy
2 nice Jack took Isa and chickens Vermilion I fix up stable little
3 nice clean hen house Jack took Margaret to doctor Vermilion she went to hospital
4 Allen and I Islay truck fix fence A M Bertie came home night
5 Bertie went back to school P M we went to Gillies
6 got load wood AM and 1 load PM
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7 Jack came over this morning got Isa to see Margaret Isa got her teeth saw jag wood
8 snowing kill 6 chickens Jack took them to Vermilion nasty day
9 got load straw AM Jack draw up load wood and put down cellar
10 I saw little more wood
11 Isa Jean Allen and I took truck load wild oats to Bowsers to chopp grand hens out
12 unload chopp grand day put jag wood down cellar
13 got 2 loads dry wood grand day
14 went to Islay with truck for coal for Bowsers Kill 6 chickens
15 fix up sleighs Isa town PM Mrs Jiles grand day
16 cut two loads saw dry wood grand day
17 Percers man came up help fence stock and got load dry wood
18 got load dry wood Isa town Bowsers Jean went and stayed all night
19 Jorys brought Jean out and stay for dinner Bill here dinner Gus went Percers fix up a pig
pen and fix hen house
20 Allen home Jack brought Margaret home from hospital got jag dry wood
21 (No Entry)
22 got load green poles and load dry wood Isa and I over to fentons
23 make fence around hen house got load green long fence poles sent 6 chickens Vermilion
Mrs Jiles
24 got some posts for a shed
25 put wood in cellar Jean Allen and I went Islay got 10 gals gas Imperial
26 Gus went to Percers Jack and Margaret went to Vermilion and back
27 got some posts for shed Jack went Vermilion
28 Cream truck made last try got posts for shed
29 fix at shed grand day
30 Old sow went to Jiles Gus and I took old sow to Castertons nothing doing rain
December
1 build pig loader and took old sow Jiles Isa Vermilion Jiles
2 took young sow jiles and left her got jag dry wood Bertie came home eve
3 Jack took Margaret Vermilion doctor Bertie went after dinner
4 got 2 loads green poles for shed took Mr Gillies and Bettie home eve 1 egg
5 1 egg Mrs Bowser here also Minard put poles on roof of shed grand
6 1 egg got load poles and 1 of straw for shed got young sow at Giles
7 fix shed Kill 6 chickens for town and 4 hens for us saw little wood colder
8 1 eg saw little wood a m got 2 loads straw for shed P M
9 saw little wood A M rain last night Mr Bowser and I Islay truck got little engine 3 egs
10 4 egs Jack came out last night worked today and came back tonight Gus over to Percers
11 no school team in cows in stable got Bowsers car at McLeans and took it home
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12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
3 egs nice took 47 bus barley to Percers didn’t get it chopped load poles PM
1 eg nice got jag straw and 1 of poles for shed jack out eve bosses car
4 egs took cream to Bowsers got jag poles and straw kill chickens
5 egs got load dried wood and sawed it got load wet straw for shed Isa Vermilion Mrs Jiles
4 egs got load dry wood got 47 bus chopped Van Pattens Isa Vermilion Jack and Margaret
eve
5 egs nice day Gus came home
10 egs sold dasies bull calf 25.00 saw little wood fix little shed kill 2 turkeys
6 egs Isa and I Islay sent Pollocks turkey got 15 gals gas gal oil 4.25 colder S. wind
7 egs got load dry wood put load in cellar rain Jack came out
7 egs Jack and I Vermilion and out to oil wells put red pullets in hen house
10 eggs Jack and I over to his shack for bed put rack on sleighs first time
12 egs Bertie home all to Xmas tree Allen and I Vermilion we with Bert and Winnie Jean
with Jack and Margaret
12 egs Bertie and Winnie went to Manville PM about 10 below
10 egs Jack here Gus away since 22nd eve Bert and Winnie came back eve
10 egs Jack and I got load wood used sleighs
8 egs cut load wood put load in cellar
12 egs cut load dry poles Jack went home P M
10 egs Bertie and I kill lamb a.m. went to Islay p.m. Jack came out eve
12 egs Bertie and Winnie went Manville took Marg Vermilion Isa and Jack Vermilion
Marg came back with them
12 egs Jack and I fix stack fence and get load straw cold
January 1st to 5th, 1940 were entered here but will be put with other 1940 entries
Notes in back of diary:
Ferrous sulfate for Jigs with anemia
Empire millet Crown millet Melana Sweet Clover
Mrs Jack Malcolm, R R 4 Tofield, Alberta
Also Marm Duke Bailey, Ross Creek
Here so ended the diary of the year 1939.
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Jack Baileys daughter
1940
January
1 13 egs Jack and I put load wood in cellar and get jag straw for horse and bedding
2 (No Entry)
3 Mrs Bowser and Lila over in cutter Jack took Margaret hospital Vermilion
4 (No Entry)
5 Jack and I took his bed over to shack very cold
6 (No Entry)
7 13 egs Mr and Mrs Gillies Bill and Betty here for dinner nice day
8 13 egs Jack brought this diary out about 10 below
9 13 egs Jack took Isa to Vermilion to see Margaret in the hospital about 13 below
10 14 egs Jack help me pack the bees in straw in granary put some out for cows got load wood
about zero
11 9 egs Jack and I saw little wood Jack went Vermilion nice
12 16 egs I put load green wood in cellar 20 above
13 15 egs I took truck to Islay got ignition fixed turn cold evening
14 15 egs Jack brought Margaret out from hospital evening cold rex sick evening
15 9 egs Jack and I got two jags straw used L:izzie and May cold about 20 below
16 14 egs Jean home sick Allen to school alone 15 below
17 saw little wood 15 below
18 14 egs zero snowing went to Vermilion Jack and Margaret
19 8 egs got jag green wood and put load in cellar
20 15 egs Jack and I put load straw in barn Jack Islay for mail P M I got jag green wood A M
21 15 egs about zero
22 16 egs almost 10 below Jack and Margaret Vermilion car P M saw little AM got load
green PM
23 15 egs got load green poplar and put load green in cellar PM saw AM about 15 below
24 14 egs Jack and Margaret Vermilion a m Jack and I Islay p m got 2.70 refund got 10 gals
gas 1 gal oil 20 below
25 7 egs Justeena Weens Gordon got here 1 30 morning got some straw
26 13 egs got jag of straw and 1 of poles saw little P M
27 11 egs Jack Marg and Justeena Vermilion AM Van Patten brought out mail Mrs Bowser
here 10 above zero
28 9 egs 28 above Jack took Margaret hospital after supper
29 11 egs 40 above put load wood in cellar bred second sow ring R ear Margaret lost baby
noon got box load straw Jack came out evening
30 Jack and I into Vermilion to burry baby I cut little wood Allen rode Rex school & home for
dinner grand Jack went back Vermilion
- 189 -
31 2 waggon box loads straw clean hen house
February
1 put rack on sleigh put jag straw in loft and load up load wood
2 got load straw put it in yard for cows put load wood in cellar snow very little
3 Jack came took Isa and Justeena to Vermilion Bertie and Winnie come out with them Bertie
and I Islay eve for mail
4 Bertie and Winnie left for Lavoy at noon Jack went Vermilion eve
5 Allen and Jean school about 10 above put load straw in stable and one out for cows
6 Allen and jean school got jag green wood about 10 above
7 Jack came out help me saw load wood about 10 above Jean and Allen school
8 Jack and I pick up jag straw and put it out for cows a m Jack took Isa and Justina to see
Margaret I put load wood in cellar
9 I got 2 jags straw for cows tipped one over warm hens out
10 Jack to Marg and Justeena to Islay for mail I got jag wood Isa to Bowsers hens out Gordon
came out and stayed all night
11 30 above teacher and beau here for supper also Gordon and Justina
12 Gordon went on bus this morning Jack and I got 2 loads wood nice hens out
13 got jag wood a m went Verm Jack Marg nice hens out
14 saw little wood and fix engine Ken Attfield here car snow all day hens out
15 Jack and I got load wood AM two jags straw PM nice
16 took 3 pigs Islay 570 lbs $36 bought 100 bushels oats $27 2.50 to chopp 4.60 groceries
used truck 20 gals gas chq
17 got jag straw a m put load wood in cellar Jack took Justina and Marg Vermilion PM I cut
little wood and saw
18 Jack brought Justina and Margaret home this eve and he and Marg went back to shack &
stayed all night
19 Margaret and Jack over for supper I saw little wood about 10 above snow little all day Just
little
20 draw load straw for horses outside and put load green wood in cellar 10 above
21 16 egs about zero broke pump jack sticks and fix them
22 20 below got load straw put half in stable
23 20 egs Jack and Margaret brought mail from Vermilion 30 below this morning Jack help
saw wood P M
24 14 below this morning Bertie and Winnie came this PM 108 egs this week
25 snow little Bertie and Winnie left after dinner they called on Margaret at the shack on the
way home
26 broke pump Got Bill and Mr Gillies to help fix it Jack and Margaret over evening got little
straw & put load wood in cellar
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27 about 10 below jean and Allen both home sick with colds
28 about 10 below Jean to school Allen home got jag straw
29 about zero Jack and Margaret over eve brought mail & radio battery Bertie left at Verm
Sunday
March
1 warmer got jag straw saw little Gorden came out eve
2 went Islay truck very nice thawing put load wood in cellar Marg and Jack over
3 thawing broke pump jack sticks and engine valve got valve fixed at Vandendollars Isa Allen
I at Gillies for tea
4 Gordon still here Jean and Allen school nice day thawing
5 got jag straw a.m. load green wood P.M. Gordon went home after dinner thawing
6 snow last night nice
7 nice Jean home sick Allen school Mrs Bowser and Mrs Bert Gould here east wind
8 snow all day from east soft 20 above loaded three pigs then unloaded them
9 about 10 above roads sum bad saw little wood
10 about 10 above lone Justin here yet
11 got jag straw put some in barn & put load wood in cellar snow
12 about 20 above
13 got jag straw
14 Jack and I took 5 pigs to Vermilion 3 of them weigh 480 + 2 = 225 got $48.87 Got 600
shorts 300 bran cost $4.80
15 grand thawing got jag straw
16 grand 40 above Jean and I Islay truck Justina went home tonight broke big eng. Pump by
hand
17 grand day alone today the 4 of us
18 got load wet straw from bottom of stack for cows turn Prince and June out eve Marg and
Jack over eve
19 colder about 10 above sold Harry Monder sow $15
20 took little engine Islay second time got timing gear for big engine fixed
21 Isa and I went in our truck to vote about 10 above put load wood in cellar and load straw
for cows
22 good Friday about 10 above got load straw for horses and one for barn
23 Allen and I Islay truck got 30 bus oats Bertie and Winnie came eve old sow had 21 pigs
tonight 10 below sun warm
24 Bertie and I took piece of pump engine Islay to fix Jack and Marg came over and stayed all
night
25 Bertie and I Vermilion got engine fixed and got 10 00 worth of beef Jack and Marg went
home
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26 second sow pigs dominion election snow and blow all day roads terrible saw little wood pt
load in cellar old sow pigs all dead
27 second sow lost all but 2 pigs Jack and Marg came over evening
28 Bertie fix at his car Jack and I got jag straw put little in barn
29 I drawed Bert to gravel Jack followed Jack went I stayed got mail I stayed at corner and
brought it home
30 I’m sick but doing chores
31 snow all day
April
1 got jag green wood and jag straw Mr and Mrs Gilles here evening
2 snow all day terrible day drift from east Mrs Jiles here a.m.
3 saw load wood and bring it up to house found Nellie east at straw stack Joe got cyringe
4 nice thaw little took old sow Islay 510 lbs got 50 bus oats and chopped cost $16.25 bred
the sow that had 2 little pigs left
5 nice got load green poles to saw
6 took crate 12 doz eggs to Mrs Jiles sent to Vermilion got jag straw put in barn Isa and Jean
Bowsers PM
7 Isa Jean and Allen went to Giles for mail and radio B.
8 snow little all day got load green poles Mrs Gillies got her turkeys eve
9 clear about 20 above got little straw and load poles for wood
10 clear about zero to 10 above got load green poles for wood
11 got load straw put load in barn Jack and Margaret came as far as Bowsers in car he brought
them up
12 about 40 above Jack and I went Islay in his car lots water on roads got returns for old sow
weighd 510 lbs live, dressed 403 at 4.90 per less deductions - $22.60
13 Jack and I poison gophers A M got 25 tails Jack and Marg went home we took them to
Bowsers got 2 setting hens at McLellands
14 thaw today all home alone got jag straw
15 little colder North wind thaw little got last of our straw saw little wood thaw little
16 12 degs frost last night got small jag dry brush or wood got first goose egg today 2nd one
17th
17 nice Is went Islay Mrs Giles sleigh
18 no frost last night Wetaskiwins heiffer had a heiffer calf put load dry wood in cellar about
50 above
19 about 30 above got 2 poles dry wood on waggon
20 some wind got load wht straw from Joe VanPatten
21 Jack and Margaret over for a little while this evening
22 Daisys heiffer had a bull calf this morning Plow gang P M Jack and Margaret here evening
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23 plow all day 40 above but a cold east wind
24 took VanPattens drill home a.m. plow p.m. windy roan heiffer heiffer calf
25 Plow all day used May Isa got some dishes & $10 00 from home for birthday Mrs Jiles
bought it
26 Bred big sow Jack and Marg over eve took some feed over to Mable she is down over on C
Bert
27 Isa and I started for Islay Fred Gould drawed us back the truck stopped Isa went Verm
Mercer
28 drawed Mable into town on stone boat jack and I went to Manville got red sow Gillies took
2 bull calves from Mable eve
29 disc very windy Mable died this eve twins still living
30 disc very windy allens ewe had twins P M
May
1 Nice Willie Carson came up p m new motor bike
2 Plow 5 horses black face ewe twins a m Mr Andrew and Jory brought 3- 2 lb packages bees
3 Put bees in hives in good shape
4 disc traded one young sow to Money for 60 bus oats loaded the pig and tried to start the truck
no go
5 nice tried all day to start the truck Margaret and Jack over eve
6 took bred sow to Moneys got 60 bus and got it chopped at Van Pattens got a new coil for car
put Dan in stable
7 Disc all day Isa I stay Mrs Giles drove truck over to C Berts eve
8 disc all day tried to rain evening nothing doing Lizzie colic kept her in stable all night
9 Plow all day nice
10 plow all day very windy drift
11 Margarets ewe had twin lambs one died never got up Marg and Jack came and got Jean and
Allen took them to picture show
12 I rode Dan over to Mercers and across the river looking for hay
13 Plow all day calm and warm engine and saw burn at 2 30 this morning
14 took truck Islay got 10 gal gas a m plow p m
15 took horses off Charlie Bert and fix fence drag garden cultivate garden P M 4 horses pig
16 cultivate 4 horses half day
17 cultivate 4 horses half day
18 move stack fence VandenDollar start disc till all Islay eve
19 Van disc till all day Isa Jean Allen I oil well windy
20 Van broke his paker this AM laid up all day I cultivate Van start seed 5 p m eve
21 Van finished 49 acres 11 o clock a m I cultivate Edna black heiffer
22 cultivate warm and dry
- 193 -
23 cultivate warm and dry
24 got Bowsers fanning mill and clean thatcher wht and a few oats Bertie and Winnie came 11
o’clock eve
25 Bertie help clean rye he Isa Jean and I Verm p m Jack and I got 10 bus eagle oats J.
Hobden 509 bus got
5 00 from Jory
26 Bertie and Winnie went home He had a new car Findlay out to see Dan rain or mist very
little
27 seeded 6 ½ acres eagle oats 10 bus got from J Hobden 3 ½ acres wht very dry and hot
28 aeed 4 ½ acres wheat Isa plant spuds Plow PM
29 Odde Fenton help me kill boar one sow 8 pigs kill 3
30 plow all day very dry and hot took some spare ribs Gillies evening got 2 coils on truck
31 Plow A M took eggs and butter to Mrs. Giles she went Verm seed little thatcher P M rain
our first shower eve
June
1 finished seeding thatcher total 8 acres thatcher total 57 acres in summer fallow when we
came here
2 May colt Jack and Margaret over P M cold and dull sewed little S clover by hand
3 fix all forenoon at pump jack Jack and Margaret over PM Jack help me fix fence his truck
4 plant spuds a m seed 5 acres wht p m
5 rain little last night seeded 10 acres wheat traded roan heiffer for drier Mrs Giles
6 seeded 7 acres rye p m Dad and Gony to come at 10 past 2 this Friday 7th morning Preacher
brought them out
7 seeded 7 acres rye Isa Dad and Gonny Verm Mrs Giles Jack and Margaret over eve Jack
had new 22 automatic rifle
8 fix generator no work
9 short tail sow 7 live pigs 2 dead Jack and Margaret Bill and Betty Gillies here P M I rode
over to Billy Mercers
10 Dad and I Islay truck got 5 gals gas 10 bus oats oats 22 ½ Jack and Margaret over eve
11 seed 7 acres more rye and a sack of oats mixed in total 71 acres rye seeded still dry
12 cultivate P M
13 Cultivate for oats Mrs Bowser and Mrs Gould here tea terrible wind eve
14 cloudy and look like rain all day I fix fence Isa Dad and Gonny went to school with Mrs.
Bert Gould
15 Bertie and Winnie came this AM and jack and Marg PM took Isa Dad Gonny and I to
Vermilion rain at Verm but not here
16 Bertie took Dad Allen Jean Winnie and I to oil well
17 fix little fence very dry and hot Dad Gonny Allen Jean and Isa to Goulds for a social
evening colt
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18
19
20
21
22
23
Gus came up for visit help fix fence
Fix little electric fence Gus here
Dad and Gony left for home at 4 this morning rain very little fix fence around corl
Gus and I fix a house at well for electric fencer
fix electric fence and start fencer for a few hours
bred Lizzy to Tommy today put Maud and two 2-year-old colts back on Mrs. Giles H B
Companys place
24 Bred Lizzy again today Gus and I fix electric fence Mrs Gillies here P M
25 rain all fore noon grand rain sharpen crow bars in forge set 91 white leghorn eggs
26 rain slowly all day Isa at Bowsers men on bugy found Beautys calf
27 Islay in waggon got 30 bushels oats 30 ½ cents and 5 bus wht 40 cents got bonus check
$110 got 20 gallons gas
28 Charlie and I and Gus kill big sow took 2 hams butcher Islay 66 lbs at 40 cents 50 lbs
shoulder Bowser at 8 cents to Gould
29 Mrs Giles took Isa and I Vermilion I got four new shoes 4 nose fly nets new Jack knife
Bert and I came out evening
30 Bert Jack and I traded a pig for a 5 horse engine Jack got it
July
1 seeded 8 acres oats for green feed Jean and Doris over to Margarets got 100 oat sheaves 2.00
2 bred May AM seeded 8 acres oats PM sold veal calf to Davie he came and got it
3 Mercer got his 1 ½ H.P. engine last night pump with 5 horse engine seeded 5 acres oats P M
½ in rain
4 seeded 8 acres oats total 1 acres oats seeded in July
5 took the pump out
6 Drag all day
7 the french man had our cows four of us all to Gillies I gave him and Bill each a weaner pig
Jorys and Margaret here for tea
8 fix fence a m cultivate summer fallow p m
9 Isa Vermilion Mrs Jiles P M got 9.00 from Davies for vel calf I cultivate P M rain all night
10 fix fence north line
11 tried to cultivate two wet and two much growth
12 disc all day 7 foot disc and 4 horses bees swarmed bred Beauty Gus went Vermilion on
cream truck
13 disc
14 took truck to oil well Jack took us all to hendersons Jean went and brought the twins out
with us got Jacks washing machine
15 cows out on road this morning fix fence A M disc P M Isa Islay Mrs Jiles I took Betties
sorrel horse
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16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
disc little a m rain p m rain all night more than an inch of rain
no rain but wet fix harness
disc real wet red sow pigs
disc AM swarm bees PM cut little wild oats binder
disc a m took Isa to Islay but she went to her dad Saskatoon got repairs for binder Idly
Jack and Marg over PM rain a nice shower last night Bill Gillies here for dinner
Disc sent Jean and Allen Islay Min on buggy for battery
disc went to Ronagans for our bread evening Margaret brought Justina Weens out here
evening
24 rain pull weeds a m disc p m Nellies 2 year old had a bull calf
25 got up at 3 o clock and pull a car out of mud 3 miles east of here
26 disc nice day
27 disc a m Allen and I Islay got 6 gals gas 1 oil 1 coal oil Gus drawed in some wild oats
Margaret over eve Gordon took Justina Vermilion eve Margaret took Jean
28 Gordon stayed all day Margaret and Jack over eve Gus away on visit
29 fix little fence got some big posts for corral extract over 100 lbs honey Marg and Jack help
30 Jack came over and got Justina and he washing machine and took all to oil well cut some
wild oats
32 Cut wild oats binder
August
1 Disc P M Jack and Margaret took Jean and Allen to Vermilion fair Gus fix binder canvas
2 Jack and Allen brought Jean and Allen home and took Justina Gus walked I guess I pull
weeds in garden
3 Gordon brought Justina out and took her back again jack and Marg came and got the kids
Bertie and Winnie come evening
4 nice day all here but Isa Bertie fixed up a new fencer
5 Bertie and Win fix binder canvise Gus stook I disc Jack took Marg hospital and came for
Justina
6 Bertie cut wild oats I hoe in potatoes Gus peel posts and set radio pole
7 Isa and Gony got back at noon Cecil Whitney and Mr Scaffle brought them in a truck
8 Bertie and Winnie took Isa and I Vermilion PM We had Van Pattens saw cut a little wood
AM Margaret is in hospital
9 shot cow for Mrs Jiles AM Put on a screen door we got 3 yesterday
10 disc PM went Islay for 5 gals gas AM
11 very warm no one here Jean at Jiles they all went Vermilion Jean and Doris up to hospital
to see Marg.
12 finished double discing summer fallow a m cut weeds on road p m Gus got load green wild
oats
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13 put load wild oats in barn a m Bertie came home he and Gus got load green poles I cut
weeds on road PM
14 I disc Bertie and Gus put 3 loads wild oats in barn frost last night very little
15 Bertie and Gus put 2 loads wild oats in barn I disc Jack and Margaret over eve sprinkled at
noon
16 Bertie and Gus put 4 loads wild oats in barn I disc
17 Gus and I put 3 loads wild oats in barn Bert and Winnie went to Manville to play ball
18 Gus went to Islay afternoon and back after supper
19 Gus and I fixed a little corrl fence AM and stack 3 loads P M Bert and Winnie came home
eve
20 Bertie and Winnie took Gonny and Isa Vermilion Gus I to Islay stack 3 loads
21 Bert went to school last night I got Percers tiller and till half day
22 used tiller used Tomy and Lizzy 6 horses sold 2 cows 75 00 got 5 00
23 till little more
24 till little very hot and dry Isa Jean Gus and I up to Gillies eve
25 Robinson Islay got his two cows $75 00 cash rain light shower P M
26 used tiller
27 till A M Jack and I kill veal and take it to Vermilion got 300 flour 100 sugar 200 twine and
new pail rain very heavy
28 used tiller little while took Isa and her mother to Mrs Bert Goulds for afternoon tea
29 used tiller nice and wet
30 started to cut used 2 balls, 16 lbs twine on 6 ½ acres oats and 1 ball on two rounds wheat
31 cut wheat
September
1 (No Entry)
2 Cut wht
3 took kids school cut wht
4 Gus cut I stook
5 I stook all day Gus cut AM broke binder and fix it P M rain night
6 Islay AM Gus cut wht PM I stook got Gus 1.05 tobacco
7 Gus cut I stook Christie stook PM
8 nice day all home no one here
9 stook oats Gus cut wht PM Isa and Jean school fare Islay Mrs Jiles
10 fix at binder cut wht Gus cut I stook P M
11 Gonny went to Kelliher morning Gus cut I stook Finished cutting wht finished stooking 60
acres wheat
12 started to cut rye I start to stook Jack and Margret home eve
13 cut rye P M clean stable A M Isa went Vermilion Mrs Jiles
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14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
finished cutting rye and finished stooking rye got 3 prairie chickens rain very little
up to Jiles a few minutes P M Gus away
put magneto on engine A M and stook wheat Gus got jag poles AM cut green oats PM
Gus and I fix Mrs Jiles line fence AM Gus cut green oats I stook PM
finished cutting and finished stooking wheat used 250 lbs twine
Put new battery on electric fence fix fence cut load dry wood AM till a little PM
Use tiller PM got a little sand and fix granary floor
Allen and I Islay got 30 gal gas 1 oil 1 coal oil block salt dug spuds PM Willie Carson
called in few min evening
22 All over to Van Wageningen this PM in truck Gus up to Gillies
23 Stack 5 loads green wheat sheaves for spring nice day North wind
24 fix electric fence got jag dry poles & fix pump jack AM used tiller PM
25 got load green wht for horses put it in barn used tiller PM
26 got 2 loads green poles and wood broke double tree
27 got load poles AM extract 75 lbs more honey PM got close to 200 lbs from 3 hives left a lot
in
28 got load poles AM cut weeds on road PM Gus Islay PM
29 all over to McFees and Borrodale
30 stack 5 loads wild oats
October
1 rain took Jean school fix up saw and granary
2 rain little last night Gus and I saw wood Isa and Mrs Giles went to Islay for Gonny
3 Gonny got out about 3 o clock this morning
4 fix pig yard fence took 119 lbs cabbage to B Goulds eve
5 fix fence at road AM Isa Allen and I Vermilion with Mrs Giles $115 for glass and putty
6 elevator man Jack and Margaret here supper also Jorys & Bill Gillies Gus to Islay
7 fix little at corral got load poles
8 made 2 pokes and set them on cows put last two loads wild oats on stack Dr Sweet Islay had
supper here dropped in
9 got load wood south side our place on road
10 cut load wood on rod south side our place
11 got Mrs Jiles box and Bowsers 2 wagons start to thresh at 5 o clock got 25 gals gas and 1 oil
12 thresh all day $6.50 per hower finished about 6 30 eve Bertie haul 5 loads 2.50 per bushel
13 took Bowsers waggons home Isa Winnie Bert and I over to Margarets eve
14 Gus and I fix fence truck Bertie and Winnie went home
15 Gus and I put 4 loads green oats in barn
16 Isa and I went with Mrs Jiles to charlies and on to Vermilion got radio battery
17 I went Vermilion Mrs Jiles took radio rake little stubble AM
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18
19
20
21
put tongue in rake AM took load wild oats B Gould to chopp PM Margarets Isa Allen eve
Gus and I build fence across the field
Gus walked to Islay and back grand day
Jack and I kill veal 185 lbs hog dressed sold to Davie @ 9 cents $16.65 got radio cost
10.00 including a $2.00 tube and two B. Batteries rain
22 fix fence on road east side AM rake stubble PM Isa walked to Bowsers
23 Jean went to school first time after chicken pock’s
24 got some posts in truck
25 Isa and I Islay truck PM got tire set on big waggon got battery from Goulds and left one
26 Put 3 loads dirt in stable Gus fixed cloth line
27 rain all day nearly all last night last night
28 snow all night
29 draw manure out of pig pens
30 went Islay AM roads terrific put load dirt in barn
31 put load dirt in barns clean pig pens
November
1 saw wood Jack and Margaret over eve brought 100 sugar we bought 2 weeks ago
2 got jag straw cut little more wood put little in cellar sold 3 red pigs 17 00
3 tied colts up Maggie and Jiggs snowed all night got jag straw May and Lizzy
4 put straw on shed cold plenty of snow for sleighing Allen and Jean walk to school
5 Jean walk school Allen rode rex
6 took Gus to Islay and load wheat in truck cold lots snow drifts on road
7 Allen and Jean walk school below zero snow from east
8 cold did chores and got jag straw
9 Bertie and Winnie came eve and took Isa and Allen to Islay Allen got new boots eggs 27
cents butter 22 cents cold about zero to 10 below
10 Bertie and Winnie went to Manville this eve cold
11 cold no school today
12 20 below Jean and Allen walk to school
13 16 below kids walk to school turn some warmer PM
14 22 above SW wind this morning thawing fast PM Islay truck got 20 gals coal oil 100
quaker flower box Mackintosh apples
15 got load wild oats chopped Bert Goulds 1.75
16 Got second load oats chopped at Goulds today Isa Vermilion with Betty Jiles
17 took Isa Allen and Jean over to see Margaret we had dinner there put new condencer in
truck
18 got load straw and saw little wood
19 clean stable put load in cellar sold Gillies pig $7.00
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20 Bill Gillies cut wood
21 took Mrs Jiles Islay to see acerage bonice inspector got load green wood AM Bill Gillies
cut poles went home tonight paid him 2.00
22 got load wood AM clean stable and got load straw PM Bill Gillis cut poles went home
tonight paid him 2.00
23 clean stable got straw sold Bill Gillies a pig $7.00 He got it 24th Mrs Jiles took our cream
Verm 3.49
24 cold about zero terrible east wind snow Bill Gillies and Betty got pig here
25 Gillies came and help me kill a year old sow dress about 200
26 cold got load straw and clean stables
27 cold about zero load straw and clean stable 6 eggs
28 7 eggs Bill Gillies gave me the $7.00 for the pig he got Sunday clen stables and got straw
Isa sick in bed
29 Jean home from school today
30 Got Betty Jiles to help today Allen sick
December
1 Jack and Marg came out today cold
2 Jack and Marg got here at noon Jack and I took a pig 210 lbs 3 lambs 280 lbs to Bailey
Vermilion $34.38 Isa p today
3 sold 3 feeder pigs Cliff Fenton $25.00 average about 90 lbs 6.25 each saw little quite warm
20- above got 11 eggs Jean sick
4 Nice day Ode Fenton brought our mail from Islay
5 saw little grand day about 4 degs frost Allen school
6 shot Maud this morning she was down and couldn’t get up saw little wood
7 grand day Nellie down I turn her with team Allen and I Giles with truck Rawleigh man stay
here all night
8 Rawleigh man left this AM snow very little still 20 above took ampron off ram
9 Bill Gillies took load wild oats to Goulds to chopp
10 Nice day up to Mrs Giles twice today cold at night
11 about 20 below today and about 30 below tonight
12 32 below at Vermilion S.A.
13 warmer Isa Jean and Allen went Vermilion Mrs Giles I put in 2 gals gas
14 Isa and I went to Islay got the kids sleigh and skees
15 about 20 above got load straw Jack and Margaret here PM set 4 big traps bred the biggest
yew the mate to Allens
16 traps set off nothing in them got straw and feed got sheaves
17 nothing in trap got straw
18 bred old yew black face saw little wood bred lamb speckled face
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19 Bred Margarets yew grand 20 above
20 Nice day Isa Jean and Allen Xmas tree eve in Morrison school
21 Jack and Marg came here from Xmas tree Jack Isa and I Vermilion PM sent Mrs Pollocks
turkey
22 bought a goose got some limestone for cows
23 thawing today about 34 degrees Isa Marg Allen Jack Vermilion I saw wood Bert and
Winnie came eve snow
24 Jack and I Islay his truck got 20 gals gas
25 about 15 above just did chores
26 I took load oats to Goulds got it chopped Bertie and jack hunting on skees
27 Bertie Jean Winnie Isa Verm Isa went to Dr Knowles Jack and I saw wood
28 14 above butter 24 cents eggs 30
29 had our new years turkey for dinner put 2 loads wild oats off 2nd stack in barn
30 Bertie and Winnie went Manville yesterday Jack went Vermilion today I got 2 loads green
wood got a weasel
31 snow little last night Jack came back P M he and I went Islay got 60 gals gas Jack and
Marg went Vermilion eve
Map supplement no additional notes
Here so ended the diary of the year 1940.
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1941
January
1 got 8 eggs Isa and Jean went to Bowsers P M got back after I had gone to bed
Note Total paid on this place, 1940 = 91.40 ¼ share
2-7 (No Entries)
8 Jack and Marg came out and brought mail and this book I got his car at Bowsers
9 Mr and Mrs Gillies here about 10 below took Jack and Marg to Vandendollars hill
10 team Islay got 85 bushels oats @ 22 ½ = $19.15 + 2.25 to chopp $21.40
11 thawing today
12 nice
13 Bill Gillies help me get 2 loads dry wood 10 above SE wind
14 got 2 loads green wood 1 load straw 10 above SE wind
15 got 2 loads wood I saw little PM
16 got 2 loads wood quite a lot dry total 8 loads this week
17 cold clean stable put load feed in barn took red sow to boar Monders
18 saw wood
19 I got Margaret and Jack at Ronagans with team
20 Jack and I saw wood AM got load poles PM now little above zero
21 Jack Margaret Isa Vermilion Isa had opperration got 100 sugar and 100 flour
22 Bill Gillies help me get load wood yesterday and 2 today Jack help also today
23 cold and windy just did chores
24 45 below this morning Allen home Jean school saw little AM
25 little warmer but not much
26 not to bad did chores
27 did chores and saw little AM got load wood PM 10 below
28 Jack took Margaret I Islay for mail then he went Vermilion I brought Marg home from
Ronagans
29 got load wood p m saw little a m lovely
30 grand day did chores and saw little
31 nice got load wood
February
1 did chores
2 grand day Jack came back today
3 took crank shaft to Vandendollars to get a kee out
4 John, Allie and Elliott Carson came today we got load wood
5 Isa and Jack took John and Allie to Ronagans then went Islay got load of wood
6 Jack and I got 6th load wood in 2nd pile at well
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7 took pig Islay 235 lbs $10 00 advance Took Marg and Jack to Ronagans they went to
Vermilion
8 took red sow Gillies got load wood Bowsers here supper
9 clean stable got load straw
10 got load wood 8th load
11 clean stable got straw and got load of wood 9th load at well
12 took little red sow to Gillies got straw and got load poles total 10 loads at well
13 put 11th load at well got load straw
14 Margaret and Jack out for dinner and supper got 12th load wood at well
15 put load wood in cellar and clean stables and got load straw warm windy
16 put jag rakings in stable and got straw clean stable bred goose
17 got load green poles the 13th load
18 10 below got 14th load wood
19 30 below Mrs Bowser and Mrs Gould here AM clean stable and got load straw
20 heiffer had twin bulls both died Mr Gillies took them cold
21 cold clean stable got straw and put wood in cellar cold and snowing
22 cold and stormy went Islay got 10 bus oats 2.40 traded at Goulds for chop
23 cold and clear did chores
24 cold & clear did chores
25 cold & clear saw little wood AM
26 little warmer saw little wood AM about zero
27 4 below this AM Jean went to the Ronaghans March 1st and stayed till I came from
Vermilion
28 took team Ronaghans caught bus 7 30 went Vermilion got 2 teeth out 1.50 Margaret
brought me out
March
1 I took Marg Vermilion PM and Jack brought me out 5.00 shorts 4.00
2 snowing like fun this morning clean stable and got straw and wood for house
3 not so cold roads full of snow saw little wood and done chores
4 little warmer this PM saw little wood and did chores
5 about 20 above finished sawing the wood and did chores
6 took 54 bus wheat Islay terrific roads
7 Vermilion went up river about 3 hours
8 did chores thawing fast
9 thaw little Lizzy fast at stack this morning did chores
10 got first load wood and put it at saw Mrs. Giles down PM rack fell on B. Calf
11 put second load green wood and put it at saw little colder
12 6 below this morn put 3rd load at saw
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13 got 4th load at saw
14 Isa Jean and I went to Vermilion with team Willie and Elliott Carson came tonight
15 terrific day NW wind and snowing roads blocked
16 Willie Carson went to Lloyd today Elliott still here I got straw and clean stable
17 Elliott Carson help me put the last two loads of green feed in the barn no school
18 snow all day about 10 above got straw and wood for cellar
19 20 above clear saw little got straw and clean stable Mrs Giles sent turkey down
20 Elliott and Willie Carson went home today Jean school I took 20 bushels wheat to Goulds to
chopp 1.00
21 nice did chores
22 thawing about 34 above got straw clean stable Isa drove up to Giles
23 nice day all alone Beautys 2 year old had a black bull calf about 4 eve
24 40 above help Ode pull Mr Giles black mare up a Charles stack Allen rode Rex school
25 40 above got load dry poles put at saw Allen rode Rex school
26 got load dry and green poles Edna Bull calf eve Isa over to Bowsers and Gillies PM
27 Isa and I Islay sleigh froze hard last night thaw today
28 help take Mrs Jiles pump out AM Isa Vermilion Mrs Jiles PM
29 took waggon Mrs. Jiles Isa took butter up Gus came eve
30 over to jack Cross with Ode colder thaw very little
31 6th load at saw about 20 above Allen rode school
April
1 Wetaskiwin H. calf 7th load wood at saw
2 8th load at saw about 20 above
3 9th load at saw about 30 above
4 10th load at saw Isa Vermilion Mrs Jiles thaw fast about 40 above
5 got load C. Bert 3 50 PM roads bad
6 45 above snow going fast got straw and clean stable
7 50 above clean hen house and turkey pen saw a little
8 50 above Isa and I Vermilion Mrs. Giles took our team & waggon to Sherwoods
9 put 8 barrels water in cistern Allen came home sick
10 chopp 5 bus wht for pigs PM Allen sick at home Jean school
11 Gus and I pick stones Jack and Margaret in car by Percers
12 Jack and I took 730 lbs wht Islay got 3.90
13 Bertie and Winnie came at noon Gus walk Islay PM
14 Jack and Bertie went river AM Bertie and Jack kill ram + red boar Jack took Isa Islay got
blankets Bertie and Winnie Manville P M
15 got Bowsers fanning mill and clen oats
16 clean rye colder Jean and Allen school
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17
18
19
20
froze ice last night clen wht
Isa Allen and I Vermilion with Jack AM clean wheat P M
start to plow garden PM Isa Margaret and Jack to Monks
Margaret and Jack went Vermilion after supper all to church but Gus and I plow garden cut
black yearling colt
21 Plow garden
22 Plow garden AM drag PM June and Lizzie both horsing
23 seed garden AM with wheat 4 bushels on 3 acres disc PM 6 horses
24 seed little piece on field west of house disc 6 horses PM pension man here dinner
25 seed oats AM Gus seed oats PM Isa and I Vermilion Mrs Jiles got lease
26 seed 8 acres oats and plant spuds total 14 acres wheat and oats seeded today
27 cows out for first time Gus and I Borradale to see about a lamb
28 disc AM 6 horses seed P M 4 horses did 9 acres total 22
29 disc AM seed 7 acres PM took white sow over Jiles eve
30 disc AM seed 7 acres PM total 36 acres Bowser got disc noon
May
1 seed AM total 42 acres seeded at noon some grain up
2 drag 6 horses Isa and Gonny Vermilion Mrs Jiles PM rain nice shower eve
3 got some spuds Sherwoods planted them took Gus Islay PM
4 all to church at school Gus come home PM Snider here evening
5 drag oats AM disc for wheat PM seed garden and Melany Sweet Clover first lamb
6 Allens ewe had 1 lamb rain little saw little wood took Goulds garden seeder home
7 snow little last night snow nearly all day seed 10 acres rye Jean to school Allen home
8 snow all night seed 12 acres rye PM that’s 22 acres rye and total 64 acres seeded
9 seed 2 acres rye and disc AM disc PM Isa Vermilion Mrs. Jiles
10 disc all day used May PM All up to Monks eve got duck egs
11 Gus Islay
12 disc AM got two jags poles PM
13 disc all day Nellie colt speckle face ewe had lamb 2nd ewe twins
14 rain little AM fix at corral got load poles and load in cellar
15 disc all day Isa Vermilion Mrs Jiles Beauty calf
16 Margarets ewe 1 lamb disc AM drag PM
17 Disc all day
18 all to church PM potatoes up planted 21 days
19 drag AM seed 8 acres wht PM Nancy horsing
20 Isa Allen I Islay got 105 chicks saw little AM disc PM summerfallow
21 got 2 loads poles for fence bluff behind the barn took 3 loads cold very windy
22 froze ice last night saw wood a m disc p m put battery on engine
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23 seed 7 acres wht a m disc p m Isa and Allen Vermilion Mrs Jiles
24 got Bowsers fanning mill over seed 15 acres wheat took fanning mill to Gillies Bert
Winnie Marg Jack here eve
25 Bertie Winnie Margaret and Jack went at noon Gus at Islay Bill Gillies here eve
26 disc a m seed p m seed 8 acres total 38 acres wheat bred Mrs Jiles Brown mare
27 rain little drizzle all day I went to Islay got bees bred second cow Gillies
28 rain very little by spells not much work
29 bred beauties 2 year old fix engine AM seed 12 acres wht P M total 50 acres
30 seed nearly 4 acres AM put toung in drill Vermilion PM Gus got load poles PM
31 plow little 4 horse gang rain good Isa and Allen Islay Mrs Jiles Jean Vermilion
June
1 Isa and Allen church Jack Margaret and Jewelry brought Jean home Gus went away
3 Fixing fence on H Bay quarter Isa Jean and Allen to track meet Islay
3 I fix fence on H B rain turn horses in on H B
4 old red sow 5 pigs plow gang 4 horses Gus work at pole fence turn cows in on Mrs Jiles H B
5 plow for barley
6 plow for barley Gus make pole gate very windy young sow white pigs
7 Isa Allen and I Islay waggon truck broke Gus quit went to Ellotts
8 Allen and I took Ednas bull calf too Bill Mayers $20.00 windy soil drifting
9 drag AM and rain AM got jag straw and load wood in box
10 seed 3 acres wht AM total 57 acres wheat and seed 3 acres barley
11 seed 9 acres barley total 13 barley sow had 6 red pigs lost 1
12 disc summerfallow 6 horses Isa and Gonny to a tea P M Bowsers with Mrs Gillies
13 disc lost 1 red pig four left
14 cultivate garden AM disc PM rain eve Bert and Winnie came eve
Map inserts Mexico to Philippines
15 Bertie put new bolt in truck and went home rain night
16 disc
17 finished the 60 acres at noon just 4 days at 60 acres
18 cultivate pottoes a m mow little stinkweed bred Edna and yearling
19 I hoe in garden disc little rain Isa Vermilion Mrs Jiles
20 rain all forenoon fix harness saw little PM
21 rake little S clover in garden put waggon box load in stable Plow 6 horses P M
22 Margaret and Jack here afternoon Allen and I build pole fence for calves
23 Jack and Margaret too Isa Allen & I Manville Symingtons took Isa Lavoy
24 Isa and I Islay A M plow P M wht seeded April 23 headed today
25 Plow 5 rounds a m 6 p.m rain nice shower last night
26 Plow rain very light shower
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27 Cut little wht in pig yd A M Plow 10 rounds P M
28 rake and draw in a box of wheat plow 8 rounds
29 Mr and Mrs Jory and Girls here tea Isa Gonny Jean and Allen church
30 Plow 8 + 6 = 14 rounds hot Allen (10) passed into 6 and Jean (13) into 9
July
1 Plow 12 rounds Cencis taker here
2 Plow 8 + 10 rounds rain very light shower night
3 Plow 16 rounds Isa Gonny Jean Vermilion Mrs Jiles Gillies shear sheep ewe 1 00
4 Plow very hot and dry
5 cut little wht cultivate spuds
6 Dug brought 4 red and white cows Mrs Jiles here
7 plow 5 rounds over next rye cut stink weed sweet clover rain nice
8 Margaret a baby Jack brought Isa home from Verm plow 11 rounds next rye
9 chore around a m plow 9 rounds p m shut up the little pigs to wean
10 Gillies brought one of his cows back plow 12 rounds next rye Isa at Goulds PM
11 Betty and Charlie hoe a m Isa and Jack to Vermilion P M I plow 14 rounds P M
12 looked like rain pull weeds
13 all to church but Gonny to see the new preacher
14 plow 4 rounds at straw stack 13 by rye P M very hot and dry
15 draw in a box load feed cultivate lower garden plow 14 rounds Jean to Vermilion Mrs. Jiles
pm
16 plow P M very dry took one red sow Gillies and left her there eve
17 Plow P M Isa Jan and Gonny to Mrs Bert Goulds to a 10 cent tea
18 Jack and Margaret came P M Jack and I took red sow Islay weigh 480 = 36.72
19 very hot Jack and I got in one load wht 1 flour P M Isa and Allen Verm Mrs Jiles sold 3
little pigs $15 Mr George Bothwell
20 Jack and I up to Gillies for sow rain very little at night Jack Verm eve
21 fix at binders AM plow by rye PM red sow bred at Gillies today
22 plow by rye a m finished the piece 12 half days Jack out eve
23 plow ½ day cut little wht and oats
24 Maggie came on bus this morning Plow p m
25 Isa Allen Jean Margaret and I Vermilion very hot and dry got 50 lbs twine
26 cut oats tested cows Jack brought Jean and Margaret home they stayed in Verm all night
27 Isa Gonny and I take Maggie to bus at 10 o clock tonight she went home
28 cut oats very hot and dry Jack came out evening and stay all night
29 Jack and I went to Islay and got total $#8.72 for old red sow and take veal calf to Bailey
Vermilion
30 fix binder a m rain nice shower p m
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31 cut little a m took the four wemon to Gillies 10 cent tea
August
1 cut oats
2 rain finished the 40 acres oats A M Isa Margaret I Vermilion Got ¼ calf + 11 00 50 twin
3 fix a little fence rain evening
4 got load sheaves A M Plow 6 horses P M Daisy H. calf eve
5 stook
6 stook Jack came and got Margaret and son evening
7 stook
8 stook finished it 9th Bertie and Winnie came for dinner and they left right after for Edmonton
9 Isa and Allen went with him and Jack and Margaret Jean and I Islay for mail
10 Isa Gonny Jean and Allen church with me Ma Bell Mrs Jiles got her collar eve
11 disc very hot and dry
12 plow 6 horses used Nancy on drag
13 bred beauty two year old Plow finish off the summerfallow used Nancy on drag
14 Isa Jean Margaret Gonny to McLellands to a 10 cent tea
15 Jack Allen and I to Islay a m Jack Isa and Marg to Vermilion p m took in 2 lambs 205 lbs
at 8 cents/lb
16 put load rye feed in barn
17 clean disc bearings 2 people from Islay here P M 2 cows for Mrs. Giles
18 cut little AM rain PM Isa Jean and Margaret Mrs B Goulds for a shower for Rubby
19 cut rye Mr and Mrs McCree from Islay out evening got 1.00 worth of cucumbers
20 Allen Marg and Jack to Islay a m Jack stook 2 or 3 hours P M
21 White sow 4 pigs Cut wht P M Isa Jean and Jack Verm got 50 lbs twine
22 stook rye a m got load green feed a m cut wht p m very hot
23 All went to Ruby Bowsers wedding P M
24 Took Lill to Ods Isa Gonny Jean and Allen to church with preacher
25 stook little a m cut wht p m
26 Gonny went to Maggies on bus
27 1 load feed in barn thresh 1 load wht Goulds cut little P M
28 Gilles help me kill one red sow P M
29 Isa Allen and I Islay
30 Allen and I stook sprinkle a m saw little a m Jack come out eve
31 Jack Isa and Marg Vermilion P M
September
1 PM fix fence A M cut wheat
2 got load green fd and stook little rye a.m.
3 rain very little stook p m Jack John Carson Allie Ellott and Willie Carson here
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4 Isa Allen Willie John and Alley went back to Charlies rain Jack and Marg and Ellott Verm
5 I stook Jack brought Marg out eve and went right back
6 rain light drizzle off and on all day I went Islay P M
7 I stook little clear
8 4 degrees frost this morning stook Jack out P M
9 Jack brought Isa and Allen out I stook finished what was cut cut wht p m
10 took 5 lambs Bailey 540 lbs at 8 cents 40 00
11 finished the wheat and cut little barley
12 Took a white sow Islay got 100 flower 5 gals coal oil and 20 gas $19 00 got licence for car
13 cut little barley up to Gillies eve
14 Allen and I got ram from McAfee 100 lbs $7.50
15 Isa Allen Jean and I Islay p m put 2 loads feed in barn a m
16 Allen Jean and I put 3 loads feed in barn Crissy Gillies and Irene Jory here
17 Charlie Young help me stack 5 loads
18 Charlie Young help me stack 6 loads total 12 loads stack rain evening and night
19 Islay got returns for sow 19 00 all to Verm P M Allen got 4 teeth out
20 stook p m took Jean to bus 7 47 a m she went to Edmonton
21 Isa and Allen to church with the preacher
22 Allen to school home for dinner I finished stooking the wheat
23 draw in 2 loads feed put in barn snow very little
24 Isa and I dug spuds Mrs Bowser and Mrs Gould were here
25 dug four more spuds finished upper garden
26 Isa Allen and I Verm Took coal heater to Mrs Sinclare
27 Isa Allen and I Islay took Mr and Mrs Gillies
28 Allen and I to river didn’t get a duck
29 dug ½ spuds in lower garden Ode Fenton help us finish the spuds on the 30th
30 we got about 100 bushels dantys caught a skunk
October
1 clean stable and got load wood for house
2 Isa and I took Mr and Mrs Gillies to Islay sold 5.60 spuds
3 stack 2 loads feed in stable
4 Took Ode and Mr and Mrs Gillies Verm sold 3.40 spuds J Banks
5 cold and cloudy Isa and Allen church
6 put 2 loads sheaves in barn
7 Charlie Young help me stack 3 loads
8 Isa Allen and I went to Islay for Gonny at 1 00 o clock this morning rain A M
9 Mrs Bowser and Gould and Jean Gould here
10 fix fence on NE corner
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11 Isa Gonny and I took Gillies Verm Bertie and Winnie brought Jean home
12 Bertie and Winnie left here PM for Manville
13 fix fence no school
14 Islay got 10 sacks flower 28.00 got bonos check start thresh 3 hours
15 finish thresh 9 a m
16 took Mr Bowser Islay got load chopped simmens and got 20 gal gas
17 rake stubble
18 Isa Jean and Allen to Verm took Lila grand day
19 Isa Allen and Jean church with preacher
20 Paid Bert Gould 51.50 for 7 hours 15 minutes threshing
21 Charlie Youngs sale Isa Gonny and I went went to Islay for mail and piece for disc
22 clean stable and got load wood up AM got load rakings PM
23 took Isa and Gonny to tea at Mrs. Goulds
24 old Ode help me put a load rakings on stack
25 all went to Verm took Ode and Mrs Gillies Bettie and Chrisie with us
26 nice day but colder
27 very cold last night fence stack straw
28 snow last night and fore noon
29 bright
30 went to Islay got 1020 lbs coal 3.95 = 7.75/ton
31 took down balance of Cross fence and fix at cutter A M Isa and kids to school eve
November
1 Isa Jean Allen and I to Vermilion took Mr and Mrs Gillies
2 Isa Gonny and kids to church Mrs Gould here for tea
3 fence stack straw Anderson start to till on 20 acres rye ground
4 snow night Anderson till I Islay for gas 45 gallons 8 10 5 oil 3.80
5 Angus Anderson start tilling 1 20 p m grand finished the rye ground
6 Ross Anderson started on the 60 acres wheat ground
7 Mr Anderson start about 11 a m and work till 10 00 I got second barrel gas 8 10
8 Ross till We all Verm A M and sent Min to Edmonton
9 N W wind no frost
10 Anderson finished tilling he called it 80 acres cost me $60 or 75 cents per acre used 2
barrels distillate
11 took out honey got load wood put in cellar red sow 6 pigs
12 Isa Gonny and I went to Monks sale took Mr Bowser
13 put grain box in rex stall
14 Isa and I Islay got 20 gals coal oil @ 23 cents per gallon = 4 60
15 Gonny and all to Verm took Mr Bowser grand day
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16 Isa Gonny and kids to church and Bert Goulds for tea
17 clean pig pen
18 got load dry poles for wood
19 saw load tried to take Gonny to doctor truck no go
20 (No Entry)
21 terrible day and cold Isa and I took 20 chickens Islay 17.00
22 Allen and I saw load wood and put in cellar
23 grand day
24 took team Islay got battery Mrs Jiles took Isa and Gonny Verm to see doctor
25 took ampron of ram and got load chopped at Goulds 2 00
26 got load dry wood on H B
27 took 2 pigs Islay weight 370 lbs got 15 gals gas
28 below zero and stormy bred Wetaskiwin 3rd heiffer
29 cold tie up colt got load poles used sleigh for 1st time start to wean colts Punch and Judy
30 grand kill turkeys second 15 ½ lbs live 13 ½ lb dressed head on
December
1 nice Isa Bowser and I Vermilion
2 got load dry brush or wood Isa and Jean walk to Gillies eve grand day
3 Isa and I took two pigs Islay Woodland Dairy bought 58 bus oats from Bob Bell got them
chopped at Bill Goulds
4 1.75 for chopping 16 25 for oats 28 cents bushel colder but nice saw wood
5 went Islay got returns for pigs 39.47
6 bought 60 bushels oats B Bell 27 ½ cents per bushel took oats to Bert Goulds got they
chopped 2 00
bought 118 bus oats this past week
7 Isa Jean and I Gillies for dinner got a gobbler nice day Allen sick truck
8 saw wood and put load in cellar 20 below cold and snow
9 20 below snow little A M got jag straw Allen and Jean both home sick
10 saw little A M warmer Isa and I Vermilion above zero got 17.00 coal
11 Mrs Bowser and Mrs Gould here I took 2 pigs Islay 370 lbs truck
12 colder today got jag straw kill 4 geese used waggon
13 nice Isa and I took 4 geese Vermilion P M truck
14 nice Isa Jean and Allen all sick Mr and Mrs Bowser called
15 got straw and put load of wood in cellar Doros Jiles here for tea
16 took load out of stable grand
17 clean load out of stable got straw Preacher here
18 grand clean load out of stable
19 got load straw put wood in cellar
20 went Islay got returns for 2 pigs 10 gal car gas snow all day
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21 took sleigh Islay for Margaret left here 4 o clock back at 6
22 (No Entry)
23 Xmas tree I snow plow out to Percers corner (by dragging the large bull wheel of a
binder with a team of horses)
24 (No Entry)
25 Bert and Winnie got here and Jack after dinner I was sick
26 Bert and Jack kill lamb
27 Bertie Winnie and Jack left today I went Vermilion brought Marg back
28 quite cold and clear Christie Clark here AM Ruby and her mother in P M got load of straw
29 cold got jag wood put it in cellar
30 cold got straw
31 cold about 22 below West wind saw wood
Note: Bonus Check No 065284 for 1941. (Bonus checks were issued by the
Canadian Government to ameliorate markets lost during the war and anticipated
inflation. They were issued for 6 years.)
Clipping in diary
Prepare to Test New Well
Western Development of Calgary Western Leaseholds subsidiary, is preparing for Lower
Cretaceous tests at Western Vermilion No. 1, just 1 mile N.E. of town on the E. Wells
farm. The well has been carried to a depth of 2,114 feet.
(The well had an insufficient flow of gas for commercial development. We could have
piped it to the house but the cost of pipe would have been excessive. The clipping is from
about 1944-45 but has escaped from that diary)
Here so ended the diary of the year 1941.
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1942
January
1 12 degs frost got 1 load straw 1 load wood in cellar
2 Jack Tucker and Mr and Mrs Reasbeck and Lola out p m took 2 pigs Islay weigh 400 lbs got
20.00 advance
3 got load straw and some sheaves
4 got load straw and some sheaves bred cow for Bill Gillies
5 terrible time to start engine put on spark plug got ½ jag wood in cellar Took Allen Isa and
Margaret to Ronaghans bus about 9 o clock
6 Christie come help me saw a load wood I put it in cellar
7 got load straw a saw p m Christie help me
8 got load wood a m Christie come help me put it in cellar start sheves of first stack
9 Mr Bowser went Islay with me nice
10 Bill Gillies help me cut pig put some wood at saw load straw on shed and one to stock
grand day
11 38 above grand got jag straw
12 38 above I went Islay got returns for 2 pigs 18.95 total 38.95 sent 10 00 Isa
13 grand day saw wood AM put load in cellar
14 nice pump came apart got Bowser and Christie to help lost cylinder and some rods in well
15 had Bowser A M also Bert Gould and Gordon to take pump out and put it in again
16 did chores and went Islay for mail in truck nice
17 Christie Clark Jean and I took cream to Verm with truck got 3 lbs butter grand
18 grand got straw a m 3 red pigs weighed Nov 27 and weighed Jan 19th had only gained 25
lbs
19 nice Gillies came and got his crate and our scales
20 took red sow to Bert Goulds left her there
21 saw load wood and put it in cellar grand day
22 grand Mrs. Bowser up p m took last 4 white pigs to Islay truck weigh 860 got 40 advance
Mr Bowser went with me sent 10 00 to Isa gave 20 to Gonny
23 got the red sow from Goulds a m did chores
24 little colder Jean and I went Verm in truck got shorts and new battery for truck pd Ode 5
horse fees 3 lbs butter
25 nice day
26 nice put wood in cellar gander bred goose
27 saw wood a m did chores p m
28 saw little wood a m Christie help me do chores p m
29 went Islay truck got returns for last 4 pigs colder sent Isa crate eggs
30 did chores saw little wood a m put ½ load in cellar Mrs Bowser and Gould here
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31 Jean and I Verm truck got belt for saw 300 shorts colder 6 lbs butter new pipe
February
1 10 above Jean at Bowsers dinner Bill Gillies had cow here
2 cloudy bear day did chores fix pump took muffler off car
3 chopped 8 bags wheat
4 saw little Mrs Bowser up p m
5 Christie help me get first load green wood Charlie had a black cow Mrs Jiles here got watter
6 Ode Fenton went Islay with me in truck colder put some wood in cellar a m
7 Mrs Bowser Verm with Jean and I quite cold ½ ton coal
8 grand Jean Bowsers for dinner put coal in cellar
9 Mrs. Bowser and Cristy up Cristy help me cut the load of green poles and put mixed in cellar
10 grand this p m I got 4 jags straw in box 1 of sheves
11 Islay sent 15 doz eggs to Bertie Mrs giles and Micky here for tea for the 12th
12 colder saw a m took 1st load feed of 3rd stack
13 saw little a m Islay p m got straw p m
14 Jean and I Verm P.M. Isa and Allen came on bus 15 to 11 Bowser came and told us
15 cold and very windy Bill Gillies came down and stayed all night while they fumigated
16 cold got straw and wood Jean school
17 30 below this morning
18 above zero today Mr and Mrs Anderson over for supper old od here tonight
19 Fred Gould Mrs Bowser Isa and I to school meeting nice
20 plowed road to heighwy and went Islay in truck
21 just did chores and pt load wood in cellar
22 cold last night about 10 below
23 about zero took w sow to B Goulds
24 Mr and Bill Gillies help me kill old red sow weigh about 500 lbs
25 Mrs Gould and Bowser here cold today did chores
26 cold put load wood in cellar
27 10 above hens shut in did chores Doris Jiles Islay hospital appendicitis
28 nice Isa Jean and I got mail Islay then went Vermilion
March
1 grand thaw little in sun Christy up p m Fred Goulds 2 girls up for tea and dinner
2 Gony and I had dinner at Bowsers put a new shoe on the sleigh warm and nice
3 Christie help me choppe little wet Mrs Gould and Bowser here work at quilt
4 Mr Bowser got load posts here I got load wood green and dry I plow ½ mile road west
5 got small load green wood + plow road to gravel each way
6 got 10 gals gas white gas took red pig Islay roads bad got stuck and got tem Christie went
with me
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7 Mrs Jiles went by here with car today she got stuck Ode pull her out
8 Nice Isa and I up to Gillies P M little while
9 not so nice blustering a while AM take 2 loads manure out of stable
10 2 loads out of stable today Mrs Gould and Bowser here quilt red roan heiffer Mrs Jiles
11 put load dry wood at house saw little bred first turkey
12 quilting bee here today put new toung in sleigh
13 took red pig Islay got $10 advance Gillies went with me sold 15 dozen eggs
14 got 1st goose egg stormy but warm
15 nice got last of straw just old straw left now
16 Isa and I Vermilion got 1942 licence for truck
got 2nd goose egg new B battery for radio
17 sold black 2 year old steer G Ronaghans $46 + 2 loads hay delivered steer
18 Got 1st load hay Bill Gillies help me load it Isa went with me to visit Nora
19 got 2nd load hay Bill help me I gave him 1 00 Isa up to Mrs Jiles to a tea
20 Isa Allen and I Islay truck Margaret Allie and Ellott came this eve I met them at
Ronaghans
21 did chores 1st calf a heiffer
22 Willie Carson came and got Allie and Ellott 2 oclock this morning Wetaskiwin a calf this
morning
23 put wood in cellar cold about zero
24 Margaret and I Verm truck nice roads good got the $46 for steer from Ronaghan
25 Isa and I went to Sherwoods sale P M grand day
26 put dry wood on veranda
27 Islay got 10 gals purple and 20 white gas 5 gals oil 5.50 got bones
28 all but Gonny went Verm I took Margaret Reasbecks
29 Mrs Bowser here nice day
30 grand Bowser went Islay with me a m I send for 100 chicks got jag green wood P M
31 grand day Mr and Mrs Snider here bought Wetaskiwin $60 teacher here all night
April
1 Wetaskiwins oldest heiffer had her third calf put 14 gals water in cistern
2 Margaret and I Islay and Vermilion P M truck
3 draw out 2 loads manure from pig pen snow dirty day
4 not much snow zero Isa and I Islay truck A M got load wood for house and clean stables P
M
5 cold Christie rode up to tell us there was flowers at the station for Gonny
6 took Marg and Jean to bus Marg for Edmonton Jean Verm Marg going to Ontario
(Margaret went to St Thomas, Ontario where Jack, an air frame mechanic in the RCAF
was stationed)
7 clean stables got wood went Islay + Ronaghans + Bowsers P M.
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8 cold and stormy took Gonny to Vermilion to doctor Isa and Allen went Jean has been in
Vermilion all week
9 Christie help me get 2 lads hay at Ronaghans $4 for hay + $1 for Christie Marg got to St
Thomas 1 P M
10 Went to Islay got 100 white roosters Mr. Bowser went with us
11 cold wind got load green poles at bush Jean came from Verm with Mercers
12 very windy soil drifting all home Isa sick
13 put load green wood in cellar grand day fix little harness
14 colder storm little got Dan in
15 snow about 8 in terrible day Jeans birthday
16 Poison gophers drove around with stone boat
17 Isa and I took pig Islay 230 lbs got 50 white chicks Sask Beauty Heiffer calf eve
18 cut wood and put 2 dump wagon loads at house Mrs Jiles and Dorris here 17 eve tea
19 Isa Jean Allen and I at Gillies for tea grand day 48 above
20 Grand day went to Islay got two pieces to make float made it
21 went Kitscoty Used float that I made P M grand day
22 Took Bill Gillies and his dad to Moneys sale P.M. cold wind
23 got load hay Raymond Mercer $4 old black face ewe twin lambs
24 very windy soil blowing Islay got 2 sows Bert Goulds 3 ewes 5 lambs Margs ewe 1 lamb
Allens ewe 2 lambs
25 Isa Jean and I Verm Christie also got tank for Bowser rain little
26 rain damp all day Isa and jean church no preacher
27 nice saw few posts got 2 loads wood for house and flour little garden 2 horses
28 disc little as m 6 horses Mrs Bowser and Mrs Gould here for tea the 29th
29 sheep sick and died I opened her and found three lambs sick in bed AM 5 ewes 9 lambs
30 plow garden and plant some spuds
May
1 Isa and I Islay bought 2 sections iron drag drag garden and level it
2 I went to Andersons east of Islay got 100 bushels oats $47.50
3 Nice Bill and Christie here bikes Allen and I took them Podvins
4 cultivate on east side 6 horses
5 cultivate on east side 6 horses Bettie Jiles help Isa on birthday
6 cultivate east side 6 horses
7 cultivate windy and cold
8 Isa and I Islay A M windy I cultivate Anderson tried to disc but couldn’t
9 Lizzie horse colt bred black cow for Gillies cut Jiggs got back chopp wht Bowsers seed 5
acres rye and 2 oats in garden
10 I over to Odes Isa Gonny and kids church all to Andersons for tea McBrides here evening
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11
12
13
14
15
16
seed rye seed 6 acres rye on Hudson Bay
finished rye 25 acres got drill tire set this morning seed rye
seed oats 15 acres oats east side
seed 15 acres oats Anderson disc $8 00 Jean and I Vermilion for 3 packs bees after supper
1 pig Islay got 100 chicks 100 sugar seed 9 acres oats P M
7 acres oats A M Verm P M got 200 shorts 25 bus oats @45 cents = 11.25 4 X 4 X 10 =
75 cents
17 Isa Allen and I to McBrides for supper Angus Anderson was over
18 I finished seeding the east 58 acres oats Anderson disc on west corner $10 00
19 planted 9 rows spuds in lower garden according to McBrides alamanack
20 seed 13 acres oats dehorn cows sold 25 bus rye 60 cents $16 00
21 seed 10 acres oats north end 102 acres oats seeded up to 12 noon
22 seed 11 acres p m Islay a m windy Nancy colt her 1st
23 seed 8 acres oats a m cultivate p m, Used Nellie colt 2 weeks old Bert and Winnie came P
M
24 Bert and I over to G Gantons nice day Bert and Winnie went to Manville evening
25 cultivate Jorys out p m and had tea
26 cultivate Mrs Bowser up rain a little p m clean stable
27 cultivate Gillies bred cow Isa out to Jiles quilting Mrs Bowser got hatching eggs
28 rain and snow little all day sold bull and veal $67
29 took 2 pigs Islay got 25 gas got load hay Mercers
30 saw load wood for house Isa Allen and I Verm got 2 new halters sold bull
31 Isa Jean Allen and I up to Sniders bought a hog pig $5 00
June
1 disc a m seed 2 acres oats and 7 wheat
2 cultivate all day today total 104 acres oats seeded 7 acres wheat total
3 disc a m seed 9 acres p m shear sheep evening total 16 acres wheat
4 disc a m seed 9 acres p m total 25 wht
5 seed 10 acres total 35 got returns last two pigs $43.65 20 purple 5 oil
6 finished wht 7 acres total 42 acres cut load wood p m terrific day
7 very hot Isa Gonny Jean Allen church with preacher
8 disc a m seed 1 ac speltz 2 gopher oats 2 wht that is all
9 disc summer fallow teachers mother died no school this week until 12th
10 rain all day
11 got load dry wood and went to Islay with truck Ode Isa Allen Jean went
12 drag wht it is all up
13 saw wood Isa Allen Jean & I Vermilion broke piston cost $13
12 page map insert
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14 all home
15 hunt horses a m finished dragging wht p m it is all up calf white cow
16 rain all after noon cultivate spuds a m cream truck stuck at Jiles
17 raining yet A M building fence lame left side
18 rain a m fix cutter rain p m clean stable
19 rain very little I Islay waggon Christie clean our little hen house
20 Christie help me build lane fence no rain
21 Roy Ronaghan here dinner Isa Gony & kids church
22 disc P M for summer fallow
23 Disc P M
24 rain grand shower fix corrl fence Isa to Tillies to a tea with Lila Bowser
25 Disc P M
26 rain ½ in Isa to Bowsers to a tea Kill 2 roosters for Isla hospital a m
27 Isa Jean Allen and I Verm P M Bowser and Christie went with us
28 Bill and Betty Gillies down for Chrissies grip I brought out from Vermilion
29 Isa and I Islay for a white face calf she bought Saturday $12 Disc P M
30 disc P M total 5 half days Isa and kids to school picnic
July
1 Cultivate P M very hot Bertie came the 2nd on 3rd put new simpson rings in truck they cost
2.85
2 today we put foundation comb in 3 hives
3 today rings in car & grind valves Bert and Winnie went Manville after supper
4 Allen and I got load dry wood P M very hot
5 Isa Jean Allen I down to R Mercers p m I paid him 7.00 for two hays
6 Allen and I got load green wood P M Vivian Gould work here P M
7 Vivian here P M I cultivate P M
8 rain like fun morning saw load wood this A M Aberdeen 2 year old a bull P M rain
9 took load dry wood to house mow a little rye a little oats
10 Isa Gonny Allen and I Islay got back about 2 o’clock Margaret came 11th
11 I took Mrs Bowser Christie and Bill to Verm in truck rain like fun
12 (No Entry)
13 got a fresnoe at Bowsers and draw out maneur from corall yard
14 clean out yard with scrapper
15 Paint school P M Bill Gillies help me fix pump
16 clean yard and took fresnoe back to Bowsers
17 rain Mrs Bowser up P M
18 Lill colt her first Margaret Allen and I Islay A M rain
19 Betty Jiles and Vivian took Jean to Fred Goulds for dinner grand
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20 I paint at school am took 2000 lbs scrap Islay and got a pail saskatoons
21 Isa and Mrs Jiles took Gonny to Islay hospital Jean Allen and Marg to our school picnic
22 got load green and dry poles H B
23 rain grand shower a m load dry wood for house
24 all Verm took Mr and Mrs Gillies and brought Mr Anderson out also the horse –jowel
25 Isa and I Islay nice day got 7 bags wheat from Bowser 57 ½ cents per bushel
26 nice day the Jory twins and Betty Gillies here few minutes eve
27 cultivate P.M.
28 cut little wheat cultivate P M Jean and Marg Bowsers eve
29 rain little a m
30 Party here for Gonnys birthday Jack came on bus this A M
31 took Marg Jack Jean and Allen to Vermilion Fair
August
1 Isa Jean Allen and I Islay A M Jack went to Mosbank we met Margs Ronaghans bus
2 bees swarmed for the 4th time Marg Jean and Isa church at school
3 Isa and Marg Verm with Bowsers Ellott Carson came eve I cultivate P.M.
4 took Jean and Ellott to bus she went to Edmonton cultivate P.M.
5 disc summer fallow 4 horses very hot
6 fix at binder very hot
7 Isa and Margaret to a tea at Bowsers I plowed 4 horses disc plow
8 Isa Allen Marg Verm got a bull from Barr one week old $16.50 also I got 50 lbs twine
9 very hot
10 Marg and I took 2 lambs 220 lbs to Davie 9.5 cents per lb I got 50 twine and a pump oil
can
11 Plow P M Jean came home 13 from Calgary and Bahnf
12 rain all day like fun more than an inch
13 got 880 lbs wht from Bowser Isa and I over in waggon Allen Islay horseback
14 Allen Isa and I Verm AM one pig 5 plus one 9 PM tried binder on green feed
15 cut around wheat and some of the oats used 8 lbs twine
16 bred the white sow that had 5 pigs the 14th
17 l Took Marg Isa Allen and Gillises to Verm got 50 lbs twine Marg tried exam
18 extract 175 lbs or more
19 extract some more Mrs Bowser Christie Lila and Mrs Gould here
20 Isa up to school painting I cut little broke binder
21 Isa Allen and I Islay rain
22 (No Entry)
23 all but Gony Fred Goulds for supper
24 Isa Marg and I Islay A M
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25 cut little and stook little
26 rain last night and this AM plow PM
27 all but Gony Vermilion clear and nice got 50 lbs twine 2 00 I have 200 twine and 3 old
balls bred fannie cow
28 Isa and I took white sow Islay A M cut oats in garden
29 stook little green feed
30 Wetaskiwins 3rd heiffer had a bull calf September the 5th sold this calf to Snider the 11th
31 took Jean Verm P M rain like fun
September
1 Allen school I plow
2 Froze Ice last night
3 cut rye P M poor crop
4 finished rye Marg got chance to Verm and brought Jean home
5 Bertie came and put new points in truck Calf this morning sold to Snider
6 Bertie and I Islay 5th P M got returns for sows 28.20 got 15 gals purple gas Bert went home
7 Isa and I took Jean Vermilion got 100 twine sold 2 lambs 18 00
8 got load wood for house cut oats p m Snider got cow a m Christie stook 7th p m 1.50
9 rain like fun Isa and I Vermilion got Jean a new room Sinclair move Blackfoot
10 I stook oats all day Mrs Jory brought Isa out
11 all Verm for Jean Snider bought calf 7.00 Paid me 65 for cow total 77 for cow and calf (?)
12 dug spuds in house garden 60 bushels Willie Carson out for supper rain night
13 nice Isa and Jean church Marg and Jean Bowsers eve
14 Mrs Jiles took Isa and Jean to school rain I cut oats rain black 3 year old had a heiffer calf
15 Isa cut oats I stook cool and tough
16 Isa cut oats I stook p m rain about 4 o clock
17 Isa cut oats I stook P M cool and tough
18 took Marg to bus she went Vulcan cut oats until 2 o clock then went Verm
19 dug a 60 bushel box spuds then cut oats Marg and Betty Jiles help 2 hours at spuds
20 got jag green feed Bill Gillis here Jean went to Verm with preacher
21 cut oats p m 3 30 + 2 95 = 6.25
22 broke roller on binder went Islay broke another went Vermilion P.M. cost 2.95
23 finished the 48 acres east side Used 175 lb twine this year terrible cold
24 started to cut the last oats and the wht west side rain and snow had to quit
25 Islay Isa and I clean stable P M Jean stayed in to a dance at the school
26 Isa Allen and I Verm took Mr Bowser Mr & Mrs Gillis went with us roller for binder 3.30
27 nice Isa Allen Jean church
28 Isa cut oats I stook Jean went Verm on bus
29 Isa cut oats I stook bred Suzy and the darkest 2 year old
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30 Isa cut I stook Fred Gould thresh 29th and 30th
October
1 Isa cut I stook met Margaret on bus she brought John out
2 took Marg to bus she left John here and went to Normal cut took ½ lamb to Islay
3 June sick Verm a m cut p m used Nellie Jean came home Andersons
4 got Bessy Anderson to help with John 2nd and took her back 7th
5 Cut wht I stook
6 Cut and stook
7 Cut wht and stook Goulds start to thresh rye and oats start about 5 oclock eve thresh until 9
this (8th) morn
8 Vivian here 7 a m 8th and 9th
9 Isa finished cutting everything A M I dragged a load of oats from stack up
10 Isa Jean Allen I took Vivian Vermilion grand
11 took red sow to C DeFords red hog Bert and Winnie came A M
12 Bert went home took Jean school Mrs Jory twins here
13 took white sow Bert Goulds bred August 14 and today stack 3 loads + 1 in barn
14 Rain very little clean little out of shed and 1 out of barn
15 Islay got mail stack 2 loads 1 in barn alone
16 Isa and I Verm sold 7 bags spuds took cream got Jean Od got flood osts
17 Od help me stack 4 loads in barn
18 took Ode 212 sheaves at 3 cents = 6.36
19 Ode help me stack a little more P M
20 stack cold and windy and fix fence North line
21 stack very windy snow little at night fix fence north line
22 went Islay Ode got his grey at river also colt
23 Jack came clean stable finish 5 stacks in field and 1 in yard Jean came eve
24 snow and blow fierce took Jack and Jean Vermilion Jean stayed in
25 Isa went church with preacher and down to christen Rubys baby cold
26 snow draw in 3 loads feed
27 snow draw in 2 loads feed and fix little fence north line
28 fed horses H B got 1 load A M
29 got 1 load broke pump got Gillies and broke truck
30 Gillies help me move truck home took it apart
31 went Islay with team
November
1 fed horses on H B brought in a load shut Nancy in corral
2 nice day went into Vermilion with Bill Cross
3 snow fed horses and put 2 loads feed in barn
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4 cut wood and bring load to cellar tied up Nancys sorrel colt
5 cold went to Islay with sleigh and got 500 coal Gonny paid fed horses on HB and tied up
grey colt
6 fed horses on HB and got 35 poles for shed Jean came out with Nora and Ode brought her up
with cart
7 Isa and I took 25 chickens Islay got 1000 coal 4 40 cold took sleigh Jean went Verm with
teacher
8 cold got check for 100.00 bonous Isa and Allen church preacher
9 cold went Islay and got piece ‘bearing’ for truck fed horses 7.10
10 warm fixed truck fed horses and got load oats for barn
11 Grand Bill Gillis help me kill sow weight about 260 dressed
12 took load feed back H B got load green feed Auto Kramp put $2.42 brick on chimney
evening.
13 Isa and I took truck to Islay got grease in it then went Verm got Jean
14 Fed horses on H B and put oats in barn
15 snow and blow like fun from east
16 snow like fun from west blow and drift
17 about zero cloudy clean stable and fix shed
18 colder about 19 below took sleigh Islay and got 300 coal 1.35 got cutter toung and to steel
troughs
19 fed horses and cut little wood put it in cellar clear about zero
20 Mrs Bowser Lila and ruby up fix a little at cutter Allen home all week with cold
21 took straw to horses H B put straw in barn
22 clean stable 2 big loads got sheaves in barn
23 went Islay team can crem got 1080 coal fed horses and got sheaves all in school
24 went Islay truck got 1100 coal
25 Christie help me put rack on sleigh got load straw for horses load sheaves
26 1st stack Christie help me P M Isa Verm Pearl Ron to get Jean
27 took Jean Islay hospital Allen and I went Islay cutter cold brought Isa out she came to
Islay on bus
28 I got straw for horses and put load in barn and some sheaves
29 20 below clean stable tie up Lills colt her first colt a horse gave it to Allen
30 fed horses and got sheves
December
1 Christie help me put 2 loads straw in barn and I got a load oat sheaves Allen help mow back
2 Isa and I went to Islay and got Jean at hospital about zero got pump evg extender head
welded 1.23
3 fed horses and got sheaves
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4 clean stable 3 loads put 2 loads around house bred first young sow 5th
5 get some dead trees in sheep yard and saw a load wood put in cellar Mrs Bowser up P M
6 Fed horses got little dry wood Mrs Giles and David here for supper (First correct spelling of
Giles in 3 years)
7 Christie help me get some dry wood on road fed horses and got some sheaves second stack
8 clean stable 2 big loads
9 snow little last night fed horses and got straw and sheaves in barn
10 saw load wood and put in cellar clean stable 2 loads cold
11 nice day Isa and I Islay in cutter
12 grand day got load straw Bowsers Christie clean hen house
13 36 above clean stables Gillies and family down for supper
14 grand Isa took Jean to Islay she went to Verm to school I took Bill and Tomy got straw at
Bowsers
15 grand “rain” I got load P M
16 Snow all day I saw load wood put it in cellar clean stables
17 got load rye straw for horses + ½ load sheaves Christie help Isa clean chickens
18 christie help me get load wood clean stable 10 below
19 cut load wood and put it in cellar fed horses and got straw
20 Isa went Islay and got Margaret cold no road
21 nice fed horses and got some sheaves
22 Isa and I took team and Bowsers sleigh Vermilion got 6.00 for three turkeys got 680 lbs
coal 1.80
23 Christie help me get the 3rd load wht straw Bowsers + some sheaves
24 clen stable 3 big loads and box oats bred cow
25 Isa went town for Jack I got feed broke toung out of sleigh
26 put toung in sleigh and got 100 sheaves about zero 12 egs bred cow
27 clen stable Marg took Jack to Borradale not to hot
28 got load wood cut it and put it in cellar
29 Christie help me get load wht straw at Bowsers and load oat straw in barn
30 Mrs Bowser and Christie up got load wood Isa to Islay yesterday
31 put load wood in cellar and got load poles for wood
Got this book from Margaret Oct 31st 1940
- 223 -
Several pages of printed information: 8 pages postal information; Fixed and movable festivals;
3 pages weights and measures; tables related to salary calculations; 3 pages census information
(Canada 11,315,000); first aid – accidents, poison. No notes written in
Here so ended the diary of the year 1942.
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1943
January
1 Isa and Gonny went Gillies got 100 lbs fish I fed horses and got 100 sheaves Lill sick colic
2 I road Lill up from well got load straw at Bowsers and load oat straw in barn
3 Isa took Jean and Marg to Andersons Jean to school Marg to Normal I clean stable 3 loads
4 Saw load wood and 12 logs to put in cellar got box oats and clean 1 load out of stable
5 Christie help me get 1 load straw at Bowsers & 2 loads sheaves Colder about zero Allen
school
6 thawing got load of poles for wood
7 grand thaw very little went to Islay got 1350 lbs Wild Fire 5 25 got 20 gals purple gas from
John Cary
8 40 above hens out got load straw Bowsers got 100 sheaves saw load wood put in cellar
Christie fix hen’s house
9 clean stable 3 loads and got load oat straw for barn
10 got 200 sheaves last of third stack clean stable hens out little colder 28 above
11 zero to 10 above got load wood and clean stable bred small sow
12 sold 11 pigs and old sow Islay got 1300 coal 5 20 nice about 30 above bred old white
sow A.M.
13 40 above got load straw Bowsers 100 sheaves some oat straw from our stack
14 30 above grand got load green wood put it at saw Isa to Bowsers
15 30 below terrible day bred 2 sows no work
16 30 below to 20 below calm saw load wood clean stables
17 30 to 20 below West wind got sheaves oat straw and oats
18 30 to 20 below cold west wind got rye straw and sheaves clean stable
19 about 50 below 10 30 40 all day 20 egs
20 15 egs below 50 east wind Allens birthday saw load wood and put it in cellar snow little
21 40 below clear got 100 sheaves and fed horses rye and oat straw
22 34 to 40 below Mrs. Bowser and Christie up I took one pig Islay got $20 advance
23 40 below got load straw Bowsers and 150 sheaves last of 4th stack
24 My Birthday 35 to 40 below got load oat straw and 150 sheaves top of last stack in field
25 20 below to 10 below saw load wood and put it in cellar got box oats Allen school
26 20 below to 10 below clean stable Christie help got 7th load straw Bowsers sold Bowser 1
bred sow $25
27 fed horses got 100 sheaves and one small load straw
28 Isa at tea at school got load wood Zero to 10 below
29 Isa and I Islay cutter returns for pig shipped 22nd 25 05 10 below to zero
30 10 below to 4 above Isa at Giles and Gillies am shut up red sow saw load wood and put it
in cellar
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31 Mr Gillies and Betty here got boar I got ½ load straw & 80 sheaves 10 above to zero
February
1 got load straw Bowsers E place paid B Gould 55 62 on threshing 1942
2 took old white sow Bert Goulds Christie clean hen house and help me get load of straw
3 Red sow 8 red pigs lost one got load green poles to cut
4 got load straw Bowsers for horses and 150 sheaves
5 30 above took white pig Islay 210 lbs went Andersons for Jean this eve pig brought 25 20
for net 18th
6 25 above chopp ½ load oats Bowsers 40 cents cut load wood for house
7 20 below June died this morning took Jean to Anderons for school Mr Gillies and Bill skin
June
8 took feed to horses grey Lizzie dead back there 20 below and snowing Allen walk school
9 40 below broke pump got Christie to help fix it wattered everything got box oats Allen
walk school
10 got ½ load oat straw + fifty sheaves 30 below Allen walk school
11 Ode went Islay got mail Christie help me get load straw and 2 oats in barn
12 got load poles for wood about zero and stormy
13 saw load wood and put it in cellar nice
14 got load straw at Bowsers used May nice
15 about zero got load oat straw and put it in barn Mrs. Gould here all day
16 thawing got load wood Mrs Bowser and Mrs Gould here all day
17 28 above got load straw at Bowsers & put some in barn got box oats
18 48 above got returns for pig shipped 5th 25 20 took hog pig Islay got $20 advance
19 Grand drove Dan + Bill Verm for Jean 1 ½ howers from Ronaghans left here 1 o clock got
back 7 eve
20 cut load wood & put it in cellar grand
21 leaky tit cow, a bull got a load oat straw and 50 sheaves from stack in yard took Jean
Andersons grand
22 grand got load straw Bowsers Ode got us a stud goat grand
23 Islay got 24 70 tofield coal $3 10 per ton = 6 30 colder about zero snow little
24 little warmer saw load wood put it in cellar
25 got straw Bowsers grand day Isa Bowsers David Giles here eve
26 Christie went Verm with me I took Dan and Bill I went to Reasbecks got turkey got Jean
“grand”
27 got straw Bowsers oat straw and sheaves 36 above
28 colder took Jean Andersons went Gillies for mail clean stable
March
1 Bowsers for straw for horses got some for cows
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2 10 above got load wood at bush Mrs Bowser walked up to get dress fitted
3 I went Islay for Margaret she didn’t come
4 22 below this morning I went Islay Margaret she came
5 20 below got straw and oats
6 cold saw load wood put it down cellar Betty Jiles here supper
7 8 below
8 Zero to 10 above got load straw Bowsers
9 Zero to 10 above took roosters to Noras and turkeys to Gillies Mrs Bowser up P M
10 ten to 29 above Ode help me get a load oat straw at Bowsers windy
11 10 to 20 above east wind got load wheat straw at Bowsers for horses got 30 sheaves top of
7th stack
12 Isa and I Vermilion drove Dan and Bill 3rd trip for dan cold roads icy and drifted Jean
went home with Edith
13 10 below got load wood H B north wind
14 about zero Bill Gillies brought mail and had supper
15 10 below this morning saw load wood and put it in cellar
16 straw Bowsers first place and gave it to horses Allen walk school
17 Christie help me get 1 load oat straw and ` of wheat put them in barn
18 got load wood at bush
19 took pig Islay “nice” got Jean Andersons eve Nora Mrs Bowser and Gladis here got new
battery for radio
20 nice saw 11th load wood this year & put it in cellar
21 190 lbs chopped fit at Bowsers Took Marg John Jean and Allen to Verm John went to
Vulcan Jean to school drove Dan and Bill
22 got load straw for horses Bowsers nice day Mrs Gould here sewing wean red pigs
23 got jag rye screenings at stack got turkeys at Gillies 40 above
24 fifty above took red sow to DeFords to boar sold him one sow pig 7 wks old 7 00 gave
Mrs Bowser for straw
25 around zero got the 18th load wood since November 1st
26 Isa and I to Islay nice day Allen home with a cold
27 10 above snowing from east cut 18th load wood put it in cellar
28 nice Isa and Allen went to Andersons Jean didn’t come Ode here for supper
29 20 above got load straw Bowsers cleen stable tied up Nancys 1st colt start snow evening
30 20 above terrific snow storm all night didn’t water a thing Allen home
31 Isa and I Islay got 200 chicks 100 w leghorns 100 B rocks clear nice east wind Allen
home
April
1 nice Mrs B Gould here got jag straw our stack put some in barn
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2
3
4
5
took 1 pig Islay 195 lb thawing went Andersons for Jean 50 above
got load straw Bowsers Bill Gillies here lunch also Mrs Bowser & Betty Gillies about 50
got jag straw our stack put ½ in barn took Jean Anderons
grand about 50 Wetaskiwins yearling bull calf got load wood at bush grand day snow going
fast
6 Ode took stud goat home about 50 above Ode and Mr Jiles Islay got mail I saw load wood
and put it in cellar 19th load
7 Gillies clean heifer A M I got load wood at bush pretty sloppy about 50 Allen home
8 50 got load wood at bush wet and sloppy put bill out eve and Nancy in Allen home
9 rain little put the last 250 sheaves in barn put box on waggon Allen home
10 Isa Allen and I Islay via Purcers waggon snow 4 ft deep at Purcers hill sold the geese 5 00
11 near 50 above clean stable got some salt for horses and oats for cows cows in stack yard
12 50 above south west wind put 20 cans watter in cistern Allen school rex got 20 oat sheaves
field
13 grand clean duck house put 2 sows in draw manure
14 Tillie G had dinner here Gladdis and Mrs. Bowser here short tail sow pigs eve
15 Mr and Mrs Gillies here eve help kill veal weight 190 dead
16 Isa and I Islay waggon took 1 pig ½ veal 57 lbs got 10 26 20 doz egs and cream
17 saw load wood used truck young sow 9 pigs killed 2 already the first sow has 5 left
18 nice Mercer here car Dr. Sweet took Gony hospital 23rd
19 draw stones to river washout Anderson over evening
20 got feed and clen stable about 70 above
21 stook little with rake no good fed everthing and put 25 sheaves in barn
22 Isa & I Verm truck took Bowser and Marg and Doris Jiles Gony sick Dr Sweet out night
23 got 60 bus wheat Gillies for seed Anderson started to seed with tiller snow very little eve
24 some snow Anderson seed total about 14 acres Bert and Winnie 1 o clock damp
25 nice day put 2 new boards in waggon box bottom Bert took Isa Islay
26 fed everything kill red sow 338 less head Anderson till
27 all Islay A M got 83 scoops of wheat from Gillies gave him 168 lbs pork + 10 00
29 Isa Winnie and Jean B Goulds (27th) Isa and Winnie Bowser tea today Bertie and I kill
ram
29 Bert and Winnie went early noon Anderson seed
30 went to Hannans to fix his bees Anderson finished 52 acres P.M. I took pig to Islay 185 lb
May
1 cut little wood for house and cut some feed got Mrs. Giles gobler
2 very windy took Jean to Verm black cow bull calf
3 Gony came home from hospital 10 days in hospital
4 Islay garden rain A M fix gate at road harnessed horses no work
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young short tail sow 5th 3 pigs drag 6 horses P M Isa Mrs Giles to a tea
Islay for bus Ruby Bowser went with me
saw load wood for house got feed snow sow 6 pigs Jean came home McClellands
drag little A M Allen drag 2 horses I saw some posts
Mrs Jiles and Doris here supper Isa Jean and Allen church with Preacher Lila and Ruby here
Jean Vermilion with Leverage Mrs Jiles and Doris tea
10 finished dragging the 50 acres brought Isa down to Bowsers eve
11 old black face ewe 2 lambs put 600 sheaves 3 loads in barn
12 young ewe one lamb Islay A M got a boar Mrs Jiles bred sow long tail that had pigs 9th
no ring in ear
13 got a bin from G Percer Bowser moved it up with tractor eve
14 took pig Islay 200 lbs sent 25 00 H.B. broke truck Allen to Kitscoty Vivian here rain very
little
15 thresh about 4 hours start 4 30 got about 200 bus wheat nice day
16 took Tomy to Gordon McFaddens to get his teeth fixed
17 grand finished threshing about 1000 bus oats young ewe 1 lamb Tomy died 18th
18 plowed garden dragged turn everything in our stable let dan out
19 Mrs jiles took our cream Islay start to seed rye N E corner at noon went to McClellands 30
bus oats finished rye on about 15 acres
20 start to seed oats at noon Bill brought out 46 gal distilate 8 10 took horns of 2 cows
21 lamb A M Anderson seed oats finished total rye and oats 42 acres John and Allie Carson
came eve
22 Bert and Winnie came P M John and Allie took Isa Gonny and Allen Islay
23 Bert fixed timing gear on truck Gillies took dead lamb from ewe ring in her ear and she lay
on the one born 27th
24 got my foot caught in belt gear Verm Jiles eve
25 Christie help take potatoes out of cellar Nellie colt Marg & Doris down eve picked 5 bags
spuds
26 Gillies here A M Christie help 2 hours with spuds 2 year old heiffer a H. calf pigs old sow
27 Christiie help one hour P M B. B. All her young to 27 hands. Islay eve
28 Marg and Doris took 2 pigs for me Islay 425 lbs Isa and I took truck in Pd Mrs Bowser 40
00
29 Christie plow in our spuds P M used gang 2 horses Anderson over dragged garden
showery
30 pigs went Van Pattens windy & rain little
31 rain little off and on all day Mrs. Bowser up Christie work here 3 hours
5
6
7
8
9
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June
1 rain Christie up 6 or 7 hours the 3 yr old white heiffer had her 2nd calf bull some day this
week
2 Took Jean Islay to go school Isa and I took team in and got 500 coal Christie up a while
3 Christie up brought a telegram from Maggie Isa and Mrs Jiles went to meet Maggie got back
3 o clock
4 Isa and I Verm truck brought Jean and Edith out rain night
5 rain no Christie today rain a lot cow had bull calf about 1st we found her the 6th
6 found the white H and her 2nd calf a white bull Jean and Edith went to McLennans B Gould
7 Christie help plant spuds lower garden Mrs & B Gould help plant garden Dr. Sweet out
8 Christie help clean hen house and fix fence sold 32 bus rye at 69 cents 21 90 bought 80 bus
oats 40 cents = 32 00 got 10 bus ots
9 Bowser Cecil start to till A M shut horses on H B (An adjoining Hudson Bay quarter section)
took gobler Jiles eve
10 Cecil till small day Isa and I took load oats to Islay Preacher took Gony and Maggy Fred
took load of oats eve I had 77 bus 29 35 Fred had 127 bus 38 ½ 48 40
11 rain no work
12 Isa and I Islay truck Vivian work here all day Maggie put Gony in hospital and went home
alone the 10th
12 page map insert
13 nice Jean went to Verm with English preacher Marian here supper
14 I took 81 30 bus oats Islay 31 70 at 39 ½ cents had a flat got barrel gas Cecil finished 62
½ acres
Gas cost 14 40
15 rain little white cow calf I don’t see Nancys colt
16 Went to sale Island Hill Mrs Jiles nice rain little eve
17 Isa and I Verm nice got 2 new pails & pair plow shares sold Barr Fanny $90 and a bull
18 rain little last night sold 2 pigs 12 00 paid F Gould 22 90 balance for tilling 62 ½ acres
19 Isa & I Islay truck rain very little paid McClennan 12 00 for 30 bus oats for seed
20 rain nearly all day light showers
21 Isa and I shipped Veal 205 lb also sold one to B Myers at 22 00
22 May had a mare colt morning Fred G took load oats for me rain P M grand shower Mrs
Bowser up P M a while
23 rain a lot last night & some today Bill Gillies ride down P M
24 Isa and I Verm got Jean rain
25 Isa and I Islay took pig weigh 200 lb got check for load oats Fred to 137 bushels at 39 ½
Total 49 65 gave to Bert Gould
26 Pd Bert Gould 70 00 rain very little sold one sow 30 00 to Dibb Islay
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27 Isa Jean and I pd Gibbies eve Pd him 47 00 ballance on 100 bus wheat for seed
28 Isa Jean and I Islay 55 bus oats 21 00 sale 20 bushels
29 Mrs Gould and Jean here for tea Pd Christie to date saw little dry wood Christie got our
cultivator for garden Allen school Jean home
30 Isa Jean and Allen to school picnic I over to Sherwoods truck grand day
July
1 shear sheep and cut lambs pigs and red bull very hot cultivated garden Mrs. Bowser up
2 Wetaskiwins 3 heiffer bred a m calf sold to Nora 15 00 sold 2 sows old stock took Crissy
and Gillies Islay sold 4 weaners $24
3 Isa Allen and I Verm took Bill and Crissy they stayed there
4 rain very little Allen church Isa sick Vivian Georgina and Marion here pm
5 Allen and I fix fence H B got jag dry wood Mr & Mrs McBride and daughter here supper
6 Isa Jean Allen and I Islay Bossy had a H calf
7 Cut little hay in coulee & on road Allen went to Ronaghans
8 Dr Sweet out for visit and supper eve Jean Gould here Isa and I Bowsers bread cultivate
9 Isa Jean and I Islay A M got jag hay on road P M
10 put 2 load hay in barn rain nice shower eve
11 Nice day all home alone
12 Mr and Mrs Barr and Mercer girl here eve Isa Jean Allen and I Mannville to see Bert
13 I took Dan and Prince to Bill Barrs $75 for Prince $65 for dan = 140 00 he also bought a
cow $95 – 235 00 rain little last night
14 (No Entry)
15 Bill Barr and Clarence out for cow he bought $95 00
16 put load hay in barn sold 2 pigs weaners $12
17 Isa Allen and I to Vermilion Allen went to show I settled with municipality $100 00 got 3
fork handles
18 nice Mrs Bowser Ruby and Christie out for lunch put a bell on beauty
19 Isa and I Verm sold 2 year old sheep 289 lbs at 10 cents 28 90 and 1 lamb big out to
Irvine Bells
20 Allen and I got small jag dry wood in bush
21 took load manure out of barn Tilly here also Dr Sweet hot got box of oats
22 Jean went Islay & had her tonsils out I went in eve Got Isa Bill out eve
23 Isa and I got Jean Beauty bull calf H.B. eve
24 saw very little wood got Gillies (illegible) beauty 2 00
25 Bert and Winnie & Edith came last night and he put two pistons into truck they went home
eve
26 Jean Isa and I Islay
27 Isa Allen and I Verm got a fordson tractor today sold the black cows calf
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28
29
30
31
all Gillies down help me kill a pig Allen and I drove tractor little rain night
John and Charlie (Bert’s brother and nephew from Bracken Saskatchewan) came eve in car
nice day John took all of us to Vermilion Fair broke his car a little but got home
Isa and I took our truck to Islay and got Vena and Dony 4 oclock John Charlie and I took our
truck to Verm to get repairs for his car
August
1 Bert Winnie Edith Vena Donny John Charlie Gonny all here Bertie Charlie fix at tractor all
day
2 all Islay A M 10 gal gas John I Islay P M 21 00 coal Charlie fix at tractor
3 Isa Gonny Vena John Charlie I Verm Vern John Charlie I Mannville Bert fix Johns car
4 tried plow bent hitch took women to Bert Goulds tea time I went Islay bot hitch
5 fix lane line rain sold Beauty B Barr $80 + pure bred heiffer Bill Gillies got grey to break
6 plow 5 rounds engine Vena Don Edith went home 7th
7 took Jean to Islay doctor all Verm P.M. took truck Johns car Fanny a goat here P.M.
8 rain little got the last oats out of bin Pick 3 pails berries for John to take home
9 move the granary with engine plow 2 rounds John plow in garden cut yearling Holstein
10 John and Charlie left for Bracken A M I cut hay P M nice day
11 Isa Jean and I Islay a m rake a little rain a little plow 5 rounds after supper
12 Bowser and I to a sale east of Islay Isa and Jean Islay to Dr p m rain little
13 I rake hay Bill Gillies cut on shares P.M. Allen and I plow 4 rounds night rain
14 rain A M rain P M took load manure out of stable
15 nice Isa Gony and kids church
16 Isa Allen and I Verm Bill raked hay P M I got toung for mower
17 Bill got load A M and 2 P M took them home and put 2 in our barn I help
18 put 3 loads hay in our barn and took 2 home = 5 each I cut hay
19 Isa Jean and I Islay a m got 2nd bbl tractor gas all to a tea Gillies Allen I fix fence H.B.
20 Gillies and I put 2 loads hay in barn 2 home I rake went to Islay
21 Andersons took Isa to a doctor Gony and I stayed Bert and Winny came
22 Bert fix governor on engine put watter pump on trough rain quite a bit they went home
23 Isa Jean and I Islay P M plow little eve at house
24 plow 12 rounds and little at house used 2 gals oil
25 Isa Allen and I Islay A M got 20 00 gas and oil Plow 5 rounds P M tea Goulds
26 Isa Jean and I Verm Jean went Mannville with Bert to visit Edith Bert got his teeth out
27 Bert fix at binder A M got load hay and plow 4 rounds eng eve
28 got load hay Mrs B Gould cucumbers Bert Winnie and Jean Allen and I chop wht eve
29 Bert put new rings in engine lovely day
30 nice day stack 2 loads hay
31 Cut wht in garden Isa and Gonny went to Fort Saskatchewan to Bill Carsons funeral
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September
1 cut little wht
2 Allen and I fix fence and got jag wood
3 saw the wood and took to house Allen and I Islay Jean Allen and I Verm
4 Isa came A M B Bell rain I drive little engine
5 little June cut nick wire
6 Marg and Jack came 4 30 this morning Jack stook pig yard
7 cut little horses and stook little
8 cut wht Jack and is took Allen and I fix fence and got load of wood (illegible)
9 cut wheat Jack and I stook Allen plowing broke binder went to Islay got it welded
10 Isa finished cutting the wheat Jack and I stoked Allen plow engine
11 took Jack and Marg Reasbecks Bet and Winnie came eve sent Gonny Islay
12 Bert and Winnie went Mannville eve nice day
13 Isa cut oats and rye I stook
14 Isa cut oats and rye I stook went Islay got 4 bl gas and 2 bl gas and 5 bl oil
15 Allen plow P M 7 hrs Isa cut and I stook oats and rye grand day
16 Cut oats and rye I stoked
17 took truck to Reasbecks got Margaret’s things Isa and Jean went Verm
18 Jack and Marg went with me and took things to Margarets school Isa finished the oats and
rye 40 acres
19 Allen and I got Nancy back on VandenDollar Jack went back to camp yesterday
20 Isa cut oats froze ice 18th Allen plow Jean and is took oats
21 Isa Allen John and I Islay A M cut P M Allen plow got bonos check $75 barrel gas
22 plow disc cut oats Allen plow Jean and I stook
23 cut oats Allen plow Jean and I stook
24 Isa cut Jean and I stook Allen finished plowing summer fallow grand
25 Finished cutting noon Allen and I Islay P M Got 4 ton coal $32 F Share hauled it Grand
26 Isa Jean Allen I Hendersons truck got pup grand day
27 Isa Marg Allen I Verm grand day
28 finished stooking put 4 ton coal down cellar
29 dug spuds poor crop
30 extract 150 lbs honey 3 hives small crop all Islay
October
1 Allen and I got load dry wood in bush
2 All to Verm Bert and Winnie came eve
3 Bert and Winnie went eve nice day
4 I had a bush and prairie fire
5 start thresh P M nice
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6 finished threshing 5 eve Fred took in jags rye Islay
7 moved Marg to her first school Bertie came eve He and Allen fight bush fire
8. Isa Jean and I Verm I got a calf from Bar a H.
9 Bert Winnie and Jean went P M got in 1 jag green feed & fight fire
10 put 2 barrels watter on fire A M Isa Allen and I took goat to Margaret
11 rain all day no work
12 rain some Allen school we dug some carrots
13 rode nellie look for steer a m finished garden rain little Allen school
14 Isa and I went to Islay and out to Margarets school
15 Isa and I Verm took crate chickens
16 Allen and I look for black steer found him went to see Margaret
17 Allen and I got Holstein steer at Bill Cross Betty Anderson her mother and brother here
18 got jag straw took load of manure out of stable rain
19 went to berry Andersons and got 25 or 30 bushels of potatoes 5 rows grand spuds
20 covered oats in barn got load of sheaves rain all day
21 snow first this fall roads terrible
22 froze hard Isa and I took truck took Marg bag of spuds and some sheaves for goat
23 Allen and I try fence stock Jean came at noon with dutfree Isa took her back Isa town
24 snow like fun last night I got load straw Vivian and Marian here tea 23rd
25 Cecil Gould help me kill a pig and help me stack straw
26 Cecil help put in balance green feed & clean up screenings
27 Isa and I went to Islay and Margarets froze a little last night got jag straw shot weasel
28 fix fence south line Fred took load oats + 1 of wheat
29 Fred took 2nd load wheat morn Isa and I took 2 lambs and calf Verm Allen went nice day
30 I went Islay took Jean to Margarets had dinner Pd Bert Gould 171 50 threshing
31 Isa Allen and I to Margarets Jack came eve
November
1 went Islay got load straw and some oats Jack went back
2 went Islay a m got load wood p m
3 saw wood a m got load wood p m cold
4 Isa and I Verm took cream
5 got some oats used sleigh fixed fence straw stack
6 Went Verm via Islay Jean went with us Isa got her hair cut and curled
7 fixed fence at granary got some oats and straw cold
8 quite a nice day
9 Isa and I Verm I got a H calf from W Bar the 2nd one Winnie her first girl
10 Jean came home tonight
11 this is a school holiday Allen and Jean both home
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12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Isa and I took Jean to Margarets Margaret to Lloyd to convention
nice got load straw and some wood
nice day all alone got 10 00 bone meal limestone and salt the 12th
Isa and I Islay got 11 00 worth gas and some welding done on truck
took Isa and Gony to Bert Goulds Mrs Gould sick grand day
got load wood in bush
Isa and I took Gonny to Islay she left for Maggies
all went to Marg to meet Jean nice day
up to Gillies nice
Bill Gillies took all of us to Manville to see Berties baby girl 12 days old nice day
Isa and I went Islay and Margarets
wood at bush
got 50 pails oats and a load straw
Isa and I Verm took 12 roosters 12 00 and some cream
took pig Islay weigh 205 lbs went to Margarets and got Jean
left Allen all night took Jean back today and got Allen Jack there also took Nellie out from
Islay snow
28 got 50 pails oats also jag straw nice day
29 got jag small poles for shed cold snow about all gone no sleighing
30 snowing all morning and nearly all day put some filling north side of shed
December
1 went to Podvins got ram and turned him loose our sheep used tractor
2 fixed fence east line on east side of place got little straw waggon tied up Nancys Lill
3 got load oats and some straw put straw on shed went Islay cream got mail
4 broke pump Allen and I took it out took it to Verm got it fixed Got bull alf Barr
5 Allen and I put pup in well nice
6 put load straw in barn and 1 on waggon draw 3 loads manuer out grand
7 got hay oats and a load dry wood in bush Mrs. Bowser and Kennie here tea
8 Bred last years lamb nice Isa and I went Margarets truck
9 got load straw and load wood grand day
10 saw wood got a load of oats and a load of wood for house grand day
11 saw wood A M got load wood P M Isa went Goulds P M and got mail
12 below zero last night got load straw
13 cold East wind got load wood Bred Margarets ewe
14 nice Isa and I Islay truck
15 got load straw fix at pump jack Bred old Black face ewe
16 grand got load wood Nellie & May took got little rain
17 Nice day sold pig Gordon 210 lbs got box apples cut boar 18th never used him
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19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Isa Allen and I took roosters Islay bought gobbler also 2 turkeys broke pump jack eve
fix at pump jack got jag oats & little wood Bowsers here for tea P M grand
got load wood a m and load straw p m little colder
Colder got a load wood
About zero got another load wood on waggon
went Islay got mail took mail Margaret
took Mr Bowser Isa and Allen went to Irma tree 23 went and got Marg Jack Jean and kids
P M used truck
snow and blow like fun from North Jack and I saw wood all day
clear from zero to 10 above got Gordon Percers sleighs from Gillies gave a pig for them
nice Margaret and I took Jack out to Reasbecks got load straw a m
got load oats A M Allen and Margaret and I Islay p m grand day
clean 3 loads out of barn and load straw Marg and Jean went to Goulds grand day 30 above
clean 3 loads out of stable grand day 20 above
grand day took pig Islay truck 20 00 advance gave 15 00 to Jean shut up 10 pigs I have
sold 3 spring pigs already
Got 50 bus wheat Gillies May 23
May 27th got 87 scoop fulls wht Gillies gave him 168 lbs pork & 10 00
June 14th 1943 gave Fred Gould an oat check for 127 bus at 38 ½ = 48 40 Check Number
123159
June 16th gave Fred Gould 22.90 cash that paid for tilling 62 ½ acres and dragging same at 110
and hauling 128 bus oats at 2 cents
June 27th Fred took 127 bus oats at 39 ½ = 49.65 Diary also contained 19 pages of printed
information
Here so ended the diary of the year 1943.
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1944
January
1 got load oats and packed the bees in straw took Jean to get Olive then went to Margarets
school nice no snow John sick PM Dr Sweet out to see John he is sick
2 about zero took Marg and Jean to school John here yet, sick left 5 cows in tonight for the
first time this winter
3 colder about 10 below got bedding for pigs clean two loads out of shed put one on shed
John seems much better
4 cold Allen to school today first day since Xmas took 1 load manure out of shed and 1 out of
stable & got small load wood & put it in cellar
5 about 20 below Mrs Bowser walk up p m I took 2 loads manure out of shed
6 got load straw & took a load out of stable went to Bowsers for bread and mail they brought
out from Islay
7 about 20 above I and Bowser went to Islay he got 400 flower and one of sure-gain I took
cream and got 25 gals purple gas $4 in truck Marg has measles
8 about 20 above clean hen house 3 loads got telegram from Kathleen O’Riedon Mother sick
9 colder 20 below this morning broke pump jack and fixed it went Bowsers sleigh got a radio
battery
10 zero to 10 above bright and clear got load straw and clean barn Allen school
11 10 below to 10 above bright got load wood put it in cellar got load dry for house took
load manure out of barn
12 nice up to 20 above got load oats and 1 straw clean stable
13 20 above Vermilion truck roads grand took 3 lambs 350 lbs @10 cents got 100 laying
mash for hens 13 lbs butter 2 boxes .22 shells
14 took a pig to town sold it for $18 00 at yard broke pump
15 took pump out Christie help piece pipe and cylinder nut and all the inside lost went to
Verm and got the new parts $9.30
16 Allen and I put pump back in well Christie came up when we had it finnished nice day
about 20 above
17 about 20 above got jag oats clean stable
18 took 2 red sows to Andersons and bred both 1.00 Vivian up for tea got box of oat straw and
6 egs
19 42 above Isa John and I took 3rd pig to Bert Goulds did not breed her got load straw and 6
egs clean stable
20- 9 egs put a 3 deck load green wood in cellar got a box straw for cows old oat straw clean
stable 35 above
21 Nice went Islay truck and out to Margarets she came back as far as Islay with me
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22 Nice about 25 above got a three box dry wood clan hen house and stables & put straw in
for hens and pigs 13 egs
23 9 egs about 30 above got load oats and 1 straw Mrs Bowser and Christie up 1 horse on
cutter we had a turkey dinner in honour of Allens and my birthday
24 16 egs got a load wood at bush this is y birthday 58 years old
25 9 egs nice day saw wood all day
26 12 egs 10 below this morning went up to 10 above saw wood and clean stable
27 5 egs warmer saw a little wood got load straw and clean stable
28 9 egs saw wood and got oats zero this morning and thaw little in sun at noon
29 7 egs nice took John Vivian and Isa to Margarets Allen stayed in Islay
30 11 egs nice clean stable and hen house and put straw in for hens and pigs
31 7 egs nice day went to Bowsers and up to Gillies I think I took white sow to Joe today or
did I
February
1 7 egs Mr and Mrs Gillies came for dinner and help me kill one of the red sows m from zero
to 20 above
2 9 egs colder and dull Mrs Bowser up took Isa to Fred Goulds for a tea got oats and put
wood in cellar
3 Mother died tried to start truck all afternoon the crank shaft seemed frozen inside it snowed
a little today 1 eg
4 2 egs colder below zero all day got load of straw Nellie and May ran away and upset the
waggon and rack and straw clean stable
5 3 egs colder drove Nellie and May Islay sleigh
6 2 egs Nellie stuck at straw stack got load straw and cleaned stable used Bill 0 to 10 below
Marion up for a while
7 Cold Fred Gould took me and 3 pigs Verm pigs weighed 590 lbs got $65 advance bought 2
new 32 X 6 truck tires cost 96.90 and $3 to get to Vermilion and back + 1.00 to get tires
on rims
8 2 egs 30 below this morning got load oats and box old oat straw clean stable
9 2 egs 40 below to 10 below got load snow on waggon
10 6 egs cold got straw clean stable
11 warmer got load wood in cellar and a box old oat straw for cows up to Gillies tonight for
mail and bred cow
12 snow like fun Isa Allen and I went to Islay. took Margaret a bag of potatoes Jack there
used new tires for first time got barrel gas and some oil 19.75
13 Warm Allen and I got load straw and clean stable Christie Mrs Bowser Ruby and Ken up
for tea p m snow all day
14 clear colder 3 egs clean hen house and barn and put new straw in
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15 7 egs nice tried to get load wht on truck got stuck in snow got oats for feed and clean
stable
16 below zero cold north wind all day took a holiday just did chores
17 turn warmer just got green wood in cellar load straw and clean stable
18 took 4 pigs Islay brought one back 170 lbs 3 = 570 or 190 each took team 20 above Marg
& kids came out at night drifting fierce Vivian to a dance in our school
19 8 egs grand Marg and I Islay to a meeting took our sleigh and went with Gillies his horses
Marion Gould up a while
20 snow and blow like fun from N West Isa and Allen took Marg and kids to F Goulds Cecil
took them home to school
21 nice Mrs Bowser here got wood and put in cellar got box straw and some oats clean stable
22 drift like fun took sleigh Islay got 100 sure gain new pair pull over mitts
23 clean stable got 2 box loads straw Nora Ronaghan got our Billy goat eve
24 nice day clean stable got 3 boxes straw
25 nice clean stable got 2 boxes straw Mrs. Bowser up a while
26 Allen and I drove Nancy and May to Islay Ruby Bowser and Betty Gillies went with us
27 nice day Allen and I got load wood put it in cellar got load straw and load oats clean stable
28 snowing a little and some colder May didn’t come up saw very little put little white heiffer
in barn and feed her hay
29 snow nasty from SE all day clean stable
March
1 pig died weight about 170 about 10 above Mrs Bowser up to get a dress made put load
wood in cellar snow some a m
2 zero to 10 above Isa and I went to Charlie Burts and got a gobbler cost $5 got 2 jags wht
straw in box and clean stable
3 10 below this morning to 10 above noon got 3 boxes straw and clean stable Ronaghans draw
wheat with truck on lower road
4 20 below to 10 above got 3 box loads straw and clean stable
5 20 below to 10 below got 2 box loads straw and put a load green wood in cellar clean stable
6 10 below to 15 above got 2 box loads straw clean stable saw little wood Allen school
7 6 below to 20 above Isa to Islay Nancy and May 200 roosters returns for 3 pigs total 68.42
8 10 below to 32 above clean stable got 3 box loads and 1 oats used bill and tomy Isa and
Allen to Bert Goulds to get a brooder put leaky cow in stable
9 wht 9 20 above to 38 above at noon thaw good in sun Art Ronaghan draw in 2 lots wheat 34
½ cents per bushel
10 took 2 pigs Islay sleigh weight 425 lbs terrific day cold snow and drift fierce from NW
Margaret in town got 500 tofield coal
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11 cold but calm temp went up to 4 above at noon clean stables & got 3 boxes straw and a little
dry wood
12 leaky titty cow had a heiffer calf at noon today clean stable and got 2 boxes of straw
13 26 below last night clear and about zero at noon got 2 boxes straw and 4 dried trees in pig
yard
14 2 below leaky titted cow died last night her heiffer calf 2 days old (plow road Isa took Mrs
Bowser home she was up for tea the 15th
15 about 40 at noon clean stable got 2 boxes straw and cut little wood and put it at house
16 30 above this morning a real nice day Mrs Bowser Christie here in cutter I started truck
but didn’t go any place
17 cold and stormy took team to Bert Goulds and went to Verm with Gordon Brown got Marg
kids and Vivian from Jim McLennons over home
18 thawing Vivian went home got oats and clean stable chopp bag wht got 2 boxes straw nice
day
19 26 above this morning clean stable got straw Isa took Marg and kids to Goulds Cecil took
them to Islay
20 Isa left for Macleod grand tried to go to Islay got stuck in snow drawed truck back with
team Allen and I took Isa to Islay night she went to Margarets and Edmonton
21 16 egs I alone clean stable and got straw Mrs Bowser drove in with cutter a minute this eve
22 Clean stable and got straw Fred Gould came in Percers road today Allen and I took tractor
down to Old Bobs gate and back tonight to break the road
23 Cold truck froze up so I took team Islay got 600 coal 20 lbs chick starter Bessy had a grade
heiffer calf Gonnie supposed to come 1 30 tomorrow morning Christie came up and told
me
24 `0 below black yearling a dead bull calf this a m clean stable got 2 boxes straw and oats
25 George Ronaghan & his three boys here this P M Harvey Anderson here a few minutes
Allen skinned the dead calf I did regular chores about 31 above at noon
26 Inman brought Isa out this a m Allen and I drove a team to Islay this a m then did chores
27 I got Walter Jourgason to take me to Vermilion I left the truck at Inmans still cold thaw
very little in the sun
28 the little 2 year old heiffer that had the calf the 24th died today Gillies skinned her we also
killed the ram dressed 88 lbs cold wind
29 grand went to Islay and Margarets took her a piece of lamb got 600 coal Gordon Percer
and John Marie out evening Mrs Bowser up for a while
30 grand got little dry wood back of house Gordon Percer and his Wife out he brought out
fordson $300 ($50 cash and $150 on delivery in ten days
31 grand snow and roads about all gone I hopped a li9ttle wheat and a few oats today & saw a
little wood turn Lill and Nancy out at noon
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April
1 colder froze quite hard last night I went Islay truck put Nancy and Lill back in shed they
were on road clean stable got a load of wood for house put box on waggon
2 windy about 50 above Isa Allen and I went to Margarets for dinner roads bad
3. put 14 cans watter in cystern clean stable turn colts out got box oat straw Isa walked to
Bowsers eve some cows out
4 grand went Islay truck and up to Gillies after
5 went to Vermilion with Gillies got new radio 2 volt radio battery and a new pair shares for
gang plow and 6 lbs butter 2.10 for the six lbs Doris work here P M
6 took two pigs Islay truck 440 got 40 advance Gordon Percer got the tractor tonight total 300
Doris Giles work here P M I chopp little wheat tractor P M
7 went to school and got Marg Jean John and baby Jack walked out PM Rony McFadden
bought the 14 foot disc and paid 50 00 advance
8 Jack and I Islay for mail got step welded on car
9 Bill Gillies here horseback for supper I over to Auto Cramps with truck Margaret and I took
Jack to station
10 start to plow 4 horses and gang in garden took Margaret and kids to her school
11 finishe4d garden ford took drill to Islay and McFadden got disc
12 went to Charlie Burts then down to Albert Vandendollars a little white yearling had a
holstein bull calf this a m Mrs Bowser and Christie called a few minutes
13 this cow died this morning Isa Allen Jean and I went to Islay P M Gillies was down and
help me skin the heiffer I gave him 1.00 and got 2.12 for the skin
14 Cecil Gould start to till oats 20 past 11 a m I took 2 pigs Islay 435 lbs Inman bought
Gonny out early in morning the 15th.
15 Cecil finished 27 ½ acres oats by noon and started on the summer fallow with wheat Gave
Fred 40.00
16 Mrs Jiles Betty David and Mick took Isa Jean Allen and I to Irma & back grand day and
grand roads $16 gas
17 Cecil seed wheat I pickle grain went to C Burts and then to Bowsers to phone Ford
18 Cecil seed wheat Gave Fred 30.00 total 70 00 Fred Isa and I went to Verm and got Fred a
new John Deer engine block in our truck
19 Cecil seed wheat on stubble Isa and I Islay A.M. got mail and 15 gals red gas for truck
20 Cecil finished seeding here about 93 ½ acres wheat and 46 ½ acres oats or better Paid Fred
$100.00 total 170.00 paid took Allen to Marg and got John
21 Allen and Margaret were supposed to go to Edmonton I got a little wood & cut it & brought
it to the house burn the straw off garden
22 fixed west fence on Hudson Bay A M got load straw and some sheaves off granary P M
23 took Vivian and John to Margarets to meet bus Allen didn’t come
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24 very windy Isa and I Vermilion truck
25 Went to Margarets for Allen he came on bus last night very windy SE wind fixed fence
east line
26 got Van Patten’s tank and put a tank of watter in cystern got the last oats out of bin in field
Isa to Mrs Jiles to a tea windy
27 Mrs B Gould here P M rain very little took the last three pigs Islay 660 lbs got a box
apples sent 25 00 to Hudson Bay the first pair lambs the big ewe 28th
28 fix fence North Line Gillies clean ewe she had two lambs last night
29 Isa and I went to Verm got a new brooder and 50 lb fertilizer brought Marg and kids out
home with us grand day
30 nice Mrs Gould brought Vivian up and all had tea then took them back to teacherage eve
the 2 year old ewe bred Dec 8th 43 had a lamb May 1st eve
May
1 Margaret and Betty Jiles help Isa house clean terrible day rain a few drops and blow fierce
from North I saw a little wood and dragged garden Bill Gillies and Betty here eve for
setting eggs
2 froze ice last night fix fence north line Margarets ewe died this a m she would have had 2
lambs Betty Jiles help a m papered house
3 Betty Jiles work here half day I fix fence north line
4 Betty Jiles no work here I fix fence north line took our cream Verm
5 Betty worked here ½ day today clean cellar and took potatoes out Isa and I to Marg eve got
returns for 2 pigs total $55.43
6 Isa Allen and I plant potatoes and used fertilizer
7 Mr and Mrs Sinclair and two kids here for tee nice day
8 very windy Betty and Margaret Jiles here fore about 3 hours Isa and I took 2 turkeys to B
Goulds bred 1 and brought her home left 1
9 nice some wind went Islay truck got new points put in last ewe 2 lambs
10 snow and rain last night and today fix waggon and gate put on a new step on the bottome
front one
11 ascension day took truck Isa and I went to Margarets fain little cold North wind
12 some went Knock Knock in truck took it apart thought it might be a loose bearing went to
Bowsers and phone Bert at noon Vivian quit Margs
13 Isa went Verm Mrs Jiles took crate eggs & ½ can cream got a new cap for centre main
bearing in truck 1.75
14 put new bearing cp on truck and took Marg to her school John and Barbara here Marg has
no girl now
15 Nelly had a mare colt Old Ode had lunch here fix fence around well
16 I went to Islay truck nice and warm
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17 I went to Verm with Mrs Jiles gave her 1.00 for the trip
18 got a small jag of rye straw and fix a little fence around well
19 went Islay a m and down and got Marg then Isa and I went back and got Jean off the bus at 9
30 fix a little fence a m
20 finished plowing the garden turn the pigs out plant the small seeds took Marg and Jean to
Margs school we saw little wood
21 all home Marg and Jean suppose to go on bus to Manville
22 I went to Islay in truck got an exchange battery from Inman left the truck battery there to
charge rain grand rain eve and all night put cows calves Nancy and Bill in barn all night
23 still raining a grand rain found white cow and H. calf back of N. end. Margaret walked out
evening clear up about noon
24 Rain and hail like fun hail still on ground at noon
25 Buckingham brought 3 pkgs bees out got stuck in mud and I drawed him to Gillies
26 took Bill and Nancy on waggon and took Marg to her school and came back by Islay and got
mail. Yesterdays hail still on ground at 1 o clock
27 Isa Verm Gillies Allen and I got load hay Jim McLennans very hot
28 bred Sussy both bulls about 80 above
29 Nice took Marg to her school got new condenser and cut out on truck am fix fence west
side north end
30 Nice went to Lloydminster bull sale with old Mack he brought me back out home I bought
a new block for truck to be delivered Sunday rain last night and this a m
31 rain like fun this p m Allen home today we drove Bill and tomy to end of lane and led
Maggy I rode Lill bareback over on Vandendollars for cows tonight
June
1 Allen home with a cold he and I fix fence north line Hudson Bay
2 rain all A M Isa and I Islay Nancy and Bill Got 200 chicks and queen bee roads very muddy
3 rain little Jack and Marg came P M put rubber aid on room move 1 brooder house and set up
brooder stove saw little wood and bring it up turn Bill and tomy and Lizzie out all night
4 grand two men from Lloyd came up brought a second hand block help put it in truck cost
me $31
5 took Jack to Islay train 1 a m then I took Marg to her school and Gony to Islay a m fix fence
up by granary on lane
6 allied invasion of france (first mention of war since it began 5 years before)_ fix fence on
lane a m got some posts and fix lane fence north end p m very warm
7 fix fence south road a m took Isa and Gony to Margaret Jiles shower at Bowsers
8 fix fence on west side very warm
9 Isa and I went Islay truck and I fix fence west lane
10 Isa Allen John and Barbra went to Verm P M cultivate garden with nellie a m
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11 nice Marg came P M Bill Hannan cut 5 colts for us 4-2 year olds 1 yearling Mr and Mrs
Bowser here P M cost $5 to cut 5 colts
12 nice took Marg to her school and got the mail saw little wood a m rain little p m and a nice
shower in the night
13 rain a little all day Allen found the three titted cow with a holstein bull calf
14 rain a little off and on all day Allen went to school Isa and Allen went to Margaret Jiles
wedding in school night
15 rain a little today
16 cloudy not much rain drove Nancy and Bill to Islay on waggon to get Margaret roads
terrific got 400 coal bred Edna
17 nice day Old Ode and Betty Jiles here for a while also Mrs. Bowser and Christie Allen and
I rode the Hudson Bay look for black steer this for Sunday on Saturday
18 Allen and I fix fence on north lane and ct a few posts
19 took Marg to school and got the mail hoe three rows potatoes had a light shower at night
also cut a little hay on road
20 little rain no work took cream to Jiles pretty slippery
21 nice Old Mack and Mr House here dinner kill goat I rake a little hay on road and got 1/2
load in
22 Isa John and I Islay a m truck cut little hay couley east of house fix little fence west line
23 Marg took her kids to Kitscoty dark day Mr Waterfield brought her out evening I clean barn
3 loads Mrs. Bowser and Mrs Gould up
24 I went Islay a m got mail and 15 gals gas took Isa Allen Marg Barbra John to Verm am
rain like fun
25 Allen and I tried to get black steer off Vandendollars but couldn’t get him
26 got the horses in this a m took Marg to school look at the bees
27rake a little put a load in barn
28 started to plow summer fallow 4 rounds P M used Maggie got wet rain cultivate suds P M
29 plow a m went to Islay truck at noon plow from 4 o clock to 8 eve Isa and John and
Barbra went Islay with me used Maggy on drag
30 plow not quite so hot as yesterday but hot with a light breeze
July
1 Isa Allen Barbra and John went to Manville truck nice and cool grand day Bert Winnie
Jean Jack and Philis there
2 raining like fun a m and a little p m Allen and I got the black 3 year old steer off
Vandendollas this evening.
3 went Islay a m draw in a jag of hay from coulee east of house cut a road and rake it through
oats Mrs. Bowser up for tea
4 plow little used Maggie on drag and led Jiggs
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5
6
7
8
plow 5 rounds a m went Goulds for mail at noon rain like fun p m and evening
got the horses off Vandendollar P M then plow 3 rounds p m rain like fun
got load dry wood in bush then went to Islay and got Marg
John 3 year old birthday Mrs Jiles David and Mick down for dinner saw a load of wood and
got little feed Bell a H. calf.
9 Isa John Allen I went to Gillies p m a while Mrs Bowser ruby Christie here a few minutes
10 Took Lila Bowser to Islay and Marg to school got a little oat hay
11 plow a little today went to Margarets for Jean this eve she just came from Irma
12 took a load manure out of barn got a little green feed for hay Isa and Jean went to Margaret
Jiles to a tea
13 plow p m used Jiggs on drag nice cool and windy went 15 rounds Isa and I went Art
Ronaghans eve
14 nice wind plow used Jiggs p m Isa and John went to Allens school to a picnic went to
Margarets school got her things and took her and the kids to train about 2 in the morning
15 plowed P M warmer used Jiggs on drag Jim Ronaghan took 2 bulls Islay for me 960 and
940 shipped co-op Edmonton
16 took 2 loads manure out of barn fix stall floor shear 3rd sheep old Ode and Betty Giles here
a while
17 Isa Jean and I went to Islay and out to Margarets school to get some more of her stuff a m
plow p m used Jiggs on drag windy
18 plow A M pump pulled apart took untill after midnight to get it fixed and put back
19 plow 7 hours today my biggest day warm
20 plow today
21 plow 3 hours a m Gony Isa Allen and I to Mrs Gilchrists sale Islay P M got 18 gals gas 22
bus barley and 1 qt oil
22 finished the summer fallow this p m warm and getting dry
23 Put new supers on bees Allen and I drove duke and Nelly on waggon all of Bowsers here
for tea and lunch very hot about 80 & dry
24 went to Islay got returns for 2 bulls Holsteins 840 6 ½ lb = 54.23 546 = 48.77 net top
Aberdeen Holstein 840 at 5 ½ = 42 rain
25 got load dry poles in bush used nellie and Bill tied duke behind and Allen rode him with
saddle rain P M work at buggy
26 saw load wood and bring it up to house cut a little oats for hay Ladies Ade here for a tea
about a dozen of them
27 took 1 red sow Islay weigh 315 at 8.75 = $27.56 got 1700 coal bred Nancy for the 3rd time
clear and warm
28 raining little a m Allen Jean Isa and I went to Vermilion fair with truck got pair buggy
shafts
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29 Went Islay got mail damp
30 all alone today
31 rain all day fix at buggy
August
1 clear Jean and Isa went to Verm Mrs Jiles Allen and I rake a little feed and put jag in barn
and a little on waggon used Bill and tomy
2 went to Islay in truck got 36 bus barley for pigs and fix a little more at buggy
3 Isa went to Verm Mrs Jiles and the Bowser girls got in a jag of wheat and oats west side
4 Mr and Mrs Bell here a few minutes
5 Isa Jean Allen and I Islay at noon got load dry wood in bush sawed a load for house and
brought it up to house
6 nice Isa Jean and I went down to see Mrs Bert Gould she just came last from Lamont hospital
7 got a load wood from bush and a load of oat hay from west side Isa and Jean were down to
Bowsers picking raspberries
8 Isa Jean Gony and I went to Woodroofs to vote then to Islay this fore noon got a load oat hay
P M Isa and Jean picking berries at Bowsers
9 Bowser and I went to sweeneys sale Isa and Jean to McLennans to a tea David here
10 Isa and I took 4 crates of white leghorn roosters Islay 96 chickens shipped to Lloyd A M
rain little P M
11 started to cut oats p m poor crop rain little eve and night
12 stook a m cut 3 rounds rain p m
13 Jean Isa and I went Mrs Jiles and got cream can and went to Tom sherwoods to see a disc he
was away Jim Cary out a minute
14 cut one round then went to Verm then Kitscoty for a gear got back and cut 3 rounds rain
light showers at different times
15 cut oats this was my biggest day
16 cut a few more oats
17 cut little took cream to Noras Bill and his Dad helped me kill last red sow pure bred oil
well dug a test hole at our gate Isa and Jean pick black currants at Gillies
18 took cream top Mrs Jiles cut oats p m
19 finished the oats at noon Allen and jean Isa and I went to Verm P M got Allens saddle
relined and fixed a little cost 8.40 got a roller for binder windy
20 all home Andrew Mercer here P M to visit Allen nice with a bad storm north of river at
night
21 Jean Allen and I went to Kennelworth school to get the balance of Margarets things got 200
twine ford
22 cut 9 rounds on the 30 acres wheat used 30 lbs twine
23 Isa went to Mrs Gillies tea Miriam Gould help Allen Jean stook P M cut wheat
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24 cut 3 rounds wheat a m windy and some 5 rounds P M
25 rain a little all day Isa and I Verm truck got axles and boxing for toung truck $3 00 no cut
26 Allen and I went Islay p m got 15 bus barley and 3 bus 50 lbs wheat for the chickens Mrs
Bowser up p m no cut
27 nice
28 cut wheat a small day rain like fun got terrible wet Isa to Verm to Mrs Jiles
29 Allen and Isa stook Jean went to school for a shower for Mercer girl I cut P M I stook
wheat A M
30 got a few sheaves for horses and stack a few oats a m cut wheat p m Isa Jean and Allen
stook oats
31 stook oats a m cut wheat p m grand day
September
1 Stook oats finish a m cut wheat p m
2 Isa Jean Allen and I went to Islay a m cut wheat p m Fred Gould tried his combine on his
own place today
3 Allen and I put Vandendollars grey back on his place a m Mrs Gould and Mrs Bowser here
for tea after church
4 stook all stoked
5 finished stooking all that was cut
6 got load oat sheaves cut some thistles and saw a load wood
7 went to Islay P M brought out a bag pears for Bowser found an other ball twine
8 Isa Jean Allen and I went to Verm P M and out to Raddis farm
9 Isa Jean and I went to Islay A M paint Percers sleighs A M Lloyd McCrea and Heckbert out
& sold us a farm
10 nice day Bettie Jiles and David here a while Isa Allen and I were over to Bert Goulds eve
got a cott or a small folding bed
11 Isa and I went to Verm P M I paid 100.00 on the Radditz place Fred Gould started to
combine P M I took 100 bushels wheat Islay
12 combine broke got it fixed and worked 2-3 hours eve took over 100 bus wheat to Islay
13 finished combining the piece of wheat and took it to Islay 250 bus 1.50 Mrs. Bowser up a
while took canvise off binder
14 Allen and I put 600 sheaves in loft took cream to Jiles at noon Gould threshing on Lawrence
15 Isa Jean and I went to Islay got some fruit
16 Isa Jean Allen and I went to Verm and out to Lloyd McCreas took two of Margarets
cupboards
17 rain all day nobody here
18 Allen and I got two waggon box loads dry wood
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19 Allen and I went Islay a m got load dry wood p m our 3rd Raymon Mercer and boys over
tonight
20 cloddy and dull today got 2 loads dried wood
21 all to Verm to a TB clinic Mr Symington brought Bert Winnie and Phyllis out eve
22 Bert here put new front spring in truck went Islay got mail and a barrel gas for truck
23 took Gordon Percers granary home 4 horses
24 raining little Jean Allen and I took Bert and family to Manville got back 7 eve
25 3 titted cow our bull rain little extract about 100 lbs 4 hives Very poor crop Mr
Watterfield here eve sent cream Verm Mrs Jiles
26 grand day dig spuds
27 nice started to thresh eve
28 finished threshing oats about 15 00 bushels fords man hauled threshed around 400 bus
wheat
29 snowing all went home Isa and I took truck load potatoes to the Radditz farm roads
slippery
30 Isa Jean and I took Margarets stove some chairs two cotts and some junk to the Radditz
farm roads drying
October
1 David Jiles and Allen took Nelly and colt and rex up to the Radditz farm I took Isa and Jean
in truck and a load of things nice gave Bert Gould 100 00 on the threshing bill
2 thresh 4 loads got 48 bus wheat took it to Islay paid Ford 39.29 for hauling
3 fix line fence N E 1/3 got Nancy off Van Dollars a m
4 took cream to Verm out to Radditz place took Jean to Verm got her tooth pulled got a sack
cement
5 Took Bowsers waggon home and got another put VandenDollars cattle out of field twice shut
the little pigs in turkey pen
6 Paid Fred Gould $90.75 Paid in full Fred Gould]
7 Finished threshing noon Went Verm got Isa and kids eve 6th dug balance of spuds and took
them to Radditz place tonight Jean went with us and stayed at Jorys to go to Horricks in
morn
8 pick up 2 loads of wild oats
9 put Vans cattle out of our place and fixed the fence took Isa and Allen to Radditz place got
home to late to milk
10 put Vans cattle out turn our horses in on stubble took Bowsers waggon home went to Islay
got 20 gals gas Put Vans cattle on road got our bull tied in shed
11 fix north fence a m got a truck load of wild oats Mr and Mrs Gillies here looking for his
cattle
12 cut a load of dry wood to take to the new place grand day Bowser threshing second day
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13 got licence for new engine in truck took the load wood to Radditz place a m and got 4 00
brick and took out got the family and came home dug the carrots and beets
14 Jack came and John this morning I took the vegetables to Verm place and Jack out home Isa
and I stay at noon paid over 600 00 on place
15 grand day Isa walked up to Gillies afternoon I slept
16 took Isa and John to Verm also Allen and Jean to school got 4 50 brick and took them out to
the farm also 1 ½ tons coal got at nortons gus out there grand day
17 colder North wind took lumber from bee yard also some drags went to Verm got a lock, 2
gals coal oil 3 loaves bread
18 south wind Marfleet building a chimney at Radditz place I took binder up this afternoon
19 took another load of irons Marfleet finished the chimney this afternoon cost $32 + $50 for
material nice
20 went to Verm for Isa and kids took a load
21 help Bowser to fix his engine grand day
22 nice day Christie Clark brought our mail Lila brought it up last night
23 took Isa and kids to Verm to school took 123 bricks back to Nortons and 49 lbs lime
24 went to Islay got the pump jack welded got a block salt saw a little wood & brought it up
to house
25 went to Vermilion took the bee hives got Isa Jean and Allen stayed up teachers convention
26 clean three loads out of stable a m chop a 3 box load wild oats at Browsers grand day
27 Allen and I went Islay got a barrel gas $15 00 got a load oat straw put it in loft to feed
loaded the disc plow
28 Allen and I took disc plow to Radditz place took cream went to Verm then all came home
Lloyd McCrea moving out today
29 Allen and I took the goat to Islay sold her to Gordon Robinson 10 00 Isa Gony and Jean
went to Bowsers for supper
30 to November 9 (No Entries)
November
10 brought out a load in truck and brought Allen and Rex in truck Gus finished laying a floor in
Margarets room
11 Ode Fenton and Allen brought the cows up to Radditz place I brought the truck and the
waggon with 27 turkeys in it colder today I stayed all night
12 Allen and I drawed in 200 sheaves at 4 cents each got a load oat straw put some in loft took
a load manure out of stable cold but clear nice
13 colder clean stable and got a jag straw Gus didn’t come today Lloyd here eve
14 started truck Isa and I went to Vermilion this P M Gus put a new shoe on Percer sleigh I
got a second shoe today for same sleigh
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15 Went to Verm Nancy and May buggy A M Davis Gus and I went to fenton place got a big
load stuff 29 miles at 25 cents per mile came to $7.25 paid Davis $8 for trip
16 clean stable 3 loads got jag straw fed cows in yard put wire on east side of calf yard grand
day
17 sold 10 feeder pigs to Neilson Bros weight 1410 lbs at 12 ½ cents = 176.29 Davie Shields
delivered them Isa and I went Verm after 4 o clock eve Jean stayed in town tonight
Allen sick today
18 went to Vermilion P M got sleigh runner fixed Lloyd here today Little took him a load
paid him $27 for drill and truck $10 for green feed & $5.00 for watter tank and heater
gave Gus $5 bought 20 bus barley $11.95
19 took 10 bus barley and some wild oats over to Davie Shields & put them through the
hammer mill cost 1.50 lovely warm day The Dr Koren tuned Allen $5.00
20 nice day Jean and John went Verm with me and got annoculated against S. fever I got 3190
coal Nortons cost 11.95 got straw and 25 sheaves clean stable
21 rain last night very slippery went Islay and got 3710 lbs Crown Wild Fire coal Crown
lumber company cost 15.30 got stuck on hill terrible slippery south side clean stable got
straw got a new coil for truck 3.25
22 took 24 hens to Burns town got a heater from Harry Eliott $15.00
23 got 300 bundles in barn clean stable & got load straw colder east wind
24 snow and blow like fun went to Verm team on buggy got jag straw clean stable a m got a
30 gals coal oil 23 cents per gallon and some tax
25 Gus and I went to Verm P M clear but cold about 10 above
26 put rack on sleigh and got jag straw P M clean stable fore noon
27 Jean went to school today been out a week I took John to Verm to get him vaccinated
against scarlet fever
28 clean stable got a jag straw a.m. pick up a load dry wood on waggon below zero
29 20 below got a load rye straw for pigs biggest heiffer calf died today got a load of straw
for horses and clean stable
30 warm about 10 above at noon saw the load of wood and clean stable
December
1 took cream town sleigh brought Jean home got 5 gals purple gas 2 gals hi test went back
after supper for Marg Jack and Barbra took Jean
2 Jack and I drove around a little with sleigh P M then I took them out to Reasbecks in truck
lovely day
3 grand day all alone today
4 went to Reasbecks for Marg and kids Jack went back to Pearce
5 took radiator of truck and took it to Vermilion and blowed it out at Power house cost 25 cents
grand day
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6
7
8
9
nice day got a load dry wood double box
took Gonny Marg and her 2 kids to Vermilion hill pretty bare
took Jean to school buggy did chores and cut the load of dry wood Nice day but cool
got a jag of hay from one of Lloyds stacks 1st load also a load oat straw Marg Jean and John
also Gus walked in to Vermilion I gave Gus 5.00 went to get the girls and John truck
10 grand Gus and I went to Fenton farm truck got a load cleaned out granary
11 nice day Gus and I went to fenton farm with truck and got a load put the brooder house on a
sleigh for Ode He brought it up for $3 the 12th
12 sold Bailey 6 turkeys and 6 chickens dressed 27.35 took Margaret and kids in to get
inoculated grand day
13 nice day kill turkeys chickens
14 nice day kill turkeys and 1 chicken sent Bertie a 15 lb turkey cost 50 cents Friday the 15th
15 Grand got 2nd load hay paid Lloyd $12 balance for sheaves took balance of turkeys and 6
chickens to Baileys got $37.44 Paid Marfleet balance on chimney $5 got a Xmas tree for
Marg and kids 1.00
16 snow little and colder Jean and Marg walk to Vermilion Gus and I took truck Gus stayed in
17 nice day clean calf pen
18 nice took everyone to Vermilion fumigate house I came home got a double box dry poles
then took the truck in and got the bunch
19 colder saw the load wood and help pick some chickens
20 help pick some chickens and got a box of wood in bush about 10 above bred one red sow to
our boar
21 Isa and I took the chickens to Verm in sleigh about 10 above
22 Jean went late to school stayed at Jorys went to school picnic Gus quit went Verm Jack
came
23 Jean went to Horlicks from town today Marg and Jack walked in to Verm I went and got
them with team I sawed the load wood snow little and blow West
24 quite cold did chores
25 about 20 below today just did chores Jack Marg and kids here
26 got box of wood Jack and I sawed it I took them in to catch bus at 6 this evening they left
for Macleod a little warmer I took sleigh
27 about zero got a load of hay Allen help unload it snow very little
28 East wind got a box of hay Isa and I Vermilion team I got 6 bus barley to feed pigs about
zero
29 about zero got 2 boxes of wood and did chores
30 cold about 10 below Isa Jean and I went to Verm team sleigh went a new road for us ½
mile east and then south across river on ice and up by the air port
31 30 below last night did chores
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Began 1945 diary which I shall leave for 1945
mixture instructions for a pasture grass
recipe for glue
Clipping about a strong-strawed barley
recipe for a weed killer
poem about buying
specials in stores
Here so ended the diary of the year 1944.
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1945
January
1 got a load hay 3rd stack load straw about 10 below
2 got a Hampshire ram from C Robinson and turn him loose 3 ewes and 5 ewe lambs
3 oldest ewe bred this a m
(Records for 1945 are in a 1944 diary which contains notes from years
all the way up to 1960. It starts over again, January 2)
2 Went over to Robinsons place and got a Hampshire ram he bred the oldest ewe
3 took team and sleigh to Verm. Got 50 bus barley $27.38 and 1.50 to get it chopped Bred 3
titted cow to our Bull spent $29.08 for barley chopp
3 (Dated “4” in diary but with thurs written in. All through the diary the days are adjusted to fit
1945 but the dates are left unaltered from 1944 and should be ignored) 20 below this
morning Allen and Jean stayed home Gus came out this P M just did chores
5 about 10 below Jean and Allen went to school I got a load of wood at bush
6 got load hay jag straw Isa and I went Verm got a gobbler from Nora Ronaghan $8 00 sent
the last 10 00 to Bert Gould for the cleaning for 1944
7 very cold just did chores and had a little sleep (It was really Sunday, January 8, 1945)
8 Mon did chores and got a load of wood a little warmer about zero at noon kids at school
bred largest ewe
9 tues snow a lot last night Jean and Allen to school I did chores and help kill 8 chickens
above zero
10 10 above Gus went town eve and stayed in Allen home sick Jean went to school & came
home sick at noon I got a load of wood A M help kill 4 chickens P M
11 Thurs Isa and I Verm team took in 17 chickens and cream Jean and Allen went school at
noon and came home with us grand day about 10 above
12 Fri Sold Davie a lamb 115 lbs @10 cents = $11.50 bought front ¼ beef 172 lbs @ 14 $24.08 $12.55 cash grand day above zero
13 Sat nice got hay straw and saw load of wood and put it in cellar
14 Sun grand day did chores and I went out and got 7 willow posts
15 Mon clean stables did chores and clean hen house above zero Isa wash
16 Tues snow about 4 inches last night went to Verm got 2250 Wild fire coal 9.30 did chores
Jean & Allen walk to school roads terrible
17 Wed took Jean and Allen to school & got 1 ton Wild fire 8.25 did chores P M
18 saw a load wood and pile it at the house plow out the road above zero
19 Friday put the two barr heifers in the barn got straw and went to Verm P M got the Kids
colder about 14 below
20 Sat about zero Isa and I took Allen to Verm p m he went to the show this is his 14th
birthday
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21 Sun grand about 25 above got 4 eggs our biggest day all home alone got some wheat
straw old stack
22 Mon grand took kids to school Lloyd here car got jag wheat straw old stack took a load
manure out of calf pen (manure spelled correctly, first time)
23 Tues 40 above got 5 eggs Lloyd McCrea got nancy I traded her for the hay that was here
took red sow to Littles she didn’t breed
24 Wed grand above 30 above Allen to school today Jean home sick took the red sow black
bottom to Ranch and left her took ram to Robinsons got a ram lamb used Till and May
25 Thurs nice snow little took kids to school got the sow at the ranch and did the chores 5
eggs bred the three titted cow
26 Friday little colder and light snow took kids to school and went back after them used Lill
and May Lill put me in ditch 3 eggs
27 Sat about zero or a little above Jean and I went to Verm to get Ruth Horlicks after noon
28 Sun got small jag hay and straw Allen and I took Ruth Horlicks to bus at 6 this eve got 4
eggs a little below zero
29 Mon 30 below I took kids to school at recesse got 7 blankets Fairfield Winnipeg cost
nearly $20 a man with a saw stopped here for dinner
30 Tues 27 below to about zero saw a box of wood and took to the house sold 4 Black
Minorky roosters $1.40 each
31 Wed 24 below took kids to school below zero all day
(He continued to put in the day for each date, but I won’t)
February
1 30 below to 4 below kids walk to school for first recess 1- eggs
2 zero to 10 above Jean and Allen walk to school dark no bear saw his shadow here today 12
eggs
3 Isa and I Verm P M cold 0 to 10 above took a little cream some turnips and carrots to
Stevens 9 eggs
4 8 eggs from 10 below to 10 above nice
5 16 eggs around 0 snow and blow Jean and Allen walk to school
6 12 eggs Allen to school Jean home Isa and I town P M got John Margaret and the kids
about 10 above nasty wind
7 12 egs took kids to school Jack went with me I got his 2 trunks and 2 sections new harrow s
at Macleods for us they cost me $12 saw load of wood took Jack to buss eve
8 14 eggs kids walk to school 40 above this P M I got a load wood east ¼
9 17 eggs about 30 above nice got a load wood east ¼
10 19 eggs Isa Jean Allen I Verm grand day delivered 3 black Minorky roosters got 5 gals
purple gas block salt
11 18 eggs nice above zero about 26 Allen and I got 30 willow posts
- 254 -
12 21 eggs nice got a load of wood and sawed a little P.M. sold 3 black Minorky roosters to
Farkash 4.50
13 24 eggs drove Nellie and May down to Moses cut a little wood P M grand day above 30
took the long tail sow to Moses but it was one day to soon
14 22 eggs took Isa and Gonny to Verm to see the old age pension man about 10 below and a
dirty north wind
15 15 eggs 30 below kids home today cold North wind terrible day
16 18 eggs 26 below very cold calm Allen school Jean home Barbara sick
17 14 eggs 28 below calm and clear Allen and I went Vermilion got 10 bushels barley cost
5.42 used Nellie
18 16 eggs 26 below and went up to 12 above clear and calm
19 16 eggs above zero all day Isa and I went Verm took nellie and May 7 bus barley and 1
bus wheat cost 11 00
20 15 eggs town got a total of 44 bushels 24 lbs barley at 54 ¼ = $24.13 Allen to school Jean
went to dentist got a tooth out 3 year old heiffer had her first calf tonight s black heiffer
21 14 eggs grand about 40 above from 2 below this morning . saw a little wood. Jean and
Allen to school.
22 16 eggs grand Isa and I Verm got Gonny s cook stove Alliance chapel about 40 above
23 20 eggs grand about 40 above I went Verm a m Jean went to horlicks 6 o clock eve Allen
came home with me
24 15 eggs 20 below this morning clear and calm I went Verm team
25 25 eggs from 22 below to 25 above this P M Jean came home from horlicks this P M we
got a jag of hay and some straw
26 16 eggs got a load of wood east ¼ total 7 loads this year Marg went hospital eve
27 22 eggs about 20 above all day cold West wind kids school got 8th load dry wood at bush
28 20 eggs zero to 20 above I went Verm this morning Bill Gillies and Ode Fenton brought 12
of our horses up from Islay cloudy today Margaret sick in hospital to night
March
1 cold blow fierce got some straw used Bill and tomy also a box of hay Jean and Allen to
school I went to river and met them
2 20 eggs about zero got 2 loads oat straw from Maskall sold Tommy and May to Jim powl to
ship to Quebec tested cows for TB
3 20 eggs Jack came at noon cold Powl couldn’t get May in car so I went and got her Isa
Allen Jack and I went Verm p m
4 24 eggs Allen and I got 3 jags oat straw from Maskels used May and Bill 34 below this
morning Jack left at noon
5 21 eggs 25 below this morning up to 20 above at noon saw a load wood and took it to house
got a box hay Allen went to hospital to see Margaret
- 255 -
6 20 eggs nice Cow Inspector here after noon I went Verm eve and got kids
7 7 eggs nice 1 above to 20 noon took sow to Davie Shields not bred
8 Margaret and Jack walked to Verm so Jack could take the bus Jean and Allen went in to
church Isa and I took ram lamb to McKays P M
9 saw a load dry wood A M and got a load at bush P M cold and a light snow by spells Marg
walk to Verm P M
10 Isa and I Verm P M got some 2 X 4s and ship lap for kitchen ceiling got a new post maul
and a new halter Maskell got his bull tonight
11 illegible because of water damage
12 cold wind Clarence Barr delivered me 40 bus barley at 65 cents a bushel I went town with
him took 15 doz eggs and walk home
13 I got a load oat straw at Maskells a m used Bill and May Powell got May P M I sawed
load wood Ruth and Margret Horlicks here tea Ruth stayed
14 Allen and I fixed fence a m used Maggie took Maggie and Bill Verm Isa and Allen went
treated cows for warbles
15 Ruth Horlicks here cold day Allen and I went for a walk in bush shot a rabbit Jean’s 17th
birthday
16 cold north west wind Ruth went home on bus tonight I rode Lill town and went to Islay B
A oil truck
17 cold north wind fix a little fence east side east 1/4
18 Isa and I Verm waggon Maggie and Bill took Jean to doctor she sick Margaret also went
Allen school I fix fence P M east end nice day
19 first thunder storm not much rain clean stable used Nellie fix a little fence north of hen
house Jean home Allen school
20 fix little fence around pig pen Jean home sick Allen school very windy
21 Allen sold 2 dozen bottles plow little bill and Nellie sulky north of hen house Jack came
noon Isa Allen and I Verm waggon Bill and Nellie snow like fun all afternoon stable full
tonight
22 Jack went this evening Marg went to town with Jack Allen rode rex in and Mrs jiles betty
and Doras came out here some snow yet
23 Pat Cummings here truck Allen rode Rex school today Jean home sick rain a little at night
fix waggon seat today
24 snow about all gone again moved brooder house a m took red sow to Irvine Bells and back
to colledge P M used Nellie and Bill Jean and Isa to dentist
25 snowing like fun this morning and blow from north Allen home and Jean clean a load or 2
out of yeard & put in some dirt from well
26 clear cold Jean and Allen both home Gony got a ton coal brought out I went Verm Bill
and Nellie buggy
- 256 -
27
28
29
30
snowing like fun this morning quit about noon
Allen and I got a load year old hay on east ¼ fore noon Isa and I to Verm P M buggy
cold this morning but not bad in P M (rest illegible with blue wash)
Nice Jean and Allen school I went to college and got sow Marg walk in to dentist I plow
pig yard and a bit more used Maggy and Bill
May
1 cold north wind I plow wheat Jiggs and Bill on sulky Jean and Allen school Allen rode rex
2 nice took Nellie and bill Verm a m (rest too blurred to read)
3 very windy south wind big fire Islay plow a m used Maggy drag P M used Jiggs about 70
above
4 took one disc of plow and used Nellie Jiggs Maggie still on the disc plow 2 plows on Lillies
colt died this morning never got up
5 Betty Jiles took Gonny and Isa Verm fore noon Allen rode Rex in P M I took Bill and Nellie
on waggon after 2 o clock
6 Nice this morning Allen rode Red over to Davie Shields to see if he would take us to Irma He
couldn’t this P M has been very cold & windy snowing at 9 tonight
7 holiday Allen and I got load dry wood A M NW corner of this quarter drove dandy and
Nellie open bridle right hand side Allen rode Rex Verm after supper Germany quit 6-7
(second mention of war)
8 Jack came at 4 this morning holiday nice Jack and I put the ceiling on Margarets room
drove Punch and Bill on waggon
9 went Verm waggon Nellie and Bill got 12 sheet wall board plow disc plow P M Maggie and
Jiggs centre Nellie and Bill outsides
10 Isa and I Verm Isa got a hair curl I got 32 bushels oats Jory cost 52 cents = $17 00 I spent
$12 00 for two pkgs bees Jean still sick Allen school
11 plow 7 rounds a m & 9 p m nice (Rest blotted out)
12 Isa and I Verm waggon P M nice day help jack put paper on Margarets room Jean in
hospital
13 nice Jack left this morn I put a set of steps up in barn bought them from Cash $1.75
14 Isa walk to hospital to see Jean I plow all day 2 bottom disc plow
15 Judy had a sorrel mare this morning plow a m
16 went town on wagon got Congoleum rug and 2 packages bees Pat Cummings sold 20
bushels Red Bobs wheat
17 very windy plow all day Put Judy and her colt in pasture field
18 rain a light drizzle all day fixed fence around well and the line fence ruth horlicks came
out to see jean Jean still in hospital
19 Plow A M took waggon to Verm Marg Barbara Allen Ruth Isa and I Barbara and Allen got
innoculated for (Whooping) cough bought strawberry plants
- 257 -
20 Nice Marg and Barbara (rest illegible)
21 Jean came home nice plow a m Isa and I Verm buggy got Jean Allen school saw a little
wood eve
22 plow Allen school Jean home
23 plow nice day Allen school Jean home
24 plow sprinkled Allen rode Rex Verm sports Harry Long and Mother came up from Irma
25 finished plowing the piece for wheat tonight sprinkled little
26 drag 4 horses 5 sections Isa and Gonny went Verm to Baileys sale with Little (rest
illegible)
27 grand recked old waggon rack
28 Davie Shields started to seed barley evening cut yearly Holstein evening
29 Davie seeded barley all day and was stuck in the mud most of the time (rest illegible)
30 Davie seed oats we used 50 bushels seed Maskels shorthorn bull was in I saw him bred
Wendy
31 rain a lot last night clean stable A M Allen home Davie didn’t come today
June
1 Allen to school today rain little Little brought us 40 bushels Thatcher wheat (rest illegible)
2 Isa and I Verm buggy p m Davie brought his drill here and I seeded until 12 at night Jean
and Ruth went to town I sold Allens horse hair 1.85
3 Ruth Horlicks went home eve
4 (illegible)
5 Isa Jean and I went Verm early noon and Jean got a hair curl we came home and plant spuds
I look for prudence calf p m
6 nice Jean went to school P M plant balance of spuds A M level wheat P M
7 (illegible)
8 drag barley on NE 80 it is coming up Allen skin part of the cow and calf got 2.32 for the two
9 Allen and I got some parts a m all went to Verm p m I went to vote for Council Marg walk
in and get Jack we went in waggon
10 (illegible)
11 Isa and I Verm buggy to vote Margaret got in in a car then walked back for Jean’s parcel
rain
12 finished dragging oats and barley all the grain up and some of Allens potatoes
13 rain a little off and on all day (remainder illegible)
14 took cream and eggs Verm a m broke stubble in disc then fix fence east ¼ Isa got 2 pigs
from C Mix 5.25 each
15 Jean and Allen school today sold 4th load sand total 1.00 shut horses and cows east ¼ south
80 fix fence in yard thunder Isa went to school to jeans graduation party
16 (illegible)
- 258 -
17 first lamb a ewe lamb Ruth went home today nice day Allen and I got 6 magpies and a
crow today
18 put some gravel in front of house a m fixed a little corral fence west side nice and warm
19 (illegible)
20 warm Allen had an exam today I fix a little corral fence
21 Jean home Allen school Marg town got a hair curl break a few rounds in yard a yearling
had her first lamb a ram tonight
22 plow five rounds on east ¼ breaker bottom 3 horses P M Jean and Allen both at school
Allen came home at noon
23 Allen and I fix little fence a m Isa Marg Barbara John and I Verm waggon P M
24 Sunday grand day rain very little today
25 fix fence a m plow 6 rounds p m rain a little at 5 some lightening and thunder
26 Jean and Allen both school Marg went to dentist I plow 12 rounds p m
27 Isa and I took cream to town Allen school Jean home I cut little hay p m
28 got load hay a m Allen home Jean school Bell had a calf this morning plow 11 rounds p m
29 got load hay a m plow 9 rounds p m grand day
30 pick a few stones 3 rd ewe a lamb a m all Verm waggon dry and hot
July
1 Allen and I drove Punch dragged p m Bert Winnie and Philis here for supper very dry and
hot
2 rain little last night Plow p m used bill in furrow and Punch on drag Lill horsing 4th lamb
had a ram lamb eve
3 took Margaret and Barbra to bus 7 45 a m she went to Calgary rain a m I plow 7 rounds p m
Jean school a m used Punch
4 Jean school a m Allen home cool plow p m 6 rounds used Punch on drag Edith called eve
5 Isa John and I Verm a m plow p m used punch on drag Bill Jiggs and Maggy on sulky
breaker bottom lamb eve
6 very dry & hot plow a little NE ¼ of the south 80 last east ¼ used Punch on drag
7 Isa John and I Verm waggon got 2 gals oil very hot and warm
8 Isa and I took cream town buggy Nellie horsing
9 clean stable and took a load out of corral
10 Isa and I took cream to Verm then Margaret and Barbra came back from Calgary & I went
Verm and got them rain light shower this morn
11 Allen came from Edmonton this p m Gus stack hay p m I pulled it in with rake used
Maggie and Bill
18 Allen and I took cream town a m got 45 lbs sweet clover seed @10 = 4.50 cut hay P M
used Bill and Maggie grand shower early this morning
19 Allen and I fix fence east ¼ south side stack 2 stacks hay east ¼
- 259 -
20 Allen rake I stack 2 stacks hay p m
21 fix fence west line a m all town p m got 2 bus wheat 109 ¾ Jory Ruth Horlicks came out
with us
22 very hot and dry Horlicks came and got Jean and Ruth took them up to Margaret Horlicks
brought Jean back after dinner
23 Allen and I Verm drove dandy and Nellie a m Lloyd brought granary and got his binder I
cut hay very hot
24 stack hay
25 took cream Verm a m stack p m
26 Winnie and Philis came to Verm to buy a dress Isa met her there and got a hat Allen Marg
and John went to fair p m I stack hay Gus went Verm P M
27 Isa Jean Allen and I Verm Jean went with harry Long Ruth Horricks came out at night very
dry and hot
28 Jack came A M Isa Allen Ruth and Jean went fair we came home early the rest later rain a
grand rain night
29 Jack and Ruth went on bus six eve Allen and I drove Duke and Nelly on waggon picked up
2 dozen beer bottles Ruth missed bus and came back
30 Isa and I took cream town Gus came out today Rain very hard last night I cut a little hay P
M Ruth Horricks went home tonight
31 rain very little last night and this a m seed 45 lbs sweet clover p m
August
1 Allen and I took cream Verm a m cut hay p m used Nellie and Bill
2 kill turkeys Dave Blondell got a truck load sand I help him load it about 5 yards rake hay P
M took chickens to town 5.30
3 Allen and I put a load hay in barn a m stook p m electric storm about 5 30 and rain a lot eve
4 rain nearly all day about 1 ½ inches took cream Verm after 4 30 Isa and I went Marg and
Jack and Gus went at night
5 clear and bright clean a load out of stable & 1 out of yard Jack Horricks came tonight
6 Isa and I took cream Verm Jack and Jean went Manville this A M
7 Isa and I drove Nellie and Lill to Hendersons about 2 ½ hours going up and 4 coming back
bred Lill Gus here
8 Jack and I took cream to Verm Marg went to dentist got some posts and fix line fence SW
corner
9 put two loads hay in barn fix a little fence pig yard
10 Isa and I took cream Verm rain like fun P M and some last night Gus went Verm eve
11 Jack Allen and I finished putting the stone wall under the porch all to Verm but Gonny
Marg John Barbra and Jack went to Reasbecks P M
12 Isa Allen and I home all day Gonny got Mix to come and get her and take her to church
- 260 -
13 Allen and I took cream to Verm a m and I cut hay P M in the slough
14 Allen and I broke a little sod by rheubarb Gus came out Jean came home Gus stack hay p m
war ended whistle blew about 5 p m
15 stack a little hay north 1st slough Gus went to town and Allen to a celebration
16 Isa and I took cream to Verm got a window for the roof north side 6.40 Jack and Margaret
and ids came out
PM
17 Gus Jack and I put the window in the roof north side
18 everybody but Jean and Gonnie to Verm some time today storm eve mostly wind
19 clean stable shut red sow in box stall Jean went Horricks eve Jack went Calgary bus 6 00 o
clock red sow pigs night
20 Isa and I took cream to Verm got 2 bags oats and shorts 4.50 fix fence p m sow had 11
pigs 9 living
21 Allen and Margaret to dentist a m I cut some pig weeds north of house and got a load wood
in bush Mary (his sister) died
22 took cream town Isa Gonny and Jean went got a load wood north of house
23 got a load posts rake pig weeds north of house Isa went to Mrs Jiles Jack Horricks got Jean
eve & went to Manville Marys funeral this morning
24 Allen and I fix a little fence south side east ¼
25 all town but Gonny and Allen rain very little got sawing engine head welded 1.75 got a
double tree for mower
26 put head on engine and fix whiffle trees for mower Horricks and Jean here for tea Jean went
back with them old sow killed a pig 8 left
27 Davie Shields started to combine 10 acres fall rye about 4 30 eve Allen and I took cream to
Verm a m Allen got his marks
28 Mike Farkash stayed here all night and took Duke home to ride rain little early morn we got
40 posts and clean 2 loads dirt out of cellar way
29 Jack H Jean and Ruth came at 12 last night and took Isa to Verm this morn Jories took Isa
picking berries p m Davie couldn’t start combine engine P M
30 Allen and I got a load posts and sharpened 80 Jack H took Jean up to Margaret H
31 Davie came and finished cutting the rye this p m total about 90 bus
September
1 I took 31 bus rye to Verm this a m 30 bus net at 1.38 = 40.99 Isa Barbra and I Verm p m
took cream got sack shorts 1.55 Jack H and Jean called this eve and went to show and up
to Horricks sold sack spuds to Stephens
Clipping inserted about how to add calcium and phosphorus to a cow’s diet
2 Allen and I drove Lill and Nellie up to King Edward school. Horricks all here for tea
brought Jean home
- 261 -
3 Allen and I fixed fence east ¼ turned cows in on the north east corner 80 acres Some barley
not cut
4 Jean and Margaret went to the dentist Allen and I took 30 bus rye sold it bought 50 bus oats
got it chopped broke reach got a wired one
5 cut oats and alfalfa with mower
6 visited Ronaghan with Moore and I cut wood Jack came down took Jean town and back
7 cut and rake I cut parts and cock alfalfa Jean and Jack went to Verm and up to Marg Horricks
and stayed all night
8 Jean and Jack came back about 9 a m Isa Jean Jack went to Blackfoot Jean starts teaching
Mon. (Young high school graduates were hired to supervise the study of correspondence
courses in small schools because of the teacher shortage)
9 Isa stayed at Jorys all night last night Allen and I batch and draw out some manure
10 Isa and I took cream Verm Allen to school I got parts for truck the Holstein bull jumped the
corral fence and bred Bell last night
11 started to cut wheat cut 9 rounds cold
12 took crem Verm a m Allen school
13 started to cut wheat terrible poor crop
14 got a new bearing for binder and cut oats no good either Jack and Isa went Blackfoot and
got Jean Allen at dentist
15 Jack and Jean went Manville Isa Allen and I Verm p m windy Allen and I put ½ load hay
from stack into barn
16 vaccanate calves “morn” Jack and Jean came from home went to Blackfoot to Jean’s school
Allen and I clean rye Allen dug his potatoes in pig yard very poor crop
17 cut p m cold Allen and Isa stook a little
18 rain all day Allen school I got horses and cows
19 Isa and I took cream Verm a m Gus and I killed oldest ewe p m and got a load dry wood in
bush Gus went Verm tonight
20 cold cut wheat and oats this p m cold Mike Farqash brought Duke home p m
21 cold no cut Maggie came Isa met bus and Little brought them out Jack got Jean and stayed
all night
22 snow and rain all day Isa Jack and Jean went Verm p m and back here no work terrible
cold
23 Jack and Jean went Manville Allen and I took McKenzies fanning mill home and got a ram
lamb from Hows $10 00 very muddy home lunch
24 cold and very muddy today went to Verm a m draw manure p m
25 clear and nice cut wht p m Mrs Little took Gony Maggie and Isa to town about 11 00
Maggie went on bus about 1 15
26 cold and NW wind finished cutting wheat
- 262 -
27 town a m got a sack shorts 1.56 and one bran 1.50 got a load hay and some sheaves for
cows
28 Jean came on bus 6 eve and Ruth got out a few minutes a head of her I finished stooking
wheat still cold
29 very windy Jean Ruth Isa and I went Verm p m took Margarets trunks and beds sent to
Olds Jean and Ruth went to horricks with Jack night
30 Allen and I got a load loose oats a m and 1 p m and stack them in feed yard north of granary
turn clock back 1 hour
October
1 Isa and I dug some spuds lots of them frozen in ground last week it was very cold
2 took cream Verm C Mooney out finished spuds grand day about a single box of spuds
3 stack two loads of loose oats nice
4 finished all garden Isa walked Verm to a rexall sale Gus put a stone step in cellar Jean came
home on bus
5 very windy I took cream Verm Jean went to town to a teachers convention saw a load wood
6 rain Isa Jean Allen I Verm PM Gus walked in evening Jack h came and got Jean eve She
went to horricks
7 Jack Jean Ruth and Francis McCallie came about midnight
8 holiday Allen and I stack load oats and one of alfalfa and got a jag of hay and a few sheaves
Isa took Jean Verm at noon
9 took cream to Verm Gus came out this morn I took a load of dirt out of cellar and 2 out of
corral Allen school and dentist
10 stack 3 loads wheat
11 Allen home convention stack 4 loads
12 got in 2 loads a m Allen help Allen went dentist P M I got in 2 loads Gus help unload them
Lola Bowser out for lunch p m
13 finished stacking the wheat 32 acres 3 loads today Isa and Jean and Gony went to town
with Mrs McCrea Jean went Verm eve with Jack
14 Allen and I drove Nellie and Duke on waggon Jean and jack walk Verm Jean took bus 1 00
o clock
15 I draw sheaves help Maskell thresh grand
16 went back and draw load to finish took cream Verm a m
17 stack the ballance of our oats total 3 loads 100 sheaves put in barn Isa went to Cummings
sale
18 I stack a load pig weed and & disc Bill and Maggie Isa went to Vivians wedding Mrs Jiles
19 Isa Jean and I took cream Verm P M Jean came out evening turn Maggie out and got
Nellie Maggie horsing
- 263 -
20 Isa Jean and I took cream in Verm Gus walk in eve Jack and Ruth came in the night cooler
a little shower last night
21 Jack and Ruth took Jean up to Bills Allen and I went to Robinsons place and got 2 lambs we
got a load rye straw a m and a load slough hay cold
22 Isa and I Verm p m cold took Maggie and Bill sharpen a few posts p m Webb got a roan
steer yearling and a black calf took them to Edmonton
23 Gus and I got a load dry wood that was cut got 2 loads hay north of house in slough
24 very windy got a load green poles to put in hen house
25 thresh a m for Maskell thresh after 4 40 for us got about 300 oats on the wheat stubble 4
stacks about 16 loads
26 Isa and I took cream Verm buggy I clean part of hen house 2 loads Gus quit
27 put a load straw on pig pen and a jag green on waggon Isa and I Verm lost end board snow
like fun left cows in stable
28 I took Jean into bus with sleigh roads grand left cows in cler
29 clean stable fed cows saw a little wood & got a small load east 1/3 Allen to school
30 grand day did chores and got a load wood east ¼
31 took cream Verm got pay for one yearling and 1 black calf 730 at 7.25 = 52.92 calf 340 at
7.00 = 23.80 = 76.92 les 609 = 70.63 paid 24 for threshing 3 hrs @8 00 three titted cow
a H calf got load wood
November
1 Davie chopp a 3 deck box of wheat and oats here
2 did chores and got a load wood p m Jean came home tonight cold this morning but nice Jean
came home
3 Isa Jean and I went to Verm Chinook snow all went off today Jack came and took Jean to
Margaret Horlicks
4 Allen and I put in some posts around hen house and straw around pigs tie up Judys colt Jean
and Jack got back for supper and caught bus at 9 00
5 put a load straw around hen house and chop a load of wood N E of sand pit quite cold not
much snow
6 cold took cream Verm Bill and Maggie not much snow put a load rye straw around hen
house and some straw in loft
7 put rack on sleigh got a load straw at Maskells nice but quite cold
8 got a load straw at Maskells a m and a load dry wood east ¼ cold and clear
9 really cold Isa and I went to town I went to Colledge and bought 2 bred ewes if I get them
Jean didn’t come home tonight
10 cold Isa and I Verm P M sold some eggs got a jag hay east ¼ a m saw a little wood at noon
11 Allen and I got 2 loads straw at Maskells cold east wind
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12 I got load straw and a load dry wood Ruth Henderson here p m Allen caught a Jack rabbit
and a magpie last night
13 cold clear calm got a load of straw and 1 of wood Allen school
14 cold east wind about 10 below got a load straw a m and a load wood east ¼ p m
15 cold and stormy lots of wind from east Verm a m clean stable [ m
16 cold but calm nice got a load straw a m draw wood p m Jean come home evening
17 10 above but cold got a load hay Isa Jean and I Verm p m Ruth Horlicks came out with us
18 got a load straw took Jean and Ruth Horlicks Verm to catch bus at noon put a split load
single box of Lloyds wood in cellar cold wind East
19 got a load straw a m and a load dry wood p m west wind 10 above all to school
20 cold took ampron off ram got a load straw ½ of it old and ½ new got a load wood east ¼
21 30 below got a load straw ½ old and ½ new Allen walk school
22 took cream Verm warmer today got straw Allen walk school
23 grand only a few degs frost Allen rode to school Gus out for a visit got a load straws am
and one of wood pm 3rd load this week
24 Allen and I got a load hay used Dandy Isa went town a m I went p m Jean came today
grand day
25 Allen and I got a load straw at Maskells A M and took Jean in to catch bus not so much
warm today light north wind
26 clean stable a m and saw wood got a load dry wood about 12 loads this winter
27 grand got a load straw about ½ of it old straw and the balance the last of one new stack got
a load of wood
28 clean stable A M got 14th load of wood P M grand day little colder today still above zero
29 Nice Isa and I took cream Verm a m sold a load sand got a little hay P M
30 got a load straw at Maskells and help Gus board up piece on lean two Jean came home
tonight
December
1 I took old red sow to Moses and bred her Ruth Horlicks came out tonight Isa Jean Allen and I
took cream Verm Gony went with Clif McCreas
2 Allen and I got a load hay a m took Jean and Ruth Horlicks bus put a jag straw in barn Mc
Kenzie brought Carter disc here grand day
3 Arthur McKenzie cleaned wheat for me I got a jag straw at Maskels nice today
4 Arthur McKenzie finished the wheat about 45 bushels clean wheat got ½ jag hay Isa walk in
to Verm to see Winnie at dentist
5 clean out pig pen and Gus and I got a load of long small poles to put a manger in shed
6 little colder about 10 above took the smallest white sow to Moses got a jag poor hay left on
rack for cows
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7 8 above Isa and I took the cream to Verm Gus and I got a load of poles clean stable and put a
little straw in barn
8 about 10 below Isa Gonny and I went to Verm P M put a load straw in loft Dave Blondell
brought out 2 ton Wild fire coal at noon met Jean on bus at 6 00
9 Allen and I got a load hay cold about 5 below took Jean in to bus at noon
10 got a load rye straw and left it on sleigh took Isas lame pig Moses but couldn’t breed her
11 gave the rye straw to the horses and got a load oat straw for the cows A M saw wood PM
12 got a jag hay fed some to calves bulls and took to lambs over to Davies butcher shop got
them dressed 32 and 33 lbs each cost $2
13 got a load of our straw put some in loft and fed balance Isa and I went to Verm PM cold I
went to Colledge
14 40 below this morning got to buy 2 bred Suffolk Chapman brought out the two bred ewes
Allen and I bought at $12.50 each got straw and hay Jean got home evening
15 40 below Isa Jean Allen and I Verm p m got a load rye straw for horses and a little of our
straw for cows sold 4 live roosters to Clarence Barr and 3 dressed to butcher
16 very cold took Jean to bus and got jag straw our stack Marg phone from Calgary eve
17 little warmer about 25 or 30 below zero Allen walk to school Clarence Barr here got a load
rye straw for horses
18 3 above zero got a load of hay A M Gus help to put half of it in loft Marg phone and Isa left
to get John and Barbara at Edmonton at 6 eve
19 got some old straw and some hay to feed sheep calves and cows Isa got back at noon with
the kids I met them 3 above this morning
20 about zero got straw and hay
21 50 below this morning Allen went school a foot and got back about noon he and I drove into
Vermilion p m about 30 below
22 25 below C Barr got Edna 100 00 a m Isa and I went Verm p m Jean and Jack came in car
at night cold wind about 14 below
23 about 4 below Allen and I got first load straw Stanley McCreas I bought a stack from Little
$8 00 Jack and Jean went to Horricks evening
24 30 below this morning and went up to zero got a load of hay a m and the second load of
straw McCreas Bert Winnie and Philis also Jean and Jack came this eve
25 about 12 above today Bert Winnie and Philis also Jean and Jack left after dinner Mrs Gould
Maggie and Marg phoned Marg is at Calgary and kiddies are here
26 5 above Davie Shields brought 11 bus barley from Joreys at 54 ¼ and put it through his
hammer mill for 5.00 Allen and I got a load straw at Stanley McCreas and saw some
wood P M
27 5 above to ten at noon Isa and I went to Verm I paid Jory for 110 bus barley $60 Paid Little
8.00 for straw on Stan McCreas got a jag straw a m
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28 Allen and I got a load straw at S McCreas shot a Jack R 38 40 I went to Verm for Margaret
PM
29 Allen and I got a load straw at S McCreas a m and Isa Gonny and I went to Verm p m
30 Allen and I got a load straw at McCreas the sixth one got a jag of hay P M Jack Tucker and
Reasbecks here for a few minutes 20 above set traps
31 about zero shot a rabbit got a load of straw “7th” Jack and Jean went to Verm eve to get
Ruth
The book had many enclosures There was a negative with torn edges of a steam engine
pulling a train of 7 wagons of grain. There was a photograph of many of the Wells brothers
and their families, 22 people including Hartford, Stewart, Norman probably Egbert Kathleen
and Grandma Wells plus many children.
In the front, extra space was used to summarize “Allen to University in 1947 to 1951.
In 1950 (actually it was in 1951) he flew to Yellowknife to run the plots for the
Dominion Government. In 1951 Ed Yearbook.”
There are classified advertisements glued in for raspberry and blackberry plants and
one for a high-achieving purebred registered chestnut Belgian stallion
The book is noted as being ‘the first year on the Radditz place’ and the phone number R 1405
Cranked out as “4 shorts and a long”
The book had seen much wear and submersion which made it terribly hard to read/
Here so ended the diary of the year 1945.
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1946
Margaret sent me this book from Calgary, Dec. 22, 1945
January
1 Ruth H came down on bus and went with Jean and Jack to a dance at town night then they
came out here 20 above a grand day got 8th load of straw at S McCreas shot a rabbit
Jack Jean and Ruth went to Horricks
2 40 above today Allen and I got a load straw A M Isas lame pig on tear 9th load straw
3 20 above up to 30 above took Marg into bus got sack meat meal Allen to school sent rabbit
skins
4 about 10 above got 10th load straw nice day Gus came back 3rd
5 about 0 got 11th load straw at S. McCreas Jean to dentist Isa and I to Verm
6 20 above grand took Jean to bus got 12th load straw from S McC
7 20 above Allen walk school I got a 13th load at S McC this is wheat straw
8 20 above grand day Allen walk school got 14th load wheat straw took Gonny to Verm to get
her hoofs trimmed
9 grand Allen rode Rex about 20 above grand sold heiffer calf 2 months old $25 00 got 15th
load of straw
10 20 above snow got a 16th load of barley straw and saw some wood Allen rode to school
11 colder about zero got 17th load straw 3rd wheat load Allen rode to school
12 zero got another load wht straw 18 Isa and I Verm Jean came up to Horricks 8 a m
13 20 above to zero eve got 2 loads wht straws – 20 Jean went back to school on bus at noon
1st egg
14 22 below saw wood Allen walk to school
15 5 above Allen walk to school Isa John and I V. got 235 bran cost 2.10 nice day
16 nice Allen walk to school I got a load barley straw
17 30 above at noon I took black bull to Verm for Tucker 425 lbs to get $45 00
18 about zero but a terrible stormy east wind Allen walk school got 22nd load straw McCrea
19 2 above but a terrible day west wind Allen and i got a 23rd load of straw Gus went town eve
5 eggs
20 Allens 15th birthday zero to 10 above nice got a load rye straw for horses 24th straw for
cows 3 eggs
21 10 above nice 9 egs Allen walk school Gus came out Isa and I Verm p m
22 10 above and snowing Allen walk school got 25 load straw put cistern pump in well in
cellar 5 eggs
23 30 above at noon grand got a load rye straw for horses 26th at S McC 7 egs Gus quit at
night
24 nice a m turn colder p m I went Verm p m and got 1400 barley $16.25 + 1.50 chopping
slippers from Jean 7 egs
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25 20 below clear cold Allen walk school got load rye straw horses 16 eggs
26 Jean got home at 8 a m Allen and I got 26th load S Jean Isa and I went Verm got 1180 coal
4.73 $45 from S T 13 egs
27 above zero Ruth Horricks walk out this morning & went back with Jean at noon I went to
Brak place 14 egs
28 below zero East wind load rye straw for horses and a load barley st for cows Ruth here
Allen school 17 egs
29 got a load rye straw for horses Ruth went home today 10 below to zero clear nice 20 eggs
today
30 got 28th load straw at S McC below zero and some snow Allen walk school 17 eggs
31 got 30 bus barley Jory 1.00 for chopping Allen walk to school Gus came out 21 eggs cold
about zero
February
1 got 29th load straw S McC below zero east wind 24 eggs
2 20 below east wind Gus went town 24 eggs
3 16 egs about zero nice got the 30th load rye straw for horses
4 30 below this morning calm clear isa and I Verm Allen home I saw a little wood 17 eggs
5 30 below calm and clear 18 eggs got load rye straw for horses
6 zero to 10 above Allen to school saw wood a m got rye straw p m 23 eggs
7 20 below to 10 below clear and calm got some hay 23 eggs Allen walk school
8 10 below to 10 above Verm Margaret came 23 eggs
9 grand above zero got 31 load rye straw S McC Allen went to show PM I got rye straw 21
egs
10 20 below got very little hay got a boar from Moses 29 eggs
11 Allen stayed home 30 below clear calm got load rye straw for horses town got 40 bus
barley = $16 19 egs
12 19 egs 15 below up to town got 16 60 Wildfire coal Allen waqlk school one small sow
maybe
13 15 below to 10 above Allen walk school I got jag hay a m rye straw for horses 23 eggs
14 zero to 10 above got load hay put in loft 21 eggs
15 grand 20 above to 30 above took 160 and 180 lb hogs to Verm and home 20 eggs Jean and
Jack came
16 nice about ike yesterday Jean and Jack went Vermilion Allen and I got32nd load rye strw
21 eggs
17 about 25 above got 33rd load straw took Jean and Jack to bus rye straw horses 25 eggs
18 about 25 to 30 above Verm 30 bus barley cost $19 00 15 eggs’
19 ero to 20 above grand took Marg and the kids to bus the lame sow sawed a little
20 8 below to 20 above took a load of dirt out of pigpen got hay for cows
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21
22
23
24
about the same asw yesterday got some hay for cows and rye straw fr horses
nice abot the same as yesterday Isa and I Verm
put load hay in loft and got straw for cows and horses got Jean 6 00
Allen and i got a load rye straw for horses and a load oat straw at Maskells took Jean bus 9
eve
25 10 above to 20 above snow a lot all day allen walk school I had a holiday
26 8 below to 10 above got rye straw for horses and some hay for cows went town P M Allen
school afoot
27 zero to 10 above NE wind got some hay and straw AM and some rye straw PM
28 15 above to 30 above grand town got 30 bus barley for 16.30
March
1 took a 200 lb pig Verm got $20 advance 46 above noon drifting pig 23.99 = 131
2 9 above to 20 above got hay and straw and saw a little wood
3 9 above to 20 above Allen rode Rex to Jiles and got a letter from Marg nice and clear
4 9 above to 36 above grand isa at Verm
5 nice thaw very little also drift some got rye straw and some barley straw for cows
6 colder today about 20 above got straw for cows and horses
7 17 below to 10 above snow little S E town got 30 bus oats 1.00 for chopping = 18.00
8 7 above to 20 fed cows and put last of our straw in loft Jean got home on oil truck
9 10 above to 30 got some hay and straw Jean and Isa walk Verm before noon I went in and
got her Jean and Jack walk out and back in
10 up to 40 above calm got jag hay and rye straw
11 got a small jag old barley straw S McC grand day 40 above
12 20 above Isa and I town bred white sow long nose
13 30 above grand got rye straw and a jag of barley straw at S McC
14 30 above took 3 pigs Verm 520 lbs got $50 + 7 no bonous
15 34 above grand bred lame pig got load straw S McC stack
16 Allen and I got a load straw S McC first lamb
17 got small jag straw S McC stack am rye straw for horses grand day
18 Bessy first calf a female grand got 40 bus oats 18 00 + 1.00 chop took load out of hen
house
19 snow soft all day got very little straw McC clan hen house Fanny a bull it died
20 grand got little straw S McC got $57 for the three pigs shipped last week
21 town got 46 bus oats and got it chopped $27.45 grand day
22 grand got little hay and rye straw clean calf pen Allen got 85 cents for calf skin 10 lbs
23 grand got little straw S McC Isa and I Verm bill fell through river ice Jean came home eve
24 grand Allen and I got a jag straw S McC Lloyd also A McKenzie got into here with cars
today took Jean to bus buggy
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25 grand got jag straw S McC and also rye straw for horses Bill Annett brought 2 skunks
26 took a full can cream Verm sent Marg 2nd crate eggs 10 doz Allen skin two skunks and was
sent home from school
27 grand got a jag straw S McC two fellows here from Minburn bought 4 cows $400 got
small jag straw S McC
28 bred old sow pigs 3 days old gave them iron Mothers sow 10 pigs PM
29 colder East wind Isa and I Verm buggy
30 Bred Isa’s pig and gave iron to little pigs cut the black bull calf Wendy had a bull calf this
morning
31 snow little Friday and sat
April
1 town waggon got some bran and shorts 4.95 got radio battery and car battery
2 got jag straw S McC J Kufeldt got the 4 cows evening
3 went town buggy gave Lloyd $300 on place 3 year old H calf
4 clean pig pen and stalls went to Verm to a sale P M colder today and cold at noon
5 Gonny and isa got livery to take them to Verm and out I put truck together 50 aove today
6 got load dry wood waggon 2 lambs dope cows warbles Isa and I Verm
7 put 10 cattle and 12 horses and colt up on east ¼ Put rack on waggon had my pigs out Mrs
Jiles and family out tea
8 got a load dry wood Ken McCrea phone the horses were out Allen and I went to look for
them eve
9 Isa and I went up and fix fence Cliff McCrae got the Carter disc bred lame sow 10 good
breed
10 Verm A M disc little P M grand day all the little igs out P M
11 grand day disc little 2 horses all the pigs out ice went out of Saskatchewan river 3 37 pm
average
12 grand sowed two pails fall rye and spring wheat disc little and drag some 2 horses
13 got a ¼ load straw S McC a m town p m Allen shot his first wild drake with his new gun
phoned Berty front
14 put load oat sheaves in loft ewe a pair lambs eve grand day 50 above
15 Martin came out and fix pump $7.50 town got 40 bus oats and chopped $19.05
16 young ewe a ewe lamb harrow pig yard
17 dis two horses east ¼ ½ day
18 Isa and I Verm waggon Jean came home for easter I went College
19 nasty east wind drove truck a little Jory & McDonald here Jack H took Jean home
20 test cows a m pair lambs a m Gony and isa went Verm with Myers Jean Jack Bert and
family came
- 271 -
21 west wind rain very little Bert went home Jean and Jack went Margaret Horricks bred 2
cows for Trost $5
22 bought a 7 foot disc from McKague $10 00 fix a little at it p m
23 Ruby Little married Verm took cream and got some repairs for disc $4.50 got 4 horses off
McCrea Isa and Jean town P M
24 McDonald read cows A M one of the old sows 9 pigs died P M S McCreas cows here we
fix disc and saw wood
25 disc a little a m and plow p m on barley
26 College ewe 2 ram lambs a m took cream Verm a m Porter got yearling bull for B Myers
30 doz eggs bees cost $6 00 package
27 Isa and I Verm got 2 good pkgs bees & 2 damaged 700 shorts $7.00 Allen rode Rex in for
2 games
28 McCrea brought 4 of our horses home Jean went back to teach Allen and I fix fence north
side east ¼
29 perfect day got panch of Merkel plow some p m
30 rain last night colder took cream to town plow p m
May
1 Allen got second queen bee Bill Annett plow for me today $5.00 Isa and Gonny to a tea Mrs
Giles
2 rain very little a m Plough finished the barley p m
3 plough today took the last of the 5 pigs Verm after supper weigh 200 got 20 adv
4 Verm got 49 bus oats $21.67 Jean and Jack here they went tonight
5 Wilfred Symington bought Harold Morse up and took our 1 ½ ton ford truck to Irma They
traded it for a Chevrolet touring
6 I took team to Verm got a new whiffle tree put $375 in Post Office Plant trees disc a m
7 leveled some on the plowing turned cold put the rest of the feed in loft
8 froze hard blow snow fore noon
9 leveled p m Isa to hospital to see her mother It froze hard at night
10 drag a m and plow a piece for new garden
11 Isa Jean and I took cream to town 2nd 100 pig starter
12 took Jean to bus a m Allen and I fix fence p m east ¼ north line Ernie Sherman look at
bees
13 froze ice last night plant spuds
14 Isa and I Verm got 810 lbs shorts $8.10
15 start to plow east ¼ a m rin p m
16 Plow short day
17 Maggie came with Jean on bus plow little Jack Reasbeck came up and went back
18 drag a m all town got 40 bus oats $18.00 got 300 seed oats from Jory
- 272 -
19 Mr and Mrs T Henderson here and Alex took Jean and Jack to bus eve
20 plant 100 strawberry plants a m plow east ¼ p m used dandy on drag
21 Robert Thompson came out from Verm plow little
22 shear sheep eve plow little Karns from Colldege out
23 finished the piece plowing east ¼ Jean got home for supper
24 disc sent my watch to Pollock 25 for repair Jack went to horricks
25 Isa and I Verm got 770 shorts 100 pig starter block salt battery file Bills teeth
26 Jack and Jean came last night and went to Manville after dinner
27 disc used nellie
28 disc a m used Nelly levelled p m
29 rain little last night and today disc little A M plant 14 maple trees
30 rain all night and some today Isa and I town waggon bred Wendy
31 rain Gus out and stayed for visit
June
1 Allen Isa and I Verm got 41 bus oats cost 18.70 + 1.25 = $20.15 Jean Robert Thompson
came out with isa taxi
2 – 4 rain all night Jean and Robert got taxi take them in pigs last night short tail sow short
nose bred 11th February got Bill Annetts drill and seeded 3 acres wheat on east ¼ rain a
lot last night seeded 7 acres of Ajax oats John sent me and 5 acres of Thatcher in the
middle of the iece total 15 acres east 1/4
5 Little started to till and seed Thatcher wheat for me at noon I put in some posts for new
garden
6 rain all day grand fix some whiffle trees Allen to school
7 Little seed and till P M Isa and I Verm P M got 150 bus oats brought out cost $3 cartage
8 Jean and Jack here today Little seed little P M
9 Jack and Jean went Horricks P M rain last night nice today
10 Little finished seeding 34 acres wheat this ¼ and did 11 acres oats east ¼ and some this ¼
11 Little finished tilling this eve tally 82 acres Little called it 40 acres
12 Gave Little $50 00 for the tilling
13 Drag
14 drag Jean got home for supper thunder eve
15 Isa Marg Jean John Barbra town John stayed in shipped the lame cow C.O.P. 990 weight
12 page coloured map insert
16 Nice Jean at Horricks Allen and I up to east end east ¼ got a piece of pig wire
17 sold a 2 year old sheep 117 lbs at 15 cents = $17.85 bought 50 bus oats and got them
chopped
18 got some posts and sharpen them
- 273 -
19 Little brought out 3 tons coal Isa and I Verm a m got a new tongue in big waggon and some
chicken (tongue spelled his old way “toung” and then corrected)
20 building a fence for lane north side this ¼ very hot and dry
21 fix a little more fence p m Allen to town to farmers picnic cultivate garden a m
22 Isa Jean Marg Barbara and I Verm Jean went to Jack Horricks rain very little
23 Marg and kids went to Reasbecks to catch bus for Edmonton in the morning rain very little
24 town got returns for lame cow $29.99 clear rain P M
25 got some posts and fix new fence north side bred a black cow for Maskell
26 rain little more fix little fence
27 clear fix a little fenced north side garden
28 fix a little fence bred third cow for trost Allen town for mail turn Nellie Jiggs and Punch
on east ¼ A M
29 repairs for mower 4.69 shorts 6.55 Isa Jean Jack came out 12 night
30 bred a blew cow Little and Holstein for Trost a m Jean and Jack went to Horricks P M
grand day
July
1 Isa and Allen went to Manville with Jorys I fix fence very warm
2 fix fence census man here
3 took wool town a m got a load posts and fix at mower Jean came home night
4 fix at mower a m fix a little fence north of stock yard
5 young sow 6 pigs a m Isa and Allen town I cut a little hay p m shower morning
6 $16 00 advance on 4 fleeces of wool 785 shorts $7.85 Isa Jean I Verm P M 10 lbs red clover
seed $4.50
7 rain nice shower last night
8 Isa and Allen went on bus for Calgary fair I rake hay a m Jean went to dentist p m
9 got a load hay and put it in loft 1.00 waggon clear and very hot
10 put the load hay in barn a m Jean to town and back I plowed north of hen house 2 horses p
m
11 plow new piece of garden very hot
12 plow AM Verm PM 4.10 shorts Isa and Allen got home from Calgary eve 50 lbs sweet
clover seed
13 Isa Jean and I Verm P M plow A M 2 horses north of hen house wean 1 pig 6 weeks old
14 fix a little at raske Allen and Isa 20 lbs saskatoons p m rain a grand shower
15 took cream Verm out to Bartons and disc garden p m rain last night and this eve
16 seed a little sweet clover seed disc and drag north of hen house Isa and Jean and Allen got a
pail of saskatoons
17 seed 3 ¼ acres oats north of hen house Allen got mail
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18 I went Verm with Jack about 1 o clock and went to Edmonton for glasses got back at 4 05
rhis morning
19 Allen and I took cream to Verm P M George Webb got a dry sow before breakfast today
20 Isa and I took cream into Verm P M Jean and Jack went at night
21 Allen and I got about 20 lbs saskatoons A M terrific wind P M got my glasses 22 cost $25
00
22 Allen and I took a yearling lamb Co op got 120 bran and 400 shorts = 300 fair tickets
23 cut hay nice froze last night
24 Allen walk to town and got mail cut some hay rake a load and put it in loft sold the Hazell
Perfection Powell $100 Trusak
25 Isa and I Verm got 51 shorts and a pocket ben from Pollock Jean and Jack to fair p m
26 All but Allen to fair Mrs Little took us in and out grand but dry
27 Isa Jean and I Verm Isa and Jean to fair Allen eve Jean and Jack at night 300 shorts
28 Jorys all out eve Jack all day very hot
29 Jean got a hair curl I went bee day at Colledge Isa took Gonny to hospital
30 long nose sow 9 pigs we put a load hay in loft & 2 in stack Jean sick
31 Allen and I help Bill Annett stack on river bottom Isa walk to town Jean nd Jack went
evening took egs Bowtell
August
1 Allen and I stack on river a m lame sow 12 pigs at noon Wendy running
2 Isa and Jean to hospital eve We got a few saskatoons at P M town shorts 4.40 sickle stone
2.30 twine 10 00 cut some wild oats p m
3 Isa and i Verm P M rake wild oats A M Isa at hospital night C McC Jean town night Jack
4 Jack H Isa Jean Allen I went to Irma with Arthur McKenzie and his mother cost me $5 for the
trip
5 Allen and I Verm p m 489 lbs shorts and a window for the barn seed S clover a m clean
6 Allen p m cut a ram lamb stack 3rd load hay 1 load and a small one p m cut a little
7 rain very little at night some a m a lot p m put in some posts in stock fence
8 Isa and I town p m took cream and went to hospital to see Gonny Jack came eve and took
Jean to show
9 Jean went to Verm Allen and I finished stock fence and put a new post in west corral gate
10 all town Allen and I to picture show got 650 shorts and 95 bran 7.35 Allen went hospital to
see Gonny
11 Jean went to Manville on her way to Irma on 10th Allen and i over to S McCreas Allen went
to hospital in a m
12 Allen and I took cream to town a m and put a load on stack waggon Winnie and Phylis
came here rain night and nearly all day
13 Isa took Winnie and Phylis to dentist taxi 9 o clock a m and stayed all day
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14 I cut a little wild oats nice day
15 Put a load hay in barn and one in stack Symington got Winnie and Phylis this p m Isa went
town with them rain hard nearly all day
16 left cows in all night tonight nerly 3 inches of rain
17 clean stable a m Verm 12 bushels oats @ 44 ½ = 5.35
18 nice day fix a little fence east ¼ turn a little hay got 2 frames honey
19 Isa and I town got Gony went to Bill Annetts to put up hay two wet got a load dry wood
and saw some Jean got back from Irma 1 a m
20 stack 2 loads feed and went to town got 300 shorts and a new tub
21 cut some hay and some wheat and wild oats grand day Jean walk Verm
22 rake a m and stack 2 loads p m total about 10 loads in stack
23 town got 805 shorts stack 2 more loads about 12 Wendy on tear
24 shipped Jim and June to Edmonton to can Verm p m John Allie Eveline and Mr George
Golloway came
25 John and Allie George and Eveline Golloway went noon sold 10 little pigs to Ernest Jack
Kitscoty fat sow 9 pigs A M
26 Allen and I town got 635 shorts cut wheat and wild oats mower
27 cut little wood saw and rake the hay P M Isa and Jean town P M
28 Isa and Jean Verm A M we got a load hay A M 1 P M gave Arthur McKenzie 5 00 for
cultivator took long nose sow to Moses
29 stack 2 more loads about 16 now up got a Massey Harris spring tooth cultivator A
McKenzie
30 Allen Jean and I to Verm Allen rode Duke all to McKenzies sale P M sold Dandy and
Prince to Cocks 50 00
31 all to Verm P M cut some wheat and wild oats for feed got returns for June and Jim shipped
to Edmonton $31.06 clear
September
1 put a tongue in cultivator I got from Mr McKenzie Jean went to Horricks 31st Jory out for car
repairs
2 started to cut grain P M Allen stook very hot lots mosquitoes
3 Allen school Isa Jean and I Verm got 475 shorts and Margarets chesterfield Cut little P M
4 got feed for sheep and horses cut little p m
5 rin all dy clean stable fix neck yoke Cocks got Prince the sorrel three year old
6 Isa and I Verm got the pig at Moses and a crate of peaches from A. Tweedy at Peachland B C
7 farmers strike today Isa and I Verm led duke and Allen rode him Jack H took Jean Verm and
home after 10 o clock
8 Allen and I drove duke and Nelly over to Davie Shields duke on left hand side open bridle
9 went town got 88 bus winter wheat and 740 shorts
- 276 -
10
11
12
13
14
15
cut little and fix binder canvis mosquitoes terrible finished the big iece east ¼
stook little A M and cut little P M
cut little east ¼ Isa and Jean Verm got case peaches Wendy on tear
town got 805 shorts and bran finished cutting all but a few oats greenfeed
Allen and is took all day Isa walk to town P M Jack came and got Jean and took her home
Mrs Cummings and Mable Shields brought the extras home Allen and I finish stooking and
fix binder
16 dug spuds cold and cloudy
17 finished spuds a m carrots and turnips good spuds fair all town p m 695 shorts 60 bran
cloudy
18 cultivate garden and plow very little Jean to dentist grand day
19 grand take out honey about 60 lbs
20 started to plow north side this ¼ turn colder used duke on drag
21 all town got 610 shorts sent honey and butter to Margaret cold
22 Allen shot a skunk this morn snow last night and this a m clean stable and took 2 loads out
of corral
23 draw out 2 loads manure plow a little
24 plow little a m and cut a few oats broke the tongue in binder
25 put a new tongue in binder and brought in green sheaves took Nellie Duke to town got box
pairs A Tweedie
26 cut a little green oats cold and damp
27 Plow Duke got out last night so am not dragging
28 put load oat sheaves in loft took a load manure out of corral town P M got shorts 7.45 Jack
came and got Jean night
29 nice put a few sheaves in loft cut a few sticks wood Jean got bck in the night
30 plow a m nice finished cutting oats seeded on June 11 Mrs Cummings brought some berry
bushes Jean went Verm to start in P O
October
1 I plow all day Isa took Gonny to doctor
2 rain all dy I went town and got 630 shorts and 100 middlings 1.45 froze very hard last night
3 clear cold clean out a pig pen
4 cold froze hard last night cultivate garden a m fix ig pen for straw
5 froze hard sold Hugh Morrison 9 sheep and ram 102.50 sent John 20 lbs honey cost 3.60 +
1.25 express = 4.85
6 clear cold got some rye straw to bank up pigs & some green feed Isa took Gonny to hospital
Jean was out for dinner
7 got a load wood a m disc a little p m sold second ram lamb to Eric Parkin Kitscoty 12.50
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8 town got 50 bus barley and got it chopped Isa went to hospital to see her mother pd Isa $25
for 5 little pigs
9 rain or snow a lot today Jean came out for dinner put new rug on kitchen floor
10 got 53.20 barley from Jory 28.76 + 1.50 = 30.25 100 eg laying mash 2.50
11 tried to disc froze to hard Isa Verm her mother very sick got 25 gals coal oil and 5 gals
purple gas cost 7.33
12 Maggie came on bus this morning Isa stayed in all night put a load sheaves in loft a m town
got a box prunes A M Tweedie 9.59 express 30 lbs
13 clear Allen and I fix fence east ¼ P M Isa and Maggie came out about 4 30 Jack and Jean
came out evening for night
14 Jack took everybody Jean Maggie and isa to town Maggie stayed in Allen and I fix fence
east ¼
15 I clean hen house and draw 2 loads manure out of yard some snow left from yesterday
Allen school today
16 Isa went Verm this morning got Jack and kids Margaret operated on Jean came at noon and
Maggie at night
17 Jack and I fix fence a m Jack and Allen gap lake a m Maggie went Verm a m Isa Jack and
I Verm p m got cream can lost since Oct 3rd
18 Allen and I got a load dry wood a m & I levelled p m Maggie went to Verm this morn and
back tonight taxi got me a pipe
19 Mr and Mrs H Anderson here for dinner allen and I saw wood Isa Verm with Andersons
Allen walk home
20 Jean came out a m taxi Maggie went in with him
21 town 6.97 shorts block salt .95 nice day Maggie went in in a taxi and out tonight Allen
school
22 draw some manure Maggie went Verm a m and back this eve I plow p m Margaret phone
eve
23 Maggie went town a m Isa and noon when Jean came Jean went back tonight Isa and
Maggie came out I stack load straw oats
24 I stack 2 loads Isa and Maggie went Verm Maggie went home on bus at 11 a m
25 I stack 3 loads today all home but Allen
26 Allen and I stack 2 loads a m I one and a piece P M Isa to town and Allen to picture show
PM
27 Allen and I put last load on two stacks Isa Verm Jean and Jack went in eve
28 770 shorts Allen school cold river nearly frozen over
29 stack one load wheat and put a jag green oats in barn they drew all the gravel away (There
was a gravel pit just cross the road and at this date excavator and trucks came and left it a
hole)
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30 stack two loads wheat Jean came out at noon and Isa went in Allen walk to school quite
cold
31 stack 2 loads oat hay nice day
November
1 home today we got up 5 loads ajack oats shipped black Holstein steer 3 sows 2 pigs cold
windy Allen stayed home
2 Isa Barbara John and I to Verm P M kill pig 160 dead stack 1 ½ loads oats finished
3 sold 6 pigs nine weeks old $48 sold 8 pigs 4 months old $64 = 112 Cliff McKee paid Isa
$70 mash $42
4 Jean home Allen hospital see Gonny Verm Pd Lloyd $200 on place shorts 540 drag P M
5 put load gravel at barn door and drag P M grand day
6 Reikie brought Isa home from town evening put load gravel at barn door a m seed 4 ¾
acres winter wheat Jean home p m Isa town
7 put 3rd load gravel in front of barn and got a load dry wood at Little hot and dry
8 put load gravel at barn door saw wood P M Nora Ronaghan here lunch paid S Mccrea $15
each for two stacks straw
9 took Nellie Vermilion and shipped her to Edmonton got 815 shorts Isa and kids went with
Litgtles Allen and I got a load gravel for barn and a load dry wood
10 got a jag rye straw and put on the pig pen Jean came out last night she and Isa walk to
hospital Jean stay in Isa walk out p m
11 Allen home today Mr and Mrs Jory out and annoculate 8 head calves and heiffers against
shipping fever Jean went Verm with Fred Leversidge
12 grand day got a load dry wood p m
13 moved Jean to Mrs Mooneys Verm grand got 4428 bush barley Jory and got it chopped
cost $26 our yearling mouley heiffer on tear
14 smallest black heiffer got a load of wood
15 snow Mrs Gould and Gordon here bought Gonnys stove Pretty cold put heater in trough
left cows in
16 Isa and I Verm P M some snow 16 below Gus came out and stayed all night Paid Lloyd
$100 the 4th payment
17 Allen and I got one load straw S McCre snow a little all day and cold
18 put box on sleigh and used it for first time this winter cod and quite a lot snow 6 cows and
white heiffer in barn
19 I went Verm P M took sleigh first time this winter
20 clean and nice Jean came out and Isa walked in P M I saw wood Gus put new scloget at
hen house I put them in about 30 below
21 Gus went Verm back P M I moved chickens to hen house and put turkeys in octagon house
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22 nice went Verm P M got some flooring to fix hall 4.35 shipped a lamb 135 lbs live got
returns Dec 2 $14.04
23 took Isa and kids Verm Jean and Jack came out stayed all night Gus went in and out at
night
24 saw a little wood a m put rack on sleigh got a load straw 2nd at S McCreas Jean and Jack H
went Verm P M eve
25 nice day Webb brought out some coal Burton brought Annetts Hereford bull
26 bred Wendy Hereford saw wood nice day
27 got load straw third Isa Verm Jean out
28 town got shorts 4.35 wheat 3.40 laying mash 2.50 Allen got his glasses
29 nice day not much work Webb and Nestman came out got the last 4 pigs
30 all Verm got 510 shorts allen took his bottles and got me a new lighter Gus went tonight
grand day
December
1 grand day Allen and I got load hay in barn and got 3rd load straw S McCrea Jean stayed in
town today
2 grand 15 above Allen walk school I put toung in two cutters and help Gus put paper on the
hall wall.
3 John Bardy got our ram grand took old sow to Moses P M help Gus put paper on hall ceiling
am
4 great over to Mrs McKenzies place to see about a boot
5 nice Verm got 100 iod salt 1.75 100 oyster shell 2.25 poultry grot 5.12 200 bone meal
6.30 100 lime stone 1.25 shorts 3.70 ink .15 thermoter .49
6 took Isa and Allie hospital P M grand day Allie stayed with Jean at Mrs Mooneys and went
Edmonton at 8 o clock 7 morn
7 Allen and I put a load hay in loft a m Isa and I Verm 7 p m Jean and Margaret came out
about 11 oclock night
8 colder and windy Allen and I got 4th load straw S McC Gonny came home been at hospital
since Oct 6 Jean went in tonight
9 colder got a salt trough made cost 1.00 to make and 1.45 for the plank
10 little warmer Isa walk Verm a m I went in p m got 400 shorts and paid $106.80 1945 taxes
lumber 1.05
11 little colder I felt sick today didn’t clean stable Jean didn’t come home today
12 Allen went school Gus left today
13 very cold Isa went Verm to get hair curl
14 cold Marg went town for dinner Allen and I went p m
15 very cold Jean stayed in town all day
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16 8 below Allen went school I went in p m and got 3 chick grates cold east wind got 45.77
for poultry shipped 17th
17 took 3 turkeys 2 gobblers 2 crates old hens and roosters got the sleigh 10.95 for new
runners laber 3.65 for shorts
18 nice day got a small jag dry wood Jean home got taxi to take her in at 9 o clock
19 grand nearly 40 above got a jag dry wood saw a little a m
20 grand about 38 above got 3rd load dry wood this week
21 grand about 30 Jack Reasbeck came Isa Allen and I Verm got 309 shorts and 1.20 gs got
Xmas tree put load hay in barn
22 Marg and kids left 26 came here 16 Oct 2 egs colder about 7 above zero 5th load straw S
McCreas Jack and Jean came last night and Jean went in for the forenoon
23 I took Margaret and Jack and Barbara and John to Reasbecks for dinner. Team on sleigh
grand day Jack H went in town and stayed in with Jean all day Bred Holstein mooley kill
a lamb and also a pig it weighed 171 lbs dressed 3 egs
24 took Jack H and Isa to Verm got Jeans stuff at Mrs. Mooneys lamb dressed 48 lbs
25 cold and drift snow quite a lot Jean and Jack left for Horricks on bus after tea
26 3 egs Jack cut up lamb and fix snow and colder did chores Jack Marg and Kids left for
Calgary 7 30 evening
27 Allen and I here today just did chores cold clear
28 45 below last night Allen and I went Verm and got mail very cold Jean at Horricks
29 black heiffer white nostril bull calf this morning or last night 17 below Jean and Jack Jim
and Ruth came eve Jean and Jack stayed
30 27 below just did chores Jack and Jean here saw a little wood P M 3 egs
31 6th load straw S McCreas Jack and Jean and I Verm got 500 shorts 150 bran 6.50 Jack and
Jean went back to dance at night 3 egs
There were scattered entries for Jan and Feb and beyond to Nov.
On first inspection, they are accounts which amplify the 1946 entries and are very detailed and
repetitious.
Here so ended the diary of the year 1946.
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1947
January
1 Very cold 6 eggs 33 below
2 Very cold took Jack H in to catch train 8 00
3 Town 30 beef 30 lbs barley Jory 17.50 shipped a pig 2 eggs
4 39 above got 1 load straw Sideaid got load dry wood east ¼ P M 5 eggs
5 3 egs 8th load straw a m 40 above took a sow to Mr McKenzies place and left her
6 17 above to 27 above t night Allen school Isa and I town p m got returns for poultry 300 egg
laying mash 4.50 6 gals gas 1.73 sold ram 15 00
7 4 egs grand tie up the calves for first time got load dry wood east side Mr and Mrs
Anderson here for tea
8 4 egs 17 above took a load out of hen house put a box sheaves in loft got a load dry wood
east side
9 7 eggs 1 a pullet egg about 40 above today finished cleaning hen house and got 3rd load dry
wood this week
10 9 eggs 1 pullet Isa Jean and I went Verm got 1550 Wild fire coal 7.75 little colder5 20
above
11 6 eggs put a load of hay in loft and got a load of straw heiffer small star a heiffer calf this
morning
12 9 eggs snow all day took 2 sows to Mrs McKenzies and left there is 8 there now
13 5 below this morning Allen went to school I saw wood P M 12 eggs
14 23 below this morning I went Verm P M got 380 shorts 120 bran = 4 90 15 eggs
15 10 eggs 19 below clear went up to Mrs McKenzies and took a bag shorts left the 3 pigs
there
16 12 eggs 34 above windy and drifting from west saw wood p m grand warm day
17 16 eggs about 4 above Rex sick this a m Mr Jory and Dr McDonald out in car Isa and I
Verm drifting from SE
18 15 eggs grand 18 above to 39 above plow out road put load feed in barn got a new (10th)
load straw
19 16 eggs nice about zero got 1st sow from Mrs McKenzies took 2nd sack shorts turn colder
with some wind
20 20 eggs 30 below this morning up to 17 below Allen stayed home clear
21 14 eggs above zero Isa and I town got 420 shorts Allen school
22 12 eggs about 20 above got a load dry wood east ¼
23 eggs 30 above town p m got 30 bus 20 lbs barley Jory and got it chopped $17.40
24 14 eggs about 40 above just grand Isa I town sent Marg 12 doz eggs 200 laying mash
4.56
25 14 eggs about 20 above put a load hay in the loft and got a load straw sheep sick
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26 20 eggs took 3rd bag shorts McKenzies Nice about 20 above Allen and I went to
McKenzies and got the oldest white young sow Bill Annett up for lunch p m
27 19 eggs colder about zero just did chores Allen school
28 17 eggs 10 below got 25 gals coal oil @ 24 ½ cents = 6.13 got a new 3 tine fork Macleods
$1.05
29 17 eggs 30 below Allen went school
30 25 eggs 50 below terrible Allen stayed home
31 29 doz and 11 eggs in January 1947 16 eggs today 43 below this morning very cold not
much wind Allen stayed home
February
1 53 below very cold I went Vermilion P M took cream got bread and butter
2 24 eggs 30 below terrible day Jack H walked out last night about 9 p m
3 14 egs 40 below but calm and clear Allen home Jack H walked in to bus eve
4 15 egs Isa and I Verm took our first crate of eggs and some cream Allen school 10 above
zero
5 20 egs about 40 above noon got colder eve and snow and blow took Rex to Verm and turn
him over to J Mix He weighed 672 lbs
6 21 egs about 20 below and a very strong north wind Allen went to school
7 14 eggs 30 below clear calm up to about 10 below town P M Allen school
8 16 eggs 37 below clear calm got a load straw old Mrs Sherwood died last night
9 18 eggs nice 9 above Allen and I got the youngest sow at Mrs McKenzie (been up there 4
weeks) took a sack shorts total 4 bags shorts
10 16 eggs 20 below this morning Isa and I Verm P M got 735 coal = 3.50 Allen school up
to zero noon clear calm
11 15 eggs 5 above to 10 above snow little saw wood Isas cousin Willie came from Ontario
12 13 egs nice about 5 below I went Verm ordered 2 pkgs bees
13 18 egs nice got load straw McCreas 6 degs frost
14 12 eggs above zero took W Tompson to catch train at 8 a m Isa and I Verm shorts and bran
4.35
15 19 egs 30 above got 2 jags hay at Bill Annetts
16 19 egs 38 above strong west wind turn colder eve got jag straw S McC
17 21 egs colder about zero grand Jean and I Verm got 200 hen laying mash 4.50 and a new
pair lether mitts
18 17 egs colder 30 below this morning up to zero noon got a small jag wood and saw little
19 23 egs 29 below calm and clear got a load wood
20 20 eggs 20 below to 10 above at noon saw wood Gus came out at noon
21 17 egs 10 below Isa and I town got 1200 coal 5.30 Jack H came he and Jean went to
Horricks
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22 23 eggs a little above zero but a North east wind clowdy and dull with snow got 3rd load
hay at night
23 26 eggs clear and bright about zero to 10 above got load straw Jack and Jean came out
tonight
24 17 egs I went Verm 30 below this morn up to 4 at noon shorts 3 30 bran 75 = 4 25 Jack
left on bus tonight
25 21 eggs about zero a lovely clear day burton got Bill Annetts Hereford bull a m I got a
load of dry wood
26 29 eggs 20 below this a m up to 10 above saw wood this p m
27 24 eggs 8 above snow little got a load dry wood
28 33 eggs about zero Isa Jean and I Verm p m 44 doz and 5 eggs in February or 544 eggs
March
1 24 eggs 20 above got a load hay river Gus Vermilion p.m.
2 32 eggs 30 below to 7 above clear got straw S cC p m
3 26 eggs nice about zero thaw in sun Mrs Jiles David and Margret out lunch town p m 1970
lbs Wilds fire 9.50
Got 5 bushels Titan barley Bert got me from Eldon Fenton at Irma
4 37 egs 30 below to zero nice clear saw load wood
5 29 eggs 34 below to 6 above clear and nice got load dry wood
6 36 egs 32 below to 6 above clear town got 3020 barley 54 ¾ cents
16 60 1.00 chopping
7 28 eggs 29 below to 6 above S E wind Isa Jean and I Verm P M
8 28 eggs 240 to date 28 below to 6 above cold east wind got 2 loads hay at river
9 37 egs nice zero to 26 above Allen got a cold I got a load straw 16th load straw 1st stack
10 29 eggs nice 10 above to 20 above Gus and I took cream Verm got 2 fork handles + 2
cedar boards Allen home sick
11 35 egs 2 above to 13 above Allen school I saw wood nice
12 33 egs 2 above to 20 above thaw in sun got a load dry wood one of Allens ewes had a pair
of lambs last night and killed one last night
13 34 eggs about 10 above to 28 above got 1st load wheat straw S McC
14 40 egs 10 above to 38 above town got 225 shorts 75 bran 3.70 east wind
15 32 eggs 28 above to 48 S W wind Gus went town P M Allen and I got 2 loads hay at river
16 34 egs 34 above to 50 above got 2nd load wheat straw S McC bred first cow Mar 20 = 21
17 45 eggs 12 doz Verm 8 above to 36 above east wind town 200 lbs pig feed
18 30 eggs 20 above to 46 saw wood Isa and Jean to Littles sale 3 titted cow on tear
19 34 egs 32 above to 50 got load straw S McCrea Prudence heiffer tonight W and B
20 33 egs 30 above to 30 above got load wood Bred 1 cow 21st a heiffer small star
21 41 eggs Isa and Jean walked to town for dinner I went in with sleigh took veal calf got 450
shorts and bran
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22
23
24
25
26
36 egs got last load hay river and a load straw 253 total McCreas thawing fast
39 eggs about 40 above a grand day put tongue in buggy dope cows warbles wean calf
30 egs 10 above to 30 above colder town buggy
36 egs little colder today saw wood p m set a hen
33 egs 31 to 40 above Rob Thompson here for lunch I got a load dry wood saw 2 gophers
Allens second ewe had a dead lamb Bred 5 year old white nostril
27 36 eggs Nice I went town buggy a Mr and Mrs West got into here with car first car this
year
28 30 egs old sow had 8 pigs lost 1 I got a load dry wood at east side
29 32 egs got a load straw a m Allen rode Maud Isa and I town p m Jean went in with Mrs
West
30 32 eggs Jean and Jack got back this a m Allen and I went look at fence this a m and got
load straw p m led Maud with saddle on
31 31 egs 102 doz egs in March I went to Verm buggy colder
April
1 nice sloppy above freezing took 2 loads out of hen house
2 Allen to school and out to little royal snow and rain a m and cold north wind very sloppy
3 town got 5 bus Titan barley from Bert got penicillin for prudence sent crate eggs Margaret
cold thaw very little
4 Good Friday Allen and I clean hen house and move the granary Allen rode Maud
5 Cold 31 above Allen and I Verm got 300 shorts 75 Bert Phyllis Mrs Symington here p m
6 35 today Allen and I got a load straw S McC shot a gopher & magpie Allen rode Maud
around yard
7 Isa Jean and I Verm waggon lead Maud got 70 white leghorn chicks bred three titted cow
pigs out 10 days old
8 Allen Jean and I Verm waggon lead Maud 3 year old got bag laying mash & 58 chicken
the 3 year old had a bull calf just her 3rd calf and 1st bull
9 nice day Allen and I saw wood got 1st turkey egg
10 Isa Jean and I Verm got 5 gals purple gas and a parcel to mar express
11 nice got 2 loads gravel for our road shipped the dry three year old heiffer G Nestman
weighed 1000 lbs Vermilion at 10 cents
12 town alone Allen sick got new batteries for radio and some shorts
13 Mr McFadden took Allen Jean Isa to see Berties baby boy, 9 days old small sow on tear
14 colder today Allen to school Isa and I Verm P M got 25 lbs calf meal found musk rat on
road
15 nice Jean went to dentist p m I put rack on waggon and got some straw Bert Moses
16 Nice got S McCrea to thresh one stack oats about 60 bus and wheat about 40 bus cost me
$20
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17 colder N E wind town buggy Bred the purebred 2 year old Holstein our bull got 114.17
for the heiffer shipped the 11th
18 put load straw in barn bred Ayshire cow S McCrea got 1.00
19 Isa Allen and I Verm got 200 laying mash 4.80 plus 2.60 shorts + 1 00 bran 3.50
20 cold n winds treat cows for warbles 2nd time put small jag straw in loft
21 town buggy cold N wind
22 town got 2 pkgs bees and put them in hives tonight
23 cold wind see 24th I didn’t chop 9 bus and 18 lbs but I paid for it all chopped 26 bus 22 lbs
24 west wind got 39 bushels 40 lbs barley Bill Annett and got 26 bushels and got 19 bushels
and 18 lbs in sacks
25 Nice Isa Jean and I Verm waggon Mrs Jory had a shower for Jean tonight got a new queen
bee one hive has eggs
26 Allen and I got a load dry wood & put a load of straw in loft Ruth Horricks came out with
Jean and Isa and stayed all night
27 nice day I have a terrible sore back with rheumatism
28 got Casky to take me to hospital the first time I’ve been away all night in 7 years
29 (No Entry)
30 not cold but very windy land blowing
May
1 got home from hospital cost me $7 00 besides the doctor Mrs Jiles had a shower for Jean
Jean went in and met Jack bus
2 Jean Jack Isa and I Verm Jean and Jack went to Horricks
3 Allen and I Verm buggy sold 3 doz bottles got 50 lbs chick starter fix little fence stock yard
sow little clover
4 Nice day Jorys brought Margaret and John and Barbary out in time for dinner Jean and jack
came back over and brought a friend
5 I went Verm P M got 100 spruce trees 25 lbs calf meal Jack and Les clean yard
6 make some holes and plant a few trees Isa and Allen town Maggie came
7 took Jean in to get her hair dressed Isa dress and shoes the wedding this P M Bert and
Winnie came up 70 above
8 saw little wood and put some posts in pig yard clean stable
9 Isa and Maggie town taxi Maggie went home Jean home from Edmonton eve town waggon
got shorts Pigs
10 finished planting 100 spruce and plant 2 rows cut potatoes cloudy rain very little
11 colder about 62 above plant third row spuds and watter trees
12 Sent Jean 2 boxes Weibe got 3 sacks Titan barley Gordon James Old I paid 2.10 shipper
paid U4 plow P M
13 Plow all day
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14
15
16
17
18
Plow colder rain very little
seed little titan barley broke tongue out of drill and fix it
finished seeding 9 ½ titan barley and took the drill to Bill Annetts disc garden
put watter on trees Isa Allen Marg John Barbara all town had a taxi 310 shorts
Isa and Gony went Verm with Littles to Mrs McCreas funeral Allen and I seeded 50 lbs
sweet clover and some wheat grass
19 took cream town and got 30 lbs potato seed very cold and windy some rain
20 Bert Moses till he got 3 little pigs Bill Annett seed 25 acres wheat for me E ¼ S piece
21 I seeded 7 acres north side east ¼ and I did some barley very cold and windy
22 finished Bills kind of barley and some in garden and took the drill home about 18 acres
barley about 42 total acres seeded
23 Isa Gonny and I town got 400 shorts and 50 black minorky chicks Mrs McCrimmon
24 rain got Littles garden seeder and put in garden put Garry oats north peas and Lorain on
south got a load dry wood oats up June 1
25 gave Bert Moses 19 00 for tilling or 1 00 per acre and pack got 100 strawberry plants
Merkel
26 town got 100 spuds R Anderson Took sow to Scrogleys P M to late N Wind Jorys out eve
sold lamb co-op
27 Went over to C Young and bought an in pig sow Daisey’s mother 45 00
28 finished spuds there are 10 rows in spruce Isa and I got 200 more S berry plants at Merkels
and put them out see 25th
29 clean stable 2 loads took 1 load out of pig yard and 1 of sawdust G Nestman got me a sow
at C Young and took 2 of ours to town
30 Isa went Edmonton bus Jack had tonsils out the sow I bought yesterday had 7 pigs P M
town 4.25 shortt 13.92 lamb
31 nice put the last of our straw in loft put ring in our bulls nose A M Allen and I town p m
got tongue for mower
June
1 sprinkle Allen and I over to look at Merkels drill watter s.berries cool and cloudy 1st
potatoes up
2 took cream Verm fix a little at drill Allen and I went Verm at night and met Isa of buss from
Edmonton
3 took sow and 7 pigs out of barn and put them in lean to put horses in and expect to plow
Plow little p m
4 plow very little p m
5 fix at drill clean stable rain grand shower evening
6 no school sports Kitscoty got load dry wood east line took cream Verm got 5.20 shorts 9
bran& 10 lbs alfalfa – 4.90
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7 saw wood a m Isa Allen and I Verm got 5 gals purple gas
Clipping inserted:
to produce a pound of honey, four pounds of nectar is necessary. To gather
the four pounds of nectar 80,000 bee trips are necessary to 1,000,000 flowers
8 bred the two year old purebred for the 4th or 5th time cooler cloudy
9 Allen seed 10 lbs alfalfa and 40 lbs sweet clover Lill horse I plow cloudy and cool Mrs.
Little over for trees
10 Plow a little all day warm and dry
11 Plow a little all day about 70 above 1 degree frost last night
12 Above 70 finished plowing to straw stack Mrs Maskell got some rhubarb and roots here
13 drag a little fall wheat Isa and I Verm p m
14 rain a grand rain last night and all forenoon Allen & I town P M
12 page colour map insert – Mexico to China
15 cloudy Allen went Verm to Sunday School
16 took cream Verm a m got 155 bran 1.40 450 shorts 4.50 = 5.90 drag p m nice
17 nice day disc light shower p m got a check 31.27 balance on 2 pigs shipped May 29th
18 nice sharpen saw grease plow & saw engine a m expect to drag drag
19 cut a little wood a m and plow single plow p m
20 plow little a m Isa and I Verm p m 335 shorts 155 bran $4.70 got some strawberry plants
Morrison
21 Bill Annett seed 13 acres ajacks oats for me I plow single plow Allen Verm got camera
total 55 acres seeded to date
22 Allen went Sunday school
23 Elnora Anderson died fix at mower toung a m took ream Verm got back wheat for hens
120 lbs rolled oats very hot a m cold windy evening
24 cut little hay in yard and drag p m
25 Isa and Gonny went to Anderson girls funeral I plow sent Jean 5 dozen eggs
26 cut around yard a m Plow little single plow P.M. Allen home today
27 hoe 2 rows potatoes a m Allen finish at noon all town got check Isla Alberta Pacific
$15.51
28 Plow a m cultivate garden Bill p m and got in first load hay p m
29 Hitched Lilly and Duke on waggon and went to McCreas H. Anderson out and got Isa and
Gonny Rain little
30 Jean and Jack came 29th evening Horricks brought them Allen and I fix Maskells line fence
town got 23 bus oats 11.30
July
1 Jean and Jack went Edmonton eve on bus Gonny church with H Andersson we wattered
trees and clean pig pen
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2 I plow P M Allen got mail A M I put 2 boxes on each bee hive A M terrible wind and
electric storm not much rain
3 took 3 loads manure out of sheep pen a m plow little p m warm and dry
4 Allen Isa and I took cream to Verm a m got bran and shorts 3.80 2 bus wheat 2.15 1 sack pig
grower 1.80 Andersons Islay here tea
5 plow very hot and dry sold Wendy to Edward Stount $200
6 very dry and hot sold the three year old to Walter Trost $150 got $20 advance
7 Allen left about 4 this morning for Calgary I saw wood A M town P M got 40 bushels oats
19.20 + 1.00 chop 2.25 cow spray 1.00 sharpen shear
8 Plow p m single plow very hot and dry rain very little last night bred cows Maskel red
mouley
9 hoe a m electric storm 7th and 8th evening Martin brought mail out
10 bred cow Maskell 10 second cow hoe and fix fence A M Town got 14 bushels garnet and
got it cleaned at mill 1.00 + 13.96 Allen got home evening
11 rain and hail this a m shipped 2 sows G Nestman got returns August 1 $67.71
12 all town for dinner got x ray very hot Sold Podvin 14 little pigs $149 weaners about 10
weeks old
13 clear calm put Jacks washing maschine engine on our washer
14 Allen and I took cream Vermilion got 4.20 shorts +.50 bran = 4.95 Podvin got the 14 little
pigs plow P M
15 Bill Annett seed 7 acres oats barley and garnet wheat a m and six acres rye p m I plow
very hot total 61 acres less the rye
16 plow all day Bill Annett seed about 17 acres rye total 23 acres rye cold and windy
17 I plow a m and drag p m hot
18 Allen Isa and I took cream Verm paid Lloyd $100 on farm
19 I drag the rye twice over Allen Verm p m disc little on slough east side this quarter
20 very hot and dry Allen and I drove out to see crop terrible poor
21 wattered spruce a m 4 cans took balance oats Verm got chopped got sascked big grower
man here wants to cut hay
22 cut little hay very hot and dry
23 Allen took two calves to fair 24th wean pigs born May 30th
24 drain manure out of canal
25 Isa and I went Verm fair nice day Nestman brought the 2 calves from fair for Allen 3 first
prizes
26 Isa and Gonny got taxi take them to the fair for dinner I got 50 lbs broom seed Buckingham
10.00 400 shorts
27 Very hot and dry Bert Winnie and kids up from Irma Carl brought them
- 289 -
28 Isa and I took cream to town got two bags wheat 3.87 got transfer for cow sold July 5 and
sent it to Sloan, Manville
29 (No Entry)
30 Fix Maskells line fence and got a jag hay put it in loft seed 50 lbs broom grass
31 town bought 126 40 Jory $74.10 Trost got cow total $150
August
1 Allen got his exam marks got returns 67.71 for two sows paid $150 and got sack flower very
hot and dry
2 Allen town got mail two fellows from Chauvin here bought 3 cows and bull
3 very hot and dry Maskell took a load hay he cut and raked home today
4 town cream a nice shower a m today Mr and Mrs Savile Chauvin got two cows paid for 3
plus bull $650 Margaret phoned Calgary sick Isa is getting ready to go
5 took Isa Verm she left with Mrs Jiles on her way to Calgary Mrs Jiles on her way to B C
6 Allen and I Verm got the $650 and paid balance on place $250 plus two years taxes $253.08
got 4 X 8 foot posts 3.00
7 Allen and I got 2 loads hay east ¼ put in loft Allen went Verm eve and got mail
8 put two loads hay in loft Maskle cut one of them
9 colder Allen and I draw manure out of sheep pen a m went Vermilion got fair prize money
$17.56 got card Isa “Calgary”
10 Mr Morrison Alex and Bob here for dinner Fred Attfield here p m dry and hot
11 4 degrees frost this morning I cut hay all day Allen pulled weeds out of raspberries
12 Cut barley all day mower Allen in town mail
13 finished barley and little wheat a m rake p m rain very little night
14 Allen town A M I rake barley rain very little P M I fix fence stock yard
15 rake hay and finish barley rain little eve Caskey brought Isa Jean and Barbara out 11 o clock
at night
16 Allen and I got load dry wood AM Isa Allen and I Verm Gus came P M 1.95 shorts
17 nice day just sleep
18 Look for horses saw wood A M Allen got mail fix binder and cut some winter wheat PM
rain eve
19 and a lot last night took 2 year old Holstein Littles p m finished cutting winter wheat and
disc p m
20 cut little wheat mower and got load dry wood Allen Verm a m Gus went a m here since
16th
21 got load dry wood a m cut some wheat p m mower
22 Allen and I Verm p m waggon sharpen mower knives a m dull and cloudy
23 Jean went to Marg Horricks with Mr Horricks and Ruth rain nearly all night and all day
Jean left for Edmonton 8 oclock this morning
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24 Cloudy Mr and Mrs Gillies and Mrs and Mr Bowser here for dinner & tea terrible muddy
25 Allen went town got mail I saw wood and clean stable turn some hay rain several times
26 Allen and I Verm got case pairs A Twiddy also case cucumbers Maggie pairs 1.23 express
got load dry wood AM
27 disc 4 horses east of house Allen town got acceptance U A turn hay
28 disc all day Bill Annett got his drill rain very little cold cloudy Allen went town with
Morrisons eve
29 disc a m cold cloudy all town waggon p m
30 disc a m draw in two loads barley and hay and stack it Andersons brought mail out
31 Allen and I drove Maud 3 year old with Bill Jean and Jack came eve from Horricks with
Jim
September
1 Jean and Jack went 1 30 p m, Mrs Jiles family brought Lila out stack 2 loads hay and barley
2 Allen and I town Allen rode Maud got one load wheat E ¼
3 nice stack 1 load wheat and cut little Gus came back Allen went town and got mail
4 finished cutting wht with mower turn windy eve Black mouley a bull calf eve Died Dec
7th
5 3 bunch shingles Gus Allen and I got load green poles A M for shed town p m Allen rode
Maude and went to dentist got case peaches A T
6 Colder rake wheat west ¼ Put a load in loft and 1 on waggon Gus went town eve 2nd black
a bull calf 7:30 eve
7 rain nearly all day Allen rode Maud Morrisons and back rain a lot all night Barbra sick
8 rain little all day Allen and I town buggy got second crate peaches from A Tweedy and a
sack oyster shell 1.70
9 got load poles for shed a m disc p m Gus shingled hen house Allen town dentist found nest
5 poulet eggs
10 got a load hay east ¼ disc p m cloudy Mr and Mrs D Cameron here evening Gus work at
shed
11 disc a m plow sulky p m Gus and Allen work at shed Mrs. Cummings brought extractor
home eve
12 Isa Allen and I Verm Allen rode Maud and went to dentist Gus work at shed Marg a baby
girl
13 rain all day we fix some irons for drill Gus went Verm eve
14 clear cold Gus went Verm eve Allen and I fix a little fence garden Gus visiting
15 grand crop about 300 from 2 hives got Maskels 2 cows and 2 calves
16 rain little cold fix fence a m Allen and I town p m paid Mrs Maskell $25 for a Holstein
heiffer calf 5 months old
17 snowing a m dug spuds p m nice this afternoon but wet
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18 fix fence east 1/4 a m dug spuds 52 red ones from one bag turn cows on S east corner
19 took 3 bags spuds town 6.95 got little coal 3.23 40 lbs rolled oats Jory 2.30 Allen went
dentist got Allen a coat 9.50 the 20th
20 Allen and I finished potatoes and took 7 bags town 14.95 sold to date 29.10 Gus to town
eve
21 nice Morrisons here dinner took Allen university Gus town visiting turn warmer in night
put yoke on Maskels black cow
22 clean stable A M windy got last load wheat and rake barley in garden
23 rain last night and all fore noon Town P M clear
24 20 degs frost this morning Gus and I saw wood and put wheat of waggon in loft
25 nice today Isa Gonny Barbara Verm P M taxi Gus and I work at shed
26 grand Gus and I fix line fence on Maskell A M put 2 loads rye straw on shed
27 Nestman took sow this a m put 3rd load rye straw on shed A M town P M Gus went Verm
after supper
28 colder but clear Gus went for a visit I fix fence center east ¼ P M
29 Cut frozen oats P M nice day cool very poor crop turn Maud out and put Lill in for to ride
30 grand day finished cutting oats P M used part of a ball twine on 15 acres the third Hereford
bull calf this P M
October
1 stooked the oats 13 acres A M moved the granary out of stock yard to hen house
2 Isa and I Verm got 3 35 lumber and a box apples 2 00 got Jack from Ellott to fix barn
3 got a jag barley out of garden Plow P M Gus work at corral turn Jiggs and Punch out eve
4 put the barley in loft we went town P M got 1260 coal Wild fire 6 45 and a box of prunes
and apples from A Tweedy 1.75
5 Cooler Jack Tucker brought Jack Reasbeck out eve 6th and he took Barbra home Mrs Jiles
took them in for 1.00
6 I got the last jag barley out of garden and a jag oat sheaves 84 sheaves cooler
7 put jag oats on stack A M got 30 bus barley Don Logan cost 18.70 Isa went with me and got
home with Camerons
8 rain Gus and I try to put a sill in barn
9 grand day put 240 sheaves with bees above sheep and the last 40 in the loft total around 800
sheaves on 15 acres
10 rain and cloudy all day Isa and I Verm got 1610 lbs Drum egg coal 7.70 or 9.60 ton turn
cows in grain field
11 grand muddy paid Gus $25 he left I went Verm P M got 1670 Drum egg coal 8.00 Allen
got home eve
12 nice day Lloyd McCrea got generator of his old car
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13 took Allen to Verm to meet Earl Bowser they left 10 after 11 I gave Allen $50 for his three
sheep
14 cultivate 2 horses spring tooth cultivator A M Verm got 1560 Drum lump 8.00 nice day
15 cultivate little 2 horses
16 cultivate little A M Bert and Winnie came for dinner left the kids here and went to town for
a hair curl
17 I draw out a load manure and clean stable Winnie went dentist A M home P M
18 Isa and I Verm I got 44 lbs fertisler 175 gal gas 55 cents nice but windy
19 took big heiffer to H Rose place then to Ranch I didn’t see a bull windy
20 COP came out and kill the lamb 7 months old dressed 70 lbs at 25 cents = 17.50 hide .50
total 18.00 I cultivate 2 horses cold cloudy
21 town got 30 bus barley 59 cents = 17.40 + 1.00 to chop window cellar 2.75 basket grapes
.75
22 Gus came back and put a storm sash in cellar east side I seed nearly 5 acres fall wheat p m
23 finished the 6 acres fall wheat noon and plow p m Isa and Gonny went town taxi Isa got 2
baskets grapes
24 finished plowing east of house and turn Jiggs and Punch out
25 plant 12 trees and some prune plum pits town got 305 lbs shorts 205 lbs bran $6.10 Allen
came home also Jean Jack
26 Allen and I fix fence A M Casky took Allen Jean Jack back to Vermilion at 1 30 Mrs
Pollock came eve “brought my watch”
27 nice quite windy
28 nice day went Verm A M Isa and I kill a pig PM cooler put 50 sheaves in loft
29 cooler today got a bad stomac ache telephone man here trying to fix phone
30 Mrs Pollock went home this morning I went Verm P M plow little bill and Maggy cut the 3
calves 8 weeks old
31 Nice day I went to Lloydminster on bus fare 1.55 week end walk out home at night
November
1 nice plow a little 2 horses p m
2 Symington took us to Irma I put in 4.00 worth of gas grand day
3 Colledge got our milk I clean stable and got a jag dry wood Mrs Bert Gould and Jean out
lunch
4 snow 5 inches all day turn Lill out
5 Clear took buggy went Verm to a live stock sale
6 2 below clear did chores cows still out some sleighs on road
7 Isa and I town waggon 590 lbs bran and shorts 7.10 Mrs Maskel sold her Jersey to Ferguson
$75 took her tonight
8 cold cloudy put box on sleigh got a little feed and took the 2 ewes up to Hughes
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9 Big heiffer on tear no bull Karns got the milk cold clear (Mr Karns lived north of town.
Worked at the College)
10 cold and cloudy I have a terrible cold and chills
11 26 below this morning clear around zero all day
12 22 below on radio Isa and I Verm sleigh I got new rubber boots
13 did chores not much else little warmer
14 about 10 above Bill Annett brought up load hay and had dinner
15 Isa and I Verm got 5 gals gas 1.35 and 100 lbs laying mash 3.00 + 310 shorts 3.10
16 about 10 above dull
17 about 10 above paid Bill Annett 3.00 for one load straw he help put rack on sleigh
18 I had a man today we got a jag straw at S Mccreas and a load hay at Bill Annetts
19 about 10 above got a load wood a m and a very little straw old stack S Mccrea
20 saw wood a m got a load straw S McCrea P M man three days = $3.00
21 man quit went Verm Isa and I Verm p m got 320 shorts $4.15 110 bran $1.25 = 5.40
sent box Jean 20 lbs = 50 cents
22 quite nice Allen got home from Edmonton 8 30 I got load dry wood
23 Mr Morrison and Bob over to send some food to Alex I took Allen to Moses 8 00 o clock
24 clean stable A M got very small jag hay river Edwin Burton help me put it in loft 50 cents
thaw off roof p m
25 town sent turkey to Maggie exp 1.15 got 340 shorts 4.25 grand day
26 7 gals milk today nice Little took 2 pigs to COP (Co-op) for me I got a jag straw S Mccrea
PM
27 broke sleigh shoe town got a new one 3.25 piece for wash machine 50 cents 7 gals milk
28 took 2 year old H to Hugh Rose 1.00 8 gals milk VSA got pig dressed from COP + 21.20
on one I sold them
29 took big black Mouley to Bills and bred her and got jag hay
30 nice got jag straw S McCreas total for 149 lb dressed hog $33.09
December
1 little colder town got new cap pullover mitts renew R Digest 2.75 shorts 5.90
2 saw little wood a m and got a load dry wood E ¼ Margaret phone from Calgary Bert gone
to Camrose to work in garage
3 nice day got jag hay at river P M about 18 above
4 Bred our sow to our boar 18 above got 2 ton coal from Little AM $18 00 saw wood a m
and got a load in bush p m
5 Isa and Gonny went Verm for dinner to English Church Bazar I got load dry wood a m hay p
m
6 got 10 bus barley got it chopped cost 10.70 + .35 total of 155 bran 100 shorts 3.25 100 calf
meal 1.25 sold ten hens 10.00
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7 26 below clear calm hereford calf 3 months old died this evening no milk to VSA today
8 13 gals milk today snow little at spells today got jag hay river Kill some roosters shot at a
coyote
9 8 gals milk zero got jag hay Mrs Jiles and Mrs Bowser here for dinner
10 got jag dry wood 10 below zero Arthur Hugh brought the sheep the 11th
11 8 gals milk Isa went Verm to meet Winnie and Phyllis came out with milk man took pig
town 1.90 got shorts
12 7 gals milk nice bred the smallest black mouley at Bills and got a small jag hay
13 7 gals Isa Philys and I town got 10 bus barley 9.50 grand day sent Allen 10.00
14 cooler little snow last night
15 8 gals nice about 4 above zero VSA truck didn’t come until dark after we had milked
16 7 gals colder Isa went Verm with milk man I took team got 940 bran and shorts Winnie
and Douglas came out with Isa taxi
17 7 gals the last can Don brought out the 2 ewe lambs cost $24 bot a load hay at the river
about zero
18 Kill last 2 turkeys a m took the Holstein mouley to Bill Annetts Hereford [p m
19 about zero clear Isa and I Verm she sold 3 turkeys I got returns for pigs shipped Dec 11
$30.24 minus 1.00 bonis Allen got home 10 o clock bus
20 About 10 above Allen and I got small jag straw S McCrea and a small jag hay at river
21 nice Allen and I Verm a m met Jack and Jean on bus saw very little wood
22 Allen Jack H and I got small load straw S Mccrea about zero
23 Allen Isa and I Verm got bran and shorts 5.40 Xmas tree .25 calf meal 1.25 salt 1.80 paid
Rowbuck $50 on hay
24 Jack H Allen and I got a jag straw and a small load hay
25 Xmas Jack and Jean here Bert Winnie Philys and Douglas here also Irene and Jim Horricks
eve
26 Allen and I put load hay in the loft we got 24th Bill Annett brought me a load straw $3.00
saw little had sheep in pig yard
27 Bert and family left at 7 a m Allen and I got load straw Allen and I Verm got mail
28 snow all day and colder about zero Dr. Stevens out to see Gonny Jim brought Jack and Jean
out eve
29 5 below clean stable a m Verm Allen and I got 10 bus barley Jack and Jean went
Edmonton tonight
30 17 below got 2 very small jags straw clear and calm
31 5 below Allen went town got mail I clean stable A M we got a load straw P M
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12 pages month-by-month accounts at end of diary
Notes on front page regarding Meadow Fescue a flood resistant grass for hay and Lorain oats,
new Lacombe
Here so ended the diary of the year 1947.
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1948
Card pasted in front “ To Grampa love John and Barbara” Dec. 25 1947
January
1 Maskell got his cow saw wood grand day Allen and I got very small jag hay at river Allen
broke his leg at ankle at river Dr. King out Jan 1 p m Dr King got Allen took him to
hospital put a cast on his leg
2 I took a 200 lb hog to Rose got $25 advance got shorts and bran 2.50
3 bought 2 grade hanpshire and suffolk yew lambs he sent them out Jan 29th Isa went Verm
with Alex and Mr Morrison I took team brought out the 2 lambs Carns $24 sold cow to
McGaughy $125
4 Caskey took Allen to bus T 7 15 McGaughy got his cow a m
5 6 above nice I took the last 2 pigs to C O P this p m
6 grand day town got 30 bus oats 2 lb @ 66 cents $19.80 calf meal 1.25 chopp 1.00
7 Isa and I town sent a typewriter to Allen Gonnie $50 00 got 1 dressed pig cost 2.00 to dress
it
8 Jan 1st 48 telephone bill paid today $36.05
9 went Verm got returns for a 200 lb hog $39.62 total with 1.00 premium $40.62 Colder
10 little colder went town
11 cold
12 30 below last night clear and bright got a small jag of hay first I’ve got since Jan 1
13 15 below got a jag dry wood A M and saw it P M Put the two yearlings in stable and Bill
for the night snow little
14 warm and very windy Isa and I to town sent money to the CPR
15 colder clear and calm unload rack A M got load dry wood at sand pit P M
16 32 below this morning up to 10 below S E wind I shovelled the snow out of lane A M
17 warmer snow Verm got 1250 coal Revelstoke 6.70 sent a parcel to Allen and one to Marg
Sent 169.50 Eatons
18 got little straw McCreas above zero
19 very windy thawing west wind about 30 got 1st jag hay second stack
20 Isa and I took 600 potatoes to George 9.00 and 15 dozen eggs got 30 bushels oats cost 20
48 + 80 cents to chop nice no thaw calf
21 warm rain A M saw wood P M It has rained 10 times here in 66 years in January
22 Nice got a load straw the biggest yearling we will call her Edna had her first calf a bull
Jan 23
23 nice our second calf a bull
24 town got 345 shorts 6.78 275 bran 5.20 sent 6 dozen eggs Jean
25 nice got load straw light wind from N W 24 eggs the best day
26 30 below this morning clean bright got load wood at the sand pit
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27 nice town got storm windows for Gonnys room
28 nice got load straw p m saw a coyote Don brought second pair lambs to corner I met him
29 grand day saw wood got a load hay p m Mrs Gould and Jean Mrs Gillies and Chrissie out
lunch left car at corner
30 sheep unload hay snow & blow got a load wood at sand pile
31 Colder Isa and I Verm Manson Barr came out car and paid $150 for Bell I got 10 bus
barley and got it chopped for hens
February
1 20 below up to about zero I got a load hay at river
2 took Bell to corner for Porter went to town got radio battery 50 cents 200 sugar 19.90
bright and clear “bear day”
3 colder around zero got a load of straw S McC
4 terrible day NW wind snow & drift fierce I had a sleep
5 32 below this morning nicer this afternoon I went town and got Isas new power washer a
Coffield Eatons
6 12 below I got a jag hay river about one left caught a muskrat in granary
7 40 below this morning I went to Verm P M
8 about 18 below but a dirty north east wind
9 clear calm and cold saw wood 30 below
10 clear calm little warmer town got 10 bus barley 10 oats 15.15 + 60 cents to chopp
11 20 below this a m but went up above I got a load of straw
12 grand thaw very little town a m got 1870 lbs coal crown 9.70
13 10 below got small jag hay at river
14 20 below town east wind got 1520 stove coal 7.50 valentine from Douglas sent eggs
Marg cake Allen
15 snow little N wind Markel help get a jag straw
16 got little dry wood and saw it P M Paid Bill Annett $6 for two loads straw he brought 1
today and 1 to come
17 colder about 15 below got load dry wood left horses in stable
18 almost 20 below snow and blow terrific day I went Verm a m got 5 gals gas
19 about 10 below all day got a load dry willow wood clear calm
20 40 below this morning up to zero saw wood nice
21 20 below to zero town got 20 bus barley 94 ½ cents for 18.90 chopping .80
22 10 below to zero I got a load straw S McC
23 15 below to 4 above I got a half jag hay river and Bill brought the other load wheat straw
from Herman s Pearsons
24 10 below to 8 above got the last ½ load hay total 18 jags it cost me 69.85 Pd W
Rowbuck for hay
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25 10 above to 20 above town got mail grand day Bill Annett brought a load straw Paid him
$6 for two
26 zero to 24 above but quite cloudy Bill brought the other load straw
27 about zero cloudy and strong snow & blow all day
28 clear calm about zero Verm P M sent 5 doz eggs to Jean
29 20 below to 10 below clear calm got jag straw S McCreas for horses
March
1 28 below to 6 below nasty east wind got load straw for horses
2 town 20 below to 0 got 1690 coal “Logan” 4.70 1170 cost 9.89 got letter from Hartford
3 clear and nice got a jag straw for horses McCreas
4 20 below to 14 above got a load straw for horses S McCreas
5 14 below to 20 above got a load straw S McCreas
6 quite nice Isa and I Verm got a check from Prairie Farm R 54 00
7 about 10 below got a load wood and cut it
8 20 below to zero and windy NW tried to get ½ load straw terrible
9 10 below to 10 below 4030 bus barley 92 ½ cents $37.55 1.50 to chopp bill brought a load
straw $3.00
10 30 below to about zero Bill and I got 2 loads barley straw Bert Moses I gave Bill $3 for
helping me
11 10 below to 20 above grand david jiles out and got Allens 22 $7 00 I got 3rd load barley
straw Bill Moses
12 10 below to 20 above clear calm got 4 th load barley straw Bert Moses $12 00
13 Zero to 24 above Isa and I Verm got 4 gals gas 1.60 new piece for stove 1.45 clock oil
.90
14 18 above to 30 above thaw very little off roof grand got little horse feed
15 4 above to 20 above but clear and nice got a jag dry wood
16 20 below to 10 below I Verm cold
17 16 below to 29 above saw little wood east wind
18 4 above to 30 above grand thaw ½ fish and water off house got jag straw for horses
McCrea
19 10 below to 20 above thaw little in barn yard got load dry wood east ¼
20 Isa and I Verm I paid B Moses $12 for 4 loads straw plus 4.30 for plow share nice
21 10 above to 30 above got jag straw for horses Jean came home t 7 o’clock eve
22 10 above to 20 above saw wood A M snow and blow NE wind first goose egg
23 10 below to 10 above Isa Jean and I Verm colder sent Jean Free Press
24 10 below to 10 above Bill came with one load straw and I paid for 2 one to come next week
Paid $30 for straw to date 2nd goose egg
25 10 below to 10 above got jag straw McCreas for horses Allen come eve
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26 zero to 20 above Allen and I tried to get Lillie no luck got Lill 27 Bill had colic 28 old
sow 2 pigs night
27 4 below this morning to 30 above Allen and I Verm got 1430 nut coal crown 5.60 Took
Jean to bridge eve got Lill off Littles
28 Heifer calf Easter Sunday 10 below to 30 above Allen and I got little straw McCreas for
horses
29 10 above to 36 thaw 2 tubs watter off house Isa and I took Allen to town on his way to
Edmonton
30 Allen hitch hiked to Edmonton and phoned back at 8 20 4 above to 20 clear and bright got
a small jag poor straw for horses shot at coyote
31 10 above to 26 above cool NW wind Isa and I do Little royal College in sleigh
April
1 zero to 20 above nice and bright got little straw for horses vaccinate two Hereford calves
saw 3 gophers
2 little dry wind A M zero to 10 above snow and blow from east terrible
3 10 above to 20 above Isa and I Verm snow like fun all day paid Bill Moses for 5 lbs bees – 2
pkts
4 1 above to 20 above NW wind drift terrible all day got to boxes straw Bert Moses
5 29 below to 24 above noon wind NW change to east and snow little sick sheep gave her
castor oil twice today
6 20 below to 10 above got some straw Bill Moses A M town P M gave the ewe brandy milk
and an egg twice today
7 24 below to 16 above got little more straw B Moses thaw very little bright and clear gave
the ewe syrup brandy milk and egg
8 14 below to 20 above got jag straw S McCreas south wind first lamb eve a Hampshire grade
ewe a ram lamb
9 10 below to 20 above lamb died got a jag straw at McCreas east wind largest Suffolk a
frozen lamb
10 snow lst night zero to 10 above Isa and I town got 4 gals gas 25 lbs calf meal
11 8 above to 20 got little straw McCreas about 4 ft snow yet I have the sheep shut in barn
12 3 lambs 10 below to 28 above got very little straw McC Allens sick ewe had a pair lambs
the smallest Suffolk two – 2 died
13 10 above to 20 above snow little town got ton hay out of jack Tuckers car saw little a m
hay cost $25 ton
14 Porter brought ton hay for me to corner I got it a m put it in loft E Burton got me load wet
straw 5 00 10 above to 30
15 10 above to 32 above S W wind thaw very fast in sun town p m got 16 bus oats Jory 13
00 hill bare of snow
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16 I got jag straw McCreas Edwin Burton got me a load wheat straw $5 00 20 above to 52
above thaw
17 20 above to 48 above Isa and I town sleigh no snow on highway got blankets from
Brandon
18 26 above this morning sleigh 40 broke trail across Maskels for Edwin and me to McCreas
got jag straw for horses shot 2 gophers
19 26 above to 40 light east wind water everywhere and lots snow I had stomach ache
20 snow little last night 20 above to 42 lots watter got little dry wood and saw it gus came out
am
21 28 above to 40 above got little straw for horses at McCreas clen stove pipes Gus help
22 20 above to 40 above draw some manure out of yard terrible sloppy lots of snow yet some
bare land
23 about 32 above all day rain a lot last night I took buggy town first time 1948
24 froze last night 44 above noon Hamp ewe a ewe lamb vaccinate 5 calves and 5 yearlings a
m seed some sweet clover show field
25 no frost last night to 36 clean stable cloudy dull cut tails off 2 oldest lambs and ear of the
lamb from the ewe with twins
26 about 20 above to 30 thaw in sun got load dry wood a m & saw it p m Gus paint for Gonny
27 Isa and I Verm buggy roads quite dry let cows in sand pit 20 above to 30
28 27 to 40 Allen came home on train this morning put rack on wagon and box on other first
car this year
29 Allen start to work at College 26 above to 40 above very strong east wind
30 Allen work at College the second day 26 above to 36 town waggon got Allen stuff from
Edmonton
May
1 26 above to 36 above Allen work at College nasty cool east wind still some rain Gus to
town P M
2 Allen Jack and I took team & waggon up to east ¼ lot of snow banks and lots watter nice set
out some Saskatoon bushes
3 town team got 15 bus barley Jory 15.25 + 55 cents to chopp took Allens clothes to college
he walked in and stayed tonight
4 Allen home tonight for bust got small jag straw at S McCreas Gus fix roof on granary I wore
my boots p m first time 1948
5 28 above to 50 above Allen went to work this morning Jean and Jack left after dinner I got
load wood and sawed it Gus fix partition in stable Little horse here
6 cultivate in garden and draw some manure
7 cold east wind and cloudy moved brooder house and clean hen house let Punch and jigs grain
Gus patch shed a few shingles
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8 cold and cloudy went town also Isa and got 2 pkgs bees Gus quit 18 days board Allen
came out eve
9 cold and cloudy Maskel and I got truck off his place just 5 yearlings Duke Walter Maud and
May on east 1/4
10 nice day draw out a little manure
11 took Bill and Maggie up to S Jaculas got a load barley straw nice but windy SE Allen
came home for the night
12 I took cream and crate eggs Verm a m 4 nose guards 2.12 repair harness and clean stable
PM Allen home eve
13 disc garden and some in field very windy quite cold had all my winter clothes on
14 very cold and windy little rain Isa walk town to get her teeth fixed drag a m disc p m turn
Bill and Maggy in field night
15 Isa and I Verm Isa went to Mrs Maskels funeral I got 250 lbs shorts 4.90 Allen came home
Stuart brought straw
16 nice day had a good sleep got a letter from Hartford last week and answered it 17th
17 town got 40 bus Thatcher wheat Pool 1.39 per bus 55.60 3 per cent dockage cleaned out
at mill 1.60
18 cultivate little 4 horses narrow teeth led Judy Allen home all night went back morn
19 cultivate a m Isa walk town got 40 chickens some plymouth and some Rod Island
20 cultivate a m drag garden and some in field p m
21 drag little
22 Isa and I Verm got 30 bus feed oats 69 ¼ cents = 20.77 75 cents to chopp Allen came
home eve
23 Jack Marg and kids Mr and Mrs George Reasbeck came after dinner
24 Jack and John went on early bus Allen went to work I seed 6 acres wheat first this year
Allen came back eve
25 Gonny Isa Marg Allen and kids Verm to see Governor General I drag P.M. (Allen;peeled
potatoes for the Viscount Alexander of Tunis when he had lunch at the College that day)
26 Bob Minard start to till at noon did little and seeded a bag garnet wheat sold Jack Tucker
two calves 125
27 seed 5 ½ acres garnet on east ¼ some ajacks oats 5 degs frost
28 Plant 15 rows in garden I levelled it a m Bob Minard start on east ¼ at 9 00
29 Paid Bob Minard $65 for tilling also got drill tire set 2.50 Isa Marg Barbara Linda town
Allen came out Paid taxes $125
30 very hot and dry dope cows for warbles cultivate spruce and water garden
31 very hot and dry seed 11 acres thatcher east of house Marg went town got mail Allen went
to work
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June
1 Margaret Linda Barbara left on early bus I seed 9 acres east of house total 26 acres thatcher
5 garnet rain very light shower
2 Very hot and dry harrow all day
3 Isa and I start spuds east of house very hot and dry
4 finished the spuds east of the house and planted spuds in the spruce on the 5th Little took in
sow
5 Isa and I Verm waggon Allen came out with us Got $30 advance on sow Little took in on the
4th cost 1.00
6 Mr Morrison and Bob over for dinner Lill throwed Allen Mrs Maskel over (conflicts with
May 5 statement) rain nice shower at night
7 break a little for raspberys on spruce field and disc it plow very little p m for wheat
8 start to plow up the fall wheat for spring
9 Plow Martin took cream
10 finished the 10 acres used 12 in gang did a good job wrote to John and sent his paper home
11 drag all day very hot and dry
12 Isa and I Verm waggon very hot and dry horses and yearling calves came down from East
¼ tonight
12 page coloured Map section inserted
13 Gus out for dinner wattered spruce a m cut a little hay and put it in the loft
14 very hot and dry Isa and I to Reasbecks sale left team in Verm and got a chance out
15 fix gate on east 14 line & hoe a little mosquitoes terrible
16 Allen came out and brought some apple trees disc very hot and dry
17 fix little fence cut little hay and disc p m
18 rake hay and got in a load Allen came home tonight and brought some plants two turkeys
out
19 Isa and I Verm waggon Allen went to Edmonton came back tonight
20 Allen and I wattered trees and some garden very hot and dry Clarence Wilson here also
Mrs Maskell
21 drag a m rain very little drag p m Big Black calf on tear I thought she was bred last fall
22 cut hay Bob Minard plow on east ¼ S side. Allen came home brought a blue spruce
23 rain a nice shower this a m one Hampshire dead this morning saw wood and fix line fence p
m
24 fix little more line fence west side a m rake hay and got in a load Allen came home to help
unload it tonight
25 Elliott Carson came got 4 coils hay a m got load dry wood p m rain grand rain 5 o clock
Man and Woman in to keep dry
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26 Elliott stayed tonight left this morning rain last night and this morning Isa and I town took
wool Allen came out with us
27 nice day Allen and I dug some raspberry holes in spruce garden Mr and Mrs McBride out
Allen went with them
28 cut the quack in rye
29 cut little quack and cut pig yard cultivate potatoes Allen came out and went back evening
30 cut little hay and disc p m Elliott came this p m took Isa and Gonny to Camerons and got
Allen this eve
July
1 Isa and Elliott pick wild strawberries seed 1 ¾ acres ots Barley rake hay and put in barn rain
grand shower eve
2 seed a little mixed clovers over by the gate where the barley is raked a little and got some
poles for gate
3 Robert Thompson and Elva here for dinner and took Gonny and Isa to Verm I took team and
waggon
4 very hot dry Allen came out last night went in tonight
5 I stook 3 jags hay
6 cut little sweet clover and stack one very small jag very windy
7 cut north of pigs or hen house and stack very small jag
8 Allen left for Calgary Stampede phoned home tonight I rake A M rain PM
9 Isa took gonny to hospital a m I fix granary door and got a load hay P M
10 Isa and I Verm P M got a block salt wheat for hens Paid Karns $200 for a bull calf
(artificially bred from Glenafton Ragapple Architect born July 18 ‘48)
11 Allen got back from Calgary this morning we picked a few saskatoons planted raspberry
bushes I got from B Jiles
12 rain make neck yoke and work at truck axle Maggie phoned eve from Regina
13 rain a grand shower last night and again today took Isa to hospital and I went to College and
got a bull calf from Architect
14 Maggie came A M she and isa went back to hospital P M Allen came eve and John
Reasbeck at nine eve
15 Isa and Maggie and John went to Verm P M I drag some Manure
16 Our bull got out the 16th night and Friday morning I look half a day for him the 17th morning
17 Maggie went to hospital to see Gonny Isa stayed home Isa Maggie and John Verm taxi I
took team Gonny came home I got bran and shorts
18 I rode Lill over to Donald Wilson’s P M Allen and Bob Morrison clean stable they went to
Verm eve
19 turn hay and put a big load in loft Bred Maskell heiffer
20 stack 2 small loads Isa walk town and got Maggies mail
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21
22
23
24
cut hay on rye ground Isa had four Indian kids pulling weeds in garden cost 2.00 for A M
cut AM and got a load dry wood PM
Isa and John went to fair Allen came home and help me stack 2 big loads hay P M
Maggie went home AM rain like fun about noon and this PM Allen came home AM I got
load hay PM
25 Very nice Allen and I plant a few raspberries
26 nice town a m got 5 gals gas and a new smock got a load hay and rake and turns some
27 put two small jags hay windy Allen came home eve
28 start to cut fall rye very hot
29 cut fall rye very windy used ½ ball twine
30 stook little rye and fix a little at waggon axle
31 Isa John and I Verm got 610 shorts 12.20 two new batterys 5.80 new crib
August
1 nice day Jean and Jack came and Allen went back to college eve
2 cut a little grain in garden and some hay Rob and Elva came for dinner and took Jean Jack
Emily back to Edmonton
3 Isa and I Verm Isa got hair cut rake and got pieces for truck Marg Barbara and Lindy came
on bus eve
4 rake a little and got a load hay put it in loft
5 Jack and I put 2 loads in loft and ¼ from garden
6 Isa and I left on early bus for Edmonton had tea with Jean and went to Alleys and stayed all
night
7 Isa and I went to Camrose and stayed all night at Berties
8 came from Camrose after dinner and got to Jeans for supper & went to Alleys at night
9 Left Edmonton at 4 eve and got to Vermilion about 10 eve Allen and Jack met us with team
10 Jack and I went to Verm a m got some bread and some used nails rain P M we work at
truck PM
11 Jack and I work at truck rain quite a lot
12 finished truck Jack left this eve Mildred Strong helped Isa paper Gonnys room “rain”
13 rain very little I sawed wood
14 Allen left afternoon for Edmonton Isa Marg and Kids Verm P M with me in truck got new
reach for truck 3.15
15 Allen got back early P M we got 3 black and 3 red kerrents at Maskells I clean stable
16 fix fence north line put cows on east 80 south side Bred Bertha and Big Black calf Allen
went college morning
17 Isa and I went Verm to vote Alberta election Allen came home eve brought some nails
18 very hot help Bert Moses thresh rye Start 10 Isa got cows off Little p m
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19 help Moses finish his rye thresh 15 bushels for us and help Burton John Carson and Allie
came took Marg Verm for mail
20 John and Allie went home this A M took some things to Jean
21 Isa and I Verm Allen went Lloyd to a flower show
22 Allen and I fix line fence north side in willows rain very little Allen went to college eve
23 fix north line fence AM cut hay PM Bob Minard seed fall rye east ¼ PM
24 rake hay and fix up a little
25 went to Verm A M sent Lindays play pen draw in one load hay and put it in loft Jack
Reasbeck phoned
26 Allen came home from Calgary last eve and went in to Verm with Isa Marg and kids in taxi I
put 2 loads hay in loft Isa came back S McCrea
27 Mildred Strong help isa I got half load hay
28 Isa and I Verm P M Allen came out with us Isa got him a new suit I got piece for disc
plow made at foundry
29 Allen and I clean stable Mildred Strong got milk very warm
30 Started to cut wheat at noon very poor crop Cousic here to buy cow
31 cut little today David Jiles here ‘team’ Edwin Burton here to phone Allen quite college eve
September
1 stook little wheat a m and cut p m Mildred Strong here to try on her new dress Allen went to
Manville to stook
2 I stook AM cut PM sold some old batteries A M
3 finished cutting the wheat the poorest crop I have had here Isa and I town PM sold 200
potatoes $5 00 got pairs and peaches
4 Very windy isa went Edmonton PM 2 30 Dr McDonald Allen got home for supper I stook a
m
5 Allen and I stook 3 small loads wheat cold wind Edward Burton brought his Clyde stud here
the 6th and left him to go threshing bred Maggie
6 stack a small load wheat alone also bred Lill the 9th and Judy the 19th
7 finished stooking some wheat sharpened some posts & put hay p m Isa got home 9 eve
Jorys brought her out and a box cucumbers from Maggie
8 I finished cutting hay today froze ice last night
9 Isa and I Verm p m grand day
10 rake hay and bunch it grand and warm windy west wind
11 rain a lot Mr and Mrs Finlay brought Allen home Isa Allen and I Vermilion took 200
potatoes and 3 hens
12 Linda Allen and I got a load hay put it in barn Allen went to Manville to stook Pd
13 got rain last night and some this evening I got wood Allen came back and we fix fence N
line eve
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14
15
16
17
18
19
dug the spuds east garden not a very heavy crop
put 2 loads hay in loft p m nice day
put 2 loads hay on shed and one on stack Allen went town and got mail for noon
Allen and I stack 5 loads wheat Isa and Gonny Verm P M David out P M
finished stacking what Isa and I Verm P M sold 992 lbs potatoes 24.80 2 hens 2.90
grand day Allen and I put last load hay in loft Holstein mouley a heiffer calf Little tried to
combine 1 ½ acres barley it had been frozen and was to light to elevate
20 we got a load dry wood east quarter
21 Allen left for University this morning Isa and I took his stuff to town sent it express dug
three rows potatoes spruce field
22 dug some more spuds grand day Allen came back from Edmonton tonight
23 rain this morning and last night cooler clear finished spuds
22 dug some more spuds grand day Allen came home from Edmonton tonight
23 rain this morning and last night colder clear finished spuds
24 clear calm extract about 200 lb honey one good the other poor
25 Allen Isa and I Verm A M Allen and I got load dry wood p m Rob Thompson came from
Edmonton eve
26 Allen left about 10 a m for Edmonton Rob Thompson stayed in Verm all night came and
got Isa took to church 7 30
27 nice day got 2 loads dry wood saw coyote shut up the hens and chickens the coyote was
getting the
28 grand day got 2 loads dry wood Annett finished his threshing about 8 this a m
29 colder clear got 2 loads dry wood Martin took cream
29 Nice day got 2 loads dry wood
October
1 grand took 1200 lbs cast iron Verm got 9 00 saw wood a m
2 gonny hitch hicked Vermilion Isa and I took waggon Allen came home a man and woman
here to look at Duke
3 Edwin Burton got his stud colt Green out and bought Holstein bull calf Allen left for
Edmonton at noon
4 grand day got two loads dry wood
5 got 1 good load dry wood a m and one small load dry wood p m rain
6 2 loads wood 1 off east ¼ Mrs Jiles Betty Marg Jean and Betty out for lunch & supper
grand day
7 colder got jag green popular for posts a m took Bells 7th calf 7 months old 540 lbs 50 00
Mildred Strong out and got skirt rain little shower
8 Cold and very windy west wind clean stable took a load out of shed
9 Isa and I Verm P M Allen came out with us nice day got 4 cedar posts Norton
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10 Nice day Allen and I fix corral fence put in a new gate post
11 Allen and I put a load hay in loft saw two large stacks wood Allen left at noon Edmonton I
fix north line east gate
12 Bred Black cow eve town got 1570 coal 9.40 took load of manure out of shed turn Lill
out A M
13 nice got load dry wood AM took load manure out of shed P M
14 got load wood east ¼ Isa and I took a 200 lbs hog Verm P M
15 snowing and colder fix at lean to put in a new sill barn
16 Isa and I town isa went with B Myers 200 chicken feed 3.50 300 shorts 6.00 total 9.50
17 bred cow with bell on draw 4 loads manure out from behind barn grand Elliott Carson
came 18th eve
18 sawed wood A M town college P M 4 gals purple gas 1.38 can 80 = 2.18 neck yoke 1.45
used door and pair steps and lumber 3.90
19 grand started Elliotts car with team he went Verm I got 2 jags rye straw put one on shed
and one pig pen made neck yoke Elliott stayed all night Sold Walter Weize 1550 40.00
Duke 1320 = 26.40
20 Isa and Gonny went to Mrs Jiles a tea Oil Surveyors here P M
21 Elliott stayed here last night Isa went Verm with him I took team Sold two acres land to an
oil company $200 Put it in P. O.
22 town p m bought some 2 X 2 to fix step board up a hole in hen house A M Elliott came eve
23 Isa and I town waggon Isa and Elliott left Verm for Edmonton about 4 30
24 Grand put a new pair steps up to north door Isa and Elliott got back from Edmonton about 9
o clock
25 Bert Moses thresh our wheat about 120 bus put 3 deck box in granary and Norman Harris
chop a 3 deck box nearly full P M
26 unload chop Isa walk town to get letter from Margaret I took 2 loads manure out of sheep
corral
27 fix rack and got a jag straw scattered it in yard
28 pick up screenings a m and & saw little wood p m Mr and Mrs Bowser Lila and Kenny out
for lunch this p m put out a little straw for horses
29 fed horses outside saw little wood P M Bill Myers here said he would take Ednys calf for
$60 grand day
30 Isa and I Verm PM Allen got in early ins house and 244 dairy ration 6.95 got film for
camera (to take pictures of Holstein calves so they could be registered)
31 nice little cooler Allen and I up to oil well a m he left for Edmonton at noon put Maud in
to drive maybe
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November
1 put a little hay in loft some straw in yard and a load manure on Kermets they burned gas at
well
2 little cooler put a little hay in the loft this even and some straw out for cows draw some
manure
3 went town for mail a m drawed manure out of barn and load out of shed they struck a oil
sand this a m
4 put hay in loft and straw in yard AM got load wood PM no frost last night and grand today
5 little colder Marg Jack and children came this eve Isa and I Verm P M
6 colder Allen came early P M Jean Jack eve
7 Allen and I put load hay in loft Jack Reasbeck went home 6th put tank heater in rough Jean
Jack and Allen went Edmonton 7 30 p m
8 snow little last night got straw for cows and load out of stable and load out of shed
9 Isa and I Verm P M quite cold got door for upstairs rain and snow little left cows and
horses in
10 nice day warmer clean stable and saw wood p m
11 Snow last night got a little green wood left cows in tonight snow still here
12 some snow on ground yet dug some post holes behind hen house clean Ban and put some
straw out
13 town Isa John and Barbara nice but muddy rain and snow last night
14 Princess Elizabeth a boy colder took oil dereck down quit oil well put Bertha and the big
heiffer in barn tonight
15 Quite nice Isa and I town waggon Paid S McCrea 19 00 for straw
16 grand day got 1st load straw S McCreas
17 little colder got 2 load straw S McCreas put some on hen house
18 nice clean stable and get 3rd load straw S McLeans put ½ of it on rye straw stack
19 nice clear got 4th load straw S McCreas Gonny gave Isa and I $20 each for meals
20 little colder Isa John Gonny Verm taxi took cream
21 grand they took trailer from oil well clean stable got load straw S McCreas
22 grand thaw little got load straw S McCrea’s our cows got out and left us I saw little wood
am
23 got cows and a load of straw a m Mrs Jiles Mrs Bowser Lila and Kenny out p m I fix fence
east road
24 grand got a good load of straw the 8th at McCreas and clean stable
25 snow little but mild Isa walk to town and came home with Wests I got 9th load straw saw 2
coyootes
26 snow little more got 10th load of straw on waggon little colder they took wire off our
telephone line today
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27 Isa and I town waggon colder some sleighs in there got cattle ration 2 19 625 laying mash
3 45 = 9 70
28 little colder clear and nice load straw S McCrea Little had taken his cows off put 8 horses
on
29 clear and nice got 8th load straw S McCrea clean stable still use waggon
30 dull nice 13th load straw saw wood A M
December
1 real nice got 14 load straw S McCrea put box on sleigh but didn’t use it
2 Margaret and I Verm sleigh not much snow got block salt 5 gals gas
3 Isa took Margaret and kids Verm 7 30 taxi and walked back pretty cold got 15 th load straw
clean stable
4 22 below this morning Jack Morrison and his dad brought the red boar over nothing doing
went to sale at college p m sleigh no snow
5 about zero today calm clean stable and got 16th load straw saw 3 coyotes
6 Mr Corns brought a ram over A M Jack Morrison got his red boar P M I got 17th load straw
cold clear calm
7 little colder about zero dull clean stable saw little wood got 18th load straw bred smallest
Suffolk ewe
8 Very cold 34 below Martin brought mail got cream I clean stable let bull out put 2 black
calves in barn and some straw loft
9 very cold clean stable put little hay and straw in loft 40 below at 9 o clock this morning
10 30 below cloudy and calm clean stable and put some of our straw in loft
11 20 below fed horses in bush clean stable and saw wood Isa and Gonny Verm taxi got 2
ton coal $27.00
12 colder fed horses put little hay in barn sheep pen also little straw gave Wonder Cure to
bull he seems sick
13 colder snow quite a lot fed horses straw and hay in loft bull still sick
14 still cold and snow quite a lot bull still sick did chores Isa kill some turkeys and chickens
15 still cold clear did chores and douch bull Martin brought mail
16 cold Isa and I took Maggys and Margs and Berts turkey town taxi brought Jory out to dope
bull he drank the calf milk
17 warmer gave wonder cure to bull also calf milk clean stable and put some feed in loft
some for horses
18 saw wood gave wonder cure to bull Isa and I town sleigh
19 20 above gave bull quart oil and wonder cure and calves milk fed horses clean stable put
feed in loft nice day
20 bull seems a little better gave him milk and Dr bells Wonder Cure snow all day little colder
Allen came tonight
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21 Verm A M got mail did chores and put rack on sleigh bull drank 2 pails
22 bull seems better eat some bran Little brought 3860 coal 11.95 ton Logan 40 below this
morning
23 Isa Allen I Verm p m did chores 28 below this morning we have a lot of snow Jean and
jack came taxi eve
24 Allen and I got 14th load straw used sleigh first time Bull seems O K Jean and Jack here
25 21 below up to zero saw little wood Jim Horricks and Irene got Jean and Jack eve
26 quite a nice day Allen and I went to B Annetts and over to Jiles and got mail Betty brought
from P O
27 Nice got a load straw at Stanleys stack 20th load 20 above at noon saw p m
28 Allen and I Verm got 11 bus 6 lbs oats Logan at 65 cents 7.25 Paid Frances McKay $47
for one bred sow to be delivered soon as bred in Jan 49
29 Allen and I got 21st load straw A M and a jag green wood east side east ¼
30 Martin took cream, truck got 22nd load straw about 10 below to zero got jag green wood
east side
31 Saw little a m Nice Isa Allen and I Verm p m
Accounts covering purchases and receipts are at end-of-book pages
Photograph of calf (to show markings)barn at Fenton farm in background
and a Valentine from Douglas were enclosed
Here so ended the diary of the year 1948.
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1949
To Grampa March 2 1949 From Linda
January
1 5 egs Allen and I put load hay into loft north end snowing colder Gus out dinner
2 17 below strong NW wind 30 below tonight Gus still here about 50 below
3 2 egs Gus went after dinner 3rd clean stable fed horses put load straw in barn up to about 20
below sick in night
4 8 below to 8 above nice clean stable fed everything
5 zero to 20 above grand got 22nd load straw Stanleys stack
6 34 above “thawing” saw wood P M dip up watter all over area everything out all day
7 about 6 above nice calm got 23rd load straw about 6 above
8 paid 3.15 for 9 doz eggs for Margaret or 35 cents dozen pullets Isa and I Verm cold NW
wind road slippery got 100 lbs red dog flower 2.56 for big load
9 Very cold must have been 50 below it was 46 at 9 o clock did chores
10 about 38 below up to 20 below S E wind fed horses Lillie gone for 4 or 5 days now
11 2 above to 20 above got 24th load straw tried to catch Lil on Littles fixed fence at slough
12 About 20 above I sawed wood P M Mrs Jiles and Doris and Mrs Frazer and a young man
out for lunch
13 Grand town P M 30 above 5 gals purple gas 1.26 200 dairy ration 5.70 new pair pull
over mitts
14 grand day got 25th load straw a m Isa and I got Lillie off Littles p m shut her in corral
15 about 10 below nice Isa and I went to Donald Wilson s and paid telephone p m
16 5 egs about 18 below to 10 above strong south wind
17 7 egs 10 above this morning to 10 below eve dirty NW wind little snow and drifting
18 34 below real cold but clear I went to Verm p m got 200 shorts 4.00
19 Cold 56 below and up to 35 at noon Back to 40 this eve sunset
20 40 below to 30 below at 9 this morning and noon. Margaret and Allen birthday President
Truman
21 40 below to 30 below S. McCrae brought mail out with car road still open
22 34 below clear calm up to 28 below N Wind
23 42 below to 30 at noon very cold calm east wind
24 50 below to about 35 below clear calm SE wind
25 40 below to 10 below clear and calm
26 9 above to 10 above I went town A M got 300 shorts $6.00 25 calf meal 1.43 299 lbs
dairy ration 5.90 groceries 2.12
27 30 below to 10 below nice Porter took the bull town cost 2.00 1025 in town Moor handle
him C O P
28 Almost 10 below to almost 4 below but very nice
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29 almost 10 above I went Verm p m met Allen got battery for radio
30 about 10 above Allen and I got 26th load of straw at McCreas pull a fellow out of snow at
McCreas and he took Allen to Edmonton
31 saw wood A M 10 below NW wind
February
1 10 below to almost 0 but a nice calm clear day
2 10 below clear calm got 27th load straw A M
3 20 below to 10 below cool east wind town got returns for bull ($126.97) and got 21 bus oats
@ 58 ¼ chopped
4 20 below to 10 below N E wind and kind of cloudy
5 24 below to about 10 below town got pair work pants 2.95
6 28 below to 14 below nasty East wind they took Mrs Bowser Edmonton
7 30 below to 20 below clear
8 50 below to 20 below South East wind got load of hay Bill Annett = 10.00
9 46 below to about 20 below S. E. Wind saw wood P M bill has colic this evening
10 28 below a terrible day N E wind bill is still sick snow and blow Stanley used cutter to
take kid to school
11 20 below cold cloudy North wind left the Maskell heiffer in tonight bill is better today
12 50 below to 20 below left Bertha in sheep pen S E wind
13 20 below to 8 above got second hand hay from Gill “nice day”
14 6 above to 10 below this eve got 28th load straw McCreas bought 21 bus oats at 60 cents 12.60 meat meal 6.00 crushing and laying mash 3.90
15 Paid Stanley 5.00 second stack of straw about 20 below saw wood P M
16 34 below to 10 below got 1st load straw second stack snowy blow eve put Bertha in stable
17 16 below N W wind drift all day snow is quite deep about a foot
18 40 below to 30 below clear calm got 30th load of straw this has been the coldest day this
winter says radio
19 56 below to 30 below town P.M. spent 33.33 sent Allen 25.00
20 46 below to 26 East X South wind clear calm
21 50 below to 6 below S E wind got 31 load straw cloudy calm
22 28 below to 8 below snow N E I went to town got a trust 7.50 plus 100 oil cake 4.60
23 10 below to 10 above got 32nd load straw gave some to horses cloudy S E wind
24 10 below to 10 above town got 20 bus oats at 56 ¾ - 11.35 + 44 chopping clear East wind
25 4 below to 20 above grand got 33rd load straw Isa and I saw little eve got 17 egs largest
day
26 10 above to 35 above cloudy Allen and I took ram to college
27 4 below to 17 above clear took Allen to top of hill for bus 18 egs drift little A M 34 straw
28 got 35th load straw clear calm 5 below to 20 above grand day Elliott Carson married
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March
1 10 below to 22 above I went town and got some fish Maggie got 36 load straw
2 6 below to 21 above Mickey Jiles out with car first car since Feb 10th 19 eggs grand day
3 6 below to 30 above Charley and Edith came A M Francis brought the sow I town P M got
21 bushels oats chopp
4 20 above to 38 above S W wind grand I drove C Thompson around
5 22 above to 40 grand Charles and Edith went bus eve taxi came out
6 Littles brought Isa home and came in here 6 above to about 40 S W wind got 37 load straw
grand watter all over 25 egs
7 6 above to about 20 colder saw little wood clean stove pipes A M
8 10 above to 4 above then back to 10 above town got mail NW wind
9 4 above to 10 above nice saw wood P M Mrs. Bowser died in Edmonton hospital
10 4 below to 10 above West wind
11 4 above to 20 then turn colder town got 20 bus and 20 lbs oats Jory = 61 ½ = 12.50 + 60
cents to chopp
12 Mrs Bowsers funeral a bunch went from Vermilion in school bus 4 below to 10 above NW
wind got 38 load straw Isa to Mrs Bowsers funeral
13 colder 22 below to 10 below N W wind
14 28 below to zero got 39 load straw nice clear calm
15 12 below to zero N W wind saw little P M
16 22 below to 4 below town A M NW wind got 100 laying mash took buggy 2nd time this
year
17 28 below to 10 above thaw little in sun got 40th load straw
18 4 below to 20 above Little took little bull 1.50 to COP I saw P M Isa kill 5 turkeys Allen
came home eve
19 4 above to 20 above snow Allen and I put last hay in barn went Vermilion Isa got gobbler
8.50 Sandy died
20 4 above to 20 snow all day 4 or 5 in I took Allen to town eve 8 o clock clear up about 4
eve
21 4 above to 24 above clear dull got 100 chick starter 4.85 100 oyster shell 2.00 1-4 ft hog
trough 1.75 20 gals purple gas 5.02
22 10 above to 30 above snow little got 40thy load straw Stan McCrea and I telephone
meeting D Wilsons sleigh 1st goose egg
23 28 above to 40 grand left Bertha and the Black heiffer out tonight
24 4 below to 32 above S E wind Watkings man here car I got first load straw Kenny McCrea
shut old sow in barn west side 26 eggs goose egg
25 8 above to 38 above grand S E wind saw wood
26 4 above to 32 Isa and I Verm buggy SE wind got returns for calf
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27 snow last night 20 above to 32 above bull shipped bought 7220 at 7.56 = 64.48 clear
28 20 above to 30 above W wind grand Isa and I town got 200 chicks + 20 bus oats 25 calf
meal bred turkey
29 20 above to 40 above saw little wood first car went to old McCreas 31st left Maggy and
Bill out tonight
30 20 above to 40 above got 2nd load straw K McCrea sow 6 pigs P M dope cows for warbles
31 10 above to 40 above got 3rd load straw K McCrea saw crows and gophers car went past
April
1 Stanley got Ann car eve 20 above to 40 town waggon
2 Went to John Mix got 10 bus rye = 10.00 11 bus oats .90 = 10.00 total 20.00
3 14 above to 40 spotted 2 year old a Bull calf a m gave the 6 little pigs iron turn Lill out
hens out
4 20 above to 50 shut gates and turn cows into oil well field Had the little pigs out put the
rack on waggon hens out
5 30 above this morning left cows out the 4th night Pd K McCrea 1.50 3 loads wheat straw Isa
and I town got 530 coal = 3.35 Windy West
6 20 to 40 above took straw of hen house roof and clean hen house West wind
7 4.50 chick st. 3.50 lay mash 20 to 50 above Isa and I town got 100 chicks 2nd batch 1318
oats Jory @69 ½ = 9.25
8 20 to 40 N West wind I pick up some junk at oil well Lill gone again Isa and I got her back
of Littles the 10th
9 20 to 50 clean stable took the dead dog Sandy out cultivate spruce Isa and I Verm AM
10 grand little pigs out Isa and I got Lill Littles AM 60 above I went to Hiughs
11 20 to 40 cloudy and rain a little AM N wind cultivate E garden spring tooth 2 horses
12 cloudy N wind got a load oat straw K McCreas 50 cents
13 little colder Isa and I Verm AM buggy I disc PM set goose 11 egs
14 town A M got 25 bus seed wheat Pool @ 1.98 ¼ = 47.55 PM I got 25 bus feed for 25.00 +
90 cents to chop
15 Littles sorrel colt in here 52 above N W wind turn Lill out again today disc today Francis
got our buggy P M
16 Isa walk town and met Winnie Phyllis + Douglas I took team P M D Jiles had dinner here
and went with me
17 Allen came home 16th eve Mr Symington got Winnie p m Edna bull calf eve
18 Isa Allen and I Verm sold 11 dozen bottles (beer bottles my grandmother had collected in
her apron, walking along the roads at the age of 88 to help pay for my university) got John
and Barbara and Allen stuff Gus came
19 cultivate 4 horses spring tooth A M seed 4 ¼ acres oats P M coyote chased sheep little rain
the 19th night
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20 finished seeding the 4 ½ acres oats 3 ½ rye and drag it Maskell heiffer had a bull calf P M
gus went eve
21 rain little last night I took Allen Verm he went Edmonton for exams I got 100 hen and 50
chick starter
22 Windy West about 50 spread manure Mable H calf a m clean stable
23 Very windy S E Isa John and Barbara Verm with Johnes Allen and I took waggon eggs
and cream Francis brought buggy
24 terrible wind N W I fix little fence at slough cows on E ¼ N side
25 Calm Allen and I got load oat straw K McC town got 2 pkgs bees and turn them out
26 nice plow little P M disc plow cultivate yard in big cultivator Lill got out tonight eve
27 got her and cows off Little P M Plow some and fix some fence very warm and dry
28 Allen went Edmonton for last exam this term I plow little north of hen house very warm
29 rain very little clean pig pen Allen came eve also Mary and Wallace Pigden they stayed all
night and
30 Isa went Verm with them Allen and I took team set 29 turkey eggs
May
1 dope cows warbles drove May in corral hobbles and open briddle Jack Tucker Mrs
Reasbeck and nurce here
2 pair lambs drag little and level little Isa walk town sprinkle 2 pair lambs
3 cultivate garden and drag leveled for rye Isa walk Verm Isa Gonny and kids John and
Barbara taxi to F Anderssons wedding
4 Frances sow had 11 pigs this morning I seeded balance rye about 4 acres total 8 acres rye
5 Lill out drag last 4 acres rye Bob Minard started I got load oat straw K McCrea
6 Hot and dry fix fence N side and some S side Margaret phone eve Isa and Allen plant
garden P M
7 Isa and I Verm got 2 bus barley 2.12 set turkey 17 eggs
8 Very windy Allen and I drove bill and Judy to Cummings left side open bridle
9 plant some raspberry bushes fix some fence along road side move some wire at oil well
gave iron to the 11 little pigs
10 Plow little sod north of hen house used sulkey 3 horses
11 lost one little sow pig plow little north of hen house saskatoons blossomed
12 finished the piece north of hen house cultivate and drag for wheat froze ice
13 plow little for wheat used Judy on drag 3 lambs and 1 the 14th Isa Allen John and I Verm
I plow for wheat AM Frances got cultivator town got feed and barley
15 Windy east wind wattered spruce we have 8 lambs 3 sheep
16 plow little east house Isa and Allen plant spuds east wind
17 plow little N wind broke plow saw little froze ice
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18 Allen took piece of plow town AM got it fixed I drag and plow PM Lill shut in corral S
wind
19 plow cold South wind Isa and Allen work in garden Molly on tear not bred
20 very warm AM and very cold PM plow
21 Allen and I took Lill and bill to college and down to Diddens no luck Isa and Barbara got a
chance in and out cold
22 cold a little snow a miserable day
23 got load oat straw K McC Pd 1.00 Plow P M owe 1.00
24 little warmer plow Allen still planting spuds
25 Isa town A M Allen town P M tractor demonstration I drag rain still fall 5 tubs off the roof
26 S E wind Don and Maggie came Jory got Isa took her in to meet them
27 Velvet calf Isa and Maggie took John & Barbara town P M I finished plowing the east field
at oil well
28 Isa and Maggie town taxi I took team got 300 shorts 100 bran
29 Mr Morrison his brother and Bob over for tea had good visit with Don
30 nice drag used Judy left Maggie off start to rain and rain all night over 1 inch
31 got sow at Moses and drag little Don and Maggie went home Isa went town taxi with them
Bred Easter Eve
June
1 seed 4 ½ acres barley east side oil well Margaret and Linda came eve bus
2 cultivate east of garden cold north wind drizzle little P M
3 seed 12 ¾ acres wheat east of garden 5 side total 32 ¾ acres seeded this ¼ bred Maskell
heiffer
4 Allen and I town took Lill and Bill got 100 bran 75.4 X 2.25 = 440 J Reasbeck eve
5 cut pigs Jack Reasbeck help
6 Maddie got lambs year old 6th Marg and jack and kids left early bus
7 Jack and Jean went early afternoon very windy South Horses out on S McCreas got all but
Lill A M got Lill on Donald Wilson P M town got 17.50 for lamb
8 got 10 bus barley 10.30 and 50 cents to chopp
9 Allen and I got a load wood S McCreas very hot and dry wattered spruce bred Molly P m
10 got 2nd load wood very hot Bred Edna eve
11 Isa Verm Mrs Jiles got her hair curled I took waggon got feed
12 last yewe lamb a yew lamb this morning 9 lambs from 6 yews weaned Sussans 5 pigs
13 Allen and I got a load wood east side east ¼ Put Maggie and Bill in gravel yard eve rain
14 cultivate potatoes a m got very little wood big wind storm
15 got a load wood a m took Susan to Moses hog Bertha her first calf H eve
16 Isa walk Verm P M Allen and I got load wood saw little AM
17 Got Susan at Moses Allen got mail Dr. Savall here tea we got load wood east ¼
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18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Isa and I Verm got 300 shorts 100 bran 8.90
Pitman and Savile got Molly and Velvet 20th Elliott Irene and her sister came here from Sask
Allen and I town got 34 28 bus barley Jorey @ 1.06 = 34.28 + 1.30 chopp
Elliott took his wife and sister to town eve Isa walk in P M
Elliotts wife and sister went Edmonton bus a m saw little wood Isa Allen Elliott town eve
saw little cut finger 21 bushels oats $16.50
Lloyd with Elliott to doctor rain nice shower
Elliott went Edmonton Isa Allen I Verm 9.90 bran and shorts
Isa went Edmonton and back with Jiles Bob Morrison had dinner here
Election Day Isa and Gonny went town vote Mrs. Johnes I was sick but went Mrs Fair
Elliott came back new car and took us all to Peckenpaugh and got ½ dozen Herbert
raspberries bushes May broke reach charley Robinson bit her “calm”
29 Isa town Elliott A M Allen to circus I took Lill to Bill Bartons paid 5.00
30 bred Edna a m rain a grand rain last night and today Isa sick
July
1 grand day how in spruce clean stable
2 hoe A M Allen and I town got new bottom for waggon box 300 shorts 17.35
3 nice day all home alone all day
4 nice East wind Allen and I town P M Allen went to farmers meeting and over to D Wilsons
5 windy east wind hoe in spruce field Arthur Hughes shear six sheep eve 2.00 We have 9
lambs
6 rain nice electric shower put new floor in waggon box rain very heavy in the night
7 Pitman and Savile got Archetic Isa Allen and I Verm p m gave Allen $100 buy groceries
11.40 = 400 lbs coal
8 cool Allen and I took Mable to moses bull a m and I cultivate 4 horses p m
9 (No Entry)
The next two pages are “Memoranda” like ...
See Pat Cummings about a sow
10 Isa and I left on bus this morning for Calgary had dinner at Jeans and went on Calgary got
in about 11 at night
11 Stewart and Lucille were there we had breakfast and all went to parade
12 Isa and I went to Gagnons and Moreash for supper and back to Margarets for night
13 This morning Isa and I left Calgary and went to Camrose with Stewart and Lucille Isa and I
stopped all night with Bert
14 and left at 1 20 for Edmonton and stayed all night at Jeans
15 Isa and I were downtown Edmonton all day Isa and Jean out evening
16 horrible windy blow hard left Edmonton 10 to 8 got Verm about 11 got taxi and came
home
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17 rain a grand shower a m cool and windy
18 Clear nice Isa to a shower Irene Jory 2440 lbs barley Jory 114 ½ 28.25 + 90 cents to
chopp calf
19 I didn’t feel so good Allen work little in garden rain in the night and nearly all day the 20th
20 Isa Allen and Gonny went to Irene Jorys wedding taxi rain nice shower
21 I went to Verm and got 45 bushels oats 66 ½ 29.90 crushing 1.25 nice shower eve Put top
box on bees
22 took binder out and tried to cut spring rye and brought it back to fix
23 Isa Allen and I to town got repairs of binder 8.05 + .75 blacksmith
24 rain grand rain fix little at binder over 1 in rain
25 nice fix a little at binder Allen went to college for a week taxi
26 I went to Rosces sale with Blakely Barton pm sold black cow Mable Bob Minard and
Margaret out eve
27 clean stable fix little floor under calf centre stall West side clean pigs out rain
28 Fred Clark got the black mouly cow and her heiffer calf $205 calf 10 days old
29 Isa Gonny and I fair taxi 1.75 in and out
30 I went to town got 5030 bus oats and 1.35 to chopp Isa went to fair she and Allen came out
with Johnes
31 Gonnys birthday Maggie and Don phoned Mr and Mrs Symington Winnie Phyllis and
Douglas here tea
August
1 Allen and I took Susan to Moses no good to late Draw manure P M Isa painted
2 Allen and I took Susan back to Moses and bred her to his tam boar Maggie a mare colt haul
manure
3 Allen went to Lindberg to salt well with Board of Trade I haul manure
4 haul some manure shut 6 little pigs in sheep corral haul manure I went to Vermilion P M
5 took Bertha to Moses and draw manure
6 Allen went Edmonton Isa and I Verm drove Lill and Bill
7 fix little at binder nice day
8 cut little wheat wild oats rye and pig weed Cold and windy Used bill and Lill
9 cut little more a m took Lill and Bill Verm got 25 bus oats 15.25 + .75 to chopp Bill Annett
Bill Moses Roy Jory here
10 rake hay A M used Lill put 2 loads in loft P M used Maggie let colt run with her
11 rake hay a m cut p m used Lill and Bill Bob Minard cut his fall rye finished it 12 used 4
balls twine on 22 acres
12 Allen and I stacked 4 loads feed hot and dry
13 rake a m and got a load on stack Isa Allen and I Verm p m rain coming home
14 Mrs Jiles and Betty got the hens Isa had sold to her also the old goose and gander
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15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Coyote got a turkey I cut wheat and wild oats I walk to town
cut a , Isa and I town got 28 bus and 8 lbs oats at 61 ½ = 17.35 + 75 to chopp
cut and rake wheat and wild oats in oil well field
cut and rake Allen town got mail Isa and Gonny went in with Little
Allen and I stack 5 loads very hot and dry used Maggie and Bill
Isa went town cream man Allen and I bill and Lill got 30 bus oats
rained very little
put 3 jags in barn and 1 in stack Spady from Rainwait here to look at cows
rain little last night thunder and lightening clean stable cultivate spruce and draw some
manure
24 windy got a load hay on rack little damp Allie came morning Allen and I went to Lowrys
sale P M
25 rain little p m got another load feed on stack Dr and Mrs Savile here for tea tonight
26 3 cows Savilles man got Beauty and Mable rain little coil hay Allie Carson went Edmonton
7 45
27 Got blankets Fairfields 23.20 Allen and Isa and I town Isa sold Mrs Jiles 12 chickens
15.00 got 25 bushels chopped oats
28 Nice day Allen walked to Morrisons P M heiffer better
29 cool and nice Bob Minard stooking on S E ¼ but 4 loads on stack got ½ on waggon
Pitman got Edna eve $175
30 8 degrees frost last night Isa and Gonny Verm p m put ½ load in barn and 1 load on stack
cut and stoked barley p m
31 nice cut rye and s clover Jean came eve on bus
September
1 Allen and I town got 15 bus barley 17.10 + 15 oats 9.56 paid house insurance 7.90
2 nice cool dug red spuds in spruce field used bill and Maggie Jean came taxi eve
3 Isa and Jean Verm Martin taxi home Allen and I finished spuds in spruce Jack came and got
Jean at night Allen to show
4 home alone all day
5 dug spuds east garden Jack Jean and Reatta came P M and went eve
6 finished spuds in east garden AM Allen and I Verm p m got 200 bran 4.30 200 shorts $4.50
= 8.80
7 took little white faced heiffer to Littles cultivate potato patches pick up 12 pails potatoes
8 stack one load barley and one on waggon Isa Allen and I Verm got 26 bus oats at 64 ½ 16.77
+ 1.00 to chopp paid Little for breeding yearling
9 stack 2 ½ loads spring rye grand warm day
10 very cold north wind Isa went Verm with martin P M home with Johnes
11 cold dull day froze ice in watter trough tonight
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12 clem took 3 pigs to Craigs P M Allen Bob Minard and I helped Little thresh used Bill and
Maggie p m
13 Little moved over and threshed for Bob on our east ¼ grand day 32 acres wheat 650 bus 27
acres rye 32 bus
14 Finished threshing at noon about 27 bus wheat per acre and about 14 bus fall rye per acre
brought 38 bus down here
15 Allen and I Verm P M got 10 bus oats 6.65 plus 10 barley 12.27 got suit from Mrs. Kenny
Edmonton 14.26
16 Bob Minard brought us 213 bushels wheat part of our share rain little we dug carrots sent
two bags Mrs Jiles
17 rain all night and nearly all day Allen walk town got mail and bread
18 25 bus barley Little did it with combine quite nice
19 dull colder and windy start to take out honey a m Isa Allen and I town got 25 bus oats 66
½ 16.69 chopping 70
20 calf meal 1.55 bran 4.30 fix little fence fat sow 11 pigs p m finished honey a m
21 got jag straw a m put on shed fix little fence late p m
22 Allen and I town got 4410 bus rye and 200 shorts mill 4.50 and a manure fork 2.20
23 town a m got 20 bus oats 68 1/2 13.70 took in about 8 bus rye and got it all chopped
24 drove May in corral p m Isa and Gonny Verm taxi P M thresh little with combine A M chop
25 bus p m Marfleet fix chimney p m 5.00
25 took black eyed yearling Littles nice day little pigs out in sun 5 days old Bertie phoned 26
eve
26 Allen and I put the threshed sweet clover hay in loft took his stuff to Verm and clean up
screenings at stack east ¼
27 grand day Isa and I went to Lloyd 2.20 each fare (He was getting treatments at a
chiropractor)
28 grand Allen left this morning for Edmonton I plow little in garden Bill and Maggie shot at
a coyote
29 returns for three pigs 12th $128 got 200 bran 4.30 Allen came home this eve
30 Bob came out and clean up the grain I got 229 bus wheat and 82 bus rye got 7720 coal
brought out cost $47.10 + 6.00 to deliver
October
1 Allen and I town took heiffer Littles Isa Allen and I town got 25 bus oats Logan
2 nice day Allen left for Edmonton this morning
3 little colder I got the willow posts Allen had cut and plow a little in garden and got pail
potatoes
4 kill 2 old turkeys and chickens and took them to town sent 2 to Margaret and 1 to Jean
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5 I plow potato ground and Bob cultivate the 22 acres fall rye ground Mrs Jiles got 4 bags
potatoes Bert came bus eve
6 colder today Maddie got first lamb today Blakely Barton here today to look at horses and
brought me a collar
7 Bert left on bus eve for Edmonton Chapman got one feeder hog $30 and kill sheep for us
$2.00 Mix level up oil well hole
8 Nice Isa and I Verm Allen got home and met us in town got 300 shorts 100 bran 8.90 J
Perkin got 2 loads manure
9 Allen and I put a load feed in loft and got a load straw east ¼ Bert Moses and family out
today
10 colder Allen left for Edmonton this morning I gave him 15 00 He phoned home 4 30 J
Perkins got 2 loads manure
11 I went Verm got a radio battery got 25 bus oats at 65 ½ 16.81 + 70 cents to chopp
12 Moses broke tiller and start at noon he and Edwin had dinner here Isa went to Mrs jiles with
him p m I pick stones oil well
13 Arthur till all day had dinner here nice day I saw a little wood
14 town got returns for 3 pigs COP $108 very poor got 3 shorts 1 bran 8.90 Isa and Gonny
Verm taxi
15 Isa and I Verm cold
16 very cold put new trace changes on Maggies traces put cows on east ¼
17 cold put heater in tank Isa and I Verm got 25 bus 30 lbs oats at 67 ¼ bushel $17.54
18 cold put new chains on harness traces clean stable and put the manure on oil well
19 cold east wind Manson Barr called in looking for a cow Elliott came about 4 o clock eve
Elliott here couple hours after supper
20 Mr and Mrs Mcbride came out evening to do chores while Isa and I went Edmonton Elliott
stayed all night
21 Isa and I went Verm early bus Elliott took us in
22 Cold in Edmonton all day Isa got new glasses Eatons
23 Isa and I stayed all night at Jeans went to Allies for dinner came home Elliott
24 quite cold clear Isa went Verm Mrs McBride and Elliott Mr McB and I saw wood Elliott
stay here all night and went early this morning
25 Elliott stayed all night
26 I went town got 200 bran 4.30 and 300 shorts 6.75 total 11.05 storm windows Elliott stay
all night
27 grand got 31 bushels oats 73 ¾ Elliott went Lloyd and back for night got bag insulation for
cellar doors 1.69
28 Elliott and I went Lloyd and back for dinner about 1 o clock Elliott went home Gus came
out
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29 Isa and I went Verm Allen came home Gus went this eve
30 grand Allen left about 11 o clock for Edmonton I cleaned stable and seed a little wheat on
oil well
31 nice town got Isas glasses from Eatons Edmonton got 300 shorts 6.75 100 bran 2 15
windy P M and eve colt in manger
November
1 John came over and told me the 6 horses were there he help me fix the fence and I got the
horses
2 grand fix cellar way the warmest Nov 2 in Edmonton – 71 above – in 69 years Isa went to
Jorgan sale Mrs Jiles
3 Bred black eyed long horn yearling to Littles shorthorn Went town got 300 shorts 100 bran
8.90 Mike Woywitka start to cultivate for me old Horricks here eve
4 Grand day Mike cultivate all day and finish on Saturday the 5 about 10 oclock paid him $30
for 30 acres
5 another fine day killed and sold about 27 chickens $257 took them in P M coal oil 25 gals
6.38 Allen came home
6 Allen left for Edmonton about 10 this a m and phoned back about 3 30 nice day
7 nice went town got 300 shorts 100 bran 8.90 Green bought 4 pigs and 2 calves to go
thursday
8 Isa and Gonny went town with S McCreas and went to Mrs Jiles store and back taxi cloudy
9 nice clean stable and took a load out of pig yard
10 Isa and I took 12 chickens Verm got $75 for two calves sent in 4 pigs Susies 810 lbs got
100 sugar bran and shorts Allen came
11 Maggie came taxi this morning we killed about 20 chickens Maggie and Allen help little
snow last night
12 Isa Allen and I took chickens town Allen went Edmonton
13 Pat Cummings came early a m
14 Barney Powell came and took 10 young pigs $100 Isa Maggie and Gonny went Verm for
dinner I took team and got 30 bus oats at $75.34 = 22.72
15 very windy cool town got 300 bran 100 shorts $8.90 COP got the second lamb and ewe
Paid $22.40 got new thermoter
16 cooler calm clean pigpen and barn sent 2 chickens Margaret 17th Creggs lamb dressed
53 lbs dressed = 19.08
17 clear about zero town got 30 bushels oats at 73 ¾ = 22.12 80 cents to chopp 100 oil cake
4.60 salt .95
18 Maggie and Isa and Gonny went taxi to bus Maggie went home vaccinate 3 calves against
abortion Creggs got a lamb rain eve but a grand day
19 colder rain eve Isa and I Verm got paid for two lambs Isa got a hair curl
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20 clear cool shut the Frances sow in barn Left the other sow 1 pig in pig yard
21 nice town got 31 bushels oats 74 cents = $22.94 + 85 cents to chopp got returns for 4 pigs
Green shipped the 10th left cows in barn to make heat for Susan
22 Isa and I took 5 chickens to town for Mrs. Hofbar
23 nice day left cows in snow little 40 above afternoon the Frances sow was bred Aug 2 had
3 pigs tonight
24 nice day didn’t thaw much clean stable
25 Saw little wood nice day
26 Isa went Verm in taxi I fed horses a little straw & stayed home
27 nice clean stable put a little manure at house about 40 above
28 clean stove pipes Had Susan and her 3 pigs out in sun a little while today some men looking
for gravel in gravel pit today
29 town got 30 bus oats at 75 cents 22.50 + 80 cents to chopp laying mash 1.95 grate for
heater .95 bread .32 wattered and fed horses 29th and 30th
30 Isa went town to see Richardson those fellows still looking for gravel grand day around
zero
December
1 cooler about 4 degs frost cloudy
2 chilly brese shipped the red pig 245 alive and took ampron off ram
3 Isa and I town took a turkey to mill stenograffer 2 40 4 chickens 6 50 sent a chicken to Mrs
Moreash
4 cool Marg Jiles and Jean Minard here few minutes got a pail mincemeat and a box apples
Mrs Jiles the 10th
5 cool east wind didn’t do much today sent Allens skates 6th and 10 00
6 nice saw little wood a m town p m got 25 gals purple gas 6.45 sold ram Ross Taylor $30
00
7 little colder 10 above to 20 clean little out of stable and fed everything
8 quite cool we killed a turkey for Bell at elevator Isa took it in taxi 3 25 Jean transfer sent
cots 4 00 pd Isa sold one to Mrs Jiles
9 grand little snow 1 in last night saw little a m A E Moore took the 3 sows to Moses and bred
the old one
10 Isa went town Mrs Johnes I took team got 200 bran 4.80 sent a box to Margaret got a box
jap oranges
11 Cold Barney Powell and Frank Minard got 5 sheep and lambs 100.00 – 20 to come
12 cold 28 below Isa and I kill 7 or 8 turkeys Moses boys brought to old sows home total
cost 2.00
13 Left Bill and Maggie and colt in yard last night Isa and I Verm taxi sent a turkey to Maggie
Bert Margaret John and Allie
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14 Nice day above zero Isa killed the balance of roosters I clean stable and got some feed
Guss came P M
15 snow nasty around zero got little feed put new lining in our cook stove cost 4 20 Gus
painted chairs
16 snow Isa and I bought 2 ton coal Edmonton Hasnuck snow about 6 in put box on sleigh
fed and wattered horses clean stable
17 Isa and I Verm sleigh roads good Gus came in after we came home sent Xmas Cards
18 nice about 10 above Gus came back eve I feed everything Frances sow lost the sow pig
tonight
19 around zero nice and clear Moses brought the 2 young sows home after 10 days cost $3.50
20 Isa and I Verm taxi met Allen on bus she settled with Richardson about place start to wean
the 2 young pigs Gus went tonight
21 Allen and I got first load straw from our stack east ¼ cold kill the last 8 turkeys
22 Allen and I Verm got 30 bus oats and got them chopped took in 4 turkeys sold 8 for 35.75
quite old got a parcel from Bert
23 Allen and I took Susan to Moses and Allen went up and got mail pretty cold Allen and I
saw little p m
24 Jean Jack Wally and Mary came afternoon
25 real nice Jack Wally and Allen go hunting Jean and Jack went Horricks at night
26 Wally help us to get a load feed A M got Susan at Moses P M Jack and Jean came back
about 9 p m
27 Jack Jean Wally and Mary went Edmonton about noon we drawed Jack to top of hill Allen
and I got straw
28 40 below this morning to about 20 below I didn’t do anything
29 very cold clean stable and put very little feed in loft
30 10 below got load straw and fed horses Allen and I town P M
31 cold put load feed in barn and clean stable took heiffer Littles Allen town evening
There are Memoranda and Account pages but most items have already been reported
At the front of the diary are two advertisements:
For sale Winchester 270 calibre New last November
What offers? F. H. Thomson, Swanson, Sask
(He was determined to shoot a coyote)
½ section level land 1 ½ miles town
½ mile gravel school bus soft water
Good buildings Egbert Wells, Vermilion, Alberta
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From the Free Press Mar 2, 1949
(He was determined to go where it was warm)
Here so ended the diary of the year 1949.
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1950
January
1 30 below bright and clear Allen and I put a load feed in loft and clean stable
2 Coldest Jan 2 since 1947 Allen went to University on early bus the taxi came out and got him
Below 30 below and up to 28 below got an egg watter horses
3 40 below to 20 below clear calm clean stable
4 20 below to 10 below fed and wattered horses second little pig of Susans died
5 Susans third pig died last night 42 below at 8 o cock this morning clean stable and put in a
little feed
6 About 10 below fed and wattered horses and went to Verm got my watch back from
Ingraham got 200 bran 4.30
7 About 12 below took Susan to Moses and bred her
8 Karnes and two boys from college brought out a ram in truck he bred the oldest ewe paid 20
dollars for a ewe lamb
9 Verm 42 below on radio up to about 15 just did chores Stan McCre came home from coast
10 About 20 below got load straw put some in barn fed horses and clean stable
11 Colder today got a load straw put some in loft and some in stable the balance is on sleigh
yet
12 Cold wattered horses clean stable bred second white face ewe
13 40 below to 20 Isa went to Verm taxi I got a load straw
14 52 when I first went out radio said 55 up to about 25 below clean stable and wattered
horses oldest black face lamb
15 this has been a very cold week
16 40 below to 25 below slow west breeze pretty snappy
17 50 below to 25 below clean stable it sure is cold fed sheep
18 New moon 22 below to 4 above got load straw fed horses and clean stable
19 30 below to 10 below town sent coat to Phyllis and one to Barbara got 25 bus oats at 68 ¾
17.15 chop mill broken
20 10 below to zero Norman Harris came out and chopped the 25 bus and sawed a dozen big
sticks I clean stable and wattered horses
21 about zero got load straw a m town p m got 200 bran 100 shorts 60 cents took radio
battery in to get charged
22 little colder light breeze clean stable and fed horses
23 about 25 below some snow clean stable
24 about 30 below got load straw fed horses pulled a fellow out of our lane Margaret and kids
phone evening I’m 64 today
25 50 below to 30 at noon clean stable got pair socks Jean for birthday
26 51 below to 30 below got load straw fed horses and clean stable dirty S W breeze
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27 30 to 10 below town got a pair of socks from Jean got bran and shorts 9.55 got our radio
battery fed sheep and wattered horses
28 dirty North West wind 20 below got load straw and fed horses
This has been the longest cold spell in history 46 days turn warmer 31st
29 45 below last night to about 20 below clean stable and wattered horses Isa sick
30 30 below to 10 below got load straw fed horses and clean stable
31 turn warmer about zero town P M got order from Eatons got a big fish trout 10 lbs @
30cents = 300 100 bran 100 shorts
February
1 about 10 below to 10 above got loads straw fed and wattered horses turn 5 strays on road
2 grand about 20 above town got 40 bus oats sent Allen Registered letter 35 00 mink money
little black mare in here (My grandmother bought me a pair of mink kept at a farm in
Saskatchewan and this was a share of the annual income.)
3 grand 10 above to 22 above got load straw fed horses and wattered them clean stable frost
came off the inside of barn for first time this winter
4 zero to 10 above I went Verm got mail and two trout got letter from Allen he just got back
from Calgary Convention (As an Edmonton delegate to the provincial Liberal convention)
5 10 above this morning got load straw fed and wattered horses and clean stables went
Vermilion to get mail and sack bran
6 10 above S East wind went Donald Williams paid all past due telephone accounts
7 10 below to 20 above got straw fed and wattered the horses and cleaned stable went to
Vermilion for tea got mail and sock
8 10 below to 20 above east wind “light” got load feed straw clean stable had pigs o0ut in sun
9 About 10 above David and Mrs Jiles walk out P M I took 40 bus oats to chopp mill mill
broke I left it in mill
10 nice light east wind got load straw clean stable from 10 below to 10 above sent valentines
to kids
11 10 below to 10 above east wind town got the oat chop cost 1.10 sent jean a quilt and some
cushions
12 Pat Cummings came over and traded ganders with us about 10 below to 10 above grand day
fed and wattered horses clean stable and yard and got a load of straw
13 zero to 26 above east wind clean stable fed sheep Isa wash
14 Gonny got a parcel from Maggie zero to 28 above grand clean stable went to Verm P M
paid for two pkgs bees (9.00 to Mr. Buckingham the District Agriculturist) 200 bran 100
shorts parcel Simpsons Isa
15 zero to 29 above grand fed and wattered horses clean stable and got load straw
16 colder today North wind 10 above this morning to 5 below this eve
17 about like yesterday did chores and went to Verm PM got 100 shorts 100 bran and mail
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18 around zero to 10 above got straw and wattered horses
19 nice zero to 10 above just did chores
20 zero to 24 above clean stable and got a load straw John over and Bill Annett was looking for
his horses grand
21 zero to 32 above grand town P M got 250 lbs coal 86 cents Logan got a letter from John
Wells
22 colder from about 10 to 20 above east wind
23 colder around zero got straw and wattered horses Frank Wilsons barn burned about 7 this
morning with 80 pigs 2 cows chopp and etz
24 around zero town p m got 600 coal Norton 3.40 + 110 bran 100 shorts John Brady in
eve a few minutes
25 zero to 20 above Allen got home eve (Saturday) left on bus Sunday eve
26 Allen and I did chores fed horses and fed sheep grand day up to 32 at noon Allen left on
bus It should have gone 7 45 left near 10
27 about 20 above but very windy drift from N E
28 around zero got load straw clean stable quite nice town got 100 shorts 200 bran & 370 lbs
coal
March
1 20 below clean stable and yard up to 10 above got straw
2 8 above to 20 above nice and calm got 2 egs from 3 hens
3 14 above to 46 at noon grand town got 100 bran 2.15 and 570 coal at Norton $3.75
4 34 above to 44 took little sow to Henis Junk boar Allen came home P M
5 10 above to 40 took colt Nancy up to stack “exercise” took Allen to bridge he phoned back
20 to 5 Mrs Jiles and Bessy out to tea
6 about 20 above road bare from corner came back by river 720 lump coal Logan 4.45 bran
and shorts
7 10 below to 20 above grand got straw A M town 1150 coal 7.02 Logan Blakely Barton out
in car turned at gate
8 22 below to 10 above got load of straw Easter had her first calf a bull a m
9 10 below to 20 above cold breeze town p m 30 bus oats 24.15 + 90 to chopp Maskell
heiffer a bull her second calf
10 24 below 4 above got straw nice day
11 12 below to 10 above town got 100 bran and 100 shorts 2.40 streets terrible slippery
12 2 below 10 above Gus came out nice clear
13 zero to 20 above got load straw fed horses West wind put Maskel heiffer in with calves
14 zero to 24 above town got 200 shorts and 200 bran 8.80 grand day I got milk pail
Macleods 1.15
15 zero to 20 above dull Gus went Verm and got some paint AM wash ceiling dining room
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16 colder around zero or a little above N E breeze got load straw Gus paint
17 25 below to 10 above Isa and I town got 460 coal Logan 2.81 Doris and Margaret Jiles
brought Isa home Gus is painting
18 7 below to 20 above Isa papered dining room Gus went Verm eve
19 10 above to 29 grand day snow very little last night Bob Minard out a m Gus came back
eve
20 8 above to 41 above Dorris Margaret Mrs Jiles and little Jean out I put a reach on sleigh
Gus paint
21 12 above to 44 grand day went town P M across river road is bare used sleigh
22 8 above to 52 grand got straw
23 30 above to 44 went Verm P M used buggy for first time this year lots watter around and
sloppy no coat or mittens
24 20 above to 48 above dull got straw
25 20 above 44 above snow light soft snow all day Isa and I Verm waggon P M Gus went in
eve got first goose egg this is a young goose her first egg
26 34 above to 42 dull sprinkled snow fed horses Gus came back this afternoon
27 28 above to 39 above snow a little soft snow all day
28 28 above to 40 clear and nice Verm P M got 200 shorts 100 bran + 4 boards total 8.15
29 22 to 42 above Joe Green out A M bought a calf $45 and a inpig sow $40 nice day
30 saw a gopher 20 above to 48 got straw and fed horses A E Moore took the sow in for Green
John Brady here to see Maud and May
31 Isa and I Verm about 40 above got block salt shorts and bran and some coal Received from
Joe Green 1 bred sow weighs 360 lbs 1 calf $45 less 2.50 for trucking Gus town eve
April
1 dull about 46 got straw and fed horses shut up the fat sow in barn
2 30 to 50 above fat sow shut in barn had 11 pigs her 3rd litter Gus came back eve I got straw
3 32 to 46 North West wind cloudy cool day got load straw and fed horses one little pig died
4 14 to 38 above young sow with 11 pigs one died with cold town got $4.15 Wild fire coal
200 shorts 100 bran sold this sow and 10 pigs $130 to Bill Winny Chuck
5 20 to 40 above grand Isa and I got taxi and went to Closing Exercises at College
6 20 to 30 nice got load straw Allen came P M taxi and went back and met Jean on bus both
home taxi
7 terrible day 10 above to 20 snow blow East wind put the load straw and 2 green feed in loft
Gus quit eve and went to town
8 10 above 25 above East wind got straw fed pigs and fed horses town P M got bran shorts
and coal
9 20 above to 32 Allen and Jean went on bus 7 30 this A M nice day got load straw
10 28 above 38 snow last night all went off
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11 14 to 38 above cold wind town P M got 23 bus oats 93 ½ 923.37 70 cents to chopp
12 30 to 44 above strong east wind gave iron to 8 little pigs 10 days old
13 36 to 54 no frost last night big sow and 9 pigs out Bill Winnychuck got the young sow and
10 pigs Patterson got her for him
14 32 to 56 no frost town got 200 bran 4.30 200 shorts 4.50 and Wild fire coal 4.38
15 no frost 62 at noon Isa walk town Chaperon and Bryson out address forms lamb left 5
calves out tonight for first time 9 little pigs out Allen phone eve
16 about 50 little cooler and some wind Karns out a few minutes I paid him 24 for the second
ewe lamb to come
17 about 40 terrible snow rain and blowing Gus came out P M
18 put rack on truck about 45 above clear calm town P M got 200 shorts 100 bran sent
pieees lamb to Bert and Margaret
19 up to 52 above clean stove pipes got load straw waggon vaccinate calves black leg dope
cows for warbles Gus quit again fed sheep
20 Marg phone 20th eve 62 above got straw and a load wood left everything out tonight
21 about 50 above but terrible windy North West wind blow
22 Isa and I Verm about 60 clear calm got 300 shorts 6 75 renew Western Producer 3 years
2.00 Allen phone eve The white faced calfs calf ½ shorthorn is 22 in high, 27 ½ ‘ long a
heiffer born Sun May 21 1950
23 about 60 cloudy Bob Minard and Margaret got some wheat to poison gophers I got load
straw
24 about 60 clear and nice fix fence town sent Allen $30 to radio batteries 6.60 510 coal
3.15
25 about 55 cloudy East wind got 3 jags straw for top of pig pens put yoke on bull calf
26 cool cloudy town A M Allens stuff cultivate spruce P M two horses
27 about 50 Isa hitch hick to town and out to Jiles store Allen came with her Mr and Mrs
Anderson out Mr Karns brought his calf and my sheep
28 about 50 Isa and Gonny left taxi 3 a m for Regina Isa is on her way to Ontario I took
Allen Verm 10 he’s going in to Edmonton
29 about 50 Jean and Jack came about 4 o clock left about 8 in eve got tax notice and a letter
from Margaret
30 Susan had 9 pigs 5 white ones and 4 red ones to are sows 2 are small about 55 clear Bob
Minard in for a minute Bertha on tear
May
1 took Bertha to College and bred her A M Hutchinson telephone repair man
2 48 above North wind pick a few stones went to see Bill Annett in the field telephone repair
man in here eve
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3 about 50 town a m got 200 shorts 4.30 10 bus barley Bill Moses $11 Mr and Mrs McBride
and Mr Cooper got load manure evening
4 About 58 put the 3 cows out in field for first time this year
5 North breese town 200 shorts 4 cedar posts 35 each 1.40 Bank manager out evening
driving
6 62 sprinkle rain Mr and Mrs Bert Moses and family and E Barton brought the 10 bushels
barley out a m John drove this far Sunday Saturday I went Verm p m yesterday cultivate
little garden 2 horses
7 about 66 cloudy John Sholigan over a m Bill Annett help me cut 7 pigs 9 weeks old a m
8 64 John Sholigan help me put 2 loads feed in lot a m cultivate large pig yeard and some
spruce and east garden
9 70 put Lill in yard Got 200 shorts 4.50 +300 bran 6.45 total 10.95 got bees and turned
loose sold veal calf born Mar 9 $55 to John Brady
10 70 got load wood east ¼ north side a m cultivate 2 horses p m Easter on tear a m
11 74 above town got 2 letters from Allen and Isa sent Allen a Vermilion paper for 5 months
got 40 bus wheat cleaned for seed sold 153 bus wheat at 154 ¼ = $233.64 James
Michyforuk took 201 bushels in and got 40 bushels leaned and brought out $7.00
12 75 had Hobbes cultivate and harrow the 30 acres stubble cost $35 sold Gillis + 10 weight
of pigs $40 “weaners”
13 colder rain very little a m town got 200 shorts 4.50
14 64 nice clean stables pick stones Morrison out a m 1 11/2 hours
15 cloudy seed 10 acres wheat seed Davie Shields 3 pigs 30 00 Manson Bar eve Bob Minard
is helping
16 cloudy seed 10 acres 3 cars here 2 looking for horses one the Watkins man
17 60 very windy went town got 100 bran 200 shorts no work
18 cooler finished the piece east of house about 27 acres without the part north of hen house
19 about 50 west wind sprinkle Norman Harris took fat sow to be sire and a can cream E C P
very windy p m wattered everything at well
20 town a m got the wheat screenings and a set of whiffle trees Macleods very windy P M
The entries from May 21 to June 21 were almost impossible to read - blotted
21 nice Bob Minard and I planting garden Harris got ram mailed a letter to Allen and one to
Margaret
22 rain about ¼ inch a m
23 ice in tank morning plant potato cuttings Plow 11 more furrows North light wind
24 ice plant some spuds Bill and Maggie out tonight
25 nice took cream to station had crate eggs plant red potatoes got first cream check E C P
not good
26 saw wood
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27 got letter from Jean also Allen
28 Morrison out a m goslings
29 town took 200 spuds COP got 1.00
30 very windy cool plant east garden
31 Margret Jiles here to see colt
June
1 very windy and dry sold 2 of Susan’s pigs
2 town a m sold 3 bags spuds
3 paid rent for gravel
4 Mr and Mrs Lyons and kids out to see the colt
5 Took drill wheel Vermilion and cream got letter from Isa Marmora had dinner town 65 cents
plant turnips and carrots grand rain evening
6 rain all night over an inch twin lambs fix fence gravel pit The last gosling died seed garden
7 town a m sold 115 lbs spuds COP 3.45 3.00 to get drill tire set
8 Nice day I had a terrible back I planted a row and a piece of potatoes left calves out tonight
in corral
9 70
10 took the goose to town Allens potatoes planted May 23 are up good
11th to 24th nearly impossible to decipher temperatures 82 and 84 above letters received
25 nice something took last lamb 11 days old 4 left The Hereford with white eyes bred 27th
26 town got a sleigh runner Crown Lumber 5.50 plant a few peas six live pigs 27th
27 small sow 7 pigs lost one
28 Very warm Elliott came back about 5 took Irene and baby for a drive
29 Elliott family went Lloyd
30 took cream town got 200 shorts 100 bran 6.96 + .50 to weld iron for end of toung Got letter
from Stewart and Allen
July
1 Bert Winnie and family came about 8 this eve and stayed all night nice day
2 Bert and family left about 2 30 coyote took 2 lambs and second oldest
3 took cream town got letter from Isa and Allen sold cream from 3 cows slight sprinkle
4 Nice day put three extra boxes on bees a total of 4 on each should have done it earlier
potatoes budded
5 town hot and getting dry thunder nice rain
6 90 and calm hoe little and fixed the boards around watter trough Frances left a horse here
while he went to town
7 town got 100 shorts 200 bran 6.90 got letter from Margaret and from Isa
8 nice day Webb spray about 26 acres wheat cultivate spuds pick 1 quart strawberries
9 Francis shear 3 sheep P M
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10 town cool cloudy got 200 shorts 4.70 2 ½ doz egs .50 5 lb chick starter 1.75 letter from
jean and Allen sprinkle morn
11 got a pint strawberries that makes 3 pints and 1 quart so far docked the 3 lambs all ewes J
Reasbeck phone eve
12 took cream cut little hay sent Margaret Allen Isa last letter
13 hoe little and thin a few turnips phoned Jack eve and paid the 65 cents at office the 14th
14 Hugh Rose phoned this morning about buying the place Took cream Verm got Allen’s letter
thunder P M
15 fix fence up at sand pit and coral got little more hay for sheep
16 Jay from creamery here looking for strawberries Margaret and Milly Maskell got rhubarb
Phoned Margaret a m she answered paid 65 cents
17 Paid phone bill for Margarets call repairs for binder 2.05 rain little eve
18 cut little wood also a little wheat for sheep and some thistles and weeds around yard took
toung out of sleigh to go to Verm
19 took sleigh pole to revelstoke got 50 lbs chick starter rain a nice shower eve
20 Weed inspector here Norman Armstrong got little feed for sheep sharpen some posts cool
and windy cloudy
21 took 37 bus 46 lbs rye to UGG got 20 bus cleaned and sold 15 bus at 1.27 = 18.86
Macleods start to shingle
22 took radio battery town at noon Macleods finished roof $111.00 2.75 for eaves trough got
letter from Jean
23 Isa and Gonny got home 3 30 this morning Isa had been 12 weeks in Ontario or on the road
Gonny at Maggies
24 took cream town got 200 shorts 100 bran 6.90 got some feed for sheep
25 cut little wheat for sheep Isa and I got Saskatoons along the road
26 took cream town Dorris and Betty out helping Isa put linoleum on kitchen floor got feed for
sheep eve
27 Jack and kids come on bus about 11 o clock He and I put load hay in loft Margaret phone
at noon
28 Jack and I took cream got radio battery and pick some saskatoons this p m
29 Jack help me fix six little pigs A M he went after noon Isa and Margaret about to get Keny
about 8 acres Marg came on train
30 rain very little all day by spells
31 took cream in cut wheat for feed with mower p m Me Gillis shear one old ewe evening
August
1 Mac Gillies shear two pure bred ewes paid him 1.00 for three Mrs Jiles Betty and Marg
Minard out taxi
2 cut little rake little and got small jag eve
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3 Isa John Barbara and I Verm got toung for rake
4 felt tough today didn’t do anything
5 took cream town a m put load wheat hay in loft p m
6 Indian got water here p m rain very little eve
7 sick all day no work
8 cut little hay on bobs east ¼ slough
9 Marg Linda and I Verm a m stack 1 load clean stable
10 fix little go hen fence a m rake on east ¼ P M rain little eve
11 town rain little fix little fence on garden East and North side
12 got load hay east ¼ Isa help put it in loft A M got load wheat hay p m then Verm eve
13 nice day
14 Ethel Klinistuber and Mrs Blakely came at 12 last night I went town a m and plow p m two
horses
15 stack load hay plow p m Mrs Blakely town for dinner at Mrs B Andersons
16 Ethel and Mrs Blakely went on early bus I plow very cold today froze ice 16th night and
18th night
17 Isa and I town got 1310 coal 8.10
18 North wind got load hay east ¼ and put it on stack Graded Bertha 4 00
19 Jack Reasbeck came A M I town P M froze last night Elliott wife and kid called at us
afternoon
20 Gus came before noon Bob Minard Margaret and Jean out P M I cleaned stable and got
some feed for horses
21 got 1 ½ loads hay east ¼ and plow 7 rounds put Lill out of grain and put nancy in corral
22 Isa and I town a m got 880 coal 11 bus fall wheat and chick grower Margaret and kids
town taxi p m
23 started to cut wht p m
24 Cut little all day Bob finished his rain very little
25 finished cutting the poorest crop I have had 1 ½ balls twine on 20 acres & cut oats in garden
26 Margaret and kids Verm dinner at Jorys I took waggon got 1200 coal 7.45 got cream
check 10 less 2 lbs butter
27 Put horses out of Bobs crop and fix fence Isa John and Barbara help p m
28 Karns got his calf been here since 27th April I fix fence Isa to town and out to Jiles store
and farm
29 fix fence sheep yard a m plow p m 2 horses colder rain drop last night and this morn
30 John and Barbara Verm a m Stanley McCrea I plow 4 horses disc plow
31 Isa took Marg and kids Verm taxi early bus they went home I plowed gang disc plow
Little took bull yearling 820 lbs H Rose
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August
1 H Little took bull to Rose this morning I drag 4 horses all day very dry and terrible dusty
2 I went Verm p m got bag pig grower 3.60 5 cedar posts Nortons 1.35 Jean and Jack went in
after supper & came back at 10 eve Sunday night
3 very hot sick all forenoon Jean and Jack came back at 10 eve
4 cut wheat with mower behind hen house Jean and Jack left taxi for evening bus Edmonton
5 stacked load wheat and got second one rake wht north of hen house Bob start to thresh p m
6 stack 2 lds wheat Bob finished threshing at noon 200 oats 300 wht
7 Ruby Cummings wed stack 2 lds wheat got 15 doz eggs Mrs Cummings 6.00 cold and
windy
8 stack last load wht Isa walked town taxi home rain nice shower eve total 6 loads wheat on
30 acres seeded & some feed cut green
9 Isa and I Verm P M got a door for Gonnys outside 1.80 got returns for bull 138.60 rain a lot
last night
10 nice day turn cows on wht stubble
11 town coal 1460 9.05 145 shorts 3.40 check
12 seed 5 acres fall wht east of garden
13 rake a m little quack roots a m dug Allens potatoes 2 rows pretty good
14 dug some red potatoes pretty good grand day Berthas heiffer
15 finished spuds pretty fair
16 Isa and I town p m nice got 3 forks blacksmith 6.50 put last load green feed on waggon
17 gravel crushing crew moved out to Bert Moses place this eve about 7 o clock Help Bob
Minard move 200 bushels oats to yard granary clean stable & fed Lill Gus out
18 vaccinate black shorthorn mouley and bull against Blackleg and put glass door on Gonnys
front room
19 got small jag oat and wht rakings 2 men had dinner and 2 supper from gravel pit put glass
door on kitchen (a “glass door” was a storm door)
20 took honey to Klashinskys to get it extracted Clem took it eve 1.50 cost Gus went town eve
21 Plow 2 horses north of hen house Sanderson brought a load dirt for hen house Karns
brought a bull calf out
22 Isa and I town pm got sack pig rations and 100 lbs oil cake second hottest day this summer
23 clean west ½ of hen house and get joy 1st stray Bob has all the wheat out eve the 20th
24 nice day very hot Allen came from Ottawa this morn 3 days and 4 nights
25 nice Allen Isa and I town got some of the honey it was a grand crop garden ready early
morn
26 rain no work clean stable
27 Cold Isa and Allen went Verm Allen went to Edmonton to register came back at 3 p m
28 rain little and a sprinkle snow put up heater dining room
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29 Got Jiggs and May of Littles and fix line fence Napoleon help (Napoleon was a French
Canadian who hurt his foot at the gravel pit and recuperated with us) snow all day got
straw and a very miserable day snow all night
30 snow nearly all day two boys went Beauty PM terrible mushy around
October
1 black eyed white faced 2 year old had a red ½ shorthorn heiffer calf this morning got load
straw clean stable sloppy
2 put 2 loads hay in loft Napoleon and Gus help crush gravel p m
3 Napoleon and I got small jag dry wood Margaret phone from her home Calgary
4 Isa and I Verm a m got Allen freight 7.00 4.00 for lumber I got straw p m clock 2.65
5 Norman Harris choppe a m 6.00 clean barn and hen house & got straw p m Isa town a m
the two boys came back last night and quit a m
6 rain and snow all day Napoleon and I put gravel in hen house east side Lloyd town got mail
left cows and horses in barn tonight
7 went Verm waggon roads and town terrible met Allen paid Little 4.00 for wheat hauling11
½ bus out and paid 3.00
8 Allen and I got jag straw and 1 chicken clean stable
9 clean little in yard and put more dirt in hen house Allen went Edmonton A M & phone back
at 10 to 2
10 Gus and Napoleon went Vermilion a m and back p m I clean (undecipherable) Nice day
11 Napoleon and I got jag of green posts and sawed and sharpened
12 Isa and Gonny Vermilion taxi took cream and Allens trunk got case tomatoes and corn from
Anna Ontario fence stack
13 fix fence centre line east of house
14 cold got load green wood for posts a m and load dry for wood Isa with Sanderson Verm P
M Gus went in evening
15 colder rain last night clear today
16 saw little wood a m got little dry at McCreas mail box p m Elliott Carson came and stayed
all night snow at night
17 got two loads dry wood east ½ John and Allie came in P M and left after breakfast Elliott
came tonight again
18 snow little sick got jag straw a m and clean stable seed pail sweet clover dope pig
19 fix stack fence got some straw and load dry wood east ¼ Napoleon quit tonight
20 Gus and I Verm got coal oil and gas & calf meal and some lumber
21 got straw and a prairie chicken for Lloyd Isa town Elliott and Irene came in had supper
then went to town and stayed all night Gus town stayed all night
22 Cold and clear Isa and Elliott and family went to Hendersons after dinner I got straw
- 337 -
23 pig died today snow showers all day and cool Elliott and wife stayed in town all night and
she here all day
24 Went with Lloyd for a ride 17 miles north cold but clear
25 grand day clean stable and sharpen posts
26 I went town got 100 laying mash 4.00 a window for barn 2 ½ doz eggs
27 cows on tear first time female calf 7 days old Isa Verm p m Mr Sanderson I fix fence first
2 pullet eggs
27 eggs on 27th
28 nice clear Gus went Vermilion and stayed all night sold 150 lbs spuds to gravel crew 3
cents lb
29 nice day
30 rain last night and this A M Lloyd went town truck a m got letter from Jean
31 cool and cloudy I felt sick and didnt work Gus came back p m Lloyd took truck Verm for
repairs
November
1 clean stable put window in west side of barn Lloyd town and got mail Martin took cream
2 nice took two loads manure out of yard Marg phoned evening gravel crew starting to move
the third
3 Isa left for Calgary on early bus Mrs Lloyd Sanderson left about 11 a m
4 town got mail 6 loaves bread and 2.30 stew for Gonny got the first brown pullet egg today
also 1 white and 1 soft shell Gus went town eve Isa phoned from Calgary and Allen
phone from Edmonton at 10 p m
5 got brown pullet egg today turn colder Gus came back last night Mrs Sanderson got her car
back the 6th
6 got 2 brown eggs and 1 white pullet egg Isa Barbara and John came at 10 eve from Calgary
Mrs Sanderson father and mother also Lloyd came
7 colder put a gate post in north of barn Lloyd and family went today very little snow last
night
8 John went to school today Barbara didnt go yet cold left cows in stable horses out all night
9 3 pullet eggs 2 brown town 10 bundle coal 5.39 nice but cool
10 snow little 1 egg saw little wood
11 quite nice little snow put 2 small jags in loft Allen help with the last one he got down
about 4 eve Gus went Verm
12 Chapman came out dressed a yearling ewe lamb weight 71 lbs dressed 6 below to 28
Allen left for Edmonton about 10 this a m got 4 eggs quite nice
13 town got 1 sleigh runner shod cost 3.50 & 2.00 to vaccinate black calf John and Barbara to
school got 2 stray dogs
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14 Bertha’s heiffer came on tear a m saw wood a m clean stable and got straw p m snow very
little
15 Martin took cream clean stable stove pipes and got straw got five eggs shot a magpie
16 town got sleigh recharged 7.50 and I furnished everything left horse in tonight snow
17 cold and snow kids John and Barbara school put rack on sleigh and used it for first time a
m Indian help me Gus went town 18th evening
18 cold 14 below zero Isa John and Barbara town and taxi home Isa got a new radio battery I
got straw and put some on hen house I put rack on sleigh
19 20 below clear calm Gus came out today
20 cold North wind got jag straw clean stable John and Barbara school (John 9, Barbara 7)
21 cold Gus helped put jag straw in loft
22 cold chopp balance of oats cost 3.00 tried to start saw engine no luck
23 940 lb coal 3.14 nice town got coal strip mine coal Don Logan Gus went town got mail
stayed all night
24 7 egs nice day saw wood Gus came back and work at cupboards in cellar
25 5 egs 1250 lbs coal town got Black Diamond coal from Don Logan Gus went to town eve
26 Nice Lloyd Sanderson his wife and 2 girls out for tea I got straw and fed horses
27 foggy got load straw left stray dog up there
28 clear colder trying to put shoes on the percer rear sleigh
29 dull and colder thread some bolts to sleigh and drill a hole in the shoe
30 put second hand shoes on the percer rear sleigh cool enough
December
1 Put box on sleigh Isa and I took sleigh to Verm for first time quite cool around zero got 7
pullet eggs 3 brown and 4 white
2 cold got some straw and fed horses John and Gus went Verm and John came back got 7 eggs
3 got 6 eggs Gus came back clear and cold 10 to 15 below dope black eye white face bloated
4 Cold
5 Cold
6 warmer about 10 above saw wood p m
7 nice about 10 above got straw for horses Bert came and he and I went to College and back
about 5 30
8 nice Bert left this morning I saw wood A M Gus went Verm and back this eve
9 7 egs Isa John and Barbara town got 1080 coal Revelstoke 5.55 Gus went in this eve
10 34 above got straw and put a few sheaves and some hay in loft Bob Thompson out eve Jack
Karns out at noon
11 sold J Green 4 pigs for $100.00 Mr B Roebuck $70 paid Isa $28.00 got 1200 coal 6.15
nice
12 Nice about zero Gus quit I got straw
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13 went to college and got the sow 159 lbs clear at 30 cents – 34.70 The sow Karns dressed at
the college weighed 433 lbs live and 328 lbs dressed sold 164 lbs Cregs @30 cents = 47
70
14 got straw
15 Isa and I went Verm P M sent the wool supposed to be 60 lbs unwashed 3.30
16 Isa and kids and I town A M got 1230 lbs stove B R coal 1020 5.27 I paid a treatment
from doctor
17 got straw and clean stable Mrs Jiles out taxi for dinner and supper nice snow all night
18 town got stove b d (Black diamond) 830 6.30 Little brought out 3 ton coal
19 foggy got straw and fed horses
20 took 3 pigs to Moores and brought me home charged me 6.00
21 Isa took John and Barbara to town at 7 taxi they went home They were here from Nov 6 to
Dec 21
22 32 above got mail and 50 lbs laying mash and got the 2 white sows at Moses let Lill and 2
colts in sand pit with the other horses Jean and Jack came at 10
23 Isa Jean and Jack and I Verm p m turn colder 10 above pd Cregs a refund on 12 lbs pork
at 30 cents $3.60
24 got jag straw p m Jean and Jack went to Horricks for dinner they came after Jean and Jack
Allen came this eve
25 Jean and Jack came back this a m on bus
26 10 above Allen and I got jag straw for horses Jean and Jack left on bus 7 30 eve got jag
hay at river and put it in loft p m
27 Allen and I got load hay at river Isa went Verm and got the yarn we got back for 60 lbs
shipped to Brandon Woolen Mill 2 lbs white yarn .80 14 ½ lbs grey 5.80 total cost 9.43
28 Wally and Mary and baby came last night stayed all night left for Saskatoon by car took
cows to ranch PM
29 Allen went to town and got 2 teeth out I got jag straw nice day
30 2 above got jag straw for horses got 6 brown pullet eggs and 2 white eggs
Notes on Address page
White face ewe on tear Dec 14
Put the new A battery on radio Dec 14 ‘50
Dec 20th took 3 pigs to Moses & brought the red one home cost $2.00 each pigs should come
April 14th
Items for January 1st and 2nd were written in at the back of the book will be included with 1951
Here so ended the diary of the year 1950.
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1951
January
1 Jack Karns got his ram about zero saw little wood got 10 eggs
2 11 eggs our biggest day got little straw fed horses about zero
3 10 below 8 eggs just clean stable
4 38 below this morning got 9 eggs clear and mild
5 little warmer went town got mail and bread Allen phone evening got 8 eggs
6 2 above this A M & went up to 20 above got little straw and fed horses got 7 eggs
7 20 above to 30 above got straw fed and wattered horses Lloyd Sanderson wife and kids out
for tea
8 20 above to 30 grand got 7 eggs got straw and fed horses
9 about 20 above nice Isa and I to town to council meeting got 8 eggs today and 5 gals gas
10 little colder but nice saw little wood got 11 eggs
11 Nice Lloyd Sanderson came out and help me get 3rd load hay from river got 11 eggs
12 grand day sold lamb 97 lbs at 27 cents 25.65 & got 50 lbs laying mach – 1.90 got saw
sharpened 60 cents
11 egs
13 5 below to 25 above got straw and fed horses 11 eggs
14 10 below too 20 above got straw and fed horses 10 egs
15 nasty snow and blow from east Lloyd brought out 2100 coal 11.45 got Beggs Berthas
heiffer up to 20 above
16 little cooler town windy got 10 bus oats 1 Fought-ful oats 853 = 8.57 chopping 30 cents
sent Margaret a parcel Linda a 1.00 got 10 eggs
17 little colder about 5 below got straw fed horses 9 eggs
18 John Shaligan help me get load straw and put it in loft colder got 12 eggs
19 9 eggs 30 below town got mail and bread got two saws sharpened 9.00 Put Marlene in
stable tonight.
20 Allen and Margaret and kids phone from Calgary this evening about 30 below here got 7
eggs fed horses
21 around zero east wind 13 egs clean stable up to 25 Isa sent Allen 2 overcoats
22 around zero clear nice fed horses put a little in barn 13 eggs
23 Isa and I town got 760 lbs coal Revelstoke 11.80 got a fork 3.85 got candy and braces
Marg Waghorns guide Jean and cards from kids 10 eggs
24 colder about zero 9 eggs got jag straw fed and wattered horses
25 colder up to 10 below got little straw used 2 sheep lined coats Allen phone eve
26 got 11 eggs car at gravel pit very cold I went town P M and got mail 10 egs
27 Bill had colic morn 30 below 10 egs just did chores and dope Bill twice
- 341 -
28 10 below zero slight west wind got straw fed horses and watered them (first correct
spelling watered) got 11 good eggs and 1 frozen
29 around zero to 4 above got straw and fed horses 9 egs
30 zero to 10 below got straw fed and wattered horses north wind 6 egs
31 8 below to zero West wind got straw got 9 eggs 15 dozen and 9 eggs in Jan
February
1 6 below to 20 above grand saw wood got 9 eggs
2 6 eggs town bought 15 bus oats 80 ¾ = 12.11 nice day about 10 above
3 Plow roads out today some one below zero N E wind got straw and fed horses 9 egs
4 10 below to zero 12 egs got straw fed and wattered horses
5 14 below to 2 above got straw and fed horses 9 eggs
6 30 below to 10 below West wind 5 egs Bertha had a heiffer calf bred her yearling Wendy
2nd
7 34 below up to zero no wind brought Bertha’s calf in house a m got straw 11 egs
8 14 below to 2 below 9 eggs got ½ load hay the 4th put Bertha’s heiffer calf back in barn
9 Isa and I Verm P M 14 above 10 below last night Karns brought out the bull calf Gus came
out P.M. 7 eggs
10 colder 14 below to 4 below got straw and 7 eggs Gus went back to town P.M.
11 42 below to 8 below 8 egs got straw and fed horses clear and calm
12 38 below to 4 above 6 egs got straw clear and calm
13 10 below to 20 above 8 eggs grand day got straw fed and wattered horses
14 4 above to 30 7 eggs I went town with S McCrea and came back with Ken Mrs Stan visit
here P M
15 8 above to 44 grand got straw took picture of Berthas calf 9 days old got 8 eggs thaw
today in shade
16 4 above to 30 got 8 eggs sent Jean 5 doz Sold Model A engine $20 got 100 shorts 300
bran Mr and Mrs Anderson over also Jack Karns
17 16 above to 30 above 10 eggs grand saw wood PM Jack Karns got his H calf been here 5
months or nearly
18 6 above to 30 above grand got straw 7 eggs
19 4 above to 30 got 7 eggs got ½ load hay at river grand
20 0 to 26 above got straw grand 11 eggs had Jim in sheep pen and fed him some grain
21 10 above to 20 above north breeze got straw fed Jim in sheep pen
22 6 above to 20 got 11 eggs nasty S east wind got straw fed Jim and Nancy in sheep pen
23 Isa and I town 4 above to 20 above got 11 eggs got 740 lbs coal 3.45 100 shorts 2.25 reg
calf 3.00 tire 125 total cost 12.25 grand day
24 4 above to 32 got 9 egs nice day got nearly the last of our straw
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25 18 above to 30 10 eggs clean stable nothing else N E wind fed colts in sheep pen fed Jim
since 20th
26 2 above to 20 12 eggs calm got 1st load straw W McCreas
27 8 below to 7 above 7 egs east wind got a little straw our stack for horses
28 10 below to 16 above 10 eggs got second load straw Stanleys east wind
March
1 got ½ load hay p m 10 egs zero to 20 above East wind
2 12 below to 12 above Jiggs town sent Jean 4 lb box butter 970 lbs coal 5.75 bran and shorts
7.00 rubbers 3.97 16.72
3 18 below to 20 above nice saw wood 11 egs Margaret phoned Gagnons house burned in
Calgary
4 30 below to 10 below 14 eggs cold north wind a nasty day got straw and fed horses coldest
Mar 4 in 70 years
5 30 below to 20 below north wind dirty 7 eggs Maskel cow had a bull calf Mar 6 p m
6 The Moully had a dead one a m town got 26.35 feed oats and wheat 30 below to 20 got 13
egs
7 25 below to 20 10 eggs got small jag straw at our stack and fed horses
8 36 below to 10 below got 10 eggs Allen phoned P M got small jag hay at river Allen came
home this eve
9 38 below to 10 below 11 egs town got 1630 Brilliant at Revelstoke 10.85 & 200 bran 4.60
10 Allen went back on bus after supper very cold we got small jag hay at river 12 eggs
11 30 below to zero 10 eggs got very little straw fed horses Lloyd & family out for supper
12 9 eggs 12 below to 20 above & back to 4 above town sent Margaret 12 dozen eggs ½ for
Bert
13 10 above to 28 got 7 eggs got a small jag poor straw at Stanleys the third. Jean had her
boy 8 lbs 5 oz
14 Plow out the road 18 above to 38 12 eggs Isa went to Camerons funeral he died the 10th I
got 4th load straw
15 cold 10 above to 40 below turn cold snow and blow terrible got 12 eggs Easter had her
second calf a heiffer this morning
16 10 above to zero 8 eggs this has been a terrible day North wind snow and blow terrible
17 2 above to 10 13 eggs bad day and roads terrible I went to Verm P M to vote 300 bran
6.90
18 12 below to 14 above 12 eggs Donald Wilson went through here and let the horses out I
have them in corall tonight
19 10 below to 28 above 14 egs got very little poor rye straw horses at Bert Moses a small
jag hay at river P M
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20 14 below to 30 above 13 egs town got 1460 Wildfire coal 9.70 1st cream check 6.52 7.69
BF Jean phone ¼ to 9 eve
21 18 above to 48 got 8 egs got jag rye straw from Bill Annett a m jag hay p m
22 zero to 44 above 12 eggs got a little rye straw for horses
23 zero to 38 above 12 egs grand got jag hay at river & some rye straw for horses
24 32 above rain to 44 12 egs grand Isa and I Verm p m (road bare from corner)
25 26 above to 44 calm clear got a load hay at river p ,
26 30 above to 48 14 egs got load hay P M Hines went Verm truck Hartford and wife came
evening car
27 28 to 39 above 12 egs strong west wind and very little snow Hartford help me get a load
hay
28 26 above to 40 got 12 egs Hartford and wife went early this A M I got load hay P M
plow road
29 14 above 40 13e egs cool east wind town buggy took cream 2 pkg bees 9.50 25 lbs
sugar 3.30
30 30 above, 46 16 eggs from 18 hens got jag hay at river 1st crow
31 28 above 40 dull 14 egs got last jag tray 14 trips
April
1 24 above to 42 14 17 eggs from 19 hens took straw off hen house put box on waggon
2 32 no frost 44 11 eggs Isa went Edmonton Mrs Giles (spelled correctly) I took cream town
used waggon
3 22 to 50 got 17 eggs white eyed white faced Hereford 2nd calf a bull a m put horses up on
bobs 90 gopher
4 22 to 46 17 eggs got jag rye straw B Moses for pigs bedding
5 24 to 46 14 eggs clean stove pipe
6 22 to 42 9 egs town got 650 coal 4.45 +100 shorts 2.40 Got a Peterson pipe from
Hartford
7 24 above to 48 16 egs got 2 lds manure out of pig pen Allen came eve
8 24 to 50 got 18 eggs from 18 hens Allen left 11 taxi came in the 1st time since Jan 15th dope
cows for warbles
9 30 to 48 got 15 eggs town got 765 coal 5.25 100 shorts 2.40 North wind and very little
snow
10 20 to 30 14 egs cool but calm put rack on truck grand out offered 160 for bull
11 20 above to 38 15 egs nasty south winds the red pig and one white one had 20 pigs last
night 4 died
12 30 to 50 16 eggs Marlene had a bull a m I pulled Stanley out this a m got load barley straw
at Bill Annetts
13 about 30 above terrible snow and blow N wind Bill Annett got some spuds 15 eggs
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14 20 above to 30 14 eggs town got 5.07 for cream 100 shorts 100 bran 4.70 paid radio
licence 2.00
15 16 above to 30 10 eggs lovely day 3 cars in here today turn cows out a while 1st time Mrs
Jiles and Mick out for tea
16 20 – 48 16 eggs town 5 gals gas 1.23 200 shorts 100 bran 7.10 Black Leg 8 calves 100
cream 8.96
17 20 to 30 and then 20 snow little and cloudy three people have tried to rent this place this
week got jag barley straw Bill
18 20 above to 28 15 eggs snow dirty north wind just cleaned stable fed and wattered
19 20 above snow 13 eggs started for Stanleys broke king bolt on truck came back empty
saw wood p m
20 20 above to 25 12 eggs town 660 lbs coal 4.50 14 lbs cream 3.42 Allen came evening
Jery Brass
21 20 to 30 15 eggs got a 3 waggon box stray Stanley a.m. Isa walk town Allen and I
waggon 6 doz beer bottles got his trunk
22 26 to 35 17 eggs had all the pigs out in sun Allen and I got a small jag straw at Stanleys P
M
23 28 to 45 13 eggs took Allen town got grass seed Buckingham $19.10 + 100 shorts 100
bran
24 32 to 46 14 eggs Clif McCrea and his dad here seed 1 ½ acres rye North of hen house + 3
½ in pasture North
25 Little ice on tank up to 16 got 14 eggs took red sow to McCreas and left her saw little wood
left cows Bill and Maggie out
26 no frost 64 13 eggs seed rye on pasture about 13 acres total Allen came also John and
Allie
27 grand went to Moses and back a m Isa and Gony went Edmonton John and Allie 65 17
eggs took cream got 100 shorts
28 around 60 12 eggs got sow at Moses red one put a post in Johns fence and 1 in stable yard
29 70 above 14 eggs Klenshensky brought out 2 pkgs bees eve old Morrison and Bob out a m
Isa came on bus tonight
30 50 above and rain 13 eggs batteries for telephone 1.40 1 qt paint 1.65 cream 5.95 took
buggy town Bertha on tear
May
1 64 16 eggs rain lot out to Lyons and got 100 bard Rock chicks dope cows for marbles
second time
2 rain about 66 17 eggs fix Jiggs harness also paint Gonnies room (first conformable spelling
of Gonnie in 11 years)
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3 acenscion day rain about 60 14 eggs rain some fix little fence N. line Bill Annett here to
phone
4 65 above 16 eggs clear and calm fix fence at road south of house AM Allen and I
Vermilion PM both hives have queens and eggs
5 66 14 eggs got load hay Bill Annett A M moved stack fence and put in some posts East
line E. ¼
6 68 16 eggs grand day put bottoms in bill and Maggeys grain boxes milk the white face
cow and fed her calf
7 72 above 17 eggs took cream town a m got bran shorts 2.00 Allen and I seed wheat and
grass seed P M
8 68 14 eggs seed 12 acres with Buckinghams grass seed total 17 acres to wheat and grass + 5
= 22
9 Martin got cream the first trip 70 above 16 eggs John and Allie brought Gonny home
seed 4 acres rye p m
10 75 13 eggs seeded balance 10 acres clean stable purebred ewe pair lambs
11 cooler about 50 14 eggs Allen and I got load wood a m Isa and I Verm p m got bran and
shorts 9.40
12 70 13 eggs plant potatoes white face ewe a pair lambs
13 about 60 13 eggs rain yearling ewe a air lambs the 14th this makes the third pair twins
14 55 above 16 eggs clear cloudy rupture terrible
15 about 60 16 eggs fix little fence am Isa and Allen town pm Isa got hair curl
16 76 16 eggs nice day Allen went Edmonton took Jean 5 dozen eggs Isa and I Cliff
McCreas sale at Littles
17 70 16 eggs Allen came home evening I cultivate garden a m got 35 bus ajac oats Magsted
@ 90 cents = 31.50
18 colder about 50 16 eggs Garnett got 2 pigs $20 and Mrs Jiles got 2 at $20 I cultivate
springtooth pm 4 horses tied Jim up 1st time turn 6 head in sandpit
19 cold windy about 50 13 eggs Allen and I got load dry wood Isa and I Verm got bran and
shorts Allen clean stable won pig 7.00 shut up 6 little pigs to wean
20 rain little I planted 3 raspberry bushes in spruce field 14 eggs
21 took the white sow to Moses and left her above 70 got 13 eggs saw some wood and fix a
little fence E ¼ line
22 80 13 eggs Allen left for Edmonton and Yellowknife am I cultivate east ¼ p m
23 82 above 13 eggs Allen left for Yellowknife 8 a m plane I cultivate east ¼ p m
24 60 13 eggs very windy cultivate big cultivator east ¼
25 town 56 cold and windy 14 eggs got 100 bran and shorts 4.70 got letter from Allen cream
8.69 radio batteries 7.50
26 56 cold and windy 14 eggs got white sow at Moses terrible day
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27 about 56 dull cloudy 14 eggs put hobbles on Lill Jay Perkin out took in some cream
black moley on tear
28 around 50 18 eggs rain nearly all day Jim first 18 dozen eggs 5.83 dog had a mate
29 48 cold dull 13 eggs Isa and I town a m buggy got 12.76 from wheat board cream 12.44
cultivate p m
30 50 dull snow little 12 eggs Krushinsky till here today east ¼ West end
31 60 froze ice last night Kruschinsky finished 50 acres at noon I seed 31/2 acres oats p m
Cream for May $78.90
June
1 returns for Suffolk ewe 150 lbs @17.00 = 74.90 dock lambs 10 eggs
2 seed 71/2 acres oats total 11 13 eggs
3 cold and rain Cliff McCormick out p m fix waggon seat 9 eggs
4 cold cloudy seed about 10 acres oats and some wheat mixed 10
5 cold clear by spells finished seeding the oats 29 ¾ acres 14 eggs
6 9 eggs cold dull 14 inches snow in Calgary in 2 days. Down to Bill Annetts p m
7 9 eggs 60 above broke about 2 acres east ¼ south side 4 horses and disc plow
8 60 13 eggs Isa and I town PM got 14 lbs grass seed Buckingham paid Donald Wilson
15.00 telephone
9 13 egs Isa and I seeded 24 acres grass 2 acres south side East ¼
10 74 14 eggs got Lill and colt in a m Cliff McCormick and Shirley out P M to see Jim
11 cut little hay for bull 80 above 13 eggs Mrs Klinshky got 2 doz eggs 90 cents Jack Karns
out a m and Jack Wright eve He offered me $175 for year old bull
12 80 12 eggs Dr Anderson out to artificially inseminate Bertha Cliff McCormac brought out
10 bushels oats and started to halter break Jim
13 80-14 seed 5 bus reg oll barley and 2 ½ acres victor oats Cliff McCormic got Jim Lills last
year sorrel horse colt
14 85 12 eggs Elliott Carson stayed here tonight I cultivate garden four horses and Isa town
got 20 turkeys
15 70 14 eggs Isa and I Verm am cultivate garden with bill Elliott here tonight a guy from
Islay to see Maud cold and windy
16 70 14 eggs seed garden & piece behind hen house total 2 ½ acres 5 bus Victor oats
17 60 13 eggs Drive Bill and Lill on waggon PM Elliott and Irene came for supper
18 60 14 eggs took cream town got 390 oats and barley @ 67 ½ = 11.71 barley seeded 13th
up good 18th
19 65 12 eggs cut a little hay raked it and brought it in
20 60 12 eggs got small jag hay and cut a little volunteer rye p m S McCrea had old Holstein
cow here
21 56 15 egs cut little rye am rain light shower pm fix waggon seat
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22 60 13 egs rain very little saw little wood
23 65 11 egs rake little am town pm got 5 gals gas and 5 lbs gun grease 2.07 5 lbs alfalfa P
Write 5.00 froze garden evening
24 65 12 egs Elliott and family town for PM Jack Reasbeck his dad and mother here took me
to Wilsons I at Bill Annetts this am
25 nice about 80 13 eggs went to Frank Wilsons and got an old mower for repairs $10.00
26 cold about 40 terrible wind 13 eggs got two jags hay rain and sleet very little eve
27 about 60 13 eggs cold and windy North wind sold old battery and 2 lbs horse hair 3.00
not much rain
28 55 11 eggs Elliott family Islay Isa and I town no work bad back
29 60 12 eggs got 20 bus oats 60 ¾ 12.15 gas and grass 2.06 rain very little eve
30 Elliott and family went home here 17 nights about 60 14 eggs
July
1 72 13 eggs very light shower eve left Bertha in stable tonight
2 75 windy 13 eggs cultivate 4 horses McCormick paid 30 for Maud July 4 left her here
3 72 windy 14 eggs cultivate 4 horses
4 75 windy and very dry Little to(ok) Velvets bull calf 6 months old to sale
5 72 calm 14 eggs rain very light shower a m cultivate p m Jack and Barbara came eve
6 65 calm 12 eggs Jack took us to town rain little drizzle jack went over home p m
7 I took bus for Edmonton stayed all night at Jeans
Memoranda: Calgary fare starts the 9th
June 8th advertised hay rope and scales on CJCA Edmonton
Harry Lora Howard and Luella came up here from Canuck on No 4 highway Sunday July 8
465 miles to Vermilion and it was 311 miles from Hartfords at Stirling to Hughs then back to
Harrys They were home from Vermilion Edmonton Calgary and Alberta then I stayed all
night with John on Saturday night from Sunday There was 27 Wells at Hughs for dinner
on Sunday June 15 These are details of a rare family reunion. Harry, Hartford John and
Egbert were surviving brothers
August 23 sold Judy to W J Bell $45
th
8 Harry came Vermilion 8 (I) took early bus to Calgary and stayed all night at Berts
9 Went to Stampeed parade with Bert Winnie and Kids
10 Harry went to Margarets on street bus and stayed there all night Harry got to Calgary p m
11 Stewart (another brother from Walla Walla, Washington) Lucil and I went to Macleod
Lethbridge and Stirling to Hartfords
12 Harry got to Hartfords today Stewart Hartford and I were in to Lethbridge with their Wifes
left via USA for Saskatchewan Harry went via Saskatchewan We got to Hugh and Joyce
we went to Johns and to Bracken then all over to Hughs for late dinner I stayed there all
night (By the end of this sentence we are at July 15)
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16 left for Alberta this morning and got to S Calgary at night Hartford got hailed Stewart
Lucile and I left for Macleod and I left Macleod for Calgary and got to Margarets stayed
there all night (17th)
18 Margaret and family left for Vermilion a m I left for Vermilion bus 72 night got to Verm
11 o clock
19 Jack and Isa met bus I got home
20 rain some Jack took car home and came back A swarm of bees came here empty hive and
went on a m
21 Jack took us to town and back a m then went home p m rain little
22 Jack and Margaret took kids over to Reasbecks for dinner brought them back to farm for
night
23 80 above Bee inspector here fumigating Isa and Margaret got room upstairs
24 Isa Barbara and John Verm p m waggon
25 Bert and Winnie and kids came today Bert and I went to (?) also got repair for mower
26 Margaret and I Verm got mail Jack R came p m Bert and Winnie left eve jack and Marg
fair eve
27 all but Gonny to fair p m the hottest day this summer but quite a breeze
28 Jack went home to Calgary Isa town taxi John and Barbara to fair very hot
29 not quite so hot rain very little last eve alone today with Margaret and kids
30 Bill Annett and I cut hay east ½ rain a good shower at bed time sold COP calf $85
31 Bill and I cut Bill broke his mower and went town and got repairs
August
1 Bill cut and I rake nice day light breeze put two small jags in loft
2 work at hay took 2 jags to Bill and put in stack
3 put 2 jags in loft and Bill and I rake all day very hot
4 thunder morning saw little wood a m town got 20 bus oats 14.55
5 turn very cold Jean hone last night they christen Ian a m
6 sick Bill and I stack a little a m then he went to Moses after dinner windy Jack H here p m
also Retos
7 I fix lane fence a m Bill and I raked little and stack some
8 I cut little rain a m rain quite a bit all p m
9 Bill and I finished cutting the 20 acres I had seeded to grass Isa and I went to Verm p m
10 Stanley start to till the summer fallow rain P M bred red shorthorn a m
11 nice I rake hay a m Isa Margaret and kids town p m lost 2 ducks
12 nice day I put out some gopher poison Mr and Mrs Klashinsky out a few minutes
13 Bertha on tear again Bill and I stack hay
14 clean stable rake and got a load of rakings Marg and kids Verm P M
15 got second jag hay rakings clean pen for red sow nice
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16 sent in to Macleods and got a table canvas for binder $17.10 start to cut and broke binder
pitman
17 shut up red sow and cut balance of fall rye nice day Maddock out last night
18 all town but Gonny I took team the rest went in taxi
19 nice day the kids and I put up 19 stooks of rye 34 cents for the lamb and $7 for the calf.
20 nice day cut hay east 1/4 Craigs out to cut calf and lamb
21 Chapman came out 21st and killed 2 lambs I sold for Craigs I got a little wood clem took
the calf and one lamb
22 Isa and I went to town in waggon shipped wool and took half the lamb to storage got load
hay 3rd in stack
23 I went to Verm got 25 bus oats and 100 twine $40.00 sold W J Bell Judy for $45.00
24 Herb Little took Judy to Bell this eve got a load hay and put it on stack
25 Got jag hay and put it in loft Isa Marg and kids town p m cold
26 got easter this a m she stayed away all night cold and damp
27 Marg and kids left on early bus for Calgary Pd S McCormick $25 for tilling got jag dry
wood p m
28 saw little wood a m Isa and I went Verm p m got 10 gals gas and 2 gals oil 6.56 Marg
phone from Calgary
29 clean stable took a load out of shed sharpen some posts cold dull and cloudy
30 rain all day town got 1630 coal $11.20
31 got the coal not 30 but 31st also Sept 1st stain
September
1 Isa and I town P M 1770 coal 11.60 + .60
2 clear cloudy I seed a little alfalfa on east ¼ south side and put in some posts Elliott and
family stayed here last night
3 saw little wood p m took manure out of shed p m sold 12 eggs 60 cents
4 McCormick got Maud Sept 5th 4 above 8 a m Allen came this a m town got 25 bus oats
18.12 Bill Annett here eve
5 Isa town a m taxi Allen and I fix shed a m help Bill Annett stack p m
6 Yorkton teacher here for tea took 2 loads manure out of shed p m help Bill stack p m Allen
left on bus for Ottawa 9 30 eve
7 grand day help Bill stack p m draw manure a m Isa took Allens trunk town taxi p m
8 rain little Bill Annett brought bare clean cellar and got some manure out of shed
9 nice day but rupture terrible
10 saw little last night no work rupture bad Bill Annett in eve cold last night
11 cold windy help Bill stack p m
12 Isa and I town a m got 25 gals coal oil B A 5.25 help Bill Annett finish stacking hay rain
little Charlie Thompson died
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13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Look for and found Jersey Bull a m cut first oats pm used over ball twine very windy
cut little more oats used another ball twine total today 2 balls repairs to binder 4.30
Isa and I town froze ice last night 26 above 36 bus oats 22.80 + 1.00
nice day fix at binder got Green out also Mr and Mrs Klashinsky somebody stole a turkey
police out A M nice day stook a m cut p m used 3rd ball twine
stook a m cut p m used 4th ball twine Jean and Jack came p m
cold windy rained very little Jack Horricks and I Verm a m I stook a little p m Jack
Manville p m came back eve very cold
20 stook a m cut p m Maggie came a m and Jack took all for a ride to Islay 9 degs frost
21 Jack and Jean got mail Maggy took Gonny town for dinner rain little all day
22 I stook a little P M sprinkle snow very cold cut balance 30 acres oats used 6 balls twine
total to date jack took all to town
23 Very cold white sow dead pig Jean and Jack help me stack a little p m up to Horricks after
supper
24 very cold Jack and I stook a little a m Jack and Jean town p m I finished stooking the oats
25 lots snow this morning 2 turkeys gone Jean and Jack went fishing Police out p m I found a
caf
26 Jean and Jack got back at noon no fish then went to Horricks Maggie went a m UI got 70
sheaves
27 Isa and I went town got honey 206 lb Jean and Jack brought it home I brought hives paid
Logan for load
28 little warmer Jack duck hunting I spent the day waiting for Bert Moses
29 Bert Moos took the white sow Suffolk ewe old ewe and one lamb 90 lbs Jack took all us to
Verm P M
30 coyote took a ewe lamb. Jack and Jean went home just before noon Nice day
October
1 grand above 60 finished cutting canvas off binder used 6 ½ balls twine.
2 Black eyed a bull from black bull Isa town Margaret I fix fence S east ¼ corner
3 draw some green oats to garden and stook so I can pasture the field
4 colder moved the last green field of the field turned the cows in the field east of east garden
the 5th
5 Isa and I town got 88.59 for the sow shipped Sept 29th got 25 bushels 30 lbs oats Logan
@75 ¾ = 19.60 + .85 to chopp
6 nice day got a nice load dry wood east side east ¼
7 nice day Heins took out a new John Deere tractor and seperator
8 grand Isa and I saw wood got a second hand 1936 Chevrolet truck the 9th licence 10.00
9 grand Isa and I town truck a m got returns for three sheep one a lamb 51.00
10 grand used truck to get 4 horses off McCreas plow p m on 5 acres fall wheat used disc plow
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11
12
13
14
15
little cooler finished plowing the 5 acres fall wheat
Isa and I Verm truck a m got 50 lbs turkey fatening pellets drag 5 acres fall wheat p m
cold not much work clean out above sheep
Everett McCrimmon had dinner here it is cold Bill Annett threshed today
snow little cold & windy Isa and I Verm taxi got Marmora paper from Lucille Charlies
trip in it
16 cold clear calm I got to loads oats put one in loft and one on waggon Klashinsky got 2
chickens for extracting Mrs Cummings here
17 put a load sheaves in loft 310 sheaves cold dull put 4th load sheaves in loft
18 Put a load in loft and 1 on waggon cold dull 19th put the load in lost
19 cold Isa and I Verm p m took truck
20 cold not much work fix car jack
21 cold rupture bad
22 cold no work rupture bad black eyed cow on tear
23 cold not much work feel a little better sold Billy Mcauthorn 2 weaner pigs $35 9 weeks
old
24 Isa and I Verm P M in truck paid insurance on house for 3 years snow little eve and night
25 thresh 84 bushels very little barley and very little rye Heins did it Paid him $5
26 Isa and I Verm truck nice today Lots wind and rain a little tonight caught a tubful
27 nice day I fix fence where threshers came in Nail out granary and got three bags
28 little colder 40 was high clean up a little straw around stack
29 colder took 100 shovels of oats to town to chopp .35 got a letter from Helen Hardy
30 Cold Isa and I Verm a m man to see cows adv in Standard Betty Gillies married
31 colder Isa and I Verm a m horn kept tooting cost 3.50 to fix first expence
November
1 cold put in corner post at S corner East corner east ¼
2 little warmer Isa and I Verm man to see cows adv in Standard
3 Isa and I Verm with Mrs West to meet Mr and Mrs Mcfadden they got Verm 2nd and stayed
at hotel
4 snow Mr and Mrs McFadden left here taxi at 10 noon to go to Saskatoon
5 warm 34 above got jag dry wood east ¼ used sleigh for first time
6 nice day thaw Mrs Jiles and David out for dinner
7 grand Isa and I Verm truck clean hen house got letter from Estella Kilpatrick put sheaves in
barn
8 40 above west wind clean stables and got jag straw
9 saw little wood a m Isa and I Verm p m
10 little colder I took 30 bus oats to town to chopp cost 1.15 Jean and Jack and Ian came eve
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11 sow like fun Jean and Jack left for horricks eve then Edmonton tomorrow sold Easter $210
M C Farrell Clandonald
12 put 75 sheaves in loft a m got jag straw a lot cooler but about 30 above
13 about 28 or 40 colder Little took red shorthorn to sale got hay went with sleigh
14 Isa and I Verm a m Jim Cameron got the black eyed hereford cow little warmer I town a m
15 about 2 above put rack on sleigh
16 about like yesterday got little straw a m
17 sent Allen $50 I got $250 from Jim Cameron for the black white face hereford
18 about the same as yesterday clean stable and got 50 sheaves from garden for loft
19 about the same Pd Chapman 5.00 to dress Jersey and sold a lamb to Elmer Islay $35.00
20 Isa and I town p m laying mash 4.20 dairy ration 3.35 old got paid for easter and shorthorn
left cows in stable
21 about zero clean stable got a few sheaves red sow on tear
22 took 30 bus oats to town to chop Doug Maxwell ran into maggy and threw her
23 Isa and I took taxi to Verm it is cold I had to report the axident to police John Shaligon had
dinner here
24 mild above zero Isa town Martin taxi home I got little hay east quarter
25 2nd pullet egg 25th 3rd one 26th Little colder left cows out last night and tonight got little
straw and hay in one load
26 clear and nice I killed 13 plymouth rock roosters I got a load dry wood east ¼ saw a coyote
cows out
27 nice rupture trouble no work Isa took chickens Verm taxi got letter from Allen
28 grand 40 above at noon 3 pullet eggs got straw and hay clean stable cows out
29 little colder saw wood a m got a load p m 1 egg left cows in tonight
30 Isa and I Verm sleigh I paid a visit Police 1 pullet egg
December
1 Isa town Martin grand left cows out tonight 3 pullet egs
2 ? pullet eggs today grand put last sheaves in sheep loft got some straw and hay left cows out
3 (entry crossed out)
4 (most of entry crossed out) had sleigh and box 3 eggs’
5 (entry crossed out)
6 (most of entry crossed out) sow to Joe Green Verm
7 (entry crossed out)
8 (most of entry crossed out) a 3 deck box of oats cost 4.00
9 2 above zero snow little 9 eggs clean stable bought straw and hay
10 above zero 8 eggs kill last 4 turkeys and go jag hay
11 from 20 to 30 above 8 eggs snow all day about 5 inches
12 9 eggs little colder clean stable and got feed
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13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
11 eggs below zero kill 5 ducks poor crop clean stable got small jag feed
12 eggs 30 below Isa and I Verm taxi sent turkeys Forbs bought out a boar eve
13 eggs 42 below clean stable sent Allen $50 the 14th
7 egs 42 below this morning terrible
15 eggs 22 below got hay bred the 1st sow the smallest one
14 eggs one white cold east wind Fred Atfield brought out load coal 2.25
15 egs cold calm got load hay for loft
11 egs cold calm got jag hay and put it in loft
12 egs about 30 to 20 below this morning Isa and I Verm taxi
14 egs colder got hay Jean and Family came eve
16 eggs nice about 30 above from 10 below Jack and I put load hay in loft Isa Jean jack
church night Maggie phone evening
17 egs nice Isa Jean and Jack Verm P M Fred Atfield brought out load coal a m
Xmas 19 eggs Jean and Jack left right after dinner nice day watch 3 small sows
10 eggs little colder got jag hay Bill Annett got the sleigh and box to move barley
18 eggs about 10 below Bill brought the sleigh home I got a jag hay
19 eggs nice 20 above I went town for mail sleigh
17 eggs colder 11 below got little hay Bills horses got in here last night
17 eggs colder bred last sow ring in ear
40 below to 20 15 eggs 350 eggs in Dec
Five Account pages at back of diary Most items already commented upon
A card in the front reads “To Grampa from Barbara and Linda”
Here so ended the diary of the year 1951.
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1952
January
1 21 egs 10 below to zero nice got jag hay
2 18 egs up to 26 above got jag hay
3 19 egs above 30 got jag hay grand day
4 19 egs 4 above to 10 above I took team Verm took radio battery and got a refill for a
Waterman pen
5 17 egs around zero Bill Annett brought a load hay I got load wood Jean phoned evening
letter from Allen
6 19 eggs grand day 10 above this morning to 22 at noon got load straw for horses
7 18 eggs nice day I saw wood a m and got load oats down here to chopp
8 colder below zero Norman Harris chop 4.00 McGinnis got boar 20 eggs
9 14 eggs cold got jag straw put some in loft
10 14 eggs 10 below got some straw and hay Bill brought up second jag
11 13 eggs colder team Verm sent Marg $5 for her birthday
12 9 eggs cold SE wind used snow plow on our road
13 14 eggs about like yesterday got jag straw and hay
14 5 eggs 20 below N wind Stanley met taxi at gate this morning drift
15 12 eggs colder Bert stayed here last night I had to draw his car this a m to start it
16 8 eggs 40 below Jack R and two friends stayed here last night Bill brought up 3rd load hay
about 1600 lbs each
17 12 eggs mild and calm got large load straw and gave it to horses
18 9 eggs little colder got load straw and hay mixed 40 below Saturday morning (the 19th)
19 15 eggs very cold town team got 1050 lbs coal 9.39 laying mash 2.25 calf meal 3.05
20 14 eggs 20 below strong east wind rupture bad didn’t clean stable phone Margaret a m
21 16 eggs 20 below to 10 below E wind
22 19 eggs cold Bill brought 4th load hay I got straw
23 18 eggs cold fed horses Martin came today & brought mail
24 18 eggs cold my 88 birthday Isa and I town taxi 40 below last night got bill from
Maxwell memo
25 16 eggs little warmer just about 10 below got jag straw
26 18 eggs like yesterday Bill brought 5th load hay I town p m put sheep in barn
27 21 eggs around zero Cockshutt garage burned this a m
28 15 eggs about 10 above town team got radio battery & Isas parcel from Eatons
29 21 eggs grand 32 above got straw and fed horses
30 19 eggs grand 38 above Bill bought up ¼ load hay I saw wood
31 21 eggs little colder about 30 Chapman kill lamb p m got jag straw
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February
1 19 eggs Isa and I town taxi
2 19 eggs grand and bear day got jag straw
3 23 eggs grand day Hector Cameron over p m got little straw and hay
4 20 eggs grand I took 37 bushels oats to town to chopp went on river
5 22 eggs grand got jag wood
6 21 eggs 20 above to 40 I saw wood Mr and Mrs McFadden out King George died
7 21 eggs 20 above got hay and straw
8 21 eggs 20 above Bill brought 7th load hay I went town got 1480 lbs coal Revelstoke 9.45
9 21 eggs 36 above thaw little P M got straw
10 20 to 42 got oats and fix telephone at Heins gate R G Thompson out tea got 20 eggs
11 38 above grand took 40 bushels oats to chopp crossed river got 5 gals purple gas 25 eggs
12 32 above grand took a load out of pig pen 28 eggs sold Watt 5 dozen 1.50 I have bad
cold
13 30 above 19 eggs nice got jag hay and straw Bill brought first load hay 2nd stack the
14th
14 24 eggs little colder and snowed little at night
15 23 eggs about 30 above got load straw King’s funeral holiday in town (This was for
Friday the 14th)
16 Bert had operation
17 20 eggs about 10 above east wind
18 24 eggs about zero town p m got 50 lbs laying mash 2.25
19 20 eggs around zero plow roads a m good time Marg phone Bert O K
20 25 eggs around zero 20 above last night got straw bred cow C McC
21 16 eggs 24 below this morning Bill brought 9th load hay
22 24 eggs 26 below this morning town coal oil 10 gals @ 28 cents = 2.80 950 coal 6.58
Jean and Jack came tonight
23 21 eggs little warmer Jean and Jack took Isa Verm p m Jean had a friend he came for
supper tonight
24 21 eggs zero to 30 above Jean Jack Ian and 3 kids left after dinner for Edmonton
25 24 eggs at above 30 degrees chopping in Vermilion oyster shell 3.45
26 24 eggs up to 40 above saw wood found sow (writing illegible)
27 19 eggs up to 30 above got straw bred 2 cows
27 25 eggs 20 above got 10th load Bills hay
28 25 eggs 20 above got battery
29 24 eggs about 15 above town sent Maggie 1 dozen eggs got letter from Bert
March
1 23 eggs colder got straw Isa town with McCreas taxi home let Bertha go dry
- 356 -
2
3
4
5
6
7
26 eggs 12 above 34 below last night Hereuther out last night
25 eggs 10 above 22 below last night down to Bills to help move his stove
22 eggs 10 above S E breeze 3 cars in here the 5th road was good
24 eggs 10 above Joe Green out eve pig 190 lb live Little took calf Hareuther
21 eggs 20 above Bill brought 11th load hay the 8th Pd Little 3.00 2 calves Verm
18 eggs 20 above took oats town to chopp got 71.50 for veal Paid (probably Roebuck –
spelling obscene) 52.50 for hay
8 26 eggs up to 40 then 5 colder town got 1980 coal at 14.90 = 14.75 advertized pigs 50 cents
in Standard
9 34 eggs up to 26 above got straw Bert phoned Mr Symington died the 8th (Egbert Wells
Jr’s father in law)
10 21 eggs about 22 above got load wood Isa phoned Winnie at Manville A M
11 21 eggs 22 above got straw Isa went Manville to Mr Symingtons funeral on bus a m
12 24 eggs 20 above Bill brought 19th load hay I sawed a little
13 23 eggs 20 above 2 bred sows to hennedys 14 miles south S McCrea brought out radio
battery
14 23 eggs 20 above Fred Attfield took 2 young pigs to Green 360 lbs live Isa got mail
crossed river
15 27 eggs 4 below to 26 above got straw Isa town Mrs Heins to vote on council I saw wood
16 21 eggs 4 above up to 26 got box hay at Bills let hens out an hour
17 18 eggs 30 above sold Robertson 2 sows 130.00 got straw
18 20 eggs 28 above snow and blow from east used snow plow for 3rd time
19 27 eggs 36 above Jack Reasbeck and kids here p m Bill brought a load of hay his own
stack Hereford calf
20 29 eggs about 30 above snow all day got little load straw and jag wood got mail
21 25 eggs 26 above took crate eggs tonight and got 24 lbs flour got 61.24 for two pigs
22 21 eggs 20 above S E wind chopp town cross river
23 36 eggs 44 above thaw off roof got load straw Bill Annetts Nelly H. calf got tub watter off
roof ruby Bowser died
24 31 eggs 40 above took load oats to chopp crossed river got 50 lbs battery(?) mash 2.10
chopping 1.25
25 33 eggs 42 above no thaw got pigs straw Bill Annetts Book brought his own hay I paid
$15 for the two jags of hay
26 31 eggs 46 above grand
27 40 eggs 50 above Bill brought 16th load hay grand took load manure out of hen house
Ruby Bowser buried
28 33 eggs 40 above Bill brought 4th load his hay I paid 15.00 and I paid Rowbuck 35.00 Isa
and I took truck town p m paid 35 cents brake fluid
- 357 -
29 31 eggs 40 above got 3rd load straw Bills road bare got 30.62 for each small pig shipped
21st
30 41 eggs 40 above sold Milly the Maskel heiffer George Eyben
31 24 eggs 38 above Isa and I town taxi truck refused to run got new pair rubbers 4.00
April
1 27 eggs 40 above Isa town to get her hair done Eyben got Milly this morning I clean hen
house
2 36 eggs 48 above got 4th load straw at Bills strong East wind Watt got 90 eggs
3 40 eggs 40 above snow last night a little I town got me 4 gals gas 1.60 East wind cloud
4 39 eggs 40 above nice and bright Isa and I town truck sold 270 lbs potatoes COP $9.50 got
sugar
5 37 eggs 50 above nice & bright left milk cows out got a little cleanings at Bills stack
6 44 eggs 60 above grand left cows out got jag straw at Bills put rack on truck vaccinate
calves for Black Leg
7 42 eggs 30 above cold and snow little last night all gone Isa clean stove pipes in room
rupture terrible
8 42 eggs 25 above got small jag dry wood and sawed it a m got jag green on road p m
9 37 eggs up to 40 above SE wind got 6th load straw Bills and got little wood on road
10 40 eggs 50 above Isa and I town got Mrs Curdy Yorkton for dinner and supper Merle came
out for tea I saw wood p m
11 38 eggs 50 above Margaret Jack and family came at 3 this a m Jack and I saw wood p m
North wind most of today Jean phone eve
12 42 eggs 50 above dope cows jack Reasbec and I got jag straw at Bills a m all town P M
Jack and Marg back eve
13 41 eggs 62 above small sow had 6 pigs last night 3 died I clean 2 loads out of leanto Jack
left P M SW wind
14 45 eggs 64 above large sow pigs P M clean stable fix fence
15 37 eggs 54 above got jag wood on road Isa and I Wilsons p m pay telephone little wood p
m
16 38 eggs 65 above Isa and I town a m paid ? big sow lost the 6 pigs last night visited Dr
Stephens 3.00 and 1.75
17 40 eggs 70 above got 2 loads wood on road
18 40 eggs 65 above got jag wood on road
19 38 eggs 75 above Isa Barbara John and I Verm p m Hector Cameron over a m
20 46 eggs 42 above cold NW wind strong Linda has measles
21 37 eggs 50 above Isa and I town got Morris touring car & licence set hen 12 eggs
22 40 eggs 70 above Margaret & Barbara & John & I town a m plow pigs yard p m
23 40 eggs 70 above took load oats a m check (unintelligible)
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24 40 eggs 76 above plow garden two horses
25 38 eggs 76 above grand John went Verm got hair cut Marg family left 26 morning
26 38 eggs 76 above Isa and I Verm Morris p m I dug some post holes corral p m the bees
came Verm today
27 colder 64 above 40 eggs Klinshinsky brought out 2 pkg bees p m
28 nice 64 above 37 eggs plow little 4 horses disc plow I took a piece of washing machine
town got it welded
29 66 above 36 eggs drag east garden and seed a little alfalfa east side cultivate little on fall
wheat for barley
30 66 above 37 eggs terrible strong east wind cultivate & drag two horses
May
1 66 above 40 eggs Isa and I Verm a m I have 4 loads hay in stack yet put a little in loft P M
2 66 above 38 eggs Hector started to cultivate had dinner here I plow little and drag it Jean
and Jack came eve
3 Hector disc on east ¼ 60 above 40 eggs town p m took Isa Gonny Jean and Ian nice day
4 Jean Jack and Ian went for Edmonton pm 60 above 40 above cloudy Hector didn’t work 5th
5 pills
5 Allen home from Ottawa 5th Jean phone from Edmonton 5th colder about 50 West wind
snow rain very little 37 eggs Isas birthday clean stable and put some hay in loft
6 50 above 29 eggs town got 25 turkeys and Gony got 125 chicks 50 W L (unintelligible)
7 69 above 30 eggs town got ? paper for roofing on brooder house Hector came p m tilled I
drove him lunch at night
8 68 above 38 eggs Hector till all day seed fall wheat ground and garden p m Hector had
dinner
9 60 above 37 eggs Isa and I town got gas tank soldered $2.00 in gas at Webb’s Hector
tilling had dinner here fixed disc a m (first use of possessive ‘s)
10 70 above 38 eggs Hector drag and took engine home to chopp I drove his truck over & he
brought me home very windy
11 76 above 36 eggs very warm and dry
12 76 above 35 egs rain very little plant some spuds Hector didn’t work but got some wheat
brought it here
13 76 above 36 eggs took waggon town got tires set cost 20.00 got 28 bus oats Jory @71 –
19.90 Hector seed wheat
14 70 above 38 eggs nice Isa and I Verm a m out to Betty Jiles and got berry bushes P M
Hector didn’t work today
15 66 above 36 eggs put load hay in loft Isa and I town sold sack spuds 4.40 got 50 lbs flour
got 48 cents gal gas at Webbs
16 68 35 eggs Bertha had a dead calf last night plant some garden
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17 70 34 eggs Isa and I Verm p m nice day rupture terrible Morrison sent to Toronto today
for birth certificate for second time
18 78 above 35 eggs very warm dry Isa and I over to Reasbecks p m bred Lill to pinto a m
clean out bull stall
19 78 above 34 eggs Isa and I Verm a m Maggie came on bus we went up and fix telephone
got letter from C Cook and Hartford
20 76 above 32 eggs light east wind picked up few stones on west a m town p m got water
tank from store total 20.23
21 got jag wood p m bred a black holstein Stanley Merrel out tea and visit Maggie
22 Isa and I Verm a m car sent letter to C Cook and Hartford plow sod east ¼ disc plow 4
horses
23 Isa Maggy Gonny I went Verm a m I plow p m sold Garnet two pigs $20 eve
24 I plowed all day disc plow 4 horses Maggie went on bus a m
25 Turn Lill out been in corral since June 10 some rain this p m cooler tried sorrel second
time
26 great rake a m saw little wood east ¼ p m windy and blowing
27 got gasket on cylinder head sawing engine a m plow little in stubble p m east wind lots
very windy
28 30 bus oats Logan 66 ¾ $20 freight on 3 wheels Hartford sent 3.17
29 plow ½ day sod east ¼ North side Stan and Moly had second black cow pd 20.00
30 Isa and I Verm a m plowed p m warm and dry councillors here S McCrea b. Cow pd 1.00
31 put last load hay on waggon a m Isa and I Vermilion p m paid sub to Standard 2.00
June
1 got load last jag hay (indecipherable)
2 town a m took a sow turkey starter we gave back eve taxi
3 Allen and I went Vermilion (illegible)
4 Allen and I fix little fence east side
5 Allen left p m to visit Jean (Much illegible)
6 (Much illegible) Jean Jack brought Allen home eve
7 Jean Jack Allen Gonny town a m Isa and I went town p m ...Morrison...Jack Reasbeck a few
minutes check sent Jory 2.00
8 Jean and Jack went home a m Mr and Mrs Dowdell out p m
9 Allen and I town a m fix fence east 1/4 p m Hector here 10th
10 fix fence John Carson Allie Mable Evelyn George Galway from Ontario here Dick
Downeys wife here all night
11 Allen and I fix fence east ¼ Allen went Edmonton after six eve Dick Downey went
Edmonton
12 Isa and I town a m I paid taxes rain little last night and this p m
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13
14
15
16
took team town got Allens freight from Ottawa also 6 posts $5.00
Isa and I Vermilion p m got bag shorts 2.40 also birth certificate
rain little near all afternoon
Isa and I town a m fix fence turn Bill and Maggie I fit in Allen got home evening Hector
here p m
17 Allen and I fix corrall fence Hector till and seed John Stelfox eat supper here
18 Hector seed oats 18th Isa and I Verm a m I went to live stock sale p m sold the white face
calf 530 lbs at 18.5 less deductions
19 Allen and I fix fence a m I town waggon p m got 30 bushels oats 71 1/8 = 21.37 Hector
seed oats
20 Allen and I cut a box hay for bull Hector drag 40 acres oats and 25 wheat
21 got last of oats out of granary field put in horse barn Isa and I Vermilion p m Allen and
John went eve
22 rain ¼ inch today all home got Allen and John 2 boxes shells 75 and 49
23 Isa and I Verm a m sunny little rain got meat cut 2.00
24 Isa and I Verm sent $85 to Edmonton for calf
25 Allen and I fix fence N side West ¼
26 fix little fence got hay for bull
27 Isa and I town P M Isa got kids at 8 30 ready to go to city
28 rain light shower all day no work
29 windy little rain
30 Allen and I town a m rain p.m. Isa got home eve John bought a new car to use
July
1 Allen and I fix fence John had breakfast (generally illegible)
2 Isa and I town a m (nearly illegible) got letter from Hugh Skimming to Allen Verm eve
3 Allen and I fix fence cut a little hay for bull got box used posts on road
4 cut little hay then fix fence and clean stable
5 rain a lot today Allen Isa and I town got turkey scratch
6 clear windy Allen start for Calgary a m John away home eve
7 clear windy rake hay a m Dr Stephens out to Gonny
8 Allen and I got 2 lodes hay east side Isa went to Islay in Gillies funeral with Andersons
Allen went to Wetaskiwin eve
9 ...back today I saw a little wood and got a little hay
10 Stewart was in a car crash Wetaskiwin the 8th I went to him today and stayed with Jean all
night return fare Wetaskiwin 9.30
11 ... and back to Vermilion on bus to knight came out in Heins truck Allen got load hay 10th
12 Isa Allen and I town p m John and Allen eve 50 lbs chick grower Jory 2.80 + 3.00 on car
12-page colour map insert
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13 grand day all home but John Stelfox Stan town today Mr and Mrs Kargs here to buy a farm
14th
14 Allen and I took cream Vermilion some Magpie legs cleaned octigon hen house and shed
Don Reid here for supper
15 draw little manure out shed a m cut 2 stands hay p m got wet and quit very windy last night
took rack of waggon
16 Isa and I Verm a m Allen and John Edmonton p m I cut some little
17 cut hay east ¼ cooler mostly sweet clover
18 cut hay Jack Reasbeck John and Barbara came eve also Allen and John Stelfox came from
Edmonton eve
19 Isa and I Verm I took Jack and kids to Reasbect to his dads and brought the kids back here.
Allen and I got 4th load of hay in loft
20 John worked a lot in rain today He and Allen went Verm this evening
21 Allen and I drew manure out of sheep pen Black Mouley a bull Jersey calf John took cream
town
22 Allen and I fix fence West line Bert here a few minutes a m
23 Isa I and Allen town bought chick feed and lumber cost 3.38 got load hay stack p m John
Stelfox Allen town
24 took Margaret John Barbara Linda town a m fix at manure cart rain John Stelfox Allen
town eve
25 Jack Ian Jean came for dinner then all but Gonnie and I went to fair then Jean and jack went
26 Isa and I town also Winnie and Douglas Stewart and Lucille came
27 Winnie and Douglas went on bus 7 15 a m
28 Bert stayed all night and left 28th morning Stewart and Lucille also left morning Isa Allen
Linda and Stewart got load hay p m
29 (basically illegible)
30 Isa to town rain
August
1 Cameron cut little hay rain little
2 Isa Allen I town a m Margaret Jack went
3 cool and some rain Jack Reasbeck went this a m Margaret and I took him to town
4 rain a lot today Allen and I help Hector Cameron clean our rye Mrs Bill Barr buried today
5 One sheep went to S McCreas p m Isa Allen and I went town to vote stack load hay grand
6 cut barley and stook it got 2 loads hay on stack Hector disced and harrowed
7 Isa and I took cream town got paint Allen and I stack 5 loads feed N of hen house
8 took some roofing on granary Allen and I took Punch town saw little wood got 2 rolls
roofing for granary
9 sick today Isa and I town a m got $42.25 for Punch 1190 lbs Jack R came morning rain
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10 nice Margaret kids and I took Jack to heighway
11 Allen and I took cream to town cut hay and put 2 rolls roofing on granary Hector start at
feed rye
12 35 gals purple gas $8.09 30.5 kerosene 3.42 Bert here few minutes at noon rake hay and
got a jag rain eve
13 Margaret and kids went in bus a m Allen and I put 2 jags hay in loft and 1 in lamb rain little
eve
14 Allen and I took cream town a m saw little wood p m
15 put load hay in loft a m Allen left for Edmonton noon we took him to College sent wool to
Brandon
16 rain little a m clean stable cut little hay east 1/3 a m rain eve
17 nice and clear Allen came from Edmonton about 11 30 a m
18 Isa and I took cream to town got apples from Margaret got jag hay on the waggon rake
some p m
19 Isa and I took a cake to jorys for wedding Allen put 3 loads hay in loft from east ¼
20 Allen cut hay Isa went to Evelin Jorys wedding p m sold the steer I got from Karns
21 Isa and I took cream to town and stack 5 loads I took Allen to highway morning he left for
east
22 He phoned from Saskatoon at 3 o’clock Isa and I town Mrs Jory Roy others out evening
23 got another jag hay I and Isa town p m grand warm and dry Bill Annett cut his wht sent
Allen Standard 1 year
24 grand put the last hay on stack two turkeys gone a few days ago
25 Isa and I took cream to town cut a little hay and rake some rain very little
26 cut little a m put load on stack pm
27 went town for mail Martin had it rake little a m got a load and put it on stack p m rain very
little 34 above this morning
28 Isa and I town got fruit and a black pup a m got good load hay and put it on stack p m
29 cold windy cloudy had a swollen leg so couldn’t work
30 rake hay a m nice Isa and I town p m got a pair woolen blankets from Brandon our wool
31 nice day all alone
September
1 holiday shot at coyote in farm yard cut little hay took load out of corral Manure put out
moth ball mice
2 town a m got chick feed 2.50 pig feed 1.00 salt 1.10
3 calm binder rain little p m ((generally illegible – overpowered by ink from other side of
page)
4 clean stable rain a lot saw little
5 rain little last night Isa and I town a m rake hay m
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6 Letter from Allen and one from Maggie Hector cut little today I rode binder he went town
for repairs I stook first round on south and east sides
7 no dog today rain little a m stook 4 hours p m got recharged battery on radio 8th
8 Hector finished cutting wheat 3 15 then Isa and I went town got anaw from Hector
9 battery 5 05 Hector stook dug 4 rows potatoes a m truck load rain p m
10 Vick Patterson here for Cynos gas p m dug 4 more balance spuds two loads dump wagon
found Major (the black pup) dead today
11 Isa and I town got $6.84 fed also crate peaches a m stook wheat p m
12 finished stooking wheat a m rain p m
13 rain all night and this a m Martin brought mail I got a chicken tonight (a Prairie chicken)
Letter from Allen also Stewart
14 grand showers a m (quite illegible)
15 Isa and I town P M got barley for chickens Grow it 4.07 grand day
16 light rain
17 rain last night and this a m clean stable plow p m
18 plow saw wood
19 plow little all day finished the field preacher out p m a while
20 Isa and I Verm p m I got feed in field for stock
21 the Preachers wife came out and got Isa and Gonny and took them to church
22 Isa and I town a m I drag p m also cut 6 pigs
23 Nice day dug turnips Mrs Jiles and Dora out George Mitson and John Stelfox here 24th for
tea
24 nice day Isa weed p m
25 Isa and I town (rest too faint to read)
26 Hector start to cut 40 acres oats I rode binder Lloyd dinner and heiffer here
27 Hector cut oats I ran binder Isa and I town p m sold 4 chickens 9.00
28 he Preacher came took Isa and Gonny to church Victor and I finished cutting the oats and
moved granary p m
29 Isa and I town a m got $5.02 turkey feed Hector finished stooking and put 50 green sheaves
in loft
30 Isa and I town sent Margaret crate eggs and 2 chickens got engine weld
October
1 dug last of carrots and clean stable Margaret phone eve
2 Isa and I town a m I fix garden fence p m rain like fun eve took top off stacks
3 cold got second load 50 sheaves p m the Millers were out
4 cold got load barley A P elevator
5 quite a bit warmer froze hard last night Mr and mrs Jory here for tea
6 town a m tried to start saw engine no such luck it was cold last night
- 364 -
7 grand day town a m got repairs for pump engine cut wood p m
8 Homer came for lunch Isa and I got straw and hay
19 Isa and I town had a vet out
11 Isa and I town sold 2 chickens little colder and some wind
12 little colder sprinkle rain a few times Isa and Gonnie church with the Preachers wife
13 chilly north west breeze Hines start to thresh wheat about 3 p m and finish threshing oats
14th about 11
14 H Green took some of the sows I went to town with Hector a m
15 Little took 2 steers and black shorthorn heiffer to Scotys sale Vermilion
16 Isa and I town got check for 314.95 for three cattle 350 for doctor phone Margaret
17 64 above grand day saw wood a m got 2nd jag oat straw p m turn cows on wht stubble
18 grand Isa and I town a m Chris McLaglan boys out eve Jack Jean Ian came eve
19 grand Isa Jean Jack son went to Horricks P M
20 Jack and Jean took her car Verm for check up John and Allie Carson came eve I used
tractor
21 Jean and Jack left for Sask John and Allie went home Mr McFadden and Allan all afternoon
22 great took two turns out of stubble
23 got jag oat straw cut some p m grand
24 nice grand day (largely incomprehensible)
25 got jag straw a m Isa Ian and I town p m
26 quite cool bad rupture
27 quite cool froze hard last night Manson Barrs P M no work
28 got jag straw p m tried to start engine and got car toed Isa town I went and got her and taxi
29 grand moved brooder house and shut up chickens got wet wood East ¼
30 grand day but rupture terrible no work working on road and we went across B Moses
31 nice got load straw a m Isa Ian and I town p m Hector and Sam Little brought 39 bus 12
lbs at night 2.59
November
1 someone took chicken then no by Hector brought 57 bushels of oats
2 nice day started engine got oat straw they worked on road p m
3 grand saw wood Isa Ian and I took car to Gunderson to get radiator soldered
4 very windy from West put a log on shed roof
5 got load straw load green poles for shed Hector took 3rd load his wheat Jean and Jack came
evening
6 colder put poles on shed Jean and Jack saw Mrs Jiles a m home p m Isa and I town p m
Mrs Gould Jean Mrs Jiles in p m
7 snow little all day put load wheat straw on the shed used oat straw for the side
8 cooler today Isa and I town p m
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9 grand got oat straw a m fed horses and cows put little hay in loft
10 got jag oat straw for cows and horses took about 30 bus oats to chop p m nice day
11 chopp and clean stable am fix line fence north side
12 nice got oat straw a m cut wood p m
13 rain little Isa and I town got little welding on car and fix it
14 nice got load straw for stock a m and a load wood p m
15 nice Isa and I town p m I up to see Bill Annett at his stack
16 cold Jean and Jack came last night and went a m planted wheat p m
17 put jag straw on hen house & got load dry wood p m
18 got straw a m jag dry wood p m dull day
19 saw wood a m Fugat get p m I got load wood p m
20 cooler and wind Hector got oats I got straw Isa and I town p m
21 cooler not so windy got another load wood Hector got the last oats about 20 bushels
22 Bert came last night saw wood a m town p m got Jersey tanned hide 9.00 some
23 Bert and I cut little wood tractor and got load straw a m Bert went Edmonton p m
24 colder clear got straw and clean stable put heater in tank
25 colder fed horses cows Isa took chickens town taxi car no start vaccinate heiffer calves
26 cold got wht straw bank hen house a m got jag wood used sleigh for first tie
27 10 above put rack on sleigh and got jag straw for stock
28 Nice Isa kill 4 turkeys I clean stable and got jag wood
29 Nice got jag straw a m wood p m Isa took taxi town took 3 turkeys + 2 chickens town
30 nice got load wht straw for horses clean stable took load wood to house
December
1 little colder got oat straw and put some in loft also some hay I kill 20 old hens
2 got wheat straw for horses got load wood sand pit Isa went town Scoty took 10 hens to
McLean CNR
3 nice got oat straw a m and wood at sand pit p m
4 grand town pm Waggs took chopping
5 nice got oat straw am wood pm
6 Isa town and home took chickens and hens I got load wood p m saw little tractor
7 foggy got load oat straw p m for cows
8 foggy got jag wheat for horses
9 took chopping to Karns grand day used waggon
10 grand got oat straw wood east ¼ 8th load since Bert was in
11 little colder kill 4 turkeys a m town got 1940 lbs coal UGG 18.31 Mrs McKay got a
turkey
12 got oat straw for bull got 9th load wood
13 Isa and I town sent Bert Margaret and Maggie turkeys first five all in cases I came up alone
- 366 -
14 grand day 38 above Hartford drove case drove it to see farm
15 40 above Hartford and Isa drove Verm a m Fred Attfields boys and Hartford and I saw
wood all day got straw for cows
16 still cold Hartford help Isa kill 11 turkeys and went Edmonton p m went to Heinz got ram
17 got little colder took sawdust from saw and put wood in house
18 about 10 above got load straw for cows south wind
19 about like 18th unload last load wood and got jag oat straw for horses
20 Isa and I Vermilion took two pigs and hold two at house got a tire pump from Bert and got
2 sockets for Bert’s outfit
21 winter begins today but nice I got oat straw two buckets of oats for bran Bill on colic
22 Isa and I town with balance of turkeys
23 nice out Tucker got punch to ring a bull got oat straw a m hay and wood p m
24 26 above today got wht straw for horses and oat straw for cows and bull sleigh Jean Jack
and Ian came eve
25 grand about 30 a m Jack Jean and Ian here for dinner they went to Horricks Tucker
26 grand got straw for cows and wht for pig hay for bull Moses got sow
27 Jean and Jack came a m all went to town 2 cars p m
28 Jean and Jack went up to Margaret McGatty for dinner then home Edmonton I got oat straw
for cows
29 cooler today all afternoon to start car no go
30 got straw for cows little warmer Isa to town car P M
31 above zero to 28 above got wheat straw a load of wood Mrs McKay out dinner grand day
Moses brought sow from Eyben and his second try
June 14 52 Birth Certificate No 86-05-013717 issued at Toronto June 14 1952
356 Mary Street, Pembroke Ontario (address of Allen Wells)
Some account pages in back
Here so ended the diary of the year 1952.
- 367 -
1953
January
1 26 above Isas pupil Vanstone visited got straw p m Harry phoned from Canuck Sask last
night grand day
2 about 26 above Isa and I town p m sent George a letter grand day
3 4 eggs first time this year got straw a m wood p m
4 4 egs 16 above to 25 above got straw for horses hay for bull one load out of barn
5 5 eggs colder sold 1st cow of the year to John B Eyben 200.00 Isa kill at 15 chickens little
snow
6 6 egs colder put on a pair skis for the first time got some hay and took a load manure out of
stable
7 little more snow 3 egs 3 below real cold Mr tun brought letters from Allen and Bert
8 7 egs 10 below fixed fence near hen house got straw and clean stable
9 9 eggs cold east wind around 10 below Isa and I Verm taxi p m got block salt battery barly
FL
10 16 above 4 eggs got wheat straw for horses oat for cows
11 9 below snow clean stable put some hay in loft
12 20 below 14 eggs snow& cold
13 30 below 11 eggs clear
14 46 below 14 eggs
15 30 below to 2 below 16 eggs got wht straw also oat straw
16 around zero 14 eggs town taxi
17 16 below to 6 above 18 eggs snow little put fresh milk and got hay
18 above zero up to 10 18 eggs fed and wattered horses
19 about zero got oat straw 22 eggs let Noraleen go dry took poke off Doras
20 up to 18 above nice put box on sleigh
21 16 above 25 eggs Doris and Mrs Jiles at tea gave shirt from John for birthday
22 30 above 27 eggs took load chopp town p m cost 2.75 card from Allen
23 22 eggs 20 above Isa town H. Little I got 3 loads straw two in corral for horses
24 birthday 25 eggs east wind
25 grand day 20 above at noon 25 eggs
26 colder around zero 26 eggs got two loads straw plow road
27 26 below 23 eggs 24 below 21 eggs dull
28 24 eggs 4 below cold no wind some snow
29 23 eggs 10 below
30 26 eggs 15 below
31 24 eggs 20 below Isa and I town taxi east wind
- 368 -
February
1 31 eggs 21 below to 14 above Heeths plowed road
2 29 eggs zero to 28 above dull a m clear p m got 2 loads straw and hay
3 29 eggs 6 above to 30 saw wood p m tractor
4 32 eggs 4 above to 30 got load wheat st cows
5 21 eggs 12 above to 22 saw little wood
6 zero to 25 above 31 eggs saw little wood Isa Manville McKay’s
7 10 above to 25 29 eggs snow little got wht straw
8 27 eggs 12 above to 24 dull
9 29 eggs 4 above to 30 above got 2 loads straw
10 29 eggs 16 above to 38 got tub watter off house
11 27 eggs 10 above 27 saw wood
12 31 eggs 4 above to 30 town got 64 bus oats 15.30 + 30 gas 6.87 grand day
13 21 eggs 26 to 32 got 2 loads straw
14 14 above to 24 27 eggs Mrs McCay out for lunch nice day Betty Burton married (baby’s
later birthdate given not repeated here)
15 25 eggs 4 above to 14 wht straw for horses east wind
16 31 eggs 10 below to 14 above got oat straw
17 20 eggs 4 below to 30 above grand Isa and I town taxi sent for a new rupture belt USA
18 29 eggs 6 to 14 above got wht straw
19 28 eggs 2 below to 18 above got oat straw 2 cars in today last car in Jan 5 for cow
20 Taxi brought Brower out 1.50 to trips + 2.00 to dress lamb 18 eggs 2 above to 14 dressed
lamb I got from Heinz
21 23 eggs 14 above to 40 above thaw very little
22 24 eggs 14 above to 42 grand got tub watter off roof and got oat straw
23 20 eggs 6 above to 36 above saw wood P M tractor
24 17 eggs 14 above to 32 strong west wind
25 29 eggs 22 above to 40 Cool wind not much thaw
26 13 eggs 28 to 36 above strong west wind got wht straw
27 19 eggs 20 to 32 above got oat straw snow little
28 13 egs 18 below 10 above Isa and I town taxi sent Margaret lamb roast
March
1 25 eggs 16 below to 14 above S E wind Joe Green out a m
2 14 eggs 14 below to 26 above got wht and oat straw calm an clear
3 21 eggs 8 above to 20 town got 30 bus oats $20 chopp got letter from jean and Allen sent
bull to H Rose Porter
4 17 eggs zero to 20 above N E wind cool Isa finished Ian’s quilt
5 19 eggs zero to 10 above put battery in car and drove to barn and back
- 369 -
6 20 eggs zero to 20 above Isa and I town taxi sold crate eggs $1.08 returns for Isa’s bull
174 (note possessive case, 4th and 6th)
7 31 eggs 28 to 42 above got boiler and tub watter off roof got wht and ot straw thaw good
today
8 22 eggs 30 to 46 above one grand day Lill has colic or something I have been doping her
9 20 eggs 36 to 44 above Isa washed I sawed wood Mr and Mrs Jory out evg
10 41 eggs 10 to 14 above Isa and I took car to Verm first trip this year cold north wind
11 35 eggs zero to 16 above east wind got wht straw
12 39 egs 4 to 24 above got oat straw Dr McDonald out a m E wind
13 36 eggs 10 to 26 above Isa and I town sold 15 doz eggs 4.88 Mrs McKay and boys out
for supper
14 39 eggs 10 to 22 above nice day
15 42 eggs 4 below thaw a bit at little
16 32 eggs 2 blow to 30 east wind not hot
17 35 eggs 10 to 24 above Hector drawed out balance of wht snow little eve I got 2 loads
straw today
18 36 eggs 14 to 38 above nice Scotty had a sale in town I didn’t go
19 29 eggs 10 to 32 above saw wood and dope cows for warbles
20 35 eggs 4 to 38 above Isa and I town car got 50 B.jiant chickens and recharged battery for
radio
21 31 eggs 10 to 30 above terrible day snow from north all day and windy
22 25 egs 20 to 28 above snow and blow from North terrible
23 29 eggs 16 to 28 above got 2 loads straw N wind breeze plow roads
24 32 eggs 4 to 38 above very strong East wind Mrs McCay and Mrs Anderson out 27th
evening
25 32 eggs 20 to 40 thaw little got straw
26 26 eggs 10 to 44 above got straw broke road with tractor grand day
27 30 eggs 10 to 48 above Isa and I town a m sent Barbara a dress and sent Allen’s violin 95
cents
28 40 eggs 10 to 52 above got straw last of oat straw
29 42 eggs 10 to 40 above calm and clear Jack Horricks and Jack Reasbeck help put rack on
truck the 4th
30 40 eggs 10 to 40 cool east wind town got 31 bus oats G G at .68 = 21.08
31 36 eggs 30 to 38 above got straw and little gravel windy
April
1 36 eggs 24 to 38 got straw put last hay in loft turned cows in stack yard saw little 5 horse
engine
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2 40 eggs 10 to 42 above Isa and I Verm a m got car licence & paid for bees 9.30 put 2 loads
gravel in gate
3 42 eggs 10 above to 42 Jack Reasbeck and family came 3 a m Jean and Jack p m draw
gravel pull out 2 cars our drive Hereford heiffer
4 40 eggs 20 to 44 above Isa Marg Jack John Barbara Linda town taxi home with Jean and
Jack p m J. Reasbeck brought family home
5 Easter Sunday up to 46 Jean Jack and Ian left for Edmonton 1 30 Jack R took his dads car
home 1 30 grand day
6 O Strome clean 75 bushels wheat twice through 6 cents $4.50 tucker here took John home
7 -----eggs 24 to 48 above took straw of hen house Isa Marg Barbara Linda town p m
8 36 eggs 20 to 38 above snow little cold North wind got straw Bertha heiffer saw wood p m
5 horse engine
9 24 to 36 above snow Marg went town with Heinz home taxi
10 16 to 36 above clear got load straw and a load gravel
11 18 to 24 cold wind Margaret and kids left here taxi 2 30 a m Isa and I town p m Martin
took cream first time
12 46 eggs near zero to 22 cold clean stable and put little wheat straw in loft Roy Dibben call
13 44 eggs 8 to 22 above snow last night fold north wind saw wood tucker got Dora
$200.00
14 41 eggs zero to 28 above town got 30 bus oats @ 66 cents 19.80 + 1.00 to choppe roads
good
15 48 eggs 10 to 22 above Isa and I town Rexall sale a m went back for bees p m cold
16 zero to 24 above got load wood put Johns horses out of here
17 48 eggs 8 to 36 above Isa and I town got load straw paid 40 cents more on bees got 50 W
L chicks
18 46 eggs 10 to 34 above S E wind saw wood P M dope for warbles
19 20 to 48 above strong wind lambs May 14 p m
20 43 30 to 60 above got load wood Isa and I Vermilion at noon got letter from Allen and
Jean Jean wrote from Lethbridge
21 32 to 50 some wind rain last night left cows out to night saw wood
22 30 to 50 nice Harry Deacon help me drive May p m Bert came we started to plow tractor
23 44 eggs 30 to 64 Bert and I plow little disc plow 8 bottoms Isa and I town p m Bert went
A M plow P M drag 2 horses 3 bottoms
24 about 52 above Isa and I Vermilion P M sow had 11 piglets tonight one dead 25th and one
26th
25 about like 24 cut load wood for Bill a m he and I got load east Watt out morn road p m
26 up to 64 at noon got last load wht straw Heinz brought up a Pinto stud eve
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27 34 to 60 Isa and I town a m Watt took us 20 miles south Little brought a 4 ½ foot tiller I
used it P M
28 35 above this morn I used horses on cultivator early a m then tiller East garden and N of
hens
29 36 to 60 strong S E wind plow little drag Ralph Wilson brought 1000 lbs oats and barley p
m 2 cents lb
30 rain all day Isa went town for mail and back school bus
May
1 42 eggs rain all day Bill has colic doped him I left them in tonight
2 not much rain cool and cloudy Isa and I Vermilion taxi road terrible fan on bred Lill eve
Pinto
3 nice but muddy Marlene had a F calf last night Bill Annett help put engine hitch on drill
4 32 to 70 grand took load of manure out of pig pen and straw out of cellar way had the 9 little
pigs out
5 about 80 Isa and I town got 30 bus Victor oats del Scotty brought out Model B John D
engine
6 very warm calm Isa got 2 pigs from Jim Horricks $20 I plow and drag engine Bill and
Maggie in sand pit
7 Isa and I town a m got barrel gas Canadian oil 9.63 drag little eve plant trees
8 terrible light showers and lots wind I till up on east ¼
9 Heinz got his stud Isa went town San Little he was here fixing tiller taxi home
10 Mother’s day just terrible snow wind and rain Harry Deacon over and got 3 doz eggs eve
11 not so bad Isa and I went Verm a m paid Scoty 300.00 balance on tractor & Little 150.00
for tiller
12 Scoty came and got our B J D took to town and put in new rings Isa and I town p m
Hasnook start to till and quit at noon
13 Scotty brought back our engine I seed and till part of piece behind hen house
14 White face ewe two lambs sew rye in E garden and drag p m Mrs McCay out eve
15 one way east ¼ nice got barrel gas Can Oil Co 9.63 one way
16 Isa and I Verm a m I one way p m
17 town filter for car cream cans casterate Bills pigs and Isas took Bill to Heinz grand day
18 one way a m drag p m nice Manson Barr here eve to look at Marlene
19 seed 12 acres oats Galloway brought me 20 bushels oats Dr test Marlene kept McKay kids
pm
20 seed some oats 21 acres now one way P M
21 oneway P M Mrs McCay took Gonny and Isa town pm 40 gals gas p m
22 I have 31 acres oats in mixed weather seed p m till a m Manson Barr got Marlene eve
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23 Isa and I town a m bought cultivator Scotty $50 broke tiller town welded 75 cents till
some p m Mrs McKay out
24 Norman Harris chopp oats p m Dell Heinz brought cultivator also tried Lill eve got a bred
sow
25 M Myshak 25th $50 seed a few oats total 34 acres and drag p m Francis McKay got our
cultivator 26th $20
26 finished the oats 35 acres Victor east ¼ tiller didn’t work very good Herb Little over but I
seem to have fixed
27 cool cloudy till all day till for wht
28 till today on the 22 acres for wht and finished the 22 acres on the 29th at noon 2 ½ days
29 Isa and I went town at noon and I drag p m P Dibben took 4 pigs 2 for Young Garnet Watt
out eve
30 drag a m Isa and I town sent Bert crate eggs sharpen 6 cultivator points 3.60 dope for
Prudence 1.10
31 cloudy and dull
June
1 cultivate a m seed 3 ½ acres wheat p m town noon
2 Coronation Day Elizabeth 2nd seed 9 acres wheat a m & till around oil well P M
3 finished 25 acres wheat windy Mrs Jiles out a m 2 hens Mrs McKay took Isa town last
night and home
4 cultivate a m plow disc plow p m sold Garnet 2 pigs $20 eve Mrs McKay out eve
5 Plow p m sold the sow to french 380 lbs at 18 cents 66.90 plus 1.50 trucking 68.40
6 finished plowing S side E ¼ nice day but dry Bill had supper here
7 nice and warm all 3 home Bill Annett clean hen house 10th
8 Isa and I went town for hair dew p m drag a m Mrs McKay out for tea
9 warm and dry till little on East ¼ South side Mrs McKay left boys here and went to
Edmonton
10 rain nice shower a m finished seeding about 8 acres Montcalm barley and Lorain oats
McKays got the boys
11 clean stable a m Bill and Maggie drag barley p m E ¼
12 Isa and I town p m got grow mash barrel gas 9.63 start at fence p m
13 Isa and I town a m took Bill Annett from bridge and back for dinner
14 rain little last night very windy today
15 cloudy and some wind started to build a piece of fence across wht field
16 warm fix fence rain nice shower
17 finished the fence rain let cows come up by sand pit pup got a skunk from under granary
18 rain little off and on all day not much no work radio says ¾ inch from 10th to 18 307 in rain
19 Isa and I town a m fix little coral fence p m
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20 put in a few posts at corner wht field caught an old skunk in trap saw little wood
21 two very light showers
22 rain very little saw little wood Isa and I town P M got letter from Allen
23 fix at board corral north of pig pen got 3rd skunk
24 start to plow east ¼ North side got 4th skunk 2 more 25th morning total 6
25 plow little more East ¼
26 Isa and I town a m poison gophers p m Dave Wilkinson out eve Betty Jiles out eve I plow
little East ¼ N side
27 Isa went town back taxi Marg and Jack came eve grand rain
28 Jack fixed at his car all day went to Reasbecks for supper
29 Jack and Margaret went home a m left kids I plow a m rain very little p m
30 plow little a m Allen came a m Isa the kids and I town p m rain little eve
July
1 clear nice Allen plow and drag I cut little brusch Barbara 10 today
2 nice Allen plow I cut little brush a.m.. and saw little wood p.m. John and Barbara town, P
M gas
3 Allen left for Lethbridge a m Isa and kids and I town p m John and I went up and got disc
plow p m
4 spray wheat p m (head blight in wheat and rye, 1953) Isa the kids and I Verm a m Marg
and Jack came for dinner took Isa to picture show p m
5 Jack R took Isa and kids to church and he went to Saskatoon p m Mrs McKay brought them
home I got Bills disc p m went to Scrogleys got piece of plow p m
6 drag a m town for repairs Marg and kids went Mouley heiffer calf
7 disc and drag Allen came home eve
8 Johns birthday 12 years disc Allen fix Johns line fence west of sheep pen
9 disc N E corner Allen fix John Shalugans line fence sent hide Johnes 10th
10 Allen disc I fix at plow a m Isa and Allen and I town p m sent wool CNR
11 Allen drag I fix at plow a m Isa Marg and kids town p m
12 all home alone all day Isa left for Lethbridge this morning
13 cut hay Allen work at college very very hot 94
14 Allen at College I cut a little rake a little and clean stuff Mr and Mrs Lyons over eve
15 Blow a granary away (cyclone) + ¼ in rain yesterday seed pig yard rake hay Allen at
college weed inspector
16 till a m put first load hay in loft
17 Isa Barbara and John in town Isa Barbara and I am load hay east ¼ pm
18 till a m Allen did it p m got some raspberries p m Marg and Jack John and Barbara town
night
19 Isa and I went to Manville and out to Sylvias 8 miles 51 miles on 70 cents gas rain eve
- 374 -
20 till rain Hector over p m Allen at College
21 till little did some second time chopp little eve
22 till some and some second time Margaret and kids to a picnic and Lloyd at night Allen till
eve
23 rain ¾ in last night cultivate spring tooth east ¼ Allen till eve Isa left for Lethbridge this
morn
24 rain took Allen to College then cultivate spring tooth took Marg and kids to fare
25 Nice I till a m Allen and I got load poor hay east ¼ put on shed Jack Marg and kids to fare
p m and evening
26 26 Jack Reasbeck came last night and we picked a pail saskatoons a m he took car to
Saskatoon p m
27 rain last night and this p m I till Allen at college chopp little eve Letter from Isa Lethbridge
28 till saw little rain Mr and Mrs Jory and twins out eve some rain today
29 drag clear Isa got back at 10 to 10 eve
30 town got 30 bus oats at 63 cents = 18.90 + 1.00 chopp drag a m
31 Gonny 93th, 31st rain ½ inch last night finished draggin second time over Margaret and
kids town taxi Marg went Saskatoon bus eve
August
1 rain last night and today Allen walk to college and back Charlie Pringle here tea
2 grand 8 chicks
3 nice took Allen college cultivate spring tooth got jag poor hay #9 gave a man gas this
morning
4 grand took Allen to college Isa and Linda to town put 4 cleaned plugs in car cultivate spring
tooth shut up sow
5 cultivate spring tooth a m disc double disc p m grand Winnie phone from Manville
6 disc nice day the sow I bought for $50 had 2 pigs one dead and one alive met bus got
Winnie and kids kill sheep
7 nice took Allen to college morn Jack and Marg took sheep to locker I disc got jag poor hay
garden
8 Isa and I town a m Jack Marg and kids p m I finished double disc NW ¼
9 rain last night and a lot today cool
10 rain last night took Allen to College and voted took Isa to vote and Lloyd McCreas sale p m
Reasbecks here eve
11 nice took Allen to College fix north line across slough Jack and Marg and kids went fishing
with Reasbeck 1 fish
12 rain all fore noon Took Allen to college P P Dixon here Jack took family to Reasbecks for
tea
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13 Marg Jack and John sick all night start to till N E corner this ¼ Isa to Pattersons funeral and
took Gonny to Andersons for tea
14 Jack and I work at granary that had the roof blowed off Isa and I town a m
15 jack and Marg and kids went home to Saskatoon sold Annett a fry chicken
16 nice day no one here but Allen and us
17 Dr. McDonald tested bull lost sow Tlll away hot 86
18 over 80 above sow pig came home this morning tilling
19 Over 800 above Isa and I took Allen to college & disc some chopping McDonald out and
read bull 20th no TB
20 Till a m and cut barley north of hen house p m seeded May 13th 3 months and one week
21 Isa and I town took Allen to college till p m Maggie came p m
22 hot drag a m Allen quit college and left for Ontario on bus
23 very warm and dry took Isa and Maggie to see the crop
24 Ormond Masse, Bonnyville got bull Farmer Regal Joe till a m took peas to locker p m
25 rain last night and today stooked north of hen house not much work
26 rain off and on all day total 1 ½ in this week
27 rain last ¾ in town got 30 bus oats + 100 twine 29.10 + 22.05 oats total 52.15
28 nice disc east ¼ p m
29 Maggie took Isa and Gonny town for dinner nice cultivate some today Mrs Barbara hall
here for the night
30 Maggie and Mrs hall left here for Regina Bert Moses out here p m and Mr Jackson fixers
cultivate a m cut oats p m Isa on binder seeded May 26th 35 acres Margaret phone from
Saskatoon eve
September
1 Isa and I town a m I stook little p m rain
2 disc N E piece cold King Tutt peas
3 Don Clayton Sept 3 noon finished disc N E piece noon tried big cultivator on quack piece
this ¼
4 Isa and I to town this a m and out to Barrs bought alf $20 start again to cut oats 2 rounds
5 broke roller Jimmie brought stook a m Isa and I at Verm p m repairs for binder
6 hot put new roller on binder taffy out
7 vaccinate 6 calves and 5 yearlings cut 13 rounds oats
8 grand day cut some oats
9 nice stook oats Isa kill hens Mrs McKay got some she help
10 nice stook oats Isa dress 5 more hens
11 Isa and I town a m stook few more oats p m first letter Allen Barbados
12 nice took toung out of sleigh and put it in truck waggon
13 over to K McCreas a m Hector here p m I stook little p m
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14 finished cutting oats Hector started combining rye windy
15 Hector combine ¾ day cut little spring rye for us in garden Isa and I town a m cut 3 rounds
barley p m
16 finished cutting 8 acres barley did 2 ½ rounds on wheat Hector finished rye a m got Gov’t
check $250 for bull
17 stook little oats a m stook ½ barley p m cold and windy
18 Isa and I town a m start to cut wheat and broke binder 2.60 Hector over and got half the fall
rye his share total for gas up to September 18 $123.15
19 put new gears on binder real a m rain hail sleet p m Mrs McKay out p m\
20 rain quite a bit a m brought down about 30 bushels rye our share fin stooking oats and
barley
21 nice froze little last night cut wheat let cows and horses in on rye stubble
22 Isa and I town a m cut little wheat p m
23 finished cutting wheat 25 acres 111 days its the poorest crop I ever had on this place
24 Isa and I dug potatoes fair crop nice day Bertha on tear no bull
25 Isa and I town a m Isa finished garden I got some sheaves and unload rye 33 bushels about
the seed
26 clean pipes a m town got 36 gals coal oil 30 bushels feed oats 9.80 and 17.10 for oats
27 nice got jag oats put 100 sheaves in loft changed oil in tractor turn Bill and Maggy out
28 windy stook half the wheat
29 cold windy trace rain Isa and I town a m Fred Wests p m saw little eve
30 finished stooking 21 acres wheat very cold last night and windy today Heinz got rack
October
1 windy plow north of wheat Sam Little brought nearly 5 tons coal eve
2 Isa and I town a m pd Little 10.00 for hauling coal first plow p m
3 Irvin Little chased horses home this morning I fixed fence east road a m plow p m nice day
4 grand day all home alone fixed little granary
5 cool wind plowed a little all day
6 grand Isa and I town a m I plow p m finished one piece and 7 rounds on large piece gassed
bees
7 grand plow some all day engine slow to start
8 Nice day shovelled grain for Bill Annett Isa and I town early for food
9 threshers moved here last night and finished threshing about 3 Margaret and family came
about 5 30 evening
10 John Barbara and I put sheaves in loft Jack Margaret and Isa extract grand day
11 nice got load barley and put it in this granary put jag hay on granary and got 170 sheaves
put in loft Jack help his dad with pump
12 colder 50 above plow p m Jack and Margaret and kids left at noon
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13 Isa and I town a m I drag p m John and Allie Carson came evening found Berthas bell
14 John and Allie went home after dinner I disc grand day
15 Isa and I town a m Pd Scotty 76.80 on threshing drag p m Nora Ronaghan and Rita out for
tea
16 bred Bertha this morning artificially plow 5 rounds a m 11 –p,m, grand day
17 2 barrels gas 20,50 Isa and I town a m got flat tire fixed 75 cents nice day plow 10 rounds
pm
18 grand saw little wood a m Isa and I went to T Hendersons p m got back 5 30
19 drag a m plow p m Mrs McKay and Mrs Adam out p m
20 Plow all day cool wind pm
21 drag a m plow p m cool
22 plow all day my best day grand
23 Isa and I town morning Hartford Alberta Hugh and Joyce and 2 boys came for dinner and
stayed all night
23...and went this morning about 11 colder today
24 Isa and I town p m got box apples
25 Isa and I went to Garnets 19 miles south of here cold ice on tank all day
26 finished plow a m drag p m nice day
27 cultivate a m drag p m grad day
28 drag all day a grand day finished at 4 o clock lost a hammer
29 Summer is over snowing all day Isa and I town a m got wood and straw p m
30 sawed a m snowed p m put on storm doors put heater in tank last night
31 clean stable got straw dug some post holes around stack Isa town with Mr and Mrs Stan
McCreas
November
1 got some green poles and fix pig pen & got some straw rain and snow some
2 clear thaw some got some barley and put in granary and straw for cows tilly had pups all
died but 2 Isas pig brought $52.20 COP
3 grand day got 60 bus oats our granary got it chopped in town sleigh runner 11.85 macleods
4 got load straw and got 2 loads manure out of barn and pig pen nice day
5 grand day 48 above Isa and I town a m I got straw p m Jack dad and mom were here
6 Little took sow to Green and pig to locker colder cloudy got wood a m straw p m
7 couldnt start car Isa went town Mrs Farrel snow last night put wrack on sleigh and got straw
got tanned sheepskin
8 got some poles for top of oat bin a m got straw p m Bertha on tear today
9 saw wood nice day got straw p m went to Bill Annetts for small engine didnt get it
10 got wood a m and straw p m 34 above but a cool wind
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11 Bert came tonight and left after dinner Bill Annett here for dinner Bert fixed Morris starter
I got straw grand day
12 got jag wood and sawed it got straw for cows grand day 34 above 18 eggs
13 Isa and I town a m fix hen house window and got straw p m put 3 oil in car engine
14 grand Isa town taxi p m I got straw for Cows and Horses cleaned 80 bus wheat at 4 cents
3.20
15 40 above this morning cleaner left I unload about 60 bus clean wheat and got straw
Andersons out from Steven s store
16 not so warm very little snow fix barn door and got a little straw
17 32 above at noon took load manure out of barn and 1 out of pigpen got straw p m
18 very little snow last night got straw trimmed some trees & fix at pump jack
19 colder got straw fed horses and cow fix windows in leanto
20 Isa and I town a m chilly got straw p m
21 cold South East breeze put straw on hen house fed horses and cows John Carson phoned
Edmonton eve Allie
Very sick Allie died 27th 3 am
22 snow some a m I got straw Isa left for Edmonton p m with Mr and Mrs Anderson of
Stevens
23 got straw a m “grand” draw little wood p m Isa got home from Edmonton with Andersons
about 9 eve
24 got straw fed horses p m pump well out with tractor
25 dull got jag wood a m straw p m
26 grand got straw a m saw wood p m
27 cloudy got straw a m town p m got pump welded Allie Carson died this morning
28 grand day got straw bred Bertha p m John Stelfox out for dinner
29 nice got straw and clean stable phone out of order
30 Isa and I town a m Isa got a chance to Edmonton with preacher to Allies funeral got straw
pm
December
1 colder west wind got straw put spring rye inside fix window leanto Isa came on bus and
taxi night
2 snow very little got straw saw wood vaccinate calves
3 got straw and brought down 30 bushels oats cloudy shut up short tail sow 4 in snow 3rd and
4th
4 got straw a m took 30 bushels oats to town chopp got bone meal 6.20 lime stone 1.55 cobalt
salt 2.20 total 11.25
5 colder cloudy got feed Isa town p m taxi
6 got straw snow quite a lot
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7 clean stable watter horses town got 800 coal Revelstoke 6.20
8 nice fed cows and got first load straw Stanley Isa town on bus to meet Jainey
9 4 ton coal Islay $40.00 nice thaw in sun got second load straw McCreas
10 nice wattered horses clean stable got feed for cows
11 Jainey went Edmonton early bus I got a load of wood a m and feed p m
12 windy but 32 above got feed saw wood
13 nice clean stable and got feed
14 got feed our stack got 3rd load straw Stanley pulled F West out of ditch Isa took Xmas
parcels to Jean Bert and Maggie
15 colder fed horses and cattle
16 got boar from Bill and bred long tail sow put box on sleigh got feed for cows and clean
stable 8 below this a m
17 got jag wood in box a m feed p m nice day
18 nice 26 above saw wood a m wattered horses and got feed p m Jean Jack and Ian came eve
19 Jack took us to town a m then went to Manville to see his dad and Emily
20 little colder clean stable and got feed
21 Herb Little took black Jersey steer to Hareuthers I took jag oats to chopp waggon Jean and
Jack went to Horricks
22 nice 20 above got 4th load straw Stanleys clean stable
23 Isa town school bus taxi home Jean and Jack came noon I got wood John and Jack hitch
hick from
Saskatoon here about 7 eve
24 Marg and girls got here bus a m Jack and I tried to fix barn roof Isa town p m Heinz taxi
home 36 above
25 Jack Horricks came from Manville all had dinner here Jean and Jack went Horricks for tea
Reasbeck home for tea
26 Jean Jack and Ian went to Horricks on way home at noon Jack R went home with his dad I
saw wood and got feed snow
27 Mr and Mrs Reasbeck brought Jack home eve I fed cattle and clean stable snow
28 snow all day I got feed and fix little in loft Jack and Marg and kids left on early bus for
home
29 It was 10 below this morning Isa town in taxi taking Marg and family to bus
30 took Bills Boar home 8 above this morning clean stable and got feed
31 colder got 5th load straw Stanleys
Memoranda and Addresses
March 3 shipped the carns bull I got from VSA Jan 1951 weighed 1450 at Hugh Rose Verm
got $174 at 2 years old
- 380 -
August 5 1953 Lill will be 15 years old Bred Lill May 2 and 3, 1953
October 9th 1953 grand threshed 347 bus oats on 30 acres 139 bus barley on 8 acres 82 bus
wheat on 20 acres very poor crop fall rye 66 bus combine I got half but I furnished the seed
it took 9 ½ days to plow the piece north of fence on this ¼ 3 bottom disc plow
It is roughly 632 yards across the piece of summer fallow if it is 80 yards long it makes 57 acres
Jean 1732 10 Ave S Lethbridge
Bernice 11328-88 St (Edmonton)
Here so ended the diary of the year 1953.
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1954
January
1 a nice day 3 above up to 20 fed the horses plus cows clean the stable
2 calm and cloudy wattered horses took Johns home got feed got wood p m
3 quite cold north wind got feed
4 20 below this morning got feed and clean stable
5 still cold got feed Isa and I town taxi sent Jean some beef adv boar
6 a grad with Allen here had lunch cold here got feed
7 clean stable and got feed cold
8 32 below got feed John Butler got our foal 5 months old the 10th $35.00
9 little warmer got feed and saw load wood
10 grand John Stelfox out dinner I got first load straw this year Stanley total 6 loads
11 wattered horses got 2 jags wood a m and p m nice day
12 little cooler saw wood Anderson here see boar
13 fed the horses clean stable cool
14 26 below nasty N W wind got feed at stack
15 53 below this morning Heigh 36 West Wind light
16 46 below this morning got feed Isa and I town taxi sent Margaret 20 lbs pork and beef
17 32 below 5 egs clean stable
18 32 below to 20 below 2 eggs fed cows and clean stable
19 40 below to 36 below fed cows N E wind sharp got a hom broadcast greeting from Allen
20 50 below to 36 below 3 egs fed cows clean stables
21 4 egs 36 below to 30 below Bill Annet here the horse bill had colic N E wind
22 40 below eve 32 morning 20 heigh clean stable
23 40 below got feed
24 3 egs 42 below to 20 below got feed H Deacon over got stuck I drawed him out
25 0 eggs 40 below to 20 below wattered horses got feed clean stable
26 3 egs 24 to 10 below N E wind real cold
27 2 egs 40 to 16 below got 1st load hay at river
28 2 egs 20 to 16 below S W wind cold got 7th load straw Stanleys
29 2 egs 20 below to 6 above got 2nd load hay river
30 2 eggs 4 below to 24 above east wind got jag wood a m sawed it p m Bill and Maggie left
me at bush
31 29 to 44 above West Wind got 8th load straw Stanleys quite windy thaw off roof
February
1 2 egs 29 to 40 above not so windy took 40 bushels oats to town to chopp cost 1.35 used
waggon
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2 3 egs 34 to 48 above cloudy calm I got load of wood east ¼ Isa town on school bus taxi
home Sent Jean 30 lbs beef and pork
3 4 egs 9th load straw a m saw wood p m 34 to 44 above grand hens out
4 1 eg got load wood east ¼ clean pipes clean stable fed horses hens out
5 4 egs 25 to 40 above grand got 10th load straw Stanley saw wood P M
6 6 egs 22 to 42 got wood AM clean stable file saw John Carson Ellett family came for
supper went back
7 7 egs 20 to 46 roads bad John Stelfox and H McFadden daughter out for dinner
8 6 egs 18 to 46 got last of oat straw a m small jag hay at river p m
9 14 eggs 22 to 42 clean stable took jag oats to chopp quite windy very slippery in town
10 15 eggs zero all day got 11th load straw at Stanleys went across Littles
11 20 egs 20 below to zero clean stable and saw wood Tippy was out for three nights so far
12 25 eggs 10 below to 2 above cold east wind little snow
13 24 eggs 4 below to 6 above dirty east wind got 3rd load hay at river
14 28 egs 12 to 6 below put 3rd load hay and 4th in loft John Stelfox help me 2 loads
15 27 egs 20 below to zero got 2 load straw Stanley
16 33 egs 16 below to 6 above got load wood Isa town taxi home taxi
17 33 egs 4 above to 44 above got load wood p m put Hereford in stable tonight for first time
18 36 egs 4 to 12 above cold North wind drifting Marg phone
19 35 egs 2 to 30 above calm clear got 13th load straw
20 27 egs 4 to 26 above grand saw 2 loads wood
21 38 egs 8 to 36 above grand clean stable fed horses and got a load straw Stanleys 14th
22 30 eggs 20 to 40 above clean stable get load wood
23 31 eggs 30 to 46 above saw wood Hereford had a bull calf this morning
24 41 egs 26 to 37 above got 15th load straw
25 31 eggs 26 to 41 above got load wood E line
26 24 egs 20 to 30 above take chopp town
27 46 egs 24 to 30 above Isa town Mrs Heinz I file saw clean stable
28 20 to 30 above then down zero in evening terrific N wind froze ice in back kitchen
overnight
March
1 41 egs not so cold or windy 16 to 4 below just fed and wattered
2 37 egs 20 below to 6 above S E wind got 5th load of hay
3 39 egs 20 below to 24 above got 16th load wood Stanley
4 43 egs 2 below to 36 above got small jag wood Mrs McKay and boys out p m
5 41 eggs 2 above to 42 above saw wood p m’
6 37 eggs 14 to 26 above thaw little in sun north wind
7 39 egs 6 to 39 above s. wind got 6th load hay
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8 30 eggs 12 to 36 above Isa and I town car p m
9 59 egs 20 to 38 above E wind put rack on truck
10 39 eggs 20 to 28 above little rain and sleet last night very slippery today Charlotte bull calf
11 42 egs 20 to 26 above cloudy got 7th load hay slippery
12 38 egs 10 to 34 above took straw of hen house S east wind cloudy
13 44 egs 8 to 32 above south wind got 2 loads wood
14 47 eggs 10 to 26 south wind Got 17 load straw S
15 46 eggs 12 to 32 E wind Isa and I town a m got radio battery saw wood
16 42 eggs 14 to 30 east wind thaw in sun got load wood Bill Cross here looking for calves
17 40 egs 10 to 32 east wind thaw in saw got 8th load straw Briden here
18 70 eggs 18 to 36 east wind took oats to town chopp Jack McBeth died
19 48 eggs 20 to 36 trace of snow Isa and I town car pm
20 42 egs 20 to 32 grand new snow all melted Milly had calf this morning
21 36 egs 10 to 34 grand got 18th load straw Mr and Mrs Jory out eve
22 48 eggs 20 to 44 above vaccinate calves and saw wood grand day little snow
23 39 egs 22 to 32 above trace snow 9th load hay put horn stop on Millies calf
24 39 egs 20 to 30 above Mr and Mrs B Anderson Mrs Grant out p m
25 40 egs 6 to 34 above trace snow got 19th load straw
26 47 egs 4 to 14 above Isa and I town p m Bill Annett came out with us I bought his disc
$20.00
27 38 egs 10 below to 14 above got a jag of wood east ¼
28 37 egs 6 below to 20 above put sheep in barn tonight had bill in corall today
29 38 egs zero to 14 above had 10th load of hay
30 40 egs zero to 20 above Craigs got the veal the Hereford calf born Feb 23 $46.90 138 lbs
dressed @34 cents a pound
31 48 egs 10 to 14 above cold NW wind John and Barbara came on train at 2 a m from
Saskatoon
April
1 37 egs 10 below to 4 below Bert came for dinner Isa and Barbara town with him taxi home
2 38 egs 10 below to 6 above Margaret and Linda came on train this morning got 11th load
hay
3 44 eggs 4 below to 26 above saw wood Isa Marg John Barbara town taxi
4 41 egs 6 below to 26 above got 12th load hay Mr and Mrs Reasbeck over for lunch
5 45 egs 8 to 35 above chopp town 1.50 got Margarets trunk at station
6 35 egs 10 above to 10 above Cold North wind with snow Old ewe a ewe lamb last night
7 44 egs 10 to 30 above got 20th load straw got load wood p m G Reasbeck dressed ram lamb
dressed 44 lbs @ 43 cents price
8 40 egs 6 to 46 thaw fast Isa John and I town a m Jay telephone p m first sow 12 pigs lost 3
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9 35 egs 25 to 32 saw wood a m got jag p m cloudy little snow very windy
10 47 egs 28 to 40 really thawed Isa and I town p m Marg John and Linda taxi
11 37 egs 24 to 48 above grand had 9 little pigs out got 13th load hay sloppy lots water
12 44 egs 32 to 54 got 14th load hay Marg and kids left at 3 a m for France (RCAF Station
Grostenquin; one of four Canadian NATO air force bases operating in Europe at that
time.)
13 39 egs 30 to 62 small sow pigs Isa and I town p m Hary Deacon got water here got
circular saw gummed out
14 48 eggs 24 to 40 terrific W wind with showers and snow saw wood a m left cows in
15 45 egs 24 to 46 clear and calm cows out tonight clean stable
16 35 egs 20 to 50 rain nice shower Mrs McKay and boys out tea Bill Annett brought our
rake up evening
17 32 egs 24 to 42 windy Isa and I town p m third sow 13 pigs late eve laid on two
18 34 egs 24 to 34 above L snow early cold N West wind Mrs McKay took Isa to church and
home
19 42 egs 14 to 40 above calm and clear took chopp town p m
20 52 eggs 10 to 42 above calm and clear left Lill in corral tonight 17 days over due out to
Lians got 100 Rock chicks 50 White Leghorns
21 42 egs 14 to 48 windy clear clean stables and get jag wood
22 32 eggs 28 to 40 cloudy saw wood a m cultivate garden used tractor
23 24 to 34 42 egs Isa and I town maybe Hereford (bred)
24 43 egs 16 to 34 East wind got jag wood E ¼ Robert Thompson came eve
25 49 egs 18 to 28 above cold N East wind little snow rob Thompson sick all day I took he
and Isa church 7 30 eve
26 43 egs 24 to 30 above N W wind saw wood p m cold little snow saw Robbin
27 32 eggs 16 to 30 NE wind cold little snow Isa and I town p m
28 31 egs 14 to 24 N E wind cloudy got jag wood Donald Wilson here eve
29 45 egs 8 to 24 N E wind cool Jack and Ian came eve
30 45 egs 2 to 40 above clear calm Mr and Mrs Horricks here p m Isa Jack Ian town eve
May
1 29 egs 2 to 40 above Lill colt last night Isa and I town p m clear calm Jack and Ian went to
Horricks a m
2 38 egs 6 above to 42 nice Isa Jack and Ian left about 7 a m for Lethbridge
3 42 egs 8 to 44 above strong S E wind took chopp town p m
4 39 egs 20 to 62 “grand” east wind got 100 gals gas
5 37 egs 42 to 66 rain very little till behind hen house also pig yard
6 39 egs 32 to 60 clear calm N wind seed pig yard and harrow Isa got home late eve bus and
taxi
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7 Isa and I town a m 40 egs 28 to 60 above
8 36 egs 28 to 60 above cultivate p m trace rain all p m First 8 day May 25 doz eggs
9 36 egs 36 to 64 nice no work a man got some maple trees here
10 45 egs 42 to 70 windy cultivate east ¼
11 46 egs 40 to 50 strong S E wind Isa and I town a m cultivate p m P M R Bank got 2
weener pigs a m
12 42 egs 40 to 50 rain a lot off and on all day Clem brought Marg linoleum out Mouly had a
bull calf
13 34 egs 40 to 50 rain seed rye in stack yard sold French 2 sows 520 at 20 cents = $106
Little took them
14 40 egs 36 to 56 seed 1 ¼ acres S rye NE corner sold mouley cow to Sgrodley
15 36 eggs 36 to 52 N W breeze Isa and I town a m cultivate p m Little over eve Garnett got
pp snap 24 doz 2 eg
16 44 egs 34 to 62 cloudy got a load oats out of east bin for hens and forumlane about 50
bushels wheat H Deacon half
17 38 egs 38 to 61 cultivate council got sample wheat cultivate
18 40 to 72 – 41 egs grand cultivate a m cultivate a m Herb Little start seed wheat
about 5 eve
19 48 to 74 - 44 egs Little finished wheat about 40 acres at noon I drag Pd Little $30 on
seeding wheat
20 42 to 66 + 40 egs Isa and I town a m I finished dragging wheat p m some wind
21 50 to 58 36 eggs took last of our oats to chopp rain light drizzle p m saw some fish on
bridge
22 40 egs about 46 above rain last night and some all day no work wrote to Stewart
32 dozen and 3 egs
23 32 egs 44 to 50 mostly cloudy fix fence at brooder house saw little wood and fix piece on
cultivator
24 got 4734 barley McCormick $9.35 + 2.35 treating 40 to 68 clear calm
25 36 eggs 42 to 70 strong E wind seed Rodney oats a m Isa and I town p m Gillies shear our
2 sheep p m
26 41 egs 42 to 50 rain nearly all day east wind sharpen a few posts Harry Deacon help cut 7
pigs eve
27 32 egs 50 to 60 calm cloudy fix fence S E corner East ¼ Heinz took stray sow away been
here two weeks
28 37 to 70 start to seed Montcalm barley p m Little otts a m
29 40 to 50 cold cloudy seed very little a m also p m sold 21 hens got 100 gals gas 22.80
30 froze ice last night 26 to 50 - 25 egs I was down to Bill Annetts a m
- 386 -
31 28 to 54 cold wind seed barley tiller a m Isa and I town p m Isa paid 36.00 on little pigs
Pd Gunderson 1.00 welding on tiller
June
1 40 to 60 Herman out angot magneto of tractor It quit
2 Herman out and work on engine Cost me $4.00
3 Harry Deacon took short tail sow to Heinz we traded 46 to 62 rain little last night finished
seeding the North piece with tiller a m and drag p m
4 42 to 62 finished dragging the barley N side E ¼ rain p m
5 54 rain nearly all day no work
6 50 this morning rain nearly all day ground is very wet shut Hereford and bull in back correll
for this night
7 around 50 little rain tried tiller to wett got small jag wood H Deacon over eve
8 went to John Nicks got 10 bushels ajacks oats 7.80 + 580 lbs coal 3.75 rain
9 town got 15 bushels oats and 15 barley got it chopped total 23.40 H Deacon and I got sow at
Heinz eve
10 50 to 64 nice saw wood a m Isa and I town Isa at Hilda Andersons wedding p m took
Gonny
11 about 50 all day and rain Herb Little took big Jersey to Joe Green eve $3.00
12 50 to 60 clear calm cultivate spring tooth a m disc p m East ¼
13 50 to 70 nice but windy a m and thunder this p m 1st electric storm
14 30 to 50 disc N hen house a m Isa and I town p m got price for cream separator H Deacon
over eve got stuck I drawed him out Mickey Jiles married
15 46 to 72 shut horses of the wheat a m seed 2 bags ajacks oats on some wet spots fix little
fence Littles horses here
16 about 50 very windy this p m disc little east ¼ S side Mr and Mrs Anderson out to dinner
got a duck
17 36 to 60 very windy and cloudy seed two boxes barley about 12 pails
18 30 to 62 windy finished the barley finished the piece with wheat and ajacks oats
19 30 to 64 calm cloudy misty Isa and I town p m fix at disc plow a m returns for ½ Jersey
steer $75.00
20 40 to 66 nice a , shower then nice p m fix gate at granary
21 56 to 64 very windy drag barley East ¼ S side plow p m stock bottom
22 48 to 70 town sent taxis Kitscoty “hedge trimmer” 7.65 qt6 rizlone 1.75
23 50 to 70 plow John Mix brought 40 bus oats Canadian Oil 100 gallons gas
24 44 to 70 finished gravelling our road I plow a m and drag p m
25 nice disc a m East ¼ Isa and I town p m Isa at Mrs Jorys 35th wedding anniversity
26 very windy S E cultivate a m drag p m Scotty did Bills summerfallow first time
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27 Herman Rohwer calle4d this p m we put air in one rear tire tractor grand day little rain got
a tub of roof
28 nice day seed the piece N and S with tiller where Bob had straw stack I had it plowed
29 seed with drill E and W along side of barley some of it was plowed some tilled used 40
bus oats wheel come off tractor
30 town got 720 lbs barley & 310 lbs oats cost 22.87 + 1.35 to chopp 100 lbs wheat 2.60
July
1 till and drag put first little bit hay in loft 3rd cut July 1
2 Isa and I town a m got ground strap for engine Macleods 1.00 got 12.00 Isa pig windy
3 calm clear till a piece twice over then seed with the last oats used it all Isa town Heinz p m
got a Congoleum rug
4 Isa and I found a coyote den in wht Heinz and Co came up eve to dig out only saw and shot 1
5 very hot Isa and I town a m put ¼ ld hay in loft
6 Bogy out and dressed veal 5.00 Stanley cow 1.00 cut little hay in garden very hot and dry
7 took 32 bus fall rye to get cleaned left it there got 1050 lbs coal 6.20
8 84 above and very windy loaded load hay in spruce field a m town got 41 bus oats @ 62 ¾
Jory 25.70
9 put the first load hay in loft a.m Isa and I town p m got 62.50 for veal Craigs
10 nice saw little wood a m Isa and I town p m Isa at Ken McCreas wedding
16-page Brightly Coloured Map Insert
11 warm and very dry disc today on oat ground
12 windy 70 above cut alfalfa on east garden a m plow little disc plow east ¼ lost colter
13 disc a m rake hay east garden & fix little fence rain this night
14 fix little fence east of east garden and a little S of barn some rain
15 rain little didn’t do much
16 Isa and I town a m I till a little on east ¼
17 turn hay east garden put little in loft a m Isa and I town p m
18 very hot and dry Mr and Mrs Jory Evelin and baby out for dinner
19 loaded a load hay east garden left at N window a m till east ¼ p m 100 gal gas 22.80 p m
20 till a m wheat 3 rounds on the 10 acres fall rye grand took Isa town got a hair cut
21 cool turned cold last eve plow little in yard with mouldboard & some east ¼ disc plow
22 plow on east ¼ where Hector had fall rye last year very windy
23 plow little a m windy took Isa and Gonny to fair then came home they came home taxi
24 finished plowing the 10 acres east `/4 a m Isa and I Vermilion p m windy
25 Isa and I went to town and got the two cream cans then to Littles for a few minutes windy
and dry
26 town chopp a m 40 bushels oats Jory 27.90 chopping 1.35 put alfalfa east ¼ S side
- 388 -
27 Isa sold hens to Mrs Green and Dowdell put little grain around rodney oats fix little at tiller
Roy Dibben brought separator Isa paid $6.00
28 rain little last night cold dull cloudy light breeze today Fred West had a cow here I fix at
wood box & Vega separator
29 light shower fix little at plow a m Isa and I town p m new batteries for radio and telephone
30 clear clean stable and rake Rob Thompson son wife and two boys here eve
31 drag 10 acres summer fallow a m Isa and I town p m McCrea one cow no hay
August
1 Mr and Mrs B Anderson out p m rain quite a lot Dr Evans out Gonny eve
2 Allen came on bus this a m I went in and got him rain a lot this day
3 Allen left for Jeans at Lethbridge I took him to college saw a little wood Isa went to Ken
McCreas shower
4 fix little fence a m plow very little rain
5 fix little fence around pig yard a m rain like fun p m
6 clear plow 3 rounds east of house a m Isa and I town p m drawed car with tractor
7 nice plow little all day
8 nice just lay around Fred Attfield out Allen got back tonight 8 30 from Calgary
9 Allen and I fix fence ½ mile east of house town got 40 bus oats G G 26.80 rain and
thunder tonight
10 drizzle all day fix line fence N side got Littles fresnow p m took some ice soup out of barn
yard
11 got a jag poore feed out of rodney oats not much work Mr and Mrs Dowdell out evening
12 Isa and I town a m rain some I plowed 6 rounds p m cold and wet Stanley paid 3.00 for 3
cows
13 nice day I plow a m Allen disc p m I cut some posts Stanley had second heiffer here paid
1.00
14 nice day plow all day Allen turn some hay and pull weeds & fix fence Attfield cut hay
Jean phone eve
15 Jean and boys came on bus this a m 10 25
16 Isa and I town a m we got a pup for Douglas Claud Brennan 5.00 Allen and I stack a load
bad hay and it rained
17 blow today nice Allen cut some posts and fix corral fence
18 Jean left the boys and left for Lethbridge on early bus Winnie Douglas and Phyllis came
afternoon
19 got jag poor hay draw manure out of shed Winnie and Douglas and Phyllis went home
20 rain all night Allen and I town a m draw manure p m
21 disc little a m cut at barley seeded about May 14 start on spring rye broke reels off
- 389 -
22 Nice day Bridens Manville here stopped few minutes Marg and Tim Bolton went 20 miles
south of Verm with the kids and stayed all night
23 cool drag a m Isa and I took Neal clinack p m
24 rain all day 25th p m Don Wilson over 25th eve to see Bull rain got some wheat sheaves in
loft 100 and some barley sheaves for pigs a m town p m got 30 bus oats 20 70
25 Mr and Mrs McFadden came out eve and stayed until this p m also Marg and Lin and 1 boy
and 1 girl also 1 girl of Hughes
26 dull cloudy Allen and I fix fence along road this ¼ S side
27 rain all day Isa and I town taxi Donald Wilson gave me $100 on Bar bull 50 p m town
gave Allen 75.00
28 stand up some hay bales a m cut rye p m once down N side wheat nice Isa took Ian to
doctor
29 nice day fix at binder Allen stook some hay bales 300 of them tie Tippy up
30 Allen and I fix at binder a m All to town p m Allen left in taxi for Ottawa eve 10 10
31 rain all day about an inch
September
1 saw little wood a m cultivate p m
2 town took 95 lbs potatoes got block salt and coal 4.75 Jean and Jack came eve Sask
3 Jack and Jean took mother and Gony town then went to Horricks left Neal for Herman
Rowark here eve
4 nice got some barley and rye sheaves fix some fence and clean stable
5 Jean Jack and Ian came I felt sick today john Carson married some time maybe this month
6 Jean and Jack and boys left for Lethbridge this morning I draw some manure
7 Isa and I town a m I got a few sheaves rye and wheat
8 fix little fence in yard rain shower eve
9 went to Stanleys got 10 bus wheat 11.50 got plow at Heinz
10 got a few wheat sheaves Isa and I town a m
11 cold and cloudy Bill Bell out p m bought Nancy and May Rob Thompson came by car eve
left 12th
12 rain all night and some today Maggie came on bus Gearhart pump out cellar a m
13 Isa and I town a m saw little wood sold old sow 65.00 bed cow Stanley 3rd time
14 Thompson got sow I cut some wheat for pigs
15 cold and cloudy sick and cold Bertha had a bull calf 4 o clock eve
16 sick chilly no work
17 froze ice last night first time this fall 600 lbs egg coal 4.15 and some pig feed
18 took Isa and Maggie town p m I went to Dr Evans
19 rain quite a lot last night
20 clear and bright Mrs Anderson out and help Isa dig some spuds took some home
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21 Roy Watkins out to look at place Little combine 100 bushels barley p m Williby haul it
town 10.00
22 grand day Isa dug some more garden I didn’t do much
23 Isa and I took Maggie town she went home bus nice day
24 Scotty thinks he cut 12 acres oats for us p m Isa and I took wool to town p m
25 Isa and I town p m Sammy Little took Donalds bull tonight
26 nice day no one here
27 cooler Ken Islay brought 8 ton coal 80.00 I got binder took canvice off saw little
28 rain very little all day Isa and I town p m cold sold some vegetables
29 Ken Islay here p m finished garden cold trace snow eve had calves in garden
30 led Bertha to Donald’s a m Isa and I up to Francis McKays p m
October
1 got balance $50 from Donald for bull Isa and I town a m got some dairy ration for Bertha and
oil
2 cool rain and snow nearly all day sold Green 11 pullets @ 1.25
3 first snow this fall ground white coldest Oct 3 since 1880 or since records were kept
4 Isa and I town p m clean stable a m
5 cool grand Bougy out kill Millies calf as veal Mrs Jiles and Dora out eve also Ed moved
gravel crew away
6 nice Martin brought mail and a letter from Jean
7 grand put in a gate post at sand pit got some logs wood took Little scraper home
8 Isa and I town got 76.80 for veal calf 100 dairy ration nice day
9 grand Isa and I drove up through fields over to Camerons and town p m I saw wood a m
10 Bertha today nice Scotty brought plow home and Manson Barr a m
11 cloudy Mrs B Gould and Jean and boys and Mrs Gillies out for lunch
12 Isa and I town got more pills Dr nearly 4.00
13 Hasenock combine some barley and Rodney oats they were good Rodney 39 lbs per bushel
Isa town Rexall sale balance Bar
14 nice day didn’t do much
15 Isa and I town a m grand day we took Stanleys pump home p m
16 nice Isa and I cut few oats p m broke 1 reel and 1 casting
17 grand day Hector Cameron over a ,
18 Robert Gallaway share Rodney oats grand town a m got repairs for binder 1.20 dairy
ration 3.30 got $33 fir 33 bus rye Isa and I finish cut
19 Francis start to cultivating east ¼ N side Mrs McKay and Mrs Anderson out eve tea
20 unload rodney oats a m got 100 oat sheaves and bails of hay and some wheat sheaves grand
day
21 cleaned and patched granary a m drag for Francis on NE ¼ p m
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22
23
24
25
Isa and I town a m moved back load sheaves p m colder
Stanley start thresh our wheat I got 200 oat sheaves p m Francis cultivate
Stanley finished threshing wheat town Man Pole pump out cellar nice day
Little came to combine barley started Sept 21 cool put 200 sheaves in loft and got a ld also
pd for barley
26 Isa and I town a m help Stanley put 37 bus wheat off ground into our bin
27 rain and cold took 36 bushels 22 lbs barley town chopp 1.75 a m moed Alward got calf
yearling $150 Sony Little took
28 Isa and I put 400 wheat sheaves in loft today cool windy
29 Isa and I town a m cool windy put 200 sheaves in loft p m
30 nice got load sheaves a m Isa and I town p m got dairy ration 3.30
31 nice little cool drawed 2 loads barley down Hugh Doherty wife and 2 children here for
dinner
I got about 300 bushels barley off about 44 acres NE ¼ North side
November
1 nice Isa and I clean up around wheat stack and got last of the barley Bred Bertha at noon
2 fix fence a m took 1450 lbs barley to town to chopp nice E Sunderland & wife here from
Paradice Valley
3 fix fence lane N side a m saw little and got a load green feed Atfield pitch of the one I had
here
4 nice day Isa and I town p m Sam Little took 3 pigs to butcher shop and May and Nancy to
Bill Bell $5
5 Isa and I put 500 sheaves in loft grand day total 1600 sheaves
6 got 250 sheaves a m sheaves still on Isa and I town p m sold one pig Mrs Dowdell $36.00
7 grand Harry Deacon help stack balance of oat sheaves 3 ½ loads total of 2600 @ 3 cents
$78.00 pd Deacon 15.00
8 clean stable a m took 5 pigs town p m weigh 995 alive COP
9 grand got 2 small jags wood one at Bobs garden the other at sand pit
10 nice sawed the wood Isa and I went to Heinz to a hammer mill demonstration p m
11 got straw and bedded pigs a m got jag dry wood E ¼ S side
12 rain a m Isa and I town snow p m gravel crew left some machinery here
13 snow a little last night brought down 40 bales hay used sleigh
14 little warmer calm got 45 bales hay .95 total
15 fix loader a m took 7 pigs town and brought 2 of them back need 30 lbs more for 200 lbs
cool wind
16 Isa and I town a m fix stall in stable cool cloudy
17 foggy and dull took 1200 barley town to chopp – 1.25 p m got jag bales hay p m Isa kill
chickens
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18 nice and mild put 110 bails hay in corral & I have a load on waggon
19 Isa and I town p m got returns for 5 pigs COP unload a load bales and got a load p m 52
bails
20 put 60 bails in corral a m Isa and I town p m rain last night and dull today
21 brought down the last bales of hay 48 put in sheep pen - 100 balance corral total 455 bales
22 Webbs took Morris town to fix radiator rain quite a lot unload a load wood sharpen saw
23 got small jag dry wood east ¼ and saw it p m Webb brought Morris home
24 got jag dry wood n and E of sand pit a m cold and cloudy
25 got load dry wood N of sand pit a m fix at separator p m rain Isa dressed 4 chickens
26 traded Lills sucking colt to Ralph Wilson for a load of chopp
27 cold and windy no work today
28 little snow last night cold and cloudy fed cows 2 bales hay tonight outside
29 cattle still out fed 2 bales hay cold and cloudy sharpen saw used M H separator tonight
30 Isa and I town p m met Bert got a gear pump to pump out cellar cost 23.65 + a vee pulley
at Northern .85
December
1 Bert left this morning I pumped at cellar
2 Ralph Wilson brought out 25 gals coal oil 6.53 We clean stove pipes
3 Sam Little took 2 pigs to French and a 2 year old steer Hareuthers a m Isa and I town p m
call on Mrs McKay put light oil in car anti freeze in car second time
4 Isa town with mail I pump cellar a m saw p m
5 nice no work Heinz man up and got 2 doz eggs
6 got jag wood N side clean stable move saw dust p m
7 Isa and I town a m in car sent Maggie chickens also Allen and Bert got feed for cows
Anti Freese
8 pump cellar a m snow last night cows went to field
9 got load dry wood a m North Side Nasty East wind Prairie Farm Assistance
10 nice Isa and I town a m delivered the 2 year holstein steer dressed dressed 587 lbs
11 nice got jag wood a m sharpened saw p m
12 nice day 2 degs above frost got 13 eggs today
13 nice got jag dry wood
14 nice got jag dry wood a m Isa and I town p m sheep gone tonight Cruthers here for eggs
15 nice day look all a m for sheep took team p m got all 4 of them on Bill Annetts
16 about 32 saw wood all day very nice 12 eggs 18 hens out
17 grand thaw Isa and I town a m
18 this was an all time heigh 44 above I saw wood all day No melt 19 eggs
19 13 eggs grand the water has stopped coming in cellar I pumped a little and took pump out
put some coal in
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20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
32
nice got a load dry wood a m sawed it p m
Isa and I town a m got a Christmas tree stayed nearly all day grand
windy sawed wood p m
Isa and I town p m got new radio battery lost car kee Jean and Jack came 11 eve got Hughs
ram from Scotty
Jean and Jack town little snow bred bigest lamb
snow little and cold zero
below zero this morning Jack went to Horricks this eve for supper
below zero a m nice p m Jack hunting a m
nice SW wind Jack and I saw wood tractor
Jack Jean and Ian went to Horricks Mr and Mrs Bill Anderson out for tea nice took
sawdust from saw got 1st jag straw and clean stable colder and windy at night
cold Jean and Jack still at Horricks
Below zero and a cold S E wind jean and Jack came home at noon Jack took Isa town
afternoon and left about 7 o clock this morning Jan 1st 1955
Memoranda March 8th got the 3 bushels Rodney oats cost 2.60 bushel and 1.50 express =
3.10 per bushel
On Nov 18th I took 5 pigs to COP (Co-operative) town they weighed 995 lbs got
returns Nov 19th 146.73 + $4.00 bonus or 29.34 each three of them were Isa’s she got
88.00
12 pages of accounts at the end
On Dec 10th, 1954, we got Hareuthers to kill and dress the two year old holstein
steer he weighed 587 lbs dressed we sold Mrs Dowdell 1 hind ¼ weighed 140 lbs @ 36
cents = $56 and kept one Mrs McKay one front ¼ @ 23 cents = $32 and Adams and E
Sherman got the other ¼ between them and each pays $15.37 there was over $20 killing
and hauling charges
On Friday Nov 26 sold Jim Lills colt to Ralph Wilson for the equivalent of 85
bushels and 10 lbs oats to buy at elevator would cost 46.50 or a little more
November 30 1092.88 total cost in this book up to Dec 1st (45.68 in December =
1138.56 for year)
May weighed 1730 lbs, Nancy 1550 sold to Bill Bell (a euphemism for ‘to be eaten
in Belgium’)
I got $100 for the two from Bill Bell
15.61 inches of rain in 1954, fully half in August
Got a 14 lb turkey from Mrs West for Allen on Dec 13, 1954
Neal Stewart, Jean’s second son, born April 24th 1954 Born Saturday a m 1st
tooth Sept 4-54
- 394 -
Bee equipment 4 bottoms and lids 15 supers and 3 small ones
Here so ended the diary of the year 1954.
- 395 -
1955
To Bert from Don and Maggie with love x x
January
1 Jean Jack and the boys left this morning about 7 for Lethbridge about 36 below Mildred
Roblin phone from Toronto to Isa and her mother Jean phone from Lethbridge at 10 o
clock night had been gone from here 14 hours
2 clear bright about 10 below
3 little warmer about zero clear and calm Heinz got 5 doz eggs at 35 cents = 1.75 Petkus fall
rye a German rye
4 nice clear and bright above zero Isa dress 11 roosters thaw little on hen house steps
5 nice cooler than yesterday town waggon got 1950 lbs coal grain growers lump of car @
$11 ton = 10.75
6 nice day took jag of barley to chopp 1.20 140 lbs dairy ration 4.60 The Country Guide 8
years $3.00 advertise car key .50 drugs $5.00 total 20,10
7 nice this morning turn windy snow rain and drift unload chopp and clean stable p m
8 nice today Isa and I town p m I got two extra keys made at Rows today they cost 1.00 Isa
got parcel from Fairfields and sent Margaret birthday parcel Gouen Lions married today
Heinz man up angot 6 doz egs
9 Little colder got 3 egs about zero
10 about like 9th got 4 eggs
11 10 below was the heigh John Sholigans horses got in here today got 3 egs clear and Bright
and calm
12 20 above real nice got 5 egs
13 got first jag straw Wed De 29th got the second one January 13 1955 = 2 weeks about 20
above got 1 egg they took the big cat engine been here since before Xmas
14 cloudy Isa and I town got gas 95 cents laying ash 1.80 felt boots 4.50 Stephens
15 grand about 20 above got 3rd jag straw clean stable got 4 eggs 2 brown and 2 white
16 Nice little cooler Cordy Brown and wife here for lunch and supper Lyle brought them and
got them eve Rod Heinz up for a few eggs
17 about 12 above cloudy 2 egs Just did chores
18 about 4 above S east wind they moved the gravel crusher this morning
19 about 12 above the red cat that came here in the fall died last night
20 George and Arthur Hews here P.M. got their ram been here since Dec 23rd-54 about zero
clear and calm
21 west breese up to about 18 above melted a little on hen house step
22 Not so breasy as yesterday got 4th jag straw Clarence Wilson brought me his boar today I
paid him 5.00
23 Very windy west wind about 32 above melt a few drops off roof Bred spotted cow
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24 = 69 grand day 8 above Isa went town Harry Deacon back with school Bus Clarence
Wilson got his boar Mr and Mrs Ken Islay out eve
25 colder N East breeze 2 below heigh
26 5 below this morning to 16 above at noon got 3 egs
27 about 8 above clear and bright John Deer day in town I didn’t go
28 grand day thaw little about 38 above I took 8 bus our barley town and bought 30 bushels 1
b oats @ 70 cents – 21.00 and 1.40 to chopp took waggon
29 little cooler calm and cloudy about 24 above got 5th jag straw
30 grand about 32 above thaw off roof on N side
31 20 above Isa went town and back taxi I did chores Bertha on tear first time I saw it since
Nov 1st
February
1 nice day about 26 above got 3 eggs Mrs Heinz up and borrowed Eatons catalogue Gordy
Johnson here eve Phone R 1216 Wetaskiwin
2 Ken Islay brought out 3 ton coal $36.00 got it section 36 township 54 range 25 W 4th this
was good coal
3 grand got 6th load straw and 40 sheaves off first stack took load of manure out of barn 3 egs
8 below to 28 above thaw on hen steps (One of the few south-facing surfaces to observe)
4 grand day got 4 eggs Isa and I town Morris got 50 lb laying mash sent Allen blankets Sent
Barbara a home made sweater Barbara got sweater March 11th six weeks
5 nice very little cooler snow little last night got 4 egs
6 dull cloudy east south breeze 2 egs heigh 28 above
7 8 above to 32 Isa wash got 50 sheaves got 7th load straw from clean stack
8 14 below to 2 below at noon clear calm & nice
9 32 below to 2 below at noon breeze from the east 4 egs
10 2 egs 16 below this morning to 2 above at noon put 45 sheaves in loft cold north west wind
11 20 below to 2 below S east wind cold 4 egs left Lusinda in stable tonight
12 nice 2 below this morning to 24 above Melt snow of hen step Isa and I town sent Allen
comeforter for bed
13 10 above to 34 grand put 40 sheaves in loft and clean stable Jack Horricks his dad mother
and a Dr Roberts here for tea
14 20 above to 38 just grand got 4 eggs got 8th jag of straw and clean stable
15 22 to 38 above took about 1200 barley town to chopp watter all over got 6 egs today
chopping 1.25 got mail
16 18 to 36 above nice got box sheaves clean stable & pick up little dry wood the fuller
brush man here a m Martin brought mail Valentines from Allen and a letter from
Margaret she got her waists
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17 colder N West wind 4 below to zero 6 eggs Clarence Wilson bought me 500 sheaves
$20.00 saw little wood
18 20 below to 18 above bright & clear 5 egs
19 10 above to 34 clear & calm 4 egs
20 2 below to 32 above nice 3 egs got 9th jag straw and a few sheaves clean stable
21 2 above to 34 grand day 9 eggs saw little willow wood a m Isa and I town p m Isa sent
rubber boots return and ordered some yarn
22 22 below very windy North wind last night some large drifts Dr. Anderson here to
Bertha p m Ken McCrea here to see Dr Anderson 6 egs Jack Wright here with Dr
Anderson I’m sure she was around again May 7th
23 30 below to 6 below that was the lowest temperature this winter 8 eggs Mr Martin
brought mail
24 22 below to 2 below clear calm got 9 egs
25 22 below to 10 below cold N wind got 7 egs
26 34 below to 10 below S West wind 9 eggs Mr Martin brought mail for eggs
27 22 below to 2 below 7 egs cold south wind
28 22 below to 2 above got 10 egs North East wind
March
1 12 below to 4 above 7 egs N E Wind
2 4 below to 2 above cold S East wind 6 egs
3 14 below to 2 above N wind 12 egs
4 34 below to 8 below 9 egs cold S west wind Isa town taxi sent John’s sweater and a
telegram to Allen
5 14 below to 4 above 5 egs Allen was supposed to be married in Toronto this a m
6 14 above to 34 above 9 egs Micky Jiles his wife and baby out for supper
7 32 to 46 grand 9 egs got a jag dry wood used sleigh got 10th jag straw A M
8 26 to 30 above 9 egs saw wood
9 20 to 40 above 8 egs got small jag dry wood P M Scottys man up and got 2 dozen eggs
50 eve
10 0 to 20 above 11 egs no work snow little S E wind Harry Deacon got water yesterday
and today
11 6 above to 22 above got 11 egs Isa and I town car P M got card from Allen and a letter
from Margaret got a bag potatoes Bill Anderson gas 1.18
12 10 to 24 above 8 egs got box sheaves sent 4 dozen eggs to Jones with Mail Man (Jones
was the mysterious ‘Johnes” in earlier entries)
13 8 above to 12 above strong N wind nasty day got 10 egs
14 Hereford had a female calf outside this a m 4 below Ken McCrea brought Jeans letter this
morning 4 below to 10 above 10 egs
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15 28 below to 12 above 10 egs clear calm Mr and Mrs McKay and boys out for supper got
2 boxes sheaves
16 10 above to 34 snow not to hot 9 egs got 11th jag straw
17 8 below to 32 above got 13 egs got box sheaves cloudy and some snow
18 22 above this a , then got colder 14 egs this has been a terrible day snow blow and drift
fierce all day
19 4 below to 8 above 14 egs got 600 oat sheaves C Wilson 20.00 cold S.W. wind
20 0 to 10 above got 17 egs cold N West wind clear
21 zero to 16 above got 11 egs sold 2 doz to Heinz man got a box sheaves clear and bright
first day spring “not yet”
22 4 below to 6 above Harry Deacon got 2 dozen egs 50 cents miserable day got 17 egs
today
23 24 below to zero 14 egs cold N.W. breeze
24 charlott had a bull calf this forenoon 20 below to 6 above 18 egs terrible N.W.. wind
25 zero to 16 above mostly calm 16 egs Micky Jiles brought out 990 coal 7.85 and took in
and got chopped 20 bus barley 30 cents I paid Micky I went with him $5.00
26 zero to 26 above S wind 16 egs got small jag dry wood P M
27 grand 14 to 46 above got 19 egs got box sheaves & clean stable h Deacon here P M
28 26 to 40 above 16 egs lots of watter around saw little wood p m harry Deacon here got 2
dozen egs 50 cents Harry Deacon here eve got 2 dozen more 50 cents
29 30 to 48 grand got 19 egs got a jag straw clean stable and sharpen saw
30 clean stable got box of hay and one of sheaves 28 to 44 above cooler North breeze got a
check Prairie Farm Assistance 136.50 Fred West brought mail Martin forgot ban on our
road to heavy traffic
31 snow and rain little last night 30 to 4 below hens out for first time got 16 egs I took about
20 bus our barley to town to chopp and bought 20 bushels oats costing 1.50 to chopp +
13.70 for oats at 68 ½ cents per bushel
April
1 first crow 22 to 50 above got 18 egs Isa and I town got car licence for 1955 cost 12.00 got
a calf pail in town today
2 32 to 40 above 18 egs got small jag dry wood Jean home from Horricks this eve Francis in a
minute eve
3 24 to 28 21 egs a cold day some wind got a jag straw a m Jean Jack came about noon Mr
and Mrs Bill Anderson out p m few minutes Jean and Jack took Neil to Edmonton left
Ian here
4 20 to 34 little warmer 20 egs J & J came back to horricks and brought Neil with them
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5 40 to 48 got 18 egs saw jag wood Millie had a heiffer calf p.m. Jean and Jack took Neil
and Mrs Horricks and Emily to Edmonton and came back to Horricks stayed all night left
Neil in hospital in Edmonton
6 22 to 62 got 22 egs got straw and box sheaves Jean and Jack came home for dinner today
took Ian and went back to Horricks
7 26 to 66 grand got 21 egs Isa and I town p.m. Heugh McFadden his wife & Daughter here
for dinner they came in a truck to take Norma home from College
8 36 to 54 got 19 egs clean stable got last of alfalfa hay in stack and a box of sheaves Jean
Jack and Ian came from Horricks p m then Jack went to river to fish then after supper he
and Jean put Ian in bed and went to show
9 30 to 60 above 21 egs Jack Jean and Ian town a m Jack went to his dad’s P. M. I took out 2
loads manure from yard a.m. got load wood p.m. put ring in bulls nose a.m. Romanic
10 Easter Sunday 34 to 50 20 egs clean stable got box sheaves put bell on Bertha and turn
cows in sand pit Jack came and got Ian and Jean and took them to Horricks for supper
11 30 to 48 21 egs I cultivate North of hen house used tractor Jean Jack and Ian came for
lunch Jack went home and came for Jean and went to show
12 30 to 48 21 eggs Ruby had her first calf a bull about 6 this a.m. got a box sheaves took a
load manure out of yard and a jag straw this a.m. Jean and Isa went town alone in car got
a repair for separator
13 30 to 48th 19 egs Jean Jack and Ian left at 7 30 this morning for home and Bert stopped in a
few minutes had a bite of dinner he just left and Francis & his mother came and had
dinner I didn’t do much only clean stable
14 28 to 48 21 eggs Isa and I town a.m. Rexall sale Francis start cultivate on wheat field east
of our house I saw wood p.m. took Francis home eve Bert came back and stayed all night
15 18 to 46 20 egs Francis cultivate on wheat land east of house He got stuck I pulled him out
then plow north of hen house
16 16 to 52 got 22 egs Francis cultivate and drag I disc a little and brought drag down Isa and
I town p m Rob Thompson came eve
17 32 to 36 22 egs rain little nearly all day Rob Thompson stayed here all night came about 8
o clock eve left here about 10 this am this morning
18 30 to 36 20 egs town bought 40 bus oats cost $29.00 got them chopped cost 1.30 got oats
U>G>G Francis brought Bill Annetts seed drill and started take toungs out & make a
tractor hitch
19 36 above snow all day got 19 egs Laurence Hareuther came out a.m. and dressed the calf
from Scrogleys mouley cow that Scrogley bought last year the calf was born May 12th
1954 Francis came this morning had dinner went to town got mail and back here for
lunch Erbine got 2 dozen egs 50 all the cows in tonight got $75 for the calf “veal”
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20 20 to 30 snow all day H Deacon after water and got stuck I clean stable all the cows in to
night
21 20 to 42 21 egs nice day got a jag hay and clean stable thaw good H Deacon got two
dozen egs 50 cents
22 28 to 40 23 egs town waggon pd for adv cow .50 1010 lbs coal A. P. 7.10
23 23 to 50 clear calm 19 egs Lyle Robinson here to look at Milly
24 26 to 46 25 egs Nora Ronaghan here to look at Hereford bought 2 hens got jag straw put
some in loft a.m. took out a load manure p.m.
25 30 to 51 21 egs nice day took 2 loads manure out of yard Nora Ronaghan gave me a check
for $175 for Hereford Holstein cow
26 16 to 30 clear calm 21 egs Mr and Mrs McClinan from Islay out to buy a cow I went
Verm got 50 bus oats @77 cents cost $38.50 + 1.70 to chopp
27 30 o 35 snow all day & some last night tested cows for T B a m Lusenda a bull 2 p.m.
20 eggs
28 30 to 40 21 egs clear up a little about 6 eve snow wet snow all day
29 30 to 40 17 eggs clear and quite windy Isa went town with h Deacon p m & back
Francis called in p m
Vermilion Standard weather: The last week of April, 1955, snowfall has been 19.91
inches as compared with 6 inches for the winter Its terrible wet here
30 30 to 56 21 eggs 7 cars in here today & 1 of them twice Dr Young here finished testing
cows for TB got jag straw and clean stable p m turn cows in sand pit today
May
1 little rain “sprinkle” some sunshine 23 eggs pumped cellar out Harry Deacon over twice
Francis & his mother down had lunch He brought me 36 sheaves I paid 1.50
2 21 egs clear and nice Isa and I town p.m. got smock from Eatons got gal heigh test gas &
99 cents in car & got the recharged battery from Webbs
3 Frances took 45 bus our wheat to cleaning plant took out 15 bushels screenings put margana
on the 30 bushels for seed cost me $18.00 and Francis paid the balance $2 he is to return
the wheat this fall if we have any I put the balance I had in granary at barn
Dope cows
for warbles second time
4 Francis brought out the 900 lbs screenings and I had them chopped I got a jag straw
5 quite nice town P.M. got 1500 wildfire egg coal 10.50 Marlene had a calf F dead when I
saw it at 5 this morning I got Dr. Anderson he charged me $11.00 Lyle Robinson got
Molly this eve $200 I still have her calf one month old
6 very wind cold pump out cellar a.m. Isa and I town p.m. Roy Walkins out eve
7 Nice day I took taxi town and went to Edmonton with Gordon Downey and went to a
Naturopathic we left early and got back early Downey brought me home total cost about
$25 Francis McKay cleaned Marlene a m
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8 Mothers day rained a m
9 north west wind very windy 23 egs clean and bright
10 Isa and I town p.m. Francis brought some oats here this a.m. I took him home for to get
tractor and he cultivate and harrow some east ¼ south side and sowed a drill box of oats
on 3 acers Mr Horford here to look at cattle eve paid Webb 1.00 for transmission grease
for Morris
11 saw little wood and got little straw Francis finished the 8 ½ acres victor oats S side of e ¼
light land
12 Herb Little took Noras cow down to her this morning I cleaned our stable and went at noon
and pulled Francis truck out of ditch at Ken McCreas dark day and cold north wind
13 Isa and I town p.m. Francis brought some Olio barley here a.m. then cultivate dark and cool
Dora had her first calf F eve
14 Francis has 11 acres victor oats and some in box and stuck in the mud I ump the cellar
Francis brought me 52 oats sheaves from Stan cost $3.00 (absolutely at the faintest level
of legibility – read by osmosis)
15 nice pump out cellar a.m. Help Francis pull his tractor out of mud east ¼ p m His mother
here for lunch left Marlene out for first time since she had calf
16 nice town bought 50 bushels oats U.G.G. 73 ¼ = 36.62 + 1.70 to chopp also block salt
1.15 and 100 lbs sweet clover seed 30.00 + 80 cents for innoculant Sold Harry Clark 18
pails rodney oats 5 gal pails $23.00
17 nice day Francis start to seed wheat I till garden & seed pig yard with tiller & pumped the
water out of cellar I left all the cows out tonight and I left the calves loose in barn
Calculation of distance in blocks from Bernice Ford, his niece, to someone named Mullally
in Edmonton
Pigs, 17th 10 layed on 2 stepped on 1 and had one under cast iron pot
18 very warm Francis finished seeding 16 acres wheat one day earlier than last year all the
cows out on pasture today
19 Isa and I town p m Gordy Johnson called in a m Frances called in and got truck and harrows
very warm
20 Cooler than yesterday N Breeze I seeded the piece behind hen house used tiller pumped
out cellar a m
21 nice day I tried to pump out cellar didn’t work very good dragged the piece N. of hen house
Mrs. McKay came out from town got Gonny and took her to hospital p.m. Francis came
& got his drill some of his barley and rubber tired waggon p.m.
22 nice day pump water out of cellar all day
23 pump some out of cellar took Isa to hospital to see her mother Mrs Mckay brought her
home First lamb black faced 2 year old ewe p.m. saw a little wood
24 Pump out cellar a m town p m got 1000 lbs coal 7.00 Mrs Trost in eve got iron for pigs
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25 gave the 18 young pigs iron a m pump out cellar
26 moved brooder house and seed little wheat east garden with tiller harrowed it Isa and I town
pm
27 Frances start to seed Rodney oats 27th it was 25th last year used our tiller he got stuck with
truck coming home to dinner I pulled him out then pump all p m in cellar
28 Francis still at Rodney oats had dinner here Isa and I town p m I pump cellar a m
29 nice day pumped out cellar a m Frances here eve truck bred Lucinda to a son of Berthas
Romanec old ewe pair of lambs male
30 Francis finished the Rodney oats started on South side East quarter broke tiller and went
town cost $6.00 I paid $3.00
31 Helped Francis put tiller together A.M. Mrs McKay help Isa paint and paper Gonnys room
yesterday and this a m This p m took Isa and Mrs McKay town and to hospital Francis
till
June
1 cold east wind Francis till east ¼ Isa and Mrs McKay work at Gonnys room I pump cellar
2 nice day pump cellar Francis tilling east ¼ Isa and I town got Gonny from hospital 12 days
3 nice day Frances tilling I had a Mr Johnson plowing on east 1’4 S side with a fordson and 2
bottom molboard plow it cost me $30.00 for the day
4 Francis took the disc up to east ¼ a.m. and went home for dinner Mr and Mrs Downey and 3
children out eve
5 nice but quite a wind pump out cellar
6 pump cellar a.m. Isa and I town p m Francis seeding legasy oats & Olio barley east ¼
Alliance preacher out for lunch
7 N. west wind cold froze last night pump cellar Francis seed some Olio barley Hilcock out
to see pigs Francis finished the 35 acres Olio barley and Legasy oats east ¼ south side
8 Francis finished dragging the east piece of barley and Legasy oats I saw little wood and pump
cellar
9 Isa and I town nice day went to Don Wilson and paid 1955 telephone bill 11.00
10 quite nice warm but windy Francis and his mother called in to get his last barrel and had
lunch I pump cellar
11 nice quiet windy bred Charlott this eve male calf 79 days since March 29
12 nice S east wind pump cellar
13 town nice day sent John and Barbara birthday presents a m got Gonnys clock at jewelry
cost 2.50 Elliott Carson and family called a.m. pump cellar p m
14 very warm and dry town got 30 bushels oats Jory @ 79 cents = 23.70 + 1.00 chopping Isa
got a chance to town to Stewart Hilcocks funeral with Francis and his mother I pump
cellar a.m.
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15 windy and dry pump cellar a.m. got small jag wood some dry some green Katz got the 6
pigs from spotted sow just four weeks old $45
16 very warm & calm & dry pump cellar a.m. took cream town p m Mrs Doherty and Allen
“son” from Manville here also flint Doherty over 80 years old
17 Very dry and hot Mosquitoes terrible also heel flies pump cellar
18 Isa and I took car town rain nice shower this p m first rain of the season
19 dull cloudy cool windy had cows in house yard since 5 this morning pump cellar eve N
west wind
20 Isa and I town p m nice day election Federal Isa got a hair cut
21 very warm Martins 2 men came out p m and fix pump at barn brought out a new well cover
I paid Martin 16.00 for plank Pump cellar a m
22 80 above calm I cut some hay in different places
23 dry and very hot above 80 Isa and I took cream town p m Pd Martin 1.85 repairs on
leathers for pump and 16.10 for lumber + miles – 17.95 I got ½ load hay on waggon a m
Frank Minard got the 5 little pigs ½ he litter from white sow
24 rake hay a m about 2 loads and put the ½ load off the waggon in loft
25 warm and very windy from east Francis help me put the 3 loads hay in loft that I had cut
and raked
26 Warm and windy fix little fence North of hen house and closed gate in lane N side some at
well
27 Very dry and hot Francis took the spotted sow to French 3.90 Isa and I took cream p.m. I
fix a little fence in yard p m
28 Very hot and dry Francis cut hay N side this ¼ had dinner here I and Isa town a.m. got 25
chickens and I cut alahpha east ¼ south side P,M. Arthur Hughes shears 4 sheep eve
29 hot a,.m. Isa and I took 1 days cream martin took 1 days sour We voted this a m and this
afternoon Isa went to Stanleys for a Stanley party with Mrs Bert Moses rain very light
shower eve and some thunder
30 cooler rain 1 ½ inches in the night and this fore noon Isa and I went town this a.m.
July
1 I raked and bunched the alalfa east ¼ S side p.m. Bert and family came eve rain about ¼ in
night
2 Bert and family here all day and work on Morris tighten up wheels he went town twice Isa
Winnie and kids went p.m.
3 rain little more in showers today finished Morris and a little on his Dodge we used the Eaton
separator eve
4 town got returns for sow shipped June 27th and dressed in Edmonton June 29th 303 at 1525 =
46.20 clear got 40 bus oats G G 70 ½ = 28.20 + 1/35 to chopp got a 10 foot post for
front gate Revelstoke $2.00
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5 Bert and family left for Manville this a m I put in a 10 ft gate post at road rain light showers a
m Francis seems to be raking hay
6 nice sharpen posts a m & turn hay with rake p.m.
7 Isa and I took cream town lost hub cap and adv same 50 cents transition grease 50 gas 1.05
second one 4.00 and also 10.00 another time
8 fix little fence this ¼ from house to granary gate very nice day shot at a badger
9 nice day fix fence long lane N side this ¼ a.m. got a load alalfa p.m. Ruby and bull in the
corral tonight bred 3 times eve
10 nice shingled a couple holes in barn roof used a bunch shingles
11 nice day Isa and I town cream I unload a load alalfa in lean to a.m. & got one a.m. unload
same p.m. & got ¼ jag finished Francis stack sweet clover on wheat stubble p.m. saw a
deer on road ¼ mile west of house
12 nice and warm Francis stack p.m. Scotty got garden cultivator a.m. I put little hay in loft
and got a little at granary pump cellar
13 82 above very warm put little hay in loft & cut little in garden Stewart phoned from
Edmonton about 8 eve
14 Edmonton G Downey left here at 6 a m and got up there about 9 30 Roy Watkins went
Stewart Lucille Bernice and 3 children visited me at Drs office we got back home about 5
o clock eve very hot cost me about $25.00 including $4 and od cents for gas
15 Isa and I took cream town a.m. in two cans 1 sweet and 1 sour got a little hay east of east
garden along wheat and raked some in spruce field terrible warm and a bad wind in the
night
16 rain little in spells all day nearly put a few fork fulls above sheep and a little in loft & some
on waggon (There were two barns, a very run-down decrepit one that held sheep, at least
in winter and an upper part that was reached by climbing up the side of the building. In
that part was kept the bee hives so they could come and go flying overhead and a trunk of
mementos and, as we see, here, feed in storage. The other barn was a regular barn,
reached by a second-hand interior stairway. Cows and horses were sheltered below and
most feed stored above it. A lean-to set against its eastern wall. Both barns ran north and
south) ( it was this main barn on which he shingled, the 10th above.)
17 very hot and dry Isa and I took car to look at a very poor crop got a mess saskatoons
18 96 degrees above at Vermilion today Isa and I put half a load of hay in loft a m took cream
town p m got wheat germ oil for cows
19 76 big wind cooled it off last night Isa and I took cream to town a.m. Francis rake a little
hay that was left in the stacking I pulled a few weeds in garden p. M.
20 very warm and very dry Kats got white sow $45 I cut a little hay in wheat a few thistles
and some wild oats
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21 nice cooler rain very light shower last night Mr and Mrs Jory Evelin and baby out a few
minutes last night Isa and I town cream Francis was here and went to town a m & just
little raking out stack I cut little wheat and weeds north of hen house
22 I help Francis put a little hay on the two stacks used our team I turned cows in on where I
had the wheat last year where the one stack is we fenced it on the N E corner of this ¼
23 nice cut a little hay in wheat a wet spot we couldn’t seed rake some hay I cut 20th
24 Mr and Mrs Dowdell also Mr and Mrs Bill Anderson also Francis and his mother here I got
a load hay I had bunched
25 took cream town a.m. Francis and I started to cut on the 25 acres tame hay S E corner East
¼ “damp” skunk killed 31 young chicks the 26th I had him in 4 trap
26 rain 1 ½ inches last night warm and clear Francis & his mother here for lunch Isa bought
some raspberries from Mrs. McCrea eve we chopped a very little barley also cut a very
little wood
27 cool and cloudy Isa and I up to Francis place we picked some raspberries a.m. I cut some
weeds in garden scythe
28 grand day Isa and I town to the 50th fair and I was an invited guest had a free ride to fair
grounds and a pass any place also shook hands with the governor general I am 50 years
in Alberta this fall
29 coked hay behind hen house a.m. Francis and I cut little hay used binder p.m.
30 Isa and I town and fare cool not much of a crowd I got a pitman for binder 2.50 & 100
gals purple gas 22.30
31 Very nice day Gonnys birthday 95 put second load hay on stack in corall little pigs out
a.m.
August
1 took cream town a.m. cut hay east ¼ used our binder engine and twine p.m./ grand day 99
above at Saskatoon
2 town a m Francis brought out 920 coal cost me 6.15 I bought 30 bus oats Jory cost 21.00
1.00 for chopping got home about 4 o clock p m found hub cap for Morris lost 1st July
3 rain little last night and sprinkle a few times today got small jag dry and green wood a m and
saw it p m
4 Francis and I finished cutting the 20 acres tame hay on the S E corner east ¼ some of it has
been cut 10 days and not stoked yet I chopped a few pails barley eve Isa and I took cream
town a m
5 Francis brought tiller home a.m. I cut little pig weeds and etc North of hen house used Bill
and Maggy on binder rain light shower eve
6 nice day till a little in garden a m Isa and I town p m got the new cream separator from
Eatons also a box apricots from Billy Butter Board for binder 5.60 I H C Spitfire battery
3.95
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7 warm and calm Isa and I up to Cordy Browns a few minutes p m Betty Barr or Mrs
Brimacombe brought out 3 kittens this eve turned them loose in granary used the new
Vega 6 seperator tonight for first time
8 Isa and I took cream town a m the first 2 messes with new separator this was a very cold
wind today got some new bolts for separator & a piece made for disc plow
9 quite windy from west and cool enough cut little hay
East side S E ¼ p.m. Gordy Johnson called P M tea
10 nice cut the east garden a m mostly thistles and cut hay in the 40 acre field where we had
wheat last year
11 Isa and I took cream town a m cut little hay on this ¼ in patches very warm
12 Telegram from Allen Vancouver Mona sick cool rake little a m put load in the loft p m
Isa help
13 Maggy came this morning about 7 20 Isa and I town a m I rake hay p m south side both
1/4s very warm
14 nice a bit windy 36 above this morning (Note this was AUGUST 14)
15 nice day Isa and I took cream town a m got back at 12 00 municipal tax assessor here at
noon Mr McNair out p m Allen and Mona came taxi about 10 eve we were in bed when
they phoned
16 Allen and I got a jag hay east side for stack and stack some thistles and pig weed in the
garden
17 nice day Allen and I put 2 jags hay on stack and 1 in yard for stack Gordy Johnson had
dinner and lunch here with Allen then left for Edmonton about 3 30
18 very warm clear and calm Isa Allen Mona and I town a m Allen and I put a load on stack in
corrall and one on waggon p m
19 Isa and I Edmonton but got back about 10 eve fair 5.80 each taxi 1.00 two trips rain last
night Allen did chores got a load wood and a load hay Francis help unload Isa got glasses
at Eatons in Edmonton
20 town P M Isa Allen Mona went rain again last night two loads sand Mix
21 Allen and I look at crop east ¼ a m Isa Allen Mona and I went to School of Agriculture for a
drive nice day cool
22 Isa Maggie Mona and I town a m Allen cut a load dry poles a m Allen and I got a load dry
wood and sawed it p m Mix got 3 loads sand total 5
23 Isa and I went to Edmonton to cancer clinic Downey took us up we got up at 3 o clock and
helped Allen milk
24 Isa Mona and I took Maggie town a m she went home 11 days visit Allen cut some wood a
m and chop p m barley I work at binder
25 Isa Mona and I town a , Allen clean stable We got wood p m east ¼ South side
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26 Nice Allen and I got 3 bunches hay and put on a pig shelter also 258 sheaves hay put in
sheep loft and horse barn loft went town noon and got mail and some pictures Isa took
then got a load loose hay and put on stack in corral and he paint well cover at night
27 total 760 sheaves hay down here Allen and Mona will be leaving for Toronto and Ottawa at
10 to 10 tonight rain little here today and cool
28 cool and windy home alone all day
29 Isa and I took cream town a m I chopp a little barley P M
30 till very little east ¼ south side got 250 sheaves hay p m Francis also got a load I now have
1000 Isa help put the load in loft
31 got 250 hay sheaves p m and put some in leanto and some on sheep loft & some on stack
and got 100 on waggon makes a total of 1400 A Mr McLain wife and 4 girls here eve also
a Mr Johnson this was a grand day
September
1 Francis and I start on rodney oats my binder engine gas and twine we used about 8 lbs twine
and finished them 6 30 September 2 used very nearly 24 lbs twine
2 Francis and I cut rodney oats p m Isa and I town a m I got a piece for binder 1.60 Jean
Jack and boys came evening
3 Francis and I cut oats on East ¼ /s, side Jack and Jean took Ian town a m
4 Jack & Jean & Ian went to Horricks for dinner Francis and his mother came p m Francis
went up to stook Mr and Mrs Dowdell out P M for a while Jean and Jack came back
evening
5 “holiday” “anniversity” Jean and Jack and Ian left for Lethbridge 7 30 this morning then at
noon took engine and help Francis cut some oats
6 froze last night Isa Neil and I took cream to town a.m. Francis brought me $15.00 oat chopp
p.m. I chopp a little barley
7 I stook little a.m. then help Francis stook p.m. finished the Rodney oats and Montcalm barley
p.m. been last 7 days
8 Isa and I took cream town a m and dug some potatoes p m let Bill and Maggie go in pasture
this eve.
9 fix floor under Maggy a m chopp little barley p m & finish most of the spuds and cabbage
cold froze last night
10 Froze ice last night I till the east garden a little behind the hen house & some on east ¼
south side nice day
11 nice day little warmer home alone all day no visitors
12 cloudy Isa and I took Neil to baby clinic a m
13 grand day cut little more hay Jean Brown and Cordy here for dinner
14 got a small jag oat hay that I cut yesterday nice today
15 went town on Edmonton with Downey to doctor total cost 10.00 rain all day
- 408 -
16
17
18
19
it is still raining and cold until noon clear off but a cold N wind P M
rain and cold Martin got cream Isa Neil and I town p m
nice day fix little at corral fence p m Jessie Stephens brought a white kitten evening
nice day plow little garden a m town p m got 1260 lb egg coal @ $14.00 per ton 8.80 (egg
coal is intermediate between broken coal and stove coal: 2 – 4” in diameter)
20 saw little wood a m rain all p m
21 rain again today no work Martin got cream
22 still damp got a load gravel for around house road & a load manure out of pig pen
23 Francis and his mother here for tea I saw little wood cold and cloudy sold first veal calf
Charlotts 6 month old to Craigs 228 lbs@ 28 = 63.00
24 Isa Neal and I town p m took Neal to Dr Steffans got paid for veal
25 nice today but windy dried a lot put a few posts in between John and I
26 took saw dust from saw & got a jag hay been wet for 14 days still wet left it on waggon
27 plowed balance of potato ground and took a load manure out of pig pen a m got 1290 lbs
egg coal Alberta Pacific @ 14.00 per ton = 9.03 turned Bill and Maggie out eve
28 first snow and rain real wet no work
29 snow little again this a m I finished chopping the last of our barley last years and I till a
little north of hen house
30 cool clear Ken Islay brought out 6 ½ ton lump coal @ 13.00 per ton = 84.50 & 45 gals
coal oil 11.97 this a m this p m Isa and I went town took Neil to Dr the second time
had to draw the car with tractor to start it
October
1 put the remainder of the coal in cellar a m draw Francis truck to start it then finish tilling
North of hen house triffle more snow last night & cold today
2 Dr. Mullally here from Edmonton this a m it was a cool drizzly day Mr and Mrs Bill
Anderson for tea p m
3 clear cool Eibin got one dozen eggs I moved the cream separator in the house
4 cool and dull saw wood all day
5 saw wood again today cool and windy
6 quite nice till little east garden a m east ¼ p m south side
7 Isa took Neil to Dr McCrae Lloyd fare 1.80 return nice day Francis brought me 6 ½ bus
oats 63 cents a bushel
8 Isa Neil and I town p m nice day
9 nice Frances Start just start combine wheat a m pretty damp Mr and Mrs Joe Horricks &
Margaret McGaughy out p m to see Neil
10 cloudy today Francis combine some wheat and a little oats very poor crop I disc a little p
m east ¼ till the pig yard a m
11 I double disc east garden a m cultivate east ¼ S side p m nice day
- 409 -
12 Scotty threshed the last of our grain about 400 bushels rodney and Montcalm barley off the
north piece and about 200 bushels oats and barley that Francis seeded it was a good crop
for this year we put all the rodney and Montcalm in the granary at house
13 this was a nice day I seeded 6 acres fall rye 50 lbs broom and about 40 lbs sweet clover on
east ¼ south side near bush and a low spot Francis and mother and a sister were here for
tea
14 seed east garden fall rye and drag east piece S side east ¼ colder
15 warmer than yesterday and mild Isa Neil and I town p m and put transmission oil in Morris
put 2 quarts anti freeze in car
16 cooler rain little eve had cows in wheat field east of house this ¼ took Bill and Maggie up
to East ¼ put in 2 posts as a start on a gate
17 cool fix a title at disc plow
18 dull and cool clean Gunnies stove pipes
19 dull and cool no work sent Luella a letter
20 sent birth certificate Edmonton registered Isa Neil and I town Rexall sale TOOK Neil to
Dr. Stephens
21 grand day fix a little at disc plow
22 cold and windy fix at wheelbarrow Norman Armstrong got Francis waggon been here
since threshing
23 nice fix the gate at granary and made one going into N E corner Mr and Mrs Dowdell and
her sister and brotherlaw out eve also Hughe Doherty and wife in a minute
24 nice day pulled Andy Redfords truck to start he was stopped 1/8 mile east of here put a
plastic window on west kitchen window and put in a wider gate on stack yard east side
25 grand day I felt tough didn’t do much but pump a tank water and clean stove pipes
26 nice day got a small jag straw a m & took a load manure out of pig pen
27 Isa Neil and I town p m Isa got her hair cut I filled out old age pension form and returned it
to Edmonton
28 seed alalfa in east garden load a load manure in shed dull and foggy all day
29 put a little straw on shed till a little on east ¼ south side it was nice day Harvy and Mrs
Anderson and a friend out at night
30 quite nice this morning turn colder and start to snow p m
31 snow and blow all day a terrible mess cows in stable tonight for the first time just got 2
eggs
November
1 still snowing wind N W put tank heater in tank for first time cows in barn nearly all day
took battery out of car also antifreeze L Dowdell out for eggs I got 6 eggs today
2 clear cool left cows out tonight Martin brought mail
- 410 -
3 real cool east wind I left the cows out last night but to oldest ar in tonight Isa went town and
home in taxi
4 cool N E wind partly clear start snow this eve
5 clear bright thaw little on hen house step about noon all the horses in yard for drink and salt
6 nice clear and bight about 6 degs frost in shade about noon got 3 egs
7 about 6 degs above frost clear and bright Donald Wilson here to look at bull snow blow
went over out road today
8 H. Kufeld got Berthas Rockwood artificially bred bull calf calved September 15th 1954 at
165.00 this was a grand day I took Morris town P M roads sloppy but good got Isa’s
yarn at station and block salt 25 lbs calf meal & oyster shell and 5 lbs butter
9 nice day not so warm as the 8th took horns off Milly 3rd and the white face heiffer calf from
the cow Nora got
10 Cold and Windy saw little wood then chopp little with tractor
11 10 below cold N.W. wind left cows in stable tonight
12 about zero not much wind but clear Francis and mother called in on way to town and
brought us some of our meat from our locker own out tonight
13 cold about 6 to 10 below cold and calm Horses came down today and went back p.m. cows
put
14 cold about 10 below Sam Little took 3 pigs to French for me weight 660 cows out returns
for pigs 21st
one Grade A 167 dessed 19.30 = $32.31
two B 1 326 lbs at 18.35 =
$59.82
15 around 10 above but still a cool N W breeze
16 about 10 above but it isn’t warm yet its about 20 to 30 degrees below normal I had horses
down today
17 colder than yesterday but east wind Francis called in and got our groceries in town I
bargained for 5 pigs at 7.50 = 37.50 + ten hens 1.25 Francis took 2000 lbs oats from our
granary for him got it chopped 59.2 bus
18 Isa went town with Scotty and back on school bus I kept Neil
19 cold wind I chopp little and saw few sticks wood Irene Jory girl this day
20 quite nice about 18 above zero at noon Mr Horricks Margaret and 3 sons out a few minutes
pm
21 cool clear I took Morris town P M got returns for 3 pigs shipped 14th = 92.13 + 10.00 from
Horse Coop also 4.00 bonace on pigs
22 cold N W wind left cows in stable tonight first since 11th
23 22 below here this morning not much wind clear and bright got 5 little pigs from E Leffert
at 7.50 each 6 weeks old born Oct 12th also 10 hens at 1.25 and 4 dressed cows in stable
24 10 below this morning east wind
- 411 -
25 little warmer than yesterday about 4 below this morning Francis brought our groceries out
he and his mother had supper here 100 laying mash
26 cold clear not very windy Martin brought mail and letter from Hartford 1 egg our hen
27 around zero light N W wind
28 32 below this morning up to about 10 below I sawed little dry wood p m clear and bright
29 2 doz egs Mrs. West 2 our hens very little warmer wind S E
30 dull calm about 20 above clear horses came up with 2 strays I put the strays on the road
December
1 about 20 above wind back to N E + snow sprinkle all day I chopped little P M & I got jag
straw
2 about 10 above today our horses came up today with 2 strays I let strays out on road Sam
Little came and got them cloudy today but calm east wind
3 2 egs from the 10 hens we bought bought Nov 23 first egs Dec 4 nice about 10 above Isa
went town first with Martin and taxi home Francis bought me 1920 lbs oats Norman
Armstrong and got it chopped paid 33.60
4 cloudy about 16 above got 3 egs got a load straw on waggon N E corner there is 3 stray
horses in there today
5 kind of cool wind about 10 above sold Boar to N A Banett Islay 24.00 they help put rack
on sleigh
6 about the same as yesterday put the toung in slay & got a load straw from N E corner this P
M
7 quite a nice day 14 above not much wind dull Norman Armstrong called in eve
8 20 above strong S E wind I got a load straw this p m east ¼ North Side
9 18 above South West wind and calm and clear a grand day Francis took pig to locker a m
Mrs West bought 24 eggs @ 45 cents a dozen – 90 cents + 90 cents for last week
10 about 18 above clear and calm
11 18 above I got a load straw nice day not much wind and bright Grant here to see boar he’s
gone
12 This is a terrible day strong N W wind & snowing & drifting terrible Gordon Downey and
his 3 kids came out to see how we were getting along as the phone is out of order and a
terrible racket
13 little colder not so windy I managed the chores alone wattered and fed everything cleaned
stable some terrible snow drifts
14 around zero or a little below clear and calm telephone working today been out for two days
our lane is blocked no male today and no school buss for 2 days
15 this was quite a nice day calm and clear I shoveled out a road across yard and Albert
Hareuther came out and dressed a yearling lamb this P M it dressed 72 lbs and we sold 36
- 412 -
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
lbs to Mrs Bill Anderson @ 37 cents = 13.35 from Nov 1 1954 to Oct 31 1955 6 cows
made 1204 lbs butterfat the cash payment @ 5 cents – 60.20
this was a nice day 18 above was the heigh I just did chores Mrs Bill Anderson and son
were out and took half the lamb at $13.00
this was a very cold day 30 below in the morning up to about 10 but a strong N W wind and
drifting Mr Martin brought mail and got crem first time this week the snow plow went
up this road today
28 below this morning S W breeze feels warmer than yesterday Herb and Sam Little got
their sorrel horse here again
about 18 below this morning but a cold N E wind
about like yesterday N E wind plenty cool
about like yesterday only wind from west and some sunshine I sawed a little wood and Ken
Islay brought us out 6 ½ ton stove coal $84.00 Mr Martin brought us out a dressed turkey
not drawn 21 lbs cost 8.34
around zero or a little below N E wind light some clouds and some snow Mrs Heinz sent a
live goose tonight that Isa had ordered for Xmas it was 4.00 It was 8 ¼ lbs alive could
have gotten it at butcher shop for 40 cents a pound (which would have been 3.31 in case
you wondered)
dull and snowing Isa Neil and I town taxi cold enough the bull dozer came into front yard
and took out a drift last night
30 below today this morning I just did the chore Mr Martin took cream came in with truck
16 below this morning up to about 10 cold east wind Allen and Mona phone from Toronto
this p m we couldn’t hear they couldn’t either the lines were bad
it was 14 above this morning then went down to 4 above eve I got a very small jag oat straw
east ¼ s side Francis has taken it just about all Tippys pups, born yesterday, died but 2 so
far there are 5 dead now last load straw I got was 11th S side
this has been a terrible day snow all day I didn’t clean stable it was only about 10 below but
a strong N W wind Tippys pups all dead and I guess 2 kittens
calm and little milder some sun light Gonny fell on the floor while Isa and I were milking
tonight Dr. Stephens came out then got the ambulance took her to hospital
12 degrees above zero this morning no wind Jim Johnston help me take 2 loads hay off the
big stack in the N West field Isa and Neil to town hospital to see Goony taxi put one load
of hay in loft 1 in corall
this was another nice day calm clear Jim Johnson came out this morning and we put the 2nd
load hay in the loft and clean stack Harvy Anderson took Isa to hospital to see her mother
Mrs Anderson stayed here and kept Neil I did chores
12 below this morning up to about 6 above at noon Isa went to hospital p m taxi Rev
McNair brought her home she left Neil at Joys when she went to hospital
- 413 -
The rye king at Chicago was Jack McBride of Benalta Alta also at the royal with the same
sample Petkus
Purchases for the year are summarized on six pages under Memoranda
(9,411 words in this diary, about 50% more than usual)
Here so ended the diary of the year 1955.
- 414 -
1957
January
1 22 egs 14 to 22 above no one here today Francis mother died
2 23 egs 14 above all day cloudy
3 19 egs 2 above to 14 some sun no wind
4 24 egs 8 below to 10 above Isa and I town p m Isa went to Mrs McKays funeral home with
Heinz
5 17 egs 14 to 26 above Elliott and family called in for a lunch 2 o clock on way to Cold Lake
6 24 egs 23 above to 30 above
7 17 eggs zero to 14 below terrible N E wind moved our bed down stairs
8 17 egs 30 below to 16 below at noon clear and calm
9 18 egs 30 to 12 below clear and calm slight breeze from S West
10 15 eggs 24 to 14 below clear and calm
11 16 egs 32 to 16 below cold clear Sam Little brought out 4360 lbs Drumheller lump coal
$34.90 + $4.00 hauling
12 13 egs 24 to 16 below nice sun at noon
13 15 egs 22 below to 4 above not to hot fed last of 15 acres green feed
14 13 egs around zero all day Isa and I town Morris Sent Marg and Allen birthday gifts and
Marg a sweater
15 15 egs 15 below to zero at noon
16 13 egs 16 to 25 above strong N W wind Ken McCrae also Martin with mail
17 17 egs 6 above this morning grand day Johnson and I got jag poor hay at stack & 1 load
out of bee house
18 15 egs 2 to 12 above cloudy calm
19 14 egs 14 to 16 above cloudy Ken McCrea brought me 60 bus chopped wheat at 60 cents
20 17 egs 14 below to 8 above dull Tippy chewed the grain box tonight
21 17 egs 16 below and stayed below all day
22 13 egs 24 to 6 below cold N W wind
23 17 egs 30 to 14 below calm and clear mail came Jory was out for egs p m
24 18 egs 30 to 12 below S W breeze Mona and Allen sent a birthday cake cut Monas cake
25 12 egs 22 below to 2 above S W wind
26 14 egs 4 above to 16 above cool W wind Johnson help me put jag hay in loft and ½ jag oat
sheaves $2.00
27 17 egs 12 to 24 above snow little today Ken McCrae son
28 16 egs zero all day cloudy Mr Dowdell out for egs
29 20 egs 4 above to 20 with a wind chill Clarence Wilson here a minute on church work
30 19 egs 6 above to 20 some clouds Simmens out to measure hay Martin here
31 19 egs 9 below morning to just above at noon Isa and I town Morris P M
- 415 -
February
1 19 egs 34 below to around zero South wind cold 10 miles
2 16 egs zero to 20 above Johnson out and got load of hay for horses Nice and bright for
ground hog
3 18 egs 2 above to 18 some snow and a little drift
4 18 egs 4 below to 5 above windy drift Johnson help get a load of hay east ¼ put in loft +
150 oat sheaves
5 15 egs 20 below to 6 above windy some drift
6 20 egs 10 below to 8 above strong wind wind chill of 17 below
7 18 egs 2 above to 22 heigh Francis McKay in for tea and lunch evening
8 21 eggs zero to 21 above a lovely day Isa and I town p m
9 22 egs zero to 20 above mostly cloudy
10 18 egs zero to 30 above Francis here had a cup tea Micky her first calf
11 17 egs 14 above to 34 not so hot coolish wind thaw little in places
12 25 egs 14 above to 32 above Johnson help get 2 loads hay one in loft
13 16 egs 20 to 42 thaw off north side of roof
14 15 egs 24 to around 34 above very windy Isa and I town Morris
15 20 egs 14 above to 24 Herb Little brought out 32.70 lbs Wildfire eve
16 25 egs 14 to 40 above bright I got jag hay alone
17 19 egs 2 above to 10 above cool calm Mr and Mrs Johnes CNR here a minute
18 22 egs 4 below to 6 above N East wind
19 21 eggs 24 to 4 below calm clear cool Johnson came out a m
20 22 egs 24 below to 4 above cold breeze
21 18 egs 24 below cold wind wind chill 48 below 14 below all day
22 23 egs 34 below to 8 below clear cold
23 16 egs 14 below 2 below a few minutes a terrible day east wind and snow
24 27 egs 8 below strong E wind 22 heigh wind turn north
25 19 egs 20 below 8 heigh quite calm some sun E wind
26 18 egs 4 above to 34 windy S E David Jiles here to look at Lill she was a grey mare from
Dan
27 19 egs 28 above to 38 above S W wind David Giles here got Lill $60 She was about 15
years old
28 17 egs 18 above to 32 some wind Isa and I town p m sent a letter to Jean
March
1 26 egs 2 to 32 above Johnson help me put in 2 loads hay + 100 sheaves $2.00
2 23 egs 2 to 32 S W wind little on the cool side
3 21 egs 20 to 26 above snow drift from N E all day I got little hay for horses Let Lusinda go
dry
- 416 -
4
5
6
7
8
23 egs 10 below to 4 above clear calm Blakely Barton took all to town eve
24 egs 14 below to 10 above calm and bright
23 egs 24 below to 18 above Mr and Mrs Joe Horricks in a m for cup of tea
21 egs 4 below to 22 above Ken brought 70 bushels chopped oats a m
18 egs 14 below to 20 above bright S east breeze returns for calf I bought from Brennan for
$10.00 I got 34.40
9 23 egs 34 above lean stove pipes a m cloudy (running total of eggs: 158)
10 25 egs 14 above to 22 above snowing snow all day
11 20 egs 10 above to 44 at noon nice took load manure out of stable and one out of yard lots
snow
12 19 egs 4 below to 22 above calm and bright
13 29 egs 8 below to 28 above calm and bright
14 21 egs 4 below to 24 above cool S wind Francis here got 3 doz eggs
15 22 egs 22 below to 26 above Isa and I town Morris
16 26 egs 12 above to 38 above
17 22 egs 22 to 48 above cloudy not much thaw east wind
18 28 egs 4 above to 52 above but not much thaw I got small jag wood east ¼
19 28 egs 14 above to 46 nice day got ½ load hay p m
20 26 egs 18 to 54 above some watter around saw the little wood
21 25 egs 33 to 38 got jag poor hay off top last stack
22 22 egs 24 to 36 above some snow last night Isa and I town Morris p m Mother dreamed
of Frank Cook sent Margaret eggs
23 28 egs 14 to 42 above Johnson and I go 2 loads hay east ¼ and put in loft
24 28 egs 26 to 50 above quite windy cloudy
25 30 egs 24 to 40 calm and bright I got half load hay last stack Tippy sick died cows all
out but 3 milkers
26 22 egs 16 to fifty cloudy clean stable took a load out of hen house got little wood
27 24 egs 22 to 34 cold north wind Barbara sent pictures
28 26 egs 30 to 40 south wind clear got ½ jag hay house ¼ for cows
29 29 egs 24 to 30 chilly wind S east Isa and I town got pencion got car licence $11.00
30 25 egs 26 to 36 cool N wind heard crows today
31 19 egs 24 to 38 above cloudy N E breeze thaw very little
72 dozen and 7 eggs in March
April
1 21 egs 20 to 40 clear sunny S E wind got hay for cows put it outside
2 24 egs 20 to 42 quite windy Arthur Wells and Ethel came this morning
3 29 egs 24 to 48 S W wind grand day Art and Ethel and Isa to School of Agriculture
4 27 egs 30 to 48 grand day Arthur and Ethel left at 1 30 Friday Morn
- 417 -
5 21 egs 32 above to 48 nice Isa and I town a m Morris
6 26 egs 18 to 36 nice I saw the first gopher I saw this year Bentley out for a drive
7 27 egs 35 hens Apr 6 26 to 30 nice day hens out first time this year start to wean calves
Johlene and Mickeys calf
8 26 egs 26 to 36 cloudy N wind got 2100 coal 17.25 shipped 2 pigs I had 6 months cost me
24.00
9 24 egs 25 to 34 cold north wind got jag hay John Stelfox out an hower or so
10 29 egs 12 to 20 above cold N West wind
11 21 egs 5 to 26 above N wind Isa and I town p m Morris bought 81.30 lbs chopp a m
12 28 egs 19 to 36 S E wind I got some hay for cows and a little wood E ¼
13 26 egs 46 heigh Johnson help put jag alalfa in loft ^ some poor hay for cows outdoors
very windy east wind
14 23 egs 54 heigh a grand day Jorys out also Heugh Doherty
15 25 egs 69 heigh real nice let cows in sand pit
16 27 egs 32 to 56 left cows out tonight Isa and I over to Sales Mart
17 22 egs 38 to 58 nice I got hay for cows and sawed little wood p m
18 30 egs 26 to 60 nice Isa and I to town p m
19 26 egs 26 to 60 nice day got jag hay for cows and took out 1 load manure
20 25 egs 36 to 56 I town p m pd telephone
21 31 egs 64 above was heigh rain light shower eve Jack R flew to Calgary in a jet Apr 18
hitch hike to Vermilion here a couple hours took heater out of tank
22 28 egs 34 to 60 Isa and I town a m I got the last hay of our share of alalfa stack
23 29 egs all day clear and nice I cultivate garden and moved brooder house
24 26 egs 25 to 49 rain all day Martin took cream Simmons boys put load hay in loft 26 p m
25 33 egs 34 to 50 some clouds clear Dale and Roy Downey out p m
26 24 egs 36 to 56 calm and nice clean stable a m Isa and I town p m 6 people from Fort
Queppel here lunch evening
27 27 egs 34 to 56 cloudy calm
28 29 egs 42 to 72 Earl Powell and wife here p m
29 24 egs 34 to 74 hot I till little Mrs Paget here got pup from Kinsella 3.00 Herb Little
bought Mickey
30 30 eggs 44 to 74 Isa and I town a m got chickens paid 10.00 hay
May
1 29 egs 48 to 70 very windy from east I till north of Hen House & drag it also garden
2 27 egs 40 to 50 cold east wind
3 26 egs 48 to 72 hot plow little a m Isa and I fall sale p.m.
4 28 egs 50 to 83 really warm I plow little disc plow Mr and Mrs Dowdell out eve got some
pails manure
- 418 -
5 29 egs 45 to 84 calm clear and Isa birthday H Deacon got eggs Mr and Mrs Downey out
6 32 eggs 46 to 82 plow some Maggy and Jiggs Dowdell got manure rain and thunder
evening
7 30 egs 45 to 54 Isa and I town got 100 plymouth chicks
8 21 egs 26 to 46 windy cool H Deacon got 3 dozen eggs
9 28 egs 34 to 60 calm some clouds Mr Webb out help fix cultivator I disc p m
10 22 egs 38 to 64 Isa and I town p m I drag a m
11 28 egs 28 to 46 cold froze ice last night
12 24 egs 34 to 58 windy and cloudy H Deacon 3 dozen egs
13 21 egs 48 to 70 quite windy I town a m chick feed draw manure p m Mr and Mrs K
Wilson called p m
14 23 egs 34 to 46 Isa and I town p m Isa got hair curl
15 26 egs 38 to 60 Rob Carmical got 2 doz Lyal Dowdell got 2 manure nice day
16 26 egs 40 to 70 rain shower Lyal got some manure I draw out some
17 26 egs 42 to 62 rain last night I took out 2 loads manure a m Isa and I town
18 19 egs 42 to 74 clear calm took 1 load manure out Bert and family came p m
19 32 egs 46 to 70 nice Bert took Isa and his family to Manville P M Mr and Mrs Downey
out P M
20 30 egs 34 to 46 cold north wind I drag little Bert and family left about 9 this a m Downey
got Francis Wire eve
21 26 egs 30 to 56 cool breeze Isa and I town p m got cabbage plants Mrs Dowdell
22 24 egs 28 to 64 clear and quite calm cultivate a m harrow p m
23 21 egs 46 to 74 quite nice some wind I raked quack grass roots team
24 26 eggs 44 to 64 some clouds Jack Cross got Lusenda Isa and I town p m sold scales
10.00 McCormick Lloyd
25 24 egs 34 to 52 cool North wind till the piece North of hen house
26 26 egs 44 to 56 cool breeze
27 26 egs 48 to 70 did my first seeding Rodney oats I got from m Barr used tiller
28 19 eggs 402 to 74 south wind nice disc where I seeded oats
28 29 egs 48 to 70 clear and calm I took battery to charge I got 1.85 chicken feed then seed N
W hen house
30 26 egs 50 to 54 terrible West wind no work
31 23 egs 32 to 66 nice Isa and I town p m Mr and Mrs Dowdell here eve a minute also H
Deacon
June
1 23 egs 44 to 76 warm calm drag piece east of rye East garden & Behind hen house
2 25 egs 40 to 76 nice H Deacon got 3 dozen egs Mr and Mrs Jory out a minute
3 22 egs 46 to 70 nice day got little wood team Deacons all over we got 6 magpie egs
- 419 -
4 26 egs 38 to 81 real warm Isa and I town p m out to sale
5 27 egs dry and windy
6 24 egs Doras and Mrs Jiles out bought mail warm calm I plow a m this ¼ east of rye move
granary down to tees and disc what I plowed
7 25 egs no work Isa and I town p m got tomato plants Dowdell
8 26 egs 38 to 53 cold and cloudy Isa plant tomato plants
9 23 egs 26 nice day but froze garden
10 23 egs election town to vote
11 19 egs 40 above I plow little disc little bought 2 pigs Mr and Mrs J McLennan 20.00 Mrs
Padget out and Ralph Wilson
12 21 egs 40 above this morning rain very little a m Gehart here p m saw little wood
13 22 egs nice I found a stem fall rye over 6 ft high – 73” long
14 19 egs Isa and I town p m Bill Nix in a few minutes
15 20 egs very little rain
16 21 egs nice Margaret and Bill and Mr Horricks here for dinner
17 21 egs test 12 cattle for TB disc p m sold 2 loads sand a m $2.50
18 23 egs warm fix lane fence north side use team
19 22 eggs Marlene calf eve I plow p m got stuck in oil well
20 20 egs tested cows Harry Deacon and family over evening got eggs
21 22 eggs Isa and I town p m very warm and dry bought 11 tamarac posts eve
22 24 egs sold Marlene this morning plow little in oil well 2 horses single plow rain little eve
23 25 egs Vic Patterson and Bob over for dinner Mr and Mrs Downey out got 8 dozen eggs
24 23 egs Very windy from N I plow engine Harry got 17 egs evening
25 25 egs Isa and I town p m very windy a m rain p m lost bull sent licence to Edmonton
26 24 egs
I look for bull quite a lot fix a little fence shut cows off the hay field found bull
again in field
27 23 egs had Jiggs and Maggy on mower a m and Maggy on garden cultivator plow p m
tractor
28 28 egs nice and dry Isa and I town p m got 2 barrels and seal gas eve
29 29 egs disc sod a m east of rye Isa and I to Elenor Jorys wedding to Bob Bond
30 26 egs nice rain last night nice day Harry over and got egs
July
1 23 egs rain some last night and today Mr and Mrs Jory Eveline and boys out had tea
2 23 egs Windy disc all day
3 renew Jeans Standard to August 1958 on July 5th 1957
4 23 egs windy cultivate a m seed two low places oats
5 21 eggs fix little fence sand pit A M Isa and I town p m letter from Jean
6 18 egs deacon got kittens rain brand rain p.m.
- 420 -
7 20 egs clear Bob Mullan here I had a bad day
9 23 egs this is second bad day
9 20 egs still sick Isa and I got Mrs Little to take me to Dr Evans
10 Bad day had my first bowel moves Margaret phone from Calgary
11 (No Entry)
12 Margaret and family came
13 we went to the hospital
14 15 eggs layed around
15 24 egs Isa Margaret Linda and I went to Islay P M John and Barbara kept house
16 - 27 (No Entries)
28
Harry and Lucille came night of August 3 and left night of August 15th
29 - 30 (No Entries)
31 Margaret and Jack went to get Isa and I from Edmonton
August
1 Mr W McBride here from Toronto on way home dull little rain Isa and Marg town Marg
took us to town p m
2 We paid land tax
3 Harry and Luella came early bus Harry Jack John and George Reasbeck went fishing 4th
August
4 Alie Tandlas and daughter here also Joe and Hazel Horricks hear tea very windy
5 Allen came this noon Jack went to help his dad rain nearly all p m Isa Marg Harry and kids
town p m
6 (No Entry)
7 (No Entry)
8 Allen disc Jack cut hay
9 (No Entry)
10 Bert came P M Jean Jack Ian evening put hay in loft rain p m
11 Harry and Luella left on night bus Margaret took them in Gordy Johnson here Bert left this
am
12 Marg Jean Ian Barbara Linda town p m Allen and Jacks fix fence
13 Jean Jack Ian John Reasbeck Isa and I town p m Jack R help his dad
14 Jack Horricks and Allen fix fence am cut green feed p m
15 Reasbeck help his dad Barbara & Jack to Reasbecks Margaret and Jean and Isa and J
Horricks Allen fix shed rain home
16 everybody town but Allen Jack and I Mr Reasbeck got in ditch jack pulled him out
17 everybody to Cold Lake but Isa Allen and I Allen and I town p m Morris Allen Isa and I
did chores Allen passed got grade
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18 Jean Jack and Ian left for Lethbridge 9 a m Allen Hailstone and Dean Cornation left here 6
30 eve Allen got phone from Saskatoon 23rd morning
19 Margaret Isa and kids town a m John Carson and wife dinner here Allen cultivate Jack R
cut wheat
20 Jack help his dad cut Is and Marg paint kitchen Barbara and Linda deacons
21 Allen got 3 loads wood Margaret paint kitchen rain last night John in house Barbara and
Linda deacons
22 Isa and Margaret and I town a m Allen taking bus to Toronto tonight Jack came Back eve
23 Jack help his dad Margaret got mail when she came back
24 Jack didn’t come telegraph from Allen got to Toronto on plane from Saskatoon Jack here
eve and Carson and family
25 Margaret packing for home rain last night and cold
26 9 a.m. Jack R and family start for Vancouver rain nearly all day
27 most of the night ½ inch clear and damp today cloudy Herb Little put new valve in tractor
tire cost 1.pp
28 Nice Mr Martin mail Keith Deacon and family over p m,
29 nice Isa and I Verm P M cost 1.40 for gas renew Producer renew insurance on car 1.70
30 Isa and I to Horricks got wheel for waggon over 50 people here in August
31 Isa wash Mrs Deacon over and got a dozen eggs ^ phone boys over and bought Esaloit
Martin brought check
September
1 Mrs Jory Ealinor Irene and 2 kids here nice a m rain and thunder p m
2 Mr and Mrs Creary from Yorkton and daughter here for dinner
3 Isa and I town p m We got $40 oil royalties $46 old age pension
4 Martins man got cream rain last night and some today Jim Horricks got 20 pullets $20.00
water in cellar
5 Ruth and 3 kids here a m Raymond Mercier p m
6 Windy Isa and I town had Early dinner Isa got 10 bushels chopped wheat Ken McCrea
$10.00
7 rain nearly all day Deacons over for a dressed hen mail came
8 Very windy Mr and Mrs Downey out here
9 very windy got a dray man to come and get tire I went town p m
10 wash clothes a m I went town p m Albert Keen brought tractor tire out P M 1.00
11 nice day I put tire on tractor Mr and Mrs Jory out eve
12 nice some cloud moved tractor saw a little wood
13 coal p m 902 hauling 1.00tractor tire 14.71 repair Isa and I town p m car tire patch 1.50
windy
14 Windy Isa dug some potatoes
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15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
some moisture calm
clear Isa and I dug carrots & finished potatoes
put potatoes in cellar A M fix gate at west end of lane fence east of garden
10 degs frost ice cream no empty can cool today
quite nice Isa kill 6 hens & 4 roosters 23 hens left Mrs Dowdell came and got them
some clouds and some wind Isa and I town p m got cream can
saw little wood a m fix s w corner garden
quite nice Isa and I alone
Isa dress 10 hens today Mr and Mrs Bill Anderson out and took six and 4 hens for Mrs.
Downey
24 nice today I greased truck rack Ruth and 3 kids over p m paid 1.00 on hen got last week
25 dressed 7 hens and took to Mrs Downey nice took old 2 volt battery to Webbs
26 grand Sam Little combine about 75 bushels oats p m
27 Nice Isa and I took 2 hens to Mrs. Jory
28 Isa and I town p m very windy sent Ian 2.00 bottle money burner for lamp 1.00
29 some cloud some wind ha horses down for salt
30 quite nice Ruth and 3 kids here for dinner took in 2 pigs brought out 1040 lbs coal 8.60
October
1 very warm Isa and I town a m paid G G for 1040 lbs coal and Little 10.00 for combine
2 thunder and lightning last night little rain I got a small jag green feed a.m. Mrs Gillis out and
Mrs Little over
3 ice on tub all day deacons kids here twice today
4 first snow last night rain cloudy and cold all day left 3 young calves in ban
5 still cold and very windy Martin got cream and left mail
6 cloudy dull alone Isa and I today slept upstairs tonight first since I came home from hospital
7 cloudy cool I went town alone Isa sick got returns for pigs $92.27 put tank heater in tank
8 cold today not much thaw
9 nice 40 above Sam Little brought 5350 coal a.p 40.75 + 5.00 handling put storm door on
screen
10 little cooler than yesterday cloudy a m put plastic on W windows kill 2 hens 1 chicken
11 Isa and I town p m nice about 50 above
12 nice saw little wood about 56 above
13 goose for dinner 60 above Isa and I alone wrote to aguodell Saskatchewan about a $6 pup
border collie
14 nice cooler 50 above clean stovepipes
15 42 above cool north wind fix fence east of E garden clean chimney clean sadust from saw
16 took in a jag of oat and barley sheaves from N of hen house
17 about 42 above mostly dull got last jag green feed
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18
19
20
21
22
46 above Isa and I town a m I started a supplementary old age pension
about like yesterday I went to S McCrae a m Isa and I town p m\
cooler Mr and Mrs Whitlock out for supper
cold N E wind S McCrea came over and threshed the rye
this was the coldest 22 October on record Isa and I Vermilion sold Mickey to A J Tovell
$150.00
23 cold Isa and I pick up the rye screenings and put plastic on hen house windows
24 little warmer than yesterday some sun got rye screenings and covered grain with straw
25 about like yesterday not much sun Isa and I town p m
26 quite nice Isa and I town p m
27 real nice let pullets out for the first tie
28 grand Downey out for some of hens radio said it was 55 above here today
29 town taxi bus to Edmonton fare 7.05 return stayed with Bernice and Vern Ford
30 Vern took me to the cancer clinic before 8 30 a m finished at 12 30 p m went to Margaret
cooks took bus for Vermilion got home about 11 00 2.00
31 took Isa town for a hair cut and curl
November
1 I went town p.m. paid 7.50 for 25 gals coal oil and got standard
2 cool and cloudy
3 Isa went Irma with r and Mrs Johnes I took Isa to town above freezing
4.cloudy Isa and I town p m
5 dull about 42 above Herb and Mrs Simmons out had tea
6 got glasses from Woodwards kill 14 roosters
7 snow little last night clear calm today
8 Isa and I town P M got male pup aquadillo Sask nice day
9 nice mostly cloudy Mr Downey and Roy out p m
10 not cold but cloudy
11 aramist day (Much like Armistice Day) Isa wash cloudy quite warm little frost
12 mild little frost I went town P M got 6.90 dog food gas .45
13 mild cloudy Isa dressed 19 chickens Mr and Mrs Dowdell out took 18 chickens 1.50 each
14 about 28 above today cloudy
15 Isa and I town P M light snow last night roads very slippery
16 28 above calm and cloudy no work
17 28 above calm cloudy set watch
18 colder and cloudy Mr Downey out for some well casing
19 nice but cloudy Isa and I town got 2 B batteries 11.40 Carrole Heinz up got picture of my
colt
20 12 above cold north breeze kill 6 chickens very little sun Downeys truck out
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21 kill 5 hens little sun nice out quite nice a man and a woman here from Fidelity to look at
farm Johnes out hunting
22 Steve Stewart had a sale today Isa and I town P M thaw good today put some chickens in
locker Johnes out eve
23 snow last night about 1 in Mr Johnes out P M I town Stanleys P M
24 thaw off roof some more snow last night
25 Nice and bright warm I saw wood Sent 2 letters downey Ethel and Remington
26 grand A M 60 above in sun Downey got his well cribbing cloudy p m
27 nice day thaw in sun Isa and I picked 6 big roosters
28 Isa and I finished the 6 large chickens Sam Little brought out 5550 lbs coal @6.00
29 cold last night Isa and I town p m paid 44.40 for 5550 lbs lump coal
30 grand a m S W wind and cooler p m Isa and I took parcels of chicken in Downeys deep
freeze
December
1 calm cloudy Downey and Mullen out to measure hay
2 cloudy calm Isa wash no work got 5 eggs
4 clear and bright I put some straw on shed & got very little hay
5 nice and calm 20 above got small jags hay and put in sheep shed Bert Moses borrowed a
chain and brought it back at night
6 cloudy today cleaned up around first stack 1 load total
7 Ken McCrae 80 bushels 30 lbs chopp = $44.25check
8 dull but warm thaw a tub watter off N side house
9 cloudy very windy warm 34 got small jag hay
10 8 below this morn Isa and I town p m Isa bought a duck I got a turkey cost 4.00
11 8 above this morn calm but cloudy I got 2 jag hay off small stack I bought for 20.00
12 18 above this morning up above 32 some N W wind I fix at sleigh
13 not much wind not much sun I got small jag hay Isa and I town P M I pd Webb
14 about like yesterday I saw little wood used tractor
15 9 egs quite mild I greased waggon
16 7 egs Nice today 29 above got jag hay some wind S E
\17 10 egs grand I town p m Isa got cream bonus 30.75 Margaret phone from B C Jean
phone from Lethbridge
18 little colder I got a good jag hay p m put straw on shed p m Mr and Mrs Joe Horricks out
for a cup of tea
19 10 egs snow very little last night Bob Mullen got 2 loads hay from N stack west 1/4Isa got
barrel stove oil 8.15
20 8 eggs Isa and I town Morris nice little cooler than yesterday
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21 start oil stove took 2 first pails oil 8 eggs about 10 above dull Jack and Jean got here about
7 eve had supper at Horricks
22 11 eggs dull snow little Mr and Mrs Touvil here eve bought a 31 lb turkey at 30 cents a
pound
23 6 egs Jack Horricks and I got a jag hay a.m. and a jag wood p.m. Mr Joe Horricks in eve
24 10 egs quite nice about 20 above Jean Jack and Isa town A M I baby sat Jack and Jean at
Horricks p m I saw the load dry wood
25 Let Milly and Hereford go dry 14 eggs 12 below to 10 above clear and calm Jean Jack and
Ian to Horricks eve We baby sit
26 11 eggs snow very little last night and very windy Jack and Jean went to j Horricks this p m
got mail this a m
27 13 egs about 30 below this morning inoculate 3 calves a m 1.80 I got hay p m Jack and
Jean got home eve
28 14 egs cold N E wind Ice on tank heater all day Mr and Mrs Horricks here for dinner Jean
and jack town tonight
29 12 egs Jean and Jack left at 8 this morning East wind cold all day snow a m clear p m
Jean phone back at 8 p m arrived at 6 eve
30 16 egs quite nice about 10 below to zero calm and bright
31 I town a m sent Bert crate eggs cost 60 cents fix car 5.95
13 eggs total 41
Month by month accounts in back
Notes: CFCW Camrose 150
got male pup from Aquadell, Sask Jean married 10 years
34 minutes 15 seconds Vancouver to Calgary Probably by jet all home Aug 11 ‘57
Here so ended the diary of the year 1957.
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1958
January
1 16 egs from 10 below to 10 above put straw on shed A. M. jag hay P. M. calm clear S E
wind mild
2 20 egs 13 below to 12 above some clouds calm got 1st load hay of east stack
3 16 egs 6 below to 18 above Isa and I town P. M, calm partly cloudy
4 19 egs 16 to 32 calm clear I got jag hay P..M..finished 1st stack kill a muskrat at granary
5 27 egs 24 to 26 calm and clear
6 15 egs 20 to 26 clear calm I sawed green wood
7 16 egs 16 but a grand day Isa and I went to town P.M.
8 25 egs 8 to 26 cloudy got jag hay east ¼ file saw and move sawdust
9 23 egs 30 heigh got jag dry wood at sand pit
10 16 egs 2 to 24 above I saw wood A.M. Isa and I town P.M. sold first eggs Herb Little
brought out 4780 coal Milly bull calf A.M.
11 27 egs 16 to 20 above snow little last night got small jag hay P.M. Mr Russell out P.M.
12 25 egs 8 below to zero snow all day
13 20 egs 10 below to 3 above cloudy got a jag hay
14 24 egs 8 below to 10 above clear and bright I took Morris town p m paid for coal
15 18 egs 2 above to 24 above took some rye straw and some hay to horses then got jag hay
Downey out evening
16 26 egs 2 above to 28 grand sun melted snow of hen house steps 74 above in sun
17 15 egs 8 to 22 above cloudy Isa and I town p m Paid Bob Mullen $25 for hay
18 27 egs 6 to 24 above some sun got feed for horses and cows mild wind N W
19 17 egs 10 above to about 25 cloudy calm
20 21 egs 8 above to 20 calm clear
21 18 egs 6 above to 20 Stubby had pups this morning I went town P M I had a visitor
Gannon snow very little last night
22 22 egs 6 above to 20 above got jag hay off North stack cloudy calm East breeze
23 31 egs 2 frosen 6 above to 20 above light clouds calm George Richardson here collecting
for polo fund
24 13 egs 12 above to 20 Isa and I town P M
25 25 egs 2 to 16 above cloudy got straw for horses hay for cows
26 22 egs 10 to 18 above cloudy Left Hereford in stable today and night East wind
27 14 egs 2 to 20 above South breeze chilly
28 18 egs 2 to 16 above cloudy I went town P M got mail parcel from Jean
29 22 egs 9 below to 16 above some sun Mrs McKay out P M
30 22 egs snow all day 2 below to 6 above East wind Stan McCrae drove around our house
three times to make a road
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31 14 egs 18 below to 4 above mild clear Isa and I town Morris
February
1 14 egs 4 below to 16 above got feed for stock tie up calf
Total 125 egs
2 Bear Day 20 egs zero to 24 above got some hay some clouds some shaddows N E breeze
3 14 egs 4 below to 4 above N E breeze
4 16 egs 6 below to 10 above N E wind or breeze I went for mail with a Mr Gannon
5 19 egs 10 below and below all day I got feed for horses and cattle
6 17 egs 20 up to 6 below today with a wind chill of 30 below
7 14 egs 40 to 16 below Isa went town with Ken McCrae
8 16 egs 18 to 2 below calm east breeze
9 17 egs 10 below to 8 above strong S E wind drifts and some snow
10 14 egs 4 below to 12 above quite calm N E wind got jag hay and plow road
11 11 egs 4 below to 20 above nice A M cloudy snow P M wind chill 22 below at Verm 12th
its 6 below on thermometer
12 18 egs to 40 above sewing machine agent in 6 30 Egbert Wells mother had the first sewing
machine in Madoc/Marmora (family tradition)
13 17 egs 18 below to zero partly cloudy wind
14 17 egs 46 to 10 below with a wind chill of 21 below at noon
15 20 egs 40 to 6 below
16 21 egs 26 below to 4 above got straw for horses and hay for cows
17 14 egs 20 below to 10 above S E breeze Herefords yearling big calf
18 17 egs 4 below to 22 above Roth brought out 2300 coal Little 18.00 = 4100 = 31.90
19 19 egs 16 to 20 above nice P M turn colder N wind got hay for cows
20 20 egs zero to 14 above thaw in sun at hen housed paid for coal 31.90
21 14 egs 4 below to about 30 Isa and I town Morris
22 21 egs zero to 40 above thaw off north side of roof took load manure out of barn team
23 16 egs 16 to 34 above no fire in tank heater used tractor to make a road around house P M
24 12 egs 2 to 38 above some S E wind not so hot got straw and hay
25 12 egs 22 to 30 above nice I went town A M Morris
26 14 egs 2 below to 14 above mild cloudy N E breeze
27 11 egs zero to 26 above calm and some sun got hay for cows
28 14 egs 16 below to 30 above Isa and I town P M left Morris at Webbs taxi home radio
3.50
March
1 18 egs 4 below to 28 above nice day I went town with Martin and brought Morris home
2 15 egs 16 to 34 above a grand day Mr and Mrs Bill Anderson out p m
3 17 egs 12 above to 34 above got hay and clean stable cloudy
4 20 egs 12 to 34 above got jag dry wood at sand pit
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5 20 egs 6 to 26 above cold N E wind I sawed the jag wood p m
6 26 egs 4 to 15 above S E wind snow all day
7 16 egs 2 to 20 above some sun Isa and I town Morris
8 22 egs 10 to 28 above Hartford came this a m I met him with Morris
9 17 egs 24 to 48 snow little and thaw on roof north side Jory out A M
10 22 egs 14 to 42 cloudy Hartford went Edmonton Vincent Sweatman called Mrs Trost
called
11 14 egs 20 to 36 above some sun Dave Stelfox called a minute after dinner
12 23 egs 4 below to 26 above clear and bright Mr Joe Horricks out P M a few minutes
13 20 egs 18 below to 24 above nice day calm and bright no company I got hay
14 20 egs 22 below to 18 above I went town P M Donald Wilson over A M
15 21 egs 16 below to 22 above Isa and I to vote council Harry Goldsmith took us in
16 27 egs 4 to 24 above calm clear and nice got mail box 2.00
17 25 egs zero to 16 above cold S E wind got hay for cows put up mail box
18 18 egs 16 below to 14 above quite nice Isa and I town Morris rupture bad
19 24 egs 22 below to 24 above clean stable got straw put 2 boxes of hay in loft
20 24 egs 6 above to 34 very windy Hareuthers dressed Millys bull calf
21 22 egs 14 to 24 above snow little Isa and I town p m B Barton brought out ton Nordeg
coal
22 21 egs zero to 36 above calm and nice Roy and Dale Downey help put hay in loft
23 20 egs 20 to 40 above thaw little off north of house clean stable got straw and hay
24 32 egs 20 to 42 above got box hay and took 2 loads manure out of yard
25 17 egs 24 to 40 above Isa went town school bus I went P M Morris road muddy
26 27 egs 24 to 38 some rain or soft snow got feed Downey out and Mr and Mrs Arther
Tuvell got Hereford 3 year old
27 31 egs 24 to 40 snow soft a lot of the day
28 30 egs 24 to 42 cloudy
29 24 egs 24 to 46 above some clouds clean stable got straw and a box of hay
30 30 egs 24 to 40 dull I got 2 boxes of hay east ¼
31 27 egs 26 to 40 mostly cloudy some snow Isa and I town Mr Barlow election day
April
1 31 egs 26 to 38 clear and calm Mr Downey out got trailer I got 2 boxes hay
2 28 egs 12 to 38 East wind bright took a load out of hen house & stable
3 24 egs 26 to 46 clear and calm rain a lot last night I went town taxi
4 26 egs good Friday 45 above morning rain Bert and family came 4 eve got feed for calves
5 30 egs 30 to 53 warm & a grand day Douglas and I got the last hay then we all went to town
the warmest place in Alberta
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6 28 egs 20 to 52 quite windy clean stable bred Milly 6th Easter Sunday Bert and family left 6
for Calgary
7 28 egs 30 to 52 a grand day I got a little dry wood A M and sawed it P M
8 29 egs 30 to 55 Isa and I town P M Morris I put in a gate post A M
9 30 egs 30 to 40 cloudy and North East wind Albert Keen out eve for tractor tire
10 32 egs 26 to 48 cloudy Jef Dory brought 25 bales oat straw Alex Marion here I took out 2
loads manure
11 31 egs 30 to 50 grand day Isa and I town P M cup tea at Jorys
12 33 egs 32 to about 70 grand Isa and I town P M Jack Morrison got a pup here eve
13 36 egs 26 to 60 above rod Heins and his uncle up bought Sputhknet ( probably “Sputnik”
launched October 7, 1957) sold for $10
14 32 egs 32 to 44 quite a strong north wind Homer Campbell got the pup 2.00 clean garden
15 35 egs 32 to 54 I went to town P M a windy day got new plates for car $11.00
16 34 egs 30 to 51 cold North wind gusts to 55 per
17 30
32 to 52 quite nice I went town A M and mailed a letter to Isa and Allen
18 38 egs 32 to 54 cloudy and windy 5 people here a m Stanley got 27 bushels rye P M
19 36 egs 26 to 46 nice calm I went town P M got 50 lbs laying mash (egg total 20 dozen,
bottom of page)
20 34 egs 26 to 56 grand day no wind clean stable Blakley Barton home 40 bushels rye
screenings 22 nd
21 36 egs 26 to 50 cold north wind I used tractor awhile seed cleaning plant phone Isa phone
from Veg 9 eve
22 28 egs 24 to 42 cold Isa and I town P M Sam Little took 80 bushels rye I got back about
40 clean and 40 screenings
23 38
20 to 38 cold I took out 2 loads manure P M
24 41 egs 20 to 44 North cool wind I got jag dry wood Downey got trailer manure
25 33 egs 18 to 30 above cool but quite nice Isa and I town P M paid bills for taking the rye
into clean and home again
26 32 egs 16 to 46 clear calm saw wood
27 24 egs 28 heigh then colder terrible day windy and some snow by spells
28 39 egs 22 to 38 cold but not so windy Vic Patterson got 5 bus clean rye $5.00 I town for
mail P M
29 30
30 to 54 quite nice Isa and I town p.m.
30 36 egs 30 to 40 cool North wind J Perkins got trailer load manure Geo Stewart called A M
May
1 34 egs 28 to 64 B Barton brought out ton coal I got stuck with tractor rain shower
2 34 egs 22 to 40 cold wind Isa and I town P M
3 37 egs 24 to 54 very windy S E I took out 3 loads manure
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4 31 egs 34 to 62 grand day Paterson brought turkey eggs the 10th ( I believe he just went back
and filled in later news where there had been short entries)
5 31 egs 38 to 70 I plow Mrs Jiles out and Clarence Wilson with sack potatoes
6 25 egs 38 to 66 nice I plow P M town A M
7 28 egs 30 to 70 very warm I plow and harrow Mr and Mrs Jory and Mrs Gillies out eve
8 35 egs 62,76 planted 3 row spuds disc little G Dick cultivate half the night $20.00
9 34 egs 38 to 54 I drag A M Isa and I town P M Ken Islay out eve
10 37 egs 40 to 60 nice Christensen got load manure Mrs Gorden brought pig
11 34 egs 40 to 66 very windy rain a few drops last night
12 18 egs 44 to 58 N wind terrible I seed box rye on hay E ¼ B Barton took in 30 hens to
ship
13 18 egs 48 to 52 cold and windy Isa and I town p m
14 14
32 to 68 froze ice last night warm today I till all day
15 12 egs 44 to 74 some wind Isa town Mrs Heins I pick stones disc
16 15 egs 52 to 56 very windy Isa and I town P M
17 12 egs 52 all day very windy I plow
18 12 egs 32 to 57 quite calm I fix corral at sheep yard
19 13 egs 35 to 65 I fix corral at sheep yard
20 12
34 to 70 rake grass roots A M town P M Heins boy here
21 17
37 to 68 strong wind from East cultivate a m disc p m
22 7 egs 24 to 60 rain last night I disc all day
23 20 egs 36 to 70 nice disc and drag a m town p m 1 barrel gas 10.35
24 13 egs 28 to 70 nice day clean chimney on leanto
25 14 egs 48 to 68 terrible windy Micky 3th June
26 13 egs 38 to 64 rain shower P M Geo Dyck help me P M 20.00
27 13 egs 28 to 78 drag a.m. town p.m.
28 11 egs 38 to 70 very warm I rake and burn quack grass Isa and I town to shool opening
29 15 egs 48 to 70 little wind start to seed oats with drill at noon electric storm last night no
rain
30 13 egs 38 to 48 rain nice shower a m Isa and I town p m paid taxes
31 11 egs 26 to 60 froze ice last night I now have 21 acres seeded , drill measure
June
1 15 egs 38 to 50 quite cool cloudy rain little evening
2 15 egs 40 to 60 calm rain very little a m I seed some oats ad till little rye p m
3 11 egs 30 to 60 nice drag a m sent Gony’s sewing machine to Allen P.M. bred Hereford 2
½ years old She has a H calf born Apr 9 58
4 13 egs 28 to 70 nice harrow east ¼ a m rake roots p m and burn same sow had 8 pigs this
morn
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5 13 egs 30 to 68 nice day I rake quack grass roots John Stelfox here supper Micky second
time
6 14 egs 36 to 76 calm and dry I plow pig yard A M Isa and I town P M turkeys out tonight
7 14 egs 42 to 60 I drag A M east ¼ Ellott Carson and family here supper also George
Stewart and Duchak
8 13 egs 34 to 70 nice a man here to look at saddle offered $40
9 12 egs 42 to 46 I plow the piece N of hen house nice shower A M
10 11 egs 26 to 50 froze ice last night Isa and I town p m I disc and drag N of hen house
11 10 egs 32 to 54 calm I fix fence S E corner east ¼
12 11 egs 30 to 60 calm and nice Stan McCrae got his second bull from me eve $100
13 10 egs 32 to 72 nice I drag little N of hen house Isa and I town P M
14 13 egs 44 to 46 rain light shower Hutchinson bought the sow A M $60
15 9 egs 46 to 64 nice had a light shower Mr and Mrs Horricks here for tea Mr and Mrs
George Stewart and Jim Stewart got Bertha’s $200.00 eve
16 8 egs 38 to 72 Ken McCrae brought chop eve $54.50 hail eve
17 13 egs 34 to 70 nice I drag behind hen house a m Isa and I town p m
18 44 to 60 till rye and S clover behind hen house rain light shower morn Ruby bull calf in
stable milking time
19 12 egs 28 to 60 nice I seed 3 acres behind hen house Downey got trailer
20 11 egs 30 to 66 nice I seed little oats N E corner this ¼ Isa and I town p m rain nice
shower eve
21 13 egs 40 to 60 rain nice in the night I seed in N E corner a m also pig yard Isa town for
hair curl
22 17 egs 40 to 60 nice day Allan Hailstone his wife and Dan the son here from Coronation
23 11 egs 42 to 64 clear I mowed rye Dal Heinz rode stud up eve
24 13 egs 30 to 60 nice I took cream a m rake rye p m
25 6 egs 30 to 66 nice I cut east garden and a small slough east side this ¼
26 10 egs 38 to 70 nice I got 1st load hay a.m. rake slough east side his ¼
27 13 egs 48 to 76 I got in 2 jags hay off rye ground town P M got pencion Isa got her first
pencion check $65.00
28 4 egs 48 to 60 very windy rain little last night second sow had 9 pigs tonight
29 7 egs 42 to 60 cloudy I finished stacking the rye
30 13 egs 42 to 46 cloudy light wind cloudy took cream a m
July
1 10 egs 44 to 54 cloudy I got jag hay P M Roy and Dale Downey help put it in loft
2 14 egs 34 to 66 nice I cut hay in yard and E ¼ S side
3 11 egs 34 to 64 cut hay took cream town noon
4 10 egs 40 to 62 nice I rake yard a m town p m
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5
6
7
8
11 egs 38 to 62 nice rake hay a m got jag hay down here p m
10 egs 32 to 68 nice but dry Isa and I up to E ¼ got to jam pails Saskatoons
12
38 to 66 nice rake hay and bunch
12 egs 40 to 64 nice and dry I took cream town a.m. put a load hay in loft and got a load
Gannon help
9 9 egs 33 to 70 nice Stewart and Lucille came at noon
10 11 egs 40 to 74 calm and warm Stewart and Lucille left about 3 p m
11 12 egs 44 to 78 hot and dry Isa and I took cream to town a m Gannon and I put 2 loads
hay in loft p m
12 10 egs 46 to 72 nice A.M. windy P.M I put a load hay in sheep pen
13 11 egs 44 to 65 terrific windy fix rack
14 9 egs 40 to 60 calm Roy and Dale Downey out a while mow hay back
15 11 egs 32 to 60 I took car to Webbs stayed all day rain light shower
16 11 cut hay in N field Rawley man here Also Stanleys bull
17 11 egs 38 to 72 hot and dry cut hay P M east ¼ they got McCraes bull Mix gravelled our
trail
18 13 egs 42 to 84 Isa and I town A M cut hay P M paid Webb 15.30 for work on Morris
and Mix 12 00 for gravel our road
19 11 egs 50 to 86 very warm rake hay all day
20 9
50 to 80 very hot fix up a little
21 13 egs 50 to 84 very hot cut hay and bale 144 @ 8 cents Marg and Jack came at 12 last
night
22 11 egs 50 this morning Jack and I put 144 bales hay in sheep pen I rake all afternoon
23 11 egs 40 to 60 very windy got 2 loads hay one in sheep pen 1 in loft shut sow in stable
24 13 egs 36 to 70 some wind got 2 loads hay a m East ¼ in loft and 1 p m for sheep pen
25 12 egs 34 to 70 load slough hay in sheep loft a m Jack and I fix big gate in pig yard Isa and
Marg town p m rain eve
26 11 egs 44 to 66 Jack and I fix gate and sill in barn a m everybody town p m rain nice
shower eve Isa to the Bob Bells daughters wedding p m
27 11 egs 44 to 60 cloudy and windy Margaret took Jack home and Isa to Hendersons
28 13 egs 32 to 66 fix at granary put rafters on Jack and dad went fishing p.m.
29 11 egs 28 to 68 Jack work on his dads car all a m and took it home p m Margaret town p
m
30 10 egs 50 to 70 rake hay A.M. cut P.M. Margaret and Jack left 8 30 a m
31 12
50 to 70 I cut and rake some more hay
August
1 13 egs 40 to 60 Isa and I town A. M. Isa left for fort Quepell this eve Mr and Mrs Anderson
2 13 egs 32 to 72 I rake and cut today
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3 10 egs 50 to 78 I tried to go to V Pattersons car stalled got a ride ½ mile he came and car
started so I’m home
4 13 egs 40 to 52 a cold windy day terrible
5 11 egs 38 to 64 a m rake town for mail p m flat tire Bill Anderson got me a new tube $3.00
6 15 egs 36 to 76 warm, rake a m got a load down here p m
7 12 egs 48 to 70 put the load hay in sheep pen a m got another one p m
8 15 egs 34 to 72 Isa got back about 4 a m put 2 loads in stack in sheep yard I town a m
9 12 eggs 44 to 64 rain grand last night Isa and I town a m $3.00 repair tires
10 12 egs 46 to 76 another ½ in rain last night I fix car tires all a m
11 14 egs 46 to 64 nice Littles took the Gordon sow to Hareuthers at noon shut up other sow
evening
12 13 egs 48 to 70 Isa and I town a m G Dyck help me put 2 loads on stack p m
13 7 egs 46 to 74 calm put 2 jags hay on stack in corral
14 11 egs 42 to 70 quite calm I went to Elmer Islays a.m. shingled granary p.m.
15 12 egs 42 to 72 shingled a m Isa and I town p m
16 11 egs 46 to 78 cut the slough in wheat field north side this ¼
17 12 egs 50 to 72 warm calm
18 11
32 to 62 I rake hay and G Dyck cut p m
19 12 egs 34 to 68 calm I put 2 loads hay on stack in sheep yard
20 9 egs 28 to 72 calm put 2 loads slough hay in sheep yard
21 11 egs 42 to 68 some rain a.m. p.m. eve I got a little alaha in garden put it in loft
22 12 egs 40 to 60 windy Isa and I town A.M. G Dyck and I put 3 jags hay on stack in E
garden
23 13 egs 32 to 60 I shingle a m Isa and I town p m called on Mrs. Jory
24 13 egs 42 to 66 very windy
25 13 egs 40 to 82 took cream town a.m. cut oil well slough p.m. Little took 2nd sow at noon
26 12 egs 44 to 50 rain a little all day
27 10 egs 34 to 60 town took cream and got 50 lbs pig booster shingled p m
28 12 egs 36 to 44 I shingled finished south side little rain
29 12 egs 30 to 64 calm and clear Isa and I town a m and most of p m
30 14 egs 38 to 60 nice got 2110 lbs coal A. P. $16.10
31 12 eggs 34 to 64 rain little last night I shot a skunk in cellar this morning
September
1 12 eggs 40 to 52 work at granary some rain & lots of wind
2 10 egs 30 to 48 cold wind I took cream town a m cut little N hen house sent Bert crate eggs
3 11 egs 18 to 60 above froze ice Mr and Mrs Jory out had dinner got dozen eggs I work at
granary and turn hay
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4 11 egs 26 to 60 S W wind put the oil well hay on stack in garden B Barton got double
chopper and 5 horse engine
5 13 egs 36 to 50 clear and calm Isa and I town A.M. B Barton brought out 45 ½ bushels bus
barley chopped cost $36.41
6 12 egs 30 to 54 calm plow oil well a m rake pig weeds p m Mrs McKay out tea lunch
7 9 egs 30 to 64 nice day put calves in yard Heugh Doherty wife and son her had tea Bert
phoned from Calgary
8 8 egs 23 to 58 pick up some pig weeds A M started to see rye sweet clover broom P M N
W corner this ¼
9 12 egs 36 to 50 cold & windy rain drizzle I town a m seed rye p m back in pasture
10 9 egs 30 to 60 nice I seed rye in North field a m stook p m Stanley cut oats today
11 11 egs 38 to 70 nice cloudy work at granary a m stool kittle p m
12 11 egs 40 to 70 nice Isa and I town a m finished stooking oats p m
13 11 egs 42 and rain last night & all day Irvine Bell here all p m
14 10 egs 30 to 32 rain light showers all day barn yard terrible
15 15 egs 24 to 42 calm cool tractor stopped in field had to get Herman I did seed some rye
16 11 egs 26 to 54 windy I took cream town a.m. drag and seed rye p.m. turkey grower Isa
paid 2.50
17 7 egs 36 to 46 cloudy I seed rye finish the piece Isa to Jerald Stephens funeral with Heins
18 11 egs 26 to 54 I drag rye a.m. and plow north of hen house Isa went to Alex Morrisons
funeral
19 9 egs 30 to 56 Isa and I took cream town a.m. I saw little wood p.m. Cliff Smalwood here
p.m.
20 7 egs 30 to 40 cold wind Stanley put new lightning arrester on phone Downey boys help
with spuds
21 5 egs 24 to 52 quite nice electric storm six eve
22 9 egs 18 to 44 froze ice last night I cut some late hay it was cold
23 10 egs 22 to 46 realy cold town a.m. cut hay p.m.
24 8 egs 16 to 46 cold S W wind I rake hay and bunch it
25 8 egs 28 to 34 a cold windy day with some showers I drag piece back of hen house
26 8 egs 30 to 48 cold Isa and I town a.m. I took out a load manure and got a load oat sheaves
p.m.
27 10 egs 22 to 54 nice day Downey boys and Wain Isley help put two loads hay in barn
28 8 egs 32 to 38 rain I put cows up on S R corner letter from Arthur and Ethel
29 9 egs 24 to 38 nice draw out manure Gordon Patterson got our honey extractor
30 9 egs 24 to 32 cold trace of snow Isa and I town a m spent pencion
October
1 8 egs 20 to 30 snowed cold drawed 4 loads manure out of shed
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2 4 egs 40 to 60 grand day S West wind draw 3 loads manure
3 9 egs 44 to 52 very windy Isa and I town a.m. Isa got her hair done I came home
4 7 egs 12 to 46 nice nice Tom Gannon help me finish stack the oats Paterson brought
extractor home saw a porkypine
5 8 egs 36 to 46 unload balance of oats and fence the stack
6 9 egs 24 to 46 turn calves in oat stubble Jean and Jack got here about 8 o m evening
7 6 egs 32 to 40 Ian and I town early out to auction sale Isa Jean and jack came in later I
came home early
8 5 egs 24 to 40 Jean and Jack visiting all day
9 5 egs cold Jack and Ian went to Horricks Ian stayed
10 5 egs zero to 24 cold Isa and I town a m Jean and Jack Horricks 6 a m
11 7 egs 10 to 30 cold Jean and Jack still at Horricks also Ian Scotty thresh across river 10th
and 11th
12 6 egs 18 to 32 nice I clean stable and took out a load Jean Jack and Ian back at 4 o clock
13 9 egs 28 to 46 nice Jean Jack and Ian left here about 7 a m
14 2 egs 24 to 50 I town a m cultivate in oil well p m B Barton brought me 58 bushel oats
@50 cents = $29.00
15 9 eggs 20 to 42 saw little a m till little p m I got a bull calf from college
16 6 egs 22 to 46 fix little fence W side of garden then work at new reach for wagon
17 5 egs 24 to 52 grand day Isa and I town a m fix little at truck reach cutting and threshing
cost $50.00
18 6 egs 22 to 58 grand day Stanley and I threshed the 4 loads that I had stacked in 1 hower
19 8 egs 38 to 48 rain little last night and blow fierce most of the day
20 3 egs 24 to 40 some wind Isa and I town to Longs 1 cent sale got a very little dry wood
P.M.
21 6 egs 18 to 48 nice day I went to the auction sale in town P.M. put rack on waggon A.M.
22 4 egs 18 to 50 grand I went to Vermilion and got a Mr Adams from Thomasburg Ont and
took him back eve
23 4 egs 18 to 36 quite cold some wind I till on E ¼
24 6 egs 6 above to about 35 not much wind Isa and I town a m I till p m creamery guy got
manure
25 5 egs 12 to 38 cool ice on trough all day harrow all day
26 4 egs 8 to 40 nice ice on tank all night Wes Lamport and wife out also a man and his wife
from college
27 7 eggs 10 to 38 cool took a load of manure out of pig pen and one out of yard Med here
P.F.A. Act
28 4 egs 10 to 45 nice I went to auction sale town p m took cream
29 5 egs 20 to 40 cloudy and chilly I till all day bad back
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30 5 egs 16 to 46 grand day I till still have a bad back
31 7 egs 14 to 48 grand I and Isa town a m I till little p m
November
1 4 egs 26 to 44 nice day I finished the tilling a.m. saw a little wood p.m.
2 6 egs 22 to 44 nice day Mr and Mrs Dowdell here for dinner
3 7 egs 18 to 38 cool north wind I chopped the balance of rye screenings a m saw little p m
4 2 egs 10 to 30 ice in tank all day Isa and I took cream to town p m I change mail box a m
5 3 egs 4 to 24 above ice in tank all day Art and Mrs tuvell here today Isa got 5 chickens
6 5 egs 12 to 30 nice but cold I put heater in tank & pick up some scrap wood
7 2 egs 20 to 32 clear cool Isa and I town p m got firing pin for Remington 4.65
8 4
16 to 34 chilly but calm
9 2 egs 14 to 24 I put in 5 posts in front lawn
10 4 egs 20 above and snowing clear up I took cream to town fix a tube and buy wheat for
turkeys
11 - 12 zero got up at 5 a m Heins took me to town to catch 8 27 bus for Edmonton bus off
went on train at 9 30 got to Edmonton Vern met me Bernice and Hartford took me to
hospital & Hartford brought me home
13 zero dull Hartford and I took his new truck got 1800 stove coal then Hartford left here 1 30
for Edmonton
14 2 egs 4 to 14 above cloudy Isa and I town a m
15 3 egs 2 to 8 cold I saw a little wood p m Bill Annett here P M
16 2 egs 0 to 6 below Mr and Mrs Dowdell brought the quilt out and Hartford came from
Edmonton eve
17 1 eg 4 below to 14 cold south wind Hartford left about 7 a m for Swift current via
Battleford
18 12 to 26 above I got a jag straw a m clean stable p m Isa dress 6 ducks nice day
19 2 egs 2 below to 20 above cloudy Isa dressed 6 ducks 5 left
20 4 below to 20 above cloudy barley cost $3 for hauling and chopping
21 4 below to 22 Isa and I town a m B Barton brought 40 bushels barley @ 65 cents
22 zero to 22 above dull and cloudy I took Isa to English bazaar a m
23 2 below to 20 above man out to pump well a m
24 1 eg about zero all day very little snow I got jag dry wood P M Mrs Heinz got 5 pair socks
$5.00
25 1 eg 10 below cold all day took cream to town got No 5 oil in 3 quarts and fix foot feed
total 2.80
26 12 below and below zero all day little sun I got jag straw some for horses check Stanley
27 1 eg 10 below and below zero all day I started tractor & saw little Isa dress 5 ducks
28 snow little last night bad rupture today Isa and I town p m I got the 22 back
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29 below zero cold S E wind left 2 cows in stable last night
30 around zero mostly cloudy I clean stable and got straw little hay off stack in garden, East
December
1 little above zero B Barton brought 40 bus barley at 70 cents ship bull eve
2 8 to 36 above I went to agriculture school p m
3 colder got returns for bull I shipped Cop weighed 1060 lbs at 15.60 = clear 152.21
4 cold below zero all day wind chill of 37 below B Barton bought out 1940 lbs stove coal cost
14.80
5 34 below I couldn’t start car Mr Dowdell came and got us taxi home 1.00
6 36 below to 24 below a cold cloudy day
7 36 to 20 below cold W wind wind chill 31 degrees
8 30 below cold all day I tried to start car no go
9 4 below to zero I got jag rye hay p.m. cloudy
10 30 below and below all day George Dyck kill 9 turkeys of owers today cloudy
11 6 below to zero George Dyck and wife took Christmas turkeys to town Jeans and Margarets
turkeys weigh the same
12 I don’t know what happened the 11th
13 20 below below all day little sunshine Berts turkey weighed 21 lbs dressed
14 10 to 24 above calm and nice G Dyck got poultry knife and B Barton bought our battery out
am
15 zero to 6 above quite a lot of snow Isa wash dull day
16 9 above to 20 calm clear I got a jag dry wood P M Blakely brought 40 bushels barley cost
$33 total
17 14 to 22 above a grand day I sawed the load of wood
18 6 below to zero snow p m George Dyck came and started car a m Sam Little brought 3370
lbs lump coal
19 6 below to something above Isa and I took Morris to town 11 a m back p m stove oil 8.15
20 10 below to around zero cloudy all day
21 6 below to 6 above cloudy snow eve
22 24 to 26 above one large white pig got out warm thaw very little off N side house I got
straw and hay waggon
23 10 below to 12 above some clouds I took radio battery town got mail
24 8 below to 20 above calm some clouds
25 zero to 10 above Isa and I alone all day cloudy calm Allen and Mona phone from Welland
Ont
26 4 to 16 above cloudy some snow
27 about 10 above cloudy Josephine had her first calf a F about 9 this a m
28 zero to 8 above cloudy
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29 10 above a nice warm day some clouds Isa and I town took cream got pencions
30 a grand day H Little took oats to cleaning plant Donald Wilson here p m
31 30 to 46 above thaw off N side of house G Dyck help me get a load dry wood and saw it
also a little straw and some hay $4.00 Blakley Barton brought out oat screenings $3.oo
Notes:
12 pages itemized accounts
Nov 27 1958 Allen’s son David Allen 7 lbs 16 oz
Allen at Welland Ont 5600 Diefenbaker
Ad in Western Producer
For sale 320 acre mixed farm two miles Vermilion gravel road school bus 9 roomed stucco
house good water E Wells Vermilion Alberta
Telephone 1405 (Hand rung 4 shorts and a long)
Clippings inside Obituary Charles William Cook Marmora Township died at 67 after an
illness of 3 weeks
Extensive obituary. Names widow, the former Marie Forrestall, two sons, John and Francis, two
daughters, Mrs Ed Riley (Marjorie) Brewster N Y and Mrs Donald Shannon (Jean)
Marmora Township three brothers, Bruce, Frank of Moose Jaw, Sask, Donald at home,
one sister Mrs. P. J. Murphy (Rose) of Windsor
Phone receipt, 16.15 to end of 1957 with three newspaper names written on it , North Battleford,
Lloydminster, Prince Albert
Small ad for black and white border collie pups $8 male $5 female, I suspect for price
comparisons
Letter to the Editor, M. Myers, Nipawin Sask “Sees shift in Saskatchewan votes” refers to
means test for OAP
Receipt for phone rental 15.90 to end of 1958
Card, I believe typed by Egbert Wells, Jr. WELLS E VERMILION ALTA NE 4 51 6 4
(Should really be N only as it was a half section[ said to be 322 acres because it included a
road allowance)
Here so ended the diary of the year 1958.
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1960
January
1 6 to 10 cloudy Isa and I alone sprinkle snow I found an S wrench in coal in cellar
2 4 above this morning then turn colder cold N wind
3 16 below and 2 below at noon cloudy and cold
4 12 below below all day
5 temperatures 10-16-20-26 I got up at 3 a m Josephine had H. calf 6 a m Downey took Isa
and I Verm p m
6 32 above some snow last night and 5th blow fierce all day
7 20 above quite calm little snow G Dyck help put load hay in loft a.m. brought mail p.m.
8 8 below G Dyck took us to town a.m. paid Doris Wilson 1.00 balance on telephone 1959
9 10 below cool all day bought 54 bales oats@ 3.5 cents each $20.00
10 10 to 14 above quite nice G. Dyck brought e a load straw bales I paid him 5.00
11 4 to 12 below cool bright I had Dr Anderson out for the sick heiffer for bloat a m cost 4.00
12 16 below to about zero Isa and I town p m Morris got 2 gallons coal oil B A calm
13 6 below to 12 above calm and bright
14 2 above to 15 G Dyck help me get jag wood at sand pit bright calm
15 6 below to 18 above Isa and I town a m Morris Dr Anderson vacanite 2 calves A M stove
oil 7.97
16 16 above about same all day Lampart help me saw wood a m
17 6 above to 12 dull cool
18 6 to 12 calm cool Potvin brought me have 10.33 I got some at our stack put in loss
19 zero to a little above cold I took cream town a m Stan McCrea paid $50 pasture
20 10 above cool north wind no work or play
21 10 below cold all day Nick Yackimetz 100.00 Bauvillion 8 months old
22 6 below cold all day I took cream town A M got a nice birthday card from Barbara
23 24 below below all day got card from Margaret Quesnell Edmonton
24 birthday 16 below cold 74 today some sun lost hobbles
25 2 below about zero all day clear
26 6 below to 6 above Isa and I town Isa got a new hat sold Josephine Dick Arnold 300.00
took 27th p m
27 6 below to 4 above cold S E wind Monaghan brought 50 bales ripe oat feed $20.00
28 6 below to 12 above a S E wind I got small jag hay our stack put in loft gave 2 bales hay to
horses
29 zero to 18 above mostly cloudy Isa and I to town a m Morris
30 8 above to 22 some clouds mild S W wind Lewella married today
31 6 above to 30 S E wind not so nice as yesterday some clouds
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February
1 24 to 34 above grand G Dyck help put a load hay in loft got a load wood $4.
2 18 to 28 cloudy all day no ground hog shadow Isa and I town a m get mail
3 23 to 30 cloudy and mild I saw wood all day used gloves engine stopped it self
4 24 to 48 mostly cloudy calm snow a little last night
5 18 above no change Isa and I took cream to town bought a car
6 18 to 24 some sun S breeze cool Isa and I took Morris town P M to resend Barbaras letter
7 16 to 26 cloudy snow a little all day no one here pup 7 died
8 18 to 24 cloudy and calm little more snow last night
9 15 to 24 some snow some sun nobody went town today
10 9 above to 14 some sun a little snow Martin brought mail card ‘Luella’
11 10 below to 12 above bright and cold Sam Little brought 2080 lump coal pay $17.25 + 2.00
hauling
12 2 to 24 above fuel oil 7.92 S E wind cold wind Isa and I town P M Morris took cream 3
people killed on road between Vermilion and Wainwright
13 12 to 24 above drift very little
14 10 to 28 clear and nice
15 4 to 24 cloudy calm
16 22 to 30 cloudy and calm Isa and I were to town Dr Andersons and salas prevention put
battery Herzogs
17 4 above no change bright with a cold N E breeze Monaghan brought a load of feed bales
$20.00
18 26 below to 8 above at noon with a S E wind chill of 40 below
19 4 above to about 8 some sun Isa and I town P M took cream
20 22 below to 8 above S E wind some sun sow plow made first trip on the road the 19th
21 6 to 20 above some clouds and some snow
22 9 to 12 above clear cool N breeze horses down
23 18 below to 8 above 4700 egg Wildfire coal $37.00 + Sam Little 5.00 hauling
24 2 below to 12 above Martin brought mail a letter from Allen Bert and Luella
25 2 above to 10 some sun clear and calm
26 4 to 18 above Isa and I town a.m.
27 14 below to 10 above a cool N wind mostly bright
28 24 below to 12 above snow P M
29 12 below and below all day with a wind chill of 35 below watter man test well water
March
1 34 below to 8 below I went town and got mail Morris
2 Ash Wednesday 38 to 2 below the cold thermometer 50 below
3 26 below 10 above bright and calm
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4 22 below to 14 above cloudy cool breeze got licence for car $11.00
5 16 below to 12 above B A Oil delivered the fuel oil P M
6 10 below to 16 above S E wind snow P M
7 14 below to 18 above 30 miles an hour S E wind
8 10 above to 20 snow all day cloudy S E wind
9 10 above to 18 N E wind George Dyck helped put the last ¼ load of our hay in loft 2.00
10 4 to 10 above N. wind some sun Hereuthers robbed night
11 10 below to 12 above Bright and calm I took cream to town p m got mail shoveled out our
road
12 20 below to 16 above east wind a man her took Massey seperator 2.00
13 13 4 below to 20 above S E wind some sun
14 4 below to 30 above started engine and Packed our lane its grand today put whiffle trees on
dump wagon
15 18 to 38 above Isa and I town with Dyck a.m. brought Morris Minor home cream bonus
$11.06
16 2 to 34 above E wind not much thaw
17 St. Patrick’s Day grand 30 to 50 thaw I took Isa to town a m got her p m thaw off N E
18 30 to 44 above house Isa and I town a m the six young cattle got in on Little place and stay
all night I got them 19th A M
19 34 to 46 above Isa wash I saw little wood A M
20 30 to 52 mild calm bright put 1960 licence on Morris Minor McKay boys out A M
21 12 to 22 above S E wind at 12 miles per hour quite cool fire in tank heater
22 20 to 48 Isa and I town noon quite ice chilly west wind
23 24 to 40 N wind 10 miles Isa wash
24 20 to 40 S W wind
25 28 to 40 cloudy Isa and I town P M I wore my boots for first time this spring
26 28 to 44 Isa and I went to achievement day at college p m roads dry mostly cloudy nice
27 all the cows out tonight but 2 calves and the one cow that had her 20 to 26 cold N E wind
cloudy r ad Mrs Jory Elenor and baby out p m a hower or so sprinkle snow
28 20 to 20 N E wind at 10 miles cloudy sprinkle snow p m
29 2 to 28 East wind clear and bright Isa and I town P M
30 16 to 30 cloudy East wind
31 10 to 40 above East breeze Isa and I town a m took cream roads good
April
1 30 to 44 grand Isa and I town A.M. The 2 year old had a bull calf this forenoon
2 26 to 54 grand
3 32 to 38 nice some wind drying fast Pat McCan here a m asking about place
4 34 to above 64 grand Isa and I town P M Cruller here to see place eve
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5 40 to 46 very windy Isa and I town p.m. got mail Dr Anderson out clean heiffer cost 6.00
6 26 to 48 nice Martin brought mail a.m.
7 24 to 44 N W breese quite a nice day
8 28 to 48 E wind Isa and I town p m
9 30 to 60 grand a man here to look at place Martin brought a letter from Margaret
10 30 above to 50 Bert here Bernice and family Bill O Connor Less Kreller and two families
also
11 30 to 48 I went town A M
12 30 to 46 windy cloudy Isa got her hair done sold Farm
13 34 to 50 nice some wind Mr and Mrs Kruller out P M Bill Barton A M
14 32 to 46 Isa and I town a m rain nice shower
15 30 to 46 nice Bert and family came p m Jackson out eve
16 30 to 48 calm Bert and I sort junk grage
17 40 to 50 above some clouds wind SW 35 miles per hour Les Kreller out P M This should
have been 10th
18 Bert and family left for home today a .m. Jackson out today sale bills
19 Isa and I town a m Blakley got jag cast iron Kruller bought some calves
20 lost this day lots of people here Blakley got load iron
21 forgot to write here rain little got tub soft water off house
22 ice on tub this morning Carrol Heinz and Lisa here Mrs Jiles out I got mail a m
23 ice this morning Isa and I town a m V Patterson help move water heater R Downey wash
cars 2.00
24 Isa and I drove to Reasbecks Horricks Hendersons p.m. eve Downeys and Harvey Anderson
and wife out
25 Isa had a woman helping her $5.00 I got the check from Morrison and put it in Comerce
$8,000
26 (No Entry)
27 Sale today grand net $2,673.14 Marshall $185.38 Received 2,487.76
28 packing dinner Dowdells
29 Jack Morrison and family over eve got Stubby dinner Jorys
30 I town a m and fix the Eaton scales for Jory
May
1 nice morning
2 ticket to Edmonton for 2 return 30 days 12.90
3 (No Entry)
4 (No Entry)
5 we were at Bill Andersons store a few minutes Rob Thompson took us over
6 we were at Ruth Thompsons for a turkey dinner in the basement
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7 (No Entry)
8 Bill Gillies took us to his place for supper a nice home
9 got in hospital
10 spent last night in hospital Room 326 Isa and Rob over
11 had Opperation
12 Rob over Isa flu some rain
13 I weighed 143 160 Nov 29th 1960
14 Isa and Rob over
15 Isa Rob Elva over p m Marie Bernice Isa over Isa went to Robs with Bernice
16 Isa over to hospital P M
17 rain last night left hospital 11 a m Rob took us to Bernices rain most of the day
18 start for Calgary arrived 4 55 Winnie and the Drs wife met bus
19 Isa and I to Safeway 2 blocks Phylis took us to Margaret Moreash place
20 Bert took us to 8 30 bus Lethbridge 12 30 p m Jean and Jack went out after supper to till a
garden
21 got to Lethbridge about 12 Jean and Jack met us
22 this is a nice day Hartford and Alberta here Jack went to pincher fishing
23 we were at Jeans they had company this is a holiday
24 left Jeans 11 a m Macleod about 2 p m Calgary about 5 p m Isa stored coat in H B
Lethbridge
25 stayed at Berts last night and all day Isa and I walked to store and sent Margaret knives
26 nice left Berts on streetcar left Calgary on bus 9 a m Edmonton 1 20 p m out to Verns on
bus 5 eve
27 raining this morning left Edmonton 1 45 got to Jorys at about 6 evg stayed at Jorys all night
28 nice this morning dinner and supper at Dowdells tea with Les Kruller
29 stayed at Jorys all night out to Lyons P M
30 stayed all night at Jorys dinner at McKays super Jorys
31 Jorys last night lunch at bus depo stayed at Jorys until 12 a m June 1st and got to Bus Depo
at 1 a m
June
1 for Regina N. Battleford 4 a.m. Saskatoon 6 30 A.M. Regina 11 30 fast time
2 got to Maggies 4 26 slow time stayed at Maggies last night Raymond Reidel and wife here
this evening
3 Isa and Maggie went to a meeting this morning we were visiting this p m Don cut lawn
4 still very windy & cold Isa Maggie and I downtown P.M. a few minutes
5 Not so windy but still cold lots company Raymond took us to see Caffy Calder the 6th
6 wash clothes and went to hair doer then visiting nice clear Raymond Reidel took us
7 cloudy some rain rupture terrible p m
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8 election day Don and Maggy gone to vote CCF got in
9 this is a nice day
10 bright and clear
11 bright clear wind S at 16 miles
12 little cooler
13 some wind clear Don went to Saskatoon to a lodge meeting Isa and Maggie out to tea p m
14 left FT Qu’Appelle 8 35 a m got Regina 10 20 p m leave Regina 12 30 a m
15 Got Brandon 6 a m left 7 a m Portage 9 a m Winnipeg 10 15 a m left 11
16 Minneapolis Minnesota left at one this morning Mayston 2 15 a m Canada 11 50 p m
London 20 to 4 a m
17 Hamilton 6 a m tickets to Welland 1.60 windy
18 got to Allens about 12 noon Put in the day looking at Niagara Falls and over to Buffalo
19 went to Port Colborne and saw boats and Lake Erie PM went to Thorold and Niagara on the
Lake and St Catharines bought strawberries and cherries Brocks monument and horseshoe
falls
20 grand Allen to school a m took us to fort eve
21 warm today Isa mailed 5 letters eve Allen took us to Dunville eve
22 nice cloudy Allen school company eve showed pictures eve
23 nice and warm letter Ethel Wells Belleville got check P F A Regina 195.00
24 rain and windy Allen took school kids on a picnic today
25 Allen took Isa to public market A M went to see ship go down hill
26 Allen and Isa went to church A M
27 Isa and I took David and mailed cards to Ian and Douglas St. Catherines p m
28 clear bright very hot Allen showed a lot of pictures on screen
29 rain a lot last night Allen getting ready to move finished school after dinner
30 got the pencions this a m Allen took us to bank got 100.00 travellers checks and 110.00 old
age pencion checks Allen moved to 61 Harold Avenue north, Welland
July
1 a holiday everyone digging out after the move
2 hot and calm Toronto 4 00 a m Allen brought us
3 stayed at Mildreds house all night Allen drove us around Toronto and to Monas sisters
4 Isa and I walk a little around
5 Mildred took Isa and I down to Eatons Simpsons and subway a m
6 card from Allen and one from Margaret Isa and I walk up to a store p m
7 Isa and I went to Eatons with Mildred a m
8 Isa and I went to see Mrs Bill Watson
9 Watch orange parade a m went to cottage p m stayed at Baileys all night
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10 Mildred and Ivy took us through Stirling Marmora Madoc but didn’t see to much saw
White Lake school cheese factory church and back to Toronto
11 Isa and I did some shopping a m
12 went to see sea relics on Ex grounds shopped went for TB test heard Stampede on radio
13 Isa and I walked up to store did a little shopping rain a little p m
14 Isa and I went shoping they also went shopping eve car I stayed home
15 I walked up the street a m Isa got her hair done p m nice cool
16 left for cottage 2 30 p m got to cottage 5 45 p m
17 rain last night left cottage about 6 p m got to Willie Thompsons about 10 evening stayed all
night
18 nice morning we went for a drive in around cottage eve
19 went to Orval Van Horne for dinner
20 Willie Thompson took Isa and I to Estella sherries a m and we got a ride to Ethel Wells
house, Belleville
21 We stayed at Ethel Wells house last night rain but this evening at Belleville saw F Blakely
22 nice pick some berries $2.30 to Tweed Harry Hamilton eve
23 Rollins reunion July 23 Tweed Rollins a m lunch at 10 o clock 20 to 9 picnic Star Lake
Tweed Shell Oil they bought out North Star
24 nice day lots people here at Carmon Kleinstubers both daughters and families Actinolite
25 It was last night the young families went camping we drove to store evening
26 today was nice we went picking huckleberries on the rocks I mean mountains
27 rain last night got a haircut Carman Kleinstuber Martha George Harris got us a m and we
stayed at their place
28 ...all night last night saw Emma Lidster Emma Flemming and others
29 dinner at Bill Rollins, Cooper, then Martha and George took us to Margaret and Edward
Robinsons
30 Ed Marg Bert and I and Patty went to Queensboro called on Mary Wells Had dinner at John
Thompsons Jennie and John Moore there over to Fred Rollins Letter from Jean
31 nice I went to Bruce Robinsons and Marys place
August
1 Went to Percy Broadworths and phone Margaret drove
2 Ed took us from Malone to Marmora to see Uncle Charley Wells saw his boys and Donald
Cook
3 No visit no work just sleep
4 went to Marmora had dinner out to cottages and back to Madoc got letter from Maggie
5 went to Belleville for dinner back to Stirling Saw Harold Wells W Downey
6 slept today dry and hot
7 went to Peterborough today rain all the way home saw Reidels and 3 of Margarets girls
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8 cool and clear this morning Ed and Margaret Robinson took us to Tweed and back to Madoc
P M to the Hills place
9 went downtown walk and walk then up to Ida Rollins back to Warn Hills for supper
10 Percy Broadworth took us to his place for dinner and supper Back to Warn Hills I went to
Lilly Downey
11 Isa and I walk downtown a m lunch at restaurant Isa went to see Jean Hill
12 we went downtown p m came back with Warn
13 Isa and I walk down street p m up to Lewis place for supper
At top of page: 79 Geddis Street Toronto 3 Springhurst 4 Toronto
14 I went to Dick Flemings dinner and tea Called on Robert Downey he brought me up to
Hiles
15 rain yesterday and last night went Belleville dinner Vera Hill took us
16 stayed at 79 Geddis Street Ethel and Isa and I went down town A M to market we all went
to fair p m
17 stayed at 79 Geddis Street visit Isa’s cousin or a Hill woman
18 stayed at 79 Geddis street Isa went to hospital A M I went to Fanny Blakely both went to
Dave Rollins place
19 stayed at 79 Geddis Street took bus to Toronto 11 a m arrived 3 p m Stayed at Ivy got
letter from Allen Joe Horricks killed August 19th (train accident on day he was leaving
his farm)
20 Isa and I went shopping a.m
21 George Isa Mildred a boarder and Ivy went to church a m and went driving p m I stayed
home
22 Isa and I went Dominion store shopping a m Up town p m walk back some rain
23 Ivy took us to Exhibition grounds p m one man and woman quit and a man and woman came
here
24 Fare opens today Isa cook Mildred at post office we sat around
25 Isa and I went for a walk p m Isa sent Jean suitcase eve
26 fare (fair) 1.50 dinner 2.30 Isa and I to fare today
27 sent letter to Jean and films to Bert eve hot and close
28 Isa and Mildred took taxi church a.m.
29 Isa and I up to Eatons got one new glass $5.00 I don’t like it toster for Allen
30 set around all day
3l Allen home this morning came over here and left for Welland 3 30
September
1 Isa and I got checks cashed Bank of Montreal p m
2 Isa and I went up street had pie and tea 50 cents
3 Isa and I went to Eatons and changed my glasses back
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4 Isa and Mildred went to church a m went to Band Shell p m warm in sun today
5 holiday watch parade a m went to fare p m nice day
6 nice today ivy took us to CNE grand stan eve got back after 12 midnight
7 this is a grand morning just walk up to the west store got a few things air show eve
8 warm some breeze
9 Isa and I walk up to Dominion store a m
10 Isa and I went to Simsons and Eatons store today then they went to CNE eve I stayed home
11 Allen ;phone Left Toronto about 1:30 got to Welland 4:30
12 cool and windy we took David in cart for a ride
13 cool windy Isa David and I went to store a m sent letter to Mildred got one from Margaret
Vancover
14 Welland fare today Allen at school a m took Mona and David to fare m
15 rain a m and p m and eve got held up at IGA
16 took David to IGA store for a walk down town evening
17 Allens car hard to start I mailed letter to Maggy
18 Allen took us to Hammelton bus dinner London coffee Detroit 42 cents left 5 20 eve
Lunch 9 05 Chicago 12 30 a m
19 ....Crookston 8 eve noyes customs midnight Regina 2 15 a m Whitewood 6 30 gone left
Regina 10 p m Fort Quipel about 7 evening
20 stayed at Maggies night
21 cool this morning walk town P M cold wind
22 Isa and I walk down street got basket grapes
23 I walk down town p m Isa and Maggie went P M I left and helped Don put on storm
windows
24 I went down town mailed a letter for Maggie P M Isa and Maggie walk
25 this was a nice day McNely and 3 women from Kelliher here p m
26 walk down town p m cold wind bright but cold Defenbaker speech
27 some visotors 2 for dinner I went downtown a m a few minutes
28 I walked up to Bus Depo P M Isa and Maggie went down town
29 I took a letter to Howard a m Isa and I went to Raymond Reidals cut my hair
30 Isa and I downtown a m cashed pencion checks Left quepell 10 to 6 (Regina 10 to 7)
October
1 Left Regina a m Moose Jaw 1 05 a m Swift Current 3 a m Maple Creek 5 a m
2 At Lethbridge 9 25 Medicine Hat 5 to 7 continued from yesterday
3 rented a suite $65 got a ink card 30.00
4 moving this a m and p m clean suit 1.65
5 Wrote Bert Allen Marg Stewart Howard Don Isa and I lunch Woolworths Jean and Ian
over eve
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6 Ian came over a m he and I went down street Jean and Jack over minut p m
7 Isa went to P Office a m I was up town
8 I was up town got salt and pepper shaker Jean came and took us uptown Jean bought us
home from their place in Morris and took it back to China place
9 cool this morning I took a walk a m Isa and I took walk p m
10 Thanksgiving holiday Jean came and got us and took us over to their place for supper they
all brought us home 8 30
11 Isa and I went uptown had tea at Eatons 45 cents nice
12 sent letter to Leslie Kruller also letter to Allen Jean and Ian came eve brought Standard
13 Isa and I up town a m Isa went p m old lady next door Ian here all night Jack and Jean
went to Calgary A M
14 Isa and I walk uptown A M Ian here all night tonight
15 Sent letter to Margaret 5.00
16 I walk 2 blocks Jean and Jack got back about 9 p m and took Ian home
17 Isa and I walk uptown a m rexall sale
18 Isa wash clothes today I took short walk cool
19 Jean and Ann in a minute I mailed a letter to Allen and Vera hill p m
20 A nice day Isa and I walk up town m
21 Isa and I took a long walk p m
22 I took a short walk today Hartford came here today had dinner and tea
23 quite a nice day Jean Jack and Ian came over for super
24 Isa and I took long walk a m Isa mailed letters to Maggie and free Pres and guide P M
battery in transistor
25 Isa and I took bus to Jeans had dinner and look for leather coat got it from Bert at P Office p
m
26 cool wind no mall got milk at 28 cents
27 Hartford took Ian and I Macleod p m He and I went Wellsville and back windy
28 Isa and I cashed pencion checks windy Jean and Jack in a minute eve
29 snow little last night cold today Isa up to market a m I nurse rupture most of day
30 Kathleen Rand son over p m also Jack and Ian in a few minutes
31 about 50 above but windy Isa went to Jap store a m mailed a letter to Allen p m
November
1 Hartford in for a few minutes Isa and I went for walk p m Isa bought arm chair 3.00
2 Quite cool 36 above at 6 30 eve Isa at store a minute
3 Jean and Jack in minute a m Isa and I went to drug store Isa to Eatons I home snow little
4 Snow gone again today Isa wash today and I went to Eatons p m Jean and Ian in a minute
5 Isa and I went to market a m I hobbled home Isa on to Eatons
6 A grand day 66 above Jean came and got us and took us to her home for supper
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7 Cooler today Isa went mailed letters Phylis Allen and Betty Jiles Cooler today
8 33 today mostly clear and bright Isa to town a m I rupture call Hartford U S elections
9 Isa and Jean went to see picture Ben heure Jean in a minut 10 –
10 Isa had another treatment I bought a new truss total N d Y dollars (that’s what it says)put
storm windows on
11 quite cool today Mr and Mrs J D McLean left for Calgary p m holiday no mail
12 Isa and I went to market a m and up town p m got letter from Ada Hill Madoc temper 47
Verm
13 bought $5000 bond Isa went to church p m I didn’t go out
14 Jean took us home for dinner Loblays and back here Isa and I to P O letter to Allen and
Mildred letter from Bernice
16 Isa and Mrs McLean went bazar p m I stayed in house all day Letters Allen Maggie Mrs
Jiles
17 Isa and I went to Library P M civic center A M Jean here when we got back
18 Letter from Margaret 18 p m very windy but warm stayed home today
19 Isa and I went to market a m I nursed rupture p m Isa went to Safeway and Eatons p m I
still here
20 Isa went church a m Kathleens husband got us and took us over to their place for tea p m
21 Isa and I walk up to Crystal Dairy and Post Office Mailed letter harry and Standard got
bank book back from Vermilion today
22 Isa went to Safeway I stayed in house
23 Isa and I went to Locker to see our meat sent from Vermilion
24 This was one grand day clear warm calm Isa wash a m she and Mrs McNeal up town p
m
25 Isa and I up to library a m Jean was there watch tele vision in McLains eve
26 Isa and I market a m got pencion p m
27 Isa went to church a m Jean Jack and Ian here for supper cold today 7 below
28 Cold home all day got pencions 2 30 p m
29 Mailed letters R Thompson D Cooke Allen and J Perkins Isa and I up to P.O. got 50 – 2
cant stamps P R (paid rent) $65.00
30 we went to Jeans P M they brought us home night heigh 50 I mailed letter Margaret also
Hareuthers a grand day
December
1 warm cloudy Isa went to Eatons sale letter from Allen
2 went to Library
3 Isa and I went to Market a m and to Safeway
4 Isa went to church A M I got matches snow little last night
5 Isa and I look at a house got battery p m 75 cents
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6 Isa and I walk away south a m mailed a letter about trust p m
7 nice day I went up town a m Alouette tob 1.40 mail letters Ian in eve
8 Isa and I walk up to Kresge store and Eatons nice day
9 nice day Isa and I Kresgys store A M Jean in a minut we up town p m
10 Isa and I up town a m also p m Market Liabora a m stores p m
11 some wind today thaw Isa to church I nurse rupture
12 Isa and I uptown a m went to P O pm sent parcels 1.37 watch television eve
13 Isa and I took a long walk pm SE got card from Ethel Wells Bill O Connor gas 8.00 total
14 Isa uptown a m we went to look at house p m snow last night drift p m
15 nice we went to locker and P O a m Isa and I went uptown p m saw house
16 Isa and I Macleods and Eatons
17 Isa and I uptown a m parcel from Maggy Isa uptown p m
18 Isa church a m I mailed letter Allen p m snow watch television
19 Isa uptown eve to see real estate
20 below zero all day Isa uptown p m got lot cards in mail p m
21 cold got key a m I went to store p m
22 Thawing Sent letter to Stewart a m and we went for walk p m
23 thawing Jean came and got us for dinner brought An Jean and Jack brought us home after
supper
24 Isa and I to market look for second hand store got parcel from Margaret at post office p m
25 grand snow little last night Jack came and got us for dinner Kathleen Family came in the a
m had tea and cake
26 colder just sat around 21 above at noon
27 8 above this morning Bert Phyllis and Douglas came here about 1 p m Winnie was sick and
didn’t come Bert left about 3 p m Isa phone Bert & he got home little past 6 p m
28 Isa and I walked up to bank and cashed pencions p m 31 above clear and bight
29 Windy Isa and I up town a m I went alone p m radio battery Hoyts Hardware 1.28 39
above
30 a nice thawing paid $65 for rent to Dec 3 1961 (probably Jan 3) We were uptown to
Eatons got a key made to our house 50 cents
31 snow little a m not much wind and bright Isa and I up town p m
MEMORANDA
Victor Borge Toronto 1960
The oat bales I got from Francis Monaghan averaged 222 or little over 44 lbs each equal slightly
over 1760 lbs Cost 20.00 got January 9
R R 5 Weber Avenue J W Reidel
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Caverly Marmora
Bus to Climax every day except Wednesday and Sunday the bus leaves quepell junction at 8 a m
610-9th St S.
Some like it cold Some like it hot
And by some fiendish fatal plot
Some freeze while others smother
They marry one another
Electric 17.88 Phillips shave 26.95 remington
Mildred and Ivy Roblin 4 Springhurst – Duffern St. Toronto 3, Ont.
There is a page of income and expenditure for each month. Many items are of interest but
exceptionally tedious
January 1960 on the farm 3 items of income : $450 13 items expenses: $88.60 Most later
ones are patchy
Spent 1.50 in August at the fare in Toronto $13.95 for a toaster for Allen $34.95 for all
other (11) expenses
Two pages of notes. E g “came under Detroit River in a bus”
No one ever gives the groom a shower. He’s all washed up anyway
When a man has a pet peeve its remarkable how often he pets it
Here so ended the diary of the year 1960.
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1963
January
1 38 to 45 cloudy Jean Jack Ian supper goose Ed and Pat Reardon in eve min
2 28 o 48 cloudy Mrs Greyson, also Mrs Flett Harkness see tel Isa in there p.m.
3 34 to 43 Isa and I uptown got chair Eatons 32.50 Mrs Flett and Mrs Harkness watch
television evening
4 26 to 45 snow all gone I walk uptown p m some clouds Isa made some fried cakes look
telev
5 cloudy windy Maggie new red coat 2nd rocker $25.00
6 E S Vaselonek here Isa to church am Mallicks p m Maggie Mc called at noon Mrs Flett
and Mrs Harkness watch television
7 48 above cloudy windy I up to Woolworth store got 2 bread
8 29 to 36 this was a grand day Isa to Jeans p m Mrs McLean had cup tea her 2 sons here
looking Mrs Greyson in also Mrs Harkness and Mrs Flett watch television
9 below zero snow and drift this is a terrible day we got a last years Xmas card from Margaret
wind chill 46 below got dozen eggs 30 cents
10 shoveled walk 20 below 20-21-18 below snow plow sidewalk
11 30-16-12 below I went to Jims store got loaf bread 23 cents
12 7-9-13 above Isa up town p m mail presents Marg Allen Harkness Flett watch television
13 Isa to church a m Ed Reardon got us and took us to their place for supper and back home
about 6 p m
14 snow 19-16-8 above Isa went to McDonald’s p m I got loaf McGavins bread p m
15 6 above Mrs Stockdale also Hartford were here 11 to 20 then down to 8 above Isa went to
McDonalds a m to help with the quilt to McNab woman in on 12th Isa cup of T
16 25 above Isa and I up to hoyts new store and Comercial Printer also to Safeway and
Eaton no sun
17 21-16-8-0 all in one day I got dozen eggs Millers 30 cents snow plow sidewalks eve
18 25 to 11 below Isa and I uptown paid 195 advance on 1963 taxes Jack Jean and Ian up in a
minut then went to cub meet Mrs Harkness watch television
19 15 to 22 Isa and I went to Wilsons p m Mrs McDonald handed out some papers Mrs Flett
television
20 20 to 25 slippery Isa home today Mrs Harkness and Flett watch television
21 Isa and I wash this is terrible day I went to bank and paid gas 7.48 cold snow drift watch
television eve
22 mail letters Margaret Allen Linda Mrs Babe On 24th I got a shirt from Allen also a night
shirt from Jean delivered to house
23 Wilsons bread and Joy Jeans Jack has a mild flu Mrs Harkness and Mrs Flett watch
television eve
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24 Isa and I to a sale cloth at Eatons Mrs McNabb in here p m Mrs Harkness her daughter
Flett day
25 Isa to Eatons a m Presents Mrs McNabb in birthday reset Mrs Flett and Mrs Harkness
watch television
26 get milk and eggs 33 cents Mrs Harkness brought cake
27 9 to 20 above a m cloudy Mail letter to Marg at noon I went to Chinese store got bread
two women watch television.
28 6 below to 2 above wind NE at 14 miles snow little every night. Parcel Margaret
29 4 below 21 below this morning got pencions Isa up town on bus I didn’t go N W wind 17
miles today
30 I paid telephone 3.60 cashed pension left 35.00 in bank
31 the repair man brought button holer bck 1.00 I went to Jims got bread Mrs. Harkness and
Flett in to watch television
February
1 Jean and Mother up town Jean drank sponfull tea and caught bus
2 bear day Ian in I gave him 1.00 and Edison 33 cents for eggs Isa and I to Wilsons p m
3 50 above S W wind 68 cents Chinese store Chinook started a m up from 10 to 45 above
4 still thawing Isa went up to singer p m lots watter and bear ground temp 47
5 Mrs Greyson in 54 Isa wash a m strong S wind clothes dried quickly snow about gone
6 39 to 64 another nice day went up to bank the cow place Safeway ad took a real walk P M
7 Isa and I went uptown a m 60 above a great day
8 28 to 42 Isa to jeans p m Jean bought her home early
9 25 to 35 foggy and damp leveled veranda a m cost $16.00
10 26 to 28 damp and cloudy Isa and I walk down lane to 7 a m (Ave) back on 9th
11 36 above calm Isa and I up to get a Valentine Singers Safeway nice
12 22 to 35 calm We had Mrs McDonald Mrs Greydon Mrs Stockdale Mrs Flett Harkness to
see television
13 20 to 22 calm some snow crystals Isa and I walk up to Jeans 2 miles back on bus Flett in
eve
14 20 to 35 Isa and I up town big fire Horn Motors 5 st 5 ave got groceries Mahalicks I paid
for groceries Safeway
15 28 to 41 a ice calm day Isa I to see Horn Motors burn out garage went to 13 st 7 ave N p
m I gave Isa about $10 for groceries
16 26 to 42 nice day I got bread and milk and juice Jean came took Isa to church cubs p m
17 21 to 26 Isa to church A M calm I wrote Jeffery and Stewart n Mrs Harkness Mrs McNabb
and Flett
18 start to wash A M 26 to 49 Isa went to Mrs McDonalds p m I wrote John Jeffrey and Betty
Jiles
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19 colder Isa went to Mrs McDonalds P.M. I got bread at Jims store Mrs Greyson Mrs Flett
20 temp 8 E wind I went Wilsons got tea 91 cents Jims paper 10 cents Isa quilting
McDonalds
21 snow all gone again company to see television eve thaw Isa and I up town P M got jam at
Safeway thread Macleods buttons Singer nice
22 Hartford came a m took us to Mahaliks then had dinner and went to Dr and Isa and I to
Singers & Safeway p m Hartford stayed here all night
23 and he and I went to Macleod back at 4 then supper and Hartford went Stirling
24 Isa went church and Jean Jack and Ian brought her home and had dinner then home Isa went
for walk
25 got Vermilion paper got milk Mrs McDonald brought us a paper
26 Isa and I got pencions and sent 5.00 <Margaret Linda 1.00 Isa $5.00 on groceries stamps 24
1.00 then to Safeway got some bargains and left them there
27 today we paid telephone 3.25 and bought the stuff home by bus by Jeans I wrote to Downey
6 pages
28 The 2 Mrs McNabs in Mrs Greyson and at night Mrs Harkness Mrs Flett to see television
March
1 Isa and I uptown a m Hartford here coffee P M 2 in snow Isa to Mrs McNabs eve to show
Hat
2. uptown P M nice clear snow about all gone
3 18 to 30 Nice day Isa to church I went to Stockdale to Mr and Mrs J D McLean
4 18 to 40 nice day we washed a m then I went to Mrs Stockdale
5 28 to 48 Isa and I went to Jeans p m had supper went on bus and back on bus a nice day
6 Isa and I up town to a hardware sale a m Isa to an old woman’s meeting p m Hartford here
doing income tax
7 38 above Hartford came back today to finish tax Isa went to Mrs McNabs p m I was in to
(Doris?) am awhile
8 Isa and I up town to get dresses for Margaret also sent one to Jean sale dresses Jean and Mrs
McNab in P M
9 18 o 50 I got eggs a m and bread Isa got hair done p m I met her at Eatons and had tea and
went to old market got oranges.
(Writing this week at the rate of 10,159 words a
year)
10 34 to 45 grand Margaret Anderson here from Calgary Hartford here Ian here for dinner he
also went church Town Hall a big fire just east of the park
11 27 above N E wind snow I fix a little fence west line Isa to McNabs Hartford coffy Mrs
McDonalds sales eve
12 34 Isa and I to bank and post office then petite dress shop Mrs McNab Mrs Mcdonald I
went to visit Mr Allison 624
- 455 -
13 Hartford came a m went downtown lumber yard and fix veranda all to Jeans supper up
town
14 got candies 59 cents Eatons store for Jean 85 cents pictures Eatons 1.77
15 Isa and I walk up to 1st venue to guess a pigs weight Hartford was here for dinner Isa went
to Safeway Eatons Mrs MacDonald here and Mrs McNab for lunch
16 temp up to 36 calm Isa and I uptown p m auction pig Jean and Jack gave us a ride home
(slowed down this page to 9125 a year – still very daunting)
17 Isa and Mrs McNab out eve sent Harry birthday card Isa and Ian went to church then Ian
had dinner here and took bus home
18 39 to 45 I went to Wilsons got tea 91 cents then uptown paid light and water then paid
gas guess 6.45
19 start to paint bathroom and kitchen this a m Mrs Mcdonald brought papers Mrs Greyson
cake Mrs Mc cake
20 Isa and I up town a m the Old Man finished painting 2 rooms cost $25.00 labor we had the
paint
21 Hartford came this a m and took us to Twicks at Pearce Nellie there R 207
22 70 above I to Safeway a m Isa and I to Jeans for chicken supper home on bus night
23 34 to 34 went uptown P M and to station to see Diefenbaker ride home Mrs McDonald
gave
24 Isa took a walk P M Ian came and went to church with Isa & back here for dinner Jean and
Jack came and had a bite then they went
25 50 to 58 I got milk juice bread and a paper I went up town got Reofil for Waterman .50
26 it was good morning when mail came but the wind got west and temperature went to 60 I
went Wilsons eve
27 got pencions today Isa and I to bank and Safeway a m went to Wilsons p m gave Isa $5.00
28 Isa and I went to Safeway very windy Mrs Balderson P M also Mrs Greyson p m Isa to
Maggy 5 evening
29 35 to 48 I walked around to 7 ave got cheese and grd went to Macleods p m and over to
Sans got shirt Neil
30 Mrs McDonald here getting button hole made am Isa and I Safeway p m
31 33 cold Ian and Isa to church and Jack and Jean came for dinner then Ed and Kathleen
came had tea took Isa for drive
April
1 cold snow Miller moved today I went up town a m sent Margaret $6 1 US for Linda
2 49 degrees still cold the two Mrs McNabs also had tea Mrs McDonald brought papers
3 we washed a m then went to some left overs from fire sale Isa to a meeting p m It is very
windy
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4 59 degrees I went to Marquis and got bread p m shoe laces Eatons a m I went to 7th avenue
about eggs to come
5 up town got maple syrup candies 59 cents stamps 1.00 cloth 2.20 pictures .84
6 Hartford and son in law in also Jim Hanson Elizabeth and baby also Mrs Boes I to Mrs
McLean few minutes evening
7 Isa Ian to church a cold day 32 to 40 and a North wind Mrs McNab in evening
8 27 to 32 Isa and I went to vote Ice Civic centre I went to Wilsons P M N E wind Mrs
Harkness and Mrs Greyson in
9 Isa and I walk up town we took a bus to hospital and cancer clinic then to Dr. Livingstown’s
office
10 28 to 51 Isa and I rake yard and tried to burn Mrs Greyson in eve
11 33 to 51 Isa and I uptown sent Maggy card nice day I called on Mrs McLean Mrs Greyson
in
12 this is Good Friday a holiday Isa and I home alone all day
13 45 to 70 I got milk 23 juice 34 = 57 Jean and Jack droped in a minut evening very hot and
calm
14 70 degrees Isa and Ian to church a m and went home bus after dinner Jean Jack Ian here for
super
15 34 to 61 Isa had a supper here for Jean and Jacks birthday this was a very windy day stores
open
16 I went up to Safeway a m Marquis drug store rain little and windy snow a bit p m
17 sow gone Jean and Ian in a min then they went home Isa p a few minutes and came back to
get supper
18 Isa and I to Rexall 1 cent sale a m I went P.O got $2.00 5 cent stamps then p m went to a
fire sale shoppers world rain coat Jeans $19.95
19 18 rain Hartford had lunch here then went to clinic
20 28 to 32 showers wet all day Mrs George McNab in also Mrs Greyson Jean Jack and Ian a
minute
21 Ian came and went to church with Isa Jean Jack down p m fix door on veranda north side
22 Isa and I uptown quite nice no wind I went to Macleods and Eatons got screw nails also
doughnut Kresge
23 went Chinese store got bread the garbage pickup eve I help
24 this a m I went A and Ps got bread for Isa fix lock on garden outside door
25 Isa and I to P O sent Marg a parcel also Safeway got plugin for Mrs Harkness
26 38 to 64 not much wind Pencions came this a m we went uptown paid light and watter
also gas Jack and Jean in min eve
27 went Loblaws tickets 1.00 walk back got bread 23 + paper 10
28 31 low Isa and Ian to church a m Isa to Mrs George McNabs p m
- 457 -
29 31 last night I went uptown paid telephone 3.25 cool wind 5 in snow at Calgary May 3 the
coldest May 3 ever at Prince Albert
30 quite a nice day Isa and I uptown got a perce for Jean went up there for supper Jean
brought us home
May
1 this is a cold windy day wash a m Hartford here for lunch I got bread and paper
2 Isa and I to P O sent Bert a card then Safeway then I went to 7th ave and got 2 doz eggs 60
cents
3 25 to 48 Isa to get hair done at the school I went later got Marquis 23 cents box chocolates
1.80
4 32 to 68 Jean and Jack down eve brought Isa some birthday presents Mrs Greyson brought
one
5 32 to 68 Isa and Ian to church Mrs McNab in Mrs McDonald and two friends turn warmer
about midnight
6 Jack Marg Linda John and girl friend got here about midnight
7 Jack Marg stay here the rest at Jeans they got back late I took John and his girl friend to the
barber school Jack and Marg for drive all to Jeans
8 Marg and Jack here the rest at Jeans Isa to Safeway a m drive eve not to windy got 40.00
got hamburger 45
9 Jack and Marg and all left here about 1 p m 1.50 electric switch suite
10 We uptown a m Hartford came p m rain nice rain eve Hartford supper here Isa phoned
Calgary eve
11 Hartford back from Sask had supper here Jean and Jack in min brought a flower for
Mother’s Day rain rain
12 Isa to church brought Jean and Ian bck for dinner
13 Hartford took me to P O sent Harry a parcel & got a Ben Gay total 1.77
14 templetons draffins 85 cents delivered and paid for 45 to 69 Mrs McNab and cousin from
Calgary in this afternoon it is hot and dry
15 43 to 65 today I went to Wilsons got package of blue cheese went to Chinese got bread
and paper quite windy
16 47 to 60 Isa got hair do 7th avenue went to Safeway p m got pictures Eatons 92 cents
17 Isa took to Jean and I got juice from milk man then went to Safeway Jean Jack and Ian left
for Manville p m
18 Isa and I up to Safeway lees to Wilsons eve little rain last night Mrs Greyson in a m
19 Isa didn’t go to church today but this evening Mr Maggie McNab in for a visit
20 this is a holiday no mail we washed a m Isa vacuum then she and Mrs Harkness in to
hospital
21 40 to 56 this is still a cool breeze with a north breeze got bread and to fluff at Chinese store
- 458 -
22 I went to gas station paid gas 5.75 Mrs Grayson in a few minutes
23 84 we went to Jeans with Jean a m then took bus to Cresges went to Safeway Hartford and
Alberta eve
24 5 to 75 Isa ad I to Safeway also P O sent card to Edmonton Mrs Greyson in p m
25 Isa and I to band fastival a m Jean and Jack in few min no news watch television
26 Jean Jack Ian took me to general hospital
27 45 to 65 try rain no breakfast Mrs Harkness in 27th eve Isa here a m then Isa walk home for
dinner in at 1 30 awake at 4 15 up at 6 15
28 45 to 65 Dr Livingston in a minute to see a patient shaved had enema 6 20 p m operation
29 40 to 70 (difficult to read) had oppperation 10 – 12:38 fine upset stomach had some food
pencion cashed Jean Harf up 29th
30 Harf here Jean Jack in eve bank 20.00 58 Sw 10 85
31 cards from Harf and Marg
June
1 Harf Jean Jack here
2 took out tubes and brought dinner I phoned home Ed and Kathleen in about 7 30 eve
3 51 to 58 Hartford and Isa here p m cloudy no rain
4 N W at 3 miles 50 degrees got honorbal discharge Jean brought me home 3 p m Hartford
and liddle supper here
5 45-55-65 cold Mrs Greyson in a m and Jack Coolen cloudy
6 no we to Safeway on bus Hartford took us to home Safeway brought groceries took Isa to
War Surplus then back a drive
7 55-69 mail came early Isa to Jeans on bus 3 20 Jack Jean brought her home
8 Letter from Marg to Wilsons a m temp 49 Hilda Wilson stay here all night Jack Jean to
Pincher p m
9 64 SW 5 Hilda Wilson left about 15 to 8 a m Hartford came p m little rain last night
10 I went up an d paid telephone and had a visit in city hall got some drugs at Marquis
11 today just laid around
12 Isa went to Mrs Greysons daughters for a tea I went to Marquis got bread got McGavin s at
Jims grocery
13 84 Jean and Isa to War Surplus a m Mrs Carlen in about 5 eve
14 78 deg We Safeway a m went on buss home on bus got bread buns drysdan Wilsons
15 55 to 70 Jean and Jack took us to their place to a S library Safeway out south
16 60 to 83 Hartford took me to Macleod Fred Killoran Jim and Henry Daye home 7 p m
17 today we went to vote & to Mrs Collens funeral in Catholic church
18 paid gas 4.38 and got 2 dozen eggs sold one doz to Mrs Flett and one to Mrs Evans
19 Isa and I walk up to Dr Livingstones office then I went to Kathleen Reardons
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20 today we went to Safeway then I went to 7th street and 7th avenue to look at spruce trees at
Mrs Hassels
21 today we went to Safeways to Woolworths Singer rain yet at 20 to 3 p m start rain at 10 a
m
22 rain at noon 3.76 in rain still rain 4.76 in in 2 days Rain 21 and 22 an all-time record
23 49 to 61 Isa went to church Ian got sick someone took them home and Jean and Jack
bought Isa home I wrote Tom Henderson and took it to P O mail Isa to George McNahr p
m
24 Isa work in garden I went to Marquis and got bread
25 garbage today today we went to Greyhound singer Safeway and home it is windy today
26 we got pencions this morn went to bank after 10 a m then Safeway and to Wilsons a m got
balance
27 Hartford and Ken Liddle in coffee Ken didn’t like quick coffee
28 Mrs Flett left here at noon Drumheller quit
29 Hartford went to Macleod to stampeed rain all day and all night Hartford got back 30th eve
30 Hartford took Stewart to Stirling the 30th rain a lot last night and today Stewart and wife,
Frank and Grace Hartford Chris Mrs George McNab Mrs Harkness on holidays Sunday
heigh 70
July
1 clear
2 Hartford and Alberta here also Frank and Grace Wintemute Stewart and Lucille they stayed
all night at Reardons came here for dinner and left about 3 30
3 1 ½ in rain 3 eve
4 we up to Safeway A M mail late
5 eggs 2 doz 60 cents paid gas telephone light and water It is 82 above calm terrible close
and hot 8 camloops
b c 5 30 p m Cache creek tea 7 p m
6 terrible electric storm all night left Lethbridge 1 15 p m for Calgary got up 5 15 left Calgary
at 7 p m got to balmf (Banff) 8 45 Golden 11 45 lunch rain Revelstroke 1 00 p m about
Salmon Arm 4 p m
9 60 we took a long drive went to a Safeway Barbara and David with us p m
10 63 Margaret at school all day
11 58 Barbara took us downtown Linda went to Camp calm dull Jack took us for a long drive
night
12 63-65-70 Marg took us to University for dinner then to call on Mr and Mrs Moor eve
13 went to Eatons Woodwards and Neil Stewart
14 Went to Frank Wintemutes 1119 Austin Street, Port Moody B C had dinner at White Spot
Barbara start for Alberta for holidays
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15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Jack took us downtown
Jack and Margaret took us to George Palmers eve then for a long long ride to see a house
left Vancouver 12 midnight
got to Calgary couldn’t get a bus to Lethbridge stayed at Berts
Left Calgary 2 30 p m got a taxi to take us home about 5 30 called on Olie and anily
We went to Safeway went to P O and got mail Mrs Greyson in a while got Marquis bread
70 to 91 hot Isa and Ian went to church very little wind Ian had dinner here
60 to 85 one quart paint Eatons Irma 78 very windy Isa paint veranda
50 to 78 Isa went to Jeans p m Readers Digest came
46 to 75 Hartford in today left his car here and went to fair parade up town 2 blocks
60 to 63 today Isa and I went to Safeway I got milk and juice and also 2 dozen eggs
54 to 77 I went to Marquis got bread and two boxes M and E gum for colds
59 to 80 Isa and I to get a get well card for Mrs McNabb in hospital
Isa to church Mrs Harkness came home 27th evening Jean and Jack to Watern Lakes
yesterday
29 uptown cashed pencions then to Hoyts bought washing machine 115 and our machine
30 Dan Murphy here min Isa up town a m to hospital p m to see Emma McNab
31 Hartford and I did a lot of driving north and south Allen and family got here 3 30 p m rain a
lot that night
August
1 rain just sat got McGavins bread Allen took Mona air port evening
2 this a m I went to Macleods Markis bread Bran muffins Allen stepping stones 88
3 Allen took us to Safeway had to go to Kresges to park
4 Allen got Ian then everybody went to church a m then Jean made a picnic Gap Lake
5 took alarm to Eatons to send for repairs got Marquis McGavins bread
6 Allen took Isa Mona David up town a m and went to Harpers after supper for eve
7 Hartford took me a m for to get fish and chips Jack Jean Ian Allen and family Hartford eat
goose
8 I went Marquis got McGavins bread then to city hall eggs on 7th ave
9 I went to bank with rent a m this p m Allen took Mona to get her hair done and took Isa to
hospital to visit
10 rain Allen and family left for Calgary Jean and all left for Victoria evening
11 Isa to church very hot she got a ride home ina white car
12 I got a carton juice 3.49 a man here to fix liake on the dormer window south side
13 I wash a m Isa left early went downtown to get piece cloth to fix a vest for me and to make
a laundry bag for Mona 87
14 Hartford came in today got X ray hospital Allen and Isa to uptown Hartford had dinner
rain last night
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15 Cooler today Allen took all up town I stayed here to answer phone
16 Allen took us to the market and when we got home the men were working on roofs
Margaret Linda and Jack got here late p m had supper and went to Jeans house
17 stayed there all night
18 Margaret and Linda took Isa Mona David Allen to church and to Indian war dance p m
19 all up town Allen sold his car got light bill
20 Windy this a m we went to see about honey p m Allen David and Jack got haircuts Dave
and Jimmie Stelfox here
21 Allen sold car rack eve half holiday Jack Marg and Linda stay at Jeans house cold day
22 still cold mail early today all up town p m went to Safeway I got 3 packets Posts bran
23 Allen and family left on plain 1 30 p m and Marg left for Calgary 2 30 a m
24 we went to Safeway Eatons Sothern Stats Mary sent card to Mr Bowser 93 years old
25 no church wet rain 6.10 in last night another 1.10 this night Mrs Harkness Mrs Greyson
26 wash windy got cottage cheese and butter milk $6.27 milk juice 58 Mrs Harkness in a
min eve Isa and I to Jeans house
27 78 to 74 about like Vancouver home all day
28 Pencions came this a m we went to P O got stamps 1.00 then Safeway and went to Jeans P
M
29 Isa and I uptown a m Eatons Safeway got another 10 lbs sugar Mrs Harkness got pencion
3o I went out and walked and walked all day
31 The woman in Millers house took us to Jublee market
September
1 48 to 76 SW wind 5 Isa to church nice 2nd watter lawn
2 34 to 83 got up early and wash then I went to store got Orange Crush and bread 75 cents
then 2 doz eggs 60 cents
3 32 to 76 Hartford came from Sask eve we went out to bee man got 12 four lb tins honey
$8.64
4 32 to 88 this was a very hot calm day I wrote 7 pages to Gert Connor Cook at Palmer
Saskatchewan
5 47 to 60 Anniversity got a card was up to Safeway letter from Allen
6 up and paid Mrs Harkness telephone Ian here for tea
7 Isa to get hair done early Left with Jack and Jean 2 30 p m eat sandwitch and tea at a
restaurant got to Berts 6 30
8 55 to 81 above left Calgary via Arrowwood about 3 Hartford here and took us to jeans
9 61 to 79 Today I went to Macleods got a brush to clean washing machine also two breads Isa
to Eatons
10 55 to 79 Ian was here today but Mrs Horricks came to Jeans 11th eve Ian supper here
11 57 to 76 last night rain all night nice shower .19 a little today I have new glasses
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12 62 to 73 Isa and I to Safeway a m got peaches Ont grapes from Leas delivered Isa
preserve peaches p m
13 64 to 68 Isa finished peaches a m went to Jeans p m on bus Maggie Mrs Mc Lennan got
back this eve
14 52 to 54 Isa and I Safeway 5 lbs potatoes rain some got 3 doz eggs
15 15 43 to 60 Isa to church a m This pm start to Jeans walk to Cresges then rode miles sets
Wilsons bread 23 milk
16 45 to 46 Isa got meat at butcher shop and cheese Mrs Horricks here dinner and tea
17 42 Jack for help pick up her garbage we expect Jack to take us out for honey 10 lbs for us
and 4 for Maggie McNab
18 Isa and I went to Wilsons a m still cold Isa mowing lawn p m Greson in 20th
19 Lost track of Mrs Maggie McNab in few mins also Mrs George and Mrs Agnas Croucher
20th
20 Isa and I to Safeway A M Jean called in a few minuts before dinner Margaret McClain cup
coffee A M
21 washed got eggs milk juice and went to market Kathleen in few min eve
22 Isa to church a m Mrs Agnes Croucher Mrs Emma McNab in P M
23 watter lawn A M I went to Eatons got choclats 59 cents Marquis bread 23 chinese bread
23 Isa to Ema McNabs
24 Mrs Maggie McNab dropped in for dinner
25 Very wind Mrs Maggie and Mrs McDonald in A M Mrs Greyson also Mrs Fisher also Mrs
Danska 28 ½ window 28 x 30
26 herald to adds for suite 1.52 gas $8.50 city on account $6.00 Hartford here we went
uptown with him got groceries
27 renew 2 readers Digest 6.06 got 2 doz egs and walk uptown a m pick tomatoes Maggy in
28 went Wilsons vinegar and loaf bread Marquis paper Jean Jack tea put in window McNab
in night
29 Isa and Ian to church Ian dinner here
30 this is a very windy day Isa went to Jeans and back on bus
October
1 Isa up town a m windy got ride I went to stokes p m band and Eaton s
2 Windy went to Wilsons got 5 lb brown sugar Ian was here had a lunch
3 went to Roy Electric got a reflector for suite kitchen ceiling 2.00 bread Woolworth and
gums
4 jean and Jack hear minut Mrs Greyson few min rain trash evening
5 Jean Jack Ian in few min Isa paint in suite to Safe got potatoes then sash and door closer
6 Isa to church quite nice
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7 I went up to post office bank sash and door a m Isa paint and garbage came Mrs Greyson
here also
8 Mrs McDonald here evening temp 37 to 75 windy Isa paint
9 38 above N W wind Mrs Greyson in a m
10 Ian in on bike he was down to river after bottles Mrs Greyson in p m Maggy McNab in at
noon Mrs McDonald in also a Paulin Knight and two daughters
11 today I walk to bank and back then Hartford came a m & eve went to camble clynic and to
Jean and got beds and couch and chair
12 Jean Jack and Ian dinner here Isa and I uptown a m Scot here start stove for 608
13 Ian road bike down and had church with Isa had dinner here Isa to Eva McLains p m
14 took a walk to Lethbridge hotel p m Jack Jean and Ian had Thanksgiving supper here
15 Hartford and I went to Macleod a m I had a visit with Mr Day also Albert and Nelly hatton
got home early
16 Isa and I went to city hall and voted a m warm and calm garbage truck a m
17 got eggs and went Rexall sale a m I went to Stoks drug had a treatment
18 Isa to Jean s Hartford brought a load manure gave half to Olie
19 Isa and I to farmers market north of P O
20 Isa and Ian to church a m Ian went home on bike after dinner
21 windy and cool Isa wash windows a m went to Dr Leon to eye Dr Lund very windy but 50
to 61
22 we went to cancer clynic at hospital on bus
23 I went to Eatons a m and ordered two more shirts for Barbaras son windy Hartford in p m
had tea went to clinic Mrs George McNab in and Agnes Croucher p m
24 Isa and I to Safeway a m Eatons p m got hill the electric fixture 2 battery batteries .84 Mrs
Greyson Jean Jack wind gusty to 60
25 I went to bank got glasses fixed and 6 boxes host bran $2.04 got 2 doz egs 60 cents
26 Isa and I up to P O Eatons Safeway macleods windy
27 Isa and Ian to church not so windy
28 Jack left for St Paul we washed A M then we cut and raked lawn water Hartford here Em
and Agnes in evening bus tickets 1.00
29 pencions increased to $75 each went to Safeway Jean dropped in for cup tea
30 Isa and I to Howards furniture a m Isa to Jeans p m I wattered fertilizer and put hoze away
Mrs McNab in
31 Isa up to smoke sale war surplus I pay telephone a m
November
1 Isa and I to bank bought two $100 bonds then went back with Ian he got a $50.00 and put it
in our box in bank
2 went to Safeway got pairs and apples Reardon brought them home Charley and Bill Clark in
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3
4
5
6
8
Ian no come Isa to church We went to Reardons had supper Ed brought us home
Isa up town got new reels 1.25 left Isa’s there Mrs Greyson in p m Isa to Mrs McNabs p m
Hartford in p m we got 2 posts and put them in went home early sack potatoes for Jean
snow this a m I took a long walk (appears to have covered the 7th as well)
I went to bank a m got change for 5.00 I also to Wilson and over to Mrs Emma McNabs Jack
Jean Ian and Isa left for Ft Quepell About 2 30 the CPR here for a load for Paulin Knight
to go to Winnipeg telephone buisy until 10 p m
9 Eatons bought the new elastic sided slippers a,m. Ans ;phone until 10 30 nobody came
10 (Perhaps 9) Mrs Greyson watch house and phone while I got paper
11 Mrs Greyson in 1 30 p.m. Maggie in a m Jean Jack Ian Isa got back from Ft Quepell about
supper time
12 today I went to Marquis p m got bread Isa to Emmas p m bought sheets pillowcases
13 25 to 43 I phoned Jean we took a box clothing to Mrs Millers
14 and 15 we went to Hoyts ordered pipes got groceries
15 Olie help put a box up in suite both rooms Mrs Maggie and Emmas daughter in up town
put ad in paper .70 got stove pipes at Hoyts and fixed stove I to Wilsons Isa to
McDonalds
16 Mrs McDonald in a minute
17 Winnie Phyllis and Hubby here Sunday for dinner took us for a long ride SE new city then
to Jeans and back here then to Calgary
18 14 above this a m we washed then Isa left for Emma McNeils its cold
19 cold 1 below snow cold dads 79 eggs 3 doz 90 cents Hartford Alberta dinner here 9 in
snow
20 I went to Chinese store got bread I shoveled snow of side walk Isa mailed Margaret letter
21 We went to Safeway and two Mrs McNabs We to Mrs Maggs to say by by to Emma Jean
Jack in min
22 9 below I put an ade in paper a m 5 to 7 Isa to 23rd President Canada assinated 12 noon
our time
23 I went to Chinese store got paper Isa to visit Maggie McNab I to curling rink open p m
about 35 above eve
24 Isa and Ian to church a m this eve Mrs McNab took us to hospital to see Pat Strain
25 This A M I went to P O sent letter to England and a parcel to Courtice p m ad in paper
26 51 to 54 we wash then turn colder pat McLean working at 609 Mrs Greyson here
27 very slippery I went and got eggs 2 doz Maggie McNab in rented suit(e) got 110 dollars
deposit took Mrs McNab sign home Pencions came
28 Hartford came to day Isa and I Safeway a m very cold gusty wind Hartf took me to
hospital to see Pat p m
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29 Isa and I went uptown all over I got 1.00 stamps Ben Gay 1.00 some groc put chicken in
Maggies frig
30 up Safeway also market
December
1 Ian and Isa to church I went down to gun mans place a min
2 Mrs Greyson in a m Olie in Nora King in got a dish to boil water I went to Jims got
shreddit papers for packing dishes
3 took dishes to P O and mailed to Barbara and Margaret Mrs McNab in this a m
4 Isa and I went to telephone office to look for a number in Vancouver then Isa to Pemmican
Club
5 Hartford came early took us up town I to telephone office Isa to P O
6 Mrs King had a Stanley party today it rain then iced then snow about 5 p m
7 I got eggs 60 bread at Bills Marquis total 46 Alberta up town Ed Reardon got Standard and
letter from Mildred Alumi polish 4.38
8 Isa to church Ian sick Isa and I went down st looking for an for sale house
9 cold and snow and drift We didn’t go out there is about 7 in snow and 13 below on the 10th
10 Mrs Nora Qun is nearly frozen
11 More snow Isa and I to Safeway p m temp about 36 west wind gusty to 40 miles gas man
at 608
12 Letter from Marg Betty Stewart and some from Ont for Isa we haven’t went out today
13 31 below its cold the coldest place in Canada out got McGavins also got a beer bottle for
Ian
14 I went to Wilsons got lemons for Isa Jean Jack and Ian in min also Mrs King I mail cards
15 Snow 2 to 4 Mrs King away with car it started easily
16 got 2 doz eggs 60 cents 1 below to 4 above more snow about 8 inches now
17 went to Marquis got bread 23 cents p m went to P O mailed card to Hartford parcel to
Mildred total 9 inches snow on ground
18 paid gas 6.79 Safeway Draino 49 bread 23 6 below to 4 below garbage
19 2 above SE wind 5 I took a parcel to Mrs Greyson A M also to Mrs McNabs a m card
from Hartford daughter California
20 Mrs King took us to Safeway store $5 on last $20 rent 2 doz eggs
21 I got loaf McGavins a m mailed letters Mrs McNab in min 77 SW 9
22 nobody here today
23 went to city hall paid balance of 4.29 on light and water then I paid $6 on January 64 in
advance went to Metropolitan had a cup tea went to Wilsons got bread crumbs
24 Hartford went to blacksmith shop and a car wrecker and had dinner went camble clynic
snow near all gone Hartford went home eve official temp 44 down to 45
25 Christmas day Mrs King in few minutes we waited all day for someone to phone
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26
27
28
29
30
31
Kathleen invited us over to dinner we couldn’t go Boxing day Margaret and Linda phoned
today Mrs King took us to Safeway we walk home I got eggs
Isa went to hair do school a m for a couple howers
Isa to church
temp above 40+ very windy
Mrs King took us to uptown and back here for dinner temp 53
High brow Man who thinks he has found something more interesting than women
We wouldn’t mind the meek inheriting the earth if we could be sure they would stay meek after
they got it
Memoranda Margarets phone number and address
Story about trading the washing machine at Hoyts Mrs Nora King, Picture
Butte
The first ship to make the passage from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie through the
first Welland Canal in 1836 was called the Annie and Jane
Allen to University in 1947-48-49-50-51 in 1951 was editor of the year book
Pineapple juice will stop hiccough
Wattermillon is a great fruit you eat it drink it and wash your face at the same
time
Pat Turl here with John Reasbeck (see August visit)
Whenever you’re wrong admit it whenever you’re right shut up
12 pages of income and expenditure at end of diary
October 3 1960 rented a room J. D. McLean $65 and stayed there 4 months bought duplex 6109th street south
The January cold spell lasted 25 days
Note at front of diary 1945 bought Raddatz place but we were on the Fenton place and Craig
place about 9 years before that
Paving in lane, 1961 110.38
July 7th, 1963 $66.20 return via Calgary and Rogers Pass
Hospital room 426
And other notes and addresses 3 clippings “Name NDP candidate” “Man 130
dies””Glass hurt in Accident”
Here so ended the diary of the year 1963.
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1964
January
1 Today J D McLain in a few minutes also Mrs King Olie stopped in to say Happy New Year
stopped some boys stealing empty bottles in back yard Jack and Jean got Isa and I took
us up to their place for supper then brought us home Jack and Jean went to picture show
we went to bed
Busy Bee Apiary 2,300 hives 300,000 lbs honey a year this 1932
Ed Reardon 735-7 st S Lethbridge
2 this a m I went and got 2 doz eggs 60 cents about 2 long blocks return it rain and snow about
2.2 last night in the night I sowed some fertilizer in the snow this a m temperature 37
degrees above I went up and paid telephone 3.25 30 cents to Stavely Dec 4 total 3.55
got Marquis bread 23 cents then piece cloth eatons for Isa 37 at 5 eve Mrs King lives at
Picture Butte
3 Isa and I went to two dress shops selling out got 2 childs dresses got them weighed at P O
took them home to address them then I took them up to mail This may be for the 4th
because either the 3rd or 4th we went to Safeway
On Dec 3, 63 I bought 2 undershirts at Saan store Leth at 1.99 each or 3.98
Laura Climax also Howard
4 25-35 SW gusty to 40
We sure went to Eatons also the yardage Fraser Goods looked at some cards in Southern
Stationary and up past Hoyts to Safeway
R. J. Faulds 1907 18 Ave S
5 today a cool wind and cool day Isa to church I wrote to Rose Cook and mailed before 13 o
clock Mr and Mrs J D McLaren called to say they had rented 609-9th street had a cup tea
then Isa went for a walk Wrote Rose today mailed before 13 o clock Hanco phone
Calgary
6 28 deg should wash then go and pay taxes for 1964 On 6th I went City hall and paid $186
taxes we did wash and then it snowed Mrs King in for dinner she took our clothes to drier
Fenton Place 1939 July 1939 Winnie
Mansell Cattle King Macleod #53 east 24 hours
7 Mild 24 Juice 34 = 58 Hartford came in a m I went with him to Greyhound bus station He
took two grips and bought a ticket for Hughs he had dinner hear Isa made him some
- 468 -
sandwiches and he took taxi to bus about 8 p m left his truck here on 9th street a little
more snow
Rolls Royce an English made engine
8 13 to 22 above SW winds this is a half-holiday we stayed home 5 cent stamps 1.00 plus 10
overseas letter forms 1.00
The Lord of Love looked down from above and pittied us poor scollars
For they have hired a fool to teach our school for the salary of 250 dollars
9 Today we went to Safeway also Eatons and got a shopping bag Macleods then we had
dinner and I went got 2 doz eggs .60 Isa and I went to civic centre Isa had a chest x ray
Mrs Greyson in a few whiles got new reafil for Watermans bought a step stool and sent it
to Vancouver
10 letter from Margaret Isa and I went uptown a m Isa went to Frazers and home at 5 to eleven
Mr and Mrs Mallet in for cup tea and turkey sandwich also Jack and Jean in had cake and
tea then early there was two morman preachers here
I got Marquis bread also McGavins We phone Hartford about ten eve moving in to 609 gehsts
11 this is really cold and a little snow Isa and I were up to frasers a m I looked around in
Southern Stationary then Isa looked around Eatons I came home to start dinner and get 11
o clock news I went to Jims yesterday got a loaf bread
Turin Jim
Rettie War from 1939 to 1945
12 Isa to church nice day 19 to 32 5,000,000 tons TNT It will cost about $3 million to go
July 17, 1964
13 30 to 38 above a m 39 S W 30 gusty to 40 we washed a m then went to Post Office and
mailed some cloth to Margaret and a book to Hilda and a letter from Allen that was
supposed to have been registered but wasn’t then went to frazers and I bought a writing
tablet in the maul 25
14 34 to 35 cloudy start to snow about 10 a m had a letter from Allen this morning Hartford
got back from Hughs about 1 o clock came on the train had dinner here then we went to
station got his grip and it has snowed ever since Margaret and Linda [phone from
Vancouver tonight
I weigh 146 lbs at station
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15 Today I got 2 doz eggs 60 then after 11 o clock I went to Marquis got bread then eatons
got thread then back to Chinese store got milk and back home for dinner Hartford got
here eve he brought one dozen eggs from home 28 to 39 windy and snow Hartford
and I took his car went to station got his grip he came here from Hughs in Sask
16
Hartford stayed here all night I helped him over to city bus stop He went to catch
Greyhound bus at 9 30 a m We went up to Eatons to Cresgies Safeway singer Frazers
Isa wrote to Bert and Allen 40 above windy to 60 to 80 miles Hubert Prouse Conservite
President
17 Today Mrs Greyson in then Isa to soup to Mrs King and Mrs McNab in then Mrs McNab in
after I went to sleep then a minute Jean Jack and Ian were in on way to Cub supper
Temp 24 to 34 N W 13 getting nice and dry I wrote to Ethel Wells Luella
18 29 to 34 this morning we went to P O Eatons Safeway then this p m we went to Jeans
stayed a couple hrs came back on bus they had a man there painting Ian was at picture
show tonight Mrs Maggie McNab was here for supper and stayed until 7 30 I got a dollar
city bus ticket
19 Isa to church a m 18 to 36 above There is preserved in the British Museum an almanac
which dates back 1200 years before the birth of Christ
The first newspaper advertisement in our modern sense of the word appeared in 1647
20 election in three hills today the baromitor went down to its lowest point ever in Lethbridge
and Vancouver last night and the wind went up and up to cyclone proportions I went to
Chinese store and Marquis and got breads 41
21 N 13 ½ 3 below I got 2 dozen eggs snow all a m snow until 3 30 Isa spent p m in Mrs
Kings at a Stanley party there is lot of snow here now the garbage came about 4 30
22 Birthday card from Margaret and family 34 N wind calm 3 in snow sold 3 doz eggs to
Mrs Maggie McNab .90 shoveled some snow off walk snow pusher delivered $349
snow shoveller
23 Isa and I p town we got another parcel from Marg I gave Isa $5 on groceries there was a
1.49 cent sale in Eatons and the largest crowd I ever saw It was very cold 19 below to 3
above evening I got a good pencil from Margaret 5 below at 7 eve Mrs Greyson in this
- 470 -
eve Mrs King went up on bus P M I got card from Hartford and I also and I also bought a
snow shoveler $349 not delivered this eve yet I got a good diary from Margaret this a m
24 My birthday got milk 34 cents Also Eatons delivered the snow blower also a night dress
from Jean We went up town this a m sent John Reasbeck present Isa bought some cloth
Mrs Maggie McNab brought a card and present tonight Kathleen was here Ed brought
her over and called for her later both had tea and lunch and left before 11 p m
25 it was the 25 should have been about Ed and Kathleen I went to Wilsons got Joy
26 lost 10 lbs sugar 1.49 this is really Sunday Isa started off to walk to church but Mrs King
started her car and both started off in it tonight Jack Jean and Ian in for supper time 9 to
36 N W breeze I bought 20 lbs sugar at 1.49 for 10 lbs
the entry in italics should
have been for March 24
27 today Isa and I went to Post Office sent Standard to Jean then got Isas shoes that had been
in for repairs then look a lot for pattern we washed clothes before we left it thawed here
day time 43 or above Sent Hartford a card eve
28 No entry
29 Today I paid telephone 3.40 sent Linda $5 and $15 total paid for sack spuds Safeway to be
delivered finished paying for stove in 608 got a hook put on garbage gate got pencion
total $18 more
30 milk juice 58 cents today Mrs King took us up town got four second hand stove lids 50
cents and we bought sack of potatoes from Safeway 1.99 Alberta and Sister was in
brought Isas two quilts then Mrs King had dinner here then we did dishes had sleep and
Mrs Balderson came in and had coffee with us Mrs Greyson a m
31 I wrote letter to Jim Hanco foremost or wherever he is temp 34 cool wind we had
appointment to Dr Leone for 1 30 we went there also got radio $2.00 and $2.50 labor got
battery for transistor and 2 for flashlight batterys Eatons
February
1 got milk .24 went and got 2 doz eggs .60 Letter from Margaret Marquis bread .23 Its
warmer or calmer than we have had or else the ice is getting softer 43 degrees tomorrey
23 to 40
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2 ground hog day he saw his shadow Isa to church I went to Jims grocery got milk 24 bread
23 Isa went to Popovitchs house to look for a childs coaster eve
3 44 about very windy we walked this a m the Vermilion Standard came this a m we read it
then wrapped it up and I took it to P O and sent it to Jean she & Ian have had the flew but
seem better Isa phoned and Jean said Ian had gone to school today
4 46 above 60 mile wind milk .24 Mrs McNab phoned she got home last night we got a
letter from Allen a m Read light and water p m Mrs Greyson in a m
Read Light Feb 4 .64 April 7 .64 June 4 .64 Aug 4 64 Oct 4 .64 Dec 4 .64 Feb 4 .65
April 4 .65 June 4 .65 Aug 4 .65
5 snow a lot about 4 in I shovel snow off side walk went to Chinese store got a paper Mrs
King was in here all forenoon then went to Pemmican Club this p m with Mrs Maggie
McNab
6 up to Jeans for dinner Mrs Nora King took us to Dominion store up to Jeans for dinner got
there about 2 p m Jack and Jean were going downtown then Mrs McNab came over had a
light lunch and a nice visit 23 to 38 temp 30 mile wind
7 letter from Hartford 9 o clock Isa left for Eatons sale of cotton ends the mail was early this a
m got letter from Hartford
8 milk .24 juice .34 = .58 today we caught city bus and both went to Eatons and Safeways I
gave Isa all the change I had I had just 1.00 & some change I also paid for 3 Valentines
got back at 11 20 then Isa went into 608 to get her hair done Nora has a nephew and wife
from Gravellbourg Sask wrong address
9 Isa to church a m nice day above 40 but quite windy Jean Jack and Ian droped in a few min
p m had cup tea they had last ride in Chevrolet they had sold for $195
10 today we washed mailed Standard to Jean then went and got eggs and dropped in a
Valentine for Ian and Linda a m Mrs Greystone a while then Mrs Maggie McNab
dropped in then then Jean and Jack came in the station wagon and took Mrs McNab and
us for a long drive down the hill and up the hill then north quite a ways
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11 trace snow early morn Isa and I went uptown went to War Surplice got a shirt for Margaret
sent it insured to Britannia Beach I also got Noras check cashed at Jeorald Wilmers credit
union gave Isa $10 Nora away garbage truck came p m
12 mailman brought a letter from Luella a m and I answered it I was glad to hear from Harry
according to the letter he is real bright and an excellent memory I guess Mrs King is alone
again 29 to 39 wind 30
13 this was a nice day Isa and I went up to Eatons and Safeway a m this p m Isa did some
sewing on a shirt Mrs King in to borrow a kee she locked herself out I took parcel to Mrs
Maggie McNab then she dropped in a min also Mrs Greyson
14 milk and juice = .58 Isa took some wrinkled apples in to Nora she came back with a pie
after it was cooked
15 Jean called in Jack sat in Morris and Ian lost his purse at picture show we gave him 1.80 to
make him feel better I gave Jean the Standard but in the hurry she left it 30 to 41 bright
some wind
16 41 – 68 temp Isa to church Mrs Maggie McNab and Mrs Urwin in a while evening some
wind Isa and I walk up to Post Office mailed Standard to jean
17 Ian found purce intact this morning we washed then I went down by the haig clinic to Bus
Depo up to Consumers Hardware up to station & back home for dinner this P M we both
went to haig Clynic nobody got any information it was a very lovely day we called on
Mrs McNab a few min evening bills for light watter gas
18 Little cooler windy about 36 above we went to Haig clinic I went and got 2 doz eggs = 60
this p m I went paid gas bill then to city hall paid light and water also 10.00 on March
garbage came I was asleep didn’t see Mrs Greyson in p m 46 above W winds 40 gusty
to 70 Mrs McNab in few minutes p m
19 today I didn’t do much I went to Jims grocery and got loaf bread then after 3 p m went back
and got paper total 23 + 10 = 33 cents Mrs McNab in had cup tea about 4 I also walked
up lane and through by Joes house back on 9th Ave south
20 today I went to Jims Groc about 3 30 got a paper 10 and lighter flints then I wrote a long
letter to Harry and Laura at Climax then Isa went to beauty parlor a m then paid a visit to
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Mrs balderson then she went in to Mrs Kinds in 608 to a Stanley party this eve I had two
Italians cut a large branch off tree cost $7.00 left 30 in base
21 today we walk up to fraser fabricks to safeway singer & Eatons then p m went to haig
clynic to see Dr. Noble
22 this is a nice day Isa clean house a m got a letter from Hartford and Isa got one from
England I walk up to 9th and back this P M we went to war surplus also got some covered
buttons at Singer and some Nabob tea at Safeway Mrs Maggie McNab came in and gave
me some paper matches from Dean Gundlock temp 29 to 39 calm
23 29-53 wind 60 on gusts to 70 Isa to church no company
24 snow north wind letter from Phyllis early this a m fast mail man terrible day 0 and 35
predicted for tonight and tomorrow this a m Isa and a nice visit on phone with Mrs King
also Jean this P M Isa dressed up and went to Mrs McLains Eva Mrs McNab was there
25 11 above to 22 above this morning Isa went to see the Dr at the Haig Clynic this is a return
trip got a letter from Allen Isa came home from Dr had cup tea then went into 608 to cut
out a pattern wagon wheels is selling for from 10.00 and 20.00 each
26 28 to 36 W W 4 miles some snow This a m the pencions came we went bank and put $25
deposit then I went to Eaton Safeway then I went home and got 2 doz eggs then this p m
I went to telephone office paid 3.25 advance Mrs Maggie McNab in this eve got Kea to
608
27 8 30 Isa went to get hair do Jean and Jack brought us to Bus Depo saw Nellie and Albert
hatton at Macleod Bus Depoe got to Berts about 5 30 eve Herman Werzer
One of
the younger Beatty girls live at or close to Picture Butte
28 today temp 31 some clouds 45 P M Winnies cousin took Isa and I to holy cross hospital I
went through cancer clynic then we had dinner at Eatons nearly $3.00 then we had
appointment with Dr for 2 p m Isa got pair shoes then we came up on bus and Bert met us
then he and Winnie went shopping
29 Isobel Ivan Culp Margaret Merkley Douglas took us to Phyllis place a m at 10 o clock for
coffee Douglas took us this p m we went to Mrs Andersons for tea and cake a very nice
day Douglas took us 3 30
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March
1 a little wind quite sunny an bright Holy at 2 20 Bert brought got room 249 weight 184
supper 5 P M 21 degs 7 P M paid $30 deposit on entry
2 4 and 5 above operation this morning 10 30 done 15 to 11 Isa over 1 45 Mr Gould next bed
my room 249 second floor
3 got out off hospital about 2 o clock Mrs Goulds Peter took us to hospital and got us this p m
cloudy and dull temp 20 to 24
4 1126 – 10 A N W Jim Honka temp 40 in Calgary west at 40 and gusty butter 79
5 10 to 40 colder Calgary got to Lethbridge about 9 eve got taxi 60 cents Ms King and Jean
Jack came in min hey had been o bus depo to meet bus Mrs McNab in few min while Isa
was up town then Mrs Greyson was in also Mrs King Isa brought lamb ribs and burned
them dry I wrote Margaret also Phyllis
6 13 and 15 N W wind 11 miles snow Isa was with Nora King and got 2 doz eggs same place
60 Standard came this a m Mrs Greyson in P M up to 19 deg Mrs King in a few min
brought the 2 chickens Isa sent for and brought a doz egs .30
7 zero and snow last night but a nice sun this morning near 10 o clock Isa and Mrs King went
up town we have a letter here from Margaret it was written and mailed at 11 a m in W.
Vancouver Isa got the groceries also sent tea towels to Winnie Isa went to call on Mrs
McNab then both came here then Mrs Greyson came and stayed until after 6 also Edward
Miller came for some country guids got 5 and had about six kids with him 17 heigh thaw
little off roof Mrs King paid rent
8 Both home all day nobody here except Noras nephew that came from East Popular Sask now
works at Vulcan
Harry was 21 when Pa moved the family out to Alberta in 1910 I came to Manitoba in
1904 on harvesters excursion
9 this morning I went to telephone paid 95 cents long distance to Hugh Wells then called on
Mr and Mrs balderson few minutes then Mrs Merrill called then Mrs King called bought
a pint cream also a woman looking for people to by on credit from Eatons
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10 a lovely bright sun I got a ride with Mrs King to P O went to bank then to Marquis got loaf
bread then walk home before 11 o clock time stopped a minut to speak to Mrs Maggie
McNab then I went and got 2 doz eggs 60 then sent letter to Hartford and mailed it
helped little with garbage Mrs Balderson was here this P M a while
11 We washed a m then this a m Mrs Greyson in also Mrs Maggie McNab in she stayed for
dinner then after a while I went to Jims grocery got carton Orange Cush and loaf
Mcgavins total cost 58 cents Ian dropped in I gave him 65 cents a drink of Orange Cush
also Isa a bite to eat very windy a woman here counting population wind 40 gusty to 60
miles per hour
48 SW 40 to 60 today we walked to Eatons looked at a light colored overcoat for Jean then we
went to Safeway and got 2 shopping bags full and carried them to kresges waited for the
bus got off at 6 ave and walked home Hartford came about 15 to 10 taxi got to
Lethbridge about 9 30 from Edmonton after being at University hospital after having his
knee cap off stayed here all night Phoned Alberta the 13th Mrs Cartright was in a few
mins eve
13 Ians birthday Hartford phoned Alberta a m and she came in after dinner had a lunch and
went home p m Mrs King came here this eve while we were having supper got her mail
and went home
14 temp 32 to 41 windy Isa and I walk to Eatons took some pictures Allen sent then look
about a coat then went to Crosses for some that was there Let a Man and Woman into
Noras place before we went got home a few mins after 11 a m now getting ready to go to
Ians birthday party went to Jeans on bus they brought us home after supper
15 Isa to church Kathleen phoned about an agriculture Dr that died suddenly he was 37 years
old married with son and daughter Sunday April 16th 1928 Allen in 1931
16 temp 49 29 degrees WW 50 miles per this was a very grand morning we washed then I
went to Maggie McNabs to see how to get an old age pencion for Hartford then wrote a
letter to Hartford and too it to P O to mail then to bank then to Bert and Macks to see about
a record then to Marquis for bread then home the bread was 23 cents milk 24 juice 34
Isa wrote Mildred
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17 41 degs afternoon I went to Jims got loaf McGavins 23 then went to get 2 doz eggs 60
then we had a sleep and a coffee then we went to Wilsons got soap and its 3 02 the
garbage came while we were away Isa went to Maggies for a little exercise
18 31 35 36 snow this morning this p m it seems very lovely grand sun letter from Lewela
Harry sick again wrote Estelle and mailed it today
19 cold N wind temp 16 wind 16 snow lots snow Isa is making fried cakes took some to Mrs
King as a treat its still cold 15 above all day I went out and shoveled some snow off the
sidewalk Isa is writing to Allen there was no mail today except catalogue from Eatons
20 temp 9 15 16 24 The windiest March on record Mrs King took us to Eatons got pictures
4.62 then paid gas 6.79 then to Safeway Isa got apples and groceries then home and Mrs
King had dinner here she went to a funeral of a nephew of hers Isa went to Mrs McNabs
after 4 p m this is a cold dull day Mrs McNab came back here with Isa and stayed a while
snowed more night
21 snow 16 degs got milk 24 cents this is Mrs McNabs birthday on account of leap year
spring started on mar 20 this a m I went to safeway got nabob tea bags also wax paper
then I got loaf bread at Marquis and a birthday cake for Mrs McNab dull cloudy Mrs
McNab called in a few mins eve
22 8 degs cold and moar snow N E wind Hartford phoned from Stirling 10 20 a m Jack
Coolins woman went into his suite about 8 o clock carrying a case
23 20 3 was heigh 1905 Middlenton retired 1945 today is cold below zero I went to Jims
grocery got Saturdays paper and a loaf of bread we got juice and milk this a m juice 34
milk 24 = 58 paper 10 2 below N E 8 miles
24 12 9 5 3 1 above at noon real cold kept 2 fires on all night got a letter from John Allen
Reasbeck the garbage came about 20 to 4 I didn’t go out Mrs Greyson came in a few
minutes South wind at 12 miles 3 deg above
25 got $48 check from Calgary hospital I went and got 2 doz eggs 60 cents this P M Jean and
Ian came in they had the Morris then Jean had tea and Ian juice Ian broke the band on his
teeth then Mrs McNab in for a few mins 10 below this a m
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26 9 snow 17 above heigh Pensions came this a m we went to bank p m Mrs King went up
and brought the groceries home I bought and paid for 20 lbs sugar at 1.49 for each 10 lbs
It has snowed this A M also this P M Mrs Greyson here a m and p m also Mrs Balderson
the cleaners left a coat here for her
27 11 15 22 33 temp Westerly 6-11 quite bright no mail delivery I shovel a little snow off
the walk p m Mrs King called in a min to pay 23 cents loaf of bread ;Marquis WSW 18
miles still 31 degrees earthquake in Jurno Alaska and it went along the coast to
California
28 W 4 temp 18 weather backed up and got colder we went to Safeway with Nora King Isa
got a box apples S E wind Hartford and Clark Findlay were here for Hartfords truck and
had dinner here the truck has been here since last fall Standard came today the mail man
was 1 hour late
I M fast
29 Mrs Maggie McNab phone about 8 a m 3 phone calls and a man on bike looking for a barber
this was a very lovely day 59 above very little wind Nora got back about 4 20 also a man
and a woman in another car this evening Mrs Greyson dropped in also Jean Jack and Ian
for supper
30 31 to 61 Margaret Jack and Linda got here this a m I went to city hall to see about light and
watter then Isa sent a quilt to Barbara’s son in to eatons and walk home this evening we
all got into Margarets car went to jeans and had cup of tea
31 36 to 62 this morning we all got into Margarets car went to Safeway then I got a bottle
Novahista for Linda $2.60 also a loaf Marquis bread 23 also milk and juice 58 Isa got
some groceries we have had 2 grand days Mrs Greyson in a min then we took Margarets
car and went to jeans for supper Linda slept in Mrs Kings side tonight also last night
April
1 53 Margaret took Linda and Isa up to a m this was a half holiday I went and got 2 doz eggs
before noon then this afternoon Margaret Jack Linda Isa and I went to Stirling to see
Hartford he was in the restaurant and treated us all to tea or coffee it is 21 miles from
Albertas house to ours 610-9 St S
2 temp 33 Jack Marg and Linda left here about 15 to 10 a m it rained last night Isa went up
town with them Mrs King called in to say good buy Brunos roofing and siding started to
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patch room about 1 20 p m finished about 4 cost $60 went to telephone paid 3.40 Nora
and niece got home here about 4 20 p m
3 34 to 54 kind of SW breeze Isa and I went up to Eatons Safeway a m got a piece tin to make
a border for some flowers & put it up the Standard came today Margaret phone also John
from Vancouver about 10 p m
4 I wrote Winny and Gladdis 35 to 46 58 early eve mail came early the quick man came
letter from Mrs McNab from Vancouver also Ethel Kleinstuber had a little visit with the
Woman next door West
5 42 & N wind rain this a m 10 a m start snow 5 in snow terrible day up to 400 cars have
been snow bound between Macleod and Calgary
6 J D McLean got home from California 23 North 20 to 40 miles some sun by spells now mail
today I shoveled our walk I went downtown to store got a paper and loaf bread I went
into McLeans a min to call on them Seem to have closed Ice Centre
7 45-46-47 we got up early and wash clothes then we took bus and went uptown to Eatons
Safeway then walk home had dinner then I walk to 7th avenue and got 2 doz eggs I also
got milk and juice 58 cents eggs 60 it was cold last night 8 11 21 37 45 garbage
came P M about 4 also Mrs Greyson in 4 50 eve
8 34 to 55 nice day we kind of stayed home only I walked up to 7th down lane
9 Mrs King paid rent eve 38 to 57 today we walked up to Bank Eatons Singer Kresges and
Safeway got 10 lbs sugar for 1.39 and I carried it home we also got cake tea and pictures
10 46 50 56 very windy before the mail came we left early for Eatons Rement sale the store
opened early there wasn’t to large a crowd I also had a check from Nora King for rent I
took it to Gerald Wilmers bank to get it cashed then I put $20 in Comerce we got a lunch
at Eatons and got some pictures and came home about 12 noon had a visit with an English
man lives on 7th St N
11 38 42 38 today was cold Isa went to get hair curl then we went to Eatons and Isa put her
long coat in storage then we had a cup tea down cellar 389 also we got quart milk early
24 then I went to Wilsons got bread crums to the Chinese store got paper it rained and
snowed a little p m
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12 Jack Horricks birthday 31 32 29 cold wind I mailed a letter to Mrs Babe a m for Isa then I
went Jim’s Grocery for a loaf bread 23 cents this evening Jack Jean and Ian came for
supper Isa had a duck and chicken roasted for supper Sunday the 12th April was Jack’s
birthday and the 15th is Jeans
13 S 8 above 52 Sunny we are washing Isa went to Jeans on bus the bus left here a minute to
2 4 15 Jack and Jean brought her home
14 54 Mrs King in a m Hartford phone about 9 a m then came in for dinner he got a ride with
harry the restaurant man from Stirling garbage came about 3 30 Hartford has tea P M
Harry the Chinese got here about 5 eve Mrs Greyson come a m
15 40 to 55 Jeans birthday took a letter from Stewart to Ed Reardon this a m then went and got
eggs 60 then went to Marquis got bread 23 Ben Gay 2 00 Risdan 1 25 total 3 38 this
evening it started to hail and rain and snow and snow all night 4 in the 16th morn
16 temp 23 Mrs Maggie McNab got home milk 23 juice 43 23 5 in snow up to noon wind
North 22 Noras nephew shoveled the snow off our sidewalk it hasn’t snowed here since
noon I mailed a letter to Margaret 5 30 p m
17 17 to 19 27-39 lovely bright sun went to Jims got bread 23 this P M went up paid gas 7
14 went to Safeway to Consumers eatons and back home through school grounds Mrs
Maggie McNab here just got home from Vancouver last night
18 mail 9 30 a m 26 18 S W Nora got milk from purity so did we Nora’s nephew his wife
and Mother left for East Popular this a m
19 temp 30 to 59 Isa went to church this a m with Mr and Mrs Balderson I walked p m to 7th
Ave 9th St back on 8th street then this p m I took a letter to P O for Maggie also a
simpithy card for Mrs Joe Emerson who died
20 27 up to 47 a m Wash clothes this a m Isa and I went to Joe Emerson funeral for 1 30 in
Martin Bros chapel Its cooler here today Mrs Maggie McNab in this P M also Mrs
Greyson for awhile.
21 temp 25 to 48 mabey Nora King in before breakfast to show Isa a letter Mrs King took us to
Eatons and I bought a food mixer for $11.99 Gorgerson Hartford and Liddle were here for
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dinner then we got on city bus and went to jean’s for supper and help her with the dishes
and help her fit a coat jack brought us back with Morris jean came also Harry born
March 28 1888
22 37 to 44 cloudy and chilly Mrs Maggy McNab in a few min a m also a woman collecting
for cancer research Eatons brought mixer 11 30 a m Mrs McDonald in tonight snow and
rain a trace all night
23 Hugh phone Harry died 1 a m this morning 57 56 degrees sprinkle like snow or rain we
saw Bella at Eatons her sister is Mrs Hermin Nerzer at Picture Butte
24 Temp 34 37 39 rain or snow a little all night or nearly Isa and I went uptown and I paid
$18.00 on M S I for 3 months I also got 1 pkg long envelopes for 36 cents and 1.00 stamps
25 38 50 65 this is a nice day I went and got 2 doz eggs 60 cents then set around Mrs McNab
in I took her a pail manure for her roses and she the pail back this p m I went Jims got a
paper also a loaf bread
26 rain today Isa didn’t go to church temp 39 42 47
27 34 40 supposed to be 55 we washed this a m Hartford came a m had dinner then went
uptown to see lawyer We had Mrs King in also a fuller brush and an Avon traveller
28 61 pencions came this a m we went uptown then I went to city hall paid 10.00 on light and
water then I met Isa at Eatons then we went to Safeway and carried home the parcels
then this P M I got Lassal also matches from Jims grocery & got matches 14 cents then
we raked front lawn and I helped with garbage Mrs Bowes in a few min eve Margaret
phone night
29 45 to 68 degs tried a while to burn the barrel out put the screen window in the kitchen south
door then I took the storm window off the bath room and Isa painted the inside of window
white Mrs King called also Mrs Maggy McNab in a few min a nice day not much wind
I got a paper 10 cents 1953 river flood rain the 9th
30 rain nearly 1 in today Mrs King took Isa up town and paid rent $35 Isa got some groceries
it rain nearly all night this p m I went up to City Hall and paid 4.84 cash balance of taxes
(18 x 4.884) and got a screen for 608 kitchen window cost 1.07 Joy Wilsons cost 1.25
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May
1 57 today a letter from Margaret also one from Loara Wells then we went to Eatons and War
Surplus Safeway and home I paid for groceries this p m Isa Maggy McNab Mrs
McDonald and some others went over to north side to help open an old folks home I took
a short walk and write Rose Cook Mrs Pat Murphy
2 45 47 46 rain raining milk 24 juice 34 Mrs King in a min bread 23 at Jims Jean and jack
called in got the Standard and had a cup tea and a bran muffin left here about 4 and went
down town again
3 rain all night is still raining Mrs King went to church at 11 a m she left her Sat paper here
rain May 2 and 3 all night
4 over 4 in rain since start temp 40 to 41 Isa and Mrs King went up and paid telephone 3.25
Then Isa to Eatons and Kresgies Isa came back on bus and got off at 6 ave and 6th St S
came home with some celery she also sent a birthday present to Bert
5 temp 20 the total to date in this storm is 3.52 This is Isas birthday 76 she got a ride down to
the Haig Clynic with Mrs King Jean phone 10 to 10 Invitation up for supper Isa and I
went up to jeans on bus and they brought us back in Morris then Mrs King and Mrs
McNab brought in a birthday cake so we all had tea and cake Margaret and Barbara phone
from Vancouver eve
May 5th 3.52 in rain in that storm
6 rain temp 43 still raining Mrs King took me over to get 2 doz eggs 60 cents eggs 709 7th Ave
S P M parcel 64 cents a grip from Margaret delivered to 610 also Mrs King and Mrs
McNab called a min I mailed the Vermilion Standard to Marg at 7 p m
7 not much rain N E light breeze Isa and I went uptown after 10 a m Isa had a date with Dr at
Haig Clynic we went to Eatons and Safeway got home to a late dinner We had a small
sleep then Mrs Gregson came then Mrs Maggy McNab then Mrs Balderson we wrote to
Maggie McBeth
8 41 47 65 this morning was nice we washed and walked around block p m early mail man
today Dean Gundlock
9 Clifford Smallwood Irma today we went to Eatons and Safeway Kresgies then this p m I
went to Wilsons got 5 lbs flower 55 this morn I got milk juice vinegar 1.42 also Kerds
Nora King in a few mins got letter from Howard also a Verm paper also a Lethbridge
10 cents also $2.00 5 cent stamps
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10 temp 44 last night it rained I heard it at 5 a m Isa to church with Mr and Mrs Balderson I
went to Chinese store and got loaf of bread last night Isa got ½ lb rawley peter it cost 1.44
I paid I sent a letter to Hartford also a letter from Howard to Stewart Walla Walla U S A
11 50 deg this a m we washed 3 windows on frunt room I took plug in down then mail man
came then I bought boxes cottege cheese and Nora was going up to Jeans so Isa and I
took the 2 boxes up to Jeans & started to walk back but we walked and walked for miles
then took bus and went back take a good look at the road got home 11 a m Ian in 1 min
Mr Gregson in a while Mrs King in a min
12 47 to 50 cloudy Mrs McNab looked in this morning Hartford came for dinner Isa had a
man dig garden Hartford and I went to Macleods got 10 foot eaves troughs then Hartford
phone Bernice and went to Gamble Clynic then came back here for pie and tea
13 degs 48 to 65 W W 25 no mail I went to get 3 doz eggs 90 cents Isa went to Maggie
McNabs to call this a m today is election day in city we went and Voted at City hall I
bought $4.10 eavestrough and connections today and about the same yesterday Ian in eve
Isa gave him some candies I gave him 1.00
14 38 night 51 calm burn garbage early after 10 Isa got on bus she went Jean to get a dress
fitted and I walk to P O and mailed posts coupons 5 cents then to Lees got multiplyer
onions 24 cents then Marquis got bread 23 cents then home
15 58 Isa went down to get her hair curled early I set here waiting for the mail Noras gas came
she thinks its to much so do I then we went Kresgies had a cup tea & bite to eat then we
went Safeways and I gave Isa $5 on groceries Mrs Maggie McNab in a min just before
noon this p m I went to Eatons and got 2 elbows for eavestroughs then I went to Wilsons
got 30 cents cheese
16 milk .24 juice .34 cheese .34. Hartford come quite early then Vern ford Bernice and
children came for dinner after a short visit they all went to a motel at the lake then at night
Hartford and Gerry came back here and stayed all night it was mild and calm 77 above
17 58 above Hartford and Gary had breakfast and went to the motel about 7:30 its very windy
this a m Hartford took Gary to the motel and left him and came back and took Isa to
church then came back here and had dinner then we all had a sleep and he left here for
Stirling about 5 evening Mrs Creig lives (unfinished)
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18 71 this morning we started to wash got clothes tangled in wringer burned out a fuse put in
a new fuse then wattered yard and pulled dandelions
19 52 to 86 very hot and calm Hartford came this a m and Isa and I went to P O with him ,
then we Isa and I walked home after visit downstairs in Eatons Hartford had dinner here
then we had a little sleep then we finished the eve trough on veranda and had cup tea
20 46 52 60 it was very hot last night Bert phoned about 8 eve to tell us he had pasted his B Ed
and Industrial Arts
21 54-58 quite windy West gusty I picked dandelions 7 writing tablets at 10 cents each 70
cents at Eatons a very miserably day Isa wrote to Margaret
22 33, 44, 48, 56, 58 very cold and windy Isa did some cooking and sewed some on dress I
walk to 7th then pulled dandelions Isa took a walk to Maggie McNabs eve then I took
Maggie some cookies Mrs Nora King in here for supper
23 35 45 50 51 54 61 very windy to 50 miles milk, 24 letter from Maggie McBeth also an
Calgary Herald Isa went to Wilsons got tomato plants and a few things I went to Jims
got Lethbridge paper 10 cents Jean came down with Morris took Isa to Dominion big
Safeway & Back Jack thinks he is sick
24 41 50 57 64 this morning was grand we watered yard then the wind came up Isa went to
church it is windy
25 36 to 59 it rained a trace sometime last night I went up 9th street for a long walk Isa is
spraying dandelions this p m I went and got 2 doz eggs 60 cents Hartford came p m and
brought 2 doz eggs stayed all night and left in taxi at ¼ to 9 for train for Edmonton
26 temp 31 to 68 31 to 49 cool and sunny Hartford left at ¼ to 9 for train for Edmonton we
washed clothes this morning got them in had a snooze and then went uptown sent 2.00
to Eatons Winnipeg also sent a graduation card to John then I bought golphing coat at
Army and Navy Mrs McNab in for tea watered lawn with a sprinkler hose
27 50 60 E wind 8 miles trace rain this morning the pencions came and we went to bank
also to Post Office paid $5.41 gas bill then got ½ bottle cough drappins $1.00 Isa
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transplanted tomatoes p m it sure didn’t rain much cool cloudy Mrs King got back
about noon
28 41 to 50 no rain last night kids stole flowers this a m Nora got some old potatoes for seed
Isa went to school to see the principal about stolen flowers Snow shoveler in Jan 24th Mrs
Maggy McNab in a minute p m
29 49 partly cloudy 53 North East wind Isa and I got on bus and went to Dominion Store and
Shoppers World 23rd St and 4th Ave South this A M I bought a window cleaner brush on
sale at 88 cents in a drug store cool day
30 41 to 52 the milk came milk .24 cheese .24 also the painter about 8 a m up town Isa $5 00
on groceries paper 10 cents loaf McGavins eve Mrs Urn in and Mrs McNab in for a few
minutes Edmonton is 8th in size in Canada
31 44 to 67 Jan 5 Isa to church this a m I walk around an look at lilacs then this p m Jean and
Jack brought the car down had a cup tea got the Vermilion paper also the Vice Grip it
has been a nice calm day
June
1 36 to 63 S E wind 14 P A 37 this A M we washed it was a nice bright day then I went to 7th
street and got two doz eggs 60 cents then went to telephone office 3 95 then to marquis
got loaf bread 23 cents milk juice 58 Wilsons 3 in 1 oil 25 cents Alberta in few min
Ere P M I mailed a letter to Allen from Isa Ethel Klinesteuber sent Isa 2 lbs wool yarn
from England
2 36 to 78 Hartford came in on train about 9 eve stayed all night this morning he went to Stubs
drugs between hospitals and got some pills then came around bi Comerce and he got
some cash Isa wrote four letters got one from Allen and one from Margaret this morning
Hartford went home after 2 30 pm and we have been wattering with sprinkler hose ever
since
3 65, 69 71 no mail Jean phone quite a bit wind clear bright Mrs Balderson stopped and
spoke also jack Coolin also Mrs McNab
4 55 to 74 SW 20 slightly cloudy Isa went to Mrs McNabs about 8 a m this a m we went to
War Surplus Safeway Eatons and home I paid for groceries 3.16 and Isa bought me a
fathers day hat Letter from Bernice this a m
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5 65 heigh 75 windy windy and some clouds 1 milk 24 today I took rent check went to
Safeway got box strawberries and the rent check cashed then went to bank and put money
in the bank then came home P M cut and raked grass then watered and for tea Mrs Emma
McNab then this eve Mrs J D McLean and Mrs Dexter came in
6 61-57-66 today went to Safeway 10 lbs sugar 1.39 and we got 20 lbs 2.78 and total groceries
4.43 I gave Isa $5 and got the change then I got loaf Marquis bread 23 cents sprinkle rain
Jean and jack in 15 to 3 got paper Kathleen in eve and stayed until 10 waiting for Ed Mrs
Maggy McNab had a bite of supper with us eve piece in paper I. M. Swift
7 54-69 cloudy Isa to church a m I wrote to John R N E wind home alone p m
8 we had rain 54-62 rain I don’t know where 4.2 in in 24 hours not here Very Windy N E
rain some places like Cardston Waterton Park cheese .34 cottage milk man Watterton
Park the worst flood in living history Isa to Jeans at 3 on bus got back at 5 p m on bus
went to Baldersons for a few min,
9 46-57 clear calm no rain the garbage came garbage came about 4 a m I got a step ladder
and tried to gum up eaves trough I also wattered yard
10 38 to 58 we washed A M cloudy Nora in A M also Hartford came train to Calgary 7 30
bus 7 05 Hartford had dinner here also an afternoon lunch I went with him in car to bank
he went home at 5 o clock Ian called in had a lunch also sent 5 to Jean
11 43,54 bright and clear Mrs Maggie McNab in also Nora King I got a ride to Comerce bank
then got a loaf Marquis bread 23 also two ben gay 2.00 and walked home this p m I
took a long walk went to Jims for bread no bread then I went to Wilsons got it 23 cents
12 5 to 64 rain little we went to Safeway with Mrs Nora King Isa got $6 worth of groceries
came home had dinner and I went to get 2 doz eggs 60 cents quit raining Jean and Jack
in about 4 p m just for a min then I went to herald and sent Maggie and Don 3 papers
Wednesday thursday and friday he wrapped it up and mailed it
13 50,56 I got milk .24 Is left on bus up town to get a hair do I wait for mail after the hair do
we went to Meterpolitan and had a cup tea and a bite to eat then we went to the both hard
ware to look around then to Safeway to pick up a few things this evening we watter
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everything and Mrs Irwin and Mrs McNab came in for a visit also Mrs Gregson came
early and got 4 quarts paint we help her home with it
14 kind of cloudy 53 Isa to church had company Mrs Irwin went with her this p m Isa went to
Ed Reardons but didn’t stay about six this evening it really rained a pail full very quick
Mrs King just got home from outside to 608 rain last night .22 or almost ¼ in Hartford
phone he is going to Heughs Sask
15 left Lethbridge at 1 45 on bus for Calgary got to Calgary about 5 15 eve Douglas came and
met us no rain today on way up we stayed all night at Berts had breakfast
16 got up about 7 a m they say it rained but I didn’t see we left around 9 30 for cancer clynic it
was 4 months since I was here we got out about 12 then went to Eatons for dinner it cost
1.50 and has rained all day had a nice visit clynic man from Ont Bert and Winnie took us
for a visit to Dr Mills home after tea
17 got back about 4 p m from Calgary it sure rained at Calgary and Billy in Jims Grocery says
it rained over 1 ½ in yesterday and last night
18 46 68 This morning I got juice .34 extra cottage cheese .34 and one Marquis sliced brown
bread we left hear after 10 went to Eatons safeway Post office we sent Jean $10.00
registered cost 36 or 37 extra to register it Isa sent a brouch airmail to Jean 5 lbs potatoes
Wilsons want 45 went to bed early this night
19 48 to 61 I woke up at 4 a m got up at 5 got breakfast it is 7 30 a.m. Isa not up yet after Isa
got up I went 7th Ave then 8th then close to 7th for eggs and back 2 doz 60 cents this p m
Nora came home Isa phoned her then Maggie McNab came up with a piece of cake so I
phoned Isa to come home I made tea then Mrs Greyson came in then Nora King came in
then Mrs Balderson came in a few mins
20 50 we went to safe way on bus at 10 to 10 this a m we got three cards from Barbados for
David Wells Isa got some parcels then called into Eatons ten 80 at Toronto horse race it
is 2 p m now and seems to have stopped raining for a spell I went to Bills got paper and
bread then took a bite cake to Maggie McNab
21 50 to 64 Isa to church with Baldersons at noon this p m we looked a little for pig weeds and
went up as far as Mrs McDonalds house looking at flowers this is one of three longest
days there was 3 just the same, Sat Sun Mon
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22 south wind 48 to 75 this morning we washed and then washed dishes Isa cut grass & I rake
I took a small walk this p m stood on street and talked to gun mans cook
23 60 to 82 clear and nice Mrs King took us to jeans house first then to Eatons and we walked
to Safeway got three lbs butter at 53 cents I got Isa a cast iron fry pan to be delivered
$2.98 Mrs King brought us home and she had dinner she brought a muskmelon in for
dinner garbage came about 3 30 p m Mrs Gregson came about 4 p m
24 NE 10 54 to 84 this afternoon got a letter from Maggie then after a while I went to Markuis
got a loaf b read 23 then I came to Bills got McGavins also milk total 33 Isa paint north
veranda floor to clean pants 85 cents j W G Morrison 93 conservative died Thursday
June 23
25 54 to 62 Isa went to Mrs McNabs for a call she is defrosting freezer this a m Isa to Haig
Clynic a m Mrs Gregson in s min then Isa and I went Bairat Fanes Marshall Wells store
opening then to Safeway I got 80 cents coated nails then I went to Wilsons got piece roll
jelly cake and a piece cheese at butcher shop
Mrs T Stukwell 813 6th St S 7, 3943
26 45-89 this p m the pencions came also $4 from the hospital Calgary I gave Isa $5 on
groceries also paid $4.38 on gas
27 57, 59 milk and juice 58 bright and clear Wilsons 5 lbs spuds 65 cents west wind plenty
strong we walked to market on 7 st 2nd ave then to Barrit and Farrist then to Safeway got
2 doz eggs then paid a kid 25 cents to cut small piece balobard then to Jims got paper .10
loaf bread .23
28 54 to 68 Isa to church a m cold wind Mrs King away some place came home alone I walk
to Wilsons store its closed today Mrs King in a min bought piece Water Mellon
29 59 went to City hall paid $6 on light water then to telephone paid 3.25 telephone we
washed this a m
30 46 to 68 milk 26 cents Mrs Greyson in a while this a m also Mrs McDonald was in a few
NW at 7 miles per hr Mrs Maggy McNab second trip also an Avion traveller
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July
1 49 to 88 holiday bright and clear calm this a m I went and invited Mrs Maggy McNab in for
dinner then after dinner Nora King came in then after dinner I watered on lawn then after
dinner I went to Jims grocery for bread 28 cents for ice cream 30
2 62,65 bright clear Nora took Isa and I up to jeans then to Dominion Store and Shoppers
world I went down to Jim’s got a 6 bottles orange crush I bought and paid for enough to
make a 12 foot ladder the lumber was here when we got home Nora had supper here and
we had two tenths rain last evening
3 52 to 75 milk 24 cents Isa and I to Eatons also Safeway this a m Mr and Mrs McNab also
Eva and her sister up town a m I made a 12 foot ladder this p m and tried it
4 51 to 78 Nora got a second hand car this a m then took us to farmers market and 13th street
Safeway I got a Posts bran flakes .23 and a McGavins bread .23 and a frozen peas .21
also a juice milkman .34 total 1.42 Mrs McNab in had a cup tea and a piece cake I wrote
Hartford at Bracken and maild it about 4 p.m.
5 60 cloudy it was very hot last night I got up at 7 M Baldersons got here about 10 30 a m
Nora start out 20 to 11 a m rain nine tenths in a nice shower Isa stayed home and listen on
radio
6 58 to 67 this a m we washed then got milk 24 cents then I went on 7th and got 2 doz eggs they
cost 60 cents or 12 five cent pieces then I gave the little grand daughter two 5 cent pieces
then we went to Comercial got 3 cards a 60 birthday for John and one for Barbara a card
for Linda and three 3-cent stamps to mail then got a loaf of Marquis bread 23 cents
7 54 – 82 up at 6 a m West at 8 bright garbage pick up about 3 30 some fellows fixing road in
front of us
8 31-75 I watered lawn this morn Mrs Greyson in a m We got a letter from Margaret Nora
King gave Isa a check for 35 cents the Canadian Comerce wouldnt cash it without
exchange because it was drawn on Bank of Nova Scotia Picture Butte
9 53 68 calm and bright I took some grease to Mrs McNabs brought spinish home then we
went to Safeway with Nora got 2 under shirts then at Eatons straw hat 99 cents and at
hoits a cherry pitter 90 cents at War Surplus Gillet raisor 1.00 10 to 3 start to rain Mrs
Greyson had just gone home
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10 50 to 75 Isa and Nora went to north side to get a hair curl I got milk .24 then watered until
after 9 o clock got another card from Jean eve a bread and ice cream .33 shave loution
Avon 1.95
11 53 to 70 this a m I got cottage cheese 34 cents then I gave $5.00 to Isa she went to
Dominion and farmers got a case of apricots at Mahalikes $600 and a piece water melons
and 10 lbs sugar 1.23 I stayed here and wattered yard Mrs Mcnab called and brought
some flowers
12 60 to 99 S W 4 today Isa went to Picture Butte with Nora King then after a while Margaret
Barbara Linda and David came here then Margaret and I took car and went to North side
before we got milk for baby
13 60 to 80 Linda and Margaret went to jeans and stayed last night and got back here just after
noon then after noon Margaret and Barbara and David took me to get 2 doz eggs 60 cents
then Isa and Margaret took car and went away I paid 2.75 for gas also 3.00 to sharpen
mower
14 spuds 45 milk 48 spuds at Wilsons on the 15th I called into j D McLeans before the store
opened so I could get milk
15 65 to 80 this a m 7 30 Isa Margaret and Linda left for Fort Queppele for a visit to Maggies
West wind at 20 miles per hour at 10 to 10 Barbara David and I got on bus and took the
thing for showing pictures back to the library then got the 11 o clock back to 6 ave I got
milk at Jims a m 24 cents I got 2 kea rings consumers Stewart and wife called a minute
9 36 eve
16 53 to 61 SW 20 I got 2 quarts milk .48 I put undershirt on today it has been a dirty cold
windy day Mrs King was in a few min today Barbara tried hard to entertain David I
wattered lawn wrote Hartford Edmonton
17 42 to 71 I wattered early after breakfast then called on Mrs McNab a min no mail this A M
Barbara and David went to jims to get white shoe polish to clean shoes Hartford got back
from Edmonton around 4 o clock Isa Margaret and Linda got back from Fort Quepelle
quite early
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18 64 to 72 rain a grand rain this a m I got 2 milks and 1 beep 82 cents Mrs King took Isa and
Barbara to farmers market a m and everybody went some lace but me I listened for a
phone call Mrs Maggie McNab visited Nora also a min at 610 to get a man to cut grass
and rake it phone 328-4355 house 619 10th Ave S
19 55 to 68 kind of cool wind at 35 to 10 Marg and Linda are not here from Jeans yet got
down at 10 20 a m Hartford and Stan Liddle came about noon and left very soon after for
Macleod then Mona and David Wells came with Margaret little after 1 30 from air port
20 50 to 85 today Margaret Linda Barbara David Mona and David all went to paraid this
morning Mrs Maggie McNab in a min I went to Wilsons store got 2 lemon pie fillings and
a loaf bread 58 cents P M Marquis 23 cents Jims grocery Ice Cream 60 cents Mona
July 19th year
21 63 to 83 this morning I went to Wilsons got Joy 1.25 two milk .48 Hartford took bed to
station for Nora King Margaret took us up to Jeans a m we got a lot of our pictures
Hartford went to hospital to see Pat Strain 16,000 attended fair today
22 32 to 81 no milk delivery on 22nd went to jims got 2 milk .48 then went to Purity Dairy got
a Beef .34 total .84 Margaret Linda Barbara and David left at 1 10 p m I went to Jims
got paper Total .48+.34+.10 = .92
23 43 to 86 mail came about 9 a m got milk .24 Isa and I went to P O sent box tops from Bran
Flakes and Isa and Mona each sent a letter to Allen in Ontario then we went to Eatons got
a fall and winter catalogue and I got pkt caps for Davids gun then to Safeway where I
gave Isa my last $5.00 bill
24 57 to 70 I got milk .34 juice .44 then David and I went to Marquis got 2 pkts cold gum 1
Marquis bread total 1.16 wattered and Isa cut grass on 3 frunts then we had cup tea and
some cake then I went to Wilsons got 5 lbs potatoes .45 2 doz eggs .60 2.21
25 46 to 49 this morning the Standard came then Isa and I went to Wilsons got a few things
then Cathalne and Marys baby from B C called in a few minutes
26 50 to 79 Isa Mona and David went to church about noon I have wattered boulevard and I
have potatoes cooked and the table set at 5 to 12 noon Bread .23 Jims Grocerie David and
Mona went to shoolyard to play P M
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27 50 to 85 down again to 66 this A M I went to P O sent registered letter to Margaret then
went to Safe way got few things for Isa then got loaf bread Marquis then had dinner and
a sleep then wattered lawn then went to Jims groc got paper .10 met Mrs Harkness at
end of lane on 8th street Marg phone from Vancouver early evening sent letter to Allen
28 42 to 55 nice bright milk .24 then to butcher shop sausage .50 then rake yard after lunch
help pick up garbage 4 o clock Mona and David went to Haigs Clinic I went and
wattered lawn
29 66 gas bill 9.71 eggs 2 doz .60 Jean jack and Ian came just before supper but only stayed a
minute as Jack wanted to wash his car So I was told Cashed pencions at Safeway Isa got
a large order and I hired a taxi to bring the 4 of us home and the groceries we also got
some things at Eatons and Isa and I had cup tea and bite 38 cents
30 50 to 68 order at Wilsons 1.41 a m bread at Jims .23 milk .24 beef .34 this p m I went to
Eatons to change a fry pan handle and got the money $1.50 back then I went to Bert and
Macks at about 2nd Ave close to 10th st south Jack Horricks called in a few mins just
before supper
31 56 to 64 N W 20 Isa Mona and David went out looking for a house to rent some mail from
Ont for Mona and David mail from barbois went to Wilsons got pkt iodised salt .17
went to Jims got ice cream .30
August
1 I got box matches .14 from China man Isa and I walked to old farmers market and did some
shopping then we got a ride home with Mrs Gentleman and her daughter P M Ian came
down to show Mona and David the road up to their place I went to Jims and got paper
Don Robertson lives in Fonthill Ontario it cost 27 cents to send vest from Madoc out to
Lethbridge
2 50 to 74 today Isa Mona and David went to church I stayed here Hartford phone from
Stirling Mona answer it it is terrible windy I watered the lawn p m
3 27 to 69 after 10 00 I went down to telephone office paid 3.25 then I took pair slippers to be
half soled I went to Marquis got bread 23 milk .24 juice .34 2 rold jelly cakes at
Safeway total .43 Mr. Allen R. Wells c/o Mr. D Robertson, 67 Woodland Ave, St.
Catharines, Ontario
- 492 -
4 46 to 77 windy spent 6.64 today Isa got taxi to take Mona and David to Greyhound bus we
went store and I bought 2 Stanfield under shirts $5.50 then Isa went into a drug store and
got tooth paste then Safeway got potatoes and a few various things then walk home
garbage came about to to 4 then i went and watered went to Jims got carton of orange
also 5 lb Robin hood flower cost 1.15 Mrs. Gregson
5 54 to 67 windy sunny cool bread .23 flour .55 nails .25 slippers 2.75 lace .10 = 3.85 Mrs
Maggie McNab in a few min eve
6 43 to 74 calm early I burned quite a lot of junk this morning a man here from Coaldale
selling chickens I have sprinkler hose on the yard Isa is over to Maggies this p m we
started for up town got a ride with Eva and sister to Eatons parking lot when went to
Macleods for dish rags 2 for .23 then to Safeway go some food and started back I gave
Isa 2.00 on groceries Mrs Greyson in a while we both had a sleep P.M.
7 43 to 88 city read light and water I was at Mrs McNabs this A M a few mins I also walked
down lane to 7th and back on 9th wattered yard a m with hose and burned some trash
Mona’s David got back from Calgary about 4 p m Isa and Mona have gone 4 blocks east
on 6th ave to look at a house to rent
8 57 to 84 N W 20 Isa and I have gone to market got a few things Mona took David down to
Beauty Box to get her hair done all got back and had dinner then jean Jack and in came
and took Mona and David with them I went to Jims to get paper and ice creams bread
.93 I went and got 2 doz small eggs about 75
9 Isa and Mona and David went to church about 10 30 a m
10 50 to 65 the mail man came early this a m I went to Marquis got loaf bread to bank got
$5.00 changed then to Macleods and down to Oliver Apartments and back through lanes
and back through school grounds rain little last night eve
11 42 to 54 got milk 24 cents Mona and David went up town A M Hartford came in a m had
dinner then he and I went to Macleod Hartford paid his taxes on his ¼ then he took me to
hattons he went out to his farm we looked for Mr. Day no luck Jack Jean and Ian came
here took Mona and Isa to see slides David and I went up with Hartford and Hartford
went home from there Jean and Jack brought us home after the tea 1303-13 Ave N
- 493 -
12 46 to 81 no milk on Wednesday but I went to Wilsons got milk .24 and to Purity and got
beef .58 Isa up town with Nora bread .23 pastry .35 = .58 Jims grocery
13 55 to 80 sprinkle rain 9 30 mail came about 9 nothing for us Mona a letter from Barbara
and David in letter from Ont rain nice shower before noon
14 47 to 63 cool and cloudy got milk .24 9 a.m. mail came 9 30 Nora went 9 00 Mona and
David went
Went to Wilsons got 2 lemon pie fillers .35 then 5 lbs potatoes .30 Safeway eggs .34
exelax .49 bread .24 sugar, butter = 12.78
15 49 to 80 sunny and mild this a m Nora took Isa out to the new market N E Dora didn’t buy
anything P M I went to Marquis bread .23 then I came to Jims and got a paper also
McGavins at Jims = 56 cents
16 50 to 93 Isa Mona and David went to church a m calm and warm
17 49 to 80 Wash cottage cheese .34 beef .34 milk .24 = .92
18 57 to 83 Isa went up town with Nora a m I went to Jims grocery got loaf McGavins .23
before that I watered lawn this P M I went to Wilsons got quart vinegar .40 at Butcher
shop I got ½ lb cheese .30
19 50 to 67 cold cloudy mushroom soup .21 ½ lb cheese .30 4 registered letters for Mona this
morning
20 this a m we went to Eatons Safeway Marquis met Mrs King up town she took us to
Farmers Market Isa got Qumbers to make dill pickles then Mrs King had our groceries
and Isa bought a cherry pie at Marquis and came home noon this P M Isa went to Jeans
on bus and Mona and David went up town I had a sleep and watered yard I got beef and
milk .58 A M ice cream .30
21 59 to 66 this a m I went to Wilsons got ½ gal vinegar Isa paid 1.00 I paid .25 then I went
up and got 3 doz eggs .90 Mona went to her house then to hair parlor this evg Jims bread
23 cents
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22 43 to 70 I had a ride on bick a m I stayed here and watered lawn Isa went up town to
Safeway with Nora King and stayed and stayed until 12 o clock Mrs Greygson in but
stoped on veranda Mona vacamed and dusted Mr Collin and a woman came back in taxi
23 53 to 56 back to 52 cold and cloudy Isa Mona and David to church a m Jack Jean came
down got Mona and David took them to their place for a lunch I went to Jims place for
milk .24
24 42 to 51 I called on Mrs McNab just a minute some mail from Allen and Madoc from
Maggy a letter from Mildred milk
25 62 degrees we wash and Mona haing them out mail early this a m I went to Marquis got
loaf bread .23 then went to butcher shop 7th ave got ½ lb bacon 44 cents 2 avon callers
Mrs Merrill Mrs Maggy McNab Mrs Greyson also the landlord for Monas house
Spenko 9th Ave and 9th Street south
Sumner
26 52 to 76 rain mail came early fast man 9 a m David and Mona got a ride up town with
Nora King I went and got 3 doz eggs .90 rain a little Isa and I went to Haig Clynic I had
a belly ache
27 pencions came A M I paid $6.50 on gas 1.00 stamps 1.00 to George West for a vest some
40 cent stamps I went to Wilsons for Posts Bran Flakes then went to the 2nd Wilson store
cost about 35 cents it had a premium of thread and needles it is very windy Nora came
back some time last night or this a m
28 58,61 milk .24 Post Bran .36 blue berries .49 readers digest .35 = 1.44 Mona mailed the
Readers Digest to Allen bread .22 Isa and I went up to P O got to Eatons and to Safeway
looked in Marquis Isa got a chicken and some meat It was Sat 29 we went to Safeway
29 41 to 65 I got bread milk and beef .81 cents
30 53 to 60 Isa Mona and David went to church Jean phoned early and asked us to go for a
ride it was raining when we left here for Ft Macleod then to Pincher Creek then to
Watterton Lakes There Jean put on a good picnic lunch there was Mona and David Isa
and I Jean Jack and Ian and Debby Jack’s niece Isa saw Mrs Balderson at Waterton then
we came back to Cardston and Jack filled the tank Jean 500 gas 4.75
- 495 -
31 41, 43milk 24 cents it is raining this morning rain a lot today Spent 7.20 September 1st
including $4.05 for telephone (see September 1)
September
1 this a m I went and got 3 doz eggs .90 I also got 2 quarts milk .48 also I paid telephone
$4.05 and a loaf Mcgavins .23 and Marquis .23
2 45-48 this was a nice cool day Isa and I went uptown sent Phyllis and Allen Curtis an
Anniversity card then we went P O and mailed it we were into Kresges a few min then
Safeway and walked some before 12 then we had dinner it started to rain about 12 30
3 47-52 rained all last night we got up about 6 a m I got quart milk 24 juice 34 bread crumbs
29 = 87 cents Isa to Dr Mona clean house this P M Isa and I went to Safeway and taxi
home cost 60 cents
4 43 to 69 this A M Isa went to War Surplise for to get a hair do and Mona went to hair School
then we went to Safeway and got a goose and sent it down to home with Mr Coolin this p
m I got the heck from Mrs King on Treasury Branch got it cashed at Safeway then went to
the bank made deposit then went to City hall and paid $10.00 on light and water Sept 5
Mrs McNab cuff link set
5 42 to 65 this a m I got fruit juice 34 milk 24 bread 23 = 81 Jack and Jean came and got us
also Mona and David and took us to their place for our 50th Anniversity Bert Winnie
Douglas Hartford Margaret Linda as well as Jack Jean and Ian We took a cooked goose
Jean had a cooked turkey Mona took in cakes our family was all there except Allen Bert
Winny Douglas an electric tea kettle Jean Jack Ian a pop up toaster Hartford dishes
6 38, 39 Margaret and Linda stayed all night at Jeans and came here for dinner left here about 1
30 for Coleman B C but before that Allen McFadden called also Mr and Mrs Jim Hanka
(Elizabeth) and son Jimmy called
7 39, 40 wet we got up at 6 a m Mona’s furniture didn’t get unloaded as she couldn’t get a
certified check and this is a holiday no mail delivery We started the heater in the kitchen
A. M. And it has rained all day so far
8 40 to 50 this a m Mona went to bank to get money to pay for furniture sent out from Ontario
Isa and I went to Safeway also Marquis got bread also got the second vest sent from
George West Madoc, Ontario Jack and Jean called in with a package of Monas that had
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been mis sent rain a lot last night Marg phone from Fernie that Barbara had her second
son
9 41 rain last night & this past night Isa and I went uptown A M we went to a melnary shop
went to Eatons and I bought a new film Mar 16 Isa left some pictures there to get more
prints It rained all A M Isa to McDonalds P M
10 33 to 36 clear cool bought juice 34 went to Herald got 3 papers (Probably with stories of
the Anniversary)
11 29 to 42 froze a little last night this a m I walked to Comercial Printers then to Eatons got
some more pictures cost .72 this P M Hartford took me to the buisy bee apary I got 24
lbs honey also one empty container it all cost 4.50 making a total Aug 17th 7.64 Sept 11
4.50 = 12.14 altogether Hartford got 72 lbs for himself (2 trips) I had a ride on Ian’s bike
eve Mrs Greyson also Mrs McNab were over to our place P M
12 72 74 this A M Mona moved to her house we went that far with her in the taxi then to
commercial printers then to Eatons and got a loaf Marquis bread and went to Safeway got
20 lbs sugar $2.10 a goose for 1.50 she also took the goose to Jeans deep freeze this p m I
got 3 doz eggs .90 then Margaret and Linda came had supper also Ian came on bike after
supper Margaret and Linda took Isa over to Monas
13 35 7 m p h At 9 20 a m Marg and Linda left for Jeans on their way home to Fernie B C
14 40 to 60 nice wash Isa and I alone but David came early for school I got milk .24 Cheer
1.73 at Wilsons Joe cut grass 1.00 bread .23
15 40 to 56 S W milk .24 cottage cheese .34 Safeway chicken 1.15 Isa paid putty Macleods
.25 tin on heel of boot .10 35 cents to enshure Allens raisor garbage came 3 25 P M
16 50 to 60 today we went to Comercial Printers got a few things then to eatons to try to get a
fry pan handle we got a basket Ontario grapes cost 99 cents then to Safeway got some
things also a case pears to be delivered
17 50 to 64 back down to 54 Ashdowns 18 cent hooks Southern Stationary cement .58
Comercial Printers refill Northrite 29 cents for paper mate
- 497 -
18 41 to 46 I walked to Mrs M McNabs to grease also a 2 lb honey pail to return Isa and Nora
drove over Noras first they got the case of peaches from Safeway been paid for since
Wednesday 15th I got a kee made at Macleods 35 cents 25 cents screw repairs commercial
printers this P M went to meat market got 35 cents cheese
19 Anniversity card Mr and Mrs G Reasbeck also Mrs Daisy Cummings cool bright got milk
.24 juice .34 mail came early Hartford took me to Macleod I visit Mr Pat Strain, Mr
Day, George Robinson Bill Alcock also Rosen also A M Sumner lived south of Charley
Brewster
20 33, 36 today cloudy cool Ian came this A M and Phyllis Allens his sister came from
Calgary had dinner here then Ian Phyllis Allen and I went out for honey at the buisy bee
he got 17 lbs X 18 cents – 3.06 Ian directed we also went to the Jail to see the fish in the
wishing well exp farm this early morn I went to Monas and got a turkey for Isa to cook
we had lunch here and left at ¼ to 4 for home
21 36,38 cool bright this a m Isa and I went to bus depo then across street and bought 2 pair
mens Stanfield drawers $5.90 then we called into Consumers no further purchess then
Isa went to Safeway I to Bert and Mack then both came home I came first this P M
Monas mother and two sisters Mona David and Ian had supper here then Margaret and
Jack came here and Margaret took them home had a lunch and left for Fernie B C about 8
or 9 eve
22 48 to 61 wash A m N W 19 this morning Milk .24 eggs 90 for 3 dozen Mrs Greyson in
few minutes A M I walk up to Dan repair then to Bert and Macks cycle shop Isa took
David home after school garbage P M
23 35 65 this morning to Wilsons got bottle Joy 1.25 then Nora took us and dropped us at
Mona We visited until nearly 12 noon came home to get Davids dinner we had cup tea
Eatons .38 this p m we went to Greyhound to see Monas mother and two sisters on the bus
to go to Calgary then came back to Y M C A and Isa got a suit mens clothes 7.00 I paid
3.00
24 39 to 61 Nora in for breakfast got milk .24 Isa went to school with David about a vacnate
then after mail came we went p town to hoyts sell out in the mall then to Comercial then
Safeway back to Eatons
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25 30 to 43 rain mail 9 20 today we had a terrible day I bought $110 heater at consumers
hardware and they took a smaller one in on $50 trade and I paid $60 cash they sent a
truck to bring the new one and take the used one and I couldn’t get a plummer to set up the
new one until after 4 30 and everyone near froze we did get Whytock I haven’t paid for
the pluming yet Jean and Jack in a few min Jean had 5 00
26 31 to 44 today we left here after 10 o clock and went to P O and sent Winnie and family a
tract about the honey bee cost 8 cents to mail in an envelope then to eatons Isa got 3 pair
of stockings then to Safeway and walk back to home got some matches Jims also loaf bead
Marquis 23 cents pusles 1.00 for David milk .24 and stamps 6.93
27 51 to 69 he said. (he was copying these temperatures from the radio in this case “51 53 60
65 67 69”) All home alone with colds nobody here
28 41 to 48 Paid gas 6.50 postage stamps 2.00 eggs .90
bread at Wilsons .23 total 9.63
29 35 to 55 today went to P O sent Reader’s Digest 8.91 then rexall Dristan $1.25 Kitsons
novahistan 2.60 Wilsons sugar .46 Macleods Gillett .87 shoe laces .30 Total
14.38
30 39 to 54 took David and put him across the 6 ave on way to school Joe Dug garden and Isa
and I pulled some garden flowers and planted some bulbs Mrs Maggy McNab in had cup
tea then this P M we sat in Noras house while the tin smith put new pipes on the new
large heater nearly everything Whytock the plumber did such as pipes had to be done
over by the tin smith
October
1 39 to 57 milk .24 took David across 6 ave this a m a Brewster woman and a friend in a few
min this eve Isa and I went up town with Nora Isa got 10 lbs sugar 1.09 and I went to
lees got 20 lbs 2.00
2 39 to 57 telephone $4.55 Isa went early to beauty school to get her hair done Isa paid 1.30 on
telephone it was to Maggie then Marg and Linda came here from Fernie and stayed here
all night we met Nora up town and Isa got 10 lbs sugar at 1.27 at Safeway and I went to
Lees & got 20 lbs @ 2.00 Nora brought the things home
3 38 to 57 this a m Jean came down with her car & we all went to farmers market then back to
Library and I paid for 1 hr Jean and books Linda went to a drug store and bought some
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drawing paper Margaret & Isa went to Safeway for food and I got a 10 lb sugar at Lees
1.00 for Marg then I got tin oven off at Eatons we came home put some chicken in
electric cooker got ready Jeane went home first then we went to her place for dinner
Marg left 4 30
4 52 to 65 today Isa went to church with Mr and Mrs Balderson service broadcast I wrote to
Martha Downey Mrs George Harris Isas cousin
5 26 to 30 this morning was the coldest yet this season I got 1 juice .34 we got up early this
morning & start wash then I went and got 3 doz eggs .90
6 35 to 78 this A M Mrs King gave a check on treasury branch for rent for October I took it to
treasury branch cashed it and stopped into Woolworths had a cup tea and piece pie then
went to Comerce deposited it got loaf Marquis .23 and got back for dinner Olie called
me in on the Cartright and Evens property and wanted a little more of our land this P M I
went to Jims and got a Maxwell House coffee also carton Orange Crush total 1.90
Read
gas P M
7 36 to 42 Isa made jelly I took a sample down to Mrs J D MacLains in her container 8 is rong
it was the 7th I went to clynic read light and water
8 33 to 68 today Mrs McNab called also Mrs Gregson I took a walk up 7th ave on lane and
back on 9th st had a talk with Mr Pete 2nd last house on West side Jean Jack and Ian left
here for Manville via taber
9 56 wind W 20 cool and dull this a m I went to Haig Clynic without breakfast then when I
got out and had breakfast we took David and went to Eatons Safeway I bought 25 lbs
Robin Hood 2.79 2.10 for fertilizer Ed Reardon brought the flower and fertilizer home
for us
10 48 to 61 this A M we stayed home all fore noon waiting for Hartford to come from Murphys
wedding then this P M we went for a long walk and called into P O to send a birthday to
Mrs Babe then Eatons then Safeway and up on 5th street & back home and got a note from
Hartford in between the doors Mrs Greyson in few min a m David came home with us
11 71-74 Isa to church with Mr and Mrs Balderson we went to Monas for tea her Uncle Al Mr
and Mrs Clark from Calgary were there
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12 45,49 no mail this a m I had a good visit with Mr and I have the police at Maggys place
Mona and David brought her Uncle and Aunt Mr and Mrs Clark from Calgary over to our
place for a cup tea and cake it is really warm and some wind
13 44 to 85 This A M we went up town as soon as the mil came we went to Fraser first then I
went across the lane and got a meadle threader at Singers .15 then to hoyts got a hammer
handle wedge .10 then we went to consumers
14 45 to 70 Monday being a holiday the garbage came today we went to City Hall voted then
to P O and mailed the pay to the Whytock plumer $11.10 + .18 for money order to Eatons
got battery .25 for flashlight then back to see about type writer then back home
15 this a m milk .24 juice .34 = .58 we went to Rexall sale at Marquis very windy Nora is
away this P M I went to haig Clynic sat around hear and there for an hower or more
Jean in a min or so eve alone Jack was at civic centre
16 36 46 this a m Nora went up town we went with her went to underwood typewriter repair
to Eatons I to Macleods got a kee made for Nora 35 cents then I to cresgies then
Safeway Consumers marshal Wells this p m I went and got 3 doz eggs .90 This eve Jack
Jean Ian Isa and I went to bank to clip bond coupons and Jack parked by the library and
they all carried their groceries over to library
17 34 to 47 today Nora took us uptown everybody got lost so we went from Eatons also to
Safeway cottage cheez and milk also to Consumers got a plate or two then we had dinner
I layed down and Margaret and Linda came then they had dinner and took Margarets car
and went Jeans a min then Margaret took us and David up to Consumers got more plates
Marg and Linda left for fernie about 3 30 got Marg gas Texaco 3.40 Elmer
18 30 to 50 froze ice in pail back yard Isa to church with Mrs Baldwin I got dinner
19 35 to 52 went to Clynic before breakfast then they took a sample of blood & urin then
came home and had breakfast have to do it again went back at 11 gave some more blood
20 50 to 74 SW 20 Nora left 10 past 7 for a visit to Saskatchewan a m we took ride on bus
Isa paid for sending Allans typewriter to Allen in Sarnia Ont came back and checked on
Noras gass bill then into Macleods and home I cashed Noras check at Safeway and paid
for groceries 2.49
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21 20 to 46 N W 20 cool this a m Isa and I went up town and I paid $18 00 on msI for 3
months we went to bank and came home and I walk to Wilsons got pastry flower .57
also bread crumbs 29 cents total 86
22 22 to 68 S 19 calm bright 1 milk .24 1 butter milk 22 = .46 I gave Isa $10 00 and we
walk to Safeway I bought 10 lbs sugar for Margaret if she comes Friday I got a loaf
Marquis bred 23 cents Mr J D McLin bought us home Mrs Maggie McNab bought in 2
egg fillers and stayed a while
23 40 to 60 loaf gluten bead .35 1 milk 24 cents Isa down to Monas David is sick from an
inoculation he got at school about 21st Mona was up this eve and paid Isa for keeping
David and sending him to school Margaret phone this eve
24 35 to 51 cottage cheese and juice 48 cents then after breakfast I went and got 3 doz eggs 90
cents then I took 1 dozen Mona got 30 cents back then we had dinner and sat around
looking for Margaret Margaret and Linda got hear 3 20 p m then we all went to Eatons
Safeway farmers market Isa got loaf Marquis we also got some things at 13th St Safeway
Jack and Jean got here a few minutes about 10 p m had cake and tea
25 this morn we slept until after 8 then about 11 a m Marg and Linda went to jeans for coffee
26 30, 35 cloudy it looked like snow and a drop or two did come down we washed anyway
then I went over on 8th st looking for 638 8th St S then I walked down 6th Ave to 4th St
looking for 7 a Ave Mrs Greyson in P M also David was here today we got the clothes in
27 24,38 milk 24 cents garbage about 20 to 4 some mail A M David came and went to school
then this A M I went to P O and tried to get a particular kind of 5 cent stamp no use out
of date so this a m we went up and got 99 cents of the same modle in 3 cents so we can
send cards .
28 32 to 54 pencions came this a m and we went up town cashed pencion and paid more than
$25 to tin smith for putting pipes on stove chimney in suite 608 Jack Jean in after I had
gone to bed
29 40 to 46 Hartford was in a few min a m had a cup tea Isa went up town a m Isa here a few
min with Hartford then this p m I went to drappins got bills for Isa 2 battery 89 1 19
cottage cheese 34 milk 24 total 2.66
Ms Greyson Maggy McNab
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30 45 to 55 went to Marquis got loaf bread .23 also got loaf gluten .35 went to Sash and Door
got 2 little sticks 50 cents then went and got 3 doz eggs 90 cents
31 South 9 miles 24 to 59 milk 38 juice 32 - 58 cents I called on Mrs McNab early grease
empty milk container also coupons then Isa and I went Eatons Safeway
November
1 39 to 60 last night was Halloween and we had 56 calers beside Kathleen stopped in for a cup
tea and stayed until nearly 11 o clock besides Eve McLain and Mrs Maggy McNab Isa to
church with Baldersons I mailed a letter to Campbellford Ont nursery
2 58 42 S W 6 cloudy we washed mail late after 10 am Ms Maggie McNab in had cup tea
3 rain .4 in rain 30, 31, 32, 29 pd telephone 5 20 Isa and I uptown bought 2 $100 bonds
went to Eatons Mrs McNab in had a bite supper eve
4 35 to 50 this a m I took a letter to Phylis also a present to P Office for Maggie Registered it I
also went to Purity and got cottage cheese .34 Isa went to Mrs McNabs to a prayer
meeting ¼ to 10 we also got a letter from Allan Sarnia Ont Mrs Nora King came home
this eve
5 27 32 30 W 30 milk .24 went up town got Marquis .23 also pictures at Eatons and
weaners at Safeway .39 .24 .23 .86 total this noon Hartford came in time for dinner he
brought over bus wheat for bird feed for us to feed sparrows then we went over to North
side and got piece cement block to stop dogs and Hartford a lot of scrap pieces for a walk
for his toilet he went home about 4 a m (probably p m)
6 43 to 55 West 10
this a m I got milk .24 then I went Wilsons got 5 lbs potatoes 29 cents
7 Margaret and Linda got here at 15 to 1 a m then this a m we all went to farmers market then
to loblaws then to Dominion there I got sack fertilizer 2.10 then to jeans then back up on
north side and got a cement block for gate after dinner I went with Margaret to shell gas
and put $3.00 gas in her car and I walked home we had supper and Isa took David home
and got back at 6 30
8 27 to 45 clear calm Isa to church with Mrs Balderson then this p m she cooked a goose and
had Jean Jack Ian also Mona and David here for supper
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9 22 to 50 calm and nice this a m I went and got 3 doz eggs .90 and took 1 doz to Mona at .30
then I went to herald and got a paper for Margaret .10 wraped and took it to Post Office I
mailed at 5 + 3 = 8 cents Isa to peminackon club with King and Mrs McNab I kept
David after he came from school
10 33,37,38 I went got milk .24 then a Marquis .23 then a cottage cheese .34 then to jims
orange crush 35 Hartford came at noon with some more dishes for Betty then after noon
we went to McGavins for bread then to health food and I got loaf gluten and Hartford got
2 loaves each loaf 35 cents. Then he looked at pictures a few min then he left for home
11 43 to 56 this was a holiday nobody here and nobody away SW 18 miles
12 this a m Isa and I went to Consumers took the leaky flower can back and also got a ski
jacket by check $12.44 also I bought a case pairs at the fruit store on 3rd Ave they cost
about 2.00 + .25 delivery coat and pares deliverd at noon
13 19 to 47 NW 4 snow today milk .24 glutin bread .35 not much mail snow eve We read in
the Lethbridge herald that David Jiles got killed in his own car
14 12 to 20 NW 11 Isa and I up to P O Consumers Safeway Marquis loaf bread .23 then to
fabricks for pattern then to Macleods I put on felt boots and over shoes lots of snow and
ice the city put sand on corners of streets Mona was over a few min p m David didnt
come Vermilion Standard came today Margaret came eve she had her supper here then
Jack and jean came and we all sat around until 11 o clock then this Sunday morn ...
15 26 to 40 ...she left here for Ferny she also showed some slides and honed back from ferny
about 2 30 p m Isa walked to church this fore noon and I washed the dishes and got dinner
16 29 to 34 milk 24 juice 34 58 cents Postage stamps 3.00 Isa and I up town p m we looked
for a pattern went to Eatons and macleods got home soon after David got here
everybody seemed to get out of school early we washed early before we went out
17 29 to 39 5 E Nora got her gas bill we got a letter for Mrs Harkness Mrs King came in a
min I also was to Mrs McNabs then I went to 608 10th street south and stoped in a min to
see a lady that lost her pedal car last year Mrs Greyson in a while
18 20 to 33 this a m Isa and I went up to frasers with Nora also Mr Balderson then we came
home with Nora but not Mr Balderson Mrs Maggy McNab just dropped in Isa is at the
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school parents and guardians Sent Estella Stevenson two maps of Alberta one Shell one
C.A.gas 4.72 I paid Sears $5
19 37 to 40 first caller a woman on a bike looking for a piano teacher milk 24 cents Hartford
phone 10 30 a m
20 Mr L Bosower died Dec 9 1964 He was 94 years old
There are no entries from Nov 21 to 28 except
a comment on November 27
“Sir Winston Churchill died January 24th 1965”
The visit was to St. Michael’s Hospital for the removal of a cataract from the left eye.
29 Jean Jack and Ian brought me from St Micals about non and dinner here Paid $20 for 12
days or $2.50 per day cold and lots snow
30 2 above 3 above this p m Isa and I got ride with Nora King up to bank then to Kitsons drug
store $8.00 medicine then to Dr Lenong and back home its cold lots of snow Mrs
McNab in this eve a few mins
December
1 Isa and I got a ride up town with Nora she took the eye drops back to Kitsons they gave us
the wrong stuff Mrs King came in and brought us a Megavins loaf she also had dinner
here 7 in snow a record since 1893.
2 4, 6 above Joe was here shoveled snow off our walk cost 1.00 Isa went and got 3 doz eggs
.90- snow and eggs 1.90
3 6 and 9 above sun shone this a m I got juice 43 milk 24 Isa went up town on bus to eatons
Safeway and Nora went early and got back 10 past 10 a m
4 zero to 12 milk 24 cold dull day mailed an Vermilion paper to Allen then got 3 doz eggs 90
and took 1 doz to Mona then went to j D McLeans he was to ciment soles in my over
shoes only I didnt take the soles
5 19 to 21 Nora took us to Safe way got a few things then we took her to Eatons for lunch 43 I
paid Eatons for jeans Xmas present a typewriter table and chair I paid for it out of rent
Nora paid rent $35 new rubbers on glasses 50 cents Wilsons 17 salt 31 wax paper
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cheese 25 jack Jean and Ian came down late eve Ian a new 22 rifle Jean had received her
type writer table and chair but not pleased with the chair had tea and took trycle home
6 34 United Church on air
7 24 to 37 above today we washed then Nora took us to pay telephone bill 4.05 then we
walked to P O sent a piece Xmas cake to Allen went to Safe way Eatons Consumers
Eatons got deer hide lined gloves and walked home through school ground and picked up
David Mrs Greyson in a min also Nora and Mrs McNab was here left an egg container
8 26 to 36 eggs 90 for 3 doz windy Jean in a few mins Jack gave blood and Ian to Cubs
9 36 39 37 today we got a ride up with Nora we went P O Isa sent parcels then we went to
eye Dr then to Singer and I went to bank got $25.00 then we walked home had dinner
and Isa went to hair dresser I went to Wilsons got 5 lb potatoes also a large Joy 1.25
total 1.62 I took doz eggs to Mona 25 cents met Isa there David was sick today but came
10th
10 22, 26 Wilsons carrots 17 Alberta meat market mince meat 45 this eve Jean Jack Ian
droped in Isa gave Jean a caserol she got from Mrs McLain Jean took the typewriter chair
back to Eatons and gave me $6 and kept the table at $11.90
11 18 to 28 this a m milk 28 and cottage cheese 38 then we got David away and Isa and I went
to Marquis got 3 tarts for David then Eatons then Woolworths then singer then to
Safeway then to Kresge bought a kitchen stool to be delivered Isa took bus to jeans Nora
got back at 2 p m at 2 to 3 Im still waiting for stool Mrs White took censis on 9th at eve
12 5 10 12 14 22 cold and snow we went up town on bus got off at P Office went to
Comercial mall then to Woolworths then eatons safeway and walk back home Jack and
Jean came and brought some potatoes and after that Margaret and Linda came they went
early town doing some stuff stayed all night
13 29 colder 19 Margaret and Linda left about 9 30 stopped at Monas and phoned back from
Fernie 1 20 David in and out p m
14 6 10 11 and snow got milk 24 and ordered bread David came and went to school but
isn’t feeling too spry
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15 23 to 28 cyclone all tempr below zero David came and went to school a m went back p m
garbage came at noon also milk we got 2 quarts 48 cents
16 38 to 40 below 30 to 50 mile wind Isa and I got taxi to go to Dr Long cost .60 and we
walked back Isa phoned from Safeway Mrs King to take David in and feed him and we
walked home stopped at Woolworths Eatons and Post Office I mailed my letter to Mrs
Arthur Stevenson Estella Fleming Stirling Ont Mrs King 608 and Mrs Maggy McNab
and daughter here tonight
17 1, 2, 3, below with a SW cold wind I burned some trash in barrel this morning Isa writing
cards this p m Nora and Isa went to Eatons Safeway Nora had a truck there with a
booster on to start the car it wouldn’t start yesterday
18 this a m mailed a paper to Allen about Dave Jiles death then got 3 doz eggs took 1 doz to
Mona then went to Mcleans and he came over to fix our shoes Hartford came here and
had supper Mrs J D morgaret in a few mins
19 5 6 9 8 below 10 below up town on bus taxi home Nora left for California on bus this
morning we had dinner did dishes had a sleep then Mr J D McLean came and finished
cementing rubber soles on my rubber covered boots had coffee and went home I got a
larger pair of soles at Cosmopolitan east of Safeway
20 17 15 more snow Isa walk to church a m Nora left on bus for California the 19th 64
21 11 blow I got cottage cheese 34 Beep 34 milk 24 then I went to Wilsons got McGavins
23 bread crumbs and calander Jean was in a few min evening Jack picked her up but
didn’t come in
22 6 5 NE 10 Isa made some cookies the fast mailman came this a m snow all a m nobody
shovel snow David went to his home didn’t come home Mrs McNab in eve garbage
didn’t come today
23 6 and 7 below N E wind garbage came early this a m David came to school early took his
teacher a present then went to up town with us He had some money and bought some
presents Isa had a strik of luck She found $20 in a box so she got a turkey also some
groceries we came home in a taxi cost 70 cents Joe shoveled our Walks off
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24 31-26 mail came late today May came to help Isa clean the floors I shovelled the north
veranda off a m twice today
25 13 16 17 above SW wind Mrs Mcnab thread Mrs Greyson socks Mona socks Allen cuffs
and tie set Jean and Jack barometer Ian a spoon with bug also a Royls Royce car Nora
left me paper tissues
26 mail came at 10 30 in a car
27 16 and 19 below today Isa walk to church this p m Mona brought David Elizabeth over to
skate they all dropped in for a few min its cold phone Margaret at Vancouver Mr and
Mrs George Reasbeck is staying in Calgary for the winter
28 16 below to 9 below wind N E at 6 I went to Wilsons aid for tin apple juice went to Mrs
McNabs P M Isa and David walk up by Monas and took a table cloth to exchange for a
cheaper one this is a cold day parcels from Margaret and Linda sent from ferney before
Xmas over 400 head cattle has died in central Alberta mostly around Hannah B C is
cold snow first white in 15 years
29 3 24 21 19 today we took David with us and we went to Eatons then the bank Pencions
came I went to city hall paid 2 months $5 on next months then to gas paid $10.00
advance I got 4.00 in 25 cent pieces 3 doz eggs eve 90 cents
30 Albert Tawsend the last mailman came this A M he is the superintendent Mona walked in
for David
31 12 16 a letter from California Mrs Nora King to show Mrs Maggy McNab Mrs Greyson in
a few minutes eve wind turn S W in the night and blow hard all night Isa stayed up until
12 o cock but I didn’t hear any noise We got milk 24 bread at Marquis 23 12 days
without a garbage pickup
Many many accounts, addresses and comments Hartford gave him the 1963 diary for Christmas
(Margaret gave this one)
3 clippings tucked in Wedding announcement for October 10, James Douglas Murphy, son of
Charles Murphy, Macleod and Cheri Dee Wiest of Lethbridge. (Hartford attended –
mentioned in diary)
Local delegates attend meeting of cancer group
Poem “Dad Surveys the Situation”
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THIS IS THE LAST DIARY IN THE COLLECTION.
Egbert Wells , born January 24, 1886 died December 20, 1968
Isabella May (Rollins) Wells, born May 5, 1888 died February 8, 1979
They were married in Lethbridge, September 5, 1914 and are buried side by side in Mountain
View Cemetery
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