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I forthwith take my pen in hand to write the opening page of my "Doing's Diary." I hope that none of the unpleasant occurrences of my life will ever be written down on any of its pages.
Pleasant Party at Boarding House
Quite a surprise was given the men boarders of Mrs. Molly Johnson of Lincoln Street last night when they arrived for supper. The lady boarders had beautifully decorated the rooms with holly and Christmas bells and a bounteous supper was served. Miss Marian Best had the fortunes of each one written out on cards and numbers were drawn. A huge pie was in the center of the table, with strings attached to each piece, so that each one drew a string and a pie. Mrs. Johnson was the recipient of a handsome gift from the boarders. Seth Barnes making the presentation.
I originated this and did most of the planning for it. It nearly exhausted my vocabulary to make the rhymed character sketches but nevertheless I lived thru it and here they are. Every one read some one else's and then passed it to the one to whom it belonged.
This "C" is for Mr. Campion
About whom, when all is said & done
We can tell you just a bit
Before we were scarcely aware of it
The new additional boarder had come
To seek at Mrs. Johnson's a home
A little bird told me one day
That, like a skylark blythe and gay
He is always singing or whistling
Especially early in the morning
Of course we never had heard
But still we don't doubt that little bird's word
Let us hope that here he may be happy
And that none of us with him may be scrappyThis "L" is for Mr. Lapic, so strong
Who is so straight, so slender, and long
He too, a student at our school
Who is able under that steadfast rule
To conquer good marks year after year,
Relinquished by teachers without a tear
He is wise and thoughtful, serious, and sober,
Very seldom enjoying hearty laughter.
If he ever does let loose his wits
We laugh ourselves nearly into fits
He scarcely ever smiled at first
I guess his heart strings were nigh ready to burst"B" stands for Barnes
Whose place is at the head of the table
Worthy indeed for such a position
He is intelligent, alert, and capable
Daily companion of Mr. Tallman
Barnes, we all have heard, is able
To perform on his motorcycle
Stunts indescribable and innumerable
Since we have never seen him acting
We can't tell if this be fact or fable
Amongst the ladies he is quiet
Always though he is liable
To do a great deal of joking and jesting
Proving himself pleasant and amiableThis "R" stands for Roscoe Raub
The finest of our company.
Indeed he is a gentleman
Who treats all the ladies courteously
A right good fellow we all affirm
He is a student, wise and worthy
Of business men's methods, ways, and means
He never was known to rise early
But nevertheless thru the rest of the day
He comes to his meals very promptly"V" stands for the courageous Valesh
Captain of the team in football
Of the beloved Mankato Normal
Respected and honored by us all
Looked upon as a mighty person
Cause he made himself famous last fall.
He seems quiet, dreamy, thoughtful
Responding only when you call"N" is for the dandy Nelson
Truly a handsome young fellow
Who in his every daily lessons
Proves that his head is not hollow.
As a teacher, a worthier senior
All the faculty will soon know
Never, never, again shall be here
Never was, and is not now.
To this honored youth at the table
One and all should be bowing"S" is for Lewis Shimota
Who is very popular
Known not only in Minnesota
But by girls so far distant
As the worthy town Kasota
Brown eyes, black hair has he
Face so charmingly attractive
What a splendid picture we see
Adequate cause to set on flight
Any girl's dreams thru realms of fancy"M" is for Miriam
Tall and fair
Who is ever willing
Our frolics to share
Her taste runs to music
But whisper it low
She's been writing poetry
And no one's to know
If her jingles and rhymes
Have pleased you tonight
Please don't show it
It will give her a fright.
- (Written by E. W. And W. W. to give away my secret)
This "S" stands not for Shimota but Sharp
A dainty fairy, refined young Miss
Who goes every day to the big high school
Where no scrap of knowledge does she miss
But gathers more and more every day
Because she thinks that work such bliss
Then down to the library every night
She treads her weary way like this
Scarcely ever heeding wind or rain
We hope for Hazel, our fair young damsel
That her powers for gaining knowledge
Will carry her on thru college"B" stands for Mary Boode
Always a student who does her duty
In a high school not faraway
Where she goes day after day
She is quiet & usually day dreaming
Never once indulging in jesting
I know it would just take reams
Of paper, if she were to write her dreams
She spends her time alas in vain
Expecting splendid air castles in Spain
Which fall when she hears some one holler
Thus old and well known cry - "supper"
T'is a shame my little maiden
That such great grand castles golden
Should be rudely destroyed in a moment
And to the four winds ruthlessly sentThis "T" stands for Joseph Tallman
If you've never met him you've missed much
With him many a day we've eaten
While he told us funny stories
So as to make our faces lest solemn
And to turn the current of our thought
From teachers and books that enlighten
To the less serious aspects of life
To him we often love to listen
As he sings many fine songs
And we hope that this very evenin'
He will sing more than a littleYet still another "T" is here seen
This one stands for Mr. Turnet
Likewise a student at the Normal
But unlike the rest he is quiet
Very seldom he does any speaking
But serenly does he sit
Watching, smiling, laughing, thinking
Vever giving us the benefit
Of his thoughts in form intelligible
Others say that he does much talking
We cannot, will not believe it
Tell to us his rhyme he is readingThis "P" is for brother Harold Pew
A high school student here in our midst
Once well I describe him to you
He is tall of stature, slender and straight
Fair of face and hair, and as we view
This youth, our hearts within us thump
We see romantic eyes anew
Filled with an everflowing light
In truth to give this boy his due
He is pleasant company alrightLet this "W" stand for Wilson
Let this little rhyme be to Edith
And when this silly one is done
Winifred next shall be the victim
Edith to the Normal has gone
And for a year and she can
With Shimota, a mental race run
As to the hows, whys and wherefores
Very often she has won
In this psychological discourse
She is not of thought, a patron
Only, but of merry jesting fun
Always she loves to take her share
Often making a suitable pun
When we are at our wits ends
In desperation
Do seek expression
In exasperation
We obtain the impression
That for certain action
Suppressed emotion
Is a better conditionNow let this "W" stand for Winifred
So gaily speaking so light of heart
That we look to her daily for a generous part
Of the mirth for which we are nearly dead
Skillfully she can pass the bread
At our table and with a calm face
She is able to let it fall thru space
And out on the nice white tablecloth spread
She dresses in such becoming red
She is charming from her head to her feet
Indeed, she is especially sweet
At least that is what she at one time said
To believe in her natural ability we're led
Since we know she sings, plays & skates
As well as any one of her mates
And is generally, successful in raising Old Ned
Juniors Entertained
The juniors of the kindergarten of the normal school entertained the seniors of that department in the model school Friday evening.
We juniors invited the seniors to a children's party and they accepted. Then we dressed as old ladies, and acted as chaperones, thus turning the tables on the too officious seniors. They were somewhat amazed at our costumes at first but they soon mastered the situation. We endeavored to carry out a mock kindergarten but our youngsters got so obstreptuous that it was wellnigh impossible. Everybody acted foolish, everybody laughed, and everybody really seemed to have a good time, at least the seniors said they did.
Sleighride Party
On Saturday evening some of the young people boarding at Mrs. Johnson's home on Lincoln Street were given a most enjoyable sleigh ride and party by Harold Pew. Misses Hazel Sharp, Mary Budde, Miriam Best, Edith Wilson and Winifred Wilson, and Messrs. S. W. Barnes, Roscoe Robb and Harold Pew made up the party. They went to Mr. Pew's home in Nicollet, six miles north of Mankato and had a candy pull and played games there. As a finishing touch to a most pleasant evening Mr. Pew's mother and sister served an oyster supper.
To me this was the event of the winter. It is my first country party, my first "wagon bottom sleigh ride" and I ate my first oyster. Truly, quite an event for the city bred youngster. It was a cold, snappy, clear night and the moon shoon so beautifully. We left town at about six, and went thru N. Mankato and then onto the hill road and arrove at 7:30. We warmed up and then made and pulled taffy and played games -- Roscoe Raub was most attentive to me, we cracked nuts, pulled taffy, and played the games together. He was at my elbow all evening and I certainly enjoyed it. Coming home as well as going out we sat beside each other in wagon box. On the return trip he figured out the warmest side and bade my sit there making me as comfortable & warm as possible. We talked music and nature all the way in. He always called me "Bestus" after that and was unusually attentive.
We left Pew's at 11:45 and arrived in Mankato 1:45. It was strange that it took so much longer to come downhill home than it did to go uphill to the farm. I wish it could have taken longer.
Valentine Party
St. Valentine's evening was the occasion for a very pleasant surprise, given my Miss Marian Best, for the boarders at Mrs. M. W. Johnson's on Lincoln Street. A dainty Valentine luncheon was served by Mrs. Johnson and her sister. The guests found their places at the table by drawing hearts numbered in rotation. Red hearts formed the decorations and tiny candy hearts bearing mottos were placed at each plate. Much enjoyment was created by combining and reading the mottos. Solos, rendered by Miss Best and Mr. Tallman added to the pleasure of the evening.
I was hostess as usual and it finally proved to be a very pleasant affair. In fooling with the hearts a great many deemed as appropriate to me were passed to me. Roscoe Raub passed several personal ones and every one wanted to see them and I was obliged to eat them quickly. Then he threw some that were still more personal and excitement ran high. I was showered with all sorts of complementary ones until I really began to feel quite flattered. The senders are to be excused fore undoubtedly they were borne away by the excitement of the moment.
Pleasant "Hobo" Party
Friday night at the home of Miss Anna Serverance the junior kindergartners celebrated the birthday anniversary of one of their members by a "hobo" party. The costumes were all striking and original and created much merriment. Each "hobo" brought his own "handout" and a most delicious conglomeration was the result. On departing the company wished Miss Hodgson many more happy birthdays.
Everyone had the stomach ache next day, "Nuff said".
Ruth and I spent these days on the Wilson farm just out of Madelia. It is a beautiful place, surrounded by natural woods, thru which we girls took two very delightful trips. I tried my hand at horseback riding much to the amusement of the other girls because I was not nearly adventuresome enough for them.
Sunday they invited two young men friends of theirs out to dinner and one of them was captivated by Ruth. He was her devoted admirer and attendant all the time that we were doing our target shooting.
Saturday evening we made fudge and had a costume party. The brown sugar that we made the fudge of had a string in it and we did not know it, so it was "fussy fudge". After we made the candy Winiefred and I dressed up in her brother's clothes (he was down town) and had a high old time.
Mr. Tallman, Mr. Raub, Ruth and I went picking flowers out in the ravine on the way to the "spring". We gathered blood roots, wind flowers, Dutchman's breeches and birch bark. We went for violets but didnot find any although I found a new secret that I had not realized before. It was dark when we returned and we were tired, but exceptionally happy.
We junior kindergartners had a kimona party at the home of Anna Severance.
Winifred and Mr. Pew, Ruth and Mr. Shimota myself and Roscoe Raub, and Mr. Campion walked to Minneopa Falls at the State Park. It is about 4 1/2 miles from Mankato as we walked it on the railroad track. We had a good time all the way down and Mr. R fed me choclate almonds (I suppose he thought I wasn't sweet enough).
The falls and their surroundings are much like Minnehaha, only in a miniature form. The creek winds away from the falls as it does there and it also is crossed by two quaint rustic bridges. We found violets, anemones, wind flowers, dog-toothed violets and Dutchman's breeches. We girls had our initials carved up under the falls by our friends in the usual romantic way.
Mr. Raub and I had a good swing and a good chat all by ourselves. He is the most admirable met I have ever met. I didnot want to go to-day because I didnot like to ask him to go but he seemed to be glad that he was asked so I was perfectly happy.
We came home on the afternoon train and met Edith who was just coming from home. She was surprised to see us all, as we had hoped that she would be.
Winiefred, Ruth and I went out to Highland Park with our breakfast. We came back thru Silver Ravine and picked big, blue wood violets and some apple blossoms.
We girls got separated and the first thing was Ruth's voice "I'm stuck in to the knee. Miriam, come pull me out". I went to the rescue and there she was in the softest stickiest mud imaginable. We have appropriately named her "Miss Stick-in-the-Mud."
Winniefred, Ruth and I made fudge in my chafing dish and then took it out to Sibley Park and eat it. We went down to the train to met Edith when she came from home. I sang a solo in C.E. But I guess it wasn't so very good.
Ruth, Edith and I walked thru North Mankato to the foot of the hills and picked violets. We got down in the depot just in time to meet Winiefred when she came from home.
Mr. Shimota and Mr. Valesh called while we were gone and we were very sorry to have missed them but we will be at home next time.
We went home with Hazel Sharp Saturday afternoon and returned Sunday afternoon. They have a beautiful, commodious brick house with all sorts of modern improvements and conviences. They are peculiar and eccentric people but wonderfully fine entertainers. Mrs. Sharp is an old fashioned person and still wears her hair in curls down her back, tied with one ribbon bow at the neck & one on the top of her head.
Saturday evening, Hazel's brother took us for an eight mile automobile drive thru the country. It was a most enjoyable ride and we had most congenial company.
When we came in from Sharps they gave us each a big bunch of lilies-of-the-valley, pansies and lilacs. We treasured them immensely and keep them as long as it was possible to.
Mrs. Sharp knew about the poorly-cooked foods we were getting at the boarding house and so she gave us every dainty, rich, extraordinary food that she could think of.
The junior kindergartners entertained the seniors at a picnic out at Sibley Park. The spread was good but it fell to me to get the dishes from the kitchen, carry them out and back and return them, washed and in good condition. My arm was lame for a week afterwards. When our bunch was getting onto the streetcar, I saw Mr. Raub and a young lady get off and go up to the park (I felt awful but I got over it).
Fifteen of our boarding house bunch went out Glenwood Ave and had a good wiener roast. We sang and told stories around the fire. Mr. Valesh accompanied me home. Mr. Barnes took us for an auto ride on the Eagle Lake Road, but when got about two miles out the machine broke and we had to return home. We reached home just as some of the machinery in the car snapped.
The four of us sat out on the porch until 11:40 and Mr. Jones teased us, and Ruth and Mr. Shimota especially. We had never met him before that evening.
Baccalaureate Sunday.
In the afternoon Ruth, Mrs. Anderson and myself had Henry Nelson's horse and carriage and went out to the cemetary for columbine for the next evening's spread at the boarding house. The flowers were so beautiful and in such a luxuriant abundance, that the hillside was one red mass.
Ruth stepped on a snake and it coiled around her ankle. She was terribly frightened and it almost made her ill.
In the evening Mr. Tallman came down and sang while Ruth and I played. He did not stay long but we had a most enjoyable time (Ruth did).
We had a boarding house spread and Roscoe Raub was there as an invited guest. There was a good crowd and we had good things to eat.
Barnes, Winiefred, Tallman and Raub all gave me a birthday spanking, each with a lot of extra pats. Mrs. Johnson made me a birthday cake, Hazel gave me a box of choclates, and Edith and Winiefred gave me a pink jabot.
Our party broke up quite late and Mr. Tallman and Ruth, Mr. Raub and I walked down to the house. We left our baggage and went for a long stroll and as R. R. was exceptionally congenial I was especially happy. We parted that night I suppose never to meet again, at least not for some time.
Round in a circle
Round in a ring
Thru all the bushes
She drove the poor thing
Ask Miss Best
- D J Crane
- Hans Nelson
- J L Tallman
- Mankato
- Roscoe Raub
- Jackson Minn
- Winifred Wilson
- Madelia Minn
- J. J. Turek
- Montgomery Minn.
- Emil Lapic
- Veseli
- Hazel Sharp
- Mankato R. B.
- Lewis L. Shimota
- Veseli
- Ruth M Whitmore
- Excelsior
- John R. Valesh
- Veseli Minn
- S. V. Barnes
- Mankato Minn
- F. W. Bleck
- Waldorf Minn
- Edith Wilson
- Madelia
- Joseph Campion
- Jordan Minn
- F. Marion Selby
- Vernon Center
Entertained the Boarders
The boarders at Mrs. Mollie Johnson's house on Lincoln Street were entertained at a party last evening, which was in the nature of a farewell, as a large number of the boarders will leave with the closing of the schools. A six o'clock supper was served which lasted into the evening. The rooms were prettily decorated with honeysuckles. The music was furnished by Miss Ruth Whitmore, who gave several selections on the violin, Miss Winifred Wilson, who played on the violin, and several vocal solos by Joseph Tallman and Roscoe Raub. Birchbark autographs proved the hit of the evening.
Hazel, Winiefred, Ruth and I had a strawberry shortcake up in our room and it was licking good. Mrs. Anderson loaned us her linen, cut glass, fine china and solid silver for the occassion so we were very fine indeed. We had been hungry for shortcake all spring and for once we got filled.
The senior reception came off in the evening and Ruth and I went because we were to help serve. Of course Mr. Shimota accompanied us home and he was especially delightful company.
In the morning we packed our trunks and went up to the chapel exercises.
The graduating exercises were in the evening and the speaker was President Vincent of the University. He spoke on "the larger selfishness" and it was exceptionally good.
The Glee Club sang twice and our octet once. My partner on the second soprano did not sing with me on the solo parts so it was necessary for me to shine.
Before the line marched up Mr. Nelson talked to me for a long time in the library and really sat by my side. Mr. Sebly and Shweickhardt asked my advice about pinning on their roses. My wasn't I popular! It surely must have been due to the fact that I had my new dress on.
We got up at 4 a.m. and Shine took us down to the depot. Ruth lost her ticket and delayed things so that we missed the five o'clocked flyer. We took the 5:45 local though and got home at 9:05. I was sorry to leave Ruth because she had meant so much to me and I felt that she was such a good friend.
Winifred and Alice came up to our place for dinner and we went out to Ruths for supper. It seemed so good to be all together again for I had been so lonesome for them in the last few days. I met Ruth's cousins Earl Allen and Ray Woodruff and I think they are both fine fellows.
Alice and Winiefred are here again for dinner. W. has had her operation and has come back to go to summer school but she looks most mightily weak and pale.
The Christian Endeavor had a picnic on the river bank near the Lake St. bridge. I met Mr. Wiesselman the famous winner in the essay contest and the phi beta kappa student. He paid special attention to Carrie Gaumnitz but nevertheless he asked to accompany me home. We walked from the bridge to the end of the Oak St line and then we rode home on the car. He is dandy company and I should very much enjoy meeting him again.
Uncle Scholes came from Oregon.
I sang in a concert at the Broadway Church and Agnes played for me. I really did well and received a number of compliments such as "beat yourself", "sang fine", "enjoyed your singing" and "your voice has increased in beauty, volume and power".
I sang three solos in the Como Church for one of W.C.T.U. medal contests and Lillian Rose played for me. Ruth and Winiefred came up to hear me and oh they both looked so sweet.
I know I sang well because I sang for him and no one else. Yes Mr. Nolte was one of the contestants, but he didnot get the medal because he got to thinking over old times. Afterwards he told me that he was saying the words but he was thinking of other times and some one else so he broke down. His young lady friend received the medal but I do not think that she was the best speaker.
He and I talked together as of old and it scarcely seemed as if we had parted and severed our friendship. I find that I have not quenched the old esteem and admiration as well as I thought for. Sometimes it seems as if I must see him or hear from him or my heart would break. Then again the very thought of him makes me so disgusted. I wish I knew where I stand, make a home for him and love him I cannot but dislike I cannot. It is no easy thing to put away one who has been such a good friend for so long and one for whom I have planned to work and labor in the spirit of love.
Winiefred and I went to Lake Harriet for a short time in the afternoon.
Hannah, Winiefred and I went out to Como and were on the lake for over an hour. We enjoyed it all very much but we got caught in a heavy rain before we reached home.
I went up to the Methodist supper at Calkins and sang two solos after it was over. Lawerence Cady accompanied me home and he certainly is fine fine, fine. I love to hear him play.
Grandma, Hun and Uncle Scholes started out for Oregon at 11:30 p.m. and oh what a difference their going makes.
We had choir practice as usual but after it was over the boys treated we girls to ice cream and wafers. Mr. Wiesselman accompanied me home.
Ina Getchell and I went to picnic at Minnehaha and we went down into the glenn to study. I sat on the very seat where Mr. N. took my picture so long ago and the memories that came flashing back almost make me dizzy. The place was full of associations of him for I had not been there since we both strolled down as happily as two people could be. Every bit of the way spoke of him and it was all I could do to go on.
I met him up on the first bridge before the falls and he stood there as he had a number of years ago. He was alone but had his camera thrown across his shoulder in the old way. He greeted me as friendly as usual but his eyes told me this place also had old associations for him. Can it be possible that I have cast him and his love aside after all it has meant to me.
The girls of the choir entertained the boys out at a corn roast just back of Bald Head. The weather looked dubious but we went in spite of it and as a result we had a most enjoyable time around the fire. Howard W. took our pictures and then we departed thru fields thick with thistles toward our homes. It was necessary for me to roll under a very low fence and some way I managed to do so, thankful in my heart that it was a dark night. In doing so, however, I lost my glasses and Mr. Viesselman found them, greatly to my relief. The rain poured down when we nearly reached home and we were well soaked.
Camping party at the Hen's Roost - Mound. My fellow-sufferers were Ruth and Elizabeth Elwell, Dorothy and Fay Cuzner, Carrie Gaumnitz, Henrietta Fuien, myself and our chaperone Miss Fuien.
Carrie and I arrived just in time for dinner with this jolly bunch. After supper we walked down to the store and I telephoned Percy Viesselman to ask him to come for dinner with us Sunday. His fond mamma answered the phone and made me tell my name before she would as much as inform me that he would not return until Sept 1. The girls laughed at me and said that his mamma was taking good care of him.
That evening we told a blood, thunder and lightning serial story before we went to bed.
Carrie G. and I walked a mile to the post office before breakfast. Afterward we two and Miss Fuien went fishing (I didn't try but only did the rowing) and got "nary a bite"!
At noon we had a picnic luncheon over in a field back of the cottage, and near the lake shore. Fay Cuzner and I climbed a tree, a big old oak, and had a nice comfy little chat. It was hard climb up but it was still more difficult and awkward coming down because the trunk was so big around and so gnarled. However we managed to land safely and without any torn clothing. When we went back to the group, we discovered, much to the surprise of all, that Carrie G. was sleeping on my sweater in company with a great big brown snake.
Late in the afternoon we rowed over to Hardscrapple Point and went bathing.
After supper Carry and I walked to the postoffice and went to prayer - meeting at the hotel. Then I and Carrie returned while the others were out in the boat, and we spent our time writing letters. We popped corn for ourselves and eat it all up before the girls came back. Then they fixed some for themselves singing as they did so, "the man who has plenty of good popcorn and giveth his neighbor none etc". This was afterwards adopted as our camp song.
Of course Carrie and I made our usual morning trip to the postoffice before breakfast.
We spent the morning quietly reading and sewing but about 11:20 we decided to have a row. There upon we went over to the Phelps Island bridge about a mile away and gathered lilies in the bay there. It was some what after noon when we returned and poor Miss Fuien was worrying because luncheon was being delayed. She proved beyond a doubt to us that she had a stomach which worked as regularly as clockwork.
Carrie and I went to the postoffice as usual after supper. When the moon came up we went out on the lake for a long time and sang a great deal. It certainly was most delightful to ride in the moon's beautiful path and hear the rippling of the water beneath the boat.
I got up at 5:20 to take Miss Fuien and Dorothy Cuzner out on the lake so that they could fish. We went way up into Halstedt's Bay about a mile and a half from Mound, but still they didn't get a single bite. We got down at the lake shore just as the sun first peeped over the trees on the opposite shore and the lake was beautiful. Everything in the landscape suggested beauty, peace, love and God, truly an inspiring scene.
Breakfasted at 9:30 and then walked to the post-office with Carrie G.
Went bathing early in the afternoon.
C. G. and I walked to the post-office after dinner as usual, but we had to wait for the train to come in and the mail to be sorted over. However C. G. got a letter from beloved man so all was well.
Then I, Sally Maria Hashinsky and Obadiah Nahum Knickerbocker (C. G) were married. The wedding was beautifully solemnized at the bride's home with Dr. Henry Preachwell (Henrietta Fuien) presiding. The bride was gowned in white with a lace veil flowing from her head and an exquisite garland of wild tansy in her hair. She was preceeded thru the spacious room by a flower girl Dorothy Cuzner elaborately dressed in an embroidered night dress and the cretonne curtains that belonged in the attic. Her sole attendant was Fay Cuzner gowned in brown gingham.
The groom met the bride at the altar bestrewn with beautiful flowers (daisies, tansies, etc) Miss Hazel Cuzner presided at the organ (down beyond the chairs the flowers were on) and played (whistled) the (first two bars of the) Lohengrin wedding march.
Mr. and Mrs. Knickerbocker took an extensive lake trip (to the Mound Bowling Alley) but will at home Aug 25 in the Hen's Roost.
We were only gone about half an hour but somebody chivaried us in a great and grand style. Beds were upset, or filled with flowers, flour, sugar etc; chairs were turned upside down and kettles hung on the legs; the wood box was put out on the porch; bureau drawers were taken out and stood on end; every bit of clothing available, including the bathing suits out on the line, was tied into hard knots; a suit of men's clothes were stuffed with grass and laid in the hammock. Everything mischievous and clever that one could think of, was done. We never found out who was guilty but we think that the cottagers on either side combined their efforts.
These two people, Obadiah Nahum Knickerbocker and Sally Maria Hashinsky have desired to enter upon the bonds of martrimoney.
Obadiah Knickerbocker do you promise to love, honor and obey this woman who is to be your wedded wife. (I do). Do you promise to take yourself the care of the household, to bake bread at least once a week, to mend your wifes clothes and to discharge the cook (I do)
Sally Maria Hashinsky do you promise to provide for your husband, to pay gas bills and taxes, to mortgage your house for an automobile if such be your husband's desire; to eat his cooking with a cheerful countenance; to refrain from throwing biscuits at him; to rule your household including your husband. (I do)
If there be any one present who knows any reason this man and woman should be joined apart, let him now speak or forever hold his ears.
Obadiah Nahum Knickerbocker do you take this gentle maiden to be your wedded wife. I do.
Sally Maria Hashinsky do you take this freak to be your husband. I do.
He puts on ring and says, with this I thee wedd.
Obadiah Nahum Knickerbocker and Sally Maria Hashinsky I pronounce you man and wife. Whom god hath joined asunder, let no man separate together.
In the morning the bunch went over to the hotel to a Baptist preaching service and Sunday school. Rev. Ball spoke on "the faith of our fathers".
Howard Weigel, Lynn Ellis and Alleda Burnett came out for dinner, and we all had a dandy fine time together.
Carrie and I returned on the 5 train.
Arrived in Mankato and settled in our room at 712 So Broad St. We at last managed to get near to the girls and so a great many good times are in store.
I was elected president of our K K X sorority and felt very much honored.
The seniors entertained the juniors in the kindergarten rooms and served wafers and ice cream with peaches. There was a big bunch of them but they seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Then we seniors got supper for ourselves and ate it although it wasn't well suited to the occasion. We had planned then to give a few new seniors the first two degrees. Three of them concieved the scheme of locking some girls in the kitchen and some in the playroom. This delayed us a great deal in cleaning up and that was just what they intended. The only way to clear the table was to station a girl in the kitchen, another on the fire escape and several others in the playroom so that we could pass the dishes around. We finally managed to get the key and open the door.
While were cleaning up three of the girls to be initiated skipped away & hid on the third floor in one of the class rooms. We hunted for them about 3/4 of an hour and turned on every electric light in the building before we found them. We then took them downtown and gave their first degrees in as horrid ways as we could think of.
The Christian Endeavor had a wiener roast out on the river bottom near Sibley. It was a dark, cloudy, damp and dismal evening but still we had an enjoyed time around the big fire. We had a long walk thru the park and across the sandy bottom to get there and it certainly was novel, if not convenient, and pleasant.
The dramatic club met to-night and Reuben Nostdahl accompanied me home. (Mighty fine company)
In the evening we attended the Y. W. C. A.'s recognition service and were greatly benefited thereby. Miss Marshall, the field secretary for normal schools gave us a most helpful little talk.
The recognition service itself was a very pretty one. We new girls sat so that our chairs formed the letters Y.W.C.A. and the president read our names we stood up and remained standing. Then we were presented with white flowers and a card upon which the benediction was written. Scripture verses were read and prayer was offered for the coming year's work and what it would mean to us.
Then we all had a little social time, ate some refreshments and returned home. I am so glad that I am a member of the Y and I only hope I may do some work that will count.
The Misses Veta Johnson, Frederickson, Harvey, Ruth Tebbits, Wilson, Winiefred Wilson, Whitmore and Best were the guests of Miss Thomas at a marshmallow roast around her fire. We talked and laughed and sang all evening and the most informal and pleasant time since we came here. Everything was so home like and congenial that we could not help enjoying ourselves immensely.
The remnants of the Invincible Eaters went out to Sharp's farm for supper. Those in party were the Misses. Sharp, Wilson Winiefred Wilson, Whitmore and Best and Messers Lanie, Valesh, Turek and Campion. The boys hired two two-seated carriages and drove us out. We left town about 6:35 and arrived at the farm about 7:40. It was eight when we sat down to supper and such a one as it was. There was chicken pie, potatoes, jelly, pickles, fresh rolls, coffee, doughnuts, pumpkin pie and grapes. Everything was delicous and struck just the right spot because we were so hungry.
After supper we played old-fashioned parlor games and did all sorts of funny stunts. Every one, including Mr. Lapic, entered into the fun, and we all agreed that we had had the finest time yet.
We started for home at 11:00 and arrived in town a little before 12. Mrs. Sharp gave us in a lot of apples and flowers but we gave the boys the apples and flowers enough for a buttonhole boquet.
The dramatic club met again and Mr. Nostdahl again accompanied me home. I appeared to-night as Miss Neville in the first scene of "She Stoops to Conquer".
Grace Shepley came over and visited with me and we had rather a pleasant evening together. She had had her eyes treated and couldn't see anything distinctly so she determined to do some calling.
Edith, Ruth and I dined with Miss Thomas because Auntie Pearson had gone up to the city and left her alone. We had a most delicious dinner and it was very nicely served. After it was over we sat in the living room talking and the Wilson's drove right up to the front door. Oh I was so glad to see Winie only though she had been gone but a short time. Edith rode back to Sibley Park with them and Ruth and I walked out to meet her. It was a cold windy day but we had a good brisk walk and felt much better afterwards.
I heard Mr. Rackel give a reading on the new book "The Music Master" written by Herbert Klein. It has been adapted for a reading and occupied the whole evening. The reader is director a dramatic school in the East and has most exceptional ability. He lived so many different characters and in such rapid succession, but every one was vivid, distinct and individual.
The dramatic club met again this evening. Casts one and two of Act I, Scene I and cast one of Scene II were all well presented.
Miss Jessup, Ruth, Edith and myself took a long walk. We started out to take the low road across the sleugh but we were mired in the mud so we had to go back and take the main road. We walked from 4:30 till 6 pm and had a most enjoyable jaunt. The trees and hills are not so vivid in their colors as they were last Sunday but have taken on more of a copper and bronze tinge. They are still beautiful dressed out in these sombre colors.
Marcus Kellerman, Baritone
and
Richard Czerwonky, Violinist
assisted by
William Parsons, Pianist
under the direction of
Jessie Rice
Program
Estey piano furnished by courtesy of the E. W. Owen piano Co.
We went to the Opera House to this concert. The violinist was wonderful but his accompanist was rather poor. The singers accompanist was exceptionally fine and could make the piano speak. He played so easily and beautifully. Words can not express what I felt when I heard him play. In the boat song we could hear the rippling waves as they struck against the boat.
I really appreciated my German this one for it helped me to understand so much of what was being sung.
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