Horace Purdy Journal March 1868 Entry
9pgs
MARCH 01 SUNDAY - A pleasant lovely morning, but before night it snowed. Mother Griswold took care of Georgie in the forenoon to let Gussie and I attend church together. We both came home after Sunday School. I went to church in the evening. Gussie stayed at home. MARCH 02 MONDAY - A heavy and severe snowstorm. The wind has blown it into drifts. The storm lasted until about dark this evening. I have worked in the shop today until about 2 o'clock. MARCH 03 TUESDAY - Pleasant but very! very! cold. I have worked in the shop. I had the headache in the P.M. The papers this morning gave an account of the burning of the Barnum Museum between Spring and Prince Streets in New York. The fire broke out at 12 o'clock last night. MARCH 04 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant today. Very cold last night. I have been to New York today. Mrs. Minnerly came to the store this P.M. and bargained for the rooms over my store. MARCH 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I have worked in the shop. I went from work over to Mrs. Bradley's (where I found Gussie and Georgie) and took tea. After going home with them, I went into the street again to market. I went up on Balmforth Avenue to John Cosier's to get some money of him, but there being no one home, I returned home without seeing him. MARCH 06 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm, though in the morning it was pretty cold. The wind changed to the South in the P.M. I have worked in the shop all day. After tea, I went to market and up to John Cosier's to get $75.00 which he promised to lend me. He gave me a check for $100.00. I then called at Fred Bradley's Store and borrowed $25.00 until Monday on the strength of my pay due me tomorrow at the shop, which in my absence, William Carlton will draw for me. After returning from the street, I went up to see W. F. Olmstead, Treasurer of the Union Savings Bank and left with him a joint note signed by Father Griswold and myself for 6 months and $16.00 interest on the same, it being for $400.00 in renewal of the old one. I left them with Mr. Olmstead and tomorrow Gussie will go down and get the old note for me. MARCH 07 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. The snow has disappeared very fast. I have been to New York. The check John Cosier gave me last evening I could not get the money on in under 10 days. . Consequently, I made arrangements with H. D. Clark to let my note remain until next Wednesday when I would have the money for him. I did the same with my landlord, Mr. Young about my rent. I bought for Morgan Chittenden 3 dozen drafting nails (8 cents each); also for John Cosier 8 No. 2 Longking's Question Books for 15 cents each. Gussie went to the Union Savings Bank today and took up my old note of $400.00. I gave a new one last evening to the Treasurer, W.F. Olmstead and paid the interest of $4.00, the note being for 6 months at 8 %. My note in the Savings bank was only due today, but Olmstead drew the renewal note dated March 4th. Consequently, the three days grace which I paid for on the old one was not used and ought to be allowed on the new note without pay. MARCH 08 SUNDAY - A little rain in the morning, but the sun came out warm and the streets ran water. Gussie stayed at home during the day. I went to church in the morning. I came home after Sunday School and found Father at the house. George came also after the P.M. service and they both stayed to tea. At 5 o'clock, George and Gussie went to the 'Band of Hope' (Ed. Note: Band of Hope was a temperance society) and stayed to the evening meeting. I stayed home with Georgie. I wrote to William H. Raymond in Yonkers for what he owes me for picture frames - $9.25. George mailed it as he went to the Band of Hope. I also in the evening wrote a note to John Cosier requesting 30 days on the $100 I borrowed of him. MARCH 09 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. The snow has wasted very fast. I have worked in the shop. As I went to work, I paid Fred Bradley (or his partner Randall) the $25 which I borrowed on Friday evening. He also cashed a check on the Danbury Bank for me of $100. After tea, I went to the Sunday School Teacher's Business Meeting. When I returned, I helped Mr. Pond make out his canvassing list of voters for the district given him. George and Bell called late. He took the washing machine home with him, I having sold it to Father. MARCH 10 TUESDAY - Father is 60 years old today. It did not freeze any last night and today has been pleasant and warm. I have worked in the shop. State election in New Hampshire today. I assisted Mr. Pond this morning and this evening to complete the canvass for voters in the immediate vicinity. We went to the Club Room together this evening to take his list of voters for the district assigned him. I paid Andrew Knox this P.M. $8.85, his bill for graining the Sunday School Librarian's room at the church. MARCH 11 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have been to New York today. I paid $75.00 on my note to H. D. Clark. William H. Raymond's son from Yonkers came to the store today and paid his bill of $9.25 for frames and cord. The election in New Hampshire yesterday resulted in an increased majority of Republicans over last year. Last year, it was 3,146; so near as ascertained, it will be about 3,300. There has been great rejoicing here today over the matter. Bells were ringing and cannon fired. After tea, I wrote a note to S. H. Burr, telling him where he can find Father Griswold this week. I took it up to A. Pulling's for him to leave in the ticket office in South Norwalk where Burr will call for it. MARCH 12 THURSDAY - It froze some last night; it, however, soon softened up again, though there has been no sun. It commenced raining this P.M. and continued during the day and evening though not hard. I have worked in the shop. As I came from work, I called at Mr. H. Griffin's to look at the large frames I made for him last summer. He complained to me today about their cracking. I found it to be so to my surprise. It is caused by the composition not being hard enough when they were gilded. After tea, I went to market. MARCH 13 FRIDAY - Rain a little in the morning. Cloudy through the day. Pleasant in the evening. I have worked in the shop. As I came from work, I stopped in the Union Savings Bank and took an order for 10 small frames from W. F. Olmstead. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at John Earl's. I went to the Post Office and home. I received a letter from Daniel at the store that last night an oil painting was stolen from the store. Mary Jane Dibble died today. Ex-governor, Joseph Hawley speaks this evening at Concert Hall, our first stump speaker to open the spring campaign. MARCH 14 SATURDAY - A lovely Spring day. Towards night, it became a little foggy and in the evening, it was cloudy. I have been to New York. I have an order on hand to put looking glasses in the show windows of a store in Grand Street, near Thompson Street. I have so much work at the store that I shall be compelled to go down again Monday morning. MARCH 15 SUNDAY - Another pleasant and warm day. George came this way to church this morning and Gussie walked down with him. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. George came here to tea after meeting. Ellen Taylor came here about 5 o'clock with Cornelia Dibble, who brought a broken wreath and a cross of flowers (which were on her sister's coffin) for me to preserve, but upon naming the price, she took them home again to return with them if they concluded to have them done. I told her $40 for both including good and appropriate frames. She did not return with them. I went to church in the evening. Brother Burch preached. MARCH 16 MONDAY - Warm, cloudy and foggy until about 5 P.M. when it commenced raining. I have been to New York. I paid Mr. Young $50.00 for March rent today. I have been very busy making frames and fitting looking glasses in a pair of show windows for a German in Grand Street. I brought home with me two polished Wall 8x10 Ovals, one for George, the other being in exchange for Father Griswold, for one of the same, the gilding of which was bad. I also brought home the card photo of Mother which she gave me with a small frame to fit up for her. It rained hard all the evening. MARCH 17 TUESDAY - St. Patrick's Day. I have been to New York. I completed putting looking glass in the store show windows in Grand Street. William H. Clark called at the store to see the upper rooms for his son-in-law, Mr. Smith. I framed and brought home a picture for Eliza Hill. The Irish have been celebrating the day in New York. Pleasant in the middle of the day; foggy in the morning and evening. It commenced raining about 7 o'clock and continued during the evening. MARCH 18 WEDNESDAY - Rain last night; cloudy this morning, but no rain. It cleared off before noon and the remainder of the day has been fine. Before breakfast, I went over to Mr. McDonald's and ordered an instrument of steel to be made about 15 inches long for driving 'hold fasts' (Ed. Note: tool predating modern vises used to clamp items to work benches) in putting up Pier Glasses (Ed. Note: A pier glass is a mirror which is placed on a pier, i.e. a wall between two windows). I have been at the shop today. I sold 5 card photos at the shop. Before tea, I went for milk and the instrument I ordered to be made at McDonald's. On his way from work, George called for some iron grease. I went to the Post Office in the evening where William H. Hutchings gave me a letter in which was money to take tomorrow to his wife at 49 Charlton Street in New York City. MARCH 19 THURSDAY - It froze the ground last night. Cooler today. I have been to New York. I brought home 10 small frames for W. F. Olmstead. I tripped and fell coming up the stone steps outside the depot this evening. Brought some card photos to Joe Kyle. I got 7 lbs. more sugar of Mr. Pond in the evening. MARCH 20 FRIDAY - Cloudy but no storm. As I went to work this morning, I carried the 100 frames I made for Mr. Olmstead down to his office at the Union Savings Bank. I have worked in the shop. Having to wait for work in the morning, I went up to the bank and figured out the price of the frames and he paid me. I also took the measure for the glass. I disposed of 41 card pictures at the shop today at 5 cents each. Mr. Hurd cashed my account $19.00 as I shall not be there tomorrow in account of going to New York. After tea, I went to market and to the Post Office. Georgie went up to Father Purdy's yesterday to stay overnight. Bell came home with him this morning. MARCH 21 SATURDAY - A terrible snow and wind storm. I left home intending to go to New York, but when I got to the depot, I concluded to stay home, fearing the train would not be able to get through. I went to the shop, but it was so early that II returned home again with my satchel and then went to the shop and have done a day's work. Blowing sleet and snow has made it a severe storm though it has not been very cold. The morning train was about 1 ## hours behind time and about the same this evening. I went to market in the evening. I bought an oil stone for my tools at the store. MARCH 22 SUNDAY - The wind has blown but not as hard as yesterday. The sun has shone and the snow has wasted considerably. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon and then went or started to go up to Richard Jones' funeral but met the procession this side. The service was held at the First Congregational Church at 2 o'clock. I did not go to the church but came home. Chain broke this morning and let the bucket into the bottom of the well. I last night wrote a note to William at the store. I added a little to it this evening and mailed it. I attended church I the evening. Brother Burch preached. The wife of Nathan Ferrell, the landlord at the Wooster House died today. MARCH 23 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have worked in the shop. I intended to have gone to New York, but on request of Mr. Crofut, I stay to help get up 25 dozen Beaver Col. Spanish-shape Stiff Brim Hats. I today gave my name to George Quien to send to New Haven for a Soldiers' Memorial bearing an inscription of his name, Company, Regiment, etc., the same having been appropriated last year by the legislature. I came home from work very tired. Gussie went to market in the evening while I stayed home. MARCH 24 TUESDAY - Pleasant; I fished up the bucket this morning which was lost Sunday in the well. I worked in the shop until just after dinner and then came home and made a box for my oil stone and took the bucket over to Mr. McDonald's and had it mended. While at tea, George called for a cake of iron grease. I borrowed $20.00 of Joseph Allen for Mr. Pond until tomorrow. Gussie and Louise went to the dressmakers and up to see George Davis' wife in the evening. I locked the door leaving Georgie asleep and went to market. I called a few minutes at Concert Hall, where was being held a School meeting and then came home. MARCH 25 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York; came home with a sick headache and retired without eating anything. About 8 o'clock while I was in bed, Smith Ferrell came with a large cross and a wreath which was on his mother's coffin who was buried this P.M. MARCH 26 THURSDAY - Pleasant; I rose this morning feeling badly from having so severe an attack of headache last evening. I did not intend to go to New York again before Saturday, but on account of the wreath and cross was obliged to go. Not feeling well, I have done no work but sat quietly in the store. MARCH 27 FRIDAY - Pleasant; I have worked in the shop. I took some card pictures, some imperial size, also some small passe-partouts and sold a few of them. Bell took Georgie up home with her to stay all night. Gussie attended the Sewing Society at the parsonage in the evening. I went to the Post Office, but for some reason, the train was until after 9 o'clock getting in and I did not wait. A Republican meeting at Concert Hall this evening. (Later) The engine broke down near Kent Station. MARCH 28 SATURDAY - I have been to New York. I brought home a gift frame for George's discharge papers, also one of my plane irons to grind and one pound of black tea. I went to Tibbel's at 37 Park Row and bought 'Pilgrim's Progress' and 'The Pioneer Boy' (Lincoln) for George Starr which he deigns to put in the Sunday School Library. Before retiring, I wrote to William at the store to have him go out next Tuesday and get a job for making a frame. MARCH 29 SUNDAY - A beautiful day. George came over in the morning to have me cut his hair and father came over for the same after tea. I went to church in the morning, but was too late and did not go in to hear preaching, though Father Griswold preached. Gussie came down at noon with Georgie to Sunday School and stayed to Prayer meeting in the P.M. I came home and took a nap. Brother Webb from Collinsville preached in the evening. I attended. As I went, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to William at the store. MARCH 30 MONDAY - Pleasant; I have worked in the shop. I took the plane iron which I brought home from the store to the shop with me and ground it this noon. Bell came in in the evening and I sent George's discharge home with her, I having framed it for him. I went into the street this evening to pay Swertfager (Editor of Jeffersonian) for the first quarter for my advertisement, but found the office locked. I came home and wrote him a letter and enclosed $3.00 which I will carry or send to him tomorrow. MARCH 31 TUESDAY - Pleasant; I dug parsnips and vegetable oysters this morning. I mailed a letter to J. H. Swertfager, editor of the Jeffersonian, this morning with $3.00 enclosed for the first three months advertising of my flower preserving, etc. I requested him to stop my paper to reduce my indebtedness to him and also asked for more time in which to pay for printing circulars for which I owe him $12.00. I have worked in the shop. I called on Mr. Pond in the evening to notify him of the character of Fred Jennings and family who today have moved next to him. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market.
1868-03
Horace Purdy Journal June 1868 Entry
7pgs
JUNE 01 MONDAY - Another warm and pleasant day. I went to see Mr. Crofut in the morning about endorsing for me; he consented. I then went to the Danbury bank and drew $150.00 on the check of Mr. Fanton. He lends me the amount for a few days. I bought a pair of Pruell shoes at Daragan & Co. for $2.25. I came home and mowed my door yard and spaded the garden and planted a row of string beans. I got a half dozen tomato plants of Robert Cocking and set them out. This forenoon, I paid Fuller $10.00 I borrowed of him one day last week. JUNE 02 TUESDAY - Cloudy, but little sunshine and frequent showers during the day until about 6 P.M. when the sun came out. I have been to New York. I gave Mr. Williams, the Danbury and Norwalk railroad ticket agent, $20.00 this morning towards $38.00 for my six months' commutation. I called on H. D. Clark at 12 Courtland Street about my note due on the 6th inst.; also about an oil painting inventoried at $55.00 which I claim. On my way from the store to the depot, I called at 23rd Street to see William, his brother Charles, and Mr. Minnerly where they have been working all day putting up piers and cornices. Robert paid me my rent this evening. I paid him for 13 tomato plants at 6 cents. I talked with Father Griswold in the evening about my business selling out, borrowing money, etc. Took commutation on New York and New Haven Railroad. JUNE 03 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I expected to get Mr. Crofut's endorsement to a note today, but he went to New York. I then borrowed $300.00 of John Cosier until Saturday. I immediately paid H. B. Fanton $150.00 borrowed money. I came home and worked in my garden. George today completed 8 and a half days' work for Mr. Pond. George owes me and I owe Mr. Pond. Mr. Pond gave me credit for the work - $17.00, and I gave George credit for the same. I went to market in the evening. About 6 o'clock this morning, a slight shock of an earthquake was felt. JUNE 04 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I got Mr. Henry Crofut's name to my note of $350.00 this morning and got the money on it at the Pahquioque Bank. The morning paper gave an account of the Smith & Rand Powder Mill exploding yesterday morning at 6 o'clock. We all supposed it to be an earthquake. They were located at Newburgh, New York. I worked all the P.M. in my garden. In the evening, I went to market. After drawing my money at the bank this A. M., I paid John Cosier the $300.00 which I borrowed of him yesterday. JUNE 05 FRIDAY - Cloudy, but no rain. I have been to New York. We brought base tables to piers from Miss Haight's in 23rd Street to put an extension on the legs. I brought John Bouton's testimonial home to him framed. George had the young people meet at our house this evening to sing. JUNE 06 SATURDAY - It is just one year today since I went into business in New York. Cloudy this morning, but pleasant and hot during the day. I took up my last note to H. Clark today - $1,165, but making it $133.75. The note was in the hands of John Snooks at the Mercantile Bank, corner of Broadway and Day Street. JUNE 07 SUNDAY - Rain in the morning; cloudy during the day. I went to church in the morning. There was no session of Sunday School on account of repairs going on in the basement. After dinner, we all took a walk up home to see the new walk George made yesterday in the yard. It rained while we were returning home. Gussie went to church in the evening. I stayed home. JUNE 08 MONDAY - A pleasant and warm day. I have been to New York. I paid my store rent for June - $50.00. I brought a package of pass-partouts to Swift from J. Handlers'. George dug a part of Gussie's flower borders this A.M. J. D. Stevens returned this evening from Newark where he has been a delegate to the national Hat Finishers' Association. The silk hatters have seceded from the convention, leaving the fur hatters by themselves as masters of the situation. JUNE 09 TUESDAY - I have been to New York. Daniel Starr was on the train with me going to Newark. A heavy shower just as I arrived in the city. I took a letter to Hanford B. Fairchild for Mr. H. B. Fanton to the corner of Broadway and Spring Street. It rained very hard again just as I left the city at 4:30 o'clock P.M. Elias B. Stevens came on the train this evening from New Haven. . Harriet has been here with Josie for a week and over. JUNE 10 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cool. I have been to New York. I expected Daniel Starr to meet me at the store and go with me to Central Park, but he did not come. Mrs. Minnerly sent down to me at noon a cup of tea and a dish of custard. I was obliged to run from 6th Avenue to the depot to catch the train. I joined Mr. Starr at the depot and had his company home. I brought home three small pictures in rustic frames which Fanny gave me to frame. Gussie met me at the depot. I went to market and came home. JUNE 11 THURSDAY - Cold and stormy. It has rained hard all day. I have been to New York. I put strips on the back of Miss Haight's pier glasses and put them up today. Daniel and Charles Hayes helped me. William Scofield was on the train today from Ohio. JUNE 12 FRIDAY - I have been to New York. The day has been stormy until just at night when it partly cleared off. Before leaving the city, I went downtown and saw Gideon Powell, H. D. Clark and Henry Clark on Bank Row about a situation for William Hayes. I partly secured one for his brother Charles. JUNE 13 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have been to New York, A genuine summer day. Mother and Mrs. Bradley were with us to tea. Mrs. Bradley, Gussie and George took a ramble on Town Mountain this P.M. I helped Mr. Pond pick out celery pants this evening by lamplight. JUNE 14 SUNDAY - Pleasant and hot. I attended church in the morning. Gussie came down at noon with Georgie. After school, he came home with me, leaving Gussie to attend church in the P.M. I went to church in the evening. Mr. Potter called after church to see about me doing an errand in New York for him tomorrow, but finally concluded not to send. JUNE 15 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have been to New York. I had a plain talk with William about his getting another situation to do better. I got Mrs. Haight's job (of 141 West 23rd Street) so near completed today that she paid her bill - $170.00. I framed for George a picture of the 'Heroic Dead Belonging to The Grand Army of the Republic' and brought home. After tea, George went with me up to Mr. Jackson's on Deer Hill and got his looking glass and brought it down to the house. I took the dimensions preparatory to making a Black Walnut Polished Arch Top Frame for it. The size is 28 x 55. E. Davis was today re-elected 'Warden'. JUNE 16 TUESDAY - Thunder shower in the morning and continued showery during the day. I did not go to New York today, but worked in the shop. Fanny being alone, she took breakfast with us. After tea, I trimmed the hedge between Mr. Pond and me. I stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. JUNE 17 WEDNESDAY - Very warm again today. I have worked in the shop. I bought a Round Crown Pearl Cassimere hat at the shop for William Warren and carried it to him at the railroad paint shop. I received a notice from Benedict & Nichols to pay my account. with them - $33.67. George cleaned out and made over my walk in front today. In the evening, I rolled a wheelbarrow (a new one) from Hull & Rogers for Mr. Pond. JUNE 18 THURSDAY - Hot again today. Cloudy about 4 P.M. after which it was cooler and quite comfortable. I have been to New York. I commenced to make a looking glass frame for F. J. Jackson, 28 x 44 round Arch Top. JUNE 19 FRIDAY - Cloudy and muggy in the morning but very warm when the sun came out. I have worked in the shop. Before breakfast, I set out the cabbage plants. I came home early from work and pulled weeds for my strawberry beds. I also picked about a dozen berries for the first time. In the evening, I paid my account with Benedict & Nichols - $33.67. JUNE 20 SATURDAY - The warmest day we have yet had. I have been to New York. I borrowed George's watch today and left mine at Fanton's to be repaired. George went this evening with Frank Keeler to Lake Kenosha fishing. Frank's sister, Mrs. Gray, not knowing where he had gone, came over to inquire about him. On Thursday, Robert Cocking bought the house on George Street between William and Deer Hill Streets of D. P. Nichols for $2,000. JUNE 21 SUNDAY - Rain last night and a great part of today. I attended church in the morning and in the P.M. We stayed at home in the evening on account of the rain. JUNE 22 MONDAY - Stormy most of the day. I worked in the shop until noon. There being no more work, I came home. I called at Edward Sanford's to look at a wreath and cross of flowers which were on Mrs. Sanford's coffin yesterday at the funeral. They wanted it preserved, but it would cost so much that they could not afford it. I mowed my door yard in the P.M. Mr. Pond soldered some tin ware for us. JUNE 23 TUESDAY - Stormy this morning, but before noon, it came off pleasant. I worked in the shop until noon. In the P.M., I raked off my door yard, dug up and put down again new the drain leading from the Sink waste pipe to the cesspool. I weeded strawberries and picked a small mess for tea. Gussie spent the P.M. and George nearly all day assisting for the Strawberry festival this evening. I stayed with Georgie and let them all go in the evening. Father and Mother Griswold and Louise came home this evening from New Haven. Father Griswold paid me this evening for the new hat I got for him - $3.00. He gave me 50 cents additional for my trouble. JUNE 24 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, but cooler. I have been to New York. I went to see Mr. Dunshee (sp) about a wreath I preserved for him, also George Talmadge about what he owes me for rent. I spoke with Daniel Northrup at the New York and New Haven Depot about taking a large looking glass frame on the train with me to bring home on Saturday. I wrote to William at the store before retiring. JUNE 26 FRIDAY - I have worked in the shop today. Benjamin Rolfe's wife was buried this P.M. I did not go into the street in the evening but stayed at home and hoed my garden. JUNE 27 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have been to New York. I framed and brought home two pictures in Walnut and Gilt, 2 inch flat 'New' pattern, a job George got for me last evening. JUNE 28 SUNDAY - A beautiful day. Our Sunday School met in the basement today for the first time since cleaning and painting. Gussie went to the cemetery after tea. I stayed with Georgie. JUNE 29 MONDAY - Another lovely day. I worked in the shop until noon. In the P.M., I went to the Savings bank and paid $48.00 interest on $1,200.00 for six months. I then went to M. H. Griffings' to see about repairing the frames I made for him last season. We had huge strawberry shortcake for tea. After tea, George and I went up to Father Griswold's and strung a cord to the flagstaff in readiness for the 'Fourth of July.' JUNE 30 TUESDAY - I had work in the shop until after dinner. As I came home, I ordered a half ton of coal of Charles Griffing. We picked 13 quarts of strawberries. I went to the market in the evening.
1868-06
Horace Purdy Journal May 1868 Entry
8pgs
MAY 01 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cooler than yesterday. I have worked in the shop. The new schoolhouse was dedicated today. From 9 A.M. until noon it was open for inspection to the public. In the P.M., addresses were delivered. Cut down a tree in my yard. After tea, I helped Mr. Pond graft a little. I went to market in the evening. MAY 02 SATURDAY - Stormy; have been to New York. William Carlson went down with me. I brought home some of William's wedding cake. Brought a package for Mr. Dare at Bethel from Marlowe's in Bleeker Street. Took an order for regilding two frames and making connecting corners for them for parties in 23rd Street near 6th Avenue. VanAmburgh showed his menagerie today on Deer Hill near our folk. Gussie went to see it at Fannie's expense. MAY 03 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but not very warm. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School, returned and took a nap in the P.M. George came home with me. We had an early tea and then took a walk up home with Georgie. The menagerie's tent was still standing. Georgie saw the elephant for the first time in his life. I went to church in the evening; Brother Burch preached. George and I this evening notified Charles Stevens that he (George) would take half of my seat with me. MAY 04 MONDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York. Two large Pier Glasses to regild from 23rd Street near 6th Avenue. Paid $50 for rent to Young for store in New York. I am about discouraged with my business prospects; have been very low spirited today. George has helped Gussie clean house today. He is to take his pay in boarding with us for a while. He commences today. MAY 05 TUESDAY - Pleasant until evening when we had a thunder shower. I slept but little last night on account of my business. I had a talk this evening with Father Griswold about business and felt better in consequence of it. I have worked in the shop. George helped clean house again today. They cleaned the parlor. In the evening, we hung paper curtains. MAY 06 WEDNESDAY - George helped Gussie again about house cleaning. I have worked in the shop. John Bussing started yesterday morning at 6 o'clock and walked to New Haven arriving there at 4:20 last evening. It was done to fulfill an agreement between him and Seth Northrup regarding our last election. It fell to John to walk to New Haven to see the governor inaugurated. I wrote to William at the store regarding buying me out and mailed it. MAY 07 THURSDAY - Lowery and a part of the day rain. I have worked in the shop. The work being the last for this week, I got my account cashed - $11.00, by William Carlson. I came early and picked a lot of greens for dinner tomorrow. I made out my annual report for the Sunday School to present next Monday evening at the Annual meeting. I went to market in the evening. I received a statement of my indebtedness from Benedict & Nichols - $34.00. MAY 08 FRIDAY - Stormy; it rained hard all last night and this morning. Early this morning the hills were white with snow. I have been to New York. I had conversation with my man, William Hayes, today about selling to him the business. He thinks he will take it if he can find a friend to loan him the required money. It cleared off pleasant and cool in the middle of the day. MAY 09 SATURDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York. Called at E. H. Purdy's in 13th Street to see about having Mr. H. Griffin's frames repaired, which were badly made last August by E. H. Purdy. They would not make it good without charging for it. I left a hand looking glass at Fanton's store at Broadway, corner of Spring Street for B. F. Ryder which I have been setting a plate to for him. Mrs. Pond called in the evening. MAY 10 SUNDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a shower just at night. Gussie went to church in the morning. She came home at noon and I went to Sunday School and to the Sacrament Service in the P.M. George and I took a walk over to John Bouton's after tea. George and I went to church in the evening. I gave a written statistical report of the Sunday School to Mary Vintz at the evening meeting to carry to George Starr. MAY 11 MONDAY - George helped me commence making a garden this morning before breakfast. I went to the shop and had a little work. Bought a half ton of coal of Charles Griffing. Prices reduced today on the two coarsest qualities, Nos. 6 and 3. Borrowed $60.00 of Mr. Pond to pay to John Cosier. The Annual Teachers' Meeting was held this evening. The same old officers were reelected. MAY 12 TUESDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York. I called on L. B. Sage at 424 Grand Street. Bought a mess of porgies, the first in town. George spread manure on my garden. Left with Lorenzo Nickerson $76.00 for John Cosier. MAY 13 WEDNESDAY - No work in the shop. I spaded garden until noon when it commenced raining. I went to the factory in the P.M. and ordered a hat for Father Griswold, also one for Mr. Pond. I paid $11.67, the balance for the Sunday School indebtedness to Joseph W. Ives for furnishing the Librarian's room. I carried an umbrella up to George to Montgomery's shop for him to come home with. MAY 14 THURSDAY - It rained very hard last night. I have been to New York today. Cloudy in the morning, but no rain. It came off pleasant and warm in the middle of the day. I took dinner with my salesman, William Hayes this noon. I brought one half dozen looking glasses to Bethel for Mr. Dare tonight. I left them at the depot with Mr. Gillette. George and Gussie met me at the depot this evening. I got some seed potatoes this evening of Mr. Philander Brotherton. MAY 15 FRIDAY - Pleasant; I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I came home and planted corn, potatoes and peas. I weeded out my strawberries. I went to Bethel by the afternoon train to see Mr. Dare about the looking glasses I brought him last night. I came home and found a letter from him with a check enclosed for the amount of the bill - $5.00. He sent it by the baker. I walked from Bethel as far as Orin Benedict's factory and rode up from there with Lucius Wildman. George and I spaded more garden after tea. I went into the street in the evening and Swift cashed my check from Mr. Dare. Mrs. Bradley called in the evening. George and Gussie went home with her. MAY 16 SATURDAY - I went to New York today. I took William Carlson's soldier's testimonial down with me and framed it. I brought home and delivered it in the evening and hung it for him. He paid me for it $2.50. I also brought home a preserved wreath and cross for Mrs. Ferrell. John Cosier went to New Rochelle today for the remains of Saul McNeil, who was found dead in a barn. He saw the account in the New York Sun. He died with the heart disease. The vote of impeachment was taken in Congress today. President Johnson was acquitted by one vote. MAY 17 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I have had a headache all day. I only attended Sunday School at noon. Theodore Lyons, John Green and Daniel Starr and wife called to see the preserved flowers I brought last night from New York. Mrs. Bradley called also after tea and Gussie went with her to the cemetery. A little sprinkle of rain in the evening. MAY 18 MONDAY - Stormy and rain. I rode about 40 miles today to Fishkill Village for J. M. Potter to take a melodeon and meet him there with three new horses from Middletown, New York, 25 miles back of Newburgh. He was to meet me this evening at Jackson's Hotel. I received a dispatch from him to wait for his arrival. MAY 19 TUESDAY - It is still unpleasant. I went this forenoon to Mrs. Knapp's where I left the melodeon yesterday and unpacked the instrument and set it up for them. I stayed about 4 P.M. to ride down to Fishkill's landing and if I should not meet Potter to go over to Newburgh and call on Daniel Manly. I met Potter at Mattawan with his horses and I returned with him to the village. After tea at the hotel, Mr. Potter and I called on Mrs. Knapp. Mr. Potter sang and played for them. MAY 20 WEDNESDAY - I started a little after 8 A.M. for Danbury (with the same team I drove to Fishkill on Monday) and led one of the new span which Potter bought. I stopped at Towner's Station on the Harlem Road to feed horses and eat my own dinner. I arrived in Danbury about 4 P.M., just after it began to rain again. I saw the horses taken care of and then went down to the factory and from there home. MAY 21 THURSDAY - It rained very hard last night and a great part of today. The streams are very high. I worked a little in the shop. I finished a hat for Father Griswold and one for Mr. Pond. I then finished 9 odd hats which kept me nearly all day. I the evening, I delivered some flower work to Nathan Ferrell, a wreath and cross. Henry Day had placed in his hands an order of $30.00 which he wanted me to allow Ferrell on the flower work. It was unexpected to me but I honored the order and then called on Day and told him what I thought of the transaction. My indebtedness to him (Day) was perfectly understood between us and before doing so, he should as a friend as he professed to be given me notice of his intention to turn the account and thereby save me trouble. MAY 22 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Paid Mr. Pond this morning $25.00 toward $60.00 borrowed on the 11th instant. I went to the shop and finished up 5 hats to finish up a lot of odd ones, 14 in number. I brought home 3 new Pearl Cashmere hats for Father Griswold, Mr. Pond and Mr. Pond's nephew. I went to the factory again after dinner and got an old knock down Pearl Cashmere body and finished for myself which made a very good hat. It cost me only for the trimming. I brought home Hiram Hadden's soldier's testimonial to frame for him. George, Gussie and Mrs. Bradley went to the cemetery in the P.M. to set out plants, etc. I sold 8 ## pounds of pie plant in the evening at Benedict & Nichols' I let him have it on account at 5 cents per pound. MAY 23 SATURDAY - Stormy and rain. I have been to New York. I took down some pictures to frame for Fanny, John Bouton and Lucy Bennett. I brought one for Hiram Hadden, Fanny and Lucy Bennett. I helped Fanny hang some pictures in the evening. George has worked today for Mr. Pond, whitewashing, etc. MAY 24 SUNDAY - Cloudy and some mist, but no rain during the day. I attended church in the morning, returning after Sunday School. Father made us a call about 4 P.M. and stayed an hour or more. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie attend church. MAY 25 MONDAY - I have been to New York. It has been neither pleasant nor stormy. Rain in the morning, sunshine in the middle of the day, rain again after 3 P.M. I made two sample frames for Tibbel, having in view a large order. Called at 12 Courtland Street to see H. D. Clark. He has not yet got home from his trip selling clocks. I gave Daniel a scolding at the store today for being so lazy about his gilding. I bought tea and coffee at the great American Tea Company. I brought a small package from Saul Northrup at the New York and New Haven Railroad Depot in New York to N. P. Gillette. George and I went over to River Street this evening to see his boss Kellogg Nichols to get his pay but could not get it, he not being at home. MAY 26 TUESDAY - Clouds, sunshine and rain. I started from home this morning to go to New York. I went to the depot but on account of the weather, concluded to stay at home. I went to the shop and worked all day. After work and before going home, I went to see E. S. Davis about endorsing paper for me to get $300.00. George went into the street in the evening while I stayed at home. I got a picture from Mr. Pond to frame. MAY 27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant day. I have been to New York. I went to see Tibbel at 37 Park Row and arranged to do some framing for him. In the P.M., I went with William up to 23rd Street to put up pier glasses. I took a picture down to frame for Mr. Pond. Bought ## barrel of flour in the evening of Charles Crofut at $17.00 per barrel. Went to market in the evening and borrowed $10.00 of Fuller at the market. Before retiring, George and I took down our sitting room stove and carried it up to Father Griswold's barn. MAY 28 THURSDAY - An East wind. Cloudy and a little rain. I have been to New York. I accompanied Mrs. Cyrus White to New York. I have been very busy at the store today. I brought Mr. Pond's picture of 'Christ Blessing Little Children' which I framed for him. After tea, I went into the street again to see Mr. Crofut about borrowing some money. I saw him but my courage failed me and I did not ask him. Mr. Burch returned this evening from Chicago. George and Gussie cleaned the sitting and sink rooms today. Charles Crofut brought me a ## barrel of flour today which I ordered and paid for last evening. MAY 29 FRIDAY - Rain in Danbury, but none of any account in New York where I have been. I spoke with Mr. Fanton on the train this evening about lending me some money for a few days. Frank Butler came home, or rather, came to town from Minnesota this evening. I talked with him on the train. Gussie met me in the street. We went to market and then she went to see Mrs. Bradley and I came home. George went up home to a rehearsal this evening. MAY 30 SATURDAY - Rainy a part of the day. I have been to New York. Helped put up cornices at Mrs. Haight's in 23rd Street and found that they did not fit as they should. Alterations will consequently have to be made. I called at Tibbel's in Park Row with some frames. I bought of him 1 ## dozen No. 1 Catechisms for the Sunday School and ## dozen 'Two Years With Jesus' for George. I went to Schermerhorn's in Browne Street for school records for Mr. Pond. I brought him one for a sample. I borrowed of H. B. Fanton, $150.00 for a few days. Soldiers' graves today were decorated with flowers all over the country. A grand demonstration was made here by the Grand Army of the Republic, Fire Department and Temperance Lodge. Georgie is up home to stay overnight. MAY 31 SUNDAY - A lovely day, the first in a long time. Georgie having been sent up to Father Purdy's yesterday and being still there, we all attended church in the morning. After tea, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery. We called for Mrs. Bradley in Liberty Street and she went with us. We returned rather late for meeting, so we stayed at home in the evening. I wrote to William at the store in the evening.
1868-05
Horace Purdy Journal December 1867 Entry
12pgs
DECEMBER 01 SUNDAY - Very cold last night; cool today, but pleasant. Georgie being up home, we both went to church in the morning. Before dressing for church, I went down with the 17 Singing Books I bought in New York for the Sunday School. We had some excellent singing at noon under the leadership of Brother Lockwood. We came home at noon and in the P.M., we went up home to dinner and brought Georgie home with us. Just before evening meeting time, Susan Brayman came in. She walked down with me as I went to church. Brother Birch preached a good sermon after which they held a short prayer meeting. Gussie wrote in the evening to Edwin's wife. DECEMBER 02 MONDAY - Went to New York again today. Just as the train left this morning at 6:30 o'clock, it commenced snowing and threatened a hard snowstorm, but it snowed only a little, about a half inch here and less in New York. The sun came out about three o'clock in New York and the evening was fine. The engine gave out while we were in the upper tunnel in New York this morning and we were detained nearly a half hour. One of the cylinder heads blew out. We waited for the next train which then pushed us down to 42nd Street. Daniel has not yet returned to the store and work is put back on that account. I went down to No. 12 Cortlandt this P.M. to see Mr. Clark about the note due him on the 9th inst. As I fear I shall not be able to meet it. DECEMBER 03 TUESDAY - The tenth anniversary of our wedding. Sunshine and clouds but no storm. I worked in the shop. When I came from work, I went up to W. F. Olmstead's to see him about making application for me at the Union Savings Bank to renew my note of $400 which is in there. After tea, I took to Mrs. Barlow in Liberty Street, the funeral wreath I have been preserving for her. which was on the coffin of her infant child. I did not get the pay for it. I mailed a letter to William W. Hayes, my man at the store. Called at Swift's store; bought meal and buckwheat flour for pancakes. When I came from the street, I found George at the house waiting for me. After talking over the matter, he concluded to write to Yonkers to a shop mate to whom he sold some frames for me and see if he could not get the pay for them to help me out in meeting notes. I went down and mailed it before retiring. The Band of Hope gives an exhibition this evening at Concert Hall. DECEMBER 04 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cold. I have worked in the shop today. I called this P.M. at the Union Savings Bank to see if at the Board meeting last night they decided to renew my note of $400 and found that they did. I fastened the tin leader to the house which carries the water off from the sink upstairs. We moved the stove from the sitting room into the parlor preparatory to cleaning tomorrow. After tea, I drew up a copy of an advertisement which I am thinking of having put in the paper. I took it into the street with me, but found the Jeffersonian Office closed. I called a few moments in the auction room under Concert Hall and then came home. Before retiring, I took my note for renewal up to Father Griswold for his endorsement and left it for him to hand in tomorrow and take up the old one, as I am going to New York tomorrow. DECEMBER 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York today. Daniel, not having made his appearance, we have hired another boy for the present, if not permanently. I did a great deal of running in the city today and am very tired tonight. George has been helping Gussie clean the sitting room and pantry today. Father Griswold attended to the renewal of my note at the Union Savings Bank for me today. I refunded the interest to him this evening after returning from New York. DECEMBER 06 FRIDAY - Cloudy, but not very cold. I did not rise until about 6:30 o'clock this morning. Before breakfast, I went down to mail a letter to William at the store in New York with one enclosed to Mr. Clark about the $5.00 he promised me if I would meet my note due him on next Monday. I was too late for the morning mail. I have worked in the shop today. George helped Gussie clean the sink room this forenoon. High wind in the forenoon and rain in the evening. I went to market in the evening. DECEMBER 07 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York again today. I bought one dozen more Singing Pilgrims and Musical Leaves for the Sunday School and let William Hayes have one at the store, bringing home 11. Mrs. Bartram was on the train from New York. Gussie, Louise, George and Hattie Mills met me at the Depot, George and Hattie having come on the same train with me from Bethel. Gussie stopped at the dressmakers and before she came home George and I killed our favorite cat 'Prince' to get him out of misery. He has been sick about 2 weeks with no prospect of ever being better. We had him buried before Gussie came home. After my supper, I went over to Mr. Pond's with three of my new singing books and we had a sing together. Before I came home, I borrowed for a few days $100 to meet a note on Monday in New York. DECEMBER 08 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cold. Gussie attended church in the morning while I stayed home with Georgie. George came down in the morning and went with Gussie. I took Georgie up to Mother Griswold's a little before 12 o'clock to wait until Gussie should return while I went to Sunday School. I delivered another batch of 11 books 'Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' to members of the School's sacrament in the P.M. which I attended. George called after tea while I was up to Mother Griswold's. He went over to Aunt Louise's before I returned Mother Griswold came down to stay with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I attend church together. DECEMBER 09 MONDAY - Pleasant but very cold. I have been to New York today. Bell went there today for the first time. George, being on his return to Yonkers, he took her with him by way of steamboat from Norwalk to New York. When they landed (about 11 o'clock), he took her up Fulton Street and on the Broadway Bridge. From there, they walked up Broadway to Barnum's Museum where they stayed until after 3 o'clock and then came over to the store for Bell to go with me as far as Stamford which she did by the express train. We left George at the store to take a later train up the Hudson River Road to Yonkers. I took up my note to Henry Clark today - $125 with interest. I brought a wreath home with me from New York to put in Swift's window on exhibition. DECEMBER 10 TUESDAY - The thermometer early last evening stood 4 degrees below zero. I woke this morning and found it snowing. Not so cold today. I have worked in the shop. It came off pleasant before noon. As I went to work in the morning, I left my boots at Daragan's to be mended and called for them as I came home from work. A letter from William Hayes that Nunnebacher in Pell Street had not enough Walnut molding of the pattern I ordered; the 72 22x28 frames of for Smith & Rand Powder Co. He made 60 of them and waits to hear about using another pattern. I wrote to William after tea, giving directions about it and mailed it as I went to market in the evening. DECEMBER 11 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. I worked late to finish up my work as I am going to New York tomorrow morning. I came home late and very tired. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie go to market. DECEMBER 12 & 13 THURSDAY & FRIDAY - Very cold. It was snowing very hard when I rose. I went to New York. The storm increased during the day. The wind blew terribly. I took the train at 27th Street for home at 4:30 o'clock. We had difficulty in getting up to 42nd Street with horses. After attaching the engine, we went as far as 49th Street and could get no farther on account of Harlem trains on the track ahead and ice at the street crossings. We finally, however (after Mr. H. B. Fanton and myself went to the Reunion Hotel on the corner of 42nd Street and 4th Avenue for something to eat) got under way a little after 11 o'clock, and after a great deal of difficulty we arrived at Mamaroneck about 4 o'clock Friday morning when the water in the engine tanks was exhausted and we could get no farther. We suffered for fuel to warm us and many for food. There was not wood enough at 27th Street to properly supply the cars for even an ordinary trip and no snow plow for the engine. There was evident mis-management all around. We were obliged to lie at or around Mamaroneck Station until about 1:30 o'clock P.M. on account of the inability of the Superintendent of the road ' Hoyt. The engines which were sent to Stamford at noon for water could just as easily been sent in the morning if Superintendent Hoyt had so directed. When we finally got underway again, the passengers held an indignation meeting on board and passed resolution censuring the officers of the road and particularly Superintendent Hoyt, who was on the ground and did so little to assist us. A committee was appointed to see that the resolutions were printed in the New York papers. They were still acting on the matter when we arrived at Norwalk which was about 3 o'clock. There I found Brother Birch who came from Stamford on the same train. We went over to Bixbee's Hotel and stayed by a good fire until the Danbury train came down which waited until 8:30 o'clock for another train from New York. We arrived in Danbury at 10:30 o'clock. Thursday P.M. as I went to the Depot, I went to Philip Phillip's at Broadway Union Square for a dozen Singing Pilgrims and Musical leaves combine for our Sunday School which I brought home with me. (Marginal Note: 30 hours coming from New York to Danbury detained on the cars on account of the snow). DECEMBER 14 SATURDAY - I went to New York again this morning and delivered 72 frames to Smith & rand Powder Company at 170 Broadway and got my pay for them. As I came home, I went again to Phillip Phillips for 10 more singing books. The trains came through with little trouble tonight though they were a little behind time. I am nearly used up tonight. DECEMBER 15 SUNDAY - Pleasant and not so cold. I went down to the church before breakfast and carried the music books I brought from New York for the Sunday School. Neither of us attended church in the morning. I went early to Sunday School. Gussie came soon after with Georgie. After delivering most of the music books to subscribers, I found that a part of the book was differently arranged from others I had previously procured for the school. Most of the music was there, but the pages did not agree. I took a few of them back again and am to see Phillip Phillips about the matter when I go to New York again. Feeling very tired and weary, I came home again after school with Georgie. Father came down and made us a call after he had eaten his dinner but before we had eaten ours. We did not go to church in the evening, but retired early. DECEMBER 16 MONDAY - Pleasant. The sleighing is splendid and is being improved by many. I am troubled with rheumatism in my right leg. I have worked in the shop today. Robert took down the tin leader which carries off the water from their sink upstairs; it being froze up solid. He has thawed it out today and in now ready to put it up again. As I came from work tonight, I stopped at Mrs. Barlow's on the corner of Liberty Street and Railroad Avenue and collected the remaining $12.00 for preserving and framing the wreath which she owed me for. She, being away, has left it with her mother. I went into the street in the evening to see about buying 4 gallons of kerosene oil. Mother Griswold is 71 years old today. DECEMBER 17 TUESDAY - It was a little red in the east as the sun rose this morning, but since then the day has been lowery and towards night misty with indications of rain. As I went to the shop this morning, I took my can to Benedict & Nichols for 4 gallons of kerosene oil which I got on credit for 65 cents per gallon, the price for small quantities being 70 cents. I had about a half day's work in the shop, after which I got Tom Signor to finish a Cass hat for me made from a California Full Stiff Pearl which I spoiled by cutting the brim too small and got it colored and blocked on another shape for my own use. Cal Chichester curled it for me and I brought it home when I came. Before tea, Fanny and I made some arrangements about mats and frames for some pictures she wants me to get for her in readiness for her by Christmas day. After tea, I went into the street to see Mr. Couch about repairing an oil portrait of Nathaniel Cable. Also, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and left an advertisement for preservation of flowers. I returned home about 7 o'clock to let Gussie go into the street to do some trading. DECEMBER 18 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York today. Before going to the store this morning, I went to Phillip Phillips with 6 singing books, 'Singing Pilgrim and Musical Leaves' of the first edition which he gave me last week by mistake in place of the last edition. I left the 6 and made arrangements to return other 16 and get in their place next Saturday the same number of the last edition. I have been kept very busy at the store today making frames, etc. I brought home two mats for pictures for Fanny. Gussie has been up home to Father Purdy's today. She drew Georgie up on his little sleigh. DECEMBER 19 THURSDAY - Pleasant but very cold. I have worked in the shop today doing my yesterday's allowance with that of today which kept me busy until late. As I felt very tired in the evening, I let Gussie go into the street to do some marketing for me and I stayed home. She brought home a few more small Christmas toys for Georgie to the amount of 34 cents. Fanny came in about 9 o'clock with her mother's photograph for me to frame in an 8x10 polished walnut spring pattern which I did and charged her $2.00, my price at the store - $2.75. DECEMBER 20 FRIDAY - Very cold last night. The mercury last evening stood at 5 below zero. It commenced snowing this morning and continued to moderate with more or less snow during the day until evening when it was mild and pleasant and cleared away. I have had work all day in the shop. Joe Day came to the shop for his brother Henry and solicited some money from me on what I owe him for meat. I gave him $10.00. As I came from work, I stopped at Avery Raymond's and got a singing book to take with me to New York tomorrow and exchange for a later edition. Also stopped at Wesley Burritt's for one. I attended a Teachers' Meeting at 6 o'clock in the middle classroom to make arrangements for the coming Sunday School Festival on the 26th of December. Before retiring, I entered the doings on the Sunday School records. DECEMBER 21 SATURDAY - I have been to New York. I took Father Griswold's large photograph with me and framed it in a 16x20 Walnut & Gilt Sperry's pattern. I brought it home with me at night. I returned 5 more singing books to Phillip Phillips before going to the store in the city and expected some of the last edition in return for them but he had none. He expects a supply of them daily. I have been very busy in the store. I borrowed a punch of Mr. Fanton (the shirt man) this evening to use on our Sunday School tickets as a private mark to prevent the use of such as are in other hands. We contemplate using the old tickets to save expense next Thursday. After tea, we went over to Mr. Pond's to see their new baby and to show them picture of Father Griswold which I brought from New York. From there, we took it up home and hung it for Fanny. DECEMBER 22 SUNDAY - Warm and muggy with some rain which with the snow on the ground makes the walking very bad. Gussie has been home all day with the sick headache. I went to the church in the forenoon and spent the time in the basement punching heart-shaped holes in the old Sunday School exhibition tickets to prevent fraud by using old ones now in the hands of many who never returned them from previous exhibitions. After Sunday School, I came home and stayed with Gussie. Father came down after tea for a call. He took the letter from Bell for Mother which we took from the Office last evening. She wrote from Port Chester. Just before tea, I went for Dr. Bulkely for Mother Griswold who has been complaining all day. DECEMBER 23 MONDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York. Mrs. Nathaniel Benedict went to New York. I accompanied her to the city and saw her safely on the 4yth Avenue horse cars. I have been very busy again at the store. I had the sick headache in the P.M.I had a talk with Daniel Minnerly and finally consented to take him back again in my employ. I returned 4 more Singing Pilgrims and Musical Leaves combine to Phillip Phillips, making 15 of the 22 returned. His other (the revised edition) has not yet come. Before I left home this morning, Mr. Pond came in with a note for me to sign for $1,000 at the Danbury National Bank. I did it to accommodate the firm to which he belongs, Steven Sunderland & Company. They are to endorse it and get the money as they have notes coming due for lumber before they can get any money for the new school house which they are building. The note is drawn for three months from December 3rd. They confidently expect funds before this note matures, and I consider the risk small. I would have not done it for any other man, but he (Mr. Pond) has several times favored me and I feel it would be unkind to refuse him. DECEMBER 24 TUESDAY - I went to New York again today. James Maynard came to the store to see me today. He was under the impression that I kept bouquets preserved for ale and wanted to get some for John Wanderville in New Haven to put in his confectionary store. I walked with him over to Broadway and there left him and returned to the store. After dinner, I went down to E. D. Hill's Coal Office to order another to of coal and to settle up for the wreath I preserved for him. I balanced it by taking coal. He would give only $10.00 for the frame which was $3.00 less than I intended. I saw James Maynard again at Norwalk as I was coming home. I intended to send some circulars with him to New Haven for distribution but forgot them when left the store. Before retiring, I helped Mr. Pond prepare a Christmas tree in his barn. DECEMBER 25 WEDNESDAY - Christmas Day. Georgie had a good time this morning when he found his stocking full of toys, candy, etc. I went to the shop after breakfast, but it was closed; no work to be done today. Father came down and took Georgie home with him this forenoon. Gussie went to church in the P.M. to help dress it in green. I went to the Depot and paid the remaining $28.00 on the $38.00 for my commutation for 6 months ending June 1st. I took Augustus Hoyt's horse and sleigh and with Fred Shears went down to Whittlesey's Evergreen Hill and got some ivy for dressing the church. I went up home for Georgie just at night and stayed to tea. In the evening, I drew up a roll of the Sunday School Scholars for use tomorrow evening at the exhibition. Gussie went to the church again in the evening to assist in further dressing the church. The day has been cloudy and warm. The snow has wasted fast; about 9 o'clock in the evening, it began to rain. DECEMBER 26 THURSDAY - Rain last night, but it cleared off pleasant and warm this morning. The snow has wasted fast today and the sleighing is about used up. I have worked in the shop. As I came from work, I bought a pair of rubbers at Daniel Benedict's and got trusted for them. After tea, I went directly to the church to assist at door keeping at the Sunday School Exhibition. We had a very good time. We took in about $60.00. Georgie went with us. He took a part with other three-year-old children. He got to sleep after his part was played. We drew him down and back in Mr. Pond's baby carriage, ours being broken. DECEMBER 27 FRIDAY - The ground was frozen a little this morning and the sun shone pleasantly for a time but before noon it became cloudy but no rain. The snow has wasted very fast and it is very muddy. I have worked in the shop. James Wallace Pine presented the shop with two books as a testimonial of his regard for the men who have shown him such kindness and encouragement in getting his books (poems) before the public. The books were 'The Cotton Family' and 'Bayard Taylor's Travels'. As I came home from work, I took the wreath of D. E. Hill's from Swift's window and carried it to Mr. William's office at the depot in readiness to take with me to New York in the morning. After tea, I went to market. DECEMBER 28 SATURDAY - I have been to New York today. It was raining hard when I started. I took D. E. Hill's wreath back with me as he now wants it delivered. It came off pleasant before I arrive in the city and the remainder of the day was delightful, except the wind. I came to the 27th street depot by way of Phillip Phillip's at Union Square, but his music books 'Singing Pilgrim and Music Leaves Combined', 30 of which I ordered, he has not yet got from his printer. Bell was at Norwalk waiting for me. She was just returning from her visit at Port Chester and Stamford. Father met her here at the depot and Gussie met me to assist in carrying the music books, but I required no help of that kind. DECEMBER 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant. The ground was frozen this morning, but at church time it was very muddy. I went in the morning to church. Gussie came down to Sunday School with Georgie at noon. After school, I came home with him. At noon, Henry Hoyt gave over to me the money taken at the Sunday School Exhibition on Thursday evening, $59.00. There are as yet two scholars to make returns of tickets sold with which we hope to make the amount over $60.00. Bell came here to tea from church. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond's a few minutes. I attended church in the evening. The attendance was good. Brother Birch preached a good sermon. DECEMBER 30 MONDAY - Colder. It has frozen all day. I have worked in the shop. Elijah Morris came with me from work to see frames at the house to select one for a picture of his father-in-law which he wants me to frame tomorrow at the store and deliver to his folks at their residence at 40 Suffolk Street. I returned to the street and exchanged $34.00 in currency for bills for the Sunday School, the same being money taken at the Christmas Exhibition. Mr. Pond, not having been obliged to use the note of $1,000 (which I lent my name to for him to raise money for a short time for Steven Sunderland & Company) gave the same back to me this evening and I gave back his personal note of same amount which he gave as security. After tea, I killed the turkey which Father Griswold gave to us as a New Year's present. I also went over to W. Olmstead's with some samples of frames for him to select fro for some frames he is contemplating getting. I then went into the street to get some raisins, eggs, etc. for New Year's. DECEMBER 31 FRIDAY - Pleasant (or rather, not stormy) as there was but little sunshine. The day has been cold. I have been to New York. I took down with me a picture for Elijah Morris and framed for him and delivered to 40 Suffolk Street. I had the company of Dr. Brown and wife to New York this morning. They were on their way to Newburgh to spend New Year's Day with her folks. I invited my headman at the store, William H. Hayes, to come home with me and spend New Year's Day, but he could not on account of the expense accept the invitation though much he would like to.
1867-12
Horace Purdy Journal November 1867 Entry
13pgs
NOVEMBER 01 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York again today. I went direct (when I got to the city) to the California steamer at Pier 29 to see Lauren, Eliza and their children for California. The steamer started at precisely 12:30 o'clock. Alfred and Anna were there to see them off. They had some trouble with their trunks, they having been taken to the ___ (?) steamer at Pier 42. Alfred, however, by the aid of a policeman, got them just in time to put them on board before the steamer started. I went from there with Alfred and Anna to the Merchants' Hotel and then over to 380 State Street in Brooklyn to Louise Jones about some oil paintings. I returned to the store just in time to eat some lunch and get to the depot to come home. Henry Crofut's shop on the hill near his large factory was burned this afternoon. It was caused by the overturning and blowing up of a ___ (?) lamp in which was used Benzene. NOVEMBER 02 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I went to New York again today. Our neighbor Mr. Brown and wife went down. They were strangers in the city and I put them on the Bleeker Street cars to go to Fulton Ferry When I got home this evening, I was quite tired. NOVEMBER 03 SUNDAY - Pleasant until evening when it rained a little. We both (wife and self) went to church in the morning and took Georgie. We came home after Sunday School. Bell came and took supper with us. After tea, I went up and called on Oscar Serrine who about a week ago hurt his foot badly by having a timber fall on it while working on his barn which he is building. When I came from there, Gussie and I took Georgie and walked to New Street to see the new schoolhouse which we are having built. NOVEMBER 04 MONDAY - The stars shone early this morning and again this evening. I have been to New York and the day has been cloudy and has grown cold this afternoon. It rained a little about 3 P.M. When I came home this evening, I found Gussie nearly sick with Neuralgia. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond's barn and held lamp for him to make a coal riddle for his nephew. I suppose he was making it for me when I went to the barn, but found I was mistaken. He proposes making one for me tomorrow evening if I wish. Before retiring, I drew up a form for advertising circulars for preserving natural flowers which I contemplate having printed. NOVEMBER 05 FRIDAY - I did not go to the city today. After breakfast, I went up home with a bundle of clothes for George for Mother to wash. I then went down to the shop and found some work to do. Before going to work, However, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and arranged with Swertfager to print me 5,000 advertising circulars for preserving flowers. I worked until dark at the shop. After work, I called again at the Jeffersonian Office. I also called under Concert Hall to see the new store of pictures and Yankee notions just opened. I received a letter by the evening mail from Dr. Kellogg requesting me to hand a note (which was included) to John Brayman requesting him to pay what he owed him for medical attendance. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to Kellogg. Also wrote to William H. Hayes at the store in New York. NOVEMBER 06 WEDNESDAY - Cool; a snow squall in the middle of the day, just enough to say snow. I mailed a letter in time for the train this morning to Dr. Kellogg in reply to one received with John Brayman's bill enclosed. Also one to William Hayes at the store in New York. I worked in the shop all day. As I came from work at night I got 5,000 circulars at the Jeffersonian Office advertising my preserving of flowers and brought them home. After tea, I went into the street and got the deed (mortgage), I gave Father Griswold from the Town Clerk's Office. I stopped a little time at the picture auction under Concert Hall, bought a box of paper colors and came home. NOVEMBER 07 THURSDAY - Cold, the ground froze hard last night and it has thawed but little today. The sun shone but for a few minutes about 1 o'clock. It has looked and felt all day like snow. I had work until noon in the shop. As I was coming home, I met Gussie going down to Main Street. She did a little shopping and then I went with her to Dr. Fitch and she had 2 teeth extracted. I then came home leaving her to call on the widow Burr Bradley. Just before dark, I moved 5 bushels of potatoes from Father Griswold's cellar into my own. Mrs. Gilbert called after tea, to see if her sister, Widow Hull could rent my upper rooms another year. Aunt Louise also called. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, I held lamp for Mr. Pond (in his barn) to make a money drawer for Daragan & Rider. It was 11 o'clock when I retired. NOVEMBER 08 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I have worked in the shop today. As I intend to go to New York in the morning, I got my pay before leaving the shop. In the evening, I made two small frames at Swift's for my advertising circulars. I dug my salsify before breakfast this morning. NOVEMBER 09 SATURDAY - I went to New York this morning and took 5,000 circulars advertising the preservation on natural flowers. I left a few of them at Norwalk, also a few at Stamford. I sent a few to Newark, New Jersey by George Hodges. William Hayes, my principal man at the store went to Keyport New Jersey this P.M.; he also took a few of them with him. When I left the store to come home, I came by way of the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street, and ordered 10 more Sunday School Advocates ($3.00) and five more Sunday School Journals ($1.75) added to our list of Sunday School papers. I also bought for the School, one dozen Judd's Lessons ($1.80). I t has been pleasant and warm today, but before I got home, it commence raining. NOVEMBER 10 SUNDAY - Rain last night and misty this morning. It came off clear in the forenoon and was pleasant and warm. Gussie, on account of a scar on her face produced by the use of Kennedy's Liniment from neuralgia did not go to church. I went down in time for Sunday School. I stayed to Communion Service in the P.M. Mother. Having another poor turn and being sick abed, Gussie went up to see her after tea. There came up again a rain just at night and Gussie got caught in it coming home and she got very wet so that she made a complete change of clothing. It rained hard all the evening. We did not go out but spent a part of the evening upstairs in Robert's rooms. NOVEMBER 11 MONDAY - I am 32 years old today. I have been to New York today. I intended to meet Father Griswold at the 27th Street Depot at noon, but missed him. He came around to my store about 3 P.M. It is his first visit to the store. It looked like rain this morning, but it came off warm and pleasant. NOVEMBER 12 TUESDAY - I went to New York again today. According to agreement, Father Griswold went at the 27th Street depot at 9 ## o'clock, but on account of the storm, I did not go to see him as planned to see his lots in Brooklyn. He went alone and I went to the store. It has rained and snowed together more or less all day. It has melted as fast as it came in New York but when I got as far on my way home as Wilton on the Danbury & Norwalk Railroad, the ground was covered an inch or more deep, the first snow we have had to whiten the ground any and the 3rd time it has been flying in the air. NOVEMBER 13 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cool. The snow has not all disappeared today. It has thawed none in the shade. I had about a ## day's work in the shop. I went into the street before tea, and called at Mrs. Barlow's to say that the wreath I am preserving for her will most likely be done on Saturday. I then called on Henry Day and explained why I have not yet paid anything on my account with him. I had an understanding with him about it. After tea, I went into the street again and got some medicine of Dr. Bulkely for Mr. Pond and myself. I called at Hawley & Sayers and offered 10 % on jobs preserving funeral wreaths which they may get for me. I stopped at Swift's and he ordered through me a half dozen imperial passe-partouts. I then came down and stopped at the auction under Concert hall a short time and then came home. NOVEMBER 14 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool this morning; the ground was frozen hard. I have had work nearly all day in the shop. As I came from work, I stopped at Robert Sayers' and talked with him about preserving funeral wreaths. I offered him 10 % on every job he will secure for me. It is warmer tonight; the snow has disappeared very fast this P.M. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. Last night and tonight, the falling stars were expected again. A few were seen early this morning by some people, I believe. NOVEMBER 15 FRIDAY - I went to the shop expecting work but there was none so I came home and helped Gussie clean the bedroom. I also shoveled my heap of ashes and manure into a pile on the garden. I used Father Griswold's wheelbarrow. I went to market in the evening. It has alternated between cloudy and sunshine during the day. NOVEMBER 16 SATURDAY - Went to New York; Cloudy and looked like rain in the morning, but the after part of the day was pleasant. I was busy at the store making frames, etc. I came by the way of Handler's in West 19th Street (my passe-partout maker) to get a half dozen Imperial pass-partouts for Swift. He had but one of the style I wanted, so I took it and ordered 5 more to me made on Monday. Just before the train got to Stamford this evening, the steam ran low so that we could not run. It delayed us nearly half an hour. After tea, I went over to Mr. Sherman's and furnished over 8 yards of cord and brought 5 pictures for him. I went out while Gussie was upstairs, she not knowing where I went became alarmed before I returned and called for me and then woke Robert upstairs to go look for me. Before he was dressed, however, I came in finding Gussie crying. NOVEMBER 17 SUNDAY - I went to church in the morning. Gussie and Georgie came down at noon to Sunday School and stayed in the P.M. I came home after Sunday School. George Starr sent $5.00 to me by Gussie with which to get a half dozen of Philip Philips new singing book entitled ''Singing Pilgrims 'and 'Musical Leaves' combine in one. We had our first mess of vegetable oyster or salsify for supper. They were very fine. Neither of us went to church in the evening. NOVEMBER 18 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. I went to New York in the morning. As I went to the store from the Depot, I went to Handles' In 19th Street and got the other 11 Imperial Pass-partouts for Swift. I stopped at the store a short time and then went over to Fanton's at 491 Broadway and got 12 pairs of Rider's Sewing Machine casters and took the 12:30 train to Stamford to sell the casters. I sold but one pair. I called at Aunt Abbie's and after tea, I took the train for home, being very sick with a sick headache. I vomited at the Stamford Depot and again when I got home. I left the passe-partouts at Swift's store as I came home. I retired soon after I returned home, too sick to eat anything. NOVEMBER 19 TUESDAY - Pleasant but very cold again. It has thawed none at all today. I stayed at home and worked in the factory. I have not felt very well today from yesterday's sickness. After tea, I wrote to William Hayes, my chief man at the store. I mailed it as I went into the street to exchange a pair of shoes for Georgie which Gussie got for him last evening. After the mail was opened, I called at the Auction under Concert Hall for a few minutes and then walked up with Oscar Serrine. Before retiring, I wrote a plain letter to George about paying me what he owes me as I am now in great need of it. NOVEMBER 20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool until after dinner when the wind changed to the south and it grew warmer. As I went to the shop this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to George. I had $3.00 worth of work which lasted me nearly all day. Carpenters have been at work in the shop today making a new set of straight stairs leading into the finishing room in place of the old winding ones. As I came home from work, John Sharp came home with me for some cut wads to use in my gun which he has borrowed. After tea, I wrote to Wells Webster in Plainville to see if he could give Edmund Palmer work at carriage trimming. I mailed it in the evening. I also took back again the shoe makers (D. Benedict) the shoes we bought for Georgie, they not being quite large enough. Robert and wife came downstairs and spent the evening with us. We passed the time in a jocular way, telling stories, etc. NOVEMBER 21 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I had work in the shop until after dinner. I came home by way of Rider's Shoe Store to see some boots he had just come in from New York, but as usual with ready-made boots, none of them would fit me. I then came home and covered my strawberries for the winter. Gussie and Frank Bouton went to the milliner's in the P.M. Frank came home with her to tea. After tea, Frank went down to meeting. I walked down with her. NOVEMBER 22 FRIDAY - Warm and cloudy; a little rain in the fore part of the evening. I have worked in the shop today. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at George Andrews. Louise stayed with Georgie to let me go into the street. . While in the street, Alexander Wildman met me and very unexpectedly paid me the $3.25 he has for some time owed me and which I did not expect to get. I called a short time in George Rider's Shoe store and spent a little time talking about the preservation of natural flowers and the came home after exchanging some stale butter crackers at Randall & Bradley's for some pilot bread for Mother Griswold. After I came home, I went up and exchanged the iron casters on Fanny's sewing machine for a pair of brass ones. She paid me $1.00 for the price of them. NOVEMBER 23 SATURDAY - Cloudy, misty and some rain during the day. I went to New York. Before going to the store, I went to the Book Room and got a ## dozen 'Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' combine in one book for George Starr ' retail price 75 cents. They being for our Sunday School, I got them for 60 cents each. From there, I went to the corner of Broome and Elm Streets to see a German bookbinder for James Wallace Pine about binding a book he has been writing ' a poem entitled 'The Pilgrim's Hope'. I then went to 491 Broadway at H. B. Fanton's place to see Benjamin Rider and return to him what sewing machine casters I did not sell and pay for what I did. I then went direct to the store. I brought home the books for Brother Starr and the small wreath I have been preserving for Mrs. Barlow. I showed the wreath to a number on the train coming home. After tea, I went up to Mother Griswold's and showed it, also over to Mr. Pond's and upstairs to Mr. Cocking. NOVEMBER 24 SUNDAY - Lowery through, but little rain. I went to church in the A.M. Brother Ira Abbott, who preached in New Milford when John lived there and was converted, preached for us this morning. We had rather an interesting time in Sunday School this noon singing from the new books, 'The Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' combined into one. I delivered to Brother George Starr in Sunday School ## dozen which I got for him in New York. I also got 17 names for others which I am to get this week. Prayer meeting in the afternoon; we both attended. Georgie stayed with his Grandma Griswold. Gussie came home from church with a severe headache. She felt better after tea and went over to Henry Hinman's on Stevens Street to see Anne Elizabeth Delavan who is dangerously sick. She returned in time to let me go to church in the evening. Brother Birch preached. After the sermon, a short Prayer Meeting was held. Joseph W. Allen came home with me after meeting to get a singing book, 'Fresh Laurels' which I sold him. Warm and foggy in the evening, but no rain. NOVEMBER 25 MONDAY - Cloudy, muggy, lowery, foggy, warm, nasty muddy, and very unpleasant. We rose late. I have worked in the shop. I lent Oscar Serrine $2.00 until Wednesday. As I went to work this morning, I stopped at Mrs. Barlow's, corner of Railroad Avenue and Liberty Street to see if she would be at home this evening if I would bring her wreath home, but I learned that she would not until next week. After tea, Gussie went into the street to see her dressmaker. In the meantime, Sarah Bouton, Frank Bouton and Fanny Griswold called in to see Mrs. Barlow's wreath which I have been preserving. When Gussie returned, I went into the street with the wreath to have it put into Swift's show window for the public to see. Mr. Swift not being in, I left it with his clerk who promised to put it in in the morning. NOVEMBER 26 TUESDAY - Cloudy and foggy this morning. It came off clear before night. I worked hard all day on 4 Drop Jack-ups, Vienna, Col., F. Stiff. As I came from work, I came by way of O. H. Swift's and got Mrs. Barlow's wreath. I concluded not to put it on exhibition for fear that she might not like it. After tea, I went to market. Charles Hull sent the tin leader today which I ordered last Friday evening. Robert put a lock on the inside cellar door today. NOVEMBER 27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York. Was very busy making frames, etc. Came to the Depot via the Book Room and bought 17 Singing Pilgrim and Musical leaves combined for the Sunday School. I got them at the trade price of 55 cents. I took charge of a buffalo robe for at Norwalk for Mr. Potter and left it at Swift's store. Warren Bouton was on the train from Georgetown; he is to spend Thanksgiving in Danbury. His wife met him at the Depot here. Gussie met me also. I expected to find George on the train this evening on his way home from Yonkers but did not. Gussie bought 10 bushels of charcoal today at 20 cents a bushel. NOVEMBER 28 THURSDAY - Thanksgiving Day. Stormy. I went to the shop in the morning, but found it closed. I returned by way of Swift's store and got $4.50 for the dozen passe-partouts I got for him. We took dinner with Father Griswold's folks, after which we left Georgie with them and went up to my father's to see George who came home yesterday from Yonkers. I wrote to William Hayes in the store and enclosed a note to George Talmadge about paying his rent. Also one to H. D. Clark about my note to him of $125 due December 9th. I mailed it in the evening and carried three pictures ' Washington, Lincoln and Grant families ' over to Timothy Foster's. NOVEMBER 29 FRIDAY - Stormy. Rain. I have worked in the shop. Our foreman (V. W. Benedict) drew my pay while I was in New York on Wednesday and paid it to me today. Before breakfast, I killed a turkey and a chicken for Mother Griswold. The turkey Father Griswold will take to Harriet in New Haven as a present. I went into the street in the evening to buy a camp chimney and went to the Post Office. NOVEMBER 30 SATURDAY - Pleasant this morning with considerable wind. I went to New York. Father Griswold also took the same train to new Haven; he took the turkey to Harriet. When I arrived in the city, I went to the Book Room and bought one dozen no. 1 Catechisms for the Sunday School. I then went to Ferguson's and arranged with him to let me have goods on credit for a time in order that I may be able to meet a note to Henry D. Clark on December 9th. When I arrived at the 27th Street Depot in the morning, I renewed my commutation for the second 6 months ending May 31st, 1868 for $45.00. I found a letter waiting for me at the store from Smith & Rand to call at their office at 170 Broadway and get 72 more sporting pictures (22x28) to frame in Wall Gilt. I went down after dinner and got them, at the same time ordering the frames of Nonnebacher and the glass of Crowe & Powell. Daniel, who had promised to be at the store again on Friday, had not made his appearance up to 4 P.M. Mr. Pond, who has been in the city on business, called at the store and we came home together. George and Gussie met me at the Depot. George, after doing some business in the street came around to the house and spent a part of the evening. Gussie went up home today with Georgie but it grew cold so fast that she left him up there to stay overnight. Mrs. Green's mother died at 5 P.M.
1867-11