Adelaide Hoyt Interview
16:15
Adelaide Hoyt as a native Danbury resident recollects changes within her neighborhood of 17 Montgomery Street. Casual interview which briefly discusses the different nationalities that emerged after 1960 downtown. Interviewer's name is unknown. According to a 1930 census, Mr. Hoyt was born in Old Lyme, CT (2 Jan 1895) to Franklin Taylor Manent and Julia Augusta Manent. She married Gerald Frederick Hoyt in 1914 at the age of 18, and had three sons together. Mrs. A. Hoyt was a homemaker and then widow. One of her neighbors was Joseph E. Canale, who sat on the Danbury Redevelopment/Danbury Housing Commission/National Association of Housing.
Adelaide Hoyt
0:00-10:00
Highland Ave; Montgomery St.; Name change to road: New St.; Mixture of all types at Mrs. Hoyt’s church at the corner of West St. (First Congregational Church?); Some troubles at St. Joseph’s Church too; Hoyt and Danbury Mayor talk over phone about neighbors-New St. property; Called before to Board of Health; Landlord’s responsibility; Junk out on lawns; Not well kept people; Welfare; Pets uncared for; Hoyt made formal complaint about loud noise; People have changed specially towards the end of the road by West St.; Mrs. Talarico moved; Vas (new neighbors- Portuguese family); Canale; Wilson; Hoyt mentions distinct buildings that are no longer on Highland St./Montgomery St./West St.: corner store, other small house, and a church torn down; New kind-of neighborhood; Not as well-kept; Interact with women who threw cigarette butt waste in front Hoyt's house; Poor land maintenance; All kinds of people; More rental properties; Larger homes made into smaller apartments; Car traffic noise.
10:01-16:15
Mainly small families who lived in neighborhood previously; Discussion on neighborhood family- Robert Talbot; Hoyt used to have nice friends on the street; Close-knit; Nationalities were “old fashioned American people”; Thoughtful and well-mannered; No better than anyone else; But good people; Enjoyed taking care of their homes and had shared ideas and values; Hoyt used to drive up from Brooklyn; Female neighbor worked up until her death at 88 years old at Mallory Hat Factory (Rose Hill Rd.); Would walk back and forth every single morning; Rose and Beaver St.; She was a hat trimmer; Fell down and hospitalized; No other hat factory workers on Montgomery St.; Mr. Talarico; Son owned a car body garage at the corner; Nice neighbors; Nationalities have changed though; Still good people at the end of the Montgomery St.; The street itself is nice.
Horace Purdy Journal June 1869 Entry
12pgs
JUNE 01 TUESDAY - Pleasant and hot. After breakfast, I hoed out the oats in four rows of potatoes for Father Griswold. I then took the lesson books, catechisms, etc. which I bought yesterday in New York for the Sunday School down to the church and a “Singing Pilgrim and Leaves” down to Mrs. Horace Crofut at the foot of Liberty Street. I got my clock at T. B. Fanton's (where it has been to be cleaned) and the papers at Swift's and then came home. In the P.M., I went into the street to engage Mr. Sayers to plow out potatoes for Father Griswold tomorrow and to Knox's paint shop to make arrangements for graining my sitting room. I then came home and commenced scraping off the old graining preparatory to putting on the new. After tea, I planted over parsnips, also some corn. I then went into the street and engaged some butter at Holmes' to come tomorrow. I mailed a letter this morning to William Hayes. At tea time, Charles Hayes paid Gussie $24.00 for board. JUNE 02 WEDNESDAY - After breakfast, I went with Charley to his shop (The Sewing Machine Factory) and borrowed of him a scraper to scrape off the old graining in my sitting room. I worked at it until the middle of the P.M. when I went up to Knox's for paint for priming preparatory to graining. I worked until 11 o'clock at night in order to finish putting on the first coat of paint. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening. Louise held lamp for me a part of the evening. It has been showery today. George came in the morning and borrowed my fish lines to go fishing. The New York circus which travels by railroad has showed here today. JUNE 03 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. Charles Hayes (our boarder) last night thought he would change his boarding place. He arranged for a place in Montgomery Street and paid a week's board in advance. He came back while I was painting and after further consideration, concluded to stay with us. He however, stayed at the new place last night. He went to Bridgeport on a trip today and returned after tea this evening. Mr. Pond and I ground the scythe, sickle and two carvers after breakfast this morning. I worked for Father Griswold this forenoon, hoeing out his corn and potatoes. After dinner, I took a nap and then took Georgie with his straw hat down to the shop and pressed it over for him making it good as new. From there, we walked up to John Cosier's office where I had a little more talk with him about buying his business and then Georgie and I came home. After tea, while it was cool and pleasant, I worked in my garden until it was dark. Gussie and Louise went up to Mrs. McNeil's this P.M. to see about some dress making. They called a few minutes at the cemetery before returning. JUNE 04 FRIDAY - After breakfast, I wrote two letters - to William Hayes, 31 Downing Street, and Hiram Benjamin, 151 Fulton Street. I sent them to the Office in time for the morning mail by William Blissard. I helped Father Griswold hoe his garden for a while in the morning until the sun became hot about 10 o'clock when I came in and commenced putting on our sitting room, the second coat of paint for graining. Bell took Georgie up to Mallory's Shop with her but returned in time for dinner. I did not finish painting until 6 o'clock. I have to go for more paint before I can finish. I went to market in the evening. It clouded over in the P.M. and before night it rained a little. Father Griswold talked with John Cosier about me buying his leather cutting business. I wished him to see him and give his opinion concerning it that I might have the benefit of his counsel, to say nothing of his approval which is very desirable. He does not object to the movement. While in his study this evening, I signed a certificate on the back of my note of $1,200.00 to the Savings Bank stating that he (E.E.G.) had paid such note and acknowledging my indebtedness to him for said amount. JUNE 05 SATURDAY - Muggy in the morning. Sunshine and two hard thunder showers in the P.M. I went down to see John Cosier in the forenoon and pretty much concluded to buy out his share of his business. Mr. Sherman, the grocer, came up about 11 o'clock for some pie plant. I let him have 7 lbs. and Mr. Pond 10 lbs. at 3 cents per pound. After dinner, I took a short nap and then took Georgie for a walk with me into the street, to John Cosier's office, to the depot at the arrival of the 3:15 train, expecting H. B. Benjamin from New York who promised to bring my old account books, etc. from my old store. He did not however come. I then walked down to the shop and then home again just in time to escape a hard shower. In the evening, I went again to do some marketing and to see if H. B. Benjamin came on the train. George and Bell went to New York this morning. JUNE 06 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cooler. I attended church in the forenoon. Gussie came down to Sunday School with Georgie. After school, I came home with him. After supper, we all took a walk up to E. S. Davis' new house on Rose Hill. We met Henry Ely's wife and child up there. We came home by Mallory's shop and Elm Street. We called on Robert and Maria Cocking before coming home. I went to church in the evening and slept during most of the sermon. Put on underclothes. JUNE 07 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool. I put on my underclothes again yesterday morning and I find them quite comfortable. I went down to the shop this morning and got my pocketknife which I left there one day last week. I saw Mr. Crofut and told him that I was sorry that I could not pay him the $60.00 I owe him but promised to pay as soon as I received my money from the sale of the New York business. He expressed himself satisfied. I also saw D. P. Nichols and told him the same regarding $24.61 which I owe him. I spent most of the day with George Barnum (John Cosier's partner) helping him. When I came home, I went over to Ed. James to look at some clothing which he wants to sell me. I saw nothing that suited me. After tea, I transplanted dahlias and one tomato plant from a pot. Gussie has been growing this plant all last winter. At noon, I wrote to Carlton & Lenahan ordering half dozen Vol. 1 of “Two Years with Jesus”. Dr. Thompson's son Thomas was buried this P.M. at 2 o'clock. I have felt cold today and have the headache. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. JUNE 08 TUESDAY - I have worked in the shop today. There was shower of rain (but no thunder) about 7 o'clock this morning. Another with thunder as I was returning to the shop after dinner. After work I selected a hat for Mr. Pond and brought home to him. On my way home, I left a copy of “Outlines of the U. S. Government” with David Hoyt at the Railroad Repair shop. He promises to pay next Tuesday, a week from today. Kit is $2.00. I called at John Cosier's office also as I came home. I am yet undecided about buying him out. After tea, I spaded the ground over (or rather forked it over) between my potatoes and early cabbages. Gussie went to market in the evening with Susan Brayman and I stayed at home. I directed an envelope for Susan to send to John at Walpole, Mass. in care of Gill & Sons. The hat for Mr. Pond was $3.00. I charged it to him as I am owing to him on a book account. JUNE 09 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than it has been since last Saturday's thunder showers. I went to the shop this morning for my pocket rule which I left there yesterday. I called at Cosier's office and came home and worked in the garden until noon. After dinner, I wrote Henry Day at 61 Carmine Street, New York about sending a package to me which was last Saturday left there for me by William Hayes. It is my old account books, papers, etc. pertaining to my business in New York at 68 1/2 Carmine Street. I went into the street, mailed the letter, and left a copy of Philip Phillips new singing book, “The Standard Singer” at Ed. Allen's to send to B. Lockwood in Bethel. I called again on John Cosier and told him that I would not buy him out after considering the matter as I have done. I pulled weeds in my garden before tea. In the evening, I went to the church to vote on the question of Lay representation. I voted against it. There were 85 votes cast, 65 for and 20 against it. Gussie attended also. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie to let us attend. JUNE 10 THURSDAY - A little sunshine in the morning but it soon clouded over and before noon commenced to rain. I began in the morning to mow the grass in front of my place, Father Griswold’s, and N. C. Ponds, also to trim out, draw a line, cut a straight edge, and repair the walk. Mr. Pond offered me $3.00 a day to do his front walk. I worked until 4 P.M. when the rain stopped me. This morning, while over to Mr. McDonald's for milk, he (Mr. McDonald) spoke to me about not paying my church seat rent. I think he is meddling with what is none of his business. If he has been directed by the Leaders and Stewards to speak to me about it, I think that they treat me unkindly at least for I am as well aware as they that I owe for the seat and have not been able to pay but will as soon as I am able and they ought to know me well enough for that. I have had the headache nearly all day but have worked out, nevertheless. I did not feel able to go into the street in the evening, so Gussie went and did the marketing. George Stevens' son, Frank, who has not long been out of the penitentiary yesterday stole $200.00 from Graham, the carpenter and this morning, Officer Crosby arrested him. After tea, I wrote to my successor in New York, Henry Day, to see if he can send me some money soon. I am owing Mr. Pond, $100.00. He has a note to meet on the 15th inst. And I would like very much to pay him and thereby help him on the note as he spoke to me about it this morning. He is a kind good fellow and will not force me at all if I do not get the money for him, but he ought to have it and I very much want to pay it for it is a long time past due. Gussie mailed the letter for me this evening. JUNE 11 FRIDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a little splatter of a shower in the P.M. and again in the evening. I finished working on Mr. Pond's sidewalk this morning. I spent the rest of the day drawing with Alfred Gregory's horse and wagon and wheeling on a barrow sand for Father Griswold's and my sidewalk. I spent a short time while waiting for the horse in hoeing my garden. I was very tired at night. Father has gone to Ridgefield and Mother has come over today to stay overnight with Frank Bouton. Tomorrow she will return as far as here and spend the day. JUNE 12 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I had work in the shop until noon. I came home to dinner and while eating it, Ambrose Hill came in with his spring bed model. I had a talk with him about canvassing New London and Windham Counties. I went over home with him and examined one in use on his bed. We had some talk about working the thing together, canvassing this county and then going to New London and Windham. I took the model home with me thinking to operate a little with it. On my way home, I stopped to see George Starr about what Mr. McDonald told me was said derogatory to my character and good name in a meeting of the church officials about my unpaid seat rent. He disbelieves McDonald's story and promises to set matters right next meeting of the Leaders and Stewards. I cashed Oscar Serine's account this morning. It was $4.00. We could not make change, so I gave him a $5.00 bill. This evening, he saw me and paid me the dollar. I went into the street this evening and got a letter from George in Brooklyn. He is yet very weak from his sickness (the Jaundice). He has but little work and is anxious to get out of Brooklyn. Mother has not been here today as expected; for what reason we know not. As I came home this evening, I called at Mrs. Wilcox's on Deer Hill to see if Mr. H. B. Benjamin had come from New York and if he brought my package of account books from the Carmine Street store. I saw him but he forgot my parcel. JUNE 13 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I went down to Sunday School at noon. It being our Concert Sunday, I distributed my papers before the exercises commenced. I delivered to L. W. Bartram the half dozen “Two Years with Jesus”, 1st Series which he ordered last Sunday. The $1.50 for these, he could not pay, having no money with him. After school, I came home with Georgie. After dinner, Charlie took a walk with Theo. Bradley. Gussie went to the Band of Hope (Ed. Note: The Band of Hope was a temperance organization for working-class children, founded in Leeds, England in 1847.) and I walked over to John Bouton's and to John Morris' new house with Georgie. JUNE 14 MONDAY - Rain most of the time until after dinner when it finally came off pleasant and hot. I had work in the shop until noon. I started out about 3 P.M. with the model to canvass for the Connecticut Spring Bed Bottom. I sold one to Henry Barry the first call I made. Almon Hickok, I think, will take one also. Several others spoke favorably and may buy. Before returning home, I called to see Alvin Hurd, who is very feeble and will not probably be any better. He is I think about 74 years old. I received by this evening's mail a letter from Yonkers, New York from George Hendrickson with $2.60 enclosed, the amount of his bill for picture frames I made for him before selling out in New York. Before retiring, I made out a receipt for the amount and enclosed with a note to him. I also wrote to George and enclosed 50 cents for him to go over to New York at 10 Grove Street and collect a bill for me from Mr. Tater. I wrote to Daniel Minnerly, my old gilder, for $1.90 he owes me for a frame he made for a friend. He is with my successor, Henry Day at 61 Carmine Street. Knox sent a man today to grain our sitting room. JUNE 15 THURSDAY - Muggy with a little rain, also warm sunshine. I had a half dozen hats to finish at the shop this morning. I took the model for the spring bed with me to the shop thinking I might canvass a little when I finished my work. I talked a little with Mr. Mansfield about laying in my winter's supply of coal. I being out, ordered a half ton of Carmel Ridge which came in the afternoon. Just at night, I canvassed a little for the spring bed. I took an order for one from Frank Larson. I went over to the depot this evening, expecting that my account books would be sent by someone from New York, by H. B. Benjamin, but saw nothing. The bill I sent yesterday to Carlton & Lenahan to be receipted was returned this evening all right by mail. David Hoyt this evening paid me $2.00 for “Outline of U. S. Government” which I a week ago delivered. Temperance Strawberry Festival this evening at Concert Hall. Gussie attended. WEDNESDAY JUNE 16 - Pleasant. I went down to Andrew Knox's in the forenoon and got a 1/2 pint of varnish. In the afternoon, I varnished the sitting room which was grained the day before yesterday. I also varnished my secretary and the parlor chairs. Gussie has had Susan Brayman helping her clean the stairway, wash blinds, scour tin ware and can 5 pineapples. She and Gussie made chowder for dinner. I went to the depot in the evening to see if H.B. Benjamin sent my package of account books which William said he would leave at the store (61 Carmine Street) to be sent to me and which Mr. Benjamin promised to send or bring to me. They were not sent. Louise brought a letter to me from the evening mail which was sent to me for New York purporting to come from Gumbridge & Company, 69 Wall Street. I doubt such a name could be found if one tried to do so. The thing was offering counterfeit U. S. Treasury Notes - $200 for $15, $1,000 for $50, and $2,000 for $80. Who the man can be who presume to draw me into such unlawful business, I cannot tell. I spoke of it to Ambrose Hill when I went in the evening to talk about the Connecticut Spring Bed business. We have pretty much made up our minds to take New London and Windham Counties and go on there to canvass for them. Before retiring, I showed the New York communication to Father Griswold. I think tomorrow, I shall put it into Officer Crosby's hands. JUNE 17 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have canvassed all day for the spring bed. It pleases all who have seen it. Nelson Nickerson's child was brought here this P.M. from Stratford for burial. This evening, I put the counterfeiter's letter into Charles Crosby's hands. I went to the depot this evening but saw no one from New York with my store account books. I returned home and took my spring bed model and called in West Street to see Mr. Coe and Robert Redfield. Coe thinks he will take one. JUNE 18 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have spent today in canvassing for the spring bed. I sold one to James Olmstead at the Sewing Machine Factory. I went up to E. S. Davis to sell him some of them. They have not yet completed their house and cannot yet fit up their beds but there is a good prospect of selling them some, I think. Father and Mother were here to tea. After tea, I went over to Olmstead's in River Street and measured his bedstead for his spring bed. About 10:30 this evening, Saul Flieg and Theo. Bradley drove up for Charlie Hayes to go and ride with them. Charles was in his room partly undressed to retire. He came down and went with them. JUNE 19 SATURDAY - Pleasant and hot. Charlie Hayes went to work without his breakfast because we did not get it in time. I carried it to him. I have canvassed all day for the spring bed. Received a letter from George stating that he went to see Tator about my bill and gave him my receipt for the amount ($4.00) to bill an account which he owed to Tator and he will pay me. I went to market in the evening with Gussie. I came home with the things and then went over to see Ambrose Hill about the spring bed affair where I stayed and talked until nearly 11 o'clock. Hiram B. Benjamin brought my old account books from New York this evening. I met him coming from the depot and took the books from him. Bell took Georgie up home with her to stay all night. JUNE 20 SUNDAY - Warm but showery. A hard thundershower about 6 o'clock. Bell came down with Georgie in time to dress him for Sunday School. I did not go down until noon. Brother Burch preached to the Sunday School children this morning and took a collection for the school amounting to $8.45. I let Theo Bradley count the school, etc. for me to see if he could do it for me as I am intending to be away over a few Sundays soon. Bell came home with Gussie to supper. Gussie went to church in the evening while I stayed home. I took a letter from the Office last evening for William Franklin. This evening I mailed it to George. JUNE 21 MONDAY - I grafted Fannie's lemon tree with orange this morning, also Gussie's. I met Ambrose Hill at the Jeffersonian Office this morning at 8 o'clock to arrange for some printing on the bottom of posters advertising our 'Connecticut Spring Beds'. It was putting our names on the bottom of them as agents for the same. Joe Ives and his salesman Ed Allen tried to run down the beds to me claiming that they were good for nothing. They either lied or the beds they had were a condemned lot for the Connecticut Spring bed is a success, in fact, superior to any other kind. This is my opinion, as it is of all who have used them except Allen and Ives, and they having other kinds to sell, of course say all they can against ours. Almon Judd wants me to put one in his bedstead in competition with John Raymond's. Ambrose received a dispatch from D. R. French, the general agent in Bridgeport, and this P.M., took the 4:15 train for Bridgeport to see what he wants. It commenced raining about 5 P.M. and continued through the evening. I went to market this evening and before coming home, I went to Homer Peters and had my hair cut. Charles Hayes received a dispatch from New York this morning on business. He took the noon train for the city. JUNE 22 TUESDAY - Stormy. I worked in the shop until about 3 P.M. I then on my way home from the shop met Ambrose Hill and we went to see David Osborne and took an order for a spring bed. He (Hill) came home with me and we made out my first order of 7 and in the evening, I mailed it to the manufacturer, T. G. Twitchell in New Haven. I went over home before tea with Hill and got my new model, leaving the old one with him to put in a new spring. Our church having a Strawberry & Cream Festival this evening, I acted as one of the doorkeepers. After it was over, I went home with Florence Polly up to William Scofield's. JUNE 23 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I finished my work in the shop about noon. A part of the P.M., I canvassed for our spring bed. I sold to H. B. Fanton (1), Hanford Fairchild (3), and Daniel Starr (1). In the evening, I went to our festival. I attended door a part of the time. I guessed on the weight of the cake. Seven of us guessed the same. JUNE 24 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked a part of the A. M. in the shop. I finished mowing my dooryard this morning. When I came from work, I raked it up and carried it off. I met Ambrose Hill at the Depot on the arrival of the freight train. We expected 19 spring beds from New Haven, but they did not come. I canvassed a little for the remainder of the P.M. and then worked until dark hoeing in my garden. Charlie Hayes came from New York by the 3:15 train. Louise M. Jones called here about noon just after Gussie went up home. Bell came down just at night with Georgie. He has been staying up there for the last two days. JUNE 25 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I hoed in my garden in the morning. In the forenoon, I went over to E. W. Benedict's at Beaver Brook to sell him some spring beds. He did not order today, but I think he will. I took an order from William Jabine at the Danbury Savings Bank. I went in the P.M. and measured his bed. Henry Day was in town today. I saw him at the depot this P.M. as he was going away. His business is improving and will try to get some money for me soon. After tea, I went over to Robert Cocking for some cabbage plants and sent them out. I wrote a duplicate of our last order for beds of T. E. Twitchell in New Haven and mailed it to D. R. French at Derby. He is the general agent and the one we deal with and by his consent, we order direct of Twitchell the manufacturer and then send duplicates of all orders to French. I went into the street in the evening and mailed it. I took a walk to Ambrose Hill's house about 9 o'clock, but he had not returned from Newtown, so I came home again. JUNE 26 SATURDAY - I went over to Ambrose Hill's in the morning after hoeing a little in my garden, but not finding him at home, I went to Andrew William's machine shop to get a thumb screw put in a brace which I want to take with me to New London County next week to use in putting in spring bed bottoms. I went from there to the shop to see about my pay. Joe White (one of the firm) asked me about some money I borrowed from them last December 4th. I told him that as soon as I got money from the sale of the New York store, I would settle it. This seemed satisfactory. I went over to T. R. Hoyt's and measured his bed for spring bottom. I canvassed a little and went back to the shop to get my pay -$4.81. I then came home. Gussie received a paper from Eliza in California. We expected 18 beds this evening by freight but did not receive them, so Ambrose and I canvassed a little in the P.M. We sent off another order for 6 by the afternoon mail. I went into the street in the evening and bought a pair of low cloth patent leather tipped shoes for $2.00. I called a few minutes at the Wooster Guard Festival at Concert Hall and then came home. Gussie went into the street also in the evening. JUNE 27 SUNDAY - Muggy in the morning. A little sunshine in the middle of the day. From 3 to 7 P.M., we had three thunder showers, a hard rain with each. I went to church in time for Sunday School at noon. After school, I came home with Georgie, leaving Gussie at the church. I bought of our Superintendent, B. F. Bailey, a “Fresh Laurels” (Ed. Note, a Sunday School hymnal) for Gussie. JUNE 28 MONDAY - Thunder showers this morning. The sun finally came out scalding hot. I went over to see Ambrose Hill in the forenoon. We went downtown together. We took an order of bed springs of Noah T. Hoyt. After dinner, we went to the depot. Our bed springs came, 18 of them. Six of them go to Newtown; The other twelve we delivered and put up as follows: Peter Starr, David Osborne, Swertfager, (editor of the Jeffersonian), W. G. Randall, John Cosier, S. C. Holley, James O. Olmstead (he being away when we went there to put it up, we left it for tomorrow), J. W. Jennings, Frank Leason, Henry Barry, Noah T. Hoyt, and one for myself. It was 10:30 at night before we finished our work of putting up. We had a little trouble with Barry's and Leason's. At the factory where they are made, they got the names exchanged, Barry's name on Leason's and Leason's on Barry's. The trouble was not serious however, as they lived as near neighbors. We took an order of James Ryder's wife while putting up Peter Starr's. We used one ordered for Henry Stevens for Noah T. Hoyt's bed, so before retiring, we ordered one for Noah T. Hoyt's in place of one ordered for him and one for Mrs. James Ryder. JUNE 29 TUESDAY - Pleasant and hot. I slept on our new spring bed last night for the first time. We like it very much. Ambrose Hill called before breakfast to read a letter to me which he received last evening from T. E. Twitchell, our spring bed manufacturer in New Haven. He states that the last lot we ordered and expected today he cannot send until the last of the week for want of slats. He has 5,000 which he expects this week and there will be no delay hereafter about filling our orders. I fitted some bits and a screwdriver to our brace this morning. After breakfast, James Olmstead drove up here and took me in and afterword, Ambrose and we went over to his house and put in his spring bed bottom for him. He paid me as soon as the work was done. From there, we went down to Noah T. Hoyt's and finished putting in his which we did not complete last night. Ambrose went to Newtown this P.M. with six beds. I canvassed a little this P.M. I took an order this morning from Mr. Pond for a set of springs. Being very tired this evening, I stayed at home and let Gussie do the marketing. JUNE 30 WEDNESDAY - Muggy. Some sunshine and showers during the day. Ambrose came home from Newtown this noon. In the P.M., we finished fastening in their bedstead springs for P. Starr and David Osborne. While at David's he gave us another bed order. We made new crossbars for David Osborne's bed. The trouble was owing to wrong measurements done by himself. I had 5 tons of coal put in today ' Council Ridge. Ambrose took tea with us. I wrote another order for 6 spring bed bottoms, a duplicate of the same I sent to D. R. French, the general agent. I shall mail them tomorrow morning.
1869-06
Horace Purdy Journal April 1869 Entry
11pgs
APRIL 01 THURSDAY - Pleasant but a little cooler. I have worked in the shop. I mailed for Gussie a letter to her sister Harriet in New Haven. I received a letter from George. He has left Yonkers on account of Mr. Waring changing from fur to wool hatting. He is now boarding at 74 Claremont Avenue in Brooklyn and working for Prentice. He asks if his name is alright on the list here so he can vote. I wrote a reply and mailed it saying that he is alright and we want him here if possible. I also dropped a line to Henry Day (who bought my store in New York) and enclosed an application to the Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford to make his life insurance policy payable to me in case of his death, the policy for which I hold as security for his notes given in payment for my store. I sent it for he and his wife to sign jointly as the policy is in favor of his wife. I bought a shad at 20 cents per pound for the first time this season. It was a North Carolina shad. While in the street, Dr. Brown told me that $5.00 would be given to George if he would come home to vote. I came home and wrote another letter to him stating the fact. Charles Hayes, our boarder, gave Gussie $13.00 towards his last month's board. APRIL 02 FRIDAY - I have worked as usual in the shop. It commenced raining about 6 o'clock this evening. Joseph R. Hawley spoke this evening for the Republicans at Concert hall. Victor Benedict was at the meeting and after Hawley stood up and made an open declaration of Republican principles, denouncing the sham democracy of the present day and stating that if his life was spared until next Monday, he should vote for impartial or Negro suffrage. The meeting closed at 10 o'clock when I walked up West Street with Marshall West. Edmund Allen offers me $3,000 for my place. APRIL 03 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. Rheumatism is troubling me considerably, but so far I have kept at work. In the evening, I attended the Republican Caucus at Concert Hall. We nominated for representatives, Walter Bartram and John Tweedy. Henry Fanton, the grocer, ran for a time ahead of all the others. Perry, E. S. Davis, L. Brewster, and several others had a respectable number of votes for a time. After the caucus, a large number went up to L. J. Jackson's to present him with a picture of the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln in the presence of his cabinet ' size 25x40 in walnut and gilt with cross bands and ornamental corners. It is a fine thing; price, $65.00. I did not go up but saw the picture at Swift's earlier in the evening. I bought a dozen oranges of S. Holmes, corner of Main and Liberty Streets and came home. APRIL 04 SUNDAY - Cool. At noon and a portion of the P.M., we had snow squalls. Aside from this, the sun shone brightly. Father Griswold preached this forenoon. Gussie went to hear him and I stayed homer with Georgie. She came home in time to let me go to Sunday School. After school, I came home. I feel miserable with rheumatism. About 6 o'clock P.M., Susan Brayman called to see Gussie. Later in the evening, Henry Hinman came in to give Gussie Mrs. Stone's address. She then wrote to her to see if she would come to help clean house. She wrote to Southbury where we last knew her to be. APRIL 05 MONDAY - Pleasant. Election Day. George came home by the morning train from Brooklyn. I met him at the train. I borrowed John Tweedy's horse and took him with his traveling bag up home. From there, I took him to the Court House where we both voted. We then went up to the Post Office and then we came home to dinner. At the Court House, I bought 10 Colorado pens for 25 cents. I gave George 5 of them. Just before dinner, I had a talk with Father Griswold about selling my home. He advises me to do so if Edmund Allen will take it at $3,000. If so, he promises to build me another place which will cost $2,000. I went down to the polls again in the P.M. Later in the P.M., I met George uptown. I gave him the $5.00 promised to defray expenses coming home to vote and will get it again from John Tweedy or Dr. Brown. I saw Henry Day who also came home to vote. I went to Norwalk with George and Day to talk with them and returned again on the evening train. I let George take my N.Y. & N. H. railroad commutation ticket at Norwalk to see if he could use it and thereby save $1.30. When I came home, I was in a bad condition from the rheumatism. When I got home, I found John Bouton at the house waiting to see me to make out an estimate of a house as I am thinking of building if I sell my house. When he left and I tried to eat a little, I retired, feeling about used up. APRIL 06 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I got up feeling miserable. On my way to the shop, I called at the Post Office and Dr. Brown gave me the $5.00 I advanced yesterday to George. I tried to work at the shop but could not and had to give up and come home. On my way home, I stopped to see Edmund Allen. He is still in earnest about buying my house, though I have not yet set the price. I bought ## dozen lemons and when I got home, I made some hot lemonade for my cold. In the P.M., I drew up a plan for the house Father Griswold contemplates building for me if I sell the one I am now living in. The result of the election yesterday was the election Walter Bartram as our representative. John tweedy our other one, was defeated by only two votes, which gave it to Dr. James Baldwin, the Democratic nominee. Our majority (republican) can only be figured at. We elected our Governor Marshall Jewell and have a majority in both branches of the legislature. Bill for back dues for the Hatters' Association sent me by the Secretary, Edward Coday - $2.00. I did not pay it. APRIL 07 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm with the exception of 2 or 3 showers which were short thought it rained quite hard. I am feeling better and have worked all day in the shop. John McNamee called the shop this P.M. to raise the price of finishing velvet hats. We voted to raise them 50 cents per dozen where they were not pounced before coming to us. Mr. Crofut declared that he could not give it and sell the hats in the same market as the Jersey manufacturers and said that if we insisted on having the advance, we could get up what we had out and then stop. This effected a reconsideration of the vote which resulted in going to work at our old prices, viz, $2.50 for all coarser than No. 5 and $3.00 for No. 5 and all finer. While we were at tea about 7 o'clock, Henry Hinman came in and sat with us until I went into the street. While in the street, I saw John Bouton while in Swift's store. I gave him the plan of the house I drew yesterday to estimate the cost of building. The body of Mrs. Clark, the last of those destroyed in the Kohanza disaster was found yesterday about midway between the lower railroad bridge and the factory pond below. After coming from the street, I went over to see Robert Cocking about the pieces of glass he wants to buy at my old store in New York now occupied by Henry Day. While over there, Mrs. Cocking poured a glass of wine for Robert and me. Before retiring, I wrote a dunning letter to George Quien for the $2.25 he owes me for framing a testimonial. APRIL 08 THURSDAY - Pleasant excepting a shower in the P.M. As I went to work this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to George Quien. I have had work all day in the shop. Gussie has been down to Susan Brayman's to have her help her make some shirts for me. Susan came home with about 5 ## o'clock and stayed to tea. She found Mother up to Mother Griswold's visiting. She came down to make us a visit, but Gussie being gone, she went up there. After tea, Gussie went up home with Mother and got George's clean clothes for me to take to the city tomorrow. While she was after them, John Bouton came in to give me an estimate on building a house which father Griswold thinks of building for me. I went downtown with John. Before returning, I called on Ed Allen and offered my place for $3,000 with the privilege of staying until next spring before giving possession. He is to think of it and let me know. APRIL 09 FRIDAY - I have been to New York. I expected to have some money from Henry Day on the note due yesterday but the person from whom he expected the money is dangerously ill and he could not under the circumstances get it. I collected from Benjamin Ryder, $1.35 for a sample frame I made for him. I called on Tibbels about the bookkeeper's situation for William Hayes. It looks doubtful about his securing it. I also called at Gilbert Bennett's in Pearl Street near Fulton to collect $.92 balance due for framing a picture of his factory at Georgetown, but he not being in I did not get it. I brought home Egbert Gilbert's looking glass and delivered after tea. I got the money, $3.25, which Day told me to put in my pocket towards what he owes me. I brought home two bananas. I bought for the Sunday School 9 Judd's Lessons for every Sunday in the year. APRIL 10 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until about 4 P.M., then came by way of Griffing's Coal Office and paid him an old coal bill which has been standing since October 1867. The amount with interest was $43.60 which I paid to balance the account. I also gave his son, Charlie, $20.00 on account. I then went down to the Pawn Brokers and bought a quart of oysters. From there I went down to Albert Sherwood (who keeps the jail) to see if he could cash an order for me, the amount being $17.00. He could not do it. I went to market in the evening. APRIL 11 SUNDAY - The day has been pleasant thought this evening there is an appearance of a storm. I went down to Sunday School at noon, returning with Georgie after the session. Gussie stayed to communion in the P.M. After tea, we went up near father Griswold's barn to look at the ground where he thinks of building a house for me if I should sell mine. Gussie then went over to Robert Cocking's to see his wife who is sick. We both stayed at home in the evening. APRIL 12 MONDAY - I worked in the shop until about 4 P.M., then having done all I could get, I came home, stopping on the way at Jones & Hoyt to see about sending Henry Day's life policy to Hartford to have it made payable to me in case of his death. Mr. Jones not being in, I concluded to defer it until he gets home. He is expected this evening. Before tea, I did a little towards cleaning out my cellar. I attended teachers' Meeting in the evening. After the meeting, I did some marketing and came home. APRIL 13 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I had work in the shop until a little after dinner when I finished and came home. On my way home, I left henry Day's life insurance policy at Jones' office to have it sent to Hartford to have it made payable to me in case of his death. When I came home, I changed a part of my clothing and took a walk back into the street and up Balmforth Avenue to see Widow Leach's hose which has been offered for sale at $3,700. I came home to tea about 6 o'clock. Sister Harriet Purdy called about 6 o'clock and stayed to tea. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond's for a small bottle of ink which he gave to me. Louise also took teas with us, Mother Griswold's folks being away. Gussie and Louise went in the evening to a temperance lecture in our church. It is a jubilee with the temperance organizations here. After the lecture, I believe that they are to have a festival at their hall over benedict & Nichols' store. I locked the house and went down to the Post Office, called at Swift's store for a few minutes and came home, walking up West Street with Luther Potter. APRIL 14 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have had work all day in the shop. After tea, John Bouton and wife called, he to see Father Griswold about building a wood house. Frank stayed with Gussie while John and I went into the street to do a little marketing. APRIL 15 THURSDAY - Pleasant, though it froze some last night. I have worked all day in the shop. Came home with the headache. Mother Griswold having company to help her quilt, Gussie was there to tea. So Charlie Hayes and I went up to tea also. I not fully able to go into the street, Gussie did all the marketing. I lent Charles Hayes $2.00 until next Tuesday. The 'Aurora Borealis' was very luminous this evening, covering the whole heavens. There seemed to be a center directly over my head from which it radiated in flashing streaks. There was a similar wonder before the War of 1861 to 1865. Whether this is an omen of another dire calamity or not, I cannot say, but it is truly wonderful. John Bouton and his carpenters today commenced building Father Griswold's woodhouse. APRIL 16 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. I had work in the shop until a little after noon when I came home, stopping on the way to get Henry Day's life insurance policy which Jones sent to Hartford to be made payable to me in case of Day's death. This I hold as security for the $600.00 which he owes me for my store which I sold him in New York. I cut the edges of my door yard walks and raked them off this P.M. After tea, George Fenner called and I went with him to see Mr. Pond about his boy (Fenner) entering school next term. Mr. Pond was not at home so I went with George to Borough Hall on White Street to see him. When I returned from the street, I found John Brayman at the house for a call. Before retiring, I went up and showed Henry Day's life insurance policy (which I have been having made over to me) to Father Griswold. APRIL 17 SATURDAY - No work the shop. Before breakfast, I went down and mailed a letter to Henry Day 68 Carmine Street, New York. Before coming home, I bought a hoop for Georgie for 15 cents. After breakfast, I went down to the shop. Cyrus White cashed my account so that I could come home and wait until be paid home. I spent the forenoon in trimming my apple trees. I took the noon train and went to Georgetown to get 82 cents from Edwin gilbert, the balance due me for framing the photo of his factory. He showed me around his factories where I saw for the first time, I saw wire pulling, misc. cloth weaving, hair curling and glue making. I took the next up train arriving in Danbury again at 4 o'clock. Harriet Purdy was on the train going down on her way to New York. She left one of her bundles with me to bring down with me the next time I go to the city. I finished trimming my trees before night. I stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to the market. I rained before dinner and until about 1 o'clock. It was a refreshing shower without thunder. Pleasant again in the P.M. and in the evening. APRIL 18 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm, the finest day we have yet had. I went down to Sunday School and returned after the session with Georgie. Harriet Mills came home with Gussie to tea. While we were at tea, Father came in for a visit. After tea, Georgie and I took a walk, stopping a few moments sat Clark Beers on Montgomery Street, thence through Stevens Street, stopping at Mr. Francis' new house and going through it with Mr. Francis. The on our way home in West Street, I stopped at Mr. Swift's gate and talked with him a short time. Our old preacher, Mr. William Hill, preached this morning and evening. I did not hear him, not being on time this morning and Gussie went this evening. I stayed home with Georgie. APRIL 19 MONDAY - Before breakfast I wrote and mailed a letter to Henry Day about a small looking glass in an oak frame for Clark Beers, also a gilt oval with an eagle top center ornament for Mr. Swift. Went to the shop, but there being no work, I came home and spent the day by commencing gardening. I planted peas, two rows of potatoes and two rows of onions. I forked over my asparagus bed and uncovered strawberry plants. Also cleaned out our rain water hogshead. In the evening, I returned for Father Griswold a pair of hedge shears and went to market. I brought for Father Griswold from the Jeffersonian Office a lot of printed circulars for distribution to his preachers on the south Long Island district, giving his appointments for 3 months to come. It has been very much like summer today, a little muggy in the morning but hot through the day. I bought ingredients for grafting wax. APRIL 20 TUESDAY - No shop work. Gussie and I cleaned the front chamber. I made grafting wax, and bought a small tub for whitewash for Mr. Pond and myself. I spaded garden enough to plant my 'Champion of England' peas. Towards night, it showed signs of rain. About 5 ## o'clock, it commenced to rain a little. It acted more like April showers than a settled rain. Gussie, Louise and Susan Brayman went in the evening to the downtown school exhibition at Concert Hall. I stayed at home with Georgie. APRIL 21 WEDNESDAY - It rained hard last night. Sunshine and showers this forenoon, but pleasant in the P.M. I had work in the shop until after 3 P.M. I came home by way of the jail to see the keeper, Mr. Sherwood, about $17.00 he owes Henry Day which Day turned out to me. Sherwood has not yet received his pay from the County. When he does, he will pay me. Before tea, I set out in place of where our old ones died some strawberry plants. I went to market in the evening. Gussie went to Sewing Society at Saul Bailey's. Louise stayed with Georgie while I was in the street. I got my hair cut before coming home. Harry Ledger's remains were today brought from Norwalk and buried. APRIL 22 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool. I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, came home, stopping at the Post Office and talked for some time with Dr. Brown, the Postmaster, about the prospect of his being reappointed as Postmaster. After dinner, I started to see Henry Hurd about the order about I have from Henry Day to collect $6.72 from him but did not find him at the shop. I then went to the Bartram & Fanton Sewing Machine Factory to see if they could pay me the $5.00 from George Brockett, but they could not pay off yet, and therefore, I could get no money there. From there, I went to the shop and made arrangements for Ed Hunniston to draw my money on Saturday if I am not there. I then went up home to see Father who is about sick and gave him the ## pound of tobacco that Harriet left with me for him. I got around home about 6 o'clock. In the evening, I went to market. Before coming home, I saw Henry Hurd and collected $6.72 which I put in my pocket as he desired and endorsed the same on his note of $300.00 which was due on the 8th inst. I stopped a few moments in Concert Hall to see the velocipede riders. APRIL 23 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. I saw the Olympic Theater on fire. It was so extinguished that no outward signs of a fire were left visible. I brought home a looking glass in an oak frame for Clark Beers and delivered it before coming home to my tea. I also brought the 8x10 gold oval (national design) for Swift which he ordered some time ago ' price to the trade, $2.50. The oak frame for Beers was $2.00. I am to bring him an arch top gold looking glass next week when I think he will pay for both. I came to Norwalk on the 3: 45 train which gave me about an hour at Norwalk. I wanted to see Charles Purdy who works at the lock factory, but the factory was closed when I got there. APRIL 24 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. No work in the shop. In the forenoon, I dug up two dwarf pear trees which were dead in my yard and tore out the sink upstairs and plastered up the hole through which the waste pipe ran. After dinner, I went down to the shop, but Ed Hunniston, who I had requested to draw my pay for me had gone. So I came home and spent the remainder of the day in whitewashing upstairs. In the evening, I went to market and brought home a 3 lb. shad. O. H. Swift paid me for frames I made for him; the balance due me was $8.53. I received a note from Sigler Brothers, 131 and 133 Mercer Street, New York requesting me to pay a bill which was enclosed ' amount $10.15. My account says only $7.16. I tried to buy a key to match the one belonging to the outside door at the foot of the stairs, but could not get one. Gussie went to the milliners for her hat, but it did not suit her, so she went over to Mrs. Bradley's and they together trimmed it over again. While she was over there about 10 o'clock, we had a thunder shower. APRIL 25 SUNDAY - Pleasant but windy and cooler than yesterday. I went to church in the morning. The presiding elder, Brother Osborne, preached. After Sunday School, I came home. After tea, Gussie went to the funeral of Widow Minor, who was before marriage, Eliza White. Father came down this P.M. with a letter for me to take to New York next time I go to Harriet with $2.00 enclosed. I am to leave it at Mr. Bogle's store, 83 Barclay Street. Just before evening meeting, I took a walk over to John Bouton's. I returned in time to attend church. Brother Crawford preached. APRIL 26 MONDAY - I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I took a ride part way to Brookfield with Luther Potter to get a melodeon. The day has been pleasant and warm and I enjoyed it much. I took a letter from the office for Charles Hayes from Charles Purdy from South Norwalk. I then came home and spent the remainder of the day working in my garden. I planted beets and vegetable oyster. I also set out two rows of strawberry plants and dug a part of the flower borders. While we were at tea, Mrs. Bradley came in. Gussie gave her some flower plants. I helped her carry them home and then went to market. I took a letter from the office from Fanny from New haven where she has gone to help Harriet move into her new house. APRIL 27 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have worked all day in the shop. Before tea, I dug over and raked the flower mound in front of the house. As soon as this was done, John Gray came for some strawberry plants. I helped him dig them before taking my tea. Gussie cleaned the room which our tenants used for a kitchen upstairs. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. I sent the letter by her to mail which Father brought down Sunday afternoon for me to take to Mr. Bogle's store in New York next time I go to the city. The letter is for Harriet and he enclosed $2.00. It being uncertain about when I should go, I sent it by mail. I also sent by her a root of horse radish to be left at Mr. Holmes' store for Widow Fred Starr. I promised it to her last evening. Thunder and lightning during the evening, and at 10 o'clock as we were retiring, it commenced raining. APRIL 28 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day. The rain last night was light. I went to the shop this morning, and finished off the remainder of a dozen hats. There being no more to do, I came home, stopping on the way for some sugar and a small piece of lime to finish whitewashing what was our tenant's kitchen upstairs. Before dinner, I went over to Mrs. Maddon's to do some grafting for her. She for the last two years has been wanting me to do it. I grafted three trees for her, putting in 38 scions in 18 stocks. I finished for her about 3 P.M. I then did my whitewashing upstairs, after which, I spaded up a piece of my garden for a bed in which I put parsnips, carrots and a few radishes. It was about dark when I finished. Charles Purdy came up from Norwalk today and called for Charles Hayes while he was at tea. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. APRIL 29 THURSDAY - Stormy. It rained hard most of the day until about 4 P.M. I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, I came as far as the Post Office where I sat and talked with Dr. Brown until the mail came and then I came home. I finished grafting for Mrs. Maddon in the P.M. She paid me $1.20 for what I did. After this, I put up frame work for my grape vines. I set out some cabbage stumps. In the evening, I went to market. APRIL 30 FRIDAY - A heavy frost this morning. Mr. Pond and myself have been to New York today. I went for the gold looking glass frame for Clark Beers, but it was not done. I went with Mr. Pond to A. T. Stewart's and other places for a carpet. He finally bought of Stewart. He bought 50 singing books, 'Love Garden' of Mason, wallpaper of Ruckle & Trainque, 83 Sixth Avenue; also 60 feet of gilt molding, one inch wide for ceilings in place of bordering for wall paper, this I bought of Grayson in elm Street, near Browne. We took dinner at eh St. Charles Hotel. Brother George Starr was on the train coming from the National Sunday School Convention at Newark, New Jersey. Fanny was also in the train from Norwalk, coming from New Haven where she has been helping Harriet to move.
1869-04
Horace Purdy Journal November 1868 Entry
12pgs
NOVEMBER 01 SUNDAY - Stormy all day. I went down to the church at noon, but there was no session of the Sunday School on account of the rain. So Fred Shears and I spent an hour or more at the library putting books in their places and putting numbers on the backs of such as had lost them off. I then came home where I spent the remainder of the day. NOVEMBER 02 MONDAY - Rain and snow all day until evening when the stars shone. I have been to New York. I made frames at the store. I brought home a walnut and gilt 16x20 frame for Egbert Gilbert's soldiers' testimonial. I found George on the Danbury & Norwalk train. He came on an earlier train to Norwalk having walked from Yonkers across to Mount Vernon to take the train. Bell, being at Bethel, she joined us at that place. They both came from the depot up home with me. George took a cup of tea with me. I sold to Walter Bartram an 'Outline of the U.S. Government' while on the train this evening. Henry Hinman moved into our upper rooms today. NOVEMBER 03 TUESDAY - Presidential Election. Snow showed on the ground last evening and did not altogether disappear until about the middle of the forenoon. I worked around home this morning, went up to Oscar Serines's for a half barrel of lime. I then dressed myself, took two of my books, 'Outlines of the U.S. Government' and delivered to Henry Kessler and Rollo Nichols. I then went down and voted. I came home at noon to dinner. After dinner, I cleaned out the woodhouse, cut up some old rubbish, sawed open my old vinegar barrel and found it to be too rotten for any use. I then dressed again and took George and Henry Quien's testimonials down to Saul Kleig's clothing store to be called for. Henry paid me for his at the courthouse - $2.25 - $2.00 for the frame, 15 cents for the card and 10 cents for the nail. I then went down to the courthouse again to hear the vote declared. I was there at 4 o'clock. The polls were closed at 5 o'clock. About 5, the vote was declared. Whole number of votes cast ' 1,654 ' Rep., 889, Dem., 765, Republican majority, 124. I immediately came home and told the news. Henry Hinman paid me $5.00 while I was at tea for his first month's rent. Our Republican majority last spring was 51. George took his trunk and left for Yonkers on the noon train after depositing his vote for Grant and Colfax. After tea, I assisted Henry Hinman to put up window shades and Gussie in putting our small chamber in order, setting up bedstead, etc. I then went into the street, exchanged 2 boxes of paper collars for one at Fleig's, mine not being so good an article and also being an inch too large. I then went to Concert Hall to hear the telegraphic returns form the election. I stayed until nearly 11 o'clock and came home. Walked up with Marshall West. NOVEMBER 04 WEDNESDAY - A pleasant beautiful day. I went to the shop this morning and had one dozen of hats which I finished by noon. There then being no further work, I came home. I delivered 'Outline' this P.M. to Adam Boyd at the sandpaper factory. The cannon was brought out this P.M. and guns were fired over the election. I ran up our folks' flag on their home this P.M. Preparations are being made for a general rejoicing and an illumination over the election of U. S. Grant as president of the United States form the 4th of March next. I went to market in the evening. NOVEMBER 05 THURSDAY - Georgie had the croup last night about 11 o'clock just as we had retired. I got up and went for Mrs. Richards who came over and advised us. We gave him some hive syrup which vomited him and gave immediate relief. He breathed and slept well all night thereafter. I have worked a part of the day I the shop. Not feeling well, I slept on the lounge awhile before tea. I went into the street in the evening and left my watch again with Fanton's man S. G. Bailey, it having stopped. Before leaving the street, there was an alarm of fire. I went sown as far as Saul Wildman's and found that the fire was somewhere on the flats as low down as Bethel and a little west. I returned, helping draw the hook and ladder truck as far as D. P. Nichols & Company. I then bought a pound of crackers and then came home. Robert Cocking came in about 9 o'clock for a roll of salve. Before retiring, I went up to Father Griswold's and prepared in part for illuminating his cupola tomorrow evening, it being a jollification over the election of General Grant as President of the United States. NOVEMBER 06 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I had part of a day's work in the shop. After work, I brought home some partly burned candles of Parmalee for Father Griswold to illuminate his cupola with this evening, it being the occasion of a jollification over the election of President Grant. I put eight of them in each window, making 32 of them in all. I superintended lighting the cupola, also my own house. I hung a picture of General Grant in our parlor window and our folks' flag in another. The Grant and Colfax Legion turned out on parade with torches. After the procession, O. H. Ferry spoke in Concert Hall. I did not attend the speaking. NOVEMBER 07 SATURDAY - I have been to New York. I called on Mason Thorp at his factory at 167 West 26th Street. I wanted to put new frames on his two looking glasses but he does not want it done yet. I made a few frames at the store. Mrs. Fields called at the store and gave me an order for framing. . On the train coming home, I fell in with one named Fitch from Aiken, South Carolina. . He married a girl, by name Lois Coleman, related to Mr. Griffin at Redding Station where he stopped to meet his wife. She has been staying there where he sent her a few weeks ago. He was ordered to leave Aiken by the Ku Klux Klan on Saturday, the 17th of October (I think it was). They gave him until Monday to get away in. He sent his family ahead to Mr. Griffin's. I expected to bring to Mr. Swift ## dozen gold frames 8x10, seal and ribbon pattern, but could not get them in the white soon enough. I took down for Elijah Morris a book on architecture to be called for by his folks at the store. I also took clean clothes for George and left at the store. NOVEMBER 08 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon. It was our monthly concert. I did not stay in the P.M. It commenced to rain as I came home from meeting Gussie wrote to Hattie in New Haven in the evening. NOVEMBER 09 MONDAY - Warm with the appearance of rain in the morning, but it came off pleasant during the day. I went to the shop in the morning (As I went, I took an oil can and a note to Aaron Morehouse in Taylor's Block for Henry Hinman), but the foreman told us that there would be no work for the journeymen until Thursday. I then came home and got in my winter turnips and the rest of my cabbage. I discharged my gun which had been loaded for several weeks and cleaned and oiled it and put it away. In the P.M. at 3 o'clock, I attended a special town meeting at the courthouse to see about exchanging a piece of ground in the rear of Concert Hall for a part of what the steps in front now occupy with the owners of the hall, but the people, believing that both the front and rear, also the grounds on which the hall stands belong to the town and that the stockholders own nothing but the old building that they replaced, refused to grant the request. I have had a headache all day and now feel about down sick. Henry Heinman today gave up and went to bed sick. They fear lung fever. Sunday School Teachers' Meeting in the evening. I attended. As I went , I took my watch again to F. B. Fanton's to his man, S. G. Bailey, who put in a new main spring on the 17th of last month and since then it stops nearly every day. As I came home from Teachers' Meeting, I took a letter from the Post Office for Gussie from her cousin Eliza in California. Before retiring, I copied the minutes of the Sunday School Teachers' Business meeting. NOVEMBER 10 TUESDAY - Misty a part of the day. I have been to New York. Mrs. Randall was on the train this morning going to Pennsylvania. As I went down to the store, I stopped at Phillip Phillip's for two more 'Singing Pilgrims and Musical Leaves Combined'. They are engaged in the Sunday School. I have been very busy in the store today making frames etc. Mr. McDonald's hired boy met me at the station this evening to borrow my gun, I having promised to bring it to him on Mr. McDonald's account as he is going hunting with him. He came home with me and got it. I today was informed that the notice in the paper last week of Henry Young's death was my landlord. Abel Gray, I am told, died yesterday. NOVEMBER 11 WEDNESDAY - Rain until about noon. The locomotive ran off the turntable this morning and delayed us from the regular time ' 6 ## o'clock ' until 4 minutes past 7. . Instead of 80 minutes, the usual time of running to Norwalk, we ran it in 50 minutes including stoppages, the quickest time yet made on this road. J. B. Gibbs of New York, on a wager with Walter Bartram of the Fanton & Bartram Sewing Machine notoriety, started about 10 A.M. from Merritt's Eating House, 78 Ninth Street to walk to Hartford. He carries an American flag with 'Grant and Colfax' on it, also a haversack well stocked with circulars advertising the Fanton & Bartram Sewing Machine Company which he is to circulate in every place through which he passes. He started in the rain with a brass band to escort him up through the city where they left him to go on his way. I sold to Benjamin Ryder a looking glass and delivered to his office on the corner of Broadway and Spring Street. I brought up a half dozen gold 8x10 oval frames seal and ribbon pattern to Swift tonight. I also brought to Louise a No. 2 Longking's Notes. Star light this evening. My birthday. I am 33 years old. NOVEMBER 12 THURSAY - Pleasant but cooler. I have worked in the shop. I took Father Griswold's old broad brimmed hat to the shop with me to cut of the brim and curl it over again and put a spring under the curl to hold it in shape. After tea, I called at Egbert Gilbert's on Division Street to get his testimonial to frame. His wife only knowing where it was and she being out, I did not get it. I went into the street, waited until the mail was opened and then came home. Before retiring, I marked off the Sunday School papers. NOVEMBER 13 FRIDAY - The coldest morning, I think, we have yet had. The day has been pleasant. I had work in the shop until after 3 P.M. I then came home, stopping on the way at Bedient's Photographic Gallery and collected a bill of $4.00 from him for 8x10 rustic frames, a half dozen at $7.50 a dozen. There was 50 cents extra for a carved leaf on top of one of them. As I was going to the shop this morning, Mr. H. Griffing asked me if I could pay my coal bill before December 1st. After work and before tea, I brought some apples down from Father Griswold's barn and put them in my cellar. I got them as pay for picking them for him. There was about a barrel of good picked fruit and a bushel of windfalls. I brought from the shop Father Griswold's hat that I took there for repairs. I brought home my gun from Mc Donald's this morning. His hired boy used it yesterday hunting. I went into the street in the evening. Called at Swift's for $7.50 for half dozen 8x10 gold oval frames scale and ribbon pattern, but he did not pay me. I got my watch from Fanton's and came home. NOVEMBER 14 SATURDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. I have been to New York. Galen Terry, Mr. Young's agent, he (Young) being dead, called for his rent today. I had a talk with him about the rent, now that Young is dead. So far as I can learn, there is not to be any change in affairs at present, at least. I brought home a piece of bacon with me from the city. Gussie met me at the depot to have me do a little marketing with her. I brought the small looking glass with me for Homer White. NOVEMBER 15 SUNDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, I went down to church with the bundle of Sunday School papers and returned. Gussie attended in the forenoon. I left Georgie upstairs with Anna and went down to Sunday School. Gussie stayed and came home with me after school. After tea, I went down to church to look for my handkerchief which I have lost somewhere. In the meantime, Gussie went with Georgie over to Andrew Williams in Montgomery Street to see Mrs. Bradley. Mrs. Cocking called in just before meeting time and I walked down to church with her and Louise. NOVEMBER 16 - MONDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I wrote to William at the store ordering a half dozen rustic frames for Bedient the photographer here over Gillette's store. I had work in the shop today. Before tea, I commenced raking leaves off my dooryard. Hattie Mills came in while we were at tea. She took tea with us and then spent the evening. I went into the street in the evening where Bedient saw me and was in a hurry for his frames. I wrote again to William before retiring. NOVEMBER 17 TUESDAY - The weather has been more cloudy today and threatens storms. Before breakfast, I went down and mailed two letters, one to William at the store and one to George at Yonkers asking him for money on what he owes me. I have worked in the shop a part of the day. In the P.M., I finished raking off my dooryard and covered my strawberry beds with the leaves. I then dressed and carried over to George Starr and Daniel each a book which they subscribed for, (Outlines of the U. S. Government'. I did not get my pay, George being out and Daniel not having any money with him. Before tea, I went up to Father Griswold's and took the looking glass out from there old two story gilt frame preparatory to taking it with me tomorrow to New York to regild. While we were at tea, Amos Purdy came for another roll of salve. I went to market in the evening. Gussie attended the Temperance Mass meeting with Anna Heinman in the evening. NOVEMBER 18 WEDNESDAY - To New York. I was late; took a cold breakfast and ran to catch the train. I had just time to stop at D. M. Benedict's and get a pair of rubbers on credit. It was raining so that I need them as my boots were old and leaked. I took an old style looking glass frame of Mother Griswold's down with me to regild. I spent a great part of the day at the store making frames. It rained all the forenoon but very little in the P.M.I squared and framed in walnut a small piece of looking glass (broken) from the old frame I am to regild and brought up with me to Fanny. I also brought a half dozen 8x10 rustic frames for Mr. Bedient the photographer. I left them at Simon's Shoe store. I found Louise at the house when I got home. She stayed to tea, Gussie having gone to the Aid Society. NOVEMBER 19 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. I took with me to the shop an 'Outlines of the U.S. Government' for George Sherman which he took and paid me for - $2.00. I have had work all day. On my way home, I stopped at Bedient's and collected a bill for ## dozen rustics - $3.50 After tea, I took our 8x10 frame, 1 ## Walnut with 1 inch gilt inside and gold mounted and corners and sold from it one for sample to Hamelin, to Couch and Bedient. I bought some fish at market and came home. While in the street, I paid D. M. Benedict, $1.00 on account for rubbers bought yesterday morning. NOVEMBER 20 FRIDAY - Cloudy during the day. I worked in the shop until noon then came home and spent the P.M. in preparing mortar for laying up my cellar wall, getting a few stones, etc. Before tea, I went into the street, mailed a letter to Mrs. Holmes at Essex informing her of the finding of her boy's overcoat in the car at Norwalk last Wednesday. I also mailed for Gussie a Danbury Times to Harriet in New Haven. I called at Swift's and got my pay for the ## dozen gold 8x10 ovals, scale and ribbon pattern I sod him $7.50. After tea, (Bell being here) I went up home with Bell and Louise to see Father about helping me repair my cellar wall. I brought home a small basket of my turnips. NOVEMBER 21 SATURDAY - Cloudy and threatened storm all day. I have been to New York. I only ate about half of my breakfast today. I had to run to catch the train. I took down and undershirt to George today. In reply to a note I wrote to him on Tuesday asking him for money, he wrote to William at the store and enclosed $15.00 which I found there today. I went to Philip Philip's today for a 'Singing Pilgrim and Leaves' for Minnie Vintz. I have been pretty busy making frames. I have had a severe headache, but after taking a nap in the New Haven cars, I felt better. I brought home a lot of clock keys, hand bells and springs from the shop to sell to T. B. Fanton. Isaac Jennings sat in the seat with me from New York. Bell was here when I came from the cars and got my tea for me, Gussie being downtown on an errand. I paid Galen Terry $40.00 today on November rent today for Henry Young's estate. NOVEMBER 22 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day. A little blustery and threatens snow. I went down to Sunday School at noon. A collection was taken to send to the Five Points Mission to aid in getting up a Thanksgiving dinner for them. $16.93 was taken up, $9.93 from the main school and $7.00 from the Infant Class box which for over a month they have been collecting for that purpose. Gussie came down to the Sunday School and went to the Baptist church in the P.M. to hear the funeral sermon for Pierce Abbott's wife preached by their new preacher, Mr. Hubbard. I came home after school to count and put up in packages the money taken for the Five Points. After tea, I went over to George Starr's with the money as he wants to send it tomorrow. NOVEMBER 23 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool. I have worked all day in the shop. Father has worked for me today rebuilding a piece of my cellar wall. He took tea with Mother Griswold, he being up there at that time for some rotten specked apples. She persuaded him to do so. After tea, I wrote to George trying to get more money from him on his old debt to help me out on December 1st. I went to F. B. Fanton's and let him have 34 clock keys, about a dozen springs, three bells, three pendulums and about a dozen hands for $3.00 in trade. I took a box of 10 packs of envelopes, $1.00, and ten quires of paper, $1.25, one dozen pencils, 40 cents and 15 rubber heads for pencils, 35 cents. I mailed the letter to George, bought a broom for Gussie and came home, walking up with Marshall West. Before retiring, I took some samples of wall molding over to Mr. Pond's for him to take and show to his assistant teacher, Mr. Holmes who wants some to make into frames himself. I took Marshall's hat home with me and heated the brim and set up the curl anew for him and returned it in a few minutes. NOVEMBER 24 TUESDAY - Cool but pleasant. I have worked in the shop. I took Mr. Pond's hat with me to the shop to set up the curl a little more for him. I came home about the middle of the P.M. and cleaned my gun and took it down to Benjamin Rolfe who wants to borrow it on Thanksgiving Day. I received a letter from William at the store stating that Sigler, Wurzberger & Ferguson in Mercer Street have been burned out. Four frames of mine at Wurzberger's to be mounted with composition corners were also burned. Henry Crofut's daughter Delia was married to one Davenport of the firm of Croft & Knapp at Norwalk. Bell came down this evening and brought a hen and 9 chickens just hatched, a present to us if we will raise them. I wrote to William and mailed it in the evening, directing Father Griswold's looking glass to be completed and ready for me on Thursday. I went to market in the evening and took an order from Swift for three frames. NOVEMBER 25 WEDNESDAY - Another beautiful forenoon, but before night, it clouded up. The wind changed to the south and at 4 o'clock, every indication of a stormy day tomorrow, but in the evening, it looked less like a storm. I have worked in the shop. We got paid off today, our pay last Saturday having been deferred until today in view of Thanksgiving tomorrow. I got a damaged hat for nothing and trimmed and finished it. It is the new style, 'Alpine'. After tea, I went to market and brought home a chicken that Gussie engaged of Eli Stone. I waited until about 9 o'clock for the mail, the train being that much behind. I called at Charles Andrews by consent of E. S. Davis and engaged him to furnish what additional pipe is needed and turn it through the thimble into the lecture room and enter the furnace pipe, the present arrangement causing the stove in the Librarian's Room to smoke so that we cannot stand it. I brought a letter for Fanny from the Post Office from Elyria, Ohio from Annie and the children. NOVEMBER 26 THURSDAY - Thanksgiving Day. Rain in the forenoon, clearing away at noon. No shop work. I have been to New York. I went down in the morning and returned at 3 ## P.M. by the 12 ## train from New York. The store has been closed, but I called at William's home at 16 Bedford Street and he went over with me and put a looking glass in the frame of Father Griswold's which I have been regilding and went down expressly for. I left $10.00 with William to do business with. Emma Bartram, the school teacher, went to New York this morning, Jennie Fairweather. She was on her way to Bridgeport. Ambrose Hill was also on the train coming from Brooklyn. Gussie and Georgie took dinner with Father Griswold. Dinner being over when I returned, I ate mine alone after which I set the other looking glass in the fame I brought from New York(it being a two story glass) and left it ready to hang up. I wrote another plain letter to George soliciting money. I went over and read it to Mr. Pond and then went into the street and mailed it. I called at Swift's, got my Harpers Weekly and came home. Before retiring, I mended a fancy black walnut bracket for Marshall West. NOVEMBER 27 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I have worked all day in the shop. My father and family and Gussie's father and family were all here to dinner this P.M. having work in the shop, I stayed until night and ate my dinner alone when I came home. Father and Mother stayed in the evening. I went to the Post Office in the evening. I paid Father $2.00 for mending my cellar wall. NOVEMBER 28 SATURDAY - Cold last night. A white frost this morning. Sarah Bouton, her son Edgar and his wife were on the train this morning going home to Georgetown, they having been up to John Bouton's keeping Thanksgiving. Alfred Targett went to New York this morning also. I have been very busy at the store today making frames. William yesterday rented the upper floor over the store to a man and wife and two children. Van Orden moves out on December 1st. Clark Beers' wife and child came up this evening. They have been down to bury her mother. I bought a passe partout and some mats up for Swift from Handler's. I also brought up the small passe partouts for Alfred Targett. I bought a hymn book for Hattie Brockett at the Book Room. When I arrive home this evening, I found Mother Griswold, Mary Vintz and Louise at the house. NOVEMBER 29 SATURDAY - Sunshine. Some clouds and a little blustery. Gussie did not go to church during the day. I went down at noon to Sunday School and returned again after the session. Through my efforts during last week, we have had the stove pipe changed in the Librarian's Room and carried through the partition to the furnace pipe in the Lecture Room. As it was before entering the chimney in the room, it smoked so that we could have no fire. Now it is remedied, I think, as it burned well and made our room comfortable today. After tea, I drew up anew the Infant Class from Fanny's book into mine. I then went over to Hattie Brockett's with the hymn book I bought for her in New York, a present to her mother. I stayed a short time and then returned about 6 o'clock. NOVEMBER 30 MONDAY - A beautiful morning before daylight but nearly all day it has been cloudy and cool. I have been to New York. Reuben W. Holmes was on the train this morning going to new Haven. He was on the train again this evening going home. I had some conversation with him about buying me out in New York. Jennie Fairweather got on the train this morning at Ridgefield on her way to her school in Yonkers. I had her company down. I helped her off the car at 30th Street while they were in motion and walked with her towards the Hudson River railroad depot as far as 6th Avenue where I left her and took a car down to my store. I have been quite busy at the store making frames. In the P.M., I went down to Tibbels', 37 Park Row, for some Judd's Lessons for the Sunday School and some reward books for the Infant Class. I took a 4th Avenue car from there up to the depot and came home. My commutation tickets expire today from here to New York.
1868-11
Horace Purdy Journal October 1866 Entry
12pgs
OCT 01 MONDAY - Gussie went to Norwalk this morning with Susan Brayman to visit with her for a few days. When I went to work, I left Georgie up to Father Griswold’s until noon when Bell came down and took him up home with her to stay until Gussie returns. It being Town election, I left my work at 9 A.M. and went down and voted. I came home and got my supper which consisted of bread milk and pie, after which I helped Louise catch some chickens on an apple tree and put them in the stable. I then went up into Father Griswold’s study to pay him my interest money, but not being able to know the price of gold today, we deferred out business until tomorrow evening. I went into the street in the evening to market and to the Post Office. OCT 02 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I cooked my breakfast this morning alone, put up my dinner, locked the house and went to work. As I came from work this evening, I took a letter from the Office from George soliciting a dollar to pay a washing bill. After supper, I wrote a reply and enclosed the dollar. As I was writing, Louise came in with her collecting paper for the Centenary Fund and to have me put down my name. She was going to meeting and I to market, so I walked down with her. While in the street, I saw Hanford Fairchild and he gave me the $200 he was to lend me for three months. I paid the interest in advance - $4.50 and gave my note for the $200. This transaction is on behalf of George, who will some time I hope pay it back again. When I returned from the street, I went up and paid my interest to Father Griswold. I pay him the interest he would have received on the 5/20 bonds which he sold to get the money for me. The price of gold at the present makes my interest for the past 6 month $47.85, but he would take only $44.00. OCT 03 WEDNESDAY - I took breakfast up to Father Griswold’s. I worked in the shop until nearly noon when I quit and went to the Danbury Bank and took up my note of $260. I then came home and took dinner again with the Griswold’s. I picked apples in the P.M. for Father Griswold from the tops of the trees where he could not reach. I had half for picking them. I got about two bbls. for myself for my afternoon’s work. I went up home to tea and to see Georgie. He has been there since Monday and is happy as can be. I went to market in the evening and brought home from the tinner’s the pail I left there this morning to have some inside fixtures put in for a dinner pail. OCT 04 THURSDAY - A heavy frost this morning. I got my own breakfast and went to the shop. When I got there, I caught the boys playing a trick on me by picking the lock to my drawer and drawing part way out and loading it with old iron and other rubbish, the weight of this broke down the drawer. This made me provoked since it took me and hour or more to repair the damages. I worked until after 2 P.M. and then came home to finish picking apples on shares for Father Griswold. Before tea, I went down to Charles Hull’s for a new length of pipe for the cook stove. I took tea with Father Griswold’s folks. Brought our washing home from Mrs. Dunning’s in the evening. Received a letter by evening mail from Edwin saying that he had engaged 100 lbs. of butter for me as I requested. I went to the depot in the evening thinking perhaps that Gussie might come, but she did not. While waiting for the train in Bailey’s Jewelry Store, I paid W. Worthington dues to Hatters Association from April 10 to Oct 10. Clock from Bailey’s. It runs really well now. OCT 05 FRIDAY - A heavy frost this morning. The ground was frozen quite hard and ice on a pail of water out of doors was frozen ¼ inch thick. I got my breakfast alone. As I was ready to eat it, Louise came down with some griddle cakes smoking hot which relished nicely. Gussie came home from her visit to Norwalk with Susan Brayman on this morning’s train. She has been gone since Monday. Sarah Coles went with them; they had a good time, they say. Andrew Hull came for my stove this afternoon and repaired it with new bricks and pipe and blacked it. He came back with it about 5 ½ o’clock P.M. and set it up for us. I made a fire in it when I came home which felt good. Bell came home with Georgie just at night. He has been up there since Monday. I carried the carpet bag home to Mrs. Bradley which Gussie borrowed to take with her. I went to market and to George Hull & Sons to settle for repairs on the stove, but the bill not being made out, I deferred settlement until some other time. OCTOBER 06 SATURDAY - A heavy frost again this morning, about the same as yesterday. The day has been pleasant, though cool. We were limited in our work today in the shop for the first in a long time. We had only one dozen which was less than half a day’s work. After we were paid off, which was about 2 1/2 o’clock, I went up and paid George Hull off for repairing my stove - $10.00. I bought of Charles Hull a yard square of zinc for the sitting room stove. I called on Brother Hill and paid him $2.75 for the Christian Advocate for George. I then came home and picked what few winter apples I had on my trees. Gussie went up home to my folks with Georgie and spent the P.M. She stayed until dark which made a late tea for me. I went to market in the evening. OCTOBER 07 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gussie attended church as usual in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon and came home after the session. After tea, we took Georgie and walked over to John Earl’s where I left a collector’s card for John Earl to collect for the Sunday School centenary Fund. I also left one at Henry Ely’s for Willie. When we returned, Gussie went over to John Brayman’s and I to Robert Dunning’s to see in his wife could do our washing tomorrow. I wrote to George and mailed it as I went to church in the evening. When I returned from Dunning’s he walked over with me and stayed until evening meeting time. Before retiring, I wrote to Carleton & Porter ordering Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School Journals for another year, also one dozen no. 2 catechisms. I intend tomorrow to get a check at the bank for the amount of money I want to forward to C&P. I shall retain the letter until then and enclose the check. Brother Hill did not preach but talked from the pulpit this morning. The little Irishman who preached last Sunday preached in the P.M. Isaac Sanford preached in the evening. OCTOBER 08 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. I carried our washing over to Mrs. Dunning before breakfast. At noon, rather than leave my work, I sent by the foreman, Victor Benedict, to the Pahquioque Bank $29.10 for a check to Carlton & Porter for Sunday School papers and a dozen No. 2 catechisms for the school. We were limited in our work at the shop again today. I finished mine about 3 ½ o’clock and came home and cut some gun wads from hat roundings. Sunday School Teachers’ business meeting in the evening. As I went I mailed my order to Carlton & Porter for Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School Journals, also for a dozen No. 2 catechisms. I enclosed a check for $29.10, the amount of the bill. Before retiring, I copied the minutes of the Teachers’ meeting, also wrote to Edwin in reply to his letter received on the 4th, and wrote again ordering Scripture tickets for the Infant Class from Carlton & Porter and went immediately down and mailed them. OCTOBER 09 TUESDAY - I worked in the shop until a little after 2 o’clock to get up my stint of 2 dozen came home by way of W. E. Wright’s and had his boy drive home with me and get my kerosene oil can to fill. He took it away and returned with it after a little time with 5 gallons. I worked at chopping up some old pea brush until tea time. Charles Crofut, having sold the sifters I left there, I carried three more down in the evening as I went. I attended class in the evening. I accepted $2.60 for the sifters he had sold. OCTOBER 10 WEDNESDAY - Still cloudy and a little cooler but no rain. We had but 2 dozen hats to finish today which lasted me until nearly 4 o’clock. When I came home, I found Mrs. Cocking upstairs, she having come to her rooms to get something to take up to Mr. Lynes’ I walked out the with her to see Robert about potatoes. He thought it doubtful if they had any to spare. Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr’s to call in the P.M. When I returned from Mr. Lynes’ she had returned again. I went to market in the evening, also to Mrs. Blair’s to get Henry’s address to write about his dog. I wrote and mailed it before I retired. I tried to enter into an engagement with him to take the dog and care for him this fall for the use of him. Before tea, I went over to Mrs. Dunning’s for our washing. I paid her $1.00 for it. OCTOBER 11 THURSDAY - Pleasant. As I went to work this morning, I went to Raymond’s market and ordered a peck of quinces for Mother Griswold and a peck for myself and paid for both of them. I finished a hat for Mr. Pond just before I quit work; it was too late to get it trimmed today. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie go into the street with me. She went to Mrs. Grey to get a pattern for a baby’s cloak cut. By the evening mail, I received a note from E. C. Andrews acknowledging the receipt of money for the cost of sifters George purchased. OCTOBER 12 FRIDAY - Stormy. As I went to work this morning, I called at Joseph Ives to say that we would take the oil cloth which my wife and I looked at last evening. The hat I finished yesterday for Mr. Pond, I got trimmed today and brought home. After tea, I took it over to him and he paid me $3.50, just what it had cost me aside from my work. Before I came home, he took me to his house to show me the new furnace he has down cellar and the register from it in the rooms above. I received a letter from Henry Blair in New York saying that I am welcome to use his dog whenever I want him but he prefers having him at his home rather than let me keep him on account of his sister who is very fond of the dog. I went to market in the evening. I talked with Joseph Ives about John Brayman who owes him for goods bought about a year ago and promise to pay but does not. Ives spoke first of the matter; I said as little as I could against John, but could not deny the facts. The first Sunday School papers on the new year’s subscription came today. I answered Henry Blair’s letter in the evening and mailed it as I went to market. OCTOBER 13 SATURDAY - Pleasant. Bailey’s Circus and Menagerie showed here this afternoon and evening. I worked until 4 o’clock to get up my stint. As I came from work, I took from the Office a letter from Henry Blair saying that I could take his dog, “Bird”, and keep him this fall if I would be responsible for him. I also received a letter from Edwin in which was his bill for butter -105 lbs. at $.33. I went over to Mr. Pond’s after tea and showed him the bill of the butter. I then went into the street to market and called at Brother Hill’s to talk about Bell leaving our church to join the Baptists. I carried a few pears to Brother Hill. Before retiring, I answered Mr. Blair’s letter stating to him to what extent I would be responsible for his dog. OCTOBER 14 SUNDAY - I slept but little last night on account of being up with Gussie who was very sick with bilious colic and has been during today. I went for the doctor about 5 o’clock this morning, first calling Fanny to stay with her while I was gone. She has been very sick today; a high fever in the forenoon. The fever gave way in the P.M. and she had less pain across her. Her symptoms are decidedly better this evening. Just before evening meeting time, Emily Anderson and Mrs. Stone, also Susan Brayman and Mrs. Cole came to call on Gussie. After tea, I wrote to George with a letter I wrote last evening to Henry Blair I sent to the Office by Fanny as she went to meeting this evening. Emily brought me money for the Sunday School Advocates from two of her scholars – Eva Grannis and Mary Parsons. OCTOBER 15 MONDAY - Pleasant; a lovely day. Gussie not being able to get breakfast this morning, I ate mine up to Mother Griswold’s. After breakfast, they brought some delicate food down for Gussie. She finally got up and had her clothes on for the remainder of the day. I came home to dinner to look after Gussie a little. Mrs. Pond, Mrs. Davis, and Susan Brayman called during the day to see Gussie. Georgie was up to Mother Griswold’s most of the time. As I came home from work at night, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and got some old damaged envelopes for nothing. I got them (a part at least) to give to Fanny to use in the Sunday School infant class for them to enclose their centenary money to hand to the Treasury next Sunday morning. I came by the way of Mrs. Blair’s in Stevens Street to get henry’s dog, but he was not at home. Fanny came down and helped me a little about getting tea. I went to Dr. Bulkley’s in the evening to get more medicine and to settle with him for his visit on Sunday morning, which I did. I got a letter from George stating that he is about sick with a heavy cold and hard work. Enclosed was $5.00 towards what he owes me. Before coming home, I went to Blair’s again, but “Bird” was not at home. The 1st Congregational Church is being painted. A man has been at work today at the top of the spire just under the vane. I took our washing over to Mrs. Dunning’s before breakfast this morning. Answered George’s letter before retiring. OCTOBER 16 TUESDAY - Pleasant. We had but one dozen hats to finish today which I did before dinner. In the P.M., I went to the depot on the arrival of the freight train and found that the keg of butter - 105 lbs. - which I ordered for Mr. Pond and myself had come. I borrowed Joseph Ives’ horse and brought it home to Mr. Pond’s cellar. A. W. Parmalee came for two flour sifters which I let him have. Smith Pulling also came at night for one which I sold for $.80, it being damaged. I mailed a Post Office money order this evening to Edwin for the butter - $36.15. After tea, we opened it and found it to be excellent. Moses Baxter began to move out of his father’s house this evening. The old man is so ugly that they are unable to live with him; his wife has also left him. OCTOBER 17 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I finished my work at the shop a little after 2 o’clock. I came home by way of Widow Blair’s on Stevens Street and got Henry’s bird dog and took him home with me according to promise yesterday. I took the dog and gun and went over to Robert Cocking’s to go hunting with him, but he not being home, I went a little while alone. I shot one quail. Hanford Fairchild was married this morning at our church to Emma Fanton. I went to market in the evening. OCTOBER 18 - THURSDAY - A lovely day. I had work until noon in the shop. I came home and after dinner started to hunt a little. I found a Mr. Hill (a lame man with a club foot) before I had gone far who joined me. We found but very few birds. I got one quail; he got nothing. On our way home, I stopped up home to see Mother who has been sick for several days. After tea, I wrote a note to Fred Benedict saying that he need not bring the ½ bushel of potatoes that I spoke of on trial as I had since bought a supply. I went into the street in the evening and mailed it and got a letter from George saying that he was still feeling unwell with pains in his side. When I returned from the street, I carried the quail I shot up to Mother Griswold’s and took a dish over to Mr. Pond’s for a pound of butter, the first we have got from the new butter from Ohio. Before retiring, I wrote to Edwin telling him how well we liked the butter he sent to us, and that two days ago I mailed him a Post Office money order for the amount of the bill - $36.10 – 105 lbs. @ $.33 – Keg - $1.50. OCTOBER 19 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Gussie was called up at 12 o’clock last night to go up to Henry Hinman’s, Anna being confined in child bed. She had not returned in the morning, so I got my breakfast, took Georgie up to Mother Griswold’s and went to the shop. She came home in the forenoon, but was sent for again before I came from work which was about 3 P.M. I got my own tea again. I made out a statistical report of the Sunday School for Brother Hill and carried it to him when I went to market in the evening. I wrote to Edwin ordering butter for Oscar Serine, also to George in reply to one yesterday and requested him to come home for a week or two until he feels better. He is scarcely able to work, having a continual pain in his side. Before coming home from the street, I went up to Henry Hinman's to get Gussie to come home, but she would not. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie in the evening. Lewis Bartram brought me the bushel of potatoes today. I paid him for the - $9.00. Gussie returned from Henry Hinman’s a little after 9 o’clock. The child, which was a daughter – 8 lbs., was born a little after 7 o’clock. Susan Wildman took arsenic this morning – “for fun” she said, and this evening there is fear that she will die. OCTOBER 20 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I had work in the shop until noon. In the P.M., I went hunting down between Middle and Thomas Mountains. I shot one woodcock. Gussie went up to see Anna Hinman this afternoon. I went to market in the evening. Before retiring, I took the bird I shot up to Mother Griswold’s. OCTOBER 21 SUNDAY - Pleasant, so warm that it seems more like summer than fall. Our Sunday School Centenary meeting was held this forenoon in the audience room of the church. The usual forenoon service being omitted in order to give the time and room to the Sunday School. The money collected by the scholars was brought in which amounted to $360.02. I, being treasurer, was obliged to bring it home and count it, also give every scholar credit for the amount collected. Edward Barnum came over in the afternoon and assisted me. Asa Hill from Norwalk delivered the address to the school on the morning. He also preached in the evening. Gussie attended; I stayed home with Georgie. OCTOBER 22 MONDAY - Lowery. A little rain at times during the day, though the sun shone a little at times. The moon shone still more this evening. I took over $90.00 in currency with me as I went to the shop and disposed of it before I returned at night. I exchanged it for bills. It was the Sunday School Centenary money taken up yesterday. I had more work in the shop than I expected. I took no dinner, But John McNamara, a shopmate, brought some to me when he returned from dinner. “Bird’, the dog I am keeping for Henry Blair ran home this evening when I unchained him. I went over for him before bedtime and brought him back. The 1st Congregational Church people have been getting a new organ and this evening a free concert was given. I went in a short time and then came home. A dollar and a half counterfeit currency from the centenary currency I sold this evening to Albert Anderson, Jr. for $1.00. As Jacob Fry was coming from work this P.M., I sold him my old horse blanket, halter, curry comb and brush for $1.00. I gave George credit for the amount in the book. Wrote a letter to John Stephenson, Treasurer of the Centenary Committee, preparatory to enclosing a draft for the amount of money collected by our Sunday School which I intend to send tomorrow. OCTOBER 23 TUESDAY - Pleasant but a little cooler than last week. As I went to work in the morning, I went by way of George Starr’s and left with him $360 to take to the bank and get a draft to send to John Stephenson, Treasurer of the Conference Centenary Committee. As I came from work, I called on Mr. Starr and got the draft and mailed it with an order written last evening for Children’s Medals – 55 of the five dollar ones and 70 of the one dollar ones. At the same time, I mailed an order to N. Tibbles for 4 Children’s Centenary Anniversary books at $.60 and 6 of his Illustrated Centenary papers at $.25 each. In the evening I mailed an order for another paper for Seeley Harris. I received a letter from George today sent by Mr. Jabine with $20 enclosed. I answered it this evening. Fanny goes to Brooklyn tomorrow and I shall send some iron grease to George by her. He asked for it in his letter. I went to market in the evening and engaged Beatty to come for Fanny in the morning. Mr. Curtis, my neighbor, came home with me to get my gun to clean for me. He wants to use it a little tomorrow. I paid Alden G. Crosby this evening in Avery Raymond’s for my coal - $48.00. OCTOBER 24 WEDNESDAY - Colder today. Fanny started for Brooklyn this morning. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Mrs. Stone has been helping Gussie clean the pantry and bedroom today. Just before tea, Mr. Curtis brought my gun home which he has been using today. He cleaned and oiled it nicely before bringing it home. He gave me a small vial of woodchuck oil to use in cleaning it. I went to market in the evening and by the evening mail received a letter from George asking my advice about attending Mr. Warrens wedding. He enclosed a note to Mr. Warren accepting his invitation to stand up with him with Lottie Keeler The letter was for me to hand him providing I thought it best for George to come. I thought so and immediately wrote a reply accordingly and mailed it before retiring. I spoke about the news business here to see what he thought about it. OCTOBER 25 THURSDAY - Pleasant but colder than yesterday. My work lasted until noon in the shop. I came home and about 2 o’clock with my dog and gun went out hunting. I went down between Thomas and Middle Mountains. I shot 2 woodcock, a partridge, and a meadowlark. I came home by way of Deer Hill and stopped to see Mother. After tea, I wrote to George. I took it into the street to mail but forgot a letter I took from the office this morning for him which I intended to enclose, so I brought it home again. The centenary Pictorial papers came by the morning mail and the books came this evening. I got the Sunday School papers also this evening from the news Office. O.H. Swift’s wife and mother called this evening. OCTOBER 26 FRIDAY - Last night was the coldest we have yet had. It had somewhat the appearance of snow this morning. We were stinted again at the shop but the stint was all that I could do. . The birds I shot yesterday we had for dinner and supper today. Father Griswold had a letter from Edwin today in which he sent word to me that he thought he could provide the butter I wrote about for Oscar Serine. I received a letter from John Stephenson in which was a receipt from Carlton & Porter for the $361 Centenary money which I forwarded to him not knowing that it should be forwarded to Carlton & Porter. Enclosed also was a bill of the medals from Carlton & Porter. After tea, I went into the street and talked with Quartius Chichester about buying out the news business. The letter I wrote last evening to George, I did not mail until this evening. OCTOBER 27 SATURDAY - Pleasant. My work at the shop lasted until noon. I paid John Swertfager (editor of the Jeffersonian) for one year, ending with No. 339. I carried in my list to the assessors, W. S. Peck and E. S. Davis; talked with Swift about the news business; called at Brother Hill’s about the Centenary books from N. Tibbels. I marked off the Sunday School Journals and Advocates and carried them to the church before tea. I went to market in the evening. Gussie at the same time went over to Mrs. Stone to see about helping her clean house on Monday. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie while we were gone. When Gussie returned, George came with her. He came from Brooklyn this morning. He will stay for a week in hopes that by that time, he will feel better. He is troubled by a pain in his side and has been for some time past. Robert Fry borrowed my feed cutter this evening. He takes it for a week until he can buy one of them and in the meantime, he is to sell it for me if he has an opportunity. OCTOBER 28 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cool. I took Georgie up to his Grandma Purdy’s in the forenoon in order that we could both be at Sunday School as the Centenary medals were to be given to the children for their collections to that fund. After supper, we both went up to see Georgie and to visit with big George. As we are to clean house tomorrow, we left him up there to stay all night. George came down with us and went to church in the evening. Mr. Cummings preached for us. Susan Brayman went with us to church also. “Bird” broke chain this evening and went home. OCTOBER 29 MONDAY - I lent my gun this morning to Mr. Curtis. Mrs. Stone cleaned house for us today. I had no work in the shop and helped about the house and built a house in the woodhouse for Henry Blair’s dog “Bird” that I am keeping for him now during the hunting season. . In the P.M., George came down with me to Mr. Harris’ to get an overcoat. He found one which he thought would suit him and took it home. He is to pay for it in installments after he returns to his business in Brooklyn. He came home with me to tea and stayed in the evening. I went to market in the evening. As I went, I accompanied Mrs. Stone a part of her way home and she stepped into a hole in Montgomery Street and spilled a part of the whitewash which I gave her to carry home. Georgie is still away up to Grandma’s on Deer Hill. OCTOBER 30 TUESDAY - A terrible rainstorm last night and this forenoon. The rain came through our roof, the wall and into the sitting room badly. The streams rose the highest that they have been in 10 years. I had work all day in the shop and notwithstanding a severe headache, I worked until night. As I went to work this morning, I mailed a letter to N. Tibbels, 140 Nassau Street, New York for Brother Hill. He gave it to me last night to enclose with an order for books myself. But not being yet ready to send my order, I mailed his order. I gave $.50 today on a paper for George Sears’ who is very low with the consumption. Gussie went up home this P.M. to see Georgie. As he was doing well and seem contented, she concluded to leave him over tomorrow, it being washing day. George came down home with her a little after dark. Mrs. Stone called early in the evening and she and Gussie went uptown to see Anne Hinman. While she was gone, I went over to Mrs. Blair’s to see if “Bird” had got home but he had not. OCTOBER 31 WEDNESDAY - Cool and pleasant. No work in the shop. I took Henry Blair’s gun this morning and tried it for Charles Gilbert who thinks of buying it. In cleaning my gun, I lost the wormer from the rod in one barrel and had to take it up to the machinist to get it out. I went with George to see the Excelsior and New Milford ball clubs play a matched game on the grounds of the Excelsior’s. We went up home for supper to eat apple dumplings with George. I went with George to borrow a frock coat of Harris to stand up in with Mr. Warren tomorrow. George and Bell went to meeting in the evening and came this way to go home. Mother Griswold, Harriet and Louise spent the evening with us. Before retiring, I wrote to N. Tibbels ordering two children’s centenary books, also 4 illustrated centennial papers for members of the Sunday School.
1866-10
Horace Purdy Journal February 1865 Entry
8pgs
02/01 WEDNESDAY - The weather quite moderate and cloudy in the A.M. The sun shone in the afternoon and just at night the wind began to blow with the appearance of being colder. Father Griswold's folks had company to tea. Gussie, Baby, Bell and I went up there. Brother Hill (preacher) and wife, Bartram and wife, Scofield and wife, C. T. Stevens and wife, R. Wildman and wife, and George Starr and wife made up the party. They borrowed our table to put with theirs and had them filled twice at that. The second table however was only about half filled. Harriet had Josie baptized before tea by Father Griswold. It was done before I got home. I mailed the Jeffersonian to George in the evening. Wendell Phillips lectured this evening at Concert Hall. I cannot attend. The papers say today that the constitutional amendment abolishing slavery throughout the length and breadth of the land was passed by Congress. 02/02 THURSDAY - Pleasant, but cooler that yesterday. I was put from black hats onto Full Stiff Vicuna Col. (called Brush), but in reality only 'Jack Ups' today. After tea, I went to market and Mother Griswold came down and prepared some doughnuts for Gussie which she intends to fry tomorrow. I bought a new top for one of our high fluid lamps for burning kerosene oils without a chimney. Received another letter from George today in which he acknowledged the receipt of the $10.00 I sent him. 02/02 FRIDAY - Pleasant in the morning; cloudy in the P.M. and in the evening. I was late getting to the shop this morning, but worked very hard and was tired at night. As I came from work at night, I took from the Office a package of old letters from George which he sent home for preservation. Bell went to the Children's Singing School at the Baptist Church in the evening. I went to market and brought home a brass bound Cedar Water Jack, price 88 cents. A war meeting in the basement of Concert Hall in the evening for the purpose of filling our quota for the coming call for troops and thereby save a draft. I did not stay but came home. The evening post says that the rebel peace commissioners and our authorities have met and are on board of one of our gunboats on the James River in conference with each other. The baby is poorly with a severe cold and Gussie called in Dr. Buckley today as he was riding by. Mother Griswold came down this morning after breakfast and helped Gussie make a bunch of doughnuts. Father Griswold started for the train this morning and got left. He took the stage and went to the city by way of Brewster Station. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. 02/04 SATURDAY - The ground was just whitened over with snow this morning and some of the old ice besides before night. I have felt miserable today; it is without doubt from the effects of the poison from the hats which is inhaled while finishing them. David Mills came up on the freight train to call on Mr. T. Barnum, the War Claim Agent, to see about his back pay and pension which is being procure by him (Barnum). He called on me at the shop. The afternoon was warm and pleasant. I went to market in the evening. A caucus was held in the basement of Concert Hall in the evening to nominate delegates to the _____. 02/05 SUNDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a snow squall at 10 o'clock in the A. M. bot colder than yesterday; Windy, much like March. Cousin Eugene Douglas from New York City came to Father Griswold's by the train last evening. I spent the forenoon at the Sunday School Library alphabetically arranging the books. Gussie came home at noon to take care of baby and let Gussie go to church in the P.M. I stayed down and attended too. After tea, Father came down as usual. When Gussie's cousin Eugene finished his tea, Mother Griswold and fanny came down with him and I went him up to Whitlock's Boarding School to see one of his scholars, the son of a friend of his in the city, after which I walked with him the length of Main Street and to the cemetery arriving home again just before evening meeting time. Gussie and I attended in the evening as did he. On my way, I mailed a letter to George and a Harper's Weekly. After evening meeting we spent about an hour visiting with Cousin Eugene up to Father Griswold's. 02/06 MONDAY - Gussie's cousin Eugene Douglas took the train this morning for New York. I worked as usual all day. We were paid off in the P.M. I turned in $20.00 of my last two weeks' work to balance my account with Mr. Crofut for the $60.00 he advanced me when I bought my pork. I drew Jesse D. Steven's money for him - $11.75 - and sent it to him by Tom Mansfield. Just as our tea was ready, David Bradley came in with some picture frames he had been making for Gussie. He got one of them too large. Before he got away, Emily Anderson came in and gave me some library books from her scholars who had them out a long time. We are trying to get them all in preparatory to buying some. Burr Bradley went with me in the evening to the church to help me catalogue the library. The peace movement of government officials a failure. 02/07 TUESDAY - Cloudy all the forenoon until after dinner when it began to snow and continued until bedtime, accumulating fast. On my way home from work, I took from the Post Office a package of old letters sent home by George for preservation. They were marked $1.60 due by the scales in this Post Office. It felt a little short so that I paid only $1.54. In the evening, I went to Gillette and Baird's store for a baby's sack that Gussie had left there to be stamped. I paid 20 cents for the stamping and came away and left it on the counter. After class meeting, I went there for it. On account of a temperance lecture to be given at our church tomorrow evening, our class joined with Brother C T. Steven's class. Very few were present on account of the storm. 02/08 WEDNESDAY - Fine mist and rain this morning with 3 or 4 inches of snow, the bottom of which was all water. It cleared off and the sun shone brightly after dinner. Colder just at night; it began to freeze in the evening. Cousins Susan, Addie and Albert came up from Ridgefield and took Bell home with them. She met them at Barnum's Hotel about 5 o'clock where they all took supper and started for Ridgefield about 7 o'clock. We heard that they were to remain at the hotel quite late before leaving and I went there to take Bell from the party and bring her home on that account but I was just too late as they had gone about 5 minutes previous. There was a young fellow with them, probably a beau of Susan's. Burr Bradley and myself intended to finish making up the catalogue of our Sunday School this evening, but the temperance lecture that was to be delivered there was held downstairs on account of the bad walking and therefore, we could do nothing at the library. I borrowed a pair of tinner's shears at Charles Hull's to cut a piece of zinc to take to the shop to round hats on and came home and cut it out. Gussie attended the lecture. 02/09 THURSDAY - Bell is still at Ridgefield. The day has been pleasant but cold. I have worked hard all day in the shop. A boy living with Dr. Lacey gave Harriet a sleigh ride passing here. She stopped in front of the house and talked with Gussie but did not come in. As Father came from the shop tonight, he came this way to see if Bell had gone to Ridgefield. I did not see him as it was before I came from work. I did not go downtown in the evening but stayed home and split wood in the woodhouse. As I went to work this morning, I mailed a Jeffersonian to George. I also carried home the shears I borrowed last evening to cut zinc with. 02/10 FRIDAY - Cold; sunshine and snow squalls during the day. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie took tea up to her mother's before I came home. After tea, David Bradley came with the picture frames he took back to alter the size of. He made in all 5 of them and charged only 50 cents. He walked down into the street with me. I there met Burr Bradley according to agreement and we together completed making a catalogue of our Sunday School library. We worked at it until after 9 o'clock. Bell came home from Ridgefield on the evening train. 02/11 SATURDAY - Pleasant; it thawed a little in the middle of the day. John Bussing cut my hair in the shop this afternoon. Gussie went out and made some calls this P.M. Bell stayed with the baby. Dr. Buckley came about nine o'clock today and vaccinated our baby. After supper, I went into the street; came home after the mail arrived. 02/12 SUNDAY - Severe cold. I have felt it more than any other time this winter. Bell did not go to church today; she is nearly sick with a cold she caught going to Ridgefield last Wednesday. I attended all day. Gussie went in the P.M. which was the Sacrament Service. After supper, I finished a letter to George. Father came down to see us as usual after tea. Rev. Mr. Whittaker addressed the people at the 1st Church in the evening on the workings of the sanitary Commission in the Army. Gussie and I both attended. On my way there, I mailed a letter and Harper's Weekly to George. 02/13 MONDAY - Severe cold last night and this morning; the weather is not quite so severe tonight though it is very cold still. On my way to my work this morning, I called at the Jeffersonian Office to see what it would cost to have some catalogs of our Sunday School Library printed. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I went over to Lockwood Olmstead's for my hams and shoulders which he has been smoking for me. Four of them cost 1 dollar each. After I brought them home I hastened to the church to attend a Sunday School teacher's meeting. The subject of having the school select their books by catalogs was brought up. They finally concluded not to get the catalogs but distribute the books for the present on the old plan. Brother Hill ordered the new Sunday School Library books this morning through Swift and Sage. Wrote off numbers for library books just before retiring. Retired at midnight. 02/14 TUESDAY - St. Valentine's Day. Very cold last night, but more mild now. It has thawed a little during the day. Mrs. Stone washed for us. Bell is still nearly sick with her cold - she coughs and is hoarse - Gussie went over to Mrs. Miller this afternoon and stayed to tea. She took Georgie and the two babies together was rather a pleasing affair for Mrs. Miller and Gussie. I went to the church in the evening to carry 3 books to the library which I have got in since Sunday. I went to the Post Office and got Father Griswold's mail in which was a letter for Fanny from cousin Lydia in Canton. When I came from work, I brought home some Gum Arabic and made some mucilage. 02/15 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant this morning. It clouded up in the middle of the day and commenced snowing before night and continued during the evening. I worked as usual in the shop and came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and got my paper. After tea, I went down to the church and stuck numbers on some of the library books making a commencement toward numbering them new with the new books expected this week. When I left the church, I went to market, to the Post Office and then home without going to class. Gussie intended to go to the Sewing Society in the evening, but on account of the storm did not. She walked over as far as Chaplain Ambler's in Montgomery Street and took an outside view as the people of the Baptist Church on Mill Plain (where he preaches) are giving him a donation party. 02/16 THURSDAY - It rained last night and this morning. There was plenty of snow and water standing on the ground. Cloudy all day, except for a short time in the P.M. when the sun shone. On my way to the shop this morning, I took Father Griswold's gallon oil can to Benedict & Nichols and ordered some oil for him. On my way home from work at night I bought a blank book at Robinson's for 35 cents in which I intend to write up the catalog of the Sunday School Library. Bell went up home today and found that Aunt Mary and Uncle Cyrus Hoyt and children were up there from Ridgefield. They came on Monday afternoon and went away Wednesday morning. Mailed a Jeffersonian this morning to George on my way to work. 02/17 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I worked as usual all day in the shop. Brother Hill sent word before dinner that the new Sunday School books had come. After tea, Gussie went down with me. She arranged the new books alphabetically and stuck labels in them in the parsonage while Burr Bradley and myself arranged the old books in the library according to the new catalog and made ready to admit the new ones. This job took us until after 10 o'clock when we left it to another time. We hope to finish tomorrow night and have the books ready to give out on Sunday. Mrs. Cocking came this afternoon and took Gussie sleigh riding up to the cemetery. She brought home the wreath from Eddie's grave stone. 02/18 SATURDAY - The severe cold weather seems to be broken up for the present at least. It thawed considerably today. I was taken with a sick headache before dinner and was compelled to leave the shop about the middle of the P.M. After tea, I went down to the church to take the new library books from the parsonage to the library in the Sunday School room, but before I accomplished it, I was compelled to stop, my sickness growing so much worse. I had to lie down in the parsonage and had a severe turn of vomiting before I could get home. Gussie has taken a head cold and is quite sick. 02/19 SUNDAY - Gussie had a high fever at midnight last night. She continued to take Aconite and broke the fever before morning. I feel very weak today myself from the severe attack of sick headache last night. I went early to church this morning and worked at the library until meeting time when George Cosier drove with me up for Mother and brought her down to church. Brother Hill preached a good sermon from Mark 10:49 in the morning. We could give out no books in Sunday School today, the new ones not yet being numbered. After the noon class, David Cosier let George (his son) go up home with Mother again. I rode up with him and he came around to my house and left me and carried Mother Griswold down to church. I did a little towards writing up my Sunday School Library Catalog in the P.M. After tea, I went up to George Cosier's with some pennies from the Sunday School collection. From there, I went over to Dr. Buckley's and consulted him about Gussie. He said she was doing well and to continue giving Aconite and Belladonna. Neither Gussie, Bell nor myself feeling very well did not go out in the evening. I sent Harper's Weekly to the Post Office by Fanny to mail to George at St. Augustine. 02/20 MONDAY - Pleasant; did not feel able to go to work. I brought the remainder of the new Sunday School books from the parsonage and put them in the library. Went down to the shop and left my checks with Burr Bradley to draw my money for me in the P.M. I looked up some of the old books which were out. In the evening, Burr and Jim Parmalee helped me label and number some of the books. We did it in the middle class room where we had a fire for the purpose. We worked at them until after 11 o'clock. I came home completely tired out; I was not able to do it. Gussie feels better today with the exception of a sore throat. Good news from General Sherman's army - he has captured Columbia, the capital of South Carolina 02/21 TUESDAY - Pleasant. A dreadful weakness across my stomach and bowels. A little exertion tires me and gives a pain across me. Have not been at work, but spent a part of the day at church (with Harriet Purdy to assist me) numbering the library books. My mouth and nose are sore; it is doubtless caused by the poison in the hats I finish. Quicksilver, which is used in the carroting the fur. It is known as the 'Hatter's Sore Mouth'. News that Charleston, South Carolina is in the possession of the Union Army and that General Sherman is marching victoriously north from that place. I brought home a quart of oysters for supper. Bell went down for Dr. Buckley to come and see Gussie and myself but he had gone to Bridgeport. (Gap in the diary; pages 189-190 missing) -this evening but they were not done. Burr Bradley helped me in the evening finish numbering the Sunday School library books. When I came home from the church, it was about 11 o'clock and all the family had retired. But I found on the table a comic picture and the written valentine accompanying it which George had sent to Edith. The picture is of himself and a comrade member of the band and it is certainly the most comical thing I ever saw. Ephraim Gregory called to see me early this morning about the fate of Lieutenant Colonel Wilcoxsan of the 17th Regiment, C.V. 02/25 SATURDAY - Pleasant this morning. On my way to the shop this morning, I bought a piece of veal, 6 lbs. (the first I have seen this season) and had it sent home to cook for Sunday. I left off work a little after 3 o'clock and went up to Robinson's for Josephine Davis' spectacles and sent them to the ticket agent, Mr. Gillette at the Bethel Depot by Ben Bassett. I called to see John Cosier at the people's Coal Yard office and showed him the comic picture that George sent to Edith for a valentine. From there, I went over to Louis Moegling's Dye Works to get some garment Gussie had left there to be dyed. It clouded over in the P.M. and began to rain before dark. After tea, I went over to Widow Wilcox to see what George had written to her concerning the death of Colonel Noble. From there I went to market and waited until the (??). 02/26 SUNDAY - It rained hard last night and this morning. It cleared off after dinner warm and pleasant. I spent nearly all the forenoon at the S.S. library sticking numbers on the shelves of the library 10-20-30 and so through to be able to tell within ten books at a glance where to put up any particular book. The new books were given for the first time this noon and gave good satisfaction. I stayed to church all day. Bell came in the P.M. Gussie did not go at all. Father called to see us after tea and I finished preparing George's last letter for publication. It gave the particulars of the death of Lieutenant Colonel Wilcoxsan and capture of wagon train and guard of 35 men about70 miles distant from St. Augustine, Florida. Also of the capture of Captain Quien, Charles Wilcox, Theo Morris and Seth Northrop at a dance about 11 miles from St. Augustine. Before meeting time, I wrote to George. Bell went to meeting in the evening and mailed the letter along with a Harper's Weekly to George. Gussie wrote to Cousin Emmaline Williams in the evening. She lives in Leavenworth, Kansas. Fanny is sick with a cold, I think. She did not go to prayer meeting last Thursday evening and stayed home from church today. It is something unusual for her. She won't tell what ails her, only a cold. 02/27 MONDAY - Pleasant. I feel better today. On my way to the shop this morning, I carried George's letter to the Jeffersonian Office for publication. The new journeyman who has for about a month worked at my left hand was off today and went away on the train. His name was Hogan. Mr. Witherspoon also finished his work at the shop and left. He has gone for a foreman to the new firm of Lacey and Sheather in the factory lately occupied by Mr. Montgomery and originally the old carriage factory. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I went into the street in the evening and mailed a letter for Fanny Griswold and one for Gussie to Cousin Emmaline Williams at Leavenworth, Kansas. 02/28 TUESDAY - The ground was just whitened over with snow this morning. It remained cloudy all day with indications of a storm but it only occasionally spit a little snow. I have felt more like myself today and have done a pretty good day's work. I worked as late as I could at night. After tea, I went downtown and mailed a letter to Jennie Fairweather for Fanny. I called at the Jeffersonian Office a few minutes and to Harry Stone's store for the husk mat I bought there last evening and forgot to bring home while waiting for the mail, I saw Charles Anderson who was in our company in the three months service in 1861 from April to July. He has since been in for three years. His time is out and is now home on that account. He was at the taking of Fort Fisher in Wilmington, North Carolina. A very little snow this evening.
1865-02
Western Connecticut State University