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 March 1868 Entry
9pgs
MARCH 01 SUNDAY - A pleasant lovely morning, but before night it snowed. Mother Griswold took care of Georgie in the forenoon to let Gussie and I attend church together. We both came home after Sunday School. I went to church in the evening. Gussie stayed at home. MARCH 02 MONDAY - A heavy and severe snowstorm. The wind has blown it into drifts. The storm lasted until about dark this evening. I have worked in the shop today until about 2 o'clock. MARCH 03 TUESDAY - Pleasant but very! very! cold. I have worked in the shop. I had the headache in the P.M. The papers this morning gave an account of the burning of the Barnum Museum between Spring and Prince Streets in New York. The fire broke out at 12 o'clock last night. MARCH 04 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant today. Very cold last night. I have been to New York today. Mrs. Minnerly came to the store this P.M. and bargained for the rooms over my store. MARCH 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I have worked in the shop. I went from work over to Mrs. Bradley's (where I found Gussie and Georgie) and took tea. After going home with them, I went into the street again to market. I went up on Balmforth Avenue to John Cosier's to get some money of him, but there being no one home, I returned home without seeing him. MARCH 06 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm, though in the morning it was pretty cold. The wind changed to the South in the P.M. I have worked in the shop all day. After tea, I went to market and up to John Cosier's to get $75.00 which he promised to lend me. He gave me a check for $100.00. I then called at Fred Bradley's Store and borrowed $25.00 until Monday on the strength of my pay due me tomorrow at the shop, which in my absence, William Carlton will draw for me. After returning from the street, I went up to see W. F. Olmstead, Treasurer of the Union Savings Bank and left with him a joint note signed by Father Griswold and myself for 6 months and $16.00 interest on the same, it being for $400.00 in renewal of the old one. I left them with Mr. Olmstead and tomorrow Gussie will go down and get the old note for me. MARCH 07 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. The snow has disappeared very fast. I have been to New York. The check John Cosier gave me last evening I could not get the money on in under 10 days. . Consequently, I made arrangements with H. D. Clark to let my note remain until next Wednesday when I would have the money for him. I did the same with my landlord, Mr. Young about my rent. I bought for Morgan Chittenden 3 dozen drafting nails (8 cents each); also for John Cosier 8 No. 2 Longking's Question Books for 15 cents each. Gussie went to the Union Savings Bank today and took up my old note of $400.00. I gave a new one last evening to the Treasurer, W.F. Olmstead and paid the interest of $4.00, the note being for 6 months at 8 %. My note in the Savings bank was only due today, but Olmstead drew the renewal note dated March 4th. Consequently, the three days grace which I paid for on the old one was not used and ought to be allowed on the new note without pay. MARCH 08 SUNDAY - A little rain in the morning, but the sun came out warm and the streets ran water. Gussie stayed at home during the day. I went to church in the morning. I came home after Sunday School and found Father at the house. George came also after the P.M. service and they both stayed to tea. At 5 o'clock, George and Gussie went to the 'Band of Hope' (Ed. Note: Band of Hope was a temperance society) and stayed to the evening meeting. I stayed home with Georgie. I wrote to William H. Raymond in Yonkers for what he owes me for picture frames - $9.25. George mailed it as he went to the Band of Hope. I also in the evening wrote a note to John Cosier requesting 30 days on the $100 I borrowed of him. MARCH 09 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. The snow has wasted very fast. I have worked in the shop. As I went to work, I paid Fred Bradley (or his partner Randall) the $25 which I borrowed on Friday evening. He also cashed a check on the Danbury Bank for me of $100. After tea, I went to the Sunday School Teacher's Business Meeting. When I returned, I helped Mr. Pond make out his canvassing list of voters for the district given him. George and Bell called late. He took the washing machine home with him, I having sold it to Father. MARCH 10 TUESDAY - Father is 60 years old today. It did not freeze any last night and today has been pleasant and warm. I have worked in the shop. State election in New Hampshire today. I assisted Mr. Pond this morning and this evening to complete the canvass for voters in the immediate vicinity. We went to the Club Room together this evening to take his list of voters for the district assigned him. I paid Andrew Knox this P.M. $8.85, his bill for graining the Sunday School Librarian's room at the church. MARCH 11 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have been to New York today. I paid $75.00 on my note to H. D. Clark. William H. Raymond's son from Yonkers came to the store today and paid his bill of $9.25 for frames and cord. The election in New Hampshire yesterday resulted in an increased majority of Republicans over last year. Last year, it was 3,146; so near as ascertained, it will be about 3,300. There has been great rejoicing here today over the matter. Bells were ringing and cannon fired. After tea, I wrote a note to S. H. Burr, telling him where he can find Father Griswold this week. I took it up to A. Pulling's for him to leave in the ticket office in South Norwalk where Burr will call for it. MARCH 12 THURSDAY - It froze some last night; it, however, soon softened up again, though there has been no sun. It commenced raining this P.M. and continued during the day and evening though not hard. I have worked in the shop. As I came from work, I called at Mr. H. Griffin's to look at the large frames I made for him last summer. He complained to me today about their cracking. I found it to be so to my surprise. It is caused by the composition not being hard enough when they were gilded. After tea, I went to market. MARCH 13 FRIDAY - Rain a little in the morning. Cloudy through the day. Pleasant in the evening. I have worked in the shop. As I came from work, I stopped in the Union Savings Bank and took an order for 10 small frames from W. F. Olmstead. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at John Earl's. I went to the Post Office and home. I received a letter from Daniel at the store that last night an oil painting was stolen from the store. Mary Jane Dibble died today. Ex-governor, Joseph Hawley speaks this evening at Concert Hall, our first stump speaker to open the spring campaign. MARCH 14 SATURDAY - A lovely Spring day. Towards night, it became a little foggy and in the evening, it was cloudy. I have been to New York. I have an order on hand to put looking glasses in the show windows of a store in Grand Street, near Thompson Street. I have so much work at the store that I shall be compelled to go down again Monday morning. MARCH 15 SUNDAY - Another pleasant and warm day. George came this way to church this morning and Gussie walked down with him. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. George came here to tea after meeting. Ellen Taylor came here about 5 o'clock with Cornelia Dibble, who brought a broken wreath and a cross of flowers (which were on her sister's coffin) for me to preserve, but upon naming the price, she took them home again to return with them if they concluded to have them done. I told her $40 for both including good and appropriate frames. She did not return with them. I went to church in the evening. Brother Burch preached. MARCH 16 MONDAY - Warm, cloudy and foggy until about 5 P.M. when it commenced raining. I have been to New York. I paid Mr. Young $50.00 for March rent today. I have been very busy making frames and fitting looking glasses in a pair of show windows for a German in Grand Street. I brought home with me two polished Wall 8x10 Ovals, one for George, the other being in exchange for Father Griswold, for one of the same, the gilding of which was bad. I also brought home the card photo of Mother which she gave me with a small frame to fit up for her. It rained hard all the evening. MARCH 17 TUESDAY - St. Patrick's Day. I have been to New York. I completed putting looking glass in the store show windows in Grand Street. William H. Clark called at the store to see the upper rooms for his son-in-law, Mr. Smith. I framed and brought home a picture for Eliza Hill. The Irish have been celebrating the day in New York. Pleasant in the middle of the day; foggy in the morning and evening. It commenced raining about 7 o'clock and continued during the evening. MARCH 18 WEDNESDAY - Rain last night; cloudy this morning, but no rain. It cleared off before noon and the remainder of the day has been fine. Before breakfast, I went over to Mr. McDonald's and ordered an instrument of steel to be made about 15 inches long for driving 'hold fasts' (Ed. Note: tool predating modern vises used to clamp items to work benches) in putting up Pier Glasses (Ed. Note: A pier glass is a mirror which is placed on a pier, i.e. a wall between two windows). I have been at the shop today. I sold 5 card photos at the shop. Before tea, I went for milk and the instrument I ordered to be made at McDonald's. On his way from work, George called for some iron grease. I went to the Post Office in the evening where William H. Hutchings gave me a letter in which was money to take tomorrow to his wife at 49 Charlton Street in New York City. MARCH 19 THURSDAY - It froze the ground last night. Cooler today. I have been to New York. I brought home 10 small frames for W. F. Olmstead. I tripped and fell coming up the stone steps outside the depot this evening. Brought some card photos to Joe Kyle. I got 7 lbs. more sugar of Mr. Pond in the evening. MARCH 20 FRIDAY - Cloudy but no storm. As I went to work this morning, I carried the 100 frames I made for Mr. Olmstead down to his office at the Union Savings Bank. I have worked in the shop. Having to wait for work in the morning, I went up to the bank and figured out the price of the frames and he paid me. I also took the measure for the glass. I disposed of 41 card pictures at the shop today at 5 cents each. Mr. Hurd cashed my account $19.00 as I shall not be there tomorrow in account of going to New York. After tea, I went to market and to the Post Office. Georgie went up to Father Purdy's yesterday to stay overnight. Bell came home with him this morning. MARCH 21 SATURDAY - A terrible snow and wind storm. I left home intending to go to New York, but when I got to the depot, I concluded to stay home, fearing the train would not be able to get through. I went to the shop, but it was so early that II returned home again with my satchel and then went to the shop and have done a day's work. Blowing sleet and snow has made it a severe storm though it has not been very cold. The morning train was about 1 ## hours behind time and about the same this evening. I went to market in the evening. I bought an oil stone for my tools at the store. MARCH 22 SUNDAY - The wind has blown but not as hard as yesterday. The sun has shone and the snow has wasted considerably. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon and then went or started to go up to Richard Jones' funeral but met the procession this side. The service was held at the First Congregational Church at 2 o'clock. I did not go to the church but came home. Chain broke this morning and let the bucket into the bottom of the well. I last night wrote a note to William at the store. I added a little to it this evening and mailed it. I attended church I the evening. Brother Burch preached. The wife of Nathan Ferrell, the landlord at the Wooster House died today. MARCH 23 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have worked in the shop. I intended to have gone to New York, but on request of Mr. Crofut, I stay to help get up 25 dozen Beaver Col. Spanish-shape Stiff Brim Hats. I today gave my name to George Quien to send to New Haven for a Soldiers' Memorial bearing an inscription of his name, Company, Regiment, etc., the same having been appropriated last year by the legislature. I came home from work very tired. Gussie went to market in the evening while I stayed home. MARCH 24 TUESDAY - Pleasant; I fished up the bucket this morning which was lost Sunday in the well. I worked in the shop until just after dinner and then came home and made a box for my oil stone and took the bucket over to Mr. McDonald's and had it mended. While at tea, George called for a cake of iron grease. I borrowed $20.00 of Joseph Allen for Mr. Pond until tomorrow. Gussie and Louise went to the dressmakers and up to see George Davis' wife in the evening. I locked the door leaving Georgie asleep and went to market. I called a few minutes at Concert Hall, where was being held a School meeting and then came home. MARCH 25 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York; came home with a sick headache and retired without eating anything. About 8 o'clock while I was in bed, Smith Ferrell came with a large cross and a wreath which was on his mother's coffin who was buried this P.M. MARCH 26 THURSDAY - Pleasant; I rose this morning feeling badly from having so severe an attack of headache last evening. I did not intend to go to New York again before Saturday, but on account of the wreath and cross was obliged to go. Not feeling well, I have done no work but sat quietly in the store. MARCH 27 FRIDAY - Pleasant; I have worked in the shop. I took some card pictures, some imperial size, also some small passe-partouts and sold a few of them. Bell took Georgie up home with her to stay all night. Gussie attended the Sewing Society at the parsonage in the evening. I went to the Post Office, but for some reason, the train was until after 9 o'clock getting in and I did not wait. A Republican meeting at Concert Hall this evening. (Later) The engine broke down near Kent Station. MARCH 28 SATURDAY - I have been to New York. I brought home a gift frame for George's discharge papers, also one of my plane irons to grind and one pound of black tea. I went to Tibbel's at 37 Park Row and bought 'Pilgrim's Progress' and 'The Pioneer Boy' (Lincoln) for George Starr which he deigns to put in the Sunday School Library. Before retiring, I wrote to William at the store to have him go out next Tuesday and get a job for making a frame. MARCH 29 SUNDAY - A beautiful day. George came over in the morning to have me cut his hair and father came over for the same after tea. I went to church in the morning, but was too late and did not go in to hear preaching, though Father Griswold preached. Gussie came down at noon with Georgie to Sunday School and stayed to Prayer meeting in the P.M. I came home and took a nap. Brother Webb from Collinsville preached in the evening. I attended. As I went, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to William at the store. MARCH 30 MONDAY - Pleasant; I have worked in the shop. I took the plane iron which I brought home from the store to the shop with me and ground it this noon. Bell came in in the evening and I sent George's discharge home with her, I having framed it for him. I went into the street this evening to pay Swertfager (Editor of Jeffersonian) for the first quarter for my advertisement, but found the office locked. I came home and wrote him a letter and enclosed $3.00 which I will carry or send to him tomorrow. MARCH 31 TUESDAY - Pleasant; I dug parsnips and vegetable oysters this morning. I mailed a letter to J. H. Swertfager, editor of the Jeffersonian, this morning with $3.00 enclosed for the first three months advertising of my flower preserving, etc. I requested him to stop my paper to reduce my indebtedness to him and also asked for more time in which to pay for printing circulars for which I owe him $12.00. I have worked in the shop. I called on Mr. Pond in the evening to notify him of the character of Fred Jennings and family who today have moved next to him. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market.
1868-03
Horace Purdy Journal November 1867 Entry
13pgs
NOVEMBER 01 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York again today. I went direct (when I got to the city) to the California steamer at Pier 29 to see Lauren, Eliza and their children for California. The steamer started at precisely 12:30 o'clock. Alfred and Anna were there to see them off. They had some trouble with their trunks, they having been taken to the ___ (?) steamer at Pier 42. Alfred, however, by the aid of a policeman, got them just in time to put them on board before the steamer started. I went from there with Alfred and Anna to the Merchants' Hotel and then over to 380 State Street in Brooklyn to Louise Jones about some oil paintings. I returned to the store just in time to eat some lunch and get to the depot to come home. Henry Crofut's shop on the hill near his large factory was burned this afternoon. It was caused by the overturning and blowing up of a ___ (?) lamp in which was used Benzene. NOVEMBER 02 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I went to New York again today. Our neighbor Mr. Brown and wife went down. They were strangers in the city and I put them on the Bleeker Street cars to go to Fulton Ferry When I got home this evening, I was quite tired. NOVEMBER 03 SUNDAY - Pleasant until evening when it rained a little. We both (wife and self) went to church in the morning and took Georgie. We came home after Sunday School. Bell came and took supper with us. After tea, I went up and called on Oscar Serrine who about a week ago hurt his foot badly by having a timber fall on it while working on his barn which he is building. When I came from there, Gussie and I took Georgie and walked to New Street to see the new schoolhouse which we are having built. NOVEMBER 04 MONDAY - The stars shone early this morning and again this evening. I have been to New York and the day has been cloudy and has grown cold this afternoon. It rained a little about 3 P.M. When I came home this evening, I found Gussie nearly sick with Neuralgia. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond's barn and held lamp for him to make a coal riddle for his nephew. I suppose he was making it for me when I went to the barn, but found I was mistaken. He proposes making one for me tomorrow evening if I wish. Before retiring, I drew up a form for advertising circulars for preserving natural flowers which I contemplate having printed. NOVEMBER 05 FRIDAY - I did not go to the city today. After breakfast, I went up home with a bundle of clothes for George for Mother to wash. I then went down to the shop and found some work to do. Before going to work, However, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and arranged with Swertfager to print me 5,000 advertising circulars for preserving flowers. I worked until dark at the shop. After work, I called again at the Jeffersonian Office. I also called under Concert Hall to see the new store of pictures and Yankee notions just opened. I received a letter by the evening mail from Dr. Kellogg requesting me to hand a note (which was included) to John Brayman requesting him to pay what he owed him for medical attendance. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to Kellogg. Also wrote to William H. Hayes at the store in New York. NOVEMBER 06 WEDNESDAY - Cool; a snow squall in the middle of the day, just enough to say snow. I mailed a letter in time for the train this morning to Dr. Kellogg in reply to one received with John Brayman's bill enclosed. Also one to William Hayes at the store in New York. I worked in the shop all day. As I came from work at night I got 5,000 circulars at the Jeffersonian Office advertising my preserving of flowers and brought them home. After tea, I went into the street and got the deed (mortgage), I gave Father Griswold from the Town Clerk's Office. I stopped a little time at the picture auction under Concert Hall, bought a box of paper colors and came home. NOVEMBER 07 THURSDAY - Cold, the ground froze hard last night and it has thawed but little today. The sun shone but for a few minutes about 1 o'clock. It has looked and felt all day like snow. I had work until noon in the shop. As I was coming home, I met Gussie going down to Main Street. She did a little shopping and then I went with her to Dr. Fitch and she had 2 teeth extracted. I then came home leaving her to call on the widow Burr Bradley. Just before dark, I moved 5 bushels of potatoes from Father Griswold's cellar into my own. Mrs. Gilbert called after tea, to see if her sister, Widow Hull could rent my upper rooms another year. Aunt Louise also called. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, I held lamp for Mr. Pond (in his barn) to make a money drawer for Daragan & Rider. It was 11 o'clock when I retired. NOVEMBER 08 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I have worked in the shop today. As I intend to go to New York in the morning, I got my pay before leaving the shop. In the evening, I made two small frames at Swift's for my advertising circulars. I dug my salsify before breakfast this morning. NOVEMBER 09 SATURDAY - I went to New York this morning and took 5,000 circulars advertising the preservation on natural flowers. I left a few of them at Norwalk, also a few at Stamford. I sent a few to Newark, New Jersey by George Hodges. William Hayes, my principal man at the store went to Keyport New Jersey this P.M.; he also took a few of them with him. When I left the store to come home, I came by way of the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street, and ordered 10 more Sunday School Advocates ($3.00) and five more Sunday School Journals ($1.75) added to our list of Sunday School papers. I also bought for the School, one dozen Judd's Lessons ($1.80). I t has been pleasant and warm today, but before I got home, it commence raining. NOVEMBER 10 SUNDAY - Rain last night and misty this morning. It came off clear in the forenoon and was pleasant and warm. Gussie, on account of a scar on her face produced by the use of Kennedy's Liniment from neuralgia did not go to church. I went down in time for Sunday School. I stayed to Communion Service in the P.M. Mother. Having another poor turn and being sick abed, Gussie went up to see her after tea. There came up again a rain just at night and Gussie got caught in it coming home and she got very wet so that she made a complete change of clothing. It rained hard all the evening. We did not go out but spent a part of the evening upstairs in Robert's rooms. NOVEMBER 11 MONDAY - I am 32 years old today. I have been to New York today. I intended to meet Father Griswold at the 27th Street Depot at noon, but missed him. He came around to my store about 3 P.M. It is his first visit to the store. It looked like rain this morning, but it came off warm and pleasant. NOVEMBER 12 TUESDAY - I went to New York again today. According to agreement, Father Griswold went at the 27th Street depot at 9 ## o'clock, but on account of the storm, I did not go to see him as planned to see his lots in Brooklyn. He went alone and I went to the store. It has rained and snowed together more or less all day. It has melted as fast as it came in New York but when I got as far on my way home as Wilton on the Danbury & Norwalk Railroad, the ground was covered an inch or more deep, the first snow we have had to whiten the ground any and the 3rd time it has been flying in the air. NOVEMBER 13 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cool. The snow has not all disappeared today. It has thawed none in the shade. I had about a ## day's work in the shop. I went into the street before tea, and called at Mrs. Barlow's to say that the wreath I am preserving for her will most likely be done on Saturday. I then called on Henry Day and explained why I have not yet paid anything on my account with him. I had an understanding with him about it. After tea, I went into the street again and got some medicine of Dr. Bulkely for Mr. Pond and myself. I called at Hawley & Sayers and offered 10 % on jobs preserving funeral wreaths which they may get for me. I stopped at Swift's and he ordered through me a half dozen imperial passe-partouts. I then came down and stopped at the auction under Concert hall a short time and then came home. NOVEMBER 14 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool this morning; the ground was frozen hard. I have had work nearly all day in the shop. As I came from work, I stopped at Robert Sayers' and talked with him about preserving funeral wreaths. I offered him 10 % on every job he will secure for me. It is warmer tonight; the snow has disappeared very fast this P.M. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. Last night and tonight, the falling stars were expected again. A few were seen early this morning by some people, I believe. NOVEMBER 15 FRIDAY - I went to the shop expecting work but there was none so I came home and helped Gussie clean the bedroom. I also shoveled my heap of ashes and manure into a pile on the garden. I used Father Griswold's wheelbarrow. I went to market in the evening. It has alternated between cloudy and sunshine during the day. NOVEMBER 16 SATURDAY - Went to New York; Cloudy and looked like rain in the morning, but the after part of the day was pleasant. I was busy at the store making frames, etc. I came by the way of Handler's in West 19th Street (my passe-partout maker) to get a half dozen Imperial pass-partouts for Swift. He had but one of the style I wanted, so I took it and ordered 5 more to me made on Monday. Just before the train got to Stamford this evening, the steam ran low so that we could not run. It delayed us nearly half an hour. After tea, I went over to Mr. Sherman's and furnished over 8 yards of cord and brought 5 pictures for him. I went out while Gussie was upstairs, she not knowing where I went became alarmed before I returned and called for me and then woke Robert upstairs to go look for me. Before he was dressed, however, I came in finding Gussie crying. NOVEMBER 17 SUNDAY - I went to church in the morning. Gussie and Georgie came down at noon to Sunday School and stayed in the P.M. I came home after Sunday School. George Starr sent $5.00 to me by Gussie with which to get a half dozen of Philip Philips new singing book entitled ''Singing Pilgrims 'and 'Musical Leaves' combine in one. We had our first mess of vegetable oyster or salsify for supper. They were very fine. Neither of us went to church in the evening. NOVEMBER 18 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. I went to New York in the morning. As I went to the store from the Depot, I went to Handles' In 19th Street and got the other 11 Imperial Pass-partouts for Swift. I stopped at the store a short time and then went over to Fanton's at 491 Broadway and got 12 pairs of Rider's Sewing Machine casters and took the 12:30 train to Stamford to sell the casters. I sold but one pair. I called at Aunt Abbie's and after tea, I took the train for home, being very sick with a sick headache. I vomited at the Stamford Depot and again when I got home. I left the passe-partouts at Swift's store as I came home. I retired soon after I returned home, too sick to eat anything. NOVEMBER 19 TUESDAY - Pleasant but very cold again. It has thawed none at all today. I stayed at home and worked in the factory. I have not felt very well today from yesterday's sickness. After tea, I wrote to William Hayes, my chief man at the store. I mailed it as I went into the street to exchange a pair of shoes for Georgie which Gussie got for him last evening. After the mail was opened, I called at the Auction under Concert Hall for a few minutes and then walked up with Oscar Serrine. Before retiring, I wrote a plain letter to George about paying me what he owes me as I am now in great need of it. NOVEMBER 20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool until after dinner when the wind changed to the south and it grew warmer. As I went to the shop this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to George. I had $3.00 worth of work which lasted me nearly all day. Carpenters have been at work in the shop today making a new set of straight stairs leading into the finishing room in place of the old winding ones. As I came home from work, John Sharp came home with me for some cut wads to use in my gun which he has borrowed. After tea, I wrote to Wells Webster in Plainville to see if he could give Edmund Palmer work at carriage trimming. I mailed it in the evening. I also took back again the shoe makers (D. Benedict) the shoes we bought for Georgie, they not being quite large enough. Robert and wife came downstairs and spent the evening with us. We passed the time in a jocular way, telling stories, etc. NOVEMBER 21 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I had work in the shop until after dinner. I came home by way of Rider's Shoe Store to see some boots he had just come in from New York, but as usual with ready-made boots, none of them would fit me. I then came home and covered my strawberries for the winter. Gussie and Frank Bouton went to the milliner's in the P.M. Frank came home with her to tea. After tea, Frank went down to meeting. I walked down with her. NOVEMBER 22 FRIDAY - Warm and cloudy; a little rain in the fore part of the evening. I have worked in the shop today. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at George Andrews. Louise stayed with Georgie to let me go into the street. . While in the street, Alexander Wildman met me and very unexpectedly paid me the $3.25 he has for some time owed me and which I did not expect to get. I called a short time in George Rider's Shoe store and spent a little time talking about the preservation of natural flowers and the came home after exchanging some stale butter crackers at Randall & Bradley's for some pilot bread for Mother Griswold. After I came home, I went up and exchanged the iron casters on Fanny's sewing machine for a pair of brass ones. She paid me $1.00 for the price of them. NOVEMBER 23 SATURDAY - Cloudy, misty and some rain during the day. I went to New York. Before going to the store, I went to the Book Room and got a ## dozen 'Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' combine in one book for George Starr ' retail price 75 cents. They being for our Sunday School, I got them for 60 cents each. From there, I went to the corner of Broome and Elm Streets to see a German bookbinder for James Wallace Pine about binding a book he has been writing ' a poem entitled 'The Pilgrim's Hope'. I then went to 491 Broadway at H. B. Fanton's place to see Benjamin Rider and return to him what sewing machine casters I did not sell and pay for what I did. I then went direct to the store. I brought home the books for Brother Starr and the small wreath I have been preserving for Mrs. Barlow. I showed the wreath to a number on the train coming home. After tea, I went up to Mother Griswold's and showed it, also over to Mr. Pond's and upstairs to Mr. Cocking. NOVEMBER 24 SUNDAY - Lowery through, but little rain. I went to church in the A.M. Brother Ira Abbott, who preached in New Milford when John lived there and was converted, preached for us this morning. We had rather an interesting time in Sunday School this noon singing from the new books, 'The Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' combined into one. I delivered to Brother George Starr in Sunday School ## dozen which I got for him in New York. I also got 17 names for others which I am to get this week. Prayer meeting in the afternoon; we both attended. Georgie stayed with his Grandma Griswold. Gussie came home from church with a severe headache. She felt better after tea and went over to Henry Hinman's on Stevens Street to see Anne Elizabeth Delavan who is dangerously sick. She returned in time to let me go to church in the evening. Brother Birch preached. After the sermon, a short Prayer Meeting was held. Joseph W. Allen came home with me after meeting to get a singing book, 'Fresh Laurels' which I sold him. Warm and foggy in the evening, but no rain. NOVEMBER 25 MONDAY - Cloudy, muggy, lowery, foggy, warm, nasty muddy, and very unpleasant. We rose late. I have worked in the shop. I lent Oscar Serrine $2.00 until Wednesday. As I went to work this morning, I stopped at Mrs. Barlow's, corner of Railroad Avenue and Liberty Street to see if she would be at home this evening if I would bring her wreath home, but I learned that she would not until next week. After tea, Gussie went into the street to see her dressmaker. In the meantime, Sarah Bouton, Frank Bouton and Fanny Griswold called in to see Mrs. Barlow's wreath which I have been preserving. When Gussie returned, I went into the street with the wreath to have it put into Swift's show window for the public to see. Mr. Swift not being in, I left it with his clerk who promised to put it in in the morning. NOVEMBER 26 TUESDAY - Cloudy and foggy this morning. It came off clear before night. I worked hard all day on 4 Drop Jack-ups, Vienna, Col., F. Stiff. As I came from work, I came by way of O. H. Swift's and got Mrs. Barlow's wreath. I concluded not to put it on exhibition for fear that she might not like it. After tea, I went to market. Charles Hull sent the tin leader today which I ordered last Friday evening. Robert put a lock on the inside cellar door today. NOVEMBER 27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York. Was very busy making frames, etc. Came to the Depot via the Book Room and bought 17 Singing Pilgrim and Musical leaves combined for the Sunday School. I got them at the trade price of 55 cents. I took charge of a buffalo robe for at Norwalk for Mr. Potter and left it at Swift's store. Warren Bouton was on the train from Georgetown; he is to spend Thanksgiving in Danbury. His wife met him at the Depot here. Gussie met me also. I expected to find George on the train this evening on his way home from Yonkers but did not. Gussie bought 10 bushels of charcoal today at 20 cents a bushel. NOVEMBER 28 THURSDAY - Thanksgiving Day. Stormy. I went to the shop in the morning, but found it closed. I returned by way of Swift's store and got $4.50 for the dozen passe-partouts I got for him. We took dinner with Father Griswold's folks, after which we left Georgie with them and went up to my father's to see George who came home yesterday from Yonkers. I wrote to William Hayes in the store and enclosed a note to George Talmadge about paying his rent. Also one to H. D. Clark about my note to him of $125 due December 9th. I mailed it in the evening and carried three pictures ' Washington, Lincoln and Grant families ' over to Timothy Foster's. NOVEMBER 29 FRIDAY - Stormy. Rain. I have worked in the shop. Our foreman (V. W. Benedict) drew my pay while I was in New York on Wednesday and paid it to me today. Before breakfast, I killed a turkey and a chicken for Mother Griswold. The turkey Father Griswold will take to Harriet in New Haven as a present. I went into the street in the evening to buy a camp chimney and went to the Post Office. NOVEMBER 30 SATURDAY - Pleasant this morning with considerable wind. I went to New York. Father Griswold also took the same train to new Haven; he took the turkey to Harriet. When I arrived in the city, I went to the Book Room and bought one dozen no. 1 Catechisms for the Sunday School. I then went to Ferguson's and arranged with him to let me have goods on credit for a time in order that I may be able to meet a note to Henry D. Clark on December 9th. When I arrived at the 27th Street Depot in the morning, I renewed my commutation for the second 6 months ending May 31st, 1868 for $45.00. I found a letter waiting for me at the store from Smith & Rand to call at their office at 170 Broadway and get 72 more sporting pictures (22x28) to frame in Wall Gilt. I went down after dinner and got them, at the same time ordering the frames of Nonnebacher and the glass of Crowe & Powell. Daniel, who had promised to be at the store again on Friday, had not made his appearance up to 4 P.M. Mr. Pond, who has been in the city on business, called at the store and we came home together. George and Gussie met me at the Depot. George, after doing some business in the street came around to the house and spent a part of the evening. Gussie went up home today with Georgie but it grew cold so fast that she left him up there to stay overnight. Mrs. Green's mother died at 5 P.M.
1867-11
Horace Purdy Journal July 1867 Entry
7pgs
JULY 01 MONDAY - Very warm. I took 7 quarts of strawberries to the city with me this morning for Miss Donavan who lives in rooms over the store and to Mr. Ferguson, the man I board with at No. 10 Grove Street. Daniel (my boy) wanted some money for clothing, so I paid his wages in advance this week. George went to Yonkers at noon. I went in the P.M. and again in the evening to Pier 42 at the foot of Canal Street to see if I could hear anything from the California steamer, 'Rising Star' as she is now about due. We are expecting Lauren E. Humphrey and wife and children on her. In the evening, I wrote to Gussie that the steamer was hourly expected. JULY 02 TUESDAY - Before breakfast I took a walk down the pier but nothing had been heard from the steamer. I went six times during the day and evening but not a word from her. Got a deep circular frame for a hat wreath for Swift at Ferguson's on the corner of Broadway and Broome. JULY 03 WEDNESDAY - I let Daniel have $2.00 more today to get into the country for the 'Fourth'. George, having no work in Yonkers until after the 'Fourth', he came down about noon. I got $17.70, this is from Crosby which he took from a burglar that he stole from my house. I brought the circular frame to Swift this evening as I came home. JULY 04 THURSDAY - The store is not open today and I stay at home and hoe garden. Very warm. About 10 o'clock, after hoeing my garden, I dressed anew and walked downtown. I saw Officer Crosby; He gave me $6.00 which he collected for me from Russell Smith. The 'Band of Hope' have a picnic today in Lyman Keeler's orchard on Deer Hill. While I was in the street, they had formed in procession, headed by the Bartram and Fanton Brass Band and marched to the orchard. The band move in their new uniforms for the first time and made a good appearance. Gussie took Georgie and went up. I was there a short time. In the evening, I mended a trunk for my wife as she is anticipating a visit to Canton this month if her cousin Eliza comes from California as expected. Just at night, I picked strawberries to take with me to the city in the morning. A heavy shower in the evening. Mr. Cocking had some ice cream given him by Mr. Lynes and in the evening, he brought it downstairs and treated Gussie and I to a dish of it. JULY 05 FRIDAY - I took the strawberries to the city with me this morning and in the P.M., Mr. Ferguson had some strawberry shortcake made for George's special benefit. Hot in the city this morning. It partly broke away about 9 A.M., but in the middle of the day, it became thick cloudy again and rained hard in the afternoon. The 'Rising Star' arrived yesterday. I went down today to see if Eliza came, but her name was not on the list of passengers. I went to the Great American Tea Company and bought a pound of Japanese tea for Father. I intended to go home this P.M., but a customer came in at the time I should leave the store and detained me so I could not go. JULY 06 SATURDAY - I went over to Brooklyn this A.M. to get a photograph Louise Jones has been coloring for me for my customer. I got the vase of wax flowers also that she had previously spoken about me putting in my store to sell for a friend of hers. On my return, I went to 41 and 43 Beekman Street at Hollerbach's for some porcelain-headed nails for rustic frames. In the P.M., I cut down a looking glass frame for a customer. I walked up to 27th Street and took the 4 1.2 P.M. train for home where I arrived at 7:30 P.M. It rained hard while I was on the Danbury & Norwalk train. It was a shower which subsided when the train arrived here in Danbury. As I came from the depot this evening, I met Oscar Serine who paid me $2.94 for 10 ## lbs. of butter I sold him of what we had from Ohio. JULY 07 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Before church, I picked our first mess of peas. We had more than we wanted and I asked Mr. Pond to help me pick. He sent Miss Hutchinson. I divided with her. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went to Sunday School in the P.M. and came home after the session. After tea, we went up home to my Father's and drew Georgie in his carriage. We took some strawberries which I picked in the garden. We took George's dirty clothes up to be washed which he sent by me from the city yesterday. I went to church in the evening. Mr. Frisbie preached for us. Mr. Birch preached in his church. They exchanged. Before retiring, I drew up a list of books, etc. wanted from New York by Goodall for the Miry Brook Sunday School and by Fanny for her infant class here. Also a book wanted by Edward Everett. Also the singing book for Harriet Taylor's class. JULY 08 MONDAY - I returned again to business in the city this morning. I found Daniel there all right, he having been away in the country since the Fourth. George, who has been at the store while Daniel was away, returned to Yonkers this forenoon. I called on E. D. Hill and got $14.00 advance on the wreath I am preserving for him. Or rather, I solicited it and he promised it this afternoon or on the morrow. JULY 09 TUESDAY - Business at the store is about the same ' very dull! I went down this P.M. to Charlton Street to Mr. Hill's Coal Office and got the $14.00 he promised me and with it made but the amount of my bill with John Sherry - $18.50 and went over and paid him. A hard thunder shower about 4 P.M.; it was so dark that we were obliged to light the gas in the store. JULY 10 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool last night and this morning. The bed bugs tormented me last night. I annihilated a few of them this morning. I have done considerable running today. I went to the Book Room this P.M. and bought some Cards, reward Books, etc. for the Infant Class and went from there to the depot and came home. I found John Leland on the train coming home from Orange, New Jersey, where he has been at work. Gussie met me at the depot. I went with her to market and to D. M. Benedict's to get a pair of shoes for her and Georgie. After tea, I went up to see Father Griswold to get his name as endorser to a note in Danbury Bank to be given on the 19th inst. As a renewal of one of the same amount due at that time, the note being one put there in George's behalf. He expected his one hundred dollar bounty from the government to meet it but it did not come. JULY 11 THURSDAY - Returned to the city this morning. I called at the Book Room and paid for the things I got there yesterday for the Infant Class. The coal steamer 'Aragonia' arrive today. The passengers were brought from the steamer by a tug, the steamer being left below at quarantine. I was there, but Eliza did not come. I wrote home to Gussie in the evening to say that the steamer had come but Eliza had not come. JULY 12 FRIDAY - Stormy most of the day. Thunder showers about 7 P.M. A man by name of Buell came to the store and talked of canvassing to sell pictures for me. I took him with me to dinner. Rained hard in the evening. JULY 13 SATURDAY - Cloudy this morning; it soon came off pleasant. George came down from Yonkers this forenoon by boat. After dinner, I went to the Great American Tea Company for 4 lbs. of black tea for the lady where George boards in Yonkers. I bought two 11x13 gold gilt frames (oval) to Mr. Swift as I came home this evening. Helen Webster and her sister Sarah Corbin came to Father Griswold's from Plainville this evening on the train. JULY 14 SUNDAY - A pleasant day, not uncomfortably warm. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went to Sunday School and Communion Service in the P.M. We had a small mess of strawberries for tea, the last of the season. After tea, I went to Rev. Mr. Stone's to inquire where Wesley Burnett boarded. I want to see if he will take my place as Secretary and Treasurer of the Sunday School. I returned without seeing him. We went up to Father Griswold's and visited with Helen Webster and Sister Sarah until evening meeting time. I had the headache and did not go to meeting on that account. Father called and stayed a while in the evening. Gussie picked flowers and made a bouquet for me to take to George in the city in the morning. JULY 21 SUNDAY - During the past week I have been much engaged with my business in the city and have had no time to write up my journal. Mr. Buell, who is interested in business with me outside the store, insofar as to share the profits with me in whatever work he can secure for me outside, has during this week disposed of 15 large French pictures (engravings of French ports) for me. Also secured for me a job of framing 100 22x28 sporting pictures for Smith & Rand Powder Company. I yesterday made arrangements to do the work. It has been cold for July and more or less showery during the past week, particularly as regards showers yesterday. George came down from Yonkers yesterday P.M. I came home on the 4:30 P.M. train from the city. It rained almost continually on the ride home. I bought two rose and gilt 7x9 frames for Swift. Gussie met me at the depot. Helen Webster and Sister Sarah Corbin left Father Griswold's yesterday noon for Plainville in company with Father Griswold. We rose late in the morning and in consequence neither of us went to church in the morning. I went down in time for Sunday School and returned home after intending to let Gussie go in the P.M., but I spent too much time on the corner of Williams and West Streets talking with Joseph W. Allen trying to persuade him to take my place as Secretary and Treasure of the Sunday School to give Gussie time to go in the P.M. After tea, I took Georgie to walk up to Deer Hill to see Harriet. I called at Mrs. Barnum's on our return. Before walking with Georgie, I went over to see Joseph Allen again about my position at Sunday School. From there, I went to the church and emptied the Infant Class money box. I took from it and put into the treasury of the School $5.35. Gussie went to church in the evening. I stayed with Georgie. JULY 24 WEDNESDAY - I went to the city again on Monday morning and while on the Danbury train fell in with Brother Webb on his way to Collinsville (where he now preaches) and by him found that Eliza and Lauren Humphrey were in Clinton and had been since about the 1st of July. Mr. and Mrs. Pond went with me to New York in Monday. They went direct to my store with me, after which I went with them to Pier 40 North River to the steamer 'Bristol'. He bought their tickets and I went with them on board. After seeing Mrs. Pond comfortably settled on board, he went with me up into the city for a walk and for me to do some business pertaining to the store. I finally left him on the Broadway Bridge at Fulton Street and completed my business and he, I suppose, to make his way back to the steamer. We had a shower just at night on Monday. Tuesday and today, we have had no showers and it has been very warm. Yesterday, Daniel and I fitted up the first 25 large frames on the order of 100 for Smith & Rand Powder Company and got $56.00 on them. Crowe & Powell sent me the balance of the glass for the job today. A number of orders have come in today and business appears a little better. Mrs. Stevens came for the pay today for the carpet she wove for us. Gussie borrowed the money - $14.95 - of her father and then borrowed again before night of my father to pay him. I came home from the city tonight and fell in with a fellow on the train for the first time to Danbury and wanted to go to Isaac P. Hull's. He came with me from the depot and I showed him the way to Mr. Hull's. I brought home with me a large bundle of kindling wood from the city.
1867-07
Horace Purdy Journal May 1867 Entry
12 pgs
MAY 01 WEDNESDAY - Stormy still. I worked as usual in the shop. I went in the evening to the 1st Congregational Church to the Teachers' Convention and heard a lecture by a Mr. Gage on Bismarck and Prussia. It was very interesting. One of Handel's pieces, 'Angels Bright and Fair' was sung by a small boy during a few minutes' intermission made for the purpose. It was well executed. MAY 02 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool. Charlotte Keeler came this morning to help Gussie cut a suit for Georgie and a toque for herself. She worked until noon. Bell was here to tea. Joseph Furbush was buried today. Bell came from meeting this evening and stayed with us all night. MAY 03 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cool. The work in the shop is pearl cassimeres, very hard. I came home at night very tired. Father Griswold this P.M. buried the remains of their youngest child, Mary Victoria, who died in 1839 and was buried in Bloomfield, the remains having been lately disinterred and brought here. Gussie went into the street this evening. I being very tired remained at home. Bell was with us last night and this morning took Georgie up home to stay tonight. MAY 04 SATURDAY - A heavy white frost this morning. The day has been pleasant. I have worked as usual in the shop. I sowed some lettuce seed before tea. Joseph Kyle gave it to me yesterday or the day before. As I went to work this morning, I left with O.H. Swift (by request of Father Griswold) to be recorded the certificate of marriage between Elias Stevens and Harriet Wheeler. Before retiring, I wrote to Samuel W. Stevens, carpet weaver in Ridgefield, about weaving our carpet. MAY 05 SUNDAY - Cool. Sunshine in the morning, but cloudy in the after part of the day. As usual, Gussie attended church in the morning, and I to Sunday School and the prayer meeting in the P.M., also to the preaching service in the evening. Brother Birch preached. After tea, Gussie and Louise went to the Band of Hope at the Baptist Church. As I went to the evening meeting, I mailed the letter I wrote last evening to Ridgefield to Samuel W. Stevens, our carpet weaver that is to be. MAY 06 MONDAY - Warmer today. Father returned my shaving knife this morning as he went to work. I worked late in the shop, it being about 7 o'clock when I came to tea. Received a letter from Edwin saying that he would procure butter for me in Ohio if I wished, price ' 23 cents per pound. I conferred with Mr. Pond about it. We concluded to wait 2 or 3 weeks before deciding about it. Gussie went into the street on some errands while I stayed at home in the evening. MAY 07 FRIDAY - Warmer, but cloudy and some rain. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I helped Gussie weight her carpet rags preparatory to sending them to the carpet weaver. A double Hatters' Meeting this evening, an Adjourned Special and another Special called to assemble immediately on the adjournment of the first to take into consideration the case of opening Richmond Hoyt's shop and making the same fair. I went to market but did not attend the meeting. I received by the evening mail a letter from George. He has left Prentice in Brooklyn and gone to Yonkers to work for Waring. Before retiring I answered the letter. MAY 08 WEDNESDAY - It rained very hard last night and this forenoon; not so much rain this P.M. As I went to work this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to George. Gussie went to market this evening. I stayed home and made a new ramrod for my gun. MAY 09 THURSDAY - Pleasant today, though pretty cool for May. Mr. Pond borrowed a little butter of us this morning. Bell came down this morning to see if George's carpet bag of clothes to be washed had come from New York. I sent her down to the Express Office to see if they had come last evening, but they did not. She took Georgie up home with her and as he has not yet returned, I think she intends to keep him all night. I worked until after 7 o'clock this evening at the shop. After tea, I went into the street to see about a new arrangement for George's carpet bag from Yonkers instead of New York as here to fore. Before retiring, I wrote to George about it. MAY 10 FRIDAY - I sent the letter I wrote to George last night to the Post Office this morning by Charles Purdy. I worked very hard in the shop today and until 7 o'clock in the evening. Frank Bouton came this way this evening to go to the Sewing Society with Gussie. Bell brought Georgie home this P.M. She stayed with us tonight. Louise Purdy came over and stayed with Bell a part of this evening while Gussie was at the Sewing Society. I bought a bottle of E. S. Davis & Co.'s Catarrh Remedy today at the shop for $1.00. MAY 11 SATURDAY - A beautiful day. Bell stayed with us last night and took Georgie up home with her after breakfast, bringing him home again about 6 P.M. Gussie went with Mrs. Piper this afternoon to see a carpet weaver downtown about weaving our carpet. We being short of gum to spread lip paper with at the shop, we had in consequence only a half day's work. I came home and commenced making my garden. I spaded enough to put in some early Kent peas, and got the rubbish together in the garden and burned it. Emily Anderson called in while we were at tea. Louise stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go to the milliner's and to market. I went to the barber's to have my hair cut and get shaved. Fanny this evening brought home from H. E. Couch's, a group in a picture containing Josie Wheeler, our dead Eddie and Georgie and Fido. Robert Cocking called just as we were going into the street this evening and paid his rent due for last month - $3.00. MAY 12 SUNDAY - A beautiful day. I took Georgie to walk while Gussie was dressing for church this morning. Before breakfast, Fanny and her mother came down to show the picture of Josie, Eddie, and Georgie and Fido. Gussie came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. It was our Monthly Concert of Prayer. I gave a written notice of our Sunday School Teachers' Annual Business meeting tomorrow evening to Brother Starr which he read to the school. I stayed to the Communion Service in the P.M. After tea, we put Georgie in his carriage and drew him up to the cemetery. We came home by way of Crofut's Factory (where I work), Comstock Street, up Liberty and home. We felt rather tired so did not go out in the evening and retired early. MAY 13 MONDAY - Cool but pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. As I came home from work, I took from the Post Office a letter from S. W. Stevens of Ridgefield about weaving our carpet. After tea, and as I went to the Annual Teachers' Meeting at church, I returned carpet warp to Benedict & Nichols which Gussie bought last evening and was delivered today. At the Teachers' Meeting, the same officers were elected, only that William H. Taylor was made Librarian in my place (I insisting upon giving it up), so that now I am only Secretary and Treasurer. Before retiring, I recorded the minutes of the meeting, I retired about 11 o'clock. A heavy thunder shower came up while we were at the church. It stopped raining so that we got home dry, but when I retired, it was raining again very hard. MAY 14 TUESDAY - Cloudy this morning; pleasant with sunshine in the middle of the day. A thunder shower about 4 P.M. Clearing off with a rainbow. Sun setting clear. Bought a wormer for new ramrod as I came from work; put it on before tea. After tea, I wrote to Saul W. Stevens in Ridgefield in reply to one received yesterday about weaving our carpet. Wrote also to Carlton & Porter ordering 100 copies of Sunday School Life Guard Pledges for the school. Widow Barnum living in the house formerly owned by Abel, died this A.M. about 9 o'clock. I went into the street in the evening and mailed two letters and received one from George from Yonkers. I went to class just as it was out. Before retiring, I wrote an answer to Edwin's letter received the 6th instant. I wrote about Harriet's marriage, Stevens' circumstances, etc., which he requested me to do in his letter. MAY 15 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant in the forepart of the day. Another shower just at night; it was, however, light here. As I went to work this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last evening to Edwin. I got some old black clothing of Mr. Pond this morning to help out on black rags for our carpet, we not having quite enough of that color. Bell stayed with us last night and took Georgie home with her this morning. John Morris and Walter Ligner had a fight at the shop today. It was sort of a rough and tumble fight, neither getting hurt very badly. Morris got the worst of it, Ligner being rather too much for him. I went into the street in the evening with Gussie to get some Mantilla silk which she looked at today at William H. Clark's. I brought home some porgies for the first time. MAY 16 THURSDAY - I went to the shop, but not being able to work, I came home again. The trouble being, I ate succotash for supper last night made from dried corn and beans. Mr. Pond helped me this morning to help move two stoves for Father Griswold from his house to the barn. I also trimmed back my dwarf pear trees. I came home about noon. I lay down until about 4 o'clock and then weeded my strawberry bed. I bought 5 bushels of charcoal at 20 cents. Widow Barnum was buried this forenoon. Before retiring, I wrote an answer to George's letter received on the 14th. May 17 Friday - Rain in the morning, but came off clear before night. Mr. Pond by request last evening shook my window blinds and woke me before 5 o'clock this morning. I have felt nearly sick today, but have worked all day in the shop notwithstanding. Gussie went up home just at night and got Georgie. He has been to Grandma Purdy's since Wednesday. I worked until 7 o'clock in the shop. I came home very tired. My trouble is a hard cold settled in my bones making me lame and sore. MAY 18 SATURDAY - One of the Davis men who engaged to spade my garden came to look at it before breakfast. It being too wet, I concluded to defer it until next week. I worked all day in the shop. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. After tea, I spaded until after dark on one of my flower borders. Gussie and Louise went to market in the evening. Before they returned, I went also and took the Sunday School papers to the church. Brought a new key for the Sunday School Library to give over to the new librarian (William H. Taylor) who commences in the new position tomorrow. I also went to Charles Stevens and paid him $10.00 for my church seat. Gussie brought home a letter from her Cousin Eliza in California with hers and her husband's card pictures enclosed. MAY 19 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Gussie attended church as usual in the morning. A Mr. Weed from Allen Street in New York preached for us. Our new librarian, William H. Taylor acted for the first time today. I went as usual to prayer meeting in the afternoon after attending to my usual duties in the Sunday School. Bell came home with us to tea. After tea, we took Georgie in his carriage and went over to Mr. Lynes' to see Robert Cocking and wife, calling as we went at John Bouton's . We brought home some splendid 'Panzas' which Robert gave to us. We showed them to Mr. Pond. I went to church in the evening and heard an excellent sermon by Mr. Weed. MAY 20 MONDAY - Stormy. I worked as usual in the shop. Wesley Ridge yesterday while walking down to the Mountain found in the woods across the small brooklet running down the side of the mountain from a place called 'Let off' the skeleton of a man. A portion of his clothing was left, not being decayed. Not a particle of flesh, not even a hair was to be found. It is a mystery how he came there or how long since it occurred. The bones today, I understand, were brought to Dr. Lacy's office. Gussie went in the evening to look up help to clean house. I spent nearly all the evening in Mr. Pond's barn holding lamp for him to make sash for open grated windows for his cellar and to mend Mr. Fenning's spading fork. MAY 21 TUESDAY - Cloudy this morning, but before night it came off clear. About 2 P.M., George made his appearance to me very unexpectedly in the shop. He came home last evening from Yonkers. Mr. Waring, the man he works for, is changing a cog wheel at his engine for a belt which will take about two weeks or more before they will get to running again. He today got shopped at Tweedy's foul shop (Brick Shop) where he will work until he is wanted again in Yonkers. He and Bell came this way to class this evening. He went home with Lottie Keeler and Bell came here to wait for him. I was very tired tonight but went into the street to return a pair of shoes, which Gussie brought home with another pair which she kept for Georgie. I found Bell and she walked up with me. MAY 22 WEDNESDAY - Stormy this morning. Before breakfast I dug a place in my garden large enough to set out seven tomato plants which Robert Cocking brought me yesterday. I have taken cold which has settled in my bones and makes me feel lame and sore. I could scarcely work today but did, having to work as long as I could see to get up my stint which was 2 dozen pearl cassimeres. I came home very tired. The sun shone a few minutes this P.M., but soon disappeared again leaving it cloudy. MAY 23 THURSDAY - Pleasant again. A little shower of rain about noon and then pleasant again during the day. We had but one dozen of hats today which I finished at noon. I cleared out the vault of our privy and laid up anew in mortar a portion of the stone work. Mr. Stevens (the gardener who is working for Father Griswold) helped me turn over the building. Mr. Pond helped me put it back again. MAY 24 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I replaced the boards which divide my garden from the path to the woodhouse which were broken down yesterday by moving the privy. I had only a half day's work in the shop. As I came home from the shop, I found Robert in the street and rode up with him. I paid him for 6 tomato plants sold to Mr. Pond which I collected for him this morning, 42 cents. I went into Parmalee & Sherman's' to see the curious pig, a malformation which Ed Hull gave them. It was dead. It has a trunk like an elephant, only one eye directly in front over the nose the side of the head and the nose and mouth resembling the human species. In the P.M., I made a step for the privy and made the east flower border on the walk going to the woodhouse. Gussie went to the Sewing Society this evening at Daniel Starr's. I went into the street to see Burton Davis about spading garden for Mr. Pond and me tomorrow. I left word at his house to come on in the morning. MAY 25 SATURDAY - Pleasant until just at night when it commenced raining a little about 7 o'clock. Burton and Wharton Davis worked for Mr. Pond and me making garden. I paid them $5.00 for the work, $2.50 each. Mr. Pond and I divided the bill; my share was $2.75. My work in the shop lasted all day. I planted before dark, beets, parsnips, salsify, Blue Imperial Peas, cucumbers, and radishes. George came down with little Georgie who has been up to Grandma Purdy's since yesterday morning. George went with Gussie to market in the evening. MAY 26 SUNDAY - It was raining hard this morning. It stopped, however before church time and the sun shone a little for a few minutes at a time. With this exception, it was cloudy all day and quite windy too. For the first in a long time, I went to church in the morning and came home after Sunday School to let Gussie go in the P.M. This is owing to my giving up the Librarian's duties which enables me to leave soon enough to let Gussie go in the afternoon. I wrote to the Book Room ordering another copy of the Sunday School Advocate for the remainder of the year for Peter Starr. Also repeating the order of the 14th inst. For 100 copies of 'Sunday School Life Guard Pledges' which I have not yet heard from. After tea, Gussie started to go to see Susan Brayman who we heard was sick. I sent the letter to the Post Office by her as she went. She returned by way of my folks on Deer Hill between 6 and 7 o'clock while it was raining very hard. While she was gone, Mr. Pond came in and stayed a little while with me. I took the Sunday School Record Book to school with me and the Superintendent (George Starr) read from it the election of officers and the Annual Reports of the Superintendent, Secretary, Treasurer and Librarian which was a portion of the business transacted at the Annual Meeting and was recorded. MAY 27 MONDAY - A beautiful day. I helped Mr. Pond grind his scythe before breakfast by turning the stone for him up at Father Griswold's barn. I had only a half day's work at the shop. On my way to work in the morning, I met Mr. Swift and he proposed to me to buy out his picture framing business provided that he goes to New York as he thinks of doing. I talked with again in the evening. In the P.M., I planted pole beans, summer squash and sweet corn. I mowed my dooryard just at night. Gussie and I went to look at wallpaper in the evening, but did not suit ourselves. We went up to see Andrew Knox and engaged him to paper our sitting room. On our way home, Gussie stopped at Rudd's Shoe Store and bought a pair of slippers. I went over to Mr. Potter's store and talked with Mr. Swift about the picture framing business until she came from the shoe store. Wrote to Edwin ordering butter. MAY 28 TUESDAY - I raked up my dooryard grass this morning. I had work all day in the shop on black cass. hats, the first I have had in some time. The day has been hot ' 80 degrees in the shade. I came from work very tired. After tea, I planted one row of blood beet seed and I went to market in the evening and brought home a 4 pound shad, some sugar and a small piece of whitewash lime as we are thinking of cleaning house tomorrow. As I went to work this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last evening to Edwin ordering 100 lbs. of butter. Bell came here and stayed through the evening to wait for George to come and go home with her which he did about 10:30 o'clock. MAY 29 WEDNESDAY - Our house cleaner, Maggie McCarthy, came today and cleaned the sitting room and the bedroom. I went to the shop and finished off three hats which I had left from yesterday. The being no work today, I came home and assisted in cleaning. George had no work in the P.M., so he helped me tear off the old sitting room paper. Mr. Pond got some red eye bush beans and divided with me. I planted them just at night. The came up a shower before I finished them. I went down in the evening to see Mr. Swift about taking his picture frame business, but he was too busy and could do nothing towards taking an account of stock so I came home and went over to Mr. Lynes' where Gussie had gone to spend the evening with Mr. and Mrs. Cocking while George, who went with her, went down to the pond with Charley to fish. I got there about 10:30 o'clock. It was about 12 before they stopped fishing and we started for home again. MAY 30 THURSDAY - Our cleaner came again today and cleaned the sink room. I have been about down sick with headache, though I have spent most of the time in Swift's store. Charles Bennett talked with me about going in company, and he put in silverware, provided I buy the business. I did not think favorably of it. I went down to Mr. Evert's in the morning for a pot of soft soap. I applied to the Savings bank for $600.00 to go into business with. Gussie went to E. Davis to look at wallpaper just at night and was caught away in a shower. She brought home samples. I received 200 Life Guard Pledges for the Sunday School today. I retired early with a sick headache. MAY 31 FRIDAY - No shop work. Cloudy in the morning. It came off clear, however, about 9 o'clock and has been a beautiful day. Our house cleaner came again today and cleaned the parlor. After getting them started in their work, I went over to George Starr's with 200 Life Guard Pledges for Sunday School scholars to have him sign them as superintendent of the school. I talked with him about me buying out Swift and about the prospect of procuring more from the savings bank. From there, I went over to Davis' shop with the samples of wallpaper which Gussie brought home last evening and ordered some of the samples which we selected; he sent it to us at noon. I took a walk with Davis up to his lot on Franklin Street, where he is about to build him a house. From there, I called at Mr. Swift's store to talk more about his business which he has thought about selling to me. He is yet rather undecided about the matter. He goes to New York tomorrow to see more about the business he contemplates going into if he sells here. I also talked with F. S. Wildman, one of the directors of the Savings Bank about the money from the bank. About 5 P.M., I rode with Kellogg over to Theodore Lyons to show him where to buy straw for horse bedding. I received a letter today from Carlton & Porter saying that they had forwarded the 100 Sunday School Life Guard Pledges. About dusk, I helped Mr. Pond trim some of his apple trees. I went to market in the evening.
1867-05