January 27
Laura M., age 15, North Carolina
January 27, 1998
Good day at school — but really rainy. Didn’t dream about Chris, so had nothing to think about. Told Renée about how I feel. She was surprised. Sandra picked me up. Worked basically by myself ’cause David never showed. Did homework. Em came to dinner. We watched story. Did more homework. Talked 2 Ashley.
Laura M., age 14, North Carolina
January 27, 1997
Today at school was okay. Me and Karen went to Taco Bell with Sean…for lunch. Went to Ashley’s after school but Sean never came so I was bummed. But he made me happy when he called! Had dinner. Played guitar. Talked to Brittany and Sean. Watched Melrose. Sean is the best guy ever…
Marcy S., age 19, Missouri
January 27, 1944
Rainy at first, almost warm when I went to breakfast. Good. Saw Miss Pollock at 8 - nothing to get excited about. Just Phi Theta Kappa. Shorthand at 9. History at 10. Test Tuesday. Glorious outside - sky so blue and heavenly breeze. Just like Spring! Good philosophy class. Betty and I got in big argument about “innate knowledge of good and evil,” carry over from philosophy class. Good lunch. Some people are so corny. Studied during siesta. At 2 Jane, Mary Jo, Betty and I went downstairs to group discussion of 10 ideals led by Dr. Rexroad and resisted by Mary Jo. Very interesting. I didn’t open my mouth though! Betty expressed her ideas - why don’t I, darn it!! Humanities class at 3. Discussed next semester’s work. Hate to drop it. Back to hall til 4:30. Glorious afternoon! Good piano lesson. Studied till dinnertime. Good dinner. Getting colder. Vespers at 7:40. Mr. Weaver read good story about Civil War. Washed hair afterwards, read and thought. Betty and I had discussion about Bible and religion in general. I’m going to try to forget everything I’ve been taught or thought along that line and start over! Betty went to bed to think about happiness for class tomorrow. We discussed it. She said at dinner that I would make a good actress!
Marcy S., age 16, Tennessee
January 27, 1941
Oh, dearest, dearest, darlingest Diary, this has been the wonderfullest school day ever!
And it wasn’t the events so much (although they were very good) but it was me! I was different, Diary, around Mary at least. I really hadn’t planned to be but somehow it just happened. And at noon Mary said that I had been the sweetest person in the morning; and later she threatened to hug me ’cause I was so sweet. While we’re on compliments -- she also said I looked so pretty today with a scarf tied around my head instead of a ribbon. I slightly resembled a wild Indian. Well, let me tell you about this grand day, Diary.
It certainly didn’t start off grand, though. Mother called me at 6:30 and I went back to sleep (although I don’t even remember being wakened) till 10 to 7:00. And then such a rush! Of course it had to be a windy morning (cloudy, too) and the paper took advantage of the opportunity for a nice run and -- away it went! Mrs. Waterhouse ’phoned to warn us and Mother, not being dressed, sent half-awake me scurrying after it. Then at the last minute I couldn’t find the case for my glasses or half my books. But there was no time to waste so I had to go to school slightly out of sorts and not quite all there. And of course this had to be the first day in over a month that we went to chapel -- and I was supposed to play but forgot the book. So poor Jean got the bad end of the bargain. Max Johnson (his wife had a baby girl last week) introduced the man who is conducting the minstrel show at the Princess. He gave us a few demonstrations so we would know what we were missing if we didn’t go. Helen and I had planned to see it tonight for thirty cents but there’s a student matinee tomorrow for fifteen cents so, after chapel we got together and decided on the cheaper of the two.
“It” started in English class. Mrs. B. didn’t have all the papers graded yet -- ohh! She was out of the room quite a bit and I tried being different on Mary. I could hardly wait for history class! At last it came and Clueny started the new semester off by moving Virginia Whittacker and assigning us the next chapter on Russia -- also a timeline by next Monday. (P.S. The new girl whom I met in the office a few weeks ago was here today -- her name sounds like Ima Sandwich but of course it isn’t. She’s in history class.) While we studied, Mrs. Mc. took one at a time and showed them their grades and gave any necessary warnings, suggestions, etc. Soon it was Mary’s turn and she went up to the desk. Clueny talked to her earnestly for a few minutes and then put her arm around her as if consoling her -- as she went back to her seat I could tell that the tears were about to come. As she sat down, Bunny, who had been in the corner looking at a timeline, hurried over to his desk and turned around to face Mary. I just couldn’t help seeing, Diary, although perhaps I shouldn’t. Of course I couldn’t tell what he was saying but his face looked so kind and sympathetic and in a moment Mary was smiling. Oh, Diary, please forgive me, but I loved them both so much just then. I could have hugged him -- it’s strange, but there was no jealousy in my heart -- not a bit -- just love, oh it was so wonderful, so gloriously wonderful! It is really the nicest thing I ever saw a boy do to a girl. I’m so glad that I am Mary’s friend.
And finally Clueny came to my name. I was so weak and trembly but somehow I managed to walk up to her desk and there in her grade book were: Average - 99, Exam - 100. Diary, at first I couldn’t believe my eyes and then Clueny said teasingly, “I’m just so worried about you.” And then right in front of the whole class she said, “If Patty Anne hands in her timeline this term I don’t know what I’ll do -- her average will be over one hundred” (I found out later -- 104). Mary said that Bunny murmered, “She ought to give some of those points to some other people” and he looked at her. Mary also said that I blushed and looked so sweet when Clueny said that.
And in Latin we’re starting Cicero’s essay on friendship. At the first of the period Goody had us to list some of the requirements of a good friend. Oh, it’s going to be so much fun! We have to read some outside essays, poems, etc. on friends and friendship. And Goody says the remote aim of reading Cicero’s “Friendship” is to be a better friend and she wants each of us to practice every single thing we learn. Oh, glories!!
Once while Goody was out of the room Mary and I discussed history. She said that Bunny first asked her if she had failed and when she said yes, but that Mrs. McCluen said if she made real good grades this semester that Mr. Black would let her pass, he murmered something about “Bless you!”. Oh, Diary! Then he said, “You can do it, I know you can, you’ve already shown that you have it in you.” She thought it was so nice of him. Clueny told Mary and some others that if they hadn’t worked those few days before Christmas vacation that they would have passed. She also advised Mary to give up her work during school days -- I’ll have to have my say, too. But best of all, Mary has determined to make A every month and to study real hard and not waste any more time. Bravo! We had housecleaning this afternoon in preparation for the tea on Thursday and so there was no 12:15 class. Walked home at noon with Helen and Jean R. The former is going to make bead bracelets for sale now. She can certainly make some money!
Henry S., age 26, Michigan
January 27, 1888
The sun shone quite a little this forenoon which was very welcome. The wind continued to blow and fill all the paths up. When we were eating dinner Mr. and Mrs. Waters and his father came. I had to go to my school and leave them. I got my mail tonight, received a letter from ma, they are getting anxious to see Kate and Una. I brought Neill’s mail to them. Had to wade through lots of snow in coming home. Hattie Grey was here with Kate this afternoon and evening.
*(R. Henry Scadin Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville)
Henry S., age 25, Michigan
January 27, 1887
Mr. Neill had made the fires when I got up this morning. After breakfast I went over to the Court House and left a letter to be sent out on the stage. It was to Effie and contained information about Bookkeeping for my old class down there. I spent the rest of the forenoon writing copies and studying, went up and taught this afternoon. Things did not go off very smoothly someway today. I suppose I ought to expect such days once in a while, but they made me feel bad. I wrote a long letter to Kate tonight, answering inquiries in the letters I got from her last night. I am sitting up pretty late this evening and must go to bed right away.
*(R. Henry Scadin Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
January 27, 1874
Dickey of Cherokee and myself rose in ample time this morning having slept better because of a free communication of ideas feelings and faults. I had occasion to recount many things concerning the dear departed[.] Bill concerning voting on the question of liquor prohibition in townships, reported favorably by Judiciary Committee with slight amendments. The bill to amend an act concerning the Consolidation of Central N.C. R. R. and others — called forth many amendments and much discussion and feeling. Gudger made a wild speech. Passed several readings but was reconsidered and will come up as unfinished business. Much might be here said — Myself and Capt Horton were invited by Mr. Huston to ride with him to Insane Asylum — also Mr. Mitchell. Went for the ride. Dr. Grissolm showed us through some of the wards. Was cheerfully greeted and recognized by three of Insane ladies. Went to Caucus. Public debt discussed that is all. Mr. Lines of Clay frd of Rep. Anderson has just invited me to his ‘room.’ Here I go in compliance.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Abbie B., age 22, Kansas
January 27, 1871
My school is larger than it was, have 19 pupils, and that just fills the room. A school south of here closed, and several from there, now come here. Alas my “good order” is not so good. I am glad that in two weeks, my four months are up.
The other day I met a so called phrenologist, He was a great talker. Bess had told me about him, and that should I meet him, I was not to take him seriously, as he was daffy on the subject.
He soon introduced the subject, and after a time I asked how he accounted for it when the bumps on one side of the head were larger, than on the other. He answered “if larger in the right side, all interests centered in self. If larger on the left side, it denoted great generosity.”
He went on to tell me, that my mental faculties were no better developed than those of the majority of people.
I was well balanced, a lover of order, have a good memory, do not like to see people ridiculed, thought a comfortable living indispensable to happiness ct. ct.
I wonder what more he would have said, had not others come, and the subject was changed.
Last night we went to a Spiritualist meeting at Fees Hall.
To me it appeared to be all slight of hand, but many around here believe in it.
*(kansasmemory.org, Kansas State Historical Society, copy and reuse restrictions apply)
Cornelia H., age 27, North Carolina
January 27, 1864
Mr. Henry at home all day. Charlie hauling manure in the garden. We had a nice turkey for dinner. Fayette Jones, F. M. Corn took dinner here. I can’t bear Corn for I believe he had a hand in the burning of the hotel. He is mean enough for anything I think. I took Zona & Willie a short walk this evening. Branton, George & Fannie working at Mill dam.
*(Fear in North Carolina: The Civil War Journals and Letters of the Henry Family, Eds. Karen L. Clinard and Richard Russell, used with permission.)
Cornelia H., age 25, North Carolina
January 27, 1862
I did not get up this morning till after breakfast as my head pained me so badly. I got no easier till after supper. Willie is some better. A cool damp day. There were several women here today. I was so wearried with them. I went in the side room, it was very cold in there.
*(Fear in North Carolina: The Civil War Journals and Letters of the Henry Family, Eds. Karen L. Clinard and Richard Russell, used with permission.)
Samuel P., age 35, London
January 27, 1668
It being weather like the beginning of a frost and the ground dry, I walked as far as the Temple, and there took coach and to White Hall, but the Committee not being met I to Westminster, and there I do hear of the letter that is in the pamphlet this day of the King of France, declaring his design to go on against Flanders, and the grounds of it, which do set us mightily at rest. So to White Hall, and there a committee of Tangier, but little done there, only I did get two or three little jobs done to the perfecting two or three papers about my Tangier accounts. Here Mr. Povy do tell me how he is like to lose his 400l. a- year pension of the Duke of York, which he took in consideration of his place which was taken from him. He tells me the Duchesse is a devil against him, and do now come like Queen Elizabeth, and sits with the Duke of York’s Council, and sees what they do; and she crosses out this man’s wages and prices, as she sees fit, for saving money; but yet, he tells me, she reserves 5000l. a-year for her own spending; and my Lady Peterborough, by and by, tells me that the Duchesse do lay up, mightily, jewells. Thence to my Lady Peterborough’s, she desiring to speak with me. She loves to be taken dressing herself, as I always find her; and there, after a little talk, to please her, about her husband’s pension, which I do not think he will ever get again, I away thence home, and all the afternoon mighty busy at the office, and late, preparing a letter to the Commissioners of Accounts, our first letter to them, and so home to supper, where Betty Turner was (whose brother Frank did set out toward the East Indies this day, his father and mother gone down with him to Gravesend), and there was her little brother Moses, whom I examined, and he is a pretty good scholar for a child, and so after supper to talk and laugh, and to bed.
*(The Diary of Samuel Pepys M.A. F.R.S., edited by Henry B. Wheatley F.S.A., London, George Bell & Sons York St. Covent Garden, Cambridge Deighton Bell & Co., 1893.)