June 6
Laura M., age 16, North Carolina
June 6, 1998
Came home 4 bug-man. Went 2 Dad’s and ate lunch with him. Chilled at Ash’s. Worked with Les. Went 2 Née’s. Picked up Sean. (Karen, Courtney, Ash, Née.) Casey knows. Did something that Sean loves. FUN. Think Casey’s mad. Née’s parents weren’t home, so we were out all night. YAY!
Laura M., age 15, North Carolina
June 6, 1997
Today was SO BORING. My first day of summer sucked! Watched T.V., read, talked on phone, listened to music. Karen and Mohammed broke up. Slept some. Watched T.V. (T.G.I.F.). Kathy left to pick Bryan up at 9:00! Sean called me. Bryan and Kathy came home at 10:30.
Anna L., age 75, Illinois
June 6, 1960
Washed, Mrs. B. came for coffee, stayed until after 11:30. Clothes dried nicely. Lo shopped. I had groceries to put away, fixed pot, and meat loaf for eve., and asparagus. Ole came, told all about trip to Bobs and his place. Later Lo shopped at Piggley’s.
Marcy S., age 19, Tennessee
June 6, 1944
When I awoke about 10 Betty greeted me with the news that the invasion was on — this is D. Day!! I felt very queer. These last few days I’ve begun to get back in myself a little and I’ve felt very useless and hopeless in spite of Saturday’s feelings. But the news woke me up and made me realize there was a great deal more going on in the world than me. It started about midnight last night and everything was going very well so far. Had breakfast. Before Betty and I were up Mrs. Walker and Alice Ann came by. They were leaving for a 2 weeks’ vacation in N. Carolina. So Betty won’t see A.A.! She brought me a lovely bottle of perfume. Called Mr. Harris to see what time he wanted me tomorrow but couldn’t get him then or later. There’s to be a Union prayer service at the Methodist Church So. at 2:30 but we have to leave for Jellico at 2. Mother was very sorry. Pop came and we were ready to leave on time. Betty and I had a silly fuss just before we left. We wore our Sunday best. Stopped at the Episcopal Church and went in and we all prayed. I almost cried. Passed Methodist Church and there was a crowd there already. At 2 all or most of the whistles in town had been blown and it made you feel so funny and shaky inside. We drove up to Oliver Springs, detoured to Clinton and on up Dutch Valley. Betty and I didn’t talk much and she was soon asleep. Beautiful afternoon but hot. We stopped at a few places and I got out my diary. Stopped to see a man. At Lafollette Mum got out and brought us all ice cream cones. People just stared at Betty and I when they passed — we could hardly resist making faces! The drive from there to Jellico was more beautiful than ever. High rocky mountains (hills to Betty!) and gorges. We drove through one gorge with a stream between the rocks and a railroad track on the other side. Betty said it looked like Washington! One could just imagine Indians fighting on the ledges and falling to a rocky ledge! Reached Jellico about 5:45 and drove to the Tramell’s house. Mrs. T. greeted us and showed us to the bath room. They have a beautiful home. We freshened up and visited in the dining room. Mr. T. and Pop were there, too. We met their 2 sons — one a Scout. He’s about 16 but very small — cute, though! About 6 we drove down town to a restaurant or Hotel where the Kiwanis Club meets. Young Tramell (can’t remember his first name) drove with us and directed us. Jellico is right on the Ky. border, situated in a lovely valley. Williamsburg, Ky., Jeanne Butcher’s home town is a short distance away and the Trammells know her quite well. The Kiwanis and a few ladies were all standing outside and we were duly introduced. Met Elleck Harkness, Jr., another Scout who was to be awarded a certificate at the meeting. He was tall and very clean-cut looking. We all went in presently and were seated at a long table. I, between Betty and Pop. We were near the head of the table. Sat across from some very nice men — youngish and elderly. Had nice dinner. I got Betty to say to Mother, “Have some jelly, Nellie?” Trammell sat next to Mum. After dinner Pop sang a few numbers and Mum accompanied him. An old man across the table wanted me to sing but I declined — for which he should have been thankful! Then Pop made a short talk and presented Tram. and Elleck with firefighters’ certificates. About 4 other scouts were supposed to be there but weren’t. Then they wanted Pop to sing again and had us all join in. I was supposed to play but the Pres. forgot and I frantically motioned Pop not to remind him! The pres.’s wife thought I was to sing but I said no and finally convinced them. [In upper margin: “A man at the table remarked that we would forget 6/6, 44 in a long time.”] The meeting broke up and everyone told us how glad they were to have us, etc. Mr. Trammell came up and said maybe Betty and I would like to go to the drug store with the boys and then walk home while he and Pop discussed business and Mum visited with Mrs. T. The boys seemed very eager so Betty and I left with them and they were lots of fun. Elleck escorted me and Tram. Betty although we all stayed together. Elleck asked if I could sing as well as Pop and I said no — he wanted to know why I hadn’t sung and I said he would know if he ever heard me! We carried on like that all the time we were with them. They took us to the drugstore and I had a coke. Elleck thought I should order something more substantial but all I wanted was something cool. They kidded with the waitress. Then we walked back up to T.’s house. Elleck pointed out Grace Moore’s home to us. The sky at sunset was beautiful — the cloud looked like smoke. We all had a swell time — they were so easy to talk to, too. Can’t understand what’s happened! Mrs. T., the pres.’s wife and Mum were visiting in the living room. Pop and Mr. T. were out on the side porch. The ladies withdrew when we entered. Tram played some of his records and Betty and I sat on the floor and looked at the others. The men came in soon and Mr. T. said times had certainly changed — boys sat in the chairs and girls on the floor now! We all laughed. About 8 Pop decided we’d better go ’cause he had to see a man on the way back. Elleck is going to Boys’ state tomorrow and Pop will see him at Harriman when he sees our boys off. Betty and I were having fun and hated to leave but we all went out to the car and said 'bye. Waved to them. Elleck is very nice, even if he is just in high school! :) It was a beautiful evening. Mum said Mrs. T. said the boys were more excited over us girls than over their certificates! The drive through the gorge was lovely and we caught glimpses of the full moon ever so often coming over the mountain. Betty and I drifted off to sleep and so help me we were home before we knew it. The moon was so bright — I kept telling myself there wasn’t anything to be scared about with my job, but I dread tomorrow.
Marcy S., age 19, Tennessee
June 6, 1941
Nice. Warmer. I got at the cleaning right after breakfast and, despite my aching limbs, was through in no time. After lunch I went up to Helen’s and we, with Barbey, sat in the swing. Mr. McCarter’s presence prevented us from singing. All he talked about was the war, war, war! Helen says he won’t let her hear her favorite radio program because it is wasting electricity -- of course news broadcasts don’t waste it. It isn’t fair that we should pay for someone else’s mistakes and blunders. You can’t do anything anymore for fear you’re being selfish! When he left we did sing though -- Barbey and I. Helen sewed on her new “loud” dress. Then I went to clean up. After supper I went over and sat in George’s front yard while that gentleman (?) read. He went in to sup and I sat in my yard and read Liberty.
About 2:00 Helen and I went to town to take advantage of a 49-cent and coupon ring sale. They were advertised as five-dollar values but they smelled of the 10-cent store so I saved my money. While at town Helen and I saw the Seniors return in their bus, singing at the top of their lungs. They had driven since 2:00 p.m. yesterday. Coming back from town I heard my name called and looking up I saw a Mr. Patten who said, “Patty Anne, you have the prettiest hair!” I was so taken aback that I almost forgot to thank him. Helen nearly fainted. I’m getting vain now!
About 7:00 Mom and Dad left for Kiwanis Club. I read George a “vivid, stirring story of a boy’s faith and the courage that is England” in Liberty. When it got too dusky to see we went in my house and at 7:00 Helen came to stay with me. I finished the story (“Drake’s Drum”) and then we sang. About 8:00 we really raised the roof, acting silly. I bet the Joneses thought we were awful.
At 8:15 our little party broke up for I had to meet Mom and Dad at Mrs. Rodgers’s to call. The night was starry and beautiful. Mom and Dad weren’t there so I went home again and then back. They drove up and when we found out that Mrs. Rodgers and Mary weren’t there but in Dayton, Dad went on home. Mom and I went in and visited with Mildred Lane and Mrs. Julian. Talked about the blasted war some more. The Germans have promised to resort to the destroying poison gas (thus far not used in this war) if the British don’t accept their peace terms. It would wipe England (as far as people go) off the map! Could anything be so horrid?! And these unpatriotic strikes in our own country. Selfishness!
About 9:30 we left. To be under the calm cool stars and the lovely night you’d never think there was war anywhere.
Aloys F., age 16, County Cork, Ireland
June 6, 1926
Went to 9 Holy Communion, studied some French, went to 12 High Mass, and helped Mám at roller and turning over. The choir sang Pembauer’s Mass gloriously, but there were not many in church on account of procession being just after. The Beadle has got a new uniform and looked fine. Then home for dinner, rushed out and was up at the College for 2. After a short practice we marched in order to the Cathedral through thousands of men waiting to join up. At the Cathedral we had to wait 2½ hours for the confraternities, parishes and schools to go by! Then at last we started off. I got the fright of my life first because I thought my thurible was out, but it wasn’t. First went choir and military band, then priests and canons, then we thurifers in turn incensing before canopy and Bishop and the Blessed Sacrament, on both sides a guard of honour with fixed bayonets, then Lord Mayor in robes and mace-bearers, Mr. Horgan and Harbour Board, military, and Civic Guards in helmets. The streets were all decorated, but without taste, but the poor were really touching. The lanes were all one blaze of colour. I managed my business alright. At the Grand Parade Benediction was given. Then another wait of 1 hour. Now it was 8.30. We were simply dead. There were 40.000 on the Parade, a wonderful sight. Returned to Cathedral, had Litany, then to Farran Ferris to change, and home. Found Professor, Mrs., Sophie Stockley at home, all delighted with procession. Nannie and they had a window in the Parade. Had to go on message to Mr. Corkery for Professor. Dead tired to bed.
*(Original Archive Copyright © Estate of Aloys Fleischmann. The Fleischmann Diaries Online Archive by Róisín O’Brien is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Used with permission.)
Henry S., age 26, Michigan
June 6, 1888
I went to Ann Arbor this morning to get my teeth fixed. Went on the cars from Delhi. I had ten cavities filled and had an impression of the roof of my mouth taken for a plate. I took dinner with Herman Easton and had a good night with him. Spent a good share of the afternoon in Justice Freauff’s office, visiting with Ralph and listening to the proceedings of the Court. I called on Will Price at the National Bank, and had quite a chat with him. Came back on the cars tonight. Got a ride to Backus’. It was a warm day but is cooler tonight.
*(R. Henry Scadin Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville)
Henry S., age 25, Michigan
June 6, 1887
There was a big fog this morning when I got up, which kept things damp until now. I plowed up a little patch of new ground this forenoon, it made Jimmie and I sweat like good fellows. I planted melons and squash there. I didn’t do much of anything this afternoon, felt too tired. I went up town for the mail about 5 o’clock tonight, felt anxious to hear from home. I got a postal from Kate saying she was all ready and waiting for fair weather, it was written last Wednesday. I am afraid she is sick for last Friday seemed like a good day. Shall look for a telegram tomorrow. I received some sample pine, tonight, from A.S. Barnes & Co. It has been a very warm day.
*(R. Henry Scadin Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville)
Abbie B., age 22, Kansas
June 6, 1871
Baked to day. A family of Springles live not far from Lanes. They are from Virginia. Their son is home part of the time, and goes hunting with the boys. Some time ago, he gave me three arrows he had taken from a buffalo he had shot. The Indians had shot the arrows, but none went deep, and the buffalo got away from them, and was killed later by Mr. S Philip says you cannot kill a buffalo—unless he is shot in the eye—or back of the shoulder, and hits the heart.
Philip put a couple of sticks or canes at the door, and charged me never, never to leave the house with out one. There are some snakes around— one passed the door this a. m. and ran into the brush, before I had a chance to kill it.
*(kansasmemory.org, Kansas State Historical Society, copy and reuse restrictions apply)
Cornelia H., age 26, North Carolina
June 6, 1863
Harrie went to Asheville today but got no news. All quiet, only at Vicksburg we are annoying the yanks some there yet. I finished Pinck’s pants & turned Willie’s hat. It looks very well, better than I thought it would. He is very proud of it. I washed & cleaned all the children except the baby. Pinck has an ugly sore on his foot, ’tis getting better now. Mr. Henry gave Willie an emetic yesterday morning of ipacac. It made him vomit a good deal, yet has not stopped the rattling in his throat. He is giving him one this evening. I hope this one will do him good. We bathe his chest with spirits turpentine. The babe is growing finely. Matt & Dora passed through Asheville last Wednesday on their way to Tenn. I think they might have given me call but they were with Neilson & his visits here are few & far between.
*(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
June 6, 1862
I had the toothache nearly all night. I did not get to sleep till after 2 o’clock. Mr. Henry was very kind, doing all he could to me. It was late before he & I got up & did not eat till the hands were out & gone. Mail came while we were at breakfast, brought no news. I made some tape trimming. Mr. Henry got me 7 bunches of tape in Asheville.
*(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 34, London
June 6, 1667
Up, and to the office all the morning, where (which he hath not done a great while) Sir G. Carteret come to advise with us for the disposing of 10,000l., which is the first sum the new Lords Treasurers have provided us; but, unless we have more, this will not enable us to cut off any of the growing charge which they seem to give it us for, and expect we should discharge several ships quite off with it. So home and with my father and wife to Sir W. Pen’s to dinner, which they invited us to out of their respect to my father, as a stranger; though I know them as false as the devil himself, and that it is only that they think it fit to oblige me; wherein I am a happy man, that all my fellow-officers are desirous of my friendship. Here as merry as in so false a place, and where I must dissemble my hatred, I could be, and after dinner my father and wife to a play, and I to my office, and there busy all the afternoon till late at night, and then my wife and I sang a song or two in the garden, and so home to supper and to bed. This afternoon comes Mr. Pierce to me about some business, and tells me that the Duke of Cambridge is yet living, but every minute expected to die, and is given over by all people, which indeed is a sad loss.
*(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.)