September 2
Laura M., age 15, North Carolina
September 2, 1997
Pretty boring school day. Saw Chris once. Went 2 Ashley’s with Amanda. Mom came at 3:30 and we went 2 the shrink. Dr. Tooley. He was pretty cool. Came home and did homework and nails. Watched story with Kathy. Ate dinner. Called Chris and told him to bring my binder tomorrow. He seemed pretty…quiet. (Annoyed?) Gonna be short with him tomorrow. Talked 2 Ashley and Renee. Dad called.
Anna L., age 75, Illinois
September 2, 1960
Still hot. When Lo got to the office Geo. had decided to go to Elgin to see the Dr. Dr. was glad he came as complications developed. Not too serious. Did a little washing dresses etc. then went over to Mrs. B.’s. She was going to Mertie’s for weekend. Lo thinks we will be alone. Cooks have gone to Mich.
Marcy S., age 20, Tennessee
September 2, 1944
The night was all too short. Up at 6:30 and went home to find Mum had just arisen. We didn’t get off till almost 9. Paper said fair but it looked like rain when we left. Drove over to Knoxville. Mum and I left Pop to find a parking place and we went straight to George’s to shop. I got a cute pair of suede pumps, heelless and toeless. Only $7.50 — I was afraid I’d have to pay $12 or more. Then up to try on coats. Found a beautiful 100% virgin wool one in an odd but very becoming shade of green. For $59.00. Which was more than I could afford. So Mum said they’d pay $29 of it and I would contribute $30. It’s just what I wanted. The lady who waited on me was sweet. Next tried on black dresses. One was just darling — I hardly recognized myself in it — but the price was $34.00 so it was out!! Tried another cute one though that was more down my line. It has to be altered and mailed. At 12:30 we met Pop at the S & W and had lunch. I love to eat there. I was so thrilled with my purchases so far. Pop went to see “Going My Way” after lunch and Mum and I went back to shopping. Went to an exclusive-looking little shop and found a classy 100% wool dress in a warm rose with lavender and gray insets at the waist. And only $14.95. I never would have thought of buying a dress like that before. But it looked fine on me and certainly flattered my “figger.” Then found a cute black felt hat with veil, black gloves, and went to Miller’s for a pair of brown pumps. Mrs. Dye waited on me. Price was $7.95 — heelless and toeless and just what I wanted. It was quite hot. I went up in the lounge at George’s and waited while Mum did some of her shopping. Then we gathered up our packages (got some pajamas and hose, too) and were just leaving when a storm broke and the temperature dropped 16 degrees. It just poured but we finally made it in relays to the S & W by 6. Rain stopped and sun came out again. Had gotten everything but a black purse and happened to see just what I wanted in a shop on the way. So that was everything and I was practically broke! The earnings of a summer gone in a day! Met Pop at S & W and had supper. Organ music and lots of people. Felt very good. Drove home afterwards. Looked stormy at first but by dark the stars were out and a beautiful bright full moon. We took back roads from Kingston on because the lights from the oncoming cars were so blinding and the traffic was heavy. Home at 8:30. I tried on my new clothes and was thrilled anew. Light in Ashley’s room so he must still be here. Wonder why. But it doesn’t really matter to me now if he goes or stays. A nice feeling. Went up to Walkers’ about 9:30, washed and curled hair. Oooh! I love my clothes.
Henry S., age 25, Michigan
September 2, 1887
Practiced writing some this morning. Cultivated the front yard and leveled it off with the spade so that I think it will do now and I shall let it grow up to grass. I went to the church this afternoon and helped do some sheeting. Received a letter from ma tonight. Called at the Dr. and got some of the new circulars advertising the College School. Came home by Neill’s and found Kate there. I feel tired someway.
*(R. Henry Scadin Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville)
Cornelia H., age 26, North Carolina
September 2, 1862
Finished John’s pants & made Peter’s & sewed a little on Pinck’s. He has some like the negroes. In the evening late I went to Bets McKinnish’s to see some chickens she got from Dub. I knew the chickens very well. They were once mine. Louise came home with me. All are well.
*(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
September 2, 1668
Fast-day for the burning of London, strictly observed. I at home at the office all day, forenoon and afternoon, about the Victualler’s contract and other things, and at night home to supper, having had but a cold dinner, Mr. Gibson with me; and this evening comes Mr. Hill to discourse with me about Yeabsly and Lanyon’s business, wherein they are troubled, and I fear they have played the knave too far for me to help or think fit to appear for them. So he gone, and after supper, to bed, being troubled with a summons, though a kind one, from Mr. Jessop, to attend the Commissioners of Accounts tomorrow.
*(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.)