1941 Diary - Part 1

1941 Journal of Loha Geraldine Nurss [Bailey]:

Title Page:

3rd and 4th pages: Jan 1 1941 and no entries until March:

Her first entry in this journal:

"Thur. 13 March 1941, 72nd Day 293 Days To Come"

Dad called up today and said he wanted us to come over.  Mama had been sick for a week and he thot we had better come over.  I called the mill and told Henery to tell Troy to come rite home.  Guess we will go over  Hope so as I'm rather worried.  Today is Dads birthday he is 50 yrs old.
 "73rd Day, 292 Days to Come; Friday 14 March 1941" Went over to see mama and Gee she sure looks bad she is so sore.  Sis has been staying out of school to take care of her.  They called in 2 Drs. but I think they are both puzzled as to whats the matter. Dad called Aunt Effie and she came shortly after the Drs.  They give mama a high pole, but it didn't seem to ease her pain, she kept on moaning.  Home at 1:30   Went over to Myrtles today & told her.  Guess her and Miles will go over tonite. 

 

Sat. 15 March 1941, 74th Day, 291 Days To Come

Miles & Myrt went to Seattle last nite.  Miles called us at 2:30 in the morning.  Told us that mother was going fast.  As I got ready to go and was getting the kids up I kept praying.  But to no avail.  When we got there they told us she ahd passed away at 17 min to 3.  I don't think she wanted to leave us so soon  Dad & her were so happy  But when we are called I guess we must go.  She was still young only 49 the 18th of Feb.  Dad & her had been married 29 years.  75th Day, 290 Days To Come, Sun. 16 March 1941  They made all funeral arrangements yesterday and she will be layed to rest Mon at 2 Oclock.  Dad & the rest of the guys washed the car.  We came to Tacoma in the evening for a ride thinking Dad would rest better when we got back Miles & Myrt came home to stay and we stayed with Dad all nite.  Dad feeling pretty blue, But standing up pretty good.

"Mon 17 March, 41; 76th Day, 289 Days To Come"   "Mothers funeral today and she really looked like she was at peace. So beautiful as she laid there, as if in a quiet sleep. Charlene & Wayne didn't go but their Daddy took them to see Mother. Jim says she looked like a doll and Wayne said, she looks like she is going to talk to you. Dad and Fay came and stayed all nite with us. Am going to go to Seattle tomorrow and help Grace get moved into Dads place. Hope Dad will be satisfied with the way Grace takes care of things."   "77th Day, 288 Days To Come, Tues. 18 March, 41"   "Myrts going to come over and do up washing that mother had while I go back to Seattle and help there. Packed a few dishes and so on. Effie and Guy stayed at Dads tonite. Dad came home with me. Sis went out to Graces to stay. She is to move in tomorrow. Don't think she'll stay long. Dad wont be able to stand all the noise. But hope eveything meets with Dads approval. Thats all that matters now."

"Wed 19 March, 78th Day, 287 Days To Come" "Myrt, Dad and I went over to Dads again today. Helped a little at the house and then in to town with Dad to pay bills and so on. Dad terrible broken up because of the way the house is being changed. Cant say that I blame him. Gee I wish it were so we all could be together. I think Dad would like that. He misses Mother so. God Love Our Mother."   "79th Day, 286 Days To Come, Thur 20 March"   "Stayed home today and cleaned house. Dad stayed with Miles and Myrt last nite and then stoped for a few min this morning before going on over to Seattle alone. He gave me Mother Mixmaster & some books. We are to give them back at any time he wants them. He gave Myrt the nut bowls & a clock. Miles made the nut bowls for Mama."

"Thur 21 March, 80th Day, 285 Days To Come" "Washed clothes today and thinking of Dad every few min. Dear God help Dad to bear up under this terrible loneliness that he feels. Surely Mothers work on this world was over or we would still have her with us. I miss her so."    "81st Day, 284 Days To Come, Sat 22 March"  "Rather tired today, did my ironing and thats about all."

  "83rd Day, 282 Days To Come, Mon 24 March"  "Went to town today and payed bills"

"Tues 25 March, 84th Day, 281 Days To Come"  "Washed and ironed today and then layed down & took a nap."  

"87th Day, 278 Days To Come, Fri 28 March"
"Dad came over this after noon and stayed all nite.  Sis didn't come."

"Sat 29 March, 88th Day, 277 Days To Come"
"Dad went home this morning so he could get in town.  a few hrs after he left Son broke out with the 3 day measels and chicken pox."

[no entries until Apr 5th]

"95th Day 270  Days To Come, Sat 5 April"
"Dad, Grace Ester & Gene stoped for a few min.- today on their way back from Puyallup didn't get out of the car cause Son had the chicken pox.  Dad & Mrs. Smith over in the evening.  Dad left his gun with us.  Thats why he had gone to Puyallup, (to get his gun)  Dad & mrs. Smith is going to stay all nite."

"Sun 6 April, 96th Day, 269 Days To Come"
"We all went for a long ride today.  Took Miles & Myrtle with us in Dads car.   Went out to Fort Lewis and drove around to see what we could see.  Then back home & had dinner.  Dad & Mrs Sith went home rather early to avoid the traffic."

"Tues 8 April, 98th Day, 267 Days To Come"

"Washed today and still in quarnteen for chicken pox.  Nothing much to tell you Diary."

"Thur 10 april, 100th Day, 265 Days To Come"
"Jim [Charlene] broke out with the chicken pox tonight  Supposed to go to a baby shower on Mary Vidivick but don't guess I'll get to."

"101st Day, 264 Days To Come, Fri 11 April"
"Couldn't go to the shower. Jim [Charlene] is broke out good but didn't think I should leave her.  altho Char. Said she would take care of her."

"103rd Day, 262 Days To Come, Sun 13 April"
"Troys birth day and Dad wants us over to look at a house he is thinking about buying  Mrs Smith is going to keep house for Dad and Fay.  Grace found a house and she is going to move this coming week Think Sis had the chicken pox too so brought her back with us  She goes back Fri mornin."

"105th Day, 260 Days To Come, Tues 15 April"     "Washed today and waited for the school nurse to come  But she didn't show up."

"Wed 16 April, 106th Day, 259 Days To Come"    " Thot I'd send Son to School today, But he still has a few spots, so am going to bath him and send him tomorrow."     "107th Day, 258 Days To Come, Thur 17 April"      "Son off to school today and Myrt took care of Jim.  Sis and I went in to town and I got a new dress, bought Sis 2 new house dresses.  Came home and shortened all three dresses as usual."

"Fri 18 April, 108th Day, 257 Days To Come"   "Dad and Mrs Smith oveer to get Sis this mornin.   Guess Smith isn't going to keep house for Dad.  She wants to be married before she comes out to the house, and Dad says no. no.   Really wouldn't like to see Dad married so soon."     "109th DAy, 256 Days To Come,Sat 19 April"    "Went to an Anniversary Party on Hank, Daisy and Mr. & Mrs Harding at the club houose   Had a good time didn't get into bed untill 5.15.  Loraine Pike took care of the kids."

"Sun 20 April, 110th Day, 255 Days To Come"    "Layed around all day   Hank, Daisy & kids up for supper.  George [Bushey, a neighbor] dropped in for a few min.  Told us he had broken his guitar the nite before at the party.  And so in to bed at 9 Oclock."       "111th Day, 254 Days To Come, Mon 21 April"    " In town today and payed bills.  had all the intencions of going to the dentist but ached all over and felt so like heck.  The nearer I got to the dentist office the weaker and sicker I got.  So I still have a sore face  Went up in the evening to see where Ray Powell went off the grade,  Don't see how he ever lived thru it."

"Tues 22 April, 112th Day, 253 Days To Come"  "Washed and stayed home today.  I felt so terrible & still ach all over that I went back to bed and when I got up at 10. Myrt & Jim [Charlene] had 2 washers full of clothes done.  Oh yess Jim is still home with her pox."        "113th Day, 252 Days To Come, Wed 23 April"   "Ironed today and give Jim a bath,  after her bath she broke out with the measles.   She sure was mad.  That means 7 days more from school."

"Thur 24 April, 114th Day, 251 Days To Come"  "Cleaned house and then out side, all after noon   Helped Lilly cut some clover for her rabbits  After Troy came home we went to town after some new overalls and then out to 45 on Pacific to look at a Americar  We are supposed to take it for a drive  Sun but don't know if we will or not."    "115th Day, 250 Days To Come, Fri 25 April"    "Took our lunch Lilly, Jim & I and went out on the hill about 10:30 to watch the ship yards. home at 2 Oclock.  Gee was it a hot day."

"Sat 26 April, 116th Day, 249 Days To Come"   "Went in town today with Lilly [Bendera, a neighbor] and I bought some pants, then left them in a bird store. Dorothy [Bendera, a neighbor] left her pruse at Rhods [Department Store on A Street, Tacoma].   I went back in the afternoon and found both things.  Waited for Troy at the mill.  Saw Earl Marshell [friend] up at his place so we drove around to see him. Had supper when we got home and then to see a show in the evening.  Tim Holt in Fargo Kid.  Met Miles and Myrt in the show and had a milk shake & hot dog after wards."      "117th Day, 248 Days To Come, Sun 27 April"    "Stayed home today and worked in the garden a little.  Troy got called to the mill about 11 Oclock  caome back at 2 Oclock  Had dinner and gave the kids a bath.  Then started for a drive when Dad & Sis, Ester and Gene came over.  We all went up to Bushys [neighbor] for a few hours  Then Home and Dad went home   In to bed early."

       

"Mon 28 April, 118th Day, 247 Days To Come"    "Jim back to school this mornin after being out for over 2 weeks.  Lilly & I cut down the fir tree in our front yard.  We burnt the branches and drug the butt away with the Dodge.  Then we put up some clothes line temperoraly.   Have got to find some place else to put them."    "119th Day, 246 Days To Come, Tues 29 April"       " Did a Big washing today and boy what a big one.  In the after noon Lilly Myrt and I went over to Lillys and pulled some logs together in a pile and then set them afire.  Troy worked till 7 Oclock and I took a bath over at Lillys while the kids washed the tafy off their hands that she had made and didn't turn out hot.  Think I'll make some and see what luck I have.  I'm sure a candy maker and a half.  Oh yeah."

"Wed 30 April, 120th Day, 245 Days To Come"  "Did my inroning this mornin and its raining so guess I wont be able to work out side    Oh hum, what a dreary day.   Daisy wants me to go with her out to fife School,  So the kids can take their school test and be vaxanated."      "121st Day, 244 Days To Come, Thur 1 May"    "Kept the car and took Daisy and her kids to the Fife School.  She had them both vaxanated, they told her Jackie was to young to start, but guess Jerry will go in Sept.  Had a tooth ach all day, then she came up in the evening.  She also rented the club house today for the 24th of May to celebrate her birthday." 

"Fri 2 May, 122nd Day, 243 Days To Come"  "Troy got up this mornin and got his breakfast   I had a tooth ach all nite which keep me awake untill around 3 Oclock this morning.  Didn't ach much today but oh how sore."   "123rd Day, 242 Days To Come, Sat 3 May"  "Jim [Charlene] went in town today with Miles and Myrt to buy a birthday present for Joanna Pike who is having a birthday party tomorrow.  I & Son stayed home all day.  Troy home about 6:15."

"Sun 4 May, 124th Day, 241 Days To Come"  "Troy worked today and didn't get home till 8:30.  The kids went to Joanna's party. guess they had a good time."  "125th Day, 240 Days To Come, Mon 5 May"    "Boy it sure rained today.  Went over to Myrts between showers and had dinner. As we were started down to her neighbors to see the new baby Hank & Daisy come and wanted me to keep their kids while she went in to town.  So I came home.  Troy came home at 3:45 today.  They started to work at 7 Oclock this morning"   

"Tues 6 May, 126th Day, 239 Days To Come"  "Went to town today and payed bills. home at 3 Oclock and got my kids and back to the mill to pick up Troy but he didn't get off work untill 7:30  Went to visit Daisy while I waited for him to get of but she wasn't home."  "127th Day, 238 Days to Come, Wed 7 May"   "Wahsed and what a cloudy day.  Hung some of the clothes out, but they got all over soot so had to rinse them over and hang them in the garage.  Planted some flowers in the afternoon with Lilly help. also helped her get some clover for the rabbits.  Sure caught a heck of a cold.  Went over to Dads in the evening in a Hudson 1-12 that Miles is thinking about buying.  Troy says he thinks the kid is getting a stinging"

"Thur 8 May, 138th Day, 237 Days To Come"  "Gee Gosh I've got such a cold in my head.  After I get the kids off to school, I and Lilly went up to her brothers.  Dell got 2 sacks of clover and home again.  Went out on the hill for a while. Made a cake and the gosh darn thing didn't raise.  Troy home at 6:45 ate supper and in to bed at 9 Oclock."   "129th Day, 236 Days To Come, Fri 9 May"  "About 9:30 I started to clean the basement and didn't get done till the kids came home at 3 Oclock.  Lilly went to her brother in laws Mother's funeral today.  Troy came home at 5:45 we had a supper and both were so tired we went to bed at 8:30"

"Sat 10 May, 130th Day, 235 Days To Come"  "Went to town today and got Mrs Harding 3 house dresses for Mothers Day. also got 2 dresses for my self.  The kids got me a set of mixing bowls and 2 glass pryex plates.  Today Buffelins fire house caught on fire  So Troy has to work tomorrow installing another motor.  Troy went in town with Miles to look at a car while I get supper."     "131st Day, 234 Days To Come, Sun 11 May"  "Troy worked today and didnt come home till 7:30  I and the kids walked to the mill and walked back again.  The kids were so tired when we got home.  Had to bath their feet they ached so bad. Met Daisy & she was taking Jerry to the Hospital.  Wanted me to go along but I couldn't go. Alice Swetland (Stevens) called me I was so supprized to hear she was in town."

"Mon 12 May, 132nd Day, 233 Days To Come"  "Started to wash when Daisy called and wanted me to go the Hospital with them.  So I went and didn't get all my work done  Daisy & Jack was her for supper."    "133rd Day, 232 Days To Come, Tues 13 May"  "Cleaned house and Myrt washed.  Am supposed to go after Alice and her baby tomorrow.  Hope they can come."

"Wed 14 May, 134th Day, 231 Days To Come"  "Went out and got Alice at 3810 No 22.  She sure has a sweat baby  She is going to stay all nite. Miles and Myrtle over in the evening.  Alice was telling me the trouble her & her husband was having, Sure feel sorry for her, but of cource I heard only one side of the story.  Hope they go back together,"    "135th Day, 230 Days To Come, Thur 15 May"  "Keep Son out of school today and took him to Dr.  His private parts are swollen up but Dr said to give him hot sitze baths and that will take the swelling down.  Took Alice out to her Aunts Mrs Allen and then on over to her other aunts at 4321 So J.  Made a cover for my big pillow and covered one of my foot stools tonite while I was waiting for Troy to come home for supper."

"Fri 16 May, 136th Day, 229 Days To Come"  "Stayed home and Doctored Son up.   Miles bought a 36 Olds. and he took us for a ride over to Kates & Joe's. [Bartell]"

"Sun 18 May, 138th Day, 227 Days To Come"   "Dad, Mrs Smith & Grace came over today about 4:30 stayed till 9:30.  Had a lunch for supper. Didn't do any cooking at all today. Kinda lazy I guess.  Dad wanted to take us for a ride out to Lee Bennetts. but they weren't homewhen I tried to call them."    "139th Day, 226 Days To Come, Mon 19 May"   "Washed today and did some ironing in the evening."

"Tues 29 May, 140th Day, 225 Days To Come"  "Myrtle washed today while I ironed and patched.  Lilly was here for lunch. Then we went out side for awhile."    "141st Day, 224 Days To Come, Wed 21 May"   "Went in town today get the kids socks and Jim 4 dresses  Went to a show with Daisy and Troy stayed with the kids."

"Thur 22 May, 142nd Day, 223 Days To Come"  "Went with Lilly up to Slyvia's, While Lilly and Slyvia did the washing & made Lilly a dress.  Home before the kids come home from school."  "143rd Day, 222 Days To Come, Fri 23 May"  "Went up to Mrs Weeds [neighbor] with Lilly but she wasn't home, came back and had lunch and set around the rest of the afternoon."

"Sat 24 May, 144th Day, 221 Days To Come"  "Went to town this morning, Helped Lilly load up the Doge with planer nubbens.  Don brought them home & dumped them in our garage. Give the kids a bath in the afternoon, took one my self & when Troy came home we dashed off to Seattle to try & find Albert Welch's place.  They weren't home so stoped at Dads. He wasn't home either just Sis & Salt (her boy friend). Was supposed to go to Daisys birthday party at the club house."  "145th Day, 220 Days To Come"  "Got up at 7:30 fixed breakfast and also stuff for lunch.  Then we went up to Clear Lake for a while. Came back and stoped a Johns for awhile, on home at 10:30"

"Mon 26 May, 146th Day 219 Days To Come"  "Gee Gosh didn't do a darn thing today"  "147th Day, 218 Days To Come, Tues 27 May"  "Myrtle washed and Daisy sewed, didn't get a chance to do any of my work till late.  John & Wilma [Folk] were supposed to come up to-nite but Hand said there was a break down, so I called them and siad Troy wouldn't be home. Hank & the gang are layed off till Mon. Then Hank will go on day shift. The Glue machine blew up."

" Wed 28 May, 148th Day, 217 Days To Come"  "Washed today and believe it or not the clothes got dry in between showers."  "149th Day, 216 Days To Come, Thur 29 May"  "Didn't do much today.  Walked over to Myrts after I got the work done.  She was real busy so got a doz eggs from her & came home.  Kid home from school at 2 Oclock today."

"Fri 30 May, 150th Day, 215 Days To Come"  "Went over to the Washelli Cemetary today where my Mother is buried. Stoped and saw Teenie & Dugan Boyden for awhile. Had supper with them.  Stoped at Dads but he wasn't home. When we got home Don told us Dad & Bessie had been here."  "151st Day, 214 Days To Come, Sat 31 May"  "Oh hum what a dreary day.  Troy had to work for awhile today on the tractor."



"Sun 1 June, 152nd Day, 213 Days To Come"       Dad phoned up and said he would be over for awhile.  He and Bessie had dinner with us and then we went for a drive up to clear lake then on out to Sovlicks for awhile, home at 10 Oclock.  Think maybe Dad & Bessie will be getting married before long.  Sure hope their as happy & get along as well as Mohter & Dad did.

"153rd Day, 212 Days To Come, Mon 2 June"        Didn't do a thing today but take a bath, then go over to Lillys for awhile.


"Tues 3 June, 154th Day, 211 Days To Come"

Myrt & I washed taoday & boy what a big washing.  Layed down on the front lawn & went to sleep and sumburned my legs.  May, Lee and Gene came in for awhile in the evening.

"157th Day, 208 Days To Come, Fri 6 June" 

Went in town today & payed bills, sure didn't feel much like going.  Bought myself a pair of slacks and also Jim a pair.  Went up to arts in the evening for awhile.  He hurt his hand at the mill today, He don't think they'll let him work all next week.



"Sat 7 June, 158th Day 207 Days to Come"    Went in town with Lilly today got Son a pair of pants.  The two girls stayed home.  Came home & had dinner with Lilly & Don. Don came from work, home to dinner & on the way back , had a wreck with the dodge.  Mr Burnette hit him & made a complete wreck of the truck.  Mr Burnett drove a 1941 Chev. Coupe.
"159th Day, 206 Days to Come, Sun 8 June"   Left the house at 7:30 this morning & walked up to Busheys.  They wanted us to go clam diggin with them.  Didn't get many stayed & had supper with them.  George brought me & the kids home at 4:00 Oclock and Troy came from work at 6:45.


"Mon, 9 June, 160th Day, 205 Days To Come"

Didn't do a heck of a lot today.  Took care of Maxines kids for awhile.  Then I & Lilly walked over to Myrts to ask if she was still going with us to the Point for the Kids School Picnic  Ma Harding called & said Mary Vidivick has a baby boy. born this morning early.     "161st Day 204 Days To Come, Tues, 10 June"  Went to the Park with the kids and Lilly.  We took Myrt too. Lilly didn't feel good so I had to drive all the way out & back too.  Had a pretty good time got home at 3:45.  Troy came from work at 6:30


"Wed 11 June, 162nd Day, 203 Days To Come"    Today is the kids last day at school for this Semester. only went to school till noon.  Myrt & I washed today & had our lines full also Lilly.  Miles was over & said starting Fri, he gets his vacation, so they are going to go to Dixie Idaho.  Says he is going to bring Leon & his wife out with him if they will come.  He took a run over to see Dad, & Dad, Mrs. Smith & Grace are leaving for Grangeville tomorrow at 11:30 or 5 Oclock.  Dad has to be back Sun.

  "163rd Day, 202 Days to Come, Thur 12 June"     Have been thinking of Dad & Bessie all day.  I think maybe my Dad is trying to play a trick on us kids  I don't think he is taking Grace up to Idaho to buy a place.  I think he & Bessie are planning to be married.

  

"Fri 13 June, 164th Day, 201 Days To Come"    Went over to Myrtles and did her ironing. also did some sewing while she did some packing.  They are leaving for Idaho tomorrow at 4 in the morning.    


   "165th Day, 200 Days To Come, Sat 14 June"  

Worried all nite wondering if Miles put the grub in the back of the car, along with the gas cans.  Have to take care of their live stock while they are gone.  Hope Myrt doesn't get car sickness so she can have a nice trip.

"Sun 15 June, 166th Day, 199 Days To Come"    Troy worked awhile today and I took the kids to sunday school.  Then when they got out, I took them and went black berry picking.  got about 3 lard pails full.  Bob & Doris came and we all went for a drive down to dash point.  Came back and I got dinner.  They left & Troy took the kids and I out to Surprize Lake for a Canoe ride.     

"167th Day, 198 Days To Come, Mon 16 June"       Gee Gosh I sure feel like heck today can't keep any thing on my stomach.  Didn't eat any supper.  Jim's eyes are all swollen up and mattering.  guess I'll have to take her in to the Dr.  They have been troubling her since Sat nite when Kate & Joe were here.

"Tues 17 June, 168th Day, 197 Days To Come"       Took Jim to the Dr and Lilly went along to get a permanent.  Sure was glad she was along. because I fainted and got so sick I couldn't even drive.  Dr. gave me a perscription to get filled for Jim am supposed to bring her in again Sat.  Hope there is nothing realy wrong with her eyes.  Am going to stay in bed today. maybe I'll feel better tomorrow.      "169th Day, 196 Days To Come, Wed 18 June, 1941"     Troy got up and got his breakfast this mornin and the kids got their breakfast and mine.  They did up what work there was done and Lilly went in town to get her permanent.  Son went over to feed the chickens and came running home, saying Miles was back from his trip.  He said Leon & his wife came back with them.

"Thur 19 June 170th Day, 195 Days To Come"       Miles, Myrt, Leon & his wife came over for awhile yesterday afternoon and again in the evening when Troy came home.  Miles said Dad did get married when they were in Idaho. Was married the 14th of June.  Sure hope they get along & are as happy as Mother & Daddy were.  Its rained for 3 or 4 days now & had quite a thunder storm today.  Hope its nice tomorrow.  Have been in bed since Tues. when I get up I get so sick to my stomach.       "171st Day, 194 Days to Come, Fri 20 June"    Didn't do any thing today stayed in bed till about 4:30 then I got up and got supper.  Troy took the kids and & I for a ride out to fun Land in the evening and boy I was tired when I got back.  Still don't feel so good but guess maybe I'll be all rite soon.  This [entry] was the happening of Sat instead of Fri. hadn't wrote in the Diary for a few days so had forgotten. Didn't do any thing Fri but stay in bed.