Ruth Clarkson Crockett - Journal, 1942
Presented to
Marian J. Crockett
My granddaughter
Boulder, Colo.
June 1944
Read the last page first, then begin at the first page and go
on.
(Ruth was 84 years old at the beginning of 1942)
January
1942
The
year 1942 opened with me still being sick since Dec. 1st
of the old year. Mary Luther and Elva had all gone to their homes.
I was feeling a little better every day or so and then would get worse
again but on the 9th (9am) I really began to feel better
and the 6th Jan., was my last hard attack of dizzy vomiting.
The Dr. said I have not enough blood and I am taking the best blood
medicine with three glasses of milk a day.
On
the 16 Jan. my dizzyness came on quite bad. I was very sick and my
Dr. was in Calif. I had used all my medicine and could not tell whether
I should have my prescription refilled or not. So we decided to call
Dr. Leo Hawks. He came and advised me to get the blood medicine refilled
and gave me some small tablets for sleep and rest. They are helping
me and I am again taking the blood medicine and 3 glasses milk a day
with it.
16
Jan. 3 of my friends called on me of the Daughters of the Pioneer
camp and brought me ice cream and spent an hour or so with me. I surely,
enjoyed their company. They wee our Bishops wife Mrs. Kerns, Mrs Linzy,
and Mrs. Heber Winn.
20
of Jan. Four of my friends called on me, Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Moor (the
late Peet Moor's wife), Sister McIntire, our Relief Society Pres.,
and her counselor Irene Carter. They stayed a while and gave me a
nice little visit and made me very happy.
22
Jan. First as I awakened from my afternoon sleep my neighbor, Sister
Erickson, called on me also my granddaughter Ruth E. Stoddard Roberson
called with her two children, Richard and Kay. We had a nice little
visit and they left me felling very happy. And able to start writing
in my new 1942 year journal. I am feeling fine this evening. In the
early part of the new year Jan. Sister Wickland called on me she is
also a counselor to our Relief Society President she gave me a nice
visit I was quite encouraged and felt much better by her nice visit.
So my dear friends have done me a lot of good. The last three days
I have been feeling much better.
25
Jan. Edwin and Della called on me.
27
Jan. Two of my friends called on me Sister Nettie Roberson and Leona
Erickes of our Preston 3rd Ward. It makes me very happy
to see my friends it makes me feel encouraged and gives me nice things
to think about.
29
Jan. I have received 2 invitations from my brother Charles R. Clarkson's
children to meet with them on his birthday. I do so wish I could go,
but I am not well enough am weak and troubled every day or so with
dizzyness and sick feelings. He will be 80 yrs. of age on 2nd
of Feb. and is well and active. He usually goes to Salt Lake Temple
one night a week and does temple work for the dead.
Jan.
29 I gave to the Primary Hospital 85 cents. A Primary officer called.
So far I think we have had a hard cold winter but the last two or
3 days it is thawing and mild.
30
Jan. Edwin took me to Dr. Hawks office. He tested my blood. It is
alright. I need no more blood medicine. My blood pressure was 112
he said it was alright for me now. He tested my heart and pulse. I
asked him what they were and he never told me just said they were
alright for me at my age and condition. He gave some tablets for dizzyness,
sleep and rest.
February
1942
1
Feb. I was very ill with one of my dizzy sick spells in bed most of
the day, Edwin and Della called. Also our neighbor Sister Lewis Earickson
and her daughter Mrs. Milley called on me I was very file used to
see them all.
2
Feb. This is my bro. Charles's birth ann's. He is now 80 years of
age all his children will be with him I had two invitations from his
children to be with them but I am not able to be there. Oh how I wish
I could go but my health is so poorly it would be impossible.
5th
Thursday My neighbor Mrs. Helick spent most of the afternoon with
me for company, Ruth arranged with her to come stay with me while
she and Andrew went to Logan to the wedding party of this grand daughter,
Cory Nickelson and Mr. LeRoay Thrill, about 5: P.M. my grand daughter
Ona Edgely called on me. We had a very nice visit. This forenoon I
was feeling, quite miserable but I was feeling well this afternoon.
6th
Feb. A L.D.S. cottage meeting was held here at Ruth's and Andrew's
home. It was very interesting. 16 of us I felt real well and was very
happy to meet my friends.
7th
This morning at 7: A.M. our near neighbor Sister Maggie Fellow's died.
8th
This is the Anni, of my own dear mothers death. Edwin and Della called
on me, I was feeling dizzy most of the day but was free from the sick
feeling that generally comes with it.
9th
Feb. Was our departed neighbor Mrs. Maggy Fellow's funeral service
and I was feeling well enough to go to the home and see her in her
casket by Edwin taking hold of one of my arms and Della the other
and walking slow (just across the road). I am weak and had to lie
down when I got home Sister Fellows looked very nice and peaceful.
We have a lot of snow. The weather has moderated some.
11th
Feb. I was feeling very miserable all forenoon my friend Mrs. Julett
Ward was called on me here cherry talk and presence made me feel a
lot better. In the afternoon my Relief Society teachers called and
they made me feel much better. I gave them 25 cents donation. The
evening of the 11 Feb. our ward teacher called on Ruth Andersen and
I. We were surely pleased to see them. They were High Priest Pineheart
Kerns and his grandson DeMar Kerns. I was feeling much better all
through the evening and I enjoyed their visit very much.
Feb.
13 Edwin and Della took Ruth and I in their car to town today by request
I wanted to get my eyes tested and see if it would be alright for
me to read, write and hand work as my medical Dr. told me cataracts
were coming on my eyes Dr. M. O. Merrells told me catarack were coming
on my eyes but it was alright for me to use my eyes for searching,
writing, etc. It was exercise for them and that was good for my eyes
if I would be careful and let them rest when they were tired. That
good news was worth a lot to me. I was afraid he would tell me I must
not use them for close sight. The larger cataract is a little on my
left eye temple that eye has not been able to give close vision for
several years. Also my hearing on the left side has been gone (except
to hear sounds) for six years. Dr. M. O. Merrell did not charge me
for the testing of my eyes as his advice. I was certainly grateful
for his kindness. The same date as above (13 Feb), I seed, a loving
sentiment on a very pretty valentine with a 5.00 bill enclosed from
my daughter Elva. The reading and seeing the gift brought tears of
happiness for my dear children. I am very grateful for them.
Sun.
15 Feb. Edwin, Della, Ona, and Phenoi called on me today. I was surely
happy. I spent the day reading some. Had a nap listened over the radio
in the evening, fire fared and ate my supper. Wrote a letter to Elva
and listened over the radio to "Fullness of Times."
The
18th and 19th of Feb. was terrible cold. I couldn't
keep warm in my room with a big fire in my stove. The remainder of
the week passed without much of any change. I received nice letters
and cards from my absent children and some of my grand children which
are a great comfort to me and help pass away my lonely hours and gives
me some thing pleasant and cheerful to think about.
21st
Saturday evening Ruth A. attended to all my Saturday work as she has
been doing even since I took since the 1st of Dec. I don't
seem to get strong I can't be on my feet much. I get tired very soon,
but I am so thankful I am well as I am and I never suffer severe pain.
The weather started to moderate.
20
Feb. Our Mabel came and gave me a nice visit and took dinner with
me. Oh it's so comfort to have my children visit me when they can.
22nd
Feb. I took suddenly ill 15 to 5 a.m. with a dizzy sick attack. It
lasted about 9 hours when I finally fell asleep and awoke about 5:30
p.m. feeling well and arose and dressed soon after. Edwin and Della
came from our Stake quarterly conference. They brought some delicious
ice cream for me. They told me a lot of very interesting things about
the conference news, wonderful talks. There was a good attendance,
they said. Although there was a blizzard raging nearby the whole day.
23rd
It seems to be a lovely day, so far it is now 1:30 p.m. We have bright
sun shine. It seems good to feel well too, I have written a letter
to Jennie and Maurice this morning. In the afternoon two of my grand
daughters called to see me. Lucile Stoddard and Fontel Stoddard (sisters).
I was very pleased to see them, they could only stay about a half
hour. Their home is in Salt Lake City.
Weds,
Thurs, Friday I didn't feel well.
Sat.
28th Felt better. I have not been really well all winter.
Today, 28 Feb., is the last day of the winter months and I took sick
1st of Dec. I have not been able to clean up my rooms,
sweep, and dust during all that time. Ruth A. has done it for me.
She attends to all my business and shopping and many other things,
when Mary and Luther were here it was time they took me in their car
for a ride down through Main St. to see the Xmas decorations and back
home, then I went to the Dr. twice. That is all I have been away from
home this winter. I am not well enough long enough to go any where.
These was a cottage meeting, held in Ruth A's room one evening. I
attended it first happened I was well enough. Many times I am sick
on Sun. Edwin and Della come to call on my Sundays; Friday Feb. 27th
is Ray Pratt's birth day. Ruth A. prepared a nice supper and invited
him and his family and I. We all enjoyed a nice visit and supper.
March
1942
Sun.
1st Mar. I was ill all the fore noon then slept awoke and
felt better, I arose dressed, bathed my face and hands, combed my
hair and then Edwin A. called and invited me to take a ride with him
and Della to Fairview and back. I gladly accepted. Got my coat and
hat and was ready. I enjoyed the ride and felt much better for having
that nice change.
Tues.
3rd Mar. Sister Lewis Erickson called on me and I showed
her how to make cankes medicine. The kind made with one level teaspoon
sulphur, one level tea S powered Alvsors, one tea S. level burned
cofferas, one level tea cup white sugar, place all in a earthern or
enameled pitcher stir well then add one level tea cup boiling water.
Stir well with a table spoon, above was revealed to the Prophet Joseph
Smith's mother in the early days of the L.D.S. church. My mother in
lace Mary S. Reed Crockett told me the above when I was a young married
woman. Sister Precenda Kimball (Heber C. Kimball's wife) told her.
She used to live with Sister Kimball and work for her when she was
a young girl about 1878 or 1879 and Sister Kimble showed her how to
make the Canker medicine.
4th
Mar. The ward teachers called on us this evening. Ruth A., Andree,
Maurine Pratt and me, we engaged their visit.
Sun.
8th Mar. I am feeling well on Sunday for the first time
(all day) for sit or several weeks and I was happily surprised when
my nephew surprised when my nephew George Adams his 2nd
wife Alta (likely died over 2 yrs. ago) and his sister Ethel Irons
came to call on me this fore noon. I was so happy to see them. We
enjoyed a nice little visit from them but they had so many places
to go and visit their folds their visits had to be short. They felt
a large paper bag of larg. oranges with me 2 doz. Shortly after they
left me son Edwin called and I had a fine visit with him but he was
in a hurry as he was expecting Quinten's wife to visit them, she came
from Santa Monica Calif. last week to visit her mother at Logan Utah.
She (Dorothy) and Della called on me one day last week. She cooks
fine. She said Quinten is well and still working in the defense work.
She said they expect to make their home here. The snow is going fast.
The weather has moderated. I can hardlyt wait for spring to come.
The first four days passed about as usual with me this winter.
Fri
13 Mar. Edwin and Della invited us to a good show the benefit to go
to the Red Cross. Ruth A. and I went with them we enjoyed it, quite
a heavy snow fell that night. We enjoyed the show.
Sun
15 Mar. Fore noon I was very sick in bed finally went to sleep awoke
feeling better arose and dressed felt quite good rest of the day,
Edwin and Della called and towards evening Ona and her children came
I was so pleased to see them. The callers make we very happy. I received
nice interesting, letters from my absent children which also make
me happy and help pass the time away, with something, pleasant to
think about.
16
Mar. I received through the mail day 2 letters. One from Elva and
one from Ann Alger, my grand daughter in Florida
17
Mar. One hundred years today since the Prophet Joseph Smith organized
the first Relief Society. This day is being celebrated all through
the L.D.S. church, in every Ward. Early this morning and this evening
there were very interesting broadcast programs over the radio. We
listened to them. I was not able to attend the gathering in our Ward
today. In fact I have not been well enough to attend any gatherings
in our Ward since last November 1941. On the above date 17 Mar. two
of my friends called on me. Mrs. Anne Johnson and Mrs. Rasmasson.
The snow is nearly gone but the weather is cold.
Then
18, 19, 20 and 21st nothing of information happened, I
continue about the same as I have all winter not well.
22
Sun. Edwin and Della called on me, as usual I was at home all week
and not well, Thursday 26 Mar. we had a woman come and clean my bed
room and move my bed in there from the front room where it had been
all winter on account of the very cold weather.
28
Mar. about 6:30 p.m. I took suddenly sick with one of my dizzy spells.
Was quite sick until after 3 a.m. When I feel a sleep and about 8:30
a.m. awoke feeling well enough to get up and dress, do my few chores,
eat my breakfast and when Edwin and Della called was ready to go with
them to our ward sacrament meeting. It was the first time since some
time in November 1941. I have not been able to attend have been ill
all winter was very weak to day. Edwin drove to a restaurant after
meeting and treated us all three to a nice dinner then brought me
home. I was rejoiced to shake hands with my many friends who surrounded
me after meeting. When I was out it seemed so good to see them again.
After returning home I had my usual nap then listening over my radio,
did some reading, ate my supper, wrote in my journal, and then listened
over the radio to the fullness of times, and thus ended a very pleasant
sun shining day for me.
Monday
30th Mar. Our Mabel gave me a nice visit towards evening.
Archie came and we all ate supper together. We had a very nice visit,
the weather was fine.
Tues.
31 Mar. Last evening, I had a sick dizzy spell for 3 or 4 hours, but
through the night I slept well and felt better this morning. I have
answered cards and letters this morning. Three only. In the after
noon our President of the 3rd ward Relief Society Sister
McIntire called on me. We had a nice little visit. When she left to
attend Relief Society meeting and I had a nice nap feeling fine with
I woke.
April
1942
1st
Apr. I was very sick all day.
2nd
Apr. I was feeling pretty well all day. Sister Nuffer Luthers mother
came and gave me a nice visit and brought me some apples. After she
left I wrote a letter to my daughter Edna who is sick with a strep
throat.
Sat.
5th Apr. April conference convened in the upper room of
the S.L. Temple. No women or children, first the presidency, authorities
of the church including all Presidents of stakes and only two meetings
were broadcast. I was well enough to listen in over the radio to both
of them and greatly enjoyed them.
6th
April One of the conference meetings I listed to today. This is the
5th day since I had a dizzy sick spell. It is the longest
I have gone with out one since the 4th Dec. When I was
so sick we called Dr. A. Luther
7th
Apr. I read, a nice letter from our Edna. She is getting better. I
am very thankful the Lord has so greatly blessed here and heard and
answered our prayers for he recovery. She had been ill 4 weeks with
the strep throat and had to take 3 coarses of treatment of the Dr.'s
medicine for it.
8th
Apr. We house cleaned my living room today, had two young women hired
doing the work. This is evening, it all looks very nice. I am still
free from dizzy sick spells and am very grateful.
10
Apr. Elva came on the bus to visit with me and stay 2 nights, a little
later some date Earl came. We were all over joyed to meet. Earl brought
his family, too I remember and they all looked so well and happy.
Ruth A. prepared a nice dinner for us all and we surely enjoyed it
and had a lovely visit and the after noon. Earl came the next morning.
Apr.
11 and visited with us the fore noon and said his good byes. They
stared for Boulder the same day. He has received an offer for a government
job at Wash. D.C. has accepted it and is expected to be there to work
1st May. So they will rent their home and he will take
the family with him. They leave 24 Apr. Success be with them, we had
a lovely visit with Elva too and Sunday a.m.
12th
Apr. Leo and their children came in their car. They stayed a little
while, we were so pleased to see them, they all left for Logan to
attend Leo's mother's birthday party. They called on their way home
and said their good byes so we had a lovely 2 days visit with 10 of
our loved ones. Earl and family returned to Boulder Saturday evening
11 Apr.
Friday,
17 Apr. I have been free from dizzy sick spells since the 1st
day of April when I suffered all that day; but I am weak and tired
all the time, but I get up around every day and lie down part of the
after noon and sleep.
18
Apr, 6:00 p.m. Saturday David and Pearl came in their car from Salt
Lake City to visit us. They stayed over night with us and next a.m.
after breakfast 19th. They took me in their car for a nice
ride.
Sunday
19 First we drove to Preston cemetery for them to see our late Luciles
Marker they thought as we do that it is very nice. The whole cemetery
is in a lawn the grass was very beautiful. Next we drove back to town
we called on Ona, but no one was at home. Then we drove to Edwin and
Della's. They were expecting Quinten and his wife Dorothy from Calif.
They were coming to settle and work on their farm a little south of
Preston City. They have a nice car, we had not been at Edwin's long
until Quin and Dorothy came. They look well and happy had a good trip.
They stopped there at Edwin's as Della had dinner nearly ready and
we left for Ruth and Andrew's home as she also had dinner ready. After
dinner at Edwin's they all came over to Ruth and Andrew's so we had
a very nice visit all together and were very happy early in the afternoon
they all had to leave for their homes. Their visits made me very happy
and I was feeling well that day, but my right leg was painful.
Monday
20 After a lovely day I did my morning work then wrote in my journal,
listened over the radio, and read some in the church section of the
Deseret News.
22
Apr. It snowed. The ground was covered.
23
Apr. I felt better today, then I had for 3 days, this evening our
ward teachers called on us we always are pleased to have them call.
This evening the snow is all gone. The lawn's are beautiful.
25
Apr. Our Edna and her Lee came to visit us. She prepared the dinner
for us first after we ate dinner our Mabel came. Edna fixed dinner
for her then they washed the dishes and Ruth came in and we sat around
enjoying a fine visit for 2 hours or more. When Edna and Lee had to
leave to take the bus for Salt Lake City, Archie came and took Mabel
home and then it seemed lonesome like when Earl and family left and
David and Pearl.
26
Apr. I was impressed about 20 minutes to 12 noon to get my self ready
to attend our Sacrament Meeting, as I was feeling pretty good and
Edwin and Della Wright called for me to ride in their car as I can
not walk excess a half block on account of my lameness, as soon as
I wash already. They called for me. We were there at the chapel just
in time. We had a wonderful meeting, a full chorus and a young missionary,
Elder Winn spoke quite lengthy on the subject of prayer and faith
and wonderful answers to prayer, then we had two wonderful songs and
music from Lile Shipley and his wife. The first 23rd Psalm
"The Lord is my Shepherd". The 2nd "I am the captain of
my Soul". I was so pleased to again be able to attend our Sacrament
Meeting and partake of the sacrament and my many friends and shake
hands with them.
26
Apr. We received word that Ray and the late Thelma Pratt's little
Larry Ray Pratt had passed away this morning. He was 61 (?) years
of age last Feb. His funeral services were held in the 2nd
Ward Chapel Wednesday, Apr. 29th. There were many beautiful
flowers, good speaking, and lovily singing. Ray Pratt's brother took
us (Andrew, Ruth A., and I) in his car. I was feeling unusually well
that day and also rode to the Preston cemetery where little Larry
was entered by the ride of his mother Thelma's grade.
May
1942
1st
Friday A cold dark cloudy day.
3
May Sunday Last day Edwin called to take me to meeting, but I was
feeling miserable to go. I was feeling better in the evening. On the
4th and 5th of May I was feeling, much better.
6th
May I feel fine I did my work and have written two letters one to
Sister Nora E. C. Ream and one to my grand daughter - Verda Nriffer
Thelen. In the afternoon the Relief Society teachers called. We had
a nice little visit, and as usual I gave them a donation. We have
been having terrible weather for over one week, but today the storm
clouds have all disappeared and this is a lovely day.
9
May Sat. Tomorrow is Mother's day. Today I received beautiful flowers
from my $1.00. Ruth and from her granddaughter (flowers). Ruth Pratt
beautiful Mother's day cards from Edna, her Beaulak, Estella, Elva
Clyde my grandson and a lovely Mother's day from Jennice. A lovely
poem from Estella. A lot of choice chocolates and 3.00 check from
Elva and family. I have been able to do quite a few jobs of work the
last few days tending to my house work mending, reading, and writing.
So I feel happier since I started 4th of May to feel stronger.
10
May Mother's Day I awoke happy and feeling quite good this was another
day for our Oneida Stake quarterly conf. and as I has a feeling I
would like to attend at least one session, in my morning prayer I
asked that the way might open up for me to go that I might be well
enough and get a ride as I could not walk, so I done my few chosen
and got myself all ready and sat closer to wait about 11 a.m. Edwin
A. called and invited me to dinner, and gave me a beautiful Mother's
day card with a $1.00 bill enclosed, when I was at Edwin's and Della's
home Quin and Dorothy came. They gave me a lovely card and box of
candy. We all ate dinner together and then attended the 2nd
session of conference. Our new apostle Harold Lee was in attendance
and gave us a very interesting sermon on living up to the requirements
of the gospel and the benefits derived there from by doing so, it
throws a flower of light and strength around us which is a guide and
protection to us, he said; I think the above seems very reasonable,
I believe by living the fuller life we build up for our selves a strong
personality. After meeting was dismissed Edwin and Della took me home
and I thanked them for giving me a very happy afternoon. Soon after
returning home Mabel and Archie called they gave me a lovely Mothers
day card and a dollar enclosed. I asked them to stay to supper. They
accepted and we had a nice visit. They left first before dark. I had
enjoyed lovely Mothers day made happy by my children and grand children,
after prayers I retired and enjoyed a good nights sleep
11th
May A dark cloudy raining day am writing in my journal. The mail brought
more Mothers day gifts: a beautiful card and letter from our Mary,
a lovely Mothers day letter and dollar bill from David, a lovely Mothers
day letter and $5.00 check from Earl and from my grand daughter Mrs.
Verda M. Thelen, Spokane Washington a lovely long newsy letter with
greetings so I have another happy day.
13th
May Our ward teacher Brother Rineheart Kerns called on us, his subject
for this month was tithing. I have always believed in paying our tithes
and offering. We still have cloudy cold weather and some rain, am
still gaining strength each day.
17
May Sunday Two of my friends called. Sister U. Smith and Sister Margret
Moor and my grand daughter Ona Edgely. We had a very nice visit.
19
May Tues. Leo and Elva called and invited me to go home with them
and visit as long as I wished a month if I wished, I accepted. I got
ready while they went to Logan and back, we arrived at Lund Idaho
in the evening. I was with the family 11 days and enjoyed a lovely
visit especially with Elsa and the girls. I could write a great deal
about that visit that would be interesting if I was more able to write,
my hand is very jerky. I felt well and happy, was feeling stronger
every day and could work quite good. I was ready to come home the
evening of 30 May, Decoration Day, and Leo and Elva brought me home
in their car and had me promise to come back later for another visit.
It was surly a happy change for me to be with them they all showed
use a good time. They took me to one sacrament meeting and rode out
with them to Buncroft 3 or 4 times.
31
May Sunday Edwin and Della called on me. It seemed good to see them,
they stayed about an hour. I was home all day was feeling well but
not able to walk to over chapel and attend sacrament meeting.
June
1942
1st
I was answering some of my childrens letters.
2nd
I answered more letters from my children and grand daughter Verda
Muffer Thelen. The weather is very changeable, I am feeling fine.
I also wrote a letter to my sister in law Mrs Roxine C. Hopkins she
has been sick for mothers but is getting better she is with one of
her daughters in Calif. The remainder of the week I was I was feeling
fine. Attending to my meals and doing my house work. The weather cool
and cloudy much of the time.
7th
June I am feeling fine and will try to attend our ward Fast meeting.
About
11: A.M. I was happily surprised when my Edna her daughter Beaulah
her husband Richard Wright, her daugh. Ruth and her husband Ret. Roberson,
and her son Reed C. Stoddard called on me I was delighted to see and
visit with them my daug. Ruth also come in to see the folks. We all
spent a happy visit about an hour when they left to call on Edwin
and Della, they (Beaucah Richard and Edna) intend going back to Salt
Lake this afternoon. After the folks left Ruth A. and I got ready
and went to Fast Meeting in our ward. We were fasting, I greatly enjoyed
the meeting and was able to walk there and back for which I thank
my Heavenly Father. After meeting I was shaking hands with many of
my friends. After returning home I had dinner and took a rest and
nap on the couch first as I was ready, to arise from the couch I was
again happily surprised to see our Elva walk in with her dau. Dean
Lin, and her nephew, a young boy, from Logan. They had driven to Logan
with Leo's sister in law from Calif. who had visited with Elva and
Leo one week, so they called to see me on her way back home. Ruth
A. came in too and we all enjoyed a good visit for a half hour or
more, when they had to leave about 5: P.M. So this has surely been
a very happy day for me. The weather has been lovely to day.
10th
June I was invited in to my Ruth's to a dinner party, two of Andrew's
daughters, Elva Mickelson and Florence Albertson and a newly wed grand
daughter came from Logan, Utah and Franklin, Idaho to visit them.
We had a nice chicken dinner also peaches, cakes and ice cream with
a lively and cheerful conversation going on all the while.
Wednesday
June 10th Today I wrote a long letter to my grand children
Glen and Dora Nuffer, thanking them for a lovely picture of their
baby Carol Ann. And, asking Dora to read our church books and investigate
the principals of the Gospel. She is not a member of our church.
12
June I just heard today that our Edna is in the L.D.S. hospital and
on the 10 June was operated on for appendicitis is getting along alright.
I wrote a letter later and sent it to the P.O.
14
Sunday Weather is nice I wrote a letter to my brother Charley, attended
to my work and did some reading, our sacrament meetings in our chapel
have changed from 12:15 to 8: P.M. evenings. Edwin and Della called
and took me in their car to our Sacrament meeting
15
June Idaho Day, it has been raining most of the day is a good thing
for the farmers, I wrote two letters one to Jennie and one to Elva
and after dinner I had a two hour nap.
17
June My ward teachers called. They come quite regular this year. I
have always enjoyed the teachers visit in our home
18
June Have written a letter this A.M. to my daughter who is sick in
the L.D.S. hospital S.L. City (Edna Stoddard). She was operated on
or appendicitis 10 June this year. I hear she is getting on alright,
also on the 18 called on Edwin's Della with our Mabel she invited
us to dinner. We also called on my grand daughter Ruth E. S. Roberson
in her new home, after returning home Mabel stayed until 5: P.M. and
took me home with her in Weston Idaho for a a visit, I stayed 5 days
with them I had a lovely visit. Edwin, Della, Ruth A., and Ruth Pratt
came on the evening of 23rd Jun e and brought me home,
on our way we stopped to call on Quinten Crockett and his wife Dorothy,
who live on their farm they are getting on fine, have a comfortable
house; nice farm and 8 colts. While at Mabel's I helped her with her
work and did hand work sewing. Which I greatly enjoyed and which she
greatly appreciated. I seemed very nice to be home again. Is nice
to go visiting and it is nice to go home again. The remainder of the
week passed with nothing of importance or unusual happening.
Sunday
28th June I spent the day attending to my work and reading
in the evening, Ruth A. and I rode to our sacrament meeting, with
Edwin and Della
Monday
29th I was not well, was troubled with my old complaint
dizzyness. I felt better in the evening.
Tues.
30 I was dizzy.
July
1942
1st
and 2nd I felt better.
3rd
I was not well
4th
July I felt better, ate a nice dinner with Ruth A. and family had
ice cream and cake for our supper. We were at home all day. The weather
was hot and dry.
5th
I fasted and attended our Ward fast meeting. I bore my testimony.
I felt well and enjoyed the meeting many bore their testimonies. I
ate dinner with Ruth A. and Andrew about 2 p.m. and then lay down
on my couch and slept for nearly two hours and arose and wrote a letter
when in walked our Elva a happy, surprise. She always comes in smiling
and happy like a beam of sun shine. Leo had to go to Logan and she
got out here to visit with Ruth and I until Leo drove back. So we
enjoyed a very fine visit with her siting on the lawn in the shade
on chairs for the weather was very hot. Leo came about 7: P.M. and
they left for home. It is now 10: P.M. and thus ends a very happy
day.
8th
July Della W. G. Crockett took Ruth A., Ruth Pratt and I to Logan.
They all went to do shopping etc. I went especially to visit my dear
husbands grave. We all went to the cemetery, first thing and then
to town I rested in the car by a large maple tree by the city Park
and part of the time in front of the Logan Tabernacle on a bench in
the shade where we ate ice cream cones and drank soda water. We had
a nice ride down to Logan and back home. The weather is very warm.
10th
Friday The Relief Society teachers Mrs. Ethel Taylor and Mrs. Baker
called to day. I gave them 15 cents donation
11th
Saturday I attended to all my Saturday work.
12th
Sun. Brother A. D. Crockett called this morning. He is feeling much
better. A little later same day my Edna, her son John T. and wife
and Eva called. Edna and Eva will be visiting in Preston a while.
They will be back this evening. I am surly pleased. Later some evening
Edna came and stayed all night we had a nice visit. She went to Ruth
E. S. Roberson's her daughter, about 10: A.M. 13th July.
It is Eva's birthday, 12 years of age.
13
July After Edna left I wrote a letter to Mr. L. J. Keilman of Poplar,
Montanat who is buying our home. There were two missing payments on
Feb. 1942 and one May 1942 (30.00). I asked in my letter if he would
please put those payments in the bank for me. The letter was all ready
and I handed it to the postman when he called that same day 13 July
1942.
15
July Weather is still warm and sultry. I received a letter from my
Mary today. She is felling better then she has for 3 years she and
I know the prayers we have offered to our Heavenly Father have been
heard and are answered. We are very grateful. Toward evening our ward
teachers called. We are always happy to have them call.
16
July Thurs. Edna and Eva and Ruth E. S. Roberson and children came
and brought their hand work and spent the afternoon with Ruth A.,
and I, they also brought us a treat of ice cream. We had a nice visit,
Edna is giving strength and feeling much better.
17
July I read a letter to day from our Mary. She wrote all arrangements
have been made for here to have an operation the morning of Tues.
21 July 1942. She surly has our faith and prayers. It is now 20 to
6: P.M. 17 July and the rain is a pouring down it is needed badly
for grains and sugar beets.
18
July I did all my Sat. work and feel fine
Sun.
19 I spent the day and visiting Edna reading late in the after noon
Edwin and Della took (Edna who was visiting m) for a car ride to Richmond
Utah and back home. At 8: P.M. Ruth A., Edna and I attended our ward
Sunday Night Sacrament meeting. Edna stayed all night with me, she
and Eva are dividing their time between her Ruth E. S. Roberson who
also is in Preston.
20
July Towards evening Edna went to her daug. Ruths
21st
July This is the date and this morning for our Mary's operation. I
am fasting and praying for her and the Dr's, Nurses, instruments,
and every thing concerned with the operation, this it may be successful.
After learning of Edna's operation she surly had my faith and prayers
for the restoration of her health and she can notice she gains strength
each day for which we are very grateful.
21
July Our Mary was operated on in the Sacred Heart Hospital, Spokane
Washington. She came through alright. She has a very good Dr. who
said she is getting along alright and there is nothing to worry about.
We have received 4 cards from Verda and Florence since the operation.
25th
Everything is alright.
26th
Sunday Was home all day. Edna and I visited with our Mabel in her
home Sat. 24 July. Stayed over night and went home Sat. P.M. Edna
stayed with me Sat. night so did Eva.
Monday
27 Edna and Eva was with me last night and went to Ruth E. S. Roberson's
today. The weather is still very warm. I am feeling well, I wrote
to Sister Nora E. C. Ream to day and Ruth A. wrote a card to her Aunt
Rotie C. Hopkins who is in S. L. City Utah. Nora E. C. Ream is at
Dingle Idaho on a visit.
29
July I called on E. A. Erickson to see about the payments on our home
he is buying of L. J. Keilman. He put a payment in the bank for me
same day.
30
I have done a lot of little chores to day. I am fine. I also called
on my neighbor Mrs. L. Erickson across the road from us. She has called
on me many times when I was sick.
31
Friday Our Mabel came to visit for a day or two
August
1942
1st
August 1942 I did my Saturday work. Ruth A. and Mabel was up town
signing up for Sugar to can with, that we must do these was times.
Aug
2nd Sunday Evening 8: P.M. Ruth A., Mabel and I attended
Primary festival in our Ward it was very fine. Edwin's Della is 1st
counselor to the President of our Ward Primary and is very prompt
in attendance.
3rd
Aug. Mabel went home today. We had a very nice visit. We heard news
from our Mary through her daughter Verda today. She seems to be passing
through a lot of pain since the operation. She has a very good Dr.
and he says she is getting on all right.
6th
Aug. Sister Leona Greaves and Sister Eliza Martin Holingsworth called
on me I was surely pleased to see them.
7th
Aug. I received a very nice letter from Mr. L. J. Keilman who is buying
our house it was an answer to the one I wrote and sent him 13 of July
this year. He also sent to the bank 30.00 making up for one of the
missing payments on our house. The weather is very warm. Today I also
received word thru the mail that my Mary is still improving yet suffers
much pain. She is in her daughter Verda's home at Spokane Washington.
She is in a very comfortable room south east corner of the house and
a row of large locust trees along, the side walk shading the whole
side of the house. Mary wrote me a nice letter 2 of Aug., she took
2 pills to ease the pain and had to lie on her back while she wrote.
It was the first thing she had done since her operation. I surly appreciate
the effort she made to write me that letter. I have been writing her
every few days, since she first went to the hospital.
8th
Aug. I was feeling fine had been doing my Sat. work and putting some
apricots to dry.
Sunday
9th Spent the day reading most of the time. I slept 2 hours.
Edwin and Della called and took me to our 8: o'clock evening sacrament
meeting. I greatly enjoyed it. I received word through the mail today
that our Mary is still improving. I am very thankful.
10th
Monday I put up 6 pts. apricots fresh today. Wrote a letter and card
and wrote in my journal and did some reading.
11th
Aug. We had a heavy rain.
12th
Aug. Word came through the mail today from our Mary. She continues
to grow stronger. She feels that the Lord has heard and answered our
prayers, fasting, and faith we have offered in her behalf. This evening
the ward teachers called on us. Brother Kerns and his grandson, we
are always pleased to welcome the teachers in our home. One month
from today, will be my birthday, 12 Sept. and I will be eighty five
years of age.
14
Aug. Sister Nora Ream and her daughter Ida Crockett and her two children
Fred Don and Beaulah Lee came from Dingle Bear Lake Idaho to visit
his relatives in Preston. They live at Long Beach California and are
here on a little visit. Will soon be going home. They took me to Bro.
Alvin Davids home after dinner. Ruth A. went also. We spent a happy
afternoon with them. Had lunch and returned home in Ida's car. They
stayed all night with us and next day Sat. 15 I went calling with
Nora and Ida on Ona our Edwin's and Bro. Alvin while Ruth A. was cooking
a nice turkey dinner for us. Edwin, and Della, Ida was helping Ruth.
About 1: P.M. we ate dinner, I must remember to state that Ida bought
two turkeys young and grown and brought one from Alvin and family
and one for Ruth and I. We greatly enjoyed the nice dinner and nice
watermelons. Ida treated us to after dinner. We enjoyed the best visit.
They left for Dingle about 4: P.M. Sat. 14 Aug.
Sunday
16 I arose not feeling very well as they day wore on I felt worse.
I ate a light breakfast at 10: A.M. that was all I ate that day. Towards
evening I was in misery bowl cramps. Most terrible. Edwin and Ruth
thought they should call the Dr. I gave my consent and Dr. Leo Hawks
was called and was soon here. He gave me a hypo. He pronounced my
trouble was intesternal flu. Said it was going, the gounds. He gave
Ruth instructions what she should do for me and left. Edwin and Della
stayed a while.
Monday
17 I was a little better but was lying down most of the day and ate
a very little.
Tuesday
18 I was much better, but very weak and tired. I ate a little more.
Wednesday
19 Aug. I was a little stronger and feeling well enough to do some
little chores about the house and get my food ready, did not eat much.
Friends called on me, Sister Gibson and Selma Johnson, Lillie Kofoed
called on me the day before, I love to have my friends call. I continued
to get better each day the rest of the week, by Sat 22 Aug, was able
to attend to all my Saturday cleaning. I was at home all through Sun.
23rd
Tues,
25 Aug. Have been writing to my son Earl today. He and family are
in Washington D.C. has an office job researching government work.
He was asked to take the job. The family all like living there. Today
25th Aug. in the afternoon we had a heavy rain, a regular
down pour with thunder and lightening.
Aug
27 I arose feeling well and was able to attend to my work. I had first
finished sweeping and dusting when my great grand daughter came in.
We enjoyed a very nice heart to heart talk for nearly one half hour
and we both enjoyed it fine. It was Ruth Pratt.
Aug.
29th Saturday, afternoon Ruth S. Roberson and her Sister
June Stoddard called on me, a very happy surprise. We had a nice little
visit. They will call again tomorrow.
30th
Sunday Our Stake conference I had no chance to ride so was at home
all day. Our Mabel called between meetings. Our Edna also called and
her Ruth so I was not lonesome. Was very happy to have them with me.
31st
We have cold fall weather, but so far no frost.
September
1942
1st
It is three years today since Germany bombed Poles and in two weeks
conquered them. Was has been going on even since our nation after
another. War has been going on ever since one nation after another
until we now have another world war with no signs of ending in sight.
December 7th 1941 at 7:55 A.M. the first shot fired by
the Jap's at Pearl Harbor it was destroyed and many lives of the American
soldiers were taken. Then war was proclaimed 7th Dec. 1941
by the United States of America on Japan. The terrible war goes on
although, Europe and in the Philippine Islands.
2nd
Sep. Last evening our Edna (who is in her daug. Ruth's family for
a week or two) called on me and told some good news, her Ruth Roberson
is in the Preston Hospital and on the 1st Sep. her 3rd
child was born a little dark haired baby girl.
4th
Sep. Friday I did all my Saturday work and was feeling well.
5th
Sep. Edwin A. called and invited me to go with them to visit with
Elva and family at Lunch. As they were going 18 miles past Soda S.
on business and were a going to Lava Hot Springs also to take baths.
I gladly accepted the invitation and they called for me same day at
2: P.M. We had a nice trip and we found Elva and family. Well Leo
busy cutting grain with a Harvester. I enjoyed a happy 3 day visit.
Edwin and Della called to bring me home Tues. 8th Sep.
We had a nice trip home, I found Ruth A., and family. Well, I was
quite tired and layed down on the couch and had a nice rest.
9th
Sep. Edna called told us Ruth E., was getting along alright and would
be brought from the hospital friend, 11th Sept. Also her
baby girl was fine.
10
Sep. I am feeling fine. I have done a number of jobs and written three
letters one each to our Mary Estella, and Jennie and have not had
my usual afternoon nap. While I was in Lund visiting Elva's family
she took me in their car to visit Sister Delia Lesterberg and her
daughter in law Trvila. We had a very nice hour visit. O yes here
daughter Leperea was there. Also, my Mabel stayed with me 2 nights
11th and 12th.
12
Sep. We did all my Saturday work in the afternoon. My grand children
and great grand children called on me (those in Preston by Ruth A.,
and my request). We treated them to watermelon and all day suckers
to the children. Towards evening, Edna, Edwin, and Della called and
soon after came David, Pearl, and Carol. They all brought me smiles,
kisses and greetings. Also, presents beautiful flowers, lovely cards.
Also money. So did Archie and Mabel, our Bishop Alfred Kerns and wife
called and gave me a lovely birthday card and a large flower basket
of beautiful gladiolas, my friends Ozie Golightly and wife called
and gave me a large boquet of chrysanthemums and a lovely birthday
card and a lot of stationary. Ray Pratt called and gave me a large
bouquet of gladiolas, Allie Bodialy also called with her daughter.
I was very pleased to see them. I also read through the mail - lovely
letters, cards and money from the absent ones with there kind love
and greetings. Also a very fine birthday letter from Sister Nora,
and nice letters and lovely cards from brother Leharley and his two
daughters, Verna and Ruth. And thus ended my 85th birthday.
Sunday
13 Sep. Ruth A., Della G. C. and I got a lovely dinner for us all
and we surely enjoyed it all. With cheerful talk and smiling happy
faces. Della S. Crockett made a beautiful 3 layer birthday cake for
me with decorations and white frosting. It looked lovely on the table
and tasted delicious. It had 8 war candles which I lit, It had 85th
Birthday on the top layer. Pearl cut the cake. I didn't feel like
I wanted to. I would rather someone else cut the cake. After dinner
the next on the program was taking my picture by Kodak with the flowers
and cake. They took them on the porch and on the lawn about 5 or size
times and last one was a group picture. Then the visiting ones soon
got ready and felt for their homes. And I lay down on the couch and
slept for over an hour I got up feeling fine it was 7:30 p.m. I got
ready to attend our ward sacrament meeting and first as it was time
to go Phenor and Ona called and took me in their car. Ruth A., also
went - interesting (we had a very close counselor , Heber Winn, announced
to the congregation it was Sister Crockett's birthday and he gave
me greetings. After meeting was dismissed my friends came around me
with smiles giving me greetings ask if that was my birthday. I told
them it was the 12th,the day before, but we had celebrated
2 days more. Then 12 shook hands with me and wished me greetings,
and thus ended a very happy birthday. Phenoi and Ana took me home
in their car. I prepared to retire for the night, kneeled in prayer
thanking our Heavenly Father for the above blessings. All my dear
children remembered me on my birthday all that could come to me did
so, and the absent ones that could not come sent lovely letters, cards
and presents. Also, some of my grand daughters gave me presents. I
received of flowers in all 3 baskets of gladiolas and 6 large bouquets
of other flowers. One of the roses and one of gladiolas. I also received
flowers from our ward sect. Gene Kofed and wife Lillie.
14
Sep. I did my usual house work changed water on all my flowers, set
my rooms in order, cooked dinner, washed my dishes, and wrote of my
85th birthday in my journal was through and read to rest
at 4:00 p.m.
15
Sep. I wrote 4 letters to my absent children: Mary, Jennie, Elva,
and Earl, telling them of my birthday celebrations.
16
Sep. I attended to my usual duties, done some reading, and took my
nap in the evening. My ward teachers called. We are always pleased
to have visits from our ward teachers. Yesterday I bought a utility
closet to put my dishes in with some of my birthday money, and put
my old pioneer cupboard out doors. My children gave me $26.00
19
Sep. My sister Ida C. Adams birthday. She would have been 83 had she
have lived. My Edna called on me today. She will be leaving for her
home in Salt Lake City tomorrow.
20th
Sep. Sunday I ate dinner with Ruth A. and family. She always invites
me to dinner Sundays and holidays. I have written two letters today
one to my grandson Clyde Crockett and wife, and one to my grandson
Reed C. Stoddard. Who is in the U.S.A. soldiers training camp at Great
Lakes Ill.
20th
Evening Ruth A. and I attended our ward sacrament meeting and I was
well enough to walk there and back home. I enjoyed the services. The
weather is good with very cool nights.
22
Sep. Theoren and Tvila, Delia Lestenberg with Sister Rotie called
on me for a short time. Sharon brought Rotie with them and left her
to visit with we Preston folks. She stayed over night with me we had
a very nice visit and next day (as day 23). We got a rise with Bishop
Kerr and wife to Bro. Alvin D's home and we returned to my home and
Rotie to the station near 6:00 p.m. is Reed Crockett's car after a
very nice visit with Alvin Millie and Reed, Rotie went to her children
at Logan. She was feeling fine.
23rd
I received a very nice birthday present through the mail today from
my grandson Reed C. Stoddard who is in a U.S. Training Camp at Great
Lakes Ill. The present he sent me is a beautiful silk cushing top
covering with pictures of airplanes, submarines, destroyers, and battleships.
Printed on the cushing cover and heavy silken image on it. It is beautiful.
He also sent me a very nice birthday letter and card with an anchor
on it.
Sun
27th I spent the day reading in the Deseret News Church
section, took a nap, and in the evening I went with Edwin and Della
in their car to our sacrament meeting. It was very interesting. We
are having very nice sun shining weather warm and pleasant.
Monday
Tues and Weds. 28th 29th of 30th
on the 29th was our Elva's birthday forty one years and
it was here day. Lou Deans wedding day. She was married to James Moor.
A very nice young man. He has a good job at Pocatello Ida. and for
the present they will make their home there. He is buying his late
parents farm and he is guardian of his youngest brother, abt. 14 years.
October
1942
2nd
Friday Edwin and Della called and gave me a nice little visit.
3rd
I did all my Sat. work.
4th
Sun, P.M. To ward evening our Nausly Weds. called on us. Jim and Lou
Dean Moor. They had been to Salt Lake City on a short honeymoon. We
were surly happy to see them and pleased to congratulate them and
wish them much joy and happiness. They could not stay long as they
were going to Lund and Pocatello that evening. They looked very happy.
Monday
5th Ruth A. and I went to a movie picture full of war scenes.
One could surly imagine what bombing means to people and their homes.
Oh this is a terrible war. All our prayers are full of war news every
day. Our Army and Navy keep growing in numbers by our young soldiers
in the many training camps.
6th
on the 3rd morning and 4th Oct. morning We listened
in to very good speaking in the L.D.S. conference at Salt Lake City.
Sat. 3rd the large tabernacle was filled with the Priesthood
only, Sun. 4th forenoon the choir was there to broadcast
and the Tabernacle again filled with the Priesthood. We greatly enjoyed
the speaking and singing over the radio.
Monday
5 Oct. I started reading the life story of the late President Wilford
Woodruf. I read it through about 32 years ago. I like it very much.
It is wonderful. Pres. Woodruf was a very humble and faithful man
and preformed a marvelous and wonderful work in the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints.
7th
Wednesday The weather is beautiful. The sugar beet digging has commenced.
Our town is full of Japs from the concentrated camps here to help
harvest the sugar beets. I suppose most of them are American citizens
many were born in America.
10
Oct. I did my Saturday work and had my bath. Spent the evening reading
the Sat. evening Deseret News.
Sun.
11 Oct. I fasted and attended fast meeting in our ward chapel and
partook of the sacrament and listened to a very good program in honor
of the 23 young men from our ward who are now serving in the U.S.
training camps and some in the war. The program was very interesting.
Some of it very touching and brought tears to our eyes. I was very
thank-ful to my Heavenly Father for blessing me that I was able to
go to our fast meeting. About an hour or so before it was time to
go to our chapel a sick miserable feeling came over me. I for a moment
feared I might not be able to attend and I did want so to go and keep
my fast. I thought of my Heavenly Father and my faith in him and went
in to my bed room and kneeled in earnest prayer and faith asking God
to take away the sick feeling and make me able to keep my fasting
and attend meeting and walk there and back home if I hadn't a chance
to ride. I then arose from my kneeling and prepared to get ready to
go. I knew my Heavenly Father had all power and could help me. I kept
feeling better. By the time I started on my way with Ruth A. I felt
well. I enjoyed the meeting and walked home feeling fine. I prepared
my dinner and ate about 2:30 p.m., washed my dishes and lay down on
the couch and slept for an hour. I awoke was lieing there when a knock
came on my door. I arose and walked to the door and there stood my
sister-in-law Mrs. Suzettie Turner Crockett from Salt Lake City. The
late Hyrum E. Crockett's wife. I was so delighted to see here, Ruth
A., came in and we surely enjoyed visiting with Zettie. She could
not stay long, she was going to Salt Lake this evening on the bus.
I was so thankful she called on me. She and her mother had been visiting
with her Aunt Mary Gorden Messell a few hours. After she left, one
of our deacons called and I gave him my fast offering
13th
Monday Evening and all day Tuesday I was sick caused by bowel trouble.
15th
I felt much better. Did my work up and answered 3 letters and done
some reading. We are having a rainy spell on it is still cloudy. This
is sugar beet digging time so it is discouraging for the beet topers.
16
Oct. Edwin's Della took me in their car to John Muffers where I bought
$1.25 worth of apples for my winter use.
17
Oct. I was not able to do all my Saturday work so Ruth A. helped me.
In the afternoon Sister Gibson, my old neighbor, called on my bringing
her dear little baby with her. She is a very nice person.
18th
Sunday, 8:00 p.m. Edwin and Della called and took me in their car
to our sacrament meeting. The weather is beautiful fall weather. This
morning the ward teacher called on us this was their report day. Every
man that can and boys and girls are very busy, ever day, working in
the sugar beets digging, toping, loading, and hauling sugar beets.
Every think went on during the remainder of the week. About as usual
all with no important event happening.
25
Oct. Sun. Edwin and Della called and took me in their car to sacrament
meeting in our ward.
Mon.
26th Oct. Edwin called and brought me about 2.00 worth
of good kindling wood. We are still enjoying, lovely fall weather.
30th
Our Mabel came and gave me a nice visit. Stayed over night and went
home Sat. 31 Oct. p.m.
November
1942
Sun.
1st Nov. Clyde called with his car and took Ruth A. and
I to Lenas brother Joel Peterson's home. He died 29 Oct. of a stroke
and his funeral was to be on Sun. 1st Nov. in the Preston
1st Ward chapel. We wished to call on his wife an family
in the home. We also met their relatives and several of our friends
there. Then Edwin brought us home and Della came and took us to the
funeral held at 2:00 p.m. I was invited to ride to the Preston cemetery
with Clyde, his wife, and Edna in Clyde's car. Ruth A. had to go home,
she believed but decided to go with us. Quin and his wife Dorothy
were with us when we rode home. Edwin invited Ruth A. and I to go
home with him to dinner and visit with them but Ruth said she must
go home. I stayed and had a nice visit with Edwin, Della, and his
children and grand children and enjoyed a very nice dinner with them
and spent the evening with Edwin, Della, and Dorothy. The others went
to their hoes. Quin would be back for Dorothy after his chores on
the farm were taken care of. Edwin took me home at 25 to 9:00 p.m.
and so I had enjoyed a lovely visit and attended the funeral service
called at the home of the dead, and visited the graves of our loved
ones in the Preston cemetery. Truly, the Lord answered my morning
Prayer that I might be blessed through the day with health and strength.
I surly felt fine and very happy. I felt like our loved ones, on the
other side, were with us although the day. The funeral services were
fine and there were many beautiful flowers, and the chapel filled
with relatives and friends.
Sun.
1st Nov. And fast day was on the same day, as the above
funeral service
3rd
Nov. evening Our first snow - storm came.
4th
This is my oldest child's birthday, sixty three years. We remembered
her with pretty cards and presents. Ruth C. Larsen.
5th
Nov. The snow is still here and dark and cloudy over head. Today the
Relief Society teachers called on me, and in the evening our Mabel
came to visit us and get her teeth fixed. She stayed two nights. We
had a nice visit.
6
Nov. Friday Leo and Elva called and invited me to take a ride with
them to Logan and call on Leo's mother and take me to visit my dear
Ozro's grave in Logan cemetery. I surly did want to go I was soon
ready. We had a lovely trip and visit. I was so happy to get the chance
for that nice change. The day was beautiful weather mild and pleasant,
roads fine.
7
Nov. P.M. Ruth A. C. Larsen went by auto to Ogden on business. After
Mabel left I did my Saturday work. Ruth Pratt helped me. The weather
is fine. Ruth A. came home 10 Nov. her trip was successful. She stayed
over night with the Jones's in Ogden. They used to be her neighbors
in Preston. On Tues. Nov. 10th Maurine Pratt, my great
grand daughter came to make here home with me by my request. I have
known for some time I must soon have some one with me as my strength
is giving way gradually. She is quite willing, so she is with me and
attending school in the Preston High. She was 15 years of age 29 June.
11th
Nov. Armistice Day, Stores closed, but no celebration. The weather
fine, no snow but cold nights. Tomorrow is 12th Nov. and
at 4:30 P.M. it will be 3 years since our Lucile died.
12th
Nov. The ward teachers called. We are always gald to see them. There
visit was once each month.
13
Nov. The weather is fine still with cold nights. I am feeling well.
14
Nov. Maurine has been helping me good with my Saturday work today.
15
Nov. We had another snow storm. Sunday evening, Edwin and Della called
and took Ruth A., Maurine and I to our Ward Sacrament Meeting in their
car. Maurine and Ruth Pratt attended Sunday school in the morning.
16
Nov. Monday Snow still on the ground cold and cloudy. Ruth A. washed
today on the 18 Nov. evening. The snow had disappeared.
19
Nov. A.M. A blizzard was on and the ground and trees, houses, etc.
were covered with a wet snow.
22
Nov. Edwin and Della took me to our Oneida Stake quarterly conference.
Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith was in attendance. I was attending the
2: P.M. session. In that meeting our Edwin A. Crockett was sustained
as a member of the Stake High Council. Joseph Fielding Smith set him
apart, the same day 22 Nov. 1942, Preston, Idaho. The rest of the
week passed with out any thing unusual happening.
Sun.
29th Nov. My dear husband's birth anniversary. Had he had
lived he would have been 86 years of age today. It was twelve years
2nd of last Oct. since he passed to the great beyond. 12
long lonesome years for me. I have missed him so much. I shall be
very happy when my time comes to leave this mortal life and meet him
and all our dear ones on the other side. Today, 29th Nov.,
Edwin and Della called on me. I was very pleased to see them. They
were on their way to Sacrament meeting the night is cold, wet and
stormy, so I did not try to go. The whole day has been gloomy, dark
and stormy. I have been reading the church section of the Deseret
News and Testament. Ruth A. invited me to eat dinner with them today,
as she does every Sunday.
30,
Nov. I attended to my house work and wrote one letter. We have miserable
weather.
On
the 22 Nov. Maurine had been with me 3 weeks and I felt that I couldn't
take the responsibility of caring for her longer, it was too much
for one of my age. She now stays with my daughter Ruth, her grand
mother.
December
1942
1st
We are having a heavy snow storm today. The snow is wet. When I was
a girl I used to enjoy getting out after a storm like this one and
role snow balls and build snow dolls. I have plenty of coal to keep
me warm, plenty of kindling wood, plenty of food, two good comfortable
rooms and plenty of money in the bank to save and draw as I need it
and children, grand and great grand children who are always willing
to do any thing for me. So I am greatly blessed, my absent children
always correspond with me and I love to answer their letters.
2nd
Dec. I am alone again. Maurine Pratt stayed with me three weeks. She
was very nice to me and helped me all she could with my work. She
left last evening, is attending school here at Preston.
3rd
I wrote and sent off a letter to My LeRoy J. Keilman, how is buying
our home. It is nearly paid for. They are thinking of setting up for
it this year.
7th
He sent the last payment on our house to the Bank 7th Dec.,
$200.93 and the bank sent him his deed for the home. We sold him,
so that is all fixed Okay. We read in the Deseret News Dec. 2nd
1942 a message from Japanese Broadcast, Tokyo announcing "the virtual
termination" of mopping up operations in the Philippines against American
and Filipino remnants hold out in mountains or other inaccessible
ports of the Islands. (Despite past claims to have wiped out all resistance
the head quarters statement confirmed that survivors from the defending
arm had waged a bitter if hopeless fight for six months or more after
the fall of Bataan and Corregidoz) Head quarters reports said, The
bulk of these Americans and Philipno marauders have been annihilated
in operations from August until Oct. 1942". It was stated, Imperial
forces achieved these outstanding war results". 3,940 enemy bodies
abandoned, 2,000 enemy troops taken prisoners, seizure of 23 rapid
fire guns, 71 heavy and light machine guns, 105 automatic rifles,
7,458 other fire arms, 1,000,000 rounds of ammunition and 44 motor
cars.
6th
Sun. My daughter Edna, her sons Reed and Ozro Dale and her daughter
Lucile came from Salt Lake City and gave me a nice little visit. I
was so happy to see them. Reed is home on a furlough, and has to go
to a new training camp in a few days. He passed all exams in the American
University at Wash. D.C. He looks fine. He is a picture of strong
healthy, clean, fine looking young manhood. Reed C. Stoddard was 21
years of age on the 9th of last April 1942. They all left
in their car for their home in Salt Lake City about 7: P.M. A happy
bunch. Edwin and Della also called on me today to take me to fast
meeting, but I had company that had to leave soon so I did not go.
9th
Dec. Our Mabel came and gave us a short visit. We are always very
pleased to see her.
10th
Dec. Our Relief Society teacher Sister Baker called on us. She had
a lot of war instructions (printed) to hand us about health foods,
rations on sugar, meat, etc. and saving fats and scrap iron for war
purposes. We are expecting a cottage house meeting here at Andrew
and Ruth's this evening, 10 Dec., our Bishop Alfred Kern has arranged
for one.
10th
Dec. Evening at 8 P.M. Bro. Heber Winn and Rinehart Kern and his grandson
DeMar Kern were here and began the cottage meeting service. We sang
a hymn, then Anderson Larson opened with prayer, another hymn was
sang, and Bro. R. Kern gave a nice talk. Then Bro. K. Winn called
on me to bear my testimony. I responded and felt well in doing so.
Then Bro. H. Winn made a few remarks. Then we sang a hymn and DeMar
Kern dismissed us. We all enjoyed the meeting and invited them all
to come again.
11th
Dec. Bro. Frank Pratt called on me to get Gerald Crockett's data of
birth, etc. He wanted to send it to Gerald in the Army camp in Florida.
All soldiers must have a birth certificate. I have the birth data
of all my children, grand, and great grand children.
12th
Our Mabel came to visit me today and took dinner with me. I always
enjoy her visits. We have some snow and the weather is quite cold.
I did all my Saturday work today and have been feeling well.
15th
Dec. Edwin called on my this morning. I have been reviewing my 1942
journal to make out a yearly report of my activities and have it now
up to date 15th dec. It is a great surprise to me to see
what a great number of callers I have had while I was sick all last
winter and after I was well.
16
Dec. I had two callers today. The first was my granddaughter Ruth
E. C. Roberson telling me her sister June Stoddard will be married
tomorrow to Albert Cornnealious Smith. He has been in the Army, but
is now on a furlow. They will be married in Pocatello. Her mother
Edna C. Stoddard and sisters will be with her. My 2nd visitor
today was my neighbor Mrs. Allie H. Packer. She invited me to the
Daughters of the Pioneer Camp which convenes tomorrow and she asked
if I would give a talk on my pioneer days in Preston. All day the
weather has been very gloomy and dark, fog much of the time.
17th
Dec. The mail brought me 3 Christmas cards and a very nice letter
and a 10.00 check from Maurice P. Alger, our Jennies husband. A little
letter my grand daughter Fontel Stoddard and two of here friends called
on me from Salt Lake City.
18
Dec. I attended a Daughters of the Pioneer Camp in our Ward. I met
many of my friends and listened to a good program. A dainty lunch
was served. I was asked to give a little sketch of my pioneer life
in Preston as I came with my husband and our two little children,
the eldest 3 years and our baby one year old 9 Feb. 1883. I told them
of aour 1st year in Preston which was the hardest of all
our married life, but through the blessings of our Heavenly Father
we got through the year without any serious sickness or trouble. And
each year following we had better prospects and made a better living
and gained in productions of our farm afterwards named Sand Crest
Farm. My daughter Edna made me a nice visit today, and attended the
Daughter Pioneer Camp Saturday 19 I attended to my Saturday work and
did some reading, received more Xmas cards and nice letters.
Sunday
20th evening I have been at home all day, reading the church
section of the Deseret News. Had a nice nap, as usual Ruth A. invited
me to eat Sunday dinner with herself and family, which I enjoyed.
I felt well enough to attend Sacrament meeting in our ward, but had
no chance to ride and can not walk to our chapel the walks are slippery.
21
Have been getting the rest of my Xmas card off today or ready to mail.
I have received more then a handful already of xmas cards. Mrs. Linzy
called on me today and gave me a bag of candy from the Relief Society
Presdiency.
22
Dec. Ruth A. and I were invited by Edwin A. to attend the Roatery
Xmas program. Phenoi Edgely called in the evening and took us to the
4th ward chapel where it was held, and we enjoyed listening to a very
fine program. We also met and shook hands with many of our friends.
Edwin A. was in the program, was one of the wise men in the story
of Christs birth by drama. Phenoi was also taking part was one in
a large gorup of singers. Singing xmas carols and anthem. It was all
grand. We had a real treat, Edwin A. took us home in his car. There
was a wet snow following.
23
and 24 Dec. We were busy preparing for xmas. I received many xmas
cards, some letters, and many presents from my children, some grandchildren
and some great grand C. Brother Charley, 3 sisters in law. Niceses,
nephews, friends and Relief Society Presidency. I was invited to eat
xmas dinner with my grand daughter and her husband Pheona, their family
and company on xmas day. I spent xmas evening with Edwin and Della
she was not well. Quin took me home.
26th
Was my wedding anniversary. I awoke that morning from a sweet dream,
very happy. I was visiting with my dear Ozro and we were very happy.
Ruth A. invited me to a nice dinner.
27
Dec. I spent the day attending to my work reading and writing in my
journal Edwin A. called and told me Della was getting along alright.
He was on his way to a meeting in our chapel. The weather is very
cold. The walking is terribly icy every where not much snow. The sky
one sold whitish cloud.
28th
Elva and Leo called for a few minutes. They were on their way to Logan
to see Sister Reddish on Christmas. We were surly pleased to see them.
They were soon on their way; soon after Edwin A. called on an errand,
his Della has been ill two or three weeks, but is now feeling much
better.
29
Dec. Elva and Leo called on their way back from Logan and gave us
a nice little visit and ate lunch with me. They left about 1: P.M.
for home. In the afternoon Irene Carter called on me as one of the
Relief Society Presidency, as counselor. They are making their yearly
visit among the members of the R.S. The day was sun shining for a
change.
30th
The sky is covered with clouds. The weather is mild. There is plenty
of snow in the mountains. I hear but there is not much in the valley.
Our Mabel spent a few hours with us.
31
Dec. The roads and walks are all wet and icy. It's thawing today,
still cloudy. We were happily surprised today to see our Edna walk
in with her Eva Lee and her grand children Richard and Kay. They could
only stay a little while as they were a going back to Salt Lake City
at 11: A.M. But, oh it was good to see them and have that little visit.
I spent the evening reading and retired and thus ended the old year
1942.
A short report on the following
page of my activities.
Activities
of year 1942
Tithing
settled full tithing 32.60
Fast
Offering
3.00
Relief
Society annual due
.50 cts
Relief
Society donation
2.05
Daughters
of Pioneer due
.35
Daughters of Pioneer donation .50
To
Primary Hospital Salt L. .85
To
Sunday School
.10
Number
of L.D.S. Meetings attended
Sacrament 17
No.
Conf. gatherings 6
Morkis
2
Funerals
2
Was given three nice parties at
home
Attended 3 dinner parties away
(2 at Edwin's and one at Ona's)
Was ill all winter and spring,
had many callers then and during the remainder of the year in all
133. They did me a lot of good, my own sons and daughters, grand children,
other relatives, many friends, Bishopric, Relief S. Presidency, our
ward teachers every month, Relief S. teachers often.
Gave
to Larry Pratt funeral flowers 2.00
Gave
to U.S.O.
.50
Trips
off from home 7
Visits
from the Dr's 3
Visits
to the Dr's 2
7 Dec. The final payment $200.93
was put in the bank to my name. So now our old home has gone and all
paid for.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= =
My Dear Readers
Hope you will excuse all mistakes and repeating's in going thru my journals.
I see I had forgotten what I had written before and so had repeated,
just skip along and only read what will interest you. Am alone so much
with nothing. Much to do and really not able to do much and I love to
write.
Hope all who read my journals will find something interesting for them
and will help them to get a little more acquainted with me.
Lovingly Grand Mother
Ruth C. Crockett
June 1944