About

This blog is mainly taken from my Great Grandfather's diary. In 2012 we are in the year 1915, after completing 1916 in 2010 and 1927 in 2011. 1915 is the year that my Great Uncle Norman was born. 1927 is the year that my Great Uncle Roger, was born. 1916 was the year that my grandmother, Annah Lee was born.

My Great-Grandfather's name was Bonnie Elmore and he worked as a clerk or secretary for the old Norfolk & Western Railroad, based in Roanoke, VA. Mary is his wife. Norman is their first born son. The Raines are Mary's parents. Skin is Bonnie's brother along with Jake.

Bonnie's work associates and friends are also mentioned quite a bit. Bonnie does a great job of blending everyday life in 1915 with the mention of some world and USA history as well. I do know from a quick glance ahead that 1915 is going to be quite different as Bonnie did not write quite as much.

After Bonnie's diary entry, I will occasionally make comments, maybe tell a little about life in 2012, possibly some current events, and some musing about the Christian faith.



Saturday, July 31, 2010

Cake and Ice Cream

On Thursday, July 27, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Raining-Cloudy. Arose at 7:30. Very heavy downpour of rain at 5;30 this morning. Walked to town with Roy Waskey and Clyde Driscoll. No work stirring. Mr. Schick went to Bluefield on train #3 at 4:45. Talked to Skin and Lawrence Sullivan on street about going to Washington. Thunder and dark at 5 p.m. Borrowed sickle from Mr. Raines and cut part of weeds in back yard. Cool. On Friday, July 28, 1916 Bonnie wrote: Warm-sultry. Arose at 7:20. Read "Ladies Home Journal" in office-August. Got whetstone at Humphreys-Webber Store. Brought 10 cents worth of ice cream home. Mary went up to Mrs. Raines' at 5:00 p.m. and Mrs. R came back with her and brought cake. I finished cutting weeds in back yard. Wrote a letter to Bob Elmore at Tip Top, VA. On Saturday, July 29, 1916 Bonnie wrote: Cloudy-damp. Arose at 7:30. Went to post office for Mr. Raitt. Talked to Howard Fisher. Got home to lunch at 3 p.m. Cut grass. Bought lime at Tinnell's. Went to Semones' for Mrs. Mullen. Got tobacco at Mayhew's store. Helped Mr. Brown fix sewer pipe. Harry Raines down. Got card from Skin in Washington, D.C. Also R.E. Elmore. Shaved at Mrs. R at 8:30 took Norman along.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Slow, Sad Day

On Wednesday, July 26, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Hot and Sultry. Cloudy. Arose at 7:15. Met Bill Fisher and got to office at 8:40 a.m. Work slow today. Mary feeling ill. Work in office is very slow today. Mary, Aunt Annah, and kids went up to Mrs. R's at 5 p.m. Electrical rain at 6:30 p.m. Aunt Duck spent day with Momma. I talked to Howard Fisher. Mary came home at 8 o'clock. Retired at 10:30. In 2010 news is breaking of 2 firefighter line of duty deaths in neighboring Franklin County Virginia. A very sad day.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Sore

On Monday, July 24, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cloudy-Sultry. Arose at 7:20 a.m. Got to work 8:30. Raining today. Feeling quite sore from effects of riding horse in Bedford. Member of Co. F court-martialed. Went by Mrs. Raines' at 6 p.m. and shaved. Read "Woman's World" and paper. Very cool at night and damp. Aunt Annah went to St. Charles hospital in afternoon. On Tuesday, July 25, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Hot-Sultry. rose at 7:30. Met Howard Fisher and got to office at 8:45. Wrote Lewis Smith. Steak for lunch. Wrote mail for Capt. Anderson. Indexed and filed correspondence. Received a card from Bob Elmore. W.B. Bates came in. Rolled Norman around after supper. Talked to Bill Fisher until 7 o'clock in Elmwood Park. Mrs. Raines came down at night.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Trip to Bedford

On Tuesday July 18, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cool-Cloudy. Arose at 7:30. Got to work at 8:30. Very bad headache. Norman feeling weak and "all in". Work was very slack all day. Wrote 3 letters for F.P. Turner. Mrs. Raines and Aunt Annah went to St. Charles hospital at 7:30. I rolled Norman out from 7:30 to 8:30. Shaved at night. Mrs. Raines came down with Aunt Annah and left at 9:30 p.m. On Wednesday, July 19, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Sultry, close. Arose at 7:15. Got to work 8:30. Wrote letter for Mr. Turner. Mary, Aunt Annah, and I ate supper at Mrs. Raines. I took Norman up on car at Noon. Ms. Hurst Blanch Mr. and Mrs. Price Hurst ate dinner at Mrs. Raines'. Mr. Schick left for Wayne C.H. on #3 this p.m. I wrote stuff for Mr. Wiltsee. Wrote Lena a letter about trip to her home Sat. On Thursday, July 20, 1916 Bonnie wrote: Pleasant Day. Arose at 6:30. Rolled Norman to Mrs. Raines' and got vegetables. Spoke to Marjorie Merchent. Got to work at 8:30. Wrote to Frank Fisher. Wrote for Mr. Wiltsee. Talked to Skin. Aunt Annah, Mary and I took kids up to Mrs. Raines' after supper. I shaved and took a bath up there. Woodmen of the World held a parade at night. On Friday, July 21, 1916 Bonnie wrote: Very Warm. Arose at 7 a.m. Rolled Norman out Roger's Pond Road and back. Mr. Raitt away today-fishing. No correspondence. Mr. Schick came back from Wayne. Mrs. Raines and Harry took lunch with us today. Wrote for Mr. Wiltsee. Rain, thunder and lightning at night. Aunt Annah and Mrs. R went to hospital to have finger dressed. We retired at 11 o'clock. On Saturday, July 22, 1916 Bonnie wrote: Very Hot. Carter Thompson in. Arose at 7:30. Got to work at 8:45. Preparing to leave on train #4 for Bedford City. Made up payrolls. Mr. Schick gave me $3 for eggs and butter. Mary phoned to me. Met Edison Lockard on train #4. Walked up town. Met Jess and Luther at Warehouse. Rode to Lena's in buggy with Jess and Louis Smith. Caught in big electric storm. On Sunday, July 23, 1916 Bonnie wrote: Bedford, VA. Very Hot. Thunder. No Rain. Arose at 7:00. Went over to Mr. Fisher's and ate dinner. Lewis Smith there. Met Miss Burroughs and brother. Louis Smith, Andrew Beamer and I rode horses to station and I missed no. 3. Met a Mr. Giles and son and walked up track to Elk"s Home. Came home on #5 at 8:40 with Frank Nelson Jr. and Tom Mayo. Mary sick at night. Kids ate well.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Aunt Annah's finger

On Sunday, July 16, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Raining. Floods over country. Arose at 7 a.m. Dr. Burks came and dressed Aunt Annah's finger. Mrs. Raines came down. I went up there and took a bath. Annah Lee sick. Went over home in afternoon at 4 o'clock (rain). Mrs. Raines came down home after supper. I ate supper at Mamma's and came home at 9 o'clock. Very damp at night. Raining. On Monday, July 17, 1916 Bonnie wrote: Warm-Sultry. Arose at 7 a.m. Went by Mrs. Raines and got paper. Got to work at 8:30. Mr. George Dunglinson Jr. came in office. I filed and indexed letters. Loam came home from Selma, VA. Rain in afternoon. Dark at night with lightning. I rolled Norman up to Mrs. Raines and came home 8:30. Esther Lakes came over and stayed until 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Chickens

On Friday, July 14, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Very Hot. Arose at 7 a.m. Worked steadily all day for Mr. W.P. Wiltsee on "Instructions for Engineers". Completed same at 6:10 p.m. Raining at night. Got home from work at 7 p.m. Aunt Annah and Mrs. Raines went to have Dr. Burks cut Aunt Annah's finger at 8 p.m. I went to station for Mr. Schick to see about chickens. On Saturday, July 15, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Very Hot. Rain. Arose at 7:30. Aunt Annah's finger giving her trouble. Got to work 8:45. Real all morning. Wrote a letter to W.J. Jenks. DeMoss Taylor brought barometer in for Mr. Schick. Rain. Rain. Rain. Mr. Schick away all a.m. Shaved at 4 o'clock. Mr. and Mrs. Raines came down at night and left at 9 p.m.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Norman Cheerful All Day

On Sunday, July 9, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Raining all day. Arose at 8:30. Norman is 17 months old today. Stayed at home entire day. Rained steadily. Ate watermelon. Read N.Y. Journal. Mrs. Raines and Edna LaBrea came down from 7 to 9 p.m. Went with Edna to the car. Very cool today. Norman alright now and was cheerful all day. On Monday, July 10, 1916 Bonnie wrote: Rain-Cloudy. Arose at 7:30. Annah Lee is 6 months old today. Got to work at 8:45. Dode Rowan came in to see Capt. Matched up papers for "W.P.W." Annah Lee is sick today. Dr. Burks came to operate on Aunt Annah's finger. I wrote Leva and mailed Norman's picture. Major E.R. Moore died. Norman talked to me on phone. Shaved at night. On Tuesday, July 11, 1916 Bonnie wrote: Damp-Warm. Arose at 6 a.m. Annah Lee sick Pat Foy came in. Wrote part of "Instructions to Engineers". Aunt Annah received her check from Huntington. At night, Frank Lakes came over before supper. We went up street together and went to the "Comet" theater. Came home at 9 o'clock. Annah lee sick. Retired at 11 o'clock. On Wednesday, July 12, 1916 Bonnie wrote: Very Warm. Arose at 7 a.m. Got gum at Joe Milan's and to work at 8:30. Ate dinner and supper at Mrs. Raines'. Mary and Aunt Annah spent day there. Aunt Annah bought $25 buffet for Mary. I talked to Sam Hartman about camping trip. Mr. Schick left on #13 for Saltville. Mr. Raitt's Aunt went to Cincinnati. Pretty full moon. On Thursday, July 13, 1916 Bonnie wrote: Very Warm. Arose at 7:30. Got work 8:30. Worked steadily all day. Very hot. Frank E. Lakes brought his lawn mower over and helped me cut our grass. Got pair pants from Sam Harbour. Mrs. Hurst, Blanche and Mrs. Austin came down after supper. Frank Lakes and I went to "American" Theater and came home on car at 10:30 p.m. Ok, I know. I got really behind. About 8 days behind. I have made up 5 of those here and will do a couple a day until we get caught up. Sorry, This has been a really busy week with work and church meetings. Also, one computer at the house is not working. Not much time to comment but oil leak has stopped! Also, the buffet that is mentioned in July 12 entry may be the one that is still in our family. Wow! How neat is that.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Vacation Pictures

On Saturday, July 8, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Warm-Close. Arose at 7:30. Got to work at 8:35. Mr. Davenport came in. Harry Crumpacker showed me pictures of vacation. Cut weeds in back yard from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Went with Norman to Mrs. Raines, shaved and took a bath. Went uptown at 8 p.m. Talked to Jake, McDermott, Howard F and Lawrence Sullivan. Came home on car. I wonder how Bonnie enjoyed the vacation pictures? Caleb and I went next door tonight to see the neighbor's new travel trailer and also got hear vacation stories of their trip out west.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Papa in Trouble.

On Thursday, July 6, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cool-Pleasant. Arose 7:30. Got to work at 8:45 a.m. Went to Joe's for tobacco for Mr. Raitt and myself. Wrote letters for Capt. Anderson. Mrs. Magann and Ms. Booze down at night. Mary went uptown and bought kitchenware at Woolworth's I went over home at 6:30. Papa in trouble. Got hair cut. Retired at 10:30. On Friday, July 7, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Hot-Sunny. Arose at 7:00. R.S. Kerfoot in. Wrote letters for Capt. Anderson. Norman is much better today. Mr. Schick attended Dr. Gale's funeral this p.m. I talked to Mazie and Herman Merchant in evening. Cut grass from 7 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. Went up to Mrs. Raines' after Mary, Aunt Annah and children. Retired at 10:30. It sure has not been Cool-Pleasant here in 2010. At 100 degrees today! I don't know what Papa's trouble was in 1916. That would have been my Great-Great, Grandfather. Maybe we will find out more in coming days. I hope everything was o.k. I have been very intrigued by my reading in Acts recently. Paul gave up his freedom in Chapters 24 and following but also gained an audience with people that otherwise he never would have in order to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. What about our preferences? Are we willing to give those up in order to follow God's will? Wow.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Parson and Doctor Deaths

On Wednesday, July 5, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cool-Sunny. Parson Burroughs died at Bristol, Tenn. Arose at 7:30. Got to work at 8:30. Got money and letter from Blaine. Took letter to train. Wrote to Blaine. Gave money and letter to Skin at noon. Dr. Jos. Gale died today. I raked yard after supper and went up to Mrs. R after Mary, children and Aunt Annah. I shaved up there. We came home at 9:30. Nice cool night. I sure am glad it cooled off some in 1916 because it sure has not cooled off here in 2010. Very Hot and Dry and the oil spill in the gulf continues, now at day 77. Yesterday was Beth's birthday and we went to see fireworks at Parkway Wesleyan Church where you can see both Vinton's fireworks and Roanoke's. Good day at church. Good to be back after a week at the beach.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Early Riser

On Saturday, July 1, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Very hot day. Arose at 7:30. Sam Mason drove me up town in his car. Norman continues ill. I paid some bills. Cut some grass. Skin phoned me. Loam and Jake went to Clifton Forge today. Howard Fisher came to the house and cut grass for me. I shaved and we went up town and I paid some bills. We went to "American" theater. Stayed home at night. On Sunday, July 2, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Very hot day. Arose at 7:20. Rolled Norman around. Took bath at Mrs. Raines. Dr. Davis came to examine Norman. Very hot. Bill Fisher phoned. Didn't go home. Read Washington Post and Phila. Press at Raines'. Started home and rain caught us at corner Dale Avenue and we came back to Mrs. R's. Ate supper Mrs. R's. On Monday, July 3, 1916 Bonnie wrote: Very hot day. Arose at 7:25. Norman better. Blair Pitzer drove me to his office in buggy to pay $2.50 - moving. Talked to Howard Fisher and Papa. Dr. Davis called to see Norman. Roanoke Gas Light man came to estimate on moving gas stove. I shaved at night. Went to American at night. Got candy and cigars at Joe's. Came home on car at 10:30 p.m. On Tuesday, July 4, 1916 Bonnie wrote: Pleasant cool. Note from Mexico received. Arose at 5:20. Cut and raked grass. Went with Mrs. R, Mrs. Annie R, and Aunt Annah to see parade. Minnie Sullivan in it. Ate chicken and ice cream at Mrs. Raines for diner and supper. Went over home at 4:30 p.m. Skin drove me to Mrs. R's in automobile. Mr. Raines cut Norman's hair. Governor Stuart in the parade with his staff.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Raines

On Friday, June 30, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Very Hot. Arose at 7:30. Wrote 2 descriptions. Talked to Jake. Paid off today. Weather fiercely hot today. Big, dark clouds and heavy rain in evening at 5:30. Mr. and Mrs. Raines came down after supper and left at 9 o'clock. I dug up weeds from back yard brick walk. Read until 11 p.m. and retired. Norman continues ill. End of month note for June 1916: Company "F" left Roanoke for Richmond Va. en route to Mexican border. Much excitement and very large crowd at station. June has been rather cold and rainy. Trouble over Mexican situation stirred up. President ordered out all companies of state troops for duty on Rio Grande border. Wow. I am mainly impressed that Mr. AND Mrs. Raines came down to Bonnie and Mary's together. We don't usually see that too much.