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.



Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day

On Sunday, May 29, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cool-Hazy. I worked. Arose at 7:45. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. The children went to Sunday School. Mary was sick and didn't go. I went to the office from 10:00 to 1:00 p.m. Got home 1:05. Harry ate dinner and supper with us. He left at about 9:30. We were tired and sleepy. Went to bed about 10:00 p.m.

On Monday, May 30, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sunny. Holiday. Memorial Day. Slept until 11:00. Mary made fire. Dumped ashes. I cut wood. Baby Jane helped me cut and carry it in. I don't feel well today. Harry called up. Mary doesn't feel well-Has weak spells. We sat on front porch before 6 o'clock. Ate light supper at 8 o'clock. Went to bed about 9:30. Cooler at night. Tired and sleepy.

I don't know what else to say about the Elmores.  I just sure do wish they could get to feeling better and am sorry they couldn't enjoy their holiday more.  Here in 2011, we have had a very busy weekend but also one that has been a lot of fun.  Caleb and I went to the Coke 600 NASCAR race yesterday in Charlotte, NC and had a blast, even though it was VERY hot.  We had a great time together.  We came home this morning and then went to a Salem Red Sox baseball game and sat in a suite.  We went with Mom, some of the kids friends and some co-workers.  It was fun. We left early and found out later that Salem won in bottom of 9th with a grand slam!  Then the kids went to a William Byrd varsity boys soccer game where Byrd won 7-0 in the state playoffs!

On a sadder note: Roanoke has made national news today, on CNN's website. A Franklin County sheriff's deputy killed his ex-wife in Roanoke then shot a state trooper on I-81 before being shot himself several times by other troopers.  The deputy/suspect is not expected to live.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

The Magic Garden

On Thursday, May 26, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes.  Shaved. Left home at 8:00. Norman and other boys went with Sunday School Sup't. on a hike. I took Annah Lee's watch back to Schneer's to be fixed. Got home at 6 o'clock. Cut some wood. Awfully tired. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson came by home in their car. I read until 9:30. To bed at 10:00.

On Friday, May 27, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sunny. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:55. Feel awfully "blue" and despondent. Mary continues to have those severe vomiting spells. I took walk at noon. Mary, the girls and I went to the Jefferson to see "The Magic Garden". It was good. Got home at 10:;30 in bed by 11:00.

On Saturday, May 28, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Rain-Cold. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Raining all day. Got castings from Giles. Pottered around home during the afternoon. Took a bath about 6:00 p.m. Went to Mrs. Drewry's and got oil to rub Mary's limbs. She feels very weak and sick. We went to bed at 11:00.

Well, Bonnie and Mary are both still not feeling well.  I still say Mary is pregnant, I think.  At least they took my advice from the other day and they all went to the theater, except Norman, and they seemed to have had a good time.  On this Memorial Day weekend in 2011, we are action packed.  We as a family went out to eat last night and bought clothes for our upcoming cruise to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.  Today I officiated a wedding at Smith Mountain Lake. It was pretty. Beth accompanied me.  Then Caleb and I and Ben Nicely watched the UEFA Champions league soccer game on TV.  Barcelona beat Manchester United 3-1. Caleb was disappointed.  Tomorrow we have church and then Caleb and I are going to Charlotte, NC for the Coke 600 NASCAR race.  Then on Monday, we are all going to a Salem Red Sox baseball game in one of the VIP suites and then possibly to see William Byrd varsity boys play in a regional play-off soccer game...whew...but a lot of fun!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Bond Coal Company

On Monday, May 23, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cloudy-Hot. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Mary had a hard vomiting spell. I went to work on 7:45 car. Lot of writing. Bond Coal Co. pressing for payment of $5.00 due. I sent him a check. Mary got haircut at the bridge. Mr. Felty brought me home in his car at 5:20. We retired 10 p.m.

On Tuesday, May 24, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Hot-Sunny. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Mary attended social for school faculty at 1:00 p.m. Annah Lee and Baby Jane went on fishing trip with Eunice Linkenhoker and Russell. I went down town in a.m. to Bank. Sent Bond Coal Co. check for $5.00. Went to Dr. Hagan's office at 1:00 p.m. Took a walk. Met Annah Lee and Baby Jane at 5:10. Got a watch for Annah Lee. $14.95.

On Wednesday, May 25, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  High Wind-Rain. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Mary had several hard spells. I wrote to Mama. Took a walk at 1:30 p.m. Feeling awfully "Blue". Mary called me on phone at 1 p.m. She also called Bond, about check. I came home on street car at 5:30. Children played ball. I read a short while. Went to bed at 9:30.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Lindenburg Flight

On Saturday, May 21, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sunny. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Lady on 9th St. took Minnie Burnett and me to town in her car at 8:00. Got a load of wood from Mr. Meadows $2.50. Cut wood from 4:40 to 6:30. Lindenburg, American, alone reported as having arrived in Paris on non-stop flight. I shaved after supper. Took a bath at 10:30.

On Sunday, May 22, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sunny. Arose at 7:00. Mary made a fire. I took out ashes. We went to Sunday School. I stayed for church with Annah Lee. Norman wore his scout uniform; attended Belmont Presbyterian Sunday School. I feel terribly despondent today. The Martin Children came over. I read in p.m. Mary lay down I retired at 10:00.

I haven't made any comments in a really long time because we have been really busy, but today was one of those times when Bonnie writes about something from history that I just find so fascinating.  Apparently May 21, 1927 is when Lindenburg landed in Paris after a solo, non-stop flight across the Atlantic, at first at the time.  That's pretty cool.  I have read about that flight, but when your great-grandfather writes about it in his diary, it just kind of makes it more real.  I will have to say that I am noticing a different tone in this diary it seems than in 1916.  I am not sure if it has to do with the Great Depression  that is approaching.  But Bonnie seems to be very down, a lot. He writes a lot about not feeling well and being despondent.  I think he needs to go to the theater again!

Here in 2011, yesterday passed without the world coming to an end.  Harold Cummings had predicted that the world would end yesterday as Jesus would return.  Obviously it didn't happen and lots of people are scoffing at him and his followers, me included somewhat. However, we should also remember that Jesus IS coming back one day we just don't know when and we should be ready!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Fannie Comes Home

On Friday, May 20, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sunny. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Left home at 7:50. Mr. Turner spent whole day in Blacksburg. I had a lot of writing. Went to Jones' Pharmacy at noon for a sponge. Got check for $1.56 cashed at Metropolitan office. Mary went to see Aunt Rosa Raines. Fannie came home with her.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Children Exempt

On Wednesday, May 18, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cloudy-Mild. Children exempt. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes.Left home 7:55. Mr. Wiltsee and Mr. Turner are Portsmouth O. I stayed at the office until noon. Ate lunch there. Took letter to Mrs. Priddy. Stayed home in afternoon. Varnished baseboard in kitchen. Varnished table legs, chair and stool. Cut wood. Read magazines. Went to bed at 10:30.

On Thursday, May 19, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Mild. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Norman got up at 7:00 and went to store. I left home at 7:40. Mr. Tuner here today. Sewing circle met at our house this p.m. I took dictation all day. Very tired at night. Had ice cream and orange ice. Feel very bad. Didn't read any after supper. Went to bed 9:30.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Cemetery Lot

On Tuesday, May 17, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Pleasant. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Mary feels sick. I left home 7:45. Mr. Turner is at Portsmouth, Ohio. I wrote all day on Specification for E. A. White. Paid on cemetery lot at noon. Took a walk over Randolph Street bridge. Worked until 5:15. Mr. Lugar took me home in his car from Carter's drug store.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Sick

On Tuesday, May 10, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cloudy-Rain. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Have a deep cold. Left home at at 8:00. Missed car. Got to work at 8:30. Lots of work today. Caught up at 4 p.m. Came home on car at 5:30. Light thunder shower at 6:;40. Read until 9:40. Went to bed at 10:15. Hot at night.

On Wednesday, May 11, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Hot. At Home. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Stayed at home all day. Pretty warm weather. I got wood from under back porch. Stained front door. Puttied windows. Cut the grass after dinner with cycle and lawn mower. Mary attended the last meeting of P.T.A. in afternoon. I shaved and washed my hair 8 p.m. Got to bed 10:30.

On Thursday, May 12, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cold-Cloudy. Arose at 6:30. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Felt awfully bad. My cold is worse. Didn't go to work. Sat around the house. Mary had several severe sick spells. Stained front door. French flyers have been missing for several days. Read awhile after supper. Got to bed about 10 o'clock.

On Friday, May 13, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sunny. Off in p.m. Arose at 6:30. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Went to work at 8:10. Wrote several letters. Mr. Turner told me I could go home. Ate lunch at office. Walked home at 2:30. Very tired and sore. Sat in the kitchen and read book. Went to bed about 9:30. Cooler at night.

On Saturday, May 14, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cloudy-Rain. Pay Day. Arose at 10:30. Mary got up at 7:00 and made a fire. I feel sore and have a tightness in my chest. Baby Jane and I washed pictures and put them on walls. Hard rain at noon. I didn't go to the office. I stained my drawing table. Took a bath at 10:55 p.m. Got to bed about 11:15. Awfully sore.

On Sunday, May 15, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cloudy-cool. Arose at 9:00. Mary made a fire at 7:00. I ate breakfast at 10:00. Mary and the children went to Sunday School. I didn't go. Shaved at 11 o'clock. Rain and high wind in afternoon. I read most all afternoon Mary lay down. Harry called Mary on phone at 5:00. The children got their lessons. We retired 9:15.

On Monday, May 16, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cloudy-Cool. Arose at 6:10. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Feel "tough". Left home 7:40. Went up on car with Mr. Hartbarger. Mary feels sick. I paid 50th note on house. Paid phone bill. Went to Dr. Luck's office. He was out. Got haircut at 5:45 p.m. Came home on car at 6:20. Shaved after supper. Norman went to Scout meeting. Went to bed 9:30.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Huffy

On Sunday, May 8, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cloudy-Warm. "Mother's Day". Arose at 8:30. Mary got up at 7:00 and made a fire. I shaved.  She and the children went to Sunday School. I didn't go. Felt bad all day. They took flowers to the cemetery at 5:15 p.m. Got home at 8:00. I read until 8:45. Got to bed about 9:00. Tired and worn out. Chilly.

On Monday, May 9, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Sunny-Warm. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Went to car at 7:50. Very busy all day. Took a walk at 1:30 p.m. Feel very despondent today. Walked home at 5:30. Talked to old Rothwell at 6:00. He got "huffy" about re-painting our wood work. Went to bed about 10:00.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

At Home in Morning

On Monday May 2, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Beautiful Day. At home in a.m. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Went to car line; feeling bad. Came back home. Mary and I lay down. I read awhile. Ate dinner 1:00. Deposited P.T.A. money at 1:40. Went to the office. Don't feel so good. Paid bills at 5:30. Talked to Fred Myers. Walked home at 6:30. Enjoyed supper.

On Tuesday, May 3, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Rain-Chilly. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Mr. Wiltsee went out on car #3 6 p.m. I paid bills at noon. Had Mr. Giles order two castings for coal stove. Walked home at 5:30. Raining, Thunder and lightning at night. Attended board meeting at the church. Got home at 9:45.

On Wednesday, May 4, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Beautiful Day.  Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:50. Worked hard all day. Mary waxed floors. I paid water bill at noon. Took a walk. Walked home at 5:15 p.m. Baby Jane and I cut tall grass in back yard. I tied up stray grapevine runners. Wrote to Dr. Hagan. Got to bed at 11:00.

On Thursday, May 5, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Beautiful Day. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Left home at 7:50. Worked very hard all day. Mary attended sewing circle meeting at Mrs. Sigmund's. I walked home. Met Mrs. Crowley and Stafford on his way to debate. Talked to Mrs. Spillman and Mrs. Mason. Cut back yard grass, 7:50. To bed at 10:30.

On Friday, May 6, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cloudy-Cool. Sent card to Mama. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Heavy work all day. Wrote to Aunt Annah. Walked to Elmwood Park at noon and watched ducks swim. Came home on street car at 5:45 p.m. Rain at night. I shaved after supper. Went to bed about 9:30. Warm tonight.

On Saturday, May 7, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sunny. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:50. Worked hard and steadily until 1:00 p.m.Got 10 cent toothpaste. Came home on car. Got Letter from Dr. Hagan. Feel bad. Cut wood, white washed trees, hoed around grapevines and lilies. Took a bath at 10:00. Got to bed 11:00.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Annah Lee Broadcasted!

On Saturday, April 30, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Raining-chilly. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:50. Worked hard all morning. Got my pay check cashed. Paid $5.00, last on ring. Got home 1:50. Children and I went to store and paid grocery bill. Shaved at night. Took a bath about 10 o'clock. Got to bed about 10:30. Tired and sleepy.

End of month note from April 1927 written by Bonnie Elmore: Mary and I got "fed up" on the confused condition of the house while painting was in progress. Weather was damp and raw. Had to keep the windows open to let fumes from paint escape. Mighty well pleased when the job was finished.  Booth boy was fighting a hard battle here in the hospital as a result of paralysis and collapsed lungs. I have felt awfully tired, worn out, and despondent this month. Annah Lee scored 87 in a musical contest and broadcast over radio, Jr. Thursday morning music club.

On Sunday, May 1, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Pleasant. Arose at 6:30. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Children went to Sunday School. I attended church. Came by Mrs. Crowley's. She gave me rolls for dinner. Took marriage certificate from frame and cleaned it. Harry phoned and came down after supper. Stayed until 10 o'clock. We went to bed about 10:30. Cool at night.