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.



Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Ice Cream Cones and Porch Sitting

On Monday, June 27, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Sunny-Cool. Blaine left. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Took my coat to Oak Hall to be relined. Walked at Noon. Walked home at 5:15 p.m. Talked to Rothwell about painting. Shaved at 8:00 p.m. Loam and Austin came down. We got ice cream cones. We went to car with them at 11:15. Got to bed 11:50.

On Tuesday, June 28, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cool-Pleasant. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Dr. Conduff took me to town in his car, 8:00 a.m. Talked to Mary on phone 1:15 p.m. Wrote letter to Mrs. Oscar Martin Newcastle, about board vacation. The girls went to Bible School. Norman's leg is sore; he didn't go. We sat on porch until 9:15 p.m. Went to bed at 10:00.

At least there was no mention this time of anybody not feeling good, except for maybe Norman whose leg was sore.  Ahh, the good ole days, when people walked about town and people sat on porches, visited each other and went to get ice cream.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

All In

On Friday, June 24, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sunny.  Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home at 7:45. Woman took me to town in car. Awfully busy. Walked at noon. Wrote to Blaine's wife; also Lena. Jake took Blaine to Selma in his car; 3:00 p.m. I came home on street car at 5:30. Don't feel good. Shaved after supper. Sat on front porch awhile. 

On Saturday, June 25, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sultry. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Worked hard until 1:10 p.m. Got home on car at 1:40. Didn't do any work around the house. Took a bath about 6:00 p.m. Hot as the "dickens" this afternoon and at night. We went to bed about 11 o'clock. Mary feels worn out and weak. 

On Sunday, June 26, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Warm. Didn't go to church. Arose at 9:30. Mary got up at 7:00 and made a fire. The children went to Sunday School alone. I ate breakfast at 10:30. Jake's car broke down in Clifton Forge. Blaine and Loam came back. Mary lay down after dinner. We sat up until 11:00 p.m. waiting for Blaine. He talked to me until 12:15. I am all in tonight. 

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Blaine In from Memphis

On Tuesday, June 21, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cloudy-Warm. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:55. Mr. Turner is in Norfolk.  I don't feel good, nor does Mary. I wrote up all of my mail by noon. Went home at 1:50. Read and shaved before supper. Mary and I sat in the hall after supper and talked. We went to bed about 9:30. Weather is hot.

On Wednesday, June 22, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Sultry. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Got phone message from Western Union from Blaine at Memphis. He will arrive on No. 26. I walked at Noon. Went to station at 5:42 to meet Blaine. Missed him. He went to our home in a taxi cab. Jane and Jake and Mr. and Mrs. Mentzer came down at 7:30 and stayed until 9:50. We got to bed at 11:50 p.m.

On Thursday, June 23, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cool-Cloudy. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Blaine was in bed when I left at 7:55. The children got up at 7:30 and went to Bible School at 8:30. Blaine took Annah Lee and Baby Jane to get haircut. They ate supper at Jake's. Went to Mag's. Got home at at 11:00 p.m. I got pass at station for Blaine got to bed 11:30. 

Monday, June 20, 2011

Mama has Relapse

On Wednesday, June 15, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Chilly-Cloudy. Pay Day. Arose at 6:20. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Feel awfully bad. Left home 7:55. The children went to Bible School at 8:30. Got my check cashed at 1:40. Paid next to last payment on cemetery lot and 51st note on house. Had lots of mail. Wrote H.W. Harris. Came home at 5:30 p.m. Children went to prayer meeting, 7:30.

On Thursday, June 16, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cloudy-Chilly. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire Dumped ashes. Shaved. Left home at 7:45. The children attended Bible School. Called Mary at noon. Received C&O pass to Clifton Forge. (Have a severe headache.) Got home at 5:20. Paid Musser $28.00 on grocery bill. Annah Lee and Baby Jane went with me. We went to bed about 9:30.

On Friday, June 17, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cloudy-Chilly. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Mrs. Drewery came over. I left home at 7:50; prepared to go see Mama this p.m. Got haircut at noon. Phoned to Mary at 2 p.m. also at 5:20. Phoned to Jane. Ate supper at restaurant, 6:15. Met Jake and Jane at station. Left at 6:40 in car. Got to Clifton at 9:30. Went to bed at 12:30.

On Saturday, June 18, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Chilly-Cloudy. At Selma, Va. Arose at 8:30. Ate breakfast at 9:00. Jane scrubbed floor. Mag cleaned house. Jake, Mag, and I carried Mama downstairs. I shaved. John, Sybil, Zelly, Jake and Christine went to a show. Returned at 11:00. I talked to Mama alone. She looks awfully pale and bad. We went to bed at 12:30. Tired out and head aches.

On Sunday, June 19, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sunny. Mama is sick. Arose at 8:30. Jake, John, Sybil and I drove over to see Lady.  Mama is weaker today. We left Selma at 12:30 noon. Got soft drinks at Cloverdale. Arrived Roanoke 3:30 p.m. Came home on car. Harry was there for dinner and supper. Jake and Jane ate dinner at Mag's. Mary called Loam. I sent Blaine a message 10 p.m.

On Monday, June 20, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sunny.  At home a.m.  Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes.  Shaved. The children attended Bible School. I didn't go to work. Got wire from Blaine. Sent him another. Children wrote Mama. Loam, Jess and Aunt Duck drove to see Mama. Mary phoned office. Dr. Tatum phoned that Mama suffered a relapse and may die suddenly. Jess came back in afternoon. Said Mama was brighter. We retired at 10:00.

Got all caught up on Bonnie's diary.  Interesting reading about his trip to Clifton Forge and his mother's illness.  I also enjoyed reading that they stopped in Cloverdale and got soft drinks.  In 2011 we live near Cloverdale now and I know right where that train stop would have been.  I think I am too tuckered out tonight to write too much more about our cruise. Maybe later.  It was very nice and we had a great time!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

2 Night Shirts

On Saturday June 11, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sultry-Sunny. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Worked. Feel bad. Got home about 2 o'clock. Norman and other scouts went to Edgewood to camp tonight. To return Sunday. I cut grass and hoed weeds. Awfully hot. Took a bath at 6:30. Went to Mussers. Sat on porch until 10:00. Went to bed at 10:30.

On Sunday, June 12, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sultry-Sunny. Arose at 9:00. Mary got up at 8 o'clock and a made a fire. Washed and dried dishes. Annah Lee and Baby Jane went to Sunday School. I didn't leave the house. Feel bad. Mary feels awfully weak. Varicose veins are paining her. Norman is at Edgewood. He came home at 5:00 p.m. very tired and took a bath and went to bed. Didn't eat any supper.

On Monday, June 13, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sultry. Ordered C&O pass. Wrote to Christine. Arose at 6:00. Lay down until 6:20. Made a fire. Left home at 7:45.  Mary feels awfully weak and has pain in her back and limbs. The children went to Bible School. Lavonia Drewry, Todd Leslie and children spent the day at our house. Mary phoned that Mama is quite sick. I talked to Mag, Jane and Jake over phone at night. Got to bed at 10:20. 

On Tuesday, June 14, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Hot. Jim Drewry took our two cats away today. Arose at 6:00. Cut off alarm.  Lay down until 6:20. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Mary feels weak and looks thin and pale. I left home 7:45. The children went to Bible School. Wrote to Aunt Annah and Blaine. Walked at noon.  Got 2 night shirts, $3.00. Annah Lee and I wash and dried dishes. Mary lay down. We were awake until 12:30 a.m.

Playing catch up after being gone all week on vacation.  More from Bonnie and from the vacation probably tomorrow night.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Case Dismised

On Thursday, June 9, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Pleasant.  Mama 70 years old. My case with Bond Coal Co. to come to court, for dismissal. Arose at 6:10. Made a fire. Shaved. Left home at 7:45. The children went to Bible School. Didn't do any work in a.m. Took Mr. Noel's mail 12:00. Came home on car at 3:15. Tied up grapevines. Ate supper at 6:30. Read paper. Mary feels worn out. We went to bed at 9:30.

On Friday, June 10, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cool-Pleasant. Mr. Turner back. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home at 7:57, feeling sad. The children went to Bible School, 8:30. Lavonia Drewry called Mary. I walked at noon. Got home at 6:00. Shaved at 9:00 p.m. Mary and I talked to Mr. and Mrs. Chapman after supper, in back yard. Baby Jane and Annah Lee got ice cream cones. Norman went to his scout meeting. 

I didn't really realize that Bonnie actually had a court case with Bond Coal Co. Wow! Glad it was dismissed. Don't forget: Here in 2011, we are leaving on a cruise tomorrow and won't have Internet access much, so no blogging for me for awhile. See ya' when we get back. Bon Voyage!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

VBS

On Monday, June 6, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Pleasant. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Left home at 7:45. The children attended Vacation Bible School. I talked to Judge Austin. Also Harry Yates. Harry came down home and ate supper with us. He gave Baby Jane a $3.50 wrist watch as present for being exempt. We talked until 9:00. Went to bed about 10:00.

On Tuesday, June 7, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cloudy-Damp. Board meeting. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home at 8:00. The children went to Vacation Bible School at Belmont Baptist Church, 8:30. Mary had a hard spell. She phoned to me at noon. Baby Jane's watch stopped running. I got home 5:35. Shaved. Went to board meeting, 8:00. Came home at 9:20. Norman came down on same car.

On Wednesday, June 8, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Sunny-Cool.  Wrote to Blaine. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Mary and the children are expecting to spend the day at Ethel Wade's. Took Baby Jane's watch to be fixed. Got a new one. Walked with Edna Young. Talked to Harry. Mary called me on phone from Ethel's at 1:00 p.m. They brought June home with them. Jake and Jane came after her at 8:00.

I love seeing these churches mentioned that are still around today and that I know something about.  Belmont Baptist jumped right in there and didn't waste any time after school was out to start VBS.  I wonder how different VBS is today from 1927?  I also enjoyed reading about Baby Jane's watch and having to get a new one.  Just a little advanced warning: Here in 2011 we will be going on a cruise on Saturday to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and Mom is going along as well as the kids.  So, if I don't work ahead this weekend, which I probably won't.  There won't be any new posts for a week or so, but I will try and get caught up again after I get back. 

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Will Powell and Wife

On Friday, June 3, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cloudy-Chilly. Phoned Fr. Bond. Disposed of Summons. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:55.  Walked at noon. Met Annah Lee and Baby Jane at 5:15. Went to Dr. Sommardahl's office. Took my picture negative to Rke. Cycle Co. Got haircut 5:45. Will Powell and wife took us for a drive thru S. Roke. and to Cloverdale. Got home 8:55. Mary and I slept on the Davenport. Bed 11:15. 

On Saturday, June 4, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Rain-Cold-Cloudy. Got out of bed 6:35. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Don't feel good. Will and Betty were in bed, when I left as were the children. I got home at 1:15. Cut grass. Puttied around sink. Mary had hard spell at 10:00 p.m. I shaved and took a bath at 8:00. Harry called on phone 11:00. He, Will and Betty drove over here at 11:15. We were in bed.

On Sunday, June 5, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sunny. Children's Day. Arose at 10:00. Mary got up at 7:30 and made a fire. The children went to Sunday School.  Will Powell and wife came by at 10:00. They stayed 20 minutes. Baby Jane recited "Determination" Juanita Beam had convulsions. Harry failed to come. Mary went to our church with Annah Lee, 7:00 p.m. I washed dishes. We retired 10:30. Cool at night.

I am unsure who Will Powell and wife are, but they have shown up here a lot recently and I am confused by the Saturday post where Bonnie mentions that Will and Betty were still in bed.  I guess they spent the night with the Elmore"s and maybe that is why Bonnie and Mary slept on the davenport.  In 2011, our Sunday School class had a Bon Voyage party for us today, as we leave to go on a cruise next week.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Late Night Snack

On Tuesday, May 31, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sunny. Pay Day. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Annah Lee and Baby Jane ate dinner with Emily Alice Burch and went to town. I called Mary. Also St. Charles Hospital. Paid bills. Sent Bond Coal Co. $7.25 check. Dr. Sommardahl $5.00. Date with Dr. Burke, 5:30. Went to see him. Talked from 5:35 to 6:30. Came home on car at 6:30. Got medicine for Mary.

End of month note: Robert T. Small, writer, died on May 23rd. Feeling awfully bad and low spirited first part of month. Mary has been feeling quite sick too. Great floods and tornadoes in the south and west. School will close this month. I was off from work 3 days on occasion of deep cold. Mama and Blaine owe me a letter. Cool and windy most of month.

On Wednesday, June 1, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Hot-Sunny. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Worked hard. Went to see Dr. Sommardahl at 1:50. Sent check for $5.00 to Sutherland Bros. I called Jake at 7:00 p.m. also Rothwell, about painting. Mary, Annah Lee and Baby Jane went to Thurman and Boone's to a music recital at 6:30. We retired at 10:40.

On Thursday, June 2, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Pleasant. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:55. Called Mary at 1:00 p.m. Baby Jane answered phone. Paid Henebry $3.00. Paid Joe Milan $3.00. Talked to White, real estate man. Got home at 5:40. Paid Musser $30.00. Norman went to YMCA at 7:30. We read and talked until 10 o'clock. Came down stairs and got cakes and candy at 11:30.

Just a couple of things that struck me this go around.  Do you know any doctors in 2011 that would talk to you in their office for almost an hour? I sure don't.  Yay for Dr. Burke and why can't there be more like him today?  Also, Bonnie writes about great floods and tornadoes in south and west.  We have experienced the same things, though maybe not limited to south and west, in 2011.  They say it's because of global warming, but you know it was happening in 1927 too.  I do some late night snacking too, maybe that's where I get it from!