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.



Sunday, November 27, 2011

Loyalty Church

On Friday, November 25, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Mild. Arose at 7:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home at 7:55. Busy all day. Walked at noon. Came home on car at 6:00 p.m. Norman went to Scout meeting. I read until 11 o'clock. My eyes and head hurt. Got to bed about 11:30, tired and "all in".

On Saturday, November 26, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Sunny-Mild. Worked until 3 p.m. Arose at 6:45. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home at 7:55. Very busy all a.m. Took letters of WPW. Wrote until 3 p.m. Annah Lee and Baby Jane came to office. We looked at shoes. Ate 4:00. Norman, Mary, and I put glass in side window. Worked on it from 4 to 9:30 p.m. To bed 11:00.

On Sunday, November 27, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Mild. "Loyalty"-Church. Arose at 8:45. Baby Jane got up at 7:30 and made fire and dumped ashes. I shaved. Didn't go to church. The children went. Annah Lee's burnt finger pained so much she came home. Mary phoned Dr. Ruck. I took her to his office and he put gauze on her finger. We then went to church and came home 5:00 p.m.

I am very thankful that I did not have to go back to work on Friday after Thanksgiving like Bonnie did and then have to work on Saturday too!  Then Bonnie came home and apparently struggled with putting the glass in the window...it took 5 and 1/2 hours! I guess I can see why he didn't go to church, but I am very confused by Sunday's entry.  Bonnie has this header of "Loyalty" church at the top of the entry. I have no idea what that means.  Maybe it was some emphasis they were having at church.  I hope it wasn't an attendance emphasis.  We also have not been told how Annah Lee burned her finger, but it must have been pretty bad.  Then, they apparently went back to church that afternoon??  Again, maybe there was some sort of special program.  We had another good day at church.  Really good crowds recently.  We also got our Christmas tree put up and decorated this afternoon and got the stocking hung.  We decided not to put decorations outside today due to the wind and heavy rain that is in the forecast. 

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Gala Day

On Wednesday, November 23, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cool-Sunny. Arose at 6:50. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:55. Quarterly conference with engineers being held today in the office. I bought two chickens from Mrs. Hannabass at 5:15 p.m. Rode home on street car. Large crowds here for gala day tomorrow. We got to bed about 10:30.

On Thursday, November 24, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Mild. Thanksgiving Holiday. Arose at 9:00. Norman made a fire and took out ashes. I shaved and took a bath. Cleaned lights. Loam and Austin came down home at 4:00 p.m. and stayed for supper. We had two chickens They left at 10:50. Baby Jane, Annah Lee and I walked to car with them. Got to bed about 11:25. Mary has shortness of breath.

Besides Thanksgiving, I wonder what made it a gala day in Roanoke?  I certainly know there were large crowds between Roanoke and Greenville, SC on Interstate 85.  Our trip to see Beth's family took 8 hours when normally it takes about 5.  We have had a good day today. 16 of us here for traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey and dressing and lots of sides.  Brother in law Paul wanted to be mentioned in my blog so there you go. I guess chickens were cheaper, or easier to find in 1927?  There is a group here planning on going shopping tonight at midnight.  That group does not include me!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Taffy Candy

On Tuesday, November 22, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Mild. Arose at 6:20. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home at 7:45. Didn't go out at noon. Wrote Aunt Annah. Got home about 6:15. Annah Lee and Baby Jane made taffy candy after supper. I shaved. Trimmed Norman's hair. Read paper. Got to bed about 10:50.

Sounds like the girls had gotten into making candy.  I did not find much about Klondike cakes so if anyone knows anything I would love to hear it.  We leave tomorrow for Greenville, SC to visit Beth's parents for Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Klondike Cakes

On Thursday, November 17, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Rain-Cloudy. Arose at 6:45. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:55. Awfully busy today. Walked downtown in rain at noon. Norman's face is badly swollen. "Chunk" Pettit came in to see him at night. I shaved and read some. Mary feels awfully bad. Norman looks pitiful. I got to bed at 11:00.

On Friday, November 18, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Cold. Mr. Noel went to Columbus. (Football). Arose at 6:20. Made a fire. Dumped ashes from furnace and stove. Made fire in furnace. Left home 7:45. Dr. Luck came to see Norman at 10 a.m.. Left a prescription for tonic. Baby Jane met me at 1:40 and we got it filled at J&J: 40 cents. (To be measured with a dropper.) I got candy for baby Jane. Cashed check for $1.00 given J.H. Moseley.

On Saturday, November 19, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cold-Clear. Arose at 6:20. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Not very busy at the office. Cut wood and cleaned basement after dinner. Norman is very much better. I shaved, washed my hair and took a bath after supper. We laughed and talked before bedtime. Got to bed at 11:00.

On Sunday, November 20, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Chilly-Sunny. Arose at 8:00. Made fire in stove. Dumped ashes. Mary made fire in furnace. Annah Lee and Baby Jane went to Sunday School. I went to office. Wrote letter and telegram. Took print to C.S. Churchill. Read most all afternoon. Phoned to Dr. Luck about letting Norman go out. I read after supper until 10 o'clock.

On Monday, November 21, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cool-Mild. Arose at 6:20. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Left home at 7:55. Didn't work hard today. Bought card at noon and sent to Mrs. Spillan. Baby Jane and I went to Drug store at 8:00 p.m. and got Klondike cakes and olive oil. I sent Slogan on "wood" away. Warmer tonight. To bed 10:30. 

What in the world are Klondike cakes?  I will definitely need to look that one up and report back later. Tired. Good night.

Poison Oak

On Friday, November 11, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Hot. Armistice Day. Arose at 7:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Mary, Baby Jane and Annah Lee went with Drewry's to the parade. Norman was a scout color guard. Mort Raines came in about 8:00. Took breakfast with us. He and I walked to town at 10:20. I heard Dr. Chas. J. Smith speak. It was fine. Walked home 12:45.

On Saturday, November 12, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cold-Clear. Arose at 6:45. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:55. Didn't do much this a.m. Cut wood for several hours after dinner. Mary feels bad. I raked debris from back yard. Shaved at night. Took a bath about 11:00 p.m. Chilly at night. Slept fairly well.

On Sunday, November 13, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Sunny-Chilly. Arose at 8:15. Made a fire. Went to Sunday School with the children. Annah Lee stayed for church. I sent Baby Jane home. Norman got poison oak lotion for his face and hands. I went to the office at 11:15. Took dictation. Home at 1:40. Took Annah Lee and Baby Jane to the Brethren Church at 6:40 p.m.

On Monday, November 14, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Chilly-Sunny. Mr. Lucian Cocke died. Arose at 6:15. Shut off alarm. Went back to bed. Got up at 6:45. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home at 7:55. Had big batch of mail. Walked downtown at noon. Home on car at 5:45. Shaved after supper. Harry phoned. Mary and the children went over to Mrs. Drewry's. I went to bed near 11:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, November 15, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Warm-Fair. Pay Day. Arose at 6:45. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Very busy. Paid bills at noon. (Paid 56th note on house) After supper, Annah Lee, Baby Jane and I went to Musser's and paid grocery bill $35.36. The kids made candy. I got to bed at 11:00. Mary feels bad. She retired 9:00.

On Wednesday, November 16, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cloudy-Damp. Colored girl helped Mary clean house. Arose at 6:20. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Left home at 7:55. Busy all day. Norman's face badly affected with poison oak. He went to school and took test. Came home and went to bed. Mary called Dr. Luck after supper. Dr. Burke was out of town. Dr. Luck came at 9:45. I went to Blue Ridge Pharmacy at 10:00.

Wow, I had gotten behind in blogging because of some travel.  I even had tried to work ahead so that did not happen. So much for that.  I feel bad for Norman.  Caleb had poison oak like that once too. I still have some catching up to do and will try to do more later.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Linoleum Drugger

On Monday, November 7, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cold-Clear. Arose at 6:20. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Made fire in furnace. Got to office at 8:00. Walked downtown at noon. Mary got her haircut this afternoon. Baby Jane and Annah Lee went to Mrs. Akers to try on clothes. I read some after supper. We got to bed about 9:45.

On Tuesday, November 8, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Rain-Cold. Arose at 6:20. Made a fire in stove and furnace. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:55. Had big batch of mail to write. Didn't leave the office at noon. I attended board meeting at 7:30 p.m. The children and Linwood Doss went to the "Roanoke". I met them at 9:30 and we all came home together. Mary was alone. She made gowns for the baby.

On Wednesday, November 9, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cloudy-Warmer. Arose at 6:50. Made fire in stove and furnace. Left home 7:55. Got to work at 8:15. Busy all day. Frank took some my mail. Walked at noon. Came home on car at 6:30 p.m. Read until 10:00 p.m. Got to bed about 10:30. Mary cleaned house. 

On Thursday, November 10, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Warm-Cloudy. Arose at 6:20. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Quite busy all day. Talked to Mr. Equi at noon about paint for Linoleum drugger. Home on car at 5:45 p.m. Mrs. Burnette came over after supper. Norman went to Mr. Hillsman's to drill with Scouts for parade tomorrow. We went to bed about 10:00.

I am going to be out of town this coming week at the Baptist General Association of Virginia meeting in Richmond, so I am working ahead.  The big thing I note from these entries is that Bonnie finally mentions something about the coming baby.  I don't recall him having mentioned this before. Sorry Uncle Roger!  I am guessing the parade was a Veteran's day parade and does anybody know what a Linoleum drugger is?

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Wine before Supper

On Thursday, November 3, 1927, Bonnie Elmore wrote: Quite Cold-Rain. At Loam's. Arose at 6:45. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:55. Busy all day. Rain and gloomy. Mary and Baby Jane went to Loam's at 4 :00 p.m. Annah Lee took music. I walked up at 5:30. We all had some wine before supper. Played Victrola and Annah Lee and I danced. Got home around 10:45. Long time getting warm.

On Friday, November 4, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cold-Windy. Arose at 6:45. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Left home at 7:55. Missed car. Walked to Jackson, Jr. School. Got on car. Busy all day. Stayed in the office at noon. Walked home at night. Norman attended Scout Meeting. I boxed up two quilts to send to Grace Gee to line. Went to bed about 10:00. Cold.

On Saturday, November 5, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cold-Sunny. Arose at 6:45. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:55. Annah Lee and Baby Jane went to Mrs. Woods and got their coats at 4 p.m. I cut wood from 4:00 to 5:30. Put Plant Pep around peach trees. Shaved after supper. Didn't take bath tonight: water too chilly. In bed at 11:00.

On Sunday, November 6, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Cold-Sunny. Went to office. Arose at 8:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Went up on car with children. They went to Sunday School and church; then came to the office for me. We got candy. Wrote five letters for Mr. Wiltsee. Read in afternoon. Took a bath 4:00 p.m. Annah Lee played in church in S.W. Baby Jane went with her. We got to bed about 10:00.

I still love reading about my grandmother Annah Lee and what her childhood was like in 1927.  How cool that Bonnie danced with Annah Lee.  If you have seen the 2011 movie "Courageous" then you know that this has special meaning.  Also, I think Granny was about 11 in 1927 and she is playing for a church in SW Roanoke! That's pretty neat.

Dutchman's Pipe

On Monday, October 31, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Sunny-Fine. Arose at 6:50. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. To work on time. Took a walk at noon. Walked home at night. Bought plant food "Pep" at Harris'. Dug holes for vines "Dutchman's Pipe". Read until 10:30. "Ladies Home Journal". Got to bed about 11:15. Very tired.

End of month note for October 1927: Mama is very ill yet. Loam, Jess, Jake, Everett, James, Mary Frances and I went over to see her on October 1st. She looked mighty white, weak and thin. Had difficulty in talking. We also visited Effie's grave. Lights on Jake's car burned out near Fincastle. Herndon Slicer piloted us to Troutville. Reached home about 9:00 p.m. Mary was anxious.

On Tuesday, November 1, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Sunny-Fine. Got up at 6:45. Made a fire. Took out ashes. Left home 7:45. Paid bills at noon. Talked to Mr. Schick at noon. Mary went to Mrs. Akers' to sewing circle meeting. I left the office at 3:45 p.m. Walked home. The children and I planted roses and shade vines. Norman went to show. Mary talked to Loam over phone.

On Wednesday, November 2, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote:  Warm-Pleasant. Arose at 6:45. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:55. Took a walk at noon. Loam phoned that she was going to town, so we didn't go to her house today. I cam home at night on street car. Read some. Norman had his scout troop at our house tonight. Had cocoa cakes etc. to eat.