Friday, December 31, 2010

April 4 thru April 5, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest. If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.

Wednesday, April 4, 1894 - A short entry, but what is there to talk about when it was just the usual chores, and then "husked corn all day". Not sure if they might have had some sort of mechanical device? At best he might have had something like one of the two items shown below which would help strip the outer leaves (husks) from the ears of corn a bit faster. Of course this corn has dried all winter, so the husks do come off a bit easier than husking the fresh sweet corn from the farm market in the fall as we do now. The corn is usually husked and picked in one operation as shown in the video below.Video of the 2009 Nebraska Hand Corn Husking Competition below. After viewing this 5 minute video, imagine doing this all day! I love the fact that the video shows it snowing just as it does tomorrow when they are plowing. Today it is raining which can't be a lot more hospitable!



Thursday, April 5, 1894 - The beginning of spring plowing. Bert plowed all day, and Russel - his boss - plowed for the afternoon. This would have been a long slow process, using a horse drawn plow guided along and kept in the ground properly by sheer physical labor, with lots of extra jolts when they would hit any of the stones or rocks that they might have missed the other day!
Video of horse drawn plowing below.


They must have plowed for a long day because they did not get the chores done until 9PM! And it was cold enough that it snowed some during the day. The picture above is not far off from what the area around Naples, Italy, Ingleside would have looked like.... and still does. Very hilly, and high enough elevation to have a quite short growing season! Today the hills are dotted with huge wind turbines.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

April 2 thru April 3, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest. If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.

Monday, April 2nd, 1894 --- Bert starts work for Russell M. Dye today for the third year. He works only 8 months of the year. This seems to have been a common practice. Farmers needed extra help, but only during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. My great grandfather Bart Olney worked on a similar arrangement in 1886. The main difference was that he was only 16 at the time, and all the money when to his father Henry. Bert Babcock makes $17.50 per month. I find it interesting that he only makes $1.50 more than 16 year old Bart made 8 years earlier. Bert is 27. While by today's standards $1.50 isn't much, it is 10% more than Bart made. We don't really know what other benefits were included, but Bert certainly got room and board, and probably laundry as well.

While Bert has been helping out some over the winter, real work seems to start in earnest with the advent of getting paid. They drew 13 loads of manure from the barnyard out to the fields for fertilizer, They also collected and drew away a load of stones, plus moved 10 big rocks out of the fields. (In post glacier upstate NY, every spring reveals a great many rocks and stones that have moved to the surface during the alternate freezing and thawing of the winter and spring.) And of course as always chores are part of the day. That probably would have included feeding the livestock, milking the cows, cleaning out stalls, collecting eggs, etc. All the stuff that just has to be done everyday no matter what the weather, or day of the week..... no holidays either!

I've probably mentioned this before, but Russel M. Dye is the brother of my great grandmother on my father's side of the family! Bert is the brother of my great grandfather on my mother's side. While this connection between the two sides of my family seems pretty cool, the Naples, Italy, Ingleside area of New York State was a pretty small community with not a lot of outside contact. The families in the area have shared friendships, church affiliation, marriage, and their economic life for many generations!

Tuesday, April 3, 1896 --- More chores of course, and 11 more loads of manure spread on the fields. Russel and his wife Zette (Rosetta) go to a "hen pie social" in the evening at B.D. Potter's place, and Bert stays home to "keep fire". "Pie Socials" are still somewhat common at rural churches. "Hen Pie Social" might refer to a gathering with sort of a chicken pot pie theme?

Sunday, December 26, 2010

March 31 thru April 1, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest. If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.

Saturday March 31, 1894 - Leman and Bert do the morning chores while Olivia and Pa make breakfast. John, Leman and Bert go over to Italy with the horses and sleighs and load up some hay. John and Leman take the hay home, and Bert goes over to Herman's. Bert ate dinner there, and helped saw some firewood. Winnie went down to Italy to swap horses, and Bert stayed the night at Herman's.

Sunday, April 1, 1894 - Bert comments that it is April Fool's Day, and that he did not get fooled all day! Bert stayed at Herman's all day, but went over to Milo Dye's around 4PM. Bert says he went to "hayness" for a while in the evening. Maybe Haynes's place? Not sure who that is?

Bert comments that he lent Herman $50.

Not sure what the little drawings of cubes are about?

Thursday, December 23, 2010

March 29 thru 30, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest. If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.

Thursday - They move more stuff to the new place today, and spend the night there for the first time. Bert loads up some more "truck", and then leads Fanny over to the new place. I assume this is one of their horses, but no idea why he would not have ridden her over? Pa (John Babcock), "Pie Face", and Leman moved more stuff over to the new place, and Horton "fetched Olivia and some other truck." I have no idea who "Pie Face" is? Or who Horton is?

Friday - Another of Bert's great phrases - "the wind was in the south this morning and it blew lather to shave" (I'm thinking maybe referring to blowing hard enough to blow everything away - like shaving your beard?) He and Leman did the chores as always, and then went to Italy (nearby community) to get some hay. They stop in Jerusalem (another small community in the area) on the way home. I have no idea what he means about it being his "last night in Jerusalem"?

Sunday, December 19, 2010

March 27 thru 28, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest. If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.

It is still pretty cold for the end of March - 10 degrees. Chores as usual, and then Bert and Leman load up a load of "truck" to take over to the new place. "Truck" was a word for miscellaneous stuff that today we might need a truck to haul? Leman drove the horse and sleigh with the "truck", and Bert walked over leading two of their horses - Kit and Stub. At night Bert and his father went to visit Herman, and Leman and Olivia went over to the McConnels to "eat sugar". This time of the year is Maple sugaring time, so a gathering to enjoy the results would be in order!

On Wednesday, they did the chores of course, and then loaded up two loads of "truck" which John and Leman drove over to the new place (by horse and sleigh of course). Winnie Fisher and Bert drove the cattle over to the new place - sort of a mini cattle drive, and Herman drove the flock of sheep. The animals would have been sort of the last thing to move to the new farm. Keeping two places going must have been quite a task?

Saturday, December 11, 2010

March 25 thru 26, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest. If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.

A couple of pretty quiet days. Still cold and windy. Bert goes over to Russel Dye's (brother of my great grandmother on my father's side of the family) He spends the day and stays for dinner and then comes home.

The next day is a bit warmer. Bert does chores on the farm as usual, and Winnie Fisher takes a load of furniture over to John's new farm.

Friday, December 10, 2010

March 23 thru 24, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest. If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.

My first new posting in a long time. My apologies. Life just seems to move on and things recede further into the undone pile. I hope I can keep up with making regular entries?

I love Bert's cool turn of phrase ability. This one - "the wind blew holy Moses". He makes the usual entry about chores, and the big move goes on. He and brother Leman continue moving things from the old place to John's (Bert's father) new farm. Given the use of horse and sleigh, and bitter cold weather, it takes a while!

Saturday comes up at 6 below zero, but evidently not so windy? More chores of course, and two loads of wood (probably firewood) taken to the new farm. He and Leman get back home around 4 o'clock, and have to make their own dinner.

Bert comments in a separate entry that "five years ago tonight I left home for my self" Bert often comments about some of the loneliness of his life. It appears that his father pretty much told him it was time to go when he was old enough and he could no longer live at home. There is lots of daily family contact, but Bert lives on his own, and seems quite conscious of his "separateness"

Saturday, May 8, 2010

March 21 thru 22, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest. If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Wednesday, March 21, 1894 --- It rained and thundered and lightened and they finished drawing hay bales to Prattsburgh.

Thursday, March 22, 1894 --- More rain, and John Babcock went to Penn Yan to see L. Corey. (not sure who this is - related to Charles Corey whom I bought the farm from.) Bert and Leman moved some more stuff to the new farm in the rain.

March 19 thru 20, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest. If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Monday, March 19, 1894 --- "Mud, mud, mud, mud, warm and muddy" Leman and Bert did the chores, and then loaded up two loads of hay to take to Prattsburgh - probably for John? Leman got "hung up in the mud three times" but Bert managed to not get stuck. It took 4 hours to get to Prattsburgh because of the mud. They got home around 4 PM, and had dinner. After dinner they loaded up two more loads of hay to take to Prattsburgh the next day. Bert then took Herman's mail over to his place.

Tuesday, March 20, 1894 --- They did the chores for John, and then they took more hay to Prattsburgh. They each took 12 bales in the morning and 12 more in the afternoon. Still lots of mud, but it seems to have gone better?



Sunday, April 4, 2010

March 17 thru 18, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Saturday, March 17, 1894 --- Bert saw the first woodchuck of the spring today.  Bert helped do the chores, and then Leman and Bert took two more loads of hay to Prattsburgh.  Bert bought a "spongue" to wash his buggy with.
Sunday, March 18, 1894 --- Bert saw two butterflies and another woodchuck today.  Bert seems to notice wildlife.  Bert went up to Russell Dye's place and got two dollars and 25 cents.   Then Bert went up to Eugene's for a while to visit, and then went over to Herman's and paid Glenn his interest (on a loan?) of 30 cents.  Bert then went over to J.G.McConnell's sap bush (maple syrup making)  Bert stayed with Mr. Borden for a while and then came home (to John Babcock's?)   "I am twenty seven today and I have had to find my owne (sic) home for the past six years"  (Don's note --- I've been wondering where Bert actually lived.  He seems to stay at a number of places but does not seem to have a definite home?? - He stays overnight sometimes with his father - John Babcock, but also stays at his brother Herman's place, and often with Russell Dye or with Milo Dye.)

March 15 thru 16, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Thursday, March 15, 1894 ---  They drew 8 loads of hay - probably drawing hay from stacks out in the fields into the barn on the new place?  They did not get home until 10PM!
Friday, March 16, 1894 ---  "The wind is in the south, and it blew right stout".   Bert helped John load some hay and he drove it to Prattsburgh.  Leman went down to "debs" (?) to get the horses shod, but he was not home.  Leman came back and they loaded up another load of hay and took it to Prattsburgh.  Bert cleaned snow off another hay stack, and then stayed in the house a while before doing the evening chores.  Leman drew some hay to feed the horses.

Monday, March 15, 2010

March 13 thru 14, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Tuesday, March 13, 1894 --- Bert took a load of potatoes over the the new farm for John after doing the chores.  Leman took a load of sleighs over to the new place.  Leman went down to Charley Corey's place and spent the night.  Bert "fed his face" and then went to  visit J. G. McConnell.  He went home with Herman and spent the night there.  

Wednesday, March 14, 1894 ---  Herman and Winnie Fisher, and Bert went over to Jerusalem, to get some hay for John.  Bert got 5 loads, and Herman and Winnie got 4 loads.  They all then went to Charley Corey's for the night.  (They worked hard!  Jerusalem is over near Keuka Lake - This is about a 15 mile trip - 5 loads = close to 150 miles?)

Thursday, March 11, 2010

March 11 thru 12, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Sunday, March 11, 1894 -- Bert declares it a nice day after starting out cloudy.  Bert helped do the chores at John Babcock's, and then went over to Russell Dye's to shave and change his shirt and drawers.  He then went up to E. Hayner's for dinner, and then he went over to Herman's.  Bert then "came down home" - still not sure if this is John Babcock's, or Russell Dye's??
Monday, March 12, 1894 --- A nice day again.  Bert does the chores, and then Leman and Bert put up two more loads of oats and took them over to the new place. 

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

March 9 thru 10, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Friday. March 9, 1894 ---  Leman and Bert do the chores at John Babcock's this morning and they then put up two loads of oats to take over to the new farm.  A little rain today.  Bert notes seeing the first robin and chipmunk of the spring season!  
Saturday, March 10, 1894 --- A cold morning, but another full day of spring thaw.  Herman took a load of potatoes over to the new farm, and Bert and Leman each took another load of oats.  "the mud began to dry up today".  I'm not sure what the cross drawing is about, or even if it is intended as a cross? 

Sunday, March 7, 2010

March 7 thru 8, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Wednesday, March 7, 1894 --- Bert, along with John and Leman, cleaned the hog pen.  Then Leman went over to Charles Corey's to see him about drawing hay and to see how the roads are. (Spring time and all the thawing means muddy roads) Pa and Bert go to Naples to do some trading.  Bert got a pair of pants, and a pair of mittons (sic).  "it thawed all day"
Thursday, March 8, 1894 --- Below freezing in the morning, but it thawed all day.  Bert saw the first bluebird of the season.  Bert did the morning chores at Russell's, and then Leman and Bert went over to John Babcock's new place with 2 loads of oats.  They ate a can of beef.... probably home canned. 

March 5 thru 6, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Monday. March 5, 1894 ---  a little cloudy with some rain.  Bert does the morning chores at Russells, and went over to brother Herman's place.  Then they went "down home" to see them press hay.  Bert "fed 10 bales" and then went over to Russell Dye's and then went back to Herman's for the night.  Russell Dye has returned from his trip. (not sure what type of hay press this might have been, but the first patent for a hay press was in 1880, so this is a real innovation for the time)

Tuesday March 6, 1894 --- Bert got up at 7AM at Herman's and had breakfast, and sat around awhile.  He then went over to Russell Dye's and had dinner, and helped "Zette.  He then went back to Herman's place and got  pa's lantern and then came down home to stay a while.  (sort of a "lazy" day --- I'm still not at all sure where Bert  home is? - probably not Herman's or Milo Dye's, but whether he considers Russell Dye's place, or his father's place home, I have no idea?)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

March 3 thru 4, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Saturday, March 3, 1894 --- Below freezing overnight, but "the sun came up bright and warm and it thawed all day." Bert stayed overnight at Milo Dye's, and went up the hill to Russell Dye's place to do the chores.  He then hitched up, and went back down to Milo Dye's and loaded up Mr. Dye's sow (female pig) and took the sow to F. L. Tyler's (not sure of initials?) to "git some pigs planted" ( I assume this refers to having the sow bred with Mr. Tyler's boar - babies on the way!)  Bert ate his dinner at Milo Dye's and then went up the hill to do the chores.  He then came back to Milo Dye's for the night.  "Freezing a little tonight" (Don's note - perfect weather for the flowing of Maple sap - spring is on the way!)  Bert finishes the day with a crude sketch of a couple of pigs!


Sunday, March 4, 1894 ---  Bert does the morning chores at Russell Dye's, and then hitched up and went down home and got some of his clothes.  He stopped by brother Herman's on the way back to Russell Dye's.  He "built up a fire and cooked 9 eggs and baked some pancakes for dinner".  He then went up to E. Hayner's for a while before doing the chores.  Bert spent the night at Milo Dye's.  He comments that it thawed all day - more Maple Syrup weather.

Monday, March 1, 2010

March 1 thru 2, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Thursday, March 1, 1894 ---  it thawed all last night and the sun came up bright this morning and it thawed like fun all day.  Bert got up at 5AM, and went up the hill and "done my chores".  ( Not sure which place these chores were at? Probably Russell Dye's)  He then went over to Atlanta and got 5 barrels of salt for Russell Dye.  (8 years ago, Henry C. Olney was referring to modern day Atlanta as "Bloods".  Bert now calls it Atlanta?)   Bert dropped off two barrels of the salt at S. C. Avery's, and took the other three on to Russell Dye's place.  He then went back and got the two barrels and brought them on the rest of the way.  (No idea why --- possibly the five barrels were too heavy for a hill?)  He then did the chores - evidently at Russell Dye's?, and then went to spend the night at Milo Dye's place.  "and it thaws yet" 

Friday, March 2, 1894 ---  the sun came up bright, but it clouded up and snowed a little.  It thawed all day.  Bert trimmed some chestnut logs and hauled a load of wood for Milo Dye.  Bert then went "up on the hill" and did the chores, and then returned to Milo Dye's for the night.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

February 27 thru 28, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Tuesday, February 27, 1894 --- Warm enough to thaw today.  Bert does the chores - probably at Russell Dye's? - and then goes to Alvie Fisher's place. (Probably Alva Fisher?)  He goes to see Winnie Fisher and Herman Babcock draw logs. (Winnie Fisher is Alva Fisher's younger brother - Winnie appears to be his actual name - the name appears in the 1900 census records.  Winnie is 23 years old in 1894)  Bert and Winnie take two loads of logs to the mill.  Winnie and Bert then went "home" to do the chores, and then they went over to Herman's for the night. 

Wednesday, February 28, 1894 --- "a nice pleasant day the sun shone bright and it thawed lather to shave"  Then Bert went to Prattsburgh and got the rest of his buggy he bought recently, and also purchased 20 yards of cloth to cover it with, and two cups to "clean teeth in" -- one for himself and one for Zette.  The cups cost 30 cents each.  He then did the chores.  Based on his financial records in the back of the diary, it appears he is making $5.00 per month working for Russell Dye?

Thursday, February 25, 2010

February 25 thru 26, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Sunday, February 25, 1894 ---  "cold enough to shave a hog this morning and the wind is in the south and the snow was flying to beat grant" (the reference to shaving a hog might have come from the fact that cold weather was necessary for butchering pigs in those days to quickly cool the meat.  Shaving the hog was part of the process.  The meat would cook better with the skin on, but the hair burning would ruin the flavor!)  (The reference to "flying to beat Grant" may have been a reference to the campaign slogan from the 1872 presidential election between Horace Greeley and Ulysses S. Grant ---- "Anything to beat Grant")

Bert does not mention a specific temperature today.  Bert did the chores at Russell Dye's that morning.   After breakfast Bert and Herman went over to Mr. Hiler's.  They came home and got dinner.  Bert then went back to Russell's to do the evening chores.  He then went back to Herman's for the night.  (This is as good a place as any to say I don't really understand exactly what Bert's life is all about at this point.  He travels back and forth between John Babcock's - his father-, Herman Babcock's - his brother, and Russell Dye's whom he seems to work for?  He has also visited and stayed overnight at Milo Dye's - Russell's father.  I don't know if Leman has his own place, or if he lives all the time with his father John.  Bert keeps at least some of his clothes at Russell Dye's place, and take his meals wherever he happens to be?)

Monday, February 26, 1894 ---  Bert does the chores at Russell Dye's, and then goes over to William (?) Hiler's place and picks up Alida Hiler who is going to work for Herman for a week.  (according to 1880 census records, Alida is 26 years old in 1894.  Bert then goes back to Russell Dye's and hitches up a bob sleigh to haul two loads of firewood to Milo B. Dye.  He then takes the sleigh back to Russell Dye's, does the chores, and then returns to Milo Dye's to spend the night.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

February 23 thru 24, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Friday, February 23, 1894 --- Bert does Russell Dye's chores, and then goes up to E. Hayner's place and gets his sleigh(s), and then goes and gets Russell Dye's rye grain.  He then does Russell Dye's evening chores, and spends the night at Milo Dye's place.  

Saturday, February 24, 1894 --- 10 below zero this morning.  Bert does Russell's morning chores.  He then "sorted out" 9 sheep and took them over to Milo Dye's place.  He then went over to Herman's place and got his cutter and went back to Russell's place and did the chores.  He says "i staid alone tonight'.  Not sure what that means.  Perhaps Russell is still away on his trip to Alta??  Bert notes that it is 15 below zero that night! 

Sunday, February 21, 2010

February 21 thru 22, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Wednesday, February 21, 1894 --- Chores as usual and then they put up 40 bushels of rye, loaded it and some other things on two sleighs, and took it over to the new place.  Bert spent the night at Russell Dye's.  

Thursday, February 22, 1894 --- Bert helps Russell with his chores, and then Russell started for "alta".  (I can't figure out where or who "alta" is??)  Bert goes to S. C. Averys.  Bert mentions helping John divide the rye?  (Bert usually refers to his father as "pa" though his given name in John?)  Bert helps with the evening chores, and then goes to spend the night at Milo Dye's place.

Friday, February 19, 2010

February 19 thru 20, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Monday, February 19, 1894 ---  They do the morning chores, and then Bert, Leman, and John shovel out the road.  At about 10AM, they go to work cleaning oats, and do about three hundred and one bushels!  Probably again a case of not wanting to move the oats and the chaff to the new farm?

Tuesday, February 20, 1894 --- They do the chores, eat, and then move two loads of tools and grain to the new farm.  They get back home around 7PM.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

February 17 thru 18, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Saturday, February 17, 1894 --- They do the morning chores as always, and then sit in the house till noon chore time -- Bert puts a lining in a pair of mittens.  Afternoon, Bert, Leman, and John all go to shovel out the road down to McConnells.  Then Bert "started out on a tramp up to Russell Dye's place".  He then goes on to M.B.Dye's place ( Milo)  Milo Dye is Russell Dye's Father.  Russell is 39, Milo is 71.  Bert is 27.

Sunday, February 18, 1894 --- A warmer day with some thawing.  Bert goes back to Russell Dye's place for dinner.  He helps Russell hitch up to "break road", and catches a ride as far as the school house?  (Possibly the Terney school house mentioned in Henry C. Olney's diary from 1886?)  Bert heads back home and he and Leman do the chores, and then go down to church in the evening.

Monday, February 15, 2010

February 15 thru 16, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Thursday, February 15, 1894 ---  They did the morning chores as usual, and put up a grist of feed to be ground in Naples for the cattle.  Grist is grain that has been cleaned - chaff removed - in preparation for milling.  Leman goes to Naples to the mill.  Bert and John (pa) load up some lumber to be moved to the new farm.  "a nice morning but it turned and snowed like fun and the wind blew and the snow flew and filled the roads full of snow and tonight it is sixteen above zero"

Friday. February 16, 1894 --- Leman and Bert do the chores, but with the weather so bad, they sit in the house all day and "patched our felt boots" and Bert "fixed a pair of mittens".  "we sit in the house and watched the snow fly" till time for evening chores.  "mercury stood at two above zero to night"

Saturday, February 13, 2010

February 13 thru 14, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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 Tuesday, February 13, 1894 --- "twelve above zero and it snowed rip at a shave". Leman and Bert did the morning chores, and then Bert went up to his brother Herman's place.  The snow was knee deep. Herman and Winnie hitched up the horses, and the three of them went to Prattsburgh to a town meeting.  Bert bought himself a new "top" buggy, and Herman evidently drove it home, or perhaps hitched it up to the back of their rig on the way home?  Bert stayed overnight at Herman's.  Winnie (Fisher) is Herman's brother-in-law - brother of his wife Anna.  
A top buggy - not sure if Bert's was this fancy, but lots of buggies, wagons, sleighs, etc were made in the upstate NY area.  "The 1890s produced some of the most elegant vehicles ever seen on local roads. This beautiful top buggy was made in Penn Yan and advertised for sale locally and regionally. The Whitfield factory where it was manufactured is still standing on East Elm Street in Penn Yan.  Not everyone could afford a vehicle as sophisticated as this one, and of course its cargo space was limited. Literally dozens of specialized carriages, buggies and wagons were turned out in local factories. A thriving forging business grew up in the village of Dundee to make parts for the several carriage factories there. At least two of the water-powered mills on the Keuka Lake Outlet produced some of the millions of spokes needed for all these wooden wheels, in fact eventually all the parts were made in one of these mills, all except for the iron tires."

Bert then makes an entry in some sort of code?  eht teon si end eht tsrif fo naj 5981   I'm thinking this is a simple "spell it backwards" code perhaps with some errors?  (the note is end the first of jan 1895)  Any input on this will be appreciated.  Bert will be doing a number of codes as the year goes along, including letter and number codes.

Wednesday, February 14, 1894 --- Bert and Leman loaded up some of the farm implements on Leman's sleigh - a drill and a roller.  They load two flat plows, and the two drags and some smaller items on Bert's sleigh, and then take them over to John Babcock's new place he bought from Charley Corey.  "a nice bright warm day"

Thursday, February 11, 2010

February 11 thru 12, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Sunday, February 11, 1894 --- Bert went to church with Russell Dye and and Zette. Not sure who Zette is.. Russell's wife's name is Ida.  This is the first mention of church besides the two funerals.  Maybe Bert is a church going guy after all?  He returns home with Russell and Zette, and has dinner.  He then goes over to brother Herman's house and gets his "old fine boots", and his over shoes, and then goes back home.  
Monday, February 12, 1894 --- Twelve above above zero - "cold but a nice morning".  John Babcock begins moving to the new farm he has purchased from Charley Corey back in mid January.  Don's note: Maybe the move prompted all the potatoes they have sorted and delivered the past few days ..... easier to sort and sell than sort and move them.  Bert and Leman each took a load of tools over to the new place.  Bert comments that "the cold got right in and forced us to walk".  (Dad says that when it gets very cold, it is just too uncomfortable to sit in the sleigh and ride.  Walking along side generates some heat from the exercise!)  It stayed about twelve above zero all day till evening, and snowed about 8".

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

February 9 thru 10, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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 Friday, February 9, 1894 --- "just freezing this morning and it froze and thawed and hailed and snowed and rained and was clear part of the time"  but Bert and Leman went to Prattsburgh with potatoes "just the same".  In the afternoon, Leman took the last load of potatoes, and "pa and I finished picking over the potatoes".


Saturday, February 10. 1894 --- Bert and Leman did the morning chores and the three of them then picked over potatoes till noon. (Bert must have been optimistic yesterday when he mention finishing picking over the potatoes!)  Pa (John) and Leman went to Italy to "caucus".  ( I presume some sort of local political meeting?)  Bert stayed home and picked over more potatoes till evening chore time and then did the chores.  He went up to Russel Dye's to stay all night.
"I got two dollars and fifty cents"  --- written upside down and at a 45 degree angle!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

February 7 thru 8, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Wednesday, February 7, 1894 ---  Another nice pleasant day, with some thawing.  Leman and Bert each took a load of potatoes to Worth and Flaherty in Prattsburgh in the forenoon.  In the afternoon, all three of them sorted potatoes.  (I'd love to know what percent of them make the grade?  It is probably about 4 months since harvest, with storage just a cellar under the house or barn?)

Thursday, February 8, 1894 --- Bert again declares it a nice pleasant day.  "the sun shone real warm and thawed like fun and it spoiled the road".  Despite the muddy road, Bert and Leman took two loads of potatoes to Prattsburgh in the forenoon, and "got along nicely", but in the afternoon, conditions had gotten muddy, and Leman "got hung on the point of a little pitch".  Bert went to pull him out, but broke a runner on the sleigh in the process.  Leman went back to "billeys" (sic) and got another one to repair the sleigh.  In the evening they went on sorting potatoes by lantern light.

Friday, February 5, 2010

February 5 thru 6, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Monday, February 5, 1894 --- "just zero this morning the first zero morning this winter"  Pa went to Naples to settle with Boon and Hemmingway.  No idea who that is?  Bert and Leman picked over potatoes.  In the afternoon, John (pa) went to Prattsburgh and sold four loads of potatoes to Wurth and Flahariety (sic).  Bert went down to Italy to pay D.R Preston for John - no idea who this is or what this is for. Mr. Preston was not at home (no way to call ahead in those days)  Leman did the evening chores.  Temp up to twelve!

Tuesday, February 6, 1894 --- Bert declares it a "nice and pleasant day"  Bert took two loads of potatoes to Wurth and Flahariety (sic) in Prattsburgh.  Leman and John sorted potatoes for tomorrow's delivery of the rest of the four loads. 

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

February 3 thru 4, 1894

 
I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Saturday, February 3, 1894 ---  Just freezing this morning - 32 degrees - Leman and Bert went to Naples with two more loads of potatoes - probably by sleigh - Leman with a load of 21 sacks of potatoes, and Bert with a load of 20 sacks.  They got back home around 3PM, and "fed our faces".  They then sorted more potatoes till chore time.  After doing the chores, they ate supper, and then sorted potatoes down in the cellar until 9PM.... undoubtedly by kerosene lantern light.  While in Naples, Bert stopped - probably at Suttons - and bought a bar and a snap for his pocket watch chain.  Cost 20 cents.  Bert then closes with "I guess thats that"

Sunday, February 4, 1894 ---  Bert and Leman do the morning chores and then they get Leman's cutter, and headed to Ingleside for Leman to see the Doctor.  On the way they have an accident and tip over, breaking something on the cutter.  Dad says that a cutter would be a smaller lighter sleigh designed to carry people.  A sleigh would be heavier to carry goods also, and a bob sleigh is one that has separate front and rear runners with the front ones on a pivot for better steering.   Bert goes over to Russel Dye's place for dinner, and then comes back home around 4PM to help with the chores.  He comments that "it is getting colder and colder".

Monday, February 1, 2010

February 1 thru 2, 1894

I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Thursday, February 1, 1894 --- Leman and Bert did the morning chores, and John and son Herman went to Ingleside to "see about burrying (sic) grandmother."  Then John and Herman went to Prattsburgh.  Bert went to Italy to pay the taxes on the farm.  Winney went with him - (Winney (sp?) is Whinney Fisher - brother of Herman's wife Anna.)   Then Bert went up to Russell Dyes to get his clothes.
Friday, February 2, 1894 ---  Six above zero this morning.  After doing the chores, they all went to Ingleside for his grandmother's funeral.  The sermon was preached by O.P.Potter of Marion, NY.  Don's Note : Rev. Potter was Secretary of the Tioga River Conference of Christian Churches of which the Ingleside Christian Church was a member.  He was also President of the Central New York Conference.  He is referred to as a Bishop in an article about a sermon he preached in New York City in November of 1900. Click here to see the New York Times article - a good summary of his religious views of the world.  He condemned the corruption of life in New York City, and the lack of police action on the matter.

"The old bear saw his shadow" - Don's note.... I found a very few other references to this phrase - evidently a New York State version of the groundhog story and 6 more weeks of winter?  The 2nd of February (Candlemas day) is half way between the winter and spring solstices. 

Saturday, January 30, 2010

January 30 thru 31, 1894


I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Tuesday, January 30, 1894 --- Eight below freezing and Leman and Bert do the chores as always.  Bert, Leman, and John "pick over" potatoes till noon.  note - sorting potatoes is a constant process in the winter months as some start to rot and like the "one rotten apple" line, bad potatoes are a big problem.  They then hitched up the colts to the bob sleigh for training.  Then then "roasted our shins till chore time".  They then did the evening chores.  "The wind howled and the snow flew all day"  I'm not sure how many colts they have, though possibly at least 3 since they removed 6 wolf teeth earlier.  Their bob sleigh may be a fairly large one.


Wednesday, January 31, 1894 ---  They do the morning chores, and then have to shovel out the road for the first time this winter.  Leman and Bert then went to Naples with two loads of the potatoes they sorted yesterday.  "Grandmother died tonight"  Bert has lost his mother and his grandmother this month!  John has lost his wife and his mother!  At this point I don't know her name?

Thursday, January 28, 2010

January 28 thru 29, 1894


I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest.  If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.
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Sunday, January 28, 1894 --  frost in the air this morning and it was twelve above zero  Leman and Bert do the morning chores as always, and then Bert went up to Herman's.  He then went over to Russell Dye's and changed his "under cloths".    He then went back to Herman's for dinner, and then back to Russell Dye's and got a sack of chestnuts.  He then returned home for the night.


Monday, January 29, 1894 ---  Another cold morning and another day of chores.  Pa went to Naples with a load of potatoes.  Leman and Bert drew three loads of straw.... not sure from where to where?  It was a snowy afternoon, so the time got spent sorting potatoes.  John Babcock went to Naples with another load of potatoes.  They then did the evening chores.  And, in another example of Bert's style of writing "outside the lines", Bert notes "and today I let my watch run down".  If you recall, he carefully set his watch at Suttons a couple of days ago.  Sutton's was a jeweler at the time, and probably sold clocks and watches.  Don's note:  Back in the 1950's, I bought a pocket watch at Suttons with 50 cents that I earned cutting bull thistles from the pasture on my Grandfather Olney's farm about 2 miles from where the events of this diary happen.  Suttons is still in business in Naples, NY today.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

January 26 thru 27, 1894



I will not be transcribing each entry since most of Bert's diary is pretty clear. You can read the original more easily by clicking on the image above to view a larger version. I will be including this paragraph, or something similar in each entry so that new readers will know they can click the image to enlarge it for easier reading. Also, there will be some links to the right of the page with relevant information that may be of interest. If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. My notes will include the basics of what Bert talks about each day, along with my own personal thoughts, research, information gleaned from past or future entries, etc. If you have information or suggestions that may help my research, please e-mail me.

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Friday, January 26, 1894 --- Cold, Cold this morning. Pa went to Naples and got one team shod, and sold some potatoes. Leman went to Italy and got the other team shod. Bert stayed in the house, and worked on the spring seat, He also made a replacement slat for a bed stid (sic). (bedstead)   Bert also helped with the chores as usual.


Saturday, January 27, 1894 --- Bert and Leman did the chores, and each took a load of potatoes to Naples. For some reason they did not have any dinner. They loaded potatoes to take to Naples tomorrow. While in Naples today, Bert set his watch by the time at Suttons.