June 7th, 1894 thru June 8th, 1894

If you follow Bert's diary regularly, you can skip this paragraph. 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. 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 ..... especially with input on Bert's coded entries?

Thursday, June 7th, 1894 - Bert, Russell Dye, and G. Spers (?) go over to Mr. Avery's to plant potatoes.  Bert dragged the field - final tilling stage, and Russell marked the field in one direction and Bert marked it in the other direction.  "Marking"  is done with a horse drawn implement with vertical parts that make grooves in the soil.  Marking in both directions leaves a grid that locates the places to plant potatoes the proper distance apart, and in even rows that will allow cultivating the weeds later. They then drop small cut russet potato pieces that will grow into plants. Bert mentions "mudding in" the potatoes - a term used when planting in muddy soil instead of the preferred drier softer soil.  That fits with the fact that he mentions it is a rainy day.

Friday, June 8th, 1894 - A nice day today, and Bert and Russell go over to Milo Dye's place to plow and drag another field for planting.  Milo is Russell's father.  It rains in the evening.