A very unpleasant wind blows......March 25

Wednesday March 25 1914

"A bright morning but soon clouded over, and a very unpleasant wind blowes from South East. I think Harry seems a little better. I feel a little tired and sleepy tonight, have some cold. Sewing and reading after my work done this morning. "The Pagent of the History of Chester County" is given in the Opera House in West Chester last evening and this evening for benefit of Chester County Hospital. We could not attend, had we been well, as the Trolley leaves at Ten O'clock and the exhibition would not be over."

Some background on the former Opera House.

Chester County Hospital

Cases of Small Pox near Kennett Square.....March 24

Tuesday March 24 1914

"Clear, cool, not much better traveling. Harry does not seem any better tonight, but has been at work all day. I was in West Chester for an hour this afternoon, bought a Corsett for Margaret. Changed stockings I bought on Saturday for smaller ones. Margaret Ironed. George Cox moved from the farm he sold to Marlboro Villiage today. I hear there is some cases of Small Pox near Kennett Square. I am feeling much better."


Longline corsets popular in 1910 - 1914

The horrors of Smallpox

All were well....March 23

Monday March 23 1914

"Clear cold morning. Margaret got the clothes dried. Harry has a very bad cold, sore throat. Got medacine for it last night so hope he will be better soon; has done the work but realy was not in condition to do it. Has gone to West Chester tonight and has taken 1 1/2 Doz Duck Eggs to a man at Lenape. I received a letter from brother Sam. All were well."

Possibly what some of her ducks looked like.

I am not out of medacine......March 22

Sunday March 22 1914

"Snowing fast untill Eleven O'clock; almost gone tonight. Harry went for the papers this morning, a quiet Sunday. We passed the day reading and sleeping. Harry has quite a heavy cold, gone to Unionville this evening to get medacine, and report to Klevan my condition. I am not out of medacine."

Almost afraid to start......March 21

Saturday March 21 1914

"Quite cold this morning, but almost clear. Margaret baked. I went to West Chester 2:20, got home 4:30, was almost afraid to start. I felt so miserable after my last trip there. But today I was not tired, or nervous. I am so very glad I am stronger. I received letter from Bella; bought several articles I needed, met some aquaintances. Harry gone to W. Chester tonight."

 

I thought they would be concerned about me.....March 20

Friday March 20 1914

"Cold, snowing all morning. Clear this evening. I sent 17 lb Butter, 1 Doz Eggs, 3 1/2 Doz Duck Eggs to Osbornes. Harry went to Kennett Square to the Bank this morning. I sent Card to Bella telling them I feel better. I thought they would be concerned about me, knowing I have been unwell a few week. [sic]  Harry gone to West Chester tonight, has been quite a cold day for the 20th of March. Freezing all day."

1914 ad for the National Bank, Kennett Square, PA.

Joseph James was buried today....March 19

Thursday March 19 1914

"Cold, overcast, ground frozen this morning. We churned 17 lb Butter. Harry busy with the Seperator and his other work. Joseph James buried today, former warden of Chester County Jail. Not much to record. I am feeling better, made the butter today and was not too tired, but did not feel so well at this time last week when I went to West Chester in the evening but came home completely upset, and have been weak and nervous ever since. Untill the last few days.  Harry gone to West Chester tonight. I hear a Automobile, on the lower road tonight, first to pass for several weeks."

Women with a milk and cream separator


A photo set of cars from 1910 - 1914


   http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his480/reports/prison.htm

Life inside the prison, as well as its history, proved an interesting exercise. Built in 1838 at the corner of Market and New Streets in West Chester, it remained in operation until a new prison was built in 1959 (Daily Local News May 05, 1955). It was designed to hold approximately 100 inmates after which it was deemed `crowded (Daily Local News November 14, 1958). In 1900, the facility was basically a family run institution. The prison officials were political appointees, and at the turn of the century the staff consisted of Warden Joseph James, Matron Mrs. Joseph James, the warden's wife, and Prison Clerk Miss Mabel H. James, the warden's daughter. Also on the staff were `keepers (presumably guards), a prison physician Dr. Joseph Scattergood and the county solicitor Thomas Baldwin (Daily Local News January 04, 1900). The prison housed a carpet making facility for which inmates, deemed able to work, were required to produce a minimum quota of five pounds of carpet rags a day. Those prisoners who exceeded this quota were paid a 2 cents per pound bonus (Daily Local News July 25, 1900). Spring was the busiest time of the year for the mill, presumably due to `spring cleaning and the need to replace musty carpets at this time (Daily Local News March 22, 1898). In addition to the carpet making facility, the prison also housed broom making and weaving departments as well (Daily Local News January 17, 1895)

Ran the sewing machine awhile.....March 18

Wednesday March 18 1914

"Raining and snowing this morning; continued untill near noon, when wind commenced blowing from North West. Tonight much colder, and very high wind, but probably clearing. I have felt a little better, and ran the sewing machine awhile but it made my legs ache, and now I presume it will be too cold in sewing room tomorrow for me to opperate [sic]. Not much doing today. Of course, Harry is busy as usual at Mill, and Barn, has gone to West Chester tonight."
Some examples of Singer sewing machines from 1910.

I have felt very unwell for a month...March 17

Tuesday March 17 1914

"Raining when we arose this morning, Saint Patricks day, but soon cleared, and we had a nice day. To night overcast. Martha Tussey had a sale Personal Property, at Marlboro Villiage [sic]. We see many teams passing, quite a lot of Antique things to be sold. I sent letters to Anna Michener and Bella Sellers. Harry gone to West Chester tonight.  I feel a little better. Hope medacine [sic] will do me some good. I have felt very unwell for a month."







Here are some furniture styles from the late 1600s to about 1850.  Perhaps the antiques our Lady was referring to?
http://www.nga.gov/collection/gallery/iadfurn/iadfurn-main1.html

As I was retiring...March 16

Monday March 16 1914

Clear untill evening, overcast. Margaret got the clothes dried. I feel very tired tonight. But not quite so nervous. Harry gone to West Chester tonight. Just as I was retiring, Mr. Wm Clark called to see Harry, but did not wait for him. He came home at Ten Thirty.

Pocopson Creek full....March 15

Sunday March 15 1914

Clear, pleasant, snow going fast. Pocopson Creek full. Harry went for the papers this morning, stopped off at Junction, called on Dr Klevan; left word for him to call. Chandler Fell (?) got the papers for him in Kennett. Doctor called, left me medacine. I am so very unwell. Says I will be better soon; will not call again unless I send for him, but wishes to hear from me in about a week. Margaret came home this evening. I feel better since taking the medacine.

Pocopson Creek, PA.

Pocopson pasture..

I am alone....March 14

Saturday March 14 1914

Clear cold morning a nice winter day. I baked pies. Do not feel very comfortable, but slept better last night. Albert Huey opened the road, front of our house, today. Margaret went away afternoon, expects to be home tomorrow evening. Harry gone to West Chester tonight. I am alone.

An example of a street plow, 1914.  Sorry it's so small.

A nice, bright morning...March 13

Clear, a nice bright morning. I sent 16 lb Butter 2 Doz Duck Eggs to Osbornes. Do not feel very well. Trip to West Chester last evening was rather to much for me, did not sleep any after one O'clock, so feel very nervous this morning. Send a letter to brother Sam. Harry gone to W Chester for Groceries.

The inside of a 1914 grocery store.

No idea I was so weak...March 12

Thursday March 12 1914

Clear, cold. We churned 17 lb Butter. I feel a little better to day. Not much doing. Harry and I went to West Chester this evening. Got home at Nine Thirty. I am very tired and nervous. Had no idea I was so weak. Much better stayed home.

A very neat question.  "Name something that was around in 1914 that isn't around in 2014. Name something that wasn't around in 1914 and is in 2014".

Wednesday March 11 1914

Snowing untill four o'clock, but very fine. Not very much on the ground. Prevented my going to West Chester. I have felt nervous and short breathed all day. Harry busy in the Mill; gone to West Chester to night. George Cox held a Sale of personal property. He sold his farm some time ago.  I received lard from Bella.

A creditor's sale.   Not a personal sale, but it is a sale from 1914.

Homes you could order in 1914 from Sears.

tight and short breathed....March 10

Tuesday March 10 1914

Clear, cooler, very windy afternoon. Margaret Ironed. I intended going to West Chester, but did not feel quite equal to it, so postponed it. Perhaps I may go tomorrow if weather is favorable, and I feel all right. Harry got me medacine last night, but I feel too tight and short breathed. I have some cold. Harry been busy in Mill all day but has gone to West Chester to night.

Dr Browns cough medicine.

Cocaine Tooth Drops. Wow! That'll cure ya!

Aaannd Bayer made Heroin tablets.

I weighed 92 yesterday....March 9

Monday Mar 9 1914

Cloudy morning, snowed for an hour or two, cleared off, and we got the clothes dried. Harry busy in the Mill. I received letters from brother Sam, and Anna Michener. Harry gone to Unionville for medacine for me. Expects to go on to West Chester before coming home. I weighed 92 yesterday.

Possible hairstyle?


Street style fashion, June 1, 1914.  Though our Lady is elderly, and a farm wife, so I'm not sure she dressed quite this fashionable.

"Some of the season's best styles" 1914

There is a cloud to the North tonight....March 8

Sunday March 8, 1914

"Rather overcast, but a pleasant day. Snow going. Plenty of water at the Mill for the work. Harry went to Kennett this morning for the papers, has been running the Mill all day, work crowding him.  Margaret went to Church at Kennett Square this morning. I am out of medacine. There is a cloud to the North tonight, and I hear the wind whistling, so I think I will close the blinds. Perhaps we may have another Monday storm."

A little more water....March 7

Saturday March 7, 1914

"Clear, warmer, snow going. I baked pies & Cake. Harry busy in Mill. A little more water coming down. Not much doing today. I am out of medacine. I hope I can feel comfortable for a few days without any.  Harry gone to W. Chester to night."

Not only a 1914 cake recipe, but bonus March 1914 McCalls magazine cover!

Running behind time....March 6

Friday March 6, 1914

"Cloudy, snowing since noon. Margaret Baked. Bella came in about two o'clock; has started home at 7:20. Harry gone with her to West Chester and will get Groceries. Trolley running behind time. Will not be surprised if Trolley are put out of commission by morning. However, it is not windy, so the snow may not drift. I sent letter to Clara Kershaw & Sue Hicken.

Not much doing....March 5

Thursday March 5, 1914

Rather overcast, sun shone at times, warmer, snowing this evening. We churned 18 lb Butter, sent 17 to Osbornes. Not much doing. Snow melting some. I sent letter to Sara Speakman. Harry decides to stay home to night.


Sears & Roebuck catalog for butter churns.

No worse for the Ducking....March 4

Wednesday March 4, 1914


"Cloudy morning, cleared by noon. Margaret got the clothes dried. Harry run the Mill awhile, went up the Race to see about the water. Ice broke and he went under, came home wet through, but changed to dry raiment, and tonight seems no worse for the Ducking but tomorrow will tell.  He has gone to West Chester tonight. I received letter from Clara Kershaw. I do not feel quite so good to day, and tomorrow is Churning day. I hope I will feel more like work tomorrow.









Definition of a Mill Race.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mill_race

I baked a Cake, not very good.....March 3

Tuesday March 3, 1914


Cloudy morning. Clear tonight. Thawing today, roads not opened. First Trolley passed to Kennett at noon, are running now on time. Ida Osborne brought yesterdays Mail from Kennett today. Been one team at the Mill Harry run awhile this afternoon; gone to West Chester tonight. I sent a letter to Clara Ellis. I feel better to night. I baked a Cake, not very good.

The video is from New York, but you get the idea of a Trolley ride.

Snowing and blowing.....March 2

Monday March 2, 1914

Snowing and blowing all day. Roads drifted. Saw just one man on the road. Trolley not running, no Mail, no travel at all in sight. Not much work today. Mill cannot run, no water coming down. Has seemed much like Sunday. I have felt a little better to day.

From YouTube, a mill in action.


Apparently, this was a huge storm that affected the Mid-Atlantic region.

A Scranton, PA, front page news story on the blizzard.

The whole paper in PDF file form.

More information....

March comes in like a Lion...March 1 1914

Sunday March 1, 1914

Very cloudy morning, commenced snowing and blowing from the North about Three O'clock to night. Very stormy, snow melts soon as down, but it's getting colder. Certainly March comes in like a Lion, let us hope it goes out like a Lamb.
Harry went for the papers this morning, we passed the day reading and sleeping. I do not feel very well, nerves no better.

The meaning behind the phrase "In like a Lion, out like a Lamb".

I feel so useless....Feb 28

Saturday February 28, 1914

"Overcast. Thawed afternoon. I baked pies, have felt unwell all day. Don't know whats the matter with me. The medacine I am taking has not helped me very much, except my stomach, perhaps that is better. But I feel so useless, weak, nervous. Harry at West Chester afternoon for the Groceries, gone in again this evening. I hear Sue Larkin is in the Chester Coy {county?} Hospital; seriously ill after opperation for appendicitis."


The Chester County Hospital is still in existence. 


The history of appendicitis surgery.

Raising calves....Feb 27

Friday February 27, 1914

Clear, warmer, thawed all day. Harry busy in Mill. I sent 11 lb Butter, 1 Doz Eggs, 1 Doz Duck Eggs to Osbornes. Harry is raising two calves. Daisey's calf  we call Junior. Stars calf we will call Nellie. Harry gone to West Chester to night.


Raising Calves

Cosmopolitan Magazines....Feb 26

Thursday February 26,
1914

Clear, very cold morning. Our thermometer 3 below zero. We Churned 11 lb butter. I have felt rather better today.
Edd Harlan and his mother called. I selected the paper for our sitting room, but the work will not be done untill warmer weather. They brought us some Magazines. I loaned them two books, "The Calling of Dan Mathews" and "Mary Midthorn". They also got last years "Cosmopolitan Magazines".  Harry gone to Unionville this evening to get me more medacine. I feel rather better but still weak & nervous.


"The Calling of Dan Matthews"

"Mary Midthorne"

Yes, Cosmo magazine has been around longer than you think!

Weak in my limbs...........Feb 25

Wednesday February 25, 1914

Clear, cold, Thermometer 3 above this morning. Margaret Ironed. I feel very unwell, my nerves seem to be causing the trouble, but I feel weak in my limbs, and my heart to active. Very difficult to keep from shaking at times. Tomorrow morning we Churn. I wonder if I will be able to make the butter, I hope I can. Harry gone to West Chester tonight. I sent letter to brother Sam.

What a 1914 kitchen might look like.

Vintage butter churn, capable of several pounds of butter.

Tuesday February 24, 1914

Clear, cold, wind East. Thermometer 8 above Zero. Margaret got the clothes dried. I have felt a little better to day, but weak. Quite a deep snow on the ground, but very few traveling. Roads not broke yet. Been no teams past our house to day. Harry busy at Mill, and opening paths.  Gone to West Chester this evening.

A winter sleigh ride.

 

Fear I am taking the Grippe....Feb 23

Monday February 23, 1914

Snowing. I feel very unwell this morning. Fear I am takeing the Grippe. I am very nervous and feel so shaky. My heart also troubles me; think I must call on the Doctor again, should he pass to day. Snowing to night, so stormy. Harry remained home. Mr Supple called this evening; we all signed a Remonstrance against Licence.


The grippe, also known as the flu, influenza, and La Grippe.

Perhaps they did not want a tavern in their town?  This could be the "remonstrance of License" they spoke of.

So puffed up, so much gas....Feb 22

Sunday February 22, 1914

Overcast. Harry went to Kennett for the papers; they were not there. Then he took a later Car to West Chester. Several Sleighs out to day. I do not feel very well to night, so puffed up, so u much gass on my bowels. Ida and Eva Osborne here this evening. Eva borrowed "The Mistress of Shenstone".

"The Mistress of Shenstone" by Florence Barclay

I baked pies....Feb 21

Clear, not so cold. I baked pies. Harry at West Chester this afternoon. I called in the Doctor as he was passing; he left me some medacine, but I do not feel quite comfortable to night since supper.  I have some cold. It keeps me coughing a little more than I like. I hope the medacine will help me. Harry gone to West Chester this evening.  

Looking all day for the Doctor to pass....Feb 20

Friday February 20, 1914

Cold, cloudy, wind N.E. I sent 11 lb Butter, 2 1/2 Doz Eggs to Osbornes. Harry busy in Mill. I am not very well, and the day so uncomfortable. We did not attend the funeral of Ellis Speakman, buried to day at Marlboro. I have been looking all day, to see the Doctor pass, that I might call him in, and get some medacine. But he went to lower road. So I must wait another day, or send for him. I sent letter to Bella. Harry gone to West Chester to night.


http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=37044076 Ellis Speakman's grave.

Marlborough Friends Burial Ground, where Mr Speakman lies.   I guess he was a Quaker.

Tonight, the wind seems to be rising...Feb 19

Thursday February 19, 1914

Sleeting this morning. Got a little warmer. Sleet came off the trees, but continued to rain quietly all day. To night the wind seems to be rising, getting colder. We churned 11 lb of Butter. I felt quite unwell this morning; rather better to night. Had intended call in the Doctor, if I saw him passing to Locust Grove, but think he did not visit there today. I hear Emily Caldwell is sick. Harry gone to West Chester to night.


[I can't seem to locate a Locust Grove near her general vicinity.  There is a London Grove, and a West Grove, some distance from where I believe she lives, but no Locust Grove]

Wednesday February 18, 1914

Cloudy, warmer, wind East. Margaret baked and Ironed. Harry busy in Mill. I hear Caleb Harvey is sick, something like pleurasy. Dr Klevan attending him. Albert Huey and men opening the road past our house to day. Drifts were pretty high. I received letter from brother Sam. All were well. Harry at West Chester to night.


Caleb Harvey had pleurisy..

Vintage iron from 1912

Who next? I, perhaps.....Feb 17

Tuesday February 17, 1914

Clear, cold morning. Margaret got the clothes dried. Harry very busy in the Mill. I hear Ellis Speakman died at 8 O'clock last night. I also hear Martha Tussey is better. Several Sleighs out to day, but road in front of our house is drifted badly. I received letter from Bella Sellers. Harry goes to W Chester to night. My heart a little to active to night; stomach not acting right I presume, and a little upset hearing of Ell Speakmans death. Just three weeks tomorrow since Walt Martin was burried. He, Ell, Jim Bailey, and Harry have been very intimate, all near same age. It causes one to think: Who next? I, perhaps.


Ellis Speakman's grave.

Margaret did not wash....Feb 16

Monday February 16, 1914

Cold, snowing untill near noon, high wind, and drifting all day. Harry busy in the Mill. Margaret did not wash, to stormy. I received letter from Alice B. Michener. I do not feel quite well to night. I hear Ellis Speakman has had a stroke, also Martha Tussey = both of Marlboro village.

Someone sick in Locust Grove....Feb 15 1914

Sunday February 15, 1914

Clear, cold. Thermometer stood at Six above zero this morning. Harry went to Kennett this morning for the papers. Another quiet Sunday. Several young folks skating on our Dam. We passed the day reading and sleeping. Very few traveling; saw Doctor Klevan pass in Sleigh. Some one sick in Locust Grove I presume.


















   

A doctors sleigh....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wonderful-As-Found-Horse-Drawn-Doctor-Sleigh-Made-In-Cooperstown-New-York-/201036563144

Another one in much better shape.

Saturday February 14, 1914

Snowing and drifting this morning, very cold. Cleared away by noon, but still quite windy. Snow enough down for sleighing but I have not seen any Sleighs out.  Harry saw one.  Cars are still running.  Snow plow went out first this morning, but one Grist came in today.  Harry gone to West Chester to night.


A horse drawn sleigh.

An electric rail car with snow plow, that might say York on it.

Butter was 40 cents a lb....Feb 13

Friday February 13, 1914

Cold. Thermometer 6 above zero this morning, and has not gone many degrees higher to day. Commenced snowing about Four o'clock and continues to night. I sent 11 lb Butter 3 1/2 Doz Eggs, 2 Doz Duck Eggs, 9 1/4 lb Fowl to Osbornes. Harry very busy in the Mill. Margaret has a cold & presume the rest of us will follow suit, as it seems contageous. Butter was 40 cents a lb; Eggs 37 cents Doz last week.  Harry gone to West Chester to night for Groceries.


[As tempting as it is, I don't often correct her spelling, though I do add capitol letters and straighten her punctuation]

Thursday February 12, 1914

Clear and very cold.  We churned 12 lb butter, picked pair of Fowls for market. Harry busy in Mill. He and I went to West Chester this evening. I came home at 9:30; presume he will be in now very shortly unless he misses his Trolley.

They are beautiful and rich...Feb 11, 1914

Wednesday February 11, 1914

Clear, cold, high wind until evening. Harry & I called on Mr & Mrs Clarence Barton. Spent a very pleasant evening. I never met Mrs Barton untill last evening. They were married last fall, and on our first call, we are rather pleased with her.  They took us over their home, and showed us their bridal presents. They are beautiful and rich.


The social ettiquette of paying calls.

Skating and a new bull.

Tuesday February 10, 1914

Cloudy, looks like snow, cold. Harry busy in the Mill. Margaret Ironed. I finished makeing my Apron. Wrote to brother Sam. Harry went in to West Chester at four twenty. Skateing on our Dam; has not thawed to day.  A Bull came to day from Nort Johnson.


A handsome Dairy Bull:  http://www.cattleembryo.com/upload/eskdale-sal-pal-et.jpg

A vintage photo of a woman skating in the early 1900s.

A parade..

Monday February 9, 1914

Clear, cold, has not thawed to day I think. Margaret got the clothes dried. I baked Pies. Harry busy in the Mill. I sewing at a apron afternoon.  Harry gone to West Chester to night. I expect there will be a parade there, this evening, by the advocates of the No License Party. I do not go in the night is to cold for me to stand on the Street, and I have some cold now.

Sunday February 8, 1914

Clear, cold, high wind. Harry went to Kennett for the papers. No company today. Harry and I alone. Margaret came home at 3:30, we spent the day reading.

Saturday February 7, 1914

Raining this morning, but wind has got around to North West. Perhaps it may clear, and Margaret may have her day off.  I do not feel very well. My Ear hurts me, and I feel a little nervous, but will not ask Margaret to remain home. Perhaps I may feel better by noon. Harry at W Chester afternoon for Groceries. Margaret left here for West Chester at 1:20, expects to remain away untill tomorrow.

Friday February 6, 1914

Very cloudy morning. Had a light snow, raining this evening, a cold, East wind. I sent 11 lb Butter 1/2 Doz Eggs 1 Doz Duck Eggs to Osbornes. I have trouble with my Ear. It pains me at times. Do not feel very well to night. Received letter from Clara Ellis.

Thursday February 5, 1914

Overcast, cold East wind. We churned 11 lb butter. I called on Sadie Cloud after noon. Found her in bed, as attack of asthma, is a little better. Gave her the Biography of my family, in relation to the Wickershams. This evening I called on Osbornes. Harry gone to West Chester tonight, my cold seems better.



Scroll down to the "Post 1800" section for a photo of butter churning, and good information.

Wednesday February 4, 1914

Very Foggy, early this morning, but the sun soon shone out, and promised a nice day. I find I have some cold this morning; had Ear ache through the night, and a sore throat. It seems a little better this morning, but I presume I am contracting a bad cold. However, I will try to take care of myself to day, as tomorrow is churning day. received lard from Clara Kershaw. Harry gone to West Chester to night.

Treating colds in the early 1900s. 

How to make lard.