Jessie Latham Archives - Page 4 of 6 - 100 Years Ago in Memphis

Annette Kellerman, 20th Century Woman

On March 11, 1911, Jessie wrote in her diary, “Went to the Orpheum with Douglas. It was the best bill that’s been there this year — ‘Twas grand. Antoinette (sic) Kellerman the ‘perfect woman’ was there. She sure was a beaut. Did some classy diving too.” Jessie misspelled her name, probably because she had some very dear family friends named Antoinette. Annette Kellerman was named the “Perfect Woman” reportedly by a Harvard professor who compared the measurements of the Venus de Milo with those of 3000 women, and proclaimed her to be that perfect woman.

She was an amazing woman in many ways. Annette Kellerman (1887-1975) made her name as a swimmer and diver in her home country of Australia. Her parents, both musicians and teachers, were having financial problems, so Annette and her father set off for London. She began to do swimming exhibitions, swimming several miles in the oily Thames, swimming along the English coast from town to town. She went to Europe and did the same, racing 17 men in the Seine and coming in third. In 1905 she became the first woman to attempt to swim the English Channel. She tried and failed 3 times, reportedly saying that she had the endurance but not the strength.

Nevertheless, these attempts brought her great publicity, and she soon came to the States to perform in a giant glass tank in White City, Chicago (a huge amusement park) and the Hippodrome in New York. She performed underwater ballet, something totally new, and became a sensation. Her grace and skill in the water combined with her beauty and personal charisma, as well as the fantasy themes of her productions, eventually made her the highest paid vaudeville star in the U.S.

Annette Kellerman, A Daughter of the Gods

She also was a pioneer in her silent film career, becoming the first major film star to appear totally nude on screen in A Daughter of the Gods. In one of her films, she choreographed a scene with a large number of actors to perform with her underwater, thus creating the art/sport of synchronized swimming. In 1911 she starred in The Mermaid and became the first screen siren/mermaid with a mermaid costume that she actually swam in. Kellerman made quite a few movies after that with an aquatic theme. She became one of the most powerful women in the silent film industry in the control she exerted over almost every aspect of the films she was in, from script to location to lighting and costumes.

Kellerman also wrote several books on physical fitness and health, but she felt that the most important contribution she made to the world was her invention of the one-piece form-fitting swim suit for women. For hundreds of years women had effectively been banned from swimming because of the bulky and cumbersome attire they were expected to wear. Swimming is very difficult in woolen skirts and pantaloons. At the turn of the 20th century competitive swimming was just becoming popular in Australia, and it was not unusual for women swimmers there to wear the men’s swimming attire – a one-piece jumper with shorts to the mid-thigh and a tank top. This is what Kellerman wore for her swimming and diving exhibitions, and it was shocking to most of the rest of the world. In fact, on a U.S. beach she was arrested for public indecency for wearing such attire. To make her swimsuit more ‘respectable,’ she took a pair of black tights and sewed them to the bottom of the shorts, making the first unitard. This was her famous one-piece swimsuit. Pretty soon all women wanted a form fitting bathing suit. Seeing the demand, and ever an astute business woman, she designed a line of bathing suits with the close fitting short unitard underneath and a close fitting tank top that went to mid-thigh or the knee. These suits became known as Annette Kellermans.

Annette Kellerman was truly an amazing women. An athlete, actress, author, life-long vegetarian, inventor, business woman and visionary, she was an important part of the women’s revolution that was going on at the time – getting the right to vote and freedom from restrictive clothing. Through her career and life, she pushed all women forward toward greater personal responsibility and freedom of choice in all aspects of their lives. There has been much written about Annette Kellerman. For a good introduction to her life, check out the Australian official website page dedicated to Annette Kellerman.

Women’s Fashion, Spring 1911

Georges Barbier illus. for Paul Poiret, 1912

On March 10, 1911, Jessie and her mother went shopping. Jessie got a tan spring hat, a tan silk pongee coat and a tan silk dress. Of course, I was curious as to what kinds of dresses and hats Jessie might be looking at, and it turns out that this is right at the beginning of a revolution in women’s fashion that is still in effect today. In freeing women from the very restrictive undergarments that had been worn during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, some fashion designers, and especially Paul Poiret (1879-1944), went in the opposite direction. “Requiring less restrictive undergarments and conforming more to the natural shape of the body, Poiret’s designs of 1908–11 are regarded as pivotal in the transition from the rigidly corseted silhouettes of the Victorian and Edwardian eras to styles providing greater freedom and comfort in dress that would characterize twentieth-century fashion.” This from the Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s online exposition on Paul Poiret’s work. Check out this link to view the Metropolitan Museum’s Paul Poiret Collection. Poiret, who was the most important French designer of the first two decades of the 20th century, made clothes that were loose and sometimes draped. Ironic, since he is the designer responsible for the brief fashion craze over hobble skirts. He designed harem pants for women. Unheard of! No doubt Jessie’s new clothes were not designer duds from Paris, but you can see from some of the following images that the empire waistlines were already part of the trend toward less restrictive dresses.

The Big Doll

In January 1911, Jessie was 16 years old. She was really past the point of playing with toys too much, but every once in a while she mentioned the big doll. On Christmas Eve Jessie said, “Hung up my stocking and my big doll’s too.” On January 5, 1911, the family spent a quiet evening at home and Jessie “dressed my big doll up pretty.” Since she started writing in her diaries after she received the doll, I don’t know how she got it or from whom. When Jessie had her own daughter (my mother Frances) she gave the doll to her, and when I was a little girl they gave the doll to me. I never had a formal ‘giving’ of the doll to my daughter Jessie, nor did I realize until after my Jessie was grown that I should have taken a photograph of her as a child with the Big Doll. Nevertheless, I’ve done it now! There is now a portrait of Jessie (21st century version) with the Big Doll, and the doll will move into her care eventually. As you can see from the photos, the doll’s hair has changed through the years.

Jenny, Vic, Frances & Karen with the Big Doll

Granny dies, January 1911

Granny came back home on January 8th. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the house where Jessie and her family lived was Granny’s house. It had been her father’s, Col. E.H. Porter’s, country or farm home. (See the post, Late November 1909) Granny, whose name was Mary Porter Swayne, was Jessie’s maternal grandmother. She seemed to divide her time among all her children and their families, and had just returned home from spending Christmas in Gates. Within a few days Granny fell ill, and 2 weeks from the day she came home, she died, probably from a stroke. She was 77 years old. There really was no good treatment for strokes in the early 1900s. Granny was unconscious most of the time, but a nurse was hired to stay with her, which I am sure was a luxury that many people could not afford. On Monday, January 23, the day after Granny died, they had the funeral at the Old Brick Church (whose land the Porter family had donated many years earlier) and burial at Elmwood in the Swayne family plot. The grandsons were the pallbearers.

On a lighter note, Jessie’s father gave her a chafing dish for Christmas. That seems to have been one of Jessie’s favorite presents, and, in fact, there was a chafing dish craze going on at the time. College students, bachelors, society dames, teenagers, housewives — everybody seemed to use the chafing dish or know someone who did. Chafing dish recipe booklets were published. Perhaps the renaissance of the chafing dish was brought on by the increasing availability of convenience foods, but the chafing dish itself was an ancient method of heating or slow cooking foods and sauces. Welsh rarebit and fudge may have been the most popular dishes fixed in this early 1900s chafing dish craze. Jessie and her friends had many chafing dish parties in which they usually made fudge.

chafingpartyrosemaryhallc1914 — Chafing dish party, Rosemary Hall, c1914

College dorm chaing dish party. Mt. Holyoke — Chafing dish party, Mt. Holyoke College, 1906

Debating Societies, Tally Ho Rides & the Birdmen Return

Memphis High School, 1909; historic-memphis.com

In the back of her 1910 diary, Jessie wrote:

“I belong to the —

1. Merry Maids Club of which I am president

2. Ellen Clapp Auxiliary of which I am treasurer

3. Junior Beethoven

4. L.H. Club of which I am treasurer

5. Basket ball team or club of which I am “captain”

6. Literary Society of which I am secretary

7. Debating Society

8. Amateur Musical Club.”

High School annex c.1910; historic-memphis.com

Jessie was busy, and as the end of the year holidays and parties approached, her life seemed to speed up. As for the Debating Society, Jessie wrote on November 11, 1910, “The decisions are getting quite monotonous as the affirmative wins every time.” On the day before Thanksgiving 1910, the Debating Society met at the High School for its final debate of the year. The opposing sides would argue either in the affirmative or the negative. The topic: “The Thanksgiving turkey is more important than the Christmas turkey.” Jessie spent the night before plotting the argument for the negative, and was the champion of the evening, winning the judges’ decision.

The next day, Thanksgiving, was an exciting whirl of activity for Jessie. Football games were popular on Thanksgiving, even in 1910. Jessie’s high school team was playing a game and she was chosen as a sponsor for one of the players, and so was in on all the activities for the day. Beginning early in the morning, the players and the sponsors met at the High School and all rode together in a tally ho to the game. After the game they rode in the tally ho all over town giving their “yells.” They ended up at a big supper given by the football team, followed by a show at the Orpheum. No mention of a Thanksgiving turkey with her family. She’s a busy teenager!

Il Trovatore, 1910; virtualmuseumofcinema.org — Il Trovatore, 1910*

Going to musical and theatrical performances, either with friends or her mother, was an important part of Jessie’s life. In early November she saw the famous soprano Bernice de Pasquali, whom she thought “perfectly grand.” About a week later she saw Verdi’s opera Il Trovatore peformed by the Aborn English Grand Opera Co. It was performed in English and Jessie loved it. In December she saw the play The Traveling Salesman with the comedian Frank McIntyre in the leading role. “It was grand… Frank McIntyre was the funniest thing.”

Charles K. Hamilton c1910 — Charles K. Hamilton, c1910*

On December 16th, Jessie, her mother, Sara and her mother Mrs. Campbell went to the Fairgrounds to see the return of the Birdmen, as many people called the aviators of the new flying machines. Cosmopolitan magazine called them “Wizards of the air” for their daring feats. One of the aviators who took part in the December Aviation Exposition in Memphis that year was C.K. Hamilton, known to some as “the crazy man of the air.” He was a daredevil and became famous for thrilling the crowds with his stunts. That year in Memphis, Hamilton set a speed record of 79.2 mph, besting his own record of 64.6 mph. Check out this article from General Aviation News for more information about C. K. Hamilton.

December 18, 1910 was Jessie’s 16th birthday. “My birthday! Just think, I am 16 to-day and — never been kissed.” She celebrated by having a dinner party with all her girlfriends. Most of her friends gave her handkerchiefs and books. She received some little gold pins from Swayne and Granny, a book from Bud and a gold necklace from her father. Her mother gave her a pair of blue satin dancing pumps with silk hose, a party hat and a cloak.

Christmas came and went with a swirl of parties and shopping. But when New Year’s Eve came, Jessie turned down all invitations to go out. Instead, her whole family stayed home and welcomed the New Year in.

*Photo credits: Memphis H.S. and High School Annex photos – historic-memphis.com; Il Trovatore – virtualmuseumofcinema.org; Charles K. Hamilton – General Aviation News.

A Japanese Musical Spectacle in Memphis, October 1910

A big event in October in Memphis was the huge production of Jappyland. As Jessie writes in her diary on October 21, 1910, “The cast includes 300 and oh! such acting. They all wore hobble skirts.” My impression is that a small professional cast of actors/singers were augmented by a huge cast of local people. A newspaper clipping about a production in Portland, Oregon in 1913 is headlined Society Folk To Be Seen In Spectacular “Jappyland.” Perhaps something similar happened in Memphis. Jessie and others she knew rehearsed all month for the production, which took place at the Jefferson Theatre on October 28 & 29, 1910. Jessie was a “Geisha maid,” as she put it.

It is very difficult to find, online at least, and from the comfort of my own home, much information about this musical. Jappyland: a Japanese Musical Spectacle. It sounds disrespectful and completely politically incorrect, but we must remember the times. The world was just opening up through faster electronic communications. Airplane travel, which would make the world seem much smaller, was just at its naissance. From the end of the 19th century and into the early 20th century a growing interest in the exotic was expressed in the visual arts (e.g., Paul Gauguin’s Tahitian paintings) and music (e.g., Scheherazade, versions by Rimsky Korsakov and Ravel; the opera Turandot by Puccini). This fascination with the foreign and exotic made its way to the U.S and to our vaudeville and musical formats.

Jessie mentioned that the actresses all wore hobble skirts. Here are some examples.

Another example of exoticism in Alphonse Mucha’s work (and because I like Mucha so much):

September in Memphis, 1910

I have always wondered what Jessie’s dad, F.S. Latham, did for a living. His father, also F.S. Latham, was a well-known newspaperman in early Memphis, editor of the Memphis Eagle, and later, Postmaster in Memphis. Jessie’s dad was a businessman of some kind, and Jessie wrote in her diary on September 3, 1910, “Went down to Dad’s office and got a great big bottle of olives and watched them make and bottle Gay-Ola. Also sampled it.” On September 6th she wrote, “Walked down to Dad’s office [at] the Gay-Ola Co. and drank *heartily* of Gay-Ola.” Since this is the first time Jessie has ever mentioned her Dad’s office at the Gay-Ola Co., and because Gay-Ola, a brand new soda in competition with Coca Cola, had just started being produced in Memphis, this must have been a new job for Jessie’s dad.

Coca Cola sued the Gay-Ola Co. for copyright infringement. Notice the similar script on the watch fob and the bottle, and the red and white colors of the watch fob. Gay-Ola won the first suit, but eventually was required to change the font of their script.

Lowenstein's, 1900s — Lowenstein’s, 1900s

Later in the month (on the 23rd) Jessie’s Mother took her and her friend Sara to tea at Lowenstein’s Department Store. Tearooms became very popular around the turn of the century as some women had more leisure time.

That same day Jessie had to go to the oculist for glasses for distance vision. She got nose glasses.

Ladies' Nose Glasses 1910 — Ladies’ Nose Glasses 1910

The last cultural tidbit I wanted to mention was Elmo’s motorcycle. Elmo was one of Jessie’s regular callers, and what they often did (see September 26, 1910) was ride on Elmo’s motorcyle, or, as Jessie always called it, “moto-cycle.” In print ads they are also called “autocycles.” Jessie loved riding that motorcycle with Elmo!

Riverboat Trip to St. Louis, August 1910

"All aboard for St. Louis" — “All aboard for St. Louis”

Jessie had a busy summer seeing relatives and friends. In the latter part of July, she and Sara took the train to Gates, Tennessee to visit Ethel, who I think was either a youngish aunt or an older cousin. She stayed a week in the country with Ethel. But the big trip she was really excited about was a riverboat cruise up the Mississippi River to St. Louis. Jessie, her mother and Swayne, along with about 12 other friends formed the boating party.

The boating party, Jessie (R), Swayne (L)

On Monday, August 15th, they left on the steamer Rees Lee for St. Louis. Jessie and Sara shared a stateroom. There was a band on board and lots of dancing throughout the trip. After several days aboard the ship and several stops along the River (Caruthersville, MO; Hickman, KY; Cape Girardeau, MO; Chester, IL), they arrived in St. Louis at 6:30 in the morning on Thursday, August 18. They stayed in the Laclede Hotel, a grand old luxury hotel in St. Louis, now demolished, famous for serving riverboat and rail travelers. They only stayed one night in St. Louis, but while they were there they were busy shopping, touring around the city, and going to a big amusement park called Forrest Park Highlands. Friday afternoon they left St. Louis on the Rees Lee for the return trip to Memphis. Within a few hours the ship had struck rocks or land and run ashore. Another ship came to the rescue, and after some time, managed to pull the Rees Lee from the land, but almost immediately it became stuck on a sandbar. They spent the night on that sandbar, though Jessie said she couldn’t sleep a wink. After almost 24 hours on the sandbar, a tug was able to free the ship after unloading all its cargo. The steamer made several stops on its way back to Memphis, including a brief excursion up the Ohio River for a stop at the Cairo, Illinois landing. The party finally made it back to Memphis on Monday night. Jessie said, “My! how I hated to get off the boat, for I had one of the finest times I ever had in my life.”

In Cape Girardeau, MO. Jessie & Swayne are on the right

The Rees Lee at the landing in Cairo, IL

The House Party, June 1910

A Night in June, 1910. Thomas Cooper Gotch. Newlyn Archive, UK — *A Night in June, 1910.* Thomas Cooper Gotch. Newlyn Archive, UK

House Party pp1 June 1910 — Elizabeth, Willie & Jessie (R), House Party 1910.

Jessie was having a house party at the end of June, and she started planning and preparing for it at the beginning of the month. Cleaning, shopping for a picnic dress and “motocycle riding” with Elmo (and loving it) were some of her activities. She had her guy friends move a big stump into the front yard on the 13th, and on June 18th there is more talking and planning for the “lawn fete” and house party.

Jessie (L), Elizabeth and Willie, June 1910

Finally on Tuesday, June 21st, Jessie and the gang met Willie Swift from Corinth, Mississippi at the depot. She was the first of Jessie’s guests to arrive. The next day they all went down to the depot to meet Elizabeth Pearson from Okolona, Mississippi. One of that day’s activities was a Tally Ho ride given in honor of her guests, in large horse drawn carriages that carried several people.

On Friday, June 24, 1910, Jessie hosted a Japanese garden fete in honor of her guests. She writes in her diary, “The yard was brilliantly lighted with Japanese lanterns. Had a fortune tent where an oriental beauty read the palms of the guests. Had a band to play all evening. About 50 were here. Had a fine time. We didn’t get to bed until late.”

Human pyramid House Party 1 June 1911 — Human Pyramid, Jessie on top, June 1910

Another guest, Kate Craddock, arrived on the following Monday the 27th. They had a picnic lunch on the lawn, but at sundown Jessie’s yard became a “gypsy camp.” Sleeping tents were arranged and a delicious dinner of hamburgers and marshmallows was cooked over a campfire. 7 girls and 4 boys spent the night, though not much sleeping went on.

House party picnic at Overton, Jessie on R

The Circus at Overton, House party 1910 — The circus at Overton, house party 1910

Wednesday June 29th, Jessie gave a picnic at Overton Park for the house party. Finally on Friday, July 1st, Jessie’s guests left. She was lonely, but by Saturday she returned to her usual routine. She, Mildred, Richard and Everette went auto riding through Overton Park and along the Speedway, one of the earliest expressways in the country. The name Speedway was later changed to the Parkway.

Speedway, Memphis c.1910. George Whitworth Collection. — The Speedway, Memphis. George Whitworth Collection historic-memphis.com

Graduation and Halley’s Comet, May 1910

Noonday Rest, 1910, John William Godward

There was not much rest for Jessie in May of 1910. Despite the fact that she spent most of the first week sick in bed with tonsillitis, every day following seems to be filled with some special activity relating to the end of the school year in Memphis. On May 6th, Donna, Mildred and Jessie went to an elocutionary contest at the Goodwyn Institute. Their good friend Frank won, so the Merry Maids sent him flowers. On May 7th, Sara and Jessie went to the closing exercises of the dancing school at the Jefferson Theatre. And it continued from there — field day, basketball games, musical recitals, recitation recitals, rehearsals, club meetings, and so on. Since Jessie was graduating from Pope Elementary School and would enter high school in the fall, she had to take final exams in grammar, spelling, geography, civics, and arithmetic. On June 3, 1910, Jessie graduated from Pope School. She was class president and by her own account, “conducted the exercises.” She also read her composition, Historic Memphis, which won the prize for best composition in her grade.

Halley's Comet during 1910 approach. Prof. Edward Emrson Barnard, Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, WI. Pub. in NY Times 7/3/1910 — Halley’s Comet during its 1910 approach. Prof. Edward Emerson Barnard, Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Published in the NY Times 7/3/1910

On May 20, 21, and again on May 25, Jessie remarks in her diary that she “saw the comet” — Halley’s comet, that is. Her remarks coincide with the time that the comet passed relatively close to the earth (between May 14 and 22, 1910), making a spectacular sight. This was the first time photos were made of the approach of the comet, and the first time that spectroscopic data was obtained, analyzing components of the tail of the comet. One of the substances discovered was the toxic gas cyanogen. French astronomer Camille Flammarion claimed (and it was reported in the NY Times) that when the earth passed through the tail of the comet (May 19, 1910), the gas would poison the atmosphere and snuff out all life on the planet. This caused some panic amongst the gullible, and dollar signs in the eyes of some entrepreneurs (comet pills, gas masks).

The New York Times published another article, this one by Mary Proctor, now trying to calm people’s fears.

Another interesting story related to the 1910 Halley’s Comet regards American author Mark Twain. Twain, whose birth name was Samuel Clemens, was born November 30, 1835, exactly 2 weeks after the comet’s perihilion in its apperance of that year. In his autobiography Twain said, “I came in with Halley’s Comet in 1835. It is coming next year, and I expect to go out with it. It will be the greatest disappointment of my life if I don’t go out with Halley’s Comet.” Mark Twain died on April 21, 1910, the day after the comet reached perihilion.

Jessie and Percy Marry March 13, 2024
Percy November 14, 2023
An Unexpected Move, Spring 1923 September 15, 2023
Jessie’s January 1923 August 10, 2023
Swayne and Nathalie Marry June 29, 2023
She’s Got Those Memphis Blues, 1922 March 27, 2023
Traveling, 1921 March 15, 2023
F.D. March 24, 2022
The Cost of War July 13, 2021
A funny story, January 1918 January 25, 2021
A Double Wedding and the Memphis Gang September 24, 2020
Photographs, September 1917 in Memphis September 18, 2020

Sunday, September 28, 1924: To Sunday School this morning. So proud of my little boys, 14 there this Sunday. 4th Sunday our class has been perfect. Went over to Idlewild to see the baby baptized. He was darling. Looked around when they said Swayne Jr. Percy was with me. Swayne, Nat and the baby were over this afternoon. We let him “try out” his birthday present and he had a big time. Percy was out later this afternoon. Had an emergency call about five and had to leave me for awhile. Being a doctor’s wife will be no easy job, but I can’t help it when I love a doctor. We had dinner here tonight and then began a wedding list, directing the invitations. The A’s and B’s tonight.

Monday, September 29, 1924: Letty Harris, the seamstress, was here all day sewing for me. Nathalie came over too, so we had a regular sewing bee and luncheon combined. Started a tan flannel and black faille. Both look charming. Percy was out tonight and we directed the “B’s”. It’s going to be some job. Didn’t realize how many people I know and would love to have. Percy and I quit work early tonight just to enjoy each other. Both of us wish the 23rd was tomorrow. I’ll be so happy when he doesn’t have to leave me any more. I love him more every day.

Tuesday, September 30, 1924: Gladys came for me early this morning to take me to town shopping. Getting ruffles pleated, lining goods etc. Letty Harris was here all day sewing for me. Mrs. McClintic and Kathleen came over to see me this afternoon. Brought me a lovely luncheon set for my hope chest. Today was the baby’s birthday! One year old today. He, Swayne and Nat were over this afternoon. We had a birthday cake for him with one candle. Gave him a walker and little white sweater suit. He looked darling and was absolutely wild today. So excited. Percy and I worked on the c-d’s tonight and then had a happy time together. He is such a darling and I get crazier all the time about him.

Wednesday, October 1, 1924: Laura came over to see me this morning – before I was up. So thrilled over everything. She has been down in Tupelo. Every-body sounds so pleased, and in every mail I get letters of congratulations etc. Gladys and Nat were over this afternoon to talk about the bridesmaids’ dresses. Then I went to the gossip club meeting at Martha’s. Everyone there was interested and wanted to know all about every-thing. Elizabeth Coppedge brought me home. Percy was out tonight. We went for a ride. Stopped by an old lady’s, Mrs. Hobley over 70 years old. She had written him a note and asked him to stop by, she had something for him. ‘Twas a pin cushion…she had crocheted, a note saying give it to his beloved with her love. Then she had written a poem for us, “The Betrothal” for us since she wanted to see his expression when he read the poem.

Thursday, October 2, 1924: Gladys, Nathalie and I went to town this morning to pick out the material for the bridesmaids’ dresses. Got a lovely shade of Nile green chiffon and feather trimmings. Then I took the girls to lunch at Allyn’s and we had much fun. Mrs. Kerr was here when I got home and together we made a satin mandarin coat. Had a thrill this afternoon, my first wedding present, a lovely silver vase from Sarah and Seddon Allen. It’s darling and I was so excited, was all engraved J.L.P., so Percy says he is going to mark the furniture in his name. Every night now, soon as Percy comes I put him to work addressing the wedding invitations. It surely is a job.

Friday, October 3, 1924: To town this afternoon, so much to be done. Seems I shall never finish shopping. Got a charming evening dress today and a henna afternoon one. Selected my silver, Louis XIV and it’s so pretty. Then home and tried to fix the dates for my parties. Percy was out tonight and we directed invitations. It’s a nerve racking job and if we live together thro’ this we shall for ever more I think. He’s so sweet about every thing. I love him to death.

Saturday, October 4, 1924: Everything is so exciting. Whenever I go to town everybody wants to stop and talk and all say such nice things. I’m thoro’ly enjoying being “it” for a day. Down town all afternoon shopping. Percy was out tonight. We rode for awhile, then came home and worked directing invitations. He’s so sweet and I’m so in love and so happy and everything seems so wonderful.

Sunday, October 5, 1924: Had a ”Rally Day” at Sunday School tonight. They told about my boys. I’m so proud of them. For 5 consecutive Sundays all 15 of them have been present. Had 17 this morning, two visitors. Exercises in the main room. Swayne Nathalie and the baby were over this afternoon. I was busy working. This horrible job of directing the invitations, I’ll be thankful when it’s over. Percy came later. We had supper here, then back to the invitations. We are working hard to get married but having fun with it. Every day I get more in love.

Monday, October 6, 1924: Another wedding present this morning. A lovely blue bowl and candle sticks from Mrs. Mitchell. The girls all met here this morning to talk about their dresses – Eliz, Virginia and Gladys. Think the dresses will be lovely. Had luncheon with the Porters. Engagement with the florist this afternoon, then directed wedding invitations. Percy was out tonight and we worked some more. Finished the telephone book tonight, Hurrah! So happy with my sweetheart.

Tuesday, October 7, 1924: Mrs. Berry, Martha and several others in this morning. Mrs. Berry drove me to town. Had to go to the milliner etc. Met Percy later for lunch. We lunched at the anniversary table in the Mary Wood Tea Room. Then I went with him to the tailor to pick out a new suit. So sweet of him to want me to go. Then to look at china. Then I left him and shopped alone. Percy was out tonight and we stamped and sealed our invitations. Never have I worked so hard. Then took them to the Post Office. They are gone now. Percy is so sweet. I didn’t know any human would be as sweet as he is. I love him so much.

Wednesday, October 8, 1924: The seamstress Letty Harris was here all day sewing, and I stood up and was continually being fitted. Another thrill this morning, a lovely silver salad fork and spoon from Mr. Dugger. Amelia Rosson gave a bridge party for me this afternoon. ‘Twas lovely. Had the bridal party, then Nancy, Clint, Helen, Eliz C., Martha and Eleanore Mitchell. Such good things to eat. She gave a gorgeous pink taffeta pillow because I’m a bride-to-be-next. Gladys, Virginia and I went together. Ada and Stanley were over tonight. Later Percy and I went to Elizabeth Jordan and Frank Gilliland’s wedding at St. John’s Church. ‘Twas mighty pretty. Then went to the reception at the Jordans’ afterwards. Never have I seen such a crowd. Lovely arrangements outside for serving the guests. The whole third floor was filled with gifts. I was very happy with my own sweetheart.

Thursday, October 9, 1924: The seamstress was here all day again to-day. Nathalie came over to help with the sewing so we had a regular sewing bee again with luncheon combined. More thrills this afternoon, the cake plate of that lovely Lenox China in the Ming pattern from Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Graves. Then half dozen lovely ice tea glasses from Katherine Frazier. Trey and his mother came over tonight to congratulate me. Said they just had to see me one more time. Had a serenader too. Then Percy came later. My darling was tired tonight. Had been working hard since four this morning. Just wish there was something I could do for him when he’s so tired. I can soon.

Friday, October 10, 1924: So much excitement and so much to do in such a little while. Nathalie and I went to town this afternoon. Brodnax had phoned for me to come pick out the monogram for my silver. Had lots to do. Another surprise tonight, some parfait glasses from Louise Hunt. Percy and I went over for Clint tonight to practice her song for the wedding. The choir is to sing the wedding march too. Went home with Clint and stayed awhile. Percy was a darling.

Saturday, October 11, 1924: This getting a trousseau ready is some job and it seems I shall never finish. Aunt Mamie Davant sent over a lovely donation to-day and a pretty gown. Laura and the baby, Nat, Swayne and their baby were over this afternoon. All of us went to look at an apartment I liked on McLean. Percy was out tonight. We went for a ride. I was very tired. Shall be so glad when it’s all over, and I’m all alone with him.

Sunday, October 12, 1924: To Sunday School this morning. All 15 of my little boy were there and several visitors. Stayed for church as usual. Swayne, Nat and the baby were over this afternoon. I’m so busy doing a million other things I don’t get to enjoy Swayne Jr. these days. Percy was out later this afternoon. We went for a ride then to the Gayoso for dinner. We had lots of fun together. They played our requests, etc. Then home to talk over our plans. More parties than we know what to do with. Percy gets sweeter every day and I am deeply in love. Want to do nothing but be with him.

Monday, October 13, 1924: Lunched with Percy down town to-day, don’t remember where, only the fact that I was with him. Then to the Van Court Rental Agents we went to see about the apartment we liked on McLean. Agreed to take it. They are to redecorate for me etc. Spent the afternoon shopping. So thrilled when I got home to find several presents. Lots more of the Lenox china, it’s gorgeous, and some silver. Half dozen dinner plates from Elizabeth, several service plates from the Roberts, a lovely blue vase from Blanche Wilde. Can’t begin to name them even now. Percy and I went to the Palace tonight [to] see Gloria Swanson. Don’t remember the name except the fact that she was shone in her bridal gown. That’s where my thoughts are these days – wedding, honeymoon and the like.

Tuesday, October 14, 1924: Ethel came over early this morning to take me over to the apartment to meet Mr. Harris and tell him what had to be done. Then home. Auntie, Ethel and Mildred spent the day with us. They brought a marvelous lunch with them – barbecue, chicken salad, spaghetti, ice cream, cake and everything. All of us were busy all day sewing – and the excitement of the presents. Mildred brought me a lovely mayonnaise bowl, Auntie a pretty fern stand for my sun parlor. A lovely silver bowl from Mrs. Walter Smith. A brass smoking set, Dorthy Grove, Atlanta. Lovely silver sugar and cream set from Mr. and Mrs. Sanford, Sherman Texas. Two silver candle sticks from Dot Erwin, Denver. Percy was out tonight. We are so thrilled to see each other and have a million things to say. He is such a darling. We went for a ride. Haven’t much longer to wait before we’ll be to-gether for all time.

Wednesday, October 15, 1924: Horrors upon horrors. I awakened this morning with a fever blister on my upper lip. How unbride like. I immediately began much doctoring. Loads of presents this morning. Worlds of pretty silver from the Perkins family in the Louis XIV pattern. I love it. Knives, forks, salad forks, spoons, and after dinner coffee spoons. A beautiful silver bread tray from Lanier and relish dish from Sadie. Lots of other pieces of silver from different ones. Percy brought Sadie out to have lunch with me. He stayed for luncheon too. Then drove up to town. Ran in and selected the paper for the apartment, then hurried to the Lyceum. Ethel was giving a box party for me. The play was The Broken Wing. Scenes in Mexico and ’twas cute as could be. Just the bridal party and Sadie. We had lots of fun. Gave everyone little Japanese boxes filled with home made candy. Percy was out tonight. More presents for us to open. They are piling up now.

Thursday, October 16, 1924: Percy came for me this morning early and we drove down to the station to meet Dot. She came all the way from Denver to be in my wedding. Powerful glad to see her. Same old peach of a girl. We got home and had so much to talk about and so many presents to open. Gorgeous Hawkes crystal vase from Sis and Tom Goodwin. A dozen lovely goblets on tall green stems from Margaret and Dan Hamilton. Lots more silver and china. So much excitement getting to the party this afternoon. Steering wheel broke on Laura’s car. We finally got a yellow cab, and such fun. To Gladys’, she gave a bridge luncheon party for me this afternoon. Most marvelous surprise. ‘Twas a silk shower too. All the girls brought lovely silk lingerie. Prettiest things I ever saw. Gorgeous teddies, step in vests and bloomers. A lovely party too and such a good lunch. More presents when we got home. Dot, Percy and I went to town tonight in search of a good show. Failed to find it. My darling gets sweeter all the time.

Friday, October 17, 1924: Can’t do anything with so many pretty things coming in all the time. The grandest mahogany spinet desk and chair from Swayne and Nathalie. Some more china, silver goblets. Mrs. Kerr gave a bridge luncheon for me today. Everything tasted so good. Then played bridge afterwards, not long ’cause I had to hurry home. Because I was a bride she gave me a lovely boudoir pillow, heart shaped and precious. Then home and more presents to open. Then a rush to get ready for the party tonight. Mary and Jerry Porter gave a dinner and dance for me and the bridal party at Whip-poor-will Lodge, their log cabin near Raleigh. Too cute for words. Hallow’een lights all thro’ the woods, a big barn fire, buffet supper – chicken, goulash, salad, coffee, pumpkin pies, and everything. Then we danced. All sorts of specialties, even the bride and groom gave a number. Everybody had a grand time, and all felt good. Never shall forget the grape vine swing and Gladys. Everybody was there – Swayne, Nathalie, Dot, Gladys, Elizabeth, Bob, Kit, Virginia, Walter Chandler, Lynn, Lanier, Percy and I. A grand time was had by all.

Saturday, October 18, 1924: It’s the same thing every day – opening packages of lovely gifts and hurrying to parties and wishing for more time. Nancy Donalson gave a bridge luncheon for me to-day. A luscious luncheon. I ate so much. Then we played bridge, after which she gave me a lovely linen guest towel all embroidered and filet inserted. Then Dot and I went to town shopping. Met Percy later. He brought us home and we had a picnic opening the presents – about 20 or more waiting for us. Half a dozen lovely sherbert cups from Mrs. Roy Trezevant, more of my silver, more crystal and more china. Such pretty things. Had Percy stay for dinner with us. The living room table and most of the room is filled with gifts. We ate on a card table, had fun tho’. Then we went to town. Saturday night, big night, Dot, Percy and I, last Saturday night of single life. Percy is such a darling. Dot says he’s more excited than I am, but I don’t think it’s possible. Love him more all the time.

Sunday, October 19, 1924: To Sunday School this morning, all 15 of my boys there. I gave them all like cards that said under the ribbon, little brown chairs. I’m going to have little chairs for them up in front and they are all so excited. This morning one little boy gave me a peep at a little dime bank and said, “when it gets full you get a present.” I noticed the collection was slim this morning. Stayed for church as usual. Mr. and Mrs. Sanford were out this afternoon. They came from Sherman Texas for the wedding and business combined. Mrs. Sledge and Mrs. Copp came to see me this morning. Mrs. Sledge brought me a lovely little rose light and Mrs. Copp a Bohemian glass candy jar. Even get presents on Sunday. Percy was out later. Lanier and Dorothy, Percy and I went down to the Claridge for dinner tonight. Dot and I are taking most all our meals ‘out’ which is most convenient. My darling doctored on me tonight. Gave me lip treatment. Tried to burn off my fever blister. He helped me lots. Grandest doctor ever was and sweetest man by far.

Monday, October 20, 1924: Presents poured in this morning – lovely vases, candy jar, silver bowls, bread trays, and odd pieces. Clint Brooks Palmer gave a bridge luncheon for me today. ‘Twas a lovely party, good luncheon. I don’t eat like a bride yet. After the bridge game she brought in a lovely little miniature bridal party on a silver tray, with the altar, decorations and candles burning. Presented the bride to me. A lovely cover for my powder box. After the party Dot and I had to go to town. Didn’t even have time to eat dinner tonight, such a rush to the opera. Our flowers never did get here. That disturbed Percy but I didn’t mind. Lanier Perkins gave a box party at the opera tonight for the bridal party. We are having an opera season of three days at the Auditorium. We heard Aida tonight. I thoro’ly enjoyed it. Thousands and thousands of people there and we felt so sporty in our boxes, tho’ the boys all but went to sleep. Percy was an angel tonight, so sweet and patient with us all. I was surely dead tired.

Tuesday, October 21, 1924: Such pretty things keep coming – two lovely silver bud vases from Miss Nelly Trezevant, a big silver bowl from Mr. Jim Rawlings, just dozens and dozens of pretty things. Virginia Fleming gave a luncheon for me over at the Parkview. Had the private dining room and everything was mighty pretty. Then home to open presents – a charming silver pitcher from Gladys and Kit, a large silver vase from Virginia, another Bet Campbell, several lamps etc., silver, china all so pretty. Then a box of two dozen lovely pink roses from Seaton, the florist. Nothing like being a bride. Swayne and Nathalie gave a dinner for the bridal party tonight. Never have I had so much fun, had such a lovely dinner, or seen such a display of china and silver. Of course Percy and I both notice those things more now. Had the cutest bride and groom at our places, and a lovely bridal bouquet for me made of white candy, gorgeous lace and ribbons. Everybody was feeling fine. Percy was talking in French and everyone thought him so funny. After dinner we danced and had such a happy time. We have such a congenial bridal party and everything is so wonderful and I’m so in love and so happy.

Wednesday, October 22, 1924: Somebody in every minute to-day. This afternoon I had the girls in the gossip club for a little trousseau tea, on all my clothes, pink pretties out, and the presents too, and worlds of pretty ones came. Some of my old beaux came thro’ fine – a big beautiful crystal and silver vase from Doug Brooks, silver ice tea spoons from Trey, parfait glasses from Carrington, pretty green vase from Richard, silver card tray from Lee, book ends from Douglas Johnson. Ever so many big silver bowls today, four silver candle sticks, lots of brass. About twenty presents came in tonight. Had a wedding rehearsal at the church at 6:30. I got so excited, the choir sings the bridal chorus beautifully. After the rehearsal Elizabeth and Bob Heard gave a dinner for the bridal party. We had a big time, very informal and everybody was feeling fine. Little bride and groom at everybody’s place. Then Percy and I put our gifts to the bridal party at their places. I gave the girls little silver perfume containers on black silk cords. A happy evening. The bride and groom slipped away before the others. Dot spent tonight at the hotel with her mother and I slept with my bridal veil. Had it stretched out on the bed beside me. Last night of girlhood.

Thursday, October 23, 1924: My wedding day! ‘Twas an ideal day, warm and sun shiny. Presents began coming before I was up this morning, and people began coming in. Auntie came out early. Mrs. Sanford was here. Cousin Imogen Vorhies was out. She came from Atlanta just for the wedding. Nita was here. She came up from Countiss. Then presents kept coming all day. I was too excited to eat. Got a $500 check from the groom today, a $50 one from Dad for some lights. Before the wedding I had to go to Moore’s and Gray’s to have pictures taken. Mary carried my train. At 8:30 tonight the grand event took place at the Evergreen Presbyterian Church. Percy and I were married by Dr. J.B. Carpenter. Miss Mabel Stegen was the organist. Clint Palmer sang Until and Mrs. Rudisill sang At Dawning. James Burns played the violin. The choir gave a song then they sang the bridal chorus. Mrs. Rudisill, Mrs. ___, Mr. Seaton, and Mr. Cato had the pulpit all decorated with silmax, pink roses, and tall baskets-candles burning during the service. The bridesmaids – Virginia Fleming, Elizabeth Heard, Gladys Williams, and Dorothy Erwin wore nile green dresses and carried pink roses. Nathalie, my matron of honor, wore a pink dress. Lanier was Percy’s best man. The groomsmen were Swayne, Lynn Anderson, Walter Chandler, and John Brett. My bridal bouquet was beautiful – a world of brides roses and valley lilies. My dress was white satin with a breadth of rose point lace and pearl garniture. I wore a corant of rose point lace and a veil of tulle trimmed with orange blossoms. My groom looked so wonderful and handsome and we got through the service without fainting. Then home with my husband. All the bridal party and family were there. Then we soon slipped off honeymooning but they all followed us to the station and showered us with rice. The sweetest husband in the world have I. A happy night with him.

Friday, October 24, 1924: It all seems like some wonderful dream. I can’t realize that it’s all real, that I’m married ‘n everything. Percy gets sweeter every minute and I could love him to pieces, ‘cept I want to keep him whole. We had a late breakfast in the diner this morning. Reached Chicago about 11:30. Went right to the Congress Hotel where we are stopping. Lunched and spent the afternoon resting. Had dinner tonight in the Pompeiian Room. .. Sanders Original Night Hawks (of radio fame) are playing there and they are marvelous. Had a luscious dinner, goose and venison etc., just to be different. Tonight we went to see Abie’s Irish Rose, a comedy about the Jews and the Irish. I’m having a marvelous time, off all alone with my sweetheart. No one to bother us, and do just as we please. I think married life is fine (so says the day old bride).

Saturday, October 25, 1924: Chicago. Percy and I were lazy this morning. Lunched at the Auditorium. Then this afternoon we roamed around town and went to Marshall Fields and shopped. Blew ourselves and bought a gorgeous dining room set, Berkley and Gay, ten pieces, all walnut, and beautiful. Shouldn’t have paid so much but it’s to last a lifetime. We dined tonight across the street at the Auditorium Hotel because we were in a hurry to get to the show. Found we are served quicker there than our Congress. Went to the Cort tonight to see The White Cargo. It was horrible, tho’ a wonderful drama and splendid actors. Conway Winfield played the lead. The scene was laid in the tropics of Africa, negroes and whites mixed up. We shall get Swayne good for recommending such a show. Got a wire from Swayne today. “Dear Newly weds,” etc. He’s a darling and my husband gets sweeter all the time. We are having a grand time.

Sunday, October 26, 1924: Chicago. Percy forgot his razor so has to leave me every morning to get a shave and I miss him so much. He brought me some fruit for my breakfast this morning. Another one of those never to be forgotten days, was this one. We lunched at the La Salle Hotel. Back to the hotel and later dressed for dinner. Took a ride on the bus out to the Edgewater Beach Hotel where we had dinner. Hadn’t been there since 1916 and I had forgotten how enormous it was and so pretty. We dined in the Marine Room and were very happy. Sat in front of the huge log fire afterwards. When we got home Percy wanted to read my diary. He seems to like it cause he was late coming to bed. Made him think I loved him more than he gave me credit for, he said. I love him lots.

Monday, October 27, 1924: Chicago. Percy and I were real honeymooners this morning. Had the loveliest breakfast served to us in the room. I dressed up in my prettiest negligee for him. We lunched at a darling little Russian Tea Room on Michigan Ave., drank Russian tea and all. This afternoon we roamed around the antique dept. at Marshall Fields. Then hunted up a news stand and got a Sunday Commercial and Scimitar to see the bridal pictures of Mrs. Percy A. Perkins. Dined in the Pompeiian Room at the Congress and did much dancing to the tune put out by the Night Hawks. Then went to see No, No Nanette, a charming musical comedy. I loved “Tea for Two” and “I Want to be Happy”. Louise Groody played the lead. Bernard Granville, an old aviator friend was one of the stars. We thoro’ly enjoyed the show. Afterwards went to the Balloon Room at the Congress to the supper dance. It’s a beautiful place, gorgeous lighting effect and the Night Hawks play there after the show. We danced lots and had a beautiful time and were very happy.

THE END