Memphis, Tennessee Archives - Page 7 of 7

January 1909

Jessie was a busy girl! She is busy with school and various activities there (like playing center on the girl’s basketball team). She also takes music/piano lessons twice a week, is active at church, and is a member of several clubs. One of her clubs is The Merry Maids, for which Jessie is Vice-President.

Sunday, June 23, 1918: Such a funny thing this morning – some one wanted me at the phone this morning. ‘Twas a man I hadn’t seen in four years and didn’t remember at all – Mr. Nichols from Selma. He wanted to see me to-day. I said I was busy. He wanted to come take me in to church. I said I was going to Sun. School then he wanted to drive out and say hello and take me to Sunday School. I finally consented. He came in a taxi and had to wait until I dressed. Then I left him at church. Went to S.S. and church. Had an engagement with Lieut. Sutcliff, Gussie, this afternoon. We went riding with the Elys, also Alice C. and Lieut. Connor. We drove out to Riverside and took some pictures. Gussie got on my nerves later in the afternoon, and I was hateful enough to show it. Some things he says just get me. Mr. Martin was over to-night.

Monday, June 24, 1918: Surely do feel encouraged over the wonderful Italian victory. The most hopeful thing that has happened in months. Went to town this afternoon for a change. Was quite busy shopping and rather late getting home and completely worn out. So I undressed to cooler clothes, went out on the back porch, laid down on the cot and enjoyed a beautiful sunset, and thought about Temp and bud and Swayne and wondered what they were doing.

Tuesday, June 25, 1918: Dorris Johnston from St. Louis took Mrs. Erskine and me to lunch at the Peabody to-day. We had such a good time. Afterwards went to the picture show. Saw into the Heart of the Sunset, a western picture taken on the Mexican border. Dorris was particularly interested for she has just returned from the border. Has been down there all alone teaching surgical dressings. Gus Crisler was over to-night. We went riding. Stopped by to see little John Crisler McCormack. He is very cute. Then we stopped by and took Dorris for a ride. Then Gus and I had a talk.

Wednesday, June 26, 1918: I’m so distressed about Joe Coulburn. Have just gotten a letter from him apologizing about not having written the last 2 weeks (I was the one that should have written) but he had been in the hospital, not the least of his troubles being a banged up right arm. Seems he was in an aeroplane acident about two weeks ago and the officer with him was killed. He writes that he was indeed fortunate in not being more seriously hurt. I remember noticing in the paper several weeks ago about the first fatality at Payne Field, one Lieut. being killed but the name of the Lieut. with him was withheld. At the time I wondered could it be Joe? Then thought surely not, but I’m mighty glad he is doing so nicely. Also a letter from Hub Waterman to-day.

Thursday, June 27, 1918: The French mail came this morning, wonderful letters from Swayne and Bud. They are both so fortunate in having such comfortable surroundings. Rode to town with Rach and Nita this morning. Cop won’t let you ride up and down Main Street anymore. Says its unnecessary riding. Auntie, Ethel and the baby spent the day with us. Certainly do love little Marian. Had an engagement with Douglas Gardner to-night. Went to Margaret Yerger’s graduating recital. She played wonderfully. Later we went up to the Roof Garden. Some terrible cabaret there, some dandy dances though. As usual Douglas gave me a box of candy.

Friday, June 28, 1918: Letter from Coach this morning. He is still at Camp Wheeler and longing to go across. Also a note from Temp’s sister Hattie. She thought I hadn’t heard of Temp’s arrival over there. Sure wish his letter would hurry – oh! how I miss him. Had an engagement for lunch to-day with Douglas Gardner. Dorris was with us. I wanted him to meet her. We had lunch at the Gayoso. Sure a good one. Then Dorris and I went to the picture show. Saw The Scarlet Road. He had to go to the dentist. We met Rach and Nita afterwards and went for a ride. Later we went over to the school to register. Had to tell how many Thrift Stamps I had bought and would promise to buy. Then Rach and I took Don (her wonderful collie that has just come from New York) for a long ride. Had a date with Gus to-night, but he had to take his father hunting. Saw him only a few minutes.

Saturday, June 29, 1918: Rach drove by this morning and we went for a ride with Don. Had Ruth Shelton from Covington, who is visiting Sue John, with me to-day and to-night. We had quite a dinner party – Lieut. Sutcliff, Lieut. Perry, Ruth and myself. Later we went to town. Met Lieut. King in his white racer and all five of us piled in. Visited with Lieuts. Connor and Gurlick then the car load started off. Such a time as we had all over the car. We went out to Anne Carter’s to a Garden Party for the benefit of crippled children. Everything looked beautiful but there was too much “take a chance here” stuff. We explored some wonderful walks. After looking everything over we piled in the racer and went back up town to the Roof Garden. Met the Elys and Connor there. We had some very wonderful dances and were sorry to hear Home Sweet Home. Gussie and I came home with King in the racer, Ruth and Perry with the Elys. they serenaded us when we got home.

Sunday, June 30, 1918: The boys had planned a lovely breakfast for us at the field this morning but we didn’t get to go. It rained too. Ruth left me this morning and went back over to Sue John’s. I went to Sunday School and church as usual. The Elys took Lieut. Perry and me riding this afternoon. We certainly did enjoy it. I like Bill fine. He seems to have such good ideas about every-thing. We drove out through Riverside, it’s all so pretty, planned for a picnic too.

Monday, July 1, 1918: Oh! I’m so happy – two fat letters from Temp this morning. In one it seems he had just landed but was already in the war zone. The other one said this is my second day in France. He was in the war zone in that one too. Had no dates but one was stamped June 18. I’m so glad to know he is alright. They were wonderfully sweet letters. Had some game of golf this afternoon out at the Country Club. A two ball foursome – Sedden Allen and Dorris Johnston vs. Douglas Gardner and myself. We beat, 4 up. We played all 18 holes. (fully five miles we walked). Started soon after 4.30 and finished about 8:30. Sedden set us up to a lovely dinner there at the club afterwards. All of us had healthy appetities. We finished dinner soon after ten then went for a ride. Dorris leaves to-morrow for St. Louis. Surely am sorry.

Tuesday, July 2, 1918: We got letters from Swayne and Bud both to-day. It seems so wonderful to hear from them. I keep reading Temp’s letters over and over; they make me feel so good. If every-thing just comes out alright. Rach drove by this afternoon and we rode to town. Spent the afternoon shopping. She is planning a trip to New York. The Andersons took us riding to-night, a perfectly lovely ride. I simply adore riding through the parks just after sundown. It doesn’t get dark until about nine.

Wednesday, July 3, 1918: A very exciting day. Sadie Lee, Mother and I drove out to Park Field to the opening of the “Hostess House”. They were having an athletic meet also. We watched the soldiers jump and run etc. although the sun was mighty hot. Met Lieuts. Sutcliff, Perry, Hoskins and were with them awhile. Later I had a talk with Hub Waterman. For some reason he interests me. Then we went up to see the formal dedication of the “Hostess House”. In accepting it Major Jernigan made a very nice talk. The Hostess House is perfectly lovely, all the rooms darling. Visited with Maj. and Mrs. Hunter, then Maj. Jernigan and others. Then a wild ride home. Saw a machine that had just turned over with four soldiers. Had a date to-night with Douglas Gardner. Hurrah! he has bought an automobile. I christened it to-night. And for the first time, he certainly did drive well, even on Main St. We went to the picture show. Saw The Price of a Good Time. Went up to the Roof Garden afterwards. Sarah and Bill Jones were with us. Some wonderful dances. Niles pulled a chair out from under me.

Thursday, July 4, 1918: Hurrah! for the 4th of July! A very safe and sane 4th. Big patriotic pageant in Overton Park. All countries of the Allied World celebrated in some way. I was with Serbia. We wore the Serbian peasant costume and had to march in the parade with the Confederate veterans, Red Cross Nurses, Park Field Cadets, Boy and Girl Scouts, Salvation Army, England, Italy, Japan, Hawaii, Indians, Joan of Arc, every-thing else imaginable. Continuous performances all afternoon. We roamed around and visited the different countries. Anne Perkins, Noreen C. Florence, Jewett Swift and her visitors (Lillian Warren and Elizabeth Hill from Nashville) and I were to-gether most of the time. They took moving pictures of us. We were with worlds of the cadets and different officers throughout the afternoon. At six the Elys, Lieuts. Sutcliff, Connor and Hoskins called for me. I came home, changed my costume, then we went over to the Ely’s, Lieut. Perry drove, and met the rest of the party. Then we drove out to Riverside and had the most wonderful picnic supper. We had an ideal spot and saw a wonderful sunset there on the river bank. Connor and I watched the balloon disappear. Wonderful ride home then went over to Mrs. Ely’s and danced. Gussie and I sat out in the swing and had a big talk. We got along unusually well. I like Bill and am very contented when I’m with him. About 12.30 we drove the boys to town.

Friday, July 5, 1918: I was rather tired to-day so slept all morning. Spent the afternoon sewing and thinking of Temp. One of his last letters said he was in a ten room house there in France all alone. He hasn’t any Lieuts. at present. His letters are so bright and so full of love that each time I want him more than ever. Those written while crossing are lovely. In one he said that if we ever married he had planned a trip on the water. He didn’t get seasick a time. What I wouldn’t give to be with him. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis were down to-night.

Saturday, July 6, 1918: I was some happy to-day to get three letters and five cards from Temp, all wonderful, and brought him much nearer to me, tho’ France is a long way off. Also heard from Trey and Vernon. Went to a dinner dance at the Country Club to-night given by some of the Park Field cadets. I went with Cadet Evans in a car with Clara Dunscomb and Cadet Ford. We were “stylishly” late (some asked why we didn’t come for breakfast), so we didn’t do much dancing between courses. The dance was a wonder, very peppy, with confetti of every description. The porches were very inviting tho’ and Cadet Evans and I had several long talks. I like him and am sorry he soon leaves.

Sunday, July 7, 1918: My morning to get up early – went to Sunday School and church as usual. Had a date with Bill, Lieut. Perry, this afternoon. The Elys took us riding. Helen Hunt and Lieut. Sutcliff were along too. We drove out to Riverside; took some Kodak pictures there, then Helen took us to dinner at the Country Club. A most delightful time, yet for some reason I felt rather quiet to-day. We stayed out at the Club until after eleven.

Monday, July 8, 1918: Got a letter from Joe C. this morning. He has entirely gotten over his fall and thinks he’ll soon start flying again. Mother and I went to town shopping this afternoon. Monday is always a big bargain day, still we didn’t get much. then I left her and met John De Graffenreid. We went riding then he brought me home.

Tuesday, July 9, 1918: Rach and Nita drove by this morning and we rode to town. A wonderful band on Main Street which we thoroughly enjoyed. Then we stopped by…the drug store later and got some sample candy. Rach leaves for New York to-morrow. Had an engagement for dinner to-night with Douglas Gardner – Sarah Perkins, Sedden Allen, Douglas and I all drove out to Ellendale. Went to Hill’s Tavern to a wonderful chicken dinner. Mrs. Hill surely does give you lots of good things to eat. Oh! I just enjoy thinking of it. Then a wonderful ride home, only to end by our having a puncture.

Wednesday, July 10, 1918: The sweetest letter from Temp this morning, written somewhere in France on June 21st. He is now in the home of a Countess. His room is beautiful, all bird’s eye maple. He says he keeps thinking what an ideal place it would be for us to spend our honeymoon. The Countess is away on a trip now. Hope she stays away. Temp says he is anxious to see if she is as good looking as her home. Had a date with Hub Waterman to-night. I’m awful glad he managed to get in from the field, for I was about to have the blues, but he proved very interesting. I like him, yet there are some things about him that I don’t like. He is thoroughly attractive, tho’ he admits he is self centered, egotistical and every-thing else awful. We just stayed at home to-night and got acquainted.

Thursday, July 11, 1918: For some reason I thought of Hub quite a bit this morning, some of the funny things he said last night, and I’ve decided I like him. Mother and I were taken by surprise this afternoon when some one phoned that there were two delegates who are here for the C.E. Convention, on the way to our house. We surely hustled and were really ready when they got here. An Arkansas preacher, Mr. Orr, and his sister-in-law and a Ford. I went down to see Winnie.

Friday, July 12, 1918: Douglas Gardner and I drove out to the Country Club late this afternoon to play golf. We played against Joe Rhea of Knoxville and Mrs. Dave Gaut who had won several championships and is the best woman golfer I ever saw, but to my utmost surprise Douglas and I beat them one up. Gardner is sure a wonderful player and I’m positively rotten. Later the rest of the party joined us, Dave Gaut and D. Gardner. We had a drink and then drove out in the country to a wonderful chicken dinner at the Swiss Cottage. It was after ten when we got there and we were some hungry. We had a dandy time and I’m almost ashamed to face another piece of fried chicken, I ate so much.

Saturday, July 13, 1918: Had a wonderful party out at the Field this afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Ely, Helen Hunt, Alice and I drove out. The boys met us there and we had dinner at the Officers Club – Lieut. Sutcliff, Lieut. Connor, Lieut. Miliken. Then they drove in town with us and our party was continued at the Roof. Rather crowded but we managed to dance. Met Lieut. King afterwards and he followed us out home. He is just back from Camp Meade.

Sunday, July 14, 1918: Went to Sunday School and church this morning. Had an engagement this afternoon with Cadets Evans and Marsh (from Wheeling, West Va.). We went over to the park to the celebration in honor of the Fatherless Children of France. Then came back here for tea. Lieut. Connor came by then to take me riding but I couldn’t go. Had an engagement at 7 with Lieut. Shappell for dinner. We went out to the Country Club with Alice and Lieut. Sullivan. Had such a good time. I had a date with Lieut. King to-night. There was no one here when I left so I left a note saying I would be back at nine. It was 9:30 when I got here and no sign of him … so I continued my ride with Lieut. S., Alice and Sully. We drove out to Riverside.

Monday, July 15, 1918: Had a talk with Wiley to-day – same old Wiley, and a great old tease. We haven’t had a date in some time on account of the Captain. Think now I’ll give him one. Took the most interesting ride to-night with the Doty’s. We drove out to Caperville, Tenn., then several miles beyond there to Mr. Rambo’s farm, a perfectly wonderful place. His barn is the best in the county. Also has a wonderful dairy. We went through everything and it surely was clean. Saw how the cows were milked by machinery. He has ever so many tractors, a huge silo, a wonderful example of a modern farm. Such a delightful ride back.

Tuesday, July 16, 1918: Such interesting mail this morning – a good-bye letter from Doug. He is now an ensign in naval aviation and has left for Pauillac, France. His letter caused me to think for a long time this morning. Such a deep, mysterious letter from Lt. Ivan King who is out at Park Field. The more I read it the more it interests me. Nita and I started to the Red Cross this morning but went to town first. Wiley joined us and gave us a treat. It was soon noon and we came home. Had a date with Douglas Gardner to-day. We went to see Tarzan of the Apes, a most unusual picture and one to think about. Then we went for a ride afterward. As usual he gave me a box of candy.

Wednesday, July 17, 1918: A rainy, dreary day. Just as I was about to have the blues, Wiley phoned and wanted to come out. It had stopped raining then so we went for a long ride, all through the park, out into the country, then the Parkway. Wiley said I treated him mean. Perhaps I shouldn’t have said some things for I know how he has felt. He is a dear though and it did seem good to be with him again. I answered Doug’s letter to-night. Wrote my love Temp first. I wonder what the end will be?

Thursday, July 18, 1918: The Americans are doing wonderfully over there. Extras keep coming out telling of the towns they have taken and the numerous German prisoners. A rainy day which I spent at home. Went to Nell’s wedding to-night out at the 3rd church. She married Mr. Greggory. Aunt Jessie Barchus and Cousin Mary brought me home in the electric. Aunt Jessie is looking younger than ever.

Friday, July 19, 1918: Had a regular golfing party out at the Country Club this afternoon. Douglas Gardner took me out in his car. There was Mr. and Mrs. Gant, Judge Linsey and Mr. Young from Knoxville, Dr. J.A. Gardner, Douglas Gardner, Virginia Yerger, and myself. First time I ever played golf by moonlight, but the moon was sure shining when we finished at 8:45. Then we drove way out in the country to a wonderful chicken dinner at the Swiss Cottage. We had some party. Every one was feeling fine, one jolly crowd.

Saturday, July 20, 1918: I was so thrilled at seeing myself in moving pictures this afternoon. They were the pictures taken over at Overton on the 4th. Our Serbian group was quite distinct though we didn’t show our embarrassment. This is my 4th appearance in moving pictures – The Flower Market in Court Square, Field Day exercises, and The College Hero. Think I’ll get a regular job playing opposite some certain captain. The picture was so good this afternoon with Norma Talmadge in Nature‘s Great Law playing opposite Eugene O’Brien as an English captain. Sure do like him. I was with Aunt Minnie. Stayed home to-night with mother and dad and enjoyed Joe’s candy.

Sunday, July 21, 1918: Went to Sunday School and church this morning. The Reuthers brought us home in their car. Spent the afternoon writing tho’ Celeste and Dorothy were in here playing. Had an engagement with Wiley to-night. He came just in time for I was about to have the blues, but when he came he chased them off. Wiley and I have always been congenial and I sometimes wonder how it is going to end. After he knew how I felt towards Temp he stayed away for awhile but he has come back now. We had a very happy ride to-night.

Monday, July 22, 1918: Mother and I had a real treat this afternoon, got to see Madame Olga Petrova herself at the Majestic. She made such an interesting talk on Thrift Stamps and was thoroughly attractive. Good to look at and good to listen to. We were fortunate in being very close. Then we saw her in the picture The Daughter of Destiny. Then got a close up of her as she drove off in her machine afterwards. Had an engagement with Douglas Gardner to-night. We went to see Nazimova in Revelation – ultra bohemian and one of the best pictures I’ve seen in a long, long time. Then we went to Nunnally’s, he gave me the usual box of candy. Then we went up to the Roof Garden, danced a couple of times then watched the cabaret then went for a ride.