Happy Birthday, Grandmother!

Today is Jessie Latham Perkin’s 120th birthday. Happy birthday, Grandmama! We miss you! There are SO many things I wish I could ask you now!

Jessie had a long life with good health. She died in 1991 at the age of 96. To her grandchildren she was a happy, playful, loving and positive spirit, just as she is in her diaries as a young woman.

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